1035 (Jan 24) - Metropolis Magazine

Transcription

Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolis.co.jp
#1035 Jan 24~Feb 6, 2014
FREE!
TAKEN
HOW JAPAN
ALLOWS
PARENT-CHILD
ABDUCTIONS
LOCAL FLAVORS
DO THE
TEPPANYAKI
MUSIC
THE LUMINEERS
TALK SUSHI
THE NEGI
ALL THE NEWS
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PLUS
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• BREAST SURGERY augmentation, lift, reduction, reconstruction.
• LIPOSUCTION with laser, ultra sonic assisted suction device.
• LASER-LIPO minimal invasive facial and body contouring device with
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• FACE LIFT forehead, brow, mid-face, neck lift, thread’s lift.
• TISSUE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES for facial rejuvenation, breast
augmentation, AGA (PRFM, fat & stem cell injection, growth factor.
• SKIN TUMORS skin cancer, cyst, mole, wart, scar revision.
• GENITAL REJUVENATION SURGERY: tightening of the vagina, reduction of
labia minor and augmentation of the labia major.
• HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SURGERY
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plastic surgeon, and a
dermatologist.
The Akai Medical Clinic offers
a range of cosmetic-surgery
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INSIDE
#1035
JAN 24-FEB 6, 2014
© LOVE LETTER TO DAUGHTER
Photo of the week
Submit your snaps at http://metropolis.co.jp/photo
Valentine’s Day Party
Friday Feb 14, 11:30pm - 5am
@ Pasela Resorts Grande Shibuya
06 FEATURE
LEFT BEHIND
Entrance ¥2,500/1D For more info:
http://metropolis.co.jp/events
By Jane Kitagawa
03 THE SMALL PRINT
05 UPFRONT
12 FEATURE
12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
18 AGENDA & LISTINGS
22 MOVIES
25 DINING OUT
27 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS
33 HOROSCOPE & MEDIABOX
34 THE NEGI
FOLLOW US ON:
metropolismagazine
@metropolistokyo
#metropolistokyo
Insta
Students and their teacher working together to make “Mochi”, by Allan McIntyre
COVER DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI, PHOTOGRAPHY: CLIVE V. FRANCE
The Small Print
By Steve Trautlein
UNDER
INTERNATIONAL
“
STANDARDS, IT IS NOTHING
LESS THAN AN AIRCRAFT
CARRIER.” —Military journalist Shinichi
CHRISTI ROCHIN
Kiyotani, on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
warship Izumo, which is about the size of the carriers
that attacked Pearl Harbor
ćć Meanwhile, the justice ministry says the number
of death row inmates is at its lowest level in five
years.
ćć Japanese customs officials seized 35.7kg of
stimulants at Haneda Airport during the first
ten months of 2013—a sharp increase from the
14.5kg confiscated in all of 2012 and the 12kg
seized in 2011.
ćć Authorities at the health ministry say the number of cases of elderly abuse has declined for two
years in a row.
NEWS AROUND TOWN
ćć Officials at a neighborhood association in Chiyoda-ku were forced to close a local children’s
park that had been open since 1949 because of a
glut of “cigarette butts, food containers and illegally parked bicycles.”
ćć The officials posted a sign on a fence that reads:
“The poor manners of those eating, drinking and
smoking were unacceptable.”
ćć Crime technicians at the MPD have created a
1/28-scale replica of the house in Setagaya-ku
where a family of four was stabbed to death
on New Year’s Eve in 2000. The crime remains
unsolved, but the cops are hoping the model will
help young investigators “get a better grasp” of
the case.
ćć Headline of the Week: “New Tokyo-Ueno Rail
Link May Confuse Passengers” (via The Japan
News)
THE YEAR THAT WAS
ćć The National Police Agency announced that
4,373 people around the country were killed in
traffic accidents in 2013. That’s the 13th consecutive year that fatalities have declined.
�
1,603
Residents of Fukushima Prefecture who
were killed as a direct result of the March
2011 earthquake and tsunami
the Chuo line in Yamanashi.
ćć The sports ministry says the Olympic cauldron
used for the 1964 Tokyo Games will be relocated
to the National Stadium that’s being built for the
2020 Olympics.
ćć Bottom Story of the Week: “Astronaut Wakata
Speaks With Talking Robot Aboard ISS” (via
Mainichi Japan)
ON THE DEFENSIVE
ćć A Kanagawa couple whose home is surrounded
by US military facilities has sued the Japanese
government for ¥115 million. The man and
woman claim they’ve suffered “immeasurable
mental anguish over the years.”
ćć Sailors from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense
Force joined their counterparts in the Indian
Navy for the two countries’ first ever joint drill.
ćć The government has announced a five-year
plan to provide ¥10 billion in aid “to support
ethnic minorities affected by internal conflicts
in Myanmar.”
ćć Officials at the environment ministry have designated Okinawa’s Kerama Islands as Japan’s 31st
national park.
THIS JUST IN
SIC TRANSIT
ćć Officials at Kanda Fire Station are seeking the
identities of two Good Samaritans who helped
rescue a 20-year-old woman who had fallen onto
the tracks at Iwamotocho station.
ćć Meanwhile, authorities at JR East bestowed certificates of appreciation on seven grade-school
girls who helped save a woman whose wheelchair had gotten stuck at a railway crossing on
�
1,605
Fukushima residents who have died since the
quake “in connection with prolonged evacuation”
ćć Executives at IT firm Dwango sparked controversy with a plan to charge college students
¥2,525 to take the company’s examination for
job seekers.
ćć Authorities at the education ministry say 28.1
percent of schoolchildren suffering from food
allergies are forced to pick through their cafeteria lunches and remove allergens by hand.
ćć According to a survey by the OECD, the number
of Japanese students who are “interested in the
things they learn in math class” has risen 38 percent during the past five years.
ćć The bad news? That’s still 15 percentage points
lower than average for OECD students.
�
10
Number of people injured earlier this month when an
elevator suddenly stopped moving at Musashi-Kusagi
station in Kawasaki
COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO
#1035 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03
Upfront
wrap it up
face it
T
K
okyo Kitsch also
combines two
other traditional
Japanese customs into
one item via the origami furoshiki (¥1,575).
Watch as your wrapping
skills literally fold into
something new before your
eyes. A wide-eyed manekineko
transforms into a cheeky Cheshire cat giving a sly wink
or a drunken squint. Instructions are included, or learn
how to use the cloths for gift wrapping at one of Kyoaruki’s events at Cafe Seek. See Agenda (p18) for more
information. www.tokyokitsch.com
THE
E
C
N
DA HOP
RKS
O
W
Professional step by step dance
instruction in both English and Japanese.
Great for fun, knowledge, self
improvement, making new friends,
exercise, and networking.
Instructor Virg started in the
entertainment business at the age of 10
and has traveled around the world
working for many famous artist and
major corporations.
Here are some of the artist and
companies that Virg has worked for:
Mariah Carey, Neyo, Chris Brown,
Michael Jackson, Ashanti, Nicki Minaj,
Flo Rida, Kat Deluna, Ciara, MTV, FOX,
Coca Cola, Disney, etc...
Contact us: 080-4346-9405 (Eng/Jap ok!)
[email protected]
04 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
KOHJI SHIIKI
E
v e r y “ D o i n g B u s i n e s s i n J a p a n 101”
primer states that after considerations for
seniority, the most important part of any
introduction is the exchange of meishi. What they
forget to mention, though, is the impression given
by the meishi-ire or business card holder. Before you
hand over your identity, the other party has already
registered it according to where it comes from—
and woe be the one who pulls it dog-eared from
their back pocket. The appropriately named Tokyo
Kitsch has a safe, Japanophile solution: the tatami
meishi-ire (¥3,150). Made in Gunma with lavish
grass from Kagoshima (and the scent to match), this
could not be a more über Nihon item if it tried. www.
tokyokitsch.com
COURTESY OF TOKYO KITSCH
COURTESY OF TOKYO KITSCH
grass is greener
abuki is known to be a laborious event—from the
heavy, elaborate makeup and costumes to the
length of performances—many up to five hours.
Those wanting to unleash their inner thespian without
being submitted to a lengthy snooze fest can try the
Kabuki Face Pack (¥880 for two sheets) in the privacy
of their own home. It only takes 20 minutes and will
leave you with toned skin to boot. That’s their claim, not
ours, but the packs do contain herbal extracts to moisturize skin and leave it positively luminous after your
performance. The set comes with good guy Kamakura
Gongoro Kagemasa (red) from the popular play Shibaraku and the evil ghost Taora no Tomonori from Funa
Benkei (Blue and Black)—choose one to suit your mood.
Available at Tokyu Hands and other retailers
Upfront
NEW YEAR,
NEW SKILLS
COURTESY OF TOKYO CULTURE CREATION PROJECT, © JOAO MESSIAS - CASA DA MUSICA
Struggling to stick to your New Year’s resolutions?
Keep your promise to improve yourself in 2014
with these learning opportunities.
COURTESY OF MARIA TANIKAWA
mime time
S
painting
ay the word “mime” and most people will imagine a guy in black-and-white stripes trapped
in an imaginary box and hope that he stays
locked in it. Corporeal mime is something altogether
different, with a focus on placing drama in the moving body rather than replacing speech with gestures.
The technique is winning ground as a branch of physical theater as it takes theater-making away from the
writer and director and places it directly in the hands—
or rather body—of the performer. “It involves learning,
not just through the mind but also through the body,”
says instructor Tania Coke. “We also analyze movements and learn to articulate the parts of the body.”
Coke is teaching the form in ongoing bilingual classes
through her Tarinainanika group and a course in English offered through Yokohama Theatre Group. www.
facebook.com/tarinainanika
COURTESY OF TAIRAINANIKA
E
ven the causal art fan knows that nihonga
means “Japanese-style painting” and refers
to pictures of fog-shrouded mountains gracing hanging scrolls and folding screens on display in
the museums of the world. Fewer people know that
it’s possible to have Nihonga at home, and even create it themselves. Maria Tanikawa is on a mission to
let people in on this secret by teaching bilingual art
lessons in New York and Tokyo. Tanikawa is offering
intensive morning and afternoon lessons in Omotesando every Saturday in February on the seasonal
theme of “girl’s festival.” A two-and-a-half hour session is ample for even a beginner to turn out a finished
work of art. Classes are ¥5,000 including materials
and of course you can take your masterpiece home.
A re g u la r ten-le s s on cou rs e i s a l s o ava i lable .
To register contact: 03-6418-1006 or nihongart@
gmail.com. www.mariatanikawa.com
beats
A
s any parent can testify, kids like to bang on
pots, pans and anything else they can get
their little hands on. So why not channel all
that energy into an education experience? Part of the
Music Weeks in Tokyo series of concerts and events,
The Music Education Program is designed to help kids
find their inner percussionist. Instructors Paulo Neto
and Jorge Queijo developed the workshop for Portugal’s Casa de Musica concert hall and are bringing their
body percussion method to Tokyo Bunka Kaikan on
February 8-9. Sessions (¥500/hour) are for specific age
groups, so be sure to check beforehand. If your little
one joins the “Rhythmical Kitchen” class, they can bang
on all manner of pots and pans—only this time it won’t
be in your home. www.t-bunka.jp/mwit2013
Thirsty for more knowledge? Continue on to our promotional learning special on the next page.
COURTESY OF CARRÉ MOJI
Hiring Experienced
Native English Instructors
Location: Kanto area
Full-time: from ￥250,000/month
Part time: ￥1,800-¥2,100/hour
(Teaching wage)
Labor union membership
Visa sponsorship available
BA/BS required
TEFL, CELTA, TESOL desired
Email your CV/cover letter to: [email protected]
EDUCATION
LEARNING SPECIAL
TOKYO ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOLS
Greetings & Happy New Year to All,
T
he Tokyo Association of International Preschools (TAIP) would like to take this opportunity to wish all
preschool students, families and educators in the greater Tokyo area and Japan a warm welcome and a
great beginning to 2014. We hope you found 2013 to be a productive and engaging year and that more
innovative and exciting educational opportunities are planned for the New Year!
The TAIP is honored to be serving the preschool community here in Tokyo! We are looking forward to
extending our continued support, professional development, public relations and networking opportunities to
our member schools. We are excited to provide our community with various workshops for preschool teachers throughout the year. We will also continue to organize tours of international schools aimed at providing
preschool/kindergarten directors a chance to visit and develop valuable connections within the international
school community.
In 2014, we will be bringing new elements to the organization broaden our horizons and be a more effective
support network for the community. Some of these elements include: a) informal “job-alike” sessions for teachers to exchange and discuss best practices; b) a dynamic TAIP website page of links to a variety of professional
development videos and information aimed specifically at preschool education, along with archived and live
streaming of our own conference presenters; and c) exploring our ability to extend future professional development opportunities to member schools outside the greater Tokyo area.
TAIP will continue to develop the association in the best interests of supporting international preschool
education. We are always open to suggestions from member schools and anyone interested in working more
closely with the association as a member of our board of directors! Please feel free to visit our website and contact us directly.
CRAFTS
Warm regards,
Kevin Maxfield
President / TAIP
POTTERY TOKYO Setagaya
SCHOOL MEMBERS
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WEBSITE
ABC International School
Aoba Japan International School
ASIJ ELC
Ayla International School
The British School in Tokyo
Canadian International School
Central Forest International School
Chateau School
Columbia International School
Gregg International School
Happy Days International School
Hello Kids Myogadani
Horizon Japan International School
International School of the Sacred Heart
Jingumae International Exchange School
Joy to the World American International
J's International School
Kailua International School
K. International School Tokyo
Keiki Intercultural Preschool
Kincarn International School
Komazawa Park International School
Kunitachi Kids International School
Learning Tree
Makuhari International School
Mitsui Gardens International Preschool
New World International School
Nishimachi International School
New International School
Ohana International School
Poppins International Preschool
Saint Maur International School
Seisen International School
Shikahama English Adventures International
St. Albans Nursery
Summerhill International School
The Montessori School of Tokyo
Tokyo International Kindercare
Tokyo International School
Tokyo YMCA International School
Victory International Preschool
Waseda International School
Willowbrook International School
http://tokyopreschools.org/
SPECIAL OFFERS
WEBSITE
▶▶ One-hour private lessons only
¥3,900 until the end of February
▶▶ Free enrollment fee until the end
of February
COURSES
▶▶ Beginner group lessons: three two-hour lessons
per month ¥9,000/month
▶▶ Private lessons (one hour): ¥6,300
▶▶ Materials for assignments: free
▶▶ Enrollment fee: ¥6,300
S
tart off 2014 by unearthing your creativity. Fancy getting your hands dirty and enriching your life with
a new hobby? Then it’s time to enroll in pottery school. Instructor Eriko Kuroda lessons aren’t just about
molding clay—the whole process is fun and relaxing. You’ll be surprised by her knowledge of Japanese
history, culture and traditions. She believes students can learn the philosophical elements of the art of pottery—
an angle many have never before considered. Says one pupil: "This experience changed my life in Tokyo. Now,
I always think about my pottery projects even if I am in a coffee shop on a break from work—I draw on napkins! I
love the moment when I touch clay with Eriko!"
06 ● SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
4-18-7 Sakurajosui, Setagaya-ku
070-5424-1466
[email protected]
Morning class: Wed & Thu 10am-noon; night
class: Wed & Fri 7-9pm; weekend class: Sat
10am-noon & 2pm-4pm
Sakurajosui
www.pottery-tokyo.jp
EDGAR DEGAS, DANCER IN A REHEARSAL ROOM
MUSEUMS
SPECIAL OFFER
BRIDGESTONE MUSEUM OF ART Kyobashi
T
he Bridgestone Museum of Art, Ishibashi Foundation was opened in 1952 by Shojiro Ishibashi, the
founder of the Bridgestone Corporation. The museum’s core collection features works by Impressionists, 20th century artists and modern Western-style paintings by Japanese artists. Its first exhibition for
2014 is “The Painters’ Eyes, The Sculptors’ Hands,” running January 18-April 13. The painter paints pictures, the
sculptor creates sculptures, and some artists, such as Edgar Degas, find both sculpture and painting to be vital
media for artistic expression. Viewing paintings and sculptures together makes the distinctive features of each
stand out. One example is the 1889 "Monet-Rodin Exhibition at the Georges Petit Gallery," where paintings by
Claude Monet and sculptures by Auguste Rodin were exhibited side by side. Paintings and sculptures numbering 160 are the focus of this exhibition; all the works are from the collection of the Bridgestone Museum of Art.
COURTESY OF RUSSELL-COTES ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
T
he Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo is one of the city’s newest important cultural institutions.
The museum opened in the spring of 2010, a five-minute walk from Tokyo station. It holds three major
exhibitions per year, focusing on late 19th-century and early 20th-century contemporary art. Its first
exhibition for 2014 is “Art for Art’s Sake: The Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900,” running January 30-May 6. In late
19th-century Britain, avant-garde artists founded Aestheticism in search of what they called “the new beauty,”
and their efforts developed into a major movement. This exhibition is the first of Aesthetic art created especially
for a museum in Japan. It includes around 140 works featuring oil paintings, furniture and crafts, many on loan
from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The exhibition presents the world of ingenious beauty and pleasure created by the the Aesthetic artists.
WEBSITE
▶▶ Bring this issue of Metropolis
and get ¥100 off entry fee for one
person
▶▶ Art for Art's Sake: The Aesthetic
Movement 1860-1900.
January 30-May 6
▶▶ ¥500 (elem & JHS)/ ¥1,000 (HS & univ)/ ¥1,600
(gen)
2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
03-5405-8686
Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; Fri 10am-8pm
(10am-6pm if Friday is a hol), entry until 30
minutes before closing, closed Mon (open if
Mon is a hol)
Tokyo
http://mimt.jp/
SPECIAL OFFER
MITSUI MEMORIAL MUSEUM Nihonbashi
EXHIBITION ROOM 1
T
1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku
03-5777-8600
Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm; Fri 10am-8pm;
entry until 30 minutes before closing,
closed Mon
Tokyo
www.bridgestone-museum.gr.jp/en
SPECIAL OFFER
MITSUBISHI ICHIGOKAN MUSEUM, TOKYO Marunouchi
he Mitsui Memorial Museum has a close relationship with the Mitsui family, wealthy Edo period merchants and the Mitsui Group. In 2005, this museum opened at the Mitsui main building, an important
cultural property. The Japanese and Oriental art has been collected for over 300 years—started by the
Mitsui family during the Edo era—and contains many precious cultural objects of Japan’s heritage. The collection features tea utensils, paintings, calligraphy, swords, Noh masks, costumes and furniture. There are six items
designated national treasures, 71 important cultural properties, four designated important art objects, 4,000
artworks and 130,000 stamps. The exhibition is not permanent—it's only held five times a year, exhibiting items
borrowed from other museums and private collectors as well as the museum's own collection.
WEBSITE
and get ¥100 off entry fee for up to
three people.
▶▶ The Painters' Eyes, the Sculptors'
Hand. January 18-April 13.
▶▶ ¥500 (HS & univ)/ ¥800 (gen)
WEBSITE
and get ¥100 off entry fee for one
person
▶▶ Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family
/ An Elegant Setting: Dishes for
Entertaining. February 7-April 6
▶▶ ¥500 (elem & univ)/¥1,000 (gen)
Mitsui Main Building 7F, Nihonbashi
Muromachi 2-1-1, Chuo-ku
03-5777-8600
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, entry until 30 minutes
before closing, closed Mon except March 3
Mitsukoshimae
www.mitsui-museum.jp/english/english.
html
#1035 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 07
LANGUAGE
LEARNING SPECIAL
AKAMONKAI JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL Nippori
A
kamonkai Japanese Language School has two campuses and four dormitories around Nippori in
Tokyo. The student body boasts approximately 1,200 students who come from over 30 different
countries. Akamonkai offers a wide range of classes for various levels, from college prep courses to job
hunting, business Japanese and short term courses, as well as internship programs—so no matter what your
goal or level, they'll help raise your Japanese ability in the most efficient way possible. In recent years, the college prep and job hunting courses have developed into a specialized and customized curriculum that adapts to
each student's changing needs. Full support is provided for students from the day they enter school to the day
of their graduation. The caring faculty at Akamonkai is dedicated to helping all students achieve their Japanese
goals and are looking forward to meeting talented, global thinkers like yourself.
ARC ACADEMY Various areas
A
RC Academy offers a spring program that not only includes Japanese lessons in the morning, but also
afternoon and weekend activities, allowing learners to experience various aspects of Japanese culture.
The program is held in centrally-located Shinjuku, which is easy to access from anywhere in Tokyo. For
those who are simply interested in the language, the intensive course is available in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yokohama, and has a flexible duration. If you're new to the language, the ten-lesson “First Japanese Course” teaches
the minimum conversation skills required for life and getting around in Japan. Company training lessons use
a custom-made curriculum to meet individual schedules and needs. Whether you are looking to develop your
basic conversational skills or business terminology, ARC Academy offers the best results. Friendly teachers and
staff welcome your inquiries by email, telephone or in person.
AZABUDAI JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSE Azabudai
A z abud a i Jap a ne s e
Language Course
offers practical
lessons based on real-life situations to help students acquire
communicative knowledge
of Japanese, rather than just
grammatical structures.
Because an ability to use new
language skills helps students
experience the excitement of
learning, class activities are
based on developing oral proficiency. And because learners
know their mistakes will be
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10am-7:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun &
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EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL Yutenji
E
vergreen Language School is located in the quiet residential area of Yutenji, just three stops from Shibuya
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www.evergreen.gr.jp
LANGUAGE
LEARNING SPECIAL
HUMAN ACADEMY JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL Takadanobaba
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KICHIJOJI LANGUAGE SCHOOL Kichijoji
I
f you’d like to study Japanese in a truly fun, personalized and dedicated environment, then look no further
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NICHIBEI KAIWA GAKUIN JAPANESE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE Yotsuya
I
f you’re keen on studying practical or business Japanese, Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Japanese Language Institute
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03-5348-8951
[email protected]
Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
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http://hajl.athuman.com
COURSES
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▶▶ Enrollment fee, ¥15,750 (¥16,200
from April)
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701 Valore Bldg, 2-3-15 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino-shi
0422-47-7390
[email protected]
Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm
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03-3359-9600
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www.nichibei.ac.jp/jli
LANGUAGE
SHINJUKU JAPANESE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE Shinjuku
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ith 39 years of experience, Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute provides a unique learning experience
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TCC JAPANESE INSTITUTE Nakano
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TOKYO CENTRAL JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL Shinjuku
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Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
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Feature
Parents challenge Japan’s dismal
child abduction laws
I
By Jane Kitagawa
© CLIVE FRANCE
t sounds like something out of a John Grisham novel—
but it's not.
“The gentleman was here on a holiday in January
2013 with his family,” explains Bruce Gherbetti, deputy
chairman of Kizuna Child-Parent Reunion, discussing
the case of a Canadian man who had reached out to their
organization after his Japanese wife abducted their son.
“During the second week of their vacation he went to
have a shower, and when he got out—they were gone. He
hasn’t heard from his wife since and has no idea where
they might be.”
Sadly, the man’s case is just one of many on Kizuna’s books. The organization, an NGO pressing to restore parent-child rights in Japan, specializes in
helping “left-behind” parents deal with child abductions to—and within—
Japan by their spouses. Kizuna chairman John Gomez estimates there have
been about 3 million parental child abductions in Japan since 1992. Gomez
himself is a left-behind parent, or LBP. “That’s roughly 150,000 cases per year,
and every one of those is a human rights violation,” the soft-spoken Gomez
says. “I took data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and looked
at divorces in Japan from 1992-2011. Primetime NHK news program Close Up
Gendai in September 2010 [also] suggested 58 percent of parents lose access
to their children after divorce. This is being acknowledged and recorded as
an accurate estimate and translates to 1-in-6 children in Japan having lost a
parent through divorce.”
Its divorce figures may be consistent with rates worldwide, but Japan is
unique in that child abduction after separation or divorce is legal according
to its family court. Only one parent is recognized as having shinken (parental
rights) with the other expected to forgo all parental privileges.
While the vast majority of cases concern Japanese couples, globalization
has seen an increasing number of intercultural relationships in which children can effectively be snatched from their non-Japanese home country and
brought to Japan—no questions asked.
A
lthough Japan unanimously passed legislation to allow it to join
the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child
Abduction in the spring of 2013 [see sidebar], it only applies to future
CHRISTI ROCHIN
E
L
F T
B E
D
I
N
H
Bruce Gherbetti
COURTESY OF JOHN GOMEZ
HAGUE CONVENTION
The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child
Abduction works to ensure the prompt return of abducted children to their
country of habitual residence. It does so by compelling its signatories to
respect the custodial rights of the left-behind parent.
If Japan were a signatory, the Japanese courts would be obliged to order
the return of children to their country of habitual residence prior to the abduction. Instead, as is almost always the case in Japan, the court orders a new
hearing so that it can decide custody (disregarding previous decisions), which
is exactly what the Hague Convention seeks to avoid.
GLIMMERS OF HOPE?
John Gomez with former US Ambassador to Japan John Roos
cases. There are also doubts among left-behind parents, lawyers and others
alike that not much will change unless domestic laws are also addressed.
Gherbetti is one of the skeptics. “The implementing legislation Japan has
passed to accede to the Hague Convention is flawed in many ways. It allows
for big loopholes in and around the non-return of children, specifically
concerning Article 13(b), which states that if there’s a grave risk to a child,
then that child shouldn’t be returned to their country of habitual residence.
Japan’s legislation…adds categories where they can deny the return of a
child abducted to Japan post-ratification.” According to Gherbetti, a similar
scenario exists with the legislation Japan has passed concerning visitation
and access.
To that end, Kizuna seeks to become an authorized service provider
with permission to implement and facilitate visitation under the Hague
Convention in Japan, which requires cooperation between governments
and professional experts versed in child-parent reunion issues. It’s part
of the organization’s charter to focus on solutions, say Gomez and Gherbetti—yet Kizuna acknowledges that changes to local laws will make
more of a difference.
“I think Japan has agreed to sign and implement the Hague Abduction
Convention primarily to reduce the pressure from the United States, which
has been ramped up over the last four years. When Japan accedes, it will be
the 90th country to join the Convention and the last of the G8 countries to do
so. But will they be compliant? Probably not,” says Gherbetti.
“On the other hand, legislation has just been approved unanimously in
the US House of Representatives—House Resolution 3212: Sean and David
Goldman International Child Abduction and Return Act of 2013—which
gives the president the opportunity to sanction and penalize member countries that are non-compliant with the Hague. I think the gaiatsu [outside
pressure] is going to have to remain to ensure Japan is partially compliant.”
Says Gomez: “In terms of enforcement of visitation, we're starting to see an
inkling of the beginnings of enforcement. This is because in March 2013, a
Japanese Supreme Court ruling upheld a Hokkaido High Court ruling that
financial penalty for failure to comply with a visitation agreement was legal.
Optimistically, I hope this brings about systemic change.”
WARNING SIGNS
Many of the people interviewed for this story said it was difficult to pinpoint
any signs separate to general marital discord that suggest one’s partner may
be considering abducting their children. Bruce Gherbetti sums it up thusly:
"I don’t know if there are any warning signs
per se that would differentiate a potential
abductor from someone who’s just in an
unhappy marriage, but one of the things that
people might want to be wary of is the issue
of separation itself. From my own personal
experience, I wouldn’t recommend talking about
separation. That could possibly tip someone into
abducting."
The Children’s Rights Network (see below), a treasure trove of information
on child abduction on the internet, has also published a useful parental
abduction preparedness checklist.
John Gomez
© LOVE LETTER TO DAUGHTER
I
ndeed, in mid-December, the House voted to create an annual report
to assess child abductions across all countries, and to require President
Barack Obama to take action against nations who remain noncompliant. Potential US measures include refusing export licenses for American
technology, slashing development assistance and postponing scientific or
cultural exchanges. However, the final decision on whether to proceed with
punishment would remain with the president. And then there remains the
situation with domestic Japanese law and policy.
“The Japan family court system is the root cause of international and
domestic abduction cases alike,” says Gomez. “Both kinds of cases are interlinked as the family court ignores foreign court orders and visitation is not
enforced. This is despite Japanese Civil Code Article 766 taking effect in April
2012. It requires boxes be checked on divorce forms stating that parents have
agreed to a child visitation plan—and that there have been discussions on
child support payments—but Kizuna has found via government data that
while most divorces go through, only 50 percent of people getting a divorce
check the boxes and there’s no follow-up to see whether they comply.
“Furthermore, the family court continually validates claims of domestic
KIZUNA FUNDRAISING EVENT
Kizuna is planning an invitation-only fundraising event to assist efforts to
reunite left-behind parents with their missing children. The Kizuna CPR Gala
Networking Fundraiser is by invitation only, if you'd like to attend and show
your support, please contact the organization directly (info@kizuna-cpr.
org) to receive an RSVP invitation. The event will be on Tuesday, February
25 from 7-10pm in central Tokyo. There will be a selection of fine imported
wines on offer, an expert sommelier on hand to guide the tasting and specially
paired food plus other entertainment. Tickets are ¥10,000. For further information, please contact them at [email protected] or visit their website at
www.kizuna-cpr.org.
Feature
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
"The U.N. Convention provides that
countries shall use their best efforts
to ensure recognition of the principle that both parents have common
responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child.
Unfortunately, Japan's legal system
does not adequately protect this
right. In Japan it is rare for a court to
effectively enforce the fundamental
human right of both parents after a
divorce to have a significant role in
the life of their children (and the fundamental human right of children
to have both parents in their lives).
This will likely make it difficult for
the Japanese courts to effectively
implement the Hague Abduction Convention."—international family law attorney Jeremy Morley
Masako Aeko Suzuki
v iolence w it hout t horough
investigation and always gives
sole custody to the parent who
has abducted the children.”
It’s a point that international family attorney Jeremy
Morley, based in New York
City, says is a sticking point,
describing sole custody akin to
“'finders keepers, losers weepers' in its rawest and most cruel
form.”
He a l s o m e n t io n s t h e
United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child.
Japan signed that treaty two
decades ago, yet has failed
to comply with its principles
when it comes to parent-child
abductions.
T
his lack of compliance
and ignoring of foreign
court orders is something Japanese national Masako Aeko Suzuki knows only too well. Married,
living in Canada and mother to a boy, Kazuya David Suzuki, her marriage
broke down in the mid-2000s. “My husband, a Japanese, abducted our then
12-year-old son to Japan in 2006,” she recalls. “This was despite the Hague
Convention, which I only learned about after my son was kidnapped. A Canadian court also ruled for joint custody and that my son not be forcibly taken to
Japan, but by the time this ruling came through, it was too late.”
Masako retuned to Japan and tried to find her son. She struggled with
the archaic family law system and its requirements. She learned of other
LBP in Japan and was particularly struck by the international cases, given
the circumstances under which her own son was abducted.
She reckons she has spent over $100,000 on legal fees both in Canada
and Japan and has taken her case to the high and Supreme courts. “My
ex-husband Jotaro Suzuki was granted sole custody of my son by the Japanese family court in late 2006; this is standard for abduction cases. I was
later granted very brief visitation rights, but Jotaro and Kazuya again disappeared and I haven’t heard from them since.
“In order to apply for further visitation rights, I had to supply my son’s
address as per the jyuminhyou (official address registration), but I didn’t
know where he was because he’d been kidnapped! It doesn’t make sense!”
Ms. Suzuki admits to being broken, but not defeated. “[Since returning
to Japan] I decided to establish my own organization, Left Behind Parents
Japan, to help other struggling LBP.” Part advocate, part translator, part
interpreter and part counselor, her workload has only increased.
USEFUL INFORMATION
The 2006 Metropolis article about
child abductions in Japan that
inspired filmmaker David Hearn to
make From The Shadows.
http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/
tokyo/618/feature.asp
Children’s Rights Council Japan
http://crcjapan.wordpress.com
Kizuna Parent Child Reunion
www.kizuna-cpr.org/
Meetup group for left-behind
parents in Tokyo
www.meetup.com/
Left-Behind-Parents-Japan
Bring Abducted Children Home
http://bachome.org
International Association for Parent
Child Reunion
www.iapcr.org
SOS: Support for French parents of
children abducted to Japan
http://sos-parents-japan.org
Australians with Abducted Children
www.awac.asn.au/Australians_
With_Abducted_Children/
About_Us.html
I
Support group for alienated
Japanese parents
http://oyakogifu.poohmie.jp
Japan Children’s Rights Network
www.crnjapan.net/The_Japan_
Childrens_Rights_Network/Welcome.
html
Jeremy Morley's international
family law practice
www.internationalfamilylawfirm.
com
Clive V. France LBP portraits
www.clivevfrance.com
t’s a similar situation at Kizuna, say Gomez and Gherbetti. Future
goals are to recruit more volunteers and ramp up fundraising, educate Japanese public about the global standard of joint custody and
reconnect children with their left-behind parent while honoring their
best interests.
Says Gomez, “This work to reunite children with their parents and
change the system in Japan is my life's mission. We have targets and
milestones we’d like to achieve, such as enforceable visitation rights
and guidelines for reasonable terms of visitation that permit a parent
to maintain a relationship with their child, throughout separation and
divorce. That means the amount of hours is sufficient; typically, visitation hours in Japan equate to only one to two hours per month. After
that, eventually we’ll look at joint custody, and denial of access should
be criminalized. I don’t know how long it will take to change that, but I’ll
be working on that indefinitely.”
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Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS
UK PROJECT
music
japan beat
THE TELEPHONES
It may be 2014, but
the Saitama group
is laughing, crying,
singing…and dancing
like it’s 1999
By Dan Grunebaum
P
oking relentless fun at Japan’s crassly commercial late 20th century pop culture against
a backdrop of disco-infused postpunk,
The Telephones have in eight years cut an
increasingly large profile across the Japanese popscape. Metropolis talked to vocalist Akira Ishige about
the Saitama band’s latest, Laugh, Cry, Sing… And Dance!!!,
ahead of their Go Live Vol. 1 gig at Ex Theater Roppongi.
The first time Metropolis saw the Telephones was some
years back at Chelsea Hotel in Shibuya. How has your
sound grown?
These days we’re going for a more pop sound. Which is
not to say out and out pop, but pop with an alternative
flavor. We used to be more postpunk influenced.
What is the band’s backstory anyway?
We met at a live house in Saitama. My first thought was,
can this really become a rock band? The members
seemed too nice. I couldn’t believe it was going to work,
but the first time we got in the studio it felt right.
Tell us about your first song...
We didn’t start with a cover but wrote an original right
away. Our first track had the disco punk sound typical of
our early days. We actually still play the song—it’s called
“Used Skin” off our Japan album. We still have the same
members. We fight like any other band, but no one’s quit
yet. We just hash it out until everyone has come to terms
with whatever differences there are between us.
Last summer you played your first Fuji Rock Festival.
How was it?
It was a dream come true. We were pretty nervous but
psyched. Fuji Rock is a dream for any Japanese band.
You feel like a star playing alongside all those international acts—it’s completely different than your typical
Tokyo live house.
THE LUMINEERS
Wesley Schultz‘s sushi-flavored work ethic
By Dan Grunebaum
I
t’s been a year of superlatives for Denver folkrock outfit The Lumineers since “Ho Hey”
went to number one on the back of one of the
decade’s most memorable choruses. Yet when
Metropolis reaches frontman Wesley Schultz on tour
in Florida, they’re coming off another high.
“We sold out two nights at Red Rocks with the
Denver Symphony Orchestra, which was just
incredible—it was distracting how beautiful it was,”
he explains in measured cadences over the phone.
“It was the first time we’ve had the chance to play
with people of that caliber.”
Schultz says the quintet’s planning for their first
symphonic collaboration went smoothly. “Tom
Hagerman, who’s in this band Devotchka, did the
score. We make pretty minimal music, so there was
a lot of room to add more sound. Some of the songs
we’d already envisioned with strings, so the choices
pretty much made themselves.”
Along with outfits like Mumford and Sons, The
Lumineers are spearheading a new chapter in the
singer-songwriter tradition. Founded by Schultz and
childhood friend Jeremiah Fraites in New Jersey in the
mid-2000s, the group weds heartfelt lyrics to carefully
wrought acoustic guitar music, leavened by the cello,
mandolin and bass of three newer members.
“Jer and I, we’ve been writing songs for eight-plus
years together,” Schultz says, eager to show the band is
more than simply a 100-million YouTube view wonder.
“That experience made me able to appreciate this—and
the years of working on our craft in the shadows I hope
helped us to make a complete record instead of just one
great song.”
Still, the shock and delight clearly continue to
reverberate. “ Three years ago, my brother and I
were home for Christmas,” Schultz remembers, “and
he said, ‘Did you see that “Ho Hey” song has 3,000
hits?’ I thought he was joking, but it kept growing and
growing. The number gets so big it’s difficult to wrap
your head around it—you realize it as you travel to
The fans have been waiting all year—they really get
into it…
Yeah, and the location is fantastic. We played the White
Stage, which is beautiful and also has really good
sound.
What are some other events to aim for?
It goes without saying that Glastonbury would be awesome and Coachella, too. Then there’s always the Fuji
Rock Green stage.
Have you been abroad yet?
We’re going to Europe next month: France, Belgium,
Switzerland and England. We’ll be playing with
Polysics.
Tell us about your new album...
We’ve gone in a melodic, pop-oriented direction.
Was it a conscious choice?
It was more of a natural tendency than a calculated
decision.
The song “It’s Alright To Dance” hits the nail on the
head in light of the current police campaign against
dance clubs…
It was inspired by Eurobeat but done in a Telephones
style. We love that kitschy, Eurobeat sound.
The song title “90s Drama Life” is attention-catching…
It’s inspired by ’80s and ’90s electronic music, which is
a huge influence on us. I go clubbing in Tokyo a lot and
also DJ. I got into electronic music via the Manchester
sound, beginning with bands like the Happy Mondays
and New Order and then house and techno.
What Tokyo clubs do you like?
Ageha, WWW, Liquidroom are a few of my favorites.
But I usually spin at smaller clubs in and around Shimokitazawa. I like to move between the live rock and
electronic scenes, which have really been coming
together anyway for the last seven or eight years.
Yeah, it almost seems like you can’t have a rock band
without a DJ or synth/effects player these days…
Actually there are still a lot of purely guitar-oriented
bands. They may not be trendy at the moment, but
there are many Japanese punk and metal bands that
wouldn’t think of having anything electronic in the
lineup.
Tell us about a song you’re working on now...
We’re recording a new song right now. It’s got a ’90s
dance music vibe. I think you’ll find it interesting—it’s
quite funny.
PHOTO BY C.B. LIDDELL
COURTESY OF SMASH
different cities and more people
recognize you. So I’m blown away
and thankful that song got our foot
in the door with a lot of people.”
Rather than musical influences,
S c hu lt z c re d it s p e ople out s ide
of music for helping him realize
his musical vision and then stay
focused enough not to get carried
away by the hype over “Ho Hey.”
“There have been a few figures
in my life—one worked construction, one was a butcher and the
ot her a su sh i g uy— a nd t hey a l l
tau ght me so much more about
music than most musicians ever
did about how to conduct yourself,”
he says.
The “sushi guy” was the owner
of the restaurant Schultz and Fraites
worked at in Denver after relocating from New Jersey. “It’s owned by
three Japanese brothers, and they
taught me what it means to be a hard
worker,” Schultz says. “Making sushi at
a high level taught me a lot about how
to approach our band. It’s about that unrelenting commitment—being really intentional about things and
punching a clock helped me far more than knowing the
right records or something.”
Which of course makes it a given that the singer,
who spent three months in China but has never
been to Japan, is excited about The Lumineers’ first
visit here. In the meantime, there’s a European tour,
and a track on the new Hunger Games movie. “It’s
called ‘Gale Song,’” Schultz informs, “but we’re not
allowed to play it until the movie comes out.”
Like all Lumineers’ efforts, the song’s simplicity
shrouds the elaborate process that brought it into being.
“Typically our songs are worked over a lot—we’ll record
20, 30 versions, playing with the tempo and instrumentation and adding verses and taking them out,” Schultz
says. “We burn an idea down and then build it back up
again 'til we’re satisfied.”
Shibuya AX, Feb 8. See concert listings (popular) for
details.
T
Is humor important for you?
Yeah, we always try to inject some humor into our
songs. We’re pretty serious about music, and maybe
as individuals, but when we get together something
happens and we tend to lose it.
Does humor make it easier to stick together as a band?
We’re serious when we need to be serious, but we’re
also serious about being funny, too... if you get what I
mean.
Who’s the goofiest band member?
It’s hard to say. Everybody is funny in his or her own
way. But maybe our synth player Nobu is the most
obviously goofy. His stage persona reminds me a bit
of The Happy Monday’s “Bez” [notorious dancer Mark
“Bez” Berry].
What does music mean to you?
Music has always been part of my life. It’s a release for
me, whether listening to it or playing it. I started playing music in elementary school, and MTV was also a
big influence. I was into hard rock and heavy metal
even as a small child.
Ex Theater, Jan 25. See concert listings (popular) for
details.
art
ARATA
ISOZAKI:
SOLARIS
Arata Isozaki Sea
City Plan (model)
1996 production
Avant-garde
Architecture
at the ICC
By C.B. Liddell
T
okyo has something of a reputation for
buildings that look like they belong on
another planet, but the cutting-edge
architecture you sometimes see around
you is nothing compared to some of the schemes
that have routinely been dreamed up by some
of Japan’s top architects over the past several
decades.
One of the most avant-garde minds in Japanese architecture is Arata Isozaki, the subject of an
exhibition at NTT’s InterCommunication Centre.
Isozaki is probably more famous for his theoretical
writing such as his classic book, The Japan-ness in
Architecture, and conceptualizations of buildings
and cities than for actual constructions. Although,
over a long career he has also managed to produce
an impressive list of avant-garde structures, from
the Tsukuba Center Building (1983) to the Qatar
National Convention Center (2011), not to mention
his biggest project—and possibly his swansong—
Zhengdong New District, a vast ring of skyscrapers
designed to serve as a major business centre in
China.
The show’s title, “Arata Isozaki City Solaris,”
is a reference to the famous 1973 Soviet science
fiction film Solaris by the Russian director Andrei
Tarkovsky, which some critics saw as a response
to Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi classic, 2001: A Space
Odyssy. In the movie, a semi-intelligent planet was able
to create various scenarios by accessing the minds and
memories of the occupants in an orbiting space station.
This ties in to Isozaki’s idea that the Earth isn't a neutral space for building on but more like a spaceship we
occupy as we travel through the universe.
Because of Isozaki’s expansive concepts and aura
of Blade Runner-esque futurism, there are few more
suitable venues for the exhibition than the ICC, a site
that specializes in the futuristic, both with a permanent
display frequently updated with new works as well as
special, temporary exhibitions like the Arata show.
Using architectural models, designs, concept art
and an interactive installation, the exhibition attempts
to give visitors some insight into Arata’s architectural
philosophy. I recommend first researching him online
as the exhibition contains no English explanations,
surprising for such an international architect, who has
built more outside Japan than inside and whose books
and academic works have frequently been translated
into English.
This will probably limit the appeal of the exhibition
to enthusiasts of futurism and architecture, especially
those interested in Japan’s Metabolist movement,
of which Isozaki was a key member alongside Kisho
Kurokawa, Kiyonori Kikutake and Fumihiko Maki. The
show is hardly exhaustive, presenting a cross section of
works—some built, some unbuilt—that give an insight
into his mind, with one or two surprises, like the fact
that he designed the layout of New York’s famous Palladium night club back in the 1980s.
But even if this show isn't quite all it could be, the ICC
nevertheless has plenty to offer visitors in its permanent exhibition, where you're sure to find something of
interest in its technologically-themed exhibits.
NTT-ICC until Mar 2. See exhibition listings (Shinjuku/Ikebukuro) for details.
AGENDA
COURTESY OF CREATIVEMAN
COURTESY MARIAN GOODMAN GALLERY, NEW YORK; GALERIE CHANTAL CROUSEL, PARIS;
HAUSER & WIRTH ZÜRICH LONDON; JOHNEN/SCHÖTTLE, BERLINE, COLOGNE, MUNICH
Anri Sala, Give Me the
Colours, 2003 (detail)
concert
exhibition
� Fresh off turning in a convincing, rain-soaked
headlining performance at Smash’s Fuji Rock
Festival 2013, Nine Inch Nails trade promoters
and drop in for two nights at Studio Coast. If last
year was any indication, Trent Reznor’s outfit
will produce a set built around their remarkably
successful comeback album Hesitation Marks,
leavened with plenty of well-known hits from the
band’s two-decade history. This time, the thunder-and-lightning will be of the proverbial kind.
� In Cyndi Lauper’s famous song, “True Colors”
signify acceptance, but for the curators of this photo
and film festival they suggest “the diversity of contemporary society as seen in different cultures” as
it “examines the effects and prospects of globalization, identifying valuable things that are being
destroyed.” New images are to be exhibited by
photographers ranging from Japan’s Yoko Asakai to
Albania’s Anri Sala. But perhaps the most intriguing
part of the show will be the Japan debut of Chinese/
Japanese/Korean trio Xijing Men, who will present a live outdoor film/installation/performance
that models the new virtual city-state Xijing. DG Feb 7-23, free. Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of
Photography. Open Tue-Wed & Sat-Sun 10am6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-13-3 Mita,
Meguro-ku. Nearest stn: Ebisu. http://syabi.com
NINE INCH NAILS
Dan Grunebaum
Feb 25, 7pm, ¥9,000 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
http://meturl.com/nin2014
TRUE COLORS
� The renowned soloist and former principal
with the New York City Ballet, Robert Tewsley,
is making his purported farewell performance
in Japan. He’ll perform selections from The
Firebird and Manon with the ravishing Hana
Sakai. The evening will also feature the duo of
Kaiji Moriyama, one of Japan’s most intriguing
contemporary dancers, and Balinese musician
Dewa Alit, as well as an ensemble piece choreographed by former Ballet Frankfurt member
Alessio Silvestrin. The program is presented
by dance/architect ure st udio A rchitanz. DG Fe b 11&12 , 7:15p m , ¥6,800 -7,800. New
National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5730-2732. www.a-tanz.com
COURTESY OF NEW NATIONAL THEATRE TOKYO. PHOTO BY 三枝近志
COURTESY OF KYOARUKI IN TOKYO
Madame Butterfly
2011 performance
Kyoaruki in Tokyo 2013
opening ceremony
opera
� Maurine Watkins was a street-wise newspaper
woman in Chicago in the ’20s who covered many of
the high-profile trials of the jazz age including two
women charged with murdering their lovers. She
channeled her courtroom reporting experience into
the 1926 theatrical production Play Ball. The play
was later adapted as a silent film, a musical starring Ginger Rogers, the big Broadway show Chicago
and the Catherine Zeta Jones Hollywood spectacle.
Now, Yokohama International School takes the
story back to its source, with an English-language
production of the original 1926 play—with all its
fast-talking reporters, witty dialogue and fallen
women. Is showgirl Roxie Hart willing to “play ball”
to get what she wants? You better believe it, sister.
Jan 24-25, 7:30pm; Jan 26, 2pm, ¥500-1,000.
Yokohama International School. http://meturl.
com/playball
� Puccini’s 1904 opera and the short story it was
based on tells the tale of an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride. Although their
love was ill-fated, better things are sure to come
from the thoroughly international collaboration
behind the production as part of the new opera
season at the New National Theatre in Hatsudai.
Tamiya Kuriyama directs while Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson takes the baton. Greek
soprano Alexia Voulgaridou takes the title role
and Bolshoi Opera tenor Mikhail Agafonov plays
Pinkerton, with the rest of the roles filled out by
Japanese operatic talent.
Jan 30 & Feb 5, 7pm; Feb 2 & 8, 2pm, ¥3,15021,000. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459. www.nntt.
jac.go.jp
ballet
ARCHITANZ 2014
stage
PLAY BALL
COURTESY OF ARCHITANZ
MADAME BUTTERFLY
exploration
KYOARUKI IN TOKYO
� Kyoto is so beloved by its citizens, Japanese
people nationwide and the folks around the world
that it could arguably be called “Japan’s hometown.” A visit is requisite for anyone in Japan
longer than a week. But if you don’t have time to
get out of Tokyo, Kyoaruki (“walking in Kyoto”)
brings the culture, tradition and food of Japan’s
old capital to its new one for a two-week period.
Events include authentic maiko (apprentice
geisha) handing out Kyoto travel pamphlets, a
seminar on the city’s omotenashi on February 4
and lessons on how to tie furoshiki cloths (¥1,000).
Kyoto sweets and souvenirs will also be on offer at
various venues.
Feb 4-19. Various venues in Ginza and Marunouchi. http://kyoaruki.jp
Listings
Concerts
POPULAR
SiM
Shonan-based reggae-punk
rockers. Jan 25, 7pm, ¥3,300
(adv) +1d. Studio Coast. Nearest
stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-34446751. www.smash-jpn.com
Cero
'70s funk with electronica and
brass band inlays. Jan 25, 6pm,
¥3,300 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.
red-hot.ne.jp
Bananafish
J-rock with a Britpop twist.
Jan 25, 7pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d.
Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn:
Akasaka. www.red-hot.ne.jp
New Year Premium: Go
Live Vol. 1
Orange Range, The Telephones
and Polysic. Jan 25, 6pm, ¥3,955
(adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-6434-0068. http://eplus.jp/
golive1-hp
Dead Pop Festival
Reggae-punk rockers SiM and
others. Jan 26, 5pm, ¥3,300
(adv) +1d. Studio Coast. Nearest
stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-34446751. www.smash-jpn.com
One Draft
Japanese hip hop trio. Jan 26,
5pm, ¥3,900 (adv) +1d. Club
Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Ladybeard
Kawaii-core wrestler/cutie pie
sings, screams and rocks out.
Dinner included, drinks extra.
Jan 26, 7pm, ¥2,500. The Pink
Cow. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
[email protected].
www.ladybeard.com/events
Kuroyume
J-rock duo. Jan 29, 6:30pm,
¥9,600 (adv). Nippon Budokan.
Nearest stn: Kudanshita.
http://l-tike.com
Los Lonely Boys
American Chicano rock trio.
Jan 30, 7:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv)
+1d. Liquidroom. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Dragon Ash
Hip-hop and punk rock. Feb
1, 7pm, ¥5,900 (adv) +1d.
Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. www.diskgarage.
com
Mongol 800
J-rock giants from the shores
of Okinawa. Feb 2, 6pm, ¥4,800
(adv). NHK Hall. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.mongol800.jp
Maximum 10
Rock fest with Pop Disaster,
Lost, Fact and others. Feb 2,
2:30pm, ¥3,980 (adv) +1d.
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
www.creativeman.co.jp
Monster Box
Eskimo Callboy, Roach,
Girugamesh etc. Feb 2, 3pm,
¥4,000 (adv)/ ¥4,500 (door)
+1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. www.monsterbox.jp
Avril Lavigne
Canadian singer who
doesn't like your girlfriend.
Feb 3, 7pm, ¥10,500 (adv).
Pacifico Yokohama. Nearest
stn: Minatomirai. eplus.jp/
avrillavigne2014
Tiina Kariina
J-pop princess from Osaka. Feb
3, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥4,000-6,000.
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com
Gekirock Tour Vol.9
Eskimo Callboy, Angry Frog
Rebirth and others. Feb 3,
5:30pm, ¥3,300 (adv)/ ¥3,800
(door) +1d. Club Seata. Nearest
stn: Kichijoji. Tel: 04-22290061. gekirock.com/tour/vol9
Submit your event directly to metropolis.co.jp/listings
See www.metropolis.co.jp for more listings
Fall Out Boy
Recently reunited to save rock
and roll. Feb 5, 7pm; Feb 6,
7pm, ¥7,500-8,500 (adv) +1d.
Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn: Aomi.
www.creativeman.co.jp
Theater Roppongi. Nearest
stn: Roppongi or Nogizaka.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
The Rolling Stones
Folk rock from Denver. Feb
8, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.
Harajuku. www.smash-jpn.com
Retro rockers still rollin'. Feb
26, Mar 4 & 6, 6:30pm, ¥14,00080,000. Tokyo Dome. Nearest
stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 0570-029581. http://meturl.com/
rollingtix2014
Shaggy
JAZZ/WORLD
The Lumineers
Boombastic Jamaican singer.
Feb 8, 2:15 & 6pm, ¥8,400
(adv). Stellar Ball. Nearest stn:
Shinagawa. Tel: 03-5421-1111.
www.l-tike.com
Scream Out Fest
The Devil Wears Prada, Her
Name in Blood and others.
Feb 9, 4:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv)/
¥7,500 (door) +1d. Studio
Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
creativeman.co.jp
The Devil Wears Prada
American metalcore. Feb 10,
7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Periphery
With Cyclamen and
Hammerhead Shark. Feb 11,
6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club
Asia. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Punisher's Night
Totalfat, Dustbox and Knock
Out Monkey. Feb 11, 6pm,
¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. http://
meturl.com/punisher2014
Merengue
J-pop trio. Feb 14, 6:30pm,
¥4,500 (adv) +1d. Shibuya
Public Hall. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-3022.
www.merengue.jp
Alice Nine
Visual-kei crooners keep
hearts a-flutter for Valentine's.
Feb 14, 6:30pm, ¥5,250 (adv)
+1d. Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn:
Aomi. www.diskgarage.com
Volbeat
Rock, metal and rockabilly
fusion. Feb 15, 6pm; Feb 16,
6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club
Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Finch
American post-hardcore
band from Temecula. Feb
17, 7pm, ¥6,300 (adv) +1d.
Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Eric Clapton
Master of the Stratocaster. Feb
18, 20-21 & 28, 7pm, ¥11,00012,000 (adv). Nippon Budokan.
Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel:
03-3402-5999. www.udo.co.jp
Olly Murs
English X Factor runner-up.
Feb 18, 7pm, ¥5,800 (adv) +1d.
Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn:
Akasaka. http://meturl.com/
olly2014
The Novembers
Four-piece alt-rock. Feb
21, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.
Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Mix Speaker's, Inc
Industrial rock meets cosplay
critters. Feb 22, 6pm, ¥4,860
(adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz.
Nearest stn: Akasaka. www.
diskgarage.com
All Off
With Roach, Angry Frog
Rebirth and others. Feb 23,
5pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000
(door) +1d. Unit, Shibuya-ku.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
www.diskgarage.com
Foals
UK indie rock. Feb 25,
7pm, ¥6,300 (adv) +1d. Ex
Jessy J
Sexy funky saxophonist.
Jan 24, 6:30 & 9pm; Jan 25, 5
& 8pm, ¥6,800-8,000 (adv).
Cotton Club. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
The Slow Room
Ambient improvisation on
vintage keyboards, with abstract
images. Jan 24 & 30, 7:30pm,
¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). Kid
Ailack. Nearest stn: Meidaimae.
www.morgan-fisher.com
Tribute to Dave Brubeck
The Brubeck Brothers Jazz
Quartet. Jan 28, 7 & 9:30pm,
¥7,350. Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Larry Harlow's Latin
Legends of Fania
Featuring Nicky Marrero. Jan
28, 6:30pm, ¥7,500. Cotton
Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.
cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Jamie Cullum
Jazz-pop singer and
songwriter. Jan 29-30, 7pm,
¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5720-9999.
www.smash-jpn.com
Average White Band
Scottish funk band. Jan 29-31.
various times, ¥8,400. Blue
Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.
www.bluenote.co.jp
Drum Rock: 17 no Samurai
Imaginative drum art by Tao.
Jan 31, 7pm; Feb 1, 1 & 5pm,
¥5,000-7,000. Bunkamura
Shibuya. Tel: 0570-550-799.
www.bunkamura.co.jp
Peabo Bryson with
Deniece Williams
Singing songs of true romance.
Feb 1-4, various times, ¥8,400.
Blue Note. Nearest stn:
co.jp
Aaron Parks Trio
Young American jazz
pianist. Feb 4-5, 6:30 & 9pm,
¥6,500-8,500. Cotton Club.
Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Husband-and-wife led blues
rock band. Feb 6, 7pm, ¥7,7008,700 (adv) +1d. Shibuya Public
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3402-5999. www.udo.co.jp
Keziah Jones
Nigerian blue-funk rhythms.
Feb 6-7, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥6,5008,500. Billboard Live. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com
The Skatalites
Ska band from Jamaica. Feb 7,
7 & 9:30pm; Feb 8-9, 5 & 8pm,
co.jp
Jon Cowherd's Mercy
Project
Featuring Brian Blade, Steve
Cardenas andJohn Patitucci.
Feb 9-12. Various times,
¥8,400-10,500. Cotton Club.
Soil & Pimp Sessions
Death jazz quintet. Feb 10, 7pm,
¥4,000 (adv) +1d. Akasaka
Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka.
www.jvcmusic.co.jp/soilpimp
Bastian Baker
Swiss singer-songwriter. Feb
10, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥7,350. Blue
Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.
www.bluenote.co.jp
Tuba & Drum Overload
Night
Jazz, rock and craziness.
Feb 13, 7:30pm, ¥2,300
(adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d.
Eggman Tokyo East, B1 2-6-12
Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-k
u. Nearest stn: Kanda. http://
meturl.com/dru2014
José James
Club jazz. Feb 14, 7 & 9:30pm;
Feb 15, 6 & 9pm, ¥6,000-8,000.
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. www.billboardlive.com
My Jazzy Valentine III
American singer-songwriter
Halie Loren. Feb 14, 6:30 &
9pm; Feb 15-16, 5 & 8pm,
¥7,000-9,000. Cotton Club.
Swingin' GS
Yuji Miyake and Light Joke
Jazz Orchestra. Feb 21,7 &
9:30pm; Feb 22, 5 & 8pm,
co.jp
Roberta Gambarini
Italian jazz singer. Feb 21, 6:30
& 9pm; Feb 22-23, 5 & 8pm,
¥6,800-9,000. Cotton Club.
Shomyo no Kai—Voices of a
Thousand Years
One of the oldest forms of vocal
music performed by two dozen
Buddhist priests. Feb 24-25,
7pm, ¥4,300 (adv)/ ¥4,500
(door). Spiral Hall. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. www.kaibunsha.
net
CLASSICAL
Mozart Birthday Serenade
Charity Concert
With guest soloist Grigori
Feigin on violin. Proceeds
go to Masonic charities. Jan
24, 7pm, ¥5,000 (group)/
¥5,500 (single). Tokyo
Masonic Center. Nearest stn:
Kamiyacho or Onarimon.
[email protected].
www.tokyosinfonia.com
St. Petersburg
Philharmonic Orchestra
Yuri Temirkanov conducts
Mahler's Symphony No.2.
Jan 24, 7:30pm, 8,000-17,000.
Bunkyo Civic Hall. Nearest stn:
Korakuen. Tel: 03-5803-1100.
New Japan Philharmonic
Works by Schubert and
Bruckner. Jan 24, 7:15pm; Jan
25, 2pm, ¥4,000-7,000. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Nearest stn:
Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5610-3815.
www.njp.or.jp/enWorks by
Wagner, Respighi and others.
Feb 7, 2pm; Feb 8, 2pm, ¥1,0004,000.
Escolta
Vocal trio that mixes pop with
classical music. Jan 25, 6pm,
¥7,600 (adv). Bunkamura
Shibuya. www.bunkamura.
co.jp/english
Keiko Urushihara and
Shigeo Neriki Duo Recital
A violin and piano recital.
Jan 25, 1:30pm, ¥5,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999.
St. Petersburg
Philharmonic Orchestra
Yuri Temirkanov conducts
works by Tchaikovsky and
Mussorgsky. Jan 26, 2pm,
¥5,000-18,000. Yokohama
Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn:
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822020.
Philharmonic Octet Berlin
Performing Strauss, Mozart
and Schubert. Jan 27, 7pm,
¥4,000-8,500. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel:
03-5353-9999.
Philharmonic Octet Berlin
Featuring Wenzel Fuchs on the
clarinet. Feb 1, 2pm, ¥5,0008,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai
Hall. Nearest stn: Minatomirai.
Tel: 045-682-2020.
Eliso Virsaladze
Piano Recital. Feb 3, 7pm,
¥5,000-6,000. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Nearest stn:
Kinshicho. www.triphony.
comPiano recital. Feb 3, 7pm,
¥5,000-6,000.
Yugo Kanno's
Valentine's Concert
Lauded composer directs
a one of a kind orchestra.
Feb 8, 6:30pm, ¥4,500
(adv). Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5774-3030. www.
bunkamura.co.jp
Sagamihara Junior
Orchestra
A Louer
Brussels-based theater group
Peeping Tom takes you on
an ephemeral journey. Feb
17-19, 7:30pm, ¥2,000-4,800.
Setagaya Public Theater.
Nearest stn: Sangenjaya.
Tel: 03-5432-1515. http://
setagaya-pt.jp/en
Performative Architecture
Exhibition, installation and
performances by up-andcoming masters of the stage.
Feb 22-23, noon-5pm, free
(students)/ ¥1,000 (gen).
Nichigei Nihon University
College of Art. Tel: intsct@
gmail.com. www.intsct.com
Dance
A Woman's House
Works by Tchaikovsky,
Bartok and others. Feb 9, 2pm,
¥700. Green Hall. Nearest stn:
Sagami-Ono. Tel: 042-7429999. www.hall-net.or.jp
New York Philharmonic
Led by conductor Alan Gilbert.
Feb 11, 6pm, ¥1,500-6,000.
Suntory Hall. Nearest stn:
Roppongi-itchome. www.smf.
or.jp/30th
Valentine's Special
Live orchestra plays classic
movie tunes from My Fair Lady
and more. Feb 11, 2pm, ¥4,8006,800. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-5561-9001.
Nighttime Organ Concert
Performance by Megumi Ogata
and Hideyuki Kobayashi. Feb
13, 7:30pm, ¥1,000. Tokyo
Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest
stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010296. www.geigeki.jp
Valentine Serenade
Three-course candlelight
dinner while listening to
Rossini, Tchaikovsky and
more. Feb 14, 6:30pm,
¥8,445-9,335. Foreign
Correspondents' Club of Japan.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
[email protected].
tokyosinfonia.com
Yukio Yokoyama
Performing Chopin and
Liszt. Feb 21, 1:30pm, ¥5,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999.
Il Divo
Operatic pop crooners. Feb
26, 7pm; Feb 27, 7pm; Mar
10, 7pm, ¥10,000-13,000.
Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-5999.
www.udo.jp/Artists/IlDivo
Pixar in Concert
Compilation of music
and imagery from Pixar
movies, performed by a full
symphony orchestra. Feb
28 & Mar 1, 2 & 7pm, ¥6,5008,500. Bunkamura Orchard
Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.
bunkamura.co.jp
Stage
Contemporary dance. Jan 24,
7pm; Jan 25-26, 3pm, ¥3,1505,250. New National Theatre
Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.
jac.go.jp/english
Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare's tragic
tale performed by The Tokyo
Ballet. Feb 6-7, 6:30pm; Feb
8, 2pm; Feb 9, 2pm, ¥3,00011,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.nbs.
org/english
Dazzle
Street and contemporary
dance unit. Feb 14, 7:30pm; Feb
15-16, 1 & 5pm, ¥5,500-7,000.
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.
Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel:
0570-02-9999. http://l-tike.
com/dazzle
Swan Lake
The National Ballet of Japan
performs the tale of Odette.
Feb 15-16, 2pm; Feb 21, 7pm;
Feb 22-23, 2pm, ¥3,150-10,000.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.
go.jp/english
The Nutcracker
The American Ballet Theatre
transports you to a magical
world of solders and mouse
kings. Feb 20, 7pm; Feb 21, 1
& 7pm; Feb 22, 1pm, ¥5,00020,000. Bunkamura Orchard
Tel: 03-5774-3040. www.
japanarts.co.jp
All-Stars Gala Performance
The crème de la crème of the
American Ballet Theater
present the best scenes
from notable ballets. Feb
25, 6:30pm; Feb 26, 6:30pm,
¥7,000-22,000. Bunkamura
Shibuya. www.bunkamura.
co.jp/english/orchard
Manon
The American Ballet Theater
takes on Kenneth MacMillan's
extravagant production.
Feb 27, 6:30pm; Feb 28,
1 & 6:30pm; Mar 1, 1pm,
¥6,300-22,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-5774-3040. www.
japanarts.co.jp
Clubbing
Carmen
Classic operatic tale of love
and loss. Jan 26 & Feb 1, 2pm;
Jan 29, 6:30pm, ¥4,200-23,100.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. www.
nntt.jac.go.jp
The Full Monty
Musical of the hit movie with
a Japanese ikemen cast. Jan
31-Feb 16, various times, ¥7,00011,000. Tokyo International
Forum Hall C. Nearest stn:
Yurakucho. Tel: 0570-550-955.
fullmonty2014.jp
Ovo - Cirque du Soleil
co.jp/events/ovo
Revolutionary troupe that
blends circus arts and street
entertainment. Feb 12-May 11,
various times, ¥4,500-12,000.
Odaiba Big Top, Odaiba. Nearest
stn: Tokyo Teleport. www.fujitv.
FRIDAY 24
Air
Beacon 03. House: DJs Mano
Le Tough, Shintaro, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.
com
Crystal Lounge
Premium. All mix: DJs
Bazooka, Takao, etc. From
7pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Nearest
stn: Gaienmae. info@
crystallounge.jp. http://
crystallounge.jp
Genius Tokyo
Fly Day. All mix, hip-hop:
DJs Various DJs. From
7pm, (m)¥5,000 w/8tickets,
(f)¥3,000 w/8tickets. Nearest
Listings
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS
ARTIFACT
Velours
Icon. DJs Inoue, Bassy, etc.
From 11pm, (m)¥2,500 w/1d,
(f)1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-57784777. www.velours.jp
THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS,GIFU
Study for Charity (ca.1893-94) Oil on paper
mounted on canvas.
Arcadia on the Shore: Puvis de
Chavanne's Mythic World
Bunkamura’s The Museum is celebrating 25 years of bringing
some of the world's best art to Shibuya. It chose to start its silver
anniversary with an extensive exhibition dedicated to Puvis
de Chavannes, a key French painter of the late 19th century
who had a significant impact on the evolution of Western-style
painting in Japan. We visited the morning of January 2, the first
day of the exhibition, and were greeted with the pleasant rarity
of a Tokyo museum that wasn't packed with people queuing
up to view each work. The artist is best known for his expansive
murals, which of course are more or less permanently attached
to buildings in France, most notably the Pantheon in Paris. These
are represented by oversized, extremely high-definition photos
on display, while most of the exhibition is devoted to sketches
and canvas studies the artist created for his murals such as
the Study for Charity (pictured). These give the visitor a unique
insight into the process of the artist, which a tourist in Paris
wouldn't necessarily pick up. The final room of the exhibition
space is given to works by Japanese artists influenced by de
Chavannes including Seiki Kuroda, who traveled to Paris, and
Mango Kobayashi, whose replica of a de Chavannes work is on
display. Kevin Mcgue
Until Mar 9, ¥700-1,400. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm,
Fri-Sat 10am-8pm. 2- 24-1 Dogenzaka. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9111. www.bunkamura.co.jp
stn: Ginza. Tel: 03-35715830. www.geniustokyo.jp
Module
Chemical Monsters x Pork.
Bass, disco: DJs Pol Style,
Wrack, etc. From 11pm,
¥2,000. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
Origami
Yolanda Be Cool. DJs
Yolanda Be Cool, Kiraz,
etc. From 10pm, ¥4,000.
Nearest stn: Omotesando.
Tel: 03-6434-0968. http://
meturl.com/origamiclub
Ruby Room
Echo Patrol. DJs Izpon,
Narikawa, etc. From
midnight, free. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Independent. From 11pm,
¥3,000 (ladies)/ ¥3,500
(men), incl 1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm, ¥1,000
(after 11:30pm). Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
The Room
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Velours
Hokuto, Kekke, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d,
(f)¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:
Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.
villagetokyo.com
Womb
@disko. House, techno. From
midnight, 11pm. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
SATURDAY 25
Ageha
Wonderland. Techno, house:
DJs Osawa, Ishino, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Air
John Talabot. House, nu disco:
DJs John Talabot, Moodman,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d.
air-tokyo.com
Module
Maven. Techno, house: DJs
Haruka, Kudo, etc. From 10pm,
¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.
com
Sound Museum Vision
Classics. Hip-hop: DJs Jeru
the Damaja, K-Boogie, etc.
From 11pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more.
From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi.
www.matrixbar.jp
Masque. DJs Various DJs.
From 11pm, (m)¥3,000
w/1d, (m)¥2,000 w/1d.
Tel: 03-5778-4777. www.
velours.jp
The Room
Village
Unit
Fantastic. Hip-hop: DJ
Hokuto and more. From
10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d,
(f)¥2,000 w/2d. International
Village. Hip-hop: DJs
Jazztronica. House, jazz: DJs
Nozaki, Shuya Okino(Kyoto
Jazz Massive), etc. From 10pm,
¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Frue. Electronica, noise:
DJ Svreca and more. From
Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo.
com
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.vision-tokyo.com
Exhibitions
THURSDAY 30
AKASAKA/ROPPONGI
Air
21_21 Design Sight
Deep Generation. House: DJs
Kango, Ohishi, etc. From
com
The Room
Tamariba. Jazz DJ Sadao
Osada: Live: Takeshi Kurihara
Quartet. From midnight, free.
theroom.jp
Toward a Design Museum
Japan. Mixed media. Until
Feb 2, ¥500-1,000. Open
Mon & Wed-Sun 11am-8pm,
closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka,
Minato-ku. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121.
www.2121designsight.jp
Mori Art Museum
Village Thursday. Hip-hop:
DJs Hokuto, Kekke, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥2,000 w/1d,
Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.
villagetokyo.com
Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes
Eternal. Almost 700 works by
the standard-bearer of Pop Art.
Feb 1-May 6, ¥500-1,500. MAM
Project 020: Gabriel Acevedo
Velarde. Mixed media. Feb
1-May 6, ¥500-1,500. Open Mon
& Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue
10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
mori.art.museum
Womb
Suntory Museum of Art
Village
Sensual. Deep tech house: DJs
Satoshi, Toya, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥1,500, (f)free. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
FRIDAY 31
Ageha
Asobinite. House, j-pop: DJs
Nakata, Ram Rider, etc. From
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Air
Party Jam. Bass, house: DJs
Oneman, Jommy, etc. From
com
Module
Jex Opolis. House, disco: DJs
Jex Opolis, Max Essa, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
Ruby Room
Repaper. DJs Various DJs.
From 11pm, free. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Alien Radio. Techno: DJs Sis,
Groove Patrol, etc. From 11pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000
www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
Global Rhythms. Hip-hop:
DJs Shark, Sancon, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Unit
Hyperdub. Dub step, bass:
DJs Kode9, Rashad, etc.
From 11pm, ¥4,500. Nearest
stn: Daikanyama. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Womb
Fantastic Dance. House: DJ
Daishi Dance. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
UPCOMING
Air
Gift. House, techno: DJs Cassy,
Masda, etc. Feb 1, from 10pm,
¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
Module
Theory. Techno, tech house:
DJs Qhey, Hiyama, etc: 10pm.
Feb 1, from midnight, ¥2,500
www.module-tokyo.com
Ruby Room
Space Dizzy Time. DJs
Yamamoto, Yoshi, etc. Feb
1, from 11pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Nylon Japan 10th Anniversary.
Electro, edm: DJs Nakata,
Ilmari, etc. Feb 1, from 10pm,
Imari: Japanese Porcelain for
European Palaces. Luxurious
early 17th century porcelain
from Saga prefecture. Jan
25-Mar 16, ¥800-1,300. Open
Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon
& hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
suntory.jp/sma
The National Art Center,
Tokyo
Kazumi Nakamura. Acrylic
and oil paintings. Mar 19-May
19, ¥500-1,000. The Power of
Images: The National Museum
of Ethnology Collection.
Symbols and totems from
around the world. Feb 19-Jun 9,
¥500-1,000. 16th Domani: The
Art of Tomorrow. Mixed media.
Until Jan 26, ¥500-1,000. Open
Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm,
Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue.
7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. www.nact.jp
GINZA/KYOBASHI/
TOKYO
Bridgestone Museum of
Art
The Painters' Eyes, the
Sculptors' Hands. Paintings and
sculptures by various artists.
Until Apr 13, ¥500-800. Open
Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm,
closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
bridgestone-museum.gr.jp
H.P. France Window
Gallery
Interweave No.4. Photography
by Circle Side. Until Feb 6, free.
Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm,
Sun & Hols 11am-8pm. 1F
Marunouchi Bldg. 2-4-1
Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.
Tel: 03-3240-5791.www.
tokyo.mae.lu/jp/node_19876/
hana-hito-tokyo
10am-8pm, Tue, Sat & Sun/
hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon.
2-6-2 Marunouchi. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-5405-8686.
www.mimt.jp
National Film Center
Iconography of Yasujiro Ozu
Films. A collection of paintings,
design and lettering that sheds
light on Mr. Ozu's unique
aesthetic sensibility. Until Mar
30, ¥40-200. Open Tue-Sun
11am-6:30pm, closed Mon.
3-7-6 Kyobashi. Nearest stn:
Kyobashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.momat.go.jp
The National Museum of
Modern Art, Tokyo
Your Portrait: A Tetsumi
Kudo Retrospective. Mixed
media. Abstract expression
of ordinary objects by one of
Japan's most innovative artists
of the 20th century. Feb 4-Mar
30, ¥250-850. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Nearest stn: Takebashi.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
momat.go.jp
Zeit-Foto Salon
Mono-ha by Anzai.
Photography by Sigeo Anzai.
Until Feb 22, free. Open Tue-Fri
10:30am-6:30pm, Sat 10:30am5:30pm, closed Sun-Mon &
hols. 4F Matsumoto Bldg,
1-10-5 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku.
Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel:
03-3535-7188. www.zeit-foto.
com
HARAJUKU/AOYAMA
Diesel Art Gallery
Global Photo Collaborations:
Vice Japan. Photography.
Until Feb 14, free. Open
daily 11:30am-9pm. 1-23-16
Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.diesel.co.jp/art/
Itochu Aoyama Art Square
Iro no Tsuranari. Japanese-style
paintings by Yuuki Sori. Until
Feb 28, free. 11am-7pm daily.
B1 CI Plaza, 2-3-1 Kita-Aoyama.
Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel:
03-5772-2913. www.itochuartsquare.jp
Nezu Museum
Art and Poetry: Waka Inspired
Masterpieces. Traditional
panels, lacquerware and
kimono. Until Feb 16,
¥600-1,000. Kiyomaro:
Master Swordsmith to the Last
Samurai. Celebrating the 200th
anniversary of the artist's
birth. Feb 26-Apr 6, ¥900-1,200.
Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1
Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku.
www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial
Museum of Art
The Dreams of Itaya Hazan:
The Bliss of Japanese
Modern Ceramics. Ceramics.
Retrospective featuring some
of the artist's greatest works.
Until Mar 23, ¥700-1,000.
Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F
Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi.
idemitsu.co.jp/museum
Mt. Fuji in Ukiyo-e: from the
Collection of Ota Memorial
Museum of Art. World Heritagelisted landmark in traditional
print. Until Jan 26, ¥500-700.
Katsuhika Oi: "Courtesans
Showing Themselves to the
Strollers through the Grille" Beauty of Light and Shadow.
Woodblock prints. Feb 1-26,
¥500-700. Reminiscence of
Hiroshige: Ukiyo-e History Walk.
Comparing real locations in old
Oedo and modern Tokyo. Mar
1-23, ¥500-700. Open Tue-Sun
10:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon.
1-10-10 Jingumae. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. www.ukiyoe-otamuse.jp
Megumi Ogita Gallery
KAYABACHO/KIBA
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
Ourselves in Today's World.
Emoticon art and more by
Kengo Nakamura. Until Feb
1, free. Dreams of Winter.
Mixed media by Aya Cagiu.
Feb 14-Mar 1, free. Tue-Sat
11am-7pm, Closed Mon & Sun.
4F, 5-4-14 Ginza. Nearest stn:
Ginza. www.megumiogita.com
Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Museum
The Beautiful-Art for Art's
Sake: The Aesthetic Movement
1860-1900. Mixed media.
Organized by the Victoria and
Albert Museum, London. Jan
30-May 6, ¥500-1,600. Wed-Fri
Base Gallery
art from the Musac collection.
Feb 15-May 11, ¥600-1,100.
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.
Nearest stn: KiyosumiShirakawa. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng
Taguchi Fine Art
Baumkoetter, Binding, Loehr
and Toenges. Mixed media.
Four artists from Cologne.
Until Feb 1, Open Tue-Sun
1-7pm, closed Mon. Dai 2 Inoue
Bldg, 2-17-13 NihombashiKayabacho, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Kayabacho. Tel: 03-56523660. www.taguchifineart.
com
SHIBUYA/EBISU
Bunkamura Gallery
Art Bazar 2014. Mixed media.
Until Jan 27, free. Open daily,
10am-7pm. 2- 24-1 Dogenzaka.
bunkamura.co.jp/english
Tokyo Wonder Site
Shibuya
Wonder Seeds 2014. Mixed
media. Young artists present
their works. Feb 1-Mar 2, free.
1-19-8 Jinnan. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0603.
www.tokyo-ws.org/shibuya
Yamatane Museum of Art
Jakuchu's Adorability and
Shoen's Beauty : "Kawaii" in
Japanese Art. Edo period
screen paintings. Until Mar
2, ¥900-1,200. Open Tue-Fri
11am-5pm, closed Mon & hols.
3-12-36 Hiroo. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
yamatane-museum.or.jp
SHINJUKU/IKEBUKURO
Eitoeiko Gallery
Wish You Were Here.
Photography by Masaru
Aikawa. Using an analog
pinhole camera and modern
social networks online, the
artist connects the present and
the past through his images.
Until Feb 8, free. Open Wed-Sun
noon-7pm, closed Mon-Tue.
32-2 Yaraicho. Nearest stn:
Kagurazaka. Tel: 03-64796923. www.eitoeiko.com
Hiromart Gallery
Ultra Deep Field. Painting.
Abstract art by Alan Van
Every. Jan 31-Mar 9, free.
Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed
Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi,
Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn:
Edogawabashi. www.
hiromartgallery.com
NTT Intercommunication
Center
Open Space 2013. A melting pot
of artists and media. Until Mar
2, free. Solaris. Works by Arata
Isozaki. Until Mar 2, ¥500.
4F Tokyo Opera City Tower,
3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai. www.ntticc.or.jp
Sompo Japan Museum of
Art
Quintet: Five-Star Artists.
Mixed media by five Japanese
artists, based on the theme
"landscape". Until Feb 16,
¥300-500. Face. Mixed media.
Feb 22-Mar 30, ¥300-500.
Mon. 42F Sompo Japan Bldg,
1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-54058686. www.sompo-japan.
co.jp/museum
UENO
Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Places Nobody Knows.
Works by Toshio Miyaoka.
Feb 21-Mar 29, free. Open
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun
and Hols. 1-1-6 NihombashiKayabacho, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Kayabacho. www.
basegallery.com
Ukiyo-e: A Journey Through
the Floating World. Woodblock
prints. Until Mar 2, ¥450-1,300.
Open Tue-Fri & Sun 9:30am5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-7:30pm,
closed Mon & hols. 1-4-1
Yokoami. Nearest stn:
Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3626-9974.
www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo
National Museum of
Nature and Science
Fragments: Incomplete
Beginnings. Mixed media. Feb
15-May 11, ¥700-1,600. The
Marvelous Real. Contemporary
Spanish and Latin American
Big Dinosaurs: Wonders of the
Gobi Desert. Velociraptor and
tarbosaurus bones unravel
mysteries of Earth's history.
Until Feb 23, ¥600-1,500.
GAME PLAN
Festivals
Usokae Shinji
Visitors exchange their
bullfinch charms from
the previous year for new
ones. Jan 24-25, all day, free.
Kameido Tenjin. Nearest stn:
Kameido. Tel: 03-3681-0010.
www.kameidotenjin.or.jp
Doryoson Ceremony
Special ceremony held at
midnight three times a year.
Jan 27-28, from midnight, free.
Daiyuzan Temple. Nearest stn:
Daiyuzan. Tel: 0465-74-3121.
www.daiyuuzan.or.jp
Hatsu Fudo
deVere Group Executive Fight Night IV
GINJA NINJA PROMOTIONS
The fourth installment of the Executive Fight Night series will take place May 23 at Grand Hyatt
Tokyo. The Vegas-style boxing event has garnered a huge following over its three-event run and has
raised over ¥17 million for charity. If you’ve considered getting into the ring and duking it so far out
for a good cause, then now is your chance. Tryouts for the deVere Group Executive Fight Night IV will
take place on Saturday, February 8, from 7am-9am at Club 360 (Cma3 Building B1 3-1-35 Motoazabu,
Minato-ku; www.club360.jp). Space is limited, so get in touch now if you're at all interested by sending
an email to [email protected].
Surviving the Desert: Strategies
of Humans, Plants & Animals.
Investigation into survival
in harsh conditions. Until
Feb 9, ¥600. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 9am-5pm, Fri
9am-8pm, closed Mon. 7-20
Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111. www.
kahaku.go.jp
The National Museum of
Western Art
Monet, An Eye for Landscapes:
Innovation in 19th Century
French Landscape. Some
of the artist's most famous
impressionist works
including "Water Lilies".
Until Mar 9, ¥600-1,400.
The 150th Anniversary: The
Prints of Edvard Munch from
the National Museum of
Western Art, Tokyo. Prints.
Major element of Munch's
overall work method. Until
Mar 9, ¥130-420. Open daily
9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
nmwa.go.jp
Tokyo National Museum
Admired from Afar:
Masterworks of Japanese
Painting from the Cleveland
Museum of Art. Traditional
Japanese paintings
return home. Until Feb
23, ¥800-1,600. Japanese
Masks: Noh Masks - Zekan
and Kawachi. Masks by
the masters. Until Feb 16,
¥400-600. Open Tue-Sun
9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno Park.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
tnm.jp
OTHER AREAS
Hoki Museum
Hoki Museum Award
Exhibition Vol. 1.
Painting. Until May 18,
¥900-1,800. Open Mon
& Wed-Thu 10am-6pm,
Fri, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun
10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15
Asumigaokahigashi, Midoriku. Nearest stn: Toke. www.
hoki-museum.jp
Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo
Fragments: Incomplete
Beginnings. Mixed media. Feb
15-May 11, ¥700-1,600. The
Marvelous Real. Contemporary
Spanish and Latin American
art from the Musac collection.
Feb 15-May 11, ¥600-1,100.
Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.
Nearest stn: KiyosumiShirakawa. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng
National Museum of
Japanese History
Traditional Antique
Chrysanthemum. Over 100
variations of classical fronds.
Until Jan 26, ¥100. Open
Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm,
closed Mon. 117 Jonai-cho,
Sakura-shi. Nearest stn: KeiseiSakura. www.rekihaku.ac.jp/
english
Pola Museum of Art
KICKBOXING
No Kick, No Life
Feb 11, 3pm, ¥3,000-30,000.
Ota City General Gymnasium.
Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel:
03-5480-6688.
MMA
Homage to Renoir: Renoir and
Painters of the 20th Century.
Impressionist oil paintings.
Until Apr 6, JPY1,000-1,800.
Color, Line, Form: Matisse,
Degas, Chagall. Oil, watercolor
and pastel painting. Until Apr
6, ¥1,000-1,800. JapaneseStyle Paintings and Japanese
Western-Style Paintings.
Works by Léonard Foujita and
others. Until Apr 6, ¥1,0001,800. 9am-4:30pm. 1285
Kozukayama, Sengokuhara,
Hakone-machi. Nearest stn:
Gora. www.polamuseum.or.jp
Rise 97
Setagaya Art Museum
Wrestle-1
Experimental Workshop.
Mixed media by young
avant-garde artists. Until Jan
26, ¥500-1,000. Ginko, Ryusei
and Reiko Kishida—Genealogy
of Innovative Spirit. Painting.
Feb 8-Apr 6, ¥500-1,200.
Open Tue-Sun10am-6pm,
closed Mon. 1-2 Kinutakoen, Setagaya-ku. Nearest
stn: Seijogakuenmae.
Tel: 03-3415-6011. www.
setagayaartmuseum.or.jp
Sports
BASKETBALL
National Basketball
League
Hitachi

Sunrockers vs.
Tsukuba Robots. Jan 25-26,
6pm, ¥1,000-2,000. Yoyogi
National Gymnasium.
Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.
Hitachi

Sunrockers vs.
Wakayama Trians. Feb 8,
6pm, ¥1,000-2,500. Sumida
City Gymnasium. Nearest stn:
Hitachi

Sunrockers vs.
Hyogo Storks. Feb 9, 3pm,
¥1,000-2,500. Sumida City
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:
Hitachi

Sunrockers vs.
Aisin Seahorses Mikawa. Feb
15-16, 6pm, ¥1,000-2,500. Ota
City General Gymnasium.
Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel:
03-5480-6688.
Jan 25, 5:20pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
PRO WRESTLING
Wrestling New Classic
Jan 30, 7pm, ¥3,000-7,000.
Shinjuku Face. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3419-0536.
Kaientai Dojo: Taka & Taichi
Jan 31, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Shinjuku Face. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3419-0536.
Jan 31, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Noah
Feb 3, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
All Japan
Feb 5, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Dragon Gate
Feb 6, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.
Chinese Spring Festival
Traditional performances,
acrobatics and lion dances. Jan
31-Feb 11, various times, free.
Yokohama Chinatown. Nearest
stn: Motomachi-chukagai.
Tel: 045-662-1252. www.
chinatown.or.jp/e
Setsubun Tsuina Festival
Annual ceremony of driving
out evil spirits. Feb 3, 7:30pm,
free. Chichibu Jinja. Nearest
stn: Kumagaya. Tel: 0494-220262. www.chichibu-jinja.or.jp
Setsubun Festival
Forums & Expos
Tokyo International Great
Quilt Festival
Fabric, needles and more. Until
Jan 29, 9:30am-6pm (opens
11am first day, closes 5:30pm
final day), ¥1,800 (adv)/ ¥2,000
(door). Tokyo Dome. Nearest
stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.tokyo-dome.
co.jp/e/quilt
Tableware Festival
Porcelain, dining accessories
and new trends. Feb
2-10, 10am-7pm (1st day
11am-7pm), ¥1,700 (adv)/
¥2,000 (door). Tokyo Dome.
Nearest stn: Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999.
www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/
tableware/22th/event
Music for Refugees
Feb 22, 1:35pm, ¥1,000-6,500.
National Olympic Stadium.
Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel:
042-342-8950.
TABLE TENNIS
Obayashi Cup
Mar 1, 11:30am, ¥1,800. Yoyogi
National Gymnasium. Nearest
stn: Meiji-Jingumae.
TENNIS
Asia League
Davis Cup: Japan vs.
Canada
Jan 31-Feb 2, 1pm, ¥1,50010,000. Ariake Colosseum.
Nearest stn: Ariake. Tel:
03-3529-3301
Thomas Sawada and T.E.A
in support of Refugees
International Japan. Jan 26
Sun, from 5:30pm. ¥2,000.
What the Dickens. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. http://meturl.com/
sawada2014
Charity Valentine Evening
Buffet supper, cocktails by
Suntory, Fuji Film and music
by Unnatural. Feb 3, 7-9pm.
¥3,000 (door). Gate Hotel.
Nearest stn: Asakusa. info@
refugeesinternationaljapan.
org http://meturl.com/
valref2014
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. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/
TokyoStitchandBitch
Telephone Counselor
Training Program Spring 2014
12-week program beginning
Feb. 8 and then every Tue
and Thu 9:30am-12:30pm
in Minami Aoyama. Online
training program also
available. For more info.
email: [email protected]
Learning
Burgundy Wine Seminar
Learn about Burgundy wines
and enjoy a gourmet dinner in
an international atmosphere.
Jan 25, 4pm, ¥10,980 (adv).
Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
frenchwinetasting@hotmail.
com. www.wineandcooking.
info/en/winetesting.html
Making The 47 Ronin
Manga
British manga artist Sean
Micheal Wilson describes
the creative process behind
making comic books. Jan 29,
7pm, free. Lakeland College.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3225-0425. www.lcjapan.
com/lectures
Salon de Kyoto
Chibagin Cup: JEF United
Chiba vs. Kashiwa Reysol
Fuji Xerox Super Cup:
Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs.
Yokohama F. Marinos
Burlesque models pose
for artstars and sketching
newbies alike with arty
socializing. Every third Wed,
7pm, ¥2,000 1d incl. Studio
& Space IVVA. Nearest stn:
Meiji-jingumae or Harajuku.
www.drsketchytokyo.
wordpress.com
Setsubun-sai
Plucking of bowstrings and
soybean spreading to dispel
evil spirits. Feb 3, 1pm, free.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Temple. Nearest stn:
Kamakura. Tel: 0467-220315. www.tsurugaokahachimangu.jp
FEB 8-APR 26
Dr. Sketchy's
Anti-Art School
Kyo no Omotenashi
Community
Feb 16, 2pm, ¥500-4,000.
Fukuda Arena. Nearest stn:
Soga. Tel: 043-208-5577.
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm, free,
The Pink Cow. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773.
[email protected]
Throw beans at evil spirits
ahead of the first day of spring.
Feb 3, all day, free. Kawasaki
Daishi Heikenji Temple.
Nearest stn: Kawasaki Daishi.
Tel: 044-266-3420. www.
kawasakidaishi.com
SOCCER
ICE HOCKEY
H.C.

Tochigi Nikko Icebucks
vs. High 1. Feb 8-9, 4pm,
¥1,000-3,600. Nikko Shimofuri
Ice Arena. Tel: 0288-53-5881.
Daruma doll festival. Jan
28, all day, free. TakahataFudoson Kongoji. 733
Takahata, Hino-shi.Nearest
stn: Takahata-Fudosan. www.
takahatafudoson.or.jp
Half-Fast Cyclists
Seminar about Kyoto culture.
Feb 4, 3pm, free, registration
required. Hotel Chinzanso
Tokyo. Nearest stn: Mejiro.
[email protected].
www.kyoaruki.jp
Learn basic furoshiki wrap
techniques. Feb 12, 2 & 7pm,
¥1,000. Marunouchi Café Seek.
Nearest stn: Nijubashimae.
[email protected].
www.marunouchicafe.com
Ice Rinks
FEB 8 (SAT), 2-5 PM
VedaPlus Valentine’s
Prediction
Vedaplus Valentine’s Palm
reading. Fee: ¥2,500.
Nearest stn: Azabujuban.
Tel: 03-6434-5448 or email:
info@vedaplus-motoazabu.
jp for reservation. http://
vedaplus-motoazabu.jp/
various times, various prices.
Venues across Tokyo. www.
kyoaruki.jp
TPAM in Yokohama
International platform for
performing arts of every
kind. Feb 8-16, various times,
various prices. Venues across
Yokohama. www.tpam.
or.jp/2014
Illuminations
Art Rink
Artistically designed outdoor
ice rink. Until Feb 23, Mon-Fri
1-10pm, Sat, Sun & hols
11am-10pm, ¥300-500, +skate
rental. Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Nearest stn:
Minatomirai. www.yokohamaakarenga.jp/artrink2013
Diner's Club Ice Rink
Blading in the heart of
Roppongi. Jan 9-Mar 9,
11am-10pm, ¥1,000 (elem
and under)/ ¥1,500 (gen).
Tokyo Midtown. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 0570-017154. http://meturl.com/
midskate2014
Sora x Niwa x Ice Park
Skating, churros, hot cocktails
and more. Until Mar 2, daily
11am-10pm, ¥1,800-5,500.
Matsuya Ginza rooftop, 3-6-1
Ginza, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn:
Ginza. www.soraxniwa.com/
ice201314
Toshimaen Rooftop
Ice Rink
On the ice in the sky. Until Mar
2, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat, Sun
& hols 10am-7:30pm, ¥500
(elem and under)/ ¥1,000 (gen)
+rental fee. Akasaka Sacas.
Nearest stn: Akasaka. http://
meturl.com/toshimaen2014
White Sacas Ice Garden
Enjoy the nearby
illuminations while skating.
Until Mar 2, Noon-9pm
Mon-Fri, 11am-9pm Sat-Sun &
hols, ¥500 (elem and under)/
¥1,000 (gen). Akasaka Sacas.
Nearest stn: Akasaka. http://
meturl.com/sakasice2014
Other Events
Blue Lights Symphony
Until Feb 14, daily from
5pm, free. Keyaki Hiroba,
Saitama Shintoshin. Nearest
stn: Saitama Shintoshin
www.saitama-arena.co.jp/
illumination2013
Marunouchi
Illuminations
Until Feb 16, daily from
5pm, free. Marunouchi area.
marunouchi.com
Tokyo Dome City Winter
Illumination
Until Feb 16, daily from 5pm,
free. Tokyo Dome City. Nearest
stn: Korakuen or Suidobashi.
www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/
illumination/2013
Jewellumination
Until Feb 16, daily from 4pm,
¥500-1,200. Yomiuriland.
Nearest stn: Yomiurilandmae.
www.yomiuriland.com
Oto to Hikari no
Omotenashi
Until Mar 2, daily from 5pm,
free. Akasaka Sacas. Nearest
stn: Akasaka. http://sacas.net
Night Venus - Light for
Wishing
Until Mar 16, daily from noon,
free. VenusFort. Nearest stn:
Aoumi. Tel: 03-3599-0700.
www.venusfort.co.jp/illumi
Winter Fantasy
Until Apr 9, daily from sunset,
free. Cosmo Clock 21, Cosmo
World. Nearest stn: Minato
Mirai. www.senyo.co.jp/
cosmo
Lake Sagami Illumillion
Kyoaruki in Tokyo 2014
Events, exhibits and free gifts
promoting Kyoto city as a
tourist destination. Feb 4-19,
Until Apr 13, daily from 5pm,
¥300-500. Sagamiko Resort
Pleasure Forest. Nearest stn:
Sagamiko. www.sagamikoresort.jp/illumillion
Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON
ROOM 237
A
nd here you thought Stanley Kubrick’s 1980
The Shining was just a movie. Hah! Actually,
upon its release, many thought it a rather
mediocre horror story, an underachievement for the genius director that had brought us 2001:
A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange and Dr. Strangelove. But the five obsessive cinephiles interviewed in
this unique essay-film by Rodney Ascher beg to differ,
preferring to think that the director was working on a
higher level and embedding little clues into the fabric
of the film. They, in turn, confidently advance interpretations of each continuity error or errant reflection to
come up with explanations that range from the vaguely
lucid to the outright batshit. One sees it as a statement on
the Holocaust, another a comment on the genocide of
the American Indians. Then there’s the subliminal message on twisted human sexuality, the hidden minotaurs,
numerology, carpet patterns and, my favorite, the director’s coded confession that he helped fake the Moon
landings. One guy suggested running the film simultaneously backward and forward to reveal astounding
secrets. None of them convinced me that their hidden
meanings were either meanings or hidden, but that’s not
to say it wasn’t great fun to watch. (104 min)
WE’RE THE MILLERS
NEW
ENDER’S GAME
NEW
Happy pot dealer (Jason Sudeikis) gets his inventory ripped off,
and to atone (and avoid death) he
must mule in “a smidge” of weed
from Mexico. Realizing that dorky
families in RVs rarely get hassled
at the border, he recruits a stripper (Jennifer Anniston, fine at 44) to be mom, along with a street
girl and a neglected teenage neighbor kid, to be the title decoy
family. Of course they inevitably bond, etc. In terms of originality or surprises, this one is all seeds and stems. But probably due
to low expectations, I had a few good yucks. Hardly a recommendation, but I’ve sat through far worse. (110 min)
Well, it’s a pre-teen war-gamer’s
perfect fantasy. Young Ender
Wiggin (Asa Butterfield—Hugo) is
forcibly recruited for his uniquely
aggressive video-game skills
(children are apparently more
intuitive) to defend Earth against
a second attack by these ant-like alien thingies. To me, having
not read the probably better kid-lit source material, this was
two hours of repetitive video-game-like training sequences
followed by repetitive video-game-like battle sequences,
interspersed with a lot of speechifying by Harrison Ford (also
Ben Kingsley in a cameo), and all to an intrusive, bombastic
score. Snore. (114 min)
THE SAPPHIRES
A quartet of '60s Aborig inal
amateurs singing C&W in the
outback is discovered by an
itinerant Irish keyboardist and
repurposed into a bootie-shakin’,
soul-sister sensation. A strange
thing happens with this film. See,
it’s full of flaws. Its momentum and story arc are repeatedly
sabotaged by its adhering too closely to the true story that
inspired it. Plot holes; cornball script. But this is all forgiven
when the girls start singing. These women got heart, and it
fairly spills off the screen. This sincere yet unpolished little
feelgooder makes you smile, and it makes me recommend it.
(99 min)
ONLY GOD FORGIVES
NEW
MUD
NEW
“A Ryan Gosling movie by the
visionary who directed him in
Drive? I have to see that,” you may
tell yourself. Resist. This joyless
corpse of a movie is a brutal,
meaningless, torture-porn tale
of underworld retribution whic
starts with the butchering of a Bangkok hooker and centers on a
sadistic, karaoke-loving, sword-wielding, Thai ex-cop who, we
are told, is a God surrogate. Mai dee! (It’s half in Thai.) Gosling’s
catatonic, and Kristin Scott Thomas’s risible mugging as a
foul-mouthed, drug-dealing mommy is plain risible. Worse, it’s
fatally dull. Couldn’t wait for the ugly thing to be over. (90 min)
Gotta hand it to Matthew
McConaughey for reinventing
himself and pulling out of the
dismal rom-com spiral he was
in. Dude can act. But that said,
the emotional heart of this highly
entertaining Southern Gothic
potboiler is young Tye Sheridan (The Tree of Life), who plays
a 14-year-old Arkansas river rat who befriends and abets a
fugitive hiding on a deserted island from the cops as well as
from some vicious, vengeful vigilantes. Add to that Reese
Witherspoon, Sam Shepard, Joe Don Baker and notably Jacob
Lofland as the dreamer Tye’s pragmatic foil, and you’ve got a
movie that Mark Twain would like. (130 min)
THE HUNGER GAMES:
CATCHING FIRE
This may be one of those rare
sequels that are better than the
first film. Katniss is finding her
victory in that film’s lethal Games
to be not without emotional scars,
considering that she had to kill 22
people to achieve it. Now she has been enlisted by the despotic
President Snow for a PR campaign to disabuse the oppressed
masses of the notion that she may represent rebellion. And she
has to enter another battle to the death, this time against an
all-star array of past winners. Not only did I like this one better,
its cliffhanger ending made me hungry for the next installment.
(146 min)
BEFORE MIDNIGHT
NEW
PAWN SHOP
CHRONICLES
NEW
I t ’s a m a z i n g , r e a l ly, R i c h a r d
Linklater’s unintentional triptych
of films chronicling a love affair
at nine-year intervals. Jesse and
Celine (Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy)
met at 23 in Vienna in 1995 in the
love-at-first-sight Before Sunrise,
which was meant to be a one-off. 2004’s Before Sunset was about
second chances, and this one about the realities of keeping love
alive. All three are talky but thoughtful and convincing. Best of
the three? Beside the point. They’re symbiotic. But the banter is
riskier and more real. You don’t watch these movies; you witness
them. Can’t wait for 2022. (108 min)
This has been called a “redneck
P ulp F iction,” but t hat i mpl ie s
wit and talent. Comprises three
wildly disparate yet intersecting
southern-fried vignettes. The first
involves bickering, strung-out meth
heads (including Paul Walker) that, rather unsurprisingly, blow
themselves up. The second has Matt Dillon viciously rescuing his
abducted wife from a twisted “collector,” played by Elijah Wood.
This is nothing but torture porn. The third is the pathetic story of
an Elvis impersonator (Brendan Fraser) who makes a deal with
the Devil. Overlong, extremely violent and just plain ugly. Skip it
twice, y’all. (112 min)
ESCAPE PLAN
The Italian Stallion and the
Governator both tanked in their
action comebacks ( Bullet to the
Head and The Last Stand ). This
tag-team nonsense is about what
you’d expect from the inevitable,
market-mandated pairing of the
two (unless you expect surprises). Sly’s a professional escaper
from prisons, you know, to check their security. His latest job
turns out to be a set-up, and he’s stuck in a comically secure
CIA facility. Shwa-chan’s the savvy inmate he recruits to form
an (see title). Yes, I know it’s just stupid fun, but although I was
never a fan, don’t these two action icons deserve something
better? (115 min)
ROOM 237: ASMIK ACE; WE’RE THE MILLERS: ©2013 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; ONLY GOD FORGIVES: © 2012 : SPACE ROCKET NATION, GAUMONT & WILD BUNCH; BEFORE MIDNIGHT: Ⓒ BEFORE MIDNIGHT INC,PHOTO BY DESPINA SPYROU.; ENDER’S GAME: © 2013 SUMMIT
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; MUD: © 2012, NECKBONE PRODUCTIONS, LLC.; PAWN SHOP CHRONICLES: © 2013 PAWN SHOP CHRONICLES, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE SAPPHIRES: © 2012 THE SAPPHIRES FILM HOLDINGS PTY LTD, SCREEN AUSTRALIA, GOALPOST
PICTURES.; THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE: © 2013 LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT INC. ALL RIGHTS.; ESCAPE PLAN: © 2013 SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; KILLING SEASON: ©2013 PROMISED LAND PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.;INSIDIOUS:
CHAPTER 2: © 2013 ALLIANCE FILMS (UK) DEVELOPMENT LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; PLANES: ©2013 DISNEY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.: GRAVITY: ©2013 WARNER BROS.ENTERTAINMENT INC.; THE BLING RING: ©2013 SOMEWHERE ELSE, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; EIGA: ©
RYUTARO NAKAGAWA & TOKYO NEW CINEMA; MOVIE NEWS: KEVIN MCGUE; CINEMATIC UNDERGROUND: © PARAMOUNT PICTURES.
KILLING SEASON
A US Army vet (Robert De Niro) who
retired after a shattering tour in the
Balkans and a Serbian war criminal
(John Travolta, more convincing in
Hairspray) meet in the Appalachian
woods to settle an old score mano a
mano by hunting each other with
bows and arrows. Not making this up. The tables are repeatedly
turned, with each getting opportunities to torture and torment
the other with things like lemonade waterboarding and, worse,
endless speechifying. This latter is especially silly in Travolta’s
Boris-and-Natasha accent, which is eeneeshally jost fonny but
soon gets eeratatink. Skippable brutality. (90 min)
INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2
I mildly praised 2010’s Insidious for
a few genuine scares and a relative
lack of gore. Now this unwarranted
sequel picks up where the first film
left off (with dad returning from
the “other side” with his rescued
son) and proceeds to run it into the
ground. I take back the mild praise. Should you still be awake
by the second half, you’ll be subjected to a shameless, nearly
incoherent, suspense-free jumble of rambling flashbacks, chronological inconsistencies and frequent generic “boo!” moments. At
the much-anticipated ending, it has the nerve to hint at a second
sequel, which I’ll skip. (106 min)
eiga
PLASTIC LOVE STORY
By Rob Schwartz
I
feel it’s the mission of this column to search
out lesser-known filmmakers in Japan if
they show promise and creativity. Ryutaro
Nakagawa fits the bill perfectly. This twentysomething auteur is part of the Tokyo New
Cinema collective, which is revitalizing Japanese film without the backing of any studio. His
feature debut, Calling, won the Best Cinematography prize at the Boston International Film
Festival last year. Now he follows up with Plastic
Love Story, in which he continues to depict the
everyday issues and emotional troubles of Japanese youth. His style is both lyrical and powerful, and his new work is a triptych that portrays the struggles
of three unrelated young women. Eri is worried she's pregnant when she gets handed a videotape of a former
classmate who committed suicide and visits their now-abandoned high school. Another character, Rina,
isn’t feeling any affection from her boyfriend when she suddenly meets Toru, a janitor busy taking care of his
senile grandmother. Finally, Kanae is miserable in the small town by the sea where she lost her brother, until
she meets Kiyoshi. With his finger on the pulse of the current generation, Nakagawa’s stories are told with
beautiful cinematography and emotive power. (124 min)
movie news
PLANES
A bored little crop duster in, as we
are unnecessarily told, the “world
of Cars,” dreams of being a highpowered air racer, and by golly, if
he's just true to himself and follows
his dream, he can do it! Gag. Just
shoot me. It’s hard to remember a
more formulaic, autopilot-directed piece of kiddie crap. And then
there’s the rampant cultural stereotyping. It gets worse. The main
character in this toddler toon is voiced by slimeball comedian
Dane Cook! What were they thinking? This soulless, non-Pixar,
DisneyToon cash-grab seems more interested in creating toys
than a memorable movie. I’ll skip the sequel. (92 min)
GRAVITY
In a stunning update of the classic
shipwreck narrative, space-walking
astronauts Sandra Bullock and
G e o r g e C l o o n e y a re l ite r a l ly
knocked for a loop when space
debris destroys their shuttle, the ISS
and any means of returning to Earth.
More Kubrick than Cameron, this weightless, true-science ballet
from Alfonso Cuaron is elemental, immersive and awesome. It
joins Avatar and Hugo in justifying the overused and abused 3D
treatment. Yet as it floated toward its wildly improbable ending, I
was torn between wanting more character development, so I could
care, and a 2001-like minimalism. Big screen, please. Japanese title:
Zero Gravity. (90 min)
THE BLING RING
Sofia Coppola’s social commentary, sort of, on today’s obsessive
celebrity culture. Based on a reallife quartet of vapid, entitled L.A.
highschool girls and a gay boy
who would determine through
social media when Paris, Lindsay,
Miranda or Orlando would be away from home, break in and
steal pretty things. While it’s nicely filmed and well acted, it soon
grows repetitive. Its glaring drawback is having to spend an hour
and a half in the presence of these useless, self-absorbed brats. It’s
depressing. Interesting for a bit but ultimately a narratively static
satire as forgettable as its victims. (87 min)
F
ollowing up on his film Drive, which was
a relative commercial success for an
arthouse fim, director Nicolas Winding
Refn reteamed with star Ryan Gosling. Rather
than turn out more of the same, the duo decided
to return to a project they had set aside, Only
God Forgives, which has polarized critics and
audiences with its extreme violence and spiritual themes. “After Lou Reed had the success
of Transformer, he came out with Metal Machine
Music, which was so completely different,” Refn
told Metropolis during a recent trip to Tokyo.
“After Drive, I said I am going to make my Metal Machine Music.” Gosling plays an American running a boxing
gym in Thailand. When his criminal brother is killed by a police lieutenant, crime boss mom (Kristin Scott
Thomas, playing against type) shows up to settle the score. “Bangkok is the number one key factor for the
story,” Refn explains. “By day it is very westernized, but by night it becomes very Asian. It's almost like it is
a werewolf.” Having made films in his native Denmark, the US and Thailand, does Refn plan to ever film in
Japan? “I have always wanted to make a film in Tokyo,” the filmmaker says. “I am just searching for the right
story to fit the city.” Only God Forgives opens January 25. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
“
Blondes make the best victims,” said
Alfred Hitchcock. “They're like virgin snow that shows up the bloody
footprints.” The director liked his fair-haired
actresses, and now the ongoing Screen Beauties
series presents a trio of Hitchcock blondes at
Shinjuku Picadilly (3-15-15 Shinjuku, Shinjukuku; www.shinjukupiccadilly.com) starting
January 25. Grace Kelly plays a vacationing
socialite romanced by Cary Grant in To Catch a
Thief (1955), Tippi Hedren bleaches her locks as
a disguise as the kleptomaniac Marnie (1964), and
obsessed Jimmy Stewart transforms Kim Novak into a blonde in Vertigo (1958; pictured). www.screenbeauties.
com… One of South Korea’s highest grossing films of all time is coming to Tokyo. The comedy Miracle in Cell No.7,
screening from January 25 at Ginza’s Cine Switch (4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku ; www.cineswitch.com) tells the story of a
mentally-challenged man who's wrongfully imprisoned with hardened criminals who help the man reunite with
his daughter by smuggling the girl into the jail...The hardboiled newspaper reporter wasn't limited to American
film noir, also showing up in the Jiken Kisha series of Japanese crime reporter movies (1959-66) running through
March 9 at Laputa in Asagaya (2-12-21 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku; www.laputa-jp.com/laputa/). KM
Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only.
Dining Out THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY
local flavors
UKAI-TEI & KEYAKIZAKA
Two top-tier Tokyo teppanyaki treats
By Yukari Sakamoto
O
utside Japan, partaking of teppanyaki meals (literally,
“g r i l l i ng on a n i ron
plate”) can mean a
gaudy show. A chef juggles his
pepper grinder, offers up wisecracks and tosses food into the
air. Diners are grouped with
strangers around the cook at a
U-shaped grill and the nature
of dining with those you don’t
know often makes for an awkward evening. If that has been your
experience, then you may be hesitant
to give it a try in Japan. Don’t be. Here teppanyaki is a respected culinary style. Most times
you'll have your own private chef, and the energy is
focused on drawing out the flavors from the ingredients with a menu that changes seasonally rather
than on a BeniHana two-step. At different ends of
the spectrum, Keyakizaka at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo
and Ukai-tei in Ginza offer two takes on teppanyaki
in Tokyo.
COURTESY OF GRAND HYATT TOKYO
signature dish, steamed under a mountain
of salt until tender.
The tender Ukai wagyu is richly
marbled with fat, cut into bite-size
cubes and served with thinsliced garlic the chef skillfully
cooks into chips and freshly
cracked black pepper. It pairs
perfectly with the garlic rice.
The wine list leans toward the
French, which is actually perfect for the cuisine—and these
classical European dishes work surprisingly well with teppanyaki.
On weekdays, lunch guests are escorted to
a lounge where a dessert wagon is rolled up with
pastries including classic sweets like macaroons,
sables, caramels, marshmallows and petit fours.
This is the ideal time to order a glass of brandy,
cancel any afternoon plans and reflect on the state
of teppanyaki today—far from the knife clatter
and salt-n-pepper shaker percussion of western
imitations.
COURTESY OF GINZA UKAI-TEI
GINZA UKAI-TEI
A
thick, red carpet welcomes diners into
Ginza Ukai-tei’s grand entrance, guarded
by two stately silverware soldiers. Guests
are then transported back in time as they
enter the exquisitely furnished welcome room.
Glamorous and over the top (in a good way), the
museum-like space hosts pieces by René Lalique
and Emille Galle. Even if you don’t know these
artists, you’ll be struck by their works’ timeless
craftsmanship.
While luxuriating at Ukai-tei be sure to request
a private room, at no extra charge. The intimate
COURTESY OF GINZA UKAI-TEI
experience of dining
VIP-style with just your
friends and the chef is
arguably the only way
to celebrate a special
occasion.
The menu at Ukaitei is not strictly teppan
grill, as it includes classic European cuisine
with dishes like smoked
salmon and consommé.
The steamed abalone is a
J/E Menu in Japanese & English
Lunch from ¥6,830, dinner from ¥16,800
All nonsmoking
Request a private room for the VIP treatment
Luxurious environment
May be expensive for some
Jitsushin Bldg. 5-15-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Lunch: Mon-Fri noon-2pm, Sat-Sun & hols
11:30am-3pm. Dinner: 5-9pm
www.ukai.co.jp/english/ginza/index.html
KEYAKIZAKA
T
he first thing to capture your attention in
this Michelin-starred restaurant on the
fourth floor of Roppongi Hills is the wide
selection of vegetables behind the long,
iron grill. This time of year, various root vegetables,
mushrooms and kabocha (squash) are some of
what you’ll see. Their names are spelled out in Japanese, but ask your chef and he can tell you they are
in English.
The course starts with foie gras, seared on the
teppan grill and served with caramelized figs and
a sweet ba lsa m ico
COURTESY OF GRAND HYATT TOKYO
sauce. The kinmedai
(alfonsino) and seasonal vegetables are
tied up in what appears
to be plast ic w rap,
heated directly on the
grill—a dramatic presentation. When the
bag is opened after
cooking, the fish has
infused the vegetables
with an ocean aroma
that wafts over the
table.
The kuroge wagyu
(Japanese Black beef),
while streaked with
fat, is still a very succu lent cut. Gr i l led
BITES
Dining Out
Lunch from ¥4,000, dinner from ¥17,000
All nonsmoking except private room
Private room for up to six, but big counter is
more dramatic
Unique use of sauces
Can be difficult to find
Grand Hyatt Tokyo 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, dinner 6-9:30pm
http://tokyo.grand.hyatt.jp/en/hotel/dining/
Keyakizaka.html
T
F
hose Rorscach-like QR codes seem set
to join the fax machine as a technology
embraced in Japan but left behind by the
rest of the world. Even with the mass migration to
smart phones, the checkered squares are everywhere, as evidenced by the QR code menu at Glass
Dance (6-1-23 Roppongi, Minato-ku. 03-34756078). Never again will you feel pressured to make
up your mind quickly as the waiter hovers over
you. Download a free app, Znap, to your device,
scan the code off your order and the waiter will
have it to your table in a flash. They claim it’s the
first of its kind in Japan.
rench may be the language of love, but chocolate needs no translation in any tongue. As
the chocolate options proliferate with the
approach of Valentine’s Day, even fast food outlets
are jumping on the bandwagon, with burger chain
Lotteria doing a tie-up with Lotte’s Ghana chocolate
brand. Grab the new tsuke-pote (¥340) and you’ll
get a box of medium fries accompanied by a pouch
of warm chocolate dip that you can then squeeze
into an edible cookie container. We were skeptical
to say the least. Having tried it, we wouldn’t recommend it alongside a bacon cheeseburger, but it goes
surprisingly well with a hot cup of java. Available
until mid-February at participating Lotteria
restaurants.
string beans
care bears
T
ired of constantly being asked the question:
“Can you eat natto?” Next time, throw them
for a loop by telling them that you not only
eat the stuff but like it absolutely gooey. Gadget
maker Takara Tomy Arts has developed the Rosanjin Natto Pot (¥2,200), to help you with the process
of mixing the pungent beans to stringy perfection.
The mixer is named after the potter who helped
popularize Japanese ceramics with Westerners and
who liked his fermented soy beans served just so.
Pop in your natto and start turning the hand crank.
After 305 turns, a hatch will automatically pop up.
Pour in a bit of soy sauce and get back at it. After 424
whirls, it will pop up again and you're good to go.
There are two settings, which we're going to translate as "super sticky" and "mega sticky." On sale Feb
6. www.meturl.com/nattomaker
COURTESY OF SHIKOKU KAKOKI CO., LTD
J/E Menu in Japanese & English
take a dip
COURTESY OF TAKARA TOMY ARTS, CO. LTD
with eggplant and bell pepper, the
steak is cut into slices and served
with two sauces, goma (sesame)
and tomato. The dish that follows
is uni (sea urchin) grilled with rice
and decorated with nori and a fried
quail’s egg. The uni lost some of its
supple texture when cooked, but
was still extravagant.
Watching the chef create each
dish contributes as much to the
sensory experience as the simple
but mouthwatering tastes—one
of the true pleasures of teppanyaki. Before grilling each serving,
he presents the ingredients, like a
sommelier the first sip of wine, and
only then does preparation begin.
Keyakizaka offers a selection of mostly
New World wines, with many biodynamic
or organic selections. From the short list of
nihonshu, we chose the rich Kuro Obi Yamahai
Junmaishu (¥2,100) to complement the lunch.
Our meal ends with the chef caramelizing
a strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry clafoutis (a crustless, flan-like tart) with a cooking
torch. We were then escorted to a lounge area
to finish with dessert and a coffee.
It’s a creative and international take on
teppanyaki with flavors absorbed into this traditional Japanese cuisine from all over the world.
The restaurant is a bit hard to find so allow some
time to get lost—your efforts will be rewarded.
bar code
S
ince kyaraben (character bento) are getting
a lot of international media attention, many
parents are now tempted to join in the fun.
However, creating all those cute and edible characters requires great skill, not to mention time.
Shikoku Kakoki has come to the rescue of parents
who want to make dishes that are easy to do, visually appealing to their kids and healthy. They’ve
come up with Rilakkuma Goyururi Kinutofu:
small, portion-sized tofu blocks with the popular
bear’s face imprinted on the bottom. Pop them
on a salad for instant cuteness or pour on some
soy sauce to make the features more prominent.
Comes in a set of four 80g blocks (¥168) with different face designs on each. That adds up to five
smiling faces—if you count your kid’s.
www.shopping-satonoyuki.com
GORGEOUS BAR &LOUNGE
CONVENIENT STANDING CASH-BAR AREA
SELECTED ALCOHOL & FOOD FROM ¥500
Enjoy various events on Friday!
All events start: 8pm and no entry fee.
• P.C.M. HOT FESTA in Jan
Provide special hot drinks and hot food for making you hot!!!
• 1/10(FRI)CIROC NEW YEAR PARTY
DJ: LAVA & MORE
• 1/17（FRI）POMMERY NIGHT FRENCH FRIDAY
DJ: TADAHISA SHINKAWA & MORE
• 1/22（WED）kind of night
Craft Beer
DJ: LAVA VJ: adachi
from
•1/24(FRI) REALSOUND of HEARTLAND
¥500
GUEST DJ COMING!
* Performers and event might change
1F Tokia Tokyo Bldg, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.
Nearest stations: Tokyo or Yurakucho. Open: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Tea 2:30-5pm,
Dinner (Mon-Fri) 5pm-4am LO 3:30am, (Weekends and hols.) 5pm-11pm LO 10pm
☎ 03-5222-1251www.miyoshi-grp.com/cardinal/pcm
Roppongi's famous
Chinese eatery
Order 3 Tsingtao beers,
and get 1 free. Post a photo
of the restaurant on Facebook,
and get 1 free Tsingtao. (3 people max.)
Open 24 hours • 180 people max for parties
Roppongi:
2F Court Annex Roppongi,
3-2-13 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku.
Akasaka:
B1F Floral Plaza
Bldg, 3-8-8 Akasaka,Minato-ku.
03-5414-5708 03-6234-9788
Visit our website for info on other Chinese Cafe Eight locations
[email protected] | www.chinesecafe8.com
For the cost of postage get Metropolis
on your doorstep—and have ransom
note material for decades.
http://metropolis.co.jp/subscription
The majority of classified ads have moved online!
NOTE:
PRINTED
CLASSIFIEDS!
CLASSIFIEDS
Metropolis and its subsequent Classifieds section are printed every other week.
The upcoming publication dates and corresponding deadlines for print are
as follows. This does not affect the online Classifieds, where ads are visible
immediately after they are approved.
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
1.1 HEALTH
KIMISHIMA DENTAL OFFICE,
MINAMI-AZABU, MINATO-KU,
TOKYO. English-speaking
dentist, 3min from Hiroo stn,
specializing in both cosmetic
a n d g e n e ra l d e n t i s t r y.
State-of-the-art facility and
friendly staff. Special offer for
Metropolis readers: 30% off
dental check-up. 03-6277-4217
http://kimi-dental-office.com/
O N LY C U T Z O N E s a l o n
provides a hair cut
service for only
¥1000. 5min walk from
K i t a - S e n j u s t n . Fr i e n d l y
English-speaking staf f is
av a i l a b l e . C o n t a c t u s a t
03-3882-1550. Open from
10am until 7pm , 7 days a
week. http://meturl.com/
onlycutzone
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NAKAMARU
D ENTAL ,
LO C AT E D I N
YOKOHAMA ,
provides
g e n e r a l
dentistry, esthetic dentistry,
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or thodontic s by a UC LAtrained and certified dentist.
30min from Shinagawa and
Shibuya. nakamar-@cameo.
plala.or.jp www.nakamarudental.jp/english/ 045-6813359
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy)
c a r e i n H i r o o .
Native Engli sh - speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
post-operative rehabilitation,
back /ne ck pain , running
related, headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations
and women’s health. www.
tokyophysio.com 03-34436769
ACUPUNCTURE, SHIATSU,
MOXIBUSTION. Professional
acupuncture treatments
offered by licensed
(Australia and Japan)
acupuncturist. Acupuncture
is effective for backache,
tight shoulders, sciatica,
headache, stomach
problems, depression,
colds and flu, high blood
pressure, tinnitus, insomnia,
gynecological problems. Call
Lynette at 090-5495-4936.
CHEAPEST, QUICKEST AND
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Ask how you can receive
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1.4 TRAVEL
N A R I TA A I R P O R T C A R /
MINIVAN TRAN SFER
SERVICE. Cheaper than a
taxi. English-speaking driver.
Meet and greet. Free baby
seat. Luggage assistance.
Dependable-Safe-Easy-Quick
Airport Transfer Service. BOOK
NOW! Email Reservation@
To k yo A i r p o r t e r. c o m .
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1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
2 FIND A PLACE
U S AN D JAPAN E S E TA X
SERVICES. Planning a job
switch? Best time to leave
Japan? Tax impact on a
potential investment? We can
comment on both sides. No
charge for initial consultation.
E x p a t Ta x J a p a n . w w w.
expattaxjapan.com.
[email protected].
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI
(next to Tokyo), member
o f t h e Yo ko h a m a B a r
Association. Legal service in
English for traffic accidents,
divorce, inheritance,
bankruptcy, business cases
(contracts, establishing a
company, trademarks, etc.)
and other legal problems.
http://www.sumikawa.net/
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
h a n d l e s yo u r v i s a c a s e .
P e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n c y,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
LI FE (M i h o Fu j i b aya s h i).
Tel: 090-8330-0670 Email:
[email protected] Website:
http://officelife.jp/en/
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists
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Deadline:
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FRI, FEB 7
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1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
SMILE STAND: Japan’s first and
only stylish rental photo booth.
An exciting addition to any party,
event, etc., and the best way to
get crazy, fabulous, professional
photos. With this ad ¥55,000~.
[email protected]
https://vimeo.com/44976943
www.smile-stand.com
THINKING
ABOUT
ADVERTISING WITH
M ETRO P O LI S ? Platinum
¥28,928. Gold ¥23,940. Silver
¥18,953. Bronze ¥2000.
Printed photos +¥2000/
photo. Prices are for one print
issue, two weeks online. For
details, contact commercial@
metropolis.co.jp.
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
F O N TA N A , e s t a b l i s h e d
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I C H I G AYA G R E E N C O R P.
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trees, small Japanese
garden, 5min walk
from subway station,
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I C H I I C O R P O R AT I O N .
Over 600 affordable,
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system, full English support.
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MODERN,
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A
N
D
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CENTRAL
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featuring amenities such as a
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English support. Call us at
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P R I VAT E F U R N I S H E D
A P A R T M E N T S .
Odakyu line: MukogaokaYuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae,
20/30min from Shinjuku.
Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,
15min from Shinagawa.
1K~2LDK ¥58,000/
m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 0449 3 3 -7 0 0 0 E m a i l : m h @
minowagroup.jp w w w.
minowagroup.jp/
minowahomes
S E RVI C E D A PA RTM E NT S
in a quiet residential area of
Hiroo. Studios and suites. 4min
from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily
¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/day.
Monthly ¥5900-/day. Over
three months ¥4950-/day. Tax,
utilities included. frontdesk@
azabucour t .com www.
azabucourt.com/ 03-3446-8610
FRI, FEB 21
RO PP O N G I/K AM IYA- C H O,
5 2 s q m , d i r e c t f r o m o w n e r.
Fourth-floor 1LDK+SIC, 2min from
Roppongi-Itchome, 7min from
Kamiyacho stn, brand-new interior,
w/new furniture, two aircon, mist
s a u n a , w a s h l e t ¥ 1 8 0 ,0 0 0/m .
No agent fee, etc. Call Pham at
0 8 0 - 5 0 4 2- 8 5 97. p h a m 5 4 5 4 @
yahoo.co.jp
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT, NO KEY
MONEY, NO AGENT FEE. Private
one-room apartment, w/loft, small
kitchen, unit bathroom, walking
distance to Yayoidai stn, Sotetsu
line, easy access to Yokohama and
Totsuka stn ¥45,000. Private rental.
[email protected]
2.5 PLACE WANTED
American college student seeking
homestay in exchange for language
lessons. Hi! I am a college student
coming to Tokyo and would like to
find a short-term homestay family. In
exchange, I can give English lessons.
Please email me. [email protected]
Room to sublet. Female European
professional, 30, tidy and respectful,
is seeking to sublet a room in a fully
furnished apartment in central Tokyo.
[email protected]
2.6 BUY/SELL PREMISES
TIRED OF
PAYIN G
R E N T ?
Minato Asset
Management
Co., Ltd. can
help you find
properties, get a mortgage,
permanent visa, etc.
Diversified income
properties also available.
m u k a i @ m i n a to - a m . c o m
090-4123-1025 03-557982779 www.realestate minato.com
3 EDUCATION
3.4 ENGLISH TEACHERS
ENGLISH LESSONS FOR CHILDREN
AND ADULTS. Ten years of teaching
experience, M.A. in Psychology and
Music, w/teaching certificate from
the UK, British-born Japanese. I'll
add motivational activities for each
lesson. ¥2000-¥4000/h (group or
private). [email protected]
3.5 LANGUAGE
EXCHANGE
Bengali and Japanese. Indian Bengali
or Bangladeshi Bengali speaker needed
for language exchange. I'm a JF. I don't
care if you don't speak E or J, as my
survival Bengali somehow works for
that. Females only, please. mhih999@
gmail.com
Chinese and English. Hi, I'm a
Taiwanese girl seeking a Chn/E
exchange. [email protected]
Danish, German, Japanese. Hej
and 'N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes
and Germans to help her with
languages in Tokyo/Kanagawa
through fun conversations over
cups of coffee or just hanging out.
Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred.
[email protected]
To advertise in Metropolis, log on
at www.metropolis.co.jp/classifieds
or email your commercial ads to
[email protected].
Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or
items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.
Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings.
#1035• WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
English and Japanese. JF, mid-30s,
seeking a language exchange partner,
M/F ok. My English level is advancedintermediate. I'm available after
work on weekdays or on weekend
afternoons in the Yokohama area.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Japanese, 21. I
can't speak E well, but I want to be able
to speak E. I'll teach you J, so can you
teach me E in exchange? Denentoshi
line between Eda and Futako.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. I'm a native
English speaker looking to improve
my Japanese and make new friends.
I hope to help you with your English.
No obatarians or Roppongi gals need
apply. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Group
language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.
Most members are 20s and 30s. We
switch languages every 30min. Fun
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi. I just
moved to Tokyo from Hawaii. Hoping
to meet a fun person to exchange J
and E. I'm 35 and very genki! Let's meet
in a cafe or bar and have fun! Mahalo.
[email protected]
French, English, Japanese. Seeking
weekly Japanese lessons in exchange
for my native French, or English (I lived
in the UK). I'm a girl. Mostly available
during the week. Feel free to contact
me. Cheers. [email protected]
English and Japanese. I'm seeking a
language exchange partner, preferably
an American, 26-38, in or near Ichikawa
City. I'm a JF translator, 36. gk24vbn8@
gmail.com
Fre nc h , Engli sh , Japane se .
Frenchman seeking a language
exchange partner to improve his
Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E in
return. Beginners/advanced welcome.
Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and
interests. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi! I am a
native English speaker, 27, living in
Tokyo, seeking a Japanese person
to help me with my Japanese in the
Shibuya, Jiyugaoka, Nakameguro or
Futako-Tamagawa area. r_andom@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Want to do
an E/J diary exchange by email? I'm
seeking someone to give me feedback
to improve my Japanese. In return, I can
check some of your writing in E. Lots of
experience! [email protected]
English and Japanese. British man,
Kanagawa or Tokyo, seeks Japanese
for language exchange, friendship.
Prefer university educated partner.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. A native
Japanese speaker is seriously seeking
a native English language exchange
partner in Tokyo. mauvette24@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. UK female,
elementary level, needs help with
reading Twitter and Line. Let's meet
once/week in Osaki or Gotanda. I
am an English teacher, so can help
you with your English. Thanks.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. English chap
seeking regular J/E language exchange
on weekdays during the day in the
Shonan area, preferably near Tsujido
stn. Any age, M/F ok. squareblades@
yahoo.com
English and Japanese. Japanese
male, 41, seeks a native English
speaker for E/J exchange. I like music
and am interested in vegetarianism
and meditation. Let's help each other
and have some fun. blackstar777@
mail.goo.ne.jp
English and Japanese. Hi, JF, 22,
seeks language exchange with a native
English speaker. cnblue_na8cw@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Japanese
seeks friends from foreign countries
between Soka and Takenozuka for
language exchange. Let's talk over
coffee. Friendship only. No sexual
emails, please. language_exchange3@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. I'm a JF living
in Tokyo seeking a serious language
partner around Shibuya, Ebisu,
Daikanyama or Ikebukuro. My English
level is beginner. It would be great if we
could meet once/week. kishizakisan@
gmail.com
English and Japanese. Welleducated single black American guy,
35, 180cm, seeking E/J language
exchange. Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Black
American male, 32, seeks Japanese
for language exchange. povic2010@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Do you
want to improve your translation or
interpretation skills? Canadian, 40-ish,
seeking a language partner. Let's help
each other with our language skills
over tea. Let's meet in Ikebukuro,
Shinjuku or Nerima. tarry2@hotmail.
com
French, English, Russian, Spanish.
Hello, I'm a Japanese man, 20s, living
in Tokyo, seeking someone who I can
practice E, Fr, Sp, Rus with. I'd be glad
to help you improve your Japanese.
Please feel free to contact me.
[email protected]
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
Indonesian and Japanese. Japanese
female, 40, seeks Indonesian for
language exchange. Shinjuku,
Sangenjaya, Shimokitazawa or Kyodo.
Sat or Sun. [email protected]
Italian and Japanese. Japanese
female seeks Italian, 30s, M/F, for
language exchange and friendship. I
am an absolute beginner. Will help you
with your Japanese. japaneseitalian@
gmail.com
Thai, Japanese, English. Looking
forward to meeting anyone who lives in
the Tokyo area for language exchange,
cafe, hanging out and traveling
together sometimes. I'm Thai, male,
professional career, easygoing and
fun. [email protected]
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
EDUCATION
N E V E R
EN D S . Take
courses like
Counseling,
Aging and
Beyond,
Exploring the Japanese
Mindset, Webpage Design,
Japanese to English
Tr a n s l a t i o n , A m e r i c a n
Flower Arranging,
International Negotiations,
Magazine Article Writing,
PowerPoint Presentations,
Japanese/ Western Art,
Korean Language, Business
Wri t i n g , C u rre n t I s s u e s ,
English language courses at
Lakeland College Japan, an
American branch campus in
Shinjuku, starting Jan 29
(evenings/Sat). 03-322 5 0425 opencollege@japan.
lakeland.edu http://www.
lcjoc.com
3.9 TEACH ME!
S E E K I N G E N G L I S H T E AC H E R .
Hi, I’m seeking an English teacher
because my current teacher will
be leaving Tokyo soon. Place:
S t a r b u c k s o r Tu l l y ’s a r o u n d
Tama-Plaza. Fee: ¥3000/h. Day: Sat
or Sun. [email protected]
English lessons. JM, 33, seeks native
English teacher for ¥1500/h around the
Odakyu line. [email protected]
English teacher sought to teach my
kids on a daily basis, one-two hours at
a time. Nearest station is Nishi-Kasai,
Tozai line. I can pay around ¥1000/h.
[email protected]
English teacher sought by man, 26,
living in the Shinjuku area. I can pay you
¥1500/h. I want to study at a cafe for
two hours, once/week. splendidcram@
mail.goo.ne.jp
Indonesian teacher sought to teach
beginner Indonesian to me (Japanese
female, 30s). Nearest station is Kyodo,
Odakyu line. I can pay ¥1000/h.
[email protected]
Seeking Geman teacher. Could you
please teach me German on weekends
at a coffee shop near Shibuya/
Omotesando/Daikanyama? hiroko_
[email protected]
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE &
FITTINGS
Chair, rocking, Chinese, handmade,
wooden, w/footrest, crane carving on
backrest ¥10,000. Machida. bundt.l.l@
gmail.com
Table, wooden, w/two chairs ¥5000.
Delivery possible. [email protected]
Table, coffee, wooden ¥5000. Pick
up Hon-Komagome or delivery can be
arranged. [email protected]
4.2 APPLIANCES
Fridge, '01, in good working condition
¥8000. Narimasu. mizi2005@hotmail.
com
Fridge, GE, small, 45L ¥5000. Delivery
possible. [email protected]
Fridge, National NR-B12JA, 41L + 81L
(480x1070x586mm), medium-sized
¥9000. Pick up Sangenjaya or pay
for delivery. [email protected]
09099716422
Heater, Delonghi, oil, in very good
condition ¥13,000. Pick up central
Tokyo or pay for delivery. mizi2005@
hotmail.com
Laminator, used once ¥3900.
Film (A4 and A3) ¥3900.
[email protected]
Microwave, Sharp, in great condition,
very clean ¥5000. Pick up Tokyo
area. Photos available. acapulco58@
hotmail.com
Vacuum, Hitachi PV-SL1, '08, stand,
compact ¥2500. Pick up or pay for
delivery (Kanto area only). union-v@
hotmail.co.jp
Vacuum, Dyson ¥3000. hatoh16@
gmail.com
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Dishes, bowls, mugs,
glasses from ¥50/each. Hand blender
¥1500. Light blue curtain ¥800. Plastic
shoe rack, ironing board ¥500/each.
Humidifier ¥1000. Pick up Tokyo
area. Details and photos available.
[email protected]
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
DVD player, basic, in great condition
¥3000. Pick up Tokyo area. Photos
available. [email protected]
LCD TV, Aquos LC32D10 ¥25,000. Pick
up only Shinjuku. cgarciadelasanta@
hotmail.com
4.6 FOR KIDS
Baby items. Maclaren stroller
¥10,000. Universal stroller step
¥2000. Baby toys ¥2000. Baby seat
bath ¥1000. Wooden toy ¥1000. Car
seat ¥6000. Baby bag ¥2000. Recettes
pour bébé ¥1000. Potty ¥1000. paula.
[email protected]
Baby items. Changing table, bouncer,
sling, booster seat, etc. Details, photos
available. [email protected] sites.
google.com/site/jai0424
Child seat, as new, used only a few
times ¥7000. [email protected]
4.7 FOR FREE
Analog TV 14", Aiwa, w/remote and
manual; office chair. Pick up Tokyo area.
[email protected]
Wet suit, Scuba Pro, fits 180cm, used
twice in Japan, kept inside and covered,
only dive in tropical climate and have
my shortie. Nishi-Nippori, JR Yamnote
or Chiyoda subway. realtd@operamail.
com
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
Digital camera, Canon Powershot
S50, in excellent condition, w/all cables,
battery, instructions ¥2000/obo.
Details, photos available. jai0424@
gmail.com sites.google.com/site/
jai0424
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Punching pole, good for ages 14-18
¥5000. Can deliver within Tokyo.
[email protected]
Rugby balls, Canterbury, training, size
4, two available, require inflation or can
inflate, brand new ¥1000/obo. jai0424@
gmail.com sites.google.com/site/jai0424
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Acoustic-electric guitar, Epiphone
PR5-E, vintage sunburst color, in very
good condition, w/case ¥19,000. Pick
up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line.
[email protected]
Electronic drums, Roland V-Drums
TD-9, great for quiet practice, one y/o,
hardly used, in great condition, w/HH
stand, double kick pedal, drum stool
¥120,000. Photos available. earth_
[email protected]
Insect sounds. "Bugs" collection of
insect sounds taken from Ric Viers’
Blastwave Sound Library, thousands of
sounds pre-installed on a dedicated USB
drive, brand new, never plugged in. New
$249. Sell ¥15,000. justcallmehenry@
gmail.com edwardsoperation.com
Mic, Rode NT2A Condenser Studio,
multi-pattern, in great condition
¥15,000. [email protected]
Sound module. Roland MKS-50 analog
synthesizer sound module, in very good
condition ¥29,000. Pick up Senzoku
stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@
gmail.com
Synthesizer, Roland JX-3P, vintage,
analog, 100% functional, in nice
cosmetic condition, w/optional PG200
programmer ¥49,000. Pick up Senzoku
stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@
gmail.com
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
HD, external, five available, 40-160GB
¥320 ~¥1240. Details available.
[email protected]
iPad Air 16GB, Wi-Fi only, space gray,
as new, w/Yodobashi Akiba receipt,
black case ¥50,000. dosenstechen@
gmail.com
Kindle Fire HD 7 64GB, brand new,
unused (but opened and out of box),
requires Japanese credit card and
Amazon Japan account ¥25,000/obo.
[email protected]
Laptop, A c e r
Aspire V5,
intel CPU, 4GB
memory, 750GB
HD, 15.6” multitouch display,
WiFi-ready, DVD-multi drive, webcam,
Win 8. [email protected]
Monitor, I-O Data, 15", white, older but
works well, w/Win XP Home Edition
¥6000. [email protected]
Router and Apple accessories.
Netgear 54G+ 802.11a/g wireless
router ¥1000/obo. Apple 30-pin to
HDMI adaptor ¥1000/obo. iPad 2
30-pin stand/charger ¥1000/obo.
[email protected] sites.google.com/
site/jai0424
Tablet, Nexus 7, 3G, Wi-Fi, SIM-free,
'12, still under warranty ¥32,000.
[email protected]
American TV shows. Region 1 (US)
DVDs: The Office, seasons 1-6 ¥2000.
The Simpsons, seasons 1-4 ¥1000.
South Park, seasons 1-7 ¥1500. All 17
seasons ¥4000/obo. Pick up Roppongi/
Shibuya/Azabu. [email protected]
080-3004-8303
Playboy Magazine, four classic issues
(US edition): Dec '88 (Kata Karkkainen),
March '91 (Stephanie Seymour), Aug '91
(Corinna Harney), Jan '92 (Swedish
Bikini Team), sold together ¥2000/all.
[email protected]
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
Fax and cordless phone, Brother
080-6553-6819
iPhone 4S 32GB, black, SoftBank, as
new, no contract needed, w/USB cable,
IOS 7, cleaned of data ¥25,000. Cash
only. [email protected]
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.
[email protected] www.ttctokyo.
org/
11 MESSAGES
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
WORRIED ABOUT FINDING THE
PERFECT GIFT FOR VALENTINE’S
DAY? Worry no more! Flowery and
poetic, laced with innuendo, or a
combination thereof, Metropolis
is the perfect place for lovers to
declare their most fervent feelings
and deepest desires. Don’t hold
back - publish it in Metropolis.
http://classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Happy birthday, Yui! Happy 8th
birthday, Yui! With love, Mom, Dad,
and Yuka.
10 HELP!
12 SOCIAL SCENE
10.1 HELP ME
12.1 LET'S PARTY
Divorce in Japan. I'm from the Czech
Republic. I'm divorcing my Japanese
husband. I'd appreciate advice from
Japanese and foreign women who have
divorced their Japanese husbands. I
need a kind Japanese person willing
to help me with translations. english.
[email protected]
Non-profit company in Japan. I
would like to speak with people who
have started companies or non-profit
organizations in Japan. Thank you!
[email protected]
10.2 SUPPORT
Synthesizer, Roland JV-80, in great
condition, w/case ¥26,000. Pick up
Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line.
[email protected]
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO.
If you have a problem with drinking,
we can help. English-speaking
m e e t i n g s d a i ly. 0 3 -3 97 1 -147 1
[email protected] http://
aatokyo.org
NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen.
TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous
English counseling daily from
9am-11pm by trained volunteers:
03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual
p syc hothe rapy by acc re dite d
Western-trained professionals,
a CIGNA International Provider:
03-4550-1146. TELL website: www.
telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook
and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a d ay, fro m a ny wh e re , a b out
a ny t h i n g . Fro m e m e rg e n c y
assistance to simple questions.
Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press
“ he lp,” or call 0 570 - 0 0 0 -911.
To volunteer or support, please
contact [email protected]. www.
jhelp.com/
JAPAN I NTE R NATI O NAL
PARTY - WINTER SPECIAL.
Sat, Jan 25, 6:30-9pm, Devi
Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international
party. 250 people
e x p e c t e d . A l l - yo u - c a n drink and free snacks.
Japanese men ¥4000.
O t h e r s￥¥ 3 0 0 0 . M o b i l e :
http://getyourfriend.com/
mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.
com 090-1735-5405 www.
getyourfriend.com/
J O I N T H E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
INTERNATIONAL PARTY!
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friend s
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
Events in Tokyo (Ginza ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500-¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
[email protected]
7.2 FASHION
Boots, women's, size 21, made in USA,
new ¥3000. [email protected]
08065526819
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
Canoe, kayak, open row. I am seeking
a secondhand or damaged canoe or
kayak to repair. Pick up ok. Any type/
price considered. scorpiosrealm@
hotmail.co.uk
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL , ONE
PEOPLE. Fifty years ago, West Papua
should have been an independent
country. Since 1969, West Papua has
been invaded and the people robbed
of their rights, culture and country.
Help support West Papuans’ desire
to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/
[email protected]
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
FRIENDSHIP PARTY!
Sat, Feb 1, 6:30-9:30pm, Tokyo
Double (Nishi-Azabu). Japan’s
largest international exchange
website party. Gaikokujin
¥1500. Drinks ¥500. Snacks.
250 people expected. 03-64345544 http://Party.GetStudents.
[email protected]
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
AMERICAN FOOTBALL .
Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league
C e n t ra l D i v i s i o n , s e e k s
fit players w/ US college
football experience for all
positions. Practice every
S at /S un from 10a m -3 p m
(including meeting) in
To k y o / S a i t a m a ( t i m e &
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/
JUST A 3MIN WALK FROM
ROPPONGI HILLS, Club 360
is a large, modern health and
fitness club. No membership
or joining fee s . Personal
training, physical therapy,
fitness classes, massage.
Fo r a l l y o u r f i t n e s s a n d
rehabilitation needs! info@
club360.jp www.club360.jp
03-6434-9667
L E A R N
TO FIGHT
AND GET
IN SHAPE.
Pancrase
champion
K i u m a
Kunioku offers personalized
training for mixed martial
arts, conditioning, or
general fitness. Fun, speaks
English and Japanese, nice
facility. Email for prices and
scheduling. kiumakunioku@
gmail.com http://mmakiuma.
com/
ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCH
FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby
League players. We play every
Sat from 10am in Tatsumi.
M/F and beginners welcome!
Good exercise and fun! Many
other activities, such as BBQs
and drinking parties! Email for
details. tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com http://ameblo.
jp/tokyo13warriors
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE
PLAYERS . Japan ANZAC S
Rugby League team is
seeking Rugby League
players for Japanese
Rugby League official
games from Apr to Sep.
Everyone welcome.
Contact for more details.
[email protected]
AIKIDO IN EN GLI S H . Seidokan
Aikido of Tokyo invites you to
practice a modern style of aikido
in an international environment.
Sat, 1-3pm, Itabashi-ku, Toei Mita/
Saikyo line. We welcome men and
women, foreign and Japanese.
[email protected]
http://www.tokyoseidokan.com
03-5994-1185
P L AY R U G BY. T h e To k yo
C ru s a d e r s a re a fri e n d ly b u t
keen international rugby club.
D evote d to t h e g a m e a n d i t s
social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays
in the Shuto League 1st Division.
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.
com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
s p o r t fro m S cotl a n d . U s i n g a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.
org
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,
JAPAN’S NO.1 ENGLISH
MAG A Z I N E , log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or
email your commercial ads to
[email protected].
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.
[email protected]
Basketball in the Yokohama area.
Good intermediate games every Mon
and Wed night at a local school's gym.
Feel free to come. It's free. Please
contact for further details. satoru.
[email protected]
Cricket. Cricket. Cricket! Play
cricket with the Chiba Sharks Cricket
Club! Teams in JCA Division 1, Division
2, T20 and monthly indoor training.
Indoor Winter League underway!
Men/women, all nationalities, abilities
welcome. Never too late to play!
www.chibasharks.com
13.2 LEISURE
MCARTHUR HEIGHTS.
Take a break where General Douglas
MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo
by car or direct train. Beautiful
cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach,
shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.
com
Free Japanese home cooking
lessons. Japanese housewife offers
free private home cooking lessons
in English (women only) at her house
near Kawasaki stn during the day
on weekdays. You pay the cost of
ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@
ezweb.ne.jp
ThrowBack - gaming in Tokyo. Up
for 8bit of gaming nostalgia? Super
hangouts held fortnightly at arcades
around Tokyo. Games followed by
drinks and gaming chat old and
new. Drop us a line for more info. m_
[email protected]
Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard
club for anyone living in/visiting
Tokyo. We go on big group trips
every weekend in the winter.
Powder, live music events, parties
in snow. Membership is free! info@
tokyosnowclub.com http://www.
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
13.3 ARTS
Love Shakespeare? Amate ur
group in Tokyo, meeting once/month
to celebrate our love of the Bard.
Come to read, or just to listen. All
nationalities welcome, no experience
necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo.
com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Shakespeare-sama/
13.4 MUSIC
Diving in Izu. Get in touch to talk
about scuba diving near Tokyo.
Information on scuba lessons,
equipment advice, dive trips, monthly
social events, CPR training, etc.
[email protected]
Another "bass player wanted" ad.
Forming the best blues/rock band in
Japan to be rock legends. Making CD.
Right bass player needed. Are you
out there? See link for my drumming.
[email protected]
Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Drummer and bassist wanted
around Yokohama. We mainly play
rock music and have rehearsals in
Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of player is
welcome, so feel free to contact us.
[email protected]
Football/soccer players. Tokyo
Redstar, Setagaya League 3, is seeking
soccer players for DF (center back)
positions. Practice almost every Sat/
Sun in Tokyo. Attendance must be over
60%. Experienced players welcome.
Please send your profile. saito987@
hotmail.com http://tokyoredstar.com/
Futsal players wanted by a very
friendly international team. Practice is
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details
available. [email protected]
Futsal team. Interested in futsal
on weekends in Tokyo? We're
seeking gentle, cooperative people.
Please introduce yourself properly.
[email protected]
Interested in tai chi? Then why not
start now? Take a step to counter the
stresses of daily living. Practice is in
Toyama Park on Sun mornings, near
Takadanobaba stn. [email protected]
International football club. Fivea-side, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities welcome. Happy and
friendly club! We have many socials.
[email protected]
Quality football. Interested in playing
football at the weekend and training
midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers
after a good run out? If you consider
yourself a quality player, please drop
us a note. [email protected]
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?
intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
Women's football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities, experience levels,
beginners welcome. Happy and
friendly club! We have many socials.
[email protected]
Fe male vocali st wante d .
I'm a JM seeking female vocalists
who can sing English and middle/
northern European languages
for recordings. You can listen to
some of my demos at my website. I
live in Yokohama. prettypopmusic@
gmail.com http://www.prettypop.net/
demo/
Japane se drummer s e e k i n g
musicians. Guitar and bass player
sought for rock, dance, pop, blues,
jazz, etc. Melody is important.
Hopefully, we can have gigs so
everybody can dance! kosuke1016@
hotmail.com
Musicians wanted to play northern
European/Scandinavian music
together, especially violinists,
guitarist, cellist. Rehearse a couple of
times/month in Nakano. unicornio@
nifty.com
Strong, beautiful, flexible
Transform your body & soul at
BASI PILATES!
Offering you “Authentic Pilates”
Metropolis Campaign
Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0
Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400
Package 3 Machine
Private Lessons
¥30,000 ¥18,000
Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio
Lessons in English available
Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more
03-6425-7054 • [email protected]
www.basipilates.jp/english/
Seeking drummer, bassist, female
vocalist who can sing in English or
Spanish. Let's start a new project
for the whole world. Any nationality,
age welcome. We are professionals.
[email protected] https://www.
facebook.com/avionrecords
Seeking male singer in Tokyo to
sing my very unique songs (traditional
Japanese-meets-modern sound).
Demo at website. leveebreaks210@
yahoo.com http://soundcloud.com/
keitak-21
Seeking violinist for band . ブリ
ティッシュ系バンドの為の（クラシック）
ヴァイオリニスト。初アルバムを録音中。
[email protected]
You're right - we can play the guitar
and sing songs! Seeking singer or
singer-writer. I'm a Japanese guitarist.
Beginners welcome. Please let me
play your songs. Let's make music
together! Gigs in Tokyo. kamikaze_
[email protected]
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
E N G L I S H TA I C H I A N D
QI GONG COURSE for
beginners starts in Jan.
Re g u l a r p ra c t i c e b r i n g s
b et te r h ealth , in c rea s e d
energy levels and a greater
ability to deal with stress
and pressure. mari@
meiquantaichi.com www.
meiquantaichi.com 080 6871-8975
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.
Do you want to explore your own
mind? Guided Buddhist meditation
every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.
International practitioners, beginners
welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call
090-3598-3072 for more information.
[email protected] http://www.
diamondway.jp/
Zen meditation (Zazen). Join a small
group of practitioners Fri evenings at
Tokuun-in in Ueno. No Japanese ability
necessary. Please make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our
home page. [email protected].
ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com
13.8 PROFESSIONAL
Meiji Dori
Shibuya
Station
Meijijingumae
Station
Tokyo Traders Club. International
club for traders and investors. Discuss
opportunities in stocks, commodities
and forex. Many regular events,
including FX trading workshop. New
to trading? No problem: beginners
also welcome. You can also learn to
trade. Join free! info@tokyotraders.
com http://www.tokyotraders.com/
080-5681-1321
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Institute) is a nonprofit, member-run organization
that sponsors activities (seminars,
cultural events, conferences) for
those wanting to further develop
intercultural competencies and
meet other interculturalists. yuko.
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
Are you from...？ JF, 30s, seeking
nonsmoking friends from Denmark,
Germany, Canada or Australia for having
fun times together. Let's meet for a cup
of coffee first. Please be nonsmokers,
30s. Mail with self-introduction, please!
[email protected]
Make 2014 the year you contribute to
Danes wanted! JF, 30s, into Denmark
like crazy. Er der nogen dansker i Tokyo
eller Kanagawa at moedes til kaffe og
hjaelpe mig at laere dansk lidt? Please
be nonsmokers, 30s preferred. Glaeder
mig til at hoere fra jer! codename107113@
live.com
Friends in Japan. Half-Japanese, halfFilipino female, 25, seeking friends. Shy
and timid at first. Hope to find friends
here in Japan. [email protected]
✓ Feature stories ✓ “The Last Word”
✓ Food & Drink
✓ Tech
✓ 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.
Gym buddy. Seeking gym buddy for
twice/week on weekdays after 7pm. Any
sex, age. Prefer Hibiya or Yurakucho line.
[email protected]
Jazz-playing friends in Tokyo.
Japanese male seeking jazz players for
fun in the Tokyo area. I've been playing
the alto sax for a couple of years. Still
amateur, but want to play with others.
Please feel free to contact me! yossynet@
ra2.so-net.ne.jp
New York Yankees fan in Tokyo area.
Long-time Yankees fan living near
Machida, Tokyo, seeking to meet likeminded people who are also fans of the
greatest franchise in all sports over food
and drinks. [email protected]
080-6554-8688
Newly arrived. Professional Western
male, late 30s (really late!), seeking
friendship, M/F ok, for weekends/
evenings. Likes: sushi, w/Japanese
sake; snowboarding, relieving those
aches and pains w/a cold beer; volleyball
followed by a shochu at an izakaya.
[email protected]
Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF,
early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with
in central Tokyo. [email protected]
Seeking friends. New in Japan and
seeking friends to hang out with. Let
me know if you are interested. I can
also teach you English or Spanish.
[email protected]
Seeking new friends to share fun in
Tokyo. I'm a SJF seeking new friends
(not a boyfriend!). Looking to go out and
share fun times together. M/F, any age ok.
[email protected]
Yoga and healthy food. Japanese
female, 30, seeking someone to do yoga
with on weekends; someone who likes to
have healthy meals. Looking forward to
hearing from you. Thanks. musicinlife@
excite.co.jp
ジョギング横浜駅. JM who speaks
English and Spanish seeks jogging mates
for 3-8km, any nationality welcome as
long as you have a good personality.
Near Yokohama stn preferred. 日本語ok.
[email protected]
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR
WOMEN
AMERICAN SHACHO, 37, seeks
adventurous SJF, 24-35, smart,
fit, fun and adventurous, for date.
I am Caucasian, well-educated
and traveled, fit and with a good
sense of humor. Just moved to
Tokyo from NYC. Like traveling,
reading, museums, architecture,
photography, bookstores, onsen,
nature. Let’s be friends and see.
[email protected]
African seeking blind love. Please
don't allow loneliness to take control
of you. It's stressful to be lonely. I'm
here to make you smile every day the
sun rises and when the stars come out
at night. I'm 35. d33377_555@hotmail.
com
Attractive SJM seeks SWF for
friendship or more in Tokyo or nearby.
I am kind, outgoing, fun, thoughtful,
fluent in English, with lots of overseas
experience. Let's have some fun
together! [email protected]
Attractive, cute and gentle SJM
seeking foreign female. Let's enjoy
new experiences and feel happier
together. Nonsmoker preferred.
Waiting for your response! Let's start
with dialogue. lifegoes2012@mail.
goo.ne.jp
Australian in Tokyo. SWM, openminded, well-traveled, respectful,
with a good sense of humor, can
speak some Japanese. I miss the
thrill of meeting new people. Seeking
nice and caring female over 30.
[email protected]
Big, tall woman? Guy seeks tall,
larger-than-average woman. Age,
nationality and looks not important.
[email protected]
British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim,
seeking a nice girl to hang out with.
Nationalit y/race unimpor tant ,
but should be 20-35 and have a
nice personality. Interested in
music and film: you should be, too.
[email protected]
British new in Japan seeking
companion. British man seeking
Japanese female for friendship and
maybe more, depending on if we click.
Successful, kind, sexy and generally
fun guy to be with. So definitely
worth getting to know me! Thanks.
[email protected]
Calm, gentle JM seeks someone
special for a serious relationship
leading to marriage. I am 42,
nonsmoking, don' t drink. Any
nationality ok. If interested, please
contact me. Let’s start with a cup of
coffee. [email protected]
Caring and cute JM seeks attractive,
hearty, nonsmoking Western female for
friendship. I simply would like to share
fun, interesting and great experiences
with you. If you feel the same way, just
drop me a line. [email protected]
Chinese-Canadian, 32, 175cm,
65kg, caring, fun-loving, athletic, likes
basketball, music, movies, seeking a
serious relationship with an attractive
JF, 22-32. [email protected]
Cute girl for relationship. Male,
late 20s, working for a multinational
bank, financially secure, seeking cute
and sweet girl for relationship. Let's
meet and have some fun. anil_bk75@
yahoo.com
Cute single Japanese man seeks
a nice Western or Japanese female
for friendship and possibly more.
Nonsmokers preferred. I am confident
that I can create fun times for you. If
you are ready, email me. cioinjapan@
gmail.com
Discreet and passionate lady
wanted. Seeking attached or single
lady for a non-committed, trusting
relationship. I'm a kind, educated
Caucasian man, mid-40s. Please
contact me and let's see if we connect.
Thank you. [email protected]
Discreet relationship. Good-looking
Caucasian professional, late 30s,
married but very unsatisfied, is seeking
a woman for a no-strings-attached
relationship. I have a huge sex drive
and like women who know what they
are doing in bed. blade_runner94@
yahoo.com
Enjoy life. Caucasian American man
seeking Japanese woman, under 27,
who loves nature, Japanese food, music,
life, for a lasting relationship. Let’s enjoy
it together. Serious only. I’m educated
and work in Tokyo. Email, w/photo.
[email protected]
Exotic and bilingual JM businessman
in Tokyo, early 30s, romantic, goodlooking, seeking a sincere woman
who enjoys movies and traveling
for a serious relationship leading to
marriage. Please reply w/details, and
if possible, w/photo. pirlo_cucchiaio@
hotmail.com
Food, wine and romance. Attractive,
outgoing, romantic, affectionate
SWM, 40s, seeking romantic, elegant,
attractive Japanese woman for longterm relationship. I love cooking,
dining out, movies, traveling and
romantic weekends away. It's getting
chilly now - let's warm each other up.
[email protected]
French businessman, 40s, seeking
his princess to share a new life. Photo
appreciated. Let's get to know each
other by email before a glass of wine.
[email protected]
French guy in Tokyo seeking a
clever and level-headed JF partner
for something long-term, potentially
leading to marriage. If you are a
serious, clever, cute girl, please feel
free to drop me a line with your picture.
[email protected]
Frenchman alone in Tokyo.
Frenchman alone after breakup
seeking friends and his special one.
Seeking smart, funny and open-minded
lady. Nothing less, nothing more. Let's
walk together and discover our future.
[email protected]
Frenchman seeks woman. French
gentleman, smart, funny, handsome,
well-hung, seeks woman. I'll love you
like no man has ever before. I live in
Minami-Azabu. Write me - you won't be
disappointed. [email protected]
Friendship or more. SJM, 40s, classy
and stylish, seeks sweet and intelligent
woman to share feelings and a sincere
friendship. Age, race and looks are not
important. We can start getting to know
each other by email before meeting.
[email protected]
Gentleman for long-term intimate
friendship. Hi! I am a respectful, goodlooking Western man, 48, interested
in having regular intimate time with a
decent woman. I don't care about your
age, just be positive, safe, nonsmoking.
[email protected]
JOBS
COCO JUKU seeks Math Curriculum
Developer. Permanent position (three
months probation), Mon-Fri, 9am-5:15pm,
bonus twice/year, raise once/year.
Requirements: native speaker, one year’s
experience teaching elementary math
(home country/international school)
¥225,000-¥290,000/m. coco-apps@
nichiigakkan.co.jp www.cocojuku.jp/
recruit
SALES & MARKETING POSITIONS.
Metropolis i s s e ek in g motivate d
bilingual (E/J) sales executives, support
staff and interns to join its advertising
and marketing team. Send your resume,
in both English and Japanese, to jobs@
metropolis.co.jp. Positions available
are posted on our website at http://
metropolis.co.jp/jobs/.
Girlfriend wanted. I'm seeking a
girlfriend living alone in Tokyo. I am
married, unfortunately, but honest, kind
and good-looking. I want to be with you
every weekend. I need a second chance
at love. [email protected]
Good wine and more. I am a German
professional, 40, single, often in Tokyo
for business, positive, down-to-earth,
fit and not too bad-looking, enjoy
good restaurants and wine, seeking a
female friend and companion in Tokyo.
[email protected]
Good, nice SJM, 31, seeks SWF, 20-31,
for friendship and later maybe more in
Saitama/Tokyo/Kanagawa. My friends
say I'm sweet and a good person. Let's
talk together. beautiful.ocean333@
gmail.com
Guaranteed happiness for you.
Single American in Tokyo. If you are
seeking a man who will make you
happy, physically and emotionally, I am
the one. Age, nationality, single or not
don't matter. Available day or night. Not
a playboy. [email protected]
Handsome American man seeks
Japanese lady. I'm an American
gentleman, 5'9", 175lbs, dark blond hair,
blue eyes, seeking a sincere, loving
relationship with a special lady. I can
speak Japanese. [email protected]
Hello, there. I am an open-minded,
honest, positive, smart, sweet SWM, 40,
seeking a nice and independent woman
for long-term relationship. smoeoen@
hotmail.com
LEAPFORCE AT-HOME
INDEPENDENT AGENT - JAPANESE
(JAPAN). Leapforce is seeking highly
educated individuals for an exciting
work-from-home opportunity. This
position is re stricte d to current
residents of Japan. To apply: https://
www.leapforceathome.com/qrp/
public/job/33
ADMIN INTERN. Metropolis is seeking
an E/J bilingual intern for general
admin duties, editing, various other
tasks. Students welcome. No pay, but
transportation provided. Great chance
to gain experience in an international
environment. [email protected]
Hola! Friend in Kanagawa. Tall
Spanish man is seeking a kind, clean,
financially secure lady living and
working in the Kanagawa area. I am
seeking a cheerful and mature lady
for love. 日本語日常会話. jp_yoroshiku@
yahoo.co.jp
If you feel lonely... Sometimes talking
to unknown people is better than
talking to your best friend. giozomi@
yahoo.co.uk
Japanese guy, around 40, speaks
English and Spanish, seeking a girlfriend
for a relationship leading to marriage in/
around Tokyo. I'm not highly paid, but I
am kind and humorous. My hobbies are
jogging, Latin dance, language learning.
[email protected]
Japanese in Tokyo, 40s, 175cm, 63kg,
seeks nice female of any nationality for
coffee, good conversation and sexual
relationship if she likes. I am gentle, kind,
honest, calm, intelligent, cute, witty, and
with some English ability. totemoiihito@
gmail.com
learn and have fun at the same time.
[email protected]
Lazy weekends together? Seeking
attractive and curvy girlfriend,
160cm+, who is fun to be around and
seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area.
I'm a caring Afro-American male from
NY, 35, 183cm, shaved head, athletic
build, working in IT. Interested?
[email protected]
L o n e l y L a t i n o i n To k y o .
Male, mid-30s, lonely in Tokyo,
seeking discreet fun times with a JF,
20-50, married/attached/single ok.
Central Tokyo. Serious replies only.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Your photo gets mine! tennistycoon@
gmail.com
Married JF? European guy, 40, goodlooking, open-minded, easygoing,
a gentleman, seeks not-single JF
for dates, romance, maybe more.
Nihongo ok. [email protected]
Japanese male, 41, single, seeks
sincere, warm, open-minded white
female for friendship and romance.
I am generous, nonsmoking, like
traveling, reading, philosophy and
enjoying my life. skyoverture@mail.
goo.ne.jp
Married woman? Intelligent and
kind American, early 40s, married,
white, slim, seeking one special
person. Do you like exploring new
restaurants, fun conversation and a
bit of real romance? Any nationality.
Nihongo mo ok. donno5599@yahoo.
co.jp
Japanese man seeks female. Hi, I'm
a JM seeking a foreign friend. I'm 30,
easygoing, and I like driving, drinking,
movies, dancing at clubs, etc. If you
are seeking a friend, please mail me
back. Any nationality ok. kosuke1016@
hotmail.com
Mature and sophisticated
Japanese, some have said charming,
seeking an elegant, passionate, kind
SWF. I dream about wild nights as
well as sharing the simple pleasures
of love. Is that you? imak1_2_3@
yahoo.co.jp
JM seeks older or fat woman. I live
in Tokyo and am seeking an older or
fat woman. If you’re interested, please
send an email. riku_hiroxx@hotmail.
com
Mature friendship. Gentleman, 53,
in very good shape physically and
mentally, seeking a similar woman,
45-65, for friendship and adult
fun together. Nothing too serious.
[email protected]
Keep things simple. Kind MWM,
40-something, seeking a no-stringsattached relationship with a nice
woman. Maybe I can help satisfy a
need. Let's have some food and drinks
in Ebisu or Shibuya, and if we click,
more. Look forward to hearing from
you. [email protected]
Language exchange and more. I am
seeking a Japanese woman, any age
ok, to have regular language exchange
and also make love together. We can
Mature Japanese woman sought.
I am a fun, open-minded, respectful
and athletic person. r_andom@
hotmail.com
Mature man to 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. vbcfgt@hotmail.
com
Gonee has experience beauty therapist in London
for 8 years. Gonee studied beauty college at
London for CIDESCO course and she started to
work in beauty salon at Sloane Square in London.
Daikanyama
Station
ori
Happy marriage, but almost sexless.
I am a man who loves his wife and his
family. I have a good job and a good life.
A long marriage, though, means little
sex. [email protected]
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
H O S T E S S E S
WA N T E D , f u n a n d
easygoing, with proper
visa . Top - quality
karaoke sound system and stage, 1min
from Nishi-Kasai stn,Tozai line. Daily
pay, plus drink back. No tax! Tel:
03-5696-5397 or 080-3504-9474.
E m a i l : liza@stardustjapan .com
Website: www.stardustjapan.com
D
te
ma
-Ya
Handsome white American new in
Tokyo, 40, fit, educated and healthy,
seeking a cute, kind woman for good
times, romance, perhaps long-term. よ
ろしくお願いします. wwooozzz3@yahoo.
com
03-4588-2277
u
Ky
Handsome Japanese guy seeks
European girlfriend. I’m 39, 173cm,
well-built, born, raised and still living in
central/northern Tokyo. I’m very warm,
generous and rich. I like photography,
collecting things, cooking, gourmet
food, driving, cycling, sports, animals,
music, etc. [email protected]
To advertise:
[email protected]
Lycon Brazilian wax ¥9,000 → (30% off) ¥6,300
Lycon Full leg waxing ¥9,800 → (30% off) ¥6,800
Eyebrow & Upper Lip wax → ¥1,500
Eyelash Extension full set →¥5,000 (55x55)
Eyelash & Eyebrow tint →¥2,500
Guinot Hydradermie Facial (60 min)→¥6,250
Manicure ¥8,000 → (30% off) ¥5,600
Pedicure ¥9,800 → ¥6,800
ine
oL
ok
Toy
iya
Hib
Komazawa Dori
e
Lin
Ebisu Station
GONEE BEAUTY 7Eleven
[email protected]
www.goneebeauty.com
www.brazilian-waxingebisu.com
03-6452-2503
Address : 3F nakamura building 17-4-3
Minami-Ebisu Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
New year, new life. Positive, outgoing,
professional SWM who knows how to
treat a lady right is seeking an attractive,
slender Japanese woman for a new and
better life. Life's one big adventure for
two special people to share together!
[email protected]
Nice woman. Generous, clean SJM, 44,
seeking SWF companion in central Tokyo
for shopping, dinner, etc., during the day
and night. Age and looks not important.
Just seeking someone nice to spend
time with. tsuneokobayashijapan@
yahoo.co.jp
Nothing at home. Can you help me?
Are you a nice, cute and friendly JF?
I'm married, but no sex for years. Goodlooking guy, but trapped. Just touch me a
little, that's all. Can any girl help? jsn334@
gmail.com
Older Japanese women are so
beautiful. As Japanese women age, they
become more and more beautiful. I love
ladies in their 50s and 60s. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
Older woman wanted for fun. Britishborn Oriental man, 34, slim, athletic build,
seeking an older woman, 45+, for fun
and nothing too serious. I'm into travel,
movies, visiting temples, galleries and
museums. [email protected]
Platonic love. Sweet, kind, handsome
Caucasian man, 47, seeks a woman for
platonic lovemaking. giozomi@yahoo.
co.uk
Realize your dreams. Eurasian, 40,
well-educated, seeking a playful married
woman. I have a good sense of humor.
Fortunately, I am well- endowed as well.
I have a lot of free time, even during the
day. Yes, we can! tokyocestbon@gmail.
com
Romance with an older lady. Very nice
and sexy gentleman seeks an older, or
much older, woman to have nice dates
and a romance. [email protected]
Secret relationship for enjoyable
moments. Married Scandinavian WM
seeks JF for discreet relationship in
Tokyo. Wish to share enjoyable moments,
a stress-free time for both of us to enjoy.
I am a nonsmoker, charming, fit, good
at sensual massage. lifeistobeenjoyed@
yahoo.com
Seeking African or Latino woman.
Attractive French businessman, 50s,
is seeking African or Latino/South
American women for friendly relations
or more. [email protected]
Seeking girlfriend. Foreign male, mid40s, seeking good females for friendship
first and possibly a serious relationship in
the Chiba area. I am kind, sincere, warm,
caring and nonsmoking. Let's have a date
over a cup of coffee. Serious females only,
please. [email protected]
Seeking high and low for M soulmate.
Stable, handsome, successful SWM
has been seeking "the one." I am really
seeking someone who knows her place.
This is not a game and shouldn't be for
you. [email protected]
seeks true love. If you are 20-30s, warm
and caring, and seeking a serious longterm relationship, then please drop me
an email. Serious only, no games. No
Roppongi girls, please. Lasagna5577@
yahoo.com
Sincere Australian SWM, 30s, 180cm,
fit and attractive, seeking girlfriend.
Drop me a line and tell me about your
interests and passions. brad57685911@
hotmail.com
Sincere relationship. Sin gle
white European, 35, likes movies,
art, music, travel, cooking, seeks a
serious relationship. I am sincere,
fun, romantic. 日本語でも大丈夫です.
[email protected]
Single Japanese male, 40, seeks nice,
friendly, open-minded, trustworthy
white female for friendship and romance.
My interests are cooking, music, and
the infinite universe. caprices24@mail.
goo.ne.jp
SJF friend sought. SWM, 42, seeks SJF,
30-40, for friendship and maybe a longterm relationship with the right person.
Enjoy recording/writing music, reading,
biking, travel, sightseeing. I'm friendly, like
to joke. Little English? That's ok. Let's chat!
[email protected]
Still seeking batsu-ichi. I'm an African
living and working in central Tokyo
seeking a serious divorced JF for a serious
friendship leading to a relationship.
Must be serious. No junk mail, please.
[email protected]
Successful businessman from New
York, green eyes, seeking lovely lady.
I am a successful businessman and
investor from New York, now in Tokyo.
I am 32, 182cm, 74kg, short brown hair.
[email protected]
Successful JM seeks Eastern European
female. I am a SJM, 40s, living and
working in Tokyo, successful, well-off,
open-minded, seeking an independent,
intelligent, employed Eastern European
girl for a long-term relationship.
[email protected]
UK man seeks long-term relationship
with a JF. Must be open-minded,
educated, independent, physically
attractive. [email protected]
Uncomplicated. Older English MWM
for friendly (and not too young) MJF?
Polite and respectful, neither jealous nor
possessive. Maybe try Skype? Daytime
preferred, but evenings are ok, too.
[email protected]
Western man seeking JF. Goodlooking, tall, slender Caucasian man
interested in a Japanese woman,
50s/60s. [email protected]
White male seeking sexy woman.
Young and athletic man seeking a
woman for hot times. I love doing sports
and partying. Feel free to contact me for
some fun! [email protected]
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING
FOR MEN
Seeking married アラフォー.
American gentleman, romantic type,
seeks a married アラフォー lady for good
conversation, friendship and more. Not
seeking a one-time encounter. I want a
discreet relationship with real feelings.
[email protected]
Seeking naughty female. I'm a SJM,
29, living in Ichikawa City, Chiba. I'm not
seeking a serious relationship. If you live
around my area and love sex, please reply.
[email protected]
Seeking nice lady. I'm from Australia.
I am in my 40s, am tall, thin and have
blue eyes. I teach English at a university.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. ebattley@
hotmail.com
Seeking SJF. I am a black
businessman, 42, educated, financially
ok, caring, seeking a nice, mature JF.
[email protected]
Seeking well-educated lady for
serious relationship. Hi, there. I am 30,
living near Tokyo. I am a researcher
and am seeking a well-mannered, welleducated lady for a serious relationship.
Let's enjoy life. shahramkhaksarian@
gmail.com
Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, welleducated and traveled, with a stable job,
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date,take the night where
yo u wa nt it to g o. Fre s h ,
young women join our club
every day. Try our free onemonth trial offer: first date
is on us! 0120-675-858 (E)
international@universe club.jp http://universe-club.
jp/en
European gentleman for serious
relationship. I'm a SJF, 30s, seeking a
European gentleman as I'm interested in
culture. Email me for more info. Serious
and genuine people who know how to
introduce themselves only. framboisier@
inter7.jp
European? SJF seeks a European
professional living in Japan or a Japanese
businessman who has lived in Europe,
30s, for a serious relationship, possibly
leading to marriage. Please email
with self-introduction. Serious only.
[email protected]
Going to see the aurora borealis.
Seeking a travel companion to go and
see the aurora in Finland. Probably early
March if we plan from now. I am a SJF, late
40s, fluent in English, artistic, down-toearth, calm. [email protected]
I am serious. Since I broke up with my
last boyfriend, I have not been well.
I would like to meet new people and
try something new. I hope this year
brings me hope for myself. I am serious.
[email protected]
Japan-loving French guy. SJF seeks
a French guy who loves living in Japan,
30s, for a serious relationship, possibly
leading to marriage. I am caring,
curious and open-minded. Serious only.
[email protected]
Life partner sought. I am 49, warm
and positive. You have to be kind,
positive, Caucasian, 40s-50s, fixed
financial status, cultural. I want to meet
someone who lives in Tokyo. Serious
only. [email protected]
Life partner. Any proper guys out there?
Many married men seek lovers, and too
many misunderstandings with young
men. Seeking a real man, 40s-50s, for life
partner. Long-distance never works, so
you have to live in Tokyo. e.amethyst22@
gmail.com
Man who doesn't play with others'
feelings. Attractive, slender, sincere,
feminine SJF, 57, lovely young looks and
heart, seeks nonsmoking professional
WM, sincere, cheerful, affectionate, for
marriage. I like travel, hiking, dining out.
Only serious replies, w/photo, please.
[email protected]
Mature enough? At t ra c t ive ,
affectionate, multilingual JF seeks a
mature, sophisticated, internationalminded gentleman to make life more
interesting. We can multiply happiness
by sharing. Love traveling, marine sports,
yoga, music, reading, dining out, the
finer things in life. icedcoconutmilktea@
hotmail.com
Romantic winter together? Elegant
and educated SJF, 30s, in central Tokyo,
seeks a sophisticated and intelligent
single gentleman with a nice smile. How
about talking and laughing over a glass
of wine on a sparkling night in Tokyo?
Serious only. [email protected]
SINGLE? Then this is for you.
Singles-only dating parties
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,
L AV I S H DAT E S A N D
INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES for
elite foreign males to meet
Seeking long-term relationship. SJF,
fit, honest, sexy, 40s, seeking a single
English-speaking Western guy, late
30s-early 50s, sincere, fit, nonsmoking,
lives in Tokyo or nearby. No part-timers,
students, travelers. [email protected]
Seeking secret friend. MJF, 33, seeking
a kind man. I live in central Tokyo and
have no children. Let's have fun. hrk_
[email protected]
American. I'm 36, with a professional
job and multiple talents. gkr93mz@
gmail.com
Serious relationship. Hi, Japanese
female, 41, positive, warmhearted,
cheerful, chubby, seeks sane,
warmhearted, cheerful, single Caucasian
guy for a serious relationship in Tokyo.
[email protected]
Take me away. SJF, mid-30s, enjoys
a stylish and healthy life, is tall and
attractive, lives in Tokyo, seeks a
sophisticated, honest, open-minded,
attractive SWM with a great sense of his
lifestyle. Would appreciate discovering
new things together. antidotes.4u@
gmail.com
Take me out. Seeking an independent,
internationally minded person. Let's
try and meet up for coffee. Single
nonsmokers only. Thanks. tky_jpn145@
yahoo.co.jp
Tall girl living and working in Tokyo. I'm
seeking a nice, tall, nonsmoking SWM for
a serious relationship. I hope to hear from
you soon! [email protected]
Warmhearted relationship. JF, around
20, seeking a guy who has a sense of
humor, is sincere, attractive and under
35. I like travel, track, watching movies.
Serious only. [email protected]
Weekend date. SJF, 30, seeking
someone around my age, single,
independent. Let's start as friends first
and see how it goes. Hope to have some
common interests. Photo appreciated.
Thanks. [email protected]
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
Fit Caucasian male, 45, athletic,
easygoing, seeking no-strings fun in
central Tokyo. Serious only. man.2315@
hotmail.com
JM seeks sex friends! Hi, there. I am
seeking a new friend. I am a Japanese guy
in Tokyo, 5'7", 150lbs, into Caucasians.
People sometimes say I am goodlooking. Please feel free to message me.
[email protected]
Newhalf from Philippine s?
European guy, 40, good-looking, openminded, seeks newhalf or shemale in
Tokyo. Let's meet to share nice times.
[email protected]
Seeking shemale or crossdresser.
Dutch guy, 175cm, seeking shemale,
ladyboy or feminine crossdresser in
Tokyo. [email protected]
Serious Japanese guys. GAM in Tokyo,
173, 68, 37, into movies, onsen, traveling,
badminton, sign language, violin, aikido.
Drop me a line if you are interested
in something serious and long-term.
Seeking good friends, preferably
boyfriend. [email protected]
14.5 ESCORTS
AT KAGAYAKI
DELIVERY
H EALTH ,
beautiful
w o m e n
are just a
phone call
away. Wit h
the large st
number of registered
companions, lovely ladies
are available to you 24h/day,
365 days/year. Japan’s best,
our companions include porn
stars, former celebrities,
models and more! www.dkagayaki.com/en/top.html
[email protected]
03-5155-3302 *Please speak
English slowly.
JAPAN’S COMPLETE ADULT
NIGHTLIFE GUIDE FOR
FOREIGNERS! Having trouble
finding a Japanese girl for
fun? Come to http://erolin.net
and check all possible clubs
and escorts for foreigners!
When you visit, don’t forget to
mention “Erolin Guide”! info@
erolin.net
ASIAN MYSTIQUE
E S C O R T S p r ov i d e s g i r l next-door type escorts for
your girlfriend experience
in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya,
Fu ku o k a . S e x y, f r i e n d l y
Japanese escorts provide the
fun, professional staff provide
peace of mind. Open 24/7,
same day orders welcome.
asianmystiquejp@yahoo.
co.jp www.asianmystique.
com 080-5454-9795
14.6 AND OTHERS
African man? Why not? I'm nice and
gentle. I think you should try an African
man like me. Get closer, see and feel the
warm secret in me. Don't stay lonely;
come on, let's have fun. I'm 35, but hard.
[email protected]
Do you like bondage, gags and ropes?
Easygoing, creative, gentle Englishman,
into bondage, ropes, gags and fetish
fun/role playing, seeks a submissive
lady who dreams of being dominated.
I'm experienced, discreet, respectful of
limits. [email protected]
European man, handsome, tall, clean,
seeks couple or woman for sexual fun.
日本語も大丈夫です！ [email protected]
Happening bar fun. I’m a British guy
who’d like to meet a lovely lady and take
her to a happening bar. Let me take you
to places you’ve never been before and
share feelings that you didn’t think were
possible. [email protected]
FOREIGNER-FRIENDLY, 100%
LEGAL OUTCALL ESCORT
AGENCY. Erotic full-body oil
massage using Japanese
rejuvenation methods
mind. A warm bath, a gentle massage - let
yourself be pampered. scorpiosrealm@
hotmail.co.uk
Massage. French businessman, 50s,
living in Tokyo, seeking Chinese or Thai
woman who can give relaxing massages.
[email protected]
Mixed couple. We (European guy, 33;
Japanese female, 26) are seeking serious
couples to meet on weekends. We expect
clean and safe behavior. We reply only
to serious couples. Photo appreciated.
[email protected]
Nylon fetish friends. I am a happy, fun,
fit SCM who loves fine food, travel, nylons
and glamorous legs. Fun fetish anyone?
[email protected]
Seeking dominant WF. Cute, generous
JM, late 20s, seeks a dominant WF
to have some fun together. I’m an
experienced and well-equipped sub man
who’s willing to do anything. Mature or
inexperienced women are also welcome!
[email protected]
Seeking fun girl for happening bars.
Aloha! Hawaiian guy, 30s, living in Tokyo,
seeking fun ladies of all ages to explore
happening bars in Tokyo. I'm fun, relaxed
and easygoing, so you should be, too.
Mahalo. [email protected]
Seeking JF sub. Are you a JF who likes
to be submissive? Do you enjoy light
bondage with a white man? You can feel
excited with a spanking. Then back to
your boring OL job. [email protected]
Seeking mistress. Caucasian seeking
a domination playmate, experienced
or inexperienced, nothing dangerous
or extreme. Me: safe, clean, healthy,
generous. [email protected]
Sexy couple seeking like-minded
people for some fun. Nice couple seeking
another couple, single woman, or maybe
a single guy to go to a happening bar.
He is 25, white, athletic; and she is 27,
Japanese. [email protected]
Sexy female sought. Seeking an
adventurous and discreet bi-curious
female to join me (JF) and my sexy,
affluent Caucasian boyfriend for luxury
travel to exotic places. We'll cover all
your expenses. Discretion promised.
[email protected]
Sissy maid. I am a very submissive sissy
maid who loves cleaning, punishment,
housework. I hope to meet a woman
who could make use of my services. Free,
clean, obedient, extremely hardworking.
[email protected]
Slap and tickle. Are you a Japanese
female who likes rough play with a
smart professional guy? Are you tired
of the same weak guys who can't excite
you? I am seeking a girl who likes to be
swanked. [email protected]
Spanking? Western guy, loves OTK
spanking, nylons, heels, seeking a lady
who would enjoy giving a good spanking
to a naughty boy, then being treated
to a nice dinner on me. Can switch.
[email protected]
Strict white master seeks slaves of
either sex to satisfy him. You should be
eager to please, very submissive, and
enjoy dressing up. Now on your knees
and email me, dog! kinkyfun78@yahoo.
co.uk
I want your wife/girlfriend.
I am a mature white bull, late
40s, who enjoys pleasing
ot h e r m e n' s wive s a n d
girlfriends. Let me give her
the pleasure and sexual
ec stasy she de serve s . I
am nice, clean, fun and
respectful. tokyoasmodeus@
gmail.com
Japanese woman for threesome.
Mixed Japanese woman and white male
want a JF, late 30s to early 50s, for a
threesome. 30後半-50前半の日本人女性を探
しています。[email protected]
Seeking single guy for long-term
relationship. Japanese woman, 40, in
Tokyo, seeking a serious relationship.
Interests: hiking, scuba diving, reading,
exercise (yoga), traveling. You: 35-45,
down-to-earth, relatively serious
attitude towards life. applecapricorn@
hotmail.com
Serious boyfriend. Beautiful Japanese
wants to meet someone. No married
men, cheaters, casual relationships
whatsoever. Prefer someone in the
Ichikawa/Nishi-Funabashi area, 27-38,
i s a u n i q u e co m b i n ati o n
o f s e n s u a l a n d b o d y- to body techniques. Sensual
massage-trained Japanese
female s ONLY. No sexual
diseases, modification
pictures. BRANCHES:
Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto,
To k y o , C h u b u , K a n s a i ,
Chushikoku, Kyushu. Call
0 6 - 6 6 4 3 -1 2 8 1 ( E n g l i s h ).
Business hours: 9am-5am
Info: www.erotic-massagejapan.com
JM, 22, living in Tokyo, seeks a woman
to take the virginity of a man. Girls with
big, soft boobs are more than welcome.
[email protected]
Massage for women, for your wife.
I am rather skilled at sensual, relaxing,
erotic massage. I have a natural way,
with strong, healing hands and a creative
Teach me about S&M. I’m an Italian
male, 30s. I want to learn about sadomasochism. If you are a JF who can teach
me, that would be nice. hanamisuki@
hotmail.fr
Teach me how? 英国紳士は（日本人）女性に
フィストファック（私やる方）やってみたい。教え
て下さい！ [email protected]
Want to be watched? I will watch you!
British guy will watch you, Japanese
woman, doing whatever you like! 見
られたければ、私何でも見てあげますよ！
[email protected]
15 JOBS
15.1 JOB WANTED
Native Russian and Ukrainian
speaker seeks IT-related job. I'm
Andrew, 19, from Ukraine. I have a
vocational degree in general IT and
am seeking employment anywhere
in Japan. I can do customer support.
[email protected]
BY CATHRYN MOE
Horoscope
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 21, 22~June 20, 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣♣
June 21, 22~July 22, 23 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Things not moving fast enough for you?
You sure about that? Venus is in her last
week of retrograde movement. Everyone seems ready for her to go direct and let their
hearts find resolution. But you, you’re in a class of
your own. You want the results to have already
shown up with a stable foundation begun. Breathe.
Distract yourself. Go within. Text. Walk. Run. Trust
your quantum leaps. Your deeper self knows best.
No one has to tell you things are speeding, including perceptual realities and
emotional adjustments. The awareness
you are developing is not a reflection of what is
wrong or right, simply what is necessary to jump
to the next level required by the compression
of time. Venus is in her last week of retrograde
and things can get easier. Jupiter opposite Pluto
opens communication where you least expect it.
You don’t need to do it on your own
this week. There are a lot of people
who understand and want to be there
for you. Remember you have Juno in your career
sector, your secret weapon to keep things going.
Mars dances through your solar fifth house of
romance—a hot placement! The Sun and Mercury
lighten your perspective. Whatever happens, you
are able to see it has its own perfect harmony.
Jupiter in Cancer is exactly opposite
Pluto this week so, ouch. Partnerships,
watch for emotional revelations. The
thing is, there is potential for growth here. Just what
kind depends on where you are at the moment. The
more open, the less there is to clear. The more hidden, well…Pluto likes to stomp things out and start
over. But do you? Is this the way you handle things?
If not, then tread gently.
LEO
VIRGO
Aug 23, 24~Sep 22, 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Sep 23, 24~Oct 22, 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣
LIBRA
SCORPIO
You get to lead, but where is it you want
to go? And do you really want everyone
else there, too? Questions may swirl
about as Venus moves into her final retrograde
week. You need a break. You need a touch of velvet and luxury in your life. Check the negotiations
you’ve managed of late. Mars, Vesta and Ceres
may not look like much at the moment, but you’re
actually moving up.
Venus retrograde has culminated in a
lengthy focus on what is a luxury, an
indulgence, true love. Do you deserve
this? Of course you do! Does it make sense? Not
really. Finances may be strained but this time, you
may give the soul a few votes too. Other parts of
yourself will show up at this time. Will the money
keep rolling in? Mars, Vesta and Ceres say yes. Will
you still care as much? Undoubtedly.
Venus retrograde has been working
you hard, slowing down your choices,
making you rethink your desires. As a
Libran, you need intellectual stimulation, but not
at the expense of a serene environment or beauty
within reach. This is not a flippant statement. You
could be with the most brilliant person ever but if
surrounded by barbed wire and a lack of grace,
you’d be quickly invisible.
Venus retrograde is in her last week of
questions and considerations. You won’t
have to jump into a decision next week,
but you may want to. Unearthing the endless
reasons why not, you may find the light shining on
just why you can. The fears are dissolving and there
really never was a bottomless pit, just the illusion.
Watch out for love affairs; they’re likely to fit some
of your favorite fantasies.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20, 21~Feb 18, 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Feb 19, 20~Mar 20, 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Being true to yourself is your own
reward. Never was this more evident
than now, with Venus retrograde for
only one more week. Sags are finding that their
nature is in a state of flux due to the stresses from
Neptune and Chiron, which of their own accord
insist that healing come from within. That means
you get to express your creativity and don’t have
to follow the crowd. Unless you want to!
Stable structures are changing and
with it, pragmatic Capricorn dives
into an ocean of feelings. Thus the
alchemy begins. You’re navigating possibilities. This new you is freer, more centered and
assured. Options are right here, right now. Hope
is with you. Light waits at every corner. Venus
retrograde in Capricorn will soon move direct.
Pluto wants to take apart tradition
but resistance augments more rules.
Uranus, your ruler, fights against this to
create more freedom. Venus is in her last week
of retrograde motion. Has it seemed like all work
and no play, with luxuries too far away to reach?
If you listen to the eternal optimism of Mercury,
Aquarius, this week will be a breeze. You’ll get
more than you even hoped for.
This is the last week Venus is in retrograde. It’s endless work wondering
which direction your last conversation
will take you. There’s a fated quality right now, as if
you must move forward toward your destiny, but
it’s not nearly as appealing as the temptation to cut
and run. Two large pillars of planetary action are
at odds. You are developing a self-sustaining life
as you keep your creativity independent and safe.
March 20, 21~April 19, 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
July 23, 24~Aug 22, 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Nov 22, 23~Dec 21, 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Apr 20, 21~May 20, 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Dec 22, 23~Jan 19, 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Metropolis Mediabox
CHRISTI ROCHIN
BIG BUCKS,
NO WHAMMIES!
Regarding “Tokyo and the Big Spin”
(The Last Word, January 10): Some
politician’s pocket has been lined with
gold because the University of Las
Vegas Nevada has a school for casino
managers in Ginza already. What a
coincidence!—Chazman
1) I can’t see the yakuza being happy
Oct 23, 24~Nov 21, 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine
XXXXX
about
casinos.
Regarding
“Smokehouse”
(Restaurant
2)
The elderly
will lose more
money
Review,
October
25):as
I have
to think
faster
at the
casinos
opposed
to this
is a paid ad, not a review. It doesn’t even
pachinko.
seem
3)
I do likxxxxxx
not believe Tokyo will attract the
international crowd when it comes to
gambling. Macau and other places are
far better and have a better reputation.
I am indifferent to what happens,
but I can’t say this is a good idea on
Japan’s part. It’s a money grab by the
government in the hopes of getting
more revenue. —JLR
BREW DOGS
Regarding “Two Dogs Taproom”
(Restaurant Review, January 10): I have
to disagree on the pizzas as I thought
they are really good and tasty.
—Artful Dodger
Yeah, awesome pizza and great menu.
Very cool place. —kansaijoe
Finally, a civil place in Roppongi. This
CANCER
PISCES
twitter.com/MetropolisTokyo
place rocks! I wish they had a place in
Osaka. —nightowl
been made by the old guard.
—Tokyo Hombre
POINT GUARD
WE ASKED,
YOU ANSWERED
Regarding “Michael Olson” (Sports,
January 10): Olson calls the NBL “real
basketball.” As if the bj-league is playing
an alien version of the game. Really?
The two-time bj-league champion,
Ryukyu Golden Kings, a model of
consistency, for example, have two
players (ex-Indiana U. big man Jeff
Newton and ex-Georgia Tech standout
Anthony McHenry) who played in the
NCAA Final Four. What’s fake about
their credentials and the gravitas they
bring to that team and to the league?
By the way, last time I checked, the
Japan men’s national team has failed
to qualify for the Olympics in men's
hoops since 1976. The same core group
of folks that run the Japan Basketball
Association oversees the NBL (formerly
the JBL) and the men’s national
program. Very little real progress has
How would you finish this sentence?
“Morning commutes turn me into a(n)…”
… irritable old hag. —@transpacifique
… either a rage-filled monster or a
potential hospital patient. Bruised
knees (and possibly ribs too) and an
almost-sprained wrist this morning.
T-T —Lisa Wallin
… brute, fighting for the first seat, until
the end of the route.
—Mirai Intelligentsia
… aging, pessimistic monster. After a
morning commute, I can’t help but feel
the world is out to get me. Takes a good
ten minutes to recover. Good thing I
mostly work from home.
—Helen A. Langford-Matsui
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THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
UPCOMING PRIZE!
Ryan Santiago
won a premium quality
kitchen knife
Courtesy of Zwilling
One lucky MMC member
will win a set of seven nail
enamels
Courtesy of Revlon
News in Brief
� Dennis Rodman
Under the Impression
Kim Jong Un is
“Gangnam Style”
Rapper Psy
THE NEGI
NEWS TO BRING A
TEAR TO YOUR EYE
� Japanese Man
Camping Out for
Tickets to the 2020
Olympics Actually
Just Homeless
by Spring Day
� Festival Foods
Yakisoba and Deep
Fried Octopus’ LifeExtending Secret
Ingredient Revealed:
Cigarette Ash
AMERICAN TOURIST DISAPPOINTED
AKB48 ISN’T A GUN
A 45-year-old American soy bean farmer and tourist,
Buddy Reed of Topeka, Kansas, was surprised to discover
that AKB48 was “a group of 89 12-year-old girls that sing in
sexy diapers” and not a “machine gun from the future,” as
he expected. “I heard on the internet that over 226 million
units had been sold in Japan alone and assumed it was a
rifle. I mean who buys music anymore anyway? Plus, I’ve
always wanted to own a rifle purchased 14 hours into the
future, because that would make me a time traveler, something I’ve always bragged about being at the Dungeons &
Dragons tournaments I regularly hold in my mother’s basement,” he said. “It never occurred to me that guns might
be illegal in Japan. Why would they be when we Americans
wrote their constitution?”
Mr. Reed remained optimistic as he stood in line waiting to buy AKB48 key chains, T-shirts and a ¥200,000 glow
stick illuminated by the lost innocence of its band members. Reed remarked, “The band has grown on me over the
past half hour. To be honest, it would be awkward if I wasn’t
the youngest man here buying this stuff for myself.”
Over the past ten years, support groups for umbrellas
and women’s underwear have been popping up in lingerie shops and department stores across Japan to provide
guidance and preventative measures to these statistically
most-abducted populations in otherwise crime-free Japan.
In the meetings, specialists advise umbrellas to be tattered
or slightly rust-stained, as such defects tend to frighten
the average abductor away. In a similar vein, panties are
encouraged to do everything in their power to look as big
and unattractive as possible. Also, once they are bought,
panties are encouraged to always be hung next to at least
one pair of extra, extra large men’s “tighty whities”—
preferably ones that are military-grade with medals and
inexplicable stains.
METROPOLIS is Japan's No.1 English magazine, founded in 1994 and published for Japan’s international community.
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� Abe Assures
Ambassador Kennedy:
“Don’t Worry, We
Japanese Don’t Have
Guns”
CHRISTI ROCHIN
JAPAN DECLARED SAFEST
COUNTRY IN THE WORLD IF YOU
ARE NOT AN UMBRELLA OR A
PAIR OF PANTIES
� Poll Reveals that 67
Percent of Japanese
Women Refer to “That
Time Of The Month” as
“Flag Day”
CHINA ACCUSES JAPAN OF BEING
VOLDEMORT BECAUSE NO ONE
KNOWS WHO SAURON IS
China’s envoy to London, Lui Xiaoming, has accused Japan
of acting like Lord Voldemort because, as X iaoming
explained, “Not enough people in Asia are familiar with
the Lord of Mordor, which is a more accurate comparison. Frankly, the Lord of the Rings books have too many
characters and it’s easy to get confused. Plus, the books
emphasize that everyone has a purpose for being in this
Middle Earth, even Gollum! That is not the message we’d
like to convey about Japan at this particular time.”
Japan’s envoy to London, Keiichi Hayashi, was quick
to respond to the accusation, replying two days later,
“What are you talking about, Muggle?“
� Japanese Tourist in
Italy Surprised Her
Prada Bag Was Stolen
from Cafe Seat While in
the Toilet
� Jesus Polled as
Japan’s Favorite
American After Harry
Potter
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