Metropolis 1093 by Metropolis

Mar 6-19, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com

MOGWAI THE POST-ROCKERS EVOLVE

CHANNELING THE IRISH

TOKYO BECOMES THE EMERALD CITY

SAM I AM

MEET THE GRAMMYWINNING WORDSMITH

VIVA LAS VEGAN DINING GREEN

無料 PRICELESS

SEE OUR ST. PAT’S GUIDE

www.akaiclinic.com

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

Quality of Akai Clinic At Akai clinic, we only use products and technologies approved by the FDA.

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

• EYELID SURGERY rejuvenation of upper and lower eye lid, tear trough, double eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis, etc. • NOSE SURGERY tip plasty, hump resection, deviated nose, ala reduction, augmentation or reduction rhinoplasty. • BREAST SURGERY augmentation, lift, reduction, reconstruction. • LIPOSUCTION WITH LASER ultra sonic assisted suction device. • LASER-LIPO minimal invasive facial and body contouring device with AccuSculpt™ (1444nm laser). • FACE LIFT forehead, brow, mid-face, neck lift, thread’s lift. •TISSUE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES for facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, AGA (PRFM, fat & stem cell injection, growth factor. • SKIN TUMORS skin cancer, cyst, mole, wart, scar revision. • GENITAL REJUVENATION SURGERY tightening of the vagina, reduction of labia minor and augmentation of the labia major. • HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SURGERY

• LASER & REJUVENATION lasers, RFs, IPLs, plasma, Ultra Sound for wrinkle, sagging, drooping, open pores, rosacea, skin complexion, pigmentation, melisma with SOLARI, Aurora-Pro, INFINI, eCO2, Affirm, EndyMed, Portrait Plasma, SPECTRA, AccuSculpt, etc. • BOTOX & FILLERS allergan’s BOTOX, Juvederm, Radiesse etc. • ACNE & ACNE SCARS PLASMA fractional lasers (eCO2, Affirm), INFINI (fractional RF), iClear (photo dynamic therapy), microdermabrasion, chemical Peeling. • LASER HAIR REMOVAL all kinds of lasers available: Alex and long pulsed YAG, diode laser, etc. • TATTOO REMOVAL with Spectra (Q-YAG laser) for any color of tattoo. • CELLULITE, BODY CONTOURING & STRETCH MARKS cVela Smooth and EndyMed body (FDA Approved). • LEG VEIN, BROKEN CAPILLARY long Pulsed YAG or VenoCare. • RHINOLIGHT hay fever, Allergic Rhinitis. • SKINOLIGHT psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, Vitiligo, Atopic dermatitis.

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

MAR 6-19, 2015 • #1093

EDITOR’S LETTER

The green beer tea flowed like the Powerscourt Waterfall in the Metropolis offices as we prepared this issue. And while it may seem excessive, wearing the green was a must as we learned about Irish culture in Japan. The dominance of the emerald hue also inspired us to uncover some hidden gems for those of you looking

Going Green: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Tokyo.

for vegetarian dining options in Tokyo. Green is also the color of energy—at least its future—and with international thoughts on our mind we ponder how Japan could lead the world to a prosperous tomorrow. Finally, Ireland’s neighbors check in as we talk with English Grammy-winner Sam Smith and Scotland’s Mogwai.

Fit to a T: Eating like an herbivore.

Quake Kits: How to prepare for the next big one.

Cover design: Kohji Shiiki; Cover photo: Courtesy of Hostess Entertainment

GET PRINTED!

IN FOCUS

SEND IN YOUR BEST PHOTOS FOR OUR MAR 20 ISSUE. DEADLINE MAR 13.

metropolisjapan.com/focus

Rainbow bridge, by Robert Kirsch · robertkirsch.net · instagram.com/robertkirsch

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 Christopher Bryan Jones (Managing Editor) Martin Leroux (Editor) Momoko Mochizuki (editorial assistant) Tim Young (Proofreader) 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) 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 メトロポリスは20年以上に渡り、訪日•関東在住の外国人へ無料で配布している英字総合情報誌です。英語圏の方々に向けた情報発信や宣伝広告の機会を行政機関や日本企業に提供しております。お問い合わせ: 03-4588-2277 © Copyright 2015 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

METROPOLIS_ CREATIVE We believe life is about content. Every cultural and consumer experience we have is conditioned by what we are seeing, reading, hearing, and feeling.

Metropolis Creative helps people reach people. Tell us what you need. 私達の人生は色々な経験の内容で成り立っています。社会の一員、そして消費者としての経験の全ては私達が見ているもの、読んでいるもの、聞いているもの、そして感じているものによって作られています。私達の経験豊富なプロフェッショナルのスタッフはコピークリエイション、

LINGOIST FAMILIAR FACES Celebrating the likes of St. Patrick’s Day is a blast—especially since these festivities are where you’re likely to run into someone you know, be they friends, classmates or colleagues. And the thing about great company is that, no matter how much time has passed since you last saw one another, you can pick right up where you left off!

グラフィックデザイン、SNSとオンラインエンジニアリング、ブランドコンサルティングなど、様々なコンテンツを提供いたします。

メトロポリスクリエイティブは人々を繋ぐ仕事をしています。

ご要望にお答えいたします。

Ohisashiburi desu! Ogenki deshita ka? Long time no see! Have you been doing well?

JP EN

www.metropoliscreative.jp

123RF

Our experienced, plugged-in professionals provide content across a range of platforms, including copy creation, graphic design, social media and online engineering, brand consultancy, and more.

JP EN

Beer wo ogori masu! I’ll buy you a beer! Dōmo sumimasen! You shouldn’t have!

Hai, okage-sama de genki desu. Yes, I’ve been well. Thanks!

A 1

C 2

く

3 A

5 C

7. Bean 10. Horse 11. Lid or cap 12. Well

Across 1. Mouth 2. Wave 4. Collar 6. Brown rice

8. Rice 9. Gout 13. Again 14. Throat

Solution: B

ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross

Metropolis Members Club THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Becky Lederman won a Romantic Dinner for Two courtesy of the 148@Azabujyuban

UPCOMING PRIZE One lucky MMC member will win a Zwilling Premium Quality Kitchen Knife courtesy of Zwilling

Down 1. Chestnut 3. Future 4. Pencil 5. Health

RELATIVE ZERO Pondering paths to the Tokyo Olympics and beyond BY MICHAEL ROFE

he Olympics will be here before we know it. With just over five years to go, the air all around the city is abuzz with excitement. However, many Tokyoites—Japanese and foreign alike—are debating how Japan will present itself, in criteria ranging from sustain-

ability, diversity and legacy, to accessibility, openness and the capacity to communicate in English. Indeed, Japan has a huge responsibility to both itself and the world in 2020. When the Games roll around, will Tokyo just be the center of the world’s attention for a few brief weeks? Or could Japan use the opportunity to position itself as the heart of the Pacific Century, an era of expected Asian dominance in world affairs that will be just coming of age at twenty years young? What if we changed all the world’s maps and placed Tokyo at the center? With the prime meridian—or relative zero—running through not Europe but on Asia, would those in the new Far East city of New York be upset by such an exotic appellation? Would those in the new wild, wild west of Europe be equally perturbed? What indeed would our good friends in the new Middle West think? Would folks here in Tokyo, inhabitants of the new zero, be reinvigorated now that we really were the benchmark center of the times? Indeed, would poets wax lyrical about New York being the Land of the Rising Sun? Would high noon be no longer associated with West-

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

We’re often urged to fight for a good cause, but rarely is the imperative so literal. Those who’ve felt the generosity of EFN are certainly glad that, in this case, it is. “We started Executive Fight Night to provide stressed-out Tokyo executives an avenue to get fit and test themselves— and to provide great entertainment,” explained Dave Thomas, who founded EFN together with Eddie Nixon and Nathan Schmid in 2012. “But we also wanted to give back to the community and tap into the generous spirit of Tokyoites. So the money that’s been raised gives us enormous satisfaction.” Those worthwhile charities include Refugees International Japan, Shine On! Kids and Run for the Cure, a Japan-based breast cancer organization. These groups have received more than ¥17 million. Another part of the magic is how EFN helps those who slip on the gloves. One of the pillars of the event is fitness,

Executive Fight Night set for a fifth round BY C BRYAN JONES

Photos by 37 Frames

veryone needs a constructive outlet for stress. Life as an executive in Tokyo can take its toll, but with guidance that pressure can be turned into something wonderful. That’s the idea behind the Tony Evans and deVere Group Executive Fight Night (EFN). Originally conceived of as a way to release tension, EFN has become a fundraising juggernaut for charities. And that’s part of the magic.

THE TOKYO OLYMPICS 2020 TASK FORCE Leading the charge for the English-speaking community to play a role in preparation for the Games, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 Task Force is a proactive coalition of multicultural individuals who combine their collective skills to forge alliances with the official organizations to help the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics become the Gold benchmark to which all future Olympics will aspire. You can join the group on LinkedIn by visiting http://meturl.com/totf

erns, but Tokyo bathed in light? I wonder what Greenwich herself would make of all this in the meantime as she and her city, London, lagged Asia by nine hours? Times may not change, and we may be forced to keep many of our old labels, but we do know for many here in Tokyo—and indeed around the world—the sun will shine brilliantly on this fair city, our adopted home. As the whole world is welcomed once again to sample the timeless omotenashi hospitality, the raw passion and emotion of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will play out in our metropolis. The opportunity to uphold and reflect the values of the Olympic community, which resonate deeply with many, is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for any city. We know that English will be a cornerstone of the moment. There’s much we can contribute. How will you play a part?

and those destined for EFN V the ring undergo a 12TRYOUTS week “Boxing BootLeading the charge for the English-speaking camp” at Club 360. Sunday, March 8, 2015. Metropolis’ own 8am. Kaoru Nakashima took Club 360, Motoazabu, Minato-ku. part in Executive Fight Reserve your spot: Night II in 2013. Deinfo@ginjaninjas.com scribing his decision Tel: 03-6434-9667 to step into the ring, the hard-working sales executive said, “This is the kind of experience that many people can’t have. As I had never done boxing before, doing new sports is a challenge.” While the process was indeed challenging, it was also rewarding. “I felt like a professional fighter when I got into the ring,” he said. “And my participation supports charity. That is a good thing!” This year, EFN will be supporting a familiar organization. “Shine On! Kids are our charity of choice again. They are Japan-based and do great work. We are very proud to support them,” said Thomas. The big event is set for June 19. Tryouts will be held at 8am on Sunday, March 8 at Club 360. So if you want to step up for a good cause, there’s still time to take your battles from the boardroom to the ring.

TO-DO LIST

TOP

food festivals UNTIL APR 5

MAR 12-15

MAR 26-29

Hiroshima Oyster Spring Festival

Saitama Ramen Festival

Japan Local Food Festival

Enjoy fresh oysters delivered directly from Hiroshima every day. Until Apr 5, 11am-9pm (weekdays); 10am-9pm (weekends), various prices. Okubo Park. Shinjuku. http://kakifes. com/web_e/

16 ramen restaurants from all over the country gather in the ramen battlegrounds of Saitama. Mar 12-15, 11am-8pm, free entry. Keyaki Hiroba. Saitama Shintoshin. Tel: 048-601-1122. http://saitama-ramen.com

100 booths from 25 prefectures gather in Hibiya to offer their best local delicacies. Mar 26-29, free entry. Hibiya Park. Hibiya or Kasumigaseki. Tel: 011-241-2314. http://kuohzei.jp

EDITOR’S PICK MAR 26-29

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE Black Stripe Theater presents one of David Mamet’s funniest plays. An experienced professional actor and a promising novice share a dressing room, act together on stage in a number of appalling plays and go out for meals together, or refrain from doing so—for love is involved, too. Walter Roberts stars as Robert, who must discharge his duty, as he sees it, to mentor the younger and not always tractable John, played by Chris Parham. Director Tim Harris comments that, although a comedy, A Life in the Theatre possesses serious undertones that make it a uniquely satisfying play. Dan Grunebaum Mar 26-27, 7:30pm; Mar 28-29, 2:30 & 7:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Sangubashi Trance Mission. Sangūbashi. Tel: 03-5825-4661. http://blackstripetheater.com

MAR 14

UNTIL MAY 31

An orchestra designed specifically for families, with all its members being animals performing symphonic nursery rhymes. Mar 14, 2pm, ¥2,000-4,000. Katsushika Symphony Hills. Aoto. Tel: 03-5670-2233. http://j.mp/ zoorasianorchestra2015

The career of Guercino, considered one of the greatest painters of the Italian Baroque, is exhaustively explored through 44 oil paintings. Until May 31, 9:30am-5:30pm (until 8pm on Fri). Closed Mon. ¥600-1,300 (adv)/ ¥800-1,500 (door). The National Museum of Western Art. Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.tbs.co.jp/ guercino2015/english

GUERCINO

ZOORASIAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Photo by Nathan Winter

MAR 17

SUN KIL MOON 撮影：瀬戸秀美

Duende

American folk rock act headed by vocalist and guitarist Mark Kozelek. Mar 17, 7pm, ¥5,800. Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751. http://j.mp/moon2015

GUERCINO. Madonna col Bambino Benedicente, 1629. Cento Pinacoteca Civica

MAR 14, 15, 19, 21 & 22

APR 3-15

Enjoy ballet performances of Theme and Variations, Duende and Troy Game. Mar 14, 15, 21 & 22, 2pm; Mar 19, 7pm, ¥3,240-10,800. The New National Theatre, Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/ triplebill2015

“Riverdance” fans old and new will have the opportunity to celebrate two decades of global success when this incredible show hits Tokyo. Apr 3-15, various times, ¥7,500-12,000. Tokyu Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3475-9999. http://j.mp/riverdance20years

TRIPLE BILL

RIVERDANCE 20 YEARS

feature

I LOVE IRELAND FESTIVAL BY MARTIN LEROUX

ommence the wearing of the green. Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and Japan is preparing to celebrate its love affair with Ireland—a relationship spanning more than three centuries. Time has strengthened the Land of the Rising Sun’s infatuation with the Emerald Isle. Asia’s first Saint Patrick’s Day parade took place in Tokyo back in 1992—and the tradition is still going strong, beckoning green-clad crowds to march down Omotesando. But it’s more than just a spirited stroll. Held in tandem with the parade, the I Love Ireland Festival spotlights the culture, bringing together musicians, artists, sports enthusiasts and business experts to show what makes Ireland unique. According to Haruka Masumizu, PR officer of the Irish Network Japan (INJ, www.inj.or.jp) and organizer of the festival, Japan’s affinity with Irish culture can be attributed to its universality. “It fascinates such a wide range of people, young and old, irrespective of background or nationality,” she says. “Irish culture—be it dance, music, literature or food and drink—which has always strengthened ties among Irish emigrants around the world, works also to bond Japanese and Irish people together.” This year marks the I Love Ireland Festival’s second installment, and it promises to be bigger than the last. “Irish music will be the main theme of this year’s parade,” adds Masumizu. “We will have bands and baton twirlers from Japanese universities; Okinawa dancers; Tokyo pipe bands; as well as the wonderful brass sounds of the U.S. Army Band.” Also scheduled to perform are Beoga, a Grammy-nominated Irish fusion band making their Japan debut; Tricolor, a traditional Irish band comprising Japanese members; and some of the principal dancers from “Riverdance.”

Speaking of the popularity of Irish arts and culture, Festival coordinator Yasuko Teramachi says, “One of the characteristics of Irish culture is its simplicity, similar perhaps to the Japanese ‘zen’ philosophy, which seems to have been forgotten nowadays.” While there will be performances aplenty, the Japan branch of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE Japan, http://comhaltas.jp)—a group dedicated to promoting Irish music, art and dance—will also have a booth on-site offering information on the arts and local classes. Ireland’s own Gaelic football, a sport that’s gaining traction in Asia, is also represented. Differing from soccer, the sport is played with a round ball with 15 members per team. Goalposts are of the same shape as those of rugby, with what resemble soccer goals added.

Luke Dillon, vice chairperson of the Japan Gaelic Athletic Association (Japan GAA, www. japangaa.org), says the GAA uses the sport as a medium to promote Irish culture and build cross-cultural relationships. “The social aspect is key, with friendships and bonds built up though various events,” Dillon explains. “This not only applies to Japan GAA but to all Irish organizations within Japan.” Business is also an important facet of cultural exchange. The Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC, www.ijcc.jp), established in 2008, works to fortify relations between the Irish and Japanese business communities through seminars and networking events; and also will be present at the Festival. “Ireland can be an attractive location for Japanese companies to locate their European operations,” says Gerard Mulligan, IJCC president. “It has a highly-educated population that is one of the youngest in Europe, is Englishspeaking and an excellent doorway to the 500 million-strong European markets. “Likewise, Japan is an attractive market for Irish companies looking to compete in overseas markets.” To fully immerse yourself in the Emerald Isle, the I Love Ireland Festival might be the ticket. March 15, 10am-6pm. Yoyogi Park. Harajuku or Meiji-jingūmae. www.iloveireland.net

www.dubliners.jp

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

¥500

March 17th (Tue) ALL DAY

SELECT PINTS OF DRAUGHT BEER

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE EVENT

JOIN THE

PUB CRAWL

AND WIN A

GUINNESS KEG! Get a Dubliners' HAPPY CARD by circulating the 5 Dubliners' pubs! Drink beer at Happy Hour prices Enter by Monday, 16th (Mon), 2015

* One lucky person will win a keg * The keg will be offered as the equivalent amount of beer in pints * Please choose your favorite keg from Guinness, Kilkenny or Yebisu

Shinjuku

2F Shinjuku Lion Hall 3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku 03-3352-6606 | sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jp http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/

Shibuya

2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg. 2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku 03-5459-1736 |sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jp http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008214/

Ikebukuro

B1 Sun Gorou Bldg. 1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku 03-5951-3614 | sali2709@sapporo-lion.co.jp http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g029000/

We welcome all kinds of parties. Please contact us.

Each branch has different hours. Akasaka

B1 Sannou Park Tower 2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku 03-3539-3615 | sali2645@sapporo-lion.co.jp http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/ Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays

Shinagawa

Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg. B1F Grand Passage 2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku 03-6718-2834 | sali6654@sapporo-lion.co.jp http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008220/

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ST. PATRICK’S

HAVE A CRAIC

It's the season to go green—with your beer, your food and your music. If you can’t be in Ireland, what better place is there to celebrate St. Patrick than Tokyo? These five venues provide the perfect atmosphere—and brews—for you to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of the Emerald Isle.

CRAFTBEER TAP Shinjuku

Craftbeer Tap is an original beer bar that serves more than 15 different types of carefully selected draft beers, imported from all over the world. While their focus is on draft, they also offer a wide variety of bottled brews. Enjoy as you check out their amazing collection of vintage beer signs. 4F Ikeda Plaza Bldg, 3-34 -16 Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5362-1668. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-4am, Sun & Hols 5pm-11pm. Shinjuku. Count down to St. Patrick’s Day with special seasonal offerings, March 11-17. Guinness for just ¥800 (plus tax), Green Beer ¥650 (tax included), many more favorites from ¥700.

FAILTE

DUBLINERS

Shibuya

Various locations

Located in Shibuya, this Irish pub features a cozy atmosphere, great cuisine and a wide variety of beers. Pair your food with a seasonal brew or go for a classic taste with the world-famous Guinness. If you’re looking for something more unusual, try the cherry beer or white beer. Enjoy it all on the spacious fifthfloor terrace overlooking central Shibuya. 5F Sede Bldg., 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya. Open 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat), 3-11pm (Sun/hols). Tel: 03-3476-7776. Shibuya. www.failte.jp Mar 15-17: All draft beers ¥700. Mar 16, 7pm: Live Irish music. Green beer available!

Join the pub crawl at The Dubliners Irish Pub and win a keg! One lucky guest will win a keg’s worth of Guinness, Kilkenny or Yebisu (their choice) served as pints. Visit all five locations and get a Dubliners’ “Happy Card” for yearround happy hour prices. Visit by March 16, 2015 for your chance to win. www.dubliners.jp March 17: All Day Draft Beer Select pints ¥500 Shinjuku 2F Shinjuku Lion Hall, 3-28-9 Tel: 03-3352-6606 sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jp www.dubliners.jp/shinjuku/ Shibuya 2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg., 2-29-8 Dogenzaka Tel: 03-5459-1736 sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jp www.dubliners.jp/shibuya/

PADDY’S JUNCTION Shinjuku

Enjoy big fish and chips along with an open mic and terrace seating at this individually-owned international pub and beer garden, ranked highly by TripAdvisor. Events like “Paddy’s Got Talent” (free karaoke) highlight the unique character you won’t find in chain pubs. Grand Floor, Sensho Bldg., 2-13-16 Shinjuku. Tel: 03-6273-1755. Open 5pm-late. Shinjuku-sanchome. www.paddys-junction.com Mar 2-17: Green beer. Mar 13-14: Green shots ¥300, free karaoke. Mar 15: After Parade Party, all pints, buy 1, get 2nd half-price. Mar 17: St. Patrick’s Day, all pints, buy 2, get 1 free.

SEAMUS O’HARA

Ikebukuro B1 Sun Gorou Bldg., 1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro Tel: 03-5951-3614 sali2709@sapporo-lion.co.jp www.dubliners.jp/ikebukuro/

Meguro

A genuine Irish pub with a relaxing atmosphere, Seamus O’hara offers Guinness, Bass Pale Ale and many other favorites. Enjoy the St. Patrick's spirit through their musical events, such as the Celtic live show and Irish DJ. Matsuda Bldg. B1, 3-12-3 Meguro. Tel: 03-37606179. Mar 14 & 17, open 6pm-late; Mar 15, open 3pm-late. Meguro. www.seamus-ohara.com Mar 14: All draft beer ¥700 a pint (Guinness, Kilkenny, Bass Pale Ale, Sapporo Black Label), Celtic live show. Mar 15: All draft beer ¥500, The Mutiny (Irish folk/punk). Mar 17: All draft beer ¥500 a pint; Irish music DJ.

Akasaka B1 Sannou Park Tower, 2-11-1 Nagatacho Tel: 03-3539-3615 Closed: Sat, Sun, and Hols sali2645@sapporo-lion.co.jp www.dubliners.jp/akasaka/ Shinagawa B1F Grand Passage, Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg. Tel: 03-6718-2834 sali6654@sapporo-lion.co.jp www.dubliners.jp/shinagawa/

Spacious 5F terrace over looking central Shibuya.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

St.Patrick’s Day Special

March 14

All draft beer pints ¥700!

IRISH MUSIC LIVE

(Guinness, Kilkenny, Bass Pale Ale, Sapporo Black Label)

MARCH 16TH (MON) FROM 7PM

St. Patrick’s Day Special Celtic live show

March 15

All draft beer pints ¥500! The Mutiny (Irish Folk/Punk)

B1F Matsuda Building Meguro 3-12-3 Meguro-ku, Tokyo Tel/ Fax: 03-3760-6179

Nearest stn: JR Meguro 15 min walk on Meguro-dori from JR Meguro stn West exit

March 17

Hotel Claska

a ) in u c e tax yo 2 p plus n all i ( m o (fr ,000 h30m ¥4 & 2 m fro food f o

ya Suki l H ya os t

Tama Univ. Meguro HS

se e) u8r0 peodpel 7 kinrdink o c to clu n d

rtyople

Seamus O’hara

̶ Hana・Gakoi ̶

Ootori Jinja

Police Box Maruetsu

MUFJ Bank

JR Meguro stn. Police Box

Tokyu Metro Meguro stn.

The best Sushi and Yakitori Restaurant in Aoyama.

YAKITORI,SUSHI Meiji ST.

HANAGAKOI

Shibuya P.O.

Shibuya

HIKARIE

T. aS

yam

Roppongi ST.

Shibuya police station

Tokyu Plaza

SPECIAL ST PATRICK’S FOOD MENU AVAILABLE

＊No cover charge for live performances. 14th & 17th Opening hours: 6PM till late 15th Opening hours: 3PM till late

Mar 15, 16, and 17 All Draft Beer ¥700 Green Beer Available!

ive

gur

All draft beer pints ¥500! Irish Music DJ

www.seamus-ohara.com

www.failte.jp Enjoy our great selections of Irish and European brews.

B1 Diamond bldg 1-1-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo 〒150-0002

TEL 03-3498-3228

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

More details

www.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 SHOP ORGANIC! Bonraspail. Branches in Shinjuku, Yokohama, Nagayama, etc. www. isefw.co.jp

Raw vegans can find refuge in the culinary jungle of Tokyo at Rainbow RawFood Café in Ebisu. The restaurant provides a plethora of uncooked foods that pack in the nutrients as well as scrumptiousness, serving up everything from raw burritos, pizzas, taco rice and pad thais. There’s also an impressive selection of raw cakes—the raw chocolate being a highlight—and plenty of other desserts, such as raw crème brûlées and shakes, as well as herbal teas and smoothies sure to revitalize and replenish. 2F Grace Aoyama, 2-3-11 Minami, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. Ebisu. http://rainbowrawfood.com

RESTAURANT

¥¥

EN/JP

T’s Restaurant BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI

Being a herbivore among meat-loving family and friends can make choosing a restaurant all about compromise—but not at T’s Restaurant, a vegan eatery located in the classy neighborhood of Jiyugaoka, an area especially popular with women who come to shop at its many trendy stores.

“Vegetarian” isn’t what comes to mind when speaking of Hawaiian food, but Island Veggie in Hiroo changes that. The venue, an homage to Waikiki diners, is a macrobiotic fast-food joint with a wide selection of vegan burgers (¥980- ¥1,200), sandwiches (¥650- ¥700), and a la carte breakfast favorites, including scrambled “eggs” and soy chicken nuggets. Also on hand are fresh smoothies, creamy shakes and zesty açaí bowls. Come in the daytime; food tends to run out towards night. 5-3-9 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Hiroo. www.islandveggie.com

Here, veggies and non-veggies alike can put their differences aside to enjoy what anyone, anywhere can always appreciate—great food. Found on the basement floor of the shopping complex Luz Jiyugaoka, the restaurant has a bright and woody interior with an open kitchen and a tempting display of desserts greeting customers upon their entrance. The lunch menu (from ¥1,350 on weekdays) includes a salad and a choice of coffee or tea, with a selection of main dishes, including the spicy, coconut-flavored Massaman curry and Doria with paella-style rice covered in a soy béchamel sauce. The cauliflower mousse offered as a side dish is so rich and creamy that it’s hard to believe it’s dairy-free—as a matter of fact, you probably wouldn’t be able to guess if you

Crayonhouse. 3-8-15 Kita-Aoyama, Minatoku. Omotesando. www.crayonhouse.co.jp

Natural House. Branches in Aoyama, Meguro, Shimokitazawa, etc. www.naturalhouse. co.jp Natural Mart. 5-195 Hiroo, Shibuyaku. Hiroo. http:// naturalmart.jp

F & F. Branches in Tamagawa, Gakugeidaigaku, Shinjuku, etc. www. shizensyoku-ff.com

Organic House. Branches in Ikebukuro, Yokohama and Oomiya. www.eorganichouse.com

Gaia. 3-3-13 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku. Ochanomizu. www. gaia-ochanomizu.co.jp

Organic Wine Shop Mavie. 2-21-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Akasaka. www.mavie.co.jp

Kodawariya. Branches in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Kichijoji, etc. www. kodawariichiba.com

Waseda Natural Foods Shop. 51 Kikuicho, Shinjuku-ku. Waseda. www.waseda-natural.com

weren’t pre-warned, but that goes for just about anything on the menu. One of the great things about T’s Restaurant is that taste is never sacrificed for the food being vegan, and the same dishes that veggies usually have to avoid elsewhere can be enjoyed without leaving you feeling dissatisfied—even for those who aren’t accustomed to vegan eating. There are also plenty of dessert options, such as the T’s parfait and caramel crème brûlée, and on your way to the cashier, you can even pick up some of the food products used in the restaurant kitchen, such as the béchamel sauce, vegetable stock and curry, to enjoy on your own. So next time you’re trying to decide on a restaurant that will satisfy those of every dietary persuasion, try T’s Restaurant and you won’t be disappointed. Daily, 11am-10pm. Luz Jiyugaoka B1F, 2-9-6 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku. Jiyugaoka. Tel: 03-3717-0831. http://ts-restaurant.jp/english

WRITE FOR US!

✓ Feature stories ✓ “The Last Word” ✓ Food & Drink ✓ Special events ✓ 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 Due to the high volume of correspondence, we regret that we can’t respond to every query. No calls please.

food&drink Japan can be a difficult place to live la vida veggie — unless you know where to look. K i r a s i e n n e’s Ve g e Cafe Guide in Japan provides herbivorous readers of Japanese a comprehensive list of vegetarian and vegan cafés and restaurants located in all of Japan’s eight regions. Available from Amazon and most Japanese bookstores. Want a copy? Enter at http://meturl. com/vegeguide. For an Englishlanguage resource, try the Happy Cow (www.happycow.net), a directory of vegan, vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants and stores around the world—replete with reviews.

RESTAURANT

¥¥¥

For something sweet, try Mihane Ice’s vegan ice cream, using genmai—or brown rice—milk as its main ingredient, sweetened with organic agave syrup. Coming in such flavors as genmai milk, pumpkin and carrot, the ice cream uses organic seasonal fruit and vegetables. This nutrient-packed ice cream is actually healthy! A savory food menu is also available, including a brown rice and organic vegetable salad set (¥700) and vegetable curry (¥830), and the ice cream is also available to buy online. 1-4-5 Ōokayama, Meguro-ku. Ōokayama. Tel: 03-6459-5572. http://mihane.jp

VEGAN SPINACH TOFU CURRY WITH BROWN RICE RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI

Here’s a mild healthy vegan curry using atsuage—thick, deep-fried tofu. Dairy drinkers can add heavy cream, cheese or yogurt, for a lacto-vegetarian option. The key to success is to not burn the spices and not stew it for a long time. Indian curry is not a dish that should be cooked slowly, but rather one that should be quickly stirfried to bring out the fresh aroma of spices. Servings: For 2-3 people Cooking time: Approx. 30 min

EN/JP

Ain Soph. Journey

• 1 atsuage tofu, cut into 3x4-cm pieces • 250g fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped • 1 large onion, chopped • 1/2 can (200g) diced tomato • 1 tbs cumin seed • 1 tbs vegetable oil • 1 garlic clove, chopped

BY MARTIN LEROUX

Ain Soph.Journey is a quiet, cozy café-slash-restaurant in Shinjuku that serves as an herbivorous haven amid Tokyo’s primarily carnivorous culinar y jungle—and renders “vegan” synonymous with “delicious.” Located right in front of Shinjuku-sanchome Station’s exit C5, Ain Soph.Journey instantly immerses visitors in its laid-back atmosphere, enhanced by the warm, earthy colors of its West Coast-inspired interior. The menu is extensive, boasting a wide array of Western-style dishes that extend beyond the standard fare at most Tokyo veggie eateries. On the a la carte, try the Spanish omelet (¥800), which substitutes eggs with a tofu cream base, creating a similarly fluffy texture. The karaage (¥600) puts a veggie spin on Japanese fried chicken nuggets, replacing the poultry with soy meat, making this a low-cal treat. Glasses of organic French and Austrian wine in need of company have a friend in the cheese platter (¥1,200), made of vegetable cheese— which is inexplicably hard to find in a country where soy milk runs like water. The vegetable paella (¥1,400), nutty dry curry (¥1,350), veggie tortilla roll (¥1,600) and the mushroom Hayashi rice (¥1,300) all make satisfying main dishes.

RECIPE

• 1 slice ginger • 1 tbs garam masala • 1 tbs coriander powder • 1 tsp turmeric powder • 1-2 tsp salt • 1 tsp honey • 150ml water • 1 vegetable bouillon • 2-3 servings cooked brown rice

DIRECTIONS:

The true stars of Ain Soph, however, are found in the dessert section. The pudding a la mode (¥850) is surprisingly creamy and caramel-sweet, considering the dish is completely free of egg, dairy or refined sugar; as is the nutty carob chip brownie (¥700). The “tenjo no (heaven’s) vegan pancakes” (¥1,400) earns its name. It’s delectable and equal parts fluffy and light, emitting a flavor that’s buttery despite being dairy-free, and sweetened with Agave syrup, accompanied by a scoop of homemade soy ice cream. Those craving a bit of everything can try the dessert plate (¥1,200), an assortment of everything except pancakes—they’re their own entity. The prices are a little up there, but the food is top-notch and hearty—and is sure to sate vegans and non-vegans alike. 1F Shinjuku Q Bldg., 3-8-9 Shinjuku, Shinjukuku. Shinjuku-sanchome. http://ain-soph.jp/ english.html

1. In pot or frying pan, put cooking oil and cumin seeds. Heat on low/medium until the aroma of cumin seeds becomes strong. 2. Add chopped onion, chopped garlic and sliced ginger. Stir-fry until onion is translucent. Add garam masala, coriander and turmeric, and keep frying. 3. Add canned diced tomato, vegetable bouillon, salt, honey and water. Mix well and let boil. Add chopped spinach and keep heating with lid on for 2 min. 4. Turn heat off. With hand blender or food processor, blend to puree, either in the pot or pan, or transfer to a mixing bowl. 5. Heat mixture and add atsuage tofu. Let it boil with lid on for 3 min on low. 6. Serve with warm brown rice. Lacto veggies can add 1 tbs of heavy cream, shredded cheese or garnish with fresh herbs such as coriander.

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

FASHION CALENDAR Do you have what it takes for TV?

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

MAR 2 Q-pot teams up with Mickey and Minnie For the Disney fan wanting to show their colors in an elegant and (relatively) subtle way, cute accessory conveyor Q-pot has a series of confectionary-themed accessories featuring Disney “it” couple Mickey and Minnie. Expect everything from rings and necklaces to bag charms and bejeweled iPhone 6 cases. www.q-pot.jp/shop

MAR 4-10 Muguet Castle opens at Isetan Cult clutch brand Muguet has teamed up with 1950s girls manga Princess Knight for a very limited run of bags to be sold in Isetan Shinjuku. The bags are as cute as you could hope for, but at ¥36,72048,600 including tax, only serious fans need apply. http://isetan.mistore.jp

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！

MAR 7 Harajuku ALTA opens on Takeshita Dōri Probably the biggest change to the Harajuku fashion ecosystem in quite some time, the new ALTA opens this month on the youthcentric Takeshita Dōri. Those of a kawaii persuasion can head to the World Project Kawaii Cafe before hitting 19 shops spanning three floors. www.altastyle.com/harajuku-open

MAR 15 Guard your wrist with Vivienne Westwood Relentlessly popular British fashion house Vivienne Westwood has a new addition to its men’s accessory line in the form of an armor-themed series of watches. The new designs feature a leather strap with heavy metal scale armor befitting of a modern urban knight. http://meturl.com/ viviennewestwood

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？我们会是你的第一选择！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

MAR 15 Le Coq Sportif meets Anna Sui Sportswear giant Le Coq Sportif is revisiting their classic 1990s LCS R1000 design with a little help from Anna Sui. The resulting floral-andzebra-emblazoned results, in Anna Sui’s iconic black and lilac, are not going to be to everyone’s taste; but I warn you, they are primed to sell out fast. www.annasui.co.jp

fashion fix

FASHION WEEK FEVER BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR

Tokyo Fashion Week is upon us again, long after the other key fashion cities of New York, London, Paris and Milan have had their moments in the spotlight. Its position in the cycle means that not only are journalists a shade jaded, and more than a little partied out, but from a buyer’s perspective the problems are a little more serious. Seeing as orders in

New York, Paris and so on are scheduled to close just as Tokyo fashion week is beginning, more often than not budgets are significantly depleted before the first show even begins. Still, this TFW looks set to be the most exciting in a while, with a huge lineup of 52 brands on the official schedule. And rest assured that Metropolis will be reporting from the front row.

ON POINT

SHOPPING STRATEGY

The official Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Fashion Week schedule is strictly industry-only, but there are ways to see the shows as an individual—especially if you don’t mind standing. If you have a reasonably successful blog you can register as a blogger to cover the shows. While that might not guarantee you the best seat, dressing up will net you some pretty good possibilities for promotion as photographers at the venue are hungry to capture good street style. Alternatively, while I for one would always maintain that you don’t understand a show unless you see it in the flesh, it’s possible to watch the lion’s share of shows from the comfort of your own sofa (or kotatsu). Tokyo Fashion Film (http://tokyofashionfilm.com) is pretty diligent about streaming runway presentations and post-show interviews, so stay glued to that and spare a thought for those of us on the fashion front line battling the queues, conflicts and frantic dashes across Tokyo.

Those hungry for a taste of the Tokyo underground would be well-advised to steer clear of Hikarie, the venue for most of the official schedule, and head on over to Parco Museum in Shibuya Parco Part 1. Yoshikazu Yamagata, of WrittenAfterwards fame, and designer Mikio Sakabe are holding the second iteration of their Zetsumei-ten themed exhibition, this time jovially entitled Zetsu Zetsumei-ten. The exhibition runs from March 19 to 30 and will be curated differently every day, sometimes featuring real models, sometimes mannequins and of course plenty of guerrilla fashion shows. The lineup reads like an A-Z of who you should be excited about in Tokyo fashion, including Ryota Murakami, Noriko Nakazato and Kotona, as well as a handful of newcomers looking to make a name for themselves in 2015. Follow @zetsumeiten on Twitter for the latest news, and definitely plan to visit the exhibition multiple times to get the full story.

Even at fashion week, street fashion tends to get more attention than the runway shows these days. Cunning designers have found a way of taking advantage of this turn in the tide by dressing models to be seen in and around the venues. This issue’s gang of models comes courtesy of the incognito designer of cult label Bodysong, who sent his collection out to be seen on the street, not the runway.

Photo by Samuel Thomas

STREET FOCUS

Beauty starts with a great smile

omen have unique needs when it comes to dental care. At Pulice, our focus is exclusively on prevention of the particular periodontal diseases and tooth decay risks that women face. In addition to helping you maintain a beautiful smile, we also offer additional esthetic services including skin care, manicure, and more. Our all-female staff help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy life, step by step, in true Japanese omotenashi fashion. screening, professional tooth cleaning and proper care at home. A healthy mouth gives a youthful impression, radiating beauty at any age.

Miyuki Wan

Managing director

Pulice is the first dental clinic in Japan created exclusively for women. The name is a combination of the English ‘pretty’ and Italian ‘felice,’ meaning ‘happiness’—just how we want you to feel! Our concept of “Only for Women” is designed to meet ladies’ oral treatment needs in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Language is never a problem as our English-speaking, female dentist tends to your needs. Four separate treatment rooms means your privacy is always respected. Dr. Keiko, who has more than 12 years of experience abroad, will provide you with excellent dental treatment in English. We also have English-speaking hygienists, receptionists, and other staff.

counseling and assessment. After learning about your lifestyle, we can tailor an individual oral care regimen to you. Beauty doesn’t end with a great smile, and Pulice is particular about beauty and a healthy life for women. Through cooperation with a nail salon in Ginza, you can have your nails done during tooth bleaching, or improve the quality of your skin by having hyaluronic acid injected into the smile lines around your mouth.

Find out why Pulice is the only choice for total beauty care

JR TOKYO STATION

Chuo Street

Kyobashi St (Ginza Line)

Bridgestone Muromachi St

(Asakusa Line)

Nihonbashi St (Ginza/Tozai Line)

Eidai Street

Yaesu center opening

Sotobori Street

Yaesu Street

Some of the latest treatments in dental care are also available such as healOzone, a hi-tech procedure that involves no injections, no drilling and is totally painless, and DIAGNOdent, which uses a dental laser to enhance early identification of tooth decay, taking into account individual risk factors. Our goal is to meet your specific needs, and customized treatment courses can also be arranged through private

Contact us now to make a reservation for an initial counseling session. Just one visit per month will leave you feeling beautiful and happy!

Kaji Street

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE According to The New York Times, about three-quarters of periodontal office visits are made by women, even though women tend to take better care of their teeth than men. Female hormones affect the gums, and women are particularly susceptible to periodontal problems. Periodontal disease causes bad breath and gum loss, which can make you appear older than your actual age. Many people accept losing teeth to periodontal diseases a natural part of aging, but this can be prevented through regular

STAY BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER YOUR AGE One of the first steps in staying young is taking proper care of your teeth. We offer many services to make this easier. The Periozon Course maintains your mouth’s youthful image through treatment of periodontal disease, while the Pulice Course encompasses oral care. We also offer a complete dental examination through our Oral Dock Course, and the Whitening Course ensures your smile is at its brightest.

UFJ Nihonbashi St

(Asakusa/Tozai Line)

Showa Street

Ajinomoto

UFJ

DKB Metropolitan Expressway

1F Oak Kyobashi Bldg., 1-16-10 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Clinic hours: 10am - 6pm Closed: Sun and National Holidays

Tel: 03-3538-6767 • http://pulice.jp Make a reservation for the initial counseling by e-mail

info@pulice.jp

city life

THE GET-OUT BAG What you need before the next quake BY RICHARD P. GREENFIELD

he big take on the next big one is where and when. A lot of indicators point to the Nankai Trough or a spot a lot closer to Tokyo than March 11 was. There’s also the real chance that it’ll be a bigger one: 9.5. For those who need a Richter refresher, each tenth of a point indicates a tenfold increase in strength; thus a 9.5 would be 50 times stronger than the March 11 event. Projections range from terrible to horrific, tsunamis in Tokyo Bay breaching the levees near Kita-Senju and flooding the subway there. Whose prediction/projection is closest doesn’t matter. What does matter is that there’ll be millions of people needing to evacuate office buildings with collapsed partitions or equipment, stairway lighting that’s not working, stairways that are partly blocked and streets that are filled with debris. Vvego (www.vvego.com) has been mentioned in previous Metropolis articles, but for their accessories. Last year they launched luggage, with head Robert Porter promising more this year. What’s interesting here is the Tool Roll, which dons a yellow color that remains visible even if all lights are out. Designed to carry multiple items in one piece of luggage, the Tool Roll still rolls up small, slingable over the wearer’s back. One step up from the Tool Roll is Rush Moab 10 from 5-11 (www.5-11tactical.com). This is black—the get-out-of-here Bat Bag. Although larger than the Tool Roll, it can also be carried like a sling bag, leaving your hands free. The bags are containers providing easy access to items you might need in an emergency, which saves seconds—and seconds can mean lives. 5-11 also offers gloves—something often forgotten when assembling survival gear. The 59431 Tac AK2, made of Kevlar, are flameproof and slash resistant. I’m used to operating tools with my hands, but an earthquake is a situation where lots of debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations. If your hands are cut deeply enough, your ability to use tools is compromised. The gloves also fold up nice and neat in whatever bag you choose. It’s best to start with a rescue tool, usually one that’s a combination of a belt cutter, a window puncher and a small LED. I carry one from SOG. My wife carries one from CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool, www.crkt.com) that’s barely the size of two credit cards. 5-11 makes a rescue tool

that’s a bit larger than these and features two blades: a small one that works as a belt cutter and a one larger one that’s straight and has saw teeth at the end. Any of them works; go online or visit a nearby dealer and see which one’s suited to you. CRKT also makes what’s called a “tactical pen” in the U.S.—which we’d probably call a “strike pen” here. In the States these are used to fight off an assailant. In Japan, they double your chances of knocking off a piece of glass or plexiglass. The essentials don’t stop with a rescue tool and pen: You may need a specific kind of knife. Mantis Knives (www.mantisknives.com) makes a pocket folder that’s of legal blade length in Japan and features a quarter-inch-thick blade. Read that again, because the significance might not be apparent. There are sheath knives that are thicker, but they’re for camping and no one’s going to be carrying one in an office. The importance is twofold: The edge on the Mantis will cut, and if it has to be used as a pry the average adult will be able to exert some serious torque without any danger of the blade snapping or bending thanks to the thickness of the blade. The other essential is light. In the aftermath of the quake, emergency lighting may be down and other power may have been cut. I was once in a zone that lost every kind of power for almost two days. There were a few flashlights in the house that kept me from tumbling down the

stairs. In the months that followed, I wrote about lights from SOG and Innova; but in four years there’s been almost a generation of improvement in the kinds of lights available, their power and capabilities. It was the TMT R3 that first brought me to the 5-11 site. The light itself isn’t bigger or heavier than any of the ones I’ve seen. However, there are many advantages. First, it’s safe: Think of how many times you ran lights down because you forgot to turn them off. One click over is the main white light (357 lumens); another click, four smaller red LEDs; another, four blue LEDs. And it can be recharged either from a normal electric circuit or car battery. When you have no power but have a full tank of gas, you can charge this easily. Not having a light isn’t a choice any more than not having a bag, tools and a plan. There are lots of add-ons, such as the ceramic drinking water straw that will filter out most impurities, as well as essentials like your favorite energy bars and anything else you might need or want in these times. These items are offered as a place from which to begin, not a place in which to end.

movies

BY DON MORTON

featured movie

THE IMITATION GAME While no one person can be credited with the invention of the computer, Alan Turing comes pretty close. The room-sized machine he built succeeded in breaking the Nazis’ Enigma code, thereby shortening WWII by as much as two years and saving thousands of lives. But this unsung triumph on an unseen battlefront was leavened with an underlying tragedy brought about by his breaking of a different code: the petty, antediluvian social code of 1940s Britain. Arrested in 1952 for “gross indecency” (homosexuality), he committed suicide rather than continue with his debilitating court-ordered hormone therapy. Benedict Cumberbatch, who it seems can do no wrong these days, puts in another Oscar-worthy performance, expressing, warts and all, the man’s genius and arrogance as well as his social clumsiness and loneliness. This biopic by Norway’s Morten Tyldum (Headhunters) is straightforward, unfussy, and smartly entertaining. And kudos to first-time screenwriter Graham Moore for wisely not trying to explain the math, and distilling and streamlining events into a cinematically accessible whole without dumbing it down. An oft-quoted line from the movie is, “Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.” Japanese title: Imitation Game: Enigma to Tensai Sugakusha no Himitsu. (114 min)

NEW

GOOD PEOPLE How about moronic people? A law-abiding but cash-strapped American couple in London finds a bag of money in the basement flat they had rented to a lowlife of questionable career goals who just died of a heroin overdose. They decide to keep the money. What could go wrong? Don’t these people ever go to the movies? James Franco and Kate Hudson play it so generic, they nearly disappear (though in Franco’s case this is a plus), and Tom Wilkinson seems to be channeling Columbo as the investigating copper. Final “thrilling” scene in a house being refurbished plays like Home Alone. Japanese title: Perfect Plan. (90 min)

NEW

DRIVE HARD In this colossally unfunny Aussie buddy comedy, a washed-up racecar driver (Thomas Jane), now giving driving lessons in Gold Coast, is abducted by a criminal (John Cusack) and forced to be the getaway driver in a bank heist. They banter insipidly. Jeez, what happened to Cusack? He used to be an A-lister, watchable whatever he was in. And I’m not sure what Jane’s talents were, but I’m now sure that comedy wasn’t one of them. Tasteless, amateurish, repetitive, poorly filmed, lame acting throughout and the slowest chase scenes—essentially the whole movie—ever filmed. Not even trashy fun. (92 min)

PREDESTINATION A high - concept , low budget existential puzzle that will reward thinking moviegoers. A complex, paradoxical, time-travel mind-messer that mixes elements of Looper, Memento and Back to the Future. Ethan Hawke is a sort of time cop who, in another time, happens upon a fellow whose backstory is a real mind- (not to mention gender-) bender. Sarah Snook shows in one movie more range than most actors do in an entire career. I can’t really tell you much more for fear of spoiling some of the surprises, of which there are many. But this one will play with your brain while it touches your heart. (97 min)

ANNABELLE Hey, a movie about a creepy antique doll! Well, that’s new. This cheapo spin - of f prequel from The Conjuring focuses on the backstory of the titular doll that appeared late in that vastly better movie. This cash-grab offers nothing remotely original, the music’s oppressive, the acting’s anemic, the scares are surface-level and instantly forgettable, the dialogue’s labored and it plagiarizes from several other movies. (It’s such a blatant rip-off of Rosemary’s Baby that the main characters are even named Mia and John.) At least the doll is not animated. Chucky, this ain’t; skippable, this is. Japanese title: Annabelle: Shiryōkan no Ningyo. (98 min)

NURSE 3-D It seems to me that a movie about a slutty psycho nurse who lethally punishes misbehaving males in a variety of gruesomely imaginative ways should be a lot funnier—or funny at all. Paz de la Huerta (Enter the Void), my new least-favorite actress since Sharon Stone retired, does the title honors in this witless, self-satisfied, wink-wink, cult-movie-wannabe. (Note to filmmakers: You cannot prefab a cult movie; they happen on their own and no one knows why.) Her constant mugging negates any titillation that may be derived from her apparent disdain for clothing. I have no idea why it’s in 3-D. Japanese title: Mad Nurse. (84 min)

CHEF If you know any thing about writer/direc tor/ a c t o r J o n F a v r e a u ’s c a re e r (s t a r t i n g w i t h personal films such as Swingers and Made, then on to blockbusters like Iron Man and Cowboys and Aliens), this can be seen as a veiled autobiography. It’s the heartwarming tale of a talented chef quitting his job in a prestigious but unadventurous restaurant to get back to his creative culinary roots in a beat-up Cuban sandwich truck. Selling back in. Not a lot of drama here, but it’s knowledgeable and continually amusing; more a relaxed, slow-food cinematic meal, set to great salsa, R&B and funk music. Super cast. Japanese title: Chef: Mitsuboshi Food Truck Hajimemashita. (115 min)

NEW

The Imitation Game: © 2014 BBP IMITATION, LLC; Good People: © 2013 GOOD PRODUCTIONS.INC; Drive Hard: © 2013 ODYSSEY FILM STUDIOS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.; Predestination: © 2013 Predestination Holdings Pty Ltd, Screen Australia, Screen Queensland Pty Ltd and Cutting Edge Post Pty Ltd; Annabelle: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC; Nurse 3-D: © 2014 Lions gate Entertainment inc. All Rights Reserved.; Chef: © Merrick Morton; American Sniper: © 2014 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED, WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC; The Fault in Our Stars: © 2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX; Rudderless: © 2014 Rudderless Productions LLC. All Rights Reserved.; Foxcatcher: Photo by Scott Garfield © MMXIV FAIR HILL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him/Her: © 2013 Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, LLC. All Rights Reserved; Begin Again: © 2013 KILLIFISH PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies

AMERICAN SNIPER Like all the best war movies, the big political questions are left outside the frame. This is about the men in the trenches and the moral choices they face. The taut battle scenes are some of the best ever shot, cohesive and legible—even in a dust storm. Chris Kyle served four tours in Iraq and, as in The Hurt Locker, the most telling sequences occur back at home, between tours, when normal life seemed the aberration and the war real. Bradley Cooper’s performance is a deep and austere personal best, and Eastwood’s crisp, unfussy direction shows that he remains a master at 84. (134 min)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS Stay with me here, and don’t dismiss this spirited YA romance on its downer topic. Hazel and Gus—Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, great chemistry—meet in a teens-with-cancer support group. They live in the present, because, well ... they don’t have a future. Reluctantly, they fall in love. The film is never maudlin or overtly manipulative (okay, a little in the last scenes), it earns the tears and offers honesty along with, yes, humor. The acting is superb, the characters are fully realized and the dialogue is sharp. Willem Dafoe shines in a subplot. This is what Nicholas Sparks keeps trying to do. Japanese title: Kitto, Hoshi no Sei Ja Nai. (125 min)

RUDDERLESS William H. Macy’s directorial debut. When an ad exec’s (Billy Crudup) songwriter son is killed in a school shooting, the man goes into a two-year downward spiral until he comes across some of the talented boy’s demo CDs. He picks up a guitar and plays one at an openmic night, attracting the attention of sideman Anton Yelchin. A montage leads to the formation of the titular bar band. But some things are a bit puzzling, like why does he take credit for the songs rather than just tell the truth? A huge, jarring reveal an hour in knocks the film off course, and it never really recovers. Japanese title: Kimi ga Ikita Akashi. (105 min)

FOXCATCHER Almost all comedic actors stray into drama at some point, but rarely do they so completely disappear into their characters (or earn Best Actor noms). In this warped character study, Steve Carell plays the hugely wealthy John E. Dupont, a socially inept man-child heir with mommy problems. A wrestling buff, he entices Olympic goldmedalists Mark and Dave Schultz (Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo) to train at his titular facility in the hope of catching some reflected glory. Things soon get seriously strange. (True story, but don’t Google it until later if you don’t know.) Gripping, chilling and deeply sad. (134 min)

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: HIM/HER Two films examine the breakup and attempts to get back together of a married couple from the characters’ respective viewpoints. They want to know if they still have a future in the wake of some not-immediately-explained personal tragedy. The films’ success is due in part to the sure hand of firsttime director Ned Benson, a good script, and the skill of the actors. James McAvoy, sporting a flawless American accent, is the “him,” and the astounding Jessica Chastain the “her.” I’d nudge you toward seeing “him” first, because “her” serves to fill out the whole. Watch for the discrepancies. Japanese title: Love Stories: Conor no Namida and Eleanor no Aijō. (Him: 89 min, Her: 100 min)

BEGIN AGAIN Direc tor John Carney transplants the theme of his lovely 2006 Once to NYC with name actors. Keira Knightley plays a freshly dumped songwriter coerced into doing one personal, acoustic song in a noisy New York club. The only one listening is a drunken, washed-up music producer (a great Mark Ruffalo). In the film’s most memorable scene, her performance is replayed through his eyes, as his imagination adds sidemen only he can hear. The two begin a professional courtship that could save both their lives. Good music, appealing characters and a story just offbeat enough to keep you interested. Japanese title: Hajimari no Uta. (103 min)

eiga

Japanese filmmakers seem intent on breaking down the barriers between live action and By Rob Schwartz animation genres. Last issue’s Present for You, for example, mixed live action and claymation. This time, we have an animated prequel to the live action film Hana & Alice (2004) which uses rotoscoping to give a sense of realism. Directed by Shunji Iwai, the original Hana & Alice was a lovely coming-of-age drama which focused attention on actresses Yu Aoi (Alice) and Anne Suzuki (Hana), with Aoi going on to become a huge star. Iwai was actually tipped to become the next great Japanese director when he got five Japanese Academy Award nominations on his second film, Love Letter (1995). His major follow-up, Swallowtail Butterfly (1996), then nabbed eight noms and won Most Popular Film. But his star seemed to fade a bit (despite the challenging and heavy All About Lily Chou-Chou, 2001) and the original Hana & Alice was a return to form of sorts. The current piece, set in high school, shows how the young women developed their friendship and experienced first love. When a boy is murdered they set out to solve it. With this sweet and expressive film, Iwai has brilliantly jumped modes of expression, while retaining the essence of the original. Wonderful stuff. English title: The Case of Hana & Alice. (100 min)

HANA TO ARISU SATSUJIN JIKEN

movie news

Makeup artists don’t always get the recognition they deserve in Hollywood. After all, if they’ve done their job properly, their handiwork should not be noticeable. They didn’t get their own regular Oscar award until the ’80s, and even today only three films are nominated rather than five as in other categories. One exception to this makeup reality is Rick Baker, who honed his skills on the set of The Exorcist and took home his first Oscar in 1982 for creating the groundbreaking transformations in John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London. Since then, he’s picked up half a dozen more and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His latest honor was a lifetime achievement award bestowed by Landis at the recent Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards. “I was just a kid who wanted to be a makeup artist, and that is still how I see myself. And I am just so pleased it happened,” Baker modestly said at the ceremony. As more directors turn to CGI to get their creatures, Baker’s realism remains in demand. He says one of his proudest accomplishments was the Bigfoot he created for Harry and the Hendersons. “That was nearly 30 years ago,” he recalls “but if you go back and watch it today, many people still buy it.” Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground

The French Institute (15 Ichigaya, Funagawaracho, Shinjuku-ku; www.institut.jp) presents recently restored prints of three films by Polish-born French director Jean Epstein, March 7-8. A film theorist and literary critic, Epstein applied avant-garde ideas to silent films, including an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher (1928; pictured). Film scholar Emilie Cauquy will lecture, in French, after the screenings … In sad news for cinema fans, Cinemart Roppongi (3-8-15 Roppongi, Minato-ku; www.cinemart.co.jp/theater/roppongi) will close its doors in June. The four-screen theater opened in 2006 with the mission of bringing Asian films to Tokyo. Although it branched out over the years, it’s going back to its roots for its curtain call, starting March 7. Hits from the nine-year run being brought back include films starring Korean actors Kim Nam-gil, Jung Woo-sung, Kang Ji-hwan, Jang Keun-suk and Hyun Bin … Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www. cinemavera.com) welcomes you to the world of “roman porno” director Tatsumi Kumashiro, March 7-April 3. Despite health problems, the prolific filmmaker churned out dozens of hits in the 1970s, satisfying the studio’s requirements for erotic content while developing his own manic style. Many of his most popular films will be shown from new 35mm prints. KM

arts&culture Courtesy of Hostess/Smash

MUSIC

MOGWAI The amiable Scottish colossus enters its third decade BY DAN GRUNEBAUM

iven the vaulting ambitions of their instrumental rock creations, Glasgow’s Mogwai have always been a remarkably humble bunch of guys. It’s with characteristic surprise that they reacted to seeing last year’s Rave Tapes become the band’s first-ever Top 10 album in the U.K. “It was amazing,” says member Stuart Braithwaite. The guitarist and occasional vocalist is motoring from his girlfriend’s place in England back home to Scotland. “I guess it makes us a real band. Our music’s not very commercial, so to even be in that company shows that we’ve managed to reach a lot of people over the years and a lot of people stuck with us over the years, so it’s definitely something to celebrate. I’m not sure if we drank champagne, but there were definitely a few drinks involved.” Rave Tapes is arguably Mogwai’s most accessible outing to date. The monumental walls of guitar sound have largely given way to some-

thing more subtle and atmospheric. Tracked at the band's Castle Of Doom studio in Glasgow, songs like “Remurdered” and “Hexon Bogon” feature starkly simple—beautiful even—analog

synth lines that may have given the band an in with fans of electronic music along the lines of Kraftwerk or Aphex Twin. Braithwaite is loath to ascribe the Top 10 ranking to the quintet’s new sonic direction. “To be honest, I think it was good timing,” he asserts in a pleasant brogue. “We were on tour when the record came out, playing a lot of shows. I think people were just ready for the record to come out.” The guitarist also makes the counterintuitive point that the growth of the internet has, while gutting album sales, helped the trajectory of noncommercial bands like Mogwai. When Metropolis first spoke to the group nine years ago, the web was already upending the music industry. “We couldn’t see how influential things like YouTube would be … Spotify changing the way we pay for music …” Braithwaite ventures. “It’s easier for people to discover bands now. When we first started there was a real struggle for bands to make more than a couple records if they didn’t sell. Now it’s the general public that defines what’s cool, rather

Photo by C.B.Liddell

ART

INNER CYCLES

Gabriel Orozco’s geometric interventions BY C.B.LIDDELL

ontemporary art still has a lot of work to do in order to gain acceptance from the general public. This is the reason why the city’s main museum dedicated to it—the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo—is usually the most peaceful and uncrowded. But if contemporary art is ever going to win a wider following, it’ll have to rely on talents like Gabriel Orozco, the major Mexican artist who is the subject of the museum’s latest solo show, “Gabriel Orozco: Inner Cycles.” While there’s an element of intellectual sophistication to much of what Orozco does, he also has an excellent aesthetic sense and, even

more importantly, a great sense of humor. Humor, of course, can make us forgive many things— even contemporary art! Orozco’s aesthetic sense infuses much of his work, but is most apparent in his “atomist” works. These are large color prints—up to 6 by 10 feet—showing photographic blow-ups of images clipped from the sports pages of the Times newspaper. Hard-edged, abstract patterns of circles and oval shapes—usually subdivided into halves or quarters of contrasting colors—are superimposed. While the neatly arranged geometric designs partly obscure the action in scenes of soccer, cricket, rugby, or other sports, they also La DS Cornaline (2013) serve an analytical purpose, helping us realize the balance and composition of the image as well as the dynamic “geometric interventions” also represent a synaspects. Reminiscent of the work of artists like ergy between figurative and abstract art. Kazimir Malevich and Oskar Schlemmer, these But while this is the most artistically impres-

THERE WERE DEFINITELY A FEW DRINKS INVOLVED.” than music magazines or radio.” Braithwaite says what they’ve lost in album sales, they’ve made up for in listener growth. “I don’t think it’s more people buying our music, but it is more people listening to our music,” he stresses. “We made up for the drop in sales by touring a lot, playing a lot of shows and festivals.” Mogwai have toured Japan numerous times, and been a fixture of the Fuji Rock Festival, but the upcoming dates mark the band’s first visit in three years. The tour also sees the group celebrating its 20th year. How do they feel when they look back on their accumulated eight studio albums and numerous soundtracks? “Nostalgia really,” Braithwhaite ventures. “Every time you make a record it’s a document of the time it was made. Now we’re making music as adults, so when I go back to the old material, it reminds me of different, younger periods in my life.” Speaking with Braithwhaite, you get the sense that Mogwai have remained unsullied by the messiness of the music industry—and the demands of rock-star egos. “We get along pretty well, and we still like playing with each other,” he says. “We’re always mindful of how lucky we are. Even though it’s not always easy, there are people who have a hard time making a living, so we are appreciative. Music means everything to me. It’s my life’s work and my passion and I’m lucky enough to have it as a living.” 7pm, Mar 9. EX Theater Roppongi. http://eplus.jp/mogwai15

sive part of the show, it’s Orozco’s humor that’s dominant throughout. This is clear from the photographic works with which the show opens. In these, he finds new ways of looking at ordinary things, such as the rear end of a horse, which at first looks like some new alien creature, or a ball in a puddle of water that looks like the moon because of the reflected sky. With these photos, Orozco effortlessly manages to put an interesting spin on the familiar. In Waiting Chairs (1998), the lack of comfort of the chairs—as well as the length of the waiting periods—is hilariously emphasized by shooting them so as to emphasize the sweat and grease marks left on the wall behind and above the chairs. These are clearly too small for their intended purpose! These subtle but deeply ironic and funny images then lead to the show’s centrepiece, La DS Cornaline (2013), which deals with the idea of form and function. This is a Citroën car cut in thirds lengthwise, then reassembled with the middle piece missing. This effectively turns the vehicle into an unusable piece of junk, but in the process skilfully emphasizes the beauty of its lines and design. But just in case you think he is being too highfalutin with this work, in the same room he also includes a selfdeprecating afterthought—Noodle Fall (2014), which is just a used plastic instant noodle bowl stapled to the wall. Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo. Until May 10.

1 TO 1: SAM SMITH AT THE SPEED OF SUCCESS BY DANIEL L. SMITH, FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

hings are starting to move pretty quickly around singer Sam Smith. Admittedly, winning four Grammy Awards this year for his breakout album, In The Lonely Hour, has helped quicken that pace. However, the singer admitted during our Fox Backstage Pass interview that after his whirlwind trip to Japan, he’s looking forward to slowing things down long enough for some customary brew. “I get to go home in a few days, which I’m excited about. I’m going to have a cup of tea—that’s what I am going to do,” the singer declared on his first intentions once he returns to his native London. That cup of tea has been on hold for a while. The artist is riding a wave of critical success since picking up Record of the Year and Song of the Year honors for his hit “Stay With Me,” as well as being named Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album. While he appears to be traveling at the speed of sound, Smith said his journey to the top of the pop charts was more methodical than it appeared on the surface. “The rise to where I’ve gotten now doesn’t necessarily feel fast. The speed in which so many of my dreams have come true feels fast, but the work up until this point of getting my music heard was a long time in the making,” Smith explained. He added, “It’s tiring—but it feels

amazing. I am living my dream and the opportunities I’m getting, and the things I am starting to do, is just amazing. It feels great!” The Grammy-winning singer said his agenda is full. “I am going to be touring for the rest of this year, just going around the world—which I am excited about! I’m constantly writing and thinking of things. I’ve got a concept for my next record. I think I’ve got a title, so I’m also excited about delving into that.” His songwriting is what’s set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He said personal drama fueled his emotions and gave his songs life. “I fell in love with someone who didn’t love me back. It wasn’t even a relationship. It was crazy. It affected about four of the songs—and that was it, really. The whole album is about the feeling of loneliness and I was not talking about one person, I was just talking about a feeling,” Smith mused. He said his road travels will also bring him back to Japan fairly quickly. “It’s my first time here. It’s amazing. I haven’t seen much. I have just been out to eat and it’s good food, which is great. Hopefully, when I come back in May, I’ll get to see a few more places. I would just love to see some Japanese countryside.” He’d have to slow his schedule down a bit to fulfill that dream!

Fox Backstage Pass airs Sat on Fox at 1am; Sun on Fox Movies Premium at 9am; and on Fox Sports and Entertainment at 11:30am.

seven deadly sins 2014

Don’t tear your hair out. Ever. Leave fury at bad hair behind at Sin Den.

We are colour correction specialists.

Sin Den Hair Makeup & Nails TEL03.3405.4409 SINDEN.COM

BOOK ONLINE NOW!

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

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

March 2015 Membership Fee

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

agenda

WATCH LIST

hot tickets

MAR 30 Fall Out Boy

This ain’t a scene; it's the American pop-rock band’s Tokyo show with supporting act New Politics. You’ll thank them for the memories. Mar 30, 7pm. ¥7,000. Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://j.mp/falloutboy2015 Tickets on sale now

Concerts POPULAR Judas Priest

The heavy metal legends are back on turbo, bringing the rock show to Tokyo—and some heads definitely are going to roll. Mar 6, 7:30pm. ¥9,80012,000. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6406-2222. Mar 11, 7pm. ¥8,000-9,800. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. http://j.mp/judas2015 Mothercoat

NG Vol. 5, one-man show. Mar 6, 8:30pm. ¥2,300 + 1d (¥500). Shinjuku Jam. Higashishinjuku. Tel: 03-3232-8168. http://meturl. com/mothercoat2015 Erlend Øye & The Rainbows

Norwegian musician Øye, best known for being a part of the indie folk duo Kings of Convenience, with British rock band The Rainbows. Mar 12, 7pm. ¥5,800. Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://j.mp/ oye2015 The Cinders Present: The Great Tohoku Earthquake Charity Event

Charity gig with The Watanabes, The Cinders, Barely Regal and more. Mar 14, 7-11pm. ¥1,000. Gamuso. Asagaya. Tel: 03-53649096. www.gamuso.com Lenny Kravitz

The rock icon of the generation brings his funky riffs and jams to Tokyo. Are you gonna go his way? Mar 14, 6pm; Mar 15, 5pm. ¥10,000-20,000. Tokyo International Forum Hall A. Yurakucho. Tel: 03-52219000. www.hipjpn.co.jp/live/ lenny Sub-Sonic Live

Featuring English indie rock band The Charlatans with DJ Gakuji “Chabe” Matsuda. Mar 19, 7pm. ¥4,500. Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/ subsonic2015 The Big Nothing: Angels & Demons

A night of rock ‘n’ roll, drinks and fun! Mar 20, 8pm. ¥2,300. Heaven’s Door. Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-34116774. http://http://j.mp/ angelsanddemons2015 New Blue Death

Seoul-based band whose

MAR 30 Ne-Yo

The American R&B singer comes closer to perform a show that’s guaranteed to be “so sick.” Mar 30, 8pm. ¥9,000. Pacifico Yokohama. Minatomirai. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://j.mp/neyo2015 Tickets on sale now

indie rock with melodic pop sensibilities creates a sound that can be sometimes brooding and bittersweet. Mar 21. The Black Sheep. Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-39872289. Mar 22, Ruby Room. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www. newbluedeathband.com

APR 24-26 Yo, Carmen

María Pagés, the Queen of modern flamenco, takes an innovative approach to Carmen! Apr 24, 7pm; Apr 25, 3pm; Apr 26, 2pm. ¥8,00012,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/yocarmen2015 Tickets on sale now

JAZZ/WORLD Brittni Paiva

Multi-award winning ukulele instrumentalist from Hawaii. Mar 6, 7pm; Mar 7, 6pm. ¥4,800-7,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/brittnipaiva2015 Bob James Quartet

Romanian singer-songwriter and model whose debut single “Lollipop (Param Pam Pam)” peaked at number 18 in the Romanian Top 100. Mar 26, 7:30pm. ¥6,500. Ebisu Garden Hall. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5423-7111. http://j.mp/ alexandravictor

Two-time Grammy Award-winning smooth jazz keyboardist James featuring Carlitos Del Puerto, Perry Hughes and Clarence Penn in celebration of James’ 75th birthday. Mar 6, 7 & 9:30pm; Mar 7, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j. mp/jamesquartet2015

Kindness

David Dorantes

Electronica and synthpop project of British singer Adam Bainbridge, freshly debuted in 2012. Mar 26, 7:30pm. ¥6,000. Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ kindness2015

Flamenco pianist who is praised for his bold, innovative approach to the piano. Dorantes offered piano as a solo instrument in flamenco almost 10 years ago, introducing a new way of expression for the classical instrument. Mar 9, 7pm. ¥7,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ dorantes2015

Alexandra Stan

Rhye

R&B musical duo that initially began as an internet-based mystery, posting several singles online without providing any background information or contact details. Mar 30, 7:30pm. ¥6,000. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/ rhye2015 Azealia Banks

American rapper, singer and songwriter who came to prominence by topping NME’s Cool List in 2011 and finishing third in the Sound of 2012. Mar 31, 8pm. ¥5,500. Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://j. mp/azealiabanks2015 Mastodon

American metal band whose songs feature progressive concepts and unique instrumentation. Apr 1, 7pm. ¥7,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j. mp/mastodon2015 The New Flying Zabutons

A short history of R&B, part one. Apr 3, 7-11pm. ¥1,000. Rooster North Side. Ogikubo. www.ogikuborooster.com/north

MAY 29-JUN 7 Disney on Classic: Spring Gala

Showcasing popular songs from Disney movies such as Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and more. May 29-Jun 7, various times. ¥7,000-8,700. Tokyu Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3409-3345. http://j.mp/disneyspringgala2015 Tickets on sale now

6:30 & 9pm; Mar 14, 5 & 8pm. ¥7,800-10,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/krantz2015 The Puppini Sisters

Retro harmony vocal trio composed of Italian singer Marcella Puppini and English singers Kate Mullins and Emma Smith. Mar 14-15, 5 & 8pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ puppinisisters2015 New Century Jazz Quintet

Formed in New York, the Quintet aims to represent the current age of jazz through young people’s perspectives while still keeping their roots in traditional jazz. Mar 17-18, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥6,000-8,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ newcenturyjazz2015 Cassandra Wilson

Grammy-winning, velvetvoiced jazz musician and singer-songwriter serenades audiences at the Blue Note. Mar 17-19, 8pm. ¥8,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ wilson2015

for free MAR 11-13 Akita Spring Fair

Discover the allure of spring in Akita through specialty products. free sake tasting and more. Mar 11-13, 11am-7pm. Free. TIC Tokyo Event Space. Tokyo. Tel: 0187-63-5226.

Blue Mountain Boys

CLASSICAL Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

Multi-award winning pianist who was named “Artist of the Year” at the 2012 International Classical Music Awards. Mar 11, 7pm. ¥6,000. Yamaha Ginza Hall. Ginza. Tel: 03-3572-3171. http://j.mp/ jean-efflam2015 Tokyo Vivaldi Ensemble

Viva Vivaldi! Mar 14, 3pm. ¥4,000-5,000. Italian Cultural Institute. Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3264-6011. http://vivaldi.jp

Bobby McFerrin

Jazz trumpeter widely acknowledged as one of Japan’s finest jazz musicians, with John Beasley Group featuring James Genus, John Hart and Jeff “Train” Watts. Mar 10-11, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/hino2015

The reggae and jazz great reminds you to not worry—be happy. Mar 20 & 23, 7 & 9:30pm; Mar 21-22, 5 & 8pm. ¥12,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/mcferrin2015

Eldar Djangirov Trio

Trio led by Grammy-nominated Kyrgyzstani-American jazz pianist Djangirov. Mar 10-12, 6:30pm & 9pm. ¥6,800-9,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ djangirovtrio2015 Mehliana featuring Brad Mehldau and Mark Guiliana

Synthesizer-oriented duo consisting of jazz pianist Mehldau and drummer Guiliana. Mar 12-13, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ mehliana2015

The Waterboys

Wayne Krantz with Anthony Jackson & Cliff Almond

Band whose music is a mix of Celtic folk music with rock and roll. Apr 6, 7:30pm. ¥8,000. Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ waterboys2015

American modern jazz guitarist Krantz praised for his utilization of complex rhythms and harmonic concepts with Jackson on the bass and Almond on the drums. Mar 13,

Nettwork Trio

Jazz, rock and funk trio with members Charnett Moffett, Stanley Jordan and Eric McPherson. Mar 25-27, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ nettworktrio2015

Israeli classical pianist who won the second prize at the 2002 Paloma O’Shea International Piano Competition in Spain, where he performed Bartók’s Third Piano Concerto. Mar 18, 7pm. ¥5,000. Toppan Hall. Iidabashi. Tel: 03-58402200. http://j.mp/giltburg2015 Conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, winner of the prestigious The City of Toronto Glenn Gould Protégé Prize. Mar 28, 6pm. ¥9,000-26,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/laphil2015 Michinoku Wind Orchestra

A music aid concert for high school brass band clubs in the coastal region of Iwate prefecture. Apr 1, 5pm. Free (admittance by lottery). Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/michinoku2015

Helen Merrill

Internationally known jazz vocalist who has recorded and performed with some of the most notable figures in the American jazz scene. Mar 31-Apr 1 & Apr 3, 6:30 & 9pm; Apr 4, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j. mp/merrill2015 Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quartet

Grammy Award-winning Cuban jazz pianist and composer’s tribute to Charlie Haden. Apr 5, 5 & 8pm; Apr 6-7, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ rubalcabaquartet2015

Matsuri Digital presents TIMELESS

We invite you to a huge indoor trance/techno festival at Tokyo’s biggest club. Astral Projection, System 7, Dachambo, and many more! Mar 14, 11pm. AgeHa. Shinkiba. ¥3,300 (adv)/¥4,000 (door). http:// timeless.peatix.com The New Matrix Bar

Boris Giltburg

Los Angeles Philharmonic Terumasa Hino

MAR 14

Classic country western and bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm. Free. Cafe Sepia. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-1300. www.nagaremono.com/sepia

Vittorio Grigolo

Italian operatic tenor who was chosen to become part of the Sistine Chapel Choir as a soloist at 13. Apr 5, 2pm. ¥15,000-18,500. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-53539999. www.operacity.jp/en

Clubbing FRIDAY 6

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

Eureka! House: DJs Detroit Swindle, Sauce81, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

Modern Disco. Disco: DJs Falcon, Taar, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com The Room

Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/ 1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp T2

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/ 1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com Ageha

Agepa. All mix, EDM: DJs Marc Panther, U5, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)free. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.ageha. com Womb

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

Microcosmos

John’s World. All good music: DJ Jonny and more. From 12am. ¥1,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496. www. microcosmos-tokyo.com

Daikanyama Unit

Bonobo. DJ Bonobo and more. From 11:30pm. ¥3,500. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com

Liquidroom

New Build. Electronic: DJs Objekt, Nobu, etc. Live: Shackleton. From 11:30pm. ¥4,000. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54640800. www.liquidroom.net/ Ele

Vicetone. The popular Dutch EDM duo’s first visit to Japan. From 10pm. ¥4,000 w/2d (men)/women free. Azabu Juban. Tel: 03-5572-7535. http://eletokyo.com/

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.com

The New Matrix Bar T2

T2 Monday. EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/ 2d, (f)¥1,500 w/ 2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

SATURDAY 7 The New Matrix Bar

TUESDAY 10

Sound Museum Vision

Hyper Society. Techno: DJs Tanaka, Nishizawa, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com

Ruby Room

Open Mic. From 7pm. ¥1,000 w/ 2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings) / 070-6969-4816 (daytime). www.rubyroomtokyo.com Air

The Choice. House, techno: DJs Den, Ryokei, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo. com

The Room

Exchange. SoulSoul, crossover: DJs Shuya Okino, Hirose, etc. Live: Root Soul. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Super Tuesday. EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/ 1d, (f)¥2,500 w/ 2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

Womb

Tuemix. EDM, Top 40: DJs Alpha One, Ashlay, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

Ageha

Alchemy. Techno: DJs Mauro Picotto, Yosa, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.ageha. com Club Asia

Awapa. House, techno: DJs Yummy, Takeru, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.co.jp Ucess the Lounge

02:31. House, techno: DJs Tom Shorterz, Andy Bell, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,500. Meiji-jingūmae. Tel: 03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp Womb

06s. Drum’n‘bass: DJs Ed Rush, Aki, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp Daikanyama Unit

Anemone. Electronic, ambient: DJs Neel, Koba, etc. Live: In Aeternam Vale. From 11:30pm. ¥3,500 w/1d. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. www. unit-tokyo.com Microcosmos

Superb. All good music: DJs Hal, Toyo, etc. From 12am. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496. www. microcosmos-tokyo.com SUNDAY 8 The Room

Em. Nu classic: DJs Sazanami, Cbtek, etc. 5-11pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp MONDAY 9 Ruby Room

Mad. DJs: Shiraishi, Bal, etc. From 9pm. (m)¥1,000, (f)¥1,000 w/ 1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings) / 070-6969-4816 (daytime). www.rubyroomtokyo.com

The Room

In the Jungle Groove. Afro beats: DJs Osada, Sato, etc. Live: Far East Love Afrobeats Musician. 7-11pm. ¥2,000 w/ 1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Cruz Fade. House, techno: DJs Perrier, Rena Chino, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d.

A-1 Lounge. Nice and easy music: DJs Muro, Magara, etc. From 7pm. ¥1,000. Meiji-jingūmae. Tel: 03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp Sound Museum Vision

Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs Kaori, Ueno, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.vision-tokyo.com T2

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.t2-shibuya.com Ageha

Asobinite. Electro, house: DJs Nakata, Tanaka, etc. From 11pm. ¥4,000. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www. ageha.com Daikanyama Unit

Body. Various DJs. Live: The Novembers and more. From 11pm. ¥4,000. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. www. unit-tokyo.com The Room

Destination. Broken beats, deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Club Asia

WEDNESDAY 11

Jumper. EDM: DJs Remo-Con, Hikaru, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥1,000 w/2d. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www. clubasia.co.jp

Womb

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

Future Boyz. EDM, electro: DJs Erie, Komori, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

Womb

SATURDAY 14

Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki, Ikezawa, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp The Room

The Room Bar. Bar style: DJs Saitou, Mihiro, etc. 7-11pm. Free. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Acid

Do You Remember the First Time? Indie and Britpop club night: come along and dance like it’s 1995. 7pm-12am. ¥1,000 w/ 2d. Koenji. Tel: 03-3316-0303. http://http://j. mp/doyouremember2015

Dance

THURSDAY 12 Dance Archives in Japan Air

3h. House, techno: DJ Haioka and more. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/ 1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo. com T2

Happiness. World mix: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/ 2d, (f)¥1,500 w/ 2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

This project aims to revisit the origins of Western-style dance in Japan and reconsider the current state and future of dance by presenting works by Japanese pioneers in creative dance. Mar 7-8, 3pm. ¥3,240-6,480. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j. mp/dancearchives2015 Giselle

Womb

Pop Girls. EDM, Top 40: DJs Su-Pyi, Lirica, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp The Room

Tokyo Jazz Punx. DJ Tsuyoshi Sato. 7-11pm. ¥2,000. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Club Asia

Air

Matrix Friday. Old-school hip-hop, west side, south side, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp Ucess the Lounge

Womb

Zero Gravity. Drum’n‘bass, electro: DJs Signal, Soramame, etc. From 10pm. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

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

FRIDAY 13

Orange. All mix: DJ Pororocks and more. From 11pm. ¥1,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.co.jp

Performed by the Tokyo Ballet, a romantic ballet about a peasant girl who dies of a heart failure after discovering her lover is betrothed to another. Mar 12-13, 7pm; Mar 14-15, 2pm. ¥3,000-10,000. U-Port Hall. Osaki-Hirokoji. Tel: 03-3494-1840. http://j.mp/ giselle2015 Tango Fire: Flames of Desire

Presented by the Tango Fire Company of Buenos Aires and choreographed

by critically acclaimed Argentine choreographer and dancer German Cornejo, with the individual couples choreographing their own solos and Cornejo refining the steps as is traditional in the world of Argentine Tango. Mar 14, 2 & 7pm; Mar 15, 2pm. ¥4,800-8,800. Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/ tangofire2015 Cinderella

Ballet composed by Sergei Prokofiev and performed by the K-Ballet Company. Mar 18, 3pm; Mar 19-20 & 22, 2pm; Mar 21, 12:30 & 4:30pm. ¥6,000-13,500. Bunkamura. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/ kballetcinderella2015 Romeo and Juliet

Performed by the Scottish Ballet Company. Mar 26, 7pm; Mar 27, 2 & 7pm; Mar 28, 2pm. ¥6,000-12,000. Bunkamura. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/ scottishballet2015 NHK Ballet no Kyōen

Japan’s best ballet companies and dancers gather to perform contemporary pieces, as well as classics such as Carmen and Sleeping Beauty. Mar 28, 5pm. ¥3,000-12,000. NHK Hall. Harajuku or Meiji-jingūmae. Tel: 03-3465-1751. http://j.mp/ nhkballet2015

Stage MAR 20, 21

Exhibitions FEB 26-MAR 17

Sumi et Blanc

Sumi-e is a black-and-white painting created with black ink called “sumi.” Enjoy the modern sumi-e world created by both fantasy and reality. Free. Until Mar 17, 6am-10pm (closes at 3pm on last day). NAA Art Gallery, Narita International Airport, 5F Central Bldg., Terminal 1. Narita Airport. www.sumietblanc.com ENDING SOON

National Museum cooperated with institutions, including the Rikuzentakata City Museum, and the Iwate Prefectural Museum to restore damaged cultural properties. The exhibition shares the results of four years of effort and informs visitors of the restoration project’s current status. Until Mar 15, 9:30am5pm, closed Mon. ¥410-620. Tokyo National Museum. Ueno. http://meturl.com/ greattsunami2015 New-wave Artists 2015: From the Public Entry Exhibition

An exhibition introducing five up-and-coming artists of great promise, selected from among artists appearing in “Best Selection 2014.” Until Mar 15, 9:30am-5:30pm. ¥300-500. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/ newwave2015 Rufus Lin: I am Music

Explore! Experience! EdoTokyo

Explore the cultural and artistic history of the flourishing capital. Until Mar 8, 9:30am5:30pm (until 7:30pm on Sat), closed Mon. ¥120-240 (adv)/ ¥150-300 (door). Edo-Tokyo Museum. Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3626-9974. http://meturl. com/edotokyomuseum Katagaki no Nai Jinsei

Showcasing works by the late calligrapher and poet Mitsuo Aida in honor of the 90th anniversary since his birth. Until Mar 8, 10am-5:30pm, closed Mon. ¥200-800. Mitsuo Aida Museum. Tel: 03-62123200. http://meturl.com/mitsuo

Fine art and funky illustrations from Canadian artist Rufus Lin. Until Mar 19, 10am-8pm (weekdays); 10am-6pm (weekends). Free. G-Ring LLC Cafe and Bar. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6844-4960. http:// rufuslinstudio.com ONGOING Barkira: Akira Meets The Simpsons Mash-Up Worldwide Art Project, Volume 3

A mash-up of “Akira” and the characters and setting from The Simpsons. Mar 7-21, 1-7pm. Free. Gallery Hakusen. Asagaya. www.bartkira.com Sense Modern

Guams 8 Exhibition

OM-2: Opus No. 9

Unique and full of surprises, drum, body percussion, tap and voice carry you beyond the usual theatre experience to a place where body and rhythm are intertwined. Mar 20, 7:30pm, Mar 21, 3:30pm. ¥2,800 (adv)/¥3,300 (door). Nippori Sunny Hall. Nippori. http://om-2.com. Manon Lescaut

Puccini’s opera about a free-willed and beautiful maiden Manon, and how the Chevalier des Grieux’s pure love for her ruins his life. Mar 9 & 12, 7pm; Mar 15, 18 & 21, 2pm. ¥5,40027,000. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/ lescaut2015 Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Opera Project XIII

Featuring Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortileges performed by the Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Orchestra. Mar 24, 7pm. ¥8,000-18,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/ La Forza del Destino

Opera by Verdi about the cruel fates and bloody end of the daughter of a Spanish Marquis, Leonora; the descendant of the royal family of the Inca Empire, Don Alvaro; and Leonora’s brother, Don Carlo. Apr 2 & 8, 6:30pm; Apr 5, 11 & 14, 2pm. ¥3,240-21,600. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j. mp/destino2015

Showcasing paintings, drawings and writing by the 8th graduating class of Guams. Until Mar 8, 10am-6pm. Free. Gallery Marumikyoya. Asakusa. Tel: 03-3841-9711. http://gallerymarumikyoya.com Robin Fry: Gardens

An exhibition of new paintings by Fry, a Berlin-based Canadian artist known as an abstract painter and performing artist. Until Mar 8, 1-7pm, closed Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery. Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/ gardens2015 Masayuki Harada: Not knowing that it was yesterday

Up-and-coming artist who uses household appliances, furniture, plants, food and other daily goods and transforms them to create a space that is out of the ordinary. Until Mar 8, 5-11pm on Mon; 1-7pm Fri-Sun; closed Tue-Thu. Free. Waitingroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-3476-1010. www.waitingroom.jp Iron∞Man

A group exhibition by the artist group Iron∞Man which demonstrates their uniqueness in the contemporary art world by presenting kinetic works using light and shadow, which create a fantastical and unrealistic world. Until Mar 8, 12-8pm, closed Mon & every last Sun. Free. Hpgrp Gallery. Omotesando. Tel: 03-37971507. http://hpgrpgallery. com/tokyo The Great Tsunami of March 11, 2011 and the Restoration of Cultural Properties

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Tokyo

Showcasing works by Yozo Hamaguchi, a printmaker widely known as the artist who gave new life to mezzotint. Until Mar 22, 11am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥200-600. Musée Hamaguchi Yozo: Yamasa Collection. Suitengumae. Tel: 03-3665-0251. www. yamasa.com/musee/en/

03-3463-0603. http://j.mp/ wonderseeds2015 Cute Girls in Ukiyo-e

Featuring ukiyo-e paintings of Edo women and their luxurious and colorful kimonos, hair ornaments and accessories. Until Mar 26, 10:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon. ¥500-700. Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Harajuku. Tel: 03-3403-0880. www.ukiyoeota-muse.jp Film History in Posters Part 2: Musical Films

Showcasing the original posters of the postwar films from the collection of Makoto Wada, a famous illustrator, this exhibition will trace the descent of musical films, which played a significant role in movie history. Until Mar 29, 11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. ¥70-210. National Film Center. Kyobashi. www.momat. go.jp/english

An artist of the Monoha movement that flourished in the years before and after 1970, who uses stone, wood and sheet metal to create installations which consist not merely of the relationship between substances, but also of the minute and free relational structure between the space and materials as an object. Until Mar 22, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. ¥600-1,100. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www. mot-art-museum.jp/eng/ Constellations: Practices for Unseen Connections/ Discoveries

The theme for this exhibition is “to draw invisible lines and to connect dots,” by introducing works that link different “places” and “times,” going beyond existing borders to spin together new relationships. Until Mar 22, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. ¥600-1,100. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www. mot-art-museum.jp/eng/

Fantaisie Merveilleuse

Introducing the richly imaginative, but relatively unknown, Art Deco world by focusing on 80 works shown for the first time in Japan. Until Apr 7, 10am-6pm. ¥480-960 (adv)/ ¥600-1,200 (door). Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum. Meguro. Tel: 03-3443-0201. www.teien-art-museum. ne.jp/en/ Mikiko Kumazawa: Howl

Showcasing young and up-andcoming artist Kumazawa’s latest works. Mar 11-Apr 11, 11am-7pm, closed Sun, Mon & hols. Free. Mizuma Art Gallery. Ichigaya. Tel: 03-3793-7931. http://mizuma-art.co.jp

Neo-Impressionism, from Light to Color

Pictorialism: Prelude to Modern Photography

Introducing the trend of “Neo-Impressionism,” a movement that progressed with innovative painting which linked to the 20th century, and which developed a style of brightly portraying the real world onto picture frames, based on the latest light and color theories. Until Mar 29, 9:30am-5:30pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥800-1,600. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/ neoimpressionism2015

An exhibition focusing on one of the most important movements in the historical development of modern photography. Until Apr 30, 10am-7pm. Free. Fujifilm Square. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6271-3350. http://j.mp/ pictorialism2015

Jules Pascin

Displaying Pascin’s best-known later works, such as his nude oil paintings in mother-of-pearl tones, as well as his early sketches and watercolors and experiments in printing, Fauvism and Expressionism. Until Mar 29, 10am-6pm, closed Wed. ¥500-1,000. Shiodome Museum. Shimbashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl. com/pascin2015 Swiss Design

Kishio Suga: Situated Latency

of human life and extend a hand in salvation. Mar 7-Apr 6, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000 (door). Nezu Museum. Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en

Showcasing the distinct sophistication and quality of Swiss design that sets the country apart in functionality, tradition, engineering and hands-on craftsmanship. Until Mar 29, 11am-7pm (until 8pm on Fri & Sat), closed Mon. ¥1,000-1,200. Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery. Hatsudai. http:// meturl.com/swissdesign2015 Ken Miki: Apple +

Showcasing works by graphic designer Miki, known for his original designs, and who has worked on projects for IBM Japan, ThinkPad and more. Until Mar 31, 11am-7pm (until 6pm on Sat), closed Sun & hols. Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery. Ginza. http://meturl.com/ ginzagraphicgallery Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture from Northern Japan

Showcasing Buddhist sculptures from Michinoku famous for their powerful expressions. Until Apr 5, 9:30am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥400-1,000. Tokyo National Museum. Ueno. http:// michinoku2015.jp

Wonder Seeds

Bodhisattvas: Symbols of Salvation and Support

An open call exhibition aimed to select and sell potential works of young artists, providing an opportunity to connect young artists and art lovers/collectors. Until Mar 22, 11am-7pm. Free. Tokyo Wonder Site. Shibuya. Tel:

Showcasing sculptures and paintings depicting Bodhisattvas, or deities who, despite having attained enlightenment for themselves, willingly descend into the human realm, where they face the joys and sorrows

Great Fake Exposition: Cultural history of fakes and imitation

Showcasing the world of fake and imitation articles and the relationship between them and their genuine counterparts. Mar 10-May 6, 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mon. ¥450-830. National Museum of Japanese History. Keisei-Sakura. http://j.mp/ greatfakeexposition2015 Best of the Best

The last exhibition before the museum closes for renovation on May 18, showcasing 160 works of modern and contemporary Western art. Until May 17, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥500-800. Bridgestone Museum of Art. Tokyo. Tel: 03-57778600. http://meturl.com/ bestofthebest2015 Intimate Impressionism from the National Gallery of Art, Washington

Works by Renoir, Manet, Monet and others chosen by Ailsa Mellon, daughter of Andrew Mellon, founder of the National Art Gallery. Until May 24, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥1,400 (adv)/ ¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo. Tel: 03-5405-8686. http://mimt. jp/english/ Louvre Museum

With works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and others. Until Jun 1, 10am-6pm, closed Tue. ¥800-1,600. The National Art Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka. www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/ english/ The Great Amazon

Featuring over 400 exhibits and a 4K theater experience where you can travel to the Amazon through a 355-inch large-scale screen. Mar 14-Jun 14, 9am-5pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥600-1,600. National Museum of Nature and Science. Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111. http://j.mp/ thegreatamazon2015 UPCOMING Osaka Expo ’70 Design Project

Held under the theme of

“Progress and Harmony for Mankind,” the 1970 Osaka Expo (Japan World Exposition) is remembered as a national event in Japan in the years of spectacular economic growth. This exhibition presents an entire picture of the design work for the 1970 Expo. Mar 20-May 17, 10am-5pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥130-430 (free admission on Apr 5 & May 3). The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/ osakaexpo2015 Fukagawa in the Snow: The Reappearance of an Utamaro Masterpiece

Showcasing works by Utamaro, who is one of the most highly-regarded practitioners of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock prints, especially for his portraits of beautiful women, or bijin-ga. Apr 3-Aug 31, 9am-5pm. ¥1,800-2,800. Okada Museum of Art. Kowakidani. Tel: 0460-873931. www.okada-museum. com/en/ TDC Exhibition

Ginza Graphic Gallery’s annual exhibition showcasing the results of the Tokyo TDC Awards held by the Tokyo Type Directors Club. Apr 3-28, 11am-7pm, closed Sun & hols. Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery. Ginza. http://meturl.com/ ginzagraphicgallery Kataoka Tamako

Japanese-style painter who uses vivid colors and boldly deformed shapes, and paints using powerful brushwork. Apr 7-May 17, 10am-5pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥300-1,200 (adv)/ ¥400-1,400 (door). The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http:// tamako2015.exhn.jp The Beauty of Asian Art

Showcasing prehistoric and ancient masterpieces from China, Korea and Southeast Asia. Apr 11-Jun 14, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum of Arts. Tokyo. www.idemitsu.com/museum/ honkan The Ceramic Works of Rouault and the Fauvists

Introducing ceramic works created by some of the great French artists of the early 20th century, including Georges Rouault and Henri Matisse. Part of the exhibition will focus on the relatively unknown ceramic artist André Metthey and the important role he played in these artists’ ceramic production to portray the close relationship between paintings and decorative arts at the time. Apr 11-Jun 21, 10am-6pm, closed Wed. ¥500-1,000. Shiodome Museum. Shimbashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://panasonic.co.jp/ es/museum/en/schedule/ Utrillo & Valadon

Showcasing pieces by Utrillo, a French painter who specialized in cityscapes, and his mother Valadon, an artist whose drawings and paintings mostly included female nudes, female portraits, still lifes and landscapes. Apr 18-Jun 28, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. ¥650-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,200 (door). Sompo Japan Museum of Art. Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www. sjnk-museum.org/en

Sports BASEBALL Global Baseball Match

Samurai Japan vs. All Euro. Mar 10-11, 6pm. ¥300-10,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999. http://j.mp/ globalbaseball2015 Yokohama DeNA vs. Chunichi Dragons

Mar 12, 1pm. ¥500-2,100. Yokohama Stadium. Kannai. Tel: 04-5661-1251. www. yokohama-stadium.co.jp Yakult Swallows vs. Lotte Marines

Mar 20-21, 1pm. ¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs. NipponHam Fighters

Mar 20, 6pm; Mar 21, 1:30pm. ¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.tokyo-dome.co.jp Tomodachi Charity Baseball Game

Charity event in support of children in the Tohoku region, with retired New York Yankees greats Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui. Mar 21, 5pm. ¥2,000-5,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. http://support-our-kids. org/2with55/ Yakult Swallows vs. Nippon-Ham Fighters

Mar 22, 1pm. ¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs Lotte Marines

Mar 22, 2pm. ¥300-3,500. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.giants. jp/en

an abundant harvest and prosperity, the Saitō Sai is also known as the festival of color from the festive garb adorning the participants. Mar 9, 10am. Free. Kashima Jingū. Kashima Jingū. Tel: 0299-821209. kashimajingu.jp Honzon Jigen-e

Celebrating the manifestation of Sensoji’s Kannon statue with events such as the Kinryu no Mai, where an 18-meter-long, 88-kilogram golden dragon dances around the temple grounds, and the Shirasagi no Mai, a traditional ceremonial parade and dance . Mar 18, all day (Kinryu no Mai at around 11:30am, 1:30 & 3pm; Shirasagi no Mai at around 11am). Free. Sensoji. Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181. www.senso-ji.jp

Forums & Expos Tokyo Motorcycle Show

See bikes from all over the world including the latest models and custom machines, take them out for a test ride and more fun events. Mar 27, 1-6pm; Mar 28, 10am-6pm; Mar 29, 10am-5pm. ¥500-1,300 (adv)/ ¥1,000-1,600 (door). Tokyo Big Sight. KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-55301111. motorcycleshow.org/

Comedy

Mar 27, 6pm; Mar 28-29, 2pm. ¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en Yakult Swallows vs. Hanshin Tigers

Mar 31-Apr 2, 6pm. ¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin Tigers

“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 Sports injuries Musculoskeletal and spinal conditions (neck and back pain) Ergononomic and postural assessments Gait assessments Rehabilitation programs

Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:00pm, Sun 8:00am - 2:00pm • Tel: 03-6434-9667

Apr 3-4, 6pm; Apr 5, 2pm. ¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en

Festivals TRADITIONAL

Learn about getting funnier on stage and off! Mar 14, 1-5pm. Approximately ¥3,000 (or more depending on options). Meiji-Jingumae Onden Community Centre. Meiji-jingūmae. Tel: 03-34071807. http://tokyocomedy.com/ standup_workshops

Community

Mt. Takao Hiwatari Matsuri

A Buddhist purification ceremony where monks and visitors walk across fire to burn away bad luck and misfortune. Mar 8, 1pm. Various fees apply . Takao-san Yakuo-in. Takaosanguchi. www. takaosan.or.jp/english/ Saitō Sai

Held each year before the coming of spring to pray for

Bicyclists of all treads meet for slideshows, 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

Other Events Shimokitazawa Japan Free Party

Good music, good food, good art. Mar 7, 4:20pm-1am. Free entrance. Rong Sura. Shimokitazawa. http://http://j. mp/shimokitafreeparty2015 Nitro Circus Live

Thrilling action sports entertainment that delivers mind-blowingly wild stunts. With motorcycles flying across the air and hazardous tricks successfully being performed one after another, there won't be a single dull moment. Mar 7, 5pm; Mar 8, 2pm. ¥7,000-30,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. http://nitrocircus.jp Ramen Girls Festival

An event for ramen-loving girls! Enjoy delicious ramen with your friends. Mar 7-8, 11am to 9pm. Free entry. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Minatomirai. Tel: 045-211-1515. www.facebook. com/RamengirlsFestival Fundraiser with 20 local performance poets and live jazz. Mar 21, 6:30-10:30pm. ¥2,000 w/ 1d. World Peace Theater. Kawasaki. http:// ytg.jp Art Fair Tokyo

Take in the best of Japanese contemporary art and enjoy new works from contemporary Asian galleries. Mar 20, 11am-9pm; Mar 21, 11am-8pm; Mar 22, 10:30am5pm. ¥1,500-3,000 (adv)/ ¥2,000-3,500 (door). Tokyo International Forum Exhibition Hall. Yurakucho. http:// artfairtokyo.com/en/ Rikugien Garden Illumination

Enjoy the illumination of the impressive shidarezakura, or weeping sakura tree. Mar 19-Apr 5, from sunset until 9pm. ¥150 (seniors)/¥300 (general)/ children free. Rikugien Gardens. Komagome. Tel: 03-3941-2222. http://meturl. com/rikugarden Ueno Sakura Matsuri

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School

Burlesque models pose for artstars and sketching newbies alike with arty socializing. Every third Wed, 7-10pm. ¥2,000 w/ 1d. Studio and Space IVVA. Meiji-Jingumae or Harajuku. www.facebook.com/ Dr.Sketchy.Tokyo

Bunkyo Ume Matsuri

Famous since the Edo Period for its wide variety of plum blossom types. Until Mar 8, 8am-7:30pm. Free. Yushima Tenjin. Yushima or Ueno Okachimachi. Tel: 03-38360753. www.yushimatenjin.or.jp

Seminar with an Alsatian-style dinner. Mar 14, 7-10:30pm. ¥11,980 + tax (adv reservation). Stellato. Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-3442-5588. www. wineandcooking.info/en/ specialevent.html

Poetry Slam & Live Jazz Comedy Performance Workshop

Half-Fast Cyclists Yomiuri Giants vs. DeNA Baystars

Alsace & German Wine Seminar

Learning

Various special events including a nighttime lantern illumination. Mar 29-Apr 7, all day. Free. Ueno Park. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-5644. http://http://j. mp/uenosakuramatsuri2015 Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, with nighttime illumination. Mar 29-Apr 7, all day. Free. Sumida Park. Asakusa. http://http://j.mp/ sumidacherryfestival2015/

The Sixth Festival of Japan Culture Academy in Tokyo

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and traditional arts. Mar 8, 10am-6pm. Kimonowearing experience ¥5,000, Tea ceremony and flower arranging ¥5,000, Rakugo ¥2,000. Or ¥10,000 for all three. Limit 30 people per course. Coredo Muromachi III 3F Kyoraku-Tei, Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall. Mitsukoshi-mae. Tel: 03-6215-8421. www. japan-pr.org. Email jpa@ japanfanclub.jp for application. First-come, first-served.

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

Metropolis and its 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, MAR 20 ISSUE Deadline: Mar 12, 3pm FRI, APR 3 ISSUE Deadline: Mar 26, 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 and moxibustion. Also body massage and reflexology. Mobile ser vice to your home or office. Email Takahito at innerbalance123@gmail.com or see http://tmasuda.wix. com/inner-balance.

ENGLISH -SPE AKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC in Toranomon Hills offers a wide range of preventive, co rre c t i ve an d cos m e t ic dentistry. Superior service focused on customer satisfaction and convenience. Open until 10pm. Modern dentistry at its best. www. rmdcc.com/english/ 0120-648-071

C O M P R E H E N S I V E H E A LT H C OV E R AG E F O R E X PAT S , D I P LO 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@earthhealthcare.jp w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp 078-351-7300

CURLY HAIR SPECIALIST IN TOK YO. English-speaking Kiyoko, highly experienced in NY’s curly hair salons, takes care of curly hair at her salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu. Reser vations: 03 -3793 2357 or info@nepenji.net http://english.nepenji.net/ index_en.html

MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN ROPPONGI WELCOMES FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get your haircut right. Haircuts ¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a ve ¥ 5 8 0 0. Kids’ haircuts ¥4000¥ 4 4 0 0. Fir s t-t ime discount ¥1 0 0 0. h t t p: //o a zo. 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

1.3 MOVING

MOVING OVERSEAS? Call ECONOSHIP! With over 35 years of experience, you can count on Econoship for courteous, efficient, reliable service and reasonable prices. Call, email, or see our new website. Ask how you can receive 10 boxes free of charge.0120 -222-111 info@econoship.net www.econoship.net

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY (physical therapy) c a r e i n H i r o o . Native English-speaking therapists specializing in sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, back /neck pain, running related, headaches, orthotics, ergonomic consultations and women’s health. www.tokyophysio.com 03-3443-6769

T H I N K I N G A B O U T ADVERTISING WITH METROPOLIS? Platinum ¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver

I M M I G R AT I O N S E R V I C E S I N E N G LI S H . Yo ko y a m a Administrative and Legal Of fice will suppor t all your visa needs: extension, s t a t u s c h a n g e, p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n c e, n a t u r a l i z a t i o n . Free consultation in Kinshicho available by reservation. Contact us at 03-5626-4139 or yokoyamaoffice@r8.ucom.ne.jp. http://meturl.com/yokoyama

L AW OFFICE IN K AWA SAKI (next to Tokyo), member of the Yokohama Bar A ssociation. Legal ser vice in English for traffic accidents, divorce, inheritance, bankruptcy, b u s i n e s s ca s e s (co n t r a c t s , establishing a company, trademarks, etc.) and other legal problems.Email: web@ smkw.biz www.sumikawa.net

ICHII CORPORATION. Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in central Tokyo locations. No key money/guarantor/agent fee required. New, clean apartments, simple contract system, full English support. Call us today! 03-5437-5233 www.japt.co.jp

S E R V I C E D A PA R T M E N T S i n a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites. 4min from Hiroo Stn. Rates: Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/ d a y . M o n t h l y ¥ 570 0 - /d a y . O ver t hre e mont hs ¥ 513 0 - / day. Tax, utilities included. frontdesk@azabucourt. co m w w w. a z a b u co u r t .co m 0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0

YOKOHAMA APARTMENT—ONE MONTH FREE RENT! One-room apartment, w/loft, small kitchen, b a t h r o o m , a l o n g t h e S o te t s u Line, easy access to Yokohama, To t s u k a , F u t a m a t a g a w a , Shonandai ¥45,000/m. Private rental. No agent fees. robhoey. c17@gmail.com

CRE ATIVE SO LUTION S . Specialists in branding, web design, photo/video production. Drawing A Crowd: a new approach in design. Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.co

Apartment needed in Tokyo for three months. Two French people seeking accommodation along the Yamanote Line. Can pay up to ¥130,000/m. Move in March for business. esteban@ lesgarconsdumarais.com

TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS, log on at w w w.metropolis. co.jp/classif ieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@ metropolisjapan.com.

House needed in Zushi, Hayama or Kamakura, w/garden, parking, tatami, 60sqm+, move-in date of Apr 1 ¥140,000/m. Photos appreciated. johnlander@yahoo.com

2 FIND A PLACE

CREA-UN UENO. Furnished private rooms, w/digital locks, near Asakusa, Ueno, Skytree. Safe area, femaleonly, roof top 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:// w w w. s a k u r a - k o - b o . c o m 03-6912-0692

English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF, early 30s, seeking a language exchange partner. I'm not a teaching professional, but if you are interested in studying with me, please mail me. Female preferred. natsuki711@hotmail.co.jp English and Japanese. Japanese lady seeks a native speaker of American English for language exchange. Please drop me a line if you are interested. M/F, any age ok. Please be serious. Thanks in advance. patricia_idaida@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Do you want to improve your translation and speaking skills? Canadian, 40s, seeking a language partner. Let's help each other with our language skills over tea. Let's meet in Ikebukuro or Shinjuku. tarry2@ hotmail.com English and Japanese. Hi! I am a JF, 39, looking to improve my English level in the Yokohama area. Of course, I am happy to help you with J as well. yukinky@gmail.com English and Japanese. JF seeks an exchange partner in the daytime on weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. tome. haruka-soushi@ezweb.ne.jp English and Japanese. Do you want to improve your translation and speaking skills? Canadian, 40-ish, seeking a language partner. Let's help each other with our language skills over tea. tarry2@hotmail.com

2.5 PLACE WANTED

House-sitting opportunity wanted. Responsible family from Germany seeking house-sitting opportunity for one to four weeks in Aug. Lived in Japan 10 years, know the dos and don’ts, fluent in Japanese. Will take care of house, cat, dog, plants, etc. nekobasu4649@gmail.com Seeking roommate. Female seeking apartment in Tokyo. I want to move to an apartment with a roommate for a long time, like one year minimum. Preferably close to Korakuen Stn. lucero_p22@ hotmail.com

3 EDUCATION 3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE English and Japanese. Japanese female, 30s, seeking a language exchange partner. Prefer meeting once/ twice a week at cafes in Chiba (Sobu Line

日本語と英語。僕はイギリス人 .

毎日日本語を勉強してる. でも言語交換にいつも失敗しちゃう.

juicysummer@gmail.com

3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL

IKEBANA (JAPANESE TRADITIONAL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful means of self-expression. Trial les son, inclu din g all materials ¥4000. No Japanese necessary. C e r t i f i ca t i o n , d i p l o m a ca n be earned. Three classroom locations in Tokyo. Website: w w w.atelier-soka.com/ english/index.html Email: smile@mika-otani.com

3.9 TEACH ME! T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G LI S H LESSONS. Working towards becoming an English-to-Japanese translator, but need help polishing my English. Can translate simple documents in exchange for English lessons. michiane256@gmail.com

English and Japanese. I'm a man, 24, from London, England, looking to improve my basic Japanese and make Japanese friends in exchange for some English conversation. Near Shinjuku on Thu would be best, but other suggestions welcome! cal.mclean90@ gmail.com

PhD student in engineering? Tokyo only. D2/D3 student at a Japanese university? Majoring in electrical/ wireless/communication, etc.? I need some mentoring on how to design simulation. Must be able to use Matlab/ Simulink. Will pay ¥3000/two hours. yatri_in_town@yahoo.co.jp

English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF, 21, seeking a language exchange partner in Tokyo. I like food, dancing, traveling, so I'm learning foreign languages. Looking forward to your messages. ilusmmy@ softbank.ne.jp

Professional Java/XML programmer wanted (local only). Seeking Java/web programmer. Java, XML, servlet skills. Ability to read and interpret/debug codes is a must. Shinjuku/Kanda/Ueno, 7pm onwards, or weekends. Can pay ¥3000/ two hours, plus coffee. yatri_in_town@ yahoo.co.jp

English and Japanese. Language exchange group [JESL Hiro] is now ready to start again! Be core members and create a fun group together. Every Wed, 7:30-9:30pm, at coffee shop in Hiroo. Free to join. ando.andy@gmail.com

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). Tel: 090 - 8330 - 0670 Email: mailto@officelife.jp Website: http://officelife.jp/en

2.1 GUESTHOUSE

I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT N I PPA S H I O FFI CE s u p p o r t s visa and naturalization applications, company establishment and b r a n c h o f f i ce i n s t a l l a t i o n , including commercial registration, as well as inheritance procedures in Japan. Free consultation available in English, Español and Japanese. Tel: 03-6264-8446 np@nippashi.com http://nippashi.com

K ANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE. Brand - new furnished share rooms, separate male and female floors, all rooms w/ digital locks, aircon, fridge, 1 min wal k from Kan am achi Stn, Chiyoda Line ¥40,000/m. room@airay- apar tment .net 03 - 5 8 76 - 4 575 w w w.a i r a y apartment.net

2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000

¥21,600. Prices include one photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo + ¥2000). Prices are for 4 0 words, one print issue, t wo weeks online. For details, email us at commercial@ metropolisjapan.com.

1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY

would be best). I'm looking forward to hearing from you. kintaro2060@yahoo. co.jp

English and Japanese. Open-minded Japanese female, 23-40, sought for language exchange and socializing. Serious only. Call Bobby at 090-55896864 or 080-8118-4073. English and Japanese. Asian-American male, 38, fluent in E, wants to make new friends in Tokyo. F/M ok. Please teach me J. Prefer to meet during lunchtime. gariben2@gmail.com English and Japanese. Australian chef seeking language exchange partner in the Akasaka area. Available daytime, Mon-Fri. Let’s learn together. jamiewilliams8@hotmail.com English, Korean, Japanese. Native English guy, speaks good 韓国語 and poor 日本語 , seeking someone to hang out with, chat in different languages (E and J or Kor), and drink some beer. Sound good? itsumogenki@ outlook.com French and Japanese. Fr and J exchange in Otemachi. winds_fr@ hotmail.com French, English, Japanese. European man seeking a language exchange partner to improve his Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E. Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and interests. Machida area preferred. understanding_life@ hotmail.com German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J language exchange partner. Seit Sechs Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested, drop me a line. gardenstate2005@ hotmail.com 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

日本語 . 日本語を教えて頂けますか？お願い致します！ pronusprorsus@yahoo.com

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Bed, single (L2 16xW98xH37cm), tatami, as new, w/drawer s at head and foot, dismantles for transportation. Pick up Hongo Sanchome, Oedo/Marunouchi lines. vaclav.bosek@email.cz 09090040779 Bed, single, almost new, black metal frame, headboard and power socket. New ¥9000. Sell ¥2000. navacmg@gmail.com Cabinet, corner (73x73xH60), dark wood, glass door, w/two shelves inside ¥3000/obo. Photos available. tripeler@ yahoo.com 080-6581-4724 Desk, solid, dark wood, two-drawer (W120xD60xH72), w/matching threedrawer pedestal on casters, chair, as new ¥20,000. Shinjuku-Okubo area. Delivery not included. sebre@mac.com Sofa, leather (210x100), black, in very good condition ¥25,000/obo. Pick up only. msvh@hotmail.com Table, dining, solid (200x100x75) ¥ 15,0 0 0. Myorenji, Yokohama. listserver98@hotmail.com

4.2 APPLIANCES Deep fryer, Tefal, home-use, new in box, safety features ¥2000/obo. tripeler@ yahoo.com 080-6581-4724 Fridge, National NR-B123J, as new, light gray ¥3000. alessandrolibri@gmail.com Fridge, Panasonic, eco-friendly, 426L, made in Japan, five sections, ice maker, three y/o. New ¥105,000. Sell ¥50,000/ obo. amyrita@workmail.com Fridge/warmer, Twinbird HR-4707, micro-sized, holds six regular cans, rounded retro look, new in box ¥1500. tripeler@yahoo.com

Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Plant pot s, air humidifier, photo frame, Japanese study books. Details available. yannu@ hotmail.com Sayonara sale! Shelves, fridge, aircon, tables, etc. Pick up Nishi-Nippori. cgsayonara@gmail.com Sayonara sale! White desk; wardrobe; TV cabinet; upright piano; 32” HDTV; tube TV; Panasonic fridge, eco, 426L, as new; portable gas heater/timer; convection oven; microwave; fan/timer; small, solid-wood table; fax/phone/ answering machine; etc. amyrita@ workmail.com Sayonara sale! Computer monitor, 17”, Toshiba; window blinders, three sets; flat TV, second generation; washer, built-in dryer, 5kg; two-door fridge; stove ¥25,000/all. Photos available. Delivery possible if nearby. pop10eye@ gmail.com Sayonara sale! Epson PC, in very good condition ¥9000/obo. Four tables ¥2000/each. Deluxe German sandwich/ waffle maker ¥ 4000. And more. takecareletsgo@yahoo.com

4.4 TV & HOME THEATER HDTV 32”, Toshiba ¥30,000. Panasonic am/fm/CD/cassette stereo, w/ two Onkyo speakers ¥20,000. VCR ¥5000. Toshiba TV, 24”, tube: free. amyrita@workmail. com Projector, business, 28lbs, w/2000 lumens, fold-and-carry projection screen, brand-new lamp, laptop ¥90,000. masui41@live.com

4.6 FOR KIDS Chair. Retro orange egg chair ¥1000. Pick up Gotanda. vandley.industries@ gmail.com Clothing, winter: gloves, cap, muffler. Cheap. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Diapers, Merries, size L, tape, never opened, two boxes available ¥5000/ each. ¥9000/both. Pick up Okubo/ Higashi-Nakano. purejasmine1004@ hotmail.com Potty training toilet seat, frogshaped, cushioned, w/handles, never used ¥2000. Pick up Keio/JR Hashimoto Stn. chinami35@yahoo.co.jp P u s h c a r t , w o o d ( H 51 x W 3 5 . 5 x D34.5cm), w/various toys attached ¥5000. Pick up Keio/JR Hashimoto Stn or nearby. chinami35@yahoo.co.jp

4.7 FOR FREE Drawer, plastic, cream outer case, w/ dark clear drawer (D65xW43Hx23). Pick up central Yokohama. angelitonegro@ hotmail.com Table/desk, adjus table height (60x120cm/24x47"), white top, steel feet, in excellent condition. Pick up Moto-Azabu. msvh@hotmail.com msvh@ hotmail.com Various items. Three ceiling light fixtures, three closet cabinets, fourpiece sectional sofa, chest of drawers, computer desk, dining table. Details, photos available. hanslefamily@gmail. com

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Case, Pelican 1550, black, never used, but foam insert has been altered for equipment ¥25,000. sebre@mac.com Charger, Nikon Quick MH-18A, in excellent condition ¥3000. sebre@ mac.com Digital camera, Sony Cybershot DSC-F828, three batteries, charger, cables, light and case. davenport_j@ ymail.com

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Amp, Shelter 916 Phono, as new ¥60,000. Tokyo. scw105@yahoo.co.uk Bass, Somnus Zi, five-string, handmade in Japan, mid-’80s, fully serviced/

adjusted by Tune Guitar Technologies ¥100,000/obo. mcmctokyo13@gmail. com Electric guitar, green, w/power cord and case ¥4000. davenport_j@ymail. com Keyboard, Yamaha PSR-E413, portable, w/stand, in excellent condition, hardly used. New ¥35,000. Sell ¥15,000. msvh@hotmail.com Keyboard, Casio WK-1200, 73 keys, six oc taves, touch type, w/ 100 rhythms and 200 tones, electronic drum kit, recording features, stand, in good condition ¥10,000/obo. Pick up Yokohama Stn. jnwells95@gmail.com Tabla (Indian percussion instrument), w/brand-new, high quality heads refitted for both dayan and bayan, slightly worn soft bag, two cushions, two covers, tuning hammer ¥27,000. Pick up Kodaira Stn. astroidea@ hotmail.com

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD Japanese learning material. Pimsleur Japanese I, II and III, original package, in excellent condition, each set contains 16 audio CDs, booklet, guide ¥19,000/ all. mita.yama@hotmail.com

5.5 GAMING 任天堂ファンですか？ The worldfamous Famicast is seeking a Japanese co-host. The biweekly podcast is done by volunteers who love Nintendo gaming in Japan. Not paid, but lots of fun! famicomplicated@gmail.com www. nintendoworldreport.com/famicast 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.

5.6 COLLECTORS Beer glasses, from various Japanese microbreweries, new, collection of 12 ¥3000/all. ¥300/each. Krombacher Pils glass boot, 1.5L ¥1500/obo. tripeler@ yahoo.com 080-6581-4724 Jaeger-LeCoultre travel alarm, 1969, gold-plated, made in Switzerland, in full working order, original black leather etui, w/original catalog and price list supplied by Jaeger-LeCoultre in ‘91, w/ model confirmation letter ¥25,000/obo. mcmctokyo13@gmail.com

6 VEHICLES 6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Benz C180 Wagon Kompressor, ‘05, Avantgarde limited edition, black, ETC, 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 Lincoln Navigator 5.4, Nov ‘02, 49,000 miles, left-hand drive, black, shaken till Mar ‘15 ¥850,000. Offers considered. Photos available. doddsstephen@ gmail.com

folding gas camp stove, folding pot, two backpacks, folding water tank, etc. ¥5000. Negotiable. tocco_di_classe@ hotmail.com

or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer or support, please contact team@ jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com

7.4 ITEMS WANTED iPhone 5s, in good condition. Can pay ¥10,000. eri04@arcor.de

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE HD, Western Digital My Passport, 2TB, never opened, formatted for Mac, can be reformatted for Win. New ¥17,000. Sell ¥10,000. becalm77@gmail.com MacBook, 13", 2.6GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB, 1600MHz, 128GB, w/retina display, never used, SmartShell protective case. New ¥145,000. Sell ¥120,000. becalm77@ gmail.com Tablet, Samsung Galaxy 10.1, Wi-Fi and LTE (4G), locked to DoCoMo, in very good condition, no scratches, main unit only (no charger) ¥10,000. ada38cai@ hotmail.com

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME FR E E E N G LI S H -TO -JA PA N E S E TRANSLATION. Working towards becoming a translator and need practice with simple documents. Have experience working in law office, accounting, HR and sales. michiane256@gmail.com Are you an expert C++ developer? I need you to help me walk through a program. You need to have very good skills. Minimum education: master's degree in engineering or sciences. Can pay ¥3000/two hours, plus coffee. yatri_ in_town@yahoo.co.jp Atheist show needs hosts. We promote positive atheism, knowledge, common sense. Similar to Atheist Experience on YouTube. assassin.wolves.films@ gmail.com Business partnership. European with 20 years' experience in early childhood education and language training seeking a business partner to join a unique education project. No investment needed but your time. A great opportunity to make a difference in this world. understanding_life@hotmail.com 080-3126-9376 Climate expert needed. Seeking an expert or someone knowledgeable about climate change to talk about the human impact on the environment. assassin. wolves.films@gmail.com Seeking E/J translator in Machida. I would like to edit some documents into Japanese, but I have limited knowledge of it. I can teach you English or French. Please contact me. Machida area preferred. understanding_life@hotmail. com

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 TOK YO. If you have a problem with drinking, we can help. English-speaking meetings daily. 03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. org http://aatokyo.org HI V Peer Suppor t group 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. TTC Tokyo is an infertility support group that provides informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another. Please visit website for more info. admin@ttctokyo. org www.ttctokyo.org

10.3 LOST FRIENDS Seeking photographer Max. Seeking Max (originally from Kyushu), a photographer who lived in Tokyo House (Otsuka) in the mid-’90s. His girlfriend’s name was Rei. Anyone know their whereabouts? Please let me know. Thank you. om_services@ laposte.net

Trainer, remove front wheel and attach bike to ride in stationary position ¥3000/ obo. tripeler@yahoo.com

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES Fax/phone/answering machine, Panasonic, w/one wireless phone, extended warranty, extra ink, boxed, hardly used. New ¥27,000. Sell ¥15,000/ obo. amyrita@workmail.com

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS Camping stuff. One tent, sleeps two, w/mattress and light sleeping bag,

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t anything. From emergency assistance to simple questions. Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,”

I NTE RN ATI O N A L PA RT Y AT L E A F C U P. C o m e j o i n u s and have fun. Men: ¥ 3000. Foreigners/women: ¥2000. All- you - can - drink- and - eat . Iidabashi and Yokohama: Mar 7 and 21. Shibuya: Mar 14 and 28. 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 and 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 FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League players. We play ever y Sat from 1 0am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners welcome! Good exercise and fun! Many other activities, such as BBQs and drinking parties! Email for details. tokyorugbyleague@ hotmail.com ht tp: //ameblo.jp/ tokyo13warriors

WRITE A MESSAGE FOR YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E ! Write any thing, from bir thday messages to proposals. http:// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L PARTY - SPRING SPECIAL. Sat, Mar 28, 6:30-9pm, Bar Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest international party. 250 people expected.

in the Shuto League 1st Division. http://www.facebook.com/tokyo. crusaders www.tokyocrusaders. com TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w s p o r t f ro m S cot lan d . Usin g a tambourine-like instrument as a racquet, players hit a shuttlecock. We play two or three times/month on weekends in Meguro with many socials. Join us! More details: www. tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan. org All-level tennis group in Tokyo. Serious and motivated tennis players sought by active tennis group to join their weekly sessions in central Tokyo. We have advanced and intermediate groups on weekday evenings. Beginner and low-intermediate also welcome. No entrance or membership fees. Reasonable participation fees. tokyo. tennis@yahoo.fr Badminton club in Tokyo. Small international group seeks players from abroad. If you know basic footwork, strokes and play seriously, you could definitely enjoy playing with us. mune2006@hotmail.co.jp www. geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html Basketball at Tsukimino Junior High, Kanagawa. Wednesdays from 7-9pm. One time ¥100. seanjapanese@yahoo. co.jp

11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE. One year (24 issues) ¥3600 (c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s , 7-100 copies ok ¥22,560). Half year (12 issues) ¥1800 (c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s , 7-100 copies ok ¥12,000). Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club). D etail s at ht t p: // metropolisjapan.com/ subscription.

10.2 SUPPORT

N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous English counseling daily from 9am-11pm by trained v o l u n t e e r s ( 0 3 - 5 7 74 - 0 9 9 2 ) . TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual psychotherapy by accredited Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider (03 - 4550 -1146). TELL website: www.telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ TokyoLifeLine.

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

11 MESSAGES

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Road bike, Giant TCR, size M frame, yellow/black, as new, currently disassembled, various parts available. New ¥226,000. Sell ~¥50,000. Price depends on parts. View Shin-Nakano. cjriach@hotmail.com

All-you-can-drink and free snacks. Japanese men: ¥4000. Others: ¥ 30 0 0. M obile: ht t p: // getyourfriend.com/mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.com http:// w w w.get your frien d.com / 090-1735-5405

A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby League team is seeking Rugby Le a g u e p l aye r s f o r J a p a n e s e Ru gby Le a gu e of f icial g ames from Apr to Sep. Everyone welcome. Contact for more details. japananzacs@gmail.com FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join us for social or competitive touch rugby ever y Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake Stn, Yurikamome Line. Any age, sex, level ok. Please email for details. funwithtouch@gmail. c o m w w w. f u n w i t h t o u c h .c o m / where-we-play P L AY R U G B Y. T h e To k y o Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club. D evo te d to t h e g a m e a n d i t s social side, the “Cru” welcomes all players and supporters. Established in 1990, the Cru plays

Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com Flag football players needed. Anyone with experience in American football or flag football interested in joining a team in the Tokyo area, please contact me. We play in the spring and fall. Thanks and talk soon! billzjapan@gmail.com Football /soccer players. Tokyo Redstar, Setagaya League 1, is seeking soccer players. Practice almost every Sat/Sun in Tokyo. Players in a spirit of fair play welcome. saito987@hotmail. com http://tokyoredstar.com Futsal in Tokorozawa. Sun night futsal? Mostly 30-45 year olds, every Sun evening, non-league, but mildly competitive. Come and play for exercise and fun! Any age and nationality ok. futsalintokorozawa@gmail.com Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp 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 Gaelic football in Japan. Japan Gaelic Athletic Association is always seeking new members, M/F ok. No experience necessary. Great way to meet new people and get fit at the same time. japangaa@gmail.com www.facebook. com/japangaa 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 International football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio0417@yahoo.co.jp Jogging Yokosuka. SJM seeking friends to jog 8-20km in Yokosuka, mornings preferred, but depending on the day, other times could work, too. ジョギング仲間募集横須賀 . elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es Quality football. Interes ted 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 Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts. Free training group for samurai and ninjutsu fighting arts. Vigorous, but safe and intelligent, one-on-one, or small group training depending on

JOBS

To advertise: commercial@metropolisjapan.com

03-4588-2277

Executive Sales Training in Japan One that really achieves results!

CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi, S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g enthusiastic, prof icient English, French, Spanish and/or German speakers who can teach and lead lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/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 WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on hotels, restaurants and bars to offer our high-quality wines at incredible prices. Candidates should be confident, J/E bilingual, passionate about wine, love fine dining and travel, have experience in sales, wine or both. Full-time (Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm). Position available immediately. Please send cover letter and resume to winejob@metropolisjapan.com. WANT TO HELP CREATE METROPOLIS? We’re seeking social media, web, and editorial interns. Great opportunity to gain experience in a multimedia company ! To appl y, send intro let ter, CV and relevant clips to editor@metropolisjapan.com. METROPOLIS is seeking a motivated E/J bilingual admin intern. Transportation and business expenses provided. Ability to work three or more days/ week preferred. Please send E/J resume to jobs@metropolisjapan.com.

the day. Spiritual refinement is a key element. rootarty@gmail.com

NO JAPANESE REQUIRED. E nglish teachers and play staff for kids wanted for new private English s c h o o l s a n d a f te r- s c h o o l c a r e facilities opening in Kanto. Contract: ¥250,000/m, plus transportation. Visa support. Details and application at http://bit.ly/gpm-playteach. 03-3836-9686 gp-cdnt@globalpower. co.jp

J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P. J a p a nTr a v e l . c o m i s s e e k i n g E/J bilingual interns to join the largest tourism website in Japan. Multiple opportunities in content, sales/marketing and web/design. Work in an exciting, global environment in Roppongi. Transportation and business expenses provided. No salary, minimum three months, chance for full-time position. Please send your resume (E/J) to info@japantravel.com.

Tennis in central Tokyo. Active group of tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes serious/motivated new players. We play on weekday evenings and weekends. Different levels (sorry, no beginners), fun training sessions and games with great people from all over. tennis.tokyo@yahoo.fr Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese and foreign volleyball players gather in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have volleyball experience and want to play volleyball in a friendly atmosphere? inter vollclub@yahoo.co.jp http:// intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/ Women’s soccer club. Five-a-side, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities, experience level s, beginners welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio@ hotmail.co.jp

CORPORATE OR INDIVIDUAL TRAINING Improve your sales by 20% minimum Full day course: 9AM to 5PM Weekend or weekdays For more information or inquiries:

info.fti.jp@gmail.com Tel: 090-9978-3506 (9am - 5pm)

Frank A. Kasala, President & CEO of Future Technologies International, has over 40 years of international sales experience and 17 years as a corporate sales instructor.

メトロポリスはバイリンガル（日英）の営業スタッフを募集しています。是非、私達の広告マーケティングチームに加わりませんか！応募条件：責任感をもって勤勉に取り組める方、協調性があ

NOMURA REAL ESTATE URBAN NET CO.,LTD.

り、意欲を持って主体的に働ける方を募集して

“YOUR PARTNER FOR REAL ESTATE IN AZABU JŪBAN”

います。営業経験のある方は歓迎します。フルタイム (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm) で働ける方に限ります。jobs@metropolisjapan.com

13.2 LEISURE

Seeking Japanese archery companions. Let’s do kyudo near Tokyo. Once/month for three hours, weekends only. See website for details. datemasamune216@yahoo.co.jp http:// jmty.jp/tokyo/com-spo/article-qa3g 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

YOUR KEY TO THE SUCCESS! INTERNATIONALLY PROVEN

WEEKEND AWAY? Inn By The Sea Kamakura, a 4min walk from Hase Stn, offers child-friendly accommodation near the D a i b u t s u , H a s e Te m p l e, Yuigahama Beach and many other Kamakura landmarks. Find us on Facebook at I n n B yTh e S e a Ka m a k u r a . innbytheseakamakura.com innbythesea@yahoo.com MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.com Japanese home cooking. Japanese housewife offers free home cooking lessons to females at her house near Kawasaki Stn on weekdays during the day. Free, but you 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. Our next ET contact event will be at Lake Mottosu, Yamanashi Prefecture, on Mar 21/22. nakanosky@gmail.com www.meetup. com / Tokyo - E T- Contac t- Group / events/193113322 Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard club for anyone living in, or visiting Tokyo. We go on big group trips e v e r y w e e ke n d i n t h e w i n te r. Powder, live music event s, and parties in snow. Membership is free! info @ tok yosnowcl ub.com w w w. tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616

For Buyers, Make Your Dream Home a Reality with Us For Sellers, Let Us Help You Get Your Asking Price NOMURA REAL ESTATE URBAN NET CO.,LTD.

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism(3)No.6011 Member of the Association of Real Estate Agents of Japan Member of the Real Estate Fair Trade Council

CALL: 080-1102-7667 / 03-5444-2281 OPEN THURSDAY-MONDAY, 9:30AM-6:10PM SALES REP: MASARU NAKAMURA OFFICE ADDRESS: 1F AXIA FORESTA, masa-nakamura@nomura-re.co.jp 2-11-5 AZABU-JŪBAN, MINATO-KU

13.3 ARTS Artist/photographer seeks attractive and sexy female for natural, fashion and glamor photos. Digital photos in return for your time. West of Tokyo. Please email w/sample photos. understanding_life@ hotmail.com

13.4 MUSIC Cajón player. I’m a Japanese guy who plays the cajón. I’m available for gigs, rehearsals, jam sessions, etc., in Tokyo. I look forward to playing music with various people. If you are interested, feel free to contact me. si.utro@i-ml.com Female singer sought by Japanese guitarist to form new duo around Yoyogi Park. Beginners welcome! I like pop, rock, punk, Fergie, FOB, One Direction, Avril, Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana, etc. riku_hiroxx@hotmail.com

WE BUY AND SELL METALS & JEWELRY!

・Valuable used Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and Viennese Gold (1 toz ~ 1/10 toz) in stock! ・Refurbished platinum and other metals, New jewelry and craft jewelry also available. ・Free value appraisal.

2/6 Valu

1 toz: ¥1

Referenc

68,000－

e price of

items: ¥

new

175,084

－

Metropolis readers receive a free gift with purchases of ¥20,000 or more

Loja de Ouro 金のみせ

Ishikawacho station 0120-5610-68 10:00-18:30 / Closed Sundays and Mondays

Keyboardist/bassist available for gigs in Tokyo. Open to various styles, classically trained on piano/violin. Producing electronic dance music on the side. Contact me for recordings, etc. Peace! maticmatics101@gmail.com youtube.com/maticmatics/videos Seeking a capella singer and voice percussionist. We're two a capella singers, with great singing experience, living in Tokyo, seeking alto, tenor and voice percussionist. Rehearsals in Shinjuku and Shibuya. We'll start with Pentatonix songs. konpeiioi@yahoo. co.jp

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

Kinnomise http://kinnomise-chugai.jp/

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

Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 090-35983072 for more info. daginia@gmail.com www.diamondway.jp/ 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. ライトワーカーヒーリング。任意の助けのための私に連絡してください。 winds_fr@ hotmail.com

13.8 PROFESSIONAL

THE RACE IS ON!

Groups of 4 or more can compete with each other

Tokyo Traders Club. International club for traders and investors. Discuss opportunities in stocks, commodities and forex. Many regular events, including FX trading workshop. New to trading? No problem; beginners also welcome. You can also learn to trade. Join free! info@tokyotraders. com http://www.tokyotraders.com/ 080-5444-1321

Admission 1 ticket (7 min)=¥2100, 3 tix=¥5200, 5 tix=¥7800 ¥47,000

13.9 INTERNATIONAL

Since 1949

今年は"にほんごをもの"にする EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL

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

JAPANESE PROFICIENCY TEST N1, N2, N3, N4 ST

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

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

UDEN VISA T

Registr ati July 20 on for 15 NOW O term PEN!

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

03-3713-4958

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

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Brit for Brit (Yankee or Irish ok, too). Eee-up, chap from Blighty here seeking some fellow people from back home for chats involving words of more than one syllable (at least until we’ve had a few beers). i.do.tricks@gmail.com Coffee in Machida. Would anyone from Western countries (especially northern Europe) like to have a cup or two of coffee together with an Englishspeaking JF, 30s, in/around the Machida area? Please be nonsmokers, late 20s30s. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp

Don’t miss an issue!

One year (24 issues) ¥3,600. Half year (12 issues) ¥1,800. One year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥22,560. Half year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥12,000. Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club).

http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription 30

Dansker i Tokyo? JF, 30s, boet i KBH befor og vil gerne laere sprog&kultur mere. Nogen dansker i Tokyo omraade til at moedes? Ikke-ryger, late 20s-30s preferred. Glaeder mig til at hoere fra jer snart! codename107113@live.com Friends from New Zealand. Japanese female, 30s, seeking friends from NZ. I speak English. Let's get together and chat! Thank you. kaoruko52@i. softbank.jp Interested in Britain? Professional British guy working near Marunouchi is seeking interesting people to hang out with after work for drinks. Any nationality ok. Prefer someone with an interest in the UK. I'm late 30s, speak some Japanese and Korean. englishmobile@outlook.com

Jogging mate at Yokohama Stn. English- and Spanish-speaking JM seeks jogging mates with good personalities for 8-20km. Any nationality welcome as long as we can speak in English/Spanish. elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es New friends. American male, can never have enough friends. If you feel the same way, please look me up. I enjoy drinking, dining, or just hanging out at a cafe as long as the conversation is interesting. mixnplay@yahoo.com Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@yahoo.co.jp Sunday friends. Western guy, enjoys hiking, relaxing at the beach, kayaking, seeking friends with free Sundays to enjoy places like Izu, the lakes, shrines, onsen, picnics. “ 簡単異本五台ジョブ。” Say hello. scorpiosrealm@ hotmail.co.uk Tokyo Stn. Professional male, English, late 30s, living and working in Tokyo, seeking easygoing people for drinks, chats after work around Tokyo Stn, Shimbashi, etc. This is not for language exchange. Please tell me about yourself when you reply. m3_3m@outlook.com Want a new friend? Japanese female, fluent in English and Japanese, easy to talk to, down-to-earth, is seeking new friends, nonsmokers preferred, for hanging out, chatting, eating out, movies, etc. Let's enjoy each other's company and laugh together! apriluuuu@gmail.com

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN SUBMISSIVE SJM, 36, cute, is seriously seeking a woman who is into, or interested in, dominating men. I am so submissive, with seven years’ experience, that I am happy to take whatever and serve you in any way. slaveintok yo@ gmail.com Adventure. Adventurous, handsome man s e ek in g la dy. Ea sy goin g, humorous, fun to be with, loves travel. Let's meet. zukkpo_ikopu3@hotmail. com American man seeking adventure partner. Hi, my name is Mike. I'm American, 51, seeking a woman to share adventures with and eat good food. Let's talk over email first. Thank you. usagidesu63@yahoo.com A re you mis sin g p as sion? Professional, well-educated, successful, accomplished married male is seeking a nonsmoking, loving, passionate Japanese woman for a long-term discreet relationship to cherish and adore each other. Dinners, movies, travel... Serious only, please. nicefunguy_321@yahoo.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 Caring and cute JM seeks attractive, hearty, nonsmoking Western female for friendship. I simply would like to share fun, interesting and great experiences with you. If you feel the same way, just drop me a line. jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jp Caring for each other. JM, 44, slim, young-looking, seeks a Western female for a love-filled relationship. I promise you respect and understanding. Let's start from friendship and see how it goes. Sincere, decent personality required. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp Chinese, Singaporean, Korean..? British guy, 30s, seeking non-Japanese women to hang out with, maybe more. It may seem obvious, but please only contact me if you have time to meet. No Japanese seeking marriage with a gaijin, please! greenteais.yummy@ gmail.com Cute, interesting Japanese male for SWF. SJM seeks attractive Western female with a nice smile. If you are interested in chatting over coffee or nice food, please contact me. I am looking forward to your message. Just try once. juniperten2013@gmail.com

Different kind of language exchange. I want to learn some rude Japanese words. Let's go to a love hotel and watch some naughty movies. Please help me understand what the actors/actresses are saying. I'll pay for the hotel. moosehoose32@ yahoo.com French businessman, tall, goodlooking, 40, 185cm, 逞しいタイプ, seeks a long-term relationship with a Japanese female, 20s-30s. Openminded, curious, simple, affectionate, needs love and tenderness. 日本語 ok. jaimeparisalafolie@yahoo.fr Fun-loving English guy, early 40s, slim, professional, lighthearted, loves restaurants, great food and wine. Let's enjoy our time together. feynman73@ yahoo.com I know what you like. I know how you like to be touched. I know how you like to be kissed. I know what makes you feel good. You are 25-30, nonsmoking. Tell me why you liked this. wakaruyo@ outlook.com Japanese girlfriend. British man, new to Japan, seeks Japanese girlfriend to show him around. Me: 173cm, blue eyes, blond hair, medium build, likes music, reading, etc. jhdf2007@yahoo.co.uk JF penpals sought. Hi, I'm 38, currently living in the UK. I'm seeking Japanese female penpals, 20-30, to exchange emails and snail mail letters. Japanese only. tardis.ah40@gmail.com Love hotel. Seeking someone to be casual friends with. rabbitquick1234@ yahoo.com Lovely jukujo (熟女), 38 and up, sought. jayes8518@aol.com Mature and sophisticated Japanese, some have said charming, seeking an elegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dream about wild nights as well as sharing the simple pleasures of love. Is that you? imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp Mature and sophisticated nonJapanese, some have said deluded, is seeking an elegant, passionate and kind SHF ("So Humorous Female"). I dream about wild nights as well as sharing the simple pleasures. ja22y@outlook.com Mature man for mature woman. Attractive, mature European man, 50, seeks a Japanese lover. I prefer somebody around my age (40s-60s). I am highly cultured and like Japanese ladies very much. vbcfgt@hotmail.com Mature man for relationship with mature woman. Long-term open relationship, w/reciprocal freedom. Important: mature attitude, intelligent, open-minded, positive. vbc fgt@ hotmail.com Movie buddies. Seeking someone to enjoy going out to movies, doing exercise and going on romantic trips. I am working in Tokyo. I'd prefer someone who uses Ueno Stn or who lives nearby. love.silence.1988@gmail.com MWM seeks MJF in Ebisu area. I am a sane, warm, fit MWM, early 40s, who is happy at home, but wants passion, too. Seeking a MJF who is in the same position for something exciting. bdtguy@hotmail.com MWM seeks MJF. Western man living in Tokyo, passionate, sensual, creative, seeking a married lady for a long-term, discreet relationship. scorpiosrealm@ hotmail.co.uk Need love. H ands ome Engl ish gentleman, moderate build, mid30s, needs beautiful, passionate JF. I am handsome, fun, intelligent, wellmannered and empathic. Let's have romance together. Please send photo w/email. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. edanoki@gmail.com New year, something new. Western guy, 40, seeks a woman for occasional

weekend meetings to explore Japan's beautiful countryside, shrines, lakes, trails and interesting places. I like driving, music, picnics on the beach and onsen. scorpiosrealm@hotmail.co.uk

Single mother sought by father with 6-year-old boy for meeting, having fun and speaking English on weekends with the kids. understanding_life@ hotmail.com

Nice black American in Saitama. Hi, I am seeking nice people to talk with. Anywhere is fine. I live near Soka. rabbitquick1234@yahoo.com

Single, handsome, caring, witty Japanese male 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

Non-Japanese? Non-Japanese bloke seeks English-speaking non-Japanese blokess to meet after work. I've nothing against Japanese, but would just like to natter and laugh with someone without worrying about whether they understand what I'm saying. advenchures+1224@gmail.com Passionate lady for romance and fun wanted. Prefer 30s to early 40s, healthy, eager for adventure. Let's enjoy our time together and try different things. Email for details. Start with dinner, then move to other events... cayote248@gmail.com Romance and dating. Very nice and sexy gentleman seeks an older, or much older, woman to have nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@yahoo.co.uk Romance by email for married person. I miss simple, sweet romance. Married with happy family and life, good job, late 40s, European gentleman. vbcfgt@ hotmail.com Seeking big, tall woman. Caucasian guy, prefers big, tall ladies. Me: in tel l igent , f r ie n dl y, d ow n -to earth, active, good sense of humor. ms2013spk@yahoo.com Seeking chubby, serious JF. European guy, 40, open-minded, easygoing, honest, faithful, seeks a JF who can meet up soon (not too many emails) for a long-term relationship. Let's meet up over coffee and talk. niman429@ yahoo.com Seeking fun. SWM, 28, French, seeking people who want fun like me. My life is stable, but boring and stressful. I need excitement for my mental health balance. If you feel the same way, contact me, please. reydajp@yahoo. co.jp

Slim, well-dressed English guy, 177cm, enjoys wine, food and singing. Let's have some fun together. I have a good heart and a great voice. I speak Japanese ok, but also want to exchange language. Restaurant partner is a must. feynman73@yahoo.com

S e e k i n g m a r r i e d アラフォー. American gentleman, romantic type, perfect boyfriend, seeks a married アラフォー lady for friendship and more. I want a discreet relationship with real feelings with one special woman. togethertokyo@yahoo.com

Seeking romance? Fit, athletic Western man, 40s, seeks a lady to spend some romantic times with. Let's meet for coffee first. Discretion is a must. beckham69jp@yahoo.co.jp Seeking serious relationship leading to marriage with a serious lady. Please no drama—straight to business. smartguy@i.softbank.jp Seeking sexual relationship. Hi, I am a MJM, early 40s, living in central Tokyo, seeking a sexual relationship. Are you interested? Let me know! tarobad25@ yahoo.co.jp Seeking young woman. I am a SJM professional seeking friendship and maybe more with young woman. I am a young-looking 40s. You are young, single, with a good sense of humor. july_leo2010@yahoo.co.jp

Frenchman sought. After visiting France several times, I've fallen in love with the country. So, I'd like to meet a Frenchman for a long-lasting relationship. I am Japanese, 30s. Write me if you think you're great! cotedor@live.com Japanese beauty seeks Mr. Right. I am very kind, sincere, attractive, fun, loving, well-mannered, active and sexy. I'm seeking a man who is very gentle, kind, smart, down-to-earth, with a big and warm heart. Serious only. nosoup4unext@yahoo.co.jp

UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of books, films and music, seeks an attractive British lady with the same interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp

Oriental beauty. Long raven hair, fine skin, toned yet with a very womanly frame and curves. SJF, educated, fun, brainy, mid-40s, mature, girly face, totally bilingual. You: single/divorced, mature-aged, articulate, international, witty, hard-working professional. green77handbag@gmail.com

UK male seeks Japanese female for long-distance relationship. Hi, I'm 38, currently living in the UK. I'm seeking a Japanese female, 20-30, for a relationship. Japanese only. tardis. ah40@gmail.com WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes. I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@ yahoo.com ジョギング好き彼女募集＠横浜。

４０代半ばの日本人独身男性です。8~20キロ時々走ります。南関東 ok 。 elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es

ラブレッター。 When I was young, I wrote love letters with pen and paper, waiting for days to receive the answer. Now it is just a sweet memory. vbcfgt@ hotmail.com

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

Seeking sincere SWM for a serious relationship. Friendship first. I am a well-educated SJF, 40, 160cm, long hair, fit. I'm interested in traveling, eating. happyjapan1974@aol.com Single Caucasian man? Seeking single or divorced Caucasian man, 35-45, preferably someone tall and confident. I am a single Japanese female. fumiyomuroya@yahoo.co.jp SJF seeking long-term relationship in Tokyo. I'm an honest, serious, fun person. I don't feel lonely, but it's more fun to have a good partner. I'm 41, sporty. Prefer younger boyfriend, but around my age is good. mmmatane@ yahoo.co.jp

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. Thanks. kcv@ hotmail.co.jp

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, ¥2000. info@exeo-international.com www.exeo-international.com

Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s, positive, romantic, honest, a gentleman, seeks a JF, 40s-50s, for a long-term relationship. nnazila73@ yahoo.com Seeking Parisienne. Affluent and excellent Japanese architectural engineer is seeking an attractive Parisienne who can speak English. I visited Paris two years ago and would like to know more about the city. Give me the hot info on Paris now. imak1_2_3@ yahoo.co.jp

Français qui adore vivre au Japon? SJF seeks a Japan-loving French guy, 30s or early 40s, for a serious relationship leading to marriage. I am caring, curious and open-minded. Serious only, please. vinrouge735@ gmail.com

S W B rit fo r e n co u nte r. B r i t , 30-something, seeking a casual encounter. I am tall ish, good looking(ish), love chatting and drinking. Let’s meet for a beer and take it from there if we click. happylamp@hotmail. co.uk

Seeking gamers. Would like to hang out, chat, eat, play video games. rabbitquick1234@yahoo.com Seeking long-distance relationship? Down-to-earth guy seeking a nice, simple SJF for friendship first, and if it works, settling down to have a family. Are you that special woman? Waiting to hear from you. pjoseph74716@hotmail. com

Around Tokyo or Nakameguro. Attractive, cultual Japanese female, late 30s, is seeking Caucasian friends for dinner, drinks, movies, etc. Speaks English and French. fulham_pl_rd@ yahoo.co.jp

SJF SEEKING EUROPEAN M E N . S J F, 40s, loves art, museums, t r a v e l , adventure, seeking nice, positive and interesting people. Please send me a message, w/photo, if you are interested. kotoshiwayaruzo@gmai. com

Accounting • Auditing • IPO Consulting • Due Diligence

Tax • Tax Preparation • Tax Consulting • US Tax Filing • Accounting Services • Payroll Services

Visa Attorney

KASAI CPA 042-401-0342

Takashi Kasai CPA Firm 4-1-2-302 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo support@kasaicpa.com www.kasaicpa.com

WADA Legal & Administrative Office We can help you with: • Visa & Immigration Procedures • Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation and Refugee Status • Establishing a Company & Branch Office • Accounting Services, Acquiring Business Licences • Preparation/Translation of Legal & Business Documents • Other Legal & Business Matters

Seeking Asian shemale. European guy, 40s, good-looking, kind, openminded, positive, seeks Asian shemale in Tokyo. Let’s share great times together. solivan.solivan@yahoo.com

ESCORTS have gone online. To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y co m p a nio n , v i s it ht t p: // classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ category/personals/escorts.

More Than Twenty Years Experience

• Establishing a Company & Branch Office • Corporate Services • Immigration Services

Japanese girl seeking girl. Petite Japanese girl, early 30s, seeking a slim, attractive girl for a secret friendship. Taking trips together, having lunch and more. Nonsmoker a must, and not interested in couples or men. m1979jp@ gmail.com

14.5 ESCORTS

LAVISH DATES AND INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE C R E AT E O P P O R T U N I T I 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 w o m e n j o i n o u r c l u b eve r y day. Try our free one-month trial offer: first date is on us! 0120-675-858 (English) international@universe-club.jp http://universe-club.jp/en

ACCOUNTING SERVICES IN ENGLISH

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

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE

14.6 AND OTHERS I can gratify your innermost kinky desire. I’m a SJM, 20s, DD-free, discreet, no strings attached. Just tell me what you want me to do. I’ll reply within 24 hours. zaku2@live.jp

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

Like to be watched? Western guy wants to watch hot couple. Only watching is fine. Educated, discreet, easygoing. ms2013spk@yahoo.com

Visa and immigration

Man needs spanking. Western man, M, mature, experienced, seeking a lady who is interested in fetish, domination and punishment—spanking is my main interest. Safe and sensible. No experience ok; I'm happy to teach. Can switch roles. ms2013spk@yahoo.com

Establishing a Company & Branch office

Rope bondage. I am seeking a female to be a model to practice rope bondage on. Someone who is particularly shy is best suited for this. I will practice using ropes to tie you up in erotic submissions. dave212121@hotmail.com

Intellectual property rights (Patent, trademark, copyrights)

Other Legal & Business matters Hiroshi Oogai,

Patent attorney Immigration lawyer

www.j-star.jp

Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

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 31

RELATIONS COLORFUL LANGUAGE BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA

English is a difficult language. I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir here, but have you ever stopped to think about how many idioms and nonsensical phrases the English language has? I don’t think I was able to fully grasp how difficult learning English is until I fell in love with my husband. For the sake of simplicity, let’s just stick with phrases that use colors to describe your mood. You can say “I'm green with envy” ( jealous), “I’m blue” (sad), “I’m tickled pink” (delighted) and “I saw red” (furious). Seriously, who comes up with these things?

多彩な言語英語は難しい言語だと思います。なぜなら数えきれないほどの慣用句や無意味な言い回しが存在するからです。私は夫に出会うまで、英語を学ぶ事がどれだけ難しい事かを知りませんでした。ほんの一部ですが、色を使って感情を表現するフレーズを紹介します。「I'm green with envy」は嫉妬、「I'm blue」は悲しみ、「I'm tickled pink」は喜び、「I saw red」は怒りを表します。だれがこのような表現を思いつくのか、本当に不思議です。

■ 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 21-Jun 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

Jun 21-Jul 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣

One thing is for sure: You’re changing the parameters of your social template, your take on your career and who gets what in love. As much as you forge the future, this week you melt the past. Mars, your ruling planet, isn’t kidding—he connects exactly with the south node of the Moon on Friday and Saturday. It’s not easy to hold on to something as it dissolves through your fingers, but does it clear the way for a whole new vista? Yes! The next step is to just move through it, or into it.

Partnership is on a lot of people’s minds, but you, Taurus, have a kaleidoscope of love going. Mars connects with the south node of the Moon in your solar twelfth house. Something hidden comes right through the veil. Venus is already there; she’s romantic, but Mars is just plain sexy. Since you can’t escape this transit, you may as well accept a peek at new views, if you can. When it comes to a connection, they’ve asked for you too.

Quite a week. Friends offer comfort, beauty and even joy. But when Mars connects with the south node of the Moon on Friday and Saturday, there are fireworks. Something from your past is cleaned to the bone. You’re more public than ever, with the Sun shining in your career sector. You probably aren’t trying to be noticed; it just happens. Knowing this, you can choose your favorite outfits and hairstyle—or you can set a new trend by not really caring. It’s a short transit; no need to hide.

You may want to slow down to feel what’s going on, but it’s unlikely Mars and Venus will do more than turn their heads and ask you to hurry up. Mars reaches the south node of the Moon Friday and Saturday. In your solar tenth house, that means a career moving through an event, which makes what you’ve been going through a part of the past. Freedom is the reward, and because it’s a destiny aspect, you’ll probably be glad it has happened—even if it seemed out of your control.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ This is a week for romance, but careful you don’t get singed. It’s the kind of connection that melts the toughest of hearts but bridges burned can never be crossed again. Friday and Saturday, sexy Mars connects with the south node of the Moon. This kind of karma doesn’t happen very often—certainly not with Mars blasting towards brilliant, shocking Uranus. There will be insights and outbursts. Venus is just on the other side, waiting to pick up the pieces. Focus on love and you’ll be rewarded.

Mar 21-Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

Jul 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ♣♣♣

Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣

Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

CANCER

You may be up and down like a roller coaster. This week brings things you cannot control. Mars, a fiery planet, connects with the south node of the Moon Friday and Saturday—a destiny event. The heat of Mars melts the past; it just isn’t there anymore. Luckily, Mars is in beneficial trine aspect to Leo. Venus is standing by, as is Uranus. Look for a quick change, a complete switcheroo. Be available to receive something you want. There are perks to this one.

The Sun opposes your sign this week. The spotlight is on your partner; if you’re single, you may attract someone who sees your best qualities … or even if you’re not single. Mars connects with the south node of the Moon Friday and Saturday. The south node has to do with past lifetimes and debts owed. Mars has a way of blasting through things—fast, furious, sharp-edged, so wrap your emotions in cotton wool. By Monday, you’ll see a new light.

Mars races into the face of destiny, Friday and Saturday, to be exact. There are karmic debts to be paid and suddenly the time has come. This all happens opposite your sign—sort of a high-end, front-row seat. Then Monday, the Sun connects with Chiron, and a quick slice takes away the trouble. Freedom may feel a bit wobbly—as in, where do you go, when all the choices line up? Anger dissolves and clarity becomes a venue you’ll want to drink in.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Consider how much change you’ve been through. Only a star-blessed being could still be here. Your heart’s in the right place. However, it may be time to think about yourself … as in, put yourself into the equation. What do you want to happen in this world of dreams? Mars is trine to your sign—a gift. On Friday and Saturday, this lord of passion pierces through a past debt. It may even be paid for you … well, mostly. Then on Wednesday, watch for a celebration: Fireworks!

Just when things are at their toughest, it all breaks free. Mars, a fiery planet more than tired of waiting, connects with the south node of the Moon. Friday and Saturday, it’s destiny calling. Old debts paid and released so that you can move forward—ring around the rosie and they all fall down. It’s definitely your turn to be in charge, but watch for the Sun connecting to Chiron on Monday. Someone with an ego may be licking an old wound.

Not a breeze this week, but a storm. Mars connects with the south node of the Moon on Friday and Saturday. Tides of change can become clouds that cover an entire collective. There is no you anymore, there is only everything at once: Destiny is served. Old ties are broken, new ones are forged. Monday the Sun shines on Chiron, exacting a price for healing. By Wednesday, Mars meets with Uranus. The force for engagement explodes into action.

Someone has to keep the flow going. You may wonder if you have a secret star-blessed partner. Or maybe you’ve felt them and wondered if you were crazy to even hope. There’s a major destiny aspect happening. To be exact, Mars conjuncts the south node of the Moon on Friday and Saturday. This has to do with the payment of old debts, even those from past lifetimes. On Monday, the Sun combines with Chiron in Pisces—warmth heals wounds. Then, Mars meets Uranus on Wednesday. Sexy, magnetic attraction blends heart and courage.

Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

PISCES

LINGO BOX Seismologists say the pressure being exerted by tectonic plates off the coast of northeastern Japan has returned to levels last seen before the March 11 disaster.

Urikireta (売り切れた) = Sold out

the small print

Governor Yoichi Masuzoe, at a ceremony commemorating the more than 20,000 Japanese soldiers who died in the Battle of Iwo Jima

⊲According ⊲ to Japan Railway officials, tickets for this weekend’s inaugural running of the Hokuriku shinkansen sold out in just 25 seconds. ⊲The ⊲ Consumer Affairs Agency has ordered four companies to stop saying their insect repellents are, you know, actually effective at repelling insects. ⊲Authorities ⊲ with the Chiba police and the Japan Racing Association have completed an investigation into a horse’s failed post-race doping test in December—the first such case in 21 years. They say the animal had high levels of caffeine in its system because it ate feed imported from the U.S. ⊲Headline ⊲ of the Week: “Hiroshima Torn Over Oyster Restaurant Near A-Bomb Dome” (via Jiji)

CLOSE TO HOME ⊲In ⊲ the wake of the Middle East hostage crisis, officials at the Japan Table Tennis Association kept their members home from this month’s tournaments in Kuwait and Qatar.

Shoshinsha (初心者) = Rookie

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN

“IT IS AN IMPORTANT MISSION OF OURS TO REFLECT ON THE FACTS OF THE PAST AND CONNECT THEM TO THE HISTORY THAT IS TO COME” —From a statement by Tokyo

YOU DON’T SAY

Shinfuzen (心不全） = Heart failure Osusume (おすすめ) = Recommend

⊲Authorities ⊲ at the Immigration Bureau deported a Nepalese man who allegedly helped dozens of countrymen find work by teaching them how to forge applications for refugee status. ⊲Led ⊲ by its acquisition of Beam Inc. and strong sales of Premium Malt’s beer, Suntory has become Japan’s leading brewer in terms of sales. ⊲The ⊲ government has pledged more than ¥43 million to a Thai NPO that works to remove land mines along the border with Cambodia.

MILESTONES ⊲Kazumasa ⊲ Hirai, author of the famed sci-fi manga series Genma Taisen, died of heart failure in Kamakura at age 86. ⊲In ⊲ what’s being called a “rare” move, JR Hokkaido issued a bullet-train license to a rookie driver in his 50s. ⊲After ⊲ 63 years, construction work has begun on the Yuba Dam in central Gunma. The project had been delayed because of “sharp divisions” in the local community.

at a glance BY RODGER SONOMURA

Tsufu (痛風) = Gout

stats

Percentage of respondents to a newsservice poll who feel that Abenomics has benefitted rural areas

Percentage who say the gap between rich and poor is widening

16,094

Cases of foreign objects found in food products in Japan since fiscal 2009, according to the National Consumer Affairs Center

⊲For ⊲ the first time, the TMG hired a woman to lead one of its four mobile investigative units. The squads, which operate around the clock, “are usually the first at the scene of a robbery or murder.”

FINDINGS ⊲Japanese ⊲ researchers say that people are at a higher risk of developing gout if they have certain gene variations that weaken the body’s ability to release uric acid. ⊲A ⊲ University of Pennsylvania survey ranked the Japan Institute of International Affairs 13th in the world in terms of “achievements in research and analysis and the impact of [its] research on society.” ⊲Discount ⊲ mega-chain Don Quijote announced it would accept seven types of foreign currency at 20 stores around the country.

INCREDIBLY SHRINKING JAPAN ⊲Officials ⊲ at the education ministry say about half of all elementary and junior high schools have fewer students than recommended by government guidelines. ⊲Analysts ⊲ at the internal affairs ministry found that just seven of Japan’s 47 prefectures had a net population inflow last year. ⊲Tokyo ⊲ picked up the largest number of new residents (73,280), while Hokkaido saw the biggest decline (8,942). ⊲Researchers ⊲ at the trade ministry say it should be possible for Japan to cut its energy consumption by more than 10 percent by fiscal 2030.

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

Illustration by Christi Rochin

The Magic of Methane Could Japan lead the world into a clean energy future? BY RICHARD P. GREENFIELD

WANT TO HAVE THE LAST WORD? Send your article to: editor@ metropolisjapan.com

It takes about 10 minutes for me to reach any of the supermarkets that accept cardboard or milk cartons for recycling. A few now have machines, and using them for processing PET bottles gets you points that can be converted into merchandise credits. Other trash must be handled from home, with glass and cans being picked up twice a month, non-burnable objects once a month. The rest is picked up twice a week. This city is one of those forward-looking enough to produce cogenerated power from the burning of trash. It sounds like some ecotopian paradise. But look around: I don’t live in one. Neither do you. Neither do the seven billion-plus who live on Earth today. How can I say that? One word, one gas: Methane. Most global warming arguments cite CO2 emissions—and

there’s no doubt that CO2 is a part of the mix. As a greenhouse gas though, methane is 22 times more potent than CO2. And the largest sources of methane on the planet are human waste, animal waste and food waste (as a product of decomposition). What is methane? It’s natural gas, not very different than the propane delivered to some private houses or burned for electricity. Japan has a research program to recover methyl hydrate—an ice-like combination of methane and water— from the deep-sea floor. Yet no program to recover human, animal and food waste exists in Japan—at least not on a large scale. Once all the pathogens in such waste have been killed, the remaining methane is an ideal growth medium for any type of farming. The use of waste is not theory. Until the 1970s, New York City dumped sewage at a point some 20 miles from the Jersey coast (no political commentary should be assumed by this). New Jersey sued under the Environmental Protection Act and won. New York City was going to have to process its own waste

IF JAPAN REALLY THREW RESOURCES INTO THIS, HOW MANY JOBS WOULD A PRACTICAL SYSTEM CREATE?”

and then find something to do with it. But a funny thing happened on the way to the dump. Although methane harvesting wasn’t part of the plan, farmers around the U.S. heard about it and began clamoring for some of that authentic New York … product. Other cities followed suit where they could. That alone would be worthwhile. Many agronomists have complained about overuse of fertilizers and pesticides. In fact, it’s an irony that one of the engineers on the first large-scale sewage works—in London a century and a half ago—commented that there would come a time when people would realize they were flushing gold and silver down the river. He was referring only to the ability to fertilize the land, but within a decade or two, the streets of London would be lit by gas lamps—gas that could just as well have been methane, had the technology been available. Considering that just the disposal of sewage in the New York City method can save a large metropolis billions, while also providing a resource for interested farmers, who would not want to do that? Big chemical companies, for one. They make fortunes from selling fertilizers that cause run-off pollution in the sea and nearby bodies of water. Harvest methane and you’re taking on energy companies, particularly the nuclear industry. But if Japan really threw resources into this, how many jobs would a practical system create? How many domestically, where existing systems would have to be partly rebuilt? How many abroad, where large mega cities around the world could use the same system? Yes, in one way it’s a moonshot because only one end—the production of soil that would not need the massive chemical fertilizer input—is proven. On the other, the methane is there, as are ways it can be harvested, purified and used to provide energy and slow the rise in global temperatures. Take a moment and imagine a Japan that turned its lack of certain natural resources into a surplus and in the process showed the rest of the world how to do it. Cool Japan. Just how cool would it be for us to lead the way? ■ Richard P. Greenfield is a journalist and consultant living in Tsukuba

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.

JOIN

JAPAN’S

COMMUNITY

LARGEST

From the famous sites to the hidden treasures, JapanTravel has you covered.

JOIN JAPAN’S LARGEST COMMUNITY Explore Japan. Share your experiences. Earn rewards.

MORE INFO ONLINE

Kyoto

Nagoya

Tokyo

Osaka Nanki Shirahama

Nanki-Shirahama Airport - Gateway to Kumano Just 70 minutes from Haneda Airport; 3 flights a day

World Heritage

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Travel Services and Destinations Japan Airlines www.jal.co.jp/en JALPAK (in Japanese only) www.jal.co.jp/domtour/kas/sekaiisan_kumano Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau www.tb-kumano.jp/en

Wakayama Tourism Federation www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english Mi-Kumano http://en.mi-kumano.com Adventure World Shirahama http://aws-s.com/english/index.php