Metropolis #1045 Apr 4-17, 2014

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INSIDE #1045 APR 4-17, 2014

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06 FEATURE

A MATTER OF TRUST 03 THE SMALL PRINT 04 GLOBAL VILLAGE 05 UPFRONT 08 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 13 AGENDA 14 LISTINGS 28 MOVIES 31 DINING OUT 33 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS 37 HOROSCOPE 38 LAST WORD

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Tagata Honen Matsuri (Fertility Festival), by Charles Levie

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI

The Small Print

By Steve Trautlein

THE CAPTAIN MUST BE HAPPY TO HAVE HIS “ TEAMMATES AROUND”

ćć JR East has introduced a train on the Yamagata shinkansen route that offers Japan’s first-ever onboard footbath facilities. ćć For the first time since 1987, the government has designated a new national park: the Kerama Islands in Okinawa, which are renowned for their coral reefs and biodiversity.

—Yoichi Takahashi, creator of Captain Tsubasa, on the unveiling of seven bronze statues depicting the manga hero and his friends near Takahashi’s home in Katsushika-ku

CHRISTI ROCHIN

ON THE ROAD ćć Hats off to Kanagawa native Yuki Nagata, who won the prestigious Les Masters de la Boulangerie baking competition in France. ćć A newspaper investigation has found that Osaka and Kagawa are the two most dangerous prefectures to ride a bicycle. ćć Authorities at the NPA say they dealt with a record-high number of cases involving victims of child pornography last year. ćć The officials say many of the victims “were coerced into taking photos or videos of themselves naked.”

IT’S ALL RELATIVE ćć Administrators at Keio University displayed a collection of 14 letters that Albert Einstein sent to a Japanese doctor following a visit to the country in 1922. ćć One of the notes urges the Japanese people to “protect everyday objects, their control of their personal desires, and their pure and peaceful hearts.” ćć A labor ministry survey found that 37 percent of men in their 20s who earn ¥4 million a year have girlfriends, while just 17 percent of those who earn under ¥1 million do. ćć The Philippine government has declared Yoko Ono’s childhood home in Chiyoda-ku—which now serves as the Philippine ambassador’s official residence—a national historical landmark—the first one located ouside of the Philippines.

HOW DO YOU SPELL “NIMBY” IN JAPANESE?

MILESTONES

GRIM TIDINGS

ćć Archaeologists in Fukui say they’ve discovered the world’s oldest avian eggshell fossils. ćć Staff at Tama Zoo welcomed the 20 millionth passenger on their “lion buses,” which offer a close-up view of the park’s big cats. The service debuted in 1964.

ćć Officials at the health ministry say 1,546 people in Japan were diagnosed with AIDS last year— the second highest total ever. ćć Authorities at the environment ministry say that if a major earthquake were to strike the Nankai Trough, it would generate 11 times more debris

�

83.6

Percent of Japanese people who say they read printed newspapers, according to an industry association survey

than the March 2011 quake and tsunami. ćć Meanwhile, researchers at Tohoku University have found that people in disaster-hit areas of Miyagi are three times more likely to suffer from depression as folks in other parts of the country. ćć The Fire and Disaster Management Agency is teaming up with Yahoo on a smartphone app that will convey real-time emergency information, including “reports of ballistic missile attacks.”

�

7.7

Percent who read newspapers online, according to the poll

ćć It was reported that residents of the resort town of Yufu in Oita are objecting to the construction of a new solar power plant because they’re worried it will “wreck the area’s scenery.” ćć A ban on off-base drinking is being credited with a drastic fall in the number of crimes committed

by US military personnel in Okinawa. ćć Officials say the number of crimes reported last year was the lowest since 1972, when Okinawa reverted to Japanese control. ćć Bottom Story of the Week: “Photos Depict History of Saw-Tooth Roofs” (via The Japan News)

�

36

Number of pedestrians or bicyclists taken to Tokyo hospitals in 2013 due to accidents that involved fiddling with their smartphones, according to the fire department

COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03

Global Village

CLEAN CAUSE

PHOTO BY KURT KAMKA. COURTESY OF SOAP CYCLING

Recycling soap

By Lisa Wallin

T

he Hilton Worldwide hotel operator has tackled large-scale corporate responsibility projects before, but now the ten properties in Japan are taking on one of the group's most successful efforts.

They're teaming up with Hong Kong-based Soap Cycling, an NGO that aims to make a contribution to the global fight on hygiene-related diseases in underprivileged populations across Asia. The initiative also helps Hilton Worldwide deal with one of its own problems—what to do with all those bars of soap that hotel guests use once and leave behind.

Under the scheme, old soap bars are collected from its hotel rooms in Japan and sent to JTB Trading, Inc., who store them and ship them in batches to Soap Cycling.

The various remnants are then sanitized and processed before being re-molded into new bars and sent to communities in Asia that are at risk for infectious diseases.

So far, the hotels have collected 2.3 tons of the recovered cleansing cakes since the program started last October. Much of it was sent to disaster-stricken areas in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the area and took over 6,000 lives, and more in the aftermath.

While soap may seem like a minor contribution, keep in mind that the World Health Organization estimates over 1.8 million children die each year from diarrheal

diseases. Simply washing hands with soap can help save 900,000 lives. Since used soap was simply trashed before the project started, it also means that several tons of waste each month are not headed to Japanese landfills.

For more information on the project, visit: www.soapcycling.org http://cr.hiltonworldwide.com/

When project leaders were distributing soap in the Philippines, a boy joyfully accepted one bar and rushed off. When the surprised camera team caught up with the boy, they found him washing himself with the soap and water at a nearby spigot.

—From the staff at Soap Cycling

¥11,900 ¥18,000

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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。 営業部までお問い合わせください。

Ends Apr 30

TEL: 03-4588-2277 • sales@metropolis.co.jp 04 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Upfront PHOTO: DAVI AZEVEDO

Dear AMA, I love gel nails and get them done when I can, but I find it hard to figure out what the biggest trends are for the seasons since most of the Japanese magazines are just advertising— opposed to editorial about what to look for. Can you tell me what the big nail trends for spring 2014 are?

—Nailista Dear Nailista, We passed your query on to Lena Kasai, manager and head nail artist at JoliNails Nail Salon and Spa. Here’s what she had to say...

A M A ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING

This year, spring nail trends are a bit different abroad than they are in Japan. Here in Tokyo, smoky pastels and florals are popular styles for the season. If you wonder what “smoky pastel” is, it's the vibrant look of light pastels toned down with a slightly grayish shade, which changes kawaii, or cute, looking nails into a more sophisticated, cool and adult style.

Floral patterns are popular in general at this time of year, but for 2014 bigger and more dramatic flowers are taking the lead.

Outside of Japan, the main colors are orchid or lavender purple, creamy caramel or nude and coral red. As for design, studs and matte topcoats are spicing up fingertips here, there and everywhere.

If you're looking for inspiration in general, magazines such as Nail Up and Nail Max are great starting points for decorated and cute nails, while Nail Venus

four seasonings

Coral red with studs

Reverse French nail with floral pattern focuses on more edgy designs. Fashion glossies such as Fudge will occasionally publish special edition nail booklets as well. In the end, whatever suits your style and preference is the best. Feel free to bring along magazines as reference when you see your nail artist and she can help advise you on what might suit you.

JoliNails Nail Salon and Spa is an English speaking nail and esthetic salon in Tokyo with childcare. 3-10-9 Shirogane, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6721-9669 or 080-3599-9669. Book online at www.joliarts-salon.com If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life in Tokyo, send your questions to askanything@ metropoli s .co. jp a n d we ’l l f i n d th e m o s t appropriate people to answer your queries.

scene around town COURTESY OF MOMA DESIGN STORE

PHOTO: LISA WALLIN

One fact that is not a secret— and that you will never be allowed to forget if you live in this country—is that Japan has four distinct seasons.

Now you can remind yourself even in your kitchen with the Four Seasons Spice Shakers (¥3,780 for a set of 4) available from the MoMA Design Store. The snow globe-like shakers come empty, allowing you to fill them with your favorite spices. Surround the spring tree with parsley or oregano, plant the summer cactus a sandy bed of white pepper. Red pepper flakes will resemble fallen leaves around autumn try and salt around the evergreen will make for a White Christmas. The animal variation represents the seasons with a bunny, camel, deer and polar bear.—Taiichi Izawa

Lawn-covered truck spotted in the heart of Omotesando

foot shirts

kanji korner

If you like to “dress up from toe to top,” then a new type of fashionable accessory might be right up your Harajuk u alley. Tok yo brand Erimaki Sox has fused ubiquitous Tokyo fashion staples the button up shirt and Japanese tabi socks to create what they envision as a new basic necessity for both men and women. Available in green, red or white tartan, you can swaddle your tootsies in these unique slippers for ¥2,940 (tax included, available from their online shop) and be one of the first in your clique to strut your stuff in these new fashion accessories for your feet this spring. http://shop.erimakisox.com—Ai Hosokawa

With the enactment of the state secrets law (see feature, pp 6-7), secrets, ironically, are everywhere. Here’s how to crack the code.

PHOTO: TEPPEI SATO

• 秘密 himitsu = secret, conceal + carefulness, minuteness = secret • 内緒 naisho = inside/between + beginning/end/strap = secrecy, confidentiality, privacy • 秘訣 hiketsu = mysteries, key • 企業秘密 kigyo himitsu = trade secret • 秘密兵器 himitsu heiki = secret weapon • 秘密漏洩 himitsu rousetsu = leaking of a secret • 秘密情報 himitsu jouhou = confidential information • 特定秘密保護法 = tokuteihimitsuhogohou = State Secrecy Law

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05

Feature PHOTO BY TEPPEI SATO

A

MATTER

OF

TRUST

Japan’s new State Secrets Protection law

By Todd Wojnowski

“T

rust me.”

It’s perhaps the leasttrustworthy sentence in existence—even children know to put their guards up when they hear it. There’s something diabolical in it that we connect with Hollywood villains and used car salesmen. Directly asking people to trust you is a sure way to tip off that they probably have no reason to, probably shouldn’t.

Yet that’s precisely the underlying message of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s dangerous “State Secrets Protection” legislation, which will go into effect later in 2014. The law gives the government authority to designate information as off-limits for the public, but was written with vague, sweeping language that leaves the door open for serious and frightening abuses of power. In addition, the law takes away the public’s access to vital information, strips the media of its speech and journalistic rights and violated the Diet’s own conventions for discussing and voting on legislation. Information deemed “secret” can be locked away from view for up to 60 years, and even beyond in certain circumstances. It gives a lot of unquestioned power to the big man at the top, telling us to trust him.

And that’s just the beginning.

Here’s how it works: under the State Secrets Protection law, the government can prosecute anyone involved with the release of information it deems to be vital to the national interest. That includes government officials who leak information, media publishers who report on it, and even journalists who look into the “wrong” story. While many government affairs certainly require a high level of privacy, the central problem is that there

06 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

were no limits written into the law regarding how this power can be used, and no vetting process to oversee whether it is being used appropriately.

An additional problem is the punishment connected with breaking this law. If it were a matter of basic censorship, “inappropriate” articles would simply never be allowed to see the light of day.

However, for breaking the State Secrets Protection law, violators can actually be imprisoned for up to ten years. Do journalists know exactly where the boundaries are? Far from it.

A

ccord i ng to Dr. Koic h i Na k a no (pictured, right), a professor of Japanese politics and political theory at Sophia University, there will be no announcement of proh ibited subjects: the government w ill be “keeping secret about the secrets,” a situation he calls “surreal.” That will leave journalists playing a very high-stakes guessing game, which can only lead to immense self-censorship on their part in order to stay far away from any possible trouble and to being extremely careful with their words when reporting on major issues, such as nuclear power. That, in turn, will castrate journalistic content far more than censorship ever would, leaving the public woefully uninformed about what’s happening in their own country.

An understandable reaction to this kind of law is to wonder what exactly the government wants to hide. Is there a looming threat in Fukushima, Pyongyang or Beijing that needs to be covered

up? Unlikely, says Professor Jeff Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University Japan.

Professor Kingston notes that the roots of this law can be traced back to the ’80s, when a similar law was proposed on a national level, but rejected. This attempt came on the heels of the Lockheed Scandal of 1976, when then-Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka was arrested for accepting ¥500 million in a bribery scandal. The people pushed for greater access to the government’s doings. Local governments took it upon themselves to remedy that. “From the early 1980s, town after town and prefecture after prefecture adopted information disclosure laws so that by 1997, every major municipality and every prefecture had embraced this grassroots demand for transparency,” Professor Kingston explains.

Why, then, would the national government want to pass a law to counteract that? While greater transparency is certainly desirable for the people, it can be disastrous for the politicians who could have their shortcomings exposed. “This greater transparency led to numerous scandals coming to light,” says Professor Kingston, “ranging from petty embezzlement to vast squandering of funds, and also actions by officials that harmed the public interest.” That battle rages on today, with this current version of the law continuing the national government’s fight to “enable bureaucrats to hide inconvenient or incriminating documents from public scrutiny.”

The proposed law in the ’80s failed to pass and was tagged as being “anti-democratic.”

Although the 2013 version of the bill succeeded, its anti-democratic nature remains an enormous concern. For those of you who weren’t paying attention in high school, democratic countries

WIKICOMMONS

PUBLIC PROPONENTS PHOTO BY TEPPEI SATO PHOTO BY TEPPEI SATO

This is what United States Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy had to say in response to the State Secrets Law in one of her first public statements. While it’s true that the U.S. has called on Japan to shore up its frequent (though typically minor) information leaks to the media by government officials, Japan’s initial claim that the allure of increased information-sharing with the U.S. was the reason for the secrets law was both baseless and ridiculous. There has been no evidence of any plan or agreement between the countries based on the law’s passage. Experts have been rolling their eyes at the thought of U.S. intelligence opening up due to Japan’s i mproved abi l it y to conceal its own “WE SUPPORT THE actions. “It’s naive EVOLUTION OF to think that the U.S. JAPAN’S SECURITY would share more POLICIES, AS THEY i n for m at ion w it h CREATE A NEW Japan,” commented NATIONAL SECURITY Dr. Koichi Nakano. STRATEGY, The government has ESTABLISH A s i nc e a b a ndone d NATIONAL SECURITY that talking point in COUNCIL, AND TAKE favor of its current STEPS TO PROTECT “national security” NATIONAL SECURITY SECRETS.” justification.

work like this: the elected and dominated media covgovernment runs the coun- “WHILE GREATER er a ge f rom Sh a ng h a i to try. The media watches the TRANSPARENCY Shinjuku—effectively burygover n ment a nd repor t s IS CERTAINLY ing the Secrets law. These on its actions to the people, DESIRABLE FOR THE bookend events also stoked who use that information to PEOPLE, IT CAN BE the growing wariness many decide whether to replace DISASTROUS FOR THE in Japan have of their Asian or renew t he government POLITICIANS WHO neighbors, and frightened officials in the next election. COULD HAVE THEIR people who are more likely With the passage of the State SHORTCOMINGS to support (even extreme) Secrets Protection law, the EXPOSED.” defensive measures. Was this only information the people timing coincidental or a deviwill get is the information that passes inspection ously planned fear-mongering itinerary designed by those same politicians, who are unlikely to give to distract the public and justify a controversial unflattering or even two-sided updates of their law? Regardless, the end result was the limited activities. Except for a brief 11-month period in shelf life of the story and protests were kept to a the early 1990s, and a more recent blip from 2009 minimum as the calendar entered the busy endto 2012, Prime Minister Abe’s Liberal Democratic of-year holiday season.

Party (LDP) has been in power since 1955. This law It also makes sense that this law was passed will certainly help keep it that way. just a few months after Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, a not-too-distant ow the law was passed gives some cre- event that could have been significant motivation dence to this idea. As Dr. Nakano points in the government’s decision to push forth with out: “The LDP deliberately forced it this bill. Tourism has plummeted in Japan since through the Diet, breaking the Diet’s own usual the March 11 disasters, badly hurting the bottom conventions for passing a bill. They realized that lines of both the government and small busias time passes, the opposition’s outcry would nesses. That likely factored into Tokyo’s decision increase, so they decided to ram it through before to pursue the Olympics at such cost, great effort the opposition could build enough outcry or sup- and despite losing its 2009 bid for the 2016 Games. port.” Also, the context is important. Just before The International Olympic Committee’s stamp its passage, the government was chatting up the of approval is certain to register as an “all clear” media about its desire to grow Japan’s military signal for tourists who were scared off by radiaand revise its defense-only status. Just after the tion fears—effective immediately. However, that passing of this law, Prime Minister Abe suddenly is far from enough to guarantee the Olympics will visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. These succeed in having the desired effect on Japan’s events set off shouts of both support and outrage, economy. Most recent host cities suffered major

H

financial losses as a result of the Olympics, and any number of problems could arise between now and 2020 to threaten Tokyo’s success, beginning with the lingering problems in Fukushima.

Mr. Abe’s LDP was forced to defend the law in response to the understandably critical media, predictably invoking the “national security” justification while acting obligatorily offended that anyone would doubt the sincerity of their actions.

Unfortunately, what they offered were merely hollow reassurances of what they would or wouldn’t do, rather than modifying what they can or can’t do under the law. LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba went one step further, throwing the “terrorist” label at those who would disagree with and protest the law. “The strategy of merely shouting one’s opinions at the top of one’s lungs,” he opines in a tone-deaf blog post, “is not so fundamentally different from an act of terrorism.”

Fortunately, the media remained persistent in its criticism and protest which, in January, led the government to compromise and establish an advisory panel and monitoring committee to act as overseers and watchdogs. These organizations have an extraordinary responsibility, but whether they balance the dangers of this law remains to be seen: watchdogs without sharp teeth are useless.

How far would t he government go—and what are they willing to cover up—in the name of national security? In the name of a financially successfully Tokyo Olympics? Or in the name of winning the next election? Under this law, we’ll never know for sure. One thing we do know, however, and should never forget, is exactly what to think of people who ask us to trust them.

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 07

Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS japan beat

GACKT

Perennial idol looks back on triumphs and tragedies

By Erin Efrus

C

utting a wide swath across Japan’s entertainment world, Gackt is one of the country’s more widely known artists.

After leaving visual-kei juggernaut Malice Mizer in 1999, he embarked on a highly prolific solo career, releasing 15 albums and scores of chart-topping singles. He has also launched a second career as an actor, appearing in a slew of TV dramas and portrayed a samurai alongside Woody Harrelson in the action mash-up flick Bunraku.

Despite his prodigious output, Gackt labors over each and every project. The 40-year-old Okinawa native says he spent half a year preparing his 44th single, “P.S. I Love U.” “This song is meant to be like a letter from someone who died and left that letter for their loved one to read," Gackt told Metropolis in an English interview at his office in Shibuya. He explains that although the song is written from a woman’s perspective, it expresses his own thoughts, experiences and philosophy.

“I did quite a bit of research,” he says of the soaring piano ballad. “I collected a number of touching stories, and watched love movies from different countries such as the American romantic comedy If Only, the Japanese drama Ima Ai Ni Yukimasu (Be With You), and the film Watashi No Atama No Naka No Keshigomu (A Movement to Remember). But even though I used other people's materials for inspiration, I would say that 95 percent of this song is based on my own feelings and experiences.”

Indeed, the songwriter drew from tragedy in his own history. Just before he started his solo career, Malice Mizer lost its drummer Kami to a brain hemorrhage. Today, Gackt says he keeps Kami in his heart and the loss informs the background of the new song.

Although his calm demeanor today belies the fact, he has faced opposition over some of his career choices. “While working on the NHK historical drama Furin Kazan,” he recalls. "I played the role of Kenshin Uesugi, the Sengoku period

exhibitions

ONSEN ART

A trip to Hakone can be more than a soak in a hot bath

By Lisa Wallin

O

nsen resort towns seem to have realized that it takes more than scenic views and hot baths to maintain the steady stream of tourists their local economies rely on. Many are upping their cultural profiles with well-appointed art museums.

Metropolis looks at a trio of stops to put on the agenda for your next weekend getaway.

08 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

daimyo. My vision for this character was different from what everybody expected. The real Kenshin Uesugi was always portrayed as a very tough and brutal-looking man.”

Instead, Gackt presented him clean-shaven, with beautiful long hair. “I received a lot of harsh criticism, but award-wining actor Ken Ogata came to me and expressed his approval. He gave me the assurance I needed to continue. After that he become like a father to me.”

The massive sunglasses make it difficult to read Gackt’s emotions, but his great admiration for his mentor is evident. Ogata died in 2008, one day after he and his protégé made plans to meet the following week. “He was a great person—a true actor—not only in his lifetime, but also at the time of his death,” Gackt says, listing him as another influence on the new song.

“My single is meant to be like a letter left to a loved one by someone who's gone from this world,” he continues. “I imagined what the person who is reading such a letter would feel. But the purpose of my song is not to evoke sadness, but happiness. In my opinion, death is not important—what's important is what kind of life we leave behind. People reading such letters should not focus on the event of death itself, but on all the good memories and positive emotions that they were able to share together.”

“Death is scar y only to the unprepared,” he concludes. “Once you prepare yourself for the fact that it will happen at some point, and focus on the moments you are alive, the words ‘to die’ lose their power to intimidate.”

Gackt appears in the play Moon Saga Yoshitsune Hiden Dainisho, Aug 8-18. See stage listings for details.

The Okada Museum of Art (www.okada-museum. com/en) opened last October and is a little bit out of the way, but definitely worth the trek. The venue is nestled in the hills of Kowadakuni, home to around two dozen onsen including the Yunessan spa and a tranquil relaxation spot for the soul as well as the body. Museum facilities include a foot bath “café”, where visitors can rest their weary feet after browsing the exhibits. There is also a garden that might best be described as a forest, with ponds and waterfalls stimulating the senses.

The Hakone Kuramachi complex is scheduled to open soon, bringing an array of restaurants to the area. Though relatively new, the Okada Museum has already presented some exceptional pieces, and its next exhibition is no exception. “Rediscovery of Kitagawa Utamaro: Fukagawa in the Snow” presents one of the artist’s most impressive

art

KOME: THE ART OF RICE

21_21 Design Sight doesn’t go against the grain

By C.B.Liddell

Y

ou may not realize it until you enter the “Kome: the Art of Rice” exhibition, but rice is the quite probably the biggest thing in Japan. If it could not grow here, Japan as we know it simply couldn't exist.

The great importance of rice to Japanese society and culture is emphasized by designer Taku Satoh’s enlargements. Measuring several feet across, these show individual rice grains in various states on a scale that gives you an insect’s eye view of the nation’s staple. But this is only one aspect of the hosanna to rice that this exhibition represents.

Elsewhere there are recordings of sounds associated with rice paddies, rice-related kanji, objects made from the straw left-over from rice cultivation, miniature rice bowls and photos of many aspects of rice production collected together in something called “Kome Mandala.”

As the name of this last work suggests, there is an element of the pseudo-religious about it all. This exhibition represents the apotheosis of the humble grain and 21_21 has effectively been transformed into a temple to the rice god.

There is a laughable quality to much of this, but at the same time it also makes perfect sense. If there is one thing in Japan that shouldn’t be taken for granted, it is rice. But how does this relate to design? After all, this is the whole raison d'être of 21_21 Design Sight, an exhibition venue intended to favor the work of design artists.

A great deal of poetic licence is taken relating rice to design, with allusions to the fact that design is something that stems from nature and evolves out of generations of human practice. Poetry, too, is invoked with a quote by the poet Kenji Miyazawa to describe rice: “They are living things, they are precision machines.”

Yes, the modern rice stalk represents a kind of “design” in that it is a vast improvement on the original rice plant, producing around a thousand grains rather than the original few dozen—and, yes, there are some nicely woven pieces of straw

Single grain rice bowl, Azusa Kawaji

Come be米 (rice),Taku Satoh Design

and even the odd art work or two. But this exhibition is yet another example of 21_21 focusing on elements and essentials rather than inspiring high-level design.

This approach seems to stem from Taku Satoh, the institution’s leading curator, and a graphic designer whose forté seems to be unfussy, lowkey, minimalist packaging. As such, several of the recent exhibitions at 21_21 have the feel of walking into a Muji store rather than a temple of inspiring design that the venue initially set out to be. A show that would have been ideal for a farming or science museum is not really that appropriate for Japan’s premier design site.

Having said that, rice is definitely the pulse of this country, and I’m fortunate that one of my jobs takes me to Sashiogi, a rice producing area in Saitama, once a week, where I can see the gradually changing rice paddies.

The most interesting works are those that help to recreate this sense of a vital annual cycle, such as Yu Yamanaka’s four-part documentary, Hakusho. But as you watch the program, the designers and artists seem to have all but disappeared and been replaced by farmers.

Until June 15, 21_21 Design Sight.

My name is Rice,Taku Satoh Design

masterpieces—a painting featuring 27 vivid figures and striking details across a massive panel nearly two meters high. The recently rediscovered work is being shown for the first time in 66 years, and who knows when your next chance will be?

Lying just off the cable car route to Gora, the Hakone Museum of Photography (www.hmop.com) is a small, but homey, location. The small café garden is the perfect spot to take a rest after a vigorous walk around the area. There is a permanent exhibition representing the four seasons at Mount Fuji, but the real highlights are the rotating ones.

These feature the work of world-class photographers, creating a balance of local and international artists, as well as the modern and the traditional. The upcoming exhibition, “Oyako” by Bruce Osborne, features portraits of Japanese parents and their children from all walks of life.

Another must-see destination is the Hakone Open Air Museum (www.hakone-oam.or.jp/english), with large scale sculptures that quickly grab attention in contrast to the surrounding forests of Gora. More than 120 pieces by some of the best artists in the world— including plenty by Henry Moore—are scattered around a large park. You can also view Picasso ceramics and other special exhibitions in its indoor gallery spaces. And after exploring the expansive grounds, tired feet will appreciate the hot-spring footbath seasoned with oranges and yuzu.

“Rediscovery of Kitagawa Utamaro: Fukagawa in the Snow.” April 4-June 30, Okada Museum of Art, Hakone.

“Oyako.” April 24-June 2, Hakone Museum of Photography, Gora. See exhibitions (other areas) listings for details.

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 09

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Once you have taken advantage of the free Wi-Fi, you can make navigating the city easier by downloading Arukumachi Kyoto, a free app available for iOS and Android. Kyoto offers a variety of great passes for unlimited rides on the bus or train systems, but sometimes having such a pass doesn’t necessarily mean you will have an easy time finding your way. The Arukumachi app changes this by helping you navigate the city while

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also providing more detailed bus information than would appear in a typical navigation app (all buses carry GPS devices, so you can even see what bus is coming to your stop next). It allows you to see every bus stop on your current route, which is great if you want to look for other points of interest along the way. There is even an option for information and facilities in the area, which displays nearby shops, cafés, points of interest and sightseeing information.

Those without a smartphone can access the web-based version at www. arukumachikyoto.jp.

Finally, if you find yourself in a situation requiring emergency services, Kyoto offers multi-lingual phone support in English, Chinese,

ijo Castle is one of 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Originally built over 400 years ago, it was home to the Tokugawa shogunate when the shoguns left their main home in Edo to visit the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Many of the rooms in the Ninomaru Palace, the main building complex of the castle, are designated as National Treasures of Japan.

If you have been to Nijo Castle before, you may notice some differences on your next visit as the castle is currently undergoing a 20-year, ¥10 billion restoration project. So far, the main gate to Ninomaru Palace has been restored with vibrant colors and gold adornments and nearly all of the interior sliding doors have been removed and replaced with perfect replicas created by the leading authorities on the Kano school of painting. Kyoto City is currently receiving donations from those visitors interested in helping make sure the ongoing restoration project is a success.

Korean, Spanish and Portuguese. After dialing the emergency number, 119, you can tell your operator your desired language and they will connect the call to a third-party interpretation service. Foreign visitors can also dial 075-6613755 between 8am and 9pm daily for event, facility and non-emergency information.

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MANGA MUSEUM

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he Kyoto International Manga Museum is highly recommended for both die-hard manga fans and those who have never read a Japanese comic. For lovers of manga, the museum is part-library with 50,000 titles to read, including 5,500 foreign language manga and a kids room with over 3,000 children’s books. For the uninitiated, the museum can teach you everything about manga from its history in Japan, to its influence around the world and even the modern manga industry.

The museum is a joint venture between Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University’s Faculty of Manga. On the weekend, students from the university are available to draw manga portraits of visitors (for a fee) and conduct workshops. For students of the art, there is even a research library that houses various books about manga and historical archives of magazines and periodicals.

The museum has several gallery spaces that are featuring three exhibits this spring. The first, “From Hand to Hand,” showcases art

from Japanese and international artists created in response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The second, “The Nouvelle Bande Dessinée Exhibition,” is about French comics and their increasing popularity in Japan.

Another great aspect of the museum is the building itself, which previously served as an

elementary school dating back to 1869. The museum maintained many architectural elements of the school, and there are explanations of its history throughout. It’s a great setting to learn about one of Japan’s most famous exports or to simply find a cozy spot to read your favorite manga.

OTHER SPRING EVENTS

KYOTO MUSEUM OF TRADITIONAL CRAFTS

T

he Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts is your gateway to understanding many of the cultural artifacts that make Kyoto famous. The Japanese government maintains a special list of 218 traditional crafts, and since much of Japanese culture originated in Kyoto some 1,200 years ago, it should come as no surprise that it is the leading prefecture with 17 original crafts. The museum showcases a total of 74 Kyoto-specific crafts. Many of these

ANIME WRAPPING TRAIN

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ntil the end of May, select train cars on the Kyoto Municipal Subway will feature vinyl wrappings of images from some popular anime series. The special train decorations were created to promote the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair, to be held in September. Finding one of these trains will be a bit of a treasure hunt, as only two cars are decorated on a limited number of Karasuma line trains. The schedule for the festooned trains changes daily, so your best bet is to check the info online (http:// meturl.com/kyotocitytrains). If navigating that Japanese-only website is not an option, the helpful staff at the Kyoto Tourist Information Center Kyo Navi at Kyoto station should be able to find you the daily schedule.

crafts are endangered with few remaining masters, who in some cases have never taken on disciples.

In addition to the crafts themselves, visitors can see regular demonstrations by master craftsmen. Every Sunday, there are workshops to experience fabric dyeing as well as demonstrations of maiko dances, followed by explanations of their traditional adornments.

Admission to the museum is free.

Okazaki Sakura Lightup & Jukkokubune Boat Ride Take in the sakura blossoms in the Okazaki area of Kyoto during their special evening light-up from Thursday, March 27 to Sunday, April 13. For a truly special view of the sakura, consider riding a traditional jukkoku bune, or narrow boat. The popular cruises are being conducted from Thursday, March 27 to Tuesday, May 6 and from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, April 13 in the evening.

Zoo Evening Hours Kyoto City Zoo is the second oldest in Japan and home to about 130 species of animals from around the world. This spring, the zoo is offering special evening admission and sakura (cherry blossom) viewing on the weekends of April 5-6 and April 12-13. Zoo admission is typically until 5pm but will be extended on these days until 8pm with last entrance at 7:30 so visitors can enjoy special evening illuminations along the pathway.

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 11

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To visit Watanabe is to experience the best of Tokyo’s beauty salons where English-speaking staff pamper clients from start to finish—and some of Japan’s top stylists use unique techniques to create sophisticated looks. If you’re looking for a great new style at a great price, a visit to Watanabe Beauty Therapy may be just what the doctor ordered.

AKI WATANABE

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orbes magazine once called Aki Watanabe “the best hairdresser in Tokyo.”

Trained at the Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy academies, he is now the owner of Watanabe Hair Dressing—which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Aki’s work was sought after in the fashion industry, and he’s done hair styling for magazines such as The Face and i-D. He’s also worked on catwalk shows for brands like Red or Dead. Some of his celebrity clients include Beat Takeshi, architect Paul Tange and Massive Attack.

But you don’t have to be an A-lister to enjoy the latest styling trends and techniques. Aki has trained his young staff to provide great coifs at affordable prices for everyone. A haircut by a stylist is ¥5,940 or ¥9,720 if done by Aki himself. Dyeing to cover gray hair starts from ¥5,940 and henna from just ¥7,560. Hair coloring starts from ¥8,100 and highlighting at ¥8,640. Perms are priced from ¥6,480.

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A 90-minute course is ¥23,000.

For those who would like to have their skin undergo a rebirth, Chika offers a two-month program of eight two-hours sessions for ¥198,000.

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She values the importance of client consultations before any hair cut, coloring or other beauty service. She does her best to understand what the client has in mind and prides herself on creating a custom hair plan and unique look for each person. A hair cut by Chie is ¥7,000 for women and ¥6,500 for men. Coloring starts at ¥6,500 and highlights are ¥8,000 (part) or ¥10,000 (full.)

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AGENDA COURTESY OF BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

COURTESY OF P-VINE

concert

nightlife

gig

� The Boston Symphony Orchestra returns to Japan for the first time since 1999—it will also be the first occasion Japan gets to see the orchestra without Seiji Ozawa at the helm. Instead, Lorin Maazel will conduct the BSO in programs that feature Janine Jansen in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and pianist Behzod Abduraimov in Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Signature BSO works by Berlioz, Mozart and Mahler will also be performed in a tour that begins with the orchestra’s first return to China since it visited the country soon after the reestablishment of relations in 1979. —Dan Grunebaum Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, May 8 and Suntory Hall, May 9-10. See concerts listings (classical) for details.

�“Anikura” is club music with a twist of cuttingedge Japanese subculture in the form of anime tracks, video game music, idol songs and other otaku genres. Founded by French-American Tokyo resident Xavier Bensky, AniCrush!!! waves the Akiba banner with an able DJ crew and highcaliber guest DJs, VJs and idols. For Vol. 3, cult icon, voice actress and indie rock artist Tomoe Tamiyasu w ill perform alongside g uest DJs Otouchan and Jun, as well as guest VJ Kitune.

Bensky says he hopes 2014 is the year he brings the AniCrush!!! experience to a wider audience—the event is considering several invitations to perform at anime conventions abroad.—DG Mogra, Apr 12. See clubbing listings for details.

� We’re not sure if Screaming Maldini are, as their indie label P-Vine hopes based on the success of their eponymous launch album here, the next Big in Japan phenomenon. But we do know that their single “Summer Somewhere” is a wonderfully ambitious outing that encompasses indie rock, electronica and orchestral pop. Gina Walters is also one of the largest-lunged singers to emerge out of northern England in a good while. O-nest will be splitting at the seams to contain the six members and varied instrumentation of Screaming Maldini—catch them in their intimate Japan debut before they graduate to bigger stages. —DG O-Nest, Apr 14 & 18. See concerts listings (popular) for details.

BOSTON SYMPHONY

ANICRUSH

SCREAMING MALDINI

PHOTO BY SEIICHI UOZUMI

festival

photography

exhibition

� Now in its seventh year, the African Festival Yokohama aims to bridge the cultural gap between the world’s second largest continent and Japan. The three-day event is a cornucopia of activities and performances, all representing a multitude of African nations and their individual cultures. Artists from the Congo, Tanzania, Senegal and more will take to the stage for live performances and there will be a fashion show displaying the rich colors and styles from across the land mass. There will also be dancing, djembe drum workshops, and of course, plenty of mouthwatering dishes to tantalize visitors as they roam around all of the other attractions at Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse. —Lisa Wallin Yokohama Aka Renga Soko, Apr 4-10. See other events listings for details.

� A long time rock fanatic, Seiichi Uozumi got into music in junior high school and never let it go. He started with Deep Purple covers on his Stratocaster, and with the onset of puberty he began to discover the similarities between the guitar’s shape and the female form. Now in his 40s, he’s finally put the two together in a photography ex hibition being held in t wo cafés in Shimokitazawa. W hile the shapes may be similar, the two different bodies of man-made musical instruments and human sk in meet together in stark monochrome images. Enjoy both forms together over a latte, and if you’re feeling extra up for it, why not request a work of custom latte art for your own? —LW Ballon D'essai and Anthrop, until Apr 13. See exhibition listings (other areas) for details.

� It’s hard not to draw parallels between the careers of Hicozoh Akamatsu and Saul Bass, the American designer who took the film title and elevated it to an artform with his work on Psycho and West Side Story among others. Akamatsu accomplished the same feat in Japan. And like Bass, his designs are examined divorced from the films they were created for with an exhibition at The National Film Center. Akamatsu first garnered attention with the 1983 documentary Tokyo Trial on the WWII war crime tribunals, and his stark title design resembles a rubber-stamped “guilty.” The exhibition showcases his work to brand films through design and also delves into the early typography of Japanese silent films. —Kevin Mcgue The National Film Center, Apr 15- Aug 10. See exhibition listings (Ginza/Kyobashi/Tokyo) for details.

AFRICAN IN YOKOHAMA FORME DE GUITAR

HICOZOH AKAMATSU

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 13

Listings

GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS

Concerts

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www.creativeman.co.jp

POPULAR

Bruno Mars

The Oral Cigarettes

With Asobius and others. Apr 4, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.

Loft. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.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

Bob Dylan

Influential pop musician.

Apr 5, 5pm; Apr 4, 7-10, 7pm, ¥13,000-22,000 (adv) +1d.

Zepp Diver City. Nearest stn: Daiba. Tel: 03-34025999. www.udo.jp/Artists/ BobDylan

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. saitama-arena.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: 03-34446751. www.smash-jpn.com

Killswitch Engage

Metalcore from Massachusetts. Apr 7, 7pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka.

Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com

Jeff Beck

Apr 12, 5pm; Apr 13, 4pm, ¥8,000-15,000 (adv). Makuhari Messe. Nearest stn: KaihinMakuhari. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://meturl.com/bruno2014

The Bonez

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 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d.

Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://eggman.jp

Screaming Maldini

Nuggets of pop genius. Apr 14 & 18, 7pm. ¥3,800 (adv) +1d.

O-Nest. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3462-4420. http:// shibuya-o.com

Sid

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: 050-55330888. www.shibuya-ax.com

Female-fronted J-rock band.

Apr 16, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) +1d. Eggman.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. http:// 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 A burst of colors and melodic rock. Apr 19, 5:30pm, ¥4,800 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. diskgarage.com

Uplift Spice

Angelo

Visual-kei rock featuring ex-Pierrot members. Apr 20, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.

Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.shibuya-ax.com

Kabuto Metal

Eye Hate God, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats and more.

Apr 20, 3:45pm, ¥10,500 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-34446751. http://l-tike.com/ kabutometalticket

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

With Tsutomu Satachi and more. Apr 10, 7:30pm, ¥3,000(adv)/¥3,500(door).

7th Floor. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-4466.

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

Deep Purple

Four Seasons

Tara Jane O'Neil

Pioneers of heavy metal.

Apr 12, 5pm, ¥9,000-10,000 (adv). Nippon Budokan.

Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-5999. udo,jp

Under the Dead Vol.4

Featuring Angry Frog Rebirth and others. Apr 12, 5pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Cyclone. Nearest stn:

14 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Pop rock for what's ailing you.

Apr 25, 7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Planet K. 1-8-10 Kichijoji Honmachi.

Nearest stn: Kichijoji. http:// altmedrock.syncl.jp

Jake Bugg

English rock'n'roller. Apr 26, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.

Yokohama Bay Hall. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai.

Tel: 045-624-3900. www. creativeman.co.jp

Radiots

Punk rockers with a purpose.

Apr 26, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Garret Udagawa. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. cyclone1997.com/garret

Toto

JAZZ/WORLD

Girl-vocalist emo band. Apr 19, 6pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d. O-West.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. smash-jpn.com

Burt Bacharach

Alternative Medicine

i-Rabbits

Spiritual Beggars

Country music by Elvis's daughter. Apr 8-10, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥8,500 (adv).

Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Crossfaith, Coldrain and others. Apr 25, 6pm, ¥3,800 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. creativeman.co.jp

Penners of "Africa," "Rosanna" and other Top 10 hits. Apr 28, 7pm, ¥9,500-10,500 (adv).

Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp/Artists/Toto

Vivid

Lisa Marie Presley

Outburn Tour

Visual-kei. Apr 16-17, 6:30pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +2d. Shibuya Public Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-3022. www.shibuko.com/english

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 Psychedelic metal band from Sweden. Apr 8, 7pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800. www.creativeman.co.jp

and Jack Casady. Apr 24, 6:30pm, ¥6,000 (adv). Thumbs Up. Nearest stn: Yokohama.

Apr 25, 7:30pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. order@buffalorecords.com.

Texas Style, Fruits Explosion and others. Apr 23, 7pm, ¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door) +1d. Garret Udagawa. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34630069. www.cyclone1997.com/ garret

Hot Tuna Acoustic Duo

Original Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen

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

Performance to celebrate the 56th Grammy Award nomination. Until Apr 8. various times, ¥7,800-10,000.

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

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

10th Asia Music Festival

Annual live performance extravaganza. Apr 12, 5:30pm, ¥5,500-6,500. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 045-663-9999. www.tvk-yokohama.com

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: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Hex

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

104: Iwashi

First album launch live. Apr 14, 7 & 9pm, 3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

To\To

Improvisation drum duo from Denmark. Apr 14, 7:30pm,

¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. SuperDeluxe. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-5412-0515. www.super-deluxe.com

Alfredo Rodriguez and The Invasion Parade

Cuban pianist brings new album to Tokyo. Until Apr 17. various times, ¥7,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp

Yoshihito Eto Session

Special jam session. Apr 15, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Hitomi Nishiyama Trio Parallax

Elegant piano concert with European feeling. Apr 16, 7 & 9pm, 3,600. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Django Rhythm

A performance of authentic gypsy jazz. Apr 17, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Solo-Duo

Geila Zilkha and Ayumu Yahaba performance. Apr 18, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Marcos Valle and Stacey Kent

Performance featuring Jim Tomlinson. Until Apr 22. various times, ¥8,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp

Motoyoshi Hosotsubo Special Night

40th anniversary live. Apr 19, 5 & 7:30pm, ¥7,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.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: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Robben Ford

Exciting session of popular singers and guitarists. Apr 24, various times, ¥8,000. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp

Crystal Jazz Latino

Latin collaboration with jazz. Apr 23, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500.

Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Jun Satsuma

Nearest stn: Ueno. www. tokyo-harusai.com

Nearest stn: Ueno. www. tokyo-harusai.com

Sadao Harada Cello Recital

Hayley Westenra

Der Ring des Nibelungen

Bach Collegium Japan

Attacca Quartet

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Sadao Harada cello series volume 6, performing Beethoven. Apr 4, 7pm, ¥1,5004,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.

Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/ 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 Plays works by Haydn, Bartók and Dvořák. Apr 5, 2pm, ¥3,500. National Museum of Nature and Science. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111. 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

Kyoko Tabe

Music travelogue on the piano: Nordic Contries. Apr 6, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.com

Maximilian Hornung and Hisako Kawamura

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/

Blossoming Melodies Vol. 1 First concert inspired by Jacques Callot's 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

Brahms's Chamber Music

Played by prominent soloists.

Apr 9, 7pm, ¥1,500-6,000.

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com

Hurdy Gurdy and the Musette Vol. 2

Second concert inspired by Jacques Callot's Theater of Realism and Fantasy. Apr 9, 11am & 2pm, ¥1,400. The National Museum of Western Art. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.nmwa. go.jp

Vienna Chamber Ensemble

All Beethoven program. Apr 10, 7pm, ¥1,500-8,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/

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

A show by the young and traditional jazz guitarist. Apr 24, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Gen Yokosaka

Kaho Shimada

Kazuma Miura

4th anniversary project live.

Apr 28, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,500-8,500.

Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp

The Travellers

Jump and jive sound. Apr 28, 7 & 9pm, ¥5,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Violin and cello recital. Apr 11, 7pm, ¥1,500-3,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai. com Bandoneon recital. Apr 11, 6:30pm, ¥3,500. National Museum of Nature and Science. Nearest stn: Ueno.

Tel: 03-3822-0111. www. tokyo-harusai.com

Angelika Kirchschlager & Ian Bostridge

CLASSICAL

Mezzo soprano collaborates with tenor. Apr 12, 6pm, ¥1,500-12,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.com

Sadao Harada Violoncello Recital

The 10th Anniversary Gala Concert

Sadao Harada Violoncello Recital. Apr 4, 7pm, ¥1,5004,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.

A selection of glorious choral music. Apr 13, 3pm, ¥2,00010,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.

UNICEF ambassador and classical crossover singer.

Apr 14-15, 7pm, ¥7,000-8,000.

Tokyo International Forum.

Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp Masterpieces by MatthausPassion. Apr 19, 4pm, ¥3,00-9,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel: 048-8585500. www.saf.or.jp

Lorin Maazel conducts works by Tchaikovsky and others. May 8, 7pm, ¥19,000-35,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-35724311. www.geigeki.jp May 9, 7pm; May 10, 6pm, ¥13,000-38,000. Suntory Hall.

Nearest stn: Roppongi-itchome. www.suntory.co.jp/suntoryhall

Stage 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, 11 & 13, 2pm; Apr 8, 7pm, ¥4,200-23,100. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459. www.nntt.jac.go.jp

Solo

Mouth on Fire performs Not I, A Piece of Monologue and Krapp's Last Tape, by Samuel Beckett. Until Apr 8, various times, ¥1,000 (adv). Theater X Cai. Nearest stn: Ryogoku.

Tel: 03-5624-1181. www. theaterx.jp

Madame Butterfly

Opera. The tragic tale of an abandoned geisha wife. Apr 23, 6:30pm; Apr 24 & 26-27, 2pm, ¥2,000-10,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3234-9999. www. nikikai.net

Thriller Live

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

Annie

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

Macbeth

Shakespeare's dark tale in operatic form. May 1-2, 6:30pm; May 3-4, 2pm, ¥2,000-18,000.

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.nikikai.net/ english

Fuerza Bruta

Postmodern theater show from Buenos Aires. May 10-Jun 8, various times, ¥8,800 (adv)/ ¥9,800 (door). Akasaka Sacas.

Nearest stn: Akasaka. www. fuerzabruta.jp

Ovo - Cirque du Soleil

Revolutionary troupe that blends circus arts and street entertainment. Until May 11, various times, ¥4,500-12,000.

Odaiba Big Top, Odaiba.

Nearest stn: Tokyo Teleport. www.fujitv.co.jp/events/ovo

Moon Saga Yoshitsune Hiden Dainisho

Starring Gackt. Aug 8-18, various times, ¥8,000-23,000.

Meijiza. Nearest stn: Hamacho. www.meijiza.co.jp

Dance Sai

Butoh dance. Apr 5-6, 4pm, ¥3,500-6,000. Kanagawa Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai.

Tel: 0570-015-415. http:// 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

The Peacock

Yang Liping's lauded dance drama. May 23-Jun 1, Various times, ¥5,500-12,000.

Bunkamura Orchard Hall.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. bunkamura.co.jp

Clubbing FRIDAY 4 Ageha

Agepa. EDM, all mix: DJs Koo, U5, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)free. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha. com

Air

J Rocc. Hip-hop, disco: DJs J Rocc, Sarasa, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Brand Tokyo

Tokyo Allmix Party. All mix: DJs Kaya, Ando, etc.

From 8pm, (m)¥3,000 w/2d, (f)¥2,000 w/2d. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3408-1111. brandtokyo.net

Module

Double A Side. Techno, electro: DJs Ivar Einarsson, Rs, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,000.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. module-tokyo.com

11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

SATURDAY 5 Ageha

Wonderland. Progressive house: DJs Jeremy Olander, Fehrplay, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

A1. House: DJs Francois K, Goto, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. air-tokyo.com

Module

Tony Lionni. House: DJs Tony Lionni, Den, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.com

Ruby Room

Womb

Tuemix. EDM, all mix: DJs Alpha One, Mint, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f)free.

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

WEDNESDAY 9 The Room

The Room Bar. Bar style: DJs Saitou, Mihiro, etc. From midnight, free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Womb

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

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

FRIDAY 11

Space Dizzy Time. DJs Yamamoto, Ito, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com

Air

Sound Museum Vision

Sakabu no Bara

The New Matrix Bar

Sound Museum Vision

The Room

The Room

Alien Radio. Techno: DJs Mauro Picotto, Ken Ishii, etc.

From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp Especial Records Session.

Jazz, house: DJs Yoshihiro Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive), Yukari, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Unit

Two Sides. Techno: DJs Function, Nobu, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com Chaos Tokyo. World class DJs. From11pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Yurakucho.

Tel: 03-5159-7200. www. sabakunobara.jp Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs Verbal, Kaori, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f) free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com

Shuya Okino Dj25th Anniversary. Jazz DJ Shuya Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive): Live: Toku and more. From 11pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Cabaret. Soul, reggae DJs Magda Bytnerowicz, Masda, etc: Live: Steve O'Sullivan. From 11:30pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www. unit-tokyo.com

Unit

Womb

Wdjf 14 Korea Pre Party.

EDM, house: DJs Arikama, Kingmck, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

06s. Drumnbass: DJs Metrik, Aki, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.

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

Living Leaving. House, techno: DJs Qu, Blackoly, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.

Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo.com

Womb

SUNDAY 6

UPCOMING

Daddy G. Dub, hip-hop: DJs Daddy G, Krush, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-6434-0968. meturl.com/ origamiclub

Module

Air

Sound Museum Vision

Womb

Mogra

MONDAY 7

Sound Museum Vision

Origami

Harumatsuri. Electro: DJs Nakata, Ilmari, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com

The New Matrix Bar

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

The Room

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

Unit

On The Floor. Soul, reggae DJs Muro, Shimoda, etc: Live: Lord Echo. From 10pm, ¥4,500. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www. unit-tokyo.com

Velours

Music Sauce. All mix: DJs Bassy, Nabe, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-57784777. www.velours.jp

Womb

Sterne. Techno: DJs Mark Broom, Ishino, etc. From

Signum. House, techno: DJs Ayabe, Amari, etc. From 5pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com EDM Sunday. EDM: DJs Sone, Mad as Noise, etc. From midnight, (m)¥2,500, (f)free.

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

Air

Optimist. Techno, jazz DJs Tobi, Jhonson, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo. com

Velours

Wm. DJs Hi6, U Lee, etc.

From 10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5778-4777. www. velours.jp

TUESDAY 8 Ruby Room

Open Mic. Open Mic. From 7pm, ¥1,000 w/2d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com

The Room

In the Jungle Groove. Afro beats DJs Osada, Sato, etc: Live: Far East Love Afrobeats Musician. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Angel City. House, techno: DJs Emma, Ishino, etc. Apr 12, from 10pm, ¥3,000.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. air-tokyo.com Anicrush!! Vol. 3. DJ Otouchan, Tomoe Tamiyasu, etc. Apr 12, from 2pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Suehirocho. http:// club-mogra.jp/ Japan Music Conference.

House: DJs Akiyamania, Kaji, etc. Apr 12, from 11pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com

Womb

14th Anniversary. Deep house, EDM: DJs Renato Ratier, Ken Ishii, etc. Apr 12, from 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

Exhibitions AKASAKA/ ROPPONGI 21_21 Design Sight

Kome: The Art of Rice. Mixed media. An exploration into Japan's staple food. Until Jun 15, ¥500-1,000. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 11am-8pm, closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121. www.2121designsight.jp

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 15

Listings Mori Art Museum

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

Mori Arts Center Gallery

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/

Suntory Museum of Art

The Scientific Eye and Visual Wonders in Edo. The birth of intriguing visual effects in Japanese art. Until 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 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

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. http://www. idemitsu.co.jp/museum

Megumi Ogita Gallery Showcase

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.

16 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.mitsuimuseum.jp

National Film Center

The Works of Hicozoh Akamatsu and Movie Title Design in Japan.

Typography and character styles.

Apr 15-Aug 10, ¥70-210. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi. Nearest stn: Kyobashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat.go.jp

HARAJUKU/AOYAMA Espace Louise Vuitton

Traces of Disappearance.

Mixed media. Questions and answers regarding our fragile world. Until Apr 13, free. Open noon-8pm daily, irregular hols: see website. 7F, 5-7-5 Jingumae.

Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5766-1094. www. espacelouisvuittontokyo.com

Nezu Museum

Kiyomaro: Master Swordsmith to the Last Samurai. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the artist's birth. Until Apr 6, ¥900-1,200. Irises and Wisteria Screens. Screens that are designated national treasures.

Apr 19-May 18, ¥1,000-1,200.

Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku.

Nearest stn: Omotesando. www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en

Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art

Hiroshige Blue: Blue Attracted the World. Color-themed Edo art.

Until May 28, ¥500-700. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae.

Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp

KAYABACHO/KIBA 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

SHIBUYA/EBISU Bunkamura: The Museum

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

SHINJUKU/IKEBUKURO Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum

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: 03-32992387. www.bunka.ac.jp/ museum/text/english.html

Hiromart Gallery

Hideaway. Paintings on wooden panels by Moki. Until Apr 27, free. Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Edogawabashi. www. hiromartgallery.com

Sompo Japan Museum of Art

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

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

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. Until 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

Tokyo National Museum

Parco Museum

OTHER AREAS

Kiki and Lala x Care Bears. Mixed media. Cute characters from east and west. Until Apr 21, free.

Open daily 10am-9pm. B1F Parco Part1, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3477-5873. www.parco-art.com

The Watari-Um Museum of Contemporary Art

Rudolf Steiner: Das Reich der Angeloi. Mixed media works by an Austrian philosopher and social reformer. Until Jul 13, ¥700-1,000. Open Tue & Thu-Sun 11am-7pm, Wed 11am-9pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. www.watarium. co.jp

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography

Robert Capa, the 101st Year: They All Adored Bob. Photography. Daily life in Spain during World War II. Until 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. http://syabi.com

Yamatane Museum of Art

My. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and Flowers in Spring. Mixed media.

The 800th Memorial of Yosai Roots of Zen: Yosai and the Treasures of Kenninji. Mixed media. Religious artifacts and paintings. Until 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

Anthrop

Forme de Guitar. Photography

by Seiichi Uozumi. Exploring the similarities of the guitar and the human body.Until Apr 13, free +1d. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 8am-6pm, closed Tue. 2-26-7 Kitazawa. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-64070511.

Ballon D'Essai

Forme de Guitar. Photography

by Seiichi Uozumi. Exploring the similarities of the guitar and the human body. Until Apr 13, free +1d. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-9pm, closed Mon. 2-30-11 Kitazawa. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-64070511. http://ballondessai.com

Hakone Museum of Photography

Oyako. Images of parents with their children. Apr 23-Jun 2, ¥300-500. Mt. Fuji. Japan's symbol in every season by Katsura Endo. Permanent exhibition, ¥300-500. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Tue. 1300-432 Gora, Hakonemachi, Kanagawa.

Nearest stn: Gora. Tel: 0460-822717. www.hmop.com

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Meets Art: Tamatebako. Mixed media. Treasure trove of works by multiple artists. Until Aug 31, ¥800-1,600. Open daily, 9am-5pm. 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-Town, Kanagawa.

Tel: 0460-82-1161. www. hakone-oam.or.jp

Hoki Museum

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

Japan Folk Crafts Museum

Kyushu Ceramics. Traditional pottery from western Kyushu.

Until Jun 8, ¥200-1,000.

10am-5pm, closed Mon. 4-3-33 Komaba. Nearest stn: Komabatodai. www. mingeikan.or.jp

Miraikan

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

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

Nerima Art Museum

Tetsuya Noguchi: Historical Odyssey. Mixed media.

Samurai take on modern accessories. Until Apr 6, ¥250-500. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 1-36-16 Nukui. Nearest stn: Nakamurabashi. www.city. nerima.tokyo.jp/manabu/ bunka/museum

Okada Museum of Art

Rediscovery of Kitagawa Utamaro: Fukagawa in the Snow.

An array of works by a master artist, including a massive 2 by 3.5 meter painting. Apr 4-Jun 6, ¥1,800-2,800. Open daily, 9am-5pm. 493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi. Nearest stn: Kowakidani. Tel: 0460-873931. www.okada-museum. com/en/

Pola Museum of Art

Homage to Renoir: Renoir and Painters of the Twentieth Century. Impressionist oil paintings. Until Apr 6, JPY1,000-1,800. Color, Line, Form: Matisse, Degas, Chagall. Oil, watercolor and pastel painting. Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800. JapaneseStyle Paintings and Japanese Western-Style Paintings.

Works by Léonard Foujita and others. Until Apr 6, ¥1,0001,800. 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

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

Tokyo Gallery + BTAP

Invisible Space. Mixed media

by Kang Wook Lee. Apr 5-26, 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 BASEBALL Central League

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.

Pacific League

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.

BOXING 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.

National Basketball League

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.

BOXING 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.

Overheat Boxers Night vol. 67

Apr 10, 6pm, ¥4,000-10,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

Mega Fight vol.50

Apr 11, 6pm, ¥5,000. Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Champion Carnival

Apr 14, 5:50pm, ¥4,00010,000. Korakuen Hall.

Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Ichimonkai

Apr 16, 5:45pm, ¥3,00010,000. Korakuen Hall.

Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

FIGURE SKATING Stars on Ice

Apr 11, 7pm, ¥19,000-22,000.

Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.

KICKBOXING Krush. 40

Apr 15, 7pm, ¥4,500-15,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

PRO WRESTLING Inoki Genome Fight 1

Apr 5, 6pm, ¥5,000-50,000.

Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36235111.

New Japan

Apr 6, 4pm, ¥4,000-7,000.

Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36235111.

The Outsider

Apr 6, 3pm, ¥6,000-10,000.

Differ Ariake. Nearest stn: Ariake-tennis-no-mori.

Dragon Gate

Apr 8, 6:30pm, ¥3,000-7,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

Big Japan

Nov 22, 7pm, ¥3,150-6,300.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

Noah

Apr 12, 6pm, ¥4,000-6,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

All Japan: Champion carnival

Apr 13, 3pm, ¥4,000-7,000.

Belle Salle Shibuya Garden.

Nearest stn: Shibuya or Shinsen. Tel: 03-3346-1396.

Kaientai Dojo

Apr 13, 12pm, ¥3,000-5,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

Noah: Semex

Apr 16, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.

Shinjuku Face. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3419-0536.

Real Japan

Apr 16, 6:30pm, ¥3,00015,000. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.

Wrestle-1

Apr 17, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

SOCCER J. League, Division 1

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, ¥1,400-8,000. 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.

Nabisco Cup

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, ¥1,000-4,500. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-8121001.

SUMO May Grand Tournament

May 11-May 25, 8am, ¥3,8008,500. Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Nearest stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3623-5111.

SWIMMING Japan Championships

Apr 10-Apr 13, 4pm, ¥3,0004,000. Tatsumi International Swimming Center. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-55695061.

TENNIS Davis Cup: Japan vs.

Czech Republic

Until Apr 6, 1pm, ¥1,50010,000. Ariake Colosseum.

Nearest stn: Ariake. Tel: 03-3529-3301.

VOLLEYBALL V.Premier League: Women's Final

Apr 12, 11am, ¥500-9,900.

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Sendagaya. Tel: 03-54742112.

V.Premier League: Men's Final

Apr 13, 12pm, ¥500-9,900.

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Sendagaya. Tel: 03-5474-2112.

Festivals Bunkyo Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry blossom festival since 1971. Until Apr 6, all day, free.

Bunkyo district. Nearest stn: Waseda. www.city.bunkyo. lg.jp

Toshimaen Cherry Blossom Festival

Ride attractions at half price from 3pm with the Yozakura Night Pass. Until Apr 6, all day, ¥1,000. Toshimaen. Nearest stn: Toshimaen. Tel: 03-39908800. www.toshimaen.co.jp/

Cherry Blossom Night Viewing

Tomyoji pagoda and cherry blossom trees lit up by lanterns and floodlights. Until Apr 7, until 9pm, ¥200-500. Sankeien Garden Museum. Nearest stn: Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634. www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about

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

Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival

Kawasaki Asian 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

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

Botan Matsuri

Cherry Blossom at Sankeien

Cherry Blossom Festival at Jindai Botanical Garden 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/

EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL

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

Illuminated at night with flea markets, and other attractions on weekends. Until Apr 15, all day, free. Along Sumida river. http://visit-sumida.jp

Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Enjoy cherry blossoms from a boat. Illuminated at night.Until Apr 10, all day, free. Yasukuni Shrine and its environs.

Nearest stn: Ichigaya. www. kanko-chiyoda.jp

今年は"にほんごをもの"にする

Sakura Tsutsumi Street Flower Festival

Cherry Blossom Festival

Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival

Since 1949

Peony festival in the shrine park. Until May 18, 9am-5pm, ¥500-600. Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Nearest stn: Ueno.

Tel: 03-3822-3455. www. uenotoshogu.com/botan

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

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/

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900m cherry blossom street. Until Apr 15, all day, free. Sendaiborigawa and Minamisuna Green Parks.

Nearest stn: Toyocho. http:// hanami.walkerplus.com

300 cherry blossom trees surround historical architecture. Until Apr 15, 9am-9pm, ¥500. Sankeien Garden Museum. Nearest stn: Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634. http://hanami.walkerplus.com

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Asakusa Yabusame

Archers demonstrate their skills on horseback. Apr 20, all day, free. Sumida Park. Nearest stn: Asakusa.

Tel: 03-5246-1151. www. taitonavi.jp

Shonan Matsuri

Beach volleyball, soccer, live performances and more.

Apr 26- 27, 10am-4pm, free.

Southern Beach, Chigasaki, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Chigasaki. shonan@ chigazaki-cci.or.jp www. chigasaki-cci.or.jp/shonan_ festival

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Tokyo Fashion Wear Expo: Spring

Beers for Tohoku

Flower Dream

Located directly across the street from the main gate of Keio University

Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365

Metropolis Promo

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

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: KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-54960369. www.flowerdreamtokyo.net

The 40th Jumbo Fair Hotel IBIS Soba shop

Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com

Kamiyacho. info@cwaj.org. www.cwaj.org

International clothing trade show. Apr 4, 10am-6pm, free (registration required).

Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. fwt@reedexpo.co.jp. www.apparel-expo.jp/en/ home_spring

3-2-1 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo Clinic hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Closed: Thu, Sun and National Holidays

03-6435-0993

Forums & Expos

Mos Burger Almond

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

COURSES Body care 30 min: ¥3,150 60 min: ¥6,300 (Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250) 120 min: ¥12,600

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

Community

Oil massage (daytime only) 60 min: ¥8,400 120 min: ¥16,800

Spring Forward for Hope Dinner and show raises money to bring underprivileged teens to Japan for a cultural experience. Apr 5, 7pm, ¥3,500. Bistro Maffick. B1, 2-9-8 Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://meturl.com/ springhope14

Embassy of India Sakura Festival

Indian cuisine, handicrafts, henna painting under cherry blossoms. Until Apr 6, 11am-9pm, free.

Embassy of India. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-32622391. www.indembassytokyo.gov.in

CWAJ April Luncheon

Fine dining and talk by guest speaker Yuko Caroline Omura from Peace Boat. Apr 9, 11:30am, ¥4,500. Tokyo American Club. Nearest stn:

All-you-can-drink, pizza meal course and automatic entry into a raffle with great prizes.

Help raise funds for a vegetable factory to provide jobs and a sustainable future. Apr 10, 7pm, ¥6,000. Two Dogs Taproom.

Nearest stn: Roppongi. simon. bird@enworld.com www. facebook.com/cycle4tohoku

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: Shidome. 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

Camp Fuji Friendship Festival

Live bands, game booths, military displays and more.

May 10, 11am-7pm (outside)/ 5pm-midnight (club), free.

Camp Fuji. 2092 Nakabata, Gotemba, Shizuoka. Tel: 0550-80-6102. www.mccsfuji. com

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 South-African vs. French Wine Wine seminar with a South-African style gourmet dinner. Apr 11, 7pm, ¥10,980 (adv). Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://meturl.com/ monthlywine

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

Bordeaux Wine Seminar

An exclusive wine event with a French gourmet dinner. Apr 18, 7:30pm, ¥15,980 (adv). Legato.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. http:// meturl.com/monthlywine

Nihonga Class

Regular classes and one day workshops on basic Japanesestyle 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: Meijijingu-mae. www. mariatanikawa.com

Other Events African Festival Yokohama Lectures, handicraft markets, live music performances, djembe workshops and more.

Apr 4-5 11am-7pm; Apr 6, 11am-5pm, free. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-317-7643. www.africanfestyokohama.com

Wanwan Carnival

Dog training advice, agility runs and obedience competitions.

Apr 12-13, all day, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tel: 03-6661-1420. http:// wanwancarnival.com

Roppongi Art Night

All-night annual art extravaganza. Apr 19, 10am; Apr 20, midnight, various prices. Venues across Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi and Nogizaka. ww.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

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

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

More Than Twenty Years Experience Contact us: 080-4346-9405 (Eng/Jap ok!) virg@hotmail.co.jp 26 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

KASAI CPA 042-401-0342

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

ALL YOU CAN EAT and DRINK for two hours ￥2,700 in downtown Shinjuku!

We welcome all kinds of parties.

Please contact us.

Each branch has different hours.

www.dubliners.jp All you can eat

Includes: okonomiyaki, monjayaki, yakisoba, udon, and desserts with drinks (draft beer, sake, plum wine, soft drinks, etc

Reserve our comfortable window-side booth seats looking down on the beautiful night scene of Shinjuku!

DUBLINERS’ SHINAGAWA Thank you for supporting us for 11 fun-filled years!

Join us at our

Tel. 050-5815-3882 2F Shinjuku Picpek Building, 1-17-13, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku

OPEN: Everyday from 3PM

11th Anniversary Party

Wed, April 16

Pints of draught beer only

¥500 (Guinness, Kilkenny, Yebisu)

Coming soon: Our Shibuya branch celebrates their 12th anniversary with a party on April 24

Shinjuku

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

Ikebukuro

Shibuya

2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.

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

Akasaka

B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.

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

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

Shinagawa

Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.

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

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27

ut O n ll- tio PuSec

Burger special Special Advertising Section

OUT OF BURGATORY

E

ven a child can guess the word “hamburger” came about because the original patties were made from solid blocks of ham. There's no other possibility whatsoever, so let the debate end there. However, historio-burgerologists remain divided on the origin of the hamburger recipe.

Our favorite theory involves Mongolian horsemen.

Unable to stop and cook while on the move across the vast plains of Asia, they packed slabs of horseflesh into bags under their saddles. The movement of the horse and their own thrusting buttocks minced and cooked the meat into large proto-burgers.

Eastward expansion brought the Mongolian patty to the Russians in the form of steak tartare, and thence to Hamburg. Finally, in the immigration melting pot of New York, the Hamburg Steak appeared on restaurant menus.

But the dish remained in bunless “Burgatory” until several carnival entrepreneurs (e.g. Fletcher Davis, the Menches brothers and Charles Nagreen) shoved the patty into a sandwich. When the McDonald brothers got involved, the hamburger’s global fate was sealed.

Decades later, Tokyo chefs have applied their own culinary standards to the tried and tested meal. Tokyoite diners are therefore uniquely placed to scoff the burger in its highest evolutionary incarnation. This is the Metropolis Burger Special!—David Labi

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

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

Craft beer

r varieties on tap More than fou

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

Shibuya

Daikanyama

Ebisu

East Mizuho Bank Entrance

Burger Mania-Ebisu

1F, 4-9-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku

Mini Stop

Ebisu Higashiguchi

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

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

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

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

Meguro

Bus St. Family Mart

Yebisu Garden Place

Shirokane

Tel: 03-6277-4221

Email: burgermania2008@gmail.com Open hours: 11am-24am Nearest stn: Ebisu. 3min

Please check our website for Shirokane & Hiroo branches! www.burger-mania.com

#1045 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 17

ON THE COVER

Our cover model is the Big Birthday Burger, photographed in its natural habitat: Grill Burger Club Sasa.

This bad boy (helped for its closeup by Sasa staff Nachi) is stuffed with a 100 percent Japanese beef patty that weighs 2kg. It’s 25cm in diameter and 10cm in height.

Available at both of Sasa’s locations—in Daikanyama and Nakameguro— the whole “burgerchilada” costs ¥4,980 and serves up to eight people.

Place orders five days in advance to accommodate the special bun. www.hijiriya.co.jp

18 ● ADVERTISING SECTION

ARMS The Secret... Light, fluffy patties served with minced toppings for a full tasting experience. And a bun made with natural yeast.

The Picks... Avocado Mushroom Cheese Burger (¥1,350); Popeye Burger (¥1,150).

The Style... Faithful to the US even down to imported paint, Arms’ woody décor is opened out to the park during summer months.

The Deal... Nab yourself a set drink for ¥200 11am-4pm on weekdays. Brunch is available Sat-Sun & hols 8-10:45am.

The Skinny... Grab to go from takeout branch Arms Picnic in Shinjuku Luminé.

• 5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku. Email: arms@utopia. ocn.ne.jp. Tel: 03-3466-5970. Open Tue-Fri 11am-11pm, closed Mon (except hols), Sat-Sun & hols 8am-11pm • B2 Lumine, 1-1-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.

Tel: 03-6302-0039. Open daily 10am-10pm (when Lumine is open). Nearest stn: Shinjuku • Takeout & Delivery: 1-9-21 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku.

Tel: 03-3466-5974. Open daily 11am-10pm. Nearest stn: Yoyogi Koen. www.arms-burger.com

Burger special Special Advertising Section

AS CLASSICS DINER

BAKURO COMMON

BROOKLYN PANCAKE HOUSE

The Secret...

No processed ingredients or additives used, and that goes for the buns, bacon, sausages, potatoes, sauces— and, naturally, the charcoal-grilled patties.

The Secret...

Every good burger has one thing in common—all its components are handmade, with love and style.

The Secret...

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

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

The Style... US diner from the ’50 or ’60s in both décor and music—with the Komazawa branch close to the gorgeous Olympic Park, and the downtown venue tucked away in stylish Roppongi Hills.

The Deal... Lunch set menus with a drink, plus a monthly-changing dinner menu after 6pm.

The Skinny... American-sized portions, and 100% pure beef hamburgers minced by hand with a knife to preserve the steak-like texture.

• Roppongi: B1F Roppongi Hills Metro Hut, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Open daily 11am-10pm. Tel: 03-6721-1581 • 1F Orion Komazawa Bldg, 5-9-22 Yagumo, Meguro-ku. Open Wed-Mon 9am-11pm, closed Tue. Tel: 03-5701-5033. Nearest stn: Komazawa Daigaku. www.asclassics.co.jp

The Pick...

Cypriot halloumi cheese. Need we say more?

The Style...

Ultra-cool Brooklyn chic with the demanding stomach of a New York foody.

The Deal...

At lunch, get a “Med” salad and a drink with your burger for just ¥980.

The Skinny...

Wines fitting the Mediterranean concept are joined by artisan, innovative and iconoclastic bottles that will make you think (as well as drink).

• 1F, 3-12-7 Higashinihonbashi, Chuo-ku.

Tel: 03-6661-1657.

Email: bakuro@easygoing.co.jp Open daily noon-11pm Nearest stn: Higashinihonbashi or Bakuroyokoyama. www.facebook.com/bakurocommon

The Picks...

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

The Style...

Transport yourself to a secret, solitary house in Brooklyn.

The Deal...

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

The Skinny...

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

• 1F, 6-14-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.

Tel: 03-3409-2018.

Open daily 11:30am-8pm.

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. www.brooklyn-pancake-house.com

BURGER MANIA

CAFÉ HOHOKAM

CHILES MEXICAN GRILL

The Secret...

A balanced combo of the finest ingredients: naturalyeast buns, 100% beef patties, and market-fresh veg.

And the owner’s long experience in the burger trade, of course.

The Secret...

It's all about the bun—the highest quality possible, made with natural yeast.

The Secret...

A tasty burrito should be packed with warm beans and rice, fresh vegetables and authentic Mexican salsa.

The Picks...

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

The Picks...

Pibil Burrito (¥980)—fried pork in orange sauce with Achiote Mayan roux; Taco Salad (from ¥880); shio koji grilled steak.

The Picks... The famous Cherry Burger (Hiroo & Ebisu), pairing dark, sweet cherries with cream cheese and the rough texture of the patty—is only to be had at Burger Mania. Also try the pancakes (from ¥700), and homemade meatballs.

The Style... The owner skipped out to New York City with his designer for inspiration—and produced this slice of the Apple in Tokyo Town.

The Deal... Stop in for lunch (11am-4pm) and get a drink for ¥200 and a free upsize of your fries. Weekdays (3-6pm) offer a drink and pancake for ¥1,000.

The Skinny... The Ebisu branch just opened in March 2014 to add to the popular Shirokane and Hiroo venues.

Ebisu’s specialty is craft beer on tap (from ¥500) and great Joe from Onbus Coffee.

• 1F, 4-9-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. Open daily 11am-midnight.

Tel: 03-6277-4221. Email: burgermania2008@gmail. com. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Shirokane and Hiroo details: www.burger-mania.com

The Style...

Raise Arizona with a retro ambiance themed on the US desert.

The Deal...

Weekday lunch specials kick in from 11:30am-4pm.

The Skinny...

Chill among the cacti on an outdoor terrace—with a cover to keep the rain off your parade.

• 2F, 3-22-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.

Open daily 11:30am-11pm (LO-10:30pm) Tel: 03-5775-5708.

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae www.cafe-hohokam.com

The Style...

Enter the casa of a true mexicano—with the real stuff in the kitchen, too.

The Deal...

The weekday lunch set includes a drink and salad or chips (11:30am-3:30pm). Stop in Tue-Fri 4-8pm for ¥400 drinks and the enchilada plate (¥980).

The Skinny...

Shakes made from soy milk, plus a variety of sweets including ice cream as soft as silk.

The MET...

Metropolis readers get 10% off on any main menu item between 3:30-6pm any day.

• 1-8-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Open daily 9am-9pm.

Tel: 03-6434-9693. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. http://meturl.com/chilesmex

#1045 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 19

Choose from three sizes!

S 80g R 100g L 200g

Grilled Mushroom Burger ¥1,390 Limited quantities!

3 types of mushrooms topped with Gouda cheese

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

Chili dog ¥800

Daikanyama Shop

Just steps from

Just steps from

Daikanyama Sta!

Main Exit

ATM

Naka-meguro Sta!

Moms welcome!

Room for strollers available North Exit

East Exit

WE ARE

HERE!

2-21-15 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku Open every day 11am-11pm (L.O. 10:00pm)

20 ● ADVERTISING SECTION

7-eleven

Naka-meguro sta To Shibuya GT Tower

WE ARE

HERE!

Tsutaya

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

Burger special Special Advertising Section

CLUB SASA

FRIJOLES BURRITOS & TACOS

INTERSECT BY LEXUS

The Secret...

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

The Secret...

Every single ingredient made from scratch every day in the restaurant. All fresh, no additives.

The Secret...

Who says you shouldn’t play with your food? Create your own hotdog by choosing your favorite bread, sausage and toppings.

The Picks... Burgers with homemade chili or Italian Mozzarella. Or get in quick for the grilled mushroom burger (¥1,390; regular size)—limited number made daily.

The Style... Stepping off a Parisian backstreet, you find yourself surrounded by warm wood and the classic continental aroma of tasty burgers.

The Deal... Get a free soft drink with any burger, hot dog or sandwich during weekday lunchtime (11am-4pm). On weekends get a drink set with your burger for an extra ¥300.

The Skinny... Beers from around the world—or try the succulent smoked salmon and avocado sandwich (¥1,250)—guaranteed to satisfy!

• 1F, Daikanyama-Pocketpark Bldg, 2-21-15 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku. Open daily 11am-10pm, closed every 3rd Tue. Tel: 03-3770-1951. • B1, Nakameguro GT Plaza Bldg, 2-1-1 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-37114449. Open Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-8pm. www.hijiriya.co.jp

The Picks...

The red-arbol salsa is super spicy; the Grande size is super big. Premium ingredients like marinated chicken and steaks, carnitas, black beans, and more.

The Style...

US fast-food style—but with restaurant-grade quality.

The Deal...

Burritos from ¥980-1,210.

The Skinny...

Order to deliver or for in-store pickup via the website www.frijoles.jp.

• Azabu-Juban: 2-3-5 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6459-4095. Open daily 11am-10pm (until 3pm every 2nd Mon) • Roppongi: 6-6-9 Roppongi, Minatoku. Tel: 03-6447-1433. Open daily 11am-10pm (until 3pm every 2nd Sun) • Akasaka: 2-11-13 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6459-1763. Open daily 11am-10pm (until 3pm every 3rd Sun) • Otemachi: 1-5-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03 6256 0388. Open Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, closed Sun & hols. www.frijoles.jp

The Picks... Spicy ratatouille and Genovese sauce (¥1,300).

The Style... The complex is created by a famed interior designer and themed after the comfortable lounge of a well-read intellectual. The music is selected by storied Tokyo lounge DJ Towa Tei. The Deal... Three deli-style teishoku—lunch sets with fish, meat or vegetable mains, including a small salad, a daily deli side and multi-grain rice or bread.

The Skinny... A high-quality total lifestyle experience is in the cards... You heard it here first.

• 4-21-26 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku.

1F café/garage open 9am-11pm; 2F lounge & shop 11am-11pm. Closed irregularly.

Tel: 03-6447-1540 Email: info-intersect@lexus-int.com Nearest stn: Omotesando www.intersect-by-lexus.com/tokyo

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

RED TAIL

SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS

The Secret...

Patties that are 100% pure beef—and mighty generous, too. Just enough lettuce and tomato, and a large bun to keep in all the goodness.

The Secret...

For burger think roll, and those are hand baked daily and cooked to bring the best out of each ingredient.

The Secret...

100% wagyu beef patties cooked over an open flame.

The Picks...

Outback’s own Bloomin’ Onion—an onion cut flowerstyle, battered, and deep fried. And, by extension, the Bloomin’ Burger (¥1,430) with crunchy bloomin’ onion chips and chili bloomin’ sauce.

The Style...

You'll feel like you've just stepped out of the Bush (or a Sydney high street). Recline in a booth and soak up the Aussie flavors.

The Picks... Could you find a mussels-in-white-wine burger anywhere else?

The Style... A NYC-esque sandwich venue bringing lobster sandwiches and such to Tokyo since last November.

The Deal... Set A: add ¥300 for French fries and a drink; Set B: add ¥350 for salad, French fries and a drink.

The Deal... The daily happy hour (3-7pm) offers up one-coin drinks and snacks.

The Skinny...

Each juicy steak is hand-selected, aged, inspected and trimmed to perfection. Chefs expertly season it and then sear the critter to seal in its bold flavors.

The Skinny... Create your own salad with any burger or sandwich ingredients.

• 2F, 6-1-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Open daily lunch & dinner. Tel: 03-5413-4870. Nearest stn: Roppongi.

Other locations in Tokyo: Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Takanawa & Shinagawa Konan. For more details: www.outbacksteakhouse.co.jp/en

• 5-4-12 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, closed Sun & hols. Tel: 03-6277-7098.

Nearest stn: Akasaka.

Email: redtail7098@gmail.co.jp. http://red-tail.jp

The MET... Metropolis readers get a half lobster roll for ¥1,280 or the full 30cm for ¥1,780.

The Picks...

Gourmet pineapples. And for the non-burgerites, hot dogs and pancakes.

The Style...

An industrial café in the City by the Bay. The Deal...

Stop in weekdays 11:30am-4pm for a tidy lunch set.

The Skinny...

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

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

#1045 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 21

Open Thu-Tue (closed Wed) ( L.O 30 mins before close )

• 11am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 11pm Sun, Sat, Holiday

Tel: 03-5724-3330 http://sun2diner.com 8 min walk from Nakameguro Stn

22 ● ADVERTISING SECTION

Get together with your friends!

Sun 2 Diner

Komazawa Street

Nakameguro st Meguro River

• 11am - 11pm Party up to 30 people

Enjoy Craft Beer & California style American food!

3 Craft Beers on Tap! California’s craft beer and

SHIGA KOGEN BEER etc

Burger special Special Advertising Section

SUJI'S RESTAURANT & BAR

SUN 2 DINER

TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS

The Secret...

Don't let bad bread turn your beautiful burger into a soggy salad. Suji’s got the buns, baby.

The Secret...

Patties made from minced and hand-chopped meat, grilled on charcoal, and seasoned only with salt and pepper and original mayo spread onto fresh-baked natural-yeast buns—and sided by homemade chips.

The Secret...

100% USA beef with no thickeners used, and 15 kinds of seasonings carefully selected and sprinkled as the patties are grilled.

The Picks... Cherry-wood smoked bacon imported all the way from the US—where they do it best.

The Style... The original NY style has evolved over seven years. Think softer, with wood and leather, and changing hangs from guest artists.

The Deal... Ebikatsu Burger with honey-mustard (¥1,400 → ¥1,200); Wagyu Burger with steak sauce (¥1,600 → ¥1,400); Tokyo Burger with hamburger sauce (¥1,400 → ¥1,200).

The Skinny... Suji's is on constant happy-hour mode...

A selection of one-coin drinks is available—all the time.

The MET... Metropolis readers get 10% off!

• 1F, Azabudai Hinoki Bldg, 3-1-5 Azabudai, Minato-ku Open Mon-Fri lunch 11am-6pm, dinner 6-11pm (LO 9:50pm), Sat-Sun brunch 9am-4pm, Sun dinner 6-10pm (LO 8:50pm), hols brunch 10am-4pm, dinner 6-10pm (LO 8:50pm). Tel: 03-3505-4490 www.facebook.com/sujistokyo; www.sujis.net

The Picks... The California Burger (¥1,380 plus tax).

Look out for homemade chili beans stewed for half a day; house-smoked cheese, and bacon cured and smoked in-house.

The Style... Santiago sensations are brought to life by a woody, warm décor with handmade features.

The Deal... Lunch is available weekdays from 11am-3:30pm (LO 3pm).

The Skinny... Three kinds of craft beer are now available to help you soak up the scene.

The MET... Metropolis readers get one free burger topping!

• 1F, Ogawa Bldg, 2-43-11 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku.

Open Mon-Fri 11am-3:30pm, 5pm-11pm (LO 30 min before close), Sat-Sun & hols 11am-11pm, closed Wed Tel: 03-5724-3330. Email: info@sun2diner.com Nearest stn: Nakameguro http://sun2diner.com

The Picks... Get peanut butter on your burger for something wild, or stick with the standard Kailua Burger—available in a host of sizes (burger only: 5oz ¥1,310, 7oz ¥1,610, 9oz ¥1,910; combo: 5oz ¥1,630, 7oz ¥1,830, 9oz ¥2,030).

The Style... Pop-art décor calls to mind the colorful days of Americana as much as the shop’s home in tropical Hawaii.

The Deal... Grab yourself a discount at lunchtime—¥150 off the 3oz combo, or ¥200 off the 5oz combo.

The Skinny... Teddy’s burger was selected as best in Hawaii six years in a row from 2004. Since the Japan shop opened in 2009, the burger has won a place in the stomach of many an international customer.

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

Open daily 9am-9pm. Tel: 03-5774-2288. Email: tbb@ malulani.tv. Nearest stn: Meijijingumae or Harajuku www.teddysbiggerburgers.com

THE GREAT BURGER

THE SMILE

VASHON COFFEE-BAR-GRILL

The Secret...

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

The Secret...

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

The Secret... 100% beef patties, cooked to the consumer's delight, plus two kinds of original sauces.

And why stop at beef? Cod and chicken make for a sweet burger bonanza too.

The Picks...

Gorgonzola meets baked apple; smoky hickory sauce.

Or the classic Bacon Cheeseburger with French fries (¥1,350).

The Picks...

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

The Picks... Vashon Burger ¥1,200; Alaskan Crispy Cod Burger (¥1,100); Buffalo Chicken Burger (¥1,000).

The Style...

Open-minded South California style.

The Style...

Always wanted to dine inside an American girl's bedroom (perhaps you had one?). Don't miss out.

The Deal...

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

The Skinny...

US-style buttermilk pancakes; sandwiches.

• 1F, 6-12-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.

Tel: 03-3406-1215.

Open daily 11:30am-11pm.

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. www.the-great-burger.com

The Deal...

Stop by 11am-4pm weekdays for a lunch set including one free drink and a salad. The Smile joins in on promotions from Lumine Est too, so keep your eyes on the coupons.

The Skinny...

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

• 7F, Lumine Est Shinjuku, 3-38-1 Shinjuku Shinjukuku. Tel: 03-3353-5071. Open 11am-11pm (LO 10pm) Nearest stn: Shinjuku

The Style... Vashon is cobranded with “Seattle's Best Coffee,” hence a fair bit of inspiration from the rainy city in the ambiance.

The Deal... You'll can stop by weekdays until 4pm for a late lunch or just enjoy a plain ol’ happy hour glassful from 4-7pm.

The Skinny... Craft beer on tap and eight wines by the glass along with the spectacular menu might well alert you to the presence of Roti Roppongi's chef Ian Tozer behind the scenes. It’s him!

The MET... Metropolis readers get one topping for free!

• Shiba-Koen: 2-3-27 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Daimon. Open daily 11am-11pm. Tel: 03-64356633 •Nihombashi: 6-5 Nihonbashi Kabutocho. Nearest stn: Nihombashi. Open 11am-11pm, closed Sat-Sun & hols. Tel: 03-5614-0664. www.vashon.jp

#1045 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 23

Shinjuku Sta.

East Exit

Lumine East

Karaoke Comme Ca du Mode Zara

Kinokuniya Books

Mitsukoshi Dept. Store

Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON

More reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies

JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA

J

ohnny Knoxville, leader of the aging gang of man-boys that has given us the TV show and three movies, here expands his randy Octogenarian character Irving Zisman to feature length. Now, Jackass is not great cinema, but then it never wanted to be. This is the first of four flicks to actually have a plot, and it turns out to be strangely touching.

Irving reluctantly agrees to drive the son of his prisonbound daughter from Nebraska to South Carolina, where his deadbeat dad has agreed to take him in for the child support he’ll get. And so Irving and his grandson (a spot-on Jackson Nicoll—The Fighter) are off to test the social mores of Main Street America regarding little kids and very old men, and film with hidden cameras its flummoxed reactions. Aside from their scorchedearth trashing of a toddler beauty pageant that even one-ups Little Miss Sunshine, one thing I took away from this is how generally decent these “pranked” people

GRUDGE MATCH

NEW

Must have looked better at the pitch meeting. Get senior citizens Rocky Balboa and Jake LaMotta (not their real names) back in the ring three decades later for an old-guy sports dramedy. It’ll be fun! But this overlong, drab pic is more sad than fun. Oh, we’re used to Bobby’s slumming, and there’s little left for Sly but selfparody, but why trash two of cinema’s most iconic scrappers for a few bucks (it lost $11 mil) and even fewer I’m-too-oldfor-this laughs? Kim Bassinger will not be highlighting this on her resume. I’m not telling who won, but if you’ve paid good money to see this, the loser is you. (113 min)

LONE SURVIVOR

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)

ONE CHANCE

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 Meaney are his folks. The only sour notes are in the script. (103 min)

28 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

were. It’s rude, wrong and outrageous. This is guerrilla filmmaking that occasionally reaches Borat levels.

Bottom line: I am of course way too urbane and

AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS

NEW

Bob (Casey Affleck) breaks out of prison in ‘70s Texas in a doomed attempt to get back to Ruth (the consta nt ly su r pr isi n g Rooney Mara) and the daughter he’s never seen. He was inside for a robbery gone wrong, in which he took the blame for Ruth’s winging a lawman in the ensuing shootout. Said lawman (Ben Foster), a decent sort, has a sweet spot for Ruth. If this movie were a song, it’d be a plaintive Hank Williams number. There’s not much of a plot in this visually striking tone poem. Fans of Terrence Malik, whom promising director David Lowery is clearly channeling, may have the best mindset to enjoy it. Japanese title: Saints: Yakusoku no Hate. (105 min)

SAVING MR. BANKS

It took Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) 20 years to convince Mary Poppins author P. L . Travers (a magical Emma Thompson) to let him make a movie from it. Travers didn’t want it Disnified. Flashes back to her childhood in Australia and very movingly explains her attachment to her characters, her stubbornness, and this movie’s title. I enjoyed it despite my mistrust of the Mouse House, but not for a minute did I believe this sanitized, “imagineered” version was how things really went down. Truth be told, she capitulated because she was broke. She didn’t like the film, and probably wouldn’t like this one either.

Japanese title: Walt Disney no Yakusoku. (125 min)

DON JON

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)

sophisticated for this juvenile trash. Busted a gut.

Japanese title: Jackass: Kuso Jiji no America Oudanchin Douchu. (91 min)

PARKED

NEW

Colm Meaney puts in a meticulous, sympathetic performance in this engaging character study of a respectable but newly homeless man living in his car in a seaside Dublin lot. Fred starts a cautious, improbable friendship with Cathal (Colin Morgan), the lot’s only other “resident,” a young borderline junkie. Fred tries to get the boy off drugs, while in turn Cathal teaches him the homeless ropes. They bond. Meanwhile Fred shyly pursues the widowed piano teacher (Milka Ahlroth) he met at the sports center where he cleans up. Artfully filmed and with a beautiful acoustic soundtrack. Japanese title: Dublin no Tokei Shokunin. (94 min)

FRUITVALE STATION

In the wee hours of New Year’s Day, 2009, 22-year-old Oscar Grant was shot dead while in transit police custody 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)

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

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)

JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA: © MMXIII PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; GRUDGE MATCH: © 2014 WARNER BROS.ENTERTAINMENT INC.; AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS : © 2013 ATBS PRODUCTION LLC; SAVING MR. BANKS: ©2014 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.; FRUITVALE 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.; 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.; EIGA: © 2014ヴィレッヂ・劇団☆新感線; MOVIE NEWS: © 2013 RAILWAY MAN PTY LTD, RAILWAY MAN LIMITED, SCREEN QUEENSLAND PTY LIMITED, SCREEN NSW AND SCREEN AUSTRALIA; CINEMATIC UNDERGROUND: © 2013 WILD BUNCH.

ALL IS LOST

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)

THE LEGO MOVIE

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 Legoworld 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)

eiga

GEKI X CINE: ZIPANGU PUNK GOEMON ROCK 3

By Rob Schwartz

T

o call the popular culture around legendary ninja thief Goemon Ishikawa a franchise doesn’t do justice to the social phenomenon of this pop marvel.

His 16th century story of Robin Hood-like pilfering and daring has been told in literature, manga, kabuki, animation, video games, TV and film—with numerous incarnations of most. The latter category has seen various productions throughout the history of Japanese cinema, with the illustrious swashbuckling samurai actor Raizo Ichikawa portraying him many times. A major motion picture about Goemon’s adventures was released as recently as 2009 (reviewed in this column) and there has been an ongoing theater presentation since 2008 that has now seen three parts. The third stage play ran from December 2012 to February 2013 and is the focus of this picture. That’s right, the movie is a filming and mastering in post-production (in Hollywood!) of the play, which accounts for the odd title (Geki X Cine means Theater and Cinema) and the extravagant run time. A musical comedy that utilizes slapstick, music and dance more so than drama and action, the plot follows Goemon (Arata Furuta) as he steals a Buddhist treasure. Female cat burglar Nekonome (Yu Aoi) assists while a young detective (Haruma Miura) is hot on the trail. It’s reasonable fun but films of stage plays always seem to miss both the magic of the theater and possibilities of cinema. (183 min.)

movie news FROZEN

The Mouse House take on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” is about a queen who, u nable to control her ma g ica l powers over ice and snow, 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 Joou. (108 min)

PHILOMENA

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)

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)

W

hile many Japanese actors dream of going international, few succeed. Tanroh Ishida has taken a different route, starting his career abroad and working his way up to international co-productions. The son of a Noh actor, he began stage training at the tender age of three. He later studied in London, equipping himself with both Eastern and Western classical training. After graduating, he decided to stay on in the UK to found a theater company blending Japanese and English styles. Acclaimed performances led to small parts in British films, including a Japanese businessman opposite Colin Firth in Gambit. His latest work is a key role in Railway Man, based on the memoir by British POW Eric Lomax. Ishida plays Takashi Nagase, an interpreter for the Japanese Imperial Army forcing British soldiers to construct the Burmese railway. When Lomax (Firth) is plagued by psychological problems decades later, his wife (Nicole Kidman) encourages him to make amends with the man he associates with his torture played by Hiroyuki Sanada in later scenes. “It was a double challenge for me,” Ishida said at the Japan premiere of the film. “I not only had to play Nagase, I had to play a young version of Sanada, one of Japan’s greatest actors.” Railway Man opens in Japan April 19. www.railway-tabi.jp. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground

T

he French coming-of-age drama Blue Is the Warmest Colour, which was named the best film of 2013 by many international critics, has finally been released in Japan. The Palme d'Or winner—a frank telling of a lesbian romance—is playing at Bunkamura’s Le Cinema (2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku; www.bunkamura.co.jp)... In a timely move, Cinema Rise (13-17 Utagawacho, Shibuya-ku; www.cinemarise.com) is screening a duo of thought-provoking documentaries on the nuclear power debate. On for two weeks from April 19 are Pandora's Promise, which looks at the pro-nuclear camp and Into Eternity which documents the construction of a storage facility 500 meters under Finland to explore the great responsibility of protecting future generations from nuclear waste... A very different kind of doc will screen from April 12 at Cine Switch in Ginza (4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku; www.cineswitch.com). On the Way to School focuses on what many of us take for granted by showing kids in remote areas of the world making long treks to school, including Kenyan siblings who risk elephant attacks on their 15km trip. KM Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only. #1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29

Enjoy gourmet steak, fish, seafood and a selection of world-class wines with a superb skyline view.

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Online Reservation:

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Spacious 5F terrace over looking central Shibuya! er,

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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.

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Visit our website for info on other Chinese Cafe Eight locations

welcome@cceight.com | www.cceight.com 30 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY

Dining Out

local flavors

SENMON-TASTIC

Restaurants and shops aim for perfection with specialized selections By the Editors

W

hile most industrialized countries have been taken over by mega stores, limited real estate and adventurous consumers are moving Japan in the opposite direction. Senmonten—shops and restaurants based around a single concept—are happy to do one thing and do it well. We take a look at a few.

Not so long ago it was difficult to find anything other than run of the mill table salt in Japan, but now home chefs have a whole arsenal at their disposal. At the forefront is Masuya (1-7-3 AzabuJuban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6447-4150), which stocks a dizzying selection of the culinary mineral, from Okinawan sun-dried sea salt to smoked varieties from Cyprus. Information cards show at a glance the country of origin, whether it comes from rock, sea or lake and the coarseness of each product. They even have a “salt sommelier.” There is a tasting bar if you want to try before you buy. Of course, the shop also offers shakers and mills, but it also has saltbased “sweets,” soft-serve ice cream and inedible varieties for the bath.

Potato salad is great as a solo player in a light lunch or a supporting actor in a larger production, but it is hard to think of it as a full meal. Potato Cream (1-25-2 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku. www.facebook.com/PotatoCream) wants you to change your mind with their eponymous dish served in a cup with the promise of a “new taste experience.” Any place making that claim in Tokyo seems to attract long queues, but the pork and soy milk potato salad (¥550) is worth the wait.

Although French onion soup can make for a tasty appetizer, we never thought we would see a restaurant specializing in it. Awatama Stand (5-17-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. www.awatama.to) on Harajuku’s Cat Street does just that. They start theirs with domestically grown onions that are cooked for four hours to create the soup base. Order a bowl—complete with toasted bread and cheese (¥350)—and draw a lot for a chance to win a freezedried pack to make a soup or pasta sauce or to use as seasoning. Officially open until 7pm, they close their doors when daily supplies run out so be sure to go early.

Even the most prosaic of dishes can now have their own specialty shop, something proved

by Cha-han O (2-16-1 Shimb a s h i , C huo -k u . w w w. cya-ou.jp) which does fried rice. But they take it seriously and each batch of cha-han is three days in the making, starting with the stock made from ten kinds of vegetables.

Minced Kyushu beef and soy sauce add the final touches.

If asked, most Japanese would probably guess that the conical pastries filled with whipped cream and named cornet (or corone) are just as European as croissants. In

Salt of the earth—saline seasonings from around the world at Masuya

A side dish takes center stage at Potato Cream

Awatama Stand serves comfort food in Cat Street

fact they were developed in Kobe, an example of the Japanese ingenuity of importing a concept and building on it. Although the seashell-shaped sweets are available at most bakeries, Corone Factory (Omiya station. http://coronefactory. com) is dedicated to them and takes the concept a step further with sweet varieties as well as savory ones including curry and ratatouille, all for the uniform price of ¥200. Currently the only branch is in Omiya station in Saitama, but they occasionally open pop-ups around Tokyo, so keep your eyes peeled and mouth open.

Sweets go savory at Corone Factory

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 31

BITES COURTESY OF KRISPY KREME JAPAN

Dining Out

© C.S/JR東日本/D

easter treats

cute commute

something fishy

As the end of Lent approaches, some treats may be cute enough to tempt those who have sworn off sweets. These adorable Easter doughnuts from Krispy Kreme are a perfect example. The egg-shaped chicks are filled with a sweet caramel cream and t he bottoms sprink led w it h roasted a lmonds. The colorf u lly-decorated marshmallow vanilla doughnuts make for a perfect substitute in an urban Easter egg hunt.

If you're not sure which to try first, the chicken or the egg (¥230 each), try both with the Easter dozen (¥2,000) and half dozen (¥1,200) boxes available in limited quantities until May 20. www.krispykreme.jp

Any Tokyoite worth their shio will own—or at least know of—the Suica card and its penguin mascot.

Fun fact: the bird represents swimming through the ticket gates smoothly. To mark the 10th anniversary of the electronic money and commuter pass system, the Hotel Metropolitan’s patisserie (1-6-1 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. Tel: 03-3980-1111) is offering the Suica brioche (¥250) through April 20. The cushiony cubes are filled with a swirl of pistachio, cocoa and raspberry flavors. Branded on the outside is the mascot poised as if he is strutting through a station ticket gate. Only 20 of these babies are being made per day, so use your pass to get on an early train to Ikebukuro.

The sturgeon is known worldwide for its caviar, the delicacy derived from its eggs, but its dense, somewhat translucent meat can also make for an excellent meal. Since fishermen in Miyazaki catch more sturgeon than any other part of Japan, it makes sense that Curry Club Ruu (3-9-6 Uchi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku; www.curryclub-ruu.jp), which specializes in dishes from the prefecture, is offering chozame curry (¥980) made with the Miyazaki-sourced fish.

Prepared in the prefecture’s nanban style, it's coated in a sweet breading, fried and topped with a dollop of tartar sauce. The dish is only available through April 23, but the joint serves beef, chicken and other curries in the Miyazaki style year round.

restaurant review

KOJYU

Kaiseki food and French wines in Ginza

by Yukari Sakamoto

W

ith five Michelin stars under his chef’s toque, Toru Okuda helms restaurants known to be some of the toughest places in town to score a reservation.

His flagship, Ginza Kojyu, is on the fourth floor of the Carioca Building in the upscale district and he has an eponymous shop located in the basement of the same building. It’s a dining empire built on a solid foundation—a kaiseki meal at one of Okuda’s restaurants is a pleasure for both the eye and the palate.

Part of that enjoyment is sitting at the counter and watching the skilled chef assemble dishes right in front of you. He uses a long yanagiba knife resembling a willow-leaf to slice the sashimi into bite-sized pieces. Pointed metal chopsticks are used to finetune each plate. As a kaiseki restaurant, Kojyu is unique in that some entrees are presented on large dishes to be shared by two diners. The exquisite food is served on gorgeous tableware, further enriching the experience. Okuda is very personable and easy to talk to if you can speak some Japanese, fielding questions about the origins of the ingredients and his cooking techniques.

Some of the staff can converse in English but an

32 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

encyclopedia of ingredients is on hand to help nonJapanese diners find out what seafood or vegetables they are eating. With the surprising variety of ingredients used, the book comes out more often than you would think.

Seafood shines at Kojyu and is served in many courses including a creamy ankimo (monkfish liver), sashimi, sea bream and vegetable soup. We were treated to miso-marinated mackerel and winter yellowtail steamed with rice, as well as seared tender wagyu. The chef was nice enough to send us home with some rice balls and Tsukudani (kombu pickled in soy sauce), which made for a perfect breakfast the next morning.

The wine list, strong in French selections, is reasonably priced with a wide variety available by the glass. There is also a sommelier on the staff to help you choose, all pleasant surprises in a city where markups on wine are often ridiculous.

Due to the popularity, reservations are recommended and since only courses are served, you should let them know if anyone in your party has any allergies or dietary restrictions. Okuda recently opened a shop in Paris, but most of his time is spent here in Tokyo. His presence is just another of the points that makes a visit a special treat.

Set menu

Kaiseki lunch ¥23,760, dinner course ¥29,700

All non-smoking

Eight counter seats, three private rooms

Great wine list, reasonably priced

Reservations hard to get

4F Carioca Bldg, 5-4-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-6215-9544

Open Mon-Sat noon-1pm & 6pm-9:30pm, closed Sun & hols

www.kojyu.jp

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1.8 GENERAL SERVICES

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH M ETRO P O LI S ? Platinum ¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver ¥21,600. Prices include one photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo + ¥2000). Prices are for 40 words, one print issue, two weeks online. For details, visit the Tokyo Classifieds blog -> http://metropolis.co.jp/ classifiedblog/ or email us at commercial@metropolis. co.jp.

I C H I G AYA G R E E N CO R P. One apartment available in furnished, three -story apartment building, s un ny an d quiet , south/ north facing, many trees, s m a l l J a p a n e s e g a rd e n , 5 m i n wa l k fro m s u bway station, 13min by bicycle to J R S h i n j u ku / Yo t s uya stn . Re nt: ¥100,000/m (2K). Tel/fax: 03-3341-7875 Mail: itto@itto-jinnai.com www.itto -jinnai.com/ green/greencorp.html

勝也税理士事務所

LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI (next to Tokyo), member o f t h e Yo k o 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/

T H E A S P I R AT I O N O F “MIWA” IN DAIKANYAMA is to display the craftsmanship of traditional Japane se art in the contemporary world. Our wish is to present dishes, art and crafts made of urushi, glass and china. www.craftandlife-miwa.com #101, 20-13 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo TEAM OF TWO WOMEN OFFERING CLEANING SERVICES. House and garage cleaning, gardening, m ov i n g i n a n d o u t ; c l e a n i n g weekly or once or twice/month.

Name it and we’ll do it! English and Nihongo ok . Call Elle n at 0 9 0 - 6 5 3 6 - 0 9 14 . s a t o e l e n a @ yahoo.com

2 FIND A PLACE

1.4 TRAVEL

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

classifieds.metropolis.co.jp

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 Exclusion? Filing with a J a p a n e s e S p o u s e ? Te n percent discount available with 1040 preparations.

English and Japanese ok. w w w. s e k i y a m a t a x . c o m info@sekiyamatax.com 03-5403-4639 VISA COUNSELING: female immigration lawyer handle s your visa case .

P e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n c y, naturalization, eligibility ( i n v i t i n g yo u r s p o u s e / children/workers from your country), extension/ change of visa status.

Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).

Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 7 0 Email: mailto@officelife.jp Website: http://officelife. jp/en/ CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists in branding, web design, photo/ video production. Drawing A Crowd: a new approach in design. Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.co

2.1 GUESTHOUSE GREAT LOCATION & SUPER CLEAN. Private furnished rooms in Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu-Juban and Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min from stn, ladies-only f l o o r av a i l a b l e , w e e k l y cleaning service, free i n te rn e t , a i rc o n , fri d g e .

From ¥49,000/m. No key m o n ey/g u a ra n to r/a g e n t fee. 090-2405-0022 mail@bauhousetokyo.com

2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000

SAKURA HOUSE. Leading multilingual real estate a g e n c y i n To kyo s i n c e 1992. Over 1600 furnished a pa r t m e nt s a n d g u e st / share house rooms, from ¥52,000/m, utilities included.

No key money/guarantor/ agent fee. Contact us: 03-5330-5250 info @ sakura - house .com www.sakura-house.com

I C H I I C O R P O R AT I O N .

Over 600 affordable, quality-furnished apartments in central Tokyo locations. No key m o n ey/gua ra nto r/a g e nt fee required. New, clean apartments, simple contract system, full English support.

Call us today! 03-5437-5233 www.japt.co.jp

within walking distance of many Asakusa sites and the Sumida River, convenient, easy access to all major areas of Tokyo ¥105,000/m. Refundable key money ¥105,000. Fire insurance, good for two years ¥20,000. tonyhirano@aol.com 03-3872-2180 R O P P O N G I S U M M E R S U B L E T. Fully furnished 2DK available for sublet from mid-May to mid-Sep. Light and airy corner unit, aircon, high-speed internet, washer and dryer, kitchen bar, covered veranda. Rent + utilities ¥200,000/m. Substantial discount for right person. Don at 090-58136721.

SUBLET TILL YEAR-END. Ground-floor 2K flat in Nishi-Shinjuku, older, tatami-style, ve r y quiet , p e aceful a re a , w/ b a t h ro o m (w/wa s h l e t ), b a s i c furniture/equipment ¥60,000/m.

One-month deposit. Single occupancy only. Parking possible.

Call Jon. countrylove1212@ hotmail.com 080-2384-1924 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, 1 5 m in from S hin a g awa .

1K~2LDK ¥58,000/ m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 0449 3 3 -70 0 0 E m a i l : m h @ m i n o w a g r o u p . j p w w w. minowagroup.jp/ minowahomes

SERVICED APARTMENTS in a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites.

4min from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/ day. Monthly ¥5900-/day.

Over three months ¥4950-/ day. Tax, utilities included. fr o n td e s k@ a z a b u c o u r t . com www. azab ucour t . com/ 03-3446-8610

2LDK FAMILY-TYPE APARTMENT IN SCENIC, HISTORIC ASAKUSA,

TOKYO APARTMENTS. Your one-stop housing solution throughout Tokyo. Providing serviced, furnished and unfurnished apartments, for both long and shortterm stays. Also providing relocation services, furniture rental, property management and sale s .

Please call 0120-957-920. www.tokyoapartments.jp 3LDK IN YOYOGI available fro m Ap r, 10 m i n fro m Yoyo g i 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

2.5 PLACE WANTED Apartment swap, New York City and Tokyo. Have a three-bedroom near Union Sq, NYC. Looking to swap for a Tokyo apartment in the Ikebukuro area or on the Tobu Tojo for all or part of July. Please contact Ken at 1-917-446-0437. actionallen@ hotmail.com Room to sublet. Female European professional, 30, tidy and respectful, is seeking to sublet a room in a fully furnished apartment in central Tokyo. isiresol@gmail.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. #1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 33

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. mukai@ minato-am.com 090-41231025 03-55798-2779 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 seven at-table, eight in viewing room. Break lounge i n c l u d e d , Fo c u sV i s i o n equipped. Contact studio@ the-carter-group.com or call 03-6438-9481 for pricing.

3 EDUCATION 3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE

TO POST ADS, register an account at http://classifieds. metropolis.co.jp/ and use the password sent to your email account to log in. For help from there, visit our blog. h t t p : //m e t r o p o l i s . c o . j p / classifiedblog/ Chinese and Japanese. 初級より少しレ 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@

yahoo.es

Dutch and Japanese. Hallo. Ik ben japanse. I am a JF, 30, seeking a Dutch language exchange partner in Tokyo.

In return, I'll try to teach J. If you're interested, please contact me. Kind, serious people only. yhappy1984h@ yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Japanese businessman, 40, working in ICT and environment. I want to learn E and teach you J around Shinjuku. Weekdays ok. kotakeshi0923@gmail.com English and Japanese. Married Japanese female, 40, seeking a native English speaker who can meet regularly at a cafe. Available weeknights around Shibuya. I'm happy to help with your Japanese. Let's help each other. Nonsmoker preferred. sunshine-246@excite.co.jp English and Japanese. We're experienced hairdressers who used to work in London, UK. We're working in Japan now. If you need a haircut or Japanese conversation, let's have an exchange in Tokyo or Yokohama. iamahairdresser6946@gmail.com English and Japanese. British man, Kanagawa or Tokyo, seeks Japanese for language exchange, friendship.

Prefer university-educated partner. spk3006@i.softbank.jp

34 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

English and Japanese. JF, 30s, seeks native English speaker to meet once or twice/month to enjoy conversations in central Tokyo. I can teach you J and about your interests in Japan. reina2010japan@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Arrgh! It's hard to learn J. Every day, I study kanji, grammar, words - it makes my head spin!

London guy wants to meet someone for drinks after work/study where we can mix J and E. Basic E ok. whatmakes. udance@gmail.com English and Japanese. Seeking someone who could talk with me in E at cafes around Mitaka, Kokubunji, or on Skype. Of course I can help you enhance your Japanese. seigow@hotmail.com English and Japanese. Japanese seeking interesting English speakers between Nishi-Arai and Soka for language exchange or coffee. Let's talk regularly at coffee shops. I might be strange or boring... Where are you from?

Friendship only. No sexual mails, please. language_exchange3@hotmail.com English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese female, early 30s, seeking a serious language exchange partner around Tokyo. Let's enjoy talking about our interests and cultures over coffee.

I like music, art, movies, fashion, history, reading and cooking. thelimitsofcontrol@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Hi, I am a Japanese female, 20s, working in Tokyo. I want to improve my English, and Spanish if possible, so I am seeking a language exchange partner. yuurio0317@gmail.com English and Japanese. Group language exchange every Wed, 7:30-9:30pm, 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 French, English, Japanese. European man seeking a language exchange partner to improve his Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E. Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and interests. Machida area preferred. understanding_life@ hotmail.com German and Japanese. JF, 41, seeks language exchange partner for Ger. I am now learning Ger, but am not good.

Let's help each other out. camellia. sunflower@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 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

3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL C H E S S L E S S O N S . Le t ' s s t u d y chess together. I've been playing in European competitions since I was a child, and I was awarded a chess master certificate during high school. I can teach any level, but I think kids can learn faster than adults! noga_world@yahoo.com 080-3875-4129

3.9 TEACH ME! Contrabass (string bass) tutor in Tokyo. I'm seeking a contrabass (string bass) tutor in western Tokyo. I have no experience playing string instruments, but would like to learn. Please contact me if you are available on weekends or weekday evenings. dieci_aprile73@ yahoo.co.jp

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Bed, double-spring mattress and brass iron frame, in good condition. Details, photos available. deeltoku@hotmail. com 08051787550

Bed, Ikea, queen-sized, w/mattress (160x200cm), frame, headboard.

Make an offer. Pick up Kachidoki. joeduncan34@gmail.com Carpet, dark brown, big, thin and soft, in good condition ¥3000. Delivery possible. mizi2005@hotmail.com Light, Ikea, ceiling (36x36cm), one y/o ¥2500. loveryrosa@yahoo.co.jp Shelf, Ikea, white (W79xH79xD39), one y/o ¥4500. Arrange delivery yourself. loveryrosa@yahoo.co.jp Ta b l e , w o o d a n d g l a s s (W55xL120xH36), in great condition ¥5000. Pick up Shinonome, close to Toyosu. sverkhovsky@gmail.com Table, bedside, one y/o, natural wood color (W39xD39xH44), one y/o ¥2500.

Pick up or arrange delivery yourself. loveryrosa@yahoo.co.jp

4.2 APPLIANCES Fridge and washer, in good condition and working perfectly. Sharp SJ-14R fridge ¥3000. LG WF-A48PW washer ¥2000. Pick up Nakano-Shinbashi from Apr 6. irisjapan32@yahoo.co.jp Fridge, small, less than one y/o, as new ¥5000. Pick up near Aobadai stn, Yokohama. Photos available. imaginaryinvalid@yahoo.com Fridge/freezer, SJ-14F-S, '02, 140L (W475xD560xH1209mm), some scratches, cracks on shelves in fridge, works fine. Pick up Nishi-Gotanda. info@takformad.com Futon dryer, can also dry clothes, in good condition, hardly used, w/manual ¥1000. yokelena@yahoo.co.jp Hairdryer, Koizumi KHD-1236, w/Turbo and ion function, in good condition ¥1000. mizi2005@hotmail.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 Washer, Panasonic NA-VR2200, 9kg, 83L (639x1023x716mm), highend, works perfectly, w/dryer, weighs 81kg. New ¥300,000. Sell ¥100,000. alessiotokyo@gmail.com 08054580802 Washer, Hitachi, '05, 5kg, in good condition ¥2000. Pick up weekends near Keio Hachioji. grant.habgood@ gmail.com Washer/dryer, LG WD-D84WP, 8kg, compact, fully automatic ¥20,000.

Pick up Shibuya. heroux00@gmail.com

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Washer/dryer ¥7000.

Fridge ¥4000. ¥9000/both. Microwave oven ¥10,000. Wooden dining table, w/four chairs ¥1000. Cabinet ¥1000.

Pick up only Roppongi. mehtyagi@ gmail.com Sayonara sale! Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, English/Spanish ¥18,000.

Old Spice ¥3000. Blue Diamond wasabi and soy sauce almonds, four cans ¥2000. Logicool X-140 ¥2500. kaka0413@hotmail.co.jp Sayonara sale! Two fabric storage drawers, two bookshelves, DVD/ CD shelves, two folding chairs, small rotating heater, remote-controlled pedestal fan, large dehumidifier, set of four glass canisters. Combining items gets discounts. Pick up only ShinYurigaoka. arwenramke@gmail.com http://tinyurl.com/k5u6dms Sayonara sale! Rug ¥7000. Ikea work desk ¥1000. Bunk bed: free. Details available. spazio_moda@yahoo.co.jp http://1drv.ms/1hrubHb

4.4 TV & HOME THEATER TV 40", Sony KDL-40V2500, '08 ¥30,000. Pick up only. surodeep@ gmail.com 08030044484 TV 46", Sharp Aquos LC46DX2, w/Blu-ray DVD slot, one year of guarantee left. New ¥350,000. Sell ¥60,000. Pick up or pay for delivery yourself. alessiotokyo@gmail.com 08054580802

4.5 AUDIO & MP3 Headset, Bose Mobile MIE2i, as new.

New ¥13,650. Sell ¥7500. Chakubarai. perukunboy@hotmail.com iPod touch 3g 32GB, iOS 5.1.1, minor scuffing, in excellent condition, w/ dock, solar charger, cases (no ear buds) ¥8000. Cash only. Koenji. ohpopshop@ gmail.com Speakers, Sanwa Supply, w/charging for 30-pin iPods (1-4) or iPhones (1-4), output-only for stereo mini-plug output devices, output volume 4W ¥1000.

Koenji. Photos available. ohpopshop@ gmail.com Speakers, Altec Lansing Octiv Duo, iOS dual-dock, for iPhone, iPod models w/30-pin connector, w/remote, AC adaptor plugs for overseas use ¥3000.

Koenji. ohpopshop@gmail.com

4.6 FOR KIDS Clothes, girls', size 90-150cm; boys', size 90-130cm. Cheap. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Footwear. Boots: 21cm (brown), 21cm (red), 15cm (red); rain boots: 17cm (blue), 20cm (yellow); summer shoes ¥100-500/each. Pick up or chakubarai.

Photos available. housetsu@gmail. com Kitchen toy, Anpanman, new in the box ¥3000. Free delivery in area. mizi2005@hotmail.com Mat, for child's room (6-7-mat), clean ¥3000. mizi2005@hotmail.com Stroller, Maclaren, in very good condition. New ¥35,000+. Sell ¥10,000. Free delivery possible. mizi2005@hotmail.com

4.7 FOR FREE Various items. Sofa, seats two, washable covers, old but in good condition; wooden football table, slightly scratched, otherwise in good condition; kneelingstyle ergonomic of fice chair; blender; toasted sandwich maker. skybluepink@me.com 080-3235-5567 Wardrobe, Nitori (108x50x173cm), dark brown cloth shelves and drawers, w/metal frame, easy to assemble and disassemble. Pick up Kami-Jujo, near Jujo stn. amanda.hope.chin@gmail. com

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT Skateboard, Heaven, hardly used (31x7.625), fitted w/Spitfire soft wheels, great for cruising on asphalt ¥5000. am.cortez@me.com 0479196872

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT DJ equipment, all in working order, w/stylus: Denon Dp DJ100 turntable, two available ¥10,000. Numark DXM 06 Mixer ¥5000. Pick up Moto-Azabu. iansal@gol.com 080-3235-5566 Drumsticks and brushes. Vic Firth Hickory American Classic 7A sticks, never used; Rute 606 Vic Firth, bundled mini wooden rods, special ordered, never used; steel wire brushes, never used ¥5000/all.

Photos available. earth_travel_joy@ hotmail.com Electric guitar, Yamaha Stratocaster, black w/white scratch plate, five-way switch action ¥11,000. futuredrive2@ yahoo.com 08037377662 R o o m c o r r e c t i o n s o f t wa r e , Arc, for mixing, w/pro calibrated measurement mic, multi-platform Mac/PC measurement software, RTAS, VST, AU DAW correction plug-in, original box ¥20,000. Photos available. earth_travel_joy@hotmail. com

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD Books, picture, six available, one hardcover (Pikachu), Japanese ¥500/ all. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

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 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

6 VEHICLES 6.2 MOTORBIKES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Scooter, Vespa LX125 3V, red, 6700km, a few scratches on left side, small nick where feet go, otherwise as new, w/electronic key, Momo helmet ¥200,000. Pick up Ebisu. alessiotokyo@gmail.com 08054580802

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Bike, in well-kept condition ¥5000/ obo. Pick up Todaimae, HongoSanchome stn or nearby. Photo available. la.farfelue@yahoo.com 08038623452 Bike, signs of wear and tear and rust, auto light, six-gear, basket and front brake pads might need replacing ¥7000. Pick up JR Omiya stn. kaka0413@hotmail.co.jp Electric bike, Panasonic, almost new, w/one extra battery and charger, in good condition, new tire ¥70,000.

Negotiable. german.lilibeth@yahoo. com 08043754951

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE iMac, 27", mid-'11, 2.7GHz Intel Core i5, as new, w/Bluetooth keyboard and magic mouse. larryarmsshoes@ hotmail.com Ink cartridges, for HP CP1215N/ CP1515N/CP1518Ni laser printers, original four-color (CB540A, CB541A, CB542A, CB543A). yokelena@yahoo. co.jp Mac keyboard, Japanese, new, unused ¥5000. Pick up Shimokitazawa or chakubarai . d dh @ gol .com deanharringtonvisual.com Monitor connector, USB-RGB/D2, w/ receipt, box. New ¥7450. Sell ¥4500.

Photos available. earth_travel_joy@ hotmail.com Mouse, Microsoft Optical Trackball 1.0 PS2/USB, in very good condition ¥2000. yokelena@yahoo.co.jp Tablet, Nextbook, Android 4.1, 7", new in box, sealed ¥16,000. mizi2005@ hotmail.com

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME Seeking E/J translator in Machida.

I would like to edit some documents into Japanese, but I have limited knowledge of it. I can teach you English or French. Please contact me. Machida area preferred. understanding_life@ hotmail.com

10.2 SUPPORT

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES iPhone 5S 16GB, DoCoMo, gold, sealed in box, w/all accessories and warranty, use with DoCoMo, MVNOs (b-mobile) or internationally with R-SIM ¥51,000. Cash only. Meet in person. kizuki.buy@gmail. com Smartphone, DIGNO ISW11K, locked to AU, but full amount paid, '11, w/original box, USB charger ¥5000. yokelena@yahoo.co.jp

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.

Smartphone, Galaxy Note SC-05D, in excellent condition ¥15,000. Firm. Can ship via Yamato takkyubin. Japan only. mikkyjully@hotmail.com

7.2 FASHION Celebrant's gown for wedding ceremonies, in good condition ¥3000. talpinator2010@gmail.com Raincoat, Cecilene, size M, ivory ¥1000. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

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/

Watch, ladies', replica Rolex, automatic, shows time and day, works like real Rolex, w/box ¥8000. yokelena@ yahoo.co.jp

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS Nicorette gum, fresh mint, 2mg, 630 pieces (21x30-piece boxes), expires autumn '14. New ¥45,000. Sell ¥12,000.

Meet Shinagawa or send chakubarai. perukunboy@hotmail.com Tableware, Japanese ¥400-¥1500/ each. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

7.4 ITEMS WANTED Baby Items. Nail scissors, waterproof sheet, baby carrier, etc. Can pick up. e-ri-no@excite.co.jp Guitar, classical, in good condition, for cheap. stuart.strauss@gmail.com Sofa, three-in-one. steps.od@ezweb. ne.jp 09061526274 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

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 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 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

JOBS

To advertise: commercial@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.

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.

ACCOUNT MANAGER position in Singapore. Australian-Japanese accre d ite d adve r t i s i n g a ge ncy i n Singapore seeks an account manager.

Once in a lifetime opportunity to mold your career and satisfy your entrepreneurial ambitions. For details, please email hal@planetad.com.sg. www.planetad.com.sg

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/

11 MESSAGES

1 0 , 6 - 1 0 p m , V 2 To k y o Roppongi. Google ハニ コレ o n l i n e / Yo uTu b e .

Foreigners: max 75% off H o n e eys .Co @ g m a il .co m Say “Metropolis’ guest,” with photo ID.

JAPAN I NTE R NATI O NAL PARTY - Spring Festival.

Sat, Apr 26, 6:30-9pm, Devi Fusion (Roppongi). Japan's biggest international party.

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

J a p a n e s e m e n : ¥4 0 0 0.

Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http:// getyourfriend.com/mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.com http:// www.getyourfriend.com/ 090-1735-5405

J O I N T H E B I G G E S T, B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R 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

12 SOCIAL SCENE

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS

12.1 LET’S PARTY

13.1 SPORTS

HONEEY’S COLLECTION, supported by V2TOKYO and Shonan Beauty Clinic.

Sun, Apr 20 and Sat, May

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/ 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

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)

• Visa & Immigration Procedures • Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation and Refugee Status • Establishing a Company & Branch Office • Accounting Services, Acquiring Business Licences • Preparation/Translation of Legal & Business Documents • Other Legal & Business Matters

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

P L AY R U G BY. T h e To k yo C ru s a d e r s a re a fri e n d ly b u t keen international rugby club.

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

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

We play two or three times/month on weekends in Meguro with many socials. Join us! More details: w w w.tamjapan .org/e n/ info @ tamjapan.org All-level tennis group in Tokyo.

Serious and motivated tennis players sought by active tennis group to join their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.

We have advanced and intermediate groups on weekday evenings. Beginner and low-intermediate also welcome.

No entrance or membership fees.

Reasonable participation fees. tokyo. tennis@yahoo.fr

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

AZUMA

LEGAL AND BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER a division of azuma consulting ltd.

We totally support your Visa and business needs

Our services include:  Immigration (visa) assistance

Eligibility, Visa change & Renewal, Permanent resident

 Company Foundation  Bookkeeping  Payroll (withholding taxes etc.)

 Other business documents

www.azuma-law.com

Rafine Higashi Ginza 209, 4-4-14, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Attn: Mr. Y.Ogawa, Representative email: info@azuma-law.com | tel/fax: 03-6226-5105 | mobile: 080-1126-2293

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE

A L L- N AT I O N A L I T Y T O U C H FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League players.

We play every Sat from 10am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners welcome! Good exercise and fun!

Many other activities, such as BBQs and drinking parties! Email for details. tokyorugbyleague@ hotmail.com http://ameblo.jp/ tokyo13warriors AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby League team is seeking Rugby League players for Japanese Rugby League official games from Apr to Sep. Everyone welcome. Contact for more details. japananzacs@gmail.com

11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES

WRITE A M ES SAG E FO R YOU 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.

We can help you with:

03-4588-2277

TOKYO SPORTS CAFE s e ek s foreign and Japanese waitresses, bartender, floor staff, chef. From 6pm , ne got iable work i n g hou rs ¥1000-¥1500/h. Proper visa required. ウェイトレス 募 集 . C a l l a f t e r 6 p m .

03-5411-8939 or 080-3692-8948 tscinfo11@yahoo.co.jp http://www. tokyo-sportscafe.com/

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

WADA Legal & Administrative Office

Reasonable prices.

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

Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

Patent attorney Immigration lawyer

Imperial Palace

Aoyama Ave

Other Legal & Business matters Hiroshi Oogai,

Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court

Establishing a Company & Branch office

www.j-star.jp

Akasaka Mitsuke stn

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

National Diet Library

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

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

L’operaio is the largest speciality pre-owned luxury car dealership in Tokyo. Each sale is backed by our outstanding customer support and maintenance personnel.

Always 350 or more imported cars.

Mercedes-Benz・AMG・Porsche ・BMW・audi・Ferrari・Lamborghini・Maserati

www.loperaio.co.jp Tokyo 03 -3997 -3000 Saitama 048-421-5500 #1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 35

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp 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 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 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

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@ acappella-cantabile.jp http://acappellacantabile.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 Funk, fusion band. I play the drums and am seeking a keyboardist, bass and guitar player to form a funk and fusion band and play some live shows.

Tokyo area. Any nationality is welcome. christianpelissero@yahoo.fr

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you want to explore your own mind?

Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 090-35983072 for more information. daginia@ gmail.com http://www.diamondway.jp/ Tibetan Buddhist meditation in Tokyo. Part of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. This school puts special focus on meditation practice. Regular guided meditations

36 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Sun from 8pm. findlay65@gmail.com http://www.meetup.com/TibetanBuddhist-Meditation-In-Tokyo-Japan/ 080-4389-8818 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 American male seeking friends. I love living here and I'd love to meet more people. I'm really into music, dancing, BBQs and exploring new places. amerdavd@gmail.com English-speaking friends. Married Japanese female, 40, seeking Englishspeaking female friends in central Tokyo.

I love movies, traveling and cultural exchange. Hope to meet at a cafe or try a new restaurant. Nonsmokers preferred. sunshine-246@excite.co.jp Foreign friends. We are middleaged English learners in Funabashi.

Would you like to speak English in a fun and enjoyable relaxed atmosphere in Funabashi? Let's get together with a glass of wine or beer and talk! wingchun_2lee4yipman1893_1972@ yahoo.co.jp Hola. Hey there, I'm a boy from Spain.

I'll be in Tokyo next May and I'm seeking friends to hang out with. This is my third trip to Tokyo. I love music, poetry, films, fashion, clubbing, etc. If interested, write me! despairwaltz@gmail.com Irish people. Hi, I am a JF going to Ireland from this Sep for a while, so I'm seeking people from there to exchange information and such. Thanks! applezinger5959@live.com.au Je cherche un français natif pour l'amitié. Bonjour, je suis une femme célibataire, 30s, de Tokyo. Je cherche un ami de la France qui aime l'art, la photographie, le cinéma, la randonnée, etc. fulham_pl_rd@yahoo.co.jp Let's explore Tokyo! JM, 25, living in central Tokyo, seeking a female friend interested in exploring Tokyo. Let's have a nice lunch, too. I'm easygoing and kind.

If you're interested, please respond. t.nakajima100@gmail.com Seeking punk/rock friends. American male, 20s, seeks punk/rock friends in Tokyo. We can hang out, play guitar, or go to concerts together! Any nationality, M/F. I like punk, rock, alternative bands. williamjapan2@gmail.com Weekend lunch/dinner friends.

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

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

Aroma massage. Are you over 35?

Would you like a nice, relaxing aroma oil massage? Amateur masseur seeks mature massage partners to practice on. I can meet anywhere in central Tokyo. amamassage@hotmail.com Attractive SJM 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 Black girl wanted by Scotsman.

Must be a nonsmoker, like (or at least tolerate) dry British humo(u)r, and be willing to write a decent introduction about yourself when you reply, including three reasons why I should reply back. what.is.under@gmail.com Black guy seeking a good woman.

I would like to meet a woman who is kind, honest, compassionate, as well as passionate. The spark has to be there. I have been without that type of mate for a long time. meetmrserious@ yahoo.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 Discreet and passionate lady wanted.

Seeking attached or single lady for a non-committed, trusting relationship.

I'm a kind, educated Caucasian man, mid-40s. Please contact me and let's see if we connect. Thank you. theroyaljoker@yahoo.com Englishman. 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

Foreigner for foreigner - shock! Oh my God, what's this? A foreigner who wants another foreigner and isn't seeking a Shibuya girl or the maid cafe girl he's been dreaming about? Shoot me! I'm obviously an alien invader. m.atsens@ gmail.com Great opportunity for SWF in Tokyo.

Attractive SJM seeks attractive, spiritually mature, thoughtful SWF for meaningful relationship. Shall we begin talking? I won't disappoint you. followupforme14@gmail.com Like hairy chests? You won't be disappointed. PR holder, 41, working in Tokyo for a gaishike, loves mountains more than the city. Interested? Then mail me. Let us explore nature together. peter.o.japan@gmail.com Man seeking Japanese woman in Yokohama. 外国人男性です. Tall, fit, seeking a mature woman for a discreet relationship in Yokohama. Send me mail, please. muchogusto_jp@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 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

Nice gentleman seeks a mature Japanese woman, 50+, to enjoy special sweet moments together, with respect and good manners. vbcfgt@ hotmail.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 Professional? Professional English male seeks down-to-earth professional lady. Any nationality ok, but you must be open, relaxed, have a positive attitude towards life and people, and be world-minded.

Nonsmoker. Tell me: why should I be with you? giveme.s.u.s.h.i@gmail.com Relax in free time. Mature English guy hopes to find a cheerful JF girlfriend for daytime friendship and fun. Married and not too young is best. 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 Secret romance. JM, 52, seeking a girlfriend for a secret romance. JF also ok. I'm an engineer working in central Tokyo. I like overseas travel, movies, etc. Let's meet and have a nice time together. ginzashiodome02@ hotmail.co.jp Seeking a girlfriend. White guy, tall, blue eyes, living in Tokyo, seeks a kind girlfriend around Tokyo. alexinjapan1@hotmail.com Seeking Caucasian lady. Smart and fun SJM, 56, seeks a mature SWF for a long-term friendship in Tokyo.

I'm into traveling, books, swimming and movies. Let's start talking over the internet and over coffee. opentheuniverse@hotmail.com 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 long-term relationship. Hi, I'm Spanish-American, 33, seeking a girl to get to know and hopefully build something with. Serious only. Can't wait to meet my special someone! frankieyo3000@hotmail.com

Two cultures, one love. Goodlooking SJM, 40s, seeking special Western lady for a relationship.

Inquire for more details. Thank you. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp

Seeking serious relationship. Kind guy, early 40s, living and working in Tokyo, open-minded, easygoing, honest, seeks serious relationship.

Any age and shape welcome. benjaminbenjamin12@yahoo.com Seeking serious relationship. I am a down-to-earth kinda guy ready to try and experience life. Seeking a serious relationship leading to marriage. smartguy@i.softbank.jp Seeking Tokyo girl for serious long-term relationship. Professional European, 30s, seeks relationship with a professional, educated, kind, funny woman. Preferably around my age and living in central Tokyo. I am funny, educated, intelligent and decent-looking. aquilatum@gmail. com

Single mother sought by married father with 6-year-old boy for meeting, having fun and speaking English on weekends with the kids.

Let's enjoy the beautiful days of spring together. Boy or girl ok. understanding_life@hotmail.com Sit in bubble bath and chat? Mature and cheerful English WM would love to relax and chat with a cheerful JF (probably married). No complications,

European gentleman for serious relationship. I'm a SJF, 30s, seeking a European gentleman as I'm interested in culture. Email me for more info.

Serious and genuine people who know how to introduce themselves only. framboisier@inter7.jp

Uncomplicated friendship? English gentleman, 50s, easily free in the daytime, seeking a cheery (M)JF for friendship and pleasant times. One of my hobbies is aroma oil massage - long and slow. tempteccobox@ 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

White girlfriend wanted by very warm, nice, generous and sweet SJM, 39, in Tokyo. Let's go to Disneyland, concerts, restaurants, cat cafes, shopping, driving, exploring, etc. mailme77@hotmail.com

H a p py s p ri n g t i m e . S e e k i n g 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

You work in an office, you live alone, you enjoy good food and love movies.

But something's missing in your life.

For a while now, you've wished you had a man to share that time with. Tell me about yourself... titan.islander@ gmail.com

Japanese woman with her own personality. I'm 26, live in central Tokyo, and am seeking a man, 30-37. If you want to meet a new friend, please send me an email with your basic info. aiko.tsuchida17@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. 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

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for foreign men and Japane se women . Leave the event with a new date!

Always more women than men . FREE if signing up in advance! Otherwise, ¥2000. info@exeoi nte rn atio n a l .co m w w w. exeo-international.com

Seeking mature JF, 50+. Hi, I'm a white British male, 35, tall and slim and I hope good-looking, seeking a casual but affectionate relationship.

I'm in a sexless marriage. tokyo3513@ yahoo.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

My ideal night.

Cooking a nice meal together.

Enjoying it with a bottle of wine. Watching a move we rented from Tsutaya... and stopping in the middle to enjoy dessert. What shall we have? Ice cream? Chocolate cake? Tell me... c.carander@ gmail.com

not jealous or possessive - honest!

Daytime is good. Email, Skype? tempteccobox@hotmail.com

L AV I S H D AT 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 you want it to go. Fresh, 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 After work? I work in central Tokyo and it would be nice if we could have lunch or hang out after work. People usually say I am beautiful. blue_ diamond_sea@yahoo.co.jp American? SJF seeks American professional for a serious relationship. Please email with selfintroduction. Serious only, please. patricia_idaida@yahoo.co.jp Casual relationship. I'm a Japanese female, 41, seeking a single man who speaks Japanese. yukon201404@ gmail.com Divorced father? I'm a single mom, early 40s, living in Tokyo, young looks, slender, said to be cute and sexy, down-to-earth, seeking an honest, mature, funny, sophisticated guy, over 40, to share laughter. Serious only. mchie8148@gmail.com

Love for northern lights. I just came back from Lapland and had such a wonderful time. I'm so in love with that place! Anyone feel the same way?

I am a SJF, late 40s, fairly attractive, simple, sophisticated and artistic. oriontopleiades@gmail.com Mature JF seeks generous WM. SJF, 40s, seeks generous WM, late 30s-60s, interested in having dinner, dating, going to private parties, couples’ clubs.

Single, married, visiting men in Tokyo ok. Nonsmokers only. wombatbilby@ yahoo.co.jp Meaningful relationship. SJF, early 40s, 160cm, 46kg, long hair, goodlooking (with objective appraisal), in Tokyo. I'm seeking a professional SWM for a meaningful relationship.

Conversation, dinner, wine, coffee, travel, sharing experiences, leading to marriage. tsubakiya3@hotmail.com Seeking sincere man. Hello there, I'm seeking someone who is sincere. I am a SJF seeking a SWM. I love traveling, drinking, eating out. I go jogging. hacchiru@gmail.com Seeking SWM or DWM. I'm a JF, 41, living in Tokyo, warmhearted, cheerful, chubby, seeking a sane, cheerful, single Caucasian guy with a heart of gold for a serious relationship. camellia. sunflower@gmail.com Single business person wanted. I'm a SJF seeking a SWM, 35-50, whose native language is French or English, to be my friend or partner. I like cooking, baking, language, economics, sociology. legateaufrancais@yahoo. co.jp Single father or focused on work?

Seeking a kind, generous partner? I'm an independent, intelligent Western female, 33, 174, athletic, nature and music lover, seeking a JM for marriage.

Any age is fine. No casual dating - time is precious. rosemary.savanika@gmail. com 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

14.4 GAY & LESBIAN NOBY’S AIM I S SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. Please contact me, a gay Japanese male n a m e d N o b y. egclm@yahoo.co.jp http://ameblo. jp/nob9/theme-10015983008.html

14.5 ESCORTS ESCORTS HAVE GONE ONLINE. To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y com panion , vi sit http :// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ category/personals/escorts.

Horoscope BY CATHRYN MOE

The creation of

beauty is art.

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck

ARIES

TAURUS

This is a week to notice quiet whispers flowing through you. Venus, goddess of love, enters your solar 12th house, foreshadowing what’s to come, letting you know that not everything is on the surface. A mystery arrives as Mercury moves into your sign on Monday. Suddenly things are said that you have felt but weren’t yet confirmed. Have big dreams. Let them revolve around home and hearth and warm cozy nights.

Energy streaming through your nervous system may be the result of the Sun, Uranus, and Juno in your solar 12th house. Be prescient with your dreams, or have a flash of insight that comes out of nowhere. On the surface, no one can see what you’re going through. You’re calm and cool, but underneath, paddling as fast as you can.

Venus could bring a shy romantic encounter. Mercury clears communications beginning Monday.

Mar 21-April 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

GEMINI

June 21-July 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

This week it all speeds up. If you've been moving fast already, consider taking a deep breath. Venus will back you up as she transits to your career sector, knowing that your needs must be met for you to continue on your current trajectory. Mercury enters your sector of friendships on Monday. Someone needs to talk, and you may want to join right in. Certainly, you’ll be feeling an extra dose of courage to express yourself.

Cancer is one of the four signs involved in the approaching cardinal cross.

Prepare this week and next with your copy of The Four Agreements. Promise you won’t take anything personally. Speak up if you’re overextending yourself. Venus transits to your sector of long distance trips, which are not limited to your spiritual outlook. She rewards those who appreciate the beauty, so indulge in inspirational treats.

LEO

VIRGO

You may have downtime over the weekend and a chance to play. Venus enters your sector of sensuality and sharing with a loved one. Take in a film or concert, or melt someone’s heart with a candlelit dinner. On Monday, Mercury transits to your sector of long distance plans, increasing the pace. There's potential for things to move quickly as Mercury will light up Uranus, the Sun and Juno create a turning point for you.

Venus transits opposite your sign on Saturday and you could be in for a blessing. This goddess of love may push you to accept a treat from a partner. If you’re single, you may find love. This is true all the more so because on Monday, Mercury opens up communication in a big way. Things will be moving fast, so be sure to catch all the mails, texts, and telepathic hellos coming your way. Trust yourself and watch the results ring in.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

If you’re feeling pulled in different directions, you’re right on schedule. What’s important to you is being shown right up front. If you want to move towards a partner, get on the fast track. If things are blowing up, now is the time to jump one way or the other. The Sun just connected with Uranus and is moving towards Juno, a partner who will stand by you. Magnetic attraction? Trust it and turn things around to get the balance you seek.

Love is about to hit and you’re feeling it already. But where? When? If you’re single, or in a relationship and wanting to spice it up, keep your eyes open. Venus moves into your romantic sector on Saturday. By Monday, Mercury the messenger has moved into position and the cat’s out of the bag. You might feel a lightening lift of your Saturn in Scorpio scenario. Be sure to tie some balloons to your wrist.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

Listen to your intuition for stellar results.

Venus visits life at home beginning Saturday. This goddess will be hard to pin down unless she trusts what’s on offer. Then she’s yours.

Check your choices. Be solid and honest in your negotiations and you’ll sink into Venus’ embrace.

Flake and she’ll evaporate. On Monday, you can save most situations which will carry through the entire week. Mercury transits to a high profile position. Say it like it is and you will have hit the nail on the head.

Just keep doing what you’re doing.

You’ve gotten through this much, the rest will seem easy. Venus moves into your area of communication and you’re recognized as rather smooth this week. If you need a raise or a loan, it will be hard for anyone to say no. Inasmuch as you’re caught in a four-way traffic jam, you’re more prepared than most. Tricky times are to pull the intuition you were born with right to the surface.

That way you can navigate almost anything.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Watch what Venus does this week. She leaves your sign and cruises right over to your sector of income. Just when you thought you would never catch a break, life’s comforts are coming right at you. Shine in the light of financial attention. If your dreams have turned upside down, put them right side up. Mercury the messenger sidles into your arena of communication and networking on Monday. This is another lead up to nothing ever being the same again.

Pisces is leading the way, though you may not always realize it. It’s imagination and compassion which are needed, and those are strengths of your sign, among other things. This week it’s particularly easy for you to feel this as Venus enters Pisces on Saturday. You may enjoy turning heads and indulging in a special treat or two. On Monday, Mercury takes a stand in your communication sector. Get ready to express yourself with fervor. You’re going to have quite a week.

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April 2014

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 37

The Last Word

Want to have The Last Word? Send your article to: editor@metropolis.co.jp CHRISTI ROCHIN

SIDEWALK CIRCUS

The bustling walkways of Tokyo are no place for cyclists—or are they?

By Byron Kidd

Byron Kidd is an internationally recognized expert on urban cycling and editor of the Tokyo By Bike website.

T

he subject of cycling on the sidewalk seems to spark outrage among the foreign community in Japan, yet for most Japanese people, this is an accepted practice that millions engage in every day. Why the outrage? How is there such a disparity of opinion?

Under Japan’s Road Traffic Act, bicycles are classified as light vehicles and are required to travel on the roads—as one would normally expect.

This was strictly enforced up until the mid-1970s when increased automobile use resulted in a jump in cyclist fatalities, at which time the law was amended to allow pedaling on specifically marked sidewalks and those over 3 meters in width.

Regardless of the law, millions of cyclists around the country choose to ride on pedestrian walks every single day. A typical reaction to this information would be to decree that all of them should stop breaking the law and get back on the roads where they belong.

But the situation is more complicated than that.

When you refer to “cyclists” in Japan you’re actually referring to

everyone: mothers fathers, businessmen, the elderly and children. Yet despite the astronomical number of bicyclists in Japanese cities—and politicians’ love of a good construction project—authorities have shown little interest in providing them with world class infrastructure, something that is evident in other great cycling nations such as The Netherlands and Denmark.

As a result, those who consider the roads too dangerous for cycling—the very reason the law was amended in the ’70s—choose to ride on sidewalks notwithstanding the legal technicalities.

Despite their inaction—or conversely due to their inaction—police and politicians understand that Japanese roads are not ready for cyclists and Japanese cyclists are not ready for the roads. To illustrate the point, in 2012 police began a campaign insisting cyclists ride on the road. Over that period, accidents involving bicycles rose 7 percent. A police spokesman was unprepared to say if the two were related, noting instead that, “more analysis is needed.” After the announcement of these figures, the campaign was swiftly put to rest.

With no safe alternative routes, society here has deemed sidewalk cycling acceptable and police, more concerned with keeping the peace than enforcing the laws to the letter, allow the situation to continue. Typically, they only enforce the law after an accident has occurred or under exceptional circumstances.

Sidewalk cycling is not the only issue. In 2008, the police decided to impose a ban on the common practice of carrying two children on a bicycle, but the burden of not being able to do

so was too much for families who rely on the bike as one of their main forms of transport. Parents collectively refused to comply with the new ruling, which resulted in the law being revoked after only two months.

Cycling while holding an umbrella, or talking on the phone—decried by many—is another practice that police turn a blind eye to. Vocal opponents argue that cyclists pose a danger to pedestrians, but statistically, of 1,634 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2012, only five were killed by cyclists. Enthusiasts will explain that, comparatively speaking, Japanese roads are quite safe and that “if I can cycle on the roads, so can everyone else.” But these people make up a tiny percentage of the total number of bike riders in Japan. The belief of the 1 percent that Japanese roads are safe is not enough to convince the 99 percent who will continue to ride on the sidewalks until such time as adequate, separated lanes are provided.

The ability of Japanese society to

POLICE AND POLITICIANS UNDERSTAND THAT JAPANESE ROADS ARE NOT READY FOR CYCLISTS AND JAPANESE CYCLISTS ARE NOT READY FOR THE ROADS.” shape the rules that govern them gives cyclists here great freedom, but also places upon them the responsibility to ride safely—sadly, a responsibility that some do not take seriously enough.

While an untold number of accidents are waiting to happen on Japanese sidewalks, imagine the carnage that would occur if all cyclists were suddenly forced onto existing roads without protected cycling lanes.

Japanese roads are not ready for cyclists and Japanese cyclists are not ready for the roads. Fix these two issues and the scourge of sidewalk cycling will disappear.

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 Inc. or its partners and sponsors.

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