Metropolis 1097

Apr 3-16, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com

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BEST BURGERS IN TOKYO

無料 PRICELESS

DANCING IN THE DARK

WRECKING CREW LIGHTS UP

IKOMA CHAMELEON NARA’S RED, GOLD & GREEN

GOING GOTH

AT TOKYO FASHION WEEK

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

APR 3-16, 2015 • #1097

EDITOR’S LETTER

Last issue we served up delectable vegetarian options, and this time we go carnivorous with our Burger Special. Not to be confused with Japanese hambāgu (see page 36), the shops highlighted in these pages will fix you up with juicy Americanstyle hamburgers to die for. On our cover with one such treat

is Japanese-Australian model/TV presenter Michelle Payne at The Oak Door. Be sure to read more about her on our website at http://meturl.com/michellepayne. After all those burgers, you may need to work off the calories! Get inspired by the moves of The Wrecking Crew Orchestra or go for a hike in beautiful Ikoma.

Photo by Samuel Thomas

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Run Burger Run: The one-day-five-burger challenge.

18

The Cult of h.NAOTA: Tokyo goes streampunk goth.

22

JFK: Presenting the art of a presidency.

Cover design & photo: Kohji Shiiki. Model: Michelle Yumiko Payne. Makeup: Alexandre Kernbaum, Beauty by Alexandre, http://bba-japan.com. Hair: Kenji Suzuki, http://kenji-hairstylist.com.

Jewelry: Keisuke Morizawa, Frank and Easy, http://frankandeasy.com. Burger & location: The Oak Door, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, http://meturl.com/oakdoor.

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03

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LINGOIST HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THAT? If you’re a meat lover, you know that the temperature of the meat affects its flavor and texture. Fumbling for the right phrase will only add unnecessary time between you and the perfect steak, so let Metropolis show you how it’s done!

JP

EN

Watashi wa steak wo onegai shimasu.

I’ll have the steak.

JP JP

EN

Yaki kagen wa ikaga nasai masu ka?

How would you like your steak?

K 1 C

A

N

EN

A

2

い

Medium de onegai shimasu.

I’d like it medium.

Kashikomari mashita.

Of course.

C 3

R

4

5

Coming soon: Our Shibuya branch celebrates its 13th anniversary with a party on April 24

JP EN

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7

8 D

A

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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/

Ikebukuro

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/

Akasaka

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/

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

B

Solution: A

B

C

D

ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross

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Across 1. Countryside or one’s hometown 3. Sweat 5. A fine or penalty 7. Government agency 9. Pear 10. Conversation

Metropolis Members Club THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Sid Lloyd won a Personal Training Session courtesy of Club360

UPCOMING PRIZE One lucky MMC member will win a Peeling Facial courtesy of Elana Jade

Register for prizes & discounts www.metropolis.co.jp/club 04

S

Down 1. Squid 2. Hippopotamus 3. Fall 4. Expert 6. Tasty 7. The back 8. A news story or article

Shinagawa

Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.

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

S

TO-DO LIST

3

TOP

music festivals APR 26

MAY 6

MAY 12

Featuring The Flower Kings, The Pineapple Thief, Atoll, and others. Apr 26, 4pm, ¥12,500. Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Yurakucho. Tel: 050-5533-0888. http://j.mp/eurorockfes2015

EDM festival featuring Steve Aoki, Knife Party, R3hab, and others. May 6, 1pm, ¥11,000-22,000.

Makuhari Kaihin Park. Kaihinmakuhari. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://electriczoo.jp

Featuring Austrian death black metal band Belphegor and symphonic/extreme metal band White Empress. May 12, 7pm, ¥6,800. Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://j.mp/rockofchaos2015

European Rock Fes

Electric Zoo Beach Tokyo

Rock of Chaos

© Josh Rossi

EDITOR’S PICK APR 11

APR 22

THE PIANO GUYS American musical group who rose to fame through YouTube, where the quartet posted piano-and-cello renditions of pop songs and classical music.

Apr 22, 7pm, ¥7,560-8,640. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. http://j.mp/thepianoguys2015

Courtesy of Global Hearts

KILL THE NOISE

Drumming 1998 © Herman Sorgeloos

Monster beats, squelchy effects, and endless breakdowns will have Shibuya’s biggest club heaving when producer Kill the Noise helms a night at the Dogenzaka basement labyrinth. The music of Jake Stanczak, better known as Kill the Noise, was born out of an era when Ridley Scott imagined utopian futures on the silver screen and artists like NIN and Aphex Twin rocked MTV. These days, he’s synonymous with some of the leading acts in dance music—getting creative in the studio with the likes of Deadmau5 and Skrillex—and for his work producing the theme song for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles soundtrack. Dan Grunebaum Apr 11, 11pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Sound Museum Vision. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5728-2824. http://j.mp/killthenoise2015

© 成田太鼓祭実行委員会

APR 12-13

GEORGE CLINTON AND PARLIAMENT/ FUNKADELIC

APR 16-18

ROSAS: DRUMMING

The master-of-funk-ceremonies brings his immortal circus to Tokyo’s poshest supper club. Apr 12, 6 & 9pm; Apr 13, 6:30 & 9:30pm, ¥12,000-14,000. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/georgeclinton2015

Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s contemporary dance company Rosas’ production of Drumming, a dazzling dance set to a powerful score for percussion by American minimalist Steve Reich. Apr 16-17, 7:30pm; Apr 18, 2pm, ¥1,000-6,000 (tickets available on day of performance).

Playhouse, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010-296. www.geigeki.jp © Nitin Vadukul

APR 18-19

NARITA TAIKO MATSURI Be awed by the powerful drum performances that attract over 200,000 spectators each year. Apr 18-19, 10am-5pm, free. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Narita. http://j.mp/naritataiko2015

APR 18-19

EARTH DAY TOKYO Spend an environmentally conscious weekend at Yoyogi Park with great people and food. Learn about eco-friendly products, organizations, and more. Apr 18-19, 10am-6pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Harajuku or Meiji-Jingūmae. www.earthday-tokyo.org

05

feature Fellows

Chelsea Market

Village Vangard

BURGER RUN

The search for Tokyo’s perfect patty

BY RODGER SONOMURA Hummingbird Hill

F

inding a decent hamburger to instantaneously satisfy your wanton cravings for a taste of home is not a difficult task in Tokyo, what with all the new innovative “gourmet” burger cafés popping up left and right. In fact, the city has witnessed an explosion of newly-established eateries with an astounding eight new burger cafés opening last year in Shibuya alone. This was second only to the continued popularity of maid cafés and pancake cafés. (Let’s just hope last year’s forlorn attempt to introduce “pancake burgers” by several Japanese fast food franchises remains forgotten!) Rather, the real task of late has been to find out which of these new burger cafés make the grade and deserve the right to truly be called “gourmet” burger joints.

Every year, I organize a “Tokyo Burger Run” event with friends to search the nooks and crannies of this metropolis for tasty burgers.

To make an outing of it, I challenge my friends to eat five burgers in one day. We call it “binge burgering.” In the five years we’ve held this tour, however, only two people have ever completed the entire challenge—fries included, of course—and lived to tell the tale.

The Great Burger

Starting from the morning, we map out a route to hit five different burger cafés. Walking across town after each meal helps ease the burgers down and allows for more mobility through the Tokyo side streets. When planning the excursion, I try to avoid the big burger houses and major franchises; I prefer to focus on the smaller, privately-run shops, which have more personality and better service. Not only do these smaller shops serve up an honest burger, they also offer the small, intangible extras that make these places endearing. For a taste of a Tokyo Burger Run, here are a few recommended places and the awards we give them: “A Burger By Any Other Name” Award goes to W.P. GOLD Burger in Shibuya. Naming the burgers after famous Hollywood icons, such as Whoopi GoldBURGER and Kevin BACON is a nice touch, but behind the naming lies a true quality burger grilled to perfection at an open counter. 1-9-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku.

Tel: 03-3407-0232. Shibuya.

“Less Oxygen to My Brain” Award goes to Munch’s Burger Shack. After having a regular burger, go for the milkshakes at this place. Nowhere else can you find a milkshake so thick

that it resists crawling up your straw no matter how hard you slurp. 2-6-11 Shiba, Minato-ku.

Tel: 03-6435-3166. Shibakōen or Mita. http://munchs.jp “Five-Star Service” Award goes to the Star Diner in Toritsu-Daigaku.

Face it: eating a good burger can get extremely messy. The very friendly staff offer frequent oshibori (wet towels) throughout your meal. 1-2-6 Nakane, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-57268397. Toritsu-Daigaku.

“Is This Your Living Room?” Award goes to Port of Call in Shibuya. With its laid-back, beach-chic homey décor, this café offers a solid burger selection prepared by a surf-boarder turned burger-server. They also offer a primo bottled beer selection. 1-3 Uguisudanicho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3461-3463. Shibuya.

“Worth Every Yen” Award goes to Sasa Grill & Burger Club. Nestled in a ritzy area of Daikanyama, this shop only offers very pricey burgers, perhaps too rich for wallet-weary customers, but worth their weight in gold for taste and flavor. 2-21-15 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3770-1951. www.hijiriya.co.jp/daikanyama/ Want to join a Burger Run? Check us out at www.facebook.com/tokyohamburgerrun

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www.arms-burger.com Truly a nature filled experience; enjoy a woody interior and plentiful sunlight at our open terrace style restaurant. * 16 Burgers * 11 Sandwiches * 6 Hot Dogs * Vegetarian burgers & sandwiches also available

Delivery now available in the Yoyogi Park area: any park exit, your event or your office (available only in our delivery zone)

ARMS Park Side Burger Shop Takeout & Delivery Arms Picnic 5-64-7 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 1-9-21 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku.

03-3466-5970. Open Tue-Fri 11am-11pm 03-3466-5974 Sat-Sun & hols (breakfast menu) Open daily 11am-10pm 8-10:45am, (regular menu) 11am-11pm closed Monday (except national holidays)

B-2 Lumine, 1-1-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.

Tel: 03-6302-0039. Open daily 10am-10pm (when Lumine is open)

Authentic hamburgers, sandwiches, shakes & desserts served up in a casual New York atmosphere.

Craft beer

r varieties on tap More than fou

Shirokane

Hiroo

2F Hiroo Rokkokan, 5-15-25 1F 6-5-7 Shirokane, Minato-ku Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku Tel/fax: 03-3442-2200 Nearest stn: Shirokane Takanawa Tel: 03-5422-7899 Nearest stn: Hiroo

Open hours: Weekdays 11:30am-11pm (10pm L.O) ”

Ebisu

1F, 4-9-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku Tel: 03-6277-4221 Nearest stn: Ebisu

Open hours:11am-24am

Sat, Sun, Pub Holidays 11am-11pm (10pm L.O) - Closed every 3rd Monday

www.burger-mania.com 08

Have a hankerin’ for a juicy burger?

Here are 18 of Tokyo’s tastiest spots to sate your appetite… American style.

BURGERS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ARMS Various

AS CLASSICS DINER Various

THE BEAT DINER Nihonbashi

The Secret: Light, fluffy patties served with minced toppings, and a bun made with natural yeast.

The Picks: Avocado Mushroom Cheese Burger (¥1,393); Popeye Burger (¥1,188).

The Style: Faithful to the U.S. right down to the imported paint, Arms’ wooden decor is opened out to the park during summer months.

The Deal: Nab a set drink for ¥216 from 11am to 4pm on weekdays. Brunch Sat, Sun, & holidays 8-10:45am.

The Skinny: Grab a burger to go from Arms Park Side, conveniently located right by Yoyogi Park. Come and enjoy your burger with a perfect park view.

Yoyogi: 5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku. arms@utopia.ocn. ne.jp.03-3466-5970. Open Tue-Fri 11am-11pm, closed Mon (except hols), Sat-Sun & hols 8-10:45am (Brunch Time) 11am-11pm. Yoyogi-Kōen. For more info on Arms Picnic in Shinjuku and Takeout & Delivery in Tomigaya—visit www.arms-burger.com.

The Secret: No processed ingredients or additives, and that goes for the buns, bacon, sausage, potatoes, sauces, and, naturally, the charcoal-grilled patties.

The Picks: Bacon smoked with hickory and cherry blossoms; brandy-stewed and charcoal-baked apple, and fall-off-the-bone pork rib. Try the Bacon Cheese Burger at both branches. (¥1,404).

The Style: Decor and music hark back to the American diners of the ’50 or ’60s.

The Deal: Lunch set menus with a drink, plus a dinner menu after 6pm that changes monthly.

The Skinny: American-sized portions and 100% pure beef minced by hand to preserve the steak-like texture.

Roppongi: B1F Roppongi Hills Metro Hut, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Open daily 11am-11pm.

Tel: 03-6721-1581. Roppongi Komazawa: 1F Orion Komazawa Bldg, 5-9-22 Yagumo, Meguro-ku. Open Wed-Mon 9am-11pm, closed Tue. Tel: 03-5701-5033.

Komazawa Daigaku. www.asclassics.co.jp

The Secret: The perfect burger bun from Mineya bakery is left for one day for the optimum soft-yetfirm texture. Made with sake yeast, the bun yields a subtle and natural sweetness that’s a heavenly match for the 100% Aussie beef patty.

The Picks: The B.E.A.T Burger (Bacon, Egg, Avocado, Tomato), their classic original, offers the best combination of burger fillings. Fresh, cold lettuce with sizzling hot meat will not disappoint.

The Style: Replicates the feel of an authentic 196070s’ American diner, complete with a mini jukebox.

The Deal: Tell them you saw this in Metropolis and receive one free soft drink.

The Skinny: Known not only for their delicious burgers but also for their huge range of drinks and meats; your appetite is bound to be satisfied.

Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower B1F Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-1-1 Chuo-ku. Open Hours: 11am-11pm.

Tel: 03-3510-1238. Mitsukoshimae.

BLUE POINT

BROOKLYN PANCAKE HOUSE

BURGER MANIA

Shirokane The Secret: Aromatic and juicy 100% hand-crafted beef burgers grilled briefly on high heat over an open fire to keep the center of the patty juicy.

The Picks: BP Beef Burger (¥1,600); Grilled Beef Sirloin “JP Joushu Gyu” 200g (¥3,800) The Style: Redesigned by internationally-renowned Morita Yasumichi, Blue Point’s interior has the calm and mature atmosphere of a five-star hotel. Facing Platinum Street, the open terrace transports you to another world, making you forget you are in the heart of the city.

The Deal: Tell us you saw us in Metropolis and get a free dessert.

The Skinny: Domestically-sourced, high-quality meats and wine, and rich buttermilk pancakes.

4-19-19 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-32802020 BLUEPOINT@tgn.co.jp Open 11am-11pm.

Shirokanedai. www.tgn.co.jp/hall/shirogane/bp

Harajuku The Secret: A healthy-sized patty (130g) of pure Japanese beef, cooked on an open-fire grill to bring out the natural flavor.

The Picks: Premium Brooklyn Hamburger with French fries (¥1,100)—or add gorgonzola cheese and go Italiano.

The Style: Transport yourself to a secret, solitary house in Brooklyn.

The Deal: The weekday lunch set (11:30am-4pm) comes with a drink and salad.

The Skinny: US-style buttermilk pancakes; New York strip steak (350g).

1F, 6-14-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-34092018. Open daily 11:30am-8pm. Meiji-Jingumae www.brooklyn-pancake-house.com

Various The Secret: A balanced combo of the finest ingredients: natural-yeast buns, 100% beef patties, and market-fresh vegetables.

The Picks: The famous Cherry Burger (Hiroo & Ebisu), pairing dark, sweet cherries with cream cheese, and the rough texture of the patty.

The Style: The owner visited NYC for inspiration and brought a slice of the Big Apple to Tokyo Town.

The Deal: Stop in for lunch (11am-4pm) and get a drink for ¥200 and a free upsizing of your fries. Weekdays (3-6pm) offer a drink and pancake for ¥1,080.

The Skinny: Ebisu’s specialty is craft beer on tap (from ¥550) and great coffee from Onibus.

Ebisu: 1F, 4-9-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. Open daily 11ammidnight. Tel: 03-6277-4221. burgermania2008@ gmail.com. Ebisu. For more locations (Shirokane & Hiroo) visit www.burger-mania.com

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Choose from three sizes!

S 80g R 100g L 200g

Grilled Mushroom Burger ¥1,390 Limited quantities!

3 types of mushrooms topped with Gouda cheese

Tel. 03-3770-1951 www.hijiriya.co.jp Hot dog & Sandwiches

Chili dog ¥800

Daikanyama Shop

Just steps from

Just steps from

Daikanyama Sta!

Main Exit

ATM

Naka-meguro Sta!

Moms welcome!

Room for strollers available North Exit

East Exit

WE ARE

HERE!

2-21-15 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku Open daily 11am-10:30pm (L.O. 10pm) (Sun & hols 11am-9:30pm) (L.O. 9pm)

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10

7-eleven

Naka-meguro sta To Shibuya GT Tower

WE ARE

HERE!

Tsutaya

2-1-1 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku Open daily 10am-9pm (Sat, Sun & hols 10am-8pm)

BURGERS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAFE HOHOKAM Harajuku

DINER SWING Shinjuku

THE GREAT BURGER Harajuku

The Secret: It’s all about the bun! The highest quality possible, made with natural yeast.

The Picks: The Apple and Gorgonzola Burger boasts two perfectly-matched ingredients, while the signature Hohokam Burger spices up your life with jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and plenty of chili sauce.

The Style: Raise Arizona with a desert-themed retro ambiance.

The Deal: Weekday lunch specials 11:30am-4pm.

The Skinny: Chill among the cacti on an outdoor terrace, with a cover to keep the rain off your parade.

2F, 3-22-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Open daily 11:30am-11pm (LO 10:30pm). Tel: 03-5775-5708 Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae. www.cafe-hohokam.com

The Secret: 100% beef patties, original sauce, grilled onions, and fresh vegetables.

The Picks: Chili Char Burger (¥1,100), includes homemade chili and sour cream. Special Char Burger (¥1,250), includes bacon, cheese, onion rings, and tartar sauce.

The Style: Enjoy listening to classic jazz music anytime amidst a display of rare jazz LP collections from the 1950s.

The Deal: Special lunch menu seven days a week.

Happy Hour: 3pm-6pm. Glass beer or wine plus chips for ¥500.

The Skinny: Calm atmosphere for both dining and drinking. Patio seats also available.

1F Takara Bld. 1-4-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tel: 03-3344-3166. Open 11am-10pm. Shinjuku http://www.localplace.jp/t100060963

The Secret: Fluffy fresh-baked toasted buns made with natural yeast, a juicy, coarsely-ground patty, and daily market-fresh vegetables.

The Picks: Gorgonzola meets baked apples; smoky hickory sauce. Or the classic Bacon Cheeseburger with French fries (¥1,350).

The Style: Open-minded Southern California The Deal: The weekday lunch set (11:30am-4pm) comes with a drink and salad.

The Skinny: As the name says, great burgers, plus American-style buttermilk pancakes and sandwiches.

1F, 6-12-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3406-1215.

Open daily 11:30am-11pm. Meiji-Jingumae. www.the-great-burger.com

HARD ROCK CAFE

LEGENDS SPORTS BAR & GRILL

MUNCH’S BURGER SHACK

Various The Secret: 100% American beef, special buns, and carefully selected ingredients and a proven recipe for the taste and volume of real American burgers.

The Picks: Original Legendary Burger (¥1,980).

Mushroom & Swiss Burger (¥2,380), 240g beef patty with two slices of Swiss cheese and plenty of sautéed mushrooms. Fiesta Burger (¥2,280), 240g beef patty with fresh jalapeño salsa, Monterey Jack, guacamole, and pico de gallo that will create a fiesta in your mouth!

The Style: A contemporary, cutting-edge atmosphere with displays such as guitars used by musicians, stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, photos, and more.

The Deal: Monthly special menus. Happy Hour weekdays 4pm-6pm (only in Tokyo).

The Skinny: With many monitors and speakers, listen to the latest American music and watch videos non-stop.

Tokyo Branch: 5-4-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku Open Sun-Thu 11:30am-2am, Fri & Sat 11:30am-4am.

03-3408-7018. Roppongi. http://hardrockjapan.com

Roppongi The Secret: A mix of Australian and Japanese beef to get the right fat content and buns made by a famous bakery using Legends’ own recipe. Both are American-sized!

The Picks: Avocado & Wasabi, LOB (AKA Umami), and Smokin' Joe (American Bacon & Pepper Jack)—all ¥1,400.

The Style: Authentic American sports bar with memorabilia plus screens showing major events live.

The Deals: Daily Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm with all drinks ¥200 off. See their website for more offers.

Every Thursday, get a Legends Burger with a pint of American craft beer for only ¥2,000.

The Skinny: Ideally located on the quieter side of Roppongi, away from the crowds. Great terrace.

1F Aoba Roppongi Bldg., 3-16-33 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-late, Sat, Sun & hols 2pm-late. Tel: 03-3548-3304. Roppongi. info@legendsports.jp. www.legendsports.jp

Hamamatsucho The Secret: High-quality, lean certified Angus from the U.S., hand-cut daily by staff to make each patty.

The Picks: The Bacon Cheese Burger (¥1,500) is made with homemade smoked bacon to create a fine balance.

The Style: Choose a floor based on your mood—1F for those calm moments, 2F if you’re feeling more lively.

The Deals: At lunch, get a meat dish with rice for ¥1200, or add a drink to any meal for just ¥150.

The Skinny: Don’t miss the Caesar salad with avocado and bacon (¥1,380) and the chicken gumbo (¥650).

American craft beers are in stock to pair with your burger or sandwich, as well as Heineken, Guinness, Yona Yona Ale, and more.

1-2F I • Smart Bldg. 2-26-1 Shiba, Minato-ku. Open Tue-Fri 11am-3pm & 5:30pm-9pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun & hols 11am-4pm. closed Mon. Tel: 03-6435-3166.

Hamamatsucho or Shibakoen. http://munchs.jp

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COURS EM ALL YO ENU FROM ¥ U CA N DRINK 2,000 ¥1,500

Try “The Beat Burger,”an original with Bacon, Eggs, Avocado, and Tomatoes a taste you will never forget!

Come smash a real burger!

Our burgers are served up tall, piled high with fresh ingredients and delicious sauce—up to 12cm!

Open daily 11am-11pm (L.O. 10:30). Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, B1F Nihonbashi Muromachi 2-1-1 Chuo-ku.

Tel: 03-3510-1238. Mitsukoshimae (30sec from exit A7 and A8)

GOOD FOOD LOVES YOU! 7ELEVEN

OPEN Tue-Fri 11am-3pm & 5:30am - 9pm Sat 11am-9pm Sun & hols 11am-4pm, closed Mon

MUNCH’S BURGER SHACK 1-2F I smart Bldg, 2-26-1 Shiba, Minato-ku. Tel：03-6435-3166 http://munchs.jp/

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BURGERS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE OAK DOOR Roppongi

SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS Harajuku

SASA GRILL BURGER CLUB Various

The Secret: Perfectly-proportioned elements and meat textured to crumble when you bite into it.

The Picks: From April 1 to May 31, savor gourmet burgers made with local ingredients in various sizes and flavors such as Mexican, lamb, patty melt, and deluxe wagyu. The Oak Door Burger comes in sliders (50g); small (130g); regular (220g); and giant (1,000g).

The Style: Designed by renowned designer Tony Chi, The Oak Door is a dramatic steakhouse featuring signature wood-burning ovens.

The Skinny: The Oak Door features premium quality meats and seasonal produce that can be enjoyed with New World wines from an extensive wine list.

6F Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minatoku. Open Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm (Weekends and National Holidays till 3pm), Afternoon 3-5:00pm, Dinner 6-10pm. Tel: 03-4333-8784. oakdoor@hyatt. com. Roppongi. http://restaurants.tokyo.grand. hyatt.co.jp/oak-door-restaurant

The Secret: 100% wagyu beef patties cooked over an open flame.

The Picks: Gourmet pineapple. And, for the nonburgerites, hot dogs and pancakes.

The Style: An industrial cafe in the City By the Bay. The Deal: Stop by weekdays 11:30am-4pm for a tidy lunch set.

The Skinny: Choose your weapon for your hot dog (sausage, that is)—and your choice of draft beer.

3-28-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Open daily 11:30am-11pm (LO 10:30pm). Tel: 03-5775-5707.

Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae. www.sf-peaks.com

The Secret: 100% hand-mixed wagyu patties, whole wheat buns made with natural yeast, and slow-cooked homemade onion sauce.

The Picks: Burgers with homemade chili or mozzarella.

Or get in quick for the grilled mushroom burger (¥1,390)— limited number made daily (at Daikanyama branch only).

The Style: Like a Parisian backstreet with warm wood and the classic Continental aroma of tasty burgers.

The Deal: Free soft drink with any meal during weekday lunches (11am-4pm) at Daikanyama.

The Skinny: Pair your burger with beers from around the world. Guaranteed to satisfy!

Daikanyama: 1F Daikanyama-Pocketpark Bldg., 2-21-15 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku. Open Mon-Sat 11am-10:30pm, Sun & hols: 11am-9:30pm, closed every third Tue. Tel: 03-3770-1951. Daikanyama. Nakameguro: B1, Nakameguro GT Plaza Bldg., 2-1-1 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku. Open Mon-Fri: 10am-9pm, Sat, Sun & hols: 10am-8pm, closed every third Tue. Tel: 03-3711-4449.

Nakameguro. www.hijiriya.co.jp

TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS

TGI FRIDAY

THE SMILE

Harajuku The Secret: 100% ground chuck and 15 types of seasoning.

The Picks: Kailua Burger (5oz ¥1,310, 7oz ¥1,610, 9oz ¥1,910 +¥300 for a combo) The Style: A calm atmosphere for you to relax and be comfortable in.

The Deals: Party plans for birthday parties and allyou-can-drink plans are available.

The Skinny: Visit the islands with pancakes, eggs benedict, loco moco, acai bowl, and other original Hawaiian food. Wash it down with tropical drinks and Hawaiian beers.

2F Miyazaki Bldg, 6-28-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.

Open 10am-11pm. Tel: 03-5774-2288. Harajuku and Meiji-jingumae. tbb@malulani.tv. http://tbbjapan.co.jp

Various The Secret: 100% beef, 200g patties and a recipe that’s faithful to authentic American taste and volume. The balance of brioche-type bread and fresh vegetables is also part of their secret to a delicious burger.

The Picks: The new Cowboy Triple Meat Burger (¥1,990 + tax).

The Style: Exactly the same design as the original TGI Fridays in America.

The Skinny: Not just a place for authentic burgers, but also faithful to the American recipe for baby back ribs and steak. Great service from the friendly waitstaff and bartenders. A casual restaurant where you can experience America right here in Japan.

1F Kourakuen Hall Bldg. 1-3-61 Kouraku, Bunkyoku. Tel: 03-5803-4151. Fax: 03-5803-4152. Open 11am-midnight. Suidoubashi. www.tgifridays.co.jp. *Other locations within Tokyo: Shibuya, Harajuku, Roppongi, Shinagawa, Ueno, Ikebukuro

Shinjuku The Secret: Harajuku’s The Great Burger brings their stupendous burgerology (see above) to a new venue in Shinjuku Lumine.

The Picks: Each season has a host of off-menu treats—make sure you ask. Or just go for the Avocado Mozzarella Burger (¥1,300 + tax).

The Style: Always wanted to dine inside an American girl’s bedroom? (Or perhaps you had one?)

Don’t miss out.

The Deal: Stop by between 11am and 4pm weekdays for a lunch set that includes one free drink and a salad. The Smile joins in promotions from Lumine Est too, so keep an eye on the coupons.

The Skinny: They might not be very skinny, but the pancakes and French toast go down pretty well, too.

7F, Lumine Est Shinjuku,3-38-1 Shinjuku. Tel: 03-33535071. Open 11am-11pm (LO 10pm) Shinjuku.

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food&drink Product image for illustration purposes only.

Kafunshō, or hay fever, is in the air, and Oriental Recipe Cafe’s anti-hay fever menu might just be the remedy. The citrussy menu items include the fresh mikan and yogurt juice with sun-dried tangerine peel (¥650), mikan shiratama (riceflour dumplings with mikan sauce, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream, ¥650), and mikan jelly (¥400). The hesperidin found in citrus is said to defend the body from allergies, and be a surefire health-booster! 1F 3-62-14 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku. Harajuku. Tel: 03-6434-0950. www.oriental-recipe.com

Nestlé’s KitKat has gotten an Easter makeover with the limited release of a new flavor combining carrot and apple pie (¥540). Because, why not? The snack comes printed with different designs (13 in total) of cute Easter Bunnies. Some may even f ind the “Lucky KitKat” coming with a special message. For a great Easter celebration with friends and family, these fun snacks make the perfect party favor—and are sure to be a hit with the kids. Available in supermarkets and other stores nationwide.

You can now have restaurant-quality curry delivered to your doorstep, thanks to Extraordinary Kitchen, located in Nishi-Azabu. The basic set (from ¥1,480 with a ¥200 discount if you order a day in advance) includes rice with two curries of your choice and two sides.

There’s a selection of five curries, including European, Indian, and Thai styles, and even a unique black “energy curry” with garlic and caffeine for an instant pick-me-up. Delivery available to Minato- and Shibuya-ku (most areas). Tel: 03-6447-2116. http://xtra.kitchen

Photos by Vesna Kevork

RESTAURANT

¥¥

EN/JP

Fiorentina

BY V KEVORK

Among the many divine restaurants the Grand Hyatt has to offer is Fiorentina, an elegant-yetcasual Italian eatery with adjacent patisserie, located on its ground floor.

It’s easy to stumble in to buy a blueberry muffin, only to end up staying for lunch or dinner, having been seduced by the scent of homemade pasta, the soft and unobtrusive music, and the extraordinary Hyatt service. In warmer months, the outdoor terrace serves as a vivacious social playground or a hideaway for quiet reading—the choice is yours!

The lunches are primarily of the light pasta

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variety (starting from ¥2,200 plus tax). Fresh pasta dishes start at ¥3,400 and gnocchi at ¥3,000.

Options include fettuccine alla carbonara, porcini, truffle (¥3,400), and fettuccine, porcini, shrimp, clam (¥3,400 plus tax).

My indulgence is twofold. The soup of the day (¥950 plus tax) is simple yet extremely flavorsome—thick, green-pea soup served with warm baked bread and olive oil.

The crown of the meal is the bavettini alla genovese (¥2,800 plus tax)—king crab, green asparagus, and genovese pesto. This winning crab-and-pesto combination is decadent and reminds one of the sea and summer. The serving of crab flaked throughout is very generous, and the pesto is made moments before serving.

Freshly-ground, the basil’s fragrance permeates the room. Perfect for seafood lovers.

For the fresh pasta options, try the slowcooked ragù. Alternately, try the latest specialty: a range of polenta-based dishes such as the stewed Japanese beef cheek in red wine, white polenta, truffle sauce (¥4,400 plus tax).

Italians know how to celebrate the humble polenta and elevate it to another level. The inclusion of polenta in more and more highend restaurants around the globe is becoming evident. Slowly but surely, it’s creeping in and taking over some of the entrées and mains in creative and clever ways.

Warning: On the way out, you may want to buy half the patisserie. Exercise control; do not yield.

If sweets aren’t your thing, look out for the small but carefully chosen selection of wines in the patisserie. If you’re lucky, the following may be available for sale: Franciacorta—the sparkling wine from the Italian region of Lombardy; or the Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé, the French wine created as a result of Famille Perrin’s collaboration with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Buon appetito!

Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minatoku. Tel: 03-4333-8780. Open daily 9am-10pm.

Roppongi. http://restaurants.tokyo.grand. hyatt.com/fiorentina-italian-restaurant

Don’t adjust your sets: Those Coke bottles you’ve been seeing are indeed green. For the world’s best-known soft drink, apparently green is the new red. Created and initially rolled out in Argentina and Chile, Coca-Cola Life turns to stevia, a non-caloric plant extract, for its sweetness. As a result, the drink has only 60 percent of the calories of regular Coca-Cola. The taste is what you’d expect from Coke, with perhaps a slight bit more smoothness. Available in convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide.

¥¥

JP

Gyukatsu Iroha

BY AMANDA TAYLOR

While tonkatsu, or pork cutlet, is ubiquitous around the Kanto region, gyukatsu, or beef cutlet, is a lot more difficult to find. The same could be said about Ikebukuro’s new restaurant specializing in the cuisine, Gyukatsu Iroha.

As of this writing, they have no website, no public phone number, and news of the restaurant is spreading largely by word of mouth. Yet they have garnered lots of attention on Japanese food review sites since opening in November 2014—and for good reason.

Their standard gyukatsu set comes with a crispy beef cutlet served rare, cabbage, fluffy barley rice, a rich miso soup, potato salad, and pickles—all for ¥1,100. If rare isn’t your thing, each person gets a heated iron plate for cooking the meat on to your liking. But be careful to not let it burn! The cutlet is juicy, flavorful, and goes great with the sauce and wasabi. The second helping of rice is free, and there are complimentary refills on tea—though all other drink options are alcoholic.

Gyukatsu Iroha is located on the B1 floor of the Tomomitsu Building, just past McDonald’s and next to a ramen shop. Be prepared for a wait: The place is popular and small—only 18 seats, including a bar and a couple of tables.

However, the line moves quickly as people tend not to stick around after the meal.

The restaurant is 100-percent Japanese, with no English menu nor English-speaking staff. Even

RECIPE AVOCADO-EGG ONIGIRAZU RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI

Photos by Davi Azevedo

RESTAURANT

Developed by a working mother of two, Calbee’s new Potetrio line is a light, crunchy, bitesized potato snack that comes in fun shapes that kids are sure to enjoy. The snack is available in two flavors: umashio (salt) and cheese; the cute packaging featuring characters by award-winning illustrator Mamoru Yamamoto will make snack time even more entertaining for the little ones. There’s even a chance to win an original picture book by Yamamoto with the Potetrio characters! Available in convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Looking for a tasty snack to bring to your next hanami, but are bored of the same old triangular onigiri, which is hard to shape anyway? Try the onigirazu—a sandwich-like variety of onigiri that does away with the need for shaping, and is all the craze in Japan these days.

Servings: 2 Cooking time: 20 minutes • 2 servings cooked rice • 2 eggs • 1/2 avocado • 2 slices cheese • 2 sheets seaweed • 1 1/2 tbs of mayonnaise • 1 pinch salt • 1 tsp olive oil

the prices are written in kanji. The menu is very simple, however, so don’t let that dissuade you.

Aside from the standard gyukatsu mugi-meshi (barley rice) set, there’s a set that includes tororo, or grated yam, for ¥1,300.

Each set can also be ordered with a smaller portion of gyukatsu for ¥200 yen less. That’s about all there is to the menu.

Although Gyukatsu Iroha is well off the radar for the English-speaking community, it’s worth visiting for the delicious, reasonably-priced beef cutlet, so rare in this part of Japan.

Note: The sign is in Japanese; look for “牛か つ いろは” in black, calligraphic text on plain white. Each visitor must buy one food item.

B1F Tomomitsu Building 1-9-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. 11am12am. Ikebukuro.

DIRECTIONS 1. Beat eggs lightly with 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise and a pinch of salt. In a pan, heat olive oil and make scrambled eggs.

2. Slice avocado thinly.

3. On cutting board, spread seaweed out and place half-serving of rice, scrambled eggs, and avocado in the center. Spread mayonnaise on avocado, and top with sliced cheese.

4. Cover cheese with the other half-serving of rice. Fold seaweed in the same way as wrapping a box, bringing corners to the center.

Turn it upside down and leave for a few minutes so rice sticks to the seaweed with its moisture.

5. Cut into smaller pieces and pack them into lunch box.

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

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1 DISH FROM ¥780 1 DRINK FROM ¥500 COURSES FROM ¥4,000

NEW OPEN! Let’s Eat Crab!

ENJOY DELICIOUS CRAB, CASUALLY.

CARAT has the concept of allowing customers to enjoy eating crab, casually. The high quality crabs come directly from Rausu, Hokkaido.

The restaurant is open 24/365, so please come to enjoy a nice dinner at the bar or in the café, or close out your day with some noodles! e Lin i do ong Ōe pp Ro

Police Station Roppongi Crossing

aka

araiz

Imo

6-1-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5413-3689 e Lin gi http://carat-roppongi.com n iya Hib oppo Almond R Open 24 hours Family Mart Lunchtime: 11am~3pm

Post Office

TGI FRIDAYS

SM

大江戸線・三田線 春日駅

丸ノ内線 南北線 後楽園駅

丸ノ内線

島平 西高

駒込

池袋

南北線

TOKYO DOME CITY

ENU FROM

COURSE M

¥3,500

AN DRINK

ALL YOU C

¥1,500

ラクーア

東

京

A tavern with a market-like atmosphere, filled with fresh fish and delicious cuisine.

線 三田

Korakuen Hall building 1F

Enjoy crabs shipped directly from Rausu, Hokkaido, and many other fresh fish, meat, and many other delicacies from all over Japan—all at a reasonable price.

Have great times with great food!

橋駅 水 道

DRINKS AND FOOD FROM ￥399

Nihon Sengyo Kokakurui Dokokai | 1F-3F 1-22-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku Tel: 03-5287-2568 | Open 24/365 days

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Shoku Doraku Ueno Branch | 6-12-12 Ueno, Taito-ku Tel: 03-6803-2348 | Open 24/365 days

escapes

THE FOUR SEASONS OF IKOMA FALL Blue skies make for the best hikes—and Ikoma is primarily known by many for its wonderful trekking routes. A popular course starts from Ishikiri Station, leading up through the forest, with climbing views of Osaka. Those with cars may drive along the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline and stop to snap pictures of the panoramic megalopolis. One of this season’s must-see events is the lantern festival held in September to celebrate the equinox, where ten thousand lanterns—many of which are created by local artists and school children—line the path up to Hozanji. Best time to visit: September 23, for the festival.

Taking in Nara’s year-round beauty

BY FELICITY TILLACK

WINTER What’s in Ikoma? Those visiting this northern Nara Prefecture city in early spring would witness changeable weather and bare pre-spring gardens—an impression unlikely to place Ikoma in anyone’s top ten.

A better question to ask is: When should one go there? From paths lined by hundred-year-old sakura trees to autumnal festivals and a familiar shrine made mystical under snow, each season has its own special appeal.

SPRING Rather than determinedly hiking the 1.5-kilometer, mostly uphill path from Ikoma Station to Hozanji Shrine, meander beneath the blossoms lining the stone steps. The walk brims with charm, leading travelers past quaint older homes and small shrines, all be-pinked beneath trees—some of which are a century old. There are also small parks with views over the city, usually beckoning other picnickers with whom to make friends.

SUMMER What better season for being outside than summer? Sri Lankan restaurant Lucky Garden has tables beneath leafy trees from which to enjoy natural vistas while eating the locallysourced food, transformed into exotic dishes.

There are even sheep to visit and feed in a petting area at Lucky Garden, and a small gallery of handmade crafts to browse. The restaurant is a perfect spot for relaxing post-hike, or just for chilling with friends—if you’re the type that prefers to enjoy the great outdoors with minimal sweating. It’s best to visit anytime outside of obon, but be sure to call in advance to reserve your table.

Even on a clear day, Hozanji Shrine is misty: Smoke from incense wafts out from the wide, bronze urns, bathing worshippers who visit. In winter, the inclement weather hits the shrine first, hiding her from the city below. Snow falls infrequently, however; and when it does, the road up becomes slippery and dangerous, especially for pedestrians. This means fewer people at the shrine, which has become even more mystical beneath the snow and distant from the real world.

For photographers, this is a great opportunity to visit and enjoy Hozanji’s serene, cold beauty.

The best times to visit are January and February to see the most snow—so keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Ikoma, like the rest of Japan, is a city that changes dramatically with each season. For the daytripper, it may seem there are only a few nearby destinations to visit. For travelers, timing can be everything. Knowing when to go will make the trip more memorable and make Ikoma worth visiting again next season.

INFO Lucky Garden. Tel: 0743-77-7936. www.luckygarden.jp (Japanese only)

ACCESS Ikoma is an easy day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.

From Osaka, take a rapid or limited express on the Kintetsu Line from Osaka-Namba Station directly to Ikoma. Via the subway, take the green Chūō Line.

From Kyoto, take a Kintetsu Line rapid or express heading to Yamatosaidaiji, and then change to a train heading to Ikoma or Osaka-Namba.

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fashion fix

BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR

THE CULT OF h.NAOTO

F

ashion brand h.NAOTO, helmed by gothic maestro Naoto Hirooka, was back on the Tokyo Fashion Week schedule after a fiveyear absence, with a full runway show.

Those five years have seen h.NAOTO continue on their path to becoming the face of Japanese gothic on the world stage. Additionally, the brand has been on a mission to bridge global

subcultures with Japan, most recently with their “Steam” line that offered a uniquely Japanese interpretation of steampunk. However, as the fashion show would prove, h.NAOTO’s aspirations don’t stop there. Not only did the runway debut the new line “h.ism,” which unites fashion with art, illustration, and music; it also revealed that the location for the show would become the new base for the brand’s operations. Echoing the theme of the h.ism line, work from here will go far beyond fashion to incorporate music, art, and events into the brand’s output. After all, the clothes—born as they are of the surrounding culture and more importantly the people who wear them—don’t exist in isolation … and never have.

This new trajectory was immediately evident at the runway show, with not only h.NAOTO’s acolyte fans out in full force—more so than at any other designer’s fashion show during the week—but also a brooding electronic

soundtrack courtesy of TAKT’s Tsunoda Takanori and illustrations produced by the best of the Tokyo gothic underground adorning the majority of looks. The communal approach extended to the show’s warehouse venue, which will go on to be used as a recording studio, graphic design center, art gallery, music venue, and much more for the h.NAOTO universe. It’s a step away from an urban cult by anyone’s standards, but such is the draw of h.NAOTO, with even fans from abroad having made the pilgrimage specifically for the show.

On the fashion itself, we find h.NAOTO at his most daring with a military-themed collection reinterpreting the motifs of modern warfare through a sardonic lens. His gang of soldiers wore a camouflage print which, on closer inspection, was revealed to be made of images of their victims’ dead bodies. Flashes of white and red stood out as bone and blood injuries before eventually being mixed to form a shade of pink— a grotesque reflection on kawaii culture in parts sure to draw a new generation of disillusioned young disciples to his cause.

Photos by Samuel Thomas

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FASHION CALENDAR

CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.

FASHION VS. CLOTHING

T

his mark as a young provocateur with a highschool-boys-themed collection, in which the male uniform was given a number of subversive tweaks—not least replacing the lapels of one of his coats with a “gravure” idol pinup.

Elsewhere, Rinrinka looked like a commercial success in the making with her own unique take on kawaii sensibilities that look an easy sale in Tokyo and beyond.

When it was the orchestrators’ turn to take to the stage, they didn’t disappoint. Mikio Sakabe provided a dissection of modern masculinity, using his models to tell the story of the transition through puberty, leading into moody teenage years, and ending on an uncertain adulthood. On the final day of the week, Yoshikazu Yamagata’s WrittenAfterwards stole the show with a gentle parody of 1990s Benetton optimism, including a children’s choir singing Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World,” and a wearable globe.

Photos by Samuel Thomas

okyo Fashion Week hasn’t been immune to the rise of “normcore,” a movement which reacts to the relentless trendbased nature of modern fashion. By opting out entirely, and embracing a purely functional approach to wardrobes, brands like the mainstream KBF and even the expert pattern cutters at DressedUndressed went for resolute restraint over the exhibitionism many might have been expecting.

It reopens the age-old debate over whether all clothing design is actually fashion. The majority of shoppers at a chain like Uniqlo are unlikely to think of the garments as being part of a fashion system, but rather something akin to a tool or a necessity. That doesn’t mean you can’t dress Keisuke Yoshida fashionably in something from Uniqlo; the city attests to this fact on a daily basis. But for every brand that walks the line between function and fashion, there are those that are so deep in the fashion camp that the notion of function is a matter of contention.

Re p r e s e n t i n g t h e drive of fashion for fashion’s sake, we find the Tokyo New Age group of designers ably organized by the experienced hands of brand WrittenAfterward’s Yoshikazu Yamagata and designer Mikio Sakabe. The pair masterminded a series of events both on the official Mercedes-Benz Sponsored Week and off, including multiple fashion shows and exhibitions, all in addition to their own independent fashion shows.

This season, eight designers from the Tokyo New Age stable got their time in the spotlight with Akiko Aoki, Kotona, Noriko Nakazato, and Ryota Murakami taking the stage in Shibuya Club Quattro. Their models pushed their way through the bewildered standing crowd in a single show, allowing their collections to mix and mingle before gathering

on podiums, grouped by designer. Out of the melee, Ryota Murakami’s Sid Vicious-inspired collection sang out strongly, with a comedically oversized biker jacket rendering any wannabe punk into a child wearing their dad’s jacket. Kotona, on the other hand, opted for sheer fashion clout above gimmicks.

The remaining four brands were given the run of Konno Hachimangu Shrine in Shibuya for a guerrilla show in partnership with Shibuya Fashion Week. Keisuke Yoshida, Kotoha Yokozawa, Soshi Otsuki, and Rinrinka brought their own brand of fashion chaos to an ot h e rwise peaceful setting.

Keisuke Yoshida made

Ryota Murakami Mikio Sakabe

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movies

BY DON MORTON

featured movie

PRIDE It’s been said that it’s impossible to truly fight oppression without opposing all forms of oppression. And the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Such were the thoughts that, in 1984, led gay activist Mark Ashton (Ben Schnetzer) to organize LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners) to raise funds for the U.K.’s striking coal miners—whether they liked it or not. The unlikely allies shared an enemy in Margaret Thatcher, and both were targets of police harassment. LGSM’s donations were at first spurned by the National Union of Mineworkers, but were eventually accepted by a small Welsh local when the wrong (or right) person answered the phone. There ensues a series of culture-clash set pieces as a spirit of solidarity that gradually overcome fear and bigotry, and caricatures that become individuals. This hetero-friendly (and true) story is presented with the kind of seriocomic approach that made its cinematic cousins The Full Monty and Billy Elliot so enjoyable.

Great cast includes Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy, Paddy Considine, Dominic West, and George MacKay. Manipulative? Sure. Feelgood? Absolutely. Preachy? Never. It’s the kind of movie that has audiences applauding and misty-eyed at the end. I did, and I was.

Japanese title: Parade e Yokoso. (120 min)

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RECLAIM The title refers to the nefarious prac tice of fake overseas adoption agencies “selling” children to wealthy Americans, then kidnapping the kids back, packing up shop, and moving on to the next location and the next victims. John Cusack takes on yet another so-so, sleazy villain role, and a bland Ryan Phillippe and a frisky Rachelle Lefevre are the target parental hopefuls. But don’t mistake this sanctimonious drivel for social activism. This is surprisefree, by-the-numbers moviemaking at its worst—a cheap, insultingly predictable mix of fisticuffs, car chases, frenetic dialogue, and a literal cliff-hanging scene. Japanese title: Missing Day. (96 min)

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DINOSAUR ISLAND A pair of pre-teens explore a fantasy island full of (feathered) dinosaurs.

These child dialogue readers (“actors” is the wrong term here) reel off exposition-heavy lines written by director Matt Drummond, an Aussie special effects ace who should not quit his day job. This movie is so lame on every level (incl. SFX) that I would probably just have ignored it had I not noticed the Japanese title. “Jurassic Island” smacks of a not-so-subtle shot at tricking people into thinking this is related to the classic dinosaur franchise. I know it’s for kids, but I for one think kids deserve better. (90 min)

NINJA: SHADOW OF A TEAR These straight-to-DVD martial arts movies are a dime a dozen. And while I couldn’t be called a fan, the beautifully choreographed and executed fight scenes made this one surprisingly worthwhile. Scott Adkins is the real deal. Though hardly Oscar material, he’s handsome and suitably hunky, an impressive martial arts pro with glowering badassitude who moves through his one-against-many battles with fluidity and grace. Kind of like Steven Seagal’s self-image. The icing on the cake is that, between the fighting, the drama’s seriously awful. But in a good, bad-movie kind of way.

Oof! Japanese title: Ninja Avengers. (95 min)

IN THE BLOOD Charismatic MMA champion-turned-actress Gina Carano appears in a brilliant movie that turns the ac tion -hero trope on its head by having a badass woman colorfully take on a variety of villains in a number of imaginative and violent ways. But, unfortunately, that movie was Steven Soderbergh’s Haywire, not this waste of the lady’s talent. A honeymooning bride whose husband has been kidnapped in the Caribbean for medical donation purposes takes on not only the kidnappers but the complicit police and corrupt hospital network as well to get her man back. Ho hum. Go rent Haywire. Japanese title: Bride Weapon. (101 min)

TRACERS This caper f lick tries to simultaneously take advantage of the rising popularit y of parkour (running across rooftops, etc.) and reverse the declining popularity of Twilight alum Taylor Lautner. Hackneyed plot has a NYC bike messenger taking up parkour, initially to get close to a girl he saw doing it (an inert Marie Avgeropoulos). Turns out she’s part of a gang of modern-day cat burglars run by the Dickensian Miller, who’s not what he seems, yada yada. Oh, and Taylor happens to owe an unexplained $15,000 to some nasty Chinatown loan sharks. He joins up. Not much new here except all the jumping around.

Japanese title: Unlimited. (93 min)

JUPITER ASCENDING Jeez, where to star t?

W hile t his lumb ering Dune rip-off is eye candy of the first magnitude, it fails on every other level.

Mila Kunis, a delightful rom-com actress, is way out of her league as an action heroine. She spends most of her time being kidnapped, rescued, or making goo-goo eyes at a Spock-eared, green-goateed Channing Tatum.

The storyline, glimpsed occasionally between the many, many battle scenes, is all but impenetrable. After this $175 million train wreck, it’s unlikely the Wachowskis will be entrusted with any more big budgets. Maybe they’ll have to resort to storytelling instead. Japanese title: Jupiter. (127 min)

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Pride: © PATHE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED. BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION AND THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE 2014. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; Reclaim: © 2014 REClAIM FILM, LLC; Dinosaur Island: © 2014 Extinct Productions Pty Limited; Ninja: Shadow of a Tear: © 2012 N2 Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; In the Blood: © 2013 ITB Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; Tracers: © 2014 Freerunning LLC.; Jupiter Ascending: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS(BVI)LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; The Theory of Everything: © UNIVERSAL PICTURES; Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.; Song One: © 2014 Song One Funding LLC All Rights Reserved; Into the Woods: © 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc.; The Imitation Game: © 2014 BBP IMITATION, LLC; Begin Again: © 2013 KILLIFISH PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING It was only a matter of time before a film was made about Stephen Hawking, the brilliant physicist who was diagnosed with ALS 50 years ago and given two years to live. But rather than explaining the science, it concentrates on the formidable personal challenges faced by the physicist and his first wife Jane. Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his painstakingly detailed portrayal, but the film’s emotional center is Felicity Jones as Jane, who matches Redmayne scene for scene with an equally powerful but far subtler performance. This brainy bio is inspirational, literate, schmaltz-free, and quite moving.

Japanese title: Hakase to Kanojo no Theory. (123 min)

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB The 2006 Ben Stiller ve h i c l e N i g h t a t t h e Museum of fered the mildly amusing spectacle of all the exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History coming to life.

It was pure multiplex fodder, but at least encouraged kid curiosity. The plodding 2009 sequel merely repurposed the same material. The best thing I can say about this flaccid, London-based cash grab (aside from one amusing tweak on M.C. Escher’s “Relativity”), is that it’s the last one. One recurring gag is a pissing monkey. Go to a museum instead. Japanese title: Night Museum: Egypt Oh no Himitsu. (97 min)

SONG ONE An aspiring young musician in a coma, his semiestranged sister (Anne Hathaway) returning to Brooklyn from overseas to sit at his bedside and hope, the boy’s indiefolk idol (Johnny Flynn) joining the vigil, mom (Mary Steenburgen) revealing truths, and the curative power of music. Not a lot of drama, but also zilch melodrama.

There’s a sense of realism to this intuitive, low-key musical love story by newcomer writer/director Kate Barker-Froyland, which refreshingly confounds your cinematic expectations at every turn. I liked how it tries not at all to be hip, and the fine acoustic music.

Japanese title: Brooklyn no Koibito tachi. (88 min)

INTO THE WOODS Ro b M a r s h a l l ’s t r a c k record in the tricky craft of adapting stage musicals includes an Oscarwinner (Chicago) and a real turkey (Nine). This one’s in between, a toneddown (it’s Disney) version of Stephen Sondheim’s far racier stage epic that mixes and matches four Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The first half is fun, creative, and exuberant, but then the mash-up starts falling apart as the story lines begin tripping over one another. Some magical moments, interleaved with embarrassing missteps. Great cast includes Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and about ten minutes of Johnny Depp. (125 min)

THE IMITATION GAME While no one can be called the inventor of the computer, Alan Turing comes close. The machine he built to break the Nazis’ Enigma code saved thousands of lives. But this was leavened with tragedy when he “broke” a different code: The petty, antediluvian social code of 1940s Britain that made homosexuality a crime. Benedict Cumberbatch puts in another flawless performance, expressing the man’s genius and arrogance as well as his social clumsiness and loneliness. Script wisely doesn’t try to explain the math, and streamlines events into a cinematically accessible whole without dumbing it down. Japanese title: Imitation Game: Enigma to Tensai Sugakusha no Himitsu. (114 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)

© 2015「風に立つライオン」製作委員会

© IMAGE.NET

© Avenue B Productions

eiga Despite his popularity in the West, I’m not a fan of Takashi Miike.

The extremely prolific auteur has cranked out over 90 feature

By Rob Schwartz films in his 24-year-or-so career.

Known mainly for hyper-violent works like Ichi the Killer, torture dramas like Audition, or tongue-in-cheek brutality like the Dead or Alive series, the director’s made just about everything else too. The comedy-drama-musicalhorror The Happiness of the Katakuris was a hit in Japan and internationally. Miike even crafted one flick I liked: The prison drama Big Bang Love: Juvenile. However, you wouldn’t expect him to make a heartfelt tearjerker about a doctor doing good in the world—which he did. Doctor Kōichirō Shimada (Takao Ōsawa) goes off to work at a research center in Kenya, but is soon drawn into frontline hospitals treating child soldiers. When he finds a boy who’s seen his parents slaughtered and is crazed with anguish, he dedicates himself to the physical and psychological healing of these kids. Based on Masashi Sada’s 2013 novel, the work is melodramatic, a bit sappy, and straightforward.

Still, it’s great to see Miike try something so earnest.

English title: Lion Standing Against the Wind. (139 min)

KAZE NI TATSU LION

movie news Bond is back. After 2012’s Skyfall celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 007 series on the screen by having the secret agent battle a host of middle-age problems, the 24th film in the series is set to be released later this year. Sam Mendes, who directed the last film, said at a London press conference, “one of the great luxuries of coming back to a film like this is that you have already established some great actors in the role to begin with.”

He then introduced the cast—fourth time Bond Daniel Craig, second-time Q Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear playing MI6 Chief of Staff Tanner for the third time, Naomie Harris in her second turn as Moneypenny, and Ralph Fiennes, who took over for Judi Dench as M at the end of the last film. Newcomers include Italian Monica Bellucci and French actress Léa Seydoux.

Mendes revealed the title would be Spectre, which aficionados will remember as an acronym for “Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion,” a team of bad guys including Dr. No and Blofeld, leading to speculation that Christoph Waltz would be playing one of these villains. However, details of his character are being kept under wraps. Spectre opens in Japan November 6. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground After being closed more than five years, art house Yebisu Garden Cinema (4-20-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku; www.unitedcinemas.jp/yebisu) is back. Among the initial offerings is the French drama La ritournelle (Paris Follies; pictured). Isabelle Huppert stars as a middle-aged married woman in the countryside who reluctantly starts an affair with a younger man in the city … Bunkamura’s Le Cinema (2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuyaku; www.bunkamura.co.jp) continues its screenings of live stage performances with two works from Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet. The contemporary A Legend of Love can be seen April 3-4, and a more traditional production of Swan Lake will be on April 24-25 … The title of the 1987 documentary Radium City refers to the Midwestern town of Ottawa, Illinois, which in the 1920s was based around a single industry—producing luminous watch dials by painting them with radioactive paint. Decades later, the town was still paying the price—a poignant message for Japan as the cleanup of Fukushima Daiichi drags on. A screening on April 13, 7pm, will include a live performance of a music piece inspired by the story, at Uplink Factory (37-18 Utagawacho, Shibuya-ku. http://www.uplink.co.jp/). Kevin Mcgue

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arts&culture DANCE

WRECKING CREW ORCHESTRA

The exhibition—free to the public—opened with much fanfare, including visits from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the U.S. ambassador, President Kennedy’s daughter Caroline.

This underlined the importance of the JapanU.S. alliance in the past, when the world faced

the threat of communism, and today, when the U.S. is keen to maintain its superpower status in a fast-changing Asia-Pacific.

Along with the letters, posters, and speech notes are some information boards, videos, and pieces of artwork, including a drawing Caroline did for her father; allowing the visitor to build a picture of a president obscured by his iconic status. What emerges is a man strongly anticommunist—much more than is realized—and a cunning politician with a carefully-crafted “family man” image we now know was largely false.

The most interesting items are those focusing on the 1943 incident in which Kennedy had a brush with death when his PT-109 patrol boat was rammed by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri.

The exhibition has a painting of this dramatic event, which set the groundwork for Kennedy’s electable image of “war hero.” But an exchange of correspondence from 1952 to 1953 with the captain of the Amagiri also reveals a more calculating

Street dance meets Japanese hi-tech

BY DAN GRUNEBAUM

I

rregular hours are a fact of life for a dancer.

Metropolis’ Skype call to Yuichi Yokoi finds the leader of Osaka street dance group Wrecking Crew Orchestra about to begin rehearsal at 11 in the evening.

“We were all once dance instructors; usually we worked during daytime,” Yokoi explains with a laugh. “So the only time we had to practice was at night after work. It’s a habit we can’t seem to drop.”

The eight members of Wrecking Crew are rehearsing what may be their biggest show yet: A 10-day residency at Tokyo’s Zepp Blue Theater.

“We wanted to test our limits of expression,” says Yokoi of the production, which employs sophisticated projection mapping. “With Doodlin’, we go beyond street dance to create an entertainment spectacle. We’ve used projection mapping in our performances before, but we wanted to try something new in terms of integrating technology with street dance.”

Doodlin’ melds street dance with Japanese hi-tech, taking the integration of projection mapping with performance art to a new level. Working with visual director Takehito Suzuki and a pack of costume and stage designers, Wrecking Crew Orchestra employs what’s called a “seethrough screen” that allows them to seamlessly blend the dancing and visuals.

ART

JFK

The Life and Legacy

BY C.B.LIDDELL

I

t may seem in rather poor taste to hold an exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy in what is, in effect, a glorified book depository. After all , the National Archives of Japan is the kind of building from which Kennedy’s alleged assassin struck on that fateful day in November 1963.

But actually, the Archives—located next to the Museum of Modern Art Tokyo and across from the Emperor’s palace—is a logical choice of venue, because the exhibition focuses on documents, letters, and papers related to the life of America’s most famous and tragic postwar President.

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Courtesy of Sony Music Marketing Inc.

Yokoi says the title Doodlin’ stands for graffiti.

“The theme is based on childhood,” he offers.

“Kids have a limitless imagination. For example, if you have kids draw a cat, but they don’t do a very good job, the cat’s ears may look like mountains. Then they draw a sky as background, and what was supposed to be a cat becomes a landscape. That’s the idea of Doodlin’—images transform before your eyes into something completely unexpected. When we become adults, our freedom of imagination gets hemmed in by

social expectations and common sense. With Doodlin’, we want people to recall the freedom of their childhood. We hope to inspire people to open their minds.”

After decades as a dancer and stints representing Japan at overseas events, Yokoi speaks with the voice of someone who’s had time to consider the meaning of his life’s calling. “It has to be a conversation between the dancers and the audience,” he believes. “Dance isn’t just a tool to entertain—but also to tell a story.”

When they go abroad, Wrecking Crew find themselves in the intriguing position of representing Japan via an art form that began on the streets of the United States.

“Street dance isn’t Japanese culture, so for us to represent it to Myanmar people was a bit strange,” he recalls forthrightly.

side of Kennedy’s mind. His reply comes a full five months after he received Captain Hanami’s letter, suggesting that he was only interested in replying when he realized the political benefits of appearing magnanimous and boosting U.S.-Japan ties at an important juncture in the Cold War. Kennedy comes across as sometimes sly, sometimes gung-ho, sometimes even idealistic. He was prepared to gamble and make the grand gesture, as with his decisions to publicly launch the space race and confront the Soviet Union over its placing of missiles in the sovereign territory of its Cuban ally. Several items testify to the tension and paranoia of the famous Cuban Missile Crisis, including Kennedy’s hand-scribbled notes with ‘missile’ circled.

Perhaps the most striking item is a large color photo of Kennedy’s inauguration, which includes around 200 VIPs and luminaries, including former President Eisenhower and future presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, but not a single non-white face. Quite a contrast with today, when a black president presides over a country where whites are already a minority of new births.

National Archives of Japan, until May 5.

Photo by Davi Azevedo

“[The] Japanese first imitated American culture, but then we made it our own over time. So we tried to bring that to Myanmar. It was a powerful experience.”

What makes Japanese street dance unique? “[The] Japanese are subtle,” he says, pondering a good answer.

“And precise. We’re able to take advantage of that for performances that, for example, involve projection mapping. We try to bring those aspects of Japanese culture to street dance; and Japanese hi-tech—mixing that with street art.”

Rather than finding overseas habits strange, Yokoi says it’s the local response he finds odd upon returning to Japan. “Japanese people are very shy—they’re always checking other audience members out before they decide how to respond,” he responds. “Nearby Asian peoples are more open. So rather than finding other countries strange, when I get back, I find Japan different.

I wish Japanese would learn how to enjoy themselves more easily, and not be so uptight.”

While amateur dance forms from salsa to ballroom to Jamaican-style twerking are wildly popular here, dance at the professional level is still a tiny community divided into factions from street dance to ballet to butoh.

Japan needs someone who can unite dance fans, and in Yokoi they may have the right person. Whether it’s in front of audiences in big Japanese cities, or on international tour, what comes through from Yokoi is that he enjoys being on stage at least as much as his fans take pleasure in watching him.

“It’s all I know,” he concludes. “I’ve been dancing professionally half my life. It’s also the area where I express myself best. And it provides a way to interact with people.

I even met my wife through dance—and the members of Wrecking Crew, too. More than art, for us dance is a communication tool.”

Zepp Blue Theater Roppongi, April 3-12. http://wreckingcreworchestra.com

1 TO 1: MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS

BY DANIEL L. SMITH, FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

W

hen you make an interview entrance by bringing along your freshly-minted Oscar, it’s a hard act to follow. That’s what happened when we caught up with French director/producer/scriptwriter Michel Hazanavicius during his last visit to Japan.

His film, The Artist, had just won Best Picture at the 84th Academy Awards, and Hazanavicius took home the Oscar for Best Director. But he didn’t seem to have time to make it home from the ceremony as the film’s Japan premiere came on the heels of his Hollywood trip—so he literally carried the Oscar statue around and brought it to his interview with Fox Backstage Pass host Matthew Ireton.

Maybe the award-winning filmmaker knew it was going to be hard to top that experience so, instead of a statue, this time he brought to Tokyo the next best thing: Another great movie, The Gift.

He credits the accolades The Artist earned with paving the path to making The Search.

“The Academy Awards gave me the chance to increase my expression, which meant, for me, that the door is open. I had always wanted to make this movie, even before I won the Academy Awards. After the Academy Awards, I got so many offers. However, I knew what I wanted to make, so I started this project naturally. I started to make this movie a week after I won the Oscar,” Hazanavicius explained.

He said his interest in the Chechen War fueled his desire to remake the original 1948 film.

“I have been shocked for a long time [by the Chechen War]. Many atrocities

were committed during the war. That was a terrible war. Besides that, I was shocked that the international community seemed to have no interest in the truth—so I made it happen. I could film in a wonderful situation; by that, I mean I was able to raise the funds for this movie, and could make this movie not only entertaining, but also dramatic,” Hazanavicius continued, adding, “I think [the] Oscar gave me this chance!”

The film also gave the Frenchman an opportunity to work with his wife, actress Bérénice Bejo, and noted Hollywood actress Annette Bening.

“In regards to Bérénice, she was interested in the Chechen War as well. At the beginning of this project, we worked closely together, met the same people, and watched the same documentary. We shared many of the same experiences surrounding this movie. That’s why she was interested in this movie from the beginning, and she invested so much of herself in the film,” Hazanavicius said.

Attracting Bening required a more traditional route. “I sent the script to her.

She read the entire script in just two days and decided to take this right after she finished reading it. It impressed me a lot.

She also researched the Chechen War to prepare for this movie. She is an amazing woman as well as a wonderful actress. All of the film’s staff fell in love with her. I’m so glad to have worked with her.”

Like The Artist, Hazanavicius’ latest film is receiving critical acclaim. With an impressive track record growing by the project, we wonder what his next Tokyo trip will bring.

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.

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agenda

WATCH LIST

hot tickets

MAY 23 Loud & Metal Attack

Headlined by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, with Lost Society, Wolfheart, and others. May 23, 3pm. ¥7,000. Club Quattro.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://j.mp/loudandmetalattack2015 Tickets on sale now

Concerts POPULAR 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 Arrested Development

Grammy Award-winning American alternative hip-hop group who were named Band of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine in 1993. Apr 4, 6 & 9pm; Apr 5, 4:30 & 7:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/arrested2015 The Waterboys

Rock band mixing Celtic folk music with rock ‘n’ roll. Apr 6, 7:30pm. ¥8,000. Club Quattro.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/waterboys2015 Tropics

British producer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Ward performs music that’s a little bit chillwave, a little bit polyrhythmics. Apr 7, 7pm. ¥4,500-6,500. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/tropics2015 Battle Beast

Finnish heavy metal band who rose to prominence by winning two major band competitions in 2010. Apr 7, 7pm. ¥6,800.

Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ battlebeast2015 Computer Magic

Electronic music solo-project of American producer Danielle “Danz” Johnson who is the singer, writer, composer, and often producer for Computer Magic. Apr 7, 8pm. ¥5,500.

WWW. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-7685. http://j.mp/ compmagic2015 John-Hoon

South Korean singer and actor who rose to fame as a member of Korean duo UN. Apr 8-9, 6:30pm. ¥9,800. Shinjuku Bunka Center. Higashi-Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-3350-1141. www. kimjeonghoon.com Stick Men

Progressive rock band formed by the bassist Tony Levin, with special guest David Cross. Apr 10, 7pm. ¥6,000-8,000. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ stickmen2015

JUN 7 Bra Bra Final Fantasy

The Siena Wind Orchestra perform music from the hit video game franchise. Jun 7, 1 & 5pm. ¥4,5006,500. Bunkamura Orchard Hall.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/brabra2015 Tickets on sale now

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

English rock band led by former Oasis lead guitarist/ songwriter. Apr 16, 7pm. ¥9,000. Nippon Budokan.

Kudanshita. http://j.mp/ gallagher2015 Charli XCX

Chart-topping British singersongwriter puts on a show that’ll make you go “boom, clap.” Apr 16, 7pm. ¥6,000.

Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/ charli2015

JUN 14-15 & 19-22 Vanessa Williams

The stunning pop and R&B songstress saves the best for Tokyo. Jun 15, 19, & 22, 6:30 & 9:30pm; Jun 14, 20-21, 5 & 8pm. ¥13,800. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. http://j.mp/williams2015 Tickets on sale from Apr 4

genre is ethereal nostalgic sonance. Apr 23, 7pm. ¥5,000.

Astro Hall. Meiji-Jingumae.

Tel: 03-3402-3089. http://j.mp/ blossoms2015 Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

Three-piece band, comprising the siblings of the Durham family, whose music is heavily influenced by everything from R&B, swing, and jump blues, to country and Western, Hawaiian, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Apr 24, 7:30pm. ¥6,000.

Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ kittydaisylewis2015

Extreme Death Feast

Metal concert featuring The Crown, Aborted, and Rotten Sound. Apr 17, 5:45pm. ¥6,000. duo Music Exchange.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-8716. www.duomusicexchange.com Meghan Trainor

American bubblegum singersongwriter who’s all about that bass. Apr 18, 7pm. ¥5,800.

Laforet Museum. Harajuku.

Tel: 03-5413-3072. http://j.mp/ trainor2015 Davina Robinson

Powerhouse vocalist brings her take on rock, blues, and soul to Tokyo. Apr 18, 6:30-11pm. ¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door).

Yotsuya Lotus. Yotsuyasanchome. Tel: 03-5315-4781. http://yotsuyalotus.com Colm Wilkinson: Broadway and Beyond Japan

Irish tenor, best known for originating the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Apr 18, 6:30pm; Apr 19, 3pm; Apr 21-22, 2pm. ¥7,000-12,000.

Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/ wilkinson2015 Peace

English indie rock quartet who began to receive critical acclaim in early 2012 from publications such as The Guardian and NME, who compared them to The Maccabees, Foals, Wu Lyf, and Vampire Weekend. Apr 22, 7pm. ¥5,000. Club Quattro.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/peace2015 Vandenberg’s Moonkings

Band created by Adrian Vandenberg, a Dutch rock guitarist best known as one of the former guitarists in Whitesnake. Apr 23, 7pm. ¥7,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu.

Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/ moonkings2015 Blossoms

Mosaic five-piece band whose

Katy Perry

The bombshell pop star with an affinity for kissing girls roars into Tokyo. Apr 25, 6pm; Apr 26, 5pm. ¥10,000-25,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Sendagaya. Tel: 03-54742112. http://j.mp/katyperry2015

JUL 15-AUG 2 Sister Act

Whoopi Goldberg-produced Broadway musical adaptation of the 1992 comedy featuring the actress.

Jul 15-Aug 2, various times. ¥7,00012,000. Theatre Orb. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-3244. http://j.mp/ sisteract2015 Tickets on sale now

Opeth

Swedish heavy metal band who incorporate progressive, folk, blues, classical, and jazz influences into their usually lengthy compositions. Apr 30, 7pm. ¥7,500. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6406-2222. http://j.mp/opeth2015 Epik High

South Korean alternative hip-hop group known for combining different styles of hip hop, along with different musical genres. May 3, 6pm. ¥6,800. Yokohama Bay Hall.

Motomachi-Chūkagai. Tel: 045-624-3900. http://j.mp/ epik2015 Sam Smith

Grammy-winning English singer-songwriter serenades you. May 7-8, 7pm. ¥6,000.

Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/samsmith2015

Equilibrium

German folk metal band combining elements of folk music, black metal, and symphonic metal, with various other influences. Apr 25-26, 6pm. ¥5,500. The Doors.

Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5350-5800. http://equilibrium-metal.net/en/ Fu-Ching-Gido Debut Album Release Party

Tuba and drums gypsy rock band with support from vaudevillian charmer Baron.

Apr 26, 6:30-10:30pm. ¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (door). Shibuya Gee-ge. Shibuya. Tel: 03-6416-3468. http://fu-chinggido.com Paul McCartney

Sir Paul makes his return with his “Out There Japan Tour,” after the cancellation of his show last May. Apr 23, 25 & 27, 6:30pm. ¥14,000-18,000.

Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999. http:// outthere-japantour.com Elle Varner

American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who released her debut album, Perfectly Imperfect, in 2012.

Apr 27-28, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,000-9,000. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/varner2015 Collabro

English boy band who won the eighth series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014, and whose repertoire comprises primarily musical theater. Apr 29, 2pm. ¥4,860. Yomiuri Otemachi Hall.

Otemachi. Tel: 03-6739-5838. http://yomi.otemachi-hall.com

Sheena Easton

Grammy-winning Scottish star of music, film, and stage, whose baby takes the morning train. May 2, 6 & 9pm; May 4, 4:30 & 7:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500.

Billboard Live. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ easton2015 Ned Doheny

American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music defies exact categorization, being variously described as pop, funk, jazz, and AOR. May 5, 4:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800.

Billboard Live. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ doheny2015 JAZZ/WORLD Helen Merrill

American internationally-known jazz vocalist who has recorded and performed with some of the most notable figures on the American jazz scene. Mar 31-Apr 3, 6:30 & 9pm; Apr 4, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/merrill2015

for free

UNTIL APR 19 Flower Garden 2015

Enjoy the coming of spring with a colorful array of flowers, arranged like a big “flower carpet.” Until Apr 19, all day (illumination 6pm-12am). Free.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

Bashamichi or Nihon-ōdōri. www.yokohama-akarenga.jp

& 9:30pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ keziahjones2015 Kenny Garrett Quintet

Grammy Award-winning American post-bop jazz saxophonist and flautist who gained fame as a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Miles Davis’ band. Apr 13, 7pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/garrett2015 Antonio Sanchez & Migration

Mexican jazz drummer who composed the music for the Academy Award-winning film Birdman. Apr 14, 7pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ antoniosanchez2015 Jill Barber

Canadian singer-songwriter renowned for writing songs that evoke feelings of a bygone era. Apr 15-16, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,000. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/barber2015

Antibalas

Brooklyn-based afrobeat band that is modeled after Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 band and Eddie Palmieri’s Harlem River Drive Orchestra. Apr 26, 5 & 8pm; Apr 27-28, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,000. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/antibalas2015 Joey Calderazzo Trio

Jazz pianist Calderazzo’s trio with Donald Edwards (drums) and Orlando LeFleming (bass) that has developed into one of the most adventurous outfits in jazz. Apr 28 & 30, 6:30 & 9pm; Apr 29, 5 & 8pm. ¥7,0009,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ calderazzo2015 Dave Koz featuring Javier Colon

American smooth jazz saxophonist Koz with acoustic soul singer-songwriter and musician Colon. May 1, 7 & 9:30pm; May 2-4, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/koz2015

Jimmy Cliff

Jamaican reggae musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor who is the only living musician to hold the Order of Merit. Apr 14-16, 6:30 & 9:30pm. ¥10,000-12,000.

Billboard Live. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ jimmycliff2015

The Funky Meters

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

Blue Mountain Boys

Jazz trumpeter Alpert, who is the only recording artist to hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop chart as both a vocalist and an instrumentalist, and his wife Hall, a Grammy Award-winning singer. Apr 17 & 20, 7:30pm; Apr 18-19, 6pm. ¥14,800-18,040. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ alperthall2015

Classic country western and bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm. Free.

Cafe Sepia. Shibuya.

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

Richard Elliot

Grammy Award-winning Cuban jazz pianist and composer Rubalcaba’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

Scottish-born saxophone player whose solo career took off when he remade the Percy Sledge classic “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Apr 21-23, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500.

Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ elliot2015

Keziah Jones

Hans Dulfer

Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist performing “blufunk,” a fusion between raw blues elements and hard, edgy funk rhythms. Apr 8-10, 7

Dutch jazz musician who plays tenor saxophone, and father to fellow saxophonist Candy Dulfer. Apr 22-24, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quartet

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/dulfer2015

American funk band who performed and recorded their own music from the late 1960s until 1977. May 9, 6 & 9pm; May 10, 4:30 & 7:30pm. ¥7,200-9,200. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/meters2015

CLASSICAL Japan Philharmonic Orchestra Popular Concert

Conducted by Tomomi Nishimoto, with performances of Rachmaninov’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No.5, op.64,” and more. Apr 5, 2pm. ¥1,500-7,200. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ jphilpopular2015 Vittorio Grigolo

Italian operatic tenor who was chosen to become part of the Sistine Chapel Choir as a soloist at a young age. Apr 5, 2pm. ¥15,000-18,500. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. www.operacity.jp/en

25

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26

Toyota Master Players, Wien

With performances of Mozart’s “Serenade in D major, K. 239 Serenata notturna,” Hummel’s “Concerto for Trumpet in E major,” and more. Apr 6, 7pm. ¥3,000-5,500. Suntory Hall.

Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ toyotaplayers2015 Sebastiano lo Medico

Italian tenor and accordion player with Sayaka Teramoto on piano. Apr 8, 2pm. ¥500.

Lilis. Hongodai. Tel: 045-896-2000. http://j.mp/ lomedico2015 Lim Hyung Joo

UN Peace Medal-winning South Korean operatic pop tenor and classical crossover singer. Apr 8, 7pm. ¥7,500.

Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/limhyungjoo2015 Japan Philharmonic Orchestra Crystal Symphonic Concert

With Chris Hart, an American singer who gained popularity as a J-pop artist in Japan. Apr 8, 7pm. ¥7,000-9,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ jphilcrystal2015 Second International Peace Concert in Japan

Professional and young musicians join together for international and multicultural peace and understanding.

Apr 10, 7-9pm. ¥1,300-3,500 (adv)/¥2,000-4,000 (door).

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-53912111. www.peaceconcert.jp Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra

Conducted by Ken Takaseki with a performance of Smetana’s “Má vlast” and more. Apr 11, 2pm. ¥3,2006,300. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. www.operacity.jp/en

viennaboys2015suntory.

May 22, 1:30pm. ¥5,800.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. www. operacity.jp/en/. May 23, 2pm. ¥5,900. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. www.yaf.or.jp/ mmh/english/index-e.html

Modern Disco. Electro, techno: DJs Kavinsky, Kyoko, etc.

From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com

Richard Clayderman

The Room

French pianist noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as being “the most successful pianist in the world.” May 23, 3pm. ¥5,500-7,000. Katsushika Symphony Hills. Aoto. Tel: 03-5670-2222. http://j.mp/ clayderman2015

Especial Records Session.

House, jazz: DJs Shuya Okino, Yoshihiro Okino. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Ageha

John’s World. All good music: DJ Johnny and more. From 12am. ¥1,000. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5784-5496. www. microcosmos-tokyo.com The New Matrix Bar

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

Leftfield. House, techno: DJs Maeda, Kza, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

Power. House, electro: DJs Ol Killer, Towa Tei, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5728-2824. www. vision-tokyo.com Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc.

From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d.

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp 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

Conducted by Martin Studer with performances of Rodrigo’s “Concierto Pastoral,” Doppler’s “Rigoletto Fantaisie, op.38,” and more.

Apr 21, 7pm. ¥4,000-8,000.

Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/newzuerich2015 NHK Symphony Orchestra

Conducted by Vahan Mardirossian with pieces

by Mozart, Beethoven, and others. May 4, 2:30pm. ¥3,300-7,300. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/ Vienna Boys’ Choir

One of the best known boys’ choirs in the world presents the Bruckner touring choir. May 5, 2pm. ¥1,500-7,000. Suntory Hall.

Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/

Agepa. All mix: DJs U5, Hokuto, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)free.

Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com Daikanyama Unit

Veta. Techno: DJs Tr-101, Pete, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.

Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com Ucess the Lounge

Sasarisa. Hip-hop: DJs Sasarisa, Uda, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000 w/1 cd.

Meiji-jingumae. Tel: 03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp

www.rubyroomtokyo.com

http://j.mp/lachauvesouris2015

Womb

The New Matrix Bar

Sleeping Beauty

Double Eight. EDM, drum’n‘bass: DJs Ikezawa, Taku, etc. From 10pm. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

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

Club Asia

Air

Yolo. All mix: DJs Genie, Kazuki, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.co.jp

John Osborn. House, techno: DJs John Osborn, Nehan, etc.

From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.

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

Performed by the Matsuyama Ballet Company with music by the Tokyo New Philharmonic Orchestra. May 3-4, 3:30pm. ¥4,500-13,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/ matsuyamabeauty2015

TUESDAY 7

Open Mic. From 7pm. ¥1,000 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-37803022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www. rubyroomtokyo.com

Saturdays. House, EDM: DJs Deniz Koyu, Takeru, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shinkiba.

Tel: 03-5534-2525. www. ageha.com

T2

Awapa. House, techno: DJs Suda, Hatanaka, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500.

Tel: 03-5458-2551. www. clubasia.co.jp

Super Tuesday. EDM: DJs Hokuto, Takeru, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

Womb

Womb

06s. Drum‘n’bass: DJs Smooth, Aki, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.

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

Tuemix. EDM, top40: DJs Alpha One, Ashlay, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya.

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

Club Asia

Daikanyama Unit

Mindgames. DJs Peter Dundov, So, etc. From 11:30pm. ¥4,000.

Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com Liquidroom

Rpr Soundsystem. Techno, house: DJs Rpr Soundsystem, Kabuto, etc. From 11:30pm. ¥4,500. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54640800. www.liquidroom.net Sound Museum Vision

Modern Disco. Super Unique French Artist. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥3,000.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.vision-tokyo.com

WEDNESDAY 8 T2

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

Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki, Ikezawa, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp The Room

SUNDAY 5

The Room Bar. Bar style: DJs Saitou, Koma, etc. 7-11pm. Free.

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

T2

THURSDAY 9

Global Allmix Party. All mix: DJs Boss, Shu, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com Womb

EDM Sunday. EDM: DJs Yu-, Emiko, etc. 4-10pm. (m)¥2,500, (f)free. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp The Room

Signum. House, techno: DJs Kagayaki, Miboo, etc. 6-11pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp MONDAY 6

Air

Tokyogw. Hip-hop, bass music: DJ Good Weather. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo. com

Sterne. Techno: DJ Takkyu Ishino. Live: Secret Cinema.

From 11pm. ¥3,500.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

World Wide of Bass House.

Bass music, house: DJs Takizawa, Kobayashi, etc.

From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d.

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

SATURDAY 4

Sound Museum Vision

The New Matrix Bar

Saturday Night Fever.

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

Modern Disco. Electro, house: DJs Nakata, Uchida, etc.

From 10pm. (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5728-2824. www. vision-tokyo.com

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

EDM Express. EDM, top40: DJs Su-Pyi, Lirica, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya.

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

Air

Deep Detroit Heat. House: DJs Terrence Parker, Nobu, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500.

T2 Monday. EDM: DJs Kenta, Bobby, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-

Voca People

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Remo-Con, Baby-T, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

Israel-based ensemble performing vocal theater combining a cappella and beat boxing to reproduce the sounds of an entire orchestra.

Apr 14-26, various times. ¥5,200-8,300. The Galaxy Theatre. Tennouzu Isle. Tel: 03-5769-0011. http://hpot.jp/ vocapeople/english/

Ageha

Turned On. EDM: DJs Marc Panther, Vivid, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,500.

Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.ageha.com

Orange. All mix: DJs Chihiro, Horiki, etc. From 11pm. ¥1,000.

Tel: 03-5458-2551. www. clubasia.co.jp FRIDAY 10

Jumper. EDM: DJs Hikaru, Emiko, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥1,000 w/2d.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.co.jp Womb

Tact/Festival 2015

Thomas Newson. EDM: DJs Thomas Newson, Dantz, etc.

From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.

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

Showcasing overseas stage performances mainly from France, including Claire Ruffin’s L’insomnante, José Montalvo’s Asa Nisi Masa, and Corpus’ Les moutons. May 3-6, various times. ¥500-2,500.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-53912111. www.geigeki.jp/

Daikanyama Unit

Straight to Hell. Techno: DJs Ishino, Sugiurumn, etc.

From 11:30pm. ¥2,500.

Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com

Gokoku. Bass music, techno: DJs Hata, Baku, etc. From 6pm. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings) / 070-6969-4816 (daytime).

Exhibitions

SATURDAY 11 ENDING SOON Sound Museum Vision

Kill The Noise Japan Tour 2015. EDM, dub step. ¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500 (door). Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5728-2824. www. vision-tokyo.com

Dance Riverdance 20 Years

With an incredible two decades of global success, this tour provides Riverdance fans old and new the opportunity to celebrate an incredible milestone for an incredible show. Apr 3-15, various times. ¥7,500-12,000. Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/riverdance20years María Pagés, the Queen of modern flamenco, takes an innovative approach to Carmen!

Apr 24, 7pm; Apr 25, 3pm; Apr 26, 2pm. ¥8,000-12,000.

Bunkamura Orchard Hall.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/yocarmen2015

Microcosmos

Good Old. House: DJs Gee, Turbo, etc. From 12am. ¥2,000.

Tel: 03-5784-5496. www. microcosmos-tokyo.com

Mr. Show

A show only for women, be entertained at Korean revue “Mr. Show” where attractive men perform for your viewing pleasure. Apr 22-26, various times. ¥4,000-20,000. Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka. http://j.mp/ mrshow2015

Club Asia

Yo, Carmen Club Asia

Ruby Room T2

T2

T2

Air Womb

Destination. Broken beats, deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d.

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

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 5, 11 & 14, 2pm; Apr 8, 6:30pm. ¥6,480-21,600. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.

Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/ destino2015

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

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.vision-tokyo.com The Room

The Choice. House: DJs Nic Fanciulli, Osamu, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.

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

Stage La Forza del Destino

Sound Museum Vision

Air

The Room

T2

New Zuerich Orchestra

T2

FRIDAY 3 Microcosmos

8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

Ruby Room

Clubbing

Korean violinist who attended the prestigious Juilliard School. Apr 15, 7pm. ¥5,00012,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.

Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/ Japanese brass quintet composed of former classmates of Tokyo University of the Arts. Apr 20, 7pm. ¥2,000-3,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. http://j.mp/ buzzfive2015

Sound Museum Vision

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

Kyung-wha Chung

Buzz Five Concert 018

Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com

La Chauve-souris

Combining elements from musicals and revues, this humorous and charming repertoire is fully enjoyable for those not usually accustomed to ballet performances. Apr 21 & 23, 7pm; Apr 25, 1 & 6pm; Apr 26, 2pm. ¥3,240-10,800.

New National Theatre Tokyo.

Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999.

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 Pharaohs and People in Ancient Egypt

Explore the lives and spirituality of the Ancient Egyptians through items from the Tokai University Collection.

Until Apr 5, 9:30am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥150-300.

Yokohama Museum of EurAsian Cultures. Nihon-Odori. Tel: 045-663-2424. http://j.mp/ pharaohs2015 Bodhisattvas: Symbols of Salvation and Support

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 of human life and extend a hand in salvation. Until 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

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Friday, April 24 7pm - 1am Free entry

インターナショナルパーティー ･ 入場無料

・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.

Celebrate Dubliners’ th

13 Anniversary at DUBLINERS’ SHIBUYA 2F, Dogenzaka Center Bldg.

2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku Tel: 03-5459-1736 www.dubliners.jp

MORE INFO: 28

meturl.com/apr15

es

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

PINT BEERS FROM ¥500 COCKTAILS FROM ¥700 GLASS WINE FROM ¥550

2/6 Valu

1 toz: ¥1

Referenc

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

Kinnomise http://kinnomise-chugai.jp/

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.teienart-museum.ne.jp/en Quentin Caffier: Histoire d'une Fin

Showcasing a series of photos representing butoh, a form of Japanese dance theatre.Until Apr 10, 11:30am-11pm (until 8pm Fri-Sat). Free. Las Chicas.

Omotesando. 7pm-late, closed Sun & Mon. Free. Tokyo Salon. Omotesando. http://j. mp/caffier2015 Mikiko Kumazawa: Howl

Showcasing young and up-and-coming artist Kumazawa’s latest works.

Until Apr 11, 11am-7pm, closed Sun, Mon & hols. Free.

Mizuma Art Gallery. Ichigaya.

Tel: 03-3793-7931. http:// mizuma-art.co.jp Easter Parade

Showcasing arts and crafts works of rabbits and easter eggs. Apr 6-11, 11:30am-7pm (unitl 5pm on final day). Free.

Galerie Konoha. Kanda. Tel: 03-3256-2047. http://j.mp/ konohaeaster2015 ONGOING Happy at Hundred

Featuring works by German photographer Karsten Thormaehlen, of 100-year-old men and women. Apr 16-18, 10am-5pm. Free. Toranomon Hills. Toranomon. Tel: 03-6406-6665. http:// toranomonhills.com/en Love Birds

An exhibition of artwork

by Jad Fair, an artist and musician, featuring his new paper-cuttings with a motif of birds. Until Apr 26, 1-7pm, closed Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery.

Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/ lovebirds2015 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://j.mp/type2015 Pictorialism: Prelude to Modern Photography

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 Great Fake Exposition: Cultural history of fakes and imitation

Showcasing fake and imitation articles and the relationship between them and their genuine counterparts. Until May 6, 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mon. ¥450-830. National Museum of Japanese History.

Keisei-Sakura. http://j.mp/ greatfakeexposition2015 Gabriel Orozco: Inner Cycles

Mexican artist known for works that manipulate existing objects or rules to transform them into something else,

which intervene with common scenes to invite new thoughts.

Until May 10, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. ¥600-1,100.

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng Kataoka Tamako

Japanese-style painter who uses vivid colors, boldly deformed shapes, and paintings using powerful brushwork. Apr 7-May 17, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥300-1,200 (adv)/ ¥400-1,400 (door). The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.

Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://tamako2015. exhn.jp 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 a complete picture of the design work for the 1970 Expo. Until May 17, 10am-5pm (until 8pm on Fri). ¥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 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: 03-5777-8600. 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 Hiroshige and Kiyochika

Showcasing works by Utagawa Hiroshige, known as the last great master of the ukiyo-e tradition, and Kobayashi Kiyochika, an ukiyo-e artist of the Meiji period in commemoration of the 100th year since his death. Until May 28, 10:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon. ¥700-1,000.

Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Harajuku. Tel: 03-3403-0880. http://j.mp/ hiroandkiyo2015 Measuring: This much, that much, how much?

This exhibition aims to illustrate the types of units that are used to measure a variety of things and phenomena, and to give them a sense of familiarity that they may not already have. Until May 31, 10am-8pm, closed Tue. ¥500-1,000. 21_21 Design Sight. Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121. http://j.mp/ measuring2015 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 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 Great Amazon

Featuring over 400 exhibits and a 4-K theatre experience where you can travel to the Amazon through a 355" large-scale screen. Until 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 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. Apr 11-Jun 21, 10am-6pm, closed Wed. ¥500-1,000. Shiodome Museum. Shimbashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl. com/panasonicmuseum Fukagawa in the Snow: The Reappearance of an Utamaro Masterpiece

Showcasing works by Utamaro, one of the most highly regarded ukiyo-e practitioners, 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: 0460-87-3931. www. okada-museum.com/en UPCOMING Irises and Red and White Plum Blossoms: The Secret of Kōrin’s Design

Showcasing works by Ogata Kōrin, a Japanese painter of the Rinpa school who developed an original and distinctive style characterized by a bold impressionism with an absolute disregard for naturalism and the usual conventions. Apr 18-May 17, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥1,000-1,200. Nezu Museum.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. http://j.mp/korin2015 Utrillo and 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 Tokyo Story 2015

Showcasing works by artists who participated in Tokyo Wonder Site’s Creator in Residence program. Apr 18-Jul 26, 11am-7pm. Free.

Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo.

Ochanomizu, Suidobashi, or Hongo-sanchome. Tel: 03-5689-5331. http://j.mp/ tokyostory2015 Naruto Exhibition

Experience the spectacular world of manga master Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic Naruto. Apr 25-Jun 28, 10am-8pm. ¥500-1,800 (adv)/ ¥800-2,000 (door). Mori Arts Center Gallery. Roppongi. http://naruto-ten.com/ Spiral Independent Creators Festival

An art festival aiming to

discover, foster, and support the next generation of creators by displaying their work. May 2-5, 11am-7pm. ¥500-700. Spiral Hall.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-34981197. www.spiral.co.jp/en/

Sports BASEBALL Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin Tigers

Apr 3-4, 6pm; Apr 5, 2pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.

Suidobashi or Korakuen.

Tel: 03-5800-9999. www. giants.jp/en Yakult Swallows vs.

Chunichi Dragons

Apr 7-9, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs. Yakult Swallows

Apr 10, 6pm; Apr 11-12, 2pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en Yakult Swallows vs. DeNA Baystars

Apr 17-19, 6pm. ¥500-27,500. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs.

Chunichi Dragons

Apr 28-30, 6pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en Yakult Swallows vs. Toyo Carp

May 1-3, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp FIGURE SKATING World Team Trophy

Apr 16-19, various times. ¥3,000-20,000. Yoyogi National Stadium Yoyogi Gymnasium 1. Harajuku or Meiji-Jingumae. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www. tv-asahi.co.jp/figure/wtt

Festivals TRADITIONAL Shirasagi-no Mai

Traditional ceremonial parade and dance. Apr 12.

Sensoji. Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181. http://meturl. com/sensojijimai

more. Apr 18, 11am-3pm.

Free. Tokyo International School. Mita or Tamachi.

Tel: 03-5484-1160. www. tokyois.com

Half-Fast Cyclists Greenroom Festival ’15

Art and music festival with a focus on ocean and beach preservation with artists The Wailers, Lotus, Mama’s Gun, The Growlers, and more. May 23-24. ¥9,800 (one day)/ ¥17,000 (2 days). Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

Minatomirai. Tel: 045-2111515. http://greenroom.jp/ english

Forums & Expos Japan Flower & Garden Show

The biggest gardening fair in Japan. Apr 10-12, 10am-5pm (until 4pm on final day). ¥500 (adv)/ ¥700 (door). Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. www.kateiengei.or.jp/show Flower Dream 2015

Flower wholesalers, florists, floral material suppliers, etc. showcase the latest varieties of flowers, flower design techniques, and more. Various flower design competitions and an exhibition of ikebana will also be held. Apr 11, 1-7pm; Apr 12, 10am-6pm. ¥1,000 (adv)/ ¥1,500 (door). Tokyo Big Sight. Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. Tel: 03-5530-1111. http://j.mp/flowerdream2015 Pet Expo

An event for pet lovers and pets with activities, such as a sports day event for dogs and a cat show. May 3-5, 10am-5pm. ¥600-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,300 (door).

Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. www.pethaku.com Interpets

An event for pet owners and lovers, Interpets is the largest trade fair in the Japanese pet market. Apr 3-5, 10am-5pm. ¥1,500. Tokyo Big Sight.

Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.

Tel: 03-5530-1111. www. interpets.jp/2015/en Plarail Expo

An event where children and parents can enjoy Plarail (a toy train and plastic track system made by Tomy) products together. Apr 29-May 6, 10am-4:30pm. ¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000 (door). Makuhari Messe.

Kaihin-Makuhari. www.m-messe.co.jp/en/

Comedy

Asakusa Yabusame

New Material Night

Archers demonstrate their skills on horseback. Apr 18, 1pm. Sumida Park.

Asakusa. http://j.mp/ yabusame2015 INTERNATIONAL

Standup, improv, and trying out new stuff. Apr 7 & 21, 8-10pm. Free. Double Tall Cafe. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5467-4567. http:// tokyocomedy.com/new_ material_night

The 8th African Festival Yokohama 2015

Standup Comedy at The Hobgoblin

Enjoy live music performances, African dance workshops, an African Handicraft Market, and more! Apr 3-5, 11am-7pm (until 5pm on final day).

Free. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Minatomirai.

Tel: 045-211-1515. www. africanfestyokohama.com

Standup comedians with a variety of styles performing in English. Apr 16, 9-10:30pm. Free. Hobgoblin Shibuya. Shibuya. http:// tokyocomedy.com/standup_ comedy_at_the_hobgoblin

Cherry Blossom Fair at Tokyo International School

Embassy of India Sakura Festival

International food, games, prizes, arts and crafts, and

11am-9pm. Free. Embassy of India. Kudanshita.

Tel: 03-3262-2391. www. indembassy-tokyo.gov.in 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 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-Jingūmae or Harajuku. www.facebook. com/Dr.Sketchy.Tokyo

Learning Champagne & Sake Seminar

Learn about Champagne and sake, and enjoy a French-style dinner. Apr 4, 7-10:30pm. ¥14,980 +tax (adv). Stellato.

Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-3442-5588. http://meturl. com/monthlywine

Other Events Suntory Hall Open House

Held once a year, Suntory Hall’s Open House provides a day filled with concerts and fun events, such as the opportunity to experience conducting and more! Apr 4, 11am-5pm. Free. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome.

Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j. mp/suntoryopenhouse2015 Rikugien Garden Illumination

Enjoy the illumination of the impressive shidarezakura, or weeping sakura tree.

Until Apr 5, from sunset until 9pm. ¥150 (seniors)/¥300 (general)/children free.

Rikugien Gardens.

Komagome. Tel: 03-39412222. http://meturl.com/ rikugarden Ueno Sakura Matsuri

Various special events including a nighttime lantern illumination.

Until Apr 7, all day. Free.

Ueno Park. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-5644. http://j.mp/ uenosakuramatsuri2015 Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, with nighttime illumination. Until Apr 7, all day. Free. Sumida Park.

Asakusa. http://j.mp/ sumidacherryfestival2015

Community Indian cuisine, handicrafts, and henna painting under cherry blossoms. Apr 5,

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

29

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, APR 17 ISSUE Deadline: Apr 9, 3pm FRI, MAY 1 ISSUE Deadline: Apr 23, 3pm

Free consultation available in English, Español and Japanese.

Tel: 03-6264-8446 np@nippashi.com http://nippashi.com

1 AT YOUR SERVICE 1.1 HEALTH

G E N E R A L D E N T I S T R Y. A merican dental school graduate, 20 years’ experience in hospital dentistry, over 2000 d e ntal im p lant s , n a t i ve English speaker; 3min from JR Harajuku Stn, p a r k i n g a v a i l a b l e. W i l l fill out insurance forms. info@trustdental.jp www.trustdental.jp/english 03-3402-1501 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. Thirty-day money-back guarantee. Quick, easy application; convenient payment options. Enroll today! info@earthhealthcare.jp w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp 078-351-7300 TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS, JA PA N ’ S N O.1 E N G LI S H M AGA ZI N E , log on at w w w. metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@metropolisjapan. com.

30

SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY (physical therapy) care in Hiroo.

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 ¥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

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-¥4400.

Fi r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t ¥1 0 0 0. http://oazo.biz/top 03-55457797 oazo7797@yahoo.co.jp

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 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 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

2 FIND A PLACE

3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE

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

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

RENTAL APARTMENTS, HOUSES, CONDOS AND S T U D I O S i n Yo ko h a m a , Kawasaki, Tokyo, and near US military bases. English speaking staff will guide you through the renting process.

For a stress-free search, contact Rent Life. 045-470-3214 www. rent-yokohama.com/english e-yokohama@r-life.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

English and Japanese. Open-minded Japanese female, 23-40, sought for language exchange and socializing.

Serious only. Call Bobby at 0905589-6864 or 080-8118-4073 or email mybaby-precious@docomo.ne.jp.

English and Japanese. MJF, 40, seeking a native English speaker for language exchange. Hope to meet at a cafe on weeknights around Shibuya.

I would be happy to help with your Japanese. Let's help each other! sunshine-246@excite.co.jp English and Japanese. American male, 26, looking to learn J and help Japanese people learn E. Flexible schedule, prefer to meet on JR Yamanote Line. Hope to hear from you! petman88@gmail.com 080-4653-6285 English and Japanese. American expat, male, 35, seeks language partner in the Minato/Shibuya area for daytime meetings only (11am-2pm is best). Text me. savageyouth@gmail.com English and Japanese. Japanese, 22, seeking someone who wants to learn J and teach me E. I’m not a professional teacher. Prefer meeting at a cafe or anywhere for conversation. How about Shibuya? sayaka_htky_1@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Hi, my name is Hiroki. I’m 27, Japanese. I’d like to learn E because I’m going to work in San Francisco this summer. In exchange, I can teach you J. Let’s exchange languages! hirokim02@gmail.com English and Japanese. Hi, Canadian male, 30, in Ebisu, seeks language exchange on weekday mornings/ afternoons. I work all over, so Kanagawa/east Tokyo ok, too. 同僚と いつも英語だけ使うから日本語で 話したいです。 aoimebe@yahoo.ca

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 Russian and Japanese. JM professional, early 30s, seeks a Russian (or other European) language exchange partner in the Minato-ku/ Chiyoda-ku/Bunkyo-ku/Shinjuku-ku area. I can teach you J in return. Serious only. cobaltgrapefruit@gmail.com 090-1841-8463 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

3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS

ルのポルトガル語教えて下さる方.

futsaluk@yahoo.co.jp

Database, network, audio technology for Japanese. Help me with database, network, music software, audio technology, etc. In exchange, I can help you study J or E. Weekdays over lunch around Tamachi Stn or after work in the Tamachi-Shinjuku area. joycouragehope15@gmail.com Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere!

Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF, 30s, ikke-ryger. Las os moedes og snakke dansk og japansk med kaffe! b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp Professional Java/XML programmer wanted (local only). 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 Seeking British teacher to help me brush up my English. I would like to pay ¥2000/h, plus a drink, and meet at a cafe around Shinjuku. kmasahiro@ hotmail.com Spanish teacher wanted. Como esta? Seeking a patient conversational Spanish instructor. Around the Shinjuku area preferred. I’m a beginner. likeme4u@hotmail.com Teach me English in exchange for karate. Do you want to learn real karate? I can teach you one of the major styles of traditional Japanese karate.

We can exchange for your English lesson. gnbkaijpn@gmail.com

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Bookshelves, large (28x80x200cm) ¥5000. Pick up near Yokohama or Tobe Stn or arrange delivery yourself. fridge_washmachine@yahoo.co.jp Clocks, wooden, round ¥ 2000/ each. Pick up near Yokohama Stn or arrange delivery yourself. fridge_ washmachine@yahoo.co.jp Dresser, Karimoku Japan, compact (H120xW60xD43cm), colonial, w/ green stool, as new. New ¥48,000.

Sell ¥15,000/obo. 1min walk from Ayase Stn, Chiyoda Line. mamad15@ excite.com Rack, for shoes, slim, six m/o ¥3500.

Pick up 10min from Yutenji Stn, Tokyu Toyoko Line. Weekend only. fulham_pl_ rd@yahoo.co.jp Sofa, large, in very good condition, w/ two feather-filled back cushions. New ¥45,000. Sell ¥39,000. Firm. Pick up only Minato-ku. mmcaproni2010@ yahoo.co.jp

4.2 APPLIANCES

2.1 GUESTHOUSE

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

Brazilian Portuguese. I'm seeking a native Brazilian Portuguese speaker who can teach me for ¥1000/h. ブラジ

Stand, Karimoku, for phone/fax, w/ drawers (H80xW32xD28cm), in great condition ¥8000/obo. Can arrange delivery. mamad15@excite.com

3 EDUCATION

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES

I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT NIPPASHI OFFICE supports 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.

Dansk og Japansk. I'm female, 22, seeking a Danish person to help me learn Danish. I'm a beginner. M/F ok, 18-30, in Tokyo. Thanks. minori.koga28@ gmail.com

translator, but need help polishing my English. Can translate simple documents in exchange for English lessons. michiane256@gmail.com

ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESELANGUAGE TEACHERS, TOKYO, JA PA N . H ighly qu al if ie d, experienced instructors offer individual/small group lessons at your home/office/ instructor's home. Business/ d a i l y c o n v e r s a t i o n /J L P T a va i la b le. Les s o n fe e fro m ¥2200-¥2700/h. Negotiable.

03-3918-0876/044 -8555039 ajtkyokai@yahoo.co.jp http://ajt-tokyo.jp

IKEBANA (JAPANESE TRADITIONAL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful means of self-expression.

Tr i a l l e s s o n , i n c l u d i n g a l l materials ¥4000. No Japanese necessary. Certification, diploma can 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

Air purifier, Venta LW, size 24, Germanmade ¥12,000. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@hotmail.com Heater, Koizumi KCH-0840/P, almost new, in very good condition. Cash only. Pick up Aoyama-Itchome. Photos available. p.wisetwongsa@hotmail.de 080-4863-0505 Laminator, w/pouch film ¥ 4500. tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Fridge (170cm), clean ¥6000. Dryer, hardly used ¥ 10,000. Dining table, sl ightly discolored ¥ 8000/obo. ¥ 18,000/ a l l . s u cce s s i nj ap an @ gm a il .co m 090-7704-8687

Sayonara sale! Plant pots, air humidifier, photo frame, Japanese study books. Cheap.

Details available. yannu@hotmail.com Sayonara sale! Dance Dance Revolution kit, w/DVD ¥1000. iPad Air 16GB, Wi-Fi, silver, hardly used ¥35,000. Firm. moonquake07@yahoo.co.jp Sayonara sale! Sofa, fridge, light fixture, washer, cordless iron, microwave, glass coffee table. Pick up only. Details available. teachermcteacherton80@ hotmail.com Sayonara sale! Dainichi FW-322S kerosene heater; Ikea Ektorp sofa, Kullen chest of drawers, Bjurst table; balcony table and chairs; WMK-90 kitchen cabinet; bedroom light; Christmas tree and lights; Sanyo home phone; BBQ; humidifier; Tefal kettle; clock; tools; etc. qqcb6agd@beach.ocn.ne.jp

4.5 AUDIO & MP3 Earphones, Apple EarPods, brand-new, never used ¥2000. jayfeirin@yahoo.co.jp

4.6 FOR KIDS Chair, Stokke, wooden, designed to grow with child, nine m/o, in very good condition. New ¥34,000. Sell ¥17,000. Pick up Saitama-Shintoshin. albertolicandro@heart.ocn.ne.jp Changing table, w/drawers and inflatable changing cushion, converts into normal set of drawers ¥2000. Pick up Gotanda. vandley.industries@gmail.com Karate gi and belt, for kids 3-12 years old ¥300+. gnbkaijpn@gmail.com

4.7 FOR FREE Dolls, knickknacks, etc., w/case. Pick up near Yokohama or Tobe Stn or arrange delivery yourself. fridge_washmachine@ yahoo.co.jp

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Case, Pelican 1550, for cameras, black, hardly used, but foam insert has been altered for equipment ¥25,000.

Nikon D750 strap, brand-new ¥500.

Nikon E 75-150mm 1:3.5 lens, as new ¥12,000. Nikon Quick MH-18A charger, for D700, in excellent condition ¥3000.

Hamamatsucho. sebre@mac.com

5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT Kiteboard, RL Board, XL, 160cm, for beginners or less windy days. Yokohama or Haneda. ron_westphal@yahoo.com

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Pedals, guitar: Boss BD-2 Blues Driver ¥5000. MXR distortion+ ¥4000. ¥8000/ both. Pick up around Yokohama or Tokyo. el.complexus_de_cor@yahoo.com Semi-acoustic guitar, five-band EQ ¥10,000. Pick up Kiba Stn. Photos available. dudichdir@yahoo.com Ukulele, Pono Baritone, handmade in Hawaii, solid cedar top, cutaway design, electric pickup, solid rosewood sides, back, abalone rosette, ebony tuner heads, sealed Grover tuners, maple binding, w/case ¥50,000. anreimann@ yahoo.com

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD Japanese study books, nine available, basic, 2-kyu and 1-kyu preparation, 1000 kanji cards, etc. ¥3000/all. yannu@ hotmail.com Movies, Italian, 50 available, w/ Japanese subtitles ¥20,000/all. Not for sale individually. tocco_di_classe@ hotmail.com

wood interiors, adaptive cruise control, collision warning system, brake assist, navigation system, E/J, voice activation, rear/front parking sensors, rearview camera, etc. rohit.pav@gmail. com https://sites.google.com/site/ audicarsale2015/audi-a6-car-sale

a CIGNA International Provider (03 - 4550 -1146). TELL website: w w w.telljp.com. Follow us o n F a c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r @ TokyoLifeLine.

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES Smartphone, Nexus 5 16GB, as new, w/ all accessories, in original box ¥20,000. gewatson@gmail.com 08041742054

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t anything. From emergency assistance to simple questions. Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,” or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer or support, please contact team@ jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com

Tools, multi-tool spanner (140xx45mm, span mouth 15mm), hardly used ¥1000.

Nikky scissors, made in Japan, very sharp (250x50mm) ¥1500. mamad15@ excite.com Towel, Harrods, bath (60x120cm), blue, 100% cotton, made in Japan, new, in original box. New ¥3240. Sell ¥2000. mamad15@excite.com

7.4 ITEMS WANTED Guitar. Please contact me if you have a guitar you don't use anymore and are nice enough to give it to me. riku_hiroxx@ hotmail.com Scooter, 50cc. If you have one to give away, contact me. Thank you. nkalaman1@yahoo.co.jp 08067273392

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE Laptop, Core 2 Duo, 80GB HD, 8GB RAM, docking station, brand-new 8-cell battery and 4-cell, Vista OS ¥17,000. masui41@live.com

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME F R E E E N G LI S H -TO -JA PA N E S E TR A N S L ATI O N . Wo rk in g towards becoming a translator and need prac tice with simple d o c u m e n t s . H ave ex p e r i e n ce working in law office, accounting, HR and sales. michiane256@gmail.com Free headshots/portfolio photos. I need practice to improve my skills. We can meet in Shibuya on Sat afternoon for outdoor shots. Photos for CV, LinkedIn, Facebook, LINE, etc. Thanks to those who helped me out last time! rodayos75@gmail.com Help decorate my camper van.

Seeking someone with artistic flair and imagination to help me cheaply make the interior of my kei camper van really fun and homely (nice flooring, curtains, covers, etc.). Also need woodwork help for the bed. tokyophoto1@gmail.com Professional oil massage wanted.

Seeking a professional or student masseur. Can pay ¥7000/90min or exchange English or Italian. Serious only. No shiatsu—only aroma oil massage. Thanks. alinjap@yahoo. com Sponsorship. Ten years’ experience in cafe/bar work, including working at international hotels. I’d like to open a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship.

Individuals and companies are welcome.

Please, if interested, let us come to an agreement. samueladonkor@gmail. com 090-6152-6274

WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE PEOPLE . Fif t y- one year s 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

P R O B O N O L I F E C OAC H I N G .

I have three free slots of four hours coaching each. I can coach o n c a re e r t r a n s i t io n , cu l tu r a l adjustment and other challenges.

There are no hidden cos t s or obligations. Details and contact info: w w w.in -your- own -wordscoach.com in.your.own.words. coach@gmail.com

6 VEHICLES 6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Audi A6 3.0T, '12, 13,000km, white exterior, black leather seats, brown

Men’s & Women’s Hawaiian Lomi Lomi 60 minutes: ¥5,800 90 minutes: ¥8,800

Hot Stone Treatment 60 minutes: ¥7,800 90 minutes: ¥9,800

Specializes in “Lomi Lomi” traditional Hawaiian Oil Massage

Facial 60 minutes: ¥5,800

Tel: 03-3527-9734 Hours: 1pm-9pm

3-1-16 4F Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

info@auliispa.com | www.auliispa.com/en

3 min from Tokyo Station Yaesukita exit 2 min from Nihombashi Station B3 exit

H I V Pe e r Su p p o r t g ro u p a n d workshops. Get together with people in the same boat as you, who understand.

Held in a safe, considerate, 100% confidential setting to discuss what’s on your mind, ask questions and make new friends. info@peersupporttokyo. com www.peersupporttokyo.com Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo is an infertility support group that provides informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another. Please visit website for more info. admin@ttctokyo. org www.ttctokyo.org

11 MESSAGES 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

5.7 PETS Oscar fish, 12" long, metallic brown color, w/aquarium set ¥10,000/obo. patsintky@gmail.com

Special pricing for the first-time visit

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

April 2015 Membership Fee 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 p s ych o t h e r a py by a cc re d i te d Western-trained professionals,

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

Write any thing, from bir thday messages to proposals. http:// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.

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

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

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

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

J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L PARTY - SPRING FESTIVAL. Sat, Apr 25, 6:30-9pm, Bar Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest international party.

250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.

Japanese men: ¥ 4000.

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

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

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

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

P L AY R U G B Y. T h e To k y o Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club.

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

Established in 1990, the Cru plays in the Shuto League 1st Division. http://www.facebook.com/tokyo. crusaders www.tokyocrusaders. com TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w s p o r t f ro m S co t l a n d . U s i n 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: w w w.t a m j a p a n .o r g /e n / i n f o @ 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 Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com

I NTE RN ATI O N A L PA RT Y A T L E A F C U P. C o m e j o i n us and have fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/women: ¥ 2 0 0 0. A l l - y o u - ca n - d r i n kand-eat. Iidabashi and Yo k o h a m a : A p r 4 a n d 1 8 .

Shibuya: Apr 11 and 25. www.leafparty.com

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

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 fut sal? 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

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

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

AMERICAN FOOTBALL. N ihon Unis ys B ulls , X league Central Division, seeks fit players w/US college football experience for all positions. Practice every Sat/Sun from 10am-3pm (including meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time and venue subject to change).

Attendance at practice must be ove r 6 0% . Pl e ase co nt ac t fo r tryout info and send your profile to team admin. bullsxleague@gmail. co m h t t p: // w w w.u n i s y s .co. j p/ football A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H F O OT B A L L . N o n - c o n t a c t t a g rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League players. We play ever y Sat from 10am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners welcome! Good exercise and fun! M any other activities, such as BBQs and drinking parties! Email for details. tokyorugbyleague@hotmail.com http://ameblo.jp/tokyo13warriors A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby League team is seeking Rugby Le a g u e p l aye r s f o r J a p a n e s e Ru g by Le a g u e of f icia l g am e s

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

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 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? intervollclub@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, beginner s welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio@hotmail.co.jp

13.2 LEISURE

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 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 on Apr 18/19 on Mount Mitake, Tokyo. nakanosky@gmail.com www. meetup.com/Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/ events/193113322/ Tokyo Extreme Weekenders. For those who like to escape into nature to enjoy four seasons of adventure and activities with like-minded people, our purpose is to have fun and fulfilling weekends. Subscribe to mailing list for latest details. tokyoweekenders@ gmail.com http://tokyoweekenders. jimdo.com

13.3 ARTS Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate our love of the Bard.

Come to read, or just to listen. All nationalities welcome, no experience necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo. com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Shakespeare-sama

Theater project wants to perform in your bathtub. Solo actor needs a c c e s s t o b a t h t u b /y o u r b a t h r o o m A p r 1 0 -1 3 f o r performance. Able to pay (low) fee if necessary.

Promises to be lots of fun. s c o l o u g h l i n @ g m a i l .c o m w w w. s i o b h a n o l o u g h l i n . com

JOBS CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED

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

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.

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. 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 り、意欲を持って主体的に働ける方を募集して 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

SALES INTERN. Metropolis is seeking a bilingual (E/J) intern to join the most successful English-language advertising team (Restaurants & Bars) in Japan. Great opportunity to learn in an exciting environment. No pay, but transportation provided. Please email knakashima@metropolis.co.jp.

13.4 MUSIC Bassist and guitarist wanted. Danish female singer seeking serious bassist and guitarist. Rehearsals in Ikebukuro, minimum twice/month. We do covers and originals. Live gigs, serious debut plans. Pop/rock. 日本 語大 丈 夫. liuwina@gmail.com www.soundcloud. com/liuwina Fiddler (violinist) wanted to play nor thern European / Scandinavian music together. Rehearse a couple of times/month in Nakano. We are one violinist, flutist, accordionist, ce l l i s t a n d p i a n i s t . u n i co r n i o @ nifty.com

To advertise: commercial@metropolisjapan.com

03-4588-2277

STAY IN JAPAN WITH HIGH EARNING POTENTIAL AND VISA. We are seeking highly driven individuals who want to sell vehicles to Americans on US Military bases in Japan. Must be a US citizen. Visa provided, plus health insurance and training.

First year income guarantee: $2700/m. Annual potential: $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 . j klos e @m il i t a ry ca r s . com w w w.militaryautosource.com 82-10-5398-4267

NIKUGEN WET-AGED YAKINIKU AND WINE RESTAURANT seeks energetic team players for front/back-of-house staff. Conversational Japanese and experience in Japanese restaurants preferred ¥1200~/h. Transportation fee provided. 1min walk from Akasaka Stn. mioma@monogatari.co.jp www.nikugen.jp

¥9,720 (¥8,100 for men).

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.

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.

Hannah Montana cover. I'm a Japanese guitarist in Tokyo. I would like to start a Hannah Montana cover duo. I need a singer. Hope to hear from you! kamikaze_vibe@hotmail.com Japanese voice actors, singers wanted for electronic music project.

I'm an experienced musician, producer from Los Angeles. Studio located in Tokyo. Musical influences from Perfume to Daft Punk. This is a nonpaid gig. maticmatics101@gmail.com youtube.com/maticmatics/videos 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 Vocalists wanted. Anyone want to put their vocals over some electronica tracks? Grime, rap, RnB, rock, soul, whatever you do. M/F, any language ok. Get in touch if you’re interested! scw105@yahoo.co.uk

Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365

Hotel IBIS Soba shop

Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com

Metropolis Promo

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

Mos Burger Almond

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

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

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

NOMURA REAL ESTATE URBAN NET CO.,LTD.

“YOUR PARTNER FOR REAL ESTATE IN AZABU JŪBAN”

We need a drummer who is able to take trips to Kansai, Kyushu or other regions of Japan with us. We play rock music and had gigs about 90 times last year.

Serious only. naho@kt-sequence.com www.audioleaf.com

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

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

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE Reasonable prices.

Free first time consultation We can support you with: Visa and immigration Intellectual property rights (Patent, trademark, copyrights)

Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

Supreme Court

Establishing a Company & Branch office Other Legal & Business matters Hiroshi Oogai,

Patent attorney Immigration lawyer

www.j-star.jp

Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Imperial Palace

Aoyama Ave Akasaka Mitsuke stn

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

National Diet Library

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

I NTRO D U C TO RY TA I C H I COURSE starts Mon, Apr 6, i n K i ch i j o j i . S u i t a b le fo r complete tai chi beginners. www.meiquantaichi.com/jp/ classes/kichijyoji-tokyo-english mari@meiquantaichi.com www.taichinews.com/ international/tokyo-japan 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 0903598-3072 for more information. daginia@gmail.com ht tp:// w w w. diamondway.jp/ Evening Buddhism study circle.

Theories of the Lotus Sutra and practical application to life led by Dominick Scarangello, PhD, at Ikuseikan, 3min from Tokyo Metro Nakano-Fujimicho Stn. 1-15-1 Wada, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. Free. ibc-information@memoad.jp http:// www.ibc-buddhism.info/Dominick.html 03-5341-1230

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

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34

http://www.wada-lats.com/ E-mail: info@wada-lats.com 3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023

Kichijoji. British guy living in Kichijoji.

I am seeking some people also living in Kichijoji to hang out, have drinks, etc. All my friends are in central and it would be cool to know someone more local. Any nationality. onzeetop@gmail.com Konyoku lover. Gaijin, 30s, interested in exploring konyoku. Know couple of good ones, but my konyoku buddies (gals and guys) have left Japan. Drop me a line, and let's get soaked in nature. life.is.learning.30@gmail.com 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 Tokyo friends. JF, 41, wants to have new friends for joining fun events/ festivals, and for socializing at pubs after work. I like watching football with friends at pubs. If you do, too, then it'd be great. badamix@mail.goo.ne.jp 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

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN

Zen meditation (Zazen). You've always thought it would be interesting to try it—why not now? Join us Fri evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements in advance by email, and check our home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home. ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com

13.8 PROFESSIONAL

ONE-STOP SERVICES IN ENGLISH

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

13.9 INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL HANAMATSURI FESTIVAL: BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IN ENGLISH. Sun, Apr 12, 10:30am-2pm, ceremony, social hour with refreshments at Horinkaku. 2- 8 -36 Wada, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, near subway Honancho by International Buddhist Congregation. Free. yasuzutoko@muc.biglobe. ne.jp w w w.ibc- buddhism.info/ hanamatsuri.html 03-5341-1230 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

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Feminine crossdressing male in Tokyo seeking male friends of any nationality. alexinjapan1@hotmail.com German/Austrian. Hallo, ich bin eine deutsch-sprechende Japanerin, die gegen Shinjuku wohnt und gerne Sprach/ Kultur austausch mit einem deutschler/ oestreicher machen will. Wenn du dein Japanisch verbessern willst, und gerne mir helfen willst, bitte schreib mir.

Danke! mahavidya111@gmail.com Interested in Britain? Professional British guy working near Marunouchi

S E E K I N G A S U G A R DA D DY ?

Safely meet rich and elite men while having fun and making money. We are a members-only dating club with strict rules. Foreign and Japanese executives, lawyers, celebrities. Not an escort clu b. N o ch ar g e fo r fe m ale members. 0120 - 675 - 858(E) international@universe-club.jp ht t p: //u ni ve r s e - clu b.j p/e n / women Be happy together. Married, kind, passionate, fun-loving, well-educated, very successful, nonsmoking, welltraveled male is looking to cherish a Japanese woman for a long-term, one-on-one discreet relationship. Let me make you happy! enjoylife_321@ yahoo.com Black girlfriend wanted. A love for Scots accents and sarcastic humour essential. Someone who doesn't take herself or life too seriously. Someone who'll send me a message right now and introduce herself. what.is.under@ gmail.com British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim, seeking a nice girl to hang out with. Nationality/race unimportant, but should be 20-35 and have a nice personality. Interested in music and film: you should be, too. shiodomebye@ gmail.com 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 Chinese woman wanted. English guy, doesn't like Japanese women much, seeking a Chinese living in Tokyo.

I'm nice. Contact me. summerfunk@ googlemail.com Chinese, Singaporean, Indian? British guy, 30s, seeking non-Japanese women to hang out with, maybe more. It may seem obvious, but please only contact me if you have time to meet. No Japanese seeking marriage with a gaijin, please! greenteais.yummy@gmail.com

Cute, interesting Japanese male for SWF. Seeking 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. You don’t fit in, either? Tell me about it. ja22y@outlook.com Do you love wine? Seeking adventure and excitement? British man, early 40s, happy, positive, healthy and slim, seeking married Japanese lady to share fun, romantic times. Let's wine and dine and enjoy our time together fully! feynman73@yahoo.com European gentleman, 40s, tall, educated, good-looking, S, seeks M lady, under 30, with unusual fantasies, ready to explore the extraordinary.

One mouse click can make your secret desires come true! aminimia@yahoo. com Evil genius seeks like-minded woman for world domination, followed by rumpy pumpy. evilgeniushahaha@ gmail.com French executive needs massage.

Due to many tiring business trips, French businessman wants oil/aroma massage in exchange for English or French lessons. jaimeparisalafolie@yahoo.fr French guy in California seeking JF. Successful Frenchman, 46, seeking Japanese lady, long-term, leading to marriage. I enjoy the beach, surfing, concerts and restaurants. If you plan to travel to LA, I can show you around. dancsurf@hotmail.com Girlfriend wanted. Must be nonsmoker, around mid-20s, like eating out, walking around with her guy, and white foreign skin. I'm 30s, enjoy living and working in Japan, waiting for someone like you. i.do.tricks@gmail.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 Japanese-American guy seeking a serious relationship. I look Japanese on the outside, but have the upbringing of an American. Seeking a Japanese girl, 20s, for a serious relationship. Hope to hear from you! Japanese or English. keitarocamo@gmail.com Let's go to Disney for free. I've got two free tickets for Disneyland, but nobody to go with. Seeking a female friend to go with me. Let's go for a fantasy ride. I am 30s. meru.asap@gmail.com Lonely Latino in Tokyo. Single male, mid-30s, lonely in Tokyo, seeking discreet fun times with a JF, 20-50, married/attached/single ok. Central Tokyo. Serious replies only. Looking forward to hearing from you. Your photo get s mine. tennistycoon@ gmail.com Long-term extramarital relationship.

Me: very good-looking gentleman from Europe, professional job, family. Life focused on family and career. vbcfgt@ hotmail.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 man for relationship with mature woman. Long-term open relationship, w/reciprocal freedom.

Important: mature attitude, intelligent, open-minded, positive. vbc fgt@ hotmail.com MWM seeks MJF. I need to spice up my life. I am missing an intimate connection with someone. Are you feeling the same? offtackle33@gmail.com Natural, open-minded female wanted. Caucasian guy, free-spirited, passionate about healthy lifestyle, seeking similar female to join me in natural lifestyle. You must be openminded, enjoy nature, cooking, onsen, music and want to live in mountains with me. moreyama@hushmail.com Ne e d love. H a n d s o m e En g l i s h gentleman, moderate build, mid30s, needs beautiful, passionate

JF. I am handsome, fun, intelligent, well-mannered and empathic. Let's have romance together. Please send photo w/email. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. edanoki@gmail.com No English? 銀行で働いてるイギリ ス 人 が日本 の 女の 子 探してる。 英 語 分 からない女の 子 欲しい。

vint.snap@gmail.com

Pasta and wine. Freshly cooked pasta, a glass of wine, soft romantic music playing in the background. What more could I need? A woman to share this evening with. Tall English male seeking you, if you're serious. Nonsmoker only. whatmakes.udance@gmail.com Romance with an older lady. Very nice and sexy gentleman seeks an older, or much older, woman to have nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@yahoo.co.uk Secret meetings. English-speaking Caucasian, 40, handsome, witty, intelligent, fit and gentlemanly, seeking a lady for no-strings-attached passion and discreet meetings in the Tokyo-Yokohama area. DD-free.

Serious only. Your photo gets mine.

Ciao. bettlejuiceyumyum@gmail.com Seeking a good time. I am a SWM, 30s, 180cm, have a demanding job, seeking a JF to accompany me in my free time and have a good time. hamenahamena@ gmx.de Seeking a mature lady. Stable, educated, mature man seeking a mature woman. Hope to start with friendship and establish more if it suits us both. No drama, no headaches. canadiangestur@ gmail.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 Seeking JF chat buddies. I'm 38, living in the UK, seeking female friends, 20+, to chat on Skype/LINE/ second life messengers. tardis.ah40@ gmail.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

for a relationship. Inquire for more details. Thank you. toshinoris1012@ yahoo.co.jp UK guy seeking Japanese female friends to chat on LINE and make work less boring. Maybe meet if we enjoy chatting. Give me your LINE ID in your intro and I’ll add you. the.only.brit@ gmail.com UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of books, films, music, seeks an attractive British lady with the same interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp Venetian man seeking Asian woman in Tokyo. 日本語 ok. marcofromvenezia@ 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 Seeking someone fun. Married European guy, 32, blue eyes, blond hair, tall, athletic build, seeking a woman for a relationship. Please be under 40. strengthandhonour85@gmail.com Serious relationship. Single English man, 49, well-educated, well-traveled, financially secure professional, long-term Tokyo resident, seeks lady for a long-term relationship. setagayastephen@gmail.com Single, handsome, caring and 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 Tall for small. Tall WM, slim, professional, seeking small JF, openminded, normal, loves ice cream. Should I meet you? summerfunk@googlemail. com Two cultures, one love. Good-looking SJM, 40s, seeking special Western lady

Beach life. SJF, mid-30s, loves the ocean, is seeking a great man to be her life partner to enjoy beach life together.

I am smart, thoughtful and healthylooking. Let's share a lot of fun times and laughter. cotedor@live.com Buddy. A friend to indulge with, who will be there for me and help me get to where I want to be in life. joybrnn24@ gmail.com

WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes.

I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@ yahoo.com

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

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

Friendship first. JF, attractive, educated, mature, early 30s, seeks a sincere, good-looking Caucasian, 20s30s, in Tokyo. winterwhite26@yahoo. co.jp

銀座。 White foreign male working near Ginza seeking a woman, 22-29, to hang out with, have some drinks after work. Make sure you give an intro—I won’t reply if you don’t. wakaruyo@ outlook.com

Mature, gentle SJF seeks partner.

SJF, 52, seeking single male, 30-50.

I'm average build, nonsmoking, easy to talk to, look younger. Prefer to talk in person rather than long emails. Do not send a photo. Serious only. metro7117@ yahoo.co.jp

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

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

Seeking love. I am a single guy seeking a serious relationship with a woman.

We can spend quality time together.

Serious only. Japan residents only. smartguy@i.softbank.jp Seeking my lady. Good-looking, athletic SBM, 21, with a fit body, from California, into film, music, and pretty much anything interesting, seeking someone to have fun with. alphadog22@ hotmail.com

dining out, going to museums, watching sports. I'm 44, 154cm. Please text me with your photo. badamix@mail.goo. ne.jp

LOHA S G INZ A , a blind - date restaurant where you can meet many nice Japanese women. Enjoy a meal or drink with new acquaintances. Open 8:30pm-5am. Closed Mondays.

03-6280-6637 lohas@s.email. ne.jp www.aiseki-ginza.jp 是一位优雅的外国女士。成熟，性格 开朗，有良好的品格。在教育领域工 作。寻找一位能够讲英语, 牙语的47至 60岁的男士，作为朋友，人生伴侣，或 丈夫。要求他性格温和，经济稳定，有 教养。 如有意，请给我发电子邮件并 请附照片：Please write in English. multilingual@hotmail.co.jp An experiment in romance. Lonely heart in a strange new city seeks another lonely heart for an ongoing relationship.

Let's rediscover what it means to be in love. kyq.liu@gmail.com Asian beauty. Happy with myself—fit, long fine hair, smooth skin and full lips— but hope you most enjoy my intelligence, humor and kind heart. Bilingual SJF, 46, seeks fun-loving, easygoing business professional, 40s-early 60s, single/ divorced, native English speaker. carriecrazydreams@yahoo.co.jp Attractive JF, 30s, slim and goodlooking, seeks attractive, professional gentlemen working and living in Tokyo for friendship. Would be nice to have a coffee first. jontoonico@yahoo.co.jp Attractive SJF seeking single, mature Caucasian male, 30s-40s, nonsmoking, sincere, gentle, for a serious relationship. I'm sincere, into traveling,

Spring has come! Attractive SJF, 40, works hard every day, seeks SWM around her age in Tokyo for a long-term relationship. I'm nice-looking, slim, nonsmoking, like going out for dinner, exploring new places, museums, traveling. tokyo_2015@outlook.jp SWF, almost 40, seeks marriage.

Seeking a man in his 40s or 50s, S/D/W, preferably with no kids, or grown kids, and who has lived outside Japan, a successful professional. No married or separated men, please. looking6563@ gmail.com Wealthy friend. Am seeking a wealthy friend who I can chat with. Maybe it will lead to something bigger... joybrnn24@ gmail.com

14.4 GAY & LESBIAN LOVE-SONG LOVER. Romantic, mature guy seeking another nonsmoking guy for friendship, interesting activities around town, maybe more. Tall, dark brown hair, average buil d . S ense of humor along with independence important. Happy to exchange face photos and chat first. ming@zar. att.ne.jp Seeking crossdresser/transvestite.

White European man, 36. Any race or age ok. Your photo gets mine. zenmaibilly@ gmail.com

14.5 ESCORTS ESCORTS have gone online.

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

14.6 AND OTHERS T R A N C E PA R T I E S . A t t r a c t i ve couple (European/Japanese) is seeking one or two women to join us for dinners and trance parties.

All expenses paid—just enjoy. tokyopleasure6@gmail.com Special friend. I want to meet a crossdresser/newhalf. I'm a white man, 35, from the UK. I live in Yokohama, but will travel. Will send photo if interested. zenmaibilly@gmail.com Two nice guys for a girl. Seeking a girl for a threesome. We are cool, respectful, seeking fun. Guy one: bi, Italian, goodlooking. Guy two: gay, cute, Japanese.

We're both 20s. Please respond w/ photo and message. frankieyo3000@ hotmail.com Want to learn Kama Sutra and Tantra? E/J bilingual JM, mastered Kama Sutra yoga in India, is seeking a JF partner to practice with. Excellent in health and beauty. Real ancient yoga. Can teach depth of technique. kamasutratantra2000@gmail.com

35

RELATIONS AMERICAN HAMBURGERS VS JAPANESE HAMBĀGU

BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA

Don’t get me wrong, I love Japanese hamburgers (or as we call it in Japan, ハンバーグ). A “Japanese hamburger” is usually a patty that combines meat, breadcrumbs, and chopped onions, which is pan-fried and served in a demi-glace. It’s eaten with steamed veggies and rice. Still, nothing can quite satisfy cravings like a good old “American hamburger.” The burgers I grew up loving are thick patties of 100-percent beef served between two toasted sesame buns. Now if only I could find them in Japan.

ハンバーガーVSハンバーグ もちろん私は、 日本のハンバーガーも大好きです。 （ちなみに日本ではハンバー グと呼ばれています）日本のハンバーグは大抵、牛肉のパティ、パン粉、それに 玉ねぎをフライパンで焼き、デミグラスソースをかけて完成です。一緒に蒸し 野菜とご飯も食べます。 とても美味しいですが、私にとっては本物の“American hamburger”が一番美味しいです。子供の頃から大好きなハンバーガーは牛肉 100％の分厚いパティをほんのり焼いたバンで挟んだハンバーガーです。

■ 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 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣

Aries rocks the zodiac—not that you didn’t know that! But it’s all the more true this week. Mercury, the South Node, the Sun, Uranus, and your Vertex are all in your sign. So while you’re skimming the thin veil of reality with your well-honed sensors, others are just gearing up. There are slippery moments behind the scenes, as this is one interesting incarnation. Glitch up the matrix and insert your own heart and courage into the picture.

Do you ever wonder if, had you taken the other path at the fork in the road, you might find yourself in a parallel life? Any vulnerabilities are being sewn up this week; Venus and Mars in Taurus see to that.

Mercury helps you say what may be stuck in the back of your throat, and Venus helps you say it eloquently. Friends are there for you. Consider they have their own motives before moving ahead or signing on any dotted lines.

You’re able to share your warmth and heart through every form of communication. Mars and Venus invite behind-the-scenes activities; your dreams may speak directly to you. Mercury, the South Node, the Sun, and Uranus hover in your friendship sector; you may find yourself moving so fast you're a blur. Unless you’re a cat and can see movement in still frames, bring your high-speed camera to hold onto memories.

Watch your money grow. While the rest of the zodiac is chasing rainbows, you’re able to breathe a well-deserved sigh. Cancers are famous for being family-oriented; this includes taking care of the bottom line. Juno, protecting partnership and intimacy, stands by you if there are unexpected or tricky maneuvers. Jupiter is still retrograde, indicating things will only get better.

If you’re prepared and organized, sit tight; if not, take steps now.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ You love secrets and secrecy; keeping them is just not a problem for you. Your motor purrs at the hint of something to pull out from the depths. After all, your governing planet Pluto rules the underworld, so you’re wired for this. What’s going on under the surface is your domain. Vesta has entered your love sector; romance and revelations are likely to spur a radical change you normally wouldn’t sign up for.

Work’s going to take every ounce of courage.

Mar 21-Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

Jul 23-Aug 22 ♥♥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣

Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

CANCER

Having someone to stand by you is always a blessing. You certainly have been there for others! Jupiter’s still retrograde in Leo. You deser ve some well-earned cat naps while others put things into place. Juno, a strong feminine f igure, works to bring comfort into your life, whether you’re embroiled in the limelight or working late into the night. Your contribution is part of a bigger picture, which is important on many levels.

Details, details—they’re everything and more. Vesta keeps the hearth warm and welcoming for partnerships; this goes for single Virgos, too. Wisdom wafts from this asteroid goddess, taking you by the hand through a testing time. You don’t have to believe everything you hear, but it’s a great time to feel your inner pings and trust your sonar. You’re likely to come out on top, but in the meantime, nurture and nourish yourself in every possible way.

As an air sign, you have a brilliant mind. That’s right—brilliant. You can see both sides of pretty much any situation. It’s a great strength, though at times this gift may drive you crazy. In your quest to make the best decision, do you sense a piece of the puzzle not only missing, but deliberately so?

That’s usually Scorpio’s domain, but the need for justice brings you into the picture. Color it with your fair-minded commitment to lighten up the shadows.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

One of the great attractions to Sagittarius is your happy-go-lucky view of life.

Lately, though, Saturn has cast a veil over your blue skies. What you’re going through is not undoable; it’s just a new approach that must be seen and acted upon in almost the same breath. The operative word here is “almost.”

Building new muscles—emotional, mental, and physical—is hard work; it definitely cuts into your playtime. The Sag Moon on Wednesday and Thursday gets rid of some of those clouds.

Home matters have reached the final stretch. The Sun lights up shadows and doubts as you watch them dissolve.

The shocks, the ups, and the downs became the new norm as you achieved a 90-degree straightup learning curve. Congratulations! Stretch your muscles in the light of the day and pat yourself on the back. Your expression of strength in every way, shape, and form has been part and parcel of helping the world keep going. A question will be answered by Thursday.

Watch agreements with others who are pretenders to the throne. By right, you have your own destiny and rulership of your life. You can match external pressures with your internal strength. Neptune, Chiron, and the Part of Fortune are in your solar second house of income. Important information may be hidden under layers of complexity. Vesta has entered this sector of your chart; this asteroid goddess of home and hearth helps to sustain you. You can begin to trust again. Choose wisely!

Still feeling in the thick of it? Your charisma and fortitude continue to amaze those who thought you just might be the shy, quiet type. Sweet and gentle equals strong and well thought out! You’re a water sign, and water eventually wins out over everything: Water puts out fire, seeps through concrete, and helps the flowers of inspiration and beauty grow. This week is not just a continued exercise in self-healing; it’s a revelation of your compassionate leadership.

Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

36

Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣

PISCES

LINGO BOX Kiji (記事) = Articles

A poll by the education ministry suggests that more than half of high school seniors dislike studying English.

the small print

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN

THE CAKE IS WELL-MADE AND DELICIOUS.” —Osaka resident Misao Okawa—the world’s oldest woman—at a party to celebrate her 117th birthday

RENAISSANCE MEN ⊲Journalist ⊲ Masato Suwa, who from 1979 to 2002 wrote more than 6,300 articles for the daily “Yoroku” column of the Mainichi Shimbun, has died in Tokyo at the age of 84. ⊲Besides ⊲ being a prolific author, Suwa served as the paper’s European correspondent and was an expert on topics as diverse as medieval theology and modern French drama. ⊲Parishioners ⊲ in Nagasaki celebrated the 150th anniversary of Ōura Church, the oldest Catholic house of worship in Japan. ⊲British ⊲ publishing house William Reed Business Media named Japanese-French eatery Narisawa in Minami-Aoyama as the second best restaurant in all of Asia. Gaggan, a Bangkok-based Indian restaurant, took the top spot.

KIDS THESE DAYS ⊲A ⊲ Cabinet Office survey has found that the average high school student spends more than three hours a day online, mostly for email, messaging, and Facebook. ⊲The ⊲ survey also revealed that 74 percent of primary schoolers use the internet for playing games, and 69 percent of junior high school

students like to watch videos. ⊲A ⊲ court in Hiroshima awarded ¥70,000 in damages to a former prison inmate who was “denied treatment for hay fever.”

OOPS, HE DID IT AGAIN ⊲NHK ⊲ president Katsuto Momii appeared before a Diet subcommittee to try to explain why he referred to a meeting of the Democratic Party of Japan as “rubbish.” ⊲In ⊲ a speech, former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi warned that nuclear plants in Japan are unsafe, likening them to “time bombs.” ⊲A ⊲ former police sergeant in Shizuoka was given a suspended prison sentence for conspiring with a yakuza gang member to entrap a suspected drug user in a sting operation. ⊲Officials ⊲ at the industry ministry are mulling a plan to raise the maximum fines on companies that leak corporate secrets abroad from ¥300 million to ¥1 billion.

RIDING THE RAILS ⊲Officials ⊲ at JR West have unveiled a successor to their much-loved Twilight Express sleeper train, which was decommissioned last

at a glance

BY RODGER SONOMURA

Senmonka (専門家） = Expert Seifukikan (政府機関) = Agency Shuppan (出版) = Publishing Bakkin (罰金) = Fines

stats

5.17 MILLION

Number of commuters who could be stranded in downtown Tokyo in the aftermath of a major quake

50,000

Size of the security force that will be deployed during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

4,991,900 Estimated sales of new cars and trucks in Japan in fiscal 2015, the first time in four years the number is expected to drop below 5 million

month after a quarter-century of service. ⊲The ⊲ new train, dubbed Twilight Express Mizukaze, features open-air observation decks and guestrooms with bathtubs. It will go into service in early 2017. ⊲Government ⊲ seismologists hope that a network of cables being laid off the coasts of northern and eastern Japan will help speed up tsunami detection times by as much as 20 minutes. The cables are attached to “gauges and other observation devices.” ⊲Staff ⊲ at the Japan Documentary Film Preservation Center say they’ve acquired three movies featuring previously unseen footage of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. The films total about 15 minutes in length.

CAPITAL GAINS ⊲The ⊲ government has decided to appoint a new minister to handle preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. ⊲Officials ⊲ will also establish a new agency charged with “strengthening Japanese athletics and enhancing the nation’s contributions to the world through sports.” ⊲Meanwhile, ⊲ it was reported that work to demolish the National Stadium in Shinjuku to make way for a new venue for the 2020 Games is six months behind schedule. ⊲Authorities ⊲ in Sumida-ku have agreed to pay ¥149 million to buy a long-lost scroll by ukiyoe master Katsuhika Hokusai (1760-1849).

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

37

the last word

Illustration by Christi Rochin

Have It Your Way Japan’s fast food service then and now

BY C BRYAN JONES

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

One of the cornerstones of American fast food service has long been customization. “Have it your way,” the long-running slogan of Burger King, shaped customer expectations in the U.S. since its first use in the 1970s. With such options—more akin to a Burger Bill of Rights—woven into the fabric of our quick-dining life, first encounters with Japanese service can be shocking.

I still recall one of my first experiences with McDonald’s upon my arrival in Japan in 1997. Not being a fan of pickles, I was accustomed to having them left off my burgers in the States. Naturally, I asked for the same here. What transpired next was unexpected: Like a football team debating the perfect play, the staff and manager huddled together for a lengthy discussion.

The call? “No can do.” I was dumbfounded.

Then there’s the recurring tale with which many readers will be familiar: The ketchup caper. In America, ask for ketchup and you’ll be handed a fistful of

packets by staff more eager to see you leave than to prolong the interaction. But in 1997—and for many years after—Japan seemed to be under some sort of ketchup conservation program: One packet per customer, regardless of what’s ordered.

Asking for two packets might as well have been asking for a free burger.

Once, I managed to finagle extra ketchup at KFC. After another confab with her manager, the lovely cashier provided me with one additional packet “just this time only.” She pulled out a small white paper pouch, placed the packet inside, folded it neatly closed, and sealed it with a small piece of tape. I carried this back to my table, opened it, and emptied the packet. (Wasteful packaging remains a problem, but that’s another discussion.)

Wow, that was a lot of work, I thought.

Eventually, as with so many aspects of life in Japan as an expat, I adapted. The position of the fast food industry didn’t change, but my expectations did. I stopped asking to have it my way—and I learned to like pickles. I also kept my own ketchup around because, as Kenny Rogers said, you’ve got to know when to fold ’em. Some things just aren’t worth the fight.

JAPAN SEEMED TO BE UNDER SOME SORT OF KETCHUP CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.

38

Though the disconnect between both sides of the counter was frustrating, I appreciated that denial also came with a smile. And eating a few pickles in exchange for polite service isn’t so bad.

Service in America can be so horrid that you never visit the restaurant again; I’ve rarely had that experience in Japan.

The well-mannered nature of Japanese customer service is perhaps the root of the confusion many feel when experiencing everyday life here for the first time. How can the person serving you be so nice and helpful, yet so completely inflexible? Well, the reason is something else you learn over time.

My adaptation, I suppose, was part of becoming Japanese. Dealing with seemingly inconsequential “problems” like this helps you learn what’s expected if you want to truly blend into your new home culture. And honestly, mandatory toppings and strict saucing were good for me. I’m far less picky about my food, and I’m more understanding of differences.

Thankfully, things have evolved over the years. Japan’s fast food industry has slowly learned that, while a strict production process is good, making customers happy is better. Today, I’m rarely denied extra ketchup, and modifications are generally accepted without debate.

Refills on drinks? Maybe one of these days. A guy has to have a dream.

■ C Bryan Jones is Editor-In-Chief of Metropolis and host of multiple shows on the Trek.fm podcast network.

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