Metropolis 1103

無料 PRICELESS

May 15-28, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com

DANCE! TELLING MOVING STORIES

BACK TO BASSIST NICKELBACK’S MIKE KROEGER RIFFS RETURN OF THE JIDAI YOUTUBE GOES EDO STATION SELFIES PREPPING FOR THE YAMATHON

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inside

MAY 15-28, 2015 • #1103

EDITOR’S LETTER

The prelude to Golden Week for the Metropolis editorial department was a musical one, as we caught up with funk master Mark Ronson on his recent trip to Japan, Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger—nice guy!—as the band preps for their Tokyo-Osaka tour, and a female taiko drummer for Kodo to talk gender roles

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in the taiko world. We also talked to GQ2015 [GABBY] dancers about life on the move. Speaking of moving, we contemplate joining the Tokyo Yamathon to work off the Golden Week gut, but ultimately might end up surfing YouTube—where ACTV Japan goes Edo on the video giants’ jidaigeki period drama project.

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Edo Trip: Sci-fi meets history in ACTV horror flick

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Track Treks: The Tokyo Yamathon starts up again

All About that Bass: Nickelback’s Mike Kroeger riffs

Cover design: Kohji Shiiki. Photography: PAK OK SUN (CUBE)

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upfront

123RF

LINGOIST PLAYLIST SWAP Branching out of your musical comfort zone can be awesome—and getting recommendations from friends is a great way to do it. So let Metropolis help you breach musical borders, and find your new jam!

JP EN

JP EN

JP EN

JP EN

Donna ongaku ga suki desu ka?

What kind of music do you like?

Ima wa Nickelback to yū bando ni hamatte masu.

Right now, I’m into a band called Nickelback.

Osusume no kyoku wa arimasu ka?

Which song do you recommend?

“How You Remind Me” wa ii desu yo.

“How You Remind Me” is good.

K 1

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A

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C 3

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10 B

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Down 1. Conversation 3. Squid 7. Advertising leaflet 9. Green 11. Painter or artist 12. Period drama

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Solution: A

B

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Across 2. Pond 4. Mustard 5. Soil 6. Paper fortune 8. Graffitti or doodle 10. Understanding

ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross

Metropolis Members Club THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Darwin Chang won a 50 Minute Golf Lesson courtesy of Cool Clubs

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

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TO-DO LIST

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TOP

animal cafes Sakuragaoka Cafe

Pakuchee Bar 8889

Usagi Cafe Ohisama

Outfitted with antique furniture, this cozy cafe boasts two pet goats, Sakura and Chocolat, who keep customers company in the terrace seating area. Open 8:30am-4am (until 12pm on Sun).

23-3 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. www.udagawacafe.com/sakuragaoka

An owl cafe by day (limited to weekends & hols) and a pakuchee, or coriander/cilantro themed restaurant/bar by night. Cafe open 1-5pm (weekends & hols), restaurant open 6-12pm (from 7pm on weekends & hols), closed Tue. 3-14-23 Takada, Toshima-ku. Takadanobaba. http://babapaku8889.wix.com/8889

Cuddle with around 20 cute bunny rabbits, and relax in the cafe area. The bunnies are also available for purchase! Open 12-8pm. 2F 2-18-5 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku. Shimokitazawa.

Reservation encouraged.

Tel: 03-3410-5299. www.rabicafe.com

Photo by Eckhard Pecher

EDITOR’S PICK MAY 15-17

MAY 15-JUN 21

KI YOON KO: STIMMUNG Hiromart Gallery’s second solo show of works by this Hamburg-based American artist known for his photorealistic paintings. May 15-Jun 21, 1-7pm. Closed Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery. Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-6233-9836. http://hiromartgallery.com Untitled, Oil on wood, 50x50cm

MAY 21-24

BELGIAN BEER WEEKEND YOKOHAMA

SANJA MATSURI If you want to gape at yakuza letting it all hang out, the Sanja or “Three Shrine” Festival is the place. The Shinto festival honors Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo, the three founders of the Sensoji Buddhist temple, and as such is typical of Japan’s Shinto-Buddhist syncretism. Jostling crowds of revelers, drums, bells, and street stalls transform Asakusa into a giant carnival.

62 kinds of beer are to be served at this traveling festival of all things yeasty and Belgian. May 21, 4-9pm; May 22-24, 11am-9pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,100 (door). Yamashita Park. MotomachiChukagai. The event then moves to Osaka, Hiroshima, Sendai, and Tokyo.

Tel: 03-5829-6878. www.belgianbeerweekend.jp/en/city/ yokohama

Dan Grunebaum

May 15-17, various times, free. Asakusa Shrine. Asakusa.

Tel: 03-3844-1575. http://www.asakusajinja.jp/english

MAY 23-24

GREENROOM FESTIVAL ’15 Music and art festival with a focus on ocean and beach preservation, featuring Lotus, Ozomatli, Little Barrie, and others. May 23-24, 11am-9pm, ¥9,800 (one day)/ ¥17,000 (two days). Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Bashamichi or Nihon-Odori. http://greenroom.jp/english

STILL WAITING ON PHOTO

MAY 23-24

UNTIL JUN 1

Commemorate the opening of Tokyo Port in 1941 with various events, such as a pageant of firefighting boats held by the Tokyo Fire Department. May 23-24, 10am-5pm, free. Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal, and the surrounding area. Hinode. Free marine shuttle bus service available from the station. www.tokyoport.or.jp/minato67/

Fill up to your heart’s content on an array of delicious foods, such as ramen, desserts, gyoza, local and world foods, and more.

Until Jun 1, 10:30am-9pm (until 6pm on final day). ¥500 (weekdays)/¥800 (weekends). Showa Kinen Park. Tachikawa. http://manpaku.jp

TOKYO MINATO MATSURI

MANPAKU

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feature

Return to Edo Samurai go sci-fi in ACTV film

BY MARTIN LEROUX

T

he feudal-era land of samurai and ninja—once Japan’s profile picture to the world—has taken a backseat to the anime and manga wave that reinvented the nation’s reputation, making it a mecca for the cute and the hi-tech. YouTube, however, is determined to bring back the bygone age with their new Jidaigeki (period drama) series, a collaborative video project with Japanese film studio Toei.

The video giants are presenting media creators in Japan—vloggers, internet celebrities, and the like—with an opportunity to shoot films in an elaborate historical Japanese set. Erected at the YouTube Space in Roppongi Hills, the set includes full production support from Toei and guidance from director Toshio Lee. Several YouTubers are queuing up to make use of the retro space, such as kawaii makeup expert Kumamiki, indie musician Kobasolo, fashion/hair/makeup guru Asahi Sasaki, and comedian Hajime Shacho.

However, John A. Lipartito, Jr., creative director for ACTV Japan, intends to put a spin on “jidaigeki” by utilizing the vintage set as the

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backdrop to a horror movie, telling a tale that crosses worlds and cultures.

“It’s a sci-fi horror film set in the early Meiji era,” says Lipartito of his contribution, Crawler in the Dark, starring actors Bob Werley, Masahito Kawahata, and Lisa Sumiyoshi. “Basic short pitch to it is that there are two scholars—one foreign and one Japanese—who discover an ancient artifact that allows them to travel physically across the universe. But what they learn in using it is that it invites other entities from other worlds to visit Earth. It causes a little trouble.”

U n i q u e, i n n ov a t i ve content is where ACTV Japan’s filmmaking passions appear to be. The video production company focuses primarily on independent film projects and works with big-name television companies. But its playfulness comes through in ACTV’s YouTube channel, which contains everything from in-depth, behind-the-scenes features on Godzilla and Yoshihiro Nishimura’s horror-comedy Zombie TV, to original Japan-centric skits, such as a Tokyo Cribz (a spoof of MTV Cribs) that inspects a tiny Tokyo apartment.

So when YouTube announced the project, it was only natural that Lipartito would jump at the opportunity.

“I threw my pitch of the idea of—not quite a samurai [movie],” says the filmmaker. “I think most people are going to do more samurai-type of themes; I wanted to do something—I love scifi and horror, so I just had this idea of this film that would work in this time period.”

The transitional period between Edo and Meiji eras, which the set heralds, is also one that attracted Lipartito to the project.

“I’m a fan of H.P. Lovecraft stories, and I’ve always wanted to do a story that was an homage to H.P. Lovecraft,” professes Lipartito, who adds that being in Japan makes that endeavor difficult, given that the horror author’s stories are primarily set in New England. So he decided to try transporting a Lovecraftian tale to Japan.

“The idea was to see what I could do with the same time period that H.P. Lovecraft lived and wrote in, in Japan.

“Could I do a Lovecraftian story set in Japan, in his time period?”

See for yourself. Crawler in the Dark debuts in August on ACTV Japan’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/GaijinCh.

INFO For more about ACTV Japan, visit www.actvjapan.com Check out the other YouTubers: Kumamiki (www.youtube.com/kumamikicraft) Koba Solo (www.youtube.com/hujikoman) Asahi Sasaki (www.youtube.com/sasakiasahi) Hajime Shacho (www.youtube.com/0214mex)

cover story

A Grand Artistic Experiment Dancing into the unexpected with GQ2015 [GABBY]

Shingo Yoshimoto Ballet

BY C BRYAN JONES

W

hen you think of dance, you probably think of a specific style. The structured formality of ballet, the flowing interpretive spirit of contemporary, or the sizzling sensuality of salsa. There are many genres, each with their own well-established characteristics. But what happens when you combine them all?

Throw popping, jumping, and jazz together and what do you get?

“Expecting something is going to be dangerous,” warns Joey Beni, one of the dancers taking part in GQ2015 [GABBY], a unique show coming to Ex Theatre Roppongi in June.

First produced in 2011 as simply GQ, or Gentleman Quality, this unique show brings together 17 male dancers from around the world, hailing from diverse genres, to tell a story through motion. Dance is the engine that powers the creative, but the result transcends our presuppositions.

“I’d say the biggest part is that it’s not a dance show—it’s a legit musical,” explains Beni, who has worked with many big

movements are just the individual’s freestyle. It just naturally comes out of that emotion, of what you’re feeling right now … at that moment.”

What we’ll see when this eclectic group of dancers takes the stage at Ex Theatre Roppongi on June 10 is uncertain. But what Beni says is for certain is the purity and the energy we’ll feel.

“This is all emotion. This comes straight from the heart,” he declares. Yoshimoto adds, “Everyone can enjoy. It doesn’t matter how old you are, just come see it. You’ll definitely enjoy it. I promise!”

After the performances in Tokyo, GQ2015 [GABBY] will travel to Fukuoka and Osaka. And from what Joey, Aris, and Shingo have told us, each performance may be a one-of-a-kind experience.

GQ2015 [GABBY] June 10-12 at 7pm, June 13 at 2pm & 7pm, June 14 at 2pm. Tickets ¥8,000¥12,000. Ex Theatre Roppongi. Roppongi.

For tickets call 03-5778-3431, fax 03-57783432, or email csb@csb-international.jp. For Fukuoka and Osaka dates and times visit www.gq-dance.com.

Joey Beni Freestyle & Hip-Hop

@「SARU.net」

Aris (Quest Crew) Breakin' & Hip-Hop

names on stage and on screen, including Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott. “It doesn’t have any singing, doesn’t have any words. There’s no acting. But dancing is another way of expression, so we want to tell the audience the story with our bodies.”

Also taking part in this show for the first time is Aris, a member of the renowned Quest Crew hip-hop dance group in Los Angeles, who won the third season of the TV show America's Best Dance Crew. For Aris, this will be his first time in Japan; and it’s something he’s very excited about.

“All throughout my professional dance life, I’ve always been with Quest Crew. So when I was asked to be part of this show by myself, I took it as a new open door. This is going to be my first time doing a big dance gig without the rest of the Quest members.”

Bringing a classical background to GABBY is Shingo Yoshimoto, who studied at the Paris Opera Ballet School at the young age of 15. At 18 he received the gold medal at the Varuna International Ballet Competition in Bulgaria, and then went on to perform professionally in the United States with the San Jose and Houston ballet companies for the next nine years.

One of the things that is the most exciting for Yoshimoto is the way the mixture of each dancer’s style generates something unpredictable.

“Ballet is a very square thing, everything is all set up. But this is … you never know—even me, even the audience—never know what is going to happen next.”

Which leads to the question: Is there an element of improvisation to GABBY? “It’s hard to say because, it is choreographed, but the director doesn’t know everyone’s dance style,” Yoshimoto explains. “So he just tells us ‘this is how you’re feeling, this is how you guys react … but how would you do it?’ Most of the

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food&drink There’s nothing more British than tea— and if that’s your cup, then Mayfield serves a good one. Located in fancy Jiyugaoka, this English-style “tea salon” boasts a selection of top-quality herbal, fruit, flavored, and exotic teas, ranging from keemun, lapsang souchon, and assam to darjeeling, lemongrass, and, of course, Earl Grey. Teas are served by the pot (¥500-¥1,300), and can be shared by up to three people. Tea time here can be accentuated by light snacks, including scones and cakes (try the Guinness cake).

2-19-10, Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku. www.mayfield-tani.com

If you love chai, you’ll want to visit Chai Break, located a three-minute walk from Kichijoji Station by Inokashira Park. Although a spice-infused milk tea is what probably comes to mind, the cafe offers traditional Indian-style chai, which simply refers to tea that is prepared by brewing the leaves in milk. There are several different types of chai available (from ¥486), including a basic milk tea, spice chai, and a chai frappé. A food menu is also on hand, including homemade desserts such as a ginger milk pudding (¥491), and kulfi (¥432), a popular frozen dairy dessert from India.

1-3-2 Gotenyama, Musashino. Kichijoji. www.chai-break.com For tea lovers wanting to avoid sleepless, caffeine-driven nights, H&F BELX holds the answer—specializing in herbal tea with an impressive range of rooibos tea in various flavors and blends, including blackcurrant, chai, and vanilla. Many of the teas are available to try in-store, and for those who want tea on-the-go, a tumbler with a built-in tea strainer is also available for purchase.

2-21-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. Branches in Jiyugaoka, Futakotamagawa, and other locations. Also available for purchase online. http://hfbelx.co.jp/home

www.dubliners.jp WHERE THERE ARE NO STRANGERS, ONLY FRIENDS YOU HAVE YET TO MEET! Photos by Vesna Kevork

Tokyo offers plenty of places to try green tea—but Mori no En offers unique ways to enjoy the taste of matcha and hojicha. The Ningyocho tea shop—which has a history of over a hundred years—ser ves cups of original green teas that encapsulates the taste of Japan. But they don’t stop there. Mori has a wide array of desserts and beverages made with their teas, including matcha and hojicha cakes, parfaits, and shakes.

But perhaps the strangest offerings on the menu are the hojicha and matcha beers. If you’ve ever wanted your happy hour at tea time, this is the place to go. 2-4-9 Ningyocho, Nihonbashi. Ningyocho. http://morinoen.jp

We welcome all kinds of parties.

Please contact us.

Each branch has different hours.

Shinjuku

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

Ikebukuro

Shibuya

2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.

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

Akasaka

B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.

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

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

Shinagawa

Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.

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

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food&drink

TASTE THE LOVE

BY MUBITA MAMBWE

W

hen it comes to Southern cooking, food functions as more than a mere source of nourishment. The hardiness and generous helpings that are characteristic of “soul food,” as well as the Southern hospitality served with it, intend to instill a sense of community— of being home. Chefs LaTonya Whitaker and her husband David are on a mission to bring this experience to Tokyo with their food service, Taste the Love, which provides catering and cooking classes. “[Southern] food is all about making you feel like you’ve come home,” says LaTonya, a Mississippi native.

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Started in 2009 under the name Full Expression Cafe, Taste the Love specializes in serving up authentic, home-cooked Southern, Cajun, Creole, and Tex-Mex cuisine. Their food has proven popular with Japanese foodies, having been featured on NHK, Nihon TV, and Fuji TV. On the catering side, their breakfast and lunch buffets epitomize the term “comfort food.” The breakfast buffet offers options of a Southernstyle breakfast that includes scrambled eggs, Cajun country-fried grits, and sausage or bacon, as well as a waffle break fast and a pancake breakfast. The lunch buffet is an all-star lineup of Southern

favorites, including everything from sandwiches, wraps, and soups to Southern-fried catfish, chicken enchiladas, and gumbo.

LaTonya also regularly runs Taste the Love cooking classes through Niki’s Kitchen, a Japanese service that provides international cooking classes in English. The classes cover different menus per lesson, and the meals are prepared utilizing Japanese ingredients.

The cooking classes have been a hit with Japanese students, often selling out quickly on the Niki’s Kitchen website whenever new time slots are announced. LaTonya says the classes have allowed her and the students to build relationships, and thereby a community. But she says food isn’t the only contributing factor: “I give good hugs,” LaTonya laughs. “And sometimes people don’t get enough hugs.”

The Whitakers presently have their sights set on creating Soul Food House—a restaurant where their food has a base, that also provides customers with a homey atmosphere wherein they can interact and build connections with the chefs or other patrons.

LaTonya also wants to employ a “pay it forward” payment policy. “Of course, it would be nice if people paid [for their meal],” she chuckles. “But if someone comes in and says they’re hungry and they can’t afford a meal, I won’t let them starve.” Instead, she hopes the customers can take that experience and do the same for others.

While the creation of the restaurant is still underway, LaTonya is still happy to be expanding her family through her catering and classes with her husband.

“I want [Taste the Love] to be like a home.”

For more information on Taste the Love, visit www.tastethelove.biz. For LaTonya’s cooking classes, register online at www.nikikitchen. com. ¥5,500 per person. To donate towards building Soul Food House, visit www.gofundme.com/SoulFoodHouse.

RECIPE GREEN TEA FURIKAKE

RESTAURANT

RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI ¥¥

JP

CHA CHA NO MA

The season for the year’s first batches of green tea is upon us, and there are many ways to enjoy it. But did you know you can turn used green tea leaves into rice toppings? Furikake made with used tea leaves and other healthy ingredients lets you enjoy the wonderful fragrance of green tea, and goes well with rice, salad, tofu, or grilled meat and fish.

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI

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hether you consider yourself a Japanese tea connoisseur or a complete newbie to the green-tea scene, a visit to Cha Cha no Ma in Omotesando will no doubt have you agreeing that the cozy tearoom’s got the nihoncha craft down—to a T. With over 30 varieties, carefully selected from throughout Japan, the tea really is the main focus here—as everything revolves around enhancing the drinking experience. The tea is never a blend of different varieties from varying tea farms, as is the current norm, but is purely from a single farm, and of a single variety. Expertly prepared by a Japanese tea sommelier, each type is served not just once, but several times, with each brew producing different variations of flavor. The result is a truly fun and unique visit.

A savory menu (¥1,100-1,400 on weekdays) is available during lunch hours from 11am to 2:30pm, outside of which a selection of desserts is offered. The lunch sets include rice, soup, and two sides, with a choice of a main vegetable, pork, or chicken dish, all prepared using fresh, organic vegetables that are in season at the time.

The desserts (from ¥1,100) are not overly sweet, so as not to overpower the tea they are paired with. Choices include a Japanesestyle parfait with green tea, vanilla, or brown sugar ice cream together with azuki (red

Servings: 4-5 Cooking time: 15 min

bean) paste, kanten (agar), shiratama (riceflour dumplings), and warabi mochi (brackenstarch dumplings); hōjicha (roasted green tea) flavored kanten with azuki, shiratama, and ice cream, and a cold zenzai, or azuki soup, with a side of matcha chocolate.

Once a choice of dessert is ordered, the teadrinking commences, starting with a small cup of dried tea leaves, which are to be munched on and savored for their aroma and flavor. Next comes a strong brew, followed by another, milder one, finally to be enjoyed with the dessert—the combination of sweet and bitter a perfect pair.

If you’re looking to transport the luxurious break to your home, a selection of tea is available to buy in-store, and the friendly specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Whenever you’re feeling in need of a quality green tea experience, visit Cha Cha no Ma— you’re sure to be feeling Zen in no time.

Open 11am-7pm, closed Mon. 5-13-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Meiji-Jingumae. Tel: 035468-8846. www.chachanoma.com

• 4 tbsp used tea leaves • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds • 1 sachet (3g) dried bonito shavings (katsuobushi) • 2 tbsp boiled, dried baby sardines (chirimenjako) • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tsp sake • 1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS 1. In frying pan, fry used tea leaves without oil on very low heat.

2. Add sesame seeds, bonito, and sardines to pan, and keep frying on low until the ingredients dry completely.

3. Add soy sauce and sake to the mix. Stir gently but quickly to blend ingredients well.

Continue frying to evaporate the moisture.

4. Turn off heat and add salt.

5. Store in dry, cool place with sealed container and consume within a week.

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

11

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city life

Rounding the Yamanote Line on foot for charity

BY C BRYAN JONES

T

he Yamanote Line, with its clockwork green and silver carriages, is one of the Tokyo landscape’s most famous fixtures.

Stay here long enough, and you can name all 29 stations in order. Do it on a TV game show, and your team might win—maybe not money, but at least plastic dolls. But while all Tokyoites know this famous route, which loops the inner city in a shape that more resembles a chili pepper than a circle, most know it from the vantage point of the tracks and platforms. Getting to know this train line from the ground level is a true adventure in a concrete jungle. And there’s no better way to embark on the journey than the Tokyo Yamathon, a charity event that sends teams on a mission to visit all 29 stations—on foot—in one day.

First held in 2010, the Yamathon is a physical and navigational challenge that gives teams of three or four a chance to test endurance, have fun in the process, and raise money for a good cause. The event is organized by International Volunteer Group (IVG), which was founded in

Photos by Andy Teo

TRACING THE TRACKS

in a stroller. Really anybody can 2007 and was originally part do it,” adds Kazumi Nono, Head of the worldwide development of Strategy for IVG. organization Oxfam. This year While the playing field is marks the seventh running. the same, and a basic course is Joe Pournovin, Events Direcestablished, teams are encourtor for IVG, explained how the aged to get creative and have Yamathon originally took shape. the freedom to pick their own “We wanted to do something in route. As long as you get your Tokyo, some sort of endurance 29 photos and return to home challenge. You look at certain base within 12 hours, the rest is other events … they’re expenup to you. sive, you need to take time off Ronald Choi, Executive Diwork, you need to commit to rector of Fixed Income Techtraining and practice. Yamathon, you don’t need to do so much training. It’s in the nology at J.P. Morgan, recounts his experience making the rounds of the roughly 40km course center of Tokyo, and it’s affordable.”

Affordable it is. The entry fee is just ¥10,000 and what it’s really all about. “We reminded ourper three- or four-person team, and 100% of the selves, this is not a race … this is a fundraiser, and revenue is donated to NADIA, the NPO that IVG we should have fun. So we stopped by to have a has partnered with this year to help the recovery beer, have lunch. Most people do that, they stop and eat and drink and enjoy.” of Ishinomaki in Miyagi prefecture.

Don’t feel like walking 40km but still want to NADIA, an international group of volunteers, was founded just after the March 2011 earth- be part of the fun? There’s so much more going quake and tsunami, and became a registered on back at the Tokyo Tokia Building. This year, NPO in Japan in January 2012. Since then, NA- in addition to raising funds for Tohoku, IVG and DIA has made regular trips to Tohoku, with vol- NADIA are working very hard to bring Tohoku unteers spending their weekends on the ground to Tokyo with the Tohoku Market, taiko groups, helping children. Partnering with Playground of and the Imagination Playground, in which kids Hope, NADIA has built 13 new playgrounds in ar- can build their own playground. There will also eas in need, with more to come. Your support of be a bar with a DJ, and even free massages. this year’s Yamathon will help make this happen. It’s a day for Tohoku—not only for participants, So what it is like to actually run—or walk— not only for volunteers, but for everyone who the Yamathon? This unique affair starts—and wants to come down and see what a difference ends—at the Tokyo Tokia Building, just three people can make when they come together.

In the end, it’s all about fun, all about sharminutes from Tokyo Station. Teams must visit ing the experience. But beall 29 stations on the Yamanote yond that, Pournovin sums up Line, and take a photo in front of the real reason 700 or more each, in less than 12 hours. It’s an people form teams and run the even playing field, whether the Yamathon: “It feels good doteams include adults, children, Form or find a team, ing this. It’s rewarding. Making babies, or … “We’ve had dogs volunteer, or just learn more: people smile is one of the most do the event. That’s the best http://tokyo-yamathon.com precious things you can do to thing about the event—anyone http://meturl.com/ yamathon-facebook someone. And that’s why I got can do it,” says Pournovin. “Two @TheYamathon on Twitter involved.” groups had a toddler and a baby

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

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DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR! June 19, 2015 Grand Hyatt Ballroom Tokyo

Tickets selling fast! Available at ticketing@ginjaninjas.com www.facebook.com/ExecutiveFightNight www.executivefightnight.com

city life Photos Courtesy of Footy Japan

LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN Footy Japan scores goals for those in need

BY C BRYAN JONES

I

f there’s one constant in the universe—at least the sporting one—it’s that football (or soccer, as it’s known to some) brings people together. One thing that many expats miss is the chance to play the beautiful game while in Japan, and also to share it with their kids. Thanks to Footy Japan, there’s no need to leave that part of you behind. Not only do they provide a place to compete and learn, they also offer a way to use this globally-loved game to make a difference for those who need help. In the lead-up to this year’s Charity Soccer 7s tournament, Metropolis sat down with Sid Lloyd, Managing Director of Footy Japan KK and NPO Centre Circle, to find out more about the organization and event.

Tell us a bit about Footy Japan KK. How long has the organization been around and who were the founders?

Footy Japan KK has been going for ten years, founded by myself, my wife Paco Hanaoka-Lloyd, and good friend Jonathan Day (who left us five years ago). We started the company to provide football to both the adult expat community (Tokyo Metropolis League) and international children wanting to play in an English-speaking environment (British Football Academy), as there was no real infrastructure providing these.

What are your primary goals? What initiatives and programs do you offer?

Our goal is to create the opportunity for international friendship and fun through the world’s most popular sport. We provide football classes throughout the year for kids ages 3-15, coached in English by qualified British coaches at six locations around Tokyo and Yokohama. Also, we run the 30-team, three-division Tokyo Metropolis League (TML)—now in its twelfth season—with 270 league matches played on weekends over the nine-month season. On top of that, we organize the Footy Japan Knockout Cup (like the FA Cup), various sevens tournaments like the Charity 7s, and regular “INTERLiga” tournaments for the kids. We have also just started a kids league— “International Junior League”—for U10 and U12 that we hope to expand like the TML. Let’s talk about Charity Soccer 7s.

How has the event evolved since the first one was held in 2005?

We started the Charity tournament to raise funds for UNICEF after the Asian tsunami. We started it as a six-a-side tournament, but

since then it has become seven-a-side to be more in line with other tournaments held around Asia. We have tried to make it bigger for prospective sponsors, thinking of ways to enhance the event and raise more money. So, this year we have also included a children’s tournament for the first time.

This year, Charity Soccer 7s will be raising money for Refugees International Japan. How do you select the charity that you want to support?

We have always chosen a charity close to our hearts, with children being a major benefactor. I have had a long relationship with RIJ, and have known the CEO for 25 years. We like the way they help people by creating opportunities for them to help themselves. Football is also a tool they use for bringing people together and bonding communities, so is also a good fit with what we do.

If someone wants to sponsor the event, what are their options and how do they go about this?

We look for financial sponsors (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) and raffle prize sponsors. Details are at http://footyjapancompetitions. com/events/charity-soccer-7s and contact us through the Sponsorship Request Form.

Where can people find out more about this year’s event, sign up to participate, or get tickets?

Both adult and kids teams wanting to join should contact info@footyjapan.com (there are limited spots available). The cost per team for adults is ¥25,000. For anyone just wanting to come along and watch, it’s free (although we hope they’ll buy raffle tickets)!

Lastly … Which team is the favorite to win the tournament this year?

As the teams who enter each tournament vary (as do their players) we are never quite sure who will be strong, but you can always count on YC&AC's own team be at or near the top!

11th Annual Charity Soccer Sevens. Saturday, May 23. Children’s INTERLiga Tournament 9am-noon, Adult’s 7s Tournament 12:30pm5pm. Yokohama Country & Athletic Club. http://meturl.com/footy2015

15

fashion fix

BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR

COOL BIZ QUANDARIES

T

he heat is rising, and, for the besuited men of Tokyo, that means things are set to become stifling—even as the less stuffy companies begrudgingly allow you to shrug off your jacket. However, a surprising number of men still haven’t twigged that, in addition to suits in light-weight fabrics and mesh linings, which are at the core of your defense, the big players like AOKI are now hawking shoes and bags in summer variants. The footwear offers cooling pads built into the shoe itself, and they have the weight of the actual bag down to 650 grams, so you don’t work up a sweat carrying it.

STREET FOCUS

ON POINT Alternative fashion school Coconogacco, quite literally “school of the moment” in all senses, has taken another progressive step with news that they are opening a course for international and internationallyminded students, taught in English.

The faculty reads like an A-list of Tokyo fashion talent.

Not only does it feature the academics you’d expect, but also established designers—including Steven Hall, one half of the design team behind In-Process by Hall Ohara, a big draw at Tokyo Fashion Week; and Shueh Jen-Fang, designer of cult label Jenny Fax—all under the direction of Yoshikazu Yamagata, a man whose work with his label WrittenAfterwards has him verging on cultural icon status.

Those interested can check the website (www.coconogacco.com) and, who knows, they might be joining course alumni Keisuke Yoshida and Ryota Murakami on the Tokyo Fashion Week schedule in the future.

The course joins the old guard of Bunka, Vantan, and Esmod in offering fashion education in English. It’s a sign that the fashion capital is starting to open up its doors to those who would learn from it—a crucial first step in building the infrastructure needed if Japan wants to draw its fair share from the international talent pool.

SHOPPING STRATEGY

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Gwen Stefani’s now mercifully-derided song may continue to fool those on a fashion safari to hunt for “Harajuku girls” but, while it may be true that Harajuku is where you find the kids dipping their toes into the scene, the veterans with years of experience under their well-selected belts are, more often than not, long-departed to other, edgier pastures. Today’s ascending avant garde star was found, like many of this writer’s finds, in Koenji, a bohemian borough in west Tokyo that really ought to be on your radar by now.

pop-culture printed designs on the events and expo scene back in 2013, but are now a real force to be reckoned with, even selling in Harajuku fastfashion hub Spinns, as well as online (http://zigg.thebase.in). The prices and ease of access might be on the mainstream side, but the fashion itself is anything but, with authoritative avant garde fashion produced in collaboration with big-hitters like Balmung joining the t-shirts at around the ¥5,000 mark.

Photos by Samuel Thomas

Getting your fix of the pop-culture-meetsfashion-mix that has been sweeping the Tokyo underground has, up till now, been an exercise in negotiating hashtags, erratic opening times, and shops without signs.

Case in point: the newly opened “Zzz… Tokyo/Bedroom,” a cute-to-the-point-ofintimidation affair that opened last month in Koenji, packed with manga and Card Captor Sakura anime-inspired fashion jostling for position on the pastel-crammed racks.

While that scene is all well and good for those who want their comfort zones compromised, there are now a number of emerging, altogether more accessible options. Not least of these is Zigg, who may have started as a grassroots undertaking selling their

FASHION CALENDAR

CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.

Photos courtesy of Alice Auaa. Collage by Metropolis Design Team

Alice Auaa’s Gothic Boudoir T

o present their latest collection, designer Yasutaka Funakoshi’s celebrated gothic brand Alice Auaa retreated from the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo to the privacy of the brand’s atelier and flagship store in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi. The more intimate location was appropriate for the soft S&M undercurrent that ran through the presentation, but also reflected the gothic subculture’s tangible absence on the streets of Japan—in essence acknowledging that, while still popular, it really isn’t the visual presence it was in the

days of zoku (fashion tribes), at least outside of gatherings and events.

However, as ably demonstrated by this collection from Alice Auaa, this is not necessarily a time for mourning befitting those who go about their daily life in a voluntary shroud, but rather a chance for designers to rethink and refine, so as to ensure that the next time this subculture takes center stage, it is bringing something genuinely new to the genre. In Alice Auaa’s case, the number of committed clients has led to them focus on quality and customization,

bringing in luxury lace, furs, and even custommolded aluminum panels. These all bring to life the gothic dreams of youth who were once frustrated by Takeshita-dōri iterations. In essence, this is the real deal, not a luxury fashion designer condescendingly drawing on the sub-culture’s creativity, nor the cheaply-made imitations sold to fans in the absence of anything better; this is the brand gothic fashion fans deserve.

For this, now the brand’s 41st season, Funakoshi explored a pet theme, restraining but empowering in equal measures. The fashion dynamic of donning one’s finery, with the added tension that it is at another’s behest, was thoroughly explored, the designer himself appearing during the presentation as a seated observer, as if to lay himself bare next to the collection. Beyond the captivating, conflicting power dynamics, the collection was also a contrast in execution, with transparent plastic dresses being paired with organic lush furs, and plush velvets sitting next to shiny PVC. Needless to say, the outfits are unlikely to be produced verbatim, except perhaps on the streets of Harajuku or Shinsaibashi for now. But give it time … and when kawaii’s tide turns, maybe the streets will be stained black once again.

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movies

BY DON MORTON

RUN ALL NIGHT

featured movie

Af te r t h ose t h re e fo r m u l aic Taken fluff pieces, you could be forgiven for approaching this Liam Neeson actioner with some misgivings. But the Irish actor does, from time to time, make grittier, more grown-up films, especially when he’s working with Jaume Collet-Serra, who directed him in Unknown and NonStop. Here he plays Jimmy Conlon, a oncefeared mob assassin nearing the end of his shelf life, and a lonely, laughable, drunk wracked with guilt and regret. His only true friend is Shawn Maguire (the great Ed Harris), the boss for whom he has killed 18 men over the years. Their scenes together are terrific, and anchor the film. When his estranged son by chance witnesses a double murder committed by Maguire’s hothead son, things get out of hand, and Jimmy has to shoot Shawn’s boy to save his own lad—which resets all the rules and leads to the title all-night chase (including one unique stretch where the cop car is the one being chased), and a rising body count. Ex-rapper Common puts in a fine performance as an ice-cold hit man. There’s one clichéd, family-in-peril scenario toward the end, but otherwise, this one’s stylish, kinetic, believable, and ultimately satisfying. (114 min)

NEW

THE SIGNAL A trio of graduate students driving from Massachusetts to C a l i fo r n ia s to p i n Nevada to follow the signal of a mysterious hacker who’s been taunting them since they left. They find an empty shack, black out, and wake up in a strange lab being examined by Laurence Fishburne in a hazmat suit. This cinematic puzzle continues to defy expectations as it genrehops from Blair Witch to alien abduction to TRON, all the way to its inconclusive conclusion. Not great, but it ’s thought- provoking and intelligent , and director-to-watch William Eubank does a lot with a tiny budget, so look at this as a calling card. (97 min)

THE ZERO THEOREM A hairless, uncharacteristically uncharismatic Christoph Waltz plays a brilliant cubicle jockey t a s ke d w i t h w o r k i n g on a mathematical proof that, well, nothing really matters. This cluttered sci-fi confection is the kind of colorful, kinetic dystopian vision that director Terry Gilliam (Brazil) does so well, but though this is being sold as existential angst, it’s got a recycled feel, and the clutter mainly serves to distract from the dullness of the story and its take on digital alienation. The repetitious in-jokes are not funny, the characters are not likable, and the whole thing is too, uhm, theoretical. Japanese title: Zero no Mirai. (106 min)

HORNS Splat-pack film(re)maker Alexandre Aja (Piranha, The Hills Have Eyes) tones down the gore in favor of some serious genrejuggling in this—what?—darkly comedic, supernatural, coming-of-age, romantic, demonic horror whodunit.

After his girlfriend is murdered and he blamed, Ig Perrish (a committed Daniel Radcliffe) finds a pair of horns growing out of his head. These apparently make people mysteriously want to share their darkest secret impulses, and he eventually uses these unnerving powers to seek her real killer. It’s high-concept hooey but undeniably original and compulsively watchable. Japanese title: Horns: Yōgisha to Kokuhaku no Tsuno. (121 min)

BLACKHAT Michael Mann has given us The Last of the Mohicans, The Insider and Heat, so I’m wondering w hat he’s doing down at this level. There’s nothing particularly wrong with this multiplex fodder, but not much of substance either. I didn’t buy Chris Hemsworth as an incarcerated cyber-criminal paroled by a desperate FBI to help them find a cyber-villain. The bad guy has already caused a reactor meltdown and upset the f inancial markets. For a geek, Chris’s hunk y hacker is inexplicably adept at gunplay and close combat. This is not exactly hackwork, but neither is it the edgy cyber-thriller we had hoped for. (134 min)

THE TRIP TO ITALY A chat t y food travel ogue? A scenic Italian nosh with a side of i m p r o v ? W h a t e v e r.

Comedic actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, playing slightly fictionalized versions of themselves, tool around Italy in a rented Mini, sampling top restaurants for The Observer.

Director Michael Winterbottom lets his leads run with it, resulting in some surprisingly insightful, free-form comic riffs, and hilarious impersonations. Dueling Brandos, anyone? A Michael Caine-off? I found it a fairly constant chuckle. You’ll leave the theater feeling refreshed, entertained … and probably hungry. This one’s a trip and a half. Japanese title: Italia wa Yondeiru. (106 min)

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 for 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)

NEW

NEW

NEW

Run All Night: © 2015 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; The Signal: © 2014 Signal Film Group LLC All Rights Reserved; The Zero Theorem: © 2013 ASIA & EUROPE PRODUCTIONS S.A. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; Horns: © 2014 The Horns Project, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; Blackhat: © Universal Pictures; 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.; Magic in the Moonlight: © 2014 Gravier Productions, Inc.; 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.

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More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies

REVENGE OF THE GREEN DRAGONS Based on a 1992 article in The New Yorker 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)

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT I’m a fan. I think even mediocre Woody Allen movies are better 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 pret t y young clair voyant (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)

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 n ese. (9 4 m in)

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)

© NBCユニバーサル・エンターテインメント

Film still: © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

© Les Films du Fleuve

eiga Director Hideta Takahata’s wonderful take on the youth district of Harajuku is both light-hearted and thoughtprovoking. There are clever

By Rob Schwartz set-ups and romantic interludes, but also some serious points being made about the seamy and exploitative side of Japanese hip culture. Divided into five episodes which slyly double back and interconnect, each story is complete in itself, which almost makes it feel as if you’ve watched two films. The cute Korean boys from the idol group Bee Shuffle portray the male leads, involved in various scams and legit businesses to make a living in flashy and pop-driven Harajuku. Rina Takeda is well cast as a strict police officer who is somehow seduced by a pretty boy in the gang. A few of the stories center around the touts on the street, who say they’re scouting for modeling agencies—but that’s sometimes not the case, as in the linchpin who explores the more unsavory side of Tokyo’s boulevard of broken dreams.

The film also shows how not only younger people, but also people their parents’ age can get caught up in the web. Entertaining, clever and fresh, this flick could be a new marker for Japanese film in 2015. (89 min)

HARAJUKU DENIER

movie news English actress Daisy Ridley is enjoying a career upswing few performers dare to dream. It seems one minute she was doing tiny parts for British telly, and the next she was cast in the biggest film franchise in the world. Even though Star Wars: The Force Awakens won’t be released for a full seven months, the 23-year-old star is already on the publicity trail, visiting Tokyo for a recent “kickoff meeting.” J.J. Abrams, who is taking over the director’s chair, decided to follow the example set by George Lucas of casting relatively unknown actors in major parts of the first films, and offered the actress the new role of Rey. At the press conference, Ridley explained she got an email informing her she had the part while she was seeing a play in London.

She read it during the intermission and had to contain her excitement in order to go back for the “very long” second act. “Then I raced home to tell my family and didn’t sleep for several days,” she recalled. She didn’t have much time to celebrate, as she soon had to report for grueling training. Asked for some story details by Japanese reporters, Ridley replied “I’ve only seen the teaser trailer, so you know just as much as I do.” Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in Japan December 18. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground French actress Marion Cotillard has tasted Hollywood success with big hits like Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, but returns a little closer to home with her Frenchlanguage Oscar-nominated leading role in the Belgian film Two Days, One Night. She plays a working mom who spends a weekend desperately trying to convince her workmates to reverse their votes to axe her due to budget cuts. On from May 23 at Bunkamura’s Le Cinema (2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku; www.bunkamura. co.jp) … Let’s face it, seeing a movie in Tokyo can put a squeeze on your wallet. Luckily, there is help in the form of Waseda Shochiku (1-5-16 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku; www.wasedashochiku.co.jp), which offers not one, but two films for the low price of ¥1,300. Upcoming double features include Clint Eastwood’s Mystic River and Jersey Boys, on from May 16, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley and Jimmy’s Hall by Brit master Ken Loach … Japan continues its love affair with the surrealistic animation of Czech master Jan Švankmajer with encore screenings of the most popular works of a recent touring festival. The lineup includes Alice, which manages to outweird even Lewis Carroll, the Freudian dream Surviving Life, and assorted short works. May 23-June 26 at Image Forum in Shibuya (2-10-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku; www.imageforum.co.jp). KM

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arts&culture Photo by Takashi Okamoto

JAPAN BEAT

KODO

BY DAN GRUNEBAUM

E

ri Uchida, one of a few female members of legendary Japanese taiko drum troupe Kodo, spoke with Metropolis on the eve of a performance focusing on the group’s men. Uchida told us about Kodo’s new work Mystery, its first to feature women in central roles.

How did you come to join Kodo?

I decided to attend Kodo’s apprentice center when I saw Kodo in Vancouver, while I was at high school in Canada. After two years of apprenticeship, we are able to perform on stage with the other members.

Women seem relatively new to the world of taiko: What are the challenges?

Women are not so new to taiko as a performing art, which has been around only 50 years or so. In fact, most amateur taiko groups are composed mainly of women. However, Kodo is composed mostly of men, and there are lots of challenges as professionals. First of all, the size of the taiko; the taiko that we use are so large that even some men can barely make a good sound. Therefore, it is even more challenging for female taiko players.

Taiko seems to be getting very popular worldwide. Why do you think this is?

Taiko is essentially one of the easiest instruments on which to make a sound. So it is very easy to start. Taiko cannot be done alone; whether it is for performance, preparation, or actually building the drum, a sense of togetherness is required. I think as individualism becomes a common value worldwide, people’s hearts need this sense of community.

20

Tell us about your most special experience so far as a member of Kodo.

It is very difficult to choose one experience. The entire experience is special to me. Touring is lifechanging. Your views and values change a lot in a short period of time. The sunset from the tour bus, the freezing weather I have never experienced, communication with local staff without

TOURING IS LIFE-CHANGING. YOUR VIEWS AND VALUES CHANGE A LOT IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.”

language barriers, the encounter of dangerous suburban areas … the ability to find new answers when I’m feeling stuck. These are some examples of touring experiences that led up to my performances. I am very thankful to Kodo for giving me this opportunity.

Tell us about your role in the new piece Mystery.

I think the audience will enjoy the presence of women in Mystery, because we have created both theatrical and comical pieces featuring women in the production. Women are usually not heavily featured in Kodo’s productions, so Mystery is a rare opportunity to enjoy the female presence.

Why do you think artistic director Tamasaburo Bando chose to feature women strongly in Mystery? Are women mysterious?

Bando has thought about the role of women in Kodo since the very beginning. As he plays female roles in kabuki, he taught us how to behave and act as women on stage. I think women are mysterious in that they have the ability to create a new life inside their body. However, women are not central to the mysterious aspect of this production. Female performers have an important role to lighten the atmosphere on stage, and to provide a sense of comfort and humor with their charm. I think it was a big challenge to feature women in Kodo, which has a strong image of male performers.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

That’s a hard question. I feel like I am reborn every time a tour ends. I don’t know what I will be doing in ten years since my priorities change quickly. All I know is, I’d like to have a child someday and want to live for others.

What does music mean to you, and why do you think music exists?

Music for me is healing, joy, and makes my life rich and prosperous—but also [is] the biggest worry since my job is music. If I limit this topic to taiko, I’d like to introduce an idea that a psychologist once offered on the subject: “Human beings have an element of ferocity. Unlike robots, we kill other species in order to survive. Humans may develop mental illness when the balance of these ferocious instincts collapses. The action of hitting the drum provides a very important influence to achieve that balance mentally.

Therefore, taiko drumming maintains wellness for human beings.” Expanding from this idea, I believe that music has a universal power to heal anyone’s mind in our current society.

Kodo perform “Dadan” at Asakusa Kokaido, Jun 10-15. Earth Celebration 2015 takes place on Sado Island, Aug 21-23.

ART

SAYUME TACHIBANA The Bewitching Beauty of Japan

BY C.B. LIDDELL

T

he main inconvenience when visiting exhibitions in Japan is the crowd you often encounter, so it’s always a pleasure to discover a show by a great, talented artist who’s been overlooked by the masses.

Recently, I came across an almost classic example of this in “The Bewitching Beauty of Japan,” an exhibition of Sayume Tachibana’s work at the Yayoi Musuem—which also happens to be one of the quaintest and most charming art venues in our city.

To Western eyes, it may seem that Sayume has something of a typical gothic sensibility. His subject matter includes ghosts, water sprites, shape-shifting fox ladies, “hell courtesans,” and tragic stories of lost love, murder, and suicide.

However, his career, which spanned the Taisho and early Showa Periods, came well before more conventional gothic influences reached Japan; so his art represents a truly authentic Japanese sense of the macabre and mysterious.

Sayume is a semi-tragic figure. His introspective and otherworldly art emerged at a time when Japan was moving towards militarism and modernism. Although this means his art now has a poignant atmosphere of ghostly nostalgia, at the time it meant he could not enjoy all the success his talent merited. Also, a great many of his works were destroyed in the great fire that followed the Tokyo Earthquake of 1923, while others were destroyed in the War. Nevertheless, this exhibition manages to bring together an excellent collection of around 200 works, including his astounding A Water Sprite (1932), which was banned in its time from being displayed. According to Keiko Nakamura, a curator of the Yayoi, this was not so much because of its erotic overtones—it shows a naked lady drowning—but because of “the ambivalent feelings about death it represents.”

But although there’s an element of ill fortune in Sayume’s story, it also turns out that he was luckier than could be expected. The reason he developed such an idiosyncratic style was because, as a small child, he was diagnosed with a heart condition and told he would never reach adulthood.

“Because of his heart disease, he was obsessed with ‘the other world’ after death,” Nakamura explains. “Female nymphs and ghosts living in another world were not only attractive but also familiar to Sayume, who was feeling close to death all the time. So he spent most of his time in childhood reading literature and folklore rather than running around like every other child does.

The Japanese folklore and tradition that he loved are full of enchanting and bewitching beauty, and he was strongly fascinated by these women, and embodied them in his works of art.”

Luckily, the doctors were wrong and Sayume grew up to become an artist as well as an il-

lustrator for books and magazines. Working on different projects like this led to some variation in style, but there’s a constant tone of gentle, stoic enchantment that emanates from most of his work.

This is because, although fascinated by the dark side, he was not overwhelmed by it. Although sickly throughout his life, through careful living and abstinence, he managed to lead a relatively long and normal life, getting married and having four kids. But you would never guess that from the dark, mysterious, and grotesquely beautiful world he conjured up with his brush.

Yayoi Museum, until June 28.

21

arts&culture 1 TO 1: MARK RONSON Uptown funk in real time

BY DANIEL L. SMITH, FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

L

MUSIC

BACK TO NICKELBACK Bassist Mike Kroeger talks music, bass, and Japan

BY MARTIN LEROUX

N

ickelback is sounding a little different these days. The distortion guitar-driven tunes—interwoven with frontman Chad Kroeger’s gravelly vocals to form the band’s signature pop-rock sound—are kept to a minimum on their latest release, No Fixed Address. Instead, the album finds the rock outfit exploring a more eclectic array of genres.

Each track’s driving force, however, is the bass line provided by Mike Kroeger, which packs in the punches where necessary. The bassist—and brother to Chad—talks to Metropolis from his home in Hawaii, before embarking on the Japanese leg of Nickelback’s No Fixed Address Tour, which brings them back to Tokyo for the first time in nearly three years.

“The one thing that Japanese audiences do that is very impressive to us, is they know all the words,” he laughs. “It’s unbelievable, but there are places—especially in the U.S. and Canada—where they don’t always sing the parts correctly; and in Japan, they always sing the parts correctly.”

For the show, Kroeger confirms the band will perform their famous hits, alongside four songs from No Fixed Address. They go electrocountry on “Sister Sin,” disco on “She Keeps Me Up”—which sounds like the lovechild of Maroon 5 and The Scissor Sisters—and funk in “Got Me Runnin’ Around,” an unexpected number that features a horn section and a rap break from Flo Rida.

Kroeger says the album’s eclecticism stems from the band’s varied musical tastes, which allows them to switch styles with more ease.

“Our drummer [Daniel Addair] is a metal head as well. He’s also into progressive jazz and that sort of thing. Our guitar player, Ryan [Peake], is really into country and western music, and pop. And Chad is into classic rock songs and things of that nature; and heavy metal as well.”

“When I first started playing the bass, I listened to only James Brown for like five years. All I would listen to was James Brown. It was crazy; I was kind of addicted to it. So when it came time to play something like ‘She Keeps Me Up,’ all the James Brown training came in handy.”

As they explore new ground, Kroeger looks to the future with hopes that the band and he will be remembered for their solid musicianship.

“I would hope that it would just be recognized that we, as Nickelback, and me also, that we served the songs. We did what the songs needed us to do,” Kroeger professes, continuing that the music should always be the focus. “It’s way more about giving the song what it needs to be the strongest and best song we could create.”

Nickelback: No Fixed Address Tour. May 30, 7pm. ¥9,500. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Nearest Stn: Sendagaya. Tel: 0570-00-3337. http://meturl.com/nickelback

22

ately, it seems everything is on a fast track for Mark Ronson. “Uptown Funk,” which Ronson released in 2014, featured Bruno Mars on vocals and jetted to the top of the charts, where it stayed for 14 weeks, making it one of the biggest hits the Billboard Hot 100 has seen in a while!

In January 2015, his fourth studio album, Uptown Special, was released and followed suit, topping both the U.S. and U.K. album charts.

So when the musician/songwriter/ producer made a whirlwind trip to Tokyo, he gave a crowd of delighted fans what they came for: funk.

“Yeah, yeah, it was cool,” Ronson said of the experience. “There was a short time when I was a DJ [at 16], coming up and playing clubs in New York.

I would love to come back to Tokyo with a proper band and do a show.”

But appearances can be deceiving, explained Ronson, who claims it took a while before “Uptown Funk” came to fruition.

“The song really came about when I started work for my fourth album.

I had worked with Bruno on his last album. I co-produced ‘Locked Out of Heaven,’ ‘Gorilla,’ and some songs. So we went into the studio in Bruno’s place in L.A. one night—Bruno, me, and Jeff Bhasker, who writes with Bruno. We just started jamming. Bruno got on the drums, Jeff was playing synths, and I was playing bass. We got like the rough groove, but we didn’t have a bass line yet. But we got that, and then we wrote the first lyrics.”

It was just the beginning. “So that was it [the basic song] and we just kept working. We worked and worked … six, seven months.”

Looking back at Ronson’s origins, pressure seemed to be the least of his issues. While his first album release, Here Comes the Fuzz, didn’t create much buzz, both his second album, Version, and his third album, Record Collection, peaked at #2 on the U.K. charts. He also produced Grammy-winning albums for Amy Winehouse and Adele. His stepfather, Mick Jones, a co-founder of Foreigner, even sought out his music advice.

Thankfully, Ronson, Mars, and Bhasker sorted things out. They still had one issue though: they had to come up with a title for the song.

“I think what happened was, the song really started with us just playing our instruments—because that’s the music that we love. It’s the thing we most likely are going to start playing, you know? We love a lot of other music, too, but it kind of evolved into funk, and I think that by the time we got there—I don’t know when we called it “Uptown Funk”—but it certainly felt like … ‘Can we call this a funk song?’”

Ronson continued, “It was weird because, like ‘funk’ hasn’t really been like a cool word in songs since like Warren G and the P Funk era. But we were making a funk song, so we thought we should just call it what it is.”

Big success has a way of speeding up the timeline. It also widens the access circle, which Ronson said he wants to continue to expand.

“There are plenty of artists that I want to work with, that I haven't worked with, that I love. That’s for sure. It’s so weird, but the way I have ended up meeting the people that I have worked with—and stuff is just so random and organic—that I'd rather just leave it to faith,” he concluded.

Apparently, a little funk doesn’t hurt, either.

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.

agenda

WATCH LIST

hot tickets JUN 17 Blue

English R&B group consisting of members Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan, and Simon Webbe.

Jun 17, 7pm. ¥7,500. Shinkiba Studio Coast. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-34996669. http://j.mp/bluetokyo2015 Tickets on sale now

SEP 4-20 Pippin

Tony Award-winning musical full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats, and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked. Sep 4-20, various times. ¥9,000-13,000. Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 0570-550-799. http://j.mp/pippin2015 Tickets on sale May 23

Concerts

Shin-Kiba.http://j.mp/ epik2015

POPULAR

Little Barrie

Japanese pop-rock band from Tokyo singing in English. May 16, 7:30-8:30pm. ¥2,500 w/1d.

Club Edge. Roppongi. www.fightingclub.net

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

Sonata Arctica

Ozomatli

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

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

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

Fighting Club “That Can't Be So”

Indies Block

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 Human Toys Japan Tour

French duo pulse out electrobilly, hard dance music. May 22, 7pm. ¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door). Outbreak. Yotsuya. www.hor-outbreak.com Loud & Metal Attack

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 John Hiatt

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 Epik High

South Korean alternative hip-hop group known for combining different styles of hip hop, along with different musical genres. May 24, 5pm. ¥6,800. Studio Coast.

JUL 2

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 Idina Menzel

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

Machine Head

American metal band who is one of the pioneering bands in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Jul 2, 7pm. ¥7,500. Tsutaya O-East.

Shibuya. http://j.mp/machinehead2015 Tickets on sale May 16

Vander, who invented the language Kobaïan, in which most lyrics are sung. Jun 4-5, 7:30pm. ¥8,600. Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/ magma2015 Michelle Branch

The American singersongwriter’s heartfelt acoustic tunes have taken her everywhere—and now they’re taking her to Japan.

Jun 8-9, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,5008,500. Billboard Live Tokyo.

Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ branch2015 Pentatonix

American a cappella five-piece group, who rose to fame on YouTube with their all-vocal renditions of Daft Punk hits, now touring the world. Jun 10-11, 7pm. ¥7,500. Zepp DiverCity.

Daiba. Tel: 03-3527-5256. http://j.mp/pentatonix2015 J.D. Souther

American musician, singersongwriter, and actor who has written and co-written numerous hit songs recorded by artists such as the Eagles.

Jun 10-11, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/souther2015 Rumer

Pakistani-born British singersongwriter whose voice has often been described as being reminiscent of Karen Carpenter. Jun 12, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,700-8,700. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/rumer2015 The Iron Maidens

American heavy metal band formed as an all-female tribute act to English heavy metal band Iron Maiden.

Jun 12, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv)/ ¥6,500 (door). duo Music Exchange. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-8716. http://j.mp/ theironmaidens2015

Moriyama Kaiji, recipient of the 63rd Minister of Culture Art Encouragement Prize for New Talent, creates the world of the circus that the whole family will enjoy. Jun 20-28, various times. ¥1,620-5,400. The New National Theatre, Tokyo. Hatsudai. http://j.mp/moriyamacircus2015 Tickets on sale now

Hard Rock Cafe Roppongi.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34087018. www.hardrock.com/ cafes/tokyo-roppongi

MAY 22 Indies Block

Twelve up-and-coming Tokyo-based indie rock bands, including 1Eyedman, come together for a one-night showcase. May 22, 5:30pm. ¥2,500 (adv), ¥2,800 (door). Includes one drink. Zepp DiverCity (TOKYO).

Daiba or Tokyo Teleport. www.indiesblock.com Tickets on sale now

JAZZ/WORLD

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

Avishai Cohen Trio

Sergio Mendez

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

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

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 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

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

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 Nels Cline Singers

American free jazz trio led by guitarist and composer Cline. Jun 2-3, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ clinesingers2015 Led by Grammy Award-winning American jazz pianist and record producer. Jun 2-5, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,400-9,400.

Billboard Live. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3405-1133.http://j.mp/ glasper2015 Bob Dorough & Nellie McKay

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

Esnavi: Konnichiwa Japan!

The Wailers

Mike Stern Band

Rising US R&B singer brings her soulful style to Japan.

Jun 15, 8-10pm. Free entry.

Reggae band formed by the remaining members of Bob Marley and the Wailers,

Led by six-time Grammy nominee American jazz guitarist Stern, feat. Victor

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 Magma

French progressive rock band founded by classically trained drummer Christian

Ági Szalóki

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 Jef Neve

Belgian jazz and classical pianist and composer. Jun 16, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥5,000-7,000.

Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ neve2015 Marc Cary Rhodes Ahead Trio & Daniel Crawford Trio

Double bill by trios led by post-bop jazz pianist Rhodes and Crawford. Jun 16-18, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ carycrawford2015 Blue Mountain Boys

Classic country and bluegrass.

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

Free. Cafe Sepia. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3406-1300. www.nagaremono.com/sepia CLASSICAL Karl-Heinz Schütz

Flautist who is Principal Soloflute with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. May 17, 2pm. ¥5,000. Toppan Hall.

Iidabashi. Tel: 03-58402200. www.toppanhall. com/en Pinchas Zukerman

Israeli violinist who picked up the violin at age eight and studied at the Juilliard School.

May 19, 7pm. ¥9,000. Kioi Hall. Yotsuya. Tel: 03-52764500. www.kioi-hall.or.jp

Robert Glasper Experiment

American bebop and cool jazz pianist and singer Dorough with American singersongwriter, actress, and former stand-up comedian McKay. Jun 5, 7 & 9:30pm; Jun 6, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088.http://j.mp/ bobnellie2015

The Real Group

A cappella group from Sweden whose members compose or arrange most of the songs that they perform.

Jun 13, 6 & 9pm; Jun 14, 4:30 & 7:30pm. ¥5,400-7,400.

Billboard Live. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3405-1133.http://j.mp/ realgroup2015

Lee Juck

JUN 20-28 Circus

for free

Vienna Boys’ Choir

One of the best-known boys’ choirs in the world presents the Bruckner touring choir.

May 22, 1:30pm. ¥5,800.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. www. operacity.jp/en/index. php. May 23, 2pm. ¥5,900.

Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.

Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822020. www.yaf.or.jp/mmh/ english/index-e.html Richard Clayderman

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

23

Goldberg Variations

HOLIST IC SEMINA HE ALTH MAY 20 R HELD & OR MAY MAY 22 2 AT CLU 4TH B 360

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

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

“The course was very informative and helpful. I felt that I learned a lot that I wish I had known about much earlier in my life!” -Catherine

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

THE PRIMAL HEALTH SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT CLUB 360 Just 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills Pristine showering facilities Large modern facility with spacious studio & 5-star resistance zone

Jonas Kaufmann

Register now! info@club360.jp Tel: 03-6434-9667

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

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: 044-5200200. www.kawasaki-symhall.jp

its students and alumni, the concert features songs and operas that were translated into Japanese during the Meiji Era. Jun 8, 7pm. ¥2,000.

Suntory Hall Blue Rose.

Roppongi-Itchome. Tel: 03-3505-1001. http://j.mp/ meijieuropean2015 Renaud Capuçon

French classical violinist Capuçon with pianist David Kadouch. Jun 8, 7pm. ¥3,000-6,000. Toppan Hall.

Iidabashi. Tel: 03-58402200. http://j.mp/capucon2015 War and Music: From Darkness to Light

Produced by Ferris University and performed by its students and alumni, the concert features war songs and compositions that helped unite people in their hope for peace.

Jun 9, 7pm. ¥2,000. Suntory Hall Blue Rose. RoppongiItchome. Tel: 03-3505-1001. http://j.mp/warandmusic2015 The Miró Quartet

Internationally-performing professional classical string quartet that was awarded Chamber Music America’s prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award in 2005. Jun 7, 2pm; Jun 11, 13, 18 & 20, 7pm. ¥1,000-5,000 (all five concerts for ¥15,000). Suntory Hall Blue Rose. Roppongi Itchome.

Tel: 03-3505-1001.http://j.mp/ miroquartet2015 State Symphony Capella of Russia

Conducted by Valery Polyansky with performances of the Overture from Glinka’s “Ruslan i Lyudmila,” Dvořák’s “Cello Concerto in B minor, op.104,” and more. Jul 9, 7pm. ¥6,000-10,000. Suntory Hall.

Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ statesymphonycapella2015

THE RACE IS ON!

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

Taijiro Iimori, a specialist of German music, will conduct several masterpieces by Wagner and Brahms. Jun 3, 7pm. ¥2,100-6,200. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka. jp/en International Organ Festival

Featuring organists Ernst Erich Stender and Mari Kodama. Jun 4, 7pm. ¥6,000.

Sekiguchi Catholic Church.

Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-3945-0126. http://iofj.net The Siena Wind Orchestra performs music from the hit video game franchise. Jun 7, 1 & 5pm. ¥4,500-6,500.

Bunkamura. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/ brabra2015 Disney on Classic: Spring Gala

June 2015 Membership Fee

Showcasing popular songs from Disney movies such as Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and more. May 29-Jun 7, various times. ¥7,000-8,700.

Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/ disneyspringgala2015

Produced by Kunitachi College of Music and performed by

24

Club Crac. DJs Emma, Dske, etc. From 11:30pm. ¥2,500.

Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com SATURDAY 16 Microcosmos

City Hunter. Hip-hop: DJs Alamaki, Keita, etc. From 12am. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.

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

Magic. House, disco: DJs Kawasaki, Endo, etc. From 9pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp Air

Mariana. Techno: DJs Peter Van Hoesen, Marco Shuttle, etc.

From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.

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

DJ Mag. Techno, house: DJs Mike Vale, Adam Saville, etc. ¥3,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com T2

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

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

FRIDAY 15

Club Asia

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 Ebisu Garden Hall

Squarepusher. Squarepusher’s new album and latest live set. From 6pm. ¥5,940 (adv).

Ebisu. Tel: 03-5423-7111. http://j.mp/squarepusher2015 Air

Ene Records. House, disco: DJs Tiago, Man Power, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya.

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

Tokyo Yugi. House, techno: DJs Watsui, Tokyo Hack, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia. co.jp Womb

Endless Flight. Disco, house: DJs Koze, Axel Boman, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp Daikanyama Unit

Hospital Night. Drum’n‘bass: DJs London Elektricity, Makoto, etc. From 11:30pm. ¥3,500.

Daikanyama.

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

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

Sebastian Mullaert & Ulf Eriksson. Techno: DJ Nobu and more. Live: Sebastian Mullaert & Ulf Eriksson. From 11:30pm. ¥4,000. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54640800. www.liquidroom.net SUNDAY 17

Ageha

Party Up. All mix, EDM: DJs Fumi Yeah, Yu-Ki, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.

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

T2

Global Allmix Party. All mix: DJs Takashi, Rew, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d.

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

The Room

Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc.

From 11pm. ¥2,500 w/1d.

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Club Asia

The European Music that adorned the Meiji Era

Daikanyama Unit

Clubbing

T2 Bra Bra Final Fantasy

Intension. House, techno: DJs Arjun Vagale, Wada, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.

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

Saturdays. EDM, house: DJ Ksuke and more. ¥3,500.

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

The New Matrix Bar Wagner & Brahms: The Forest of German Romanticism

Womb

Classics. Hip-hop: DJs Missie, Tats, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54582551. www.clubasia.co.jp

The Room

Groovy Rock Caravan. Rock, ska: DJs Onuki, Fujii, etc. 5-11pm. ¥1,000. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp MONDAY 18 Air

Gum. Techno, house: DJs Ali&,

Fujita, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com

all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).

Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp

T2

Air

T2 Monday. EDM: DJs Kenta, Tommy, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d.

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

Reboot. Techno: DJs Ken Ishii, Q’hey, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000.

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

Gekiyaba Set. EDM: DJs Shoho, Fumi, etc. From 10pm. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

Techno Invader. Techno, house: DJs Ishino, Sunahara, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com

TUESDAY 19

The Room

Womb

Ruby Room

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

The Choice. Techno, electronic: DJs Tm404, Koba, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com T2

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

Shibuya.

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

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

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp WEDNESDAY 20

Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp T2

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

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

Road to Outlook. Bass music: Various DJs. ¥TBA. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.co.jp Edm Festival. EDM, electro: DJ Daishi Dance and more.

Live: Future Boyz. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp

Dance La Esmeralda

Shibuya Girls Party. EDM: DJs C’k, Matsuzaki, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d.

Shibuya.

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

Swan Lake

Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki, Yo, etc.

From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f) free.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp Long Island. Punk, rock: DJs Tamura, Nami, etc. 7-11pm. ¥1,000. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

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

THURSDAY 21

Strawberry Fields

The Room

T2

Happiness. World mix: DJs Shu, Igarashi, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d.

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

Mix Juice. EDM, top40: DJs Yamariki, Su-Pyi, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free.

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

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

Stage La Traviata

The Room

Ryukyu Holic. Loose and hot music: Ryukyu Holic DJs. From 11pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Club Asia

Brilliant. All good music: DJs Sah, Ichi, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54582551. www.clubasia.co.jp FRIDAY 22 Microcosmos

Build. All good music: DJs Kingmck, Somal, etc. From 12am. ¥2,000. Shibuya.

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

Matrix Friday. Old school hip-hop, west side, south side,

OPERA DER ROSENKAVALIER

Richard Strauss’s most popular opera, brimming with euphoric and exquisite music. The role of Marschallin is sung by German soprano Anne Schwanewilms, who is one of the world’s finest interpreters of Richard Strauss. May 24 & 30, June 2 & 4 at 2pm; May 27 at 6pm. ¥7,560-¥23,760. New National Theatre Tokyo.

Hatsudai (Keio New Line). www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english 1960s rock ’n‘ roll group The Four Seasons. Jun 25-Jul 5, various times. ¥9,000-13,000.

Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 0570-550-799. http://j.mp/ jerseyboys2015

Exhibitions ENDING SOON

Womb

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

T2

MAY 24, 27, 30, JUN 2 & 4

Verdi’s mid-period masterwork which tells the story of the pure love of a courtesan, Violetta, and her sad end, against a backdrop of Parisian splendor and sophistication.

Staging produced by Vincent Boussard, who is famous for his use of color and sophisticated approaches.

May 16, 23 & 26, 2pm; May 19, 7pm. ¥5,400-27,000.

New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/ latraviata2015 Jersey Boys

Jukebox musical presented in a documentary-style format that dramatizes the formation, success, and eventual break-up of the

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

Showcasing works by Ogata Kōrin, a Japanese painter of the Rinpa school.

He 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 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. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/ osakaexpo2015 Best of the Best

The last exhibition before the museum closes for renovation on May 18, showcasing 160 works of modern and contemporary Western art.

Until May 17, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥500-800. Bridgestone Museum of Art. Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl. com/bestofthebest2015 Salt of the Earth

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

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

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

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

UDEN VIS T

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

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

03-3713-4958

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Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court

Aoyama Ave Akasaka Mitsuke stn

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

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26

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

Visa and immigration

Patent attorney Immigration lawyer

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 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. ¥600-1,200.

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

Measuring: This much, that much, how much?

Reasonable prices.

Free first time consultation

Hiroshi Oogai,

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

Showcasing paintings of flowery goldfish by artist Rika Shimasaki, which portray artificially-bred prize goldfish resembling over-dressed and made-up women. May 16-31, 12-7pm, closed Mon. Free. Nanatasu Gallery. Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6419-7229. http:// chocorika-shimasaki.jimdo. com

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE

Other Legal & Business matters

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

The Prisoner of Mirrors

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

Establishing a Company & Branch office

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

ONGOING

• 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

Intellectual property rights (Patent, trademark, copyrights)

The British Museum Exhibition: A History of the World in 100 Objects

Hiroshige and Kiyochika

WADA Legal & Administrative Office

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

Intimate Impressionism from the National Gallery of Art, Washington

Imperial Palace

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 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: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl. com/panasonicmuseum

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 allure 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: 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 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 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 Cy Twombly: Fifty Years of Works on Paper

Featuring around 70 drawings, paintings, and monotypes by Twombly, an American painter of large-scale, freely scribbled, calligraphic and graffiti-like works. May 23-Aug 30, 11am-5pm (until 8pm on Wed), closed Mon. ¥500-1,100. Hara Museum of Contemporary Art. Kita-Shinagawa.

Tel: 03-3445-0651. www.haramuseum.or.jp 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 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/ UPCOMING 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)/ ¥1,000-1,500 (door).

The University Art Museum.

Ueno.

Tel: 050-5525-2200. http://helene-fin.exhn.jp Tanomura Chikuden

Commemorating the 180th anniversary of the death of the artist Tanomura, who loved the art of calligraphy and poetry.

Jun 20-Aug 2, 10am-5pm (until 7pm on Fri), closed Mon. ¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum of Arts. Tokyo. www.idemitsu.com/museum/ honkan/index.html

Sports BASEBALL 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 Yakult Swallows vs.

Lotte Marines

Jun 5, 6pm; Jun 6, 2pm; Jun 7, 1pm. ¥500-27,500. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp

Tokyo Verdy vs. Tochigi SC

MAY 24

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

Ajinomoto Stadium.

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

Jun 6, 4pm. ¥600-4,700.

Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Mitsuzawakamicho.

Tel: 04-5311-2016. www.yokohamafc.com SUMO

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!

Sumo Grand Tournament

Until May 24, 8am-6pm. ¥3,800-11,700. Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Ryōgoku.

Tel: 03-3623-5111. www.sumo.or.jp/en/index

share ideas, eat, drink and create. Every first and third Tue, 7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt.

Shibuya. www.meetup. com/TokyoStitchandBitch

Festivals

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School

TRADITIONAL Torikoe Jinja Matsuri

Summer festival with Tokyo’s heaviest mikoshi. Jun 6-7, all day. Free. Torigoe Jinja.

Kuramae or Asakusabashi.

Tel: 03-3851-5033.

Tsukiji Shishi Matsuri

Unique mikoshi parade featuring two lion mikoshi and one main mikoshi. Jun 10-14, all day. Free. Tsukiji Namiyoke Jinja. Tsukijishijo. www.namiyoke.or.jp Sannō Matsuri

One of the three largest festivals in Japan. Jun 7-17, all day. Free. Hie Jinja.

Tameikesanno. Tel: 03-35812471. www.tenkamatsuri.jp

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

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

INTERNATIONAL Echoes of Light

Yomiuri Giants vs.

SoftBank Hawks

Jun 5-6, 6pm; Jun 7, 2pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.

Suidōbashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en SOCCER 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 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

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. IzukyūShimoda. http://j.mp/ shiva2015

Comedy New Material Night

Standup, improv, and trying out new stuff. May 19 & Jun 2, 8-10pm. Free. Double Tall Cafe. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54674567. 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 Charity Run & Walk: DAN DAN RUN 2015

Charity run/walk to help 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

New comic book and CD release event by Adam3, with DJs LadyBeard, Hang the DJ, and others. May 16, 6pm. ¥1,000. Gamuso Chroma, Asagaya. http://gamuso. com 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

FRIDAY, MAY 29 7PM-11PM

Free entry - ￥500 Drinks & Food インターナショナルパーティー ･ 入場無料 ￥500ドリンク・フードメニュー有り Join us at the newly-opened Carat restaurant, located in Roppongi, for our May Getsumatsu bash! Enjoy delicious high-quality crab—shipped directly from Hokkaido—as the summer breeze flows in. Entrance is free, as always, and drinks are ¥500. 今月の月末パーティーは六本木のCARATにて開催致します！季節が夏に変わる中、北海道 から直送されている品質の高い美味しい蟹を食べながら皆さんで楽しみましょう！入場料 はいつも通り無料、ドリンクは￥５００です。

Spring Rose Festival

Over 90 varieties of rose plants, including “Maria Callas” and others. Until Jun 7, 9am-5pm. ¥70-150.

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens.

Kami-Nakasato. Tel: 03-3910-0394. http:// teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/ kyu-furukawa Hotaru no Yube

Enjoy a romantic evening lit by 2,500 fireflies. Jun 1-30, 6-9pm. Free between 6-9pm during firefly season.

Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato. Yuyake Koyake. Tel: 042-652-3072. meturl.com/ yuyakekoyake

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,

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

CARAT 6-1-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5413-3689 - http://carat-roppongi.com

MORE INFO»

http://meturl.com/may15

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 29 ISSUE Deadline: May 21, 3pm FRI, JUNE 12 ISSUE Deadline: June 4, 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

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

3.4 ENGLISH TEACHERS

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

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

2.3 RENT OVER 200,000 YEN

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

2.5 PLACE WANTED Apartment needed in Tokyo for two months. I come from Paris, France, and I'm seeking a small apartment or room for two months (from May 17-July 18). Around the Yamanote Line, up to ¥75,000/m. esteban@lesgarconsdumarais.com

3 EDUCATION

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

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

3.2 JAPANESE 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. 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 English and Japanese. British man, 35, seeks language exchange partner.

I have lived in Japan for a long time, but my Japanese level is very low.

Help. Anywhere around Tokyo is ok. happylamp@hotmail.co.uk English and Japanese. E from a professional teacher in exchange for J conversation. Use my school space for free in Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo. MonFri mornings preferred. davidgolding@ hotmail.com English and Japanese. I’m a Japanese university student. I’m studying abroad in Malta. I want to improve my English skills. I’ll help your Japanese. If you study Japanese, please send me an email. Thank you. feikanon1026@gmail.com English and Japanese. Asian male, late 30s, working in Tokyo, would like to have an E/J exchange with native Japanese speakers. Can teach E in return. Both weekends and weekday evenings are fine. Central Tokyo area. rockkky2k@ yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Hi, I’m a JF seeking a native English speaker for language exchange around the Yokohama-Kawasaki 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 JM, 22, living in Tokyo. I lived in the UK for a year. I’m seeking a native English speaker to keep my English up. Would love to teach you practical Japanese in return. Thanks. shunm777@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 English and Japanese. JF seeks an exchange partner in the daytime on weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. tome.harukasoushi@ezweb.ne.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.

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

03-3918-0876/044 -8555039 ajtkyokai@yahoo.co.jp http://ajt-tokyo.jp COS M OS C LU B JA PA N ES E LESSONS. Group of volunteers offers basic Japanese lessons for foreigners, every Wed, 10am-noon, at Kudan Shogai Gakushukan, Kudan. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 090-2645-5212 nihongocosmos@ yahoo.co.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

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. eigo-kouryukai@outlook.jp

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 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. German male, late 40s, seeking a serious language exchange during the daytime/in the evening. gwilhelm84@yahoo.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

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

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

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

3.9 TEACH ME! T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G LI S H LESSONS. Working towards becoming an English-to-Japanese translator, but need help polishing my English. Can translate simple documents in exchange for English lessons. michiane256@gmail.com English 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 Private English writing/editing tutor wanted. Seeking a private tutor for professional English writing/editing training, American English preferred.

One two-hour session/week ¥10,000/ session. Detail s available. Send resume and training proposal. mh_ clark@hotmail.com

The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.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 Chest of drawers, kiri, antique, mediumsized (L48xW34xH48), in good condition, unused ¥15,000. Firm. mmcaproni2010@ yahoo.co.jp Light. Standing floor lamp, from Yamada Denki ¥6000. Firm. Omotesando. No delivery, but can introduce delivery service. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp Lights, ceiling, two available, in good condition ¥4000/both. Nishi-Yamato Danchi, Wakoshi. ruma.mandal@yahoo. com Sofa, 15 m/o, nonsmoking home, in excellent condition (L203xW96xH75).

New ¥180,000. Sell ¥90,000. agem715@ gmail.com 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, Yamazen YST-5040L, folds (H35xD 4 4xW50cm), in excellent condition ¥1000. msa.japan@hotmail. com 090-9109-5326 Table, wooden (surface 90x50cm), sturdy, light, clean, w/drawer, easily assembled ¥2000. msa.japan@hotmail. com 090-9109-5326

4.2 APPLIANCES 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 Food processor ¥800. msa.japan@ hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 Fridge, Panasonic NR-ETF433H, in excellent condition. radiation9999@hotmail.com Iron, Toshiba, cordless, steam. teachermcteacherton80@hotmail.com Kettle, 1.2L, fast-boiling mode, w/airtight lid ¥1800. msa.japan@hotmail.com 090-9109-5326 Wa 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

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 Sayonara sale! US Embassy sale, May 16, from 10am-2pm, at the US Embassy Housing Compound (2-1-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo). Photo ID required for admission. Walking distance from Roppongi, Akasaka, Tameike-Sanno Stns.

For more info, please call 03-3224-5590.

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 Rack . m s a.j a p a n @ h o t m a i l .co m 090-9109-5326 Rowing machine, purple yoga mat, in excellent condition. Pick up Fuchu Stn, Keio Line. jackiesuginaga@gmail.com

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT 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

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Amp, Marshall MG15CFR, carbon fiber, 15W, w/added spring reverb, fairly light (can be carried), original box, as new ¥8000. Pick up Yokohama Stn. jnwells95@gmail.com 045-621-6588 Amp, Ibanez SWX20, 20W, 1x8, in great condition, light ¥8000. Pick up Yokohama Stn. jnwells95@gmail.com Keyboard, Casio WK-1200, 73-key, six-octave, touch-type, w/100 rhythms and 200 tones, electronic drum kit and recording features, stand, in good condition ¥10,000. Pick up Yokohama Stn. jnwells95@gmail.com Piano, Yamaha Clavinova clp-535, less than one y/o, w/adjustable stool ¥80,000. Can deliver within reasonable distance from Itabashi. davidgolding@ hotmail.com

6 VEHICLES 6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Benz C180 Wagon Kompressor, '05, Avantgarde limited edition, black, ETC, leather seats, Exon lights, aluminum wheel, 120,000km, shaken until May '16, all taxes paid ¥500,000. Firm.

No dealers or auction sites. alinjap@ yahoo.com 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.

No dealers or auction sites. al ber tol icandro@hear t.ocn.ne.jp 08068105414

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

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 Benz C class wagon, '08-'10 model, black or white. No dealers or auction guys. alinjap@yahoo.com Bike for tall adult male, free or very cheap. living_large@email2me.net Broken/damaged Macbook Pro and iMac 21". I would like to buy them to use for parts. Thanks! gmigmar805@gmail.com Scuba diving gear, full set, size L (183cm tall). Looking forward to offers. gwilhelm84@yahoo.com

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE Laptop, Toshiba satellite notebook, bought in the US, Japanese language installed, three y/o, in good condition ¥10,000. nagareboshistars@yahoo. co.jp 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 Climate expert needed. Need a guest speaker to appear on a YouTube streaming show. assassin.wolves.films@ 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 Sponsorship. Ten years' experience in cafe/bar work, including working at international hotels. I'd like to open a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship.

Individuals and companies are welcome.

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

10.2 SUPPORT

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

TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual psychotherapy by accredited Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider (03 - 4550 -1146). TELL website: www.telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ TokyoLifeLine.

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES 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

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

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

English-speaking meetings daily.

03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.org http://aatokyo.org S U B S C R I B E TO M E TR O P O LI S AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE. O n e y e a r ( 24 i s s u e s) ¥ 3 6 0 0 (corporate subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥22,560). Half year (12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥12,000). Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club). Details at http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription.

HIV Peer Support group and workshops.

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

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

JAPAN INTERNATIONAL PARTY - SPRING-SUMMER SPECIAL. Sat, May 30, 6:30-9pm, Bar Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest international party.

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 T H 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. Events in Tokyo (Ginza, Azabu, Roppongi) and Osaka. ¥1500-¥2000. http://english.gaitomo.com/ info@gaitomo.com

I N T E R N AT I O N A L E V E N T S .

Looking to join a variety of i n t e r n a t i o n a l e v e n t s? T h e Tokyo Spontaneous Hangout

Meetup Group has events such as international parties, picnics, live English comedy, language exchange and m a ny m o re. Ch e ck t h e l i n k for fur ther detail s: w w w. meetup.com/tokyoites Looking forward to seeing you at an event! japanmeetup@ gmail.com

I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y AT LEAFCUP. Come join us and have fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/ women: ¥2000. All-you-candrink-and-eat. Iidabashi and Yokohama: May 16 and June 6.

Shibuya: May 23 and June 13. www.leafparty.com

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

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

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

We play two or three times/month on weekends in Meguro with many socials. Join us! More details: w w w.t a m j a p a n .o r g /e n / i n f o @ tamjapan.org 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 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 Jogging Yokosuka. SJM seeking friends to jog 8-20km in Yokosuka, mornings preferred, but depending on the day, other times could work, too. ジョギング仲間募集横須賀 . elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es Quality football. 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 int roduce your self (ful l 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, beginner s 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. I n t e r n a t i o n a l Adventure Club Tokyo is an all-volunteer group of folks from the Tokyo area who enjoy outdoor ac tivities t o g e t h e r. I t p r o v i d e s opportunities to explore the Japanese countryside and mountains. Join now! bep_11@ gmx.de http://iac-tokyo.org Tokyo ET contact group. Join us beneath the stars as we endeavor to make contact with ET visitors and their craft. Our next ET contact event will take place on May 17/18 at Darumayama on Izu Peninsula. nakanosky@gmail.com w w w . m e e t u p . c o m / Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/ events/193113322/

29

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

13.4 MUSIC

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN

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 Seeking guitarist. Tokyo-based hard rock band, Stoning Crows, seeks a skilled and easygoing guitarist to replace our current who is moving back to the States. Influences are vast, from metal to funk, grunge to classic rock. stoningcrowsjapan@gmail.com Seeking tenor a capella singer.

We’re four a capella singers, with great singing experience, living in Tokyo, seeking alto, tenor parts.

Rehearsals in Shinjuku and Shibuya.

We’ll start with Pentatonix songs. konpeiioi@yahoo.co.jp

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 0903598-3072 for more information. daginia@gmail.com w w w. 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

13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Iwnstitute) is a nonprofit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencie s 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

The most exciting tailor in Tokyo - We offer classic and avant-garde garments, shoes and accessories - We speak English, German and Japanese - Designer who studied at GIEVES & HAWKES is of your assistance - We accept credit cards and ship overseas. No reservation required - Suits from ¥80,000, shirts from ¥8,900, plus tax

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 Seeking friends! Hello, I am a Japanese woman seeking friends for a drink together and a nice chat. Someone living in the Kanto area would be good. Thank you. special1lovesong@yahoo.co.jp

Central Aoyama 1F, 4-1-3 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Mon, Tue, Fri 12:00-20:00/Sat, Sun 11:00-20:00/Wed, Thu Closed Tel: 03-6438-9563 Email: info@loudgarden.com www.loudgarden.com | www.facebook.com/loudgarden.tokyo

30

Tokyo Stn. Male, English, living and working in Tokyo, seeking easygoing people for drinks, chats after work around Tokyo Stn, Shimbashi, etc. This is not for language exchange. Please tell me about yourself when you reply. m3_3m@ outlook.com

movies and food would be a good start. travelmanuk@hotmail.com Secret romance. Smart, nonsmoking JM, 53, seeking only one girlfriend for a secret romance. I respect your privacy. I am a businessman working in central Tokyo. If you are interested in my ad, please contact me. shinjuku02@ hotmail.co.jp

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

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

KINDNESS AND RESPECT: the two most important qualities of the human heart, in my opinion.

Let's be kind and respectful to each other. Gentle Canadian in loving but sexless marriage seeks Japanese woman. I'm a young 52! androgoner@gmail.com

Seeking young Western lady. I'm a SWM, dark hair, blue eyes, 1.7m, professional, living in Daikanyama, seeking a pretty Western lady, 20-30, kind, affectionate and serious about finding a boyfriend for a long-term relationship. deepwatersmind@yahoo. com

French-Asian for Japanese woman.

I am a handsome and friendly FrenchAsian, 30, 172cm, traveling in Tokyo, seeking a romantic and passionate relationship with a Japanese woman. kenji40japan@gmail.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

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 Handsome Italian man seeking sexy, feminine and fun to be with! Let's go and explore new places and enjoy life.

You must be financially independent.

I'm seeking a partner, not a daughter.

No childish girls—real women, please. sugartokyo4@yahoo.com Humorous and good-looking SJM. SJM, 30s, seeks an attractive foreign lady with the same interests, like movies, books, music and going to cafes.

Let's meet up for coffee and maybe more. lovehotellover@yahoo.co.jp Japanese girlfriend wanted. JM, mid-40s, speaks English and Spanish as well. I like jogging, language learning, nature, beach walks and Japanese gardens. Only Japanese women, please.

Smoking ok if only one cigarette/day. elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es

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

Single, handsome, caring and witty Japanese male seeks a nice Western or Japanese female for friendship and possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. If you are interested in exciting and happy times with me, please email me now! cioinjapan@gmail.com SJM seeking SF. SJM, financially independent, seeking a SF for a serious relationship. I don't drink or smoke and am very health-conscious. Like to travel, read, exercise. If you think you are the right fit for me, please reply. h247ga@ 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 Will you hold me? I want to hold you in my arms and feel it back. I want to feel connected and not think of anything else. artoistk@hotmail.com

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

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 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, one-on-one discreet relationship. Let me make you happy! enjoylife_321@ yahoo.com Lonely like me? White male, mid-40s, will share everything with you. Age has no meaning, but inner beauty does. Let's start today! gwilhelm84@yahoo.com Lonely, romantic married gentleman seeks a lonely woman. I miss romantic moments with a sweet woman. Can we be friends? Sweet, attractive white gentleman, 47, hopes to meet you. vbcfgt@hotmail.com MWM seeks MJF in Ebisu area. I am a sane, warm, fit MWM, early 40s, who is happy at home, but wants passion, too.

Seeking a MJF who is in the same position for something exciting, 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,

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 Are you a SWM? I am a tall, slender, cool SJF, early 40s, seeking a SWM for having a good time on weekends or relaxing, and/ or fun evenings, aorund central Tokyo. hiroko_linuma@hotmail.com Elegant yet natural woman seeks her love in a long-term relationship. Welleducated, healthy, charming European or North American preferred. We all want a bit more warmth in life. I'm mid-40s. Singles only. nikitaeleon@yahoo.co.jp 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,

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.

A p p l y o n l i n e : h r@le a f cu p.co m www.leafcup.com/job.php WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on hotels, restaurants and bars to offer our high-quality wines at incredible prices. Candidates should be confident, J/E bilingual, passionate about wine, love fine dining and travel, have experience in sales, wine or both.

Full-time (Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm).

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

WANT TO HELP CREATE METROPOLIS? We’re seeking social media, web, and editorial interns. Great opportunity to gain experience in a multimedia company ! To appl y, send intro let ter, CV and relevant clips to editor@metropolisjapan.com. メトロポリスはバイリンガル（日英）の営業スタッフ を募集しています。是非、私達の広告マーケティン グチームに加わりませんか！ 応募条件：責任感を もって勤勉に取り組める方、協調性があり、意欲を 持って主体的に働ける方を募集しています。営業経 験のある方は歓迎します。フルタイム (Mon-Fri, 9 : 3 0 a m - 6 : 3 0 p m) で 働ける方に限りま す。jobs@metropolisjapan.com

To advertise: commercial@metropolisjapan.com

03-4588-2277

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 J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P. J a p a nTr a v e l . c o m i s s e e k i n g E/J bilingual interns to join the largest tourism website in Japan.

Multiple opportunities in content, sales/marketing and web/design.

Work in an exciting, global environment in Roppongi.

Transportation and business expenses provided. No salary, minimum three months, chance for full-time position.

Please send your resume (E/J) to info@japantravel.com.

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

single, 20-30s, living in Tokyo. nagareboshistars@yahoo.co.jp

young businessman. Shall we go out?

Please email. lilith1188@yahoo.co.jp

Happy with my life, looks; happiest when I am with my love. Fun, educated JF, mid40s, hopes to become your sweetest, smartest, hottest woman who brightens your day. You're an English-speaking business pro, 50+ is very welcome. brown3prettyeyes@gmail.com

Rare discovery! Warmhear ted, attractive, positive, slim SJF, enjoys cooking, hiking, working, art, seeks gentle, attractive, successful Caucasian in central Tokyo who wants to raise a loving family. What's important is trust, respect and stimulating each other. Photo necessary. sorosoroaitai@ yahoo.co.jp

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 I am single, almost 50, seeking someone seriously witty, kind, not stingy. A kind gentleman. You don't have to be a native English speaker. I'd prefer a well-educated person. Serious only. hiraharahousing@yahoo.co.jp 07055591382 Let's hang out together in good weather. Attractive SJF is seeking a single Western male for a relationship.

Let's hang out together in good weather! Please tell me about yourself.

Serious nonsmokers only, please. pecoandpoco@hotmail.co.jp Long-haired, slim JF seeks handsome gentleman. My hobbies are watching movies, drinking, eating. I seek a special guy living in a nice apartment/ house in Hiroo. I would like a rich,

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 Sweet JF seeks single American.

Japanese female in Tokyo, educated, well-mannered, loyal, early 40s, seeks sincere, athletic American SBM/SWM for a long-term relationship hopefully leading to marriage. cjlisalisa@yahoo. co.jp

Want a date. I am Japanese, 41, seeking a gentle guy who can take me to nice restaurants and cafes. If you are a WM, tall, well-educated, working in Tokyo, please contact me. happyjapan1974@ aol.com Your perfect complement. You will have a beautiful best friend, good chef, sexy flirt and great listener to your dreams or even problems.

Sophisticated, little wild, fit, educated SJF, 40+, seeks a sincere single gentleman who works and plays hard. enfant7bythesea@yahoo.co.jp

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

14.5 ESCORTS ESCORTS have gone online.

To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y companion, visit http:// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ category/personals/escorts.

14.6 AND OTHERS TR ANCE PARTIES. At trac tive 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

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RELATIONS BUSINESS PHONE MANNERS IN JAPAN

BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA

One of my recent hobbies is watching my husband make business calls. I find it fun to watch, not because of anything he says, but because of what he does. What does he do? He bows. A lot. Especially when ending the call. He's not the only one who does this. At the train station, you might see a young Japanese man in a suit using copious amounts of keigo (formal Japanese) on the phone. As the phone call nears an end, you can see him bowing furiously while saying “arigatou gozaimasu” and “shitsureshimasu.”

Of course, the person on the other line cannot see the caller. In this situation, bowing serves no purpose … but old habits die hard. I think it is adorable.

日本の電話マナー 最近の趣味の1つに夫が色々な会社に電話をしている姿を見る事があります。電話の 内容ではなく、彼のしぐさが私にとっては非常に面白いからです。彼が何をするのか って？たくさんお辞儀をするんです。これに気づいたのは私だけですか？駅でスーツ 姿の若いビジネスマンがたくさん敬語（フォーマルな日本語）を使って電話をして いる姿を見ます。電話が終わりそうになると、彼は"ありがとうございます！"や"失礼 します！"と言いながら、せわしなくお辞儀をするんです。私は微笑ましい光景だと思 います。当然ながら電話の相手にはお辞儀をしている姿は見えないので、お辞儀を する意味はないですが、染みついた癖というものはなかなか消えないものですね。 ■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.

horoscope

BY CATHRYN MOE

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

May 22-Jun 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Jun 22-Jul 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

There’s some serious intensity for you as Uranus tears up your Aries atmosphere. The searing condition of your focus seals your will to get to the top. If you have something to achieve, if you want to make a point, this is the week to do it. You can take on practically anyone or anything and be just fine; surprisingly, they will be too—relieved, in fact. Part of your latest hassle has been about showing that you’re a no-nonsense go getter and at this point, no one would dare doubt that.

Mars has entered your financial sector. Go for it, either with what’s on offer, or kicking through to the next level. You’re about to have a slowdown with a partner during Saturn’s retrograde, so why not enjoy yourself when you can? If you’re looking at homes or home improvement, go for the largest and best quality you can take on. Don’t be afraid to show your affluent spirit, even if you’re not feeling it to the outer reaches of your current confidence.

Time to take up a new exercise program, or step up the one you’re in. Sign up for a class that makes you feel like you’re flying each time you’ve finished. Your zoom energy, boosted by Mars transiting Gemini, only lasts seven weeks. If you project what you’ll be doing during this time, you can schedule in some up-up-and-away time to enjoy the best of what life has to offer.

Call friends, take walks, organize parties, write emails. Dance your way to your happiest level!

Think about your need to take care of others, then look at who’s taking care of you. If the scales are tipped and not in your favor, it’s time to pull back.

Rethink your schedule; invest in yourself. If you want an opening to work out, or your body begs for healthy food, you’ll receive double the benefits this week. Even if you’re sipping hot chocolates and double espressos, you’ll find ways to indulge and still stay beautiful.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Sep 24-Oct 23 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Oct 24-Nov 22 ♥♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ Finally, a break to slip out and do what you want! Scorpio is passionate and intense, but you’ve also taken on a lot of responsibility. The word “willpower” was made just for you. Even with all the UranusPluto squares completed, the result sums up how you choose to use your energy. How do you want the future to be? What can you live with? What’s worth your time? What’s not? You could make a career out of saving lost souls, but your own soul needs to be nourished as well.

Mar 21-Apr 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Jul 24-Aug 23 ♥♥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣

Apr 21-May 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Aug 24-Sep 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

CANCER

There’s a weight, a burden on your shoulders. Or, the stars might say, you’ve been carrying too much. The sloshing around of slippery variables in your future is only a function of all that energy in your solar ninth house. Things may feel dicey, but the truth is, there’s an undercarriage that connects your thoughts to what actually happens. As you realize your power in this area, you’ll move from playing with it to enjoying the responsibility for the results.

This is a cutting time of walking a tightrope. Each breath propels you into your next moment. With Neptune, Chiron, and Vesta opening doors, you may flow quickly and easily to a new position. The part of you that asks, “How did this happen?” can now accept your good fortune.

If you’re feeling this, encourage it, because, as Dark Moon Lilith goes through your sign, you’re going to surprise yourself. You may as well start now.

You are right. Those feelings you have had crossing your heart have merit. You’d like all the facts before you move forward, but these days you’re choosing what you believe and acting on it almost simultaneously. At times, you may think you’re the only one who sees your point of view.

Librans really prefer it when you have someone to share with. The longer you can hold out, supporting what you’ve seen and what you know, the more compatible a partner you’ll find.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 21-Feb 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Feb 20-Mar 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Saturn in your sign is exactly opposite Mars on Friday. This is one of those you-can’t-get-there-from-here aspects when all the hard work you’ve done (that no one else would even consider) looks like it could fall apart. Take a deep breath and let that thought roll past you. It’s an adjustment period that’s short, with the chance to add more to your body of work.

Without this aspect, you may not have had the opening. By midweek, you’re riding high again.

As long as you go step by step through the mire and muck, you may as well look up and enjoy the view. Life is challenging for Capricorns, but few get to see the vistas you do. Balance continues to be built in, with Venus bringing relaxation and beauty where there were rocks and sticks. Emotionally, you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop, but truthfully, it’s more like the glass slipper that fits. If you don’t have a career, don’t worry: you will—and soon.

Ah, someone is one step ahead of you, and it looks like it’s your partner—or someone who has you in mind to be their partner. While you may not be noticing the hints and maneuvers, are you doing things that a year ago you said you’d never do? It’s OK; you probably need the redirection. Your life is about to open up in ways you never guessed. In completing the Uranus-Pluto squares, you’ve actually been preparing to create a new way forward.

Capricorns and Leos are going through it, but Pisces may be rather quiet these days. Surprising, as the Moon-conjunct-Uranus aspect on Friday is akin to having your nervous system clobbered. Building muscles, including the spiritual and emotional ones, is a rather important task. It brings oxygen to the surface and restores your circulation. The best benefit of recovering from an unexpected event?

You’re even more beautiful in the aftermath.

Nov 23-Dec 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣

32

Dec 23-Jan 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

PISCES

LINGO BOX Kaiwa (会話) = Conversation Officials at Mitsubishi Electric say more than 1.5 million of the company’s TV sets were hit by a transmission glitch that caused them to “repeatedly turn on and off every few minutes.”

Rikai (理解） = Understanding

the small print

Kekkan (欠陥) = Glitch Rakugaki (落書き) = Graffiti

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN

Kyōkai (協会) = Association

stats

I’LL CONTINUE MY JOB AS LONG AS I CAN USE MY BODY.”

28,923

Number of suspected cases of child abuse referred by police to welfare authorities in 2013—a record

—Satoshi Onda, president of J.League Division 2 club FC Gifu, on living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS

BORED IN SPACE ⊲An ⊲ android called Kirobo, which in February completed an 18-month stint on the International Space Station, was recognized by Guinness World Records as taking part in the “highestaltitude human-robot conversation.” ⊲JAXA ⊲ launched an intelligence-gathering satellite from its space center in Kagoshima, but don’t expect any further updates about the project—the info collected will be classified under the government’s new state secrets law. ⊲Officials ⊲ at the science ministry have embarked on an effort to map out “the effects of global warming on every square kilometer of Japan.” ⊲The ⊲ education ministry says schoolkids should study the Paralympics as a way of deepening their “understanding of disabled people and learn[ing] how to live alongside them.”

WELL, THAT’S EMBARRASSING ⊲A ⊲ survey by the internal affairs ministry found that 18 of the government’s 24 most important administrative bodies—ministries, agencies, etc.—lack sufficient supplies to keep function-

ing in the aftermath of an emergency. ⊲One ⊲ of them is the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. ⊲An ⊲ elderly Hokkaido woman turned the tables on an attempted fraudster by playing along with the scam (which involved nonexistent shares in a construction project), then notifying police when the perp showed up to collect his money.

10,168,000 Vehicles sold worldwide in fiscal 2014 by the world’s former No. 1 automaker, Toyota Motor Corporation

10,185,000 Vehicles sold by Volkswagen donor organs in a transplantable state for up to 24 hours.”

NEWS FROM THE IVORY TOWER BUSINESS ON PARADE

⊲The ⊲ University of Tokyo revoked the PhDs of three former members of its bioscience institute for falsifying charts in their doctoral theses. ⊲Art ⊲ students in Nakano are volunteering to paint colorful scenes on local storefronts that have been vandalized by graffiti. ⊲Administrators ⊲ at Toin High School in Osaka—a perennial baseball powerhouse—were accused of keeping a ¥500 million slush fund for “wining and dining” potential recruits and their families. ⊲Researchers ⊲ at the Tokyo University of Science, Keio University, and a local biotech startup developed a storage system that “preserves

⊲A ⊲ newspaper investigation found many companies are unprepared for the My Number system, in which every Japanese citizen will be assigned a 12-digit ID code for taxation, social security, and disaster-response purposes next January. ⊲A ⊲ government white paper says medium-sized businesses are being shut out of the economic recovery due to a shortage of skilled workers. ⊲Officials ⊲ at Suzuki Motor announced a recall of 1.8 million cars and minivans because of faulty ignition switches—the largest ever recall in Japan. ⊲Headline ⊲ of the Week: “Yoshinoya to Try to Increase Night Sales by Luring Drinkers” (via Jiji)

AND FINALLY…

at a glance

BY ADAM GARWOOD

Check out Adam’s works at http://meturl.com/adam3

⊲Researchers ⊲ at the World Health Organization declared Japan to be measles-free after no new cases of the disease were reported during the past three years. ⊲A ⊲ Cabinet Office survey found that 10 percent of all Japanese women have been stalked, and 24 percent of married women have been abused by their spouses. ⊲A ⊲ Gunma-based association of relatives of Imperial Army soldiers who died during the Battle of Peleliu in 1944 says the group will disband because its members are getting too old. ⊲Authorities ⊲ in Izunokuni, Shizuoka Prefecture, have renamed two roads in honor of Yomiuri Giants great Shigeo Nagashima, who spent his off-seasons training in the hot-spring city.

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

Culture or Cupcakes?

Searching for Japan’s YouTube sweet spot

BY JENNY SILVER

I started a YouTube channel in order to connect with my family. It was delightful to see that others were finding and enjoying some of my videos on life in Japan, and so I started putting out more content—even going so far as to promote it.

It’s been more than a year since I started uploading regularly, and I’m enjoying the growth of my little channel. Certainly it’s not one of the big ones, but I honestly enjoy a smaller community that allows both viewers and myself to learn about each other.

Every view of my channel is a gift.

Looking at stats, it’s interesting to me that my most viewed videos are related to pop culture and the “JVlog” community of YouTubers here in Japan.

For example, my channel’s automati-

cally generated list of “popular videos” shows that the most-viewed is about DisneySea, distantly followed by those about kaitenzushi, cupcakes in Tokyo, and a unique Mario game. However, the videos that I was most excited about producing—those that hold significant historical or cultural information—are often swept under the rug.

Case in point: my trip to Hakone, a town about an hour outside of Tokyo known for its hot springs. The old Tōkaidō, the stone path that linked Kyoto and Tokyo in the days before we had planes, trains, and automobiles, runs through here. The conditions for travelers were rough back then. Imagine hauling heavy luggage up slick wet stones under constant threats of thieves! My husband and I were able to walk this same road and experience what that was like—albeit with the sounds of traffic not far off and our worries not so severe.

We also visited Amazake Chaya, a place about ten minutes off this road that offered tea, amazake, snacks, and rest for those traveling along Tōkaidō.

Amazake is a sweet drink made from fer-

EACH VIEW IS A VOTE ON WHAT WE THINK IS ENTERTAINING OR IMPORTANT, AND CONTENT CREATORS ACT ON THIS.”

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

mented rice (sometimes the same used for making sake), and is often served warm, giving the ultimate comfort food sensation—something very welcome to the weary voyager. We were able to experience life in the Edo Period and were excited to share this with others. I had the videos go up on the same day.

They garnered a fair number of views, which I think was helped by some wellknown YouTubers sharing them.

A week after this historical excursion, I uploaded a video on cupcakes. It quickly surpassed the view counts of those from the Tōkaidō and Amazake Chaya, and is currently one of my most-viewed.

Still, the cultural angle fascinates me; and so a friend introduced me to a “Doll Appreciation Festival” at Meiji Shrine. Thousands of people brought their beloved stuffed animals and toys to this shrine for what was essentially a doll funeral. Hundreds of thousands of dolls lined the perimeter of the shrine, waiting for the “purification” ceremony during which the spirits of the dolls would be released. They were, essentially, set free. What a beautiful way to say goodbye to non-living childhood friends! I realized this was a dark subject, but it was unique to Japan and ultimately had an uplifting message.

But this failed to catch the attention of even a fraction of the viewers of the kaitenzushi video that I had uploaded the previous week.

YouTube can be a window into Japan and its unique culture and history, but this failure of such content to stick discourages creators from showing more cultural and historical topics. Many channels are monetized, and view counts are an important part of that. Each view is a vote on what we think is entertaining or interesting, and content creators act on this. Our priorities are shaping the content that appears on the platform.

YouTube is more than just cat videos and pranks, but I’m concerned that we’re losing touch with what makes Japan really unique.

Do these views represent our priorities and what we really want to see from Japan?

■ Jenny Silver is a narrator, voice artist, and translator. Her channel is “TheJennySilver” on YouTube, and she also co-hosts the Kimochi Uncensored Podcast.