934 Feb 17~Mar 1, 2012

Transcription

Hit the BookS
Soup up your psyche with our Education Special
japantourist.jp: Your ticket to ride
Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
a
of
photo
a-bomb
#934 Feb 17~March 1, 2012
FREE!
book
survivors
The Last Word Has Korean pop music trumped J-pop in the US market?
Restaurant Review The Tokyo meat renaissance turns Kiwi at Wakanui
Body and Soul Yuzu: the versatile citrus that can help you survive winter
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SEARCH AKAI CLINIC
DR. HIDEMI AKAI
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an associate professor of the Plastic and
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years of experience.
DR. KEIKO AKAI
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and skin care specialist, and the Akai
Medical Clinic offers a range of
cosmetic surgery and laser treatments,
including the latest techniques and
state-of-the-art technology.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty)
Is a procedure to remove mostly fat from
the upper and lower eyelids to correct
drooping upper lids and puffy bags below
your eyes - features that make you look
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While it can add an upper eyelid crease to
Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of
your ethnic or racial heritage. Blepharo-
AccuSculpt
plasty can enhance your appearance and
your self-confidence, but it won't
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A detached retina or glaucoma gives
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The AccuSculpt is a
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walk from JR Kannai stn.
Tel: 03-5771-4114
Clinic hours:
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Tel: 045-252-9455
Clinic hours:
11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri)
& 11AM~5PM (Sat)
We welcome email and phone inquiries | [email protected]
www.akaiclinic.com
Fri Feb 24
Metropolis Members Club
★ Prizes ★ Exclusive Events ★ Discounts
This week’s winner!
Upcoming prize!
Congratulations to:
Shannon Taylor
who won a pair of adidas
Barricade 7 tennis shoes
Courtesy of adidas
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#934
feb 17-Mar 1, 2012
The Tokyo Metpod: If it’s going on in Tokyo,
it’s going on at metpod.com
Photo of the week
Will Robb
Send your snaps to metropolis.co.jp/photo for our online Photo of the Day. The best entries will be chosen for
Photo of the Week.
08 FEATURE
From above
Paule Saviano shows the
light in the eyes of survivors
By C. B. Liddell
04 THE SMALL PRINT
05 Upfront
06 Body & Soul
06 Village Voices
20 Arts & Entertainment
Music, Art, Stage
23 AGENDA
30 MOVIES
32 REAL ESTATE
33 Dining out
Bites, Tastemaker,
Restaurant Review
36 ClassifiedS & JOBS
41 horoscope & mediabox
42 the last word
cover design: kohji shiiki & Shane busato
From above in Shinjuku, by Alan Black
METROPOLIS is Japan's No.1 English magazine, founded
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The Small Print This week’s required reading, by Reg Dunlap
Miwa Kaneoya
Asians are different.
“
Physically you have
to get to 25 or 26 years
old to build the body”
—Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori, 22, who cracked
the top 20 in world rankings after reaching the
Australian Open quarterfinals last month
Brave new (digital) world
ćć “Silent camera” apps are being blamed for a
rise in complaints from women about perverts
snapping illegal upskirt photos. The National
Police Agency says the number of such incidents
increased from 1,068 in 2006 to 1,702 in 2010.
ćć An LDP lawmaker got a surprise when he discovered that someone hacked into his YouTube
account and uploaded a Russian-language
porn video.
ćć Meanwhile, a hacker disabled the website of the
government committee investigating the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
ćć Two Japanese companies were fined a total of
¥17 million by the Intellectual Property High
Court for broadcasting copyrighted TV programs over the internet.
ćć An Osaka man became the first person in
Japan arrested for breaking a six-month-old law
against creating computer viruses.
Your tax dollars at work
ćć The government says it wants to establish an
agency to investigate consumer-related accidents,
including “injuries caused by exploding home
appliances (or to the eyes by contact lenses), the
after-effects of beauty treatment, and accidental
ingestion of food or objects by infants.”
ćć The Japanese foreign ministry will join the EU,
the US and Australia in talks to develop a “code
of conduct for outer space.”
ćć The governor of Osaka says he wants to turn
a stretch of the city’s Dotonbori river into a
2km-long pool for international swimming
competitions.
ćć Officials in Kawasaki suspect a police officer
asked two of his friends to stage a bicycle “theft”
so he could take credit for solving the case.
Well, duh
ćć A study panel from the labor ministr y has
identified six categories of behavior that
constitute “power harassment,” including
“giving the cold shoulder in the workplace” and
“demanding the impossible.”
ćć The NPA says the recent rise in fatal traffic accidents on expressways might be linked to the
elimination of tolls, which has “drawn inexperienced drivers to highways.”
stats
ćć The welfare ministry found that workers who
make less than ¥2 million a year “have more
health problems than higher earners.”
ćć A 37-year-old Chinese man was arrested for
throwing four Molotov cocktails at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul.
Welcome back, flyjin!
ćć December was the first month since the March
11 disaster that the number of international
flyers using Narita airport increased on a yearon-year basis.
ćć Meanwhile, the labor ministry says the number
of foreign workers rose in October compared to
a year earlier.
ćć A high-school baseball team from Ishinomaki,
Miyagi Prefecture, was chosen to play in the
spring Koshien tournament. Seventy percent
of the team’s members had their “homes
washed away or lost loved ones” in the quake
and tsunami.
ćć About 200 evacuees from Tamura village in
Fukushima were allowed to return home to
search for missing pets, but not a single animal
was found.
Hitting the road
ćć A newlywed couple in Shizuoka celebrated their
nuptials by going for a spin on a new highway
that’s scheduled to open in April. The couple
“won” the ride in a lottery conducted by a local
municipality.
ćć The health ministry predicts that Japan’s population will shrink by a whopping 30 percent
by 2060.
ćć Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil said it would significantly reduce its business operations in Japan
because of the “dwindling domestic market.”
ćć The Chinese government has given approval
for the Japanese Embassy in Beijing to relocate
to the northeast of the city.
Fixer-uppers
ćć The owner of Tokyo Tower said repair work on
the top portion of the structure, which was damaged in the March 11 quake, will begin in April.
ćć Honda announced that it will reopen an assembly plant in Thailand that was shut down after
being inundated during last year’s flooding.
ćć The labor ministry said it wants to start offering
pension benefits to part-time staff who work
just 20 hours a week. Currently, pensions are
available only to employees working at least 30
hours a week.
ćć Sentence of the Week: “Seventy percent of middle school students think English ability would
be useful for obtaining a job in the future, but
only 11 percent want to get a job that requires
English, according to an education ministry
institute survey.” (via The Daily Yomiuri)
This just in…
ćć A professor at Hokkaido University believes that
“at least seven” earthquakes with a magnitude
in the 9.0 range have hit Japan during the past
3,500 years.
ćć Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a magnesium fuel cell for use during
emergencies that can generate electricity from
saltwater.
ćć Isetan depart ment store in Shinjuku has
installed a currency conversion machine that
exchanges Chinese yuan to yen. The device is
the first of its kind at a Japanese depato.
ćć Bottom Story of the Week: “Big Celebration
Prepared for Japan’s Oldest Asian Elephant” (via
The Mainichi Daily News)
Compiled from reports by AP,
Japan Today, The Japan Times, The
International Herald Tribune, The Asahi
Shimbun, Tokyo Reporter, The Mainichi
Daily News, Daily Yomiuri, AFP, Reuters
and Kyodo
� 13 Number of Japanese cops who lost their jobs in 2011 because of DUIs, according to the National
Police Agency � >¥3 trillion Sales at 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan so far in fiscal 2011, the
first time a conbini operator has reached that milestone � 34 Percent of people in Tokyo who walked
home following the March 11 quake, according to the Railway Technical Research Institute � 13.4
km Average distance of their walk
04 • download our podcast at • podcast.metropolis.co.jp
people, trends & miscellany
q&a
© Cinecompany
cinematic underground
Fans of horror flicks will be
too scared to fall asleep in
their movie seats as ShinBungeiza in Ikebukuro (3F,
1-43-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku; www.shinbungeiza.com) holds an
all-night movie marathon of works by Italian master of
gore, Lucio Fulci, February 18 from 10:30pm. The shockers
on the program include The Psychic (1977; pictured) about
a clairvoyant woman who finds a skeleton in the closet,
literally… The Turin Horse (2011), the latest—and selfproclaimed final—film by acclaimed Hungarian director
Bela Tarr is screening at Shibuya’s Image Forum (2-10-2
Shibuya, Shibuya-ku; www.imageforum.co.jp). Tarr is known
for his pensive, philosophical films captured in striking black
and white cinematography… 51, a nature documentary about
a Chinese panda born at the dangerously low weight of
51 grams and nursed to health by its mother, can be seen at
Shinjuku Musashinokan (3-27-10 Shinjuku; http://shinjuku.
musashino-k.jp). Model Jun Hasegawa provides the Japanese
narration. Kevin Mcgue
© Suurkiitos
movie news
The 62nd Berlin
International Film Festival
is being held until February
19 in the German capital,
and Japan is once again well
represented in the festival
lineup. Founded in 1951 by
a US military officer, the festival is now considered one of the “big
three” in Europe along with Cannes and Venice. This year, entries
from Japan include Rent-a-Cat [pictured] by Naoko Ogigami,
about an eccentric young woman who rents a cat to lonely
people, and the teen drama The End of Puberty by Shoko Kimura,
which previously won the PIA film festival at home. There are
also two hard-hitting family dramas from Japan: Our Homeland
by Yang Yong-Hi, about a single family spanning Japan and
North Korea, and Just Pretend to Hear by Kaori Imaizumi, the
story of a young girl who loses her mother. Documentaries in
the fest include two about the Fukushima nuclear disaster, No
Man’s Zone by Toshi Fujiwara and Nuclear Nation by Atsushi
Funahashi. The last Japanese filmmaker to win the top award
in the festival was Hayao Miyazaki, who took home the Golden
Bear for his film Spirited Away in 2002. Festival winners will be
posted at www.berlinale.de/en KM
ODANGO HOMES
Family
friendly
Life in
Chiba
Dan
Huffman
Game Designer,
The Octagon Theory
How long have you been in
Japan and what brought you
here? Over 40 years. Uncle Sam
brought me here via the US Air
Force in March 1970.
Are you a consummate
“gamer?” I buy lots of games
because I like to look at the
mechanics and concept, but
I don’t play them much, and I
seldom finish them.
What was the first game you
designed? How “old school”
are you? The Octagon Theory
is my first complete game.
I made it back in the mideighties for the Apple II. I
guess I’m very “old school”
because I started coding on
the Apple II+ back in 1984
using AppleSoft Basic and
6502 assembly language.
What’s the difference
building an iOS game in
Japan, as opposed to in
the US or Europe? With the
internet, Twitter, Google+, and
Facebook—every place is about
the same, getting information
and connecting with other
developers is so easy these days.
It was nothing like that back in
1984. I had to wait weeks to get
programming books from the
US. And there were only a few
stores in Tokyo that sold Englishlanguage computer magazines
and software.
Give us the 140-character
Twitter pitch for your game.
The Octagon Theory (TOT)
is a two-player, turn-based,
abstract strategy board game
like Chess or Othello. You can
play on any iOS device against
AI opponents or another
human.
What was the inspiration for
bringing The Octagon Theory
to the iPhone? Any plans for
other platforms? I brought TOT
to iOS because that’s where
the action is. Apple’s got a
complete infrastructure for
developing apps and getting
them on devices. And with
tools like Ansca Corona, the
development process is that
much faster and easier. I plan
on using Corona to build TOT
for the Kindle Fire.
Do older arcade-style games
translate well to handheld
devices like the iPhone? Yes.
giveaway
Dan is making five free
promo codes available
for The Octagon Theory.
Simply send your answer
to the following question
to giveaways@metropolis.
co.jp. What type of
mobile app is being
blamed for the rise in
complaints about pervy
upskirt photos? The
answer is somewhere in
this issue.
There’s probably hundreds
of older arcade-style
games available on the iTunes
App Store already. And I think
the old games often end up as
improved versions because
of the touch interface and the
things that can be done with it.
Outside of TOT, what is your
favorite free and favorite paid
game in the app store and
why? Wow, I’ve probably got
over a hundred games and I’m
constantly trying new ones.
But right now my favorite free
game is Hero Academy from
Robot Entertainment, because
it uses turn-based internet play,
and it’s very well balanced.
My favorite paid game is
New Orbit, only $0.99 from
Blackish Games, because it is
so engrossing. Sadly it’s way
too short—it’s one of the two
or three games I’ve actually
finished. But the developer
informed me that he has big
plans for a sequel.
What’s your favorite place in
Tokyo on a Friday night, when
you’re not glued to the screen?
I don’t go out much because I
stopped drinking alcohol two
years ago. So these days I’m
glued to my iPad 2 and my big
27" iMac. Friday nights are
spent at home. Jeff W. Richards
The Octagon Theory.
¥170, available in the
iTunes App Store. http://
theoctagontheory.com
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#934 • wWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05
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Body & Soul
Getting
Zesty
Beat the flu—do the yuzu
By Simone Kovago
Aesthetic
Dentistry
FREE
COUNSELING
FOR
METROPOLIS
READERS
Ceramics
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[email protected]
www.aoyama-omotesando.jp
P
art grapefruit,
part orange, part
lemon—it ’s ha rd
to describe exactly
what yuzu tastes
like. Ever since my
first mug of yuzu tea, I have been on
a quest to sample it in all its forms.
Now, in the winter months, when
infection is rife, it’s doubly refreshing to know that this distinctive
citrus has got your back.
The yuzu plant came over from
China around the 8th century, ending up mostly in Shikoku. The small
lemon-sized fruit ripens to its familiar deep yellow in autumn, when it is
harvested—meaning it’s often associated with winter foods.
It makes sense that one of the
most cold-resistant citrus varieties is widely thought to help protect
against colds and viruses. Added to
its vitamin C properties, proponents
also cite anti-bacterial qualities. Its
oil is said to have a calming effect on
the mind, and is used in aromatherapy to ease stress and anxiety.
In the last decade, the fruit has
found a following among bartenders
and chefs in the US, as an exotic twist
on classic citrus choices. Its rarity
there has led at least one bartender
to proclaim it the “beluga caviar of
Courtesy Paracup
Village Voices
the citrus world.” So take advantage
of being in Japan, where it literally
grows on trees.
One of the best-known uses of
yuzu in Japanese folk medicine is in
the bath—it’s customary to add the
whole or cut fruit to the water when
you bathe during toji (winter solstice). As well as warding off disease,
yuzu baths also stimulate circulation, and ease arthritis, rheumatism,
and general aches and pains. In a
nod to this Japanese custom, Joule
Spa & Wellness, at the Hyatt Regency
Tokyo [pictured], offers a seasonal
treatment package that uses yuzubased products. Their Winter Beauty
Spa Package is available until February 29.
If you prefer your yuzu in liquid
form, bottled drinks are available
year-round, and can be found in
conbini a nd vend i ng mach i nes
everywhere. Yuzu-flavored shochu,
or yuzushu, can be ordered up in
bars and cafés, and even made at
home, with recipes easily Googleable. Inevitably, the fruit has also
popped up in currently popular collagen beauty drinks that promise
to give your skin a healthy glow and
slow the aging process.
Think about all of the soba and
nabe you’ve eaten: it is very likely
Advertorial
© zimmytws - Fotolia.com
Legacy of
Love
Metropolis chats to
Attorney at Law
Hangnyeon Chang,
AITS LPC
© Reika - Fotolia.com
that small slices of yuzu peel have
made a n appea ra nce to add a
refreshing citrus flavor to the dishes.
The Onyasai chain of shabu-shabu
restaurants offers a yuzu-collagen
dashi in which to swish your meat.
Naturally, as with all things collagen, it is especially recommended for
women. If you haven’t seen it in your
soup, look for it in tsukune (chicken
meatballs) or accompanying daikon in a salad—both showcase the
unique flavor well.
Yuzu rind is t he key ingredient in yuzukosho, or yuzu pepper,
where it is mixed with salt and chili.
Until recently, this green seasoning has been hard to find outside
it s home i n Ky u s hu, but more
companies are now producing it.
It is used as a condiment for nabe,
yak itori, and an ever-increasing
variet y of foods—even spaghetti
and potato chips. Naturally, there
is a yuzukosho-f lavored Kit Kat
available in Kyushu.
Turning from savory to sweet, the
traditional confection yubeshi was
first made around the 12th century.
This Run’s for the Children
I
f the excitement of the
Tokyo Marathon has got
your running juices flowing, slip on your sneakers for
the Paracup, a charity marathon raising awareness and
funds for problems affecting the world’s children.
This year, local NGO PLAS
A id s O r ph a n s S upp or t ,
which provides schooling
and job training for children orphaned by AIDS in
Uganda and Kenya, is cosponsoring the event along
with many other worthy
organizations. Some of the
money raised will also go
to children affected by the
3/11 disasters. Participants
can choose from a 10K, 5K
and 1K kids’ run, as well as a
half-marathon. The course
r u n s a lon g t he verda nt
Tamagawa River, so you
can even enjoy a bit of an
escape from the metropolis
while doing your part. And
everybody gets a T-shirt.
Apr 8, 8am. ¥4,800, ¥2,400
(MS). Nearest stn: Kashimada. www.paracup.info
Known as maru-yubeshi in this early
form, it was made by steaming a hollow yuzu stuffed with rice powder,
miso, and other ingredients. This preserved the contents and made them
portable. While yuzu is now more
commonly a flavoring for yubeshi
than a casing, maru-yubeshi is still
made in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Because of its labor-intensive
process, the confection is rare and
expensive, but definitely worth it.
Whether you bathe in it, inhale
it, drink it, or eat it—the yuzu is one
way to finish the winter with no
shortage of zest.
● Winter Beauty Spa Package,
¥20,000, at Joule Spa & Wellness,
Hyatt Regency Tokyo, until Feb
29. http://meturl.com/joule
● Maru-yubeshi, ¥1,575, from
N a k a u r a y a , W a j i m a C i t y,
I shikawa . http://meturl .com/
yubeshi
Harvest Boon
S
econd Harvest
Jap a n , a n o rg a n iz at ion devote d to
creating a food safety net
for people in need, is hoping
to fill three positions. One is
a full-time or semi-full-time
administrative assistant
with native Japanese level
writing and communications skills. The second is
a bilingual COO to oversee
their four program areas.
Lastly, they need a driver
to make food deliveries.
Obviously, a valid driver’s
license is necessary for that
one. If this tickles your interest, just get in touch with
your statement of interest
and résumé.
For more i n for m at ion ,
email Charles McJilton
at [email protected].
W h at a re you r p re c o n c e p t io n s
regarding inheritance?
If succession of property begins after a
Japanese person dies, each successor
has to determine if he/she is going to
succeed his/her portion or abandon it. If
successors aren’t sure if the inheritance
is in a state of bankruptcy or not, they
can take recourse with a third option,
known as “limited recognition.” Under
this institution, they opt to succeed
assets that remain once all inherited
debts are paid, and therefore succeed
no debts.
But the most serious problem about
inheritance is the process of dividing
assets among successors. This is not
only because all successors have to
gather and argue about how to divide
the assets. They also have to discuss
special economic benefits a successor
might have received. The process can
become lengthy, as people will have
to unearth old facts, sometimes from
decades before, and it requires a great
deal of work to prove anything.
In other cases, successors have to
argue the limit of inheritance. For some
successors who were taking care of the
deceased, it’s easy to change names on
real estate documents, consume assets,
like bank accounts, or forge wills. These
people have been in control of the
finances of sick or aged relations.
The most serious effect caused by
the process of inheritance is emotional
a nt a g o n i s m a m o n g s u c c e s s o r s .
This can have irreversible effects on
families. That is why it is recommended
to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. If
the lawyer handles the inheritance,
your mental burden will be eased, and
relationships between successors can
be preserved. Free legal consultations in English,
Chinese, and Korean. AITS Shinjuku
Law Office. 3F Believe ShinjukuBldg. 1-26-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.
Tel: 03-5362-0907. Email iyota@
aits-lpc.com. Nearest stn: Shinjuku.
www.aits-lpc.com
Feature
The
Unforgettable
Fire
L
ook at the faces on the opposite pages
and ask yourself what you see. The unremarkable visages of several old people,
perhaps. But look closer—at the way the
light, for instance, falls beatifically on
the face of Senji Yamaguchi or the faraway look and tightly clasped hands of
Sachiko Matsuo—and you will discern touches of
deep emotion, for the people gathered here have a
reason to feel emotional.
They are all subjects of photographer Paule
Saviano’s latest book From Above, part of an ongoing project to pay tribute and give voice to those
who survived some of most heartrending atrocities
of the 20th century. These people, unremarkable
as they may seem at first glance, are survivors of
the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan as well as
the horrific firebombing inflicted on Tokyo. They
are witnesses of unspeakable horrors and grim
personal tragedy.
The man behind this project might seem an
unlikely choice. In the past, Saviano has photographed rock stars and fashion models, while
the major project preceding this one focused on
Photographer Paule Saviano finds a
light that shines in the eyes of survivors
By C. B. Liddell
strippers and burlesque dancers. So, what motivated the New York lensman to switch to a subject
matter that is the polar opposite?
“I started photographing this project because
I wanted to learn,” Saviano tells Metropolis from
Coventry, UK, where he is adding to his catalogue
of bombing survivors by photographing those
who experienced the German Blitz of 1940-41.
“I wanted to hear from people who experienced
what happened and how one can overcome a horrific tragedy. I’m covering war from the human
side, not promoting sensationalism or politics. I
approached the portraits as photographing the
human spirit. Their stories of enduring a tragic
experience will demonstrate the human spirit
can prevail.”
Starting as a relatively small project in 2008, it
soon began to snowball as Saviano exhibited his
pictures and word got around among survivors
that he was someone deeply interested in their
plight and a person they could trust.
In Japan, survivors of the atomic bombings are
called hibakusha, a term meaning “atom bombaffected people.” In the past, they have suffered
discrimination due to their health and occasional
mental problems, as well as from misunderstandings about the aftereffects of exposure to radiation.
The stigma of being victims makes many of them
wary of people they don’t know, but Saviano was
able to win their trust not so much with his lens as
with his ears, simply by listening to each one he
encountered.
“I think listening is the most respectful action
you can give to someone,” Saviano explains.
“Maybe my requesting to hear their stories before
photographing them demonstrated how much I
cared—not only about the photos, but about them.
I’m truly interested and concerned about the person in front of my camera. Listening to the stories
showed me how much the atomic bomb left a mark
on each person’s life. I wouldn’t have realized this
without the conversation. My photographs would
have lacked the emotion without my understanding of the person I’m photographing or without
their trust. The most interesting portraits bleed
with emotion; building trust is the only way I can
get emotion in my photographs. ”
Itaru Takahara, who survived both the firebombing of Tokyo and the atomic bombing of
his hometown Nagasaki—and who later became
a photographer himself—describes the process
from the point of view of the survivors.
“Before the photo sessions, he listened to our
stories for about an hour,” Takahara writes in
the book’s introduction. “He came close to our
hearts and accompanied our sorrowful memories. When I talked about the sadness of parting
with my uncle who had taught me the techniques
of photography, Paule listened attentively to my
story as if he was one of my family. And through
this conversation, all the survivors entrusted
everything to Paule and stood in front of his camera peacefully.”
But aren’t the horrors of WWII already documented enough? Any sensible person can surely
imagine the horrors of war and the insanity of
using nuclear weapons and mass bombing civilian populations. Why does Saviano think it is so
important to give voice and picture to the witnesses of these cataclysmic events?
“This is our last chance to listen to this generation of hibakusha,” Saviano comments. “In
the near future they will pass away and their
voices will be silent forever. We can’t miss this
final opportunity. I want people to realize that
their voice can make a difference. The choice to
use nuclear weapons is made by humans. We can
help eliminate the existence of nuclear weapons if
we demand. Each voice we can add to this cause
makes the greater voice louder.”
Biographies
of
survivors
Sachiko Matsuo
b. February 16, 1934
Nagasaki A-bomb
“
On August 8, Nagasaki will turn
into ashes,” Matsuo recalls, from
fliers dropped by a B-29 bomber.
Believing the words, her father built a small hut
in the mountains surrounding the city for the
family to evacuate to, but this was only 1.3km
from the bomb’s hypocenter. When the blast
happened, Matsuo was knocked unconscious.
When she regained consciousness, she was on
the ground barefoot and the sky was as dark as
night. The hut had toppled and she only heard
her mother’s voice. Her father, two aunts, two
elder brothers, and one elder sister all died in
the blast or soon after. She still lives in Nagasaki
and often speaks about her experiences.
Yoshiko Hashimoto
b. May 30, 1921
Tokyo firebombing
D
uring a firebombing raid on Tokyo in
1945, Hashimoto and her family were
forced to flee from their bomb shelter
by the firestorm caused by incendiary bombs.
She carried her one-year-old son wrapped in a
cloth tightly attached to her back. The family fled
towards a train overpass for shelter, but it quickly
became overcrowded as the fire intensified.
They then headed towards a nearby river, during
which her younger sister Etsuko was crushed in
the stampede. All around flames raged, buildings
crumbled, and people’s clothing and hair caught
fire from the millions of sparks flying through the
air. Her baby screamed. When she looked at him
she saw his mouth glowing. He was choking on a
burning piece of charcoal that had got stuck in his
throat. Hashimoto dug it out with her finger. “I can
still see the glowing flames with my eyes closed,”
she recalls. She survived the flames by finally
jumping into the river.
Akihiro Takahashi
b. July 26, 1931
Hiroshima A-bomb
A
14-year-old boy when the atomic bomb
was dropped on Hiroshima, Takahashi
was standing in a schoolyard 1.4km
from the hypocenter along with 150 other students. After surviving, he became a prominent
peace activist. “Among humankind’s abilities, it
is said imagination is the weakest and forgetfulness the strongest,” he wrote in a testimonial. “We
cannot, by any means, forget Hiroshima, and we
cannot lose the ability to abolish war, abolish
nuclear weapons, and imagine a world of peace.
Hiroshima is not just a historical fact. It is a warning and lesson for the future. We must overcome
the pain, sorrow, and hatred of the past. We must
conquer the logic that the dropping of the atomic
bomb was justifiable.”
Senji Yamaguchi
b. 1930
Nagasaki A-bomb
Y
amaguchi was digging a bomb shelter
at a factory 1.4km from the hypocenter
of the explosion when the blast struck.
He suffered severe burns on his face and body.
In 1954, he decided to confront members of
the Diet (Japanese parliament) about the conditions faced by atomic bomb survivors. In
1955, he established the Association of Youth
of the Atomic Bomb, and has campaigned tirelessly for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
In 1982 he attended a UN Special Session on
Disarmament, showing a photograph of his
scars. “Please look at my face and hands,”
he appealed to the delegates. “Please look at
them carefully. No people on earth, neither
the people who are born in the future nor our
children, should have to suffer the death and
cruelty of the atomic bomb as we hibakusha
did. Please, let us be the last ones to suffer the
cruelty.”
Keiji Nakazawa
b. March 14, 1939
Hiroshima A-bomb
N
akazawa was just six years old when
the atomic bomb was dropped on
Hiroshima. He was 1.2km from the
hypocenter. At the time he was meeting a
friend, standing behind a wall, which saved
him from the intense heat rays. His father, sister and brother all perished. After the war, he
became a manga artist, detailing his experiences in the autobiographical Barefoot Gen
comic series. “I think young people still do not
know much about the atomic bomb,” he told
Saviano. “I want to give more information to
children to help them learn the reality of war
and nuclear weapons through manga, which
is easy to approach. I hope the next generation
hates war. I want them to learn the importance
of peace.”
Sumiteru Taniguchi
b. January 26, 1929
Nagasaki A-bomb
A
16-year-old working as postman at
the time, Taniguchi was thrown off his
bicycle by the blast. “When I looked
up, the house I just passed was destroyed,”
he remembers. “The small children who had
been playing nearby had been blown away
like dust.” His first reaction was to try to pick
up the letters he was delivering, but then he
noticed that the skin from his left arm was
hanging like a flimsy rag and the shirt on his
back had been burnt off. Becoming weak, he
lay down and watched the flames that made
the night as bright as daylight. In the morning everyone around him was dead. Unable
to move, he swallowed rain water and barely
kept himself alive. When he was hospitalized,
burns on his back meant that he had to lie on
his stomach for 21 consecutive months. He
is now chairperson of the Nagasaki Atomic
Bomb Survivors Council.
INFO
From Above (¥8,000.
Contents Factory,
256pp.), available
from Kinokuniya,
Amazon.co.jp and
www.c-fac.jp
See more of the
book at:
http://meturl.
com/fromabove
See Paule Saviano’s
photography at:
www.paulepictures.
com
Special Advertising Section
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Japanese School
Alpha Language Institute
Alpha Language Institute is a
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opened up in the beautiful
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more, there is a special opening campaign as an incentive for you to join in on the fun.
Alpha Language Institute was established in 1987 as a Japanese language school
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The school provides various types of lessons for elementary- to advanced-level
learners from about 30 countries, including private and group classes, both on- and offsite—choose the best option for your schedule and needs. Courses available are daily
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Select Alpha now and take advantage of some fantastic, limited-time offers. Students can now sign up for private lessons without paying the registration fee—and
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Understanding Japanese adds an unparalleled richness to life here. But the Japanese language can present difficulties. Approach the trained professionals at Alpha
Language Institute, and take a firm step towards your goal. The new Yokohama institute is awaiting your visit.
● 22F Toranomon Kotohira Tower, 1-2-8 Toranomon, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-35048080. Email: [email protected].
● 4F Yasda-1 Bldg., 2-21-8 Tsuruyacho, Yokohama. Tel: 045-316-8282. Email:
[email protected]. www.alpha.ac.jp/english
10 • Special advertising section
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Actually we
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Imagine immersing yourself
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Sound scary? Actually, it’s the
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At ARC the motivated teaching staff is well-trained to speak at your level of understanding. That way, they can guide you fluidly through the levels, leaving you with
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A short walk from Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yokohama, the four biggest stations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, will bring you to one of ARC Academy’s
branches, where you can opt for other courses too, such as JLPT Preparation, Business
Japanese, and more. As for private lessons and company training lessons, a custommade curriculum is provided to meet individual schedules and needs.
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Education Special
Inspiring our
students to thrive
as global citizens
We believe the unique opportunities we offer for
independent education and personal development
compare with the very best schools worldwide
Dynamic Business College
Located in the center of
Tokyo, Dynamic Business
Col lege ( DBC) ca n help
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DBC boasts a staff of education professionals highly skilled in teaching Japanese
to international students. You will have academic counselors to guide you every
step of the way. The school’s cooperating college network will make it easier for you
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At DBC, you will grow culturally as well as academically. A variety of extracurricular events and activities will make this possible; introducing you to different
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Since 1991, DBC has provided superior Japanese instruction and cultural
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DBC is committed to helping you construct a path to the realization of your goals.
They are best placed to set you on your Japanese learning adventure as soon as you
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●
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A co-educational environment of 650 international students from over 50 nationalities
Ages 3-18 years; from nursery to university entry
Outstanding opportunities to pursue extra-curricular activities such as music and sport
Remarkable facilities in a central Tokyo location
To arrange a tour email [email protected]
and visit our website www.bst.ac.jp for more information
Ebisu Japanese Language School
If you want to see your Japanese improve day by day,
without the grueling feeling
you get from doing a heavydut y cou rs e at a la rge
official institution, then
Ebisu Japanese Language
School (EJLS) could be the
place for you. This friendly,
informal school is appropriate for learners of all levels
and stripes. Students range from beginners to veterans preparing to master Level
N1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
EJLS also offers assistance with résumé writing, business Japanese, interview
practice and gendered language in spoken Japanese. Lessons are taught by helpful,
experienced instructors who adapt their methods to suit each student in a relaxed
environment. You are guaranteed to notice an improvement after each lesson.
Programs include JLPT prep courses (July and December tests) for all levels
(¥3,000/90 min). Private tutoring can be arranged to fit any schedule, and tailored to
focus on specific areas of language learning (¥3,800/50 min).
For students who need to pick up Japanese quickly, EJLS offers an intensive
course that includes ten days of intensive private lessons over two weeks priced at
¥3,800/90 min. At walking distance from both Ebisu and Hiroo stations, EJLS is centrally and conveniently located, and within reach of plenty of vibrant city life.
● 4F Hiroo Stone Bldg, 1-3-17 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3441-4713. Email:
[email protected]. Nearest stn: Ebisu or Hiroo. www.ebisu-jls.com
Education Special
Evergreen Language School
Kumon Japanese Language Program
Evergreen Language School
is located in the quiet residential area of Yutenji, just three
stops from Shibuya on the
Tokyu Toyoko line. Established 63 years a go, the
school has seen more than
50,000 students from around
the globe pass through its
classrooms.
Evergreen strives to create effective, enjoyable classes to help students learn both the language and culture of
Japan. There are several courses to suit your daily life—just choose how many times
a week you want to come in and how you want to learn. If there are specific materials
you’d like to study, private lessons are available. Group classes offer the opportunity
to learn Japanese while meeting people from all over the world. Evergreen also has
an intensive kanji course, as well as lessons designed to prepare you for studies at a
Japanese university.
The school’s friendly, professional and qualified teachers help you build confidence in your Japanese ability and lay the groundwork for continued learning. Many
students who have completed their courses go on to study higher levels of Japanese.
For prospective students from abroad, Evergreen can help you apply for a college visa,
allowing you to study in Japan while also working part-time up to 28 hours a week.
Evergreen operates two other campuses on the Toyoko line, and can even dispatch teachers to your home—which means fewer excuses not to make 2012 the year
you conquer the Japanese language!
● 1-21-18 Yutenji, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3713-4958. Email: [email protected].
Nearest stn: Yutenji. www.evergreen.gr.jp
guage learners: Kumon Japanese Language Program.
Kumon is based on studying Japanese when and if you want. Practice listening
and reading aloud with CDs, and complete worksheets for the reading and writing elements of the course. Papers are submitted to instructors, and returned graded so you
can learn from your mistakes and keep improving.
For those who wish to study at their own pace without going to the study center,
such as working people, busy parents, or those immersed in other projects, Kumon’s
Correspondence Course with Online Reading Lessons is just the ticket. Lessons can
be enacted via the web with no additional cost, and one-to-one advising with your
instructor will help you receive guidance on reading skills, or anything else you might
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Kumon Japanese Language Program’s Correspondence Course with Online Reading Lessons can improve your skills because it is an individualized learning program
allowing you to study what you want and when you can. As this is a monthly-fee system, you can start studying whenever you like. Contact Kumon for an information
pack.
● Tel: 0120-49-4625. Email: [email protected]. www.kumon.ne.jp/jpn
Human Academy
Meros Language School
The goal of Human Academy
is the globalization of the Japanese language. Its
educational activities
assume a key role in the prom ot io n o f i nte r n at io n a l
exchange. As a Japanese language school licensed by the
Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language
Education, it provides
courses to equip students for an ever-changing society.
Human Academy believes direct communication is the foundation of language
teaching. Detailed assistance is offered for career guidance, plus a monthly Language
Exchange event with Japanese people to develop communication skills.
Human Academy boasts a substantial body of 600 students from 43 different
countries, and offers a great selection of classes, beginning with the Practical Japanese
Course and Preparatory Course, where students learn Japanese on a long-term basis
and improve reading, listening, writing and speaking. Secondly, the Intensive Course
is a firm favorite among foreign students, allowing them to choose classes fitting their
needs and level. Lastly, the Short-term Intensive Course is for learning practical Japanese for one to three months. Human Academy will fully support a student wishing to
obtain a college student visa. Human Academy also offers private and group lessons,
corporate training, JLPT preparation courses, and business Japanese.
Based on years of experience, Human Academy has developed original textbooks, based on the central pillar of communication skills—necessary in order to live,
continue education, or find employment. Contact them for information—or to arrange
your free trial lesson and level-check test.
● 7F Waseda Yobiko, 4-9-9 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5348-8951.
Email: [email protected]. Nearest stn: Takadanobaba. http://hajl.athuman.
com
The most common reason
given by those people who
would like to study Japanese,
but don’t, is simple. No time.
How many times have you
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things you’d like to do? Fortunately however, there is a
company striving to solve
this problem for aspiring lan-
Some people trust in learning
language by osmosis. Just
live in Japan, go to the shops,
talk with your friends a little,
and slowly but surely you will
acquire the Japanese language without doing any
studying. But do you really
believe that? Surely you
appreciate that the complexity and depth required for
real communication in Japanese does not come so easily. It is time to knuckle down
and face facts—you need to study! And you need experienced teachers and a specially
designed curriculum to do it.
Meros Language School has been helping students get to grips with Japanese
since 1985. Located in Ikebukuro near the Sunshine Building, Meros offers group
and private lessons, with over 600 international students currently profiting from its
professional, experienced teaching staff. Not only will lessons be calibrated to your
own individual level and pace, but you will be able to complement your studies with
Japanese cultural experiences to help you engage with the language and the society
together.
Private lessons are available for those who can’t manage with the timing of the
group classes. Semi-private lessons are also available, and group lessons start from
just ¥2,500 for 90 minutes. Corporate classes can be arranged for your work, and new
special courses to help find employment in Japan are also on offer. Get in touch for
more details!
● 2-45-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. Tel:03-3980-0068. E-mail: info@
meros.jp. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. www.meros.jp/en
TOP QUALITY AND THE MOST REASONABLE JAPANESE LESSONS
Azabu-Juban School
Private & Course lesson
NIC (Nihongo Instructor Club)
Just steps from A zabuJuban station, NIC offers
private and group lessons
to students of all levels.
NIC’s instructors all hold
Japanese teaching certificates and, on average, bring
a decade of experience to
the classroom. Beginners
will be happy to know that
teachers [pictured] can
speak English, and usually another language as well.
NIC offers a free level check to place prospective students in the most suitable
class. Uniquely, students learn about 15 hours’ worth of “survival Japanese” before
going into the curriculum proper, bringing them up to speed from the get-go. If you’d
rather study Japanese in your own space, NIC instructors can be dispatched to
offices or homes throughout the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
NIC caters to all levels, with prep classes for the Japanese Language Proficiency
Test (JLPT) and Business Japanese Test (BJT). Fees are reasonable, with 90-minute
classes priced at ¥2,980 or less and private lessons at ¥4,200 or less per hour. Diplomats can receive a tax-free DS certificate. There is also a Beginners’ Course for levels
one and two.
New classes at NIC start every month. NIC issues a monthly newsletter called
Guide Sign, with info on new classes as well as Japanese seasonal tidbits. Just submit your email to get on the mailing list. Contact NIC for more information and to
arrange a visit, or search on Facebook to find the Nihongo Instructor Club page with
all the latest news.
● 2-20-10-205 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3454-5002. Email: [email protected]. Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban. www.nicjapanese.com
We make Japanese language lessons fun!
• Excellent English-speaking
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• No registration fee
• Private lesson: NIC school, your office
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30 sec walk
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Contact us for details. Metropolitan Area.
Tully’s Coffee
Darjeeling
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NIC
Azabujuban Stn exit 1
Nanboku/Oedo Line
Tel 03-3454-5002 • Email [email protected] • www.nicjapanese.com
Study hard
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・ From beginner
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・ Lesson Fee: ¥120,000
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 available from 1 month
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In-class Lessons
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Morning 09:00∼12:30 Afternoon 13:00∼16:30
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COLLEGE STUDENT VISA SUPPORT
Support changing visa status from
working holiday to College student
Tel: 03-3388-6728 Email: [email protected]
www.tcc-ji.com
Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Japanese
Language Institute (JLI)
At Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin,
whether you’re studying at
basic or advanced level,
practical and business Japanese is the order of the
day. Students can choose
from an intensive daytime
program; early morning,
afternoon, night and Saturday part-time courses; or
private lessons. At the basic
level you will practice intensive drills for practical conversation skills; at the intermediate and advanced levels, more sophisticated conversation and speech drills
are part of the program. Newspaper articles, TV news, and JLPT preparation—as
well as Japanese corporate culture studies—are also covered.
Students include business people, corporate trainees, diplomats, family members of working expats, spouses of Japanese and other adult learners with various
cultural backgrounds. There is an even distribution of students from Europe, North
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Founded in 1967 by the International Education Center (IEC), JLI is conveniently
located in central Tokyo, a three-minute walk from Yotsuya Station, in a recentlyconstructed, earthquake-proof building.
In addition to Japanese lessons, IEC provides a variety of English-language education programs and engages in various international exchanges. Activities include
the International Speech Contest in Japanese, broadcast on NHK, and a diversity of
other cultural forums, including the Japan-America Student Conference, which was
originally founded in 1934.
Prospective students are invited to contact JLI to discuss which course is appropriate for them, or to stop in to check the facilities.
● 1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-3359-9600. Email: [email protected].
Nearest stn: Yotsuya. www.nichibei.ac.jp/jli
Japanese Lesson
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Education Special
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Level: Beginner ~ Intermediate
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10:00am~12:00pm
Call to ask about our full range of courses
ALPHA Japanese Institute www.alpha.ac.jp
Toranomon
Yokohama
Tel: 03-3504-8080
Tel: 045-316-8282
1min from Toranomon stn • 5min from Yokohama stn
Dynamic Business College
Japanese Language School
COLLEGE STUDENT VISA SUPPORT
REGULAR COURSE (student visa)
・April Admission:
2 years
・Support changing visa status from
・July Admission:
1 year and 9 months working holiday to college student
・October Admission: 1 year and 6 months
Mitsui
Sumitomo
Resona Bank
Bank
・January Admission: 1 year and 3 months
�Nishi-Nippori stn
Monorail
DBC
Nippori
Bus stop
Toneri Liner
Nippori stn JR
(East exit)
Tel: 03-3802-8810
[email protected]
www.japandbc.com
2-51-8, Nishinippori, Arakawa-Ku, Tokyo
2 mins from Nippori stn (Yamanote Line)
http://ebisu-jls.com
Private Lesson
Group Lesson
JLPT Course
Intensive Course
¥3,800/50min
¥3,000/50min
¥3,000/90min
¥3,800/90min
3 mins walk from Ebisu Stn.
10 mins walk from Hiroo Stn.
4F Hiroo Stone Bldg, 1-3-17, Hiroo, Shibuya
Tel/Fax 03-3441-4713. [email protected]
Please contact us by
telephone or email to
arrange a trial lesson.
Hiroo Stn
4F Hiroo
Komazawa Stone Bldg
Shibuya-bashi
Post Office
Sunkus Tully’s
JR Ebisu Stn
For those not keen on registering in some massive
education institution that
farms out students like battery chickens, you might
consider opting for OLJ
L a n g u a g e A c a d e m y.
Smaller and cozier, you will
notice right away that its
environment is perfect for
growing your seeds of Japanese into towering trees of knowledge. At OLJ, lessons take place with 15 students
or fewer in the class, which ensures a personalized treatment.
See for yourself its brand new classroom in Shibuya. Just a minute or two from
the station, there could be no better location for your language learning needs.
For beginners, OLJ uses their original textbook Terry and Mai. It presents daily
situations to teach Japanese through a combination of imagination and practical
everyday communication.
Whatever visa you have, OLJ can provide lessons for you; be it a working visa,
artist visa, dependent, and others. Currently OLJ has several students with spouse
visas, who have attended the Intensive Japanese Course (five days a week in the
morning or afternoon) and successfully improved their Japanese from beginner
level to JLPT N2 holder in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test—in just one
year’s study at OLJ.
OLJ holds that participation in Japanese cultural activities is essential to experiencing the language, and as such, organizes events such
as trips to sumo, making yourself up like a Japanese teenage girl, firefly watching tours, and other beautiful experiences that you will cherish.
● 2F Shibuya New Plaza Bldg, 1-17-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3400-7181.
Email: [email protected]. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.olj-academy.com
On-gaku Language Program
FR EE l eve l c h e c k & t ri a l l e s s o n
SHORT-TERM COURSE (other visas)
・3 months course in all levels
OLJ Language Academy
i
Meiji Dor
Fo r o n l i n e Jap a n e s e
language classes based on
an innovative e-learning
platform—with webcam
and slideshow support—
On-gaku Language
Program is the place to go.
Without leaving the
com fort of you r ow n
premises, you can take
advantage of fully
interactive classes with experienced tutors twice a week, or on weekends.
On-gaku Language Program is now offering two introductory courses to Japanese. Practice Basic Japanese lays an emphasis on grammar usage in common,
everyday situations, like introductions, shopping, dining out, going to the bank or
the doctor’s, and many more. With the other course, you can prepare specifically for
the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 4, with kanji, vocabulary and
grammar emphasis.
On-gaku Language Program was developed in 2011 with the purpose of offering
high quality study possibilities for busy people who are in Japan or for those who
live far from any language school. Currently enrolled with On-gaku are students
from South America, and especially Brazil, but the company is now reaching out
specifically to a new, English-speaking clientele.
All classes prioritize the interaction between tutor and students, with comprehension and pronunciation exercises in every lesson. The duration of the program
is six months, for a total of 4,320 minutes.
Contact On-gaku for a language level interview and to find out more about the
innovative e-learning system.
● Astral Co., Ltd. Tel: 03-5937-5202. Email: [email protected]. Inquiries
Mon-Fri 4pm-9pm. www.on-gaku.com.
Shinjuku Heiwa Japanese
Language School
Keen on honing your Japanese, but scared off by the
prices at most Tokyo language institutes? Shinjuku
Heiwa Japanese Language
School is your solution. For
just ¥120,000, sign up for
three months of regular
class—or take lessons per
day for ¥3,125. For those
who mention this article,
the two week course is available for the bargain price of ¥29,800 (normal price
¥35,000). Visit the homepage for more details.
Shinjuku Heiwa also offers room and board, allowing a full immersion in the
culture. Nab accommodation near Shinjuku for as little as ¥60,000 a month, with
no deposit or extra charges; or ask for a home stay to ensure more practice. Student visas can also be arranged, with a special offer if you enroll for the July term:
¥290,000 for the first six months.
In a convenient location ten minutes’ walk from the hub of Shinjuku station and
just one minute from Okubo or Shin-Okubo stations, Shinjuku Heiwa caters for all
levels. Thanks to small class sizes—no more than ten students per teacher—learners can enjoy personal attention. Selective classes teach Japanese through culture,
kanji, and business manner. JLPT preparation courses take place in April and May,
covering levels N1, N2 and N3.
What’s more there is a philosophy that language must be combined with living,
to which end social events are held monthly, to promote mingling with the host of
international students. See the website for more details.
● 1-13-14, Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-6304-0088. Nearest stn: Okubo.
www.shinjuku-heiwa.com Email: [email protected]. Blog: http://
shinjukuheiwa.blogspot.com
Since 1949
今年は"にほんごをもの"にする
EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL
D A I LY CO N V E R S AT I O N A N D B U S I N E S S J A PA N E S E
APPLY NOW FOR WINTER COURSE!
* ONE MONTH INTENSIVE
* 2 DAYS & 3 DAYS A WEEK
2012
Summer term
* PRIVATE & COMPANY
student VISA
* BUSINESS JAPANESE
registration
open!!
* PREP FOR JLPT (N1,2,3)
* COLLEGE VISA COURSE
www.evergreen.gr.jp
YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785
[email protected]
FREE TRIAL LESSON
03-3713-4958
TCC Japanese Institute
Why study Japanese in the
noisy, hectic heart of the
city, when you can just hop
on the train for ten short
minutes and find yourself
in a peaceful spot, just perfect for the applying of
language ointment to the
cranial region? At TCC Japanese Institute, this lovely
location, plus the school’s
modest size and friendly vibe, combine to create an intimate, family-like environment perfect for nurturing your Japanese language ability.
Just one minute from Arai Yakushimae station on the Seibu Shinjuku line—ten
minutes from the focal hub of Shinjuku, around 200 people from around the world
come together at TCC to study within the calm, measured framework provided by
this reputed institution.
Most students are in Japan with a student visa, and plan to enter Japanese universities, postgraduate schools, career colleges and Japanese companies—but
there are others already holding a job in Japan, whose families are also learning at
TCC. TCC has four terms a year (starting in April, July, October, and January), but
those who have non-student visas can join anytime. Regular lessons are from 9am12:30pm on weekdays and 1-4:30pm on weekends. A discount is offered for those
with non-student visas. Three months of classes will set you back ¥120,000, while
90-minute private lessons start from ¥6,000. TCC is happy to provide private lessons, group lessons and also send teachers to companies.
● 5-28-4 Arai, Nakano-ku. Tel: 03-3388-6728. Email: [email protected]. Nearest
stn: Arai-Yakushimae. www.tcc-ji.com/en/01_first.html
[email protected]
[email protected]
L E T U S H E L P YO U PA S S T H E J L P T
• We help you achieve your JLPT goals
• We oﬀer classes focusing on your weak points
• We are located in Otemachi, Tokyo’s business center
Reserve now for
free trial lessons
JLPT preparation course for
N5~N1 start from April 14
Education Special
We Japanese Language School
Located in bustling Shibuya,
We Japanese Language
School prides itself on innovative customer service
a n d e f fe c t ive , re s u lt s driven training for
professionals. Experienced
instructors offer customized le ssons to meet
learners’ specific business
and communication aims,
so you’re guaranteed to acquire the Japanese you actually need for your working
life. The unchanging philosophy of “student-centered teaching” is at the heart of the
school. The students are always top priority.
We’s experienced instructors customize their lessons to suit learners’ needs and
objectives. Tailor-made curricula are enhanced by a range of original materials, and
offered as group, private, semi-private and test preparation classes. Additionally, We
creates intensive dispatch lessons for companies. Lessons are available seven days
a week from 7am-10pm. With an English and Chinese language division in the same
building, international students can mix with their Japanese counterparts. We organizes parties and events allowing students to interact with other professionals in
a cross-cultural atmosphere. This practical experience is essential in learning to
speak like a native.
Courses newly begun in February include the Intensive Japanese Language
Course. This short-term intensive course aims to raise your conversational Japanese to “master-level” in one month. At the end of the course, complete beginners
can expect to have the fluency to converse in daily situations. Students can join this
intensive course mid-stream. We ensures that students get the largest return from
their investment in learning Japanese.
● 4F Higashi Nihon Bldg, 1-22-8 Shibuya. Tel: 03-5489-6480. Email: [email protected]. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.we-japan.com
Tokyo Central Japanese Language School
Just a joyous skip from
To k y o ’s m e t r o p o l i t a n
centers of Shinjuku and
Harajuku, Tokyo Central
Japanese Language School
is set among greenery and
stately architecture just by
Yoyogi station. The school
is a melting point of
d i f fe re nt c u lt u re s a nd
nationalities, and students
have always referred to the eye-opening experience of meeting and mingling with
such a varied community. There are also daily opportunities for cultural exchange
with students enrolled in the Japanese Language Teacher Training Course.
The cultural interaction combines with an educational framework offering daily
intensive classes, short-term courses and private lessons. Companies, schools and
homes can also request teachers to travel to give classes.
The TCJ Business Japanese Course is now open for applications. Specifically
designed for students seeking employment in Japan or requiring Japanese in
a work environment, enrollment is available whenever it suits. TCJ also offers its
“Spring Session—Japanese Conversation Training” from March 19.
Irrespective of your background or nationality, you are always welcome at TCJ.
Come along to one of its international events to get to know the kind of thing on offer.
Check TCJ out by searching for its page on Facebook, or feel free to stop by. Also get
in touch to arrange a trial lesson and test to determine your level—both for no charge
at all.
● 4-30-3 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5411-3331. Email: info@tcj-nihongo.
com. Nearest stn: Yoyogi. www.tcj-nihongo.com
Education Special
Unitas Japanese Language School
Global Talker Electronic Dictionary
Founded in 1983 by the Teikyo University Group, Unitas
Japanese Language School is
just a ten-minute walk from
Sh i n- Ok ub o stat ion or a
t h re e -m i nute wa l k f rom
Higashi-Shinjuku station. It
has a roomy upstairs premises, with some classrooms
featuring large windows that
fill the room with light. All levels of students are welcome at Unitas, from beginner to advanced, whether you are
interested in group classes, private lessons, or corporate classes. Group classes are for
a maximum of 16 students, and take place from Monday to Friday, in one of two time
slots: 9am-12:50pm or 1:30-5:20pm. Terms start four times a year—in January, April,
July and October. Students can join anytime, but those who have never studied the
Japanese language before are encouraged to start at the beginning of a new term.
Unitas has a talented group of teachers, and those taking part in the Monday to
Friday group classes will be able to experience a different teacher for each day of
the week, which allows you to benefit from a variety of teaching styles. In addition to
friendly instructors who create a cozy and comfortable learning environment, Unitas
has competitive class fees: one-month group lessons start from just ¥38,000 and private lessons from ¥3,300/hr. A college student visa course is available for ¥370,000.
● 3F, 22 Sankyo Bldg, 2-2-9 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5287-5636. Email: [email protected]. Nearest stn: Shin-Okubo or Higashi-Shinjuku. www.
unitas-ej.com
What does every cunning linguist have in his or her
pocket, backpack, utility belt, or handbag? Something small enough to carry everywhere, yet
capacious enough to contain a warehouse of language resources. It’s the Global Talker Electronic
Dictionary.
This up-to-the-minute piece of technological
expertise, brought to you by Toko Trading, is available in 52 languages including English, Japanese,
Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Hindi, German,
French, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Greek, Czech, Turkish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Shanghaihua, Korean,
Persian, Arabic, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese and more. What’s more, its audio pronunciation
functions can help you sound like you really know
what you are talking about. This instrument is
already the electronic translator of choice for the
large majority of Japan-based linguistic exercise, so find out what the fuss is about.
The new Global Talker is your passport to Asia and the world, combining English,
Japanese and Chinese dictionaries in a single device. Users can listen to over 10,000
everyday speech patterns and 2,000 patterns for travel use in all three languages.
There’s also a recording feature that allows you to capture your own voice and compare it to the native pronunciation, which any language learner will know is the best
way to improve. And if that’s not enough, you can learn even more languages by buying supplementary language cards.
As an introductory special, the Global Talker is on offer for ¥9,990-27,000, depending on the model.
● Tel: 0120-919-689. Email: [email protected]. www.toko-trd.com/index_en
Tokyo YMCA Nihongo Gakuin
Find yourself in an old-town
atmosphere reminiscent of
the Edo Period, just ten minutes from Tokyo station in
Koto-ku. This area, replete
with Japanese-style gardens
and traditional festivals, is
home to Tok yo Y MC A
Nihongo Gakuin. This toplevel Japanese school is
attractive to students for its
prime location, in the old-new cultural mélange represented by this wonderful
neighborhood.
Tokyo YMCA Nihongo Gakuin offers many courses available for the aspiring Japanese speaker. Choose from the Daytime Intensive Course, which offers classes twice
a week over three months for just ¥44,000. The Regular Course is four hours per day,
five days a week, also for three months, and costs ¥150,000. Full-time workers should
check out the Saturday Intensive Course, where you get five Saturdays’ worth for
¥15,000 (one class is ¥3,500). There is also the JLPT Preparation Course (twice a week,
¥44,000), and private lessons at ¥5,500 each. All prices include initiation fee, study
material and tax.
But your self-betterment need not stop with the acquiring of a new language. The
Tokyo YMCA Nihongo Gakuin is based in the Toyocho Center, alongside the Wellness
Center, cafeteria, nursery and international school. For mothers taking the Intensive
Course, a childcare service is offered to make it easier.
YMCA Nihongo Gakuin is a Japanese language school reaching out to everyone
around the world. Come down and check it out for yourself.
● 2-2-15, Toyo Koto-ku. Tel: 03-3615-5548. Email: [email protected].
Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-12:30pm. Nearest stn: Toyocho. http://
tokyo.ymca.or.jp/japanese
JapanTourist—climbing higher
We’re closing in on the 1,000-article mark at JapanTourist. Help us spread
the word about Japan’s hidden treasures by contributing to our growing
pool of travel information written by and for English-language sightseers.
JapanTourist.jp
Sign up at www.japantourist.jp
Tokyo YMCA Japanese Language Institute
Education Special
The YMCA welcomes everyone
Choose from variety of fun educational courses
• Daytime Intensive Course
Beginner-Advanced,
1-3 times/week
• Regular Course
Childcare
service
Beginner, 4 hours a
available
day/5days a week
• Saturday Intensive Course
• JLPT preparation
We accept mid-session applications
• Private Lesson
公益財団法人
にほんご学院
5mins from TOYOCHO stn (Metro TOZAI line)
2-2-15 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0016
52
TEL. 03-3615-5548
http://tokyo.ymca.or.jp/japanese
Language
Dictionary
reduced
¥27,000 ¥18,000
JapaneseEnglishChinese
Dictionary ¥13,800¥9,990
www.toko-trd.com/index_en Tel: 0120-919-689
International School
The British School in Tokyo
At the end of 2011, the
International Schools
Inspectorate spent six days
looking at every aspect of
the British School in Tokyo.
Conclusively, it found the
institution provided the
b e s t a ny s c ho ol cou ld
deliver. In fact, BST was
recognized as “Excellent” in
every category measured.
Following are some more details from the report on this international school for
ages 3-18, with pupils from over 50 countries.
BST was described by the Inspectorate as a dynamic, creative, educational community, successful in meeting its aims in delivering a world-class, British education
in Tokyo to 650 international students. Some of the highlights of the report were
that the overall achievement of the pupils is excellent, and the school is meticulous
in monitoring pupils’ personal development, as well as academic progress. It was
also reported that staff know pupils very well, and show true commitment to ensuring their welfare, health and safety. Teaching throughout the school was roundly
categorized as excellent, as was leadership and management. Pupils at all levels
were described as being well prepared for the next stage in their education, with a
broad and challenging Sixth Form experience providing them with qualifications
recognized by universities across the world.
BST always knew it had something extremely special to offer every child who
joins. Now, this official report has shown that this pride was justified. Get in touch to
arrange a tour.
● 1-21-18 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5467-4321. Email: admissions@bst.
ac.jp. Nearest stns: Shibuya or Omotesando (Shibuya site); Sangenjaya (Showa
site). www.bst.ac.jp
Global Indian International
School (GIIS) Tokyo
GIIS Tokyo came from humble beginnings with fewer
than 50 students in 2006,
and has since grown to a
strength of 250 students
within a few years.
After successfully
meeting the educational
requirements of the Indian
diaspora—while always
being sure to give ample
importance to local requirements—GIIS is now poised to create international centers for learning excellence. The Japan campus of GIIS currently focuses on primary
and middle school education, with plans to expand to meet the interests and needs
of all students in Japan. The campus facilities include laboratories for Science, Mathematics and Computer Science. A well-equipped library with over 4,000 books
including fiction, subject books, and reference books provides students with an
opportunity to enhance their learning on various subjects.
GIIS teachers are well equipped to integrate technology into the classroom and
use it effectively in order to plan lessons and prepare assessment reports. Access to
a large pool of teaching resources ensures that the staff can keep abreast of the latest trends in the pedagogical process, and that they can be in a position to positively
implement them.
Nurturing students for the future is one of the key focus areas for GIIS Tokyo
schools, which ensures that adequate opportunity, mentoring and guidance is
provided to students to excel in entrepreneurship, leadership, teamwork, group
dynamics and academics.
● 3-20-6, Minami Shinozaki Machi, Edogawa-ku. Tel: 03-5636-9151. Email: [email protected]. www.giisjapan.org
Prime International School
Prime International
School’s mission is to educate students to think on a
global level . From pre s cho ol to h i g h s cho ol ,
students are preparing for
the next step, whether they
are learning to read or
a p p ly i n g fo r a s c h o o l
abroad. The philosophy
and time-tested teaching
methods of Prime International School are based on the principal’s 25 years’ experience. Two programs are offered: Prime Junior and Prime Academia. Prime Junior
is an international preschool and kindergarten for children aged 18 months to six
years old. So that children can “learn by doing,” the curriculum includes many
hands-on educational opportunities. The program also emphasizes reading’s
importance. Even from an early age, children’s literacy skills are developed, to put
them soundly on the path to reading and language mastery.
Prime Academia is an after-school program (preschool to university) targeting the educational needs of students with a native or returnee level of English.
The curriculum features academic subjects such as Reading, Writing, Science and
Numeracy, and Specialized Subjects. Students will not only maintain and improve
their English, but also expand on subjects covered in daily schooling. Prime Academia teachers are experienced, certified schoolteachers from English-speaking
countries who endeavor to motivate students to reach their highest potential.
Prime International School opened on February 14, just two minutes’ walk from
Ebisu station. For more information, please visit the website below.
● 1-13-2 Ebisu-Minami Shibuya. Tel: 03-6303-0566. Email: info@ep-prime.
com. www.ep-prime.com
MBA
Globis University
Founded in 1992 by president and dean Yoshito Hori,
Globis is now Japan’s largest
management educational
institution, educating more
than 8,000 students each
year. Furthermore, Globis’
MBA program boasts over
348 students this year,
which makes it the largest
MBA school in the country.
The Graduate School of Management, Globis University, currently has three programs entirely taught in English: a part-time MBA, a full-time MBA, and a pre-MBA.
The part-time MBA is a two-year program with classes on weekday evenings
and weekends. There are currently 21 countries represented in the course, making
it one of Japan’s most international MBA programs.
The full-time MBA program will be launched in September as a one-year program for those keen on having an intensive, exciting MBA experience.
Finally, the pre-MBA allows you to start your MBA journey by taking as little as
one course before officially enrolling. Credits earned will be automatically transferred to the MBA, and tuition paid will be deducted from your total MBA tuition.
This course is an ideal opportunity to discover if Globis is a fit for you, before paying
the full MBA tuition.
Whether you’re looking to switch positions within your current company, explore
new industries, or find your mission in life, Globis welcomes everyone willing to grow
and arm themselves with the skills needed to lead the future of business.
● Sumitomo Fudosan Kojimachi Bldg, 5-1 Niban-cho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-52753850. Email: [email protected]. Facebook: International MBA at Globis;
Twitter: Globis IMBA. www.globis.ac.jp
Arts & Entertainment All the best in arts & culture across the metropolis
music
My
Morning
Jacket
They may be from
Kentucky, but don’t call
‘em Southern rock
By Dan Grunebaum
L
ouisville, Kentucky rock band My
Morning Jacket will be here in late
March. Before that, lead singer Jim
James tours with New Multitudes,
a side project that has just released
an eponymous album setting unreleased lyrics by American folk legend Woody
Guthrie to new music.
Guthrie’s message of social justice is getting renewed attention in the context of growing
inequality and the Occupy movement. “He had a
way of speaking truthfully about things, and if he
was bothered by something he would talk about
it,” explains James from his hometown Louisville.
The shaggy singer was invited by Guthrie’s
daughter to look through Woody’s archives, and
was impressed enough with what he saw to create
the New Multitudes project along with Jay Farrar (Son Volt), Will Johnson (Centro-matic) and
Anders Parker (Varnaline).
“The big themes of life and death and love are
timeless. There is something so truthful and honest about the way he said things,” James expands.
“It’s almost like his words are rocks that were
here before we were and will be here long after
we’re gone.”
Is this an approach James tries to bring to My
Morning Jacket’s brand of post-grunge alt-rock?
“Woody has never been a primary inspiration to
me like he was to Bob Dylan,” he admits. “Nora
[Guthrie’s daughter] has done a great job reminding the younger generation about Woody, and
having new artists write new music to his lost
words—it’s a phenomenal idea.”
With frontman James along with Tom Blankenship on bass, Patrick Hallahan on drums, Bo
Koster on keyboards and Carl Broemel on guitar,
My Morning Jacket don’t hit you over the head
with socially conscious messages, but they are
politically active.
This summer, they curate Louisville’s growing Forecastle Festival, with its message of “Music
Art Activism.” “We’re putting our heads together
about ways to bring the most exciting music
and also turn people onto good causes,” James
enthuses. “Mountaintop removal coalmining is
one concern. Also, music and arts education for
kids, and centers for families in bad situations.
One of the cool things about people wanting to
come see your music is being able to turn them on
to causes they might not know about.”
My Morning Jacket’s upcoming tour sees them
playing tracks off their sixth and latest album
Circuital. Recorded in a church basement in Louisville, the disc has a comfy, hometown feel and was
nominated for a Best Alternative Album Grammy.
“It’s just informed by life and me trying to figure it out,” James says about the record. “Making
albums can be really stressful, but this one was
very warm and a natural process. I think we’ve
benefitted by being together so long now. Even the
‘new’ members of the band have been here since
2004, so we’ve had a lot of time and formed into
this beautiful family unit that enjoys spending
time and creating together.”
Despite the band’s Kentuck y roots, James
rejects associations with Southern rock. “People
love to bring up the term, but I’ve never considered
us a Southern rock band,” he states. “I don’t have
anything against Southern rock, but we’ve never
considered Louisville a Southern place. We’ve
always identified more with Chicago or St Louis. A
lot of people think of Kentucky as the South, and us
having long hair—if you want to call us a Southern
rock band I can understand—but I’ve never been
the biggest Skynyrd or Allman Brothers fan.”
Which isn’t to say James doesn’t identify with
the South’s rebel spirit. When it comes to internet
piracy he’s all in favor. “I wrote my congressman
to stop the passage of SOPA and PIPA,” he says of
the proposed anti-piracy laws that recently created a stir.
“I feel like the internet should be a free and
open place. We can see how the music industry
has been impacted by people stealing music on
the internet, but there’s a larger issue about the
fact that a lot of my friends can’t afford health care.
Until we get that figured out, if my friends can’t
afford healthcare I welcome them stealing music
on the internet all day long.”
Shibuya Ax, Mar 29. See concert listings (popular) for details.
art
Mirei
Shigemori
The Garden as Zen and
Art at the Watarium
By C. B. Liddell
T
he Japanese garden’s beauty is unique. While
other lands can boast equally or even more
beautiful outdoor spaces, nowhere else is the
garden considered to be so much a work of
pure art as in Japan. It is therefore unsurprising that the
stage
Yokoso
Kyogen
Manzo Nomura and Thane
Camus bring “mad words”
to the barbarians
By Dan Grunebaum
W
hen Manzo Nomura
first joined his legendary father onstage as a
small boy, to perform
the 600-year-old comic theatrical form
of kyogen, he literally peed his pants.
“It wasn’t because I was scared,” he
laughs, over green tea at a kyogen theater built into his suburban Tokyo home.
“It was because I had to wait too long.
I can hold my bladder better now—we’ll
see what happens when I get old.”
Kyogen, literally meaning “mad
words,” is a lot more fun than it seems,
beyond the antiquated Japanese and
formal kimonos. Now, gaijin tarento
Thane Camus is set on bringing its joys
to an international audience.
“ It s e le me nt s of s l ap s t ic k a nd
wordplay have a lot in common with
contemporary comedy,” the American
Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art has focused
on Japan’s great garden designer Mirei Shigemori, who
transformed the art before his death in 1975.
Starting from an interest in ikebana and the tea ceremony, Shigemori published a 26-volume History of the
Japanese Garden, visiting over a thousand Japanese
gardens from 1932-38. His first major project came in
1939; an avant-garde design for the Kyoto Zen temple
Tofuki-ji’s garden. In total, he designed over 200 gardens in a variety of styles, while remaining faithful to
the traditional Japanese spirit.
Shigemori does not fit easily inside a museum. The
Watarium makes a brave attempt, recreating elements
of his famous Tofuku-ji design. This includes a reconstruction of a chessboard-style moss garden as well as
a dry Zen garden with gravel raked into ripples emanating outwards from stone cylinders.
To these are added items of his calligraphy, pottery,
furniture and personal items—like the coat he wore
when overseeing work on site. Video installations (no
English) show an interview, his gardens, and a short
offers. “Much comes from everyday life,
like getting drunk, throwing up—silly but
typical life experiences. Things change
but what people find funny hasn’t. That’s
how kyogen has survived 600 years.”
When Nomura and Camus teamed
up on Yokoso Kyogen, they vetoed using
subtitles. “People just read them and forget the actors,” Nomura says. “We wanted
a kygoen-lover to explain it.”
Camus will introduce two 20-minute pieces explaining what to look for,
and what makes kyogen unique. “Foreigners can relate to it easily without
understanding Japanese,” he states.
Obagazake (The Aunt’s Sake) tells of a
stingy aunt who won’t part with her
booze; Kagyu (The Snail) of a warrior
priest mistaken for a snail.
“Understanding drunkenness does
not require Japanese,” Nomura explains
about the first piece. “The second work
has all the ingredients that make kyogen wonderful: wordplay, song, rhythm,
dance, misunderstanding, catharsis, and
a kind of party atmosphere at the end.”
Nomura spikes his Yorozu company’s
work with modern touches—like otaku
and sagishi fraudsters—but it’s hard keeping current without dumbing down.
“The previous generation overcame
war and disaster to preserve traditions,
but we need to evolve,” he claims. “But
documentary with newly discovered photos of Shigemori’s collaboration with Isamu Noguchi, when the
famous Japanese-American sculptor was working on
a Japanese garden for the Paris UNESCO building. The
pictures show Noguchi and Shigemori hunting for special rocks in a stony riverbed. Shigemori favored awa
no ao shi, a rock with subtle green tones found only on
Shikoku, according to museum curator Etsuko Watari.
The exhibition might strike the average visitor as baffling and esoteric, but its chief pleasure is trying to work
out exactly what Shigemori’s aesthetic was. The gardens
shown through photos and videos seem to show the
expression of a common spirit in various ways.
Unlike the English landscape garden, which uses
a romanticized version of nature as its ideal, or the
French formal garden with its deadening symmetry,
the principles behind Japan’s gardens are more elusive.
The obvious points are stylization and use of symbolism. Partly, this is an attempt to maximize use of space
with artful arrangements of elements that poetically
evoke something vaster. Gardens often recreate grand
vistas, with rocks representing mountains, and beds of
gravel the sea.
In one of Shigemori’s true masterpieces, “Kyokutohtei,” a garden he designed for a private residence, he
takes this technique to the ultimate level: the garden
is surrounded by a wall made of partly burned wood.
This creates a shiny, black backdrop suggestive of the
infinite depths of the universe. Given the fact that this
was made in 1951, a few years after WWII, the burnt surfaces also suggest the horrors of the atomic bomb.
Unfortunately, Shigemori designed only one private garden in the entire Kanto region, so this exhibition
presents an ideal opportunity to get acquainted with
the work of this seminal artist and his chosen medium.
“ The Gardens of Mirei Shigemori ,” Watarium
Museum of Contemporary Art, until Mar 25. See
exhibition listings (Harajuku/Aoyama)
Two pairs of free tickets are available to the first respondents to write
[email protected] with “Yokoso Kyogen” in the subject line.
imitating contemporary comedy would
be awful. We need to observe what’s
going on, but also stick to traditions.”
At stake in the modernization of kyogen, once the preserve of shogun and
samurai, are the lives of 300 professional
performers and 10 families that embody
the form in 21st century Japan.
“In the Edo era local lords had own
companies, but now we’re on our own,”
says Nomura, sole inheritor of his family
company. “We can’t get by purely on government support. We have to sell tickets,
teach students and find sponsors like
any other theater company.”
International audiences are another
key to kyogen’s survival. “Thane joined
us for a piece, and I could feel his passion,” Nomura recalls. “We wanted to do
something for a foreign audience. It’s sad
if the language barrier prevents foreigners coming to laugh their hearts out.”
“ W hat br i n g s u s a l l toget her? ”
Nomura asks rhetorically. “The need to
laugh at ourselves, not to take ourselves
too seriously. When foreigners laugh,
I see that comedy’s basic elements are
the same across cultures.”
Cerulean Tower Noh Theater, Mar 16.
See stage listings for details.
AGENDA
Metpod
Courtesy of Creativeman
By Dan Grunebaum
Shinji Hosono
exhibition
Internet Art Future
gig
stage
� Five years since their last album and fourteen
years after the original dance-punk band formed
in Brooklyn, The Rapture are back with In the
Grace of Your Love. With bassist and co-songwriter
Mattie Safer out of the band, and frontman Luke
Jenner’s mother’s suicide weighing heavily on the
outfit, the album leans toward spiritual—some
might say Christian—themes. Now a three-piece,
the group is touring the disc in a pair of Tokyo gigs,
featuring Japanese New Wave rock band The Telephones as the support act.
Liquid Room, Feb 28 and Duo Music Exchange,
Feb 29. See concert listings (popular) for
details.
� The lord of manga meets a don of contemporary dance when Belgian choreographer Sidi
Larbi Cherkaoui re-envisions the work of Osamu
Tezuka. A coproduction of Shibuya’s Bunkamura theater with London’s Sadler’s Wells and
Antwerp’s Eastman, Tezuka brings the mangaka’s career to life via dancers’ movements and the
clever work of video artist Taiki Ueda and calligrapher Tosui Suzuki. Ranging from Tezuka’s Astro
Boy to his Buddha, the work is set to music by Nitin
Sawhney with screens from Willy Cessa and costumes by designer Sasa Kovacevic.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Feb 23-26. See
dance listings for details.
©Sarah Hickson
Courtesy of PARC
The Rapture
Tezuka
� Telecom giant NTT looks at the future of
internet art in a new exhibition at its ICC multimedia museum. The idea of the show is to look
at the latest imaginings for networked art, with a
focus on the new possibilities enabled by mobile
connectivit y and social networks. The half a
dozen or so artists whose works are on show
range from Japan’s DJ Puri Puri, who creates networked online music, to Aaron Koblin + Takashi
Kawashima, whose Ten Thousand Cents project
called on thousands of artists to paint tiny parts
of a $100 bill.
NTT InterCommunication Center, until Mar
18. See exhibition listings (Shinjuku/Ikebukuro) for details.
Aaron KOBLIN + KAWASHIMA Takashi “Ten Thousand Cents” 2008
Photo by Lars Borges
dance
theater
clubbing
� Nigerian dancer/choreographer Qudus Onikeku, director of the film Do We Need Cola Cola
to Dance? presents a recent work in Japan as
part of this week’s Performing Arts Meeting in
Yokohama. Trained at the French National Circus School, Qudus Onikeku won the 2010 Danse
l’Afrique Danse award. In STILL/life, he tries to
understand what might cause a man to turn into
a murderous monster. To avant-garde electronic
music by Charles Amblard, Onikeku takes on a
difficult topic through Yoruba and street dance,
theater and acrobatics.
Kanagawa Arts Theater, Feb 19. See dance listings for details.
� One of Japan’s most thoughtful and sometimes
shocking young theater directors debuts a new
play, with several stagings to include English subtitles. Shu Matsui’s theater company Sample takes
up the sense of alienation that afflicts contemporary society, and has been favorably received
overseas and at the Festival/Tokyo. Capacity of
the Queen, says the company, is “a new creation
that seamlessly and oddly drives the fragments of
the impure and mythical world depicted by Shu
Matsui.” It appears as part of the Performing Arts
Market event.
Kawasaki Art Center Artelio Theater, Feb
17-26. See stage listings for details.
� Berlin-based Canadian minimal techno producer Deadbeat faces off with domestic digital
dub sound system Jah-Light for the next edition
of Root & Branch’s long-running and much fêted
Ubik Version nights. The point of reference for
each of these highly regarded acts is Jamaican
dub, with Deadbeat (Scott Monteith) weaving
vocal and instrumental dub samples into foreboding outings of minimal techno. Released by
leading tech-house labels Wagon Repair and
Cynosure, Deadbeat returns to Japan’s capital to
demo tracks off his newly released album Drawn
And Quartered.
Unit, Feb 24. See club listings for details.
STILL/life
Capacity of the Queen
Ubik meets Jah-Light
Agenda Listings
hot list
24 Concerts
24 Stage
25 Dance
27 Clubbing
27 Exhibitions
29 Sports
29 Forums & Expos
29 Bazaars & Markets
29 Community
29 Learning
29 Film
29 Other Events
Submit your events directly to meturl.com/submitlistings
Hinodeshokudo
J-rock band. Feb 21, 7 &
9:30pm, ¥4,500/¥6,500.
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Nuclear Assault
American thrash metal band.
Special guest: Black Dahlia
Murder. Feb 22, 6:30pm,
¥7,000. Club Quattro. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34446751.
Popular
The Pains of Being Pure
at Heart
NY indie pop. Special guests:
Lo-fi Trio Band ,& Weekend.
Feb 17, 7pm, ¥5,000 (adv).
Club Quattro. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
Anna Calvi
English musician.
Indie alt-rock. Feb 17,
¥3,500/¥5,500 w/1d.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133.
Popular Week
J-pop. Hitomi Yaida, Akinori
Nakagawa, etc. Feb 15-17,
7pm; Feb 18-19, 5pm, ¥6500.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-3828-2111.
Judas Priest
Heavy metal. Feb 9, 7:30pm,
¥9,500. Pacifico Yokohama.
Feb 16-17, 7pm, ¥9,500.
Nippon Budokan. Tel:
03-3462-6969.
The Strikers Japan Tour
The Strikers (Korea),
The Wheels (China),
Alternative Medicine etc.
Feb 17, 6:30pm, ¥1,800
(adv)/¥2,300 (door) +1d.
ACB Hall. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku.Tel: 03-32050901.
Fear from the Hate
presents Brand New Day
Emo-hardcore. Feb 17,
5:30pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/¥2,500
(door) +1d. Antiknock.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3350-5670.
Hostess Club Weekender
Feat. Spiritualized, The
Horrors, Wu LYF, Youth
Lagoon and others. Feb
18-19, 2pm, ¥7,900. Yebisu
Garden Hall. Tel: 03-54240111.
All Live Nippon
Popular radio show turns
45. T.M.Revolution, Jealkb,
etc. Feb 18, 6:30pm, ¥6500.
Tokyo International Forum.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho.
www.t-i-forum.co.jp/english
Four Year Strong
American pop punk and
melodic hardcore. Feb
20, 7pm, ¥5,000 (adv).
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
Neon Indian
Indie electronic band from
Texas. Feb 21, 7:30pm,
¥5,000. Unit. Nearest stn:
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-34446751.
The Answer
Northern Irish hard rock
and blues rock. Feb 21,
7pm, ¥5,500. Club Quattro.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3462-6969.
Presented by Artema with
Ashley Scared the Sky,
Underland, etc. Mar 11, 6pm,
¥2,000 (adv)/¥2,500 (door)
+1d. Marz. Nearest stn: Seibu
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3202-8248.
Jack's Mannequin
American piano and rock
band. Mar 12-13, 7pm, ¥5,800.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-6969.
8otto
Miyuki Hatakeyama
K-Pop Dance in
Nihonbashi
Karla Bonoff & J.D. Souther
Seed, SOS, etc. Apr 8, 5:30pm,
¥3,000. Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall.
Nearest stn: Nihonbashi. Tel:
0570-064-708.
Folk rock/pop singersongwriters. Feb 24, 7 & 9:30pm;
Feb 25, 6 & 9pm, ¥6,500/¥8,500.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Rei Tsujimoto
Steve Lukather
Selective Live Makoto x
Coma
Vienna Radio Symphony
Orchestra
Rock band from Osaka. Apr 6,
7pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d. Unit.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama. Tel:
03-5459-8630.
Enter Shikari
Deen
J-pop. Mar 13-14, 7 & 9:30pm,
¥7,000/¥9,000. Billboard Live.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133.
American musician best
known for his work with Toto.
Apr 10-11, 7pm, ¥7,500/¥8,500
+1d. Akasaka Blitz. Tel:
03-3402-5999.
Jeff Lang
Charice
August Burns Red
Electronicore metalcore
from UK. Feb 23, 7pm, ¥5,500.
Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu.
Tel: 03-3462-6969.
Australian singer-songwriter,
and slide guitarist. Feb 24, 7pm,
¥6,000 (adv). Unit. Nearest stn:
Eastern Youth
Concerts
Artemetal Expo 2012
Indie emocore trio. Feb 24,
7pm, ¥3,500 (adv). Club
Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3444-6751.
Rizing 2 End E.P.
“Realease” Tour Finale
J-rock. Rizing 2 End, Harvest,
Artema, etc. Feb 24, ¥2,500
(adv)/¥3,000 (door) +1d.
Milkyway. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-6416-3227.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Model, blogger, and recording
artist from Harajuku. Feb 25,
6pm, ¥3,000. Club Quattro.
03-3477-8750.
The Naked + Famous
Filipino recording artist and
YouTube sensation. Mar 14,
7pm, ¥7,500-8,500. Shibuya
Kokaido. www.shibuko.com/
english
Every Little Thing
Masafumi Isobe Band
Voices for Nature
Extreme
Red Line Beginning Tour
J-rock band Fat Prop and
others. Mar 17, 7pm, ¥2,500
(adv) +1d. O-West. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-7088.
www.redlinetour.jp
Sawagi, fusion instrumental
band from Kansai, etc. Feb
27, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv). Club
Tel: 03-3444-6751.
Beni
Mo’ Some Tonebender
A Day To Remember
The Rapture
Roach No Reason in the Pit
Release Tour
Japanese three-piece rock
band. Feb 28, 7:30pm, ¥3,500
(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.
03-3444-6751.
NY-based dance punk band.
Feb 28, 7pm, ¥6,000+1d.
Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu.
Tel: 03-3462-6969. Feb 29,
7pm, ¥6,000+1d. Duo Music
Exchange. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-8711.
Tamurapan Mitaina Tour
J-pop singer. Mar 2, 7:30pm,
¥4,500 +1d. O-East. Nearest
Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl’s alt. rock crew.
Mar 7, 7pm, ¥8,500/¥9,000.
Yokohama Arena. Nearest stn:
Shin-Yokohama. Tel: 03-57209999.
Street Dogs
J-pop singer. Mar 20, 5:30pm,
¥4,200/¥5,250. NHK Hall.
03-3465-1751.
Rock band from Florida. Mar
21, 7pm, ¥5,000 +1d. Club
Tel: 03-3462-6969.
Roach (hardcore from
Okinawa) accompanied by
C.B.S. A Barking Dog Never
Bites, etc. Mar 22, 6:30pm,
¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (door)
+1d. F.A.D. Yokohama. Nearest
stn: Ishikawa. Tel: 045-6633842.
Dark Tranquillity
Swedish melodic death metal
band. Mar 27, 7pm, ¥6,000
(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.
03-3477-8750.
The Pogues
Celtic punk band from London.
Mar 28, 7pm, ¥7,000 (adv).
Studio Coast. Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
Punk rock band from Boston.
Guest: The Cherry Cokes. Mar
8, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv). Fever.
Nearest stn: Shindaita. Tel:
03-3444-6751.
My Morning Jacket
Lana Del Rey
Fountains of Wayne
NY-based pop singersongwriter. Mar 8, 7pm, ¥5,500
(adv). Duo Music Exchange.
03-5459-8711.
Marilyn Manson
Brian Hugh Warner returns
to Japan for the first time in 2
years. Mar 9, 7pm; Mar 10, 5pm,
¥8,500. Studio Coast. Nearest
stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-34626969.
Cyndi Lauper
She just wants to have fun. Mar
9, 7pm; Mar 10-11, 6pm, ¥9,50011,500. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
Kyodo: 0570-064-708.
Jet Stream
Takao Osawa, Tatsuya
Ishikawa, Gontiti etc. Mar
10, 5pm, ¥8,000. Tokyo
International Forum. Nearest
stn: Yurakucho. www.t-i-forum.
co.jp/english
American metal-core band
with Roach and Her Name in
Blood. Apr 11, 7pm, ¥5,800
(adv). Club Quattro. Nearest
Station: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34778750.
J-pop, soft rock duo. Mar
16, 7pm, ¥6,800. Tokyo
International Forum Hall A.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
03-5221-9038.
Charity concert from Hawaii.
Nathan Aweau, Chino
Montero, etc. Mar 17-18.
¥7,000. Theater 1010. Nearest
stn: Kitasenju. Tel: 03-52441011.
American rock band. Mar
29, 7:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv).
Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
NY-based power pop band. Mar
30, 7pm, ¥6,000. Liquidroom.
Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel:
03-3444-6751.
Keytalk
J-rock. Mar 30, 6:30pm, ¥2,500
(adv) +1d. Unit. Nearest stn:
Girl Next Door
J-pop. Mar 30, 7pm, ¥5,000.
O-East. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-4681.
Punkspring 2012
J-rock band. Apr 14, 7pm,
¥3,000 (adv). Fever. Nearest
stn: Shindaita. Tel: 03-34446751.
American rock band. From
Apr 16-17, 7pm, ¥7,800/¥8,800.
Tokyo Dome City Hall. Nearest
stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-34025999.
Yes
Progressive, artsy, and
symphonic rock. Apr 18-19.
7pm, ¥8,000/¥9,000. Shibuya
Koukaido. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3402-5999.
Flogging Molly
Seven-piece celtic punk band
from L.A. Apr 18, 7pm, ¥5,800.
O-East. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3444-6751.
Club jazz. Feb 25, 5:30 &
7:30pm, ¥3600. Motion Blue.
Nearest stn: Nihon Odori or
Bashamichi. Tel: 045-266-1919.
Betty Wright
by Ryo Terakado. Feb 25,
2pm, ¥3,000-4,000/¥1,500
(student). Saitama Arts
Theater. Nearest stn:
Yonohonmachi. Tel: 048-8585500.
Cello recital. Feb 25, 2pm,
¥5,000. Hakuju Hall. Nearest
stn: Yoyogi Hachiman. Tel:
03-3234-9999.
Featuring Stefan Vladar and
Lidia Baich. Mar 4 & 20, 2pm,
¥5,000-15,000. Tokyo Opera
City. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
Koransha: 050-3776-6184.
Soul and R&B singersongwriter. Feb 27-28, 7 &
9:30pm, ¥6,400/¥8,400.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Narimichi Kawabata
Robben Ford, Joey
DeFrancesco, Omar Hakim
Gabriel Faure: Requiem
Op.48
Miles Davis’ Alumni Super
Session
Philharmonic Ensemble
Orchestra
Miles Davis' Alumni Super
Session. Feb 29-Mar 2. Various
times, ¥7,500-9,500. Billboard
Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Robben Ford, Joey
DeFrancesco, Omar Hakim,
Darryl Jones and Wallace
Roney. Feb 29-Mar 2, 7 &
9:30pm, ¥7,500/¥9,500.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Vinicius Cantuaria & Bill
Frisell
Brazilian and American jazz
musicians. Mar 6-7, 6:30 & 9pm,
¥6,000 (adv)/¥6,500 (door). Mt.
Rainier Hall. Tel: 03-5773-5061.
3/11-charity concert by
famous blind violinist. Mar 8,
7pm, ¥4500. Tokyo Women's
Plaza. Tel: 03-6674-2054.
Performed by Jean-Chrisophe
Spinosi and New Japan
Philharmonic. Mar 9, 7pm,
¥5000-7000. Sumida Triphony
Hall. Tel: 03-5608-1212.
Feat. Christian Schultz (Cond)
and Ayano Kobayashi (pf). Mar
11, 6:30pm, ¥2,000. U-Port Hall.
Nearest stn: Osaki-Hirokoji. Tel:
03-3494-1840.
Spring Festival in Tokyo
80 plus classical concerts held
at various places in Ueno. Mar
16-Apr 8. various times. www.
tokyo-harusai.com
Concert in Memory of
Vladmir Horowitz
Coldrain, Hey-Smith and
Sim. Apr 20, 6pm, ¥2,500+1d.
Akasaka Blitz. Tel: 03-34446751.
Grammy-winning jazz singer
and keyboard pioneer. Mar 6,
7 & 9:30pm, ¥9,000/¥11,000.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Kaikoo Popwave Festival
Leon Russel
Piano Etoile Series Vol. 17
Aoyama Minyo Sakaba
The Festival of Visiting
Japanese Orchestras
Triple Axe Tour
DJ Baku, Envy, Toe, Mouse
on the Keys, etc. Apr 21-22,
noon, ¥7,500 (door). Museum
of Maritime Science. Nearest
stn: Fune no Kagakukan. Tel:
03-3475-9999. www.kaikoo.
pop-group.net
SonarSound Tokyo
Clark, Ryoichi Kurosawa,
Dorian Concept, The Cinematic
Orchestra, Mount Kimbie, etc.
Apr 21-22. ¥8500(door). Ageha.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525.
Morrissey
Alt rock. Apr 21, 6pm,
¥8,000+1d. Club Citta. Nearest
stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 044-2468888. Apr 23, 7pm, ¥8,0009,000+1d. Zepp Tokyo. Nearest
stn: Tokyo Teleport. Tel:
03-3462-6969.
Jazz/World
John Pizzarelli
American jazz musician. Feb
17, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥7,500-9,500.
Cotton Club. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
José James
Blend of modern jazz and
hip-hop, with Taylor McFerrin.
Feb 18-19. Various times,
¥4,500/¥6,500. Billboard Live.
03-3405-1133.
Floral Notes Vol. 1
Flowers meet jazz with artist
Nicolai Bergmann. Feb 20, 1:30
& 7:30pm, ¥10,500/¥15,750.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Gretchen Parlato
The Pillows
Bobby Womack
Singer-songwriter from Miyagi.
Feb 23, 7pm, ¥5,800. Shibuya
Cultural Center Owada. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5720-9999.
Concert by winners of the
International Competition
for Young Pianists. Mar
16, 7pm, ¥3,500(general),
¥1,500(students). Yamaha
Ginza Hall. Tel: 03-3572-3171.
www.yuna-japan.jp/en/
content/113.htm
The Offspring, SUM41, Totalfat,
etc. Mar 31, 12:30pm, ¥8,900.
Makuhari Messe. Nearest stn:
Kaihin-Makuhari. Tel: 04-32960001. www.punkspring.com
J-pop rock band. Apr 6, 7pm,
¥4,200 +1d. Club Quattro.
03-5436-9600.
Go to www.meturl.com/listings
American jazz singer. Feb
21-23. 7 & 9:30pm, ¥6,5008,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
Motown legend. Feb 22-23. 7
& 9:30pm, ¥10,800/¥13,800.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Al Jarreau & George Duke
Trio
American blues rock and
country musician. Mar 7, 7pm;
Mar 8, 9:30pm, ¥6,500/¥8,500.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Japanese folk song concert. Mar
8-9, 8pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500
(door) +food&drink. CAY.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-3498-5790. www.spiral.
co.jp/e_schedule/2012/03/
vol5.html
Il Divo
Multinational operatic pop
vocal group. Mar 12-16, 7pm,
¥10,000-12,000. Nippon
Budokan. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-5999.
Great East Japan
Earthquake Charity
Concert
Jazz, modern, and traditional
music. Mar 17, 1:30pm,
¥2,000. Franciscan Chapel
Center. Tel: 03-3423-2067.
www.cwaj.org/Cultural/
Images/201202ConcertFlyer.
pdf
Boycott Rhythm Machine
Versus
Jazz. Mar 21, 7:30pm,
¥5,500(door). Tokyo Dome.
Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel:
03-5800-9999.
Hiromitsu Agatsuma
Tsugaru-jamisen player.
Mar 22, 7pm, ¥5500.
Nihonbashi Kokaido. www.
nihonbasikokaido.com
Classical
Bach Festival
Rachel Podger’s violin solo. Feb
18-19. Various times, ¥3,00014,400. Sumida Triphony Hall.
Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel:
03-5608-1212. www.triphony.
com
Dialogue with Bach
Sonata and Partita for an
unaccompanied violin
Recital by Kaneko Miyuji. Mar
18, 3pm, ¥2,500-3,000. Saitama
Arts Theater. Nearest stn:
Orchestra band from Osaka.
Mar 18-27. 3pm, ¥1,000-4,000.
Sumida Triphony Hall. Nearest
stn: Kinshicho. Tel: 03-56081212.
Lunch Time Concert
Feat. Mutsumi Tsuuzaki
on xylophone and Chika
Nishiwaki on piano. Mar
22, 1pm, ¥1,000. Saitama
Bee
Piano, cello and violin,
arranged by Kohji Oikawa. Mar
23, 7pm, ¥3,500-5,500. Suntory
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: Ticket space:
03-3234-9999.
66th Tokyo Opera City
Series
With Norichika Iimori
conducting & Danjulo Ishizaka
on cello. Performances of Bach,
Haydn & Mozart. Mar 24, 2pm,
¥3,000-¥7,000. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-0788.
Stage
Nabucco
Verdi opera about the
Babylonian persecution of
the Jews. Feb 17, 6:30pm; Feb
18-19, 2pm, ¥6,000-18,000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest
stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3234-9999.
Capacity of the Queen
The world of Shu Matsui.
English subtitles on Feb 17-19
only. Feb 17-26, various times,
¥3,500. Kawasaki Art Center.
Nearest stn: Shin-Yurigaoka. Tel:
044-955-0107.
Metropolis’ 18th
Fri Feb 24
for complete listings
anniversary
party at Bar Segredo
Nuhikun: Directions to
Servants
Shuji Terayama's play
inspired by Jonathan Swift's
satire. Feb 17, 7pm; Feb 18, 2
& 7pm; Feb 19, 3pm, ¥4,200.
Theater Tram. Nearest stn:
Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-54321526. www.banyu-inryoku.
net
L'Effet de Serge
Feat. Philippe Quesne. Feb 18,
7:30pm, ¥1,500. Kanagawa
Arts Theater. Tel: 045-6336500.
Silence
Opera of Endo's novel about
“Hidden Christians.” Feb 15-19.
Various times, ¥3,150-15,750.
New National Theater. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-53529999.
Yukiya Konkon
Hisashi Inoue’s play. Feb
19-Mar 11, various times,
¥7,350 (general)/¥5,250
(student). Kinokuniya
Southern Theater. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5361-3321.
Sohaku no Shonen
Shojotachi ni yoru Hamlet
Hamlet performed by Saitama
Next Theater. Feb 20-Mar 1,
various times, ¥4,000. Saitama
The Bee
Play inspired by 9/11. Starring
Kathryn Hunter. Feb 24
& Mar 11, , Various times,
¥5,000 (general). Suitengu Pit.
Nearest stn: Suitengu-mae. Tel:
03-6661-6901.
The Room, Nobody Knows
The latest creation at
Hakobune, the wagekidan
Penino company’s atelier.
Feb 10-26, Various times,
¥2,500(adv), ¥2,800(door).
Hakobune. Tel: 080-4414-2828.
Tsuri Onna
Traditional puppet show
based on a classical Japanese
literature. Mar 2, 7:30pm; Mar
3, 1:30pm, ¥2000. Theatre
Fonte. Tel: 045-805-4000
Tetrapod
Produced by Kita Kyushu
Performing Arts Center. Mar
2, 7pm; Mar 3, 2 & 7pm; Mar 4,
2pm, ¥3,000. Owl-Spot. Nearest
stn: Higashi-Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-0751.
Perm-ya Sumire
Zainichi Koreans and coalmine
controversy in the ’60s.Mar
5-25, various times, ¥3,1505,250. New National Theater.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999.
Jekyll & Hyde
Musical based on the novella
by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Mar 6-28, various times,
¥3000-12000. Nissay Theater.
Nearest stn: Hibiya. Tel:
03-3201-7777.
Disco Inferno
Musical performed by students
of The British School in Tokyo.
Mar 7-8, 6:30pm, ¥2000.
National Olympics Memorial
Youth Center, Small Hall. http://
nyc.niye.go.jp/e
The Flying Dutchman
Opera inspired by the
legendary ghost ship of doom.
¥3,150-21,000. New National
Theater. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999.
The Glass Menagerie
Four-character play by
Tennessee Williams. Mar
10-Apr 3, various times,
¥5,000-9,000. Bunkamura
Theater Cocoon. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5423-5906.
7 Doors
A staging of Bartok's
Bluebeard’s Castle feat. Sugizo
from X Japan. Mar 16 & Apr 1,
various times, ¥ 8,000-9,500.
The Globe Tokyo. Nearest stn:
Shinokubo. Tel: 03-3779-2681.
Yokoso Kyogen
Notre-Dame de Paris
Texas
Still/life by Qudus
Onikeku and Equal by C/
Ompany
Traditional Japanese comedy
for English speakers. Feat.
Thane Camus and Manzo
Nomura IX. Mar 16, 7pm,
¥3,000(general). Cerulean
Tower Noh Theater. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-6412.
Keishi Nagatsuka’s early work.
Mar 17-Apr 8, various times,
¥7,350. Parco Theater. Nearest
All Under the World
Sequel to Moby Dick .
Mar 19-26, Various times,
¥3,800(door). Sasazuka
Factory. Tel: 03-5371-4655.
Yakubyo Ryukoki
Shuji Terayama's play by
Gesshoku Kagekidan. Mar
21-23 & 26, 7:30pm; Mar 24-25,
2:30 & 7:20pm, ¥3,900(adv),
¥4,100(door), ¥3,100(HS).
Theater Samsa. Nearest stn:
Asagaya. Tel: 03-5327-7640.
The Magic Flute
Mozart opera directed by
Peter Brook. Mar 22-23,
7:30pm; Mar 24-25, 3pm,
¥5,000/¥8,000/¥3,000
(student). Saitama Arts
Kofuku on the Doro
Suspense drama by
Mikuniyanai Project.
¥2,800 (adv)/¥3,200 (door).
Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Nearest stn:
Minatomirai. Tel: 04-52111555. www.nibroll.com
Blue Man Group in Tokyo
A unique theatrical
performance of music,
comedy and multimedia.
Ongoing, various times,
¥7,500/¥8,500/¥6,500
(student), Roppongi Blue Man
Theater. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
www.blueman.jp
Phantom of the Opera
Gaston Leroux’s classic
adaptation. Ongoing, various
times, ¥3,000-9,800. Dentsu
Shiki Theater Umi. Nearest stn:
Shinbashi. Tel: 03-5776-6730.
www.shiki.gr.jp/applause/
operaza
The Lion King
Musical based on Disney
classic. Ongoing, various
times, ¥5,000-9,800/¥2,500
(student). Shiki Theater Haru.
Nearest stn: Takeshiba. Tel:
03-5776-6730. www.shiki.
gr.jp/applause/lionking
Beauty and the Beast
Japanese adaptation of the
Broadway musical. Ongoing,
various times, ¥3,000-9,800.
Shiki Theater Natsu. Nearest
stn: Oimachi. Tel: 03-57766730. www.shiki.gr.jp/
applause/bb
Cats
Japanese version of the hit
Broadway musical, produced
by Gekidan Shiki. Ongoing,
Cannon Cats Theater. Nearest
stn: Shin-takashima. Tel:
03-5776-6730. www.shiki.
gr.jp/applause/cats
Evita
Musical on the life of
Argentine political leader
Eva Perón. Ongoing, various
times, ¥4,000-9,800/¥3,0004,000(student). Jiyu Theater.
Nearest stn: Hamamatsucho.
Tel: 03-5776-6730. www.shiki.
gr.jp/applause/evita
Dance
The Raven
Remake of Henry Becque’s
play with dance, music,
and painting. Performed
by Josef Nadj. Feb 15-17,
7:30pm, ¥4,300. Setagaya
Public Theater. Nearest stn:
Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-54321515.
www.metropolis.co.jp/events
Performed by Asami Maki
Ballet Tokyo. Feb 18-19,
various times, ¥4,00011,000. New National
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-3360-8251.
Two multicultural dance
performances followed by
a conference with Damien
Jalet. Feb 19, 5:15pm, ¥1,500.
Kanagawa Arts Theater.
Tel: 03-5724-4660. Feb
20, 7:30pm, ¥2,000(adv),
¥2,500(door). Theater X Cai.
Nearest stn: Ryogoku. Tel:
03-5624-1181. www.institut.
jp/ja/evenements/11525
Alina Cojocaru Dream
Project
Female principal dancer with
the Royal Ballet of London.
Feb 17, 6:30pm; Feb 18-19,
3pm, Feb 21-23, 6:30pm,
¥4,000-14,000. U-Port Hall.
Nearest stn: Osaki-Hirokoji.
Tel: 03-3494-1840.
Tezuka
Accompanied
by CAY’s
scrumptious food!
JAPANESE FOLK SONG BAR
AOYAMA MINYO SAKABA
¥3,000 (adv),
¥3,500 (door)
+ food & drink
THU, MAR 8 & FRI, MAR 9,
DOOR 6PM; SHOW 8PM
SHIBUYA
NATIONAL
CHILDREN’S CASTLE
AOYAMA
GAKUIN
UNIVERSITY
B1
SPIRAL
MIZUHO
BANK
B3
POLICE
BOX AKASAKA
OMOTESANDO STN
TOKYO
MITSUBISHI
UFJ
BANK
@CAY. B1 Spiral, 5-6-23 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3498-5790
Email: [email protected]. www.spiral.co.jp/e_schedule/2012/03/vol5.html
Choreographer Sidi Larbi
Cherkaoui’s take on
legendary manga artist
Osamu Tezuka’s worldview.
Feb 23-26, 3pm, ¥3,0008,000. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-3244. www.
bunkamura.co.jp/orchard/
lineup/12_tezuka
Sleeping Beauty
Ballet for kids performed
by Tokyo Ballet Company.
¥4,000-5,000 (adult)/¥2,0002,500 (child). Meguro
Persimmon Hall. Nearest stn:
Toritsudaigaku. Tel: 03-37918888. www.nbs.or.jp/english
Les Ballets de Monte
Carlo
Scheherazade, Daphnis and
Chloe, and Altro Canto Part
1. Mar 6-7, 7pm, Mar 10-11,
various times, ¥1,50013,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-3791-8888.
Yabu no Naka
Contemporary Noh. Mar
8-11, various times, ¥3,0006,500. Cerulean Tower
Noh Theater. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-6412.
www.a-tanz.com/cerulean4.
html
Dairakudakan Kochuten
The venerable butoh troupe
performs selections from
past Kochuten shows,
under the direction of
Takuya Muramatsu. Mar
15, midnight, ¥2,500.
Dairakudakan Kochuten.
Nearest stn: Kichijoji. Tel:
0422-21-4984. www.
dairakudakan.com
Anna Karenina
Remake of Leo Tolstoy’s
novel. Mar 16-20, various
times, ¥3,150-10,500. New
National Theater. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-53529999.
The Crane Maiden
Will Tuckett's adaptation of
Japanese folklore tale, feat.
Yasuyuki Shuto. Mar 16-18,
Kanagawa Arts Theater.
Tel: 045-633-6500. www.
tsuru-ukjp.com
Hungry Like a Wolf
Dances based on fairy tales.
Mar 23 & 26-27, 7pm; Mar
24-25, 2pm, ¥3,000-4,500.
Setagaya Public Theater.
Nearest stn: Sangenjaya.
Tel: 03-5432-1526. www.
condors.jp
Vienna State Ballet
Program A: Vienna Gala.
April 24-25. Until Apr 25,
6:30pm, ¥2000-17000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-3791-8888. Until Apr 30,
various times, ¥1500-18000.
Go to www.meturl.com/listings for complete listings
Clubbing
Friday 17
Ageha
Infinity 69. Hip-hop, dubstep:
DJs Dexpistols, Aki, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Air
Love Tribe. Techno, house: DJs
Ken Ishii, Nozaki, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com
Atom
Tokyo Shake. All mix, hip-hop:
DJs Various DJs. From 7pm,
price . Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-5195. www.
clubatom.com
Club Asia
Ray-Van. Electro, rock DJs
Bots, Takeru, etc Live: Atom
on Sphere. From 11pm, ¥3,500
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Eleven
2nd Anniversary Party.
Techno, house DJs Pete, Nobu,
etc: Live: Shed. From 10pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-5775-6206. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Micro Cosmos
Home Disco Light. Hip-hop: DJs
Hasebe, Yanatake, etc. From
midnight, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57845496. www.microcosmostokyo.com
Module
Splendid Sound. Techno,
progressive house DJs Juri,
Saimura, etc. From 10pm,
¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3464-8432.
www.module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
High Vision x Up Rise. Hip-hop,
house: DJs Kango, Macka-Chin,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d.
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix DJ Ykk etc. From 6pm,
¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Nearest
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051066. www.matrixbar.jp
The Room
The Room Bar. Rare groove:
DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs
Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From
www.theroom.jp
Velours
Lounge. DJs Various DJs.
From , price . Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-57784777. www.velours.jp
Warehouse702
Fire. House: DJs Hokuto, Ryuzo,
etc. From 10pm, men ¥3,500
w/1d, women ¥2,500 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban.
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.
warehouse702.com
Atom
Module
Bar Jam
Saloon
Tokyo Rave. All mix, hip-hop:
DJs Various DJs. From 7pm,
price . Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-5195. www.
clubatom.com
Discoteca Tokyo. Flower, Elik.
From 10pm, free. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. www.discotecatokyo.
blogspot.com
Club Asia
New Epoch. Dub step, jazz
DJ Meme and more: Live:
Goth-Trad. From 11pm, ¥3,500
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Eleven
2nd Anniversary. House, jazz:
DJs Gilles Peterson, Niche,
etc. From 10pm, ¥4,000.
Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-5775-6206. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Geisha
I Love Gf. Women only: DJs
Nakayama, Fujiko, etc.
From 9pm, ¥2,500. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku Sanchome or
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3341-5445.
Micro Cosmos
Ice Breaker. All good music:
DJs Get Funky, Zun, etc. From
midnight, men ¥2,000 w/1d,
women ¥1,000 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57845496. www.microcosmostokyo.com
Module
Think Big. Hip-hop: DJs Denka,
Nobu, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500
03-3464-8432. www.moduletokyo.com
Saloon
Grace Note. Electro DJs
Tsutsumi, Enuoh, etc: Live:
Hiroshi Watanabe. From 10pm,
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598633. www.unit-tokyo.com/
saloon/
Sound Museum Vision
Signature. Techno: DJs Roland,
Mayuri, etc. From 10pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk etc.
From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1066. www.
matrixbar.jp
The Room
Magic. House, disco DJs
Kawasaki, Endo, etc. From
9pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3461-7167.
www.theroom.jp
Unit
Bukem in Session. Drumnbass:
DJs Ltj Bukem, Makoto.
From 11:30pm, ¥3,800.
Drum & Bass Sessions 2012
"Bukem in Session". From
11:30pm, ¥3800. Nearest stn:
schedule/2012/02/18/
120218_dbs.php
Warehouse702
Trouble House. House: DJ
Emma. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
03-5459-1383. www.womb.
co.jp
The Delta Force. Techno DJs
Marcus C Michel, Kobayashi,
etc: Live: The Delta etc.From
11pm, men ¥3,500 w/1d,
women ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Azabu-Juban. Tel: 03-62300343. www.warehouse702.
com
Saturday 18
Womb
Womb
Ageha
Daishi Dance. House: DJs Daishi
Dance, Mitomi, etc. From
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Air
Eden. Deep, tech house: DJs
Maeda, Ettoo, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Session. House DJs Steve
Mulder, Ohnishi, etc. From
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-1383.
www.womb.co.jp
Sunday 19
Atom
Carnival. All mix, hip-hop: DJs
Various DJs. From 7pm, price
. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-5428-5195. www.clubatom.
com
Confusion. Techno, house:
DJs Den, Yasu, etc. From 4pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3464-8432.
www.module-tokyo.com
Roundabout. DJs Ari, Auto, etc.
From midnight, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8633. www.
unit-tokyo.com/saloon
Warehouse702
High Up. Hip-hop: DJs Tatsu,
Maa, etc. From 11pm,
Azabu-Juban. Tel: 03-62300343. www.warehouse702.
com
Womb
Womb
Faam. Techno, house: DJs
Chee, Ishige, etc. From 10pm,
Tel: 03-5459-1383. www.
womb.co.jp
Friday 24
Ageha
Fever. Hip-hop: DJs Kaori,
Koya, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Air
Tachytelic. Electro, all mix: DJs
Taku, Alyn, etc. From 10pm,
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Arizona. Electro, tech house
DJs Yoshimasa, One More
Rock, etc. From midnight,
Tel: 03-5459-1383. www.
womb.co.jp
Club Asia
Monday 20
Eleven
Air
Black. Techno, electro: DJs
Radio One, Raymond, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.
com
Atom
Salon de Disco. All mix, j-pop:
Various DJs. From 7pm.
com
Eleven
Oslo. Techno, house: DJs Rama,
Komatsu, etc. From 10pm,
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5775-6206.
www.go-to-eleven.com
Warehouse702
Us. House, techno: DJs
Son, Aki, etc. From 10pm,
com
Womb
Hedonist’s Sambhala. Techno:
DJs So, Housecat, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54591383. www.womb.co.jp
Thursday 23
Air
Geeks. House, techno: DJs
Taro, Haruka, etc. From 10pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Atom
Dna. All mix, hip-hop: DJs
Various DJs. From 7pm.
com
Club Asia
Blind. Electronica, hip-hop DJs
Kensei, Nobu, etc. From 11pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Eleven
Funnel. Electro, techno: DJs De
De Mouse, Cd Hata, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54582551. www.clubasia.co.jp
Nichido Contemporary Art
Suntory Museum of Art
The Sky. Hip-hop: DJs Hisaki,
Saat, etc. From midnight,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496.
www.microcosmos-tokyo.
com
Module
R20. Techno, house DJs
Taguchi, Umehara, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34648432. www.module-tokyo.com
Saloon
Ubik Version meets Jah-Light
Sound System. From 11pm,
¥3,500(door). Nearest stn:
saloon
Sound Museum Vision
Voltage. Techno, house: DJs
Chris Liebing, Tommy Four
Seven, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
The Room
Champ. Funky jazz: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From
www.theroom.jp
Velours
Mirror Ball Circus. DJs Various
DJs. From midnight. Nearest
stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-57784777. www.velours.jp
Womb
Calvin Harris Japan Tour 2012.
House, electro: DJs Calvin
Harris, Burns, etc. From 11pm,
Tel: 03-5459-1383. www.
womb.co.jp
Upcoming
Ageha
Unit
The Room
Exhibitions
Union Night. All mix: DJs
So, Akki, etc. From 10pm,
com
One Piece. Experience the
world of manga and anime
One Piece. Mar 20-Jun 17,
¥2,000 (general)/¥1,500 (HS,
MS)/¥800 (elem and under).
G-Tokyo 2012. Tokyo’s top
galleries’ contemporary art
fair. Feb 25-26, 11am-9pm,
¥1100. 52F Roppongi Hills
Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi,
Minato-ku. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
Micro Cosmos
Saloon
Warehouse702
Mori Arts Center Gallery
NCA Collection. Various media.
Until May 5, Semi-permanent
exhibition, free. 4-3-3
Hachobori, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Takaracho. Tel: 03-35552140. www.nca-g.com/en/
Cocoon Heroes Tokyo. Techno:
DJs Andre Galluzzi, Sascha
Dive, etc. Feb 25, from 11pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
Oto no Minamoto. Hip-hop,
soul: DJs Mic B, Bara, etc. From
10:30pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest
www.theroom.jp
Mori Art Museum
Ho Tzu Nyen. Video. Feb 4-May
27, ¥1,500/¥1,000 (univ, HS).
Lee Bul. Asia’s leading female
artist. Until May 27, ¥1500.
Arab Express. Contemporary
art from the Arab world. Jun
16-Oct 28, ¥1,500 (general).
Open Mon & Wed-Sun
10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm.
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku.
03-5777-8600. www.mori.art.
museum
Jus Dance. House: DJs Mr. V,
Kaji, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.
Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-5775-6206. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Public House. Techno, house:
Various DJs. From 10pm,
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5775-6206.
www.go-to-eleven.com
Waltz. DJs Mizo, Misumi, etc.
From 10pm, ¥1,500. Nearest
stn: Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598633. www.unit-tokyo.com/
saloon/
Agenda Listings
Landscape. Progressive DJs
Dinkya, Yoda, etc. Feb 25, from
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
Akasaka/Roppongi
21_21 Design Sight
Irving Penn and Issey Miyake.
Visual Dialogue. Sep 16-Apr 8,
¥1,000/¥800 (univ)/¥500 (HS,
MS). Open Mon & Wed-Sun
11am-8pm, closed Tue. 9-7-6
Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Nogizaka. Tel: 03-34752121. www.2121designsight.jp
The Eternal Beauty and
Luster of Oriental Ceramics.
Ceramics. Until Apr 1, ¥1,100
(general)/¥800. Open Wed-Sat
10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols
10am-6pm, closed Tue. 9-7-4
Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-34798600. www.suntory.com/
culture-sports/sma
The National Art Center,
Tokyo
Noda Hiroji. Abstract
paintings. Until Apr 2,
¥1,000/¥500 (univ). Cezanne.
Paris-Province. Painting.
Mar 28-Jun 11, ¥1500. Open
Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, closed
Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-68129900. www.nact.jp
Wako Works of Art
Wyeth. Various media by
James Welling. Until Mar 10,
free. Open Tue-Sat 11am-7pm,
closed Sun-Mon. 3F Pyramid
Bldg. 6-6-9 Roppongi, Minatoku. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6447-1820. www.
wako-art.jp
Ginza/Kyobashi/
Tokyo
Shiodome Museum
KON Wajiro Retrospective.
Painting. Until Mar 25, ¥500
(general)/¥300 (univ, HS).
Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. 4F, 1-5-1 HigashiShimbashi, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Shimbashi. Tel: 03-57778600. www.mew.co.jp/corp/
museum
Tokyo Station Gallery
The Eyes of Twelve Artists.
Perspectives of Contemporary
Painting (Last period). Until
Mar 18, free. 24 no Toki no
Kane. Contemporary paintings
from various artists. Until Mar
18, free. 11am-6pm, closed
Mon. 1-9-1 Marunouchi.
Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel:
03-3212-2485.
Vanilla Gallery
Tangled Tale. Digital art.
Mysteriously ominous and
surreal works by Lithuanian
artist Natalie Shau. Until
18, free. Femmelette. Water
color illustrations of girls by
Tsubaki Torii. Feb 20-25, free.
Open Mon-Fri noon-7pm, Sat
noon-5pm, closed Sun. 4F 2nd
Kamata Bldg, 6-10-10 Ginza,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Ginza.
Tel: 03-5568-1233.
Zeit-Foto Salon
Yokubou no Kongen. Paintings
by Mari Ito. Until Feb 18,
free. Open Tue-Fri 10:30am6:30pm, Sat 10:30am-5:30pm,
closed Sun-Mon & hols. 4F
Matsumoto Bldg, 1-10-5
Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3535-7188.
www.zeit-foto.com
Harajuku/Aoyama
Diesel Art Gallery
Glamorous Futurist. Paintings
by Chenman. Feb 17-May 11,
free. Open daily 11:30am-9pm.
1-23-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku.
03-6427-5955. www.diesel.
co.jp/art/
Embassy of Canada Prince
Takamado Gallery
Bridgestone Museum
Ishibashi Collection. Art
collected by the founder
of Bridgestone. Until Mar
18, ¥800. You’ve Got to See
These Paintings. Painting.
Mar 31-Jun 24, ¥800. Open
Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols
10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1
Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3563-0241.
www.bridgestone-museum.
gr.jp/en/
Ginza Graphic Gallery
Ikko Tanaka Posters 1980–2002.
Painting. Until Feb 25, free.
TDC Exhibition 2012. An
exhibition of award-winning
typographical artworks,
selected by the Tokyo Type
Directors Club . Until Apr 25,
Free. Innovator of Russian
Avant-Garde. Alexander
Rodchenko's graphic art.
Mar 2-27, free. Open Mon-Fri
11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm,
closed Sun & hols. 1F Ginza
Bldg, 7-7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku.
Nearest stn: Ginza. Tel:
03-3571-5206. www.dnp.co.jp/
gallery/ggg_e/index.html
Ginza Nikon Salon
While You Have Light.
Photography by Yoshichi
Hara. Until Feb 28, free. 1F
Strate Ginza, 7-10-1 Ginza,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Ginza.
Tel: 03-3248-3783. www.
nikon-image.com/activity/
salon/index_en.htm
National Museum of
Modern Art Tokyo
Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
The artist’s posters designed
for exhibitions held by the
museum. Until May 6, ¥420
(general)/¥130 (univ). Jackson
Pollock. Painting. Until May
6, ¥1500. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 3-7-6 Kyobashi
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn:
Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.momat.go.jp
Hara Hiromu and The National
Rebirth: Reflections for Japan
post 3/11. Multi-media group
exhibit in response to the
Great East Japan Earthquake.
Until Mar 16, free. Mon-Tue &
Thu-Fri 10am-5:30pm, Wed
10am-8pm, closed Sat-Sun &
hols. 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minatoku. Nearest stn: Aoyama. Tel:
03-5412-6305. www.japan.
gc.ca
Laforet Museum
Mika and Hiroko Ninagawa.
Mother and daughter art
collaboration of photos, quiltand patchwork. Until 19, ¥600
(general)/¥400 (students).
6F, Laforet Harajuku, 1-11-6
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Nearest
stn: Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
03-6406-6378. www.laforet.
ne.jp/index.html
Nezu Museum
Splendid Hina Miniatures.
Masterpieces of Hina Festival
dolls from the Toraya
Collection. Feb 25-Apr 8,
¥1,200. 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama
Minato-ku. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. www.nezu-muse.
or.jp/en
The Watari-Um Museum
of Contemporary Art
Mirei Shigemori 1896-1975.
Japanese style garden
designs. Until Mar 25, ¥1,000
(general)/¥800 (student). Open
Tue & Thu-Sun 11am-7pm, Wed
11am-9pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel:
03-3402-3001. www.watarium.
co.jp
Agenda Listings
Kayabacho/Kiba
Tomio Koyama Gallery
Pick Up a Leaf When it
Falls. Photography and
video works by Wang
Yahui. Until Feb 25, free.
Open Tue-Sat noon-7pm,
closed Sun-Mon. 7F, 1-3-2
Kiyosumi, Koto-ku. Nearest
stn: Kiyosumishirakawa.
Tel: 03-3642-4090. www.
tomiokoyamagallery.
com/en/
Shibuya/Ebisu
Parco Museum
Omoi wo Tsutaeru to Iukoto.
Short stories and interactive
installations by Ellie Omiya.
Until 27, ¥500. Open daily
10am-9pm. B1F Parco
Part1, 15-1 Udagawacho,
Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-34775873. www.parco-art.com/
web
Tobacco and Salt
Museum
Portraits of Showa Literati
in Purple Tobacco Smoke.
Photography by Tadahiko
Hayashi. Until Mar 18, ¥100
(general)/¥50 (HS, MS, elem).
Open daily 10am-6pm.
Jinnan 1-16-8, Shibuyaku,Tokyo, Japan 150-0041.
03-3476-2041. www.jti.co.jp/
Culture/museum_e
Tokyo Metropolitan
Museum of Photography
Yebisu International Festival
for Art & Alternative Visions
2012. Annual video art
fest. Until Feb 26, free.
Open Tue-Wed & Sat-Sun
10am-6pm, Thur-Fri
10am-8pm, closed Mon.
1-13-3 Mita Meguro-ku
Tokyo. Nearest stn: Ebisu.
Tel: 03-3280-0099. syabi.
com/e/contents/index.html
Zen Foto Gallery
Here's What the Japanese Flag
Means to Me. Painting by Mao
Ishikawa. Until 26, free. 2-17-3
Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 050-55319536. www.zen-foto.jp
Shinjuku/
Ikebukuro
Crossroad Gallery
Nousagi no Me. Photographs
by Noriko Matsumoto. Mar
13-25, free. Open Tue-Sun
noon-8pm, closed Mon. 5F,
4-28-16 Yotsuya. Nearest stn:
Yotsuya. Tel: 03-3341-8118.
www.roonee.com/crossroad
Eitoeiko Gallery
Junta Egawa. Colorful
and mysterious abstract
paintings. Mar 31-Apr 28,
12-7pm, free. Open Wed-Sun
noon-7pm, closed Mon-Tue.
32-2 Yaraicho. Nearest stn:
Kagurazaka. Tel: 03-64796923. www.eitoeiko.com
Kenji Taki Gallery
Akarumi no Houe. Painting
by Yutaka Koyanagi. Jan
20-Feb 25, free. Toward the
Light. Paintings by Yutaka
Koyanagi. Jan 31-Feb 25, free.
Open Tue-Sat noon-7pm,
closed Sun-Mon & hols. 3-18-2
Nishi-Shinjuku. Tel: 03-33786051. www.kenjitaki.com
Konica Minolta Plaza
Uchu Kara Mita Aurora 2012.
Photography and film. Jan
20-Feb 19, free. A Tribute
to Nature. Photography
by Jim Brandenburg. Jan
20-Feb 19, free. Open daily
10:30am-7pm. 4F Shinjuku
Kono Bldg, 3-26-11 Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-3225-5001. www.
konicaminolta.jp/plaza
NTT
Intercommunication
Center
Internet Art Future.
Presentation of post-internet
world. Until Mar 18, ¥500.
4F Tokyo Opera City Tower,
3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
0120-14-4199. www.ntticc.
or.jp
Go to www.meturl.com/l
Roonee 247 Photography
Cross x Remind. Photos by
Yuiko Kaino. Feb 21-26, free.
Mousou Valentine’s. Group photo
exhibition. Until Feb 19, free.
Mori no Shokei. Photographs by
Katsuhiko Tezuka. From Feb 28.
Feb 28-Mar 4, free. Futaribocchi.
Photographs by Hiroyoshi
Hara. Mar 20-25, free. 5-18-11
Shinjuku. Nearest stn: YotsuyaSanchome. Tel: 03-3341-8118.
www.roonee.com
Ueno
National Museum of
Nature and Science
Inka Teikoku Ten. The Inka
Empire Revealed: Century
After the Machu Picchu
Discovery. Mar 10-Jun 24.
Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun
9am-5pm, Fri 9am-8pm, closed
Mon. 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-38220111. www.kahaku.go.jp
The National Museum of
Western Art
Hubert Robert. Painting. Mar
6-20, ¥1,300 (general)/¥1,000
(univ)/¥600 (HS). Open daily
9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno
Park. Tel: 03-3828-5131. www.
nmwa.go.jp
Tokyo Wonder Site, Hongo
Tokyo Wonder Site. Emerging
Artist Support Program. Until
Feb 26, free. 2-4-16 Hongo,
Bunkyou-ku. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5689-5331.
www.tokyo-ws.org
Other Areas
ChinaTown 80
Children’s Gallery. Gallery
of local students' New
Year-themed drawings.
Until Feb 19, free. Open
Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-8pm,
Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 80
Yamashitamachi, Naka-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa
231-0023. Nearest stn:
Motomachi-chukagai. Tel:
045-681-6022.
Hara Museum of
Contemporary Art
Jean-Michel Othoniel, My Way.
Various media. Until Mar
11, ¥1,000 (general)/¥700
(univ)/¥500 (MS & elem). Open
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm, closed
Mon. 4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa,
Shinagawa-ku. Nearest stn:
Kitashinagawa. Tel: 03-34450651. www.haramuseum.or.jp
Hiromart Gallery
Sebastian Piras’ Amerikana
Diary, Part 2. New York-based
photographer and filmmaker.
Mar 4, 1-7pm, closed Mon &
Tues, free. Mimura Bldg 1F,
1-30-7, Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku,
Tokyo 112-0014. Nearest
stn: Edogawabashi. www.
hiromartgallery.com.
Miraikan
Tadao Umesao: An Explorer for
the Future. Pioneer Japanese
anthropologist’s intellectual
production. Until Feb 20,
¥1,000 (general)/¥200 (18 and
under). 2-3-6, Aomi, Koto-ku.
Nearest stn: Telecom Center
station. Tel: 03-3570-9151.
www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en
Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo
Bloomberg Pavilion Project.
Akihisa Hirata’s paper building
stages exhibitions and
performances. Until Oct 5, Until
Beginning of October, free. The
Art of Connecting. Painting by
Atsuko Tanaka. Until May 6,
¥1,000 (general)/¥800 (univ,
65 and over)/¥500 (MS, HS).
Ay-O: Over the Rainbow Once
More. Large-scale, participation
installation and painting. Until
May 6, ¥1,100 (general)/¥850
(univ, 65 and over)/¥550 (HS,
MS). 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.
Nearest stn: Kiyosumishirakawa. Tel: 03-5245-4111.
www.mot-art-museum.jp
National Museum of
Emerging Science and
Innovation
Design a Letter Yourself, with
Algorithmic Thinking. Various
typography using the latest IT.
Until Jun 25, ¥600. 2-3-6 Aomi,
Koto-ku. Nearest stn: Telecom
Center. www.miraikan.jst.
go.jp/index_e.html
National Museum of
Japanese History
Hina Dolls and Ornaments
Associated with Princess
Kazunomiya. Demonstration
of women’s life in the Edo
period and craftsmanship of
artisans. Until Apr 1, ¥420.
Open Tue-Sun 9:30am4:30pm, closed Mon. 117
Jonai-cho, Sakura City.
Nearest stn: Keiseisakura.
Tel: 04-3486-0123. www.
rekihaku.ac.jp
Nature Film Network
Wild Eyes of Orangutan.
Photographs of Orangutan in
Indonesia by Yuya Kimura .
Until Feb 18, free, 1:30-6:30pm.
11-1 Akagi Shitamachi. Nearest
stn: Iidabashi. Tel: 03-52619907.
Nerima Art Museum
Masayoshi Nakamura. Modern
paintings. Feb 19-Apr 1, ¥500.
Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. 1-36-16 Nukui,
Nerima-ku. Nearest stn:
Nakamurabashi. Tel: 03-35771821. www.city.nerima.tokyo.
jp/manabu/bunka/museum
Pola Museum of Art
The Development of
Impressionism: Monet, Renoir
and the Next Generations.
Painting. Until Jul 8, ¥1,800
(general)/¥1,300 (univ,
HS)/¥700 (MS. elem). 1285
Kozukayama, Sengokuhara,
Hakone-machi. Nearest stn:
Gora. Tel: 04-6084-2111. www.
polamuseum.or.jp
Sogo Museum of Art
Miyako no Asobi, Ocho no Bi.
Hosomi Museum Collection of
Kyoto artifacts. Until Mar 20, .
Open daily 10am-8pm. 2-18-1
Takashima, Nishi-ku. Nearest
stn: Yokohama. Tel: 04-54655515. www2.sogo-gogo.com/
common/museum/
Studio C Tokyo
Sparks. Photos by Kenichi
Iwai. Until Mar 10, free. Open
Mon-Fri noon-5pm, closed Sat,
Sun & hols. 3-36-10 Sasazuka.
studioctokyo.core.ne.jp
The French Institute
Digital Shock. The latest digital
culture. Until Mar 7, free. 15
Ichigaya-funagawara-cho.
Nearest stn: Iidabashi. Tel:
03-5206-2500. www.institut.jp
The Museum of Modern
Art, Saitama
Nature and Human,
Unzenugan-dake mountain.
Kazushi Oura’s photographs
and videos of the volcanic
eruption and casualties in
1990s. Until Apr 15, ¥200.
Shikkoku no Kanata / Inu
no Yukue. Various media.
By Akira Shimizu and
Tatsumi Yoshino. Until
Mar 15, ¥900/¥720 (univ,
HS). Open daily 10:00am5:30pm. 9-30-1 Tokiwa,
Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi. Tel:
048-824-0111. www.momas.
jp/022eng/e_index.htm
Yokohama Creativecity
Center
Yokohama Art Department. 32
young up-and-coming artists
display their work. Mar 31,
noon-6pm, ¥400 (Adv)/ ¥500
(Door). 11am-7pm. Nearest stn:
Sakuragicho. Tel: 045-221-0325.
www.yaf.or.jp/ycc
Yokohama Museum of Art
Becoming Friends with All the
Children in the World. Painting
by Fuyuko Matsui. Until Mar
18, ¥1,100 (general)/¥700
(univ, HS)/¥400 (MS).
Yokohama Museum of Art
Collection. 200 works by
various master artists across
time and place. Until Mar 18,
¥500 (general)/¥300 (univ. HS).
3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku,
Yokohama. Nearest stn: Minato
Mirai. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
yaf.or.jp/yma
listings for complete listings
Sports
Basketball
Japan Basketball League
Brave Thunders vs.
Sunrockers. Feb 17, 7pm,
¥2,500-5,500. Todoroki
Arena. Nearest stn: Musashi
Nakahara. Tel: 044-798-5000.
Alvark vs. Brex. Feb 18, 3pm,
¥2,500-5,500. Metropolitan
Komazawa Olympic Park.
Nearest stn: KomazawaDaigaku. Tel: 03-3421-6431.
Brave Thunders vs Diamond
Dolphins. Mar 3, 2pm, ¥2,0003,000. Yokosuka Arena.
Nearest stn: Yokosuka Chuo or
Kenritsudaigaku. Tel: 046-8262800.
K-1
Krush. 16
Pet Fair
Asia’s largest pet paraphernalia
showcase. Mar 31-Apr 1, 10am,
¥1,000(general). Makuhari
Messe. Nearest stn: KaihinMakuhari. Tel: 04-3296-0001.
Bazaars & Markets
Tokyo Antique Salon
A peculiar antique fair by
dozens of quality-conscious
local dears. Feb 26, free.
Las Chicas. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34075028. www.shishinn.jp
Umi no Koen Flea Market
Every third Sun, 10am-4pm,
Umi no Koen. Nearest stn:
Uminokoen-Shibaguchi or
Uminokoen-Minamiguchi.
[email protected]
Tel: 03-3226-6800.
International K-1 boxing
tournament. Feb 17, 6:30pm,
¥4,000-12,000. Korakuen
Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
krush-gp.com
Hanazono Shrine Market
MMA
Fresh vegetables from farms
in Ibaraki. Every Sat, 7-9am,
Roppongi Hills East Court.
03-6406-5285.
Ultimate Fighting
Championship
Frank Edgar vs. Ben
Henderson. Feb 26, 10am,
¥5,800-100,000. Saitama
Super Arena. Nearest stn:
Saitamashintoshin. Tel:
04-8601-1122.
Soccer
Fuji Xerox Super Cup 2012
Kashiwa Reysol vs. FC Tokyo.
Mar 3, 1:35pm, ¥1,000-6,500.
National Olympic Stadium.
Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel:
042-342-8950.
Swimming
Japan Championships
Apr 2-Apr 8, various times,
¥1,500-8,500. Tatsumi
International Swimming
Center. Nearest stn: Tatsumi.
Tel: 03-6277-6417.
Taekwondo
All-Japan Championships
Mar 17-Mar 18, 9pm, Yoyogi
National Gymnasium. Nearest
stn: Meiji-Jingumae. Tel:
03-3468-1171.
Forums & Expos
Golf Fair
Equipments, training area,
virtual golf corner, etc. Feb
17-19, 10am-6pm, last day
until 5pm, free. Tokyo Big
Sight. Nearest stn: KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-38328589.
Kansai Music Conference
Learn how to get involved
in KMC, an independently
run, globally focused music
industry event in Kansai.
Feb 19, , ¥500. Son Rise
Cafe. Nearest stn: Oyama.
Tel: 050-3558-5915. www.
kansaimusicconference.com/
events
Tokyo Girls Collection 2012
Spring/Summer
One of the biggest fashion
events of the year. Mar
3, 3pm, ¥5,500/¥7,500.
Yokohama Arena. Nearest stn:
Shin-Yokohama. Tel: 0570-064708. www.tgc.st
Japan Shop
Japan’s largest retail trade fair.
Mar 6-9, 10am-5pm, ¥1,500
(door)/free (RSVP).
Tokyo Motorcycle Show
Japan’s largest annual expo
of its kind. Mar 23-25, ¥1200.
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel:
03-5530-1111.
Roppongi Art Night
All-night art event. Mar 24-25,
free. Roppongi Hills, Mori
Museum, Tokyo Midtown, etc.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
roppongiartnight.com
Every Sun, 8am-4pm,
Hanazono Shrine. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel:
03-3200-3093.
Ibaraki-ichi
Nogi Shrine Market
Every second Sun, 5:30am3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.
Aoyama Marche Farmer's
Market
Farmers from around the
nation gather to sell their
organic fruits and vegetables.
Every weekend. United
Nations University. Nearest stn:
Shibuya or Omotesando. Tel:
03-3456-0960.
Yasukuni Shrine Antique
Market
Every Sun, sunrise-sunset.
Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.
Fudaten Jinja Market
Every second Sun, Fudaten
Jinja. Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel:
04-2489-0022.
Community
Reiwaryu Ryushinkan
Karatedo
Strengthen body and mind
though karate. E-mail:
reiwaryukaratedo@
googlemail.com. Until Dec 31,
Culture Blend Studio. Nearest
stn: Akasaka. Tel: 03-5820-3667.
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.
03-6418-8144. www.meetup.
com/TokyoStitchandBitch
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm, free, The
Pink Cow. Tel: 03-3406-5597.
[email protected]
Open Mike Night
Try out your new material
with the Tokyo Comedy Store.
Every first Tues, 8pm, free,
Learning
Tibetan Buddhism
Teachings
Meditation and teachings by
visiting Lama Geshe Thubten
Sherab (w/English translation).
Feb 18-Mar 4, various times,
¥2,000.
SCBWI Tokyo Writer's
Night
Writer Claire Dawn-Marie
Gittens and children's
author Trevor Kew present
their works. Feb 18, ¥1,500
(members), ¥2,000 (general).
Tokyo Women's Plaza. Tel:
03-5467-1711. www.scbwi.jp
Ben Karp
Lecture on Afro-Americans
in Japan from the
Russo-Japanese War to
Pearl Harbor. Mar 2, 7:30pm,
free. Temple University. Tel:
03-5441-9800. www.tuj.
ac.jp/maps/tokyo.html
TCS Improv Workshop
The Tokyo Comedy Store’s
weekly improv workshop.
All levels welcome. Real
Dear, Mita. Nearest stn:
Azabu-Juban. Tel: 03-57707401.
Cosmos Club Japanese
Lessons
Every Wed, 10am-2pm,
Kudan Shogai Gakushuukan.
Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel:
048-761-1788.
New year,
new you.
Try Yuri: our new junior stylist
cut ¥5,500!
colour 30% off your first time!
SIN DEN
Hair Makeup & Nails
03.3405.4409 www.sinden.com
Tokyo Wine Tasting
Meetup Group
Learn about wines and
make new friends in an
international atmosphere
while enjoying gourmet
food. Every last Sat, from
7pm, Restaurant venue
changes monthly
Film
I Am Happy
Film screening of Brazilian
documentary shot in the
favelas of Rio, by Soraya
Umewaka. With live
samba music and capoeira
performance. Feb 25-26, 4
& 7pm, ¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000
(door). 1F Uplink Factory
Totsune Bldg, Udagawa-cho,
37-18 Shibuya-ku. Tel:
03-6825-5502. http://
streetwitnessproductions.
com
Women, Media and the
Future of Japan
Short documentary screening
and panel discussion. Mar
2, 6pm, ¥1,050 includes
drinks & snacks. Foreign
Correspondents Club of
Japan. Tel: 03-3211-3161.
www.fccj.or.jp/node/7214
Other Events
White Sacas
Temporary skate rink and
Christmas tree. Until Feb
19, 11am-7pm (Fri-Sat until
9pm), ¥1,000 (adult)/¥500
(child). Akasaka Sacas.
TPAM
International performing
arts platform. Until Feb
19, various times, ¥3,500.
Yokohama Creativecity
Center, BankART Studio
NYK, Red Brick Warehouse
and Kanagawa Arts Theater,
etc. www.tpam.or.jp
Ice Rink
Illuminated ice rink
from 5pm. Until Feb 29,
noon-10pm, ¥1,000, ¥500
(MS & under), ¥500 (skates).
Tokyo Midtown. Nearest stn:
Roppongi.
Don't Forget 3/11
Hiro Matsumoto solo
comedy live. Mar 11, 2:46pm,
¥2,500. Green Hall. Nearest
stn: Sagami-Ono. Tel:
042-746-2205.
Sumidagawa Parade
Light-fashion and furniture
workshop, cheerleader's
parade, and market. Feat
Pyuupiru, Fantasista Utamaro
etc. Mar 24. Between Azuma
Bridge and Sakura Bridge,
along Sumida River
Paracup
Charity marathon aimed to
support children around the
world. Apr 8, ¥4,800 (general),
¥2,400 (MS/HS), free (elem).
Furuichiba Rikugyo Kyogijo.
www.paracup.info
Movie ReviewS
& cinemas P. 30
Agenda Movies By Don Morton
The Girl with the
Dragon Tattoo
A disgraced journalist (Daniel
Craig) is hired by a wealthy industrialist to find out what happened
to the man’s 40-years-missing
niece. As his investigator, he takes
on the emotionally stunted, cyberbrilliant titular goth chick (Rooney Mara, nicely combining a feral
esthetic with a heartrending fragility). Compared to the well made
2009 Swedish adaptation, director David Fincher and screenwriter Steven Zillian have trimmed, added to and extrapolated
from the convoluted source material to create a taut and kinetic
script that’s cinema-digestible while remaining evocative and
compelling. Japanese title: Dragon Tattoo no Onna. (158 min)
Cinemas 1 35 43 45 50 53 61 62 63 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86
87 88 90 91 92 93 94 96 97
Tucker & Dale vs. Evil
I never ever thought I’d enjoy a
splatter flick, but this upside-down
ode to the genre’s many clichés
takes the pink potato. Tucker
and Dale (Alan Tudyk and Tyler
Labine) are two affable hillbillies
who are mistaken by a paranoid
pack of prep-school partiers for chainsaw-wielding, woodchipper-operating, virgin-kidnapping Leatherfaces. Understand that,
while a send-up, this is a spatter flick. The mayhem just comes
from a humorously fresh source. It’s not great; at one point it
comes dangerously close to the very thing it’s satirizing, and the
one joke fades in the final act. But I smiled some. Japanese title:
Tucker to Dale Shijo Saiakuni Tsuitenai Yatsura. (89 min)
Cinema 27
Metpod
Extremely Loud &
Incredibly Close
T
o some, it will always be too soon for
movies about 9/11. I personally object to
its exploitation to spice up a moribund
story (see—no, don’t—2010’s Remember
Me), but I also think it’s a good thing to remember and
perhaps share a little of the pain felt every day by
the victims’ families. While this isn’t really about the
disaster, it centers on a boy who lost his father in it,
and on the strong bond between them. Most of it takes
place a year after the attack. Oskar (gifted newcomer
Thomas Horn), an intelligent 11-year-old with hints
of Asperger’s syndrome, finds in his father’s closet a
key that he thinks will lead him to something his dad
In Time
NEW
The Ledge
NEW
In a dystopian future, time has
literally become money. Everyone gets to live free to 25, see,
and then gets one more year.
Additional time can be earned,
bought or traded (or stolen). Not
nearly as compelling as director Andrew Niccol’s 1997 Gattica, which also focused on the
impact of new technologies on society. It makes the mistake
of losing sight of the science in favor of what is essentially an
adequately acted (Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried)
generic action mystery, heavy on the car chases, shoot-‘em-ups,
plot holes and time quips. This movie will cost you 109 minutes
of your life. (109 min)
Cinemas 1 43 45 50 53 61 62 63 67 77 78 79 80 81 82
An atheist (Charlie Hunnam)
perched on a ledge 20 stories
up intends to jump at noon
as instructed or, he believes,
some one el se w i l l d ie . T he
devout Catholic police negotiator trying to talk him down
(Terrence Howard) has just learned that his children are not
his. Patrick Wilson is the psychotic religious fundamentalist
who’s the cause of this preposterous predicament, and Liv
Tyler is his bullied wife with a heart of gold. Well, hell. Pic poses
as a thoughtful debate on faith vs. reason but comes off as little
more than a cliché-ridden, implausible polemic and a waste of
good actors. (101 min)
Cinema 33
wanted him to find, and launches a city-wide quest
for the lock it fits. Reluctantly accompanying him is
his grandma’s mute, octogenarian boarder, played
by a terrific Max von Sydow. All this time, Oskar is
carrying his own terrible secret about the day. Also
Sandra Bullock, Zoe Caldwell, Viola Davis, Jeffrey
Wright and John Goodman. While occasionally
borderline precious, Stephen Daldry’s film is cathartic,
illuminating and honestly (mostly) moving. So is it
too soon? You judge. I think it’s okay. Japanese title:
Monosugoku Urusakute Arienaihodo Chikai. (129 min)
Cinemas 2 19 43 50 61 62 76 78 80 81 83 84 85 86
88 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97
The Tournament
NEW
Melancholia
NEW
Every seven years, apparently,
all the world’s nastiest assassins
gat he r to hu nt e ach ot he r i n
cinematically spectacular ways
while fat-cats bet on them. I did
not know that. (Um. How are they
located to invite? Chat rooms? The
Yellow Pages under “A”?) The last killer standing gets $10 million
and the losers get dead. Sounds a little lemmingish to me. Bright
spots amid this preposterone-fueled, DVD nonsense: a slumming
Robert Carlyle in a somewhat pointless role as a drunken priest
mistaken for a player, and the astounding athletics of Sebastien
Foucan (Casino Royale), a parkour founder. (95 min)
Cinema 13
I ’ v e a l w a y s wo n d e r e d wh a t
gloomy Danish auteur Lars von
Trier, maker of inaccessible yet
compulsively watchable films,
would do were he to turn his singular talents to the disaster genre. A
rogue planet is on a collision course
with Earth, eliciting a variety of reactions. The story centers on
two sisters. The first disaster is Justine’s (Kirsten Dunst) wedding,
which she sabotages through savage manic-depression. Claire
(Charlotte Gainsbourg) is her rock here, but as the planet nears,
their attitudes switch. The science is laughable and the SFX
cheap, but the imagery will stay with you. (135 min)
Cinemas 8 40 63 86 91 92
Beginners
A few months after his mother
passes away, Oliver, a commitm e n t-p h o b e , i s i n fo r m e d b y
his 75-year-old father that he is
gay. Dad then embraces his new
lifestyle with such exuberance
that it underlines Oliver’s own
longstanding inability to accept love. This honest and sincere
(and by the way semi-autobiographical) tale about romantic and
filial love from Mike Mills (Thumbsucker) is about hope and a kind
of never-too-late optimism. All this soul-searching is leavened by
some wonderful wry humor. Like the Jack Russell terrier with
his subtitled observations on the human condition. Well done.
Japanese title: Jinsei wa Beginners. (105 min)
Cinemas 7 43 84 97
Hunter
Willem Dafoe is an “ industrial
mercenary” who is hired by a
shady biotech company to kill the
last Tasmanian tiger for a potentially profitable hormone. He is
billeted at the home of a missing
(why?) zoologist, where the wife
(Frances O’Connor) is catatonic and the two spirited kids fend
for themselves. “Uncle” Jack, played by Sam Neill (friend or
foe?), helps out. The lone hunter bonds with this lonely family,
but his disguise as a researcher dangerously angers the local
loggers. Way better than I’m making it sound. Character-driven,
gorgeous cinematography, and I like the way the music ups the
tension. (101 min)
Cinemas 16 35 79 84 85 88
Machine Gun Preacher
Based on an autobiographical
account by Sam Childers, an ex-con
Hell’s Angel who found God and
went off to save orphans in Sudan,
this one has action, drama and a
social-consciousness message.
Unfortunately, none of this is done
particularly well. Furthermore, Childers has been accused of
being little more than a mercenary and of making himself more
heroic than facts would indicate. The film is further weakened
by the enraged scenery-chewing that the increasingly tiresome
Gerard Butler considers acting. Finally, it’s a bit, well, preachy. I
applaud the sentiment, but don’t expect Hotel Rwanda.
Cinemas 5 27 97
Also Showing
Beastly
Tiresomely mediocre attempt to shoehorn
Beauty and the Beast into the age of text messaging and high school popularity politics. (88
min)
Cinemas 40 97
Animal Kingdom
Brutally unsentimental tale of a Melbourne
teen who is unwillingly inducted into his
junkie mom’s feral clan of thugs when she ODs.
(113 min)
Cinemas 7 40
Johnny English Reborn
About what you’d expect from a needless sequel
to a not-that-funny 2003 James Bond sendup
that was done better by Austin Powers. (101 min)
Cinemas 6 62 63 80 81 82 83 85 86 90 91 92
93 94 95
The Dead
Fairly effective, old-fashioned zombie movie
set in the harsh, withering arena of West Africa.
(104 min)
Cinema 33
(inside Mullion)
8
7
10
4
Ginza
Imperial
Hotel
(subway)
Printemps Ginza
Dept Store
Matsuya
Dept Store
11
13
Higashi-Ginza
Tobu Hotel
(subway)
Tower Heist
When the meticulous manager
(Ben Stiller) of a prestigious NYC
apartment building learns that
the penthouse occupant (Alan
Alda) has stolen through a ponzi
scheme the pension funds of
all the building’s employees, he
thinks they should break into the unit to locate and retrieve the
loot. Or something. Since none of them are burglars, they enlist
the help of a questionable “crime expert” (Eddie Murphy, back
in form). This commercial product kind of works as a screwball
caper comedy, but the plot is just too preposterous—and the heist
plan too dumb—to really get behind. Great cast. Japanese title:
Penthouse. (104 min)
Cinemas 4 43 46 53 61 62 63 77 78 80 81 82 84 86 88 90 91 92
93 94 95 96 97
J. Edgar
The face of American law enforcement for 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover
was revered, reviled, feared and
admired, but rarely understood.
Now Clint Eastwood takes a stab at
that last one. It’s pretty straightforward, but it eschews sentimentality
and condescension. It addresses but does not sensationalize
Hoover’s suppressed homosexuality and his lifelong relationship
with official aide Clyde Tolson. Leonardo DiCaprio manages to
disappear into this uncharismatic character. Still, I left the theater
feeling emotionally distant from the subject; not my usual experience with Eastwood movies. (135 min)
Cinemas 2 19 43 45 52 53 61 62 63 76 79 80 81 83 84 85 87 88
90 91 92 93 94 95 97
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
Scarier-than-most haunted house flick from Guillermo del Toro
eschews “boo” moments and gore, but could have left more to
the imagination. Japanese title: Dark Fairy. (99min)
Cinemas 45 50 97
109
Tokyu Plaza
ag
aw
aD
Keio Inokashira
line
Yamaha
Meiji
Dori
JR Yamanote line
& subway
15
Shibuya
29, 30
Aoyama Dori
Hachiko Shibuya
Shibuya
1. Toho Cinemas Nichigeki (033574-1131) www.tohotheater.jp
2. Marunouchi Piccadilly
(03-3201-2881) www.
shochiku-eigakan.com
3. Marunouchi Louvre (03-32147761) www.tokyucinemas.net
4. Toho Cinemas Yurakuza (033571-1946) www.tohotheater.jp
5. Human Trust Cinema
Yurakucho (03-6259-8608)
www.ht-cinema.com
6. Yurakucho Subaruza
(03-3212-2816) http://subarukougyou.jp/movies
7. Toho Cinemas Chanter (033591-1511) www.tohotheater.jp
8. Toho Cinemas Scala-za/
Miyuki-za (03-3591-5358)
www.tohotheater.jp
10. Marunouchi Toei (03-35354741) http://theaters.toei.co.jp
11. Cine Switch Ginza (03-35610707) www.cineswitch.com
12. Ginza Theatre Cinema (033535-6000) www.ttcg.jp
13. Ginza Cine Pathos
(03-3561-4660)
www.humax-cinema.co.jp
14. Togeki (03-3541-2711) www.
shochiku-eigakan.com
Shibuya
15. Shibuto Cine Tower (03-54894210) www.tohotheater.jp
16. Shibuya Tokyu (03-3407-7219)
www.tokyucinemas.net
17. Shibuya Toei (03-54675773/5774) http://theaters.
toei.co.jp/theaters
19. Shibuya Cine Palace (03-34613534) www.mitsuba-inc.
co.jp/scp/
20.Shibuya Humax Cinema
(03-3462-2539)
www.humax-cinema.co.jp
21. Cine Quinto (03-3477-5905)
www.cinequinto.com/
22.Cinema Rise (03-3464-0051)
www.cinemarise.com
24.Uplink X (03-6825-5503)
www.uplink.co.jp/x/
25. Le Cinema (03-3477-9264)
www.bunkamura.co.jp/
cinema
ori
inj
Ave
Shinjuku
Gyoen
47
Toshima Ward Oﬃce
Ikebukuro
48
(subway)
Marui
Dept Store
Ikebukuro
JR Yamanote line
Tobu
Dept
Store
Tokyo
Met Art Space
52
50 49
46
Seibu
Dept
Store
Ikebukuro
Metropolitan
Hotel
Shinjuku-
uk Gyoenmae
u D (subway)
or
i
Amlux
Tokyu
Hands
Prince
Hotel
Sunshine 60,
Sunshine City
Seibu Ikebukuro line
JR Saikyo line
Cerulean Tower
Higashi-Ikebukuro
33
(subway)
other areas
(no map)
Cinema Key
Ginza/Yurakucho/
Hibiya
(subway)
Sh
43
51
16
17
or
i
24
Bunkamura
25
Shibuya Tokyu Inn
19
Ta
m
This flick, which snatched the Special Jury Prize at the
Tokyo International Film Fest last year, treads a fine line
between touching and cliché, sweet and saccharine. Katsu
(the renowned Koji Yakusho) is a down-home lumberjack
who is also having a tough time as a single father with a rebellious teenage son (Kengo Kora). Then a bumbling kid turns
up in his woods and asks him to stop chainsawing because
they are shooting a film. Since the Tokyo-based crew has
no knowledge of the locale, Katsu quickly gets involved in
the zombie pic, and develops a rapport with its young director Koichi (Shin Oguri). The filmmaker is a self-involved
artist who has little idea how to deal with people and this
is mirrored by Katsu’s gruff, off-putting exterior. The two
develop a bond like father and son, teaching each a lesson
about relationships. Some humorous scenes, like Katsu
taking over directing, work well, and the on-screen dynamic
between Yakusho and Oguri has a life. The insights, though,
are rather pedestrian and predictable. With more penetrating dialog this could have been something special—but it’s
quite watchable as it is. (English title: The Woodsman and the
Rain; 129 min)
Cinemas 41 50 66 76 80 81 84 88 91 92 96
Shibuya
Kitsutsuki
to Ame
By Rob Schwartz
22
41 Shinjuku
42 Sanchome
Marui
34
ori
iji D
Me
eiga
Marui
Parco
Store
20
do
Kai
40Mitsukoshi
East
Exit
South
Exit
Marui
42
Isetan
Takashimaya
27
Parco
Part 3
Tokyu
Hands 21
Shinjuku
West
Exit
hu
Kos
14
Ginza Daiichi Hotel
i Do
ri
45
Chuo Dori
Higashi
Kabukiza
Theater
Shimbashi
44
Studio Yas
uku
Alta
n
(subway)
Matsuzakaya
Dept Store
Nikko Hotel
Koma Theater
Shinjuku
Prince Hotel
(subway)
1, 2, 3, 5
36
Seibu Shinjuku Line 35
Ginza Itchome
JR line
(subway)
Seibu Shinjuku
12
Yurakucho
Meiji
D
Bic Camera
6
M
ei
ji D
or
i
Hibiya
Shinjuku
Hibiya
Park
Ikebukuro
Ginza • Hibiya • Yurakucho
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: © 2011 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; In Time: © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; The Ledge: © 2011 LEDGE PRODUCTIONS, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; The Tournament: © Mann Made Limited 2009;
Melancholia: © 2011 Zentropa Entertainments ApS27; Tucker & Dale vs. Evil: © 2010 T&D Productions Limited All Rights Reserved; Beginners: © 2010 Beginners Movie, LLC. All Rights Reserved; The Hunter: © 2011 Porchlight Films Pty Limited, Screen
Australia, Screen NSW, Tasmania Development and Resources and Nude Run Pty Limited.; Machine Gun Preacher: Ilze Kitshoff © 2011 MGP Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.; Tower Heist: © 2011 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS All Rights Reserved.; J.Edgar: ©
2011 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; Kitsutsuki to Ame © 2011「キツツキと雨」製作委員会
27. Human Trust Cinema Shibuya
(03-5468-5551)
www.ttcg.jp
29.Cinemavera Shibuya
(03-3461-7703) www.
cinemavera.com
30.Eurospace (03-3461-0211)
www.eurospace.co.jp
33. Theater N Shibuya (03-54892592) www.theater-n.com
34. Theatre Image Forum
(03-5766-0114) www.
imageforum.co.jp/theatre
Shinjuku
35. Shinjuku Tokyu Milano
Building (03-3202-1189)
36. Shinjuku Cinema Square
Tokyu (03-3202-1189)
40.Shinjuku Musashinokan
(03-3354-5670) http://
shinjuku.musashino-k.jp
41. Kadokawa Cinema Shinjuku
(03-5361-7878) www.
kadokawa-cinema.jp
42.Cinemart Shinjuku
(03-5369-2831)
www.cinemart.co.jp
43. Shinjuku Wald 9
(03-5369-4955)
www.wald9.com
44.Theatre Shinjuku
(03-3352-1846)
www.ttcg.jp
45. Shinjuku Piccadilly
(03-5367-1144) www.
shinjukupiccadilly.com
Ikebukuro
46.Ikebukuro Humax Cinemas
(03-5979-1662)
http://e-ticket.hmxede.com
47. Shin Bungeiza (03-3971-9422)
www.shin-bungeiza.com
48.Ikebukuro Tokyu
(03-3971-2727)
49.Ikebukuro Theatre Dia
(03-3983-9793) www.ttcg.jp
50.Cinema Sunshine Ikebukuro
(03-3982-6388)
www.cinemasunshine.co.jp
51. Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa
(03-3986-3713)
www.cinemarosa.net
52. Cine Libre Ikebukuro
(03-3590-2126) www.ttcg.jp
53. Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills
(03-5775-6090)
www.tohotheater.jp
54. Cinemart Roppongi
(03-5413-7711)
www.cinemart.co.jp
57. Iwanami Hall (03-3262-5252)
www.iwanami-hall.com
58.Jimbocho Theater (03-52815132) www.shogakukan.co.jp
60.Ueno Tokyu (03-3831-6620)
61. Shinagawa Prince Cinema
(03-5421-1113)
http://princecinema.
smartreserv.jp
62. United Cinema Toyosu
(03-6219-3000)
www.unitedcinemas.jp
63. Cinema Mediage Odaiba
(03-5531-7878)
www.tohotheater.jp
64.Pole-Pole Higashi-Nakano
(03-3371-0088)
www.mmjp.or.jp
65. Kichijoji Toa Kogyo
(0422-48-6521)
www.toakogyo.com
66.Kichijoji Baus Theater
(0422-22-3555)
www.baustheater.com
67. Kichijoji Plaza
(04-2222-5336) http://movie.
walkerplus.com
68.Kineka Omori
(03-3762-6000) www.ttcg.jp
69.Waseda Shochiku
(03-3200-8968)
www.wasedashochiku.co.jp
70.Ginrei Hall (03-3269-3852)
www.ginreihall.com
71. Shinbashi Bunka
(03-3431-4920) http://movie.
walkerplus.com
77. Toho Cinemas Kinshicho
(03-5637-1040)
www.tohotheater.jp
72. Meguro Cinema (03-34912557) www.okura-movie.co.jp
73. Sangenjaya Cinema
(03-3421-3322) http://movie.
walkerplus.com
74. Sangenjaya Chuo
(03-3421-4610) http://movie.
walkerplus.com
76. Rakutenchi Cinemas
Kinshicho
(03-3631-7020)
www.rakutenchi.co.jp
78.Heiwajima Cinema Sunshine
(03-5764-8801)
www.cinemasunshine.co.jp
79. 109 Cinemas Kiba
(03-5683-0109)
109cinemas.net
80.United Cinema Toshimaen
(03-5912-9800)
81. Warner Mycal Cinemas
Itabashi (03-3937-1551)
www.warnermycal.com
82.Toho Cinemas Minami-Osawa
(042-679-6180)
www.tohotheater.jp
83.Warner Mycal Cinemas ShinYurigaoka (044-965-1122)
www.warnermycal.com
84.Cinecitta Kawasaki
(044-223-3190)
www.cinecitta.co.jp/theater
85.109 Cinemas Kawasaki
(0570-007-109) 109cinemas.
net
86.Toho Cinemas Kawasaki
(044-230-1122)
www.tohotheater.jp
87. Movil (045-311-0330)
109cinemas.net
88.109 MM Yokohama
(045-664-0109)
www.109cinemas.net
89.Yokohama New Theatre
(045-261-2995) http://
yokohamanewtheatre.web.
fc2.com
90.Warner Mycal Cinemas
Minato Mirai (045-222-2525)
www.warnermycal.com
91. Toho Cinemas Lalaport
Yokohama (045-929-1040)
www.tohotheater.jp
92.Movix Saitama
(048-600-6300)
www.movix.co.jp
93. United Cinema Iruma
(04-2965-9999)
94.Toho Cinemas Ichikawa
Colton Plaza (047-314-0055)
www.tohotheater.jp
95.Cinema Ikspiari
(047-305-3855)
www.ikspiari.com
96.Kyosei Roza
(043-225-6355)
www.keiseikog.co.jp
97. YokohamaBurg 13
(045-222-6222)
www.burg13.com
Metrohomes selected listings
All english-speaking services!
MetroHomes.jp
Just a few examples from Japan’s biggest
English-language real estate database...
Park Habio Shinjuku
Eastside Tower
Shinjuku-ku • Nearest stn:
Higashi Shinjuku (3 min) •
124.08 m2 • 2LDK • ¥889,000 •
No key money
Akasaka K Tower Residence
Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Akasakamitsuke (1 min) • 51.03-168.6m2 •
Studio-2LDK, ¥285,000-1,500,000
Windsor Chojamaru
Shinagawa-ku • Nearest stn:
Meguro (9 min) • 287m2 • 5
bedrooms • ¥1,350,000
Central Park Tower LaTour Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku • Nearest stn: Tochomae
(5 min) • 49.62-289.57m2, 1R-5LDK,
¥248,000-¥1,580,000 • No agency fee/
key money
Shibaura Bloom Tower
Minato-ku • Nearest stn:
Tamachi (9 min) • 246.75 m2
• 4LDK • ¥1,800,000 • No key
money
Akasaka Tower Residence
Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Akasaka (4
min) • 84.31 m2 • 2LDK • ¥600,000 •
No key money
Tokugawa Village
Toshima-ku • Nearest stn:
Mejiro (7 min) • 180.9290.2m2 • 4-5LDK + maid
room • ¥700,000-1,100,000
Century Forest
Shibuya-ku • Nearest stn:
Shibuya (7 min) • 51.9587.81m2 • 1LDK-3LDK •
¥250,000-401,000
Moto Azabu Place
Hiroo (12 min) • 155m2 • 3
bedrooms • ¥1,050,000
La Tour Mita
Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Mita
(4 min) • 55.00-224.26m2
• 1R-4LDK • ¥300,000¥1.400,000 • No agency fee/
key money
Pier 1
Nakano-ku • Nearest stn:ShinNakano (4 min), 11m2 • 1R,
¥70,000 • No agency fee/key
money
Mori Mansion
Shibuya-ku • Nearest stn:
Shibuya (7 min) • 28m2 • 1K,
¥120,000 • No agency fee/key
money
JAPT. Roppongi 2 (B)
Roppongi (2 min) • 27.56 m2,
1DK, ¥165,000 • No deposit •
No agency fee/key money
JAPT. Gotanda C
Shinagawa-ku • Nearest stn:
Gotanda • (10 min) • 23.83m2 •
Studio • ¥100,000 • No deposit
• No agency fee/key money
No.2 Fujitomo Bldg.
Edogawa-ku • Nearest stn:
Kasai (5 min) • 64.41m2 • 2LDK
• ¥130,000 • No agency fee/
key money
Sangenjaya Casa Alegre A
Setagaya-ku • Nearest stn:
Sangenjaya (10 min) • 20.3m2 •
1K, ¥125,000 • No agency fee/
key money
No.1 Fujitomo Bldg.
Edogawa-ku • Nearest stn: Kasai (5
min) • 13.32m2 • 1R, ¥53,000 • No
agency fee/key money
Azabu Juban
Azabu-Juban stn (5 min) •
41.2m2 • 2K • ¥180,000 • No
agency fee/key money
Property information accurate at time of printing. Please check Metrohomes.jp for up-to-date listings
metrohomes key features: ● Over 10,000 rental properties to search through ● Add favorites to a basket to keep an eye on them ● “What’s New” column updated daily
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32 ● download our podcast at ● podcast.metropolis.co.jp
Dining Out
B i t e s
pizza
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
www.dubliners.jp
ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENT
O
n asking around for
good Italian cuisine, a
Metropolis team member
of Italian descent chimed
in with Trattoria Pizzeria Amici (2-5414 Gohongi, Meguro-ku; http://amici-jp.
com). The rustic interior is the perfect
setting to sample the Neapolitan
Pub Crawl
wood-fired-oven pizza (from ¥1,100),
baked by a Tuscan pizzaiolo, seasonal
antipasti (from ¥1,180), handmade
pasta (from ¥1,380) and a great wine
selection (from ¥680). All this is well
worth the ten-minute walk from
Gakugei-daigaku station. Check the
board for today’s special.
March 1 - March 16
Visit 6 Dubliners branches to collect the
stamps to get your VIP Card
(expires March 16th, 2013)
Ask staff for more details
sourced
T
he streets of Omotesando
are awash with goodies from
Shikoku’s Ehime Prefecture,
until March 3. Twenty-four
shops have joined up to the Ehime Café
Project, in order to bring to the trendy
public some luscious produce from the
seaside province. The flagship store
is Café Home, which will be dubbed
Ehime Café for the duration. Their
limited menu includes freshly squeezed
mikan juice (¥650), sea bream carpaccio
Pints of Beer at all branches:
¥500
(Apologies for the inconvenience)
(¥800), and other goodies. Find the
complete list of participating locales at
www.oishiiine.net/shop_list.html.
Visit our website for more information
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | [email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
home cookin’
Courtesy of Mother’s Shokudo
H
March 17th
*Akasaka branch closed on March 17
Shinjuku
ankerin’ for home-cooked
washoku just like okaasan
used to make—but in an
upscale environment?
Then Mother’s Shokudo (5F west walk,
Roppongi Hills; www.mothers.jpn.
com) will get your natsukashii on. The
interior, by Megu New York designer
Yasumichi Morita, features a relief
map of the Japanese alps hanging
from the ceiling, an open kitchen
and some Showa-era pop art in the
middle. Comfort up for lunch with the
seafood rice bowl (¥800), ten don (from
¥800), or katsukare (¥900)—all inc.
salad or miso soup, a healthy vinegar
drink and pickles.
(except Akasaka)
Ikebukuro
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Toranomon
1F New Toranomon Bldg.
1-1-18 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Closed: Sun. & Holidays
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |[email protected]
Akasaka
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Shinagawa
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
www.failte.jp
Spacious 5F
terrace
over looking
central
Shibuya.
Enjoy our great selections
of Irish and European brews.
Happy Hour All ¥500!!
Mon-Fri (except Public holidays)
Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT,
The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT,
Glasses of wine, Cocktails
Tokyu
Plaza
Sister branch GINZA FAVORI
9th Anniversary 22~25 FEB
More details
http://failte.jp
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)
3-11pm (Sunday & hols)
tel:
03-3476-7776
the latest dish on food & drink in the big city
tastemaker
Debra Samuels
The author of My Japanese Table
shares tips for Tokyo foodies
By Yukari Sakamoto
Favorite shopping areas include
Kappabashi, nea r Asa k usa, for
kitchenware, and Tsukiji Masamoto
for knives (4-9-9 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku;
www.tukijimasamoto.co.jp).
T
h e B o s t on G l ob e f o o d
w riter’s list of markets,
shopping areas, izakaya,
utensils and staples for the
larder include some classics—as well
as some surprising suggestions.
The “top market” gong goes
to Ameya Yokocho (“candy store
alley”). Found along the Yamanote
tracks between Okachimachi and
Ueno, “Ameyoko” was a post war
black-market site, and now sells
everything from clothes to fresh fish.
Within it, Ameyokoyaki (6-4 Ueno,
Taito-ku) serves up mini-okonomiyaki i n sta nd i ng-cou nter st yle.
Samuels tips Shoryu (6-10-14 Ueno)
for giant g yoza and gomoku kata
yakisoba (stir-fried vegetables over
crispy noodles). Sankoen will sell
you nori and tea (6-10-3 Ueno; www.
ameyoko.net/shop/154), Iseoto Shoten, bonito flakes (6-4-10 Ueno; www.
Kawamuraya for pickles (3-21-15
Sugamo; www.kawamuraya.co.jp),
Ta na kaya for ha nd made udon
(3-22-9 Sugamo, Toshima-ku), and
Nataritei for black garlic—a unique
snack (4-28-3 Sugamo, Toshima-ku,
www.natary.co.jp).
iseoto.com), and Marudai, meat
(6-10-7 Ueno; marudai-ameyoko.
jimdo.com).
“Grannies’ Harajuku,” aka Jizo
dori in Sugamo, is Samuels’ spot for
certain ingredients. Hit Jizo dori
Raijindo for sembei (3-33-23 Sugamo,
Toshima-ku; www.e-fujiichi.co.jp),
W hen she’s not whipping up
feasts at home, Samuels gushes over
the food and presentation at two izakaya in particular—Robata Honten
(1-3-8 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku) and
Maru (Aoyama KT Bldg. B1, 5-50-80
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku; www.marumayfont.jp). For sushi, she swears by
Sakae Sushi in Okachimachi (5-27-6
Ueno, Taito-ku). Run by chef Kagawa
and his son-in-law, this tiny shop
requires a reservation.
To have on ha nd for home
cooks, a favorite pant r y item is
hon mirin (sweet rice wine) used
for sauces, stews, and as a substitute for sugar in salad dressings.
Sanontou (Japanese brown sugar)
is recommended for teriyaki and
bonito f lakes—Samuels saves it
after making dashi and repurposes
it as an onigiri stuffing.
At the ¥100 shops, Samuels likes
to pick up saibashi (long chopsticks
for cooking), mini suribachi (pestles
and mortars), and furikake (rice
condiment), “not only for topping
on rice, but for mixing with cream
cheese and serving with crackers or
as a topping for salads.”
The Bostonian also highlights
the generic box grater found with
different cutting lids. “This tool
can be used across cuisines,” she
declares, putting it to use for salad
dressings or meatloaf. Also useful for
ginger, daikon, and stale bread.
For tableware, the writer uses
soy sauce bowls to serve sauces,
salts, and salad dressing. Hashioki
(chopstick rests) can be used as a rest
for silverware or even as table decorations themselves.
My Japanese Table (Tuttle, 2011,
p p .176) , ¥2 ,70 0 f r o m m a j o r
bookstores and Amazon.jp. See
Samuels’ “Eriko’s Simmered Eggplant ” recipe at http://meturl.
com/eggplant
Courtesy of Wakanui
restaurant review
To top off the extravaganza was
a host of NZ treats. The Mojo coffee sourced from a boutique coffee
roaster in Wellington was right up
my alley—full, rich and strong. Or
you could settle for the Kiwi-est of
all sweets: the homemade “hokey
pokey” ice cream (¥650), with a crispy
meringue pavlova (¥750) that could
all but put you in a diabetic coma.
Fortunately we survived, to eat again
at Wakanui when we’re flush.
Wakanui
Tokyo’s meat
renaissance
continues
By Jeff W. Richards
Y
ou may associate slab o’
meat cookin’ with Texasstyle BBQ, but Wakanui
Grill Dining in Higashi
Azabu is out to change your mind.
Specializing in meat-on-the grill dining with all ingredients sourced from
New Zealand, Wakanui opened in
April of last year and is gaining a foothold in the upscale—and decidedly
non-veggie—Tokyo foodie circles.
Summer fruity with citrus and
peach (but not girly), t he Black
Estate Chardonnay 2009 from Omihi
Waipara (¥6,900 a bottle) got us in
the mood for the amuse-bouche of
grilled lamb chop. This was a mere
preview of things to come.
The anchor piece of the meal had
to be the 1kg Ocean Beef bone-in rib
eye steak (¥8,800). Obviously this is
meant to be shared between four of
you (or, uh, less… ). Grilled over their
Dining Out
J/E Menu in English and Japanese
binchotan charcoal grill, the Angus
beef (cured in-house in their glass
ageing room) was served naked, and
we quickly saw why no sauce or spice
was necessary. The tender meat was
cooked to just under medium—
enough pink in the center, but no
bloody juice pooling on the plate.
Even a quarter is enough to fill the
primal void in your stomach and
leave you sated.
With the red meat we switched
to a Koru Pinot Noir (¥9,500/1,600
a bottle/glass) and savored sautéed spinach (¥700), diced roasted
kumara and potato (¥600), and a jasmine rice pilaf (¥600) that smoothed
out the carnivorous edges.
The kilogram-steak was the star,
but it wasn’t the only slab of succulent
flesh we tore into. The frenched rack of
Canterbury lamb (¥3,900/¥2,100 full
rack/half rack) was beefy and robust
without gaminess. The surprise hit,
however, was the hot smoked New
Zealand king salmon (¥1,600). As a
Pacific Coast Canadian, I’ve had my
fair share of smoked salmon. This
was unlike any of it. Served hot, the
salmon had a slight smokiness and
measured sweetness, but was light
and moist, and peeled off in delicate
steaming flakes that dissolved deliciously on the palate.
About ¥5,000 per person without
drinks
Entirely nonsmoking
Reserve the big table for a group, or a
window seat
The big beef; and the hot smoked
salmon to mix it up
Possible pricy for some
2-23-14 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku.
Tel: 03-3568-3466. Nearest stn:
Azabu Juban
Open Tue-Sun, 11:30am-3pm &
6-11pm, closed Mon
www.wakanui.jp
The majority of classified ads have moved online!
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Classifieds!
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will appear in Metropolis; Japan’s No. 1 English magazine,
which hits the streets every other Friday at over 800
locations throughout Tokyo, Yokohama and Chiba.
Practice-. Visit the English
page at www. aoyamaosteopathy.com/english/
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 Health
G E N ERAL D E N TI S TR Y.
US dental school graduate. 20
years’ experience in hospital
dentistry, over 2000 dental
implants. Native English
speaker. Parking available.
3min from JR Harajuku stn.
Will fill out insurance forms.
www. adve nti stde ntal . jp
03-3402-1501
Acupuncture in Tokyo/
Aoyama/Shibuya area .
Non-invasive, gentle
treatment. Soothing &
relaxing. Only disposable
needles used. Fluent/nativeleve l En gli s h . In dividual
assessment, personalized
therapy program. Nurturing
and supportive atmosphere.
Fully integrated w/
conventional practices
and medication. Covered
by most foreign insurance.
Te l : 03 - 5 4 69 - 0 810
www.acuraclinic.com
MORE IN S UR A NCE F OR
LESS! Medical insurance to
fit your needs, with 3-, 6- and
12-month plans available.
Low-cost, quality coverage
wit h few exc l u s i o n s a n d
no deductibles for fast,
dependable claim payments
in Yen. Japan-licensed, with
over 60 years of experience.
Easy premium payment
by credit card or at any
convenience store. Get more
for less - with MedOne! info@
medone.jp www.medone.jp
06-6263-8688
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
( p h y s i c a l t h e r a p y) c a r e
in Hiroo. Native Engli sh speaking therapists,
specializing in sports
i n j u r i e s , p o s t- o p e ra t ive
rehabilitation, back/neck
pain, running-related,
headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations,
and women’s health. www.
tokyophysio.com 03-34436769
NEUROMU S CU L A R
THER A PY i s a f o r m o f
massage therapy for chronic
and acute pain in the muscles
and joints. US-trained
t h e ra p i s t w i t h 2 4 ye a r s ’
experience treating neck
and shoulder, back pain ,
sports injuries, hip and knee
joint p rob le m s . hiroko @
n m t h e ra py. c o m w w w.
nmtherapy.com 03-35847670
Oriental Therapeutic
Massage Therapy. Hello,
Thai massage lovers! We
are in Setagaya Mishuku.
Th i s h o l i s t i c m a s s a g e i s
therapeutic, relaxing,
energizing, effective and
focuses on the energy makeup of the body, alleviating it of
aches, pains, discomforts and
imbalances. It de-stresses,
harmonizing the mind,
b o d y a n d s p i r i t . Tw e l v e
years’ experience with Thai
massage and Zen shiatsu.
Tr a i n e d i n C h a i n g m a i
for six years. qi_flow_
[email protected]/
03-6805-4380
Os t e o p a t h y
by a UK-trained, qualified
osteopath, providing safe
and effective treatment for
headaches, back/neck pains,
arthritis, nerve-compression
syndromes such as
sciatica, TMJ problems, etc.
AOP -Aoyama Osteopathy
Issue
936 Issue
938
Fri, Mar 2
Fri, Mar 16
Deadline:
Deadline:
Feb 23, 3pm
Mar 8, 3pm
session discount: ¥10,000.
Call Shino at 080-3362-0429
or email babymassage123@
gmail.com
¥10,000 refundable deposit.
03-3560-7405/080-5436-1777
w w w . r o p p o n g i mayflowerhouse.com
1.2 Hair & Beauty
All classifieds submitted for business purposes are
considered commercial. Commercial and upgraded free
ads can appear in any section.
To place Job ads please visit http://classifieds.metropolis.
co.jp or email [email protected]
1.7 Business Services
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
D a y Ba r a n d S p a i n
Azabu-Juban. 2min from
Azabu-Juban stn. Lymphatic
massage and aroma oil
treatment by professional
t h e ra p i st s at st yl i s h s p a
salon. Available for both
men and women. Special
facial massage makes your
face immediately smaller!
Reservation: [email protected] 03-3455- 0935
www.dayspa-grace.com/
english.pdf
O n ly C u t Z o n e s a l o n
provides a hair cut
service for only ¥1000. 5min
walk from Kita se nju stn .
Friendly English-speaking
staff is available. Contact
us at 03-3882-1550. Open
from 10am until 7pm, 7 days
a week. http://meturl.com/
onlycutzone.
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR
INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURN
F OR 2 0 1 1 ? W e a r e t a x
consultants who do income
tax for foreigners. Please
l e ave yo u r c o m p l i c a t e d
Japanese individual
t ax re tu rn to u s! S p e c i a l
cam paign on n ow! w w w.
kaori-fuchi.com/en/index.
html Tel: 81-3-6327-7113 Email:
[email protected]
R ECYC L E BOY. W e a r e a
MOVER and RECYCLE shop
in Tokyo/ Yokohama.Our
services include small
to l a rg e (fa m i ly/o f f i c e )
domestic moving. We also
buy recyclable goods that
are no longer needed. Just
call us or email. k-suke@
r e c y c l e - b o y. c o m w w w .
r e c y c l e - b o y. c o m 0 1 2 0 234-666
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 Guesthouse
TA X CON S U LTATION IN
ENGLISH! If you are anxious
about your tax return, we can
handle your problem for a
reasonable price. Please call
03-5843-6511 or email us at
[email protected]. Check
our website for more info:
http://takedatax.jp/
1.8 General Services
Next to Azabu-Juban and
Minami-Shinagawa stn.
Private furnished room s
in Akasaka(2min), AzabuJuban, Minami-Shinagawa,
very close to the station.
Cleaning every week. First
two months special offer
¥46,000~¥56,000/m,
utilities included. No key
money, free Internet. 日本
人向けのシェアハウスもあり、全室
インターネット・家具付個室。敷・
礼金、仲介料、水道光熱費及び保
証人不要！0 9 0 - 2 4 0 5 - 0 0 2 2
[email protected]
www.bauhousetokyo.com
! !
Sophisticated Private
Hair Salon. Bondz Salon’s
owne r ha s expe rie nce in
NY. H i g h q u a l i t y s e r vi c e
and natural products.
Cut: ¥5000. Color:
¥5000 ~. All menu 20%
off on first visit. 1min from
A z a b u -J u b a n s t n . w w w.
bondzsalon.jp/index_.html
Reservation: 03-6426-5562
1.3 Moving
M OVI N G OVER S EA S ?
Call ECONOSHIP! With over
30 years of experience, you
can count on Econoship for
courteous, efficient, reliable
s e r vi c e a n d r e a s o n a b l e
prices. For real peace of
mind, move with the best.
Move with Econoship! Call,
email, or see our new website.
Ask for the Metropolis
special. 0120 -222-111
[email protected]
www.econoship.net
H o n e y Cl o v e r
Ba b y s i t t i n g a n d
Housekeeping Services.
We specialize in Englishspeaking and foreign
babysitters. We will provide
qualified babysitters who
are best suited to you and
your child. LAST MINUTE
calls ok! Reasonable
prices. Tel: 03-6431-9647
M o b i l e : 0 8 0 - 4 2 74 - 3 2 3 7
w w w. h o n e yc l ove r. c o . j p
[email protected]
To Advertise In Japan’s
No.1 English magazine,
log on at www.metropolis.
co.jp/classifieds or email
yo u r c o m m e r c i a l a d s t o
commercial@metropolis.
co.jp
Lovi n g Baby Massag e .
Teaching mothers, fathers
and other family members
professional baby massage
and child yoga techniques
from internationally
acclaimed Peter Walker’s
“Developmental Baby
Massage” and “YogaGym”.
E/J. ¥3000/session. Four-
E N
O P
SH EAD
U
NIS
AE K
UR
S
F
AR I V A T
MS
O
O
R
D
A N
G R
P
39 000
¥
AFFOR DAB LE
APARTMENTS &
GUESTHOUSES
I N TO K Y O ’ S
P O P U LAR
AREAS: Azabu, Roppongi,
Asakusa, Kichijoji, Yokohama
¥49,000~/m. No key money/
guarantor/brokerage fee.
O ve r 1 0 0 g u e s t h o u s e s
(Internet, utilities included)
and apartments. Call
Oakridge : 03-3 502-23 51
[email protected]
www.oakridge-housing.com
Find short or long term stays in furnished/
unfurnished apar tments
for singles and families in
the Kasai and Nishi-Kasai
area. Urban Renaissance
p ro p e r t i e s i n Ro p p o n g i ,
N i n g y o c h o , Ts u k i s h i m a
and Nishi-Ojima available.
Buy condominiums and
i nve s t m e n t p ro p e r t y.
i n fo2@ fu j ito m o -f h .co. j p
www.fujitomo -fh.com
03-5696-2341
,
L
A L
E
S I V
L U
I N C
¥39,000/M GUESTHOUSE
A S A KU S A G R A N D
OPENIN G ! A l l f u r n i s h e d
private rooms ¥39,000. In
downtown Tokyo, Asakusa,
Roppongi, Ginza, Akasaka,
S an g e njya , Kom azawa ,
Fu t a g o -Ta m a g a w a , a n d
Y o g a . 女性も安心。都心の
国際ハウス全室 I n t e r n e t . 家
具付個室. 03 -3 707- 8 8 8 8
www.tokyointerhouse.com
2.2 Rent Under
200,000 yen
¥55,000~/
MONTH IN
RO P P O N G I .
Roppongi
¥63,000~.
Hanzomon
¥48,000~.
Ikejiri-Ohashi
¥48,000~.
Ginza ¥53,000~. Gotanda
¥48,000 ~. Kachidoki
¥48,000~. Utilities
¥7000/m. Fully furnished, w/
f r e e I n t e r n e t . Yo t s u y a
¥68,000 (utilities ¥10,000).
Dormitory ¥45,000 (utilities
¥ 5 0 0 0). N o key m o n ey,
F ONTA N A , e s t a b l i s h e d
over 30 years ago. With a
wide range of locations
at competitive prices,
our apartments and
guesthouses are some of the
best. Let our international
team find you the perfect
p l a c e t o l i v e i n To k y o .
fo n t a n a @ g o l . c o m w w w.
TokyoCityApartments.net
03-3382-0151
ICHII CORPOR A TION .
Over 600 affordable,
quality-furnished
apartments in central
To k yo l o c a t i o n s . N o key
m o n ey/g u a ra nto r/a g e nt
fe e re quire d . New, clean
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or
items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.
Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings.
PRI V A TE F URNI S HE D
A P A RTMENT S . O d a k y u
l i n e , M u k o g a o k a -Yu e n /
Yomiuri-Land-Mae, 20/30
min from Shinjuku. Keikyu
line, Haccho-Nawate, 15min
from Shinagawa. 1K～2LDK,
¥58,000/m ～ ¥120,000/m.
Tel: 044-933-7000 Email:
[email protected]
w w w. minowagroup. jp/
minowahomes
S ERVICE D A PA RTMENT S
in a quiet, residential area of
Hiroo. Studio & suites. 4min
from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily
¥ 7 5 0 0 . We e k l y ¥ 6 5 0 0 - /
day. Monthly ¥5500-/day.
Over three months ¥4950-/
day. Over one year ¥4400-/
d a y, (t a x , u t i l i t i e s i n c l ) .
f r o n t d e s k@ a z a b u c o u r t .
com w w w. azabucour t .
com/ 03-3446-8610
NO KEY MONEY: Hiroo 1K
¥85,000. Azabu-Juban 2K
¥ 8 5 ,0 0 0. S h i ro ka n e 1D K
¥90,000. Komaba 2 DK
¥104,000. Shirokane 2LDK
¥155,000. Hiroo 2SLDK
¥ 1 9 0,0 0 0. Yu te n j i 4 LD K
¥220,000. And many more.
@Land: 03- 6277-6698
a t l a n d @ s t a r. o c n . n e . j p
www.atland.co.jp
2.3 Rent Over 200,000 yen
TO K Y O A P ART M E N T S .
Bilingual real-estate agency,
o f fe r i n g fu r n i s h e d a n d
unfurnished apartments
throughout central Tokyo.
Also providing shortstay serviced apartments,
relocation service, furniture
rental and property
management services.
Please call 0120-957-520
www.tokyoapartments.jp
P L A Z A HOME S , L T D .
We h a v e b e e n a t r u s t e d
English-friendly real estate
agency since 1969. We
guarantee to cater to the
needs of expatriates with
our experience and
enormous database of
properties for sale or
r e n t i n To k y o . C o n t a c t
us at 03-3583-6941 or
[email protected]
h t t p : // w w w. r e a l e s t a t e tokyo.com
2.4 House Share
Bright Private Room. Bright,
6. 5 -mat private room in large
residential villa in Asaka, 14min
to Ikebukuro, w/Wi-Fi, washer, TV,
etc. Parking available. ¥42,000/m.
No key money. 090-6349-1296.
[email protected]
House share IN Oji , Tokyo.
Nice upstairs room available .
Quiet location near Oji stn,
Ke i h i n -To h o ku / N a m b o ku
l i n e s , K i t a - k u , To k y o . S h a r e
with two guys (Oz and US).
¥48,000/m plus deposit,
share utilities. No key money.
[email protected]
TWO ROOMS IN 4DK IN SHINJUKU.
Smaller room ¥50,000/m. Bigger
room ¥60,000/m. ¥15,000
deposit. Call 080-5527-5093 or
email higashishinjuku@hotmail.
com
2.6 Buy/Sell Premises
N e at, t wo - sto ry,
3LDK , fully furni shed
Japanese-style house .
Close to rural surroundings,
good shopping center and
surf beaches, just over onehour commute to Tokyo stn,
on Sotobo line. ¥5,500,000.
Te r m s a v a i l a b l e . E m a i l
[email protected]
3 EDUCATION
3.2 Japanese
Teachers
ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE
TE A CHER S . H i g h l y
qualified, experienced
instructors offer individual/
small group lessons at your
home/office/instructor ’s
home. Busine ss/daily
c o n v e r s a t i o n / J L PT
available. Lesson fee from
¥ 2 2 0 0 / h a t i n s t r u c t o r ’s
home, ¥2700/h +
transportation fee for
other locations. Discount
n e g ot i a b l e fo r l o n g e r/
fre que nt /group le s son s .
03 -3 918 - 0876 , 0 4 4 - 8 5 5 5 0 3 9 a j t k yo k a i @ y a h o o .
co.jp http://ajt.rakurakuhp.
net/
J A P A NE S E L E S S ON S
A NY W HERE , A NYTIME .
We are qualified teachers.
Lessons in your area
or online. Prices from
¥ 1 0 0 0/ h (w r i t t e n i n o u r
resumes) emailed to
you. No registration fee!
w w w. sunle s son .
com 090 -2709 -3736
japaneseanywhere@yahoo.
co.jp
3.4 English Teachers
English Teacher. I have nine
years’ experience teaching in four
different countries. I’m currently a
university English teacher. I have a
master’s degree and CELTA/TEFL.
Private: ¥3000/h. Group: ¥4000
total. Email me for more details.
[email protected]
3.5 Language Exchange
English and Japanese. I’m a
Japanese male, 30s, seeking an
English-speaking friend for language
exchange. I used to live in the UK and
Australia, but I’m interested in any
nationality! smile_taro_yamada@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. JF, 20, seeking
a female native English speaker. I want
to improve my English-speaking skills.
If you don’t mind, please send me a
message. Of course, I can teach you
Japanese. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Japanese
female, 30s. I finished school to be
a Japanese teacher. I seek a native
English speaker for a serious language
exchange, weekdays after 5:30pm in
Shibuya, Ginza, Akasaka-Mitsuke or
somewhere on the Denentoshi line.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. こんにちは。 I
am a Japanese studying English. Could
someone teach me English? I will
teach Japanese in return. u171082@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. I am a mature
foreign man working in Tokyo. Have
begun to study Nihongo, am a real
beginner. Would like to meet someone
to help me learn. Help you with English.
I am a fun, friendly, well-educated
gentleman. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Could you
teach English to a very beginner, my
family member? In exchange, I can teach
you Japanese, using English if necessary.
Location: central Tokyo. Time: weekday
evening, between 5:30 and 9:30pm.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi! I’m seeking
a native English speaker for enjoyable,
but serious, language exchange. If you
are interested, please drop me a line.
Thanks! [email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi, are you
looking to improve your English?
Please contact me as I want to improve
my conversational Japanese. Hope
to learn two or three times/week. I
can pay if needed. poobearchan@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Hi, I’m a JF,
20. I can help you with your Japanese.
I seek a native English speaker, M/F ok,
20-29. [email protected]
English and Japanese. JF, 25, seeks
a native English speaker to exchange
language, culture, hobbies. Not really
seeking business-like lessons: more
interested in having fun hanging out.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Seeking
language exchange partners who
speak English and study Japanese.
Would like to meet up somewhere on
Tokyu-Toyoko line. Drop me a line, I will
let you know details. Friendly people
wanted. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Cool,
friendly, intelligent JM seeks native
English speakers for language and
cultural exchange. Let’s enjoy talking
about a variety of topics over coffee
or dinner in English and Japanese.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Japanese
female, 30s, seeks native English speaker
for after work language exchange at
coffee shop in Tokyo. Basic or good
knowledge of Japanese and a sense of
humour are a plus. [email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi, Japanese
seeks a native English speaker for
language exchange, between Shinagawa
and Kawasaki, once/week, a weekday
after work or Sun afternoon. Let’s learn
together. [email protected]
English and Japanese. I’m a JF, 25,
living in Tokyo and seeking English
speakers for language exchange. I
really want to study English, especially
speaking. I can meet you near
Shinjuku. I can help with Japanese.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Can you
teach me Japanese and learn English
from me in return? I have free time
Mon-Fri before 5pm. If you have free
time, let’s meet and help each other.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi, Canadian
male, 30, in Ebisu, seeks language
exchange on weekday mornings/
afternoons. I work all over, so
Kanagawa/east Tokyo ok, too. 同僚と
いつも英語だけ使うから日本語で話したいで
す。 [email protected]
English and Japanese. Japanese,
40s, seeks language exchange at
cafes around the Seibu-Ikebukuro line,
the JR Musashino line, or the Chuo line
area. [email protected]
English, Hungarian, Chinese,
Japanese. I’m fluent in English,
Hungarian, and Chinese. I have
teaching and interpreting experience
in all of these. I’m seeking a Japanese
teacher. Nakano area preferred.
[email protected]
French and Japanese. Cheerful and
fun-loving JF, 29, seeking a language
exchange with a French speaker,
M/F ok. I’m a beginner. Minato-ku.
[email protected]
French and Japanese. Hello, I’m a
JM who wants to learn French. I live
in central Tokyo and I want to see you
once/week to exchange languages. I
need French at work. Please contact
me! [email protected]
3.9 Teach Me!
English lessons. JM, 30, seeks native
English teacher for ¥1000/h lessons
via Skype. [email protected]
English teacher in Ikebukuro.
I’m seeking someone who can teach
during the day. I can pay ¥2000/h.
[email protected]
Math and science. Could you please
teach my son math and science in
Japanese? He is going to have a high
school test. In return, I can teach you
English or pay you. We are in the Tama
City area. [email protected]
Spanish. Seeking Latin American to
teach Spanish conversation. Lessons
in Koto-ku. Please tell me which
country you’re from. nashatosk@
yahoo.com
Teach me Italian. Female seeking
female Italian language teacher
in Tokyo. Please contact me.
[email protected]
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.2 Appliances
Fan, standing, model SKJ-SR51X ¥2000.
Pick up Azabu-Juban stn. max_815@
yahoo.com 090-1559-3656
Fridge, Panasonic, 500L, 1.5 y/o. New
¥200,000+. Sell ¥80,000. Details
available. [email protected] 0906498-1984
Hand mixer, Eupa, w/case, never
used, in excellent condition ¥2500.
[email protected]
Heater, Cadiz, oil, black, on wheels,
1.4kW output, three heat settings
(700W, 800W, 1.4kW), adjustable
thermostat. New ¥38,000. Sell
¥14,000. Pick up near Shimokitazawa.
[email protected]
Humidifier, Vicks V165c, works
perfectly. New ¥5000. Sell ¥1000. Pick up
Nishi-Ogikubo. [email protected]
Humidifier, Rocca RC-KW902
Ultrasonic, brand new ¥2800.
[email protected]
4.3 Sayonara Sale
Sayonara sale! Bookshelves, baby
gate, iMac, beanbag, pollen extractor,
plastic containers, vacuum, didgeridoo,
wooden high chair, etc. Cheap or
free. Pick up Machida/Sagami-Ono.
Photos available. [email protected]
http://sayonarachris.blogspot.com/
08036087015
Sayonara sale! Large digital fridge,
w/ice maker ¥30,000. Digital flat
TV, 43”, w/TV stand, Sony DVD-R/
HDD recorder, etc. ¥70,000. moving.
[email protected]
Sayonara sale! Yogurt maker,
microwave oven, washer, bed, fridge,
chest of drawers (four), shokkidana,
wax heater, massage table, rice cooker.
[email protected]
Sayonara sale! Two-door fridge, in
good condition; washer, works well;
digital microwave/oven/grill; digital flat
TV; Tokyo Gas fan heater; small table,
w/two chairs; imported sofa, seats two.
Details, photos available. sayonara.
[email protected]
Sayonara sale! Fridge (150cm), in
good condition ¥15,000/obo. Sony
Vaio laptop ¥17,000/obo. Bookshelves,
coffeemaker, Muji chair, etc. Pick up
Shonandai. [email protected]
09085007598
4.4 TV & Home Theater
LCD TV 40”, Toshiba Regza, from
Yamada Denki, several m/o, as new, w/
remote, manual, warranty information,
etc. ¥50,000. Photos available.
[email protected]
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Plasma TV 55”, Hitachi Woo, in
excellent condition, w/remote, pivoting
stand. New ¥800,000. Sell ¥200,000/
all. [email protected] 09035172962
TV 46”, Sharp Aquos LC-46GX4W. New
¥380,000. Aquos AN-ACX2 stand/sound
system. New ¥100,000. ¥110,000/both.
[email protected] 090-77349559
4.6 For Kids
Baby jumper, Fisher-Price Rainforest
Jumperoo, for babies 8-18 months, used
three times, as new. New ¥12,000. Sell
¥5000/obo. [email protected]
080-5188-8005
¥2500. Pick up Azabu-Juban stn.
Details, photos available. max_815@
yahoo.com 090-1559-3656
Nintendo DS games, region free,
English, in great condition: “Zelda
Spirit Tracks,” “Zelda Phantom
Hourglass,” “Project Rub” ¥2000/each.
[email protected]
Scrabble set and Concise Oxford
Dictionary, 9th Ed., in good condition
¥1000. Pick up Nishi-Ogikubo/
Kagurazaka. [email protected]
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
4.7 For Free
We can support you with:
Various items. Sharp Healsio steam
oven, rice cooker, two fans, three floor
lamps, three table lamps, desk light, PC
speakers, hairdryer, iron, two vacuums,
electric drill, etc. Pick up only Minato-ku.
[email protected] 080-2012-9353
Visa and immigration
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Hiroshi Oogai,
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
www.j-star.jp
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Other Legal & Business matters
Imperial
Palace
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: [email protected]
AZUMA
LEGAL AND BUSINESS
SUPPORT CENTER
We totally support your Visa and business needs
Our services include:
 Immigration (visa) assistance
 Company Foundation
 Bookkeeping
 Payroll (withholding and year-end adjustments)
 Contents-certified mail
 Other business documents
www.azuma-law.com
Rafine Higashi Ginza 209, 4-4-14, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
Attn: Mr. Ogawa, Representative & Administration Lawyer
email: [email protected] | tel/fax: 03-6226-5105 | mobile: 080-1126-2293
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
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
Stroller, Graco Duo Sport Twin, as new
¥15,000. [email protected]
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: [email protected]
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Various items. Toshiba TV, 60cm,
w/multi-region Pioneer DVD player
DV500K; small, white fridge (84x48cm);
Muji futon-style sofabed. Pick up
only. [email protected]
09025248221
5 HOBBIES & INTERESTS
5.1 Cameras
Lens, Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm 1:1.4D,
w/B&W F-Pro UV filter, lens cap, body
cap ¥100,000. [email protected]
Lens, Mamiya-Sekor ULD 300MM 1:5.6,
w/Mamiya-Nikon F-mount adapter ring
for mounting on Nikon 35mm body,
in great condition ¥30,000. sebre@
mac.com
5.3 Musical Equipment
Bass guitar, Fender Japan P-Bass, ‘60s
reissue, vintage white, maple neck,
Seymour Duncan Bass Lines pickups, w/
Fender gig bag ¥45,000. jkantarakis@
hotmail.co.jp 090-3811-0121
Keyboard, Casio CTK-230, in excellent
condition, w/adapter and metal stand
¥6500. Pick up Komaba-Todaimae.
[email protected]
Organ, Yamaha, pump, antique (Meiji
jidai), in excellent condition, fully
functional, w/beautiful woodwork,
ivory keys ¥24,000. Delivery possible.
[email protected]
Piano, Yamaha P-140, digital, built-in
loudspeakers, w/stand and pedal,
in perfect condition, bought in ‘09
¥55,000. Pick up Kagurazaka. cjriach@
hotmail.com
5.4 Books/CD/DVD
CDs, classical, around 200 available,
mainly solo piano, but w/some orchestral
¥300/each, less if you buy a few. Pick up
Kagurazaka. [email protected]
Dictionary, English, Pocket Oxford
¥500 firm. Pick up Azabu-Juban.
[email protected] 090-1559-3656
Grammar book, “Grammar Spectrum
3: English Rules and Practice,” by
Norman Coe, in excellent condition
¥500. [email protected]
Novel, “Cendrillon,” by Eric Reinhard,
French, 580 pages, received Renaudot
and Medicis prize ¥1000. Pick up near
Shimokitazawa or POD for + ¥500.
[email protected]
5.5 Gaming
Gamepad, ThrustMaster Ferrari
Motors F430 Challenge, limited edition
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 Let’s Party
6 VEHICLES
6.1 Cars, Parts, &
Accessories
Saitama English Playgroup. We’re an
English-speaking playgroup for families
with kids aged 0-12. We meet regularly
for birthdays, play dates and holidays.
Call/email Amy for information. long@
sta.att.ne.jp or 048-883-2536.
Stroller, VIP Baby Bugaboo Cameleon,
black and red, in box. New ¥130,000. Sell
¥80,000/obo. [email protected]
080-5188-8005
Alcoholics Anonymous Tokyo. If
you have a problem with drinking, we
can help. English-speaking meetings
daily. 03-3971-1471 inquiries@
aatokyo.org http://aatokyo.org
J CE
A UTO S
THE A UTOMOBI L E
PRO F E S S ION A L S .
Specializing in car sales,
buy-backs, door-to - door
s h i p p i n g , l o n g - te r m c a r
storage and any other
car-related matters. If you
need assistance with your
car, we are here to help. Tel:
03-6868-3366 or 090-93625098 inquiries@jce-autos.
jp www.jce-autos.jp
7 GENERAL
7.2 Fashion
Clothing, men’s, large variety, brand
names, in excellent condition, size US
XL and XXL. Pick up or try Azabu-Juban.
Photos available. [email protected]
090-1559-3656
G I NZA WORLD FRIEN D S
WINTER SPECIAL PARTY.
Sat, Feb 18, 6-8:30pm, at
Cafe de Centro. Ginza’s only
full-scale and the biggest
international party. Meet
200 people. All-you-candrink and free snacks. ¥3000.
[email protected] www.
worldfriends-party.com/
JAPAN I NTER NATIO NAL
PARTY – Winter Festival.
Sat, Feb 25, 6:30-9pm, Devi
Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
Meet 250 new people. Allyo u - c a n - d ri n k a n d fre e
snacks. ¥3000-¥3500 (JM).
M o b i l e : g e t yo u r f r i e n d .
c o m / m o b i l e /. j i p a r t y @
hotmail.com 090-1735-5405
www.getyourfriend.com/
Coat, real fur, long, black, size 38-40,
reversible, in great condition, rarely
worn ¥10,000/obo. Pick up Yokohama.
[email protected]
Jacket, Abercrombie and Fitch,
women’s, brand new, size M ¥4000.
[email protected]
Suits, large, for men (waist size 110110), eight available, perfect condition
¥8000/each/obo. Photos available.
[email protected]
10 HELP!
10.2 Support
CON S U LTATION . YOKE
Information Corner
provides support for
foreign residents in
Yo ko h a m a i n o r d e r t o
c re a te a c it y wit h ri c h e r
internationalization.
We p rov i d e i n fo r m a t i o n
re g a rd in g d aily life , a n d
free special consultation
opportunities on
immigration, legal
matters and education
by specialists. Privacy
ensured. English, Chinese
and Spanish are available.
Call 045-222-1209
M o n - Fr i , 1 0 a m - 4 : 3 0 p m ,
except 11:30am-12:30pm,
or visit our website.
www.yoke.or.jp/english/
NEED TO TALK?
We’re here to
l i s t e n . TE L L
(Tokyo English
Life Line)
p rovi d e s fre e ,
anonymous telephone counseling
everyday, 9am to 11pm, by trained
vo l u n te e r s : 03 - 57 74 - 0 9 92 .
Af fo r d a b l e a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l
face-to-face counseling in Tokyo
a n d Yo k o h a m a i n m u l t i p l e
languages, a preferred CIGNA and
I n t e r n a t i o n a l S O S / TRIC A RE
provider: 03-4550-1146.
Information on resources, Adult
Talk lectures, Exceptional Parenting
works hop s , an d othe r eve nts
available on the TELL website:
www.telljp.com
SHINJUKU COSMOPOLITAN
P ART Y – G IRL S ’ D A Y
SPECIAL. Sat, Mar 3, 6:209pm, Int’l Club Tokyo Loose.
Shinjuku’s biggest and fullscale international party.
200 p e o p le . Eve r yb o dy
welcome! All-you-can-drink
and free snacks. Female:
¥3000. Male: ¥3500. party@
shinjukuparty.com www.
shinjukuparty.com
RO P P O N G I G AITO M O
INTERNATIONAL PARTY.
Sat, Feb 25, 7:30-10:30pm,
a t N i s h i - A z a b u Lo u n g e
CADENAS. Good opportunity
to talk with Japanese. Meet
150 people. Cash-on-delivery
syste m . ¥1 500 ~/p e rson .
[email protected] http://
gaitomo.ninja-web.net/
TOKYO INT’L FRIENDSHIP
PARTY. Best int’l party every
weekend! Sat, Feb 11: Tokyo
Valentine sushi party. Sat,
Feb 18: Ebisu BBQ menu party.
Sat, Feb 2 5: British menu
par ty. Also, Tokyo speed
dating on Feb 19 and Mar 4.
Please check website! best@
i n t e r n a t i o n a l p a r t y. c o m
www.internationalparty.
com/index_e.html
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 Sports
A M ERI C A N F OOT B ALL .
Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league
Central Division, seeks fit
players w/ US college football
experience for all positions.
Practice every Sat/Sun from
10am-3pm (including meeting)
in Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue
subject to change). Attendance
at practice must be over 60%.
Please contact for tryout info
and send your profile to team
admin. bullsxleague@gmail.
com http://www.unisys.co.jp/
football/
S A TUR D A Y MORNIN G
ZUMBA®. Join the party at
NEXT, 2min from Akasaka
stn! Zumba is the perfect
combination of Latin dance,
upbeat music, fitness and
fun! 7 classes/week, all in
English! Try a free lesson
on us! We also have yoga,
k i c k b ox i n g , k a r a t e , a n d
kids’ karate! [email protected] www.zumba.
jpn.com
S KI a n d S NO W BO A R D
BU S TRIP t o N A G A NO !
300 people expected, so
book your place, too! Fri
night, Mar 2-Sun night, Mar
4. Departs from Ikebukuro
stn. ¥22,000 including bus,
hotel, two meals, two-day
lift pass, party, all-you-candrink, w/DJ. ¥15,000 without
bus. Optional: ¥1000 day
trip to see monkeys at the
onsen. Reservations: tour@
whyn otja pa n .co m . M o re
info : w w w.whynotjapan .
com
ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCH
FOOTBALL . N o n - co nt a c t
tag rugby (OZ tag) and
Rugby League players.
We play every Sat from
1 0 a m i n Ta t s u m i . M / F
and beginners welcome!
Good exercise and fun!
Many other activities
such as BBQs and drinking
parties! Email for details.
tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com http://ameblo.
jp/tokyo13warriors
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE
PLAYERS . Japan ANZAC S
rugby league team is
looking for rugby league
players for Japanese Rugby
League official games
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. For more details,
contact japananzacs@
gmail.com
FENCIN G IN TOKYO. Th e
YMC A F e n c i n g Te a m i s
looking for new members!
Fencing is both a mental and
physical sport that is fun and
challenging! Both Japanese
and foreigners, beginners
and advanced fencers
welcome! [email protected].
ne.jp for more information!
English inquiries welcome.
h t t p : // m e m b e r s 3 . j c o m .
home.ne.jp/tokyo -ymcafencingteam/home.html
Aikido in English. Seidokan Aikido
of Tokyo invites you to practice
a modern style of aikido in an
international environment. Sat, 1-3pm.
Itabashi-ku, Toei Mita/Saikyo line. We
welcome men and women, foreign
and Japanese. dojo@tokyoseidokan.
com www.tokyoseidokan.com
International football club.
5-a-side, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities welcome. Happy and
friendly club! We have many socials.
[email protected]
Tennis in central Tokyo. Join our
international tennis group in central
Tokyo to learn and play tennis. We
organize various sessions on weekday
evenings and weekends for different
levels. Great fun, nice people. Englishspeaking Japanese players are
welcome! [email protected]
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese
and foreign volleyball players gather
in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing.
Have at least a basic level and
want to play volleyball in a friendly
atmosphere? intervollclub@yahoo.
co.jp http://intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
Women’s football club. 5-a-side,
11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or
three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities, experience levels,
beginners welcome. Happy and
friendly club! We have many socials.
[email protected]
13.2 Leisure
Tokyo English Otaku Club. Love
sci-fi? Know the difference between
an android and a cyborg? Want
to know? Join us geeks/otaku for
discussions about geek culture,
and watch movies, play games and
have fun with other geeks. bre2xt@
hotmail.com
Tokyo Extreme Weekenders. For
those who like to escape into nature to
enjoy four seasons of adventure and
activities with like-minded people, our
purpose is to have fun and fulfilling
weekends. Subscribe to mailing list
for latest details. tokyoweekenders@
yahoo.com http://tokyoweekenders.
jimdo.com/
Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard
club for anyone living in, or visiting
Tokyo. We go on big group trips
every weekend in the winter. Powder,
live music events, and parties in
snow. Membership is free! info@
tokyosnowclub.com http://www.
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
13.3 Arts
A RT MO D E L f o r f a s h i o n a r t
photography by individual
p h o t o g r a p h e r. N o p a y m e n t ,
but will provide a DVD or prints
for your time in return. Please
contact for more details. Mail:
[email protected]
Art injection. I’m a Caucasian
girl, 20s, seeking creative artists/
photographers to collaborate with.
I would like to model for artists
interested in things other than fashion
- creative works that are strange,
bizarre and thoughtful. jsakurah@
gmail.com
13.4 Music
Electric guitarist seeking band. Is
your band groovy, sincere, fun, sharplooking and somewhat tight? I’m a
veteran into Detroit rock/Chicago
blues/Memphis soul, but open to
many things. Sorry, can’t play jazz.
[email protected]
Japanese drummer seeking band.
Hi, I’ve been playing the drums since
I was in grade 2. I went overseas to
play music (USA, AZ, Japan). I play
basically rock, pop, funk, jazz, blues,
etc. [email protected]
Musicians in the Jiyugaoka area
sought to meet up, jam, and enjoy
making some noise once/month or
so. I play guitar/bass/sing. Influences
include (but are not limited to) Elvis
Costello, Tom Waits, Pogues, but I’m
open to anything. wemamp@yahoo.
co.uk
14 PERSONALS
14.1 Friends
Koukyo running. Hi! JF, 30s, seeking
friends to jog with around the Imperial
Palace on Sat/Sun. How about running
together for our health? Let me know if
you’re interested. shootingstar3103@
yahoo.co.jp
Seeking friends in central Tokyo.
JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang
out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@
yahoo.co.jp
14.2 Men Looking For
Women
A NICE AND GENTLE BLACK GUY
i s s e e k i n g a n i c e fe m a l e fo r
friendship and more. Any nationality
is ok. Email mr.incredible777@
docomo.ne.jp
Seeking the one. I’m 24,
Canadian, ready to meet the girl of
my dreams. You’re Japanese, 18-30,
cosmopolitan, have ambitions and
are ready to commit to an awesome
relationship with the right guy. I
want to travel the world with the
right girl! I am entrepreneurial
and would like to own a successful
business one day with you.
wandererintheouterdarkness@
yahoo.com
Sincerity is key. A very honest and
sincere Asian male, 34, is seeking
a lady around my age for a serious
relationship, hopefully leading to
marriage. [email protected]
SUBMISSIVE SJM. Cute submissive
SJM, 33, is seriously seeking a
woman who is into, or interested in,
dominating men. I am so submissive,
with six years’ experience, that I can
take whatever and can serve you in
any way. [email protected]
Attractive black girl? Handsome,
young, very athletic, blond American
guy seeking beautiful black girl, any
nationality, under 40. I speak a little of
many languages, so mail and give it a
shot! [email protected]
British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim,
seeking a nice girl to hang out with.
Nationalit y/race unimpor tant ,
but should be 20-35 and have a
nice personality. Interested in
music and film: you should be, too.
[email protected]
Easygoing date? H i , I ’m a n
Italian-looking Canadian male, 34,
good-looking, with brown hair and
eyes. I’m seeking a JF, 30-45, for dates
and friendship. I am single and highly
educated. gavrilop2008@hotmail.
com
European guy, 186cm, slim, seeking
friends, any nationality, to have good
times, go to restaurants, out for drinks,
to hang out, anything fun. Nihongo ok!
See you. [email protected]
Exotic and good-looking JM, 33,
friendly and handsome, in Tokyo,
seeking nice girl to hang out with.
Nationality/race unimportant. Only
nice personality is required. I’m
interested in music and film. sipping_
[email protected]
Hang out with me. I would like to
have a woman to talk to, meet up with,
and enjoy the day with. Thanks for
reading. [email protected]
Interested in JMs? I’m a JM who is
very much into Western (Caucasian)
women. I’m a professional, sexy,
with good manners, and overseas
experience. Email me if you want to
hang out! [email protected]
Japanese girlfriend. British man,
new to Japan, seeks Japanese
girlfriend to show him around. Me:
173cm, blue eyes, blond hair, medium
build, likes music, reading, etc.
[email protected]
Japanese man seeks female. Hi, I’m
a JM seeking a foreign friend. I’m 30,
easygoing, and I like driving, drinking,
movies, dancing at clubs, etc. If you
are seeking a friend, please mail me
back. Any nationality ok. kosuke1016@
hotmail.com
JM for SWF. H a n d s o m e a n d
young professional JM in Tokyo
seeks a SWF living in the Tokyo
area. I’m gentle, smart, humorous,
Westernized, and speak fluent English.
[email protected]
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
JOBS
To advertise:
[email protected]
03-4550-2929
CHAT HOSTS & TEACHERS WANTED
@ LEAFCUP (Tokyo, Yokohama ,
Om iya). Se eking enthusiastic &
proficient Korean, French, Spanish,
German, and/or English speakers
who c a n te ac h a n d le a d l ive ly
conversations @ chat tables and group
lessons. ¥1000-¥1800/h. Apply online:
www.leafcup.com/job.htm
S eeking P art - time
Receptionist. Taking customer
calls, emails, answering inquiries
and coordinating schedules. Ideal
candidate is a detail-orientated,
open-minded multi-tasker with a
flexible schedule. Telecommuting
p o s s ible . Mu st b e able to work
nights, including weekends,
a nd h ave f u nct ion a l Jap a ne s e .
[email protected]
K incarn I nternational
School. International kindergarten,
located in Kawasaki, is seeking
English speakers, any nationality, to
fill positions. Teaching or childcare,
2-year-old to 6-year-old children,
8am- 6pm . F ull-time : 40h /we ek ,
Mon-Fri ¥215,500~. Part-time: 32h/
week, four days/week ¥170,500~. Any
nationality ok. Please email resume to
[email protected]. 044-233-3970
W riters wanted . w w w .
JapanTourist.jp seeks people around
the country who love travel and helping
others understand Japan. Earn flights,
hotel stays, restaurant meals, apparel
and more for your travel writing. We
aim to recruit 1000 writers through ‘12 to
become part of our grassroots network
covering every corner of the country.
Non-professionals are welcome, as are
non-native English speakers. We provide
a style guide and some editing. See www.
japantourist.jp/about/contributing
for details. [email protected]
Let’s be friends. Expat, 42, in
Minato-ku. I live alone in Japan, love
movies, photography, computers,
driving and outdoor activities. Seeking
a JF for friendship and going out
together. [email protected]
Nice guy seeking nice girl. Nice,
down-to-earth American guy, late
20s, seeking a kind, friendly, special
girl. Good Japanese speaker, love
chatting, playing rhythm games,
movies and taking long walks. Let’s
chat! [email protected]
NY Bay is seeking young, energetic
part-timer/full-timer. Japanese or
native English speaker with Japanese
skills for hall, kitchen, bartending and
security. ¥1000~¥1,500/h. Proper visa
required. Tel: 080-5478-3040.
GENTLEMEN’S CLUB in BEAUTIFUL,
S U N N Y O K I NAWA . C h i C h i ’ s &
Dejavu Gentlemen’s Club dancers
wanted. Experienced/ beginners,
Japanese or foreigners with working
visas. Housing and flights, above
average income. Contact Robert at
090-5455-9120 (Japanese/English);
Daniel at 080-2693-5168 (English).
[email protected]
www.voisine-ent.com
R - dx . co . , Ltd . N o w h i r i n g
PC- operators and net models.
Conversational Japanese speakers
preferred. Many cute Cos ready!
Dorm ready! Double-work welcome!
Trial welcome! Average ¥3000/h +
¥10,000/day bonus depending on
your potential. Open 24 hours, flexible
time (early birds, night owls welcome!).
Work at Ikebukuro, Fussa, Shin-Koiwa
office. Work from home available. Tel:
090-6256-9339
Nature Film Network is seeking
support staff for international wildlife
film festival office. Japanese speaking
skill and working visa required.
Applicants interested in wildlife or
documentary films welcomed. Please
send CV and cover letter by email.
[email protected]
GREENGRASS, an international
hostess club in Roppongi, seeks female
English speakers and international
ladies. Good salary of ¥3500/h and
good bonus. Please call 03-3401-3788
or 090-7202-9208. 日本人歓迎.
SALES EXECUTIVE. Metropolis is
looking for a E/J Sales Executive to join
the most successful English language
advertising team in Japan. Great
opportunity to work in advertising
(online and paper) in an exciting media
environment. If you have an interest in
advertising sales and have got the skill,
style and confidence, we’d like to hear
from you. Please send your resume
(E/J) to [email protected].
Romance and dating. Very nice and
sexy gentleman seeks an older, or much
older, woman to have nice dates and a
romance. [email protected]
Seeking a girlfriend. I’m an IT guy
from Bangalore living in Japan. I seek
company to go out for movies, drinking,
etc. [email protected]
educated and traveled, with a stable job,
seeks true love. If you are 20-30s, warm
and caring, and seeking a serious longterm relationship, then please drop me
an email. Serious only, no games. No
Roppongi girls, please. Lasagna5577@
yahoo.com
speaking J/E, seeking a JF who is kind,
sincere and can spice up my life and have
fun together. [email protected]
Tattoo girl. I’m a fit, single Australian,
with brown hair, blue eyes, seeking
a pretty Japanese girl with plenty of
tattoos. Contact me. ilibw69@hotmail.
com
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of
books, films, music, seeks an attractive
British lady with the same interests.
[email protected]
WM seeks older Japanese lady for
fun and friendship. WM, 30, seeking a
warm lady who is a little older, 40-55,
for fun and friendship of a casual
nature. I like walks and eating out.
[email protected]
14.3 Women Looking
For Men
International Japanese guy. JF seeks
an international-minded Japanese guy,
up to 40, for a serious relationship,
possibly leading to marriage. It would
be perfect if he has lived abroad or
has been with a non-Japanese female
before. [email protected]
Mature, attractive SJF, 30s, kind of
pochari, easygoing, polite, with long
hair, many interests, loves the outdoors,
travel, learning about new cultures,
seeks well-educated SWM for sharing a
variety of experiences and wonderful
times. English ok. pink_topaz2010@
yahoo.com
Pretty JF seeks attractive, intelligent,
professional friends working and living
in Tokyo. I’m in my 30s, attractive, slim.
I like dining and drinking out, so let’s
have a drink after work first! ydatw@
yahoo.co.jp
SINGLE? Then this is for you.
Singles-only dating parties,
every Fri night, for foreign
men and Japanese women.
Leave the event with a new
date! Always more women
than men. FREE if signing up
in advance! ¥2000 otherwise.
info@exeo-international.
com
J A P A NE S E W OMEN
S EEK MEN f o r s e r i o u s
relationships possibly
leading to marriage.
Confidential & affordable,
since 1994. Contact TMA for
free pamphlet in English or
Japanese. [email protected].
ne.jp http://tma-marriage.
com 0120-937-909
Attractive Asian? Attractive SJF, 40,
seeks a tall, English-speaking East
Asian guy, 35-40-ish. Let’s meet for a
coffee and chat. Hope you are a nature
lover, smart, down-to-earth. mon02@
hotmail.co.jp
Attractive JF, 30s, in Tokyo, seeks a
Caucasian businessman, nonsmoker,
over 40, and fun to be with. Let’s
meet after work and see if we click.
[email protected]
Can you warm up my heart? Seeking
a single professional over 38 who can
warm up my heart and is willing to
settle down. I’m the down-to-earth type,
caring and fun to be with. Nonsmoking
and serious only. pinky_rosa@mail.
goo.ne.jp
Decent British gentleman. I am
a thoughtful, honest, loving SJF.
Hoping this ad is a good way to meet
a decent British gentlemen for a longterm relationship. Looking forward
to hearing from such a man. london.
[email protected]
European. I would like to meet a
European gentleman for a serious
relationship. I’m a Japanese female,
30s. [email protected]
Feminine beauty. Educated SJF seeks
an established native English speaker.
You have everything else except a
woman to love. Please try me. You will
love what you see. Inner beauty counts,
but I never underestimate the power
of outer beauty. pink808emerald@
gmail.com
Seeking you. Tall and handsome
Aussie/European male, 30, seeks nice
Japanese lady for friendship and a
good time. [email protected]
SJM seeking a date. Internationalminded JM, 34, is seeking a sweet
lady. I like sports, reading, traveling,
art, etc. Let’s have a fun time together.
[email protected]
Fine Japanese woman. I’m a SJF,
mid-30s, tall, slim, with dark, straight
hair, seeking a single and successful
gentleman, 30s-40. Would you like to
talk over coffee with me? Nonsmokers
only! [email protected]
Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, well-
Spice of life. I am an Irish man, early 40s,
Good, close friends. SJF seeks an
intelligent SWM, 45-55, who doesn’t
keep checking text messages, has no
interest in Facebook or Twitter. Prefer
selecting good friends to keeping
anyone as friends. Quality over
quantity. Your nationality and age,
please. [email protected]
Serious only. SJF, 32, seeking special
someone to care for and settle down
with. I’m not seeking “the perfect
one.” Timing is more important to
me. You can be imperfect, but mutual
respect and attraction are important.
[email protected]
Serious relationship, based on good
communication with someone real,
sought. Nonsmoker. hannalucys@
hotmail.com
14.5 Escorts
NO.1 ESCORT CLUB IN TOKYO.
G o rg e o u s a n d b e a u t ifu l
young Japanese ladies. Clean
and discreet. Nurses, OLs,
models. Over 19 years only.
Call: 080-1262-8080. Open:
5pm-12am. Check out real
images at www.clubboo.jp
Japan’s complete Adult
Nightlife Guide for
foreigners! Having trouble
finding a Japanese girl for
fun? Come to http://erolin.net
and check all possible clubs,
b roth e l s a n d e sco r t s fo r
foreigners! When you visit,
don’t forget to mention “Erolin
Guide”! [email protected]
SJF in Tokyo, 34, seeking someone
single, unique, around my age, and
who has common interests like music,
art, trips, nature. E/J speaker preferred.
Seeking a friendship, hopefully for
a serious relationship. sparkleone@
infoseek.jp
Smile together. Genuine, attractive,
down-to-earth JF, soon to be 40, is
seeking a serious relationship. Would
love to meet gentlemen who are
sincere, active, successful. Let’s have
coffee to see if there’s good chemistry
between us. wordsarefewest@yahoo.
co.jp
Someone creative. Me: SJF, 34, living
in Tokyo, seeking someone creative
and unique. I like films, music and art. I
want to find a boyfriend. Please contact
me. [email protected]
Special SWM only. Cute, athletic,
fun SJF, 39, is seeking a special SWM
with a respectable personality, great
intellectuality and a superb sense of
humor. Appearance and job titles are
not important. No online-meeting
freaks. Serious only. mimichi2009@
yahoo.co.jp
Take me away. SJF, mid-30s, enjoys
a stylish and healthy life, is tall and
attractive, lives in Tokyo, seeks a
sophisticated, honest, open-minded,
attractive SWM, with a great sense of his
lifestyle. Would appreciate discovering
new things together. antidotes.4u@
gmail.com
Time to get out. JF, 30s, seeks British
gentleman to share common interests
like traveling, modern art, motorbikes,
film, photography, architecture, BBC
documentaries and British comedies.
Your photo is very much appreciated.
[email protected]
14.4 Gay & Lesbian
Gay or bi friendship. JM, 36, in Tokyo,
seeks friends or more to hang out with
and dine out on weeknights, or take
city walks on weekends. granlicor@
yahoo.co.jp
GJM seeking good guys. Hi, I’m
seeking good people to make friends
with, any nationality ok, 日本人もね!
Let’s meet for coffee for starters. I’m
32, 165cm, 55kg. Yokohama. Yoroshiku!
[email protected]
Hot gay American in Tokyo, 35,
blond, blue eyes, great abs, great chest,
nice legs, great body! Handsome! I am
versatile, but prefer bottom. Seeking a
lover to go to a love hotel together. No
strings attached. g.dave70@yahoo.
com
J A P A NE S E MI L F L I V E
VIDEO CHAT! Want to talk
with mature Japanese
women? Register FREE and
send an email to inq-en@
madamu.tv saying “I saw
Metropolis ” to get ¥1000
wo r t h o f BONU S p o i n t s !
Valid once/person. www.
madamu.tv
Asian Mystique
provides “girl-next-door”
type escorts for your
g i rl fri e n d e xp e ri e n c e i n
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya. Sexy,
friendly Japanese escorts
provide the fun, professional
staff provide peace of
m i n d . S eve n d ays/we e k ,
same day orders welcome.
[email protected]
www.asianmystique.com
14.6 And Others
Cute couple need fun girl. Sexy
British/Spanish couple hoping to
make our fantasies come true. It’s our
first time, but we can’t wait to try. Are
you a cute, exciting girl? Let’s make
some fantasies come true. First timers
welcome. [email protected]
OTK spanking. I’m a friendly JM, late
40s, seeking a strong, strict foreign
woman. I yearn for a traditional, overthe-knee spanking. I’m very serious.
Please straighten me out. spanko110@
hotmail.com
Seeking couples for threesome. SWM,
50, 172cm, muscular build, company
executive, strictly straight, seeks couples
for threesome fun. First timers ok.
Asakusa-Ryogoku area preferred. 日本語
もokです。 [email protected]
15 JOBS
15.1 Job Wanted
HOME HELPER. Experienced
Filipina cleaner and
babysitter. Excellent service
with a smile. References
available. ¥1500/h. Please
contact Chai at 080-4092-8923.
[email protected]
by Cathryn Moe
Horoscope
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 21~June 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
June 22~July 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Aries are moving fast as a flicker this
week. Or at least, your calendar says
you will. But what of the part of you that
just wants to turn off the alarm clock and get back
into that last dream? The push to achieve keeps you
going while four planets in your “dreamy” sector try
to lure you into other realms. You’re likely to have a
mad crush on someone from a past lifetime (but not
know it) as you juggle awesome new events.
Your astrological focus points towards
your career and which moves you
make this week. The Sun shines in this
area and keeps you in its heart. Friends and associations support you. Changes continue and you
may be surprised. No need to worry. Ceres and
Vesta have your back. Love is stable but with Mars
retrograde, you may start to question where you
are. Take your time. Don’t let Mars rush you.
Something you choose to do this week
frees you from past obligations. It’s as
if what has been racked up is suddenly
given a chance to fly to other realms. Now you’re
ready to move to a place within yourself where joy
and peace stay balanced and light overshadows
darkness. Duality becomes less a question as your
focus is both nourishing and rewarding. Finances
are likely to stabilize and possibly overflow.
There comes a time when Cancer
hides out. This is a normal part of your
life when you choose self-preservation
over annihilation. This week may seem similar but
there’s more to it. Three planets and three asteroid
goddesses in your sector of self-enlightenment
keep you from feeling awash. Reading a good
book, watching a movie, and writing to friends
keeps you happily bobbing during high tides.
LEO
VIRGO
Libra
SCORPIO
You may be dealing with legacies,
resources from large corporations, or a
spouse or partner’s personal interests
this week. Three planets and three asteroid
goddesses in this sector of your chart pull you dangerously close to all consuming. However, assuming
you’re not at sea and close to big rocks, this focus is a
positive one, and results in your seeing part of the
picture that was misted over in the past.
There is more energy for you to balance
than you may think. Three planets and
three asteroid goddesses in your sector
of partnerships could just swamp you. However, if
you like floating in feelings or you’re a really good
swimmer, you’ll love what this week holds for you.
Mars retrograde has done a lot of freeing up in your
Sign, which means you can clear out and cruise—
even if a sweetheart is just treading water.
The helpful trine between Saturn
and the Sun brings out a way to make
love stay. You’ll have to come from the
place of self-responsibility, so it may be you really
don’t want this. Either way, you can spend a lovely
afternoon or evening with a person who means a
lot to you. Don’t miss this chance to share, whether
it’s for an hour, a day, or the rest of your life. Work
will soon take your focus. Give yourself a break.
You may spend a lot of money this
week—at least, more on yourself than
you’d expect. It’s time for you to enjoy an
upgrade, a revamp, a facial or a new toy. Scorpios
are ultimately able to save money or live with the
bare essentials for only so long. Then it’s time to
show who you are once again. Don’t hesitate to
give yourself the best for a few days running.
Romance is everywhere, even at work!
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20~Feb 18 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 19~Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
You chose freedom and independence
over rigid schedules and conformity.
Now that you look around, it may seem
like others’ willingness to stick with the herd was a
better choice to make. Don’t believe it. Just around
the corner, your skills, whatever they may be, will
be worth more than money. As for love—why are
you hesitating? Could it be you have outgrown the
puppy dog eyes and are waiting for a big bear hug?
The Capricorn Moon connects with
Pluto in a big way this week. Expect a
revolution in your feelings that could
rewrite your priorities. It’s like a screen of “reality”
just came down and you see the mad scientists
behind it. The Sun lights up your life at home as
it transits there beginnning Sunday. Find a way
to express emotions so they work for you. There
might be many. A luxurious break is soon yours.
Want more from life than you’re seeing
now? This could be a recurring theme
with Mars and Saturn retrograde. Your
wish list might include where you’d like to be, be
doing, and with whom. Yet the external show (the
part we call life) seems to move oh-so-slowly. Add
to that a time of growth and “initiation” that responsibilities bring! It’s no wonder your creative juices
work overtime—which is why you’ll succeed.
Either you’re enjoying the ride through
the rapids—or feeling deluged. Either
way, three planets and two asteroids
in your Sign are likely to attract your notice. This
quality of dreamy reverie (yours or others’) could
at times make you feel over-saturated this week.
Don’t let this spaced-out feeling keep you from
your goals. It’s great for falling in love, not so great
for finding your keys. Happy Birthday to you, too!
Mar 21~Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
July 23~Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Nov 22~Dec 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Apr 20~May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Aug 23~Sep 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Dec 22~Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Metropolis Mediabox
Regarding “Storm in a Tokyo Tea
Cup” (The Last Word, Feb 3): If there’s
one thing in this world I truly love,
it’s seeing the girls who wouldn’t talk
to me in high school have tantrums.
Your original article was funny, but
this one—and the reaction to “Call
of the Styled”—makes me very, very
happy. Keep doing what you’re doing,
Swedish lady.—outlawhorse
I took this article as being ironic, i.e.,
these expat wives think they’re so
Sep 23~Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣
Oct 23~Nov 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
PISCES
facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine
metropolis.co.jp/community
twitter.com/MetropolisTokyo
metrodining.jp
Shane Busato
EX-EXPAT WIFE
CANCER
untouchable
that they
could
ostracize
a writer
for saying
something
bad about
them. Ha,
ha…right?
*gulp*
—Charltzy
Some people
need to pull
their nail files
out of their ass and learn how to have a
laugh at themselves.—Janelle Truman
I loved that piece... Get over yourselves
ladies!—Melissa Schappell
As my ”expat husband” just said—you
know you are too close to home
for some when you provoke such
anger...—@VickiCorker
Nothing wrong with sarcasm but the
article (inc. this one) was hamhandedly
written. #keepdayjob—@jkendytokyo
QUIT YOUR BEERCHING
Regarding “Good Beer Faucets” (Bar
Review, Jan 20): Who are you? It really
seems like you don’t enjoy what you
do and why you do it. Where is your
integrity? You list beers and bars like
you know what you are talking about.
If you know so much, how didn’t you
come to the conclusion that a bar with
the most cutting edge beer dispensing
system in Japan might have a couple
kinks to work out in the first week?
Did you ask any of the staff or did
you just sit up on your high-chair
chuckling about the warm beer and
the poor review you were intending
to write? This review does nothing to
promote a truly original place, with
excellent food, a world beer selection
and fair prices. In no way do I condone
warm beer, but to focus on that aspect
without the littlest bit of warmth shows
that you are not part of the scene,
disconnected from what is going on in
craft beer and really need to evaluate
your motives. Journalistic integrity is
one thing, reporting the facts, sure you
got a warm beer, but get over it. See the
bigger picture. This article is just sad. It
discourages when it should encourage.
Go back, or don’t, but don’t count
on getting a seat, the place is pretty
packed.—beermeplease
DIY ONE MORE TIME
Regarding “Half Price Home” (The Last
Word, Jan 19): Someone once asked
me, incredulously, “I’ve heard that in
foreign countries some people buy an
older house and fix it up themselves. IS
THAT TRUE?”—japanjin
GETTING SOME
Are there any outlets in or near
Koshigaya City, Saitama distributing
your amazing magazine?
—Patuki Harding
Hi Patuki. We used to distribute to Tower
Records, Burger King and other shops in
Koshigaya, but due to shop closures etc,
closest points are now in Kawagoe and
Urawa. You can subscribe to Metropolis
for the cost of postage at http://
metropolis.co.jp/subscription—Eds
Metropolis wants to hear from you. Send your comments to [email protected]. Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.
The Last Word
Want to have The Last Word? Send your article
to: [email protected]
can’t stoP the K-pop
J-pop is losing
the popularity
contest in the
West
By Charles Ayres
Let’s consider these factors:
The Jailbait Factor
While many K-pop artists are young,
I never get a dirty feeling watching
them. J-pop groups such as AKB48
t a ke u nder age g i rl s a nd oversexualize them in tarted up outfits
t hat look, to ma ny Wester ners,
inappropriate on junior-high-schoolaged girls. Though plenty of J-pop
exists outside this realm, AKB48 and
their progenitors (such as Morning
Musume) give it a squeaky, geeky
infantile stigma.
had the assistance of super producers. Take Hikaru Utada, for example.
She hired multi-platinum producers such as Stargate (Rihanna, Katy
Perry) and Timbaland (Madonna,
Missy Elliott). They not only failed to
draft Utada a hit—they didn’t even
push her in the right direction. It was
obvious Utada had no one around
her to tell her t hat “You’re easy
breezy, and I’m Japanese-y” was possibly the worst lyrical couplet in all of
recorded history. Utada’s releases
flopped in North America, making
her part of the losers clique along-
The K-pop Fun Factor
Shane Busato
D
espite Japan’s worldw ide success in pop
culture arenas such as
film and animation,
global pop music success has always been elusive. Ayumi
Hamasaki, SMAP and their cohorts
have a presence in Asia, but major
label releases of Japanese artists in
the West have always resulted in a
laughable series of belly flops. I am
not counting notable Japanese indie
artists; but artists who want charttopping, multi-platinum, Caesar’s
Palace-size success.
Enter K-pop. Its buzz has been
growing worldwide and last week
Interscope Records dropped Girls’
Generation’s first album in the US.
Not to be left out, Will.I.Am of the
Black Eyed Peas has been grooming
girl group 2NE1 for international
stardom. The stage is set for a global
Korean invasion, while in the world
of J-pop everything has been downhill since Kyu Sakamoto’s “Sukiyaki”
in 1963. How is it that J-pop can’t
create a truly global star, while their
Korean counterparts are dancing
their way to the top in tight vinyl
mini-skirts?
The Swagger Factor
With nasal voices and cutesy simpering, could J-pop females ever
appeal to audiences used to the confident strut of divas such as Rihanna
or Mar y J. Blige? Something like
“swagger” is certainly not a concept
you can quantitatively measure, but
in the few videos I have seen online
of Korean pop singers, they have a
dynamic confidence that appeals to
Westerners. Go check out “I am the
Best” by 2NE1 on YouTube and you’ll
see what I mean.
The Parasite
Producer Factor
The J-pop artists that have made
major label releases in the States have
side Toshinobu Kubota and Seiko
Matsuda. You get the feeling these
J-pop artists dished out large wads of
cash to producers who were actually
saving their best promoting power
for the next album by a Western star
like Beyoncé or Bruno Mars.
The Unknown
Quantity Factor
There is a basic awareness about
Japan in the West due to cultural
exports such as anime, Pokémon,
sushi and Toyota. Conversely, Korea
has been under the radar. The average person might know there was a
war in Korea, and that the northern
part had a chunky nugget dictator
who just died. And wow! Now they
have dozens of beautiful girl groups
who dance and sing whimsically for
our pleasure. Recent media attention
might come from South Korea’s newkid-on-the-block factor, perhaps
stemming from the fact that the ROK
has only recently joined the table of
economically advanced nations.
Between the flashiness and dancing,
at its best K-pop has a modern sound
and a transportive element to it—the
videos take you to a kaleidoscopic
future where people are beautiful
and expressive. At its worst K-pop is
an amalgam of manufactured pop
clichés with corny outfits that look
left over from ’90s La Bouche videos
(remember “Be My Lover?”). K-pop
is out to entertain you, whether you
like it or not.
W
ill t he K-pop phenomenon be a per ma nent
trend that changes the
game in the music world? There are
signs it will, such as Madison Square
Garden having already been sold
out by several Korean acts in 2011.
Also, videos on YouTube by K-pop
stars regularly clock up tens of millions of views. Will this really add up
to chart-topping success? It remains
to be seen if K-pop will be more than
just a novelty and crossover with the
Western-music buying public. If we
end up seeing K-pop singers duking it out for #1 on Billboard along
with Lil’ Wayne and Lady Gaga, then
J-pop artists might just end up crying into their kimchee.
While many K-pop
artists are young,
I never get a dirty
feeling watching
them”
■ Impossibly Glamorous author
Charles Ayres spends his days as a
bon vivant in San Francisco, CA. In
addition to this ebook, he chronicles
his pop culture commentary at
impossiblyglamorous.com.
ComingupINMETROPOLIS
feature: The haikyo experience DINING
OUT: ALL SPICE INDIAN IN AKASAKA THE LAST
WORD: does your bento measure up?
check us out
www.metropolis.co.jp
get your
next printed
copy Friday,
Mar 2

934 Feb 17~Mar 1, 2012

Transcription

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