Metropolis-1043
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Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine<br />
www.metropolis.co.jp<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> Mar 21~Apr 3, 2014<br />
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06 FEATURE<br />
A YEN FOR<br />
BLOGGING<br />
Photo of the week<br />
Submit your snaps at http://metropolis.co.jp/photo<br />
GORDON’S<br />
SPRING PARTY<br />
03 THE SMALL PRINT<br />
04 UPFRONT<br />
05 INTERVIEW<br />
09 AGENDA<br />
10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT<br />
12 LISTINGS<br />
18 MOVIES<br />
21 DINING OUT<br />
23 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS<br />
29 HOROSCOPE & MEDIA BOX<br />
30 LAST WORD<br />
COVER DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI, ILLUSTRATION: AYA FRANCISCO,<br />
COURTESY OF TOFUGU<br />
Commuters assume the position with their smartphones at<br />
Nakano station, by Martin Irwin.<br />
Pub Cardinal Marunouchi, TOKIA 1F Tokyo Bldg.<br />
2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku<br />
More info: metropolis.co.jp/events<br />
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The Small Print<br />
By Steve Trautlein<br />
“<br />
WE WILL NOT BE<br />
SATISFIED UNTIL ALL<br />
THOSE CHILDREN ARE HOME<br />
WHERE THEY BELONG”<br />
—US State Department official Susan Jacobs, calling for<br />
the return to American parents of children wrongfully<br />
taken to Japan by their Japanese partners<br />
OH, SO NOW YOU TELL US<br />
ćć<br />
Following the crash of the Tokyo-based Bitcoin<br />
exchange Mt. Gox, Finance Minister Taro<br />
Aso said that “he had been thinking that the<br />
digital currency would collapse sooner or later.”<br />
ćć<br />
On the occasion of his 54th birthday last month,<br />
Crown Prince Naruhito vowed to “to continue<br />
respecting the Constitution.”<br />
ćć<br />
Researchers at Fukuoka National Hospital have<br />
determined what every hay fever sufferer already<br />
knows: that inflammation in the nose can<br />
worsen sleep quality.<br />
ćć<br />
Headline of the Week: “Military Police Officer’s<br />
Confidential Journal on 1936 Failed Coup Discovered<br />
in Liquor Shop” (via Mainichi Japan)<br />
PRIORITIES<br />
ćć<br />
A former prison official testifying at a murder<br />
trial in Osaka said death-row prisoners are kept<br />
in solitary confinement “except when they are<br />
allowed to exercise or take a bath.”<br />
ćć<br />
The tobacco-friendly LDP has proposed a<br />
change to the Industrial Safety and Health<br />
Act that would dump the requirement on<br />
businesses to “keep secondhand smoke out of<br />
smoke-free spaces.”<br />
ćć<br />
In response to the vandalization of hundreds<br />
of copies of The Diaries of Anne Frank in Tokyo,<br />
officials at the Israeli Embassy announced that<br />
they will donate 300 copies of the book to local<br />
libraries.<br />
ćć<br />
The Cabinet Office says fewer Japanese school<br />
kids used content filtering functions on their<br />
keitai last year—the first drop since officials began<br />
keeping records in 2009.<br />
WHITE, POWDERY STUFF<br />
CAMILLE PERRY<br />
ćć<br />
Customs officials at Narita Airport say they confiscated<br />
270kg of stimulants last year. That’s a 60<br />
percent rise from the amount seized in 2012 and<br />
the most since the airport opened in 1978.<br />
ćć<br />
Officials in Yamanashi say 115 hectares of agricultural<br />
facilities were damaged or destroyed by<br />
the heavy snow last month.<br />
ćć<br />
Meanwhile, the blizzards are being blamed<br />
for crushing a total of 406 carports in seven<br />
prefectures.<br />
ćć<br />
Officials at JAXA announced the successful<br />
launch of a rocket carrying a weather observatory<br />
that’s intended “to prevent disasters caused<br />
by heavy rain and snow.”<br />
FOREIGN RELATIONS<br />
ćć<br />
A pair of maiko apprentice geisha from Kyoto<br />
gave dance performances in New Delhi and<br />
Chennai as part of a tour organized by the Japan<br />
Foundation.<br />
ćć<br />
A museum in Shiga has put on display documents<br />
related to the so-called Otsu incident—the<br />
attempted assassination of the future Emperor<br />
Nicholas II of Russia in central Japan in 1891.<br />
ćć<br />
About 270 GSDF troops traveled to California to<br />
take part in a drill with US Marines that simulated<br />
the “recapture of an uninhabited island<br />
occupied by enemy forces.”<br />
ćć<br />
Officials in charge of the torch relay for the 2020<br />
Tokyo Olympics are mulling a plan to have the<br />
route pass through disaster-hit Fukushima.<br />
AND FINALLY…<br />
ćć<br />
Police in Osaka arrested a 32-year-old salaryman<br />
for “creating fake websites promoting luxury<br />
express train services.”<br />
ćć<br />
The government says it will enlist volunteer spotters<br />
to alert local meteorological observation<br />
centers of abnormal weather conditions.<br />
ćć<br />
It was reported that 46 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures<br />
are expected to post tax revenue growth in fiscal<br />
2014, the only exception being the slackers in<br />
Yamanashi.<br />
ćć<br />
Bottom Story of the Week: “Hula Dancers Seek to<br />
Cheer Evacuees of Disaster“ (via The Japan News).<br />
340<br />
Number of wristwatch models on display at the Japan<br />
Watch Collection, a twice-yearly trade show held last<br />
month at the Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo<br />
10<br />
Prefectures in Japan that issued pollution warnings<br />
in February because of high levels of the PM 2.5<br />
microparticle<br />
$1.5 billion<br />
Amount transferred by Japan to the Central Bank of<br />
Iran for oil payments that had previously been halted<br />
by sanctions<br />
COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03
Upfront<br />
hanami photo contest<br />
FREE DOWNLOAD<br />
123RF<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> is collaborating with our stock image supplier,<br />
123RF, to find and reward the best shot of hanami<br />
revelry captured on a smartphone using the free 123RF<br />
On-The-Go mobile app. Register as a 123rf member then<br />
upload your best photo of the annual sakura celebrations<br />
with the keyword “<strong>Metropolis</strong>Tokyo”. Photo must<br />
include both cherry blossoms and people. We’re looking<br />
for creative shots that combine the two elements—not<br />
just close-ups of flowers or trees. The top photo chosen<br />
will receive USD $300 from 123RF and be printed as<br />
the <strong>Metropolis</strong> “Photo of the Week” in our April 18 issue.<br />
Second prize will receive a traditional kitchen knife<br />
from Kamata Hakensha while third place will receive<br />
a dinner voucher for a romantic dinner for two at 148<br />
Azabu Jyuban courtesy of <strong>Metropolis</strong>.<br />
Deadline for submission: noon on Fri, Apr11.<br />
SPONSORS<br />
Kamata Hakensha<br />
pillow fight club<br />
app<br />
Remember throwing<br />
pillows at your siblings<br />
when you were a kid?<br />
Now you can relieve<br />
the your memories as<br />
Makura Co has developed<br />
a pillow fight<br />
pillow (¥3,150), especially<br />
designed to give<br />
you a competitive edge.<br />
The company even held<br />
mass fights to perfect the<br />
design. It is stuffed with a crushed latex material that is flexible and elastic, making<br />
the pillow easier to throw further and the softness also prevents hurting your target<br />
too much. Zippers, tags and other embellishments have been left off alongwith decorations<br />
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getting hit, and the grey-and-white border design helps you recognize any incoming<br />
cushions. Since it can be used normal, it's the perfect weapon at sleepover. But<br />
remember the first rule of pillow fight club is to talk about it a lot, so others will join<br />
in the fun. -Ai Hosokawa<br />
Finding new ways to match garments to each<br />
other can help you get more mileage out of your<br />
wardrobe. The Wear App helps you do just that.<br />
Users share photos of full outfits—as well as<br />
individual items—so others can discover new<br />
coordination ideas. Fashion brands also use the<br />
service to show off the best combos of their items<br />
together and models use it to get extra exposure.<br />
Unlike many apps that are limited to brand and<br />
item choices, you can search using certain terms<br />
such as “men’s”, “women’s”, “kids’”, particular colors<br />
or patterns, and so on. Normal users are called<br />
“wearistas” and official accounts are called “shop<br />
staff.” Once new coordinates are made, they can be<br />
shared and commented on. It also saves you from<br />
having to say to random strangers, “I love your<br />
skirt, where did you get it?”<br />
Free for Android and iPhone.<br />
http://wear.jp/first/<br />
honto?<br />
Anyone learning a foreign language is bound<br />
to make mistakes, and Japanese is especially<br />
tricky. But sometimes language mistakes<br />
can be endearing to native speakers. Here’s<br />
what some Japanese women found kawaii<br />
coming from the lips of foreigners.<br />
“An American guy would always use sou ne<br />
when actively listening. I guess his teacher<br />
must have been a woman.”<br />
- 20-year-old student<br />
”During an English to Japanese translation<br />
test, “doctor” became ika-san (Mr. Squid)<br />
instead of oisshasan. It was cute, even though<br />
he was an old guy.”<br />
- 24-year-old finance worker<br />
“There were two middle-aged foreign gentlemen sitting in the seats next to me at a soba<br />
restaurant. Without looking at the menu, they ordered stiffly, but perfectly morisoba,<br />
ichimai. This was followed by tempura no momowawase and the waiter responded with<br />
a giggle. Apparently moriawase (large helping) was too difficult.”<br />
- 28-year-old office worker<br />
Source: http://trendnews.yahoo.co.jp -Taiichi Izawa<br />
statshot<br />
Come April, fresh-faced<br />
college grads will be be<br />
joining the Japanese<br />
work force. They will<br />
have a lot to learn, especially<br />
how not to tick off<br />
people already in the<br />
company. Office workers<br />
were asked what comments<br />
by kohai (juniors)<br />
annoy them the most.<br />
1. But that’s not my job.................................................................................................................... 738 responses<br />
2. Is there any point to this task?............................................................................................ 409<br />
3. No one told me to do it (so I didn’t)................................................................................... 386<br />
4. I don’t want to do that................................................................................................................ 293<br />
5. It’s not my fault................................................................................................................................ 284<br />
6. (In the morning) Ahh, I’m tired!......................................................................................... 253<br />
7. Why do I have to............................................................................................................................. 251<br />
8. I didn’t think you meant to do it now............................................................................. 218<br />
9. (In the morning) I want to go home................................................................................ 183<br />
10. I didn’t hear anything about that.................................................................................. 153<br />
Source: http://ranking.goo.ne.jp<br />
04 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
interview<br />
PURPLE<br />
HEARTS<br />
A former Navy SEAL<br />
brings his tale<br />
of survival full circle<br />
By Kevin Mcgue<br />
Abox office hit grossing over $100 million in the<br />
US, Lone Survivor has been hailed by critics as<br />
the best war film since Saving Private Ryan. It<br />
tells the harrowing story of a Navy SEAL who is part of<br />
a recon team sent into a remote region of Afghanistan<br />
that is ambushed by insurgents. After a fierce battle<br />
claims all of his comrades, he drags himself off the<br />
mountain. A villager takes great risks to hide him, saving<br />
him from beheading at the hands of the Taliban.<br />
The tale would be nearly impossible to believe if<br />
it were not the true story of Marcus Luttrell, a Texas<br />
native who returned home and wrote a memoir that<br />
became a New York Times bestseller and the basis of<br />
the film. “The first thing you have got to know is that this<br />
is not my story,” he tells <strong>Metropolis</strong> during his first visit<br />
to Japan. With an imposing physical presence, but a<br />
sweet, down-home demeanor, Luttrell leans in to make<br />
his point. “That’s our story.”<br />
He is referring to the three other members of the<br />
team who did not make it off the mountain alive, as<br />
well as eight other SEALs and eight Army commandos<br />
who died when rescue helicopters were shot down. He<br />
is quick to dispel doubts viewers may have about the<br />
onscreen characters carrying on after sustaining shrapnel,<br />
AK-47 fire and broken bones. “The special effects<br />
PHOTO: JULIO SHIIKI<br />
were based directly on the<br />
actual autopsy reports,” he says.<br />
“They kept fighting and simply<br />
succumbed to their injures.”<br />
If anything, the film tones<br />
down their remarkable perseverance.<br />
Mark Wahlberg,<br />
who plays Luttrell in the film, is<br />
shown waking up in the Afghan<br />
wilderness before limping off<br />
to the nearest village. In reality,<br />
Luttrell was paralyzed from<br />
the chest down and crawled all<br />
night, drawing lines in the dirt<br />
with a rock to give himself new<br />
goals to reach. “I have always<br />
loved the challenge of playing<br />
regular guys who have had to go<br />
through extraordinary things,”<br />
Wahlberg said at a Los Angeles<br />
screening of the film. “Marcus<br />
is not ordinary. He is an extraordinary<br />
guy who survived the<br />
impossible.”<br />
Wahlberg, who is known for<br />
beefing up for action roles, went<br />
through gruelling training in<br />
order to do justice to Luttrell’s<br />
story. The first 80 pages of<br />
Luttrell’s book are devoted to<br />
the rigors of SEAL training, which in the film are compressed<br />
into an opening credit sequence using actual<br />
Navy footage. “They call it the Hollywood class,” Luttrell<br />
says with a laugh. “They do a full day of training and<br />
after the cameras leave, they really put the smackdown<br />
on them.” Wahlberg had to replicate the training in a<br />
month, but had the best trainer possible—Luttrell himself.<br />
“SEALs don’t really get starstuck,” Luttrell says. “I<br />
said 'there is your gear and meet me in the range in five<br />
minutes. We were on them hard, in their face.”<br />
Luttrell was on the set during filming to ensure the<br />
actors acted like SEALs but says he didn’t “want to step<br />
on anyone’s toes.” The town of Chilili, New Mexico was<br />
transformed into an Afghan village. “It was just like<br />
walking into Afghanistan,” Luttrell recalls. The realism<br />
also impressed another visitor—Mohammad Gulab, the<br />
Pashtun tribal leader who refused bribes and threats<br />
from the Taliban to save the American. Although a<br />
language barrier prevented him from knowing it at the<br />
time, Luttrell later learned Gulab acted out of a code of<br />
honor called Pashtunwali.<br />
That honor code reminded Luttrell of the bushido<br />
he learned as part of martial arts study at age seven,<br />
leading him to join the Navy. “I carried all that knowledge<br />
I had learned from the Japanese and Okinawans<br />
into the SEALs, and I was a better man for it.” Coming to<br />
Japan to promote the film gave him the opportunity to<br />
see some of the origins and bring his story full circle.<br />
Since writing his bestseller, Luttrell was medically<br />
discharged from the Navy and founded the Lone Survivor<br />
Foundation to renew hope for wounded soldiers<br />
and their families. He welcomes the attention the film<br />
has brought his foundation, allowing him to move on<br />
while helping other soldiers do the same.<br />
Lone Survivor is now playing.<br />
Marcus Luttrell's memoir is<br />
available from Amazon.co.jp in<br />
book and audiobook formats, and<br />
has been published in Japanese as<br />
Afghan, Tatta Hitori no Seikan.<br />
Dear AMA,<br />
Upfront<br />
A M<br />
A<br />
ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING<br />
I’m really worried about my friend, who I think has picked<br />
up a drinking problem. It started from going out with him<br />
after work for some drinks, to watching him get super<br />
drunk every night. It’s gotten so bad that he’s late for work,<br />
he’s forgetting what day it is, waking up in random places,<br />
and so on. I hate seeing him like this. I know he’s having<br />
some family issues, something about his wife being too<br />
controlling, but his drinking is getting so out of hand that<br />
he’s close to getting fired from work. I’ve had a heart-toheart<br />
with him numerous times but he won’t stop—he<br />
can’t. What can I do for him? — A friend<br />
Dear A friend,<br />
Alcohol is often the way many men and women worldwide<br />
try to manage problems in their lives. While<br />
having a drink now and then in moderation can be a<br />
good way to reduce stress in our lives, too much or too<br />
often only exacerbates the problem physically, socially<br />
and emotionally. You sound right to be worried about<br />
your friend—his drinking has escalated. Talking to him<br />
and letting him know you are worried and are there for<br />
him is good first step. It is important to avoid sermons<br />
or lectures, but to tell him know how worried you are<br />
about him, how you care about him and how important<br />
your friendship is. Choose a place that is private and<br />
when he is sober, make sure you distinguish between<br />
him as a person and his drinking behaviors. Also make<br />
sure not to get into any arguments. Based upon what<br />
you described, your friend's alcohol abuse may require<br />
medical intervention and we would strongly encourage<br />
him to get help. Have a list of different supports<br />
available in Japan from AA, the TELL Lifeline and professional<br />
face-to-face counseling. He is lucky to have a<br />
friend looking out for him.<br />
This answer comes courtesy of TELL Life Line. If you need<br />
to talk, they're here to listen. Call TELL at 03 5774-0992 or<br />
visit their website at www.telljp.com.<br />
If you want to “Ask <strong>Metropolis</strong> Anything” about life<br />
in Tokyo, send your questions to askanything@<br />
metropolis.co.jp and we’ll find the most appropriate<br />
people to answer your queries.<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05
Feature<br />
It's raining man —Tofugu's (www.tofugu.com)<br />
Koichi rakes in his blogging profits.<br />
WHY J-BLOG?<br />
Besides blogging about finances, self-development<br />
or straight-up blogging about blogging,<br />
J-blogging (that’s blogging about Japan-related<br />
things) is actually one of the more lucrative blogging<br />
categories out there. That may be surprising<br />
news to most of you, though. But I assure you, the<br />
money is out there. A lot of it, in fact.<br />
Despite Japan’s shrinking economy, dwindling<br />
population, environmental issues and decreasing<br />
relevance on the Asian stage, there is a disproportionately<br />
large number of people on this earth who<br />
just plain love Japan.<br />
Here’s what I think happened: Millions upon<br />
millions of people grew up with Japanese anime.<br />
During my own childhood, in fact, I have memories<br />
of my friends and I running home to watch the<br />
next exciting installment of Dragonball-Z. There<br />
was nothing like it on American TV, and the cliffhanger<br />
that ended every episode had me hooked.<br />
Back then there were only a few anime shows on<br />
TV. Fast forward to 2014 and it feels like you ought<br />
to rename any cartoon channel to “The Anime<br />
Channel.” Japan has owned our childhoods for<br />
twenty-plus years and there’s no slowing in sight.<br />
Animation is just the seed, though. And for<br />
some, the seed lays dormant. For others, the seed<br />
spreads its roots and a person’s interest in Japan<br />
grows: Do you like this anime? The manga version<br />
is two chapters ahead! Want more of this Pokémon<br />
thing? There’s a card game and video game to go<br />
along with it! Did you just watch an episode in Japanese?<br />
Hmm, maybe you should learn Japanese.<br />
Just think of how many more shows you could<br />
watch!<br />
A YEN FOR<br />
BLOGGING<br />
Tofugu founder offers<br />
practical advice<br />
for bloggers in<br />
Japan<br />
As you can see, it’s not just about cartoons.<br />
That’s where it might have started for millions of<br />
people, but eventually it grew into something else.<br />
For some it’s language, for others it’s travel and<br />
for yet others it’s food. The list goes on. This is the<br />
group of people who grew up on Japan, and from<br />
here on out I’ll be referring to them as the “J-Generation.”<br />
This also happens to be the group from<br />
which J-bloggers make their livings.<br />
GETTING STARTED<br />
So you want to make some money off your site?<br />
Maybe part-time, maybe full-time, maybe just a<br />
handful of extra income to go out drinking. I can<br />
tell you one thing right away: Your current Wordpress<br />
acount about your “day-to-day experiences<br />
teaching English in Japan” probably will not help<br />
you to do this. The J-Generation just doesn’t care.<br />
So what do they care about? At the core, we<br />
know they care about anime. Many have moved<br />
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOFUGU<br />
on to other Japan-interests, but this is where it all<br />
originated. From there we can branch out to other<br />
Japan-related topics. Some are bigger than others,<br />
but they all connect back to anime in one way or<br />
another. Personally, I see it as something like this:<br />
The center (anime) happens to be a very lucrative<br />
topic. Even the bad anime blogs seem to do<br />
pretty well, at least in terms of popularity. There is<br />
plenty of audience to go around. Then we branch<br />
out to manga, which is really just a sub-category<br />
of anime, so the same holds true here. Basically,<br />
we’ll learn, the closer you are to “anime” in terms<br />
of connections, the more likely you are to be able<br />
to profit off your J-Generation audience.<br />
The biggest self-contained section is “language.”<br />
There are several reasons for this. First,<br />
they’ll eventually see some anime that’s in Japanese,<br />
which will plant the seed: “Hmm, maybe I<br />
want to learn Japanese.” Second, learning the language<br />
just feels like a natural progression. If you<br />
like Japan, why not learn the language?<br />
From here the chart branches out further.<br />
If you’re interested in language, there’s a good<br />
chance you want to travel to Japan. If you want to<br />
travel to Japan, you are probably interested in Japanese<br />
food. These topics can potentially branch<br />
out an infinite number of times, though from<br />
my own observation the more steps away from<br />
“anime” you are the smaller your audience gets.<br />
So now I want you to consider your own interests<br />
and the things you could blog about. While<br />
doing so, answer the following questions:<br />
How many steps away from the core (anime) is it?<br />
Will the J-Generation care about this? Will I<br />
care about this?<br />
06 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Q&A<br />
MARKY STAR<br />
Passion project goes viral<br />
By Kevin McGue<br />
While some start blogs in order to win a large<br />
audience and eventual profits, Marky Star<br />
started his Japan This! (http://markystar.<br />
wordpress.com/) as a means of exploring his interest<br />
in the obscure side of Japanese history. What started<br />
as a personal project has developed into a valuable and<br />
widely-read resource for Japan buffs around the world.<br />
Why did you decide to start “Japan This!”?<br />
When I’d make references to Japanese holidays on<br />
Facebook or in emails to my friends and family living<br />
outside of Japan, I found myself re-explaining them<br />
again and again to each person. Instead of repeating<br />
myself, I thought it would be a good idea to write a few<br />
articles like “Japanese New Year” or “Coming of Age<br />
Day” and keep them all in one place where I could refer<br />
people. Then I ran out of topics and just got bored with<br />
the whole thing.<br />
The reason I relaunched it and continue is that<br />
for the past nine years I’ve been obsessed with Japanese<br />
history. I also have a background in historical<br />
linguistics. In my free time, I’d research historical or<br />
linguistic topics. Since most of the information I was<br />
looking for was only available in Japanese, it seemed a<br />
shame to just keep all the cool stuff I was finding locked<br />
in my head. I wanted to make a place where I could have<br />
a permanent record of the stuff in English and share it<br />
with anyone else who had the same questions. I figured<br />
there might be one or two people out there who would<br />
be curious.<br />
You address such seldom asked questions as “What<br />
does Setagaya mean?” What drives you to explore<br />
such obscure topics?<br />
I think these are very natural questions to ask. I mean,<br />
if you look at the kanji for any given place name you’re<br />
bombarded with a frothy mixture of meaning, imagery<br />
and history. When I first came to Japan, I’d look at a<br />
simple place name like 谷 中 (Yanaka, “valley in the middle”)<br />
or 東 京 (Tokyo, eastern capital) and think, “Wow,<br />
how simple and descriptive.” Then I’d see another place<br />
name like 渋 谷 (Shibuya, literally “bitter valley”) and<br />
think “WTF is that?” I know I’m not the only person—<br />
foreign or Japanese—to have experienced this. The<br />
internet is littered with articles on the topic in Japanese,<br />
but there doesn’t seem to be anyone else writing about<br />
it in English.<br />
I’m frustrated that there isn’t any good information<br />
in English on certain topics of Japanese history—and if<br />
there is, it’s often not very good or just plain wrong. I just<br />
want to find out the truth —or as close as we can get to<br />
the truth—and share it with whomever is interested.<br />
You have several posts on execution grounds.<br />
What interests you about the darker side of Japan’s<br />
history?<br />
I get asked this a lot. But if people don’t know about Japanese<br />
history, the image of “Old Japan” is cherry blossoms,<br />
geisha and a reverent people in harmony with nature<br />
dressed in beautiful kimono practicing calligraphy and<br />
tea ceremony. But the truth is the bulk of Japanese history<br />
was spent in violent power grabs and brutal wars. If<br />
you want to understand Japanese history, you can’t just<br />
whitewash it with sakura and wabi sabi, you have to look<br />
at the whole picture, even the dark side.<br />
What is the most surprising thing you have uncovered<br />
while doing research for “Japan This?”<br />
That other people actually want to read it! That’s crazy<br />
to me.<br />
The interconnectivity of Japan-blogging<br />
Will I get bored with this topic?<br />
Do I know more about this topic than 99% of<br />
the world?<br />
Is there a lot worth saying about this topic?<br />
If you find yourself uneasy about any of<br />
your answers you should go back to the drawing<br />
board. All of these are important for not<br />
only your sanity, but also your success. Another<br />
problem that I see a lot has to do with how broad<br />
your topic is. I’d recommend narrowing your<br />
ideas down to something fairly niche. For<br />
example, I started by writing about the<br />
Japanese language, but I narrowed it down<br />
to “self-teaching Japanese” because I was<br />
more interested in that. I found there was a<br />
large group of people who were interested<br />
in this topic specifically and it worked out<br />
very well. If you try to write something for<br />
everyone you just end up writing something<br />
for nobody.<br />
THE WAY OF TOFUGU<br />
The year was 2008. I had just graduated from<br />
university in the US with a bachelor’s degree<br />
in Japanese studies (what was I thinking?). I<br />
remember the evening before graduation my compatriots<br />
and I got together one last time at the local<br />
“Japanese” restaurant. The professors were there<br />
too, and while we were waiting for the food they<br />
went around the table and asked everyone their<br />
post-graduation plans. It went like this: “JET.” “ALT.”<br />
“JET.” Every answer went like this until the very last<br />
person—me.<br />
“Blogger,” I said without a doubt in my mind. “I’m<br />
going to blog about Japan and its language.” I was a<br />
smug fool.<br />
It only took three months to burn through my<br />
savings. I was so broke I got a “real” job, ditching the<br />
J-blogger dream in exchange for rent money. I only<br />
occasionally wrote, and my little pot of J-blog soup<br />
was put on the back burner. At the end of 2009 my<br />
“real” job ran out of money and fired everyone. I had<br />
opportunities to start another job (including at You-<br />
Tube) but I rejected them all. I really wanted this<br />
blog thing to work, so one Rocky-esque montage<br />
later I was back in the ring, ready for Round 2.<br />
In my first month back I made less than ¥300,000.<br />
My second month was a bit more than ¥400,000. I<br />
remained suspicious of this success until a year had<br />
gone by and over ¥1 million a month was rolling in.<br />
Today, Tofugu (www.tofugu.com) is profitable, with<br />
nearly thirty people working for it.<br />
Is this story just about me? No.<br />
Can it be you? Sure, why not?<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 07
Feature<br />
THE METROPOLIS BLOGROLL<br />
SITES WE LIKE<br />
BUILDING AN AUDIENCE<br />
Once you’ve chosen a topic, you have to build<br />
an audience of people interested in your topic.<br />
While I can’t do much for bad writing, I can help<br />
in non-content related ways. Looking around the<br />
online community I see a lot of easily-correctable<br />
mistakes.<br />
1<br />
Get Rid Of Advertising<br />
Unless you’re a Top 10,000 website, the<br />
advertising money isn’t worth it, and those<br />
banner ads are taking up valuable space.<br />
2<br />
Gather Emails<br />
You know that big space in your sidebar<br />
that used to have ads? Put up a newsletter<br />
signup form. Don’t use pop-ups, bullying tactics<br />
(“Get this free guide by signing up for my newsletter!”)<br />
or mention it every other sentence. Make<br />
it easy to find and let people choose to sign up. In<br />
your first month, try to get 100 subscribers.<br />
3<br />
Be “Useful”<br />
Consider this: Useless things are temporary<br />
and they go out of style. Useful things are<br />
forever. When you write to be useful, people will be<br />
more grateful to you. They’ll repay you by becoming<br />
a loyal follower and maybe even subscribe to<br />
your newsletter. They will probably read your next<br />
article, too. Every time you write something ask: “Is<br />
it useful?” If it’s not useful, then it’s just porn.<br />
4<br />
Create A Beautiful Experience<br />
While content is king, a beautiful reading<br />
experience is queen. Get rid of any<br />
pop-ups, don’t spam your social share links and<br />
learn about typography and readability. This is<br />
the internet and attention is fleeting. When I land<br />
on a page that is barely legible, I think twice about<br />
reading it. Plus, when you do put something up<br />
(i.e. something you’re selling) it will have that<br />
much more impact. Start with simple and readable,<br />
you can build up from there.<br />
5Make Videos<br />
Videos drive a surprising amount of traffic.<br />
And, there’s less competition on YouTube,<br />
so more people will find your videos. People love<br />
“How to” videos, too (remember “be useful”?) and<br />
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOFUGU<br />
you can take advantage of this. When I first started<br />
out, making videos was how I got almost all of my<br />
traffic. You can do the same.<br />
BRINGING HOME THE<br />
FUKUZAWAS<br />
As a <strong>Metropolis</strong> reader, you have the distinct<br />
advantage of being in Japan. Sites created by<br />
people who are living here start out with more<br />
credibility and more sources for interesting content.<br />
Growing your audience to a profitable level<br />
should be easier for you, overall.<br />
When you have built up your audience, you<br />
have to figure out something that is both useful to<br />
your readers as well as profitable for you. Personally,<br />
I prefer the “make something and sell it” route.<br />
This can be anything from an e-book to a membership<br />
site, to an experience, or something physical<br />
you sell. For example, if you wrote about ramen and<br />
had a following of J-Generation people who were<br />
interested in ramen, you could do several things.<br />
Here’s a few ideas:<br />
• You could create a ramen of the month club<br />
which sends a different instant ramen to members<br />
every month.<br />
• You could write and sell a guide to the best<br />
ramen in Tokyo for travelers/visitors.<br />
• You could offer private tours to tourists, taking<br />
them to the best ramen places. This last one<br />
sounds particularly fun and lucrative, feel free<br />
to use this idea.<br />
I’d like to end this by saying that the ways to make<br />
money off of your site are basically endless. But, they<br />
all start from one thing: The “J-Generation” and your<br />
ability to find a segment of them to call your own.<br />
Once you’ve zeroed in on this you should be getting<br />
positive feedback immediately. More comments,<br />
followers, readers, etc. Although building up your<br />
audience to money-making levels will take a long<br />
time (expect 1-2 years), you should see constant<br />
growth as long as you’re doing the right things.<br />
Good luck to you all out there!<br />
If you have questions about turning your J-blog into<br />
a money-making machine, send them to ama@<br />
metropolis.co.jp. We’ll answer them in a follow up<br />
sometime in the future.<br />
ART & CULTURE<br />
• Alternative takes on Japan's culture<br />
www.altjapan.typepad.com<br />
• Translated Japanese ghost stories<br />
www.hyakumonogatari.com<br />
• Bilingual manga diary<br />
www.iucorin.com<br />
FASHION<br />
• Fashion event reviews<br />
www.tokyotelephone.com<br />
• Coordination info<br />
www.style-arena.jp/en<br />
• Street snaps and designer profiles<br />
www.tokyofashion.com<br />
• More street snaps<br />
www.japanesestreets.com<br />
• Even more street snaps<br />
www.stylefromtokyo.blogspot.jp<br />
FILM & ANIME<br />
• Erudite essays on J-films<br />
www.midnighteye.com<br />
• Anime-centric film reviews<br />
www.genkinahito.wordpress.com<br />
FOOD & DRINK<br />
• Hard drinkin’ nightlife guide<br />
www.gaijintonic.com<br />
• Exhaustive Japanese whisky guide<br />
www.nonjatta.blogspot.jp<br />
• Mouth-watering photos and noodle shop info<br />
www.ramenadventures.com<br />
• Beer drinking in Tokyo<br />
www.tokyobeerdrinker.blogspot.jp<br />
LANGUAGE<br />
• Living the Japanese language<br />
www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog<br />
• Useful thoughts for those learning nihongo<br />
www.guidetojapanese.org/blog<br />
• All your kana and kanji needs<br />
www.nihongoichiban.com<br />
TRAVEL<br />
• Off the beaten Japan path<br />
www.ojisanjake.blogspot.jp<br />
• Seasoned traveler’s guide to Japan<br />
www.muza-chan.net<br />
• Guide to historic ruins<br />
www.japanese-castle-explorer.com<br />
• Haikyo (industrial ruins) explorations<br />
www.gakuran.com<br />
For a more comprehensive list of J-blogs, visit<br />
metropolis.co.jp/blogroll<br />
08 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
AGENDA<br />
PHOTO: MASAHIRO TANIGUCHI<br />
dance<br />
TORIFUNE BUTOH-SHA<br />
One of the most acclaimed practitioners of Japan’s<br />
avant-garde dance form butoh is Kayo Mikami.<br />
Among the few remaining disciples of butoh founder<br />
Tatsumi Hijikata, Mikami has been exploring the<br />
limits of the genre for the last two decades as leader<br />
of dance troupe Torifune Butoh-sha. For an upcoming<br />
residency in Yokohama, Mikami presents Kenka,<br />
or “Consecration of the Flowers," which was first<br />
performed in 1992 and Sai, which celebrates the<br />
company’s founding one year earlier. Both works<br />
were created and choreographed by Mikami and her<br />
husband Yukio, with whom she runs Torifune, and<br />
feature the sometimes disturbing but always fascinating<br />
music of Japanese experimental composer<br />
J.A. Caesar. Dan Grunebaum<br />
Kanagawa Arts Theater, Apr 2-6. See dance listings<br />
for details.<br />
show<br />
UHNELLYS<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> hosted Uhnellys at our Saiko showcase,<br />
so it's no secret we're fans of the Saitama duo.<br />
And yet, Uhnellys have outdone themselves with<br />
their new CD, Chord, raising expectations for their<br />
upcoming show at SuperDeluxe. Having forged a<br />
new rock/rap/jazz/digital hybrid, frontman Kim<br />
and his beauty-on-the-backbeat Midi now squeeze<br />
it in new directions. Uhnellys' tracks typically take<br />
their cue from Kim's funk guitar loops, irrepressible<br />
rap-storytelling and jazzy trumpet riffs, with<br />
Midi gluing it all together with beats and choruses.<br />
On the new album, songs like the film noir tinged<br />
"Black Out" don't mess with this formula, but they<br />
do perfect it. The pair have learned how to ratchet up<br />
the tension until you're crying out for the full-blown<br />
funk denouement they never fail to deliver. DG<br />
SuperDeluxe, Mar 22. See concert listings.<br />
theater<br />
HAROLD PINTER NIGHT<br />
Black Stripe Theater presents a pair of Nobel<br />
Prize-winner Harold Pinter’s greatest and most<br />
challenging plays: Ashes to Ashes and One for the<br />
Road. In Ashes to Ashes, a revenant from a terrible<br />
past is called up as a married couple quarrel<br />
over the wife’s one-time lover. In One for the Road,<br />
Nicolas, the head of the state security apparatus,<br />
interrogates a family who are suspected of seeking<br />
political change. Both plays, says Tokyo director<br />
Timothy Harris, are “relevant to a time in which the<br />
‘surveillance state’ has become a dangerous reality,<br />
in which torture has come to be regarded as acceptable<br />
in states that previously eschewed it, and in<br />
which civil freedoms are being lost.”There will be a<br />
brief talk by and discussion with director and cast<br />
after each performance. DG<br />
Trance Mission, Mar 28-30. See stage listings.<br />
gig<br />
MOTHERCOAT<br />
The Tokyo indie quintet is back with a typically<br />
odd EP and two slots at SXSW 2014, including headlining<br />
the renowned Japan Nite. The album title<br />
5-1+1= refers to guitarist So's departure and replacement<br />
by Fukunosuke Abe. Leaving out the result<br />
of the sum implies they aren’t sure what this new<br />
Mothercoat has become. Fittingly, their new tracks<br />
are highly experimental and mark a transition for<br />
the band. “Trickster” is the most "Coaty," restless guitar<br />
shifts and kaleidoscopic drums. “Nipple Cider” is<br />
a hypnotic electronic Catherine wheel in constant<br />
danger of spinning out of control. "Misync" features<br />
a Kate Bush-esque vocal display from bassist Toki<br />
Rock over a haunting minimalist loop. Whatever<br />
5-1+1 turns out to equal, Mothercoat haven’t stopped<br />
pushing their music in new directions. Iain Maloney<br />
Shimokitazawa Three, Mar 25 and Shinjuku<br />
Marz, Apr 18. See concert listings.<br />
festival<br />
YOSHINO BAIGO<br />
The “plum village” of Yoshino Baigo in Ome<br />
will be holding what will sadly be its last plum<br />
festival for the foreseeable future. The park, on<br />
the south bank of the Tama River, was hit by the<br />
plum pox virus in 2009. Over 10,000 trees were<br />
felled to prevent the disease from spreading, but<br />
it wasn’t enough and the Ome tourism board has<br />
finally made the difficult decision to cut down all<br />
remaining 1,266 trees after its plum festival—the<br />
biggest in Kanto—ends this year. The blossoms<br />
will be in their peak in mid-March, so catch the<br />
beauty while you still can. The tourism board<br />
plans to plant new trees to restore the garden, but<br />
is not sure how long the rejuvenation will take, or<br />
if they will be able to replicate the extensive variety<br />
of blossoms they have now. Ai Hosokawa<br />
Ome-shi. Nearest stn: Hinatawada. www.<br />
omekanko.gr.jp/ume<br />
expo<br />
ANIME JAPAN 2014<br />
Although billed as a brand new event, this expo<br />
is actually a result of the merging of two long running<br />
conventions: the Tokyo International Anime<br />
Fair and the Anime Contents Expo. The two days'<br />
of events include renowned director Mamoru<br />
Oshii leading a press conference on the upcoming<br />
Patlabor film and a Q&A with voice actor Daisuke<br />
Ono of the Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) franchise.<br />
Hitting the high notes, will be the Anisong Ichiban<br />
concert that features a chorus of female voice<br />
actors. Production houses will be previewing<br />
upcoming work and there will be cosplay areas<br />
and a full-size Patlabor truck like the one used in<br />
the new live action film. Another highlight will be<br />
the Anime Half Century Theater, featuring anime<br />
masterpieces from the 1960s until today—including<br />
classics Astro Boy and Sailor Moon. Tokyo Big<br />
Sight, March 22-23. See expo listings.<br />
#<strong>1043</strong>• WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 09
Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS<br />
pop life<br />
ANISAVA<br />
DLE’s new English web<br />
anime looks to shift the<br />
paradigm<br />
By Dan Grunebaum<br />
IMAGES COURTESY OF DLE<br />
art<br />
TRACES OF DISAPPEARANCE<br />
A fashionable<br />
look at the<br />
ephemeral in<br />
Omotesando<br />
By C.B.Liddell<br />
Founded by a former Sony<br />
Pictures man, Dream Link<br />
Entertainment (DLE) is<br />
Japan’s most influential Flash<br />
animation studio, known for its Secret<br />
Society Eagle Talon about a blundering<br />
but well-meaning shadow organization<br />
that wants to conquer the world. Which,<br />
in some way, says a lot about DLE. The<br />
studio has long looked overseas, and<br />
with its new adult, all-English web series,<br />
Anisava, is making its boldest play yet.<br />
We spoke with director Benpi Neko<br />
(“Constipated Cat”) about the mechanics<br />
of international anime collaboration and<br />
the challenge of writing comedy for a<br />
worldwide audience.<br />
How was Anisava conceived? The show’s<br />
characters were originally designed by a<br />
Spanish company called Kukuxumusu.<br />
The team’s first thoughts about the<br />
characters were that—despite being<br />
animals which are usually associated<br />
with kids’ shows—these designs were<br />
very adult. That got us thinking maybe<br />
we should do a show for an adult<br />
audience. I took the characters out of the<br />
traditional forest setting and put them in<br />
a big city, so we could play with the idea<br />
of these animal characters doing very<br />
human things: living and loving in the<br />
metropolis.<br />
Was it originally created as an<br />
international production? If so, why? The<br />
idea was always to have it be a production<br />
that crosses borders. Having animal<br />
characters really makes that a lot easier.<br />
If you’ve got human characters, no matter<br />
what, people can see that character’s<br />
nationality at a glance. And that might<br />
alienate some watchers, especially if they<br />
feel their culture is being misrepresented.<br />
Situated atop Louis Vuitton’s<br />
handbag shop<br />
in Omotesando and<br />
financed by the sales<br />
going on below, the Espace Louis<br />
Vuitton art venue can never be<br />
entirely divorced from broader<br />
commercial interests. The free<br />
shows put on are designed to<br />
reflect further glory on the famous<br />
brand, while also sending out<br />
subtle signals that may or may<br />
not help you to make a purchase<br />
downstairs.<br />
This is the case with the present<br />
exhibition “Traces of Disappearance,”<br />
which has a central message<br />
of “evanescence”—no, not the<br />
Goth metal band that has been on<br />
hiatus for several years, but rather<br />
the process of things disappearing<br />
and fading away.<br />
In short, the subliminal message<br />
is: “Nothing lasts forever,<br />
especially you, sweetheart, so, go<br />
on, splash out on that tasty little<br />
Chain Louise calfskin evening bag<br />
you spied on the way in.”<br />
But commercial spin-offs aside,<br />
evanescence is a worthy subject<br />
for an art show, as beauty is at its<br />
most poignant when it is about to<br />
fade—at least that’s always been<br />
the appeal of the short-lived cherry<br />
blossom season in these parts.<br />
So we’ve got characters with no particular<br />
nationality, no particular culture and<br />
we’ve got them in a big city—it could<br />
be New York, Tokyo or somewhere in<br />
Europe or Asia. It’s deliberately vague<br />
so viewers everywhere can project<br />
their own cultural templates onto the<br />
show. Finally, regardless of gender<br />
or nationality, everyone can relate to<br />
romantic comedy.<br />
Tell us about the main characters. The<br />
main character, Jake, can’t do anything<br />
right, but he’s a good guy. Then there’s<br />
Jenny, a strong female lead with big<br />
career ambitions, and for some reason,<br />
she’s been dating Jake for two years. The<br />
rest of the cast are co-workers and they’ve<br />
got their own personalities. Much of their<br />
The Sheer Size of It, 2013<br />
Featuring art by Anne and<br />
Patrick Poirier, Kasper Kovitz,<br />
Goang-Ming Yuan and Naoya<br />
Hatakeyama—much of it designed<br />
for the site—the show invites visitors<br />
personalities are based at least in part on<br />
what animal they are. So, we’ve got Fred<br />
the rabbit, who is a total sex machine.<br />
We’ve got David the lion, who is the<br />
company manager and a born leader.<br />
We’ve got all these diverse characters,<br />
and everyone is going to have a character<br />
they can relate to, or a character that<br />
reminds them exactly of that one friend—<br />
or that one ex.<br />
Why did you turn to Kukuxumusu for<br />
character design and what flavor do<br />
they bring? Kukuxumusu has a very<br />
distinctive style and they also do great<br />
animals. They have a way of getting<br />
these details that are both anatomically<br />
accurate to a specific animal and<br />
also very expressive and human. It’s<br />
©LOUIS VUITTON / JÉRÉMIE SOUTEYRAT<br />
“to reflect upon the current condition<br />
of a fragile world” and feel the<br />
ephemeral nature of things.<br />
Naoya Hatakeyama, a Japanese<br />
photographer and winner of the<br />
pretty obvious at a glance that this<br />
is a very non-anime style, so in that<br />
sense Kukuxumusu helped provide an<br />
international flavor to the production.<br />
The storylines are quite adult. Tell<br />
us about some of the main themes in<br />
Anisava. Originally, the idea was that<br />
we’d do a South Park-style show with<br />
animals, but it evolved into a romantic<br />
comedy sort of thing. The main themes<br />
then became about love, the everyday<br />
stresses of work, relationships, city life<br />
and how we all “go wild” once in a while.<br />
What are some of the challenges in<br />
creating anime for the international<br />
market? It was very difficult. Comedy<br />
doesn’t cross borders as well as other<br />
genres. So, I had to make sure we didn’t<br />
10 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
much coveted Kimura Ihei Prize for Photography<br />
contributes some photographic works<br />
(i.e. big photographs in fancy frames) showing<br />
beautifully bleak landscapes from Mont<br />
Ventoux in France.<br />
Although in some cases the “beauty”<br />
may be debatable, the bleakness never is.<br />
Hatakeyama seems to be seeking after a<br />
sense of spiritual “alpinism” of the kind that<br />
would have appealed to the Italian philosopher<br />
and esotericist Julius Evola, but there is<br />
an unfortunate emphasis on the horizontal<br />
that deadens the works.<br />
For this reason these photographs are<br />
easily overshadowed by some of the other<br />
larger works in the show, such as Kasper<br />
Kovitz’s The Sheer Size of It (2013), a vast,<br />
translucent mosaic that has some of the<br />
qualities of stained glass. The actual scene<br />
depicted is attractive in a banal way, but<br />
the real payoff—or not—is realizing that the<br />
piece is made from thousands of jelly babies<br />
stuck on plexiglass.<br />
Anne and Patrick Poirier’s The Soul of<br />
the World (2013/2014) dominates the centre<br />
of the high-ceilinged space. In essence this<br />
is a large and very stylish birdcage with a<br />
few disembodied tree branches reaching<br />
into it.<br />
I couldn’t help being reminded of<br />
another female musical reference at this<br />
point, namely the lyrics to Joni Mitchell’s<br />
“Big Yellow Taxi”: They took all the trees/ Put<br />
’em in a tree museum/ And they charged the<br />
people/ A dollar and a half just to see ’em.”<br />
This is what this work points towards,<br />
the reduction of nature to a decorative feature<br />
of urban modernity. This installation<br />
will appeal to the frustrated urbanite with<br />
a green chip on his shoulder, but the Poiriers’<br />
work is also concerned with the concept<br />
of memory in a broader cultural and social<br />
context, as the essence of civilization and<br />
the ways that this can be erased – another<br />
compelling reason to nip downstairs for<br />
that tasty handbag.<br />
Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, until Apr<br />
13. See exhibition listings (Harajuku/<br />
Aoyama) for details.<br />
games<br />
COMMUTER GAMER<br />
Three new titles to challenge your daily commute<br />
By Adam Bolton<br />
CLUMSY NINJA<br />
NaturalMotion (free; iOS)<br />
Turning something<br />
as dumb as a sack<br />
of bricks into something<br />
as hard as nails.<br />
Taking on the<br />
role of a martial arts<br />
master, your mission,<br />
should you have the<br />
patience for it, is to train the most awkward of apprentices.<br />
You see, the apprentice has a mission: to save his<br />
fellow ninja warrior from an unseen and nefarious evildoer-type.<br />
The little ninja in question, though, is more<br />
likely to kick back—rather than kick butt—as he’s too<br />
untrained and undisciplined to dutifully save the girl.<br />
But persevere you must, as the young ninja will slowly<br />
gather the skills he needs to win the day.<br />
While not necessarily a game with any specific<br />
goals or actions, Clumsy Ninja offers a fun and often<br />
addictive distraction from daily life. Akin to something<br />
along the lines of Tamagochi or other pet simulators,<br />
Clumsy Ninja makes more use of the iOS devices touch<br />
screens than most games in the App Store, while also<br />
offering some of the best character animation and A.I..<br />
It also retains a high level of visual charm.<br />
Suitable for all ages, Clumsy Ninja offers a decent<br />
investment of free time and all in all is a joy to play. The<br />
charm and personality of the character as well as the<br />
app's overall presentation makes it a must-have to add<br />
to the mobile collection.<br />
TINY THIEF<br />
5 Ants (¥ 300; iOS, Android)<br />
Thievery has never<br />
been so kawaii.<br />
Developed by 5<br />
Ants and published<br />
by the makers of<br />
Angry Birds comes<br />
perhaps one of the<br />
cutest acts of kleptomania<br />
ever seen on a gaming platform. Reminiscent of<br />
the tales of Robin Hood, take on the blond bangs of the<br />
sneakiest thief in all the kingdom as you slink, distract<br />
and outwit guards and pirates in order to steal from the<br />
rich and give to the poor.<br />
Accompanied by your trusty ferret companion,<br />
travel across six stages consisting of five parts each as<br />
you hide in barrels, set off Rube Goldberg-like distractions<br />
and pilfer every last scrap of loot to be had—all the<br />
while being the hero of the common man.<br />
With their own clean-cut, vectored visual style,<br />
5 Ants has done a great job at standing out from the<br />
crowd. Each level is rich in color, artistry and design<br />
where not everything is simply part of the background.<br />
The additional quest of finding three unique treasures<br />
for each level will have the completionist in some<br />
wanting to make the most of each stage's design and<br />
interactive aesthetics.<br />
With warm humor, simple and intuitive game play<br />
and an overall appeal that many will find charming, this<br />
game will steal your heart without picking your pocket<br />
at the same time.<br />
THREES<br />
Sirvo LLC (¥200; iOS)<br />
Math—this game just made it fun<br />
for me, 'nuff said.<br />
The concept for this game is a<br />
simple one: slide numbered tiles<br />
together to make multiples of<br />
three. As each combination comes<br />
together, each complete number<br />
becomes a new personification,<br />
with their own character. When<br />
there are no further moves to make<br />
on the 4X4 grid, your final score<br />
is tallied. This game is truly one of<br />
those that is simple to pickup, yet difficult to master.<br />
Though simple math in itself isn't taxing, the way<br />
in which you move the numbered tiles around the<br />
board is. Swipe one tile up, and any other tiles that<br />
can move in the same direction will too. This offers<br />
a level of strategy and forward thinking that moves<br />
this past the basic idea of 3+3. While getting a reasonable<br />
score can at times come down to blind luck,<br />
the greater challenge comes from making the much<br />
higher multiples of three.<br />
Sirvo LLC has come up with an instant classic for the<br />
App Store, one that many people have recognized as<br />
their own favorite. Expect to find other, paling, multiplication-type<br />
games out there, but accept no substitute.<br />
have humor that was too specific to<br />
one country or other. Our American<br />
scriptwriter, Sean and I worked very<br />
closely together, but we’d frequently<br />
disagree. We had a rule that the humor<br />
can’t be restricted to just one region’s<br />
audience. That proved a tall order for<br />
a while, but we had him come to Japan<br />
so we could work in person and things<br />
became a lot easier. Other Japanese<br />
animation companies might just localize<br />
their products by handing off a script and<br />
having it read without interacting much<br />
with the voice talent. I really felt like that<br />
is not the way to go. No matter where you<br />
go in the world, there are certain jokes<br />
and certain funny things that everybody<br />
will laugh at. If somebody suddenly<br />
takes off his shoe and starts talking into<br />
it like it’s a phone, that’s the kind of thing<br />
everybody will laugh about. I think it’s<br />
really possible to make a comedy show<br />
that people all over the world can laugh<br />
with. Animation is a perfect platform for<br />
this, because you can do things you just<br />
can’t with live action.<br />
What have the responses been like so<br />
far? Right now the show is, unfortunately,<br />
only playing in Japan, but our Japanese<br />
audience seems to really like it based on<br />
social network activity and viewership.<br />
I’m really anxious to see what people in<br />
other parts of the world think.<br />
Tell us how Anisava points to the future<br />
of anime. I think Anisava will open the<br />
door for studios to experiment with<br />
anime that doesn't look and feel like<br />
Japanese animation. We hope it will<br />
encourage other studios to incorporate<br />
more diverse influences, like American<br />
sitcoms and things like that.<br />
www.anisava.net/en/<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 11
Listings<br />
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS<br />
Concerts<br />
POPULAR<br />
Minna no Senkan<br />
Uhnellys, Doit Science and<br />
others. Mar 21-23, 1pm,<br />
¥3,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥7,000 (3<br />
days, adv) +1d. SuperDeluxe.<br />
Nearest stn: Roppongi.<br />
minnanosenkan.com. www.<br />
minnanosenkan.com<br />
Homecoming<br />
With A Ghost of Flare, Minor<br />
League and others. Mar<br />
21, 6:30pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/<br />
¥2,500 (door) +1d. Cyclone.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-3463-0069. www.<br />
survivesaidtheprophet.com<br />
L'Arc en Ciel<br />
Visual-kei veterans. Mar<br />
21-22, 5pm, ¥10,000 (adv).<br />
National Olympic Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel:<br />
03-3403-1151. l-tike.com<br />
Rottengraffty<br />
With Man with a Mission.<br />
Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)<br />
+1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest<br />
stn: Harajuku. Tel: 050-5533-<br />
0888. www.diskgarage.com<br />
Survive Said the Prophet<br />
Tokyo-based emo-rock<br />
with an international flare.<br />
Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥2,000<br />
(adv)/¥2,500 (door). Cyclone.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-3463-0069. www.<br />
survivesaidtheprophet.com<br />
Floppy<br />
Electro-pop duo. Mar 21,<br />
6pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000<br />
(door) +1d. Loft. Nearest stn:<br />
Shinjuku. www.loft-prj.co.jp<br />
Ska Ska Club<br />
Third wave ska from the<br />
Big Mikan. Mar 22, 6pm,<br />
¥3,300 (adv) +1d. Zepp Diver<br />
City. Nearest stn: Daiba.<br />
050-5533-0888. http://hall.<br />
zepp.co.jp/divercity<br />
The Twisted Harbor<br />
Town<br />
Classical and metal fusion.<br />
With New Breed and<br />
others. Mar 22, 6:30am,<br />
¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,600<br />
(door) +1d. Cyclone.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-3463-0069. www.<br />
thetwistedharbortown.com<br />
Blindside<br />
Post-hardcore from Sweden<br />
with Loyal to the Grave,<br />
Midgardsorm and others.<br />
Mar 22, 6pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/<br />
¥2,500 (door) +1d. Garret<br />
Udagawa. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069.<br />
www.cyclone1997.com/<br />
garret<br />
SA X Radiots<br />
Old school punk rock. Mar<br />
22, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/<br />
¥3,500 (door) +1d. Loft.<br />
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.<br />
loft-prj.co.jp<br />
Timid<br />
Socially conscious rapper<br />
from New York. Mar 23,<br />
7pm, ¥1,500 (adv). Yotsuya<br />
Lotus. Nearest stn: Yotsuya<br />
Sanchome. Tel: 03-5315-<br />
4781. http://yotsuyalotus.<br />
com<br />
Molice<br />
New wave indie rockers<br />
with Electric Eel Shock<br />
and others. Mar 23, 6pm,<br />
¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door).<br />
Shibuya Burrow. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8750.<br />
http://shibuya-o.com<br />
G5 Clinic<br />
Godspeed, Takaji and<br />
more. Mar 23, 5:30pm,<br />
¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door)<br />
+1d. Marz. Nearest stn:<br />
Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-3202-<br />
8248. www.marz.jp<br />
Neck Rock<br />
Chameleon, Oz, Astral and<br />
others. Mar 23, 12:30am,<br />
¥3,000-4,000. Yokohama<br />
Cultural Gymnasium.<br />
Nearest stn: Kannai. Tel:<br />
045-241-0777. http://www.<br />
neckrock.net<br />
The Beethoven<br />
Visual-kei. Mar 23, 6pm, ¥3,800<br />
(adv)/ ¥4,300 (door) +1d. Loft.<br />
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.<br />
loft-prj.co.jp<br />
Man with a Mission<br />
Wolf-headed rockers and<br />
Coldrain. Mar 24, 7pm, ¥3,885<br />
(adv). Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn:<br />
Aomi. www.diskgarage.com<br />
Voiceland<br />
J-pop youngsters. Mar<br />
24, 5:30pm, ¥1,000 (adv)<br />
+1d. Marz. Nearest stn:<br />
Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-3202-<br />
8248. www.marz.jp<br />
Macklemore and Ryan<br />
Lewis<br />
Hip hop duo pops some tags.<br />
Mar 25, 7pm, ¥6,500-7,000<br />
(adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz.<br />
Nearest stn: Akasaka. Tel:<br />
03-3499-6669. www.tbs.<br />
co.jp/blitz<br />
Maia Hirasawa<br />
Half-Swedish singersongwriter<br />
with sweet<br />
and deep lyrics. Mar 25,<br />
6:30pm, ¥4,000 (adv) +1d.<br />
Moonromantic. Nearest<br />
stn: Gaien-mae. www.<br />
moonromantic.com<br />
Calabash no Sasoku<br />
Mothercoat, People Jam,<br />
Windowz and others. Mar 25,<br />
7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door)<br />
+1d. Three. Tel: 03-5486-8804.<br />
www.toos.co.jp/3<br />
Rockin' Students &<br />
Vegetable Bar Music Vol.1<br />
BeePallet, Slow Light and<br />
more. Mar 25, 4:30pm, ¥1,000<br />
(adv) +1d. Marz. Nearest stn:<br />
Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-3202-<br />
8248. www.marz.jp<br />
Semth<br />
J-rock bands The Quiet Room<br />
and The Hedgehog. Mar 25,<br />
6:30pm, ¥2,000/ ¥2,500 (adv)<br />
+1d. Eggman. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3496-1561.<br />
http://eggman.jp<br />
Octpass<br />
Progressive rock band I Can't<br />
Smile at Me, In the Sun and<br />
others. Mar 26, 6:30pm, ¥1,500<br />
(adv)/ ¥1,800 (door). Kichijoji<br />
Warp. Nearest stn: Kichijoji.<br />
Tel: 0422-22-3514. http://warp.<br />
rinky.info<br />
SolarCoaster<br />
Rock and roots featuring<br />
Nature Airliner, Kaku-Uchi<br />
and DJ Solar. Mar 27, 7pm, free.<br />
Gamuso. Nearest stn: Asagaya.<br />
Tel: 03-5364-9096. www.<br />
gamuso.com<br />
The Hives<br />
Extra show ahead of<br />
Punkspring. Mar 27, 7pm,<br />
¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Akasaka<br />
Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka.<br />
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.tbs.<br />
co.jp/blitz<br />
Bakudan Johnny<br />
Crazy kids from Sapporo. Mar<br />
28, 7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥3,000<br />
(door) +1d. Redcloth. Nearest<br />
stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3202-<br />
5320. www.bakudanjohnny.<br />
com<br />
Residents of Showcase<br />
Mrs. Scottie Pippin, Anvis,<br />
Hunch and others. Mar 28,<br />
6pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500<br />
(door) +1d. Eggman. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. http://eggman.jp<br />
Punkspring<br />
Bad Religion,The Hives, SiM<br />
and others . Mar 29, noon,<br />
¥8,800-12,000 (adv). Makuhari<br />
Messe. Nearest stn: Kaihin-<br />
Makuhari. Tel: 06-7732-8888.<br />
www.punkspring.com<br />
Moumoon<br />
J-pop duo. Mar 29, 6pm, ¥5,250<br />
(adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest<br />
stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-5720-<br />
9999. www.shibuya-ax.com<br />
Koga Records Night<br />
Rocket K, Switch Trout and<br />
others. Mar 29, 6:30pm,<br />
¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door)<br />
+1d. Shelter. Nearest stn:<br />
Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3466-<br />
7430. www.loft-prj.co.jp<br />
Girl's Scream<br />
The Leaps and Mutant<br />
Monster. Mar 29, 6pm, ¥2,000<br />
(adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Loft.<br />
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.<br />
loft-prj.co.jp<br />
Sell Out Vol.2<br />
J-rockers Alternative Medicine<br />
and We Are From You. Mar<br />
29, 7pm, ¥1,500 (adv)/ ¥2,000<br />
(door) +1d. Kichijoji Warp.<br />
Nearest stn: Kichijoji. Tel:<br />
0422-22-3514. http://warp.<br />
rinky.info<br />
Nouvelle Vague<br />
Punk and post-punk cover<br />
band from France. Mar<br />
29, 7pm, free. The French<br />
Institute Tokyo. Nearest<br />
stn: Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5206-<br />
2500. www.frecho.com Mar<br />
30, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.<br />
O-Nest. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
Tel: 03-3462-4420. www.<br />
shibuya-o.com.<br />
Swanky Dank<br />
With Rizing 2 End, T.C. Speaker<br />
and others. Mar 30, 4:30pm,<br />
¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door)<br />
+1d. Eggman. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. http://l-tike.com<br />
This is Not a Business<br />
Tengu-faced electro-rock. Mar<br />
30, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000<br />
(door) +1d. Shelter. Nearest stn:<br />
Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3466-<br />
7430. www.loft-prj.co.jp<br />
Pace Tour<br />
Girlie rockers Who the Bitch,<br />
Ecosystem and Charisma.<br />
com. Mar 30, 6:30pm, ¥2,800<br />
(adv)/ ¥3,300 (door) +1d. Garret<br />
Udagawa. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
Tel: 03-3463-0069. www.<br />
cyclone1997.com/garret<br />
Lionel Richie<br />
"Hello" and "All Night Long"<br />
hitmaker. Mar 27, 7pm,<br />
¥12,000-15,000 (adv).<br />
Pacifico Yokohama. Nearest<br />
stn: Minatomirai. Mar 31,<br />
7pm, ¥12,000-15,000 (adv).<br />
Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn:<br />
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3499-6669.<br />
www.creativeman.co.jp<br />
Travis<br />
Find out why it always rains<br />
on them. Mar 29-30, 6pm,<br />
¥8,000 (adv) +1d. Roppongi<br />
Ex-Theater. Nearest stn;<br />
Nogizaka or Roppongi.<br />
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.<br />
ex-theater.com<br />
Bob Dylan<br />
Legendary singer-songwriter<br />
Mar 31-Apr 10. 7pm, ¥13,000-<br />
22,000 (adv) +1d. Zepp Diver<br />
City. Nearest stn: Daiba. Tel:<br />
03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp/<br />
Artists/BobDylan<br />
Girugamesh<br />
Visual-kei veterans with<br />
metalcore band Make My Day.<br />
Apr 1, 7pm, ¥3,800 (adv) +1d.<br />
Club Quattro. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 050-5533-0888.<br />
www.club-quattro.com<br />
Tonari no Bandman<br />
Good Morning America, The<br />
Band Apart and 8tto. Apr 2,<br />
6:30pm, ¥3,500-6,000 (adv)<br />
+1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.<br />
www.diskgarage.com<br />
Thirty Seconds to Mars<br />
Rock band with love, lust,<br />
faith and dreams (and Jared<br />
Leto). Apr 3, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv)<br />
+1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3499-6669.<br />
http://meturl.com/30sec2014<br />
Maximo Park<br />
UK indies band that likes to<br />
apply some pressure. Apr 3,<br />
7pm, ¥5,000 (adv) +1d. Unit.<br />
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.<br />
www.creativeman.co.jp<br />
The Oral Cigarettes<br />
With Asobius and others. Apr 4,<br />
6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Loft.<br />
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.<br />
loft-prj.co.jp<br />
Music Expand<br />
Alice 9, Tesla Doesn't Know<br />
How to Cry and others. Apr 4,<br />
6:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥2,800<br />
(door) +1d. Eggman. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. http://eggman.jp<br />
Guruguru Toiro<br />
Asparagus, Charisma.com,<br />
Spooky and more. Apr 5-6,<br />
1pm, ¥3,500 (1 day, adv)/<br />
¥6,000 (2 days, adv). Saitama<br />
Super Arena. Nearest stn:<br />
Saitama-Shintoshin. Tel:<br />
050-5533-0888. www.saitamaarena.co.jp<br />
Practical Lovers<br />
UK-based electro-pop and The<br />
Watanabes. Apr 5, 8pm, free.<br />
What the Dickens. Nearest stn:<br />
Ebisu. Tel: 03-3780-2099. www.<br />
whatthedickens.jp<br />
Ken Yokoyama<br />
Old school punk rock. Apr 6,<br />
7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Studio<br />
Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.<br />
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.<br />
smash-jpn.com<br />
Killswitch Engage<br />
Metalcore from Massachusetts.<br />
Apr 7, 7pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +1d.<br />
Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn:<br />
Akasaka. Tel: 03-3444-6751.<br />
www.smash-jpn.com<br />
Jeff Beck<br />
Talented but underrated<br />
guitarist of exceptional skill.<br />
Apr 7-9, 7pm, ¥9,500-10,500<br />
(adv). Tokyo Dome City Hall.<br />
Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel:<br />
03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp/<br />
Artists/JeffBeck<br />
Suzanne Vega<br />
Famed singer of "Luka" and<br />
other international hits. Apr<br />
7, 7:30pm, ¥7,500 (adv) +1d.<br />
Roppongi Ex-Theater. Nearest<br />
stn; Nogizaka or Roppongi.<br />
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.<br />
ex-theater.com<br />
Spiritual Beggars<br />
Psychedelic metal band from<br />
Sweden. Apr 8, 7pm, ¥6,800<br />
(adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest<br />
stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800.<br />
www.creativeman.co.jp<br />
Burt Bacharach<br />
Pop hitmaker with orchestra.<br />
Apr 10, 7pm, ¥8,400-12,960.<br />
NHK Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
info@promax.co.jp. www.<br />
promax.co.jp/burtbacharach<br />
Matenrou Opera<br />
Operatic metal. Apr 10, 7pm,<br />
¥4,200 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX.<br />
Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel:<br />
050-5533-0888. www.<br />
shibuya-ax.com<br />
Deep Purple<br />
Pioneers of heavy metal. Apr<br />
12, 5pm, ¥9,000-10,000 (adv).<br />
Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn:<br />
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-5999.<br />
www.udo,jp<br />
Under the Dead Vol.4<br />
Featuring Angry Frog Rebirth<br />
and others. Apr 12, 5pm,<br />
¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Cyclone.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-3463-0069. www.<br />
creativeman.co.jp<br />
Bruno Mars<br />
Apr 12, 5pm; Apr 13, 4pm,<br />
¥8,000-15,000 (adv). Makuhari<br />
Messe. Nearest stn: Kaihin-<br />
Makuhari. Tel: 03-3499-6669.<br />
http://meturl.com/bruno2014<br />
The Bonez<br />
J-rock that's easy to sing along<br />
to. Apr 12, 6pm, ¥3,000 (adv)<br />
+1d. Shimokitazawa Garden.<br />
Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa.<br />
Tel: 03-3795-1069. www.<br />
creativeman.co.jp<br />
Kodaline<br />
Irish indies quartet. Apr 14,<br />
7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Duo<br />
Music Exchange. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.creativeman.<br />
co.jp<br />
Noid Vol.4<br />
J-rock bands Everlong, Mrs.<br />
Wiener, Mellowship and<br />
others. Apr 14, 5:30pm, ¥2,000<br />
(adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d.<br />
Eggman. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
http://eggman.jp<br />
Sid<br />
Visual-kei. Apr 16, 6:30pm; Apr<br />
17, 6:30pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +2d.<br />
Shibuya Public Hall. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-<br />
3022. www.shibuko.com/<br />
english<br />
i-Rabbits<br />
Female-fronted J-rock band.<br />
Apr 16, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/<br />
¥3,500 (door) +1d. Eggman.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. eggman.<br />
jp<br />
Grass Code Vol. 50<br />
Mothercoat, The Twenties and<br />
others. Apr 18, 9pm, ¥2,500<br />
(adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Marz.<br />
Nearest stn: Seibushinjuku.<br />
Tel: 03-3202-8248. www.<br />
mothercoat.com<br />
Vivid<br />
A burst of colors and melodic<br />
rock. Apr 19, 5:30pm, ¥4,800<br />
(adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX.<br />
Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.<br />
diskgarage.com<br />
Uplift Spice<br />
Girl-vocalist fronted emo band.<br />
Apr 19, 6pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d.<br />
O-West. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
www.smash-jpn.com<br />
Angelo<br />
Visual-kei rock band featuring<br />
3 ex-Pierrot members. Apr<br />
20, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.<br />
Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku. Tel: 050-5533-0888.<br />
www.shibuya-ax.com<br />
Asking Alexandria<br />
Metalcore from the UK. Apr 22,<br />
7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club<br />
Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.<br />
smash-jpn.com<br />
Dregen<br />
Swedish rocker famed for<br />
Backyard Babies and The<br />
Hellacopters goes solo. Apr 22,<br />
7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Duo<br />
Music Exchange. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.creativeman.<br />
co.jp<br />
JAZZ/WORLD<br />
Nicola Conte Jazz Combo<br />
featuring Melanie Charles<br />
New generation European jazz.<br />
Mar 21, 3:45 & 7pm; Mar 22,<br />
3:45 & 7pm, ¥7,500. Blue Note.<br />
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:<br />
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.<br />
co.jp<br />
Yoshio Suzuki Bass Talk:<br />
Birthday Special Live<br />
Celebrating Mr. Suzuki's<br />
birthday with beautiful sounds<br />
and warm melody. Mar 21,<br />
5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥5,500. Motion<br />
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Gideon Juckes All-Star<br />
Quintet<br />
Salon music for the 21st<br />
century. Mar 22, 7pm,<br />
free (donations welcome).<br />
Cafe Muriwui. Nearest stn:<br />
Soshigayaokura. Tel: 03-5429-<br />
2033. http://gideonjuckes.<br />
blogspot.jp/2014/02/<br />
news-nerima-tea-clubreturn_14.html<br />
John McLaughlin and The<br />
4th Dimension<br />
Japan's first live of "The 4th<br />
Dimension". Mar 23-Mar 26.<br />
various times, ¥8,400. Blue<br />
Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.<br />
Tel: 03-5485-0088. www.<br />
bluenote.co.jp<br />
Nicola Conte Jazz Combo<br />
New generation European<br />
jazz. Mar 23, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,000.<br />
Motion Blue. Nearest stn:<br />
Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919.<br />
www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
Jill-Decoy Association<br />
Jill-Decoy lounge at Billboard<br />
Live Tokyo 2014. Mar 23,<br />
4:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,800-6,800.<br />
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:<br />
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.<br />
www.billboard-live.com<br />
Gray Zone<br />
Trio sound navigating from<br />
ethnical to the latest sounds<br />
of New York. Mar 25, 7 & 9pm,<br />
¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest<br />
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-<br />
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
Senzoku Get Jazz<br />
Orchestra<br />
Stage by current students of<br />
Senzoku College of Music. Mar<br />
26, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,000. Motion<br />
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
XO Presents Lip Service<br />
Vol.5<br />
A charming stage by 4<br />
trumpeters. Mar 27, 7 & 9pm,<br />
¥5,000. Motion Blue. Nearest<br />
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-<br />
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
Lee Ritenour and Friends<br />
Dream session of America's<br />
star guitarist and top players.<br />
Mar 28, 5:30 & 8:45pm; Mar 29,<br />
3:45 & 7pm, ¥8,400. Blue Note.<br />
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:<br />
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.<br />
co.jp<br />
Mexican Music Festival:<br />
Chamber Music Evening<br />
Latin-style guitar and more.<br />
Mar 28, 7pm, ¥4,000. Tokyo<br />
Opera City Recital Hall. Nearest<br />
stn: Shinjuku or Hatsudai.<br />
Tel: 0570-02-9999. www.<br />
operacity.jp<br />
Junko Yagami with<br />
Tsugutoshi Goto: The Night<br />
Flight<br />
A night that will be<br />
remembered in Japan's music<br />
history. Mar 30, 4 & 6:30pm;<br />
Mar 31, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,500-<br />
10,000. Cotton Club. Nearest<br />
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.<br />
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp<br />
Junko Makiyama Quartet<br />
Quartet jazz stage by the<br />
versatile violinist Junko<br />
Makiyama. Mar 30, 5:30 &<br />
7:30pm, 4,200. Motion Blue.<br />
Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Mexican Music Festival:<br />
Orchestra Concert<br />
Full orchestra with a latin<br />
twist. Mar 30, 2pm, ¥3,000-<br />
5,000. Tokyo Opera City<br />
Concert Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Hatsudai or Shinjuku.<br />
Tel: 03-5353-9999. www.<br />
operacity.jp<br />
Pat Martino Trio<br />
Phenomenal guitarist and<br />
organ trio. Mar 30, 5 & 8pm,<br />
¥8,400. Blue Note. Nearest stn:<br />
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-<br />
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp<br />
Evening of Argentina<br />
Tango<br />
Collection of melancholy<br />
tango songs. Apr 1, 7pm,<br />
¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />
03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.<br />
jp/en/<br />
Katsunori Fukai The Trio<br />
Latin jazz. Apr 1, 7 & 9pm,<br />
¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest<br />
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-<br />
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
George Nagata and Mio<br />
Mellow night of jazz and pops.<br />
Apr 2, 7 & 9pm, free. Motion<br />
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Gas Law<br />
Alternative music. Apr 4,<br />
7:30pm, ¥3,800. Motion Blue.<br />
Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Fred Hersch Trio<br />
American jazz pianist. Until<br />
Apr 8, various times, ¥7,800-<br />
10,000. Cotton Club. Nearest<br />
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.<br />
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/<br />
jp/sp/artists/fred-hersch/<br />
Goo Punch<br />
New album release live. Apr 6,<br />
5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥3,600. Motion<br />
12 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Lisa Marie Presley<br />
Country music by Elvis's<br />
daughter. Apr 8, 7 & 9:30pm;<br />
Apr 9, 7 & 9:30pm; Apr 10,<br />
7 & 9:30pm, ¥8,500 (adv).<br />
Blue Note. Nearest stn:<br />
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-<br />
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp<br />
Yoshihiro Harada Trio<br />
Plus One<br />
Original world music. Apr<br />
9, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion<br />
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Josei Solo Piano<br />
Pianist from "Soil & Pimp<br />
Sessions". Apr 10, 7 & 9pm,<br />
¥3,000. Motion Blue. Nearest<br />
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-<br />
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
Mika Beyond Jazz<br />
Latin jazz. Apr 11, 7 & 9pm,<br />
5,500. Motion Blue. Nearest<br />
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-<br />
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
Hex<br />
Electronica meets acoustic<br />
jazz. Apr 11, 8pm, ¥4,000<br />
(adv)/ ¥4,500 (door).<br />
Moonromantic. Nearest stn:<br />
Gaien-mae. Tel: 03-5474-8137.<br />
www.moonromantic.com<br />
10th Asia Music Festival<br />
Asian folk music and live<br />
concerts by street musicians<br />
around Kawasaki station.<br />
Apr 12-13, noon-5pm, free.<br />
Kawasaki station area. Nearest<br />
stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 045-663-<br />
9999 . www.tvk-yokohama.<br />
com<br />
104: Iwashi<br />
1st album launch live. Apr<br />
14, 7 & 9pm, 3,600. Motion<br />
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Johnny Winter<br />
Blues guitarist. Apr 18, 7pm;<br />
Apr 19, 6pm; Apr 20, 4pm,<br />
¥9,800. Roppongi Ex-Theater.<br />
Nearest stn; Nogizaka or<br />
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5453-9999.<br />
www.ex-theater.com<br />
Solo-Duo<br />
Geila Zilkha and Ayumu<br />
Yahaba. Apr 18, 7 & 9pm,<br />
¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest<br />
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-<br />
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
Tres-Men<br />
Next generation club jazz. Apr<br />
20, 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Motion<br />
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.<br />
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.<br />
motionblue.co.jp<br />
Fuse<br />
The leading unit of Japan's<br />
jazz scene. Apr 22, 7 & 9pm,<br />
¥4,200. Motion Blue. Nearest<br />
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-<br />
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp<br />
Robben Ford<br />
Jam session of popular<br />
singers and guitarists. Apr<br />
23-24. various times, ¥8,000.<br />
Blue Note. Nearest stn:<br />
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-<br />
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp<br />
Kaho Shimada<br />
40th anniversary project. Apr<br />
28, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,500-8,500.<br />
Cotton Club. Nearest stn:<br />
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.<br />
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp<br />
Eric Alexander Quartet<br />
Modern jazz. Apr 29-30.<br />
various times, ¥7,500-9,000.<br />
Cotton Club. Nearest stn:<br />
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.<br />
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp<br />
CLASSICAL<br />
Tokyo Harusai Chamber<br />
Orchestra<br />
The music of Mozart<br />
performed by top musicians.<br />
Mar 21, 3pm, ¥1,500-7,000.<br />
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest<br />
stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Chamber Music Concert<br />
Classic Players Tokyo perform<br />
baroque pieces by Mozart and<br />
others. Mar 21, 6pm, ¥2,000.<br />
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.<br />
Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel:<br />
0570-010-296. www.geigeki.jp<br />
Tokyo Spring Music<br />
Festival Chamber<br />
Orchestra<br />
Mozart played by top<br />
musicians. Mar 21, 3pm,<br />
¥1,500-7,000. Tokyo Bunka<br />
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />
03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.<br />
jp/en/<br />
String Quartet by NHK<br />
Symphony Orchestra<br />
All Beethoven program. Mar<br />
21, 2pm, ¥3,500. National<br />
Museum of Nature and<br />
Science. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />
03-3822-0111. www.kahaku.<br />
go.jp<br />
Japanese Songs : Tokyo<br />
Opera Singers<br />
Beautiful choral arrangements<br />
of Japanese songs. Mar 22,<br />
2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka<br />
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
www.tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Goldberg Variations<br />
With Julien Szulman and<br />
Nobuko Imai. Mar 22, 6pm,<br />
¥1,500-6,000. Tokyo Bunka<br />
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
www.tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Hiroshi Kato<br />
Music Travelogue on the Piano:<br />
Vienna. Mar 22, 2pm, ¥3,000.<br />
Tokyo Metropolitan Art<br />
Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
www.tokyo-harusai.com<br />
The 164th Tokyo<br />
Metropolitan Theatre<br />
Kristjan Jarvi conducts<br />
Pritsker and others. Mar 22,<br />
2pm, ¥1,500-7,000. Tokyo<br />
Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest<br />
stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-3562-<br />
1550. www.yomikyo.or.jp/e<br />
New Japan Philharmonic<br />
Orchestra Nice to Meet You<br />
The Orchestra Once Again<br />
Orchestra plays Beethoven<br />
and others. Mar 22, 11am &<br />
2pm, Free. Sumida Triphony<br />
Hall. Nearest stn: Kinshicho.<br />
Tel: 03-5608-1212. www.<br />
triphony.com<br />
Tokyo Opera Singers<br />
Japan's songs volume 4. Mar<br />
22, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka<br />
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />
03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.<br />
jp/en/<br />
Goldberg Variationen<br />
Sadao Harada cello series<br />
volume 5. Mar 22, 6pm, ¥1,500-<br />
6,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-<br />
2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/<br />
Journey of Piano Music:<br />
Vienna<br />
Performed by the concert<br />
master, Hiroshi Kato. Mar<br />
22, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo<br />
Metropolitan Art Museum.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-<br />
6921. www.tobikan.jp<br />
The Life of Richard Strauss<br />
Celebrating the 150th<br />
anniversary of the composer's<br />
birth. Mar 23, various times,<br />
¥2,000-7,500. Tokyo Bunka<br />
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
www.tokyo-harusai.com<br />
The 70th Yokohama<br />
Minato Mirai Holiday<br />
Kristjan Jarvi conducts<br />
Korngold and others. Mar 23,<br />
2pm, ¥1,500-7,000. Yokohama<br />
Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Minatomirai. Tel: 03-3562-<br />
1550. www.yomikyo.or.jp/e<br />
Gunma Symphony<br />
Orchestra Performance in<br />
Tokyo<br />
Orchestra plays Berlioz and<br />
others. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥2,500-<br />
5,500. Sumida Triphony Hall.<br />
Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel:<br />
03-5608-1212. www.triphony.<br />
com<br />
Triphony Hall Jr. Orchestra<br />
Young musicians demonstrate<br />
their talent. Mar 24, 7pm,<br />
¥1,500. Sumida Triphony Hall.<br />
Nearest stn: Kinshicho. www.<br />
triphony.com<br />
Subscription Concert<br />
No.767 A Series<br />
Kazuhiro Koizumi conducts<br />
Beethoven and other. Mar 24,<br />
7pm, ¥1,800-6,500. Tokyo<br />
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0727. www.<br />
tmso.or.jp/e<br />
A Journey Through the<br />
History of the Piano<br />
Walter, Pleyel and Steinway.<br />
Mar 25, 11am, ¥2,500. Tokyo<br />
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
An Evening with Schubert<br />
Piano Quintet "Die Forelle" and<br />
other splendid chamber music.<br />
Mar 25, 7pm, ¥1,500-6,500.<br />
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest<br />
stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Searching the History of<br />
Piano: Kikuko Ogura<br />
Concert volume 4: Walter,<br />
Pleyel, Steinway. Mar 25, 11am,<br />
¥2,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-<br />
2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/<br />
Evening of Schubert<br />
Piano quintet station of classic<br />
songs. Mar 25, 7pm, ¥1,000-<br />
6,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-<br />
2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/<br />
J.S.Bach vol.19<br />
Violoncellist Nobuko<br />
Yamazaki and Cembalist<br />
Michio Kobayashi. Mar 26,<br />
7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo National<br />
Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
www.tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Bach vol.19<br />
Cellist Nobuko Yamazaki<br />
and cembalo musician<br />
Michio Kobayashi. Mar 26,<br />
7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo National<br />
Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />
03-5777-8600. www.tnm.jp<br />
Yutaka Sado and Super<br />
Kids Orchestra<br />
Super Kids Orchestra with<br />
conductor Yutaka Sado with<br />
special guest Niu Niu. Mar 27,<br />
6:30pm, ¥5,000-6,000. Suntory<br />
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome.<br />
Tel: 03-3234-9999.<br />
www.suntory.co.jp/suntoryhall<br />
Daichi Fujiki<br />
Feat. Yasuji Ohagi. Mar 28,<br />
6:30pm, ¥3,500. National<br />
Museum of Nature and Science.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-<br />
0111. www.tokyo-harusai.com<br />
New Japan Philharmonic<br />
Orchestra 2013/2014<br />
Season of Classic Concert<br />
34 orchestral introduction to<br />
work for Britain and others. Mar<br />
28, 2pm; Mar 29, 2pm, ¥1,000-<br />
4,000. Sumida Triphony Hall.<br />
Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel:<br />
03-5608-1212. www.triphony.<br />
com<br />
Festival Orchestra<br />
The College of Music Orchestra<br />
conducted by Radomil Eliska.<br />
Mar 28, 7pm, ¥1,500-2,000.<br />
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.<br />
Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel:<br />
0570-010-296. www.geigeki.jp<br />
Daichi Fujiki and Rasuji<br />
Oohagi<br />
Museum concert by<br />
countertenor and guitarist. Mar<br />
28, 6:30pm, ¥3,500. National<br />
Museum of Nature and Science.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-<br />
0111. www.kahaku.go.jp<br />
The 66th Promenade<br />
Concert<br />
Akiko Kuwagata plays the<br />
organ. Mar 29, 2pm, free.<br />
Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest<br />
stn: Yonohonmachi. http://<br />
saf.or.jp<br />
Tokyo Harusai Lieder<br />
Series vol.13<br />
Soprano singer Marlis<br />
Petersen. Mar 29, 6pm, ¥1,500-<br />
5,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.<br />
tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Takehiko Yamada<br />
Music travelogue on piano.<br />
Mar 29, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo<br />
Metropolitan Art Museum.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.<br />
tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Akiko Kuwagata: Old<br />
Songs of the World<br />
Short program of organ playing<br />
old songs. Mar 29, 2pm, free.<br />
Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest<br />
stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel:<br />
048-858-5500. www.saf.or.jp<br />
Marlis Petersen<br />
Tokyo Spring Festival song<br />
series volume 12. Mar 29, 6pm,<br />
¥1,500-5,000. Tokyo Bunka<br />
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />
03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.<br />
jp/en/<br />
Journey of Piano Music:<br />
Paris<br />
Concert by the talented<br />
Takehiko Yamada. Mar<br />
29, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo<br />
Metropolitan Art Museum.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-<br />
6921. www.tobikan.jp<br />
In Memory of a Great Artist<br />
Keiko Urushihara, Kaeko<br />
Mukoyama and Ichiro<br />
Nodaira. Mar 30, 3pm, ¥1,500-<br />
5,500. Ishibashi Memorial<br />
Hall. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
Tel: 03-3843-3043. www.<br />
ishibashimemorial.com<br />
Bro Cart Philharmonic<br />
Orchestra<br />
Brahms and others. Mar 30,<br />
2pm, ¥700-1,000. Sumida<br />
Triphony Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Kinshicho. Tel: 03-3608-1212.<br />
www.triphony.com<br />
Journey of Piano Music:<br />
New York<br />
Dynamic travelogue on<br />
the piano by Akira Eguchi.<br />
Mar 30, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo<br />
Metropolitan Art Museum.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-<br />
6921. www.tobikan.jp<br />
E.W. Korngold: Between<br />
Two Worlds<br />
The last prodigy of the<br />
20th century. Mar 31, 7pm,<br />
¥2,000. Ishibashi Memorial<br />
Hall. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
Tel: 03-3843-3043. www.<br />
ishibashimemorial.com/<br />
english/<br />
The Argentine Tango<br />
An evening of nostalgic tango<br />
music. Apr 1, 7pm, ¥3,000.<br />
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest<br />
stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Bach vol.20<br />
Violinist Yosuke Yamazaki.<br />
Apr 1, 7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo<br />
National Museum. Nearest<br />
stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600.<br />
www.tnm.jp<br />
Daisuke Suzuki<br />
Guitar recital. Apr 2, 7pm,<br />
¥1,500-4,000. Ishibashi<br />
Memorial Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. Tel: 03-3843-3043. www.<br />
ishibashimemorial.com<br />
Memories of Florence<br />
Performance by upcoming<br />
young musicians. Apr 3, 7pm,<br />
¥1,500-4,000. Tokyo Bunka<br />
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />
03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.<br />
jp/en/<br />
Sadao Harada<br />
Violin and cello recital. Apr<br />
4, 7pm, ¥1,500-4,000. Tokyo<br />
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Der Ring des Nibelungen<br />
With projected images and<br />
subtitles onscreen. Apr 5, 3pm;<br />
Apr 7, 7pm, ¥2,000-20,000.<br />
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest<br />
stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Attacca Quartet<br />
Plaing works by Haydn, Bartók<br />
and Dvořák. Apr 5, 2pm,<br />
¥3,500. National Museum of<br />
Nature and Science. Nearest<br />
stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111.<br />
www.tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Angelika Kirchschlager<br />
Mezzo Soprano Singer. Apr<br />
6, 3pm, ¥1,500-8,000. Tokyo<br />
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Kyoko Tabe<br />
Music Travelogue on piano:<br />
Nordic countries. Apr 6, 2pm,<br />
¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan<br />
Art Museum. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Blossoming Melodies<br />
vol.1<br />
Concert inspired by Jacques<br />
Callot: Theater of Realism and<br />
Fantasy. Apr 8, 11am & 2pm,<br />
¥1,400. The National Museum<br />
of Western Art. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600.<br />
www.nmwa.go.jp<br />
Maximilian Hornung and<br />
Hisako Kawamura<br />
Duo of former Bayern<br />
Orchestra musician and top<br />
pianist. Apr 8, 7pm, ¥1,500-<br />
5,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-<br />
2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/<br />
Wiener Kammerensemble<br />
All Beethoven Program. Apr<br />
10, 7pm, ¥1,500-8,000. Tokyo<br />
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.<br />
com<br />
Bach vol.21<br />
Cellist Wen-Sinn Yang. Apr 10,<br />
7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo National<br />
Museum. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.<br />
tnm.jp<br />
The 10th Anniversary Gala<br />
Concert<br />
A selection of glorious choral<br />
music. Apr 13, 3pm, ¥2,000-<br />
10,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.<br />
tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Hayley Westenra<br />
UNICEF ambassador and<br />
classical crossover singer. Apr<br />
14, 7pm; Apr 15, 7pm, ¥7,000-<br />
8,000. Tokyo International<br />
Forum. Nearest stn:<br />
Yurakucho. Tel: 03-3402-5999.<br />
www.udo.jp<br />
Stage<br />
Die Tote Stadt<br />
The story of a young man<br />
struggling to get over the death<br />
of his wife. Mar 21 & 24, 2pm,<br />
¥5,250-26,250. New National<br />
Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn:<br />
Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459.<br />
www.nntt.jac.go.jp<br />
Canary English Rakugo<br />
Recital<br />
Traditional Japanese narrative<br />
performed in English. Mar<br />
21-23, noon, free. Oedo<br />
Ryogokutei. Nearest stn:<br />
Ryogoku. kanariya.eiraku@<br />
gmail.com. http://canary.<br />
justhpbs.jp<br />
Harold Pinter Double-Bill<br />
Blackstripe Theater presents<br />
challenging plays Ashes to<br />
Ashes and One for the Road.<br />
Mar 28, 7:30pm; Mar 29, 2<br />
& 7pm; Mar 30, 2 & 7pm,<br />
¥2,000 (students)/ ¥3,000<br />
(adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Trance<br />
Mission Theatre. Nearest<br />
stn: Sangubashi. tickets@<br />
blackstripetheater.com. www.<br />
blackstripetheater.com<br />
In the Heights<br />
Broadway musical with an<br />
all-star Japanese cast. Until Apr<br />
20, Various times. Bunkamura<br />
Theater Cocoon. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999.<br />
www.bunkamura.co.jp/<br />
cocoon<br />
Wozzeck<br />
Story of hardship and<br />
exploitation of the poor. Apr<br />
5, 2pm; Apr 8, 7pm; Apr 11<br />
& 13, 2pm, ¥4,200-23,100.<br />
New National Theatre Tokyo.<br />
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:<br />
0120-489-459. www.nntt.<br />
jac.go.jp<br />
Thriller Live<br />
Musical featuring some of<br />
Michael Jackson's greatest<br />
hits. Until Jun 8, various<br />
times, ¥5,500-8,500. Blue<br />
Theater. Nearest stn:<br />
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5414-3255.<br />
www.thrillerlive.jp<br />
Annie<br />
Musical about a redhead who<br />
loves tomorrow. Until May 11,<br />
Various times, ¥6,800-8,500.<br />
Aoyama Round Theater.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
aoyama.org/english<br />
Ovo - Cirque du Soleil<br />
Revolutionary troupe that<br />
blends circus arts and street<br />
entertainment. Until May<br />
11, various times, ¥4,500-<br />
12,000. Odaiba Big Top,<br />
Odaiba. Nearest stn: Tokyo<br />
Teleport. www.fujitv.co.jp/<br />
events/ovo<br />
Cavalleria Rusticana<br />
Story of love, adultery and<br />
revenge in Sicily. May 14,<br />
7pm; May 17, 2pm; May 21,<br />
7pm; May 24, 27 & 30, 2pm,<br />
¥5,250-26,250. New National<br />
Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn:<br />
Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459.<br />
www.nntt.jac.go.jp<br />
Dance<br />
La Dame aux Camelias<br />
Alexandre Dumas's novel<br />
adapted for the stage.<br />
Performed by Ballet de<br />
l'Opéra National de Paris. Mar<br />
21, 1:30pm; Mar 22, 1:30 &<br />
6:30pm; Mar 23, 3pm, ¥7,000-<br />
25,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.nbs.<br />
org/english<br />
Symphony in Three<br />
Movements<br />
A triple bill of ballet<br />
performances including<br />
new work by Jessica Lang<br />
and others. Mar 21-23, 2pm,<br />
¥3,150-10,500. New National<br />
Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn:<br />
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999.<br />
www.nntt.jac.go.jp/ballet<br />
La Bayadère<br />
Story of love and betrayal<br />
performed by K-Ballet<br />
Company. Until Mar 26,<br />
Various times, ¥6,000-13,000.<br />
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-3477-9999. www.k-ballet.<br />
co.jp<br />
Kigurui Rondo<br />
Haikara dance troupe puts on<br />
a one-of-a-kind performance.<br />
Mar 28, 7:30pm; Mar 29, 1 &<br />
7:30pm; Mar 30, 3pm, ¥3,000<br />
(adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Nippori<br />
D-Soko, Arakawa. Nearest<br />
Station: Nippori. Tel: 03-5811-<br />
5399. http://haikara2001.<br />
com<br />
Kenka<br />
Butoh dance. Apr 2, 7pm;<br />
Apr 3, 7pm, ¥3,500-6,000.<br />
Kanagawa Arts Theater.<br />
Nearest stn: Motomachi-<br />
Chukagai. Tel: 0463-60-1008.<br />
torifunebutohsha21.web.<br />
fc2.com<br />
Sai<br />
Butoh dance. Apr 5-6, 4pm,<br />
¥3,500-6,000. Kanagawa<br />
Arts Theater. Nearest stn:<br />
Motomachi-Chukagai.<br />
Tel: 0570-015-415.<br />
torifunebutohsha21.web.<br />
fc2.com<br />
Carmina Burara and<br />
Faster<br />
Dance inspired by music<br />
from Carl Orff and Matthew<br />
Hindson. Apr 19, 6pm; Apr<br />
25, 7pm; Apr 27, 2pm, ¥3,150-<br />
10,800. New National Theatre<br />
Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.<br />
Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.<br />
jac.go.jp/ballet<br />
Burn the Floor: Dance<br />
with You<br />
High-voltage dance<br />
experience. May 2-7, Various<br />
times, ¥7,500-12,000.<br />
Theatre Orb. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 0570-00-3337.<br />
www.ktv.jp/btf<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 13
Listings<br />
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS<br />
Clubbing<br />
FRIDAY 21<br />
Ageha<br />
Big Party. All mix. From<br />
midnight, 11pm. Nearest stn:<br />
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com<br />
Air<br />
Time Trap. Techno, house:<br />
DJs Sunahara, Ono, etc. From<br />
10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com<br />
Module<br />
Entropy Loco. Techno: DJs<br />
Baz le Rock, Mus, etc. From<br />
11pm, ¥2,500. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com<br />
Sound Museum Vision<br />
Red Spider. Reggae: DJs Red<br />
Spider, The Bk Sound, etc.<br />
From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com<br />
The New Matrix Bar<br />
Matrix Friday. Old school<br />
hip-hop, west side, south<br />
side, all mix: DJ Ykk and<br />
more. From 6pm, ¥1,000<br />
(after 11:30pm). Nearest stn:<br />
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp<br />
The Room<br />
Wah Wah. Rare groove:<br />
DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc.<br />
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
theroom.jp<br />
Village<br />
International Village. Hip-hop:<br />
DJs Kekke, Ram, etc. From<br />
10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d,<br />
(f)¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:<br />
Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.<br />
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.<br />
villagetokyo.com<br />
Womb<br />
Rhythmholic. Techno, house:<br />
DJs Ryan O Gorman, Knock,<br />
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-5459-0039. www.womb.<br />
co.jp<br />
SATURDAY 22<br />
Ageha<br />
Magnificent. Trance, edm:<br />
DJs Ferry Corsten, Yoda,<br />
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.<br />
Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.<br />
ageha.com<br />
MONDAY 24<br />
Air<br />
Connect. House, hip-hop: DJs<br />
Zeebra, Hokuto, etc. From<br />
10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.<br />
com<br />
Womb<br />
Cycle. Edm, house: DJs Yuria,<br />
April, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500<br />
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-5459-0039. www.womb.<br />
co.jp<br />
TUESDAY 25<br />
Air<br />
Unite. Techno, house: DJs<br />
Inoue, Wada, etc. From 10pm,<br />
¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com<br />
Module<br />
Substance. Techno: DJs Hid,<br />
Rosso, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500<br />
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
www.module-tokyo.com<br />
WEDNESDAY 26<br />
The Room<br />
Disco Viking. Bar style: DJs<br />
Yoko, Silver Child, etc. From<br />
midnight, free. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp<br />
THURSDAY 27<br />
Module<br />
Apple Mint. Techno, house:<br />
DJs Tai, Nakape, etc. From<br />
5pm, ¥1,000 w/1d. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com<br />
The Room<br />
Talk Enough. Talk session: DJs<br />
& talk Ogawa, Kuroda, etc.<br />
From midnight, ¥1,000 w/1d.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
theroom.jp<br />
Village<br />
Lady Marmalade. Hip-hop:<br />
DJs Kekke, Manami, etc.<br />
From 10pm, (m)¥2,000 w/1d,<br />
(f)¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:<br />
Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.<br />
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.<br />
villagetokyo.com<br />
Womb<br />
Sensual. Deep tech house,<br />
tech house: DJs Fumi, Toya,<br />
etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f)<br />
free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-5459-0039. www.womb.<br />
co.jp<br />
FRIDAY 28<br />
UPCOMING<br />
Ageha<br />
Bikini Night. Electro, house: DJs<br />
Mitomi, Taku, etc. Mar 29, from<br />
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:<br />
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com<br />
Air<br />
Round House. House,<br />
downtempo: DJs Mark Farina,<br />
Remi, etc. Mar 29, from 10pm,<br />
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
www.air-tokyo.com<br />
Module<br />
Prototype. Techno, minimal:<br />
DJs Lyoma, Haruka, etc. Mar<br />
29, from 9pm, ¥2,000. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com<br />
Sound Museum Vision<br />
Power. Electro, edm: DJs<br />
80kidz, Kyoko, etc. Mar<br />
29, from 10pm, (m)¥3,500,<br />
(f)¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
www.vision-tokyo.com<br />
The Room<br />
Jazzbrothers on the Corner.<br />
Jazz: DJs Yama, Takehana, etc.<br />
Mar 29, from 10pm, ¥2,500<br />
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
www.theroom.jp<br />
Womb<br />
Tresvibes. House, techno<br />
DJs Otsuki, Pi-Ge, etc: Live:<br />
Bruno Pronsato. Mar 29, from<br />
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.<br />
www.womb.co.jp<br />
Exhibitions<br />
AKASAKA/ROPPONGI<br />
Fujifilm Square<br />
A Fascination with Light.<br />
Photography by Wynn Bullock.<br />
Until Mar 31, free. Open daily<br />
10am-7pm. 9-7-3 Akasaka,<br />
Roppongi. Nearest stn:<br />
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6271-3350.<br />
http://fujifilmsquare.jp/en<br />
Mori Art Museum<br />
Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes<br />
Eternal. Almost 700 works by<br />
the standard-bearer of Pop Art.<br />
Until May 6, ¥500-1,500. MAM<br />
Project 020: Gabriel Acevedo<br />
Velarde. Mixed media. Until<br />
May 6, ¥500-1,500. Open Mon<br />
& Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue<br />
10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.<br />
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.<br />
mori.art.museum<br />
メトロポリスは 創 刊 20 周 年 を 迎 えました!<br />
下 記 の 外 国 人 集 客 サービスを 提 供 しています。<br />
✿ 雑 誌 ( 純 広 告 ・ 記 事 広 告 ・ 文 字 広 告 )<br />
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5 月 発 行 号 でペット 特 集 と 健 康 生 活 特 集 を 発 行 します。<br />
ご 予 算 に 応 じた 幅 広 いプロモーション 案 をご 提 案 いたします。<br />
営 業 部 までお 問 い 合 わせください。<br />
TEL: 03-4588-2277 • sales@metropolis.co.jp<br />
Air<br />
Beat Freak. Hip-hop<br />
DJs Muro, Sarasa, etc: Live:<br />
Onra. From 10pm, ¥3,000.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
air-tokyo.com<br />
Module<br />
Veta. Techno, minimal: DJs<br />
Pete, Okuda, etc. From 11pm,<br />
¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
www.module-tokyo.com<br />
Sound Museum Vision<br />
Brodinski and Sam Tiba.<br />
From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com<br />
The Room<br />
Jazztronica. Jazz, house: DJs<br />
Nozaki, Shuya Okino(Kyoto<br />
Jazz Massive) , etc. From<br />
10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.<br />
jp<br />
Womb<br />
Endless Flight. House,<br />
techno: DJs Henrik Schwarz,<br />
Kawasaki, etc. From 11pm,<br />
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.<br />
womb.co.jp<br />
SUNDAY 23<br />
Module<br />
Friction. Techno, house: DJs<br />
L-Eye, Pyrovers, etc. From<br />
4pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com<br />
The Room<br />
Yuragi. House: DJs Kiichiro,<br />
Gara, etc. From midnight,<br />
¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp<br />
Ageha<br />
Prom Night. Edm, top40: DJs<br />
Kato, Kawabata, etc. From<br />
11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.<br />
Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.<br />
ageha.com<br />
Air<br />
Eden. House: DJs Monkey<br />
Timers, Bryan Burton-Lewis,<br />
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
air-tokyo.com<br />
Module<br />
Soi. Drumnbass, jungle: DJs<br />
Digital, Dx, etc. From 10pm,<br />
¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.<br />
com<br />
Ruby Room<br />
Dai Tonbo. DJs Hata, Yosuke,<br />
etc: Live: Goro and more.<br />
From 9pm, ¥2,000 w/2d.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
rubyroomtokyo.com<br />
Sound Museum Vision<br />
Kitsune Club Night. Electro:<br />
DJs Gildas, Two Door Cinema<br />
Club, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
vision-tokyo.com<br />
The Room<br />
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs<br />
Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From<br />
10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest<br />
stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp<br />
Womb<br />
Dj Mag. Edm: DJs Dantz, Aki,<br />
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />
03-5459-0039. www.womb.<br />
co.jp<br />
Mori Arts Center Gallery<br />
Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian<br />
Avant-Garde. Masterpieces<br />
by English painters. Until Apr<br />
6, ¥500-1,500. 52F Roppongi<br />
Hills Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi.<br />
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.<br />
roppongihills.com/art/macg/<br />
Suntory Museum of Art<br />
A Visual Revolution in<br />
Edo. Illustration. Import<br />
of microscopes and other<br />
optical devices overturned<br />
conventional illustration<br />
methods. Mar 29-May 11,<br />
¥800-1,300. The Scientific Eye<br />
and Visual Wonders in Edo.<br />
The birth of intriguing visual<br />
effects in Japanese art. Mar<br />
29-May 11, ¥1,000-1,300. Open<br />
Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon<br />
& hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue.<br />
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku.<br />
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.<br />
suntory.jp/sma<br />
The National Art Center,<br />
Tokyo<br />
Kazumi Nakamura. Acrylic<br />
and oil paintings. Until May<br />
19, ¥500-1,000. The Power of<br />
Images: The National Museum of<br />
Ethnology Collection. Symbols<br />
and totems from around the<br />
world. Until Jun 9, ¥500-1,000.<br />
Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon<br />
10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm,<br />
closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi.<br />
Nearest stn: Nogizaka. www.<br />
nact.jp<br />
GINZA/KYOBASHI/<br />
TOKYO<br />
Bridgestone Museum of<br />
Art<br />
The Painters' Eyes, the<br />
Sculptors' Hands. Paintings<br />
14 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
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and sculptures by various<br />
artists. Until Apr 13, ¥500-800.<br />
Chinese-Style Dresses from<br />
Fujishima Takeii to Umehara<br />
Ryuzaburo. Oil paintings by<br />
Japanese artists in the earl<br />
20th century. Apr 26-Jul 21,<br />
¥500-800. Open Tue-Sun<br />
& hols 10am-8pm, closed<br />
Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi,<br />
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo.<br />
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.<br />
bridgestone-museum.gr.jp<br />
Idemitsu Museum of Arts<br />
The Dreams of Itaya Hazan:<br />
The Bliss of Japanese<br />
Modern Ceramics. Ceramics.<br />
Retrospective featuring some<br />
of the artist's greatest works.<br />
Until Mar 23, ¥700-1,000.<br />
Discover the Beauty of Japan<br />
IX: Fascination with Japanese<br />
Painting. Masterpieces from<br />
various eras. Apr 5-Jun 8,<br />
¥700-1,000. Open Tue-Thu<br />
10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm,<br />
closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg,<br />
3-1-1 Marunouchi. Nearest stn:<br />
Tokyo. www.tokyo.mae.lu/jp/<br />
node_19876/hana-hito-tokyo<br />
Megumi Ogita Gallery<br />
Shoko Kanazawa. Calligraphy.<br />
Until Mar 29, ¥500. Toshimasa<br />
Kikuchi. Wood carvings and<br />
sculptures. Apr 8-26, ¥500.<br />
Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, Closed<br />
Mon & Sun. 4F, 5-4-14 Ginza.<br />
Nearest stn: Ginza. www.<br />
megumiogita.com<br />
Megumi Ogita Gallery<br />
Showcase<br />
Ceramics and Watercolor<br />
Paintings. Mixed media by<br />
Ayumu Fushiguro. Until Mar<br />
29, free. Landscape. Mixed<br />
media. Works by Holly Farrell,<br />
Daisuke Takeya and others.<br />
Apr 11-26, free. Tue-Sat<br />
11am-7pm, Closed Mon & Sun.<br />
4F, 5-4-14 Ginza. Nearest stn:<br />
Ginza. Tel: Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.<br />
www.megumiogita.com<br />
Mitsubishi Ichigokan<br />
Museum<br />
The Beautiful-Art for Art's<br />
Sake: The Aesthetic Movement<br />
1860-1900. Mixed media.<br />
Organized by the Victoria and<br />
Albert Museum, London. Until<br />
May 6, ¥500-1,600. Wed-Fri<br />
10am-8pm, Tue, Sat & Sun/<br />
hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon.<br />
2-6-2 Marunouchi. Nearest<br />
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-5405-8686.<br />
www.mimt.jp<br />
Mitsui Memorial Museum<br />
Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family.<br />
Display of rare dolls. Until<br />
Apr 6, ¥500-1,000. 7F Mitsui<br />
Main Bldg, 2-1-1 Nihombashi-<br />
Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Nearest<br />
stn: Mitsukoshimae. Tel:<br />
03-5777-8600. www.mitsuimuseum.jp<br />
National Film Center<br />
Japanese Film Heritage.<br />
Permanent collection of<br />
works from the National Film<br />
Center. Until Apr 3, ¥40-200.<br />
Iconography of Yasujiro Ozu<br />
Films. A collection of paintings,<br />
design and lettering that sheds<br />
light on Mr. Ozu's unique<br />
aesthetic sensibility. Until Mar<br />
30, ¥40-200. Directed by Kazuki<br />
Omori-His Own Selection.<br />
Lineup of films mostly from the<br />
1980s. Until Mar 30, ¥100-500.<br />
Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm,<br />
closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi.<br />
Nearest stn: Kyobashi. Tel:<br />
03-5777-8600. www.momat.<br />
go.jp<br />
The National Museum of<br />
Modern Art, Tokyo<br />
Your Portrait: A Tetsumi<br />
Kudo Retrospective. Mixed<br />
media. Abstract expression<br />
of ordinary objects by one of<br />
Japan's most innovative artists<br />
of the 20th century. Until Mar<br />
30, ¥250-850. Open Tue-Thu<br />
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri<br />
10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen.<br />
Nearest stn: Takebashi.<br />
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.<br />
momat.go.jp<br />
HARAJUKU/AOYAMA<br />
Nezu Museum<br />
Kiyomaro: Master Swordsmith<br />
to the Last Samurai. Celebrating<br />
the 200th anniversary of<br />
the artist's birth. Until Apr<br />
6, ¥900-1,200. Tue-Sun,<br />
10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 Minami-<br />
Aoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest<br />
stn: Omotesando. www.<br />
nezu-muse.or.jp/en<br />
Espace Louis Vuitton<br />
Traces of Disappearance.<br />
Mixed media. Questions and<br />
possible answers regarding<br />
our fragile world. Until Apr 13,<br />
free. Open daily noon-8pm<br />
during exhibition period.<br />
7F 5-7-5 Jingumae. Nearest<br />
stn: Omotesando. www.<br />
espacelouisvuitton.com<br />
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial<br />
Museum of Art<br />
Reminiscence of Hiroshige:<br />
Ukiyo-e History Walk.<br />
Comparing real locations in<br />
old Oedo and modern Tokyo.<br />
Until Mar 23, ¥500-700.<br />
Hiroshige Blue: Blue Attracted<br />
the World. Color-themed Edo<br />
art. Apr 1-May 28, ¥500-700.<br />
Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-<br />
5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10<br />
Jingumae. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku. www.ukiyoe-otamuse.jp<br />
KAYABACHO/KIBA<br />
Base Gallery<br />
The Places Nobody Knows.<br />
Works by Toshio Miyaoka.<br />
Until Mar 29, free. Open<br />
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun<br />
and Hols. 1-1-6 Nihombashi-<br />
Kayabacho, Chuo-ku. Nearest<br />
stn: Kayabacho. www.<br />
basegallery.com<br />
Museum of Contemporary<br />
Art Tokyo<br />
Fragments: Incomplete<br />
Beginnings. Mixed media.<br />
Until May 11, ¥700-1,600. The<br />
Marvelous Real. Contemporary<br />
Spanish and Latin American<br />
art from the Musac collection.<br />
Until May 11, ¥600-1,100.<br />
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed<br />
Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.<br />
Nearest stn: Kiyosumi-<br />
Shirakawa. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng<br />
SHIBUYA/EBISU<br />
Bunkamura: The Museum<br />
Collection of Museo Poldi<br />
Pezzoli: The Aristocratic<br />
Palace and its Beauty — Milano<br />
the Magnificent Collection<br />
of the Nobleman. Exquisite<br />
paintings originally part of a<br />
private collection in Italy. Apr<br />
4-May 25, ¥700-1,500. Open<br />
Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm,<br />
Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2- 24-1<br />
Dogenzaka. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600.<br />
www.bunkamura.co.jp<br />
Konno Hachimangu Shrine<br />
Horse. Photography by the<br />
illustrious Antoine Poupel.<br />
Until Mar 25, free. 3-5-12<br />
Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
www.geocities.jp/ynycr674/<br />
English/englishindex.html<br />
Logos Gallery<br />
100 People's Book Covers.<br />
Book covers abound. Until<br />
Mar 26, free. Open daily<br />
10am-9pm. B1F Parco Part1,<br />
15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />
parco-art.com/web/logos<br />
Tokyo Metropolitan<br />
Museum of Photography<br />
Robert Capa, the 101st<br />
Year: They All Adored Bob.<br />
Photography. Daily life in<br />
Spain during World War II.<br />
Mar 22-May 11, ¥700-1,100.<br />
Open Tue-Wed & Sat-Sun<br />
10am-6pm, Thu-Fri<br />
10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-13-3<br />
Mita, Meguro-ku. Nearest stn:<br />
Ebisu. syabi.com<br />
Yamatane Museum of Art<br />
My. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and<br />
Flowers in Spring. Mixed media.<br />
Commemorating Mt. Fuji's<br />
registration as a World Cultural<br />
Heritage site. Until May 11,<br />
¥900-1,200. Open Tue-Fri<br />
11am-5pm, closed Mon & hols.<br />
3-12-36 Hiroo. Nearest stn:<br />
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.<br />
yamatane-museum.or.jp<br />
SHINJUKU/<br />
IKEBUKURO<br />
Bunka Gakuen Costume<br />
Museum<br />
European Fashion. Rococo<br />
for men and children. Until<br />
May 24, ¥200-500. Mon-Sat<br />
10am-4:30pm, Closed Sun<br />
and hols. Shinjuku Bunka<br />
Quint Bldg. 3-22-7 Yoyogi.<br />
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel:<br />
03-3299-2387. www.bunka.<br />
ac.jp/museum/text/english.<br />
html<br />
Hiromart Gallery<br />
Hideaway. Paintings on<br />
wooden panels by Moki. Mar<br />
21-Apr 27, free. Open Wed-Sun<br />
1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue.<br />
1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku.<br />
Nearest stn: Edogawabashi.<br />
www.hiromartgallery.com<br />
Sompo Japan Museum<br />
of Art<br />
Face. Mixed media. Until Mar<br />
30, ¥300-500. Face 2014.<br />
Mixed media. Grand-prix<br />
winners of an annual<br />
competition aimed at young<br />
artists. Until Mar 30, ¥300-500.<br />
Reflections of Holland: The<br />
Hague School and Barbizon. Oil<br />
paintings by Dutch masters.<br />
Apr 19-Jun 29, ¥600-1,000.<br />
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed<br />
Mon. 42F Sompo Japan Bldg,<br />
1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest<br />
stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5405-<br />
8686. www.sompo-japan.<br />
co.jp/museum<br />
Tokyo Opera City Art<br />
Gallery<br />
Sawa Hiraki: Under the<br />
Box, Beyond the Bounds.<br />
Photography. Until Mar 30,<br />
¥600-1,000. Will Happiness<br />
Find Me? 10 artists from<br />
the Ishikawa collection.<br />
Apr 19-Jun 29, ¥800-1,000.<br />
Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm,<br />
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2<br />
Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn:<br />
Hatsudai. www.operacity.<br />
jp/en/ag<br />
UENO<br />
National Museum of<br />
Nature and Science<br />
I wa Jinjutsu. A look into<br />
Edo period medicine. Apr<br />
15-Jun 15, ¥600-1,500. Open<br />
Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 9am-5pm,<br />
Fri 9am-8pm, closed Mon.<br />
7-20 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111.<br />
www.kahaku.go.jp<br />
Tokyo Metropolitan Art<br />
Museum<br />
The Centennial Exhibition<br />
of the Japan Art Institute's<br />
Revival: The Masterpieces<br />
of Nihonga. Traditional<br />
Japanese paintings by Hogai<br />
Kano and others. Until Apr 1,<br />
¥800-1,400. 8-36 Ueno Park.<br />
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.<br />
tobikan.jp<br />
Tokyo National Museum<br />
The 800th Memorial of Yosai<br />
Roots of Zen: Yosai and the<br />
Treasures of Kenninji. Mixed<br />
media. Religious artifacts and<br />
paintings. Mar 25-May 18,<br />
¥700-1,600. Mural Paintings of<br />
the Kitora Tumulus. Pictures<br />
from an eighth century grave.<br />
Apr 22-May 18, ¥400-900.<br />
Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm.<br />
13-9 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. www.tnm.jp<br />
Ueno Royal Museum<br />
VOCA: The Vision of<br />
Contemporary Art 2014.<br />
Mixed media. Until Mar<br />
30, ¥500. Open Sat-Thur<br />
10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm.<br />
1-2 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. www.ueno-mori.org<br />
OTHER AREAS<br />
Hoki Museum<br />
Hoki Museum Award<br />
Exhibition Vol. 1.<br />
Painting. Until May 18,<br />
¥900-1,800. Open Mon<br />
& Wed-Thu 10am-6pm,<br />
Fri, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun<br />
10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15<br />
Asumigaokahigashi, Midoriku.<br />
Nearest stn: Toke. www.<br />
hoki-museum.jp<br />
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*Tax included separately<br />
Tel: 03-6240-6027<br />
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Listings<br />
Japan Folk Crafts<br />
Museum<br />
Tea and Beauty: Soetsu<br />
Yanagi and the Way of Tea.<br />
Tea utensils and other<br />
accessories. Until Mar 23,<br />
¥500-1,000. 10am-5pm,<br />
closed Mon. 4-3-33 Komaba.<br />
Nearest stn: Komabatodai.<br />
www.mingeikan.or.jp<br />
Miraikan<br />
The Sekai-Ichi. Assortment<br />
of surprising and inspiring<br />
objects made in Japan. Until<br />
May 6, ¥300-1,000. 2-3-6,<br />
Aomi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn:<br />
Telecom Center station.<br />
Tel: 03-3570-9151. www.<br />
miraikan.jst.go.jp/en<br />
Museum of<br />
Contemporary Art Tokyo<br />
Fragments: Incomplete<br />
Beginnings. Mixed media.<br />
Until May 11, ¥700-1,600.<br />
The Marvelous Real.<br />
Contemporary Spanish and<br />
Latin American art from the<br />
Musac collection. Until May<br />
11, ¥600-1,100. Tue-Sun,<br />
10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1<br />
Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Nearest<br />
stn: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.<br />
www.mot-art-museum.<br />
jp/eng<br />
National Museum of<br />
Japanese History<br />
Various Seasonal Festivals.<br />
Traditional ornaments and<br />
accessories. Until May 6,<br />
¥250-420. Earthquakes in<br />
Japanese History. Mixed<br />
media. A closer look into<br />
individual experiences<br />
and social impacts of these<br />
natural disasters. Until May<br />
6, ¥450-830. Open Tue-Sun<br />
9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mon.<br />
117 Jonai-cho, Sakura-shi.<br />
Nearest stn: Keisei-Sakura.<br />
www.rekihaku.ac.jp/english<br />
Pola Museum of Art<br />
Homage to Renoir: Renoir<br />
and Painters of the Twentieth<br />
Century. Impressionist<br />
oil paintings. Until Apr<br />
6, ¥1,000-1,800. Color,<br />
Line, Form: Matisse, Degas,<br />
Chagall. Oil, watercolor<br />
and pastel painting. Until<br />
Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800.<br />
Japanese-Style Paintings<br />
and Japanese Western-<br />
Style Paintings. Works by<br />
Léonard Foujita and others.<br />
Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800.<br />
Glasswork Selections. 120<br />
of the museum's finest<br />
pieces. Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-<br />
1,800. 9am-4:30pm. 1285<br />
Kozukayama, Sengokuhara,<br />
Hakone-machi. Nearest stn:<br />
Gora. www.polamuseum.<br />
or.jp<br />
Setagaya Art Museum<br />
Ginko, Ryusei and Reiko<br />
Kishida—Genealogy of<br />
Innovative Spirit. Painting.<br />
Until Apr 6, ¥500-1,200.<br />
Open Tue-Sun10am-6pm,<br />
closed Mon. 1-2 Kinutakoen,<br />
Setagaya-ku. Nearest<br />
stn: Seijogakuenmae.<br />
Tel: 03-3415-6011. www.<br />
setagayaartmuseum.or.jp/<br />
index_e.html<br />
The French Institute<br />
Tokyo<br />
Digital Choc 2014. Machinery<br />
on the walls, robots of<br />
dreams and more. Until Mar<br />
23, various times, free. 15<br />
Ichigaya Funagawara-cho.<br />
Nearest stn: Iidabashi.<br />
Tel: 03-5206-2500. www.<br />
institutfrancais.jp/tokyo<br />
The Museum of Modern<br />
Art, Hayama<br />
Masamu Yanase 1900-1945:<br />
A Retrospective. Mixed<br />
media. Until Mar 23,<br />
¥100-1,000. Open Tue-Sun<br />
9:30am-5pm, closed Mon.<br />
2208-1 Isshiki, Hayama,<br />
Miura-gun. Nearest stn:<br />
Zushi.<br />
The Museum of Modern<br />
Art, Kamakura<br />
From the Collection: Where is<br />
the Light. Mixed media. Until<br />
Mar 23, ¥100-700. 2-1-53<br />
Yukinoshita, Kamakura,<br />
Kanagawa. Nearest stn:<br />
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS<br />
Kamakura. Tel: 03-3402-5999.<br />
www.udo.jp<br />
Tokyo Gallery + BTAP<br />
Shinohara: Ushio and Noriko.<br />
Works by the artists featured<br />
in the documentary Cutie<br />
and the Boxer. Until Mar 29,<br />
free. Tue–Fri 11am–7pm & Sat<br />
11am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon &<br />
Hols. 7F, 8-10-5 Ginza. Nearest<br />
stn: Shinbashi. Tel: 03-3571-<br />
1808. www.tokyo-gallery.com<br />
Sports<br />
BASEBALL<br />
Central League<br />
Yomiuri Giants vs.<br />
Yokohama DeNA Baystars.<br />
Mar 21, 2pm, ¥500-4,500.<br />
Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-<br />
9999.<br />
Central League Fan Meeting.<br />
Mar 24, 10am, ¥1,500-2,500.<br />
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:<br />
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.<br />
Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.<br />
Yokohama DeNA Baystars.<br />
Mar 28-30, 6pm, ¥500-4,600.<br />
Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku.<br />
Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.<br />
Hanshin Tigers. Apr 4-6, 6pm,<br />
¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien.<br />
Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />
Tokyo Yakult Swallows<br />
vs. Yomiuri Giants. Apr 16,<br />
6:15pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji<br />
Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku.<br />
Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.<br />
Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Apr<br />
22-24, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji<br />
Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku.<br />
Interleague<br />
Tokyo Yakult Swallows<br />
vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham<br />
Fighters. Mar 21, 1pm,<br />
¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu Gaien.<br />
Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />
Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.<br />
Chiba Lotte Marines. Mar 22,<br />
1pm, ¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu<br />
Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />
Yomiuri Giants vs. Hokkaido<br />
Nippon-Ham Fighters. Mar<br />
22, 2pm, ¥500-4,500. Tokyo<br />
Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi.<br />
Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Saitama Seibu Lions vs.<br />
Yomiuri Giants. May 20, 6pm,<br />
¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.<br />
Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.<br />
Tel: 04-2925-1141.<br />
Pacific League<br />
Saitama Seibu Lions vs.<br />
Tohoku Rakuten Golden<br />
Eagles. Mar 28-30, 6pm,<br />
¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.<br />
Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.<br />
Tel: 04-2925-1141.<br />
Saitama Seibu Lions vs.<br />
Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.<br />
Apr 8-10, 6pm, ¥600-22,000.<br />
Seibu Dome. Nearest stn:<br />
Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-2925-<br />
1141.<br />
Saitama Seibu Lions vs.<br />
Chiba Lotte Marines. Apr<br />
16, 6pm, ¥600-22,000.<br />
Seibu Dome. Nearest stn:<br />
Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-2925-<br />
1141.<br />
Saitama Seibu Lions vs.<br />
Orix Buffaloes. Apr 18, 6pm,<br />
¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.<br />
Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.<br />
Tel: 04-2925-1141.<br />
Tohoku Rakuten Golden<br />
Eagles vs. Saitama Seibu Lions.<br />
Apr 24, 6pm, ¥500-7,000.<br />
Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
BASKETBALL<br />
Basketball Japan League<br />
Yokohama B-Corsairs vs.<br />
Saitama Broncos. Apr 12, 6pm,<br />
¥1,000-12,000. Yokosuka<br />
Arena. Nearest stn: Yokosuka<br />
Chuo or Kenritsudaigaku. Tel:<br />
046-826-2800.<br />
Saitama Broncos vs. Niigata<br />
Albirex BB. Apr 26, 6pm,<br />
¥900-7,000. Tokorozawa City<br />
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:<br />
Shintokorozawa. Tel: 04-2991-<br />
1181.<br />
Yokohama B-Corsairs vs.<br />
Akita Northern Happinets.<br />
Apr 26, 6pm, ¥1,000-12,000.<br />
Hiratsuka Gymnasium.<br />
Nearest stn: Hiratsuka. Tel:<br />
0463-35-2255.<br />
National Basketball<br />
League<br />
Hitachi Sunrockers vs.<br />
Toshiba Brave Thunders. Apr<br />
4-5, 7:15pm, ¥1,000-3,500.<br />
Yoyogi National Gymnasium.<br />
Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.<br />
Hitachi Sunrockers vs.<br />
Levanga Hokkaido. Apr 26-27,<br />
6pm, ¥1,000-3,500. Ota City<br />
General Gymnasium. Nearest<br />
stn: Umeyashiki. Tel: 03-5480-<br />
6688.<br />
BOXING<br />
Hidenori Ohtake vs.<br />
Takafumi Nakajima<br />
Mar 24, 5:50pm, ¥4,000-<br />
15,000. Korakuen Hall.<br />
Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel:<br />
03-5800-9999.<br />
The 523rd Dynamic Glove<br />
Mar 25, 5:45pm, ¥5,000-12,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Dangan97<br />
Mar 31, 6pm, ¥4,000-6,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Untouchable Fight. 21<br />
Apr 1, 6pm, ¥4,000-10,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Dangan98<br />
Apr 4, 5:50pm, ¥4,000-6,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
The 524th Dynamic Glove<br />
Apr 5, 6pm, ¥3,000-10,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
WBC World Double Title<br />
Match<br />
Apr 6, 4pm, ¥6,000-50,000.<br />
Ota City General Gymnasium.<br />
Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel:<br />
03-5480-6688.<br />
FIGURE SKATING<br />
ISU World Championships<br />
Mar 26-Mar 30, various times,<br />
¥3,000-25,000. Saitama Super<br />
Arena. Nearest stn: Saitama-<br />
Shintoshin.<br />
MMA<br />
Pancrase 257<br />
Mar 30, 3pm, ¥7,000-<br />
15,000. Yokohama Cultural<br />
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:<br />
Kannai. Tel: 045 641 5741.<br />
Rise 98<br />
Mar 30, 5:30pm, ¥4,000-10,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Overheat Boxers Night<br />
Apr 10, 6pm, ¥4,000-10,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Mega Fight vol.50<br />
Apr 11, 6pm, ¥5,000. Korakuen<br />
Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi.<br />
Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Champion Carnival<br />
Apr 14, 5:50pm, ¥4,000-10,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Ichimonkai<br />
Apr 16, 5:45pm, ¥3,000-10,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
PRO WRESTLING<br />
Noah: Spring Navig.<br />
Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-7,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Deep 65 Impact<br />
Mar 22, 2:30pm, ¥6,000-15,000.<br />
Differ Ariake. Nearest stn:<br />
Ariake-tennis-no-mori.<br />
Big Japan<br />
Nov 22, 7pm, ¥3,150-6,300.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
Zero 1<br />
Mar 30, 1pm, ¥3,000-6,000.<br />
Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn:<br />
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.<br />
16 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS<br />
APRIL 15, 17 & 19<br />
Yoga for the Mind<br />
The state of your mind is the<br />
state of your world.<br />
By cultivating positive<br />
thoughts with an awareness<br />
of the present, we can<br />
eliminate the negative<br />
feelings that hold our<br />
happiness back.<br />
Workshop details at<br />
www.mysticallifellc.com<br />
Inoki Genome Fight 1<br />
Apr 5, 6pm, ¥5,000-50,000.<br />
Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest<br />
stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3623-<br />
5111.<br />
Wrestling New Classic<br />
Apr 25, 6:30pm, ¥3,000-10,000.<br />
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />
SOCCER<br />
J. League, Division 1<br />
FC Tokyo vs. Kawasaki<br />
Frontale. Mar 23, 7pm,<br />
¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto<br />
Stadium. Nearest stn:<br />
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-0555.<br />
Kashima Antlers vs.<br />
Cerezo Osaka. Mar 23, 3pm,<br />
¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer<br />
Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima<br />
Sports Stadium.<br />
Omiya Ardija vs. Vegalta<br />
Sendai. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,000-<br />
5,500. NACK5 Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel:<br />
048-644-7950.<br />
Urawa Reds vs. Shimizu<br />
S-Pulse. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,000-<br />
10,000. Saitama Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel:<br />
048-812-1001.<br />
Kawasaki Frontale vs.<br />
Nagoya Grampus. Mar 28, 7pm,<br />
¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Musashikosugi.<br />
Tel: 044-722-0303.<br />
Yokohama F. Marinos vs.<br />
Kashima Antlers. Mar 29, 2pm,<br />
¥1,000-5,300. Nissan Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel:<br />
04-5477-5000.<br />
FC Tokyo vs. Sagan Tosu.<br />
Apr 6, 4pm, ¥600-6,200.<br />
Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest<br />
stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-<br />
0555.<br />
Omiya Ardija vs. Vissel Kobe.<br />
Apr 6, 3pm, ¥1,000-5,500.<br />
NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn:<br />
Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950.<br />
Urawa Reds vs. Vegalta<br />
Sendai. Apr 6, 7pm, ¥1,000-<br />
10,000. Saitama Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel:<br />
048-812-1001.<br />
Kawasaki Frontale vs.<br />
Kashiwa Reysol. Apr 11, 7pm,<br />
¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Musashikosugi.<br />
Tel: 044-722-0303.<br />
Kashima Antlers vs.<br />
Albirex Niigata. Apr 12, 3pm,<br />
¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer<br />
Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima<br />
Sports Stadium.<br />
Yokohama F. Marinos vs.<br />
Vegalta Sendai. Apr 12, 2pm,<br />
¥1,000-5,300. Nissan Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel:<br />
04-5477-5000.<br />
FC Tokyo vs. Cerezo Osaka.<br />
Apr 19, 4pm, ¥600-6,200.<br />
Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest<br />
stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-<br />
0555.<br />
Kashima Antlers vs. Vissel<br />
Kobe. Apr 19, 3pm, ¥1,400-<br />
8,000. Kashima Soccer<br />
Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima<br />
Sports Stadium.<br />
Urawa Reds vs. Kawasaki<br />
Frontale. Apr 19, 5pm, ¥1,000-<br />
10,000. Saitama Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel:<br />
048-812-1001.<br />
Kawasaki Frontale vs.<br />
Gamba Osaka. Apr 26, 4pm,<br />
¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Musashikosugi.<br />
Tel: 044-722-0303.<br />
Omiya Ardija vs. Ventforet<br />
Kofu. Apr 26, 5pm, ¥1,000-<br />
5,500. NACK5 Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel:<br />
048-644-7950.<br />
Yokohama F. Marinos vs. FC<br />
Tokyo. Apr 26, 2pm, ¥1,000-<br />
5,300. Nissan Stadium. Nearest<br />
stn: Kozuke. Tel: 04-5477-5000<br />
Nabisco Cup<br />
Kashima Antlers vs. Sagan<br />
Tosu. Apr 2, 7pm, ¥1,400-8,000.<br />
Kashima Soccer Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Kashima Sports<br />
Stadium.<br />
Urawa Reds vs. Omiya<br />
Ardija. Apr 2, 7:30pm, ¥1,000-<br />
4,500. Saitama Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel:<br />
048-812-1001.<br />
Omiya Ardija vs. Kashiwa<br />
Reysol. Apr 16, 7pm, ¥1,000-<br />
5,500. NACK5 Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel:<br />
048-644-7950.<br />
Urawa Reds vs. Tokushima<br />
Vortis. Apr 16, 7:30pm, ¥1,000-<br />
4,500. Saitama Stadium.<br />
Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel:<br />
048-812-1001.<br />
SWIMMING<br />
Japan Championships:<br />
Preliminary<br />
Apr 10-Apr 13, 9:30am,<br />
¥2,000. Tatsumi International<br />
Swimming Center. Nearest stn:<br />
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5569-5061.<br />
www.tatsumi-swim.net<br />
Japan Championships:<br />
Final<br />
Apr 10-Apr 13, 4pm, ¥3,000-<br />
4,000. Tatsumi International<br />
Swimming Center. Nearest stn:<br />
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5569-5061.<br />
www.tatsumi-swim.net<br />
TABLE TENNIS<br />
World Team Table Tennis<br />
Championships<br />
Apr 28-May 5, various times,<br />
¥1,000-8,000. Yoyogi National<br />
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:<br />
Meiji-Jingumae. www.ittf.com<br />
TENNIS<br />
Davis Cup: Japan vs. Czech<br />
Republic<br />
Apr 4-Apr 6, 1pm, ¥1,500-<br />
10,000. Ariake Colosseum.<br />
Nearest stn: Ariake. Tel:<br />
03-3529-3301.<br />
Festivals<br />
Ueno Sakura Matsuri<br />
About 1,000 cherry blossom<br />
trees, illuminated at<br />
night. Movies and musical<br />
performances on certain<br />
days. Until Apr 13, various,<br />
free. Ueno Park. Nearest stn:<br />
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-5644.<br />
www.ueno.or.jp/tourist<br />
Toshimaen Cherry<br />
Blossom Festival<br />
Ride attractions at half<br />
price from 3pm by having<br />
a "Yozakura Night Pass".<br />
Until Apr 6, all day, ¥1,000.<br />
Toshimaen. Nearest stn:<br />
Toshimaen. Tel: 03-3990-<br />
8800. www.toshimaen.co.jp<br />
Sakura Tsutsumi Street<br />
Flower Festival<br />
Illuminated at night and flee<br />
markets, attractions, and<br />
others on weekends. Until Apr<br />
15, all day, free. Along Sumida<br />
river. http://visit-sumida.jp<br />
Yoshino Baigo<br />
Last chance for plum blossoms<br />
in Ome. Until Mar 30, all day,<br />
free. Yoshino Baigo, Ome.<br />
Nearest stn: Hinatawada. www.<br />
omekanko.gr.jp/ume<br />
Cherry Blossom Festival<br />
900m cherry blossom<br />
street. Until Apr 15, all day,<br />
free. Sendaiborigawa and<br />
Minamisuna Park. Nearest<br />
stn: Toyocho. http://hanami.<br />
walkerplus.com<br />
Cherry Blossom at<br />
Sankeien<br />
Enjoy sightseeing 300 cherry<br />
blossom trees and historical<br />
architectures. UntilApr 15,<br />
9am-9pm, ¥500. Sankeien<br />
Garden Museum. Nearest stn:<br />
Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634.<br />
http://hanami.walkerplus.<br />
com<br />
Cherry Blossom Night<br />
Viewing<br />
Tomyoji pagoda and cherry<br />
blossom trees lit up by lanterns<br />
and floodlights. Mar 23-Apr 7,<br />
until 9pm, ¥200-500. Sankeien<br />
Garden Museum. Nearest stn:<br />
Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634.<br />
www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about<br />
Funado Cherry Blossom<br />
Festival<br />
180m cherry blossom street.<br />
Until Mar 31, 10am-3:30pm,<br />
free. Ukima Park. Nearest<br />
stn: Ukima Funado. Tel:<br />
03-3969-9168. http://hanami.<br />
walkerplus.com<br />
Nakameguro Cherry<br />
Blossom Festival<br />
Enjoy cherry blossom sake<br />
and shops along the river.<br />
Illuminations at night. Until Apr<br />
10, all day, free. Along Meguro<br />
river. Nearest stn: Nakameguro.<br />
www.nakamegu.com<br />
Hana Matsuri<br />
Celebration of Buddha's<br />
birthday with buddhist<br />
service and a white elephant<br />
procession. Apr 8, all day, free.<br />
Sensoji. Nearest stn: Asakusa.<br />
Tel: 03-3842-0181. www.<br />
senso-ji.jp<br />
Sumida Park Cherry<br />
Blossom Festival<br />
Famous since Edo period, over<br />
1,000 cherry blossom trees.<br />
Illuminated at night. Until Apr<br />
10, all day, free. Sumida Park.<br />
Nearest stn: Asakusa. www.<br />
gotokyo.org/en/<br />
Chiyoda Cherry Blossom<br />
Festival<br />
Enjoy cherry blossoms from<br />
a boat. Illuminated at night.<br />
Until Apr 10, all day, free.<br />
Yasukuni Shrine and environs.<br />
Nearest stn: Ichigaya. www.<br />
kanko-chiyoda.jp<br />
Cherry Blossom Festival at<br />
Jindai Botanical Garden<br />
Illuminated at night only on<br />
weekends and concerts on<br />
Sundays. Until Apr 10, all<br />
day, ¥500. Jindai Botanical<br />
Garden. Nearest stn: Chofu.<br />
Tel: 042-485-1210. www.<br />
tokyo-park.or.jp<br />
Kawasaki Asian Festival<br />
Asian festival at Kawasaki area.<br />
Apr 12-13, all day, free. Around<br />
Kawasaki station. Nearest stn:<br />
Kawasaki. Tel: 045-663-9999.<br />
www.tvk-yokohama.com<br />
White Heron Dance<br />
Parade and dance to pray for<br />
peace. Apr 13, all day, free.<br />
Sensoji. Nearest stn: Asakusa.<br />
Tel: 03-3842-0181. www.<br />
senso-ji.jp<br />
Asakusa Yabusame<br />
Archers demonstrate their<br />
skills on horseback. Apr 20, all<br />
day, free. Sumida Park. Nearest<br />
stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-5246-<br />
1151. www.taitonavi.jp<br />
Spring Grand Festival<br />
Several Shinto ceremonies<br />
held to pay respects to<br />
enshrined kami. Until May 3,<br />
all day, free. Meiji Jingu Shrine.<br />
Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.<br />
meijijingu.or.jp/english<br />
Forums & Expos<br />
Anime Japan 2014<br />
Anime-focused business fair<br />
and cosplay festival. Mar<br />
22-23, 9am-5pm, ¥1,500.<br />
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:<br />
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. www.<br />
anime-japan.jp<br />
The 28th JITAC European<br />
Textile Fair<br />
Trendsetting European<br />
fabric showcase. Mar 25-27,<br />
9:30am-6pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo<br />
International Forum. Nearest<br />
stn: Yurakucho.<br />
Tokyo Fashion Wear Expo:<br />
Spring<br />
International clothing trade<br />
show. Apr 2-4, 10am-6pm,<br />
free (registration required).<br />
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:<br />
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. fwt@<br />
reedexpo.co.jp. www.apparelexpo.jp/en/<br />
Flower Dream<br />
Flower design contests,<br />
exhibitions and workshops. Apr<br />
12, 1-7pm; Apr 13, 10am-6pm,<br />
¥1,000 (adv)/ ¥1,500 (door).<br />
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:<br />
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.<br />
Tel: 03-5496-0369. www.<br />
flowerdream-tokyo.net<br />
The 40th Jumbo Fair<br />
New and innovative<br />
technology. Apr 18, 10am-6pm;<br />
Apr 19, 10am-5pm, free. Tokyo<br />
Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-<br />
Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-5472-<br />
1660. www.jumbo-fair.jp<br />
The 38th Japan Hobby<br />
Show<br />
Doll-making, knitting,<br />
scrapbooking accessories and<br />
more. Apr 24-26, 10am-5pm,<br />
¥1,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥1,500 (3<br />
days, adv). Tokyo Big Sight.<br />
Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-<br />
Seimon. www.hobby.or.jp/<br />
hobbyshow/2014<br />
Bazaars & Markets<br />
Earth Day Market<br />
Organic produce, recycling<br />
projects and more. Mar 30 &<br />
Apr 27, 10am-4pm, free. Yoyogi<br />
Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />
Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.<br />
earthdaymarket.com<br />
Shinagawa Intercity Flea<br />
Market<br />
More than 120 vendors.<br />
Sun & hols, 9am-3pm, free.<br />
Shinagawa Intercity. Nearest<br />
stn: Shinagawa. http://meturl.<br />
com/shinflea<br />
Iidabashi Ramla Market<br />
Every first and third Sun,<br />
10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla.<br />
Nearest stn: Iidabashi.<br />
Umi no Koen Flea Market<br />
Every 3rd Sun, 10am-4pm,<br />
Umi no Koen. Nearest stn:<br />
Uminokoen-Shibaguchi.<br />
rinpodan@umino-kouen.net<br />
Tel: 03-3226-6800.<br />
Best Flea Market<br />
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,<br />
Tokyo International Forum<br />
Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.<br />
Tel: 03-3226-6800.<br />
Hanazono Shrine Market<br />
Every Sun, 8am-4pm,<br />
Hanazono Shrine. Nearest<br />
stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel:<br />
03-3200-3093.<br />
Ibaraki-ichi<br />
Farm-fresh veg from the north.<br />
Every Sat, 7-9am, Roppongi<br />
Hills East Court. Nearest stn:<br />
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6406-5285.<br />
Nogi Shrine Market<br />
Every second Sun, 5:30am-<br />
3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn:<br />
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.<br />
Oedo Antique Fair<br />
Japan’s largest outdoor antique<br />
market. Every first and third<br />
Sun, 8am-4:30pm, Tokyo<br />
International Forum Hall C.<br />
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:<br />
03-5805-1093.<br />
Aoyama Marché<br />
Organic farmers’ market.<br />
Every weekend, United<br />
Nations University. Nearest stn:<br />
Omotesando. Tel: 03-3456-0960.<br />
Yasukuni Shrine Antique<br />
Market<br />
Every Sun, sunrise-sunset,<br />
Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn:<br />
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.<br />
Fudaten Jinja Market<br />
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,<br />
Fudaten Jinja. Nearest stn:<br />
Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.<br />
Shinjuku Central Park<br />
Market<br />
Local produce stalls,<br />
workshops and live<br />
performances. Every Saturday,<br />
10am-4pm, Shinjuku Central<br />
Park. Nearest stn: Tocho-mae.<br />
Tel: 03-2504-2128. meturl.<br />
com/shinjukuparkmarket<br />
Yebisu Marché<br />
Organic fruits and vegetables.<br />
Every first and third Sun,<br />
11am-5pm, Ebisu Garden<br />
Place. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.<br />
facebook.com/YEBISUMarche<br />
Community<br />
Roppongi Tenmon Club<br />
Star gazing with other<br />
astronomy enthusiasts. Mar 28,<br />
7pm, ¥500-1,500 (entrance fee)<br />
+ ¥2,000 (seminar, optional).<br />
Tokyo City View. Tel: 03-6406-<br />
6652. meturl.com/tenmon<br />
Earth Hour<br />
Businesses across the city will<br />
turn off their lights for an hour.<br />
Why don't you, too? Mar 29,<br />
8pm, free. Venues across Tokyo.<br />
http://meturl.com/earthjp<br />
Writers' Bloc, Tokyo<br />
Evening Musings 24:<br />
March Movements<br />
Members and guest poets offer<br />
words of Spring in a relaxed<br />
and welcoming atmosphere.<br />
Mar 30, 7:30pm, free. Jamrock<br />
Cafe. Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />
www.facebook.com/<br />
writersbloctokyo<br />
CWAJ April Luncheon<br />
Fine dining and talk by guest<br />
speaker from Peace Boat. Apr<br />
9, 11:30am, ¥4,500. Tokyo<br />
American Club. Nearest stn:<br />
Kamiyacho. info@cwaj.org.<br />
www.cwaj.org<br />
Enchanted Lights<br />
Exclusive night of<br />
entertainment and<br />
inspiration for a good cause.<br />
Apr 25, 6:30pm, ¥20,000.<br />
Conrad Tokyo. 1-9-1 Higashi<br />
Shinbashi, Minato-ku. Nearest<br />
stn: Shiodome. ogaforaid.<br />
enchantedlights425@gmail.<br />
com www.ogaforaid.org<br />
Family Festival Olympics<br />
Book vendors, games and<br />
prizes, international food and<br />
music. Apr 26, 10am-4pm,<br />
free. International School of<br />
the Sacred Heart. Nearest stn:<br />
Hiroo. Tel: 03-3400-3951. www.<br />
issh.ac.jp<br />
Stitch-n-Bitch<br />
Meet fellow knitters, crocheters<br />
and sewers to talk, share ideas,<br />
eat, drink and create. Every<br />
first and third Tue, 7pm, free,<br />
Cafe Respekt. Nearest stn:<br />
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/<br />
TokyoStitchandBitch<br />
Half-Fast Cyclists<br />
Bicyclists of all treads meet<br />
for slide shows, lectures,<br />
ride-planning, etc. Every<br />
second Wed, 7pm, free,<br />
The Pink Cow. Nearest stn:<br />
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773.<br />
cowmail@thepinkcow.com<br />
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art<br />
School<br />
Burlesque models pose for<br />
artstars and sketching newbies<br />
alike with arty socializing.<br />
Every third Wed, 7pm, ¥2,000<br />
1d incl. Studio and Space<br />
IVVA. Nearest stn: Harajuku<br />
or Meiji-jingumae. www.<br />
drsketchytokyo.wordpress.<br />
com<br />
Learning<br />
Fascism Banzai!<br />
Screening of the film "Good"<br />
and discussion about the<br />
state secrecy law in Japan.<br />
Mar 23, 3pm, ¥500 +1d. Cafe<br />
Lavanderia. Nearest stn:<br />
Shinjuku Sanchome. Tel:<br />
080-3271-1871. tokyospring.<br />
blogspot.jp<br />
Californian Wine vs.<br />
French Wine<br />
Wine seminar with a US-style<br />
gourmet dinner in an<br />
international atmosphere. Mar<br />
28, 7pm, ¥10,980 (adv). Legato.<br />
Nearest stn: Shibuya. meturl.<br />
com/monthlywine<br />
Bordeaux Wine Seminar<br />
An exclusive wine event with<br />
a French gourmet dinner. Apr<br />
18, 7:30pm, ¥15,980 (adv).<br />
Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />
meturl.com/monthlywine<br />
Nihonga Class<br />
Regular classes and one<br />
day workshops on basic<br />
Japanese-style painting<br />
techniques. All classes in<br />
English and Japanese. Every<br />
Wed and Sat, 11am, 3pm<br />
and 7pm. 4B Maruoka Bldg.,<br />
5-49-7 Jingumae. Nearest<br />
stn: Mejijingu-mae. www.<br />
mariatanikawa.com<br />
TCS Improv Workshop<br />
The weekly Tokyo Comedy<br />
Store In the Moment improv<br />
workshop, all levels welcome.<br />
Beginner intensives on<br />
weekends throughout the year.<br />
See website for more details.<br />
Every Wednesday, 7-9pm,<br />
Our Space Studio. Nearest stn:<br />
Hatagaya. Tel: 03-5770-7401.<br />
www.tokyocomedy.com/<br />
improv_comedy_workshop<br />
Other Events<br />
Latin Beats & Havana Heat<br />
Escape to the tropics with<br />
salsa dancing, free flow<br />
mojito plans and more. ; Mar<br />
21, 28 & Apr 3, from 7, free.<br />
Mixx Bar & Lounge. Nearest<br />
stn: Roppongi-Itchome.<br />
Tel: 03-3505-1111. www.<br />
anaintercontinental-tokyo.<br />
jp/mixx<br />
Tokyo Outdoor Weekend<br />
Frisbee booths, yoga<br />
workshops, slacklines and live<br />
shows. Mar 22, 11am-7pm;<br />
Mar 23, 11am-6pm, free.<br />
Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081.<br />
www.tokyooutdoorshow.jp<br />
Haru Kaze<br />
Art and music show with an<br />
eco-friendly twist. Mar 29-30,<br />
11am-8pm, free. Yoyogi<br />
Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />
Tel: 03-3469-6081. http://<br />
harukaze.asia/2014<br />
100 Flower Festival<br />
Painstakingly put-together<br />
flower arrangements, vocal<br />
performances and more .<br />
Until Mar 31, 10am-9pm, free.<br />
Tamagawa Takashimaya<br />
SC. Nearest stn: Futago<br />
Tamagawa. Tel: 03-3709-2222.<br />
www.tamagawa-sc.com<br />
Winter Fantasy<br />
Illumination. Until Apr 9, from<br />
sunset, free. Cosmo Clock 21,<br />
Cosmo World. Nearest stn:<br />
Minato Mirai. www.senyo.<br />
co.jp/cosmo<br />
Wanwan Carnival<br />
Dog training advice,<br />
agility runs and obedience<br />
competitions. Apr 12-13, all<br />
day, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest<br />
stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-6661-<br />
1420. http://wanwancarnival.<br />
com<br />
Lake Sagami Illumillion<br />
Illumination. Until Apr<br />
13, from 5pm, ¥300-500.<br />
Sagamiko Resort Pleasure<br />
Forest. Nearest stn: Sagamiko.<br />
www.sagamiko-resort.jp/<br />
illumillion<br />
Spring Festival in Tokyo:<br />
Tokyo no Mori 2014<br />
Series of classical concerts<br />
held annually. For more<br />
details on specific<br />
performances, see concerts<br />
listings. Until Apr 13, various<br />
times, various prices. Various<br />
locations in Ueno. www.<br />
tokyo-harusai.com<br />
Roppongi Art Night<br />
All-night annual art<br />
extravaganza. From Apr<br />
19, 10am until Apr 20, 6pm,<br />
various prices. Multiple<br />
venues in Roppongi area.<br />
Nearest stn: Roppongi<br />
or Nogizaka. www.<br />
roppongiartnight.com<br />
Tokyo Rainbow Pride<br />
Parade, performances and<br />
plenty of pride. Apr 27, all day,<br />
free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn:<br />
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081.<br />
www.tokyorainbowpride.com<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 17
Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON<br />
More reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies<br />
SAVI NG<br />
MR. BANKS<br />
At its most basic, this is the story of how<br />
Walt Disney (Tom Hanks), after 20 years<br />
of finagling, convinced crusty Mary<br />
Poppins author P.L. Travers (a magical<br />
Emma Thompson) to let him make a movie from<br />
her popular books. The first of two interleaved plots<br />
takes place in 1961, when Uncle Walt flew the very<br />
British and highly reluctant Travers to Los Angeles<br />
(culture clash!) in a last desperate attempt to get<br />
her on board. The second flashes back to her childhood<br />
in Australia and very movingly explains her<br />
attachment to her characters, her stubbornness and,<br />
incidentally, this movie’s title. Colin Farrell plays her<br />
dad. The problem was that Travers didn’t want her<br />
story and characters, well, Disnified. Didn’t want any<br />
animated penguins—or for that matter any songs.<br />
And she hated Dick Van Dyke. I enjoyed this sweet<br />
movie despite my innate and well grounded mistrust<br />
of the Mouse House, but not for a minute did I<br />
believe this sentimentalized, sanitized and “imagineered”<br />
bit of historical revisionism was how things<br />
really went down. Truth be told, she capitulated<br />
because she was nearly broke. She didn’t like the finished<br />
film, and probably wouldn’t like this one either.<br />
Japanese title: Walt Disney no Yakusoku. (125 min)<br />
NEW<br />
FRUITVALE STATION<br />
In the wee hours of New Year’s<br />
Day, 2009, 22-year-old Oscar<br />
Grant was shot dead while<br />
in transit police custody at<br />
Oakland’s Fruitvale BART station.<br />
Actual cell-phone footage of the<br />
outrage takes up the film’s first 15<br />
minutes. First-time filmmaker Ryan Coogler (26) could have<br />
made a rabble-rousing documentary, but instead opted for a<br />
quasi-existential, purposely unpolished and rarely predictable<br />
reconstruction of Oscar’s last day alive that lends poignancy to<br />
everything he does. The Wire’s Michael B. Jordan nails the main<br />
role, and he’s superbly backed up by Melonie Diaz and Octavia<br />
Spencer. (90 min)<br />
NEW<br />
THE SECRET LIFE OF<br />
WALTER MITTY<br />
In a sporadically amusing remake<br />
of the 1947 classic from the story<br />
by James Thurber, Ben Stiller is a<br />
dull Life magazine photo librarian<br />
who wishes he were more exciting<br />
so he could woo and win a pretty<br />
colleague (Kristen Wiig). While he engages in action-packed, deskbound<br />
fantasies, the film is kind of fun. Paradoxically, it’s when he<br />
gets all carpe diem and starts having actual, globetrotting adventures<br />
that the (admittedly very scenic) film loses traction. As Stiller<br />
movies go, this uneven, uninvolving bomb is closer to Night at the<br />
Museum than it is to Tropic Thunder. Japanese title: Life! (114 min)<br />
NEW<br />
LONE SURVIVOR<br />
A war movie for those who like<br />
them visceral and real, this is the<br />
true story of a Navy SEALs team<br />
(Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch,<br />
Emile Hirsch & Ben Foster) tasked<br />
in 2005 with killing or capturing<br />
a high-value Taliban bad guy in<br />
the Hindu Kush. A freak occurrence involves them in a firefight<br />
against vastly larger numbers, and the hunters become the<br />
hunted, resulting in the title situation. Reminded me at times of<br />
Black Hawk Down. This is a competent, modest movie that appreciates<br />
what these guys do. It has no politics or moral message, just<br />
battlefield realism presented with frightening intensity. (120 min)<br />
NEW<br />
ONE CHANCE<br />
It’s unabashedly schmaltzy,<br />
formulaic to a fault, the story’s<br />
been Hollywooded up, life details<br />
have been changed and it fairly<br />
stumbles over itself in its quest for<br />
that British quaintness that made<br />
The Full Monty and Billy Elliot so<br />
endearing. But it’s got enough heart to make all this not matter a<br />
whit. This true(-ish) story of Britain’s Got Talent opera sensation<br />
Paul Potts works anyway, thanks to the appeal of its cast. James<br />
Corden fairly shines as Potts, the excellent Alexandra Roach<br />
plays his future wife, and Julie Waters and Colm Meany are his<br />
folks. The only sour notes are in the script. (103 min)<br />
NEW<br />
ALL IS LOST<br />
In what has been called an “existential<br />
action movie,” a man sailing<br />
solo across the Indian Ocean gets<br />
his schooner holed by a derelict<br />
shipping container, knocking out<br />
his navi and radio. The unnamed<br />
protagonist is experienced, well<br />
equipped and resourceful. He patches the hole, but as each<br />
new emergency befalls his crippled craft, it becomes clear that<br />
his main battle is going to be against despair. This is minimalist<br />
movie making to the max. There’s almost no dialogue, only<br />
one character (Robert Redford, great at 77) and, get this, zero<br />
backstory. Reminded me of Gravity, actually. (106 min)<br />
NEW<br />
DON JON<br />
Triple threat Joseph Gordon-Levitt<br />
writes, directs and stars in this<br />
Gen-X romp about (social) obsession<br />
and addiction. It’s a serious<br />
message, but delivered lightly,<br />
without moralizing. Jon’s a studly<br />
New Joisy mook, easily scoring<br />
with the babes, but his real turn-on is internet porn (a boot-up<br />
tone is Pavlovian). When he finally meets a woman worth pursuing<br />
(a spot-on Scarlett Johansson), it turns out her own addiction<br />
is romantic comedies, which rarely mirror real life, and he doesn’t<br />
measure up. Enter older woman Julianne Moore, with a few life<br />
lessons. Fast-paced, fun and thought-provoking. (90 min)<br />
NEW<br />
THE LEGO MOVIE<br />
Borrowing its plot from The Matrix,<br />
the story centers on Emmet<br />
Brickowski, a kind of clueless<br />
everyman Lego humanoid who<br />
stumbles upon the “Piece of<br />
Resistance” and is recruited (as<br />
“The Special”) to save his brightly<br />
colored Lego-world from unimaginative corporate villains. His<br />
newfound allies include Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman,<br />
Gandalf, Dumbledore, Shaquille O’Neal and a Star Wars quartet.<br />
Excellent voice talent. It’s fast, fresh, funny, endlessly inventive<br />
and absurdly enjoyable, and all the while encouraging creativity<br />
in children. NOTE: Shown in English only at Shinjuku Piccadilly.<br />
(92 min)<br />
NEW<br />
FROZEN<br />
The Mouse House take on Hans<br />
Christian Andersen’s The Snow<br />
Queen is about a queen who, unable<br />
to control her magical powers over<br />
ice and show, banishes herself to a<br />
distant ice castle lest she harm her<br />
younger sister. Okay, this was not<br />
made for me. But I found this nicely animated, pro-girl animation<br />
diverting, despite featuring no less than eight pedestrian songs.<br />
It also adds not one but two new princesses to Disney’s royal<br />
arsenal. Disney ain’t dumb. The cute factor is served by a clever<br />
reindeer and a magical snowman who pines for the tropical life.<br />
“Minimally cloying” is hardly a rave, but there you are. Japanese<br />
title: Anna to Yuki no Jyou. (108 min)<br />
NEW<br />
GALLOWWALKERS<br />
In your basic supernatural western<br />
rape-revenge demonic horror splatter<br />
movie, Wesley Snipes plays a<br />
strong-and-silent gunfighter of<br />
mystical repute who’s understandably<br />
frustrated because the bad<br />
guys he shoots keep coming back to<br />
life and stuff. Revenge is sooo much harder when that happens.<br />
The alleged plot is impossibly convoluted. There’s severed heads;<br />
a lot of tension-free, quick-draw gunfights; and several of the<br />
characters, um, don’t have any skin. Children, this is a gruesome,<br />
almost unwatchable example of the kind of thing actors who<br />
don’t pay their taxes have to do. (90 min)<br />
18 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
SAVING MR. BANKS: ©2014 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.; FRUTVALE STATION: © 2013 OG PROJECT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY: © 2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX.; LONE SURVIVOR: © 2013 UNIVERSAL PICTURES.; ONE CHANCE: © 2013 ONE CHANCE,<br />
LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE LEGO MOVIE: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; ALL IS LOST: © 2013 ALL IS LOST LLC.; DON JON: © 2013 DON JON NEVADA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; FROZEN: ©2014 DISNEY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; GALLOWWALKERS: © 2013. BLAKEDEW 730<br />
LIMITED.; THE MOTEL LIFE: © 2012 MOTEL LIFE LLC.; PHILOMENA: © 2013 PHILOMENA LEE LIMITED, PATHÉ PRODUCTIONS LIMITED, BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE AND BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; 12 YEARS A SLAVE: © 2013 BASS FILMS, LLC AND MONARCHY<br />
ENTERPRISES S.A.R.L. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; GRAND PIANO: © NOSTROMO PICTURES SL / NOSTROMO CANARIAS 1 AIE / TELEFONICA PRODUCCIONES SLU / ANTENA3 FILMS SLU 2013.;<br />
RIDDICK (2013/ 3): © 2013 RIDDICK PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; EIGA: ©2014 映 画 「 愛 の 渦 」 製 作 委 員 会 .; MOVIE NEWS: KEVIN MCGUE.; CINEMATIC UNDERGROUND: RKO RADIO PICTURES<br />
NEW<br />
THE MOTEL LIFE<br />
Brothers Frank and Jerry Lee<br />
(Emile Hirsch & Stephen Dorff, both<br />
excellent) have had a hard life. Their<br />
father split, their mother died and<br />
Jerry lee lost a leg jumping a freight.<br />
Frank, a drinker, makes up stories<br />
to complement the other’s gift for<br />
drawing (sometimes wonderfully animated by Mike Smith). We<br />
pick them up just after Jerry Lee has hit and killed a boy on a bike,<br />
and their hardscrabble lives take on a tone of desperation as they<br />
try to get out of Reno, vaguely making for Elko, where Frank once<br />
knew love (Dakota Fanning). It’s a heartbreaking tale but never<br />
hopeless, and consistently honest. Japanese title: Runaway Blues.<br />
(85 min)<br />
NEW<br />
PHILOMENA<br />
A tough but guileless Irish woman<br />
(Judi Dench) who is making<br />
unheeded inquiries of the Catholic<br />
Church about the infant son they<br />
took from her decades ago and sold<br />
for profit, and a spin-doctor journalist<br />
and cynic (Steve Coogan) join<br />
forces to create this low-key, mismatched-buddies story, a character-based<br />
road-trip detective tale. Hard to make a movie on such<br />
a tragic subject, but Stephen Frears manages, with a minimum of<br />
emotional manipulation (and with the help of co-writer Coogan’s<br />
dry humor), to come up with a movie that’s affecting, edifying and<br />
endearing. Japanese title: Anata wo Dakishimeru Hi Made.<br />
(98 min)<br />
eiga<br />
AI NO UZU<br />
By Rob Schwartz<br />
In a country that has one of the biggest porn<br />
and sex service industries in the world, it<br />
may seem odd that mainstream film in Japan<br />
rarely has much nooky in it. Conventional taste<br />
here tends to tilt towards prudishness, and<br />
not many sex-themed movies appear in major<br />
cinemas. But Ai no Uzu, however, has an R18 rating—the<br />
strictest—and is all about sex. Based on<br />
Daisuke Miura’s Kishida Drama Award-winning<br />
play and novel of the same name, it revolves<br />
around a club in Roppongi that charges men,<br />
women and couples for the opportunity to chase their desires. The high-end duplex apartment has a sitting<br />
area and a futon-filled bedroom. None of the characters have names, but are simply identified by their job (or<br />
lack thereof). In the group of men are a freelancer, a salaryman, a factory worker and a layabout (or NEET as the<br />
term has been coined). The women include an office lady, a kindergarten teacher, a college student and a heavily<br />
pierced regular. The night starts off with innocuous small talk but does progress to the action stage. Naturally,<br />
anonymous sex cannot stay that way and we see a relationship develop between the slacker and the college<br />
student—will they be able to move beyond this sordid beginning? The participants generally descend into postcoital<br />
depression, proving that carnal indulgence does not cure emotional ills. Shot with a cool detachment and<br />
employing subtle character development, Ai no Uzu effectively uses the backdrop of a sex club to elucidate the<br />
human experience. English title: Love’s Whirlpool. (123 min.)<br />
NEW<br />
ROBOCOP<br />
A reboot of Paul Verhoeven’s 1987<br />
pop-nihilistic robo-romp, this is<br />
competently made, moderately<br />
entertaining, suitably violent and<br />
well acted. Joel Kinnaman is a hunk<br />
to watch, and Gary Oldman shines.<br />
But though it tries to add updated<br />
social commentary (in the form of Samuel L. Jackson as a Fox<br />
News-type fear-monger), it lacks the corrosive wit and sense of<br />
mischief of the original, and offers little that’s new or thoughtprovoking.<br />
At times it resembles an arcade game. It doesn’t<br />
embarrass itself, but neither does it convince us that a remake<br />
was at all necessary. (118 min)<br />
12 YEARS A SLAVE<br />
Hollywood has touched, gingerly<br />
and obliquely, on this dark period<br />
of American history. But the true,<br />
banal evil of the practice of human<br />
bondage had yet to be depicted<br />
cinematically. Until Steve McQueen<br />
came along and made this movie<br />
from the writings of Solomon Northrup, a free New Yorker who<br />
was kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery. Demolishes several<br />
cherished movie fabrications about the era. Don’t be expecting<br />
“Zip-a-dee-doo-dah.” This horror-film history lesson is visceral,<br />
vital, unsettling and not a little existential. Yet it’s so compelling<br />
that you are pulled in from the first scene. Japanese title:<br />
Soredemo Yoru wa Akeru. (133 min)<br />
RIDDICK<br />
The second sequel to 2000’s spare,<br />
surprisingly effective Pitch Black<br />
wisely ignores 2004’s disappointing<br />
The Chronicles of Riddick and<br />
goes back to its dark roots (though<br />
it works as a stand-alone). This<br />
time our see-in-the-dark, wanteddead-or-alive<br />
anti-hero (Vin Diesel, never better), finds himself<br />
stranded on a hostile planet. So he activates a distress beacon at<br />
an abandoned mercenary outpost, which summons two competing<br />
groups of bounty hunters. Riddick views this as “calling a taxi.”<br />
Plenty of gallows humor, especially one “comeuppance” scene<br />
involving a head in a box. I had fun. Japanese title: Riddick: Galaxy<br />
Battle. (119 min)<br />
movie news<br />
When Frozen took home the Oscar<br />
for best animated feature, many<br />
watching the ceremony were surprised<br />
to learn that it was the first time the<br />
award went to a film by Walt Disney Animation<br />
Studios. It is also surprising that the story<br />
of two sisters in a frozen kingdom was created<br />
inside offices (and over 4,000 computers) in<br />
sunny Burbank, California. “[Disney head]<br />
John Lasseter is a big proponent of research.<br />
He is always saying, ‘Go, go, do your research,’”<br />
co-director Chris Buck told <strong>Metropolis</strong> during<br />
his first visit to Japan. Buck visited Kenneth<br />
Libbrecht, a professor at Caltech. “He goes by<br />
the name Dr. Snow and he taught us exactly<br />
how snowflakes are formed in his big freezer,”<br />
Buck explained. Other research included<br />
bringing a live reindeer into the studio and sending an art team to Norway to study fjords and architecture.<br />
“There is a folk art called rosemaling and we used that throughout in the background. Details like that help<br />
ground the story.” Frozen is now playing nationwide. Kevin Mcgue<br />
cinematic underground<br />
The new films The Book Thief and Monuments<br />
Men proves WWII is still still<br />
yielding new stories. Cinema Vera (1-5<br />
Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.cinemavera.com)<br />
looks back at classics of the war<br />
film genre with a program starting March 29.<br />
The lineup includes Hitchcock’s Notorious<br />
(1946; pictured), Saboteur (1942) and Foreign<br />
Correspondent (1940) and Bogart in Passage to<br />
Marseille (1944) and Action in the North Atlantic<br />
(1943)... The 10am Film Festival is continuing its<br />
series of morning screenings of remastered<br />
classics at Toho Cinemas Roppongi Hills (6-10-2<br />
Roppongi Minato-ku; www.tohotheater.jp). The<br />
Wizard of Oz (1939) is on from April 5, The Sound of Music hits screens May 3 and Stand By Me (1986) invokes nostalgia<br />
from June 28. http://asa10.eiga.com/... If you missed the acclaimed action-drama flicks Zero Dark Thirty<br />
and Captain Phillips, you have a second chance from March 29 at Waseda Shochiku (1-5-16 Takadanobaba,<br />
Shinjuku-ku; www.wasedashochiku.co.jp). KM<br />
Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only.<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 19
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Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT,<br />
The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT,<br />
Glasses of wine, Cocktails<br />
Irish Music Live<br />
3/26 (WED) 1st 7:30pm~ 2nd 9pm~<br />
More details<br />
http://failte.jp<br />
Spacious 5F terrace<br />
over looking<br />
central Shibuya!<br />
Tokyu<br />
Plaza<br />
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya<br />
OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)<br />
3-11pm (Sunday & hols)<br />
tel: 03-3476-7776<br />
GORGEOUS BAR &LOUNGE<br />
CONVENIENT STANDING CASH-BAR AREA<br />
SELECTED ALCOHOL & FOOD FROM ¥500<br />
Enjoy Friday night events at P.C.M<br />
8pm-2am, no entry fee<br />
3/28 (Fri) 7pm<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> Getsumatsu “Gordon’s Spring Party”<br />
DJ:TADAHISA SHINKAWA, Guest DJ CASH<br />
Gordon’s Gin Cocktails & food from ¥500<br />
4/2 (Wed) 8pm<br />
Kind of Night - DJ: LAVA (starts 8pm)<br />
4/4 (Fri) 8pm<br />
Cherry Blossom Party - DJ:MICKY<br />
Craft Beer<br />
from ¥500<br />
*Only in<br />
Marunochi<br />
1F Tokia Tokyo Bldg, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.<br />
Nearest stations: Tokyo or Yurakucho. Open: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Tea 2:30-5pm,<br />
Dinner (Mon-Fri) 5pm-4am LO 3:30am, (Weekends and hols.) 5pm-11pm LO 10pm<br />
☎ 03-5222-1251www.miyoshi-grp.com/cardinal/pcm<br />
Roppongi's famous<br />
Chinese eatery<br />
Post a photo of the<br />
restaurant on Facebook,<br />
and get 1 free beer.<br />
Open 24 hours • 180 people max for parties<br />
Roppongi:<br />
2F Court Annex Roppongi,<br />
3-2-13 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku.<br />
Akasaka:<br />
B1F Floral Plaza<br />
Bldg, 3-8-8 Akasaka,Minato-ku.<br />
03-5414-5708 03-6234-9788<br />
Visit our website for info on other Chinese Cafe Eight locations<br />
welcome@cceight.com | www.cceight.com<br />
20 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
ar review<br />
BEER HORN<br />
Pure German ales in<br />
Akasaka<br />
By Stefan Van Eycken<br />
Beer Horn is the Tokyo taproom of Hokkaido-based<br />
Otaru Beer, the finest maker of<br />
German-style beers in Japan. They follow<br />
age-old Bavarian brewing practices and abide by the<br />
“Reinheitsgebot,” the beer purity law that has been in<br />
place for centuries and only allows for the use of four<br />
ingredients (barley, hops, water and yeast) and no<br />
chemicals in any part of the process. Just like German<br />
breweries would only sell locally, the Otaru beers were<br />
only available within a 100km radius of the brewery.<br />
Then, in 2011, they opened a bar in the heart of the Akasaka<br />
business district. Finally, beer fans in Tokyo had a<br />
place to go for authentic German-style brews.<br />
You won’t see the label Otaru Beer anywhere at the<br />
Beer Horn and people often wonder whether what’s<br />
on tap is really the same as what is sold up north.<br />
The answer is yes and no. It is almost the same, but it<br />
is transformed a bit because in order to ship it such a<br />
distance, some of the yeast has to be removed. This<br />
makes the beers on tap in Tokyo a bit drier than they<br />
would be in Hokkaido.<br />
The number of taps is purposely limited to six to<br />
keep the selection as fresh as possible, and the beer is<br />
served in 400ml glass horns or 700ml in genuine cow<br />
horns. With the exception of the two non-alcohol beers<br />
(a black and a Pilsner-type), all other offerings are draft.<br />
The standards are The Horn (a Pilsner), Dark Horn (a<br />
Neapolitan pizzerias, with their<br />
signature charred and chewy<br />
crusts, abound in Tokyo. What’s<br />
harder to find is a crispy Roma-style pizza.<br />
The recently opened Pizza Bar on 38th at<br />
the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is dishing<br />
up a unique pizza alla pala worthy of a<br />
trip to the historic Nihonbashi district. A<br />
“pala” is the wooden board used to bring<br />
the pizza out of the oven.<br />
Located inside the Italian restaurant<br />
K’shiki, the Pizza Bar is comprised of<br />
eight counter seats overlooking an open<br />
kitchen and a gas-heated brick oven.<br />
There is a flurry of activity as servers<br />
come and go from the main kitchen, but it isn’t a bother<br />
as the chef is friendly and easy to chat with. Italian Executive<br />
Sous Chef Daniele Cason, half-Italian and half-Somali,<br />
is very enthusiastic about pizza. He went back to his<br />
hometown of Rome to study with some of the best pizzaioli<br />
and has brought his own recipe back to Tokyo.<br />
Pizza is a very simple dish, and Cason has searched<br />
for the best of ingredients to make his unique. The flour<br />
is organic and from a small producer in Piemonte. Pelati<br />
tomatoes from Puglia “il Tavoliere” are used for the<br />
sauce, and the chef will dress the pie with fresh Japanese<br />
tomatoes—after the pizza is baked—to ensure the crust<br />
stays crispy. The Fior di Latte mozzarella cheese he has<br />
selected does not release a lot of liquid when it is baked.<br />
THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY<br />
Dunkel-type), White Horn (a Bavarian weissbier), Yellow<br />
Horn (a mix of weiss and lemonade) and Red Horn<br />
(a weiss with raspberry extract put in at tapping—a<br />
cocktail, really).<br />
The special seasonal beers are a major attraction<br />
at the Beer Horn, and when a new one is put on tap,<br />
the place can be packed. General manager Brian Dishman<br />
tries to overlap the seasonal treats. When we were<br />
there, a stunning mead—the kind that would have<br />
been brewed in Germany before the Reinheitsgebot of<br />
1560—made with Okinawa honey, had just arrived. The<br />
previous special—a rauchbier (smoke beer)—was still<br />
available, so at any given time, you have a choice of two<br />
seasonal brews.<br />
There is also a wide selection of food, most of<br />
which is prepared in a stone oven. You’ve got the<br />
restaurant review<br />
THE PIZZA BAR ON 38TH<br />
An Italian twist on the chef’s table in Nihonbashi<br />
By Yukari Sakamoto<br />
PHOTO COURTESY OF K'SHIKI<br />
The pizza dough is made with a high proportion<br />
of water (80 percent) to flour, which is the secret to the<br />
crispy crust. While the mixture contains only one gram<br />
of yeast, it is fermented for 48 hours, making it light and<br />
full of bubbles. It is evident how delicate the dough is by<br />
watching Cason as he stretches and flattens it out on the<br />
marble counter.<br />
We start off with a Campari-based cocktail like the<br />
classic Negroni (¥1,500) and then move on to an Italian<br />
craft beer. The Collessi Imper Ale Bionda (¥3,000), with<br />
its citrusy notes, is a nice partner to the pizza. Among<br />
the starters to choose are a colorful five-tomato salad<br />
(¥1,900), and sliced meats (¥900) such as mortadella,<br />
speck, and prosciutto.<br />
classics—baked pretzels, sausages, sauerkraut—but<br />
don’t leave without trying the made in-house, fresh<br />
every day, northern-Italian-style pizzas. There are<br />
always a few specials that aren’t on the menu, so be sure<br />
to ask the staff. When we visited, they had a pizza with<br />
an almond-honey-weissbier base, topped with blue<br />
cheese and walnuts then drizzled with honey, the perfect<br />
companion to the Honey Horn—or any other beer,<br />
for that matter.<br />
Many things make this place the perfect contender<br />
for a second living-room, but what really seals the deal<br />
are the prices: 400ml beer horns are only ¥580, the<br />
most expensive food item is ¥1,300 (the sausage plate)<br />
and a two-hour nomihodai is a mere ¥2,200. Akasaka<br />
may not be your area of choice for an evening of bibulous<br />
excitement, but one session at the Beer Horn will<br />
change all of that. Guaranteed.<br />
J/E<br />
The pizza selections include a Quattro Formaggi<br />
(¥2,300), which is actually made with five cheeses<br />
(provolone, Gorgonzola, smoked scamorza, taleggio<br />
and mozzarella fior di latte) then drizzled with a<br />
truffle-infused honey, and the luxurious Porcini (¥2,500)<br />
topped with generous slices of the famous Italian mushroom.<br />
The dough of the Trapizzino (¥2,500) is baked<br />
into what looks like a thin focaccia bread, then sliced,<br />
filled with creamy mascarpone cheese, black olives and<br />
truffle essence before baking in the oven. We found it so<br />
delicious, we were back within the week to have it again.<br />
Tokyoites are truly spoiled with some of the world’s<br />
best pizza at their fingertips, and The Pizza Bar on 38th<br />
has added yet another great spot for true aficionados to<br />
discover. Reservations are suggested as there are only<br />
eight seats at the counter—the only location this classic<br />
‘za is served.<br />
J/E<br />
Menu in Japanese and English<br />
Beer from ¥580, two-hour all-you-can-drink ¥2,200<br />
Smoking permitted<br />
Main hall for privacy, counter to learn more about<br />
the beer<br />
All draft top-quality German-style beer made in<br />
Japan; stone oven food<br />
A bit hard to find<br />
B1, 3-17-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku<br />
Daily 5–11pm<br />
Dining Out<br />
http://otarubeer.com/beerhorn<br />
Menu in Japanese and English<br />
¥3,500-5,000 per person without drinks plus 13%<br />
service charge<br />
Entirely non-smoking<br />
Eight counter seats at the pizza bar<br />
Crispy “pizza alla pala”<br />
A bit on the expensive side<br />
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, 38F 2-1-1 Nihonbashi<br />
Muromachi, Chuo-ku<br />
Lunch 11:30am– 2:30pm, dinner 5:30–11pm<br />
www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo/fine-dining/<br />
the-pizza-bar-on-38<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 21
BITES<br />
Dining<br />
Out<br />
cinematic spirits<br />
Want to nurse a White Russian like the Dude in<br />
The Big Lebowski or down a Manhattan like Marilyn<br />
Monroe in Some Like it Hot? How about a steak<br />
served with exactly 12 peas, the favorite meal of<br />
the obsessive Howard Hughes in The Aviator? You<br />
can do that and more as Nishi-Azabu restaurant<br />
Veranda transforms into Cinema Lounge 100 (20-<br />
24-3 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. http://cl-100.com)<br />
for 100 days until June 5. The project is designed<br />
to expose customers to the pleasures of foreign<br />
cinema and encourage young people to go out to<br />
the movies more. The cocktails (all ¥900), food and<br />
desserts are all based on films—both recent and<br />
classic. Each drink comes on a coaster designed by<br />
illustrator Keiji Takamatsu, who is also displaying<br />
movie star portraits constructed out of craft paper.<br />
Ai Hosokawa<br />
stand-up steaks<br />
Steak houses in Japan are known for their elegant<br />
atmosphere, fussy service and prices that can<br />
break the bank. Ikinari Steak, with two shops in<br />
Ginza (4-10-14 Ginza and 6-4-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku.<br />
http://meturl.com/ikinaristeak), turns the tables<br />
on the whole concept—an affordable standing<br />
restaurant for meat eaters. The ikinari in the name<br />
means “suddenly” because you can forget all the<br />
fuss about appetizers and salads and get straight<br />
to the good stuff. Start by choosing the cut (rib loin<br />
is ¥5 per gram, sirloin is ¥7 and fillet is ¥8) and the<br />
weight (300g minimum), pinch your fingers to indicate<br />
the thickness you want and tell them how well<br />
you would like it cooked. The simple formula has<br />
proven a hit and there are often lines running down<br />
the sidewalk. Once inside, though, grilled goodness<br />
will soon be yours. Taiichi Izawa<br />
caviar dreams<br />
The firm of Caviar House & Prunier has been<br />
selling the fishy delicacy in Geneva for 145 years<br />
and served the royal family in London for generations.<br />
Now its ultra-premium offerings are<br />
available in Japan with the opening of the Seafood<br />
Bar in the Fresh Market section of Shinjuku<br />
Isetan (3-14-1 Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3352-1111). Fine<br />
sturgeon eggs are usually associated with deep<br />
pockets, but you can initiate yourself to the elite<br />
with a single spoonful (¥1,200). Another eat-in<br />
option, the introductory Balik classic (¥3,500),<br />
lets you taste slivers of salmon served with toast,<br />
chives and sour cream. If you would like to take<br />
something home, be sure to stop at the ATM first:<br />
a 30g tin of Punier St. James caviar will set you<br />
back ¥19,719 and a 450g Balik Tsar Nikolai filet of<br />
salmon is ¥38,850.<br />
posh picnics<br />
Don’t want to spend this year's hanami celebration<br />
sitting on a thin sheet of blue plastic drinking<br />
cans of chu-hai? The Martini Blossom Lounge<br />
at the Tokyo Midtown Garden (until Apr 20, noon-<br />
8pm; www.tokyo-midtown.com), named after the<br />
Italian sparkling wine brand (not the cocktail),<br />
features seating for 100 near an indoor sakura tree<br />
where you can order pink-hued drinks and snacks,<br />
such as a glass of Martini rosé or the sakura sweets<br />
set (¥1,500), and enjoy illuminated blossoms after<br />
5pm. Chandon is sponsoring Ohanami Chandon<br />
Megurogawa (www.mhdkk.com/ohanami) in<br />
Nakameguro and Daikanyama to promote its brut<br />
rosé. Over 30 bars and restaurants will be serving<br />
the pink bubbly, affording the perfect opportunity<br />
to relax after hanami in the park, or if you’re lucky<br />
enough to get a window seat—do both at once.<br />
in bruges<br />
With so many Belgian beer halls opening<br />
around Tokyo, the bar is set pretty high for<br />
inclusion in these pages. Beer Bar Brugse Zot,<br />
which opened March 20 in the Nihonbashi<br />
Coredo 2 building (2-3-1 Muromachi Nihonbashi,<br />
Chuo-ku), makes the grade with its classy,<br />
art deco-inspired interior and as the first place<br />
in the city to serve only beer actually brewed<br />
and lagered in the Belgian city of Bruges. With<br />
up to seven brews on tap, like the prize-winning<br />
Brugse Zot Blond, the bar will also stock 100<br />
varieties of Belgian beer in bottles. Management<br />
plans to independently import drafts,<br />
meaning most of them will not be available<br />
anywhere else in Japan. Food selections include<br />
mussels steamed in Belgian beer (¥1,280) and, of<br />
course, pommes frites (¥780).<br />
sweet greens<br />
Long-established Japanese confectionery<br />
Taneya (http://taneya.jp/home/) has produced<br />
an innovative new sweet to enjoy this spring:<br />
Olive Daifuku (¥945). Six delicate and bitesized<br />
daifukumochi (rice cake with sweet bean<br />
paste) sit inside a fragile little package alongside<br />
a mini-bottle of non-filtered extra virgin<br />
olive oil. Drizzle the emerald green liquid over<br />
the stark white daifuku to produce a beautiful,<br />
jewel-like treat. Pop one in your mouth<br />
and the slightly fruity olive oil, faint saltiness<br />
of the mochi and sugary azuki filling combine<br />
to create a unique and understated taste<br />
sensation—a mixture of classic Japanese and<br />
Western flavors. Available online or on sale in<br />
depachika—the B1 floor of major department<br />
stores. AH<br />
22 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
NEW!<br />
Think the Classifieds<br />
is just ads? Think<br />
again! Visit the Tokyo<br />
Classifieds blog for<br />
saucy ads of yore, ideas<br />
to make your ads pop,<br />
tutorials to pimp your<br />
stuff and plenty more<br />
Classifieds goodness.<br />
http://metropolis.co.jp/<br />
classifiedblog/<br />
1 AT YOUR SERVICE<br />
1.1 HEALTH<br />
JAPAN’S MOST AFFORDABLE<br />
HEALTH INSURANCE.<br />
If you feel like you’re<br />
throwing money away on<br />
insurance, come on over to<br />
HealthOne and start saving<br />
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12-month plans. Inpatient/<br />
outpatient coverage for<br />
illness and injury. Online<br />
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www.healthone.jp<br />
info@healthone.jp<br />
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NAKAMARU<br />
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LOCATED IN<br />
YOKOHAMA,<br />
provides<br />
g e n e r a l<br />
dentistry, esthetic<br />
dentistry, dental implants<br />
and orthodontics by a<br />
UCLA-trained and certified<br />
dentist. 30min from<br />
Shinagawa and Shibuya.<br />
nakamar-@cameo.plala.<br />
or.jp www.nakamarudental.jp/english/<br />
045-681-<br />
3359<br />
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY<br />
(physical therapy)<br />
c a r e i n H i r o o .<br />
Native English-speaking<br />
therapists specializing<br />
in sports injuries,<br />
p o s t - o p e r a t i v e<br />
rehabilitation, back/neck<br />
pain, running related,<br />
headaches, orthotics,<br />
ergonomic consultations<br />
and women’s health.<br />
www.tokyophysio.com<br />
03-3443-6769<br />
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY<br />
ONLY CUT ZONE salon<br />
provides a hair cut<br />
service for only ¥1000.<br />
5 m i n w a l k f r o m<br />
Kita-Senju stn. Friendly<br />
English-speaking staff<br />
is available. Contact<br />
us at 03-3882-1550.<br />
Open from 10am until<br />
7pm, seven days a week.<br />
http://meturl.com/<br />
onlycutzone<br />
1.3 MOVING<br />
CHEAPEST, QUICKEST AND<br />
SAFEST! Transporter Tokyo<br />
supports your moving and<br />
delivers your stuff. Moving<br />
for singles or couples<br />
from ¥12,000. Delivery<br />
(furniture, motorbikes, etc.)<br />
from ¥7000. English-, Frenchand<br />
Japanese-speaking<br />
staff available. Inquiries:<br />
info@transporter-tokyo.<br />
com www.transportertokyo.com/english/contact<br />
Tel:03-6715-9391 Fax:<br />
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MOVING OVERSEAS?<br />
Call ECONOSHIP! With over<br />
30 years of experience, you<br />
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courteous, efficient, reliable<br />
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mind, move with the best.<br />
Move with Econoship! Call,<br />
email, or visit our website.<br />
Ask how you can<br />
receive 10 free boxes.<br />
0120-222-111 info@<br />
econoship.net www.<br />
econoship.net<br />
1.4 TRAVEL<br />
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp<br />
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> and its subsequent Classifieds section are printed every other<br />
week. The upcoming publication dates and corresponding deadlines for<br />
print are as follows. This does not affect the online Classifieds, where ads<br />
are visible immediately after they are approved.<br />
NARITA AIRPORT CAR/<br />
MINIVAN TRANSFER<br />
SERVICE. Cheaper than<br />
a taxi. English-speaking<br />
driver. Meet and greet.<br />
Free baby seat. Luggage<br />
assistance. Dependable-<br />
Safe-Easy-Quick Airport<br />
Transfer Service. BOOK<br />
NOW! Email Reservation@<br />
TokyoAirporter.com.<br />
www.tokyoairporter.com<br />
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES<br />
US AND JAPANESE TAX<br />
SERVICES. Planning a<br />
job switch? Best time to<br />
leave Japan? Tax impact<br />
on a potential investment?<br />
We can comment on<br />
both sides. No charge<br />
for initial consultation.<br />
ExpatTax Japan. www.<br />
expattaxjapan.com.<br />
info@expattaxjapan.com.<br />
AFFORDABLE, HIGH-<br />
QUALITY, EXPRESS OFFSET<br />
PRINTING NOW AVAILABLE<br />
IN ENGLISH! Shop/business<br />
cards: 1000 copies, 4c/4c<br />
220kg ¥5500. A6 flyers: 3000<br />
copies, 4c/4c 110kg ¥6300.<br />
A5 flyers: 5000 copies,<br />
4c/1c 90kg ¥11,800. Contact<br />
wendy@flyerinsatsu.<br />
co.jp or visit http://english.<br />
flyerinsatsu.co.jp.<br />
AUTHORIZED IRS E-FILE<br />
PROVIDER prepares<br />
U.S. citizens’ tax<br />
returns and files them<br />
electronically. Worldwide<br />
income? Foreign Earned<br />
Income Exclusion? Japanese<br />
financial accounts? Ask Mr.<br />
Nishimura. nishimura@<br />
newyork-kaikei.com kny_<br />
nishimura@yahoo.co.jp K.N.Y.<br />
Service Inc. 西 村 勝 也 税 理 士 事 務 所<br />
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI<br />
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of the Yokohama Bar<br />
Association. Legal service in<br />
English for traffic accidents,<br />
divorce, inheritance,<br />
bankruptcy, business cases<br />
(contracts, establishing a<br />
company, trademarks, etc.)<br />
and other legal problems.<br />
Email: web@smkw.biz www.<br />
sumikawa.net/<br />
SEKIYAMA U.S. TAX<br />
CONSULTING LLC. USCPA<br />
OFFICE IN TOKYO. Double<br />
taxation relief? Delinquent<br />
FBAR? Foreign Tax Credit<br />
or Foreign Earned Income<br />
Exclusion? Filing with a<br />
Japanese Spouse? Ten<br />
percent discount available<br />
with 1040 preparations.<br />
English and Japanese ok.<br />
www.sekiyamatax.com<br />
info@sekiyamatax.com<br />
03-5403-4639<br />
VISA COUNSELING:<br />
female immigration lawyer<br />
handles your visa case.<br />
Permanent residency,<br />
naturalization, eligibility<br />
(inviting your spouse/<br />
children/workers from<br />
your country), extension/<br />
change of visa status.<br />
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE<br />
LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).<br />
Tel: 090-8330-0670<br />
Email: mailto@officelife.jp<br />
Website: http://officelife.<br />
jp/en/<br />
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists<br />
in branding, web design, photo/<br />
video production. Drawing A Crowd:<br />
a new approach in design. Get in<br />
touch. info@drawingacrowd.co<br />
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES<br />
SMILE STAND: Japan’s first<br />
and only stylish rental photo<br />
booth. An exciting addition<br />
to any party, event, etc., and<br />
the best way to get crazy,<br />
fabulous, professional photos.<br />
With this ad ¥55,000~. info@<br />
highland-tokyo.com https://<br />
vimeo.com/44976943 www.<br />
smile-stand.com<br />
THINKING ABOUT<br />
ADVERTISING WITH<br />
METROPOLIS? Platinum<br />
¥28,928. Gold ¥23,940.<br />
Silver ¥18,953. Bronze<br />
¥2000. Printed photos<br />
+¥2000/photo. Prices are for<br />
one print issue, two weeks<br />
online. For details, contact<br />
commercial@metropolis.<br />
co.jp.<br />
TEAM OF TWO WOMEN OFFERING<br />
CLEANING SERVICES. House and<br />
garage cleaning, gardening, moving<br />
in and out; cleaning weekly or once<br />
or twice/month. Name it and we'll do<br />
it! English and Nihongo ok. Call Ellen<br />
at 090-6536-0914. satoelena@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
2 FIND A PLACE<br />
2.1 GUESTHOUSE<br />
GREAT LOCATION & SUPER<br />
CLEAN. Private furnished<br />
rooms in Roppongi,<br />
Akasaka, Azabu-Juban and<br />
Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min<br />
from stn, ladies-only floor<br />
available, weekly cleaning<br />
service, free internet, aircon,<br />
fridge. From ¥49,000/m.<br />
No key money/guarantor/<br />
agent fee. 090-2405-0022<br />
mail@bauhousetokyo.com<br />
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000<br />
SAKURA HOUSE. Leading<br />
multilingual real estate<br />
agency in Tokyo since<br />
1992. Over 1600 furnished<br />
apartments and guest/<br />
share house rooms, from<br />
¥52,000/m, utilities included.<br />
Issue 1045<br />
FRI, APR 4<br />
Deadline:<br />
Mar 27, 3pm<br />
No key money/guarantor/<br />
agent fee. Contact<br />
us: 03-5330-5250<br />
info@sakura-house.com<br />
www.sakura-house.com<br />
ICHIGAYA GREEN CORP.<br />
Two apartments available<br />
in furnished, three-story<br />
apartment building,<br />
sunny and quiet, south/<br />
north facing, many trees,<br />
small Japanese garden,<br />
5min walk from subway<br />
station, 13min by bicycle<br />
to JR Shinjuku/Yotsuya<br />
stn. Rent: ¥100,000/m<br />
(2K). ¥120,000~/m (3K).<br />
Tel/fax: 03-3341-7875<br />
Mail: itto@itto-jinnai.com<br />
www.itto-jinnai.com/<br />
green/greencorp.html<br />
ICHII CORPORATION.<br />
Over 600 affordable,<br />
quality-furnished<br />
apartments in central<br />
Tokyo locations. No<br />
key money/guarantor/<br />
agent fee required.<br />
New, clean apartments,<br />
simple contract system,<br />
full English support. Call<br />
us today! 03-5437-5233<br />
www.japt.co.jp<br />
PRIVATE FURNISHED<br />
A P A R T M E N T S .<br />
Odakyu line: Mukogaoka-<br />
Yuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae,<br />
20/30min from Shinjuku.<br />
Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,<br />
15min from Shinagawa.<br />
1K~2LDK ¥58,000/<br />
m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 044-<br />
933-7000 Email:mh@<br />
minowagroup.jp www.<br />
m i n o w a g r o u p . j p /<br />
minowahomes<br />
TO ADVERTISE IN<br />
METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S<br />
NO.1 ENGLISH MAGAZINE,<br />
log on at www.metropolis.<br />
co.jp/classifieds or email<br />
your commercial ads to<br />
commercial@metropolis.<br />
co.jp.<br />
.<br />
SERVICED APARTMENTS<br />
in a quiet residential area<br />
of Hiroo. Studios and<br />
suites. 4min from Hiroo<br />
Issue 1047<br />
FRI, APR 18<br />
Deadline:<br />
Apr 10, 3pm<br />
stn. Rates: Daily ¥7800.<br />
Weekly ¥6850-/day.<br />
Monthly ¥5900-/day. Over<br />
three months ¥4950-/<br />
day. Tax, utilities included.<br />
frontdesk@azabucourt.<br />
com www.azabucourt.<br />
com/ 03-3446-8610<br />
SMALL TRADITIONAL JAPANESE<br />
HOUSE in Tsukishima, Chuo-ku.<br />
2LDK, 56sqm, cute, access to<br />
Ginza and fish market, 4min<br />
from Oedo and Yurakucho lines,<br />
Australian owner, fully renovated,<br />
earthquake-proofed ¥150,000/m.<br />
Furnished ¥200,000/m.<br />
tsukishima.house@gmail.com<br />
http://tinyurl.com/kqgp3zg<br />
+61416205443<br />
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT - ONE<br />
MONTH FREE RENT! Private<br />
apartment, w/loft, new aircon/<br />
heater, kitchen and bathroom;<br />
washer and fridge can be added<br />
¥39,000/month. Private rental,<br />
no agent fee, no key money. One<br />
month free. Yokohama area.<br />
cluboneseven@i.softbank.jp<br />
2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000<br />
TOKYO APARTMENTS.<br />
Your one-stop housing<br />
solution throughout<br />
Tokyo. Providing<br />
serviced, furnished and<br />
unfurnished apartments,<br />
for both long and shortterm<br />
stays. Also providing<br />
relocation services,<br />
furniture rental, property<br />
management and sales.<br />
Please call 0120-957-920.<br />
www.tokyoapartments.jp<br />
3LDK IN YOYOGI available<br />
from Apr, 10min from Yoyogi<br />
stn, 4min from Sangubashi<br />
stn, one-month key money, no<br />
agency fee, no renewal fee, no<br />
guarantor necessary, w/three<br />
aircon ¥210,000. Water included.<br />
kokoro30.pl@gmail.com<br />
2.4 HOUSE SHARE<br />
ONE PRIVATE ROOM in a Japanese<br />
family house in Nerima-ku, near<br />
Shakujii Park ¥70,000/m. Discount<br />
of ¥10,000 for 4h/m of English<br />
lessons. Nonsmoking, Englishspeaking<br />
women only. Call Hitomi at<br />
090-5305-9142. hitomijin@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. <strong>Metropolis</strong> takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or<br />
items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.<br />
Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings.<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 23
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp<br />
For the cost of postage get <strong>Metropolis</strong><br />
on your doorstep—and have ransom<br />
note material for decades.<br />
http://metropolis.co.jp/subscription<br />
2.6 BUY/SELL PREMISES<br />
T I R E D O F<br />
P A Y I N G<br />
R E N T ?<br />
Minato Asset<br />
Management<br />
Co., Ltd. can<br />
help you find<br />
properties, get a mortgage,<br />
permanent visa, etc.<br />
Diversified income<br />
properties also available.<br />
mukai@minato-am.com<br />
090-4123-1025 03-55798-<br />
2779 www.realestateminato.com<br />
2.7 OFFICE SPACE<br />
MONDEWORK T O K Y O :<br />
serviced offices and share<br />
offices available from one<br />
month located in Ichigaya<br />
(Yotsuya, Kojimachi), 24/7<br />
access, company registration,<br />
bilingual reception service.<br />
Facilities include free<br />
drinks, copy machine, TV,<br />
projector, meeting rooms.<br />
Please call 03-4455-7594.<br />
www.tokyoapartments.jp/<br />
serviced-offices/<br />
MODERN, STYLISH SPACE<br />
IN AOYAMA. Conduct focus<br />
groups, interviews, training<br />
or meetings in well-equipped,<br />
comfortable setting. Host<br />
seven at-table, eight in<br />
viewing room. Break lounge<br />
included, FocusVisionequipped.<br />
Contact studio@<br />
the-carter-group.com or call<br />
03-6438-9481 for pricing.<br />
3 EDUCATION<br />
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE<br />
Chinese and Japanese. 初 級 より 少 しレ<br />
ベル 上 の 方 音 読 練 習 しませんか?レベルアップ<br />
中 国 語 もそれなりにok. elsalvadorjapan@<br />
yahoo.es<br />
Chinese, English, Japanese. I am<br />
a JF, 30s, seeking a J/E language<br />
exchange partner in Kanagawa or<br />
Tokyo. If interested, please send<br />
me a message. I also study Chinese<br />
and would love to improve it as well.<br />
chako0606@gmail.com<br />
Danish, German, Japanese. Hej<br />
and 'N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes<br />
and Germans to help her with<br />
languages in Tokyo/Kanagawa<br />
through fun conversations over<br />
cups of coffee or just hanging out.<br />
Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred.<br />
codename107113@live.com<br />
English and Japanese. Japanese<br />
female, 34, seeks E/J language<br />
exchange in the Tokyo/Yokohama area.<br />
I really need to speak E! Help me! I'm<br />
seeking friends. hana213@hotmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. JF living and<br />
working in Yokohama seeking a native<br />
English speaker for language exchange<br />
and long-lasting friendship. I can teach<br />
you J in return. Let's learn each other's<br />
languages at a cafe! from.kaori0113@<br />
gmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. JF, 40, seeking<br />
a native English speaker for language<br />
exchange. I need to improve my English<br />
for work. Hope to meet at a cafe on<br />
weeknights around Minato-ku/Shibuya.<br />
I'm happy to help with your Japanese.<br />
sunshine-246@excite.co.jp<br />
English and Japanese. Hi! I am a<br />
native English speaker, 27, living in<br />
Tokyo, seeking a Japanese person<br />
to help me with my Japanese in the<br />
Shibuya, Jiyugaoka, Nakameguro or<br />
Futako-Tamagawa area. r_andom@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. I 'm a<br />
Caucasian American guy, 30s, and I<br />
want to improve my Japanese near<br />
Shibuya stn with a good language<br />
exchange partner. Please let me know<br />
your name, age and sex when you<br />
email me. Thanks. silverninja888@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
English and Japanese. Japanese<br />
casually studying English alone seeks<br />
someone interesting from abroad<br />
to talk about English questions,<br />
expressions and movies for a short<br />
time at a coffee shop between Soka<br />
and Takenozuka. Friendship. No sexual<br />
mails, please. language_exchange3@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF, 30,<br />
seeking a language exchange partner.<br />
Let's meet at a cafe somewhere in<br />
Ikebukuro. cha30000@heart.ocn.ne.jp<br />
English and Japanese. Japanese<br />
female, 34, is seeking a language<br />
exchange partner to meet regularly<br />
on weekdays. I like exercising, trekking<br />
and cooking. Let's study together over<br />
coffee. Chiba and Tokyo preferred.<br />
mnryh107@yahoo.co.jp<br />
English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese<br />
male, 20, seeking an English speaker.<br />
I want to do a podcast with you.<br />
The podcast will be about news or<br />
something. It'll be like bilingual news.<br />
ootoyadaisuki@gmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. Japanese<br />
professional woman, around 40,<br />
seeking native English speaker to<br />
exchange language and culture. I'm<br />
educated and can offer you proper<br />
Japanese lessons. Women preferred.<br />
Serious only, please. naoko.hz55@<br />
tbz.t-com.ne.jp<br />
English and Japanese. Japanese<br />
seeking native speakers on the Tobu<br />
Isesaki line, Saitama, for language<br />
exchange. This is NOT the seeking<br />
romance section, so please don’t get<br />
the wrong idea. peaceful_world8@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. Do you<br />
want to improve your translation or<br />
interpretation skills? 40-ish Canadian<br />
seeking a language partner. Let's<br />
improve our translation skills over tea.<br />
Study never stops. Ikebukuro, Shinjuku<br />
or Koenji stations. tarry2@hotmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. I study E, but I<br />
don't have foreign friends. Let's talk in E<br />
and J over lunch or coffee. I live in Tama<br />
City in Tokyo and and am Japanese, 36.<br />
hkyoko2012@yahoo.co.jp<br />
English and Japanese. SJF, 40s,<br />
living and working in Tokyo, seeking<br />
E/J language and culture exchange<br />
partner in Tokyo. Also seeking good<br />
friends. Around 30s-40s, M/F ok. Please<br />
feel free to contact me. mari46@yahoo.<br />
co.jp<br />
English and Japanese. Group<br />
language exchange every Wed, 7:30-<br />
9:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.<br />
Most members are 20s and 30s. We<br />
switch languages every 30min. Fun<br />
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.<br />
andy@gmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. English male,<br />
34, seeks language partner around<br />
Tokyo. My Japanese level is low, so<br />
any help you can give me would be<br />
great. I will of course help you with E.<br />
happylamp@hotmail.co.uk<br />
English and Japanese. Hi! I am from<br />
London living in Tokyo. I am seeking a<br />
Japanese person to help me with my<br />
Japanese. Hope to hear from you soon.<br />
bg6543711@gmail.com<br />
French, English, Japanese.<br />
Frenchman seeking a language<br />
exchange partner to improve his<br />
Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E in<br />
return. Beginners/advanced welcome.<br />
Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and<br />
interests. dhalexisfr@gmail.com<br />
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J<br />
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs<br />
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich<br />
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,<br />
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Korean and Japanese. Japanese<br />
male, 40, seeks a native Korean<br />
speaker for Kor/J exchange. I like music,<br />
reading, cooking. I hope we can learn<br />
from each other and have some fun.<br />
astralsky@excite.co.jp<br />
Thai, Japanese, English. Looking<br />
forward to meeting anyone who lives in<br />
the Tokyo area for language exchange,<br />
cafe, hanging out and traveling<br />
together sometimes. I'm Thai, male,<br />
professional career, easygoing and<br />
fun. freemap49@yahoo.com<br />
3.9 TEACH ME!<br />
Private English teacher in Tokyo.<br />
JF professional seeking an English<br />
tutor to practice speaking, discussing<br />
topics like news, culture, etc. Shinjuku,<br />
Shibuya, Shinagawa area preferable.<br />
Can pay ¥1500. Negotiable. You must<br />
have business experience. graphic_<br />
r3@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Seeking Zumba instructor for<br />
private lessons. Price negotiable. Very<br />
keen. elraydayo@i.softbank.jp<br />
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS<br />
4.1 FURNITURE &<br />
FITTINGS<br />
Bed, Muji, queen, frame and headboard<br />
are solid wood, w/mattress, in excellent<br />
condition ¥30,000. Muji down<br />
comforter ¥8000. Negotiable. Pick up<br />
Odakyu line or pay for delivery. alexi_<br />
louis@yahoo.com 090-4073-0894<br />
Bed, single, w/mattress. Pick up only<br />
near Tamagawa stn, Tokyu Toyoko line,<br />
Tokyu Tamagawa line, Tokyu Meguro<br />
line. michelechung@hotmail.com<br />
Cabinet, Chinese-style (approximately<br />
H115xW100xD45cm), black lacquer,<br />
design of ornate birds and branches,<br />
brass hinges and fittings, two doors,<br />
central shelf, two drawers below, in<br />
very good condition ¥19,000. cpitts@<br />
gol.com 09049527314<br />
Chair, for desks, height and back<br />
adjustable, can dismantle for transport<br />
¥1000. Cash only. Koenji. ohpopshop@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Curtains, Muji, ivory (110x110cm),<br />
100% cotton. alessandrolibri@gmail.<br />
com<br />
Drawers, Muji, plastic ¥1000/<br />
each. Pick up 7min from Meguro stn.<br />
befaft03@yahoo.fr<br />
Furniture sale! Beige leather<br />
sofa, seats three, in good condition<br />
¥20,000. Two rocking chairs, one<br />
black and one white ¥4000/each. Pick<br />
up Takadanobaba area. sue.zahedi@<br />
gmail.com 0339503140<br />
Lamp, Francfranc, for tables, small, in<br />
very good condition, in original box,<br />
w/bulb ¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn.<br />
befaft03@yahoo.fr<br />
Mattress, Ikea Sultan Favang, as new,<br />
clean (90x200cm) ¥5000. Pick up<br />
Sangenjaya. japanjohan@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Shelf, Muji, w/four drawers, in very<br />
good condition, less than one y/o<br />
¥15,000. Pick up near Meguro stn.<br />
befaft03@yahoo.fr<br />
4.2 APPLIANCES<br />
Air purifier, Sharp KC-Z45<br />
Plasmacluster, good for large rooms<br />
(20-mat) ¥18,000. Pick up near Tamachi,<br />
Tokyo. katrinaellery@hotmail.com<br />
Blender ¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn.<br />
befaft03@yahoo.fr<br />
Coffeemaker, Sanyo, electric, old,<br />
functional, w/tea filter and paper filters<br />
¥1000. Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@<br />
yahoo.fr<br />
Fan, electric, two speeds, automatic<br />
turn, up/down adjustable orientation, in<br />
good condition, in original box ¥1000.<br />
Pick up Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr<br />
Fridge, National NR-B12JA, 41L + 81L<br />
(480x1070x586mm), in good condition<br />
¥7500. Pick up Sangenjaya or pay for<br />
delivery. union-v@hotmail.co.jp<br />
Fridge, Sharp, 315L (156x63x60cm),<br />
works perfectly, in good condition<br />
¥20,000. Pick up Odakyu line or pay for<br />
Yamato or Sagawa delivery. alexi_louis@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
Hand mixer, hardly used ¥1000. Pick<br />
up Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr<br />
Kettle, electric, Tefal, in good<br />
condition ¥2000. Pick up Meguro stn.<br />
befaft03@yahoo.fr<br />
24 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Lights, round, ceiling, w/bulbs ¥3000.<br />
Pick up near Meguro stn. befaft03@<br />
yahoo.fr<br />
Microwave/oven/grill, H a i e r,<br />
600W, '12 ¥2000. Pick up Nishi-Azabu.<br />
mlfukawa@gmail.com<br />
Rice cooker, Zojirushi, '08, IH type, as<br />
new ¥6000. mizi2005@hotmail.com<br />
Vacuum, AIM-R0B01, white, new<br />
¥5000. Pick up Shimokitazawa.<br />
aminimia@yahoo.com<br />
4.3 SAYONARA SALE<br />
Sayonara sale! Rice cooker ¥1000.<br />
Water purifier ¥1000. Rolling kitchen<br />
table ¥1000. Kitchen utensils, dishes,<br />
tableware, cleaning products: free.<br />
digicult@gmail.com<br />
Sayonara sale! Sharp 32” TV, Bluray,<br />
games, HDMI, cable TV ok, works<br />
well ¥25,000/obo. Fridge, opens<br />
from both sides; rice cooker; in good<br />
condition: free. rob_andy99@yahoo.<br />
com 08066490888<br />
Sayonara sale! NEC phone/fax<br />
machine, w/digital display; desk for<br />
computer (128x65x45). stupendociao@<br />
yahoo.co.jp<br />
4.5 AUDIO & MP3<br />
Headphones, Dr. Dre, stereo, several<br />
m/o, as new, hardly used, w/carry case<br />
¥23,000/obo. mykey0422@gmail.com<br />
4.6 FOR KIDS<br />
Ski wear. Pants, size 130cm ¥300.<br />
Gloves and other items. Pick up<br />
or chakubarai. Photos available.<br />
housetsu@gmail.com<br />
Stroller, Maclaren, in very good<br />
condition. New ¥35,000+. Sell<br />
¥10,000. Free delivery possible.<br />
mizi2005@hotmail.com<br />
Various items. Safety gate, toys,<br />
videos, etc., smoke/pet-free home.<br />
Pick up Moto-Azabu, Azabu-<br />
Juban, Roppongi Hills or takkyubin<br />
chakubarai for small items. ftl4@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
4.7 FOR FREE<br />
External HD, seven available, w/<br />
power cords, work perfectly, 1.71TB<br />
total capacity, Buffalo, I-O Data,<br />
Maxtor, one Firewire unit. Pick up<br />
Otemachi. blackngold1979@hotmail.<br />
com 080-2064-1094<br />
Mosquito repellent, electric. Pick<br />
up near Meguro stn. befaft03@<br />
yahoo.fr<br />
SkyPerfecTV, dish, w/tuner and<br />
cable, never used. Pick up Yoyogi.<br />
stupendociao@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Washer, Toshiba AW-40S5, 4kg, more<br />
than seven y/o. Pick up only. benoit.<br />
castets@gmail.com<br />
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS<br />
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT<br />
Bindings, snowboard, K2, for<br />
beginners, 4x4, cap toe strap, women's<br />
size 6-10/men's size 5-8 ¥1000. Pick up<br />
near Yokohama. sayonara_vancouver@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Elliptical trainer, Daikou DK-206S,<br />
one y/o, hardly used. Half-price. English<br />
speakers only. pierre.destruel@gmail.<br />
com<br />
Leg stretcher, DX, in good condition,<br />
some scratches, works well, no box, w/<br />
leg stretcher pro ¥5000. brucebat@<br />
docomo.ne.jp<br />
5.3 MUSICAL<br />
EQUIPMENT<br />
Electric guitar, Squier Vintage<br />
Modified Tele SSH, black, w/soft case, in<br />
great condition ¥20,000. deshayes.g@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Monitors. Edirol MA 15D digital stereo<br />
micro monitors, 24-bit/192KHz digital<br />
¥12,000. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.com<br />
Sound modules. Roland XV-5080, as<br />
new ¥39,000. Korg TR-Rack, in good<br />
condition ¥20,000. Roland MKS-50<br />
analog synthesizer sound module, in<br />
very good condition ¥29,000. Pick<br />
up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line.<br />
deshayes.g@gmail.com<br />
Synthesizers. Roland JX-3P, vintage,<br />
analog, 100% functional, in nice<br />
cosmetic condition, w/optional PG200<br />
programmer ¥48,000. Roland JV-80, in<br />
great condition, w/case ¥22,000. Pick<br />
up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line.<br />
deshayes.g@gmail.com<br />
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD<br />
CDs, mostly rock (Def Leppard,<br />
Rush, B-52s, Cinderella, The Cars,<br />
Minx, Moonshots, Dirty Ts, Mootekis),<br />
some classical compilations, etc., in<br />
good condition. Pick up Otemachi.<br />
blackngold1979@hotmail.com<br />
080-2064-1094<br />
Chinese learning materials.<br />
Business Mandarin Kit by Asiapac<br />
Books, w/two textbooks, four CDs,<br />
travel tips, as new, never opened. New<br />
US$138. Sell ¥5500. cpitts@gol.com<br />
09049527314<br />
Japanese learning materials.<br />
Japanese Verbs and Essentials of<br />
Grammar, 13 Secrets for Speaking<br />
Fluent Japanese, Conversation Book<br />
for Everyday Japanese and English<br />
Level 4, Random House Japanese-<br />
English Dictionary, Contemporary<br />
Japanese Volume 1 ¥5000/all. Details<br />
available. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
Kanji learning material.<br />
Remembering the Kanji, three-book<br />
complete system for remembering<br />
jou-yo list and over 1000 more key<br />
kanji, w/Nelson Kanji Dictionary<br />
¥8500/all. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
5.5 GAMING<br />
Game CDs, Battlefield 1942, Battlefield<br />
Vietnam, Grand Theft Auto San<br />
Andreas, all in good condition. Pick up<br />
Otemachi. blackngold1979@hotmail.<br />
com 080-2064-1094<br />
6 VEHICLES<br />
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, &<br />
ACCESSORIES<br />
Bicycle, Belart, 27" tires, white, durable,<br />
light, w/front basket, slightly more than<br />
one y/o, from Aeon. New ¥14,000. Sell<br />
¥8000/obo. Can change registration.<br />
Photos available. earth_travel_joy@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Bike wear, new/never worn: Mavic Ergo<br />
3D black full-rider bib/pants, size Japan<br />
L/US S; Karrimor black padded pants,<br />
size L. New ¥16,000. Sell ¥5000/both.<br />
Pick up Otemachi. blackngold1979@<br />
hotmail.com 080-2064-1094<br />
Racing bike, Panasonic Les Maillots,<br />
mini-velo, suits rider 170-180cm, 11kg<br />
alloy frame, Maxxis tires, 16-speed,<br />
regularly serviced, in great condition.<br />
New ¥95,000. Sell ¥39,000/obo.<br />
Meguro-ku. tokyobike2014@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
Road bike, Giant TCR, size M frame,<br />
yellow/black, as new, currently<br />
disassembled, various parts available.<br />
New ¥226,000. Sell ~¥60,000. Price<br />
depends on parts. View Shin-Nakano.<br />
cjriach@hotmail.com<br />
7 GENERAL<br />
7.1 PHONES<br />
Smartphone, Sharp Aquos, Android,<br />
SoftBank ¥5000. sls00@live.com<br />
7.2 FASHION<br />
Sunglasses, Ray-Ban, two m/o,<br />
no scratches. New ¥28,000. Sell<br />
¥20,000. singhprak@yahoo.com<br />
090-2863-9585<br />
Wedding celebrant gown, drycleaned,<br />
in good condition ¥15,000.<br />
gaijin46@hotmail.com<br />
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS<br />
Humidor, mahogany, w/brass<br />
instruments ¥5000. Can meet in<br />
central Tokyo. selling@csgibson.com<br />
090-4664-1538<br />
Plant holder, made from 70-yearold<br />
tree trunk, 23kg, has been used to<br />
prepare homemade omochi ¥8000.<br />
mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp<br />
7.4 ITEMS WANTED<br />
Computer. Seeking old PC for free.<br />
tsuneokobayashijapan@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Pregnancy clothes, prefer US size 11<br />
for bottoms and US size M/Japan size<br />
L. Free or cheap. lelanis@hotmail.com<br />
Records. Budding musician in need<br />
of sample material. Give me your old<br />
records - the more obscure or strange,<br />
the better. I’ll pay for postage. mallon_<br />
robert@hotmail.com 080-6497-5403<br />
Sofa, three-in-one. steps.od@ezweb.<br />
ne.jp 09061526274<br />
Vinyl records, LP collections. Japanpressed<br />
LPs, EPs and singles from the<br />
‘60s, ‘70s, etc., any genre considered.<br />
Will pay cash for quality items. brian.<br />
greenough@jcom.home.ne.jp<br />
8 COMPUTERS<br />
8.2 HARDWARE<br />
Computer, i5-4670K CPU, two gtx770<br />
SLI GPUs, Corsair AX860 PSU, Corsair<br />
350D case, 8GB Corsair Vengeance<br />
Pro, Corsair H100i liquid cooler, Asus<br />
Maximus VI Gene motherboard,<br />
Samsung 840 Pro 128GB SD,<br />
Seagate Barracuda 1TB ¥180,000.<br />
jimrogers0101@gmail.com<br />
Laptop. NEC LaVie BL350 netbook,<br />
white, as new, E/J Win 8.1, 10.1" display,<br />
CPU Intel ATOM N550 1.5GHz, 120GB<br />
HD, 1GB memory, Wi-Fi, ethernet, three<br />
USB ports, SD card reader, VGA out<br />
¥15,000. deshayes.g@gmail.com<br />
10 HELP!<br />
10.1 HELP ME<br />
Female haircut model. I need female<br />
haircut models to get more experience.<br />
It's free! English is no problem! If<br />
you're interested, please email me.<br />
o.masaki.11@gmail.com<br />
Seeking native English speaker to<br />
edit my blog posts. We can do it online<br />
or we can meet in person at a cafe. Can<br />
pay ¥2000/h. axelco14@yahoo.co.jp<br />
10.2 SUPPORT<br />
NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen.<br />
TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous<br />
English counseling daily from<br />
9am-11pm by trained volunteers:<br />
03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING:<br />
affordable multilingual<br />
psychotherapy by accredited<br />
Western-trained professionals,<br />
a CIGNA International Provider:<br />
03-4550-1146. TELL website: www.<br />
telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook<br />
and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.<br />
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours<br />
a day, from anywhere, about<br />
anything. From emergency<br />
assistance to simple questions. Visit<br />
www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,”<br />
or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer<br />
or support, please contact team@<br />
jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com/<br />
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE<br />
PEOPLE. Fifty years ago, West Papua<br />
should have been an independent<br />
country. Since 1969, West Papua has<br />
been invaded and the people robbed<br />
of their rights, culture and country.<br />
Help support West Papuans’ desire<br />
to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/<br />
davidhalpern@7ymail.com<br />
03.3405.4409<br />
www.sinden.com<br />
Strong, beautiful, flexible<br />
Transform your body & soul at<br />
BASI PILATES!<br />
Offering you “Authentic Pilates”<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> Campaign<br />
Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0<br />
Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400<br />
Package 3 Machine<br />
Private Lessons<br />
¥30,000 ¥18,000<br />
Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio<br />
Lessons in English available<br />
Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more<br />
03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp<br />
www.basipilates.jp/english/<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 25
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp<br />
Gonee has experience beauty therapist in London<br />
for 8 years. Gonee studied beauty college at<br />
London for CIDESCO course and she started to<br />
work in beauty salon at Sloane Square in London.<br />
Lycon Brazilian wax ¥9,000 → (30% off) ¥6,300<br />
Lycon Full leg waxing ¥9,800 → (30% off) ¥6,800<br />
Eyebrow & Upper Lip wax → ¥1,500<br />
Eyelash Extension full set →¥5,000 (55x55)<br />
Eyelash & Eyebrow tint →¥2,500<br />
Guinot Hydradermie Facial (60 min)→¥6,250<br />
Manicure ¥8,000 → (30% off) ¥5,600<br />
Pedicure ¥9,800 → ¥6,800<br />
03-6452-2503<br />
Address : 3F nakamura building 17-4-3<br />
Minami-Ebisu Shibuya-ku, Tokyo<br />
Tel: 03-3796-2411<br />
relaxtokyo.com<br />
COURSES<br />
Body care<br />
30 min: ¥3,150<br />
60 min: ¥6,300<br />
(Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250)<br />
120 min: ¥12,600<br />
Oil massage<br />
(daytime only)<br />
60 min: ¥8,400<br />
120 min: ¥16,800<br />
Kyu-Yamate Dori<br />
Daikanyama<br />
Station<br />
Toyoko Line<br />
Komazawa Dori<br />
Now You Can Recharge<br />
in Roppongi 24/7/365<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> Promo<br />
60 & 120min courses now ¥1,000 off<br />
30min course ¥500 off<br />
GONEE BEAUTY<br />
7Eleven<br />
Hibiya Line<br />
Ebisu Station<br />
treatment@goneebeauty.com<br />
www.goneebeauty.com<br />
www.brazilian-waxingebisu.com<br />
Hotel<br />
IBIS<br />
Mos<br />
Burger<br />
Almond<br />
Soba shop<br />
Takoyaki shop<br />
Police box<br />
Roppongi-dori<br />
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS<br />
TOKYO. If you have a problem<br />
with drinking, we can help.<br />
English-speaking meetings daily.<br />
03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.<br />
org http://aatokyo.org<br />
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS.<br />
Eating too much? Obsessed<br />
with food? Maybe purging, too?<br />
Come join us as we recover<br />
together. Meetings Sat at<br />
10:30am and Tue at 6:30pm.<br />
Skype meetings five nights/week.<br />
Contact: oatokyo@gmail.com<br />
www.oaintokyo.org<br />
TOKYO AMERICAN CLUB<br />
INTERNATIONAL MEMBER’S<br />
ASSOCIATION. A call out to TAC<br />
members! Have you been bullied,<br />
harassed and mistreated by TAC?<br />
Have you been suspended and/<br />
or expelled by TAC without proper<br />
due process? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!<br />
We are a group working together<br />
to help individuals like you and to<br />
make a better TAC for everyone!<br />
Contact us at: tacima@outlook.<br />
com<br />
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,<br />
JAPAN’S NO.1 ENGLISH<br />
MAGAZINE, log on at www.<br />
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or<br />
email your commercial ads to<br />
commercial@metropolis.co.jp.<br />
HIV Peer Support group a n d<br />
workshops. Get together with<br />
people in the same boat as you,<br />
who understand. Held in a safe,<br />
considerate, 100% confidential setting<br />
to discuss what’s on your mind, ask<br />
questions and make new friends.<br />
info@peersupporttokyo.com www.<br />
peersupporttokyo.com<br />
Infertility support group. TTC<br />
Tokyo is an infertility support group<br />
that provides informal opportunities<br />
for women and men experiencing<br />
infertility to connect with one another.<br />
Please visit website for more info.<br />
admin@ttctokyo.org www.ttctokyo.<br />
org/<br />
11 MESSAGES<br />
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES<br />
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR YOUR<br />
SPECIAL SOMEONE! Write<br />
anything, from birthday<br />
messages to proposals, and so<br />
much more! Contact us through<br />
our website at http://classifieds.<br />
metropolis.co.jp.<br />
12 SOCIAL SCENE<br />
12.1 LET’S PARTY<br />
JAPAN INTERNATIONAL<br />
PARTY - Spring Special. Sat,<br />
Mar 22, 6:30-9pm, Devi<br />
Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s<br />
biggest international party.<br />
250 people expected. Allyou-can-drink<br />
and free<br />
snacks. Japanese men:<br />
¥4000. Others: ¥3000.<br />
Mobile: http://getyourfriend.<br />
com/mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.<br />
com www.getyourfriend.com/<br />
090-1735-5405<br />
JOIN THE BIGGEST,<br />
BEST, MOST POPULAR<br />
INTERNATIONAL PARTY!<br />
Great people, drinks and food!<br />
Meet new friends and party<br />
with nice people in a friendly<br />
atmosphere. Events in Tokyo<br />
(Ginza, Azabu, Roppongi)<br />
and Osaka. ¥1500-¥2000.<br />
http://english.gaitomo.com/<br />
info@gaitomo.com<br />
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS<br />
13.1 SPORTS<br />
A MERICAN FOOTBALL.<br />
Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league<br />
Central Division, seeks fit<br />
players w/ US college football<br />
experience for all positions.<br />
Practice every Sat/Sun from<br />
10am-3pm (including meeting)<br />
in Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue<br />
subject to change). Attendance<br />
at practice must be over 60%.<br />
Please contact for tryout info and<br />
send your profile to team admin.<br />
bullsxleague@gmail.com http://<br />
www.unisys.co.jp/football/<br />
ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCH<br />
FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag<br />
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby<br />
League players. We play every<br />
Sat from 10am in Tatsumi.<br />
M/F and beginners welcome!<br />
Good exercise and fun! Many<br />
other activities, such as BBQs<br />
and drinking parties! Email for<br />
details. tokyorugbyleague@<br />
hotmail.com http://ameblo.<br />
jp/tokyo13warriors<br />
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE<br />
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS<br />
Rugby League team is seeking<br />
Rugby League players for<br />
Japanese Rugby League<br />
official games from Apr to<br />
Sep. Everyone welcome.<br />
Contact for more details.<br />
japananzacs@gmail.com<br />
AIKIDO IN ENGLISH. Seidokan<br />
Aikido of Tokyo invites you to<br />
practice a modern style of aikido in<br />
an international environment. Sat,<br />
1-3pm. Itabashi-ku, Toei Mita/Saikyo<br />
line. We welcome men and women,<br />
Japanese and non-Japanese.<br />
dojo@tokyoseidokan.com www.<br />
tokyoseidokan.com 03-5994-1185<br />
PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders<br />
are a friendly but keen international<br />
rugby club. Devoted to the game and<br />
its social side, the “Cru” welcomes<br />
all players and supporters.<br />
Established in 1990, the Cru plays<br />
in the Shuto League 1st Division.<br />
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.<br />
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.<br />
com<br />
TAMBOURELLI. Unique new<br />
sport from Scotland. Using a<br />
tambourine-like instrument as a<br />
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.<br />
We play two or three times/month<br />
on weekends in Meguro with many<br />
socials. Join us! More details: www.<br />
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.org<br />
Women’s rugby team seeks players.<br />
Moving to Japan? Want to keep/start<br />
playing rugby for a competitive team?<br />
The PHOENIX wants you! All levels of<br />
experience. We have many foreign<br />
players who used to live/play overseas.<br />
phoenixrugbyjp@gmail.com<br />
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.<br />
Serious and motivated tennis players<br />
sought by active tennis group to join their<br />
weekly sessions in central Tokyo. We<br />
have advanced and intermediate groups<br />
on weekday evenings. Beginner and lowintermediate<br />
also welcome. No entrance<br />
or membership fees. Reasonable<br />
participation fees. tokyo.tennis@yahoo.fr<br />
Baseball club in Tokyo/Yokohama<br />
area. Summer is around the corner - who<br />
wants to play some baseball? Join the<br />
Tokyo Eagles for our 30th season. We<br />
play in the Tokyo and Yokohama area<br />
two to three times/month. Everyone<br />
welcome. genni951@gmail.com<br />
Hiroshi Oogai,<br />
Patent attorney<br />
Immigration lawyer<br />
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE<br />
Reasonable prices.<br />
Free first time consultation<br />
We can support you with:<br />
Visa and immigration<br />
Intellectual property rights<br />
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)<br />
Establishing a Company &<br />
Branch office<br />
Other Legal & Business matters<br />
www.j-star.jp<br />
Grand Prince<br />
Hotel Akasaka<br />
Akasaka<br />
Mitsuke<br />
stn<br />
Aoyama Ave<br />
Akasaka<br />
Excel<br />
Hotel<br />
Tokyu<br />
Exit 4,<br />
Nagatacho stn<br />
Supreme<br />
Court<br />
National<br />
Diet<br />
Library<br />
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093<br />
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891<br />
Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp<br />
Imperial<br />
Palace<br />
WADA Legal & Administrative Office<br />
For information:<br />
Tel: (03) 3345-7977<br />
FAX: (03) 3345-5377<br />
We can help you with:<br />
• Visa & Immigration Procedures<br />
• Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation<br />
and Refugee Status<br />
• Establishing a Company &<br />
Branch Office<br />
• Accounting Services, Acquiring<br />
Business Licences<br />
• Preparation/Translation of<br />
Legal & Business Documents<br />
• Other Legal & Business Matters<br />
http://www.wada-lats.com/<br />
E-mail: info@wada-lats.com<br />
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,<br />
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023<br />
26 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp<br />
J O B S<br />
To advertise:<br />
commercial@metropolis.co.jp<br />
03-4588-2277<br />
BEER CAFÉ BRUGSE ZOT, a new<br />
Belgian beer restaurant, is seeking<br />
part-time hall staff, European-looks<br />
preferred ¥1000/h~. Coredo Muromachi<br />
2, Nihonbashi, near Tokyo stn. Japanese<br />
ability required. Email CV to Kondo<br />
HR Manager. keiichi.kondo@zato.<br />
co.jp 0120-233-182 http://www.<br />
world-liquor-importers.co.jp<br />
SALES INTERN. <strong>Metropolis</strong> is seeking<br />
a bilingual (E/J) intern to join the most<br />
successful English-language advertising<br />
team (Restaurants & Bars) in Japan. Great<br />
opportunity to learn about advertising<br />
in an exciting environment. No pay, but<br />
transportation provided. Please email<br />
knakashima@metropolis.co.jp.<br />
SALES & MARKETING POSITIONS.<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> is seeking motivated<br />
bilingual (E/J) sales executives, support<br />
staff and interns to join its advertising<br />
and marketing team. Send your resume,<br />
in both English and Japanese, to jobs@<br />
metropolis.co.jp. Positions available<br />
are posted on our website at http://<br />
metropolis.co.jp/jobs.<br />
Basketball in the Yokohama area.<br />
Want to play b-ball in the Yokohama<br />
area? All Japanese, but good enough for<br />
intermediate games every Mon and Wed<br />
night at a local school’s gym. Feel free to<br />
come. It’s free. Please contact for further<br />
details. satoru.nicolas@gmail.com<br />
Diving in Izu. Get in touch to talk about<br />
scuba diving near Tokyo. Information<br />
on scuba lessons, equipment advice,<br />
dive trips, monthly social events, CPR<br />
training, etc. kowtokyo@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend<br />
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Football in Toyosu. We organize<br />
friendly seven/side football every Tue<br />
and Wed between 7 and 9pm. 1-11-26<br />
Edagawa, Koto-ku - Korean primary<br />
school on artificial grass. ramos_<br />
japan2006@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Futsal player. Want to play futsal on<br />
weekends in Tokyo? Please introduce<br />
yourself (name, age, nationality, where<br />
you live, whether you belong to another<br />
team). futsaluk@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Futsal players wanted by a very<br />
friendly international team. Practice is<br />
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details<br />
available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp<br />
Interested in tai chi? Then why not<br />
start now? Take a step to counter the<br />
stresses of daily living. Practice is in<br />
Toyama Park on Sun mornings, near<br />
Takadanobaba stn. chifact@gmail.com<br />
Tennis in central Tokyo. Active<br />
international group of tennis friends in<br />
central Tokyo welcomes new players.<br />
We play on weekday evenings and<br />
weekends. Different levels, fun sessions<br />
with coach, great people! Motivated<br />
players preferred. tennis.tokyo@<br />
yahoo.fr<br />
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese<br />
and foreign volleyball players gather in<br />
Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have<br />
volleyball experience and want to play<br />
volleyball in a friendly atmosphere?<br />
intervollclub@yahoo.co.jp http://<br />
intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/<br />
13.2 LEISURE<br />
M A C A R T H U R H E I G H T S .<br />
Take a break where General Douglas<br />
MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo<br />
by car or direct train. Beautiful<br />
cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach,<br />
shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.<br />
com<br />
Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard<br />
club for anyone living in, or visiting<br />
Tokyo. We go on big group trips<br />
every weekend in the winter. Powder,<br />
live music events, and parties in<br />
snow. Membership is free! info@<br />
tokyosnowclub.com http://www.<br />
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616<br />
13.3 ARTS<br />
Love Shakespeare? A m a t e u r<br />
group in Tokyo, meeting once/month<br />
to celebrate our love of the Bard.<br />
Come to read, or just to listen. All<br />
nationalities welcome, no experience<br />
necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo.<br />
com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/<br />
Shakespeare-sama/<br />
13.4 MUSIC<br />
A cappella group. Miss singing? Join<br />
our singing group! We sing orchestral<br />
classical music only in human voice,<br />
conducted by a professional a<br />
cappella singer. ryusei@acappellacantabile.jp<br />
http://acappella-cantabile.<br />
jp/?page_id=202<br />
INTERNATIONAL<br />
H O S T E S S E S<br />
WANTED, fun and<br />
easygoing, with proper<br />
visa. Top-quality<br />
karaoke sound system and stage, 1min<br />
from Nishi-Kasai stn, Tozai line. Daily<br />
pay, plus drink back. No tax! Tel:<br />
03-5696-5397 or 080-3504-9474.<br />
Email: liza@stardustjapan.com<br />
Website: www.stardustjapan.com<br />
INTERNATIONAL BAR AND<br />
RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT<br />
COMPANY seeks experienced<br />
bartenders and hall staff who can work<br />
long hours for Irish pub/restaurant<br />
and in a lounge bar. Salary negotiable.<br />
Energetic, with can-do attitude, valid<br />
visa. Any nationality is welcome. Email<br />
resume to jobfinder@skymit.biz.<br />
FOREIGN LIAISON/CLIENT<br />
RELATIONS COORDINATOR. Ryuka<br />
IP Law Firm is seeking a foreign<br />
liaison/marketing assistant to assist<br />
with communication to and from our<br />
foreign clients, three + years of clientrelations<br />
experience required. For<br />
details, visit www.ryuka.com/en/<br />
careers/info.shtml. Please email<br />
resume and cover letter (within 400<br />
words, including reasons for staying in<br />
Japan) to info@ryuka.com (Subject:<br />
“Foreign Liaison/Client Relations<br />
Coordinator”)<br />
Another "bass player wanted" ad.<br />
Forming the best blues/rock band in<br />
Japan to be rock legends. Making CD.<br />
Right bass player needed. Are you<br />
out there? See link for my drumming.<br />
dreamat@nifty.com<br />
Drummer and bassist wante d<br />
around Yokohama. We mainly play<br />
rock music and have rehearsals in<br />
Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of player is<br />
welcome, so feel free to contact us.<br />
m_a_b1998@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Drummer seeking band. I love<br />
jazz, fusion and funk. I play twin<br />
pedals and have my own kit. Weekly<br />
practices and gigs ok. Tokyo area.<br />
Please write me back to have a try!<br />
christianpelissero@yahoo.fr<br />
Experienced drummer sought<br />
for live performance in Tokyo area.<br />
Genre: rock/prog rock. Must be<br />
comfortable with odd time signature.<br />
philpost@hotmail.com http://www.<br />
arthurpentameter.net<br />
Female vocalist wanted. I'm a JM<br />
seeking female vocalists who can<br />
sing English and middle/northern<br />
European languages for recordings.<br />
You can listen to some of my demos<br />
at my website. I live in Yokohama.<br />
prettypopmusic@gmail.com http://<br />
www.prettypop.net/demo/<br />
Jam session. American male, 20s,<br />
seeking someone to jam with. I have<br />
an acoustic guitar and can play basic<br />
chords/songs. I like punk/alt rock.<br />
Let's play! williamjapan2@gmail.com<br />
Japanese drummer seeking<br />
musicians. Guitar and bass player<br />
sought for rock, dance, pop, blues,<br />
jazz, etc. Melody is important.<br />
Hopefully, we can have gigs so<br />
everybody can dance! kosuke1016@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Musicians wanted to play northern<br />
European/Scandinavian music<br />
together, especially violinists, guitarist,<br />
cellist. Rehearse a couple of times/<br />
month in Nakano. unicornio@nifty.com<br />
Piano/keyboard player wanted for<br />
long-term collaboration on rock/jazz/<br />
funk originals. Someone who can learn<br />
existing parts note-for-note and also<br />
add to them where it feels needed.<br />
Find me at http://reverbnation.com/<br />
bradburgess imaginaryinvalid@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
Progressive rock band seeks<br />
drummer. Band w/CD and a large body<br />
of originals. This year will also be spent<br />
developing a repertoire of covers.<br />
See website for music/band details.<br />
philpost@hotmail.com http://www.<br />
arthurpentameter.net<br />
Seeking electro rock band members.<br />
I'm a Japanese singer seeking an MC<br />
who speaks English. I did a European<br />
concert tour and played at a rock<br />
festival in Indonesia. I'm making a<br />
new electro-rock band like Atari and<br />
Prodigy. dorothydeckerludlow@<br />
yahoo.co.jp<br />
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT<br />
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.<br />
Do you want to explore your own<br />
mind? Guided Buddhist meditation<br />
every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.<br />
International practitioners, beginners<br />
welcome, Japanese spoken. Please<br />
call 090-3598-3072 for more<br />
information. daginia@gmail.com www.<br />
diamondway.jp/<br />
Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve<br />
always thought it would be interesting<br />
to try it - why not now? Join us Fri<br />
evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make<br />
arrangements in advance by email, and<br />
check our home page. tokyozazen@<br />
jcom.home.ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com<br />
13.9 INTERNATIONAL<br />
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan<br />
Intercultural Institute) is a nonprofit,<br />
member-run organization<br />
that sponsors activities (seminars,<br />
cultural events, conferences) for<br />
those wanting to further develop<br />
intercultural competencies and<br />
meet other interculturalists. yuko.<br />
bolick@japanintercultural.org www.<br />
japanintercultural.org<br />
Nihongo 倶 楽 部 いんたぁなしょなる.<br />
Nihongo Club International is a<br />
volunteer group to help foreign people<br />
learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer<br />
Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu,<br />
7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp<br />
14 PERSONALS<br />
14.1 FRIENDS<br />
Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking<br />
nonsmoking friends from Denmark,<br />
Germany, Canada or Australia for<br />
having fun times together. Let's<br />
meet for a cup of coffee first. Please<br />
be nonsmokers, 30s. Mail with selfintroduction,<br />
please! b2jw13@hotmail.<br />
co.jp<br />
Brazilian/Latin/jazz appreciation. I<br />
know many interesting Latin clubs/jazz<br />
bars, but have nobody to go with. If you<br />
are a music lover, please join me. I’ll show<br />
you around interesting music spots in<br />
Tokyo. roseroseiloveyoujp@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Danes wanted! JF, 30s, into Denmark<br />
like crazy. Er der nogen dansker i<br />
Tokyo eller Kanagawa at moedes til<br />
kaffe og hjaelpe mig at laere dansk<br />
lidt? Please be nonsmokers, 30s<br />
preferred. Glaeder mig til at hoere fra<br />
jer! codename107113@live.com<br />
Enjoy healthy meals. Japanese<br />
female, 30, enjoys exploring<br />
restaurants with healthy options. I'm<br />
not a vegetarian, but I enjoy organic<br />
food, fruit, etc. Seeking company to<br />
try a new restaurant with. Available<br />
weekends; Tokyo or Kanagawa.<br />
Thanks. jpn_camelia@yahoo.com<br />
Jazz-playing friends in Tokyo.<br />
Japanese male seeking jazz players for<br />
fun in the Tokyo area. I've been playing<br />
the alto sax for a couple of years. Still<br />
amateur, but want to play with others.<br />
yossynet@ra2.so-net.ne.jp<br />
Let's go for a walk. I am an Eastern<br />
European guy, 19, seeking Japanese<br />
friends to hang out around Tokyo. Very<br />
kind and polite. Andrew to moshimasu!<br />
Please send me a message for details.<br />
nai-5@mail.ru<br />
Lunch friends. Hi, I'm half-Caucasian<br />
American, half-Japanese, 29, from<br />
Hawaii. I speak Japanese. Living<br />
and working in Tokyo as an English<br />
instructor. I'm seeking lunch friends.<br />
We'll have fun. julianhoward1995@<br />
gmail.com<br />
New friends. I am a Russian female, 27,<br />
living in Tokyo, married, with a young<br />
baby, seeking new friends who could<br />
meet up sometimes for tea and a chat.<br />
Prefer similar age and situation. Female<br />
only, please. positve@hotmail.com<br />
New friends. American male, can<br />
never have enough friends. If you feel<br />
the same way, please look me up. I<br />
enjoy drinking, dining, or just hanging<br />
out at a cafe as long as the conversation<br />
is interesting. mixnplay@yahoo.com<br />
New York Yankees fan in Tokyo area.<br />
Long-time Yankees fan living near<br />
Machida, Tokyo, seeking to meet likeminded<br />
people who are also fans of<br />
the greatest franchise in all sports over<br />
food and drinks. bravo_2003@hotmail.<br />
com 080-6554-8688<br />
Online friends from foreign countries.<br />
Japanese female seeks penpal from<br />
overseas to talk about culture, books<br />
and art online. No men who talk about<br />
their ex-girlfriends. Women hate that!<br />
peaceful_world8@hotmail.com<br />
Seeking friend. JF, late 30s, seeking<br />
foreign friend. I speak English (lived in<br />
the US before), and I also want to learn<br />
other languages. Men, women, gay - it<br />
doesn't matter to me, but nonsmokers,<br />
drug-free only. kinnnoune714@yahoo.<br />
co.jp<br />
Seeking friends in central Tokyo.<br />
JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang<br />
out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@<br />
yahoo.co.jp<br />
Trading anyone? Friendly American<br />
guy living in central Tokyo and<br />
trading for a living. I’m seeking E/J<br />
bilingual people interested in trading<br />
to exchange trading education for<br />
Japanese language help. My schedule<br />
is flexible. Let’s meet up! blendy1321@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Travel partner required. Hi, I<br />
am a professional male, frequent<br />
traveler, seeking a travel partner<br />
who's interested in traveling together.<br />
hanami1915@me.com<br />
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR<br />
WOMEN<br />
ADORABLE AND HANDSOME JM<br />
seeking long-term relationship.<br />
Good-looking, caring, bilingual,<br />
financially stable Japanese male,<br />
mid-30s, seeks sincere woman<br />
around Tokyo for a serious romantic<br />
relationship leading to a long-term<br />
relationship. Please mail me with<br />
details. pirlo_cucchiaio@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
NY BUSINESSMAN seeks<br />
cute Japanese girlfriend. NY<br />
businessman, 36, fit, educated,<br />
learning Japanese, frequently<br />
traveling to Tokyo and SE Asian<br />
countries, seeks cute girlfriend,<br />
24-36. I like gourmet restaurants,<br />
traveling, wine bars, nature, ryokan,<br />
museums, art galleries, Edo history.<br />
ny2tky@gmail.com<br />
AAA-rated new boyfriend! Tall,<br />
handsome, athletic SWM with goodguy<br />
status, warmhearted, honest, fun,<br />
adventurous, passionate, loves the<br />
outdoors, seeks slender, attractive<br />
female. I'm seeking a special lady<br />
with the same love of life for a longterm<br />
relationship. nightwatchblue@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Affluent and excellent Japanese<br />
architectural engineer who works<br />
for one of the five biggest general<br />
contractors in Japan is seeking an<br />
attractive and steady Caucasian<br />
(single white American or European)<br />
sex partner for love. imak1_2_3@<br />
yahoo.co.jp<br />
Attractive black girl? Handsome,<br />
young, very athletic, blond American<br />
guy seeking beautiful black girl, any<br />
nationality, under 40. I speak a little of<br />
many languages, so mail and give it a<br />
shot! Shallumain@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Attractive Japanese male for SWF.<br />
Seeking attractive Western female<br />
with a nice smile. If you are interested<br />
in chatting over coffee or nice food,<br />
please contact me and let me know.<br />
I am looking forward to your contact.<br />
juniperten2013@gmail.com<br />
Attractive JM seeks long-term<br />
relationship in Tokyo. Successful<br />
Japanese businessman, 35, bilingual,<br />
nice-looking, caring, fit, seeks longterm<br />
relationship, potentially leading<br />
to marriage. If interested, please<br />
feel free to drop me a line. Photo<br />
preferred. pirlo_cucchiaio@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
Attractive single Japanese male<br />
seeks a nice Western or Japanese<br />
female for friendship and possibly<br />
more. Nonsmokers preferred. I am<br />
confident that I can create fun times<br />
for you. If you are ready, email me.<br />
cioinjapan@gmail.com<br />
Big, tall woman? Guy seeks tall,<br />
larger-than-average woman. Age,<br />
nationality and looks not important.<br />
spk3006@i.softbank.jp<br />
British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim,<br />
seeking a nice girl to hang out with.<br />
Nationality/race unimportant,<br />
but should be 20-35 and have a<br />
nice personality. Interested in<br />
music and film: you should be, too.<br />
shiodomebye@gmail.com<br />
British man seeking JF f o r<br />
friendship and maybe more,<br />
depending on if we click. Successful,<br />
kind, sexy and generally fun guy to<br />
be with. So definitely worth getting to<br />
know me! Thanks. stalonelyheart@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Can we be friends? Married man for<br />
housewife. Can we exchange emails<br />
and meet sometimes for a coffee<br />
together? Serious but slightly lonely<br />
married gentleman here. vbcfgt@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Caring and cute JM seeks attractive,<br />
hearty, nonsmoking Western female<br />
for friendship. I simply would like<br />
to share fun, interesting and great<br />
experiences with you. If you feel<br />
the same way, just drop me a line.<br />
jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Daytime. I need someone to<br />
awaken some desire during the day.<br />
Frustrated, bored and seeking some<br />
mad passion with nothing attached.<br />
Slim, decent-looking, mid-30s, all<br />
yours... for a few hours. artoistk@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
English and Japanese. Englishspeaking<br />
American man, 45,<br />
seeking a language exchange over<br />
lunch or dinner with a Japanese<br />
female. I am married and not<br />
seeking a relationship - just a friend.<br />
americaninjapan@hushmail.com<br />
English teacher seeking real<br />
woman. Charismatic and passionate<br />
English teacher seeking real woman<br />
over 30 (single/married) for English<br />
lessons and fun. crisibz1@gmail.com<br />
Englishman seeks adventurous<br />
woman. Englishman, 40s, younglooking,<br />
reasonably fit, active, highly<br />
educated, 173cm, blond hair, varied<br />
interests (sports, music, literature),<br />
seeks feminine women. I like skirts,<br />
heels. Age, looks not important.<br />
Nationality unimportant. spk3006@i.<br />
softbank.jp<br />
European gentleman, late 40s, tall,<br />
educated, good-looking, S, seeks M<br />
lady, under 30, with unusual fantasies,<br />
ready to explore the extraordinary.<br />
One mouse click can make your<br />
secret desires come true! aminimia@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
Exchange with web designer.<br />
Foreign male seeking a female web<br />
designer. Single, liberal-minded<br />
person preferred. Must be available<br />
to meet in Tokyo, two-three times/<br />
month. I'll teach you English. In<br />
return, you teach me how to create<br />
websites. jj08@drivehq.com<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp<br />
Frenchman seeks woman. French<br />
gentleman, smart, funny, handsome,<br />
well-hung, seeks woman. I'll love you<br />
like no man has ever before. I live in<br />
Minami-Azabu. Write me - you won't be<br />
disappointed. dhalexisfr@gmail.com<br />
Handsome American man seeks<br />
Japanese lady. I'm an American<br />
gentleman, 5'9", 175lbs, dark blond<br />
hair, blue eyes, seeking a sincere, loving<br />
relationship with a special lady. I can<br />
speak Japanese. tommtgyi@gmail.com<br />
Handsome and cool SJM seeks<br />
well-educated, interesting, attractive,<br />
nonsmoking SWF to share wonderful<br />
times and make a good friendship.<br />
So let's meet for coffee or lunch and<br />
get to know each other better. If no<br />
experience, just try me. healsan@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
Italian boyfriend. Open-minded lady<br />
sought by an Italian executive working<br />
in central Tokyo. I'm good-looking and<br />
love wine. You won't be disappointed!<br />
gioochan@libero.it<br />
Japanese male, 41, single, seeks<br />
sincere, warm, open-minded white<br />
female for friendship and romance. I am<br />
generous, nonsmoking, like traveling,<br />
reading, philosophy and enjoying my<br />
life. skyoverture@excite.co.jp<br />
JM seeking foreign girl. I'm easygoing<br />
and I want to speak in English so I don't<br />
forget. Let's do something fun! Please<br />
mail me and we can exchange some<br />
photos. Thanks. kosuke1016@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
Just human. We are just humans<br />
and can sometimes find ourselves in<br />
a situation beyond our control which<br />
we call loneliness. I guess there is an<br />
understanding JF out there who might<br />
understand me. Serious only, please.<br />
strike4me@yahoo.com<br />
Karaoke. Seeking female friend to<br />
sing karaoke with. Green Day, Nirvana,<br />
etc. Age, looks not important. Let’s<br />
have fun. friendlylatour@hotmail.com<br />
Large and lovely English-speaking<br />
woman, 30-50, sought by mature,<br />
single Japanese gentleman,<br />
nonsmoker. shingitai@apost.plala.<br />
or.jp<br />
Lazy weekends together? Seeking<br />
attractive and curvy girlfriend,<br />
160cm+, who is fun to be around and<br />
seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area. I’m<br />
a caring Afro-American male from NY,<br />
35, 183cm, shaved head, athletic build,<br />
working in IT. Interested? sbmmodel@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
Let's get to know each other.<br />
Single male, early 30s, seeking a<br />
female who prefers to get to know a<br />
person over a cup of coffee or by just<br />
walking together. I enjoy talking to<br />
people face-to-face. Nihongo ok desu.<br />
uniman@gmail.com<br />
Long-haired SJM seeks nice female<br />
with similar hobbies. I'm a Japanese<br />
male, 40s, cool and honest. I like rock<br />
music, American TV dramas, movies,<br />
tattoo art, and going for walks and<br />
taking pictures. getloud999-hello@<br />
yahoo.co.jp<br />
Mature and sophisticated Japanese,<br />
some have said charming, seeking an<br />
elegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dream<br />
about wild nights as well as sharing the<br />
simple pleasures of love. Is that you?<br />
imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Mature friendship. Gentleman, 53,<br />
in very good shape physically and<br />
mentally, seeking a similar woman,<br />
45-65, for friendship and adult fun<br />
together. Nothing too serious. vbcfgt@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Mature Japanese lady. I 'm an<br />
Australian guy, single, tall, athletic<br />
build, 45, well-established in Tokyo<br />
with a good job. I want to meet an<br />
interesting, mature Japanese lady<br />
around my age. soleman196@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
Mature Japanese woman sought.<br />
I am a fun, open-minded, respectful<br />
and athletic person. r_andom@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Need company? US male from<br />
California, late 30s, seeking a good<br />
time with a SJF for dining, movies,<br />
sports, onsen, trips, exploring new<br />
places or just watching DVDs or<br />
cooking at home. Replies in Japanese<br />
ok. ilikesandiego@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Need love. Handsome English<br />
gentleman, moderate build, mid-<br />
30s, needs beautiful, passionate JF. I<br />
am handsome, fun, intelligent, wellmannered<br />
and empathic. Let's have<br />
romance together. Please send photo<br />
w/email. I'm looking forward to hearing<br />
from you. edanoki@gmail.com<br />
Nice gentleman seeks a mature<br />
Japanese woman, 50+, to enjoy special<br />
sweet moments together, with respect<br />
and good manners. vbcfgt@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
Normal relationship. W h i t e<br />
American businessman, 40s, 185cm,<br />
85kg, average appearance, seeks<br />
long-term relationship - dinner, drinks,<br />
deep conversation, occasional travel.<br />
Not seeking marriage, but want to<br />
enjoy romance and intimacy. Not<br />
concerned about looks, just seeking<br />
someone intelligent and adventurous.<br />
tokyojack22@gmail.com<br />
Pasta and wine. Fresh cooked<br />
pasta, a nice bottle of wine, a good<br />
movie - is there any better way to<br />
spend an evening relaxing? Oh yes -<br />
someone relaxed to share it with. I’m<br />
in Tokyo from England. Who are you?<br />
erolp.x.ei@gmail.com<br />
Private relax time. British (M)WM,<br />
50s. Many interests = easy chatting.<br />
Mail or Skype? tempteccobox@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Romance with an older lady. Very<br />
nice and sexy gentleman seeks an<br />
older, or much older, woman to have<br />
nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@<br />
yahoo.co.uk<br />
Seeking foreign housewife. Very<br />
masculine Caucasian man working<br />
and living in central Tokyo is seeking a<br />
foreign housewife, any age ok. vbcfgt@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Seeking girlfriend. Foreign male,<br />
40s, seeking Japanese females for<br />
friendship and possibly serious<br />
relationships in Tokyo, Chiba area. I am<br />
kind, warm, caring and nonsmoking.<br />
Let's have a date over a cup of<br />
coffee. Serious females only, please.<br />
serioussa@gmail.com<br />
Seeking JF. European guy, 40s, goodlooking,<br />
easygoing, kind, fun, seeks JF<br />
for nice times. Nihongo hanasemasu.<br />
ziyadi66@yahoo.com<br />
Seeking long-term. Cool American<br />
guy, 30s, just out of a long relationship,<br />
seeking a long-term relationship with a<br />
good looking JF, 18-29. I like a girl with<br />
a positive attitude. It will be so good!<br />
Contact me! coolgaijin@yahoo.com<br />
Seeking motorbike buddy. Hi, gals!<br />
I am seeking a friend who will join me<br />
to roam around Tokyo on my bike. I<br />
don't know Japanese. Looking forward<br />
to exploring with you. naangem@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Seeking serious girlfriend. Nice<br />
guy from Europe, 40s, seeks only one<br />
serious girlfriend, 30s-40s, in Tokyo.<br />
I like movies, music, dining out, nice<br />
drinks at nice places. Let's share great<br />
times. sinohe45@yahoo.com<br />
Seeking serious relationship. Hi,<br />
I'm half-Caucasian American, half-<br />
Japanese, 29, from Hawaii. I speak<br />
Japanese. Living and working in<br />
Tokyo as an English instructor. I'm<br />
seeking a serious girl. Thank you.<br />
julianhoward1995@gmail.com<br />
Seeking some fun with a SJM? Cool,<br />
tall, witty Japanese male is seeking<br />
some fun with a single white female<br />
in Tokyo. We can start from friends!<br />
kemkekilab@gmail.com<br />
Serious relationship European<br />
man, 30, 180cm, living in Tokyo,<br />
loves movies, music, travel, seeks a<br />
serious relationship. 日 本 語 大 丈 夫 です.<br />
lafranceatokyo2013@gmail.com<br />
Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, welleducated<br />
and traveled, with a stable<br />
job, seeks true love. If you are 20-30s,<br />
warm and caring, and seeking a<br />
serious long-term relationship, then<br />
please drop me an email. Serious only,<br />
no games. No Roppongi girls, please.<br />
Lasagna5577@yahoo.com<br />
Serious. Single male, 37, tall, seeking<br />
a female, any nationality ok, for a<br />
long-term relationship. Please email<br />
me with a small introduction. Let's<br />
meet for a coffee and see how it goes.<br />
montamula@yahoo.com<br />
SJM for SWF, DWF or mixed. SJM,<br />
30s, would like to have conversation,<br />
coffee, drinks, lunch, dinner, your smile<br />
and hopefully a serious, meaningful<br />
relationship. My interests are music,<br />
art, photography, painting, movies,<br />
jokes and you! No playgirls, please.<br />
happymantarou@yahoo.com<br />
Someone special. Inte re sting,<br />
sincere, outgoing but homely romantic<br />
Englishman in Kanagawa seeks special<br />
lady, around 40, genuine, happy,<br />
healthy, with energy for life and time<br />
for her man, interested in nature and<br />
an international lifestyle in the future.<br />
travelmanuk@hotmail.com<br />
Sports lovers. Attractive European<br />
businessman, 50s, seeking an attractive<br />
woman, any age, for ice skating or skiing<br />
(day-trips from Tokyo). Please send<br />
message w/photo. turbo32s@yahoo.fr<br />
Together forever. SJM, 40s,<br />
professional, smart, clever, seeking a<br />
sweet and caring lady to be together<br />
forever. Into movies, the outdoors<br />
and much more. Together shall we<br />
explore? If interested, send me an email.<br />
toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp<br />
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover<br />
of books, films, and music, seeks an<br />
attractive British lady with the same<br />
interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Uncomplicated daytime friendship?<br />
Mature English Caucasian guy, busy but<br />
easy to find free time, seeking a JF, maybe<br />
married, for happy, fun time together.<br />
Many interests, so easy to chat. Polite,<br />
considerate and respectful. Mail, Skype,<br />
whatever? tempteccobox@hotmail.com<br />
Very special, only for you. Attractive,<br />
youthful JM, late 40s, seeks a lovely<br />
woman. Tokyo is cold now; let’s do some<br />
things to keep warm together. I’m fun,<br />
kind and handsome. samuraijapan2011@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Want girlfriend around Kanagawa,<br />
any nationality, status, age. I'm seeking<br />
a girlfriend to share my free time with.<br />
I like training at sports clubs, DJ-ing<br />
and listening to EDM, outdoor activities<br />
(wandervoger) and exploring Tokyo.<br />
Must be cheerful. moonlightomo@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
Warmer and warmer. Foreign male<br />
seeking a woman for a relationship based<br />
on mutual need and trust. Let's warm<br />
each other's hearts in these cold months<br />
and beyond. You: under 36, nonsmoker,<br />
sincere, open-minded towards Asians.<br />
jj08@drivehq.com<br />
Wing girl sought to roll with me in my<br />
pursuit to be a master pickup artist.<br />
What's in it for you? Fun! Email me.<br />
boredmonzen@yahoo.com<br />
愛 人 を 探 しています. 優 しくて 親 切 な 男 性<br />
は,やさしい 女 性 の 愛 人 に 会 いたいんですけど.<br />
vbcfgt@hotmail.com<br />
既 婚 者 の 出 会 い. 30 代 前 半 の 白 人 の 既 婚<br />
者 です。 同 様 の 既 婚 者 の 飲 み 友 を 探 していま<br />
す。maroonlanding@outlook.com<br />
東 京 に 住 んでる 英 国 人 . 日 本 語 はちょっと<br />
だけできるけど 英 語 分 からない 女 の 子 捜 してる.<br />
cook.oishii@gmail.com<br />
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING<br />
FOR MEN<br />
SINGLE? Then this is for you.<br />
Singles-only dating parties<br />
every Fri night for foreign<br />
men and Japanese women.<br />
Leave the event with a new<br />
date! Always more women<br />
than men. FREE if signing<br />
up in advance! Otherwise,<br />
¥2000. info@exeointernational.com<br />
LAVISH DATES AND<br />
INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE<br />
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Attractive, decent single man sought<br />
by SJF, around 50, young-looking,<br />
attractive, slim, kind, serious, sweet,<br />
living in Tokyo. If you are seeking a<br />
life partner, please mail me with your<br />
introduction. Serious and single only.<br />
Thank you. leohimawari7@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Blossom time. Blonde, blue-eyed,<br />
flexible woman seeks sweet-natured<br />
Japanese gentleman, over 60, for longterm<br />
romance and fun. No married men,<br />
thank you. Tokyo, please. sallysensei@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
Casual to start. Hi, I'm a SJF, early<br />
30s, 5'3, in average shape, seeking a<br />
casual relationship to start. I enjoy good<br />
laughs, food and wine, yoga, football<br />
(playing/watching). Email if interested.<br />
maya_h_125@hotmail.com<br />
European professional. SJF seeks<br />
a European professional, 30s, living in<br />
Japan, for a serious relationship possibly<br />
leading to marriage. Please email if you<br />
are caring, cultured, happy with your<br />
life here and also seeking something<br />
serious. happyflower735@gmail.com<br />
Japan-loving French guy. SJF seeks<br />
a French guy who loves living in Japan,<br />
30s, for a serious relationship, possibly<br />
leading to marriage. I am caring,<br />
curious and open-minded. Serious only.<br />
vinrouge735@gmail.com<br />
Let's have a chat over drinks. Hi, I'm<br />
seeking someone who'd be interested<br />
in talking over drinks with me. I like<br />
wine, beer, sake, traveling. If you are<br />
interested in having a chat with me, send<br />
me a message. hacchiru@gmail.com<br />
Long-term relationship. Chinese<br />
female, early 40s, looks younger, tall and<br />
slim, seeking a tall SWM living in Tokyo<br />
for a long-term relationship. Please<br />
email me with a small introduction.<br />
Let's meet for coffee to see how it goes.<br />
k.adachi1904@gmail.com<br />
Love snowboarding? Hiking?<br />
I’m an athletic, fun SJF, 39, seeking a<br />
guy who can have a big laugh with me!<br />
Serious, single only, please. enohpi4s@<br />
yahoo.ca<br />
Meow. Meow, meow. Cute Japanese<br />
princess seeking special prince in Tokyo,<br />
smart, funny, a gentleman, 25-34. I’m a<br />
little bit selfish because I’m a princess.<br />
Please attach your photo, then I’ll give<br />
you mine. 6pack.curocuta@gmail.com<br />
Naturally beautiful. SJF, 45, with<br />
a great figure. I believe I look good<br />
without makeup, in jeans/T-shirt, after<br />
waking up, after hard exercise. I enjoy<br />
dressing up for special occasions.<br />
Single, witty, intelligent seeks the same.<br />
American preferred. pinktomato214@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Oriental beauty. Long black hair,<br />
silky smooth skin, exotic eyes and full<br />
lips - looks may be important, but my<br />
best assets are my head and heart.<br />
Intelligent, fun-loving, mid-40s, seeking<br />
a single/divorced native English<br />
speaker, fun-loving and doing well.<br />
sunflower7withyou@gmail.com<br />
See how it goes. Seeking someone<br />
around my age (30), single,<br />
independent. Let's start as friends first<br />
and see how it goes. Hope to have some<br />
common interests. Photo appreciated.<br />
Thanks. musicinlife@excite.co.jp<br />
Seeking British man. I'm 26, live<br />
in central Tokyo, and am seeking an<br />
independent British man, 30-37. If you<br />
want to meet a new friend, please send<br />
me an email with your basic info. aiko.<br />
tsuchida17@yahoo.com<br />
Seeking Frenchman for serious<br />
relationship. I’m a SJF, 30s, interested<br />
in France, seeking a relationship with<br />
a sincere and intelligent Frenchman,<br />
25-45. No language exchange or games,<br />
please. Serious only. framboisier@<br />
inter7.jp<br />
Seeking long-term relationship. SJF,<br />
45, seeking someone special, around<br />
my age, living or working around Tokyo,<br />
athletic, fit, professional, a nonsmoker<br />
and a native English speaker. Only<br />
people with steady jobs. No travelers or<br />
students. Thanks! mari46@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Serious. Single male, 37, tall, seeking<br />
a female, any nationality ok, for a<br />
long-term relationship. Please email<br />
me with a small introduction. Let's<br />
meet for a coffee and see how it goes.<br />
montamula@yahoo.com<br />
Sexy in the kitchen. Provide<br />
me with a lovely kitchen<br />
instead of taking me out<br />
to dinner - spending time<br />
with you at a lovely table<br />
is such a luxury. Beautiful,<br />
intelligent Japanese, 45,<br />
seeking single professional<br />
mature American.<br />
enfant7bythesea@yahoo.<br />
co.jp<br />
Someone new. International-minded,<br />
early 30s, seeking new people for<br />
dates. I consider myself attractive<br />
and down-to-earth. I'm seeking an<br />
independent single guy. Message<br />
with photo appreciated. Thanks. jpn_<br />
camelia@yahoo.com<br />
Straight to my heart. Me: natural,<br />
genuine, feminine, witty, attractive,<br />
40s. You: educated, straightforward,<br />
open-minded single man who<br />
wishes to share love and life with his<br />
equal. European preferred. amrita_<br />
banana2014@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Take me away. SJF, mid-30s, enjoys<br />
a stylish and healthy life, is tall and<br />
attractive, lives in Tokyo, seeks a<br />
sophisticated, honest, open-minded,<br />
attractive SWM with a great sense of his<br />
lifestyle. Would appreciate discovering<br />
new things together. antidotes.4u@<br />
gmail.com<br />
Ultra-feminine and gentle, but I can<br />
be tough and fun. Me: SJF, happy with<br />
my looks from head to toe, 45, educated<br />
and nurturing. You: easygoing single<br />
American, appreciates both simplicity<br />
and luxury, up to 50s. bluecolt_<br />
liholiho@yahoo.co.jp<br />
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN<br />
Asian newhalf? European guy, 40,<br />
good-looking, open-minded, seeks<br />
newhalf or shemale in Tokyo. Let's meet<br />
to share nice times. santamanta2006@<br />
yahoo.com<br />
British seeking newhalf to spend<br />
some time with. If you are interested,<br />
do get in touch. stalonelyheart@gmail.<br />
com<br />
Friends and fun. Japanese guy, 27,<br />
170, 65, good-looking, seeking friends<br />
and fun in/around Tokyo. Please reply<br />
w/face photo and stats. Thanks. kcv@<br />
hotmail.co.jp<br />
Seeking top guys. Asian bottom<br />
guy, 41, 178, 74, seeking tops from any<br />
nationality for no-strings-attached fun.<br />
Unfortunately, I can't host, so either<br />
we meet at your place or go to a hotel.<br />
btm72japan@gmail.com<br />
Serious Japanese guys. GAM in<br />
Tokyo, 173, 70, 37, into movies, onsen,<br />
traveling, badminton, sign language,<br />
violin, aikido. Drop me a line if you<br />
are interested in something serious<br />
and long-term. Seeking good friends,<br />
preferably boyfriend. cynopterustay@<br />
hotmail.com<br />
14.5 ESCORTS<br />
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When you visit, don’t forget<br />
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14.6 AND OTHERS<br />
Dominant Japanese gentleman,<br />
with 25 years of experience, mid-50s,<br />
177cm, 79kg, married, nonsmoker,<br />
discreet, perfectly healthy, seeks a<br />
hidden submissive lady of any age or<br />
nationality for Gorean or Histoire d’Ostyle<br />
relationship. tarlstefan@hotmail.<br />
com<br />
European man, handsome, tall, clean,<br />
seeks couple or woman for sexual fun.<br />
日 本 語 も 大 丈 夫 です! srj500@gmail.com<br />
I want to be a slave boy. Are there<br />
any sadistic girls out there? I want to be<br />
your toy/slave. Please mail me and let's<br />
start talking. kosuke1016@hotmail.com<br />
Pleasure and discretion assured.<br />
Stylish American, 188cm, seeks<br />
encounters with females to introduce<br />
them to worlds of sensual pleasure.<br />
vinculavinculorumestshibuya@gmail.<br />
com<br />
Seeking JF for threesome fun.<br />
Japanese-American couple seeks a<br />
secure, open-minded Japanese female,<br />
25-45, for an occasional threesome.<br />
We are experienced, relaxed, fun to<br />
be with. Beginners welcome. Imagine<br />
the possibilities! simpleton2014@<br />
outlook.com<br />
Seeking mistress. Caucasian seeking<br />
a domination playmate, experienced<br />
or inexperienced, nothing dangerous<br />
or extreme. Me: safe, clean, healthy,<br />
generous. ms2013spk@yahoo.com<br />
Sissy maid. I am a very submissive<br />
sissy maid who loves cleaning,<br />
punishment, housework. I hope to<br />
meet a woman who could make<br />
use of my services. Free, clean,<br />
obedient, extremely hardworking.<br />
supersissy789@yahoo.co.jp<br />
Soft S&M. I'm an open-minded, fun bi<br />
white guy, 33. I would like to play soft<br />
S&M. Better if you are S, but interested<br />
in both roles. I'm seeking a guy, girl or<br />
both. bluehills79@hotmail.com<br />
Western slave boy seeking Japanese<br />
woman to be my mistress. I am a fit,<br />
athletic British guy in Tokyo trained<br />
as a slave to serve a lady in any way.<br />
Cleaning, cooking, massage - anything<br />
she wishes. singaporejamie@yahoo.<br />
com<br />
15 JOBS<br />
15.1 JOB WANTED<br />
Part-time job sought. Sean from the<br />
UK, 42, 12+ years in Japan, seeking<br />
work in/around Saitama, Mon-Thu.<br />
Experience teaching English to all<br />
ages. Permanent resident, married. All<br />
other work offers considered gratefully.<br />
snt366@yahoo.co.jp www.seannt.<br />
weebly.com<br />
28 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
BY CATHRYN MOE Horoscope<br />
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck<br />
ARIES<br />
Mar 20~Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣<br />
TAURUS<br />
Apr 20~May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣<br />
GEMINI<br />
May 21~June 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣<br />
CANCER<br />
June 22~July 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />
You’re in your Birthday Zone. Happy<br />
Birthday, Aries! Juno, the constant<br />
companion, approaches Uranus<br />
in your sign. You may notice the surprises are<br />
becoming sweeter and sweeter. You’ve got to<br />
choose what is really in your heart, because the<br />
path that is rising up for you could become very<br />
solid. Friends are especially unique and will be<br />
piquing Aries, hottest flame of the zodiac.<br />
Soon you'll be free from the heavy karmic<br />
intonations of the north node in your<br />
house of partnership. It’s conjunct is now<br />
Ceres, so you might feel at the end of your tether, but<br />
have some serious happening back-up. You will get<br />
support from someone, likely female, or an organization<br />
that you least expect. The full moon reflects its<br />
light and understanding in your romance sector. It’s<br />
amazing how creative you can be when you want to.<br />
Things are just getting exciting. With<br />
all those planets square to your sign in<br />
Pisces, you're pushed through more<br />
than one hoop—not comfortable, but necessary.<br />
Your creative powers are coming to the surface and<br />
it’s time to allow this balance in your life. The trick is<br />
finding it. Many Geminis would love to get on a jet<br />
and fly off to a new adventure. With the full moon,<br />
the light of understanding show you how to get it.<br />
Jupiter in your sign is doing what it’s<br />
supposed to do, moving direct and<br />
expanding your sense of self. Next<br />
month it will be opposite Pluto and you’ll get some<br />
tests you can deal at that time. Just now, the full<br />
moon, your ruler, expands your base of communications.<br />
You have a comforting way of expressing<br />
yourself except when you feel misunderstood. If<br />
feeling put upon, ask for a hug and appreciation.<br />
LEO<br />
July 23~Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣<br />
VIRGO<br />
Aug 23~Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />
You can see every tiny piece of the<br />
puzzle. Will you have time to back up<br />
and see the whole picture? I vote yes.<br />
You get a strong sense of your feelings and what you<br />
want to do with the recent events presented to you.<br />
Your ruler Mercury transits opposite your sign on<br />
Monday. Is your mind awash with the nebulous ebb<br />
and flow of the tides? It still works, it’s just submerged<br />
in an intuitive environment.<br />
LIBRA<br />
Sep 23~Oct 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣<br />
Libra, the psychologist, the negotiator.<br />
Mars moves through your sign,<br />
removing anything that isn’t you, energizing<br />
you for upcoming surprises Uranus is bound<br />
to bring. Venus resides in your house of romance,<br />
giving you a level of comfort you haven’t had for a<br />
long time. She also has the ability to take a step back<br />
and analyze what is usually emotionally based. It’s<br />
unlikely this is a time of rest and relaxation though.<br />
SCORPIO<br />
Oct 23~Nov 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />
It’s always risky to take a chance in<br />
romance. A lot of people just won’t. They’ll<br />
make excuses or find something wrong<br />
with the other person before they get in too deep.<br />
There’s a full moon this week and the light of understanding<br />
moves from your unconscious (moon) to<br />
your conscious (sun) mind. Neptune, Chiron and the<br />
Sun in your sector of gambling and love affairs want<br />
you to risk healing.<br />
A full moon is in your solar second house<br />
of finance and you may find your income<br />
benefits from a strong feminine influence,<br />
or something beautiful coming under your care.<br />
Then Mercury moves into your sector of psychological<br />
plot twists on Monday. Dive for cover and go to<br />
that solid, peaceful place you keep within yourself.<br />
Don’t have one? Oh. Maybe it’s time to create one that<br />
is there for you regardless of what is happening.<br />
SAGITTARIUS<br />
Nov 22~Dec 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣<br />
Hang on to those dreams. They didn’t<br />
come from just anywhere. You're a part<br />
of everything that is, and that which best<br />
matches you tends to show up. You’re somewhat<br />
in the astrological clear this week. As long as you<br />
don’t get in your own way! Watch for more love in<br />
relationships. You may think others have changed,<br />
but it many ways, this is a reflection of the hard work<br />
you have put into yourself. Sags are coming into their<br />
own as the full moon brings clarity to your career.<br />
CAPRICORN<br />
Dec 22~Jan 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ♣♣♣<br />
Brimming to be off to your next adventure?<br />
It could very well be that scenario<br />
occurs for you this week. The full moon<br />
promises a long distance journey—whether it’s a trip<br />
to visit a loved one or a heart opening you weren’t<br />
expecting. Mercury moves to your sector of mystical<br />
connections Monday, not a moment too soon!<br />
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, which condenses and<br />
solidifies. Jupiter opposite your sign is direct, opening<br />
things up, especially with a significant other.<br />
AQUARIUS<br />
Jan 20~Feb 18 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣<br />
Floating above the fray is an Aquarian<br />
specialty. But deep down inside, you’re<br />
really not wired all that differently. You’re<br />
just as likely to get caught up in things as the rest<br />
of the zodiac. Being a sign of logic you’re willing to<br />
wait for what you want, so it looks like you’re not<br />
involved. You like to see how everything fits into the<br />
bigger picture. You want the pieces to have a smooth,<br />
integrated finish. The full moon reflects on how you<br />
can inherit the best this world has to offer.<br />
PISCES<br />
Feb 19~Mar 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />
A new path is there if you want it. You<br />
need to take the next step, the following,<br />
and so on. You don’t need an arsenal of<br />
gear to back you up in your civvy life. Coffee and tea<br />
motivate because they push past the resistance you<br />
hold within yourself. Resistance of course comes<br />
from lack of trust. And that can arrive when things<br />
seem a bit shaky-or a lot. Mercury helps you express<br />
yourself when it enters your sign on Monday. You’re<br />
still in your Birthday Zone. Happy Birthday, Pisces!<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> Mediabox<br />
facebook.com/<strong>Metropolis</strong>Magazine<br />
twitter.com/<strong>Metropolis</strong>Tokyo<br />
CHRISTI ROCHIN<br />
LIVIN' ON A PRAYER<br />
Regarding "Silver Linings Prayer Book"<br />
(The Last Word, March 7): While I have<br />
great respect for Tohoku volunteers I<br />
have to say I found this article rather<br />
annoying. The main point seems to be<br />
that things are still very serious and<br />
depressing which surely hardly needs<br />
saying...<br />
It has been well documented that<br />
the relief efforts so far have left a lot of<br />
work still to do and Amya surely knows<br />
better than most people what really<br />
is required on the ground in terms of<br />
money, materials and effective action<br />
on the political front. I would love<br />
to have heard what that is.—Charles<br />
Marlowe<br />
This could not have been easy to write<br />
and it is important to know what the<br />
real situation is. Even when trying to be<br />
positive. It definitely seems like keeping<br />
a positive veneer on Tohoku news is<br />
being made a priority. Obviously the<br />
conversation needs to continue about<br />
what to do.—Patrick Ijima-Washburn<br />
This article was meant as an update<br />
on the status of life in Rikuzentakata<br />
(and beyond) and not as a request for<br />
assistance in the form of funds, goods,<br />
time, or expertise... The fact life in Tohoku<br />
is serious and depressing does need<br />
saying. I've heard statements, as have my<br />
colleagues: "You had a hard time three<br />
years ago, but you're okay now, right?"<br />
Many who do not have direct access to<br />
information about just how challenging<br />
it is to live alongside devastation daily<br />
do need to be reminded that life here is<br />
anything but normal, and life here is not<br />
"okay".<br />
If you or others would like to know<br />
what specific needs we have to which<br />
you would like to donate, please contact<br />
me at Rikuzentakata City Hall. I would<br />
be happy to provide this information.—<br />
Amya Miller<br />
CHRISTI ROCHIN<br />
SERVICE CHARGE<br />
Regarding "The Customer is God<br />
Delusion" (The Last Word, February 6):<br />
I appreciate the effort of the customer<br />
service but the lack of flexibility ("No you<br />
cannot get an extra sauce packet despite<br />
offering to pay for it") and knowledge is<br />
annoying at times.—shen<br />
Oh dear. Another lonely Western<br />
English teacher full of misconceptions<br />
about Japanese society. They are all<br />
robots! They do not banter! They do not<br />
banter!<br />
One can only assume that the<br />
writers attempts at jokes fall flat simply<br />
because they are not funny. Those of<br />
us with real jobs in Japan know that<br />
most Japanese people rarely shut up<br />
once they get going, this idea that the<br />
Japanese don't communicate with<br />
each other is so far off the mark as to be<br />
absurd!—Steve Novosel<br />
One of the pleasures of living in Japan<br />
is the great customer service. Become a<br />
regular customer and it's personalized,<br />
respectful and friendly. At convenience<br />
stores it's systematic but quick, a<br />
formula that seems to succeed.—Amy<br />
Wong<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> wants to hear from you. Send your comments to letters@metropolis.co.jp. Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.<br />
<strong>Metropolis</strong> Members Club<br />
Register for prizes & discounts<br />
www.metropolis.co.jp/club<br />
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!<br />
Raju Mankani<br />
won a 50-minute golf<br />
lesson Courtesy of<br />
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One lucky MMC member will<br />
win a romantic dinner for two<br />
Courtesy of 148@Azabu Juban<br />
#<strong>1043</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29
The Last Word<br />
WHEN IN JAPAN...<br />
Following the Golden Rule would<br />
save expats a lot of heartache<br />
By Scott Gordon<br />
Want to have The Last Word? Send your article<br />
to: editor@metropolis.co.jp<br />
CHRISTI ROCHIN<br />
Scott Gordon is a long-term expat,<br />
freelance writer and consultant living<br />
with his better half in Chiba<br />
To put it mildly, certain<br />
members of Japan’s<br />
expatriate community<br />
seem to have a<br />
beef with their adoptive<br />
country. Their discontent<br />
is hashed out in expat bars and<br />
splashed across social media—not<br />
to mention the pages of this very<br />
magazine. The complaints are<br />
varied and colorful—being treated<br />
differently due to their “gaijinness,”<br />
robotic service (or is it just<br />
“too good”?) and lack of chances<br />
to practice Japanese. Other targets<br />
are the poor education system, limited<br />
availability of shoe sizes and,<br />
unbelievably, even a lack of Christian<br />
morals. In my 12 years here I’ve<br />
heard it all, but what really bothers<br />
me is who I hear it from.<br />
I would expect this sort of spewing<br />
from just-off-the-boat people<br />
who are dipping after a plateau on<br />
the culture shock graph. I didn’t<br />
think I would hear it from longterm<br />
residents who count on Japan<br />
for their bread and butter and have<br />
started families here. How can people<br />
who should be more integrated,<br />
still be so unhappy after all this<br />
time? I think part of it comes from a<br />
failure to climb into Japanese skin,<br />
to try to understand how the Japanese<br />
view their own country. In short,<br />
thinking how the Japanese think.<br />
By this I don’t mean “going<br />
native,” eschewing your own values<br />
while wandering around Tokyo<br />
in a yukata and talking about how<br />
(insert your country) sucks big time.<br />
I want expats to consider this: if you<br />
were Japanese, would you think<br />
things were that bad here? You may<br />
find the answer is “no.” You would<br />
cry about your failed job interview,<br />
laugh with your friends about that<br />
awesome movie you just saw, fall<br />
in love, fall out of love, get a cat and<br />
so on. In other words, you would<br />
do all the stuff people do everywhere.<br />
How would you feel if some<br />
foreigner were to suddenly hit you<br />
with: “You know, your education<br />
system/fashion/food really bites,<br />
and here’s why…” Most of us are not<br />
rude enough to directly voice these<br />
things, but they definitely come<br />
through in our negative attitudes.<br />
If I were in that situation, I might<br />
try to share some positive insights<br />
about Japan. For example, how<br />
utterly safe and sparkly clean it<br />
is, or how the service—whether at<br />
McDonald’s or Chez Cool—is flawless.<br />
I would mention that the trains<br />
are always on time, how delicious<br />
and healthy the food is, how gorgeous<br />
the scenery can be and how<br />
my Japanese friends and family<br />
are some of the warmest and most<br />
genuine people I have ever known.<br />
Now how do you feel? Kind of puts<br />
things in perspective, doesn’t it?<br />
As expats, we have an outsider’s<br />
view, which is both a gift and a curse.<br />
It allows us to see many things that<br />
AS EXPATS,<br />
WE HAVE AN<br />
OUTSIDER’S<br />
VIEW, WHICH IS<br />
BOTH A GIFT AND A<br />
CURSE. IT ALLOWS<br />
US TO SEE MANY<br />
THINGS THAT MAY<br />
RUN CONTRARY TO<br />
OUR VALUES AND<br />
WAY OF THINKING.”<br />
may run contrary to our values and<br />
way of thinking. Many can set our<br />
blood boiling and we are certainly<br />
entitled to let off a little steam once<br />
in a while. What we shouldn’t do is<br />
point the finger at our country of<br />
residence, one that is furnishing our<br />
lives whether it be in the short, long<br />
or indefinite term. We should never<br />
label it somehow deficient or “worse”<br />
than our own. Constant nay-saying<br />
not only makes us sad and limits our<br />
world view, it also sets a bad example<br />
for other expats and distances us<br />
from Japanese people, from whom<br />
we have much to learn.<br />
If you are unhappy here, blaming<br />
Japan is pointless. That’s likely<br />
just your problem. Feeling isolated<br />
by your English-only life? Get on the<br />
proverbial horse and learn some Japanese.<br />
Hate working in the English<br />
education system? Find another job<br />
or work to fix the system. “Trapped<br />
here” by a Japanese spouse? Move<br />
somewhere else together, or head<br />
to court. However you got here, it’s<br />
your choice to stay or go. Whatever<br />
you decide, just don’t complain to<br />
me about it.<br />
The views expressed in "The Last Word" are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.<br />
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