Metropolis #1055 Jun 13-26, 2014

Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolis.co.jp

NEO-TOKYO FASHION

MEN'S OTAKU COUTURE MOVES FROM THE COMPUTER TO THE CATWALK

Plus

GUYS’ FASHION & GROOMING PROMOTION

DINING OUT

THE LOWDOWN ON STANDUP BARS & WORLD CUP EATING

MUSIC

THIRD COAST KINGS BACK THE FUNK UP

THE LAST WORD MILITARY SPOUSES NOT JUST IN IT FOR THE RIDE

#1055 Jun 13-26, 2014

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Other cosmetic procedures available. For fees and detailed information services, please refer to our homepage.

KNK Bldg 3F 3-5-17, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

1-min walk from Omotesando stn, A3 exit.

Tel: 03-5771-4114 Email: amc@akaiclinic.com Clinic hours: 11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun)

DR. KEIKO AKAI is also a board-certified plastic surgeon, and a dermatologist.

The Akai Clinic offers a range of cosmetic-surgery procedures, laser treatments and skin care, using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques.

www.akaiclinic.com Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist

We welcome email and phone inquiries.

Omotesando

DR. HIDEMI AKAI is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an associate professor of the department of plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at Tokyo’s Showa University.

Dr. Akai trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital before amassing over twenty-five years of experience.

Yokohama

Quadrifoglio 4F 5-14 Kinkocho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama.

1-min walk from Yokohama stn, North East exit.

Tel: 045-620-5745 Email: amc-skincare@akaiclinic.com Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)

INSIDE #1055

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

JUN 13-26, 2014

THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Sid Lloyd won a personal training session courtesy of Club 360.

̶ Hana・Gakoi ̶

Fri, Jun 27 7-11pm Free entry ¥500 drinks

Photo of the week

cuts like a knife

Submit your snaps at http://metropolis.co.jp/photo

If it’s fresh tuna you want—you got it—at our June getsumatsu as we head to Aoyama’s renowned Yakitori Sushi Hanagakoi.

Maguro-no-kaitai show (tuna carving) at 9pm–don’t be late!

NEO-TOKYO FASHION

YAKITORI

MORE INFO: metropolis.co.jp/events

03 THE SMALL PRINT 05 UPFRONT 12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 14AGENDA 15 LISTINGS 20 MOVIES 23 DINING OUT 27 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS 33 HOROSCOPE 34 LAST WORD COVER DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI; STYLIST: SAMUEL THOMAS; MODEL: DANTE CARVER; WARDROBE : MIKIO SAKABE, AI MADONNA; PHOTOGRAPHY: RYAN BRUSS

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

www.123rf.com/metropolis

Peace in Shibuya, by Ricardo Piras

The Small Print

By Steve Trautlein

MAKE THIS OUR CITY” “ LET’S

ćć Officials in Shizuoka are planning an “aerial spraying campaign” to combat a weevil infestation in a pine forest at the Mt. Fuji World Heritage site.

ANNE-MARIE PAPPAS

—Koji Hasada, proposing to his girlfriend, Tomomi Higashijima, on the 450m-high observation deck of Tokyo SkyTree. She said yes.

BIG IN JAPAN ćć The Disney animated film Frozen became the first movie since 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to gross ¥20 billion at the Japanese box office. ćć The only other films to reach the ¥20 billion milestone are Titanic (1997; ¥26.2 billion) and Spirited Away (2001; ¥30.4 billion). ćć Bret Mayer, the 32-year-old New Jersey native who passed the highest level of the 12-level Japan Kanji Aptitude Test, has become the host of a popular radio program in Shizuoka. ćć A book of vegetarian recipes written by the chief cook at Eiheiji temple in Fukui has sold out its initial print run of 2,000 copies.

NATURAL WONDERS ćć Authorities at the Meteorological Agency say the El Nino phenomenon may trigger a coolerthan-usual summer in Japan. ćć That announcement prompted the killjoys at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute to predict that the low temperatures would “depress consumer spending on summer clothes, air conditioners, beer and other drinks.” ćć The health ministry says it will organize health retreats for people who suffer from metabolic syndrome.

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SUSHI

HANAGAKOI

PHOTO BY RYAN BRUSS

06 FEATURE

328,000

Number of patent applications filed in Japan in 2013, according to Japan Patent Office

FINDINGS ćć Resea rchers at t he Nat iona l Museu m of Nature and Science have discovered a new variety of anemone in a garden at the Imperial Palace. ćć According to officials at the forestry agency, only 27.9 percent of the wood sold in Japan in 2012 was domestically produced. In 1955, the figure was 94.5 percent. ćć A study led by researchers from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases has found that up to 70 percent of dental clinics don’t properly sterilize instruments used for drilling teeth. ćć It was reported that professional wrestlers from Japan and the U.S. will participate in an exhibition in Pyongyang.

THE WAGES OF SIN

AND NOW FOR SOME GOOD NEWS ćć Wildlife officials say a “chubby black chick” spotted on an island in the Ogasawara chain may be a short-tailed albatross, which is classified as an endangered species. ćć According to the welfare ministry, the number of children on waiting lists for day care centers has fallen for three straight years. ćć Residents of Setagaya-ku held their first-ever food drive to benefit social welfare organizations. ćć The LDP has set a goal of increasing the proportion of homes that can withstand major earthquakes to 95 percent by the year 2020. The current figure is 80 percent.

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825,000

Number of applications filed in China in 2013

ćć Justices on the Supreme Court finalized the five-year prison term for Olympic gold medal wrestler Masato Uchishiba, who was convicted of raping a woman in 2011. ćć A n 18-yea r-old A mer ica n ma n who once worked as a lifeguard at a military base in Okinawa was arrested for raping a woman and filming the assault on his cellphone. ćć Government officials announced that Japan will treat bitcoins the same way it does credit cards—not as traditional currency but as “a value-added electronic record.” ćć Sentence of the Week: “Elderly residents in provincial areas are increasingly falling prey to a new t ype of telephone scam involving perpetrators posing as their children or grandchildren who call and ask them to come to the capital using lines such as ‘Help me! I’m having a problem. Please come to Shinjuku with money.’” (via The Japan News)

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14.3

Percent of new hires by the National Police Agency in fiscal 2012 who are women, a record high

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

#1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03

ADVERTORIAL

RUNNING WILD!

Relieve the stress of city living at this urban adventure race

W

hen you were a k id, you e x plored plac es you’d never been to before, climbed up trees, hiked in the hills, crawled in the grass and ever yday was an adventure. Now all you do ever y day is get up, go to work, pay bills, go home, take care of the laundry and the cooking and the other tedious daily chores. Wash.

Rinse. Repeat. Life is far from the adventure of yesteryear—it’s stressful. Why not release yourself from the stress of daily living and have some real fun?

On July 19 the Viking Adventure @ Makuhari Park will let you relive all your childhood dreams.

You may have heard of the Warrior Dash that is held in numerous countries including the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada. With over 1.39 million global participants, it is the No.1 obstacle course race in the world. That event was first held in Japan in June 2013. Now, Viking Adventure is the first Japanese running event of the same—or even higher—level as the Warrior Dash and other obstacle events such as Tough Mudder and the Spartan Race.

Japan’s first “running entertainment” consists of a 5k m course t hat t raverses roads, man-made and natural obstacles, beaches and forested trails. There are no rankings or time limits. All of the obstacles are designed not only to challenge your balance and physical strength, but also to require cooperation with your fellow participants. The goal is to have fun, enjoy the time with your friends and, of course, reach the finish line. In fact, in a race with no winners, the biggest highlight is the sense of accomplishment and the Splash Area at the end where all those

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who complete the course are splashed with water shooters or balloons by the runners that finished before them!

The Viking Adventure @ Makuhari Park is a challenging adventure that is sure to relieve the stress of your humdrum daily life and get you feeling excited again!

Even if you’re not a runner, you can still enjoy the festival area (free admission), where there are stage events, DJs, live performances, food courts (alcohol will also be served) and many other activities for the whole family to enjoy. So dance, eat, drink, go crazy and have fun for an entire

day—whether you are racing or not!

Entry fee is ¥6,000 and applications will be accepted until June 27, 2014. About 5,000-6,000 participants are estimated, so apply now to ensure a spot. With that many people taking part, start times are reserved and one race group will begin their adventure every 30 minutes. There will be 10 waves of racers in total.

Reception opens at 8:30am, the race gets underway at 10am and the action finishes around 4pm. For more information and to register, visit http://vikingadventure01.peatix.com/, or email at: vainfo@officepraia.co.jp

Upfront

A M A ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING Dear AMA, I see so many women in Japan with really elaborate nail art. As a man, I’m not up for all that lacquer and 3D stuff, but I’d like to try getting a professional manicure sometime. Is it worth it? And what’s the difference between cutting my nails at home and getting them done at a salon, anyway?—Manny Peddy

Dear Manny Peddy, 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…

Before rejecting the idea of hand and foot treatment for men, think about it for a moment. When you see a well-dressed businessman wea r i n g h i g h- end accessories, but his hands and nails look dry and untidy, does it leave a good impression on you? If your answer is “I don't really care,” then let me tell you, others—especially women—do.

In Japan, men often head to salons for nail care ahead of their wedding, as they know

there will be many close-up photos of their hands while wearing their wedding ring.

Avid sportsmen should also consider regular podiatry care as their feet are under a lot of physical stress.

Nails can deform from bumps and crashes, turning into ingrown n a i l s , wh ic h a re pa i n f u l a nd ca n even require surgery if left unattended. Additionally, if you don’t cut your nails carefully, germs can enter fresh nicks and blisters, and cause infections. Calluses tend to grow thicker on the soles of those who walk or play sports regularly. They can turn dry and then crack (especially in Japan’s winter), which is not only painful but aesthetically

unappealing. If you’re not sure about the condition of your hands and feet, don't be scared to visit a beauty salon. In my opinion it’s as normal as going to the barber shop. I’m sure your existing or future partner will value your effort as well— especially with those well-manscaped and much-more-inviting dexterous digits.

JoliNails Nail Salon and Spa is an English-speaking nail and aesthetic salon in Tokyo. 3-10-9 Shirogane, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6721-9669 or 080-3599-9669. www. joliarts-salon.com

If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything,” send your questions to askanything@metropolis.co.jp and we’ll find the most appropriate people to answer your queries.

texting tees

all hands on deck

The now well-known and ubiquitous characters from the phone chat app Line have apparently “made it” and are now plastered all over Uniqlo’s popular T-shirt brand, UT (¥1,018).

Line “stickers,” as they’re k n o w n , a r e t h e n e x tgeneration emoticon used to fully express what you’re fe e l i n g wh e n te x t i n g — without typing (or saying) a word. Angry with your boss? Send your friend a sticker with Coney glaring at an old oyaji’s back. These hot figures have already sparked a series of retail goods ranging from golf club covers to actual stickers and look like they’re here to stay, brought forth into the analog world. These T-shirts represent the brand’s first real foray into fashion. Available at Uniqlo. —Lisa Wallin

Every year tens of thousands of music and nature lovers make a pilgrimage to Fuji Rock at the end of July to see both domestic and international artists rock out in the forested mountain area of Niigata—more often than not in the rain.

For those who can’t get a ticket or schedule that weekend off, there’s still a chance to get some of that Naeba feelin’ in this summer—and leave Tokyo’s city heat behind. On two occasions leading up to the event, volunteers are needed to help repair and beautify the famous Naeba Independence Boardwalk that meanders through the woods. Lying under snow all winter, some parts rot and need to be taken away. New planks are painted and hammered in place, but it won’t get done by itself—so come out and join the crew. Bonuses include: camping, free bento lunches, great camaraderie and two days’ worth of free onsen entry tickets. Volunteers needed the weekends of June 21-22 and July 12-13. Apply at http://meturl.com/fujiboardwalk —LW

carry all A little company from Australia is now selling it s comp ac t me n’s wallets here in Japan.

With the tagline “slim your wallet,” Bellroy is out to get men to lose the bulk and simplify their pockets by crafting fine quality leathers into wallets designed to hold all of your essentials (bank cards, commuter passes, ID and of course—cash) without making it feel like you have an anchor in your back pocket (especially considerate in the tight squeezes of Tokyo). Replete with hidden sleeves for keeping large notes from prying eyes, a SIM card stash, protective slots for a few business cards and a thoughtful tab to pull out your concealed stack of point cards, both the sleek and minimal Note Sleeve and the crafty Hide & Seek (both ¥9,000) are designed to fit Japanese yen and coins. The muted colors are classy enough to pull from your Yamamoto suit, yet rugged enough for your hipster selvedge denim. Available at retailers like Loft and Murasaki Sports.

Bellroy even deliver direct from Australia. Check the nifty videos on the website for other ways to declutter your duds. http://bellroy.com —Jeff W. Richards

statshot What japanese women don’t want to see their dates wearing.

1. Low-hanging pants.............................................................................................................................100% 2. Camouflage clothes (top to bottom).......................................................................................80.2% 3. Gold or silver chain bracelet........................................................................................................ 78.1% 4. Sandals (in winter).............................................................................................................................72.1% 5. Shorts with leggings.......................................................................................................................... 67.6% 6. Jingling silver jewelry.....................................................................................................................66.1% 7. Sweatshirt and sweatpants combo.........................................................................................65.3% 8. Bandana....................................................................................................................................................64.8% 9. Baseball or soccer uniform/shirt..............................................................................................63.7% 10. Matching jersey (top and bottoms?)....................................................................................62.1% Source: http://ranking.goo.ne.jp

#1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05

Feature

1 BACK TO THE FUTURE heritage fashion

Men’s fashion in Tokyo doesn’t need to be so avant-garde

By Samuel Thomas; Photos of Dante Carver by Ryan Bruss

T

here can be no denying that the world of Japanese men’s fashion—for most of Tokyo’s international community, at least—remains a closed book. To most observers, the styles that tend to be synonymous with the city tend to be of the altogether “wacky” variety—likely to be a source of disapproving stares even beyond Tokyo. However, there is a world of credible men’s fashion lurking beyond the extremities, and one scene in particular that might hit surprisingly close to home.

The Tokyo vintage fashion scene is unique on the world stage, so from the outset you need to cast any and all visions of smelly thrift stores from your mind. It is also one with deep roots, arguably dating back to the publication of the seminal 1960s fashion photography book Take Ivy by Shosuke Ishizu that chronicled the fashion of America’s academic Ivy League elites, setting a precedent for taking inspiration from a fixed snapshot of foreign movements. That characteristic continues to this day with Malcolm McLaren-era Sex Pistols punk still

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reverberating on the streets of Tokyo, and ’90s fashion subcultures joining the fray under the “vintage” label. It is a cycle that fuels a significant portion of Tokyo fashion.

While a similar vintage scene can be found to some degree in most fashion capitals of the world, what really sets Tokyo apart is the fastidious approach to quality control that befits the city.

Many shops here focus predominantly on “dead” (effectively new, unsold) stock, and even repair clothes to like-new condition before selling them.

This obsessive attention to detail—one that treats vintage fashion as living, breathing antiques— helped to spawn the pockets of collectors in the back streets of Harajuku, Shimokitazawa and Koenji by the late 1990s, but it wasn’t until the “remake boom” of the 2000s that the fashion mainstream really took notice.

The process of remaking vintage clothes into new designs was a relatively unmarked revolution in Japanese fashion, sparking an ideological change in the minds of the ’90s lost generation, who could not afford the new luxury that baby boomers were consuming, but could create their own value

by making new fashion out of pieces of the old. This was also the energy behind some of Japan’s most notable fashion ambassadors abroad, including the brand Undercover by Jun Takahashi and cult label Number (N)ine from Takahiro Miyashita, whose remix approach to ageless fashion staples continues to define modern Japanese couture from the street strata right up to the catwalk level.

Now, thanks to generations of genre splicing that have left the definition between new and vintage thoroughly blurred, we find ourselves up to date in present day Tokyo. It is the turn of the shops—rather than the fashion—to take center stage. In the post-vintage marketplace, many of Japan’s most recognizable street styles coveted abroad are ironically the curation of classic clothes imported from Europe and America. It is the crucial selection and coordination of these pieces into new styles by the shops themselves that opens up almost unlimited possibilities.

So, with shops catering to almost every possible iteration of menswear through the ages at your fingertips, and issues of sizing being far less common than even at Uniqlo, where do you start?

KEY AREAS HARAJUKU

KOENJI

SHIMOKITAZAWA

The first stop for the uninitiated is Harajuku, but don’t waste your time on the main streets or the tourist-friendly Takeshita dori. Head instead directly for the urahara—or back streets—of Harajuku, where you will find yourself spoiled for choice with friendly shops used to helping newcomers find their feet.

Koenji quite rightly enjoys a reputation as the elite hunting ground for high-level vintage.

While the area is currently known for younger, quirkier shops, the old guard still rule the roost, obsessing over rare Talon zips and only willing to pass on their hard-earned knowledge to the serious vintage hunter.

With its reputation for foreignerfriendly hipster culture, it is no surprise to find cheaper vintage fashion for those determined to look like they are not making the effort. But looking beyond the likes of New York Joe, there is a healthy scene found clustered around the station catering to some very niche tastes.

BERBERJIN

QOSMOS

BAD-NICE

Berberjin is a serious presence in Harajuku, and has six different shops in the backstreets area, with stock ranging from the accessible and affordable to very rare tour T-shirts likely to cost you a month’s salary. They even offer a loving repair service for vintage items, where you can get exact replicas for zips, buttons and conchos to keep your favorite gear alive and kicking. www.berberjin.com

A relatively new addition to the Tokyo fashion landscape, Qosmos takes urban cult to its logical conclusion with a mixed and remixed approach to Freemason and secret society vintage pieces. It is as much a museum as it is a shop. www.qosmos.jp

Why not complete the vintage look with a wet shave and trim at an old-school barber, such as Bad-Nice, Koenji? There is still a scattering of traditional Japanese shops in central Tokyo, but a new generation is picking up the mantle to keep the service alive against the ever-rising tide of the squeaky clean salon. www.bad-nice.com

KEY BRANDS VINTAGE

Needless to say, for the truly authentic look you have to turn to vintage—and thankfully it is no great exaggeration to say that the best of the world’s vintage seems to be collected in Tokyo right now, so take advantage of the resources at your fingertips.

BLACKMEANS This proudly “Made in Japan” brand has been catering to Tokyo’s serious bikers for the best part of a decade, but recent offerings have been some of the most progressive menswear the city has represented since the glory days of Jun Takahashi’s Undercover line. http://blackmeans.com

KIDILL PHOTO BY SAMUEL THOMAS

First, you have to make the difficult call as to whether you are happy to wear used clothes or not. If you choose the latter, that need not close doors entirely given that Tokyo’s vintage scene is positively bursting with enough unworn dead stock—from vaults of Levi’s jeans to Saville Row suits—to keep you classically attired for life. Add to that new brands indistinguishable from the vintage pieces sold side-by-side, and there really ought to be no barriers to getting the look.

The second step is to ground yourself in your comfort zone—whether it is a worn Schott Perfecto leather jacket of the Marlon Brando variety or a razor-sharp safari suit, your starting point should be one of personal identity and comfort.

From there, insert an element of discord out of the original context to really make the look your own and contribute to the ongoing fashion conversation at large. Those tired of mainstream, trend-based fashion will be relieved to know that thanks to this heritage approach being largely outside the conventional Japanese system, you can be as indulgent as you like—safe in the knowledge that there really are no “rules” to break anymore.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL THOMAS

Dante wears cult Tokyo label Blackmeans, with an ensemble that contrasts British heritage with LA skater culture. The wide leg shorts and t-shirt setup riff on crust punk patchwork in stark polarity to the Barbour-style jacket often worn by the British Royal Family. Finishing the look we have caramel and black bangles, which again contrast raised punk studs with smarter round ones.

Pushing Dante’s own comfort zone we replaced his sneakers with 1970s vintage engineer boots.

All courtesy of Laboratory/Berberjin®

PHOTO BY SAMUEL THOMAS

PHOTOS BY RYAN BRUSS - WWW.RYANBRUSS.COM

DANTE’S LOOK

PHOTO BY SAMUEL THOMAS

KEY SHOPS

This young brand’s first season is only just going on sale—in this case at the asylum-themed Honey’s Dead shop in Harajuku—but it has already made a name for itself among fashion insiders with designer Hiroaki Sueyasu’s ice-cold mix of formal wear and street fashion essentials. www.kidill.jp

#1055 #1051 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 07

Feature

BEYOND 2 GEEK CHIC

neo-tokyo fashion

Akihabara’s otaku fashion picks up where yankii and ganguro left off

By Samuel Thomas; Photos of Dante Carver by Ryan Bruss

T

he days when foreign, self-proclaimed otaku (“nerds”) expected to rock up on the streets of Tok yo in Naruto headbands and be accepted by “their people” are mercifully largely behind us in the expat communit y—w ith a couple of rather wince-inducing exceptions—and the reality is that despite anime- and manga-themed events like Comiket (Comic Market) being some of the largest public gatherings in Japan, there is a prevalent attitude that those tastes are best enjoyed in private. However, even as visitors and long-term residents alike have learned to limit public displays of private tastes to the wallpaper on one’s phone, there stirs a movement to bring otaku tastes to fashion proper.

Fashion is one medium that loves its rebels, and in the absence of biker gangs and ganguro— those Japanese girls with tanned skin, bleached hair and heavy makeup—stalking the streets of Shibuya these days, it is the turn of otaku to be this generation’s iconoclasts. Nowhere is this more evident in Japanese fashion than at the lowest common denominator of yankii (juvenile delinquent) subcultures in general. Where once you might have seen traditional or tattoo imagery on their clothes, bikes, cars and vans, these days you are much more likely to spot digital pop-starlet Hatsune Miku or surprisingly suggestive bishojo (“beautiful girl”) imagery. But when you think about it, from a societal perspective, the message behind those two polar opposites is one of national identity—and a crucial visual renunciation of the standards of mainstream society. So it is not surprising to find bleeding-edge fashion focusing on Akihabara and its culture—with designers such as Mikio Sakabe casting idol group Dempagumi.inc

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You may know our cover model, Dante Carver, from those longrunning TV spots for Softbank. He’s appeared on the cover of Metropolis before and was kind enough to model for Samuel Thomas’ piece on neo-Tokyo fashion. He’s also started his own design and apparel company called @@ designs. Read our candid interview with Carver online at http://meturl.com/dantecarver

as his models, and even the advent of the Gokai fashion boutique in the heart of Akihabara selling clothes made from repurposed love pillows.

However, even for the die-hard foreign otaku, the kind of Akihabara couture currently being toasted in the high fashion community is likely to be a step (or jump) out of most people’s comfort zones. In reality all that people want is a respectable way to show their geek colors. Luckily, the trickle down effect from the avant-garde to the street has given Tokyo residents a spike in credible

ways to wear their interests—and we’re not talking about your average, instantly understood “geek-chic” T-shirt with an ironic slogan. No, the taste is towards the subtle. The key factor in a successful look is that it should not be immediately obvious without some degree of explanation. That is to say: those in the know will catch on, but the general public will be none the wiser.

Even those obligated to wear a suit to work need not be excluded: brand Strict-G includes Mobile Suit Gundam-themed tailoring in its

KEY AREAS

KEY SHOPS

Along with Ikebukuro for fujoshi (“boys’ love”) female otaku culture fans, Akihabara is the first destination for most foreign anime and manga fans. While it has those looking for the extreme end of Akiba fashion covered, you will need very high levels of both fashion sense and cultural knowledge to get the look right.

The first fashion boutique to open in Akihabara is still one of Tokyo’s finest. The chaotic inside of the shop deliberately mirrors the saturation of culture that sits outside, and is as much an art installation as it is a shop.

AKIHABARA

GOKAI

ITAZURA The chaos embodied by this shop is as difficult to find on the backstreets of Koenji as it is to navigate once you are inside. Deliberately claustrophobic, fashion and toys hang from the ceiling obstructing your progress, but if you have ever wanted a bag in the shape of a Nintendo GameCube you will have to brave it. www.itazuratokyo.com

NAKANO BROADWAY The sub-cultural hub of west Tokyo is home to a number of great boutiques, including Chaos Market in the basement area, where you can easily pick up some subversive fashion statements without breaking the bank—or your cool.

HAYATOCHIRI

KOENJI

The very walls of this shop are papered with manga, and while it’s known for its selection of avant-garde and student work, there are plenty of wearable pieces for fashion civilians here. http://hayatochiri-koenji-kitakore. com/

True subculture fans are advised to head to Koenji, where the underground has them covered— the fashion brands have no homepages and everything here is one-of-a-kind. Only experienced shoppers need apply.

KEY BRANDS MIKIO SAKABE

PHOTOS BY RYAN BRUSS - WWW.RYANBRUSS.COM

NUKEME This glitch artist uses fashion as his medium, hacking into embroidery and jacquard fabrics to create distorted graphics and textures that look like reality itself is digitally corrupted. http://nukeme.nu/

jewelry from Crystal Moon, which follows in the path of anime goods company Cospa in giving you the furtive option of wearing your allegiances in precious metal.

Those looking for more technically exciting options would do well to look to “fashion hacker” and anonymous designer Bodysong, who takes noteworthy designs from other brands and distorts the pattern in such a way as to make it look as if the original is digitally glitching. Along with regular collaborator “Nukeme,” he has even been

PHOTO BY SAMUEL THOMAS

line-up, the pockets cut to reference the chest vents of the iconic titular robot and other details likely to go unnoticed except by fellow fans.

The more adventurous would do well to head away from Akihabara to west Tokyo, where the recently opened Asagaya Anime Street is leading the charge in attempting to define a socially acceptable face for the scene in the sub-cultural heartland of Tokyo that stretches from Nakano through Koenji and on to Asagaya on the Chuo line. There you will find anime-themed silver

This official Mobile Suit Gundam-themed fashion label is available at Gundam Front in DiverCity, and is also the only place where you can purchase collaborations with Edwin jeans and Onitsuka Tiger sneakers among others. www.strict-g.com

PHOTO BY SOTSU SUNRISE

Dante wears a white Mikio Sakabe suit from the Save Point-themed SS 2014 collection.

In it, Sakabe explores ideas of nuclear pollution in the video game Final Fantasy VII and anime Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The blue pocket detail is at once cute, but also a reference to toxic corrosion—as if the pocket is melting. The T-shirt is a collaboration between Mikio Sakabe and Japanese illustrator Ai Madonna, known for her confrontational approach in using otaku imagery to tackle women’s issues in Japan.

All courtesy of Mikio Sakabe.

STRICT-G PHOTO BY SAMUEL THOMAS

DANTE’S LOOK

A leading light of this generation of fashion designers, Mikio Sakabe breaks taboos on a regular basis using idols as models, making schoolgirl sailor uniforms for men, and challenging the Euro-centric view of fashion in Japan. www.mikiosakabe.com

known to hack into sewing machines to corrupt the code and produce deliberately glitchy graphics on wearable street fashion basics such as snapbacks and easy-to-throw-on T-shirts.

Whatever direction you take it, the key is to keep it subtle so that you and people in the know get the references, but not the public at large. That way you show the same sensitivity to the subject that your average Japanese fan would—a sensitivity that is key lest you find yourself avoided on the train home.

#1055 #1051 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 09

Men’s Fashion&Grooming

Leave the man cave behind and welcome the summer in

DUDE Shimokitazawa

WEBSITE SPECIAL OFFER ▶▶ Bring this copy of Metropolis for a free English-language consultation

I

f you’re a guy who doesn’t like going to those boisterous salons catering to the ladies or barbershops that specialize in using dog clippers, someone who just wants to have his hair cut well—but quietly—and with no extra hassle, you should zero in on Dude. Located among the trendy lanes of Shimokitazawa, among a host of independent coffee shops, purveyors of vintage goods and even waffle houses, Dude is a salon with its priorities firmly in place. The staff there are friendly but efficient, and what they’re keen on doing is giving you what you came for—a stylish haircut that suits you the best and will have you looking and feeling great for the coming summer. They also believe in providing a totally relaxing atmosphere and leaving their customers in peace as they get a trim. So aim for a hassle-free life—and haircut—at Dude.

INK ILLUSION TATTOO Shibuya

2-26-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku 03-3468-9116 Wed & Fri 10am-7:30pm, Thu 10am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon-Tue Shimokitazawa www.dude.jp

WEBSITE SPECIAL OFFER ▶▶ Bring this copy of Metropolis for coin-size work from ¥5,000, card size from ¥25,000 and post cardsize from ¥40,000

F

or the man looking to get inked, Ink Illusion Tattoo is a very private studio conveniently located a short walking distance from Shibuya. With two female tattoo artists on staff, Ink Illusion offers a variety of options including full color creations, black & gray work and tribal designs. Original concepts or ideas are more than welcome, and you can bring in your own design or simply sit down and work with the staff to develop an original one created just for you. Of course, you can always choose from one of the many traditional Japanese designs they have on display in their studio for your new piece of body art. One point is ¥7,000; cash only.

They’re more than happy to accept inquiries at any time, but if you don’t want to wait for other clients who called in advance, it’s best to make a reservation.

MDSA Azabu Juban

1007 Daines Ichiban-kan Shibuya, 1-11-5 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku 03-3463-3347 Daily 2-8pm info@inkillusion.com Shibuya www.inkillusion.com

WEBSITE SPECIAL OFFER ▶▶ Bring this copy of Metropolis and receive a full face treatment for ¥23,000 (reg. ¥29,250) or upper back for ¥17,400 (reg. ¥20,500) SERVICES Men’s hair removal (per visit/per five sessions): ▶▶ “Speedo” area: ¥38,000/¥133,000 ▶▶ Full face: ¥29,250/¥87,750 ▶▶ Upper body: ¥65,000/¥247,000

Y

ou’ve been hibernating all winter. Now that summer’s here, it’s time to lose the scruff and do a little “manscaping” to look your best for hot days at the beach and lounging on a Tokyo rooftop deck. MDSA Hair Removal Salon, just a two-minute walk from Azabu-Juban station, offers secluded treatment rooms, English-speaking staff, a reservation-only policy and an atmosphere that caters to men—as well as women—so it’s not all feminine. The tools and procedures used to remove unwanted hair from backs, shoulders, bellies and those “mankini” lines come direct from the U.S. Head in for a free consultation and a localized hair-removal trial to see for yourself how it works. You’ll be impressed by the efficiency, minimal discomfort and the good value.

Rooms can service two people, so bring your friend or girlfriend along to also benefit from MDSA’s service while they hold your hand—if you’re man enough!

10 ● SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2F Ishihara Bldg, 3-7-1 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku 03-6435-1276 info@mds-a.jp Mon-Fri noon-11:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-11:30pm Azabu-Juban http://mds-a.jp/english

style with the help of these Tokyo specialists in the manly art of looking your best!

WEBSITE

SAKAZEN Shibuya

SPECIAL OFFER ▶▶ Bring in this copy of Metropolis and receive 10% off selected items

T

ired of trying on that classy shirt only to find that your physique defies Japanese clothing sizes? Maybe you gave up trying a long time ago. Help is at hand in the heart of Shibuya. Sakazen is the perfect place for guys to jump into a cool new wardrobe for the hot summer months. Offering everything from casual clothing to formal suits, the shop specializes in fashion for big and tall men and also stocks regular sizes, which means there’s something for everyone. Their summer-long sale (on until the end of August) has gentlemen’s casual and business wear up to 80 percent off. Suits with an extra pair of pants can be had for just ¥19,000 (reg. ¥49,000) or business jackets for ¥9,800 (reg. ¥29,000). World-famous brands including Versace, Armani and Hugo Boss are available at great prices—and in just your size. So forget flying home to replenish your closet, head to Shibuya and get yourself suited up.

29-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku.

03-3770-1641 Open daily 11am-9:30pm Shibuya www.sakazen.co.jp

WEBSITE

SIN DEN Omotesando

SPECIAL OFFER HAIR: SHINOBU@SIN DEN

▶▶ 20% off the cost of all treatments on your first appointment (offer valid until Aug 31, 2014)

I

n Tokyo, guy grooming is a given and summer is the prime time to heat things up with your sense of style. Let the experts at Sin Den help you nail a fresh look that’s easy to maintain and city smart, bring your hairstyle to its peak condition or show off highlights and shades that are huge this year. Sin Den stylists listen to what you want. Whether you like it rough, suave, slick or scruffy, they've got you covered with their bilingual and internationally trained team. Why not combine services and save time with a nailist who puts the “man” in manicure! New to Sin Den? Please take advantage of our sizzling summertime deal: trim twenty percent off any man’s first cut or colour. Already enjoying Sin Den’s wickedly great reputation? Add to the fun: just introduce a new gentleman client, and you’ll both get 20% off your next service.

VIP CREATIVE HAIR

Moto Azabu

3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 03-3405-4409 Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm Omotesando www.sinden.com

WEBSITE SPECIAL OFFER ▶▶ Mention Metropolis and receive 10% off plus a 15-min head spa (valid until the end of Aug 2014) SERVICES ▶▶ Hair: Cut, color, perm, highlights and head spa ▶▶ Body: Waxing and men’s facials

W

ith a friendly, English-speaking team of experts who have been serving the foreign and Japanese communities in Tokyo for many years, VIP Creative Hair salon is here to meet all your hair care needs. Whether you’re looking for just a trim or a hot new look for summer, Yuko and her staff will roll out the red carpet and treat you right as they help you upgrade your look for beach, party and travel season. All of their basic men's cuts include a stimulating shampoo, style, refreshing hot or cold towel and relaxing shoulder massage. Cuts are carried out in private rooms and beverages are served on request. As their loyal foreign clients will attest, you can leave your stress behind, relax and enjoy the VIP treatment at this exceptional hair salon.

Address 2F YS Bldg, 2-1-21 Moto-Azabu, Minatu-ku 03-6408-6132 Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon Hiroo or Roppongi www.vipcreativehair.jp

#1055 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 11

Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS music

THIRD COAST KINGS

Riding that funk tailwind all the way to Japan

By Dan Grunebaum

M

ost musicians who visit Japan have ridden an airplane before. Not so for James Keovongsak.

“We went in 2012 and played Fuji Rock,” recalls the drummer for Michigan funk crew Third Coast Kings. “That was my first time on a plane—it was our first time in a foreign country—and to look down and see them singing along to our songs, it was a wow moment.”

Third Coast Kings are one of those Fuji Rock discoveries that promoter Smash unleashes on unsuspecting—but well-lubricated—festival crowds. Which is not to say that Third Coast Kings are unknowns. On the contrary, they’ve been cultivating a following since 2007 and have just had their second album, West Grand Boulevard, released worldwide.

“I’d always been in bands growing up, bouncing between acts and things never worked out.

I think you have to go through that to learn how to be a mature band,” Keovongsak says. “I wasn’t really sure if it was going to work out—we’ve had a few members leave—but the vision has remained the same.”

Keovongsa k remembers t he moment he realized the quixotic mission of forming an eight-member 21st-century retro-funk act might actually come to fruition.

“The first time I felt like we were moving in the

12 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

right direction was [when] I had a notepad where I’d written a list of labels to contact. I’d set it aside and then eventually Record Kicks contacted me— and I realized I’d written them down. I couldn’t believe they’d contacted me with an offer themselves. Then you actually put your music out in places like Portugal—it’s amazing people in such faraway countries listen to our music.”

The shiny new West Grand Boulevard shivers and shakes with feel-good Detroit funk vibes.

Songs tread a fine line between slavish imitation of and devoted inspiration by funk and soul greats starting first and foremost with James Brown.

“It opens up with ‘Ice Cream Man,’” Keovongsak explains. “The idea behind it was hot summers

in the streets of Detroit. You know how when you’re a little kid and you hear the ice cream truck and bug your mother for a dollar or two? It’s a fun reminiscence of an experience most of us have had in our lives.

“The second track, ‘Get Some Leave Some,’ is a more overt tribute. We’re giving back our little part of this legacy after we’ve already taken some of it.”

Keovongsak believes you have to put yourself on a funk diet if you hope to make the tradition your own. “When you’re comfortable with it you can start producing the sounds in your head,” he says. “If you keep them in your head it’s going to come out in an organic way. But if you haven’t spent the time to research what you’re doing and put some heart in it, it shows. I like to think with our music now it shows we put the work into it to get a vintage sound that’s our own.”

Third Coast Kings aren’t afraid to showboat on stage, but they also realize that first and foremost it’s about getting the audience to interact—a lesson the ’60s funk entertainers understood implicitly, but that artists of later years sometimes forget.

“We like to look around and feed off the energy and hopefully it becomes infectious to the crowd,” Keovongsak observes. “Most of the time people are shy until you really get into the groove. When there are eight people up there having fun then it sends the message it’s ok to move your butt a bit.”

Sep 25, Club Quattro. See concert listings for details.

TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY

games

GOICHI SUDA

The gaming auteur on creativity and world domination

By Adam Bolton

G

oichi Suda, the CEO, founder and creative force behind Grasshopper Manufacture has, over the course of 16 years, become synonymous with artistic and original video games the world over. Known for such titles as Killer 7, No More Heroes, Lollipop Chainsaw and Killer Is Dead, Grasshopper Manufacture is recognized for its offbeat story lines, unique visuals and genre-breaking themes. Suda sat down with Metropolis to discuss what it takes to stay innovative in this ever-changing, multibilliondollar industry.

Could you give our readers a little background on your company? I made Grasshopper Manufacture in 1998 to make original titles. We kept our independence for about 15 years, and in the 16th, we joined the GungHo group to work with their capital. In 2005, we released Killer 7—not just for Japan but for a worldwide audience, and ever since then it's been our mission to keep making titles for the international market.

What got you started in video games? My generation saw the beginning of the gaming industry. In Japan, we didn't have Atari games, but we had Nintendo Famicom, and before that, the arcades. Over time, we all witnessed the convergence of the industry. It was kind of like Harry Potter learning to use magic for the first time. Developers quickly became addicted to the tools of game-making and just took off with it.

What are the main visual influences for Grasshopper’s unique style of games? Every time I think of a game, I always think about the scenario and concept. I always want to use the art style as proof that this is a Grasshopper game. I hope everyone will be able to see one screenshot from the game and say, “Oh yes, this is a Grasshopper title!”

Even if they don't do that, we at least want to draw them in and make them curious. We think of games as an art form, so that's why we think very carefully what style to use.

What does a game need to stand out in today’s highly competitive market? I think what’s really important is what is at the core. Whether you’re creating something interesting or fun or new, you need to build a good foundation. It’s being made by people, so what’s really important is the amount of energy you put into what you create.

Would you consider Grasshopper a company that caters to an open, free-flowing indie scene? We’ve always had the freedom to create something new, and I think each publisher we've worked with has wanted us to do that. We will definitely maintain and grow that spirit in the future.

Have you considered a Morpheus-enabled Grasshopper title? The Oculus Rift or even PlayStation 4’s Morpheus [two virtual reality headsets] are really amazing, and I think those will really bring the industry to the next phase. I'm really interested in those peripherals, so it would be interesting to create something [for them].

Is there a Grasshopper title that particularly stands out for you? As we always have limited time or budget, everything we’ve done so far is the best we could possibly do.

I would have to say... I spent a lot of time on Silver Case and Killer 7. I really pushed a lot of boundaries for different aspects for those titles. Silver Case was a debut title, so I had a lot of creative freedom. With Killer 7, Shinji Mikami [creator and designer for the Resident Evil/Biohazard franchise] really protected us, so we could do whatever we liked.

In a recent interview with 4Gamer you talked about new ideas and “breaking” certain traits of Grasshopper Manufacture. Up until now, we’ve always had to work with publishers. Merging with GungHo, we now have a little more leeway. I think from now on, we want to create games that can’t really be categorized into one genre, so that’s where we’re starting.

Many Grasshopper titles have had multilanguage support. Is this a conscious attempt to make titles widely localized before launch? Definitely! It depends on which publisher we work with, but as my philosophy goes, I would like to have as many languages as possible in my games so we can have everyone around the world enjoy them.

Which is more important: a strong, cohesive storyline or something that's speculative and open to interpretation? Personally speaking, the second is really my preference— to just have everything open to interpretation. But when you are making a product, a mixture of option one and two is somewhat required. As far as the number one option, having everything spelled out is something I’m so not interested in!

From Photo-Respiration #347, Hattachi, 199

art

TOKIHIRO SATO

Fairylike photography at Tokyo Met

By C.B. Liddell

O

ne of the first words that pops into your mind when you see the photography of Tokihiro Sato is “ethereal”—or possibly “dreamlike,” “surreal” and “atmospheric.” Note that none of these words are normally associated with photography, an art form that is better suited to documenting the gritty and mundane than evoking a magical realm slightly to the left of reality, which is exactly what Sato’s photography does.

The “Sato Tokihiro: Presence or Absence” exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography is a major retrospective of the artist’s work, and includes several series of works photographed using different techniques. Most effective is his “Photo-Respiration” series, in which he uses long time exposures, usually at night, to create works that appear uninhabited, in which the artist himself is actually present but invisible. The only sign that he is there are dots or streaks of light that he creates using a penlight or a mirror focused on a distant source of light. In some of his works from the 1990s, taken in the deserted nightscape of Odaiba, his presence, in penlight form, manifests itself as a kind of glowing spaghetti, occupying one part of the photograph and serving as a record of his movements.

This might seem a tad pretentious—and maybe it is—but the way in which the artist visually signals his presence also gives us a sense of the way that humans are both solid and dynamic creatures, and thus also transient. We pass through the world leaving effervescent trails behind us. But the same can also be said for aspects of our environment, such as our cities. One of the reasons Sato was so attracted to Odaiba was because in the Bubble years it represented the scrap-andbuild mentality that saw Tokyo forever changing.

Later works show Sato exploring more eternal themes, with seascapes where the long exposures preserve the definition of the rocks but turn the water into a kind of visual mist. Once again, Sato is present as dots of light.

Looking at works like this it’s hard not to be reminded of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, and in particular the character of Tinkerbell—the glowing, firefly-like fairy. This association with the fairies is even more apparent in his forest scenes, which are truly enchanting and pagan. Not surprisingly, these also seem to evoke a Japanese sense of animism, of nature having its own sentience—although, of course, Sato is the hidden hand in this case.

Another interesting set—at least in concept if not quite in its results—is his “Wandering Camera” series. Sato was struck by the fact that the word camera comes from the Latin word for room, as in the term “camera obscura,” a darkened chamber in which people can see scenes inside projected from outside using a lens. Sato created his own portable camera obscura and travelled up and down Japan using it to both take pictures and sleep in, poetically suggesting a link between the refracted light of photography and our dreams.

Until July 13, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography. See exhibition listings (Shibuya/Ebisu) for details.

#1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 13

AGENDA

exhibition

BALLET COSTUMES

stage

KAMUI � Tetsuro Shimaguchi has an extensive background in swordsmanship, but even a decade later he’s still most likely remembered for his part as Miki of the Crazy 88 in Kill Bill Vol. 1 (Remember him versus Beatrix?). His most important work was off-camera, though, choreographing scenes such as the unforgettable duel in the garden of snow between Beatrix and O-Ren Ishii, leader of the Tok yo underground. Now, after several world tours, Shimaguchi returns with his team of master sword artists, Kamui, for some performances in their homeland. The group combines traditional swordplay with modern arts and music. The blade masters take to the stage to show off their precision fighting, accompanied by well-known artists, musicians, kabuki actors and more.—Lisa Wallin Jun 17-21, Asakusa Rock Yumemachi Restaurant Theater. See stage listings for details.

� Paris-based avant-garde Serge Pavlovich Diaghilev-led Ballets Russes revolutionized the classical art world in the first half of the 20th century. With modern and dazzling dance choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, who also performed in the dance company, they set their European guests ablaze with ideas of what potential ballet could hold for future generations. The costumes, too, were striking and dazzling: gone were the frilly tutus of performances past, and in their place were complete outfits of splendor and color that have finally received an exhibition devoted to them in “Ballets Russes: The Art of Costume.” Pieces by Léon Ba k s t , A le x a nd r e Benois and others will be on display until September.—LW Jun 18-Sep 1, The National Art Center, Tokyo. See (Akasaka/Roppongi) listings for details.

Léon BAKST. Costume for Shah Zeman from the Ballets Russes’ production of Schéhérazade, 19101930s. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

gig

MOSS � With a hodgepodge of inf luences from Led Zeppelin to John Schofield, Moss is the latest international band to make an impact on the Tokyo band circuit. While global in nature, Moss has deep roots in Tokyo: frontman Erik Reiff grew up here to German/Japanese and Filipino parents. After finishing international school, he moved to England to study at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Between 2007-2011, Reiff played around the UK, Japan, Germany and Cambodia in countless venues including Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club. Moss has just released its debut outing, Pepe’s Dream, a heady confection of indie, folk, rock and progressive leanings. It was recorded in just seven days and “mistakes” were left uncorrected to give it a true, live sound.—Dan Grunebaum Jun 20, Blue Mood, and Jul 3, Sangenjaya Heaven’s Door. See concert listing for details.

community

concert

comedy

� Throwing away your clothes or selling them to a person you’ve never met isn’t really all that exciting. But Swaq Tokyo hopes to change that with a new variant on the swap party concept, aiming to establish both a clothes exchange and an innovative system of ecology. In a city overflowing with barely-worn clothes, each offers a chance to embrace a stylish and green lifestyle while having fun and meeting new people. The entrance fee changes according to the venue, but typically ranges around ¥500-1,000. The party will be held at a local f lorist with free f lowers, drinks and delicacies. So start digging through your closet and get ready to enjoy this f loral, fashionable and eco-friendly exchange opportunity.—Ai Hosokawa Jun 28, Flower Kitchen of Porters. See community listings for details.

� The daughter of renowned Brazilian multiinstrumentalist Egberto Gismonti, pianist Bianca Gismonti makes her first visit to Japan. With a light touch, Gismonti refracts tropical sound and light through a prism of traditional jazz.

She arrives as the head of her own group for two nights at the Cotton Club in Marunouchi. The trio also includes her husband, Julio Falavigna, with whom she recorded the multihued new album Sonhos de Nascimento (Dreams of Birth).

Brisk and poppy, tracks like the upbeat “Filha de Acari”(Acari’s Daughter) channel música popular brasileira—post-bossa nova Brazilian urban pop, a.k.a. MPB—while making occasional space for haunting classical explorations like “Pequena Dú” (Little Dú).—DG Jun 29-30, Cotton Club. See concert listings (jazz/world) for details.

� Expat comedy group the Pirates of Tokyo Bay is joined by American outfit Improv America for a special bilingual show in Ebisu. POTB says the night will consist of a joint show of games, scenes and hilarity. The Pirates are currently riding high, having just been chosen to travel to NYC to represent Japan along with some of the better comedy groups from around the world, where they plan to experiment with their long-form game. The sister group of the Pirates of the Dotombori (POTD), which was founded in 2005 in Osaka, the Kanto Pirates have been performing since 2010, and style themselves Kanto’s only bilingual improv comedy group—giving them the edge in appealing to both foreign and Japanese audiences at the same time.—DG Jul 13, What the Dickens. See stage listings for details.

TOG SWAP

14 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

BIANCA GISMONTI

PIRATES OF TOKYO BAY

Listings

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

Concerts

TLC

POPULAR Albert Lee

Country rock. Jun 13-15. various times, ¥7,500-9,500.

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

Acid Black Cherry

Former Janne Da Arc member's solo project. Jun 13, 6:30pm; Jun 14, 5:30pm, ¥7,500 (adv) +1d. Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.

Tel: 050-5533-0888. www. diskgarage.com

Kaminari Sessions

Genius guitarist Rolly and others. Jun 13, 7:30pm, ¥4,000 (adv)/ ¥4,500 (door) +1d.

F.A.D Yokohama. Nearest stn: Ishikawa. info@kaminariguitar.com. www.fad-music. com

Skall Headz

Playful ska punk with The Trust Blast and others.

Jun 13, 6pm, ¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door) +1d. Eggman.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. skallheadz.com

Merch-Buy Night Vol. 1

Pop-punk band Five New Old, The Winking Owl and more. Jun 13, 6pm, ¥2,000 (adv). The Game. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5456-5038. www.fivenewold.com

Tak Matsumoto

Japanese guitarist and singer.

Jun 14-Jun 15. various times, ¥9,800. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp

Big Mouth Rock Festival Meaning, Nogod, Lynch and others. Jun 14, 4pm, ¥4,100 (adv)/ ¥4,600 (door). Club Citta. Nearest stn: Kawasaki.

Tel: 045-650-2155. www. artpop.org/bmrf2014

Broccasion Live

Asparagus, Back Drop Bomb, The Novembers and more.

Jun 14, 4pm, ¥4,500 (adv) +1d.

Ex Theater Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-34446751. www.smash-jpn.com

Miyavi

Guitar virtuoso accompanied

by Bobo the Drummer. Jun 15, 6pm, ¥4,500 (adv) +1d. Zepp DiverCity. Nearest stn: Daiba.

Tel: 03-3475-9999. www. myv382.com

Brahman

Heavy rockers with an anti-nuke agenda. Jun 17, 7:30pm, ¥2,999 (adv) +1d.

Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Jun 25, 7:30pm, ¥2,999 (adv) +1d. Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn: Aomi.

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

Vanessa Williams

R&B singer. Jun 17-19, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥11,000-13,000.

Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com

Russian Red

Spanish indie and folk diva.

Jun 17, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d.

Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.creativeman.co.jp

Fu-Ching-Gido

With Quartzhead. Heavy tuba, drums, tenor sax and electronica. Jun 17, 7:30pm, ¥2,000 (door) +1d. Sabaco Music & Cafe. Nearest stn: Waseda. Tel: 03-5272-7385. http://sabaco.jp/e/3135/

Oreskaband

All-female ska band from Sakai. Jun 18, 7:30pm, ¥2,300 (adv) +1d. Shindaita Fever.

Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa.

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

Crazy, sexy and cool R&B gals. Jun 18, 7pm, ¥9,00018,000 (adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka.

Tel: 0570-000-777. www.tbs. co.jp/blitz

Asia

1980s rock unit from the UK. Jun 19, 7pm; Jun 20, 7pm, ¥8,000-9,000. Shibuya Public Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp

Namba 69

Melodic punk. Jun 24, 7pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d. O-West.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. namba69.com

Kill Your T.V.

Cloud Nothings and Art-School.

Jun 24, 7pm, ¥4,800 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.club-quattro.com

Heart Eco Rock

With Tera Melos. Jun 20, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.smash-jpn.com

Mix of talented Tokyo-based rock bands. Jun 24, 6:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Take Off 7. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-27707755. www.facebook.com/ TokyoLiveMusicInfo

Go Live Vol. 2

Buzz the Bears

Lite

All-female melodic power metal band Cyntia and others. Jun 20, 7pm, ¥3,8004,500 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 0570-02-9999. www.tv-asahi. co.jp/ex-theater

Egg Brain

Hyogo-born melodic rock.

Jun 20, 7pm, ¥2,800 (adv)/ ¥3,800 (door) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 050-5533-0888. www. club-quattro.com

Moss

Unique mixed bag of progressive, folk rock and the odd smattering of screamo.

Jun 20, 6:30pm, ¥2,500 (entrance only)/ ¥5,000 (dinner incl.). Blue Mood. Nearest stn: Tsukijishijo. Jul 3, 8pm, TBA. Heaven's Door. Nearest stn: Sangenjaya. www.growonrock. com

PR Vol. 9

Ogre You Asshole with Group Inou. Jun 20, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. WWW. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www-shibuya.jp

Burger Nuds

Indie boys reunite for their first show in 10 years. Jun 21, 6pm, ¥3,800 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.diskgarage.com

Pistol Disco

Funky soul party people Bradio, Samurai Jack Universe and others.

Jun 21, 5pm, ¥2,500 (adv). Shibuya Milkyway.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. shibuyamilkyway.com

Hostess Club Weekender

Highasakite, Cloud Nothings, The Bohicas and more. Jun 21, 1:45pm; Jun 22, 2pm, ¥13,900 (2 days, adv). Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. contact@boardwalk-inc.jp. http://meturl.com/hostess614

Fuzzy Control

Melodic J-rock trio. Jun 21, 5pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Marz.

Nearest stn: Seibushinjuku.

Tel: 03-3202-8248. www. getticket.jp

Knock Out Monkey

Not so fuzzy pop-punk with lightning fast tempo and thoughtful lyrics. Jun 25, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Shelter. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-34996669. www.creativeman.co.jp

Kishi Bashi

Stylish singer-songwriter. Jun 25, 7pm, ¥5,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www. club-quattro.com

Mellow Music Night

Acoustic and semi-acoustic performances by The Lo-Fo and Momo. Also, performer-led open mic and jam. Jun 25, 7pm, free. The Pink Cow. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.thepinkcow. com

Kalafina

Rock guitarist from the UK. Jun 24, 7:30pm, ¥6,300 (adv) +1d. Duo Music Exchange.

Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3499-6669. www. creativeman.co.jp

Super Band

Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, and Bill Evans collaboration.

Jun 19-22, various times, ¥8,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Mike Stern/Randy Brecker/ Bill Evans Super Band Contemporary jazz fusion with star-musicians. Jun 19-20, 7 & 9:30pm; Jun 21-22, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,500. Cotton Club.

Nearest stn: Tokyo. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Mami Nagumo

Jazz saxophonist with Takuya Ozaki on piano. Jun 19, 8 & 9:30pm, ¥2,500. Softwind.

Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind. jp

Mike Price Jazz Orchestra Exciting big band with an extensive repertoire. Jun 20, 7:45pm, ¥3,990. Someday.

Nearest stn: Shinjuku-http:// gyoenmae. someday.net/ shinjyuku

Jazz and chanson singer. Jun 21, 3pm, ¥6,500. Tiara Koto.

Nearest stn: Sumiyoshi. Tel: 03-3635-5500. www.kcf.or.jp/ tiara

J-rock in English with My Hair is Bad. Jun 27, 7:30pm, ¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door) +1d. Manhole. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-5957-1080. http://backlift.radcreation.jp

Rottengraffty

Kansai-born heavy rock with melodic undertones. Jun 27, 7pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu.

Tel: 050-5533-0888. www. liquidroom.net

JAZZ/WORLD Chino Montero

Three-time Grammy nominated artist from Hawaii.

Jun 13, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Thumbs Up. Nearest stn: Yokohama.

Tel: 045-314-8705. http:// livealoha808.com

Kim Hakuei

Trisonique tour 2014. Jun 13, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200. Motion Blue.

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

Rufus Lin Jazz Trio

Tak Matsumoto

Ginger Wildheart

Michihiro Hanebuchi and Takayoshi Baba. Jun 18, 7 & 9pm, free. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Back Lift

Arden Night

Coldrain, Hey-Smith and SiM. Jun 23, 6pm, ¥,3500 (adv) +1d. Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn: Aomi. Tel: 03-3444-6751. http://tripleaxetour.com

Duo Habanero

Grace Mahya

Canadian jazz vocalist and pianist with friends. Jun 14, 8pm, ¥1,500. Café Dolce Vita. Nearest stn: Okubo.

Tel: 03-3364-1530. http:// rufuslinmusic.com

Triple Axe

Grant Green-inspired jazz guitar, organ and drums. Jun 17, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Vocal harmony trio that performs mainly anime theme songs. Jun 26, 7pm, ¥5,900-6,300 (adv) +1d. Tokyo Dome City Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 0570-550-799. www.meetsport.jp/hall

Pop-punk from Kobe. Jun 22, 5:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.liquidroom.net With Cleave, Before My Life Fails and others. Jun 22, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Cyclone. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www.cyclone1997.com

Tetsuya Kogure Trio

Solo tour of B'z guitarist.

Until Jun 15. various times, ¥9,800. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Murata Kantas and Samba Machines Brazilian samba. Jun 15, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥3,800. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Andy Allo

Female funk singer from Cameroon. Jun 16, 6:30 & 9:30pm, ¥6,000. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Jazz pianist and singer . Jun 20, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Junko Akimoto

Nobuyoshi Nakazawa & Singers

Performs popular Motown songs. Jun 21, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Misato Senoo and Yasuhiko 'Hachi' Sato

Jazz piano and bass. Jun 22, 2:40 & 3:40pm, ¥2,800.

Softwind. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind.jp

Harlem Gospel Choir

One of the U.S.'s most prominent choirs. Jun 23-24, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥5,800-7,800.

Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com

Lisa Ono: Brazil

Japanese-Brazilian bossa nova singer. Jun 24-26. various times, ¥7,800. Blue Note.

Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. www.bluenote. co.jp

Momoko Aida

Tango and jazz. Jun 25, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Indigo Jam Unit

Japanese jazz quartet . Jun 25, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥4,900-6,900.

Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com

Isao Suzuki Special Band

Japanese jazz bassist with friends. Jun 26, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp

BadBadNotGood

Contemporary jazz trio from Toronto. Jun 26, 7pm, ¥4,500 (adv)/ ¥5,000 (door) +1d.

Daikanyama Unit. Nearest stn:

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

Toho Gakuen College Music Department

Jazz pianist with Saburoo Tanooka on accordion. Jun 27, 8pm, ¥2,500. Softwind. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp

Students performing a selection of well-known pieces.

Jun 19, 5:30pm, ¥1,000. Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. www. operacity.jp

Bianca Gismonti

The Philharmonics

Izumi Takada

Brazilian contemporary jazz artist. Jun 29, 5 & 8pm; Jun 30, 6:30 & 9pm, from ¥5,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Third Coast Kings

Funk and soul music from Ann Arbor. Sep 25, 7:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Shibuya Club Quattro.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. club-quattro.com

CLASSICAL

Exciting ensembles of seven musicians. Jun 20, 7pm, ¥6,500. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010-296. www.geigeki.jp

David Garrett

Record-breaking German pop and crossover violinist. Jun 21, 6pm; Jun 22, 6pm, ¥10,800 (adv). Blue Theater. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.creativeman.co.jp

Vladimir Ashkenazy

Piano Etoile Series Vol. 25l Mami Hagiwara plays beloved works by different composers.

Jun 22, 3pm, ¥1,000-3,500.

Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel: 048-858-5500. www.saf.or.jp

Håkan Hardenberger

Maki Mori and Ikuyo Nakamichi

With pianist Behzod Abduraimov and the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Jun 13, 7pm, ¥1,500-8,800. NHK Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3465-1751. www.nhk.or.jp Swedish trumpeter with the New Japan Philharmonic conducted by Ingo Metzmacher. Jun 13, 2pm, ¥5,500-8,000. Suntory Hall.

Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-550017. www.suntory.co.jp/ suntoryhall

Jonathan Nott

With the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and Jennifer Larmore singing songs perfect for the early summer. Jun 14, 6pm, ¥2,000-9,000. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-550017. www.suntory.co.jp/ suntoryhall

Keio University Wagner Society Orchestra

Performing Weber and other songs. Jun 14, 2pm, ¥1,000-2,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0100. www.kawasaki-sym-hall.jp

Amadeus Society Orchestra

Conducted by Daisuke Soga and featuring violinist Reiko Watanabe. Jun 15, 2pm, ¥2,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822020. www.yaf.or.jp

Soprano and piano duo. Jun 22, 2pm, ¥2,000-6,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822000. www.yaf.or.jp/mmh/ index.php

Alice Sara Ott and Francesco Tristano

Piano duo. Jun 24, 7pm, ¥5,000-7,000. Sumida Triphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5774-3040. www.triphony.com

The Nippon Foundation Concert Charity concert for children in Fukushima. Jun 25, 7pm, ¥4,000-8,000. Suntory Hall.

Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-550017. www.suntory.co.jp/ suntoryhall

Suntory Hall Organ Promenade Concert

Mineko Kojima performs. Jun 26, 12:15pm, free. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-550017. www.suntory.co.jp/ suntoryhall

Pietari Inkinen

Shinobu Sato

With the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra performing Sibelius and Mahler. Jun 27, 7pm, ¥1,500-7,000. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-550017. www.suntory.co.jp/ suntoryhall

Japan Gustav Mahler Orchestra

Bilingual Comedy Show

Soprano recital with tenor singer Hideyuki Matsumura.

Jun 15, 2pm, ¥4,000-5,000.

Chibaken Bunka Kaikan.

Nearest stn: Honchiba. Tel: 043-222-0201. www.cbs.or.jp

Performs works by Mahler.

Jun 15, 2pm, ¥2,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall.

Nearest stn: Kawasaki.

Tel: 044-520-0100. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp

Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

Richard Strauss songs sung

by Rie Hamada. Jun 17, 7pm, ¥6,200-7,700. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-550017. www.suntory.co.jp/ suntoryhall

Aldo Ciccolini Piano Recital

Works by Brahms, Grieg and others. Jun 18, 7pm, ¥5,5008,500. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-6228-3732. www.geigeki.jp

Yuko Fukumura

Pianist accompanied by Yoko Saito on percussion.

Charity concert to support music therapy in Japan. Jun 18, 6:30pm, free. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822020. www.yaf.or.jp

Stage The Pirates of Tokyo Bay performs short-form improv.

Jun 15, 7:30pm, ¥1,500. What the Dickens. Nearest stn: Ebisu.

Tel: 03-3780-2099. http://meturl. com/ptkb1

Kamui

Sword performance artists behind the choreography of Kill Bill Vol.1. Jun 17-19, 7pm; Jun 20-21, 2 & 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv). Asakusa Rock Yumemachi Theater. Nearest stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-5826-0315. www.k-kamui.jp/en

Rokumeikan

Japanese dramatic opera about the love-hate relationship of a parent and child. Jun 19-20, 6:30pm; Jun 21, 2pm; Jun 22, 2pm, ¥3,15016,200. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.

Tel: 03-5352-9999. nntt.jac. go.jp

Kodo: Mystery

Re-interpretation of Japanese traditional taiko. Jun 21, 4pm; Jun 22-23, 3pm; Jun 24, 6pm; Jun 25, 2pm, ¥3,000 (students)/ ¥7,000 (gen). Asakusa Public Hall. Nearest stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-3844-7491. www.kodo.or.jp

#1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 15

Listings Butterflies Are Free

Leonard Gershe's romantic comedy about a blind musician's budding relationship. Jun 26-27, 7pm; Jun 28, 1 & 7pm; Jun 29, 3pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). Our Space Studio. Nearest stn: Hatagaya. http://baf.ytg.jp

GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS Clubbing

Shochiku Grand Kabuki Name-Taking Ceremony Kabuki performance by third generation Matagorou Nakamura and fourth generation Kashou Nakamura. Jul 1, 12:30 & 5pm, ¥1,000-6,000.

Kumagaya Hall. Nearest stn: Kumagaya. www.saf.or.jp

Bring It On

Musical based on the popular teen movie.

Jul 9-27, various times, ¥6,000-12,000. Theatre Orb. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-3244. www. bunkamura.co.jp

Tokyo vs USA Comedy Show The Pirates of Tokyo Bay challenge visiting comedy group Improv America to a comedy showdown. Jul 13, 7:30pm, ¥1,500. What the Dickens. Nearest stn: Ebisu.

Tel: 03-3780-2099. http:// meturl.com/tkyvsusa

Dance The Prince of the Pagodas

Ballet homage to Japan. ; Jun 13 & 15, 2pm; Jun 14, 2 & 7pm, ¥3,150-12,960. New National Theatre Tokyo.

Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://nntt. jac.go.jp

Panorama

Mention Metropolis for FREE ADMISSION

THE RACE IS ON!

Groups of 4 or more can compete with each other

JR S

oto

bo li

ne

Admission 1 ticket (7 min)=¥2000, 3 tix=¥5000, 5 tix=¥7500

JR Keiyo

Line

Keiy oH igh wa y

Compagnie DCA performs under the direction of Philippe Decouflé. Jun 13, 7:30pm; Jun 14-15, 3pm, ¥1,000-5,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf. or.jp/en

EVERY FRI AND SAT IN JUN Sabaku no Bara

Chaos Tokyo. Special Secret show. All mix: DJ Yuskay (New York). Every Fri and Sat 11pm-5am, (F) Free ¥1000/2d ticket, (M) ¥3500w /1d. Nearest stn: Ginza. https://www. facebook.com/Domsworx

FRIDAY 13 Ageha

Realmusic. Hip-hop DJs Kensei, Shinco, etc: Live: Jungle Brothers and more.

From 10pm, ¥5,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Mark E. House, nu disco: DJs Mark E, 5ive, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Daikanyama Unit

Tri-Bute. House: DJs Fred P, So, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.

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

Module

Hyphy. Hip-hop: DJs Shige, Yoke, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.com

Sound Museum Vision

Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs Kaori, Kango, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free.

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

T2

Shibuya Mixx!! Edm: DJs Vivid, Shu, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

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

The New Matrix Bar

One Love, One Rhythm. Edm: DJs Turntable Junkies, Shu, etc.

From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

The New Matrix Bar

Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more.

From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm).

Nearest stn: Roppongi. www. matrixbar.jp

Womb

Session. House, techno: DJs Peter Bailey, Ohnishi, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

SUNDAY 15 Module

Black Pine Night. Hip-hop: DJs Fumiya13, Mahi, etc. From midnight, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com

T2

T2 Sunday. Edm: DJs Passion, Shu, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

Womb

Edm Sunday. Edm: DJs Yoshimasa, Inagee, etc. From midnight, (m)¥2,500, (f)free.

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

MONDAY 16 Air

Integration. Techno, house DJs Bee Lincolon, Yogurt, etc.

From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.

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

Module

Trident. All good music: DJs Takap, Eva, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

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

T2

Japanese flamenco bailaora and Spanish butoh dancer.

Jun 15, 7pm, ¥6,000. Owl Spot Theater. Nearest stn: Higashi-Ikebukuro. Tel: 070-5464-1971. www. owlspot.jp

Velours

Womb

Paint it India Vol.2

Edm Music Festival. Edm: DJs Komori, Imalu, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

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

Fabulae

Indian classical dance with Taiwanese artists. Jun 20, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) /¥5,000 (w/ workshop).

Roma Rakuda. Nearest stn: Higashi-Nakano. padma. odissi@gmail.com. http:// meturl.com/paintitindia

Space Insect

Butoh dance company Dairakudakan presents its latest production choreographed and directed by Maro Akaji.

Jun 26-27, 7:30pm; Jun 28, 3 & 7:30pm; Jun 29, 3pm, ¥3,000 (unreserved seating) /¥4,500 (reserved). Setagaya Public Theater. Nearest stn: Sangenjaya. http:// dairakudakan.com

Dance Cross

Franco-Japanese artistic collaboration with Emmanuelle Huynh and Miwa Okuno. Jul 6, 4:30pm, ¥2,000-2,500 (adv). Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. www. institutfrancais.jp/ yokohama

16 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Alien Radio. Techno: DJs Dave Clarke, Ishino, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d.

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

T2

Fuerza Bruta

Postmodern theater show from Buenos Aires. Until Jun 29, various times, ¥8,800 (adv)/ ¥9,800 (door).

Akasaka Sacas.

Nearest stn: Akasaka. www.fuerzabruta.jp

Sound Museum Vision

Dance Classics. Disco, soul DJs Kenzo, Ryu-3, etc. From midnight, ¥2,500 w/2d.

Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5778-4777. www.velours.jp

Womb

T2Monday. Edm: DJs Ten, Tommy, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com Drhop. Edm: DJs Aramiy, Wataru, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

TUESDAY 17 Air

SATURDAY 14

Brisa. Nu disco, house DJs Nishioka, Ouchi, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo. com

Ageha

Ruby Room

The Wonderland. Edm, house: DJs Komori, Ryukyudisko, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Acid City. House, techno: DJs Emma, Van Cliffe, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Daikanyama Unit

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

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com

T2

Super Tuesday. Edm: DJs Hokuto, Kenmaki, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

Vortex. Goa Trance DJs Mike Maguire, Masa, etc: Live: Johann Bley. From 11pm, ¥4,000. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo. com

The Room

Module

Womb

Kinselas. House, techno: DJs Kobayashi, Yummy, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com

Tamariba. Bar style DJ Sadao Osada: Live: Mommy Funk. From midnight, free.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. theroom.jp 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

FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS THURSDAY 19 Air

Aft'err Hours. Techno, house: DJs Tasaka, Nishikido, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Exhibitions AKASAKA/ROPPONGI

T2

Happiness. World mix: DJs Shu, Ten, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

The Room

Ryukyu Holic. Loose and hot music: DJs Genta, Sato, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Womb

Bounce. Edm: DJs Hikaru, Hey, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f) free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp

FRIDAY 20 Ageha

Asap. All mix DJs U5, Tora, etc: Live: Future Boyz. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Party up. Edm, house: DJs Daishi Dance, Mitomi, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Daikanyama Unit

Frue. House: DJs Aybee, Thomash, etc. From 11pm, ¥4,000. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo. com

Module

Talking to Our Internet. Electro: DJs Seiho, Lee, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

Ruby Room

Take on Me. 80s music: DJs Timutaku, Francois, etc.

From 7:30pm, ¥1,000 w/2d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com

Sound Museum Vision

Power. All mix, edm: DJs Taku, 80kidz, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d.

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

The Room

Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Womb

Bias. House, techno: DJs Shonky, Gonno, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.

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

UPCOMING Air

Round House. House: DJs Derrick L Carter, Remi, etc. Jun 21, from 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo. com

Daikanyama Unit

Pinch. Dub step: DJs Pinch, Ena, etc. Jun 21, from 11:30pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo. com

Module

Veta. Techno DJs Okuda, Takahashi, etc: Live: Stanislav Tolkachev. Jun 21, from 11pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

Sound Museum Vision

Edm Union. Edm: DJs Nom De Strip, Yoshimasa, etc. Jun 21, from 11pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com

The Room

Magic. Disco, house: DJs Kawasaki, Endo, etc. Jun 21, from 9pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

JUN 14 (SAT) - JUN 29 (SUN) Adult Picture Book

Mayu Shiomi works of sculpture, paint, drawing and video that link iconic characters and well-known storybook protagonist to the realities of adult society. An exciting view of the world held by children.Free.

Nanatasu Gallery. 2-12-4 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku.

Tel: 03-6419-7229.

Open noon-7pm daily.

Nearest stn: Nogizaka. www.nanatasu.jp

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

Fujifilm Square

The Majestic Mountain Scenery of Japan. Capturing how mountains define the nation's landscapes. Jun 27-Jul 16, free.

Open daily 10am-7pm. 9-7-3 Akasaka, Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-62713350. http://fujifilmsquare.jp/en

Mori Arts Center Gallery

Takehiko Inoue Interprets Gaudi's Universe. Japanese artist's take on one of Spain's architectural geniuses. Jul 12-Sep 7, ¥800-1,300. 52F Roppongi Hills Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.roppongihills. com/art/macg/

Stripe House Space

Patterns. Photographs by Tokyo-based Torin Boyd who fuses photojournalism with graphic shapes. Jul 13-18, free.

Open daily 11am-6:30pm.

5-10-33 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-8108. striped-house.com

Suntory Museum of Art

Essays in Idleness: Enjoying Classical Literature Through Art. Handscrolls by Kaiho Yusetsu, folding screens, illustrated books and more. Until Jul 21, ¥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

Ballet Russes: The Art of Costume.

Luxurious and painstakingly made apparel. Jun 18-Sep 1, ¥600-1,500. 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

Chinese-Style Dresses from Fujishima Takeji to Umehara Ryuzaburo. Oil paintings by Japanese artists in the early 20th century. Until Jul 21, ¥500-800. Time and Painting — 24 Episodes. 160 works ranging from ancient art to Rembrandt, Renoir and Monet.

Aug 2-Sep 23, ¥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

Craft Gallery, The National Museum of Modern Art

For Kids & Adults: Exciting Patterns. Mixed media. Explore patterns and rhythms in nature and ordinary objects.

Jun 28-Aug 31, ¥70-200.

Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. 1-1 Kitanomarukoen. Nearest stn: Takebashi.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. momat.go.jp/english

Idemitsu Museum of Arts

Tessai: Commemorating the 90th Year of the Death of the Artist. Dynamic and expressive paintings by a great master artist of the literati painting style. Jun 14-Aug 3, ¥700-1,000.

Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi.

Nearest stn: Tokyo. www. tokyo.mae.lu/jp/node_19876/ hana-hito-tokyo

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

Félix Vallotton—Fire Beneath the Ice. Swiss painter influenced

by Japanese woodcuts. Until Sep 23, ¥800-1,600. 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 Kogei: Superlative Craftsmanship from Meiji Japan. Sophisticated decorative art and stunningly crafted accessories. Until Jul 13, ¥800-1,300. 7F Mitsui Main Bldg, 2-1-1 NihombashiMuromachi, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Mitsukoshimae. 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. Until 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

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Guess What? Hardcore Contemporary Art's: Truly a World Treasure. Selected works from the Yageo Foundation Collection, including art by Francis Bacon. Jun 20-Aug 24, ¥500-1,200. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Nearest stn: Takebashi.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. momat.go.jp

HARAJUKU/AOYAMA Nezu Museum

Colorful: Chinese Ming and Qing Dynasty Decorative Arts.

Decorative tea ceremony utensils and Chinese lacquerware. Until Jul 13, ¥800-1,000. Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Omotesando. www. nezu-muse.or.jp/en

Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art

Sumo Wrestlers in Ukiyo-e.

Classic wood prints of big guys who grapple. Until Jun 26, ¥500-700. Specters, Ghosts and Sorcerers in Ukiyo-e.

Traditional prints of ghastly ghouls and creepy critters.

Jul 1-Sep 25, ¥600-900. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae.

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

KAYABACHO/KIBA Base Gallery

Testing. Mixed media by Jaq Chartier. Until Jul 19, free.

Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun & hols. 1-1-6 Nihombashi-Kayabacho.

Nearest stn: Kayabacho.

Tel: 03-5623-6655. www. basegallery.com

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Mission: Space X Art—Beyond Cosmologies. Space-related illustrations, photos and installations. Until Aug 31, ¥800-1,300. Wonderful World.

Child-friendly event where kids are free to explore and discover art. Jul 12-Aug 31, ¥500-1,600. 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 Retrospective: Raoul Dufy.

Colorful and decorative paintings by French Fauvist arist. Until Jul 27, ¥700-1,500.

Visual Deception II: Into the Future. Art that plays tricks on the spectators' eyes. Aug 9-Oct 5, ¥500-1,500. 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

Meguro Museum of Art

George Nelson—Architect, Writer, Designer, Teacher.

Mixed media works by one of the founders of American Modernism. Jul 15-Sep 18, ¥800-1,000. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 2-4-36 Meguro. Nearest stn: Meguro.

Tel: 03-3714-1201. www. mmat.jp

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

Spiritual World. Shrines, temples and festivals. Until Jul 13, ¥250-500. Presence or Absence. Tokihiro Sato explores time, space and light. Until Jul 13, ¥500-700. 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

Chic Gentlemen and Elegant Ladies: Fashion in Japanese Painting. Paintings and woodblock prints.

Well-dressed men and women from Edo to Showa periods.

Until Jul 13, ¥800-1,000.

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

Beads of the World. Bead embroidery jewelry and trinkets from all over the world.

Jun 18-Sep 13, ¥200-500.

Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, closed Sun and hols. Shinjuku Bunka Quint Bldg. 3-22-7 Yoyogi.

Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3299-2387. www.bunka. ac.jp/museum/text/english. html

Hiromart Gallery

Diary. Solo show by photographer Sebastian Piras. Until Jun 22, 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.

Until Jun 29, ¥600-1,000.

Kinetic Art. Mixed media that seems to move. Jul 8-Aug 24, ¥800-1,000. Tue-Sun,

10am-6pm, closed Mon. 42F Sompo Japan Bldg. 1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.sompo-japan.co.jp/ museum

Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery

German and Japanese artists.

Jul 12-Oct 13, ¥500-1,100.

Open Tue-Sun 11am-5pm, closed Mon. 4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa. Nearest stn: Kita-shinagawa. Tel: 03-34450651. www.haramuseum. or.jp

Will Happiness Find Me? 10 artists from the Ishikawa collection. Until Jun 29, ¥800-1,000. The Way of Painting. Works by new artists from 2000 onwards. Jul 12-Sep 21, ¥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

Hoki Museum

UENO

Japan Folk Crafts Museum

National Museum of Nature and Science

I wa Jinjutsu. A look into Edo period medicine. Until 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

The National Museum of Western Art

Jacques Callot—Theater of Realism and Fantasy. 17th century prints. Until Jun 15, ¥300-600. The Rings of the Hashimoto Collection of the National Museum of Western Art. Circular bands of cultural significance. Jul 8-Sep 15, ¥700-1,400. Voices Calling from the Unusual: Hirano Keiichiro's Selection of Western Art Masterpieces. A writer's selection of art works depicting unusual worlds.

Until Jun 15, ¥300-600. Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.nmwa.go.jp

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Balthus: A Retrospective.

Paintings by controversial 20th century artist. Until Jun 22, ¥600-1,600. Ancient Egyptian Queens and Goddesses: Treasures from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. 200 masterpieces, including jewelry made for Pharaoh Hatsepsut and images of deities. Jul 19-Sep 23, ¥1,000-1,600. 8-36 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www. tobikan.jp

Tokyo National Museum

Treasured Masterpieces from the National Palance Museum, Taipei. Traditional paintings, ceramics, documents and more. Jun 24-Jul 7, ¥700-1,600.

Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm.

13-9 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tnm.jp

Ueno Royal Museum

Captain Tsubasa. Original sketches and more from famous soccer-themed manga.

Jun 14-Jul 6, ¥400-1,600.

Hokusai: From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. One of Japan's most famous ukiyo-e artists of the Edo period.

Sep 13-Nov 9, ¥400-1,500.

Open Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 1-2 Ueno Park.

Nearest stn: Ueno. www. ueno-mori.org

OTHER AREAS

Shoji Hamada: Commemorating the 120th Anniversary of the Artist's Birth. Pottery that fuses both Eastern and Western ceramic techniques.

Jun 17-Aug 31, ¥200-1,100.

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

Makuhari Messe

Space Expo 2014: The Great Challenge of NASA/JAXA. Extraterrestrial exploration from 1897 until modern times.

Jul 19-Sep 23, ¥900-2,500.

Nakase 2-1, Mihama-ku.

Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari. www.m-messe.co.jp

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Mission: Space X Art—Beyond Cosmologies. Space-related illustrations, photos and installations. Until Aug 31, ¥800-1,300. Wonderful World.

Child-friendly event where kids are free to explore and discover art. Jul 12-Aug 31, ¥500-1,600. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www. mot-art-museum.jp/eng

Pola Museum of Art

Finding Modigliani: From Parisian Avant-garde to Classicism. Oil paintings and sculptures by the Italian artist. Until Sep 15, ¥700-1,800. 9am-4:30pm. 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi. Nearest stn: Gora. www.polamuseum.or.jp

Setagaya Art Museum

Looking East: Western Artists and the Allure of Japan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Mixed media, including Claude Monet's "La Japonaise".

Jun 28-Sep 15, ¥500-1,500.

Open Tue-Sun10am-6pm, closed Mon. 1-2 Kinutakoen, Setagaya-ku. Nearest stn: Seijogakuenmae.

Tel: 03-3415-6011. www. setagayaartmuseum.or.jp/ index_e.html

Tokyo Art Museum

Neighbors Photographs from Israel. Exploration of identity and location through the relations between Jewish and Arab residents. Until Jun 15, ¥300-500. Open Thu-Sun 11am-6pm, closed Mon-Wed. 1-25-1 Sengawacho.

Nearest stn: Sengawa.

Tel: 03-3305-8686. www. tokyoartmuseum.com

Tokyo Fuji Art Museum

Hakone Museum of Photography

Mt. Fuji. Katsura Endo's portrayal of the ever-changing symbol of Japan. Permanent exhibition. Until Nov 4, ¥300-500. 10am-5pm, closed Tue (9am-9pm Sat from May to August). 1300-432 Goura Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Gora.

Tel: 046-02-2717. www.hmop. com

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art

Hito Omoi, Hito Omou.

Painting. Lifelike portraits by contemporary artists. Until Nov 16, ¥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

Art Scope 2012-2014: Remains of Their Journeys. Results of a Daimler Foundation-created artist exchange between

Genius and Ambition: The Royal Academy of Arts, London 1768-1918.

Oil paintings by Turner, Constable and others. Sep 17-Nov 24, ¥400-1,300.

10am-5pm Tue-Sun, closed Mon. Yano-machi 492-1 Hachioji. Nearest stn: Tokyo Fuji Bijitsukan. Tel: 042-6914511. www.fujibi.or.jp/en

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Y es-tu? Video and cinematic art by Christian Rizzo. Jun 20-29, free. 1-1, Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. www.yokohamaakarenga.jp

#1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 17

Listings Sports BASEBALL Central League

Yomiuri

Giants vs.

Chunichi Dragons. Jul 4-6, 6:30pm, ¥300-6,100.

Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs. Chunichi Dragons. Jul 8-10, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Shinanomachi or Gaienmae.

Tel: 03-3401-0312.

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs. Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Jul 11-13, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Shinanomachi or Gaienmae.

Tel: 03-3401-0312.

Yomiuri

Giants vs. Hanshin Tigers. Jul 11-13, 6:30pm, ¥300-6,100. Tokyo Dome.

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

Yomiuri

Giants vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Jul 14-16, 6:30pm, ¥300-6,100.

Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

Interleague

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Hanshin Tigers. Jun 14, 2pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs.

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.

Jun 19, 6pm, ¥500-4,600.

Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Shinanomachi or Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34010312.

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs. Orix Buffaloes. Jun 21, 2pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Shinanomachi or Gaienmae.

Tel: 03-3401-0312.

Pacific League

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs. Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. Jun 27-29, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Jul 1, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Chiba Lotte Marines. Jul 8-10, 6pm, ¥600-22,000.

Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs. Orix Buffaloes. Jul 11-13, 6pm, ¥600-22,000.

Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-2925-1141.

BOXING Shoot Boxing

Jun 21, 5:30pm, ¥4,00010,000. Korakuen Hall.

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

Guts Fighting

Jun 24, 5:50pm, ¥4,00015,000. Korakuen Hall.

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

GOLF Nichirei Ladies

Jun 20-22, 8am, ¥2,0005,000. Sodegaura Country Club Shinsode Course.

Nearest stn: Honda. Tel: 03-228-2221.

JLPGA

Earth Mondahmin Cup. Jun 26-29, 7:20am, ¥5,00020,000. Camellia Hills Country Club. Nearest stn: Kisaradzu.

PRO WRESTLING Wrestling New Classic

Jun 26, 7pm, ¥3,000-7,000.

Shinjuku Face. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-34190536.

18 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

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

Jul 2, 6:30pm, ¥3,000-12,000.

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

WWE Live

Jul 10, 7pm, ¥3,000-40,000.

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

ROLLER DERBY Roller Derby All-Star Doubleheader

Jun 14, 9:30am, free, donations appreciated. Purdy Fitness Center, Yokosuka, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Yokosuka-chuo. www. zamakillerkatanas.com

RUGBY Japan vs. Italy

Jun 21, 2pm, ¥300-4,600.

Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3881.

SOCCER J. League, Division 1

FC Tokyo vs. Kashima Antlers. Jul 19, 6:30pm, ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-0555.

Omiya

Ardija vs. Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Jul 19, 7pm, ¥1,000-5,500. NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950.

SWIMMING Japan Open

Jun 19-22, 9:30am, ¥2,0008,000. Tatsumi International Swimming Center. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5569-5061.

Festivals Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival

One of Bunkyo's five major flower festivals. Until Jun 15, all day, free. Hakusan Shrine.

Nearest stn: Hakusan. Tel: 03-3811-6568. http://meturl. com/bunkyoajisai

Sanno Matsuri

One of the biggest festivals in Japan. Until Jun 17, all day, free. Hie Shrine. Nearest stn: Tameikesanno. Tel: 03-35812471. www.hiejinja.net

Chinowa Kuguri

Rite of purification where participants pass through a ring of reeds. Jun 30, all day, free. Torigoe Shrine.

Nearest stn: Kuramae or Asakusabashi. http://meturl. com/torigoechino

Noryo no Yube

Toro-nagashi lanterns are lit and set afloat on the Imperial Palace moat. Jul 12, 6:45pm, free. ChidorigafuchiRyokudo walkway. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. www. kanko-chiyoda.jp

Forums & Expos International Tokyo Toy Show

Toys from all over the world.

Jun 14, 9am-4pm; Jun 15, 9am-5pm, free. Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-38292513. www.toys.or.jp

Smart Community Japan 2014

Focus on technologies related to renewable energy, environmentally-friendly infrastructure and more.

Jun 18-20, 10am-5pm, free (registration required).

Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. www.nikkan.co.jp/eve/smart/ english/

Tokyo International Book Fair

Publications across all genres, for publishers, writers and readers alike. Jul 2-5,

10am-5pm, free (registration required)/¥1,200 (door).

Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. www.bookfair.jp/en

Bazaars & Markets Mottainai

Crafts and handmade goods on sale, workshops and more.

Jun 14, 10am-4pm, free.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. www.tokyooperacity.co.jp/ handmade

Oedo Antique Market

Rare treasures and cheap knick knacks between the Zelkova trees. Jun 28 & Jul 27, 8am-4pm, free. Yoyogi Park.

Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-6407-6011. www.antiquemarket.jp/yoyogi-park

Earth Day Market

Organic produce, recycling projects etc. Jun 29 & Jul 20, 10am-4pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tel: 03-3469-6081. www. earthdaymarket.com

Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market More than 120 vendors.

Sun & hols, 9am-3pm, free.

Shinagawa Intercity. Nearest stn: Shinagawa. http://meturl. com/shinflea

Iidabashi Ramla Market

Every first and third Sun, 10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla.

Nearest stn: Iidabashi.

Umi no Koen Flea Market Every third Sun, 10am-4pm, Umi no Koen. Nearest stn: Uminokoen-Shibaguchi. rinpodan@umino-kouen.net Tel: 03-3226-6800.

Best Flea Market

Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel: 03-3226-6800.

Hanazono Shrine Market Every Sun, 8am-4pm, Hanazono Shrine. Nearest stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel: 03-3200-3093.

Ibaraki-ichi

Farm-fresh veg from the north. Every Sat, 7-9am, Roppongi Hills East Court.

Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6406-5285.

Nogi Shrine Market

Every second Sun, 5:30am3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.

Oedo Antique Fair

Japan’s largest outdoor antique market. Every first and third Sun, 8am-4:30pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel: 03-58051093.

Aoyama Marché

Organic farmers’ market.

Every weekend, United Nations University. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-3456-0960.

Yebisu Marché

Organic fruits and vegetables.

Every first and third Sun, 11am-5pm, Ebisu Garden Place. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.facebook.com/ YEBISUMarche

Community ARK Adoption Event

Get to know the cute and friendly animals up for adoption, or support the group by buying ARK goods. Jun 14, 1-4pm, free. Thistle Dog School.

2-14-3 Nozawa, Setagaya-ku.

Nearest stn: Komazawa Daigaku. www.arkbark.net

Tohoku Volunteering

Help out farmers in Yamamoto-cho with Handson Tokyo. Jun 14-15, 6:30am (meeting time), ¥10,000.

Outside Villa Fontaine. Nearest stn: Roppongi Itchome. http:// meturl.com/junvol1

New Material Night

A chance to try out new standup and improv sketches.

Jun 17, Jul 1&15, 8pm, free +1d.

Double Tall Cafe. Nearest stn: Shibuya. tokyocomedy.com/ new_material_night

Tokyo Yamathon 2014

Team-based fundraising challenge. Jun 21, 6:15am, free (spectator)/ ¥10,000 (per team).

Tokyo International Forum.

Nearest stn: Yurakucho. www. tokyo-yamathon.com

Dog and Cat Adoption Fair

Opportunity to adopt either a friendly feline or cuddly canine. Jun 22, noon-3pm; Jul 27, 1-3:30pm, free. Welcome Center Hara. 2-5-21 Shinagawa Nishioi. Nearest stn: Nishioi. hinagawa.chibawan@gmail. com www.chibawan.net

Swaq Tokyo Swap Party

One person's unneeded clothes is another's treasure. Jun 28, 2 & 5pm, ¥500. Flower Kitchen of Porters. Nearest stn: Roppongi. http://meturl.com/swaqtokyo

Dogsign Adoption Fair

Meet, pet and play with cute animals looking for a good home. Jun 29, 1-4pm, free.

Dogsign. 2-10-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. www.arkbark.net

Spring Day: In the Pursuit of Happiness

Stand up comedy show by a globetrotting comic said to be a cross between a Southern beauty contestant, Sharon Osbourne and a bottle of whisky. Jul 5, 7:30pm, free.

Our Space Studio. Nearest stn: Hatagaya. http://meturl.com/ springday7

Sea to Summit

Test yourself climbing one of the world's most famous mountains from the sea to the summit in under 24 hours. Jul 18, 5:50am (meeting time)/ 6:30am (start time), ¥4,000.

Meeting place: HigashiTagonoura stn, Shizuoka. www. sea-to-summit.org

Sunday Spin

Every Sun, sunrise-sunset, Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-32618326.

Hula-hoop it up in Yoyogi, no need to bring your own. Drop in/out at any time. Every fourth Sun, Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-34696081. http://meturl.com/ hoopinginjapan

Fudaten Jinja Market

Stitch-n-Bitch

Yasukuni Shrine Antique Market

Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Fudaten Jinja.

Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.

Shinjuku Central Park Market Local produce stalls, workshops and live performances. Every Sat, 10am-4pm, Shinjuku Central Park. Nearest stn: Tocho-mae. Tel: 03-25042128. http://meturl.com/ shinjukuparkmarket

Meet fellow knitters, crocheters and sewers to talk, share ideas, eat, drink and create. Every first and third Tue, 7pm, free, Cafe Respekt. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.meetup.com/ TokyoStitchandBitch

Half-Fast Cyclists

Bicyclists of all treads meet for slide shows, lectures, ride-planning, etc. Every second Wed, 7pm, free, The Pink Cow. Nearest

stn: Roppongi. 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 w/1d. Studio and Space IVVA. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. www.drsketchytokyo. wordpress.com

Learning Italian Wine Seminar

An exclusive wine seminar with an Italian gourmet dinner in an international atmosphere.

Jun 21, 7:30pm, ¥14,980 (adv).

Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://meturl.com/otherwine

JUNE 24, FROM 4PM AND 6PM Tokyo Sake Tasting Event “Nomikiri 2014”

Excellent opportunity to sample over 50 types of sake brewed in Tokyo. At Syuzou Kaikan Building, ¥1,000, 3min walk from JR Tachikawa station south exit. www.tokyosake.or.jp

SCBWI Japan Creative Exchange: Miura Sketch and Word Crawl

Illustrators, writers and translators share work in progress for constructive feedback. Jun 22, 10:15am5pm, ¥500 (SCBWI members)/ ¥800 (non-members) +transportation.Around Sakurai Temple House in Akiya.

Meeting point at Zushi stn. http://meturl.com/38

Feldenkrais Method

Learn how to reduce chronic pain and fatigue, or enhance physical performance. Until Jun 28, 7pm Thu, 10:30am weekends, ¥2,000 (drop-in)/ ¥13,000 (8 classes). Hongo Koryu Kan. Hongo 2-21-7, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Hongo Sanchome.http:// meturl.com/ feldenkraisjune

Rhone Valley Wine Seminar

Seminar with a French style gourmet dinner in an international atmosphere.

Jun 28, 6:30pm, ¥10,980 (adv). Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://meturl.com/ monthlywine

Nihonga Class

Regular classes and one-day workshops on basic Japanesestyle painting techniques. All classes bilingual. Weekdays 6pm, Sat 11am & 3pm. Email for details on flexible class times. 4B Maruoka Building, 5-49-7 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. www. mariatanikawa.com

TCS Improv Workshop

The weekly Tokyo Comedy Store In the Moment improv workshop, all levels welcome.

Beginner intensives on weekends throughout the year.

See website for more details.

Every Wednesday, 7-9pm, Our Space Studio. Nearest stn: Hatagaya. Tel: 03-5770-7401. www.tokyocomedy.com/ improv_comedy_workshop

Other Events ASEAN Festival

About 70 booths with food, handcrafted goods and more from ASEAN nations. Jun 14-15, 10am-8pm, free. Yoyogi Park.

Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. aseanfestival.jp

Enjoying Edo: Edo Food Culture

Parades, dance and live performances, etc. Jun 14-Jul 31, various times, various prices. Various venues along Sumida river. www.ab-srap. com

Spring Rose Festival

Over 90 varieties of rose plants, including "Maria Callas" and others. Until Jun 16, all day, ¥70-150. Kyu-Furukawa Gardens. Nearest stn: Kami-Nakasato. Tel: 03-39100394.

Yona Yona Beer Garden

Craft beers and BBQ plates abound. Jun 20-Sep 7, Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm, free. Ark Karajan Place. Nearest

SEP 20 - NOV 29 Phone Counselor Training Program Fall 2014

12-week training beginning Sept. 20th then every Tues and Thurs 18:30-21:30 in Minami Aoyama. Online program also available. For more info: training@telljp.com or www.telljp.com stn: Roppongi-Itchome.

Tel: 03-6406-6663. www. yonayonabeerkitchen.com

One Love Jamaica

Plenty of tasty treats with reggae, ska and rocksteady tunes in the background. Jun 21-22, all day, free. Yoyogi Park.

Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. onelovejamaicafestival.jp

EU Film Days 2014

Films from from Sweden, Portugal, Latvia and more.

Until Jun 22, ¥100-520.

National Film Center. Nearest stn: Takebashi.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.eufilmdays.jp

The Cyclops —A Love Story Fashion show and performance created by Colombian artists Diana Gamboa and Luis Fernando Bohórquez. Roku Roku Plaza, Roppongi Hills. Nearest stn: Roppongi. http://japon. embajada.gov.co

French Film Festival

Three days of francophone films. Jun 27-30, various times, ¥1,500 (adv)/ ¥1,700 (door).

Yurakucho Asahi Hall and Toho Cinemas Nichigeki. www. unifrance.jp

World Gourmet and Music Festa

Samba festival, dishes from all four corners of the world etc. Jun 28-29, 10am-8pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.bmi-music.com

Toyosu Paella

Giant paella, Spanish music and more. Jul 5, all day, free.

Toyosu Park. Nearest stn: Toyosu. www.paellajapon.org

Ocean Peoples

Environmentally-friendly event with music, art and food.

Jul 12-13, all day, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. http://oceanpeoples.com

Peter Brook: The Tightrope

Screening of an engaging behind-the-scenes documentary about how a director gets the best out of his actors. Jul 13, 2:30pm, ¥500-1,000 (adv). Kanagawa Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai. Tel: 045-633-6500. www.kaat.jp

Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON

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

JODOROWSKY’S DUNE F

rank Pavich’s entertaining, educational and inspiring documentary tells the story of Chilean visionary Alejandro Jodorowsky’s attempted mid-’70s efforts to film the classic Frank Herbert fantasy novel (which “Jodo,” by the way, had not even read yet when he pitched the film). This assemblage of fact, imagination and imagery features extensive interviews with the director, at 84 still a handsome, charismatic and clearly quite mad creative genius, gleefully reminiscing, without bitterness, about what might have been. (He is credited with creating the “midnight movie” concept with 1971’s not-to-be-seen-sober El Topo.) The bizarre cast was to include David Carradine, Mick Jagger, Udo Kier and Orson Welles. H. R. Giger was on board, as were French graphic novelist Moebius, Pink Floyd, and even Salvador Dali. But fearing anything so colossally unhinged, the Hollywood money backed out at the last minute, relegating the project to one of the most influential films never made.

Upcoming filmmakers obviously inhaled the spice, however, and its DNA lives on in such blockbusters as Alien, Blade Runner, Star Wars, The Fifth Element and Contact. (Not entirely in English; it’s a good idea to read as much as you can about it beforehand.) (87 min)

NOAH

NEW

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

NEW

TOKAREV

NEW

I don’t remember this simple Sunday school parable including huge rock-monsters with red eyes, nor does the plot device of a ven gef u l , a n i ma l- ca rgo munching warlord stowaway aboard Noah’s Ark ring a bell.

Then there are the LOTR-like, SFX-laden epic battles. Huh? But it’s just the movies, right? Now, defending the Bible has never been an aspiration, but as a movie, this is overlong, slow moving, and lacks any real sense of danger. Noah, a raving patriarch created in the image of a seriously silly Russell Crowe, would be locked up today. A rare misstep for otherwise admired director Darren Aronofsky. Japanese title: Noah Yakusoku no Fune (138 min)

This quirky, surreal and totally or i g i n a l e i g ht h f i l m by We s Anderson is framed as a story within a story within a story, presented in multiple flashbacks from the present to the 1930s and orbiting around M. Gustave, a legendary concierge (a rare comedic perf by Ralph Fiennes) at the title hostelry in a fictitious eastern European country. He’s disciplined, slightly ridiculous and a bit of a scoundrel. It’s a comically complex contraption, enchanting and absurdly entertaining, but there’s heft under the confection and a sober acknowledgement of the events looming over Europe in the next decade. (100 min)

T hose who have watche d i n dismay as Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage methodically trashes his career with ever more groanworthy roles may want to skip this direct-to-DVD turkey. It ’s just too depressing. A reformed criminal whose hottie teenage daughter is kidnapped and murdered by the Russian mob gets his old gang back together to seek retribution. How’s that for originality? Cage rolls out his whole screaming, fuming, crazy-man bag of tricks but, you know, ho-hum. Lots of shooting, killing, tough talk, torture, sadism, and sneering Russkies. Moronic twist ending.

Title refers to a Soviet-made handgun. (97 min)

20 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

OPEN GRAVE

NEW

NEED FOR SPEED

NEW

The movie opens, aptly enough, in an open grave. A not-dead Sharlto Copley ( District 9) awakes amid hu nd re d s of cor p s e s , w it h no memory of who he is or how he got there. This blank slate finds a nearby house containing a quartet of uninteresting fellow amnesiacs and a mute Chinese girl. It’s a premise ripe with promise, but alas unfulfilled, doomed by generic performances (except for Josie Ho), poor plotting, and a general lack of direction. Plot furtherance is provided by numerous sepia flashbacks as the movie trudges toward its notvery-surprising Big Reveal. Maudlin, hard to watch, and boring.

Japanese title: Open Grave Kansen. (102 min)

After his success as Jesse in TV’s phenomenal Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul had his pick of pictures with which to launch his film career.

True, I didn’t expect much from an adaptation of a video game directed by a former stuntman, but the generic car chases are okay-ish, and it gets points for not resorting to CGI. But in virtually every other regard—trite storyline, awful script, embarrassingly unfunny comic relief, length—this thin, literal car wreck of a movie is running on empty, a total watch-watcher that makes those Fast & Furious flicks look like art films. Paul should have kept looking. (126 min)

HUMMINGBIRD

NEW

Jason Statham’s continuing search for more mea n i n g f u l , rea l ist social drama unfortunately often ends up just disappointing his action fans and boring everyone else. This time he’s a homeless Afghanistan vet living on the street in London. He cleans himself up, goes to work as a leg-breaker for a Chinese crime boss, befriends (and more) a conflicted nun (Agata Buzek) and seeks retribution for the sadistic murder of a prostitute friend. Barrel o’ laughs, this one. It’s a shapeless, occasionally violent film flavored with pompous religiosity that frequently gets lost in its own symbolism. AKA Redemption.

(100 min)

THE HOST

NEW

POMPEII

NEW

Stephenie Meyer, who defanged vampires and declawed werewolves with all that Twilight tedium, now turns to wasting your time and Saoirse Ronan’s talent with this lame sci-fi story. Alien parasites h ave t a ke n ove r mo s t hu m a n bodies, see, but this girl named Melanie has somehow retained her identity, and now shares her bod with the alien. A covert band of humans provides several hunky males to kiss in the rain. It’s as though Nicholas Sparks wrote Invasion of the Body Snatchers by way of All of Me. Awkwardly structured and atrociously written, it would be funny if it weren’t such a flaccid, dismal slog. Japanese title: The Host Utsukushiki Shinryakusha. (125 min)

P a u l W. S . A n d e r s o n , w h o i s criminally responsible for that Resident Evil noise as well as the worst Three Musketeers movie ever made, now tries to breed Gladiator with Titanic by way of The Horse Whisperer to tell of the 79 A.D. eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. This inept bit of disaster porn wades through 90 minutes of extremely lame sword & sandals silliness before the big blow. I actually welcomed the long-awaited eruption because it meant the end was near. Of the movie. Horrid script full of one-dimensional characters played by a cast that includes Kiefer Sutherland, who should know better. Waste of lava. (105 min)

BIG EASY EXPRESS

NEW

In 2011, the country/folk bands Mumford and Sons (from London), Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (L .A.) and The Old Crow Medicine Show (Nashville) boarded a special train in Oakland, C A a n d ro d e t h e r a i l s to N e w Orleans, giving trackside concerts along the way and jamming fairly drunkenly pretty much the entire time. Doc wisely eschews the talking-heads technique in favor of a fly-on-thewall approach, starting with a great tracking shot through the train and the three bands’ practice sessions. Concert footage average, midnight rolling jam-session shots superb. A real toetapper, this one. (66 min)

JODOROWSKY’S DUNE: ©2013 CITY FILM LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; NOAH: © MMXIV PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION AND REGENCY ENTERTAINMENT (USA), INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; OPEN GRAVE: © 2013 OG DISTRIBUTION LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE HOST: (C) 2013 THE HOST FILM HOLDINGS,LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL: © 2013 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX; NEED FOR SPEED: © 2014 DREAM WORKS LL. DISTRIBUTION CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; POMPEII: © 2014 CONSTANTIN FILM INTERNATIONAL GMBH AND IMPACT PICTURES (POMPEII) INC.; TOKAREV: TOKAREV PRODUCTION, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; HUMMINGBIRD: ©2012 HUMMINGBIRD FILM INVESTMENTS LLC.; BIG EASY EXPRESS: ©2012 S2BN HOLDINGS, INC AND B.E.E., LLC.; DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC: ©DOIN’IT THE PARK 2013; X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST: © 2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX;

NEW

DOIN’ IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC

One could argue that playground basketball is closer to a love of the sport than what they do in the NBA. Directors Kevin Couliau a n d B o b b ito G a rc i a c e r t a i n ly would. They spent three months on 180 neighborhood courts (including Rikers Island prison) talking with local playground B-ball legends about the 50 years the game has been played this way, and came up with this infectious, highly entertaining documentary. There are no rules, see, at least not written down, and the players’ explanations of the unwritten ones are oftentimes hilarious. All to a fine, up-tempo score by Eddie Palmieri. (90 min)

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

NEW

In a dark, apocalyptic present, Professor X and Magneto (Patrick Stewa r t & Ia n McKel len ) send Wo lve r i n e ( H u g h Ja c k m a n , carrying the film) back in time to convince their younger selves (James McAvoy & Michael Fassbender) to join forces in preventing Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from assassinating Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage), an act that led to their current loselose state of affairs. Got that? Okay, this clearly requires at least a cursory knowledge of 15 years of these mutant movies. Nice selfaware comic relief, notably a terrific “Time in a Bottle” sequence that was actually applauded. Way better in 2-D. (131 min)

INSIDE LLEWYN LEWIS

It’s safe to say that only the Coen Brothers could put together a wobbly, quasi-surrealistic character study of a not-terriblylikable person and make it totally engaging. Title troubadour (Oscar Isaac) is a talented but luckless folk singer in pre-Dylan, 1961 Greenwich Village whose quest for stardom, or at least recognition, is continually stymied by every cretin in the business and, it must be said, his own purist self. This soulful, lyrical film is being called “lesser Coen Brothers.” But while it may lack the broad appeal of, say, No Country for Old Men, it is also being called one of their best.

Japanese title: Namonaki Otoko no Uta. (115 min)

THE BAY

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

This adaptation of Nelson Mandela’s 1994 autobiography features an absolutely brilliant Idris Elba in the title role, conveying his noble subject f ro m t h e h i s f i re b r a n d ye a r s , through to his long incarceration and later wisdom. Alas, nobility rarely makes for riveting storytelling , and this e nd s up a s t ra i g ht for wa rd , dut i f u l , rat he r u n i n s pi re d film on an inspirational subject. It falls victim to its own comprehensiveness. This man’s life journey was so amazing that even at 2:21 it has to fast forward a lot. Well worth seeing, if solely for Elba’s performance, but would have made a better mini-series. Mandela: Jiyuu e no Nagai Michi. (141 min)

KUROI SHIKAKU

By Rob Schwartz

H

i rosh i Ok u ha ra’s ava nt-ga rde feature Kuroi Shikaku originally screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 2012 but it has taken until now to get its theatrical release in Japan. This is one of those films I have deeply divided feelings about, which means it is interesting enough to puzzle over. It begins in experimental fashion: a black cube appears over a field in China and a naked man (Hideo Nakaizumi) emerges.

He appears to have no memory, no past and no language. Wandering around, he is soon taken in by Zhao Ping (Chen Xixu), an artist, and his Chinese-speaking Japanese girlfriend Hana (Miki Suzuki).

The man slowly adapts to life in the artist’s neighborhood of Song Zhuang in Beijing and develops an improbable relationship with Zhao’s sister Lihua (Dan Hong). This story alone would be curious enough, but a love story develops set during the Japanese invasion of China in the 1940s. Though this occupation was typified by its brutality, the tale here depicts a Japanese doctor in the countryside caring for a Chinese farmer who starts a relationship with the daughter. This neo-nationalist re-imagining of history is annoying, but the film has some odd compelling elements to it. Even at well over two hours in length, this is a watchable piece for those who want to veer away from standard narrative fare. (English title: The Black Square; 144 min.)

movie news

W

hen preparing a film on a volcanic eruption, Japan is the place to turn to for research, as Paul W.S. Anderson learned while working on his film Pompeii, set in the ancient city destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius. “For visual effects, I like to work from reality as much as possible, and there was quite a lot of good footage from Japan of volcanic activity,” he told Metropolis after attending the Japan premiere with his wife Milla Jovovich.

Volcanologists have praised the resulting level of realism. In the film, Game of Thrones star Kit Harington plays a Celtic slave who squares off against a corrupt Roman senator (Kiefer Sutherland) as the sky starts falling in around them. A fan of Roman history since his school days in England, the director says the lesson of the historical disaster is that “no amount of technology can stand against nature, but what can really triumph over it is the human spirit.” In this regard, he again turned to Japan for inspiration. “Everyone was very impressed by the Japanese reaction to what happened here,” he says of the March 11 disasters. “The response was immediate and everyone helped each other. The nation really rose to the challenge. As the film shows, some people rise to the challenge and others don’t, and we all hope we would be like Kit and not like Kiefer.” Pompeii is now playing nationwide. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground

T

he Dutch coming-of-middle-age comedy De Marathon (pictured) tells the story of three shambolic, aging auto mechanics who decide, Full Monty-style, to get into shape and run 42k to help out an immigrant co-worker. On from June 21 at Cine Switch in Ginza (4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku; www.cineswitch. com)… No one does devastating family dramas like the Europeans, as evidenced by the Romanian film Child’s Pose, playing from June 21 at Bunkamura’s Le Cinema (2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku; www.bunkamura.co.jp). Veteran actress Luminita Gheorghiu plays a mother who pulls psychological and political strings when her adult son faces manslaughter charges following a car accident…

In case you missed them the first time around, Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro (3F, 1-43-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku; www.shin-bungeiza.com) is giving you a second chance to see recent films on the big screen from June 25, including Mud, The Sessions, Before Midnight and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty… Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku ; www.cinemavera.com) will screen a cross-section of the sizable filmography of cult icon Sonny Chiba, June 14-July 11. KM

© EYEWORKS FILM & TV DRAMA.

I ’ m a s t i re d a s yo u o f t h e o l d found-footage horror subgenre.

B ut t h i s l it t le b a r nbu r ne r h a s the welcome difference of being made by veteran director Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Wag the Dog) and presented as a governmentsuppressed eco-doc cobbled together from handy-cam, security-cam and Skype footage. In a time-honored Jaws scenario, a pollution-spawned, water-borne parasite infests a bucolic Maryland resort. The nasty thingies burrow inside their victims, grow to fist size and eat their way out. Kewl. Scary because it stays within the realm of possibility. Think Contagion.

It’ll get under your skin. (84 min)

eiga

Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English-language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only. #1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 21

WORLD 2014 WALL CHART AND TV VIEWING SCHEDULE

CUP

JUNE 13 - JULY 14

AB E F All times are JST. For example, the Brazil-Croatia match will take place June 12 at 5pm in Brazil, which is June 13 at 5am in Japan. Note that programming may change at the discretion of TV stations. All matches will be screened on Sky PerfecTV!

June 13, Fri, 5am (Channel 8 - Fuji TV)

ブラジル連邦共和国

Federative Republic of Brazil

BRAZIL

United Mexican States

MEXICO

Federative Republic of Brazil

BRAZIL

Republic of Cameroon

CAMEROON

Republic of Cameroon

CAMEROON

Republic of Croatia

CROATIA

Swiss Confederation

SWITZERLAND

メキシコ合衆国

オーストラリア

オランダ王国

United Mexican States

Australia

Kingdom of the Netherlands

クロアチア共和国

スペイン

チリ共和国

Republic of Croatia

Spain

Republic of Chile

ブラジル連邦共和国

オーストラリア

スペイン

Federative Republic of Brazil

Australia

Spain

メキシコ合衆国

オランダ王国

チリ共和国

United Mexican States

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Republic of Chile

SWITZERLAND

Republic of Honduras

NETHERLANDS

HONDURAS

Republic of Honduras

Argentine Republic

ホンジュラス共和国

イラン・イスラム共和国

ナイジェリア連邦共和国

Republic of Honduras

Islamic Republic of Iran

Federal Republic of Nigeria

ARGENTINA

HONDURAS

IRAN

アルゼンチン共和国

イラン・イスラム共和国

Argentine Republic

Islamic Republic of Iran

ARGENTINA

June 22, Sun, 7am (Channel 7 - TV TOKYO)

エクアドル共和国

ナイジェリア連邦共和国

Republic of Ecuador

Federal Republic of Nigeria

ECUADOR

NIGERIA

IRAN

Bosnia and Herzegovina

June 26, Thu, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

スイス連邦

ナイジェリア連邦共和国

アルゼンチン共和国

Swiss Confederation

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Argentine Republic

SWITZERLAND

NIGERIA

ARGENTINA

June 26, Thu, 1am (Channel 4 - Nihon TV)

ボスニア・ヘルツェゴビナ Bosnia and Herzegovina

FRANCE

ボスニア・ヘルツェゴビナ

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

イラン・イスラム共和国 Islamic Republic of Iran

IRAN

Serbia and Montenegro

ECUADOR

Bosnia and Herzegovina

NIGERIA

June 22, Sun, 1am (Channel 4 - Nihon TV)

セルビア・モンテネグロ

Republic of Ecuador

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

June 17, Tue, 4am (Channel 1 - NHK)

HONDURAS FRANCE

ボスニア・ヘルツェゴビナ

アルゼンチン共和国

Republic of Ecuador

June 26, Thu, 5am (Channel 5 - TV ASAHI)

エクアドル共和国

June 16, Mon, 7am (Channel 1 - NHK)

CHILE

エクアドル共和国

ECUADOR

June 26, Thu, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ホンジュラス共和国

SPAIN

June 24, Tue, 1am (Channel 8 - Fuji TV)

MEXICO

June 21, Sat, 7am (Channel 5 - TV ASAHI)

ホンジュラス共和国

CHILE

June 24, Tue, 1am (Channel 5 - TV ASAHI)

AUSTRALIA

Serbia and Montenegro

Swiss Confederation

NETHERLANDS

June 19, Thu, 4am (Channel 8 - Fuji TV)

BRAZIL

June 21, Sat, 4am (Channel 1 - NHK)

スイス連邦

AUSTRALIA

June 19, Thu, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

SPAIN

セルビア・モンテネグロ

Serbia and Montenegro

セルビア・モンテネグロ

Australia

NETHERLANDS

June 14, Sat, 7pm (Channel 7 - TV TOKYO)

CROATIA

June 16, Mon, 4am (Channel 4 - Nihon TV)

FRANCE

オーストラリア

Republic of Chile

AUSTRALIA

June 16, Mon, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

スイス連邦

チリ共和国

Republic of Cameroon

MEXICO

June 24, Tue, 5am (Channel 8 - Fuji TV)

クロアチア共和国

カメルーン共和国

CHILE

June 24, Tue, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

カメルーン共和国

Kingdom of the Netherlands

CAMEROON

June 19, Thu, 7am (Channel 6 - TBS)

カメルーン共和国

オランダ王国

Spain

SPAIN

June 18, Wed, 4am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ブラジル連邦共和国

スペイン

Republic of Croatia

CROATIA

June 14, Sat, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

メキシコ合衆国

June 14, Sat, 4am (Channel 1 - NHK)

クロアチア共和国

June 29, Wed, 1am (Channel 6 - TBS)

July 1, Tue, 1am (Channel 4 - Nihon TV)

2 ROUND 1

nd

(WINNER A) June 29, Wed, 5am (Channel 8 - Fuji TV)

2

(WINNER C) June 30, Wed, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

3

(WINNER D) June 30, Thu, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

4

(WINNER B)

(RUNNER-UP B)

(RUNNER-UP D)

(RUNNER-UP C)

(RUNNER-UP A)

5

(WINNER E) July 1, Tue, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

6

(WINNER G) July 2, Wed, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

7

(WINNER F) July 2, Wed, 5am (Channel 5 - TV ASAHI)

8

(WINNER H)

(RUNNER-UP F)

(RUNNER-UP H)

(RUNNER-UP E)

(RUNNER-UP G)

July 14, Mon, 4am (Channel 1 - NHK)

FINAL ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

(WINNER SF I)

(WINNER SF II)

CD GH

June 15, Sun, 1am (Channel 7 - TV TOKYO)

コロンビア共和国

Republic of Colombia

COLOMBIA

Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

IVORY COAST

Republic of Colombia

COLOMBIA

Japan

JAPAN

Japan

JAPAN

Hellenic Republic

GREECE

Federal Republic of Germany

GERMANY

Republic of Ghana

GHANA

Federal Republic of Germany

GERMANY

United States of America

USA

United States of America

USA

Portuguese Republic

PORTUGAL

イングランド

Oriental Republic of Uruguay

England

URUGUAY

イタリア共和国

Hellenic Republic

Republic of Italy

B

(WINNER MATCH 1) July 6, Sun, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

C

(WINNER MATCH 7) July 6, Sun, 5am (Channel 6 - TBS)

D

(WINNER MATCH 3)

Republic of Costa Rica

COSTA RICA

June 25, Wed, 1am (Channel 7 - TV TOKYO)

イタリア共和国

ウルグアイ東方共和国

Republic of Italy

Oriental Republic of Uruguay

ITALY

URUGUAY

June 25, Wed, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

コスタリカ共和国

イングランド

Republic of Costa Rica

England

COSTA RICA

ENGLAND

June 18, Wed, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ポルトガル共和国

ベルギー王国

アルジェリア民主人民共和国

Portuguese Republic

Kingdom of Belgium

Democratic and People' s Republic of Algeria

アメリカ合衆国

ロシア連邦

United States of America

Russian Federation

ガーナ共和国

ベルギー王国

ロシア連邦

Republic of Ghana

Kingdom of Belgium

Russian Federation

ALGERIA

BELGIUM

June 18, Wed, 7am (Channel 6 - TBS)

RUSSIA

USA

BELGIUM

ポルトガル共和国 Portuguese Republic

RUSSIA

June 23, Mon, 4am (Channel 1 - NHK) 国民韓大

アルジェリア民主人民共和国

aeroK fo cilbupeR

PORTUGAL

Democratic and People' s Republic of Algeria

SOUTH KOREA

ALGERIA

Federal Republic of Germany

June 27, Fri, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ガーナ共和国

アルジェリア民主人民共和国

ロシア連邦

Republic of Ghana

Democratic and People' s Republic of Algeria

Russian Federation

ドイツ連邦共和国

国民韓大

ベルギー王国

aeroK fo cilbupeR

Kingdom of Belgium

SOUTH KOREA

GERMANY

BELGIUM

June 27, Fri, 5am (Channel 4 - Nihon TV)

ALGERIA

GHANA

国民韓大 aeroK fo cilbupeR

SOUTH KOREA

June 23, Mon, 1am (Channel 4 - Nihon TV)

GHANA

RUSSIA

July 9, Wed, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

QUARTERFINALS (WINNER MATCH 5) July 5, Sat, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

コスタリカ共和国

ITALY

July 5, Sat, 1am (Channel 7 - TV TOKYO)

A

ENGLAND

June 21, Sat, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ギリシャ共和国

PORTUGAL

June 27, Mon, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ポルトガル共和国

ITALY

ウルグアイ東方共和国

Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

IVORY COAST

June 27, Mon, 1am (Channel 6 - TBS)

アメリカ合衆国

ENGLAND

June 20, Fri, 4am (Channel 8 - Fuji TV)

コートジボワール共和国

Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

June 23, Mon, 7am (Channel 6 - TBS)

アメリカ合衆国

Republic of Italy

コートジボワール共和国

June 22, Sun, 4am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ドイツ連邦共和国

イタリア共和国

COLOMBIA

June 17, Tue, 7am (Channel 5 - TV ASAHI)

ガーナ共和国

COSTA RICA

England

Republic of Colombia

June 17, Tue, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ドイツ連邦共和国

URUGUAY

June 15, Sun 7am (Channel 1 - NHK)

イングランド

コロンビア共和国

June 25, Wed, 5am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ギリシャ共和国

Republic of Costa Rica

Japan

GREECE

June 25, Wed, 5am (Channel 5 - TV ASAHI)

日本国

コスタリカ共和国

日本国

IVORY COAST

June 20, Fri, 7am (Channel 4 - Nihon TV, BS1)

日本国

Oriental Republic of Uruguay

JAPAN

June 20, Fri, 1am (Channel 1 - NHK)

コロンビア共和国

ウルグアイ東方共和国

Hellenic Republic

GREECE

June 15, Sun 10am (Channel 1 - NHK)

コートジボワール共和国

June 15, Sun 4am (Channel 1 - NHK)

ギリシャ共和国

(WINNER MATCH 6)

(WINNER MATCH 2)

(WINNER MATCH 8)

(WINNER MATCH 4)

SEMI-FINALS I

(WINNER QF A) July 10, Thu, 5am (Channel 6 - TBS)

II

(WINNER QF C)

(WINNER QF B)

(WINNER QF D)

THIRD PLACE July 13, Sun, 5am (Channel 8 - Fuji TV) (LOSER SF I)

(LOSER SF II)

WINNER SPECIAL EDITION ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

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LUNCH:

Mon-Sun 11:30am-3pm (LO 1:30pm)

DINNER:

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Nearest stations: Tokyo or Yurakucho. Open: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Tea 2:30-5pm, Dinner (Mon-Fri) 5pm-4am LO 3:30am, (Weekends and hols.) 5pm-11pm LO 10pm

☎ 03-5222-1251www.miyoshi-grp.com/cardinal/pcm

22 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY

keeping tabs

TACHINOMI CULTURE

Stand and deliver

By Yukari Sakamoto

T

achinomi, literally “stand-and-drink,” are izakaya that serve up small bites and quick drinks. As standing-only bars, it’s assumed that customers are just stopping by for a few sips before going on to another spot for the night—or finishing up with one last round before heading home.

Tachinomi are friendly, easygoing affairs where customers may be asked to squeeze in or move around to accommodate new guests.

Some ver y casual spots are self-ser vice with food already dished up on the counter. While most have you pay when you leave, some are pay-as-you-go—usually identifiable by a small container on the counter where you can leave you r yen. T he sta f f w i l l ta ke out money as needed as the night goes on. If you’re new, not to worry—just watch the other diners to figure out the lay of the land.

The menu at a tachinomi depends on the k ind of drinks ser ved. Places featuring beer and sake will serve up yakitori, while wine bars typically feature cured ham, cheese and other Western nibbles. If you're not sure what order, a simple, “O-susume wa nan desu ka?” will get your started with some house specialties.

What makes them so popular? Perhaps the simple fact that they’re easy on the wallet. If you’re so inclined, you can even make a whole evening of going from one standing bar to the

local flavors

Neighborhood chokubaijo put the local in your food

By Joan Bailey

W

next—with Shimbashi and Ebisu particularly well suited to this purpose.

Here are a few standouts: A short walk from Ebisu station, the walls of Buri (1-14-1 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3496-7744. Nearest st n: Ebisu) a re l i ned w it h cup sake glasses. Be sure to order a slushy mizore-sake for a cool start to the night.

Shimbashi’s Tonko (2-9-17 Shimbashi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3508-1122.

N e a r e s t s t n : S h i m b a s h i . w w w. tor i s h ige.c om /ton ko) s pe c i a l i z e s in pork, and is staffed with friendly girls who take good care of the area’s salarymen.

Maru (3-22-10 Hatchobori, Chuok u. Tel: 03-3552-4477. Nearest st n: Hatchobori. http://maru-miyataya. com) is next door to Miyataya liquor shop in Hatchobori. Pick up a bottle of wine and the tachinomi staff will open it for a ¥500 corkage fee, mating your chosen beverage with jamón serrano, prosciutto and cheese.

N e w K a y a b a (2-17-11 N i h o n b a s h i-K a y a b a c ho, C huo -k u . Te l : 03-3664-7315. Nea rest st n: Kayabacho) is a “men’s only” tachinomi opened in 1964. Women can come in, but only when escorted by a man.

The nihonshu is pay-as-you-go from an oldschool dispenser, and you can grill your own yakitori.

The genki staff at Saiseisakaba (3-7-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3354-4829. Nearest stn: Shinjuku Sanchome. http://meturl.com/3b) call out as you walk by­—as if the smoke from the yakitori wasn’t already an enticing invitation. If you’re game for some intense dishes, the menu includes brains and genitals­. By the way—the jars on the counters are for your used skewers folks.

potatoes, onions, beans and jams. Arranged something like a supermarket—fresh fruit and vegetables here, dried beans there, flowers by the door and fresh eggs next to a shelf of nifty handicrafts—these little shops are local food hubs that contribute to the local economy, reduce food kilometers, and maintain green space while offering healthy food at a reasonable price.

STALKING PRODUCE

hile Tokyo’s farmers’ markets are an easy and fun way to gather up fresh seasonal produce, there are other ways to dig in to the city’s bounty.

Chokubaijo, one of Tokyo’s best little green secrets, are direct sale stands sprinkled throughout the city and greater metropolitan area. They come in a variety of guises ranging from a simple table with a sign and a coin box to coin lockers where ¥100 literally opens the door to everything from eggs and greens to fruit and the occasional homemade pickle. Chokubaijo at larger farms are often staffed with a grower ready to offer a recipe, recommend a new vegetable, or just chat.

Dining Out

HUNTING TIPS For farmers, a chokubaijo means no shipping, whether that’s driving to a nearby grocery store or boxing produce up for shipment to individual buyers. Customers come to the farm, see where their food is grown and meet the grower.

Depending on the location and what is in season, a farmer can average ¥120,000 a month­— and when Mother Nature is your business partner, that extra support can make all the difference.

Newest on the food scene are cooperatively run stores where area farmers drop off the day’s harvest or freshen stocks of reliables such as

JA COOPERATIVE STORES While all in Japanese, a little map-searching will lead to a fine selection of local fruits, vegetables, flowers and prepared foods all from area growers and producers. www.tyokubaisyo.com/chiki/ kantou/tokyo/tokyolist.html JA OFFICE Find a local JA office and/or bank and ask for a map of local farms.

GOOD SHOES OR A BICYCLE WITH A BASKET Old-school it may be, but the best way to find a chokubaijo is to look for one. Spend some time wandering the area and chatting up neighbors to find those delicious treasures. Think of it as exercise with benefits!

#1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 23

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 WHERE THERE ARE NO STRANGERS, ONLY FRIENDS YOU HAVE YET TO MEET!

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!

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

OPEN: Everyday from 3PM

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/

24 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Dining Out

WORLD CUP DINING Taste from the plates of many of this year’s competing countries

by Mike Kanert

Antonio’s (Italy) in Roppongi and Yokohama

Alladin (Iran) in Roppongi

Frigo (Belgium) in Shinjuku

AFRICA

ASIA & OCEANIA

AFRICAN HOME TOUCH (GHANA)

LEE’S KITCHEN (SOUTH KOREA)

In addition to African beers, a true variety is on offer, including waakye (boiled rice and beans), palava sauce (stew), spicy chicken wings, various soups such as ogbono (African mango) and ofe akwu (palm fruit), as well as fufu (pounded cakes) made of yam or cassava, a woody shrub.

Korean homestyle dining and drinking, including a limited selection of high-end shochu.

Dishes include samgyeopsal (thick, fatty slices of pork belly done yakiniku-style), bulgogi grilled beef, three kinds of chijimi and a horumon (tripe) nabe that can be spiced anywhere from regular to super.

3F Yoko Central Roppongi Bldg,3-15-22 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6447-0116.

Nearest stn: Roppongi. http://africanhometouch.com

ESOGIE (NIGERIA) Authentic African bar decor with a friendly atmosphere. The owner promises to pull out African drums on request—and guests are free to try their hand as well. Happy hour from 6-9pm every day but Monday: draught beer ¥400 and South African wine ¥500.

3F Muraki bldg, 3-11-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.

Tel: 03-3353-3334. Nearest stn: Shinjuku Sanchome. http://esogie.com

CALABASH (IVORY COAST) In addition to healthy and spicy dishes from Ivory Coast, Senegal and Mali, Calabash offers musical performances, flamenco shows and Saturday djembe lessons. The restaurant will be open for Japan vs Ivory Coast Jun 15 at 9:30am (¥3,000 with one drink and lunch, half price for Ivorian nationals), as well as games between Japan and other African nations.

B1F, 2-10-1 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku.

Tel: 03-3433-0884. Nearest stn: Hamamatsucho. www.calabash.co.jp

1F Nikko Bldg, 2-15-12 Misakicho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 050-5789-5301. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. http://meturl.com/3i

KISSHO (JAPAN) A refined shabu-shabu spot that holds onto its wa with both hands. Kissho will bruise the bank without breaking it, with sets and courses falling into the ¥3,000-7,000 range. If you want to drop more, the Higashi Ginza branch will do wagyu shabu-shabu for up to ¥14,040.

Lighthouse (Netherlands) in Kokubunji

EUROPE THE FOOTNIK (ENGLAND) British pub billed as a place where people of all nationalities can interact through the language of football—a tradition carried on since the European Championships in England in 1996.

Ebisu: 1F Asahi Bldg, 1-11-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku.

Tel: 03-5795-0144. Osaki: 1F ThinkPark Bldg, 2-1-1 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku. Tel: 03-5759-1044.

Nearest stn: Ebisu. Nakano: 1F Nakano Central Park South, 4-10-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku. Tel: 03-59428499. Nearest stn: Nakano. www.footnik.net

FRIGO (BELGIUM)

Ginza: 4F Royal Crystal Ginza, 5-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-6251-8191. Nearest stn: Ginza.

Higashiginza: 9F Duplex Tower, 5-13-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-6226-5353. Nearest stn: Higashiginza. www.kissho.co.jp

Along with Belgian cuisine and other dishes from mainland Europe, this European-style pub offers over 160 (count ’em!) varieties of European beer.

B1F Shinjuku Shimazu Bldg, 2-11-20 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5371-0666. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.eurobeer.net/frigo

OZ CAFÉ (AUSTRALIA)

LIGHTHOUSE (NETHERLANDS)

A decent local attempt at an Aussie resort bar, OZ Café offers the requisite Aussie beef and beer in a comfortable environment including plentiful plants, a billiard table and a sofa-lined terrace. Down-under animals on the menu include crocodile, kangaroo and emu. Or you could just go for “Ayers Rock omuraisu.”

Run by Dutch-English siblings, this cozy pub offers European ambiance and home-cooked food, including 40 varieties of beer and eight draft towers.

1F Sekiya Bldg, 1-8-13 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3470-7734. Nearest stn: Roppongi.www.oz-cafe.co.jp

1F Kayo-Kokubunji Green Bldg, 2-15-6 Minamicho, Kokubunji. Tel: 050-1361-4797. Nearest stn: Kokubunji. www.lighthouse-tokyo.com

#1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 25

Dining Out ZUM-EINHORN (GERMANY)

ANTONIO’S (ITALY)

All the schnitzel, sausages, sauerkraut and Black Forest ham you could ask for, plus a seasonal menu that brings in venison and pheasant for the winter. We’d recommend you wait until after June 28 if you’re not an asparagus fan, though.

Serving Tokyo since 1944, Antonio’s deli offers Italian food totally free of chemicals or preservatives, while the restaurant offers an ample selection of Italian wine.

1F Roppongi 1st Bldg, 1-9-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5563-9240. Nearest stn: Roppongi Itchome. www.zum-einhorn.co.jp

BRASSERIE LE DUC (FRANCE) A relaxed space 30 seconds from Roppongi station, this café-restaurant combo offers French bistro cuisine on an expansive wooddecked terrace.

1F Roppongi Hills Tower, 6-2-31 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6804-5377. Nearest stn: Roppongi. http://toyoplan.jp/le-duc/

SWISS CHALET (SWITZERLAND) The whole Swiss deal: rösti, raclette and a variety of fondues, supplemented with salmon, escargots and schnitzel. And of course, fondue chocolat for dessert.

1F Apa Hotel, 4-4-5 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku.

Tel: 03-5774-9300. Nearest stn: Hiroo. http://r.gnavi.co.jp/b022200

DOBRO (CROATIA) The main floor is a casual restaurant, while the second floor is a more formal affair with a chandelier and old-world decor. The menu features Zagreb speciality štrukli—thinly pulled dough stuffed with cheese and smothered in cream sauce.

1F Hitachi No. 6 Bldg, 2-6-14 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5250-2055. Nearest stn: Kyobashi. www.dobro.co.jp

LA TAPERIA (SPAIN) Genuine Spanish wine and cuisine from a genuine Spanish owner-chef. The menu includes Iberian ham, jamón serrano and a wide variety of cheese dishes, as well as the requisite paella and a plethora of tapas.

B1F Stream Yotsuya, 3-3 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku.

Tel: 03-3353-8003. Nearest stn: Yotsuya Sanchome. www.la-taperia.com

TASQUINHA CARAVELA (PORTUGAL)

CHILES MEXICAN GRILL (MEXICO)

Minami-Aoyama: 1F Minami-Aoyama HY Bldg, 7-3-6 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03−3797−0388. Nearest stn: Roppongi.

Yokohama: 28F Yokohama Sky Bldg, 2-19-12 Takashima, Nishi-ku. Tel: 045442-0688. Nearest stn: Yokohama. www.antonios.co.jp

SPARTA (GREECE) Founded by a Greek sailor in 1953, Sparta claims to be the oldest Greek restaurant in Japan, offering a fine selection of Greek and international beers and wines.

3-7 Yoshida-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045253-1645. Nearest stn: Kannai. www.sparta.jp

SUNGARI (RUSSIA) Sungari East and West offer different seasonal courses, currently including marinated salmon with crêpe, beef stroganoff, borscht and Russian-style veal. An à la carte menu is also available at both locations.

Shinjuku East: B1 Chiyoda Bldg, 2-45-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3209-4937. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Shinjuku West: B1 Subaru Bldg, 1-7-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-33435047. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.sungari.jp

MIDDLE EAST

Serving a taste of the Middle East in Japan for nearly 20 years, Aladdin offers healthy, vegetable-heavy dishes garnished with yogurt, herbs and pomegranate paste, as well as staples such as chicken and lamb shish kebab, indica rice and nan.

3-2-6 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3401-8851.

Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.persia-aladdin.com

NORTH AMERICA

Specializing in cataplana, or Portuguese seafood stew, this subterranean Ginza-area restaurant also offers a wide selection of Portuguese wines.

American “slow food”-style BBQ. Each brisket cut is dry rubbed with an original blend of spices, then slow-cooked at low temperature.

Then enjoy your meal with a selection of American microbrews.

B1F Shinbo Bldg, 6-13-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3248-3308. Nearest stn: Higashiginza. http://meturl.com/3d

1F Dogenzaka Pia, 1-22-7 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3461-1475. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.bandloin.com

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Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0 Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400 Package 3 Machine Private Lessons

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03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp www.basipilates.jp/english/ 26 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

SOUTH AMERICA BACANA GINZA (BRAZIL) Dig into 13 different kinds of meat at this Brazilian churrasco (barbecue) restaurant. Be sure to save some space for the all-you-can-eat salad and dessert bar, plus cachaça sugarcane liquor and fresh fruit juice.

B1 No. 7 Central Bldg, 8-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku.

Tel: 03-6228-5627. Nearest stn: Ginza. http://bacana-ginza.jimdo.com

LA CASA DE EDUARDO (CHILE) The only Chilean restaurant in Tokyo, it offers home cooking from Chile and Spain. Chow down on traditional cazuela (Chilean nabe), empanada Chilena (stuffed bread pastry), bife a lo pobre (beef with fried egg and French fries) and more.

2-21-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 0804345-2056. Nearest stn: Akasaka. http://edojapon.wordpress.com

EL CAMINITO (ARGENTINA) Argentine home cooking presented by the former chef to the Argentine embassy in Japan.

Going strong since 1998, the menu includes chorizo sausages and empanada pastries stuffed with beef, onion, olives and eggs—and, um, a veal schnitzel.

PUNTO PUNTA (COLOMBIA) A homestyle Latin bar offering Colombian soul food, including Andes potatoes, empanada stuffed pastries, arepa flatbread and bandeja paisa—an ample platter with red beans, pork, egg, chorizo sausage and avocado.

1F Chayasaka T&K Bldg, 2-13-14 Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5704-6280. Nearest stn: Ebisu. http://meturl.com/3h

B & LOIN (USA)

Metropolis Campaign

1-8-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6434-9693.

Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.chiles-grill.com

1-12-11 Higashi Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3582-9380.

Nearest stn: Akabanebashi. http://elcaminito.jp

ALADDIN (IRAN)

Offering you “Authentic Pilates”

Family recipes, home-cooked food and the Latin spirit promise the closest thing to real Mexican cooking in Japan.

Download the Metropolis 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil viewing schedule and tournament wall chart here: bit.ly/worldcup2014-metropolis

Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365

Hotel IBIS Soba shop

Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com COURSES Body care 30 min: ¥3,150 60 min: ¥6,300 (Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250) 120 min: ¥12,600 Oil massage (daytime only) 60 min: ¥8,400 120 min: ¥16,800

Metropolis Promo

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

Mos Burger Almond

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

The majority of classified ads have moved online!

The Blog

NE W !

Think the Classifieds is just ads? Think again! Visit the blog for saucy ads of yore, ideas to make your ads pop, updated prices (hello, free Vehicles ads!), and plenty more Classifieds goodness. http://metropolis.co.jp/classifiedblog

1 AT YOUR SERVICE 1.1 HEALTH B I L I N G UA L US-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIST R Y U K O I S H I K AWA , MD, w i t h extensive clinical experience in both Japan a n d ove r s e a s . Fa m i ly relationship conflicts, cross-cultural human relationship issues (couples, individuals, groups). Medication assessment w/diagnostic interviews. Weekly seminars available. 5min from Omotesando B1 exit . ryupsy@gmail.com 03-6427-4286

Open from 10am until 7pm, seven days a week. http://meturl.com/ onlycutzone

1.3 MOVING

M OV E OV E R S E A S W ITH SEKINE! Are you planning to move overseas? Call Sekine’s experienced staff who can assist you i n r e m ov i n g a ny t h i n g , anywhere at a reasonable price (from cardboard boxes to shipping containers). Call or email. 070-1317-5407 (Mr. Honda) info@sekine-move. com www.sekine-move.com

CLASSIFIEDS

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

divorce, inheritance, bankruptcy, business cases (contracts, establishing a company, trademarks, etc.) and other legal problems.

Email: web@smkw.biz www. sumikawa.net/ VISA COUNSELING: female immigration lawyer handles your visa case.

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).

Tel: 090-8330-0670 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

1.8 GENERAL SERVICES SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY (physical therapy) care in Hiroo.

Native English-speaking t h e ra p i s t s s p e c i a l i z i n g in sports injuries, p o s t - o p e r a t i v e rehabilitation, back/neck pain, running related, headaches, orthotics, ergonomic consultations and women’s health. www.tokyophysio.com 03-3443-6769 T H A I MASSAGE T O K Y O .

Genuine Thai massage shop offers Th ai or oil massage, open 12-11pm , close to JR Kamata stn, all staff are Thai women. A warm welcome awaits you. weingping2518@gmail. com www.weing-ping.info 03-3738-8425 TO ADVERTISE IN M ETROPOLI S, Japan’s N o .1 E n g l i s h m a g a z i n e , log on at www.metropolis. co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@metropolis. co.jp.

1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY

CHEAPEST, QUICKEST AND SAFEST! Transporter Tokyo supports your moving and delivers your stuff. Moving for singles or couples from ¥12 ,000. D e live r y (furniture, motorbikes, etc.) from ¥7000. English-, Frencha n d Ja pa n e se - s p e a kin g staff available. Inquiries: info@transporter-tokyo. c o m w w w. t r a n s p o r t e r tokyo.com/english/contact Te l : 0 3 - 6 7 1 5 - 9 3 9 1 F a x : 03-6715-9392 Address: 3-29-8 Nishi-Rokugo, Ota-ku, Tokyo

1.4 TRAVEL

S M I L E S TA N D : J a p a n ’ s first and only stylish rental photo booth. An exc itin g a d d itio n to a ny p a r t y, e v e n t , e t c . , a n d the best way to get crazy, fabulous, professional photos. With this ad ¥55,000~. info@highlandtokyo.com https://vimeo. com/44976943 www.smilestand.com

2 FIND A PLACE 2.1 GUESTHOUSE

N A R I TA A I R P O R T C A R / MINIVAN TRAN SFER SERVICE. Cheaper than a taxi. English-speaking driver.

Meet and greet. Free baby seat. Luggage assistance.

Dependable-Safe-Easy-Quick Airport Transfer Service. BOOK NOW! Email Reservation@ To k yo A i r p o r t e r. c o m . www.tokyoairporter.com

GREAT LOCATION & SUPER CLEAN. Private furnished rooms in Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu-Juban and Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min from stn, ladies-only floor available, weekly cleaning service, free internet, aircon, fridge. From ¥49,000/m.

No key money/guarantor/ agent fee. 090-2405-0022 mail@bauhousetokyo.com

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES

O N LY C UT ZO N E SALO N provides a hair cut service for only ¥1000.

5min walk from Kita -Senju stn . Friendly English-speaking staff is available. Contact us at 03-3882-1550.

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,

classifieds.metropolis.co.jp

KANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE. Brand-new fu rn i s h e d s h a re roo m s , separate male and female floors, all rooms w/digital locks, aircon, fridge, 1min walk from Kanamachi stn, Chiyoda line ¥40,000/m. room@airay-apartment.net 03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net/

2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000

SAKURA HOUSE. Leading multilingual real estate agency in Tokyo s i n c e 1 9 92 . O ve r 1 6 0 0 furnished apartments a n d g u e s t /s h a re h o u s e 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

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH M ETROP OLI 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.

IC H IGAYA G REEN CO RP. Apartment, 30sqm, available in furnished, three-story apartment building, sunny a n d q u i e t , s o u t h /n o r t h facing, many trees, small J a p a n e s e g a rd e n , 5 m i n walk from subway station, 1 3 m i n by b i c yc l e to J R Shinjuku/Yotsuya stn. Rent: ¥100,000/m (2K). Tel/fax: 03-3341-7875 Mail: itto@ittojinnai.com www.itto-jinnai. com/green/greencorp.html

Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate, 1 5 m i n fro m S h i n 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 inowa group. jp www. minowagroup.jp/ minowahomes

Issue 1059 - FRI, JULY 11 Deadline: July 3, 3pm 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/

3 EDUCATION 3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SERVICED APARTMENTS in a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites.

4min from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/ day. Monthly ¥5700-/day.

Over three months ¥5130-/ 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

AFFORDABLE HOUSE LOCATED IN POPULAR KIC HIJOJI AREA , two-story, 3DK (three bedrooms, one living room, one kitchen, one parking space), 10min to Inokashira Park, 2min to convenience store, just remodeled ¥135,000/m. Pet friendly. ayumi120980@hotmail. com BRIGHT PRIVATE ROOM IN LARGE, LUXURY RESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ASAKA, 14min to Ikebukuro, huge bathtub, big TV, etc., furniture available, w/utilities, internet, cable ¥49,000. No key money. villa. asaka@yahoo.com 090-6349- 1296

2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000

0

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

Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in central Tokyo locations. No key money/guarantor/agent fee required. New, clean apartments, simple contract system, full English support.

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

Issue 1057 - FRI, JUNE 27 Deadline: June 19, 3pm

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

2.7 OFFICE SPACE

Chinese and English. Hi, I'm a Taiwanese girl seeking a Chn/E exchange. roway1011@gmail.com Deutsch und Japanisch. Ich bin Japanerin (spreche Englisch und Japanisch) und suche einen Tandem Partner/in (Deutsch/Japanisch). Ich habe B1 Zertifikat aber ich kann nicht sehr gut Deutsch sprechen. reeses_ peanutbuttercup@hotmail.co.jp English and Japanese. MJF, 40, seeking a native English speaker for language exchange. Hope to meet at a cafe on weeknights around Shibuya.

I would be happy to help with your Japanese. Let's help each other! sunshine-246@excite.co.jp English and Japanese. Hello, Japanese seriously seeks English language exchange partner in the Ikebukuro area.

I would be glad to help your Japanese improve. I would like to improve my speaking skills. mauvette24@hotmail. com English and Japanese. Hi! I'm Tomoyuki, a JM, 28. I'm seeking English speakers. I'm a medical doctor. I live in Bunkyo-ku. If you would like to improve your Japanese, please text me without any reserve. takutomo5@hotmail.com English and Japanese. Japanese male, 36, seeking language exchange and friendship around Shibuya. I can teach any level of J. It's hard to study another language, so I want to meet at a bar and have fun together. ilovcalgary@aol.com English and Japanese. Like to do some business/conversational J practice on weekdays after work, between Shinagawa and Shinjuku if possible, or your choice of station. I am Asian-American, working at an Englishspeaking company. ilikesandiego@ yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Group language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.

Most members are 20s and 30s. We switch languages every 30min. Fun events on weekends. Free to join. ando. andy@gmail.com Español y japonés. Estoy buscando a una persona (preferiblemente de España) para hacer intercambio de idiomas en Tokio. Alguien serio que tenga tiempo libre durante el día entre semanas. Mi nivel de español es avanzado. two4tunecookies@yahoo. co.jp German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J language exchange partner. Seit Sechs Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested, drop me a line. gardenstate2005@ hotmail.com Hindi and Japanese. Namaste!

Japanese female seeks Hindi language exchange partner in Tokyo. saraswati413@hotmail.com

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.

MONDEWORK TOKYO: serviced offices and s h a r e o f f i c e s ava i l a b l e from one month located i n I c h i g a y a ( Yo t s u y a ,

Korean and Japanese. Japanese male, 41, seeks a native Korean speaker for Kor/J exchange. I like music, reading, cooking.

I hope we can learn from each other and have some fun. astralsky@excite.co.jp

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. #1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp Spanish and English. I’d like to have a language exchange with Englishspeaking people. pronusprorsus@ yahoo.com Spanish and Japanese. I am a Latin businessman seeking a partner for language and culture exchange.

My hobby is salsa dance. Vamos intercambiar con amistad. viaok@ hotmail.com

¥11,900 ¥18,000

3.9 TEACH ME! Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere!

Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF, 30s, ikke-ryger. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp Native English teacher wanted who can play with my 3-year-old son. He’s taking English lessons, but I’d also like him to study English in a more natural setting. Female university student preferred. I’ll prepare a reward. pianoprimostudio@yahoo.co.jp 080-5071-5723

¥18,000 ~ ¥20,000

Filler -

*Hair growth program for ladies as well

Seeking painting lessons. Seeking lessons in drawing and oil painting techniques from professional artist in Tokyo. Should have studio space.

Will pay ¥3000 for weekly one-hour lesson. Please send images of your work. seedeeminor7@gmail.com

Growth Factor ¥7,000

Teach me English. I’m seeking a female native English teacher for Mon, Wed and Fri evenings for 2.5 hours.

I can pay ¥4000 + transportation.

Female teachers only and I want to start lessons ASAP. mjsenseijp@yahoo.co.jp 070-5451-1960

¥5,000

¥1,900 ¥9,400

¥9,000 Ends Jun 30

Open everyday / 10am ~ 7pm Wed/11am ~ 8am Tax not included in listed prices.

Web design for simple website.

I would like to have a small, simple website. Maybe just a few sentences and a few photos on one page. Please teach me to create and maintain it. werzuletzt@yahoo.co.jp 050-3692-7122

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE

Mattress, Span America Medical Systems Geo-Mattress Pro, brought in US, queen-sized (60x80x6”), orthopedic, intended for use without a foundation, w/special washable cover ¥30,000/obo. snoopy96815@yahoo. com 033467-9106

Reasonable prices.

Free first time consultation We can support you with: Visa and immigration Intellectual property rights (Patent, trademark, copyrights) Establishing a Company & Branch office Other Legal & Business matters Hiroshi Oogai,

Patent attorney Immigration lawyer

www.j-star.jp

Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court

Imperial Palace

Aoyama Ave Akasaka Mitsuke stn

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

National Diet Library

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

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

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

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

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

28 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Bed, semi-double (mattress w/legs), as new ¥3000. Negotiable. Pick up Shibaura (JR Tamachi stn). heroux00@ gmail.com

Shelf, for books or decorations, fits anywhere ¥2000. Pick up or pay for delivery. union-v@hotmail.co.jp 09099716422

4.2 APPLIANCES Fridge/freezer, Sanyo SR-B18J, 175L (fridge 123L, on top; freezer 52L, in three drawers), silver, '05, good for one-two people, in excellent condition ¥10,000.

View Shinjuku. Can arrange delivery for extra cost. metropolisclassified@ jungletelegraph.net Hairdryer, Panasonic TurboDry 1200, three options (medium heat, high heat, cold), as new ¥2500. Negotiable. azdiscover@hotmail.com Iron, Panasonic, steam, 1000W, w/ user manual, box, as new ¥3500.

Negotiable. azdiscover@hotmail.com Lamp, for desk/bedside, operated by touch, three lighting options (low, medium, bright), sleek modern look, w/user manual, bulb, as new ¥3500.

Negotiable. azdiscover@hotmail.com Washer, Panasonic, 7kg, buttons translated into English, many settings, w/manuals in Japanese and English, all hoses, accessories, documentation, as new ¥40,000. Negotiable. azdiscover@ hotmail.com

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Antique side table, dining table/chairs, semi-double bed, bookshelf w/glass panes, etc. william. amsden@gmail.com Sayonara sale! N o - re b ate washer, table, desk, desk chair,

vacuum, hairdryer, fridge. Pick up Shimokitazawa before July 20. damien. moyne@gmail.com Sayonara sale! Two desks, w/phone, lamp, two chairs. Best offer. Yokohama. erdnaeknep@yahoo.com Sayonara sale! Sharp Aquos 26" LCD TV ¥20,000. TV stand ¥1000. Clothes chest ¥2000. Computer desk ¥4000.

Ikea Poang chairs, two ¥4000/each.

Coffee table (118x78x45cm) ¥3000. By June 20. vaidyanb@gmail.com

4.4 TV & HOME THEATER TV 40", Sharp Aquos LC-40F5-W, white, full HD, less than one y/o, boxed, w/ tuner, no scratches, E/J. New ¥89,000.

Sell ¥55,000. Delivery can be arranged. boumper@gmail.com 090-9311-7802

4.5 AUDIO & MP3 Speakers, Sanwa Supply, w/charging for 30-pin iPods (1-4) or iPhones (1-4), outputonly for stereo mini-plug output devices, output volume 4W ¥1000. Koenji. Photos available. ohpopshop@gmail.com

4.6 FOR KIDS Bike, 20” wheels, single-speed, w/ training wheels ¥20,000. YoyogiHachiman stn. fishburncf3@gmail.com https://flic.kr/p/nsbY9y 090-5198-9921 Coats. Gray and blue, size 130cm ¥1000. Brown, size 140cm ¥500. Items for winter. Pick up or chakubarai. Photo available. housetsu@gmail.com Desk, for elementary-middle school kids, fold-out design, glass-covered bookshelves, chair fits inside for compact design ¥4000. william. amsden@gmail.com Footwear. Boots, 21cm, brown; 21cm, red; 15cm, red; rain boots, 17cm, blue; 20cm, yellow; summer shoes ¥100¥500. Windbreaker, Puma, size 130cm, black, in good condition ¥1000. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

4.7 FOR FREE

thousands of sounds pre-installed on a dedicated USB drive, brand new, never plugged in. New $249. Sell ¥15,000. justcallmehenry@gmail.com edwardsoperation.com Monitors. Edirol MA 15D digital stereo micro monitors, 24-bit/192KHz digital ¥12,000. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.com Stand, for keyboards, height-adjustable, cross-legged, in great condition ¥1000.

Pick up Nakano or Ikebukuro stn. madamixx@yahoo.co.jp

5.5 GAMING Nintendo DSi TWL-001, as new. yokelena@yahoo.co.jp

5.7 PETS Kitten, 3 months old, healthy and happy, shots up-to-date, FIV-negative, microchipped, Ragdoll mix. New ¥60,000.

Sell ¥25,000. emi21mg@hotmail.com

6 VEHICLES 6.2 MOTORBIKES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Honda PCX 150, fully serviced, as new, '13, matte black, w/windshield, Givi topbox, two matching helmets, always kept covered, barely 6500km, taxed/insured until Mar '15 ¥320,000. Negotiable. boumper@gmail.com 090-9311-7802

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES BMX bike, Haro cruiser, 24", in very good condition ¥20,000. Pick up Ochanomizu. jamesbigceltic@excite. com 09071768259 Road bike, size 52, full carbon (weighs 6.7kg), custom-built, Shimano 105 and Dura Ace components, 1500km ¥80,000. Pick up Shimokitazawa. chlorix@hotmail.com 08044684460

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES

Entertainment center, wooden (W120xD39xH75cm); black bar counter（(W120xDd45xH90cm), w/two chairs. Pick up only Kokubunji. naoko_ licca@yahoo.co.jp

iPhone 5c 32GB and contract. White, as new, SoftBank White Plan (¥5460/m, domestic calls are unlimited to SoftBank and Disney mobile phones 1am-9pm, contract signed Nov 10, ‘13). rkimcocaign@hotmail.fr

Mini stepper, w/original box. Pick up Machida stn. rkimcocaign@hotmail.fr

Smartphone, Digno ISW11K, AU. yokelena@yahoo.co.jp

Sofas and bookshelves. Ikea Ektorp sofas, one seats two, one seats three; Billy bookshelves, five-level and threelevel. Pick up near Tamachi/Mita stn by July 18. suzysantos2002@yahoo.com 08041834248

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Camera bag, Clik Elite Obscura Camera day pack, aluminum frame, hydration pouch, camera side-access, never used (29.5L). New US$245. Price included shipping. Sell ¥20,000. HigashiNakano. rory@amber.plala.or.jp

5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT R a c ke t b a g , t e n n i s , P e n n (73x30xW18cm), padded, holds many rackets, shoe pocket, two other pockets, shoulder strap, never used ¥1000.

Pick up near Yokohama. sayonara_ vancouver@hotmail.com Ski machine, NordicTrack Pro Skier, takes minimum space, quiet, was shipped from US, can be disassembled, w/all documentation, manuals, CD ¥80,000.

Negotiable. azdiscover@hotmail.com Treadmill, Treo T101, 2.65 HP motor, 1-16km speed, heart rate monitor, capacity to 110kg, folds (folded size 1200x400mm), hardly used. New ¥60,000. Sell ¥25,000/obo. Pick up Minato-ku or courier. sl69phillips@ hotmail.com 08045990612

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Insect sounds. “Bugs” collection of insect sounds taken from Ric Viers’ Blastwave Sound Library,

7.2 FASHION Boots, Timberlands Earthkeepers, winter, unisex, size US 11M, dark brown, soft leather, suede trim, cream faux-fur lining, extremely warm, worn once, as new ¥17,000. Negotiable. azdiscover@ hotmail.com

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS Planters. Rectangular, three-planter terracotta set (L40xW18xD17cm) ¥ 3 0 0 0 . Te r r a c o t t a p l a n t e r (W34xD26cm) ¥3000. ¥5000/ all. Pick up only Omotesando. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp Tableware, Japanese, new ¥400¥1500/each. Pick up or chakubarai.

Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

7.4 ITEMS WANTED Clothes for baby boy and older.

Cheap or free. lelanis@hotmail.com Dining counter, w/storage shelves below for dishes, etc. cliffworks@gmail.com Record collections/vinyl LPs. 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 Washer, bicycle, aircon, etc., sought.

Katsushika. ego_prin@yahoo.co.jp

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE Monitor, LG Flatron, 24”, operated by touch, w/documentation, manual (English included), as new ¥18,000.

Negotiable. azdiscover@hotmail.com

Pocket Wi-Fi, Ultra WiFi 4G 102z LTE, download speed up to 76Mbps, upload speed up to 10Mbps, up to 10 users can share network. New ¥39,000. Sell ¥5000. mristhisapen@ gmail.com

11 MESSAGES 11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME Documentary on religion needs interviews. Assassin Wolves Films are in the process of wrapping a feature-length documentary on religion and we are seeking a couple of interviews to polish the film.

Religious or atheists both welcome to apply! assassin.wolves.films@ gmail.com Need help reading Japanese court documents so I can prepare an appeal. No legal experience required, but must have brain. Can pay reasonable amount. cliffworks@ gmail.com 090-7729-1195

10.2 SUPPORT

N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous English counseling daily from 9am-11pm by trained vo l u n te e r s : 03 - 57 74 - 0 9 92 .

TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual p syc hothe rapy by acc re dite d Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider: 03-4550-1146. TELL website: www. telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a d ay, fro m a ny wh e re , a b out a ny t h i n g . Fro m e m e rg e n c y assistance to simple questions.

Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press “ he lp,” or call 0 570 - 0 0 0 -911.

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

WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL , ONE P EO P LE . Fif ty- one years ago, West Papua should have been an independent country. Since 1969, West Papua has been invaded and the people robbed of their rights, culture and country. Help support West Papuans’ desire to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/ markhelp2@gmail.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO. If you have a problem with drinking, we can help.

English-speaking meetings daily.

03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. org http://aatokyo.org 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/ To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s No.1 English magazine, log on at www.metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@metropolis.co.jp.

WRITE A MESSAGE FOR YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE! Write anything, from birthday messages to proposals, and so much more! Contact us through our website at http://classifieds. metropolis.co.jp.

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

JAPAN I NTE R NATI O NAL PART Y – Early Summe r Special. Sat, June 28, 6 : 3 0 - 9 p m , D evi Fu s i o n (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

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

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/ 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 FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join us for social or competitive touch rugby every Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake stn, Yurikamome line. Any age, sex, level ok. Please email for details. funwithtouch@gmail.com http://www.funwithtouch.com/ where-we-play/ PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club. Devoted to the game and its social side, the “Cru” welcomes all players and supporters.

Established in 1990, the Cru plays in the Shuto League 1st Division. http://www.facebook.com/tokyo. crusaders www.tokyocrusaders. com TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w s p o r t fro m S cotla n d . U s in 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: www. tamjapan.org/en/ 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 Basketball in the Yokohama area.

Want to play b-ball in the Yokohama area? Mostly Japanese play intermediate games every Mon and Wed night at a local school’s gym. Feel free to come.

Please contact for further details. satoru. nicolas@gmail.com Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com

Family doctor for your dogs and cats in the heart of Tokyo!

Consultations available in English!

Vaccinations Heartworm prevention, flea/tick control In-house blood work, X-ray, echography Spay/neuter, dental cleaning General surgery and medicine Import & export requirements

03-6205-7753

2-5-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku www.toranomonvet.jp/en

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

Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp

JUST A 3MIN WALK FROM ROPPONGI HILLS, Club 360 is a large and modern health and fitness club. No membership or joining fees. Personal training, physiotherapy, fitness classes, massage.

For all your fitness and rehabilitation needs! i n f o @ c l u b 3 6 0 . j p w w w. club360.jp 03-6434-9667

Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team in Tokyo seeking people who can enjoy the game with others. Please introduce yourself (age, nationality, where you live, whether you belong to another team). umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp Gracie jiu-jitsu. Seeking a partner to practice Gracie Combatives techniques. I’m a long-term foreign resident, can speak Japanese.

Interested in self-defense, not MMA or grappling for points. Prefer Yokohama area. Thanks. breathe@ world.email.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

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)

International Adventure Club Tokyo (IAC-Tokyo). The IAC-Tokyo is an allvolunteer group of folks from the Tokyo area who enjoy outdoor activities together. stephy46800-live@yahoo. co.uk www.iac-tokyo.org #1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29

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

Precision Cutting Brazilian Keratin Treatment Foil Highlighting / Blonde Specialists Colour Corrections Hair Extensions

PH 03-6436-0228

www.goldsalontokyo.com

for first visit from our entire service menu

4-1-9-6F Azabu Juban Minato-ku Tokyo (1min from exit 4 Azabu Juban stn)

International basketball club in Hachioji seeking new members.

Amateur club, M/F ok. Let’s enjoy b-ball games on Sun evenings. For more info, please contact Yoshi. ibc_yoshi@yahoo. co.jp https://m.facebook.com/IBCTokyo

Guitar and bass player sought by Japanese drummer for rock, dance, pop, blues, jazz, etc. Melody is important. Hopefully, we can have gigs so everybody can dance! kosuke1016@ hotmail.com

Jazz-playing friends in Tokyo.

Japanese male seeking jazz players for fun in the Tokyo area. I've been playing the alto sax for a couple of years. Still amateur, but want to play with others. yossynet@ra2.so-net.ne.jp

International soccer club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio0417@yahoo.co.jp

Japanese drummer seeking band.

Hi, I've been playing the drums since I was in grade 2. I went overseas to play music (USA, AZ, Japan). I play basically rock, pop, funk, jazz, blues, etc. kosuke1016@hotmail.com

Horseback riding. Anyone doing horseback riding here? Let’s talk about how lessons are going or anything else. I go horseback riding outside next month. I’m a Japanese female living in Tokyo. hana213@hotmail.com

Musicians wanted to play northern European/Scandinavian music together, especially violinists, accordionist, pianist, cellist. Rehearse a couple of times/month in Nakano. unicornio@nifty.com

L a t i n businessman s e e k s fe male fashion partner.

I work in fashion vending and am seeking a female partner to exchange ideas, have Japanese and Spanish business language. My hobbies are salsa dance, walking good places. Vamos a compartir algunas ideas. businesslatino@yahoo.com 08094267557

Tennis in central Tokyo. Active group of tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes serious/motivated new players. We play on weekday evenings and weekends. Different levels (sorry, no beginners), fun training sessions and games with great people from all over! tennis.tokyo@yahoo.fr

Call today to book an appointment with some of the city’s best in-room massage therapists !

Service menu:

Tokyo’s

Aromatherapy treatment Lymph drainage treatment Reflexology Shiatsu

Relaxation Massage

No.1

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

13.2 LEISURE

90min. ¥15,000 120min. ¥20,000 150min. ¥24,000 180min. ¥29,000

Open: 6pm-5am Tel: 03-5206-5134 www.tokyo-refle.com/en/

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 Free Japanese home cooking.

Japanese housewife offers free home cooking (washoku) lessons in English (females only) at her house near Kawasaki stn during the day on weekdays. You just pay the cost of ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@ ezweb.ne.jp

Don't waste time and money

Let's cook together. Why don't you come over to my kitchen (Japanese woman in Shinagawa) to learn how to make yummy home-style Japanese dishes? Washoku, Western food, Chinese, etc. Only pay for ingredients.

Women only. cookjapon@gmail.com

on so-so dental care.

Invest in the best.Your teeth deserve it.

13.3 ARTS

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

03-6435-0993

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

Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate our love of the Bard.

Come to read, or just to listen. All nationalities welcome, no experience necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo. com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Shakespeare-sama/

13.4 MUSIC

Room 806 - Roppongi Hair Salon, Fades, Relaxers & Braids

Tel: 03-5545-4325

4/You 2 - Hiroo

Massage & Waxing (ladies only)

Tel: 03-3443-2279

Sakura Total Beauty Salon - Yokosuka Relaxers, Shellack gel, Waxing & Fades

Tel/Fax: 046-826-2218 Pretty feet, Pedicure & eyelash extesions

Tel: 0468-84-8095

www.theroom806.com since 1998 30 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Bassist wanted around Yokohama.

We mainly play rock music and have rehearsals in Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of player is welcome, so feel free to contact us. m_a_b1998@yahoo.co.jp Canadian guitarist, located in Kanagawa, for jazz gigs. Real book and popular, etc. Prefer to join already gigging band, duo or singer, etc., for cafes, small engagements, weddings, etc. Have demos and love to chat.

Thanks. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.com Drummer seeking band. I love jazz, fusion and funk. I play twin pedals and have my own kit. Weekly practices and gigs ok. Tokyo area. Please write me back to have a try! christianpelissero@ yahoo.fr Female singer/songwriter wanted for original alternative/rock working band.

Stage experience a must. Recording experience a big plus. If you've got a song, maybe we can play yours as well.

Mostly we play and rehearse in Tokyo. firstdown49@yahoo.co.jp

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

Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 090-35983072 for more information. daginia@ gmail.com http://www.diamondway.jp/ Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always thought it would be interesting to try it - why not now? Join us Fri evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements in advance by email, and check our home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home. ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com

13.8 PROFESSIONAL Tokyo Traders Club. International club for traders and investors. Discuss opportunities in stocks, commodities and forex. Many regular events, including FX trading workshop. New to trading? No problem: beginners also welcome. You can also learn to trade. Join free! info@tokyotraders. com http://www.tokyotraders.com/ 080-5681-1321

13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Institute) is a nonprofit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. bolick@japanintercultural.org www. japanintercultural.org Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょなる.

Nihongo Club International is a volunteer group to help foreign people learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking nonsmoking friends from Denmark, Germany, Canada or Australia for having fun times together. Let's meet for a cup of coffee first. Please be nonsmokers, 30s. Mail with self-introduction, please! b2jw13@ hotmail.co.jp Expand my horizons. JF, 33, hopes to meet English speakers (including non-native) who can share nice friendships. I would like to expand my horizons through new points of view from foreign people. Nonsmokers, under 35 preferred. gbsrs@hotmail. co.jp Friends. Just would like to chat with someone to feel refreshed. I am a JF, mid-30s, working and living in Tokyo. nvocc_km@yahoo.co.jp From Denmark or Germany? If so, drop me a line! Have been seeking Danes and Germans for friendship.

Tell me what you would like to do with a JF, 30s. Let's have fun times together! Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred. codename107113@live.com Fussball fan? WM2014 fangen sofort an! JF, 30s, nichtraucher suche jemend Fussballspleilen von D e ut s c h e n atio n a lm a n n s c h af t s zusammen zu sehen. Anybody out there? b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp

Mates for studying Chinese sought

by SJM. I started six months ago. Using NHK textbooks (radio, TV) would be ideal for either Skype or at cafes near Yokohama stn. Let’s read the textbook out loud! elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es Online friends from foreign countries.

Japanese female seeks penpal from overseas for culture, books, music, art and such. No men who talk about their ex-girlfriends. Women hate that! peaceful_world8@hotmail.com Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@yahoo.co.jp Westerners for coffee in Machida.

Would anyone from Western countries (especially northern Europe) like to have a cup or two of coffee together with an English-speaking JF, 30s, in/around the Machida area? Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp Yokohama nights. Western man, 40s, is seeking people to explore bars and jazz venues in Yokohama, or just to enjoy a good glass of wine at Yamashita Park. listserver98@hotmail.com

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN S U B M I S S IV E S J M , 36, cute, is seriously seeking a woman who is into, or interested in, dominating men. I am so submissive, with seven years’ experience, that I am happy to take whatever and serve you in any way. slaveintokyo@ gmail.com A meet-up. Does anyone want to just meet up and talk? Have a drink? No expectations? I am a white male exectype, new to Tokyo, wishing to enjoy life here. lumsdentokyo@gmail.com Active, interesting Englishman (Kanagawa), well-traveled, creative, humorous, much to offer an attractive, happy, healthy, sincere English speaker around 40 interested in nature, walking, biking, skiing, art, cooking, gardening, meaningful conversation, travel, with time, interest for her man and relationship. travelmanuk@ hotmail.com Active, mature man, English, 40s, seeking an intelligent, feminine woman for passion and relaxing times. ms2013spk@yahoo.com Afternoon fun? Canadian MWM, 30s, attractive and respectful, seeks Japanese or other Asian lady for safe afternoon fun in central Tokyo.

Weekdays or weekends, daytime ok. foreignerintokyo2@yahoo.com American man seeking serious relationship in Tokyo. I am a simple man.

I am quiet and easy to be with. I always have a smile. I enjoy travel and many things. jk666654@gmail.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 Bilingual date! Single Japanese man, 37, in Tokyo, seeks a bilingual lady for a date. I am fun, fit, financially stable, and lived in NYC for ten years so can communicate in English. Please write me and let's start talking! sat7@yahoo. com

JOBS C O O R D I NAT O R . Re q u i r e m e n t s : organization, communication, persuasive skills; stress-resistance; punctual; hardworking; active; time management skills; wish to develop.

Three stages to employment: provide us with your resume. Display your readiness to work for Lantos GS at an interview with our top managers.

Show your best professional and personal skills and prove you are the best candidate during the paid trial period. lantosglobal@gmail.com http://www.lantosgs.com/ ADMIN INTERN. Metropolis is seeking an E/J bilingual intern for two or three days/week (general admin duties, editing, various other tasks). Students welcome. No pay, but transportation provided. jobs@metropolis.co.jp

BM seeking serious relationship. I am a tall, handsome, employed black man living in Tokyo. I am seeking a serious relationship with a respectful and lovely lady. I am hoping for a relationship possibly leading to marriage. kizitongwa@gmail.com British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim, seeking a nice girl to hang out with.

Nationalit y/race unimpor tant , but should be 20-35 and have a nice personality. Interested in music and film: you should be, too. shiodomebye@gmail.com Calling any and all female baseball fans. WM seeking JF, any age (prefer mid-30s-early 50s), nonsmoking, single ok, married ok, to go to any Giants, Swallows, BayStars, or Lions baseball games with me. Weeknights, weekends ok. tokyoblue21@yahoo. 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 Chinese guy in Tokyo. Hello, I am a Chinese guy working in Tokyo. I'm courteous, patient, optimistic, like most indoor and outdoor activities.

Please drop me a line and let's get to know each other. reuterswang@ yahoo.co.jp Days could be so different... Aren’t you dead bored going home at night, day after day, without having done anything exciting at all? I am!

So please contact me straight away we urgently need to draw up a plan. pronusprorsus@yahoo.com European gentleman, 40s, tall, educated, good-looking, S, seeks M lady, under 30, with unusual fantasies, ready to explore the extraordinary.

One mouse click can make your secret desires come true! aminimia@ yahoo.com Female drinking pal wanted.

Seeking fun cultural beer exchange in Chiba-ken. I am a Brit male, 34, seeking someone to have fun with and share some happy times together.

In relationship. zzztopsandfingers@ hotmail.co.uk Food, wine and romance. Attractive, physically fit, romantic, passionate SWM, 40s, seeking romantic, elegant, attractive Japanese woman, 30s, for a serious relationship. Warmer weather

To advertise: commercial@metropolis.co.jp

03-4588-2277 ART MODEL NEEDED. Nude model sought for sophisticated art project. Willing to offer attractive modeling fee. Serious only. This is not porn. Privacy is 100% respected.

Mail: strikeapose@nifty.com

Recruiting Careers in Tokyo Pacific Associates Limited is a recruiting company focused on helping our foreign-capital clients find bilingual talent in Japan. We specialize in a number of industries including Pharmacuetical, Medical Device, Finance, Information Technology, Digital Media and Industrial/Manufacturing.

We are seeking potential team-members with good character, strong work-ethic and the desire to build a career in recruiting.

We offer training, support, teamwork and the platform for prosperity.

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

In addition to the normal pay and benefits, we provide a weekly cash-bonus, frequent team-building events and quarterly reward-travel.

METROPOLIS is seeking motivated bi l i n g ua l ( E /J ) s a le s exe cut ive s , support staff and interns to join its advertising and marketing team . Send E /J re sume to jobs@ metropolis.co.jp.

We are hiring at all levels: Admin, Researchers, Associates, Consultants and Partners. PAL is a partner-owned business with equity opportunity.

is here; let's explore restaurants, weekend getaways and great times together. herbsandspices1712@gmail. com Friend with secret loving benefits.

Attractive half-Caucasian/Japanese man, 180cm, 86kg, fun and gentle, seeking adventurous and sexy woman for lots of dating, kissing and romantic love-making times together. Around Tokyo or Kanagawa. sp777saw@ hotmail.com Friendship or more. SJM, 40s, classy and stylish, seeks sweet and intelligent woman to share feelings and a sincere friendship. Age, race and looks are not important. We can start getting to know each other by email before meeting. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp Gentleman for long-term intimate friendship. Hi! I am a respectful, goodlooking Western man, 48, interested in having regular intimate time with a decent woman. I don't care about your age - just be positive, safe, nonsmoking. vbcfgt@hotmail.com Handsome black man, young, single, down-to-earth, seeking something serious. sixflagmartin@aol.com Hawaiian guy seeks Tokyo gal for romance. Caring, sensitive Hawaiian, 40s, seeks cute, sophisticated princess for quality time in Tokyo. hermanb1@ yahoo.com Hello, I am a Japanese man, 23, living in Tokyo, seeking a Western female.

I hope to go to somewhere with her.

For example, to amusement parks. If you are interested, please send me a message. cincinatti_reds1@yahoo. co.jp Hi, there. I'm a Canadian SWM, 43, have lived in Japan for about seven years, seeking a SJF for friendship leading to a long-term relationship.

Your photo gets mine. Looking forward to meeting you. earth_travel_ joy@hotmail.com Japanese male, 42, single, seeks sincere, warm, open-minded white female for friendship and romance.

I am generous, nonsmoking, like traveling, reading, philosophy and enjoying my life. skyoverture@excite. co.jp Just human. We are all just human and can sometimes find ourselves in a situation beyond our control which we call loneliness. I guess there is an understanding JF out there who might understand me. Serious only, please. strike4me@yahoo.com

careers@pacific-associates.jp Pacific Associates Limited

Kissin' the moonlight. In an open relationship, seeking a female kissing friend. I want to go to a place in the park or another place. riku_hiroxx@ hotmail.com

Houmei Bldg.6F, 1-3-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 http://www.pacific-associates.jp Phone: 03-6680-8888

Latin businessman seeks female fashion partner. I am a fashion vendor seeking a female partner to exchange business ideas, and to exchange the Spanish and Japanese languages. My hobbies include salsa dancing, walking to good places. Vamos a compartir algunas ideas. Please email me at businesslatino@yahoo.com.

Lazy weekends together? Seeking attractive and curvy girlfriend, 160cm+, who is fun to be around and seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area. I'm a caring Afro-American male from NY, 35, 183cm, shaved head, athletic build, working in IT. Interested? goldfinger726@gmail.com Life is short. British man, 35, single, seeking a girlfriend. I enjoy onsen, travel, drinking, chatting and exploring Tokyo.

I am easygoing but hard-working. I don't really have a type; I like people with warm personalities. happylamp@ hotmail.co.uk Married woman? Intelligent and kind American, early 40s, married, white, blond, slim, educated, seeking one special person. Do you like trying new restaurants, enjoying conversation and feeling a bit of real romance? Let's explore Tokyo together! Nihongo mo ok. tokyomore@yahoo.co.jp

PAccounting • Auditing • IPO Consulting • Due Diligence

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

More Than Twenty Years Experience

KASAI CPA 042-401-0342

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 MWM seeking discreet partner. I'm in my late 40s, said to be fun to get with.

Dinner after work, and fun once or twice a month in central Tokyo. If you are interested, drop me a line. kamal895@ icloud.com Older Japanese women are so beautiful. As Japanese women age, they become more and more beautiful. I love ladies in their 50s and 60s. vbcfgt@ hotmail.com

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

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

Fri, Jun 27 7-11pm Free entry One coin bar ̶ Hana・Gakoi ̶

cuts like a knife

If it’s fresh tuna you want—you got it—at our June getsumatsu as we head to Aoyama’s renowned Yakitori & Sushi Hanagakoi.

Maguro-no-kaitai show (tuna carving) at 9pm–don’t be late!

MORE INFO:

metropolis.co.jp/events #1055 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 31

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp Opposites attract. Balding, brutallooking, but nevertheless kind, witty and fun Englishman, 40s, would like to entertain a slim, attractive, chatty woman in the evenings after work. E/J ok. gbeer2000@yahoo.com Proposal for SWF in Tokyo. Attractive SJM seeks attractive, spiritually mature, thoughtful SWF for a meaningful relationship. Shall we begin to talk? I think this opportunity will be a great one for us. followupforme14@gmail.com Reignite our passion. Are you a MJF looking to reignite passion and romance? If so, I would love to meet you. I'm a Canadian MWM in central Tokyo, mid-40s, easygoing, nonsmoker. theroyaljoker@yahoo.com

Single French guy for serious relationship. Seeking JF, 30s, for longterm relationship. I am warmhearted, live in central Tokyo, work in advertising and photography. I like travel (Bali, Thailand), onsen, movies, jogging. Email w/photo. cdgnrt@yahoo.fr

Hope you are excited when you see me.

I’m old enough, but I think I have what it takes to find a mature bachelor. SJF beauty, approaching mid-40s, fit feminine figure, fun-loving, seeking a single American professional. orange.bunny3908@gmail. com

SJM for SWF, DWF or mixed. SJM, 30s, would like to have conversation, coffee, drinks, lunch, dinner, your smile and hopefully a serious, meaningful relationship. My interests are music, art, photography, painting, movies, jokes and you! No playgirls, please. happymantarou@yahoo.com

Humbly confident. I like to be your princess to be spoiled, and your servant to be devoted to you. I am excellent at being both. Pretty, very feminine face and body, educated, mid-40s, loves good laughs, seeks single professional. green77handbag@gmail.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

Sophisticated and cute SJM seeks interesting, warmhearted Western lady for friendship or possibly more. If you seek a genuine and ideal JM, just drop me a line. Let's start our communication and get to know each other. jscit2007@ gmail.com

Seeking a cool girl. American guy, tall, interesting, seeking a cool Tokyo girl to explore the town with. vinculavinculorumestshibuya@gmail. com

Start a new life. American male, 44, looking to find a new life. I am open to anything. I like wine, travel, staying home, making you any dinner you'd like. lumsdentokyo@gmail.com

Seeking an English-speaking partner.

I'm a SWM, 31, from Manchester, UK, working as a scientist, seeking a welleducated English-speaking partner under 30 for nice hangouts which could lead to preferably a serious relationship. pulerd@hotmail.com

Tokyo cafe journey. Seeking a Western female for enjoying various cafes together in Tokyo, discovering and sharing good wine, sake, cuisine, etc.

I'm a Tokyo-born JM, 30s, 6', sincere, intelligent, fit. tenderlovers@hotmail. com

Seeking big, tall woman. Caucasian guy, prefers big, tall ladies. Me: intelligent, friendly, down-toearth, active, good sense of humor. ms2013spk@yahoo.com

UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of books, films, and music, seeks an attractive British lady with the same interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp

Seeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind, seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance in Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee and talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@ yahoo.com Seeking JFs to enjoy night life together. Hello, I'm seeking some friends to show me Tokyo's night life. I love clubbing and am living in Shibuya.

I'm young (28) and just moved here from London. itsnotveryimportant@ hotmail.co.uk Seeking large Japanese girlfriend.

Canadian guy, 40s, open-minded, gentle, romantic, positive, seeks overweight girlfriend for long-term relationship in Tokyo. Serious only, please. bbalajan@yahoo.com Seeking married JF. Nice guy, 40s, gentle, romantic, open-minded, seeks to share great time with a married JF in Tokyo. First, let's meet up over coffee and talk. benjaminbenjamin12@yahoo. com

WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35.

I am tall, white, with blue eyes. I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@yahoo. com

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

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Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s, positive, romantic, gentlemanly, honest, seeks JF, 40s-50s, for long-term relationship. nnazila73@yahoo.com Seeking nice JF. American, 50, seeking JF for friendship, possible relationship. I am open-minded, kind, active, attractive, educated, have many interests, speak some Japanese, like doing new things. Tokyo/Yokohama, any age over 35. Please introduce yourself. gaikokujin08@gmail.com Seeking Parisienne. Affluent and excellent Japanese architectural engineer is seeking an attractive Parisienne who can speak English. I visited Paris last Dec and would like to know more about the city. Give me the hot info on Paris now. imak1_2_3@ yahoo.co.jp Seeking romantic relationship.

Down-to-earth guy seeking romantic relationship leading to marriage. Email w/photo. smartguy@i.softbank.jp Sense of humor is a must! Creative, bearded white British man, 28, learning Japanese, loves rock music and horror films, seeking someone around the same age who doesn't take things too seriously. What's the worst joke you know? simondbrewer@googlemail.com Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, welleducated and traveled, with a stable job, seeks true love. If you are 20-30s, warm and caring, and seeking a serious long-term relationship, then please drop me an email. Serious only, no games. No Roppongi girls, please. Lasagna5577@ yahoo.com

32 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Illuminated heart. Merkaba, Kundalini yoga, tabla, shamanism, northern lights... If more than two of these ring a bell, I would like to get to know you. I am a SJF, late 40s. oriontopleiades@gmail.com Let's go out - it's summer! Friendly, goodlooking, mid-30s, recently lost job and lonely, seeking a companion for summer music festivals (Summer Sonic, etc.), movies, dinner, other activities. I can show you around. Let's enjoy this summer! roseroseiloveyoujp@yahoo.co.jp Miss authentic communication and a sense of humor. Me: married JF, 30s, with kid, intelligent, fully bilingual, good job, funny, cute, petite, hot mama. You: married/ single, intelligent, funny, good job. Let's have quality conversations and laughs. Emails first. lostintokyo2000@gmail.com Rugby player. Do you or did you used to play rugby? I’d like to meet a good rugger man who is also a caring guy. I’m a JF, late 30s, who is ready to meet the right man for me. lotuspinkish@gmail.com Seeking someone special. I am seeking someone for a lot of fun times in life together.

I am petite, slender, mid-40s, nice smile, live and work in Tokyo, enjoy traveling, watching movies, dining out. kamal895@icloud.com Ultra-feminine, both nurturing and a bit tough, so much fun to be with! I am a SJF, 45, educated, very happy with myself from head to toe. You: established, humorous, single, of a mature age, appreciate simplicity, luxury. bluecolt_liholiho@yahoo.co.jp Working professional SJF, well-educated in the UK, seeking single British or European professional in central Tokyo for a fun summer. It's always nice to meet new people. If you reply, I'll send photos and contact info. Guys who don't mind smoking preferred. No cheaters/liars. If we click, I could be a little naughty for you. twinsister1@hotmail.com

14.4 GAY & LESBIAN Friends and fun. Japanese guy, 27, 170, 65, good-looking, seeking friends and fun in/around Tokyo. Please reply w/face photo and stats. Thanks. kcv@ hotmail.co.jp Seeking guy in Saitama. Hi, I'm seeking a guy to hook up with who lives on the Tobu-Tojo line. I am a white Canadian, 42, in fairly good shape. martin_coman@ hotmail.com

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Hope to meet a classy gentleman on a business trip here. I can be your dining/activities partner. Let's do nice things in Tokyo! I'm a JF, mid-30s, tall, slim, many say I'm good-looking, friendly. roseroseiloveyoujp@yahoo. co.jp Casual but steady relationship.

Married JF, 30s, seeks a good-looking, young Western Caucasian in Tokyo. snowdroph20@yahoo.co.jp Decent SWM? Seeking tall SWM, 30-45, who is seeking a tall, feminine single woman. Someone decent and normal. sreiko751@gmail.com

Serious Japanese guys. GAM in Tokyo, 173, 72, 37, into movies, onsen, traveling, badminton, sign language, violin, aikido.

Drop me a line if you are interested in something serious and long-term.

Seeking good friends, preferably boyfriend. cynopterustay@hotmail.com

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14.6 AND OTHERS Dominant Japanese gentleman, with 25 years of experience, mid-50s, 177cm, 79kg, married, nonsmoker, discreet, perfectly healthy, seeks a hidden submissive lady of any age or nationality for Gorean or Histoire d’O-style relationship. tarlstefan@ hotmail.com Happening bar fun. I'm a European guy who'd like to meet a lovely lady and take her to a happening bar. Let me take you to places you've never been before and share feelings that you didn't think were possible. threesomejapan@hotmail.com

Horoscope BY CATHRYN MOE ♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck

ARIES

TAURUS

You can have all the money you want, whenever you like. At least, that’s what the metaphysical books have been saying for years. But as an Aries, you’re on your own trajectory of, “Sure and thanks, but it will have to be on my terms!” There are many paths to achieve your goals, but they must have your signature to make it worth your while. Mercury moves into its own sign on Tuesday, facilitating reassessment.

By the Aries Moon Thursday you are flying.

Your ruler Venus in your sign wants you to feel safe and secure. It is exactly opposite Saturn on Friday, so relationships have the potential to be stabilizing. If you have built a trap for yourself you will notice it. From the standpoint of feeling hemmed in, you are redirected to stand your ground—easy! Juno in Taurus whispers that you have plenty of options. Mercury moves (retrograde) into your financial sector on Tuesday. You must take care of yourself first.

GEMINI

CANCER

Your ruler Mercury retrogrades into your sign on Tuesday. This is worth noting, of course. Communications could boomerang into other atmospheres. Your mind may be going off like a rocket with insight and awareness.

There’s not a lot you can do with a pressing situation, and some might want to cut their losses. With your sweet heart and lightness of spirit you’re likely to end up treating loved ones and friends to a cup of encouragement and laughter.

This is the week to pay close attention to what feelings you send out when you talk, because that is what will be heard by others. Mercury leaves your sign and retrogrades into your solar twelfth house of the unconscious mind. This is definitely not the time to take chances with your current stability nor to sign on any dotted lines. There will be something so deep and so hidden that when it eventually is revealed you will want to take time out to restore and integrate.

LEO

VIRGO

Thinking of romance? You might just make your wish on a lucky star with Mercury, retrograde extraordinaire, moving to realms of hopes and dreams this Tuesday. The difference is these will be heard and acted upon.

However, your own energy, focus, and manifesting talents are at a premium. You’re likely to think out of the box and move laterally with the leverage you apply. Mars, Vesta and Ceres make you a silvertongued devil this week.

Neptune in your partnership sector keeps dissolving every good intention you have, opposing creative Pallas Athene in Virgo. Misunderstandings are rife as Mercury moves into an incompatible aspect between your desires and career on Tuesday.

There’s a window of magic between Tuesday and Thursday. It all starts from within. Hold the picture of your outcome. As the moon shifts to a fire sign, there is inspiration in your actions.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You’ve got a lucky star this week—but first, you have to make friends with it.

Mars in your sign brings you a cutting edge that you may be loath to apply. It will separate what you think you are from what you really are if you let it. This is a moment of freedom, though the inevitable swaying and floating until you are reoriented might add confusion. Mercury retrogrades into your sector of education and enlightenment on Tuesday. There is more information coming.

Saturn in your sign is exactly opposite Venus on Friday. Hold your ground. You are spirit in a material world. You vote just with your presence. Your power comes from a foundation most people cannot feel. Trust this inner knowing even if challenged by one whose cooperation or approval you seek. Mercury retrogrades into your sector of shared resources on Tuesday. This includes inheritances and joint accounts with partners. What do you want, and why?

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

The Part of Fortune is in your house of partnerships, which brings a fated or destined quality to an important decision. The good news is, you can’t make a wrong one because wherever you find yourself is where you need to be. It’s likely you may feel pulled in different directions, especially with Mercury retrograding to this area on Tuesday. There are great opportunities at work. Both Venus and Juno continue their focus to make you comfortable, secure and a star.

Hold steady. Let your breath out slowly. Everyone is evolving at their own pace. You can stay at the level you’ve reached, or dip back to where you were.

Consider how hard you’ve worked to get where you are. Will you let someone else hold you back?

Even if you have less than you did before, isn’t the feeling of being in alignment with yourself the greatest gift you can receive? No one can put a price on inner peace.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Those who pull back are rewarded this week, but so are those who move for wa rd . It ’s a w i n-w i n sit uat ion for Aquarians. Your courageous intellect is unmatched. Neptune retrograde in your financial sector muddies the water as usual, but you are likely to be unfazed. You’re used to it, and it no longer holds the power it once did. Something else has come to light. Mercury connects to your sector of romance and it’s retrograde. Patience, patience.

And treat yourself to laughter!

Neptune retrograde spills things this week. Tears, drinks, and consciousness. The latter is a bonus. You’re being upgraded in your awareness just by breathing.

Hanging in there, one situation dissolves and another shows up. Mercury, governing thoughts and ideas, retrogrades itself into your home life on Tuesday. Reassessment and questions may arise. Presuppositions are revealed. It’s a great time to clear things out and leave space for what belongs with you.

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The Last Word

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

WHINE AND ROSES

Scolding (and espousing) the military spouse

By Aly Lawson CHRISTI ROCHIN

Aly Lawson is a freelance writer living in Japan on her government's dime with her three-legged dog.

A

s a militar y spouse in Japan, my defining character ist ic has become unemploy ment. "W hat does she do all day?" My husband gets asked this question a lot—by his fellow Navy pilots, his family, his friends and even strangers. I do, too.

Many others are in the same boat, whet her t he spouse of an armed forces service member or the other half of an expat couple. Most have a college degree—if not more advanced education—work experience and goals. But the train of thought goes: Until you speak Japanese, consider your career on pause.

Ye t t h i s non-n at i v e e x c u s e doesn’t seem to hold water; the proverbial noses of the elite turn up, a sting felt round the world not just by spouses in tow but of course stayat-home parents. Being an English teacher (ironic since many also don’t speak Japanese) just doesn’t feel like it matters when you’re the only one at the dinner party not saving lives (albeit they’re risking theirs) or working a glamorous, full-time job in Tokyo.

Nobody deser ves to be denig rated but it happens. A nd it’s plain dif f icult not to care what people think. Still, attached to the uniformed services, we have it easy.

Mi l ita r y spouses have t hese magical things called bases that offer every resource we could want: a week-long orientation when you first arrive, off-base housing help, easy ways to pay your bills and get rid of your garbage, language classes, childcare, shopping, movies, a place to rent all kinds of sporting equipment, classes to learn traditional tea ceremony and ikebana f lower arranging—even your own travel agency w ith specials and deals.

Where do I get a cell phone? Right here. Where do I get a car? Right here. You’re essent ia l ly spoonfed a driver’s license and vehicle

registration. And the community support network is impressive, from Fleet and Family Services to wives ensuring that everyone is safe, fed and laughed with.

Not every process is simple or seamless, or without the other caveats of a bureaucratic organization.

Your social life isn’t always peachy; being tied to the base is being in a fishbowl. But these problems are eye-roll worthy compared to what expats face with an overseas transition minus the aid.

However, Japan is a pretty ideal place to live: clean, kind and wholly entertaining. Being chiefly illiterate and knowing only basic Japanese are rarely obstacles worth ranting about. If you have any pluck at all, off-base Japan is sublime as long as you allow time for road traffic and

WE THINK HAVING A BABY MORE THAN AN HOUR FROM MOM AND DAD AND A FEW MISSED FAMILY REUNIONS ARE GREEK TRAGEDIES.” you’re willing to wait a few minutes to warm up or cool down your house.

US m i l ita r y spouses tend to adopt holier-than-thou attitudes.

We think having a baby more than an hour from mom and dad and a few missed family reunions are Greek t ragedies. I catch myself thinking that being uprooted and put t i ng a ny d rea ms on hold is somehow harder than putting my life on the line every day: studying constantly, stressed constantly.

What I’m learning is we’re really not that different from a lot of other spouses scattered across the planet, those whose jobs take a backseat for some good reason or another.

To our credit, some of us “significant military others” are practically single parents (read: superheroes).

Some sit alongside their studying partners into the wee hours. We all worry when they’re gone. And many give back, making the effort to get to know their Japanese neighbors, making connections teaching English classes or volunteering at the Marine Corps Relief Society or American Red Cross.

Yet in the end, being a military spouse is a first-world sacrifice we all agreed to. We can whine about being viewed purely as party-planners and bakers and crafters, or wail about simply been seen as another member of the so-called backstabbing “k nives (w ives) club”—but when it comes right down to it, we lead a charmed life.

We can eat M&Ms and watch Netflix all day or hop a free flight to Hawaii if we want. Yes, I’m spoiled.

But I’m here by his side, and all I’m asking for is a little respect.

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.

METROPOLIS is Japan's No.1 English magazine, founded in 1994 and published for Japan’s international community.

It is the only English-language publication in Japan that distributes up to 30,000 copies per printed issue.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Neil Butler EDITORIAL Jeff W. Richards (EDITOR-IN-CHIEF) Mike Kanert (EDITOR) Lisa Wallin (EDITORIAL ASSISTANT) Anna Cock Gibson (PROOFREADER) Taiichi Izawa, Layla Nagasaka (INTERNS) CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dan Grunebaum (ENTERTAINMENT) Don Morton (MOVIES) C.B. Liddell (ARTS) DESIGN Kohji Shiiki (ART DIRECTOR) Davi Azevedo (DESIGNER) Minh Douangprachanh (WEB DESIGNER) Daniel Chapman (WEB DEVELOPER) PRODUCTION Helen Langford-Matsui (PRODUCTION ASSISTANT) ADVERTISING Akane Ochi (DIRECTOR OF SALES) Karl Nakashima (SALES MANAGER) Kanae Mochizuki, Jonathan Grogan, Claire Lin (SALES EXECUTIVES) Ai Hosokawa (SALES ASSISTANT) Angiele Cabaluna (INTERN) ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Jeanette Komatsu (MANAGER) Michiko Anezaki (ADMINSTRATION/CLASSIFIEDS) Masami Nagase (INTERN) IT Guilhem Malfre

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