see our st. pat`s guide

Transcription

Mar 6-19, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com
MOGWAI
THE POST-ROCKERS EVOLVE
CHANNELING
THE IRISH
TOKYO BECOMES THE
EMERALD CITY
SAM I AM
MEET THE GRAMMYWINNING WORDSMITH
VIVA LAS VEGAN
DINING GREEN
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SEE OUR
ST. PAT’S
GUIDE
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is also a board-certified
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The Akai Clinic offers a
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Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)
inside
MAR 6-19, 2015 • #1093
EDITOR’S
LETTER
The green beer tea flowed like the Powerscourt Waterfall in the
Metropolis offices as we prepared this issue. And while it may seem
excessive, wearing the green was a must as we learned about
Irish culture in Japan. The dominance of the emerald hue also
inspired us to uncover some hidden gems for those of you looking
07
Going Green: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Tokyo.
for vegetarian dining options in Tokyo. Green is also the color of
energy—at least its future—and with international thoughts on our
mind we ponder how Japan could lead the world to a prosperous
tomorrow. Finally, Ireland’s neighbors check in as we talk with
English Grammy-winner Sam Smith and Scotland’s Mogwai.
11
17
Fit to a T: Eating like an herbivore.
Quake Kits: How to prepare for the next big one.
Cover design: Kohji Shiiki; Cover photo: Courtesy of Hostess Entertainment
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03
upfront
METROPOLIS_
CREATIVE
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consumer experience we have is conditioned by
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Tell us what you need.
私達の人生は色々な経験の内容で成り立っています。社会の一員、そして
消費者としての経験の全ては私達が見ているもの、読んでいるもの、
聞いているもの、そして感じているものによって作られています。
私達の経験豊富なプロフェッショナルのスタッフはコピークリエイション、
LINGOIST
FAMILIAR FACES
Celebrating the likes of St. Patrick’s Day is a blast—especially since
these festivities are where you’re likely to run into someone you know,
be they friends, classmates or colleagues. And the thing about great
company is that, no matter how much time has passed since you last
saw one another, you can pick right up where you left off!
グラフィックデザイン、SNSとオンラインエンジニアリング、ブランドコン
サルティングなど、様々なコンテンツを提供いたします。
JP
メトロポリスクリエイティブは人々を繋ぐ仕事をしています。
EN
ご要望にお答えいたします。
Ohisashiburi desu!
Ogenki deshita ka?
Long time no see!
Have you been doing well?
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Beer wo ogori masu!
I’ll buy you a beer!
Dōmo sumimasen!
You shouldn’t have!
Hai, okage-sama de genki desu.
Yes, I’ve been well. Thanks!
K
A
1
N
A
C
2
く
R
3
A
4
5
C
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
O
7. Bean
10. Horse
11. Lid or cap
12. Well
Across
1. Mouth
2. Wave
4. Collar
6. Brown rice
8. Rice
9. Gout
13. Again
14. Throat
Solution:
B
C
ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross
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THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
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Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
04
S
Down
1. Chestnut
3. Future
4. Pencil
5. Health
B
A
S
RELATIVE
ZERO
Pondering paths to the
Tokyo Olympics and
beyond
BY MICHAEL ROFE
T
he Olympics will be here before we know
it. With just over five years to go, the air all
around the city is abuzz with excitement.
However, many Tokyoites—Japanese
and foreign alike—are debating how Japan will
present itself, in criteria ranging from sustain-
ability, diversity and legacy, to
accessibility, openness and the
capacity to communicate in English. Indeed, Japan has a huge
responsibility to both itself and
the world in 2020.
When the Games roll around,
will Tokyo just be the center of
the world’s attention for a few
brief weeks? Or could Japan use
the opportunity to position itself
as the heart of the Pacific Century, an era of expected Asian
dominance in world affairs that
will be just coming of age at twenty years young?
What if we changed all the world’s maps
and placed Tokyo at the center? With the
prime meridian—or relative zero—running
through not Europe but on Asia, would those
in the new Far East city of New York be upset
by such an exotic appellation? Would those in
the new wild, wild west of Europe be equally
perturbed? What indeed would our good
friends in the new Middle West think? Would
folks here in Tokyo, inhabitants of the new
zero, be reinvigorated now that we really were
the benchmark center of the times?
Indeed, would poets wax lyrical about New
York being the Land of the Rising Sun? Would
high noon be no longer associated with West-
FIGHTING THE
GOOD FIGHT
We’re often urged to fight
for a good cause, but rarely is
the imperative so literal. Those
who’ve felt the generosity of
EFN are certainly glad that, in
this case, it is.
“We started Executive Fight
Night to provide stressed-out
Tokyo executives an avenue
to get fit and test themselves—
and to provide great entertainment,” explained Dave
Thomas, who founded EFN
together with Eddie Nixon and
Nathan Schmid in 2012. “But
we also wanted to give back
to the community and tap into
the generous spirit of Tokyoites. So the money that’s been
raised gives us enormous satisfaction.”
Those worthwhile charities include Refugees International Japan, Shine On! Kids and
Run for the Cure, a Japan-based breast cancer organization. These groups have
received more than ¥17 million.
Another part of the magic
is how EFN helps those who
slip on the gloves. One of the
pillars of the event is fitness,
Executive Fight Night set
for a fifth round
BY C BRYAN JONES
Photos by 37 Frames
E
veryone needs a constructive outlet for
stress. Life as an executive in Tokyo can
take its toll, but with guidance that pressure can be turned into something wonderful. That’s the idea behind the Tony Evans and
deVere Group Executive Fight Night (EFN).
Originally conceived of as a way to release
tension, EFN has become a fundraising juggernaut for charities. And that’s part of the magic.
THE TOKYO OLYMPICS 2020
TASK FORCE
Leading the charge for the English-speaking
community to play a role in preparation for the
Games, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 Task Force is a
proactive coalition of multicultural individuals who
combine their collective skills to forge alliances
with the official organizations to help the 2020
Olympics and Paralympics become the Gold
benchmark to which all future Olympics will aspire.
You can join the group on LinkedIn by visiting
http://meturl.com/totf
erns, but Tokyo bathed in light? I wonder what
Greenwich herself would make of all this in the
meantime as she and her city, London, lagged
Asia by nine hours?
Times may not change, and we may be forced
to keep many of our old labels, but we do know
for many here in Tokyo—and indeed around
the world—the sun will shine brilliantly on this
fair city, our adopted home. As the whole world
is welcomed once again to sample the timeless
omotenashi hospitality, the raw passion and
emotion of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic
Games will play out in our metropolis.
The opportunity to uphold and reflect the
values of the Olympic community, which resonate deeply with many, is a once-in-a-lifetime
chance for any city. We know that English will
be a cornerstone of the moment. There’s much
we can contribute. How will you play a part?
and those destined for
EFN V
the ring undergo a 12TRYOUTS
week “Boxing BootLeading the charge for
the English-speaking
camp” at Club 360.
Sunday, March 8, 2015.
Metropolis’ own
8am.
Kaoru Nakashima took
Club 360, Motoazabu,
Minato-ku.
part in Executive Fight
Reserve your spot:
Night II in 2013. [email protected]
scribing his decision
Tel: 03-6434-9667
to step into the ring,
the hard-working sales executive said, “This is
the kind of experience that many people can’t
have. As I had never done boxing before, doing
new sports is a challenge.” While the process
was indeed challenging, it was also rewarding.
“I felt like a professional fighter when I got into
the ring,” he said. “And my participation supports charity. That is a good thing!”
This year, EFN will be supporting a familiar
organization. “Shine On! Kids are our charity
of choice again. They are Japan-based and do
great work. We are very proud to support them,”
said Thomas.
The big event is set for June 19. Tryouts
will be held at 8am on Sunday, March 8 at
Club 360. So if you want to step up for
a good cause, there’s still time
to take your battles from the
boardroom to the ring.
05
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
food festivals
UNTIL APR 5
MAR 12-15
MAR 26-29
Hiroshima Oyster Spring Festival
Saitama Ramen Festival
Japan Local Food Festival
Enjoy fresh oysters delivered directly from
Hiroshima every day. Until Apr 5, 11am-9pm
(weekdays); 10am-9pm (weekends), various
prices. Okubo Park. Shinjuku. http://kakifes.
com/web_e/
16 ramen restaurants from all over the country
gather in the ramen battlegrounds of Saitama.
Mar 12-15, 11am-8pm, free entry. Keyaki Hiroba.
Saitama Shintoshin. Tel: 048-601-1122.
http://saitama-ramen.com
100 booths from 25 prefectures gather in
Hibiya to offer their best local delicacies.
Mar 26-29, free entry. Hibiya Park. Hibiya
or Kasumigaseki. Tel: 011-241-2314.
http://kuohzei.jp
EDITOR’S PICK MAR 26-29
A LIFE IN THE THEATRE
Black Stripe Theater presents one of David Mamet’s funniest plays. An
experienced professional actor and a promising novice share a dressing room,
act together on stage in a number of appalling plays and go out for meals
together, or refrain from doing so—for love is involved, too. Walter Roberts stars
as Robert, who must discharge his duty, as he sees it, to mentor the younger and
not always tractable John, played by Chris Parham. Director Tim Harris comments
that, although a comedy, A Life in the Theatre possesses serious undertones that
make it a uniquely satisfying play. Dan Grunebaum
Mar 26-27, 7:30pm; Mar 28-29, 2:30 & 7:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door).
Sangubashi Trance Mission. Sangūbashi. Tel: 03-5825-4661.
http://blackstripetheater.com
MAR 14
UNTIL MAY 31
An orchestra designed specifically for
families, with all its members being
animals performing symphonic nursery
rhymes. Mar 14, 2pm, ¥2,000-4,000.
Katsushika Symphony Hills. Aoto.
Tel: 03-5670-2233. http://j.mp/
zoorasianorchestra2015
The career of Guercino, considered one
of the greatest painters of the Italian
Baroque, is exhaustively explored
through 44 oil paintings.
Until May 31, 9:30am-5:30pm (until
8pm on Fri). Closed Mon. ¥600-1,300
(adv)/ ¥800-1,500 (door). The National
Museum of Western Art. Ueno.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.tbs.co.jp/
guercino2015/english
GUERCINO
ZOORASIAN
PHILHARMONIC
ORCHESTRA
Photo by Nathan Winter
MAR 17
SUN KIL MOON
撮影：瀬戸秀美
Duende
American folk rock act headed by
vocalist and guitarist Mark Kozelek.
Mar 17, 7pm, ¥5,800. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
http://j.mp/moon2015
GUERCINO. Madonna col
Bambino Benedicente, 1629.
Cento Pinacoteca Civica
MAR 14, 15, 19, 21 & 22
APR 3-15
Enjoy ballet performances of Theme
and Variations, Duende and Troy Game.
Mar 14, 15, 21 & 22, 2pm; Mar 19, 7pm,
¥3,240-10,800. The New National
Theatre, Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/
triplebill2015
“Riverdance” fans old and new will have the
opportunity to celebrate two decades of global
success when this incredible show hits Tokyo.
Apr 3-15, various times, ¥7,500-12,000. Tokyu
Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3475-9999.
http://j.mp/riverdance20years
TRIPLE BILL
06
RIVERDANCE 20 YEARS
feature
I LOVE
IRELAND
FESTIVAL
BY MARTIN LEROUX
C
ommence the wearing of the green. Saint
Patrick’s Day is just around the corner,
and Japan is preparing to celebrate its
love affair with Ireland—a relationship
spanning more than three centuries.
Time has strengthened the Land of the Rising
Sun’s infatuation with the Emerald Isle. Asia’s
first Saint Patrick’s Day parade took place in Tokyo back in 1992—and the tradition is still going
strong, beckoning green-clad crowds to march
down Omotesando.
But it’s more than just a spirited stroll. Held in
tandem with the parade, the I Love Ireland Festival spotlights the culture, bringing together musicians, artists, sports enthusiasts and business
experts to show what makes Ireland unique.
According to Haruka Masumizu, PR officer of
the Irish Network Japan (INJ, www.inj.or.jp) and
organizer of the festival, Japan’s affinity with
Irish culture can be attributed to its universality.
“It fascinates such a wide range of people,
young and old, irrespective of background or
nationality,” she says. “Irish culture—be it dance,
music, literature or food and drink—which has
always strengthened ties among Irish emigrants
around the world, works also to bond Japanese
and Irish people together.”
This year marks the I Love Ireland Festival’s
second installment, and it promises to be bigger than the last. “Irish music will be the main
theme of this year’s parade,” adds Masumizu.
“We will have bands and baton twirlers from
Japanese universities; Okinawa dancers; Tokyo pipe bands; as well as the wonderful brass
sounds of the U.S. Army Band.”
Also scheduled to perform are Beoga, a
Grammy-nominated Irish fusion band making
their Japan debut; Tricolor, a traditional Irish
band comprising Japanese members; and some
of the principal dancers from “Riverdance.”
Speaking of the popularity of Irish arts and
culture, Festival coordinator Yasuko Teramachi
says, “One of the characteristics of Irish culture
is its simplicity, similar perhaps to the Japanese
‘zen’ philosophy, which seems to have been
forgotten nowadays.”
While there will be performances aplenty,
the Japan branch of the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí
Éireann (CCE Japan, http://comhaltas.jp)—a
group dedicated to promoting Irish music,
art and dance—will also have a booth on-site
offering information on the arts and local
classes.
Ireland’s own Gaelic football, a sport that’s
gaining traction in Asia, is also represented.
Differing from soccer, the sport is played with
a round ball with 15 members per team. Goalposts are of the same shape as those of rugby,
with what resemble soccer goals added.
Luke Dillon, vice chairperson of the Japan
Gaelic Athletic Association (Japan GAA, www.
japangaa.org), says the GAA uses the sport as
a medium to promote Irish culture and build
cross-cultural relationships.
“The social aspect is key, with friendships
and bonds built up though various events,” Dillon explains. “This not only applies to Japan
GAA but to all Irish organizations within Japan.”
Business is also an important facet of cultural exchange. The Ireland Japan Chamber
of Commerce (IJCC, www.ijcc.jp), established
in 2008, works to fortify relations between
the Irish and Japanese business communities
through seminars and networking events; and
also will be present at the Festival.
“Ireland can be an attractive location for
Japanese companies to locate their European
operations,” says Gerard Mulligan, IJCC president. “It has a highly-educated population that
is one of the youngest in Europe, is Englishspeaking and an excellent doorway to the 500
million-strong European markets.
“Likewise, Japan is an attractive market for
Irish companies looking to compete in overseas
markets.”
To fully immerse yourself in the Emerald Isle,
the I Love Ireland Festival might be the ticket.
March 15, 10am-6pm. Yoyogi Park. Harajuku
or Meiji-jingūmae. www.iloveireland.net
07
www.dubliners.jp
HAPPY
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
¥500
March 17th (Tue)
ALL DAY
SELECT PINTS OF
DRAUGHT BEER
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE EVENT
JOIN THE
PUB CRAWL
AND WIN A
GUINNESS KEG!
Get a Dubliners' HAPPY CARD by
circulating the 5 Dubliners' pubs!
Drink beer at Happy Hour prices
Enter by Monday, 16th (Mon), 2015
* One lucky person will win a keg
* The keg will be offered as the equivalent amount of beer in pints
* Please choose your favorite keg from Guinness, Kilkenny or Yebisu
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | [email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |[email protected]
Ikebukuro
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
Akasaka
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Shinagawa
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ST. PATRICK’S
HAVE A
CRAIC
It's the season to go green—with your beer, your food and your
music. If you can’t be in Ireland, what better place is there to
celebrate St. Patrick than Tokyo? These five venues provide the
perfect atmosphere—and brews—for you to immerse yourself in
the culture and cuisine of the Emerald Isle.
CRAFTBEER TAP
Shinjuku
Craftbeer Tap is an original beer bar that
serves more than 15 different types of carefully selected draft beers, imported from all
over the world. While their focus is on draft,
they also offer a wide variety of bottled brews.
Enjoy as you check out their amazing collection of vintage beer signs.
4F Ikeda Plaza Bldg, 3-34 -16 Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5362-1668. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-4am,
Sun & Hols 5pm-11pm. Shinjuku.
Count down to St. Patrick’s Day with special
seasonal offerings, March 11-17. Guinness for
just ¥800 (plus tax), Green Beer ¥650 (tax
included), many more favorites from ¥700.
FAILTE
DUBLINERS
Shibuya
Various locations
Located in Shibuya, this Irish pub features a
cozy atmosphere, great cuisine and a wide
variety of beers. Pair your food with a seasonal brew or go for a classic taste with the
world-famous Guinness. If you’re looking for
something more unusual, try the cherry beer
or white beer. Enjoy it all on the spacious fifthfloor terrace overlooking central Shibuya.
5F Sede Bldg., 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya. Open
5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat), 3-11pm (Sun/hols).
Tel: 03-3476-7776. Shibuya. www.failte.jp
Mar 15-17: All draft beers ¥700. Mar 16, 7pm:
Live Irish music. Green beer available!
Join the pub crawl at The Dubliners Irish Pub
and win a keg! One lucky guest will win a keg’s
worth of Guinness, Kilkenny or Yebisu (their
choice) served as pints. Visit all five locations
and get a Dubliners’ “Happy Card” for yearround happy hour prices. Visit by March 16,
2015 for your chance to win. www.dubliners.jp
March 17: All Day Draft Beer
Select pints ¥500
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall, 3-28-9
Tel: 03-3352-6606
[email protected]
www.dubliners.jp/shinjuku/
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.,
2-29-8 Dogenzaka
Tel: 03-5459-1736
[email protected]
www.dubliners.jp/shibuya/
PADDY’S JUNCTION
Shinjuku
Enjoy big fish and chips along with an open mic
and terrace seating at this individually-owned
international pub and beer garden, ranked
highly by TripAdvisor. Events like “Paddy’s
Got Talent” (free karaoke) highlight the unique
character you won’t find in chain pubs.
Grand Floor, Sensho Bldg., 2-13-16 Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-6273-1755. Open 5pm-late. Shinjuku-sanchome. www.paddys-junction.com
Mar 2-17: Green beer. Mar 13-14: Green shots
¥300, free karaoke. Mar 15: After Parade
Party, all pints, buy 1, get 2nd half-price. Mar
17: St. Patrick’s Day, all pints, buy 2, get 1 free.
SEAMUS O’HARA
Ikebukuro
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg., 1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro
Tel: 03-5951-3614
[email protected]
www.dubliners.jp/ikebukuro/
Meguro
A genuine Irish pub with a relaxing atmosphere,
Seamus O’hara offers Guinness, Bass Pale Ale
and many other favorites. Enjoy the St. Patrick's spirit through their musical events, such
as the Celtic live show and Irish DJ.
Matsuda Bldg. B1, 3-12-3 Meguro. Tel: 03-37606179. Mar 14 & 17, open 6pm-late; Mar 15, open
3pm-late. Meguro. www.seamus-ohara.com
Mar 14: All draft beer ¥700 a pint (Guinness,
Kilkenny, Bass Pale Ale, Sapporo Black
Label), Celtic live show. Mar 15: All draft beer
¥500, The Mutiny (Irish folk/punk). Mar 17: All
draft beer ¥500 a pint; Irish music DJ.
Akasaka
B1 Sannou Park Tower, 2-11-1 Nagatacho
Tel: 03-3539-3615
Closed: Sat, Sun, and Hols
[email protected]
www.dubliners.jp/akasaka/
Shinagawa
B1F Grand Passage,
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
Tel: 03-6718-2834
[email protected]
www.dubliners.jp/shinagawa/
09
Spacious 5F
terrace
over looking
central
Shibuya.
St. Patrick's Day
Celebrations
St.Patrick’s Day Special
March 14
All draft beer pints ¥700!
IRISH MUSIC LIVE
(Guinness, Kilkenny, Bass Pale Ale,
Sapporo Black Label)
MARCH 16TH (MON) FROM 7PM
St. Patrick’s Day Special Celtic
live show
March 15
The Mutiny (Irish Folk/Punk)
B1F Matsuda Building
Meguro 3-12-3
Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel/ Fax: 03-3760-6179
Nearest stn:
JR Meguro
15 min walk on
Meguro-dori from
JR Meguro stn West exit
March 17
Hotel
Claska
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Seamus
O’hara
̶ Hana・Gakoi ̶
Ootori
Jinja
Police
Box
Maruetsu
MUFJ
Bank
JR Meguro stn.
Police Box
Tokyu Metro
Meguro stn.
The best Sushi and
Yakitori Restaurant
in Aoyama.
YAKITORI,SUSHI
Meiji ST.
HANAGAKOI
Shibuya P.O.
Shibuya
HIKARIE
T.
aS
yam
Ao
Roppongi ST.
Shibuya police station
10
Tokyu
Plaza
SPECIAL ST PATRICK’S
FOOD MENU AVAILABLE
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＊No cover charge for live performances.
14th & 17th Opening hours: 6PM till late
15th Opening hours: 3PM till late
Mar 15, 16, and 17
All Draft Beer ¥700
Green Beer Available!
ive
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gur
Me
Irish Music DJ
www.seamus-ohara.com
www.failte.jp
Enjoy our
great selections
of Irish and
European brews.
B1 Diamond bldg
1-1-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 〒150-0002
TEL 03-3498-3228
Lunch 11:30 ～ 14:00
Dinner 17:00 ～ 23:00
（L.O.22:00 Drink L.O.22:30）
More details
www.failte.jp
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)
3-11pm (Sunday & hols)
tel:
03-3476-7776
food&drink
SHOP
ORGANIC!
Bonraspail. Branches
in Shinjuku, Yokohama,
Nagayama, etc. www.
isefw.co.jp
Raw vegans can find refuge in the culinary jungle
of Tokyo at Rainbow RawFood Café in Ebisu.
The restaurant provides a plethora of uncooked
foods that pack in the nutrients as well as scrumptiousness, serving up everything from raw burritos, pizzas, taco rice and pad thais. There’s also
an impressive selection of raw cakes—the raw
chocolate being a highlight—and plenty of other
desserts, such as raw crème brûlées and shakes,
as well as herbal teas and smoothies sure to
revitalize and replenish.
2F Grace Aoyama, 2-3-11 Minami, Ebisu,
Shibuya-ku. Ebisu. http://rainbowrawfood.com
RESTAURANT
¥¥
EN/JP
T’s Restaurant
BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI
Being a herbivore among meat-loving family
and friends can make choosing a restaurant all
about compromise—but not at T’s Restaurant,
a vegan eatery located in the classy neighborhood of Jiyugaoka, an area especially popular
with women who come to shop at its many
trendy stores.
“Vegetarian” isn’t what comes to mind when
speaking of Hawaiian food, but Island Veggie
in Hiroo changes that. The venue, an homage
to Waikiki diners, is a macrobiotic fast-food
joint with a wide selection of vegan burgers
(¥980- ¥1,200), sandwiches (¥650- ¥700),
and a la carte breakfast favorites, including
scrambled “eggs” and soy chicken nuggets.
Also on hand are fresh smoothies, creamy
shakes and zesty açaí bowls. Come in the
daytime; food tends to run out towards night.
5-3-9 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Hiroo.
www.islandveggie.com
Here, veggies and non-veggies alike can put
their differences aside to enjoy what anyone,
anywhere can always appreciate—great food.
Found on the basement floor of the shopping complex Luz Jiyugaoka, the restaurant
has a bright and woody interior with an open
kitchen and a tempting display of desserts
greeting customers upon their entrance. The
lunch menu (from ¥1,350 on weekdays) includes a salad and a choice of coffee or tea,
with a selection of main dishes, including the
spicy, coconut-flavored Massaman curry and
Doria with paella-style rice covered in a soy
béchamel sauce.
The cauliflower mousse offered as a side
dish is so rich and creamy that it’s hard to believe it’s dairy-free—as a matter of fact, you
probably wouldn’t be able to guess if you
Crayonhouse. 3-8-15
Kita-Aoyama, Minatoku. Omotesando.
www.crayonhouse.co.jp
Natural House.
Branches in Aoyama,
Meguro, Shimokitazawa,
etc. www.naturalhouse.
co.jp
Natural Mart. 5-195 Hiroo, Shibuyaku. Hiroo. http://
naturalmart.jp
F & F. Branches
in Tamagawa,
Gakugeidaigaku,
Shinjuku, etc. www.
shizensyoku-ff.com
Organic House. Branches
in Ikebukuro, Yokohama
and Oomiya. www.eorganichouse.com
Gaia. 3-3-13 Kanda
Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku.
Ochanomizu. www.
gaia-ochanomizu.co.jp
Organic Wine Shop
Mavie. 2-21-5 Akasaka,
Minato-ku. Akasaka.
www.mavie.co.jp
Kodawariya. Branches
in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro,
Kichijoji, etc. www.
kodawariichiba.com
Waseda Natural Foods
Shop. 51 Kikuicho,
Shinjuku-ku. Waseda.
www.waseda-natural.com
weren’t pre-warned, but that goes for just
about anything on the menu.
One of the great things about T’s Restaurant is that taste is never sacrificed for the
food being vegan, and the same dishes that
veggies usually have to avoid elsewhere can
be enjoyed without leaving you feeling dissatisfied—even for those who aren’t accustomed
to vegan eating.
There are also plenty of dessert options,
such as the T’s parfait and caramel crème
brûlée, and on your way to the cashier, you
can even pick up some of the food products
used in the restaurant kitchen, such as the
béchamel sauce, vegetable stock and curry,
to enjoy on your own.
So next time you’re trying to decide on a
restaurant that will satisfy those of every dietary persuasion, try T’s Restaurant and you
won’t be disappointed.
Daily, 11am-10pm. Luz Jiyugaoka B1F,
2-9-6 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku. Jiyugaoka. Tel:
03-3717-0831. http://ts-restaurant.jp/english
11
WRITE FOR US!
✓ Feature stories
✓ “The Last Word”
✓ Food & Drink
✓ Special events
✓ Interviews & Community Profiles
Prior experience and strong industry contacts a must.
To apply, send letter of introduction, CV and relevant clips to
[email protected]
Due to the high volume of correspondence, we regret that
we can’t respond to every query. No calls please.
12
food&drink
Japan can be a difficult
place to live la vida
veggie — unless you
know where to look.
K i r a s i e n n e’s Ve g e
Cafe Guide in Japan
provides herbivorous
readers of Japanese a
comprehensive list of
vegetarian and vegan
cafés and restaurants
located in all of Japan’s
eight regions. Available from Amazon and
most Japanese bookstores. Want a copy?
Enter at http://meturl.
com/vegeguide. For an Englishlanguage resource, try the Happy Cow
(www.happycow.net), a directory of vegan,
vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants and stores around the world—replete
with reviews.
RESTAURANT
¥¥¥
For something sweet, try Mihane Ice’s vegan
ice cream, using genmai—or brown rice—milk
as its main ingredient, sweetened with organic
agave syrup. Coming in such flavors as genmai
milk, pumpkin and carrot, the ice cream uses
organic seasonal fruit and vegetables. This
nutrient-packed ice cream is actually healthy!
A savory food menu is also available, including
a brown rice and organic vegetable salad set
(¥700) and vegetable curry (¥830), and the ice
cream is also available to buy online.
1-4-5 Ōokayama, Meguro-ku. Ōokayama.
Tel: 03-6459-5572. http://mihane.jp
VEGAN SPINACH TOFU
CURRY WITH BROWN RICE
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Here’s a mild healthy vegan curry using atsuage—thick, deep-fried tofu. Dairy drinkers
can add heavy cream, cheese or yogurt, for a
lacto-vegetarian option. The key to success is to
not burn the spices and not stew it for a long time.
Indian curry is not a dish that should be cooked
slowly, but rather one that should be quickly stirfried to bring out the fresh aroma of spices.
Servings: For 2-3 people
Cooking time: Approx. 30 min
EN/JP
Ain Soph.
Journey
• 1 atsuage tofu, cut into
3x4-cm pieces
• 250g fresh spinach,
rinsed and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 can (200g) diced
tomato
• 1 tbs cumin seed
• 1 tbs vegetable oil
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
BY MARTIN LEROUX
Ain Soph.Journey is a quiet, cozy
café-slash-restaurant in Shinjuku
that serves as an herbivorous haven amid Tokyo’s primarily carnivorous culinar y jungle—and
renders “vegan” synonymous
with “delicious.”
Located right in front of Shinjuku-sanchome Station’s exit C5, Ain Soph.Journey instantly immerses visitors in its laid-back
atmosphere, enhanced by the warm, earthy
colors of its West Coast-inspired interior.
The menu is extensive, boasting a wide array
of Western-style dishes that extend beyond the
standard fare at most Tokyo veggie eateries.
On the a la carte, try the Spanish omelet
(¥800), which substitutes eggs with a tofu
cream base, creating a similarly fluffy texture.
The karaage (¥600) puts a veggie spin on Japanese fried chicken nuggets, replacing the poultry with soy meat, making this a low-cal treat.
Glasses of organic French and Austrian wine
in need of company have a friend in the cheese
platter (¥1,200), made of vegetable cheese—
which is inexplicably hard to find in a country
where soy milk runs like water.
The vegetable paella (¥1,400), nutty dry
curry (¥1,350), veggie tortilla roll (¥1,600) and
the mushroom Hayashi rice (¥1,300) all make
satisfying main dishes.
RECIPE
• 1 slice ginger
• 1 tbs garam masala
• 1 tbs coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1-2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp honey
• 150ml water
• 1 vegetable bouillon
• 2-3 servings cooked
brown rice
DIRECTIONS:
The true stars of Ain Soph, however, are
found in the dessert section. The pudding a la
mode (¥850) is surprisingly creamy and caramel-sweet, considering the dish is completely
free of egg, dairy or refined sugar; as is the nutty
carob chip brownie (¥700).
The “tenjo no (heaven’s) vegan pancakes”
(¥1,400) earns its name. It’s delectable and
equal parts fluffy and light, emitting a flavor
that’s buttery despite being dairy-free, and
sweetened with Agave syrup, accompanied by
a scoop of homemade soy ice cream.
Those craving a bit of everything can try
the dessert plate (¥1,200), an assortment of
everything except pancakes—they’re their
own entity.
The prices are a little up there, but the food
is top-notch and hearty—and is sure to sate
vegans and non-vegans alike.
1F Shinjuku Q Bldg., 3-8-9 Shinjuku, Shinjukuku. Shinjuku-sanchome. http://ain-soph.jp/
english.html
1. In pot or frying pan, put cooking oil and cumin
seeds. Heat on low/medium until the aroma of
cumin seeds becomes strong.
2.Add chopped onion, chopped garlic and sliced
ginger. Stir-fry until onion is translucent. Add
garam masala, coriander and turmeric, and
keep frying.
3.Add canned diced tomato, vegetable bouillon,
salt, honey and water. Mix well and let boil. Add
chopped spinach and keep heating with lid on
for 2 min.
4.Turn heat off. With hand blender or food processor, blend to puree, either in the pot or pan, or
transfer to a mixing bowl.
5.Heat mixture and add atsuage tofu. Let it boil
with lid on for 3 min on low.
6.Serve with warm brown rice. Lacto veggies can
add 1 tbs of heavy cream, shredded cheese
or garnish with fresh herbs such as coriander.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
13
FASHION CALENDAR
Do you have what it takes for TV?
Looking for English
& Chinese speakers
Also Japanese, Spanish & French speakers
MAR 2
Q-pot teams up with
Mickey and Minnie
For the Disney fan wanting to
show their colors in an elegant
and (relatively) subtle way, cute
accessory conveyor Q-pot has a
series of confectionary-themed
accessories featuring Disney
“it” couple Mickey and Minnie.
Expect everything from rings and
necklaces to bag charms and
bejeweled iPhone 6 cases.
www.q-pot.jp/shop
MAR 4-10
Muguet Castle opens at Isetan
Cult clutch brand Muguet has
teamed up with 1950s girls manga
Princess Knight for a very limited
run of bags to be sold in Isetan
Shinjuku. The bags are as cute as
you could hope for, but at ¥36,72048,600 including tax, only serious
fans need apply.
http://isetan.mistore.jp
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！
MAR 7
Harajuku ALTA opens on
Takeshita Dōri
Probably the biggest change to
the Harajuku fashion ecosystem
in quite some time, the new ALTA
opens this month on the youthcentric Takeshita Dōri. Those of a
kawaii persuasion can head to the
World Project Kawaii Cafe before
hitting 19 shops spanning three
floors.
www.altastyle.com/harajuku-open
MAR 15
Guard your wrist with
Vivienne Westwood
Relentlessly popular British fashion
house Vivienne Westwood has a
new addition to its men’s accessory
line in the form of an armor-themed
series of watches. The new designs
feature a leather strap with heavy
metal scale armor befitting of a
modern urban knight.
http://meturl.com/
viviennewestwood
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
14
MAR 15
Le Coq Sportif meets Anna Sui
Sportswear giant Le Coq Sportif is
revisiting their classic 1990s LCS
R1000 design with a little help from
Anna Sui. The resulting floral-andzebra-emblazoned results, in Anna
Sui’s iconic black and lilac, are not
going to be to everyone’s taste; but
I warn you, they are primed to sell
out fast.
www.annasui.co.jp
fashion fix
FASHION WEEK FEVER
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
Tokyo Fashion Week is upon us again, long after the other key fashion
cities of New York, London, Paris and Milan have had their moments in the
spotlight. Its position in the cycle means that not only are journalists a
shade jaded, and more than a little partied out, but from a buyer’s perspective the problems are a little more serious. Seeing as orders in
New York, Paris and so on are scheduled to close just as Tokyo fashion
week is beginning, more often than not budgets are significantly depleted
before the first show even begins. Still, this TFW looks set to be the most
exciting in a while, with a huge lineup of 52 brands on the official schedule.
And rest assured that Metropolis will be reporting from the front row.
ON POINT
SHOPPING STRATEGY
The official Mercedes-Benz Tokyo Fashion Week schedule is
strictly industry-only, but there
are ways to see the shows as
an individual—especially if you
don’t mind standing. If you have
a reasonably successful blog
you can register as a blogger
to cover the shows. While that
might not guarantee you the
best seat, dressing up will net
you some pretty good possibilities for promotion as photographers at the venue are hungry
to capture good street style.
Alternatively, while I for one would always maintain that you don’t
understand a show unless you see it in the flesh, it’s possible to watch
the lion’s share of shows from the comfort of your own sofa (or kotatsu).
Tokyo Fashion Film (http://tokyofashionfilm.com) is pretty diligent about
streaming runway presentations and post-show interviews, so stay glued
to that and spare a thought for those of us on the fashion front line battling
the queues, conflicts and frantic dashes across Tokyo.
Those hungry for a taste of the Tokyo underground would be well-advised
to steer clear of Hikarie, the venue for most of the official schedule,
and head on over to Parco Museum in Shibuya Parco Part 1. Yoshikazu
Yamagata, of WrittenAfterwards fame, and designer Mikio Sakabe are
holding the second iteration of their Zetsumei-ten themed exhibition,
this time jovially entitled Zetsu Zetsumei-ten. The exhibition runs from
March 19 to 30 and will be curated differently every day, sometimes featuring real models, sometimes
mannequins and of course plenty of guerrilla fashion shows.
The lineup reads like an A-Z
of who you should be excited
about in Tokyo fashion, including Ryota Murakami, Noriko Nakazato and Kotona, as well as a
handful of newcomers looking
to make a name for themselves
in 2015. Follow @zetsumeiten
on Twitter for the latest news,
and definitely plan to visit the
exhibition multiple times to get
the full story.
Even at fashion week, street fashion tends to get more attention than the runway shows these days.
Cunning designers have found a way of taking advantage of this turn in the tide by dressing models
to be seen in and around the venues. This issue’s gang of models comes courtesy of the incognito
designer of cult label Bodysong, who sent his collection out to be seen on the street, not the runway.
Photo by Samuel Thomas
STREET
FOCUS
15
Beauty starts with a great smile
W
omen have unique needs when it comes to dental care. At Pulice, our focus is
exclusively on prevention of the particular periodontal diseases and tooth
decay risks that women face. In addition to helping you maintain a beautiful
smile, we also offer additional esthetic services including skin care, manicure,
and more. Our all-female staff help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy life, step by step,
in true Japanese omotenashi fashion.
screening, professional tooth cleaning and
proper care at home. A healthy mouth gives
a youthful impression, radiating beauty at
any age.
Miyuki Wan
Managing director
Pulice is the first dental clinic in Japan created
exclusively for women. The name is a
combination of the English ‘pretty’ and Italian
‘felice,’ meaning ‘happiness’—just how we
want you to feel! Our concept of “Only for
Women” is designed to meet ladies’ oral
treatment needs in a relaxing and
comfortable atmosphere. Language is never
a problem as our English-speaking, female
dentist tends to your needs. Four separate
treatment rooms means your privacy is
always respected.
Dr. Keiko, who has more
than 12 years of experience
abroad, will provide you with
excellent dental treatment in
English. We also have
English-speaking hygienists,
receptionists, and other staff.
counseling and assessment. After learning
about your lifestyle, we can tailor an individual oral care regimen to you.
Beauty doesn’t end with a great smile,
and Pulice is particular about beauty and a
healthy life for women. Through cooperation
with a nail salon in Ginza, you can have
your nails done during tooth bleaching, or
improve the quality of your skin by having
hyaluronic acid injected into the smile lines
around your mouth.
Find out why Pulice is the only
choice for total beauty care
JR TOKYO STATION
Chuo Street
Kyobashi St
(Ginza Line)
Bridgestone
Muromachi St
(Asakusa Line)
Nihonbashi St
(Ginza/Tozai Line)
Eidai Street
Yaesu center opening
Sotobori Street
Yaesu Street
Some of the latest treatments in dental
care are also available such as healOzone,
a hi-tech procedure that involves no
injections, no drilling and is totally
painless, and DIAGNOdent, which uses a
dental laser to enhance early identification
of tooth decay, taking into account
individual risk factors.
Our goal is to meet your specific
needs, and customized treatment courses
can also be arranged through private
Contact us now to make a reservation for
an initial counseling session. Just one visit
per month will leave you feeling beautiful
and happy!
Kaji Street
COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE
According to The New York Times, about
three-quarters of periodontal office visits are
made by women, even though women tend
to take better care of their teeth than men.
Female hormones affect the gums, and
women are particularly susceptible to
periodontal problems.
Periodontal disease causes bad breath
and gum loss, which can make you appear
older than your actual age.
Many people accept losing teeth to
periodontal diseases a natural part of aging,
but this can be prevented through regular
STAY BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER YOUR AGE
One of the first steps in staying young is
taking proper care of your teeth. We offer
many services to make this easier. The
Periozon Course maintains your mouth’s
youthful image through treatment of
periodontal disease, while the Pulice Course
encompasses oral care. We also offer a
complete dental examination through our
Oral Dock Course, and the Whitening
Course ensures your smile is at its brightest.
UFJ
Nihonbashi St
(Asakusa/Tozai Line)
Showa Street
Ajinomoto
UFJ
DKB
Metropolitan Expressway
1F Oak Kyobashi Bldg., 1-16-10 Kyobashi,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Clinic hours: 10am - 6pm
Closed: Sun and National Holidays
Tel: 03-3538-6767 • http://pulice.jp
Make a reservation for the initial counseling by e-mail
[email protected]
city life
THE GET-OUT BAG
What you need before the next quake
BY RICHARD P. GREENFIELD
T
he big take on the next big one is where
and when. A lot of indicators point to the
Nankai Trough or a spot a lot closer to
Tokyo than March 11 was. There’s also the
real chance that it’ll be a bigger one: 9.5.
For those who need a Richter refresher, each
tenth of a point indicates a tenfold increase in
strength; thus a 9.5 would be 50 times stronger
than the March 11 event.
Projections range from terrible to horrific,
tsunamis in Tokyo Bay breaching the levees
near Kita-Senju and flooding the subway
there. Whose prediction/projection is closest
doesn’t matter.
What does matter is that there’ll be millions
of people needing to evacuate office buildings with collapsed partitions or equipment,
stairway lighting that’s not working, stairways
that are partly blocked and streets that are
filled with debris.
Vvego (www.vvego.com) has been mentioned in previous Metropolis articles, but for
their accessories. Last year they launched luggage, with head Robert Porter promising more
this year. What’s interesting here is the Tool
Roll, which dons a yellow color that remains
visible even if all lights are out.
Designed to carry multiple items in one
piece of luggage, the Tool Roll still rolls up
small, slingable over the wearer’s back. One
step up from the Tool Roll is Rush Moab 10 from
5-11 (www.5-11tactical.com). This is black—the
get-out-of-here Bat Bag. Although larger than
the Tool Roll, it can also be carried like a sling
bag, leaving your hands free.
The bags are containers providing easy
access to items you might need in an emergency, which saves seconds—and seconds
can mean lives.
5-11 also offers gloves—something often
forgotten when assembling survival gear. The
59431 Tac AK2, made of Kevlar, are flameproof
and slash resistant. I’m used to operating tools
with my hands, but an earthquake is a situation
where lots of debris can cause deep cuts and
lacerations. If your hands are cut deeply enough,
your ability to use tools is compromised. The
gloves also fold up nice and neat in whatever
bag you choose.
It’s best to start with a rescue tool, usually one
that’s a combination of a belt cutter, a window
puncher and a small LED. I carry one from SOG.
My wife carries one from CRKT (Columbia River
Knife and Tool, www.crkt.com) that’s barely the
size of two credit cards. 5-11 makes a rescue tool
that’s a bit larger than these and features two
blades: a small one that works as a belt cutter
and a one larger one that’s straight and has saw
teeth at the end. Any of them works; go online
or visit a nearby dealer and see which one’s
suited to you.
CRKT also makes what’s called a “tactical
pen” in the U.S.—which we’d probably call a
“strike pen” here. In the States these are used
to fight off an assailant. In Japan, they double
your chances of knocking off a piece of glass
or plexiglass.
The essentials don’t stop with a rescue tool
and pen: You may need a specific kind of knife.
Mantis Knives (www.mantisknives.com) makes
a pocket folder that’s of legal blade length in
Japan and features a quarter-inch-thick blade.
Read that again, because the significance might
not be apparent. There are sheath knives that
are thicker, but they’re for camping and no one’s
going to be carrying one in an office. The importance is twofold: The edge on the Mantis will cut,
and if it has to be used as a pry the average adult
will be able to exert some serious torque without
any danger of the blade snapping or bending
thanks to the thickness of the blade.
The other essential is light. In the aftermath
of the quake, emergency lighting may be down
and other power may have been cut. I was once
in a zone that lost every kind of power for almost
two days. There were a few flashlights in the
house that kept me from tumbling down the
stairs. In the months that followed, I wrote about
lights from SOG and Innova; but in four years
there’s been almost a generation of improvement in the kinds of lights available, their power
and capabilities.
It was the TMT R3 that first brought me to the
5-11 site. The light itself isn’t bigger or heavier
than any of the ones I’ve seen. However, there
are many advantages. First, it’s safe: Think of
how many times you ran lights down because
you forgot to turn them off. One click over is the
main white light (357 lumens); another click,
four smaller red LEDs; another, four blue LEDs.
And it can be recharged either from a normal
electric circuit or car battery. When you have
no power but have a full tank of gas, you can
charge this easily.
Not having a light isn’t a choice any more than
not having a bag, tools and a plan.
There are lots of add-ons, such as the ceramic
drinking water straw that will filter out most impurities, as well as essentials like your favorite
energy bars and anything else you might need
or want in these times.
These items are offered as a place from which
to begin, not a place in which to end.
17
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
THE IMITATION
GAME
While no one person can be credited with the
invention of the computer, Alan Turing comes
pretty close. The room-sized machine he built
succeeded in breaking the Nazis’ Enigma code,
thereby shortening WWII by as much as two
years and saving thousands of lives. But this
unsung triumph on an unseen battlefront was
leavened with an underlying tragedy brought
about by his breaking of a different code: the
petty, antediluvian social code of 1940s Britain.
Arrested in 1952 for “gross indecency” (homosexuality), he committed suicide rather than
continue with his debilitating court-ordered
hormone therapy. Benedict Cumberbatch,
who it seems can do no wrong these days,
puts in another Oscar-worthy performance,
expressing, warts and all, the man’s genius
and arrogance as well as his social clumsiness
and loneliness. This biopic by Norway’s Morten
Tyldum (Headhunters) is straightforward,
unfussy, and smartly entertaining. And kudos
to first-time screenwriter Graham Moore for
wisely not trying to explain the math, and distilling and streamlining events into a cinematically
accessible whole without dumbing it down. An
oft-quoted line from the movie is, “Sometimes
it is the people no one imagines anything of
who do the things that no one can imagine.”
Japanese title: Imitation Game: Enigma to
Tensai Sugakusha no Himitsu. (114 min)
NEW
GOOD PEOPLE
How about moronic people? A law-abiding but
cash-strapped American
couple in London finds a
bag of money in the basement flat they had rented to a lowlife of questionable
career goals who just died of a heroin overdose. They
decide to keep the money. What could go wrong? Don’t
these people ever go to the movies? James Franco
and Kate Hudson play it so generic, they nearly disappear (though in Franco’s case this is a plus), and Tom
Wilkinson seems to be channeling Columbo as the
investigating copper. Final “thrilling” scene in a house
being refurbished plays like Home Alone. Japanese title:
Perfect Plan. (90 min)
NEW
DRIVE HARD
In this colossally unfunny
Aussie buddy comedy, a
washed-up racecar driver
(Thomas Jane), now giving driving lessons in
Gold Coast, is abducted by a criminal (John Cusack) and
forced to be the getaway driver in a bank heist. They
banter insipidly. Jeez, what happened to Cusack? He
used to be an A-lister, watchable whatever he was in.
And I’m not sure what Jane’s talents were, but I’m now
sure that comedy wasn’t one of them. Tasteless, amateurish, repetitive, poorly filmed, lame acting throughout
and the slowest chase scenes—essentially the whole
movie—ever filmed. Not even trashy fun. (92 min)
PREDESTINATION
A high - concept , low budget existential puzzle
that will reward thinking
moviegoers. A complex,
paradoxical, time-travel
mind-messer that mixes elements of Looper, Memento
and Back to the Future. Ethan Hawke is a sort of time
cop who, in another time, happens upon a fellow whose
backstory is a real mind- (not to mention gender-) bender. Sarah Snook shows in one movie more range than
most actors do in an entire career. I can’t really tell you
much more for fear of spoiling some of the surprises, of
which there are many. But this one will play with your
brain while it touches your heart. (97 min)
ANNABELLE
Hey, a movie about a
creepy antique doll! Well,
that’s new. This cheapo
spin - of f prequel from
The Conjuring focuses
on the backstory of the titular doll that appeared late
in that vastly better movie. This cash-grab offers nothing remotely original, the music’s oppressive, the acting’s anemic, the scares are surface-level and instantly
forgettable, the dialogue’s labored and it plagiarizes
from several other movies. (It’s such a blatant rip-off
of Rosemary’s Baby that the main characters are even
named Mia and John.) At least the doll is not animated.
Chucky, this ain’t; skippable, this is. Japanese title:
Annabelle: Shiryōkan no Ningyo. (98 min)
NURSE 3-D
It seems to me that a
movie about a slutty psycho nurse who lethally
punishes misbehaving males in a variety of
gruesomely imaginative ways should be a lot funnier—or
funny at all. Paz de la Huerta (Enter the Void), my new
least-favorite actress since Sharon Stone retired, does
the title honors in this witless, self-satisfied, wink-wink,
cult-movie-wannabe. (Note to filmmakers: You cannot
prefab a cult movie; they happen on their own and no
one knows why.) Her constant mugging negates any titillation that may be derived from her apparent disdain for
clothing. I have no idea why it’s in 3-D. Japanese title:
Mad Nurse. (84 min)
CHEF
If you know any thing
about writer/direc tor/
a c t o r J o n F a v r e a u ’s
c a re e r (s t a r t i n g w i t h
personal films such as
Swingers and Made, then on to blockbusters like Iron
Man and Cowboys and Aliens), this can be seen as a
veiled autobiography. It’s the heartwarming tale of a
talented chef quitting his job in a prestigious but unadventurous restaurant to get back to his creative culinary
roots in a beat-up Cuban sandwich truck. Selling back
in. Not a lot of drama here, but it’s knowledgeable and
continually amusing; more a relaxed, slow-food cinematic meal, set to great salsa, R&B and funk music.
Super cast. Japanese title: Chef: Mitsuboshi Food Truck
Hajimemashita. (115 min)
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
The Imitation Game: © 2014 BBP IMITATION, LLC; Good People: © 2013 GOOD PRODUCTIONS.INC; Drive Hard: © 2013 ODYSSEY FILM STUDIOS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.; Predestination: © 2013 Predestination Holdings Pty Ltd, Screen Australia,
Screen Queensland Pty Ltd and Cutting Edge Post Pty Ltd; Annabelle: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC; Nurse 3-D: © 2014 Lions gate Entertainment inc. All Rights Reserved.; Chef: ©
Merrick Morton; American Sniper: © 2014 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED, WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC; The Fault in Our Stars: © 2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX; Rudderless: ©
2014 Rudderless Productions LLC. All Rights Reserved.; Foxcatcher: Photo by Scott Garfield © MMXIV FAIR HILL LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him/Her: © 2013 Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, LLC. All Rights
Reserved; Begin Again: © 2013 KILLIFISH PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
18
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
AMERICAN SNIPER
Like all the best war movies, the big political questions are left outside the
frame. This is about the
men in the trenches and
the moral choices they face. The taut battle scenes are
some of the best ever shot, cohesive and legible—even
in a dust storm. Chris Kyle served four tours in Iraq and,
as in The Hurt Locker, the most telling sequences occur
back at home, between tours, when normal life seemed
the aberration and the war real. Bradley Cooper’s performance is a deep and austere personal best, and
Eastwood’s crisp, unfussy direction shows that he
remains a master at 84. (134 min)
THE FAULT IN OUR
STARS
Stay with me here, and
don’t dismiss this spirited YA romance on its
downer topic. Hazel and
Gus—Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, great chemistry—meet in a teens-with-cancer support group. They
live in the present, because, well ... they don’t have a
future. Reluctantly, they fall in love. The film is never
maudlin or overtly manipulative (okay, a little in the last
scenes), it earns the tears and offers honesty along with,
yes, humor. The acting is superb, the characters are fully
realized and the dialogue is sharp. Willem Dafoe shines
in a subplot. This is what Nicholas Sparks keeps trying
to do. Japanese title: Kitto, Hoshi no Sei Ja Nai. (125 min)
RUDDERLESS
William H. Macy’s directorial debut. When an
ad exec’s (Billy Crudup)
songwriter son is killed
in a school shooting,
the man goes into a two-year downward spiral until
he comes across some of the talented boy’s demo
CDs. He picks up a guitar and plays one at an openmic night, attracting the attention of sideman Anton
Yelchin. A montage leads to the formation of the titular
bar band. But some things are a bit puzzling, like why
does he take credit for the songs rather than just tell
the truth? A huge, jarring reveal an hour in knocks the
film off course, and it never really recovers. Japanese
title: Kimi ga Ikita Akashi. (105 min)
FOXCATCHER
Almost all comedic
actors stray into drama
at some point, but rarely
do they so completely
disappear into their characters (or earn Best Actor noms). In this warped character study, Steve Carell plays the hugely wealthy John
E. Dupont, a socially inept man-child heir with mommy
problems. A wrestling buff, he entices Olympic goldmedalists Mark and Dave Schultz (Channing Tatum and
Mark Ruffalo) to train at his titular facility in the hope
of catching some reflected glory. Things soon get seriously strange. (True story, but don’t Google it until later
if you don’t know.) Gripping, chilling and deeply sad.
(134 min)
THE DISAPPEARANCE
OF ELEANOR RIGBY:
HIM/HER
Two films examine the
breakup and attempts
to get back together of a
married couple from the characters’ respective viewpoints.
They want to know if they still have a future in the wake
of some not-immediately-explained personal tragedy.
The films’ success is due in part to the sure hand of firsttime director Ned Benson, a good script, and the skill of
the actors. James McAvoy, sporting a flawless American
accent, is the “him,” and the astounding Jessica Chastain
the “her.” I’d nudge you toward seeing “him” first, because
“her” serves to fill out the whole. Watch for the discrepancies. Japanese title: Love Stories: Conor no Namida and
Eleanor no Aijō. (Him: 89 min, Her: 100 min)
BEGIN AGAIN
Direc tor John Carney
transplants the theme of
his lovely 2006 Once to
NYC with name actors.
Keira Knightley plays a
freshly dumped songwriter coerced into doing one personal, acoustic song in a noisy New York club. The only
one listening is a drunken, washed-up music producer (a
great Mark Ruffalo). In the film’s most memorable scene,
her performance is replayed through his eyes, as his imagination adds sidemen only he can hear. The two begin a
professional courtship that could save both their lives.
Good music, appealing characters and a story just offbeat
enough to keep you interested. Japanese title: Hajimari
no Uta. (103 min)
© 花とアリス殺人事件製作委員会
© IMAGE.NET
eiga
Japanese filmmakers
seem intent on breaking down the barriers
between live action and
By Rob Schwartz
animation genres. Last
issue’s Present for You, for example, mixed live action and
claymation. This time, we have an animated prequel to the
live action film Hana & Alice (2004) which uses rotoscoping to give a sense of realism. Directed by Shunji Iwai, the
original Hana & Alice was a lovely coming-of-age drama
which focused attention on actresses Yu Aoi (Alice) and
Anne Suzuki (Hana), with Aoi going on to become a huge
star. Iwai was actually tipped to become the next great
Japanese director when he got five Japanese Academy
Award nominations on his second film, Love Letter (1995).
His major follow-up, Swallowtail Butterfly (1996), then
nabbed eight noms and won Most Popular Film. But his star
seemed to fade a bit (despite the challenging and heavy
All About Lily Chou-Chou, 2001) and the original Hana &
Alice was a return to form of sorts. The current piece, set in
high school, shows how the young women developed their
friendship and experienced first love. When a boy is murdered they set out to solve it. With this sweet and expressive film, Iwai has brilliantly jumped modes of expression,
while retaining the essence of the original. Wonderful stuff.
English title: The Case of Hana & Alice. (100 min)
HANA TO ARISU
SATSUJIN JIKEN
movie news
Makeup artists don’t always get the recognition
they deserve in Hollywood. After all, if they’ve done
their job properly, their handiwork should not be
noticeable. They didn’t get their own regular Oscar
award until the ’80s, and even today only three
films are nominated rather than five as in other
categories. One exception to this makeup reality
is Rick Baker, who honed his skills on the set of
The Exorcist and took home his first Oscar in 1982
for creating the groundbreaking transformations
in John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London.
Since then, he’s picked up half a dozen more and
a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His latest
honor was a lifetime achievement award bestowed
by Landis at the recent Make-up Artists and Hair
Stylists Guild Awards. “I was just a kid who wanted
to be a makeup artist, and that is still how I see
myself. And I am just so pleased it happened,” Baker
modestly said at the ceremony. As more directors
turn to CGI to get their creatures, Baker’s realism
remains in demand. He says one of his proudest
accomplishments was the Bigfoot he created for
Harry and the Hendersons. “That was nearly 30
years ago,” he recalls “but if you go back and watch
it today, many people still buy it.” Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
The French Institute (15 Ichigaya, Funagawaracho,
Shinjuku-ku; www.institut.jp) presents recently restored
prints of three films by Polish-born French director
Jean Epstein, March 7-8. A film theorist and literary
critic, Epstein applied avant-garde ideas to silent films,
including an adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of
the House of Usher (1928; pictured). Film scholar Emilie
Cauquy will lecture, in French, after the screenings … In
sad news for cinema fans, Cinemart Roppongi (3-8-15
Roppongi, Minato-ku; www.cinemart.co.jp/theater/roppongi) will close its doors in June. The four-screen theater opened in 2006 with the mission of bringing Asian
films to Tokyo. Although it branched out over the years,
it’s going back to its roots for its curtain call, starting
March 7. Hits from the nine-year run being brought back
include films starring Korean actors Kim Nam-gil, Jung
Woo-sung, Kang Ji-hwan, Jang Keun-suk and Hyun Bin
… Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.
cinemavera.com) welcomes you to the world of “roman
porno” director Tatsumi Kumashiro, March 7-April 3.
Despite health problems, the prolific filmmaker churned
out dozens of hits in the 1970s, satisfying the studio’s
requirements for erotic content while developing his
own manic style. Many of his most popular films will be
shown from new 35mm prints. KM
19
arts&culture
Courtesy of Hostess/Smash
MUSIC
MOGWAI
The amiable Scottish
colossus enters
its third decade
BY DAN GRUNEBAUM
G
iven the vaulting ambitions of their instrumental rock creations, Glasgow’s Mogwai
have always been a remarkably humble
bunch of guys. It’s with characteristic
surprise that they reacted to seeing last year’s
Rave Tapes become the band’s first-ever Top
10 album in the U.K.
“It was amazing,” says member Stuart Braithwaite. The guitarist and occasional vocalist is
motoring from his girlfriend’s place in England
back home to Scotland. “I guess it makes us a
real band. Our music’s not very commercial, so
to even be in that company shows that we’ve
managed to reach a lot of people over the years
and a lot of people stuck with us over the years,
so it’s definitely something to celebrate. I’m not
sure if we drank champagne, but there were
definitely a few drinks involved.”
Rave Tapes is arguably Mogwai’s most accessible outing to date. The monumental walls
of guitar sound have largely given way to some-
thing more subtle and atmospheric. Tracked at
the band's Castle Of Doom studio in Glasgow,
songs like “Remurdered” and “Hexon Bogon”
feature starkly simple—beautiful even—analog
synth lines that may have given the
band an in with fans of electronic
music along the lines of Kraftwerk
or Aphex Twin.
Braithwaite is loath to ascribe
the Top 10 ranking to the quintet’s
new sonic direction. “To be honest, I think it was good timing,” he
asserts in a pleasant brogue. “We
were on tour when the record came
out, playing a lot of shows. I think
people were just ready for the record to come out.”
The guitarist also makes the
counterintuitive point that the
growth of the internet has, while
gutting album sales, helped the
trajectory of noncommercial bands
like Mogwai. When Metropolis first
spoke to the group nine years ago,
the web was already upending the
music industry.
“We couldn’t see how influential
things like YouTube would be …
Spotify changing the way we pay
for music …” Braithwaite ventures.
“It’s easier for people to discover
bands now. When we first started there was a
real struggle for bands to make more than a
couple records if they didn’t sell. Now it’s the
general public that defines what’s cool, rather
Photo by C.B.Liddell
ART
INNER
CYCLES
Gabriel Orozco’s
geometric interventions
BY C.B.LIDDELL
C
ontemporary art still has a lot of work to
do in order to gain acceptance from the
general public. This is the reason why the
city’s main museum dedicated to it—the
Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo—is usually the most peaceful and uncrowded. But if
contemporary art is ever going to win a wider
following, it’ll have to rely on talents like Gabriel
Orozco, the major Mexican artist who is the subject of the museum’s latest solo show, “Gabriel
Orozco: Inner Cycles.”
While there’s an element of intellectual sophistication to much of what Orozco does, he
also has an excellent aesthetic sense and, even
20
more importantly, a great sense
of humor. Humor, of course, can
make us forgive many things—
even contemporary art!
Orozco’s aesthetic sense infuses much of his work, but is
most apparent in his “atomist”
works. These are large color
prints—up to 6 by 10 feet—showing photographic blow-ups of
images clipped from the sports
pages of the Times newspaper.
Hard-edged, abstract patterns of
circles and oval shapes—usually
subdivided into halves or quarters of contrasting colors—are
superimposed.
While the neatly arranged geometric designs partly obscure the
action in scenes of soccer, cricket,
rugby, or other sports, they also
La DS Cornaline (2013)
serve an analytical purpose, helping us realize the balance and
composition of the image as well as the dynamic “geometric interventions” also represent a synaspects. Reminiscent of the work of artists like ergy between figurative and abstract art.
Kazimir Malevich and Oskar Schlemmer, these
But while this is the most artistically impres-
THERE WERE DEFINITELY A FEW
DRINKS INVOLVED.”
than music magazines or radio.”
Braithwaite says what they’ve lost in album sales,
they’ve made up for in listener growth. “I don’t think it’s
more people buying our music, but it is more people listening to our music,” he stresses. “We made up for the drop in
sales by touring a lot, playing a lot of shows and festivals.”
Mogwai have toured Japan numerous times, and been
a fixture of the Fuji Rock Festival, but the upcoming dates
mark the band’s first visit in three years. The tour also sees
the group celebrating its 20th year.
How do they feel when they look back on their accumulated eight studio albums and numerous soundtracks?
“Nostalgia really,” Braithwhaite ventures. “Every time you
make a record it’s a document of the time it was made.
Now we’re making music as adults, so when I go back to
the old material, it reminds me of different, younger periods
in my life.”
Speaking with Braithwhaite, you get the sense that
Mogwai have remained unsullied by the messiness of the
music industry—and the demands of rock-star egos. “We
get along pretty well, and we still like playing with each
other,” he says. “We’re always mindful of how lucky we are.
Even though it’s not always easy, there are people who have
a hard time making a living, so we are appreciative. Music
means everything to me. It’s my life’s work and my passion
and I’m lucky enough to have it as a living.”
7pm, Mar 9. EX Theater Roppongi.
http://eplus.jp/mogwai15
sive part of the show, it’s Orozco’s humor that’s dominant
throughout. This is clear from the photographic works
with which the show opens. In these, he finds new ways of
looking at ordinary things, such as the rear end of a horse,
which at first looks like some new alien creature, or a ball
in a puddle of water that looks like the moon because of
the reflected sky.
With these photos, Orozco effortlessly manages to put
an interesting spin on the familiar. In Waiting Chairs (1998),
the lack of comfort of the chairs—as well as the length of
the waiting periods—is hilariously emphasized by shooting
them so as to emphasize the sweat and grease marks left
on the wall behind and above the chairs. These are clearly
too small for their intended purpose!
These subtle but deeply ironic and funny images then
lead to the show’s centrepiece, La DS Cornaline (2013),
which deals with the idea of form and function. This is a
Citroën car cut in thirds lengthwise, then reassembled
with the middle piece missing. This effectively turns the
vehicle into an unusable piece of junk, but in the process
skilfully emphasizes the beauty of its lines and design.
But just in case you think he is being too highfalutin
with this work, in the same room he also includes a selfdeprecating afterthought—Noodle Fall (2014), which is
just a used plastic instant noodle bowl stapled to the wall.
Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo. Until May 10.
1 TO 1: SAM SMITH AT THE
SPEED OF SUCCESS
BY DANIEL L. SMITH, FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
T
hings are starting to move pretty
quickly around singer Sam Smith.
Admittedly, winning four Grammy
Awards this year for his breakout
album, In The Lonely Hour, has helped
quicken that pace. However, the singer
admitted during our Fox Backstage
Pass interview that after his whirlwind
trip to Japan, he’s looking forward to
slowing things down long enough for
some customary brew.
“I get to go home in a few days, which
I’m excited about. I’m going to have a cup
of tea—that’s what I am going to do,” the
singer declared on his first intentions
once he returns to his native London.
That cup of tea has been on hold for
a while. The artist is riding a wave of
critical success since picking up Record
of the Year and Song of the Year honors
for his hit “Stay With Me,” as well as
being named Best New Artist and Best
Pop Vocal Album.
While he appears to be traveling
at the speed of sound, Smith said his
journey to the top of the pop charts
was more methodical than it appeared
on the surface.
“The rise to where I’ve gotten now
doesn’t necessarily feel fast. The speed
in which so many of my dreams have
come true feels fast, but the work up
until this point of getting my music
heard was a long time in the making,”
Smith explained.
He added, “It’s tiring—but it feels
amazing. I am living my dream and the
opportunities I’m getting, and the things
I am starting to do, is just amazing. It
feels great!”
The Grammy-winning singer said his
agenda is full.
“I am going to be touring for the
rest of this year, just going around
the world—which I am excited about!
I’m constantly writing and thinking of
things. I’ve got a concept for my next
record. I think I’ve got a title, so I’m also
excited about delving into that.”
His songwriting is what’s set him
apart from many of his contemporaries.
He said personal drama fueled his emotions and gave his songs life.
“I fell in love with someone who
didn’t love me back. It wasn’t even a
relationship. It was crazy. It affected
about four of the songs—and that was
it, really. The whole album is about the
feeling of loneliness and I was not talking about one person, I was just talking
about a feeling,” Smith mused.
He said his road travels will also
bring him back to Japan fairly quickly.
“It’s my first time here. It’s amazing.
I haven’t seen much. I have just been
out to eat and it’s good food, which is
great. Hopefully, when I come back in
May, I’ll get to see a few more places.
I would just love to see some Japanese
countryside.”
He’d have to slow his schedule
down a bit to fulfill that dream!
Fox Backstage Pass airs Sat on Fox at 1am; Sun on Fox Movies Premium at
9am; and on Fox Sports and Entertainment at 11:30am.
21
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22
Takoyaki shop
Police box
Roppongi-dori
agenda
WATCH LIST
hot tickets
MAR
30
Fall Out Boy
This ain’t a scene; it's the American
pop-rock band’s Tokyo show with
supporting act New Politics. You’ll
thank them for the memories. Mar
30, 7pm. ¥7,000. Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
http://j.mp/falloutboy2015
Tickets on sale now
Concerts
POPULAR
Judas Priest
The heavy metal legends are
back on turbo, bringing the
rock show to Tokyo—and some
heads definitely are going to
roll. Mar 6, 7:30pm. ¥9,80012,000. Ex Theater Roppongi.
Roppongi or Nogizaka.
Tel: 03-6406-2222. Mar 11,
7pm. ¥8,000-9,800. Nippon
Budokan. Kudanshita.
http://j.mp/judas2015
Mothercoat
NG Vol. 5, one-man show.
Mar 6, 8:30pm. ¥2,300 +
1d (¥500). Shinjuku Jam.
Higashishinjuku. Tel:
03-3232-8168. http://meturl.
com/mothercoat2015
Erlend Øye & The
Rainbows
Norwegian musician Øye,
best known for being a part
of the indie folk duo Kings of
Convenience, with British rock
band The Rainbows. Mar 12,
7pm. ¥5,800. Daikanyama
Unit. Daikanyama. Tel:
03-5459-8630. http://j.mp/
oye2015
The Cinders Present: The
Great Tohoku Earthquake
Charity Event
Charity gig with The
Watanabes, The Cinders,
Barely Regal and more. Mar
14, 7-11pm. ¥1,000. Gamuso.
Asagaya. Tel: 03-53649096. www.gamuso.com
Lenny Kravitz
The rock icon of the generation
brings his funky riffs and jams
to Tokyo. Are you gonna go
his way? Mar 14, 6pm; Mar 15,
5pm. ¥10,000-20,000. Tokyo
International Forum Hall A.
Yurakucho. Tel: 03-52219000. www.hipjpn.co.jp/live/
lenny
Sub-Sonic Live
Featuring English indie rock
band The Charlatans with
DJ Gakuji “Chabe” Matsuda.
Mar 19, 7pm. ¥4,500. Tsutaya
O-East. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/
subsonic2015
The Big Nothing: Angels &
Demons
A night of rock ‘n’ roll, drinks
and fun! Mar 20, 8pm.
¥2,300. Heaven’s Door.
Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-34116774. http://http://j.mp/
angelsanddemons2015
New Blue Death
Seoul-based band whose
MAR
30
Ne-Yo
The American R&B singer comes closer
to perform a show that’s guaranteed
to be “so sick.” Mar 30, 8pm. ¥9,000.
Pacifico Yokohama. Minatomirai. Tel:
03-3499-6669. http://j.mp/neyo2015
Tickets on sale now
indie rock with melodic pop
sensibilities creates a sound
that can be sometimes
brooding and bittersweet.
Mar 21. The Black Sheep.
Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-39872289. Mar 22, Ruby Room.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022
(evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www.
newbluedeathband.com
APR
24-26
Yo, Carmen
María Pagés, the Queen of modern
flamenco, takes an innovative
approach to Carmen! Apr 24, 7pm;
Apr 25, 3pm; Apr 26, 2pm. ¥8,00012,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999.
http://j.mp/yocarmen2015
Tickets on sale now
JAZZ/WORLD
Brittni Paiva
Multi-award winning ukulele
instrumentalist from Hawaii.
Mar 6, 7pm; Mar 7, 6pm.
¥4,800-7,000. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/brittnipaiva2015
Bob James Quartet
Romanian singer-songwriter
and model whose debut
single “Lollipop (Param Pam
Pam)” peaked at number 18
in the Romanian Top 100. Mar
26, 7:30pm. ¥6,500. Ebisu
Garden Hall. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5423-7111. http://j.mp/
alexandravictor
Two-time Grammy
Award-winning smooth jazz
keyboardist James featuring
Carlitos Del Puerto, Perry
Hughes and Clarence Penn
in celebration of James’ 75th
birthday. Mar 6, 7 & 9:30pm;
Mar 7, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.
mp/jamesquartet2015
Kindness
David Dorantes
Electronica and synthpop
project of British singer
Adam Bainbridge, freshly
debuted in 2012. Mar 26,
7:30pm. ¥6,000. Club
Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
kindness2015
Flamenco pianist who
is praised for his bold,
innovative approach to the
piano. Dorantes offered
piano as a solo instrument
in flamenco almost 10 years
ago, introducing a new
way of expression for the
classical instrument. Mar
9, 7pm. ¥7,500. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
dorantes2015
Alexandra Stan
Rhye
R&B musical duo that initially
began as an internet-based
mystery, posting several
singles online without
providing any background
information or contact details.
Mar 30, 7:30pm. ¥6,000.
Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/
rhye2015
Azealia Banks
American rapper, singer
and songwriter who came
to prominence by topping
NME’s Cool List in 2011 and
finishing third in the Sound of
2012. Mar 31, 8pm. ¥5,500.
Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://j.
mp/azealiabanks2015
Mastodon
American metal band whose
songs feature progressive
concepts and unique
instrumentation. Apr 1, 7pm.
¥7,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.
mp/mastodon2015
The New Flying Zabutons
A short history of R&B,
part one. Apr 3, 7-11pm.
¥1,000. Rooster North Side.
Ogikubo. www.ogikuborooster.com/north
MAY
29-JUN 7
Disney on Classic: Spring
Gala
Showcasing popular songs from
Disney movies such as Snow White,
The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and
more. May 29-Jun 7, various times.
¥7,000-8,700. Tokyu Theatre Orb.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3409-3345.
http://j.mp/disneyspringgala2015
Tickets on sale now
6:30 & 9pm; Mar 14, 5 & 8pm.
¥7,800-10,000. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/krantz2015
The Puppini Sisters
Retro harmony vocal trio
composed of Italian singer
Marcella Puppini and English
singers Kate Mullins and
Emma Smith. Mar 14-15, 5
& 8pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
puppinisisters2015
New Century Jazz Quintet
Formed in New York, the
Quintet aims to represent the
current age of jazz through
young people’s perspectives
while still keeping their roots
in traditional jazz. Mar 17-18,
6:30 & 9pm. ¥6,000-8,000.
Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel:
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
newcenturyjazz2015
Cassandra Wilson
Grammy-winning, velvetvoiced jazz musician and
singer-songwriter serenades
audiences at the Blue Note. Mar
17-19, 8pm. ¥8,800. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
wilson2015
for free
MAR
11-13
Akita Spring Fair
Discover the allure of spring in Akita
through specialty products. free
sake tasting and more. Mar 11-13,
11am-7pm. Free. TIC Tokyo Event
Space. Tokyo. Tel: 0187-63-5226.
Blue Mountain Boys
CLASSICAL
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet
Multi-award winning pianist
who was named “Artist of the
Year” at the 2012 International
Classical Music Awards. Mar
11, 7pm. ¥6,000. Yamaha
Ginza Hall. Ginza. Tel:
03-3572-3171. http://j.mp/
jean-efflam2015
Tokyo Vivaldi Ensemble
Viva Vivaldi! Mar 14, 3pm.
¥4,000-5,000. Italian Cultural
Institute. Kudanshita. Tel:
03-3264-6011. http://vivaldi.jp
Bobby McFerrin
Jazz trumpeter widely
acknowledged as one of
Japan’s finest jazz musicians,
with John Beasley Group
featuring James Genus, John
Hart and Jeff “Train” Watts.
Mar 10-11, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/hino2015
The reggae and jazz great
reminds you to not worry—be
happy. Mar 20 & 23, 7 &
9:30pm; Mar 21-22, 5 & 8pm.
¥12,800. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/mcferrin2015
Eldar Djangirov Trio
Trio led by Grammy-nominated
Kyrgyzstani-American jazz
pianist Djangirov. Mar 10-12,
6:30pm & 9pm. ¥6,800-9,000.
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
djangirovtrio2015
Mehliana featuring Brad
Mehldau and Mark Guiliana
Synthesizer-oriented duo
consisting of jazz pianist
Mehldau and drummer
Guiliana. Mar 12-13, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
mehliana2015
The Waterboys
Wayne Krantz with
Anthony Jackson & Cliff
Almond
Band whose music is a mix of
Celtic folk music with rock and
roll. Apr 6, 7:30pm. ¥8,000.
Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
waterboys2015
American modern jazz
guitarist Krantz praised for his
utilization of complex rhythms
and harmonic concepts with
Jackson on the bass and
Almond on the drums. Mar 13,
Nettwork Trio
Jazz, rock and funk trio with
members Charnett Moffett,
Stanley Jordan and Eric
McPherson. Mar 25-27,
6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
nettworktrio2015
Israeli classical pianist
who won the second
prize at the 2002 Paloma
O’Shea International Piano
Competition in Spain, where
he performed Bartók’s Third
Piano Concerto. Mar 18,
7pm. ¥5,000. Toppan Hall.
Iidabashi. Tel: 03-58402200. http://j.mp/giltburg2015
Conducted by Gustavo
Dudamel, winner of the
prestigious The City of Toronto
Glenn Gould Protégé Prize.
Mar 28, 6pm. ¥9,000-26,000.
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
http://j.mp/laphil2015
Michinoku Wind
Orchestra
A music aid concert for high
school brass band clubs in
the coastal region of Iwate
prefecture. Apr 1, 5pm. Free
(admittance by lottery).
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
http://j.mp/michinoku2015
Helen Merrill
Internationally known jazz
vocalist who has recorded
and performed with some of
the most notable figures in
the American jazz scene. Mar
31-Apr 1 & Apr 3, 6:30 & 9pm;
Apr 4, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,500. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.
mp/merrill2015
Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Quartet
Grammy Award-winning Cuban
jazz pianist and composer’s
tribute to Charlie Haden.
Apr 5, 5 & 8pm; Apr 6-7, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
rubalcabaquartet2015
Matsuri Digital presents
TIMELESS
We invite you to a huge
indoor trance/techno
festival at Tokyo’s biggest
club. Astral Projection,
System 7, Dachambo, and
many more! Mar 14, 11pm.
AgeHa. Shinkiba. ¥3,300
(adv)/¥4,000 (door). http://
timeless.peatix.com
The New Matrix Bar
Boris Giltburg
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Terumasa Hino
MAR 14
Classic country western and
bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30
& 7:30pm. Free. Cafe Sepia.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-1300.
www.nagaremono.com/sepia
Vittorio Grigolo
Italian operatic tenor who
was chosen to become part
of the Sistine Chapel Choir
as a soloist at 13. Apr 5, 2pm.
¥15,000-18,500. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Hatsudai
or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-53539999. www.operacity.jp/en
Clubbing
FRIDAY 6
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
Eureka! House: DJs Detroit
Swindle, Sauce81, etc. From
10pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Modern Disco. Disco: DJs
Falcon, Taar, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000
w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
The Room
Breakthrough. Hip-hop:
DJs Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc.
From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/ 1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500
w/ 1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Agepa. All mix, EDM: DJs
Marc Panther, U5, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,000 w/1d,
(f)free. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Womb
Sterne. Techno: DJs Butch,
Ishino, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Microcosmos
John’s World. All good music:
DJ Jonny and more. From
12am. ¥1,000. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-5496. www.
microcosmos-tokyo.com
Daikanyama Unit
Bonobo. DJ Bonobo and
more. From 11:30pm. ¥3,500.
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
23
Liquidroom
New Build. Electronic: DJs
Objekt, Nobu, etc. Live:
Shackleton. From 11:30pm.
¥4,000. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54640800. www.liquidroom.net/
Ele
Vicetone. The popular Dutch
EDM duo’s first visit to Japan.
From 10pm. ¥4,000 w/2d
(men)/women free. Azabu
Juban. Tel: 03-5572-7535.
http://eletokyo.com/
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
T2
T2 Monday. EDM: Various DJs.
From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/ 2d,
(f)¥1,500 w/ 2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
SATURDAY 7
The New Matrix Bar
TUESDAY 10
Sound Museum Vision
Hyper Society. Techno: DJs
Tanaka, Nishizawa, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
Ruby Room
Open Mic. From 7pm. ¥1,000
w/ 2d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3780-3022 (evenings) /
070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
Air
The Choice. House, techno: DJs
Den, Ryokei, etc. From 10pm.
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.
com
The Room
Exchange. SoulSoul, crossover:
DJs Shuya Okino, Hirose, etc.
Live: Root Soul. From 10pm.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
T2
Super Tuesday. EDM: Various
w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
T2
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/
1d, (f)¥2,500 w/ 2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Womb
Tuemix. EDM, Top 40: DJs
Alpha One, Ashlay, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Ageha
Alchemy. Techno: DJs Mauro
Picotto, Yosa, etc. From 11pm.
¥3,500. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Club Asia
Awapa. House, techno: DJs
Yummy, Takeru, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Ucess the Lounge
02:31. House, techno: DJs
Tom Shorterz, Andy Bell,
etc. From 11pm. ¥2,500.
Meiji-jingūmae. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
Womb
06s. Drum’n‘bass: DJs Ed Rush,
Aki, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Daikanyama Unit
Anemone. Electronic, ambient:
DJs Neel, Koba, etc. Live: In
Aeternam Vale. From 11:30pm.
¥3,500 w/1d. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Microcosmos
Superb. All good music: DJs
Hal, Toyo, etc. From 12am.
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-5496. www.
microcosmos-tokyo.com
SUNDAY 8
The Room
Em. Nu classic: DJs Sazanami,
Cbtek, etc. 5-11pm. ¥2,000
w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
MONDAY 9
Ruby Room
Mad. DJs: Shiraishi, Bal,
etc. From 9pm. (m)¥1,000,
(f)¥1,000 w/ 1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings)
/ 070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
The Room
In the Jungle Groove. Afro
beats: DJs Osada, Sato, etc.
Live: Far East Love Afrobeats
Musician. 7-11pm. ¥2,000
w/ 1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Cruz Fade. House, techno:
DJs Perrier, Rena Chino, etc.
From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d.
24
A-1 Lounge. Nice and easy
music: DJs Muro, Magara,
etc. From 7pm. ¥1,000.
Meiji-jingūmae. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
Sound Museum Vision
Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs
Kaori, Ueno, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
T2
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Asobinite. Electro, house: DJs
Nakata, Tanaka, etc. From
11pm. ¥4,000. Shinkiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
Daikanyama Unit
Body. Various DJs. Live: The
Novembers and more. From
11pm. ¥4,000. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
The Room
Destination. Broken beats,
deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri,
etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Club Asia
WEDNESDAY 11
Jumper. EDM: DJs Remo-Con,
Hikaru, etc. From 11pm.
(m)¥3,000, (f)¥1,000 w/2d.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.
clubasia.co.jp
T2
Womb
Shibuya Girls Party. EDM:
Various DJs. From 10pm.
(m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com
Future Boyz. EDM, electro:
DJs Erie, Komori, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Womb
SATURDAY 14
Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki,
Ikezawa, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
The Room
The Room Bar. Bar style: DJs
Saitou, Mihiro, etc. 7-11pm.
Free. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Acid
Do You Remember the First
Time? Indie and Britpop club
night: come along and dance
like it’s 1995. 7pm-12am.
¥1,000 w/ 2d. Koenji. Tel:
03-3316-0303. http://http://j.
mp/doyouremember2015
Dance
THURSDAY 12
Dance Archives in Japan
Air
3h. House, techno: DJ Haioka
and more. From 10pm.
¥2,000 w/ 1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.
com
T2
Happiness. World mix: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/
2d, (f)¥1,500 w/ 2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
This project aims to
revisit the origins of
Western-style dance in
Japan and reconsider the
current state and future of
dance by presenting works
by Japanese pioneers in
creative dance. Mar 7-8, 3pm.
¥3,240-6,480. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.
mp/dancearchives2015
Giselle
Womb
Pop Girls. EDM, Top 40: DJs
Su-Pyi, Lirica, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
The Room
Tokyo Jazz Punx. DJ Tsuyoshi
Sato. 7-11pm. ¥2,000.
Club Asia
Air
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
Ucess the Lounge
Womb
Zero Gravity. Drum’n‘bass,
electro: DJs Signal, Soramame,
etc. From 10pm. ¥1,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
FRIDAY 13
Orange. All mix: DJ Pororocks
and more. From 11pm. ¥1,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Performed by the Tokyo
Ballet, a romantic ballet
about a peasant girl who
dies of a heart failure after
discovering her lover is
betrothed to another. Mar
12-13, 7pm; Mar 14-15,
2pm. ¥3,000-10,000. U-Port
Hall. Osaki-Hirokoji. Tel:
03-3494-1840. http://j.mp/
giselle2015
Tango Fire: Flames of
Desire
Presented by the Tango
Fire Company of Buenos
Aires and choreographed
by critically acclaimed
Argentine choreographer
and dancer German Cornejo,
with the individual couples
choreographing their own
solos and Cornejo refining
the steps as is traditional
in the world of Argentine
Tango. Mar 14, 2 & 7pm;
Mar 15, 2pm. ¥4,800-8,800.
Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/
tangofire2015
Cinderella
Ballet composed by Sergei
Prokofiev and performed
by the K-Ballet Company.
Mar 18, 3pm; Mar 19-20 &
22, 2pm; Mar 21, 12:30 &
4:30pm. ¥6,000-13,500.
Bunkamura. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/
kballetcinderella2015
Romeo and Juliet
Performed by the Scottish
Ballet Company. Mar 26,
7pm; Mar 27, 2 & 7pm; Mar
28, 2pm. ¥6,000-12,000.
Bunkamura. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/
scottishballet2015
NHK Ballet no Kyōen
Japan’s best ballet
companies and dancers
gather to perform
contemporary pieces, as well
as classics such as Carmen
and Sleeping Beauty. Mar
28, 5pm. ¥3,000-12,000.
NHK Hall. Harajuku
or Meiji-jingūmae. Tel:
03-3465-1751. http://j.mp/
nhkballet2015
Stage
MAR 20, 21
Exhibitions
FEB 26-MAR 17
Sumi et Blanc
Sumi-e is a black-and-white
painting created with black
ink called “sumi.” Enjoy
the modern sumi-e world
created by both fantasy and
reality. Free. Until Mar 17,
6am-10pm (closes at 3pm
on last day). NAA Art Gallery,
Narita International Airport,
5F Central Bldg., Terminal 1.
Narita Airport.
www.sumietblanc.com
ENDING SOON
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
New-wave Artists 2015:
From the Public Entry
Exhibition
An exhibition introducing
five up-and-coming artists of
great promise, selected from
among artists appearing in
“Best Selection 2014.” Until
Mar 15, 9:30am-5:30pm.
¥300-500. Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum. Ueno. Tel:
03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/
newwave2015
Rufus Lin: I am Music
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. Tel: 03-62123200. http://meturl.com/mitsuo
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
ONGOING
Barkira: Akira Meets The
Simpsons Mash-Up
Worldwide Art Project,
Volume 3
A mash-up of “Akira” and
the characters and setting
from The Simpsons. Mar 7-21,
1-7pm. Free. Gallery Hakusen.
Asagaya. www.bartkira.com
Sense Modern
Guams 8 Exhibition
OM-2: Opus No. 9
Unique and full of surprises,
drum, body percussion, tap
and voice carry you beyond
the usual theatre experience
to a place where body and
rhythm are intertwined. Mar
20, 7:30pm, Mar 21, 3:30pm.
¥2,800 (adv)/¥3,300
(door). Nippori Sunny Hall.
Nippori. http://om-2.com.
Manon Lescaut
Puccini’s opera about a
free-willed and beautiful
maiden Manon, and how
the Chevalier des Grieux’s
pure love for her ruins his
life. Mar 9 & 12, 7pm; Mar
15, 18 & 21, 2pm. ¥5,40027,000. New National Theatre
Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/
lescaut2015
Seiji Ozawa Music
Academy Opera Project
XIII
Featuring Ravel’s L’enfant et
les sortileges performed by the
Seiji Ozawa Music Academy
Orchestra. Mar 24, 7pm.
¥8,000-18,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/
La Forza del Destino
Opera by Verdi about the
cruel fates and bloody
end of the daughter of a
Spanish Marquis, Leonora;
the descendant of the royal
family of the Inca Empire,
Don Alvaro; and Leonora’s
brother, Don Carlo. Apr 2 & 8,
6:30pm; Apr 5, 11 & 14, 2pm.
¥3,240-21,600. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.
mp/destino2015
Showcasing paintings,
drawings and writing by the
8th graduating class of Guams.
Until Mar 8, 10am-6pm.
Free. Gallery Marumikyoya.
Asakusa. Tel: 03-3841-9711.
http://gallerymarumikyoya.com
Robin Fry: Gardens
An exhibition of new paintings
by Fry, a Berlin-based
Canadian artist known as
an abstract painter and
performing artist. Until 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. Until Mar 8, 5-11pm
on Mon; 1-7pm Fri-Sun; closed
Tue-Thu. Free. Waitingroom.
Ebisu. Tel: 03-3476-1010.
www.waitingroom.jp
Iron∞Man
A group exhibition by the
artist group Iron∞Man which
demonstrates their uniqueness
in the contemporary art world
by presenting kinetic works
using light and shadow,
which create a fantastical and
unrealistic world. Until Mar 8,
12-8pm, closed Mon & every
last Sun. Free. Hpgrp Gallery.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-37971507. http://hpgrpgallery.
com/tokyo
The Great Tsunami of
March 11, 2011 and the
Restoration of Cultural
Properties
After the Great East Japan
Earthquake, the Tokyo
Showcasing works by Yozo
Hamaguchi, a printmaker
widely known as the artist who
gave new life to mezzotint.
Until Mar 22, 11am-5pm,
closed Mon. ¥200-600. Musée
Hamaguchi Yozo: Yamasa
Collection. Suitengumae.
Tel: 03-3665-0251. www.
yamasa.com/musee/en/
03-3463-0603. http://j.mp/
wonderseeds2015
Cute Girls in Ukiyo-e
Featuring ukiyo-e paintings of
Edo women and their luxurious
and colorful kimonos, hair
ornaments and accessories.
Until Mar 26, 10:30am-5:30pm,
closed Mon. ¥500-700.
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum
of Art. Harajuku. Tel:
03-3403-0880. www.ukiyoeota-muse.jp
Film History in Posters Part
2: Musical Films
Showcasing the original
posters of the postwar films
from the collection of Makoto
Wada, a famous illustrator,
this exhibition will trace the
descent of musical films,
which played a significant role
in movie history. Until Mar 29,
11am-6:30pm, closed Mon.
¥70-210. National Film Center.
Kyobashi. www.momat.
go.jp/english
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. Until Mar 22,
10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥600-1,100. Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng/
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. Until
Mar 22, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. ¥600-1,100. Museum
of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng/
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
(adv)/ ¥600-1,200 (door). Tokyo
Metropolitan Teien Art Museum.
Meguro. Tel: 03-3443-0201.
www.teien-art-museum.
ne.jp/en/
Mikiko Kumazawa: Howl
Showcasing young and up-andcoming artist Kumazawa’s
latest works. Mar 11-Apr 11,
11am-7pm, closed Sun, Mon &
hols. Free. Mizuma Art Gallery.
Ichigaya. Tel: 03-3793-7931.
http://mizuma-art.co.jp
Neo-Impressionism, from
Light to Color
Pictorialism: Prelude to
Modern Photography
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. Until 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
An exhibition focusing on one of
the most important movements
in the historical development
of modern photography. Until
Apr 30, 10am-7pm. Free.
Fujifilm Square. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6271-3350. http://j.mp/
pictorialism2015
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
Kishio Suga: Situated
Latency
of human life and extend a
hand in salvation. Mar 7-Apr
6, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000
(door). Nezu Museum.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en
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
Ken Miki: Apple +
Showcasing works by graphic
designer Miki, known for his
original designs, and who has
worked on projects for IBM
Japan, ThinkPad and more.
Until Mar 31, 11am-7pm (until
6pm on Sat), closed Sun & hols.
Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery.
Ginza. http://meturl.com/
ginzagraphicgallery
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. http://
michinoku2015.jp
Wonder Seeds
Bodhisattvas: Symbols of
Salvation and Support
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. Until Mar
22, 11am-7pm. Free. Tokyo
Wonder Site. Shibuya. Tel:
Showcasing sculptures
and paintings depicting
Bodhisattvas, or deities who,
despite having attained
enlightenment for themselves,
willingly descend into the
human realm, where they
face the joys and sorrows
Great Fake Exposition:
Cultural history of fakes
and imitation
Showcasing the world of fake
and imitation articles and
the relationship between
them and their genuine
counterparts. Mar 10-May
6, 9:30am-4:30pm, closed
Mon. ¥450-830. National
Museum of Japanese History.
Keisei-Sakura. http://j.mp/
greatfakeexposition2015
Best of the Best
The last exhibition before the
museum closes for renovation
on May 18, showcasing
160 works of modern and
contemporary Western art. Until
May 17, 10am-6pm (until 8pm
on Fri), closed Mon. ¥500-800.
Bridgestone Museum of
Art. Tokyo. Tel: 03-57778600. http://meturl.com/
bestofthebest2015
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. Until May
24, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥1,400 (adv)/
¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi
Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. http://mimt.
jp/english/
Louvre Museum
With works by Vermeer,
Rembrandt and others. Until
Jun 1, 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
¥800-1,600. The National Art
Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/
english/
The Great Amazon
Featuring over 400 exhibits
and a 4K theater experience
where you can travel to the
Amazon through a 355-inch
large-scale screen. Mar 14-Jun
14, 9am-5pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥600-1,600.
National Museum of Nature
and Science. Ueno. Tel:
03-3822-0111. http://j.mp/
thegreatamazon2015
UPCOMING
Osaka Expo ’70 Design
Project
Held under the theme of
“Progress and Harmony
for Mankind,” the 1970
Osaka Expo (Japan World
Exposition) is remembered
as a national event in Japan
in the years of spectacular
economic growth. This
exhibition presents an entire
picture of the design work
for the 1970 Expo. Mar
20-May 17, 10am-5pm (until
8pm on Fri), closed Mon.
¥130-430 (free admission on
Apr 5 & May 3). The National
Museum of Modern Art,
Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
osakaexpo2015
Fukagawa in the Snow:
The Reappearance of an
Utamaro Masterpiece
Showcasing works by
Utamaro, who is one of
the most highly-regarded
practitioners of the ukiyo-e
genre of woodblock prints,
especially for his portraits
of beautiful women, or
bijin-ga. Apr 3-Aug 31,
9am-5pm. ¥1,800-2,800.
Okada Museum of Art.
Kowakidani. Tel: 0460-873931. www.okada-museum.
com/en/
TDC Exhibition
Ginza Graphic Gallery’s
annual exhibition showcasing
the results of the Tokyo
TDC Awards held by the
Tokyo Type Directors
Club. Apr 3-28, 11am-7pm,
closed Sun & hols. Free.
Ginza Graphic Gallery.
Ginza. http://meturl.com/
ginzagraphicgallery
Kataoka Tamako
Japanese-style painter who
uses vivid colors and boldly
deformed shapes, and paints
using powerful brushwork.
Apr 7-May 17, 10am-5pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed
Mon. ¥300-1,200 (adv)/
¥400-1,400 (door). The
National Museum of Modern
Art, Tokyo. Takebashi.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://
tamako2015.exhn.jp
The Beauty of Asian Art
Showcasing prehistoric
and ancient masterpieces
from China, Korea and
Southeast Asia. Apr 11-Jun
14, 10am-5pm, closed
Mon. ¥700-1,000. Idemitsu
Museum of Arts. Tokyo.
www.idemitsu.com/museum/
honkan
The Ceramic Works of
Rouault and the Fauvists
Introducing ceramic works
created by some of the great
French artists of the early 20th
century, including Georges
Rouault and Henri Matisse.
Part of the exhibition will focus
on the relatively unknown
ceramic artist André Metthey
and the important role he
played in these artists’ ceramic
production to portray the close
relationship between paintings
and decorative arts at the time.
Apr 11-Jun 21, 10am-6pm,
closed Wed. ¥500-1,000.
Shiodome Museum.
Shimbashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://panasonic.co.jp/
es/museum/en/schedule/
Utrillo & Valadon
Showcasing pieces by
Utrillo, a French painter who
specialized in cityscapes, and
his mother Valadon, an artist
whose drawings and paintings
mostly included female nudes,
female portraits, still lifes
and landscapes. Apr 18-Jun
28, 10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥650-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,200
(door). Sompo Japan
Museum of Art. Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.
sjnk-museum.org/en
25
Sports
BASEBALL
Global Baseball Match
Samurai Japan vs. All Euro.
Mar 10-11, 6pm. ¥300-10,000.
Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. http://j.mp/
globalbaseball2015
Yokohama DeNA vs.
Chunichi Dragons
Mar 12, 1pm. ¥500-2,100.
Yokohama Stadium. Kannai.
Tel: 04-5661-1251. www.
yokohama-stadium.co.jp
Yakult Swallows vs. Lotte
Marines
Mar 20-21, 1pm. ¥300-2,100.
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. NipponHam Fighters
Mar 20, 6pm; Mar 21, 1:30pm.
¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.tokyo-dome.co.jp
Tomodachi Charity Baseball
Game
Charity event in support of
children in the Tohoku region,
with retired New York Yankees
greats Derek Jeter and
Hideki Matsui. Mar 21, 5pm.
¥2,000-5,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. http://support-our-kids.
org/2with55/
Yakult Swallows vs.
Nippon-Ham Fighters
Mar 22, 1pm. ¥300-2,100.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs Lotte
Marines
Mar 22, 2pm. ¥300-3,500.
Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel:
03-5800-9999. www.giants.
jp/en
an abundant harvest and
prosperity, the Saitō Sai is
also known as the festival of
color from the festive garb
adorning the participants. Mar
9, 10am. Free. Kashima Jingū.
Kashima Jingū. Tel: 0299-821209. kashimajingu.jp
Honzon Jigen-e
Celebrating the manifestation
of Sensoji’s Kannon statue with
events such as the Kinryu no
Mai, where an 18-meter-long,
88-kilogram golden dragon
dances around the temple
grounds, and the Shirasagi no
Mai, a traditional ceremonial
parade and dance . Mar 18, all
day (Kinryu no Mai at around
11:30am, 1:30 & 3pm; Shirasagi
no Mai at around 11am).
Free. Sensoji. Asakusa. Tel:
03-3842-0181. www.senso-ji.jp
Forums &
Expos
Tokyo Motorcycle Show
See bikes from all over the
world including the latest
models and custom machines,
take them out for a test ride
and more fun events. Mar 27,
1-6pm; Mar 28, 10am-6pm; Mar
29, 10am-5pm. ¥500-1,300
(adv)/ ¥1,000-1,600 (door).
Tokyo Big Sight. KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-55301111. motorcycleshow.org/
Comedy
Mar 27, 6pm; Mar 28-29, 2pm.
¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs.
Hanshin Tigers
Mar 31-Apr 2, 6pm. ¥300-2,100.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin
Tigers
“Tokyo’s premier multidisciplinary rehabilitation center”
• Assessments and treatments
Club 360 is a multidisciplinary health
performed by a team of
and fitness center, which also offers
internationally trained, registered and
personal training, group classes,
experienced physiotherapists.
boxing and kickboxing.
• Private treatment rooms
• Large, fully equipped rehab gym
• Central location 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills
• Consultations available in English and Japanese
Sports injuries
Musculoskeletal and spinal conditions (neck and back pain)
Ergononomic and postural assessments
Gait assessments
Rehabilitation programs
Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:00pm, Sun 8:00am - 2:00pm • Tel: 03-6434-9667
Apr 3-4, 6pm; Apr 5, 2pm.
¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Festivals
TRADITIONAL
Learn about getting funnier
on stage and off! Mar 14,
1-5pm. Approximately
¥3,000 (or more depending
on options). Meiji-Jingumae
Onden Community Centre.
Meiji-jingūmae. Tel: 03-34071807. http://tokyocomedy.com/
standup_workshops
Community
Mt. Takao Hiwatari Matsuri
A Buddhist purification
ceremony where monks and
visitors walk across fire to burn
away bad luck and misfortune.
Mar 8, 1pm. Various fees
apply . Takao-san Yakuo-in.
Takaosanguchi. www.
takaosan.or.jp/english/
Saitō Sai
Held each year before the
coming of spring to pray for
26
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slideshows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm. Free.
The Pink Cow. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6434-5773. www.
thepinkcow.com
Stitch-n-Bitch
Meet fellow knitters, crocheters
and sewers to talk, share
ideas, eat, drink and create.
Every first and third Tue,
7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt.
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/
TokyoStitchandBitch
Other Events
Shimokitazawa Japan Free
Party
Good music, good food,
good art. Mar 7, 4:20pm-1am.
Free entrance. Rong Sura.
Shimokitazawa. http://http://j.
mp/shimokitafreeparty2015
Nitro Circus Live
Thrilling action sports
entertainment that delivers
mind-blowingly wild stunts.
With motorcycles flying across
the air and hazardous tricks
successfully being performed
one after another, there won't
be a single dull moment.
Mar 7, 5pm; Mar 8, 2pm.
¥7,000-30,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. http://nitrocircus.jp
Ramen Girls Festival
An event for ramen-loving girls!
Enjoy delicious ramen with your
friends. Mar 7-8, 11am to 9pm.
Free entry. Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Minatomirai. Tel:
045-211-1515. www.facebook.
com/RamengirlsFestival
Fundraiser with 20 local
performance poets and live
jazz. Mar 21, 6:30-10:30pm.
¥2,000 w/ 1d. World Peace
Theater. Kawasaki. http://
ytg.jp
Art Fair Tokyo
Take in the best of Japanese
contemporary art and
enjoy new works from
contemporary Asian galleries.
Mar 20, 11am-9pm; Mar 21,
11am-8pm; Mar 22, 10:30am5pm. ¥1,500-3,000 (adv)/
¥2,000-3,500 (door). Tokyo
International Forum Exhibition
Hall. Yurakucho. http://
artfairtokyo.com/en/
Rikugien Garden
Illumination
Enjoy the illumination of the
impressive shidarezakura,
or weeping sakura tree. Mar
19-Apr 5, from sunset until 9pm.
¥150 (seniors)/¥300 (general)/
children free. Rikugien
Gardens. Komagome. Tel:
03-3941-2222. http://meturl.
com/rikugarden
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art
School
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike with arty socializing.
Every third Wed, 7-10pm.
¥2,000 w/ 1d. Studio and Space
IVVA. Meiji-Jingumae or
Harajuku. www.facebook.com/
Dr.Sketchy.Tokyo
Bunkyo Ume Matsuri
Famous since the Edo Period
for its wide variety of plum
blossom types. Until Mar 8,
8am-7:30pm. Free. Yushima
Tenjin. Yushima or Ueno
Okachimachi. Tel: 03-38360753. www.yushimatenjin.or.jp
Seminar with an Alsatian-style
dinner. Mar 14, 7-10:30pm.
¥11,980 + tax (adv reservation).
Stellato. Shirokanedai.
Tel: 03-3442-5588. www.
wineandcooking.info/en/
specialevent.html
Poetry Slam & Live Jazz
Comedy Performance
Workshop
Half-Fast Cyclists
Yomiuri Giants vs. DeNA
Baystars
Alsace & German Wine
Seminar
Learning
Various special events including
a nighttime lantern illumination.
Mar 29-Apr 7, all day. Free.
Ueno Park. Ueno. Tel:
03-3828-5644. http://http://j.
mp/uenosakuramatsuri2015
Sumida Park Cherry
Blossom Festival
Over 1,000 cherry blossom
trees, with nighttime
illumination. Mar 29-Apr 7,
all day. Free. Sumida Park.
Asakusa. http://http://j.mp/
sumidacherryfestival2015/
The Sixth Festival of Japan
Culture Academy in Tokyo
Immerse yourself in Japanese
culture and traditional arts.
Mar 8, 10am-6pm. Kimonowearing experience ¥5,000,
Tea ceremony and flower
arranging ¥5,000, Rakugo
¥2,000. Or ¥10,000 for all
three. Limit 30 people per
course. Coredo Muromachi III
3F Kyoraku-Tei, Nihonbashi
Mitsui Hall. Mitsukoshi-mae.
Tel: 03-6215-8421. www.
japan-pr.org. Email jpa@
japanfanclub.jp for application.
First-come, first-served.
MORE LISTINGS
ONLINE → HTTP://
METURL.COM/
LISTINGS
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FRI, MAR 20 ISSUE
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or see http://tmasuda.wix.
com/inner-balance.
ENGLISH -SPE AKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC
in Toranomon Hills offers a
wide range of preventive,
co rre c t i ve an d cos m e t ic
dentistry. Superior service
focused on customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. Modern
dentistry at its best. www.
rmdcc.com/english/
0120-648-071
C O M P R E H E N S I V E H E A LT H
C OV E R AG E F O R E X PAT S ,
D I P LO M AT S , TE AC H E R S .
Inpatient and outpatient
care, emergencies, surgery,
meds, checkups, dental, lab
tests, MRI and more. Thirtyday money-back guarantee.
Quick, easy application;
convenient payment
options. Enroll today!
[email protected]
w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp
078-351-7300
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
MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN
ROPPONGI WELCOMES
FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get
your haircut right. Haircuts
¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a ve ¥ 5 8 0 0.
Kids’ haircuts ¥4000¥ 4 4 0 0. Fir s t-t ime discount
¥1 0 0 0. h t t p: //o a zo. b i z / t o p
0 3 - 5 5 4 5 -7 7 9 7 o a z o7 7 9 7@
yahoo.co.jp
1.3 MOVING
MOVING OVERSEAS? Call
ECONOSHIP! With over 35
years of experience, you
can count on Econoship for
courteous, efficient, reliable
service and reasonable
prices. Call, email, or see
our new website. Ask how
you can receive 10 boxes
free of charge.0120 -222-111
[email protected]
www.econoship.net
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy)
c a r e i n H i r o o .
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
03-3443-6769
T H I N K I N G A B O U T
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS? Platinum
¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver
I M M I G R AT I O N S E R V I C E S
I N E N G LI S H . Yo ko y a m a
Administrative and Legal
Of fice will suppor t all your
visa needs: extension,
s t a t u s c h a n g e, p e r m a n e n t
r e s i d e n c e, n a t u r a l i z a t i o n .
Free consultation in
Kinshicho available by
reservation. Contact us at
03-5626-4139 or [email protected].
http://meturl.com/yokoyama
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
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
S E R V I C E D A PA R T M E N T S i n
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
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT—ONE
MONTH FREE RENT! One-room
apartment, w/loft, small kitchen,
b a t h r o o m , a l o n g t h e S o te t s u
Line, easy access to Yokohama,
To t s u k a , F u t a m a t a g a w a ,
Shonandai ¥45,000/m. Private
rental. No agent fees. robhoey.
[email protected]
CRE ATIVE SO LUTION S .
Specialists in branding, web design,
photo/video production. Drawing A
Crowd: a new approach in design. Get
in touch. [email protected]
Apartment needed in Tokyo for three
months. Two French people seeking
accommodation along the Yamanote
Line. Can pay up to ¥130,000/m. Move
in March for business. esteban@
lesgarconsdumarais.com
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,
log on at w w w.metropolis.
co.jp/classif ieds or email your
commercial ads to commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
House needed in Zushi, Hayama
or Kamakura, w/garden, parking,
tatami, 60sqm+, move-in date of Apr
1 ¥140,000/m. Photos appreciated.
[email protected]
2 FIND A PLACE
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
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF,
early 30s, seeking a language exchange
partner. I'm not a teaching professional,
but if you are interested in studying with
me, please mail me. Female preferred.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Japanese lady
seeks a native speaker of American
English for language exchange. Please
drop me a line if you are interested. M/F,
any age ok. Please be serious. Thanks in
advance. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Do you want to
improve your translation and speaking
skills? Canadian, 40s, seeking a
language partner. Let's help each other
with our language skills over tea. Let's
meet in Ikebukuro or Shinjuku. tarry2@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Hi! I am a JF,
39, looking to improve my English
level in the Yokohama area. Of course,
I am happy to help you with J as well.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. JF seeks an
exchange partner in the daytime on
weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. tome.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Do you want to
improve your translation and speaking
skills? Canadian, 40-ish, seeking a
language partner. Let's help each
other with our language skills over tea.
[email protected]
2.5 PLACE WANTED
House-sitting opportunity wanted.
Responsible family from Germany
seeking house-sitting opportunity
for one to four weeks in Aug. Lived
in Japan 10 years, know the dos and
don’ts, fluent in Japanese. Will take
care of house, cat, dog, plants, etc.
[email protected]
Seeking roommate. Female seeking
apartment in Tokyo. I want to move to an
apartment with a roommate for a long
time, like one year minimum. Preferably
close to Korakuen Stn. lucero_p22@
hotmail.com
3 EDUCATION
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
English and Japanese. Japanese
female, 30s, seeking a language
exchange partner. Prefer meeting once/
twice a week at cafes in Chiba (Sobu Line
日本語と英語。僕はイギリス人 .
毎日日本語を勉強してる. でも
言語交換にいつも失敗しちゃう.
[email protected]
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
IKEBANA (JAPANESE
TRADITIONAL FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful
means of self-expression.
Trial les son, inclu din g
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:
w w w.atelier-soka.com/
english/index.html
Email: [email protected]
3.9 TEACH ME!
T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G LI S H
LESSONS. Working towards
becoming an English-to-Japanese
translator, but need help polishing
my English. Can translate simple
documents in exchange for English
lessons. [email protected]
English and Japanese. I'm a man,
24, from London, England, looking to
improve my basic Japanese and make
Japanese friends in exchange for some
English conversation. Near Shinjuku
on Thu would be best, but other
suggestions welcome! cal.mclean90@
gmail.com
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]
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF, 21,
seeking a language exchange partner in
Tokyo. I like food, dancing, traveling, so
I'm learning foreign languages. Looking
forward to your messages. ilusmmy@
softbank.ne.jp
Professional Java/XML programmer
wanted (local only). Seeking Java/web
programmer. Java, XML, servlet skills.
Ability to read and interpret/debug codes
is a must. Shinjuku/Kanda/Ueno, 7pm
onwards, or weekends. Can pay ¥3000/
two hours, plus coffee. yatri_in_town@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Language
exchange group [JESL Hiro] is now ready
to start again! Be core members and
create a fun group together. Every Wed,
7:30-9:30pm, at coffee shop in Hiroo.
Free to join. [email protected]
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
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT
N I PPA S H I O FFI CE s u p p o r t s
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
[email protected]
http://nippashi.com
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
¥21,600. Prices include one
photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo
+ ¥2000). Prices are for 4 0
words, one print issue, t wo
weeks online. For details,
email us at commercial@
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
would be best). I'm looking forward to
hearing from you. kintaro2060@yahoo.
co.jp
English and Japanese. Open-minded
Japanese female, 23-40, sought for
language exchange and socializing.
Serious only. Call Bobby at 090-55896864 or 080-8118-4073.
English and Japanese. Asian-American
male, 38, fluent in E, wants to make new
friends in Tokyo. F/M ok. Please teach
me J. Prefer to meet during lunchtime.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Australian
chef seeking language exchange
partner in the Akasaka area. Available
daytime, Mon-Fri. Let’s learn together.
[email protected]
English, Korean, Japanese. Native
English guy, speaks good 韓国語
and poor 日本語 , seeking someone
to hang out with, chat in different
languages (E and J or Kor), and drink
some beer. Sound good? itsumogenki@
outlook.com
French and Japanese. Fr and J
exchange in Otemachi. winds_fr@
hotmail.com
French, English, Japanese. European
man seeking a language exchange
partner to improve his Japanese. I can
teach you Fr or E. Let's enjoy sharing
our cultures and interests. Machida
area preferred. understanding_life@
hotmail.com
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
Korean and Japanese. Japanese male,
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
日本語 . 日本語を教えて頂け
ますか？お願い致します！
[email protected]
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Bed, single (L2 16xW98xH37cm),
tatami, as new, w/drawer s at
head and foot, dismantles for
transportation. Pick up Hongo Sanchome, Oedo/Marunouchi lines.
[email protected] 09090040779
Bed, single, almost new, black metal
frame, headboard and power socket. New
¥9000. Sell ¥2000. [email protected]
Cabinet, corner (73x73xH60), dark
wood, glass door, w/two shelves inside
¥3000/obo. Photos available. tripeler@
yahoo.com 080-6581-4724
Desk, solid, dark wood, two-drawer
(W120xD60xH72), w/matching threedrawer pedestal on casters, chair, as new
¥20,000. Shinjuku-Okubo area. Delivery
not included. [email protected]
Sofa, leather (210x100), black, in very
good condition ¥25,000/obo. Pick up
only. [email protected]
Table, dining, solid (200x100x75)
¥ 15,0 0 0. Myorenji, Yokohama.
[email protected]
4.2 APPLIANCES
Deep fryer, Tefal, home-use, new in box,
safety features ¥2000/obo. tripeler@
yahoo.com 080-6581-4724
Fridge, National NR-B123J, as new, light
gray ¥3000. [email protected]
Fridge, Panasonic, eco-friendly, 426L,
made in Japan, five sections, ice maker,
three y/o. New ¥105,000. Sell ¥50,000/
obo. [email protected]
Fridge/warmer, Twinbird HR-4707,
micro-sized, holds six regular cans,
rounded retro look, new in box ¥1500.
[email protected]
27
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Plant pot s, air
humidifier, photo frame, Japanese
study books. Details available. yannu@
hotmail.com
Sayonara sale! Shelves, fridge, aircon,
tables, etc. Pick up Nishi-Nippori.
[email protected]
Sayonara sale! White desk; wardrobe;
TV cabinet; upright piano; 32” HDTV;
tube TV; Panasonic fridge, eco, 426L,
as new; portable gas heater/timer;
convection oven; microwave; fan/timer;
small, solid-wood table; fax/phone/
answering machine; etc. amyrita@
workmail.com
Sayonara sale! Computer monitor, 17”,
Toshiba; window blinders, three sets;
flat TV, second generation; washer,
built-in dryer, 5kg; two-door fridge;
stove ¥25,000/all. Photos available.
Delivery possible if nearby. pop10eye@
gmail.com
Sayonara sale! Epson PC, in very
good condition ¥9000/obo. Four tables
¥2000/each. Deluxe German sandwich/
waffle maker ¥ 4000. And more.
[email protected]
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
HDTV 32”, Toshiba ¥30,000. Panasonic
am/fm/CD/cassette stereo, w/ two Onkyo
speakers ¥20,000. VCR ¥5000. Toshiba
TV, 24”, tube: free. amyrita@workmail.
com
Projector, business, 28lbs, w/2000
lumens, fold-and-carry projection
screen, brand-new lamp, laptop
¥90,000. [email protected]
4.6 FOR KIDS
Chair. Retro orange egg chair ¥1000.
Pick up Gotanda. vandley.industries@
gmail.com
Clothing, winter: gloves, cap, muffler.
Cheap. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos
available. [email protected]
Diapers, Merries, size L, tape, never
opened, two boxes available ¥5000/
each. ¥9000/both. Pick up Okubo/
Higashi-Nakano. purejasmine1004@
hotmail.com
Potty training toilet seat, frogshaped, cushioned, w/handles, never
used ¥2000. Pick up Keio/JR Hashimoto
Stn. [email protected]
P u s h c a r t , w o o d ( H 51 x W 3 5 . 5 x
D34.5cm), w/various toys attached
¥5000. Pick up Keio/JR Hashimoto Stn
or nearby. [email protected]
4.7 FOR FREE
Drawer, plastic, cream outer case, w/
dark clear drawer (D65xW43Hx23). Pick
up central Yokohama. angelitonegro@
hotmail.com
Table/desk, adjus table height
(60x120cm/24x47"), white top, steel
feet, in excellent condition. Pick up
Moto-Azabu. [email protected] msvh@
hotmail.com
Various items. Three ceiling light
fixtures, three closet cabinets, fourpiece sectional sofa, chest of drawers,
computer desk, dining table. Details,
photos available. hanslefamily@gmail.
com
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
Case, Pelican 1550, black, never used,
but foam insert has been altered for
equipment ¥25,000. [email protected]
Charger, Nikon Quick MH-18A, in
excellent condition ¥3000. sebre@
mac.com
Digital camera, Sony Cybershot
DSC-F828, three batteries, charger,
cables, light and case. davenport_j@
ymail.com
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Amp, Shelter 916 Phono, as new
¥60,000. Tokyo. [email protected]
Bass, Somnus Zi, five-string, handmade
in Japan, mid-’80s, fully serviced/
28
adjusted by Tune Guitar Technologies
¥100,000/obo. mcmctokyo13@gmail.
com
Electric guitar, green, w/power cord
and case ¥4000. davenport_j@ymail.
com
Keyboard, Yamaha PSR-E413, portable,
w/stand, in excellent condition, hardly
used. New ¥35,000. Sell ¥15,000.
[email protected]
Keyboard, Casio WK-1200, 73 keys,
six oc taves, touch type, w/ 100
rhythms and 200 tones, electronic
drum kit, recording features, stand, in
good condition ¥10,000/obo. Pick up
Yokohama Stn. [email protected]
Tabla (Indian percussion instrument),
w/brand-new, high quality heads
refitted for both dayan and bayan,
slightly worn soft bag, two cushions,
two covers, tuning hammer ¥27,000.
Pick up Kodaira Stn. astroidea@
hotmail.com
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Japanese learning material. Pimsleur
Japanese I, II and III, original package,
in excellent condition, each set contains
16 audio CDs, booklet, guide ¥19,000/
all. [email protected]
5.5 GAMING
任天堂ファンですか？ The worldfamous Famicast is seeking a Japanese
co-host. The biweekly podcast is done
by volunteers who love Nintendo
gaming in Japan. Not paid, but lots of
fun! [email protected] www.
nintendoworldreport.com/famicast
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@
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
Jaeger-LeCoultre travel alarm, 1969,
gold-plated, made in Switzerland, in full
working order, original black leather
etui, w/original catalog and price list
supplied by Jaeger-LeCoultre in ‘91, w/
model confirmation letter ¥25,000/obo.
[email protected]
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
Lincoln Navigator 5.4, Nov ‘02, 49,000
miles, left-hand drive, black, shaken till
Mar ‘15 ¥850,000. Offers considered.
Photos available. doddsstephen@
gmail.com
folding gas camp stove, folding pot,
two backpacks, folding water tank, etc.
¥5000. Negotiable. tocco_di_classe@
hotmail.com
or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer
or support, please contact team@
jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
iPhone 5s, in good condition. Can pay
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
HD, Western Digital My Passport, 2TB,
never opened, formatted for Mac, can be
reformatted for Win. New ¥17,000. Sell
MacBook, 13", 2.6GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB,
1600MHz, 128GB, w/retina display, never
used, SmartShell protective case. New
¥145,000. Sell ¥120,000. becalm77@
gmail.com
Tablet, Samsung Galaxy 10.1, Wi-Fi
and LTE (4G), locked to DoCoMo, in very
good condition, no scratches, main unit
only (no charger) ¥10,000. ada38cai@
hotmail.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
FR E E E N G LI S H -TO -JA PA N E S E
TRANSLATION. Working towards
becoming a translator and need
practice with simple documents.
Have experience working in law
office, accounting, HR and sales.
[email protected]
Are you an expert C++ developer?
I need you to help me walk through a
program. You need to have very good
skills. Minimum education: master's
degree in engineering or sciences. Can
pay ¥3000/two hours, plus coffee. yatri_
[email protected]
Atheist show needs hosts. We promote
positive atheism, knowledge, common
sense. Similar to Atheist Experience
on YouTube. assassin.wolves.films@
gmail.com
Business partnership. European
with 20 years' experience in early
childhood education and language
training seeking a business partner
to join a unique education project. No
investment needed but your time. A great
opportunity to make a difference in this
world. [email protected]
080-3126-9376
Climate expert needed. Seeking an
expert or someone knowledgeable about
climate change to talk about the human
impact on the environment. assassin.
[email protected]
Seeking E/J translator in Machida. I
would like to edit some documents into
Japanese, but I have limited knowledge
of it. I can teach you English or French.
Please contact me. Machida area
preferred. understanding_life@hotmail.
com
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/
[email protected]
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
TOK YO. If you have a problem
with drinking, we can help.
English-speaking meetings daily.
03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.
org 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
10.3 LOST FRIENDS
Seeking photographer Max. Seeking
Max (originally from Kyushu), a
photographer who lived in Tokyo
House (Otsuka) in the mid-’90s. His
girlfriend’s name was Rei. Anyone
know their whereabouts? Please let
me know. Thank you. om_services@
laposte.net
Trainer, remove front wheel and attach
bike to ride in stationary position ¥3000/
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
Fax/phone/answering machine,
Panasonic, w/one wireless phone,
extended warranty, extra ink, boxed,
hardly used. New ¥27,000. Sell ¥15,000/
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS
Camping stuff. One tent, sleeps two,
w/mattress and light sleeping bag,
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t
anything. From emergency
assistance to simple questions. Visit
www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,”
I NTE RN ATI O N A L PA RT Y
AT L E A F C U P. C o m e j o i n u s
and have fun. Men: ¥ 3000.
Foreigners/women: ¥2000.
All- you - can - drink- and - eat .
Iidabashi and Yokohama: Mar 7
and 21. Shibuya: Mar 14 and 28.
www.leafparty.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
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. [email protected]
http://www.unisys.co.jp/football
A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H
FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby
(OZ tag) and Rugby League players.
We play ever y Sat from 1 0am
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
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.
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
PARTY - SPRING SPECIAL.
Sat, Mar 28, 6:30-9pm, Bar
Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected.
in the Shuto League 1st Division.
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.
com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
s p o r t f ro m S cot lan d . Usin g a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.
org
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
[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] www.
geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html
Basketball at Tsukimino Junior High,
Kanagawa. Wednesdays from 7-9pm.
One time ¥100. seanjapanese@yahoo.
co.jp
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.
One year (24 issues) ¥3600
(c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s ,
7-100 copies ok ¥22,560).
Half year (12 issues) ¥1800
(c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s ,
7-100 copies ok ¥12,000).
Bank transfer or credit card
(Visa, Mastercard, Diners
Club). D etail s at ht t p: //
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subscription.
10.2 SUPPORT
N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e
to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free,
anonymous English counseling
daily from 9am-11pm by trained
v o l u n t e e r s ( 0 3 - 5 7 74 - 0 9 9 2 ) .
TELL COUNSELING: affordable
multilingual psychotherapy by
accredited Western-trained
professionals, a CIGNA International
Provider (03 - 4550 -1146). TELL
website: www.telljp.com. Follow
us on Facebook and Twitter @
TokyoLifeLine.
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]
11 MESSAGES
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Road bike, Giant TCR, size M frame,
yellow/black, as new, currently
disassembled, various parts available.
New ¥226,000. Sell ~¥50,000. Price
depends on parts. View Shin-Nakano.
[email protected]
All-you-can-drink and
free snacks. Japanese
men: ¥4000. Others:
¥ 30 0 0. M obile: ht t p: //
getyourfriend.com/mobile/
w w w.get your frien d.com /
090-1735-5405
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 f o r J a p a n e s e
Ru gby Le a gu e of f icial g ames
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
[email protected]
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. funwithtouch@gmail.
c o m w w w. f u n w i t h t o u c h .c o m /
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 a m e a n d i t s
social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays
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. Practice almost every
Sat/Sun in Tokyo. Players in a spirit of
fair play welcome. saito987@hotmail.
com http://tokyoredstar.com
Futsal in Tokorozawa. Sun night
futsal? Mostly 30-45 year olds, every
Sun evening, non-league, but mildly
competitive. Come and play for exercise
and fun! Any age and nationality ok.
[email protected]
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]
Gaelic football in Japan. Japan Gaelic
Athletic Association is always seeking
new members, M/F ok. No experience
necessary. Great way to meet new
people and get fit at the same time.
[email protected] www.facebook.
com/japangaa
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 football 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]
Jogging Yokosuka. SJM seeking
friends to jog 8-20km in Yokosuka,
mornings preferred, but depending
on the day, other times could work,
too. ジョギング仲間募集横須賀 .
[email protected]
Quality football. Interes ted 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. bfcvagabonds@
gmail.com
Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts.
Free training group for samurai and
ninjutsu fighting arts. Vigorous, but
safe and intelligent, one-on-one, or
small group training depending on
JOBS
To advertise:
[email protected]
03-4588-2277
Executive Sales Training
in Japan
One that really achieves results!
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
WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on
hotels, restaurants and bars to offer
our high-quality wines at incredible
prices. Candidates should be
confident, J/E bilingual, passionate
about wine, love fine dining and travel,
have experience in sales, wine or both.
Full-time (Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm).
Position available immediately. Please
send cover letter and resume to
[email protected].
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].
METROPOLIS is seeking a motivated E/J
bilingual admin intern. Transportation
and business expenses provided.
Ability to work three or more days/
week preferred. Please send E/J
resume to [email protected].
the day. Spiritual refinement is a key
element. [email protected]
NO JAPANESE REQUIRED. E nglish
teachers and play staff for kids
wanted for new private English
s c h o o l s a n d a f te r- s c h o o l c a r e
facilities opening in Kanto. Contract:
¥250,000/m, plus transportation. Visa
support. Details and application at
http://bit.ly/gpm-playteach.
03-3836-9686 gp-cdnt@globalpower.
co.jp
J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P.
J a p a nTr a v e l . c o m i s s e e k i n g
E/J bilingual interns to join the
largest tourism website in Japan.
Multiple opportunities 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].
Tennis in central Tokyo. Active
group of tennis friends in central Tokyo
welcomes serious/motivated new
players. We play on weekday evenings
and weekends. Different levels (sorry,
no beginners), fun training sessions and
games with great people from all over.
[email protected]
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese
and foreign volleyball players gather in
Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have
volleyball experience and want to play
volleyball in a friendly atmosphere?
inter [email protected] http://
intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
Women’s soccer club. Five-a-side,
11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or
three practices/matches on Sun. All
nationalities, experience level s,
beginners welcome. Happy and friendly
club! We have many socials. djnorio@
hotmail.co.jp
CORPORATE OR INDIVIDUAL TRAINING
Improve your sales by 20% minimum
Full day course: 9AM to 5PM
Weekend or weekdays
For more information or inquiries:
[email protected]
Tel: 090-9978-3506
(9am - 5pm)
Frank A. Kasala, President & CEO of Future Technologies International,
has over 40 years of international sales experience and 17 years as a
corporate sales instructor.
メトロポリスはバイリンガル（日英）の営業スタッ
フを募集しています。是非、私達の広告マーケテ
ィングチームに加わりませんか！応募条件：責
任感をもって勤勉に取り組める方、協調性があ
NOMURA REAL ESTATE URBAN NET CO.,LTD.
り、意欲を持って主体的に働ける方を募集して
“YOUR PARTNER FOR
REAL ESTATE
IN AZABU JŪBAN”
います。営業経験のある方は歓迎します。フルタ
イム (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm) で働ける方に
限ります。[email protected]
13.2 LEISURE
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]
YOUR KEY TO THE SUCCESS!
INTERNATIONALLY PROVEN
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]
Japanese home cooking. Japanese
housewife offers free home cooking
lessons to females at her house near
Kawasaki Stn on weekdays during
the day. Free, but you pay the cost of
ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@
ezweb.ne.jp
Tokyo ET contact group. Join us
beneath the stars as we endeavor
to make contact with ET visitors
and their craft. Our next ET contact
event will be at Lake Mottosu,
Yamanashi Prefecture, on Mar 21/22.
[email protected] www.meetup.
com / Tokyo - E T- Contac t- Group /
events/193113322
Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard
club for anyone living in, or visiting
Tokyo. We go on big group trips
e v e r y w e e ke n d i n t h e w i n te r.
Powder, live music event s, and
parties in snow. Membership is free!
info @ tok yosnowcl ub.com w w w.
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
For Buyers, Make Your Dream Home a Reality with Us
For Sellers, Let Us Help You Get Your Asking Price
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
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
13.4 MUSIC
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. [email protected]
Female singer sought by Japanese
guitarist to form new duo around Yoyogi
Park. Beginners welcome! I like pop,
rock, punk, Fergie, FOB, One Direction,
Avril, Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana, etc.
[email protected]
29
WE BUY AND SELL
METALS & JEWELRY!
・Valuable used Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and
Viennese Gold (1 toz ~ 1/10 toz) in stock!
・Refurbished platinum and other metals,
New jewelry and craft jewelry also available.
・Free value appraisal.
2/6 Valu
es
1 toz: ¥1
Referenc
68,000－
e price of
items: ¥
new
175,084
－
Metropolis readers receive a free gift
with purchases of ¥20,000 or more
Loja de Ouro
金のみせ
Ishikawacho station
0120-5610-68
10:00-18:30 /
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Keyboardist/bassist available for
gigs in Tokyo. Open to various styles,
classically trained on piano/violin.
Producing electronic dance music on
the side. Contact me for recordings, etc.
Peace! [email protected]
youtube.com/maticmatics/videos
Seeking a capella singer and voice
percussionist. We're two a capella
singers, with great singing experience,
living in Tokyo, seeking alto, tenor
and voice percussionist. Rehearsals in
Shinjuku and Shibuya. We'll start with
Pentatonix songs. konpeiioi@yahoo.
co.jp
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Kinnomise
http://kinnomise-chugai.jp/
M
for entio
FR n M
EE
e
AD trop
MI oli
SS s
ION
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 info. [email protected]
www.diamondway.jp/
Zen meditation (Zazen). You've always
thought it would be interesting to try
it—why not now? Join us Fri evenings at
Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our
home page. [email protected].
ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com
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
13.8 PROFESSIONAL
THE RACE IS ON!
Groups of 4 or more can
compete with each other
Tokyo Traders Club. International
club for traders and investors. Discuss
opportunities in stocks, commodities
and forex. Many regular events,
including FX trading workshop. New
to trading? No problem; beginners
also welcome. You can also learn to
trade. Join free! info@tokyotraders.
com http://www.tokyotraders.com/
080-5444-1321
Admission
1 ticket (7 min)=¥2100, 3 tix=¥5200, 5 tix=¥7800
¥47,000
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
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
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
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
Brit for Brit (Yankee or Irish ok, too).
Eee-up, chap from Blighty here seeking
some fellow people from back home for
chats involving words of more than one
syllable (at least until we’ve had a few
beers). [email protected]
Coffee in Machida. Would anyone
from Western countries (especially
northern Europe) like to have a cup or
two of coffee together with an Englishspeaking JF, 30s, in/around the Machida
area? Please be nonsmokers, late 20s30s. [email protected]
Don’t miss an issue!
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
30
Dansker i Tokyo? JF, 30s, boet i KBH
befor og vil gerne laere sprog&kultur
mere. Nogen dansker i Tokyo omraade
til at moedes? Ikke-ryger, late 20s-30s
preferred. Glaeder mig til at hoere fra
jer snart! [email protected]
Friends from New Zealand. Japanese
female, 30s, seeking friends from
NZ. I speak English. Let's get together
and chat! Thank you. kaoruko52@i.
softbank.jp
Interested in Britain? Professional
British guy working near Marunouchi
is seeking interesting people to hang
out with after work for drinks. Any
nationality ok. Prefer someone with
an interest in the UK. I'm late 30s,
speak some Japanese and Korean.
[email protected]
Jogging mate at Yokohama Stn.
English- and Spanish-speaking JM seeks
jogging mates with good personalities
for 8-20km. Any nationality welcome as
long as we can speak in English/Spanish.
[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]
Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF,
early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with
in central Tokyo. [email protected]
Sunday friends. Western guy, enjoys
hiking, relaxing at the beach, kayaking,
seeking friends with free Sundays
to enjoy places like Izu, the lakes,
shrines, onsen, picnics. “ 簡単異本五
台ジョブ。” Say hello. scorpiosrealm@
hotmail.co.uk
Tokyo Stn. Professional male, English,
late 30s, living and working in Tokyo,
seeking easygoing people for drinks,
chats after work around Tokyo Stn,
Shimbashi, etc. This is not for language
exchange. Please tell me about yourself
when you reply. [email protected]
Want a new friend? Japanese female,
fluent in English and Japanese, easy
to talk to, down-to-earth, is seeking
new friends, nonsmokers preferred,
for hanging out, chatting, eating
out, movies, etc. Let's enjoy each
other's company and laugh together!
[email protected]
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
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. slaveintok yo@
gmail.com
Adventure. Adventurous, handsome
man s e ek in g la dy. Ea sy goin g,
humorous, fun to be with, loves travel.
Let's meet. zukkpo_ikopu3@hotmail.
com
American man seeking adventure
partner. Hi, my name is Mike. I'm
American, 51, seeking a woman to share
adventures with and eat good food.
Let's talk over email first. Thank you.
[email protected]
A re you mis sin g p as sion?
Professional, well-educated,
successful, accomplished married
male is seeking a nonsmoking, loving,
passionate Japanese woman for a
long-term discreet relationship to
cherish and adore each other. Dinners,
movies, travel... Serious only, please.
[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
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]
Caring for each other. JM, 44, slim,
young-looking, seeks a Western female
for a love-filled relationship. I promise
you respect and understanding. Let's
start from friendship and see how it
goes. Sincere, decent personality
required. [email protected]
Chinese, Singaporean, Korean..?
British guy, 30s, seeking non-Japanese
women to hang out with, maybe more.
It may seem obvious, but please only
contact me if you have time to meet.
No Japanese seeking marriage with a
gaijin, please! greenteais.yummy@
gmail.com
Cute, interesting Japanese male
for SWF. SJM seeks attractive Western
female with a nice smile. If you are
interested in chatting over coffee or nice
food, please contact me. I am looking
forward to your message. Just try once.
[email protected]
Different kind of language
exchange. I want to learn
some rude Japanese words.
Let's go to a love hotel and
watch some naughty movies.
Please help me understand
what the actors/actresses
are saying. I'll pay for the
hotel. moosehoose32@
yahoo.com
French businessman, tall, goodlooking, 40, 185cm, 逞しいタイプ,
seeks a long-term relationship with
a Japanese female, 20s-30s. Openminded, curious, simple, affectionate,
needs love and tenderness. 日本語 ok.
[email protected]
Fun-loving English guy, early 40s,
slim, professional, lighthearted, loves
restaurants, great food and wine. Let's
enjoy our time together. feynman73@
yahoo.com
I know what you like. I know how you
like to be touched. I know how you like
to be kissed. I know what makes you
feel good. You are 25-30, nonsmoking.
Tell me why you liked this. wakaruyo@
outlook.com
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]
JF penpals sought. Hi, I'm 38,
currently living in the UK. I'm seeking
Japanese female penpals, 20-30, to
exchange emails and snail mail letters.
Japanese only. [email protected]
Love hotel. Seeking someone to be
casual friends with. rabbitquick1234@
yahoo.com
Lovely jukujo (熟女), 38 and up,
sought. [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 and sophisticated nonJapanese, some have said deluded, is
seeking an elegant, passionate and kind
SHF ("So Humorous Female"). I dream
about wild nights as well as sharing the
simple pleasures. [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 man for relationship with
mature woman. Long-term open
relationship, w/reciprocal freedom.
Important: mature attitude, intelligent,
open-minded, positive. vbc fgt@
hotmail.com
Movie buddies. Seeking someone
to enjoy going out to movies, doing
exercise and going on romantic trips. I
am working in Tokyo. I'd prefer someone
who uses Ueno Stn or who lives nearby.
[email protected]
MWM seeks MJF in Ebisu area. I am
a sane, warm, fit MWM, early 40s, who
is happy at home, but wants passion,
too. Seeking a MJF who is in the same
position for something exciting.
[email protected]
MWM seeks MJF. Western man living
in Tokyo, passionate, sensual, creative,
seeking a married lady for a long-term,
discreet relationship. scorpiosrealm@
hotmail.co.uk
Need love. H ands ome 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]
New year, something new. Western
guy, 40, seeks a woman for occasional
weekend meetings to explore Japan's
beautiful countryside, shrines, lakes,
trails and interesting places. I like
driving, music, picnics on the beach and
onsen. [email protected]
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
Nice black American in Saitama. Hi,
I am seeking nice people to talk with.
Anywhere is fine. I live near Soka.
[email protected]
Single, handsome, caring, witty
Japanese male seeks a nice Western
or Japanese female for friendship and
possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred.
If you are interested in exciting and
happy times with me, email me now!
[email protected]
Non-Japanese? Non-Japanese bloke
seeks English-speaking non-Japanese
blokess to meet after work. I've nothing
against Japanese, but would just like
to natter and laugh with someone
without worrying about whether
they understand what I'm saying.
[email protected]
Passionate lady for romance and
fun wanted. Prefer 30s to early 40s,
healthy, eager for adventure. Let's
enjoy our time together and try different
things. Email for details. Start with
dinner, then move to other events...
[email protected]
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
Seeking big, tall woman. Caucasian
guy, prefers big, tall ladies. Me:
in tel l igent , f r ie n dl y, d ow n -to earth, active, good sense of humor.
[email protected]
Seeking chubby, serious JF. European
guy, 40, open-minded, easygoing,
honest, faithful, seeks a JF who can
meet up soon (not too many emails)
for a long-term relationship. Let's meet
up over coffee and talk. niman429@
yahoo.com
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. reydajp@yahoo.
co.jp
Slim, well-dressed English guy,
177cm, enjoys wine, food and singing.
Let's have some fun together. I have a
good heart and a great voice. I speak
Japanese ok, but also want to exchange
language. Restaurant partner is a must.
[email protected]
S e e k i n g m a r r i e d アラフォー.
American gentleman, romantic type,
perfect boyfriend, seeks a married ア
ラフォー lady for friendship and more.
I want a discreet relationship with
real feelings with one special woman.
[email protected]
Seeking romance? Fit, athletic Western
man, 40s, seeks a lady to spend some
romantic times with. Let's meet for
coffee first. Discretion is a must.
[email protected]
Seeking serious relationship leading
to marriage with a serious lady. Please
no drama—straight to business.
[email protected]
Seeking sexual relationship. Hi, I am a
MJM, early 40s, living in central Tokyo,
seeking a sexual relationship. Are you
interested? Let me know! tarobad25@
yahoo.co.jp
Seeking young woman. I am a SJM
professional seeking friendship and
maybe more with young woman. I am
a young-looking 40s. You are young,
single, with a good sense of humor.
[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]
Japanese beauty seeks Mr. Right. I
am very kind, sincere, attractive, fun,
loving, well-mannered, active and
sexy. I'm seeking a man who is very
gentle, kind, smart, down-to-earth,
with a big and warm heart. Serious only.
[email protected]
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover
of books, films and music, seeks an
attractive British lady with the same
interests. [email protected]
Oriental beauty. Long raven hair, fine
skin, toned yet with a very womanly
frame and curves. SJF, educated, fun,
brainy, mid-40s, mature, girly face,
totally bilingual. You: single/divorced,
mature-aged, articulate, international,
witty, hard-working professional.
[email protected]
UK male seeks Japanese female
for long-distance relationship. Hi,
I'm 38, currently living in the UK. I'm
seeking a Japanese female, 20-30, for
a relationship. Japanese only. tardis.
[email protected]
WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl,
18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes.
I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@
yahoo.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]
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
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
Seeking sincere SWM for a serious
relationship. Friendship first. I am a
well-educated SJF, 40, 160cm, long hair,
fit. I'm interested in traveling, eating.
[email protected]
Single Caucasian man? Seeking single
or divorced Caucasian man, 35-45,
preferably someone tall and confident.
I am a single Japanese female.
[email protected]
SJF seeking long-term relationship
in Tokyo. I'm an honest, serious, fun
person. I don't feel lonely, but it's
more fun to have a good partner. I'm 41,
sporty. Prefer younger boyfriend, but
around my age is good. mmmatane@
yahoo.co.jp
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
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.
[email protected]
www.exeo-international.com
Seeking mature JF. Cool guy,
40s, positive, romantic, honest, a
gentleman, seeks a JF, 40s-50s, for a
long-term relationship. nnazila73@
yahoo.com
Seeking Parisienne. Affluent and
excellent Japanese architectural
engineer is seeking an attractive
Parisienne who can speak English. I
visited Paris two years ago and would
like to know more about the city. Give me
the hot info on Paris now. imak1_2_3@
yahoo.co.jp
Français qui adore vivre au Japon?
SJF seeks a Japan-loving French
guy, 30s or early 40s, for a serious
relationship leading to marriage. I
am caring, curious and open-minded.
Serious only, please. vinrouge735@
gmail.com
S W B rit fo r e n co u nte r. B r i t ,
30-something, seeking a casual
encounter. I am tall ish, good looking(ish), love chatting and drinking.
Let’s meet for a beer and take it from
there if we click. happylamp@hotmail.
co.uk
Seeking gamers. Would like to hang
out, chat, eat, play video games.
[email protected]
Seeking long-distance relationship?
Down-to-earth guy seeking a nice,
simple SJF for friendship first, and if it
works, settling down to have a family.
Are you that special woman? Waiting to
hear from you. pjoseph74716@hotmail.
com
Around Tokyo or Nakameguro.
Attractive, cultual Japanese female,
late 30s, is seeking Caucasian friends
for dinner, drinks, movies, etc. Speaks
English and French. fulham_pl_rd@
yahoo.co.jp
SJF SEEKING
EUROPEAN
M E N . S J F,
40s, loves art,
museums,
t r a v e l ,
adventure,
seeking nice,
positive and
interesting people. Please send
me a message, w/photo, if you are
interested. kotoshiwayaruzo@gmai.
com
Accounting
• Auditing
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Tax
• Tax Preparation
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Visa Attorney
KASAI CPA
042-401-0342
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4-1-2-302 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo
[email protected]
www.kasaicpa.com
WADA Legal & Administrative Office
We can help you with:
• Visa & Immigration Procedures
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and Refugee Status
• Establishing a Company &
Branch Office
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• Preparation/Translation of
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• Other Legal & Business Matters
Seeking Asian shemale. European
guy, 40s, good-looking, kind, openminded, positive, seeks Asian shemale
in Tokyo. Let’s share great times
together. [email protected]
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.
More Than
Twenty Years
Experience
• Establishing a Company
& Branch Office
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Japanese girl seeking girl. Petite
Japanese girl, early 30s, seeking a slim,
attractive girl for a secret friendship.
Taking trips together, having lunch
and more. Nonsmoker a must, and not
interested in couples or men. m1979jp@
gmail.com
14.5 ESCORTS
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
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date, take the night where you
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ACCOUNTING
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IN ENGLISH
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: [email protected]
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
14.6 AND OTHERS
I can gratify your innermost kinky
desire. I’m a SJM, 20s, DD-free, discreet,
no strings attached. Just tell me what
you want me to do. I’ll reply within 24
hours. [email protected]
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
We can support you with:
Like to be watched? Western guy wants
to watch hot couple. Only watching is
fine. Educated, discreet, easygoing.
[email protected]
Visa and immigration
Man needs spanking. Western man,
M, mature, experienced, seeking a lady
who is interested in fetish, domination
and punishment—spanking is my
main interest. Safe and sensible. No
experience ok; I'm happy to teach. Can
switch roles. [email protected]
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Rope bondage. I am seeking a female
to be a model to practice rope bondage
on. Someone who is particularly shy is
best suited for this. I will practice using
ropes to tie you up in erotic submissions.
[email protected]
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Other Legal & Business matters
Hiroshi Oogai,
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
www.j-star.jp
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
Imperial
Palace
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: [email protected]
31
RELATIONS
COLORFUL LANGUAGE
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
English is a difficult language. I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir
here, but have you ever stopped to think about how many idioms
and nonsensical phrases the English language has? I don’t think I
was able to fully grasp how difficult learning English is until I fell in
love with my husband. For the sake of simplicity, let’s just stick with
phrases that use colors to describe your mood. You can say “I'm green
with envy” ( jealous), “I’m blue” (sad), “I’m tickled pink” (delighted)
and “I saw red” (furious). Seriously, who comes up with these things?
多彩な言語
英語は難しい言語だと思います。なぜなら数えきれないほどの慣用句や無意味
な言い回しが存在するからです。私は夫に出会うまで、英語を学ぶ事がどれだけ
難しい事かを知りませんでした。ほんの一部ですが、色を使って感情を表現する
フレーズを紹介します。
「I'm green with envy」は嫉妬、
「I'm blue」は悲しみ、
「I'm
tickled pink」は喜び、
「I saw red」は怒りを表します。だれがこのような表現を思
いつくのか、本当に不思議です。
■ 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 21-Jun 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jun 21-Jul 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣
One thing is for sure: You’re changing
the parameters of your social template, your take on your career and
who gets what in love. As much as you forge the
future, this week you melt the past. Mars, your
ruling planet, isn’t kidding—he connects exactly
with the south node of the Moon on Friday and
Saturday. It’s not easy to hold on to something
as it dissolves through your fingers, but does it
clear the way for a whole new vista? Yes! The
next step is to just move through it, or into it.
Partnership is on a lot of people’s
minds, but you, Taurus, have a kaleidoscope of love going. Mars connects
with the south node of the Moon in your solar
twelfth house. Something hidden comes right
through the veil. Venus is already there; she’s
romantic, but Mars is just plain sexy. Since you
can’t escape this transit, you may as well accept
a peek at new views, if you can. When it comes
to a connection, they’ve asked for you too.
Quite a week. Friends offer comfort,
beauty and even joy. But when Mars
connects with the south node of the
Moon on Friday and Saturday, there are fireworks. Something from your past is cleaned to
the bone. You’re more public than ever, with the
Sun shining in your career sector. You probably
aren’t trying to be noticed; it just happens. Knowing this, you can choose your favorite outfits
and hairstyle—or you can set a new trend by not
really caring. It’s a short transit; no need to hide.
You may want to slow down to feel
what’s going on, but it’s unlikely
Mars and Venus will do more than
turn their heads and ask you to hurry up. Mars
reaches the south node of the Moon Friday and
Saturday. In your solar tenth house, that means
a career moving through an event, which makes
what you’ve been going through a part of the
past. Freedom is the reward, and because it’s
a destiny aspect, you’ll probably be glad it has
happened—even if it seemed out of your control.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
This is a week for romance, but careful
you don’t get singed. It’s the kind of connection that melts the toughest of hearts
but bridges burned can never be crossed again.
Friday and Saturday, sexy Mars connects with
the south node of the Moon. This kind of karma
doesn’t happen very often—certainly not with
Mars blasting towards brilliant, shocking Uranus.
There will be insights and outbursts. Venus is just
on the other side, waiting to pick up the pieces.
Focus on love and you’ll be rewarded.
Mar 21-Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jul 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ♣♣♣
Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
You may be up and down like a roller
coaster. This week brings things you
cannot control. Mars, a fiery planet,
connects with the south node of the Moon
Friday and Saturday—a destiny event. The
heat of Mars melts the past; it just isn’t there
anymore. Luckily, Mars is in beneficial trine
aspect to Leo. Venus is standing by, as is
Uranus. Look for a quick change, a complete
switcheroo. Be available to receive something
you want. There are perks to this one.
The Sun opposes your sign this
week. The spotlight is on your partner; if you’re single, you may attract
someone who sees your best qualities … or
even if you’re not single. Mars connects with the
south node of the Moon Friday and Saturday.
The south node has to do with past lifetimes and
debts owed. Mars has a way of blasting through
things—fast, furious, sharp-edged, so wrap your
emotions in cotton wool. By Monday, you’ll see
a new light.
Mars races into the face of destiny,
Friday and Saturday, to be exact.
There are karmic debts to be paid
and suddenly the time has come. This all happens opposite your sign—sort of a high-end,
front-row seat. Then Monday, the Sun connects
with Chiron, and a quick slice takes away the
trouble. Freedom may feel a bit wobbly—as in,
where do you go, when all the choices line up?
Anger dissolves and clarity becomes a venue
you’ll want to drink in.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Consider how much change you’ve
been through. Only a star-blessed
being could still be here. Your heart’s
in the right place. However, it may be time to think
about yourself … as in, put yourself into the equation. What do you want to happen in this world
of dreams? Mars is trine to your sign—a gift. On
Friday and Saturday, this lord of passion pierces
through a past debt. It may even be paid for you
… well, mostly. Then on Wednesday, watch for a
celebration: Fireworks!
Just when things are at their toughest, it all breaks free. Mars, a fiery
planet more than tired of waiting,
connects with the south node of the Moon.
Friday and Saturday, it’s destiny calling. Old
debts paid and released so that you can move
forward—ring around the rosie and they all fall
down. It’s definitely your turn to be in charge,
but watch for the Sun connecting to Chiron on
Monday. Someone with an ego may be licking
an old wound.
Not a breeze this week, but a storm.
Mars connects with the south node
of the Moon on Friday and Saturday.
Tides of change can become clouds that cover
an entire collective. There is no you anymore,
there is only everything at once: Destiny is
served. Old ties are broken, new ones are
forged. Monday the Sun shines on Chiron,
exacting a price for healing. By Wednesday,
Mars meets with Uranus. The force for engagement explodes into action.
Someone has to keep the flow going.
You may wonder if you have a secret
star-blessed partner. Or maybe you’ve
felt them and wondered if you were crazy to even
hope. There’s a major destiny aspect happening.
To be exact, Mars conjuncts the south node of the
Moon on Friday and Saturday. This has to do with
the payment of old debts, even those from past
lifetimes. On Monday, the Sun combines with Chiron in Pisces—warmth heals wounds. Then, Mars
meets Uranus on Wednesday. Sexy, magnetic
attraction blends heart and courage.
Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
32
Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
PISCES
LINGO BOX
Seismologists say the pressure
being exerted by tectonic plates off
the coast of northeastern Japan has
returned to levels last seen before
the March 11 disaster.
Urikireta (売り切れた) = Sold out
the small print
Governor Yoichi Masuzoe, at a ceremony commemorating the more than 20,000
Japanese soldiers who died in the Battle of Iwo Jima
⊲According
⊲
to Japan Railway officials, tickets
for this weekend’s inaugural running of the
Hokuriku shinkansen sold out in just 25 seconds.
⊲The
⊲
Consumer Affairs Agency has ordered
four companies to stop saying their insect repellents are, you know, actually effective at
repelling insects.
⊲Authorities
⊲
with the Chiba police and the
Japan Racing Association have completed an
investigation into a horse’s failed post-race
doping test in December—the first such case in
21 years. They say the animal had high levels
of caffeine in its system because it ate feed
imported from the U.S.
⊲Headline
⊲
of the Week: “Hiroshima Torn Over
Oyster Restaurant Near A-Bomb Dome” (via Jiji)
CLOSE TO HOME
⊲In
⊲ the wake of the Middle East hostage crisis,
officials at the Japan Table Tennis Association
kept their members home from this month’s
tournaments in Kuwait and Qatar.
Shoshinsha (初心者) = Rookie
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
“IT IS AN IMPORTANT MISSION OF OURS TO REFLECT
ON THE FACTS OF THE PAST AND CONNECT THEM TO
THE HISTORY THAT IS TO COME” —From a statement by Tokyo
YOU DON’T SAY
Shinfuzen (心不全） = Heart failure
Osusume (おすすめ) = Recommend
⊲Authorities
⊲
at the Immigration Bureau
deported a Nepalese man who allegedly
helped dozens of countrymen find work by
teaching them how to forge applications for
refugee status.
⊲Led
⊲
by its acquisition of Beam Inc. and
strong sales of Premium Malt’s beer, Suntory
has become Japan’s leading brewer in terms
of sales.
⊲The
⊲
government has pledged more than ¥43
million to a Thai NPO that works to remove
land mines along the border with Cambodia.
MILESTONES
⊲Kazumasa
⊲
Hirai, author of the famed sci-fi
manga series Genma Taisen, died of heart
failure in Kamakura at age 86.
⊲In
⊲ what’s being called a “rare” move, JR Hokkaido issued a bullet-train license to a rookie
driver in his 50s.
⊲After
⊲
63 years, construction work has begun on the Yuba Dam in central Gunma. The
project had been delayed because of “sharp
divisions” in the local community.
at a glance
BY RODGER SONOMURA
Tsufu (痛風) = Gout
stats
6
Percentage of respondents to a newsservice poll who feel that Abenomics has
benefitted rural areas
70
Percentage who say the gap
between rich and poor is widening
16,094
Cases of foreign objects found
in food products in Japan since fiscal
2009, according to the National
Consumer Affairs Center
⊲For
⊲
the first time, the TMG hired a woman to
lead one of its four mobile investigative units.
The squads, which operate around the clock,
“are usually the first at the scene of a robbery
or murder.”
FINDINGS
⊲Japanese
⊲
researchers say that people are at
a higher risk of developing gout if they have
certain gene variations that weaken the body’s
ability to release uric acid.
⊲A
⊲ University of Pennsylvania survey ranked
the Japan Institute of International Affairs
13th in the world in terms of “achievements
in research and analysis and the impact of [its]
research on society.”
⊲Discount
⊲
mega-chain Don Quijote announced it would accept seven types of foreign currency at 20 stores around the country.
INCREDIBLY SHRINKING JAPAN
⊲Officials
⊲
at the education ministry say about
half of all elementary and junior high schools
have fewer students than recommended by
government guidelines.
⊲Analysts
⊲
at the internal affairs ministry found
that just seven of Japan’s 47 prefectures had
a net population inflow last year.
⊲Tokyo
⊲
picked up the largest number of new
residents (73,280), while Hokkaido saw the
biggest decline (8,942).
⊲Researchers
⊲
at the trade ministry say it should
be possible for Japan to cut its energy consumption by more than 10 percent by fiscal 2030.
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
33
the last word
Illustration by Christi Rochin
The Magic
of Methane
Could Japan lead the world
into a clean energy future?
BY RICHARD P. GREENFIELD
WANT
TO HAVE
THE LAST
WORD?
Send your article to:
editor@
metropolisjapan.com
It takes about 10 minutes for me to reach
any of the supermarkets that accept
cardboard or milk cartons for recycling.
A few now have machines, and using
them for processing PET bottles gets
you points that can be converted into
merchandise credits. Other trash must
be handled from home, with glass and
cans being picked up twice a month,
non-burnable objects once a month. The
rest is picked up twice a week. This city
is one of those forward-looking enough
to produce cogenerated power from the
burning of trash.
It sounds like some ecotopian paradise. But look around: I don’t live in one.
Neither do you. Neither do the seven
billion-plus who live on Earth today.
How can I say that? One word, one
gas: Methane. Most global warming
arguments cite CO2 emissions—and
there’s no doubt that CO2 is a part of
the mix. As a greenhouse gas though,
methane is 22 times more potent than
CO2. And the largest sources of methane
on the planet are human waste, animal
waste and food waste (as a product of
decomposition).
What is methane? It’s natural gas, not
very different than the propane delivered
to some private houses or burned for
electricity. Japan has a research program
to recover methyl hydrate—an ice-like
combination of methane and water—
from the deep-sea floor. Yet no program
to recover human, animal and food waste
exists in Japan—at least not on a large
scale. Once all the pathogens in such
waste have been killed, the remaining
methane is an ideal growth medium for
any type of farming.
The use of waste is not theory. Until
the 1970s, New York City dumped sewage at a point some 20 miles from the
Jersey coast (no political commentary
should be assumed by this). New Jersey
sued under the Environmental Protection Act and won. New York City was
going to have to process its own waste
IF JAPAN REALLY THREW
RESOURCES INTO THIS,
HOW MANY JOBS WOULD
A PRACTICAL SYSTEM
CREATE?”
and then find something to do with it. But
a funny thing happened on the way to
the dump. Although methane harvesting
wasn’t part of the plan, farmers around
the U.S. heard about it and began clamoring for some of that authentic New York …
product. Other cities followed suit where
they could.
That alone would be worthwhile.
Many agronomists have complained
about overuse of fertilizers and pesticides. In fact, it’s an irony that one of the
engineers on the first large-scale sewage works—in London a century and a
half ago—commented that there would
come a time when people would realize
they were flushing gold and silver down
the river. He was referring only to the
ability to fertilize the land, but within a
decade or two, the streets of London
would be lit by gas lamps—gas that could
just as well have been methane, had the
technology been available.
Considering that just the disposal of
sewage in the New York City method can
save a large metropolis billions, while
also providing a resource for interested
farmers, who would not want to do that?
Big chemical companies, for one.
They make fortunes from selling fertilizers that cause run-off pollution in
the sea and nearby bodies of water.
Harvest methane and you’re taking
on energy companies, particularly the
nuclear industry.
But if Japan really threw resources
into this, how many jobs would a practical
system create? How many domestically,
where existing systems would have to be
partly rebuilt? How many abroad, where
large mega cities around the world could
use the same system?
Yes, in one way it’s a moonshot because only one end—the production of
soil that would not need the massive
chemical fertilizer input—is proven. On
the other, the methane is there, as are
ways it can be harvested, purified and
used to provide energy and slow the rise
in global temperatures.
Take a moment and imagine a Japan
that turned its lack of certain natural resources into a surplus and in the process
showed the rest of the world how to do it.
Cool Japan. Just how cool would it be
for us to lead the way?
■ Richard P. Greenfield is a journalist and
consultant living in Tsukuba
The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
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