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#1043
MAR 21-APR 3, 2014
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Photo of the week 06 FEATURE
Fri 28th of March from 7pm to late
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03 THE SMALL PRINT 04 UPFRONT 05 INTERVIEW 09 AGENDA 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 12 LISTINGS 18 MOVIES 21 DINING OUT 23 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS 29 HOROSCOPE & MEDIA BOX 30 LAST WORD
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Commuters assume the position with their smartphones at Nakano station, by Martin Irwin.
The Small Print By Steve Trautlein
WE WILL NOT BE SATISFIED UNTIL ALL “ THOSE CHILDREN ARE HOME
businesses to “keep secondhand smoke out of smoke-free spaces.” ćć In response to the vandalization of hundreds of copies of The Diaries of Anne Frank in Tokyo, officials at the Israeli Embassy announced that they will donate 300 copies of the book to local libraries. CAMILLE PERRY
WHERE THEY BELONG”
FOREIGN RELATIONS
—US State Department official Susan Jacobs, calling for the return to American parents of children wrongfully taken to Japan by their Japanese partners
ćć A pair of maiko apprentice geisha from Kyoto gave dance performances in New Delhi and Chennai as part of a tour organized by the Japan Foundation. ćć A museum in Shiga has put on display documents related to the so-called Otsu incident—the attempted assassination of the future Emperor Nicholas II of Russia in central Japan in 1891. ćć About 270 GSDF troops traveled to California to take part in a drill with US Marines that simulated the “recapture of an uninhabited island occupied by enemy forces.” ćć Officials in charge of the torch relay for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are mulling a plan to have the route pass through disaster-hit Fukushima.
OH, SO NOW YOU TELL US ćć Following the crash of the Tokyo-based Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox, Finance Minister Taro Aso said that “he had been thinking that the digital currency would collapse sooner or later.” ćć On the occasion of his 54th birthday last month, Crown Prince Naruhito vowed to “to continue respecting the Constitution.” ćć Researchers at Fukuoka National Hospital have determined what every hay fever sufferer already knows: that inflammation in the nose can worsen sleep quality. ćć Headline of the Week: “Military Police Officer’s Confidential Journal on 1936 Failed Coup Discovered in Liquor Shop” (via Mainichi Japan)
PRIORITIES ćć A former prison official testifying at a murder trial in Osaka said death-row prisoners are kept in solitary confinement “except when they are allowed to exercise or take a bath.” ćć The tobacco-friendly LDP has proposed a change to the Industrial Safety and Health Act that would dump the requirement on
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340
Number of wristwatch models on display at the Japan Watch Collection, a twice-yearly trade show held last month at the Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo
the heavy snow last month. ćć Meanwhile, the blizzards are being blamed for crushing a total of 406 carports in seven prefectures. ćć Officials at JAXA announced the successful launch of a rocket carrying a weather observatory that’s intended “to prevent disasters caused by heavy rain and snow.”
AND FINALLY… ćć The Cabinet Office says fewer Japanese school kids used content filtering functions on their keitai last year—the first drop since officials began keeping records in 2009.
WHITE, POWDERY STUFF ćć Customs officials at Narita Airport say they confiscated 270kg of stimulants last year. That’s a 60 percent rise from the amount seized in 2012 and the most since the airport opened in 1978. ćć Officials in Yamanashi say 115 hectares of agricultural facilities were damaged or destroyed by
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10
Prefectures in Japan that issued pollution warnings in February because of high levels of the PM 2.5 microparticle
ćć Police in Osaka arrested a 32-year-old salaryman for “creating fake websites promoting luxury express train services.” ćć The government says it will enlist volunteer spotters to alert local meteorological observation centers of abnormal weather conditions. ćć It was reported that 46 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures are expected to post tax revenue growth in fiscal 2014, the only exception being the slackers in Yamanashi. ćć Bottom Story of the Week: “Hula Dancers Seek to Cheer Evacuees of Disaster“ (via The Japan News).
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$1.5 billion
Amount transferred by Japan to the Central Bank of Iran for oil payments that had previously been halted by sanctions
COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03
Upfront hanami photo contest
123RF
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Metropolis is collaborating with our stock image supplier, 123RF, to find and reward the best shot of hanami revelry captured on a smartphone using the free 123RF On-The-Go mobile app. Register as a 123rf member then upload your best photo of the annual sakura celebrations with the keyword “MetropolisTokyo”. Photo must include both cherry blossoms and people. We’re looking for creative shots that combine the two elements—not
just close-ups of flowers or trees. The top photo chosen will receive USD $300 from 123RF and be printed as the Metropolis “Photo of the Week” in our April 18 issue. Second prize will receive a traditional kitchen knife from Kamata Hakensha while third place will receive a dinner voucher for a romantic dinner for two at 148 Azabu Jyuban courtesy of Metropolis. Deadline for submission: noon on Fri, Apr11.
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pillow fight club
app
Remember throwing pillows at your siblings when you were a kid? Now you c a n re l ie ve the your memories as Makura Co has developed a pillow fight pillow (¥3,150), espe cially designed to give you a competitive edge. The company even held mass fights to perfect the design. It is stuffed with a crushed latex material that is flexible and elastic, making the pillow easier to throw further and the softness also prevents hurting your target too much. Zippers, tags and other embellishments have been left off alongwith decorations to prevent injuries. But even with these safety features, you'll want to avoid getting hit, and the grey-and-white border design helps you recognize any incoming cushions. Since it can be used normal, it's the perfect weapon at sleepover. But remember the first rule of pillow fight club is to talk about it a lot, so others will join in the fun. -Ai Hosokawa
Finding new ways to match garments to each other can help you get more mileage out of your wardrobe. The Wear App helps you do just that. Users share photos of full outfits—as well as individual items—so others can discover new coordination ideas. Fashion brands also use the service to show off the best combos of their items together and models use it to get extra exposure. Unlike many apps that are limited to brand and item choices, you can search using certain terms such as “men’s”, “women’s”, “kids’”, particular colors or patterns, and so on. Normal users are called “wearistas” and official accounts are called “shop staff.” Once new coordinates are made, they can be shared and commented on. It also saves you from having to say to random strangers, “I love your skirt, where did you get it?”
honto?
statshot
Anyone learning a foreign language is bound to make mistakes, and Japanese is especially tricky. But sometimes language mistakes can be endearing to native speakers. Here’s what some Japanese women found kawaii coming from the lips of foreigners.
Come April, fresh-faced college grads will be be j o i n i n g t he Jap a ne s e work force . T hey w i l l have a lot to learn, especially how not to tick off people already in the company. Office workers were asked what comments by kohai (juniors) annoy them the most.
“An American guy would always use sou ne when actively listening. I guess his teacher must have been a woman.” - 20-year-old student ”During an English to Japanese translation test, “doctor” became ika-san (Mr. Squid) instead of oisshasan. It was cute, even though he was an old guy.” - 24-year-old finance worker “There were two middle-aged foreign gentlemen sitting in the seats next to me at a soba restaurant. Without looking at the menu, they ordered stiffly, but perfectly morisoba, ichimai. This was followed by tempura no momowawase and the waiter responded with a giggle. Apparently moriawase (large helping) was too difficult.” - 28-year-old office worker Source: http://trendnews.yahoo.co.jp -Taiichi Izawa
04 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Free for Android and iPhone. http://wear.jp/first/
1. But that’s not my job.................................................................................................................... 738 responses 2. Is there any point to this task?............................................................................................. 409 3. No one told me to do it (so I didn’t)................................................................................... 386 4. I don’t want to do that................................................................................................................. 293 5. It’s not my fault................................................................................................................................ 284 6. (In the morning) Ahh, I’m tired!......................................................................................... 253 7. Why do I have to............................................................................................................................. 251 8. I didn’t think you meant to do it now.............................................................................. 218 9. (In the morning) I want to go home................................................................................ 183 10. I didn’t hear anything about that................................................................................... 153 Source: http://ranking.goo.ne.jp
PHOTO: JULIO SHIIKI
Upfront
interview
PURPLE HEARTS
A former Navy SEAL brings his tale of survival full circle By Kevin Mcgue
A
box office hit grossing over $100 million in the US, Lone Survivor has been hailed by critics as the best war film since Saving Private Ryan. It tells the harrowing story of a Navy SEAL who is part of a recon team sent into a remote region of Afghanistan that is ambushed by insurgents. After a fierce battle claims all of his comrades, he drags himself off the mountain. A villager takes great risks to hide him, saving him from beheading at the hands of the Taliban. The tale would be nearly impossible to believe if it were not the true story of Marcus Luttrell, a Texas native who returned home and wrote a memoir that became a New York Times bestseller and the basis of the film. “The first thing you have got to know is that this is not my story,” he tells Metropolis during his first visit to Japan. With an imposing physical presence, but a sweet, down-home demeanor, Luttrell leans in to make his point. “That’s our story.” He is referring to the three other members of the team who did not make it off the mountain alive, as well as eight other SEALs and eight Army commandos who died when rescue helicopters were shot down. He is quick to dispel doubts viewers may have about the onscreen characters carrying on after sustaining shrapnel, AK-47 fire and broken bones. “The special effects
were based directly on the actual autopsy reports,” he says. “They kept fighting and simply succumbed to their injures.” If anything, the film tones down their remarkable perseverance. Mark Wahlberg , who plays Luttrell in the film, is shown waking up in the Afghan wilderness before limping off to the nearest village. In reality, Luttrell was paralyzed from the chest down and crawled all night, drawing lines in the dirt with a rock to give himself new goals to reach. “I have always loved the challenge of playing regular guys who have had to go through extraordinary things,” Wahlberg said at a Los Angeles screening of the film. “Marcus is not ordinary. He is an extraordinary guy who survived the impossible.” Wahlberg, who is known for beefing up for action roles, went through gruelling training in order to do justice to Luttrell’s story. The first 80 pages of Luttrell’s book are devoted to the rigors of SEAL training, which in the film are compressed into an opening credit sequence using actual Navy footage. “They call it the Hollywood class,” Luttrell says with a laugh. “They do a full day of training and after the cameras leave, they really put the smackdown on them.” Wahlberg had to replicate the training in a month, but had the best trainer possible—Luttrell himself. “SEALs don’t really get starstuck,” Luttrell says. “I said 'there is your gear and meet me in the range in five minutes. We were on them hard, in their face.” Luttrell was on the set during filming to ensure the actors acted like SEALs but says he didn’t “want to step on anyone’s toes.” The town of Chilili, New Mexico was transformed into an Afghan village. “It was just like walking into Afghanistan,” Luttrell recalls. The realism also impressed another visitor—Mohammad Gulab, the Pashtun tribal leader who refused bribes and threats from the Taliban to save the American. Although a language barrier prevented him from knowing it at the time, Luttrell later learned Gulab acted out of a code of honor called Pashtunwali. That honor code reminded Luttrell of the bushido he learned as part of martial arts study at age seven, leading him to join the Navy. “I carried all that knowledge I had learned from the Japanese and Okinawans into the SEALs, and I was a better man for it.” Coming to Japan to promote the film gave him the opportunity to see some of the origins and bring his story full circle. Since writing his bestseller, Luttrell was medically discharged from the Navy and founded the Lone Survivor Foundation to renew hope for wounded soldiers and their families. He welcomes the attention the film has brought his foundation, allowing him to move on while helping other soldiers do the same. Lone Survivor is now playing.
Marcus Luttrell's memoir is available from Amazon.co.jp in book and audiobook formats, and has been published in Japanese as Afghan, Tatta Hitori no Seikan.
A M A ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING
Dear AMA, I’m really worried about my friend, who I think has picked up a drinking problem. It started from going out with him after work for some drinks, to watching him get super drunk every night. It’s gotten so bad that he’s late for work, he’s forgetting what day it is, waking up in random places, and so on. I hate seeing him like this. I know he’s having some family issues, something about his wife being too controlling, but his drinking is getting so out of hand that he’s close to getting fired from work. I’ve had a heart-toheart with him numerous times but he won’t stop—he can’t. What can I do for him? — A friend Dear A friend, Alcohol is often the way many men and women worldwide try to manage problems in their lives. While having a drink now and then in moderation can be a good way to reduce stress in our lives, too much or too often only exacerbates the problem physically, socially and emotionally. You sound right to be worried about your friend—his drinking has escalated. Talking to him and letting him know you are worried and are there for him is good first step. It is important to avoid sermons or lectures, but to tell him know how worried you are about him, how you care about him and how important your friendship is. Choose a place that is private and when he is sober, make sure you distinguish between him as a person and his drinking behaviors. Also make sure not to get into any arguments. Based upon what you described, your friend's alcohol abuse may require medical intervention and we would strongly encourage him to get help. Have a list of different supports available in Japan from AA, the TELL Lifeline and professional face-to-face counseling. He is lucky to have a friend looking out for him. This answer comes courtesy of TELL Life Line. If you need to talk, they're here to listen. Call TELL at 03 5774-0992 or visit their website at www.telljp.com.
If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life in Tokyo, send your questions to askanything@ metropolis.co.jp and we’ll find the most appropriate people to answer your queries.
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05
Feature
It's raining man—Tofugu's (www.tofugu.com) Koichi rakes in his blogging profits.
WHY J-BLOG? Besides blogging about finances, self-development or straight-up blogging about blogging, J-blogging (that’s blogging about Japan-related things) is actually one of the more lucrative blogging categories out there. That may be surprising news to most of you, though. But I assure you, the money is out there. A lot of it, in fact. Despite Japan’s shrinking economy, dwindling population, environmental issues and decreasing relevance on the Asian stage, there is a disproportionately large number of people on this earth who just plain love Japan. Here’s what I think happened: Millions upon millions of people grew up with Japanese anime. During my own childhood, in fact, I have memories of my friends and I running home to watch the next exciting installment of Dragonball-Z. There was nothing like it on American TV, and the cliffhanger that ended every episode had me hooked. Back then there were only a few anime shows on TV. Fast forward to 2014 and it feels like you ought to rename any cartoon channel to “The Anime Channel.” Japan has owned our childhoods for twenty-plus years and there’s no slowing in sight. Animation is just the seed, though. And for some, the seed lays dormant. For others, the seed spreads its roots and a person’s interest in Japan grows: Do you like this anime? The manga version is two chapters ahead! Want more of this Pokémon thing? There’s a card game and video game to go along with it! Did you just watch an episode in Japanese? Hmm, maybe you should learn Japanese. Just think of how many more shows you could watch!
06 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
A YEN FOR BLOGGING
Tofugu founder offers practical advice for bloggers in Japan As you can see, it’s not just about cartoons. That’s where it might have started for millions of people, but eventually it grew into something else. For some it’s language, for others it’s travel and for yet others it’s food. The list goes on. This is the group of people who grew up on Japan, and from here on out I’ll be referring to them as the “J-Generation.” This also happens to be the group from which J-bloggers make their livings.
GETTING STARTED So you want to make some money off your site? Maybe part-time, maybe full-time, maybe just a handful of extra income to go out drinking. I can tell you one thing right away: Your current Wordpress acount about your “day-to-day experiences teaching English in Japan” probably will not help you to do this. The J-Generation just doesn’t care. So what do they care about? At the core, we know they care about anime. Many have moved
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOFUGU
on to other Japan-interests, but this is where it all originated. From there we can branch out to other Japan-related topics. Some are bigger than others, but they all connect back to anime in one way or another. Personally, I see it as something like this: The center (anime) happens to be a very lucrative topic. Even the bad anime blogs seem to do pretty well, at least in terms of popularity. There is plenty of audience to go around. Then we branch out to manga, which is really just a sub-category of anime, so the same holds true here. Basically, we’ll learn, the closer you are to “anime” in terms of connections, the more likely you are to be able to profit off your J-Generation audience. The biggest self-contained section is “language.” There are several reasons for this. First, they’ll eventually see some anime that’s in Japanese, which will plant the seed: “Hmm, maybe I want to learn Japanese.” Second, learning the language just feels like a natural progression. If you like Japan, why not learn the language? From here the chart branches out further. If you’re interested in language, there’s a good chance you want to travel to Japan. If you want to travel to Japan, you are probably interested in Japanese food. These topics can potentially branch out an infinite number of times, though from my own observation the more steps away from “anime” you are the smaller your audience gets. So now I want you to consider your own interests and the things you could blog about. While doing so, answer the following questions: How many steps away from the core (anime) is it? Will the J-Generation care about this? Will I care about this?
Q&A
MARKY STAR
Passion project goes viral By Kevin McGue
W
hile some start blogs in order to win a large audience and eventual profits, Marky Star started his Japan This! (http://markystar. wordpress.com/) as a means of exploring his interest in the obscure side of Japanese history. What started as a personal project has developed into a valuable and widely-read resource for Japan buffs around the world. Why did you decide to start “Japan This!”? When I’d make references to Japanese holidays on Facebook or in emails to my friends and family living outside of Japan, I found myself re-explaining them again and again to each person. Instead of repeating myself, I thought it would be a good idea to write a few articles like “Japanese New Year” or “Coming of Age Day” and keep them all in one place where I could refer people. Then I ran out of topics and just got bored with the whole thing. The reason I relaunched it and continue is that for the past nine years I’ve been obsessed with Japanese history. I also have a background in historical
linguistics. In my free time, I’d research historical or linguistic topics. Since most of the information I was looking for was only available in Japanese, it seemed a shame to just keep all the cool stuff I was finding locked in my head. I wanted to make a place where I could have a permanent record of the stuff in English and share it with anyone else who had the same questions. I figured there might be one or two people out there who would be curious. You address such seldom asked questions as “What does Setagaya mean?” What drives you to explore such obscure topics? I think these are very natural questions to ask. I mean,
if you look at the kanji for any given place name you’re bombarded with a frothy mixture of meaning, imagery and history. When I first came to Japan, I’d look at a simple place name like 谷中 (Yanaka, “valley in the middle”) or 東京 (Tokyo, eastern capital) and think, “Wow, how simple and descriptive.” Then I’d see another place name like 渋谷 (Shibuya, literally “bitter valley”) and think “WTF is that?” I know I’m not the only person— foreign or Japanese—to have experienced this. The internet is littered with articles on the topic in Japanese, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone else writing about it in English. I’m frustrated that there isn’t any good information in English on certain topics of Japanese history—and if there is, it’s often not very good or just plain wrong. I just want to find out the truth —or as close as we can get to the truth—and share it with whomever is interested. You have several posts on execution grounds. What interests you about the darker side of Japan’s history? I get asked this a lot. But if people don’t know about Japanese history, the image of “Old Japan” is cherry blossoms, geisha and a reverent people in harmony with nature dressed in beautiful kimono practicing calligraphy and tea ceremony. But the truth is the bulk of Japanese history was spent in violent power grabs and brutal wars. If you want to understand Japanese history, you can’t just whitewash it with sakura and wabi sabi, you have to look at the whole picture, even the dark side. What is the most surprising thing you have uncovered while doing research for “Japan This?” That other people actually want to read it! That’s crazy to me.
THE WAY OF TOFUGU
T
The interconnectivity of Japan-blogging
Will I get bored with this topic? Do I know more about this topic than 99% of the world? Is there a lot worth saying about this topic? If you f ind yourself uneasy about any of your answers you should go back to the drawing board. All of these are important for not only your sanity, but also your success. Another problem that I see a lot has to do with how broad your topic is. I’d recommend narrowing your
ideas down to something fairly niche. For example, I star ted by w rit ing about t he Japanese language, but I narrowed it down to “self-teaching Japanese” because I was more interested in that. I found there was a large group of people who were interested in this topic specifically and it worked out very well. If you try to write something for everyone you just end up writing something for nobody.
he year was 2008. I had just graduated from university in the US with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese studies (what was I thinking?). I remember the evening before graduation my compatriots and I got together one last time at the local “Japanese” restaurant. The professors were there too, and while we were waiting for the food they went around the table and asked everyone their post-graduation plans. It went like this: “JET.” “ALT.” “JET.” Every answer went like this until the very last person—me. “Blogger,” I said without a doubt in my mind. “I’m going to blog about Japan and its language.” I was a smug fool. It only took three months to burn through my savings. I was so broke I got a “real” job, ditching the J-blogger dream in exchange for rent money. I only occasionally wrote, and my little pot of J-blog soup was put on the back burner. At the end of 2009 my “real” job ran out of money and fired everyone. I had opportunities to start another job (including at YouTube) but I rejected them all. I really wanted this blog thing to work, so one Rocky-esque montage later I was back in the ring, ready for Round 2. In my first month back I made less than ¥300,000. My second month was a bit more than ¥400,000. I remained suspicious of this success until a year had gone by and over ¥1 million a month was rolling in. Today, Tofugu (www.tofugu.com) is profitable, with nearly thirty people working for it. Is this story just about me? No. Can it be you? Sure, why not?
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 07
Feature THE METROPOLIS BLOGROLL
SITES WE LIKE
ART & CULTURE
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOFUGU
BUILDING AN AUDIENCE Once you’ve chosen a topic, you have to build an audience of people interested in your topic. While I can’t do much for bad writing, I can help in non-content related ways. Looking around the online community I see a lot of easily-correctable mistakes.
1 2
Get Rid Of Advertising Unless you’re a Top 10,000 website, the advertising money isn’t worth it, and those banner ads are taking up valuable space. Gather Emails You know that big space in your sidebar that used to have ads? Put up a newsletter signup form. Don’t use pop-ups, bullying tactics (“Get this free guide by signing up for my newsletter!”) or mention it every other sentence. Make it easy to find and let people choose to sign up. In your first month, try to get 100 subscribers.
3
Be “Useful” Consider this: Useless things are temporary and they go out of style. Useful things are forever. When you write to be useful, people will be more grateful to you. They’ll repay you by becoming a loyal follower and maybe even subscribe to your newsletter. They will probably read your next article, too. Every time you write something ask: “Is it useful?” If it’s not useful, then it’s just porn.
4
Create A Beautiful Experience While content is king, a beautiful reading experience is queen. Get rid of any pop-ups, don’t spam your social share links and learn about typography and readability. This is the internet and attention is fleeting. When I land on a page that is barely legible, I think twice about reading it. Plus, when you do put something up (i.e. something you’re selling) it will have that much more impact. Start with simple and readable, you can build up from there.
5
Make Videos Videos drive a surprising amount of traffic. And, there’s less competition on YouTube, so more people will find your videos. People love “How to” videos, too (remember “be useful”?) and
08 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
you can take advantage of this. When I first started out, making videos was how I got almost all of my traffic. You can do the same.
BRINGING HOME THE FUKUZAWAS As a Metropolis reader, you have the distinct advantage of being in Japan. Sites created by people who are living here start out with more credibility and more sources for interesting content. Growing your audience to a profitable level should be easier for you, overall. When you have built up your audience, you have to figure out something that is both useful to your readers as well as profitable for you. Personally, I prefer the “make something and sell it” route. This can be anything from an e-book to a membership site, to an experience, or something physical you sell. For example, if you wrote about ramen and had a following of J-Generation people who were interested in ramen, you could do several things. Here’s a few ideas: • You could create a ramen of the month club which sends a different instant ramen to members every month. • You could write and sell a guide to the best ramen in Tokyo for travelers/visitors. • You could offer private tours to tourists, taking them to the best ramen places. This last one sounds particularly fun and lucrative, feel free to use this idea. I’d like to end this by saying that the ways to make money off of your site are basically endless. But, they all start from one thing: The “J-Generation” and your ability to find a segment of them to call your own. Once you’ve zeroed in on this you should be getting positive feedback immediately. More comments, followers, readers, etc. Although building up your audience to money-making levels will take a long time (expect 1-2 years), you should see constant growth as long as you’re doing the right things. Good luck to you all out there! If you have questions about turning your J-blog into a money-making machine, send them to ama@ metropolis.co.jp. We’ll answer them in a follow up sometime in the future.
• Alternative takes on Japan's culture www.altjapan.typepad.com • Translated Japanese ghost stories www.hyakumonogatari.com • Bilingual manga diary www.iucorin.com
FASHION • Fashion event reviews www.tokyotelephone.com • Coordination info www.style-arena.jp/en • Street snaps and designer profiles www.tokyofashion.com • More street snaps www.japanesestreets.com • Even more street snaps www.stylefromtokyo.blogspot.jp
FILM & ANIME • Erudite essays on J-films www.midnighteye.com • Anime-centric film reviews www.genkinahito.wordpress.com
FOOD & DRINK • Hard drinkin’ nightlife guide www.gaijintonic.com • Exhaustive Japanese whisky guide www.nonjatta.blogspot.jp • Mouth-watering photos and noodle shop info www.ramenadventures.com • Beer drinking in Tokyo www.tokyobeerdrinker.blogspot.jp
LANGUAGE • Living the Japanese language www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog • Useful thoughts for those learning nihongo www.guidetojapanese.org/blog • All your kana and kanji needs www.nihongoichiban.com
TRAVEL • Off the beaten Japan path www.ojisanjake.blogspot.jp • Seasoned traveler’s guide to Japan www.muza-chan.net • Guide to historic ruins www.japanese-castle-explorer.com • Haikyo (industrial ruins) explorations www.gakuran.com For a more comprehensive list of J-blogs, visit metropolis.co.jp/blogroll
AGENDA PHOTO: MASAHIRO TANIGUCHI
dance
show
theater
� One of the most acclaimed practitioners of Japan’s avant-garde dance form butoh is Kayo Mikami. Among the few remaining disciples of butoh founder Tatsumi Hijikata, Mikami has been exploring the limits of the genre for the last two decades as leader of dance troupe Torifune Butoh-sha. For an upcoming residency in Yokohama, Mikami presents Kenka, or “Consecration of the Flowers," which was first performed in 1992 and Sai, which celebrates the company’s founding one year earlier. Both works were created and choreographed by Mikami and her husband Yukio, with whom she runs Torifune, and feature the sometimes disturbing but always fascinating music of Japanese experimental composer J.A. Caesar. Dan Grunebaum Kanagawa Arts Theater, Apr 2-6. See dance listings for details.
� Metropolis hosted Uhnellys at our Saiko showcase, so it's no secret we're fans of the Saitama duo. And yet, Uhnellys have outdone themselves with their new CD, Chord, raising expectations for their upcoming show at SuperDeluxe. Having forged a new rock/rap/jazz/digital hybrid, frontman Kim and his beauty-on-the-backbeat Midi now squeeze it in new directions. Uhnellys' tracks typically take their cue from Kim's funk guitar loops, irrepressible rap-storytelling and jazzy trumpet riffs, with Midi gluing it all together with beats and choruses. On the new album, songs like the film noir tinged "Black Out" don't mess with this formula, but they do perfect it. The pair have learned how to ratchet up the tension until you're crying out for the full-blown funk denouement they never fail to deliver. DG SuperDeluxe, Mar 22. See concert listings.
� Black Stripe Theater presents a pair of Nobel Prize-winner Harold Pinter’s greatest and most challenging plays: Ashes to Ashes and One for the Road. In Ashes to Ashes, a revenant from a terrible past is called up as a married couple quarrel over the wife’s one-time lover. In One for the Road, Nicolas, the head of the state security apparatus, interrogates a family who are suspected of seeking political change. Both plays, says Tokyo director Timothy Harris, are “relevant to a time in which the ‘surveillance state’ has become a dangerous reality, in which torture has come to be regarded as acceptable in states that previously eschewed it, and in which civil freedoms are being lost.”There will be a brief talk by and discussion with director and cast after each performance. DG Trance Mission, Mar 28-30. See stage listings.
gig
festival
expo
� The Tokyo indie quintet is back with a typically odd EP and two slots at SXSW 2014, including headlining the renowned Japan Nite. The album title 5-1+1= refers to guitarist So's departure and replacement by Fukunosuke Abe. Leaving out the result of the sum implies they aren’t sure what this new Mothercoat has become. Fittingly, their new tracks are highly experimental and mark a transition for the band. “Trickster” is the most "Coaty," restless guitar shifts and kaleidoscopic drums. “Nipple Cider” is a hypnotic electronic Catherine wheel in constant danger of spinning out of control. "Misync" features a Kate Bush-esque vocal display from bassist Toki Rock over a haunting minimalist loop. Whatever 5-1+1 turns out to equal, Mothercoat haven’t stopped pushing their music in new directions. Iain Maloney Shimokitazawa Three, Mar 25 and Shinjuku Marz, Apr 18. See concert listings.
� The “plum village” of Yoshino Baigo in Ome will be holding what will sadly be its last plum festival for the foreseeable future. The park, on the south bank of the Tama River, was hit by the plum pox virus in 2009. Over 10,000 trees were felled to prevent the disease from spreading, but it wasn’t enough and the Ome tourism board has finally made the difficult decision to cut down all remaining 1,266 trees after its plum festival—the biggest in Kanto—ends this year. The blossoms will be in their peak in mid-March, so catch the beauty while you still can. The tourism board plans to plant new trees to restore the garden, but is not sure how long the rejuvenation will take, or if they will be able to replicate the extensive variety of blossoms they have now. Ai Hosokawa Ome-shi. Nearest stn: Hinatawada. www. omekanko.gr.jp/ume
� Although billed as a brand new event, this expo is actually a result of the merging of two long running conventions: the Tokyo International Anime Fair and the Anime Contents Expo. The two days' of events include renowned director Mamoru Oshii leading a press conference on the upcoming Patlabor film and a Q&A with voice actor Daisuke Ono of the Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) franchise. Hitting the high notes, will be the Anisong Ichiban concert that features a chorus of female voice actors. Production houses will be previewing upcoming work and there will be cosplay areas and a full-size Patlabor truck like the one used in the new live action film. Another highlight will be the Anime Half Century Theater, featuring anime masterpieces from the 1960s until today—including classics Astro Boy and Sailor Moon. Tokyo Big Sight, March 22-23. See expo listings.
TORIFUNE BUTOH-SHA
MOTHERCOAT
UHNELLYS
YOSHINO BAIGO
HAROLD PINTER NIGHT
ANIME JAPAN 2014
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Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS pop life
art
ANISAVA TRACES OF DISAPPEARANCE
DLE’s new English web anime looks to shift the paradigm By Dan Grunebaum
IMAGES COURTESY OF DLE
A fashionable look at the ephemeral in Omotesando By C.B.Liddell
S F
ou nded by a former Sony Pictures man, Dream Link Entertainment (DLE) is Japan’s most influential Flash animation studio, known for its Secret Society Eagle Talon about a blundering but well-meaning shadow organization that wants to conquer the world. Which, in some way, says a lot about DLE. The studio has long looked overseas, and with its new adult, all-English web series, Anisava, is making its boldest play yet. We spoke with director Benpi Neko (“Constipated Cat”) about the mechanics of international anime collaboration and the challenge of writing comedy for a worldwide audience.
How was Anisava conceived? The show’s characters were originally designed by a Spanish company called Kukuxumusu. The team’s first thoughts about the characters were that—despite being animals which are usually associated with kids’ shows—these designs were very adult. That got us thinking maybe we should do a show for an adult audience. I took the characters out of the traditional forest setting and put them in a big city, so we could play with the idea of these animal characters doing very human things: living and loving in the metropolis. Wa s it o r i g i n a l ly c re ate d a s a n international production? If so, why? The idea was always to have it be a production that crosses borders. Having animal characters really makes that a lot easier. If you’ve got human characters, no matter what, people can see that character’s nationality at a glance. And that might alienate some watchers, especially if they feel their culture is being misrepresented.
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ituated atop Louis Vuitt o n’s h a n d b a g s h o p i n Omotesa ndo a nd f i na nced by t he sa les going on below, the Espace Louis Vuitton art venue can never be entirely divorced from broader commercial interests. The free shows put on are desig ned to reflect further glory on the famous brand, while also sending out subtle signals that may or may not help you to make a purchase downstairs. This is the case with the present exhibition “Traces of Disappearance,” which has a central message of “evanescence”—no, not t he Goth metal band that has been on hiatus for several years, but rather the process of things disappearing and fading away. In short, the subliminal message is: “Nothing lasts forever, especially you, sweetheart, so, go on, splash out on that tasty little Chain Louise calfskin evening bag you spied on the way in.” But commercial spin-offs aside, evanescence is a worthy subject for an art show, as beauty is at its most poignant when it is about to fade—at least that’s always been the appeal of the short-lived cherry blossom season in these parts.
So we’ve got characters with no particular nationality, no particular culture and we’ve got them in a big city—it could be New York, Tokyo or somewhere in Europe or Asia. It’s deliberately vague so viewers everywhere can project their own cultural templates onto the show. Finally, regardless of gender or nationality, everyone can relate to romantic comedy. Tell us about the main characters. The main character, Jake, can’t do anything right, but he’s a good guy. Then there’s Jenny, a strong female lead with big career ambitions, and for some reason, she’s been dating Jake for two years. The rest of the cast are co-workers and they’ve got their own personalities. Much of their
The Sheer Size of It, 2013
©LOUIS VUITTON / JÉRÉMIE SOUTEYRAT
Feat u r i ng a r t b y A n ne a nd Pat r ick Poi r ier, Kasper Kov it z, G o a n g-M i n g Yu a n a nd Nao y a Hatakeyama—much of it designed for the site—the show invites visitors
“to reflect upon the current condition of a fragile world” and feel the ephemeral nature of things. Naoya Hatakeyama, a Japanese photographer and w inner of the
personalities are based at least in part on what animal they are. So, we’ve got Fred the rabbit, who is a total sex machine. We’ve got David the lion, who is the company manager and a born leader. We’ve got all these diverse characters, and everyone is going to have a character they can relate to, or a character that reminds them exactly of that one friend— or that one ex. Why did you turn to Kukuxumusu for character design and what flavor do they bring? Kukuxumusu has a very distinctive style and they also do great animals. They have a way of getting these details that are both anatomically accurate to a specific animal and also very expressive and human. It’s
pretty obvious at a glance that this is a very non-anime style, so in that sense Kukuxumusu helped provide an international flavor to the production. The storylines are quite adult. Tell us about some of the main themes in Anisava. Originally, the idea was that we’d do a South Park-style show with animals, but it evolved into a romantic comedy sort of thing. The main themes then became about love, the everyday stresses of work, relationships, city life and how we all “go wild” once in a while. What are some of the challenges in creating anime for the international market? It was very difficult. Comedy doesn’t cross borders as well as other genres. So, I had to make sure we didn’t
games much coveted Kimura Ihei Prize for Photography contributes some photographic works (i.e. big photographs in fancy frames) showing beautifully bleak landscapes from Mont Ventoux in France. Although in some cases the “beauty” may be debatable, the bleakness never is. Hatakeyama seems to be seeking after a sense of spiritual “alpinism” of the kind that would have appealed to the Italian philosopher and esotericist Julius Evola, but there is an unfortunate emphasis on the horizontal that deadens the works. For this reason these photographs are easily overshadowed by some of the other larger works in the show, such as Kasper Kovitz’s The Sheer Size of It (2013), a vast, translucent mosaic that has some of the qualities of stained glass. The actual scene depicted is attractive in a banal way, but the real payoff—or not—is realizing that the piece is made from thousands of jelly babies stuck on plexiglass. Anne and Patrick Poirier’s The Soul of the World (2013/2014) dominates the centre of the high-ceilinged space. In essence this is a large and very stylish birdcage with a few disembodied tree branches reaching into it. I cou ld n’t help bei ng rem i nded of another female musical reference at this point, namely the lyrics to Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”: They took all the trees/ Put ’em in a tree museum/ And they charged the people/ A dollar and a half just to see ’em.” This is what this work points towards, the reduction of nature to a decorative feature of urban modernity. This installation will appeal to the frustrated urbanite with a green chip on his shoulder, but the Poiriers’ work is also concerned with the concept of memory in a broader cultural and social context, as the essence of civilization and the ways that this can be erased – another compelling reason to nip downstairs for that tasty handbag. Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, until Apr 13. See exhibition listings (Harajuku/ Aoyama) for details.
have humor that was too specific to one country or other. Our American scriptwriter, Sean and I worked very
COMMUTER GAMER
Three new titles to challenge your daily commute By Adam Bolton
CLUMSY NINJA NaturalMotion (free; iOS) Turning something as dumb as a sack of bricks into something as hard as nails. Taking on the role of a martial arts master, your mission, should you have the patience for it, is to train the most awkward of apprentices. You see, the apprentice has a mission: to save his fellow ninja warrior from an unseen and nefarious evildoer-type. The little ninja in question, though, is more likely to kick back—rather than kick butt—as he’s too untrained and undisciplined to dutifully save the girl. But persevere you must, as the young ninja will slowly gather the skills he needs to win the day. While not necessarily a game with any specific goals or actions, Clumsy Ninja offers a fun and often addictive distraction from daily life. Akin to something along the lines of Tamagochi or other pet simulators, Clumsy Ninja makes more use of the iOS devices touch screens than most games in the App Store, while also offering some of the best character animation and A.I.. It also retains a high level of visual charm. Suitable for all ages, Clumsy Ninja offers a decent investment of free time and all in all is a joy to play. The charm and personality of the character as well as the app's overall presentation makes it a must-have to add to the mobile collection.
TINY THIEF 5 Ants (¥ 300; iOS, Android) Thievery has never been so kawaii. Developed by 5 Ants and published b y t h e m a ke r s o f Angry Birds comes perhaps one of the cutest acts of kleptomania ever seen on a gaming platform. Reminiscent of the tales of Robin Hood, take on the blond bangs of the sneakiest thief in all the kingdom as you slink, distract and outwit guards and pirates in order to steal from the
closely together, but we’d frequently disagree. We had a rule that the humor can’t be restricted to just one region’s
rich and give to the poor. Accompanied by your trusty ferret companion, travel across six stages consisting of five parts each as you hide in barrels, set off Rube Goldberg-like distractions and pilfer every last scrap of loot to be had—all the while being the hero of the common man. With their own clean-cut, vectored visual style, 5 Ants has done a great job at standing out from the crowd. Each level is rich in color, artistry and design where not everything is simply part of the background. The additional quest of finding three unique treasures for each level will have the completionist in some wanting to make the most of each stage's design and interactive aesthetics. With warm humor, simple and intuitive game play and an overall appeal that many will find charming, this game will steal your heart without picking your pocket at the same time.
THREES Sirvo LLC (¥200; iOS) Math—this game just made it fun for me, 'nuff said. The concept for this game is a simple one: slide numbered tiles together to make multiples of three. As each combination comes together, each complete number becomes a new personification, with their own character. When there are no further moves to make on the 4X4 grid, your final score is tallied. This game is truly one of those that is simple to pickup, yet difficult to master. Though simple math in itself isn't taxing, the way in which you move the numbered tiles around the board is. Swipe one tile up, and any other tiles that can move in the same direction will too. This offers a level of strategy and forward thinking that moves this past the basic idea of 3+3. While getting a reasonable score can at times come down to blind luck, the greater challenge comes from making the much higher multiples of three. Sirvo LLC has come up with an instant classic for the App Store, one that many people have recognized as their own favorite. Expect to find other, paling, multiplication-type games out there, but accept no substitute.
audience. That proved a tall order for a while, but we had him come to Japan so we could work in person and things became a lot easier. Other Japanese animation companies might just localize their products by handing off a script and having it read without interacting much with the voice talent. I really felt like that is not the way to go. No matter where you go in the world, there are certain jokes and certain funny things that everybody will laugh at. If somebody suddenly takes off his shoe and starts talking into it like it’s a phone, that’s the kind of thing everybody will laugh about. I think it’s really possible to make a comedy show that people all over the world can laugh with. Animation is a perfect platform for
this, because you can do things you just can’t with live action. What have the responses been like so far? Right now the show is, unfortunately, only playing in Japan, but our Japanese audience seems to really like it based on social network activity and viewership. I’m really anxious to see what people in other parts of the world think. Tell us how Anisava points to the future of anime. I think Anisava will open the door for studios to experiment with anime that doesn't look and feel like Japanese animation. We hope it will encourage other studios to incorporate more diverse influences, like American sitcoms and things like that. www.anisava.net/en/
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 11
Listings Concerts POPULAR Minna no Senkan
Uhnellys, Doit Science and others. Mar 21-23, 1pm, ¥3,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥7,000 (3 days, adv) +1d. SuperDeluxe. Nearest stn: Roppongi. minnanosenkan.com. www. minnanosenkan.com
Homecoming
With A Ghost of Flare, Minor League and others. Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Cyclone. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. survivesaidtheprophet.com
L'Arc en Ciel
Visual-kei veterans. Mar 21-22, 5pm, ¥10,000 (adv). National Olympic Stadium. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3403-1151. l-tike.com
Rottengraffty
With Man with a Mission. Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 050-55330888. www.diskgarage.com
Survive Said the Prophet
Tokyo-based emo-rock with an international flare. Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/¥2,500 (door). Cyclone. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. survivesaidtheprophet.com
Floppy
Electro-pop duo. Mar 21, 6pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door) +1d. Loft. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.loft-prj.co.jp
Ska Ska Club
Third wave ska from the Big Mikan. Mar 22, 6pm, ¥3,300 (adv) +1d. Zepp Diver City. Nearest stn: Daiba. 050-5533-0888. http://hall. zepp.co.jp/divercity
The Twisted Harbor Town
Classical and metal fusion. With New Breed and others. Mar 22, 6:30am, ¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,600 (door) +1d. Cyclone. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. thetwistedharbortown.com
Blindside
Post-hardcore from Sweden with Loyal to the Grave, Midgardsorm and others. Mar 22, 6pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Garret Udagawa. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www.cyclone1997.com/ garret
SA X Radiots
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS Nearest stn: Kannai. Tel: 045-241-0777. http://www. neckrock.net
The Beethoven
Visual-kei. Mar 23, 6pm, ¥3,800 (adv)/ ¥4,300 (door) +1d. Loft. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www. loft-prj.co.jp
Man with a Mission
Wolf-headed rockers and Coldrain. Mar 24, 7pm, ¥3,885 (adv). Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn: Aomi. www.diskgarage.com
Voiceland
J-pop youngsters. Mar 24, 5:30pm, ¥1,000 (adv) +1d. Marz. Nearest stn: Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-32028248. www.marz.jp
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Hip hop duo pops some tags. Mar 25, 7pm, ¥6,500-7,000 (adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka. Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.tbs. co.jp/blitz
Maia Hirasawa
Half-Swedish singersongwriter with sweet and deep lyrics. Mar 25, 6:30pm, ¥4,000 (adv) +1d. Moonromantic. Nearest stn: Gaien-mae. www. moonromantic.com
Calabash no Sasoku
Mothercoat, People Jam, Windowz and others. Mar 25, 7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Three. Tel: 03-5486-8804. www.toos.co.jp/3
Rockin' Students & Vegetable Bar Music Vol.1
BeePallet, Slow Light and more. Mar 25, 4:30pm, ¥1,000 (adv) +1d. Marz. Nearest stn: Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-32028248. www.marz.jp
Semth
J-rock bands The Quiet Room and The Hedgehog. Mar 25, 6:30pm, ¥2,000/ ¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3496-1561. http://eggman.jp
Octpass
Progressive rock band I Can't Smile at Me, In the Sun and others. Mar 26, 6:30pm, ¥1,500 (adv)/ ¥1,800 (door). Kichijoji Warp. Nearest stn: Kichijoji. Tel: 0422-22-3514. http://warp. rinky.info
SolarCoaster
Rock and roots featuring Nature Airliner, Kaku-Uchi and DJ Solar. Mar 27, 7pm, free. Gamuso. Nearest stn: Asagaya. Tel: 03-5364-9096. www. gamuso.com
The Hives
Old school punk rock. Mar 22, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) +1d. Loft. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www. loft-prj.co.jp
Extra show ahead of Punkspring. Mar 27, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka. Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.tbs. co.jp/blitz
Timid
Bakudan Johnny
Socially conscious rapper from New York. Mar 23, 7pm, ¥1,500 (adv). Yotsuya Lotus. Nearest stn: Yotsuya Sanchome. Tel: 03-53154781. http://yotsuyalotus. com
Molice
New wave indie rockers with Electric Eel Shock and others. Mar 23, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). Shibuya Burrow. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8750. http://shibuya-o.com
G5 Clinic
Godspeed, Takaji and more. Mar 23, 5:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door) +1d. Marz. Nearest stn: Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-32028248. www.marz.jp
Neck Rock
Chameleon, Oz, Astral and others. Mar 23, 12:30am, ¥3,000-4,000. Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium.
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Crazy kids from Sapporo. Mar 28, 7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Redcloth. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-32025320. www.bakudanjohnny. com
Residents of Showcase
Mrs. Scottie Pippin, Anvis, Hunch and others. Mar 28, 6pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://eggman.jp
Punkspring
Bad Religion,The Hives, SiM and others . Mar 29, noon, ¥8,800-12,000 (adv). Makuhari Messe. Nearest stn: KaihinMakuhari. Tel: 06-7732-8888. www.punkspring.com
Moumoon
J-pop duo. Mar 29, 6pm, ¥5,250 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-57209999. www.shibuya-ax.com
Koga Records Night
Rocket K, Switch Trout and
others. Mar 29, 6:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Shelter. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-34667430. www.loft-prj.co.jp
Girl's Scream
The Leaps and Mutant Monster. Mar 29, 6pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Loft. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www. loft-prj.co.jp
Sell Out Vol.2
J-rockers Alternative Medicine and We Are From You. Mar 29, 7pm, ¥1,500 (adv)/ ¥2,000 (door) +1d. Kichijoji Warp. Nearest stn: Kichijoji. Tel: 0422-22-3514. http://warp. rinky.info
Nouvelle Vague
Punk and post-punk cover band from France. Mar 29, 7pm, free. The French Institute Tokyo. Nearest stn: Iidabashi. Tel: 03-52062500. www.frecho.com Mar 30, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. O-Nest. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-4420. www. shibuya-o.com.
Swanky Dank
With Rizing 2 End, T.C. Speaker and others. Mar 30, 4:30pm, ¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door) +1d. Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://l-tike.com
This is Not a Business
Tengu-faced electro-rock. Mar 30, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Shelter. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-34667430. www.loft-prj.co.jp
Pace Tour
Girlie rockers Who the Bitch, Ecosystem and Charisma. com. Mar 30, 6:30pm, ¥2,800 (adv)/ ¥3,300 (door) +1d. Garret Udagawa. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. cyclone1997.com/garret
Lionel Richie
"Hello" and "All Night Long" hitmaker. Mar 27, 7pm, ¥12,000-15,000 (adv). Pacifico Yokohama. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Mar 31, 7pm, ¥12,000-15,000 (adv). Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.creativeman.co.jp
Travis
Find out why it always rains on them. Mar 29-30, 6pm, ¥8,000 (adv) +1d. Roppongi Ex-Theater. Nearest stn; Nogizaka or Roppongi. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. ex-theater.com
Bob Dylan
Legendary singer-songwriter Mar 31-Apr 10. 7pm, ¥13,00022,000 (adv) +1d. Zepp Diver City. Nearest stn: Daiba. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp/ Artists/BobDylan
Girugamesh
Visual-kei veterans with metalcore band Make My Day. Apr 1, 7pm, ¥3,800 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.club-quattro.com
Tonari no Bandman
loft-prj.co.jp
Music Expand
Alice 9, Tesla Doesn't Know How to Cry and others. Apr 4, 6:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door) +1d. Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://eggman.jp
Guruguru Toiro
Asparagus, Charisma.com, Spooky and more. Apr 5-6, 1pm, ¥3,500 (1 day, adv)/ ¥6,000 (2 days, adv). Saitama Super Arena. Nearest stn: Saitama-Shintoshin. Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.saitamaarena.co.jp
Practical Lovers
UK-based electro-pop and The Watanabes. Apr 5, 8pm, free. What the Dickens. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-3780-2099. www. whatthedickens.jp
Ken Yokoyama
Old school punk rock. Apr 6, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com
Killswitch Engage
With Asobius and others. Apr 4, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Loft. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.
Female-fronted J-rock band. Apr 16, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) +1d. Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya. eggman. jp
Grass Code Vol. 50
Mothercoat, The Twenties and others. Apr 18, 9pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Marz. Nearest stn: Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-3202-8248. www. mothercoat.com
Vivid
A burst of colors and melodic rock. Apr 19, 5:30pm, ¥4,800 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. diskgarage.com
Angelo
Talented but underrated guitarist of exceptional skill. Apr 7-9, 7pm, ¥9,500-10,500 (adv). Tokyo Dome City Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp/ Artists/JeffBeck
Suzanne Vega
Famed singer of "Luka" and other international hits. Apr 7, 7:30pm, ¥7,500 (adv) +1d. Roppongi Ex-Theater. Nearest stn; Nogizaka or Roppongi. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. ex-theater.com
Spiritual Beggars
Psychedelic metal band from Sweden. Apr 8, 7pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800. www.creativeman.co.jp
Burt Bacharach
Pop hitmaker with orchestra. Apr 10, 7pm, ¥8,400-12,960. NHK Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. info@promax.co.jp. www. promax.co.jp/burtbacharach
Matenrou Opera
Operatic metal. Apr 10, 7pm, ¥4,200 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 050-5533-0888. www. shibuya-ax.com
Deep Purple
Pioneers of heavy metal. Apr 12, 5pm, ¥9,000-10,000 (adv). Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo,jp
Under the Dead Vol.4
Featuring Angry Frog Rebirth and others. Apr 12, 5pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Cyclone. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. creativeman.co.jp
The Bonez
The Oral Cigarettes
i-Rabbits
Jeff Beck
Thirty Seconds to Mars
UK indies band that likes to apply some pressure. Apr 3, 7pm, ¥5,000 (adv) +1d. Unit. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.creativeman.co.jp
Visual-kei. Apr 16, 6:30pm; Apr 17, 6:30pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +2d. Shibuya Public Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34633022. www.shibuko.com/ english
Uplift Spice
Bruno Mars
Maximo Park
Sid
Metalcore from Massachusetts. Apr 7, 7pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.smash-jpn.com
Good Morning America, The Band Apart and 8tto. Apr 2, 6:30pm, ¥3,500-6,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.diskgarage.com Rock band with love, lust, faith and dreams (and Jared Leto). Apr 3, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://meturl.com/30sec2014
(adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://eggman.jp
Apr 12, 5pm; Apr 13, 4pm, ¥8,000-15,000 (adv). Makuhari Messe. Nearest stn: KaihinMakuhari. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://meturl.com/bruno2014 J-rock that's easy to sing along to. Apr 12, 6pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Shimokitazawa Garden. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3795-1069. www. creativeman.co.jp
Kodaline
Irish indies quartet. Apr 14, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Duo Music Exchange. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.creativeman. co.jp
Noid Vol.4
J-rock bands Everlong, Mrs. Wiener, Mellowship and others. Apr 14, 5:30pm, ¥2,000
Girl-vocalist fronted emo band. Apr 19, 6pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d. O-West. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.smash-jpn.com Visual-kei rock band featuring 3 ex-Pierrot members. Apr 20, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.shibuya-ax.com
Asking Alexandria
Metalcore from the UK. Apr 22, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com
Dregen
Swedish rocker famed for Backyard Babies and The Hellacopters goes solo. Apr 22, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Duo Music Exchange. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.creativeman. co.jp
JAZZ/WORLD Nicola Conte Jazz Combo featuring Melanie Charles
New generation European jazz. Mar 21, 3:45 & 7pm; Mar 22, 3:45 & 7pm, ¥7,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. www.bluenote. co.jp
Yoshio Suzuki Bass Talk: Birthday Special Live
Celebrating Mr. Suzuki's birthday with beautiful sounds and warm melody. Mar 21, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥5,500. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Gideon Juckes All-Star Quintet
Salon music for the 21st century. Mar 22, 7pm, free (donations welcome). Cafe Muriwui. Nearest stn: Soshigayaokura. Tel: 03-54292033. http://gideonjuckes. blogspot.jp/2014/02/ news-nerima-tea-clubreturn_14.html
John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension
Japan's first live of "The 4th Dimension". Mar 23-Mar 26. various times, ¥8,400. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp
Nicola Conte Jazz Combo
New generation European jazz. Mar 23, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Jill-Decoy Association
Jill-Decoy lounge at Billboard Live Tokyo 2014. Mar 23, 4:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,800-6,800. Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. www.billboard-live.com
Gray Zone
Trio sound navigating from ethnical to the latest sounds of New York. Mar 25, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Senzoku Get Jazz Orchestra
Stage by current students of Senzoku College of Music. Mar 26, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
XO Presents Lip Service Vol.5
A charming stage by 4 trumpeters. Mar 27, 7 & 9pm, ¥5,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Lee Ritenour and Friends
Dream session of America's star guitarist and top players. Mar 28, 5:30 & 8:45pm; Mar 29, 3:45 & 7pm, ¥8,400. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. www.bluenote. co.jp
Mexican Music Festival: Chamber Music Evening
Latin-style guitar and more. Mar 28, 7pm, ¥4,000. Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall. Nearest stn: Shinjuku or Hatsudai. Tel: 0570-02-9999. www. operacity.jp
Junko Yagami with Tsugutoshi Goto: The Night Flight A night that will be remembered in Japan's music history. Mar 30, 4 & 6:30pm; Mar 31, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,50010,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Junko Makiyama Quartet Quartet jazz stage by the versatile violinist Junko Makiyama. Mar 30, 5:30 & 7:30pm, 4,200. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Mexican Music Festival: Orchestra Concert Full orchestra with a latin twist. Mar 30, 2pm, ¥3,0005,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. www. operacity.jp
Pat Martino Trio
Phenomenal guitarist and organ trio. Mar 30, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,400. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Evening of Argentina Tango
Collection of melancholy tango songs. Apr 1, 7pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka. jp/en/
Katsunori Fukai The Trio
Latin jazz. Apr 1, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp
George Nagata and Mio
Mellow night of jazz and pops. Apr 2, 7 & 9pm, free. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Gas Law
Alternative music. Apr 4, 7:30pm, ¥3,800. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Fred Hersch Trio
American jazz pianist. Until Apr 8, various times, ¥7,80010,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/ jp/sp/artists/fred-hersch/
Goo Punch
New album release live. Apr 6, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥3,600. Motion
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Lisa Marie Presley
Country music by Elvis's daughter. Apr 8, 7 & 9:30pm; Apr 9, 7 & 9:30pm; Apr 10, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥8,500 (adv). Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Yoshihiro Harada Trio Plus One
Original world music. Apr 9, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Josei Solo Piano
Pianist from "Soil & Pimp Sessions". Apr 10, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Mika Beyond Jazz
Latin jazz. Apr 11, 7 & 9pm, 5,500. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Hex
Chamber Music Concert
Classic Players Tokyo perform baroque pieces by Mozart and others. Mar 21, 6pm, ¥2,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010-296. www.geigeki.jp
Tokyo Spring Music Festival Chamber Orchestra
Mozart played by top musicians. Mar 21, 3pm, ¥1,500-7,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka. jp/en/
String Quartet by NHK Symphony Orchestra
All Beethoven program. Mar 21, 2pm, ¥3,500. National Museum of Nature and Science. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111. www.kahaku. go.jp
Japanese Songs : Tokyo Opera Singers
Beautiful choral arrangements of Japanese songs. Mar 22, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.com
Electronica meets acoustic jazz. Apr 11, 8pm, ¥4,000 (adv)/ ¥4,500 (door). Moonromantic. Nearest stn: Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-5474-8137. www.moonromantic.com
Goldberg Variations
10th Asia Music Festival
Hiroshi Kato
Asian folk music and live concerts by street musicians around Kawasaki station. Apr 12-13, noon-5pm, free. Kawasaki station area. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 045-6639999 . www.tvk-yokohama. com
104: Iwashi
1st album launch live. Apr 14, 7 & 9pm, 3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Johnny Winter
Blues guitarist. Apr 18, 7pm; Apr 19, 6pm; Apr 20, 4pm, ¥9,800. Roppongi Ex-Theater. Nearest stn; Nogizaka or Roppongi. Tel: 03-5453-9999. www.ex-theater.com
Solo-Duo
Geila Zilkha and Ayumu Yahaba. Apr 18, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Tres-Men
Next generation club jazz. Apr 20, 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp
Fuse
The leading unit of Japan's jazz scene. Apr 22, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Robben Ford
Jam session of popular singers and guitarists. Apr 23-24. various times, ¥8,000. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Kaho Shimada
40th anniversary project. Apr 28, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,500-8,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Eric Alexander Quartet
Modern jazz. Apr 29-30. various times, ¥7,500-9,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
CLASSICAL Tokyo Harusai Chamber Orchestra
The music of Mozart performed by top musicians. Mar 21, 3pm, ¥1,500-7,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
With Julien Szulman and Nobuko Imai. Mar 22, 6pm, ¥1,500-6,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.com Music Travelogue on the Piano: Vienna. Mar 22, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.com
The 164th Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
Kristjan Jarvi conducts Pritsker and others. Mar 22, 2pm, ¥1,500-7,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-35621550. www.yomikyo.or.jp/e
New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra Nice to Meet You The Orchestra Once Again Orchestra plays Beethoven and others. Mar 22, 11am & 2pm, Free. Sumida Triphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-1212. www. triphony.com
Tokyo Opera Singers
Japan's songs volume 4. Mar 22, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka. jp/en/
Goldberg Variationen
Sadao Harada cello series volume 5. Mar 22, 6pm, ¥1,5006,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Journey of Piano Music: Vienna
Performed by the concert master, Hiroshi Kato. Mar 22, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38236921. www.tobikan.jp
The Life of Richard Strauss
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the composer's birth. Mar 23, various times, ¥2,000-7,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.com
The 70th Yokohama Minato Mirai Holiday
Kristjan Jarvi conducts Korngold and others. Mar 23, 2pm, ¥1,500-7,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 03-35621550. www.yomikyo.or.jp/e
Gunma Symphony Orchestra Performance in Tokyo
Orchestra plays Berlioz and others. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥2,5005,500. Sumida Triphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-1212. www.triphony. com
Triphony Hall Jr. Orchestra Young musicians demonstrate
their talent. Mar 24, 7pm, ¥1,500. Sumida Triphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kinshicho. www. triphony.com
Subscription Concert No.767 A Series
Kazuhiro Koizumi conducts Beethoven and other. Mar 24, 7pm, ¥1,800-6,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0727. www. tmso.or.jp/e
A Journey Through the History of the Piano
Walter, Pleyel and Steinway. Mar 25, 11am, ¥2,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
An Evening with Schubert
Piano Quintet "Die Forelle" and other splendid chamber music. Mar 25, 7pm, ¥1,500-6,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
Searching the History of Piano: Kikuko Ogura
Concert volume 4: Walter, Pleyel, Steinway. Mar 25, 11am, ¥2,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Evening of Schubert
Piano quintet station of classic songs. Mar 25, 7pm, ¥1,0006,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/
J.S.Bach vol.19
Violoncellist Nobuko Yamazaki and Cembalist Michio Kobayashi. Mar 26, 7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo National Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.com
Bach vol.19
Cellist Nobuko Yamazaki and cembalo musician Michio Kobayashi. Mar 26, 7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo National Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.tnm.jp
Yutaka Sado and Super Kids Orchestra
Super Kids Orchestra with conductor Yutaka Sado with special guest Niu Niu. Mar 27, 6:30pm, ¥5,000-6,000. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 03-3234-9999. www.suntory.co.jp/suntoryhall
Daichi Fujiki
Feat. Yasuji Ohagi. Mar 28, 6:30pm, ¥3,500. National Museum of Nature and Science. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38220111. www.tokyo-harusai.com
New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra 2013/2014 Season of Classic Concert
34 orchestral introduction to work for Britain and others. Mar 28, 2pm; Mar 29, 2pm, ¥1,0004,000. Sumida Triphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-1212. www.triphony. com
Festival Orchestra
The College of Music Orchestra conducted by Radomil Eliska. Mar 28, 7pm, ¥1,500-2,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010-296. www.geigeki.jp
Daichi Fujiki and Rasuji Oohagi
www.tokyo-harusai.com
Angelika Kirchschlager
Mezzo Soprano Singer. Apr 6, 3pm, ¥1,500-8,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
Musical featuring some of Michael Jackson's greatest hits. Until Jun 8, various times, ¥5,500-8,500. Blue Theater. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-5414-3255. www.thrillerlive.jp
Akiko Kuwagata: Old Songs of the World
Kyoko Tabe
Music Travelogue on piano: Nordic countries. Apr 6, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
Annie
Short program of organ playing old songs. Mar 29, 2pm, free. Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel: 048-858-5500. www.saf.or.jp
Marlis Petersen
Blossoming Melodies vol.1
Ovo - Cirque du Soleil
Concert inspired by Jacques Callot: Theater of Realism and Fantasy. Apr 8, 11am & 2pm, ¥1,400. The National Museum of Western Art. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.nmwa.go.jp
Revolutionary troupe that blends circus arts and street entertainment. Until May 11, various times, ¥4,50012,000. Odaiba Big Top, Odaiba. Nearest stn: Tokyo Teleport. www.fujitv.co.jp/ events/ovo
Maximilian Hornung and Hisako Kawamura
Cavalleria Rusticana
Music travelogue on piano. Mar 29, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. www. tokyo-harusai.com
Tokyo Spring Festival song series volume 12. Mar 29, 6pm, ¥1,500-5,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka. jp/en/
Journey of Piano Music: Paris
Concert by the talented Takehiko Yamada. Mar 29, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38236921. www.tobikan.jp
In Memory of a Great Artist Keiko Urushihara, Kaeko Mukoyama and Ichiro Nodaira. Mar 30, 3pm, ¥1,5005,500. Ishibashi Memorial Hall. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3843-3043. www. ishibashimemorial.com
Bro Cart Philharmonic Orchestra
Brahms and others. Mar 30, 2pm, ¥700-1,000. Sumida Triphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel: 03-3608-1212. www.triphony.com
Journey of Piano Music: New York
Dynamic travelogue on the piano by Akira Eguchi. Mar 30, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38236921. www.tobikan.jp
E.W. Korngold: Between Two Worlds The last prodigy of the 20th century. Mar 31, 7pm, ¥2,000. Ishibashi Memorial Hall. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3843-3043. www. ishibashimemorial.com/ english/
The Argentine Tango
An evening of nostalgic tango music. Apr 1, 7pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
Bach vol.20
Violinist Yosuke Yamazaki. Apr 1, 7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo National Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.tnm.jp
Daisuke Suzuki
Guitar recital. Apr 2, 7pm, ¥1,500-4,000. Ishibashi Memorial Hall. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3843-3043. www. ishibashimemorial.com
Memories of Florence
Performance by upcoming young musicians. Apr 3, 7pm, ¥1,500-4,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka. jp/en/
Museum concert by countertenor and guitarist. Mar 28, 6:30pm, ¥3,500. National Museum of Nature and Science. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38220111. www.kahaku.go.jp
Sadao Harada
The 66th Promenade Concert
Der Ring des Nibelungen
Violin and cello recital. Apr 4, 7pm, ¥1,500-4,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
Akiko Kuwagata plays the organ. Mar 29, 2pm, free. Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. http:// saf.or.jp
With projected images and subtitles onscreen. Apr 5, 3pm; Apr 7, 7pm, ¥2,000-20,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
Tokyo Harusai Lieder Series vol.13
Attacca Quartet
Soprano singer Marlis Petersen. Mar 29, 6pm, ¥1,5005,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
Thriller Live
tokyo-harusai.com
Takehiko Yamada
Plaing works by Haydn, Bartók and Dvořák. Apr 5, 2pm, ¥3,500. National Museum of Nature and Science. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111.
Duo of former Bayern Orchestra musician and top pianist. Apr 8, 7pm, ¥1,5005,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Wiener Kammerensemble All Beethoven Program. Apr 10, 7pm, ¥1,500-8,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com
Bach vol.21
Cellist Wen-Sinn Yang. Apr 10, 7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo National Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. tnm.jp
The 10th Anniversary Gala Concert A selection of glorious choral music. Apr 13, 3pm, ¥2,00010,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www. tokyo-harusai.com
Hayley Westenra
UNICEF ambassador and classical crossover singer. Apr 14, 7pm; Apr 15, 7pm, ¥7,0008,000. Tokyo International Forum. Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp
Stage Die Tote Stadt
The story of a young man struggling to get over the death of his wife. Mar 21 & 24, 2pm, ¥5,250-26,250. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459. www.nntt.jac.go.jp
Canary English Rakugo Recital
Traditional Japanese narrative performed in English. Mar 21-23, noon, free. Oedo Ryogokutei. Nearest stn: Ryogoku. kanariya.eiraku@ gmail.com. http://canary. justhpbs.jp
Harold Pinter Double-Bill
Blackstripe Theater presents challenging plays Ashes to Ashes and One for the Road. Mar 28, 7:30pm; Mar 29, 2 & 7pm; Mar 30, 2 & 7pm, ¥2,000 (students)/ ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Trance Mission Theatre. Nearest stn: Sangubashi. tickets@ blackstripetheater.com. www. blackstripetheater.com
In the Heights
Broadway musical with an all-star Japanese cast. Until Apr 20, Various times. Bunkamura Theater Cocoon. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. www.bunkamura.co.jp/ cocoon
Wozzeck
Story of hardship and exploitation of the poor. Apr 5, 2pm; Apr 8, 7pm; Apr 11 & 13, 2pm, ¥4,200-23,100. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459. www.nntt. jac.go.jp
Musical about a redhead who loves tomorrow. Until May 11, Various times, ¥6,800-8,500. Aoyama Round Theater. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. aoyama.org/english
Story of love, adultery and revenge in Sicily. May 14, 7pm; May 17, 2pm; May 21, 7pm; May 24, 27 & 30, 2pm, ¥5,250-26,250. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459. www.nntt.jac.go.jp
Dance La Dame aux Camelias
Alexandre Dumas's novel adapted for the stage. Performed by Ballet de l'Opéra National de Paris. Mar 21, 1:30pm; Mar 22, 1:30 & 6:30pm; Mar 23, 3pm, ¥7,00025,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.nbs. org/english
Symphony in Three Movements
A triple bill of ballet performances including new work by Jessica Lang and others. Mar 21-23, 2pm, ¥3,150-10,500. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/ballet
La Bayadère
Story of love and betrayal performed by K-Ballet Company. Until Mar 26, Various times, ¥6,000-13,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. www.k-ballet. co.jp
Kigurui Rondo
Haikara dance troupe puts on a one-of-a-kind performance. Mar 28, 7:30pm; Mar 29, 1 & 7:30pm; Mar 30, 3pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Nippori D-Soko, Arakawa. Nearest Station: Nippori. Tel: 03-58115399. http://haikara2001. com
Kenka
Butoh dance. Apr 2, 7pm; Apr 3, 7pm, ¥3,500-6,000. Kanagawa Arts Theater. Nearest stn: MotomachiChukagai. Tel: 0463-60-1008. torifunebutohsha21.web. fc2.com
Sai
Butoh dance. Apr 5-6, 4pm, ¥3,500-6,000. Kanagawa Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai. Tel: 0570-015-415. torifunebutohsha21.web. fc2.com
Carmina Burara and Faster
Dance inspired by music from Carl Orff and Matthew Hindson. Apr 19, 6pm; Apr 25, 7pm; Apr 27, 2pm, ¥3,15010,800. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt. jac.go.jp/ballet
Burn the Floor: Dance with You
High-voltage dance experience. May 2-7, Various times, ¥7,500-12,000. Theatre Orb. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 0570-00-3337. www.ktv.jp/btf
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 13
Listings Clubbing FRIDAY 21 Ageha
Big Party. All mix. From midnight, 11pm. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Air
The New Matrix Bar
WEDNESDAY 26
International Village. Hip-hop: DJs Kekke, Ram, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban or Roppongi. Tel: 03-6230-0343. www. villagetokyo.com
Womb
Rhythmholic. Techno, house: DJs Ryan O Gorman, Knock, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp
SATURDAY 22 Ageha
Magnificent. Trance, edm: DJs Ferry Corsten, Yoda, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www. ageha.com
Air
Beat Freak. Hip-hop DJs Muro, Sarasa, etc: Live: Onra. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. air-tokyo.com
✿ 制作物（印刷制作・ウェブ制作・画像/映像制作） ✿ 翻訳（英語・中国語・韓国語・タイ語）
✿ 外国人調査（英語・中国語・韓国語・タイ語）
Unite. Techno, house: DJs Inoue, Wada, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com
Module
Village
✿ SNSマーケティング （4万人以上の外国人へリーチ）
Air
Red Spider. Reggae: DJs Red Spider, The Bk Sound, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com
Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. theroom.jp
✿ ダイレクトメール （3万人以上の外国人へDMが可能）
Womb
TUESDAY 25
The Room
✿ ウェブサイト （記事広告・バナー広告）
Connect. House, hip-hop: DJs Zeebra, Hokuto, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo. com
Module
Matrix Friday. Old school hip-hop, west side, south side, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
✿ 雑誌（純広告・記事広告・文字広告）
UPCOMING Ageha
Time Trap. Techno, house: DJs Sunahara, Ono, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
下記の外国人集客サービスを提供しています。
MONDAY 24 Air
Cycle. Edm, house: DJs Yuria, April, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp
Entropy Loco. Techno: DJs Baz le Rock, Mus, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
メトロポリスは創刊20周年を迎えました！
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS
Module
Veta. Techno, minimal: DJs Pete, Okuda, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Brodinski and Sam Tiba. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com
The Room
Jazztronica. Jazz, house: DJs Nozaki, Shuya Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive) , etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom. jp
Womb
Substance. Techno: DJs Hid, Rosso, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.com
The Room
Disco Viking. Bar style: DJs Yoko, Silver Child, etc. From midnight, free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
THURSDAY 27 Module
Apple Mint. Techno, house: DJs Tai, Nakape, etc. From 5pm, ¥1,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
The Room
Talk Enough. Talk session: DJs & talk Ogawa, Kuroda, etc. From midnight, ¥1,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. theroom.jp
Village
Lady Marmalade. Hip-hop: DJs Kekke, Manami, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥2,000 w/1d, (f)¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban or Roppongi. Tel: 03-6230-0343. www. villagetokyo.com
Power. Electro, edm: DJs 80kidz, Kyoko, etc. Mar 29, from 10pm, (m)¥3,500, (f)¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
Jazzbrothers on the Corner. Jazz: DJs Yama, Takehana, etc. Mar 29, from 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Womb
Tresvibes. House, techno DJs Otsuki, Pi-Ge, etc: Live: Bruno Pronsato. Mar 29, from 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp
Exhibitions AKASAKA/ROPPONGI Fujifilm Square
A Fascination with Light. Photography by Wynn Bullock. Until Mar 31, free. Open daily 10am-7pm. 9-7-3 Akasaka, Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6271-3350. http://fujifilmsquare.jp/en
Mori Art Museum
Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde. Masterpieces by English painters. Until Apr 6, ¥500-1,500. 52F Roppongi Hills Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www. roppongihills.com/art/macg/
Air
Suntory Museum of Art
Eden. House: DJs Monkey Timers, Bryan Burton-Lewis, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. air-tokyo.com
Module
Soi. Drumnbass, jungle: DJs Digital, Dx, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com
Ruby Room
Dai Tonbo. DJs Hata, Yosuke, etc: Live: Goro and more. From 9pm, ¥2,000 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com
SUNDAY 23
The Room
14 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Sound Museum Vision
Prom Night. Edm, top40: DJs Kato, Kawabata, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www. ageha.com
Module
TEL: 03-4588-2277 • sales@metropolis.co.jp
Prototype. Techno, minimal: DJs Lyoma, Haruka, etc. Mar 29, from 9pm, ¥2,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
Mori Arts Center Gallery
営業部までお問い合わせください。
Yuragi. House: DJs Kiichiro, Gara, etc. From midnight, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Module
FRIDAY 28 Ageha
5月発行号でペット特集と健康生活特集を発行します。
The Room
Round House. House, downtempo: DJs Mark Farina, Remi, etc. Mar 29, from 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com
Sensual. Deep tech house, tech house: DJs Fumi, Toya, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f) free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp
Womb
Kitsune Club Night. Electro: DJs Gildas, Two Door Cinema Club, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. vision-tokyo.com
Friction. Techno, house: DJs L-Eye, Pyrovers, etc. From 4pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
Air
Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal. Almost 700 works by the standard-bearer of Pop Art. Until May 6, ¥500-1,500. MAM Project 020: Gabriel Acevedo Velarde. Mixed media. Until May 6, ¥500-1,500. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www. mori.art.museum
Endless Flight. House, techno: DJs Henrik Schwarz, Kawasaki, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp
ご予算に応じた幅広いプロモーション案をご提案いたします。
Bikini Night. Electro, house: DJs Mitomi, Taku, etc. Mar 29, from 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Sound Museum Vision
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Womb
Dj Mag. Edm: DJs Dantz, Aki, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp
A Visual Revolution in Edo. Illustration. Import of microscopes and other optical devices overturned conventional illustration methods. Mar 29-May 11, ¥800-1,300. The Scientific Eye and Visual Wonders in Edo. The birth of intriguing visual effects in Japanese art. Mar 29-May 11, ¥1,000-1,300. Open Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue. 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www. suntory.jp/sma
The National Art Center, Tokyo
Kazumi Nakamura. Acrylic and oil paintings. Until May 19, ¥500-1,000. The Power of Images: The National Museum of Ethnology Collection. Symbols and totems from around the world. Until Jun 9, ¥500-1,000. Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. www. nact.jp
GINZA/KYOBASHI/ TOKYO Bridgestone Museum of Art The Painters' Eyes, the Sculptors' Hands. Paintings
¥1,980 a Night
FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS and sculptures by various artists. Until Apr 13, ¥500-800. Chinese-Style Dresses from Fujishima Takeii to Umehara Ryuzaburo. Oil paintings by Japanese artists in the earl 20th century. Apr 26-Jul 21, ¥500-800. Open Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. bridgestone-museum.gr.jp
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
The Dreams of Itaya Hazan: The Bliss of Japanese Modern Ceramics. Ceramics. Retrospective featuring some of the artist's greatest works. Until Mar 23, ¥700-1,000. Discover the Beauty of Japan IX: Fascination with Japanese Painting. Masterpieces from various eras. Apr 5-Jun 8, ¥700-1,000. Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.tokyo.mae.lu/jp/ node_19876/hana-hito-tokyo
Megumi Ogita Gallery
Shoko Kanazawa. Calligraphy. Until Mar 29, ¥500. Toshimasa Kikuchi. Wood carvings and sculptures. Apr 8-26, ¥500. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, Closed Mon & Sun. 4F, 5-4-14 Ginza. Nearest stn: Ginza. www. megumiogita.com
Megumi Ogita Gallery Showcase
Ceramics and Watercolor Paintings. Mixed media by Ayumu Fushiguro. Until Mar 29, free. Landscape. Mixed media. Works by Holly Farrell, Daisuke Takeya and others. Apr 11-26, free. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, Closed Mon & Sun. 4F, 5-4-14 Ginza. Nearest stn: Ginza. Tel: Tue-Sat 11am-7pm. www.megumiogita.com
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
The Beautiful-Art for Art's Sake: The Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900. Mixed media. Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Until May 6, ¥500-1,600. Wed-Fri 10am-8pm, Tue, Sat & Sun/ hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 2-6-2 Marunouchi. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.mimt.jp
Mitsui Memorial Museum
Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family. Display of rare dolls. Until Apr 6, ¥500-1,000. 7F Mitsui Main Bldg, 2-1-1 NihombashiMuromachi, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Mitsukoshimae. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.mitsuimuseum.jp
National Film Center
Japanese Film Heritage. Permanent collection of works from the National Film Center. Until Apr 3, ¥40-200. Iconography of Yasujiro Ozu Films. A collection of paintings, design and lettering that sheds light on Mr. Ozu's unique aesthetic sensibility. Until Mar 30, ¥40-200. Directed by Kazuki Omori-His Own Selection. Lineup of films mostly from the 1980s. Until Mar 30, ¥100-500. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi. Nearest stn: Kyobashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat. go.jp
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Your Portrait: A Tetsumi Kudo Retrospective. Mixed media. Abstract expression of ordinary objects by one of Japan's most innovative artists of the 20th century. Until Mar 30, ¥250-850. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Nearest stn: Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. momat.go.jp
HARAJUKU/AOYAMA Nezu Museum
Kiyomaro: Master Swordsmith to the Last Samurai. Celebrating
the 200th anniversary of the artist's birth. Until Apr 6, ¥900-1,200. Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Omotesando. www. nezu-muse.or.jp/en
Espace Louis Vuitton
Traces of Disappearance. Mixed media. Questions and possible answers regarding our fragile world. Until Apr 13, free. Open daily noon-8pm during exhibition period. 7F 5-7-5 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Omotesando. www. espacelouisvuitton.com
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art
Reminiscence of Hiroshige: Ukiyo-e History Walk. Comparing real locations in old Oedo and modern Tokyo. Until Mar 23, ¥500-700. Hiroshige Blue: Blue Attracted the World. Color-themed Edo art. Apr 1-May 28, ¥500-700. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.ukiyoe-otamuse.jp
KAYABACHO/KIBA Base Gallery
The Places Nobody Knows. Works by Toshio Miyaoka. Until Mar 29, free. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun and Hols. 1-1-6 NihombashiKayabacho, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Kayabacho. www. basegallery.com
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Fragments: Incomplete Beginnings. Mixed media. Until May 11, ¥700-1,600. The Marvelous Real. Contemporary Spanish and Latin American art from the Musac collection. Until May 11, ¥600-1,100. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn: KiyosumiShirakawa. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng
SHIBUYA/EBISU Bunkamura: The Museum
Collection of Museo Poldi Pezzoli: The Aristocratic Palace and its Beauty — Milano the Magnificent Collection of the Nobleman. Exquisite paintings originally part of a private collection in Italy. Apr 4-May 25, ¥700-1,500. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2- 24-1 Dogenzaka. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bunkamura.co.jp
Konno Hachimangu Shrine Horse. Photography by the illustrious Antoine Poupel. Until Mar 25, free. 3-5-12 Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.geocities.jp/ynycr674/ English/englishindex.html
Logos Gallery
100 People's Book Covers. Book covers abound. Until Mar 26, free. Open daily 10am-9pm. B1F Parco Part1, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. parco-art.com/web/logos
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography
*Tax included separately
Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum
NEW OPENING!
European Fashion. Rococo for men and children. Until May 24, ¥200-500. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Closed Sun and hols. Shinjuku Bunka Quint Bldg. 3-22-7 Yoyogi. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3299-2387. www.bunka. ac.jp/museum/text/english. html
Hiromart Gallery
Hideaway. Paintings on wooden panels by Moki. Mar 21-Apr 27, free. Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Edogawabashi. www.hiromartgallery.com
Safe Locker storage
Fully equipped Quality amenities with bath, shower and coin laundry on 1F
24-hour online or phone booking English, Chinese, Korean OK! Kashiwaba Junior High School
Iriya Station
Check-in from 3pm / Check-out by noon Showa Dori Minowa Station
Tel: 03-6240-6027 Fax: 03-6240-6028
3 minutes on foot from Iriya station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tokyo, Taito-ku, Shitaya 3-10-10
Sompo Japan Museum of Art
Face. Mixed media. Until Mar 30, ¥300-500. Face 2014. Mixed media. Grand-prix winners of an annual competition aimed at young artists. Until Mar 30, ¥300-500. Reflections of Holland: The Hague School and Barbizon. Oil paintings by Dutch masters. Apr 19-Jun 29, ¥600-1,000. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 42F Sompo Japan Bldg, 1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-54058686. www.sompo-japan. co.jp/museum
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
Sawa Hiraki: Under the Box, Beyond the Bounds. Photography. Until Mar 30, ¥600-1,000. Will Happiness Find Me? 10 artists from the Ishikawa collection. Apr 19-Jun 29, ¥800-1,000. Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. www.operacity. jp/en/ag
UENO National Museum of Nature and Science
I wa Jinjutsu. A look into Edo period medicine. Apr 15-Jun 15, ¥600-1,500. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-8pm, closed Mon. 7-20 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111. www.kahaku.go.jp
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
The Centennial Exhibition of the Japan Art Institute's Revival: The Masterpieces of Nihonga. Traditional Japanese paintings by Hogai Kano and others. Until Apr 1, ¥800-1,400. 8-36 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www. tobikan.jp
Tokyo National Museum
The 800th Memorial of Yosai Roots of Zen: Yosai and the Treasures of Kenninji. Mixed media. Religious artifacts and paintings. Mar 25-May 18, ¥700-1,600. Mural Paintings of the Kitora Tumulus. Pictures from an eighth century grave. Apr 22-May 18, ¥400-900. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tnm.jp
Robert Capa, the 101st Year: They All Adored Bob. Photography. Daily life in Spain during World War II. Mar 22-May 11, ¥700-1,100. Open Tue-Wed & Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku. Nearest stn: Ebisu. syabi.com
Ueno Royal Museum
Yamatane Museum of Art
Hoki Museum
My. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and Flowers in Spring. Mixed media. Commemorating Mt. Fuji's registration as a World Cultural Heritage site. Until May 11, ¥900-1,200. Open Tue-Fri 11am-5pm, closed Mon & hols. 3-12-36 Hiroo. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. yamatane-museum.or.jp
Capsule Hotel
SHINJUKU/ IKEBUKURO
Since 1949
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03-3713-4958
VOCA: The Vision of Contemporary Art 2014. Mixed media. Until Mar 30, ¥500. Open Sat-Thur 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 1-2 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.ueno-mori.org
OTHER AREAS Hoki Museum Award Exhibition Vol. 1. Painting. Until May 18, ¥900-1,800. Open Mon & Wed-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15 Asumigaokahigashi, Midoriku. Nearest stn: Toke. www. hoki-museum.jp
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 15
THE
E C N DA HOP
S K R WO
Listings Japan Folk Crafts Museum
Tea and Beauty: Soetsu Yanagi and the Way of Tea. Tea utensils and other accessories. Until Mar 23, ¥500-1,000. 10am-5pm, closed Mon. 4-3-33 Komaba. Nearest stn: Komabatodai. www.mingeikan.or.jp
Miraikan Professional step by step dance instruction in both English and Japanese. Great for fun, knowledge, self improvement, making new friends, exercise, and networking. Instructor Virg started in the entertainment business at the age of 10 and has traveled around the world working for many famous artist and major corporations. Here are some of the artist and companies that Virg has worked for: Mariah Carey, Neyo, Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, Ashanti, Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida, Kat Deluna, Ciara, MTV, FOX, Coca Cola, Disney, etc...
The Sekai-Ichi. Assortment of surprising and inspiring objects made in Japan. Until May 6, ¥300-1,000. 2-3-6, Aomi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn: Telecom Center station. Tel: 03-3570-9151. www. miraikan.jst.go.jp/en
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Fragments: Incomplete Beginnings. Mixed media. Until May 11, ¥700-1,600. The Marvelous Real. Contemporary Spanish and Latin American art from the Musac collection. Until May 11, ¥600-1,100. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.mot-art-museum. jp/eng
National Museum of Japanese History
Contact us: 080-4346-9405 (Eng/Jap ok!) virg@hotmail.co.jp N RM AT IO A NSF O R 1 T 3 R H U C YO D MAR S TA R T OW A N N N E E BE T W
Various Seasonal Festivals. Traditional ornaments and accessories. Until May 6, ¥250-420. Earthquakes in Japanese History. Mixed media. A closer look into individual experiences and social impacts of these natural disasters. Until May 6, ¥450-830. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mon. 117 Jonai-cho, Sakura-shi. Nearest stn: Keisei-Sakura. www.rekihaku.ac.jp/english
Pola Museum of Art
Homage to Renoir: Renoir and Painters of the Twentieth Century. Impressionist oil paintings. Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800. Color, Line, Form: Matisse, Degas, Chagall. Oil, watercolor and pastel painting. Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800. Japanese-Style Paintings and Japanese WesternStyle Paintings. Works by Léonard Foujita and others. Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800. Glasswork Selections. 120 of the museum's finest pieces. Until Apr 6, ¥1,0001,800. 9am-4:30pm. 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi. Nearest stn: Gora. www.polamuseum. or.jp
Setagaya Art Museum
• UNLIMITED CLASSES FOR 10-WEEKS Special: Receive all of this for only ¥88,000! • CUSTOMIZED NUTRITIONAL PLAN • 10-WEEK VIP MEMBERSHIP • 3 FITNESS & COMPOSITION ASSESSMENTS VIP Membership means massive discounts on Massage and Personal Training. For Club 360's schedule see www.club360.jp/scheduler
Just 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills No membership or joining fees Pristine showering facilities Large modern facility with spacious studio & 5-star resistance zone
Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:30pm, closed Sun • Tel: 03-6434-9667
16 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Ginko, Ryusei and Reiko Kishida—Genealogy of Innovative Spirit. Painting. Until Apr 6, ¥500-1,200. Open Tue-Sun10am-6pm, closed Mon. 1-2 Kinutakoen, Setagaya-ku. Nearest stn: Seijogakuenmae. Tel: 03-3415-6011. www. setagayaartmuseum.or.jp/ index_e.html
The French Institute Tokyo
Digital Choc 2014. Machinery on the walls, robots of dreams and more. Until Mar 23, various times, free. 15 Ichigaya Funagawara-cho. Nearest stn: Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5206-2500. www. institutfrancais.jp/tokyo
The Museum of Modern Art, Hayama
Masamu Yanase 1900-1945: A Retrospective. Mixed media. Until Mar 23, ¥100-1,000. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm, closed Mon. 2208-1 Isshiki, Hayama, Miura-gun. Nearest stn: Zushi.
The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura
From the Collection: Where is the Light. Mixed media. Until Mar 23, ¥100-700. 2-1-53 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa. Nearest stn:
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS Kamakura. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp
Nearest stn: Hiratsuka. Tel: 0463-35-2255.
Tokyo Gallery + BTAP
National Basketball League
Shinohara: Ushio and Noriko. Works by the artists featured in the documentary Cutie and the Boxer. Until Mar 29, free. Tue–Fri 11am–7pm & Sat 11am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon & Hols. 7F, 8-10-5 Ginza. Nearest stn: Shinbashi. Tel: 03-35711808. www.tokyo-gallery.com
Sports
Hitachi Sunrockers vs. Toshiba Brave Thunders. Apr 4-5, 7:15pm, ¥1,000-3,500. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. Hitachi Sunrockers vs. Levanga Hokkaido. Apr 26-27, 6pm, ¥1,000-3,500. Ota City General Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel: 03-54806688.
BASEBALL
BOXING
Central League
Hidenori Ohtake vs. Takafumi Nakajima
Yomiuri Giants vs. Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Mar 21, 2pm, ¥500-4,500. Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. Central League Fan Meeting. Mar 24, 10am, ¥1,500-2,500. Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Mar 28-30, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Hanshin Tigers. Apr 4-6, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Yomiuri Giants. Apr 16, 6:15pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Apr 22-24, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Interleague
Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Mar 21, 1pm, ¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Chiba Lotte Marines. Mar 22, 1pm, ¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Yomiuri Giants vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Mar 22, 2pm, ¥500-4,500. Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999. Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Yomiuri Giants. May 20, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-2925-1141.
Pacific League
Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Mar 28-30, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-2925-1141. Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. Apr 8-10, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-29251141. Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Chiba Lotte Marines. Apr 16, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-29251141. Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Orix Buffaloes. Apr 18, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-2925-1141. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles vs. Saitama Seibu Lions. Apr 24, 6pm, ¥500-7,000. Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
BASKETBALL Basketball Japan League
Yokohama B-Corsairs vs. Saitama Broncos. Apr 12, 6pm, ¥1,000-12,000. Yokosuka Arena. Nearest stn: Yokosuka Chuo or Kenritsudaigaku. Tel: 046-826-2800. Saitama Broncos vs. Niigata Albirex BB. Apr 26, 6pm, ¥900-7,000. Tokorozawa City Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Shintokorozawa. Tel: 04-29911181. Yokohama B-Corsairs vs. Akita Northern Happinets. Apr 26, 6pm, ¥1,000-12,000. Hiratsuka Gymnasium.
Mar 24, 5:50pm, ¥4,00015,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
The 523rd Dynamic Glove
Mar 25, 5:45pm, ¥5,000-12,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Dangan97
Mar 31, 6pm, ¥4,000-6,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Untouchable Fight. 21
Apr 1, 6pm, ¥4,000-10,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Dangan98
Apr 4, 5:50pm, ¥4,000-6,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
The 524th Dynamic Glove
Apr 5, 6pm, ¥3,000-10,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
WBC World Double Title Match
Apr 6, 4pm, ¥6,000-50,000. Ota City General Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel: 03-5480-6688.
FIGURE SKATING ISU World Championships Mar 26-Mar 30, various times, ¥3,000-25,000. Saitama Super Arena. Nearest stn: SaitamaShintoshin.
MMA Pancrase 257
Mar 30, 3pm, ¥7,00015,000. Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Kannai. Tel: 045 641 5741.
Rise 98
Mar 30, 5:30pm, ¥4,000-10,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Overheat Boxers Night
Apr 10, 6pm, ¥4,000-10,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Mega Fight vol.50
Apr 11, 6pm, ¥5,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Champion Carnival
Apr 14, 5:50pm, ¥4,000-10,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Ichimonkai
Apr 16, 5:45pm, ¥3,000-10,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
PRO WRESTLING Noah: Spring Navig.
Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-7,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Deep 65 Impact
Mar 22, 2:30pm, ¥6,000-15,000. Differ Ariake. Nearest stn: Ariake-tennis-no-mori.
Big Japan
Nov 22, 7pm, ¥3,150-6,300. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Zero 1
Mar 30, 1pm, ¥3,000-6,000. Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.
FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS 048-644-7950. Yokohama F. Marinos vs. FC Tokyo. Apr 26, 2pm, ¥1,0005,300. Nissan Stadium. Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel: 04-5477-5000
Nabisco Cup
APRIL 15, 17 & 19 Yoga for the Mind
The state of your mind is the state of your world. By cultivating positive thoughts with an awareness of the present, we can eliminate the negative feelings that hold our happiness back. Workshop details at www.mysticallifellc.com
Inoki Genome Fight 1
Apr 5, 6pm, ¥5,000-50,000. Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36235111.
Wrestling New Classic
Apr 25, 6:30pm, ¥3,000-10,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
SOCCER J. League, Division 1
FC Tokyo vs. Kawasaki Frontale. Mar 23, 7pm, ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-0555. Kashima Antlers vs. Cerezo Osaka. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium. Omiya Ardija vs. Vegalta Sendai. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,0005,500. NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950. Urawa Reds vs. Shimizu S-Pulse. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,00010,000. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-1001. Kawasaki Frontale vs. Nagoya Grampus. Mar 28, 7pm, ¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium. Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-722-0303. Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Kashima Antlers. Mar 29, 2pm, ¥1,000-5,300. Nissan Stadium. Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel: 04-5477-5000. FC Tokyo vs. Sagan Tosu. Apr 6, 4pm, ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. Omiya Ardija vs. Vissel Kobe. Apr 6, 3pm, ¥1,000-5,500. NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950. Urawa Reds vs. Vegalta Sendai. Apr 6, 7pm, ¥1,00010,000. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-1001. Kawasaki Frontale vs. Kashiwa Reysol. Apr 11, 7pm, ¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium. Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-722-0303. Kashima Antlers vs. Albirex Niigata. Apr 12, 3pm, ¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium. Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Vegalta Sendai. Apr 12, 2pm, ¥1,000-5,300. Nissan Stadium. Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel: 04-5477-5000. FC Tokyo vs. Cerezo Osaka. Apr 19, 4pm, ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. Kashima Antlers vs. Vissel Kobe. Apr 19, 3pm, ¥1,4008,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium. Urawa Reds vs. Kawasaki Frontale. Apr 19, 5pm, ¥1,00010,000. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-1001. Kawasaki Frontale vs. Gamba Osaka. Apr 26, 4pm, ¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium. Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-722-0303. Omiya Ardija vs. Ventforet Kofu. Apr 26, 5pm, ¥1,0005,500. NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel:
Kashima Antlers vs. Sagan Tosu. Apr 2, 7pm, ¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium. Urawa Reds vs. Omiya Ardija. Apr 2, 7:30pm, ¥1,0004,500. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-1001. Omiya Ardija vs. Kashiwa Reysol. Apr 16, 7pm, ¥1,0005,500. NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950. Urawa Reds vs. Tokushima Vortis. Apr 16, 7:30pm, ¥1,0004,500. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-1001.
SWIMMING Japan Championships: Preliminary
Apr 10-Apr 13, 9:30am, ¥2,000. Tatsumi International Swimming Center. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5569-5061. www.tatsumi-swim.net
Japan Championships: Final
Apr 10-Apr 13, 4pm, ¥3,0004,000. Tatsumi International Swimming Center. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5569-5061. www.tatsumi-swim.net
TABLE TENNIS World Team Table Tennis Championships
Apr 28-May 5, various times, ¥1,000-8,000. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. www.ittf.com
TENNIS Davis Cup: Japan vs. Czech Republic
Cherry Blossom Night Viewing
Tomyoji pagoda and cherry blossom trees lit up by lanterns and floodlights. Mar 23-Apr 7, until 9pm, ¥200-500. Sankeien Garden Museum. Nearest stn: Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634. www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about
Funado Cherry Blossom Festival
180m cherry blossom street. Until Mar 31, 10am-3:30pm, free. Ukima Park. Nearest stn: Ukima Funado. Tel: 03-3969-9168. http://hanami. walkerplus.com
Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival
Enjoy cherry blossom sake and shops along the river. Illuminations at night. Until Apr 10, all day, free. Along Meguro river. Nearest stn: Nakameguro. www.nakamegu.com
Hana Matsuri
Celebration of Buddha's birthday with buddhist service and a white elephant procession. Apr 8, all day, free. Sensoji. Nearest stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181. www. senso-ji.jp
Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Famous since Edo period, over 1,000 cherry blossom trees. Illuminated at night. Until Apr 10, all day, free. Sumida Park. Nearest stn: Asakusa. www. gotokyo.org/en/
Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
Enjoy cherry blossoms from a boat. Illuminated at night. Until Apr 10, all day, free. Yasukuni Shrine and environs. Nearest stn: Ichigaya. www. kanko-chiyoda.jp
Cherry Blossom Festival at Jindai Botanical Garden
Apr 4-Apr 6, 1pm, ¥1,50010,000. Ariake Colosseum. Nearest stn: Ariake. Tel: 03-3529-3301.
Illuminated at night only on weekends and concerts on Sundays. Until Apr 10, all day, ¥500. Jindai Botanical Garden. Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel: 042-485-1210. www. tokyo-park.or.jp
Festivals
Kawasaki Asian Festival
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
About 1,000 cherry blossom trees, illuminated at night. Movies and musical performances on certain days. Until Apr 13, various, free. Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-5644. www.ueno.or.jp/tourist
Toshimaen Cherry Blossom Festival
Asian festival at Kawasaki area. Apr 12-13, all day, free. Around Kawasaki station. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 045-663-9999. www.tvk-yokohama.com
White Heron Dance
Parade and dance to pray for peace. Apr 13, all day, free. Sensoji. Nearest stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181. www. senso-ji.jp
Ride attractions at half price from 3pm by having a "Yozakura Night Pass". Until Apr 6, all day, ¥1,000. Toshimaen. Nearest stn: Toshimaen. Tel: 03-39908800. www.toshimaen.co.jp
Asakusa Yabusame
Sakura Tsutsumi Street Flower Festival
Several Shinto ceremonies held to pay respects to enshrined kami. Until May 3, all day, free. Meiji Jingu Shrine. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. meijijingu.or.jp/english
Illuminated at night and flee markets, attractions, and others on weekends. Until Apr 15, all day, free. Along Sumida river. http://visit-sumida.jp
Yoshino Baigo
Last chance for plum blossoms in Ome. Until Mar 30, all day, free. Yoshino Baigo, Ome. Nearest stn: Hinatawada. www. omekanko.gr.jp/ume
Cherry Blossom Festival 900m cherry blossom street. Until Apr 15, all day, free. Sendaiborigawa and Minamisuna Park. Nearest stn: Toyocho. http://hanami. walkerplus.com
Cherry Blossom at Sankeien
Enjoy sightseeing 300 cherry blossom trees and historical architectures. UntilApr 15, 9am-9pm, ¥500. Sankeien Garden Museum. Nearest stn: Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634. http://hanami.walkerplus. com
Archers demonstrate their skills on horseback. Apr 20, all day, free. Sumida Park. Nearest stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-52461151. www.taitonavi.jp
reedexpo.co.jp. www.apparelexpo.jp/en/
Flower Dream
Flower design contests, exhibitions and workshops. Apr 12, 1-7pm; Apr 13, 10am-6pm, ¥1,000 (adv)/ ¥1,500 (door). Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-5496-0369. www. flowerdream-tokyo.net
The 40th Jumbo Fair
New and innovative technology. Apr 18, 10am-6pm; Apr 19, 10am-5pm, free. Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-54721660. www.jumbo-fair.jp
The 38th Japan Hobby Show
Doll-making, knitting, scrapbooking accessories and more. Apr 24-26, 10am-5pm, ¥1,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥1,500 (3 days, adv). Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. www.hobby.or.jp/ hobbyshow/2014
Bazaars & Markets Earth Day Market
Organic produce, recycling projects and more. Mar 30 & Apr 27, 10am-4pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. www. earthdaymarket.com
Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market More than 120 vendors. Sun & hols, 9am-3pm, free. Shinagawa Intercity. Nearest stn: Shinagawa. http://meturl. com/shinflea
Iidabashi Ramla Market
Every first and third Sun, 10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla. Nearest stn: Iidabashi.
Umi no Koen Flea Market Every 3rd Sun, 10am-4pm, Umi no Koen. Nearest stn: Uminokoen-Shibaguchi. rinpodan@umino-kouen.net Tel: 03-3226-6800.
Best Flea Market
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel: 03-3226-6800.
Hanazono Shrine Market Every Sun, 8am-4pm, Hanazono Shrine. Nearest stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel: 03-3200-3093.
Ibaraki-ichi
Farm-fresh veg from the north. Every Sat, 7-9am, Roppongi Hills East Court. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6406-5285.
Nogi Shrine Market
Every second Sun, 5:30am3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.
Spring Grand Festival
Oedo Antique Fair
Forums & Expos
Aoyama Marché
Anime Japan 2014
Anime-focused business fair and cosplay festival. Mar 22-23, 9am-5pm, ¥1,500. Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. www. anime-japan.jp
The 28th JITAC European Textile Fair
Trendsetting European fabric showcase. Mar 25-27, 9:30am-6pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo International Forum. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.
Tokyo Fashion Wear Expo: Spring
International clothing trade show. Apr 2-4, 10am-6pm, free (registration required). Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. fwt@
Japan’s largest outdoor antique market. Every first and third Sun, 8am-4:30pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel: 03-5805-1093. Organic farmers’ market. Every weekend, United Nations University. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-3456-0960.
Yasukuni Shrine Antique Market
Every Sun, sunrise-sunset, Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.
Fudaten Jinja Market
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Fudaten Jinja. Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.
Shinjuku Central Park Market
Local produce stalls, workshops and live performances. Every Saturday, 10am-4pm, Shinjuku Central Park. Nearest stn: Tocho-mae. Tel: 03-2504-2128. meturl. com/shinjukuparkmarket
Yebisu Marché
Organic fruits and vegetables. Every first and third Sun, 11am-5pm, Ebisu Garden Place. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www. facebook.com/YEBISUMarche
Community Roppongi Tenmon Club
Star gazing with other astronomy enthusiasts. Mar 28, 7pm, ¥500-1,500 (entrance fee) + ¥2,000 (seminar, optional). Tokyo City View. Tel: 03-64066652. meturl.com/tenmon
Earth Hour
Businesses across the city will turn off their lights for an hour. Why don't you, too? Mar 29, 8pm, free. Venues across Tokyo. http://meturl.com/earthjp
Writers' Bloc, Tokyo Evening Musings 24: March Movements
Members and guest poets offer words of Spring in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Mar 30, 7:30pm, free. Jamrock Cafe. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.facebook.com/ writersbloctokyo
CWAJ April Luncheon
Fine dining and talk by guest speaker from Peace Boat. Apr 9, 11:30am, ¥4,500. Tokyo American Club. Nearest stn: Kamiyacho. info@cwaj.org. www.cwaj.org
Enchanted Lights
Exclusive night of entertainment and inspiration for a good cause. Apr 25, 6:30pm, ¥20,000. Conrad Tokyo. 1-9-1 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Shiodome. ogaforaid. enchantedlights425@gmail. com www.ogaforaid.org
Family Festival Olympics
Book vendors, games and prizes, international food and music. Apr 26, 10am-4pm, free. International School of the Sacred Heart. Nearest stn: Hiroo. Tel: 03-3400-3951. www. issh.ac.jp
Stitch-n-Bitch
Meet fellow knitters, crocheters and sewers to talk, share ideas, eat, drink and create. Every first and third Tue, 7pm, free, Cafe Respekt. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.meetup.com/ TokyoStitchandBitch
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet for slide shows, lectures, ride-planning, etc. Every second Wed, 7pm, free, The Pink Cow. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773. cowmail@thepinkcow.com
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
Burlesque models pose for artstars and sketching newbies alike with arty socializing. Every third Wed, 7pm, ¥2,000 1d incl. Studio and Space IVVA. Nearest stn: Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae. www. drsketchytokyo.wordpress. com
Learning Fascism Banzai!
Screening of the film "Good" and discussion about the state secrecy law in Japan. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥500 +1d. Cafe Lavanderia. Nearest stn: Shinjuku Sanchome. Tel: 080-3271-1871. tokyospring. blogspot.jp
Californian Wine vs. French Wine
Wine seminar with a US-style gourmet dinner in an international atmosphere. Mar 28, 7pm, ¥10,980 (adv). Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya. meturl. com/monthlywine
Bordeaux Wine Seminar
An exclusive wine event with a French gourmet dinner. Apr 18, 7:30pm, ¥15,980 (adv).
Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya. meturl.com/monthlywine
Nihonga Class
Regular classes and one day workshops on basic Japanese-style painting techniques. All classes in English and Japanese. Every Wed and Sat, 11am, 3pm and 7pm. 4B Maruoka Bldg., 5-49-7 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Mejijingu-mae. www. mariatanikawa.com
TCS Improv Workshop
The weekly Tokyo Comedy Store In the Moment improv workshop, all levels welcome. Beginner intensives on weekends throughout the year. See website for more details. Every Wednesday, 7-9pm, Our Space Studio. Nearest stn: Hatagaya. Tel: 03-5770-7401. www.tokyocomedy.com/ improv_comedy_workshop
Other Events Latin Beats & Havana Heat Escape to the tropics with salsa dancing, free flow mojito plans and more. ; Mar 21, 28 & Apr 3, from 7, free. Mixx Bar & Lounge. Nearest stn: Roppongi-Itchome. Tel: 03-3505-1111. www. anaintercontinental-tokyo. jp/mixx
Tokyo Outdoor Weekend
Frisbee booths, yoga workshops, slacklines and live shows. Mar 22, 11am-7pm; Mar 23, 11am-6pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.tokyooutdoorshow.jp
Haru Kaze
Art and music show with an eco-friendly twist. Mar 29-30, 11am-8pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. http:// harukaze.asia/2014
100 Flower Festival
Painstakingly put-together flower arrangements, vocal performances and more . Until Mar 31, 10am-9pm, free. Tamagawa Takashimaya SC. Nearest stn: Futago Tamagawa. Tel: 03-3709-2222. www.tamagawa-sc.com
Winter Fantasy
Illumination. Until Apr 9, from sunset, free. Cosmo Clock 21, Cosmo World. Nearest stn: Minato Mirai. www.senyo. co.jp/cosmo
Wanwan Carnival
Dog training advice, agility runs and obedience competitions. Apr 12-13, all day, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-66611420. http://wanwancarnival. com
Lake Sagami Illumillion
Illumination. Until Apr 13, from 5pm, ¥300-500. Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest. Nearest stn: Sagamiko. www.sagamiko-resort.jp/ illumillion
Spring Festival in Tokyo: Tokyo no Mori 2014
Series of classical concerts held annually. For more details on specific performances, see concerts listings. Until Apr 13, various times, various prices. Various locations in Ueno. www. tokyo-harusai.com
Roppongi Art Night
All-night annual art extravaganza. From Apr 19, 10am until Apr 20, 6pm, various prices. Multiple venues in Roppongi area. Nearest stn: Roppongi or Nogizaka. www. roppongiartnight.com
Tokyo Rainbow Pride
Parade, performances and plenty of pride. Apr 27, all day, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.tokyorainbowpride.com
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 17
Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON
More reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies
SAVING MR. BANKS
A
t its most basic, this is the story of how Walt Disney (Tom Hanks), after 20 years of finagling, convinced crusty Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers (a magical Emma Thompson) to let him make a movie from her popular books. The first of two interleaved plots takes place in 1961, when Uncle Walt flew the very British and highly reluctant Travers to Los Angeles (culture clash!) in a last desperate attempt to get her on board. The second flashes back to her childhood in Australia and very movingly explains her attachment to her characters, her stubbornness and, incidentally, this movie’s title. Colin Farrell plays her dad. The problem was that Travers didn’t want her story and characters, well, Disnified. Didn’t want any animated penguins—or for that matter any songs. And she hated Dick Van Dyke. I enjoyed this sweet movie despite my innate and well grounded mistrust of the Mouse House, but not for a minute did I
FRUITVALE STATION
NEW
In the wee hours of New Year’s Day, 2009, 22-year-old Oscar G ra nt w a s s h o t d e a d wh i l e i n t ra n s it p ol ice cu s to dy at Oakland’s Fruitvale BART station. Actual cell-phone footage of the outrage takes up the film’s first 15 minutes. First-time filmmaker Ryan Coogler (26) could have made a rabble-rousing documentary, but instead opted for a quasi-existential, purposely unpolished and rarely predictable reconstruction of Oscar’s last day alive that lends poignancy to everything he does. The Wire’s Michael B. Jordan nails the main role, and he’s superbly backed up by Melonie Diaz and Octavia Spencer. (90 min)
ONE CHANCE
NEW
THE LEGO MOVIE
NEW
It ’s u naba she d ly sch ma lt z y, formulaic to a fault, the story’s been Hollywooded up, life details have been changed and it fairly stumbles over itself in its quest for that British quaintness that made The Full Monty and Billy Elliot so endearing. But it’s got enough heart to make all this not matter a whit. This true(-ish) story of Britain’s Got Talent opera sensation Paul Potts works anyway, thanks to the appeal of its cast. James Corden fairly shines as Potts, the excellent Alexandra Roach plays his future wife, and Julie Waters and Colm Meany are his folks. The only sour notes are in the script. (103 min)
Borrowing its plot from The Matrix, the story centers on Emmet Brickowski, a kind of clueless everyman Lego humanoid who stumbles upon the “ Piece of Resistance” and is recruited (as “The Special”) to save his brightly colored Lego-world from unimaginative corporate villains. His newfound allies include Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Gandalf, Dumbledore, Shaquille O’Neal and a Star Wars quartet. Excellent voice talent. It’s fast, fresh, funny, endlessly inventive and absurdly enjoyable, and all the while encouraging creativity in children. NOTE: Shown in English only at Shinjuku Piccadilly. (92 min)
18 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
believe this sentimentalized, sanitized and “imagineered” bit of historical revisionism was how things really went down. Truth be told, she capitulated
THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY
NEW
In a sporadically amusing remake of the 1947 classic from the story by James Thurber, Ben Stiller is a dull Life magazine photo librarian who wishes he were more exciting so he could woo and win a pretty colleague (Kristen Wiig). While he engages in action-packed, deskbound fantasies, the film is kind of fun. Paradoxically, it’s when he gets all carpe diem and starts having actual, globetrotting adventures that the (admittedly very scenic) film loses traction. As Stiller movies go, this uneven, uninvolving bomb is closer to Night at the Museum than it is to Tropic Thunder. Japanese title: Life! (114 min)
ALL IS LOST
NEW
In what has been called an “existential action movie,” a man sailing solo across the Indian Ocean gets his schooner holed by a derelict shipping container, knocking out his navi and radio. The unnamed protagonist is experienced, well equipped and resourceful. He patches the hole, but as each new emergency befalls his crippled craft, it becomes clear that his main battle is going to be against despair. This is minimalist movie making to the max. There’s almost no dialogue, only one character (Robert Redford, great at 77) and, get this, zero backstory. Reminded me of Gravity, actually. (106 min)
FROZEN
NEW
The Mouse House take on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen is about a queen who, unable to control her magical powers over ice and show, banishes herself to a distant ice castle lest she harm her younger sister. Okay, this was not made for me. But I found this nicely animated, pro-girl animation diverting, despite featuring no less than eight pedestrian songs. It also adds not one but two new princesses to Disney’s royal arsenal. Disney ain’t dumb. The cute factor is served by a clever reindeer and a magical snowman who pines for the tropical life. “Minimally cloying” is hardly a rave, but there you are. Japanese title: Anna to Yuki no Jyou. (108 min)
because she was nearly broke. She didn’t like the finished film, and probably wouldn’t like this one either. Japanese title: Walt Disney no Yakusoku. (125 min)
LONE SURVIVOR
NEW
DON JON
NEW
GALLOWWALKERS
NEW
A war movie for those who like them visceral and real, this is the true story of a Navy SEALs team (Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch & Ben Foster) tasked in 2005 with killing or capturing a high-value Taliban bad guy in the Hindu Kush. A freak occurrence involves them in a firefight against vastly larger numbers, and the hunters become the hunted, resulting in the title situation. Reminded me at times of Black Hawk Down. This is a competent, modest movie that appreciates what these guys do. It has no politics or moral message, just battlefield realism presented with frightening intensity. (120 min)
Triple threat Joseph Gordon-Levitt writes, directs and stars in this Gen-X romp about (social) obsession and addiction. It’s a serious message, but delivered lightly, without moralizing. Jon’s a studly New Joisy mook, easily scoring with the babes, but his real turn-on is internet porn (a boot-up tone is Pavlovian). When he finally meets a woman worth pursuing (a spot-on Scarlett Johansson), it turns out her own addiction is romantic comedies, which rarely mirror real life, and he doesn’t measure up. Enter older woman Julianne Moore, with a few life lessons. Fast-paced, fun and thought-provoking. (90 min)
In your basic supernatural western rape-revenge demonic horror splatter movie, Wesley Snipes plays a strong-and-silent gunfighter of mystical repute who’s understandably frustrated because the bad guys he shoots keep coming back to life and stuff. Revenge is sooo much harder when that happens. The alleged plot is impossibly convoluted. There’s severed heads; a lot of tension-free, quick-draw gunfights; and several of the characters, um, don’t have any skin. Children, this is a gruesome, almost unwatchable example of the kind of thing actors who don’t pay their taxes have to do. (90 min)
SAVING MR. BANKS: ©2014 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.; FRUTVALE STATION: © 2013 OG PROJECT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY: © 2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX.; LONE SURVIVOR: © 2013 UNIVERSAL PICTURES.; ONE CHANCE: © 2013 ONE CHANCE, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE LEGO MOVIE: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; ALL IS LOST: © 2013 ALL IS LOST LLC.; DON JON: © 2013 DON JON NEVADA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; FROZEN: ©2014 DISNEY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; GALLOWWALKERS: © 2013. BLAKEDEW 730 LIMITED.; THE MOTEL LIFE: © 2012 MOTEL LIFE LLC.; PHILOMENA: © 2013 PHILOMENA LEE LIMITED, PATHÉ PRODUCTIONS LIMITED, BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE AND BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; 12 YEARS A SLAVE: © 2013 BASS FILMS, LLC AND MONARCHY ENTERPRISES S.A.R.L. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; GRAND PIANO: © NOSTROMO PICTURES SL / NOSTROMO CANARIAS 1 AIE / TELEFONICA PRODUCCIONES SLU / ANTENA3 FILMS SLU 2013.; RIDDICK (2013/ 3): © 2013 RIDDICK PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; EIGA: ©2014映画「愛の渦」製作委員会.; MOVIE NEWS: KEVIN MCGUE.; CINEMATIC UNDERGROUND: RKO RADIO PICTURES
THE MOTEL LIFE
NEW
Brot hers F ra n k a nd Jer r y Lee (Emile Hirsch & Stephen Dorff, both excellent) have had a hard life. Their father split, their mother died and Jerry lee lost a leg jumping a freight. Frank, a drinker, makes up stories to complement the other’s gift for drawing (sometimes wonderfully animated by Mike Smith). We pick them up just after Jerry Lee has hit and killed a boy on a bike, and their hardscrabble lives take on a tone of desperation as they try to get out of Reno, vaguely making for Elko, where Frank once knew love (Dakota Fanning). It’s a heartbreaking tale but never hopeless, and consistently honest. Japanese title: Runaway Blues. (85 min)
PHILOMENA
NEW
ROBOCOP
NEW
A tough but guileless Irish woman ( Ju d i D e n c h ) wh o i s m a k i n g unheeded inquiries of the Catholic Church about the infant son they took from her decades ago and sold for profit, and a spin-doctor journalist and cynic (Steve Coogan) join forces to create this low-key, mismatched-buddies story, a character-based road-trip detective tale. Hard to make a movie on such a tragic subject, but Stephen Frears manages, with a minimum of emotional manipulation (and with the help of co-writer Coogan’s dry humor), to come up with a movie that’s affecting, edifying and endearing. Japanese title: Anata wo Dakishimeru Hi Made. (98 min)
eiga
AI NO UZU
By Rob Schwartz
I
n a country that has one of the biggest porn and sex service industries in the world, it may seem odd that mainstream film in Japan rarely has much nooky in it. Conventional taste here tends to tilt towards prudishness, and not many sex-themed movies appear in major cinemas. But Ai no Uzu, however, has an R18 rating—the strictest—and is all about sex. Based on Daisuke Miura’s Kishida Drama Award-winning play and novel of the same name, it revolves around a club in Roppongi that charges men, women and couples for the opportunity to chase their desires. The high-end duplex apartment has a sitting area and a futon-filled bedroom. None of the characters have names, but are simply identified by their job (or lack thereof). In the group of men are a freelancer, a salaryman, a factory worker and a layabout (or NEET as the term has been coined). The women include an office lady, a kindergarten teacher, a college student and a heavily pierced regular. The night starts off with innocuous small talk but does progress to the action stage. Naturally, anonymous sex cannot stay that way and we see a relationship develop between the slacker and the college student—will they be able to move beyond this sordid beginning? The participants generally descend into postcoital depression, proving that carnal indulgence does not cure emotional ills. Shot with a cool detachment and employing subtle character development, Ai no Uzu effectively uses the backdrop of a sex club to elucidate the human experience. English title: Love’s Whirlpool. (123 min.)
movie news A reboot of Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 pop-nihilistic robo-romp, this is competently made, moderately entertaining, suitably violent and well acted. Joel Kinnaman is a hunk to watch, and Gary Oldman shines. But though it tries to add updated social commentary (in the form of Samuel L. Jackson as a Fox News-type fear-monger), it lacks the corrosive wit and sense of mischief of the original, and offers little that’s new or thoughtprovoking. At times it resembles an arcade game. It doesn’t embarrass itself, but neither does it convince us that a remake was at all necessary. (118 min)
12 YEARS A SLAVE
Hollywood has touched, gingerly and obliquely, on this dark period of American history. But the true, banal evil of the practice of human bondage had yet to be depicted cinematically. Until Steve McQueen came along and made this movie from the writings of Solomon Northrup, a free New Yorker who was kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery. Demolishes several cherished movie fabrications about the era. Don’t be expecting “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah.” This horror-film history lesson is visceral, vital, unsettling and not a little existential. Yet it’s so compelling that you are pulled in from the first scene. Japanese title: Soredemo Yoru wa Akeru. (133 min)
RIDDICK
The second sequel to 2000’s spare, surprisingly effective Pitch Black wisely ignores 2004’s disappointing The Chronicles of Riddick and goes back to its dark roots (though it works as a stand-alone). This time our see-in-the-dark, wanteddead-or-alive anti-hero (Vin Diesel, never better), finds himself stranded on a hostile planet. So he activates a distress beacon at an abandoned mercenary outpost, which summons two competing groups of bounty hunters. Riddick views this as “calling a taxi.” Plenty of gallows humor, especially one “comeuppance” scene involving a head in a box. I had fun. Japanese title: Riddick: Galaxy Battle. (119 min)
W
hen Frozen took home the Oscar for best animated feature, many watching the ceremony were surprised to learn that it was the first time the award went to a film by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It is also surprising that the story of two sisters in a frozen kingdom was created inside offices (and over 4,000 computers) in sunny Burbank, California. “[Disney head] John Lasseter is a big proponent of research. He is always saying, ‘Go, go, do your research,’” co-director Chris Buck told Metropolis during his first visit to Japan. Buck visited Kenneth Libbrecht, a professor at Caltech. “He goes by the name Dr. Snow and he taught us exactly how snowflakes are formed in his big freezer,” Buck explained. Other research included bringing a live reindeer into the studio and sending an art team to Norway to study fjords and architecture. “There is a folk art called rosemaling and we used that throughout in the background. Details like that help ground the story.” Frozen is now playing nationwide. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
T
he new films The Book Thief and Monuments Men proves WWII is still still yielding new stories. Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.cinemavera.com) looks back at classics of the war film genre with a program starting March 29. The lineup includes Hitchcock’s Notorious (1946; pictured), Saboteur (1942) and Foreign Correspondent (1940) and Bogart in Passage to Marseille (1944) and Action in the North Atlantic (1943)... The 10am Film Festival is continuing its series of morning screenings of remastered classics at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills (6-10-2 Roppongi Minato-ku; www.tohotheater.jp). The Wizard of Oz (1939) is on from April 5, The Sound of Music hits screens May 3 and Stand By Me (1986) invokes nostalgia from June 28. http://asa10.eiga.com/... If you missed the acclaimed action-drama flicks Zero Dark Thirty and Captain Phillips, you have a second chance from March 29 at Waseda Shochiku (1-5-16 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku; www.wasedashochiku.co.jp). KM Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only. #1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 19
Spacious 5F terrace over looking central Shibuya!
8pm-2am, no entry fee
Happy Hour All ¥500!! Mon-Fri (except Public holidays) Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT, The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT, Glasses of wine, Cocktails
Tokyu Plaza
Irish Music Live 3/26 (WED) 1st 7:30pm~ 2nd 9pm~
http://failte.jp
CONVENIENT STANDING CASH-BAR AREA SELECTED ALCOHOL & FOOD FROM ¥500
Enjoy Friday night events at P.C.M
Enjoy our great selections of Irish and European brews.
More details
GORGEOUS BAR &LOUNGE
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat) 3-11pm (Sunday & hols) tel: 03-3476-7776
3/28 (Fri) 7pm Metropolis Getsumatsu “Gordon’s Spring Party” DJ:TADAHISA SHINKAWA, Guest DJ CASH Gordon’s Gin Cocktails & food from ¥500 4/2 (Wed) 8pm Craft Beer Kind of Night - DJ: LAVA (starts 8pm) from ¥500 *Only in 4/4 (Fri) 8pm Marunochi Cherry Blossom Party - DJ:MICKY 1F Tokia Tokyo Bldg, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stations: Tokyo or Yurakucho. Open: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Tea 2:30-5pm, Dinner (Mon-Fri) 5pm-4am LO 3:30am, (Weekends and hols.) 5pm-11pm LO 10pm
☎ 03-5222-1251www.miyoshi-grp.com/cardinal/pcm
Roppongi's famous Chinese eatery
Post a photo of the restaurant on Facebook, and get 1 free beer. Open 24 hours • 180 people max for parties Roppongi: 2F Court Annex Roppongi, 3-2-13 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku.
Akasaka: B1F Floral Plaza Bldg, 3-8-8 Akasaka,Minato-ku.
03-5414-5708 03-6234-9788
Visit our website for info on other Chinese Cafe Eight locations
welcome@cceight.com | www.cceight.com 20 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY
bar review
BEER HORN
classics—baked pretzels, sausages, sauerkraut—but don’t leave without trying the made in-house, fresh every day, northern-Italian-style pizzas. There are always a few specials that aren’t on the menu, so be sure to ask the staff. When we visited, they had a pizza with an almond-honey-weissbier base, topped with blue cheese and walnuts then drizzled with honey, the perfect companion to the Honey Horn—or any other beer, for that matter. Many things make this place the perfect contender for a second living-room, but what really seals the deal are the prices: 400ml beer horns are only ¥580, the most expensive food item is ¥1,300 (the sausage plate) and a two-hour nomihodai is a mere ¥2,200. Akasaka may not be your area of choice for an evening of bibulous excitement, but one session at the Beer Horn will change all of that. Guaranteed.
Pure German ales in Akasaka By Stefan Van Eycken
B
e er Hor n i s t he Tok yo tapro om of Hokkaido-based Otaru Beer, the finest maker of German-style beers in Japan. They follow age-old Bavarian brewing practices and abide by the “Reinheitsgebot,” the beer purity law that has been in place for centuries and only allows for the use of four ingredients (barley, hops, water and yeast) and no chemicals in any part of the process. Just like German breweries would only sell locally, the Otaru beers were only available within a 100km radius of the brewery. Then, in 2011, they opened a bar in the heart of the Akasaka business district. Finally, beer fans in Tokyo had a place to go for authentic German-style brews. You won’t see the label Otaru Beer anywhere at the Beer Horn and people often wonder whether what’s on tap is really the same as what is sold up north. The answer is yes and no. It is almost the same, but it is transformed a bit because in order to ship it such a distance, some of the yeast has to be removed. This makes the beers on tap in Tokyo a bit drier than they would be in Hokkaido. The number of taps is purposely limited to six to keep the selection as fresh as possible, and the beer is served in 400ml glass horns or 700ml in genuine cow horns. With the exception of the two non-alcohol beers (a black and a Pilsner-type), all other offerings are draft. The standards are The Horn (a Pilsner), Dark Horn (a
Dunkel-type), White Horn (a Bavarian weissbier), Yellow Horn (a mix of weiss and lemonade) and Red Horn (a weiss with raspberry extract put in at tapping—a cocktail, really). The special seasonal beers are a major attraction at the Beer Horn, and when a new one is put on tap, the place can be packed. General manager Brian Dishman tries to overlap the seasonal treats. When we were there, a stunning mead—the kind that would have been brewed in Germany before the Reinheitsgebot of 1560—made with Okinawa honey, had just arrived. The previous special—a rauchbier (smoke beer)—was still available, so at any given time, you have a choice of two seasonal brews. There is also a wide selection of food, most of which is prepared in a stone oven. You’ve got the
restaurant review
THE PIZZA BAR ON 38TH
An Italian twist on the chef’s table in Nihonbashi By Yukari Sakamoto
N
eapolitan pizzerias, with their signature charred and chewy crusts, abound in Tokyo. What’s harder to find is a crispy Roma-style pizza. The recently opened Pizza Bar on 38th at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is dishing up a unique pizza alla pala worthy of a trip to the historic Nihonbashi district. A “pala” is the wooden board used to bring the pizza out of the oven. Located inside the Italian restaurant K’shiki, the Pizza Bar is comprised of eight counter seats overlooking an open kitchen and a gas-heated brick oven. There is a flurry of activity as servers come and go from the main kitchen, but it isn’t a bother as the chef is friendly and easy to chat with. Italian Executive Sous Chef Daniele Cason, half-Italian and half-Somali, is very enthusiastic about pizza. He went back to his hometown of Rome to study with some of the best pizzaioli and has brought his own recipe back to Tokyo. Pizza is a very simple dish, and Cason has searched for the best of ingredients to make his unique. The flour is organic and from a small producer in Piemonte. Pelati tomatoes from Puglia “il Tavoliere” are used for the sauce, and the chef will dress the pie with fresh Japanese tomatoes—after the pizza is baked—to ensure the crust stays crispy. The Fior di Latte mozzarella cheese he has selected does not release a lot of liquid when it is baked.
Dining Out
PHOTO COURTESY OF K'SHIKI
J/E Menu in Japanese and English
Beer from ¥580, two-hour all-you-can-drink ¥2,200
Smoking permitted
Main hall for privacy, counter to learn more about the beer
All draft top-quality German-style beer made in Japan; stone oven food
A bit hard to find
B1, 3-17-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku Daily 5–11pm
http://otarubeer.com/beerhorn
The pizza selections include a Quattro Formaggi (¥2,300), which is actually made with five cheeses (provolone, Gorgonzola, smoked scamorza, taleggio and mozzarella fior di latte) then drizzled with a truffle-infused honey, and the luxurious Porcini (¥2,500) topped with generous slices of the famous Italian mushroom. The dough of the Trapizzino (¥2,500) is baked into what looks like a thin focaccia bread, then sliced, filled with creamy mascarpone cheese, black olives and truffle essence before baking in the oven. We found it so delicious, we were back within the week to have it again. Tokyoites are truly spoiled with some of the world’s best pizza at their fingertips, and The Pizza Bar on 38th has added yet another great spot for true aficionados to discover. Reservations are suggested as there are only eight seats at the counter—the only location this classic ‘za is served.
J/E Menu in Japanese and English
The pizza dough is made with a high proportion of water (80 percent) to flour, which is the secret to the crispy crust. While the mixture contains only one gram of yeast, it is fermented for 48 hours, making it light and full of bubbles. It is evident how delicate the dough is by watching Cason as he stretches and flattens it out on the marble counter. We start off with a Campari-based cocktail like the classic Negroni (¥1,500) and then move on to an Italian craft beer. The Collessi Imper Ale Bionda (¥3,000), with its citrusy notes, is a nice partner to the pizza. Among the starters to choose are a colorful five-tomato salad (¥1,900), and sliced meats (¥900) such as mortadella, speck, and prosciutto.
¥3,500-5,000 per person without drinks plus 13% service charge
Entirely non-smoking
Eight counter seats at the pizza bar
Crispy “pizza alla pala”
A bit on the expensive side
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, 38F 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku
Lunch 11:30am– 2:30pm, dinner 5:30–11pm
www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo/fine-dining/ the-pizza-bar-on-38
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 21
BITES
Dining Out
cinematic spirits
stand-up steaks
caviar dreams
Want to nurse a White Russian like the Dude in The Big Lebowski or down a Manhattan like Marilyn Monroe in Some Like it Hot? How about a steak served with exactly 12 peas, the favorite meal of the obsessive Howard Hughes in The Aviator? You can do that and more as Nishi-Azabu restaurant Veranda transforms into Cinema Lounge 100 (2024-3 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. http://cl-100.com) for 100 days until June 5. The project is designed to expose customers to the pleasures of foreign cinema and encourage young people to go out to the movies more. The cocktails (all ¥900), food and desserts are all based on films—both recent and classic. Each drink comes on a coaster designed by illustrator Keiji Takamatsu, who is also displaying movie star portraits constructed out of craft paper. Ai Hosokawa
Steak houses in Japan are known for their elegant atmosphere, fussy service and prices that can break the bank. Ikinari Steak, with two shops in Ginza (4-10-14 Ginza and 6-4-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku. http://meturl.com/ikinaristeak), turns the tables on the whole concept—an affordable standing restaurant for meat eaters. The ikinari in the name means “suddenly” because you can forget all the fuss about appetizers and salads and get straight to the good stuff. Start by choosing the cut (rib loin is ¥5 per gram, sirloin is ¥7 and fillet is ¥8) and the weight (300g minimum), pinch your fingers to indicate the thickness you want and tell them how well you would like it cooked. The simple formula has proven a hit and there are often lines running down the sidewalk. Once inside, though, grilled goodness will soon be yours. Taiichi Izawa
The firm of Caviar House & Prunier has been selling the fishy delicacy in Geneva for 145 years and served the royal family in London for generations. Now its ultra-premium offerings are available in Japan with the opening of the Seafood Bar in the Fresh Market section of Shinjuku Isetan (3-14-1 Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3352-1111). Fine sturgeon eggs are usually associated with deep pockets, but you can initiate yourself to the elite with a single spoonful (¥1,200). Another eat-in option, the introductory Balik classic (¥3,500), lets you taste slivers of salmon served with toast, chives and sour cream. If you would like to take something home, be sure to stop at the ATM first: a 30g tin of Punier St. James caviar will set you back ¥19,719 and a 450g Balik Tsar Nikolai filet of salmon is ¥38,850.
posh picnics
in bruges
sweet greens
Don’t want to spend this year's hanami celebration sitting on a thin sheet of blue plastic drinking cans of chu-hai? The Martini Blossom Lounge at the Tokyo Midtown Garden (until Apr 20, noon8pm; www.tokyo-midtown.com), named after the Italian sparkling wine brand (not the cocktail), features seating for 100 near an indoor sakura tree where you can order pink-hued drinks and snacks, such as a glass of Martini rosé or the sakura sweets set (¥1,500), and enjoy illuminated blossoms after 5pm. Chandon is sponsoring Ohanami Chandon Megurogawa (www.mhdkk.com/ohanami) in Nakameguro and Daikanyama to promote its brut rosé. Over 30 bars and restaurants will be serving the pink bubbly, affording the perfect opportunity to relax after hanami in the park, or if you’re lucky enough to get a window seat—do both at once.
W it h so ma ny Belg ia n beer ha l ls open i ng around Tok yo, t he bar is set prett y high for inclusion in these pages. Beer Bar Brugse Zot, which opened March 20 in t he Nihonbashi Coredo 2 building (2-3-1 Muromachi Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku), makes the grade with its classy, art deco-inspired interior and as the first place in the city to serve only beer actually brewed and lagered in the Belgian city of Bruges. With up to seven brews on tap, like the prize-winning Brugse Zot Blond, the bar will also stock 100 varieties of Belgian beer in bottles. Management plans to independent ly import drafts, meaning most of them w ill not be available anywhere else in Japan. Food selections include mussels steamed in Belgian beer (¥1,280) and, of course, pommes frites (¥780).
L ong-est abl i s he d Japa nes e c on fe c t ioner y Taneya (http://taneya.jp/home/) has produced an innovative new sweet to enjoy this spring: Olive Daifuku (¥945). Si x delicate and bitesized daifukumochi (rice cake with sweet bean paste) sit inside a fragile little package alongside a mini-bottle of non-filtered extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle the emerald green liquid over the stark white daifuku to produce a beautif ul, jewel-like t reat. Pop one in your mout h and the slightly fruity olive oil, faint saltiness of t he mochi a nd suga r y azuki f i l ling combine to create a unique and understated taste sensation—a mixture of classic Japanese and Western f lavors. Available online or on sale in depachika—the B1 f loor of major department stores. AH
22 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
NE W !
Think the Classifieds is just ads? Think again! Visit the Tokyo Classifieds blog for saucy ads of yore, ideas to make your ads pop, tutorials to pimp your stuff and plenty more Classifieds goodness. http://metropolis.co.jp/ classifiedblog/
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CLASSIFIEDS Metropolis and its subsequent 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. is available. Contact us at 03-3882-1550. Open from 10am until 7pm , seve n days a we e k . http://meturl.com/ onlycutzone
1.3 MOVING
1 AT YOUR SERVICE 1.1 HEALTH
JAPAN’S MOST AFFORDABLE H E A LT H I N S U R A N C E . If you feel like you’re throwing money away on insurance, come on over to HealthOne and start saving to day! Th re e -, s ix- a n d 12-month plans. Inpatient/ o u t p ati e n t cove ra g e fo r illness and injury. Online enrollment; pay by credit card or at convenience stores. www.healthone.jp info@healthone.jp 050-3424-6713 NAKAMARU D ENTAL , LO C AT E D I N YOKOHAMA , provides g e n e r a l dentistry, esthetic dentistry, dental implants and orthodontics by a UCLA-trained and certified dentist. 30min from S hin agawa a n d S hibuya . n a ka m a r- @ ca m e o. p lala . o r. j p w w w. n a k a m a r u dental.jp/english/ 045-6813359
CHEAPEST, QUICKEST AND SAFEST! Transporter Tokyo supports your moving and delivers your stuff. Moving for singles or couples from ¥12 ,000. Delivery (furniture, motorbikes, etc.) from ¥7000. English-, Frenchand Japanese-speaking staff available. Inquiries: info@transporter-tokyo. co m w w w.t ra n s p o r te rtokyo.com/english/contact Te l : 0 3 - 6 7 1 5 - 9 3 9 1 F a x : 03-6715-9392 Address: 3-29-8 Nishi-Rokugo, Ota-ku, Tokyo
MOVING OVERSEAS? Call ECONOSHIP! With over 30 years of experience, you can count on Econoship for courteous, efficient, reliable service and reasonable p rice s . Fo r re a l p e a ce of mind, move with the best. Move with Econoship! Call, email, or visit our website. Ask how you can receive 10 free boxes. 0120-222-111 info@ econoship.net www. econoship.net
1.4 TRAVEL
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY (physical therapy) c a r e i n H i r o o . Native Engli sh - speaking therapists specializing in sports injuries, p o s t - o p e r a t i v e rehabilitation, back/neck pain, running related, headaches, orthotics, ergonomic consultations and women’s health. w w w.tokyophysio.com 03-3443-6769
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
FRI, APR 4
FRI, APR 18
Deadline:
Deadline:
Mar 27, 3pm
Apr 10, 3pm
AU T H O R I Z E D I R S E- F I L E PROVIDER prepares U.S. citizens’ tax returns and files them electronically. Worldwide in co m e? Fo re ig n Ea rn e d Income Exclusion? Japanese financial accounts? Ask Mr. Nishimura. nishimura@ newyork-kaikei.com kny_ nishimura@yahoo.co.jp K.N.Y. Service Inc. 西村勝也税理士事務所
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI (next to Tokyo), member o f t h e Yo ko h a m a B a r Association. Legal service in English for traffic accidents, divorce, inheritance, bankruptcy, business cases (contracts, establishing a company, trademarks, etc.) and other legal problems. Email: web@smkw.biz www. sumikawa.net/
U S AN D JAPAN E S E TA X S E R V I C E S . Pl a n n i n g a job switch? Best time to leave Japan? Tax impact on a potential investment? We can comment on both sides. No charge for initial con sultation . E x p a t Ta x J a p a n . w w w. expattaxjapan.com. info@expattaxjapan.com.
S E K I YA M A U . S . TA X CONSULTING LLC . USCPA OFFICE IN TOKYO. Double taxation relief? Delinquent FBAR? Foreign Tax Credit or Foreign Earned Income E xc l u s i o n? F i l i n g w i t h a J a p a n e s e S p o u s e ? Te n percent discount available wit h 10 4 0 p re pa ratio n s . English and Japanese ok. w w w. s e kiya m at ax .co m info@sekiyamatax.com 03-5403-4639 VISA COUNSELING: female immigration lawyer h a n d l e s yo u r v i s a c a s e . P e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n c y, naturalization, eligibility (inviting your spouse/ children/workers from your country), extension/ change of visa status. Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
s t n . R a te s : D a i ly ¥ 78 0 0. Weekly ¥68 50 -/day. Monthly ¥5900-/day. Over three months ¥4950-/ day. Tax, utilities included. f r o n t d e s k@ a z a b u c o u r t . com www. azabucour t . com/ 03-3446-8610
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
SMILE STAND: Japan’s first and only stylish rental photo booth. An exciting addition to any party, event, etc., and the best way to get crazy, fabulous, professional photos. With this ad ¥55,000~. info@ highland-tokyo.com https:// vimeo.com/44976943 www. smile-stand.com
THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH M ETRO P O LI S ? Platinum ¥28 , 928 . Gold ¥23 , 940. S i lve r ¥ 1 8 , 9 5 3 . B r o n z e ¥ 2 0 0 0. Pri n te d p h oto s +¥2000/photo. Prices are for one print issue, two weeks online. For details, contact commercial@metropolis. co.jp.
I C H I G AYA G R E E N C O R P. Two apartments available in furnished, three -story apartment building, s u n ny a n d q u i e t , s o u t h / north facing, many trees, small Japanese garden, 5 m i n w a l k f r o m s u b w ay station, 13min by bicycle t o J R S h i n j u k u / Yo t s u y a stn. Rent: ¥100,000/m ( 2 K ). ¥ 12 0,0 0 0 ~/m ( 3 K ). Te l / f a x : 0 3 - 3 3 4 1 -7 8 7 5 Mail: itto@itto-jinnai.com www.itto -jinnai.com/ green/greencorp.html
I C H I I C O R P O R AT I O N . Over 600 affordable, quality-furnished apartments in central To k yo l o c a t i o n s . N o key m o n ey/g u a ra n to r/ agent fee required. N e w, c l e a n a p a r t m e n t s , s i m p l e c o n t ra c t sys te m , full English support. Call u s t o d a y ! 0 3 - 5 4 3 7- 5 2 3 3 www.japt.co.jp
TEAM OF TWO WOMEN OFFERING CLEANING SERVICES. House and garage cleaning, gardening, moving in and out; cleaning weekly or once or twice/month. Name it and we'll do it! English and Nihongo ok. Call Ellen at 090-6536-0914. satoelena@ yahoo.com
2.1 GUESTHOUSE N A R I TA A I R P O R T C A R / MINIVAN TRAN SFER S E RV I C E . C h e a p e r t h a n a taxi. English - speaking d rive r. M e e t a n d g re e t . Free baby seat. Luggage assistance. Dependable Safe - Ea sy- Q uic k Airport Tra n s fe r S e r vi c e . B O O K NOW! Email Reservation@ To k yo A i r p o r t e r. c o m . www.tokyoairporter.com
No key money/guarantor/ agent fee. Contact us: 03-5330-5250 info @ sakura - house .com www.sakura-house.com
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. 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
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
O N LY C U T Z O N E s a l o n provides a hair cut service for only ¥1000. 5 m i n w a l k f r o m K i t a - S e n j u s t n . Fr i e n d l y English-speaking staff
Issue 1045 Issue 1047
LI FE (M i h o Fu j i b aya s h i). Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 7 0 Email: mailto@officelife.jp Website: http://officelife. jp/en/
AFFORDABLE, HIGHQUALITY, EXPRESS OFFSET PRINTING NOW AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH! Shop/business cards: 1000 copies, 4c/4c 220kg ¥5500. A6 flyers: 3000 copies, 4c/4c 110kg ¥6300. A5 flyers: 5000 copies, 4c/1c 90kg ¥11,800. Contact wendy@flyerinsatsu. co.jp or visit http://english. flyerinsatsu.co.jp.
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
GREAT LOCATION & SUPER CLEAN. Private furnished rooms in Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu-Juban and Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min from stn, ladies-only floor available, weekly cleaning service, free internet, aircon, fridge. From ¥49,000/m. No key money/guarantor/ agent fee. 090-2405-0022 mail@bauhousetokyo.com
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT - ONE MONTH FREE RENT! Private apartment, w/loft, new aircon/ heater, kitchen and bathroom; washer and fridge can be added ¥39,000/month. Private rental, no agent fee, no key money. One m o n t h f r e e . Yo ko h a m a a r e a . cluboneseven@i.softbank.jp
2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000
P R I VAT E F U R N I S H E D A P A R T M E N T S . Odakyu line: MukogaokaYuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae, 20/30min from Shinjuku. Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate, 15min from Shinagawa. 1K~2LDK ¥58,000/ m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 0449 3 3 -7 0 0 0 E m a i l : m h @ minowagroup.jp w w w. minowagroup.jp/ minowahomes
TO K YO A PA RTM E NT S . Yo u r o n e - s to p h o u s i n g solution throughout Tokyo. Providing serviced , furnished and unfurnished apartments, for both long and shortterm stays. Also providing relocation services, furniture rental, property manage me nt and sale s . Please call 0120-957-920. www.tokyoapartments.jp
TO ADVERTISE IN M E T R O P O LI S , JA PA N ’ S NO.1 ENGLISH MAGAZINE, log on at www.metropolis. co.jp/classifieds or email yo u r c o m m e r c i a l a d s t o commercial@metropolis. co.jp.
3LDK IN YOYOGI available from Ap r, 10 m in from Yoyo gi stn, 4min from Sangubashi stn, one-month key money, no agency fee, no renewal fee, no guarantor necessary, w/three aircon ¥210,000. Water included. kokoro30.pl@gmail.com
2.4 HOUSE SHARE
. SAKURA HOUSE. Leading multilingual real estate a g e n c y i n To k yo s i n c e 1992. Over 1600 furnished apartments and guest/ share house rooms, from ¥52,000/m, utilities included.
SMALL TRADITIONAL JAPANESE HOUSE in Tsukishima, Chuo-ku. 2LDK , 56sqm , cute , acce ss to G i n z a a n d f i s h m a r ke t , 4 m i n from Oedo and Yurakucho lines, Australian owner, fully renovated, earthquake-proofed ¥150,000/m. Furnished ¥200,000/m. tsukishima.house@gmail.com h t t p : // t i n y u r l . c o m / k q g p 3 z g +61416205443
S E RVI C E D A PA RTM E NT S in a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites. 4min from Hiroo
ONE PRIVATE ROOM in a Japanese family house in Nerima-ku, near Shakujii Park ¥70,000/m. Discount of ¥10,000 for 4h/m of English lessons. Nonsmoking, Englishspeaking women only. Call Hitomi at 090-5305-9142. hitomijin@hotmail. com
Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.
Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings. #1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 23
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
2.6 BUY/SELL PREMISES TIRED OF PAYING R E N T ? Minato Asset Management Co., Ltd. can help you find properties, get a mortgage, permanent visa, etc. Diversified income properties also available. m u k a i @ m i n a to - a m . c o m 090-4123-1025 03-557982779 www.realestate minato.com
2.7 OFFICE SPACE
MONDEWORK TOKYO: serviced offices and share offices available from one month located in Ichigaya (Yotsuya, Kojimachi), 24/7 access, company registration, bilingual reception service. Fa c i l i t i e s i n c l u d e f r e e drinks, copy machine, TV, projector, meeting rooms. Please call 03-4455-7594. www.tokyoapartments.jp/ serviced-offices/ MODERN, STYLISH SPACE IN AOYAMA. Conduct focus groups, interviews, training or meetings in well-equipped, comfortable setting. Host s e v e n a t- t a b l e , e i g h t i n viewing room. Break lounge in c lu d e d , Fo c u sVi s io n equipped. Contact studio@ the-carter-group.com or call 03-6438-9481 for pricing.
3 EDUCATION 3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
English and Japanese. Japanese casually studying English alone seeks someone interesting from abroad to talk about English questions, expressions and movies for a short time at a coffee shop between Soka and Takenozuka. Friendship. No sexual mails, please. language_exchange3@ hotmail.com English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF, 30, seeking a language exchange partner. Let's meet at a cafe somewhere in Ikebukuro. cha30000@heart.ocn.ne.jp English and Japanese. Japanese female, 34, is seeking a language exchange partner to meet regularly on weekdays. I like exercising, trekking and cooking. Let's study together over coffee. Chiba and Tokyo preferred. mnryh107@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Japanese seeking native speakers on the Tobu Isesaki line, Saitama, for language exchange. This is NOT the seeking romance section, so please don’t get the wrong idea. peaceful_world8@ hotmail.com English and Japanese. Do you want to improve your translation or interpretation skills? 40-ish Canadian seeking a language partner. Let's improve our translation skills over tea. Study never stops. Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Koenji stations. tarry2@hotmail.com
Danish, German, Japanese. Hej and 'N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes and Germans to help her with languages in Tokyo/Kanagawa through fun conversations over cups of coffee or just hanging out. Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred. codename107113@live.com
English and Japanese. Group language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza. Most members are 20s and 30s. We switch languages every 30min. Fun events on weekends. Free to join. ando. andy@gmail.com
English and Japanese. JF, 40, seeking a native English speaker for language exchange. I need to improve my English for work. Hope to meet at a cafe on weeknights around Minato-ku/Shibuya. I'm happy to help with your Japanese. sunshine-246@excite.co.jp
For the cost of postage get Metropolis on your doorstep—and have ransom note material for decades.
English and Japanese. Hi! I am a native English speaker, 27, living in Tokyo, seeking a Japanese person to help me with my Japanese in the Shibuya, Jiyugaoka, Nakameguro or Futako-Tamagawa area. r_andom@ hotmail.com
http://metropolis.co.jp/subscription
English and Japanese. I'm a Caucasian American guy, 30s, and I want to improve my Japanese near
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Bed, single, w/mattress. Pick up only near Tamagawa stn, Tokyu Toyoko line, Tokyu Tamagawa line, Tokyu Meguro line. michelechung@hotmail.com
English and Japanese. SJF, 40s, living and working in Tokyo, seeking E/J language and culture exchange partner in Tokyo. Also seeking good friends. Around 30s-40s, M/F ok. Please feel free to contact me. mari46@yahoo. co.jp
English and Japanese. JF living and working in Yokohama seeking a native English speaker for language exchange and long-lasting friendship. I can teach you J in return. Let's learn each other's languages at a cafe! from.kaori0113@ gmail.com
Seeking Zumba instructor for private lessons. Price negotiable. Very keen. elraydayo@i.softbank.jp
English and Japanese. Japanese professional woman, around 40, seeking native English speaker to exchange language and culture. I'm educated and can offer you proper Japanese lessons. Women preferred. Serious only, please. naoko.hz55@ tbz.t-com.ne.jp
Chinese, English, Japanese. I am a JF, 30s, seeking a J/E language exchange partner in Kanagawa or Tokyo. If interested, please send me a message. I also study Chinese and would love to improve it as well. chako0606@gmail.com
English and Japanese. Japanese female, 34, seeks E/J language exchange in the Tokyo/Yokohama area. I really need to speak E! Help me! I'm seeking friends. hana213@hotmail.com
3.9 TEACH ME! Private English teacher in Tokyo. JF professional seeking an English tutor to practice speaking, discussing topics like news, culture, etc. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa area preferable. Can pay ¥1500. Negotiable. You must have business experience. graphic_ r3@yahoo.co.jp
Bed, Muji, queen, frame and headboard are solid wood, w/mattress, in excellent condition ¥30,000. Muji down comforter ¥8000. Negotiable. Pick up Odakyu line or pay for delivery. alexi_ louis@yahoo.com 090-4073-0894
yahoo.es
ベル上の方音読練習しませんか？レベルアップ 中国語もそれなりにok. elsalvadorjapan@
Thai, Japanese, English. Looking forward to meeting anyone who lives in the Tokyo area for language exchange, cafe, hanging out and traveling together sometimes. I'm Thai, male, professional career, easygoing and fun. freemap49@yahoo.com
English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese male, 20, seeking an English speaker. I want to do a podcast with you. The podcast will be about news or something. It'll be like bilingual news. ootoyadaisuki@gmail.com
English and Japanese. I study E, but I don't have foreign friends. Let's talk in E and J over lunch or coffee. I live in Tama City in Tokyo and and am Japanese, 36. hkyoko2012@yahoo.co.jp
Chinese and Japanese. 初級より少しレ
24 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Shibuya stn with a good language exchange partner. Please let me know your name, age and sex when you email me. Thanks. silverninja888@ yahoo.com
English and Japanese. English male, 34, seeks language partner around Tokyo. My Japanese level is low, so any help you can give me would be great. I will of course help you with E. happylamp@hotmail.co.uk English and Japanese. Hi! I am from London living in Tokyo. I am seeking a Japanese person to help me with my Japanese. Hope to hear from you soon. bg6543711@gmail.com Fre nc h , Engli sh , Japane se . Frenchman seeking a language exchange partner to improve his Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E in return. Beginners/advanced welcome. Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and interests. dhalexisfr@gmail.com German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J language exchange partner. Seit Sechs Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested, drop me a line. gardenstate2005@ hotmail.com Korean and Japanese. Japanese male, 40, 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
Cabinet, Chinese-style (approximately H115xW100xD45cm), black lacquer, design of ornate birds and branches, brass hinges and fittings, two doors, central shelf, two drawers below, in very good condition ¥19,000. cpitts@ gol.com 09049527314 Chair, for desks, height and back adjustable, can dismantle for transport ¥1000. Cash only. Koenji. ohpopshop@ gmail.com Curtains, Muji, ivory (110x110cm), 100% cotton. alessandrolibri@gmail. com Drawers, Muji, plastic ¥1000/ each. Pick up 7min from Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr Furniture sale! Beige leather sofa, seats three, in good condition ¥20,000. Two rocking chairs, one black and one white ¥4000/each. Pick up Takadanobaba area. sue.zahedi@ gmail.com 0339503140 Lamp, Francfranc, for tables, small, in very good condition, in original box, w/bulb ¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr Mattress, Ikea Sultan Favang, as new, clean (90x200cm) ¥5000. Pick up Sangenjaya. japanjohan@yahoo.co.jp Shelf, Muji, w/four drawers, in very good condition, less than one y/o ¥15,000. Pick up near Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr
4.2 APPLIANCES Air purifier, S h a r p KC-Z 4 5 Plasmacluster, good for large rooms (20-mat) ¥18,000. Pick up near Tamachi, Tokyo. katrinaellery@hotmail.com Blender ¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr Coffeemaker, Sanyo, electric, old, functional, w/tea filter and paper filters ¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@ yahoo.fr Fan, electric, two speeds, automatic turn, up/down adjustable orientation, in good condition, in original box ¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr Fridge, National NR-B12JA, 41L + 81L (480x1070x586mm), in good condition ¥7500. Pick up Sangenjaya or pay for delivery. union-v@hotmail.co.jp Fridge, Sharp, 315L (156x63x60cm), works perfectly, in good condition ¥20,000. Pick up Odakyu line or pay for Yamato or Sagawa delivery. alexi_louis@ yahoo.com Hand mixer, hardly used ¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr Kettle, electric, Tefal, in good condition ¥2000. Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr
Lights, round, ceiling, w/bulbs ¥3000. Pick up near Meguro stn. befaft03@ yahoo.fr
very good condition ¥29,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@gmail.com
Microwave/oven/grill, Haie r, 600W, '12 ¥2000. Pick up Nishi-Azabu. mlfukawa@gmail.com
Synthesizers. Roland JX-3P, vintage, analog, 100% functional, in nice cosmetic condition, w/optional PG200 programmer ¥48,000. Roland JV-80, in great condition, w/case ¥22,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@gmail.com
Rice cooker, Zojirushi, '08, IH type, as new ¥6000. mizi2005@hotmail.com Vacuum, AIM-R0B01, white, new ¥5000. Pick up Shimokitazawa. aminimia@yahoo.com
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Plant holder, made from 70-yearold tree trunk, 23kg, has been used to prepare homemade omochi ¥8000. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp
7.4 ITEMS WANTED Computer. Seeking old PC for free. tsuneokobayashijapan@yahoo.co.jp Pregnancy clothes, prefer US size 11 for bottoms and US size M/Japan size L. Free or cheap. lelanis@hotmail.com
Sayonara sale! Rice cooker ¥1000. Water purifier ¥1000. Rolling kitchen table ¥1000. Kitchen utensils, dishes, tableware, cleaning products: free. digicult@gmail.com
CDs, mostly rock (Def Leppard, Rush, B-52s, Cinderella, The Cars, Minx, Moonshots, Dirty Ts, Mootekis), some classical compilations, etc., in good condition. Pick up Otemachi. b l a c k n g o l d 1 97 9 @ h o t m a i l . c o m 080-2064-1094
Records. Budding musician in need of sample material. Give me your old records - the more obscure or strange, the better. I’ll pay for postage. mallon_ robert@hotmail.com 080-6497-5403
Sayonara sale! Sharp 32” TV, Bluray, games, HDMI, cable TV ok, works well ¥25,000/obo. Fridge, opens from both sides; rice cooker; in good condition: free. rob_andy99@yahoo. com 08066490888
Chinese learning materials. Business Mandarin Kit by Asiapac Books, w/two textbooks, four CDs, travel tips, as new, never opened. New US$138. Sell ¥5500. cpitts@gol.com 09049527314
Vinyl records, LP collections. Japanpressed LPs, EPs and singles from the ‘60s, ‘70s, etc., any genre considered. Will pay cash for quality items. brian. greenough@jcom.home.ne.jp
Sayonara sale! NEC phone/fax machine, w/digital display; desk for computer (128x65x45). stupendociao@ yahoo.co.jp
Japanese learning materials. Japanese Verbs and Essentials of Grammar, 13 Secrets for Speaking Fluent Japanese, Conversation Book for Everyday Japanese and English Level 4, Random House JapaneseEnglish Dictionary, Contemporary Japanese Volume 1 ¥5000/all. Details available. earth_travel_joy@hotmail. com
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
4.5 AUDIO & MP3 Headphones, Dr. Dre, stereo, several m/o, as new, hardly used, w/carry case ¥23,000/obo. mykey0422@gmail.com
4.6 FOR KIDS Ski wear. Pants, size 130cm ¥300. Gloves and other items. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Stroller, Maclaren, in very good condition. New ¥35,000+. Sell ¥10,000. Free delivery possible. mizi2005@hotmail.com Various items. Safety gate, toys, videos, etc., smoke/pet-free home. Pick up M oto -A zabu , A zabuJuban, Roppongi Hills or takkyubin chakubarai for small items. ftl4@ hotmail.com
4.7 FOR FREE External HD, seven available, w/ power cords, work perfectly, 1.71TB total capacity, Buffalo, I-O Data, Maxtor, one Firewire unit. Pick up Otemachi. blackngold1979@hotmail. com 080-2064-1094 Mosquito repellent, electric. Pick up near Meguro stn. befaft03@ yahoo.fr SkyPerfecTV, dish, w/tuner and cable, never used. Pick up Yoyogi. stupendociao@yahoo.co.jp Washer, Toshiba AW-40S5, 4kg, more than seven y/o. Pick up only. benoit. castets@gmail.com
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT Bindings, snowboard, K2, for beginners, 4x4, cap toe strap, women's size 6-10/men's size 5-8 ¥1000. Pick up near Yokohama. sayonara_vancouver@ hotmail.com Elliptical trainer, Daikou DK-206S, one y/o, hardly used. Half-price. English speakers only. pierre.destruel@gmail. com Leg stretcher, DX, in good condition, some scratches, works well, no box, w/ leg stretcher pro ¥5000. brucebat@ docomo.ne.jp
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Electric guitar, Squier Vintage Modified Tele SSH, black, w/soft case, in great condition ¥20,000. deshayes.g@ gmail.com Monitors. Edirol MA 15D digital stereo micro monitors, 24-bit/192KHz digital ¥12,000. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.com Sound modules. Roland XV-5080, as new ¥39,000. Korg TR-Rack, in good condition ¥20,000. Roland MKS-50 analog synthesizer sound module, in
Kanji learning material. Remembering the Kanji, three-book complete system for remembering jou-yo list and over 1000 more key kanji, w/Nelson Kanji Dictionary ¥8500/all. earth_travel_joy@hotmail. com
5.5 GAMING Game CDs, Battlefield 1942, Battlefield Vietnam, Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, all in good condition. Pick up Otemachi. blackngold1979@hotmail. com 080-2064-1094
6 VEHICLES 6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Bicycle, Belart, 27" tires, white, durable, light, w/front basket, slightly more than one y/o, from Aeon. New ¥14,000. Sell ¥8000/obo. Can change registration. Photos available. earth_travel_joy@ hotmail.com Bike wear, new/never worn: Mavic Ergo 3D black full-rider bib/pants, size Japan L/US S; Karrimor black padded pants, size L. New ¥16,000. Sell ¥5000/both. Pick up Otemachi. blackngold1979@ hotmail.com 080-2064-1094 Racing bike, Panasonic Les Maillots, mini-velo, suits rider 170-180cm, 11kg alloy frame, Maxxis tires, 16-speed, regularly serviced, in great condition. New ¥95,000. Sell ¥39,000/obo. Meguro-ku. tokyobike2014@hotmail. com Road bike, Giant TCR, size M frame, yellow/black, as new, currently disassembled, various parts available. New ¥226,000. Sell ~¥60,000. Price depends on parts. View Shin-Nakano. cjriach@hotmail.com
7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES Smartphone, Sharp Aquos, Android, SoftBank ¥5000. sls00@live.com
7.2 FASHION
Sofa, three-in-one. steps.od@ezweb. ne.jp 09061526274
03.3405.4409 www.sinden.com
8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE Computer, i5-4670K CPU, two gtx770 SLI GPUs, Corsair AX860 PSU, Corsair 350D case, 8GB Corsair Vengeance Pro, Corsair H100i liquid cooler, Asus Maximus VI Gene motherboard, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB SD, Seagate Barracuda 1TB ¥180,000. jimrogers0101@gmail.com Laptop. NEC LaVie BL350 netbook, white, as new, E/J Win 8.1, 10.1" display, CPU Intel ATOM N550 1.5GHz, 120GB HD, 1GB memory, Wi-Fi, ethernet, three USB ports, SD card reader, VGA out ¥15,000. deshayes.g@gmail.com
10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME Female haircut model. I need female haircut models to get more experience. It's free! English is no problem! If you're interested, please email me. o.masaki.11@gmail.com
Strong, beautiful, flexible Transform your body & soul at BASI PILATES! Offering you “Authentic Pilates” Metropolis Campaign
Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0 Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400 Package 3 Machine Private Lessons
¥30,000 ¥18,000
Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio Lessons in English available Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more
03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp www.basipilates.jp/english/
Seeking native English speaker to edit my blog posts. We can do it online or we can meet in person at a cafe. Can pay ¥2000/h. axelco14@yahoo.co.jp
10.2 SUPPORT
NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous English counseling daily from 9am-11pm by trained volunteers: 03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual p syc hothe rapy by acc re dite d Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider: 03-4550-1146. TELL website: www. telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a d ay, fro m a ny wh e re , a b out a ny t h i n g . Fro m e m e rg e n c y 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/
Sunglasses, Ray-Ban, two m/o, no scratches. New ¥28,000. Sell ¥20,000. singhprak@yahoo.com 090-2863-9585 Wedding celebrant gown, drycleaned, in good condition ¥15,000. gaijin46@hotmail.com
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS Humidor, mahogany, w/brass instruments ¥5000. Can meet in central Tokyo. selling@csgibson.com 090-4664-1538
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL , ONE PEOPLE. Fifty years ago, West Papua should have been an independent country. Since 1969, West Papua has been invaded and the people robbed of their rights, culture and country. Help support West Papuans’ desire to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/ davidhalpern@7ymail.com #1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 25
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Daikanyama Station
am u-Y Ky
Gonee has experience beauty therapist in London for 8 years. Gonee studied beauty college at London for CIDESCO course and she started to work in beauty salon at Sloane Square in London.
D ate or i
Lycon Brazilian wax ¥9,000 → (30% off) ¥6,300 Lycon Full leg waxing ¥9,800 → (30% off) ¥6,800 Eyebrow & Upper Lip wax → ¥1,500 Eyelash Extension full set →¥5,000 (55x55) Eyelash & Eyebrow tint →¥2,500 Guinot Hydradermie Facial (60 min)→¥6,250 Manicure ¥8,000 → (30% off) ¥5,600 Pedicure ¥9,800 → ¥6,800
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO. If you have a problem with drinking, we can help. English-speaking meetings daily. 03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. org http://aatokyo.org
ine
oL
ok Toy
ine
L iya
Hib Komazawa Dori
Ebisu Station
GONEE BEAUTY 7Eleven
treatment@goneebeauty.com www.goneebeauty.com www.brazilian-waxingebisu.com
O V E R E AT E R S A N O N Y M O U S . Eating too much? Obsessed with food? Maybe purging, too? Come join us as we recover to g e t h e r. M e e t i n g s S a t a t 1 0 : 3 0 a m a n d Tu e a t 6 : 3 0 p m . Skype meetings five nights/week. Contact: oatokyo @gmail .com www.oaintokyo.org TOKYO AMERICAN CLUB I N T E R N AT I O N A L M E M B E R ’ S ASSOCIATION. A call out to TAC members! Have you been bullied, harassed and mistreated by TAC? Have you been suspended and/ or expelled by TAC without proper due process? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We are a group working together to help individuals like you and to make a better TAC for everyone! Contact us at: tacima@outlook. com
03-6452-2503
Address : 3F nakamura building 17-4-3 Minami-Ebisu Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S NO.1 ENGLISH MAG A Z I N E , log on at www. metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@metropolis.co.jp. 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/
Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365
Hotel IBIS
Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com
Metropolis Promo
60 & 120min courses now ¥1,000 off 30min course ¥500 off
Almond
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori
COURSES Body care 30 min: ¥3,150 60 min: ¥6,300 (Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250) 120 min: ¥12,600
WRITE A M E S SAG E FO R YO U R SPECIAL SOMEONE! Write anything, from birthday messages to proposals, and so much more! Contact us through our website at http://classifieds. metropolis.co.jp.
Oil massage (daytime only) 60 min: ¥8,400 120 min: ¥16,800
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
J O I N T H E B I G G E S T, B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R 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
AMERICAN FOOTBALL . Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league Central Division, seeks fit players w/ US college football experience for all positions. Practice every Sat/Sun from 10am-3pm (including meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue subject to change). Attendance at practice must be over 60%. Please contact for tryout info and send your profile to team admin. bullsxleague@gmail.com http:// www.unisys.co.jp/football/ ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCH FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League players. We play every Sat from 10am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners welcome!
We can support you with:
• Visa & Immigration Procedures • Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation and Refugee Status • Establishing a Company & Branch Office • Accounting Services, Acquiring Business Licences • Preparation/Translation of Legal & Business Documents • Other Legal & Business Matters
Establishing a Company & Branch office Other Legal & Business matters
www.j-star.jp
Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court
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 26 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Imperial Palace
Aoyama Ave Akasaka Mitsuke stn
AIKIDO IN EN GLI SH. Seidokan Aikido of Tokyo invites you to practice a modern style of aikido in an international environment. Sat, 1-3pm. Itabashi-ku, Toei Mita/Saikyo line. We welcome men and women, J a p a n e s e a n d n o n -J a p a n e s e . dojo@tokyoseidokan.com www. tokyoseidokan.com 03-5994-1185 PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club. Devoted to the game and its 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 spor t from Scotland . Using a tambourine-like instrument as a racquet, players hit a shuttlecock. We play two or three times/month on weekends in Meguro with many socials. Join us! More details: www. tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.org
13.1 SPORTS
We can help you with:
Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS . Japan ANZAC S Rugby League team is seeking Rugby League players for J a p a n e s e Ru g by Le a g u e official games from Apr to S e p. Eve r yo n e we lco m e . Contact for more details. japananzacs@gmail.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
Reasonable prices. Free first time consultation
Intellectual property rights (Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Patent attorney Immigration lawyer
JAPAN I NTE R NATI O NAL PARTY - Spring Special. Sat, Mar 22 , 6:30 -9pm, Devi Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest international party. 250 people expected. Allyou - c an - drin k an d fre e snacks. Japanese men: ¥4000. O th e rs : ¥3 000. Mobile: http://getyourfriend. com/mobile/ jiparty@hotmail. com www.getyourfriend.com/ 090-1735-5405
Good exercise and fun! Many other activities, such as BBQs and drinking parties! Email for details. tokyorugbyleague@ hotmail.com http://ameblo. jp/tokyo13warriors
Women’s rugby team seeks players. Moving to Japan? Want to keep/start playing rugby for a competitive team? The PHOENIX wants you! All levels of experience. We have many foreign players who used to live/play overseas. phoenixrugbyjp@gmail.com 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 lowintermediate also welcome. No entrance or membership fees. Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.tennis@yahoo.fr Baseball club in Tokyo/Yokohama area. Summer is around the corner - who wants to play some baseball? Join the Tokyo Eagles for our 30th season. We play in the Tokyo and Yokohama area two to three times/month. Everyone welcome. genni951@gmail.com
WADA Legal & Administrative Office
Visa and immigration
Hiroshi Oogai,
12.1 LET’S PARTY
11 MESSAGES Soba shop
Mos Burger
12 SOCIAL SCENE
For information: Tel: (03) 3345-7977 FAX: (03) 3345-5377
http://www.wada-lats.com/ E-mail: info@wada-lats.com 3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
JOBS
To advertise: commercial@metropolis.co.jp
BEER CAFÉ BRUGSE ZOT, a new Belgian beer restaurant, is seeking part-time hall staff, European-looks preferred ¥1000/h~. Coredo Muromachi 2, Nihonbashi, near Tokyo stn. Japanese ability required. Email CV to Kondo HR Manager. keiichi.kondo@zato. co.jp 0120 -233-182 http://www. world-liquor-importers.co.jp SALES INTERN. Metropolis is seeking a bilingual (E/J) intern to join the most successful English-language advertising team (Restaurants & Bars) in Japan. Great opportunity to learn about advertising in an exciting environment. No pay, but transportation provided. Please email knakashima@metropolis.co.jp. SALES & MARKETING POSITIONS. Metropolis i s s e ek in g motivate d bilingual (E/J) sales executives, support staff and interns to join its advertising and marketing team. Send your resume, in both English and Japanese, to jobs@ metropolis.co.jp. Positions available are posted on our website at http:// metropolis.co.jp/jobs.
Basketball in the Yokohama area. Want to play b-ball in the Yokohama area? All Japanese, but good enough for intermediate games every Mon and Wed night at a local school’s gym. Feel free to come. It’s free. Please contact for further details. satoru.nicolas@gmail.com Diving in Izu. Get in touch to talk about scuba diving near Tokyo. Information on scuba lessons, equipment advice, dive trips, monthly social events, CPR training, etc. kowtokyo@yahoo.co.jp Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com Football in Toyosu. We organize friendly seven/side football every Tue and Wed between 7 and 9pm. 1-11-26 Edagawa, Koto-ku - Korean primary school on artificial grass. ramos_ japan2006@yahoo.co.jp Futsal player. Want to play futsal on weekends in Tokyo? Please introduce yourself (name, age, nationality, where you live, whether you belong to another team). futsaluk@yahoo.co.jp Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp 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 Tennis in central Tokyo. Active international group of tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes new players. We play on weekday evenings and weekends. Different levels, fun sessions with coach, great people! Motivated players preferred. tennis.tokyo@ yahoo.fr
03-4588-2277 I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O S T E S S E S WA N T E D , f u n a n d easygoing, with proper visa . Top - quality karaoke sound system and stage, 1min from Nishi-Kasai stn, Tozai line. Daily pay, plus drink back. No tax! Tel: 03-5696-5397 or 080-3504-9474. E m a i l : liza@stardustjapan .com Website: www.stardustjapan.com I N T E R NAT I O NA L B A R A N D R E S TAU R A N T M A N A G E M E N T C O M PA N Y s e e k s e x p e r i e n c e d bartenders and hall staff who can work long hours for Irish pub/restaurant and in a lounge bar. Salary negotiable. Energetic, with can-do attitude, valid visa. Any nationality is welcome. Email resume to jobfinder@skymit.biz. FORE IGN LIAI SON/C LI E NT RELATIONS COORDINATOR. Ryuka IP Law Firm is seeking a foreign liaison/marketing assistant to assist with communication to and from our foreign clients, three + years of clientrelations experience required. For details, visit www.ryuka.com/en/ careers/info.shtml. Please email resume and cover letter (within 400 words, including reasons for staying in Japan) to info@ryuka.com (Subject: “Foreign Liaison/Client Relations Coordinator”)
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese and foreign volleyball players gather in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have volleyball experience and want to play volleyball in a friendly atmosphere? intervollclub@yahoo.co.jp http:// intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
13.2 LEISURE MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Take a break where General Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo. com Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard club for anyone living in, or visiting Tokyo. We go on big group trips every weekend in the winter. Powder, live music events, and parties in snow. Membership is free! info@ tokyosnowclub.com http://www. tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
13.3 ARTS Love Shakespeare? Amate ur group in Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate our love of the Bard. Come to read, or just to listen. All nationalities welcome, no experience necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo. com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Shakespeare-sama/
13.4 MUSIC A cappella group. Miss singing? Join our singing group! We sing orchestral classical music only in human voice, conducted by a professional a cappella singer. ryusei@acappellacantabile.jp http://acappella-cantabile. jp/?page_id=202
Another "bass player wanted" ad. Forming the best blues/rock band in Japan to be rock legends. Making CD. Right bass player needed. Are you out there? See link for my drumming. dreamat@nifty.com Drummer and bassist wanted around Yokohama. We mainly play rock music and have rehearsals in Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of player is welcome, so feel free to contact us. m_a_b1998@yahoo.co.jp Drummer seeking band. I love jazz, fusion and funk. I play twin pedals and have my own kit. Weekly practices and gigs ok. Tokyo area. Please write me back to have a try! christianpelissero@yahoo.fr Experienced drummer sought for live performance in Tokyo area. Genre: rock/prog rock. Must be comfortable with odd time signature. philpost@hotmail.com http://www. arthurpentameter.net Female vocalist wanted. I'm a JM seeking female vocalists who can sing English and middle/northern European languages for recordings. You can listen to some of my demos at my website. I live in Yokohama. prettypopmusic@gmail.com http:// www.prettypop.net/demo/ Jam session. American male, 20s, seeking someone to jam with. I have an acoustic guitar and can play basic chords/songs. I like punk/alt rock. Let's play! williamjapan2@gmail.com Japane se drummer s e e k i n g musicians. Guitar and bass player sought for rock, dance, pop, blues, jazz, etc. Melody is important. Hopefully, we can have gigs so everybody can dance! kosuke1016@ hotmail.com
Musicians wanted to play northern European/Scandinavian music together, especially violinists, guitarist, cellist. Rehearse a couple of times/ month in Nakano. unicornio@nifty.com Piano/keyboard player wanted for long-term collaboration on rock/jazz/ funk originals. Someone who can learn existing parts note-for-note and also add to them where it feels needed. Find me at http://reverbnation.com/ bradburgess imaginaryinvalid@ yahoo.com Progressive rock band seeks drummer. Band w/CD and a large body of originals. This year will also be spent developing a repertoire of covers. See website for music/band details. philpost@hotmail.com http://www. arthurpentameter.net Seeking electro rock band members. I'm a Japanese singer seeking an MC who speaks English. I did a European concert tour and played at a rock festival in Indonesia. I'm making a new electro-rock band like Atari and Prodigy. dorothydeckerludlow@ yahoo.co.jp
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 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
13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Institute) is a nonprofit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. bolick@japanintercultural.org www. japanintercultural.org Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょなる. Nihongo Club International is a volunteer group to help foreign people learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp
14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking nonsmoking friends from Denmark, Germany, Canada or Australia for having fun times together. Let's meet for a cup of coffee first. Please be nonsmokers, 30s. Mail with selfintroduction, please! b2jw13@hotmail. co.jp Brazilian/Latin/jazz appreciation. I know many interesting Latin clubs/jazz bars, but have nobody to go with. If you are a music lover, please join me. I’ll show you around interesting music spots in Tokyo. roseroseiloveyoujp@yahoo.co.jp Danes wanted! JF, 30s, into Denmark like crazy. Er der nogen dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa at moedes til kaffe og hjaelpe mig at laere dansk lidt? Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred. Glaeder mig til at hoere fra jer! codename107113@live.com Enjoy healthy meals. Japanese female, 30, enjoys exploring restaurants with healthy options. I'm not a vegetarian, but I enjoy organic food, fruit, etc. Seeking company to try a new restaurant with. Available weekends; Tokyo or Kanagawa. Thanks. jpn_camelia@yahoo.com Jazz-playing friends in Tokyo. Japanese male seeking jazz players for fun in the Tokyo area. I've been playing the alto sax for a couple of years. Still amateur, but want to play with others. yossynet@ra2.so-net.ne.jp
Let's go for a walk. I am an Eastern European guy, 19, seeking Japanese friends to hang out around Tokyo. Very kind and polite. Andrew to moshimasu! Please send me a message for details. nai-5@mail.ru
Attractive black girl? Handsome, young, very athletic, blond American guy seeking beautiful black girl, any nationality, under 40. I speak a little of many languages, so mail and give it a shot! Shallumain@yahoo.co.jp
Lunch friends. Hi, I'm half-Caucasian American, half-Japanese, 29, from Hawaii. I speak Japanese. Living and working in Tokyo as an English instructor. I'm seeking lunch friends. We'll have fun. julianhoward1995@ gmail.com
Attractive 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 and let me know. I am looking forward to your contact. juniperten2013@gmail.com
New friends. I am a Russian female, 27, living in Tokyo, married, with a young baby, seeking new friends who could meet up sometimes for tea and a chat. Prefer similar age and situation. Female only, please. positve@hotmail.com
Attractive JM seeks long-term relationship in Tokyo. Successful Japanese businessman, 35, bilingual, nice-looking, caring, fit, seeks longterm relationship, potentially leading to marriage. If interested, please feel free to drop me a line. Photo preferred. pirlo_cucchiaio@hotmail. com
New friends. American male, can never have enough friends. If you feel the same way, please look me up. I enjoy drinking, dining, or just hanging out at a cafe as long as the conversation is interesting. mixnplay@yahoo.com New York Yankees fan in Tokyo area. Long-time Yankees fan living near Machida, Tokyo, seeking to meet likeminded people who are also fans of the greatest franchise in all sports over food and drinks. bravo_2003@hotmail. com 080-6554-8688 Online friends from foreign countries. Japanese female seeks penpal from overseas to talk about culture, books and art online. No men who talk about their ex-girlfriends. Women hate that! peaceful_world8@hotmail.com Seeking friend. JF, late 30s, seeking foreign friend. I speak English (lived in the US before), and I also want to learn other languages. Men, women, gay - it doesn't matter to me, but nonsmokers, drug-free only. kinnnoune714@yahoo. co.jp Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@ yahoo.co.jp Trading anyone? Friendly American guy living in central Tokyo and trading for a living. I’m seeking E/J bilingual people interested in trading to exchange trading education for Japanese language help. My schedule is flexible. Let’s meet up! blendy1321@ gmail.com Travel partner required. Hi, I am a professional male, frequent traveler, seeking a travel partner who's interested in traveling together. hanami1915@me.com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN ADORABLE AND HANDSOME JM seeking long-term relationship. Good-looking, caring, bilingual, financially stable Japanese male, mid-30s, seeks sincere woman around Tokyo for a serious romantic relationship leading to a long-term relationship. Please mail me with details. pirlo_cucchiaio@hotmail. com NY BUSINESSMAN seeks c u te J a p a n e s e g i rl fri e n d . NY businessman, 36, fit, educated, learning Japanese, frequently traveling to Tokyo and SE Asian countries, seeks cute girlfriend, 24-36. I like gourmet restaurants, traveling, wine bars, nature, ryokan, museums, art galleries, Edo history. ny2tky@gmail.com
Attractive single Japanese male seeks a nice Western or Japanese female for friendship and possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. I am confident that I can create fun times for you. If you are ready, email me. cioinjapan@gmail.com Big, tall woman? Guy seeks tall, larger-than-average woman. Age, nationality and looks not important. spk3006@i.softbank.jp British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim, seeking a nice girl to hang out with. Nationalit y/race unimpor tant , but should be 20-35 and have a nice personality. Interested in music and film: you should be, too. shiodomebye@gmail.com British man seeking JF fo r frie n d ship an d mayb e m o re , depending on if we click. Successful, kind, sexy and generally fun guy to be with. So definitely worth getting to know me! Thanks. stalonelyheart@ gmail.com Can we be friends? Married man for housewife. Can we exchange emails and meet sometimes for a coffee together? Serious but slightly lonely married gentleman here. vbcfgt@ hotmail.com Caring and cute JM seeks attractive, hearty, nonsmoking Western female for friendship. I simply would like to share fun, interesting and great experiences with you. If you feel the same way, just drop me a line. jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jp Daytime. I need someone to awaken some desire during the day. Frustrated, bored and seeking some mad passion with nothing attached. Slim, decent-looking, mid-30s, all yours... for a few hours. artoistk@ hotmail.com English and Japanese. Englishsp eakin g Am e ric an man , 4 5 , seeking a language exchange over lunch or dinner with a Japanese female. I am married and not seeking a relationship - just a friend. americaninjapan@hushmail.com English teacher seeking real woman. Charismatic and passionate English teacher seeking real woman over 30 (single/married) for English lessons and fun. crisibz1@gmail.com Englishman seeks adventurous woman. Englishman, 40s, younglooking, reasonably fit, active, highly educated, 173cm, blond hair, varied interests (sports, music, literature), seeks feminine women. I like skirts, heels. Age, looks not important. Nationality unimportant. spk3006@i. softbank.jp
AAA-rated new boyfriend! Tall, handsome, athletic SWM with goodguy status, warmhearted, honest, fun, adventurous, passionate, loves the outdoors, seeks slender, attractive female. I'm seeking a special lady with the same love of life for a longterm relationship. nightwatchblue@ gmail.com
European gentleman, late 40s, tall, educated, good-looking, S, seeks M lady, under 30, with unusual fantasies, ready to explore the extraordinary. One mouse click can make your secret desires come true! aminimia@ yahoo.com
Affluent and excellent Japanese architectural engineer who works for one of the five biggest general contractors in Japan is seeking an attractive and steady Caucasian (single white American or European) sex partner for love. imak1_2_3@ yahoo.co.jp
Exchange with web designer. Foreign male seeking a female web designer. Single, liberal-minded person preferred. Must be available to meet in Tokyo, two-three times/ month. I'll teach you English. In return, you teach me how to create websites. jj08@drivehq.com
#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp Frenchman seeks woman. French gentleman, smart, funny, handsome, well-hung, seeks woman. I'll love you like no man has ever before. I live in Minami-Azabu. Write me - you won't be disappointed. dhalexisfr@gmail.com Handsome American man seeks Japanese lady. I'm an American gentleman, 5'9", 175lbs, dark blond hair, blue eyes, seeking a sincere, loving relationship with a special lady. I can speak Japanese. tommtgyi@gmail.com Handsome and cool SJM seeks well-educated, interesting, attractive, nonsmoking SWF to share wonderful times and make a good friendship. So let's meet for coffee or lunch and get to know each other better. If no experience, just try me. healsan@ yahoo.com Italian boyfriend. Open-minded lady sought by an Italian executive working in central Tokyo. I'm good-looking and love wine. You won't be disappointed! gioochan@libero.it Japanese male, 41, single, seeks sincere, warm, open-minded white female for friendship and romance. I am generous, nonsmoking, like traveling, reading, philosophy and enjoying my life. skyoverture@excite.co.jp JM seeking foreign girl. I'm easygoing and I want to speak in English so I don't forget. Let's do something fun! Please mail me and we can exchange some photos. Thanks. kosuke1016@hotmail. com Just human. We are just humans and can sometimes find ourselves in a situation beyond our control which we call loneliness. I guess there is an understanding JF out there who might understand me. Serious only, please. strike4me@yahoo.com Karaoke. Seeking female friend to sing karaoke with. Green Day, Nirvana, etc. Age, looks not important. Let’s have fun. friendlylatour@hotmail.com Large and lovely English-speaking woman, 30-50, sought by mature, single Japanese gentleman, nonsmoker. shingitai@apost.plala. or.jp Lazy weekends together? Seeking attractive and curvy girlfriend, 160cm+, who is fun to be around and seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area. I’m a caring Afro-American male from NY, 35, 183cm, shaved head, athletic build, working in IT. Interested? sbmmodel@ yahoo.com Let's get to know each other. Single male, early 30s, seeking a female who prefers to get to know a person over a cup of coffee or by just walking together. I enjoy talking to people face-to-face. Nihongo ok desu. uniman@gmail.com Long-haired SJM seeks nice female with similar hobbies. I'm a Japanese male, 40s, cool and honest. I like rock music, American TV dramas, movies, tattoo art, and going for walks and taking pictures. getloud999-hello@ yahoo.co.jp Mature and sophisticated Japanese, some have said charming, seeking an elegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dream about wild nights as well as sharing the simple pleasures of love. Is that you? imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp Mature friendship. Gentleman, 53, in very good shape physically and mentally, seeking a similar woman, 45-65, for friendship and adult fun together. Nothing too serious. vbcfgt@ hotmail.com Mature Japanese lady. I'm an Australian guy, single, tall, athletic build, 45, well-established in Tokyo with a good job. I want to meet an interesting, mature Japanese lady around my age. soleman196@hotmail. com Mature Japanese woman sought. I am a fun, open-minded, respectful and athletic person. r_andom@ hotmail.com Need company? US male from California, late 30s, seeking a good time with a SJF for dining, movies, sports, onsen, trips, exploring new
28 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
places or just watching DVDs or cooking at home. Replies in Japanese ok. ilikesandiego@yahoo.co.jp Need love. Handsome English gentleman, moderate build, mid30s, needs beautiful, passionate JF. I am handsome, fun, intelligent, wellmannered and empathic. Let's have romance together. Please send photo w/email. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. edanoki@gmail.com Nice gentleman seeks a mature Japanese woman, 50+, to enjoy special sweet moments together, with respect and good manners. vbcfgt@hotmail. com Normal relationship. W h i t e American businessman, 40s, 185cm, 85kg, average appearance, seeks long-term relationship - dinner, drinks, deep conversation, occasional travel. Not seeking marriage, but want to enjoy romance and intimacy. Not concerned about looks, just seeking someone intelligent and adventurous. tokyojack22@gmail.com Pasta and wine. Fresh cooked pasta, a nice bottle of wine, a good movie - is there any better way to spend an evening relaxing? Oh yes someone relaxed to share it with. I’m in Tokyo from England. Who are you? erolp.x.ei@gmail.com Private relax time. British (M)WM, 50s. Many interests = easy chatting. Mail or Skype? tempteccobox@ hotmail.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 Seeking foreign housewife. Very masculine Caucasian man working and living in central Tokyo is seeking a foreign housewife, any age ok. vbcfgt@ hotmail.com Seeking girlfriend. Foreign male, 40s, seeking Japanese females for friendship and possibly serious relationships in Tokyo, Chiba area. I am kind, warm, caring and nonsmoking. Let's have a date over a cup of coffee. Serious females only, please. serioussa@gmail.com Seeking JF. European guy, 40s, goodlooking, easygoing, kind, fun, seeks JF for nice times. Nihongo hanasemasu. ziyadi66@yahoo.com Seeking long-term. Cool American guy, 30s, just out of a long relationship, seeking a long-term relationship with a good looking JF, 18-29. I like a girl with a positive attitude. It will be so good! Contact me! coolgaijin@yahoo.com Seeking motorbike buddy. Hi, gals! I am seeking a friend who will join me to roam around Tokyo on my bike. I don't know Japanese. Looking forward to exploring with you. naangem@ gmail.com Seeking serious girlfriend. Nice guy from Europe, 40s, seeks only one serious girlfriend, 30s-40s, in Tokyo. I like movies, music, dining out, nice drinks at nice places. Let's share great times. sinohe45@yahoo.com Seeking serious relationship. Hi, I'm half-Caucasian American, halfJapanese, 29, from Hawaii. I speak Japanese. Living and working in Tokyo as an English instructor. I'm seeking a serious girl. Thank you. julianhoward1995@gmail.com
Serious. Single male, 37, tall, seeking a female, any nationality ok, for a long-term relationship. Please email me with a small introduction. Let's meet for a coffee and see how it goes. montamula@yahoo.com SJM for SWF, DWF or mixed. SJM, 30s, would like to have conversation, coffee, drinks, lunch, dinner, your smile and hopefully a serious, meaningful relationship. My interests are music, art, photography, painting, movies, jokes and you! No playgirls, please. happymantarou@yahoo.com Someone special. Interesting, sincere, outgoing but homely romantic Englishman in Kanagawa seeks special lady, around 40, genuine, happy, healthy, with energy for life and time for her man, interested in nature and an international lifestyle in the future. travelmanuk@hotmail.com Sports lovers. Attractive European businessman, 50s, seeking an attractive woman, any age, for ice skating or skiing (day-trips from Tokyo). Please send message w/photo. turbo32s@yahoo.fr Together forever. SJM, 40s, professional, smart, clever, seeking a sweet and caring lady to be together forever. Into movies, the outdoors and much more. Together shall we explore? If interested, send me an email. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of books, films, and music, seeks an attractive British lady with the same interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp Uncomplicated daytime friendship? Mature English Caucasian guy, busy but easy to find free time, seeking a JF, maybe married, for happy, fun time together. Many interests, so easy to chat. Polite, considerate and respectful. Mail, Skype, whatever? tempteccobox@hotmail.com Very special, only for you. Attractive, youthful JM, late 40s, seeks a lovely woman. Tokyo is cold now; let’s do some things to keep warm together. I’m fun, kind and handsome. samuraijapan2011@ gmail.com Want girlfriend around Kanagawa, any nationality, status, age. I'm seeking a girlfriend to share my free time with. I like training at sports clubs, DJ-ing and listening to EDM, outdoor activities (wandervoger) and exploring Tokyo. Must be cheerful. moonlightomo@ hotmail.com Warmer and warmer. Foreign male seeking a woman for a relationship based on mutual need and trust. Let's warm each other's hearts in these cold months and beyond. You: under 36, nonsmoker, sincere, open-minded towards Asians. jj08@drivehq.com Wing girl sought to roll with me in my pursuit to be a master pickup artist. What's in it for you? Fun! Email me. boredmonzen@yahoo.com 愛人を探しています. 優しくて親切な男性 は,やさしい女性の愛人に会いたいんですけど.
vbcfgt@hotmail.com
既婚者の出会い. 30 代前半の白人の既婚
者です。同様の既婚者の飲み友を探していま す。maroonlanding@outlook.com
東京に住んでる英国人. 日本語はちょっと
だけできるけど英語分からない女の子捜してる.
cook.oishii@gmail.com
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
Seeking some fun with a SJM? Cool, tall, witty Japanese male is seeking some fun with a single white female in Tokyo. We can start from friends! kemkekilab@gmail.com Serious relationship European man, 30, 180cm, living in Tokyo, loves movies, music, travel, seeks a serious relationship. 日本語大丈夫です. lafranceatokyo2013@gmail.com Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, welleducated and traveled, with a stable job, seeks true love. If you are 20-30s, warm and caring, and seeking a serious long-term relationship, then please drop me an email. Serious only, no games. No Roppongi girls, please. Lasagna5577@yahoo.com
SINGLE? Then this is for you. Singles-only dating parties every Fri night for foreign men and Japanese women. Leave the event with a new date! Always more women than men. FREE if signing up in advance! Otherwise, ¥2000. info@exeointernational.com
independent British man, 30-37. If you want to meet a new friend, please send me an email with your basic info. aiko. tsuchida17@yahoo.com
L AV I S H DAT E S A N D INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES for elite foreign males to meet elegant Japanese females. Start with a luxurious dinner date,take the night where yo u wa nt it to g o. Fre s h , young women join our club every day. Try our free onemonth trial offer: first date is on us! 0120-675-858 (E) international@universe club.jp http://universe-club. jp/en Attractive, decent single man sought by SJF, around 50, young-looking, attractive, slim, kind, serious, sweet, living in Tokyo. If you are seeking a life partner, please mail me with your introduction. Serious and single only. Thank you. leohimawari7@yahoo.co.jp Blossom time. Blonde, blue-eyed, flexible woman seeks sweet-natured Japanese gentleman, over 60, for longterm romance and fun. No married men, thank you. Tokyo, please. sallysensei@ yahoo.com Casual to start. Hi, I'm a SJF, early 30s, 5'3, in average shape, seeking a casual relationship to start. I enjoy good laughs, food and wine, yoga, football (playing/watching). Email if interested. maya_h_125@hotmail.com European professional. SJF seeks a European professional, 30s, living in Japan, for a serious relationship possibly leading to marriage. Please email if you are caring, cultured, happy with your life here and also seeking something serious. happyflower735@gmail.com Japan-loving French guy. SJF seeks a French guy who loves living in Japan, 30s, for a serious relationship, possibly leading to marriage. I am caring, curious and open-minded. Serious only. vinrouge735@gmail.com Let's have a chat over drinks. Hi, I'm seeking someone who'd be interested in talking over drinks with me. I like wine, beer, sake, traveling. If you are interested in having a chat with me, send me a message. hacchiru@gmail.com Long-term relationship. Chinese female, early 40s, looks younger, tall and slim, seeking a tall SWM living in Tokyo for a long-term relationship. Please email me with a small introduction. Let's meet for coffee to see how it goes. k.adachi1904@gmail.com Love snowboarding? Hiking? I’m an athletic, fun SJF, 39, seeking a guy who can have a big laugh with me! Serious, single only, please. enohpi4s@ yahoo.ca Meow. Meow, meow. Cute Japanese princess seeking special prince in Tokyo, smart, funny, a gentleman, 25-34. I’m a little bit selfish because I’m a princess. Please attach your photo, then I’ll give you mine. 6pack.curocuta@gmail.com Naturally beautiful. SJF, 45, with a great figure. I believe I look good without makeup, in jeans/T-shirt, after waking up, after hard exercise. I enjoy dressing up for special occasions. Single, witty, intelligent seeks the same. American preferred. pinktomato214@ gmail.com Oriental beauty. Long black hair, silky smooth skin, exotic eyes and full lips - looks may be important, but my best assets are my head and heart. Intelligent, fun-loving, mid-40s, seeking a single/divorced native English speaker, fun-loving and doing well. sunflower7withyou@gmail.com See how it goes. Seeking someone around my age (30), single, independent. Let's start as friends first and see how it goes. Hope to have some common interests. Photo appreciated. Thanks. musicinlife@excite.co.jp Seeking British man. I'm 26, live in central Tokyo, and am seeking an
Seeking Frenchman for serious relationship. I’m a SJF, 30s, interested in France, seeking a relationship with a sincere and intelligent Frenchman, 25-45. No language exchange or games, please. Serious only. framboisier@ inter7.jp Seeking long-term relationship. SJF, 45, seeking someone special, around my age, living or working around Tokyo, athletic, fit, professional, a nonsmoker and a native English speaker. Only people with steady jobs. No travelers or students. Thanks! mari46@yahoo.co.jp Serious. Single male, 37, tall, seeking a female, any nationality ok, for a long-term relationship. Please email me with a small introduction. Let's meet for a coffee and see how it goes. montamula@yahoo.com
Sexy in the kitchen. Provide me with a lovely kitchen instead of taking me out to dinner - spending time with you at a lovely table is such a luxury. Beautiful, intelligent Japanese, 45, seeking single professional mature American. enfant7bythesea@yahoo. co.jp Someone new. International-minded, early 30s, seeking new people for dates. I consider myself attractive and down-to-earth. I'm seeking an independent single guy. Message with photo appreciated. Thanks. jpn_ camelia@yahoo.com Straight to my heart. Me: natural, genuine, feminine, witty, attractive, 40s. You: educated, straightforward, open-minded single man who wishes to share love and life with his equal. European preferred. amrita_ banana2014@yahoo.co.jp Take me away. SJF, mid-30s, enjoys a stylish and healthy life, is tall and attractive, lives in Tokyo, seeks a sophisticated, honest, open-minded, attractive SWM with a great sense of his lifestyle. Would appreciate discovering new things together. antidotes.4u@ gmail.com Ultra-feminine and gentle, but I can be tough and fun. Me: SJF, happy with my looks from head to toe, 45, educated and nurturing. You: easygoing single American, appreciates both simplicity and luxury, up to 50s. bluecolt_ liholiho@yahoo.co.jp
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN Asian newhalf? European guy, 40, good-looking, open-minded, seeks newhalf or shemale in Tokyo. Let's meet to share nice times. santamanta2006@ yahoo.com British seeking newhalf to spend some time with. If you are interested, do get in touch. stalonelyheart@gmail. com 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 top guys. Asian bottom guy, 41, 178, 74, seeking tops from any nationality for no-strings-attached fun. Unfortunately, I can't host, so either we meet at your place or go to a hotel. btm72japan@gmail.com Serious Japanese guys. GAM in Tokyo, 173, 70, 37, into movies, onsen, traveling, badminton, sign language, violin, aikido. Drop me a line if you are interested in something serious and long-term. Seeking good friends, preferably boyfriend. cynopterustay@ hotmail.com
14.5 ESCORTS
JAPAN’S COMPLETE ADULT NIGHTLIFE GUIDE FOR FOREIGNERS! Having trouble finding a Japanese girl for fun? Come to http://erolin.net and check all possible clubs and escorts for foreigners! When you visit, don’t forget to mention “Erolin Guide”! info@erolin.net ASIAN MYSTIQUE E S C O R T S p r ov i d e s g i r l next-door type escorts for your girlfriend experience in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fu ku o k a . S e x y, f r i e n d l y Japanese escorts provide the fun, professional staff provide peace of m i n d . O p e n 2 4 / 7, s a m e day orders welcome. asianmystiquejp@yahoo. co.jp www.asianmystique. com 080-5454-9795
14.6 AND OTHERS Dominant Japanese gentleman, with 25 years of experience, mid-50s, 177cm, 79kg, married, nonsmoker, discreet, perfectly healthy, seeks a hidden submissive lady of any age or nationality for Gorean or Histoire d’Ostyle relationship. tarlstefan@hotmail. com European man, handsome, tall, clean, seeks couple or woman for sexual fun. 日本語も大丈夫です！ srj500@gmail.com I want to be a slave boy. Are there any sadistic girls out there? I want to be your toy/slave. Please mail me and let's start talking. kosuke1016@hotmail.com Pleasure and discretion assured. Stylish American, 188cm, seeks encounters with females to introduce them to worlds of sensual pleasure. vinculavinculorumestshibuya@gmail. com Seeking JF for threesome fun. Japanese-American couple seeks a secure, open-minded Japanese female, 25-45, for an occasional threesome. We are experienced, relaxed, fun to be with. Beginners welcome. Imagine the possibilities! simpleton2014@ outlook.com Seeking mistress. Caucasian seeking a domination playmate, experienced or inexperienced, nothing dangerous or extreme. Me: safe, clean, healthy, generous. ms2013spk@yahoo.com Sissy maid. I am a very submissive sissy maid who loves cleaning, punishment, housework. I hope to meet a woman who could make use of my services. Free, clean, obedient, extremely hardworking. supersissy789@yahoo.co.jp Soft S&M. I'm an open-minded, fun bi white guy, 33. I would like to play soft S&M. Better if you are S, but interested in both roles. I'm seeking a guy, girl or both. bluehills79@hotmail.com Western slave boy seeking Japanese woman to be my mistress. I am a fit, athletic British guy in Tokyo trained as a slave to serve a lady in any way. Cleaning, cooking, massage - anything she wishes. singaporejamie@yahoo. com
15 JOBS 15.1 JOB WANTED Part-time job sought. Sean from the UK, 42, 12+ years in Japan, seeking work in/around Saitama, Mon-Thu. Experience teaching English to all ages. Permanent resident, married. All other work offers considered gratefully. snt366@yahoo.co.jp www.seannt. weebly.com
BY CATHRYN MOE
Horoscope
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 21~June 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
June 22~July 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
You’re in your Birthday Zone. Happy Birthday, Aries! Juno, the constant compa n ion , approache s Ura nu s in your sign. You may notice the surprises are becoming sweeter and sweeter. You’ve got to choose what is really in your heart, because the path that is rising up for you could become very solid. Friends are especially unique and will be piquing Aries, hottest flame of the zodiac.
Soon you'll be free from the heavy karmic intonations of the north node in your house of partnership. It’s conjunct is now Ceres, so you might feel at the end of your tether, but have some serious happening back-up. You will get support from someone, likely female, or an organization that you least expect. The full moon reflects its light and understanding in your romance sector. It’s amazing how creative you can be when you want to.
Things are just getting exciting. With all those planets square to your sign in Pisces, you're pushed through more than one hoop—not comfortable, but necessary. Your creative powers are coming to the surface and it’s time to allow this balance in your life. The trick is finding it. Many Geminis would love to get on a jet and fly off to a new adventure. With the full moon, the light of understanding show you how to get it.
Jupiter in your sign is doing what it’s supposed to do, moving direct and expanding your sense of self. Next month it will be opposite Pluto and you’ll get some tests you can deal at that time. Just now, the full moon, your ruler, expands your base of communications. You have a comforting way of expressing yourself except when you feel misunderstood. If feeling put upon, ask for a hug and appreciation.
LEO
VIRGO
Aug 23~Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Sep 23~Oct 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
LIBRA
SCORPIO
A full moon is in your solar second house of finance and you may find your income benefits from a strong feminine influence, or something beautiful coming under your care. Then Mercury moves into your sector of psychological plot twists on Monday. Dive for cover and go to that solid, peaceful place you keep within yourself. Don’t have one? Oh. Maybe it’s time to create one that is there for you regardless of what is happening.
You can see every tiny piece of the puzzle. Will you have time to back up and see the whole picture? I vote yes. You get a strong sense of your feelings and what you want to do with the recent events presented to you. Your ruler Mercury transits opposite your sign on Monday. Is your mind awash with the nebulous ebb and flow of the tides? It still works, it’s just submerged in an intuitive environment.
Libra, the psychologist, the negotiator. Mars moves through your sign, removing anything that isn’t you, energizing you for upcoming surprises Uranus is bound to bring. Venus resides in your house of romance, giving you a level of comfort you haven’t had for a long time. She also has the ability to take a step back and analyze what is usually emotionally based. It’s unlikely this is a time of rest and relaxation though.
It’s always risky to take a chance in romance. A lot of people just won’t. They’ll make excuses or find something wrong with the other person before they get in too deep. There’s a full moon this week and the light of understanding moves from your unconscious (moon) to your conscious (sun) mind. Neptune, Chiron and the Sun in your sector of gambling and love affairs want you to risk healing.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Hang on to those dreams. They didn’t come from just anywhere. You're a part of everything that is, and that which best matches you tends to show up. You’re somewhat in the astrological clear this week. As long as you don’t get in your own way! Watch for more love in relationships. You may think others have changed, but it many ways, this is a reflection of the hard work you have put into yourself. Sags are coming into their own as the full moon brings clarity to your career.
Brimming to be off to your next adventure? It could very well be that scenario occurs for you this week. The full moon promises a long distance journey—whether it’s a trip to visit a loved one or a heart opening you weren’t expecting. Mercury moves to your sector of mystical connections Monday, not a moment too soon! Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which condenses and solidifies. Jupiter opposite your sign is direct, opening things up, especially with a significant other.
Floating above the fray is an Aquarian specialty. But deep down inside, you’re really not wired all that differently. You’re just as likely to get caught up in things as the rest of the zodiac. Being a sign of logic you’re willing to wait for what you want, so it looks like you’re not involved. You like to see how everything fits into the bigger picture. You want the pieces to have a smooth, integrated finish. The full moon reflects on how you can inherit the best this world has to offer.
A new path is there if you want it. You need to take the next step, the following, and so on. You don’t need an arsenal of gear to back you up in your civvy life. Coffee and tea motivate because they push past the resistance you hold within yourself. Resistance of course comes from lack of trust. And that can arrive when things seem a bit shaky-or a lot. Mercury helps you express yourself when it enters your sign on Monday. You’re still in your Birthday Zone. Happy Birthday, Pisces!
Mar 20~Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
July 23~Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Nov 22~Dec 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Apr 20~May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Dec 22~Jan 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ♣♣♣
Metropolis Mediabox
CANCER
Oct 23~Nov 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jan 20~Feb 18 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 19~Mar 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
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CHRISTI ROCHIN
to have heard what that is.—Charles Marlowe
LIVIN' ON A PRAYER Regarding "Silver Linings Prayer Book" (The Last Word, March 7): While I have great respect for Tohoku volunteers I have to say I found this article rather annoying. The main point seems to be that things are still very serious and depressing which surely hardly needs saying... It has been well documented that the relief efforts so far have left a lot of work still to do and Amya surely knows better than most people what really is required on the ground in terms of money, materials and effective action on the political front. I would love
This could not have been easy to write and it is important to know what the real situation is. Even when trying to be positive. It definitely seems like keeping a positive veneer on Tohoku news is being made a priority. Obviously the conversation needs to continue about what to do.—Patrick Ijima-Washburn This article was meant as an update on the status of life in Rikuzentakata (and beyond) and not as a request for assistance in the form of funds, goods, time, or expertise... The fact life in Tohoku is serious and depressing does need saying. I've heard statements, as have my colleagues: "You had a hard time three years ago, but you're okay now, right?" Many who do not have direct access to information about just how challenging it is to live alongside devastation daily do need to be reminded that life here is
anything but normal, and life here is not "okay". If you or others would like to know what specific needs we have to which you would like to donate, please contact me at Rikuzentakata City Hall. I would be happy to provide this information.— Amya Miller CHRISTI ROCHIN
SERVICE CHARGE Regarding "The Customer is God Delusion" (The Last Word, February 6): I appreciate the effort of the customer service but the lack of flexibility ("No you cannot get an extra sauce packet despite
offering to pay for it") and knowledge is annoying at times.—shen Oh dear. Another lonely Western English teacher full of misconceptions about Japanese society. They are all robots! They do not banter! They do not banter! One can only assume that the writers attempts at jokes fall flat simply because they are not funny. Those of us with real jobs in Japan know that most Japanese people rarely shut up once they get going, this idea that the Japanese don't communicate with each other is so far off the mark as to be absurd!—Steve Novosel One of the pleasures of living in Japan is the great customer service. Become a regular customer and it's personalized, respectful and friendly. At convenience stores it's systematic but quick, a formula that seems to succeed.—Amy Wong
Metropolis wants to hear from you. Send your comments to letters@metropolis.co.jp. Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.
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#1043 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29
The Last Word
Want to have The Last Word? Send your article to: editor@metropolis.co.jp CHRISTI ROCHIN
WHEN IN JAPAN...
Following the Golden Rule would save expats a lot of heartache By Scott Gordon
Scott Gordon is a long-term expat, freelance writer and consultant living with his better half in Chiba
T
o put it mildly, certain member s of Japa n’s e x p a t r i a t e c o m mun it y seem to have a beef with their adopt ive c ou nt r y. T hei r d i sc ontent is hashed out in ex pat bars and splashed across social media—not to mention the pages of this ver y maga z i ne. T he compla i nt s a re varied and colorful—being treated dif ferent ly due to t heir “gaijinness,” robotic service (or is it just “too good”?) and lack of chances to practice Japanese. Other targets are the poor education system, limited availability of shoe sizes and, unbelievably, even a lack of Christian morals. In my 12 years here I’ve heard it all, but what really bothers me is who I hear it from. I would expect this sort of spewing from just-off-the-boat people who are dipping after a plateau on the culture shock graph. I didn’t think I would hear it from longterm residents who count on Japan for their bread and butter and have started families here. How can people who should be more integrated, still be so unhappy after all this
time? I think part of it comes from a failure to climb into Japanese skin, to try to understand how the Japanese view their own country. In short, thinking how the Japanese think. By t h is I don’t mea n “goi ng native,” eschewing your own values while wandering around Tokyo in a yukata and talking about how (insert your country) sucks big time. I want expats to consider this: if you were Japanese, would you think things were that bad here? You may find the answer is “no.” You would cry about your failed job interview, laugh with your friends about that awesome movie you just saw, fall in love, fall out of love, get a cat and so on. In other words, you would do all the stuff people do ever ywhere. How would you feel if some foreigner were to suddenly hit you with: “You know, your education system/fashion/food really bites, and here’s why…” Most of us are not rude enough to directly voice these things, but they definitely come through in our negative attitudes. If I were in that situation, I might try to share some positive insights about Japa n. For ex a mple, how utterly safe and spark ly clean it is, or how the service—whether at McDonald’s or Chez Cool—is flawless. I would mention that the trains are always on time, how delicious and healthy the food is, how gorgeous the scenery can be and how my Japanese friends and family are some of the warmest and most genuine people I have ever known. Now how do you feel? Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? As expats, we have an outsider’s view, which is both a gift and a curse. It allows us to see many things that
AS EXPATS, WE HAVE AN OUTSIDER’S VIEW, WHICH IS BOTH A GIFT AND A CURSE. IT ALLOWS US TO SEE MANY THINGS THAT MAY RUN CONTRARY TO OUR VALUES AND WAY OF THINKING.” may run contrary to our values and way of thinking. Many can set our blood boiling and we are certainly entitled to let off a little steam once in a while. What we shouldn’t do is point the finger at our country of residence, one that is furnishing our lives whether it be in the short, long or indefinite term. We should never
label it somehow deficient or “worse” than our own. Constant nay-saying not only makes us sad and limits our world view, it also sets a bad example for other expats and distances us from Japanese people, from whom we have much to learn. If you are unhappy here, blaming Japan is pointless. That’s likely just your problem. Feeling isolated by your English-only life? Get on the proverbial horse and learn some Japanese. Hate working in the English education system? Find another job or work to fix the system. “Trapped here” by a Japanese spouse? Move somewhere else together, or head to court. However you got here, it’s your choice to stay or go. Whatever you decide, just don’t complain to me about it.
The views expressed in "The Last Word" are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
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