PIKACHIC! - Metropolis Magazine

Transcription

May 1-14, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com
CHECK OUR
CLINIC
SPECIAL
PIKACHIC!
GOTTA WEAR ’EM ALL
DARK VISIONS
THE ART OF STAR WARS
GARDEN ANGEL
SECRETS OF A T.I.P. DIRECTOR
BIKE TO THE FUTURE
RIDING FOR TOHOKU RELIEF
無料 PRICELESS
www.akaiclinic.com
Cosmetic Surgery
Laser Treatment
Skin Care
rejuvenate
yourself with
the best in beauty
technology
Quality of Akai Clinic
At Akai clinic, we only use products and technologies
approved by the FDA.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
• EYELID SURGERY rejuvenation of upper and lower eye
lid, tear trough, double eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis, etc.
• NOSE SURGERY tip plasty, hump resection, deviated
nose, ala reduction, augmentation or reduction
rhinoplasty.
• BREAST SURGERY augmentation, lift, reduction,
reconstruction.
• LIPOSUCTION WITH LASER ultra sonic assisted suction
device.
• LASER-LIPO minimal invasive facial and body
contouring device with AccuSculpt™ (1444nm laser).
• 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
• LASER & REJUVENATION lasers, RFs, IPLs, plasma,
Ultra Sound for wrinkle, sagging, drooping, open pores,
rosacea, skin complexion, pigmentation, melisma with
SOLARI, Aurora-Pro, INFINI, eCO2, Affirm, EndyMed,
Portrait Plasma, SPECTRA, AccuSculpt, etc.
• BOTOX & FILLERS allergan’s BOTOX, Juvederm,
Radiesse etc.
• ACNE & ACNE SCARS PLASMA fractional lasers (eCO2,
Affirm), INFINI (fractional RF), iClear (photo dynamic
therapy), microdermabrasion, chemical Peeling.
• LASER HAIR REMOVAL all kinds of lasers available:
Alex and long pulsed YAG, diode laser, etc.
• TATTOO REMOVAL with Spectra (Q-YAG laser) for any
color of tattoo.
• CELLULITE, BODY CONTOURING & STRETCH MARKS
cVela Smooth and EndyMed body (FDA Approved).
• LEG VEIN, BROKEN CAPILLARY long Pulsed YAG or
VenoCare.
• RHINOLIGHT hay fever, Allergic Rhinitis.
• SKINOLIGHT psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, Vitiligo,
Atopic dermatitis.
DR. HIDEMI AKAI
is a board-certified plastic
surgeon and an associate
professor of the
department of plastic,
aesthetic and
reconstructive surgery at
Tokyo’s Showa University.
Dr. Akai trained at
Harvard Medical School
and Massachusetts
General Hospital before
amassing over twenty-five
years of experience.
DR. KEIKO AKAI
is also a board-certified
plastic surgeon, and a
dermatologist.
The Akai Clinic offers a
range of
cosmetic-surgery
procedures, laser
treatments and skin care,
using state-of-the-art
equipment and the latest
techniques.
Additional fee for anesthesia is required. Please contact the clinic for more information.
Other cosmetic procedures available. For fees and detailed information services, please refer to our homepage.
We welcome email and phone inquiries.
Omotesando
KNK Bldg 3F 3-5-17, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
1-min walk from Omotesando stn, A3 exit.
Tel: 03-5771-4114 Email: [email protected]
Clinic hours: 11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun)
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist
Yokohama
Quadrifoglio 4F 5-14 Kinkocho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama.
1-min walk from Yokohama stn, North East exit.
Tel: 045-620-5745 Email: [email protected]
Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)
inside
MAY 1-14, 2015 • #1101
EDITOR’S
LETTER
The geek force was strong in the Metropolis offices as we prepared this issue, the combined power of Star Wars and Pokémon
guiding our hands. Grab a bit for yourself with our look at the Star
Wars Visions exhibition and a unique fashion line inspired by
Pikachu and friends. Both engender great passion, as does the
6
desire to help others, as we see in The Knights of White Lycra and
their 500km ride to help children in Tohoku. Equally fervent are
those who have waited decades for Taco Bell to arrive in Japan,
and that day has finally come—and Metropolis was on hand for
the pre-opening event. Read on for an issue of springtime zeal.
13
Luke, I Am Your Artist: Lucas’ vision goes on display
23
Gettin’ Crunchy With It: Taco Bell finally comes to Japan
That’s a Rap: Big Sean talks Dark Sky Paradise
Cover design: Kohji Shiiki. Photography: SHIMA Photography and Design. Makeup: Yuki Haba. Hair: Hisao Watanabe. Custom Dreads: kllylmrck, Model: Hirari Ikeda. Location: Robot Restaurant
GET PRINTED!
IN FOCUS
SEND IN YOUR BEST PHOTOS FOR OUR MAY 15 ISSUE. DEADLINE MAY 1.
metropolisjapan.com/focus
Tulip garden in Kasumigaura Comprehensive Park in Tsuchiura city, by Sandy Juhasz
Search over 30 million photos
8F Nishi-Azabu Sonic Bldg, 3-2-12 Nishi-Azabu,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 Tel 03-4588-2277
Fax 03-4588-2278 • www.metropolisjapan.com
METROPOLIS is Japan’s No.1 English magazine,
founded in 1994 and published for Japan’s
international community.
✓ 10 free starter credits with registration
✓ 25% credits bonus on purchase
Promo Code: Metropolis
www.123rf.com/metropolis
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Neil Butler EDITORIAL Christopher Bryan Jones (Editor-In-Chief) Martin Leroux (Editor) Momoko Mochizuki
(editorial assistant) Tim Young (Proofreader) CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dan Grunebaum (Entertainment) Don Morton (Movies) C.B. Liddell
(Arts) Samuel Thomas (Fashion) DESIGN Kohji Shiiki (Art Director) Davi Azevedo (Graphic Designer) Erin Hope (Design Intern) WEB Minh
Douangprachanh (Digital Manager) PRODUCTION Helen Langford (Production Assistant) ADVERTISING Akane Ochi, Karl Nakashima,
Niki Kaihara (Sales Managers) Yo Takahashi (Sales Executive) Ai Hosokawa (Sales Assistant) Nina Ozawa, Sherry Zheng, Tomoko Inoue,
Megan Green (Interns) ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Keiko Adachi (Administration Manager) Michiko Anezaki (Adminstration/
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た情報発信や宣伝広告の機会を行政機関や日本企業に提供しております。お問い合わせ: 03-4588-2277
© Copyright 2015 Japan Partnership Inc. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or delete any advertisement without notice.
03
upfront
LINGOIST
HOT ’N’ COLD
As the weather’s getting warmer and the AC is being turned up, finding a comfortable medium for everyone might get a bit tricky. If you’re
feeling shy about letting others know you’re shivering to the bone, let
Metropolis help you speak up!
JP
ADVERTORIAL
TALKING
TEETH
How dentistry works in Japan
I
04
JP
EN
JP
EN
JP
EN
Kyō wa totemo atsui desu ne.
It’s so hot today.
Eakon no ondo wo sagete mo
ii desu ka?
Can I raise the temperature of
the AC?
Samugari nanode senpūki o
mawasu dake de ii desu ka?
I tend to get cold easily, so can
we just turn on the fan?
Setsuden ni mo narushi,
ii desu yo.
Okay, that would also be more
eco-friendly.
123RF
f you stay in Japan long enough, at some point you’ll need to visit the
dentist. The experience—from treatment to fees to insurance—may
differ quite a bit from your home country. Recently, we met with Dr. Shinnosuke Ryu at his dental clinic in Toranamon Hills to learn more about
the most common questions foreign visitors have about dentistry in Japan.
I’ve noticed that, in Japan, teeth are often more yellow in tone compared
to Westerners. Why is this?
Your teeth are made up of dentin and enamel. The dentin is the core of
the tooth, and, like skin, can come in different colors. Asians have darker
pigmentation and this can affect the color of the dentin.
Covering the dentin is the enamel, the clear part of a tooth’s
covering that makes it shiny. Asians tend to have a thinner layer
of enamel than Westerners, and the color of the dentin is easier
to see through this thinner layer, making the teeth look less lustrous.
Orthodontics is very popular in other countries, but doesn’t seem to be
in Japan. Why aren’t treatments to straighten teeth more common here?
As you know, in Japan there is a national health insurance system. Because
of this, the cost of dental treatment is very affordable. For example, the cost
of a root canal in Japan is about ¥10,000 (about $85.00), while the cost in
the U.S. is around $2,000. So, with national health insurance, Japanese
feel the cost of dental work is not expensive.
In general, orthodontic treatment is usually considered cosmetic, rather
than medical, under the national health insurance system. As a result, it isn’t
covered. The difference in cost between things that are covered by national
health insurance and those that aren't is very big. Around the world, the cost
of orthodontic treatment is about $10,000. This is a lot more than the cost
of covered dental treatment, so most Japanese feel the cost is exorbitant.
Why does Japanese orthodontics use metal?
This is also related to the national health insurance system. Metal crowns
and fillings are very durable, and are accepted by the system. Ceramic
crowns and fillings are considered cosmetic, and therefore fall outside of
national health insurance coverage. Most dentists in Japan can provide
ceramic crowns and fillings, it just costs more for the patient.
What are the merits of Japanese clinics and orthodontics compared to
those overseas?
I think one of the main benefits is cost. Because of the national health
insurance system, the government has a lot more control over the costs
of medical goods and services. In the U.S., the cost of medical goods and
services is often determined by the hospitals, medical and pharmaceutical
companies, and insurance companies. In Japan, since the government pays
for a majority of the cost, they enforce more uniform, fair, and reasonable
pricing for medical goods and services. As a result, all medical services
are more affordable and dental treatment in Japan is reasonably priced.
Tornare Dental Clinic Tel: 0120-648-071. http://www.rmdcc.com/english/
EN
K
A
N
1
A
2
C
R
3
4
A
5
6
7
C
B
D
8
は
O
B
C
S
Down
1. Appearance
3. Today
5. Ordinance
6. Blonde
7. Fight
Across
2. Swimming ring or float
4. Drum
5. Broom
7. Health
8. Develop
Solution:
A
S
D
ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross
Metropolis Members Club
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
Alice Gordenker won a Beauty
Therapy Course courtesy of Formachika
UPCOMING PRIZE
One lucky MMC member will win a 50 Minute Golf
Lesson courtesy of Cool Clubs
Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
beer festivals
UNTIL MAY 6
MAY 10
MAY 23-24
Join in the German festivities with great beer
and food. Until May 6, 4-10pm (weekdays);
11am-10pm (weekends), free entry. Symbol
Promenade Park. Kokusai Tenjijo.
www.oktober-fest.jp/odaiba_spring
Grab some craft beer and enjoy food from
local shops with family and friends. May
10, 10am-4pm, free entry. Ichinomiya Park.
Seiseki-Sakuragaoka.
http://drink-out.jp
Enjoy over 150 varieties of craft and foreign
beer for an entry fee of just ¥5,000. May 23,
11am-2:30pm & 4-7:30pm; May 24, 12:30-4pm,
¥5,000. Osanbashi Hall. Nihon-Odori.
Tel: 045-211-2307.
www.osanbashi.com/en
Odaiba Oktoberfest
Drink Out! Tama Craft Beer Fair
BeerFes Yokohama
EDITOR’S PICK MAY 30-31 & JUN 2-5
Photo by Kazuyoshi Shimomura, 2005
MAY 16
DBS PRESENTS
“HOSPITAL NIGHT”
ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT
UK breakbeats label honcho London
Electricity fronts long-running DnB night.
May 16, 11:30pm, ¥3,150 (adv)/ ¥3,500
(door). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://j.mp/
hospitalnight2015
Where does jazz go a century after its birth? If anyone has
the answer, it’s keyboardist and composer Robert Glasper.
With his acoustic Trio and electric Experiment, Glasper
effortlessly extends jazz’s reach into R&B and hip-hop.
Glasper’s Black Radio albums have won him Grammys, while
on his forthcoming Covered, the pianist explores material
by Radiohead, Joni Mitchell, and John Legend, as well as
presenting new compositions of his own. Glasper arrives
for the mountainside Taico Club festival and an extended
engagement in Tokyo. Dan Grunebaum
May 30, 3pm-May, 31, 2pm, ¥13,000 (adv). Kodama no Mori,
Nagano Prefecture. 3 hours from Tokyo by car. Tel: 03-54284923. http://taicoclub.com/15. Jun 2-5, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥7,4009,400. Billboard Live Tokyo. Roppongi or Nogizaka.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/glasper2015
UNTIL JUN 28
SAYOKO YAMAGUCHI: THE
WEARIST, CLOTHED IN THE
FUTURE
This exhibition will trace Yamaguchi’s career, who,
as a top model, embodied the mysterious beauty
of the East, and conquered the world of fashion
during the 1970s and ’80s.
Until Jun 28, 10am-6pm. Closed Mon. ¥6001,200. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-shirakawa. Tel: 03-5245-4111.
www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng
Photo by Fujita Masato
UNTIL MAY 24
OPEN THE PARK
MAY 9
TOKYO DAGEKI DAN
Japanese taiko performing group’s 20th-anniversary performance.
May 9, 1 & 5pm, ¥3,500-4,000. Setagaya Public Theater.
Sangenjaya. http://j.mp/tokyodageki2015
Participate in Midpark Yoga (registration
required, limited to 500 participants), enjoy a
highball at the World Highball Midpark Cafe,
and more. Until May 24, various times, free
entry. Tokyo Midtown. Roppongi. Tel:
03-3475-3100.
http://j.mp/openthepark2015
MAY 9
GRAB THE WORLD!!
A flock of world-beating Japanese indie-rock
bands return to nest. May 9, 4pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/
¥3,500 (door) both +2d, ¥1,000. Shimokitazawa
Garden. Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3410-3431.
http://j.mp/grabtheworld2015
05
feature
© & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
VISIONS OF
DARK AND
LIGHT
Roppongi feels the
power of the Force
BY C BRYAN JONES
R
eturn of the Jedi may have premiered in
1983, but the title is an apt description of
our present day. Star Wars is back with a
vengeance, thanks to Disney’s purchase
of Lucasfilm. The Mouse has breathed new life
into the popular but largely dormant franchise.
Now, everywhere you turn, there’s a little bit of
The Force binding your galaxy together.
Movie theaters and television aren’t the only
places splashing images from far away into our
lives. The Mori Arts Center collaborates with
Disney to bring “Star Wars Visions,” an exhibition of art inspired by the films, to the 52nd floor
of Roppongi Hills’ Mori Tower. This showcase of
works from various artists opens alongside the
newly renovated Tokyo City View observation
deck, and highlights the diversity of interpretations of the Star Wars universe.
Curated by George Lucas himself, “Star
Wars Visions” gathers more than 60 pieces
from artists such as Syd Mead, a visual designer known for his work in sci-fi films, and Yoshitaka Amano, who worked on the character
designs for the Final Fantasy series.
Also part of this collaboration are over 100
pieces of concept art from the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, along with costumes and
props that were actually used in the six Star
Wars films. Set to open in 2018 in Chicago, the
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a new-style
museum that will have illustrations and visual
arts presented in a way that’s unlike any institution before.
What Tokyoites will get when the doors to
“Star Wars Visions” open on April 29 is a taste
06
of Lucas’ vision for encouraging and spotlighting artists who bring us incredible views of
other worlds.
The exhibition will also help prepare fans for
the next installment in the story, Episode VII:
The Force Awakens, which will hit theaters in
December. May 4 marks Star Wars Day (“May
the 4th be with you”), when the exhibition and
surrounding areas in Roppongi Hills will hold
commemorative events. Visitors will also have
the opportunity to have their photo taken with
Darth Vader on the rooftop observation deck,
270 meters above sea level. Make the Sith Lord
angry and that could be 271 meters for you.
“Star Wars Visions” is divided into six sections, each focusing on a specific symbolic aspect of the series.
The Original Visions presents the origins
of Lucas’ inspiration, designed by artists on
request to portray a realistic “old-style space”
based on what they remember from seeing
the Apollo spaceship covered in soot returning to earth.
Vision of Force focuses on the two opposing sides of Star Wars: The Light and the Dark.
Along with the symbolic Jedi and Sith lightsabers, Vision of Force showcases art within
the theme of “Force.”
Vision of Battle presents famous battle
scenes from the franchise. A compilation of
the main battles and blasters that were used
on set will be on display.
Visions of Saga collects costumes and
props used on set for Luke, Leia, Han Solo,
Yoda, and Obi-Wan Kenobi; film clips from
important scenes in the series are displayed
alongside.
Vision of Galaxy showcases pieces that vividly portray creatures from the many planets
seen in Star Wars, including a statue of Jabba
the Hutt and a screen-used Ewok costume.
Vision of Droid compiles clips featuring
C-3PO and R2-D2, the two droids that have
become symbolic of Star Wars over the years.
Tokyo City View is the first stop for Star Wars
Visions before the exhibition moves around
the country, and will run through June 28. During this time, the Star Wars Exhibition Special
Shop and 12 stores inside Roppongi Hills will
offer limited edition items. Tickets run ¥1,800
for general admission, ¥1,500 for seniors 65
and over, ¥1,200 for high school and university
students, ¥600 for children aged 4 through
middle school.
Mori Art Center Tokyo City View. Tel: 036 4 0 6 - 6 652 . O p en 1 0 am -1 0 p m (do or s
cl o s e a t 9 : 3 0 p m) . Ro p p o n g i . w w w.
roppongihills.com/tcv/jp/sw-visions
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CLINICS
AKAI MEDICAL CLINIC
Omotesando & Yokohama
Receiving high-quality treatment is essential
when changing your appearance. Akai Medical Clinic strives to help patients achieve the
ideal beauty they desire. Both locations in
the Kanto area, one in central Tokyo in trendy
Omotesando and the other in Yokohama,
boast top-class doctors, cutting-edge machinery, and processes not found elsewhere
in Japan.
The popular clinic is run by Dr. Hidemi
Akai and Dr. Keiko Akai. Dr. Hidemi Akai is a
board-certified plastic surgeon who trained
at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, and currently is an
associate professor in the department of
Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at Showa University in Tokyo. Dr. Keiko
Akai is also a board-certified plastic surgeon
who is a skin care specialist and certified
dermatologist. Akai Medical Clinic is fully
equipped with state-of-the-art equipment
and committed to offering the highest quality
treatment to its customers, while the doctors’ wealth of experience dealing with foreign clientele helps each individual patient
reach their desired look.
Akai Medical Clinic performs routine pro-
cedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, reduction or lift, and cosmetic eye and
nose surgery. In addition, Dr. Hidemi Akai is
constantly introducing new technology and
treatments to the clinic. A “Vampire Lift” may
sound like something from a movie, but it’s
the newest trend in rejuvenation treatment
that utilizes your own blood as a source of
nutrients to sustain and prolong youth—and
you can now experience it at Akai Medical
Clinic. The “Vampire Lift” regenerates tissue
by circulating the body’s natural “growth factors” and creating a natural rejuvenation effect. In the areas where the injection is made,
wrinkles and sagging will be lifted naturally.
The overall quality of your skin will improve
and regain its natural elasticity. While other
treatments may cause damage through heat,
the “Vampire Lift” is a heatless process that
actively injects growth factors into particular
parts, improving blood circulation, increasing
collagen, and repairing tissues.
Other new options include Endy Med Pro
and Infini, laser treatments that lift the skin.
Recently upgraded, Endy Med Pro has four
slimming heads and is able to tighten your
skin and contour your face and body by reducing fat. This new radio frequency-based
professional level treatment is an effective
way to improve the quality of your skin. Infini
is a new fractional RF device that is able to
treat aging, sagging skin with pigmentation,
wrinkles, and laxity.
Other specialized procedures can help
alleviate acne, reduce acne scars, and repair
sun-damaged skin. As the skin is the body’s
largest organ, it can be easily damaged by
ultraviolet rays, aging, and other stresses of
modern life. Continued skin trouble can even
lead to anxiety and tension. Let Akai Medical
Clinic rejuvenate your skin with their cosmetic
dermatology treatments. Akai Medical Clinic
also treats skin tumors and skin cancer.
Both locations offer a wide array of treatment options. Contact the clinic today for a
consultation and their skilled, bilingual staff
will get you on your way to a great-looking you.
SPECIAL OFFER
Mention Metropolis and receive:
• Vela Smooth, EndyMed-Pro for body: 50% OFF
(For body contouring & cellulite: buttocks & thighs,
abdomen, arm)
• Laser Hair Removal (Long-Pulsed YAG, Diode laser,
Long-Pulsed, Alexandrite laser, IPL): 50% OFF
• Tattoo Removal (Q-YAG): 70% OFF
• Botox (Allergan™, USA): 50% OFF
• Filler (Hyarulonic Acid, Juvederm Ultra): 50% OFF
• PRP & PRFM (Vampire Lift): 50% OFF
• Fat & Stem cell injection (Vampire Lift): 50% OFF
• IPL (SOLARI, Aurora-Pro) for facial rejuvenation: 50%
OFF
• Skin Tightening & Lift-up (EndyMed-Pro, INFINI,
Polaris): 50% OFF
• Leg Vein & Broken Capillary (long -pulsed YAG,
Veno-Care): 50%OFF
• Fractional Laser (eCO2 , Affirm): 50% OFF
• Plasma Skin Regeneration: 50% OFF (available only
in Japan)
• Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peeling: 50% OFF
• Photo Dynamic Therapy for Acne: iClear + Mollion:
50% OFF
• Any cosmetic surgery: 30% OFF
Valid until June 30th
OMOTESANDO
3F KNK Bldg., 3-5-17 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku
03-5771-4114
Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat & Sun 10am-7pm
Omotesando
YOKOHAMA
4F Quadrifoglio Bldg., 5-14 Kinkocho,
Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama
045-620-5745
Tue-Fri 11am-7pm,
WEBSITE
Sat 10am-5pm,
Closed Sun-Mon
Yokohama
[email protected]
www.akaiclinic.com
07
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• 86% off The Ultimate Slimming Program
• 43% off Body Thermacool CPT
• 77% off laser hair removal
• 67% off Botox Hyperhidrosis (Excessive
Sweating)
• 75% off Thermacool CPT
7F Hagiwara Bldg 1, 1-3-1, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
0120-005-327 (Toll free)
Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun 10am-7pm, Wed 11am-8pm
Ebisu
[email protected]
www.azabu-skinclinic.com
AZABU SKIN
CLINIC
As green buds sprout and the refreshing, warmer weather of spring arrives, it’s time
to begin getting your body ready for summer; and Azabu Skin Clinic can help! Their
various treatment programs will improve your body and leave you looking great. Popular
Ebisu
options include the Ultimate Instant Slimming Program and the Body Thermacool CPT
plan, which yield surprising and lasting effects after just one treatment. They also have programs that help reduce
cellulite so you can attain a perfect bodyline, as well as laser hair removal plans at a special price. Botox injections
can reduce excessive sweating, while Thermacool, Titan, and Fractional Resurfacing treatments can lessen
sagging in the face, eyes, and neck area. The seasonal shift to warmer temperatures and exposure to stronger UV
rays may trigger dark spots and acne, so spring is the perfect time to get an early start on warm-weather skin care.
The ultimate anti-aging course—Hormone Replacement Therapy—will help rejuvenate you from within and keep
you beautiful and healthy. Visit Azabu Skin Clinic to get on track to a beautiful, new look!
WEBSITE
EXTENDED HOURS FOR CONSULTATION WITH
FEMALE DOCTORS
• Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 4-6pm
• Examinations (hemorroid treatment, large intestine
endoscopies) performed by female doctor or clinic
director
4-26-6 Miyamae, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
03-5336-8550 (Please call for more details)
9am-12pm / 4-6pm
※ Clinic director: No appointment necessary
※ Substitute Coloproctologist: Sat 4-6pm
※ Female doctor: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 4-6pm
※ Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, National Holidays
Fujimigaoka
www.ino8550.jp
INOGASHIRA-DORI
COLO-PROCTO CLINIC
Performing over 1,700 large intestine and 600 gastrofiberscopies every
year, the staff at Inogashira-dori Colo-Procto Clinic fully understands
the internal qualms that one goes through before seeing a doctor for
Suginami
these types of problems. Embarrassment is natural when the issues
are so personal, but there is no need to worry with Inogashira-dori Colo-Procto Clinic. The doctors try their best
to provide support in English, and examinations may be performed by a female doctor upon request, so everyone
can feel at ease. Over 500 hemorrhoid treatments are performed every year, some using the new Zione Injection
Treatment, which involves no surgery. They have also established outpatient clinics to treat irregularity, ulcerative
colitis, and Crohn’s disease. A staff dietitian can also provide nutritional counseling for patients with intestinal and
colon diseases. Dr. Akihiro Ohori, who is certified by the Japan Society of Coloproctology and Japan Surgical
Society, aims to further enhance their medical services and to continue fully supporting patients.
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• 50% off laser hair removal (one-time offer,
restrictions apply) plus a free book, New You
With Botox
4F, 5-5-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
03-5475-2345
Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat 9:30am-6pm
(by appointment), closed Wed & Sun
Hiroo
[email protected]
www.plazaclinic.net
08
PLAZA CLINIC
Dr. Robert Kure, former chief resident in plastic surgery at UCLA Medical Center
and head surgeon at Plaza Clinic, strives to ensure that Plaza Clinic provides the
very best in modern cosmetic care. In fact, being the only American Board of Plastic
Surgery-certified surgeon in Japan—with over 18 years of experience overseas—Kure is an easy choice for
those considering cosmetic surgery. Plaza Clinic is located near Hiroo Crossing, and offers facelifts, liposuction,
laser tattoo and freckle removal, and double eyelid procedures, using modern state-of-the-art equipment.
Additionally, Plaza offers Botox treatment for wrinkles and migraine headaches, hyperhidrosis for hands,
Restylane and Juvéderm to reduce lines, and Retin-A and Obagi systems to remove blemishes and wrinkles.
Consultations can be done in English, and foreign insurance is accepted for reconstructive procedures and
certain dermatological cases. Once you’ve been to Plaza, we’re confident you’ll visit again!
Hiroo
MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →
PULICE BEAUTY
& HEALTH
Kyobashi
“Beauty starts with a great smile.” That’s the
motto of Pulice, whose all-female staff help
you look your best through a total beauty
treatment plan that combines many esthetic
services, including skin and nail care, in a relaxing atmosphere. Pulice’s staff can put together
a treatment plan tailored to your individual
needs. Available programs include the “Oral
Dock Course,” the “Pulice Course,” and the
“Periodontal Disease Treatment Course.”
The “Oral Dock Course” uses a new technology called VistaCam to quantify and differentiate the types of cavities that a normal
x-ray would miss. Eight different examinations
measure things like mouth odor and moisture
level to identify all possible risks within the oral
cavity, and a ten-second concentrated burst
of ozone gas kills 99% of bacteria.
For those left feeling unsatisfied by a routine tooth cleaning, the “Pulice Course” provides an esthetic regimen that completely
revitalizes you. After a full dental checkup, a gum
and head massage is provided in an aromatic
room, making this a luxurious cleaning course.
The “Periodontal Disease Treatment
Course” offers a quick way to decrease the
bacteria in your mouth that cause periodontal disease. Using a variety of methods, such
as ozone gas that kills bacteria, oral medicine,
and mouthwash, a highly-skilled dentist and a
nutritionist work together to treat and prevent
further decay and gum disease.
At Pulice, your privacy is a top priority and
all treatment rooms are individual and private.
All staff are female, including dentist Dr. Keiko.
Having spent 12 years living overseas, she can
easily attend to your needs in English. Having
passed the strictest European regulations for
safety and hygiene, Pulice is able to provide
treatment with peace of mind.
Beauty doesn’t end with dental care, so Pulice
offers additional treatments such as hyaluronan
injections, face massages, and nail treatments.
The hyaluronan injections, a needleless method
for beautifying skin, delivers components directly to the dermic layer to reduce wrinkles
around your mouth. The face massage helps
the bones, lymph nodes, and muscles around
your face work together to create a harmonious system. Together with anti-aging and
nail treatments, these present women with a
variety of choices. Let Pulice help you enjoy a
beautiful and healthy life, step by step, in true
Japanese omotenashi fashion.
SPECIAL OFFER
• 30% off Pulice Course
1F Oak Kyobashi Bldg., 1-16-10 Kyobashi,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
WEBSITE
03-3538-6767
10am-6pm. Closed Sun & hols
Muromachi, Kyobashi,
Nihonbashi
[email protected]
http://pulice.jp
Please email to make initial
consultation appointment
09
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• HIV Rapid Test: ¥3,000
• Other STD Rapid Test: ¥3,000
2F Barbizon Bldg., 1-20-3-203, Sendagaya,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
03-3478-4747
Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-8pm, Sat 10am-2:30pm
Sendagaya
[email protected]
www.sendagaya-ic.com/en/
SENDAGAYA
INTERNATIONAL
CLINIC
Sendagaya International Clinic provides high-level medical services in
English at an easy-to-access location, with convenient consultation hours,
a comfortable environment, and moderate pricing. The doctor, nurse, and
receptionist all speak fluent English, and can guide you through the entire
Sendagaya
process. They offer a wide range of care, including internal medicine,
pediatric care, minor surgery, immunization, and some examinations. They also issue documents to make
filing insurance claims easier if you have a non-Japanese health insurance policy. Their pre-consultation
system means there’s no need for lengthy waits when you visit for your consultation. Please visit the
clinic's website for more details.
WEBSITE
東京高輪病院
TOKYO TAKANAWA HOSPITAL
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC NOW OPEN
• Please don't hesitate to contact the international
support desk.
3-10-11 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo
03-3443-9191
Fax: 03-5798-7162
Consultation hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30am
Operating hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm
Takanawadai, Shinagawa
[email protected]
http://takanawa.jcho.go.jp/intlclinic
TOKYO TAKANAWA
HOSPITAL
Fully equipped with the latest medical technology, Tokyo Takanawa
Hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities are staffed with highly-trained
medical personnel. Coming from wide, multidisciplinary backgrounds,
Takanawa
their physicians are experienced in handling even the most serious
medical problems, and can do so in fluent English. Nurses who speak English and Korean are also on hand
to care for you, and English, Chinese, and German interpreters are available. Their International Clinic is a
gateway to specific medical services. If you require further examinations or treatments, Tokyo Takanawa
Hospital can refer you to specialists. Their team is on standby to give you total peace of mind, and a variety
of departments—Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery,
Cardiovascular Surgery, Dermatology, Urology, Opthalmology, Ear Nose and Throat, Anesthesiology (Pain
Clinic), Oral Surgery—stand ready to provide routine health checkups.
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• ¥7,500 for 60 mins
• Students ¥3,000 for 60 mins
*Appointments required
1F, 1-2-3 Yakumo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
03-6421-1380
Mon-Sat 9am-1pm, 2pm-9pm (Sat until 7pm)
Toritsudaigaku
[email protected]
http://physicaltherapy-exercise.com/english_
index.html
10
TORITSUDAI PHYSIO
CARE & CONDITIONING
Toritsudai Physio Care & Conditioning is a rehabilitation and
conditioning space whose concept is to heal by treating the
fundamental basics of the body. Cooperating with doctors’ clinics, it’s a
Toritsudaigaku
place where patients come to receive care for physical therapy. Takashi
Saegusa, the owner, founder, and chief physical therapist, is certified
by the National Athletic Trainers Association and studied Athletic Training at Bridgewater State University in
Massachusetts; so you can easily communicate with him in English. From rehabilitation after surgery to chronic
neck, shoulder, and back pain; from injury prevention for athletes to treatment to increase performance in
sports, Toritsudai Physio Care & Conditioning offers a variety of treatment options. Other services include
individual insole-fitting and creation, and the clinic gladly welcomes team-training and therapy.
MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Mention Metropolis and receive
20% off teeth cleaning and whitening (first time
visitors only)
SERVICES
• Cleaning: ¥30,000 (with periodontal disease test
and x-ray); ¥15,000 (without test and x-ray).
• Whitening (office whitening) ¥50,000 (1st time)
¥35,000 (2nd time, within 30 days)
2F Toranomon Misu Bldg., 3-7-11 Toranomon,
Minato-ku, Tokyo
03-6809-2880
Mon-Fri 10am-2:30pm, 4-7pm
Sat 10am-2pm, 3-5pm, Closed Thurs, Sun & Hols
Kamiyacho, Toranomon, Onarimon
[email protected]
http://kamiyacho-dc.jp
KAMIYACHO
DENTAL CLINIC
Kamiyacho Dental Clinic, run by Dr. Miyu Takashima, is conveniently located
in Kamiyacho and accessible by three subway lines. The clinic specializes
in efficient, effective treatments for busy people in the privacy of a
Kamiyacho
comfortable, private room with state-of-the-art technology. For treatment
that would normally require multiple visits, Kamiyacho Dental Clinic offers a single concentrated
treatment that can be completed in one session. The entire process from initial checkup to completion
can be done in as little as two hours, depending on the complexity of the treatment. Dr. Takashima uses
advanced dental microscope technology, not yet widely available in Japan, to gain a more accurate
and detailed micro-level view of the affected area. This allows for earlier detection of decay and a more
effective treatment. Kamiyacho Dental Clinic looks forward to seeing your smile.
HOLIST
IC
SEMINA HE ALTH
MAY 20 R HELD
&
OR MAY MAY 22
2
AT CLU 4TH
B 360
Need a simple, tried-and-tested approach to radically change your health?
Have you been trying to piece together all the confusing health information out there?
Sick of diet food, exhausting workouts and temporary results?
It’s time to personalize an approach that works for you!
SEE MORE AT: HTTP://PRIMALHEALTH.CO/PRIMAL-HEALTH-SEMINAR/
“The course was very informative and helpful. I felt that I learned a lot that
I wish I had known about much earlier in my life!” -Catherine
THE PRIMAL HEALTH SEMINAR WILL
BE HELD AT CLUB 360
Just 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills
Pristine showering facilities
Large modern facility with spacious studio & 5-star
resistance zone
Register now! [email protected] Tel: 03-6434-9667
DON’T MISS AN ISSUE – SUBSCRIBE NOW!
One year (24 issues) ¥3,600. Half year (12 issues) ¥1,800. One year corporate subscribers:
7-100 copies ¥22,560. Half year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥12,000.
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club).
http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription
11
www.dubliners.jp
WHERE THERE ARE
NO STRANGERS,
ONLY FRIENDS
YOU HAVE YET
TO MEET!
TURN YOUR PASSION FOR JAPAN
INTO A CAREER YOU’LL LOVE
• Join our team as a Japan Sales Specialist
• Be part of a growing, award winning travel company
• Enjoy extensive training in the UK and abroad
• Receive a highly competitive salary
• Base yourself in our UK offices
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | [email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Ikebukuro
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |[email protected]
Akasaka
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Shinagawa
Find out more about becoming an Audley Country Specialist
at www.audleytravel.com/careers
12
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
food&drink
RESTAURANT
¥¥¥
EN/JP
Les Grandes Arbes
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY VESNA KEVORK
The delicate flowers popping up abundantly around the pretty exterior of Les Grandes
Arbes, tucked in the backstreets of Hiroo, give
the impression that this café is actually a beautiful floral boutique.
However, visitors soon realize that this is
no ordinary flower shop—a fact made clear by
the selfies on display. There aren’t just one or
two photos here, but rather an onslaught of
self-portraits of multiple people, shot from various angles, all with Arbes as the backdrop. It’s
as though the photo-takers found themselves
outside the Empire State Building or the Taj
RESTAURANT
¥¥
Mahal, and wanted to immortalize the experience. The images halt passersby as they
take in this phenomenon and become swept
away by the mania—ultimately photographing themselves.
Looking up reveals a wooden brown treehouse attached to the establishment. Finally,
a chance to play out childhood fantasies of
owning your own wooden fortress!
Walking through the flower shop and up a
steep staircase onto floors three and four leads
to… voilà: the rooftop! This outdoor space is reserved for whomever gets in first, and provides a
relaxing and secluded sanctuary, decked out with
wooden chairs and tables, metallic grey lanterns,
and an olive tree in the corner.
However, on days when the wind is harsh, the
cozy indoor area might be more appealing. The
vibe is pretty and girly, with light Hawaiian music
playing in the background. The staff are cheerful
and attentive, adding to an ambience that’s warm
and happy, in a quirky, feminine, child-like environment. Most of the lunching ladies take snapshots
of their meals and ask staff to help document their
visit by taking multiple group photos. Of course,
the staff oblige.
True to the nature of this boutique, there are
flowers on display all around—there’s even a
tree growing out of the communal table in the
center of the café. It’s a chic and “green” alter-
native to high tea, capturing the vibe, just with
different offerings.
Light, healthy, and casual, the lunch is a mix
of foccacia sandwiches, soups, curries, and salads. Prices for the mains start from ¥1,100 and
average around the ¥1,230 mark, and the sets
include two small side dishes, soup, and either
rice or baguette. The choices of mains are the
focaccia (¥1,230), chicken and tomato curry
(¥1,230), and hummus (¥1,100). The seemingly
most popular sweets are the apple and lemon
tart (¥620) and the green tea fondant (¥620).
Missed out on having your own cubby or
treehouse as a kid? This is your chance to
reclaim your childhood and make some new
memories—and also an opportunity to escape
Tokyo for an hour or two, and enjoy some organic food on an endless wooden terrace in the
luscious springtime season.
Fleur Universelle, 5-15-11 Minami-Azabu,
Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5791-1212. Mon-Sat 11am10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Hiroo.
http://fleur-universelle.com
The festivities kicked off the day before, with
Taco Bell International president Melissa Lora
on hand to give a background of the company’s history and strategy. Lora’s passion for the
menu and for lovers of Taco Bell was clear, and
the approach to launching in Japan echoes
the way Glen Bell founded the company in
1962: Keep it simple.
This means Japan gets a simplified menu of Taco Bell’s most popular items—Supreme and Crunchy
Tacos, Fajita Burrito, Crunchwrap, Fajita Quesadilla—and of course nachos and
Cinnamon Tostados. Some Japan exclusives
also dot the menu in the form of the Taco Rice
Bowl and the Shrimp and Avocado Burrito. But
when will the Gordita will arrive on our shores?
They answered, maybe down the road, but not
right now.
While prices are not as low as may have
been hoped, they’re very much in line with
the norm for fast food in Japan. The
Crunchwrap Supreme will run you
¥850 as a combo (includes drink
and side), or ¥630 alone. The Fajita
Quesadilla is the same, and a combo with two
Supreme Tacos is ¥790 (a la carte Supreme Tacos are ¥320 each; the Beef Crunchy is ¥270).
In a welcome move that still hasn’t caught on in
Japan, drink refills are free. Are you a Dr. Pepper fan? They have it on tap. Try getting that
elsewhere in Tokyo!
On opening day, more than 300 eager diners lined up all the way down to 109, something
likely to continue for some time to come—so
you may need to set aside some extra time for
lunch. But if, like so many, you’ve longed for that
taste of home and been waiting for this longoverdue addition to Tokyo’s dining scene, the
time has come for you to Live Más!
1F/B1F Kanedai Bldg, 2-25-14 Dogenzaka,
Shibuya-ku. 03-6427-8543. Open daily 10am11pm. Shibuya. http://tacobell.co.jp
EN/JP
Live Más in Shibuya!
BY C BRYAN JONES
For many years, those wanting a taste of the
venerable Taco Bell had to find their way onto
a U.S. military base, rendering the old slogan
“make a run for the border” quite literal. The
question of when the popular Mexican fastfood chain from America would finally set up
shop on Japanese soil has remained unanswered—until now.
On April 21, Asrapport Dining opened the
doors of Taco Bell’s first Japanese branch.
Located in Shibuya, just up the street from
fashion epicenter 109, the shop brings a fresh
California-inspired design to a two-floor, 104seat space where you can get spicy, if you like.
13
1 DISH FROM ¥780
1 DRINK FROM ¥500
COURSES FROM ¥4,000
NEW OPEN!
Let’s Eat Crab!
ENJOY DELICIOUS CRAB, CASUALLY.
CARAT has the concept of
allowing customers to enjoy
eating crab, casually. The high
quality crabs come directly
from Rausu, Hokkaido.
The restaurant is open 24/365,
so please come to enjoy a nice
dinner at the bar or in the
café, or close out your day
with some noodles!
DON’T MISS AN ISSUE – SUBSCRIBE NOW!
e
Lin i
do ong
Ōe pp
Ro
Police
Station
Roppongi
Crossing
aka
araiz
Imo
6-1-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5413-3689
e
Lin gi
http://carat-roppongi.com
n
iya
Hib oppo Almond
R
Open 24 hours
Family
Mart
Lunchtime: 11am~3pm
Post Office
One year (24 issues) ¥3,600. Half year (12 issues) ¥1,800.
One year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥22,560.
Half year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥12,000.
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club).
http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription
ENU FROM
COURSE M
¥3,500
AN DRINK
ALL YOU C
¥1,500
A tavern with a market-like atmosphere,
filled with fresh fish and delicious cuisine.
Enjoy crabs shipped directly from Rausu,
Hokkaido, and many other fresh fish, meat,
and many other delicacies from all over
Japan—all at a reasonable price.
Have great times with great food!
DRINKS AND FOOD FROM ￥399
Nihon Sengyo Kokakurui Dokokai | 1F-3F 1-22-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Tel: 03-5287-2568 | Open 24/365 days
14
Shoku Doraku Ueno Branch | 6-12-12 Ueno, Taito-ku
Tel: 03-6803-2348 | Open 24/365 days
food&drink
MILLET STRAWBERRY CONFITURE
• 1 pack (250g without stems) of
strawberries
• 2 tbs dry millet
• 4 tbs sugar
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 1 tbs white wine
TOFU CRÈME ANGE
• 1 pack (450g) yogurt
• 70g silken tofu
• 80g cream cheese
OPTIONAL
• Fresh berries
DIRECTIONS
RECIPE
TOFU CRÈME ANGE WITH MILLET
STRAWBERRY CONFITURE
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Millets can be bought online or at local health food stores. Because
the strawberry season is nearing its end, you can get small ones at a
reasonable price. Enjoy a nutritious, healthy confiture with light crème
ange and tofu.
Cooking time: 9 hr (active 40 min)
Servings: 4
Tirol Choco’s uji maccha
mochi chocolate is now
available as an ice cream
flavor (¥167), sold exclusively at Family Mart for a
limited time and in limited
quantity. The ice cream bar comes coated in green-tea chocolate, with
a mochi sauce center. Just as it’s getting warmer, this is the perfect treat
for a cool break—not that any excuse is needed for ice cream!
Available in around 11,400 Family Mart stores nationwide.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
W h y s h o u l d K i t Ka t
have all the appleriffic
fun? Move over Apple
Pie wafers because
M&M ’s have one upped you with the addition of caramel. The
special Caramel Apple
M&M’s are tiny oval
morsels of tastiness
that aren’t as sweet as
you might expect. How
long they’ll mingle on shelves with their Plain, Peanut Butter, and Almond cousins remains to be seen, so get them while you can.
Available in convenience stores nationwide.
Craving a more authentic
South American experience
than fast food can provide?
Head over to Yoyogi Park
for their Cinco de Mayo celebrations. There’s plenty of
entertainment to keep you
busy, but waiting for you to
work up your hunger is an allstar roster of Tokyo’s South
American restaurants, setting up stalls to serve you the
good stuff—where tacos and
burritos are just the tip of the iceberg. Down it all with some Jose Cuervo
and Havana Club, and continue the party!
May 3, 10am-8pm, May 4, 10am-5:30pm. Yoyogi Park.
Photo courtesy of Cinco de Mayo Steering Committee
A long-time favorite for its authentic American atmosphere and food,
TGIF now has a new location where you can enjoy your favorite dishes
(we recommend the Cowboy Triple Meat Burger). TGI Fridays Tokyo
Dome City is the perfect pairing of sports and special events with burgers, ribs, and more, and also features a dynamic bar. 1F Kourakun Hall
Bldg. Open 11am-midnight. 03-5803-4151. Suidobashi.
www.tgifridays.co.jp
1. In strainer, place paper coffee filter and drain yogurt and tofu for eight
hours.
2.Wash millet, then drain water in strainer. Combine all the ingredients
for confiture in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for three
minutes with cover.
3.Mix confiture ingredients and microwave again for two minutes, then let
rest for no longer than five minutes. Repeat this process again, and mix
well. Shift into a clean jar with top tightly sealed. Let cool in the fridge.
4.Soften cream cheese at room temperature. Combine cream cheese
and the drained yogurt and tofu, then mix well with whisk.
5.Chill cream cheese mixture for 15 minutes and serve on plate. Pour
generous amounts of confiture on top, and garnish berries if desired.
15
city life
Photos by Ivan Doherty
ment with seedlings, how to grow basic crops,
doing watering and planting, weeding, things
of that nature.”
In addition to passing on this knowledge
and building a connection between generations, Place to Grow will provide children with an
opportunity to visit sheep farms, go on mountain hikes, pick fruits and vegetables, and learn
about future farming, such as aquaponics and
hydroponics. Perhaps most importantly, Place
to Grow is designed to be sustainable. The ¥5.5
million is designated for construction, curriculum development, and getting the program off
BY C BRYAN JONES
the ground and running smoothly. Then the
community takes ownership, with continued
late 2012, following the disaster that struck
support from corporate sponsors.
the Tōhoku region in March 2011, a group
The active connection to nature is one reaof British expats who were members of the
son the multinational support from The Knights
“Brits at Lunch’’ social gathering had a great
in White Lycra is such a great fit. Children who
idea. They would take their passion—cycling—
find themselves in temporary living situations
and use it to make a difference in the lives of
have a severe lack of personal space, somethose impacted by the earthquake and tsunami.
thing critical for their development and relief
As the idea took shape, a karaoke-night enof stress. As a result, they often turn to video
counter with the Moody Blues classic “Nights In
games and electronic devices as a way to esWhite Satin” provided the final spark that gave
cape. The KIWL riders are able to create an air
birth to The Knights in White Lycra, a group of
of excitement and lead kids back outside.
31 cyclists who ride for a better future.
On May 20, KIWL will set off on a 500-kilomeAs for the 500-kilometer ride itself, what’s
Although KIWL was founded by Brits, the ter ride from Tokyo to Minamisanriku, Miyagi the most challenging aspect of making the trip?
group has since expanded to include riders Prefecture. The three-day trip will cap off the “I think the most difficult thing about riding that
from seven countries—Canada, New Zealand, raising of ¥5.5 million for “Place to Grow,” a pro- kind of a distance is the mental toughness, beAustralia, Japan, Sri Lanka, the U.S., and, of gram of OGA for Aid. OGA, a non-profit focused ing able to just continue and push on despite
course, the U.K.—making it a truly international on providing solutions of recovery to survivors the weather, despite the challenges that invarieffort to help Tōhoku. What brings the members of major natural disasters, has designed “Place ably you are going to face,” says Kushner. A
together is not only a love of the ride, but a de- to Grow” as an after-school agricultural initiative devoted cyclist who logs around 250 kilomesire to make a difference.
where communities can grow together.
ters each weekend, he knows the process well,
“It’s great to have a sport that you’re pas“The goal really is to provide a ‘Place’ to even though this will be his first trek as a Knight
sionate about, and a hobby that you can do give an emotionally safe learning environ- in White Lycra. “There may be mechanical difon the weekends and so forth. But it’s even ment for kids in the region, many
ficulties, you may be thinking about
better to marry that with a good cause and to of whom were impacted and are
something else, you’ve got work
try to raise money for something that you also in temporary housing, and to give
back in the office … so having the
Any donation,
have a passion about—and so combine two them an opportunity to learn about
mental toughness of being able to
however small,
passions,” says Jonathan Kushner, a vice presi- agriculture from the more expeconcentrate for that length of time
makes a difference
dent of the American Chamber of Commerce rienced people, the elders,” exis difficult.”
to the children of
Tōhoku. Please
in Japan (ACCJ). Jonathan, an avid cyclist who plains Kushner. “So that’s a good
It’s all worth it though. As Kushsponsor the riders
is also Managing Partner at Kreab, a Swedish opportunity for them to build comner points out, “This kind of activity,
at www.kiwl.net or
communications company in Tokyo, will be rid- munity between the youngsters
where you can reach out to the next
www.ogaforaid.org
ing with KIWL for the first time this year.
and the elders, but also to pass on
generation and give them some
This marriage of passions translates to skills about agriculture and so forth—to pass skills and some opportunities to interact with
long-distance rides that become events for down their knowledge. They’ll do things like people from all different nationalities, is going
the communities through which the riders pass. reading books on farming together, experi- to be really enhancing for their futures.”
KNIGHTS IN
WHITE LYCRA
Going the distance to bridge generations
I
HELP THE
CAUSE
16
SETTING THE STAGE
Director Alysha Haran talks theater in Tokyo
BY MUBITA MAMBWE
Artwork by Matthew Robins, www.sadlucy.com
W
hile kabuki and noh productions
abound, and touring Broadway and
West End productions thrive, Tokyo’s
theater scene is also vibrant with a
growing number of local English-language performing arts communities. The title of “longestrunning English theater company in Japan,”
however, is held by the Tokyo International
Players (TIP). Founded in 1896, TIP comprises
actors, directors, and various creative people
from all walks of life. There are many stories to
tell, and TIP’s current president, Alysha Haran,
certainly has her share.
Theater has always been an integral part of
Haran’s life. The San Francisco native started
performing professionally at the age of 5 in the
Bay Area, where she trained in various genres
spanning musical theater, opera, ballet, and
stage acting. At 18, Haran relocated to Los Angeles to work in production, and produced music videos and commercials—including one that
won USA Today’s poll for “most popular Super
Bowl commercial” in 2000.
However, Haran’s career took a sudden turn
in 2001, following the events of September 11.
“I was supposed to be a passenger on one
of the September 11 planes; six days before
that, my plans changed,” explains Haran. “I realized that I could be making commercials when
I was 50, but I couldn’t go join the navy or do
something where I was truly giving back to the
country—so I joined the navy.”
Haran took a break from entertainment to
serve in the U.S. Navy. Today, she deploys on
cruisers and destroyers as a surface warfare
officer and is in Japan on the Olmsted scholarship, the military equivalent of the Fulbright.
“I’ve been placed here in Tokyo to study, and
[I’m] finishing a master’s degree at Sophia University in Japanese studies. Of course, with my
background, my way into the culture is through
the arts,” says Haran. “So I was very happy to have
discovered TIP.”
Now actively producing shows in Japan,
starting with a 2013 production of Lanford Wilson’s Burn This and more recently directing an
original stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s
Little Women in 2014, Haran confirms that her
work with the Navy was relevant to her art.
“One of the reasons for joining the Navy, and
taking a break from the entertainment industry,
was because the whole point of the arts, the
theater, is to have a better sense of humanity.
Living and working in one place was very isolating, and I felt, in order to tell the stories I wanted
to tell in life, I needed to expose myself to more
of the world and to more people’s stories.”
Haran also firmly believes that the theater
has useful applications in any career field.
“It’s teamwork in the truest sense,” says Haran, addressing the sense of community that
comes with the rehearsal process. “You grow
the art together. You can have all the ideas in
your head of where you want some things to go,
but if you’re not open or receptive to the people
and the resources that you’re given, you’re not
present. When you do open yourself to that, it’s
truly a collaborative effort.”
At present, Haran is working towards directing her next production for TIP, The Secret
Garden—a Tony-winning musical adaptation
of the children’s classic by Frances Hodgson
Burnett, with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman
and music by Lucy Simon.
The musical tells the tale of Mary, a young
girl who loses her parents to cholera, moving
in with her uncle at his mansion, a grim space
haunted by the spirits of her family and their
loved ones. Its residents, devastated by their
losses, struggle to live with joy, while the souls
of the lost are also present, unable to let go.
“The live people interact with the memories
of the dead people, who are narrating the story
for us so that we understand this tremendous
amount of pain that these people are starting
out in,” Haran explains. “And we watch them
have an evolution towards making peace with
the memories of their lost loved ones, and finding a way to go on living.
“These are all individual stories wrapped in
this giant metaphor of a lost garden, a forgotten
garden, a secret garden, that at first glance is
also dead. Through the efforts of finding that
will to go on, the garden comes back to life—
and so do all of these people.”
While the play explores dark themes, Haran
wants to impart hope unto the audience.
“The music is so beautiful and moving that I
hope they leave with a sense of peace, having
listened to this amazing cast put on an incredible production.
“But I also hope that, if perhaps audience
members are in their personal life finding themselves in a challenging place, perhaps that
sense of not giving up. There’s always something that’s always ready to come back to life if
we, as they say in the lyrics, clear away the dead
parts and let it come back up to the surface.”
Tokyo International Players present The Secret Garden. May 14-15, 7pm, May 16-17, 1 &
7pm. (Director’s talk follows the 1pm performance on May 16.) ¥3,800-4,500. Theater
Sun-mall in Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Shinjukugyoenmae. www.tokyoplayers.com
17
fashion fix
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
Photos by SHIMA Photography and Design
Makeup: Yuki Haba
Hair: Hisao Watanabe
Custom Dreads: kllylmrck
Models: Hirari Ikeda, Elleanor's
Tokyo, RinRin Doll, Penipeni,
Soga Ippei & Shoshi
GOTTA WEAR ‘EM ALL
B
lurring the line between the real world
and fantasy, Singaporean designer Josiah Chua has set out to
bring Satoshi Tajiri’s original Pokémon series to life
in his recent graduate collection. Entitled “Hyper Reality,” the work is both a literal nod to the series—with
the iconic monsters’ faces
imprinted on the clothes—
and a figurative one that
comments on how streetfashion culture treats its
stars, sending out “snap
hunters” around Harajuku
to capture its extroverts in
the wild.
B eyo n d turning t he
wearer into a real-life Pokémon, the clothes straddle
the line between worlds. The patterns making up individual garments are taken directly
from manga panels, katakana onomatopoeia
jumping out on layers of tulle, and even the
textiles are inspired by the franchise’s plushtoy collectibles. In the flesh, the work feels
like an experiment in augmented reality: the characters are familiar,
the visual logic is seen in countless comic pages and anime frames—
and yet, it juts into the real world. A wild Pikachu could appear on your
morning commute; a Chansey could be queuing before you in a konbini.
18
The young designer is a recent graduate of Bunka Gakuen
University’s Global Fashion Concentration, an institution that,
like the man himself, is seeking a place for Japanese fashion
on the world stage. To further this goal, for Chua, selecting
Pokémon was an easy
decision. While the series was an integral part
of his childhood in Singapore, it is also a worldwide phenomenon and
an unofficial ambassador
for Japanese culture, far
outstripping the old guard
of geisha, ninja, and the
like. Through the ubiquity
of Pokémon and its visual
language, Chua proposes that the aesthetics of
Japanese pop culture are
a genre in Japan and abroad,
having a cultural currency like
no other.
Chua terms this aesthetic
“superflat,” in reference to artist
Takashi Murakami’s theory that
Japanese pop culture is united
with traditional Japanese arts
in its embrace of “flatness”—as
seen in ukiyo-e woodblock printing through to anime cells. However you name it, this is a genre on the
rise, and with a generation of youth around the world raised, as Chua
was, on a steady diet of Japanese pop culture, it’s not only Japanese
designers who are at the helm of where it’s heading.
FASHION CALENDAR
CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.
THE HYPERFLAT
COLLECTIVE
A
s a proof of concept for Chua’s theory
of “superflat,” the designer curated the
Hyperflat Collective (http://meturl.com/
hyperflat), a showroom where similarlyminded creatives could interpret Japanese pop
culture aesthetics within their fashion output.
The showroom brought together designers and
artists from around the globe who currently base
their activities in Tokyo, as well as tapping into
perspectives from local designers.
Held in Harajuku’s Design Festa Gallery,
the collective exhibition highlighted the wealth
of possibilities by exploring the aesthetics of
Japanese pop culture in fashion. Indonesian
designer Gisela Juwono channeled the process
of layering that goes into making anime cells into
a surprisingly wearable UFO Baby-themed capsule collection, while Stacy Tan from Singapore
focused the entirety of her output on Slam Dunk
character Sakuragi Hanamichi’s signature red
hair. Other participants, such as Christina Bucci,
took a more philosophical route. The Canadian
used her Sailor Moon-themed output to replicate the sense of volume that is generated in the
fundamentally flat images of anime and manga
in fabric, making clutch bags in the shape of the
soldiers’ haircuts, from two flat layers of fabric
that together build to a 3D whole.
Where the movement is heading
was perhaps best predicted by Rakui
Le from China, with her resin jewelry
that combines figures from different
manga and anime to create entirely new
characters, distilling in the process the
aesthetics of the originals to their component parts. These parts, in effect, become the
language of the aesthetic, in the same way as
safety pins and studs became the instantly
understandable visual language of punk.
What is perhaps most remarkable
about the collective is that it raises the
simple question of why no one’s attempted it so far. While in recent years there have
been more and more collaborations between
fashion and pop culture, a true genre that selfdeclares itself as such had yet to materialize—
until now. Perhaps the taboo of ’80s otaku culture still hangs heavily in the air, or Japanese
fans want to preserve their self-imposed social
distance? At any rate, with international fans
approaching the subject evidently free of stigma, maybe
they’ll inspire more domestic designers to embrace
their own culture’s aesthetics in fashion.
19
movies
BY DON MORTON
THE TRIP
TO ITALY
featured movie
This is not an easy film to categorize. A
chatty food travelogue? A scenic Italian
nosh with a side of improv? A scrumptious
hangout- mov ie pos tcard? Sun, fun,
and puns? Whatever. Comedic actors
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, playing
ever so slightly fictionalized versions of
themselves, tool around Italy from northern
Piemonte to Amalf i in a rented Mini,
sampling top restaurants for The Observer.
(The movie is preceded by 2010’s The
Trip, which did the same thing for northern
Britain, and a TV show of the same name.)
Director Michael Winterbottom has the
sense to let his leads run with it, resulting
in some surprisingly insightful, free-form
comic riffs and hilarious impersonations.
Dueling Brandos, anyone? A Michael
Caine-off? There’s a bit of token drama,
but this is about the food, the scenery,
just ambling about, and the world-class
banter. I found it a fairly constant chuckle.
An inspired running gag is that the car’s
iPod jack doesn’t work, leaving them with
the sole option of singing along with an
Alanis Morissette CD they found in the
glove box. You’ll leave the theater feeling
refreshed, entertained... and probably
hungr y. This one’s a trip and a half.
Japanese title: Italia wa Yondeiru. (106 min)
NEW
FOCUS
Slick romantic comedy
has p rofes sio nal co n
man Will Smith taking
u n d e r h i s w i n g (a n d
bedcovers) a lovely
rookie (Margot Robbie) in whom he sees real talent.
There’s a wonderful montage early on, in which the
picking of pockets is demonstrated. But don’t be
expecting The Sting. There’s a point of diminishing
returns in a caper f lick when too many double crosses and rug-pulls turn into just jacking around
an audience, and we lose focus. Far be it from me
to dampen Smith’s shot at a long-awaited return
to box office royalty (Hitch, 2005), but while this is
amiable and diverting, we’re still waiting. (105 min)
REVENGE OF THE
GREEN DRAGONS
Based on a 1992 article
i n T h e N e w Yo r k e r
about unchecked
Chinese youth gangs in
Queens during the 1980s and co-directed by Andrew
Lau (whose Infernal Affairs was remade by Martin
Scorsese into the award-winning The Departed), this
one starts off strong but soon devolves into a fairly
average, clichéd gangster flick featuring Chinese
thugs (and a token Ray Liotta). Numerous twists and
a chaotic style complicate rather than enhance the
plot, the acting is uninspired, the dialogue tired, and
the execution ham-handed. Suitably, even offputtingly
brutal, but offers little novelty and less insight. (94 min)
DYING OF THE LIGHT
A veteran C I A agent
in the early stages of
a par ticularly v icious
form of dementia
(Nicolas Cage, who
does demented mood swings better than most) learns
that the presumed-dead terrorist who tortured him 22
years ago is alive and very unwell in Kenya, and dashes
off to murder him before he dies. If you squint your
eyes, you might be able to see the moody existential
statement about institutional decay that Paul Schrader
thought he was making before the film’s moronic
financial backers cut him out and re-cut and re-scored
his work into this misshapen piece of crap. Wait for the
director’s cut. Japanese title: Last Revenge. (94 min)
FURIOUS 7
No one needs a review
of a 14 -year franchise
f ilm with a “7 ” in the
title. You are by now
a fan or you are not.
But if you judge a film by how well the filmmakers
know what their audiences want, this one delivers.
And then it delivers again. Then it blows some stuff
up, has a brutal fistfight or two, drives off a cliff, talks
tough, and delivers some more. A plot? What for?
Chronologically hazy, but who cares? Major “wow”
factor in the stunts, but the indestructible superherowithout-the-cape thing drains any real tension. I liked
the tasteful tribute to the late Paul Walker at the end.
Japanese title: Wild Speed: Sky Mission. (137 min)
CINDERELLA
I was rather surprised to
find myself enjoying this
live-action revitalization
of the 1950 Disney
animated classic. The
cinematography, costumes, and production design
are a delight to behold. The SFX support the story.
And best of all: No songs! Downton Abbey ’s Lily
James does the title honors with guilelessness and
intelligence. Cate Blanchett’s the wicked stepmother.
Shakespearean director Kenneth Branagh (okay,
he also did Thor) has created something old yet
new, more a revitalization rather than a reimagining.
Pure of hear t, unabashedly sincere, and wildly
entertaining. Uncle Walt would approve. (105 min)
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
This is the sad but never
m a u d l i n s to r y of t h e
courtship, marriage, and
dissolution of a loving
relationship. He (Jeremy
Jordan), a young novelist f inding early success,
tells it in chronological order. She (a shining Anna
Kendrick), a singer/actress struggling with endless
auditions and a stalled career, tells it from finish to
start. Your enjoyment will hinge on your attitude
toward entirely sung films, but the songs here, by
Tony-winning lyricist and composer Jason Robert
Brown, advance the plot, and are intricate, varied,
and well worth a look/listen. A smart Off-Broadway
a d ap t a t io n by Richard L a G r ave nese. (9 4 m in)
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
The Trip to Italy: © Trip Films Ltd 2014; Focus: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Revenge of the Green Dragons: © 2014 ROTGD Productions, LLC. All Rights
Reserved.; Dying of the Light: © 2014 DYING OF THE LIGHT, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Furious 7: © 2014 Universal Pictures; Cinderella: © 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; The Last Five Years: © THE LAST FIVE YEARS THE
MOTION PICTURE LLC; Whiplash: © 2013 WHIPLASH, LLC All Rights Reserved; Magic in the Moonlight: © 2014 Gravier Productions, Inc.; Inherent Vice: © 2014 WARNER BROS.ENTERTAINMENT INC,AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED; Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance): © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox; The Good Lie: © 2014 Black Label Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
20
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
NEW
GMO OMG
Jeremy Seifert has
a point. He wants
agribusiness giants
l i ke M o n s a n to to b e
more accountable,
and labels on foods that contain genetically modified
organisms (GMOs). But his unconvincing, lamely
manipulative, and simplistic arguments include making
fun of technical jargon (“I’m not a scientist”), fuzzy
motivations (including a nod to Creationism), jarring
leaps in logic, and the trotting out of home movies of
his kids every ten minutes. (“I wish I could take back
the land for my children.”) Gimme a friggin’ break.
By the end, this preachy Michael Moore wannabe
almost had me rooting for Monsanto. (90 min)
WHIPLASH
A talented young jazz
drumming student at a
prestigious NYC music
academy is challenged
to rise to his full potential
by a brutal, Machiavellian, perfectionist teacher/
bandleader (an Oscar-winning J.K. Simmons). This one
turns the sentimental inspirational-teacher genre on
its head and plays more like a sports movie, or even
a psychothriller. Writer/Director Damien Chazelle
never misses a beat in this tightly-paced, propulsive
film. Title refers to a difficult big-band number. It also
describes what you might feel after surviving the
intense and cathartic final scene. Big screen, please.
For the sound. Japanese title: Session. (106 min)
MAGIC IN THE
MOONLIGHT
I’m a fan. I think even
mediocre Woody
Allen movies are
bet ter than most of
what’s out there—but that doesn’t mean they’re not
disappointing. This one starts out strong. It’s 1928.
Colin Firth is a stage magician and noted paranormal
debunker who’s called upon to poke holes in the
amazingly accurate prognostications of a pretty young
clairvoyant (Emma Stone). But then he’s “converted,”
falls in love, and the movie immediately loses steam,
along with any magic it might have had. Threadbare
and predictable, this one feels off-the-rack. The script
could have used a third draft, or even a second. (97 min)
INHERENT VICE
Paul Thomas Anderson,
i n n o v a t i v e m a ke r o f
such very serious
f ilms as There Will Be
Blood and The Master,
tries on a comedy this time, beautifully adapting
Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 sun-dappled beach-noir
novel about a stoner detective (a spot-on Joaquin
Phoenix) named Doc in early-70s El Lay. Think
Raymond Chandler by way of Cheech & Chong. Josh
Brolin’s great as Doc’s nemesis, the straight-laced
cop “Bigfoot” Bjornson. It’s unpredictable, amusingly
louche, strange, and deranged. And if it’s not always
logical, well, don’t try to figure it out. Best to just lie
back and let the low-key parody take you. (148 min)
BIRDMAN OR (THE
UNEXPECTED VIRTUE
OF IGNORANCE)
This intellectually active,
ensemble showbiz
dramedy earned all the
praise it’s getting. But despite the dazzle, the showy
direction distracts from the narrative. Alejandro González
Iñárritu makes this gimmicky joyride work because he’s a
pro, but it still has a film-school, “look at me!” feel. None
of the characters is particularly likable, giving the film little
emotional punch. This will be remembered, if at all, as a
brilliant technical experiment. Bottom line: It’s one of those
films that are easier to admire than to enjoy. Worth seeing?
Absolutely. Best Picture? No. Japanese title: Birdman
arui wa (Muchi ga Motarasu Yoki-senu Kiseki). (120 min)
THE GOOD LIE
Four young Sudanese
sur vive a brutal war,
a monstrous trek to a
refugee camp, and 13
years there before being
brought to Kansas City for resettlement. To this point,
the movie is a moderately interesting, if highly sanitized,
tale of survival. Then Reese Witherspoon appears in
a supporting role as an employment counselor, and
the movie sags. Reese does nothing wrong, and her
misleading prominence on the poster will likely boost the
film’s attendance, but her character reframes the focus to a
white American point of view, when the African bookends
of this worthy, good-hearted tale are far more compelling.
Japanese title: Good Lie: Ichiban Yasashī Uso. (110 min)
© Tokyo New Cinema
© IMAGE.NET
© Zjednoczenie Artystów i Rzemieslników
eiga
Readers of this column know I love
introducing indie Japanese films
that wouldn’t otherwise get a lot
of press. Tokyo New Cinema Inc.,
making quality feature films by
young directors on tiny budgets, is
By Rob Schwartz
a joy for me to write about. One of
the most prominent filmmakers in the alliance is 24-yearold Ryutaro Nakagawa, who’s already made a number
of shorts and three feature films. Ai no Chīsana Rekishi
screened at the 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival,
and now gets its theatrical debut. Nakagawa once again
employs the narrative of disparate characters moving
through life, but this time, their stories merge. Natsuki
(Eriko Nakamura) runs a bento shop, and is estranged from
her abusive and alcoholic father. Small-time yakuza punk
Natsuo (Takashi Okito) changes his ways after someone
he’s shaking down kills himself. He finds his drug-addicted,
sex-working sister Asuka (Manami Takahashi), and
implores her to straighten up her life. The two stories run
parallel with deep insight into the pain and division trauma
causes. The auteur has a fine attention to detail, and a
window into the characters’ emotional states. Nakagawa
may be the finest young director in Japan. Opens May 9 at
Eurospace in Shibuya. English title: August in Tokyo. (81 min)
AI NO
CHĪSANA
REKISHI
movie news
What started as a sketch for a fashion award show
broadcast in the 1990s has turned into a franchise.
Ben Stiller is returning as the vacuous male model
in a follow up to his 2001 hit comedy Zoolander,
which itself was based on an earlier short for VH1.
Although the original flick wasn’t what you’d call a
box off ice success, it has been cultivating a cult
following in the years since its release. The sequel
was announced with dramatic flair at Paris Fashion
Week, when Stiller, in character, took the runway
of a Valentino show with Owen Wilson, who played
a younger, rival model in the first film. Will Ferrell
returns as fashion mogul Jacobim Mugatu and Stiller
is once again taking directing duties. Details of the
script written by Justin Theroux are being kept under
wraps, but filming has begun in Rome and 12-yearold actor Cyrus Arnold has been cast as Zoolander’s
son. Part of what made the f irst f ilm a sleeper hit
was the string of cameos by celebrities and fashion
insiders. The sequel looks set to continue the
tradition, with Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Penelope
Cruz, Kristen Wiig, and Anna Wintour rumored to
be appearing. Zoolander 2 won’t be released until
February, 2016. Until then, fans will have to content
themselves with Mugatu meme generators. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
In a real example of an international co-production,
the film Imagine (pictured) has Brit actor Edward Hogg
playing a blind teacher at an under-budgeted school for
the blind in Portugal, where he encourages students to use
their imaginations rather than their canes. It’s by a Polish
director, with dialogue mostly in English. Currently playing
at Image Forum in Shibuya (2-10-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku;
www.imageforum.co.jp)...Those who appreciate French
film and its painterly cinematography will want to see
Marie’s Story, a biopic of a nun in the late 19th century
who dedicates herself to reaching a girl who was born
blind and deaf. It’s similar territory to The Miracle Worker,
but set in the unspoiled French countryside. On from May
1 at Cine Switch in Ginza (4-4-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku; www.
cineswitch.com)...Prolific actress Doona Bae has long
had a successful career in her native Korea, but her multicharacter turn in Cloud Atlas and the Wachowskis’ follow
up Jupiter Ascending has put her in the international
spotlight. Now she has a homecoming with the Koreanlanguage A Girl at My Door. She plays a recent police
academy graduate who is assigned a tiny village, where
she takes a troubled girl under her wing. On from May
1 at Shinjuku Musashinokan (3-27-10 Shinjuku; http://
shinjuku.musashino-k.jp) and Eurospace in Shibuya (1-5
Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.eurospace.co.jp). KM
21
arts&culture
MUSIC
SUPERCOZI
Bali-based producer finds
freedom outside Japan
BY DAN GRUNEBAUM
O
22
Courtesy of Plankton
ne of a few Japanese women electronic
music producers to make an international
impact, Supercozi (Yukimi Yonezawa) says
her new album Bioshifter—the title of which
stands for “secret evolutionary process”—represents her growth over a decade as a solo artist.
She shared the twisty techno pleasures of the disc
and her thoughts on Japan as an outsider, from
her home in Bali.
Why did you leave Japan?
The sense of stagnation I felt in Japan became
unbearable by the end of 1999. I already had
many travel experiences by then, so I was ready
to build a new life outside of a familiar matrix.
How does having a career outside Japan compare to staying in the country?
The music industry changed dramatically after
the internet became widely available. Where
you are located is no longer the critical issue. I
welcomed this sea change, because I spent 10
years in the Japanese major music industry, and it
was like working in a factory. You have to squash
your creativity to fit into the pathetic J-pop system
in order to get a tie-up deal with a shampoo ad or
something. Compared with this period, running
my label outside Japan is like driving a spaceship on my own. It’s fantastic to have unlimited
freedom to express myself, releasing whatever
I want, and connecting with collaborators and
listeners from all over the world.
When you return to Japan, what are your impressions?
There was a mass awakening after March 11 and
Fukushima, until Abe’s regime started in 2012.
All of a sudden, many ordinary citizens joined
SNSs such as Facebook and started discussing
nukes, clean energy, our constitution and democracy, forming a new network of grassroots
activism all over Japan. Joining a peaceful rally
became a normal way to express our concern.
This was the biggest change I ever witnessed.
But many now practice willful blindness. Sometimes I feel as if I’m witnessing a lemmings march
by my own people.
Your posts often criticize Japanese politics. Tell
us how life abroad influences your perspective.
Fortunately, I had been always surrounded by
people with the mindset of global citizens, no
matter where they are from. Being able to exchange opinions on many issues with people
of different nationalities inspired me to develop
my point of view as a global citizen, too. And
yes, I'm very concerned about the current trend
of Japanese politics to drag Japan back to the
mindset of the pre-war era.
How is life in Bali?
Bali has an ideal balance for me. First, Balinese
Hindu culture and Balinese people’s charm remain
strong. I fell in love with Bali in 1995, and am still
amazed how they maintain their spiritual calmness
despite the tsunami of globalization. Of course,
there is a huge negative impact from overdevelopment, but Bali still has an unchanged charm
if you go to the countryside. Second, Bali has a
truly eclectic international expat community—so
many creative individuals from all corners of the
world. They mix dynamic thinking and an artistic
approach in a peaceful lifestyle. I love being here.
There are still very few female DJs. Why do
you think that is?
To be a professional DJ for the long term, you
need an otaku mentality toward music. You’ve
got to spend years developing the knowledge,
and keep up-to-date. Looks like males are more
equipped for digging into the long tale of the
music industry for hours and hours than females.
Also, there are technical skills involved to be able
to deliver a good mix and adjust the sound to fit
each venue. It’s a multitask job that requires wide
knowledge and technological ability.
Give us some insight into the making of Bioshifter.
The album is a nice mix of chillout: Slow, sexy
techno tunes, and slightly twisted electronica.
I’ve got a few exciting featured vocalists, including
Sophie Barker from Zero7 and MC Reason. I’m also
working on a new album from Zen Lemonade—the
unit with my husband Gus Till. It’s a full-on dance
album, a mix of techno and progressive psytrance.
Tell us about your label, Hypo=espresso.
I founded it in Bali in 2005. We mainly release our
own creations. So far we’ve released six albums.
But I like this pace and Hypo is my life’s work.
Sounds from Hypo will mature as we get older and
absorb more things. It’s nice to have a personal
platform like that. We just released an ambient
compilation, Music For A Rainy Season, as a limited-edition CD, and it’s selling pretty well already.
For more info, check out www.supercozi.com
or http://facebook.com/supercozi
I USED TO GO TO SLEEP
EVERY NIGHT AND
DREAM ABOUT THIS
TYPE OF EXPERIENCE.”
1 TO 1: BIG SEAN
Sitting on top of the world—an evolving view
BY DANIEL L. SMITH, FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
I
t’s pretty rare for me to sit down to write a
story about an interview subject only to be
interrupted by a television report on that
same person—twice!
However, this was the case for rapper Big
Sean. As I was transcribing our interview, conducted for Fox Backstage Pass by rapper Shurland Ayers (shown above, left, with Big Sean)
during his recent trip to Tokyo to perform and
promote his latest album, Dark Sky Paradise, I
was struggling for a lead-off paragraph.
I was recalling that day and the whirlwind
of events that all seemed to meshed into one,
including a Bape fashion photo shoot with J
Soul Brothers dancer Elly—mixed in between
glowing talk of his hot girlfriend, singer/actress
Ariana Grande—and buzz about Dark Sky Paradise debuting at No.1 on the Billboard charts.
Everybody left feeling, Here is a guy sitting on
top of the world!
That’s it! I had the focal point for my lead …
“Rapper Big Sean is sitting on top of the world
on the music charts and in his personal life …”
I started digging in and turned on the TV.
There was an episode of The Tonight Show on,
with Jimmy Fallon, Big Sean, LL Cool J, and actress Rose Byrne playing a game of Pictionary.
Later, Big Sean delivered an emotional version
of “One Man Can Change the World,” a tune he
dedicates to his grandmother, mother, and the
challenges of growing up in Detroit.
Snap! I decide to change my lead focus …
“Rapper Big Sean is on top of the world, on the
music charts and in his personal life, but also stays
true to his family and hometown of Detroit …”
The Tonight Show ends and, as I’m clicking
through other channels, I come across E!, where
there is breaking news that Big Sean and Grande
have split up!
Hmmm! So I decided to ditch the top-of-theworld thing and concentrate on Big Sean’s two
other main loves: his music and his hometown.
The music started in earnest with his first
album, Finally Famous.
“It was my first album. I was just really trying
to find my way. I moved out of my mom’s house.
I got my first apartment, and it was a big deal. It
was my first time being on my own. I was 21, and
I was self-conscious a little bit. I was just working towards trying to find my way and set myself
apart, but, you know, I appreciate everything
about the first album. In my mind it is a classic,
and you only get one time to make your first
project. It brought me a lot of success,” Sean
explained.
He said he took a dual approach to his next
releases. “Going into the second album (Hall
of Fame) it was still a learning process for me. I
made my Detroit mixtape and my second album
at the same time. I wanted one to be like hardcore and gritty, and then I wanted the other to
be just a completely different vibe.”
Sean continued, “When I put the Detroit mixtape out, I mean, I felt like every project I have
put out has done something different for me. The
Detroit mixtape kind of gave me a foundation for
my fan base. It was like the streets were rocking
with that. It was one of the most downloaded
mixtapes of all time. A lot of people like that
mixtape more than some of my albums. Detroit
is one of my greatest bodies of work!”
In Dark Sky Paradise, Sean said he wanted to
take his music to a whole different level.
“I feel like it’s the first one that I have done
where I kind of took everything I learned from
every piece of music that I’ve worked on—all the
stuff I was going through, all the ups and downs,
you know, craziness—and put it together. Creatively I felt that I had so much potential, and so
much talent, and I really wanted to push [it] out
in this album.”
He recorded Dark Sky Paradise in a studio he
built in his house. “I recorded at least 95 percent
of it there. I really stuck with the vision. I didn’t
let anybody interfere with it, and it turned out
the way it turned out. Every producer and every
artist came to my crib, and they saw the vision
studio and brought their A-game with them, and
it helped make it what it was. I am very proud of
this album.”
He’s also proud of his expanding base of
Japanese fans. “I remember when I came out
here when I was 19 and was kicking it with Vigo,
the Teriyaki Boyz, Verbal, those guys. They are
my idols. It was one of the best times of my life! I
got my mom with me on this trip, and I just want
to say I appreciate the love and support I get
from my Japanese fans. Japan is probably the
coolest place in the world. I really want to learn
the language because that’s how much I enjoy
it over here.”
How does he feel about the way his life has
evolved? “It never gets old. It never gets jaded. I just remember being in my mom’s house
in Detroit. We grew up and didn’t have a lot
of money or things like that. In our two-family flat, you know, it was like my auntie lived
upstairs and we lived downstairs. I used to go
to sleep every night and dream about this type
of experience. So, you can just imagine what
it is like going all over the world and doing concerts and shows!”
Fox Backstage Pass airs Sat on Fox at
1am; Sun on Fox Movies Premium at
9am; and on Fox Sports and Entertainment
at 11:30am.
23
agenda
WATCH LIST
Concerts
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://j.mp/sonataarctica2015
POPULAR
Indies Block
Band Night for TELL Vol. 10
Five venues, 29 indie
bands, and various artists
in support of TELL’s
anti-bullying initiatives. May 2,
6:30-11:30pm. Free (donations
appreciated). Various Tokyo
Pubs & Live Houses. http://j.
mp/tellbandnight2015
Epik High
South Korean alternative
hip-hop group known for
combining different styles of
hip hop, along with different
musical genres. May 3, 6pm.
¥6,800. Yokohama Bay Hall.
Motomachi-Chūkagai.
Tel: 045-624-3900. May 24,
5pm. ¥6,800. Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/
epik2015
Sheena Easton
Grammy-winning Scottish star
of music, film, and stage, whose
baby takes the morning train.
May 2, 6 & 9pm; May 4, 4:30
& 7:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133.
http://j.mp/easton2015
Ned Doheny
American singer-songwriter
and guitarist whose music
defies exact categorization,
being variously described as
pop, funk, jazz, and AOR. May
5, 4:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
doheny2015
Electric Zoo Beach
EDM festival featuring Steve
Aoki, Knife Party, R3hab, and
others. May 6, 1pm. ¥11,00022,000. Makuhari Kaihin
Park. Kaihin-Makuhari.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://
electriczoo.jp
The Haunted
Swedish metal band from
Gothenburg formed in
1996 consisting of Adrian
Erlandsson, Jonas Björler,
Marco Arco, Jensen, and Ola
Englund. May 11, 7pm. ¥6,500.
Club Quattro. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
haunted2015
Rock of Chaos
Featuring Austrian death black
metal band Belphegor and
symphonic/extreme metal
band White Empress. May 12,
7pm. ¥6,800. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
http://j.mp/rockofchaos2015
Human Toys Japan Tour
French duo pulse out electrobilly, hard dance music. May
21. ¥1500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door).
Yotsuya Lotus. Yotsuya
Sanchome. Tel: 03-5315-4781.
http://yotsuyalotus.com. May
22, 7pm. ¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000
(door). Outbreak. Yotsuya.
www.hor-outbreak.com
Sonata Arctica
Finnish power metal band
that started as hard rock
band Tricky Beans. May 22,
7pm. ¥7,000. Club Quattro.
24
The best of Tokyo’s up-andcoming indie bands. May
22, 5:30pm. ¥2,500 +1d
(adv)/¥2,800 +1d (door).
Zepp DiverCity. Daiba.
Tel: 03-3527-5256. http://
indiesblock.com
Lee Juck
Korean pop singer, songwriter,
and musician who made his
debut as a member of Panic.
Jun 4-5, 7pm. ¥7,500. Tokyo
Kinema Club. Uguisudani.
Tel: 03-3874-7988. http://j.mp/
leejuck2015
Idina Menzel
Headlined by Finnish power
metal band Sonata Arctica.
May 23, 3pm. ¥7,000. Shinkiba
Studio Coast. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. http://j.mp/
loudandmetalattack2015
American actress and singersongwriter who rose to
prominence in the Broadway
musical Rent’s original run,
and who more recently voiced
Elsa in Frozen. Jun 4 - 5,
7pm. ¥7,500-8,500. Nippon
Budokan. Kudanshita.
http://j.mp/idina2015
John Hiatt
JAZZ/WORLD
Loud & Metal Attack
Grammy-nominated American
rock guitarist, pianist, singer,
and songwriter who remains
one of the most respected
and influential American
singer-songwriters. May 22, 7
& 9:30pm; May 23, 6 & 9pm.
¥7,400-9,400. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/hiatt2015
Akira Jimbo One-Man
Orchestra
Japanese jazz fusion drummer
famous for his drumming
independence and fusion of
electronic drum technology
and acoustic drums. May 24,
3pm. ¥4,000 (adv)/¥4,500
(door). Sagami Green
Hall. Sagami-Ōno. Tel:
042-749-2200. http://j.mp/
onemanjimbo2015
Little Barrie
London-based three-piece
band whose sound has drawn
from a mixture of influences
including R&B, surf, soul,
and funk. May 25, 7:30pm.
¥5,000. duo Music Exchange.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-8716.
http://j.mp/littlebarrie2015
Ozomatli
Seven-piece band known
both for their vocal activist
viewpoints and their wide array
of musical styles, spanning
Latin, hip hop, and rock music.
May 24, 5 & 8pm; May 25, 7
& 9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
ozomatli2015
Mika
Innovative LebaneseBritish pop artist with rock
edge, who’s going to make
audiences love today. May 26,
7pm. ¥7,500. Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/
mika2015
Nickelback
One of Canda’s most
controversial rock bands
comes to Japan. May 30, 7pm.
¥9,500. Tokyo Taiikukan.
Kokuritsukyogijo or
Sendagaya. http://j.mp/
nickelback2015
Taicoclub ’15
Music festival with artists
Autechre, Marcel Dettmann,
Sons of Magdalene, and
others. May 30-31, 3pm.
¥13,000 (adv)/ ¥14,000 (door).
Kodama no Mori. Yabuhara.
Tel: 03-6303-3690. http://
taicoclub.com/15/tag/en
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
haynes2015
Wouter Hamel
Dutch Pop singer who won the
Dutch Jazz Vocal Competition
in 2005. May 21, 7 & 9:30pm.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/hamel2015
Benny Green Trio
Trio led by hard bop jazz pianist
Green, who was a member of
Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.
May 20-22, 6:30 & 9pm.
¥7,500-9,500. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/greentrio2015
Gregory Porter
Dave Koz featuring Javier
Colon
American smooth jazz
saxophonist Koz with acoustic
soul singer-songwriter and
musician Colon. May 1, 7 &
9:30pm; May 2-4, 5 & 8pm.
¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel:03-54850088. http://j.mp/koz2015
Grammy-winning American
jazz vocalist, songwriter,
and actor who won the 2014
Grammy for best jazz vocal
album, Liquid Spirit. May 21-22,
7 & 9:30pm; May 23, 5 & 8pm.
¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/porter2015
CLASSICAL
Game Symphony Japan
Concert
Conducted by Kenichi Shimura,
and performed by Nobuo
Uematsu, Tokyo Chamber
Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic
Chorus, and others. May 1,
7pm. ¥6,500-10,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. meturl.com/
suntoryhall
NHK Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Vahan
Mardirossian with pieces
by Mozart, Beethoven, and
others. May 4, 2:30pm. ¥3,3007,300. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Vienna Boys’ Choir
Japanese salsa band that
sings in Spanish, and is led by
vocalist Nora. May 6, 4:30pm.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/laluz2015
Hungarian folk singer who has
toured worldwide with world
music and folk revival bands
such as Ökrös. May 24, 5 &
8pm. ¥6,000-8,000. Cotton
Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. http://j.mp/agi2015
One of the best known boys’
choirs in the world presents the
Bruckner touring choir. May 5,
2pm. ¥1,500-7,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome.
Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.
mp/viennaboys2015suntory.
May 22, 1:30pm. ¥5,800.
Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.
Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel:
03-5353-9999. www.operacity.
jp/en/. May 23, 2pm. ¥5,900.
Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822020. http://meturl.com/
minatomiraihall
The Funky Meters
The Wailers
Ivry Gitlis
American funk band who
performed and recorded
their own music from the late
1960s until 1977. May 9, 6 &
9pm; May 10, 4:30 & 7:30pm.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/meters2015
Reggae band formed by
the remaining members of
Bob Marley and the Wailers,
following Marley’s death
in 1981. May 26-27, 5:30 &
8:45pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
thewailers2015
Israeli violinist who has
performed with the world’s
top orchestras, including New
York Philharmonic, Berlin
Philharmonic, and Vienna
Philharmonic. May 6, 2pm.
¥7,500. Kioi Hall. Yotsuya.
Tel: 03-5276-4500. www.
kioi-hall.or.jp
Sergio Mendez
Aurélien Pascal
Brazilian musician who plays
bossa nova heavily crossed
with jazz and funk, and was
most recently nominated
for an Academy Award for
his contribution to the Rio
soundtrack. May 26-28, 6:30
& 9:30pm. ¥11,000-13,000.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
mendes2015
French cellist who was
awarded the Grand Prix at the
2014 Emanuel Feuermann
Competition at only 19 years
old. May 8, 7pm. ¥2,0003,500. Katsushika Symphony
Hills. Aoto. Tel: 03-56702222. http://j.mp/pascal2015
Ági Szalóki
Orquesta de La Luz
Kat Edmonson
American singer-songwriter
who, after years in the local
club scene, released her
debut album Take to the
Sky in 2009. May 9-10, 5
& 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
edmonson2015
Rasmus Faber with Frida
Swedish pianist, DJ, remixer,
and composer. May 11, 7pm.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/faber2015
Avishai Cohen Trio
Trio led by Israeli jazz bassist
Cohen with Daniel Dor on
drums and Nitai Hershkovits
on the piano. May 14-15, 7 &
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
avishaicohen2015
Caro Emerald
Dutch pop and jazz singer
whose debut album Deleted
Scenes from the Cutting Room
Floor set a new all-time Dutch
chart record. May 18, 7:30pm.
¥8,500-9,500. Akasaka
Blitz. Akasaka. http://j.mp/
emerald2015
Roy Haynes
American jazz drummer Haynes’
90th birthday celebration. May
16-17, 5 & 8pm; May 18, 7 &
John Scofield: Uberjam
American jazz-rock guitarist
and composer who has played
and collaborated with Miles
Davis, Herbie Hancock, and
more. May 28-29, 7 & 9:30pm;
May 30, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
scofield2015
The Electric Guitar Quartet
With American jazz double
bass and jazz fusion electric
bass player John Patitucci and
Adam Rogers, Steve Cardenas,
and Brian Blade. May 27-29,
6:30 & 9pm; May 30, 5 & 8pm.
¥8,500-10,500. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/electricguitar2015
Classic country and bluegrass.
Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm.
Free. Cafe Sepia. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3406-1300.
www.nagaremono.com/sepia
Mozarteum Orchestra
Salzburg
Conducted by Ivor Bolton with
performances of pieces by
Haydn and Mozart. May 26,
7pm. ¥4,000-10,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel:
03-3828-2111. http://j.mp/
salzburg2015
Tchaikovsky Symphony
Orchestra
Conducted by Vladimir
Fedoseyev with performances
of Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio
Italien, op.45, Violin Concerto
in D major, op.35, and more
in celebration of his 175th
Jubilee. May 28, 7pm.
¥4,000-16,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
tchaikovskyorchestra2015
Jonas Kaufmann
German operatic tenor best
known for his performances
in roles such as Don José in
Carmen and Cavaradossi
in Tosca. May 30, 7pm.
¥14,000-26,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome.
Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.
mp/kaufmann2015. Jun 1,
7pm. ¥14,000-26,000. Muza
Kawasaki Symphony Hall.
Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200.
www.kawasaki-sym-hall.jp
Clubbing
FRIDAY 1
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Air
Mathew Jonson. House,
techno: DJs Haruka, Mx, etc.
Live: Mathew Jonson. From
10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Richard Clayderman
Sound Museum Vision
French pianist noted by the
Guinness Book of World
Records as being “the
most successful pianist in
the world.” May 23, 3pm.
¥5,500-7,000. Katsushika
Symphony Hills. Aoto. Tel:
03-5670-2222. http://j.mp/
clayderman2015
Classics. Hip-hop: DJ Das Efx
and more. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs
Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc. From 10pm.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Goldberg Variations
Yasuaki Shimizu and
Saxophonette’s album launch
concert of his revolutionary
interpretation of the Goldberg
Variations for five saxophones
and four contrabasses. May
24, 2pm. ¥4,500-6,500.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5353-9999. www.
operacity.jp/en
Dragon Quest Concert
Blue Mountain Boys
Hachioji. Hachioji. www.
olympus.hall-info.jp
Conducted by Koichi Sugiyama
and performed by the Tokyo
Metropolitan Symphony
Orchestra, with music from
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters
of the Chosen. May 24, 3pm.
¥3,500-5,500. Olympus Hall
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Agepa. All mix: DJs Kaori, U5,
etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,000
w/1d, (f)free. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Club Asia
Up Beat. House, EDM: DJs
Ueno, Yamariki, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
hot tickets
JUN
7-8
Mike Stern Band
Led by six-time Grammy nominee
American jazz guitarist Stern,
featuring Victor Wooten, Bob
Franceschini, and Will Calhoun. Jun 7,
5 & 8pm; Jun 8, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500.
Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
sternband2015
Tickets on sale now
JUN
8-9
Michelle Branch
JUN 20-21
The American singer-songwriter’s
heartfelt acoustic tunes have taken
her everywhere—and now they’ve
taken her to Japan. Jun 8-9, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥6,500-8,500. Billboard
Live Tokyo. Roppongi or Nogizaka.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
branch2015
Tickets on sale now
Womb
Club Asia
Sterne. Techno: DJs Christian
Smith, Ishino, etc. From
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Back to chill. Dubstep, dub:
DJs Goth-Trad, Ena, etc. From
10:30pm. ¥2,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.
clubasia.co.jp
Daikanyama Unit
Ageha
Club Museum. Techno: DJs
Surgeon, Rok Da House,
etc. From 11:30pm. ¥3,500.
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
Asobinite. Electro, house: DJs
Nakata, Marc Panther, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,000. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
SATURDAY 2
Womb
for free
Morphed
A band of eight men seduces,
challenges, demands, and swaggers
in Tero Saarinen Company’s new
production, with music by Esa-Pekka
Salonen. Jun 20-21, 3pm. ¥3,5005,000. Sainokuni Saitama Arts
Theater. Yonohommachi.
http://j.mp/morphed2015
Tickets on sale now
WEDNESDAY 6
Womb
Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki, Yo,
etc. From 10pm. (m)¥1,500,
(f)free. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
THURSDAY 7
JUL
11-SEP 23
UNTIL
MAY 6
Cleopatra and the Queens
Odaiba Hawaii Festival
of Egypt
Explore the life of Cleopatra, and
other queens who had great influence
over the Egypt’s politics and religion.
Jul 11-Sep 23, 9:30am-5pm. Closed
Mon. ¥700-1,400 (adv)/ ¥900-1,600
(door). Tokyo National Museum.
Ueno. http://egypt2015.jp
Tickets on sale May 11
Ballet Company with music by
the Tokyo New Philharmonic
Orchestra. May 3-4, 3:30pm.
¥4,500-13,000. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/
matsuyamabeauty2015
La Esmeralda
Enjoy live performances, including a
polynesian night show, and browse
through the Hawaiian Market and
food stalls. Until May 6, Hawaiian
Market 10:30am-9pm; Hawaiian Food
Market 11am-11pm. Free.
VenusFort. Aomi.
www.venusfort.co.jp/hawaii2015
Exhibitions
ENDING SOON
Spiral Independent
Creators Festival
An art festival aiming
to discover, foster, and
support the next generation
of creators by displaying
their work. May 2-3 & 4-5,
11am-7pm. ¥700. Spiral Hall.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34981197. www.sicf.jp
Museum of Modern Art,
Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
osakaexpo2015
Best of the Best
The last exhibition before the
museum closes for renovation
on May 18, showcasing
160 works of modern and
contemporary Western art.
Until May 17, 10am-6pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed
Mon. ¥500-800. Bridgestone
Museum of Art. Tokyo. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/bestofthebest2015
Mix Juice. EDM, top 40: DJs
Yamariki, Su-Pyi, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f)free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp
A ballet inspired by Notre
Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo
with music by Cesare Pugni.
May 20, 1:30 & 6:30pm; May
21, 1:30pm. ¥4,000-14,000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.
kyodotokyo.com/mamt
The Room
Swan Lake
Great Fake Exposition:
Cultural History of Fakes
and Imitation
MONDAY 4
El Amor. Disco, boogie: DJs
Ai, Niwa, etc. 7-11pm. ¥1,000.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Air
Air
FRIDAY 8
Danny Krivit. House: DJs Danny
Krivit, Dazzle Drums, etc. From
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Plus Tokyo. Techno: DJs
Ishino, Nishimura, etc. ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Ballet composed by
Tchaikovsky which tells the
story of Odette, a princess
turned into a swan by an evil
sorcerer’s curse. May 23, 12
& 5:30pm; May 24, 12pm.
¥4,000-14,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.kyodotokyo.com/
mamt
Showcasing fake and
imitation articles, and
the relationship between
them and their genuine
counterparts. Until May 6,
9:30am-4:30pm, closed
Mon. ¥450-830. National
Museum of Japanese History.
Keisei-Sakura. http://j.mp/
greatfakeexposition2015
Photographer Yuichi Hibi’s
works taken over the course
of multiple visits to Amami,
Japan dating back to 1992.
Until May 23, 11am-7pm (until
5pm on Sat), closed Sun, Mon,
& hols. Free. Tokyo Gallery
+ BTAP. Shinbashi. Tel:
03-3571-1808. http://j.mp/
saltoftheearth2015
Strawberry Fields
Gabriel Orozco:
Inner Cycles
Intimate Impressionism
from the National Gallery
of Art, Washington
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
Rhythmholic. House, techno:
DJs Mark Knight, Eita, etc. From
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Sound Museum Vision
Sound Museum Vision
Independent. Techno, electro:
DJs Brodinski, Gener8tion,
etc. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500,
(f)¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
T2
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Splash. Gay party, house:
DJs Chus, Sawa, etc. From
11pm. ¥4,000. Shinkiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
The Room
Kyoto Jazz Massive. House,
jazz: DJs Shuya Okino,
Yoshihiro Okino, etc. From
www.theroom.jp
Club Asia
Awapa. House, techno: DJs Les
Schmitz, Shu-Ma, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Womb
06s. Drum‘n’bass: DJs Roni
Size, Aki, etc. From 11pm.
¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
SUNDAY 3
Warp. EDM, electro: DJs Nakata,
Komori, etc. (m)¥3,000 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
The Room
Expansion. House, crossover:
DJs Mu-R, Nobio, etc. ¥2,500
w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Womb
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm. ¥1,000
(after 11:30pm). Roppongi.
www.matrixbar.jp
Air
Innervisions. House: DJs
Shibata, Motoki, etc. Live:
Ame. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
World Class. EDM, dubstep:
DJs Jauz, Kentaro, etc. ¥3,500.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs
Kaori, Kango, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)free. Shibuya. Tel:
Womb
T2
Intergalactic. EDM, house:
DJs Taku, Verbal, etc. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
TUESDAY 5
Ageha
Ruby Room
Open Mic. From 7pm. ¥1,000
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-37803022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Tokyo Allmix Night. All mix:
DJs Tora, U5, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com
Daikanyama Unit
The Choice. Techno: DJs Scuba,
Nobu, etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Club Snoozer. DJs Tanaka,
Hisashi, etc. From 11pm.
¥3,500 w/1d. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
The Room
Gw Matsuri. EDM: DJs Daishi
Dance, Mitomi, etc. From
Destination. Broken beats,
deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri,
etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Air
Club Asia
Salsoul Boogie. Salsoul,
hip-hop: DJs Muro, Sarasa,
etc. From 10pm. ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Ageha
Deroom. All mix: DJs Black Jaxx,
Hiro, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Jumper. EDM: DJs Hikaru,
Emiko, etc. From 11pm.
(m)¥3,000, (f)¥1,000 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54582551. www.clubasia.co.jp
Sound Museum Vision
Womb
Womb
Sound City. Reggae: DJs Sn-Z,
Souljah, etc. Live: Mighty
Crown and more. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
Life and Death. House, techno:
DJs Tale of Us, Tennis, etc. From
03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp
Weaves. Progressive house,
techno: DJs Dosem, U:ichi,
etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp
Microcosmos
Exchange. Soul, crossover: DJs
Kashi da Handsome, Sato, etc.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Stage
House Session. House: DJs
Eric Kupper, Ohishi, etc.
From 12am. ¥2,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496.
www.microcosmos-tokyo.com
Dance
Sleeping Beauty
Performed by the Matsuyama
Mexican artist known for
works that manipulate existing
objects or rules to transform
them into something else,
which intervene with common
scenes to invite new thoughts.
Until May 10, 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. ¥600-1,100.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Tokyo. Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng
ONGOING
MAY 10, 13, 16, 19, 23 & 26
OPERA
LA TRAVIATA
One of Verdi’s most popular
operas, combining drama,
profound emotion and
wonderful melodies. New
production by French director
Vincent Boussard. May 10,
13, 16, 23 & 26 2pm; May 19
7pm, ¥15,120-27,000. New
National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai (Keio New Line).
www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english
Showcasing overseas stage
performances mainly from
France, including Claire
Ruffin’s L’insomnante, José
Montalvo’s Asa Nisi Masa, and
Corpus’ Les moutons. May 3-6,
various times. ¥500-2,500.
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.
Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-53912111. www.geigeki.jp
Der Rosenkavalier
Set in Viennese high society,
this opera’s rich, elegant
music expresses memories
of the past and fresh youthful
love, with production by
Jonathan Miller, who excels at
detailed character portrayal.
May 24, 30, Jun 2 & 4, 2pm;
May 27, 6pm. ¥4,320-23,760.
New National Theatre
Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/
rosenkavalier2015
Works by Renoir, Manet,
Monet, and others chosen
by Ailsa Mellon, daughter of
Andrew Mellon, founder of the
National Art Gallery. Until May
24, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥1,400 (adv)/
¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi
Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5405-8686.
http://mimt.jp/english
Hiroshige and Kiyochika
Irises and Red and White
Plum Blossoms: The
Secret of Kōrin’s Design
Tact/Festival 2015
Air
The Room
Production by Japanese
contemporary dance company
Condors, an all-male
ensemble who perform
wearing school uniforms. May
30, 2 & 7pm; May 31, 3pm.
¥2,000-4,500. Saitama Arts
Theater. Yonohonmachi.
Tel: 0570-064-939. http://j.
mp/fields2015
Salt of the Earth
Showcasing works by
Ogata Kōrin, a Japanese
painter of the Rinpa
school who developed an
original and distinctive
style characterized by a
bold impressionism with
an absolute disregard for
naturalism and the usual
conventions. Until May 17,
10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥1,000-1,200. Nezu Museum.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. http://j.mp/korin2015
Kataoka Tamako
Japanese-style painter who
uses vivid colors, boldly
deformed shapes, and
paintings using powerful
brushwork. Until May 17,
¥300-1,200 (adv)/ ¥400-1,400
(door). The National Museum
of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://tamako2015.
exhn.jp
Osaka Expo ’70 Design
Project
Held under the theme of
“Progress and Harmony for
Mankind,” the 1970 Osaka
Expo (Japan World Exposition)
is remembered as a national
event in Japan in the years of
spectacular economic growth.
This exhibition presents
a complete picture of the
design work for the 1970
Expo. Until May 17, 10am-5pm
(until 8pm on Fri). ¥130-430
(free admission on Apr
5 & May 3). The National
Showcasing works by Utagawa
Hiroshige, known as the last
great master of the ukiyo-e
tradition, and Kobayashi
Kiyochika, an ukiyo-e
artist of the Meiji period in
commemoration of the 100th
year since his death. Until
May 28, 10:30am-5:30pm,
closed Mon. ¥700-1,000.
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum
of Art. Harajuku. Tel:
03-3403-0880. http://j.mp/
hiroandkiyo2015
Measuring: This much,
that much, how much?
This exhibition aims to
illustrate the types of units
that are used to measure
a variety of things and
phenomena, and to give them
a sense of familiarity that they
may not already have. Until
May 31, 10am-8pm, closed
Tue. ¥500-1,000. 21_21
Design Sight. Nogizaka. Tel:
03-3475-2121. http://j.mp/
measuring2015
Louvre Museum
With works by Vermeer,
Rembrandt, and others. Until
Jun 1, 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
¥800-1,600. The National Art
Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/
english
The Beauty of Asian Art
Showcasing prehistoric and
ancient masterpieces from
China, Korea, and Southeast
Asia. Until Jun 14, 10am-5pm,
closed Mon. ¥700-1,000.
Idemitsu Museum of Arts.
Tokyo. www.idemitsu.com/
museum/honkan
25
The Great Amazon
Featuring over 400 exhibits
and a 4-K theatre experience
where you can travel to the
Amazon through a 355-inch
screen. Until Jun 14, 9am-5pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon.
¥600-1,600. National Museum
of Nature and Science. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111. http://j.mp/
thegreatamazon2015
The Ceramic Works of
Rouault and the Fauvists
Introducing ceramic works
created by some of the great
French artists of the early 20th
century, including Georges
Rouault and Henri Matisse.
Until Jun 21, 10am-6pm,
closed Wed. ¥500-1,000.
Shiodome Museum.
Shimbashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://meturl.com/
panasonicmuseum
The British Museum
Exhibition: A History of the
World in 100 Objects
This exhibition explores
human creativity covering
two million years, from
prehistoric to modern times,
through 100 items from the
British Museum’s collection.
Until Jun 28, 9:30am-5:30pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed
Mon. ¥800-1,300 (adv)/
¥1,000-1,600 (door). Tokyo
Metropolitan Art Museum.
Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-6921.
http://j.mp/100objects2015
Utrillo and Valadon
Showcasing pieces by
Utrillo, a French painter who
specialized in cityscapes; and
his mother Valadon, an artist
whose drawings and paintings
mostly included female nudes
and portraits, still lifes, and
landscapes. Until Jun 28,
¥650-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,200
(door). Sompo Japan Museum
of Art. Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5405-8686.
www.sjnk-museum.org/en
Time of Others
Showcasing works by
18 artists of the younger
generation in Asia/Oceania
whose practices offer keys
to engaging with the time
of others. Until Jun 28,
¥600-1,100. Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
http://j.mp/timeofothers2015
Mirror Neuron
A collection of modern art
collected by psychiatrist
Ryutaro Takahashi. Until Jun
28, 11am-7pm (until 8pm
on Fri & Sat), closed Mon.
¥800-1,200. Tokyo Opera City
Art Gallery. Hatsudai. www.
operacity.jp/en
Naruto Exhibition
Experience the spectacular
world of manga master
Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic
Naruto. Until Jun 28,
10am-8pm. ¥500-1,800
(adv)/ ¥800-2,000 (door).
Mori Arts Center Gallery.
Roppongi. http://
naruto-ten.com
Masks: Beauty of the
Spirits
By laying bare the true
fascination of masks, this
exhibition explores its true
essence and what it means to
us in today’s world, through
masterpieces from the Musée
du quai Branly in Paris. Until
Jun 30, 10am-6pm, closed
the second and fourth Wed of
the month. ¥600-1,200 (¥100
discount to those who come
wearing designs or patterns
inspired by masks or faces).
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien
Art Museum. Meguro. Tel:
26
03-3443-0201. http://j.mp/
masks2015
Simple Forms:
Contemplating Beauty
This exhibition brings together
around 130 “simple forms”
from around the world, and
across the ages found in
nature, primitive art, folk
art, and traditional cultures.
Until Jul 5, 10am-10pm (until
5pm on Tue). ¥1,500 (adv)/
¥600-1,800 (door). Mori Art
Museum. Roppongi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
simpleforms2015
Tokyo Story 2015
Showcasing works by artists
who participated in Tokyo
Wonder Site’s Creator in
Residence program. Until
Jul 26, 11am-7pm. Free.
Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo.
Ochanomizu, Suidōbashi,
or Hongō-sanchōme. Tel:
03-5689-5331. http://j.mp/
tokyostory2015
Fukagawa in the Snow: The
Reappearance of an
Utamaro Masterpiece
Showcasing works by Utamaro,
one of the most highly
regarded ukiyo-e practitioners,
especially for his portraits of
beautiful women, or bijin-ga.
Until Aug 31, 9am-5pm.
¥1,800-2,800. Okada
Museum of Art. Kowakidani.
Tel: 0460-87-3931. www.
okada-museum.com/en
UPCOMING
Ki Yoon Ko: Stimmung
Showcasing Hamburgbased American artist Ko’s
photorealistic paintings of
his inspirations or feelings.
May 15-Jun 21, 1-7pm, closed
Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart
Gallery. Edogawabashi. Tel:
03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/
stimmung2015
What is Realist Painting?
Exploring the diversity
and potential of realist
painting through 54 works
of landscapes, figures,
and more. May 21-Nov 15,
10am-5:30pm, closed Tue.
¥900-1,800. Hoki Museum.
Toke. www.hoki-museum.
jp/en/
The Maestro of
Conception, Kenzan is
Here
Born in a cultivated Kyoto
family, Kenzan was raised
in a context of great artistic
refinement. As a potter, he
introduced new designs based
on painting and literature to
the world of ceramics. May
27-Jul 20, 10am-6pm (until
8pm on Fri & Sat), closed Tue.
¥800-1,100 (adv)/ ¥1,0001,300 (door). Suntory Museum
of Art. Roppongi. http://j.
mp/maestrokenzan2015
Helene Schjerfbeck:
Reflections
Showcasing works by
Finnish painter Schjerfbeck,
who’s most widely known
for her realist works and
self-portraits. Jun 2-Jul 26,
¥800-1,300 (adv)/ ¥1,0001,500 (door). The University
Art Museum. Ueno. Tel:
050-5525-2200. http://
helene-fin.exhn.jp
Sports
BASEBALL
Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin
Tigers
May 2-3, 2pm. ¥300-12,400.
Tokyo Dome. Suidōbashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs. Toyo
Carp
May 1-3, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Toyo
Carp
May 12-14, 6pm. ¥300-12,400.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs.
Hanshin Tigers
May 12-14, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Yakult
Swallows
May 15-16, 6pm; May 17, 2pm.
¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.
Suidōbashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs. DeNA
Baystars
May 19-21, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Seibu
Lions
May 27-28, 6pm.
¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.
Suidōbashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs.
Nippon-Ham Fighters
May 26-28, 6pm.
¥500-27,500. Meiji
Jingu Baseball Stadium.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Orix
Buffaloes
Jun 2-4, 6pm. ¥300-12,400.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs.
Rakuten Eagles
Jun 2-4, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.
co.jp
SOCCER
FC Tokyo vs. Kawasaki
Frontale
May 2, 4pm. ¥600-6,200
(adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp
Yokohama FC vs.
Kamatamare Sanuki
May 6, 1pm. ¥600-4,700.
Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.
Mitsuzawakamicho.
Tel: 04-5311-2016. www.
yokohamafc.com
Yokohama F. Marinos vs.
Nagoya Grampus
May 6, 3pm. ¥1,000-9,800
(adv)/ ¥1,100-5,500 (door).
Nissan Stadium. Kozukue.
Tel: 04-5477-5000.
www.f-marinos.com/en
Albirex Niigata
May 10, 2pm. ¥1,000-9,800
(adv)/ ¥1,100-5,500 (door).
Tel: 04-5477-5000.
FC Tokyo vs. Kashima
Antlers
May 10, 4pm. ¥600-6,200
(adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tokyo Verdy vs.
Tokushima Vortis
May 17, 1pm. ¥600-14,500
(adv)/ ¥800-15,000 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.verdy.co.jp/
index.html
Yokohama FC vs. Giravanz
Kitakyushu
May 17, 4pm. ¥600-4,700.
Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.
Mitsuzawakamicho.
Tel: 04-5311-2016. www.
yokohamafc.com
FC Tokyo vs. Ventforet
Kofu
May 20, 7pm. ¥600-6,200
(adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
FC Tokyo vs. Nagoya
Grampus
May 23, 7pm. ¥600-6,200
(adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Re:birth 2015
All night underground music,
art, and technology festival with
five stages. May 9-10. ¥8,640
(adv). Futtsu Misaki Park.
Aohori. www.rebirth-fes.com
Dance of Shiva
Three-day Indian/electric music
festival. May 15-17, doors open
5pm. ¥13,800 (adv only, 450
people max). Auto Camp Ginga.
Izukyū-Shimoda. http://j.mp/
shiva2015
Greenroom Festival ’15
Art and music festival with
a focus on ocean and beach
preservation with artists The
Wailers, Lotus, Mama’s Gun,
The Growlers, and more. May
23-24. ¥9,800 (one day)/
¥17,000 (2 days). Yokohama
Red Brick Warehouse.
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-2111515. http://greenroom.jp/
english
Forums &
Expos
Pet Expo
FC Tokyo vs. Kashiwa
Reysol
May 30, 7pm. ¥600-6,200
(adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Gamba Osaka
May 30, 7pm. ¥1,000-9,800
(adv)/ ¥1,100-5,500 (door).
Tel: 04-5477-5000.
Tokyo Verdy vs. Tochigi SC
May 31, 1pm. ¥600-14,500
(adv)/ ¥800-15,000 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.verdy.co.jp/
index.html
SUMO
Sumo Grand Tournament
May 10-24, 8am-6pm.
¥3,800-11,700. Ryōgoku
Kokugikan. Ryōgoku. Tel:
03-3623-5111. www.sumo.
or.jp/en/index
Festivals
TRADITIONAL
Meiji Shrine Spring Grand
Festival
Bugaku, noh, and other
traditional performances.
Until May 3, various
times. Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Harajuku. www.meijijingu.
or.jp/english/
Kurayami Matsuri
(Darkness Festival)
Mikoshi are paraded in
darkness, while gardeners
have booths to sell their
wares. Apr 30-May 6, various
times. Okunitama Shrine.
Fuchu-Honmachi. Tel:
042-362-2130. http://meturl.
com/matsurikurayami
An event for pet lovers and
pets with activities, such as
a sports day event for dogs
and a cat show. May 3-5,
10am-5pm. ¥600-1,000
(adv)/ ¥800-1,300 (door).
Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. www.pethaku.com
Interpets
An event for pet owners and
lovers, Interpets is the largest
trade fair in the Japanese pet
market. Apr 3-5, 10am-5pm.
¥1,500. Tokyo Big Sight.
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
Tel: 03-5530-1111.
www.interpets.jp/2015/en
Plarail Expo
An event where children and
parents can enjoy Plarail (a
toy train and plastic track
system made by Tomy)
products together. Apr
29-May 6, 10am-4:30pm.
¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000
(door). Makuhari Messe.
Kaihin-Makuhari.
www.m-messe.co.jp/en/
Comedy
New Material Night
Standup, improv, and trying
out new stuff. May 12 &
19, 8-10pm. Free. Double
Tall Cafe. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5467-4567. http://
tokyocomedy.com/new_
material_night
Standup Comedy at The
Hobgoblin
Standup comedians with a
variety of styles performing in
English. May 21,9-10:30pm.
Free. Hobgoblin Shibuya.
Shibuya. http://
tokyocomedy.com/standup_
comedy_at_the_hobgoblin
Community
MAY 24
INTERNATIONAL
refugees who have fled to
Japan. May 17, 9am-1pm.
¥4,000 (10-km run)/¥3,000
(5-km run)/¥3,000 (3-km walk);
discounts for children/groups.
Hibiya Park. Hibiya. Tel:
03-3501-6428. http://meturl.
com/dandanrun
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slideshows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm. Free. The
Pink Cow. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6434-5773.
www.thepinkcow.com
Stitch-n-Bitch
Meet fellow knitters,
crocheters and sewers to talk,
share ideas, eat, drink and
create. Every first and third
Tue, 7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt.
Shibuya. www.meetup.
com/TokyoStitchandBitch
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[email protected]
03-3713-4958
YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785
Dr. Sketchy’s
Anti-Art School
Burlesque models pose
for artstars and sketching
newbies alike with arty
socializing. Every third
Wed, 7-10pm. ¥2,000
w/ 1d. Studio and Space
IVVA. Meiji-Jingūmae or
Harajuku. www.facebook.
com/Dr.Sketchy.Tokyo
Learning
California Wine vs. French
Wine Seminar
May 2015 Membership Fee
Learn about wines and
enjoy an American-style
dinner. May 30, 7-10:30pm.
¥11,980 + tax (adv). Stellato.
Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. http://meturl.com/
monthlywine
Other Events
Flower Festival 2015
Enjoy sakura, tulips, poppies
and more at Showa Kinen
Park. Until May 24, 9:30am5pm. ¥80-410. Showa Kinen
Park. Tachikawa. Tel:
042-528-1751. http://j.mp/
flowerfest2015
Special pricing for the
first-time visit
Manpaku
Food festival with local
food, world food, desserts,
and more. May 14-Jun 1,
10:30am-9pm. ¥400-700
(adv)/ ¥500- 800 (door).
Showa Kinen Park.
Tachikawa. Tel: 042-5281751. http://manpaku.jp
NPO Living Dreams Gala
& Fundraiser
Join for a cause to help
buy and install computers
for orphans in Tokyo and
Tohoku. May 15, 6-11pm.
¥15,000 for early bird tickets
(available until May 9) which
includes a 3-course dinner
with wine, free champagne,
entertainment, and a chance
to win great prizes in a raffle.
Act Square. Ebisu. Contact
Michael Clemons for more
information. Tel: 090-65129181. E-mail: michael@
livingdreams.jp.
Men’s & Women’s
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi
60 minutes: ¥5,800
90 minutes: ¥8,800
Hot Stone Treatment
60 minutes: ¥7,800
90 minutes: ¥9,800
Specializes in “Lomi Lomi”
traditional Hawaiian
Oil Massage
Facial
60 minutes: ¥5,800
Tel: 03-3527-9734
Hours: 1pm-9pm
3-1-16 4F Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
[email protected] | www.auliispa.com/en
3 min from Tokyo Station Yaesukita exit
2 min from Nihombashi Station B3 exit
Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri
Stroll around a 300-year-old
azalea garden boasting over
3,000 varieties. Until May 6,
9am-5:30pm. ¥200. Nezu
Jinja. Nezu, Sendagi, or
Todaimae. Tel: 03-3822-0753.
http://j.mp/bunkyotsutsuji2015
Camp Fuji Friendship
Festival 2015
Open base event, with cultural
foods, live bands, game
booths, and military displays.
May 9, 11am-5pm. Free.
Camp Fuji. Gotenba. www.
mccsfuji.com
TELL Anti-Bullying
Charity Walk & Run
Register at www.telljp.com
or on the day of event from
8:30am. Furuichiba Track and
Field Stadium, Kawasaki-shi.
Prizes, entertainment, and
free T-shirts!
Charity Run & Walk: DAN
DAN RUN 2015
Charity run/walk to help
MORE LISTINGS
ONLINE → HTTP://
METURL.COM/
LISTINGS
27
Metropolis and its Classifieds
section are printed every
other week. The upcoming
publication dates and
corresponding deadlines
for print are as follows. This
does not affect the online
Classifieds, where ads are
visible immediately after
they are approved.
FRI, MAY 15 ISSUE
Deadline: Apr 30, 3pm
FRI, MAY 29 ISSUE
Deadline: May 21, 3pm
p r o c e d u r e s i n J a p a n . Fr e e
consultation available in
English, Español and Japanese.
Tel: 03-6264-8446
[email protected]
http://nippashi.com
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 HEALTH
G E N E R A L D E N T I S T R Y.
A merican dental school
graduate, 20 years’
experience in hospital
dentistry, over 2000
d e ntal im p lant s , n a t i ve
English speaker; 3min
from JR Harajuku Stn,
p a r k i n g a v a i l a b l e. W i l l
fill out insurance forms.
[email protected]
www.trustdental.jp/english
03-3402-1501
I N N E R
BALANCE.
Tr a d i t i o n a l
oriental
treatment of
acupuncture
and moxibustion.
Also body
massage
and reflexology. Mobile
ser vice to your home or
office. Email Takahito at
[email protected]
or see http://tmasuda.wix.
com/inner-balance.
ENGLISH -SPE AKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC
in Toranomon Hills offers a
wide range of preventive,
co rre c t i ve an d cos m e t ic
dentistry. Superior service
focused on customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. Modern
dentistry at its best. www.
rmdcc.com/english/
0120-648-071
C O M P R E H E N S I V E H E A LT H
C OV E R AG E F O R E X PAT S ,
D I P LO M AT S , TE AC H E R S .
Inpatient and outpatient care,
emergencies, surgery, meds,
checkups, dental, lab tests,
MRI and more. Thirty-day
money-back guarantee. Quick,
easy application; convenient
payment options. Enroll today!
[email protected]
w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp
078-351-7300
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,
JA PA N ’ S N O.1 E N G LI S H
M AGA ZI N E , log on at w w w.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or
email your commercial ads to
commercial@metropolisjapan.
com.
28
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy) care in Hiroo.
Native English-speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
post-operative rehabilitation,
back /neck pain, running
related, headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations
and women’s health.
www.tokyophysio.com
03-3443-6769
T H I N K I N G A B O U T
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS ? Platinum
¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver
¥21,600. Prices include one
photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo
+ ¥2000). Prices are for 4 0
words, one print issue, t wo
weeks online. For details,
email us at commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
CURLY HAIR SPECIALIST IN
TOK YO. English-speaking
Kiyoko, highly experienced
in NY’s curly hair salons,
takes care of curly hair at
her salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu.
Reser vations: 03 -3793 2357 or [email protected]
http://english.nepenji.net/
index_en.html
MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN
ROPPONGI WELCOMES
FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get
your haircut right. Haircuts
¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a ve ¥ 5 8 0 0.
Kids’ haircuts ¥4000-¥4400.
Fi r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t ¥1 0 0 0.
http://oazo.biz/top 03-55457797 [email protected]
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT
N I PPA S H I O FFI CE s u p p o r t s
visa and naturalization
applications, company
establishment and branch
office installation, including
commercial registration,
as well as inheritance
L AW OFFICE IN K AWA SAKI
(next to Tokyo), member of the
Yokohama Bar A ssociation.
Legal ser vice in English for
traffic accidents, divorce,
inheritance, bankruptcy,
b u s i n e s s ca s e s (co n t r a c t s ,
establishing a company,
trademarks, etc.) and other
legal problems.Email: web@
smkw.biz www.sumikawa.net
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
handles your visa case.
Permanent residency,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).
Tel: 090 - 8330 - 0670 Email:
[email protected] Website:
http://officelife.jp/en
CRE ATIVE SO LUTION S .
Specialists in branding, web
design, photo/video production.
Drawing A Crowd: a new approach
in design. Get in touch. info@
drawingacrowd.co
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
CREA-UN UENO. Furnished
private rooms, w/digital
locks, near Asakusa, Ueno,
Skytree. Safe area, femaleonly, roof top garden w/
nice view, BBQ space, free
bicycle. From ¥56,000/m.
Utilities included. No key
money/guarantor. crea-un.
[email protected] http://
w w w. s a k u r a - k o - b o . c o m
03-6912-0692
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
ICHII CORPORATION.
Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in
central Tokyo locations. No
key money/guarantor/agent
fee required. New, clean
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today! 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
English and Japanese. JF seeks an
exchange partner in the daytime on
weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. [email protected]
RENTAL APARTMENTS, HOUSES,
CONDOS AND STUDIOS in
Yokohama, Kawasaki, Tokyo,
and near US military bases.
English-speaking staff will guide
you through the renting process.
For a stress-free search, contact
Rent Life. 045-470-3214 www.
rent-yokohama.com/english
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Open-minded
Japanese female, 23-40, sought for
language exchange and socializing.
Serious only. Call Bobby at 090-55896864 or 080-8118-4073 or email
[email protected].
English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese
lady. I have to improve my English. I'd
like to have lessons on weekdays around
Higashi-Ginza, Tsukiji or Shiodome over
lunch. Let's enjoy lunch! send_you_kiss@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. 日本語の会
話力を向上したいです。手伝って
くれると嬉しい。散歩でも如何？
[email protected]
S E R V I C E D A PA R T M E N T S i n
a quiet residential area of
Hiroo. Studios and suites.
4min from Hiroo Stn. Rates:
Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/
d a y . M o n t h l y ¥ 570 0 - /d a y .
O ver t hre e mont hs ¥ 513 0 - /
day. Tax, utilities included.
frontdesk@azabucourt.
co m w w w. a z a b u co u r t .co m
0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0
English and Japanese. Japanese lady
seeks a native speaker of American English
for language exchange. Please drop me a
line if you are interested. Serious only.
Thanks! [email protected]
English and Japanese. Group language
exchange through E and J dramas, 7:309pm, in Tokyo. People who like dramas
preferred, serious only. Free to join. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Indian guy,
186cm, 38, for E/J exchange. Tsukiji,
Shintomicho or Higashi-Ginza area over
lunch. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Japanese
female, late 20s, seeking a native English
speaker to do language exchange at
cafes. Flexibility and regularity are key.
Hoping to find a great partner not only for
language exchange, but also for long-term
friendship. [email protected]
2.3 RENT OVER 200,000 YEN
English and Japanese. Arrgh! It’s hard
to learn J. Every day I study—it makes
my head spin! London guy wants to meet
someone for drinks after work/study
where we can mix J and E. Basic E ok.
[email protected]
French and Japanese. Fr and J exchange
in Otemachi. [email protected]
SHIROKANE PENTHOUSE WITH
HUGE BALCONY AND STUNNING
VIEWS OVER TOKYO. Bright corner
1LDK penthouse (55sqm), w/private
roof-deck (65sqm), overlooking
Hiroo, Azabu, Roppongi, renovated,
fully furnished, w/garden furniture,
h o t- t u b h o o k u p, w o o d f l o o r s
¥290,000. [email protected]
090-3574-0328
2.4 HOUSE SHARE
R O O M M AT E WA N T E D TO
SHARE BRAND-NEW HIGH-RISE
A PA R TM E NT I N S H I BAU R A .
Spacious 2LDK ( 70sqm), 8min
from JR Tamachi Stn, w/fantastic
Bay view, per fec t for a young
professional ¥140,000. Utilities
included. If interested, email Masaki
at [email protected].
3 EDUCATION
3.4 ENGLISH TEACHERS
FREE ENGLISH CONVERSATION
for Japanese ladies, anytime, in
casual surroundings, like coffee
shop/lunch. Have free time and will
help you practice your English. Any
questions, please email johnsb@jgil.
net or call 090-7015-3720.
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Chinese and English. British expat male
living in Tokyo. I want to speak some basic
Chinese. I know nothing, so I need someone
who can speak English and teach me the
basics. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF
seeking a native English speaker for
language exchange around the YokohamaKawasaki area. I can teach you J in return.
Let's do language exchange and have fun
conversations at a cafe! from.kaori0113@
gmail.com
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a Japanese
female, 24, seeking a native English
speaker for language exchange in the
Tokyo area. I was in NY to study dance last
year. [email protected]
French and Japanese. Frenchman ready
to exchange with Japanese people and
meet them. [email protected]
French and Japanese. I'm a Japanese
female seeking a French language
exchange partner in Tokyo. Please contact
me. [email protected]
French and Japanese. Bonjour! I'm
a Japanese woman seeking French
speakers with whom I can practice my
French. Evenings or weekends ok. Looking
foward to hearing from you. Thank you!
[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. [email protected]
Korean, Spanish, English, Japanese.
Hi, I'm an outgoing, cheerful JF living in
Yokohama seeking a serious language
exchange partner. I can play the koto
(Japanese harp). I'm looking forward
to hearing from you. Thank you.
[email protected]
Spanish, English, Japanese. Hi, there!
I'm seeking a native English speaker or
Scandinavian who can eat dinner at Toyoda
Stn in Tokyo. Also interested in learning Sp.
Hope to hear from you. mst0330@yahoo.
co.jp
日本語と英語。僕はイギリス人.
毎日日本語を勉強してる. でも
言語交換にいつも失敗しちゃう.
[email protected]
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
Japanese necessary.
C e r t i f i ca t i o n , d i p l o m a ca n
be earned. Three classroom
locations in Tokyo. Website:
w w w.atelier-soka.com/
english/index.html
Email: [email protected]
3.9 TEACH ME!
T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G L I S H
LESSONS. Working towards
becoming an English-to-Japanese
translator, but need help polishing
my English. Can translate simple
documents in exchange for
English lessons. michiane256@
gmail.com
English lessons. JM, 30, seeks native
English teacher for reasonably priced
lessons at a cafe in central Tokyo.
[email protected]
PhD student in engineering? Tokyo
only. D2/D3 majoring in wireless
communication engineering? Need
some mentoring on how to design
simulation. Must know Monte Carlo/
Particle Filter/ Neural Network, etc.,
and be able to use Matlab/Simulink
¥4000/two hours. yatri_in_town@
yahoo.co.jp
Web design. I am seeking a female
web designer. Must know HTML/CSS/
PHP. Meet in Ueno/Akihabara/Shinjuku
area, two or three times/month. In
return, I'll teach you English and pay
¥2000/two hours. [email protected]
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Chair, adjustable back and arms
¥ 1000. msa.japan@hotmail .com
090-9109-5326
Chest of drawers, kiri, antique,
medium-sized (L48xW34xH48), in
good condition, unused ¥15,000. Firm.
[email protected]
Light. Standing floor lamp, from
Ya m a d a D e n k i ¥ 6 0 0 0 . F i r m .
O m ote s a n d o. N o d e l i v e r y, b u t
can introduce del ivery ser vice.
[email protected]
Lights, ceiling, two available, in good
condition ¥4000/both. Nishi-Yamato
Danchi, Wakoshi. ruma.mandal@
yahoo.com
Mirror, full-length, stand, almost as
new, w/anti-shatter film ¥2500. msa.
[email protected] 090-9109-5326
Sofa, reclining back and arms, two
pillows, in good condition, made in
Japan ¥8000. msa.japan@hotmail.
com 090-9109-5326
Table set, dining, wooden, for two, nine
m/o, almost as new, boxes available for
transport ¥4000. Pick up Nishi-Yamato
Danchi, Wakoshi. ruma.mandal@
yahoo.com
Table, coffee, glass top, wooden frame,
two y/o. New ¥15,000. Sell ¥5000.
[email protected]
Table, multipurpose, w/adjustable
height and angle ¥1500. msa.japan@
hotmail.com 090-9109-5326
Table, Yamazen YST-5040L, folds
(H35xD 4 4xW 50cm), in excellent
condition ¥1000. msa.japan@hotmail.
com 090-9109-5326
4.2 APPLIANCES
Air blower, E-Val ue EBL-500V,
powerful, w/adjustable output, can be
used in reverse to vacuum ¥1500. msa.
Heater, electric, YSH-D600R, two
available, small, efficient ¥1000/each.
¥1800/both. [email protected]
090-9109-5326
Iron, Toshiba, cordless, steam.
[email protected]
IKEBANA (JAPANESE
TRADITIONAL FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful
means of self-expression.
Trial les son, inclu din g
all materials ¥4000. No
Kettle, 1.2L, fast-boiling mode, w/
airtight lid ¥1800. msa.japan@hotmail.
com 090-9109-5326
Blender, Russell Hobbs 7810JP, 0.8L, w/
coffee grinder, hardly used, in excellent
condition, easy to clean ¥4000. Pick up
near Roppongi or Azabu-Juban. yara.
[email protected]
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
W a s h e r, To s h i b a , 5 k g , t w o
y/o. New ¥18,000. Sell ¥8000.
[email protected]
Wa s h e r, H i t a c h i N W -7 G Y
(577x576x981mm), 7kg, programmable
menu, in good condition, can wash
double-sized blanket, w/rice cooker
or folding table ¥3000. msa.japan@
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Rinnai gas stove, w/
grill; dining table set for two; fan; Tokyo
Gas heater; wooden shelf; folding chair.
[email protected]
Sayonara sale! Nitori sofa, seats
two, two y/o. New ¥80,000. Haier
microwave, 16L. ¥ 30,000/ both.
[email protected]
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
LED 3D TV 40", Sharp Quattron, full HD
(1080P), 1.5 y/o ¥55,000. Free delivery.
[email protected]
4.6 FOR KIDS
Bike, from 2-6 years old, detachable
parent steering handle, in good
condition, w/basket ¥6000. msa.
Chair, Stokke, wooden, designed
to grow with child, nine m/o, in very
good condition. New ¥34,000. Sell
¥17,000. Pick up Saitama-Shintoshin.
al ber tol icandro@hear t.ocn.ne.jp
08068105414
Karate gi and belt, for kids 3-12
years old ¥300+. gnbkaijpn@gmail.
com
Walker, Anpanman, different level
adjustments, six m/o. New ¥9000.
Sell ¥5000/obo. Aprica baby carrier,
used twice ¥8000. emeraldsae@
yahoo.com
4.7 FOR FREE
Ink, for HP 178 XL printers: black x three,
blue x one, pink x one, yellow x one.
Pick up Shinjuku Stn. jackiesuginaga@
gmail.com
Printer, Canon Satera MF4680, laser, no
cable, can be networked. Pick up Hiroo.
[email protected] 09070153720
Rowing machine, purple yoga mat, in
excellent condition. Pick up Fuchu Stn,
Keio Line. [email protected]
Table, in good condition, can be
assembled easily. msa.japan@hotmail.
com 090-9109-5326
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Dumbbells, different weight
combinations ¥2500. msa.japan@
In-line skates, Hypno, size UK 9.5/
Japan 28.5, hardly used, in very good
condition ¥2000. Nishi-Shinjuku.
countrylove12 [email protected]
08023841924
Kiteboard, RL Board, XL (160x45cm),
for beginners or less windy days,
hardly used, very light, made of
carbon, glass fiber fins ¥20,000.
Yokohama. [email protected]
09018010735
6 VEHICLES
6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
BMW 318i, '04, 14,500km, a few
bumps and bruises, still drives well
¥500,000/obo. [email protected]
080-6818-8877
Suzuki Jimny, turbo 4WD, 23,100km,
registration until Mar '17, in great
condition ¥890,000. Snow tires, four
available, brand-new ¥140,000.
N o d e a l e r s o r a u c t i o n s i te s .
al ber tol icandro@hear t.ocn.ne.jp
080-6810-5414
6.2 MOTORBIKES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Honda Forza scooter, 250cc, new
bodywork, mirrors, plug, brake pads,
brake fluid, front disc and tire, w/
large stainless muffler, not too loud,
sound system w/front/rear speakers,
some wear and tear, looks pretty
good ¥150,000/obo. [email protected]
09027665162
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Hybrid bike, Trek 7.4FX, two available,
w/helmets and lock-chains, less than
two y/o, hardly used, in excellent
condition ¥55,000. Pick up near
Roppongi or Azabu-Juban. anas.
[email protected]
Tandem bike, Raleigh Pursuit, hardly
used, in good condition, Shimano 105
gears, light ¥60,000. ron_westphal@
yahoo.com 09018010735
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
Mobile phone, SoftBank, prepaid
¥2800. [email protected]
Phone line, NTT, can go to NTT office
in Shinjuku to complete necessary
procedures to pass contract to you.
[email protected]
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
Broken/damaged Macbook Pro and
iMac 21". I would like to buy them to
use for parts. Thanks! gmigmar805@
gmail.com
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Laptops. Dell E4310, w/E/Win 7 Pro, in
excellent condition ¥25,000. Lenovo
X61, w/E/Vista, brand-new, w/battery
¥15,000. [email protected]
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
FR E E E N G LI S H -TO -JA PA N E S E
TRANSLATION. Working towards
becoming a translator and need
practice with simple documents.
Have experience working in law
office, accounting, HR, advertising
and sales. michiane256@gmail.
com
Do you know RDF/XML? If you know
RDF/XML very well, I need your help to
convert CVE file to RDF/XML. You should
know ontology, RDF, XSLT, Jena, etc. Can
pay ¥4000/two hours, plus coffee. yatri_
[email protected]
Show promoting Atheism seeking
co-hosts. We are seeking atheist/agnostic
individuals who would be interested in
co-hosting Age of Reason, a livestream
show that promotes positive atheism,
knowledge and common sense. assassin.
[email protected] http://frozenframe.wix.com/ageofreason
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
[email protected]
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE . Fif t y- one years ago,
West Papua should have been an
independent country. Since 1969,
West Papua has been invaded
and the people robbed of their
rights, culture and country. Help
support West Papuans’ desire to
be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/
[email protected]
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
TOK YO. If you have a problem
with drinking, we can help.
English-speaking meetings daily.
03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.
org http://aatokyo.org
HI V Peer Suppor t group a n d
wo r k s h o p s . G e t to g e t h e r w i t h
people in the same boat as you,
who understand. Held in a safe,
considerate, 100% confidential setting
to discuss what’s on your mind, ask
questions and make new friends.
[email protected] www.
peersupporttokyo.com
Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo
is an infertility support group that
provides informal opportunities for
women and men experiencing infertility
to connect with one another. Please visit
website for more info. admin@ttctokyo.
org www.ttctokyo.org
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t
anything. From emergency
assistance to simple questions.
Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press
“help,” or call 0570 - 0 0 0 -9 11 .
To volunteer or support, please
contact [email protected]. www.
jhelp.com
I NTE RN ATI O N A L PA RT Y
A T L E A F C U P. C o m e j o i n
us and have fun. Men:
¥3000. Foreigners/women:
¥ 2 0 0 0. A l l - y o u - ca n - d r i n kand-eat. Iidabashi and
Yo k o h a m a : M a y 2 a n d 1 6 .
Shibuya: May 9 and 23.
www.leafparty.com
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.
One year (24 issues) ¥3600
(corporate subscribers, 7-100
copies ok ¥22,560). Half year
(12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate
subscribers, 7-100 copies ok
¥12 ,0 0 0). B a n k t r a n s fe r o r
credit card (Visa, Mastercard,
Diners Club). Details at
http://metropolisjapan.com/
subscription.
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
H a p p y b i r t h d a y ! TT, happy
birthday! With love, JI
おめでとうございます！
Misa
and
Kent,
Congratulations on your
m arriage. M ay you l i ve
happily forever after. With
much love from the MBA
gang.
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
10.2 SUPPORT
N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e
to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free,
anonymous English counseling
daily from 9am-11pm by trained
v o l u n t e e r s ( 0 3 - 5 7 74 - 0 9 9 2 ) .
TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual
p s ych o t h e r a py by a cc re d i te d
Western-trained professionals,
a CIGNA International Provider
(03 - 4550 -1146). TELL website:
w w w.telljp.com. Follow us
o n F a c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r @
TokyoLifeLine.
Baseball player. Japan Amateur
Baseball team is seeking players for
baseball games and practices. We play
every Sat and Sun in Yokohama City.
Everyone welcome. Email for details.
[email protected]
11 MESSAGES
11.3 JUST MARRIED
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
PARTY - SPRING-SUMMER
SPECIAL . Sat, May 30,
6:30-9pm, Bar Quest
(Roppongi). Japan’s biggest
internat ional par t y. 250
people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
O t h e r s : ¥ 3 0 0 0. M o b i l e:
ht tp://get your friend.com/
mobile/ [email protected]
w w w. g e t y o u r f r i e n d . c o m
090-1735-5405
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
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
AMERICAN FOOTBALL.
N ihon Unis ys B ulls , X league
Central Division, seeks fit players
w/US college football experience
for all positions. Practice every
Sat/Sun from 10am-3pm (including
meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time
and venue subject to change).
Attendance at practice must be
ove r 6 0% . Pl e ase co nt ac t fo r
tryout info and send your profile to
team admin. bullsxleague@gmail.
co m h t t p: // w w w.u n i s y s .co. j p/
football
A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H
F O OT B A L L . N o n - c o n t a c t t a g
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby
League players. We play ever y
Sat from 10am in Tatsumi. M/F
and beginners welcome! Good
exercise and fun ! M any other
activities, such as BBQs and
drinking parties! Email for
details. tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com ht tp: //ameblo.jp/
tokyo13warriors
A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby
League team is seeking Rugby
Le a g u e p l aye r s f o r J a p a n e s e
Ru g by Le a g u e of f icia l g am e s
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
[email protected]
FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join
us for social or competitive touch
rugby ever y Sat at 2:30pm by
Ariake Stn, Yurikamome Line. Any
age, sex, level ok. Please email
for details. funwithtouch@gmail.
c o m w w w. f u n w i t h t o u c h .c o m /
where-we-play
P L AY R U G B Y. T h e To k y o
Crusaders are a friendly but
keen international rugby club.
D evo te d to t h e g a m e a n d i t s
social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays
in the Shuto League 1st Division.
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.
com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
s p o r t f ro m S cot lan d . Usin g a
tambourine-like instrument as a
Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Futsal players wanted by a very
friendly international team. Practice is
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details
available. [email protected]
Ice hockey: Kanagawa Maple Leafs,
Yokohama. Join us! The Kanagawa Ice
Hockey League for working people is
a competitive league, so experience
in ice hockey is a must. A team is
joining A pool, B team is E pool. norio.
[email protected] https://sites.google.
co m / ka n a g a w a m a p le le a f s / h o m e
03-3258-5401
Quality football. Interested in playing
football at the weekend and training
midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers
after a good run out? If you consider
yourself a quality player, please drop
us a note. [email protected]
Seeking Japanese archery
companions. Let’s do kyudo near
Tokyo. Once/month for three hours,
weekends only. See website for details.
[email protected] http://
jmty.jp/tokyo/com-spo/article-qa3g
Tennis in central Tokyo. Active group of
tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes
serious/motivated new players. We play
on weekday evenings and weekends.
Different levels (sorry, no beginners),
fun training sessions and games with
great people from all over. tennis.
[email protected]
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese
and foreign volleyball players gather
in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing.
Have volleyball experience and want
to play in a friendly atmosphere?
inter [email protected] http://
intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
Weekend futsal team in Tokyo. Please
introduce yourself (full name, age,
nationality, whether you belong to
another team, experience, etc.). 都内週
末フットサルチーム. umek2002jp@
yahoo.co.jp
Women’s soccer club. Five-a-side,
11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or
three practices/matches on Sun. All
nationalities, experience level s,
beginners welcome. Happy and friendly
club! We have many socials. djnorio@
hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
MACARTHUR HEIGHTS.
Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l
Douglas MacArthur did! One
hour from Tokyo by car or direct
train. Beautiful cabins on the
ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping.
[email protected]
IAC Tokyo. International Adventure
Club Tokyo is an all-volunteer group of
folks from the Tokyo area who enjoy
outdoor activities together. It provides
opportunities to explore the Japanese
countryside and mountains. Join now!
[email protected] http://iac-tokyo.org
13.4 MUSIC
Bassist wanted around Yokohama.
We mainly play rock music and have
rehearsals in Shin-Yokohama. Any kind
of player is welcome, so feel free to
contact us. [email protected]
Drummer seeking band. Any style
(funk, fusion, pop, etc.) is welcome,
except metal. Weekly practices and
gigs ok. Tokyo area. Please write me
back to have a try! christian.pelissero@
institutfrancais.jp
Drummer/percussionist wanted
for new lineup of E/J band playing
original songs in central Tokyo. Plenty
of opportunity to play live. trashcity@
outlook.com http://www.reverbnation.
com/thestraysjapan
Keyboardist sought by funk/fusion
band. Any nationality welcome. Come
for a tryout. christianpelissero@
yahoo.fr
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.
Do you want to explore your own
mind? Guided Buddhist meditation
every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.
International practitioners, beginners
welcome, Japanese spoken. Please
call 090-3598-3072 for more
information. [email protected]
www.diamondway.jp
Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always
thought it would be interesting to try
it—why not now? Join us Fri evenings at
Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our
home page. [email protected].
ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com
色ー度カフェ. ライトワーカーヒ
ーリング。任意の助けのための私
に連絡してください。 winds_fr@
hotmail.com
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Iwnstitute) is a non-profit,
member-run organization that sponsors
activities (seminars, cultural events,
conferences) for those wanting to further
develop intercultural competencies
and meet other interculturalists. yuko.
[email protected] www.
japanintercultural.org
Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょ
なる. Nihongo Club International is a
volunteer group to help foreign people
learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer
Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu,
7-9pm. [email protected]
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
Jogging mate at Yokohama stn.
English- and Spanish-speaking JM
seek s jogging mates with good
p e r s o n a l i t i e s f o r 5 -1 5 k m. A n y
nationality welcome as long as
we can speak in English/Spanish.
[email protected]
Mountain hiking mate. European
man, 40s, seeking mountain hiking
mate and cultural exchange over
mountain hiking on weekends. winds_
[email protected]
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
13.3 ARTS
I M P R O V
C O M E D Y
AUDITIONS!
Interested
in improv
comedy? The
Pirates of
Tokyo Bay have toured the USA,
China, Singapore, Philippines
and more. We're seeking new
members! No experience needed.
Auditions: May 31. Email info@
japancomedy.com for more info.
ht tp: //piratesof tok yobay.com/
auditions
S E E K I N G A S U G A R DA D DY ?
Safely meet rich and elite
men while having fun and
making money. We are a
members-only dating club
with strict rules. Foreign and
Japanese executives, lawyers,
celebrities. Not an escort
clu b. N o ch ar g e fo r fe m ale
members. 0120-675-858 (E)
[email protected]
ht t p: //u ni ve r s e - clu b.j p/e n /
women
29
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Art of love. European Frenchman, 50s,
seeking a Japanese lady to share passion,
spirituality, the nature and art of love.
[email protected]
ONE-STOP
SERVICES
IN ENGLISH
Chinese woman wanted. English guy,
doesn't like Japanese women much,
seeking a Chinese living in Tokyo. I'm nice.
Contact me. summerfunk@googlemail.
com
Does anyone live near me? Seeking
a Japanese female for friendship. I am
single, early 40s, can speak some Nihongo.
No kids yet. Let's talk and get to know each
other. [email protected]
English bloke seeking Ms. Right. Tall, fit,
slim, active, Japanese-speaking, already
63, downshifting towards retirement,
seeking a mature but young-at-heart
partner to share everything with. Must
love nature and travel. countrylove1212@
PAccounting
• Auditing
• IPO Consulting
• Due Diligence
English for non-Japanese. Call me crazy,
off my rocker, but though I love Japan, I
don't mix that well with Japanese. I prefer
more open personalities, like Chinese,
Korean, Brits, Yanks. If this connects
with you, message me. englishmobile@
outlook.com
PTax
• Tax Preparation
• Tax Consulting
• US Tax Filing
• Accounting Services
• Payroll Services
PVisa Attorney
• Establishing a Company
& Branch Office
• Corporate Services
• Immigration Services
KASAI CPA
042-401-0342
More Than
Twenty Years
Experience
Takashi Kasai CPA Firm
4-1-2-302 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo
[email protected]
www.kasaicpa.com
Friendship plus. Asian man seeking a
woman, 24-37, healthy, nonsmoking,
honest/sincere, non-drinker, for mutually
beneficial relationship based on mutual
need and trust. I am sincere and caring.
Let's meet once/week and enjoy each
other's company. [email protected]
German and Japanese. Asian male
seeking fluent German speaker. Prefer
a patient, mature woman, 28-38. Meet
weekly after work (6:30-10pm), around
Mitaka/Kichijoji/Shinjuku/Kanda/Ueno
area. [email protected]
How to choose? So many British guys here
(and American, Aussie...)—why choose
me? Well, it's my first time to write, so I'm
new. I'm funny, charming, modest (ha!),
and a true Brit. You don't get more British
than me! [email protected]
Japanese princess. Englishman, 191cm,
blue eyes, seeking my Japanese princess
to serve, spoil and worship. wallhall1975@
yahoo.co.uk
Japanese-Caucasian half from Hawaii
for serious relationship. I'm living in Narita,
but if you live in Tokyo, I can take the train
to Ueno. Mail me if interested. Thank you.
[email protected]
JAPAN SOY SAUCE ASSOCIATION PRESENTS
THE 7th SOY SAUCE
RECIPE & STORY CONTEST
Introduce your
original recipe
using Soy Sauce
either washoku or
your country’s
cuisine
Grand Prize
MWM seeks MJF in Ebisu area. I am a
sane, warm, fit MWM, early 40s, who is
happy at home, but wants passion, too.
Seeking a MJF who is in the same position
for something exciting, but comfortable for
both. [email protected]
Reliable Englishman seeking an
attractive, down-to-earth English speaker,
around 40, who's seeking a natural but
adventurous lifestyle in Kanagawa and
overseas. Someone active but relaxed,
into art, music, movies and food would be
a good start. [email protected]
Seeking Japanese woman. Italian,
24, seeking JF for a relationship, fun and
to improve my language skills. I work at
a company, so I'm free on weekends. I
speak Japanese and English. Under 40
only. [email protected]
Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s,
positive, romantic, honest, a gentleman,
seeks a JF, 40s-50s, for a long-term
relationship. [email protected]
Serious relationship. Single, 30, living
and working in Tokyo, seeking sincere
girlfriend. I like movies, travel. 日本
語大丈夫です. lavillelumiere2015@
gmail.com
Soft, kind, romantic and also fun,
passionate, and British. That's me. And I'm
seeking you—if you're warm, romantic,
open-minded. 日本語でも大丈夫... た
ぶん. 笑. Please introduce yourself when
you write. [email protected]
Sophisticated and cute SJM, 40s,
in Kanagawa, seeks interesting,
warmhearted Western lady for friendship
or possibly more. If you seek a genuine and
ideal JM, please just drop me a line. Let's
start by communicating. toshinoris1012@
yahoo.co.jp
Sweet, smart and cute SJM seeks SWF
who seeks secret happy events in her spare
time in Tokyo. Single/married ok. Shall we
begin to talk? I think this opportunity will
be a great one for us. followupforme14@
gmail.com
Tall for small. Tall white male, slim,
professional, funny, 30s, seeking small
JF, late 20s, nonsmoking, who can meet in
central Tokyo. summerfunk@googlemail.
com
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
SJF SEEKING
EUROPEAN
M E N . S J F,
40s, loves art,
museums,
t r a v e l ,
adventure,
seeking nice,
positive and
interesting people. Please send
me a message, w/photo, if you are
interested. kotoshiwayaruzo@gmail.
com
Finding a handsome man? Classy,
polite, lovely young woman, 20s, from
Germany, seeks her male equivalent for
marriage in Tokyo. Please be dog-loving,
honest, funny, single, under 40. I don't
want any gambling with my feelings.
Serious only, please! misslyoan@gmail.
com
Free daytime. JF, pretty, 30s, in Tokyo,
seeks a good-looking Caucasian,
single, 20-30s, living in Tokyo.
[email protected]
Humbly confident. I may not be young
and too innocent, but I'm lovely-looking,
playful, happy. Overseas-educated
SJF, mid-40s, long shiny hair, fine skin,
toned, womanly frame and curves. You
are single, mature, gentlemanly, loving
your life. [email protected]
Real playboy in Tokyo. I heard there
are real playboys in Tokyo. They have
brains, looks and wealth. Many girls/
lovers are always around. I want to meet
a sexy guy and be one of his special girls.
[email protected]
Seeking friend and romance. Japanese
woman, 48, seeking a kind, mature guy
around my age. Serious only. Nice
chatting is definitely a plus! solsonreir@
gmail.com
Sincere Asian man, 30-43, sought by
intelligent, sincere SJF. I speak good
English, Japanese and some Korean. Love
traveling. Start as friends first. Serious
only, please. [email protected]
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
LOVE-SONG LOVER. Romantic,
mature guy seeking another
nonsmoking guy for friendship,
interesting activities around town,
maybe more. Tall, dark brown
hair, average buil d . S ense of
humor along with independence
important. Happy to exchange face
photos and chat first. ming@zar.
att.ne.jp
14.5 ESCORTS
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE
C R E AT E O P P O R T U N I T I E S
for elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date, take the night where you
want it to go. Fresh, young
women join our club every day.
0120-978-649 (E)
[email protected]
http://universe-club.jp/en
ESCORTS have gone online.
To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y
co m p a nio n , v i s it ht t p: //
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/
category/personals/escorts.
14.6 AND OTHERS
T R A N C E PA R T I E S . A t t r a c t i ve
couple (European/Japanese) is
seeking one or two women to join
us for dinners and trance parties.
All expenses paid—just enjoy.
[email protected]
WADA Legal & Administrative Office
We can help you with:
• Visa & Immigration Procedures
• Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation
and Refugee Status
• Establishing a Company &
Branch Office
• Accounting Services, Acquiring
Business Licences
• Preparation/Translation of
Legal & Business Documents
• Other Legal & Business Matters
Application Deadline:
May 31, 2015
30
Seeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind,
seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance
in Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee and
talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@
yahoo.com
Let happiness begin! Married, kind,
passionate, fun-loving, well-educated,
very successful, nonsmoking, welltraveled, 三高 male is looking to cherish
a Japanese woman for a long-term, oneon-one discreet relationship. Let me make
you happy! [email protected]
¥100,000
meturl.com/soysauce
Seeking companionship. I'm Turkish,
44, 194cm, divorced, nonsmoking, social
drinker, speak Japanese, enjoy traveling,
music, books, hikes, dining out, cooking
at home. I like simplicity of life. Seeking
a long-term relationship with a likeminded foreign or Japanese woman.
[email protected]
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: [email protected]
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
JOBS
CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED BY
LEAFCUP in Tokyo, Iidabashi, Shibuya,
Yokohama. Seeking enthusiastic,
proficient English, French, Spanish and/or
German speakers who can teach and lead
lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.
A p p l y o n l i n e : h r@le a f cu p.co m
www.leafcup.com/job.php
SEARCH ENGINE EVALUATOR. Leapforce
is seeking highly educated individuals
for an exciting work-from-home
opportunity. Applicants must be
self-motivated and internet savvy.
[email protected] http://bit.
ly/1HuylgD
F R A N Z I S K A N E R B A R A N D G R I LL ,
ROPPONGI. German beer restaurant
seeks part-time hall (¥1000/h~) and
kitchen (¥1200/h~) staff. European
looks preferred, Japanese language
ability required. Roppongi Hills. Email
CV to Kondo HR Manager. keiichi.
[email protected] www.zato-trd.co.jp/
shoplist/shop02.html
WORLD BEER MUSEUM RESTAURANT
NEAR YOKOHAMA LANDMARK TOWER
seeks part-time hall (¥1000/h~) and
looks preferred, Japanese ability
required. Email CV to Kondo HR
[email protected]
www.world-liquor-importers.co.jp
E/J BILINGUAL WINE SALESPERSON sought
to call on hotels, restaurants and bars
to offer high-quality wines at incredible
prices. Candidates should be passionate
about wine, have experience in sales,
wine or both. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm.
Please send cover letter and resume to
[email protected].
To advertise:
[email protected]
03-4588-2277
FASHION CUSTOMER SERVICE (ENGLISH/
한국어/日本語) IN TOKYO. Farfetch,
a UK-based fashion e-commerce
company, is seeking customer service
staff to attend to its customers via
email and phone in English, Korean
and Japanese, from 9am- 6pm
¥250,000-350,000/m. Six months or
more. [email protected] www.
farfetch.com
WORLD BEER MUSEUM RESTAURANT
NEAR TOKYO SKYTREE seeks part-time
hall (¥1000/h~) and kitchen (¥1200/
h~) staff. European looks preferred,
Japanese language ability required.
Soramachi, Tokyo Skytree. Email
CV to Kondo HR Manager. keiichi.
[email protected] 0120-233-182 www.
world-liquor-importers.co.jp
tip–top–tap
NAIL, WAX & SPRAY TAN
TREATMENTS IN TOKYO
Special offer for Metropolis readers!
15% off spray tanning
Reg price from ¥6,000•First time visit only, until Aug 31
BEER CAFE BRUGSE ZOT, NEAR TOKYO
STN. Belgian beer restaurant is
seeking part-time hall (¥1000/h~) and
looks preferred, Japanese ability
required. Email CV to Kondo HR
Manager. [email protected]
www.world-liquor-importers.co.jp
JOIN US IN INTRODUCING JAPAN TO
THE WORLD. S eeking energetic ,
bilingual individuals with a passion
for travel and interest in tourism.
We offer excellent career paths and
promotion prospects and are an
equal-opportunity employer. Our
workplace is conveniently located
2min from Roppongi Stn. Positions
available include account manager,
d e s i g n e r, d e v e l o p e r, p r o j e c t
manager. Visit our jobs page for
details. To apply, please send your
resume to [email protected].
http://en.japantravel.com/jobs
Nails
Wax (Lycon)
✓Shellac: from ¥5,300
✓Gel Nail: from ¥7,000
✓Manicure: from ¥4,300
✓Brazilian: from ¥6,800
✓Under Arms: from ¥2,200
✓Lower ½ legs: from ¥4,000
※ All prices exclude tax
B1F Rever Hayashi 1-18-7 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku
•Akabanebashi Stn: (1 min) •Azabu Juban Stn: (8 min)
http://tiptoptap-tokyo.com
Now You Can Recharge
in Roppongi 24/7/365
Hotel
IBIS
Soba shop
Tel: 03-3796-2411
relaxtokyo.com
Metropolis Promo
60 & 120min courses now ¥1,000 off
30min course ¥500 off
Mos
Burger
Almond
Takoyaki shop
Police box
Roppongi-dori
COURSES
Body care
30 min: ¥3,150
60 min: ¥6,300
(Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250)
120 min: ¥12,600
Oil massage
(daytime only)
60 min: ¥8,400
120 min: ¥16,800
31
RELATIONS
MOTHER’S DAY ACROSS TIME ZONES
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
My family is spread out over three continents and three very different
time zones, so coordinating a group call is next to impossible. It also
means that, during the major holidays—Christmas, New Year’s, Easter,
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and birthdays—I have to calculate and set
reminders on my phone for the “best” time to call each family member.
It’s a bit confusing. That said, I really do appreciate all the modern conveniences of 21st-century life. I love that, no matter how far away someone
physically lives, they’re always just a quick—and cheap!—phone call
away. We get to feel close, despite the thousands of miles between us.
私の家族は時差が異なる３つの地域で別々に住んでいます。そのため、家族
全員で一緒に電話をするのはほぼ不可能です。また、クリスマス、お正月、
イースター、母の日、父の日や誕生日といった大事な日には、それぞれの家
族を電話する”ベスト”な時間を事前に計算し、ケータイのアラームをかける
必要があるため、少し厄介です。そうは言っても、この近代的で便利な２１
世紀にはとても助かっています。物理的にどれほど距離が離れていても、素
早く（かつ安い！）電話ができます。世界中に家族が離れ離れになっていて
も、お互いをとても身近に感じられます。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 22-Jun 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jun 22-Jul 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
A slipper y week, and you aren’t
always in charge. That drives an Aries
crazy, but at least now you’ve got a
plan. Environments and people’s emotions are
erratic at the moment. Called one step forward,
two steps back, it’s less of a dance step and
more of an escalation to your nervous system,
self-healing—and then, back into action you go.
A financial question is answered with a stronger
position on your side. Say anything endearing
you like: You’ll be loved for it.
Keep your eye on the money. Venus in
your financial sector offers something
lovely, but is it too expensive? In the
long run, consider what you value. Peace and
quiet, a beautiful view, and delicious food may
not make you famous, but it might make you feel
better about the choices you make. The freedomversus-tradition aftermath is still causing ripples.
Acting on something before it happens is a tricky
endeavor, but trust your instincts. Satisfying communications begin.
Use your sensorial “feelers” for
the decisions you make. Not many
people can say they’ve got it all
lined up, but Gemini skates across air currents
at a comfortable clip. Venus in your sign brings
out the best in you. Mercury in your solar first
house offers the chance to say what’s on your
mind. You’ll think on your feet, free to express
exactly what’s going on for you. There will be
those who understand exactly what you’re
going through.
Warm water and soothed muscles
create the cozy atmosphere you
crave. Venus in your solar 12th house
means money, comfort, and beauty are on their
way in, though they may not have arrived just
yet—but your patience gets you through this.
Someone in your environment may continually
change their mind or influence you to do the
same. Jupiter and Juno in your money sector put
you in a financially strong, even regal, position.
Be romantic and nurturing this week.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 24-Oct 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Oct 24-Nov 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Saturn is retrograding from your money
house back into Scorpio, and toward
what’s personal. It won’t happen all at
once, but if you’re playing with finances, don’t
overspend. The emotional halt of income restriction won’t begin until the middle of June; you’ve
got time to look at what you can sustain and what
you just can’t. Someone in a power position may
say things you don’t like or agree with. Soon,
they won’t be able to pursue their objections.
Mar 21-Apr 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jul 24-Aug 23 ♥♥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣♣
Apr 21-May 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Aug 24-Sep 23 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
Ceres, powerful earth mother and
financial stateswoman—not to mention a goddess of law—opposes Leo
this week. This indicates balance coming into
your life, because someone thinks you’re worth
it. However, details need to be ironed out. Your
backup may come from a spouse, a significant
other, or a business partner who makes a
commitment to enhance your life. You’re at the
precipice of a new beginning. Breathe easy.
Either a partner is not there, or they’re
waterlogging you with their drama.
You may be filling in the spaces to
soak up all the emotion tossed in your direction.
There may be a temptation to break a few of
your personal rules to relieve the pressure. Give
yourself a break, stop the Virgo self-criticism,
and abandon yourself to something sinfully
delicious. Whatever it may be. Don't worry. The
details will take care of themselves.
Things go from tingly to searing hot.
On what part of the spectrum do you
wish to walk? It used to be that planets transiting your sign would buffer you. At the
moment, all you’ve got is the Libra Moon Friday
and Saturday. Other than that, it’s up to you to find
a way to center your Libran scales, even if someone else sets them swinging. Librans are great
psychologists. Your air sign rules the intellect, but
be prepared for your intuition to be spot-on, too.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 21-Feb 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 20-Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣
Saturn grinds away in your sign—and
retrograde, to boot. If there’s anything
you haven’t taken care of, it’s going
to rise to the surface. Stand your ground, even
if those backing you have temporarily turned
away; it doesn’t matter, because you know the
truth. The Archer knows the universe takes
steps to meet forward movement. You’ll have
help to hold you in position and possibly raise
you up to an expanded view.
Taking things seriously is a Capricorn
trait. After all, if you don’t do it, it won’t
last. As things continue to break
apart, watch for some of the goodies to rise to
the surface. If you’ve been hoping for information to validate you or a seal of approval when all
you’ve had is bits and pieces, look for paperwork
you would actually choose to sign. Mercury has
entered your solar sixth house. Negotiations at
and with your work can prove fruitful.
Ceres in your sign covers any missteps
if you haven’t got time to consider
ever y detail. Initially, you may be
asked to make up the difference in a future
project. What you’re hearing right now is likely
to change—and change again. Life at home is
slated to become more comfortable or stable,
perhaps due to a cash infusion. Someone with
a great mind wants to love you; they’re probably
trying to figure a way to contact you right now.
You’re the heavyweight of the zodiac
right now—you win! No one can beat
you unless you fall into a mirage. You
may have to do something unusual—not your
norm—to make money. It’s the approach that
will matter, added to your galactic intuition that
entices people over. You’re nimble on your feet
when it comes to thinking, and you’ll look great
doing it. Expect a partner to be envious with your
great fortune and double-check their maneuvers.
Nov 23-Dec 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
32
Dec 23-Jan 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
PISCES
LINGO BOX
Watch out, Krispy Kreme.
Lawson and 7-Eleven,
which recently began
selling their own donuts,
are reporting brisk sales;
Family Mart is getting in
on the game as well.
Gaikōseisaku (外交政策) = Foreign policy
the small print
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
NOTHING IS MORE FUN THAN MY PROFESSION”
—Seiichi Koshimizu, a master whisky blender at Suntory, on becoming the first
Japanese person inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame.
Rippōsha (立法者） = Lawmakers
Wakuseikan no (惑星間の) = Interplanetary
Kaihatsu (開発) = Develop
Hōrei (法令) = Ordinance
stats
70 Percent chance that a magnitude-6
earthquake will hit the Kanto area over
the next 30 years
INCREDIBLE SHRINKING
JAPAN
⊲Researchers
⊲
at the Japan Policy Council warn
that 896 municipalities around Japan are at risk
of “disappearing” due to dwindling populations.
⊲A
⊲ survey by the education ministry suggests that 87 percent of high school juniors
are struggling with below-average English
speaking and writing skills.
⊲Actress-turned-politician
⊲
Junko Mihara caught
flak for saying Japan should pursue a foreign
policy based on hakko ichiu (often translated as
“one world, one roof”), a phrase used by leaders
to justify colonial aggression during WWII.
⊲Officials
⊲
in Micronesia demand the Japanese
government to address the threat of oil pollution posed by sunken WWII warships whose
hulls are corroding.
NOT ALL FUN & GAMES
⊲It
⊲ was revealed that the storied Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Aoyama will be turned into
a parking lot for the 2020 Olympics.
⊲Meanwhile,
⊲
a group of 30 lawmakers from the
main ruling and opposition parties are pooling their efforts to end discrimination against
sexual minorities by the start of the Games.
⊲Police
⊲
in Nerima-ku busted a local man for
cultivating marijuana after his downstairs
neighbor complained of a water leak, which
turned out to be from the growing operation.
⊲Cops
⊲
in Osaka arrested a 73-year-old woman
for inviting elderly men to karaoke and then
drugging them and stealing their money.
TAKING OFF
⊲Engineers
⊲
at JAXA showed off a new interplanetary spacecraft called the Mercury Magnetosphere Orbiter.
⊲The
⊲
unmanned vehicle is part of a joint project with the European Space Agency to travel
to Mercury by 2024.
⊲During
⊲
a visit to Tokyo, a Chinese tourism official admitted that travelers from the mainland
need to “behave better” when visiting Japan
and other overseas destinations.
⊲Authorities
⊲
at the Disaster Management
Agency say they’re keen to develop robots
at a glance
BY RODGER SONOMURA
¥300,000 Winning bid for a pair of
mangos at the first fruit auction of the
season in Miyazaki
88 Percentage of Japanese job seekers
who say they would be willing to accept
an overseas employment offer
that can fight “large-scale fires at petrochemical complexes and chemical plants.”
HOLY CRAP
⊲The
⊲
U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has received “several” phone calls from someone threatening to
kill Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.
⊲Officials
⊲
at the National Police Agency say
they were inundated with more than 100
queries shortly after enacting an ordinance
against revenge porn late last year.
⊲An
⊲ 80-year-old Osaka woman who killed her
mentally disabled son said she committed the
crime because she was “tired” of taking care
of him. The victim, 51, needed help eating and
going to the bathroom.
⊲Headline
⊲
of the Week: “Teen Influenced by
Islamic State Arrested for Trespassing to ‘Practice’ Killing with Goat” (via Mainichi Japan).
AND FINALLY…
⊲Officials
⊲
at the environment ministry say
75 percent of the plastic waste that washes
ashore each year along the Sea of Japan coast
comes from China and South Korea.
⊲Toyota
⊲
is considering building a factory in
Tianjin, China, to produce eco-friendly vehicles. Annual output capacity would be “at least”
100,000.
⊲It
⊲ was reported that the number of Japanese
tourists visiting Cuba has surged by 14 percent this year following the U.S.’s decision to
reestablish diplomatic ties.
Small Print Updated Weekly
→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo
33
the last word
your article to:
WANT TO HAVE THE LAST WORD? Send
[email protected]
Illustration by Christi Rochin
The Force
Strikes Back
Reawakening the
Star Wars fanboy joy
BY MATTHEW RUSHING
AS A FAN,
I FELT
TREPIDATION…
THEN ALL
MY FEARS
TURNED TO
ELATION.”
There has been an awakening. I have
felt it. On April 16, 2015, there was a
great disturbance in the Force. A special event called Star Wars Celebration
took place in Anaheim, California, and,
luckily for me, they simulcast many
of the panels via YouTube. The very
first panel was to be J.J. Abrams and
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy,
who would be talking about The Force
Awakens, the long-anticipated seventh
film in the Star Wars franchise. I knew I
had to watch this panel, and a possible
new trailer.
I must confess, I am a Star Wars
fanboy. I first saw the films on my eighth
birthday, some twelve years before the
prequels. My friends and I stayed up all
night watching the original trilogy. On
that day, Star Wars became my first geek
love. This love has endured through the
prequels, The Clone Wars animated
series, the expanded universe of novels
and games, and now Star Wars Rebels.
I’ve even branched out from “The Wars”
to become a huge fan of Star Trek, Lord
of the Rings, and Harry Potter—yet it
always comes back to Star Wars and,
specifically, The Empire Strikes Back.
You see, that first night, it was Empire that
made the deepest impression; and that
has remained my favorite for 28 years.
Over those decades I’ve hoped for
more, but by 2012 the prospects for
Star Wars seemed to be waning. The
Clone Wars was on TV, but a longrumored live-action show had still not
materialized. For many fans, the pas-
The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
34
sion was there but the thrill was gone.
Personally, I was still just as invested. I
loved The Clone Wars—it had rekindled
my love for Star Wars that languished
after Revenge of the Sith had seemingly
completed the saga—but, like many, I
feared it could be the end.
Yet George Lucas had a plan, and on
October 12, 2012, the Force returned
as triumphant as the Jedi. Disney was
buying Lucasfilm, and they would be
producing Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. Not
enough? There would also be standalone films! The biggest question on
every fan’s mind immediately became,
Who will direct Episode VII? The answer
arrived quickly: J.J. Abrams.
As a fan, I felt trepidation about this
announcement. It worried me that someone else would be making Star Wars. Say
what you will about Lucas, he is still the
creator. It was he who had given life to
this saga and poured his heart and soul
into it. He shaped the look and feel, and it
was not clear to me whether J.J. would be
up to the task of creating a new chapter.
But Abrams is a fine director, and since
I am a Star Trek fan, I’d seen his work on
that franchise and been mostly pleased.
There was hope.
As filming began, I started to hear
Abrams talk about his passion for Star
Wars. I’d always known he loved the
saga, but his joy now appeared effervescent in interviews. They intended to
make these films as much in the vein of
the originals as possible, which meant
building real sets and using as many
practical effects as they could.
It was starting to sound great, but
the first teaser in December did little
to alleviate my concerns. It just didn’t
have the feeling I expected. Then all
my fears turned to elation as I tuned
into The Force Awakens panel and the
second teaser was revealed. It was
pure geek joy. Everything seemed to
be an amalgamation of Lucas’ work on
the original trilogy and the prequels,
with some of the most amazing practical effects since 1977. (That’s right, I’m
looking at you, BB-8 droid). And in the
final line of the trailer, Han sums up my
feelings as a Star Wars fan: “Chewie,
we’re home.”
■ Matthew Rushing is host of The 602 Club and
co-host of The Orb and Literary Treks on the
Trek.fm podcast network at itunes.com/trekfm.
IMPORTS! FORMAL AND CASUAL WEAR FOR MEN
SHIBUYA
FROM CASUAL CLOTHING TO FORMAL SUITS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN!
Golden Week Special Bargain 5/1~5/15
4F BIG SIZES CASUAL WEAR 5F BIG SIZES FORMAL WEAR
Polo Shirts
3L~6L: 1 for ¥2,900,
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Short Sleeved Shirt
3L~5L: ¥3,900 > ¥1,900
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Conditions
- The number of products is limited
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- Offer does not apply to special supplies
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Jacket
3L~5L: ¥29,000 > ¥12,000
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100~130cm: Two for ¥6,900
Dress Shirt
3L~6L: ¥3,900 > ¥2,500
100~120cm: ¥4,900 > ¥2,900
2F & 3F MEN’S FORMAL WEAR
CALVIN KLEIN Jacket ¥15,000 Suits
HUGO BOSS Suits ¥50,000
Suits with a spare pair of pants
3L~6L: ¥49,000 > ¥19,000
¥28,000~38,000 > Two for¥28,000
Linen Jacket
¥18,000 > ¥7,900
Suits with a spare pair of pants
¥38,000 > ¥15,000
Washable slacks
¥3,900 > ¥2,500
We are a TAX FREE SHOP
METROPOLIS READERS’
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10% OFF
Some exceptions.
Ask staff for more details.
FLOOR GUIDE
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5F Big size suits, formal & import
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PIKACHIC! - Metropolis Magazine

Transcription

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