allen nation forbidden planet raising health grinch hunter sought

Transcription

Jan 23-Feb 5, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
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inside
JAN 23-FEB 5, 2015 • #1087
EDITOR’S
LETTER
“New Year, New You” is a phrase that may be overused, but when
it comes to health there’s really no better time to make a change.
Metropolis helps you jump into action with the city’s best fitness
options. Taking physical refinement to new heights is Japanese
tennis star Kei Nishikori, and we have a revealing interview with the
16
Hearty, Healthy and Inventive: Café Greed.
court master charting the reinvention of his game. If travel is what
revitalizes you, check out our guides to Wakayama and Okinawa,
or even visit the planet D’Illyria with a Star Trek-themed musical.
Finally, keep the creative flow going as visual artist Tycho explains
the retro futuristic themes in his designs.
Photo by Genki Unno and Riki Shirayama
22
To Boldly Go: The 23rd century visits Yokohama.
27
Lily Allen: When music and family meet.
Cover design: Kohji Shiiki; Cover photo: Akinori Ito
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03
upfront
LINGOIST
SNIFFLE SEASON
The season of sneezing, sniffling and mask-wearing has arrived, and it
seems like everyone is coming down with something—whether it’s a cold,
the flu or simply the winter blues. If you’re one of the unlucky people feeling under the weather and need to make a visit to the hospital, use the
phrase “ga itai desu” to express your symptoms!
123RF
JP
EN
JP
EN
Dōsaremashitaka?
How can I help you?
EN
Kaze wo hīte shimai mashita.
I caught a cold.
EN
K
1
A
JP
N
A
2
い
JP
C
Dono yō na shōjō desu ka?
What are your symptoms?
Atama to nodo ga itai desu.
My head and throat hurt.
R
3
4
5
D
6
7
8
A
C
8
B
Solution:
B
Down
1. Transplant
2. Pattern or design
3. Result or outcome
5. Effort
7. The ocean
8. Japanese wheat
noodles
C
D
ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross
Metropolis Members Club
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
Zsazsa Kartika
won Two Nights Hotel Accommodation
incl Breakfast in Nagoya courtesy of the b Nagoya
UPCOMING PRIZE
One lucky MMC member will win Two Nights Hotel
Accommodation incl Breakfast in Nagoya courtesy of the b Nagoya
Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
04
S
Across
1. Harassment
4. Corner or edge
6. Airport
9. Muscle
9
A
O
S
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
snow festivals
FEB 5-11
FEB 20-22
FEB 14-15
One of Japan’s largest winter events with
204 snow and ice sculptures including an
International Snow Sculpture Contest. Feb 5-11,
various times, free. Odori Park and other venues.
Odori. Tel: 011-213-5088.
http://j.mp/sapporosnowfes2015
Located in Niigata prefecture, the festival
features a Snow Carnival with live performances,
a kimono show and fireworks as well as snow
sculptures and many other fun activities. Feb
20-22, various times, free. Tokamachi, Niigata
Prefecture. Tokamachi. Tel: 025-757-3100.
http://snowfes.jp
Festival located in Nagano prefecture featuring
snow sculptures, a fire festival and special event
where 1,000 poeple will build 1,500 snowmen
in an hour, trying for a Guiness World Record.
Feb 14-15, various times, free. Iiyama, Nagano
Prefecture. Iiyama. Tel: 0269-62-0156.
http://www.isnowfes.org
Sapporo Snow Festival
KOH HASEBE:
MUSIC LIFE
PHOTO
EXHIBITION
Iiyama Snow Festival
JAN 31-MAY 17
BEST OF THE BEST
The Bridgestone Museum of Art’s last
exhibition before it closes for renovation
on May 18, showcasing 160 works of
modern and contemporary Western art.
Jan 31-May 17, 10am-6pm (until
8pm on Fri), closed Mon, ¥500-800.
Bridgestone Museum of Art. Tokyo,
Kyobashi or Nihonbashi.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl.com/
bestofthebest2015
Paul Cezanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire and Château Noir,
c. 1904-06
Photo by Tomohide Ono
JAN 26
KAO=S
A band distilling a new style of Japanese
art to the world, blending vocals and
acoustic guitar overlaid with traditional
Japanese instruments such as the
three-string Tsugaru shamisen. Jan
26, 7:30pm, ¥2,500. Mandala Minami
Aoyama. Aoyama Itchome.
Tel: 03-5474-0411. http://www.kaosjapan.com
Courtesy of TPAM, photo by Zhou Zi Han
Photo by Shinji Hosono
When Western rock musicians
began to tour Japan in
the ’60s, one Japanese
photographer was the go-to
lensman for bands like the
Beatles, Aerosmith and
the Police. Koh Hasebe not
only documented their gigs
at fabled venues such as
the Budokan, but he also
accompanied them on tour.
In this exhibition, Hasebe
shares memories of Western
rockers visiting Buddhist
temples, being entertained by
geisha or trying their hand at
sumo, as well as his behindthe-scenes recollections of
a unique period of cultural
collision. Dan Grunebaum
Until Feb 11, 11am-8pm, free. B Gallery (Beams Japan 6F). Shinjuku
Sanchome. Tel: 03-5368-7309. http://j.mp/b-gallery
Photo by Koh Hasebe, courtesy of Shinko Music
EDITOR’S PICK UNTIL FEB 11
Tokamachi Snow Festival
FEB 7-8
THE SLEEPING
BEAUTY
Tchaikovsky’s ballet staged
by Vladimir Malakhov and
performed by The Tokyo Ballet.
Feb 7-8, 2pm, ¥3,000-12,000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno.
Tel: 03-5721-8000. http://j.mp/
thesleepingbeauty2015
FEB 7-8
CHUZENJI ONSEN KAMAKURA MATSURI
Snow festival located in Nikko, Tochigi prefecture featuring kamakuras (snow
huts) lit up by candles, illumination, fireworks and various other snow activities.
Feb 7-8, various times, free. Chuzenji Onsen, Nikko. Nikko. Tel: 0288-550880. http://www.nikko-nsm.co.jp
FEB 7-15
TPAM PERFORMING ARTS MEETING
IN YOKOHAMA
A slew of cutting-edge dance and theater creatives gather for an annual
expo and showcase. Feb 7-15, various times, various prices. Kanagawa Arts
Theatre and other venues. Nihon Odori. http://j.mp/tpam2015
05
advertorial
SPECIAL OFFER
REBORN IN
KUMANO
Exclusive offer for Metropolis readers: Win one set of
air tickets for two from Haneda to Nanki-Shirahama.
To enter, send an email to [email protected].
lg.jp and return the questionnaire that will be sent to
you, no later than March 6, 2015. The winner will be
selected by lottery and will be notified by mid-March.
Refreshing body, mind and soul
BY ALENA ECKELMANN
Chikatsuyu Village view
06
Kumano has spectacular natural sights in
the mountains and along the coastline. Added
to these are the old charm of a Japanese countryside still largely unspoiled by urban sprawl
and a plenitude of exciting outdoor activities.
This makes Kumano an ideal place for a
weekend retreat to regain your balance or for a
discovery tour of a part of Japan that not even
many Japanese know.
Godai, the five elements, act like a frame
that captures the essence of Kumano, a place
steeped in the ancient tradition of nature worship. Soaking up the atmosphere of earth, water, fire, air and heaven in Kumano’s magnificent
natural and spiritual surroundings will stimulate
your senses. And maybe, yomigaeri—being
reborn in this very lifetime, the ultimate goal of
undertaking the hardship of a Kumano pilgrimage—is within reach.
While in former times pilgrims walked for
many months across steep mountains and deep
valleys to reach this remote area, access nowadays is easier. With a flight of just over one hour
from Haneda you are at the doorstep of a different world.
I first set out to walk the Kumano Kodo several years ago. Whether it was love at first sight,
123RF
A scenic landscape, healing hot springs, ancient
spiritual traditions and an air of mystery—this
is Kumano, a hidden gem buried deep in the
mountains of the Kii Peninsula in the southern
part of Wakayama prefecture.
For over one thousand years, Kumano has
attracted worshippers who walk along the ancient Kumano Kodo (“Kumano Old Road”) pilgrimage routes to reach the sacred sites of the
Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand Shrines of
Kumano, where locals welcome seekers with
a warm heart and gentle hospitality. Anyone is
welcome to travel the old pilgrimage routes irrespective of religious faith or social background.
This has not changed over the centuries.
Pagoda of Seigantoji Temple and Nachi Waterfall
or en ga aru (to be linked by faith), I am not sure,
but I moved to Kumano. I now guide visitors—
both spiritual seekers and recreational hikers—
along the old trails and to the ancient shrines.
Follow me on a discovery tour of Kumano …
INTRODUCING
KUMANO
Kumano Sanzan is the collective name given to
the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano
Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These are the center
points of the Kumano faith, a fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism called Shinbutsu-shugo.
Ascetic monks and wandering saints opened up
Kyoto
Nagoya
MORE INFO ONLINE →
METURL.COM/WAKAYAMA
Tokyo
Osaka
Nanki Shirahama
Just 70 minutes from Haneda airport / three flights per day.
Kumano Hongu Taisha
the Kumano Kodo routes. They were followed
by Imperial Court nobles and aristocrats from
Heian-kyo, now Kyoto, in the Heian period (7941185). During the Edo period (1603-1868) it was
commoners from all walks of life who undertook
the long and arduous journey at great peril. Most
of the trails fell into disuse during the last century
ON SACRED SOIL
The most accessible and well sign-posted route
is the Nakahechi, which leads from Tanabe to
Hongu. Walking the whole stretch of roughly 40
kilometers takes two days, hence it’s common to
split the course into two separate one-day hikes.
The Nakahechi course is largely snow-free, making it possible to walk even in winter.
The start is at Takijiri-oji, a short bus ride
from Tanabe. Oji, or small shrine, were places
for prayer and purification on the way to the main
sanctuary. Once there were 99 oji along the Kumano Kodo, starting in Kyoto and ending at the
Hongu Taisha. Five of these oji were of higher
importance, serving as important gateways to
the inner sanctuary. Takijiri-oji was one of them,
and pilgrims would perform prayer and purification rituals there.
Nowadays you have wooden trail markers set
in intervals of about 500 meters. The Nakahechi
course has 75 markers, with the first at Takijiri-
but were revived following the 2004 inscription
of the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and
Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
Sections of the routes were paved with
stones, and these stone-pavements and steps
are now the trademark of the Kumano Kodo.
They are a challenge to traverse, however, as
oji and the last at the Hongu Taisha.
There are also many signboards in
English that explain the historical significance of sites along the trail, allowing you to dive into the local history
and the legends of the Kumano Kodo.
Relax your senses and you might feel
the spirits of nature around you along
with the aura of pilgrims who have
walked the trails before.
Nestled in a valley, Chikatsuyu Village is the halfway point to Hongu and
a popular place for an overnight stay.
There you can stock up on provisions
for the next stretch off the trail, which is quite
isolated. Further on, from Hosshinmon-oji to the
Hongu Taisha, runs the most popular part of the
Nakahechi. This is a gentle course that everyone
can walk, ideal for a half-day excursion on the
Kumano Kodo.
The trail passes through picturesque Hosshinmon Village and Fushiogami Village. Life
here is quiet and slow. You can observe locals
working in their gardens or tending their terraced paddy fields and tea plantations. It feels
like catching a glimpse of Japan 50 years ago.
The Hongu Taisha now sits on higher ground
but its original location was on Oyunohara, a
sandbank at the conflux of three rivers. The buildings were relocated, but a giant iron torii gate
marks the original sacred site. This is the world’s
largest torii, and you feel small and humble
standing underneath it. One of the best views to
see this impressive sight from afar is from a lookout point off the Nakahechi route near Hongu.
they’re often overgrown with moss and are
slippery. Many grave markers along the routes
remind of the hardships of pilgrims in previous
centuries. Don’t think a hike along the Kumano
Kodo is all too easy, now; some trails are still
fairly isolated and there are not many facilities
along the way. Be prepared!
123RF
Kogumotori goe trail, Hyakken-gura lookout
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Kumano Kodo at Daimon-zaka, a sacred trail
designated in Nachi, Wakayama
Oyunohara big torii gate
07
advertorial
Kawabune Boat
WATER PERSPECTIVES
Traditionally pilgrims worshipped at the Hongu Taisha first, then they made their way down
the Kumano-gawa River to Hayatama Taisha,
followed by a sea voyage to access Nachi Taisha. Part of the Kumano River is included in the
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and visitors
can enjoy a ride in a traditional small wooden
boat down the river just as pilgrims did centuries ago. The trip starts at the Kawabune Boat
Tour Center in Kumanogawa Town and ends
near Hayatama Taisha in Shingu City.
Visitors nowadays catch a train and bus to
get to Nachi Taisha and nearby Nachi Waterfall. With a drop of 133 meters, this is the tallest
waterfall in Japan and one of Kumano’s most
impressive sights. One ton of water per second gushes down. Ascetics used to practice
cold water purification under this thunderous
veil of water.
Thrill-seekers should not miss the only
chance in all of Japan to experience tradition-
HOT HAPPENINGS
Kumano Oto Festival
HEALING IN THE AIR
Fresh air is in ample supply in Kumano
where mountains are covered by lush
green forest all year round. The deep
calmness of the forest is soothing. No
wonder shinrin-yoku (bathing in the forest) is popular among Japanese visitors.
Kumano has the perfect environment for
this form of eco-therapy, and meditation
in the great outdoors.
Yakuzen-ryori (medicinal cuisine)
is the specialty fare offered at the inns
08
Kumano has many exciting events throughout
the year, but my favorites are the fire festivals,
which are amongst Japan’s most spectacular.
Kamikura-jinja sits atop a large boulder overlooking a cliff. A steep flight of over 500 stone
steps leads up to the shrine, Shingu’s best observation point. This is the setting for the Kumano
Oto Festival, a 1,400-year-old ritual to welcome
the new year according to the lunar calendar.
On February 6, around 2,000 men of all ages
decked out all in white—the color of purity—
gather at the shrine after dusk. (Only men are
allowed to participate, now including foreigners.)
of nearby Kawayu Onsen. The dishes
contain seasonal herbs and wild vegetables collected by locals from the
surrounding forests.
Jizo is a Buddhist deity that protects
travelers and children, and along the Kumano Kodo trails you can see many statues of this divine being. The Toothache
Jizo and Backache Jizo on the Nakahechi trail at Mizunomi-oji are easily overlooked, but locals strongly believe they
have the power to cure these ailments.
al log rafting down the rapid currents of Kitayama River. If you don’t like getting splashed,
a trip on a jet boat to scenic Dorokyo Gorge
further downstream might be for you. While
these are not part of the pilgrimage tradition,
they make for exciting side trips.
They each light a one-meter cypress torch and,
upon signal, race down the steps. Seen from afar,
it looks as if a fire-breathing dragon is winding its
way down the mountainside.
Half a year later, on July 14, the Nachi Fire
Festival is held alongside the Nachi Waterfall.
Twelve massive, 50kg pine torches are carried
up and down the flight of stone steps leading to
the waterfall by young men decked out in traditional white gear. The heavy torches are waved
around to purify an equal number of mikoshi
(portable shrines). Steeped in nature worship,
this euphoric event is held to welcome the god
of the Nachi Waterfall back to its base.
HEAVENLY BLISS
No trip to Kumano is complete without soaking
in a hot spring. My favorite places for relaxation
are three hot spring villages near Hongu Town.
With 1,800 years of history, Yunomine Onsen
is probably Japan’s oldest hot spring, and here
the main attraction is Tsuboyu, a hot spring pool
located in a small hut above a creek. It has space
for a maximum of three people and can be rented
for private use for 30 minutes at a time.
Yunomine Onsen
FOOD FOR WALK
Out on the Kumano Kodo routes there won’t
be many places where you can buy food, so
be prepared and take along a lunch box. Mehari Zushi (sushi wrapped in pickled mustard
leave) and Sanma Zushi (sushi made from
Pacific saury) are popular, and you can buy
them at shops in Tanabe or Hongu.
I recommend the Kodo Lunch Box, prepared on request by Omuraya Minshuku and
delivered to your accommodations in the
The water is neither filtered nor heated, so you
bathe in the original bubbles that come straight
from the center of the earth. What is floating in
the water is not dirt but yu-no-hana (onsen flowers), crystalline mineral compounds, the ultimate
proof of a real hot spring. Visitors can stay at one
of the traditional inns that line the only road in this
quaint village where they can experience an authentic Japanese spa unspoiled by mass tourism.
Hot spring bathing at Kawayu Onsen is as
public as it gets. Thermal water bubbles to the
surface of Oto River, creating a natural outdoors
bath where you sit in a pool in the riverbed. Until
the end of February, you will not be alone there
when Sennin Buro, a thousand-people bath dug
in the river bed, is open for business.
Whether you choose to stay at a small traditional inn with a 200-year history, or feel comfortable in the modern environment of a popular hotel, all accommodations at Kawayu have a great
river view—perfect for winding down and sipping
a cup of sake after a long day’s hike.
Hongu area. The traditional bamboo basket is crammed full of local delicacies.
In Yunomine, you can cook
provisions for the hike yourself.
Buy eggs and sweet potatoes
in a net at the local store and
hang them in the Yuzutsu Cooking Basin. By the time you have finished soaking in the bath, your food for the
next day is ready.
Kumano beef might not be as famous as
Kobe beef, but it’s just as delicious. Grilled
Kumano beef bowls are offered at various
restaurants in Ajikoji, an area near Tanabe
station packed with Izakaya (Japanese-style
pubs). There you will also find delicious local
seafood fresh from the ocean off the coast of
the Kii Peninsula. Try the Kishu Fresh Seafood
Bowl. The Tanabe City Gourmet Map and the
Tanabe Special Rice Bowl Menu help you
select your favorite local dishes.
On the other side of the peninsula, in Kat-
TAXI CAMPAIGN
Until the end of October 2015, visitors traveling
to Kumano via airplane to Nanki-Shirahama
Airport can benefit from a generous discount
(amount varies by service). To qualify, fill out a
questionnaire and give it to a cab driver.
Book your selected course at the information
desk at Nanki-Shirahama Airport upon arrival
and take off on an exciting half-day or full-day
excursion to the wider Kumano area in no time.
Prices vary depending on car type and duration
of ride. http://meturl.com/kumanotaxi (in
Japanese only)
If you prefer a little onsen luxury, then Wataze
Onsen is the right choice. It boasts the largest
rotenburo open-air hot spring in Western Japan.
Three outdoor pools with water of varying temperature make it easy to hang out there for a
couple of hours and watch the stars at night. Families or couples can enjoy a private rotenburo. At
nearby Kurhaus Kumano Hongu you can sample
eight different indoor pools.
suura, a feast of fresh tuna awaits.
West Japan’s biggest catch of
tuna is delivered to Katsuura
Fishing Port where every morning the fresh catch is laid out
at the Katsuura Fish Market.
Watching the tuna auction from
an observation area at 7am (closed
Saturdays) is exciting. No queuing in
the middle of the night like at Tsukiji! Follow
up with a delicious Fresh Tuna Rice Bowl at
any of the seafood restaurants that line the
street leading to Katsuura station.
TRAVEL SERVICES AND
DESTINATIONS
JAPAN AIRLINES
www.jal.co.jp/en
JALPAK (in Japanese only)
www.jal.co.jp/domtour/kas/sekaiisan_kumano
TANABE CITY KUMANO TOURISM BUREAU
www.tb-kumano.jp/en
WAKAYAMA TOURISM FEDERATION
www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english
MI-KUMANO
http://en.mi-kumano.com
ADVENTURE WORLD SHIRAHAMA
http://aws-s.com/english/index.php
09
cover story
THE
REINVEN
TION
OF KEI
NISHI
KORI
123RF Leonard Zhukovsky
Japan’s tennis phenom
rises above the pack
BY DAVID COX
TAKING NISHIKORI INTO
THE WORLD’S TOP FIVE
HAS BEEN MORE ABOUT
INCREASING HIS BELIEF THAN
OVERHAULING HIS GAME.”
Kei Nishikori
Age: 25 Height: 178cm
Hometown: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture
World Ranking: 5th (as of Nov 3, 2014)
The only male Japanese tennis player
ever ranked in the ATP Singles Top Ten.
123RF sportgraphic
10
ne of the most compelling
aspects of sports is the
window it provides into
the human psyche. Tennis,
with its intense, gladiatorial nature, is rivaled by few
other pursuits in its ability to
dissect a person’s character over
the course of a contest. The leading players
not only probe for weaknesses in an opponent’s technique, but in their personality—
searching for hidden chinks that only emerge
deep in a fifth set, or at 5-5 in a tiebreaker. To
reach the top, it’s often necessary to reinvent
yourself—to make those vulnerabilities a little
harder to find.
Kei Nishikori understands all about reinvention. As he discusses with Metropolis his
journey to become the first Japanese player to
reach a Grand Slam final, he explains it was a
question of changing the way he saw himself.
“When I was a junior, I just played. I didn’t
think too much, so I could play good tennis
with anyone. But once I turned pro, I had too
much respect for everybody—especially the
naments, I’m still working in the gym. Perhaps
that’s helping. I’ve still had a couple of injuries which cost me some important matches,
but at the U.S. Open I played seven matches
and went five sets in several of them. My
body’s been getting really strong.”
Bottini’s slightly shrewder perspective is
that Nishikori is learning the limits of his body:
What it can and can’t take. He’s no longer
afraid of breaking down, so he’s pushing himself harder. Part of that came from the sage
words of Michael Chang, the former French
Open champion who’s added a touch of “zen
master” to the Nishikori camp.
“I love how he thinks,” Nishikori enthuses.
“When we talk to each other, I try to get into
his mindset. He knows how I should play.
We’re very similar in build.
“Now I’m a little more aggressive than before—more solid from the baseline. I feel that
anything I hit is going for a winner, forehand
and backhand. Before I got injured, I was
really excited about the way I was playing
on clay last year. And I concentrate better.
Michael helps me stay focused and not get
top players. It was a big problem. You need
to be really mentally strong against them, and
the first time I played Roger [Federer], I could
barely play as I respected him too much. I
wasn’t even going for the win; I was just playing against my idol.”
From a shy, introverted 20-year-old just
happy to be on the tour, Nishikori has gone
on to discover something of a strut as a
25-year-old with ambitions of emulating Li
Na, Asia’s first double Grand Slam champion.
Body language on court carries a surprising
amount of weight, especially against Novak
Djokovic and Rafael Nadal—players who
latch onto the merest hint of uncertainty.
“Now he walks like he owns the court,”
says Dante Bottini, Nishikori’s long-time
coach. “He’s pumping himself up more. All of
that comes with confidence and being on top.”
It also comes with being relatively injuryfree, a rare experience for Nishikori, whose
slim, almost fragile physique has buckled all
too regularly to the rigors of the tour. In his eyes,
it’s simply been a question of working harder.
“It’s about the time I’ve invested in the
gym, in rehab, in practice—all the little
things,” he says. “Even when I’m playing tour-
too frustrated.”
Like Chang, Nishikori’s slick wrists and
quick reflexes help him more than hold his
own against the game’s many giants. However, his opponents have come to respect
the lethal power he can generate.
“I’ve always liked his backhand because
he hits it so easily and smoothly, but his forehand has always been the weapon,” Bottini
says. “That was the shot with which he’d always finish the point, or try to get the other
guy in trouble, ever since we started. And this
year he’s been hitting it really, really well.”
While Chang’s made a few technical
tweaks, particularly on the serve—which
went from being a means of starting the
point, to a real weapon—taking Nishikori into
the world’s top five has been more about increasing his belief than overhauling his game.
Bottini pinpoints a couple of moments in
2014 when he noticed a sudden, significant
change in Nishikori’s mindset: His fourthround Australian Open loss to Rafael Nadal,
when Bottini notes that “obviously he was
upset that he lost, but he totally believed that
he could beat him;” and his semifinal run at
the Miami Masters, beating Grigor Dimitrov,
ONCE I TURNED PRO, I HAD
TOO MUCH RESPECT FOR
EVERYBODY—ESPECIALLY
THE TOP PLAYERS. IT WAS
A BIG PROBLEM.”
David Ferrer and Federer along the way.
Interestingly, neither Bottini nor Nishikori
mention the U.S. Open, where he beat Milos Raonic, Stanislas Wawrinka and Novak
Djokovic to reach the final. It may have been a
momentous achievement, but neither felt he
played his best tennis, even when defeating
Djokovic in five sets.
“I look more at his mentality and his determination in that match than the quality of his
game,” Bottini says.
Nishikori reveals he had lost the fear he
once felt when facing tennis’ icons on big
stages even before the U.S. Open. “I used
to feel that—definitely a couple of years ago,
and even in 2013—but not anymore. They’ve
been there for a long time, doing many things
better than the rest of us. But things are
changing—I don’t have to respect them so
much. I’m much calmer and I have things in
my game they don’t have.”
Does he think his rivals have developed
an increased fear when they see his name in
their section of the draw? “They maybe respect me more now, but that means they also
research me more. And that means I need to
keep working to stay where I am.”
11
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HEALTH & FITNESS
MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →
New year, new body!
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFERS
• Get healthy in 2015!
• 10-week Transformation Package campaign for
only ¥88,000!
• Unlimited classes for 10 weeks
• Body composition testing
• Diet analysis and more!
• Further discounts if you sign up with a friend!
B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku
03-6434-9667
[email protected]
Mon-Sun 6:30am-9:30pm
Roppongi
www.club360.jp
CLUB 360
There’s no better time to achieve the body and healthy lifestyle you desire than in the
New Year! Club 360 trainers will help turn your resolutions into reality with the latest
training and dietary services. After a thorough analysis of your current condition, your
trainer will design a plan specifically for you! Aside from Personal Training, Club 360 also offers group fitness
classes such as Kickboxing, Core & Cardio, Fit 360, Bootcamp and more! No sign-up fees or membership
fees are required to join Club 360. Classes are “drop-in” and payment plans are flexible. Club 360 is currently
having a “10-week Transformation Package” campaign, which includes unlimited classes, body composition
testing, diet analysis and more. All for only ¥88,000! Further discounts if you sign up with a friend! “Club 360,
changing lives through health and fitness!”
Roppongi
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFERS
• Drop-in session only ¥1,080 for Metropolis readers
(once per person, ID (Passport, Alien registration
card, or insurance card) with your current address
is required, valid until February 28)
Gold's Gym Harajuku: 4F/3F/B2F Velox Bldg,
6-31-17 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
03-5766-3131
24H, closed Sun 8pm-Mon 7am and every third
Mon
Meiji-Jingumae/ Harajuku
www.goldsgym.jp
GOLD’S GYM
Following all of December’s parties and food, January is the perfect time to turn
over a new leaf and start burning off some of that holiday padding. With a network
of over 700 gyms in 30 countries around the world, Gold’s Gym has become
synonymous with weight training. With 48 gyms across Japan, including Tokyo-area locations such as
Shibuya, Omotesando and Ginza, there’s no reason you can’t maintain a training regimen here. Most gyms
are open from early in the morning until late at night and the ones in Harajuku, Oimachi, Gyotoku, Atsugi,
and Omiya are open 24 hours—so you can train stress-free whenever you want. A variety of traditional and
modern equipment is available and the machines are suitable for both beginners and experienced lifters—
plus the Japan locations carry as many free weights as you’d find in any U.S. gym. Make a fresh start in 2015
with the help of Gold’s Gym.
Various locations
WEBSITE
MEMBERSHIP
• ¥15,000/month
SPECIAL OFFER
• Free trial class
YSA Yamamoto Sports Academy
Naka-Magome 2-8-1 Nikkei Esplanade 1F, Ota-ku
Friday 11am-1pm and 6-8:30pm
Magome
Bodyplant Roppongi
Roppongi 7-14-7 Trinity Building 3F, Minato-ku
Thursday 8-9:30pm, Saturday 11:30am-1pm
Roppongi
090-2995-0945
[email protected]
http://kravmagatokyo.com/
12
IMI KRAV MAGA
Make protection for yourself and your family a priority in 2015. Learn handto-hand combat and effective self defense from professional instructor Boaz
Hagay. Boaz is chief instructor of the Bukan Krav Maga School in Japan.
Certified by Israel’s Wingate Institute for Physical Education, he learned from Krav Maga’s founder, Imi
Lichtenfeld, and Grand Master Yaron Lichtenstein. Learn to defend yourself against strikes, grabs and chokes.
Study techniques used by elite security guards and special forces, including how to defend against weapon
threats, such as sticks, knives and guns. Boost your confidence and be prepared for anything. In the words
of UFC fighter Yamamoto ‘KID’ Norifumi: “I teach professional fighters and, in my opinion, the authentic Krav
Maga that Boaz teaches is the most efficient way of self defense. The techniques are simple but efficient, and
can be mastered in a relatively short period of time.”
Various locations
LINGO
BOX
Jimu ni kayoitai desu
(ジムに通いたいです)
= I want to join the gym
Kinniku (筋肉) = Muscle
Kintore (筋トレ) = Muscle training
Taisō (体操) = Gymnastics
Goshin-jutsu (護身術) = Self-defense arts
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• All drop-in, no reservation required. One class
costs only ¥1,800. English/Chinese spoken.
Whenever you feel like practicing yoga, just drop
by and join!
• Book your trial lesson (¥1,800) and get one FREE
ticket!
Rm 120, 1F, Tokyo Central Omotesando,
4-3-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
090-4202-4076 (English/Chinese/Japanese
spoken)
[email protected]
www.kyogaomotesando.com/english/
K YOGA
Need an energy boost before your long office hours? How about morning yoga in a beautiful,
sun-filled studio? Want to make your Sunday more fulfilling? Enjoy soothing yoga after Sunday
brunch at Omotesando to release your stress. Want to tone your body for that new dress?
Energizing power yoga will help. K YOGA, just two minutes from Omotesando station, provides weekdaymorning yoga, Sunday English yoga, Power yoga, and more. The instructors are all cheerful and competent. One
just returned from teaching yoga in Hong Kong while another is very experienced leading teachers' training.
Everyone is welcome, beginner or experienced, female or male. The studio's floor is made of natural cedar,
providing pure, clean air that makes you feel as if you’re in a deep forest. No reservation required. One class
costs only ¥1,800. English/Chinese spoken Whenever you feel like practicing yoga, just drop by and join!
Omotesando
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Ladies get a ¥1,080 discount on all memberships
• Metropolis readers receive free membership for
February 2015 and admission fee (reg. ¥10,800) if
they take a free trial class and sign up the same day.
SERVICES
• Standard (three days per week) ¥12,960/month
• Light (one day per week) ¥10,800/month
• Daytime (unlimited day classes) ¥8,640/month
4F Arrow Bldg, 3-14-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku
03-6432-9794
[email protected]
Mon-Fri 10:30am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-4pm
Roppongi
www.magagym.com/en/
MAGAGYM
MagaGym teaches Krav Maga, a realistic system of self defense developed by the
Israeli military that’s used today by FBI and SWAT teams across America. At their
recently opened, brightly-colored gym, just a four-minute walk from Roppongi station,
MagaGym’s top-level black belt instructors will teach you the art and knowledge of staying safe in a way
that’s both fun and, at times, intense. Known for its focus on real-world situations, Krav Maga theory is based
around the understanding of natural human reflexes, so it’s easy to learn regardless of age, gender or body
type. One of the world’s most effective self-defense systems, it’s useful against opponents with knives, guns
or other weapons, and its practice incorporates realistic fight training. Instruction comprises both aerobic and
anaerobic exercise, leading to greater physical fitness, higher self-confidence and a huge boost in self-esteem.
Roppongi
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Special price ¥1,500 for the first session if you
mention Metropolis.
• Private trial lesson only ¥3,000
SERVICES
• Sessions for Mat & Machine Private, Semi-Private,
Group, and Maternity Private
• Regarding schedule, please check the website
• To arrange private lessons, feel free to contact
the studio
No1 Gold Bldg. 3F, Taishido 1-12-23, Setagaya-ku
080-6625-6351
[email protected]
Sangenjaya
www.natakara.net
NATAKARA
PILATES
Recover your physical and mental condition using the Pilates method of
fitness training developed in the early 20th century. Natakara Pilates provides
personal training in small groups matched best to the each person. Far from
Sangenjaya
the standardized training provided by big sports gyms, their method provides
several kinds of exercise to build up the core of the body, abdominal muscles, back and limbs using mats
and special machines. Many people use Pilates as a rehabilitation method because it’s able to align the
tension and balance of the muscle thus helping them learn the right position and practical movement.
The studio is just a two-minute walk from the Sangenjaya station on the Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line.
13
LINGO
BOX
Kono kikai wa dō yatte tsukaimasuka?
(この機械はどうやって使いますか?)
= How do you use this machine?
Undō (運動) = Exercise
Kossetsu (骨折) = Fracture
Kikai (機械) = Machine / equipment
Kinnikutsū (筋肉痛) = Muscle pain
Shinpakusū (心拍数) = Heartrate
Shibireru (しびれる) = Pins and Needles
Kenkō (健康) = Health / healthy
Katakori（肩こり）= Stiff shoulders
WEBSITE
TIPNESS
The Tokyo Metropolitan Gym, conveniently located near Sendagaya station, offers
everything you need to get in shape and start the year off right. This athletic facility
provides swimming lessons, fully-equipped gyms for cardio training, resistance
machines and weights as well as a studio for yoga, aerobics, pilates and other fitness programs. The TMG
intermediate and advanced swimming classes are supervised by coaches from Kitajima Aquatics, established
by Japanese Olympic medalist Kosuke Kitajima. To combat the fatigue and stress of work’s daily grind, the
gym also provides relaxing and rejuvenating massages and other muscle treatments. If that’s not enough to
get you motivated to stick to your New Year’s resolutions, then the price should really pump you up: use of the
pool, gym and studio programs costs only ¥600 for two and a half hours. At that rate, you can’t afford not to
get yourself in top condition this year!
PRICE
• Admission to pool and gym:
¥600 (2.5 hours)
Various locations
1-17-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
03-5474-2114
Mon-Fri 9am-11pm, Sat 9am-10pm,
Sun & hols 9am-9pm
Sendagaya or Kokuritsu-Kyogijo
www.tef.or.jp/en_index.jsp
WEBSITE
TOKYO DOME
ROLLER X
SKATE ARENA
PRICES
• Admission fee(2 hours) (Weekday/
Sat, Sun & hol)
• Adult ¥1,200/ ¥1,500
• Student ¥1,000/ ¥1,200
• Child (under 12) ¥800/ ¥1,000
• Skate rental ¥500
SPECIAL OFFER
• Mention or bring Metropolis to receive ¥200
discount on your entrance fee.
• Sat, Sun, and hols, free one point lessons.
Yellow Bldg 4F Roller skate, 1-3-61 Koraku,
Bunkyo-ku
03-3817-6196
Weekdays 11am-10pm, Sat: 10am-10pm,
Sun & hols: 10am-9pm
Suidobashi
http://meturl.com/tokyodomeamusement
WEBSITE
Even during the cold of
winter, Tokyo Dome Roller X
Skate Arena is warm enough
for just one short-sleeve
Suidobashi
shirt! The king of dieting,
roller skating burns 913 calories per hour according to
research. That’s the same as running a marathon! It’s
good to run in the morning, breathing cold, crisp air, but
isn’t it better to burn fat while having fun inside a warm
arena? If you start now, you’ll be able to do techniques
like dance, two-step, slalom, hockey, speed, and
more by spring! You can enjoy roller skating whether
you’re a kid or an adult while our exclusive DJ plays
oldies and hit songs! The “Roller Dance Lesson” is the
most popular, and they have classes with around 30
participants. The “Eight-Step Lesson” is held every
month and the “’80s Euro Beat Night” lets you get your
groove on. They also have Japan’s top dancer, “Kz crew
CHIKA,” teaching her “Chika’s dance lesson.” To take
dance lessons, please make reservations beforehand or
on the day of the class by phone or at the front desk. For
beginner lessons, please reserve two or more days in
advance. Payment is due on the day of the lesson.
TOKYO FIT
Hiroo
SPECIAL OFFER
• First session free
• No registration fees / No binding contracts
• Metropolis readers new to TokyoFit save 10% on
any session package bought in February
CUSTOMIZED WORKOUT PLANS
• 4 sessions for ¥10,000 (8 for ¥19,000 / 12 for
¥27,000)
• On-site corporate classes
• Custom-tailored workout plans
• Health Coaching
14
[email protected]
Mon - Fri 7:15pm-9:30pm
Ebisu, Hiroo or Shirokane-Takanawa
www.tokyofit.com
TokyoFit is the cure for
those tired of the impersonal
modern gym and seeking
a new workout experience.
During the one-hour
cross-training sessions
you'll lift barbells, swing
kettlebells, whip battle
ropes, toss medicine balls,
and sprint in the fresh air.
Exercise shouldn’t feel like
a hated obligation done to
appease your guilt. TokyoFit
believes fitness should be
fun, interactive, rewarding,
and affordable, so they
built a space that makes people excited about their evening workout. The sessions develop flexibility,
cardiovascular/muscular endurance, strength and power, all with the goal of helping you sleep more deeply,
have more energy throughout the day, and reach the level of fitness you deserve. A healthy body cultivates
a positive mind. TokyoFit also offers corporate classes based on the needs of the employees and the space
available. Fitness can happen in a nearby park or in an empty office room. Try something new in 2015!
LINGO
BOX
Kenkō teki na karada ni naritai
(健康的な体になりたい)
= I want to be healthy
Tai-shibō (体脂肪) = Fat
Taijū (体重) = Weight
Tanpaku-shitsu (たんぱく質) = Protein
Tansui-kabutsu (炭水化物) = Carbohydrate
WEBSITE
2F Arisugawa Mansion, 5-15-14 Minami-Azabu,
Minato-ku.
03-6447-7360
11:30-23:30 (Food L.O. 22:30/ Drink L.O. 23:00) Hiroo
http://hiroo.alohatable.com
facebook.com/AlohaTablelnatural
ALOHA
TABLE
NATURAL
Getting fit can leave you with an appetite, but it’s important not to undo that hard
work. Healthy food is a must and Aloha Table Natural has a menu that will not only
satisfy that post-workout hunger but also make your mouth water. Representing
a more organic evolution of the multinational Aloha Table Hawaiian dining chain,
Hiroo
Aloha Table Natural offers cuisine that’s more Pacific than Hawaiian in a delightful
atmosphere. Sitting on soft chairs set beneath ceiling fans, you won’t notice the time go by; but you will notice
the delectable dishes such as the lomi lomi salmon (¥680), ahi poke (¥720) or coconut mochiko fried chicken
(¥680). If you prefer to dine outdoors, two small terraces—one of which is entirely non-smoking (there’s no
smoking anywhere inside)—are a perfect match for the natural flair of the cuisine. And don’t forget to check
behind the bar, where you’ll find a sizeable secret sofa lounge, perfect for winding down after that workout.
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFERS
• Mention Metropolis and receive 5% off your total
purchase
• Receive 2 free samples with orders of ¥3,000 or
more
• For domestic purchases, free shipping of health
food and supplements, and free shipping of
natural foods such as honey on purchases of more
than ¥5,000
• For international orders, discount rates apply
to purchases of 3 or more of the same product
number
YAMADA
BEE FARM
“For the irreplaceable, one and
only person”
Yamada Bee Farm began selling
Online
Royal Jelly in 1960, when the
daughter of the current chairman was born with a
congenital heart disease. Determined to “let her grow
cheerfully and let her have the surgery of her heart,” he
developed the production method of royal jelly on his
own. Yamada Bee Farm provides products and services
to each customer as an irreplaceable one and only person.
The online shop provides many products to support
your healthy lifestyle:
• Calorie Barrier
Diet through calorie cuts! Fat and Salt
Countermeasure Chitosan blended
90 capsules/approx. 30 times ¥1,728 (Order No.
28512)
SERVICES
• Discounts on recurring domestic purchases
• Receive a special gift with every third order on
recurring purchases of more than ¥3,000
• High-quality cosmetics made with royal jelly
(moisture component)
• International shipping available for an additional
fee
Calorie Barrier
Slimming Support
Inquiries accepted in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
Access on your mobile phone using QR code above.
0868-54-0066
Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm (Closed Sat, Sun, public
holidays)
[email protected]
http://www.3838.com/english/ (English)
http://www.3838.com/chinese/ (Chinese)
Skype: yamadabeeoverseas38
QQ : 2830518761
“Apitherapy & Quality”
Royal jelly, propolis, honey, bee pollen, beeswax
and all honeybee products are valuable natural
ingredients that have supported health since ancient
times. Yamada Bee Farm has crafted apitherapy
by taking advantage of the health blessings of
honeybees to provide safe, high-value products
you’ll want to introduce to your own family. Yamada
Bee Farm is dedicated to the pursuit of quality,
allowing people to apply apitherapy to their lifestyle.
EnzymeBeauty
Placenta
Drink
EnzymeTreated
Royal
Jelly
Ounyuno-hana
• Slimming Support
Burning based diet to increase metabolism!
L-carnitine blended to make your body burn more
easily. 90 capsules/approx. 30 days ¥2,700 (Order
No. 28534)
• Enzyme-Beauty Placenta Drink
Containing Japan-produced placenta (200,000mg)
and enzyme in one drink. 500ml/20 times ¥4,320
(Order No.35265)
• Enzyme-Treated Royal Jelly Ounyu-no-hana
Contains rich royal jelly!
The upcoming health ingredient resveratrol blended.
100 capsules/bottle ¥11,108 (Order No. 991)
15
food&drink
To celebrate Nintendo’s new Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire games, Shibuya
Parco has set up the Pokemon Café, open until
the end of February. Even for non-gamers, the
ridiculously cute menu, which includes Pikachushaped omu-rice and pancakes among other
fun, creative items will definitely be a source of
kawaii entertainment. Exclusive merchandise is
also available for purchase in the Pokémon Gift
Shop located in the café. The Guest Cafe & Diner. 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-5773.
RESTAURANT
Chosen by Zagat as the “number-one dessert
restaurant in New York,” Sarabeth’s’ Daikanyama branch offers a special Valentine’s pancake
named the Chocolate Explosion. The indulgent
treat has a gooey, chocolate marshmallow center
complemented by a topping of fresh raspberries,
and can be enjoyed with a side of marshmallows,
whipped cream and raspberry sauce. A popular
breakfast or brunch destination, Sarabeth’s is
sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Until Feb 15,
open 9am-8pm. 1-35-17 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuyaku. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5428-6358.
Thanks to Perfume, we know that Pino is
not only a delightful in-flight snack but also
a fuel source for dancing. With such importance comes great responsibility, and Pino
is keeping things fresh this winter with new
flavors in their seasonal assortment. Joining
chocolate and vanilla in these special Alice in
Wonderland “Pinogatari” boxes by illustrator
Colobockle are frosty nuggets of caramel,
cheesecake and almond goodness. Available
in convenience stores and supermarkets
nationwide.
each table is equipped with electrical outlets—
the communal table even has several built into it.
The food at Greed is equal parts hearty,
healthy and inventive, making use of fresh
vegetables and ingredients outside
conventional restaurant fare, such
as okara—or pulp made of soy.
The menu comprises both
meaty and vegetarian dishes,
served in copious portions,
like their coffee.
Greed’s specialty coffee
is hand-dripped in-store and
comes in cups that may be standard-sized in the States, but would
be considered Herculean in Japan. Coffee
variants are also available such as espresso and
cappuccino, as well as herbal teas.
The lunch menu has three options: The soup
set (¥900), the salad set (¥950) and the sandwich set (¥1,100), each paired with a beverage.
The okara and cheese sandwich is satisfying
and mild, the chewy soy blocks adding cush-
ion to the crunchy French bread, all
topped with the creamy goodness
that is melted Swiss. Other options
include BLT, tuna melt, ham avocado
melt, grilled chicken with avocado and
finally, meatloaf. Additionally, Greed’s
bread is made with rice flour, which
contains less gluten than most breads.
The sandwiches also come with a
choice of olive oil in six flavors, such
as orange, lemon, chili pepper, garlic
and herbs. Greed utilizes organic olive oil imported from Tunisia, and the
wide array of taste options makes it
enjoyable with bread alone.
The broccoli and cheese soup is a zesty
concoction that fuses the earthiness of greens
with the tenderness of dairy, making for a
scrumptious companion to the meal.
The soups here can be had as
side dishes in small bowls or
mains in large ones.
For dessert, Greed serves
up homemade banana bread,
brownies, granola with yogurt and lemon pie. However,
its most notable sweet dish is
the Mason jar custard trifle—as
the name suggests, it's a creamy
concoction served in the multi-functional
jar that’s all the rage on Pinterest these days.
For those seeking a quick refuge in a truly
chill coffee shop environment serving healthy,
hearty food, Greed—in this instance—is a virtue.
1-43-7 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-68040213. 11am-11pm, daily. Yoyogi-koen. http://
cafegreed.com
¥¥ JP/EN/FR
Café Greed
BY MARTIN LEROUX
Japan’s infatuation with the Big Apple
is evident in Tokyo’s myriad cafés and
restaurants emulating the Manhattan
aesthetic—as seen on television and in
the movies. Café Greed goes beyond
that, offering a tranquil escape from the
omnipresent Tokyo buzz by transporting customers to a lazy afternoon in a
Greenwich Village coffee shop.
Tucked away in a shopping street near Yoyogi Park, Greed’s contemporary Western façade
is hard to miss amid the Japanese shops and
studios it’s nestled between. Inside, the café
is cozy yet spacious, luminous with sunlight
permeating through the glass doors and the
aroma of fresh, hand-dripped coffee wafting
throughout. Four-legged companions can occasionally be spotted in this pet-friendly, nonsmoking venue.
Designed to replicate New York’s computerfriendly hangouts, free Wi-Fi is provided, and
16
Fico & Pomum
J u ice’s s m o o t h i e s a n d s h a ke s
achieve the impossible by being both
healthy and heavenly sweet. Utilizing the freshest of
ingre dien t s , t he
smoothies range
f ro m f r u i t y Ac ai
Soy to earthy Kale
Green. Hot smoothies
are also on hand: the hot Apple Cinnamon is
sure to remedy the shivers. The Avocado Milk
shake, topped with chocolate sauce, is the ultimate indulgence. Raw and cold-pressed juices
also available, as are snacks and sandwiches.
17F, Grand Tokyo North Tower, 1-9-1 Chiyodaku. Tokyo. http://ficoandpomum.com
What makes Japanese snacks so entertaining is
the enthusiasm manufacturers have for creative
flavors. While orange or soda may seem a bit “out
there,” chip maker Calbee’s new fusion of potato
and salted caramel—made with 60 percent Lorraine rock salt—is the perfect combination. The
caramel is delightfully bittersweet, and the chips
give a lighter experience than caramel’s classic
salted partner, the pretzel. On a diet? Be careful,
as the chances of not finishing the bag in one
sitting are slim. Available in convenience stores
and supermarkets nationwide.
RECIPE
Photos by Vesna Kevork
HOMEMADE PROTEIN BAR
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Healthy and filling! Figs and prunes are revered
not only for their sweetness, but for their high fiber, mineral and vitamin content that’s supposed
to improve skin conditions and prevent anemia.
It’s sticky, so wrap it with parchment paper or
sprinkle with chopped nuts and dried okara.
Use clean cooking tools and store in a dry, cool
place or the refrigerator’s air shield compartment.
RESTAURANT
¥¥¥
EN/JP/IT
Outdoors
No Sistine Chapel,
only medieval
cabins and jazz
BY V KEVORK
In Daikanyama lies Caffè Michelangelo, a
medieval-looking cottage—or rather dark oak
cabin—that would serve as the perfect setting
for Hansel and Gretel. But here neither witches
nor breadcrumbs are present, and you get out
alive—with a tummy filled with deliciousness!
This charming café is a casual art-house
joint, perfect for chilling on a cold winter afternoon or catching up with friends. Despite
being located on a main road in Daikanyama, a
short walk from the subway, it feels as if you’re
deep in the woods.
The real star is the ambience. The cabin-like
exterior conceals an artsy, old-school European interior vibrant with soft jazz or classical music in the background. A myriad of brochures
and magazines showcase the latest from the
worlds of art, music and food. The café brims
with patrons, each enjoying their meal, deep in
conversation or finishing off lattes. The courtyard, with its angel fountain, is charming and
secluded.
The pasta/risotto lunch menu (¥1,800) consists of a choice of either dish plus soup and
coffee or tea. The bacon and cabbage soup
is smoky, warm and chunky with pieces of
cabbage, served in a cappuccino cup. It’s
tempting to break all cardinal rules against
cappuccinos after 10am and drink the soup
like a beverage. The spaghetti is infused with
garlic and chilli, and topped with eggplant,
prawns and broccoli—healthy, hearty and
very welcome.
Come for the art referrals and the hip crowd.
No ghastly fairy-tale witches lurking in the dark
here, just the cool kids on the block—as well
as businessmen and lunching ladies enjoying
the funky, artsy vibe. No need to trek to the
mountains for a quick getaway, when a cabin
in the woods is well within reach.
29-3 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 033770-9517. 11am-11pm. Daikanyama. http://
meturl.com/caffemichelangelo
Start to finish: 40 mins (active 15 mins)
Servings: 4 bars
• 100g soft dried figs
• 100g soft dried prunes
• 200g oats, bran and granola, combined
• 30g protein powder
• Optional: Extra-dried okara and finely chopped nuts
to dress protein bars
DIRECTIONS:
1. Use knife to chop figs, prunes and half of
cereal mix into a sticky paste.
2.Put mixture into mixing bowl. Add rest of cereal mix and protein powder. Knead and mix
well by hand or with spoon.
3.On plastic wrap or in tray, shape into rectangle. Let rest in fridge for 15-20 mins. Slice
into bar shape.
4.Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts or dried
okara, if preferred.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
17
advertorial
PRETTY IN PINK:
OKINAWAN
WINTER
BY MIGUEL DA LUZ
A
pproximately 1550 km south of cold
Tokyo, Okinawa is enjoying a relatively
warm winter and is getting ready for its
annual pink shower! Right after the New
Year's gatherings and other shinnenkai
(beginning-of-year parties), Okinawans are
ready for a celebration of Mother Nature called
“Sakura matsuri.”
Blessed with a subtropical climate that attracts many visitors and new settlers, Okinawa
is home to the first blossoms in Japan—a premise of the many festivals that will pave the seasons in the prefecture. It’s the perfect occasion
for locals and visitors to enjoy walks in mossgreen mountains and parks beautifully colored
with bright pink touches.
In many parts of mainland Japan, cherry
blossoms coincide with the beginning of the
scholastic and fiscal years of April. Following a
tradition of admiring ume (plum) tree blossoms
that started in the eighth century, which grew
into flower-viewing hanami parties organized
by Shogun Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Japanese today await the cherry blossom season as a time
to enjoy gathering with friends and colleagues.
Beneath the branches of cherry trees, parties
filled with seasonal foods and drinks dot the
landscape as the somei-yoshino cherry tree
flowers bloom in white or pale pink petals for
the pleasure of all.
Down in the Ryukyu archipelago, the Okinawan sakura with its marvelous pink color
stands as a dream marriage between its mainland cherry cousin and the deigo (Erythrina
variegata), the crimson-colored official flower
of Okinawan prefecture made famous by the
popular song by The Boom’s “Shima Uta.”
Horticulturally speaking, the Okinawan
sakura is a different variety from the someiyoshino and other varieties found on mainland
Japan. Called hikan zakura, or kanhi zakura,
the Okinawan cherry is a variety primarily originating in Taiwan and southern China, thus its
18
common name “Taiwan cherry.” With a bellflower shape, the Okinawa sakura blooms facing downward in tones of vermillion all the way
to pale pink.
Another major difference between the cherry
blossoms of Okinawa and the mainland is that
the blooming stream occurs not south to north
as is commonly announced through sakura
zensen, literally “Cherry blossom front” forecasts
by the Japan Meteorological Agency, but north
to south. As the cold triggers the blossoms, the
pink blooms are first observed in the northern
Motobu Peninsula in mid-January and slowly
descend along the main island of Okinawa to
reach Okinawa City and then Naha City and the
southern regions one or two weeks later.
While Okinawan people are not shy when
it comes to celebrating, few parties are held
under cherry blossoms. This can be explained
simply by the prefecture’s limited public transport and the locations of the festivals. Having to
drive to the sites with your own car doesn’t encourage the hanami parties that are so popular
on the mainland, as driving and drinking are out
of the question. As in the case of the most famous festival, cherry trees on Mt. Yaedake line
a winding road up the mountainside; therefore
a picnic wouldn’t be wise. This means sakura
matsuri are true celebrations of nature rather
than outdoor feasts. Cherry viewing in Okinawa
is all about being there for a walk or a drive in
pink-splattered nature, taking photos of the
many variations offered to public eyes; a simple
yet beautiful communion with nature. People
will have plenty of chances to party year round.
Speaking of parties, Okinawa is so proud to
be the first region of Japan to see cherry blossoms each year that the major local beer company, Orion, celebrates by putting its “IchibanSakura” brand on sale as soon as November.
Designed with crimson-pink cherry flowers,
bottles and cans of the 100% malt beer color
tables as nicely as cherry trees decorate the
surroundings. Another original program related
to the cherry blossoms is the election of Miss
Sakura. Every year, the Nago Sakura Queen
election is organized to decide who will represent the city for the coming year. The 41st
selection of Nago Sakura Queen took place on
November 29, 2014 and, from 11 participants,
Kana Higa, Narumi Unten and Reiran Kudaka
became Queens of Nago for one year.
Known for its warm weather and warmhearted people, Okinawa for many symbolizes
summer, diving and marine fun. But in January
and February, it’s a warm and beautiful destination embellished further by cherry blossoms.
If you have a weekend to spare, a journey to
the Ryukyu Islands during the pink blooming
season will show you another side of Okinawa
that will definitely charm your heart and, most
likely, taint it in bright pink!
Major Cherry
Blossom Festivals
In Okinawa
A total of five festivals from north to south of
Okinawa’s main island are held between midJanuary to mid-February. And while the festivals are usually held on weekends, the pretty
sakura pinks are always waiting during the
season.
8th Nakijin Gusuku Cherry
Blossom Festival
9th Yaese Cherry Blossom
Festival
The majesty of a World Heritage site painted in pink.
With a history dating back to the 13th century, Nakijin
Gusuku (castle in Okinawan language) is on its own a site
not to miss when touring Okinawa. And when January
comes the castle remains color themselves in pink.
Unique to this gusuku are the 753 stairs that lead to the
castle’s main ward. There, before WWII, locals planted
cherry trees on both sides of the stone path and this has
become one of the trademarks of the castle. During the
festival season, the castle site is lit from 6-9pm, offering
a breathtaking view of the rosy fortress that's not to be
missed.
Date: Jan 17 - Feb 1, 2015
Admission: Adults: ¥400; elementary school students
to high school students: ¥300; free for pre-school
children *Group discounts (more than 10 people)
available.
Access: Approximately 120 minutes by car
from Naha Airport.
Contact: 0980-56-2256 or 0980-56-4400 (Inquiries
in Japanese only).
Venue: Nakijin Castle Remains Park, Nakijin
Located on the southeast coast of mainland Okinawa,
Yaese Town organizes this event in Yaese Park, filled
with approximately 500 cherry trees. Over the years
the area has become famous for cherry blossom
viewing. On this festive day, displays of local products
and performing arts stages are organized together
with the unique Winter Giant Tug of War. Light-ups are
scheduled from January 23 to the actual festival day,
6-9pm.
Date: Feb 1, 2015
Admission: Free
from Naha Airport.
Contact: 098-998-2668 (Inquiries in Japanese,
English and Chinese)
Venue: Yaese Park, Yaese Town
37th Motobu Yaedake Cherry
Blossom Festival
53rd Nago Cherry Blossom
Festival
Naha Cherry Blossom Festival
2015
Mount Yaedake in northern Motobu Town is the second
highest mountain on mainland Okinawa at 453.4m
and home to one of the most famous spots to enjoy
cherry blossom. With 7,000 trees, its sakura festival is
one of the most praised events for nature and sakura
aficionados. From the entrance on route 84 to the top,
trees line the mountainside for approximately 4 km,
allowing visitors to climb on foot or by car to the summit.
Every weekend during the festival there are stage
performances and food stalls that give the area a true
festival mood. Home to a magnificent wildness, the
region also houses many cafés and art galleries where
people can relax before the drive home.
Date: Jan 17 - Feb 1, 2015
Admission: Free
Access: Approximately 120 minutes by car from Naha
Airport. Contact: 0980-47-2700 or 0980-47-6688
(Inquiries in Japanese only)
Venue: Yaedake Sakura-no-Mori Park, Motobu Town
With food stalls and stage performances, this festival
is typical of the many Okinawa hosts throughout
the year. While the entire area boasts some
20,000 cherry trees, the leading attraction is the
approximately 2km-long approach to Nangusuku
(Nago Castle), which itself dates back to the 14th
century. The dream promenade wrapped in brilliant
pink leads to the summit and opens to a fantastic
view of the emerald green East China Sea.
Date: Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2015
Admission: Free
from Naha Airport.
Contact: 0980-53-7755 (Inquiries in Japanese only).
Venue: Nago Central Park and Nago Castle Ruins,
Nago City
Once a year, the 400+ cherry trees of Yogi Park in
Naha City welcome this horticulture and entertainment
event. During the festival, gardening consultation and
sales, popular song stages and other performing arts
can be enjoyed by all generations under the pretty
pink flowers.
Date: Feb 11-15, 2015 Admission: Free
from Naha Airport.
Contact: 098-855-2552 (Inquiries in Japanese only)
Venue: Yogi Park, Naha City
Nakijin Castle Remains
Motobu Yaedake
Nago
Yogi Park
Naha
Naha Airport
Yaese Park
Other sakura festivals
throughout Okinawa prefecture
Uruma City Nurikawa Sakura Festival (Uruma City,
Feb 7-8, Contact: 070-5818-8055)
Kumeno Sakura Hanami-kai (Motobu Town, Early
March, Contact: 0980-47-2300)
Depending on the year, timing of the sakura blooming season may change. We suggest you plan in advance by contacting the respective organizers in order not to miss the
feast! For tourist information in English about Okinawa and its various many festivals, contact the “Multilingual Call Center” at 0570-077201 or 098-851-7286.
From outside Japan call: +81-98-851-7286 between 9am and 9pm (up to March 31, 2015).
19
FASHION CALENDAR
Do you have what it takes for TV?
Looking for English
& Chinese speakers
Also Japanese, Spanish & French speakers
JAN 22-26
LaForet Grand Bazar Sala
Under the honest tagline of “Japan’s
latest but best sale,” LaForet Harajuku
are holding the most anticipated
sale of the season. Stay glued to @
Laforet_SALE on Twitter for tip-offs
on the best deals. Consider wearing
earplugs if you pay it a visit; they
really ought to have added “loudest”
to the slogan.
www.laforet.ne.jp/grand_bazar
JAN 23
Ground Y x Neon Genesis
Evangelion
The much anticipated Ground Y by
Yohji Yamamoto meets Evangelion
collaboration drops on the 23rd with a
series of bold anime graphic prints on
classic Yohji cuts. The collaboration
encompasses suits, skirts, shirts and
more, making a complete Evangelion
coordinate possible, but arguably
ill-advised.
www.parco.co.jp/customer/shibuya
JAN 31
NOW IN JAPAN!
TOKYO CORRESPONDENT
Fashion One broadcasts original programming to over 300 million
people in 44 countries.
We’re now looking for a Tokyo correspondent to join our worldwide
operations.
No fashion experience needed—just the right personality! Send
your CV, cover letter, photo and/or video application, plus a link to
any on-camera work to:
http://www.fashionone.jp/casting
日本初上陸！
日本人テレビリポーターを募集しています！
ファッションワンは世界44ヶ国、3億人以上に発信している番組です。
履歴書と、
プロファイル写真一枚を送って下さい。
もしあなたが映っている動画やリンク先があれば、是非一緒に送って
下さい。
日本初上陆！
我们正在面向全球招募中文流利的电视台记者！
你好，美女！想成为一名记者吗？
我们会是你的第一选择！
只要你拥有一副可爱的容貌，那就快快加入我们这支年轻的队伍吧！
你只需要给我们发送你的简历和照片。
FACEBOOK等个人网页也欢迎!
BE SEEN. BE THE SCENE.
metropolis.co.jp/fashionone
20
New Balance goes collaboration
crazy
Footwear giants New Balance are
capitalizing on their current in-vogue
status across Japan and East Asia
with no less than three high-profile
collaborations all set for release on the
31st. The collaborations with Urban
Research, United Arrows and Beams
all differ, so if you’re on the hunt for a
pair of New Balance to call your own,
you’re rather spoiled for choice.
www.newbalance.co.jp
FEB 1
Anna Sui dreams In Green
Currently riding high on her bestselling collaborations with the
Moomin series, Anna Sui has a new
fragrance in the form of Sui Dreams—
In Green. Sold in a cute bottle shaped
like a handbag, the floral packaging
matches the pure whimsy of the
fragrance, which might just get you
in the mood for spring—prematurely.
www.annasui.co.jp
FEB 1
MSGM x Toiletpaper
Italian brand MGSM, beloved of
the Tokyo street fashion scene, is
teaming up with the humorously
named photography magazine
Toiletpaper for another collaboration.
The confrontational graphic designs
aren’t going to be for everyone,
and with a mere T-shirt coming in
at ¥28,000 (plus tax), the designs
are probably best thought of as
investment in contemporary art as
well as fashion.
http://msgm.it
fashion fix
SECONDHAND STYLE
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
Even if vintage fashion, as in well-curated archives, has been a huge
part of the Tokyo fashion scene since the 1960s, secondhand or
thrift-store shopping has been something of a social taboo in the mainstream—that is until relatively recently. In retrospect, the stigma was
chipped away in the early 2000s with the spike of “used brand” shops
popping up to sell the ubiquitous Louis Vuitton and Chrome Hearts of
ON POINT
Tokyo’s known as the destination of choice for foreign
observers to pick up fresh designers on the cutting edge of
cool. However, linguistic and
cultural barriers regrettably
stop the city from being the
stage it could be for young international brands in tune with
Tokyo fashion tastes, looking
to make a name for themselves. But that’s starting to change, not only on the more mainstream
level with the likes of House of Holland joining
the roster of the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week Tokyo, but the underground channels too
are starting to open up to the right people.
Newly rebranded Omotesando select-shop
“WUT,” formerly “Wut Berlin,” is one such avenue
into the city with buyer Yann Le Goec scouting the
graduation shows of fashion schools worldwide
and offering the best a chance to exhibit in Tokyo. His latest protégé is Russian Tigran Avetisyan, who he picked out from the class of 2014 at Central
Saint Martins, London. Now Tigran’s graphic-heavy Spring/Summer 2015
menswear collection is on sale at WUT ahead of anywhere else in the
world, accompanied by a capsule collection of ten one-of-a-kind T-shirts.
the era—but even then, you would get the occasional fashionista who
wouldn’t stoop to secondhand.
Now, with the advent of shops aimed at teens like WEGO that
offer a mix of cheap secondhand and fast fashion stock, the taboo
has all but vanished—although everyone has a line they won’t cross.
Secondhand shoes, anyone?
STREET
FOCUS
SHOPPING STRATEGY
People often ask what subcultures they should be looking out for on the Tokyo
streets, but I’m afraid to report that the age where you could put a label on
a look are long gone, confined to the history books along with the formulaic
approach they embodied. But this doesn’t mean the streets are any less
creative; it’s actually quite the reverse. Instead of people ticking the boxes of a
fashion tribe, now street style icons can mix and match their own way. So follow
in the path of today’s subject and create a look that defies labeling.
Photo by Samuel Thomas
Regular readers may be well
aware of the rise of Japanese
pop culture-infused fashion,
and indeed this month brings
news that the godfather of Japanese high-fashion, Yohji Yamamoto, will be collaborating
with seminal anime Neon Genesis Evangelion via his youthfocused sub-brand Ground Y.
But what happens to original
hardcore anime, manga and idol
fans who created this culture
that’s now so celebrated in the
mainstream? Well, the answer in parts was found at the recent Akiba Noise
3.0. The third installment in curator Kazuki Kotake’s series of Akihabara
culture-themed exhibitions is fittingly entitled “Post Idol,” in response to
the now-ubiquitous presence of idols in mainstream culture. In it, designers such as Mikio Sakabe, Rurumu and Ryota Murakami proposed their
responses to where the original otaku-infused fashion is heading. And
the answer? Deeper underground to the point where the mainstream
dare not copy.
Those interested should take to Twitter and follow the hashtag #akibanoise as there’s deliberately no central homepage to make things easy
for you.
21
city life
Photos by Genki Unno and Riki Shirayama
D’ILLYRIA IS PLANET
FORBIDDEN!
Yokohama International School puts a
Star Trek twist on a sci-fi musical
BY C BRYAN JONES
I
f you’re searching for Trekkies in Japan,
look no further than Yokohama International
School and Shane Meiklejohn, YIS’ middle
and high school drama teacher. Seeking out
new tunes and new situations for the Drama/
Theatre program’s next production, Meiklejohn
tossed his love for Star Trek and Shakespeare into
the intermix chamber to create something exciting, different and musical: Return to the Forbidden
Planet … with pointy ears.
“Mostly we’ve tackled musicals and standard
plays from particular time periods, such as Thoroughly Modern Millie set in the 1920s or Xanadu
set in the late 1970s, early 1980s,” says Meiklejohn, who has been teaching at YIS for 16 years.
“We wanted to try something different this time,
more fantasy-based and out of this world. There
aren’t many sci-fi musicals around, and we also
wanted to try one that was fairly unique.”
While a story based on the 1956 sci-fi classic
Forbidden Planet may seem unusual for stage,
Special thanks to Yokohama Osambashi Pier
22
there’s a thread running through the core of theatre that ties together Robby the Robot and Captain James T. Kirk. That thread is Shakespeare.
The original Forbidden Planet draws upon
The Tempest for many of its themes and settings.
Bob Carlton, the famed British director, took this
a step further in Return to the Forbidden Planet
using a mishmash of lines from Shakespeare to
create the script for his musical. The words of the
Bard are also frequently referenced throughout
the Star Trek franchise, with The Tempest quoted
by Spock in the classic episode “Is There in Truth
No Beauty?” and Data playing the role of Prospero in the Next Generation episode “Emergence.”
It’s this long-running relationship between
Star Trek and Shakespeare that led Meiklejohn
to his unique take on the Olivier Award-winning
musical. “Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star
Trek, actually was inspired by the western wagon
trail of American pioneers and aspects of The
Tempest and the film Forbidden Planet. In fact, a
number of original series episode storylines
are based on The Tempest,” he explains.
“The characters of Return to the Forbidden Planet fit easily into the framework of
The Original Series as there’s a captain, a
navigator and a science officer, while the
role of Prospero, the mad scientist, could
be Khan- like.”
As in Roddenberry’s original Star Trek,
the science officer in the YIS production
is a Vulcan—though due to the limitations
of school enrollment the character will be
played by a human. The cast is led by grade-10
student Daniel Eckhoff, who plays Captain Tempest, as well as grade-10 student Mia Whiting
(Miranda), grade-12 student Masumi Arita (“the
science officer”) and Sasha Aronson, a grade-10
student-turned-mad scientist as Prospero.
Just as actors on the Star Trek television series have discovered, playing an alien can mean
stepping far outside your own nature. “Being
assigned the role of ‘the science officer,’ I have
felt becoming my character was a bit of a challenge. Because I’m usually a very silly, spontaneous person, it was the exact opposite of my own
personality,” explains Arita of assuming the stoic,
serious demeanor of a Vulcan.
About the experience of visiting the Star Trek
universe, Whiting (Miranda) cited the process. “It’s
been a big journey, and working with a great set
of actors and people around me has really shaped
my acting and the show into something very well
done.” India Whatley, who plays the navigation
officer, lets the Trekkie pride out, revealing, “I’ve
also been enjoying researching about Star Trek.”
And Eckhoff, Captain Tempest himself, is into the
music. “The mixture of Star Trek and Shakespeare
plus ’50s and ’60s rock music is absolutely amazing, and we always have so much fun with it.”
“The students have embraced the show with
a dynamic energy. We are lucky to have such an
amazing variety of talent here at YIS, and they
take their roles seriously and apply themselves
wholeheartedly to the production process,” says
Meiklejohn proudly.
THE MUSICAL IS
FULL OF 1950s AND
’60s HITS, SO IT’S A
NATURAL FIT TO THE
ORIGINAL SERIES OF
STAR TREK WITH ITS
MID-’60s STYLE.”
Return to the Forbidden Planet continues
the long tradition of arts education at Yokohama International School. The Arts department
has hosted two International School Theatre
Association Symposiums on Japanese traditional theatre, giving drama students from international schools across Asia the chance to
experience workshops from masters in butoh,
kabuki, noh and kyogen.
“YIS has a strong connection with the Japanese arts community as well as local theatre
ensembles, such as Yokohama Theatre Group,”
explains Meiklejohn. “Many of our graduates
have continued their study in musical theatre
at universities in Europe or the USA and some
have also entered the media industry.”
Don’t miss this chance to boldly go to D’Illyria
with Captain Tempest and his crew. Set transporter coordinates for Yokohama and energize!
Feb 6 & 7, 7:30pm, Feb 8, 2pm. Tanner Auditorium,
Yokohama International School. MotomachiChūkagai. http://meturl.com/yistrek
STAR TREK and all related marks, logos and characters are owned by CBS
Studios Inc.Yokohama International School’s production of Return to the
Forbidden Planet, the promotion thereof and/or any exhibition of material
created for it are not endorsed or sponsored by or affiliated with CBS/
Paramount Pictures or the STAR TREK franchise.
123RF
In preparing for the performances, which will
take place at Yokohama International School’s
Tanner Auditorium February 6, 7 and 8, the students are living the dream of many Star Trek fans.
Dressed in the colorful threads of Kirk’s era, they’ll
take up their posts on a recreation of the Starship
Enterprise bridge. Replica props round out the
23rd-century landscape with communicators,
phasers and tricoders. Not authentic enough for
you? They're experimenting with using projection and even simulating teleportation on stage.
Getting those transporters online will be key
to a successful mission as the musicians have to
arrive on set somehow. Return to the Forbidden
Planet features dozens of songs, none of which
are performed by Charles Napier (sorry fans of
“The Way to Eden”). However, a live student rock
band will be playing hits such as “Great Balls of
Fire,” “Wipe Out,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and, of
course, The Byrds’ country-infused psychedelic
“Mr. Spaceman.”
Working together with Meiklejohn, who is
directing, are choreographer Leanne Erickson,
vocal director Sheryl Bridgewater and band director Peter Noonan. The grade-12 theatre class
is also heavily involved in the production side.
neighborhood
STATION STAPLES
Getting on the right track
BY KEN JOSEPH JR.
One of the wonderful things about Japan
is the incredible transportation system.
In one form or another, this system likely
brought you to your kinjo, or neighborhood,
whether by train, subway or bus.
In the big cities, the subway system is extremely well organized. For those of us who
grew up in Tokyo, the subways follow the
old streetcar lines that used to crisscross
the city. In fact, one of these, the Arakawa
line, still runs today.
Living outside the city can present
challenges for the commuter, but in recent years, an interesting phenomenon has
arisen that unites the suburban lines and
the subway lines. This has made it much
easier for commuters to seamlessly move
from the outskirts into the subway all on
the same train.
An example is traveling between points
to the north and south of Tokyo. It’s now
possible to take a train that starts in Saitama and ends up in Yokohama, all while
traveling through Shinjuku, Shibuya and
other parts of the city without transferring.
Technically, the same train goes from being a suburban line to a subway line and
back again.
Running between the various train lines are
bus routes that connect the lines laterally. Before he left, former governor Naoki Inose put
together a series of late-night buses so people
can get home even after the last train has left.
The best part of the system? It actually
works and everything runs on time! A train
that leaves on schedule is a rarity in most cities around the world, but in Tokyo the 6:47 will
indeed leave at 6:47!
Ken Joseph Jr. directs The Japan Helpline at
www.jhelp.com, which has been helping the
international community 24/7 since 1975. Just
press "Help!"
LINGO BOX
Eki (駅) = station
Chikatetsu (地下鉄) = subway
Deguchi (出口) = exit
Kippu (切符) = ticket
Homu (ホーム) = platform
Do you have any interesting stories about using
the transportation system? We’d love to hear
your “kinjo” experiences!
23
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
WHAT WE DO IN
THE SHADOWS
Horror-comedy is a tricky genre. You know this.
But the Kiwi team that brought us Flight of the
Conchords gets it spot-on right with this spoof
about a quartet of bloodsuckers from various
epochs dealing with 21st-century life in a Wellington
apartment. The film opens with a testy flat meeting in which the gormless Viago (Taika Waititi), an
18th century dandy, is scolding the others for “not
washing the bloody dishes” (heh!). His flatmates
include Vladislav (Jemaine Clement), an oldschool, medieval torturer who calls himself “Vlad
the Poker” (because “Impaler” was taken), and the
rocker Deacon (Jonathan Brugh). And in the basement (natch) dwells the Nosferatu-like Petyr (Ben
Fransham), who mostly hisses. This laugh-out-loud
funniest mockumentary since This Is Spinal Tap is
basically a series of linked set pieces, a structure
that perfectly suits the material. The film never sags.
There’s the rival “polite” werewolf pack, a suggestion on how to avoid bloodstains on the sofa when
having a date for dinner (wink), getting past nightclub bouncers (vampires must be asked in), mirrors
that don’t work and what to Google. This is clearly
not Twilight. A bit gory, of course, but never gratuitously so. I may watch it again. Japanese title:
Sharehouse with Vampire. (86 min)
NEW
STILL LIFE
Underrated charac ter
ac tor Eddie Marsan
(Inspector Lestrade in
Sherlock Holmes) takes
the lead in this lovingly
handmade character study by Umberto Pasolini. Marsan
is perfectly cast as social, obsessively organized council
worker John May, whose task is to locate the friends and
relatives of those who have died alone, and persuade
them to attend the funerals he arranges at which he is
often the sole participant. He cares. Abruptly downsized, he makes extra efforts on his last case, and finds
a new world opening up. The out-of-the-blue ending
packs an emotional wallop. For grown-ups. Japanese
title: Omiokuri no Sahō. (92 min)
NEW
BIG EYES
Back in the ’60s, Walter
Keane’s (Chris toph
Waltz) schlocky portraits
of big-eyed waifs were
a craze in the art world
(represented by a sneering Terence Stamp). Keane
was a major artist, to be sure, but of the “con” school—
because he never painted anything; that chore went to
his wife, Margaret (Amy Adams). She was complicit in
the deception, having been convinced by her sly husband that art by women would never sell. It’s restrained
for a Tim Burton film, though topped off by a rousing
courtroom scene, and woven into the narrative is a
thought-provoking argument on art vs. commercialism. (100 min)
ANNIE
Some are complaining about the changes
made to the 1977 stage
version. The two principles are black (Jamie
Foxx and Quvenzhané Wallis). So what? Then it’s been
updated from the Depression Era, making it even more
irrelevant than the usual unnecessary reboot. And a
helicopter chase? Seriously? So, pretty bad, but hey,
the original was pretty bad to begin with. Most of the
acting is of the “over” variety, with Cameron Diaz’s
moronic muggings a f ingernails-on-a-blackboard
standout. Banal and shallow, it tries too hard, fails too
frequently and never rises above the adequate family
entertainment level. (118 min)
THE NOVEMBER MAN
As spy thrillers go,
there’s nothing really
wrong with this James
Bond wannabe. I mean,
it’s got a former Bond in
Pierce Brosnan (who does well), a Bond-worthy director in Roger Donaldson (The Getaway, The Recruit, The
Bank Job), plenty of (nicely analog) explosions and car
chases and even a former Bond Girl in Olga Kurylenko,
who’s never hard to look at. But there’s just not much
that’s memorable about this collection of clichés,
either. Airport-novel narrative that gets less coherent
as the film lurches along, poorly defined characters
and a complete lack of originality. Japanese title: Spy
Legend. (108 min)
NATIONAL GALLERY
Documentarian Frederick
Wiseman’s unique and
privileged look at the
venerable title museum
in London. During this
three-hour, ambling-yet-focused visit, we audit several
lectures by the Gallery’s knowledgeable docents; but
there’s much more going on here. Wiseman immerses us
in the place’s daily goings-on: A board meeting, carpenters, lighting experts and, particularly fascinating, the
work being done in the restoration/conservation labs.
All this is done with no talking heads, explanatory text,
voiceovers or even title cards. No contextualization at
all, in fact. I learned stuff. Japanese title: National Gallery
Eikoku no Shihou. (181 min)
THE JUDGE
A hotshot Chicago
criminal defense lawye r ( Ro b e r t D ow n ey,
Jr.) returns to his rural
hometown for his mom’s
funeral and immediately butts heads with his estranged
dad (Robert Duvall, still great at 83!), a respected judge.
Things start to get interesting when, out of the blue,
Dad is accused of murder. Alas, they don’t stay interesting. These actors (plus Billy Bob Thornton, Vincent
D’Onofrio and Vera Farmiga) are incapable of giving bad
performances, and maybe it’s worth seeing just for the
acting. But it’s frustrating to see them caught in such an
obvious, overlong and predictable movie. Grisham lite.
Japanese title: Judge: Sabakareru Hanji. (141 min)
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
What We Do in the Shadows: © Shadow Pictures Ltd MMXIV; Still Life: © Exponential (Still Life) Limited 2012; Big Eyes: © Big Eyes SPV, LLC. All Rights Reserved.; The November Man: © 2014 No Spies, LLC. All Rights Reserved; National Gallery: ©
2014 Gallery Film LLC and Ideale Audience. All Rights Reserved.; The Judge: © 2014 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS(BVI)LIMITED,WARNERBROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC; Jimmy’s Hall: © Sixteen Jimmy
Limited, Why Not Productions, Wild Bunch, Element Pictures, France 2 Cinéma,Channel Four Television Corporation, the British Film Institute and Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board 2014; Appleseed Alpha: © 2014 Lucent Pictures
Entertainment Inc./Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Inc., All Rights Reserved. Comic book © 2014 Shirow Masamune/Crossroad; 12-12-12: © 2013 Robin Hood Foundation All Rights Reserved; Sin City: A Dame to Kill For: © 2014 Maddartico
Limited. All Rights Reserved.; Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return: © 2012 - Dorothy of Oz, LLC and Summertime Entertainment; Son of God: © 2014 LightWorkers Media Inc. and Hearst Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved.
24
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
NEW
JIMMY’S HALL
In what he claims is his
last feature film, activist
director Ken Loach takes
up the true tale of James
Gralton (Barry Ward), a
1930s Irish community leader who built a corrugated tin
hall on his land, wherein the townspeople could gather
for debate, dances, music and literature lessons, and
just have fun. Decidedly not amused, and certainly
threatened, was the local priest (a brilliant Jim Norton)
who viewed all education as falling exclusively under
the purview of the Mother Church. He eventually had
Jimmy deported. They could do that. This is a warm,
humorous story, intelligently told. Japanese title: Jimmy,
No wo Kakeru Densetsu. (109 min)
APPLESEED ALPHA
The Appleseed series
has ap paren t l y b e en
around for quite some
time—initially a manga
30 years ago, then a TV
series and three movies. So I think you’re supposed to
know more about it than I do to judge it good or bad.
Anime and CGI adherents will love the brilliantly rendered, post-apocalyptic New York City, not to mention the almost traditional main lady warrior’s bursting
cleavage, but unschooled casual viewers approaching it stand-alone may lack the backstories to find any
meaning in it at all. Zilch character development and a
hackneyed plot reduce it to very well done eye candy.
(93 min)
12-12-12
Just a few weeks after
Hurricane Sandy wreaked
havoc on the New
York City area, Harvey
We i n s te i n a n d s o m e
other big hitters rushed together a star-studded, streaming concert at Madison Square Garden that raised $50
million plus for relief efforts. Among the too-numerousto-mention, mostly classic rockers joining Sir Paul were
The Boss, The Stones, Eric, Alicia, Billy and The Who (and
Kanye), while backstage, every celebrity you ever knew
manned the donation phones. As a concert movie, it’s only
passable, as each group does just one song, but it’s brilliantly edited, lots of fun, and an unparalleled star-spotter.
Japanese title: 12-12-12 New York, Kiseki no Live. (106 min)
SIN CITY: A DAME TO
KILL FOR
Most f ilmgoers dug
2005’s Sin City, a graphic novel adaptation by
Robert Rodriguez and
Frank Miller that looked like one, replete with sexy babes
and severely noir vernacular and violence, all wrapped up
in a highly stylized package. Here we have more of the
same. A lot more. Of the same. If that’s what you’re looking for, have fun. But I found it repetitive and even banal,
offering little that’s fresh or innovative. Eva Green is the
title murder-justifying dame, and, to put it succinctly: Viva
Eva! Bottom line: Dutiful retread, but second-string, mostly leftover material listlessly presented. Japanese title: Sin
City: Fukushu no Megami. (102 min)
LEGENDS OF OZ:
DOROTHY’S RETURN
No sooner has Dorothy
returned from Oz than
she’s summoned back by
her three YBR traveling
companions to deal with the Wicked Witch’s power-mad
jester brother. This joyless, charmless cash-grab is the
worst “Oz” movie yet (even worse than yours, James
Franco). New, moronic characters; sappy pop songs;
lazy, unbelievably cheesy animation. No brain, no heart,
no courage, no magic, no soul. You can take your kids
if you’re okay with them growing up with low entertainment expectations, but you’ll be bored witless. This
movie’s so bad I heard the investors want their money
back. Skip it twice. Japanese title: Oz: Mezase! Emerald
no Kuni e. (91 min)
SON OF GOD
I’ve got no problem with
churchgoers finding comfort in endless depictions
of the Greatest Story Ever
Repeatedly Retold. Really
I don’t. But this is a film column, and, cinematically
speaking, this earnest but bland Sunday-school flick is
a disaster of, well, biblical proportions. Narratively, it’s
more of a series of setups for Jesus to utter His Greatest
Hits than a coherent story. The tanned Portuguese actor
in the title role does more posing than acting, and suggests little depth. The score’s cornball, the Jews are
portrayed irresponsibly negatively and it’s way too long.
(138 min)
© 2014『さよなら歌舞伎町』製作委員会
© 2010 Zipporah Films
NEW
cinematic underground
eiga
SAYONARA KABUKICHO
BY ROB SCHWARTZ
Celebrated auteur Ryuichi Hiroki has had success
with films about sex, relationships and ennui. The
most prominent example of this is Vibrator, which won
numerous awards worldwide in 2004. While that work
showcased actress Shinobu Terashima, the present
film is an ensemble piece that features the currently
hot actor Shota Sometani, ex-AKB 48 leader Atsuko
Maeda and longtime star Kaho Minami, among others.
The action over 24 hours mainly takes place at a love
hotel in Kabukicho that is managed by the youthful Toru
(Sometani). He must deal with a variety of twisted and
NEW
dangerous patrons not to mention people he’s close to,
particularly his girlfriend (Maeda), who keep turning up
for illicit action. The film moves between couples, a pair
of police detectives, a Korean hooker and her boyfriend,
a pimp trying to ensnare a high school girl, and Toru’s
own sister, sketching their relationships with economy
and emotional punch. While some of the themes are
heavy-handed (cleaning lady Minami is a criminal on the
run), overall the piece is successful in contrasting those
searching for tenderness and those using sex for control
and profit. English title: Kabukicho Love Hotel. (135 min)
At 85, legendary documentary filmmaker Frederick
Wiseman is still going strong. His latest work National
Gallery is screening at Bunkamura’s Le Cinema (2-241 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku; www.bunkamura.co.jp) and
a retrospective at Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho,
Shibuya-ku; www.cinemavera.com) presents touchstones of his long career, on from January 31-February
13. Highlights include his debut Titicut Follies (1967), shot
in a mental hospital and Boxing Gym (2010; pictured).
Profiled in a recent New York Times article about working professionals over 80, Wiseman said, “my friends are
either dead or are still working” … Friday the 13th meets
Glee with Stage Fright, a schlocky horror film about a
crazed killer who can’t stand stage musicals and a snobby summer camp where counselors Minnie Driver and
Meat Loaf are always putting on a show with the kids. On
from January 24 at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya (Cocoti
Bldg.7,8F 1-23-16, Shibuya-ku; www.ht-cinema.com) ...
Iconic French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard’s latest effort
Goodbye to Language has divided critics and audiences. The National Society of Film Critics in the U.S. called
it the best picture of 2014; others have called it an inaccessible mess. Decide for yourself when it screens in
3-D at Cine Switch in Ginza (4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku; www.
cineswitch.com) from January 31. Kevin Mcgue
25
arts&culture
Courtesy of Beatink, photo by Reuben Wu
CLUBBING
TYCHO
Sound and visual
designer Scott Hansen
BY SHANE BUSATO
C
alifornia artist Scott Hansen creates
visual designs that are rooted in the
same place as the tunes he produces as
Tycho. The feeling of nostalgia and the
beauty of the natural world allow those who
enjoy his work to feel like they’ve somehow
shared his childhood. During his busy Asian
tour, Tycho answered a few questions from
Metropolis.
Tell us about your background and how you
came up with the name Tycho.
I was reading a lot about physics and cosmology when I was starting out in music, and
Tycho Brahe’s name came up a lot. He was a
Danish astronomer and there’s a crater named
26
for him on the moon. It’s somewhat arbitrary,
but I like the sound of the name and felt it was
fitting for the type of music I was making.
Have you ever performed in Japan? What did
you find unique about Japanese audiences?
Yes, we performed at the Taico Club festival
last year. We were overwhelmed by the energy
of the crowd and are excited to see how more
intimate shows at clubs will be.
You run a well-known design blog: certain
colors and typography, and retro futuristic
themes are distinctive to your designs. Are
these aspects key to your music making?
The music and the design are both coming
from the same place; they are both sides of
the same coin and are meant to paint a bigger picture. I think there are a lot of parallels
between my visual and musical work as I use
a similar process and methodology for both.
Do you have more passion for design or music?
I don’t see any real separation between the two.
I’m a multimedia artist; design and music are
two ways I’ve found to express a singular vision.
Is analog input with real instruments and old
synthesizers important to creating electronic
sounds?
I don’t think it’s necessarily important, I just
personally prefer working with guitars and
hardware synthesizers. But I’ve heard great
music composed entirely with a computer; it’s
all about what inspires an artist.
Can you talk about your creative process of
making music? Are the members of your band
part of that?
I generally start with a simple melodic element
and then build out from there. Once I have
something I feel is solid, I’ll treat it from a sort
of remixing perspective and it will often change
significantly or take on an entirely new form.
For Awake, Zac and I started out by jamming
together on some ideas and we later had Rory
come in and play drums.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I generally listen to rock. Atoms for Peace are
one of my favorite bands recently.
What’s the next step for Tycho?
We’re planning on touring throughout most of
2015, then in the fall I’d like to start work on a
new record.
Shibuya O-East, January 29.
http://tychomusic.com http://iso50.com
MUSIC
LILY
BLOSSOMS
The outspoken singer-songwriter
talks music and family
BY MARTIN LEROUX
W
hen Metropolis talks to Lily Allen,
she is speaking from her countryside home in Gloucestershire on a
Sunday morning, where she’s about
to prepare lunch for her husband and two
daughters, wearing her most comfortable pair
of sweatpants—a contrast to her vivid, flamboyant stage outfits.
The singer-songwriter is getting ready to
embark on an Asian tour, which brings her to
Japan for the first time in six years.
This time, however, Allen visits as a mother,
bringing along her husband, Sam Cooper, and
children, Ethel Mary, three, and Marnie Rose,
two. The singer plans to show them around,
name-dropping the likes of Tokyu Hands and
Kiddy Land with the ease of a Tokyo resident.
“I’m really excited to show them the bits
of Japan I know already, and we’re excited to
discover bits of it that I haven’t seen before,”
gushes Allen. “And of course, I can’t wait to come
over and play a show.”
The voice we hear is a thoughtful one, offering eloquent musings on music, parenting and
social affairs. After all, she’s the same provocative pop star whose outspokenness has, over
the years, been as renowned as her music and
been the subject of many a controversy on both
sides of the North Atlantic.
In 2013, her music video for “Hard Out Here,”
a single from last year’s album Sheezus that
satirized the objectification of women in pop culture, met with heated reactions online. Despite
being lauded by Rolling Stone as a “feminist
anthem,” the video garnered accusations of both
sexism and racism due to its inclusion of scantily
clad black and Asian backup dancers—which
the singer denies was the intent behind the clip.
“We made a video that [we] felt fit the song,
and wanted to highlight what the lyrical content
was about. It’s difficult to quantify, isn’t it? There
isn’t a formula for it. You just kind of do what you
do and see what happens,” says the 29-year-old
Londoner. “And what happened, happened. I
don’t really know how to digest it all, to be honest,” she adds with a laugh.
Furthermore, Allen says she’s not out to provoke; her songwriting inspiration comes from a
myriad of directions.
“It’s just different all the time. I think that’s
why you see such a range of subject matters
and stuff with my music,” Allen confirms. “I
write very much in the moment, so it’s totally
dependent on what’s going on in the world or
what’s happening in the news, whether I’ve
had an argument with my husband or one of
my best friends hasn’t called me in a couple
of weeks—whatever. That’s my inspiration: my
relationships and my views on current affairs.”
Allen goes on to voice her worries about social media. It’s a topic she’s familiar with, having started her career as an artist on MySpace
during the social networking
site’s heyday—an era before
the reign of Facebook.
“I took advantage of the
social networking side because it wasn’t really somet hing any b o d y e l se was
utilizing at the time,” she comments, stating that most musicians are on social networks
today. “If I was starting out,
I probably wouldn’t go there;
I’d probably go somewhere
where everybody else isn’t.”
However, she acknowledges that the internet has a dark
side, and is worried about the
present generation growing
up with it.
“There’s a whole new area
that we have to protect our
children from and keep a very
close eye on it,” she says, tone
that of a concerned parent,
defining the internet as a nonphysical entity on which kids’
activity needs to be monitored.
“I think something has to happen because
there are a lot of people or children … young
people, that are communicating with each other
in not a particularly healthy or good way—or
kind way.
“It definitely breeds quite a negative form
of communication and that’s not necessarily something I want for my children. However,
I’m not going to be one of those parents that
says, ‘Right, no computer for you!’ So I think it’s
about finding a balance.”
Her passion for raising her kids is evident in
her voice, perhaps even more prominently than
when discussing her music.
When asked how she would like to be remembered, she contemplates it for a moment before
professing with a laugh: “As a good mother.”
Lily Allen: Live in Japan 2015. Jan 27, 7pm.
¥8,000. Toyosu Pit. Shin-Toyosu. Tel: 057000-3337 (10am-7pm). http://meturl.com/lilyallen2015
27
agenda
WATCH LIST
Concerts
POPULAR
Public Hall. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3463-3022. http://j.mp/
malmsteen2015
British pop boy band. Feb
5, 7pm. ¥6,000-7,000. Zepp
Tokyo. Aomi. Tel: 03-35990710. http://j.mp/vamps2015
emerged as part of the second
wave of pop punk in the late
1990s. Feb 14, 6pm. ¥6,500.
Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. Feb 15, 6pm.
¥6,500. Yokohama Bay Hall.
Motomachi-Chukagai. Tel:
045-624-3900. http://j.mp/
glory2015
Level 42
Mötley Crüe
English pop rock and jazz-funk
band who gained fame for their
high-calibre musicianship.
Feb 4-5, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥7,000-9,800. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/level422015
American heavy metal band
known for their genre-bending
music, anthemic choruses
and melodic power. Feb 14,
5pm; Feb 15, 4pm. ¥13,00030,000. Saitama Super Arena.
Saitama-Shintoshin. http://
meturl.com/motley2014
The Vamps
Canada Rocks Tokyo!
Indie artists with Canadian
roots play original and
Canadian cover songs. Jan
24, 6:30-11pm. Free. What
the Dickens. Ebisu. Tel:
03-3780-2099. http://j.mp/
canadarockstokyo2015
Johnny Marr
English musician who was a
songwriter and guitarist of The
Smiths. Jan 26, 7pm. ¥6,800
(adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/marr2015
Julia Fordham
British singer-songwriter
whose professional career
began in the early 1980s.
Jan 26, 7pm. ¥6,800-8,800.
Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133. http://meturl.
com/fordham2015
Chet Faker
Australian electronica musician
who won Breakthrough Artist
of the Year Award at the
2012 Australian Independent
Records Awards. Jan 26,
7:30pm. ¥5,500. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://meturl.com/faker2015
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Welsh rock band who recently
released their debut album
The Balcony. Jan 28, 7pm.
¥5,000 (adv). Daikanyama
Unit. Daikanyama. Tel:
03-5459-8630. http://meturl.
com/catfish2014
My Name
South Korean boy band
created by Fly to the Sky
member Hwanhee. Jan 31,
5pm. ¥8,800. Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. http://meturl.com/
myname2015
Richie Kotzen
Guitarist, singer, songwriter
and producer with an
instantly recognizable and
immediately striking style. Feb
1, 5pm. ¥8,000. Akasaka Blitz.
Akasaka. http://meturl.com/
kotzen2014
No Age
Experimental punk duo based
in Los Angeles, with special
guests The Novembers and
ZZZ’s. Feb 1, 7pm. ¥5,000
(adv). Club Quattro. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
noage2015
Ole Borud
Norwegian singer-songwriter
and instrumentalist known
both for his solo recordings
and as a member of the
Christian progressive death
metal band Extol. Jan 30, 6:30
& 9pm; Jan 31-Feb 1, 5 & 8pm.
¥6,500-8,500. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/borud2015
Yngwie Malmsteen
Swedish guitarist, songwriter,
multi-instrumentalist and
bandleader known for his
neo-classical playing style.
Feb 2, 7pm. ¥10,800. Shibuya
28
Michael Bublé
Grammy awards-winning
Canadian singer and
songwriter. Feb 6, 7pm.
¥9,500-18,000. Nippon
Budokan. Kudanshita. http://
meturl.com/buble2015
Gerard Way
American musician and former
lead vocalist and co-founder
of My Chemical Romance. Feb
17, 7pm. ¥6,500. Akasaka
Blitz. Akasaka. http://j.mp/
gerard2015
Chiodos
American post-hardcore band
from Davison, Michigan. Feb
7, 6pm. ¥5,500-7,500 (meet &
greet package). Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://j.mp/chiodos2015
Peabo Bryson
American R&B and soul singersongwriter croons his soft-rock
ballads alongisde special
guest and A Whole New World
duet partner, Regina Belle. Feb
4-6, 7 & 9:30pm; Fen 7, 5 &
8pm. ¥8,800. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/bryson2015
At the Gates
Swedish death metal band
with a melodic death metal
sound. Feb 9, 7pm. ¥7,000
(adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/atthegates2014
Slash
British-American musician and
songwriter Slash best known
as the former lead guitarist of
Guns N’ Roses, featuring Myles
Kennedy and the Conspirators.
Feb 10, 7pm. ¥8,000. Studio
Coast. Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/
slash2015
Gan-Ban Night Special
Featuring Modeselektor, a
German electronic music duo
consisting of Gernot Bronsert
and Sebastian Szary. Feb 10,
11pm. ¥4,000 (adv). Studio
Coast. Shin-Kiba. http://
meturl.com/modeselektor2015
Momoiro Clover Z
Japanese idol group known for
their energetic performances
incorporating elements of
ballet, gymnastics and action
movies. Feb 11, 3:30pm.
¥7,200. Yokohama Arena.
Shin-Yokohama. Tel:
045-474-4000. http://meturl.
com/momoclo2015
Ok Go
American alternative rock band
known for their often quirky
and elaborate music videos.
Feb 17, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv).
Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-4681. http://meturl.
com/okgo2014
Faith No More
American rock band well
known for combining elements
of heavy metal with funk,
hip-hop, progressive &
alternative rock, hardcore
punk, polka, jazz, samba,
gospel and lounge music. Feb
17-18, 7pm. ¥8,000. Studio
Coast. Shin-Kiba. http://
meturl.com/faithnomore2015
American indie pop
multi-instrumentalist whose
music incorporates a wide
array of instruments and
complex arrangements. Feb
20, 7pm. ¥6,500. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://j.mp/stvincent2015
Mineral
American emo band whose
music is characterized by its
iterated soft/loud structure,
overlaid with melodic vocals
and ethereal guitar-based
instrumental bridges. Feb 20,
7:30pm. ¥4,800 (adv)/ ¥5,300
(door). O-Nest. Shibuya.
http://meturl.com/mineral2015
JAZZ/WORLD
Smokey Vol. 1
Halie Loren
Live music performance by
Swinglets, with a special
tap dancing performance
by Makoto Ueno. Jan 23,
8:30pm. ¥2,000 (adv)/¥2,500
(door). Cove. Roppongi. Tel:
03-6435-5267. http://j.mp/
smokey2015
American singer and songwriter
whose 2008 album They
Oughta Write a Song won the
Just Plain Folks Award for Best
Vocal Jazz Album. Feb 11 &
14, 5 & 8pm; Feb 12, 6:30pm;
Feb 13, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,0009,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
loren2015
Karen Souza
Argentine jazz singer who
started out under various
pseudonyms while providing
vocal support to a number of
electronic music producers.
Jan 26-27, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/
souza2015
Basia
Polish singer-songwriter known
for her singular jazz-influenced
stylings and multi-layered
harmonies. Jan 27-28, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥9,000-11,000.
Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133. http://meturl.
com/basia2015
Lineup features Belle and
Sebastian, St. Vincent,
Caribou, The Thurston Moore
Band, Temples and others. Feb
21, 1:45pm; Feb 22, 1:30pm.
¥7,900 (one day)/¥13,900
(two days). Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/
hostess2015
Toho Shinki
American singer-songwriter
dubbed as an “Artist to Watch”
by FoxWeekly. Feb 12, 7pm.
¥6,000. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/
banks2015
New Found Glory
Sun Kil Moon
American rock band who
American folk rock act headed
José James
American vocalist best known
for performing and blending
modern jazz and hip-hop,
presenting “Yesterday I Had
the Blues: The Music of Billie
Holiday.” Feb 13, 7 & 9:30pm;
Feb 14, 6 & 9pm; Feb 15, 4:30 &
7:30pm. ¥6,700-8,700. Billboard
Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/jose2015
British blues band founded in
the mid-1960s. Jan 29, 7pm.
¥7,000. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/
chicken2015
Led by Stevens, an American
jazz, pop and folk singer and
guitarist listed by jazz vocalist
Kurt Elling as one of his five
favorite jazz singers. Jan 27-29,
6:30 & 9pm. ¥5,800-8,000.
Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel:
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
stevens2015
Larry Carlton & Steve
Lukather
Golden guitar duo playing
fusion/rock music. Jan 30 & Feb
2-3, 7 & 9:30pm; Jan 31-Feb 1,
5 & 8pm. ¥12,000. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/carlton2015
American jazz, blues and soul
singer whose music has often
been sampled in hip-hop
music, featuring Chuck Rainey,
David T. Walker, Larry Nas and
Harvey Mason as part of the
“Who Is This Bitch Anyway?”
reunion tour. Feb 7, 6 & 9pm;
Feb 8, 4:30 & 7:30pm; Feb 9,
7 & 9:30pm. ¥9,000-11,000.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
shaw2015
Steps Ahead
Contemporary jazz unit
featuring Mike Mainieri, Eliane
Elias, Marc Johnson, Bob
Sheppard and Peter Erskine.
Feb 8 & 11, 5 & 8pm; Feb 9-10,
7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
stepsahead2015
The Firebird, The Rite of Spring
and more. Jan 27-28, 7pm.
¥10,000-23,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://meturl.
com/suntoryhall
New Japan Philharmonic
Subscription Concert No.
534
Conducted by Michiyoshi
Inoue. Jan 29, 7:15pm.
¥3,600-7,200. Suntory Hall.
03-5610-3815. http://j.mp/
newjapanphilharmonic534
Tokyo Green Symphony
Orchestra 23rd
Subscription Concert
Conducted by Yukio Kitahara
with a performance of
Brahm’s Symphony No. 1 in
C-minor, op. 68 and more.
Feb 1, 2pm. ¥2,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome.
Tel: 03-5621-8353. http://
meturl.com/suntoryhall
Andrea Rost
Classic country western and
bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30
& 7:30pm. Free. Cafe Sepia.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-1300.
www.nagaremono.com/sepia
Hungarian lyric soprano who
has performed in leading
roles with the Vienna State
Opera, La Scala and others.
Feb 4, 7pm. ¥6,000-11,000.
Kioi Hall. Yotsuya. Tel:
03-3372-7050. www.
kioi-hall.or.jp
CLASSICAL
Prague Philharmonia
Blue Mountain Boys
Chickenshack
Marlena Shaw
Hostess Club Weekender
Richard Galliano Septet
French accordionist Galliano’s
special Valentine’s Day concert.
Feb 12, 7pm. ¥8,500. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
galliano2015
Becca Stevens Band
St. Vincent
South Korean pop group
consisting of the duo U-know
Yunho and Max Changmin who
have become one of Asia’s
most successful music acts of
their generation. Feb 25-26,
6pm. ¥10,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. http://toho-jp.net/e/
Banks
by vocalist and guitarist Mark
Kozelek. Mar 17, 7pm. ¥5,800
(adv). Club Quattro. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
moon2015
Kanagawa Philharmonic
Orchestra
Conducted by Sascha
Goetzel. Jan 24, 2pm. ¥3,0006,000. Minatomirai Hall.
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-2265107. www.yaf.or.jp/mmh/
english/index-e.html
Distant Worlds: Music from
Final Fantasy
Enjoy music from Square
Enix’s best selling video game
franchise. Jan 23, 7pm. ¥6,5009,100. Tokyo International
Forum Hall A. Yurakucho. Tel:
03-5221-9000. http://meturl.
com/distantworlds2015
NHK Symphony Orchestra
Best Classics
Performance of Gershwin’s
Rhapsody in Blue and Dvořák’s
Symphony No. 9: From the
New World. Jan 25, 3pm.
¥6,500-7,500. Katsushika
Symphony Hills. Aoto. Tel:
03-5670-2222. http://meturl.
com/nhk2015
Live Image Cinema Best
Showcasing movie music
from Cinema Paradiso, Studio
Ghibli’s Tales from Earthsea
and more. Jan 26, 6:30pm.
¥6,500. Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-2111. http://meturl.
com/liveimage2015
Conducted by Jakub Hrůša,
with performances of pieces
by Dvořák. Feb 6, 7pm.
¥5,000-13,000. Suntory Hall.
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
prague2015
The Legend of Zelda
Symphony of the
Goddesses
Performed by the Tokyo
Philharmonic Orchestra,
celebrating the release
of The Legend of Zelda:
Majora’s Mask 3-D.. Feb 7,
6pm. ¥8,000-9,000. Tokyo
International Forum Hall A.
Yurakucho. Tel: 03-52219000. http://zelda-symphony.
jp
Clubbing
FRIDAY 23
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm, ¥1,000
(after 11:30pm). Roppongi.
www.matrixbar.jp
Air
90bpm Take Over. Hip-hop:
DJs Quietstorm, Arcas,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com
Olga Scheps
German-Russian pianist who
won the 2010 ECHO Klassik
as “Newcomer of the Year
(Piano)” for Chopin. Jan 26,
6:30pm. ¥2,500-3,500. Nikkei
Hall. Otemachi. Tel: 03-39437066. http://j.mp/scheps2015
Sound Museum Vision
Make Some Noise. Bass, trap:
DJs Party Favor, Daruma, etc.
From 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
Nobuyuki Tsujii with Vasily
Petrenko & Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra
Performances of Stravinsky’s
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
hot tickets
MAR
29
Punkspring
Rock festival featuring Fall Out Boy,
Zebrahead, Rancid, New Politics
and others. Mar 29, 12pm. ¥9,500.
Makuhari Messe. Kaihin Makuhari.
www.punkspring.com/15/
Tickets on sale from Jan 31
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Zroq, Nano, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com
Club Asia
Ray Van. All dance music: DJs
Fukushima, Chiba, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Womb
Thunder Bolt. EDM,
progressive house: DJs
Apster, Yoshimasa, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
APR
16
Charli XCX
Award-winning British singersongwriter comes to make audiences
go “boom, clap.” Apr 16, 7pm.
¥6,000. Liquidroom. Ebisu. http://j.
mp/charli2015
Tickets on sale now
MONDAY 26
Air
Dynanite. House: DJs Wanico,
Hashimoto, etc. From 10pm,
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.
com
Sound Museum Vision
Party Monster. EDM, hip-hop:
DJs Daishi Dance, Mark
Panther, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
T2
SATURDAY 24
T2 Monday. EDM: DJs Tommy,
Kenta, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500
The New Matrix Bar
Womb
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
Cycle.EDM, house: DJs April,
Deep Man, etc. From 10pm,
¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Sound Museum Vision
TUESDAY 27
APR
25-MAY 3
Birmingham Royal Ballet
Performances of two ballet classics.
Swan Lake: Apr 25-26, 2pm; Apr 27,
6:30pm. Cinderella: May 1, 6:30pm;
May 2-3, 2pm. ¥3,000-18,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. www.nbs.
or.jp/english
Tickets on sale from Jan 24
T2
Happiness. World mix: DJs
Shu, Igarashi, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500
Ruby Room
Open Mic. From 7pm, ¥1,000
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-37803022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
The Room
Jazztronica. House, jazz: DJs
Nozaki, Shuya Okino, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
T2
Zroq, Shu, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
Ageha
Ozora. Trance: DJs Ace
Ventura, Dickster, etc. From
11pm, ¥4,000. Shinkiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
Club Asia
Flash. Electro: DJs Nakata,
Nakamura, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Womb
W. Techno, house: DJ
Sasha. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp
Air
The Choice. House, techno:
DJs Masda, Yoshitaca, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
T2
Super Tuesday. EDM: DJs
Hokuto, Kenmaki, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥2,500 w/2d,
(f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Womb
Tuemix. EDM, Top 40: DJs
Alpha One, Asada, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f)free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
WEDNESDAY 28
Liquidroom
Giselle
Gold Damage. DJs: Hikaru,
Nobu, etc. Live: Incapacitants
and more. From 11:59pm,
¥3,500. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54640800. www.liquidroom.net
Performed by the Star Dancers
Ballet and choreographed
by Peter Wright. Feb 28-Mar
1, 2pm. ¥4,000-10,000.
Bunkyo Civic Hall. Kasuga or
Korakuen. Tel: 03-5803-1111.
http://bunkyocivichall.jp/
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Living Leaving. DJs Zeus,
Heaven, etc. From 11:30pm,
¥3,500. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki,
Ikezawa, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
THURSDAY 29
SUNDAY 25
Neet Spirit. ’90s music: DJs
Timutaku, Meme, etc. From
7:30pm, free. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3780-3022 (evenings) /
070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Classics. Hip-hop: DJ
Premier and more. From
10pm, (m)¥3,500, (f)¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
Yuragi. House: DJs Kiichiro,
Gara, etc. 5-10pm, ¥1,500
w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Cahier Session. DJs A Taut
Line, Asyl Cahier, etc. From
8:30pm, free. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3780-3022 (evenings) /
070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
T2
Global Allmix Party. All mix:
DJs Takashi, Rew, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥2,500 w/2d,
(f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
T2
Zroq, Nano, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
Ageha
Asobinite. Electro, house: DJs
Nakata, Ram Rider, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,000. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Club Asia
New Dive. Bass, techno: DJs
Habanero Posse, Masayasu,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Fantastic Dance. EDM, house:
DJs Daishi Dance, Mitomi,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Dance
Air
Get Lost. Techno, tech house:
DJs Sugiurumn, Alyn, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
BALLET LA BAYADÈRE
Bringing out the beauty of
classical ballet. Performed
by the National Ballet of
Japan. Feb 17, 7pm; Feb
19, 21 & 22, 2pm. ¥3,24010,800. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai
(Keio New Line).
www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english
The Room
Global Rhythms. Hip-hop:
DJs Shark, Sancon, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Aoyama Ballet Festival
The last festival before the
Aoyama Theatre closes, with
performances of sections from
Romeo and Juliet, Raymonda
Festivities include a tengu
(long red-nosed goblin) parade,
bean-throwing and more. Jan 30-Feb
1, various times. Free. Shimokita
Ichibangai. Shimokitazawa.
Tel: 03-3468-2933. http://j.mp/
tengumatsuri2015
Exhibitions
ENDING SOON
Featuring the Japanese manga
series by Hajime Isayama,
with real-scale Titans and a
360-degree experience of
Isayama’s world. Until Jan
25, 10am-5pm (Mon-Thu);
10am-8pm (Fri-Sun).
¥900-1,900 (adv)/ ¥1,000-2,000
(door). Ueno Royal Museum.
Ueno. www.kyojinten.jp
17th Domani: The Art of
Tomorrow
In support of the Japanese
government’s overseas study
program for artists, with a wide
range of works from paintings,
engravings, photography and
pottery to casting, animation
and installation. Until Jan 25,
10am-6pm (10am-8pm on Fri),
closed Tue. ¥300-800 (adv)/
¥500-1,000 (door). The National
Art Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
http://domani-ten.com/english/
Ukiyo-e New Year’s
Exhibition
Air
Womb
Ruby Room
Stage
FEB 17(TUE)-22(SUN)
Ruby Room
Ejoe’s House. House, soul: DJs
Shan S, Ejoe Wilson, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,000. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
JAN
30-FEB 1
Shimokita Tengu Matsuri
Attack on Titan
FRIDAY 30
Pop Girls. EDM, Top 40: DJs
Lirica, Nizuki, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
Womb
Daikanyama Unit
and more. Jan 29-30, 6:30pm.
¥7,500-9,000. Aoyama
Theatre. Omotesando. Tel:
03-3797-5678. www.aoyama.
org/english
The Monte-Carlo Ballet’s
reinterpretation of Swan
Lake choreographed by
Jean-Christophe Maillot.
Feb 27-Mar 1, various times.
¥5,000-16,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-57218000. http://j.mp/lac2015
Womb
T2
Shibuya Girls Party. EDM: DJs
Saori, Mai-My, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500
Grammy Award-winning rock star
comes to Tokyo. Are you gonna go
his way? Mar 14, 6pm; Mar 15, 5pm.
¥10,000-20,000. Tokyo International
Forum Hall A. Yurakucho. http://j.
mp/kravitz2015
Tickets on sale now
LAC
The New Matrix Bar
Big na Shinnenkai. Electro,
techno: DJs Osawa, Taku, etc.
From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
MAR
14-15
Lenny Kravitz
for free
God of Carnage
Yasmina Reza’s black comedy
about feuding parents, with
wit, some bad language
and plenty of surprises. Jan
23, 7:30pm; Jan 24, 1:30
& 7:30pm; Jan 25, 1:30 &
7:30pm. ¥2,500 (student)/
¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door).
Ogikubo Show Gekijou
(Art Colline). Ogikubo.
Tel: 03-5356-8310. www.
blackstripetheater.com
The Flying Dutchman
Opera inspired by the
legendary ghost ship of doom
with libretto and music by
Richard Wagner. Jan 25, 2pm;
Jan 28, 7pm; Jan 31, 2pm.
¥3,240-21,600. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://
meturl.com/dutchman2015
Die Fledermaus
(“The Bat”)
Operetta composed by
Johann Strauss II, with stage
production by Heinz Zednik,
a renowned tenor whose
elegant staging comes from
his thorough familiarity with
the Viennese temperament
and deep understanding
of the work. Jan 29 & Feb
6, 7pm; Feb 1, 4 & 8, 2pm.
¥4,320-23,760. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://
meturl.com/fledermaus2015
Featuring prints of Edo
landmarks and beautiful women
by Kunisada Utagawa, Eisen
Keisai and others. Until Jan
28, 10:30am-5:30pm, closed
Mon. ¥500-700. Ukiyo-e Ota
Memorial Museum of Art.
Harajuku. www.ukiyoe-otamuse.jp
The Fab Mind: Hints of the
Future in a Shifting World
Focuses on the aspirations and
activities of those who seek to
understand and resolve social
issues through design. Until
Feb 1, 11am-8pm, closed Tue.
¥500-1,000. 21_21 Design
Sight. Nogizaka. Tel: 03-34752121. www.2121designsight.jp
ONGOING
Modern Craft Art Japan:
Beauty of Masterpieces
from the Museum Collection
Explore the history of Japanese
craft art from the Meiji era
to the present day. Until Feb
15, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥70-210. Craft Gallery, The
National Museum of Modern
Art. Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. www.momat.go.jp/
Monogatari-e Illustrated
Narrative Painting: Words
and Forms
Featuring monogatari-e, a
term given to the art of painting
which selected and illustrated
symbolic scenes and episodes
in Buddhist stories and classical
tales, the exhibition examines
the close relationship between
its form and words. Until Feb
¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum
of Arts. Tokyo. www.idemitsu.
co.jp/museum
Animal Worship
Showcasing paintings and crafts
of sheep and other animals,
including the Double-Ram
Zun from the British Museum.
Until Feb 22, 10am-5pm, closed
Mon. ¥1,000-1,200. Nezu
Museum. Omotesando. http://
meturl.com/animal2015
Hikari Exhibition
Featuring the relationship
between light and space, the
earth and humans, showcasing
the beautiful world of light. Until
Feb 22, 9am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥600-1,600. National Museum
of Nature and Science. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111. http://hikari.
exhn.jp
Yoshihide Otomo: Between
Music and Art
Otomo is active as a musician
in a broad range of musical
fields from improvised
to popular, and works on
soundtracks for cinema and
TV among many other things.
The exhibition focuses on the
dissimilarities between the
originally different disciplines
of music and art, with the aim to
define what exists “between”
these two systems. Until Feb
¥500. NTT Intercommunication
Center. Hatsudai. http://
meturl.com/otomo2014
Yoshitoshi and Kunichika:
Beauties of Modern Age
Showcasing works by the two
leading Ukiyo-e artists of the
Meiji period. Feb 1-25, 10:30am5:30pm, closed Mon. ¥500-700.
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum
of Art. Harajuku. http://meturl.
com/ukiyoe
Kengo Kito: Reflection
Berlin-based artist who uses
ordinary, ready-made materials
such as hula-hoops, laces and
threads and assembles them
into works such as two- and
three-dimensional objects
and installations. Until Feb 28,
12-7pm, closed Sun, Mon &
hols. Free. Kenji Taki Gallery.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-3378-6051.
www.kenjitaki.com
Manami Higashi & Yuko
Miyama
Featuring Higashi, whose works
contain the motif of Japanese
cartoon figurines that represent
modern Japan and Miyama,
whose work represents Asian
culture more generally. Until
Feb 28, 11am-7pm, closed Sun,
Mon & hols. Free. Masataka
Contemporary. Nihonbashi.
Tel: 03-3275-1019. http://j.mp/
miyama2015
Shake! Art Exhibition
Digital art produced
by TeamLab, an “Ultra
Technologist” organization that
merges science, technology,
art and design, with an
interactive Future Park. Until
Mar 1, 10am-5pm, closed
Tue. ¥900-1,800. Miraikan.
Telecom Center. Tel:
03-3570-9151. http://odoru.
team-lab.net
Narahara Ikko: Domains
One of the leading
photographers of post-war
Japan. Domains focuses on
human beings in a monastery
in Hokkaido and a female
prison in Wakayama, both
isolated from the external
world. Until Mar 1, 10am-5pm,
closed Mon. ¥130-430. The
National Museum of Modern
Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/ikko2014
29
Explore Japan. Share your experiences. Earn rewards.
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Ginzan Onsen is an onsen area in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture.
30
Takamatsu Jiro: Mysteries
Solve the mysteries contained
in Takamatsu’s works which
has received an increasing
amount of international
acclaim in recent years,
and revisit the artist’s vast
philosophical world. Until
Mar 1, 10am-5pm, closed
Mon. ¥500-900. The National
Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://meturl.com/
mysteries2014
Ninnami Dohachi: An
Observant and Brilliant
Potter
Introducing Dohachi, a potter
particularly admired as a
master of Japanese-style
kyoyaki, or Kyoto ceramics,
and his oeuvre through a large
number of works, including
matcha and sencha teawares
and tableware for serving
kaiseki cuisine. Until Mar
1, 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
¥800-1,100 (adv)/ ¥1,0001,300 (door). Suntory Museum
of Art. Roppongi. www.
suntory.com/sma/
Explore! Experience! EdoTokyo
Explore the cultural and artistic
history of the flourishing
capital. Until Mar 8, 9:30am5:30pm (until 7:30pm on Sat),
closed Mon. ¥120-240 (adv)/
¥150-300 (door). Edo-Tokyo
Museum. Ryogoku. Tel:
03-3626-9974. http://meturl.
com/edotokyomuseum
Katagaki no Nai Jinsei
Showcasing works by the late
calligrapher and poet Mitsuo
Aida in honor of the 90th
anniversary since his birth.
Until Mar 8, 10am-5:30pm,
closed Mon. ¥200-800. Mitsuo
Aida Museum. Tokyo. Tel:
03-6212-3200. http://meturl.
com/mitsuo
Robin Fry: Gardens
An exhibition of new paintings
by Fry, a Berlin-based
Canadian artist known as
an abstract painter and
performing artist. Jan
30-Mar 8, 1-7pm, closed
Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart
Gallery. Edogawabashi. Tel:
03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/
gardens2015
Masayuki Harada: Not
knowing that it was
yesterday
Up-and-coming artist who
uses household appliances,
furniture, plants, food
and other daily goods and
transforms them to create
a space that is out of the
ordinary. Jan 31-Mar 8, 5-11pm
on Mon; 1-7pm Fri-Sun; closed
Tue-Thu. Free. waitingroom.
Ebisu. Tel: 03-3476-1010.
www.waitingroom.jp
The Great Tsunami of
March 11, 2011 and the
Restoration of Cultural
Properties
After the Great East Japan
Earthquake, the Tokyo
National Museum cooperated
with institutions including the
Rikuzentakata City Museum
and the Iwate Prefectural
Museum to restore damaged
cultural properties. The
exhibition shares the results
of four years of effort and
informs visitors of the
restoration project’s current
status. Until Mar 15, 9:30am5pm, closed Mon. ¥410-620.
Tokyo National Museum.
Ueno. http://meturl.com/
greattsunami2015
Rufus Lin: I am Music
Fine art and funky illustrations
from Canadian artist Rufus
Lin. Until Mar 19, 10am- 8pm
(weekdays), 10am-6pm
(weekends). Free. G-Ring LLC
Cafe and Bar. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6844-4960. http://
rufuslinstudio.com
Kishio Suga: Situated
Latency
An artist of the Monoha
movement that flourished in
the years before and after
1970, who uses stone, wood
and sheet metal to create
installations which consist
not merely of the relationship
between substances, but
also of the minute and free
relational structure between
the space and materials as
an object. Jan 24-Mar 22,
10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥600-1,100. Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng/
(adv)/ ¥600-1,200 (door).
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien
Art Museum. Meguro. Tel:
03-3443-0201. www.teien-artmuseum.ne.jp/en/
Gabriel Orozco: Inner
Cycles
Mexican artist known for
works that manipulate
existing objects or rules
to transform them into
something else, which
intervene with common
scenes to invite new
thoughts. Jan 24-May 10,
10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥600-1,100. Museum of
UPCOMING
Line in the sand: Paul Davis
Constellations: Practices
for Unseen Connections/
Discoveries
The theme for this exhibition
is “to draw invisible lines
and to connect dots,” by
introducing works that
link different “places” and
“times,” going beyond existing
borders to spin together new
relationships. Jan 24-Mar
¥600-1,100. Museum of
Neo-Impressionism, from
Light to Color
Introducing the trend of
neo-impressionism, a
movement that progressed
with innovative painting which
linked to the 20th century,
and which developed a style
of brightly portraying the real
world onto picture frames,
based on the latest light and
color theories. Jan 24-Mar 29,
9:30am-5:30pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥800-1,600.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art
Museum. Ueno. Tel:
03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/
neoimpressionism2015
Jules Pascin
Displaying Pascin’s
best-known later works such
as his nude oil paintings in
mother-of-pearl tones, as
well as his early sketches and
watercolors and experiments
in printing, Fauvism and
Expressionism. Until Mar
29, 10am-6pm, closed Wed.
¥500-1,000. Shiodome
Museum. Shimbashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/pascin2015
Swiss Design
Showcasing the distinct
sophistication and quality of
Swiss design that sets the
country apart in functionality,
tradition, engineering and
hands-on craftsmanship.
Until Mar 29, 11am-7pm
(until 8pm on Fri & Sat),
closed Mon. ¥1,000-1,200.
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery.
Hatsudai. http://meturl.com/
swissdesign2015
Masterpieces of Buddhist
Sculpture from Northern
Japan
Showcasing Buddhist
sculptures from Michinoku
famous for their powerful
expressions. Until Apr
5, 9:30am-5pm, closed
Mon. ¥400-1,000. Tokyo
National Museum. Ueno.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://
michinoku2015.jp/
Exhibition delving into Davis’s
massive archive, showing a
stringently selected set of
work that features only those
pieces that truly satisfy the
artist (most of which have
never been published before).
Feb 6-28, 11am-7pm (until 6pm
on Sat), closed Sun. Free. Ginza
Graphic Gallery. Ginza. Tel:
03-3571-5206. http://meturl.
com/ginzagraphicgallery
Intimate Impressionism
from the National Gallery
of Art, Washington
Works by Renoir, Manet,
Monet and others chosen
by Ailsa Mellon, daughter of
Andrew Mellon, founder of
the National Art Gallery. Feb
7-May 24, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. ¥1,400 (adv)/ ¥500-1,600
(door). Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Museum. Tokyo. Tel:
03-5405-8686. http://mimt.
jp/english/
Steve Tootell: Firing On All
Cylinders
Exceptional pottery from
Steve’s many kilns. Feb 14-Mar
1, 12-6pm, closed Mon-Wed.
Free. Gallery St. Ives.
Jiyugaoka. Tel: 03-37053050. http://meturl.com/
gallerystives
Louvre Museum
With works by Vermeer,
Rembrandt and others. Feb
21-Jun 1, 10am-6pm, closed
Tue. ¥800-1,600. The National
Art Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/
english/
Wonder Seeds
An open call exhibition aimed
to select and sell potential
works of young artists,
providing an opportunity
to connect young artists
and art lovers/collectors.
Feb 21-Mar 22, 11am-7pm.
Free. Tokyo Wonder Site
Shibuya. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3463-0603. http://j.mp/
wonderseeds2015
Kosugi Hoan: Love for the
“East”
Japanese artist whose works
appear to reflect his gentle
look on nature said to contain
his recollection of Nikko
as an underlying theme.
Feb 21-Mar 29, 10am-5pm
(until 7pm on Fri), closed
Mon. ¥700-1,000. Idemitsu
Museum of Arts. Hibiya.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
idemitsu.co.jp/museum
Sports
BASEBALL
Fantaisie Merveilleuse
Introducing the richly
imaginative, but relatively
unknown, Art Deco world by
focusing on 80 works shown
for the first time in Japan. Until
Apr 7, 10am-6pm. ¥480-960
Central League
Yomiuri Giants vs. Tokyo Yakult
Swallows. Feb 28, 6pm; Mar 1,
2pm, ¥300-7,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.
31
32
PRO WRESTLING
All Japan
Jan 31, 6pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Big Japan
●● Jan 28, 7pm, ¥3,300.
Yokohama Nigiwai-za.
Sakuragicho. Tel: 045-2312525.
●● Feb 2, 7pm, ¥2,000-5,400.
Tel: 03-5800-9999.
DDT
●● Jan 25, 12pm, ¥3,000-5,000.
Tel: 03-5800-9999.
●● Feb 15, 2pm, ¥3,00012,000. Saitama Super Arena.
Saitama Shintoshin. Tel:
03-5360-6653.
Noah
Feb 4, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Tel: 03-5800-9999.
SUMO
Sumo Grand Tournament
Until Jan 25, 8am-6pm. ¥2,20014,800 (per person); ¥31,00037,200 (family boxes). Ryogoku
Kokugikan. Ryogoku. Tel:
03-3623-5111. www.sumo.
or.jp/en/
JAN 21-26, 2015
lovers! Buy books at special
discounted prices on the last
two days of the fair open to
the public. Jul 1-4, 10am-6pm.
¥1,200. Tokyo Big Sight.
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel:
03-5530-1111. www.bookfair.
jp/en/
Comedy
Improvazilla Main Stage
Show
A two and a half hour show
that features the best improv
in Tokyo. Enjoy experienced
players team up with up-andcoming improvisors. Jan
30, 8pm. ¥1,500. Crocodile.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3499-5205.
http://j.mp/janimprovazilla
New Material Night
Standup, improv and trying out
new stuff. The stage is open to
anyone who wants to try their
hand at comedy, but make sure
to request a spot beforehand.
Feb 3, 8pm. Free. Double Tall
Cafe. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54674567. www.tokyocomedy.com/
Community
Half-Fast Cyclists
TRADITIONAL
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm. Free.
The Pink Cow. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6434-5773. www.
thepinkcow.com
Hatsu Fudo
Stitch-n-Bitch
Lively daruma doll fair with
vendors from throughout
Kanto. Jan 28. Free.
Takahatafudoson Kongoji
Temple. Takahatafudo. www.
takahatafudoson.or.jp
Meet fellow knitters, crocheters
and sewers to talk, share
ideas, eat, drink and create.
Every first and third Tue,
7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt.
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/
TokyoStitchandBitch
Festivals
Ukera Shinto Ritual
Various setsubun rituals,
including a Q&A with demons.
Feb 3, evening. Free. Gojo
Tenjinja Shrine. Ueno. www.
gojotenjinja.jp
Forums &
Expos
Wonder Festival
Enjoy displays of “garage
kits,” or sculptures that usually
replicate anime and game
characters and popular mecha/
sci-fi characters and creatures,
also available for purchase.
Feb 8, 10am-5pm. ¥2,000.
Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. http://wf.kaiyodo.net
Camera & Photo Imaging
Show
Showcasing the technology,
culture and industry of cameras
and photo imaging. Feb
12-15, 10am-6pm (until 5pm
on last day). ¥1,500. Pacifico
Yokohama. Minatomirai.
www.cpplus.jp/en/
Tokyo Marathon Expo
A three-day warm-up event
to the 2015 Tokyo Marathon
with activities not only aimed
towards the participants of the
marathon but to the general
public, including serious leisure
runners and people interested
in taking up running. Feb 19-20,
11am-9pm; Feb 21, 11am-8pm.
Free. Tokyo Big Sight.
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
Tel: 03-5530-1111. http://j.mp/
tokyomarathonexpo2015
Tokyo International Book
Fair
The perfect event for book
Italian Wine Seminar
Seminar and Italian-style
gourmet dinner. Feb 14,
7-10:30pm. ¥13,980 + tax
(adv). Stellato. Shirokanedai.
Tel: 03-3442-5588. http://
meturl.com/monthlywine
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art
School
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike with arty socializing.
Every thirs Wed, 7pm. ¥2,000
w/ 1d. Studio and Space IVVA.
Meiji-Jingumae or Harajuku.
www.drsketchytokyo.
wordpress.com
Sunday Spin
Hula-hoop it up in Yoyogi; no
need to bring your own. Drop
in/out at anytime. Every fourth
Sun, Yoyogi Park. Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3469-6081. http://
meturl.com/hoopinginjapan
Learning
Lecture: The History of
Hansen’s Disease in Japan
Given by Kwi Boon Kim,
curator of the National
Hansen’s Disease Museum.
Jan 28, 7-8:30pm. Free.
Lakeland College. Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-3225-0425. lcj.
lakeland.edu/lakelandlectures/
Resume Writing Seminar
Learn the basics of writing
overseas resumes. Jan
29, 7-9pm. ¥500. Minato
Kuritsu Shoko Kaikan.
Hamamatsucho. Tel:
03-3433-0862. machigai.com
TELL Lifeline Training
Phone Counselor Training
Program available both
online and now a new flexible
in-classroom schedule. Starts
Feb 21. For more info, contact
Mica Henderson at training@
telljp.com
Other Events
Japan Idol Festival
With Links, Chu-Z, Ultra Girl
and more. Jan 25, 3pm.
¥4,500. Shinjuku Blaze.
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-51555990. www.kyodotokyo.
com/JIF
Jewellumination
Produced by famed lighting
designer Motoko Ishii, enjoy
three million colorful LEDs
set up throughout the vast
park. Until Feb 15, 4-8:30pm.
¥500-1,000. Yomiuri Land.
Yomiuri Land. Tel: 044-9661111. www.yomiuriland.com/
jewellumination
Ice skate while enjoying art.
Until Feb 22, sunset until
10pm. ¥500; skate rentals
¥500. Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Minatomirai.
Tel: 045-211-1515. www.
yokohama-akarenga.jp
Aqua Night Lovers
Enjoy a romantic night at the
aquarium with 4-D projection
mapping shows, a penguin
night parade, cocktails
and more. Until Mar 1,
4:45pm-closing. ¥850-6,000.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea
Paradise. Hakkeijima.
Tel: 045-788-8888. www.
seaparadise.co.jp/english/
Azalea Festival
Enjoy azaleas of various
colors, sizes and styles
including the 2m-tall asahi.
Until Feb 15, 9am-4pm. ¥300.
Gunma Flower Park. Ogo.
Tel: 0120-1187-38. www.
flower-park.jp
Tokyo Tower City Light
Fantasia
Enjoy 3-D projection mapping
in conjunction with the
night view seen from the
observation deck. Until Feb
28, 5-9:30pm. ¥400-900.
Tokyo Tower. Akabanebashi.
Tel: 03-3433-5299. www.
tokyotower.co.jp/eng/secret/
Learn about Burgundy wines
while enjoying a French-style
dinner. Jan 31, 7-10:30pm.
¥11,980 + tax (adv). Stellato.
Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. http://meturl.com/
monthlywine
Making wagashi, Japanese
sweets, while exchanging
culture. Until Jan 31, various
THE 58TH TOKYO
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS FAIR
Craftsmanship carried on
from the Edo period
W
Burgundy Wine Seminar
Multicultural Cafe 2014:
Let’s Make Fillings of
Monaka
ADVERTORIAL
FEB 21
Art Rink
Fukuju-no-mai Dance
Seven Deities of Good Fortune
dance for Setsubun. Feb 3,
2:30-5:15pm. Free. Sensoji.
Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181.
www.e-asakusa.jp
times. ¥1,000 (one time).
Shinjuku Bunka Center.
Higashi-Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3350-1141.
MORE LISTINGS
ONLINE → HTTP://
METURL.COM/
LISTINGS
hile Tokyo stands as
one of the world’s most
modern metropolises, it’s
also home to a wealth of
traditional crafts that have been passed
down since the Edo period—many of
which still thrive today.
Over six days in January, the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government will celebrate
these traditional techniques at the 58th
Tokyo Traditional Crafts Fair. Starting
January 21, the 11th floor exhibition hall of
Shinjuku Takashimaya will be filled with
the skills that have for centuries formed
the foundation of Tokyo heritage, as
many as 44 of them designated Tokyo
Traditional Objects of Industrial Arts.
Visitors will not only be able to
make purchases and watch skilled
craftspeople ply their trades, but will
even have chances to try their hand
at making traditional Tokyo crafts
themselves. Techniques on display will
include everything from woven silk and
hand-painted kimono to ornamental
samurai armor and hand-forged
scissors and knives. You can find handpainted lanterns and patterned paper
for Japanese sliding doors, classical
wooden cabinets and woodblock prints,
or even get your hands on a hand-made
shamisen or koto. It’s a rare opportunity
to touch a piece of living history—right in
the heart of an ultramodern city.
EDO MOKU-HANGA
WOODBLOCK PRINTS
While mokuhanga, or
woodblock
printing, can
be traced back
to its use in
clothing designs
over 1,200
years ago, the art only achieved general
acceptance with the ukiyo-e prints of the
Edo period (1603-1868).
Each ukiyo-e print represents a
collaboration between artist, woodblock
carver and the printer. The artist first
prepares an original black-ink drawing on
a thin piece of washi paper. This drawing
must be reproduced once for each color
to be applied to the final print, and the
areas to be colored are overpainted with
light vermillion to indicate to the carver
which points should remain raised. The
carver then carves out the drawing
affixed to a woodblock (usually cherry
wood), creating a separate block for each
color. Finally, the printer sets the paper
to the inked woodblock and uses a disklike hand tool called a baren to apply
pressure to and rub the reverse side of
the paper.
It should be noted that modern
creative hanga prints, in which a single
person completes all the production
processes, are not considered part of the
traditional moku-hanga craft.
TOKYO KOTO
JAPANESE HARPS
Koto are about
180 centimetres
length, and
made from
kiri wood
(Paulownia
tomentosa).
They have 13 strings strung over 13
movable bridges along the instrument’s
width. Players can adjust each string’s
pitch by moving the white bridges before
playing, and use picks on the thumb,
index and middle fingers to pluck strings.
The koto, sometimes described as
a Japanese harp, is an evolution of the
Chinese zheng. Composition for the
13-string koto began in Kyushu with the
Buddhist priest Kenjun, who is believed to
have lived from 1534-1623—though it was
only in the 18th century that koto-focused
music was composed.
Typically made of paulownia or
sandalwood, the Tokyo koto is a slightly
shorter and thicker variation of the early
instrument with an altered warp, giving
it greater volume. A variety of precision
tools are used in producing its distinctive
shape and the wavy resonance patterns
known as ayasugi.
TOKYO TEGAKI YUZEN
HAND-PAINTED KIMONO
The dyeing techniques of Yuzen-zome
are said to have been developed in the
Edo period by an artist operating under
the name Miyazaki Yuzensai (1650-1736)
in Kyoto. The style quickly became known
for its light tones and refined designs.
During the Bunka and Bunsei periods
(1804-1829), many
dyers employed by
daimyo lords moved
to what was then Edo
(now Tokyo), with
many established
along the Kanda
River near what is
now Takadanobaba.
A large number of dye works can still be
found in the area.
To produce Tokyo tegaki (handpainted) Yuzen, preliminary designs are
first sketched onto woven silk textiles
before dye-resistant paste or wax is
applied. A variety of brushes are used
to color and paint designs, while crests
are applied either by brush or with paper
stencils. These tasks are carried out
continuously from start to end, bringing
a sense of beauty and elegance even to
garments of a single color.
The 58th Tokyo Traditional Crafts Fair
Shinjuku Takashimaya Store 11F, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku. Jan 21-22 & 25
10am-8pm, Jan 23-24 10am-8:30pm, Jan 26 10am-6pm. Shinjuku or Yoyogi.
33
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.
FRI, FEB 6 ISSUE
Deadline: Jan 29, 3pm
FRI, FEB 20 ISSUE
Deadline: Feb 12, 3pm
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
1.1 HEALTH
I N N E R
BALANCE.
Tr a d i t i o n a l
oriental
treatment of
acupuncture
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d
moxibustion.
Also body
massage and
reflexology. Mobile service
to your home or office. Email
Takahito at innerbalance123@
gmail.com or see http://tmasuda.
wix.com/inner-balance.
ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC in
Toranomon Hills offers a wide
range of preventive, corrective
and cosmetic dentistry. Superior
service focused on customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. Modern
dentistry at its best. www.rmdcc.
com/english/ 0120-648-071
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checkups, dental, lab tests,
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easy application; convenient
payment options. Enroll today!
[email protected] www.
earthhealthcare.jp 078-3517300
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy) care in Hiroo.
Native English-speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
post-operative rehabilitation,
back/neck pain, running related,
headaches, orthotics, ergonomic
consultations and women’s health.
www.tokyophysio.com 03-34436769
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email us at commercial@
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34
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a quiet residential area of
Hiroo. Studios and suites.
4min from Hiroo stn. Rates:
Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/
d a y . M o n t h l y ¥ 570 0 - /d a y .
O ver t hre e mont hs ¥ 513 0 - /
day. Tax, utilities included.
frontdesk@azabucourt.
co m w w w. a z a b u co u r t .co m
0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
Italian and Japanese. Would like to
learn basic It from a native speaker
who wants to practice J. Possibly near
Shibuya on weekday evenings after 7pm.
[email protected]
Korean and Japanese. Japanese male,
41, seeks a native Korean speaker for
Kor/J exchange. I like music, reading,
cooking. I hope we can learn from each
other and have some fun. astralsky@
excite.co.jp
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN
ROPPONGI WELCOMES
FOREIGNERS. English-speaking
assistant will get your haircut
right. Haircuts ¥4800. With
shave ¥5800. Kids’ haircuts
¥4000 - ¥4400. First-time
discount ¥1000. http://oazo.biz/
top 03-5545-7797 oazo7797@
yahoo.co.jp
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT
NIPPASHI OFFICE supports visa
and naturalization applications,
company establishment and
b r a n c h o f f i ce i n s t a l l a t i o n ,
including commercial
registration, as well as
inheritance procedures in Japan.
Free consultation available in
English, Español and Japanese.
Tel: 03-6264-8446 np@nippashi.
com http://nippashi.com
L AW OFFICE IN K AWA SAKI
(next to Tokyo), member of the
Yokohama Bar A ssociation.
Legal ser vice in English for
traffic accidents, divorce,
inheritance, bankruptcy,
b u s i n e s s ca s e s (co n t r a c t s ,
establishing a company,
trademarks, etc.) and other
legal problems.Email: web@
smkw.biz www.sumikawa.net
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
handles your visa case.
Permanent residency,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).
Tel: 090 - 8330 - 0670 Email:
[email protected] Website:
http://officelife.jp/en/
2.5 PLACE WANTED
K ANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE.
Brand - new furnished share
rooms, separate male and
female floors, all rooms w/
digital locks, aircon, fridge,
1 min wal k from Kan am achi
stn, Chiyoda line ¥40,000/m.
room@airay- apar tment .net
03 - 5 8 76 - 4 575 w w w.a i r a y apartment.net
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
Ikkenya sought in Zushi, Hayama,
Akiya for less than ¥140,000/m. Garden,
parking, tatami, 55+ sqm, Apr 1 move-in
preferred. Photos required. johnlander@
yahoo.com ATION
3 EDUCATION
English and Japanese. Seeking a
Japanese teacher who is well-versed
with the JapanesePod101 website to
teach me J. I have extensive English
teaching experience and we can
exchange. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Japanese
woman, nonsmoker, well-educated,
seeking a language exchange friend in
the Shinjuku or Omotesando area. If you
can help improve my English, I'll try my
best to help you with your Japanese.
[email protected]
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. Native English
speaker sought along the Chuo line. I am
a JM, 37, living in Kokubunji. Would love to
talk at a cafe or on Skype. I am sure I can
help you learn J. [email protected]
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. Hi, Canadian
male, 30, in Ebisu, seeks language
exchange on weekday mornings/
afternoons. I work all over, so Kanagawa/
east Tokyo ok, too. 同僚といつも英語
だけ使うから日本語で話したいで
す。 [email protected]
PRIVATE FURNISHED
A P A R T M E N T S .
Odakyu line: MukogaokaY u e n / Yo m i u r i - L a n d - M a e ,
20/30min from Shinjuku.
Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,
15min from Shinagawa.
1K~2LDK ¥58,000/
m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 044-9337000 Email:mh@minowagroup.
jp w w w.minowagroup.jp/
minowahomes
TO A DV E RTI SE I N
METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S
N O .1 E N G L I S H M A G A Z I N E ,
lo g o n a t w w w.met ro p ol is .
IKEBANA (JAPANESE
TRADITIONAL FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful
means of self-expression. Trial
lesson, including all materials
¥4000. No Japanese necessary.
C e r t i f i ca t i o n , d i p l o m a ca n
be earned. Three classroom
locations in Tokyo. Website:
www.atelier-soka.com/english/
index.html Email: [email protected]
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
English and Japanese. JF seeks an
exchange partner in the daytime on
weekdays at Kawasaki stn. [email protected]
ICHII CORPORATION.
Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in
central Tokyo locations. No
key money/guarantor/agent
fee required. New, clean
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today! 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Cabinet, corner (73x73xH60), dark
wood, glass door, w/two shelves inside
¥5000/obo. Photos available. tripeler@
yahoo.com 080-6581-4724
Chair, office, adjustable height and back,
can dismantle ¥100. Koenji. ohpopshop@
gmail.com
Chest of drawers, antique, kiri wood,
small, five-drawer (L30xW24xH36cm),
used to keep papers with a key lock,
but no key ¥6000. Firm. Pick up only
Omotesando. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.
co.jp
Sofabed, Ikea, nine m/o, in excellent
condition ¥12,000/obo. Pick up only.
Details available. [email protected]
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
CREA-UN UENO. Furnished
private rooms, w/digital
locks, near Asakusa, Ueno,
Skytree. Safe area, femaleonly, roof top garden w/
nice view, BBQ space, free
bicycle. From ¥56,000/m.
Utilities included. No key
money/guarantor. crea-un.
[email protected] http://
w w w. s a k u r a - k o - b o . c o m
03-6912-0692
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Desk and chairs, Ikea, nine m/o, in
excellent condition ¥8000/obo. Pick up
only. Details available. laura-janey@
live.com
2 FIND A PLACE
CURLY HAIR SPECIALIST IN
TOK YO. English-speaking
Kiyoko, highly experienced
in NY’s curly hair salons,
takes care of curly hair at
her salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu.
Reser vations: 03 -3793 2357 or [email protected]
http://english.nepenji.net/
index_en.html
can exchange for your English lesson.
[email protected]
French, English, Japanese. European
man seeking a language exchange
partner to improve his Japanese. I can
teach you Fr or E. Let's enjoy sharing
our cultures and interests. Machida
area preferred. understanding_life@
hotmail.com
French, English, Japanese. Japanese
female, 40s, seeking language exchange. I
understand basic E and a little Fr. Musashino
area. [email protected]
French, English, Por tuguese.
Frenchman, 36, seeks Japanese
exchange partner around/in Ueno for
exchange at a cafe (Starbucks) and
soba. I like healthy food, sweet food
(macaron), swimming, music, science
and technology, nature, art and many
others things. Bises. totorofromtokyo@
gmail.com
Wardrobe, telescopic, expands to
160cm+ wide ¥2000. Five-drawer chest
(40x59x122cm), in good condition ¥2000.
[email protected]
4.2 APPLIANCES
Deep fryer, Tefal, home-use, new in box,
safety features ¥2000/obo. tripeler@
yahoo.com 080-6581-4724
Fridge/freezer, Sanyo SR-B18J, 175L
(fridge 123L, on top; freezer 52L, in three
drawers), silver, '05, good for one-two
people, in excellent condition ¥10,000.
View Shinjuku. Can arrange delivery
for extra cost. metropolisclassified@
jungletelegraph.net
Fridge/warmer, Twinbird HR-4707,
micro-sized, holds six regular cans,
rounded retro look, new in box ¥1500.
[email protected]
JAPANESE HOMESTYLE
CO O K I N G AT M AY U KO’ S
LITTLE KITCHEN. Come to learn
Japanese cooking basics and
manners. Ingredients, drink,
recipe, and apron ¥6980. No
J a p a n e s e n e ce s s a r y . N e a r
Shinjuku. Email or call to book.
mayukoslittlekitchen@gmail.
com 080 -3502-2005 http://
mayukoslittlekitchen.jimdo.
com
3.9 TEACH ME!
English lessons. JM, 30, seeks native
English teacher for reasonably priced
lessons at a cafe in central Tokyo.
[email protected]
Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter
dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg
taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere!
Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF,
30s, ikke-ryger. Las os moedes og
snakke dansk og japansk med kaffe!!
[email protected]
Japanese. Need some help with my
Japanese and kanji. I can help you learn
English or pay you. I am friendly and like
meeting interesting people. We can also
be friends. [email protected]
PhD student in engineering? Tokyo
only. D2/D3 student at a Japanese
university? Majoring in electrical /
wireless/communication, etc.? I need
some mentoring on how to design
simulation. Must be able to use Matlab/
Simulink. Will pay ¥3000/two hours.
[email protected]
Seeking native French speaker.
Bonjour, I would like to meet up with a
native French speaker, preferably within
the Shinjuku area, in order to help me
translate some French documents into
English. Please email me if interested.
Merci. [email protected]
Thai teacher wanted. Sawasdee krup?
Seeking a patient conversational Thai
instructor. Around the Shinjuku area
preferred. I’m a beginner. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
Teach me English in exchange for
karate. Do you want to learn real karate?
I can teach you one of the major styles
of traditional Japanese karate. We
Vacuum, AIM-R0B01, white, new ¥3000.
Pick up Shimokitazawa. aminimia@
yahoo.com
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Plant pots, air
humidifier, cordless phone, ski wear
set, photo frame, Japanese study books.
Details available. [email protected]
Sayonara sale! Washer, fridge, storage
items, laundry items, lighting, etc. Until
mid-Feb. [email protected]
Sayonara sale! Tables; desks; chairs;
dish cabinet; wardrobes; TV cabinet;
upright piano; flatscreen and tube TVs;
washer/dryer/stand; Panasonic fridge,
eco, 426L, as new; portable gas heater/
timer; convection oven; microwave; fan/
timer; and more. [email protected]
03-3729-6446
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
LED TV 24", Hisense HS24K300, w/router
and bookshelf/stand ¥10,000/obo. Pick
up only. Details available. laura-janey@
live.com
Remote, LG Magic AN-MR300, brandnew, never used ¥1000. Pick up
Denenchofu stn. ckm.wittmann@gmail.
com
4.5 AUDIO & MP3
CD/MP3 player, Pioneer Super Audio
PD-D6, silver, as new, w/remote, cable,
manual ¥5000. Pick up Jingumae. tokyo.
[email protected]
Earphones, Apple EarPods, brand-new,
never used ¥2000. [email protected]
4.6 FOR KIDS
Baby gate, 67-90cm, w/baby-proof
swing latch ¥2000. Pick up Gotanda stn.
[email protected]
Bikes, girls', two available: yellow, 12",
w/supporting wheels ¥2000. Yellowgreen, 14" ¥4000. Pick up Oyamadai.
Details, photos available. melanie.
[email protected] https://sewingcircle.
wordpress.com/sale-fleamarket-2015/
Car seat, Aprica ¥5000. Pick up
Komazawa Park. [email protected]
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Crib, Ikea, hardly used, in excellent
condition, no mattress ¥1000. Graco
Playard, hardly used ¥5000. Negotiable.
Pick up only. [email protected]
Karate gi and belt, for kids 3-12 years
old ¥300+. [email protected]
4.7 FOR FREE
Treadmill, Life Fitness T9, gym-quality,
around 80kg. Pick up only Akasaka.
Photo available. [email protected]
08-03235-5566
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
DSLR, Sony @57 SLT-A57K, one charger
BC-VM10A, w/recharger battery, DT
18-55mm lens, USB cable, shoulder
trap, J/menu, no scratches, almost new
¥30,000. [email protected]
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Ski wear set: pants, coat, goggles,
suitable for around 170-180cm ¥5000.
[email protected]
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Mixer, Vestax PMC 05 Pro mk III,
in excellent cosmetic and working
condition, kept in a nonsmoking
environment ¥ 15,000. Firm.
[email protected]
Pedal. Electro-Harmonix Knockout toneshaper three-band EQ pedal, in excellent
condition ¥7000. [email protected]
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Japanese learning material. Pimsleur
Japanese I, II and III, in original package,
in excellent condition, each set contains
16 CDs, booklet, guide ¥21,000/all. mita.
[email protected]
Japanese study books, nine available,
basic, 2-kyu and 1-kyu preparation, 1000
kanji cards, etc. ¥3000/all. yannu@
hotmail.com
5.5 GAMING
PlayStation 3, w/two controllers, wires
and manual, as new, hardly used ¥6000.
Pick up Jingumae. tokyo.cba2013@
yahoo.com
5.6 COLLECTORS
Beer glasses, from various Japanese
microbreweries, new, collection of 12
¥3000/all. ¥300/each. Krombacher Pils
glass boot, 1.5L ¥1500/obo. tripeler@
yahoo.com 080-6581-4724
5.7 PETS
Adopt or foster a rescued cat. Japan
Cat Network, a registered NPO, is seeking
loving homes for rescued cats and
kittens. Please act now to find a friend,
and save a life! [email protected]
www.japancatnet.com/
6 VEHICLES
6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Benz C180 Wagon Kompressor, '05,
Avantgarde limited edition, black, ETC,
leather seats, Exon lights, aluminum
wheel, 120,000km, shaken until May
'16, all taxes paid ¥695,000. Firm.
No dealers or auction sites. alinjap@
yahoo.com
Daihatsu Mira Avy, '05, kei car, well
taken care of, in good condition, very
low running cost, cheap registration and
shaken, w/six months shaken ¥60,000.
Details available. cameronhardy1982@
hotmail.com 090-4914-7686
6.2 MOTORBIKES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Jacket, Spidi Seven H2OUT, threeseason, men's, size XL (175-185cm), as
new, worn once, w/inner, shoulder pads
and elbow pads ¥15,000. jayfeirin@
yahoo.co.jp
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Bike, hardly used, less than one y/o,
w/registration; front, back and wheel
lights; wheel and chain lock; basket.
New ¥21,800. Sell ¥18,000. Pick up only
Akasaka. [email protected]
10.2 SUPPORT
Bikes, unisex, two available (one white,
one blue), nine m/o, in good condition, w/
parking permit for Urayasu stn ¥12,000/
both/obo. Pick up only. Details available.
[email protected]
Trainer, remove front wheel and attach
bike to ride in stationary position ¥5000/
obo. [email protected]
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
iPhone 4 16GB, white, in great condition,
boxed, w/all paperwork, no headphones
¥7000. Firm. [email protected]
iPhone 4S 16GB, locked to SoftBank,
second-hand, white, w/box and
charger, in good condition, no scratches
¥20,000. [email protected]
090-8503-0282
iPhone 5 16GB, black, screen as new,
but slight scratches around the left and
right sides, w/original box ¥15,000. Firm.
[email protected]
Mobile phone, prepaid ¥3900.
[email protected]
me a mail again. understanding_life@
hotmail.com 080-3126-9376
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen.
TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous
English counseling daily from
9am-11pm by trained volunteers:
03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual psychotherapy
by accredited Western-trained
professionals, a CIGNA International
Provider: 03 - 4550 -1146. TE LL
website: www.telljp.com. Follow us on
Facebook and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a
day, from anywhere, about anything.
From emergency assistance to simple
questions. Visit www.jhelp.com/ and
press “help,” or call 0570-000-911. To
volunteer or support, please contact
[email protected]. www.jhelp.com
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
PARTY - WINTER SPECIAL.
Sat, Jan 24, 6:30-9pm, Bar
Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http://
getyourfriend.com/mobile/
w w w.get your frien d.com /
090-1735-5405
Mobile phone, Panasonic 103P, flip
phone, SoftBank, in perfect working
condition, w/data cable/charging cable
¥4000/obo. [email protected]
Mobile phones, Pantone 4105sh,
SoftBank, pre-paid, two available (one
white, one black). New ¥15,000/each.
Sell ¥15,000/both/obo. laura-janey@
live.com
7.2 FASHION
Jacket, Mountain Hard Wear, men's, size
US M, elm green, bought in the US, never
worn, w/original tags ¥10,000. jayfeirin@
yahoo.co.jp
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS
Christmas tree, multi-colored, fiber
optic (120x55cm), in excellent condition,
w/AC adapter, extra lamp, ornaments,
decorative lamp chains (two 35-bulb and
one 100-bulb) ¥9000. 1min walk from
Ayase stn, Chiyoda line. mamad15@
excite.com
Ficus benjamina (H2.5m), 22 y/o, w/
terracotta pot, rolling tray. Appraised
at ¥500,000. Sell ¥300,000. ckearson@
gmail.com
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
Various items. LCD TV, at least 32";
fridge, w/large freezer; oven; etc.; as
new. Pick up Kamakura, Zushi, Yokohama
area only. Photos required. johnlander@
yahoo.com
Washer, sofa, aircon and other items
sought. Will pay reasonable price.
[email protected]
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Kindle Fire, as new, color screen
¥10,000. Firm. danbluemover@gmail.
com
Monitor, wide ¥2500. gnbkaijpn@
gmail.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE . Fif t y- 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 [email protected]
http://aatokyo.org
HI V Peer Suppor t group a n d
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
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
[email protected]
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y AT
LEAFCUP. Come join us and have
fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/
women: ¥2000. All-you-candrink- and-eat. Iidabashi
and Yokohama: Feb 7 and 21.
Shibuya: Jan 24 and Feb 14.
www.leafparty.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
11 MESSAGES
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.
One year (24 issues) ¥3600
(corporate subscribers, 7-100
copies ok ¥22,560). Half year
(12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate
subscribers, 7-100 copies ok
¥12,000). Bank transfer or
credit card (Visa, Mastercard,
Diners Club). Detail s at
http://metropolisjapan.com/
subscription.
GET TRAINED AT YOUR LOCAL
GY M . Pe r s o nal Fit Jap an
is a new personal training
service. At your favorite gym,
at home or at the nearest
park, our certified trainers
will be happy to help you
reach your goals. First session
free! [email protected]
www.personalfit.jp
English in exchange for WordPress
help. I will teach you English (any
level) if you help me finish and
refine my WordPress page. Can meet
around Shibuya, Meguro or Ebisu.
[email protected]
Professional oil massage wanted.
Seeking a professional or student
masseur. Can pay ¥7000/90min or
exchange English or Italian. Serious only.
No shiatsu—only aroma oil massage.
Thanks. [email protected]
Sponsorship. Ten years’ experience
in cafe/bar work, including working at
international hotels. I’d like to open
a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship.
Individuals and companies are welcome.
Please, if interested, let us come to an
agreement. [email protected]
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR
YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E !
Write any thing, from bir thday
messages to proposals. http://
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.
AAA, your email address was not
correct. You sent me a mail about my ad
for meeting with the kids. Please send
AMERICAN FOOTBALL.
N ihon Unis ys 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 and venue
subject to change). Attendance
at practice must be over 60%.
Please contact for tryout info and
send your profile to team admin.
www.unisys.co.jp/football/
A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H
F O OT B A L L . N o n - c o n t a c t t a g
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League
players. We play every Sat from
10am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners
welcome! Good exercise and fun!
Many other activities, such as
BBQs and drinking parties! Email
for details. tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com ht tp: //ameblo.jp/
tokyo13warriors
New players sought, especially goal
keeper and strikers, for regular futsal,
11-a-side, socials. Any nationality
ok. [email protected] w w w.
kantoceltsfc.com
A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby
League team is seeking Rugby
Le a g u e p l aye r s fo r J a p a n e s e
Ru gby League of f icial games
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
[email protected]
Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts.
Seeking people interested in training
in old-style Japanese fighting arts.
Effective and intelligent, but safe
training approach. rootarty@gmail.
com
FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join
us for social or competitive touch
rugby ever y Sat at 2:30pm by
Ariake stn, Yurikamome line. Any
age, sex, level ok. Please email for
details. [email protected]
ht tp://w w w.funwithtouch.com/
where-we-play/
P L AY R U G B Y. T h e To k y o
Crusaders are a friendly but
keen international rugby club.
D evo te d to t h e g am e an d i t s
social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays
in the Shuto League 1st Division.
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.
com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
sp or t from S cot land . Using a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.
org
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.
[email protected]
Badminton club in Tokyo. Small
international group seeks players from
abroad. If you know basic footwork,
strokes and play seriously, you could
definitely enjoy playing with us.
[email protected] http://www.
geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html
Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Flag football players needed. Anyone
with experience in American football or
flag football interested in joining a team
in the Tokyo area, please contact me. We
play in the spring and fall. Thanks and
talk soon! [email protected]
Football /soccer players. Tokyo
Redstar, Setagaya League 1, is seeking
soccer players for GK and FW position.
Practice almost every Sat/Sun in Tokyo.
Attendance must be over 50%. Players in
a spirit of fair play welcome. saito987@
hotmail.com http://tokyoredstar.com/
Futsal players wanted by a very
friendly international team. Practice is
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details
available. [email protected]
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). [email protected]
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. [email protected]
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.
[email protected]
Quality football. Interested in playing
football at the weekend and training
midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers
after a good run out? If you consider
yourself a quality player, please drop
us a note. [email protected]
Seeking Japanese archery
companions. Let’s do kyudo near
Tokyo. Once/month for three hours,
weekends only. See website for details.
jmty.jp/tokyo/com-spo/article-qa3g
Table tennis in Minato-ku. Hi,
our international team is seeking
experienced players. You need to be
living or working in Minato-ku and
commit to play ten times/year on
Sundays (all day). No beginners, please.
[email protected]
Women’s football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities, experience levels,
beginners welcome. Happy and friendly
club! We have many socials. djnorio@
hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
SKIING AND
BOARDING
IN HAKUBA.
S n o w
package:
Dec 19-Mar
31; departs
Ikebukuro
Fridays at 7:30pm (11:30pm
arrival); two nights, one
d i n n e r, t wo b r e a k f a s t s ,
round-trip private bus,
two-day ski pass, live music
p a r t y ¥ 2 6 , 9 0 0. 02 61 -7 5 5155 info@more -resor t .
co m ht t p: // h akub a - hote laccommodation.com
WISHING FOR A WEEKEND
AWAY ? Inn By The Sea
Kamakura, a 4min walk from
Hase stn, offers child-friendly
accommodation near the
D a i b u t s u , H a s e Te m p l e,
Yuigahama Beach and many
other Kamakura landmarks.
Find us on Facebook at
I n n B yTh e S e a Ka m a k u r a .
innbytheseakamakura.com
[email protected]
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.
[email protected]
Free Japanese cooking. Japanese
housewife offers home cooking on
weekdays at her house near Kawasaki
stn. You just pay the cost of ingredients.
Women only, please. [email protected]
Tokyo ET contact group. Join us
beneath the stars as we endeavor to
make contact with ET visitors and their
craft. [email protected] www.
meetup.com/Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/
events/193113322
Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard club
for anyone living in, or visiting Tokyo. We
go on big group trips every weekend in
the winter. Powder, live music events,
and parties in snow. Membership is free!
[email protected] http://www.
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
35
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
13.3 ARTS
Artist/photographer seeks attractive
and sexy female for natural, fashion and
glamor photos. Digital photos in return for
your time. West of Tokyo. Please email
w/sample photos. understanding_life@
hotmail.com
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_
[email protected] http://groups.
yahoo.com/group/Shakespeare-sama/
13.4 MUSIC
A cappella group. Miss singing? Join
our singing group! We sing orchestral
classical music only in human voice,
conducted by a professional a cappella
singer. ryusei@acappella-cantabile.
jp ht tp://acappella- cantabile.
jp/?page_id=202
Cajón player. I'm a Japanese guy who
plays the cajón. I'm available for gigs,
rehearsals, jam sessions, etc., in Tokyo.
I look forward to playing music with
various people. If you are interested,
feel free to contact me. si.utro@i-ml.
com
Drummer seeking band. Any style
(funk, fusion, pop, etc.) is welcome,
except metal. Weekly practices and
gigs ok. Tokyo area. Please write me
back to have a try! christian.pelissero@
institutfrancais.jp
Fiddler (violinist) wanted to play
northern European/Scandinavian music
together. Rehearse a couple of times/
month in Nakano. We are one violinist,
flutist, accordionist, cellist and pianist.
[email protected]
You're right! We can play guitar and
sing a song! Seeking singer or singersongwriter. I'm a Japanese guitarist.
I play electric and acoustic guitar.
Beginners welcome. Gigs in Tokyo. Pop,
rock, punk. kamikaze_vibe@hotmail.
com
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
B EG INNE RS TAI CHI AND Q I
GONG COURSE. New courses
s t a r t T h u , J a n 2 9. R e g u l a r
practice brings better health
and increased energy levels.
www.taichinews.com/
international/tokyo-japan
[email protected]
w w w.meiquantaichi.com
080-6871-8975
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do
you want to explore your own mind?
Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun,
6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International
practitioners, beginners welcome,
Japanese spoken. Please call 090-35983072 for more information. daginia@
gmail.com www.diamondway.jp
DON’T MISS AN ISSUE – SUBSCRIBE NOW!
One year (24 issues) ¥3,600. Half year (12 issues) ¥1,800.
One year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥22,560.
Half year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥12,000.
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club).
http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription
36
色ー度カフェ. ライトワーカーヒ
ーリング。任意の助けのための私
に連絡してください。 winds_fr@
hotmail.com
13.6 RELIGIOUS
Seeking a Baptist church? If you're
seeking a Baptist church without
judgmental people, where everyone
is in normal clothes, and with many
English speakers, give me a call.
Meet at Higashi-Shinjuku stn, A2 exit,
Sun at 10:30am. [email protected]
08041554200
13.8 PROFESSIONAL
Tokyo Traders Club. International
club for traders and investors. Discuss
opportunities in stocks, commodities
and forex. Many regular events,
including FX trading workshop. New to
trading? No problem; beginners also
welcome. You can also learn to trade.
Join free! [email protected] http://
www.tokyotraders.com/ 080-5681-1321
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit,
member-run organization that sponsors
activities (seminars, cultural events,
conferences) for those wanting to further
develop intercultural competencies
and meet other interculturalists. yuko.
[email protected] 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. [email protected]
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
Dart s, dominoes and hookah.
S eeking friends to play dar t s,
dominoes, etc. I live in HigashiShinjuku and would like to have friends
over. American, 33, lived here 12 years.
I have hookah, a 60" TV, PlayStation 4.
Let's have fun! [email protected]
To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s
No.1 English magazine, log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email
your commercial ads to commercial@
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
SEEKING MARRIAGE. Single male,
early 30s, seeking a working or
studying female, under 32, for a
serious relationship leading to
marriage. Prefer someone who
wants to start a family soon. I
am an educated, hard-working
professional in Tokyo. uniman@
gmail.com
SUBMISSIVE SJM, 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. [email protected]
Adding some spice. MWM, 38, seeking
married or discreet single female to
reignite the spark missing in my life.
I am professional, athletic, kind, fun,
seeking a connection with a special
woman. Looking forward to hearing
from you. [email protected]
Adventure. Adventurous, handsome
man s e ek ing lady. Easygoing,
humourous, fun to be with, loves travel.
Let’s meet. zukkpo_ikopu3@hotmail.
com
American executive seeking
companionship. SWM, athletic body,
182cm, 85kg, good sense of humor,
seeking girlfriend/physical relationship
with SJF or MJF, 20-45. Live in a nice
Western-style place. Sometimes
lonely. Very respectful. skykingwilt@
yahoo.com
Are you game? White European male,
handsome, kind, witty, very hot,
living outside Japan, seeking a lady to
exchange passionate emails and sexy
photos. [email protected]
Are you tall? I’m dying to meet a nice,
special, tall woman (165cm and up) here
in Tokyo. I’m young, American, very fit.
Any race/country ok. I just find tall women
gorgeous! [email protected]
Feminine guy. I am a feminine white
crossdresser, 35, living in Tokyo,
seeking friends, M/F ok, to go out.
[email protected]
Art of love. European, 50s, seeking
a Japanese lady to share passion,
spirituality, the nature and the art of
love. [email protected]
JF seeking new friends in central
Tokyo. JF, mid-30s, seeking Englishor French-speaking friends to hang
out with. I'm slim, with black hair,
open-minded and kind. Tell me about
yourself. Coffee or beer. Thank you!
[email protected]
Artistic American guy, 38, my father
spoke German, born in America, lived
near Santa Monica. Now near Tokyo
Tower. Athletic, love artistic expression,
restaurants, fashion, R&B. Please live
or work in central Tokyo and be openminded. [email protected]
JF seeking new friends in Tokyo. SJF
is seeking friends (not bed buddies)
to have fun together. M/F ok. I just
want to know fun and nice people. I'm
open-minded. Please email me. [email protected]
Attractive, exotic Japanese
professional seeks romance. Adorable,
handsome, caring, movie-/classical
music-loving Japanese, 36, working for
an international firm, is seeking a longterm relationship with a kind, sincere
woman of any nationality. Serious only.
[email protected]
New friends. American male, can
never have enough friends. If you feel
the same way, please look me up. I
enjoy drinking, dining, or just hanging
out at a cafe as long as the conversation
is interesting. [email protected]
Reiki events. This group is for people
who are interested in Reiki and
spirituality. For more details about
our upcoming events, please visit
our webpage. [email protected]
www.reikibyyuko.com/reiki-events.
htm
Peaceful and unhurried friendship
sought. Laid-back JF designer, 40s, is
seeking friend(s) to occasionally hang
out together in Tokyo. Plans vary from
art, music, film, video games, tea, to
language exchange (E/J), etc. email@
amarrel.com
Rocky Mountain Mystery School. Hi,
I’m looking to meet people from the
Rocky Mountain Mystery school here
in Tokyo. Look forward to meeting you.
[email protected]
Seeking friends in central Tokyo.
JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang
out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@
yahoo.co.jp
Tai chi in Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park is
open again. Come learn and practice
Guang Ping Yang Taiji Chuan with likeminded people. Early morning practice
is best. [email protected] www.gpytcjapan.
com 03-3487-3011
Swiming fun and friends. I'm a fan
of swimming. Sadly, chlorine-free
pools are uncommon in Japan. There
are some in Yokohama and Hiratsuka.
Feel free to message me if you are
from the area. Let's swim together!
[email protected]
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. [email protected]
www.wgthorpe.com
Tokyo friends. JF, 41, wants to have
new friends for joining fun events/
festivals, and for socializing at pubs
after work. I like watching football
with friends at pubs. If you do, too,
then it'd be great. badamix@mail.
goo.ne.jp
Bad guy seeks good girl. Handsome,
intelligent UK male, 38, tired of being a
playboy, seeks a nice, pretty Japanese
woman, 25-40, for friendship... and
maybe romance. Can you help me
become a better person? db881633@
gmail.com
Be happy together! Loving, warm,
passionate, successful, accomplished,
well-educated, generous, nonsmoking,
tall married male is seeking a Japanese
woman for a long-term, discreet affair.
Let us begin a wonderful friendship
and relationship. fullofpassion_11@
yahoo.com
Black male seeks tall woman for
close relationship. I am a healthy
man, 42, 168cm. I am interested in
having a close relationship with a tall
Japanese or Western woman under
41. Must currently reside in Japan.
[email protected]
Blond, blue-eyed German MWM, 40,
176, athletic, living in central Tokyo,
with academic background, goodlooking, is seeking a MJF who enjoys
entertaining conversations, romantic
dinners, walks and a warm, caring
gentleman. Let’s rejoice in Japan’s
winter mood! [email protected]
JOBS
To advertise:
[email protected]
NOMURA REAL ESTATE URBAN NET CO.,LTD.
03-4588-2277
“YOUR PARTNER FOR
REAL ESTATE
IN AZABU JŪBAN”
For Buyers, Make Your Dream Home a Reality with Us
For Sellers, Let Us Help You Get Your Asking Price
CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED
BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi,
S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g
enthusiastic, prof icient English,
French, Spanish and/or German
speakers who can teach and lead
lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.
A p p l y o n l i n e : h r @ l e a f c u p .co m
www.leafcup.com/job.php
O R G O G LI O D E L C A S A LTA I t a l i a n
Re s t a u r a n t i s s e e k i n g s e r v i ce
s t a f f . E /J c o n v e r s a t i o n s k i l l s
n e c e s s a r y, I t a l i a n r e s t a u r a n t
experience a plus; five days/week,
4-11pm; transportation and meals
provided; opportunities for full-time
employment. ¥1000 - ¥1200/h. 1F
Hiroo Bldg, 3-12-40 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
Contact:03-6418-5896/0902776-3182 or [email protected]
www.orgogliodelcasalta.com
WANT TO HELP CREATE METROPOLIS?
We’re seeking social media, web, and
editorial interns. Great opportunity
to gain experience in a multimedia
company ! To appl y, send intro
let ter, CV and relevant clips to
[email protected].
J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P.
JapanTravel.com is seeking E/J
bilingual interns to join the largest
tourism website in Japan. Multiple
oppor tunities in content, sales/
marketing and web/design. Work
in an exciting, global environment
in Roppongi. Transportation and
business expenses provided. No
salary, minimum three months, chance
for full-time position. Please send your
resume (E/J) to [email protected].
METROPOLIS is seeking motivated E/J
bilingual sales executives, assistants,
support staff and interns to join its
advertising and marketing team.
Candidates should be hard-working,
proactive team players who are
enthusiastic and independent. Sales
experience preferred for executive
p o s i t i o n s , b u t n o t n e c e s s a r y.
E xe cu t i ve s: f u l l - t i m e ( M o n - Fri ,
9:30am-6:30pm), fixed salary plus
commission. Assistants/support staff:
part-time or full-time. Internship:
unpaid, but transp or tation fee
provided. Send E/J resume to jobs@
NOMURA REAL ESTATE
URBAN NET CO.,LTD.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism(3)No.6011
Member of the Association of Real Estate Agents of Japan
Member of the Real Estate Fair Trade Council
CALL: 080-1102-7667 / 03-5444-2281 OPEN THURSDAY-MONDAY, 9:30AM-6:10PM
SALES REP: MASARU NAKAMURA　OFFICE ADDRESS: 1F AXIA FORESTA,
[email protected] 2-11-5 AZABU-JŪBAN, MINATO-KU
Since 1949
今年は"にほんごをもの"にする
EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL
D A I LY CO N V E R S AT I O N A N D B U S I N E S S J A PA N E S E
Boring OL job? Are you a JF who likes
to be submissive? Do you enjoy light
bondage with white men? You can feel
excited with a spanking, then back to
your boring OL job. [email protected]
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
Calm, gentle JM seeks someone
special for a serious relationship leading
to marriage. I am 43, nonsmoking, don't
drink. Any nationality ok. If interested,
please contact me. Let’s start with a cup
of coffee. [email protected]
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. [email protected]
Cool and sweet JM seeks kindhearted,
interesting Western lady for cultural
exchange and friendship in Tokyo.
Especially welcome if she is a newcomer
and wants to know more about Japan
and its culture. [email protected]
Curvy, voluptuous JF for new start
this year. Naughty, nice, sweet,
adventurous, open-minded, loving,
curvy, voluptuous JF sought. If you're
seeking a tall, handsome, manly
European, please send me a message.
[email protected]
English gentleman. Hello, I am an
Oxbridge-educated English gentleman
seeking a single Japanese lady for
friendship and marriage. I live in
London, but travel to Japan on business
occasionally. [email protected]
European alone in Tokyo. Spanish
man, 37, seeking a nice Japanese
to have a drink and talk. I'm funny,
committed and want to know as much as
possible about Japanese culture. Write
me! [email protected]
European gentleman, 40s, tall,
educated, good-looking, S, seeks M lady,
under 30, with unusual fantasies, ready
to explore the extraordinary. One mouse
click can make your secret desires come
true! [email protected]
Everybody... Passion! Seeking to
reignite the passion that is lacking in your
life? Missing the butterflies that happen
when someone sweeps you off your
feet? Wondering what it’s like to explore
someone’s body again? MWM, 35, tall,
good-looking. [email protected]
Free afternoons. Are you a JF? If yes,
please finish this sentence: I am cute
and fun to be with because... If you can
reply, this SWM is going to reply to you.
Afternoon is best. [email protected]
French and English. French
businessman, 45, tall, is seeking a
female native English speaker for
exchange lessons in downtown Tokyo.
[email protected]
French executive needs massage.
Due to many tiring business trips, French
businessman wants oil/aroma massage
in exchange for English or French
lessons. [email protected]
Frenchman seeking young Japanese
woman. Elegant, kind, refined, athletic
Frenchman seeks a cute, fun, young
Japanese woman. If we connect, it could
lead to a serious relationship. ol24107@
gmail.com
German and Japanese. Asian male
seeking fluent German speaker. Prefer
a patient, mature woman, 28-38. Meet
weekly after work (6:30-10pm), around
Mitaka/Kichijoji/Shinjuku/Kanda/Ueno
area. [email protected]
Girlfriend. Japanese man, 45, decent,
cultured, with a good sense of humor, seeking
a lady of any age, Japanese or foreign, to
enjoy friendship. [email protected]
G o o d w i n e. I a m a G e r m a n
businessman, 43, single, in Tokyo
often for business, seeking a female
companion to enjoy the best of Tokyo.
Fit and educated, into art, many sports,
good wine and restaurants. franz.
[email protected]
Good-looking French businessman,
185cm, 42, ハンサムだと言われ ,
seeking a nice relationship with a
Japanese female. Open-minded, curious,
in need of love and tenderness. 日本語
ok. [email protected]
JAPANESE PROFICIENCY TEST
N1, N2, N3, N4
ST
* One month intensive
* 2 & 3 days a week
* Private & Corporate
* Business Japanese
www.evergreen.gr.jp
YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785
UDEN
VISA T
Registr
ati
July 20 on for
15
NOW O term
PEN!
Free trial lesson
for groups
[email protected]
03-3713-4958
Handsome, sweet and smart JM seeks
SWF who seeks secret happy events in
her spare time in Tokyo. Single/married
ok. Shall we begin to talk? I think this
opportunity will be a great one for us.
[email protected]
Italian seeking SJF. Hello, I'm Andrea,
29, here in Tokyo to start my new
business. I'm a tall Caucasian Italian,
with dark hair, an engineer, seeking
friendship and maybe more. Japanese
women welcome. [email protected]
Japanese girlfriend. British man, new
to Japan, seeks Japanese girlfriend to
show him around. Me: 173cm, blue eyes,
blond hair, medium build, likes music,
reading, etc. [email protected]
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. [email protected]
37
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
www.dubliners.jp
15TH ANNIVERSARY
PARTY
2/13 (Fri)
Dubliners’ Akasaka
(30sec walk from Tameike-Sanno stn)
More Events Coming Up - Please Contact
Akasaka Branch. Tel: 03-3539-3615
Language exchange and more. I am
seeking a Japanese woman, any age ok,
to have regular language exchange and
also make love together. We can learn
and have fun at the same time. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
Plus-size woman. Japanese man,
40s, gentle, open-minded, romantic,
seeks chubby girlfriend for a long-term
relationship. Any age, nationality ok.
Please do not hesitate—you are a lovely
woman. [email protected]
Life is for living. British man, 35, seeking
chats, drinks and maybe more. I am in a
relationship, but I am lonely. Want
someone to laugh, drink and eat with.
Life is so short and I want to enjoy it.
[email protected]
Pocchari JF? I'm an African currently
residing in central Tokyo. I'm seeking
a pocchari Japanese lady for a serious
relationship. No jokes, please. Serious
emails only. [email protected]
Long walks, sipping tea, interesting
conversation... Intelligent, artistic,
compassionate, tall and handsome SWM,
early 40s but still cute, seeks pretty,
sweet Japanese woman, 35-45, gentle
yet strong-minded, for dinner and dating
leading to a long-term relationship.
[email protected]
Mature? Hi! Young-looking European
“ikemen”, late 30s, seeking discreet
afternoon fun with a JF, over 40, in/
around Tokyo. No strings, no financial
interests—just a good time once or twice/
month. [email protected]
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?
[email protected]
Mature man for mature woman.
Attractive, mature European man,
50, seeks a Japanese lover. I prefer
somebody around my age (40s-60s). I
am highly cultured and like Japanese
ladies very much. [email protected]
Mature younger man for youthful
older woman. Seeking an intelligent
and attractive older woman, 40-50s.
I'm late 20s and people say I'm goodlooking. Your photo gets mine. Thank
you in advance for being open-minded.
[email protected]
Need love. Handsome Engl ish
gentleman, moderate build, mid30s, needs beautiful, passionate JF. I
am handsome, fun, intelligent, wellmannered and empathic. Let's have
romance together. Please send photo
w/email. I'm looking forward to hearing
from you. [email protected]
¥500
ALL PINTS
PINTS OF
OF
ALL
DRAUGHT BEER
BEER
DRAUGHT
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | [email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Ikebukuro
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |[email protected]
Akasaka
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Nice guy seeking nice girl. Hi! I'm
a European guy, 24, 178cm, athletic,
educated and attractive. I'm single,
in Tokyo now, so... Well, if you're
interested, feel free to contact me. By
the way, I speak Japanese. clemont_
[email protected]
Normal relationship. White American
businessman, 40s, 185cm, 85kg,
average appearance, seeks longterm relationship—dinner, drinks,
deep conversation, occasional travel.
Not seeking marriage, but want to
enjoy romance and intimacy. Not
concerned about looks, just seeking
someone intelligent and adventurous.
[email protected]
Only live once! British man, 34, enjoys
drinking, onsen, chatting, seeking a
female friend for drinking and chatting.
In a relationship, but lonely. Life is going
by so fast. Age/nationality not important.
Inside counts. bumfirebumfire@hotmail.
com
Romance and dating. Very nice and sexy
gentleman seeks an older, or much older,
woman to have nice dates and a romance.
[email protected]
Romance by email for married person.
I miss simple, sweet romance. Married
with happy family and life, good job,
late 40s, European gentleman. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
Secret romance. Smart, nonsmoking JM,
53, seeking only one girlfriend for secret
romance. I respect your privacy. I am a
businessman working in central Tokyo.
If you are interested in my ad, please
contact me. [email protected]
Seeking big, tall woman. Caucasian
guy, prefers big, tall ladies. Me:
intel l igent , fr iendl y, dow n -to earth, active, good sense of humor.
[email protected]
Seeking fun. SWM, 28, French, seeking
people who want fun like me. My life is
stable, but boring and stressful. I need
excitement for my mental health balance.
If you feel the same way, contact me,
please. [email protected]
Seeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind,
seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance
in Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee and
talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@
yahoo.com
Seeking girlfriend. I'm 39, good, kind,
Japanese, 175cm, 60kg, in Tokyo. If you
are interested in cosplay, please mail
me. Let's have fun together. atz2014@
excite.co.jp
Seeking love in 2015. Tall SWM, mid30s, moving to Tokyo this year, seeking a
long-term relationship with a Japanese
woman who is serious about finding true
love. I hope my next girlfriend is my last!
[email protected]
Seeking married アラフォー. American
gentleman, romantic type, seeks a
married アラフォー lady for good
conversation, friendship and more. Not
seeking a one-time encounter. I want a
discreet relationship with real feelings.
[email protected]
Seeking my lady. Good-looking,
athletic SBM, 21, with a fit body, from
California, into film, music, and pretty
much anything interesting, seeking
someone to have fun with. alphadog22@
hotmail.com
Seeking Parisienne. Affluent and
excellent Japanese architectural
engineer is seeking an attractive
Parisienne who can speak English. I
visited Paris last Dec and would like
to know more about the city. Give me
Seeking serious relationship.
European guy, early 40s, positive,
easygoing, gentle, romantic, lots of
hobbies, seeking female, 35-55, openminded, easygoing, enjoys simple things.
Speak Nihongo. No busy people, please.
[email protected]
Seeking tall JF. I hope for association
with a Japanese woman more than
170cm tall. SJM, 45, 173, 57. Thank you!
[email protected]
Seeking the same thing? Attractive,
caring, sincere SJM, 40s, seeks SWF
who is honest, sincere, confident, for a
serious, loving relationship. Let's get to
know each other. No games or drama.
[email protected]
Serious relationship. Single man, 37,
living and working in Tokyo, seeking a
serious relationship. I like movies, travel,
cooking. 日本語大丈夫です良かった
ら連絡ください. lavillelumiere2015@
gmail.com
Single mother sought by father with
6-year-old boy for meeting, having fun
and speaking English on weekends with
the kids. understanding_life@hotmail.
com
SJM professional for SWF expat/
professional. SJM, 40s, in central
Tokyo, senior management at a foreign
company, is seeking a SWF expat to
explore inside and outside of Tokyo, go
out for good dining and spend good time
together. [email protected]
Tall, dark, handsome American, 30s,
speaks Japanese, seeks JF. Have lived in
and out of Japan since 2000. I speak, read
and write Japanese. lovesorare_2000@
yahoo.com
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover
of books, films and music, seeks
an attractive British lady with the
same interests. First chat, then
meet up for coffee and maybe more.
[email protected]
Very special man visiting Tokyo in
March. I am seeking one very special
person for the possibility of a life-long
relationship. I visit in March. I am a
very youthful 50 and very smart and
attractive. [email protected]
artisanservicesla.com
White guy, 34, 182cm, 75kg, living
in Tokyo, seeking a kind girlfriend.
[email protected]
Will you hold me? I want to hold you in
my arms and feel it back. I want to feel
connected and not think of anything else.
[email protected]
WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl,
18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes.
I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@
yahoo.com
ラブレッター。 When I was young, I
wrote love letters with pen and paper,
waiting for days to receive the answer.
Now it is just a sweet memory. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
ジョギング好き彼女募集＠横浜。
４０代半ばの日本人独身男性で
す。8~20キロ時々走ります。南関
東ok。 [email protected]
WADA Legal & Administrative Office
We can help you with:
Shinagawa
• 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
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
38
Questions! Are you seeking a tall guy?
Are you too stressed and in need of some
fun? If yes, reply to me. jsn334@gmail.
com
the hot info on Paris now. imak1_2_3@
yahoo.co.jp
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: [email protected]
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
東京に引っ越す予定です。３０代の
SWMです。先ずは,メールで,お互い
の事を知ってから会いたいです。
[email protected]
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
Fresh start. Attractive, cultured JF, 30s,
seeks a good-looking young boyfriend
who can possibly have a long-term
relationship. He should be Caucasian,
nonsmoking, cultured. No one-night
stands. [email protected]
International-minded Japanese,
early 30s, spent time overseas and
now seeking new people around Tokyo.
Seeking someone single, professional,
independent. Nonsmokers only; photo
appreciated. Thanks. me_flower15@
yahoo.co.jp
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@
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exeo-international.com
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE
C R E AT E O P P O R T U N I T I E S
for elite foreign males to meet
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[email protected]
http://universe-club.jp/en
Attractive JF, 30s, slim and goodlooking, seeks attractive, professional
gentlemen working and living in Tokyo for
friendship. Would be nice to have a coffee
first. [email protected]
Attractive SJF seeking single, mature
Caucasian male, 30s-40s, nonsmoking,
sincere, gentle, for a serious relationship.
I'm sincere, into traveling, dining out,
going to museums, watching sports.
I'm 44, 154cm. Please text me with your
photo. [email protected]
Elegance and sultriness are definitely
not mutually exclusive; it takes
intelligence and class to deliver sex
appeal gracefully. Evaluate me to see
if I have what it takes. Good-looking SJF,
45, seeking new love, over 40s, single,
professional. [email protected]
Enjoy life more. I am a SJF, fulltime worker, not young. I have good
friends, work hard, enjoy travel, but
am missing something. I would like
to meet someone for friendship or
more. No players or married men.
[email protected]
Frenchman sought. After visiting France
several times, I've fallen in love with the
country. So, I'd like to meet a Frenchman
for a long-lasting relationship. I am
Japanese, 30s. Write me if you think
you're great! [email protected]
Japan-loving French guy. SJF seeks
a French guy who loves living in Japan,
30s, for a serious relationship leading to
marriage. I am caring, curious and openminded. Serious only. vinrouge735@
gmail.com
Japanese female, 160cm, slender, mid30s, seeking a single, mature, athletic,
intelligent man, up to 50, for friendship
leading to a serious relationship in the
Tokyo area. I like travel, eating out, nature,
reading. I speak Japanese and English.
[email protected]
Rare discovery! Warmhear ted,
attractive, positive, slim SJF, enjoys
cooking, hiking, working, art, seeks
gentle, attractive, successful Caucasian
in central Tokyo who wants to raise a
loving family. What's important is trust,
respect and stimulating each other. Photo
necessary. [email protected]
Seeking single men. I am a Japanese
female, 40, seeking a single gentleman
who likes sports and talking. I would
be happy if you could speak Japanese a
little. [email protected]
Serious boyfriend. Beautiful Japanese
wants to meet someone. No married
men, cheaters, casual relationships
whatsoever. Prefer someone in the
Ichikawa/Nishi-Funabashi area, 27-39,
American. I'm 37, with a professional
job and multiple talents. gkr93mz@
gmail.com
Serious relationship. I work all the
time, so I don't have time to meet
people. But I really want to settle down
and have a family. I'm 39. Serious only.
[email protected]
yet intriguing and smart, seeking a welleducated, active, smart and honest
gentleman with a positive outlook on
life. Singles only. amrita_banana2014@
yahoo.co.jp
Ultra-feminine, intelligent, and I can
be tough, totally fun. Japanese, mid40s, happy with my looks from head
to toe, with Western spunk and exotic
Asian gentleness, seeks single business
professional. Won't disappoint you if
you're what I seek. whiteforeverbeau@
yahoo.co.jp
Your perfect complement. You will have
a beautiful best friend, good chef, sexy
flirt and great listener to your dreams or
even problems. Sophisticated, little wild,
fit, educated SJF, 40+, seeks a sincere
single gentleman who works and plays
hard. [email protected]
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
Friends and fun. Japanese guy, 27,
170, 65, good-looking, seeking friends
and fun in/around Tokyo. Please reply
w/face photo and stats. Thanks. kcv@
hotmail.co.jp
seven deadly sins 2014
Let it go, indeed.
Give and get a
little heat this
season with
Sin Den style!
Sin
Den
Hair Makeup & Nails
TEL03.3405.4409
SINDEN.COM
BOOK ONLINE NOW!
Versatile white guy, straight, a bit
shy, 43, 182cm, 74kg, seeking a gay
experience with a Japanese man,
similar profile. Drop me a line if you
are interested. No rush. tetsuofrench@
yahoo.fr
14.5 ESCORTS
ESCORTS have gone online.
To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y
co m p a nio n , v i s it ht t p: //
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/
category/personals/escorts.
14.6 AND OTHERS
SLAVE BOY. Intelligent Caucasian
American, 30s, seeking to be a
slave boy under a sadistic girl
who is also intelligent . I look
forward to hearing from you. Start
as friends, long-term possible.
S e r io u s o n l y. d a r k b a n d i t 1 @
hotmail.com
Free consultation in fluent English
Foreign hair experts for women & men
No use of thinning scissors without prior consultation
Imported hair colors and sample chart for Western hair
No hard selling of beauty products
No personal questions.We concentrate on our job and let you relax
Friendly atmosphere and groovy music
Genuine male seeks MMF threesome.
I'm a British male, 36. It's my longterm fantasy to join a couple for a
MMF threesome. I'm happy with your
speed and will play whatever role
you like. I'm friendly, clean and fun.
[email protected]
Sick puppy seeking fellow
warrior to hunt down Grinch.
He has at least 20 of my
Christmases. Me: half, 34,
washed-out, skelled-out and
immature. You: heart of gold.
Let me assuage your messiah
complex. Will not disappoint!
[email protected]
Single American man? Seeking tall
single or divorced American man, 35-45,
preferably someone well-built and
confident. I am a single Japanese female.
[email protected]
Sparkle and shine. Seeking love and
eventually a partnership. Japanese
female, people say attractive and sweet,
Happening bar? European man
seeking a nice lady to enjoy happening
bars in Tokyo/Yokohama. My schedule
is flexible, so we can go during the
day if that's best for you. Married or
single, Japanese or foreign—all ok.
[email protected] JOBS
Seeking Asian shemale. European
guy, 40s, good-looking, kind, openminded, positive, seeks Asian shemale
in Tokyo. Let’s share great times
together. [email protected]
Two girls for a threesome. Clean
and polite black guy, 190cm, athletic,
seeks two females for threesome. I
promise you will not be disappointed.
At my house or a hotel. Waiting to hear
from curious ones. rmlywe@yahoo.
co.jp
Now You Can Recharge
in Roppongi 24/7/365
Hotel
IBIS
Soba shop
Tel: 03-3796-2411
relaxtokyo.com
Metropolis Promo
60 & 120min courses now ¥1,000 off
30min course ¥500 off
Mos
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Police box
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Body care
30 min: ¥3,150
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Patent attorney
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www.j-star.jp
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
Imperial
Palace
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: [email protected]
39
RELATIONS
THE “FITNESS LIFESTYLE” IN JAPAN
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
Fitness in America seems to be a hobby, while fitness in Japan is
the general lifestyle.
I always thought it was funny in America when my friends would
drive across town to go to the gym, but refused to go on a walk in the
park and always took escalators rather than stairs at the mall. And,
while I don't actually have any Japanese friends with gym memberships, I’m impressed by the daily amount of unintentional exercise
people do in Tokyo.
日本でのフィットネスについて
フィットネスはアメリカでは趣味として行われているようだが、日本で
はライフスタイルの一部になっているようです。私はアメリカで友達が
ジムに車で行くのに、公園で散歩はしなかったり、ショッピングモール
で必ず階段ではなくエスカレーターを使う人達の事を面白いなぁと思っ
ていました。私の日本人の友人でジムに通っている人はいませんが、東
京でいつも日々の生活で無意識に人々が行っているエクササイズの量に
は驚かされます。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 20-Jun 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Jun 21-Jul 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
The world’s cooking, and so are
you. You may have spent years
put ting something into play, or
starting something new in 2015. One thing
is certain: Mercury retrograde is your friend,
not the boogeyman this week. Use the extra
time (known as “interruptions”) to add more
ingredients to your recipe. There no longer
is one right answer in our universe. However,
there’s the nourishment that opens hearts
and brings security back into focus.
Mercur y retrograde is a bore, but
it gives you a chance to sidestep
things if in the mood. There’s such
a preponderance of stellar activity above the
horizon of your chart that you’ll be noticed
ever y where you go. Your opinion will be
sought out, and what seems easy to you may
be hidden to others. This gives you—and
them—a chance to reassess. Expect friends to
come with urgent calls for plans and fantasies
that are hard to pin but fun to discuss!
Your solar first house is free and
clear, so plan what you like, and
enjoy f lex time too. Saturn and
Pallas Athene in your partnership sector find
creative ways to blend security with a spurof-the-moment lifestyle. This suits you well.
Going with the flow is now a requirement for
the whole zodiac, but you have the jump on
them. In fact, you may enjoy being the leader
of an adventure with your group of friends
this week.
It’s easy to be critical, but there
are infinite ways to say the same
thing. Some are born with the ability to act with charm and grace, while others
have to work for it. Cancers are warm when
secure—otherwise, watch out. The Sun’s now
in your solar eighth house. You should receive
something wonderful and heartwarming this
week. Mercury is retrograde, so it could be
delayed. Remember, it’s still on its way to you.
Don't give up!
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 22-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Being mysterious is second nature
to you, but the pressure of the PlutoUranus square’s brought much to the
surface, and with that, a more direct approach
in negotiations. Suddenly, everything’s clear
and you may not feel like holding back. The
outcome of your current situation has a lot to
do with ... well, you. Perspective and the soft
sciences meet rational thought and hard facts.
Go for broke in romance and let the rest shake
itself out.
Mar 20-Apr 18 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣
Jul 22-Aug 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Apr 19-May 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Aug 22-Sep 21 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
Leos are used to being in charge,
so it’s surprising when forecasting
takes an unexpected turn. Juno and
Jupiter are in your sign, but in retrograde. They
may appear to sit on the fence when you need
them to get moving. Patience is everything,
especially with Mercury retrograde. Leos are
encouraged to take their time, while others
circle slippery slopes. You’re likely to be the
bee with honey just when the hot bread comes
out of the oven.
“Those who can, do” turns out often
to be you. Earth signs are taking
the brunt of the new forces coming
in, and you feel it. Mars opposite Dark Moon
Lilith in Virgo creates a sharp-edged focus for
staying on track while others drift. Mars near
Neptune whispers of dreams and fantasy,
but it also makes you more porous—you may
pick up on the moods of others. Stick with the
positive people, and don't give in to momentary
regression.
Librans are about finding balance
when it’s in short supply. You may
feel stretched with Uranus still
playing games in your par tnership sector,
and Pluto upending plans at home. Inner calm
affects your external environment. You may
not have planned to become a guru in this
lifetime, but it looks more like it’s a requirement just to cross the street. Ever yone is
challenged, but Librans look good doing it.
Be glamorous, even this week.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 17 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Feb 18-Mar 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
You can’t take back what you didn’t
create. You're going through an
ultra-responsible phase with Saturn
in your sign. Everything’s taking so long. With
Neptune in square aspect, just when you think
things are sorted, there’s some new scenario—
or your plans dissolve. Physical reality can still
be fun. The need for adjustment has become
one for handling emotional surprises. Don’t
worry about money. it’ll show up when it’s time
to come home.
Yo u’ ve ex p e r i e n ce d t h e h i g h s
of your visionar y hopes and the
depths of your thoughts. You’re
able to keep going, but your energy is precious. Spend time restoring yourself this week
so others can continue counting on you. You
needn’t carry everyone’s burdens; cherry-pick
your battles. Saturn in your solar twelfth house
is preparing a path for laughter and ease. Don’t
give up, and rest. The new life you are creating
is on its way.
It’s all love and roses. You can make
the impossible happen, but don’t go
out on a limb. What you see as the end
of the road is just a new beginning. Everything
you’ve done has energy and thought behind
it. You’re in your “happy birthday” zone. Let
the light of your hopes and dreams fan out to
financial prosperity. A partner may use a lot of
your energy. Enjoy the perks but find time to
rejuvenate on your own. You deserve to remember how fun you are.
The s tar s are s tacked in your
favor—you just need to know how
to release their gifts. Ask for what
you’d like, and as your wishes arrive, expect
to be busy putting them all in their proper
place. Focus on healthy meals so your energy
matches your imagination. A current tug-of-war
has win-win potential. Give others the benefit
of the doubt first, then leap to your well-earned
achievement. Having fun in balance becomes
an everyday reward.
Nov 22-Dec 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
40
Dec 21-Jan 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣
PISCES
LINGO BOX
A newly opened bar in
Setagaya-ku offers patrons
the chance to experience
the “pleasure” of spinning
cotton threads.
Yogen (予言) = prediction
the small print
Ishoku (移植) = transplant
Iyagarase (嫌がらせ) = harassment
Kyūtō (急騰) = spike
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
Yosan (予算) = budget
stats
I WILL TACKLE TASKS THAT WILL BE GIVEN ME ONE BY
ONE WITH A LOT OF CARE.” —Princess Kako, the granddaughter of
20,734 Japanese high school students
the Emperor and Empress, on the occasion of her 20th birthday last month
EWWW!
⊲Among
⊲
the “unwanted objects” customers at McDonald’s have found in their food
in recent months: A piece of vinyl (Aomori),
a piece of plastic (Fukushima) and a human
tooth (Osaka).
⊲Merchants
⊲
in Shinagawa have begun promoting their businesses with images of serpents in a nod to the district’s former name,
Hebikubo, which translates as “snake hollow.”
⊲The
⊲
Abe administration plans to combat the
rise of so-called quasi-legal drugs by lumping the substances in the same category as
“narcotics, firearms and explosives.”
⊲Popular
⊲
manzai comedy duo Bakusho
Mondai say the grinches at NHK warned
them against making fun of politicians
during their appearance in a New Year’s
variety show.
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS
⊲The
⊲
government has updated its nationwide earthquake prediction map for the first
time since 2009.
⊲Unfortunately,
⊲
the survey suggests Tokyo
is at a “higher risk” for a powerful quake at
who visited Taiwan on school trips in
fiscal 2013—the most ever—according to
Jiji Press
some point during the next 30 years.
⊲Officials
⊲
with the Immigration Bureau say
they’ve deported 26 Sri Lankans and six
Vietnamese for visa violations.
⊲The
⊲
move prompted staff at a Tokyo-based
advocacy group to complain that the expulsions were “problematic.”
¥5 TRILLION
Budget requested by the
defense ministry for fiscal 2015, a record
high
234,456
Number of Daihatsu Tantos
sold in Japan in 2014, making it the most
popular car of the year
ONE GOOD TURN
⊲Authorities
⊲
with the TMG say they’re responding to a spike in the number of elderly
people with dementia by making more housing units available to seniors.
⊲Prefectural
⊲
assemblies in Osaka, Tottori
and Saitama have adopted statements urging the central government to pass a law
banning hate speech.
⊲For
⊲
the first time ever, JAL and ANA sold
more tickets to customers traveling to Japan from abroad during the year-end holidays, compared to the number of tickets sold
to domestic passengers headed overseas.
⊲A
⊲ farmer in Aomori says the effects of
global warming have forced him to give up
on growing apples. Instead, he’s begun cultivating peaches.
ALL IS LOST
⊲It
⊲ was reported that the weakening of the yen
has “dealt a huge blow” to Japanese people
seeking organ transplants abroad.
⊲An
⊲ investigative panel at the University of
Tokyo has found that 33 papers published
in prominent journals by former professor
Shigeaki Kato contain intentionally doctored images.
⊲The
⊲
panel also claims Kato waged a campaign of harassment against subordinates.
⊲Medical
⊲
facilities around the country are on
high alert after the number of flu patients
surged to 720,000 in the week before the
New Year holidays.
at a glance
WHATEVER FLOATS
YOUR BOAT
BY ADAM GARWOOD
Check out Adam’s other work at http://meturl.com/adam3
⊲A
⊲ 32-year-old salaryman visiting the pub
said the activity allows him to forget the
“bad things that happened at work.”
⊲Paris
⊲
residents will have the opportunity to
check out some freakishly small trees when
a Saitama-based bonsai dealer sets up shop
in the city for nine days in March.
⊲Bottom
⊲
Story of the Week: “Craftsmen to
Head to Egypt on Wood Furniture Mission”
(via The Japan News)
Small Print Updated Weekly
→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo
41
the last word
The Immigration
Puzzle
Don’t believe everything
you read about
renewing your visa
BY AARON VALE
WANT
TO HAVE
THE LAST
WORD?
Send your article to:
editor@
metropolisjapan.com
with a job that paid as little as ¥150,000.
There’s a very uncomfortable vibe
in an immigration office: Something
between a doctor’s waiting room and
an airport, yet without the sympathy
or excitement. Fantasy potentialities
are compounded by hours spent reading fearmongering advice. There are
enough things to worry about in life
without making people fret that the
foundation of the life they’ve built is
under threat because of a few pieces
of easy-to-obtain paper.
There’s an air of elitism with some
commentators perversely wanting to
see people forced to leave Japan rather
than stay and continue their lives. If there
and your company have a master-slave
relationship. In reality, you just have to
prove you have a job or give details of
your work. The company isn’t sponsoring you for anything; you are proving
you have a job and thus a reason to be
in Japan. I know other countries such as
Taiwan require you to stay with the same
company for the visa to remain valid, but
this isn't true of Japan. I've read articles
discussing “self-sponsorship”—yet this
term really means “applying with proof
you have multiple jobs.” It’s simpler than
the vague term suggests.
The other “rule” that’s commonly
misunderstood is needing a full-time
job to be “sponsored.” I’ve applied and
received visas twice while holding parttime jobs. I've also heard people saying
the reason part-time work is unacceptable is the salary, although I got a visa
are fewer people in Japan, the “elite”
minority of Japan experts has a stronger
sense of individualism. I’ve noticed one
of the strange things about expat culture
is many expats are afraid to look in the
mirror. Seeing other people with similar
lifestyles is often evaded or dealt with
through negativity.
When it comes to visa renewal, I still
recommend using common sense. Acting like an immigration cowboy will do
little for the success of your application.
In my experience, as long as you have a
steady job and pay your taxes, you’ll be
fine. It’s easier than you think to renew
your visa—though it’s still about as much
fun as going to the dentist for a filling.
Illustration by Christi Rochin
DEALING
WITH
IMMIGRATION
FEELS LIKE
BEING IN THE
WORST PART
OF A LEGEND
OF ZELDA
GAME.”
People often say what a great source
of information the internet is and how
it makes traveling in the modern world
much easier—yet when it comes to immigration and Japan, a large percentage
of what’s stated as factual is incorrect.
There are few steadfast rules when
it comes to immigration, and it seems
even the people working at immigration offices are not entirely sure what’s
going on.
On “information” lines, I've received
an authoritative “You can't do that!”
about things I went on to do—and that’s
from the most helpful of people. Others
simply say, “I don't know.” If an information service doesn’t have the answers,
where else do you turn? Oh yeah, the
internet—land of Japan experts.
You have to give seasoned online
expats some respect, I suppose: They've
devoted themselves to something, and
yet that thing—the title of “top messageboard advice poster”—might make the
validity of the advice questionable.
In a state of panic, I’ve asked people
to call in Japanese and speak to immigration staff in their native tongue, yet have
had similar experiences and frustrations.
There are a number of gray areas or
“rules” I’ve broken in my multiple visa
applications, and applying for a visa four
years in a row is just the beginning. Another is changing from a working holiday
visa to a work visa. Almost everyone I
spoke to, including the “advisor,” told me
I had to leave Japan to do this—I didn’t; I
had to get the “certificate of eligibility,”
which can be obtained inside Japan.
The idea of abstract paperwork with the
power to drastically alter your situation
is an absurdity of modern life. Dealing
with immigration feels like being in the
worst part of a Legend of Zelda game,
where you have to play the flute next to
the tree to open the door. It makes logical sense only within that world.
Another visa-related myth is “sponsorship,” and the idea that you need to
be sponsored by a company. This is all
outdated terminology: For all practical
purposes, you don't need a sponsor.
The language makes it sound as if you
■ Aaron Vale is a freelance writer
living in Tokyo
The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
NEXT ISSUE
42
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Transcription

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