Metropolis 1109 by Metropolis

June 26 - Jul 9, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com

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CLASH OF FESTS FUJI ROCK VS SUMMER SONIC

TAKE A HIKE! GOING AU NATUREL HORSING AROUND GIDDY-UP IN GOTEMBA SECOND-HAND SOUNDS MUSICAL TREASURE HUNTS

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JUN 26-JUL 9, 2015 • #1109

EDITOR’S LETTER

The ski grounds of Naeba experience a heat amplified by the sounds of distorted guitars and drum solos in the air. The time of year for Japan’s biggest music festivals is upon us again, beckoning bands and fans from all over. But as Fuji Rock faces off against Summer Sonic, leaving you to ponder which outdoor festa to

headbang at, we at Metropolis give you the rundown on how these two titans compare. Meanwhile, our editors galloped off to the stables of Gotemba to experience the great outdoors in the company of the friendly horses of Vitrus Riding Club. If you fancy more adventures, go retro and trek through Tokyo’s record stores!

Photo by C Bryan Jones

Photo courtesy of Lactose Intoler-Art

Back in the Saddle: Visiting Virtus Riding Club

Play It Again Sam: Tokyo’s second-hand music shops

Dairy-Free Dressing: The Fashion of Lactose Intoler-Art

Cover design: Kohji Shiiki. Cover illustration: Adam Garwood

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

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

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LINGOIST RAIN TALK As we find ourselves in the midst of tsuyu, or rainy season, keeping dry can prove to be quite a challenge. If talk about the weather is a frequent occurrence, but you’re not sure how to join in, let Metropolis show you the way! JP EN

JP EN

Soto wa ame futtemasu ka? Is it raining outside? Para para to futtemasu. It’s sprinkling. Yohō de wa yūgata ni kekkō furutte ittemashita. The forecast said that it would rain a lot in the evening. Kasa nashi de daijyōbu kana... I hope I’ll be okay without an umbrella...

C 2

が

10 C

12 A

Solution: A

ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross

Across 1. Red pepper or chili 4. Cloud 5. Music 7. Up 8. A trap 11. Squirrel 12. Rabbit Down 1. Mountain climbing 2. Easy or comfortable 3. Fingerprint 5. Another helping or refill 6. Airport 9. Eggplant 10. Right

TO-DO LIST ice cream stores

TOP

Shiroichi

Gelateria Acquolina

Buon’amore

Most famous for their long, nama (raw) ice cream on a cone (¥390) that can also be enjoyed in coffee or milk (¥470), Shiroichi uses natural, carefully-selected ingredients that are processed as little as possible. Open daily 10am-10pm. 1F Andos II Bldg., 1-7-7 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. Tel: 03-6416-5574. www.shiroichi.com

Indulge in delicious, rich gelato and sorbet, including unique flavors only found at Acquolina. Open weekdays, 1:30-11pm, weekends & hols 12-11pm. Closed Tue. 1-11-10 Gohongi, Meguro-ku. Yūtenji. Tel: 03-5708-5787. www.acquolina.jp

Buon’amore’s gelato is served popsicle style— on a stick. The treats are made without added sugar, and use organic ingredients. Flavors include Honey Latte and Honey Coconut. Open 11am-7pm Tue-Fri & Sun, 11am-8pm on Sat. Closed Mon. 1F Tenjin Bldg., 67-8 Tenjincho, Shinjuku-ku. Kagurazaka or Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-6265-3030. http://buon-amore.com

Proteus, 1984 76 x 56.5 cm acrylic paint, color pencil, pencil on paper

JUL 11-12

OCEAN PEOPLES

A festival for ocean lovers everywhere, Ocean Peoples explores beach food, music, art, and tourism, while raising awareness of the importance of ocean preservation. Jul 11-12, 11am-8pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Harajuku or Meiji-Jingūmae. http://oceanpeoples.com/english

Photo by Takeshi Hirabayashi

JUL 12

OGRE YOU ASSHOLE Dreamy, domestic indie-rock warriors Ogre You Asshole celebrate the release of their new live album, Workshop. Jul 12, 6pm, ¥3,600. Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka. Tel: 03-3584-8811. http://j.mp/ ogreyou2015

UNTIL AUG 30

EDITOR’S PICK CY TWOMBLY—FIFTY YEARS OF WORKS ON PAPER The fluid, sensual works of American painter Cy Twombly (1928-2011) are on show in the first-ever major exhibition in Japan devoted to the artist. On display are around 70 drawings, paintings, and monotypes by Twombly, whose freely-scribbled, graffiti-like works are associated with Abstract Expressionism. Still, Twombly found fans everywhere for his spirited sense of line and color. Dan Grunebaum Until Aug 30, 11am-5pm (until 8pm on Wed). Closed Mon. ¥500-1,100. Hara Museum of Contemporary Art. Shinagawa. www.haramuseum.or.jp © Hiratsuka City

JUL 9-AUG 7

SHŌWA BEER GARDEN

Travel back in time at Grand Hyatt’s Shōwa Beer Garden with popular music from the era; Shōwainspired Japanese snacks; and free-flowing alcohol, including beer, highballs, and more. Jul 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, & 31; Aug 7, 5-9pm. 4F Chapel Garden, Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Roppongi. Tel: 03-4333-8838. http://tokyo.grand.hyatt.com

JUL 3-5

SHŌNAN HIRATSUKA TANABATA MATSURI Join in the tanabata festivities, which celebrate the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, including parades (held two times) with large, colorful decorations, food stalls, game booths, and more. Jul 3-5, until 9pm (until 8pm on Jul 5), free. The area including and around the JR Hiratsuka Station North Entrance shopping street. Hiratsuka. www.tanabata-hiratsuka.com

JUL 22

NEW YORK SYMPHONIC ENSEMBLE Conducted by Mamoru Takahara, the ensemble performs Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3, Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, and more. Jul 22, 7pm, ¥3,000-4,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchōme. Tel: 03-5953-9481. http://j.mp/itochusummer2015

CLASH O cover story

FUJI ROCK VS

FUJI ROCK FUN FAQ First festival: 1997 event at Fuji Tenjin-yama Ski Resort headlined by the Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers was canceled midway due to a typhoon. Stages: Five main stages, eight smaller stages • Bands: 80 per day • Customers: 120,000 • Staff: Approximately 2,100, including volunteers • Buses: 80 buses, 30 coaches on daily rotation • Hotel rooms for bands: 3,460 rooms required over the festival • Porta-potties: 450 • Food: 120 official food vendors • Beer: 150,000 cans sold • Sound systems: 20 installed, big and small • Campers: 10,000 per day • Circus performers: Approximately 15 • Most unusual tour rider: A helicopter—for a DJ who never came

• Most “rock” thing a band has done: Completely smashed their executive Portakabin (Thanks to Smash’s Johnnie Fingers.)

INFO • When: July 24-26, 2015 • Where: Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata • Tickets: ¥16,800 (one day)¥39,800 (three days) www.fujirockfestival.com

SURVIVAL KIT • Galoshes or rubber sandals • Raincoat, preferably Gore-Tex • Camping chair • Flashlight Tip: Arrive Thursday morning for a level campsite and the Thursday-night bon odori pre-party

apan’s marquee rock festivals, Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic, started along similar lines: sprawling outdoor affairs near Mt. Fuji that cater to all visitors. But almost two decades later, they’re radically different creatures. Metropolis lines the two up to see just how distinct they’ve become.

FUJI ROCK THE SKINNY Eminem once headlined Smash’s Fuji Rock Festival, but it’s hard to imagine that happening now as Smash boss Masa Hidaka’s preference these days is for stadium-scale rock bands that can bring out a broad demographic. With Japan’s youth population dwindling, the aim is to cater to several generations of music fans. The cost of travel and accommodation for punters attending Fuji is considerable, limiting attendees to settled employees with disposable income and a still-large number of younger folk who scrimp and save for a oncea-year blowout.

CH-CH-CHANGES The big development this year is the end of Fuji Rock’s Orange Court stage. When the festival exploded in its early years, the stage emerged as a locus for world music, funk, blues, and jazz.

OF FESTS

S SUMMER SONIC BY DAN GRUNEBAUM

SUMMER SONIC FUN FAQ Photos courtesy of Smash

With audience figures down last year, Smash seems to have made the decision to consolidate—but that still leaves it with thirteen stages.

HEADLINERS Foo Fighters: Dave Grohl’s indefatigable rawk machine recently released Sonic Highways, an ambitious “musical map of America” accompanied by an HBO documentary. Grohl is always psyched to be in Japan, and can be counted on to crowd surf his way to the soundboard. Pioneering artists, they are not; yet they carry the ’90s alt-rock torch with, at the very least, a sense of dignity. Muse: A venue as big as Fuji’s Green Stage requires an act as bombastic as England’s Muse. By the time you read this, Matthew Bellamy’s behemoth will have released its new Drones—a troll through a world, Bellamy said on Twitter, of “psychopathic behavior with no recourse.”

• First festival: 2000 event at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, headlined by James Brown and Green Day • Stages: Six music stages, plus two entertainment stages • Bands: About 100 • Customers: 120,000 • Food: About 300 stalls • Staff: 3,000, not including vendor staff

• The most “rock” thing a band has done: Nine Inch Nails performed in a thunderstorm (Thanks to Creativeman’s Yoshinari Hirayama.)

INFO • When: Aug 15-16 • Where: Makuhari Messe • Tickets: ¥15,500 (one day), ¥28,500 (two days), ¥30,000 (platinum ticket); Sonic Mania: ¥10,500; Hostess Club All-Nighter: ¥8,500 www.summersonic.com

SURVIVAL KIT • Hat • Sunscreen • Neck towel Tip: To get a seat on the jammed trains on your return to Tokyo, take the train one stop outbound from Makuhari, cross the tracks, and board an inbound train.

CLASH O cover story

Ride: A less egotistic, more likable and tuneful Stone Roses on the comeback trail. Of Monsters and Men: Tween rock, yet consistently imaginative. Galactic featuring Macy Gray: Incomparable New Orleans funk meets gravel-voiced soul singer for hire.

SUMMER SONIC

THE SKINNY

Creativeman’s first Summer Sonic featured James Brown. These days, the headliners could be Brown’s grandkids. Creativeman honcho Naoki Shimizu caters to the tweento-twenties bracket, which still makes up a reasonable fraction of the Tokyo and Osaka megalopolises where he hosts Summer Sonic. Easily accessible urban venues make for a wallet-friendly day out, but for those who seek the full festival experience, the addition of Friday and Saturday all-nighters effectively makes Summer Sonic a three-day festival.

CH-CH-CHANGES Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds: Sure, compared to brother Liam’s now-defunct Beady Eye, they got the songwriting talent out of the Oasis breakup. But how many songs can you name? Time to bone up. Their second and latest album is the self-deprecatingly titled Chasing Yesterday.

A new development is the integration of Hostess Club—an indie rock fest hosted by promoter and distributor Hostess—into Summer Sonic’s lineup as the Saturday allnighter. The event features the live edition of Thom Yorke’s latest solo project, the intriguing Thom Yorke Tomorrow's Modern Boxes, Spiritualized, and more acts associated with Hostess.

LOCAL COLOR

SURVIVOR AWARDS Motorhead: Lemmy’s U.K. metal machine rages on, 40 years since their founding as the pioneers of the “new wave” of British heavy metal. Happy Mondays: 35 years later, Manchester rave squad has survived its days of Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches, an album they plan to haul out on tour later this year. Todd Rundgren: Having produced The Band’s Stage Fright and Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell, 67-year-old pop wunderkind Rundgren also penned his own hits, like “Hello, It’s Me.”

PICKS FKA twigs: A sinuous British mixed-race Björk for the electro era, FKA’s slithering temptations are not to be denied. Royal Blood: Drum ‘n’ bass/rock duo blithely smashes together grunge, rap, and clichés of alt-rock. Think Rage Against the Machine meets Jack White.

Sheena Ringo: Her thin, wavering vocals are an acquired taste, but the Fukuoka chanteuse’s unwavering ambitions are to be applauded. Hiromi Uehara Trio: Jazz supergroup led by the irrepressibly virtuosic pianist known worldwide simply as “Hiromi.” Clammbon: Candy-voiced outfit blends rock, pop, and electro with sometimes sublime results. Jim O’Rourke and Gaman Gilberto: Veteran Chicago experimentalist, one-time Sonic Youth member, and longtime Tokyo expat meets his mysterious alter ego.

OF FESTS Photos courtesy of Creativeman

HEADLINERS Imagine Dragons: My nine-year-old son’s favorite band, which gives you an idea of Summer Sonic’s target demographic. Hey, half a billion YouTube views don’t lie. 2013’s Rolling Stone Band of the Year. Pharrell Williams: Time for Tokyo to get lucky—or happy? Pharrell has been huge in Japan ever since his Neptune and N.E.R.D. days. He’s also tight with Bathing Ape fashion icon Nigo, making this a homecoming of sorts. Ariana Grande: With her four-octave range and belief in Kabbalah teachings, Floridian Grande covers all the pop-tart bases from Mariah Carey to Madonna. Her winsome, corporate sponsor-friendly appeal has made her a regular since her first Japan visit on New Year’s, 2013.

SURVIVOR AWARDS Manic Street Preachers: 20 years since their definitive album The Holy Bible was released, the Manics round out a year of shows performing the disc. Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: Black Keys et al. owe a major debut to these originators of postmodern skronk-blues, who have just issued Freedom Tower – No Wave Dance Party 2015. The Original James Brown Band: Longtime JB associate leads the last band James Brown assembled before his death in 2006. Zapp: Roger and Larry Troutman may be gone, lost in the murder-suicide carried out by Larry, but the mantle of Zapp’s talkbox ele-funk is carried on by surviving brothers Lester and Terry. Both the James Brown Band and Zapp appear as a collaboration with Billboard Live.

Olly Murs: A lily-white Bobby Brown—and why not? Chemical Brothers: Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons brought stadium-scale electronic music performances to the masses long before EDM—and they’re not slowing down. Born in the Echoes is out in July, and “Go,” featuring QTip, is already racking up views on YouTube. Asian Calling: Summer Sonic’s Asian stage offers a rare chance to take in performances by determined young bands from China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

LOCAL COLOR Androp: Likably crunchy power-pop dashed with hints of electro and post-rock. Baby Metal: 27 million views for “Gimme Chocolate!!” means Japan’s latest musical export, the metal-idol act, must be hitting the right notes with someone out there. Kazuyoshi Saito: Old-school singer-songwriter got away with writing a Fukushima protest song and still carries on a mainstream Japanese music career.

PICKS D’Angelo and the Vanguard: Modern soul icon returned last year after 15 years with the highly-rated, socially-conscious Black Messiah. Wolf Alice: North London quartet are garnering all sorts of accolades, thanks to the delicious, dreamy vocals of Ellie Rowsell. Their debut disc My Love Is Cool will be on the shelves by the time you read this.

food&drink RECIPE CHILLED, HEARTY JAPANESE VEGETABLE SOUP RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI

Among Japan’s summer favorites is “hiyajiru” or “hiyashijiru,” a chilled soup containing tofu and plenty of vegetables. The soup takes shape in many regional varieties, utilizing select ingredients from their respective regions. Any vegetable can be used in the soup, and it can be made more nutritious by substituting water with soy milk. Servings: 2

RESTAURANT

¥¥

EN/JP

A Taste of Osaka in Roppongi TEXT AND PHOTOS BY VESNA KEVORK

ocated near Roppongi-itchome Station is Santekan, a little gem that serves up hearty okonomiyaki—a well-loved comfort food that’s become a staple of Osakan cuisine. Comprising pancake-like batter, meat, squid, shrimp, or vegetables, it’s a dish that’s cooked on the spot. Created by Wataru Toda, who started the famous Kiji okonomiyaki house in Osaka, Santekan is cheap, cheerful, and fun. The vibe here is decidedly boisterous, with raucous laughter and lively banter all around. But rest assured, this is not a daytime izakaya. It’s busy, casual, and filled with patrons coming hungry and leaving satisfied.

• 300cc water • 5g katsuobushi (bonito flakes) • 2 tbsp mentsuyu (concentrated noodle soup) • 2 tbsp ground black sesame • 1 tbsp miso • 200g firm momen tofu • 1/2 cucumber • 4 ohba or shiso leaves

• 4 pieces of okra • 1 pack enoki mushrooms • 1/2 cup cooked sliced burdock TOPPINGS • 1 tbsp boiled and dried chirimenjako (baby sardines) • 1 tbsp sliced myoga, chives, and ginger

DIRECTIONS: 1. In large bowl, combine water, bonito flakes, noodle soup, sesame, and miso. 2. Crumble tofu into chunks, and drain excess water. Make thin slices of cucumber and ohba. 3. Chop enoki mushrooms, then boil with okra for 1-2 min and drain. 4. Combine burdock, tofu, cucumber, ohba, mushrooms, and okra into bowl with soup. Chill for at least 1 h in fridge. 5. Garnish with toppings and serve in soup bowl.

The dishes are prepared by chefs donning tall, white hats—however, the restaurant still maintains a do-it-yourself ambience, probably due to the hot plates on each table. The okonomiyaki is served swiftly and placed on the hot plate; from there, it’s up to the guest to cook the batter and enjoy it as they please. The vast and very affordable lunch menu presents great choices for group outings. The okonomiyaki itself is around ¥1,000, available in such options as squid (¥880), squid and pork (¥950), beef tendon (¥1,000), Okonomiyaki of the Day (¥930), mixed (¥1,080), and many more. Those wanting an extra taste of Osaka may select the modanyaki (¥1,000), a mix of yakisoba and okonomiyaki, fried together—or you could just ask for yakisoba (starting from ¥830). People-watchers can observe the dedicated chefs in action at the counter, perched over

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

the hot plate, performing theatrics alongside unlimited batches of cabbage. The most amusing parts of the dining experience in Sanketan are the few unexpected elements that stand in complete contrast to the establishment’s casual vibe. In the center of the restaurant is a unique chandelier made of okonomiyaki spatulas. Meanwhile, the seats at the back of the counter chairs open up, revealing secret storage compartments. Solitary patrons need not hesitate to enter, as Santekan isn’t only for groups. The counter provides single seats where diners may sit and observe the theatrics up close. Another attribute is that the subway is literally just steps away, making that last train home or to the office less likely to be missed. Interesting and fun, this venue is spot-on for a much-needed get-together with friends. Sizzling hot plates, the smell of fried cabbage, squid and pork, rowdy crowds … what are you waiting for? Santekan. Ark Hills South Tower B1, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6441-3638. Roppongi-itchome. www.o-kizi.jp/santekan.html

RAMEN

¥¥

EN/JP

Tigers and Ramen TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SEAN HORGAN

f you want authentic, delicious ramen, and a true Japanese experience, Menshō Taketora near Roppongi Station is the place to go. Immediately upon entering, customers will feel as if they’ve walked into a bamboo forest. The whole restaurant is covered with bambooladen wallpaper, with tigers prowling behind the stems. The menu is simple but features an extensive selection of entrées, appetizers, and desserts sure to make your stomach growl—not unlike a tiger—in anticipation. Overall, ser vice is great and the restaurant is foreigner-friendly. The menu contains some English, and most of the staff are able to speak a bit as well. The wait staff are personable and easy to talk to, and they bring out the food fairly quickly—the wait for the ramen was only 10 to 15 minutes. The yuzu gyokai tonkotsu ramen (¥820) is a delicious bowl consisting of eggs, noodles, and vegetables—but best of all, pork. Each brothsoaked bite melts in your mouth. The fish-based broth brings an interesting and unique flavor to the noodles that words can’t quite explain. The hard-boiled egg adds to the soup, cooked just enough so the yolk remains soft and juicy in the middle. The deep-fried octopus (¥430) is an appetizer that isn’t easy to forget, with a crust that gives it a popcorn-shrimp texture. Try it with a spritz of freshly-squeezed lemon juice for a surprising but delightful sour punch. The tiramisu daifuku (¥350) is inspired by the classic Italian dessert and wrapped in mochi. Its distinct chocolate taste, sweetened with powdered sugar, resonates in your mouth for a while before fading into the flavor of the ice cream-filled center. For those wanting more to their dessert, the vanilla ice cream (¥300) is a sweet choice, with caramel syrup lightly drizzled on top for a contrasting taste. Plus, the two dango (rice dumplings) at the bottom of the bowl give an interesting texture, rendering the dessert not-so-vanilla after all. The prices here are reasonable. Menshō Taketora is a good place to go if you want to save money but still enjoy great food. Menshō Taketora. Open daily, 11am-9am the following morning. 1F Roppongi 314 Bldg., 3-14-14 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3479-3388. www.menshou-taketora.com

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food&drink If you're looking for a meaty snack to carry along on your hike or camping trip, Karikari—or Crispy—Bacon is an ideal choice. Each strip has a unique peppery taste that gives it a slightly spicy feel. With its dry and portable strips, Karikari Bacon is like the beef jerky of bacon. But even though it has that beef jerky look, it still has that delicious bacon taste. Available in convenience stores nationwide.

Another compact snack for the trail, Tirol Banana is for those who need their chocolate fix but also want their fruit flavors. Two variations of the yellowwrapped cubes are in each pack: one crispy on the inside and one with a gelatinous center. While the taste is satisfying, what we're more eager for is the day the two characters on the package get their own sitcom. As their expressions show, there's gonna be some tension in that apartment. Move over peanut butter … banana is in the house! Available in select convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Adding heat to the rising gourmet popcorn craze, POP!—a Seattleborn popcorn manufacturer known for its all-natural, gluten-free treats—has introduced eight new flavors in their Japanese branch. Four savory and four sweet flavors are here, including cheddar jalapeño (¥700 for a medium size) and premium matcha (¥1,800 for medium). Grab a few bags for your hike—just don’t tell the ants! 6-6-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Omotesando. http://popgourmetpopcorn.co.jp

Dried fruit is a great, healthy snack to have while hiking, or anytime for that matter. At Far East Bazaar, you can pick and choose from an array of different fruits such as figs, dates, and mango— all sold by weight. Everything is organic, fair-trade, and without any added ingredients. B2F ShinQs Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. Branches in Kichijoji and Futakotamagawa. http://fareastinc.co.jp/english

“They are so spicy tortilla chips,” boasts the packaging on Doritos’ newest addition to its Japan-exclusive flavor catalog—and they’re right, despite the Engrish. The Wasabi Soy Sauce—which sounds like the sixth Spice Girl that never was—is an explosion of wasabi’s spicy sweetness tinged with the bitterness of soy sauce. While the green stuff is generally a hit-or-miss, this one’s sure to win over fans of chips and Japanese flavors. Available in most convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide.

escapes Photo credit by Kate Riseley

the Tokyo Metropolitan Takou-wan Park Family Campsite on Kozushima, roughly four hours by high-speed boat from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier; and Habushiura Campsite on Niijima, roughly three hours by high-speed boat from Takeshiba Pier. Campers can enjoy pristine beaches, hiking, cycling, surfing, and more. For cool, dry air, head west. The Karuizawa area is full of campgrounds, such as Rising Field Karuizawa and Yukawa Campground. River play, onsen, hiking, cycling, and fruit picking are some activities available in the Karuizawa area.

BACK TO THE LAND

Escape the city heat with some hiking and camping BY HELEN A. LANGFORD-MATSUI

nce the summer humidity hits the city, there’s no better place to be than out of it. Luckily, it’s not too tricky to escape Tokyo, whether for a day’s hike, a camping adventure, or a combination of both.

HIKING From Mount Takao and connecting trails in Meiji-no-Mori Takao Quasi-National Park to Mounts Mitake, Otake, and the Three Peaks of Takamizu in the Okutama area of ChichibuTama-Kai National Park, one could easily fill a summer’s worth of weekends without going too far afield. Most are easy day trips, though some, like Mount Kumotori—the tallest mountain in the Greater Tokyo Area at 2,017 meters—are better done in two. Camp in designated areas, in emergency huts, or “glamp” at mountain lodges along the trails. Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park in Kanagawa Prefecture offers another seemingly endless supply of hiking trails near Tokyo. Mount Oyama is best known, but options abound from Yamakita, Hadano, Minami-Ashigara, and other cities within the park. If you’re looking for height and solitude, aim for a two-day Mount Tanzawa/ Hiru-ga-take como—just be prepared for a long

INFO haul back to civilization and infrequent buses. Those seeking bucket list-worthy hikes should head to Yakushima National Park on Yakushima, a subtropical island in southwestern Japan, by air or boat from various locations. Hikes through the Oku-dake and the Mae-dake ranges will bring you into contact with wild deer and monkeys, and the lush forests that inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke. Get around by bus, taxi, rental car, scooter, or bike.

• Nagatoro Auto Camp-jp Nogami (Chichibu Railway); www.nagatoro-camp.com (Japanese only) • Tokyo Metropolitan Takou-wan Park Family Campsite: www.kouzushima.org • Habushiura Campsite: http://meturl.com/ niijimavillage • Rising Field Karuizawa Karuizawa (Hokuriku Shinkansen); www.rising-field.com (Japanese only) • Yukawa Campground Karuizawa (Hokuriku Shinkansen); www.facebook.com/yukawa. campground (Japanese only) • Karuizawa local guide: http://meturl.com/ karuizawamap

INFO

For detailed trail information and plenty of ideas, check out http://ridgelineimages.com and http://japanhike.wordpress.com.

• Mount Takao Takaosanguchi (Keiō Takao Line) • Three Peaks of Takamizu Mitake (Ōme Line) • Mount Kumotori Chichibu (Seibu Line, bus to Mitsumine Shrine) • Mount Oyama Isehara (Odakyu Line, bus to Oyama Cable Car) • Mount Tanzawa, Hiru-ga-take Shibusawa (Odakyu Line, bus to Okura)

CAMPING Nagatoro Auto Camp-jo, located not far from Nogami Station, sits on the bank of the Arakawa River deep in the forested hills of Chichibu. Swim, hike, river raft through Nagatoro Gorge— or just sit back and listen to the cicadas. Leave the mainland and sail away to the Izu Islands, where tents can be pitched at places like

SAFETY FIRST • Prepare for any weather with rain gear, a lightweight jacket, extra socks, sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. • Insects can spread disease, so wear long sleeves and pants, use a DEET or a picaridin-based insect repellant, and consider permethrin-treated clothes if hiking where tick-borne severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has been found. • Not all trails and lodges have water or snacks, so pack enough to get through your planned hike with some left over. • A whistle, emergency blanket, and basic first aid kit should be part of your pack. • Cell phone coverage is spotty to nonexistent in the mountains. • Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return, and stick to it. Also have a plan in place if you don’t arrive home by a certain time.

feature

SADDLE UP! The perfect escape from Tokyo is closer than you think TEXT AND PHOTOS BY C BRYAN JONES

he hustle and bustle of life in the city can really take its toll. Sometimes, only an escape to nature can prevent insanity. At such times, Gotemba beckons—but not for the reason people usually head there. Away from the frantic shopping at the premium outlets is Virtus Riding Club, a tranquil, equine world in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. Those who rarely leave the city may find it hard to believe that such a quiet place—an atmosphere that feels lifted out of the past—exists barely two hours away by train. But it does, and while there, visitors will forget all about the chaos and stress they’ve left behind. That was certainly true for us, as Metropolis recently had the chance to visit Virtus Riding Club for two days on the trails. Founded 40 years ago by the father of Mariko Kato, the current owner, and Rika Koyama, who led one of our rides, Virtus is a family

Rika Koyama

Mariko Kato

affair—and it shows. The entire staff feels like a family, and upon setting foot on the ranch, you become part of that family, too; this holds true even for those who don’t speak Japanese. Everyone at Virtus speaks English, and lead trainer Hideaki Ototsu will teach riders all they need to know for a horseback journey—with an Australian twist. But more on that later. What comes through loud and clear is that everyone at Virtus loves horses. Spending ten minutes with Mariko makes it clear that nothing is more important to her than their well-being.

Photo by Rika Koyama

As she explains, horses are like people; they each have their own personality. People get to know them, and they get to know people. Devotion goes both ways. It’s family. Virtus is also a great place for kids. Spending time around animals is an important part of their development, and the combination of horses and nature is a wonderful escape from our overly tech-saturated world. The whole Virtus family interacts so well with children, and we watched one of their youngest students compete in a jumping competition. Amazing! After watching kids stare into smartphones every day, seeing this level of talent and devotion—these students have to care for their horses, as well as train—to something decidedly non-tech was heartwarming. For families, this is a great weekend outing. Some 150 members call Virtus home, and the club offers two distinct styles of riding: British and Western. The British style, known as “dressage,” is the kind of competitive equestrian sport you see in the Olympics and other competitions such as the World Equestrian Games. The Western style—as in the American West—is what this article will focus on, as this is the riding style visitors will personally be taking part in. The Western style is what probably comes to mind when thinking of horseback riding for leisure. This is riding the trails. At Virtus, the trainers will take guests on a trip into the forest that neighbors the ranch. The complexity of the trails and required control of the horse will depend on the rider’s experience level. During our visit, we ventured into the forest on both Saturday and Sunday. The first outing was with lead trainer Hideaki Ototsu—or simply “Aki,” as he prefers to be called—who showed us the basics of handling the harness, controlling the horse, and earning their trust. As he explained, the relationship between rider and horse is a two-way street. You take care of them, and they’ll take care of you. But horses are also strong-willed (hence the expression “stubborn as a horse”), and they aren’t going to do what’s asked if they don’t trust and respect the rider as the boss. Learning the basics is a lot easier than one might think. Aki will quickly have even those who’ve never been on a horse before feeling at home in the saddle. Our first ride required nothing complicated—except for keeping the horses from eating all the grass and branches they passed—and was truly relaxing. Beginners will have no problem at all, and the Australianraised Aki is so personable that the experience is not only soothing, but also entertaining! Our second forest adventure, led by Rika on Sunday, put our new skills to the test with more challenging terrain that took us up and down hills

and through narrow passages—something beginners wouldn’t normally do so soon. It was awesome, and gave a taste of how returning to Virtus regularly can offer new experiences. While the horses are the centerpiece, Virtus also offers a variety of facilities. The clubhouse provides a place to relax on the first floor, and a restaurant on the second. The view of Mt. Fuji from the restaurant is breathtaking, and it’s the perfect setting for parties, events, and even concerts. There’s also a disco ball, should a guest want to channel his or her inner Travolta. Back on the ground level, a bar, powder room, and shower room can also be found. Not far from the clubhouse is the Western

Area, modeled after a Wild West town. This quaint cowboy country is where visitors will find the horses for trail rides—like our new friends San and Chip—and also plays host to barbecues. Behind the Western Area is a field surrounded by white picket fences, home to many ponies—a delight for the kids. Many members house their horses—including some of Japan’s top competition horses—in Virtus’ British stables. Touring this facility, as well as the tack room, is a great way to connect with the easy-going lifestyle. Guests may even get to watch a horse being washed. Depending on the season, there are many activities to add to your time in the country, including a wagon parade, Christmas party, night BBQ, and even a country dance event. Want to ride in the snow? That can be done, too. At the end of the day, Virtus is one trip you owe it to yourself to take. Even if a day of horseback riding isn’t what you’d consider your cup of tea, once you’re on the trail—glorious Mt. Fuji looming on the horizon—you’ll be glad you saddled up. Mariko, Rika, Aki, and all of the staff are absolutely delightful, and you’ll leave feeling as though you’ve not only gained a wonderful new connection to nature, but a new family, too.

ACCESS From Tokyo Station, take the Tōkaidō Line to Kōzu Station, and change to Gotemba Line and continue on to Gotemba Station. From Shinjuku Station, take Odakyu Line’s Asagiri Romance Car to Gotemba Station. From Gotemba Station, Virtus is 15 minutes away by taxi; fare is roughly ¥2,500. Open 9am-5pm. Closed on Mondays, unless a holiday falls on a Monday. Tel: 0550-70-6522. www.virtus-im111.jp

city life Standout genres: Latin pop and traditional, Japanese folk Quirkiest find: Merengue music videos #1006 Miyamasuzaka Bldg., 2-19-15 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5485-9967. Shibuya.

Reggae Shop NAT

RE-RECORD Revisiting Tokyo’s secondhand music stores BY MUBITA MAMBWE

here’s an element of adventure awaiting visitors in record stores, where the scent of vinyl fills the room amid boxes and cases piled throughout, each containing records—both the recent or popular, and the ancient or obscure. Here, the curious and the daring may be rewarded with hidden gems, lost in an era when most music hounds dig up tracks online. Record store hopping is more of a rare experience, something of bygone days—making it all the more exciting an activity. As Tokyo appears to have an affinity for nostalgia, music hunters are likely to make great discoveries in one of the city’s plethora of second-hand music shops that go beyond Disc Union and Book-Off.

Mash Records A neon sign flashes this quaint little store’s name in the quiet backstreets of residential Kagurazaka, beckoning passersby into the basement of Mash Records. From outside, guitars and ukuleles can be seen hanging by the windows, already promising a quirky vibe. Inside, crates full of records greet the visitor, offering everything from Western disco hits to mid-20th-century Japanese classics. Meanwhile, the walls are lined with cassette tapes—in case you’re keeping it that old school—of predominantly enka and Japanese folk. However, one corner of the room devotedly displays racks of CDs, which range from ’70s rock and folk to ’90s dance and pop. Only here can you see the fresh-faced Hanson brothers chilling next

to Alice Cooper’s mascara-stained look of disapproval. For a trip further down memory lane, peruse the shelf containing VHS tapes of rock shows and pop videos. Price range: On the cheap side, save the disc collections and rarities Standout genres: J-folk, U.S. classic rock Quirkiest find: Ace of Base’s greatest music videos on VHS B1F Kyo Bldg., 15 Tenjicho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3269-5120. Kagurazaka.

El Sur Records The area surrounding Shibuya Station might boast a reputation as the mecca of eccentricity purveyed by fashionable young urbanites, but the Japanese affinity for world music is well and alive at El Sur Records. Located on the 10th floor of an unassuming old, white building alongside Roppongi Dori, El Sur is a tiny yet luminous treasure trove of both Japanese and international gems. The term “eclectic,” in regard to the records and CDs that fill the shelves and racks, is an extreme understatement: the collections range from post-war Japanese folk that’s worth purchasing if only to display the artistic, old-timey cover art, to pop music discs and videos from the depths of South and Southeast Asia and Africa. There’s also some dance, ambient, and electro. The predominant selections here though are the Latin genres: salsa, Cumbia, merengue, and Bachata records dating as far back as the 1930s abound. Great music for a summery vibe; pairs well with margaritas. Price range: Cheap to mid-range, except for the rarities

There’s an appreciation for reggae among Japanese youth, though the love affair hasn’t gone mainstream beyond the occasional Bob Marley portraits questionably imprinted on designer T-shirts. However, there are dedicated hubs of reggae fandom spread throughout the city. One such place is Reggae Shop NAT in Nishi-Shinjuku. With its pink wooden sign out front, the earthy store boasts a huge selection of records, CDs, and even cassettes that covers all of reggae’s bases: from the early ska and rocksteady of the 1960s to ’90s dancehall and post-millennial dub and reggaeton. There’s also a large number of EPs under the Stone Love label, featuring the likes of Elephant Man, Tony Curtis, and Wayne Wonder; and mixtapes from various underground artists. Note: The store’s stock is heavy on records but comparatively light on CDs. Price range: Fair, considering the rarities Standout genres: Reggae, dub, dancehall Quirkiest find: Tribute to the Beatles Reggae Style by various artists 1F Oak Plaza, 7-9-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjukuku. Tel:03-5337-7558. Shinjuku-nishiguchi.

Shinjuku Records It’s safe to assume that where there are records, there will be rock records—though not every music store stocks as hefty a collection of heavy metal, hard rock, and progressive rock as the simply named Shinjuku Records. The privately-owned store has been a part of Shinjuku’s music landscape since it opened in 1970, and is still run lovingly by some of the shop’s founders. The history and dedication adds to a charm present in Shinjuku Records that is rare among Tokyo’s music shops. Rock’s biggest stars as well as lesser-known gems line the shelves, running the gamut from poprock to experimental rock. There’s also plenty of metal, folk, and indie here, both new and classic. The store’s also got its share of collectors’ items, such as rare live albums from the likes of Dream Theater, Linda Ronstadt, Blur, and Paul McCartney from their Japan tours. Doesn’t rock harder than that. Price range: Mixed but generally affordable Standout genres: Everything rock Quirkiest find: Joe Perry’s Merry Christmas #305 Daikan Plaza 756 Bldg., 7-5-6 NishiShinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3363-3669. Shinjuku-nishiguchi. www.mmjp.or.jp

CYCLING WITHOUT HASSLE BY SEAN HORGAN

wning a bike in Tokyo, while more convenient than owning a car, can still be a hassle. Bicycle theft and space for parking are among the problems that plague many Tokyo cyclists. However, your worries will pedal themselves away when you borrow a bike instead of buying one. Docomo Cycle, Minato City’s website for bike-sharing—also known as “Community Cycle”—allows both Japanese citizens and foreigners to rent bikes and ride them to other docking ports. Katsusuke Nishikawa, Director of Traffic Affairs at Minato City Hall, says the whole purpose of the program is to limit the number of illegally-parked bikes, which create obstacles for both pedestrians and vehicles. “As a result [of the bike-sharing program], we don’t see illegallyparked bicycles in the Shinagawa area—just a few,” says Nishikawa. Bicycle-sharing is not a new concept; it has been applied in other countries—although many cities have been less than successful in implementing the program. Theft has often been an issue. But Nishikawa points out that this program is insured and safe from damages and theft. “By using this GPS system, we know who’s using which bike, in which area.” In addition to Shinagawa, Minato City has also set up biking ports in Shinbashi and Roppongi as part of a trial period. It’s limited now, but Nishikawa says he has big plans for bicycle sharing, including spreading the program to neighboring wards. Presently, bikes cannot be ridden outside of Minato. But if the program spreads to other locations, riders would be able to wheel to farther places. Ultimately, Nishikawa hopes that the program spreads to other parts of the metropolis before the 2020 Olympics to provide transportation for onlookers who want to experience the Games in different parts of the city. To use the bikes, riders must register for a membership online. Bikes can then be rented with a passcode or a FeliCa card. Membership costs ¥1,000 per month, while the one-ride membership costs ¥100 per 30 minutes. There are no age requirements, as long as riders are at least 143 centimeters tall. Docomo Cycle. http://docomo-cycle.jp

FRIDAY JULY 31 7PM-11PM インターナショナルパーティー･入場無料 ¥500フード＆ドリンクメニュー有り

FREE ENTRY ¥500 FOOD & DRINKS

Come join us for a midsummer night’s dumpling at Kakekomi Gyoza in Shinjuku! Mingle with the Metropolis team and readers while enjoying delicious, freshly-made gyoza. Wash it down with a cold beer or nihonshu. Food and drinks are just ¥500 and entry is free! Kakekomi Gyoza 1-12-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-6233-7099 - http://kakekomi-gyoza.com

MORE INFO»

http://meturl.com/jul15 17

fashion fix

BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR

Drawing from Tokyo Fashion F

or those abroad with dreams of making it big in Japan, it’s gratifying to find someone who actually has—and by working their way up. Especially in fashion, it’s more often the case that an already-established designer breaks into the Japanese market from afar, rather than from within. But times are changing, and more students are flocking to study in Tokyo, aiming to become successful in the city. However, these pathways into the Japanese fashion scene are a recent development, with even the most prestigious fashion education institutions only opening their doors to non-native Japanese speakers in the last couple of years. Hailing from Oklahoma, artist and designer Brandon Reierson is a grassroots trailblazer for those wanting to work their way into Tokyo’s fashion scene. Having done his time as an English teacher while working on his brand, and now with stock-

Photo by Samuel Thomas

What inspires your artwork? Childhood nostalgia-meets-underground Japanese street fashion culture! I love seeing fashion that is used as a way of personal selfexpression. In particular, I am inspired by the way kids in Tokyo mix and match what they’re into at the moment with their own personal styles. Whether that is layering of ideas, plays on color and texture, or old grody vintage mixed with the avant-garde, it is incongruous, but it tells a very personal story. This kind of fashion really speaks to me and my work is reflective of this very personal obsession people have with fashion. I apply the same personal approach to my art, and my illustrations have an undeniably nostalgic early ’90s element from my childhood bleeding right through them, combined with what I find inspirational from the current street scene. Some people have described them as Nickelodeon's Rugrats-meets-the backstreets of Harajuku!

ists in Osaka and Tokyo—as well as a space in Parco Part 1 Shibuya and Parco Fukuoka running until July 9—his story is proof that the dream can be a reality. The inspirational rise is at odds with his shockingly comical aesthetic: half American ’90s nostalgia, half Ura-Harajuku, aggressively busu-kawaii, his work is designed to have you stopping in your tracks, and Tokyo seems to be taking notice. An illustrator by trade, Brandon could often be found sketching on the streets of Harajuku, which have inspired his creation of original fashion subjects. Now he’s made his illustrated clothes a reality under his brand Lactose Intoler-Art, a name derived from his own allergy to dairy that features heavily in his own daily life in Japan. Metropolis caught up with the young designer to hear more about his stance on Tokyo fashion culture, and how he went from admiring it, to making it.

How did you make the jump from drawing street style to making it? I’ve always been an artist, and have always been doodling things, whether it was Koopa Kids from Super Mario Bros. at the age of four, or the exotic chickens I raised in Oklahoma during my awkward pre-teen years … Yes, it has always been there. As for actually making street fashion, just like everything else I ever collected or obsessed over, I started out genuinely interested in it to the point where it just started oozing out through the work I created. I think as I grew older, my art became a bit more reflective and expressive of my past, and after living in Tokyo for a while, a lot of the drawings I started to make were what I had wished I was actually seeing on the streets, but perhaps wasn’t there. From there, it was natural to take my drawings of fashion I wished I was seeing, to actually making it for myself. It all comes full circle when I see

FASHION CALENDAR

CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.

How did you manage to start getting stocked in Japan? Before living in Japan, I had visited Tokyo several times and connected with a lot of small shop owners as a customer. I would always come back and buy new things, even vintage that I could find for three dollars in a thrift store back home, because I was so fascinated with the way that the same piece of clothing was reinterpreted in a new way here in Tokyo. Naturally, over time, I got to know some of these people a bit more personally, and I asked the owner of my favorite store if he’d be willing to stock my work years later—and he did! That was one of the most exciting days of my dairy-free life! What advice do you have for people abroad wanting to become a designer in Tokyo? I would say know what you love, and know what you’re passionate about. Be fancy-free in that sense, but you also have to be realistic, patient, and hardworking. I think a lot of people that follow Japanese fashion outside Japan have this idea that it’s a free-reigning wonderland of Lolita fashion and

Photos and drawings courtesy of Lactose Intoler-Art

someone on the street wearing my work and they inspire me to get back to drawing. I would hope that this kind of working transparency translates to the people that follow my work now. I think one important thing I want to express through Lactose Intoler-Art is the idea of mixing and matching things from different sources that all resonate personally. So I am thrilled when people find a piece that means something to them. Whether it’s just a nostalgia trip or something they want to wear that represents their take on fashion now, they get something out of my work, but they bring a bit of themselves to it too.

delicious crêpes, where it’s totally acceptable to wear whatever you like, whenever you like. That may be true if you are just visiting as a tourist, but overall, when you live here you have to learn what is appropriate and when! And I definitely think getting as much Japanese down as you can before you come to Japan is also super helpful. Really though, if you have a vision and truly go for it, anything is possible! What is next for Lactose Intoler-Art? I'm really hoping to continue my work here in

Tokyo, and hopefully do some exhibitions abroad this year as well. Other than a new collection, I’m hoping to work on a collaboration with a Japanese vintage shop here soon, as well as a book project; but I've got to keep that under wraps for now! I’d also just like to say thanks to all who have been so kind to follow for so long, and a big yoroshiku to anyone new! In the end, fashion is all about you. Have fun with it, and make it your own! www.lactoseintolerart.com

movies

BY DON MORTON

featured movie

LOCKE One could be forgiven, after The Dark Knight Rises and Mad Max, for forgetting that Tom Hardy is in fact a superlative actor. And this mesmerizing, one-man existential tour de force is his best work yet. In the opening scene, Ivan Locke gets into a BMW at a major construction site. He has a home, a wife and family, a good job, and money in the bank. When he arrives at his destination an hour and a half later, he has methodically unraveled his entire life, and he has none of these. The entire “man-in-a-can” movie takes place in the car, the camera in medium close-up on his face as he

calmly entreats, cajoles, and explains in a hushed Welsh accent on a hands-free phone why he is morally bound to do what he is doing. Sounds like a gimmick—yet it’s anything but. In a powerful, internalized portrayal, Hardy makes us identify with Locke, and makes the movie work—brilliantly. Writer and director Steven Knight clearly believes that less is more, but the storytelling here is as tight as it gets and the tension palpable. Interestingly, it ends on a strange note of freedom. Japanese title: On the Highway: Sono Yoru, Hachijū Roppun. (86 min)

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LEFT BEHIND Nic, Nic, Nic. Didn’t they tell you that after you get an Oscar, you don’t have to do this kind of crap anymore? Okay, you have bills to pay, but a faith-based action movie? About the friggin’ rapture? Jeez Louise. Cage hits a new low as an airline pilot whose second-seater suddenly blips out of existence, along with all the world’s pure-at-heart. Ham-fisted direction by a stunt man. ’90s screensaver SFX. The real sin of this plodding, profoundly moronic missing-persons whodunnit is its sheer amateurishness. But all this eschatology may have worked; I found myself praying for the unholy mess to end. (110 min)

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STILL ALICE This quietly heartbreaking f ilm on the subject of d e m e n t ia s t an d s ou t from many others for t wo reasons: I t s tar s Julianne Moore in a career-best (and that’s saying something), and it’s told from the sufferer’s rather than the caregiver’s point of view. It’s about a person, not an illness. Moore deftly underplays a brilliant academic who falls victim to early-onset Alzheimer’s. She takes us into her mind and shares her frustration and despair with each new indication of her eroding intelligence and identity. You should see this movie. You may not know anyone suffering from dementia—but you will. Japanese title: Arisu no mamade. (101 min)

THE SALVATION Danish director Kristian Levring dust s of f the Spaghetti Western with this briskly-paced tale of a Danish homesteader (played by Mads Mikkelsen, a scary Dane) who avenges the murders of his wife and son by swiftly dispatching the despicable killers. But wouldn’t you know it, one of them was the brother of the mandatory vicious warlord (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), and let the violence and vengeance begin. Nothing too deep or original, but it looks great and held my attention. If all this is not your cup of sarsaparilla, see it for Eva Green’s terrific, borderline-camp portrayal of a mute, kept woman. Japanese title: Akutō ni Shukusei wo. (92 min)

STUCK IN LOVE A noted but currently blocked novelist (Greg Kinnear) illogically waits fo r t he retur n of hi s now-remarried ex-wife (Jennifer Connelly) while encouraging his two teenage kids (Lily Collins & Nat Wolff ) to become writers. I’m not sure what this fairly formulaic film is about, save for everyone learning facile lessons about life and love, etc. Nothing here remotely reflects reality, but it’s inoffensive and an amiable if rather pointless date movie. I suspect that this 2012 debut effort by Josh Boone is being imported now because of the deserved success of his more recent The Fault in Our Stars. Japanese title: Happy End ga Kakeru Made. (96 min)

KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK Tr u t h i n p e r s p e c t i ve dept.: everything I know about Nirvana I learned from Weird Al Yankovic. And I was well past the disaffected-youth stage when the band got big. So, not a fan, and I didn’t much enjoy this epic-length biopic, especially the second half, dominated by Courtney friggin’ Love. But that’s just me. Cinematically speaking, however, few rock docs come close to the artistry displayed here. Given access to Cobain’s vast store of home movies, notes, art, animations, and music, director Brett Morgen (“curator” is a better word) has pulled off an unprecedented filmediting tour de force. Brilliant. (145 min)

SELMA Director Ava DuVernay offers this biographical fragment instead of a full-fledged hagiography on Dr. Martin Luther King (Britain’s outstanding David Oyelowo). She focuses on three months in 1965 when black protest marchers in Selma, Alabama, were brutally beaten back by white lawmen. More strategist than saint, King chose Selma precisely because the town’s cracker sheriff was likely to bust some heads, and he craftily used the TV images of this to coerce a reluctant President Johnson into introducing the Voting Rights Act. Complex yet coherent, urgent and suspenseful. And it couldn’t be timelier. Japanese title: Glory: Asu e no Kōshin. (128 min)

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Locke: © 2013 LOCKE DISTRIBUTIONS, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Left Behind: © 2014 LEFT BEHIND INVESTMENTS, LLC.; Still Alice: © 2014 BSM Studio. All Rights Reserved.; The Salvation: © 2014 Zentropa Entertainments33 ApS, Denmark, Black Creek Films Limited, United Kingdom & Spier Productions (PTY), Limited, South Africa; Stuck in Love: © 2012 Writers the Movie,LLC; Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck: © 2015 End of Movie, LLC All Rights Reserved.; Selma: © 2014 Pathe Productions Limited. All rights reserved.; The Congress: © 2013 Bridgit Folman Film Gang, Pandora Film, Entre Chien et Loup, Paul Thiltges Distributions, Opus Film, ARP; Mr. Turner: © Channel Four Television Corporation, The British Film Institute, Diaphana, France3 Cinéma, Untitled 13 Commissioning Ltd 2014.; Mad Max: Fury Road: © 2015 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED; Hector and the Search for Happiness: © 2014 Egoli Tossell Film/ Co-Produktionsgesellschaft "Hector 1" GmbH & Co. KG/Happiness Productions Inc./ Wild Bunch Germany/ Construction Film. 2014 All Rights Reserved.; The Cobbler: © 2014 COBBLER NEVADA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1: TM & © 2015 LIONS GATE FILMS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies

NEW

THE CONGRESS The digitized dehumanization of the movie biz is one of the existential themes broached in this li ve ac t ion /animat ion hybrid from Ari Folman (Waltz with Bashir). A brave Robin Wright (perfect) plays a fictitious version of herself, a temperamental, bridge-burning actress whose only option is to sell the rights to a digitized form of her person and never act again. Decades later (45 minutes in), she visits a trippy “restricted animation zone” populated only by fellow celebrity avatars. This admittedly ambitious, narratively murky, and largely humorless experiment will dazzle some and baffle others. Japanese title: Congress Miraigakukaigi. (122 min)

NEW

MR. TURNER J.M.W. Turner was an 1 8 t h - ce n t u r y E n g l i s h proto-Impressionist noted for his uncanny ability to “paint light.” Dick Pope is director Mike Leigh’s go-to cinematographer, and it’s a fortunate thing for art lovers and moviegoers alike that he was the one to shoot this visually astounding, unconventional biopic. Character actor Timothy Spall, also a frequent Leigh collaborator, has the lead role of a lifetime as the unpleasant, curmudgeonly, and inconsiderate visionary oddball. Those on the right wavelength will be enthralled. Those unfortunates that are not may compare it to, uhm, watching paint dry. Japanese title: Turner, Hikari ni Ai wo Motomete. (150 min)

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Let’s cut, appropriately, to the chase: Best . Action. Movie. Ever. After 30 years, George Miller finally comes back to his Mad Max saga with this ballsy barn-burner. There’s a lot going on here, but it all makes sense. Tom Hardy is Max. And Charlize Theron can take her place in the pantheon of great action heroines. Character definition is efficient and effective. We care. The stunts, which are many and continuous, are old-school and real-physicalworld. CGI is used only sparingly. There’s even humor. You find yourself laughing spontaneously at the sheer audaciousness and showmanship. What a movie! Japanese title: Mad Max: Ikari no Death Road. (120 min)

HECTOR AND THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS I’m not sure what Simon Pegg is trying here. A regimented, middle-aged psychologist informs his loving girlfriend (Rosamund Pike) that he needs to go traveling to understand the title emotion. He visits China, Africa, and L.A., all the while making vapid, pseudo-meaningful notes and doodles that appear on the screen. It’s cute. Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz notwithstanding, don’t be expecting another punchy comedy, or much more than a wan character piece. It’s not quite a male version of Eat, Pray, Love, but at times this blandly earnest, feel-good fluff comes perilously close. Japanese title: Shiawase wa Doko ni Aru. (114 min)

THE COBBLER Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, goes the old adage. Adam Sandler is a lowly cobbler who discovers a magic leatherstitching machine—one that allows him to transform into the spitting images of the owners of shoes mended by the device. Funny, no? No. His experiments with this magic get progressively more maudlin, insulting, and creepy, as this ghastly movie callously caricatures every racial and ethnic stereotype possible. Cringe-inducing twist ending. The Big Mystery is why respected director Thomas McCarthy, who has given us The Station Agent, The Visitor, and Win Win, would sink to this level. Why, Tom? Japanese title: Kutsu Shokunin to Mahō no Mishin. (99 min)

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY—PART 1 I found the first film (2012) to be well made and acted, and fairly diverting for someone who hadn’t read the books. Ditto the second (2013), which actually made me look forward to the third. But while this one is darker and deeper (and more political) than what’s gone before, the cash-grab decision to present the book in two movies obliterates any momentum it may have had. It’s still solid, even if unsatisfying entertainment, but mostly a set-up. So here’s what you do: skip this one for now and rent the DVD just before you see Part 2 when it’s released next year. And it better be good. Japanese title: Hunger Game Final: Resistance. (123 min)

eiga This comedy-ac tion-farce received its world premiere at the Okinawa International Movie By Rob Schwartz Festival in March and represents a new type of chambara (samurai sword action) film. The action is plentiful but tongue is planted firmly in cheek for the story and characters. Torakage (Takumi Saitō) was a legendary samurai able to defeat all others, but he’s retired to an idyllic, simple farm life with his wife Tsukikage (Yuria Haga) and five-year-old son Kogetsu. He’s ambushed by his former leader, an evil princess, and forced into a dangerous mission to get the “silver scroll” from a neighboring castle to go along with the “golden scroll” she already possesses. Filmmaker Yoshihiro Nishimura is well known for his Ed Wood-type B-movies like Tokyo Gore Police and Helldriver. He often acts as both director and makeup artist, specializing in arresting and super-cheesy effects. This is all in evidence here, including creatures with eyes all over their heads and various demons. Though the action sequences are generally second-rate, there are some funny and clever bits, like when Torakage is trying to climb the walls of the enemy fortress and they drop boulders on him, a human mock-up of a pachinko machine. Good for a laugh if you like over-the-top “extreme” cinema. English title: The Ninja War of Torakage. (94 min)

TORAKAGE

movie news In the upcoming Sony Pictures film Pixels, aliens find a time capsule sent from Earth in the early ’80s, but take classic video games to be a declaration of war and launch a counter attack. A squad of gaming geeks, led by Adam Sandler and Peter Dinklage, have to use their skills at the joystick to save the world from being eaten by PacMan. The timing of the film is apt, as the pop culture icon is turning 35 this year. The occasion was marked by 351 fans donning yellow outfits and standing at the base of Tokyo Tower, winning a Guinness World Record for “largest human image of Pac-Man” and proving Guinness has a category for just about everything. “It’s overwhelming,” said game designer Toru Iwatani, who joined the Japanese voice cast at the event. “It’s a beautiful Pac-Man.” Iwatani was in his early 20s when he sketched a pizza with a slice missing on graph paper to create the character. When the arcade game was released in Japan on May 22, 1980, expectations were low that it could take on Space Invaders, which was popular enough to cause a shortage of ¥100 coins. It soon became a phenomenon at home and in the U.S., where 7 billion quarters were dropped into the machines in the first two years. Iwatani receives proper credit for his creation in the film, in which he is played by Canadian actor Denis Akiyama. Pixels opens in Japan September 19. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground Bunkamura’s Le Cinema (2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuyaku; www.bunkamura.co.jp) will pay tribute to one of the most acclaimed eras of cinema with the special program Lovers of the French New Wave, running July 4-31. The 21 films in the lineup will all be shown in 35mm, and include Francois Truffaut’s Love on the Run (1979; pictured) about a man’s struggles with his wife’s infidelity, Godard’s Masculin Féminin (1966) and Louis Malle’s Zazie in the Metro (1960), in which a young girl causes havoc in the streets of Paris after running away from her transvestite uncle. All titles in French with Japanese subtitles … The Oscar-nominated Swedish film Force Majeure (aka Turist) finally gets a Japan release on July 4 at Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho (2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; www.ht-cinema.com). The film raises questions of masculinity and patriarchal duty as it follows a Swedish family visiting the French Alps when an avalanche hits … Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan, who won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2011, returns with his follow up, Winter Sleep. It tells the story of a failed actor running a small hotel near the World Heritage site of the homes carved into rock cliffs at Cappadocia. On from June 27 at Shinjuku Musashinokan (3-27-10 Shinjuku; http://shinjuku. musashino-k.jp). KM

arts&culture a sometimes-sombre, sometimessentimental style of academic realism that revealed her technical talent. In later years, her style changed dramatically. What strikes the visitor about her work is a sense of feminine intimacy combined with Scandinavian simplicity. Oddly enough, there’s a strange IKEA note to many of her paintings, with just a hint of the morose quality we associate with Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. This note is sounded early in the show with a memento mori painting of a skull, done when she was only 15. This note never entirely goes away, and when we encounter one of her most famous paintings, The Convalescent (1888), it reverberates strongly, as we see a sickly child tending a poor-looking plant, and wonder which one will survive longer. The expression in the child’s eyes mixes dark premonitions with a still-glowing ember of hope, making it all the more The Convalescent, 1888 poignant. An important influence was the American painter James Whistler. This becomes obvious in The Seamstress (1905), which evokes Whistler’s famous painting of his mother. But Schjerfbeck manages to give things a new twist. The stern-looking figure of the seamstress, with her scissors hanging from her waist, connected by a ribbon, and her rocking chair counting out the hours, seems to be a clear invocation of the ancient Greek LIDDELL Fates—the three goddesses who measured out the life of each person by spinning, measuring, and cutting a thread. Interestingly, this was a work from almost the exact midpoint of Schjerfbeck’s own life; she was 43. The rest of the exhibition is dominated by a sense of decline, both in artistic terms and physically. Going with the spirit of the age, her painting becomes more streamlined and flatter—rather Art Deco-ish—while her palette becomes lighter and brighter. While still charming and occasionally effective, many of these works veer toward the cartoonish. Her paintings also start to focus more on herself, documenting the process of aging, but also suggesting that painting is a habit of The Seamstress, 1905 creation that the artist can only ever give up at the grave. paid her fees. By 17, she was already winning Until Jul 26. Tokyo University of the Arts. prizes, while a government grant enabled her 12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku. Ueno. to study in Paris. In these years, she developed http://helene-fin.exhn.jp (Japanese only)

ART

HELENE SCHJERFBECK BY C.B.

Photo credit: Ateneum Art Museum, Finnish National Gallery/ Hannu Altonen

here aren’t many solo shows by female painters, especially historical shows. Even when there is one, there’s always a suspicion that the exhibition is being put on—at least partly—to remedy the gender imbalance. But you’re unlikely to be troubled by such thoughts at Helene Schjerfbeck: Reflections, the latest show at the University Art Museum, Tokyo, focusing on Finland’s most famous “lady painter.” It may have been because Scandinavian countries have always been at the forefront of gender equality, but the young Schjerfbeck, born 1862, faced few obstacles in her chosen career. While Finland was officially part of the Russian Empire—as the Grand Duchy of Finland—it nevertheless enjoyed a high degree of autonomy and followed its own cultural and social norms. From the age of 11, Schjerfbeck was enrolled in drawing school, where a well-known artist

Robertson said she also loved the notion that the film looked to the future as a source of hope rather than dread. “I think, f irst and fore most, it’s a movie that is fun to watch. People can go into theaters and escape, and just watch these people take on the world and make the best of their future at the present. But aside from that, I learned how to be a little more optimistic in my life—and hopeful—to not necessarily succumb to the darkness that people say our future can be. I am able to look at things in a more positive way,” Robertson said. Robertson said that didn’t mean that making the film was not without a few challenges. “I think it was a little bit of both. It was definitely a fun movie to shoot. Ever y day was like experiencing a new obstacle course. That was definitely challenging, and there were many technical things I had to learn in order to get through those days.” Still Robertson added, “It’s a very fun movie. It’s action-packed, and it really is kind of like a Disney ride.” Bird said that Robertson’s Casey Newton character evolved to be such a strong feminist—not as much by design, but by necessity—to tell the story the way he envisioned it. “I hope people here in Japan come see the film. I think people should come see the film and expect the unexpected,” Bird said. Cassidy also chimed in on the feel-good aspects of Tomorrowland: “I am really excited. I am glad everyone is loving it, because it is a film that makes you feel good.” All the positivity from the cast worked for Clooney. “It was fun working with Brad, who I really wanted to work with, and it was fun to get to travel around the way we got to do for the film.” Now, if he can only doctor that Ireton photo to reflect today’s reality, the actor’s smile would probably grow even wider!

1 TO 1: CLOONEY, CAST TALK TOMORROWLAND’S HOPE BY DANIEL L. SMITH, FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

here’s something about being George Clooney that is … well, pretty cool. The Hollywood star came to Japan to promote his new film Tomorrowland along with fellow cast members Britt Robertson and Raffey Cassidy, and director Brad Bird. It didn’t take long for him to demonstrate some of the qualities that endear him to friends and fans alike: an easy going manner and good-natured humor. When Cloo ney discovered that Fox Backstage Pass repor ter Rober ta Ireton had a photo from 20 years ago of herself as a toddler posing with the actor, he deadpanned, “You got it with you? Let’s see it! Let’s see the picture!” Clooney took her mobile phone, looked at the image, and then responded with a laugh and huge smile, “Oh my God! What happened to my gray hair?”

The actor, who has been known to tackle some pretty gritty roles in such films as Syriana and The Perfect Storm, said it was a great chance to make a movie about hope. “It was fun to do a film about hopefulness, which I thought was nice,” Clooney said of the sci-fi story that casts him as Frank Walker, a former boyg e n i u s i nve n to r. The plot f inds him embarking on a dangerous journey to find a place that exists in the collective memory of protagonist Casey Newton (Robertson) and himself. He added, “I don’t know that we were trying to give a message. I think Brad might have an idea with messages, but mostly, all we were trying to do was to talk about the idea that the world doesn’t have to end one way if everybody participates.”

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 SEP 28-30 Jake Shimabukuro

OCT 8

Ukulele virtuoso and composer known for his fast and complex finger work. Sep 28, 7pm. ¥6,800. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. Sep 29, 7pm. ¥6,800. Bunkamura. Shibuya. Sep 30, 7pm. ¥6,800. Yokohama Kannai Hall. Kannai. http://j.mp/shimabukuro2015 Tickets on sale Jun 27

Concerts POPULAR

Swervedriver

English alt-rock band who emerged with a heavier rock sound than their shoegaze contemporaries, and evolved to include elements of psychedelia, classic pop, and indie rock. Oct 8, 7:30pm. ¥6,800. duo Music Exchange. Shibuya. http://j.mp/swervedriver2015 Tickets on sale now

Akasaka. Tel: 03-3584-8811. http://j.mp/ericmartin2015 Amaranthe

Live From The Kitchen Disco, Volume 14

The monthly showcase of live international indie music kicks off its second year with Orangey, The Lower Lips, Roswell Kids, Aurora, and Oyajis. Jun 28, 6:30pm. Free (guests are asked to order one item from the menu). Papera. Shinjuku Gyoenmae. Tel: 03-3350-0208. http://j.mp/ kitchendiscovol14 2 Cellos

Croatian cello duo who plays mainly instrumental covers of well-known pop and rock songs, and have performed internationally. Jun 30, 7pm. Kanagawa Arts Theater. Motomachi-chukagai. Jul 2, 7pm. Suntory Hall. TameikeSanno. Jul 3, 7pm; Jul 5, 5pm. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. All performances ¥7,000-8,000. http://j.mp/2cellos2015

Swedish-Danish metal band notable for having three lead vocalists, each with their own vocal style of pop, rock, and death metal. Jul 17, 7pm. ¥6,800. Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/amaranthe2015 JT Taylor

American singer and actor best known as the former lead singer of the R&B/funk band Kool & the Gang. Jul 29-30, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,800-10,800. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/jttaylor2015 Pablo Cruise

Pop/rock band formed in 1973 currently composed of David Jenkins, Cory Lerios, Steve Price, and Larry Antonino. Jul 31, 7 & 9:30pm; Aug 1-2, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando.Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ pablocruise2015

Machine Head

The Used

American metal band that’s one of the pioneering bands in the “New Wave of American Heavy Metal.” Jul 2, 7pm. ¥7,500. Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/ machinehead2015

American post-hardcore band whose musical style has been labeled as post-hardcore, alternative rock, hard rock, and heavy metal. Aug 3, 7pm. ¥6,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/ used2015

Tyondai Braxton

American composer and performer’s show for his latest album, HIVE1. Jul 2, 8pm. ¥5,400 + 1d (adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.tyondaibraxton.com Tony Visconti and Woody Woodmansey

Visconti and Woodmansey play David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World.” Jul 6-7, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800-9,800. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/tonywoody2015

Zapp

American funk band who is particularly influential in the electro subgenre of funk. Aug 13, 7pm. ¥8,000-10,000. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ zapp2015 Funk and disco unit by neo-soul artist Mayer Hawthorne and hip-hop producer Jake One. Aug 17, 8pm. ¥10,000-12,000. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ tuxedo2015 Anathema

British rock band whose mastery of melancholy, melody, and spine-tingling atmosphere has set them proudly apart from their peers. Aug 31-Sep 1, 7pm. ¥6,500-7,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/anathema2015

Eric Martin

American rock singer and musician who earned his most prominent success as the frontman for Mr. Big. Jul 14, 7pm. ¥7,500. Akasaka Blitz.

American musician, known as the guitarist and keyboardist for The Strokes. Oct 21, 7:30pm. ¥6,500. duo Music Exchange. Shibuya. Oct 22, 7:30pm. ¥6,500. Astro Hall. Meiji-Jingumae. http://j.mp/hammondjr2015 Tickets on sale Jun 27

bands Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin. Sep 1, 7pm. ¥6,800. Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ mcmahon2015 Maroon 5

Adam Levine-fronted hit-making band bring their catchy, soulful pop hooks and Jagger-like moves to Tokyo. Sep 2, 7pm. ¥12,50025,000. Yokohama Arena. Shin-Yokohama. Tel: 045-474-4000. http://j.mp/ maroon52015 JAZZ/WORLD Tye Tribbett

American gospel music singer and founder of the Grammynominated gospel group Tye Tribbett and G.A. Jun 26, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800-9,800. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/tribbett2015 Pérez Prado Orchestra

Originally directed by Pérez Prado, the “King of Mambo,” the orchestra is now directed by his son, Pérez Prado, Jr. Jun 27, 1:30pm. ¥6,0006,800. Shibuya Public Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-34633022. www.shibuko.com/english

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Singer-songwriter who was the vocalist, pianist, and primary songwriter for the

NOV 9 Def Leppard

English rock band formed as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and is one of the world’s best-selling music artists. Nov 9, 7pm. ¥12,000-13,000. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. http://leppard2015 Tickets on sale now

Bluey presents “Citrus Sun”

British guitarist, bandleader, composer, and record producer who has led the British acid jazz band Incognito since its formation in 1979. Jul 7-9, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/bluey2015 Average White Band

Scottish funk and R&B band best known for their millionselling instrumental track “Pick Up the Pieces.” Jul 10, 7 & 9:30pm; Jul 11, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ avgwhiteband2015 Jul 12, 5 & 8pm; Jul 13, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥8,500-10,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ whitebandcotton2015 Def Tech with Jawaiian All Stars

Japanese pop band Def Tech’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, with songs from their new album Howzit!? released on June 3. Jul 15, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500-12,280. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/deftech2015 Kalapana

Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio

Trio led by Dr. Smith, who has been an authentic master and guru of the Hammond B-3 organ for over five decades, and is often hailed as the most creative jazz organist by a slew of music publications. Jul 1-3, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/lonniesmith2015

Tuxedo

Linder Brothers

Fusion group consisting of Swedish band Dirty Loops’ bassist Henrik Linder and his brother Erik. Jul 12, 4:30 & 7:30pm. ¥5,500-7,500. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/linderbros2015

OCT 21-22 Albert Hammond Jr.

Lou Donaldson Quartet

Led by jazz alto saxophonist Donaldson best known for his soulful, bluesy approach to playing the instrument. Jul 4-5. 5 & 8pm; Jul 6, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/louquartet2015 Sara Gazarek and Josh Nelson Duo

Vocalist Gazarek’s top-flight interpretations of the vast and varied American songbook are buoyed by the sensitivity of pianist Nelson’s supple command. Jul 4-5, 5 & 8pm; Jul 7-8, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥6,5008,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j. mp/gazareknelson2015

Hawaiian group performing pop and soft rock music best known for their songs “Naturally” and “The Hurt.” Jul 17, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,900-8,900. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ kalapana2015 O Sole Mio

Take a musical trip to Naples, Italy, with performances by the Orchestra Italiana Napoletana. Jul 20, 12:30 & 4pm. ¥6,500. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. http://j.mp/ osolemio2015

for free

JUL 13 Nōryō no Yube (Floating Lantern Festival)

Some 700 lanterns will sway in the moat of the Imperial Palace against a backdrop of the forest and Kitanomaru Park. Jul 13, 6:45pm. Free. Chidorigafuchi Moat Greenery Path. Ichigaya or Iidabashi. http://j.mp/noryonoyube

23-24, 7 & 9:30pm; Jul 25-26, 5 & 8pm. ¥9,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ tynerlovano2015

Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ jamesbrownband2015

Maceo Parker

American session drummer considered to be an influential and innovative exponent of funk, known for his precise musical time keeping and his signature use of triplets against a half-time backbeat known as the “Purdie Shuffle.” Aug 23, 4:30 & 7:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/purdie2015

American funk and soul jazz saxophonist best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s. Jul 26, 4:30 & 7:30pm; Jul 27, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,400-9,400. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/parker2015 Legends of Blues

A tribute to Howlin’ Wolf featuring Henry Gray and Eddie Shaw. Jul 28, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ legendsofblues2015

American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist best known for his 1978 hit single “What You Won’t Do for Love.” Jul 21-23, 6:30 & 9:30pm. ¥10,000-12,000. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/caldwell2015 McCoy Tyner and Joe Lovano

Enjoy jazz pianist Tyner’s collaboration with post-bop jazz saxophonist Lovano, both of whom are Grammy Award-winning musicians. Jul

Jesse Van Ruller Trio

Trio led by Dutch jazz guitarist Ruller. Aug 24-25, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥6,800-9,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/rullertrio2015

David T. Walker

American guitarist known for his distinct and beautiful signature sound/touch which is often compared to a harp, birds, or water. Aug 2, 4:30 & 7:30pm; Aug 3, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/twalker2015 Joyce Moreno

Brazilian singer/songwriter as well as an accomplished guitarist and arranger who has recorded over 20 solo albums. Aug 3-4, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ joycemoreno2015 Seamus Blake’s “Superconductor”

Canadian tenor saxophonist whose music is known for its sophistication, bold improvisations, and “sheer swagger.” Aug 3-5, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,000-9,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ seamusblake2015 The Three Degrees

Bobby Caldwell

Bernard Purdie and Friends

American soul girl group known for their hit tune “When Will I See You Again.” Aug 7, 7 & 9:30pm; Aug 8, 6 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ threedegrees2015 The Original James Brown Band

The band that performed with James Brown for 15 years before his death in 2006, featuring RJ, Martha High, and Danny Ray. Aug 18, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥10,000-12,000.

Tower of Power

American R&B-based band best known for their funky soul sound highlighted by a powerful horn section and precisely syncopated bass-guitar lines. Aug 24-27, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥10,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ towerofpower2015 Shakatak

English jazz-funk band known for their hits “Night Birds” and “Down on the Street.” Aug 27-28, 7 & 9:30pm; Aug 29, 6 & 9pm. ¥6,500-8,500. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ shakatak2015 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 Dan Tepfer

French-American jazz pianist and composer known for his 2011 album Goldberg Variations/Variations, which pairs his performance of Bach’s work with improvised variations of his own. Jun 27, 7pm. ¥3,000. Sumida Triphony Hall. Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-5404. www.triphony.com Ensemble de Cuivres de Belgique

Consisting of 13 talented musicians including four trumpets and trombones, two horns, one bass tuba, and two percussions; all members come

from great Belgian orchestras and have graduated from the most important Belgian conservatories. Jun 28, 7pm. ¥2,500-4,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en Lars Vogt

One of the leading pianists of his generation who first came to public attention when he won the second prize at the 1990 Leeds International Piano Competition. Jun 29, 7pm. ¥4,500-7,000. Kioi Hall. Yotsuya. Tel: 03-5276-4500. www.kioi-hall.or.jp Antti Siirala

Finnish pianist who is the First Prize winner of three international piano competitions, including the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition. Jun 30, 7pm. ¥5,500. Hamarikyu Asahi Hall. Tsukiji Shijo. Tel: 03-5541-8710. http://j.mp/ siirala2015 Sergei Nakariakov

Russian virtuoso trumpeter whose repertoire includes the entire range of original literature for the trumpet, and who has also single-handedly brought the flügelhorn to prominence on the concert platform. Jul 3, 7pm. ¥4,5005,500. Sumida Triphony Hall. Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-5404. http://j.mp/nakariakov2015 Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Performances of Debussy’s “3 Chansons de Charles d'Orleans (arr. for Trombone Quartet),” Weill’s “Kleine Dreigroschenmusik,” and more. Jul 4, 7pm. ¥5,0007,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ berlinphil2015 Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra

Conducted by Michael Sanderling with performances of Beethoven’s Overture, Fidelio, Piano Concerto No.5 in E-flat major, op.73 “Emperor,” and more. Jul 6, 7pm. ¥10,000-14,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/dresdenphil2015 Russian National Orchestra

Conducted by Mikhail Pletnev with performances of music by Glinka, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. Jul 7, 7pm. ¥12,000-15,000. Bunkyo Civic Hall. Korakuen. Tel: 03-5803-1100. http://bunkyocivichall.jp Dezső Ránki

Hungarian pianist who has played with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and others, and was twice awarded the Kossuth Prize, which is the highest cultural award in Hungary. Jul 8, 3pm. ¥3,000. Hakuju Hall. Yoyogi Hachiman. Tel: 03-54788867. www.hakujuhall.jp/ english 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

Bebop Bernstein

The NHK Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of “symphonic jazz,” a term used to describe the mixing of classical and jazz music. Pieces include Bernstein’s “Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs,” Duke Ellington’s “The Harlem Suite,” and more. Jul 10, 6:30pm. ¥4,5005,500. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-5391-2111. http://j.mp/ bebopbernstein2015 Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

Conducted by Tadaaki Otaka with performances of Mozart’s “Die Entführung aus dem Serail” Overture, Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, and more. Jul 12, 3pm. ¥7,000-10,000. Bunkamura . Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. www.tpo.or.jp/en

w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54582551. www.clubasia.co.jp Lounge Neo

Bon Voyage. Hip-hop: DJs Celory, Sakurai, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. loungeneo.iflyer.jp Womb

EDM Music Festival. House, EDM: DJs Daishi Dance, 80kidz, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp Daikanyama Unit

Ubik ft Mirko Loko (Cadenza). DJs Mirko Loko, Masda, and SO. From 11:30pm. ¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (w/flyer, before 12am)/¥3,500 (door). Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com SATURDAY 27 The New Matrix Bar

Ensemble Wien-Berlin & New Japan Philharmonic

Performances of Mozart’s “Bassoon Concerto,” “Oboe Concerto,” and more performed by the wind quintet Ensemble Wien-Berlin and New Japan Philharmonic. Jul 13, 7pm. ¥5,000-9,000. Sumida Triphony Hall. Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-5404. http://j.mp/ ensemblewienberlin2015

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

Cats. House: DJs Fred P, Kawasaki, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com

Andrea Rost

Sound Museum Vision

Hungarian lyric soprano will perform pieces from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, and more. Jul 18, 7pm. ¥2,0008,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. http://j.mp/ rost2015

Seeds. House, techno: DJs Nick Curly, Sodeyama, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com T2

Clubbing

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

FRIDAY 26

Ageha

Microcosmos

Good Old. House: DJs Chikada, Mitsuki, 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, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp Air

His Majesty Andre & Elisa Bee. Electro, electro house: DJs His Majesty Andre, Elisa Bee, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

Zero One Base. Bass, trap: DJs Torro Torro, Bcm, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com The Room

Champ. Rare groove: DJs Shiba, Tominaga, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Saturdays. EDM, house: DJs Sick Individuals, Daishi Dance, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com The Room

Black Edition. Cosmic crossover: DJs Kacchi Nasty, Sato, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp Club Asia

Flash. Electro: DJs Nakata, Nakamura, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.clubasia. co.jp Lounge Neo

Kachikachi. Reggae: DJs Spicy Chocolate, Asian Star, etc. From 11pm. (m)¥2,000 w/1d, (f)¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. loungeneo. iflyer.jp

Signal, Largemouth, etc. 3-10pm. ¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp

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

MONDAY 29

Air

Cruz Fade. House, techno: DJs Watanabe, Genzou, etc. From 9pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com T2

T2 Monday. EDM: DJs Kenta, Tommy, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com TUESDAY 30 Ruby Room

Open Mic. From 7pm. ¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-37803022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www. rubyroomtokyo.com Air

The Choice. Future ragga: DJ Mal and more. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com T2

Super Tuesday. EDM: DJs Hokuto, Tjo, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com Womb

Tuemix. EDM, Top 40: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp WEDNESDAY 1 Ruby Room

Cdhp. DJs Cd Hata, Alph Zen, etc. From 8pm. Free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www. rubyroomtokyo.com T2

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

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

Noi. Bar style: DJs Yagisawa, Niwa, etc. 7-11pm. Free. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp THURSDAY 2

A1. Electronica, techno: DJs Gonno, So, etc. Live: Nathan Fake. From 10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

Hyper Society. House: DJs Tanaka, Osawa, etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc. From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp T2

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

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

Womb

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

Dance Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Founded by a group of ballet enthusiasts for the purpose of presenting a playful, entertaining view of traditional, classical ballet in parody form and en travesti, the Trocks are a Company of professional male dancers performing the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of the dance styles. Jun 27, 6pm; Jun 28, 3pm. ¥6,500-8,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. Jul 11, 4pm. ¥6,5008,500. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://trockadero.org Circus

Artemis. Electronic: DJs Vincent Lemieux, Otsuki, etc. From 11:30pm. ¥3,000. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com

The Room

Cinderella

El Amor. Techno, house: DJs Endo, Nishikawa, etc. 7-11pm. ¥1,000. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

SUNDAY 28

FRIDAY 3

Microcosmos

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

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

A production aimed specifically for children performed by the National Ballet of Japan. Jul 22-25, 11:30am & 3pm. ¥2,1603,240. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/ nnttcinderella2015

Womb

The New Matrix Bar

Release. Drum’n‘bass: DJs

Matrix Friday. Old-school

Womb

Daikanyama Unit T2

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

Fête de la Musique. House, techno: DJs Kimura, Towa Tei, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com Club Asia

Blaqlist. Hip-hop: DJs Koco, Kenta, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500

A jukebox musical presented in a documentary-style format that dramatizes the formation, success, and eventual break-up of the 1960s rock ’n‘ roll group The Four Seasons. Until Jul 5, various times. ¥9,000-13,000. Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/jerseyboys2015 Sister Act

West End and Broadway musical based on the hit 1992 film comedy of the same name. Jul 15-Aug 2, various times. ¥7,000-12,000. Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/sisteract2015

Exhibitions ENDING SOON

JUN 27-SEP 6

11th Anniversary Party. Disco, house: DJ Dimitri from Paris and more. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com

Mix Juice. House, EDM: Various DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

Mother. House, EDM: DJs Alberto Ruiz, The Delta, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

Jersey Boys

Daikanyama Unit

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

Womb

Stage

The Room

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

by Léon Minkus. Jul 29, 7pm. ¥4,000-16,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.nbs. or.jp/english

Don Quixote

Performed by The Tokyo Ballet as part of the program for the World Ballet Festival, with choreography by Vladimir Vasiliev and music

Kyosai—Master painter and his student Josiah Conder

Kawanabe Kyosai, also known as “the Demon Painter,” gained popularity in the late 19th century, a period of change in Japan. This exhibit showcases his humorous, unconventional art, as well as the outstanding work of his student, architect Josiah Conder. English audio guide available. Jun 27-Sep 6, 10am-6pm (until 8pm, Fri), closed Mon. ¥500-1,500. Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo or Yurakucho. http://mimt.jp/ kyosai Villains in Ukiyo-e

This exhibition explores the various images of villains that are depicted in ukiyo-e, ranging from actual villains to fictional characters in stories. Until Jun 26, 10:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon. ¥500-700. Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Harajuku. Tel: 03-3403-0880. http://j.mp/ ukiyoevillains2015 The British Museum Exhibition: A History of the World in 100 Objects

This exhibition explores human creativity covering two million years from prehistory 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. ¥800-1,600. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/100objects2015 Utrillo and Valadon

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

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

Showcasing works by 18 artists of the younger generation in Asia and 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

Japanese Language School

By laying bare the true allure of masks, this exhibition explores their true essence and what they mean 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

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Yuka Goto: Celebration

Exhibition featuring Tokyo-based artist and cartoonist Goto’s new series of three-dimensional paintings. Jul 1-19, 1-7pm, closed Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery. Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/ gotocelebration2015 The World of Edo Dandyism: From Swords to Inrō

Showcasing around 100 carefully selected obects such as swords, sword fittings, and inrō (a traditional Japanese case for holding small objects) that were all the rage among the Edo dandies. May 30-Jul 20, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000 (door). Nezu Museum. Omotesando. Tel: 03-3400-2536. www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en The Maestro of Conception, Kenzan is Here

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

Showcasing works by Indonesian artist Saputra, who was initially known for his installations of objects such as thread, wire, and bits of paper that were presented practically just as they were. Until Jul 25, 11am-7pm, closed Sun, Mon, & hols. Free. Tolot/heuristic Shinonome. Shinonome. www.heuristic.com/tolot Helene Schjerfbeck: Reflections

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

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

ONGOING

Tokyo Story 2015

Zeng Jianyong: The Lost Land

Since 1949

images of the world’s harshest landscapes. Jun 26-Jul 15, 10am-7pm. Free. Fujifilm Square. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6271-3350. http://j.mp/ horizonnomachi2015

Showcasing works by Chinese painter Jianyong which often use motifs of children and animals, and depict a colorful fairytale world that is unconventional in the realm of traditional Chinese ink-wash painting. Until Jul 11, 11am-7pm (until 5pm on Sat), closed Sun, Mon, & hols. Free. Tokyo Gallery + BTAP. Shinbashi. Tel: 03-3571-1808. http://j.mp/lostland2015 From the Other Side of the Horizon: A photographic document of people and inhabited landscapes

Showcasing photographs by leading landscape photographer Kazuyoshi Nomachi, who has spent his photographic career traveling and capturing

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 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/ World Press Photo

Showcasing the winning photos of the 2015 World Press Photo Contest, which has encouraged the highest

standards in photojournalism for more than 55 years. Jun 27-Aug 9, 10am-5pm. ¥350-700 (adv)/ ¥400-800 (door). Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-5391-2111. www.asahi.com/event/wpph Leonardo da Vinci and the Battle of Anghiari: The Mystery of Travola Doria

A unique examination of the revolution in visual perception that da Vinci spawned with his work The Battle of Anghiari, one of the largest mural projects he ever undertook. Until Aug 9, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥300-1,000 (adv)/ ¥400-1,300 (door). Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. Hachioji or Tokyo Fuji Bijitsukan. Tel: 042-691-4511. http://j.mp/ davincianghiari2015 Masahisa Fukase: The Incurable Egoist

Showcasing works by Fukase, one of the most influential figures in Japanese photography, whose dignified monotone images depict a vicissitude of unique irony and unending loneliness. Until Aug 14, 11:30am-9pm. Free. Diesel Art Gallery. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5468-5481. http://j.mp/ egoistfukase2015 Erik Satie and His Time

Exhibition focusing on the activities of French composer Satie, portraying his lesserknown side through the works of artists who inspired him and who were inspired by him. Jul 8-Aug 30, 10am-7pm (until 9pm on Fri & Sat). ¥500-1,200 (adv)/ ¥700-1,400 (door). Bunkamura: The Museum. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/satie2015 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. ¥1,8002,800. Okada Museum of Art. Kowakidani. Tel: 0460-873931. www.okada-museum. com/en Art Nouveau Glass

Featuring pieces which include some of the finest works of glass produced by the Art Nouveau movement in Paris and Nancy. Jul 4-Sep 6, 10am-6pm, closed Wed. ¥500-1,000. Shiodome Museum. Shimbashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl. com/panasonicmuseum Yori Saito’s Gaze: Celebrating the 130th Birthday of a Nakamuraya Salon Painter

Showcasing works by Saito, an artist at the forefront of the modern Japanese yōga, or Western painting, at the end of the Meiji era. Jul 4-Sep 27, 10:30am-7pm, closed Tue. ¥300. Nakamuraya Salon Museum of Art. Shinjuku. www.nakamuraya.co.jp/ museum What is Realist Painting?

Exploring the diversity and potential of realist painting through 54 works of landscapes, figures, and more. Until Nov 15, 10am-5:30pm, closed Tue. ¥900-1,800. Hoki Museum. Toke. www.hoki-museum.jp/en/

Open Space 2015

Explore an array of representative, historical, and new works from the realm of media art, as well as results of research activities at educational institutions. Until Mar 6, 11am-6pm, closed Mon. Free. NTT Intercommunication Center. Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-144199. http://j.mp/ openspace2015 UPCOMING Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt

Explore the life of Cleopatra and other queens of Egypt who had great influence over the country’s politics and religion. Jul 11-Sep 23, 9:30am-5pm (until 8pm on Fri, 6pm on Sat, Sun, & hols), closed Mon. ¥700-1,400 (adv)/ ¥900-1,600 (door). Tokyo National Museum. Ueno. http://egypt2015.jp Crafts Gallery for Kids + Adults: Pika Boko—An Onomatopoetic Guide to Crafts

Explore the world of crafts through onomatopoetic descriptions of the works. Jul 14-Sep 27, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥70-210. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://j.mp/pikaboko2015

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

Festivals TRADITIONAL Mitama Matsuri

Held in honor of the dead, 30,000 lanterns light the way to Yasukuni Shrine, with mikoshi parades, traditional dance performances, and more. Jul 13-16, 6pm. Free. Yasukuni Shrine. Kudanshita. Tel: 03-32618326. www.yasukuni.or.jp/ english Kagurazaka Matsuri

Awa-odori performances, a lantern plant market and more. Jul 22-23, 5:30-10pm; Jul 24-25, 7-9pm. Free. Kagurazaka shopping district. Kagurazaka. www. kagurazaka.in Ueno Summer Festival

Paper lanterns, ice sculptures, antique markets, and more. Jul 11-Aug 9, various times. Free. Ueno Park. Ueno. Tel: 03-38285644. www.ueno.or.jp

Markets

Shibuya. www.meetup. com/TokyoStitchandBitch Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School

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

Learning Rhone Valley Wine Seminar

A French gourmet dinner with great wines in an international atmosphere. Jun 27, 7-10:30pm. ¥11,980 + tax (adv). Restaurant Aux Bacchanales. Akasakamitsuke. http://meturl.com/ monthlywine

Other Events Writers’ Bloc, Tokyo: Evening Musings 34

Share your offerings with fellow scribes and lovers of the spoken word. Jun 27, 7-9:30pm. Free. Loco Popo Cal-Mex Restaurant. Yotsuya. Tel: 03-53577013. www.locopopo.jp

Art in Wonderland

Antique Jamboree

A modern, interactive art exhibition with installations focusing on light and shadow created by Japan’s leading new media artists. Jul 17-Aug 31, 10am-6pm. ¥300-1,100 (adv)/ ¥500-1,500 (door). Saitama Super Arena. Saitama-Shintoshin. www. mahou-museum.com

Haggle with dealers of Japanese, European, and US vintage collections. Aug 7 is a special ticket holders’ event for early buyers only. Aug 8-9, 10am-5pm. ¥800 (adv)/ ¥1,000 (door), ¥2,000 (early buyer adv)/ ¥3,000 (early buyer door). Tokyo Big Sight. Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-5530-1111. http://j. mp/antiquejamboree

Hotaru no Yube

Comedy

DJs, live acts, live painting, and more. Jul 18-19, 2pm. ¥3,500 (adv) /¥4,500 (door). Pyramid center. Yanagawa. http://j.mp/guruguru2015

Mega Dinosaur Exhibition

Featuring the restored skeleton of the Turiasaurus found in Spain believed to be the largest dinosaur ever found in Europe. Jul 18-Aug 30, 9:30am-5pm. ¥800-1,600 (adv)/ ¥1,0002,000 (door). Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. http:// mega2015.jp Urameshiya: Art of the Ghost

Featuring Zenshoan temple’s collection of ghost paintings. Jul 22-Sep 13, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. ¥600-900 (adv)/ ¥700-1,100 (door). The University Art Museum. Ueno. Tel: 050-5525-2200. www.tokyo-np.co.jp/event/ urameshiya

Sports BASEBALL Yakult Swallows vs. Yomiuri Giants

Jun 28, 2pm. ¥500-24,000. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows. co.jp Yomiuri Giants vs. Toyo Carp

Jun 30-Jul 2, 6pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome. Suidōbashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en

Tokyo Impro Festival: International Show

The international night of comedy at the Tokyo Impro Festival finds the Tokyo Comedy Store joining forces with Jibarito Improv Theater from Spain. Side-splitting times ahead! Jul 3, 7:30pm. ¥2,800 (adv), ¥3,000 (door). Puka Theater. Shinjuku. Bring this copy of Metropolis for a ¥300 discount. www. tokyoimpro.jp New Material Night

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

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

Enjoy a romantic evening lit by 2,500 fireflies. Until Jun 28, 6-9pm. Free from 6-9pm during firefly season. Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato. Takao. 30 mins by bus from station. Tel: 042-6523072. http://meturl.com/ yuyakekoyake Organic Freaky Gathering: Guruguru Pyramid

Disney on Ice: Amazing Anniversary

Watch your favorite Disney characters, including Elsa and Anna from Frozen, dance on ice! Jul 18-22, various times. ¥2,900-6,000. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Meiji-Jingumae. Aug 20-24, various times. ¥2,9006,000. Yokohama Arena. Shin-Yokohama. http://j. mp/disneyonice2015 Bolshoi Circus

Consisting of 4,000 artists and staff and more than 6,000 animals, the Bolshoi circus was established 78 years ago, and first came to Japan in 1958. Jul 18-26, various times. ¥3,7006,200. Tokyo Taiikukan. Kokuritsu-kyogijo or Sendagaya. www.bolshoicircus.com

Community Half-Fast Cyclists

Jun 30-Jul 2, 6pm. ¥500-30,000. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3404-8999. www.yakult-swallows.co.jp

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

SOCCER

Stitch-n-Bitch

Yakult Swallows vs. Hanshin Tigers

Yokohama FC vs. Consadole Sapporo

Jul 4, 6pm. ¥600-4,700. Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Meet fellow knitters, crocheters and sewers to talk, share ideas, eat, drink and create. Every first and third Tue, 7pm. Free. Pariya.

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

Metropolis and its Classifieds section are printed every other week. The upcoming publication dates and corresponding deadlines for print are as follows. This does not affect the online Classifieds, where ads are visible immediately after they are approved.

¥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.

FRI, JULY 10, ISSUE Deadline: July 2, 3pm FRI, JULY 24 ISSUE Deadline: July 15, 3pm

1 AT YOUR SERVICE

1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY

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

ENGLISH-SPE AKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC in Toranomon Hills offers a wide range of preventive, corrective a n d co s m e t i c d e n t i s t r y. 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

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

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

E S T H E T I Q U E S A LO N L E L I T MEGURO, an English-speaking beauty salon with highly skilled staff, is like your own s e cr e t p a r a d i s e w h e r e y o u can relax completely. Trial price for your first visit, tax included: Body Deep Tissue Massage (60min) ¥4980 (regular price ¥8640). Facial Moisture Treatment (60min) ¥4980 (regular price ¥9720). Hours: 9am-6pm; closed Wed www.lelitmeguro.com/English. html welcome@lelitmeguro. com 090-3913-8044

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

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

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES

TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS, lo g o n a t w w w.met ro p ol is . co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@ metropolisjapan.com.

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

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

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 procedures in Japan. Free consultation available in English, Español and Japanese. Tel: 03-6264-8446 np@nippashi.com http://nippashi.com VISA COUNSELING: female immigration lawyer handles your visa case. Permanent residency,

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

3 EDUCATION 3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS J A PA N E S E L E S S O N S f o r a l l levels from experienced private t e a c h e r a l o n g t h e Ya m a n o t e Line. Lesson fee: free. Let's enjoy Japanese language and culture. Please contact Setsuko. Email: nihongo12345678@yahoo.co.jp

3.4 ENGLISH TEACHERS ENERGETIC, FULLY QUALIFIED AUSTRALIAN FEMALE TEACHER, more than 10 years’ experience providing quality English language lessons in informal and relaxed atmosphere. I teach evenings and weekends in Ningyocho and Yot su ya - S anchome. Children , groups, business people are welcome! ginab12@hotmail.com

3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE Arabic, English, Japanese. Need someone to help me study beginner Arabic or intermediate E. Business conversation or discussion in E. Just introductions or simple conversations in Arabic. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. rskmrt@gmail.com English and Japanese. Open-minded Japanese female, 23-40, sought for language exchange and socializing. Serious only. Call Bobby at 0905589-6864 or 080-8118-4073 or email mybaby-precious@docomo.ne.jp. English and Japanese. I would like to help you learn J if you need a partner for practice. You don't need to teach me back. Serious people only, please. happylovemusic0808@gmail.com English and Japanese. JF seeks an exchange partner in the daytime on weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. tome. haruka-soushi@ezweb.ne.jp

RENTAL APARTMENTS, HOUSES, CONDOS AND S T U D I O S i n Yo ko h a m a , Kawasaki, Tokyo, and near US military bases. English speaking staff will guide you through the renting process. For a stress-free search, contact Rent Life. 045 - 470 32 14 w w w.rent- yokohama. com/english e-yokohama@rlife.co.jp

English and Japanese. イライラ. Do you ever feel that no matter how much you study, you get worse? I'm seeking someone for casual E/J chats in a bar (like HUB) after work. I'm an English guy. exc1t3@outlook.com English and Japanese. Hi! I'm a Canadian, 29, who's recently moved to Tokyo. I'm a J beginner and would love to practice with a native speaker. In exchange, I'd be happy to help you practice E. Cheers! metropolis@ adammcnamara.com English and Japanese. Hello, I'm a JF, 25. I would like to do language exchange and make friends. I want to learn E, and I can help you with J. Please feel free to email me. nakamu-ran87@i.softbank.jp

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

English and Japanese. Interesting, well- educated, cute S JM seek s native English speakers in Tokyo for

a language exchange. Let's meet once or twice/week to improve our language abilities. I'm sure that it'll be a wonderful experience. Just email me. languageex2010@gmail.com English and Japanese. Hello, I am Takeshi, a businessman, 41, around Tokyo. Please teach me E. I can teach you J. Let's meet in Shinjuku. kotakeshi0923@gmail.com English and Japanese. Hi, JF seeking a native English speaker for serious language exchange. I live and work in Yokohama. Let's talk in E and J about a variety of topics. from.kaori0113@ gmail.com English and Japanese. Professional, educated Japanese man seeking a language exchange partner to improve his English. I can teach you J in return. Beginners/advanced welcome. Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and interests. Shinjuku preferred, but central Tokyo ok. kzktnk@gmail.com English and Japanese. Black British guy, 35, seeks language exchange friend. Serious only. mcstan3@yahoo. com 07070111702 English and Japanese. American expat male, 36, working and living in Minato. I have free time from 11am-2pm on weekdays. No evening/night meetings. savageyouth@gmail.com French and Japanese. Fr and J exchange in Ikebukuro. winds_fr@hotmail.com German and Japanese. Hello, I am 30s, living in Tokyo. I want to learn Ger. I'm still just a beginner. I'm seeking women who can speak Ger. I can help your Japanese. Let's help each other. banbi.rnd.0303@docomo.ne.jp German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J language exchange partner. Seit Sechs Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested, drop me a line. gardenstate2005@ hotmail.com Korean and English. 요즘일어배 우고있고한국어안쓰 기 땜에한국어거의다까먹었나봐. juicysummer@gmail.com

3.9 TEACH ME! T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G L I S H LESSONS. Working towards becoming an English-to-Japanese translator, but need help polishing my English. Can translate simple documents in exchange for English lessons. michiane256@ gmail.com English lessons. JM, 30, seeks native English teacher for reasonably priced lessons at a cafe in central Tokyo. umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp Karate lesson for English or Spanish lesson. Do you seriously want to learn real karate? I can teach you one of the major styles of traditional Japanese karate for free in exchange for English or Spanish lessons. gnbkaijpn@gmail. com 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

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Furniture sale! Black leather sofa, four-piece sectional, one y/o. New ¥100,000. Sell ¥25,000. Pair of Nissen desks, mahogany look, one y/o. New ¥50,000. Sell ¥10,000. Pick up only Kikukawa. sayonaranippon2015@ outlook.com Futon set, double, hardly used, clean, mattress and futon ¥3000. Pick up central Tokyo. Photo available. moonquake07@yahoo.co.jp

4.2 APPLIANCES Fridge, Hitachi R-SF40WMV, '07, sixdoor, 395L (W600xH1798xD615mm), stainless steel, as new ¥40,000. Pick up Minato-ku. jeff.acton@gmail.com

Korean and Japanese. Japanese male, 42, seeks a native Korean speaker for Kor/J exchange. I like music, reading, cooking. I hope we can learn from each other and have some fun. astralsky@ excite.co.jp

Laminator, w/pouch film, A4 and A3, 100 pieces each ¥4900. tsuneokobayashi@ hotmail.com

Pekingese, English, Japanese. Hello, I’m a Japanese woman, 40s. I’m fluent in J and E and am seeking a native Pekingese speaker in the Jiyugaoka, Futako-Tamagawa or Yokohama area. We can meet at a cafe after 6pm on weekdays. starshipenterprise2015@ hotmail.com

Sayonara sale! Designer sofa cushions, almost brand new ¥5000/obo. Two coffee tables ¥1500/each. HP all-in-one printer, w/fax, in excellent condition ¥4500. Deluxe sofabed, in good condition ¥15,000. And more. takecareletsgo@ yahoo.com

Spanish and Japanese. Busco amigos latinoamericanos para amistad e intercambio de idioma en Tokio. tempstadesjp@gmail.com Spanish and Japanese. If you have time in the morning (or late at night) and want to seriously exchange J for Sp, let me know, please. I am a Spanish man living in Tokyo. Gracias. soresore26@ gmail.com 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

4.3 SAYONARA SALE

4.7 FOR FREE Washer, in great condition, works well. Pick up Kichijoji or pay for takkyubin yourself. sebuuuuuuu@gmail.com

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Lens, Canon zoom EF-S 18-55 1:3.55.6 IS, in excellent condition ¥6000. deshayes.g@gmail.com

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Sound module, Roland MK S -50 analog synthesizer, in very good condition ¥29,000. Pick up Senzoku Stn, Tokyu Meguro Line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com Sound module, Korg TR-Rack, in good condition ¥20,000. Pick up Senzoku Stn, Tokyu Meguro Line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com

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

5.5 GAMING Airsoft gun, APS-1 Dominator ¥10,000. gnbkaijpn@gmail.com

5.7 PETS Seeking dog in Yokosuka area. Is there some kind of animal shelter somewhere near Yokosuka where we can get a dog? We would prefer not to be any part of the Japanese pet business. Suggestions welcome. thomasmann@gmx.com

The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp from Apr to Sep. Everyone welcome. Contact for more details. japananzacs@gmail.com

6 VEHICLES 6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Bike, six-gear, in excellent condition, hardly used, w/all papers, manual ¥15,000. Delivery possible if within 30min. broadmind@gmail.com

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES

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

iPhone 6 64GB, SoftBank, used less than one week ¥55,000. Photos available by request. froglife@outlook.com Smartphone, Motorola Moto G Android, 16GB, dual SIM, 3G, 4.5" screen, Lollipop 5.0.2, in good condition ¥20,000. gewatson@gmail.com 08041742054 Smartphone, Lumia 640 LTE, latest model, 8GB RAM, opened box for testing, unlocked, imported from the UK, as new ¥25,000. gewatson@gmail.com 08041742054

7.4 ITEMS WANTED Baby items: pram, clothes, toys, etc. Thank you. paulwalsh@email2me.net Bike, for tall adult male, free or very cheap. living_large@email2me.net Massage tables, one or two. Otemachi area. winds_fr@hotmail.com

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE Monitor, widescreen ¥1800. gnbkaijpn@ gmail.com

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME F R 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 Guarantor. Seeking one hoshonin for starting a healing cafe. I have ejuken. Looking forward to hearing from you. winds_fr@hotmail.com Someone in Camp Zama. Are you working or staying at Camp Zama? I need your help. I would appreciate it if you could contact me. Thanks a lot! sophyinternational2020@gmail.com Sponsorship. Ten years’ experience in cafe/bar work, including working at international hotels. I’d like to open a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship. Individuals and Cloud Funders welcome. Please, if interested, let us come to an agreement. samueladonkor@gmail. com 090-6152-6274 Translation. Hello, I am an Englishman, 40. I need somebody to translate something from English to Japanese. Can you help me? I can teach you some English if you'd like, or I can buy you a meal. mod4all@yandex.com To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s No.1 English magazine, log on at www. metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@ metropolisjapan.com.

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 to 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.

WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE PEOPLE . Fif t y-t wo year s ago, West Papua should have been an independent country. Since 1969, West Papua has been invaded and the people robbed of their rights, culture and country. Help support West Papuans’ desire to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org papuansbehindbars.org 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

10.3 LOST FRIENDS

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, free live English comedy, one-day trips, language exchange and many more. Check this link for further details; www.meetup. com/tokyoites

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 Yo k o h a m a : J u l y 4 a n d 1 8 . Shibuya: June 27 and July 11. www.leafparty.com 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.

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

Met on JR Yamanote Line on Sat, June 13. We got on the train at Ebisu Stn. You’re in the US Army and tried to add me on LINE, but I guess it didn’t work. Contact me here. hachiko109@lycos.com

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

JAPAN INTERNATIONAL PARTY – EARLY SUMMER SPECIAL. Sat, June 27, 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: h t t p: //g e t yo u r f r i e n d .co m 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

JOIN THE BIGGEST, BEST, MOST POPULAR INTERNATIONAL PARTY! 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

JUST A 3MIN WALK FROM ROPPONG I HILL S, Club 360 is Tokyo’s premier health and fitness club. No membership or joining fees. Personal training, physiotherapy, fitness classes, kickboxing, boxing, massage. info@ club360.jp w w w.club360.jp 03-6434-9667

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

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 All-level tennis group in Tokyo. Serious and motivated tennis players sought by active tennis group to join their weekly sessions in central Tokyo. We have advanced and intermediate groups on weekday evenings. Beginner and low-intermediate also welcome. No entrance or membership fees. Reasonable participation fees. tokyo. tennis@yahoo.fr 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 in Tokorozawa. Sun night futsal? Mostly 30-45 year olds play every Sun evening. Non-league, but fairly competitive. Come and play for exercise and fun! Any age ok. futsalintokorozawa@gmail.com Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team in Tokyo seeks people who can enjoy the game with others. Please introduce yourself (full name, age, nationality, where you live, whether you belong to another team). umek2002jp@yahoo. co.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 Interested in tai chi? Then why not start now? Take a step to counter the stresses of daily living. Practice is in Toyama Park on Sun mornings, near Takadanobaba stn. chifact@gmail. com

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 football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities, experience levels, beginner s welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio@hotmail.co.jp

13.2 LEISURE MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.com Japanese home cooking. Japanese housewife offers free home cooking lessons to females at her house near Kawasaki Stn on weekdays during the day. Free, but you pay the cost of ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@ ezweb.ne.jp Tokyo ET contact group. Join us beneath the stars as we endeavor to make contact with ET visitors and their craft. Our next ET contact event will take place on July 18/19 in the Kiyosato Highlands, Yamanashi Prefecture. nakanosky@gmail.com http://www. meetup.com/Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/ events/193113322/ Tokyo Extreme Weekenders. For those who like to escape into nature to enjoy four seasons of adventure and activities with like-minded people, our purpose is to have fun and fulfilling weekends. Subscribe to mailing list for latest details. tokyoweekenders@ gmail.com http://tokyoweekenders. jimdo.com

13.4 MUSIC Bassist wanted around Yokohama. We mainly play rock music and have rehearsals in Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of player is welcome, so feel free to contac t us. m _a _ b1998@ yahoo.co.jp Compose tunes with me. I'm a JM guitarist in Tokyo seeking someone to write and compose tunes with. I like pop, rock, punk, R&B. Let's play music and write songs together. riku_ hiroxx@hotmail.com Seeking vocalist. I'm a JF seeking a vocalist who can sing in English. I like Korn, Limp, Stone Sour, Disturbed, etc. We can compose online, so it doesn't matter where you live. moshe. information@gmail.com

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

International futsal, five-a-side, on weekends in Tokyo. Friendly club, all nationalities welcome. djnorio0417@ yahoo.co.jp 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

B EG INNE RS TAI CHI AND Q I GONG class starts on Thu, July 9, in Roppongi. Regular practice brings better health, increased energy levels and a greater a b il ity to d e a l w it h s t res s . Contact mari@meiquantaichi. com. Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International practitioners,

beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 090-3598-3072 for more information. daginia@gmail.com www. diamondway.jp Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always thought it would be interesting to try it—why not now? Join us Fri evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements in advance by email, and check our home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home.ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com 色ー度カフェ. ライトワーカーヒーリ

ング。任意の助けのための私に連絡してください。 winds_fr@hotmail.com

13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. bolick@japanintercultural.org www. japanintercultural.org Morning coffee. Come and chat with members of Minato International Association. This month, we will talk about the Japanese education system and izakaya restaurant menus! June 27, 10am-12pm, at MIA (1-6-3, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku). airkei23@gmail.com http:// minato-intl-assn.gr.jp/en/event/schedule 03-3411-5637 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 Kichijoji. British guy living in Kichijoji. I am seeking some people also living in Kichijoji to hang out, have drinks, etc. All my friends are in central and it would be cool to know someone more local. Any nationality. onzeetop@gmail.com Let's hit the town! Fun guy, living and working in Tokyo, originally from near London, seeking new friends to grab drinks with and have fun around Tokyo. Any nationality/age/sex ok (I'm straight). ballyho@outlook.com Photography. Seeking someone interested in photography to hang out with, take pictures around Tokyo. Beginner or experienced welcome. I have experience, but I'm not a professional. I can teach a beginner though. I'm an English male, living/working in Tokyo. juicysummer@gmail.com Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@yahoo.co.jp

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN

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 ROMANCE IN TOKYO. 年に4回程、東

京に主張で行く欧州の国際弁護士です (40 代). いつも寂しくて有名な5星ホテルに泊まります。結婚していますが excitement も残念ながらないです。同じような生活をしている素敵な日本人女性を探しています。スポ-ツが好きで見た目も大丈夫なので誰かと出会うのは簡単ですが、スペシャルな1人を探してます。美人でセクシーでスマートで前向きなopen-mindedな方、せひ連絡をしてください。待っています。tokyormce@

yahoo.com

Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp Big black guy for you. I want to give beautiful ladies lots of fun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Skilled, very experienced, well-muscled, no strings attached. Find what you've been missing. tokioitelive@ gmail.com

TOKYO FURNISHED APARTMENTS

key money, deposit, agent fee, guarantor

URL: www.tokyoeasyrent.com/en TEL: 03-5437-5233

WADA Legal & Administrative Office We can help you with:

Reasonable prices. Free first time consultation Visa and immigration

Other Legal & Business matters Patent attorney Immigration lawyer

www.j-star.jp

Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court

Imperial Palace

Aoyama Ave Akasaka Mitsuke stn

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

National Diet Library

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

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

“IMAMURA KINEN” LAW OFFICE 今村記念法律事務所

WE PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE BY THE LAWYER, ACCOMPANIED WITH A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH. Visa and Immigration issues Naturalization, mixed marriage, etc. Car Accident, Inheritance, Labor Dispute Yusuke Totsuka, Lawyer Yuta Watanabe, Lawyer

Hiroaki Sugiyama, Lawyer

Tel: 090-8487-1968 If not available 080-4864-1258

Find me! Western male, early 40s, single, no children yet, living and working in southwest Tokyo, seeks a Japanese woman, 30s, for a serious relationship. I have a stable job, like to travel, am family friendly, like Japanese culture. lemonpuddingjp@ outlook.com French connection. Frenchman, kind, well-mannered, attractive and athletic, seeking a kind, young JF, elegant, slim and well-educated, to hang out together, and if there's a good connection, for a long-term relationship. ol24107@gmail.com

We can support you with:

Hiroshi Oogai,

Cute, interesting Japanese male for SWF. Seeking attractive Western female with a nice smile. If you are interested in chatting over coffee or nice food, please contact me. I am looking forward to your message. Just try once. juniperten2013@gmail.com

European gentleman, 40s, tall, educated, good-looking, S, seeks M lady, 35 or younger, with unusual fantasies, ready to explore her wild side. One mouse click can make your secret desires come true! aminimia@ yahoo.com

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE

Establishing a Company & Branch office

Chubby woman. Japanese man, 40s, gentle, open-minded, romantic, seeks chubby girlfriend for a long-term relationship. Any age, nationality ok. Please do not hesitate—you are a lovely woman. gnbkaijpn@gmail.com

English and French. French businessman, 45, tall, fit, is seeking a nice native female English speaker for exchange lessons in downtown Tokyo. houlala2000-2001@yahoo.fr

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

Intellectual property rights (Patent, trademark, copyrights)

Caring and cute JM seeks attractive, hearty, nonsmoking Western female for friendship. I simply would like to share fun, interesting and great experiences with you. If you feel the same way, just drop me a line. jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jp

Cute, sweet and smart Japanese man seeks SWF who seeks secret happy events in her spare time in Tokyo. Single/ married ok. Shall we begin to talk? I think this opportunity will be a great one for us. followupforme14@gmail.com

• 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

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

Brazilian manga artist seeking real love with JF. I am a Brazilian man seeking a serious relationship with a Japanese woman. bestyoshiki@ hotmail.com w w w.facebook.com/ ameto.hero

Corporate Legal matters, Contracts, etc. PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US IN ENGLISH, FRENCH OR JAPANESE IF YOU NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE.

Our office is located in Jinbocho, very close from the station (A2 exit) 1F Senshu Daigaku 8-Go 1-Kan, Jinbocho 2-8-3 Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Funny Indian engineer seeking JF friend in/around Tokyo, Shinagawa or Yokohama Stn. I am very funny to talk to and can speak Japanese and English fluently. ramanuj. yokohama@gmail.com German and Japanese. Asian male seeking fluent German speaker. Prefer a patient, mature woman, 26-36. Meet weekly after work (6:30-10pm), around Mitaka/Kichijoji/Shinjuku/Kanda/Ueno area. yatri_in_town@yahoo.co.jp German guy seeking cute JF. Hey, I am 28, living and working in central Tokyo. I am seeking a JF to have fun with or even more. lstyle.tokyo87@gmail.com Girlfriend. Japanese man, 45, decent, cultured, with a good sense of humor, seeking a lady of any age, Japanese or foreign, to enjoy friendship. gnbkaijpn@ gmail.com International girl? UK guy, lived in several countries, traveled in several more, loves new experiences, meeting new people, seeking new friends for drinks after work. Any nationality, but no language exchange. jazzbullet@ outlook.com Italian, English, Japanese. I am an Italian man, 48, working as a professional in central Tokyo. I am seeking a Japanese woman to exchange It/E/J. vbcfgt@hotmail.com Japanese male, 42, single, seeks sincere, warm, open-minded white female for friendship and romance. I am generous, nonsmoking, like traveling, reading, philosophy and enjoying my life. ruby12ax7@gmail.com

Long-term relationship and possibly more. Bilingual clinical doctor, 30, seeking a kind and serious woman, any race, age, looks, interested in having a nice and possibly regular massage exchange. I like traveling, sports, watching movies. tkyo_b@yahoo.co.jp Married gentleman seeks love with married gentlewoman. Is it possible? Maybe not. vbcfgt@hotmail.com Natural, open-minded female wanted. Caucasian guy, free-spirited, passionate about healthy lifestyle, seeking similar female to join me in natural lifestyle. You must be open-minded, enjoy nature, cooking, onsen, music and want to live in mountains with me. moreyama@ hushmail.com Romance with an older lady. Very nice and sexy gentleman seeks an older, or much older, woman to have nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@yahoo.co.uk

you are comfortable, I can give you a massage. zzztopsandfingers@hotmail. co.uk UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of books, films and music, seeks an attractive British lady with the same interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp Very serious about meeting someone special. I am seeking one very special person for the possibility of a life-long relationship. I am visiting Japan and am hoping to live here full-time. segalatodd@gmail.com artisanservicesla.com WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes. I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@ yahoo.com

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

Running partners sought by American male, for running, but also friendship. Jogging, not fast running. Yokohama area is really good. mikedokter@ icloud.com Seeking friend to explore Tokyo. American, 40s, tall, slim, blue eyes, frequent visitor to Tokyo, seeks JF to explore Tokyo together: restaurants, jazz clubs, museums, sightseeing. Will pay expenses for local friend who can be a guide. calchamp@gmail.com Seeking fun. SWM, 28, French, seeking people who want fun like me. My life is stable, but boring and stressful. I need excitement for my mental health balance. If you feel the same way, contact me, please. reydajp@yahoo. co.jp Seeking large Japanese girlfriend. Canadian guy, 40s, open-minded, gentle, romantic, positive, seeks overweight girlfriend for a long-term relationship in Tokyo. Serious only, please. bbalajan@yahoo.com Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s, positive, romantic, honest, a gentleman, seeks a JF, 40s-50s, for a long-term relationship. nnazila73@yahoo.com Seeking my missing rib. I believe in the power of love and that everyone has that special person created just for them. If you believe the same, then do message me so we can get to know each other. andremenandes@outlook.com Seeking serious relationship. European guy, early 40s, positive, easygoing, gentle, romantic, lots of hobbies, seeking female, 35-55, openminded, easygoing, enjoys simple things. Speak Nihongo. No busy people, please. bbamian@yahoo.com Seeking travel friend. English boy, under 35, seeking a friend to travel around Tokyo, relax, enjoy language exchange and have fun with on weekends. Let's be friends first and see what happens. Nonsmokers only. tokyochuchu@hotmail.com Serious relationship with SJF. Seeking a SJF who wants a serious relationship leading to settling down with a family and kids. If you're interested, please reply. No gamers. Serious only. Send me your photo along with your email. pjoseph74716@hotmail.com Serious relationship. 日本語大丈夫です. European man, mid-30s, living and

working in Tokyo, likes travel, sports, movies, seeks a serious relationship. leventdunord2015@gmail.com Single, handsome and caring Japanese male seeks a nice Western or Japanese female for friendship and possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. If you are interested in exciting, happy times with nice conversation, please email me. Let's share secrets with each other. cioinjapan@gmail.com Summer sun, a walk in the park, sitting in the shade with a glass of wine and obento, watching birds fly high in the sky. Ah, I'm dreaming of the weekend again. Want to join me? I'm English and love life. summerfunk@googlemail.com Thai massage from Brit. Single British man, 36, studying Thai massage from a book. I want practical experience. Seeking partner to practice on. Large strong hands. Meet for coffee, and if

LAVISH DATES AND INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE C R E AT E O P P O R T U N IT I E S for elite foreign males to meet ele g ant Jap anese females. Start with a luxurious dinner date, take the night where you want it to g o. Fres h, y oun g women join our club every day. 0120-978-649 (E) international@universe-club.jp http://universe-club.jp/en American or European man? I am seeking an American or European man, single or divorced, professional and confident. I am a tall SJF. fumiyomuroya@ yahoo.co.jp 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, around central Tokyo. hiroko_linuma@hotmail.com Email exchange. Hi, I’m a JF, 30s, living in Australia for work, seeking someone who is happy to exchange emails and talk about everyday stuff. sangojp@ yahoo.com 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 Hello, there. I'm a nonsmoking single Japanese female, 40, educated, slim, young-looking, seeking a SWM in Tokyo for a long-term relationship. Let's be friends first! tokyo_2015@outlook.jp JF seeking activity partner in Tokyo. Restaurants, museums, cultural events in Tokyo, weekday nights or weekends, 50 or older. Please write exactly which events you are intereted in. No lovers/ photo seekers. mikstgy-metropolis@ yahoo.co.jp JF seeking partner. I'm a JF, early 30s, seeking a partner, 30-40, who is atheist, any nationality. I've lived abroad for a long time and I can converse in English/ Japanese. sangojp@yahoo.com Love is indispensable. JF, 30s, pretty, educated, seeks a single businessman who is smart, handsome, in Tokyo. Caucasian only. Email w/your profile. springwinds14@yahoo.co.jp Love summer beaches and bikinis? Golden hair, blue eyes? SJF who loves yoga, sunshine, seeking a single goldenhaired, blue-eyed man for relaxing beachside on weekends or holidays. tokyomiffy@gmail.com Multiply happiness. Affectionate, caring, fun-loving, professional, multilingual JF seeks a mature, sophisticated gentleman, 35-45, for a meaningful long-term relationship. Enjoy traveling, water sports, nice dining, music, art, reading? We can multiply happiness by sharing it! icedcoconutmilktea@hotmail.com Rebirth our lives. Seeking love and relationship, eventually partnership. Japanese female, people say attractive

JOBS

To advertise: commercial@metropolisjapan.com

CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED BY LEAFCUP in Tokyo, Iidabashi, Shibuya, Yokohama. Seeking enthusiastic, proficient English, French, Spanish and/or German speakers who can teach and lead 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

03-4588-2277

HIRING BARTENDERS FOR NEW BAR, KAMIKAZE, IN SHINJUKU. Proper visa required; experience, Japanese language ability preferred. Part-time ¥1000~/h. Full-time ¥300,000~/m. Open 5pm -5am, working hours n e g o t i a b l e . Te l : 080 -1274 - 8069 Email: archive77@hotmail.co.jp URL: www.facebook.com/BAR.KAMIKAZE. KABUKICHO

20% discount on first visit Akasaka Stn

STAFF WANTED AT THE NEW MATRIX BAR ROPPONGI. Seeking hall staff and bartender. Working days: Thu, Fri, Sat, day before national holidays. For more info, please call 03-3405-1066, or email matrixparties@gmail.com. www.matrixbar.jp 03-3405-1066 WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on hotels, restaurants and bars to offer our high-quality wines at incredible prices. Candidates should be confident, passionate about wine, love fine dining and travel, have experience in sales, wine or both. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm. Position available immediately. Please send cover letter and resume to winejob@ metropolisjapan.com. メトロポリスはバイリンガル（日英）の営業アシスタントとスタッフを募集しています。是非、私達の広告マーケティングチームに加わりませんか！応募条件：責任感をもって勤勉に取り組める方、協調性があり、意欲を持って主体的に働ける方を募集しています。営業経験のある方は歓迎します。フルタイム (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm) で働ける方に限ります。jobs@metropolisjapan.com

WANT TO HELP CREATE METROPOLIS? We’re seeking social media, web, and editorial interns. Great opportunity to gain experience in a multimedia company ! To ap p l y, send intro let ter, CV and relevant clips to editor@metropolisjapan.com.

and sweet yet intriguing and unique, seeking a well-educated, active, smart gentleman with a positive outlook on life. Singles only. I am 40s. amrita_ banana2014@yahoo.co.jp Seeking single guy for long-term relationship. Japanese woman, 42, in Tokyo, seeking a serious relationship. Interest s: hiking, scuba diving, reading, exercise (yoga), traveling. You: 35-45, down-to-earth, intelligent, relatively serious attitude towards life. applecapricorn@hotmail.com

Chiyoda Line

Exit 6

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

Akasaka street

4,630

TBS

Exit 7

Until July 31

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. METROPOLIS is seeking a motivated E/J bilingual admin intern. Transportation and business expenses provided. Please send E/J resume to jobs@ metropolisjapan.com.

To lovely Western baby. I liked relaxing on the green ground under the London Bridge. I liked sitting on a park bench by la tour Eiffel. Hoping to meet a European with blue eyes! tokyomiffy@ gmail.com

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

Seeking lesbian partner for a serious relationship. I know a lot of Japanese lesbians hide in their closets, and that is why I took this route. Please contact me so we can build something meaningful together. alicianmoore@hotmail.com

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

RELATIONS THE SOUNDS OF LIFE BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA

Everyone keeps telling me that Tokyo is remarkably quiet, safe, and clean, especially for a large city. I agree on two of the three points, but my friends who think Tokyo is quiet don’t live next to train tracks or a major road—I’ve lived next to both. Tokyo is like any other large city: it has nice, quiet areas and loud, messy areas. My new goal in life is to become independently wealthy enough to live in an apartment complex without any noise pollution—or at least, with thicker walls.

生活の騒音友達のみんなは、大都市にしては、東京は驚くほど騒音も少なく、治安も良く、綺麗な都市だと言います。私も治安の良さと綺麗であるという2点には賛成ですが、線路の近くや国道のすぐ側に住んだ事がない人が思うほど東京は騒音が少ないと思いません。東京は他の大都市と同様に治安も良く騒音も少ない地域もあれば、やかましく汚い地域もあります。私の最近の目標は、騒音とは無縁のマンションに住めるくらい経済的に豊かになる事です。（少なくとももう少し厚い壁のマンションに住みたいです。）

■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.

horoscope BY CATHRYN MOE

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

May 22-Jun 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣

Jun 22-Jul 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Aries’ nervous system is being completely rewired. The way you used to think and make choices is now in the process of upgrading itself. Your ability to act on instinct is unequalled; knowing and responding become one. It’s all the constant change that’s allowed you to develop this expertise. Many future leaders are being formed right now, and regardless of where you start from, it may be you.

Mars applies to the Sun in your solar third house of communications. This is a time when what you say has impact. You may want to make a direct hit, or choose to play a more subtle game watching others’ reactions. Either way, you’re opening up to a whole new way of doing business. Someone has to watch the bottom line. You can glide through money matters Tuesday and Wednesday.

Another masterful week produced b y m i r a c u l o u s y o u ! M e r c u r y, Gemini’s ruler, is in your sign, giving you the go-ahead. You can dance about and weave webby stories with the best of them. The Moon’s transit from your romance sector to your work arena brings something secret closer to your heart. Will you share it? Maybe not just yet.

Mars applies to the Sun in your sign. Happy Bir thday! If you’re feeling like your energy is about to soar, you’re correct. Mars arrives just in time to keep you from being steamrolled. All the events around you require stamina. Luckily, you’re naturally strategic and can find a way to pace yourself—even if you have to introduce a schedule that inverts others’.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Sep 24-Oct 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣

Oct 24-Nov 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ The Moon in Scorpio over the weekend puts you in power. If you’re already booked and have plans, so much the better. If you think you’ll have time on your hands, do the thing you must but absolutely would rather not. You’ll make great strides. Monday, you’ll start with a clean slate and a lighter heart. Saturn has retrograded back into your sign.

Mar 21-Apr 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Jul 24-Aug 23 ♥♥♥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣

Apr 21-May 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Aug 24-Sep 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

CANCER

Venus is in the process of cozying up to Jupiter. In fact, they merge most beautifully on Wednesday. If you’ve played your cards right, you’re in the land of ultra-comfort. If you’re overextended, there’ll be some bills to pay. Both could be the case. Nevertheless, Juno is still hanging around, so you’re likely to be covered.

Don’t get caught up in the doldrums if the Moon’s transit makes for a drippy weekend. It may look like a situation is at an impasse, impossible to get around. By Monday, you’ll be seeing it in a different light. With Mercury, your ruler, currently forcing you to stretch, why not try something you wouldn’t normally do? You may be glad you took the road less travelled.

Projecting ahead may not produce the pic ture you’re looking for. There’s too much opportunity and potential change to keep things static. Force yourself into a corner? Never! If things are not what you had in mind, you need only to wait for the weekend to finish. By Monday, things will be looking up. Making a snap decision leads to something you won’t be happy with—so don’t.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 21-Feb 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Feb 20-Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

You have so many things to do. Financial and emotional hurdles await. Which will you choose? Pallas Athene is retrograde in Sagittarius. She assists with an original approach to make up for the pressure you’re under. Racing the clock has become the norm, but you can also take time for yourself. Even if someone else won’t take up the slack, you’ve earned the chance to reassess.

For a Capricorn, when you’re working, you do it all, and right now that’s a lot to handle. On the other hand, if you don’t feel productive, you might think, “What’s the point?” Part of your raison d’être is building something that lasts. At the moment, transformation is everywhere. Choose what you like, trust your instincts, and hold on or let go. Either is a personal triumph.

Not ever y thing is going the way Aquarians might like, but it’s not all bad either. The stars have taken a vote and decided to let you get quite a bit of your wish list. Consider what’s on it. Ceres in your sign will go to bat on your behalf to give you a second chance, but she’s not into trivial requests of her time. Keeping track of every detail could be head-spinning.

The flow of feelings has never been so great as it is now. You’re the sign everyone looks to for a barometer of expression. Heart and head are happier when they match, so why not be true to yourself? The soul grows stronger when you’re authentic. Wait until all the votes are in. Ceres works behind the scenes in your sector of karmic connections. A celebration is on its way!

Nov 23-Dec 22 ♥♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Dec 23-Jan 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

PISCES

LINGO BOX Tozan (登山） = Mountain climbing Shusshōritsu (出生率) = Birthrate

the small print

A survey by the sports ministry has found that the average 11-year-old boy in 1980 could to throw a softball 35 meters, but today the figure is just 28.

Kafunshō (花粉症) = Hay fever Rengō (連合) = Coalition

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN

I’M SURE THESE WILL HELP MAKE ISHINOMAKI A CITY FULL OF ATTRACTION AND VITALITY.” —Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai, on the reopening of two local railway lines that were destroyed in the March 11 disaster

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE… ⊲In ⊲ the first case of its kind, the MPD arrested a man for selling computer software that lets people cheat in online games. ⊲Members ⊲ of a finance ministry advisory panel have proposed levying fees on people who request ambulances for “minor injuries or mild conditions.” ⊲South ⊲ Korean fighter jets, patrol planes, and naval vessels took part in a military drill near the disputed Takeshima Islets in the Sea of Japan. ⊲According ⊲ to an industry ministry survey, the number of Internet of Things devices around the world was five billion in 2013, but is expected to climb to 25 billion by 2025.

INCREDIBLE SHRINKING JAPAN ⊲A ⊲ total of 42,000 elementary and junior high school teachers will lose their jobs because the declining birthrate has lowered classroom attendance. ⊲Authorities ⊲ at the education ministry say

9,351 people took law school entrance exams this spring—the lowest number on record. ⊲Included ⊲ among the health ministry’s new food safety guidelines is a ban on serving raw pork in restaurants.

Chōsa (調査) = Survey

stats

64 Percentge of Japanese adults who say they’re “embarrassed” by their handwriting

Consecutive months that McDonald’s restaurants in Japan have seen falling sales

¥9.43 BILLION

Exports of bonsai in 2013, a tenfold increase from 2003

YAWN ⊲Officials ⊲ in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, are seeking to tie up with 11 other cities to form a coalition of municipalities that host castles featuring donjon keep towers. ⊲A ⊲ group of 1,063 people filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court seeking an end to Japan’s involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade talks. ⊲The ⊲ plaintiffs argue that, somehow, the “pact would undermine their basic human rights.” ⊲Headline ⊲ of the Week: “Natto Allergy Caused by Jellyfish Stings, Says Japanese Study” (via Japan Today)

counter thanks to an overhaul of the health ministry’s prescription drug system. ⊲Meanwhile, ⊲ new TMG regulations require streetside bento vendors to “implement thorough temperature controls.” ⊲Officials ⊲ in Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Niigata have published a list showing the difficulty levels of popular mountain-climbing routes in their prefectures. ⊲Mount ⊲ Yurigatake in Nagano earned the most severe rating, which warns that climbers are “in constant danger of falling or sliding.”

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

MILESTONES

⊲Japanese ⊲ consumers can now buy medication for hay fever and athlete’s foot over the

⊲NHK ⊲ says it collected ¥649.3 billion in viewer fees in fiscal 2014—the highest total ever. ⊲Saihoji ⊲ Temple in Takamatsu held a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the sinking of the ferry Shiun Maru. The disaster killed 168 people, most of them schoolchildren on a field trip. ⊲Filmmakers ⊲ in the U.K. are working on a project to document the lives of about 100 Japanese people who emigrated to Britain in the postwar era. ⊲Bottom ⊲ Story of the Week: “Former Engineer Runs Japanese Restaurant in Eastern Germany” (via The Japan News)

at a glance BY RODGER SONOMURA

Small Print Updated Weekly → METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT

Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo

the last word

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

The Lost Mosh The void in the pit BY LAURIER TIERNAN

Illustration by Christi Rochin

he death of meaning, in a way, can bring some things full circle. In the grand scheme of things, moshing doesn’t have much meaning—nor do most dances inspired by pop culture. Generally devoid of both politics and spirituality, it doesn’t add up to much as a social statement. So why can it seem so upsetting to see a new generation adopt a dance spawned in your own generation, and make it their own? Developed in the early 1980s to accompany U.S. hardcore punk music—just as hardcore punk developed in California as an answer to the original punk of the 1970s—moshing emerged as an evolution of pogoing and slam dancing. While the creation of pogoing has been credited to Sid Vicious—the originator of moshing—bouncing up and down in an audience to get a peek at a band is lost in time. Regardless, it was love at first sight for me. At a gig by Canadian punk band S.N.F.U. in 1986, I watched an empty circle form suddenly amid the crowd as the band tore into one of its characteristically fast-paced numbers. Seconds later, two young ladies from opposite sides of the circle ran toward each other like atoms in a nuclear reactor. Milliseconds later, dozens of other dancers engulfed them, following their lead. The group gyrated around the center of the circle in a breakneck combination of goosestepping and childlike skipping. Like a human vortex without a drain, it fed off the music, visually representing it—validating it.

By the late ’80s, bands like Nirvana and the Melvins had ignited the second wave of American punk, and by the early ’90s they were joined by more mainstream bands like Pearl Jam, while the media covered their ilk with the wildly-popular umbrella term, “grunge.” As subcultures gain popularity, so do they become infected by outsiders who don’t know the “rules.” While such a dance might seem devoid of rules, veterans will inform you that, in the tightly- knit punk scenes of the ’80s, the safety of your fellow dancer was paramount. If one person fell, others hurriedly picked them up. And although some singers added to the problem by openly asking audiences to form a “pit,” many more musicians spoke out against violence, some condemning moshing altogether. But as the ’90s progressed and moshing became increasingly mainstream, the degrees of separation between audience members grew; it became less obvious to look out for fellow dancers. Even bands like Limp Bizkit saw fans die as a result of mosh pits at their concerts.

LIKE A HUMAN VORTEX WITHOUT A DRAIN, IT FED OFF THE MUSIC.”

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.

Canadian punk legends Propagandhi voiced their disgust in a lyric about “Amy Grant mosh crews.” As the story unfurled, it surprised next to no one when moshing broke out at heavy metal concerts. Metal being punk’s close cousin—or arguably, its father—hardly anyone in the punk community begrudged metal fans the right to mosh. However, the nail in the proverbial coffin was smashed down irrevocably for me the other day, as I watched a mosh pit appear on the television broadcast of a J-pop concert. As BabyMetal—a “metal band” fronted by three teenage “idols”—took to the stage, their backing musicians launched into an aggressive musical vamp while the central vocalist raised her arms together in front of her. As she slowly parted them, like Moses did the Red Sea, the audience dispersed, revealing an empty circle in the middle of the crowd. Then, as my eyes widened in disbelief, the vocalist squealed some marching orders, and fans inside the previously empty circle swarmed like a human vortex without a drain. I finally did see a drain, though: a drain of meaning.

■ Laurier Tiernan is a Canadian musician, media personality, and hereditary psychic living in Tokyo.

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