Metropolis #1059 Jul 11-24, 2014

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

#1059 Jul 11~24, 2014

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PIZZERIAT & CR A F BEERa l Sp e c i a

THE MANGA LIFE

AMERICAN ARTIST JAMIE LYNN LANO MADE IT (AND YOU CAN, TOO)

MUSIC THE FLAMING LIPS’ WAYNE COYNE FREAKS OUT DRINKS BREW YOUR OWN CRAFT BEER IN IBARAKI THE LAST WORD A WHALE OF A TALE

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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.

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We welcome email and phone inquiries.

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INSIDE

#1059

JUL 11-24, 2014

Photo of the week

Cover manga-ka Jamie Lynn Lano.

Che’Nelle, Tokyo Dreamgirl Paul Florea, DJ Maritizio, Virg and more

06 FEATURE MANGA FOR THE MASSES 03 THE SMALL PRINT 04 UPFRONT 05 GLOBAL VILLAGE 08 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 10 AGENDA 11 LISTINGS 16 MOVIES 25 DINING OUT 28 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS 33 HOROSCOPE 34 LAST WORD COVER DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI; COVER ILLUSTRATION: JAMIE LYNN LANO

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The Small Print

By Steve Trautlein

ABE’S ECONOMIC PROGRAM IS, AT ITS “ CORE, A CONFIDENCE GAME.” —Richard Katz, from “Voodoo Abenomics,” in the July/August issue of Foreign Affairs

NEWS YOU CAN BOOZE

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK ćć Authorities at the transport ministry say a Boeing 777 operated by Japan Airlines flew for a about

1,602,163

Number of households on welfare as of March, a record high, according to the health ministry

a month even after “workers forgot to fix [an] engine part.” ćć City officials are rethinking plans to build a ¥36.4 billion stadium in Koto-ku that would host basketball and badminton games during the 2020 Olympics because of “soaring construction costs and uncertain demand after the Games.” ćć Staff at the MPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau have opened a Twitter account (@MPD_keiji). ćć Bottom Story of the Week: “Four-Legged Lawn Mowers to Return to Tokyo Housing Complex” (via Mainichi Japan) ANNE-MARIE PAPPAS

ćć Researchers at Kirin brewery have confirmed that draft beer tastes best “when poured slowly three times into a glass.” ćć A Tokyo sake dealer placed 3,400 bottles of nihonshu on the seabed off the coast of Shizuoka to check whether ocean currents would affect the taste. ćć The government has enacted a law requiring alcohol manufacturers and liquor stores to alert consumers about the potential dangers of their products via labeling and ads. ćć Sentence of the Week: “A pattern of spending on hostess bars and overseas junkets for local pension fund officials went unchecked by senior managers at Deutsche Bank’s Japanese securities arm, who failed to prevent or turned a blind eye to expenses that could be prosecuted as bribery, previously undisclosed details of a regulatory investigation show.” (via Japan Today)

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Brazilian Day parade in Ichigaya Yakuojimachi, by Randy Bush.

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they’ll debut a new luxury sleeper in 2017. ćć The ultra-exclusive “Cruise Train” will accommodate just 34 passengers, w it h 10 cars featuring “glass ceilings where passengers can enjoy the scenery.”

UM, OK ćć Administrators at the University of Tsukuba are starting a graduate program “to develop leaders with expertise in addressing issues related to international athletic events.” ćć Authorities at the science ministry announced a plan to pursue manned exploration of Mars and set up a long-term settlement on the moon. ćć The government is mulling a plan to extend the length of time wealthy foreigners can stay in Japan on a tourist visa. Rich folks would be able to visit for a full year, compared to just 90 days for peasants like us. ćć Officials are also considering a scheme to install priority lanes at Narita and Kansai airports for “attendees at international conferences or VIPs.”

AND FINALLY… GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS ćć Officials at JR West announced that they’ll end service on the Twilight Express, a sleeper train that runs from Osaka to Sapporo. ćć The express, which began operations in 1989 as the “longest railway journey in Japan,” features suite rooms, a bar and dining cars serving French cuisine. ćć But fear not, train fans: executives at JR East said

81

Percent of Japanese workers who say they favor measures against secondhand smoke in their workplaces according to a survey by a health-care products manufacturer

ćć The government announced the establishment of a “general strategy headquarters” to address the problem of population decline. ćć A Cabinet Office white paper has found that the number of NEETs—people not engaged in education, employment or training—dropped by 4 percent last year. ćć An education ministry survey has found that 606 schoolchildren around the country suffer from gender identity disorder. ćć However, experts say that figure likely represents only 10 percent of the total.

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30

Number of years it will take to dispose of contaminated soil from the Fukushima nuclear disaster, according to the environment ministry

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

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03

Upfront pikachu playground

©T-ARTS

Located just two minutes’ walk from Hamamatsucho and Daimon stations, the Tokyo Pokémon Center offers a massive selection of merchandise and souvenirs not available anywhere else. With the late st Pokémon mov ie , Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, out in Japanese cinemas July 19, now is the perfect time to drop by to download a rare Pokémon to your Japanese Nintendo 3DS and pick up some limited-edition toys and stationery. There are also Pokémon Centers in Yokohama’s Landmark Tower and LaLaport near Minami Funabashi station.—Brad Stephenson 2F Shiodome Shibarikyu Bldg, 1-2-3 Kaigan, Minatoku. Nearest stn: Hamamatsucho. http://meturl.com/ pokecenter

maguro-tron Optimus Prime may have to move down at the kaitenzushi bar: On July 7, T-Arts Company, Ltd. released its first wave of sushi toys that transform into battle-ready robots at the push of a button. Noble Toromaru and his nigiri allies face off against the maki-styled Tema Kids, their fish slices serving as both shields and hiding places for powerful hand-held weapons in “kaisen” mode. Each Sushi Warrior—or Sushi Sentai Sharida— has a suggested pre-tax retail price of ¥850. We presume they will all eventually join forces to fend off the threat of a gigantic set of transforming chopsticks.—Mike Kanert

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ired of pay ing t he jacket price for English books?

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No problem. You can also sell your books—even a single book—to make cash on the spot. Just bring your used books in any time during business hours, no appointment needed (Books must be in fair condition, with covers still intact—though Book Off will take unsellable books for free if you just want to dispose of them). Stop by over lunch or after work, or bring the family on the weekend. With such a broad selection, there’s something for everyone!

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PHOTOS BY BRAD STEPHENSON

kanji wrapper In April this year, Shiseido the Ginza released furoshiki wrapping cloths featuring kanji and kana in the company’s characteristic typeface that was created by in-house designers back in 1927. Simple yet elegant, the three designs currently available include 美 (bi, or “beauty”), あ そびましょ (asobimasho, or “let’s play”), and つらつらつば き (tsura-tsura-tsubaki, or “camellia blossoms growing in a row”), which is an excerpt from the manyoshu, a mideighth century anthology of Japanese poetry. Available at Shiseido the Ginza, ¥3,600.—Lisa Wallin 7-8-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Ginza. http:// stg. shiseido.co.jp

Upfront

A M A ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING

Dear AMA, I'm overdue for a tooth cleaning and checkup. How much can I expect to pay at the dentist’s office if I have national insurance? Is it true that I need to make two separate appointments?—Cavityprone Dear Cavityprone, We passed your query on to Dr. Oikawa of Trust Dental Clinic.

Here’s what he had to say...

With Japanese National Health Insurance, you will need to pay 30 percent of the total cost at a clinic or hospital. The initial exam and a tooth cleaning should be anywhere from ¥1,7803,860 out of pocket, depending on the type of exam and X-rays you need. National Health Insurance requires that a clinic divide

tooth cleaning over two appointments. It’s a very unrealistic rule for everyone, but as we say here, “a rule is a rule.” There are some clinics where they just do it all in one appointment, but they’re doing one half of the cleaning for free. Remember that Japanese dental offices are only paid a quarter to half of what a dentist would earn in the U.S. or E.U.—so please be kind to your dentist!

Dr. Oikawa is a U.S.-licensed, English-speaking dentist at Trust Dental Clinic, 1-11-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. trustdental.jp/ english/ 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.

shibuya shuttle PHOTO COURTESY OF TOKYU CORPORATION

Want to see Shibuya from a new perspective this summer? The new Visit Shibuya bus summer promotion by Tokyu Corporation and Tokyo FM will provide a doubledecker tour bus to shuttle visitors through the youth mecca (with pickup/dropoffs in Akasaka, Roppongi and Shibuya) complete with an English audio guide, new walking maps of the area and Wi-Fi service while aboard the bus—all free of charge.

Simply download the pass from their website (you can store it on your smartphone) and you’ve got a ticket to ride for the duration of the promotion (ends Aug 31). Foreign ID required for Wi-Fi cards. www.tokyu.co.jp/visitsbybus. —Jeff W. Richards

global village COURTESY OF AAYTP - PHOTO BY STEPHEN W. JACKSON

BROADENING HORIZONS

The African American Youth Travel Program

By Mike Kanert

“W

hen I came to Japan I started thinking: people who aren’t well-traveled kind of have this box image of the world, where they can only see the four walls around them,” says Amber Richardson, founder of the African American Youth Travel Program (AAYTP). “And people who’ve traveled, and experienced different cultures, and are open to experiencing new things tend to be the more—I don’t know—successful, or happy people in their lives. They’re usually more open to what’s around them. And so I thought this would be a good thing to give to kids back home who get kind of trapped in this cycle of poverty or who have lost themselves to apathy.”

It took seven months of paperwork, three fundraising events, countless trips to city offices and finally one trip to America for Richardson and her newly-minted NPO to bring their first freshman grade nine student, Destiny Gray, to Japan.

“When I first thought about this, I wanted to bring two boys, because they’re the ones that are mostly incarcerated,” Richardson tells Metropolis, adding that her ultimate goal is to end incarceration in America.

“That scary path, that rickety bridge starts around 15 years old for African-American males. So I actually wanted to work with boys. I thought about it, but I'm like, ‘No. As a community we have to work together, so I should work with one boy and one girl.’”

Applicants had to be low-income African-American freshmen (first-year students) who were either struggling academically or had never traveled before. They were selected from Richardson’s former high school in Lakewood, Washington. Five applied; two were accepted.

Then, in late spring, the AAYTP learned that the selected boy’s father was himself incarcerated. “Of course, I wanted him to come even more,” Richardson says. But a signature from both parents was needed to secure his passport—and working through the penal system, it simply wasn’t possible in the time they had.

“That was a really hard blow,” Richardson says. “But I think it was really good that I learned this right away, because he’s exactly the type of kid that I want to help. And so I know that, immediately, I have to know everything about their life—whatever’s going on back home—so that I can get them what they need as soon as possible.”

Regardless of the setback, Richardson is proud of the success the AAYTP has seen a mere three months after its registration as an official NPO.

Richardson accompanied Gray throughout the program, which is based around homestays in Kanto and Kansai. The two spent three days living with a Japanese family in Ibaraki, using the home as a base for touring Akihabara, the Canadian embassy and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Gray relished her one day at Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School— the only full day she was on her own. “We came to take a photo at homeroom and she looked at me as if to say, ‘Okay, go away now,’” Richardson recalls. “You know— when you're 15 years old and your parents show up at school.” They spent the final three days with another host family in Kyoto.

Gray will now be the mentor for the next students who come over. In 2015, the AAYTP hopes to bring two students over—with the ultimate aim of bringing two every month from all over the U.S. You can support the AAYTP through GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com/93l0ig) or by attending its events, which offer live music with drinks and all-youcan-eat buffets. http://meturl.com/aaytp

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05

Feature

MANGA FOR THE MASSES Artist Jamie Lynn Lano wants Japanese comics to go mainstream

By Lisa Wallin

A

merican artist Jamie Ly nn Lano worked as a manga-ka (manga artist) on The New Prince of Tennis (2009-ongoing)—the continuation of The Prince of Tennis (1999-2008), one of the most successful manga series of all time. The original series has been made into a movie, a live action drama, and several musical stage productions as well as the standard anime series. She has recently returned to the U.S. to further her dreams of making her own manga magazine.

Lano chatted with Metropolis about her escapades in Japan and her new life as a TV show host, monthly columnist and book author.

What are your current projects now that you’ve returned to the U.S.?

After I returned to the States, I took it easy for a while as I was exhausted from years of scraping by on barely enough money to live. I took a break, then started working on my book. Now that it's finally finished, I’m moving onto my next project, which is a manga of my own! The manga is already in production, and I will be making appearances at various conventions in the U.S. to talk about my work and the techniques I learned while working for [Prince of Tennis creator] Takeshi Konomi.

As for my ultimate goal, I’d like to start a manga magazine that publishes abroad (not in Japan), with quality, all-original content. I feel that if Japan—which is geographically such a small country—can produce so many diverse creator-owned comics, then imagine what kind of talent is out there in the world! I want to actively seek out artists that are not from Japan to draw for it. That said, I wouldn’t refuse comics from Japan. In fact, it might be a wise move to recruit a manga-ka who is very popular abroad to draw a new title for us, in order to draw in his/ her fans.

The character Maigo from Denkiki, Lano’s upcoming manga set in New York City ©JAMIE LYNN LANO

As for genre, that’s something that will have to be decided by the entire team that I put together, but tentatively I’d say that it would be aimed at the “young-at-heart.” Anyone who reads Shonen JUMP or Cookie would hopefully find something in it for them.

What inspired you to start “How to be a mangaka” on your blog (www.jamieism.com)?

The main reason that I write about how to get a career drawing manga is because I’m asked that question a lot. I’ve blogged about working on The Prince of Tennis for some time, so people ask me, “How can I do that, too?” Even though I was only an assistant, I’ve been fairly active online, and I suppose I’m easy to approach. I can’t let everyone down, can I?

Jamie Lynn Lano and her avatar 06 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

5 THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFORE BECOMING A MANGA ARTIST Learn to draw, and draw well. Many people ask how to become the writing half of a manga-ka team, like the characters Akito and Moritaka in the series Bakuman. However, most manga-ka both write and draw their own stories, and there are very few people who want to draw someone else’s story unless they’re getting paid a fair wage for it. Anyone can teach themselves how to draw, it just takes time and effort.

1

Practice telling stories through art. Have you ever read a manga and found it hard to follow what’s going on? That’s because the artist isn't very good at telling a story through sequential art. When you’ve storyboarded your manga, read through it yourself or give it to a friend, and see if the story is easy to follow.

2

If it’s your goal to get published in Japan, then either send in your stories directly to the magazine that you want to publish in from abroad (translated into Japanese) or move there and take a different job to support yourself while you try to get published.

3 Lano with Prince of Tennis creator Takeshi Konomi

There’s also the whole, “I want to make a manga magazine” thing I mentioned earlier. I hope that some of the people that I teach now will one day make a really, really amazing manga. I’ll then get to read that manga, and it will have been totally worth it.

What inspired you to write about your experiences with Tenipuri in the first place?

I suppose t hat it was just a nat ura l progression, really. I had been blogging since college (remember LiveJournal?), back in 2002.

I blogged about all of my decisions including moving to Japan and getting a job with Konomisensei as they were happening, although what I wrote for myself privately and what I wrote for public consumption was a bit different. Back then, I kept a lot of it to myself.

The book just sort of happened. I spent so much time writing the blog posts about working for Konomi-sensei, and getting a lot of comments from readers saying that they’d just discovered it and stayed up all night reading through, even though they had a college exam the next day, and how they wanted to work for a manga-ka, too. I listened to them and thought, “Hey, this would make a cool book! I could reach a lot more people and maybe they’ll be inspired to pursue their dreams!”

What is the most important thing you learned working on Tenipuri?

Of course, I learned plenty of drawing techniques. I even experienced what not to do when dealing with celebrities (like don’t date them!), and picked up a lot of Japanese, purely out of necessity. But first and foremost—patience.

It was frustrating when I didn’t understand the directions that I was given or when I was working with new manga drawing tools. I had to figure it out myself. Also it was the sort of job where you live at work, literally. For two or three weeks at a time sometimes, I would sleep in a little tiny room along with my co-workers— with three bunk beds. There was also a lot of idle time and waiting involved. I matured leaps and bounds during those two years.

I HOPE THAT SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT I TEACH NOW WILL ONE DAY MAKE A REALLY, REALLY AMAZING MANGA. I’LL THEN GET TO READ THAT MANGA, AND IT WILL HAVE BEEN TOTALLY WORTH IT.

Don’t be afraid of getting your work out there. Online comics and selfpublished books are both great options that don’t require input from editors. Make your own comics and share them with people.

4

Never give up! Be realistic by putting in the work that’s necessary to complete your comic, but don’t expect success overnight. Keep on working, and working hard. Every goal is attainable if you work hard enough. You can do it, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.

5

PENCIL IN THESE INTERNATIONAL MANGA COMPETITIONS

C

ompetitions are a good way to get your work seen by the right people, and can be a stepping stone to getting published—if you’re good enough. While people outside Japan can and do enter manga contests here, you’ll need someone to translate the text into Japanese before you can submit. There are, however, plenty of competitions specifically aimed at international folks as well.

INTERNATIONAL MANGA AWARD In its eighth year running, this is the oldest large-scale international manga competition in the business. Run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was started to expand international exchange and global understanding of manga culture. www.manga-award.jp

MANGA JIMAN (UK RESIDENTS ONLY) Organized by the Japanese Embassy in the U.K. and open to all U.K. residents aged 14 and over. www.facebook.com/MangaJiman

MORNING INTERNATIONAL COMIC COMPETITION The Princess of Tennis: My Year Working in Japan as an Assistant Manga Artist, ¥2,559 (paperback), ¥1,019 (Kindle edition). Available at Amazon.co.jp.

Metropolis has a copy of the book to give away to one lucky reader who can tell us “What’s your favorite manga and why?” (Illustrations gladly accepted). Send your answer, along with your name and full postal address, to giveaway@ metropolis.co.jp.

Run by Kodansha, the biggest publisher in Japan. This particular magazine has a mainly adult male audience, but the competition accepts all genres. http://morningmanga.com/micc/

SHONEN JUMP MANGA COMPETITION The best-selling (and longest-running) weekly manga magazine that’s been in circulation since 1968 had its first manga competition last year. It’s open to submissions in English, Japanese and Chinese. This is by far the most prestigious award out there. https://mangaaward.shonenjump.com/en/

SILENT MANGA AUDITION A relatively new competition that has just finished its second installment.

The crux: as with silent films, dialogue in “silent” manga is minimal— meaning the art has to be sequential and easy to follow. www.manga-audition.com

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

FLAMING LIPS Peace, love… and Miley Cyrus

By Dan Grunebaum

look at things in a new way.”

Coyne extends this line of thought in speaking of the Flaming Lips’ celebrated live theatrics.

“When you come to our show we want you to disintegrate and to take over your being for a couple hours,” he says, “and leave you saying, ‘Oh fuck.’ We want it to be an intense experience.”

The search for transformation—for different ways of being—also led the Lips, like many rockers over the years, to the East and Japan. The Oklahoma band’s pivotal work, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, is a product of this journey. “It can’t be stated enough how much Yoshimi is us being overwhelmed by the Japanese way,” Coyne says. “It’s so gentle and kind and thoughtful and intense, and if that wasn’t in the record it wouldn’t have been as rich.”

“Yoshimi [P-We] is in the Boredoms, who we were very influenced by,” he continues. “And we felt so much love from the audience in Japan— that really stuck with me. The woman the songs are about wasn’t actually Yoshimi, but someone who died suddenly—those songs helped me come to grips with that experience. It started a whole new chapter of my maturing as a musician and individual.”

I’M A FREAK IN THE WAY A LOT OF PEOPLE “ WISH THEY WERE A FREAK.”

W

ayne Coyne and The Flaming Lips are so inured to accusations of them selling out that they’ve even got a video online making fun of themselves for doing so. A question, then, about their current collaboration with Miley Cyrus on “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is taken easily in stride.

“If you sat down with Miley for a few minutes you’d change your mind,” Coyne replies from a Wendy’s somewhere south of Buffalo. The Lips are currently polishing tracks for a Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band remake project at producer David Fridmann’s studio, where most of their

08 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

albums are given their final sheen. “She’s crazy and is into all sorts of music,” Coyne adds. “Miley gets lumped in with lesser creative people. People probably think of her as a Britney Spears type but she’s really not—she’s an artist and creator.”

Coyne, 53, is a product of the 1960s, and can claim the psychedelic mantle as a native son. What does psychedelia mean to Millennials like MGMT and Tame Impala, with whom the Oklahomabased band is working on the project? “It’s become more of a style of experimentation in art and music than people dropping acid as it was in the ’60s,” Coyne posits. “A lot of people still associate psychedelia with something like Sgt. Pepper’s, but for me it’s more of an internal curiosity and willingness to

1999’s The Soft Bulletin and 2002’s Yoshimi were the albums that elevated the Flaming Lips— by then a core group of Coyne, bassist Michael Ivins and multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd—to another level of musical ambition and commercial achievement. Footage of Coyne rolling above huge crowds in his signature giant plastic bubble became a fixture of the world’s biggest rock festivals, including here in Japan.

The Lips’ success also thrust Coyne into the public eye in a way that he says sometimes leads to misunderstandings. “People think I do drugs a lot more than I do,” he laughs. “I only really do drugs to have fun. We do so many shows and everybody works so hard—for the most part we focus on getting the job done. When we’re able to get some time off to do drugs we do have fun, but we don’t do acid on a daily basis.”

Coyne says a focus on drugs gets things the wrong way around. “Everybody’s mind is always only ever altered temporarily,” he says. “Taking drugs is an indicator that you’re willing to try new things, and that’s probably why it seems more exaggerated when people who take drugs do freaky shit, because they probably would do freaky shit even if there weren’t any drugs—they just like doing freaky shit.”

More than sheer hedonism, the ethos of Coyne’s art harkens back to the formative idealism behind psychedelia—opening the mind to a better, more peaceful way of living. It’s simpler, he offers, than a cynic might suspect.

“I’m a freak in the way a lot of people wish they were a freak,” he says, “in that I can sing about the power of love and kindness and the power of friendships. Those things are difficult for us to talk about and that’s why people love music so much— because it allows folks to explore them.”

Fuji Rock Festival, Jul 27. See concert listings for details.

art

BALLETS RUSSES

Threads of the avantgarde at the NACT

By C.B.Liddell

O

ne of the most fascinating stories from 20th-century art revolves around the Ballets Russes, a troupe of Russian ballet dancers based in Paris in the early years of the century and directed by the great impresario Sergei Diaghilev. Its productions featured music from the top composers of the day— Stravinsky and Debussy, for example—and stage sets and costumes painted and designed by the top artists, including Matisse and Picasso.

This interdisciplinary expression of largely avantgarde creativity is now commemorated at the National Art Center Tokyo in “Ballets Russes: The Art of Costume,” featuring a collection of costumes amassed by the National Gallery of Australia.

You might wonder what a collection of balletwear is doing Down Under, a country best known for its Crocodile Dundee image of manly hardihood, but as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Dame Edna, and Sydney’s massive Gay Pride Day hint, the Ockers have got, let us say, a

more gentle side—not that ballet is for wimps. If it was, it wouldn’t have taken a lot of its steps from Scotland’s Highland clans and been perfected by the Russians.

The Ballets Russes represented an infusion of new vitality and dynamism into an art form that, in the capitals of Europe, had gradually grown too refined. It introduced powerful, athletic dancers, like the great Vaslav Nijinsky, who channelled the Cossack spirit of the Russian steppes, and steely beauties like Anna Pavlova and Lydia Lopokova, the latter of whom later married the famous economist John Maynard Keynes.

This vitality was echoed in the designs of the costumes, which, as shown here, are brash and colorful, rather than effete and delicate. Rather than the white stockings and tutus normally associated with ballet, these are costumes full of colors and decoration, and with occasional protuberances—like the head of a seahorse—that must have made dancing a bit of a challenge.

Because of the Parisian public’s love of spectacle and faraway places, many of the costumes are colorful and exotic, such as the one for the chief eunuch from the 1910 production of Schéhérazade or the costumes for Queen Thamar in the 1912 production of Thamar.

This is an impressive collection, and it is well presented at the museum. The display area is wide and largely unwalled, allowing visitors to view the costumes from near and far and to compare various productions. But the main drawback is that costumes like these call for dancers rather than mannequins,

Léon Bakst, Costumes for a friend of Queen Thamar, Queen Thamar and a Lezghin from the Ballets Russes' production of Thamar, c.1912 NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA, CANBERRA

and no matter how colorful they are, without motion they seem somehow lifeless—even with the gentle soundtrack taken from well-known ballets.

National Art Center Tokyo, until Sep 1. See exhibition listings (Akasaka/Roppongi) for details.

Metropolis has five pairs of Ballets Russes exhibit tickets to give away. Send an email with your name and full postal address with the subject heading “Ballets Russes” to giveaway@metropolis.co.jp for your chance to win!

festivals

BRING ON THE BOOM

Top 3 fireworks fests by region

By Layla Nagasaka

S

ummer is the season for fireworks in Japan, and we at Metropolis craned our collective necks to compile a list of the top three boom-fests across each prefecture in Kanto’s southern reaches (If you want to check another region, go to http://hanabi.walkerplus.com).

Just how big is each boom? The smallest, called 2.5-go-tama, are as little as 7cm across. They’ll fly about 90m into the air to illuminate a sphere with a diameter of up to 60m. The scale goes all the way up to a 40-go-tama firework, which will stretch over a meter across and weigh up to 420kg—including 80kg of explosive charge. Each of these brobdingnagian boomers will soar as high as 600m to cover 700m of sky—almost half a mile—in a brilliant flash.

Of course, the big problem with Kanto fireworks is the crowds. If you’re sick of jostling on the riverbanks, you can actually pay for priority seating at many of the events in advance. Tickets can be reserved over the phone, through Lawson Tickets or through application forms online. But watch out—they’re pricey (anywhere from ¥2,600-28,000 for family seating), and many offer area residents first dibs. Visit each event’s official website for details.

TOKYO

1

KANAGAWA

1

SAITAMA

1

Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Competition Boom factor: 12,000. One of Tokyo’s biggest events of the entire year. Aug 10, 6:50pm-8:10pm. Port of Tokyo area.

Nearest stn: Kachidoki or Tsukishima. meturl.com/okyobay14

Kanagawa Shimbun Hanabi Taikai Boom Factor: 15,000. Enjoy largescale fireworks along with a beautiful night view of Yokohama. Aug 5, 7pm-8:30pm. Yokohama Minato Mirai area. Nearest stn: Sakuragicho or Minato Mirai. meturl.com/kanagawashimbun14

Kounosu Hanabi Taikai Boom Factor: Over 15,000. The broad river allows continuous volleys of massive fireworks in this late-season event. Oct 11, 6pm. Kounosu area.

Nearest stn: Kounosu. kounosuhanabi. com

2

2

2

Sumida River Fireworks Festival Boom factor: 25,000. Started in 1733, one of the most famous fireworks displays of the summer. Jul 26, 7:05pm.

Along the Sumida river. Nearest stn: Asakusa. meturl.com/sumida14

3

Edogawa Fireworks Festival Boom factor: 14,000. This fest begins with 1,000 fireworks launched all at once. Aug 2, 7:15pm. Edogawa-Kasenjiki area. Nearest stn: Shinozaki or Koiwa (JR). www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp

Atsugi Fireworks and Summer Festival Boom Factor: 10,000. One of the most favored fests in Kanagawa, with a history of over 60 years. Aug 2, 7pm-8:30pm.

Sagami-Gawa Kasenjiki area (Kanagawa). Nearest stn: Hon-Atsugi. meturl.com/atsugi14

3

Kurihama Perry Festival and Hanabi Taikai Boom Factor: 3,500. Make a day of it, with bazaars and parades starting at 10am.

Jul 12, 7:30pm-8:10pm. Port of Yokosuka (Kanagawa). Nearest stn: Kurihama. kurihama.info/events/perry2014

Todabashi Hanabi Taikai Boom Factor: 11,000. With a history of over 50 years, the whole city will be filled with excitement. Aug 2, 7pm. Toda area.

Nearest stn: Toda Kouen. todabashihanabi.jp

3

Asaka Matsuri and Fireworks Festival Boom Factor: 7,500. In addition to the fireworks, there will be sporting events, live shows, street vendors and much more to enjoy with the entire family. Aug 2, 7:15pm. Asaka Camp Site. Nearest stn: Asaka. saikasai.com

Sources: Tokyo & Kanagawa rankings according to Hanabi Walker Plus; Saitama & Chiba rankings according to Itsumo Navi

CHIBA

1

Ichikawa Hanabi Taikai Boom Factor: 14,000. Celebrate the 80th anniversary of Ichikawa city. Aug 2, 7:15pm. Edogawa Kasenjiki. Nearest stn: Ichikawa. ichikawa-hanabi.jp

2

Urayasu Hanabi Taikai Boom Factor: 6,500. Enjoy the beautiful collaboration of music and fireworks. Jul 26, 7:30pm. Urayasu area.

Nearest stn: Shin-Urayasu. meturl.com/urayasu14

3

Teganuma Hanabi Taikai Boom Factor: 13,500. Fireworks in the shape of popular anime characters. Aug 2, 7pm. Kashiwa area. Nearest stn: KitaKashiwa. meturl.com/tega14

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 09

AGENDA

PHOTO BY: JULENPHOTO

clubbing

concert

dance

� Long-runner Drum and Bass Sessions celebrates Daikanyama club Unit’s tenth anniversary party with a performance by emerging d‘n’b light Etherwood. Signed to London Elektricity’s Med School label, Etherwood weds a breakbeats substructure to a superstructure informed by the heady post-rock of acts like The Album Leaf. His 2013 eponymous debut album saw him pick up a string of Best Newcomer awards, and Hospital Records invited him to helm its first artist-led mix album in over four years, the brand-new Hospital Mixtape: Etherwood. London Elektricity honcho Tony Colman will fly into Tokyo to help Drum and Bass Sessions make Unit’s tenth anniversary a night to remember.—Dan Grunebaum Unit, Jul 12. See clubbing listings for details.

� This four-piece band of charmers is fronted by afro-headed vocalist Takaaki Shingyoji (a.k.a.

“George”) whose soulful voice falls somewhere between Mariah Carey and Justin Timberlake.

The rest of the quartet are all suave, stylish and swoon-worthy operators in their own right, and collectively they will croon their way into your beating heart. BRADIO is an anagram of “Break the Rule And Do Image On,” which the band explains as an ex hortation to reimagine the world through an infusion of beautiful space and time (and why not?). Around since 2010, they just released their second mini-album “Swipe Times” on July 9—a smooth collection of funk and soul that’s easy on the ears and hard on dancing feet (¥1,500). http://bradio-web.com.—Lisa Wallin Shibuya O-Crest, Jul 16. See concert listings for details.

� A trio of contemporary dance works is on the menu for Architanz’s latest program. In the first selection, “Sangatsu no Torio” (March Trio), the pair of Yasutake Shimaji and Hana Sakai will perform to a live cello performance by Nobuo Fukukawa. The second piece, “Breakaway,” features dancers Kenta Kojiri and Ema Yuasa, who met as members of the cutting-edge Netherlands Dance Theater. The third work, “Once Upon A Time...,” is a solo piece

by Portuguese dancer Miguel Oliveira, a freelance choreographer whose works are performed around the world. Architanz is a unique space with three dance studios in a former warehouse that was redesigned by the architectural team that also operates out of the building.—DG Studio Architanz, Jul 18-19. See dance listings for details.

HOSPITAL+MED SCHOOL BRADIO

DIVERTIMENTOS

PHOTO BY: JEFF W. RICHARDS

festival

gig

� As the 2014 World Cup comes to a close, now is the time to check out Japan’s biggest Brazilian event, the Festival Brasil. Roughly 30,000 people are expected over the two-day event, which includes samba performances, capoeira workshops and live music in varying styles—including pop, rock, bossa nova and MPB (música popular brasileira, or urban popular music). You’ll also find more than 50 stands selling Brazilian food like churrasco (barbecue), feijoada (black beans), pastel (fried pastry) and açaí bowls, as well as Brazilian products such as clothes, sandals and bikinis. On July 20 the event will be headlined by Guilherme Arantes, a famous pop romantic singer from Brazil, as well as rock outfit Davi Zew’s and Horizon Sky, and electro-pop group Last Second.

Yoyogi Park, Jul 19-20. See other events listings for details.

� Billed as the only black light rock ‘n’ roll art event in Japan, Black Out features artists The Spilt Ink and Adam 3 illuminating canvases (and bodies) while eight bands and the audience rock out under the glow of 20 black lights—with everybody slathered in body paint. Bands include Theee Bat, BeatJackers 2.0, The Mootekkis and the beer-swillin’, harddrivin’ Dirty T’s. With a new album to shill called Bad Ass—and at one of the trio’s only shows of the summer—expect the T’s to crank it to eleven and pull some unexpected cover songs from their bag of tricks in order to move some units—and some glow-in-the-dark booty. Arrive early to ensure you get painted and properly fluoresce under all those heavy ultraviolet rays.—Jeff W. Richards Gamuso Chroma, Jul 26. See concert listings for details.

BRAZILIAN DAY

10 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

BLACK OUT

exhibition

PEDRO INOUE

� Alternative gallery space The Container hosts the first Japan solo show by Brazilian artist and designer Pedro Inoue. “Love Me, Bomb Me” presents a site-specific work made especially for The Container. From his commercial design to his art, Inoue is slowly plotting a revolution. Utilizing common images such as mandalas and optical illusions, he spreads subversive messages inspired by the Occupy movement and other winds of recent years. Inoue has shown his works from Korea to the U.K., and collaborates with clients including David Bowie and Damien Hirst.

For the last few years, he has also been the creative director of socio-political magazine Adbusters.—DG The Container, until Aug 17. See exhibition listings (other areas) for details.

Listings

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

Concerts

multi-instrumentalist. Jul 23, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn: Aomi. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.smash-jpn. com

POPULAR The Novembers

Japanese alternative rock. Jul 11, 7pm, ¥4,000 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi or Nogizaka.

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

Dirty Old Men

Melodic rock ensemble not true to its name. Jul 11, 7pm, ¥3,300 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom.

Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 0570-084-003. dirtyoldmen.jp

Tokyo Bootleg Circuit

One-day music fest with Roach, ARTEMA and others.

Jul 12, noon, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door) +1d. Various live houses. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.tokyobootleg.jp/ circuit2014

Nano-Mugen Fes

Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Owl City and others. Jul 12-13, 11:30am, ¥9,800 (1 day, adv).

Yokohama Arena. Nearest stn: Shin-Yokohama. Tel: 050-55330888. www.nano-mugenfes. com

The Telephones

Disco funk and rock fusion.

Jul 12, 6pm, ¥3,600 (adv) +1d.

Ex Theater Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6379-4744. www.tv-asahi. co.jp/ex-theater

The Starbems

Melodic punk and power pop rockers. Jul 13, 6:30pm, ¥3,100 (adv) +1d. Shindaita Fever. Nearest stn: Shindaita.

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

Bradio

With Soulkids, The Camp and others. Jul 16, 6:30pm, ¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d.

Shibuya O-Crest. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3770-1095. http://bradio-web.com

Creature Creature

Musical project headed by Morrie, with L'Arc-en-Ciel's Tetsu and others. Jul 18, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Shinjuku Blaze. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.getticket.jp

Vaudeville Smash

Quasi-disco pop from Australia. Jul 18, 6:15pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door) +1d. Shimokitazawa Garden.

Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa.

Tel: 03-3795-1069. http:// gar-den.in

Kat McDowell

International artist plays songs from her latest album. Jul 18, 7:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Fuchikuchi. Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-54332191. http://katmusic.jp

Angry Frog Rebirth

With Crystal Like, Three Lights Down Kings and others. Jul 19, 5:30pm, ¥2,700 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

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

Geek Sleep Sheep

Groovy retro funk trio. Jul 19, 6pm. Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.liquidroom.net

Dustbox

Old school punk rock. Jul 21, 4:30pm, ¥3,915 (adv) +1d.

Harumi Passenger Terminal.

Nearest stn: Kachidoki. Tel: 03-3770-6900. www.vintagerock.com

The Hiatus

Alternative and progressive rock unit formed by Ellegarden vocalist Takeshi Hosomi. Jul 22-23, 7pm, ¥2,600 (adv) +1d.

Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. www.creativeman. co.jp

Hunter Hayes

Country music singer and

Fuji Rock Festival

Jack Johnson, Travis, The Flaming Lips and others. Jul 25-Jul 27, all day, ¥17,200-18,300 (1 day, adv)/ ¥35,700-44,000 (3 days, adv). Naeba Ski Resort.

Nearest stn: Echigo Yuzawa. www.fujirockfestival.com

Black Out

Canvases and fans lit with black light as the bands rock on.

Android Beach Party, Dirty T’s and more. Jul 26, 5pm, ¥1,000.

Gamuso Chroma. Nearest stn: Asagaya. Tel: 03-3223-4041. http://meturl.com/blkout

Charisma.com

Female electro-rap duo. Jul 26, 6pm, ¥3,300 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu.

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

Tanabata Extreme

Heavy rock festival with Mass Collapse and others.

Jul 26, 6pm, ¥1,800 (adv)/ ¥2,000 (door) +1d. Club Heavy Sick. Nearest stn: Sasazuka.

Tel: 03-3466-1445. http:// tanabata-ex.blogspot.jp

Lorde

A pure heroine who sings about royals. Jul 29, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv). Stellar Ball.

Nearest stn: Shinagawa.

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

Bump of Chicken

J-rock from Chiba. Jul 31, 6:30pm, ¥7,900 (adv). Tokyo Dome City, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Korakuen, Suidobashi. www.tokyo-dome.co.jp

Tokyo Idol Festival

More than 103 idols and idol groups strut their stuff on stage. Aug 2-3, all day, ¥5,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥8,800 (2 days, adv).

Odaiba and Aomi area. Nearest stn: Odaiba. http://idolfes. com/2014

Rock in Japan Fes

Kreva, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Orange Range and more.

Aug 2-3, 10:30am & Aug 9-10, 10:30am, ¥12,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥22,500 (2 days, adv)/ ¥41,000 (4 days. adv). National Hitachi Kaihin Park. Nearest stn: Kaihinkoen. Tel: 029-2659001. http://rijfes.jp

Bayside Crash

Secret 7 Line, Feelflip and Labret. Aug 3, noon, ¥3,700 (adv)/ ¥4,200 (door) +1d. Harumi Passenger Terminal. Nearest stn: Kachidoki. Tel: 03-6805-3518. www.punkafoolic.com/ baysidecrash2014

MTV Zushi Fes

Rip Slyme, AK-69, Cream and others. Aug 8-10, noon, ¥8,200 (1 day)/ ¥20,000 (3 days). Zushi Marina. Nearest stn: Riviera Zushi Marina Mae or Kotsubo.

Tel: 0570-550-799. www. mtvjapan.com/zushifes2014

JAZZ/WORLD Paul Brown

Legendary smooth jazz producer/guitarist performs in Japan for the first time. Jul 8-11, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥8,000-10,000.

Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Cheryl Lynn

Legendary queen of disco.

Jul 11, 7 & 9:30pm; Jul 12-13, 5 & 8pm, ¥10,800. Blue Note.

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

Joyce

50th anniversary of the queen of Brazilian music. Jul 12-13, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,000-10,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Pacific Roots Fest

Outdoor music festival with music from the Pacific Ocean islands and more. Jul 12, 1pm, ¥3,500 (adv). Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal. Nearest stn: Namamugi. Tel: 0570-084003. www.pacificroots.net

Conjunto Noites Cariocas Brazilian music. Jul 13, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,400. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Sidsel Storm

Award-winning Nordic jazz singer . Jul 14, 6:30 & 9pm; Jul 15, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥6,000-8,000.

Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Yosuke Yamashita

With an all-star big band. Jul 17, 7pm, ¥6,000-7,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. www.bunkamura.co.jp/ mybunkamura

Akiko Wada

Soulful songs performed by the Japanese queen of R&B. Jul 17-18, 7pm, ¥13,000. Blue Note.

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

Roy Ayers

The King of Vibes with guest, Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Jul 18, 7 & 9:30pm; Jul 19, 6 & 9pm; Jul 20, 4:30 & 7:30pm, ¥7,5009,500. Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com

Hitomi Nishiyama

Solo jazz pianist.Jul 19, 2pm, ¥2,000. Softwind. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind.jp

Fried Pride

Guitar and vocal duo performs unique songs inspired by rock, jazz and soul. Jul 20, 5 & 8pm, ¥5,000-20,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Jorge Ben Jor

Brazilian music with a touch of soul and funk. Jul 21, 5 & 7pm; Jul 22-23, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥9,800. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Shakatak

Jazz-funk band from England that made the charts in the ’80s.

Jul 21, 4:30 & 7:30pm; Jul 22-23, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥6,500-8,500.

Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.billboard-live. com

Pavlo

Solo guitarist from Canada who specializes in Mediterranean music. Jul 23, 6:30 & 9pm; Jul 24-25, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥5,8008,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Hanah Spring Session: Handmade Soul

With an excellent track record of singing as Misia's back-up singer, she is a must-see! Jul 25, 7pm, ¥4,500-24,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Marlene

Very talented and well-known Filipino singer. Jul 26, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,500-32,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

MAKO & Kazuhiko Iwami

26, 5pm; Jul 27, 8pm, ¥10,00012,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

New Orleans-style jazz. Jul 28-29, various times, ¥7,800.

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

Flamenco Roid

Flamenco crossover. Jul 31, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

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

Take 6

A cappella gospel music sextet from the U.S. with ten Grammy Awards . Jul 31 & Aug 1, 7 & 9:30pm; Aug 2, 6 & 9pm, ¥9,00011,000. Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com

CLASSICAL Musashino Academia Musicae

Wind ensemble. Jul 11, 6:30pm, ¥1,500. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. http:// operacity.jp

Concert for Children 2014

Kid-oriented performance with Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and others. Jul 12, 11am, ¥3,000. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. co.jp/suntoryhall

Ilya Rashkovskiy

Russian pianist with Tokyo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hubert Soudant.

Jul 13, 2pm, ¥3,000-6,000.

Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0100. www.kawasakisym-hall.jp

Kunitachi College of Music Performing works by Liszt, Strauss and Berlioz. Jul 14, 7pm, ¥1,000-1,500. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. http:// operacity.jp

Hartmut Haenchen

With Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra performing Beethoven and Shostakovich. Jul 15, 7pm, ¥3,600-7,200. Suntory Hall.

Nearest stn: Roppongi-itchome.

Tel: 0570-55-0017. www. suntory.co.jp/suntoryhall

L’Orchestre National de Lyon

With pianist Ryu Goto and organist Yuka Ishimaru, conducted by Leonard Slatkin.

Jul 16, 7pm, ¥7,000-16,000.

Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.

Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. www.yaf.or.jp/ mmh

Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

Conducted by Eiji Oue performing Schumann and Brahms. Jul 18, 7pm, ¥6,2007,700. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. co.jp/suntoryhall

L' Orchestre National de Lyon

Conducted by Leonard Slatkin.

Works by Ravel and others. Jul 19, 3pm, ¥3,000-14,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010296. www.geigeki.jp

Summer Vacation Concert

Jazz pianist and guitarist duo. Jul 26, 8 & 9:30pm, ¥3,000. Softwind. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind.jp

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kentaro Kawase.

Jul 19, 2pm, ¥1,800-3,200.

Chibaken Bunka Kaikan.

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

Akira Fuse: Something Jazzy

Summer Concert for Families

Popular Japanese singer with a smooth yet powerful voice . Jul

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra performs popular songs for all

ages . Jul 20, 11am & 2pm; Aug 3, 11am & 2pm, ¥1,800-5,200.

Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.

Nearest stn: Minatomirai. www.japanphil.or.jp

Hitachi Philharmonic Orchestra

Performing Verdi and Dvořák.

Jul 20, 2pm, ¥2,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall.

Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0100. www.kawasakisym-hall.jp

Yokohama Marine Concert: A Journey to France and Spain through Music

Violinists Yasunao Ishida, Junko Mozume and Cellist Ryosuke Hori. Jul 20, 1:30pm, ¥4,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai.

Tel: 045-682-2020. www.yaf. or.jp

Yokohama Marine Concert: A Journey to Italy and Germany through Music

Violinists Koh Gabriel Kameda and Giovanni Angeleri with the Yokohama Marine Ensemble .

Jul 20, 5pm, ¥4,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. www.yaf.or.jp

FAF Orchestra

Performing Bernstein and others. Jul 21, 1:30pm, ¥2,000.

Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0100. www.kawasakisym-hall.jp

Organ Concert for Kids

Children's storytelling accompanied by an organ and a soprano (for children aged 4 and up). Jul 22, 11am, ¥500-1,500. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0100. www.kawasaki-sym-hall.jp

Summer Piano Concert for the Entire Family Performing Beethoven, Chopin and others. Jul 23, 11am, ¥500-1,500. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0100. www.kawasaki-sym-hall.jp

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream

Cinderella, Snow White and Rapunzel skate into our hearts.

Jul 19-23, various times, ¥2,900-6,000. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. Tel: 0570-084003. www.disney.co.jp/onice

Miss Saigon

Tragic love story set during the Vietnam War. Jul 21-31, various times, ¥4,000-13,500. Imperial Theatre. Nearest stn: Hibiya. Tel: 03-3201-7777. www.tohostage. com/teigeki

Bring it On

Musical based on the popular teen movie. Until Jul 27, various times, ¥6,000-12,000. Theatre Orb. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-3244.

Auditions: The Pirates of Tokyo Bay

Short-form comedy group holds open auditions for new members. No experience needed. Jul 27, 6pm, free.

Meeting point at Kashiwagi Park. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. http://meturl.com/audtkyby1

War Horse

South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company brings breathing, galloping, full-scale horses to life onstage. Jul 30-Aug 24, various times, ¥8,00013,000. Theatre Orb. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. www.theatre-orb.com

Blast!

Explosive musical spectacle.

Jul 22, 6:30pm, ¥7,500-12,500.

Sagami Green Hall. Nearest stn: Sagami-Ono. Tel: 0570-550-799. www.blast-tour.jp

Dance Sakınan Göze Çöp Batar

A solo dance by Christian Rizzo, depicting exile and melancholy.

Jul 11, 7:30pm; Jul 12, 6pm, ¥2,500 (student)/ ¥3,000 (gen).

Kanagawa Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai. http://meturl.com/rizzofr14

Grand Gala II: We Are One

Performed by Mari Nakauchi with pianist Yuki Sato and Kazuoki Fujii on bassoon. Jul 24, 7pm, ¥3,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. www.yaf.or.jp

Charity ballet performance with a part of the proceeds going to reconstruction after the 3/11 Tohoku earthquake.

Jul 14, 7pm, ¥7,000-11,000.

Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-9999. www. bunkamura.co.jp

Summer Orchestra Land

Divertimentos

Oboe Recital

Fun performance for families to enjoy with their children. Jul 27, 2pm, ¥1,000-3,500. Saitama Hall. Nearest stn: Urawa. Tel: 048-829-2471. www.saf.or.jp/ saitama. Aug 3, 3pm, ¥1,0003,500. Kumagaya Hall. Nearest stn: Kumagaya. Tel: 048-5232535. www.saf.or.jp/kuma/

Orchestra for the Entire Family

Popular songs for all ages performed by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. Jul 27, 2pm, ¥1,000-3,500. Saitama Kaikan. Nearest stn: Urawa. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp.

Aug 3, 3pm, ¥1,000-3,5000.

Kumagaya Hall. Nearest stn: Kumagaya. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp

Dancers perform to a live cello performance. Jul 18, 7:30pm; Jul 19, 4 & 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Studio Architanz. Nearest stn: Tamachi. stpf@a-tanz.com. www.a-tanz.com/eng/dance

Kiev Ballet: Classic Highlights

Performances from Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and more.

Jul 19, 1:30pm, ¥6,000. Meguro Persimmon Hall. Nearest stn: Toritsudaigaku. Tel: 03-57012904. www.persimmon.or.jp

Alina Cojocaru Dream Project

Stage

Lead principal dancer of the English National Ballet is joined

by The Tokyo Ballet. Jul 20-27, various times, ¥7,000-16,000.

U-Port Hall. Nearest stn: Osaki-Hirokoji. Tel: 03-34941840. www.nbs.or.jp

Madame Butterfly

Gigant

Tokyo vs USA Comedy Show

Etoiles Gala

Puccini's tragic story of a young Nagasaki girl abandoned by her husband. Jul 11-12 & Jul 14-15, 1pm, ¥2,160. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. www.nntt.jac.go.jp

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

The latest explosive work by dance group Condors. Jul 24-27, various times, ¥1,500-5,000.

Setagaya Public Theater.

Nearest stn: Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-5432-1515. setagaya-pt.jp All-star cast from Ballet de l'Opera National de Paris, the Bolshoi and Hamburg Ballets.

Jul 30, 7pm; Jul 31, 2pm; Aug 1, 7pm; Aug 2, 2pm; Aug 3, 2pm, ¥8,000-30,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522. www.bunkamura.co.jp

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 11

Listings Swan Lake

The Kiev Ballet presents one of the greatest classical ballets of all time. Jul 31, 1:30pm, ¥6,500.

Shinjuku Bunka Center.

Nearest stn: Higashi-Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-3350-1141. www. koransha.com

Clubbing FRIDAY 11 Ageha

Dj Mag Party. Edm: DJs Dantz, Joe Brothers, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Kyle Hall. House: DJs Kyle Hall, Nobu, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.

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

Module

Dope Dive. House: DJs Seven Davis Jr, Tommy, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

Sound Museum Vision

Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs Kaori, Kango, etc. Live: Zeebra. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com

T2

Shibuya Mixx!! Edm: Various DJs. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com

The New Matrix Bar

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

Nearest stn: Roppongi. www. matrixbar.jp

The Room

Destination. Broken beats, deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Womb

Dimitri from Paris. House, disco: DJs Dimitri from Paris, Osawa, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

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

SATURDAY 12 Ageha

Summer Opening Party.

Techno: DJs Marco Bailey, Filterheadz, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Groundrhythm x Response.

House: DJs Inoue, Iwaki, etc.

From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo. com

Daikanyama Unit

Hospital + Med School. From 11:30pm, ¥3,300 (adv)/ ¥3,700 (door). Nearest stn: Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com

Module

Back2basic. Hip-hop: DJs Yanatake, Swing, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com

Origami

Will Saul. Techno, house: DJs Will Saul, Naka-G, etc. From 10pm, ¥4,000. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. meturl.com/origamiclub

Ruby Room

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

Arpa Showcase. House, techno: DJs Roman Flugel, Sodeyama, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.

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

MONDAY 14 Module

Tamatebako. Disco, house: DJs Gem, Goda, etc. From 9pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

T2

T2 Monday. Edm: Various DJs. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

Womb

Zero Gravity. Drumnbass, electro: DJs Aki, Signal, etc.

From 9pm, ¥1,500 w/1d.

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

TUESDAY 15 Air

Cmt. Minimal house, disco: Cmt, Q, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Ruby Room

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

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com

T2

Super Tuesday. Edm: Various DJs. From 10pm, (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com

Womb

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

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

Sound Museum Vision

Reggae Museum. Reggae: DJs The BK Sound, Burn Down, etc.

From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com

T2

Shibuya Mixx. Edm: Various DJs. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com

The Room

Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Womb

Fantastic Dance. Edm, house: DJ Daishi Dance and more.

From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

UPCOMING Ageha

Muscle Beach. Gay night: DJs Paulo, Chu, etc. Jul 19, from 11pm, ¥4,000. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Victor Rosado. House: DJs Victor Rosado, Nori, etc. Jul 19, from 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo. com

Daikanyama Unit

New York Rising. House, electro: DJs FaltyDL, Anthony Naples, etc. Jul 19, from 11pm, ¥4,000.

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

Module

Laguna Bass. Bass music: DJs Eccy, Pipi, etc. Jul 19, from 11pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com

Origami

Happiness. World mix: DJs Various DJs. 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

Ryukyuholic. Loose and hot music: DJs Genta, Sato, etc.

From 11pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Womb

Sensual. Tech house: DJs Fumi, Toya, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

FRIDAY 18 Ageha

The Big Party x Asobinite.

All mix: DJs Kaori, Nakata, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Sound Museum Vision

Liquidroom

DJ Funk. House: DJs Funk, Ishino, etc. From 11:30pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Ebisu.

Tel: 03-5464-0800. www. liquidroom.net

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/

Ota Fine Arts

Tang Dixin. Mixed media. Solo exhibition by contemporary artist from Shanghai. Until Aug 9, free. Tue-Sat, 11am-7pm, closed Mon, Sun & hols. 3F Piramide Bldg. 6-6-9 Roppongi.

Nearest stn: Roppongi.

Tel: 03-6447-1123. www. otafinearts.com/en

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. The Radiance of Stillness and Motion: Bohemian Glass. Exclusive pieces from the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. Aug 2-Sep 28, ¥800-1,300. 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

The Room

Wako Works of Art

Sound Museum Vision

T2

Mori Arts Center Gallery

Alien Radio. Techno: DJs Billy Nasty, Ken Ishii, etc. Jul 19, from 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com

THURSDAY 17 Fernweh. Techno: DJs Wada, Miyajima. From 10pm, ¥1,500.

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

through Children. Various photographers express the complex emotions and unique experiences of childhood.

Until Aug 31, ¥1,000-1,500.

Open Mon & Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm.

6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.mori.art.museum

The Birth of Impressionism— Freedom in Painting: Masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay. Impressionist masterpieces from Paris. Until Oct 20, ¥800-1,600. Ballet Russes: The Art of Costume. Luxurious and painstakingly made apparel. Until 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

Module

Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

Hip-hop: DJs Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Sarasa, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

12 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Internet is Interneat. Electro: DJs Tomad, Mushiba, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com

Just Realize. Techno: DJs Nu Zau, Sodeyama, etc. Jul 19, from 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. meturl.com/origamiclub

Slow it down. DJs Sai, Harusoul, etc. From 11pm, ¥1,000 w/2d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com Snatch. Electro: DJs Riva Starr, Matsuoka, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com

Module

Magic. House, disco: DJs Kawasaki, Endo. Jul 19, from 9pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Womb

D-Nox & Beckers. House, techno: DJs D-Nox, Beckers, etc. Jul 19, from 11pm, ¥3,500.

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

Exhibitions AKASAKA/ROPPONGI 21_21 Design Sight

Image-Makers. Mixed media portraying a world of images and fantasy. Until Oct 5, ¥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. Until Jul 16, free.

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

Mori Art Museum

Go-Betweens: The World Seen

Nellie. Photography and film

by Fiona Tan. Jul 19-Sep 27, free. Open Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun-Mon. 3F Pyramid Bldg, 6-6-9 Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.wako-art. 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. Until Aug 31, ¥70-200. Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. 1-1 Kitanomaru-koen. 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. Until 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. Noh Masks and Costumes—Look, Learn and Compare. Discover the meanings behind the different styles of masks and extravagant stage-wear.

Jul 24-Sep 21, ¥500-1,000.

7F Mitsui Main Bldg, 2-1-1 Nihombashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Mitsukoshimae. Tel: 03-57778600. www.mitsui-museum.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. Until Aug 24, ¥500-1,200. Hishida Shunso: A Retrospective. Works by a Meiji period painter and innovator of nihonga. Sep 23-Nov 3, ¥300-1,400. 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 Espace Louis Vuitton

Steve McQueen. Mixed media.

New and original work by the acclaimed British artist and filmmaker. Until Aug 17, free. Open noon-8pm daily, irregular hols: see website. 7F, 5-7-5 Jingumae.

Nearest stn: Omotesando.

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

Nezu Museum

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. Sato Tokihiro 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. syabi.com

Tokyo Wonder Site Shibuya

TWS-Emerging 2014. New artists showcase their works.

Aug 9-31, free. 1-19-8 Jinnan.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0603. www.tokyo-ws. org/shibuya

Colorful: Chinese Ming and Qing Dynasty Decorative Arts.

Decorative tea ceremony utensils and Chinese lacquerware. Until Jul 13, ¥800-1,000. Cool and Breezy: Summer Greetings through Paintings and Ceramics.

Artworks and messages conjure a sense of cool respite from the heat. Jul 26-Sep 7, ¥800-1,000. Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Omotesando. www. nezu-muse.or.jp/en

Yamatane Museum of Art

Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art

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

Specters, Ghosts and Sorcerers in Ukiyo-e. Traditional prints of ghastly ghouls and creepy critters. Until Sep 25, ¥600-900. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.ukiyoe-otamuse.jp

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

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art

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 or ¥1000/2d ticket, (M) ¥3500w /1d. Nearest stn: Ginza. https://www. facebook.com/Domsworx

Hiromart Gallery

Freedom. Acrylic and oil paintings by Yuka Goto and Sachie Kashima. Until Aug 10, 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 Kinetic Art. Mixed media that seems to move. Until 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

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

UENO The National Museum of Western Art

The Rings of the Hashimoto Collection of the National Museum of Western Art. Circular bands of cultural significance. Until Sep 15, ¥700-1,400. Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www. nmwa.go.jp

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Art as a Haven of Happiness.

Mixed media. Rich harmonies and vibrant colors by artists born with Down syndrome.

Jul 26-Oct 8, ¥400-800.

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

Ueno Royal Museum

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 Hakone Museum of Photography

Mt. Fuji. Katsura Endo's portrayal of the ever-changing symbol of Japan. Permanent exhibition. Until Nov 4, ¥300-500. European Scenery.

Photographs by Katsura Endo, from the museum's collection. Until Sep 2, ¥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

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

Hoki Museum

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

Japan Folk Crafts Museum

Shoji Hamada: Commemorating the 120th Anniversary of the Artist's Birth. Pottery that fuses both Eastern and Western ceramic techniques. Until 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. 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku. Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari. www.m-messe.co.jp

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."

Until 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

The Container

Love Me, Bomb Me. Mixed media by Brazilian-born Pedro Inoue. Until Aug 17, free. Mon–Fri 11am-9pm, Sat–Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Tue. Hills Daikanyama, 1-8-30 Kami-Meguro. Nearest stn: Naka-Meguro. www. the-container.com

The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama

Legendary Houses in Postwar Japan. Mid-20th century architectural elegance. Until Aug 31, ¥710-1,100. Open daily 10:00am-5:30pm.

9-30-1 Tokiwa, Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi. Nearest stn: Kitaurawa. www.momas.jp

Tokyo Fuji Art Museum

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

Sports BASEBALL Central League

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: 03-58009999.

Yomiuri

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

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

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs. Hiroshima Toyo Carp.

Jul 21-23, 5pm, ¥500-4,600.

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

Pacific League

Saitama

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

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

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Jul 21-23, 5pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Chiba Lotte Marines. Jul 25-27, 6pm, ¥600-22,000.

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

Don't waste time and money

on so-so dental care.

Invest in the best.Your teeth deserve it.

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

BOXING Golden Child Boxing vol. 111

Jul 18, 5:50pm, ¥4,00010,000. Korakuen Hall.

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

Dynamic Glove

Jul 23, 5:45pm, ¥4,00010,000. Korakuen Hall.

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

Dangan107: Rookies Cup

Jul 24, 5:50pm, ¥4,0006,000. Korakuen Hall.

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

Kadoebi Boxing

Jul 28, 5:45pm, ¥5,00010,000. Korakuen Hall.

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

K-1 Koshien & Challenge

Jul 21, 11:15am, ¥1,0001,500. Shinjuku Face.

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

KICKBOXING Krush. 43

Jul 13, 6pm, ¥4,500-15,000.

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

Magnum 35

Jul 20, 5pm, ¥5,000-7,000.

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

New Japan

Jul 21, 5pm, ¥4,000-12,000.

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

MMA Rise 100: Blade 0

Jul 12, 1pm, ¥6,00020,000. Ota City General Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel: 03-54806688.

Deep Cage Impact

Jul 21, 3pm, ¥8,00020,000. Ota City General Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel: 03-54806688.

MOTORCYCLE RACING BMotegi 2&4 Race

Aug 23, 7:30am, ¥1,5004,000. Twin Ring Motegi.

Nearest stn: Motegi. Tel: 02-8564-0001.

Che’Nelle, Tokyo Dreamgirl Paul Florea, DJ Maritizio, Virg and more MORE INFO: http://meturl.com/twenty

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 13

Listings PRO WRESTLING Zero 1

Jul 13, 12pm, ¥2,000-6,000.

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

Big Japan

Nov 22, 7pm, ¥3,150-6,300.

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

Dragon Gate

“Get in amazing shape this summer!”

Special: Mention Metropolis and receive • 100% tailored to your goals and lifestyle your first group class free!

• Highly qualified trainers with decades of experience • Fat loss, postural correction and performance specialists • Group classes include Fit 360, Core & Cardio, Boxing, Kickboxing, Fat Burn Express and more!

Aug 17, 3pm, ¥4,3208,640. Ota City General Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel: 03-54806688.

Noah: Summer Navig.

Aug 24, 12pm, ¥4,0007,000. Korakuen Hall.

Nearest stn: Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999.

JR S

oto

bo li

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

14 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

JR Keiyo

Line

Keiy oH igh wa y

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

Kurihama Perry Festival and Hanabi Taikai

Ueno Summer Festival

J. League, Division 1

Groups of 4 or more can compete with each other

Noryo no Yube

DDT

SOCCER

Mention Metropolis for FREE ADMISSION

decorations and activities for the entire family. Jul 11, 3pm; Jul 12-13, 10am, free. Fukaya city environs. Nearest stn: Fukaya. http:// meturl.com/ fukaya14

Aug 30, 7pm, ¥3,700-5,000.

Shinkiba 1stRing. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. Tel: 03-35211015.

Pristine showering facilities

THE RACE IS ON!

Fukaya Tanabata Festival Beautiful tanabata

Michinoku

No membership or joining fees

Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:30pm, closed Sun • Tel: 03-6434-9667

Festivals

Bazaars and parades celebrating the arrival of Perry to Japan's shores.

Fireworks from 7:15pm.

Boom factor:3,500. Jul 12, from 10am. Yokosuka Port, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Kurihama. http:// kurihama. info/events/perry2014

DDT. Aug 17, 2pm, ¥3,000-12,000. Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36235111.

DDT: Summer Festival Union. Aug 31, 12pm, ¥4,000-6,000. Shinjuku Face. Nearest stn: Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-3419-0536.

Just 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills

GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS

FC Tokyo vs. Kashima Antlers. Jul 19, 6:30pm, ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555.

Omiya

Ardija vs.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Jul 19, 7pm, ¥1,000-5,500.

NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950.

Urawa

Reds vs. Albirex Niigata. Jul 19, 6pm, ¥1,000-4,500. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-1001.

Kashima

Antlers vs.

Omiya Ardija. Jul 23, 7pm, ¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium.

Yokohama

F. Marinos vs.

Vissel Kobe. Jul 23, 7:30pm, ¥1,000-5,300. Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Nearest stn: Yokohama. Tel: 045-311-2016.

FC Tokyo vs. Vegalta Sendai. Jul 27, 6:30pm, ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555.

Kawasaki

Frontale vs. Albirex Niigata. Jul 27, 7pm, ¥800-4,600.

Todoroki Stadium. Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-722-0303.

Omiya

Ardija vs.

Tokushima Vortis. Jul 27, 7pm, ¥1,000-5,500. NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-6447950.

Urawa

Reds vs. Kashima Antlers. Jul 27, 6pm, ¥1,000-4,500. Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-1001.

FC Tokyo vs. Shimizu S-Pulse. Aug 2, 6:30pm, ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555.

Kashima

Antlers vs.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Aug 2, 6:30pm, ¥1,400-8,000.

Kashima Soccer Stadium.

Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium.

Urawa

Reds vs. Vissel Kobe. Aug 2, 7pm, ¥1,0004,500. Saitama Stadium.

Nearest stn: Urawamisono.

Tel: 048-812-1001.

Parades, ice sculpture shows and more. Jul 13-Aug 12, various times, free. Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-5644. www.ueno. or.jp/ichioshi/ichioshi_27. html

Edogawa Goldfish Festival

More than 20 kinds of goldfish on display, a goldfish scooping championship and more. Jul 19-20, all day, free. Edogawa Municipal Gyosen Park. 3-2-1 Kitakasai, Edogawa-ku. Nearest stn: Nishi-Kasai. Tel: 03-56620539. http:// meturl.com/ edogawakin14

Sagamiko. www.sagamiko. info

Forums & Expos Handmade in Japan Fes

Live painting, workshops and an extensive art craft market.

Jul 19, 11am-7pm; Jul 20, 11am-6pm. Tokyo Big Sight.

Nearest stn: Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. Tel: 03-6447-0105. hmj-fes.jp/about

Interpets

International fair promoting a better life with pets. Jul 25-27, 10am-5pm, ¥1,500 (door).

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

Transformers Expo

10,000m² venue jam-packed with animations, models and more of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and friends. Until Aug 17, 9:30am-7pm, ¥1,1002,600. Pacifico Yokohama.

Nearest stn: Minatomirai.

Tel: 0570-000-777. www.ntv. co.jp/TFE

Bazaars & Markets Earth Day Market

Organic produce, recycling projects, etc. Jul 20, 10am-4pm; Aug 4, 10am-4pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.earthdaymarket.com

Oedo Antique Market

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

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

Adachi Fireworks

Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market

Katsushika Fireworks Festival

Iidabashi Ramla Market

Boom factor: 12,000. Jul 19, 7:30pm, free. ArakawaKasenjiki area. Nearest St: Gotanda or Kita-Senju. www. city.adachi.tokyo.jp

Boom factor: 13,000. Don't miss the "firework Niagara Falls" at the very end of the show! Jul 22, 7:30pm, ¥5,0006,000. Shibamata Baseball Field. Nearest stn: Shibamata. www.city.katsushika.lg.jp

Kagurazaka Matsuri

Awa-odori performances, a lantern plant market and more. Jul 23-26, all day, free. Around Bishamonten Zenkoku Temple and Kagurazaka-dori.

Nearest stn: Iidabashi. www. kagurazaka.in

Kamakura Hanabi Taikai

Boom factor: 2,500. Fireworks reflecting on the sea is a must-see! Jul 23, 7:20pm, free.

Yuigahama Beach. Nearest stn: Yuigahama. www. kamakura-info.jp

Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri

Okinawan teodori dancers and sanshin players dance through the metropolis.

Jul 26, 1pm, free. Around Shinjuku station. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.shinjukueisa.com

Hachioji Fireworks Festival

Boom factor: 3,500. Jul 26, 7pm, free. Hachioji Baseball Field, Fujimori Park. Nearest stn: Hachioji. http://meturl. com/hachi14

More than 120 vendors.

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

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

Koshigaya Fireworks Festival

Aoyama Marché

Lake Sagami Fireworks

Yasukuni Shrine Antique Market

Boom factor: 5,000. Various street vendors along the riverside. Jul 26, 7pm, free.

Koshigaya area. Nearest stn: Koshigaya.

Boom factor: 5,000. Aug 1, 7:30pm, ¥1,000-3,000.

Kenritsu Sagamiko Park.

Yose, Kanagawa. Nearest stn:

Organic farmers’ market.

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

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

Since 1949

今年は"にほんごをもの"にする

FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS 6391. http://meturl.com/ positivethinkerstokyo

Stitch-n-Bitch

JUL 12 - 27 Yohei Kichiraku/ Birds In "Birds," Yohei Kichiraku showcases bird photos cut from guide books and placed in natural settings, juxtaposing nature and illustration with an artist’s eye for irony. Jul 12-27, free. Open daily noon-7pm.

Nanatasu Gallery, 2-12-4 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6419-7229. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. www.nanatasu.jp

Fudaten Jinja Market

Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Fudaten Jinja. Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.

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

Yebisu Marché

Organic fruits and vegetables.

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

Community New Material Night

A chance to try out new standup and improv sketches.

Jul 15, 8pm, free +1d. Double Tall Cafe. Nearest stn: Shibuya. tokyocomedy.com/new_ material_night

Sea to Summit

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 or Harajuku. www. drsketchytokyo.wordpress. com

Learning Diamond Self Discovery Seminar

Learn how to remove yourself from repetitive and destructive behavior, moving toward a more positive life experience.

Jul 13, 9:30am, free (reservation required). 11F, Yotsuya Kumin Hall. Nearest stn: Shinjuku Gyoen-mae. kazuyo.tani@gmail.com

The Invisible Hand that Builds the Future

Media expert Kenneth McClain III explores how technology and communication have evolved from the printing press to the iPhone. Jul 16, 7pm, free. Lakeland College.

Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3225-0425. http://lcj. lakeland.edu/lakelandlectures

behind-the-scenes documentary about how this 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

Horror Hide-and-Seek

Haunted house with a creepy kids' game theme.

Ages 6 and up. Jul 18-Sep 15, 10am-4pm (scary)/ 5-9pm (super scary), ¥820. Tokyo Dome City. Nearest stn: Korakuen or Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-3817-6001. http:// kakurenbo.info

Festival Brasil

Performances by Brazilian artists and local samba groups, as well as food and fashion stalls. Jul 19-20, 11am-7pm, free. Yoyogi Park.

Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. festivalbrasil.jp

Peter Brook Cinema

Screenings of “The Tightrope” and “Brook by Brook." Jul 19-20, various times, ¥500-2,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel: 0570-02-9999. www.saf.or.jp

Nihonga Class

Regular classes and one-day workshops on basic Japanesestyle painting techniques.

All classes in English and Japanese. 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

Tokyo Decadence: Revolution

Sunday Spin

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

Pause Talk

Open forum where creatives can get together and discuss projects, ideas and cultural currents. Every first Mon, Cafe Pause. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro.

Tel: 03-6912-7711. www. pausetalk.org

Party and Purpose

A casual get-together over dinner with people interested in personal development, organized by Tokyo Positive Thinkers. Every third Wed, 8pm, about ¥2,000. Ikebukuro TGI Friday's. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 090-4440-

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 Wed, 7-9pm, Our Space Studio. Nearest stn: Hatagaya.

Tel: 03-5770-7401. www. tokyocomedy.com

Wasara Workshop

Design traditional paper dishware with the aid of a bilingual instructor. Jul 14, 11am-1pm, ¥5,500 (registration required).

Bar Tokyo Octubre.

Nearest stn: Omotesando. nihongartoctber@gmail.com

Other Events Ocean Peoples

Environmentally friendly event with music, art and food.

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

Tel: 03-3469-6081. http:// oceanpeoples.com

Peter Brook: The Tightrope

Screening of an engaging

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

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Japanese Language School

Traditional street vendors and popular characters dressed in yukata performing at summerthemed stages. Jul 19-Aug 31, 10am, ¥2,500-3,800.

Sanrio Puroland. Nearest stn: Odakyu Tama Center.

Tel: 042-339-1111. www. puroland.co.jp/english

Dog and Cat Adoption Fair

Live ikebana show performed by masters of the art with proceeds going to charity.

Aug 9-10, 10am-7pm, ¥2,000 (1 day)/ ¥2,500 (2 days).

Zojoji Temple. Nearest stn: Shibakoen. Tel: 03-3432-1431. http://tsunageyou.jugem.jp

* 6/30 – 9/26 FROM 1 WEEK * SUMMER VACATION 6/4 – 8/9 * SPECIAL COURSES

Sanrio Puroland Summer Festival

Shibuya Hawaiian Festival

Tsunageyo

SUMMER INTENSIVE COURSE

Urban fun on the run.

Jul 19, 8:30am-4pm, free (spectators)/ ¥6,000 (participation fee). Makuhari Kaihin Park. Nearest stn: Kaihinmakuhari. http:// meturl.com/vikingad

Spanish vs French Wine

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

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

Viking Adventure

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

Wine seminar with a Spanishstyle gourmet dinner in an international atmosphere.

Jul 25, 7:30pm, ¥11,980 (adv). Stellato. Tel: 03-34425588. http://meturl.com/ monthlywine

EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Hula dances, Kona coffee and aloha shirts. Jul 26, 10am-8pm; Jul 27, 10am-7pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tel: 03-3469-6081. www. bmi-music.com

Gothic, alt-fashion and lifestyle party. Jul 26, 11:30pm, ¥3,000 (dressed up)/ ¥3,500 (not dressed up). Edition. B1F, 8-10-22 Akasaka. Nearest stn: Aoyama-Itchome. www.tokyodecadance.com

Enjoying Edo: Edo Food Culture Parades, dance and live performances, etc. Until Jul 31, various times, various prices. Various venues along the Sumida river. www.ab-srap.com

Transformers Battle

Autobots and Decepticons transform and fight before your very eyes. Aug 11-13, 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Pacifico Yokohama. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. www.ntv. co.jp/TFE

Yona Yona Beer Garden Craft beers and BBQ plates abound. Until Sep 7, Mon-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm, free. Ark Karajan Place. Nearest stn: Roppongi-itchome.

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

Shibuhouse Party

All-night house party with the Shibuhouse residents on the 22nd of every month, 7pm-7am. ¥1,000 w/ food & drink. Contact shibuhouseinfo@gmail. com for address/directions.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. shibuhouse.com.

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 15

Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON

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

FADING GIGOLO

M

urray’s (Woody Allen, just acting) small NYC bookstore goes belly-up at about the same time that his dermatologist (Sharon Stone) indicates to him that she and a friend (Sofia Vergara) might possibly be interested in a ménage à trois if they could just find the right guy. He convinces his equally strappedfor-cash best friend Fiorvanate (writer/director John Turturro) that he’d be perfect for the job. It’s the beginning of a beautiful pimp/gigolo relationship.

Business booms, enhanced by Fiorvanate’s selfeffacing, sincere nature, until he encounters a sad orthodox Jewish widow (Vanessa Paradis) just seeking to ease her loneliness, and a platonic but deep relationship develops. This offbeat, understated and oddly endearing rom-com is tonally more than a little inconsistent, sometimes seeming like two different movies (Woody apparently had a hand in writing his own lines). One addresses issues of loneliness and longing, and the other’s a pretty good Woody Allen

DIVERGENT

NEW

EDGE OF TOMORROW

NEW

In yet another dystopian future, society is divided into five innate “types.” And if you happen, during kind of a Harry Potter Sorting Hat ceremony, to fit more than one category, you are a “ Divergent ” and hunted down. Can’t see anything going wrong with that. As cynical, opportunistic, exposition-heavy, overlong and repetitive attempts at grabbing some of those YA, sci-fi-fantasy, Hunger Games bucks go, it’s not bad. What it lacks in originality, Shailene Woodley (The Descendants, The Spectacular Now) makes up for in pure watchability. Not terrible, just not memorable. Or much fun. Two more on the way. (140 min)

Those not fans of Tom Cruise will be glad to know that he dies in this movie. Several hundred times. Groundhog Day meets Starship Troopers. A smarmy Army PR flack is sent along with an invasion of alien-infested Europe. He dies quickly but wakes up 24 hours earlier, and goes through the doomed invasion another time, and then another, etc. It’s deja vu all over again. He teams up with kick-ass commando Emily Blunt, nailing the Ripley/Sarah Connor role. It’s a fun little puzzle picture, sharply written, imaginative, action-packed, unexpectedly funny and thoroughly entertaining. Adapted from a Japanese manga.

Japanese title: All You Need is Kill. (113 min)

OLDBOY

Haven’t seen Park Chan-wook’s 2003 ex i stent ia l hor ror cu lt movie, so I can’t say whether it deserved the dubious Hollywood remake treatment.

But I’m pretty sure that Spike Lee was not the director to do it. After being imprisoned for 20 years for no reason, a miscast Josh Brolin is as inexplicably released, whereupon he embarks on a brutal quest to identify his tormentors and exact revenge.

Lee gets in a few interesting stylistic licks, but he’s in workfor-hire mode. Also Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen and Sharlto Copley. Twisted, grim and gruesome, call this feel-bad movie an accomplished disappointment. (104 min)

16 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

movie that he didn’t make. They’re both worth seeing. Could have gone terribly wrong on so many levels if not for the intelligence and sensitivity with which it

THE DEVIL’S VIOLINIST

NEW

Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) was a pioneer in the fiddle field. Bold and innovative and unimaginably talented; a 19th-century rock star.

Then there’s this cornball GermanItalian movie. It focuses on his time in London, a visit Wikipedia barely mentions. Moreover, his strings (sorry) are being pulled by satanic agent Jared Harris, who stops just short of twirling his moustache. Nya-ha-ha. German David Garrett, actually a violinist, resembles a cover model for bodice-rippers, and his Southern Californian, Keanu Reeves-y accent supplies the film’s only humor. Really, really bad. Japanese title: Paganini: Ai to Kyoki no Violinist. (122 min)

HER

Fabulist Spike Jonze ( Being John Malkovich , Adaptat ion) explores how A I technology might be used in the near future in our increasingly plu g gedi n y e t d i s c o n n e c t e d s o c i e t y.

An introverted man (a spot-on Joaquin Phoenix) downloads a “personal OS” (voice of Scarlett Johansson). They pal around; get to know each other. And he falls in love. This could have gone in so many wrong directions, from glib, cheap-shot rom-com to preposterous thriller. But Jonze plays it straight. It’s audacious, yes, but also deeply sincere and emotionally plausible. Can machines think? Maybe. But can people still feel? Japanese title: Her: Sekai de Hitotsu no Kanojo.

(120 min)

TRANSCENDENCE

A computer genius (Johnny Depp, Skyping it in) on the verge of an A.I. breakthrough is attacked and mor t a l ly wou n de d by rad ic a l ne o -Ludd ite s a nd uplo ad s h i s consciousness into a ludicrously adva nce d computer before he dies. But the resultant entity turns out to be dangerously focused on accumulating ever more knowledge and power. Ho hum. Any dramatic tension in this meandering and humorless sci-fi cautionary tale is sabotaged straight off by letting us know at the beginning where all this will end up. It’s scientifically, philosophically and logically shaky, with way more artifice than intelligence. (119 min)

approaches its subject. Liev Schreiber’s also good as a Hasidic cop. Great jazz soundtrack. Japanese title: Gigolo in New York. (90 min)

MALEFICENT

NEW

It’s a neat idea: invert the Sleeping Beauty yarn and tell it from the perspective of the evil fairy god mot her. T h is Ma lef icent is a tra gic figure, wronged by an ambitious king . She curses his newborn daughter, etc. But as the child grows to become Elle Fanning, Maleficent grows fond of her and even tries to reverse the curse. The film succeeds on Angelina Jolie’s committed and nuanced performance. I’m not saying she rates among today’s top actresses, but I can’t imagine anyone else giving the role such emotional punch. I was surprised to realize what a good time I was having. Not for little children. (98 min)

BEYOND THE EDGE

In an age where summiting Mount Everest is so common-place that there’s a littering problem, we tend to forget just what Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay accomplished back in 1953. But not if filmmaker Leanne Pooley has anything to say about it. She has combined archival footage and photos with some well-done reenactment techniques (Chad Moffitt is a dead ringer for Sir Hillary) and audio interviews (refreshingly, no talking heads) to come up with this tense, you-are-there adventure film. Captures not only the thrill of the conquest but also the incredible fear and uncertainty that led up to it.

Japanese title: Tenku no Itadaki Rekishi wo Kaeta Everest Hatsutocho. (90 min)

PARKLAND

Docudrama based on the book Four Days in November focuses on the responses of the doctors, nurses, federal agents and witnesses to the 1963 Kennedy assassination. The title is the name of the Dallas Hospital to which the president, and later his murderer, were rushed. The film is workmanlike and captures the heartbreak of the story, which remains absorbing even today. It’s interesting if at times gutwrenching. But it lacks much narrative purpose, the writing’s flat, and it offers no new insights or theories, conspiracy or otherwise. Indeed this film’s main mystery is why it was made at all. Japanese title: Parkland: Kennedy Ansatsu Shinjitsu no Yokkakan. (93 min)

FADING GIGOLO: ©2013 ZUZU LICENSING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; DIVERGENT: ©2014 SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT, LLC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; PAGANINI: THE DEVIL’S VIOLINIST: © 2013 SUMMERSTORM ENTERTAINMENT / DOR FILM / CONSTRUCTION FILM / BAYERISCHER RUNDFUNK / ARTE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; EDGE OF TOMORROW: ©2014 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS(BMI)LIMITED.; MALEFICENT: ©2014 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.; HER: PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES; BEYOND THE EDGE: ©2013 GFC (EVEREST) LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; PARKLAND: (C)2013 EXCLUSIVE MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT, LLC; TRANSCENDENCE: ©2014 ALCON ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; OLDBOY: ©2013 EXCLUSIVE MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT, LLC; 3 DAYS TO KILLS: ©2013 3DTK INC.; THIRD PERSON: ©CORSAN 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE: ©2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC; NOAH: © MMXIV PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION AND REGENCY ENTERTAINMENT (USA), INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PARAMOUNT; THE HOST: ©2013 THE HOST FILM HOLDINGS,LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; OPEN GRAVE: ©2013 OG DISTRIBUTION LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

3 DAYS TO KILL

This bit of Luc Besson Euro-fluff was intended, I think, to be an action-comedy version of Taken, but perhaps Kevin Costner didn’t get the memo about the comedy part. And it has to be said that as over-the-hill ass-kickers go, he’s no Liam Neeson. The pedestrian story line has Kev as a brooding, terminally ill CIA hit man lured back for one last kill, all while he’s trying to win back the affection of his whiny teenage daughter for not being around, etc. Tedious, sloppy, full of aimless subplots and superfluous characters. Not even dumb fun. There are plenty of better ways to kill two hours. Japanese title: Last Mission. (113 min)

300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE

Apparently a second battle was raging while Leonidas and 300 rabid Spartans were off getting ma s s acre d at T her mopylae i n 2006’s loopy 300, this one at sea and with just as much yelling, CGIenhanced six-pack abs and even a few bare boobs. The bad 3-D is used mostly for repetitious slo-mo strawberry-jam blood splatter (okay, we get it). Sullivan Stapleton is a poor substitute for Gerard Butler, and that can’t be a good thing. Thank the gods for Eva Green, seemingly the only actor aware of how campy all this is, and her over-the-top portrayal of a hot and horny naval commander in a Catwoman outfit. Japanese title: 300: Teikoku no Shingeki. (102 min)

THIRD PERSON

An eminent author (Liam Neeson) i n Pa r i s i s c a r r y i n g on w it h a society reporter half his age (Olivia Wilde). An irresponsible mother in New York (Mila Kunis) fights for child visitation rights. A small-time swindler (Adrien Brody) in Rome decides to help a gypsy girl (Moran Atias) retrieve her abducted sister. Paul Haggis (Crash) has found a way to interweave these three very different stories, but the final “twist” is a cheat of the “and then I woke up” school. Telling you how that’s so would constitute a spoiler, but the title’s a hint. Liked the dialogue and the acting; hated being jerked around. (137 min)

NOAH

OPEN GRAVE

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)

UZUMASA LIMELIGHT

By Rob Schwartz

W

hat are often called “samurai films” by the casual watcher outside this country are a major genre in the film industry here known as chambara. An example is Uzumasa Limelight, which focuses on the latter days of a swordfighting stuntman who’s made a career out of a little jousting and a lot of dying. Kamiyama (Seizo Fukumoto) has worked at the fictional Uzumasa Studios for decades and is now at the end of his career. After a TV series he had a bit part in is cancelled, the resigned Kamiyama is “reduced” to being an extra in a yakuza pic until finally he is lent to a samurai theme park where he begins tutoring an up-and-coming female actress and swordsmith. Satsuki (Chihiro Yamamoto) takes to the lessons with gusto and dedication, but it seems her hard work is a throwback to a different era. She winds up on a TV drama that uses pop stars and CGI instead of real swordplay and realistic action. Mirroring actor Fukumoto’s own career, and using Charlie Chaplin’s film Limelight as a reference point, the film is sweet, heartfelt and impressive in the sword-fighting sequences. Uzumasa Limelight is a winner without having to fake its own death. (103 min)

movie news

S

tudio Ghibli is known not only for its award-winning animation and engaging storytelling, but also its careful selection of pop songs from hit makers such as Yumi Matsutoya. For its upcoming film When Marnie Was There, the studio tapped Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Priscilla Ahn for the job, and the half-Korean musician provided her single “Fine on the Outside.” The track will be the first in English to appear in both the Japanese and international versions of a Ghibli film. Ahn’s acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals suit the look of the film, and the song she wrote while still in high school gels with the teenage alienation found in the source novel by Canadian writer Joan G. Robinson—about a lonely girl who makes a rather mysterious friend. “I feel like this will be a very good film for everyone to see, especially young teens,” Ahn said during a recent “Ask Me Anything” event on Reddit. “But I feel like anyone who’s ever felt alone before can relate to this film.” The singer got to tour the Tokyo studio when animators were putting the finishing touches on the film. “All the backgrounds of the film are painted by hand,” she says. “I know this, because I saw them actually painting them!” When Marnie Was There (Omoide no Marnie) opens nationwide July 19. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground

A

lejandro Jodorowsky’s ’70s cult milestones El Topo and The Holy Mountain were more than enough to ensure his place in the filmmaker pantheon. Now in his 80s and not having made a film in two decades, it was assumed he was retired. But he surprised everyone at Cannes last year with The Dance of Reality, a work that mixes autobiography and fantasy with the director’s son playing his own grandfather, a Russian–Jewish immigrant raising a family in 1930s Chile. Playing in Spanish from July 12 at Cinema Qualite (3-37-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; http://qualite.musashino-k.jp) and Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho (2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; www.ht-cinema.com)... Shibuya art house Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku ; www.cinemavera.com) presents yet another program of world cinema classics from July 12. The lineup includes Marilyn Monroe as an unhinged babysitter in Don’t Bother to Knock, Humphrey Bogart as a conman in Beat the Devil and Fred Astaire as a bandleader in Second Chorus… Eurospace in Shibuya (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.eurospace.co.jp) will run a Sergei Parajanov retrospective to mark the 90th anniversary of the Soviet filmmaker’s birth. Parajanov’s dismissal of government-sanctioned social realism and his controversial behavior often landed him in prison. KM

PHOTO CREDIT: © CURBSIDE FILMS.

I do n ’ t re m e m b e r t h i s s i mp le Sunday school parable including h u g e ro c k-m o n s te r s w it h re d eyes, nor does the plot device of a vengeful, animal-cargo-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)

eiga

Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English-language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only. #1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 17

Shinjuku 03-3352-6606 Ikebukuro 03-5951-3614 Akasaka 03-3539-3615

Dubliners is now online!

www.dubliners.jp

Shibuya 03-5459-1736 Shinagawa 03-6718-2834

4th of August BEER HALL DAY

All Draught Pint Beer ¥500 Beer Hall Day was established to celebrate the opening of the first ever beer hall on Aug 4th, 1899.

SPECIAL LIVE EVENTS

8/5～31 Pint Beer Festival!!

Everyone who purchases a pint of beer gets a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 3000 yen Dubliners’ voucher.

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

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 18 ● ADVERTISING SECTION

Pizza&BeerSpecial Special Advertising Section

BRICK OVENS & CRAFT BREWS Tokyo pubs and pizzerias offer old-school pies and new-attitude beer ?

For Your Information

In The Oven

AUGUST BEER CLUB

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A local landmark known for its August Beer series that also offers home-baked pizza made with an original dough perfectly suited to match the August Beer original pale lager.

The specialty of the house is a soft and fluffy Naples-style pie with unique seasonal toppings to match the house beer—like the current avocado and kinshinsai with original sauce.

Quench your summer thirst with a pint of unfiltered August Beer original or August IPA (both ¥1,100).

Craft beer starts from ¥600 (small), ¥750 (regular), and ¥1,100 for traditional pints. With 15 different types of pizza, make the first decision easy with a classic Margherita pizza (¥930).

• 3-2-21 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-68041655. Open daily noon-11pm. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.augustbeerclub.jp

On Tap

Price

BEER HORN

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A unique craft beer bar in Akasaka featuring Otaru Beer served in real horns—plus pizza, roast chicken and more cooked in a stone oven.

Original pizza dough made fresh with a very crispy crust. Try the spicy, hand-made pepperoni pizza with cracked black pepper, the Mexican pizza with fresh salsa, chipotle peppers and roasted garlic paste or the unique smoked Krakauer sausage mozzarella pizza.

Deals

Shop Info

CHILES MEXICAN GRILL

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The authentic flavors of a Mexican cantina with true south-of-the-border suds.

Enjoy ice-cold bottled beer from Mexico like Negra Modelo, Corona, Sol, Tecate and TJ Mexican craft brew, as well as crisp Heineken draft—perfect for the hot weather!

Bottles of premium cerveza are just ¥700, while pints of draft are ¥650.

The Dark Horn (a Münchner dunkel) is a simple beer without excessive gas and only 5.2 percent ABV. Seasonal beers are introduced each month with special introductory prices.

Mention Metropolis when you order and get a glass of beer and a chorizo wrap set for only ¥1,000!

Craft brew starts at ¥610 for a 400ml glass or quaff from a true drinking horn for ¥1,260. Pizzas are ¥700, ¥900 or ¥1,000.

• 1-8-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-64349693. Open Mon 11am-4pm,Tue-Fri 11am-9pm,Sat 11am-10pm,Sun 11am-8pm.

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

Two-hour all-you-can-drink craft beer for ¥2,400.

• 3-17-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3568-4690.

Open daily 5-11:30pm (lunch weekdays 11:30am-2pm). Nearest stn: Akasaka. www. beerhorn.jp

#1059 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 19

CRAFT HANDS

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An open, casual bar with a relaxed environment and real craft beer from Japan, America and Belgium—and some that you’re not likely to find anywhere else in Tokyo.

There are 14 types of craft beer on tap and over 50 bottled beers. The lineup changes every day, so you’re bound to find an old favorite or try a new one.

Beer starts at just ¥580, non-beer drinkers can a get glass of wine for ¥300 and food can be ordered from ¥300.

• 1-3-13 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-35683723. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 3pm-2am, Sun 3-11:30pm. Nearest stn: Azabu Juban. www.crafthands.jp

GENKA BAR

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Genka means “wholesale,” and those are the ridiculously low prices you pay (after a small entry fee) at this popular watering hole—now with three locations in the city.

For just ¥210, you can’t go wrong with Suntory The Premium Malt’s. The rich Premium Malt’s Black goes well mixed half-and-half.

Entrance fees are ¥1,800 (Akasaka), ¥1,600 (Gotanda) and ¥2,500 (Ginza).

Mention Metropolis and get a free Suntory Premium Malt’s.

• Gotanda: 2-3F Nozu Bldg, 2-5-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku. Tel: 03-6417-9909. Open Tue-Sat 5pm-5am, Sun-Mon & hols 5pm-1am. Nearest stn: Gotanda. • Akasaka: B1F ASK Akasaka Bldg, 3-2117 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6441-2574. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-5am, hols 5am-11:30pm, closed Sun. Nearest stn: Akasaka-mitsuke.

• Ginza: Tel: 03-6280-6314. www.genkabar.jp

20 ● ADVERTISING SECTION

Pizza&BeerSpecial Special Advertising Section

DEVILCRAFT

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Tokyo’s go-to place for craft beer and Chicago-style pizza.

THE DUBLINERS’ IRISH PUB

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The only deep dish, Chicago-style pizza in Tokyo.

Dough is made daily—as are the house sauce and sausage—and aged overnight to enhance flavor.

A thin-crust pizza recipe born in the mountains of Catalonia that's both soft and crispy at the same time, with a sauce that’s hand-made fresh every day. Local ingredients are free of pesticides or other naughty, unnatural things.

Whole pizza (30cm) from ¥1,390. Look for big monthly discount coupons on their Facebook page.

Bring this copy of Metropolis and get ¥500 off any deluxe pizza or ¥300 off any regular whole pizza and a free shot at their monthly pizza tasting event—see website for details.

This friendly Irish pub near Shibuya station offers a wide array of international beers, and features a fantastic fifth-floor terrace that overlooks the dizzying splendor of the area.

Eight brews on tap including classics Guinness, Kilkenny, Belle-vue Kriek and London Pride (one of the few places that offers this beer from the barrel) plus over 20 bottled international beers.

• 5F Sede Bldg, 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3476-7776. Open Mon-Sat 5:30pm-2am, Sun & hols 3pm-11pm. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://failte.jp

• Shibuya: 2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg, 2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5459-1736.

• Shinjuku: 2F Shinjuku Lion Hall, 3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3352-6606.

• Shinagawa: B1 Shinagawa Grand Central Tower 2-16-3 Konan, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6718-2834 .

• Ikebukuro: Tel: 03-5951-3614. • Akasaka: Tel: 03-3539-3615. Check website for open hours. www.dubliners.jp

• Kanda: Ishikawa Bldg, 4-2-3 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-6265-1779. Nearest stn: Kanda • Hamamatsucho: 1F Risewell Bldg, 2-13-12 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-64358428. Nearest stn: Hamamasucho. Open Mon-Fri 5-11pm, Sat 3-11pm, Sun & hols 3-10pm. http://en. devilcraft.jp

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Pints of draft beer are ¥1,000, and all drinks are best enjoyed with a large order of authentic, Guinness-battered fish and chips (¥1,150).

Half-sized U.K. pints are from ¥650, and U.S. pints from ¥1,000. Happy hour runs daily, with ¥100 off any beer. Small Chicago-style pizza from ¥1,250.

Hofman’s Pizza is an international oasis of original gourmet pizzas and burgers, plus vegetarian and other dishes—all made with love by people who love people and food.

FAILTE

Of course, draft Guinness and Kilkenny are on tap, but you can also enjoy premium Japanese beers such as Kohaku Yebisu or Shiro Honoka.

A rotation of 15 taps at the Kanda location and 20 at the Hamamatsucho branch. The specialty is American craft beer with a well-balanced lineup— including a few extra IPAs for hopheads. Great selection of local Japanese craft beer.

HOFMAN’S PIZZA

A true Irish gathering place in the heart of Tokyo that welcomes you and your friends with Guinness and Kilkenny beer, traditional Irish pub grub and Celtic music performances (see website for schedule).

KIRIN CITY

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Kirin City wants to provide you with the freshest tasting beer possible—as if it just arrived from the brewery—and have you enjoy it with great food like sausages, chicken baskets and vegetable dishes.

Kirin City pours its namesake beer in three steps, resulting in an unsurpassed beery treat of rich foam that keeps your drink fresh until the last drop. Heineken and Guinness are also available.

An evening will average ¥3,000 per person, with a two-hour, all-you-can-drink menu for ¥4,000.

• 2F Shojikiya Bldg, 4-10-10 Roppongi, Minato-ku.

Tel: 03-5413-4811. Open Mon-Thu 11:30am11:30pm, Fri 11:30am-4am, Sat noon-4am, Sun & hols noon-11:30pm. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www. kirincity.co.jp

MEGURO TAVERN

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A British-owned “London pub” serving satisfying English staples like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, the best fish and chips in town and original, uniquely British bitter ales.

Just launched this year, the MT Craft Brewery produces typical British-style bitter ales that are sold exclusively at the Meguro Tavern along with six commercial beers.

Sample 300ml bitters for only ¥500 yen. Pints are kept at ¥1,000 yen (including tax) as a means of keeping prices down after the tax increase.

• 2F Sunwood Meguro Bldg, 1-3-28 ShimoMeguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3779-0280. Open daily 5:30pm-1am. Nearest stn: Meguro. www. themegurotavern. com

• 1F Dai 2 Namiki Bldg, 3-11-3 Takasu, Mihama-ku, Chiba. Tel: 043-303-6400. Open Tue-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm. www.hofmanspizza.com

#1059 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 21

Happy Hour All ¥500!!

Mon-Fri (except Public holidays) Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT, The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT, Glasses of wine, Cocktails Enjoy our great selections of Irish and European brews.

Spacious 5F terrace over looking central Shibuya!

Tokyu Plaza

More details

http://failte.jp 22 ● ADVERTISING SECTION

5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat) 3-11pm (Sunday & hols) tel: 03-3476-7776

Pizza&BeerSpecial Special Advertising Section

PADDY’S JUNCTION

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Open terrace that suddenly appears in a back alley in Shinjuku. One big-screen TV and three smaller screens. More than 40 seats inside the pub and 15 seats outside, plus a standing bar.

Vegetarian-friendly fare.

PANZEROTTERIA

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From Monday to Thursday enjoy Paddy’s daily selection for half price. The famous fish-andchips—perfect with beer (normally ¥1,200)—is just ¥600 every Wednesday.

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Hand-tossed pizza dough made daily in the store (along with a special house sauce) and baked in their U.S.-made stone deck oven.

Slices from ¥390.

Mention Metropolis when ordering and get a free beer with the purchase of any medium or large pizza (valid until July 31, 2014).

• 1-1-14 Oji-honcho, Kita-ku, Tokyo. Tel: 03-39069710. Email: roccosnewyorkstylepizza@gmail. com. Open Wed-Fri 11am-2pm & 5-9pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun & hols 11am-8pm. Nearest stn: Oji. www.roccosnewyorkstylepizza.com

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Pizza by the slice in a shop that feels as if you’re getting a pie in NYC. Traditional pizza with basic toppings and carefully selected ingredients. Slice not big enough? Try the 20-inch XL New York-style pizza, or get your name crafted in pepperoni topping on your birthday.

Slices just ¥390-600.

A variety of pizzas that range from ¥700 -1,400, with sweets from ¥400. Draft beer (¥700) and various glass wines (¥800) also available.

• 1F Sensho Bldg, 2-13-16 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.

Tel: 03-6273-1755. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am, closed Sun. Nearest stn: Shinjuku San-chome. www.paddys-junction. com

Step into Rocco’s and you step in to an authentic NYC pizzeria that also serves American-style sides such as Buffalo wings, calzones, stromboli and NY cheesecake.

PIZZA SLICE

Panzerotti, or fried pizza pies, prepared on order using original dough, plus various sauces and toppings from the menu like classic Margherita, tofu, eggplant, or konnyaku with miso sauce, as well as the ten-vegetable summer mix.

Draft Guinness and Bass Pale Ale along with cold and crisp Asahi and Heartland.

ROCCO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

A unique restaurant that specializes in fried pizza and pies with a good selection of cured hams, cheese and wine.

Bring this copy of Metropolis and receive a ¥500 discount on any whole pizza.

• 1F Daikanyama Joshin Bldg, 1-3 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5428-5166. Open Tue-Sun 11:30am-11:00pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Daikanyama, Shibuya or Ebisu. http://slice01. businesscatalyst.com

Mention you saw them in Metropolis and get your first glass of beer for just ¥500.

• 2-14-12 Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Tel: 0802675-7216. Open noon-2:30pm & 6pm-midnight.

Nearest stn: Shibuya or Shinsen. www. panzerotteria.com

VASHON

?

Casual American restaurant with craft beer on tap and eight wines by the glass. The Kabutocho branch also has pizza.

Craft beers from America’s west coast. Stone House IPA is always on tap at the Shiba-koen branch, and the Kabutocho location has Rogue, Elysian and San Diego’s Pizza Port on rotation.

Tasting glasses available for ¥ 600, with both regular (¥850) and “house” (¥980) pints available.

A wide selection of bottled beer from ¥850.

During happy hour (4-7pm weekdays) get ¥850 craft beer for just ¥650. Mention Metropolis and get your first drink at happy hour price.

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

TOKYO YAKULT SWALLOWS

?

On three special nights this summer (Jul 23, Aug 1 and Sep 5) enjoy draft beer for only ¥350 while you take in the baseball action at Jingu Stadium— with fireworks added to top it all off.

All of the Kirin, Asahi and Sapporo beer on tap makes this night a grand slam.

All draft beer is just ¥350 on these special nights only (normally ¥750).

Show the Metropolis Tokyo Yakult Swallows ad with your game-day ticket stub and get a draft beer for ¥200 instead of ¥350.

• Jingu Stadium, 3-1 Kasumigaoka, Shinjuku-ku.

Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Gate 9 ticket box open 11am-end of game. www.yakult-swallows.co.jp/ english

#1059 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 23

Beer & Seasonal Homemade Food Shojikiya Bldg. 2F, 4-10-10 Roppongi, Minato-ku Open: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11:30pm, Fri 11:30am–4am, Sat noon-4am, Sun & hols noon-11:00pm Cost: ¥2,500-4,000 (all-you-can-drink course available)

Tel: 03-5413-4811 Parties catered for up to 80 people

www.kirincity.co.jp

24 ● ADVERTISING SECTION

THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY

local flavors

SUPERMARKET KANJI

Get the best in your grocery basket

By Yukari Sakamoto

L

ea r ning to recog nize even a sma l l amount of Japanese can make a big difference when shopping for food. Whether you want to know what’s discounted or as a safety precaution for expiration dates, arm yourself with these essential kanji the next time you head to your local super.

Looking to save some yen? Keep an eye out for 半額 (hangaku), which means “half price.” Simi表示価格より！ larly, if you see 割 (wari) it means a percentage off of the original price: 1割 (ichiwari) is 10 percent off, 2割 (niwari) is 20 percent off and so on.

Seasonal items are sometimes advertised as 旬 (shun) and if something is made in limited quantities or only available for a short

time, it’s marked 限定 (gentei).

Expiration dates on packaging can be a bit confusing. The expiration date is marked 消費期限 (shohikigen) and the food is safe to eat until this day—provided it has been kept as suggested by the manufacturer. Alternatively, 賞味期限 (shomikigen) is the best-by date. The food is “best”—again, if it has been kept as suggested by the manufacturer—if it is used by this date. Some of these foods can be consumed even after the bestby date. Some manufacturers, in an effort to help prevent food waste, are starting to list only the month and the year for the shomikigen, as there is some flexibility with how long this food can be consumed.

At bakeries, be on the lookout for 焼き立 て (yakitate)—bread hot out of the oven.

Some dairy (and dairy substitute) characters you might want to know include 低脂肪牛乳 (teishibo gyunyu, “low-fat milk”), 練乳 (rennyu, “sweetened condensed milk”) and 豆乳 (tonyu, “soy milk”).

With produce, if you prefer yuki (organic) food

半額

1割

drinks

T

he only thing better than quaffing an ice-cold brew on a summer’s day is when that brew happens to be your own. Those of us accustomed to the “U-brew” trade back home have long since found out that that doesn’t fly in Japan—or does it?

Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki, known for the Hitachino Nest Beer you may have seen in bottle shops, offers a “brew-on-premises” product that lets you visit the brewery, choose your style (ale, stout or wheat) then do the labor preparing your own beer.

It’s only about a 1.5-hour train ride out to the brewery in the town of Naha, near Hitachi-Konoso station. You can take a cab to the site, but why not just give them a call when you get there and ask them to meet you at the station?

With the help of the Kiuchi staff, we started with a consultation (and a little tasting) to decide the style of beer (we went with a light and citrusy Weizen, or wheat ale) and even the color, level of bitterness and alcohol content that you desire (more tasting involved). This is done by choosing—and smelling—a variety of different hops and malts from a dispensary of green buds that wouldn’t be out of place at a harm reduction club in Colorado.

Once you’ve made your choices, it’s time to brew.

The staff will walk you through measuring, milling and mashing the malt in a large copper kettle filled with 55-degree water. The temperature is closely monitored to ensure saccharification, which takes

Dining Out

look for 有機. However, even farms not certified as organic may indeed be chemical-free, as many vendors at the city’s farmers’ markets will tell you.

Regarding beef, 和牛 (wagyu) refers to Japanese cattle that are one of four breeds: Japanese Shorthorn, Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, and Japanese Polled. Regular domestic beef (国 産牛, kokusan gyu) refers to all cattle raised in Japan, regardless of its breed.

Seafood in Japan may be the hardest to understand—especially with many shoppers t hese days concerned about the location where it was caught. If this is important to you, it’s good to learn the characters 産地 (sanchi) for where it is farmed or caught. Following “sanchi” on the label, look for Japanese place names—though you’ll of course have to learn some regional names.

Imported food will always list the country following the sanchi, usually in katakana.

Other essential kanji include 天 然 (tennen, “wild”), 養殖 (yoshoku, “ f a r m e d ” ) , 刺 身用 (s a s h i m i - y o , “sashimi-grade” and safe to be eaten raw), 生食用 (nama shoku-yo, “can be eaten raw”), 加熱用 (kanetsu-yo, “must be cooked”), 生 (nama, “fresh—has not been frozen”) and 解凍 (kaito, “was frozen before—should not be frozen again”).

is the start of the wait process. It’ll take about three weeks of maturation before the goodly amber nectar is bottled on the Kiuchi premises and shipped off to your abode.

While waiting, you have the chance to create a custom label using Kiuchi’s templates, which you can then upload to their designer. These will arrive along with your precious cargo, whereupon you can begin slapping them on your bottles and boasting about your newfound fame as a master brewer.

Total cost? ¥630 per bottle (¥567 weekdays), brewed in batches of 45.

The folks at Kiuchi also make nihonshu (they started 190 years ago as the Kikusakari Sake Brewery) and soba noodles from buckwheat grown in the fields for this process. Be sure to visit the Kura + Soba Nakaya restaurant located on-site to slurp and sip the freshest sake and noodle combination around. The noodles are handmade (you can watch while the master noodler kneads, folds and chops) using sake in place of water.

As you head back into Mito, you can also visit Sake + Soba Nakaya in the Keisei department store for more Kiuchi products and meals. If you still need one more sip of Hitachino craft beer before the long trek back to the city, True Brew, the brew pub at Mito station, awaits as you leave. From there, it’s an agonizing three weeks as you wait for your personal batch of ale or stout to arrive and share with friends and family—or not, your choice.

Kiuchi Brewery. 1257 Kunosu, Naka-shi, Ibaraki.

Tel: 029-298-0105. Tours also available. http://meturl.com/kiuchibeer

BREW YOUR OWN Craft beer at Kiuchi Brewery

By Jeff W. Richards

about an hour. The mashing activates enzymes that break down the complex starches into simple sugars fermented by the yeast.

Once this is all mashed up you have a wort, which must then be separated from the chunks of soggy bud at the bottom of the tank (called “lautering”), rinsed with fresh water to help with the final aroma and mixed with the hops.

Kept on a very steady boil, the hops are added in stages as the water evaporates until it’s at the proper consistency and ready to be transferred to a clean fermenter for a quick chill. This gets your masterpiece ready for the yeast to do its magic converting the sugars into alcohol. This

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 25

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

Yakult Panasonic

Shiodome City Center

Tokyo’s No.1 nighttime panorama Fresh fish direct from Tsukiji market High-quality Japanese steaks Selection of high quality wines from over 2,000 cellars worldwide Party & wedding catering English service & menu available

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LUNCH:

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

DINNER:

Mon-Sun 5:30pm-11:30pm(LO 9:30pm)

Online Reservation:

www.fish-bank-tokyo.jp

41F Shiodome City Center Bldg, 1-5-2 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku

̶ Hana・Gakoi ̶

The best Sushi and Yakitori Restaurant in Aoyama.

Matsushita Shiodome Eletric tower

03-3569-7171

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Everything sold at wholesale prices!”

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26 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

B1 Diamond bldg 1-1-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo 〒150-0002

TEL 03-3498-3228

Lunch 11:30 ～ 14:00 Dinner 17:00 ～ 23:00 （L.O.22:00 Drink L.O.22:30）

Draft Beer from ¥190 (360ml) Draft Guiness from ¥310 (400ml) Import Beer from ¥210 and many more!

Gotanda Branch 03-6417-9909 Ginza Branch 03-6280-6314 Check website for more information

www.genkabar.jp

Food from ¥90

GENKA BAR

¥210 (370ml)

Tel 03-6441-2574

Sun-Tue & hols 5pm-11:30pm Wed-Sat 5pm-5am ASK Akasaka B1F, 3-21-17 Akasaka, Minato-ku Tel 03-6441-2574 ￥1,800 Entry Fee

BITES summer snow

Kakigori Café & Bar Yelo (1F Roppongi Patio, 5-2-11 Roppongi, Minato-ku) has taken Japan’s all-time summer favorite, kakigori (shaved ice) to the next level. The café offers many unique f lavors including tiramisu (¥800) topped with mascarpone and cocoa powder, tea (¥750) using authentic chai and jelly, or carrot and mascarpone (¥900) if you want a healthier treat. All can be customized to your liking, and for those feeling a little more YOLO there’s an adult version topped with liqueur served after 6pm. Unlike the usual crunchy stuff, this shaved ice is so soft and fluffy it’s like eating snowflakes. Takeout option available.—Layla Nagasaka

PHOTO BY KOHJI SHIIKI

udon chew Located in Tokyo’s affluent Shirokanedai area, Udon-ya Mouche specializes in chew y sanuki udon shipped directly from Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku. The udon comes in four styles: bukake (cold), kake (hot), taste of the month, and a mild pork curry made with soy milk, vegetables, and ground apple and potato (all ¥900). Both the bukake and kake come with hot and juicy tempura chicken marinated in the shop’s signature dashi (fish stock). With a warm atmosphere and all-female staff, the shop is particularly popular among women in the area. Arrive early for cheesecake dessert at lunchtime—it tends to sell out! —Mike Kanert 4-9-8 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Shirokanedai.

Dining Out halal homing Developed by an Indonesian student living in Japan, Halal Minds is an app that offers three means of tracking down halal food—which can be pretty tricky outside the Shin Okubo area.

You can pinpoint halal restaurants and markets within 30km of your location, scan the barcode of any item to check it against current data, or scroll through the database manually. Depending on how strict you want to be, you can even select whether to check for non-halal ingredients or confirm official h a l a l c e r t i f ic a t ion .

Users ca n a lso add items to the collective database—an important feature, as t he product is still in its infancy.

—Lisa Wallin

Available on iT u n e s a n d Google Play.

café à tokyo

chic treats

Industrial decor meets French coffee in this large, open space in the center of Omotesando.

On April 5, Parisian craft roaster Café Coutume chose Aoyama to host its first satellite branch, and in celebration, on the fifth of every month it offers a €1 special (¥150 in practice) for a cup of coffee made from its Alpha Dominche “Steampunk” coffee brewers, which give the barista and customer alike a clear view of the brewing process. The company is even in the process of setting up a local roasting facility, but will source its beans from Paris until it’s up and running.—LW 5-8-10 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Why not splurge a little when you beat the heat this summer? Until August 31, The Lounge and The Terrace on the ground f loor of The Westin Tokyo (1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku. Nearest stn: Ebisu) are offering a quintet of cool desserts whipped up by executive pastr y chef Kazuo Suzuki. With flavors including peach, chocolate banana and green tea with azuki, each “summer coupe” lays out layers of tastebud delight with high-class combinations of fruit, chocolate, sherbet or ice cream (¥1,800 each).—MK

maguro makase While most high-end sushi shops will charge upward of ¥15,000 for the chef’s omakase seasonal selection, Itamaezushi Hanare presents the same quality for just ¥7,000. There are only two dinner course options—but two is enough.

Stock is resupplied daily, with eight kinds of fish, seven seasonal appetizers, and fugu (blowfish) or asari (clam) soup to help you recuperate from the summer swelter. If you’re looking for a light meal, try the nigiri (hand formed) course (¥3,500), or swing by at lunchtime for donburi rice bowls, nigiri or a bara chirashi mixed sashimi bowl (¥1,500). The decor is pure Edo, but an English menu is still available.—Taiichi Izawa 4F Nishi Shinjuku Koshu Bldg, 1-19-11 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Nearest stn: Shinjuku.

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27

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

To k yo A i r p o r t e r. c o m . www.tokyoairporter.com

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES B I LI N G UAL

U S - L I C E N S E D P S Y C H I AT R I S T R Y U K O ISHIKAWA, MD, extensive clinical experience in Japan and overseas.

Family relation ship conflicts , cross- cultural human relationship issues (couple s , individuals).

Medication assessment w/ diagnostic interviews. Fees on sliding scale. Weekly seminars available (anxiety, re lation s hip i s sue s) for ¥3000-¥7000. 5min from O m ote s a n d o s t n . w w w. cliniczhc.com/en/ Contact at ryupsy@gmail.com or direct 080 -5199 -9271 (until 7pm). Appointment required.

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 YO .

Genuine T h a i massage shop offers Thai 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

1.4 TRAVEL

N A R I TA A I R P O R T C A R / MINIVAN TRAN SFER S E RV I C E . C h e a p e r t h a n a taxi. English - speaking d rive r. M e e t a n d g r e e t .

Free baby seat. Luggage assistance. Dependable Safe - Ea sy- Q uic k Airpor t Tra n s fe r S e r vi c e . B O O K NOW! Email Reservation@

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.

0120-957-520. www.smartrental-tokyo.com

2 FIND A PLACE 2.1 GUESTHOUSE

LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI (next to Tokyo), member o f t h e Yo k o h a m a B a r Association. Legal service in English for traffic accidents, divorce, inheritance, bankruptcy, business cases (contracts, establishing a company, trademarks, etc.) and other legal problems.

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

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

Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).

Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 7 0 Email: mailto@officelife.jp Website: http://officelife. jp/en/ CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists in branding, web design, photo/ vi d e o p ro d u c ti o n . D rawi n g A Crowd: a new approach in design.

Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd. co

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

CREA-UN UENO. Clean, cute, furnished private rooms near Asakusa, Ueno, Uguisudani, Iriya, ladies only, free internet, nice rooftop garden, broad 24h-available bathroom, free bicycle, from ¥56,000/m (management charge included). crea-un.sakura@ko-bo.com w w w. s a ku ra - ko - b o . c o m 03-6912-0692

1.8 GENERAL SERVICES

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

FURNITURE RENTAL. Create customized furnished apartments with our furniture rental service.

Furniture packages arranged by our qualified interior designers to accommodate various sizes and styles. We also offer apartment leasing consultation. Please call

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

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.

Issue 1063 - FRI, AUG 8 Deadline: July 31, 3pm

unfurnished apartments, for both long- and shortterm stays. Also providing relocation services, furniture rental, property management and sales .

Please call 0120-957-920. www.tokyoapartments.jp

2.5 PLACE WANTED House or apartment to rent sought by very clean, quiet, responsible couple (older Canadian male PR holder and Japanese). Under ¥100,000/m preferred. mjstoneb@gmail.com

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

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

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

P R I VAT E F U R N I S H E D A P A R T M E N T S .

Odakyu line: MukogaokaYuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae, 20/30min from Shinjuku.

Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate, 1 5 m in from S hin a g awa .

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

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

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

Room to sublet. Female European professional, 30, tidy and respectful, is seeking to sublet a room in a fully furnished apartment in central Tokyo. isiresol@gmail.com

3 EDUCATION 3.4 ENGLISH TEACHERS PA R T-T I M E E N G L I S H ASSISTANT. Native Englishspeaking assistant needed for casual chatting at university language center in Hachioji. See web link for details. http://goo.gl/dLEZXL campbell@stf.teu.ac.jp

3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE Chinese and English. Chinese beginner keen to learn Chinese.

Denentoshi line preferred.

ChineseLearningGaijin@gmail.com Chinese and Korean. I am a Chinese professional in Tokyo seeking a Korean teacher for language exchange. I am a beginner. Prefer a professional teacher or who can speak fluent J. thomasyctang@yahoo.co.jp Danish, German, Japanese. Hej and 'N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes and Germans to help her with languages in Tokyo/Kanagawa through fun conversations over cups of coffee or just hanging out.

Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. codename107113@live.com English and Japanese. Hi, I'm Sandeep, 27. I recently moved to Tokyo. I want to practice Japanese, explore places, meet up. I can help you with E in exchange. san.bah2004@ gmail.com English and Japanese. Hello! I am Wataru, a Japanese man seeking some partners who want to learn J and have language exchange. I hope we can enjoy a friendship. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you! onody1984@gmail.com English and Japanese. Hi, my name is Ushi. I'm a Japanese male living in Tokyo. I would like to improve my English skills. I can help you with J. Feel free to contact me. Thanks! r.5@live.jp

2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000

0 THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH M ETRO P O LI S ? Platinum ¥32 ,400. Gold ¥27,000.

Issue 1061 - FRI, JULY 25 Deadline: July 16, 3pm

TOKYO APARTMENTS. Your one-stop housing solution throughout Tokyo. Providing serviced, furnished and

English and Japanese. Western man seeking help with J. Good education, articulate, knows how to teach E well. Machida/Sagami-Ono area. Not interested in traveling far. ms2013spk@yahoo.com English and Japanese. I am Tsuyoshi.

I live in Tokyo. I'm seeking an English partner who can teach me E. I'll teach you J, sake culture, certification, etc. I want to see and talk with you at a cafe. kusakabe@cmone.jp English and Japanese. Hi. I'm a postgraduate student at university, 24.

I've just returned from studying E in the UK. I need more opportunities to speak E in Japan. taqr.taqr@gmail.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 other languages, so I want to meet at an izakaya and have fun. ilovcalgary@ aol.com English and Japanese. Hi, there.

Thank you for stopping by my ad. If you want to practice Japanese, please let me help you. I'm a working JF, 40s, living in Tokyo. Looking forward to hearing from you. himitsu@cosmos. ocn.ne.jp English and Japanese. Hi! I'm Fumina. I'm a Japanese university student. I study E. I want to practice conversation with a native English speaker. I'm seeking partners who are studying J seriously. I'll teach you J. Please contact me. r_0p0q.2-37@ docomo.ne.jp English and Japanese. Japanese female, early 30s, working and living in Tokyo. I hope to practice English conversation with a language exchange friend. I'd be happy to help you learn J in return. Please let me know if you're interested. thelimitsofcontrol@yahoo. co.jp English and Japanese. Group language exchange every Wed, 7:30-9:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza. Most members are 20s and 30s. We switch languages every 30min. Fun events on weekends. Free to join. ando.andy@ gmail.com English and Japanese. JF, 30s, seeks English speaker for exchange in AzabuOji, Namboku line. M/F, professional, any level, with the desire to improve Japanese, who can enjoy helping my English. Sense of humor a plus. ejle11map@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. A native Japanese speaker seeks study buddy/ exchange partner to make learning enjoyable and practical. Can meet two-three times/month near Otemachi afterwork or Aoyama on weekends.

Male/female ok. Around my age (mid-20s-early 30s) preferred. white. magnolian.lamp@gmail.com Español y japonés. Habla español?

Quiere aprender japonés o inglés?

Vamos a conversar e intercambiar idiomas en Tokio. tempstadesjp@ gmail.com Spanish and English. Hi, I'm seeking someone to help me learn Sp in exchange for E or J in Chiba or Tokyo.

I'm a total beginner, so please be patient.

Email me if you're interested. greg77jp@ yahoo.co.jp Spanish and English. I'd like to have a language exchange with Englishspeaking people. pronusprorsus@ yahoo.com Thai, Japanese, English. Looking forward to meeting anyone who lives in the Tokyo area for language exchange, cafe, hanging out and traveling together sometimes. I'm Thai, male, professional career, easygoing and fun. freemap49@ yahoo.com

3.9 TEACH ME! Female web designer. Foreign male seeking web designer. Nonsmoker. Meet in Nippori/Ikebukuro/Shinkuku area, two or three times/month. In return, I'll teach you English and pay ¥1000/ meeting. Strictly professional, so don't worry! jj08@drivehq.com

Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.

Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings.

28 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp Seeking experienced IELTS tutor.

I'm a Japanese woman who is going to take the IELTS exam soon. I need a good tutor with knowledge of it. Please send a message with your details. Thanks. shimasho6946@yahoo.co.jp Teach me Bahasa Indonesia.

American professional man planning to retire to Bali next year. I would like to learn some basic conversational Bahasa Indonesia before I go.

Minato-ku area preferable. I can meet any weekday evening. Fee negotiable. jeffrey.siegel@ing-life.co.jp

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Chair, for desks, height and back adjustable, can dismantle for transport ¥500. Cash only. Koenji. ohpopshop@ gmail.com Curtains, Nitori (L190cm), floral print (two pieces), w/sheer curtains (two pieces), one y/o, in excellent condition ¥2000. unebellemaison22@gmail.com Rack, for drying clothes (H70cm), six m/o, in excellent condition. unebellemaison22@gmail.com Stand, Hamilex D-2104, for TVs and home theaters, in excellent condition. timothy@trahanhome.net http://tokyo. craigslist.jp/fuo/4532499724.html 090-1706-5790 Table, cof fe e , Muji, wo o de n (900x600x400mm), in storage, in excellent condition ¥5000. unebellemaison22@gmail.com

4.2 APPLIANCES Air purifier, Venta LW, size 24, Germanmade ¥12,000. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@hotmail.com Dryer, for bedding (布団乾燥機), Sanyo, still in box ¥3000. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@hotmail.com Fridge, Panasonic NR-B145W, bought Feb '13 from Bic Camera, almost as new, five-year guarantee (approximately four years left) ¥12,000. Pick up or arrange delivery yourself. tatamimatt. nz@gmail.com Heater, Toshi GS-20T7G, city gas, as new, w/short hose ¥3000. mizi2005@ hotmail.com Humidifier, Fujitsu AH-56D ¥3000.

Pick up Shinjuku-ku. likeme4u@ hotmail.com Juicer, Vitantonio, 200W, quiet, also makes soy milk and green juice, hardly used, very clean ¥8000. Pick up near Yokohama. sayonara_vancouver@ hotmail.com Stove, gas, two m/o ¥5000. Pick up only. nahodegawa@hotmail.com Trouser press, Toshiba, stand-up, as new ¥3000. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@hotmail.com

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Small sewing machine, single bed and mattress, shoe rack, small iron and board, rice cooker, study table and chair, small table, vacuum, sofa, dining table and chairs, two fans, kitchen stuff. Delivery possible. Photos available. hatoh16@ gmail.com Sayonara sale! Study table and chair, natural wine cellar, two single beds and mattresses, vacuum, kitchen rack. pop10eye@gmail.com Sayonara sale! Prepaid SoftBank cell phones (one black, one white) ¥5000/ each. Double air mattress, used once ¥3000. Single air mattress, used once ¥2000. Ikea double-bed frame ¥4000.

Shin-Nakano. dynaudio16@gmail.com Sayonara sale! Beds, TVs, sofas, tables, kids' toys, kitchen items, etc.

Yoyogi-Hachiman. fishburncf3@ gmail .co m ht tp s: //w w w.f lickr. c o m / p h o t o s / 1 1 6 9 2 1 2 9 3 @ N 0 7/ sets/72157640711549053/

4.5 AUDIO & MP3 Speakers, Sanwa Supply, w/charging for 30-pin iPods (1-4) or iPhones (1-4),

output-only for stereo mini-plug output devices, output volume 4W ¥500.

Koenji. Photos available. ohpopshop@ gmail.com

4.6 FOR KIDS Books, picture, six available; one hardcover Pikachu book; Japanese ¥500/all. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Changing table, Ikea Gulliver, wooden finish, lots of storage below ¥3000. timothy@trahanhome.net http:// tokyo.craigslist.jp/fuo/4532523834. html 090-1706-5790 Clothes, girls' size 90-150cm, boys' size 90-130cm. Cheap. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Footwear. Rain boots: 17cm, blue; 20cm, yellow. Summer shoes and boots: 21cm, brown; 21cm, red; 15cm, red. Cheap. Pick up or chakurabai.

Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Stroller, Combi Carpatto, blue, in good, clean condition ¥5000. mizi2005@ hotmail.com Train sets, Brio, multiple sets, w/five large boxes of toys (including "My First" and "Thomas the Tank Engine", trains, rails, buildings, figurines). timothy@trahanhome.net http:// tokyo.craigslist.jp/bab/4532522544. html 090-1706-5790 Windbreaker, Puma, size 130cm, black, in good condition ¥1000. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

4.7 FOR FREE Desk, height adjustable (W120xD70xH76), in good condition.

Pick up Jiyugaoka by late July. hekirei@ gmail.com Lamp, floor, works perfectly. Pick up only. nahodegawa@hotmail.com

5 HOBBIES&INTERES 5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT Diving safety equipment, inflatable signaling float tube (183cm), signal mirror, mesh bag, all unused ¥3000.

Pick up near Yokohama. sayonara_ vancouver@hotmail.com

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Electric guitar, Squier Vintage Modified Tele SSH, black, w/soft case, in great condition ¥20,000. deshayes.g@ gmail.com Sound module, Korg TR-Rack, in good condition ¥20,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com Sound module, Roland XV-5080, as new ¥35,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com Sound module. Roland MKS-50 analog synthesizer sound module, in very good condition ¥29,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@gmail.com Synthesizer, Roland JV-80, in great condition, w/case ¥22,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@gmail.com

5.5 GAMING Gaming seat, Playseat, for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox, upgraded steering wheel, bonus manual shifter ¥35,000. Yoyogi-Hachiman stn. fishburncf3@gmail.com https://flic. kr/p/nwJ14p 090-5198-9921 PlayStation 3, PAL version, original 80GB, almost new, w/one controller, six games (including NBA Live 10, CoD Modern Warfare 2, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Ridge Racer 7). Cash only.

Tokyo. kaushik0217@gmail.com

5.6 COLLECTORS Hope chest, made by Canadian aboriginal while in prison for a murder he didn't commit, hand-carved, plush

lining. deltaundarum@gmail.com Ichiro Suzuki stamps. Seattle Mariners commemorative stamps celebrating nine consecutive seasons of 200 hits, released only in Japan ¥10,000. Photos available. likeme4u@ hotmail.com

5.7 PETS

at international hotels. I'd like to open a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship.

Individuals and companies are welcome. Please, if interested, let us come to an agreement. samueladonkor@gmail.com 090-6152-6274

6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Benz 2004 E500, black, with light gray interior, clean, as new, registered Nov '04, '05 model, shaken till Apr '16 ¥780,000. Photos available. skywebjapan@hotmail.com

7 GENERAL

12.1 LET’S PARTY

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.

JAPAN I NTE R NATI O NAL PARTY – Summer Special.

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

250 people expected.

All-you- can- drink and free snacks. Japanese men: ¥4000. Others: ¥ 3 0 0 0 . M o b i l e : h t t p : // getyourfriend.com/mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.com http:// www.getyourfriend.com/ 090-1735-5405

7.2 FASHION Boots, Nine West, black leather, size Japan 24cm, worn once, as new ¥6000. unebellemaison22@gmail. com Clothes, men's, winter, Kent coat, size L, cream ¥600. LL Bean longsleeved shirt, size L, gray ¥300. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Flip-flops, Olukai brand, XL, made in Hawaii, never worn. New ¥6000+. Sell ¥3000. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@ hotmail.com

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a d ay, fro m a ny wh e re , a b out a ny t h i n g . Fro m e m e rg e n c y assistance to simple questions.

Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press “ he lp,” or call 0 570 - 0 0 0 -911.

To volunteer or support, please contact team@jhelp.com. www. jhelp.com/

Raincoat, Cecilene, size M, ivory ¥600. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Swim trunks, Tommy Bahamas, XL, never worn ¥500. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@hotmail.com

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS File folders, size B1, three available ¥750/all. Pick up or chakubarai.

Photos available. housetsu@gmail. com Tableware, Japanese ¥400-¥1500/ each. Pick up or chakurabai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

7.4 ITEMS WANTED Bed and fridge. Bed, queen-sized; large fridge, five-door. Kikuna stn, Toyoko line. emikohanjp@yahoo.co.jp Guitar processor, Boss AD-5 or AD-8, acoustic/electric, in working condition. alfonsusgollu@yahoo.com MacBook Pro sought. alfonsusgollu@ yahoo.com

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE HD, two available, Fujitsu SCSI, Ultra 320 SCSI, 68-pin, 10,000rpm, 36GB ¥1500/each. deshayes.g@gmail.com iMac, OSX recovery disk, Microsoft Office '11 package, Adobe Photoshop, etc. ¥18,000. Cash or barter deal ok (laptop, tablet, etc.). davenport_j@ ymail.com Speakers, Owltech PC, output 10W, woofer 15W, standard stereo mini-plug jack, volume and tone/ woofer controls, mini-plug input for connecting MP3 players, smartphones, etc. ¥1500. Koenji. Photos on request. ohpopshop@gmail.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/

11 MESSAGES 11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME American PhD student in Japan.

Hello, I am studying linguistics. I would like to video record a conversation between a native English speaker and a non-native English speaker for my research. learnenglishfast@hotmail. com Sponsorship. Ten years' experience in cafe/bar work, including working

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.

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

10.2 SUPPORT

Nemo and friends. Saltwater fish, 200L tank, w/all supplies ¥10,000.

Yoyogi-Hachiman stn. fishburncf3@ gmail.com https://flic.kr/p/jU4L92 090-5198-9921

6 VEHICLES

12 SOCIAL SCENE

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

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, fitne s s cla s se s , boxing , kick boxing, massage. i n f o @ c l u b 3 6 0 . j p w w w. club360.jp 03-6434-9667

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

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

Established in 1990, the Cru plays in the Shuto League 1st Division. http://www.facebook.com/tokyo. crusaders www.tokyocrusaders. com TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w s p o r t fro m S 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 a rea? M o stly J a p a n e s e p lay 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 Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team in Tokyo 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

AMERICAN FOOTBALL. Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league Central Division, seeks fit players w/ US college football experience for all positions. Practice every Sat/Sun from 10am-3pm (including meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue subject to change). Attendance at practice must be over 60%.

Please contact for tryout info and send your profile to team admin. bullsxleague@gmail.com http:// www.unisys.co.jp/football/ AIKIDO IN ENGLI SH. Seidokan Aikido of Tokyo invites you to practice a modern style of aikido in an international environment. Sat, 1-3pm, Itabashi-ku, Toei Mita/Saikyo line. We welcome men and women, Japanese and non-Japanese. dojo@ tokyoseidokan.com http://www. tokyoseidokan.com 03-5994-1185 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!

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 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 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 Women’s futsal. Five-a-side, easy to play, on weekends in Tokyo. Friendly club, all nationalities welcome. djnorio@hotmail.co.jp

#1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29

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

13.2 LEISURE MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.com

13.3 ARTS 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 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

Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365

Hotel IBIS Soba shop

Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com

Metropolis Promo

Mos Burger

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

Almond

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

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

Blues/blues rock band seeks drummer. We play at pubs and bars in Tokyo. Seeking a drummer who can play gigs once/twice a month. Any nationality welcome. We are Englishspeaking Japanese. Let's have fun! ryohei88@hotmail.com 080-1165-5529 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

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

Strong, beautiful, flexible Transform your body & soul at BASI PILATES! Offering you “Authentic Pilates” Metropolis Campaign

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

¥30,000 ¥18,000

Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio Lessons in English available Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more

03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp www.basipilates.jp/english/

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

90min. ¥15,000 120min. ¥20,000 150min. ¥24,000 180min. ¥29,000

Open: 6pm-5am Tel: 03-5206-5134 www.tokyo-refle.com/en/ 30 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Blondie or Latina singer wanted. JM guitarist. We need a singer to add to our music. New ideas welcome to make a good concert. Based in the Tokyo area.

Pop rock. Let's play and make music! riku_hiroxx@hotmail.com

Seeking drummer, etc. Singer/ guitarist and bassist seek drummer, second guitarist, multiinstrumentalists, for ongoing project: music creation, recording, and per formance. contact@ themightytakapu.com http://www. themightytakapu.com/The_Mighty_ Takapu/Home.html

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.

Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.

International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 090-3598-3072 for more information. daginia@gmail.com http://www. diamondway.jp/ Harmony Cafe. Volunteer healing meeting in Jimbocho and Ikebukuro.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help. winds_fr@hotmail.com Tibetan Buddhist meditation in Tokyo. Part of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. This school puts special focus on meditation practice.

Regular guided meditations Sun from 8pm. findlay65@gmail.com http://www.meetup.com/TibetanBuddhist-Meditation-In-Tokyo-Japan/ 080-4389-8818 Tokyo Dialogue. We have been meeting in the heart of the concrete jungle called Tokyo for 10 years to create an oasis of calm reflection and listening. Next Dialogue: July 12th, 3-6pm. findlay65@gmail.com http:// tokyodialogue.wordpress.com/ Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always thought it would be interesting to try it - why not now? Join us Fri evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno.

Make arrangements in advance by email, and check our home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home.ne.jp www. wgthorpe.com

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

intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. bolick@japanintercultural.org www. japanintercultural.org Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょな る. Nihongo Club International is a volunteer group to help foreign people learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action Center in Iidabashi.

Every Thu, 7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo. co.jp

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS American male seeking friends. I love living here and I'd love to meet more people. I'm really into music, dancing, BBQs and exploring new places. amerdavd@gmail.com 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, late 20s-30s. Mail with self-introduction, please. b2jw13@ hotmail.co.jp 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, late 20s-30s. b2jw13@ hotmail.co.jp Danes wanted! JF, 30s, into Denmark like crazy! Nogen dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa at moedes til kaffe og hjaelpe mig at laere dansk lidt?

Please vaere ikke-ryger, late 20-30s.

Glaeder mig til at hoere fra jer! codename107113@live.com Do you like metal? I'm a SJM, 40s, a Black Sabbath and Metallica fan.

I'm seeking someone who like these bands and HM/HR. I hope to chat about bands, hang out, etc. getloud999-hello@yahoo.co.jp English-Japanese exchange or just hanging out. Hello, I am a single Japanese lady, 40s, in Tokyo. I speak quite good English, but would like to find friends to stimulate the bilingual part of my brain. Only for friendship. tokyoorchidee@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'd like to do with a JF, 30s. Let's have fun times together!

Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. codename107113@live.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 Karaoke buddies. Seeking anyone interested in karaoke in Saitama/ Tokyo. Rock your favorite song. yosaite@yahoo.com Let's jam! Good/bad at singing? It doesn't matter as long as you love music. Seeking friends to hang out regularly at karaoke on weekends in Saitama/Tokyo. Sing your favorite song on the floor. yosaite@yahoo.com Seeking friends in central Tokyo.

JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@ yahoo.co.jp UFO Catcher Expert needed. Ok, I'm 100% frustrated with the UFO Catcher game. Seeking a friend who can help me win and also teach me how to play/ win. I'll pay - we'll split the winnings. hiroshi.tsukamoto1975@gmail.com 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 "You are beautiful." Why do men not know how to compliment a woman?

Everyone has beauty. Eyes can be amazing. A smile can be gorgeous.

You don't need to be a talento to have beauty. I'm waiting for you. titan. islander@gmail.com Active, mature man, English, 40s, seeking an intelligent, feminine woman for passion and relaxing times. ms2013spk@yahoo.com American seeking companionship.

American from New York seeking companionship with someone who is free on weekends for a drink or a movie.

If you like music, laughing and intimacy, then let's have an adventure and see what happens. jpnycrazy@gmail.com American seeking drinking friends.

BM, 33, seeking women who can drink and chat, etc., on weekends or after work in Tokyo. I'm open to women of all ages and nationalities. Let's enjoy the city. See you soon! jpnycrazy@ gmail.com Attractive black girl? Handsome, young, very athletic, blond American guy seeking beautiful black girl, any nationality, under 40. I speak a little of many languages, so mail and give it a shot! Shallumain@yahoo.co.jp Attractive lady sought by SJM living and working in Tokyo, healthy, wealthy, kind, honest, nice smile. Any nationality/age ok. Nice smile would be a plus. hiro14458@yahoo.co.jp Attractive single Japanese male seeks a nice Western or Japanese female for friendship and possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. I am confident that I can create fun times for you. If you are ready, email me. cioinjapan@gmail.com Big black guy for you. I want to give beautiful ladies lots of fun. Satisfaction guaranteed. Skilled, very experienced, well-muscled, no strings attached.

Find what you've been missing. tokioitelive@gmail.com Black girl wanted by Scotsman. Must be a nonsmoker, like (or at least tolerate) dry British humo(u)r, and be willing to write a decent introduction about yourself when you reply, including three reasons why I should reply back. what. is.under@gmail.com Black male s e e kin g s e rio u s 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 Blue-eyed SWM seeking mature SJF for long-term. Hello. I am an American SWM, 45, in Taichung, Taiwan, seeking a mature SJF, 38-54, for a long-term relationship. I'd like to marry a JF and settle in Japan. saustrabeck@icloud. com +886970680907 British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim, seeking a nice girl to hang out with.

Nationality/race unimportant, but should be 20-35 and have a nice personality. Interested in music and film: you should be, too. shiodomebye@ gmail.com Busy professional? Foreign male seeking woman for mutually beneficial relationship based on trust, mutual need. You: 26-37, healthy, nonsmoker, sincere, no-alcohol person. I am a onewoman, trustworthy man. Ideally, meet twice/month and enjoy each other's company. jj08@drivehq.com Calm, gentle JM seeks someone special for a serious relationship leading to marriage. I am 42, nonsmoking, don' t drink. Any nationality ok. If interested, please contact me. Let’s start with a cup of coffee. olympia127@yahoo.co.jp 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

JOBS NB CLUB, A LIVE MUSIC RESTAURANT IN GINZA located in Namiki stn, is seeking a Western waitress/ waiter, 7pm-12am ¥1300-¥1500/h.

Proper visa required, hotel experience preferred. Send your resume, w/photo, to ginzanet@ginzanet.com. For more info, please call Nakajima at 03-3572-1353 (o f f i c e ; 6 -7 p m ) o r 03 -3 571-7636 (restaurant; 7pm~). www.ginzanet.com METROPOLIS is seeking motivated b i l i n g u a 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.

Casual date? Caucasian, mid-30s, tall, extremely fit, wants to go to a love hotel after work. I am a professional working in Tokyo, well-presented, nonsmoker, DD-free, totally normal. J/E ok. sniperwolf63@hotmail.com Casual romance? I'm a North American MWM, 30s, educated, professional, fit, attractive, kind, seeking an attractive Japanese/Asian lady for casual romance in Tokyo. I seek an uncomplicated relationship with you mornings/ afternoons some weekdays/weekends. tokyodreamin@gmail.com Caucasian woman for long-term relationship. I'm a sensitive soul who enjoys laughter, gaining knowledge, cooking, experiencing life. I'm Caucasian, 194cm, good-looking, affectionate, empathetic, Pisces.

I feel lonely and am seeking the companionship of a nurturing woman. pisces030771@hotmail.com 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 Food, wine and romance. Attractive, physically fit, romantic, passionate SWM, 40s, seeking romantic, elegant, attractive Japanese woman for a serious relationship. Warmer weather is here; let's explore restaurants, weekend getaways and great times together. herbsandspices1712@gmail. com Friendly, relaxed SBM seeks JF. SBM, 40, active, fit, fun, kind, easygoing, seeking a JF, any age, for cafe talks and wine, maybe more. If the chemistry is right, then later traveling, outdoors etc., or possibly a relationship. Nonsmoker. qbfox@boun.cr Have fun. Hi, I'm 28, recently moved to Tokyo. I work in central Tokyo and am seeking an open-minded girl for dates, meeting up, drinks, exploring places. san.bah2004@gmail.com Hello you! (Yes, YOU!) Jolly nice bloke here who isn't seeking a marriage partner or serious relationship. In fact, just a couple of cool beers and a natter would be absolutely top banana. Sound good? You know it does! matsens+majorq@gmail.com

To advertise: commercial@metropolis.co.jp

03-4588-2277

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.

AUTOPARTS EXPORTER SEEKS HELP. Order management: salary from ¥250,000/m. Probation period ¥200,000. Location: Chiba-shi. Full-time (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm). Social insurance/ pension. Requirements: Englishspeaking, excellent verbal skills, strong work ethic. Please send your resume with photo. fumy44@pom.vc A D M I N I N T E R N. Met rop oli s i s seeking an E/J bilingual intern for two or three days/week (general ad m in dutie s , e d itin g , variou s other tasks). Students welcome. No pay, but transportation provided. jobs@metropolis.co.jp

I'm cheeky, sarcastic, and I'll keep you on your toes. I'll drive you nuts, but keep you wanting more. The question is: can you take it? whatmakes.udance@gmail. com Is this you? You're relaxed, down-toearth, cheeky, fun, playful, but polite with it. You love England. You'd like to hang out sometimes during the week after work, drink and chat, and really become good friends. Contact me. mat. sens@gmail.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 a JF out there who might understand me. Serious only, please. strike4me@ 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 Let's become good friends. I am a SJM, 40s, fun, kind, active. I am seeking someone who could share good times and possibly a serious relationship. I like coffee-shop chat, movies, exercise.

Looking forward to hearing from you! toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp Lonely, romantic married gentleman seeks a lonely woman. I miss romantic moments with a sweet woman. Can we be friends? Sweet, attractive white gentleman, 47, hopes to meet you. vbcfgt@hotmail.com Long-distance relationship with a SJF. Seeking a SJF who wants a serious relationship leading to settling down with a family and kids. If you're interested, please reply. No gamers. Serious only. pjoseph74716@hotmail.com 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

Meet for coffee. English gentleman living and working in Tokyo. Interests include music, photography, movies, travel, reading. Meet for coffee the first time somewhere central. Introduce yourself and let's take it from there.

Nonsmokers only, please. cook.oishii@ gmail.com

In addition to the normal pay and benefits, we provide a weekly cash-bonus, frequent team-building events and quarterly reward-travel.

We are hiring at all levels: Admin, Researchers, Associates, Consultants and Partners. PAL is a partner-owned business with equity opportunity.

careers@pacific-associates.jp Pacific Associates Limited

Houmei Bldg.6F, 1-3-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 http://www.pacific-associates.jp Phone: 03-6680-8888

Men want to have fun, too. Black American from NY, 43, handsome, kind, understanding, and cool, seeking JFs, 32 and older, who know what they need from life and are confident enough to go for it. sjimeko@yahoo.com Morning/afternoon enjoyment.

Interested in woman who would like a morning massage, lunch, or daytime fun.

I'm a black American, 30s, intelligent, discreet. We can talk about anything! I will gladly respond to photos. Any body type ok. mio1mio2mio356@gmail.com Nice, creative Australian, SWM, 35, entrepreneur, fun, healthy, passionate.

Let's talk more. mrmonkeymark@ gmail.com Night owl in downtown area. White American permanent resident, 42, seeks woman who likes jazz, soul, dining out (izakaya date), cooking, movies.

Nonsmoker/social drinker. Casual Japanese ok. epjapan777@gmail.com Not Japanese? Tall Englishman seeking a woman who is not Japanese or is halfJapanese. Why? I don't have a problem with Japanese, but I want to meet someone who understands foreign cultures, living in a foreign country, etc. get.stay.real@gmail.com

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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 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 Pssst! Read this one! Good guy seeking one special, slender, fit, attractive SF, 40+. I'm a tall, handsome, smart, fit SWM, blond, blue eyes, warm heart, loves to laugh, travel and enjoy life with just one special woman. deepcoralblue@ gmail.com

For the cost of postage get Metropolis on your doorstep—and have ransom note material for decades.

http://metropolis.co.jp/subscription #1059 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 31

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

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Seeking big, tall woman. Caucasian guy, prefers big, tall ladies. Me: intelligent, friendly, down-toearth, active, good sense of humor. ms2013spk@yahoo.com

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

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Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court

Imperial Palace

Aoyama Ave Akasaka Mitsuke stn

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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

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Romance with an older lady. Very nice and sexy gentleman seeks an older, or much older, woman to have nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@yahoo.co.uk

Seeking chubby, serious JF. European guy, 40, open-minded, easygoing, honest, faithful, seeks a JF who can meet up soon (not too many emails) for a long-term relationship. Let's meet up over coffee and talk. niman429@ yahoo.com 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 communicating and get to know each other. jscit2007@ gmail.com Summer fun. Sexy American guy, late 20s, seeking single women who'd like to have fun this summer. Email me and let's swap some photos to get things going. waltk274@hotmail.com Sweet kisses. Nice-looking SWM professional, tall, fit, fun, very outgoing, seeks one sweet, skinny, attractive lady, fit, fun, likes adventure, traveling, trying new things. A long-term relationship can start with a simple email that just says "Hi". nightwatchblue@gmail.com To black women. Black women are special presents for me. I believe they are the world's most beautiful women, but I don't know how to meet them. I'm Japanese, 40s, single, cool, a gentleman.

Any nationality. Please contact me. patri9@excite.co.jp 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 Turkish and Japanese. Tall Turkish man, 43, seeks Japanese woman who likes Turkish culture. We can meet in Tokyo for tea and a chat. I feel lonely in Japan. I hope we can be good friends. pisces030771@hotmail.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 University-educated? Did you study art or literature or something interesting at university? I like that someone took time out of her life to better herself, even if she never used what she studied after graduation. Talk to me... boogion@ gmail.com WM American executive. I visit Tokyo often on business, one week/ month, staying at five-star hotels. I’m 43, white, 6”1’, big shoulders, deep voice, blond, blue eyes, confident, not cocky, well-educated, sensual, respectful - a gentleman. I like curves, class, style, intelligence. I’m seeking a regular dinner date and lover when I am in Tokyo. Let’s have great times! seaguy_uk@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

S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for foreign men and Japanese women. Leave the event with a new date! Always more women than men. FREE if signing up in advance! Otherwise, ¥2000. info@exeo-international.com www.exeo-international.com 32 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Seeking people for enjoyable times.

Early 30s seeks tall (up to 175cm), well-educated Caucasian Europeans and Australians, 22-45, relaxed, for sophisticated conversation, genuine food, safe intimate moments.

Single only, no military or Italians. biyakobiyanbiyan@yahoo.co.jp

L AV I S H D AT E S A N D INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES for elite foreign males to meet elegant Japanese females.

Start with a luxurious dinner date,take the night where you want it to go. Fresh, young women join our club every day. Try our free onemonth trial offer: first date is on us! 0120-675-858 (E) international@universe-club.jp http://universe-club.jp/en Asian woman. Are you romantic?

Sensual? Want a relationship? Let's have a hot one. toniko2011martinez@ gmail.com Beach life. SJF, mid-30s, loves the ocean, is seeking a great man to be her life partner and enjoy beach life together. I am smart, thoughtful and healthy-looking. Let's share a lot of fun times and laughter. himawarigirl@ inter7.jp Charming SJF seeks boyfriend in Tokyo. Me: mid-30s, slim, educated, charming, nonsmoker, stable job, intermediate English. You: mid-30s40s, Caucasian, nonsmoker, gentle, educated professional. Waiting for your message with details about you. Thank you. ma-qygyyp-213983@ld.dream.jp Chemistry. Intelligent, 45, shiny, dark long hair, typical sleek-looking Asian beauty, takes good care of herself, seeking a single professional, 40s-50s, with a great sense of humor, mature enough to be able to truly connect with a partner. green77handbag@gmail.com European man for serious relationship.

I'm a SJF, 30s, seeking a European gentleman as I'm interested in culture.

Email me for more info. Serious and genuine people who know how to introduce themselves only. framboisier@inter7.jp Have some fun. JF, 30s, seeking someone new. I work in the financial industry and my work is very serious, so I need some fun after work. I am seeking a professional gentlemen, well-bred, who knows how to play. reina2010japan@yahoo.co.jp International-minded Japanese, early 30s, seeking a nice single guy who is professional/independent. I enjoy nice cafés and restaurants on weekends. Why don't we go together?

Must be a nonsmoker. Introduction and photo appreciated. Thanks. cocoro_ cafe8@yahoo.co.jp Japanese woman seeks man with the potential to become a serious partner.

Please send me your basic info (age, origin, location, etc.). Hopefully, meet on weekends or before evening on weekdays. aiko.tsuchida17@yahoo.com Love to see good guys. Hard-working SJF, late 30s, seeking nice guy, American or English preferred. I speak English, am athletic, in good shape, love to run and exercise. Serious only, please. tokyo.mama.26@gmail.com Love traveling. Attractive, feminine, bilingual, professional JF, enjoys traveling, scuba diving, music, reading, dining out, finer things in life, seeking a mature, sophisticated gentleman, 35-45, for a meaningful relationship.

Would love to multiply happiness by sharing! icedcoconutmilktea@hotmail. com Meow. Meow, meow. Cute Japanese princess seeking special prince in Tokyo, smart, funny, a gentleman, 25-34. I'm a little bit selfish because I'm a princess. Please attach your photo, then I'll give you mine. 6pack.curocuta@ gmail.com Please find me. Chubby Japanese female, mid-30s, living in Kanagawa, seeking someone who can treat me well. I will treat you as well as you treat me. happylovemusic0808@gmail.com

With special you, great food, TV, traveling, just hanging out - all activities are fun and memorable. I make your days fun and sexy, too. Authentic Asian beauty, intelligent, single, 46, wants a mature single partner. Native English speaker preferred. highheels.sweets@ gmail.com Working professional SJF, welleducated 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 Chinese male, 47, 168, 72, seeks GWM or GJM, under or around 40, for friendship and partnership. I prefer fit, clean-cut guys who are not sissies. I can speak both Japanese and English. I like music, travel, etc. starlineworld@yahoo.co.jp

14.5 ESCORTS ESCORTS have gone online.

To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y com pa nion , vi s it http :// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ category/personals/escorts.

14.6 AND OTHERS

Exhibitionist wants to be seen by women. I am a Frenchman, 35, and I seek women who would agree to see my naked pictures. No picture required.

You just have to look at mine. sauzere1@yahoo.co.jp 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 https://www.facebook.com/dee. px.9 Kissin' the moonlight. In an open relationship and seeking a female kissing friend. I want to go to a place in the park or another place. riku_hiroxx@ hotmail.com Seeking Japanese couple. I am a white European living in central Tokyo. I would like to meet a nice Japanese couple to have a good time together. I can speak Japanese. aloysius171@yahoo.fr

15 JOBS 15.1 JOB WANTED NEED A BABYSITTER? My name is Merinda Masuda. I’m 16, great with children and give them 100% attention.

Trustworthy, responsible, loving, can do housework while children sleep.

Seeking work in central Tokyo.

Availab le m o st eve ning s , Sat e ve n i n g s a n d S u n . m e r i n d a babysitter@gmail.com Musician seeking job. I am a pianist, musician/DJ from Moscow, Russia.

Currently living in Tokyo on an Artist visa. I studied classical music at the Moscow Conservatory. I specialize in jazz at the moment. More than five years of experience. philgerus@ gmail.com Soundcloud.com/philgerus 08049353616

BY CATHRYN MOE

Horoscope

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

May 21-June 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

June 21-July 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

The Full Moon reflects light and focus over the weekend. It’s a bit like opening yourself to perspectives about your career or placement within the community that you’re curious about. Now you get confirmation. Mars, your ruler, connects with the North Node of the Moon, giving you a chance to go into overdrive. This week is about how you present yourself or where you’ve chosen to go. The South Node helps you to let of go of old relationships.

It’s great to feel a connection that satisfies.

There isn’t anything better than seeing the light shine on a subject you’ve wanted to bring to life. The Full Moon over the weekend exists solely for you in your sector of long distance travel.

You can help this happen over the internet, but be prepared for the longing you may feel if you’re not there in person. Your finances are going through a bit of a renaissance. Venus, Juno and Mercury are backing you all the way.

You’re not missing anything. You are everything. And it’s the beautiful, comfortable part of “all that is,” not the wild and woolly areas the rest of the zodiac is dealing with. The Full Moon over the weekend reminds you that partnership has its benefits. Sometimes they’re in the financial realm, other times the psychological.

Gift yourself time for this to be a sexy week. Mars in your solar fifth house of romance colors your proactive choices and pushes for a connection.

Watch for that Full Moon opposite your sign over the weekend. You can’t move faster than emotion. It will catch you wherever you are. What’s great is the awareness of choices past, present, and future, especially in your sector of partnerships. At some point you’ll be ready to accept the pros and cons, but if you’re not signing on the dotted line just yet, don’t blame yourself for skipping the rush. Cancers are shrewd negotiators, trusting your inner tides above all else.

LEO

VIRGO

Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Leos have lucky escapes this week. That’s because you take action at a pivotal moment. The rest of the zodiac is scrambling to deal with a four-pointed astrological place of tension. You’re more likely to let the reflection of the Full Moon permeate your awareness. It’s in your solar sixth house of work and health, allowing you to feel good about putting yourself first. Then you can enjoy all the many ways that friends and happy hang-outs expand your interests and career.

There is work to be done and you don’t mind. It will feel great to clear up the latest Pallas Athene-Chiron opposition that happens this week. Pallas Athene is the original warrior goddess who must do things her way and she’s in Virgo powering you up. Chiron, the wounded healer, is in your partnership sector. The Full Moon over the weekend bolsters confidence, especially in your love life. If you are expressing creativity, you will definitely be noticed!

There’s a tension this week as Mars, Ceres and Vesta in Libra square the Sun and Jupiter. Part of you is pulled toward domesticity and family life. The other wants freedom and recognition. Librans are an air sign, so your approach holds an intellectual perspective. But the truth is, you may be finding what you asked for is different than what you really want. It’s not too late to take time out. The Full Moon over the weekend is a spotlight of deeper hopes and dreams.

Tension if you want to move forward, and relief if you do. Mars squares the Sun this week, a type of initiation with a dish of not-always-comfortable action to take. At the same time, the Full Moon pushes you to act on your feelings. You may choose a path that was not initially your first choice. Thinking it over, every road has its rewards and responsibilities. You will feel more comfortable and find everything easier when Mars enters your “action sector” later this month.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

As the Full Moon shines on your house of finances, things begin to make sense.

You have natural talent and an enduring optimism. When it gets clobbered, Sags have a way of waking up to new realizations and more strength. Illusions and wispy bits of dreams are being brought to earth over the weekend. Discernment is all important. Being a big picture person, your dreams are going to come true.

How they do may still be a surprise. Have faith in your hunches.

The Full Moon in your sign does signal a bit of a revolution. But it comes from shining the light of the Sun onto your feelings, so it’s also a revelation. Pluto and Jupiter are involved, so you can expect this to be a big one. It doesn’t mean you have to make a major shift in where you are or what you are doing. It does give you the chance to upgrade, partly due to your choices and what you won’t be putting up with anymore. Partners are involved. Paths of finality are being forged.

Your big chance to say what you need to say is materializing. Mercury will cruise out of your romance sector on Saturday. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly up and hear yourself speak before thinking. Luckily, Venus will still be making you look good.

As will Juno, the asteroid goddess who stands by your side. The Full Moon over the weekend brings a sort of resolution. A push-pull of what you will accept and what you won’t becomes clearer. Stand firm!

Both Neptune and Chiron are retrograde in your sign. Basically this indicates a time where, as you trust your choices, you feel a rush of relief seeing the results. Each time you move in a hopeful direction, your cup is refilled. The Full Moon in your sector of friendships reflects how much you’re receiving. Whether you think it’s helpful or not, there is an underlying motivation. You’ll be pushed to be more true to yourself, as your soul needs nourishment too.

Mar 21-April 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

July 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Metropolis Mediabox

CANCER

Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

PISCES

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CHRISTI ROCHIN

I DID IT FOR LOVE Regarding “So I Married a Japanese Man” (The Last Word, June 27): “Western men seem to be this mythical dating specimen that grants ‘Happily Ever After’ within three dates.” It takes three dates? Surely after only one date with myself— mythical beyond proportion—there are shrines erected; the rest of life washed out and pale in comparison.

Loved the Does your wife make you

kiss in public, btw. It took years before my wife would even hold my hand in public. One day after maybe seven years of marriage, I was leaving on a business trip and she kissed me in a train station—broad daylight!—then looked sheepishly around, face bright red like she had robbed a bank, but eyes sparkling. So cute. One of my sweetest memories of her.—Ryushu I married a Japanese man and it is great. Don’t get any questions asked, as of yet. Get a lot of stares, but I relish them. Get mistaken for a Japanese person myself as I have been told that I speak like a native. So proud to be with him and cherish our respective families equally.—Annette M Furuyama I am not married, but find it hard to

believe that marriage to a man, or loving a man, has “nothing to do with his ethnicity.” Nor does marrying a woman, or loving a woman, have nothing to do with hers. That’s a pretty fundamental factor in the shaping of one’s appearance (which undeniably attracts people to one another, to a degree) and more importantly, heavily influences the development of one’s culture and, thus, character and personality. That’s an awesome thing to love about someone.—Leah Santilli I married a Japanese woman and we live in Osaka. I was asked all sorts of inappropriate questions back in America, but not so much here.

—Andrew Lowry

FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS Regarding “Whine and Roses” (The

Last Word, June 13): This entire thing boils down to “I am a spoiled and pampered military wife privileged to live in one of the best countries for a military wife. I know this. And yet I want the acceptance of the hoi polloi gaijin community because I let a soldier put a ring on it, and that makes me inherently better than all of you lowly English teachers and Rakuten programmers who actually studied the language or invested your time learning a marketable skill in order to live here.”—dokool I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think being an English teacher without being able to speak Japanese is ironic. If we’re talking about an English teacher who can’t speak English, then I think we’ve got some irony on our hands. Minus 3 points, Aly.—kansaijoe

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The Last Word

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THAR SHE BLOWS

The whaling lobby blubbers on

By Philip Patrick

CHRISTI ROCHIN

Philip Patrick teaches English for a university in Tokyo

S

hinzo Abe’s recent comments to a parliamentary committee that he wished to see the resumption of the Antarctic whale hunt have sent a chill as icy as a katabatic wind through the hearts of animal rights campaigners and environmentalists around the world.

Abe’s words are in response to the March 31 ruling of the International Court of Justice, which decreed that Japan’s “scientific” whaling in Antarctica was nothing of the sort, and ordered t hat “Japan revoke any extant authorization, permit or license to kill, take or treat whales, and refrain from granting any further permits.”

This was, on the surface, a disaster for supporters of whaling in Japan. For the politicians though, it has been interpreted as a face-saving opportunity to finally resolve this exceedingly awkward issue. Japan’s stance on whaling and the undignified employment of the scientific fig leaf has undoubtedly tarnished its image on the world stage. Furthermore, with the industry in terminal decline—and the f leet in need of colossally expensive refitting and maintenance—the whole whaling business has become an enormous

financial burden, not to mention a unlikely ever to rise. moral and political embarrassment.

Appeals to a business need are Abe justified his stance by play- now generally recognized as empty ing the cultural tradition card, which given the huge government subsimay well be the dies necessar y only card t he THEY HAVE to ma i nt a i n t he TURNED A whaling lobby has hu nt—i nclud i ng LOGICAL left as the defenses USD$29 m i l l ion surrounding the ARGUMENT, WHICH red i rec ted f rom i n d u s t r y h a v e THEY CAN’T WIN, the Tohoku relief b e e n g r a d u - INTO AN EMOTIONAL fund. Other argua l ly disma nt led ONE, WHICH CAN’T ments such as the over t he yea r s. BE WON.” ac c u s at ion t h at I n t h e 19 7 0 s , criticism of whalShinzo Abe’s ow n father, as the ing is based on racism or sentimental responsible minister, could defend anthropomorphism—this coming whaling on the grounds of its neces- from the home of Hello Kitty—are sity as a source of food. That position too feeble to merit serious attention. is no longer sustainable in a country With the whaling lobby running where only 4 percent of the popula- out of options, they seem to have tion eats whale meat on anything but decided (in a perfect example of a rare occasion. And with concerns the maxim uttered by Don Draper over contaminants, that figure is in TV’s Mad Men: “If you don’t like

what’s being said, change the conversation”) to make an appeal to the patriotic heart, rather than the rational head. By doing so, they have turned a logical argument, which they can’t win, into an emotional one, which can’t be won, and have steered the debate into dangerous and murky waters.

Whaling in Japan does indeed have an ancient history, but Antarctic whaling using factory ships is only around 70 years old, and has virtually nothing in common with the domestic whaling tradition and its mystical rites and ceremonies to which apologists, including now Abe, try to link it.

What makes the prime minister’s words especially regrettable is that the ICJ’s decision would have allowed the Japanese government an honorable way out. It could have been plausibly claimed that the reluctantly taken decision to terminate the annual whale hunt came about only as a result of gaiatsu (outside pressure), and, in the interest of Japan’s responsibilities as a worldclass power, there was no dignified option available but to accede. And in any case, as the ruling only covers Antarctica, not the North Pacific where a smaller operation continues, it would not have signalled the complete end of whaling in Japan.

So why on earth is he bothering?

Considering the senselessness of attempting to resuscitate an industry clearly in its death throes, it has been speculated that Japan has an ulterior motive: a wish perhaps to retain some kind of presence in Antarctic waters with a view to claiming resources in that region in the future.

Alternatively, Abe could be pandering to the politically powerful mandarins of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

A third possibility, and one the environmentalists will be hoping is the correct one, is that the prime minister was, like the noble beasts he is so keen to renew the slaughter of, simply expelling stale air from his blowhole.

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.

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