Metropolis 1101

May 1-14, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com

CHECK OUR CLINIC SPECIAL

PIKACHIC! GOTTA WEAR ’EM ALL DARK VISIONS

THE ART OF STAR WARS

GARDEN ANGEL

SECRETS OF A T.I.P. DIRECTOR

BIKE TO THE FUTURE

RIDING FOR TOHOKU RELIEF

無料 PRICELESS

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

MAY 1-14, 2015 • #1101

EDITOR’S LETTER

The geek force was strong in the Metropolis offices as we prepared this issue, the combined power of Star Wars and Pokémon guiding our hands. Grab a bit for yourself with our look at the Star Wars Visions exhibition and a unique fashion line inspired by Pikachu and friends. Both engender great passion, as does the

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desire to help others, as we see in The Knights of White Lycra and their 500km ride to help children in Tohoku. Equally fervent are those who have waited decades for Taco Bell to arrive in Japan, and that day has finally come—and Metropolis was on hand for the pre-opening event. Read on for an issue of springtime zeal.

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Luke, I Am Your Artist: Lucas’ vision goes on display

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Gettin’ Crunchy With It: Taco Bell finally comes to Japan

That’s a Rap: Big Sean talks Dark Sky Paradise

Cover design: Kohji Shiiki. Photography: SHIMA Photography and Design. Makeup: Yuki Haba. Hair: Hisao Watanabe. Custom Dreads: kllylmrck, Model: Hirari Ikeda. Location: Robot Restaurant

GET PRINTED!

IN FOCUS

SEND IN YOUR BEST PHOTOS FOR OUR MAY 15 ISSUE. DEADLINE MAY 1.

metropolisjapan.com/focus

Tulip garden in Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park in Tsuchiura city, by Sandy Juhasz

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

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

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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Neil Butler EDITORIAL Christopher Bryan Jones (Editor-In-Chief) Martin Leroux (Editor) Momoko Mochizuki (editorial assistant) Tim Young (Proofreader) CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dan Grunebaum (Entertainment) Don Morton (Movies) C.B. Liddell (Arts) Samuel Thomas (Fashion) DESIGN Kohji Shiiki (Art Director) Davi Azevedo (Graphic Designer) Erin Hope (Design Intern) WEB Minh Douangprachanh (Digital Manager) PRODUCTION Helen Langford (Production Assistant) ADVERTISING Akane Ochi, Karl Nakashima, Niki Kaihara (Sales Managers) Yo Takahashi (Sales Executive) Ai Hosokawa (Sales Assistant) Nina Ozawa, Sherry Zheng, Tomoko Inoue, Megan Green (Interns) ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Keiko Adachi (Administration Manager) Michiko Anezaki (Adminstration/ Classifieds) IT Guilhem Malfre (It/Web Developer)

Metropolis Magazine

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Reach over 60,000 Metropolis readers. Advertise: sales@metropolisjapan.com; http://metropolisjapan.com/advertise メトロポリスは20年以上に渡り、訪日•関東在住の外国人へ無料で配布している英字総合情報誌です。英語圏の方々に向け た情報発信や宣伝広告の機会を行政機関や日本企業に提供しております。お問い合わせ: 03-4588-2277 © Copyright 2015 Japan Partnership Inc. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or delete any advertisement without notice.

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upfront LINGOIST HOT ’N’ COLD As the weather’s getting warmer and the AC is being turned up, finding a comfortable medium for everyone might get a bit tricky. If you’re feeling shy about letting others know you’re shivering to the bone, let Metropolis help you speak up!

JP

ADVERTORIAL

TALKING TEETH How dentistry works in Japan

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Kyō wa totemo atsui desu ne.

It’s so hot today.

Eakon no ondo wo sagete mo ii desu ka?

Can I raise the temperature of the AC? Samugari nanode senpūki o mawasu dake de ii desu ka?

I tend to get cold easily, so can we just turn on the fan?

Setsuden ni mo narushi, ii desu yo.

Okay, that would also be more eco-friendly.

123RF

f you stay in Japan long enough, at some point you’ll need to visit the dentist. The experience—from treatment to fees to insurance—may differ quite a bit from your home country. Recently, we met with Dr. Shinnosuke Ryu at his dental clinic in Toranamon Hills to learn more about the most common questions foreign visitors have about dentistry in Japan.

I’ve noticed that, in Japan, teeth are often more yellow in tone compared to Westerners. Why is this?

Your teeth are made up of dentin and enamel. The dentin is the core of the tooth, and, like skin, can come in different colors. Asians have darker pigmentation and this can affect the color of the dentin.

Covering the dentin is the enamel, the clear part of a tooth’s covering that makes it shiny. Asians tend to have a thinner layer of enamel than Westerners, and the color of the dentin is easier to see through this thinner layer, making the teeth look less lustrous.

Orthodontics is very popular in other countries, but doesn’t seem to be in Japan. Why aren’t treatments to straighten teeth more common here?

As you know, in Japan there is a national health insurance system. Because of this, the cost of dental treatment is very affordable. For example, the cost of a root canal in Japan is about ¥10,000 (about $85.00), while the cost in the U.S. is around $2,000. So, with national health insurance, Japanese feel the cost of dental work is not expensive.

In general, orthodontic treatment is usually considered cosmetic, rather than medical, under the national health insurance system. As a result, it isn’t covered. The difference in cost between things that are covered by national health insurance and those that aren't is very big. Around the world, the cost of orthodontic treatment is about $10,000. This is a lot more than the cost of covered dental treatment, so most Japanese feel the cost is exorbitant.

Why does Japanese orthodontics use metal?

This is also related to the national health insurance system. Metal crowns and fillings are very durable, and are accepted by the system. Ceramic crowns and fillings are considered cosmetic, and therefore fall outside of national health insurance coverage. Most dentists in Japan can provide ceramic crowns and fillings, it just costs more for the patient.

What are the merits of Japanese clinics and orthodontics compared to those overseas?

I think one of the main benefits is cost. Because of the national health insurance system, the government has a lot more control over the costs of medical goods and services. In the U.S., the cost of medical goods and services is often determined by the hospitals, medical and pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies. In Japan, since the government pays for a majority of the cost, they enforce more uniform, fair, and reasonable pricing for medical goods and services. As a result, all medical services are more affordable and dental treatment in Japan is reasonably priced.

Tornare Dental Clinic Tel: 0120-648-071. http://www.rmdcc.com/english/

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Down 1. Appearance 3. Today 5. Ordinance 6. Blonde 7. Fight Across 2. Swimming ring or float 4. Drum 5. Broom 7. Health 8. Develop

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ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross

Metropolis Members Club THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Alice Gordenker won a Beauty Therapy Course courtesy of Formachika

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

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

TO-DO LIST

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TOP

beer festivals UNTIL MAY 6

MAY 10

MAY 23-24

Join in the German festivities with great beer and food. Until May 6, 4-10pm (weekdays); 11am-10pm (weekends), free entry. Symbol Promenade Park. Kokusai Tenjijo. www.oktober-fest.jp/odaiba_spring

Grab some craft beer and enjoy food from local shops with family and friends. May 10, 10am-4pm, free entry. Ichinomiya Park.

Seiseki-Sakuragaoka. http://drink-out.jp

Enjoy over 150 varieties of craft and foreign beer for an entry fee of just ¥5,000. May 23, 11am-2:30pm & 4-7:30pm; May 24, 12:30-4pm, ¥5,000. Osanbashi Hall. Nihon-Odori.

Tel: 045-211-2307. www.osanbashi.com/en

Odaiba Oktoberfest

Drink Out! Tama Craft Beer Fair

BeerFes Yokohama

EDITOR’S PICK MAY 30-31 & JUN 2-5

Photo by Kazuyoshi Shimomura, 2005

MAY 16

DBS PRESENTS “HOSPITAL NIGHT”

ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT

UK breakbeats label honcho London Electricity fronts long-running DnB night.

May 16, 11:30pm, ¥3,150 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama.

Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://j.mp/ hospitalnight2015

Where does jazz go a century after its birth? If anyone has the answer, it’s keyboardist and composer Robert Glasper.

With his acoustic Trio and electric Experiment, Glasper effortlessly extends jazz’s reach into R&B and hip-hop.

Glasper’s Black Radio albums have won him Grammys, while on his forthcoming Covered, the pianist explores material

by Radiohead, Joni Mitchell, and John Legend, as well as presenting new compositions of his own. Glasper arrives for the mountainside Taico Club festival and an extended engagement in Tokyo. Dan Grunebaum May 30, 3pm-May, 31, 2pm, ¥13,000 (adv). Kodama no Mori, Nagano Prefecture. 3 hours from Tokyo by car. Tel: 03-54284923. http://taicoclub.com/15. Jun 2-5, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥7,4009,400. Billboard Live Tokyo. Roppongi or Nogizaka.

Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/glasper2015

UNTIL JUN 28

SAYOKO YAMAGUCHI: THE WEARIST, CLOTHED IN THE FUTURE This exhibition will trace Yamaguchi’s career, who, as a top model, embodied the mysterious beauty of the East, and conquered the world of fashion during the 1970s and ’80s.

Until Jun 28, 10am-6pm. Closed Mon. ¥6001,200. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.

Kiyosumi-shirakawa. Tel: 03-5245-4111. www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng

Photo by Fujita Masato

UNTIL MAY 24

OPEN THE PARK

MAY 9

TOKYO DAGEKI DAN Japanese taiko performing group’s 20th-anniversary performance.

May 9, 1 & 5pm, ¥3,500-4,000. Setagaya Public Theater.

Sangenjaya. http://j.mp/tokyodageki2015

Participate in Midpark Yoga (registration required, limited to 500 participants), enjoy a highball at the World Highball Midpark Cafe, and more. Until May 24, various times, free entry. Tokyo Midtown. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3475-3100. http://j.mp/openthepark2015

MAY 9

GRAB THE WORLD!!

A flock of world-beating Japanese indie-rock bands return to nest. May 9, 4pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) both +2d, ¥1,000. Shimokitazawa Garden. Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3410-3431. http://j.mp/grabtheworld2015

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feature

© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

VISIONS OF DARK AND LIGHT Roppongi feels the power of the Force

BY C BRYAN JONES

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eturn of the Jedi may have premiered in 1983, but the title is an apt description of our present day. Star Wars is back with a vengeance, thanks to Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm. The Mouse has breathed new life into the popular but largely dormant franchise.

Now, everywhere you turn, there’s a little bit of The Force binding your galaxy together.

Movie theaters and television aren’t the only places splashing images from far away into our lives. The Mori Arts Center collaborates with Disney to bring “Star Wars Visions,” an exhibition of art inspired by the films, to the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills’ Mori Tower. This showcase of works from various artists opens alongside the newly renovated Tokyo City View observation deck, and highlights the diversity of interpretations of the Star Wars universe.

Curated by George Lucas himself, “Star Wars Visions” gathers more than 60 pieces from artists such as Syd Mead, a visual designer known for his work in sci-fi films, and Yoshitaka Amano, who worked on the character designs for the Final Fantasy series.

Also part of this collaboration are over 100 pieces of concept art from the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, along with costumes and props that were actually used in the six Star Wars films. Set to open in 2018 in Chicago, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a new-style museum that will have illustrations and visual arts presented in a way that’s unlike any institution before.

What Tokyoites will get when the doors to “Star Wars Visions” open on April 29 is a taste

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of Lucas’ vision for encouraging and spotlighting artists who bring us incredible views of other worlds.

The exhibition will also help prepare fans for the next installment in the story, Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which will hit theaters in December. May 4 marks Star Wars Day (“May the 4th be with you”), when the exhibition and surrounding areas in Roppongi Hills will hold commemorative events. Visitors will also have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Darth Vader on the rooftop observation deck, 270 meters above sea level. Make the Sith Lord angry and that could be 271 meters for you.

“Star Wars Visions” is divided into six sections, each focusing on a specific symbolic aspect of the series.

The Original Visions presents the origins of Lucas’ inspiration, designed by artists on request to portray a realistic “old-style space” based on what they remember from seeing the Apollo spaceship covered in soot returning to earth.

Vision of Force focuses on the two opposing sides of Star Wars: The Light and the Dark.

Along with the symbolic Jedi and Sith lightsabers, Vision of Force showcases art within the theme of “Force.”

Vision of Battle presents famous battle scenes from the franchise. A compilation of the main battles and blasters that were used on set will be on display.

Visions of Saga collects costumes and props used on set for Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Yoda, and Obi-Wan Kenobi; film clips from important scenes in the series are displayed alongside.

Vision of Galaxy showcases pieces that vividly portray creatures from the many planets seen in Star Wars, including a statue of Jabba the Hutt and a screen-used Ewok costume.

Vision of Droid compiles clips featuring C-3PO and R2-D2, the two droids that have become symbolic of Star Wars over the years.

Tokyo City View is the first stop for Star Wars Visions before the exhibition moves around the country, and will run through June 28. During this time, the Star Wars Exhibition Special Shop and 12 stores inside Roppongi Hills will offer limited edition items. Tickets run ¥1,800 for general admission, ¥1,500 for seniors 65 and over, ¥1,200 for high school and university students, ¥600 for children aged 4 through middle school.

Mori Art Center Tokyo City View. Tel: 036 4 0 6 - 6 652 . O p en 1 0 am -1 0 p m (do or s cl o s e a t 9 : 3 0 p m) . Ro p p o n g i . w w w. roppongihills.com/tcv/jp/sw-visions

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CLINICS

AKAI MEDICAL CLINIC Omotesando & Yokohama

Receiving high-quality treatment is essential when changing your appearance. Akai Medical Clinic strives to help patients achieve the ideal beauty they desire. Both locations in the Kanto area, one in central Tokyo in trendy Omotesando and the other in Yokohama, boast top-class doctors, cutting-edge machinery, and processes not found elsewhere in Japan.

The popular clinic is run by Dr. Hidemi Akai and Dr. Keiko Akai. Dr. Hidemi Akai is a board-certified plastic surgeon who trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and currently is an associate professor in the department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at Showa University in Tokyo. Dr. Keiko Akai is also a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a skin care specialist and certified dermatologist. Akai Medical Clinic is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and committed to offering the highest quality treatment to its customers, while the doctors’ wealth of experience dealing with foreign clientele helps each individual patient reach their desired look.

Akai Medical Clinic performs routine pro-

cedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, reduction or lift, and cosmetic eye and nose surgery. In addition, Dr. Hidemi Akai is constantly introducing new technology and treatments to the clinic. A “Vampire Lift” may sound like something from a movie, but it’s the newest trend in rejuvenation treatment that utilizes your own blood as a source of nutrients to sustain and prolong youth—and you can now experience it at Akai Medical Clinic. The “Vampire Lift” regenerates tissue by circulating the body’s natural “growth factors” and creating a natural rejuvenation effect. In the areas where the injection is made, wrinkles and sagging will be lifted naturally.

The overall quality of your skin will improve and regain its natural elasticity. While other treatments may cause damage through heat, the “Vampire Lift” is a heatless process that actively injects growth factors into particular parts, improving blood circulation, increasing collagen, and repairing tissues.

Other new options include Endy Med Pro and Infini, laser treatments that lift the skin.

Recently upgraded, Endy Med Pro has four slimming heads and is able to tighten your skin and contour your face and body by reducing fat. This new radio frequency-based professional level treatment is an effective way to improve the quality of your skin. Infini is a new fractional RF device that is able to treat aging, sagging skin with pigmentation, wrinkles, and laxity.

Other specialized procedures can help alleviate acne, reduce acne scars, and repair sun-damaged skin. As the skin is the body’s largest organ, it can be easily damaged by ultraviolet rays, aging, and other stresses of modern life. Continued skin trouble can even lead to anxiety and tension. Let Akai Medical Clinic rejuvenate your skin with their cosmetic dermatology treatments. Akai Medical Clinic also treats skin tumors and skin cancer.

Both locations offer a wide array of treatment options. Contact the clinic today for a consultation and their skilled, bilingual staff will get you on your way to a great-looking you.

SPECIAL OFFER Mention Metropolis and receive: • Vela Smooth, EndyMed-Pro for body: 50% OFF (For body contouring & cellulite: buttocks & thighs, abdomen, arm) • Laser Hair Removal (Long-Pulsed YAG, Diode laser, Long-Pulsed, Alexandrite laser, IPL): 50% OFF • Tattoo Removal (Q-YAG): 70% OFF • Botox (Allergan™, USA): 50% OFF • Filler (Hyarulonic Acid, Juvederm Ultra): 50% OFF • PRP & PRFM (Vampire Lift): 50% OFF • Fat & Stem cell injection (Vampire Lift): 50% OFF • IPL (SOLARI, Aurora-Pro) for facial rejuvenation: 50% OFF • Skin Tightening & Lift-up (EndyMed-Pro, INFINI, Polaris): 50% OFF • Leg Vein & Broken Capillary (long -pulsed YAG, Veno-Care): 50%OFF • Fractional Laser (eCO2 , Affirm): 50% OFF • Plasma Skin Regeneration: 50% OFF (available only in Japan) • Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peeling: 50% OFF • Photo Dynamic Therapy for Acne: iClear + Mollion: 50% OFF • Any cosmetic surgery: 30% OFF Valid until June 30th OMOTESANDO 3F KNK Bldg., 3-5-17 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku 03-5771-4114 Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat & Sun 10am-7pm Omotesando YOKOHAMA 4F Quadrifoglio Bldg., 5-14 Kinkocho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama 045-620-5745 Tue-Fri 11am-7pm, WEBSITE Sat 10am-5pm, Closed Sun-Mon Yokohama amc@akaiclinic.com www.akaiclinic.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CLINICS

WEBSITE

SPECIAL OFFER • 86% off The Ultimate Slimming Program • 43% off Body Thermacool CPT • 77% off laser hair removal • 67% off Botox Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) • 75% off Thermacool CPT

7F Hagiwara Bldg 1, 1-3-1, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku 0120-005-327 (Toll free) Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun 10am-7pm, Wed 11am-8pm Ebisu info@azabu-skinclinic.com www.azabu-skinclinic.com

AZABU SKIN CLINIC

As green buds sprout and the refreshing, warmer weather of spring arrives, it’s time to begin getting your body ready for summer; and Azabu Skin Clinic can help! Their various treatment programs will improve your body and leave you looking great. Popular Ebisu options include the Ultimate Instant Slimming Program and the Body Thermacool CPT plan, which yield surprising and lasting effects after just one treatment. They also have programs that help reduce cellulite so you can attain a perfect bodyline, as well as laser hair removal plans at a special price. Botox injections can reduce excessive sweating, while Thermacool, Titan, and Fractional Resurfacing treatments can lessen sagging in the face, eyes, and neck area. The seasonal shift to warmer temperatures and exposure to stronger UV rays may trigger dark spots and acne, so spring is the perfect time to get an early start on warm-weather skin care.

The ultimate anti-aging course—Hormone Replacement Therapy—will help rejuvenate you from within and keep you beautiful and healthy. Visit Azabu Skin Clinic to get on track to a beautiful, new look!

WEBSITE

EXTENDED HOURS FOR CONSULTATION WITH FEMALE DOCTORS • Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 4-6pm • Examinations (hemorroid treatment, large intestine endoscopies) performed by female doctor or clinic director 4-26-6 Miyamae, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 03-5336-8550 (Please call for more details) 9am-12pm / 4-6pm ※ Clinic director: No appointment necessary ※ Substitute Coloproctologist: Sat 4-6pm ※ Female doctor: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 4-6pm ※ Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, National Holidays Fujimigaoka www.ino8550.jp

INOGASHIRA-DORI COLO-PROCTO CLINIC

Performing over 1,700 large intestine and 600 gastrofiberscopies every year, the staff at Inogashira-dori Colo-Procto Clinic fully understands the internal qualms that one goes through before seeing a doctor for Suginami these types of problems. Embarrassment is natural when the issues are so personal, but there is no need to worry with Inogashira-dori Colo-Procto Clinic. The doctors try their best to provide support in English, and examinations may be performed by a female doctor upon request, so everyone can feel at ease. Over 500 hemorrhoid treatments are performed every year, some using the new Zione Injection Treatment, which involves no surgery. They have also established outpatient clinics to treat irregularity, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. A staff dietitian can also provide nutritional counseling for patients with intestinal and colon diseases. Dr. Akihiro Ohori, who is certified by the Japan Society of Coloproctology and Japan Surgical Society, aims to further enhance their medical services and to continue fully supporting patients.

WEBSITE

SPECIAL OFFER • 50% off laser hair removal (one-time offer, restrictions apply) plus a free book, New You With Botox 4F, 5-5-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku 03-5475-2345 Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat 9:30am-6pm (by appointment), closed Wed & Sun Hiroo info@plazaclinic.net www.plazaclinic.net

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PLAZA CLINIC

Dr. Robert Kure, former chief resident in plastic surgery at UCLA Medical Center and head surgeon at Plaza Clinic, strives to ensure that Plaza Clinic provides the very best in modern cosmetic care. In fact, being the only American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified surgeon in Japan—with over 18 years of experience overseas—Kure is an easy choice for those considering cosmetic surgery. Plaza Clinic is located near Hiroo Crossing, and offers facelifts, liposuction, laser tattoo and freckle removal, and double eyelid procedures, using modern state-of-the-art equipment.

Additionally, Plaza offers Botox treatment for wrinkles and migraine headaches, hyperhidrosis for hands, Restylane and Juvéderm to reduce lines, and Retin-A and Obagi systems to remove blemishes and wrinkles.

Consultations can be done in English, and foreign insurance is accepted for reconstructive procedures and certain dermatological cases. Once you’ve been to Plaza, we’re confident you’ll visit again!

Hiroo

MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →

PULICE BEAUTY & HEALTH Kyobashi

“Beauty starts with a great smile.” That’s the motto of Pulice, whose all-female staff help you look your best through a total beauty treatment plan that combines many esthetic services, including skin and nail care, in a relaxing atmosphere. Pulice’s staff can put together a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Available programs include the “Oral Dock Course,” the “Pulice Course,” and the “Periodontal Disease Treatment Course.”

The “Oral Dock Course” uses a new technology called VistaCam to quantify and differentiate the types of cavities that a normal x-ray would miss. Eight different examinations measure things like mouth odor and moisture level to identify all possible risks within the oral cavity, and a ten-second concentrated burst of ozone gas kills 99% of bacteria.

For those left feeling unsatisfied by a routine tooth cleaning, the “Pulice Course” provides an esthetic regimen that completely

revitalizes you. After a full dental checkup, a gum and head massage is provided in an aromatic room, making this a luxurious cleaning course.

The “Periodontal Disease Treatment Course” offers a quick way to decrease the bacteria in your mouth that cause periodontal disease. Using a variety of methods, such as ozone gas that kills bacteria, oral medicine, and mouthwash, a highly-skilled dentist and a nutritionist work together to treat and prevent further decay and gum disease.

At Pulice, your privacy is a top priority and all treatment rooms are individual and private.

All staff are female, including dentist Dr. Keiko.

Having spent 12 years living overseas, she can easily attend to your needs in English. Having passed the strictest European regulations for safety and hygiene, Pulice is able to provide treatment with peace of mind.

Beauty doesn’t end with dental care, so Pulice offers additional treatments such as hyaluronan injections, face massages, and nail treatments.

The hyaluronan injections, a needleless method for beautifying skin, delivers components directly to the dermic layer to reduce wrinkles

around your mouth. The face massage helps the bones, lymph nodes, and muscles around your face work together to create a harmonious system. Together with anti-aging and nail treatments, these present women with a variety of choices. Let Pulice help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy life, step by step, in true Japanese omotenashi fashion.

SPECIAL OFFER • 30% off Pulice Course 1F Oak Kyobashi Bldg., 1-16-10 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo WEBSITE 03-3538-6767 10am-6pm. Closed Sun & hols Muromachi, Kyobashi, Nihonbashi info@pulice.jp http://pulice.jp Please email to make initial consultation appointment

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SENDAGAYA INTERNATIONAL CLINIC

Sendagaya International Clinic provides high-level medical services in English at an easy-to-access location, with convenient consultation hours, a comfortable environment, and moderate pricing. The doctor, nurse, and receptionist all speak fluent English, and can guide you through the entire Sendagaya process. They offer a wide range of care, including internal medicine, pediatric care, minor surgery, immunization, and some examinations. They also issue documents to make filing insurance claims easier if you have a non-Japanese health insurance policy. Their pre-consultation system means there’s no need for lengthy waits when you visit for your consultation. Please visit the clinic's website for more details.

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INTERNATIONAL CLINIC NOW OPEN • Please don't hesitate to contact the international support desk.

3-10-11 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-3443-9191 Fax: 03-5798-7162 Consultation hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30am Operating hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm Takanawadai, Shinagawa intlclinic@takanawa.jcho.go.jp http://takanawa.jcho.go.jp/intlclinic

TOKYO TAKANAWA HOSPITAL

Fully equipped with the latest medical technology, Tokyo Takanawa Hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities are staffed with highly-trained medical personnel. Coming from wide, multidisciplinary backgrounds, Takanawa their physicians are experienced in handling even the most serious medical problems, and can do so in fluent English. Nurses who speak English and Korean are also on hand to care for you, and English, Chinese, and German interpreters are available. Their International Clinic is a gateway to specific medical services. If you require further examinations or treatments, Tokyo Takanawa Hospital can refer you to specialists. Their team is on standby to give you total peace of mind, and a variety of departments—Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Cardiovascular Surgery, Dermatology, Urology, Opthalmology, Ear Nose and Throat, Anesthesiology (Pain Clinic), Oral Surgery—stand ready to provide routine health checkups.

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SPECIAL OFFER • ¥7,500 for 60 mins • Students ¥3,000 for 60 mins *Appointments required 1F, 1-2-3 Yakumo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 03-6421-1380 Mon-Sat 9am-1pm, 2pm-9pm (Sat until 7pm) Toritsudaigaku physio.care.conditioning@gmail.com http://physicaltherapy-exercise.com/english_ index.html

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TORITSUDAI PHYSIO CARE & CONDITIONING

Toritsudai Physio Care & Conditioning is a rehabilitation and conditioning space whose concept is to heal by treating the fundamental basics of the body. Cooperating with doctors’ clinics, it’s a Toritsudaigaku place where patients come to receive care for physical therapy. Takashi Saegusa, the owner, founder, and chief physical therapist, is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association and studied Athletic Training at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts; so you can easily communicate with him in English. From rehabilitation after surgery to chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain; from injury prevention for athletes to treatment to increase performance in sports, Toritsudai Physio Care & Conditioning offers a variety of treatment options. Other services include individual insole-fitting and creation, and the clinic gladly welcomes team-training and therapy.

MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →

WEBSITE

SPECIAL OFFER • Mention Metropolis and receive 20% off teeth cleaning and whitening (first time visitors only) SERVICES • Cleaning: ¥30,000 (with periodontal disease test and x-ray); ¥15,000 (without test and x-ray).

• Whitening (office whitening) ¥50,000 (1st time) ¥35,000 (2nd time, within 30 days) 2F Toranomon Misu Bldg., 3-7-11 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-6809-2880 Mon-Fri 10am-2:30pm, 4-7pm Sat 10am-2pm, 3-5pm, Closed Thurs, Sun & Hols Kamiyacho, Toranomon, Onarimon kamiyacho.dental@gmail.com http://kamiyacho-dc.jp

KAMIYACHO DENTAL CLINIC

Kamiyacho Dental Clinic, run by Dr. Miyu Takashima, is conveniently located in Kamiyacho and accessible by three subway lines. The clinic specializes in efficient, effective treatments for busy people in the privacy of a Kamiyacho comfortable, private room with state-of-the-art technology. For treatment that would normally require multiple visits, Kamiyacho Dental Clinic offers a single concentrated treatment that can be completed in one session. The entire process from initial checkup to completion can be done in as little as two hours, depending on the complexity of the treatment. Dr. Takashima uses advanced dental microscope technology, not yet widely available in Japan, to gain a more accurate and detailed micro-level view of the affected area. This allows for earlier detection of decay and a more effective treatment. Kamiyacho Dental Clinic looks forward to seeing your smile.

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food&drink

RESTAURANT

¥¥¥

EN/JP

Les Grandes Arbes TEXT AND PHOTOS BY VESNA KEVORK

The delicate flowers popping up abundantly around the pretty exterior of Les Grandes Arbes, tucked in the backstreets of Hiroo, give the impression that this café is actually a beautiful floral boutique.

However, visitors soon realize that this is no ordinary flower shop—a fact made clear by the selfies on display. There aren’t just one or two photos here, but rather an onslaught of self-portraits of multiple people, shot from various angles, all with Arbes as the backdrop. It’s as though the photo-takers found themselves outside the Empire State Building or the Taj

RESTAURANT

¥¥

Mahal, and wanted to immortalize the experience. The images halt passersby as they take in this phenomenon and become swept away by the mania—ultimately photographing themselves.

Looking up reveals a wooden brown treehouse attached to the establishment. Finally, a chance to play out childhood fantasies of owning your own wooden fortress!

Walking through the flower shop and up a steep staircase onto floors three and four leads to… voilà: the rooftop! This outdoor space is reserved for whomever gets in first, and provides a relaxing and secluded sanctuary, decked out with wooden chairs and tables, metallic grey lanterns, and an olive tree in the corner.

However, on days when the wind is harsh, the cozy indoor area might be more appealing. The vibe is pretty and girly, with light Hawaiian music playing in the background. The staff are cheerful and attentive, adding to an ambience that’s warm and happy, in a quirky, feminine, child-like environment. Most of the lunching ladies take snapshots of their meals and ask staff to help document their visit by taking multiple group photos. Of course, the staff oblige.

True to the nature of this boutique, there are flowers on display all around—there’s even a tree growing out of the communal table in the center of the café. It’s a chic and “green” alter-

native to high tea, capturing the vibe, just with different offerings.

Light, healthy, and casual, the lunch is a mix of foccacia sandwiches, soups, curries, and salads. Prices for the mains start from ¥1,100 and average around the ¥1,230 mark, and the sets include two small side dishes, soup, and either rice or baguette. The choices of mains are the focaccia (¥1,230), chicken and tomato curry (¥1,230), and hummus (¥1,100). The seemingly most popular sweets are the apple and lemon tart (¥620) and the green tea fondant (¥620).

Missed out on having your own cubby or treehouse as a kid? This is your chance to reclaim your childhood and make some new memories—and also an opportunity to escape Tokyo for an hour or two, and enjoy some organic food on an endless wooden terrace in the luscious springtime season.

Fleur Universelle, 5-15-11 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5791-1212. Mon-Sat 11am10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Hiroo. http://fleur-universelle.com

The festivities kicked off the day before, with Taco Bell International president Melissa Lora on hand to give a background of the company’s history and strategy. Lora’s passion for the menu and for lovers of Taco Bell was clear, and the approach to launching in Japan echoes the way Glen Bell founded the company in 1962: Keep it simple.

This means Japan gets a simplified menu of Taco Bell’s most popular items—Supreme and Crunchy Tacos, Fajita Burrito, Crunchwrap, Fajita Quesadilla—and of course nachos and Cinnamon Tostados. Some Japan exclusives

also dot the menu in the form of the Taco Rice Bowl and the Shrimp and Avocado Burrito. But when will the Gordita will arrive on our shores?

They answered, maybe down the road, but not right now.

While prices are not as low as may have been hoped, they’re very much in line with the norm for fast food in Japan. The Crunchwrap Supreme will run you ¥850 as a combo (includes drink and side), or ¥630 alone. The Fajita Quesadilla is the same, and a combo with two Supreme Tacos is ¥790 (a la carte Supreme Tacos are ¥320 each; the Beef Crunchy is ¥270).

In a welcome move that still hasn’t caught on in Japan, drink refills are free. Are you a Dr. Pepper fan? They have it on tap. Try getting that elsewhere in Tokyo!

On opening day, more than 300 eager diners lined up all the way down to 109, something likely to continue for some time to come—so you may need to set aside some extra time for lunch. But if, like so many, you’ve longed for that taste of home and been waiting for this longoverdue addition to Tokyo’s dining scene, the time has come for you to Live Más!

1F/B1F Kanedai Bldg, 2-25-14 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. 03-6427-8543. Open daily 10am11pm. Shibuya. http://tacobell.co.jp

EN/JP

Live Más in Shibuya!

BY C BRYAN JONES

For many years, those wanting a taste of the venerable Taco Bell had to find their way onto a U.S. military base, rendering the old slogan “make a run for the border” quite literal. The question of when the popular Mexican fastfood chain from America would finally set up shop on Japanese soil has remained unanswered—until now.

On April 21, Asrapport Dining opened the doors of Taco Bell’s first Japanese branch.

Located in Shibuya, just up the street from fashion epicenter 109, the shop brings a fresh California-inspired design to a two-floor, 104seat space where you can get spicy, if you like.

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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!

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Police Station Roppongi Crossing

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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

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

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!

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

food&drink MILLET STRAWBERRY CONFITURE • 1 pack (250g without stems) of strawberries • 2 tbs dry millet • 4 tbs sugar • 1 tbs lemon juice • 1 tbs white wine

TOFU CRÈME ANGE • 1 pack (450g) yogurt • 70g silken tofu • 80g cream cheese OPTIONAL • Fresh berries

DIRECTIONS

RECIPE TOFU CRÈME ANGE WITH MILLET STRAWBERRY CONFITURE RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI

Millets can be bought online or at local health food stores. Because the strawberry season is nearing its end, you can get small ones at a reasonable price. Enjoy a nutritious, healthy confiture with light crème ange and tofu.

Cooking time: 9 hr (active 40 min) Servings: 4

Tirol Choco’s uji maccha mochi chocolate is now available as an ice cream flavor (¥167), sold exclusively at Family Mart for a limited time and in limited quantity. The ice cream bar comes coated in green-tea chocolate, with a mochi sauce center. Just as it’s getting warmer, this is the perfect treat for a cool break—not that any excuse is needed for ice cream!

Available in around 11,400 Family Mart stores nationwide.

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

W h y s h o u l d K i t Ka t have all the appleriffic fun? Move over Apple Pie wafers because M&M ’s have one upped you with the addition of caramel. The special Caramel Apple M&M’s are tiny oval morsels of tastiness that aren’t as sweet as you might expect. How long they’ll mingle on shelves with their Plain, Peanut Butter, and Almond cousins remains to be seen, so get them while you can.

Available in convenience stores nationwide.

Craving a more authentic South American experience than fast food can provide?

Head over to Yoyogi Park for their Cinco de Mayo celebrations. There’s plenty of entertainment to keep you busy, but waiting for you to work up your hunger is an allstar roster of Tokyo’s South American restaurants, setting up stalls to serve you the good stuff—where tacos and burritos are just the tip of the iceberg. Down it all with some Jose Cuervo and Havana Club, and continue the party!

May 3, 10am-8pm, May 4, 10am-5:30pm. Yoyogi Park.

Photo courtesy of Cinco de Mayo Steering Committee

A long-time favorite for its authentic American atmosphere and food, TGIF now has a new location where you can enjoy your favorite dishes (we recommend the Cowboy Triple Meat Burger). TGI Fridays Tokyo Dome City is the perfect pairing of sports and special events with burgers, ribs, and more, and also features a dynamic bar. 1F Kourakun Hall Bldg. Open 11am-midnight. 03-5803-4151. Suidobashi. www.tgifridays.co.jp

1. In strainer, place paper coffee filter and drain yogurt and tofu for eight hours.

2. Wash millet, then drain water in strainer. Combine all the ingredients for confiture in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for three minutes with cover.

3. Mix confiture ingredients and microwave again for two minutes, then let rest for no longer than five minutes. Repeat this process again, and mix well. Shift into a clean jar with top tightly sealed. Let cool in the fridge.

4. Soften cream cheese at room temperature. Combine cream cheese and the drained yogurt and tofu, then mix well with whisk.

5. Chill cream cheese mixture for 15 minutes and serve on plate. Pour generous amounts of confiture on top, and garnish berries if desired.

15

city life Photos by Ivan Doherty

ment with seedlings, how to grow basic crops, doing watering and planting, weeding, things of that nature.”

In addition to passing on this knowledge and building a connection between generations, Place to Grow will provide children with an opportunity to visit sheep farms, go on mountain hikes, pick fruits and vegetables, and learn about future farming, such as aquaponics and hydroponics. Perhaps most importantly, Place to Grow is designed to be sustainable. The ¥5.5 million is designated for construction, curriculum development, and getting the program off

BY C BRYAN JONES the ground and running smoothly. Then the community takes ownership, with continued late 2012, following the disaster that struck support from corporate sponsors. the Tōhoku region in March 2011, a group The active connection to nature is one reaof British expats who were members of the son the multinational support from The Knights “Brits at Lunch’’ social gathering had a great in White Lycra is such a great fit. Children who idea. They would take their passion—cycling— find themselves in temporary living situations and use it to make a difference in the lives of have a severe lack of personal space, somethose impacted by the earthquake and tsunami. thing critical for their development and relief As the idea took shape, a karaoke-night enof stress. As a result, they often turn to video counter with the Moody Blues classic “Nights In games and electronic devices as a way to esWhite Satin” provided the final spark that gave cape. The KIWL riders are able to create an air birth to The Knights in White Lycra, a group of of excitement and lead kids back outside.

31 cyclists who ride for a better future.

On May 20, KIWL will set off on a 500-kilomeAs for the 500-kilometer ride itself, what’s Although KIWL was founded by Brits, the ter ride from Tokyo to Minamisanriku, Miyagi the most challenging aspect of making the trip? group has since expanded to include riders Prefecture. The three-day trip will cap off the “I think the most difficult thing about riding that from seven countries—Canada, New Zealand, raising of ¥5.5 million for “Place to Grow,” a pro- kind of a distance is the mental toughness, beAustralia, Japan, Sri Lanka, the U.S., and, of gram of OGA for Aid. OGA, a non-profit focused ing able to just continue and push on despite course, the U.K.—making it a truly international on providing solutions of recovery to survivors the weather, despite the challenges that invarieffort to help Tōhoku. What brings the members of major natural disasters, has designed “Place ably you are going to face,” says Kushner. A together is not only a love of the ride, but a de- to Grow” as an after-school agricultural initiative devoted cyclist who logs around 250 kilomesire to make a difference. where communities can grow together. ters each weekend, he knows the process well, “It’s great to have a sport that you’re pas“The goal really is to provide a ‘Place’ to even though this will be his first trek as a Knight sionate about, and a hobby that you can do give an emotionally safe learning environ- in White Lycra. “There may be mechanical difon the weekends and so forth. But it’s even ment for kids in the region, many ficulties, you may be thinking about better to marry that with a good cause and to of whom were impacted and are something else, you’ve got work try to raise money for something that you also in temporary housing, and to give back in the office … so having the Any donation, have a passion about—and so combine two them an opportunity to learn about mental toughness of being able to however small, passions,” says Jonathan Kushner, a vice presi- agriculture from the more expeconcentrate for that length of time makes a difference dent of the American Chamber of Commerce rienced people, the elders,” exis difficult.” to the children of Tōhoku. Please in Japan (ACCJ). Jonathan, an avid cyclist who plains Kushner. “So that’s a good It’s all worth it though. As Kushsponsor the riders is also Managing Partner at Kreab, a Swedish opportunity for them to build comner points out, “This kind of activity, at www.kiwl.net or communications company in Tokyo, will be rid- munity between the youngsters where you can reach out to the next www.ogaforaid.org ing with KIWL for the first time this year. and the elders, but also to pass on generation and give them some This marriage of passions translates to skills about agriculture and so forth—to pass skills and some opportunities to interact with long-distance rides that become events for down their knowledge. They’ll do things like people from all different nationalities, is going the communities through which the riders pass. reading books on farming together, experi- to be really enhancing for their futures.”

KNIGHTS IN WHITE LYCRA

Going the distance to bridge generations

I

HELP THE CAUSE

16

SETTING THE STAGE Director Alysha Haran talks theater in Tokyo

BY MUBITA MAMBWE

Artwork by Matthew Robins, www.sadlucy.com

W

hile kabuki and noh productions abound, and touring Broadway and West End productions thrive, Tokyo’s theater scene is also vibrant with a growing number of local English-language performing arts communities. The title of “longestrunning English theater company in Japan,” however, is held by the Tokyo International Players (TIP). Founded in 1896, TIP comprises actors, directors, and various creative people from all walks of life. There are many stories to tell, and TIP’s current president, Alysha Haran, certainly has her share.

Theater has always been an integral part of Haran’s life. The San Francisco native started performing professionally at the age of 5 in the Bay Area, where she trained in various genres spanning musical theater, opera, ballet, and stage acting. At 18, Haran relocated to Los Angeles to work in production, and produced music videos and commercials—including one that won USA Today’s poll for “most popular Super Bowl commercial” in 2000.

However, Haran’s career took a sudden turn in 2001, following the events of September 11.

“I was supposed to be a passenger on one of the September 11 planes; six days before that, my plans changed,” explains Haran. “I realized that I could be making commercials when I was 50, but I couldn’t go join the navy or do something where I was truly giving back to the country—so I joined the navy.”

Haran took a break from entertainment to serve in the U.S. Navy. Today, she deploys on cruisers and destroyers as a surface warfare officer and is in Japan on the Olmsted scholarship, the military equivalent of the Fulbright.

“I’ve been placed here in Tokyo to study, and [I’m] finishing a master’s degree at Sophia University in Japanese studies. Of course, with my background, my way into the culture is through the arts,” says Haran. “So I was very happy to have discovered TIP.” Now actively producing shows in Japan, starting with a 2013 production of Lanford Wilson’s Burn This and more recently directing an original stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women in 2014, Haran confirms that her work with the Navy was relevant to her art.

“One of the reasons for joining the Navy, and taking a break from the entertainment industry, was because the whole point of the arts, the theater, is to have a better sense of humanity.

Living and working in one place was very isolating, and I felt, in order to tell the stories I wanted to tell in life, I needed to expose myself to more of the world and to more people’s stories.”

Haran also firmly believes that the theater has useful applications in any career field.

“It’s teamwork in the truest sense,” says Haran, addressing the sense of community that comes with the rehearsal process. “You grow the art together. You can have all the ideas in your head of where you want some things to go, but if you’re not open or receptive to the people and the resources that you’re given, you’re not present. When you do open yourself to that, it’s truly a collaborative effort.”

At present, Haran is working towards directing her next production for TIP, The Secret Garden—a Tony-winning musical adaptation of the children’s classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett, with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon.

The musical tells the tale of Mary, a young girl who loses her parents to cholera, moving in with her uncle at his mansion, a grim space haunted by the spirits of her family and their loved ones. Its residents, devastated by their losses, struggle to live with joy, while the souls of the lost are also present, unable to let go.

“The live people interact with the memories of the dead people, who are narrating the story for us so that we understand this tremendous amount of pain that these people are starting out in,” Haran explains. “And we watch them have an evolution towards making peace with the memories of their lost loved ones, and finding a way to go on living.

“These are all individual stories wrapped in this giant metaphor of a lost garden, a forgotten garden, a secret garden, that at first glance is also dead. Through the efforts of finding that will to go on, the garden comes back to life— and so do all of these people.”

While the play explores dark themes, Haran wants to impart hope unto the audience.

“The music is so beautiful and moving that I hope they leave with a sense of peace, having listened to this amazing cast put on an incredible production.

“But I also hope that, if perhaps audience members are in their personal life finding themselves in a challenging place, perhaps that sense of not giving up. There’s always something that’s always ready to come back to life if we, as they say in the lyrics, clear away the dead parts and let it come back up to the surface.”

Tokyo International Players present The Secret Garden. May 14-15, 7pm, May 16-17, 1 & 7pm. (Director’s talk follows the 1pm performance on May 16.) ¥3,800-4,500. Theater Sun-mall in Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Shinjukugyoenmae. www.tokyoplayers.com

17

fashion fix

BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR

Photos by SHIMA Photography and Design

Makeup: Yuki Haba Hair: Hisao Watanabe Custom Dreads: kllylmrck Models: Hirari Ikeda, Elleanor's Tokyo, RinRin Doll, Penipeni, Soga Ippei & Shoshi

GOTTA WEAR ‘EM ALL B

lurring the line between the real world and fantasy, Singaporean designer Josiah Chua has set out to bring Satoshi Tajiri’s original Pokémon series to life in his recent graduate collection. Entitled “Hyper Reality,” the work is both a literal nod to the series—with the iconic monsters’ faces imprinted on the clothes— and a figurative one that comments on how streetfashion culture treats its stars, sending out “snap hunters” around Harajuku to capture its extroverts in the wild.

B eyo n d turning t he wearer into a real-life Pokémon, the clothes straddle the line between worlds. The patterns making up individual garments are taken directly from manga panels, katakana onomatopoeia jumping out on layers of tulle, and even the textiles are inspired by the franchise’s plushtoy collectibles. In the flesh, the work feels like an experiment in augmented reality: the characters are familiar, the visual logic is seen in countless comic pages and anime frames— and yet, it juts into the real world. A wild Pikachu could appear on your morning commute; a Chansey could be queuing before you in a konbini.

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The young designer is a recent graduate of Bunka Gakuen University’s Global Fashion Concentration, an institution that, like the man himself, is seeking a place for Japanese fashion on the world stage. To further this goal, for Chua, selecting Pokémon was an easy decision. While the series was an integral part of his childhood in Singapore, it is also a worldwide phenomenon and an unofficial ambassador for Japanese culture, far outstripping the old guard of geisha, ninja, and the like. Through the ubiquity of Pokémon and its visual language, Chua proposes that the aesthetics of Japanese pop culture are a genre in Japan and abroad, having a cultural currency like no other.

Chua terms this aesthetic “superflat,” in reference to artist Takashi Murakami’s theory that Japanese pop culture is united with traditional Japanese arts in its embrace of “flatness”—as seen in ukiyo-e woodblock printing through to anime cells. However you name it, this is a genre on the rise, and with a generation of youth around the world raised, as Chua was, on a steady diet of Japanese pop culture, it’s not only Japanese designers who are at the helm of where it’s heading.

FASHION CALENDAR

CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.

THE HYPERFLAT COLLECTIVE A

s a proof of concept for Chua’s theory of “superflat,” the designer curated the Hyperflat Collective (http://meturl.com/ hyperflat), a showroom where similarlyminded creatives could interpret Japanese pop culture aesthetics within their fashion output.

The showroom brought together designers and artists from around the globe who currently base their activities in Tokyo, as well as tapping into perspectives from local designers.

Held in Harajuku’s Design Festa Gallery, the collective exhibition highlighted the wealth of possibilities by exploring the aesthetics of Japanese pop culture in fashion. Indonesian designer Gisela Juwono channeled the process of layering that goes into making anime cells into a surprisingly wearable UFO Baby-themed capsule collection, while Stacy Tan from Singapore focused the entirety of her output on Slam Dunk character Sakuragi Hanamichi’s signature red hair. Other participants, such as Christina Bucci, took a more philosophical route. The Canadian used her Sailor Moon-themed output to replicate the sense of volume that is generated in the fundamentally flat images of anime and manga in fabric, making clutch bags in the shape of the soldiers’ haircuts, from two flat layers of fabric that together build to a 3D whole.

Where the movement is heading was perhaps best predicted by Rakui Le from China, with her resin jewelry that combines figures from different manga and anime to create entirely new characters, distilling in the process the aesthetics of the originals to their component parts. These parts, in effect, become the language of the aesthetic, in the same way as safety pins and studs became the instantly understandable visual language of punk.

What is perhaps most remarkable about the collective is that it raises the simple question of why no one’s attempted it so far. While in recent years there have been more and more collaborations between fashion and pop culture, a true genre that selfdeclares itself as such had yet to materialize— until now. Perhaps the taboo of ’80s otaku culture still hangs heavily in the air, or Japanese fans want to preserve their self-imposed social distance? At any rate, with international fans approaching the subject evidently free of stigma, maybe they’ll inspire more domestic designers to embrace their own culture’s aesthetics in fashion.

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movies

BY DON MORTON

THE TRIP TO ITALY

featured movie

This is not an easy film to categorize. A chatty food travelogue? A scenic Italian nosh with a side of improv? A scrumptious hangout- mov ie pos tcard? Sun, fun, and puns? Whatever. Comedic actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, playing ever so slightly fictionalized versions of themselves, tool around Italy from northern Piemonte to Amalf i in a rented Mini, sampling top restaurants for The Observer.

(The movie is preceded by 2010’s The Trip, which did the same thing for northern Britain, and a TV show of the same name.)

Director Michael Winterbottom has the sense to let his leads run with it, resulting in some surprisingly insightful, free-form comic riffs and hilarious impersonations.

Dueling Brandos, anyone? A Michael Caine-off? There’s a bit of token drama, but this is about the food, the scenery, just ambling about, and the world-class banter. I found it a fairly constant chuckle.

An inspired running gag is that the car’s iPod jack doesn’t work, leaving them with the sole option of singing along with an Alanis Morissette CD they found in the glove box. You’ll leave the theater feeling refreshed, entertained... and probably hungr y. This one’s a trip and a half.

Japanese title: Italia wa Yondeiru. (106 min)

NEW

FOCUS Slick romantic comedy has p rofes sio nal co n man Will Smith taking u n d e r h i s w i n g (a n d bedcovers) a lovely rookie (Margot Robbie) in whom he sees real talent.

There’s a wonderful montage early on, in which the picking of pockets is demonstrated. But don’t be expecting The Sting. There’s a point of diminishing returns in a caper f lick when too many double crosses and rug-pulls turn into just jacking around an audience, and we lose focus. Far be it from me to dampen Smith’s shot at a long-awaited return to box office royalty (Hitch, 2005), but while this is amiable and diverting, we’re still waiting. (105 min)

REVENGE OF THE GREEN DRAGONS Based on a 1992 article i n T h e N e w Yo r k e r about unchecked Chinese youth gangs in Queens during the 1980s and co-directed by Andrew Lau (whose Infernal Affairs was remade by Martin Scorsese into the award-winning The Departed), this one starts off strong but soon devolves into a fairly average, clichéd gangster flick featuring Chinese thugs (and a token Ray Liotta). Numerous twists and a chaotic style complicate rather than enhance the plot, the acting is uninspired, the dialogue tired, and the execution ham-handed. Suitably, even offputtingly brutal, but offers little novelty and less insight. (94 min)

DYING OF THE LIGHT A veteran C I A agent in the early stages of a par ticularly v icious form of dementia (Nicolas Cage, who does demented mood swings better than most) learns that the presumed-dead terrorist who tortured him 22 years ago is alive and very unwell in Kenya, and dashes off to murder him before he dies. If you squint your eyes, you might be able to see the moody existential statement about institutional decay that Paul Schrader thought he was making before the film’s moronic financial backers cut him out and re-cut and re-scored his work into this misshapen piece of crap. Wait for the director’s cut. Japanese title: Last Revenge. (94 min)

FURIOUS 7 No one needs a review of a 14 -year franchise f ilm with a “7 ” in the title. You are by now a fan or you are not.

But if you judge a film by how well the filmmakers know what their audiences want, this one delivers.

And then it delivers again. Then it blows some stuff up, has a brutal fistfight or two, drives off a cliff, talks tough, and delivers some more. A plot? What for?

Chronologically hazy, but who cares? Major “wow” factor in the stunts, but the indestructible superherowithout-the-cape thing drains any real tension. I liked the tasteful tribute to the late Paul Walker at the end.

Japanese title: Wild Speed: Sky Mission. (137 min)

CINDERELLA I was rather surprised to find myself enjoying this live-action revitalization of the 1950 Disney animated classic. The cinematography, costumes, and production design are a delight to behold. The SFX support the story.

And best of all: No songs! Downton Abbey ’s Lily James does the title honors with guilelessness and intelligence. Cate Blanchett’s the wicked stepmother.

Shakespearean director Kenneth Branagh (okay, he also did Thor) has created something old yet new, more a revitalization rather than a reimagining.

Pure of hear t, unabashedly sincere, and wildly entertaining. Uncle Walt would approve. (105 min)

THE LAST FIVE YEARS This is the sad but never m a u d l i n s to r y of t h e courtship, marriage, and dissolution of a loving relationship. He (Jeremy Jordan), a young novelist f inding early success, tells it in chronological order. She (a shining Anna Kendrick), a singer/actress struggling with endless auditions and a stalled career, tells it from finish to start. Your enjoyment will hinge on your attitude toward entirely sung films, but the songs here, by Tony-winning lyricist and composer Jason Robert Brown, advance the plot, and are intricate, varied, and well worth a look/listen. A smart Off-Broadway a d ap t a t io n by Richard L a G r ave nese. (9 4 m in)

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The Trip to Italy: © Trip Films Ltd 2014; Focus: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Revenge of the Green Dragons: © 2014 ROTGD Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.; Dying of the Light: © 2014 DYING OF THE LIGHT, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Furious 7: © 2014 Universal Pictures; Cinderella: © 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; The Last Five Years: © THE LAST FIVE YEARS THE MOTION PICTURE LLC; Whiplash: © 2013 WHIPLASH, LLC All Rights Reserved; Magic in the Moonlight: © 2014 Gravier Productions, Inc.; Inherent Vice: © 2014 WARNER BROS.ENTERTAINMENT INC,AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance): © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox; The Good Lie: © 2014 Black Label Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies

NEW

GMO OMG Jeremy Seifert has a point. He wants agribusiness giants l i ke M o n s a n to to b e more accountable, and labels on foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). But his unconvincing, lamely manipulative, and simplistic arguments include making fun of technical jargon (“I’m not a scientist”), fuzzy motivations (including a nod to Creationism), jarring leaps in logic, and the trotting out of home movies of his kids every ten minutes. (“I wish I could take back the land for my children.”) Gimme a friggin’ break.

By the end, this preachy Michael Moore wannabe almost had me rooting for Monsanto. (90 min)

WHIPLASH A talented young jazz drumming student at a prestigious NYC music academy is challenged to rise to his full potential by a brutal, Machiavellian, perfectionist teacher/ bandleader (an Oscar-winning J.K. Simmons). This one turns the sentimental inspirational-teacher genre on its head and plays more like a sports movie, or even a psychothriller. Writer/Director Damien Chazelle never misses a beat in this tightly-paced, propulsive film. Title refers to a difficult big-band number. It also describes what you might feel after surviving the intense and cathartic final scene. Big screen, please.

For the sound. Japanese title: Session. (106 min)

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT I’m a fan. I think even mediocre Woody Allen movies are bet ter than most of what’s out there—but that doesn’t mean they’re not disappointing. This one starts out strong. It’s 1928.

Colin Firth is a stage magician and noted paranormal debunker who’s called upon to poke holes in the amazingly accurate prognostications of a pretty young clairvoyant (Emma Stone). But then he’s “converted,” falls in love, and the movie immediately loses steam, along with any magic it might have had. Threadbare and predictable, this one feels off-the-rack. The script could have used a third draft, or even a second. (97 min)

INHERENT VICE Paul Thomas Anderson, i n n o v a t i v e m a ke r o f such very serious f ilms as There Will Be Blood and The Master, tries on a comedy this time, beautifully adapting Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 sun-dappled beach-noir novel about a stoner detective (a spot-on Joaquin Phoenix) named Doc in early-70s El Lay. Think Raymond Chandler by way of Cheech & Chong. Josh Brolin’s great as Doc’s nemesis, the straight-laced cop “Bigfoot” Bjornson. It’s unpredictable, amusingly louche, strange, and deranged. And if it’s not always logical, well, don’t try to figure it out. Best to just lie back and let the low-key parody take you. (148 min)

BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) This intellectually active, ensemble showbiz dramedy earned all the praise it’s getting. But despite the dazzle, the showy direction distracts from the narrative. Alejandro González Iñárritu makes this gimmicky joyride work because he’s a pro, but it still has a film-school, “look at me!” feel. None of the characters is particularly likable, giving the film little emotional punch. This will be remembered, if at all, as a brilliant technical experiment. Bottom line: It’s one of those films that are easier to admire than to enjoy. Worth seeing?

Absolutely. Best Picture? No. Japanese title: Birdman arui wa (Muchi ga Motarasu Yoki-senu Kiseki). (120 min)

THE GOOD LIE Four young Sudanese sur vive a brutal war, a monstrous trek to a refugee camp, and 13 years there before being brought to Kansas City for resettlement. To this point, the movie is a moderately interesting, if highly sanitized, tale of survival. Then Reese Witherspoon appears in a supporting role as an employment counselor, and the movie sags. Reese does nothing wrong, and her misleading prominence on the poster will likely boost the film’s attendance, but her character reframes the focus to a white American point of view, when the African bookends of this worthy, good-hearted tale are far more compelling.

Japanese title: Good Lie: Ichiban Yasashī Uso. (110 min)

© Tokyo New Cinema

© IMAGE.NET

© Zjednoczenie Artystów i Rzemieslników

eiga Readers of this column know I love introducing indie Japanese films that wouldn’t otherwise get a lot of press. Tokyo New Cinema Inc., making quality feature films by young directors on tiny budgets, is

By Rob Schwartz a joy for me to write about. One of the most prominent filmmakers in the alliance is 24-yearold Ryutaro Nakagawa, who’s already made a number of shorts and three feature films. Ai no Chīsana Rekishi screened at the 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival, and now gets its theatrical debut. Nakagawa once again employs the narrative of disparate characters moving through life, but this time, their stories merge. Natsuki (Eriko Nakamura) runs a bento shop, and is estranged from her abusive and alcoholic father. Small-time yakuza punk Natsuo (Takashi Okito) changes his ways after someone he’s shaking down kills himself. He finds his drug-addicted, sex-working sister Asuka (Manami Takahashi), and implores her to straighten up her life. The two stories run parallel with deep insight into the pain and division trauma causes. The auteur has a fine attention to detail, and a window into the characters’ emotional states. Nakagawa may be the finest young director in Japan. Opens May 9 at Eurospace in Shibuya. English title: August in Tokyo. (81 min)

AI NO CHĪSANA REKISHI

movie news What started as a sketch for a fashion award show broadcast in the 1990s has turned into a franchise.

Ben Stiller is returning as the vacuous male model in a follow up to his 2001 hit comedy Zoolander, which itself was based on an earlier short for VH1.

Although the original flick wasn’t what you’d call a box off ice success, it has been cultivating a cult following in the years since its release. The sequel was announced with dramatic flair at Paris Fashion Week, when Stiller, in character, took the runway of a Valentino show with Owen Wilson, who played a younger, rival model in the first film. Will Ferrell returns as fashion mogul Jacobim Mugatu and Stiller is once again taking directing duties. Details of the script written by Justin Theroux are being kept under wraps, but filming has begun in Rome and 12-yearold actor Cyrus Arnold has been cast as Zoolander’s son. Part of what made the f irst f ilm a sleeper hit was the string of cameos by celebrities and fashion insiders. The sequel looks set to continue the tradition, with Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Penelope Cruz, Kristen Wiig, and Anna Wintour rumored to be appearing. Zoolander 2 won’t be released until February, 2016. Until then, fans will have to content themselves with Mugatu meme generators. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground In a real example of an international co-production, the film Imagine (pictured) has Brit actor Edward Hogg playing a blind teacher at an under-budgeted school for the blind in Portugal, where he encourages students to use their imaginations rather than their canes. It’s by a Polish director, with dialogue mostly in English. Currently playing at Image Forum in Shibuya (2-10-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku; www.imageforum.co.jp)...Those who appreciate French film and its painterly cinematography will want to see Marie’s Story, a biopic of a nun in the late 19th century who dedicates herself to reaching a girl who was born blind and deaf. It’s similar territory to The Miracle Worker, but set in the unspoiled French countryside. On from May 1 at Cine Switch in Ginza (4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku; www. cineswitch.com)...Prolific actress Doona Bae has long had a successful career in her native Korea, but her multicharacter turn in Cloud Atlas and the Wachowskis’ follow up Jupiter Ascending has put her in the international spotlight. Now she has a homecoming with the Koreanlanguage A Girl at My Door. She plays a recent police academy graduate who is assigned a tiny village, where she takes a troubled girl under her wing. On from May 1 at Shinjuku Musashinokan (3-27-10 Shinjuku; http:// shinjuku.musashino-k.jp) and Eurospace in Shibuya (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.eurospace.co.jp). KM

21

arts&culture MUSIC

SUPERCOZI Bali-based producer finds freedom outside Japan

BY DAN GRUNEBAUM

O

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Courtesy of Plankton

ne of a few Japanese women electronic music producers to make an international impact, Supercozi (Yukimi Yonezawa) says her new album Bioshifter—the title of which stands for “secret evolutionary process”—represents her growth over a decade as a solo artist.

She shared the twisty techno pleasures of the disc and her thoughts on Japan as an outsider, from her home in Bali.

Why did you leave Japan?

The sense of stagnation I felt in Japan became unbearable by the end of 1999. I already had many travel experiences by then, so I was ready to build a new life outside of a familiar matrix.

How does having a career outside Japan compare to staying in the country?

The music industry changed dramatically after the internet became widely available. Where you are located is no longer the critical issue. I welcomed this sea change, because I spent 10 years in the Japanese major music industry, and it was like working in a factory. You have to squash your creativity to fit into the pathetic J-pop system in order to get a tie-up deal with a shampoo ad or something. Compared with this period, running my label outside Japan is like driving a spaceship on my own. It’s fantastic to have unlimited freedom to express myself, releasing whatever I want, and connecting with collaborators and listeners from all over the world.

When you return to Japan, what are your impressions?

There was a mass awakening after March 11 and Fukushima, until Abe’s regime started in 2012.

All of a sudden, many ordinary citizens joined SNSs such as Facebook and started discussing nukes, clean energy, our constitution and democracy, forming a new network of grassroots activism all over Japan. Joining a peaceful rally became a normal way to express our concern.

This was the biggest change I ever witnessed.

But many now practice willful blindness. Sometimes I feel as if I’m witnessing a lemmings march by my own people.

Your posts often criticize Japanese politics. Tell us how life abroad influences your perspective.

Fortunately, I had been always surrounded by people with the mindset of global citizens, no matter where they are from. Being able to exchange opinions on many issues with people of different nationalities inspired me to develop my point of view as a global citizen, too. And

yes, I'm very concerned about the current trend of Japanese politics to drag Japan back to the mindset of the pre-war era.

How is life in Bali?

Bali has an ideal balance for me. First, Balinese Hindu culture and Balinese people’s charm remain strong. I fell in love with Bali in 1995, and am still amazed how they maintain their spiritual calmness despite the tsunami of globalization. Of course, there is a huge negative impact from overdevelopment, but Bali still has an unchanged charm if you go to the countryside. Second, Bali has a truly eclectic international expat community—so many creative individuals from all corners of the world. They mix dynamic thinking and an artistic approach in a peaceful lifestyle. I love being here.

There are still very few female DJs. Why do you think that is?

To be a professional DJ for the long term, you need an otaku mentality toward music. You’ve got to spend years developing the knowledge, and keep up-to-date. Looks like males are more equipped for digging into the long tale of the music industry for hours and hours than females.

Also, there are technical skills involved to be able to deliver a good mix and adjust the sound to fit each venue. It’s a multitask job that requires wide knowledge and technological ability.

Give us some insight into the making of Bioshifter.

The album is a nice mix of chillout: Slow, sexy techno tunes, and slightly twisted electronica.

I’ve got a few exciting featured vocalists, including Sophie Barker from Zero7 and MC Reason. I’m also working on a new album from Zen Lemonade—the unit with my husband Gus Till. It’s a full-on dance album, a mix of techno and progressive psytrance.

Tell us about your label, Hypo=espresso.

I founded it in Bali in 2005. We mainly release our own creations. So far we’ve released six albums.

But I like this pace and Hypo is my life’s work.

Sounds from Hypo will mature as we get older and absorb more things. It’s nice to have a personal platform like that. We just released an ambient compilation, Music For A Rainy Season, as a limited-edition CD, and it’s selling pretty well already.

For more info, check out www.supercozi.com or http://facebook.com/supercozi

I USED TO GO TO SLEEP EVERY NIGHT AND DREAM ABOUT THIS TYPE OF EXPERIENCE.”

1 TO 1: BIG SEAN Sitting on top of the world—an evolving view

BY DANIEL L. SMITH, FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

I

t’s pretty rare for me to sit down to write a story about an interview subject only to be interrupted by a television report on that same person—twice!

However, this was the case for rapper Big Sean. As I was transcribing our interview, conducted for Fox Backstage Pass by rapper Shurland Ayers (shown above, left, with Big Sean) during his recent trip to Tokyo to perform and promote his latest album, Dark Sky Paradise, I was struggling for a lead-off paragraph.

I was recalling that day and the whirlwind of events that all seemed to meshed into one, including a Bape fashion photo shoot with J Soul Brothers dancer Elly—mixed in between glowing talk of his hot girlfriend, singer/actress Ariana Grande—and buzz about Dark Sky Paradise debuting at No.1 on the Billboard charts.

Everybody left feeling, Here is a guy sitting on top of the world!

That’s it! I had the focal point for my lead …

“Rapper Big Sean is sitting on top of the world on the music charts and in his personal life …”

I started digging in and turned on the TV. There was an episode of The Tonight Show on, with Jimmy Fallon, Big Sean, LL Cool J, and actress Rose Byrne playing a game of Pictionary.

Later, Big Sean delivered an emotional version of “One Man Can Change the World,” a tune he dedicates to his grandmother, mother, and the challenges of growing up in Detroit.

Snap! I decide to change my lead focus …

“Rapper Big Sean is on top of the world, on the music charts and in his personal life, but also stays true to his family and hometown of Detroit …”

The Tonight Show ends and, as I’m clicking through other channels, I come across E!, where there is breaking news that Big Sean and Grande have split up!

Hmmm! So I decided to ditch the top-of-theworld thing and concentrate on Big Sean’s two other main loves: his music and his hometown.

The music started in earnest with his first album, Finally Famous.

“It was my first album. I was just really trying to find my way. I moved out of my mom’s house.

I got my first apartment, and it was a big deal. It was my first time being on my own. I was 21, and I was self-conscious a little bit. I was just working towards trying to find my way and set myself apart, but, you know, I appreciate everything about the first album. In my mind it is a classic, and you only get one time to make your first project. It brought me a lot of success,” Sean explained.

He said he took a dual approach to his next releases. “Going into the second album (Hall of Fame) it was still a learning process for me. I made my Detroit mixtape and my second album at the same time. I wanted one to be like hardcore and gritty, and then I wanted the other to be just a completely different vibe.”

Sean continued, “When I put the Detroit mixtape out, I mean, I felt like every project I have

put out has done something different for me. The Detroit mixtape kind of gave me a foundation for my fan base. It was like the streets were rocking with that. It was one of the most downloaded mixtapes of all time. A lot of people like that mixtape more than some of my albums. Detroit is one of my greatest bodies of work!”

In Dark Sky Paradise, Sean said he wanted to take his music to a whole different level.

“I feel like it’s the first one that I have done where I kind of took everything I learned from every piece of music that I’ve worked on—all the stuff I was going through, all the ups and downs, you know, craziness—and put it together. Creatively I felt that I had so much potential, and so much talent, and I really wanted to push [it] out in this album.”

He recorded Dark Sky Paradise in a studio he built in his house. “I recorded at least 95 percent of it there. I really stuck with the vision. I didn’t let anybody interfere with it, and it turned out the way it turned out. Every producer and every artist came to my crib, and they saw the vision studio and brought their A-game with them, and it helped make it what it was. I am very proud of this album.”

He’s also proud of his expanding base of Japanese fans. “I remember when I came out here when I was 19 and was kicking it with Vigo, the Teriyaki Boyz, Verbal, those guys. They are my idols. It was one of the best times of my life! I got my mom with me on this trip, and I just want to say I appreciate the love and support I get from my Japanese fans. Japan is probably the coolest place in the world. I really want to learn the language because that’s how much I enjoy it over here.”

How does he feel about the way his life has evolved? “It never gets old. It never gets jaded. I just remember being in my mom’s house in Detroit. We grew up and didn’t have a lot of money or things like that. In our two-family flat, you know, it was like my auntie lived upstairs and we lived downstairs. I used to go to sleep every night and dream about this type of experience. So, you can just imagine what it is like going all over the world and doing concerts and shows!”

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 Concerts

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/sonataarctica2015

POPULAR

Indies Block

Band Night for TELL Vol. 10

Five venues, 29 indie bands, and various artists in support of TELL’s anti-bullying initiatives. May 2, 6:30-11:30pm. Free (donations appreciated). Various Tokyo Pubs & Live Houses. http://j. mp/tellbandnight2015 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. May 24, 5pm. ¥6,800. Studio Coast.

Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/ epik2015 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 Electric Zoo Beach

EDM festival featuring Steve Aoki, Knife Party, R3hab, and others. May 6, 1pm. ¥11,00022,000. Makuhari Kaihin Park. Kaihin-Makuhari.

Tel: 03-3499-6669. http:// electriczoo.jp The Haunted

Swedish metal band from Gothenburg formed in 1996 consisting of Adrian Erlandsson, Jonas Björler, Marco Arco, Jensen, and Ola Englund. May 11, 7pm. ¥6,500.

Club Quattro. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ haunted2015 Rock of Chaos

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 Human Toys Japan Tour

French duo pulse out electrobilly, hard dance music. May 21. ¥1500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door).

Yotsuya Lotus. Yotsuya Sanchome. Tel: 03-5315-4781. http://yotsuyalotus.com. May 22, 7pm. ¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door). Outbreak. Yotsuya. www.hor-outbreak.com Sonata Arctica

Finnish power metal band that started as hard rock band Tricky Beans. May 22, 7pm. ¥7,000. Club Quattro.

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The best of Tokyo’s up-andcoming indie bands. May 22, 5:30pm. ¥2,500 +1d (adv)/¥2,800 +1d (door).

Zepp DiverCity. Daiba.

Tel: 03-3527-5256. http:// indiesblock.com

Lee Juck

Korean pop singer, songwriter, and musician who made his debut as a member of Panic.

Jun 4-5, 7pm. ¥7,500. Tokyo Kinema Club. Uguisudani.

Tel: 03-3874-7988. http://j.mp/ leejuck2015 Idina Menzel

Headlined by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica.

May 23, 3pm. ¥7,000. Shinkiba Studio Coast. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. http://j.mp/ loudandmetalattack2015

American actress and singersongwriter who rose to prominence in the Broadway musical Rent’s original run, and who more recently voiced Elsa in Frozen. Jun 4 - 5, 7pm. ¥7,500-8,500. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. http://j.mp/idina2015

John Hiatt

JAZZ/WORLD

Loud & Metal Attack

Grammy-nominated American rock guitarist, pianist, singer, and songwriter who remains one of the most respected and influential American singer-songwriters. May 22, 7 & 9:30pm; May 23, 6 & 9pm. ¥7,400-9,400. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/hiatt2015 Akira Jimbo One-Man Orchestra

Japanese jazz fusion drummer famous for his drumming independence and fusion of electronic drum technology and acoustic drums. May 24, 3pm. ¥4,000 (adv)/¥4,500 (door). Sagami Green Hall. Sagami-Ōno. Tel: 042-749-2200. http://j.mp/ onemanjimbo2015 Little Barrie

London-based three-piece band whose sound has drawn from a mixture of influences including R&B, surf, soul, and funk. May 25, 7:30pm. ¥5,000. duo Music Exchange.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-8716. http://j.mp/littlebarrie2015 Ozomatli

Seven-piece band known both for their vocal activist viewpoints and their wide array of musical styles, spanning Latin, hip hop, and rock music.

May 24, 5 & 8pm; May 25, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ ozomatli2015 Mika

Innovative LebaneseBritish pop artist with rock edge, who’s going to make audiences love today. May 26, 7pm. ¥7,500. Studio Coast.

Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/ mika2015 Nickelback

One of Canda’s most controversial rock bands comes to Japan. May 30, 7pm. ¥9,500. Tokyo Taiikukan.

Kokuritsukyogijo or Sendagaya. http://j.mp/ nickelback2015 Taicoclub ’15

Music festival with artists Autechre, Marcel Dettmann, Sons of Magdalene, and others. May 30-31, 3pm. ¥13,000 (adv)/ ¥14,000 (door).

Kodama no Mori. Yabuhara.

Tel: 03-6303-3690. http:// taicoclub.com/15/tag/en

Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ haynes2015 Wouter Hamel

Dutch Pop singer who won the Dutch Jazz Vocal Competition in 2005. May 21, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥5,900-7,900. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/hamel2015 Benny Green Trio

Trio led by hard bop jazz pianist Green, who was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

May 20-22, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Cotton Club.

Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/greentrio2015 Gregory Porter

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

Grammy-winning American jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actor who won the 2014 Grammy for best jazz vocal album, Liquid Spirit. May 21-22, 7 & 9:30pm; May 23, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/porter2015

CLASSICAL Game Symphony Japan Concert

Conducted by Kenichi Shimura, and performed by Nobuo Uematsu, Tokyo Chamber Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus, and others. May 1, 7pm. ¥6,500-10,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. meturl.com/ suntoryhall NHK Symphony Orchestra

Conducted by Vahan Mardirossian with pieces

by Mozart, Beethoven, and others. May 4, 2:30pm. ¥3,3007,300. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.

Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/ Vienna Boys’ Choir

Japanese salsa band that sings in Spanish, and is led by vocalist Nora. May 6, 4:30pm. ¥6,000-8,000. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/laluz2015

Hungarian folk singer who has toured worldwide with world music and folk revival bands such as Ökrös. May 24, 5 & 8pm. ¥6,000-8,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. http://j.mp/agi2015

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/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: 045-6822020. http://meturl.com/ minatomiraihall

The Funky Meters

The Wailers

Ivry Gitlis

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

Reggae band formed by the remaining members of Bob Marley and the Wailers, following Marley’s death in 1981. May 26-27, 5:30 & 8:45pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ thewailers2015

Israeli violinist who has performed with the world’s top orchestras, including New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and Vienna Philharmonic. May 6, 2pm. ¥7,500. Kioi Hall. Yotsuya.

Tel: 03-5276-4500. www. kioi-hall.or.jp

Sergio Mendez

Aurélien Pascal

Brazilian musician who plays bossa nova heavily crossed with jazz and funk, and was most recently nominated for an Academy Award for his contribution to the Rio soundtrack. May 26-28, 6:30 & 9:30pm. ¥11,000-13,000.

Billboard Live. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ mendes2015

French cellist who was awarded the Grand Prix at the 2014 Emanuel Feuermann Competition at only 19 years old. May 8, 7pm. ¥2,0003,500. Katsushika Symphony Hills. Aoto. Tel: 03-56702222. http://j.mp/pascal2015

Ági Szalóki Orquesta de La Luz

Kat Edmonson

American singer-songwriter who, after years in the local club scene, released her debut album Take to the Sky in 2009. May 9-10, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ edmonson2015 Rasmus Faber with Frida

Swedish pianist, DJ, remixer, and composer. May 11, 7pm. ¥7,000-9,000. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/faber2015 Avishai Cohen Trio

Trio led by Israeli jazz bassist Cohen with Daniel Dor on drums and Nitai Hershkovits on the piano. May 14-15, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ avishaicohen2015 Caro Emerald

Dutch pop and jazz singer whose debut album Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor set a new all-time Dutch chart record. May 18, 7:30pm. ¥8,500-9,500. Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka. http://j.mp/ emerald2015 Roy Haynes

American jazz drummer Haynes’ 90th birthday celebration. May 16-17, 5 & 8pm; May 18, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note

John Scofield: Uberjam

American jazz-rock guitarist and composer who has played and collaborated with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and more. May 28-29, 7 & 9:30pm; May 30, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ scofield2015 The Electric Guitar Quartet

With American jazz double bass and jazz fusion electric bass player John Patitucci and Adam Rogers, Steve Cardenas, and Brian Blade. May 27-29, 6:30 & 9pm; May 30, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500-10,500. Cotton Club.

Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/electricguitar2015 Classic country and bluegrass.

Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm.

Free. Cafe Sepia. Shibuya.

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

Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg

Conducted by Ivor Bolton with performances of pieces by Haydn and Mozart. May 26, 7pm. ¥4,000-10,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. http://j.mp/ salzburg2015 Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra

Conducted by Vladimir Fedoseyev with performances of Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, op.45, Violin Concerto in D major, op.35, and more in celebration of his 175th Jubilee. May 28, 7pm. ¥4,000-16,000. Suntory Hall.

Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ tchaikovskyorchestra2015 Jonas Kaufmann

German operatic tenor best known for his performances in roles such as Don José in Carmen and Cavaradossi in Tosca. May 30, 7pm. ¥14,000-26,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome.

Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j. mp/kaufmann2015. Jun 1, 7pm. ¥14,000-26,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall.

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

Clubbing FRIDAY 1 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

Mathew Jonson. House, techno: DJs Haruka, Mx, etc.

Live: Mathew Jonson. From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.

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

Richard Clayderman

Sound Museum Vision

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

Classics. Hip-hop: DJ Das Efx and more. From 10pm. ¥3,500.

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

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

Goldberg Variations

Yasuaki Shimizu and Saxophonette’s album launch concert of his revolutionary interpretation of the Goldberg Variations for five saxophones and four contrabasses. May 24, 2pm. ¥4,500-6,500.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. www. operacity.jp/en Dragon Quest Concert

Blue Mountain Boys

Hachioji. Hachioji. www. olympus.hall-info.jp

Conducted by Koichi Sugiyama and performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, with music from Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen. May 24, 3pm. ¥3,500-5,500. Olympus Hall

T2

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.

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

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

Up Beat. House, EDM: DJs Ueno, Yamariki, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia. co.jp

hot tickets JUN 7-8 Mike Stern Band

Led by six-time Grammy nominee American jazz guitarist Stern, featuring Victor Wooten, Bob Franceschini, and Will Calhoun. Jun 7, 5 & 8pm; Jun 8, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500.

Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ sternband2015 Tickets on sale now

JUN 8-9 Michelle Branch

JUN 20-21

The American singer-songwriter’s heartfelt acoustic tunes have taken her everywhere—and now they’ve taken her to Japan. Jun 8-9, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,500-8,500. Billboard Live Tokyo. Roppongi or Nogizaka.

Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ branch2015 Tickets on sale now

Womb

Club Asia

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

Back to chill. Dubstep, dub: DJs Goth-Trad, Ena, etc. From 10:30pm. ¥2,500. Shibuya.

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

Daikanyama Unit

Ageha

Club Museum. Techno: DJs Surgeon, Rok Da House, etc. From 11:30pm. ¥3,500.

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

Asobinite. Electro, house: DJs Nakata, Marc Panther, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.ageha. com

SATURDAY 2

Womb

for free

Morphed

A band of eight men seduces, challenges, demands, and swaggers in Tero Saarinen Company’s new production, with music by Esa-Pekka Salonen. Jun 20-21, 3pm. ¥3,5005,000. Sainokuni Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohommachi. http://j.mp/morphed2015 Tickets on sale now

WEDNESDAY 6 Womb

Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki, Yo, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp THURSDAY 7

JUL 11-SEP 23 UNTIL MAY 6 Cleopatra and the Queens Odaiba Hawaii Festival of Egypt

Explore the life of Cleopatra, and other queens who had great influence over the Egypt’s politics and religion.

Jul 11-Sep 23, 9:30am-5pm. Closed Mon. ¥700-1,400 (adv)/ ¥900-1,600 (door). Tokyo National Museum.

Ueno. http://egypt2015.jp Tickets on sale May 11

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 La Esmeralda

Enjoy live performances, including a polynesian night show, and browse through the Hawaiian Market and food stalls. Until May 6, Hawaiian Market 10:30am-9pm; Hawaiian Food Market 11am-11pm. Free.

VenusFort. Aomi. www.venusfort.co.jp/hawaii2015

Exhibitions ENDING SOON Spiral Independent Creators Festival

An art festival aiming to discover, foster, and support the next generation of creators by displaying their work. May 2-3 & 4-5, 11am-7pm. ¥700. Spiral Hall.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-34981197. www.sicf.jp

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

Mix Juice. EDM, top 40: DJs Yamariki, Su-Pyi, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free.

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

A ballet inspired by Notre Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo with music by Cesare Pugni.

May 20, 1:30 & 6:30pm; May 21, 1:30pm. ¥4,000-14,000.

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno.

Tel: 03-3828-2111. www. kyodotokyo.com/mamt

The Room

Swan Lake

Great Fake Exposition: Cultural History of Fakes and Imitation

MONDAY 4

El Amor. Disco, boogie: DJs Ai, Niwa, etc. 7-11pm. ¥1,000.

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Air

Air

FRIDAY 8

Danny Krivit. House: DJs Danny Krivit, Dazzle Drums, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.

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

Plus Tokyo. Techno: DJs Ishino, Nishimura, etc. ¥3,000.

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

Ballet composed by Tchaikovsky which tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. May 23, 12 & 5:30pm; May 24, 12pm. ¥4,000-14,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.kyodotokyo.com/ mamt

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

Photographer Yuichi Hibi’s works taken over the course of multiple visits to Amami, Japan dating back to 1992.

Until May 23, 11am-7pm (until 5pm on Sat), closed Sun, Mon, & hols. Free. Tokyo Gallery + BTAP. Shinbashi. Tel: 03-3571-1808. http://j.mp/ saltoftheearth2015

Strawberry Fields

Gabriel Orozco: Inner Cycles

Intimate Impressionism from the National Gallery of Art, Washington

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

Rhythmholic. House, techno: DJs Mark Knight, Eita, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp

Sound Museum Vision Sound Museum Vision

Independent. Techno, electro: DJs Brodinski, Gener8tion, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com T2

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.

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

Splash. Gay party, house: DJs Chus, Sawa, etc. From 11pm. ¥4,000. Shinkiba.

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

Kyoto Jazz Massive. House, jazz: DJs Shuya Okino, Yoshihiro Okino, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,500. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Club Asia

Awapa. House, techno: DJs Les Schmitz, Shu-Ma, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500.

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

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

Warp. EDM, electro: DJs Nakata, Komori, etc. (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com The Room

Expansion. House, crossover: DJs Mu-R, Nobio, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Womb

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

Innervisions. House: DJs Shibata, Motoki, etc. Live: Ame. From 10pm. ¥3,500.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

World Class. EDM, dubstep: DJs Jauz, Kentaro, etc. ¥3,500.

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

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

Womb

T2

Intergalactic. EDM, house: DJs Taku, Verbal, etc. ¥3,500.

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

TUESDAY 5

Ageha Ruby Room

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

Tokyo Allmix Night. All mix: DJs Tora, U5, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.

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

The Choice. Techno: DJs Scuba, Nobu, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500.

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

Club Snoozer. DJs Tanaka, Hisashi, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500 w/1d. Daikanyama.

Tel: 03-5459-8630. www. unit-tokyo.com

Sound Museum Vision

The Room

Gw Matsuri. EDM: DJs Daishi Dance, Mitomi, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com

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

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Air

Club Asia

Salsoul Boogie. Salsoul, hip-hop: DJs Muro, Sarasa, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000.

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

Ageha

Deroom. All mix: DJs Black Jaxx, Hiro, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000.

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

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

Shibuya. Tel: 03-54582551. www.clubasia.co.jp

Sound Museum Vision

Womb

Womb

Sound City. Reggae: DJs Sn-Z, Souljah, etc. Live: Mighty Crown and more. ¥3,500.

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

Life and Death. House, techno: DJs Tale of Us, Tennis, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

Weaves. Progressive house, techno: DJs Dosem, U:ichi, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.

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

Microcosmos

Exchange. Soul, crossover: DJs Kashi da Handsome, Sato, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Stage

House Session. House: DJs Eric Kupper, Ohishi, etc.

From 12am. ¥2,500 w/1d.

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

Dance Sleeping Beauty

Performed by the Matsuyama

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 ONGOING

MAY 10, 13, 16, 19, 23 & 26

OPERA LA TRAVIATA

One of Verdi’s most popular operas, combining drama, profound emotion and wonderful melodies. New production by French director Vincent Boussard. May 10, 13, 16, 23 & 26 2pm; May 19 7pm, ¥15,120-27,000. New National Theatre Tokyo.

Hatsudai (Keio New Line). www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english

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 Der Rosenkavalier

Set in Viennese high society, this opera’s rich, elegant music expresses memories of the past and fresh youthful love, with production by Jonathan Miller, who excels at detailed character portrayal.

May 24, 30, Jun 2 & 4, 2pm; May 27, 6pm. ¥4,320-23,760.

New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/ rosenkavalier2015

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

Irises and Red and White Plum Blossoms: The Secret of Kōrin’s Design

Tact/Festival 2015

Air

The Room

Production by Japanese contemporary dance company Condors, an all-male ensemble who perform wearing school uniforms. May 30, 2 & 7pm; May 31, 3pm. ¥2,000-4,500. Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi.

Tel: 0570-064-939. http://j. mp/fields2015

Salt of the Earth

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. Until May 17, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥1,000-1,200. Nezu Museum.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. http://j.mp/korin2015 Kataoka Tamako

Japanese-style painter who uses vivid colors, boldly deformed shapes, and paintings using powerful brushwork. Until 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

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. Until Jun 14, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥700-1,000.

Idemitsu Museum of Arts.

Tokyo. www.idemitsu.com/ museum/honkan

25

The Great Amazon

Featuring over 400 exhibits and a 4-K theatre experience where you can travel to the Amazon through a 355-inch 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.

Until Jun 21, 10am-6pm, closed Wed. ¥500-1,000.

Shiodome Museum.

Shimbashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://meturl.com/ panasonicmuseum The British Museum Exhibition: A History of the World in 100 Objects

This exhibition explores human creativity covering two million years, from prehistoric to modern times, through 100 items from the British Museum’s collection.

Until Jun 28, 9:30am-5:30pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥800-1,300 (adv)/ ¥1,000-1,600 (door). Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/100objects2015 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 and portraits, still lifes, and landscapes. Until 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 Time of Others

Showcasing works by 18 artists of the younger generation in Asia/Oceania whose practices offer keys to engaging with the time of others. Until Jun 28, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. ¥600-1,100. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.

Kiyosumi-shirakawa. http://j.mp/timeofothers2015 Mirror Neuron

A collection of modern art collected by psychiatrist Ryutaro Takahashi. Until Jun 28, 11am-7pm (until 8pm on Fri & Sat), closed Mon. ¥800-1,200. Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery. Hatsudai. www. operacity.jp/en Naruto Exhibition

Experience the spectacular world of manga master Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic Naruto. Until Jun 28, 10am-8pm. ¥500-1,800 (adv)/ ¥800-2,000 (door).

Mori Arts Center Gallery.

Roppongi. http:// naruto-ten.com Masks: Beauty of the Spirits

By laying bare the true fascination of masks, this exhibition explores its true essence and what it means to us in today’s world, through masterpieces from the Musée du quai Branly in Paris. Until Jun 30, 10am-6pm, closed the second and fourth Wed of the month. ¥600-1,200 (¥100 discount to those who come wearing designs or patterns inspired by masks or faces).

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum. Meguro. Tel:

26

03-3443-0201. http://j.mp/ masks2015 Simple Forms: Contemplating Beauty

This exhibition brings together around 130 “simple forms” from around the world, and across the ages found in nature, primitive art, folk art, and traditional cultures.

Until Jul 5, 10am-10pm (until 5pm on Tue). ¥1,500 (adv)/ ¥600-1,800 (door). Mori Art Museum. Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/ simpleforms2015 Tokyo Story 2015

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

Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo.

Ochanomizu, Suidōbashi, or Hongō-sanchōme. Tel: 03-5689-5331. http://j.mp/ tokyostory2015 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.

Until Aug 31, 9am-5pm. ¥1,800-2,800. Okada Museum of Art. Kowakidani.

Tel: 0460-87-3931. www. okada-museum.com/en UPCOMING Ki Yoon Ko: Stimmung

Showcasing Hamburgbased American artist Ko’s photorealistic paintings of his inspirations or feelings.

May 15-Jun 21, 1-7pm, closed Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery. Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/ stimmung2015 What is Realist Painting?

Exploring the diversity and potential of realist painting through 54 works of landscapes, figures, and more. May 21-Nov 15, 10am-5:30pm, closed Tue. ¥900-1,800. Hoki Museum.

Toke. www.hoki-museum. jp/en/ The Maestro of Conception, Kenzan is Here

Born in a cultivated Kyoto family, Kenzan was raised in a context of great artistic refinement. As a potter, he introduced new designs based on painting and literature to the world of ceramics. May 27-Jul 20, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri & Sat), closed Tue. ¥800-1,100 (adv)/ ¥1,0001,300 (door). Suntory Museum of Art. Roppongi. http://j. mp/maestrokenzan2015 Helene Schjerfbeck: Reflections

Showcasing works by Finnish painter Schjerfbeck, who’s most widely known for her realist works and self-portraits. Jun 2-Jul 26, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥800-1,300 (adv)/ ¥1,0001,500 (door). The University Art Museum. Ueno. Tel: 050-5525-2200. http:// helene-fin.exhn.jp

Sports BASEBALL Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin Tigers

May 2-3, 2pm. ¥300-12,400.

Tokyo Dome. Suidōbashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999. 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 Yomiuri Giants vs. Toyo Carp

May 12-14, 6pm. ¥300-12,400.

Tokyo Dome. Suidōbashi.

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

Hanshin Tigers

May 12-14, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

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

May 15-16, 6pm; May 17, 2pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.

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

May 19-21, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs. Seibu Lions

May 27-28, 6pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.

Suidōbashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en Yakult Swallows vs.

Nippon-Ham Fighters

May 26-28, 6pm. ¥500-27,500. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs. Orix Buffaloes

Jun 2-4, 6pm. ¥300-12,400.

Tokyo Dome. Suidōbashi.

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

Rakuten Eagles

Jun 2-4, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp SOCCER FC Tokyo vs. Kawasaki Frontale

May 2, 4pm. ¥600-6,200 (adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).

Ajinomoto Stadium.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp Yokohama FC vs.

Kamatamare Sanuki

May 6, 1pm. ¥600-4,700.

Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Mitsuzawakamicho.

Tel: 04-5311-2016. www. yokohamafc.com Yokohama F. Marinos vs.

Nagoya Grampus

May 6, 3pm. ¥1,000-9,800 (adv)/ ¥1,100-5,500 (door).

Nissan Stadium. Kozukue.

Tel: 04-5477-5000. www.f-marinos.com/en Yokohama F. Marinos vs.

Albirex Niigata

May 10, 2pm. ¥1,000-9,800 (adv)/ ¥1,100-5,500 (door).

Nissan Stadium. Kozukue.

Tel: 04-5477-5000. www.f-marinos.com/en FC Tokyo vs. Kashima Antlers

May 10, 4pm. ¥600-6,200 (adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).

Ajinomoto Stadium.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp

Tokyo Verdy vs.

Tokushima Vortis

May 17, 1pm. ¥600-14,500 (adv)/ ¥800-15,000 (door).

Ajinomoto Stadium.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.verdy.co.jp/ index.html Yokohama FC vs. Giravanz Kitakyushu

May 17, 4pm. ¥600-4,700.

Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Mitsuzawakamicho.

Tel: 04-5311-2016. www. yokohamafc.com FC Tokyo vs. Ventforet Kofu

May 20, 7pm. ¥600-6,200 (adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).

Ajinomoto Stadium.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp FC Tokyo vs. Nagoya Grampus

May 23, 7pm. ¥600-6,200 (adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).

Ajinomoto Stadium.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp

Re:birth 2015

All night underground music, art, and technology festival with five stages. May 9-10. ¥8,640 (adv). Futtsu Misaki Park.

Aohori. www.rebirth-fes.com Dance of Shiva

Three-day Indian/electric music festival. May 15-17, doors open 5pm. ¥13,800 (adv only, 450 people max). Auto Camp Ginga.

Izukyū-Shimoda. http://j.mp/ shiva2015 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 Pet Expo

FC Tokyo vs. Kashiwa Reysol

May 30, 7pm. ¥600-6,200 (adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).

Ajinomoto Stadium.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp Yokohama F. Marinos vs.

Gamba Osaka

May 30, 7pm. ¥1,000-9,800 (adv)/ ¥1,100-5,500 (door).

Nissan Stadium. Kozukue.

Tel: 04-5477-5000. www.f-marinos.com/en Tokyo Verdy vs. Tochigi SC

May 31, 1pm. ¥600-14,500 (adv)/ ¥800-15,000 (door).

Ajinomoto Stadium.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.verdy.co.jp/ index.html SUMO Sumo Grand Tournament

May 10-24, 8am-6pm. ¥3,800-11,700. Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Ryōgoku. Tel: 03-3623-5111. www.sumo. or.jp/en/index

Festivals TRADITIONAL Meiji Shrine Spring Grand Festival

Bugaku, noh, and other traditional performances.

Until May 3, various times. Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Harajuku. www.meijijingu. or.jp/english/ Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival)

Mikoshi are paraded in darkness, while gardeners have booths to sell their wares. Apr 30-May 6, various times. Okunitama Shrine.

Fuchu-Honmachi. Tel: 042-362-2130. http://meturl. com/matsurikurayami

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 New Material Night

Standup, improv, and trying out new stuff. May 12 & 19, 8-10pm. Free. Double Tall Cafe. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5467-4567. http:// tokyocomedy.com/new_ material_night Standup Comedy at The Hobgoblin

Standup comedians with a variety of styles performing in English. May 21,9-10:30pm.

Free. Hobgoblin Shibuya.

Shibuya. http:// tokyocomedy.com/standup_ comedy_at_the_hobgoblin

Community MAY 24

INTERNATIONAL

refugees who have fled to Japan. May 17, 9am-1pm. ¥4,000 (10-km run)/¥3,000 (5-km run)/¥3,000 (3-km walk); discounts for children/groups.

Hibiya Park. Hibiya. Tel: 03-3501-6428. http://meturl. com/dandanrun Half-Fast Cyclists

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

Since 1949

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

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

JAPANESE PROFICIENCY TEST N1, N2, N3, N4 ST UDEN VIS T

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

Registr A ati Oct 201 on for 5 NOW O term PEN!

Free trial lesson for groups

www.evergreen.gr.jp

info@evergreen.gr.jp

03-3713-4958

YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785

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 California Wine vs. French Wine Seminar

May 2015 Membership Fee

Learn about wines and enjoy an American-style dinner. May 30, 7-10:30pm. ¥11,980 + tax (adv). Stellato.

Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. http://meturl.com/ monthlywine

Other Events Flower Festival 2015

Enjoy sakura, tulips, poppies and more at Showa Kinen Park. Until May 24, 9:30am5pm. ¥80-410. Showa Kinen Park. Tachikawa. Tel: 042-528-1751. http://j.mp/ flowerfest2015

Special pricing for the first-time visit

Manpaku

Food festival with local food, world food, desserts, and more. May 14-Jun 1, 10:30am-9pm. ¥400-700 (adv)/ ¥500- 800 (door).

Showa Kinen Park.

Tachikawa. Tel: 042-5281751. http://manpaku.jp NPO Living Dreams Gala & Fundraiser

Join for a cause to help buy and install computers for orphans in Tokyo and Tohoku. May 15, 6-11pm. ¥15,000 for early bird tickets (available until May 9) which includes a 3-course dinner with wine, free champagne, entertainment, and a chance to win great prizes in a raffle.

Act Square. Ebisu. Contact Michael Clemons for more information. Tel: 090-65129181. E-mail: michael@ livingdreams.jp.

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

Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri

Stroll around a 300-year-old azalea garden boasting over 3,000 varieties. Until May 6, 9am-5:30pm. ¥200. Nezu Jinja. Nezu, Sendagi, or Todaimae. Tel: 03-3822-0753. http://j.mp/bunkyotsutsuji2015 Camp Fuji Friendship Festival 2015

Open base event, with cultural foods, live bands, game booths, and military displays.

May 9, 11am-5pm. Free.

Camp Fuji. Gotenba. www. mccsfuji.com

TELL Anti-Bullying Charity Walk & Run Register at www.telljp.com or on the day of event from 8:30am. Furuichiba Track and Field Stadium, Kawasaki-shi.

Prizes, entertainment, and free T-shirts!

Charity Run & Walk: DAN DAN RUN 2015

Charity run/walk to help

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

27

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, MAY 15 ISSUE Deadline: Apr 30, 3pm FRI, MAY 29 ISSUE Deadline: May 21, 3pm

p r o c e d u r e s i n J a p a n . Fr e e 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.

28

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

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES

I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT N I PPA S H I O FFI CE s u p p o r t s visa and naturalization applications, company establishment and branch office installation, including commercial registration, as well as inheritance

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 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

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

English and Japanese. JF seeks an exchange partner in the daytime on weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. tome.harukasoushi@ezweb.ne.jp

RENTAL APARTMENTS, HOUSES, CONDOS AND STUDIOS in Yokohama, 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

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

Serious only. Call Bobby at 090-55896864 or 080-8118-4073 or email mybaby-precious@docomo.ne.jp.

English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese lady. I have to improve my English. I'd like to have lessons on weekdays around Higashi-Ginza, Tsukiji or Shiodome over lunch. Let's enjoy lunch! send_you_kiss@ yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. 日本語の会 話力を向上したいです。手伝って くれると嬉しい。散歩でも如何？ zertem@hotmail.com

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. Japanese lady seeks a native speaker of American English for language exchange. Please drop me a line if you are interested. Serious only.

Thanks! patricia_idaida@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Group language exchange through E and J dramas, 7:309pm, in Tokyo. People who like dramas preferred, serious only. Free to join. eigokouryukai@outlook.jp English and Japanese. Indian guy, 186cm, 38, for E/J exchange. Tsukiji, Shintomicho or Higashi-Ginza area over lunch. roypradip@gmail.com English and Japanese. Japanese female, late 20s, seeking a native English speaker to do language exchange at cafes. Flexibility and regularity are key.

Hoping to find a great partner not only for language exchange, but also for long-term friendship. mayu-318@hotmail.co.jp

2.3 RENT OVER 200,000 YEN

English and Japanese. Arrgh! It’s hard to learn J. Every day I study—it makes my head spin! London guy wants to meet someone for drinks after work/study where we can mix J and E. Basic E ok. whatmakes.udance@gmail.com French and Japanese. Fr and J exchange in Otemachi. winds_fr@hotmail.com

SHIROKANE PENTHOUSE WITH HUGE BALCONY AND STUNNING VIEWS OVER TOKYO. Bright corner 1LDK penthouse (55sqm), w/private roof-deck (65sqm), overlooking Hiroo, Azabu, Roppongi, renovated, fully furnished, w/garden furniture, h o t- t u b h o o k u p, w o o d f l o o r s ¥290,000. alexbrodie@gmail.com 090-3574-0328

2.4 HOUSE SHARE R O O M M AT E WA N T E D TO SHARE BRAND-NEW HIGH-RISE A PA R TM E NT I N S H I BAU R A .

Spacious 2LDK ( 70sqm), 8min from JR Tamachi Stn, w/fantastic Bay view, per fec t for a young professional ¥140,000. Utilities included. If interested, email Masaki at mame10021@gmail.com.

3 EDUCATION 3.4 ENGLISH TEACHERS FREE ENGLISH CONVERSATION for Japanese ladies, anytime, in casual surroundings, like coffee shop/lunch. Have free time and will help you practice your English. Any questions, please email johnsb@jgil. net or call 090-7015-3720.

3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE Chinese and English. British expat male living in Tokyo. I want to speak some basic Chinese. I know nothing, so I need someone who can speak English and teach me the basics. whatmakes.udance@gmail.com English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF seeking a native English speaker for language exchange around the YokohamaKawasaki area. I can teach you J in return.

Let's do language exchange and have fun conversations at a cafe! from.kaori0113@ gmail.com English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a Japanese female, 24, seeking a native English speaker for language exchange in the Tokyo area. I was in NY to study dance last year. marishiina216@yahoo.co.jp

French and Japanese. Frenchman ready to exchange with Japanese people and meet them. cypresshill@outlook.fr French and Japanese. I'm a Japanese female seeking a French language exchange partner in Tokyo. Please contact me. juliemassee@yahoo.com French and Japanese. Bonjour! I'm a Japanese woman seeking French speakers with whom I can practice my French. Evenings or weekends ok. Looking foward to hearing from you. Thank you! mamesaibai@gmail.com German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J language exchange partner. Seit Sechs Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested, drop me a line. gardenstate2005@hotmail.com Korean, Spanish, English, Japanese.

Hi, I'm an outgoing, cheerful JF living in Yokohama seeking a serious language exchange partner. I can play the koto (Japanese harp). I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you. fukafuka0407@gmail.com Spanish, English, Japanese. Hi, there!

I'm seeking a native English speaker or Scandinavian who can eat dinner at Toyoda Stn in Tokyo. Also interested in learning Sp. Hope to hear from you. mst0330@yahoo. co.jp 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

Japanese necessary.

C e r t i f i ca t i o n , d i p l o m a ca n be earned. Three classroom locations in Tokyo. Website: w w w.atelier-soka.com/ english/index.html Email: smile@mika-otani.com

3.9 TEACH ME! T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G L I S H LESSONS. Working towards becoming an English-to-Japanese translator, but need help polishing my English. Can translate simple documents in exchange for English lessons. michiane256@ gmail.com English lessons. JM, 30, seeks native English teacher for reasonably priced lessons at a cafe in central Tokyo. umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp PhD student in engineering? Tokyo only. D2/D3 majoring in wireless communication engineering? Need some mentoring on how to design simulation. Must know Monte Carlo/ Particle Filter/ Neural Network, etc., and be able to use Matlab/Simulink ¥4000/two hours. yatri_in_town@ yahoo.co.jp Web design. I am seeking a female web designer. Must know HTML/CSS/ PHP. Meet in Ueno/Akihabara/Shinjuku area, two or three times/month. In return, I'll teach you English and pay ¥2000/two hours. jj08@drivehq.com

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Chair, adjustable back and arms ¥ 1000. msa.japan@hotmail .com 090-9109-5326 Chest of drawers, kiri, antique, medium-sized (L48xW34xH48), in good condition, unused ¥15,000. Firm. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp Light. Standing floor lamp, from Ya m a d a D e n k i ¥ 6 0 0 0 . F i r m .

O m ote s a n d o. N o d e l i v e r y, b u t can introduce del ivery ser vice. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp Lights, ceiling, two available, in good condition ¥4000/both. Nishi-Yamato Danchi, Wakoshi. ruma.mandal@ yahoo.com Mirror, full-length, stand, almost as new, w/anti-shatter film ¥2500. msa. japan@hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 Sofa, reclining back and arms, two pillows, in good condition, made in Japan ¥8000. msa.japan@hotmail. com 090-9109-5326 Table set, dining, wooden, for two, nine m/o, almost as new, boxes available for transport ¥4000. Pick up Nishi-Yamato Danchi, Wakoshi. ruma.mandal@ yahoo.com Table, coffee, glass top, wooden frame, two y/o. New ¥15,000. Sell ¥5000. teachermcteacherton80@hotmail.com Table, multipurpose, w/adjustable height and angle ¥1500. msa.japan@ hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 Table, Yamazen YST-5040L, folds (H35xD 4 4xW 50cm), in excellent condition ¥1000. msa.japan@hotmail. com 090-9109-5326

4.2 APPLIANCES Air blower, E-Val ue EBL-500V, powerful, w/adjustable output, can be used in reverse to vacuum ¥1500. msa. japan@hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 Heater, electric, YSH-D600R, two available, small, efficient ¥1000/each. ¥1800/both. msa.japan@hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 Iron, Toshiba, cordless, steam. teachermcteacherton80@hotmail.com

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

Trial les son, inclu din g all materials ¥4000. No

Kettle, 1.2L, fast-boiling mode, w/ airtight lid ¥1800. msa.japan@hotmail. com 090-9109-5326 Blender, Russell Hobbs 7810JP, 0.8L, w/ coffee grinder, hardly used, in excellent condition, easy to clean ¥4000. Pick up near Roppongi or Azabu-Juban. yara. garoot@gmail.com

The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp W a s h e r, To s h i b a , 5 k g , t w o y/o. New ¥18,000. Sell ¥8000. teachermcteacherton80@hotmail.com Wa s h e r, H i t a c h i N W -7 G Y (577x576x981mm), 7kg, programmable menu, in good condition, can wash double-sized blanket, w/rice cooker or folding table ¥3000. msa.japan@ hotmail.com 090-9109-5326

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Rinnai gas stove, w/ grill; dining table set for two; fan; Tokyo Gas heater; wooden shelf; folding chair. ruma.mandal@yahoo.com Sayonara sale! Nitori sofa, seats two, two y/o. New ¥80,000. Haier microwave, 16L. ¥ 30,000/ both. teachermcteacherton80@hotmail.com

4.4 TV & HOME THEATER LED 3D TV 40", Sharp Quattron, full HD (1080P), 1.5 y/o ¥55,000. Free delivery. emeraldsae@yahoo.com

4.6 FOR KIDS Bike, from 2-6 years old, detachable parent steering handle, in good condition, w/basket ¥6000. msa. japan@hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 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. al ber tol icandro@hear t.ocn.ne.jp 08068105414 Karate gi and belt, for kids 3-12 years old ¥300+. gnbkaijpn@gmail. com Walker, Anpanman, different level adjustments, six m/o. New ¥9000.

Sell ¥5000/obo. Aprica baby carrier, used twice ¥8000. emeraldsae@ yahoo.com

4.7 FOR FREE Ink, for HP 178 XL printers: black x three, blue x one, pink x one, yellow x one.

Pick up Shinjuku Stn. jackiesuginaga@ gmail.com Printer, Canon Satera MF4680, laser, no cable, can be networked. Pick up Hiroo. info@jgil.net 09070153720 Rowing machine, purple yoga mat, in excellent condition. Pick up Fuchu Stn, Keio Line. jackiesuginaga@gmail.com Table, in good condition, can be assembled easily. msa.japan@hotmail. com 090-9109-5326

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT Dumbbells, different weight combinations ¥2500. msa.japan@ hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 In-line skates, Hypno, size UK 9.5/ Japan 28.5, hardly used, in very good condition ¥2000. Nishi-Shinjuku. countrylove12 12@hotmail.com 08023841924 Kiteboard, RL Board, XL (160x45cm), for beginners or less windy days, hardly used, very light, made of carbon, glass fiber fins ¥20,000.

Yokohama. ron_westphal@yahoo.com 09018010735

6 VEHICLES 6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES BMW 318i, '04, 14,500km, a few bumps and bruises, still drives well ¥500,000/obo. skikopey@hotmail.com 080-6818-8877 Suzuki Jimny, turbo 4WD, 23,100km, registration until Mar '17, in great condition ¥890,000. Snow tires, four available, brand-new ¥140,000.

N o d e a l e r s o r a u c t i o n s i te s . al ber tol icandro@hear t.ocn.ne.jp 080-6810-5414

6.2 MOTORBIKES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Honda Forza scooter, 250cc, new bodywork, mirrors, plug, brake pads, brake fluid, front disc and tire, w/ large stainless muffler, not too loud,

sound system w/front/rear speakers, some wear and tear, looks pretty good ¥150,000/obo. pp4d@ybb.ne.jp 09027665162

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Hybrid bike, Trek 7.4FX, two available, w/helmets and lock-chains, less than two y/o, hardly used, in excellent condition ¥55,000. Pick up near Roppongi or Azabu-Juban. anas. alqasemi@gmail.com Tandem bike, Raleigh Pursuit, hardly used, in good condition, Shimano 105 gears, light ¥60,000. ron_westphal@ yahoo.com 09018010735

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES Mobile phone, SoftBank, prepaid ¥2800. gnbkaijpn@gmail.com Phone line, NTT, can go to NTT office in Shinjuku to complete necessary procedures to pass contract to you. english.latin@yahoo.com

7.4 ITEMS WANTED Broken/damaged Macbook Pro and iMac 21". I would like to buy them to use for parts. Thanks! gmigmar805@ gmail.com

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE Laptops. Dell E4310, w/E/Win 7 Pro, in excellent condition ¥25,000. Lenovo X61, w/E/Vista, brand-new, w/battery ¥15,000. nrad_bob@hotmail.com

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME FR E E E N G LI S H -TO -JA PA N E S E TRANSLATION. Working towards becoming a translator and need practice with simple documents.

Have experience working in law office, accounting, HR, advertising and sales. michiane256@gmail. com Do you know RDF/XML? If you know RDF/XML very well, I need your help to convert CVE file to RDF/XML. You should know ontology, RDF, XSLT, Jena, etc. Can pay ¥4000/two hours, plus coffee. yatri_ in_town@yahoo.co.jp Show promoting Atheism seeking co-hosts. We are seeking atheist/agnostic individuals who would be interested in co-hosting Age of Reason, a livestream show that promotes positive atheism, knowledge and common sense. assassin. wolves.films@gmail.com http://frozenframe.wix.com/ageofreason

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 WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE PEOPLE . Fif t y- one years ago, West Papua should have been an independent country. Since 1969, West Papua has been invaded and the people robbed of their rights, culture and country. Help support West Papuans’ desire to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/ markhelp2@gmail.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOK YO. If you have a problem with drinking, we can help.

English-speaking meetings daily.

03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. org http://aatokyo.org HI V Peer Suppor t group a n d wo r k s h o p s . G e t to g e t h e r w i t h 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

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

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

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

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 : M a y 2 a n d 1 6 .

Shibuya: May 9 and 23. www.leafparty.com SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE. One year (24 issues) ¥3600 (corporate subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥22,560). Half year (12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥12 ,0 0 0). B a n k t r a n s fe r o r credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club). Details at http://metropolisjapan.com/ subscription.

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES H a p p y b i r t h d a y ! TT, happy birthday! With love, JI

お め で と う ご ざ い ま す！

Misa and Kent, Congratulations on your m arriage. M ay you l i ve happily forever after. With much love from the MBA gang.

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

10.2 SUPPORT

N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous English counseling daily from 9am-11pm by trained v o l u n t e e r s ( 0 3 - 5 7 74 - 0 9 9 2 ) .

TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual p s ych o t h e r a py by a cc re d i te d Western-trained professionals, 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.

Baseball player. Japan Amateur Baseball team is seeking players for baseball games and practices. We play every Sat and Sun in Yokohama City.

Everyone welcome. Email for details. starbay5555@yahoo.co.jp

11 MESSAGES

11.3 JUST MARRIED

J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L PARTY - SPRING-SUMMER SPECIAL . Sat, May 30, 6:30-9pm, Bar Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest internat ional par t y. 250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.

Japanese men: ¥ 4000.

O t h e r s : ¥ 3 0 0 0. M o b i l e: ht tp://get your friend.com/ mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.com w w w. g e t y o u r f r i e n d . c o m 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.

racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.

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

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

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

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

Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp Ice hockey: Kanagawa Maple Leafs, Yokohama. Join us! The Kanagawa Ice Hockey League for working people is a competitive league, so experience in ice hockey is a must. A team is joining A pool, B team is E pool. norio. ooba@pfizer.com https://sites.google. co m / ka n a g a w a m a p le le a f s / h o m e 03-3258-5401 Quality football. Interested in playing football at the weekend and training midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers after a good run out? If you consider yourself a quality player, please drop us a note. bfcvagabonds@gmail.com 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 Tennis in central Tokyo. Active group of tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes serious/motivated new players. We play on weekday evenings and weekends.

Different levels (sorry, no beginners), fun training sessions and games with great people from all over. tennis. tokyo@yahoo.fr Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese and foreign volleyball players gather in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing.

Have volleyball experience and want to play in a friendly atmosphere? inter vollclub@yahoo.co.jp http:// intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/ Weekend futsal team in Tokyo. Please introduce yourself (full name, age, nationality, whether you belong to another team, experience, etc.). 都内週 末フットサルチーム. umek2002jp@ yahoo.co.jp Women’s soccer club. Five-a-side, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities, experience level s, beginners welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio@ hotmail.co.jp

13.2 LEISURE MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.com IAC Tokyo. International Adventure Club Tokyo is an all-volunteer group of folks from the Tokyo area who enjoy outdoor activities together. It provides opportunities to explore the Japanese countryside and mountains. Join now! bep_11@gmx.de http://iac-tokyo.org

13.4 MUSIC Bassist wanted around Yokohama.

We mainly play rock music and have rehearsals in Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of player is welcome, so feel free to contact us. m_a_b1998@yahoo.co.jp Drummer seeking band. Any style (funk, fusion, pop, etc.) is welcome, except metal. Weekly practices and gigs ok. Tokyo area. Please write me back to have a try! christian.pelissero@ institutfrancais.jp Drummer/percussionist wanted for new lineup of E/J band playing original songs in central Tokyo. Plenty of opportunity to play live. trashcity@ outlook.com http://www.reverbnation. com/thestraysjapan Keyboardist sought by funk/fusion band. Any nationality welcome. Come for a tryout. christianpelissero@ yahoo.fr

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.

Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.

International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 090-3598-3072 for more information. daginia@gmail.com www.diamondway.jp Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always thought it would be interesting to try it—why not now? Join us Fri evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements in advance by email, and check our home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home. ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com 色ー度カフェ. ライトワーカーヒ ーリング。任意の助けのための私 に連絡してください。 winds_fr@

hotmail.com

13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Iwnstitute) is a non-profit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. bolick@japanintercultural.org www. japanintercultural.org Nihongo 倶 楽 部いんたぁなしょ なる. Nihongo Club International is a volunteer group to help foreign people learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Jogging mate at Yokohama stn.

English- and Spanish-speaking JM seek s jogging mates with good p e r s o n a l i t i e s f o r 5 -1 5 k m. A n y nationality welcome as long as we can speak in English/Spanish. elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es Mountain hiking mate. European man, 40s, seeking mountain hiking mate and cultural exchange over mountain hiking on weekends. winds_ fr@hotmail.com

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN

13.3 ARTS I M P R O V C O M E D Y AUDITIONS! Interested in improv comedy? The Pirates of Tokyo Bay have toured the USA, China, Singapore, Philippines and more. We're seeking new members! No experience needed.

Auditions: May 31. Email info@ japancomedy.com for more info. ht tp: //piratesof tok yobay.com/ auditions

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

29

Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp Art of love. European Frenchman, 50s, seeking a Japanese lady to share passion, spirituality, the nature and art of love. winds_fr@hotmail.com

ONE-STOP SERVICES IN ENGLISH

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 Does anyone live near me? Seeking a Japanese female for friendship. I am single, early 40s, can speak some Nihongo.

No kids yet. Let's talk and get to know each other. aleicho@hotmail.com English bloke seeking Ms. Right. Tall, fit, slim, active, Japanese-speaking, already 63, downshifting towards retirement, seeking a mature but young-at-heart partner to share everything with. Must love nature and travel. countrylove1212@ hotmail.com 080-2384-1924

PAccounting • Auditing • IPO Consulting • Due Diligence

English for non-Japanese. Call me crazy, off my rocker, but though I love Japan, I don't mix that well with Japanese. I prefer more open personalities, like Chinese, Korean, Brits, Yanks. If this connects with you, message me. englishmobile@ outlook.com

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

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

KASAI CPA 042-401-0342

More Than Twenty Years Experience

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

Friendship plus. Asian man seeking a woman, 24-37, healthy, nonsmoking, honest/sincere, non-drinker, for mutually beneficial relationship based on mutual need and trust. I am sincere and caring.

Let's meet once/week and enjoy each other's company. jj08@drivehq.com German and Japanese. Asian male seeking fluent German speaker. Prefer a patient, mature woman, 28-38. Meet weekly after work (6:30-10pm), around Mitaka/Kichijoji/Shinjuku/Kanda/Ueno area. yatri_in_town@yahoo.co.jp How to choose? So many British guys here (and American, Aussie...)—why choose me? Well, it's my first time to write, so I'm new. I'm funny, charming, modest (ha!), and a true Brit. You don't get more British than me! titanislander+uk@gmail.com Japanese princess. Englishman, 191cm, blue eyes, seeking my Japanese princess to serve, spoil and worship. wallhall1975@ yahoo.co.uk Japanese-Caucasian half from Hawaii for serious relationship. I'm living in Narita, but if you live in Tokyo, I can take the train to Ueno. Mail me if interested. Thank you. boosted_art@hotmail.com

JAPAN SOY SAUCE ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

THE 7th SOY SAUCE RECIPE & STORY CONTEST Introduce your original recipe using Soy Sauce either washoku or your country’s cuisine

Grand Prize

MWM seeks MJF in Ebisu area. I am a sane, warm, fit MWM, early 40s, who is happy at home, but wants passion, too.

Seeking a MJF who is in the same position for something exciting, but comfortable for both. bdtguy@hotmail.com Reliable Englishman seeking an attractive, down-to-earth English speaker, around 40, who's seeking a natural but adventurous lifestyle in Kanagawa and overseas. Someone active but relaxed, into art, music, movies and food would be a good start. travelmanuk@hotmail.com

Seeking Japanese woman. Italian, 24, seeking JF for a relationship, fun and to improve my language skills. I work at a company, so I'm free on weekends. I speak Japanese and English. Under 40 only. massy1991@hotmail.it Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s, positive, romantic, honest, a gentleman, seeks a JF, 40s-50s, for a long-term relationship. nnazila73@yahoo.com Serious relationship. Single, 30, living and working in Tokyo, seeking sincere girlfriend. I like movies, travel. 日本 語大丈夫です. lavillelumiere2015@ gmail.com Soft, kind, romantic and also fun, passionate, and British. That's me. And I'm seeking you—if you're warm, romantic, open-minded. 日本語でも大丈夫... た ぶん. 笑. Please introduce yourself when you write. the.only.brit@gmail.com Sophisticated and cute SJM, 40s, in Kanagawa, seeks interesting, warmhearted Western lady for friendship or possibly more. If you seek a genuine and ideal JM, please just drop me a line. Let's start by communicating. toshinoris1012@ yahoo.co.jp Sweet, smart and cute SJM seeks SWF who seeks secret happy events in her spare time in Tokyo. Single/married ok. Shall we begin to talk? I think this opportunity will be a great one for us. followupforme14@ gmail.com Tall for small. Tall white male, slim, professional, funny, 30s, seeking small JF, late 20s, nonsmoking, who can meet in central Tokyo. summerfunk@googlemail. com

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

SJF SEEKING EUROPEAN M E N . S J F, 40s, loves art, museums, t r a v e l , adventure, seeking nice, positive and interesting people. Please send me a message, w/photo, if you are interested. kotoshiwayaruzo@gmail. com Finding a handsome man? Classy, polite, lovely young woman, 20s, from Germany, seeks her male equivalent for marriage in Tokyo. Please be dog-loving, honest, funny, single, under 40. I don't want any gambling with my feelings.

Serious only, please! misslyoan@gmail. com Free daytime. JF, pretty, 30s, in Tokyo, seeks a good-looking Caucasian, single, 20-30s, living in Tokyo. nagareboshistars@yahoo.co.jp Humbly confident. I may not be young and too innocent, but I'm lovely-looking, playful, happy. Overseas-educated SJF, mid-40s, long shiny hair, fine skin, toned, womanly frame and curves. You are single, mature, gentlemanly, loving your life. aquacream_dawn@yahoo.co.jp Real playboy in Tokyo. I heard there are real playboys in Tokyo. They have brains, looks and wealth. Many girls/ lovers are always around. I want to meet a sexy guy and be one of his special girls. nagareboshistars@yahoo.co.jp Seeking friend and romance. Japanese woman, 48, seeking a kind, mature guy around my age. Serious only. Nice chatting is definitely a plus! solsonreir@ gmail.com Sincere Asian man, 30-43, sought by intelligent, sincere SJF. I speak good English, Japanese and some Korean. Love traveling. Start as friends first. Serious only, please. 2010mirai@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

14.5 ESCORTS LAVISH DATES AND INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE C R E AT E O P P O R T U N I T I E S for elite foreign males to meet elegant Japanese females.

Start with a luxurious dinner date, take the night where you want it to go. Fresh, young women join our club every day.

0120-978-649 (E) international@universe-club.jp http://universe-club.jp/en

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

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

Application Deadline: May 31, 2015

30

Seeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind, seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance in Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee and talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@ yahoo.com

Let happiness begin! Married, kind, passionate, fun-loving, well-educated, very successful, nonsmoking, welltraveled, 三高 male is looking to cherish a Japanese woman for a long-term, oneon-one discreet relationship. Let me make you happy! enjoylife_321@yahoo.com

¥100,000

meturl.com/soysauce

Seeking companionship. I'm Turkish, 44, 194cm, divorced, nonsmoking, social drinker, speak Japanese, enjoy traveling, music, books, hikes, dining out, cooking at home. I like simplicity of life. Seeking a long-term relationship with a likeminded foreign or Japanese woman. pisces030771@hotmail.com

For information: Tel: (03) 3345-7977 FAX: (03) 3345-5377

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

JOBS CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED BY LEAFCUP in Tokyo, Iidabashi, Shibuya, Yokohama. Seeking enthusiastic, proficient English, French, Spanish and/or German speakers who can teach and lead lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.

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SEARCH ENGINE EVALUATOR. Leapforce is seeking highly educated individuals for an exciting work-from-home opportunity. Applicants must be self-motivated and internet savvy. elizabeth@leapforce.com http://bit. ly/1HuylgD

F R A N Z I S K A N E R B A R A N D G R I LL , ROPPONGI. German beer restaurant seeks part-time hall (¥1000/h~) and kitchen (¥1200/h~) staff. European looks preferred, Japanese language ability required. Roppongi Hills. Email CV to Kondo HR Manager. keiichi. kondo@zato.co.jp www.zato-trd.co.jp/ shoplist/shop02.html

WORLD BEER MUSEUM RESTAURANT NEAR YOKOHAMA LANDMARK TOWER seeks part-time hall (¥1000/h~) and kitchen (¥1200/h~) staff. European looks preferred, Japanese ability required. Email CV to Kondo HR Manager.keiichi.kondo@zato.co.jp www.world-liquor-importers.co.jp E/J BILINGUAL WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on hotels, restaurants and bars to offer high-quality wines at incredible prices. Candidates should be passionate about wine, have experience in sales, wine or both. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm.

Please send cover letter and resume to winejob@metropolisjapan.com.

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FASHION CUSTOMER SERVICE (ENGLISH/ 한국어/日本語) IN TOKYO. Farfetch, a UK-based fashion e-commerce company, is seeking customer service staff to attend to its customers via email and phone in English, Korean and Japanese, from 9am- 6pm ¥250,000-350,000/m. Six months or more. careersjapan@farfetch.com www. farfetch.com

WORLD BEER MUSEUM RESTAURANT NEAR TOKYO SKYTREE seeks part-time hall (¥1000/h~) and kitchen (¥1200/ h~) staff. European looks preferred, Japanese language ability required.

Soramachi, Tokyo Skytree. Email CV to Kondo HR Manager. keiichi. kondo@zato.co.jp 0120-233-182 www. world-liquor-importers.co.jp

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BEER CAFE BRUGSE ZOT, NEAR TOKYO STN. Belgian beer restaurant is seeking part-time hall (¥1000/h~) and kitchen (¥1200/h~) staff. European looks preferred, Japanese ability required. Email CV to Kondo HR Manager. keiichi.kondo@zato.co.jp www.world-liquor-importers.co.jp

JOIN US IN INTRODUCING JAPAN TO THE WORLD. S eeking energetic , bilingual individuals with a passion for travel and interest in tourism.

We offer excellent career paths and promotion prospects and are an equal-opportunity employer. Our workplace is conveniently located 2min from Roppongi Stn. Positions available include account manager, d e s i g n e r, d e v e l o p e r, p r o j e c t manager. Visit our jobs page for details. To apply, please send your resume to info@japantravel.com. http://en.japantravel.com/jobs

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31

RELATIONS MOTHER’S DAY ACROSS TIME ZONES

BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA

My family is spread out over three continents and three very different time zones, so coordinating a group call is next to impossible. It also means that, during the major holidays—Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays—I have to calculate and set reminders on my phone for the “best” time to call each family member.

It’s a bit confusing. That said, I really do appreciate all the modern conveniences of 21st-century life. I love that, no matter how far away someone physically lives, they’re always just a quick—and cheap!—phone call away. We get to feel close, despite the thousands of miles between us.

私の家族は時差が異なる３つの地域で別々に住んでいます。そのため、家族 全員で一緒に電話をするのはほぼ不可能です。また、クリスマス、お正月、 イースター、母の日、父の日や誕生日といった大事な日には、それぞれの家 族を電話する”ベスト”な時間を事前に計算し、ケータイのアラームをかける 必要があるため、少し厄介です。そうは言っても、この近代的で便利な２１ 世紀にはとても助かっています。物理的にどれほど距離が離れていても、素 早く（かつ安い！）電話ができます。世界中に家族が離れ離れになっていて も、お互いをとても身近に感じられます。

■ 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 22-Jun 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

Jun 22-Jul 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

A slipper y week, and you aren’t always in charge. That drives an Aries crazy, but at least now you’ve got a plan. Environments and people’s emotions are erratic at the moment. Called one step forward, two steps back, it’s less of a dance step and more of an escalation to your nervous system, self-healing—and then, back into action you go.

A financial question is answered with a stronger position on your side. Say anything endearing you like: You’ll be loved for it.

Keep your eye on the money. Venus in your financial sector offers something lovely, but is it too expensive? In the long run, consider what you value. Peace and quiet, a beautiful view, and delicious food may not make you famous, but it might make you feel better about the choices you make. The freedomversus-tradition aftermath is still causing ripples.

Acting on something before it happens is a tricky endeavor, but trust your instincts. Satisfying communications begin.

Use your sensorial “feelers” for the decisions you make. Not many people can say they’ve got it all lined up, but Gemini skates across air currents at a comfortable clip. Venus in your sign brings out the best in you. Mercury in your solar first house offers the chance to say what’s on your mind. You’ll think on your feet, free to express exactly what’s going on for you. There will be those who understand exactly what you’re going through.

Warm water and soothed muscles create the cozy atmosphere you crave. Venus in your solar 12th house means money, comfort, and beauty are on their way in, though they may not have arrived just yet—but your patience gets you through this.

Someone in your environment may continually change their mind or influence you to do the same. Jupiter and Juno in your money sector put you in a financially strong, even regal, position.

Be romantic and nurturing this week.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Sep 24-Oct 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Oct 24-Nov 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ Saturn is retrograding from your money house back into Scorpio, and toward what’s personal. It won’t happen all at once, but if you’re playing with finances, don’t overspend. The emotional halt of income restriction won’t begin until the middle of June; you’ve got time to look at what you can sustain and what you just can’t. Someone in a power position may say things you don’t like or agree with. Soon, they won’t be able to pursue their objections.

Mar 21-Apr 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

Jul 24-Aug 23 ♥♥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣♣

Apr 21-May 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Aug 24-Sep 23 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

CANCER

Ceres, powerful earth mother and financial stateswoman—not to mention a goddess of law—opposes Leo this week. This indicates balance coming into your life, because someone thinks you’re worth it. However, details need to be ironed out. Your backup may come from a spouse, a significant other, or a business partner who makes a commitment to enhance your life. You’re at the precipice of a new beginning. Breathe easy.

Either a partner is not there, or they’re waterlogging you with their drama.

You may be filling in the spaces to soak up all the emotion tossed in your direction.

There may be a temptation to break a few of your personal rules to relieve the pressure. Give yourself a break, stop the Virgo self-criticism, and abandon yourself to something sinfully delicious. Whatever it may be. Don't worry. The details will take care of themselves.

Things go from tingly to searing hot.

On what part of the spectrum do you wish to walk? It used to be that planets transiting your sign would buffer you. At the moment, all you’ve got is the Libra Moon Friday and Saturday. Other than that, it’s up to you to find a way to center your Libran scales, even if someone else sets them swinging. Librans are great psychologists. Your air sign rules the intellect, but be prepared for your intuition to be spot-on, too.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 21-Feb 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Feb 20-Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣

Saturn grinds away in your sign—and retrograde, to boot. If there’s anything you haven’t taken care of, it’s going to rise to the surface. Stand your ground, even if those backing you have temporarily turned away; it doesn’t matter, because you know the truth. The Archer knows the universe takes steps to meet forward movement. You’ll have help to hold you in position and possibly raise you up to an expanded view.

Taking things seriously is a Capricorn trait. After all, if you don’t do it, it won’t last. As things continue to break apart, watch for some of the goodies to rise to the surface. If you’ve been hoping for information to validate you or a seal of approval when all you’ve had is bits and pieces, look for paperwork you would actually choose to sign. Mercury has entered your solar sixth house. Negotiations at and with your work can prove fruitful.

Ceres in your sign covers any missteps if you haven’t got time to consider ever y detail. Initially, you may be asked to make up the difference in a future project. What you’re hearing right now is likely to change—and change again. Life at home is slated to become more comfortable or stable, perhaps due to a cash infusion. Someone with a great mind wants to love you; they’re probably trying to figure a way to contact you right now.

You’re the heavyweight of the zodiac right now—you win! No one can beat you unless you fall into a mirage. You may have to do something unusual—not your norm—to make money. It’s the approach that will matter, added to your galactic intuition that entices people over. You’re nimble on your feet when it comes to thinking, and you’ll look great doing it. Expect a partner to be envious with your great fortune and double-check their maneuvers.

Nov 23-Dec 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

32

Dec 23-Jan 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

PISCES

LINGO BOX

Watch out, Krispy Kreme.

Lawson and 7-Eleven, which recently began selling their own donuts, are reporting brisk sales; Family Mart is getting in on the game as well.

Gaikōseisaku (外交政策) = Foreign policy

the small print

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN

NOTHING IS MORE FUN THAN MY PROFESSION” —Seiichi Koshimizu, a master whisky blender at Suntory, on becoming the first Japanese person inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.

Rippōsha (立法者） = Lawmakers Wakuseikan no (惑星間の) = Interplanetary Kaihatsu (開発) = Develop Hōrei (法令) = Ordinance

stats

70 Percent chance that a magnitude-6 earthquake will hit the Kanto area over the next 30 years

INCREDIBLE SHRINKING JAPAN ⊲Researchers ⊲ at the Japan Policy Council warn that 896 municipalities around Japan are at risk of “disappearing” due to dwindling populations. ⊲A ⊲ survey by the education ministry suggests that 87 percent of high school juniors are struggling with below-average English speaking and writing skills. ⊲Actress-turned-politician ⊲ Junko Mihara caught flak for saying Japan should pursue a foreign policy based on hakko ichiu (often translated as “one world, one roof”), a phrase used by leaders to justify colonial aggression during WWII. ⊲Officials ⊲ in Micronesia demand the Japanese government to address the threat of oil pollution posed by sunken WWII warships whose hulls are corroding.

NOT ALL FUN & GAMES ⊲It ⊲ was revealed that the storied Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Aoyama will be turned into a parking lot for the 2020 Olympics. ⊲Meanwhile, ⊲ a group of 30 lawmakers from the

main ruling and opposition parties are pooling their efforts to end discrimination against sexual minorities by the start of the Games. ⊲Police ⊲ in Nerima-ku busted a local man for cultivating marijuana after his downstairs neighbor complained of a water leak, which turned out to be from the growing operation. ⊲Cops ⊲ in Osaka arrested a 73-year-old woman for inviting elderly men to karaoke and then drugging them and stealing their money.

TAKING OFF ⊲Engineers ⊲ at JAXA showed off a new interplanetary spacecraft called the Mercury Magnetosphere Orbiter. ⊲The ⊲ unmanned vehicle is part of a joint project with the European Space Agency to travel to Mercury by 2024. ⊲During ⊲ a visit to Tokyo, a Chinese tourism official admitted that travelers from the mainland need to “behave better” when visiting Japan and other overseas destinations. ⊲Authorities ⊲ at the Disaster Management Agency say they’re keen to develop robots

at a glance

BY RODGER SONOMURA

¥300,000 Winning bid for a pair of mangos at the first fruit auction of the season in Miyazaki

88 Percentage of Japanese job seekers who say they would be willing to accept an overseas employment offer

that can fight “large-scale fires at petrochemical complexes and chemical plants.”

HOLY CRAP ⊲The ⊲ U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has received “several” phone calls from someone threatening to kill Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. ⊲Officials ⊲ at the National Police Agency say they were inundated with more than 100 queries shortly after enacting an ordinance against revenge porn late last year. ⊲An ⊲ 80-year-old Osaka woman who killed her mentally disabled son said she committed the crime because she was “tired” of taking care of him. The victim, 51, needed help eating and going to the bathroom. ⊲Headline ⊲ of the Week: “Teen Influenced by Islamic State Arrested for Trespassing to ‘Practice’ Killing with Goat” (via Mainichi Japan).

AND FINALLY… ⊲Officials ⊲ at the environment ministry say 75 percent of the plastic waste that washes ashore each year along the Sea of Japan coast comes from China and South Korea. ⊲Toyota ⊲ is considering building a factory in Tianjin, China, to produce eco-friendly vehicles. Annual output capacity would be “at least” 100,000. ⊲It ⊲ was reported that the number of Japanese tourists visiting Cuba has surged by 14 percent this year following the U.S.’s decision to reestablish diplomatic ties.

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

33

the last word

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

Illustration by Christi Rochin

The Force Strikes Back Reawakening the Star Wars fanboy joy

BY MATTHEW RUSHING

AS A FAN, I FELT TREPIDATION… THEN ALL MY FEARS TURNED TO ELATION.”

There has been an awakening. I have felt it. On April 16, 2015, there was a great disturbance in the Force. A special event called Star Wars Celebration took place in Anaheim, California, and, luckily for me, they simulcast many of the panels via YouTube. The very first panel was to be J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy,

who would be talking about The Force Awakens, the long-anticipated seventh film in the Star Wars franchise. I knew I had to watch this panel, and a possible new trailer.

I must confess, I am a Star Wars fanboy. I first saw the films on my eighth birthday, some twelve years before the prequels. My friends and I stayed up all night watching the original trilogy. On that day, Star Wars became my first geek love. This love has endured through the prequels, The Clone Wars animated series, the expanded universe of novels and games, and now Star Wars Rebels.

I’ve even branched out from “The Wars” to become a huge fan of Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter—yet it always comes back to Star Wars and, specifically, The Empire Strikes Back.

You see, that first night, it was Empire that made the deepest impression; and that has remained my favorite for 28 years.

Over those decades I’ve hoped for more, but by 2012 the prospects for Star Wars seemed to be waning. The Clone Wars was on TV, but a longrumored live-action show had still not materialized. For many fans, the pas-

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.

34

sion was there but the thrill was gone.

Personally, I was still just as invested. I loved The Clone Wars—it had rekindled my love for Star Wars that languished after Revenge of the Sith had seemingly completed the saga—but, like many, I feared it could be the end.

Yet George Lucas had a plan, and on October 12, 2012, the Force returned as triumphant as the Jedi. Disney was buying Lucasfilm, and they would be producing Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. Not enough? There would also be standalone films! The biggest question on every fan’s mind immediately became, Who will direct Episode VII? The answer arrived quickly: J.J. Abrams.

As a fan, I felt trepidation about this announcement. It worried me that someone else would be making Star Wars. Say what you will about Lucas, he is still the creator. It was he who had given life to this saga and poured his heart and soul into it. He shaped the look and feel, and it was not clear to me whether J.J. would be up to the task of creating a new chapter.

But Abrams is a fine director, and since I am a Star Trek fan, I’d seen his work on that franchise and been mostly pleased.

There was hope.

As filming began, I started to hear Abrams talk about his passion for Star Wars. I’d always known he loved the saga, but his joy now appeared effervescent in interviews. They intended to make these films as much in the vein of the originals as possible, which meant building real sets and using as many practical effects as they could.

It was starting to sound great, but the first teaser in December did little to alleviate my concerns. It just didn’t have the feeling I expected. Then all my fears turned to elation as I tuned into The Force Awakens panel and the second teaser was revealed. It was pure geek joy. Everything seemed to be an amalgamation of Lucas’ work on the original trilogy and the prequels, with some of the most amazing practical effects since 1977. (That’s right, I’m looking at you, BB-8 droid). And in the final line of the trailer, Han sums up my feelings as a Star Wars fan: “Chewie, we’re home.”

■ Matthew Rushing is host of The 602 Club and co-host of The Orb and Literary Treks on the Trek.fm podcast network at itunes.com/trekfm.

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