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Apr 17-30, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com
ROMEO RISING
無料 PRICELESS
THE STORY
CONTINUES
IN JAPAN
CHECK
OUR
FAMILY
SPECIAL
THE BEAN SCENE
TOKYO'S COFFEE
CULTURE UNFILTERED
CHILD’S PLAY
OUTSTANDING OUTINGS
FOR LITTLE ONES
LUKE CATWALKER
THE FORCE AWAKENS…
FASHIONABLY
www.akaiclinic.com
Cosmetic Surgery
Laser Treatment
Skin Care
rejuvenate
yourself with
the best in beauty
technology
Quality of Akai Clinic
At Akai clinic, we only use products and technologies
approved by the FDA.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
• EYELID SURGERY rejuvenation of upper and lower eye
lid, tear trough, double eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis, etc.
• NOSE SURGERY tip plasty, hump resection, deviated
nose, ala reduction, augmentation or reduction
rhinoplasty.
• BREAST SURGERY augmentation, lift, reduction,
reconstruction.
• LIPOSUCTION WITH LASER ultra sonic assisted suction
device.
• LASER-LIPO minimal invasive facial and body
contouring device with AccuSculpt™ (1444nm laser).
• FACE LIFT forehead, brow, mid-face, neck lift, thread’s lift.
•TISSUE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES for facial
rejuvenation, breast augmentation, AGA (PRFM, fat &
stem cell injection, growth factor.
• SKIN TUMORS skin cancer, cyst, mole, wart, scar
revision.
• GENITAL REJUVENATION SURGERY tightening of the
vagina, reduction of labia minor and augmentation of
the labia major.
• HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SURGERY
• LASER & REJUVENATION lasers, RFs, IPLs, plasma,
Ultra Sound for wrinkle, sagging, drooping, open pores,
rosacea, skin complexion, pigmentation, melisma with
SOLARI, Aurora-Pro, INFINI, eCO2, Affirm, EndyMed,
Portrait Plasma, SPECTRA, AccuSculpt, etc.
• BOTOX & FILLERS allergan’s BOTOX, Juvederm,
Radiesse etc.
• ACNE & ACNE SCARS PLASMA fractional lasers (eCO2,
Affirm), INFINI (fractional RF), iClear (photo dynamic
therapy), microdermabrasion, chemical Peeling.
• LASER HAIR REMOVAL all kinds of lasers available:
Alex and long pulsed YAG, diode laser, etc.
• TATTOO REMOVAL with Spectra (Q-YAG laser) for any
color of tattoo.
• CELLULITE, BODY CONTOURING & STRETCH MARKS
cVela Smooth and EndyMed body (FDA Approved).
• LEG VEIN, BROKEN CAPILLARY long Pulsed YAG or
VenoCare.
• RHINOLIGHT hay fever, Allergic Rhinitis.
• SKINOLIGHT psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, Vitiligo,
Atopic dermatitis.
DR. HIDEMI AKAI
is a board-certified plastic
surgeon and an associate
professor of the
department of plastic,
aesthetic and
reconstructive surgery at
Tokyo’s Showa University.
Dr. Akai trained at
Harvard Medical School
and Massachusetts
General Hospital before
amassing over twenty-five
years of experience.
DR. KEIKO AKAI
is also a board-certified
plastic surgeon, and a
dermatologist.
The Akai Clinic offers a
range of
cosmetic-surgery
procedures, laser
treatments and skin care,
using state-of-the-art
equipment and the latest
techniques.
Additional fee for anesthesia is required. Please contact the clinic for more information.
Other cosmetic procedures available. For fees and detailed information services, please refer to our homepage.
We welcome email and phone inquiries.
Omotesando
KNK Bldg 3F 3-5-17, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
1-min walk from Omotesando stn, A3 exit.
Tel: 03-5771-4114 Email: [email protected]
Clinic hours: 11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun)
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist
Yokohama
Quadrifoglio 4F 5-14 Kinkocho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama.
1-min walk from Yokohama stn, North East exit.
Tel: 045-620-5745 Email: [email protected]
Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)
inside
APR 17-30, 2015 • #1099
EDITOR’S
LETTER
The Metropolis editorial team buzzed with caffeine this week as
we trekked around Tokyo to find the best beans and brews in
town for you. After the caffeine rush, we also caught up with After
Romeo, a five-piece boy band from Los Angeles that’s making
waves in Japan. Speaking of waves, chill to the relaxing sounds
8
of Hapa—sure to transport you to the shores of Hawaii. Meanwhile, check out places to take your children this Golden Week.
Alternately, make this springtime even better by supporting TELL
in their present campaign to fight child bullying in schools, an
escalating issue in Japan. You’ll be glad you did!
10
Romeo, Romeo: The L.A. pop outfit’s on the rise
16
Bean Spirit: The best coffee hubs around town
Just Kidding: Hot spots for family fun
Cover design: Kohji Shiiki. Photography: GO! Yanagawa, taken at V2 Tokyo.
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(Arts) Samuel Thomas (Fashion) DESIGN Kohji Shiiki (Art Director) Davi Azevedo (Graphic Designer) Erin Hope (Design Intern) WEB Minh
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03
upfront
123RF
LINGOIST
FAMILY SECRETS
Getting to know about someone’s family is always interesting, because
it gives great insight into their lives—and serves as a great conversation
starter. To get the scoop on family relations, use this lesson by Metropolis!
JP
EN
JP
EN
Kyōdai wa imasu ka?
Do you have any siblings?
EN
Hai, ane ga hitori imasu.
Yes, I have one older sister.
EN
K
1
A
N
2
JP
JP
A
C
3
4
A
5
B
6
7
8
り
9
Naka wa ii desu ka?
Are you close with her?
Nakayoshi desu.
Yes, very.
R
C
D
Solution:
B
C
D
Across
1. Subway
5. Japanese currency
6. Poison
7. Violence
9. Island
10. Blackout
ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross
Metropolis Members Club
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
Gary Wolff won a Peeling Facial
courtesy of Elana Jade
UPCOMING PRIZE
One lucky MMC member will win a Beauty Therapy
Course courtesy of Watanabe Beauty Therapy
(Formachika)
Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
04
S
S
Down
1. Wisdom or intelligence
2. Tourism
3. Moon
4. To walk
6. Single
7. Graveyard
8. Understanding
10
A
O
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
flower festivals
UNTIL MAY 6
UNTIL MAY 24
UNTIL MAY 6
Stroll around a 300-year-old azalea garden
boasting over 3,000 varieties. Until May 6,
9am-5:30pm, ¥200. Nezu Jinja. Nezu,
Sendagi, or Todaimae. Tel: 03-3822-0753.
http://j.mp/bunkyotsutsuji2015
Enjoy sakura, tulips, poppies, and more at
Showa Kinen Park. Until May 24, 9:30am-5pm,
¥80-410. Showa Kinen Park. Tachikawa.
Tel: 042-528-1751. http://j.mp/flowerfest2015
Enjoy 400,000 nanohana, or rapeseed flowers,
along with shibazakura, or moss phlox, and
pansies. Until May 6, all day, free. Hanadaka
Tenbo Hana no Oka, Gunma Prefecture.
Gunma-Yawata. Tel: 027-321-1257.
http://j.mp/nanohana2015
Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri
Flower Festival 2015
ROPPONGI ART NIGHT 2015
APR 29-JUN 28
《Regrets》MASEY
Photo by YAMAKAMI Yohei
EDITOR’S PICK
APR 25-26
Nanohana Matsuri
STAR WARS
VISIONS
Feel the Force, through
works inspired by the
mega-hit franchise.
Created by artists from
around the world, these
works have been handpicked by George Lucas.
Apr 29-Jun 28,
10am-10pm, ¥600-1,800.
Sky Gallery within Tokyo
City View in Roppongi
Hills. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6406-6652.
www.roppongihills.com/
tcv/jp/sw-visions
Roppongi will burst at the seams with art, into the wee hours, for this year’s edition
of Roppongi Art Night. Art installations and performances will be on view across
the area, including the principal commissioned work, a giant, LED-covered, glowing
art truck by Seiichi Saito. High atop the Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum will keep
its doors open all night long. Lectures by curators involved in the ongoing “Simple
Form: Contemplating Beauty” exhibition are to round out the event. Dan Grunebaum
Apr 25, 10am-Apr 26, 6pm, free (some programs require admission fees).
Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo Midtown, Suntory Museum of Art, 21_21
DESIGN SIGHT, The National Art Center, and other spaces in the Roppongi area.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.roppongiartnight.com
© David Ruano
APR 27-28
ELLE VARNER
American Grammy-nominated singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist
who released her debut album, Perfectly
Imperfect, in 2012. Apr 27-28, 7 & 9:30pm,
¥7,000-9,000. Billboard Live Tokyo.
Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/varner2015
MAY 2-3 & 4-5
SPIRAL INDEPENDENT CREATORS FESTIVAL
An art festival aiming to discover, foster, and support the next generation of
creators by displaying their work. May 2-3 & 4-5, 11am-7pm, ¥700. Spiral Hall.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-3498-1171. www.sicf.jp
María Pagés, the Queen of modern
flamenco, takes an innovative
approach to Carmen. Apr 24, 7pm;
Apr 25, 3pm; Apr 26, 2pm, ¥8,00012,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999.
http://j.mp/yocarmen2015
Courtesy of Beatink
APR 24-26
YO, CARMEN
APR 18
ADRIAN
SHERWOOD: AT THE
CONTROLS X 3
The veteran British DJ and
producer will present three
distinct sets, including live dub
remixes of Japanese indie darlings
Nisennenmondai. Apr 18, 6pm,
¥4,500 (adv). Daikanyama Unit.
Daikanyama. http://j.mp/
sherwood2015
05
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Family Fit,
Family Fun
Take to the track, dress
up, or hit the mats for
memories that you and
your loved ones can share
WEBSITE
PRICES
• Admission: ¥500, 1 ticket (7 min):
¥2,100; 3 tickets, ¥5,200; 5 tickets,
¥7,800; 8 tickets, ¥10,500
• 1 child ticket (7 min), ¥1,600 (children must be in at
least elementary school and over 115cm tall)
• Group Race package (over 12 years old, five or more
people): Mini Grand Prix ¥4,700 per person; Sprint
Grand Prix ¥6,000 per person
SPECIAL OFFER
• Mention Metropolis and get free admission!
2F Harbor Circuit, Chiba Sports Plaza, 13-26
Dezuminato, Chuo-ku, Chiba
043-441-3243
Open Mon-Fri, 2-11:30pm, Sat & hols
10am-11:30pm, Sun 10am-9:30pm
Chiba or Chiba-Minato
[email protected]
www.harbor-circuit.com
06
HARBOR
CIRCUIT
Looking for
an exciting
activity for
Chiba
your whole
family? Give them some thrills
at Harbor Circuit in Chiba,
where you can battle it out in
go-karts—no driver’s license
required! First time in a go-kart?
There’s no need to worry as full
safety guidelines are explained
before each heat. For those
with large families (five or
more), Group Races let you burn
some rubber while competing
with family members. There’s
also the simpler Mini GP option,
and even a final 35-lap race—
with five different plans to
choose from. If you’re looking
to hone your skills, prove yourself against a real-time ranking system. No matter how crowded it gets,
everyone is guaranteed four rides; and afterward, you and your family can still be part of the race-day
atmosphere by relaxing around the circuit with snacks. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be screaming for more!
MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →
WEBSITE
SERVICES
• Sessions for Mat & Machine Private, SemiPrivate, Group, and Maternity Private
• For schedule, check website
• To arrange private lessons, feel free to contact
the studio
• Trial group lesson ¥3,000 (tax included)
No1 Gold Bldg. 3F, Taishido 1-12-23, Setagaya-ku
080-6625-6351
[email protected]
Sangenjaya
www.natakara.net
NATAKARA
PILATES
Recover your physical and mental condition using the pilates method of fitness
training, developed in the early 20th century. Natakara Pilates provides personal
training in small groups, matched best to each individual. Far from the standardized
Sangenjaya
training provided by big sports gyms, their method provides several kinds of exercises
to build up the core of the body, abdominal muscles, back, and limbs using mats and special machines. Many
people use pilates as a rehabilitation method because of its ability to align the tension and balance of the
muscle, thus helping them learn the right position and practical movement. The studio is just a two-minute
walk from Sangenjaya Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line.
WEBSITE
SPECIAL METROPOLIS DEAL
• Mention Metropolis and get a
¥500 discount off the quick plan
(¥3,900 → ¥3,400)
(Expires May 31, 2015)
• Mention Metropolis and receive 10% off the fullscale plan
• Oiran: ¥19,440 → ¥17,496
• Maiko: ¥14,040 → ¥12,636
• Feudal Lord & Samurai: ¥10,584 → ¥9,526
(Expires May 31, 2015)
5F Kabukiza Tower, 4-12-15, Ginza, Chuo-ku
0120-137-753/ Fax: 03-3524-0313
10am-6pm
Higashi Ginza, Ginza
www.studio-alice.co.jp/amusement/
kabuki/shop/
KABUKI PHOTO
STUDIO
Have you and your family ever wanted to dress up in traditional Japanese
costumes? At Kabuki Photo Studio, you can in just five minutes—right over your own
clothes! Transform into an oiran (courtesan), white or red shishi (lion), etc., and take
Ginza
home 2L-sized photos (with mount) at the same time for just ¥3,900. If you want to
go deeper, the full-scale plan allows ladies to become the popular oiran or maiko (apprentice geisha), and men to
become a feudal lord or samurai. Prices vary by costume: Oiran for ¥19,440; maiko for ¥14,040; and feudal lord or
samurai for ¥10,584. Each comes with two 2L photos, and you can either take them home at the same time or have
them sent to you (limited to shipping within Japan) in around two weeks.A third option is the exciting “Dressing Up
As a Kabuki Actor” (¥27,864) that can only be experienced in the studio. While looking ready for the stage, you can
also take a clear and beautiful picture with Ginza’s famous Kabukiza theater in the background as a souvenir for
¥1,500. For those looking to try a kimono, children and adults can all dress up in the traditional garment for ¥5,400.
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Special discount for Metropolis readers in each
class. When booking your class, please mention
the “Family Special.”
080-8887-0285
Mon-Sun 9:30am-7pm
Meeting point: Tsukishima Station Exit 6
[email protected]
www.atelier-naoko.tokyo/en
www.takenobu.tokyo
TAKENOBU
Enjoy Japanese culture with your family! Learn to cook Japanese food and how to
create handmade presents. Atelier Naoko is a culture school for foreigners that’s
located in Tsukishima, an island in Tokyo Bay filled with cool alleys, near the Tsukiji
fish market and Ginza. New classes have started in April, and include a Tsukiji fish market tour with a sushi
chef and making sushi, karate, calligraphy, and how to host a Japanese-style home party. You can also
make presents of preserved flowers or origami. Since most classes are held in an ordinary house (that of
Atelier Naoko’s owner), you can learn in a comfortable atmosphere with a nice view of the Sumida River.
Just a five-minute walk from Tsukishima Station (Yūrakuchō or Ōedo lines). English and French spoken.
Tsukishima
07
cover story
DURING ROMEO
Los Angeles boy band craze goes cross-continental
BY LAURIER TIERNAN
M
aking waves in Japan with their infectious EDM-infused pop tunes and
cute-as-a-button image are After Romeo, a hard-working independent
boy band from Los Angeles. Comprising members T.C. Carter, Blake English, Devin
Fox, Jayk Purdy, and Drew Ryan Scott, AR have
come a long way from their humble YouTube
beginnings, amassing fans (whom they call “Bromeos” for the men, and “Juliets” for the ladies)
and being named by Billboard Magazine as a
band that “could be the next One Direction.”
As part of the April 1 release of their first album The Story Continues… on the Sony Records
label in Japan, the fab five flew over to Tokyo
for a promotional tour, and Metropolis wrangled
a few minutes from their busy schedules to get
the scoop.
Please introduce yourselves and tell us what
piece of the puzzle you bring to the group.
T.C.: I'm T.C., and what I bring to the group is
good energy on stage and good dance vibes.
Jayk: My name is Jayk. I do a lot of the social media stuff for the band [on Twitter and Instagram:
@AfterRomeo].
Drew: My name is Drew, and I like to twerk a
08
lot—no, I don’t. [Laughs] I write a lot of the songs,
and I like to work a lot.
Devin: I am Devin. I love singing; it’s one of my favorite things to do, ever. I do a lot of the graphic
design for the group, and I also speak the most
Japanese.
Blake: Hi, I’m Blake. Whenever we don’t have a
choreographer, I work on choreography for the
group for certain numbers for a show. I'm also
dance captain whenever there is a choreographer working with us.
Why did you choose the name “After Romeo”?
T.C.: Everyone knows the story of Romeo and
Juliet. We wanted to take that and put a little
twist on it. And we wanted to show that we will
be as dedicated to our fans as Romeo was to
Juliet. So we are “after” Romeo.
When you started your career in 2013, what
made you decide to release singles instead of
an EP or album?
Drew: [Our first single] “Free Fall” was a song
WE LITERALLY JUMP
OFF STAGE TO GO
SING TO OUR FANS …
WE ALSO HUG THEM.”
T.C. and I wrote with a DJ, and the DJ wanted to
put it out. So we recorded the song, and shot a
video for it. We were excited but we didn’t want
to put it out because it was kind of expensive.
We were thinking, “let’s save this for something
important.” And Jayk magically…
Jayk: The only way were were going to release
it was if we could get on Vevo's homepage. I
thought, ‘I’m going to cold call Vevo’; and I did.
Then I sent the guy the video, and he called me
back a couple of days later to say, “Good news,
you are on the homepage of Vevo!” Blake, Drew,
and I live together, so I knocked on their doors
early in the morning and said, “Guys, just a little
bit of news: We got the homepage of Vevo, so
we're going to be releasing the music video.”
Drew: We were like, “What? How?!” and he was
like, “I called them.” [Laughs] Thank you, Vevo.
What do you think appeals to Japanese fans,
about your group?
T.C.: We always sing live.
Jayk: We always stop to take pictures. We literally jump off stage to go sing to our fans, and I
think that’s a little different from Japanese acts.
Drew: We also hug them, which is not something that’s happening culturally here.
MEET THE
GROUP
BLAKE
ENGLISH
Hopeless romantic
“Everything I create
is a piece of me
that I’m offering. If I
didn’t put my all into
it I wouldn’t just be
ripping people off;
I would be selling myself
short.”
DEVIN FOX
A huge Lana
Del Rey fan
“If I didn’t have
music, I would be
lost in my life. When
no one else gets me…
it does.”
After Romeo’s live at Tokyo 2015
Drew: To all the listeners out there, we’d like to
know what your favorite song is on the album.
So tweet us @AfterRomeo, or Instagram us @afterromeo and tell us what your favorite song is.
T.C.: To all the readers of Metropolis, thank you
for listening to the story about our album.
Jayk: I love you very much, and thank you.
Devin: Thank you so much for everything, and
I can’t wait to see all of you guys that I haven’t
met in person yet.
Blake: I love you guys, and just continue to
keep a look out on all of our social media:
@AfterRomeo.
Drew: In August, or maybe the end of July, we’ll
be doing a very big concert; our first full concert
in Japan. It’s going to have an hour-and-a-half’s
worth of showtime: Full dancing, full singing.
And we’re going to bring five lucky girls onstage. Check out our social media to find out
how you can enter for a chance at that.
Read the extended interview at http://meturl.
com/moreromeo.
DREW RYAN
SCOTT
Has over 600 pairs
of shoes
“The first song I
ever sang was ‘Ben’
by Michael Jackson.
I could literally sound
just like him. I guess
that was my first taste
of it all.”
JAYK
PURDY
Likes a girl with
unique style
“I saw Justin
Timberlake singing
and performing on
an awards show, and
from that point on I
knew what I was put on
this Earth to do.”
WEB
www.afterromeoworld.com
www.facebook.com/AfterRomeo
http://twitter.com/afterromeo
http://instagram.com/afterromeo
TC
CARTER
Chris Brown is his
idol
Photo by Davi Azevedo
What are some of your favorite things about
Japan?
Devin: I love how polite all the Japanese girls
are. They’re just so kind and always give you
gifts when they see you, and they’re just so
appreciative of everything.
In the liner notes for your album, there aren’t
any musicians listed. What’s the situation behind your instrumentation?
Drew: The producer and myself always play all
the instruments.
Drew is one-quarter Japanese. Was this why
the band chose to include so many references
to Japan on the debut album?
Drew: I write a lot of songs for J-pop acts, so it
was a market that I understood naturally.
Was your song “Thank You” based on personal experiences? Do you as artists find it
important to promote healthy reactions to
negativity?
Drew: Our whole tour in America for the past
year and a half was called The Bully Proof Tour.
And we based that around going to schools,
and sharing our stories of how the five of us
were bullied growing up. Like Devin…
Devin: I had a music video when I was 12 or
13 that went viral, and it was all for hate. It had
300,000 dislikes, and there were a bunch of
comments telling me to kill myself.
Blake: But that’s typical of what a ton of kids
nowadays are going through, especially with
social-media bullying. So we wanted to help as
many kids as we could, and we needed to have
a song that told that whole story.
Do you have any parting words for your fans
and for the other readers of Metropolis?
“My mom always
said performance
was the way to be
free and the best
way to let who you
really are shine.”
09
food&drink
CAFÉ
¥¥
EN/JP
Streamer Coffee
Company
BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI
Located a short walk from Gakugei-Daigaku
Station, underneath the tracks of the Tokyu
Toyoko Line, is Streamer Coffee Company, originally opened in 2010 in Shibuya. With three
branches in the Tokyo area, Streamer Coffee
is owned by barista Hiroshi Sawada, who won
the 2008 Free Pour Latte Art Championships in
Seattle. He was the first Asian to do so, and with
the highest score in history.
The interior of the Gohongi branch is spacious, with a simple, minimalist design. Seating
options include spots at a large sharing table,
couches, armchairs, and counter-style tables
including an L-shaped surface surrounding the
kitchen, from which you can watch the baristas
work. From this vantage point, you might even
find yourself admiring the sleek instruments
used to create that perfect cup of coffee.
Although prices are a bit on the steep side
at ¥410 for an Americano and ¥680 for a latte,
the quality of the coffee all but makes up for
it—and the cool latte art is a nice perk. If you’re
looking for something to munch on, doughnuts,
CAFÉ
¥¥
EN/JP
MOCHA COFFEE
BY MUBITA MAMBWE
The history of coffee boasts a richness found in
the best of brews. Centuries before coffee capitals were made of the likes of Seattle, Melbourne,
and Vienna, the Mocha port city of Yemen was
where it all started. Fifteenth-century traders
would return from Ethiopia, where the plant is
said to have originated, with coffee beans that
locals would then cultivate.
Called qahwa in Arabic (which originally
meant “wine”), Mocha’s coffee is distinct in flavor,
10
brownies, cookies, and cakes are available,
including a fun doughnut with a military-esque
camouflage glaze.
The café offers free wi-fi, and that, along with
the chill atmosphere, makes for a great space
in which to chat, work, read, or simply zone out.
Make sure to stop by the “Kilo Shop” on the
second floor on your way out, where you can
browse through vintage clothes and accessories uniquely priced by weight.
Definitely worth a visit, Streamer Coffee
Company will no doubt get your java groove
on, and you can walk out having had great coffee, and even a new, funky outfit.
generally bearing a fruity aftertaste and a winelike fullness. And this is exactly what’s to be found
at Mocha Coffee, a café that transports the history
of Yemen’s brew to the streets of modern-day
Daikanyama.
Mocha Coffee itself is tucked behind other
buildings—but a simple white sign out front bearing the shop’s name in English and Arabic makes
it easy to locate. The green, seaside aesthetic
also differentiates Mocha from its more commercial counterparts, which often attempt to emulate
homey foreign coffee shops yet deliver a style
that’s too polished to be cozy.
Mocha’s interior is small yet refreshing. On a
good day, sunshine pours in from the glass walls.
The only downside is the lack of seating, with only
minimal counter room and three tables inside.
The café specializes in Mocha brews utilizing beans sourced from various Yemeni regions,
served in small, fancy coffee cups that suggest
the establishment functions more as a quick stop
than an afternoon refuge. Nevertheless, the coffee boasts a quality that is unparalleled in Tokyo.
The Mocha Anisi is a fruity concoction, brewed
with beans from the Sana’a region in Western Yemen. Its aroma is fragrant and wine-like, and its
flavor mild but full-bodied, subsiding to reveal a
spicy aftertaste.
Open 7am-8pm on weekdays, 11am-8pm
on weekends. 2-36, Chūō-cho, Meguro-ku.
Gakugei-Daigaku. Tel: 03-6452-3145.
Branches in Shibuya and Harajuku.
http://streamercoffee.com
For the sweet-toothed, the Mocha Kulani is
a treat. A mild brew, the beverage emits a cinnamon-infused scent and a hint of bitter cacao in its
flavor—but gives way to an aftertaste that’s sweet.
A wide array of other special brews is on hand,
ranging from the earthy to tangy and citrusy.
In case your coffee gets lonely, pair it up with
the delectable desserts on offer.
The cakes range from standard fare, such
as blueberry cheesecakes and dark chocolate
cakes, to more exotic varieties, such as the spice
cake and the orange pistachio. Baklava and fig
mamool cookies are also sure to sate cravings.
Prices are on the expensive side, but it’s worth
it, given the superb quality and rarity of its offerings, making for a coffee break like no other.
25-1 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-64278285. Tue-Sun, 12am-7pm. www.mochacoffee.
jp/english.html
DRIP
TRIPS
ARISE
Exploring Tokyo’s
evolving coffee
culture
BY HENGTEE LIM
T
here’s perhaps never been a better time
to get a cup of coffee in Tokyo. The scene
has exploded over the last few years, and
the increased quality of craftsmanship is
L’Ambre
evident in the likes of Hidenori Izaki—winner
of the 2014 World Barista Championship—and
Shuichi Sasaki, who took the World Aeropress
Championship the same year. What makes this
burgeoning scene fascinating is the mix of the
traditional and the contemporary. Here, oldworld kissaten (tea rooms) and upstart third
wave coexist, and variety abounds.
The world of fashion has taken to coffee
like steamed milk to espresso, and the expanding number of coffee-fashion hybrids and Japan. The kissaten also show a depth of condedicated roasters is turning the Harajuku- sideration rarely seen anywhere else. Chatei
Omotesando area into a hotbed of new coffee Hatou, for example, pick out individual cups for
experiences. Café Kitsuné, Little Cloud Cof- each visitor, and pre-warm both cup and saucer
to ensure a pleasant experience.
fee, and Coby Coffee are good examples,
As the owners of the kissaten
where a cup is permission to loiter,
hang up their aprons and relax
lounge, and linger over could-be
into retirement, a younger genpurchases. The coffee in these
eration is picking up the torch
areas is as cool as it is caffeinand settling into the neighborhood
ated, but it’s also international.
shōtengai (shopping street) culture
Together with The Roastery, the
they fondly remember from their youth.
aptly-named local roaster, there’s
These new cafés reflect the changFuglen and Coutume from Norway
Woodberry
ing views of their younger owners. Saand France, respectively.
But to understand coffee in Ja- Coffee Roasters rutahiko Atelier, Paddlers Coffee, and
pan, one needs to look to the kissaten, where Woodberry Coffee Roasters, to name a few,
coffee means aged beans, dark roasts, and a are encouraging communication and friendmoment of respite from the outside world. The ship through their open design and communal
kissaten offers a snapshot of the past, where nature. But don’t think the coffee suffers for it—
tradition is valued and the old ways observed. even NOMA’s own René Redzepi rated Switch
L’Ambre in Ginza, for example, is more than Coffee, in the sleepy suburbs of Meguro, as one
simply a coffee house—it’s a time capsule that, of his favorite coffee spots.
The search for the perfect cup of joe also
since inception, remains largely unchanged in
both style and approach, offering a glimpse brings with it eccentricities unique to Tokyo.
at the nostalgic tastes and times of an older These are personalities that made coffee as
much an expression of who they are as what
Sarutahiko Atelier
they brew. Bear Pond Espresso in
Shimokitazawa is famous both at
home and abroad for a tireless,
obsessive dedication to the perfect espresso. Owner Katsuyuki is
talked of in equal parts reverence
for his abilities, and disdain for his
sometimes gruff nature. In the quieter suburbs of Mitaka, you’ll find
Switch Coffee
the tranquil, ritualistic Irukaya, a reservationonly coffee bar with a long list of rules and an
even longer brew time. At these places, coffee acts as a conduit for that perfect moment
of tranquility and enjoyment—whether that
be short and sharp at Bear Pond, or long and
drawn out at Irukaya. That two such places exist, centered around the same ingredient yet
offering completely different experiences, is
perhaps a testament to the versatility of the
humble coffee bean.
Together with all of this, a variety of coffeeroasting culture is taking root in residential
Kiyosumi-shirakawa. Once home only to the
Japanese Cream of the Crop, recently the area
has seen New Zealand’s Allpress Espresso and
San Fransisco’s Blue Bottle turn former warehouse spaces into café-roasteries and home
bases for Japanese expansion. But among all
the roaster wars and international expansion,
it’s comforting to know that local community
hubs like ARISE can still happily survive just
around the corner from the famed Blue Bottle.
In the end, coffee is a variety of things to
a variety of people. From a simple morning
pick-me-up to an art form, a ritual, a chance
to connect and communicate, and even
a window into culture. There
might not be any comparable
single product in Tokyo with
this kind of diversity.
Around every station and at
every corner is a caffeinated
experience with a story to tell,
waiting to be discovered.
11
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Tel: 03-6803-2348 | Open 24/365 days
food&drink
There’s a charm to Cafe
Flattie, a tiny, Oceaniainspired neighborhood
coffee shop in Kitasando.
While offering little in terms
of seating—the interior
comfortably fits three to
four by a counter just big
enough to support your beverage—they have an extensive array of
above-average drinks. The coffee selection boasts what is standard
fare in Aussie and Kiwi cafés, but rarities in Japan. Their specialty is the
flat white, but beers and wine from Australia and New Zealand are also
available. Food selections are available at lunch. 3-33-6 Sendagaya,
Shinjuku-ku. Kitasando.
Japanese coffee culture is
alive and well at Café Trois
Bagues, a quintessential
kissaten (Japanese coffee
house). Opened in 1976 by
the mother of current owner
Noriko Miwa, this retro hub
heralds the heyday of Japan’s cafés, offering a quiet, bluesy refuge as well as a wide selection of
hand-, flannel-, and slow-drip coffees. Brewed using an array of imported
and customized machinery, the offerings are delectable cups of java that,
together with the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, make for a relaxed coffee break. Takada Megane B1, 1-21-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyodaku. Tel: 03-3294-8597. Jimbocho.
Great coffee is to be expected at Paul Bassett, a
café established by a World
Barista Champion. Coffee
aficionados can sate themselves at this Shinjuku coffee shop, which serves up
exquisite cups of lungos,
flat whites, and magics, as well as French press and Aeropress coffee.
The more conventional lattes, cappuccinos, and drip coffees also bear
the distinct flavor of the chain; though their espresso, meticulously
brewed as only Bassett can, is the star. B1F Nomura Bldg., 1-26-2
Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-5234-5090. Shinjuku West
Exit. www.paulbassett.jp
Allpress Roastery & Café,
a New Zealand favorite,
sets up shop in the quiet
neighborhood of Hirano
to serve up expertly made
cups of Joe to Tokyoites.
Brewed using carefully
selected Arabica beans,
Allpress offers everything from rich long blacks and creamy flat
whites to macchiatos, cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes. Blended
drinks (aka smoothies), fresh juices, and light deli snacks also on hand.
3-7-2 Hirano, Koto-ku. http://meturl.com/allpressroasterycafe
RECIPE
COFFEE CUTLET
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Yes, you may be feeling skeptical about the combination of meat, herbs,
and coffee—but trust me and try this. The pork cutlet is not deep-fried,
but pan-fried. Herbs, cheese, and hint of coffee add refreshing aroma
to juicy pork. The richness of coffee sauce is perfect for cutlet and
steamed vegetables.
Cooking time: 1hr (active 40 min)
Servings: 2
PORK CUTLET
• 2 slices pork loin
• 1 tbs flour
• 1 egg
• 2 pinches salt and pepper
• 40g bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbs Parmesan cheese powder
• 1 tsp ground coffee
COFFEE SAUCE
• 1/2 tbs sake
• 1/2 tbs mirin
• 1 tbs water
• 1 tbs soy sauce
• 1 tbs rice vinegar
• 2 tbs ketchup
• 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp instant coffee
OPTIONAL
Steamed vegetables of your choice
DIRECTIONS
1. Rub pork loin slices with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature
for 20 min.
2.In a shallow container, mix bread crumbs, thyme, parsley, cheese,
and ground coffee.
3.Sift flour on the pork, then dress with beaten egg and evenly cover
with the bread crumbs, cheese, coffee, thyme, and parsley mixture.
4.On frying pan, heat vegetable oil that’s about 0.5cm deep. Pan-fry
pork on medium-low. Fry both sides for about 15 min until golden
brown. Shift them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
5.In microwave-safe bowl, combine and mix all the ingredients for the
coffee sauce. Microwave without cover until it boils. Take out and mix
well. Put back in microwave and let boil again.
6.Put pork and steamed vegetables (optional) on plate and cover with
generous amount of coffee sauce.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
13
ENJOY
GOLDEN
WEEK!
April 29th - May 6th
Plan your holiday with JapanTravel.com
Explore Japan. Share your experiences. Earn rewards.
city life
ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING
YOUTH SUPPORT
Fighting bullying
at schools
BY VICKIE SKORJI, DIRECTOR OF TELL
F
or the next two months, TELL is making
noise about the cost of bullying—a source
of concern both globally and in Japan—
with particular attention to its impact on
youth.
Bullying can take many different forms—
physical, verbal, or emotional—and can be direct or indirect. It involves unwanted aggressive
behavior toward an individual that involves a
power imbalance, whether real or perceived.
Cyberbullying involves the use of cell phones,
instant messaging, email, chat rooms, or social
networking sites to harass, threaten, or intimidate. Whatever the form, the intent is to make
someone else feel bad. Sadly, most children
worldwide will experience some form of bullying while at school; and for many, it’s ongoing.
Bullying is associated with such negative
consequences as low self-esteem, school absenteeism, a drop in grades, mental health issues, and even suicide.
A recent U.S. meta analysis of 491 bullying
studies found a significant correlation between
bullying and suicide ideations, along with suicide attempts—and it is stronger in youth (according to Gini and Espelage, 2014).
Unlike conventional bullying, cyberbullying
can happen 24/7. Messages and images can be
posted anonymously and instantly distributed
to a wide audience. It can be difficult to trace the
source, and more so to delete inappropriate or
harassing content once posted.
In 2013, the Japanese Education Ministry
reported nearly 200,000 cases of school bullying. Of these, nearly 1,000 were reported to the
police, and 196 suicides occurred. Cyberbullying made up 4.7 percent of all reported cases,
a 12-percent increase from 2012. The government also reported that, on average, students
aged 10-17 spent 107 minutes per day on mobile
devices, and more than two hours a day online.
Nara University clinical psychologist Tokuhiro Ikejima says, “In Japan, bullying tends to happen between very close friends, and the situation is often worsened because bystanders do
not try to intervene. The bullying often takes the
form of social exclusion rather than violence.”
Despite these challenges, countries across
the world are scurrying to combat cyberbullying. In June 2013, Japan’s National Diet enacted
an anti-bullying bill to prevent increasingly serious cases in reaction to a string of incidents that
IN 2013, THE JAPANESE
EDUCATION MINISTRY
REPORTED NEARLY
200,000 CASES OF
SCHOOL BULLYING. OF
THESE, NEARLY 1,000
WERE REPORTED TO
THE POLICE, AND 196
SUICIDES OCCURRED.
led to suicides and murder.
As of April 1, 2015, Aichi Prefecture introduced a law banning the use of smartphones
and mobile devices after 9pm for children aged
6-15 years. The curfew aims to discourage children from spending an unhealthy amount of
time on electronic devices, as well as reducing
online bullying.
However, laws are only one part of the
equation; bullying is an issue that needs attention from the whole community. TELL understands that bullying is a serious concern
in schools and communities, and when left
unattended, can have a serious impact on a
young person’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, and identity. Children left unsupported
can develop unhealthy coping strategies leading to self-harm, isolation, and mental health
problems that affect their ability to learn and
develop healthy relationships.
In February of this year, TELL launched our
anti-bullying video contest, “Stand Up, Don’t
Stand By.” The competition is open to middle
and high school students, and raises awareness of the role of the bystander, stressing
that bullying is something everyone can take
a stand against. Bystanders can either be
part of the problem or an important piece of
the solution.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to
bullying than others, such as students with
learning or developmental disorders, or with
gender and sexual orientation issues. LGBTQ
youth are more likely to experience physical,
sexual, and dating violence than their peers,
and two to seven times more likely to attempt
suicide.
On April 25 and 26, TELL will have a booth
at the Tokyo Rainbow Pride Festival and march
in the parade to raise awareness of the issues
facing the LGBTQ community and particularly
LGBTQ youth.
On May 24, our annual charity walk and runathon is all about anti-bullying. We hope that
schools, students, parents, and organizations in
Japan will support our efforts, join our events,
and help fight against bullying to make school
a safe place for our youth.
If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life
in Japan, send your questions to askanything@
metropolisjapan.com, and we’ll find the most
appropriate people to answer your queries.
15
city life
CHILD’S
PLAY IN
THE GTA
A city-full of fun
BY HELEN A. LANGFORD
T
he Greater Tokyo Area isn’t just for grownups: A high concentration of museums
and places to play makes it an excellent
spot to entertain the smaller set. Consider
the following as a starting point—a mere drop in
the entertainment bucket.
PLAY PLACES
The wonderful world of indoor playgrounds
provides hours of frolicking fun, a treasure trove
of toys, and plenty of new otomodachi.
Your local jidoukan (children’s play hall)
should be first on the list when seeking a change
of scenery. In addition to having a lot of toys and
activities, they’re the perfect place to meet other
young families in your area, both widening your
little ones’ social circles and adding to your support system. What’s even better is that they’re
usually free.
Ask at your city hall for locations.
16
For something a little fancier, Aneby Trimpark, a relative newcomer to the Tokyo entertainment scene, aims to entertain ankle biters to
adolescents. Boasting all the usual playground
equipment—plus trampolines, a gymnastics
area, and pedal scooter track—it also holds lessons throughout the day for more structured
play. Aomi. http://anebytrimpark.com
Kid-o-Kid knows child’s play; it’s operated by
Tokyo-based toy company BørneLund, after all.
Bouncy surfaces, dress-up and make-believe
areas, toys, and—of course—ball pits abound.
And with 12 facilities in the Tokyo-KanagawaChiba area, there’s sure to be one not too far
away. See website for locations: www.bornelund.co.jp/kidokid
Drop in to Kodomo no Yu, a hot-springthemed play area at Tokyo Skytree, for a unique
take on indoor play. “Soak” in the onsen ball
pit, get your matsuri on in the festival area, or
try your hand at seasonal crafts and activities.
Tokyo Skytree. http://kodomoku.com
EDUTAINMENT
Sure, kids learn when they play, but sometimes
it’s nice to make learning the focus. Don’t fret
about forcing dull days on your darlings; museums are about amusement as much as they are
about academics.
Make a beeline for Odaiba’s Miraikan before May 10 to catch the tail end of teamLab’s
special exhibition. Parents and progeny alike
will be spellbound by the digital art on display, and kids will have a field day seeing
their colored pictures come alive on a giant
screen. The upper floors of the Miraikan are
also overflowing with interactive exhibits.
Fune-no-Kagakukan or Telecom Center.
www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en
The Tokyo Toy Museum leans more toward
entertainment than edification. It's housed in an
old elementary school, and each
room features a different set of
toys and games. On the third floor,
a spacious classroom is reserved
for instructor-led crafting.
Yotsuya-sanchōme.
http://goodtoy.org/ttm
Your kids need not be f ire
engine-crazy to enjoy the Tokyo
Fire Museum. With a collection of
historic equipment, kid-sized uniforms, and helmets—and even a
few vehicles for the kids to hop into
(including a helicopter!)—the Fire
Museum keeps halflings happy
while giving Mom and Dad a peek
into Edo’s curious firefighting culture. Yotsuya-sanchōme.
www.tfd.metro.tokyo.jp/ts/
museum.html
The National Museum of Nature and Science (Kahaku) brings
Tokyo Dome-sized amounts of
… well … nature and science to
inquisitive youngsters. Though
it's under partial renovation until roughly July, there’s still more
than enough on display to f ill
a day—not to mention Theater
360, a 360-degree theater that
screens short documentaries all
day. Stargazers should check out
the museum’s nighttime astronomical observations on the first
and third Friday of each month.
Ueno. www.kahaku.go.jp/english
Parents of solar-system aficionados in the western Tokyo area
need look no further than Fuchu’s
Kyodo no Mori Planetarium, where
several daily shows let kids reach
their cosmos quota. Part of a museum/planetarium/park complex,
where both terrestrial and extraterrestrial entertainment abound.
Fuchū-Hommachi.
www.fuchu-cpf.or.jp/museum
Older kiddos will enjoy the
Cup N o o dl e M u s e um d o w n
Minato-Mirai way. Though it’s
brimming with the history of the
instant snack, the hands- on noodle-making areas are sure
to take top spot where kids are
concerned. Little siblings (3 years
and above, and at least 90cm tall)
can “make like a noodle” in the
museum’s Cup Noodles manufacturing process park.
Minato-Mirai or Bashamichi.
www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/
english
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17
fashion fix
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
ON TREND IN TOKYO
ON POINT
The Happening, a commune of avant-garde
Japanese designers,
is on target to be one
of the most exciting fixtures on the Japanese
fashion calendar—not
that you can plan for
this. So far, their guerrilla approach has led
to them hijacking an
official runway event
during Tok yo Fash ion Week with an impromptu presentation,
and a public show that
took place throughout
the LaForet depar tment store in Harajuku
last season. Their latest project saw them erect a fashion caravan before sending it through
the streets of Shibuya, Harajuku, and on to Bunka Fashion College in
Shinjuku before finally coming to rest in Aoyama.
The caravan itself was a pleasant pastiche of the electioneering
vans currently making the rounds all over the metropolis. And with its
promise of a more fashionable future, it’s arguably one that more of the
city’s youth is set to turn out to vote for. In terms of the fashion proper,
Koshiro Ebata’s Garter and new line Takuma, from one of the masterminds behind Harajuku shopping institution Dog, looked particularly
promising and are names you’re likely to see championed in the future.
STREET
FOCUS
SHOPPING
STRATEGY
18
Sometimes at Tokyo Fashion Week, the real action is on the streets—not the
runways—as this week’s extravert fashionista can attest. It comes to something
where the current season Mexican guarachero-inspired long-toed boots from
Rei Kawakubo’s Comme des Garçons Homme Plus are not the star of an outfit,
in this case eclipsed by some well-selected vintage pieces that tie the look
together. For those wondering, the boots are apparently relatively easy to walk
in, but it can be safely assumed that a rush-hour train is out of the question.
biker jackets where the zips and pockets reflect the buttons and vents
of the handheld. The latter took prints from the original manga and
scattered them onto designs mutated in tribute to the path taken by
the manga’s antagonist, Tetsuo Shima.
In this collection, the standout piece has to be the Boba Fett-inspired
shirt. It can just about evade the attention of the general public, but
hardened fans will clock it on sight. Elsewhere, the collection has a
nostalgic ‘90s streetwear vibe in tune with the street scene of the moment. So, fan or not, this is definitely worth a look.
Photo by Samuel Thomas
Just in time for the Star
Wars Visions exhibition
that starts this month in
Mori Tower at Roppongi
Hills, Morita Tsuyoshi’s
cult label Thunderbox has
launched into spring with a
Star Wars-themed collection channeling the fashion
Force. The brand is one of
Japan’s best proponents of
geek chic, knowingly humorous but with enough
fashion edge to ensure the
look is more Harajuku than
Akihabara. In the past, the
label paid homage to Gunpei Yokoi with a Nintendo
Game Boy-themed collection, and even taken on Katsuhiro Otomo’s
Akira. In both cases, it blended literal motifs from the pop-culture subject
matter with more subtle references in the very structure of the garment.
The former combined 8-bit embroidery of Game Boy characters with
FASHION CALENDAR
CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.
Photos by Samuel Thomas
KAWAII
CAMPING
WITH
NE-NET
K
azuaki Takashima’s ever-cheerful brand
Ne-net can be a confusing one for external viewers of the Tokyo fashion scene.
Grounded in pure whimsy and a childish
naivety, it’s at odds with the status-driven
“you-can’t-sit-with-us” elitism that’s regrettably
ubiquitous with the fashion scene almost everywhere beyond Japan. This season, the line’s
unashamed joie de vivre extends past the clothes
to the presentation of the collection itself, employing the novel method of mixing every aspect
of the fashion system into one open showroom.
Normally, the fashion business segments the
presentation into three parts: The runway show,
where the media see the collection; the exhibition, where buyers place their orders; and
the photo shoot, where the seasonal
visuals used to promote the collection at retail are captured and
edited. This time, Ne-net threw
everything together into one
warehouse setting where models were styled and had their
makeup applied in full view
before walking through the
audience and being photographed for the lookbook.
At the same time, the buyers were writing orders,
trying on clothes from
the racks, and peeking over the shoulder
of the graphic design
team as they worked.
The collec tion
captured a jaunt up
a mountain, taking
outdoor essentials
and channeling them
through a distinctly
kawaii lens liable to
improve your odds
of social, if not practical, survival fitting
for Tokyo.
19
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
WHIPLASH
To what lengths must we go to bring out
innate talent in the quest to be the best?
What sacrifices must be made? A talented
but naive 19 -year- old jazz drumming
student (an impressive Miles Teller) at
a prestigious NYC music academy is
challenged to rise to his full potential
by a brutal, Machiavellian, perfectionist
teacher/bandleader (an Oscar-winning
J.K. Simmons). While the inspirationalteacher setup has been fairly beaten
to death, the execution here is unique.
You will not know where it’s going, and
it will shatter your expectations. It turns
the sentimental genre on its head and
plays more like a sports movie, or even
a psychothriller. Visceral, kinetic, and
compelling, it was nicknamed “Full Metal
Julliard” at Sundance. Don’t be expecting
Dead Poets Societ y or Mr. Holland’s
Opus. Writer/Director Damien Chazelle
(someone to watch) never misses a beat
or hits a sour note in this tightly paced,
propulsive film. One of the best movies of
the year, the title refers to a difficult bigband number that hinges on the drummer.
It also describes what you might feel
after surviving the intense and cathartic
final scene. Big screen, please. For the
sound. Japanese title: Session. (106 min)
NEW
THE GOOD LIE
Four young Sudanese
sur vive a brutal war,
a monstrous trek to a
refugee camp, and 13
years there before being
brought to Kansas City for resettlement. To this point,
the movie is a moderately interesting, if highly sanitized,
tale of survival. Then Reese Witherspoon appears in
a supporting role as an employment counselor, and
the movie sags. Reese does nothing wrong, and her
misleading prominence on the poster will likely boost the
film’s attendance, but her character reframes the focus to a
white American point of view, when the African bookends
of this worthy, good-hearted tale are far more compelling.
Japanese title: Good Lie: Ichiban Yasashī Uso. (110 min)
NEW
DURAN DURAN:
UNSTAGED
G oing in, I couldn’ t
name a single D uran
Duran hit. (I can now,
and realize why I was
never a fan.) But it was directed for some reason
by David Lynch, who used to make cool movies, so
it was worth a look. What I was totally unprepared
for was more than two hours of uninspired (BTW
completely staged) concert footage of flaccid Brit
new-wave drivel, mostly at the same tempo, overlaid
by pseudo-artsy Lynchian images that kept flashing
and waking me up. Okay, I realize this is totally
subjective (but it’s fun to write), and I apologize to any
remaining DD fans. But you deserve better. (121 min)
INHERENT VICE
Paul Thomas Anderson,
i n n o v a t i v e m a ke r o f
such very serious
f ilms as There Will Be
Blood and The Master,
tries on a comedy this time, beautifully adapting
Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 sun-dappled beach-noir
novel about a stoner detective (a spot-on Joaquin
Phoenix) named Doc in early-70s El Lay. Think
Raymond Chandler by way of Cheech & Chong. Josh
Brolin’s great as Doc’s nemesis, the straight-laced
cop “Bigfoot” Bjornson. It’s unpredictable, amusingly
louche, strange, and deranged. And if it’s not always
logical, well, don’t try to figure it out. Best to just lie
back and let the low-key parody take you. (148 min)
BIRDMAN OR (THE
UNEXPECTED VIRTUE
OF IGNORANCE)
This intellectually active,
ensemble showbiz
dramedy earned all the
praise it’s getting. But despite the dazzle, the showy
direction distracts from the narrative. Alejandro González
Iñárritu makes this gimmicky joyride work because he’s a
pro, but it still has a film-school, “look at me!” feel. None
of the characters is particularly likable, giving the film little
emotional punch. This will be remembered, if at all, as a
brilliant technical experiment. Bottom line: It’s one of those
films that are easier to admire than to enjoy. Worth seeing?
Absolutely. Best Picture? No. Japanese title: Birdman
arui wa (Muchi ga Motarasu Yoki-senu Kiseki). (120 min)
MAGIC IN THE
MOONLIGHT
I’m a fan. I think even
mediocre Woody
Allen movies are
bet ter than most of
what’s out there—but that doesn’t mean they’re not
disappointing. This one starts out strong. It’s 1928.
Colin Firth is a stage magician and noted paranormal
debunker who’s called upon to poke holes in the
amazingly accurate prognostications of a pretty young
clairvoyant (Emma Stone). But then he’s “converted,”
falls in love, and the movie immediately loses steam,
along with any magic it might have had. Threadbare
and predictable, this one feels off-the-rack. The script
could have used a third draft, or even a second. (97 min)
ROAD
Some admire the
tenacity of motorcycle
racing champions who
overcome horrid injuries
and get back in the saddle
to win again; and are genuinely surprised when some
hero biker slams into a tree. Others might view the whole
thing as madness or at least desperation, as what else
can a biker champ do but keep going? This doc, narrated
in the dulcet tones of Liam Neeson, centers on brothers
Joey and Robert Dunlop, who for decades dominated
the road racing circuit (done only on the open roads
of Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man), their career
highs, lows, and eventual deaths. I found it depressing.
Japanese title: Road: Destiny of TT Rider. (102 min)
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
Whiplash: © 2013 WHIPLASH, LLC All Rights Reserved; The Good Lie: © 2014 Black Label Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.; Duran Duran: Unstaged: © 2013 Magnus Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved; Inherent Vice: © 2014 WARNER BROS.
ENTERTAINMENT INC,AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance): © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox; Magic in the Moonlight: © 2014 Gravier Productions, Inc.; Road: © 2014
DoubleBand Films All Rights Reserved; The Two Faces of January: © 2014 STUDIOCANAL S.A. All rights reserved.; Kite: © 2013 Videovision Entertainment, Ltd., Distant Horizon, Ltd. & Detalle Films All rights reserved; Narco Cultura: © 2013 by
Narco Cultura, LLC; Jimi: All is by My Side: © MMXIII AIBMS, LLC. All Rights Reserved.; Pride: © PATHE PRODUCTIONS LIMITED. BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION AND THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE 2014. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; Jupiter
Ascending: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS(BVI)LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
20
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
NEW
THE TWO FACES OF
JANUARY
As his directorial debut,
screenwriter Hossein
Amini (Jude, Wings of the
Dove, and Drive, but also
47 Ronin) takes on a Patricia Highsmith Oedipal triangle.
It’s 1962. Chester (an underplayed, genuinely scary
Viggo Mortensen) is a shady, middle-aged American
businessman vacationing in Greece with his muchyounger wife (Kirsten Dunst). When he accidentally kills
the PI sent to sniff him out, he enlists the help of their
young Greek-American guide (Oscar Isaac), who is clearly
attracted to his wife, and tangled webs are weaved.
Literate, sexually charged, atmospheric, and smolderingly
suspenseful. Japanese title: Girisha ni Kieta Uso. (98 min)
NEW
KITE
Ya s u o m i U m e t s u ’ s
infamous 1998 ultracontroversial, childr a p i n g , s u p e r- v i o l e n t
anime cult fave about
an orphaned and abused schoolgirl-cum-assassin
(India Eisley) get s a desexualized, toned - down
live -ac tion treatment here, but the exploitative
at titude remains. The apparent hook is that
Samuel L. Jackson is in it, but he usually seems so
distrac ted it’s like he’s daydreaming about how
he’s going to spend the paycheck. This dreary Sin
City cheapo rip - of f is mean-spirited just for the
sake of mean-spiritedness. Obvious, repetitive,
and just plain boring, this kite don’t f ly. (90 min)
NARCO CULTURA
Across the river from
low-crime El Paso exists
hellish Juarez, ruled by
Mexican drug cartels that
either pay off or simply
murder anyone who resists them. Shaul Schwarz’s
quietly subversive doc looks at the situation through the
eyes of two contrasting men: An increasingly popular
rapper who glamorizes the kidnappings and beheadings
of the vicious mega-gangs, and a hard-working, often
threatened crime-scene technician who investigates the
city’s 3,000 annual murders, only to have his painstaking
evidence ignored by his bribed superiors. Absorbing
and depressing. Japanese title: Minagoroshi no Ballad:
Mexico Mayaku Sensō no Hikari to Yami. (103 min)
JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE
Don’t expect a jukebox
musical based on Jimi
Hendrix’s career, since
his es tate wouldn’ t
allow direc tor John
Ridley to use any of his music. But, paradoxically,
that restriction may have resulted in a better biopic.
Instead, this is an impressionistic look at 1966-67, the
period in which he was discovered by Keith Richards’
girlfriend Linda Keith (a terrific Imogen Poots) and went
from being sideman Jimmy James to the influential
legend he remains today. OutKast’s Andre Benjamin
aces the title role with intuition and flair. A cover of
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” steals the
show. Japanese title: Jimi: Eikō e no Kiseki. (118 min)
PRIDE
In 1984 gay activist Mark
Ashton (Ben Schnetzer)
o r g a n i ze d “ L e s b i a n s
and Gays Support the
Miners,” to raise funds
for the UK’s striking coal miners. LGSM’s donations
were spurned by the national union, but accepted by
a small Welsh local when the wrong (or right) person
answered the phone. There ensues a series of cultureclash set pieces as a spirit of solidarity gradually
overcomes fear and bigotry, and caricatures become
individuals. Great cast. Manipulative? Sure. Feel-good?
Absolutely. Preachy? Never. It’s the kind of movie that
has audiences applauding and misty-eyed at the end. I
did, and I was. Japanese title: Parade e Yokoso. (120 min)
JUPITER ASCENDING
Jeez, where to star t?
W hile t his lumb ering
Dune rip-off is eye candy
of the first magnitude, it
fails on every other level.
Mila Kunis, a delightful rom-com actress, is way out of
her league as an action heroine. She spends most of
her time being kidnapped, rescued, or making goo-goo
eyes at a Spock-eared, green-goateed Channing Tatum.
The storyline, glimpsed occasionally between the many,
many battle scenes, is all but impenetrable. After this
$175 million train wreck, it’s unlikely the Wachowskis will
be entrusted with any more big budgets. Maybe they’ll
have to resort to storytelling instead. Japanese title:
Jupiter. (127 min)
© 2015フジテレビジョン
© IMAGE.NET
© Metafilms
NEW
eiga
In Holly wood they would call
this flick “high concept,” which
is a hilarious term because it
essentially means low concept
or inane idea. “High concept”
By Rob Schwartz
means you take one simple or
silly notion and base a whole film on it. In this comedy,
the theme is that the first of April is the one day you’re
allowed to “lie”—that is play jokes on people. With a
huge cast of 27 main actors split into seven different
episodes, the pic flits about between stories and
atmospheres. The main narrative focuses on Ayumi
(Erika Toda), a cleaning woman at a hospital who
suffers from a fear of people. The extremely shy lass
has a one-nighter with doctor Makino (Tori Matsuzaka),
who is a sex addict, and finds herself pregnant. Other
scenarios include a pair of high school best friends,
one of whom comes out as gay; a stupid kidnapper
snatching an elementary school girl and botching it
badly; a guy who left Japan 42 years earlier and finally
comes home; and a junior high school kid who believes
in aliens. TV director Junichi Ishikawa tries to make the
whole mess entertaining, but it’s unclear if this just a
bad April Fools’ joke. Unfunny and fairly absurd, there
is little to keep the viewer glued to the screen. (120 min)
APRIL
FOOLS
movie news
What most people know about Japanese country
music could be inscribed on the head of a pin
with room left over, as the saying goes. The new
documentar y Made in Japan aims to correct that
with a portrait of Japan’s “first lady of country music,”
singer-songwriter Tomi Fujiyama, who hit the charts
in her homeland while still a teenager. In 1964, she
became the f irst Japanese performer to take the
stage at the Grand Ole Opry, where she followed
Johnny Cash and got the only standing ovation of the
night. At the doc’s premiere at the South by Southwest
festival last month, director Josh Bishop revealed
that filming took 11 years due to limited funds. He said
the lesson he learned during production was that,
“if you don’t give up, you eventually get what you
want,” noting his subject has been singing country
music for over 60 years. In the film, Fujiyama makes
the trek from Nagoya to Nashville one more time at
the age of 75, saying she hopes to still be playing
guitar at the age of 100. The petite fireball walked
the red carpet at the fest with actor Elijah Wood, who
narrates the documentary, and basked in the new
attention with an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The Japan release has yet to be announced. Stay
tuned to w w w.madeinjapandoc.com. Kevin Mcgue
NEW
cinematic underground
One of this year’s most talked-about Oscar snubs was
Canada’s entry for Best Film in a Foreign Language
being denied a nomination. Xavier Dolan’s Mommy
(pictured) tells the story (in French) of a single mom
struggling to bring up a troubled teenage son, and her
encounter with a mysterious neighbor who wants to help.
Playing from April 25 at Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho
(2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; www.ht-cinema.com) and
Shinjuku Musashinokan (3-27-10 Shinjuku; http://shinjuku.
musashino-k.jp) … It is pretty safe to say few have seen a
film like Ukrainian indie The Tribe. Set in a boarding school
for adolescent deaf students, the dialogue is completely
in sign language, with no subtitles. The no-holds-barred
visual storytelling about the new kid in school being
drawn into a world of organized crime and falling for the
classmate he is assigned to pimp is a unique, challenging
viewing experience. On from April 18 at Cinema Qualite
(3-37-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; http://qualite.musashino-k.
jp) and Eurospace in Shibuya (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuyaku; www.eurospace.co.jp) … Japan lost a legend when
actor Ken Takakura died last November. Shin-Bungeiza
in Ikebukuro (3F, 1-43-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro Toshima-ku;
www.shin-bungeiza.com) pays tribute April 19-May 5,
with 30 films, which, unfortunately, are not subtitled, but
many are presented in new 35mm prints. Kevin Mcgue
21
agenda
WATCH LIST
hot tickets
JUN
10-11
Pentatonix
American a cappella five-piece group,
who rose to fame on YouTube with
their all-vocal rendition of Daft Punk
hits, now touring the world. Jun 10-11,
7pm. ¥7,500. Zepp Divercity Tokyo.
Daiba. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
http://j.mp/pentatonix2015
Tickets on sale Apr 18
Concerts
POPULAR
Davina Robinson
Powerhouse vocalist brings her
take on rock, blues, and soul
to Tokyo. Apr 18, 6:30-11pm.
¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door).
Yotsuya Lotus. Yotsuyasanchome. Tel: 03-5315-4781.
http://yotsuyalotus.com
Colm Wilkinson: Broadway
and Beyond Japan
Irish tenor, best known for
originating the role of Jean
Valjean in Les Misérables. Apr
18, 6:30pm; Apr 19, 3pm; Apr
21-22, 2pm. ¥7,000-12,000.
Theatre Orb. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9999.
http://j.mp/wilkinson2015
The Piano Guys
American musical group who
gained popularity through
YouTube, where they posted
piano and cello renditions of
popular songs and classical
music. Apr 22, 7pm. ¥7,5608,640. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Shibuya. http://j.mp/
thepianoguys2015
Peace
English indie rock quartet
who began to receive critical
acclaim in early 2012 from
publications such as The
Guardian and NME, who
compared them to The
Maccabees, Foals, Wu Lyf, and
Vampire Weekend. Apr 22,
7pm. ¥5,000. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://j.mp/peace2015
JUL
18-AUG 30
Mega Dinosaur Exhibition
Featuring the restored skeleton of the
Turiasaurus found in Spain, believed
to be the largest dinosaur ever found
in Europe. Jul 18-Aug 30, 9:30am5pm. ¥800-1,600 (adv)/ ¥1,000-2,000
(door). Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
http://mega2015.jp
Tickets on sale now
The Big Nothing:
Musik Musica
An event fusioning art,
performance, space design,
and live music. Apr 25,
8:30-11pm. ¥1,500. Aube.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-2896.
http://j.mp/nothingmusica2015
European Rock Fes
Featuring The Flower Kings,
The Pineapple Thief, Atoll, and
others. Apr 26, 4pm. ¥12,500.
Tokyo International Forum
Hall C. Yurakucho. Tel:
050-5533-0888. http://j.mp/
eurorockfes2015
Equilibrium
German folk metal band
combining elements of folk
music, black metal, and
symphonic metal, with various
other influences. Apr 25-26,
6pm. ¥5,500. The Doors.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5350-5800.
http://equilibrium-metal.net/en/
Fu-Ching-Gido Debut
Album Release Party
Tuba and drums gypsy rock
band with support from
vaudevillian charmer Baron.
Apr 26, 6:30-10:30pm. ¥2,500
(adv)/¥3,000 (door). Shibuya
Gee-ge. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-6416-3468.
http://fu-ching-gido.com
Opeth
Swedish heavy metal band
who incorporate progressive,
folk, blues, classical, and jazz
influences into their usually
lengthy compositions. Apr
30, 7pm. ¥7,500. Ex Theater
Roppongi. Roppongi or
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6406-2222.
http://j.mp/opeth2015
Vandenberg’s Moonkings
Band created by Adrian
Vandenberg, a Dutch rocker
best known as former guitarist
of Whitesnake. Apr 23, 7pm.
¥7,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800.
http://j.mp/moonkings2015
Blossoms
Mosaic five-piece band whose
genre is ethereal nostalgic
sonance. Apr 23, 7pm. ¥5,000.
Astro Hall. Meiji-Jingumae.
Tel: 03-3402-3089.
http://j.mp/blossoms2015
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis
Three-piece band,
comprising the siblings of the
Durham family, whose music
is heavily influenced
by everything from R&B,
swing, and jump blues,
to country, Hawaiian,
and rock ‘n’ roll. Apr 24,
7:30pm. ¥6,000. Club
Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
kittydaisylewis2015
24
AUG
4-5
SEP
2
Disney in Concert: Alice in
Maroon 5
Wonderland
Watch Tim Burton’s Alice on the big
screen accompanied by live music
performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic
Orchestra. Aug 4-5, 7pm. ¥6,5008,500. Tokyo International Forum
Hall A. Yurakucho. http://j.mp/
disneyinconcert2015alice
Tickets on sale from Apr 25
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
doheny2015
Electric Zoo Beach
EDM festival featuring Steve
Aoki, Knife Party, R3hab, and
others. May 6, 1pm. ¥11,00022,000. Makuhari Kaihin Park.
Kaihinmakuhari.
Tel: 03-3499-6669.
http://electriczoo.jp
The Haunted
Swedish metal band from
Gothenburg formed in
1996 consisting of Adrian
Erlandsson, Jonas Björler,
Marco Arco, Jensen, and Ola
Englund. May 11, 7pm. ¥6,500.
Club Quattro. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://j.mp/haunted2015
South Korean alternative
hip-hop group known for
combining different styles of
hip hop, along with different
musical genres. May 3, 6pm.
¥6,800. Yokohama Bay Hall.
Motomachi-Chūkagai.
Tel: 045-624-3900.
http://j.mp/epik2015
Sheena Easton
Grammy-winning Scottish
star of music, film, and stage,
whose baby takes the morning
train. May 2, 6 & 9pm; May 4,
4:30 & 7:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133.
http://j.mp/easton2015
Ned Doheny
American singer, songwriter,
and guitarist whose music
defies exact categorization,
being variously described as
pop, funk, jazz, and AOR. May
5, 4:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Adam Levine-fronted soul-pop sextet
brings their catchy repertoire of hits
to Tokyo, reminding Japanese fans
that they will be loved. Sep 2, 7pm.
¥12,500-25,000. Yokohama Arena.
Shin-Yokohama. Tel: 0570-00-3337.
http:// j.mp/maroon52015
Tickets on sale May 2
Roy Haynes
American jazz drummer
Haynes’s 90th birthday
celebration. May 16-17, 5 &
8pm; May 18, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/haynes2015
Dave Koz featuring Javier
Colon
American smooth jazz
saxophonist Koz with
acoustic soul singersongwriter and musician
Colon. May 1, 7 & 9:30pm;
May 2-4, 5 & 8pm.
¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel:03-54850088. http://j.mp/koz2015
Orquesta de La Luz
JAZZ/WORLD
The Funky Meters
Jazz trumpeter Alpert, who
is the only recording artist
to hit number one on the
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop
chart as both a vocalist and
an instrumentalist, and
his wife Hall, a Grammy
Award-winning singer. Apr
17 & 20, 7:30pm; Apr 18-19,
6pm. ¥14,800-18,040. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
alperthall2015
Scottish-born saxophone player
whose solo career took off with
his remake of Percy Sledge’s
“When a Man Loves a Woman.”
Apr 21-23, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,5009,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
elliot2015
Japanese salsa band who
sings in Spanish, and is led by
vocalist Nora. May 6, 4:30pm.
¥6,000-8,000. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/laluz2015
American funk band who
performed and recorded
their own music from the late
1960s until 1977. May 9, 6 &
9pm; May 10, 4:30 & 7:30pm.
¥7,200-9,200. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/meters2015
Kat Edmonson
American singer-songwriter
who, after years as a singer in
the local club scene, released
her debut album Take to
the Sky in 2009. May 9-10,
5 & 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
edmonson2015
Rasmus Faber with Frida
Swedish pianist, DJ, remixer,
and composer. May 11, 7pm.
¥7,000-9,000. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/faber2015
Hans Dulfer
Dutch jazz musician who plays
tenor saxophone, and father
to fellow saxophonist Candy
Dulfer. Apr 22-24, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/dulfer2015
Antibalas
Brooklyn-based afrobeat
band that is modeled after
Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 band
and Eddie Palmieri’s Harlem
River Drive Orchestra. Apr
26, 5 & 8pm; Apr 27-28, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥7,000. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
antibalas2015
333 koinobori, or colorful
carp-shaped streamers will be on
display in celebration of Children’s
Day on May 5. Until May 6, all day
(illumination 5:30-11pm). Free.
Tokyo Tower. Akabanebashi.
http://j.mp/towerkoi2015
Jazz pianist Calderazzo’s trio
with Donald Edwards (drums)
and Orlando LeFleming (bass)
that has developed into one
of the most adventurous
outfits in jazz. Apr 28 & 30,
6:30 & 9pm; Apr 29, 5 & 8pm.
¥7,000-9,000. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/calderazzo2015
Featuring Austrian death black
metal band Belphegor and
symphonic/extreme metal
band White Empress. May 12,
7pm. ¥6,800. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
http://j.mp/rockofchaos2015
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall
UNTIL
MAY 6
Tokyo Tower Koinobori
Joey Calderazzo Trio
Rock of Chaos
Richard Elliot
Epik High
for free
Avishai Cohen Trio
Trio led by Israeli jazz bassist
Cohen with Daniel Dor on
drums and Nitai Hershkovits
on the piano. May 14-15, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
avishaicohen2015
Caro Emerald
Dutch pop and jazz singer
whose debut album Deleted
Scenes from the Cutting Room
Floor set a new all-time Dutch
chart record. May 18, 7:30pm.
¥8,500-9,500. Akasaka
Blitz. Akasaka. http://j.mp/
emerald2015
Blue Mountain Boys
Classic country and bluegrass.
Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm.
Free. Cafe Sepia. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3406-1300.
www.nagaremono.com/sepia
03-5353-9999. www.operacity.
jp/en/. May 23, 2pm. ¥5,900.
Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822020. http://meturl.com/
minatomiraihall
Clubbing
FRIDAY 17
APR 17 (FRI)-29 (WED)
CLASSICAL
Pipe Organ Concert
Enjoy classical and
contemporary music. Apr 19,
3-4:30pm. ¥1,500. St. Alban’s
Anglican Episcopal Church.
Kamiyacho or Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3431-8534.
www.saintalbans.jp
Buzz Five Concert 018
Japanese brass quintet
composed of former classmates
of Tokyo University of the Arts.
Apr 20, 7pm. ¥2,000-3,000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3828-2111.
http://j.mp/buzzfive2015
All mix/electro/house/
hip-hop/R&B. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥1,500
w/1d. Bring this copy of
Metropolis and get entry
discount: (m)¥2,000 w/1d,
(f)¥1,000 w/1d. Valid
until end of May. Guest
artists: Apr 24: DJ Kaori.
Apr 29: DJ Daishi Dance
and more on other days.
4F-6F Dr. Jeekahn's, 2-4
Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku.
Tel: 03-3464-0703.
Shibuya.
www.atom-tokyo.com
New Zuerich Orchestra
Conducted by Martin Studer
with performances of
Rodrigo’s “Concierto Pastoral,”
Doppler’s “Rigoletto Fantaisie,
op.38,” and more. Apr 21, 7pm.
¥4,000-8,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome.
Tel: 0570-55-0017.
http://j.mp/newzuerich2015
Game Symphony Japan
Concert
Conducted by Kenichi Shimura,
and performed by Nobuo
Uematsu, Tokyo Chamber
Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic
Chorus, and others. May 1,
7pm. ¥6,500-10,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
Microcosmos
Wild Card. Hip-hop: DJs
Yanatake, Deflo, etc. From
12am. (m)¥2,000, (f)free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496.
www.microcosmos-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi.
www.matrixbar.jp
Air
Roundhouse. House: DJs
Marshall Jefferson, Remi,
etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
NHK Symphony Orchestra
Sound Museum Vision
Conducted by Vahan
Mardirossian with pieces
by Mozart, Beethoven, and
others. May 4, 2:30pm. ¥3,3007,300. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Juice. Hip-hop: DJs Zeebra,
Hazime, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000
w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
Vienna Boys’ Choir
One of the best known boys’
choirs in the world presents the
Bruckner touring choir. May 5,
2pm. ¥1,500-7,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome.
Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://j.
mp/viennaboys2015suntory.
May 22, 1:30pm. ¥5,800.
Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.
Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel:
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Dantz,
Daijiro, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Party Up. EDM, Top 40: DJs
Fumi Yeah, Yu-Ki, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com
The Room
The New Matrix Bar
Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs
Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From 11pm.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Club Asia
Ray-Van. EDM, electro: DJs
Fukushima, Chiba, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Air
Ucess the Lounge
The Room
80. ‘80s music: DJs Ken-Bo,
Ohishi, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000
w/1 d. Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From
10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Womb
T2
Fantastic Dance. EDM, house:
DJs Daishi Dance, Verbal, etc.
From 11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Yoshimasa, Shu, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
SATURDAY 18
Sushi. House, electro: DJ Reset
and more. From 10pm. ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Ucess the Lounge
Microcosmos
City Hunter. Hip-hop:
DJs Alamaki, Keita, etc.
From 12am. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-57845496. www.microcosmostokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi.
www.matrixbar.jp
The Room
Magic. House, disco: DJs
Kawasaki, Endo. From 9pm.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Disco Jockey. Disco,
house: DJs Jin, Yan, etc.
From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1 d.
Meiji-jingumae. Tel: 03-68071588. www.ucess.jp
Ageha
Fever. Hip-hop: DJs Kango,
Sn-Z, etc. From 11pm.
(m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,500.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Club Asia
Steam Party in Tokyo. House,
techno: DJs Kyoko, Hayashi,
etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Womb
Air
Cats. House, techno: DJs
Gonno, Kawasaki, etc. Live:
Kink. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
S-Sense. Hip-hop: DJs Lakim,
The Whooligan, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Seeds. Techno, house: DJs
Mike Shannon, Sodeyama,
etc. Live: Akufen. From 10pm.
¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Ikezawa, Shu, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Spring Special. Techno,
progressive: DJs Stephan
Bodzin, D-Nox & Beckers,
etc. From 11pm. ¥4,000.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com
Joy Orbison & Will Bankhead.
Dance music: DJs Joy
Orbison, Will Bankhead,
etc. From 11:30pm. ¥3,500.
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
Dance
La Chauve-souris
Combining elements from
musicals and revues, this
humorous and charming
repertoire is fully enjoyable for
those not usually accustomed
to ballet performances. Apr 21
& 23, 7pm; Apr 25, 1 & 6pm;
Apr 26, 2pm. ¥3,240-10,800.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999.
http://j.mp/lachauvesouris2015
Sleeping Beauty
Club Asia
Rendezvous. R&B, disco:
DJs Taiki, Master Key, etc.
From 11pm. ¥3,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Ucess the Lounge
Golly Gosh. Bass music,
grime: DJs A taut Line,
Void Crew, etc. ¥2,000 w/1
d. Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
Womb
Session. EDM, house: DJs
Joseph Capriati, Ohnishi,
etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
FRIDAY 24
Performed by the Matsuyama
Ballet Company with music by
the Tokyo New Philharmonic
Orchestra. May 3-4, 3:30pm.
¥4,500-13,000. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/
matsuyamabeauty2015
Stage
Voca People
Israel-based ensemble
performing vocal theater
that combines a cappella and
beat boxing to reproduce the
sounds of an entire orchestra.
Apr 14-26, various times.
¥5,200-8,300. The Galaxy
Theatre. Tennouzu Isle. Tel:
03-5769-0011. http://hpot.jp/
vocapeople/english/
Microcosmos
Kagula Birthday Bash. Bass,
trap: DJs Kagula, Blue Cosmic
Monkey, etc. From 12am.
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-5496. www.
microcosmos-tokyo.com
Tact/Festival 2015
Showcasing overseas stage
performances mainly from
France, including Claire Ruffin’s
L’insomnante, José Montalvo’s
Asa Nisi Masa, and Corpus’ Les
moutons. May 3-6, various times.
¥500-2,500. Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-2111. www.geigeki.jp
Tokyo Dageki Dan
Japanese taiko performing
group’s 20th anniversary
performance. May 9, 1pm.
¥3,500-5,000. Setagaya Public
Theater. Sangenjaya.
http://j.mp/dagekidan2015
La Traviata
Verdi’s mid-period masterwork
which tells the story of the pure
love of a courtesan, Violetta,
and her sad end, against a
backdrop of Parisian splendor
and sophistication. With staging
produced by Vincent Boussard,
who is famous for his use of
color and sophisticated staging.
May 10, 13, 16, 23 & 26, 2pm;
May 19, 7pm. ¥5,400-27,000.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999.
http://j.mp/latraviata2015
TURN YOUR PASSION FOR JAPAN
INTO A CAREER YOU’LL LOVE
• Join our team as a Japan Sales Specialist
• Be part of a growing, award winning travel company
Exhibitions
• Enjoy extensive training in the UK and abroad
ENDING SOON
• Receive a highly competitive salary
Happy at Hundred
Featuring works by German
photographer Karsten
Thormaehlen, of 100-year-old
men and women. Until Apr 18,
10am-5pm. Free. Toranomon
Hills. Toranomon.
Tel: 03-6406-6665.
http://toranomonhills.com/en
• Base yourself in our UK offices
Find out more about becoming an Audley Country Specialist
at www.audleytravel.com/careers
Love Birds
Daikanyama Unit
Sound Museum Vision
times. ¥4,000-20,000. Akasaka
Blitz. Akasaka.
http://j.mp/mrshow2015
Mr. Show
A show only for women, be
entertained at Korean revue
“Mr. Show” where attractive
men perform for your viewing
pleasure. Apr 22-26, various
An exhibition of artwork by Jad
Fair, an artist and musician,
featuring his new paper-cuttings
with a motif of birds. Until
Apr 26, 1-7pm, closed Mon &
Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery.
Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-62339836. http://j.mp/lovebirds2015
TDC Exhibition
Ginza Graphic Gallery’s annual
exhibition showcasing the
results of the Tokyo TDC Awards
held by the Tokyo Type Directors
Club. Until Apr 28, 11am-7pm,
closed Sun & hols. Free. Ginza
Graphic Gallery. Ginza.
http://j.mp/type2015
Joel Plunkett: Afterimage
An exploration of our
conceptions, perceptions,
and experiences. Until Apr 28,
10am-7pm, closed Sat, Sun
& hols. Free. UltraSuperNew
Gallery. Harajuku or
Kitasando. www.joelplunkettart.
com
Pictorialism: Prelude to
Modern Photography
An exhibition focusing on one of
the most important movements
in the historical development of
modern photography. Until Apr
30, 10am-7pm. Free. Fujifilm
Square. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6271-3350.
http://j.mp/pictorialism2015
ONGOING
Great Fake Exposition:
Cultural History of Fakes
and Imitation
Showcasing fake and
imitation articles, and
the relationship between
them and their genuine
counterparts. Until May 6,
9:30am-4:30pm, closed
Mon. ¥450-830. National
Museum of Japanese History.
Keisei-Sakura. http://j.mp/
greatfakeexposition2015
25
WE BUY AND SELL
METALS & JEWELRY!
Friday, April 24
7pm - 1am
Free entry
インターナショナルパーティー ･ 入場無料
Loja de Ouro
JapanTravel
.com
10:00-18:30 /
Closed Sundays and Mondays
http://kinnomise-chugai.jp/
JAPANESE PROFICIENCY TEST
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Patent attorney
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Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
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Akasaka
Excel
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Tokyu
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608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: [email protected]
26
Imperial
Palace
Gabriel Orozco:
Inner Cycles
Measuring: This much, that
much, how much?
Mexican artist known for
works that manipulate existing
objects or rules to transform
them into something else,
which intervene with common
scenes to invite new thoughts.
Until May 10, 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. ¥600-1,100.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Tokyo. Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng
This exhibition aims to
illustrate the types of units that
are used to measure a variety
of things and phenomena,
and to give them a sense
of familiarity that they may
not already have. Until May
31, 10am-8pm, closed Tue.
¥500-1,000. 21_21 Design
Sight. Nogizaka. Tel:
03-3475-2121. http://j.mp/
measuring2015
Irises and Red and White
Plum Blossoms: The Secret
of Kōrin’s Design
Showcasing works by
Ogata Kōrin, a Japanese
painter of the Rinpa school
who developed an original and
distinctive style characterized
by a bold impressionism
with an absolute disregard
for naturalism and the usual
conventions. Apr 18-May
17, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥1,000-1,200. Nezu Museum.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. http://j.mp/korin2015
Kataoka Tamako
Japanese-style painter who
uses vivid colors, boldly
deformed shapes, and
paintings using powerful
brushwork. Apr 7-May 17,
10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥300-1,200 (adv)/ ¥400-1,400
(door). The National Museum
of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://tamako2015.
exhn.jp
Osaka Expo ’70 Design
Project
Held under the theme of
“Progress and Harmony for
Mankind,” the 1970 Osaka
Expo (Japan World Exposition)
is remembered as a national
event in Japan in the years of
spectacular economic growth.
This exhibition presents
a complete picture of the
design work for the 1970
Expo. Until May 17, 10am-5pm
(until 8pm on Fri). ¥130-430
(free admission on Apr
5 & May 3). The National
Museum of Modern Art,
Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
osakaexpo2015
Best of the Best
The last exhibition before the
museum closes for renovation
on May 18, showcasing
160 works of modern and
contemporary Western art.
Until May 17, 10am-6pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed
Mon. ¥500-800. Bridgestone
Museum of Art. Tokyo. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/bestofthebest2015
Intimate Impressionism
from the National Gallery
of Art, Washington
Works by Renoir, Manet,
Monet, and others chosen
by Ailsa Mellon, daughter of
Andrew Mellon, founder of the
National Art Gallery. Until May
24, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥1,400 (adv)/
¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi
Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5405-8686.
http://mimt.jp/english
Hiroshige and Kiyochika
Showcasing works by
Utagawa Hiroshige, known
as the last great master of
the ukiyo-e tradition, and
Kobayashi Kiyochika, an
ukiyo-e artist of the Meiji
period in commemoration
of the 100th year since
his death. Until May 28,
10:30am-5:30pm, closed
Mon. ¥700-1,000. Ukiyo-e
Ota Memorial Museum
of Art. Harajuku. Tel:
03-3403-0880. http://j.mp/
hiroandkiyo2015
Louvre Museum
With works by Vermeer,
Rembrandt, and others. Until
Jun 1, 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
¥800-1,600. The National Art
Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/
english
The Beauty of Asian Art
Showcasing prehistoric
and ancient masterpieces
from China, Korea, and
Southeast Asia. Apr 11-Jun
14, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum
of Arts. Tokyo. www.
idemitsu.com/museum/honkan
The Great Amazon
Featuring over 400 exhibits
and a 4-K theatre experience
where you can travel to the
Amazon through a 355-inch
screen. Until Jun 14, 9am-5pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon.
¥600-1,600. National Museum
of Nature and Science. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111. http://j.mp/
thegreatamazon2015
The Ceramic Works of
Rouault and the Fauvists
Introducing ceramic works
created by some of the great
French artists of the early 20th
century, including Georges
Rouault and Henri Matisse. Apr
11-Jun 21, 10am-6pm, closed
Wed. ¥500-1,000. Shiodome
Museum. Shimbashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/panasonicmuseum
generation in Asia/Oceania
whose practices offer keys
to engaging with the time
of others. Until Jun 28,
10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥600-1,100. Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
http://j.mp/timeofothers2015
This exhibition explores
human creativity covering two
million years, from prehistory
to modern times through
100 items from the British
Museum’s collection. Apr
18-Jun 28, 9:30am-5:30pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed
Mon. ¥800-1,300 (adv)/
¥1,000-1,600 (door). Tokyo
Metropolitan Art Museum.
Ueno. Tel: 03-3823-6921.
http://j.mp/100objects2015
Utrillo and Valadon
Showcasing pieces by
Utrillo, a French painter who
specialized in cityscapes; and
his mother Valadon, an artist
whose drawings and paintings
mostly included female nudes
and portraits, still lifes, and
landscapes. Apr 18-Jun 28,
10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥650-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,200
(door). Sompo Japan Museum
of Art. Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5405-8686.
www.sjnk-museum.org/en
Sayoko Yamaguchi: The
Wearist, Clothed in the
Future
This exhibition will trace the
career of Yamaguchi, who, as
a top model, embodied the
mysterious beauty of the East,
and conquered the world of
fashion during the 1970s and
’80s. Until Jun 28, 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. ¥600-1,100.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Tokyo. Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng
Time of Others
Showcasing works by
18 artists of the younger
Sports
Experience the spectacular
world of manga master
Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic
Naruto. Apr 25-Jun 28,
10am-8pm. ¥500-1,800
(adv)/ ¥800-2,000 (door).
Mori Arts Center Gallery.
Roppongi.
http://naruto-ten.com
Masks: Beauty of the
Spirits
By laying bare the true
fascination of masks, this
exhibition explores its true
essence and what it means
to us in today’s world,
through masterpieces from
the Musée du quai Branly
in Paris. Apr 25-Jun 30,
10am-6pm, closed the
second and fourth Wed of the
month. ¥600-1,200 (¥100
discount to those who come
wearing designs or patterns
inspired by masks or faces).
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien
Art Museum. Meguro. Tel:
03-3443-0201. http://j.mp/
masks2015
Yokohama F. Marinos vs.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Apr 29, 7pm. ¥1,000-5,300.
Nissan Stadium. Kozukue.
Tel: 04-5477-5000.
www.f-marinos.com/en
Festivals
BASEBALL
TRADITIONAL
Naruto Exhibition
Yakult Swallows vs. DeNA
Baystars
Apr 17-19, 6pm.
¥500-27,500. Meiji
Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs.
Chunichi Dragons
Apr 28-30, 6pm.
¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.
Suidōbashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs. Toyo
Carp
May 1-3, 6pm. ¥500-27,500.
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Toyo
Carp
May 12-14, 6pm.
¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.
Suidōbashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Mt. Takao Annual Spring
Festival
Special display of an image
of Buddha, a goma fire
ritual, and costumed kiddies.
Apr 19, 11am. Takao-san
Yakuo-in. Takaosanguchi.
www.takaosan.or.jp/english/
index.html
Meiji Shrine Spring Grand
Festival
Bugaku, Noh, and other
traditional performances.
Apr 29-May 3, various
times. Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Harajuku. www.meijijingu.
or.jp/english/index.html
Kurayami Matsuri
(Darkness Festival)
Mikoshi are paraded in
darkness, while gardeners
have booths to sell their
wares. Apr 30-May 6, various
times. Okunitama Shrine.
Fuchu-Honmachi. Tel:
042-362-2130. http://meturl.
com/matsurikurayami
Simple Forms:
Contemplating Beauty
Yakult Swallows vs.
Hanshin Tigers
INTERNATIONAL
This exhibition brings
together around 130
“simple forms” from around
the world, and across
the ages found in nature,
primitive art, folk art, and
traditional cultures. Apr
25-Jul 5, 10am-10pm (until
5pm on Tue). ¥1,500 (adv)/
¥600-1,800 (door). Mori Art
Museum. Roppongi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
simpleforms2015
May 12-14, 6pm.
¥500-27,500. Meiji
Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Cherry Blossom Fair at
Tokyo International
School
Tokyo Story 2015
The British Museum
Exhibition: A History of the
World in 100 Objects
Sat), closed Tue. ¥800-1,100
(adv)/ ¥1,000-1,300 (door).
Suntory Museum of Art.
Roppongi. http://j.mp/
maestrokenzan2015
Showcasing works by artists
who participated in Tokyo
Wonder Site’s Creator in
Residence program. Apr
18-Jul 26, 11am-7pm. Free.
Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo.
Ochanomizu, Suidōbashi,
or Hongō-sanchōme. Tel:
03-5689-5331. http://j.mp/
tokyostory2015
Fukagawa in the Snow:
The Reappearance of an
Utamaro Masterpiece
Showcasing works by
Utamaro, one of the most
highly regarded ukiyo-e
practitioners, especially
for his portraits of beautiful
women, or bijin-ga. Apr
3-Aug 31, 9am-5pm. ¥1,8002,800. Okada Museum of Art.
Kowakidani. Tel: 0460-873931. www.okada-museum.
com/en
UPCOMING
What is Realist Painting?
Exploring the diversity
and potential of realist
painting through 54 works
of landscapes, figures,
and more. May 21-Nov 15,
10am-5:30pm, closed Tue.
¥900-1,800. Hoki Museum.
Toke. www.hoki-museum.
jp/en/
The Maestro of
Conception, Kenzan is
Here
Born in a cultivated Kyoto
family, Kenzan was raised
in a context of great artistic
refinement. As a potter, he
introduced new designs
based on painting and
literature to the world of
ceramics. May 27-Jul 20,
10am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri &
Yomiuri Giants vs. Yakult
Swallows
May 15-16, 6pm; May 17,
2pm. ¥300-12,400. Tokyo
Dome. Suidōbashi. Tel:
03-5800-9999. www.giants.
jp/en
SOCCER
FC Tokyo vs. Sanfrecce
Hiroshima
Apr 18, 4pm. ¥600-6,200
(adv)/ ¥800-6,500 (door).
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 042-4400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp
Yokohama FC vs. V-Varen
Nagasaki
Apr 19, 2pm. ¥600-4,700.
NHK Mitsuzawa Stadium.
Yokohama. Tel: 04-53112016. www.yokohamafc.com
FC Tokyo vs. Sagan Tosu
Apr 22, 7pm. ¥600-6,200.
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp
Yokohama F. Marinos vs.
Shonan Bellmare
Apr 25, 3pm. ¥1,000-5,300.
Nissan Stadium. Kozukue.
Tel: 04-5477-5000.
www.f-marinos.com/en
Tokyo Verdy vs.
Thespakusatsu Gunma
Apr 26, 1pm. ¥600-14,500.
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.verdy.co.jp
Yokohama FC vs.
Tokushima Vortis
Apr 26, 1pm. ¥600-4,700.
NHK Mitsuzawa Stadium.
Yokohama. Tel: 04-53112016. www.yokohamafc.com
Tokyo Verdy vs.
Yokohama FC
Apr 29, 1pm. ¥600-14,500.
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.verdy.co.jp/
index.html
International food, games,
prizes, arts and crafts, and
more. Apr 18, 11am-3pm.
Free. Tokyo International
School. Mita or Tamachi.
Tel: 03-5484-1160.
www.tokyois.com
Greenroom Festival ’15
Art and music festival with
a focus on ocean and beach
preservation with artists The
Wailers, Lotus, Mama’s Gun,
The Growlers, and more. May
23-24. ¥9,800 (one day)/
¥17,000 (2 days). Yokohama
Red Brick Warehouse.
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-2111515. http://greenroom.jp/
english
Forums &
Expos
Pet Expo
An event for pet lovers and
pets with activities, such as
a sports day event for dogs
and a cat show. May 3-5,
10am-5pm. ¥600-1,000
(adv)/ ¥800-1,300 (door).
Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. www.pethaku.com
Interpets
An event for pet owners and
lovers, Interpets is the largest
trade fair in the Japanese pet
market. Apr 3-5, 10am-5pm.
¥1,500. Tokyo Big Sight.
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
Tel: 03-5530-1111.
www.interpets.jp/2015/en
Plarail Expo
An event where children and
parents can enjoy Plarail (a
toy train and plastic track
system made by Tomy)
products together. Apr
29-May 6, 10am-4:30pm.
¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000
(door). Makuhari Messe.
Kaihin-Makuhari.
www.m-messe.co.jp/en/
Comedy
New Material Night
Standup, improv, and trying
out new stuff. Apr 21, 8-10pm.
Free. Double Tall Cafe.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54674567. http://tokyocomedy.
com/new_material_night
Community
Charity Run & Walk: DAN
DAN RUN 2015
Charity run/walk to help
refugees who have fled to
Japan. May 17, 9am-1pm.
¥4,000 (10-km run)/¥3,000
(5-km run)/¥3,000 (3-km
walk); discounts for children/
groups. Hibiya Park. Hibiya.
Tel: 03-3501-6428.
http://meturl.com/dandanrun
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slideshows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm. Free. The
Pink Cow. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6434-5773.
www.thepinkcow.com
Stitch-n-Bitch
Meet fellow knitters,
crocheters and sewers to talk,
share ideas, eat, drink and
create. Every first and third
Tue, 7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt.
Shibuya. www.meetup.
com/TokyoStitchandBitch
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art
School
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike with arty socializing.
Every third Wed, 7-10pm.
¥2,000 w/ 1d. Studio and
Space IVVA. Meiji-Jingūmae
or Harajuku. www.facebook.
com/Dr.Sketchy.Tokyo
Learning
Champagne & Sake
Seminar
Learn about Champagne and
sake, and enjoy a French-style
dinner. Apr 25, 7-10:30pm.
¥14,980 +tax (adv). Stellato.
Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. http://meturl.com/
monthlywine
Other Events
Midtown Blossom 2015
Celebrate Spring in Tokyo
Midtown with Martini Blossom
Lounge (12-8pm) and enjoy
the lighting up of the Sakura
trees (5-11pm). Until Apr 19,
12-11pm. Various prices. Tokyo
Midtown. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3475-3100.
www.tokyo-midtown.com/en
Manpaku
Food festival with local food,
world food, desserts, and
more. May 14-Jun 1, 10:30am9pm. ¥400-700 (adv)/ ¥500800 (door). Showa Kinen Park.
Tachikawa.
Tel: 042-528-1751.
http://manpaku.jp
Writers’ Bloc, Tokyo:
Evening Musings
A celebration of the spoken
word. Apr 25, 7:30-9:30pm.
Free. Loco Popo. Yotsuya.
www.facebook.com/
writersbloctokyo
MORE LISTINGS
ONLINE → HTTP://
METURL.COM/
LISTINGS
27
Metropolis and its Classifieds
section are printed every
other week. The upcoming
publication dates and
corresponding deadlines
for print are as follows. This
does not affect the online
Classifieds, where ads are
visible immediately after
they are approved.
FRI, MAY 1 ISSUE
Deadline: Apr 23, 3pm
FRI, MAY 15 ISSUE
Deadline: Apr 30, 3pm
1.1 HEALTH
I N N E R
BALANCE.
Tr a d i t i o n a l
oriental
treatment of
acupuncture
and moxibustion.
Also body
massage
and reflexology. Mobile
ser vice to your home or
office. Email Takahito at
[email protected]
or see http://tmasuda.wix.
com/inner-balance.
ENGLISH -SPE AKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC
in Toranomon Hills offers a
wide range of preventive,
co rre c t i ve an d cos m e t ic
dentistry. Superior service
focused on customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. Modern
dentistry at its best. www.
rmdcc.com/english/
0120-648-071
C O M P R E H E N S I V E H E A LT H
C OV E R AG E F O R E X PAT S ,
D I P LO M AT S , TE AC H E R S .
Inpatient and outpatient care,
emergencies, surgery, meds,
checkups, dental, lab tests,
MRI and more. Thirty-day
money-back guarantee. Quick,
easy application; convenient
payment options. Enroll today!
[email protected]
w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp
078-351-7300
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,
JA PA N ’ S N O.1 E N G LI S H
M AGA ZI N E , log on at w w w.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or
email your commercial ads to
commercial@metropolisjapan.
com.
28
ICHII CORPORATION.
Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in
central Tokyo locations. No
key money/guarantor/agent
fee required. New, clean
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today! 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
Free consultation available in
English, Español and Japanese.
Tel: 03-6264-8446
[email protected]
http://nippashi.com
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
G E N E R A L D E N T I S T R Y.
A merican dental school
graduate, 20 years’
experience in hospital
dentistry, over 2000
d e ntal im p lant s , n a t i ve
English speaker; 3min
from JR Harajuku Stn,
p a r k i n g a v a i l a b l e. W i l l
fill out insurance forms.
[email protected]
www.trustdental.jp/english
03-3402-1501
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy) care in Hiroo.
Native English-speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
post-operative rehabilitation,
back /neck pain, running
related, headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations
and women’s health.
www.tokyophysio.com
03-3443-6769
T H I N K I N G A B O U T
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS ? Platinum
¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver
¥21,600. Prices include one
photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo
+ ¥2000). Prices are for 4 0
words, one print issue, t wo
weeks online. For details,
email us at commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
CURLY HAIR SPECIALIST IN
TOK YO. English-speaking
Kiyoko, highly experienced
in NY’s curly hair salons,
takes care of curly hair at
her salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu.
Reser vations: 03 -3793 2357 or [email protected]
http://english.nepenji.net/
index_en.html
MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN
ROPPONGI WELCOMES
FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get
your haircut right. Haircuts
¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a ve ¥ 5 8 0 0.
Kids’ haircuts ¥4000-¥4400.
Fi r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t ¥1 0 0 0.
http://oazo.biz/top 03-55457797 [email protected]
I M M I G R AT I O N S E R V I C E S
I N E N G LI S H . Yo ko y a m a
Administrative and Legal
Of fice will suppor t all your
visa needs: extension,
s t a t u s c h a n g e, p e r m a n e n t
r e s i d e n c e, n a t u r a l i z a t i o n .
Free consultation in
Kinshicho available by
reservation. Contact us at
03-5626-4139 or [email protected].
http://meturl.com/yokoyama
L AW OFFICE IN K AWA SAKI
(next to Tokyo), member of the
Yokohama Bar A ssociation.
Legal ser vice in English for
traffic accidents, divorce,
inheritance, bankruptcy,
b u s i n e s s ca s e s (co n t r a c t s ,
establishing a company,
trademarks, etc.) and other
legal problems.Email: web@
smkw.biz www.sumikawa.net
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
handles your visa case.
Permanent residency,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).
Tel: 090 - 8330 - 0670 Email:
[email protected] Website:
http://officelife.jp/en
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
RENTAL APARTMENTS,
HOUSES, CONDOS AND
S T U D I O S i n Yo ko h a m a ,
Kawasaki, Tokyo, and near
US military bases. English speaking staff will guide you
through the renting process.
For a stress-free search, contact
Rent Life. 045-470-3214 www.
rent-yokohama.com/english
[email protected]
S E R V I C E D A PA R T M E N T S i n
a quiet residential area of
Hiroo. Studios and suites.
4min from Hiroo Stn. Rates:
Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/
d a y . M o n t h l y ¥ 570 0 - /d a y .
O ver t hre e mont hs ¥ 513 0 - /
day. Tax, utilities included.
frontdesk@azabucourt.
co m w w w. a z a b u co u r t .co m
0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0
I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT
NIPPASHI OFFICE supports visa
and naturalization applications,
company establishment and
b r a n c h o f f i ce i n s t a l l a t i o n ,
including commercial
registration, as well as
inheritance procedures in Japan.
English and Japanese. Arrgh! It's hard
to learn J. Every day I study—it makes
my head spin! London guy wants to meet
someone for drinks after work/study
where we can mix J and E. Basic E ok.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi, my name
is Hiroki. I'm 27, Japanese. I'd like to
learn E because I'm going to work in San
Francisco this summer. In exchange, I can
teach you J. Let's exchange languages!
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Hello. I'm a
Japanese female seeking a language
exchange partner. We can meet up
around the Tokyo area and talk using
both languages. Feel free to contact me.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Hello! I am a
nonsmoking Japanese female. I was
in Canada for two years, however my
English is not great and I keep forgetting
it. I'd prefer a female partner because
I'm shy. Thanks! [email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm Eri. I'm
a native Japanese speaker. I was born in
Tokyo and grew up there, too. I'm 26. I'm
a sales assistant at a printing company.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. I'm Shuto, 24,
seeking someone who wants to learn J. I
want to learn to speak E. I manage a store.
Please mail me if you'd like to learn J.
[email protected]
English and Japanese. Hi! I'm a
Japanese living in Tokyo. I'm seeking
a language exchange partner who can
teach E. In exchange, I'll teach you J. I'm
outgoing, and have lots of hobbies (like
music, travel, movies, etc.). Let's learn
and have fun! [email protected]
English and Japanese. Seeking a
serious language exchange partner, no
romance. I'm a JF, 30. I'd like to meet
weekdays after work. If you're interested
in a serious exchange, let's give it a try.
[email protected]
2.4 HOUSE SHARE
ROOM IN APARTME NT IN
YA M AT O . S e e k i n g s o m e o n e ,
preferably female, to share
a p a r t m e n t i n Ya m a t o - s h i ,
Kanagawa-ken, on Sotetsu/
Odakyu Line ¥35,000/m. fikori@
yahoo.com
2.6 BUY/SELL PREMISES
HOUSE FOR SALE IN USAMI, 2LK,
t wo toilets, wood stove, large
su n d e ck , l o ck u p g ar a g e, t wo
floors (35sqm each), freehold land,
overlooking Usami Bay surf beach
¥4.5 million. Negotiable. Private
sale by owner. [email protected].
ne.jp 090-9819-1558
3 EDUCATION
CREA-UN UENO. Furnished
private rooms, w/digital
locks, near Asakusa, Ueno,
Skytree. Safe area, femaleonly, roof top garden w/
nice view, BBQ space, free
bicycle. From ¥56,000/m.
Utilities included. No key
money/guarantor. crea-un.
[email protected] http://
w w w. s a k u r a - k o - b o . c o m
03-6912-0692
English and Japanese. Open-minded
Japanese female, 23-40, sought for
language exchange and socializing.
Serious only. Call Bobby at 090-55896864 or 080-8118-4073 or email
[email protected].
English and Japanese. Japanese, 22,
seeking someone who wants to learn J
and teach me E. I'm not a professional
teacher. Prefer meeting at a cafe or
anywhere for conversation. How about
Shibuya? [email protected]
CRE ATIVE SO LUTION S .
Specialists in branding, web design,
photo/video production. Drawing A
Crowd: a new approach in design. Get
in touch. [email protected]
2 FIND A PLACE
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
English and Japanese. JF seeks an
exchange partner in the daytime on
weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. [email protected]
French and Japanese. Frenchman, 31,
living in Yokohama, working in Tokyo. I
would like to improve my Japanese and
can help you with your French in return.
Mostly available on weekdays after
work. See you soon. joji.kikukawa.jp@
gmail.com
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
Mandarin and English. British expat
living in Tokyo. I want to speak some basic
Mand. I know nothing, so I need someone
who can speak E and teach me the basics.
[email protected]
日本語と英語。 僕はイギリス人.
毎日日本 語を勉 強してる. で も
言 語 交 換にいつも失 敗しちゃう.
[email protected]
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
3.9 TEACH ME!
T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G L I S H
LESSONS. Working towards
becoming an English-to-Japanese
translator, but need help polishing
my English. Can translate simple
documents in exchange for
English lessons. michiane256@
gmail.com
Teach me English in exchange for
karate. Do you want to learn real karate?
I can teach you one of the major styles
of traditional Japanese karate. We
can exchange for your English lesson.
[email protected]
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Cabinet, teak, large, for TVs, in very good
condition ¥29,000. Firm. Minato-ku.
[email protected]
Sofa, Italian, sits three, black leather,
uniquely crafted bowed sides ¥50,000.
W/delivery within Tokyo ¥60,000. Okubo.
[email protected]
Stand, teak, for T V or book s
(L125xW41.5xH75cm) ¥5500. paola@
yogasan.net 03-6751-1664
4.2 APPLIANCES
Heater, Koizumi KCH-0840/P, almost
new, in very good condition. Cash
only. Pick up Aoyama-Itchome. Photos
available. [email protected]
080-4863-0505
Laminator, w/pouch film ¥4000.
[email protected]
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Plant pots, air
humidifier, photo frame, Japanese study
books. Cheap. Details available. yannu@
hotmail.com
Sayonara sale! Dance Dance Revolution
kit, w/DVD ¥1000. iPad Air 16GB, Wi-Fi,
silver, hardly used ¥35,000. Firm.
[email protected]
4.6 FOR KIDS
Karate gi and belt, for kids 3-12
years old ¥300+. gnbkaijpn@gmail.
com
Potty-training seat, green, frogsh ap e d, c u shio n e d, w / h an dle s,
never used ¥2000. Wooden walker
(H51xW35.5xD34.5cm), w/various
toys attached ¥5000. Pick up Keio/JR
Hashimoto Stn or nearby. chinami35@
yahoo.co.jp
Windbreaker, Puma, size 130cm,
black, in good condition ¥1000.
Gloves, cap and muffler. Cheap. Pick
up or chakubarai. Photos available.
[email protected]
4.7 FOR FREE
Fridge, National NR-B 17 1J-R
(480x584x1293mm); table, easy to
assemble. Near Nezu Stn, Chiyoda
L i n e . m s a . j a p a n @ h o t m a i l .c o m
090-9109-5326
Washer, LG, drum-style, old but still does
the job, hot water function does not work.
Pick up only Sangenjaya. japanjohan@
yahoo.co.jp
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS
T O U N D E R S TA N D N AT U R A L
JAPANESE CONVERSATION. Free
podcast for listening practice.
Still don't understand what
native Japanese speakers are
saying? Check the free Japanese
podcast to enhance your listening
comprehension! www.facebook.
com/JapaneseListeningAdvanced
[email protected]
Tr i a l l e s s o n , i n c l u d i n g a l l
materials ¥4000. No Japanese
necessary. Certification,
diploma can be earned. Three
classroom locations in Tokyo.
Website: w w w.atelier-soka.
com/english/index.html
Email: [email protected]
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Cookbook, Nigel Slater's "The 30-Minute
Cook," UK version, paperback, brandnew ¥3000. Pick up Hashimoto Stn.
[email protected]
IKEBANA (JAPANESE
TRADITIONAL FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful
means of self-expression.
Movies, Italian, 50 available, w/
Japanese subtitles ¥20,000/all. Not
for sale individually. tocco_di_classe@
hotmail.com
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
6 VEHICLES
6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Benz C180 Wagon Kompressor, '05,
Avantgarde limited edition, black, ETC,
leather seats, Exon lights, aluminum
wheel, 120,000km, shaken until May '16,
all taxes paid ¥500,000. Firm. No dealers
or auction sites. [email protected]
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Bikes, two available, in good condition:
mountain bike ¥8000. Marukin shopping
bike ¥4000. ¥10,000/both. spa179@
hotmail.com 090-3804-4043
Electric bike, bought July '14 in
Akihabara, almost as new, w/receipt,
manual and charger ¥50,000. msa.
[email protected] 09091095326
Mamachari, three-speed, durable, two
y/o, in excellent condition ¥8000. Can
deliver up to four stations from Ueno.
[email protected] 09091095326
Trailer, Adventure A1, for up to two
children, seat folds for transporting
cargo, max load 36kg, folds flat with
quick-release wheels, 10.8kg, as new,
hardly used ¥20,000. Can ship. morrison_
[email protected] 080-3474-0313
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
Mobile phone, prepaid ¥3500.
[email protected]
Please, if interested, let us come to an
agreement. samueladonkor@gmail.
com 090-6152-6274
10.2 SUPPORT
N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e
to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free,
anonymous English counseling
daily from 9am-11pm by trained
v o l u n t e e r s ( 0 3 - 5 7 74 - 0 9 9 2 ) .
TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual
p s ych o t h e r a py by a cc re d i te d
Western-trained professionals,
a CIGNA International Provider
(03 - 4550 -1146). TELL website:
w w w.telljp.com. Follow us
o n F a c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r @
TokyoLifeLine.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t
anything. From emergency
assistance to simple questions. Visit
www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,”
or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer
or support, please contact team@
jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com
7.2 FASHION
Clothes, men's: brown coat ¥1000.
Long-sleeved, LL Bean, size L, gray ¥300.
Raincoat, Cecilene, size M, ivory ¥600.
Pick up or chakubarai. Photo available.
[email protected]
Sneakers. Geox fashion sneakers, size
US 11/EU 44, new, unopened. New $150.
Make an offer in yen. [email protected]
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS
File folders, B1, three available ¥750/
all. Pick up or chakubarai. Photo
available. [email protected]
Sink unit, Noritz, new, hardly used
¥30,000. [email protected]
090-7704-8687
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
Benz C class wagon, '08-'10 model,
black or white. No dealers or auction
guys. [email protected]
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Monitor, widescreen ¥2000. gnbkaijpn@
gmail.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
F R E E E N G LI S H -TO -JA PA N E S E
TR A N S L ATI O N . Wo rk in g
towards becoming a translator
and need prac tice with simple
d o c u m e n t s . H ave ex p e r i e n ce
working in law office,
accounting, HR, advertising and
sales. [email protected]
Climate expert needed. Need a
guest speaker to appear on a YouTube
streaming show. assassin.wolves.films@
gmail.com
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE . Fif t y- one year s ago,
West Papua should have been an
independent country. Since 1969,
West Papua has been invaded
and the people robbed of their
rights, culture and country. Help
support West Papuans’ desire to
be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/
[email protected]
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
TOK YO. If you have a problem
with drinking, we can help.
English-speaking meetings daily.
03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.
org http://aatokyo.org
H I V Pe e r Su p p o r t g ro u p a n d
workshops. Get together with people in
the same boat as you, who understand.
Held in a safe, considerate, 100%
confidential setting to discuss what’s
on your mind, ask questions and make
new friends. info@peersupporttokyo.
com www.peersupporttokyo.com
Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo
is an infertility support group that
provides informal opportunities for
women and men experiencing infertility
to connect with one another. Please visit
website for more info. admin@ttctokyo.
org www.ttctokyo.org
10.3 LOST FRIENDS
Seeking Mindy. Is Mindy Mack, a
petite blonde teaching assistant from
LA, still in Tokyo? Any info appreciated.
[email protected]
11 MESSAGES
HAPPY 38TH BIRTHDAY, YOTCH!
Thank you for always being with me.
Since you became my husband, my
life has gotten so much easier and
happier. I hope you stay healthy
and that I die before you do.
With love, Akane
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
PARTY - SPRING FESTIVAL.
Sat, Apr 25, 6:30-9pm, Bar
Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http://
getyourfriend.com/mobile/
[email protected] http://
w w w.get your frien d.com /
090-1735-5405
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
[email protected]
I NTE RN ATI O N A L PA RT Y
A T L E A F C U P. C o m e j o i n
us and have fun. Men:
¥3000. Foreigners/women:
¥ 2 0 0 0. A l l - y o u - ca n - d r i n kand-eat. Iidabashi and
Yokohama: Apr 18 and May 2.
Shibuya: Apr 25 and May 9.
www.leafparty.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
Professional oil massage wanted.
Seeking a professional or student
masseur. Can pay ¥7000/90min or
exchange English or Italian. Serious
only. No shiatsu—only aroma oil
massage. Thanks. alinjap@yahoo.
com
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.
One year (24 issues) ¥3600
(c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s ,
7-100 copies ok ¥22,560).
Half year (12 issues) ¥1800
(c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s ,
7-100 copies ok ¥12,000).
Bank transfer or credit card
(Visa, Mastercard, Diners
Club). D etail s at ht t p: //
metropolisjapan.com/
subscription.
Sponsorship. Ten years’ experience
in cafe/bar work, including working at
international hotels. I’d like to open
a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship.
Individuals and companies are welcome.
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR
YOU R S PEC IA L SO M EO N E !
Write any thing, from bir thday
messages to proposals. http://
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.
MiniDV HDV tape reader. Does anyone
have a camera or deck with which I could
read and capture MiniDV HDV tapes?
[email protected]
11.2 CUPID'S MESSAGES
A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H
F O OT B A L L . N o n - c o n t a c t t a g
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby
League players. We play ever y
Sat from 10am in Tatsumi. M/F
and beginners welcome! Good
exercise and fun! M any other
activities, such as BBQs and
drinking parties! Email for details.
[email protected]
http://ameblo.jp/tokyo13warriors
A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby
League team is seeking Rugby
Le a g u e p l aye r s f o r J a p a n e s e
Ru g by Le a g u e of f icia l g am e s
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
[email protected]
FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join
us for social or competitive touch
rugby ever y Sat at 2:30pm by
Ariake Stn, Yurikamome Line. Any
age, sex, level ok. Please email
for details. funwithtouch@gmail.
c o m w w w. f u n w i t h t o u c h .c o m /
where-we-play
P L AY R U G B Y. T h e To k y o
Crusaders are a friendly but
keen international rugby club.
D evo te d to t h e g am e an d i t s
social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays
in the Shuto League 1st Division.
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.
com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
sp or t from S cotland . Using a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ [email protected]
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
[email protected]
Badminton club in Tokyo. Small
international group seeks players from
abroad. If you know basic footwork,
strokes and play seriously, you
could definitely enjoy playing with
us. [email protected] www.
geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html
Baseball player. Japan Amateur
Baseball team is seeking players for
baseball games and practices. We play
every Sat and Sun in Yokohama City.
Everyone welcome. Email for details.
[email protected]
Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Football /soccer players. Tokyo
Redstar, Setagaya League 1, is seeking
soccer players. Practice almost every
Sat/Sun in Tokyo. Players in a spirit of
fair play welcome. saito987@hotmail.
com http://tokyoredstar.com
Futsal in Tokorozawa. Sun night
futsal? Mostly 30-45 year olds, every
Sun evening, non-league, but mildly
competitive. Come and play for exercise
and fun! Any age and nationality ok.
[email protected]
Futsal players wanted by a very friendly
international team. Practice is in Tokyo
and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available.
[email protected]
AMERICAN FOOTBALL.
N ihon Unis ys B ulls , X league
Central Division, seeks fit players
w/US college football experience
for all positions. Practice every
Sat/Sun from 10am-3pm (including
meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time
and venue subject to change).
Attendance at practice must be
ove r 6 0% . Pl e ase co nt ac t fo r
tryout info and send your profile to
team admin. bullsxleague@gmail.
co m h t t p: // w w w.u n i s y s .co. j p/
football
Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team
in Tokyo seeking people who can enjoy
the game with others. Please introduce
yourself (age, nationality, where you
live, whether you belong to another
team). [email protected]
Gaelic football in Japan. Japan Gaelic
Athletic Association is always seeking
new members, M/F ok. No experience
necessary. Great way to meet new
people and get fit at the same time.
[email protected] www.facebook.
com/japangaa
Quality football. Interested in playing
football at the weekend and training
midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers
after a good run out? If you consider
yourself a quality player, please drop
us a note. [email protected]
Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts.
Free training group for samurai and
ninjutsu fighting arts. Vigorous, but safe
and intelligent, one-on-one, or small
group training depending on the day.
Spiritual refinement is a key element.
[email protected]
Seeking Japanese archery
companions. Let’s do kyudo near
Tokyo. Once/month for three hours,
weekends only. See website for details.
[email protected] http://
jmty.jp/tokyo/com-spo/article-qa3g
Table tennis in Minato-ku. Hi,
our international team is seeking
experienced players. You need to be
living or working in Minato-ku and
commit to play ten times/year on
Sundays (all day). No beginners, please.
[email protected]
Tennis in central Tokyo. Active group of
tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes
serious/motivated new players. We play
on weekday evenings and weekends.
Different levels (sorry, no beginners),
fun training sessions and games with
great people from all over. tennis.
[email protected]
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese
and foreign volleyball players gather
in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing.
Have volleyball experience and want
to play in a friendly atmosphere?
inter [email protected] http://
intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
Women’s soccer club. Five-a-side,
11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or
three practices/matches on Sun. All
nationalities, experience level s,
beginners welcome. Happy and friendly
club! We have many socials. djnorio@
hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
weekends. Subscribe to mailing list
for latest details. tokyoweekenders@
gmail.com http://tokyoweekenders.
jimdo.com
13.3 ARTS
Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in
Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate
our love of the Bard. Come to read, or just
to listen. All nationalities welcome, no
experience necessary! rchrd_schwartz@
yahoo.com http://groups.yahoo.com/
group/Shakespeare-sama
13.4 MUSIC
A capella/singers. I want to meet
people who sing well, can harmonize,
are interested in a capella, and can meet
once/month in Tokyo. Doo wop, Nylons.
I'm a baritone-tenor, but can sing bass
vox-perc, too! [email protected]
Bassist wanted around Yokohama.
We mainly play rock music and have
rehearsals in Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of
player is welcome, so feel free to contact
us. [email protected]
Female singer wanted. I'm a drummer
and I can write songs on the piano. I want
to make a friend and I want a great singer!
If you think you are a good singer, please
email me. [email protected]
Seeking a capella singer and
voice percussionist. We're
two a capella singers, with
great singing experience,
living in Tokyo, seeking alto,
tenor and voice percussionist.
Rehearsals in Shinjuku and
Shibuya. We'll start with
Pentatonix songs. konpeiioi@
yahoo.co.jp
Singer sought to make a new duo.
Japanese male guitarist in the Tokyo
area. Let's play and make music together!
Beginners welcome. I like pop/rock. riku_
[email protected]
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
WEEKEND AWAY? Inn By The Sea
Kamakura, a 4min walk from
Hase Stn, offers child-friendly
accommodation near the
D a i b u t s u , H a s e Te m p l e,
Yuigahama Beach and many
other Kamakura landmarks.
Find us on Facebook at
I n n B yTh e S e a Ka m a k u r a .
innbytheseakamakura.com
[email protected]
MACARTHUR HEIGHTS.
Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l
Douglas MacArthur did! One
hour from Tokyo by car or direct
train. Beautiful cabins on the
ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping.
[email protected]
Tokyo ET contact group. Join us
beneath the stars as we endeavor
to make contact with ET visitors and
their craft. Our next ET contact event
will be on Apr 18/19 on Mount Mitake,
Tokyo. [email protected] www.
meetup.com/Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/
events/193113322/
Japanese home cooking. Japanese
housewife offers free home cooking
lessons to females at her house near
Kawasaki Stn on weekdays during
the day. Free, but you pay the cost of
ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@
ezweb.ne.jp
Tabletop roleplaying games. I'm
looking to form a group of Englishs p e a k i n g t a b l e to p r o l e p l a y i n g
gamers to meet on Sun or every
other Sun in Tokyo. No experience
necessary. Contact me if interested.
[email protected]
Tokyo Extreme Weekenders. For
those who like to escape into nature
to enjoy four seasons of adventure and
activities with like-minded people, our
purpose is to have fun and fulfilling
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do
you want to explore your own mind?
Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun,
6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International
practitioners, beginners welcome,
Japanese spoken. Please call 090-35983072 for more info. [email protected]
www.diamondway.jp
Evening Buddhism study circle.
Theories of the Lotus Sutra and practical
application to life led by Dominick
Scarangello, PhD, at Ikuseikan, 3min
from Tokyo Metro Nakano-Fujimicho Stn.
1-15-1 Wada, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. Free.
[email protected] http://
www.ibc-buddhism.info/Dominick.html
03-5341-1230
Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always
thought it would be interesting to try
it—why not now? Join us Fri evenings at
Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our home
page. [email protected]
www.wgthorpe.com
13.8 PROFESSIONAL
Tokyo Traders Club. International
club for traders and investors. Discuss
opportunities in stocks, commodities and
forex. Many regular events, including FX
trading workshop. New to trading? No
problem; beginners also welcome. You
can also learn to trade. Join free! info@
tokyotraders.com www.tokyotraders.com
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Iwnstitute) is a non-profit,
member-run organization that sponsors
activities (seminars, cultural events,
conferences) for those wanting to further
develop intercultural competencies
and meet other interculturalists. yuko.
[email protected] www.
japanintercultural.org
29
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
JOBS
The most exciting tailor in Tokyo
CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED
BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi,
S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g
enthusiastic, prof icient English,
French, Spanish and/or German
speakers who can teach and lead
lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.
A p p l y o n l i n e : h r @ l e a f c u p .co m
www.leafcup.com/job.php
- We offer classic and avant-garde garments, shoes and accessories
- We speak English, German and Japanese
- Designer who studied at GIEVES & HAWKES is of your assistance
- We accept credit cards and ship overseas. No reservation required
- Suits from ¥80,000, shirts from ¥8,900, plus tax
Central Aoyama 1F, 4-1-3 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
Mon, Tue, Fri 12:00-20:00/Sat, Sun 11:00-20:00/Wed, Thu Closed
Tel: 03-6438-9563 Email: [email protected]
www.loudgarden.com | www.facebook.com/loudgarden.tokyo
JOIN US IN INTRODUCING JAPAN TO
THE WORLD. S eeking energetic ,
bilingual individuals with a passion
for travel and interest in tourism.
We offer excellent career paths and
promotion prospects and are an
equal-opportunity employer. Our
workplace is conveniently located
2min from Roppongi Stn. Positions
available include account manager,
d e s i g n e r, d e v e l o p e r, p r o j e c t
manager. Visit our jobs page for
details. To apply, please send your
resume to [email protected].
http://en.japantravel.com/jobs
J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P.
J a p a nTr a v e l . c o m i s s e e k i n g
E/J bilingual interns to join the
largest tourism website in Japan.
Multiple opportunities in content,
sales/marketing and web/design.
Work in an exciting, global
environment in Roppongi.
Transportation and business expenses
provided. No salary, minimum three
months, chance for full-time position.
Please send your resume (E/J) to
[email protected].
WANT TO HELP CREATE METROPOLIS?
We’re seeking social media, web, and
editorial interns. Great opportunity
to gain experience in a multimedia
company ! To apply, send intro
letter, CV and relevant clips to
[email protected].
Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょなる.
Nihongo Club International is a volunteer
group to help foreign people learn
Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action
Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 7-9pm.
[email protected]
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
American couple seeking Japanese
couple for fun times! Inquisitive American
couple, mid-30s, seeking Japanese
couple for friendship and exploring
Tokyo. Please be fit, fun and willing to
try new things! 日本語 ok! cook_on_
[email protected]
Interested in Britain? Professional British
guy working near Marunouchi is seeking
30
To advertise:
[email protected]
03-4588-2277
STAY IN JAPAN WITH HIGH EARNING
POTENTIAL AND VISA. We are seeking
highly driven individuals who want
to sell vehicles to Americans on
US Military bases in Japan. Must
be a US citizen. Visa provided,
plus health insurance and training.
First year income guarantee:
$2700/m. Annual potential:
$ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 . j klos e @m il i t a ry ca r s .
com w w w.militaryautosource.com
82-10-5398-4267
ZEROTTA ADVANCE NEEDS
IT ENGINEER IN TSUKIJI.
ゼロッタアドバンス株式会社概要：IT業界のベンチ
ャー企業、コンサル・設計・構築・運用までを一貫
して対応　募集職種：技術系　仕事内容：ユーザサ
ポート(英語)　応募資格：日英バイリンガル・基本
的なWinPC/サーバスキル　勤務地：築地　勤務時
間：裁量労働制　標準労働時間：8時間00分/日　給与：月給 25 ～60万円（歩合制、賞与2回/年(2ヵ
月分)インセンティブあり）　手当て：社会保険制
度、交通費支給あり　連絡先：soumu@zerotta.
co.jp
WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on
hotels, restaurants and bars to offer
our high-quality wines at incredible
prices. Candidates should be
confident, J/E bilingual, passionate
about wine, love fine dining and travel,
have experience in sales, wine or both.
Full-time (Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm).
Position available immediately. Please
send cover letter and resume to
[email protected].
メトロポリスはバイリンガル（日英）の営業スタッフ
を募集しています。是非、私達の広告マーケティン
グチームに加わりませんか！ 応募条件：責任感を
もって勤勉に取り組める方、協調性があり、意欲を
持って主体的に働ける方を募集しています。営業経
験のある方は歓迎します。フルタイム (Mon-Fri,
9 : 3 0 a m - 6 : 3 0 p m) で 働ける方に限りま
す。[email protected]
interesting people to hang out with after
work for drinks. Any nationality ok. Prefer
someone with an interest in the UK. I'm late
30s, speak some Japanese and Korean.
[email protected]
JF seeking female friends. I'm
30, seeking female friends who
can hang out for dining, drinking or
something else. Any nationality is fine.
[email protected]
JF seeking new friends for drinks after
work, cafes, movies or something like
that. Not seeking romance or one-night
stand. Only serious and nice people,
please. [email protected]
Kichijoji. British guy living in Kichijoji.
I am seeking some people also living in
Kichijoji to hang out, have drinks, etc. All
my friends are in central and it would be
cool to know someone more local. Any
nationality. [email protected]
Not Japanese? UK chap, internationally
traveled, working near the Imperial
Palace, seeking international people
for drinks and chats after work. Any nonJapanese nationality ok. Tell me your
story in a few lines when you contact me.
[email protected]
Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF,
early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with
in central Tokyo. [email protected]
Sunday friends. Western guy, enjoys
hiking, relaxing at beach, kayaking,
seeking friends with free Sun to enjoy
places like Izu, the lakes, shrines, onsen,
picnics. かんたんなにほんごだい
じょぶ。Say hello. scorpiosrealm@
hotmail.co.uk
Tokyo Stn. Male, English, living and
working in Tokyo, seeking easygoing
people for drinks, chats after work
around Tokyo Stn, Shimbashi, etc. This is
not for language exchange. Please tell me
about yourself when you reply. m3_3m@
outlook.com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
Marriage. Single man living and
studying in Tokyo seeking marriage with
a gentle and kind woman. faraponne@
gmail.com
Mature and sophisticated Japanese,
some have said charming, seeking an
elegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dream
about wild nights as well as sharing the
simple pleasures of love. Is that you?
[email protected]
Mature and sophisticated nonJapanese, some have said deluded, is
seeking an elegant, passionate and kind
SHF (“So Humorous Female”). I dream
about wild nights as well as sharing the
simple pleasures. [email protected]
S E E K I N G A S U G A R DA D DY ?
Safely meet rich and elite
men while having fun and
making money. We are a
members-only dating club
with strict rules. Foreign and
Japanese executives, lawyers,
celebrities. Not an escort
clu b. N o ch ar g e fo r fe m ale
members. 0120 - 675 - 858(E)
[email protected]
ht t p: //u ni ve r s e - clu b.j p/e n /
women
Pasta and wine. Freshly cooked pasta,
a glass of wine, soft romantic music
playing in the background. What more
could I need? A woman to share this
evening with. Tall English male seeking
you, if you're serious. Nonsmokers only.
[email protected]
Aroma massage. Would you like a nice,
relaxing aroma oil massage? Amateur
masseur seeks mature massage partners
to practice on. I can meet anywhere
in central Tokyo. I speak English and
Japanese. [email protected]
Seeking chubby, serious JF. European
guy, 40, open-minded, easygoing,
honest, faithful, seeks a JF who can
meet up soon (not too many emails)
for a long-term relationship. Let's meet
up over coffee and talk. niman429@
yahoo.com
California man seeking nice JF. SWM,
45, outgoing, successful, good-looking.
I live in Santa Monica near the beach.
I would like to meet a nice JF, 35-45.
[email protected]
Caring and cute JM seeks attractive,
hearty, nonsmoking Western female for
friendship. I simply would like to share
fun, interesting and great experiences
with you. If you feel the same way, just
drop me a line. [email protected]
Chinese woman wanted. English guy,
doesn't like Japanese women much,
seeking a Chinese living in Tokyo.
I'm nice. Contact me. summerfunk@
googlemail.com
Cute and interesting JM for SWF.
Seeking attractive Western female with
a nice smile. If you are interested in
chatting over coffee or nice food, please
contact me. I am looking forward to your
message. Just try once. juniperten2013@
gmail.com
Educated man. I am 28, 180cm, fluent
in Japanese and a researcher who is
working on epilepsy. I'm seeking a kind
woman, 20-35, for a good, long-term
relationship. [email protected]
French guy in California seeking JF.
Successful Frenchman, 46, seeking a
JF for long-term leading to marriage. I
enjoy the beach, surfing, concerts and
restaurants. If you plan to travel to
LA, I can show you around. dancsurf@
hotmail.com
Fun-loving American businessman
in Tokyo. Hi, I am seeking a fun-loving
woman to meet while I am in Tokyo. How
about dinner and drinks after work? I
come to Tokyo often. Email me, please.
[email protected]
Girlfriend. Japanese man, 45, decent,
cultured, with a good sense of humor,
seeking a lady of any age, Japanese or
foreign, to enjoy friendship. gnbkaijpn@
gmail.com
Plus-size woman. Japanese man,
40s, gentle, open-minded, romantic,
seeks chubby girlfriend for a long-term
relationship. Any age, nationality ok.
Please do not hesitate—you are a lovely
woman. [email protected]
Seeking large Japanese girlfriend.
Canadian guy, 40s, open-minded, gentle,
romantic, positive, seeks overweight
girlfriend for long-term relationship in
Tokyo. Serious only, please. bbalajan@
yahoo.com
Love don't cost a thing. I'm black, you're
Japanese; I'm male, you're female—
let's build a relationship based on trust
and sincerity. I don't need your money,
you don't need mine. Distance is not a
barrier! Let love lead... Serious only.
[email protected]
Happy relationship. I am seeking
a good, long-lasting relationship,
hopefully leading to marriage. If you
have the same thing in mind, please let
me know. I am a Japanese female, 40.
[email protected] Happy
relationship
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
Mountain view. If you are fond of
the aurora, stars, snow, mountains,
animals, the other dimensions... we
might have a chance. I am a SJF, 50, fit,
open-minded, artistic, intelligent and
love all the above. oriontopleiades@
gmail.com
www.dubliners.jp
Perfect season for a new start!
Working single mother, 30s. Too busy
to find a date, yet would like to go out
with a gentleman, 40s-50s. Casual
first, but hopefully leading to a longterm relationship. bluemermaiduk@
yahoo.com
Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s,
positive, romantic, honest, a gentleman,
seeks a JF, 40s-50s, for a long-term
relationship. [email protected]
Seeking Parisienne. Affluent and
excellent Japanese architectural
engineer is seeking an attractive
Parisienne who can speak English. I
visited Paris two years ago and would
like to know more about the city. Give me
the hot info on Paris now. imak1_2_3@
yahoo.co.jp
Rebirth our lives. Seeking love and a
relationship, eventually partnership.
Japanese female, people say attractive
and sweet yet intriguing and unique,
seeking a well-educated, active, smart
gentleman with a positive outlook on
life. Singles only. I am 40s. amrita_
[email protected]
Seeking some fun with a SJM? Cool,
tall, witty Japanese male is seeking some
fun with a single white female in Tokyo.
We can start from friends. You're single;
I'm single—life is too short. Why waste
time? [email protected]
Seeking new love. Attractive JF, 30s,
just out of a relationship. I want to meet
someone new. Serious only, please.
[email protected]
Single, handsome, caring and witty
Japanese male seeks a nice Western
or Japanese female for friendship and
possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred.
If you are interested in exciting and
happy times with me, email me now!
[email protected]
Tall for small. Tall WM, slim,
professional, seeking small JF, openminded, normal, loves ice cream. Should
I meet you? summerfunk@googlemail.
com
Western girl? Let's start from friends!
Sick of creepy JMs hitting on you in the
street, looking at "charisma men" who
only go for Japanese girls, and being lost
in translation? Cool Japanese man right
here for you. [email protected]
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
DUBLINERS’ SHIBUYA
13th ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Fri, April 24 | All Day
Join Metropolis for their
April Getsumatsu Party from
7pm to 1am!
Pints of
draught beer
¥500
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
LOVE-SONG LOVER. Romantic,
mature guy seeking another
nonsmoking guy for friendship,
interesting activities around town,
maybe more. Tall, dark brown
hair, average buil d . S ense of
humor along with independence
important. Happy to exchange face
photos and chat first. ming@zar.
att.ne.jp
(Guinness, Kilkenny, Yebisu)
Friends and fun. Japanese guy, 27,
170, 65, good-looking, seeking friends
and fun in/around Tokyo. Please reply
w/face photo and stats. Thanks. kcv@
hotmail.co.jp
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | [email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Lesbian friends and girlfriend sought
by JF, nonsmoker. Hope to make good
friendship and more. My English isn't
great. Serious females only! No couples.
[email protected]
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
03-5951-3614 | [email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g029000/
Seeking bi female to go to Tokyo
Rainbow Pride with American couple.
He is straight, she is bi. 日本語 ok!
[email protected] http://
tokyorainbowpride.com/
14.5 ESCORTS
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE
C R E AT E O P P O R T U N I T I E S
for elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date, take the night where you
want it to go. Fresh, young
w o m e n j o i n o u r c l u b eve r y
day. Try our free one-month
trial offer: first date is on us!
0120-675-858 (English)
[email protected]
http://universe-club.jp/en
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Love the outdoors? I love hiking,
cycling, camping, snowshoeing. I'm
seeking a strong man to share the
outdoors with. From Oregon, USA,
47, now in Kanagawa. I desire a real
connection with a native English
speaker. Nonsmoker and unattached,
please. [email protected]
Rare discovery! Warmhear ted,
attractive, positive, slim SJF, enjoys
cooking, hiking, working, art, seeks
gentle, attractive, successful Caucasian
in central Tokyo who wants to raise
a loving family. What's important is
trust, respect and stimulating each
other. Photo necessary. sorosoroaitai@
yahoo.co.jp
Handsome Italian man seeking sexy,
feminine and fun to be with! Let's go
and explore new places and enjoy life.
You must be financially independent.
I'm seeking a partner, not a daughter.
No childish girls—real women, please.
[email protected]
Japanese male seeks a new friend.
Is anyone seeking a good relationship
here? I don't want affairs; I want a real
relationship with a special female. I'm a
SJM, cool and honest, not a party animal,
love freedom. getloud999-hello@yahoo.
co.jp
AMERICAN, CANADIAN,
EUROPEAN OR JAPANESE MAN,
45 +, kind, f inancially secure,
de cent , sought by at trac ti ve,
cheerful, nice lady for friendship or
a serious relationship. I am serious,
and I hope to meet a really nice
man. I believe in love. Write with
photo. [email protected]
Shinjuku
Ikebukuro
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |[email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008214/
Akasaka
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
03-3539-3615 | [email protected]
r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Shinagawa
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
03-6718-2834 | [email protected]
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008220/
ESCORTS have gone online.
To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y
co m p a nio n , v i s it ht t p: //
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/
category/personals/escorts.
14.6 AND OTHERS
T R A N C E PA R T I E S . A t t r a c t i ve
couple (European/Japanese) is
seeking one or two women to join
us for dinners and trance parties.
All expenses paid—just enjoy.
[email protected]
31
RELATIONS
THE PROBLEM WITH PET NAMES
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
I love using “pet names” with my husband. For all of you who don’t know,
a pet name is an affectionate (albeit slightly ridiculous) way of addressing
someone you’re romantically involved with. They’re very popular among
high school and college-aged couples in America—but for some reason,
they never caught on in Japan. I call my husband “hun,” “sweetheart,”
or “babe,” and he calls me “honey,” “pretty girl,” and “boo-chan.” Roll
your eyes all you want; I think it’s adorable.
愛称で呼んだらダメかしら？
私は夫とお互いを愛称で呼び合う事が大好きです。愛称とは恋人などのあな
たとロマンチックな関係を持つ人を愛情を込めて呼ぶ呼び方の一つです。愛
称はアメリカの高校生や大学生カップルの間では非常に人気ですが、何故か
日本ではあまり広まっていません。私は夫の事を「hun」「sweetheart」や
「babe」と呼び、夫は私の事を「honey」「pretty girl」や「booちゃん」と
呼びます。どうぞ私達の事を笑いたかったら笑ってください。私は愛称はス
テキだと思ってますので。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 21-Jun 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jun 21-Jul 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Everything’s all jumbled up and you’re
taking the hits as they come, yet feeling like you’ve hit your stride. The truth
is, whatever project you’re championing, as the
south node conjuncts the Aries Moon on Friday,
you’ve done this all before, probably in a past
life. You may feel it’s ridiculous that you have to
come in and save someone, an organization, or
an institution when you’ve warned them all along.
But it’s the north node that settles your spirit; your
soul grows by leaps and bounds this week.
There are times when, as Taurus the
Bull, you charge forward. There are
others when you sit comfortably and
just appreciate. This is a week to sit only to rest,
as you salvage what you can of beliefs and love
worth saving. There’s not a moment to waste
as the Moon connects with the south node and
then Uranus. Taureans given the role of caretaker will also be expected to communicate the
importance of tending to self and others. Venus
is gearing up to write you a check.
Venus in your sign makes you beautiful inside and out. It’s OK to treat
yourself to that special haircut or
wardrobe accessory—in fact, others may expect
you to. There’s a focus on comfort, security, and
a desire to discuss it, but with the Moon in conjunction with the south node and Uranus, you’re
likely to be jumping through hoops of others’
making. If you have a secret desire to curl up with
a book or a Kindle, know that everyone needs a
cozy escape sometimes, and take the initiative.
Pallas Athene has just entered your
partnership sector. You could meet
someone quirky and delightful, as
long as the unusual doesn’t put you off. Pluto
is thundering through this sector of your chart
anyway, daring you to do what you want, not
what you should. It’s also possible someone’s
trying to get the upper hand, using a dominant
or “superior” position to get the better of you. If
so, remember to open your protective covering
only with strong backup present.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Scorpios are sexy and mysterious, which
makes you enticing. You may live for
privacy and hold onto a few secrets, but
only because you are the guardian of when it’s
time to release certain knowledge to the general
populace. What do you think about this being “the
week”? The Moon, south node, Uranus, and the
Sun are going to pull a few surprises because
that’s how freedom rings. While you can’t control
others’ actions, you sure can enjoy the results of
your own. Congratulations!
Mar 21-Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jul 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥♥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣
Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
CANCER
As a leadership sign, you’ve been
in tough situations before, so you’re
probably not surprised they’ve come
around again. You’re now more prepared, as
the subtle distinctions and obvious maneuvers
of others have been revealed. With Juno and
Jupiter in Leo, you can roar with more conviction as this financial goddess and thunderbolt
god stand beside you. You may have noticed
resources are thin, so be sure to enjoy what you
have with your usual generous nature.
This could be a quirky week for you,
more in the spirit of adventure than
weird. Neptune conjuncts Vesta
exactly in your house of partnership. You may
start out wondering why someone is so subtly
attractive, then realize they hold a storehouse
of wisdom and caring. Since you’re in line to
discover a treasure trove, open up your spirit
and request what you think will make your life
smooth, beautiful, and happy—you may just get
what you ask for.
A great week to fall in love with a
philosophy that lets you live the
way you want to. Venus in your solar
ninth house makes it easier to accept what
your soul is whispering. Beauty and love are
her domain, and she wants you to experience
this wherever you are. Travel is a great way to
see things with new eyes, and finances may
strengthen to pay for it. Things are wild in the
area of partnership and it could be useful to
have a few extra beliefs on hand.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Sagittarians love to shoot their arrows
to the sky, but you might not have been
expecting to actually hit a star. With
Saturn in your sign, you may be feeling a bit shy,
just when you’re asked to step out and speak
for a cause. This is a coming-of-age period for
Sag, regardless of how long you’ve been on the
planet. At whatever level you resonate, you’re
being handed the baton. You can turn it down,
only to discover they’ll just keep coming. Accept
the one that makes your heart sing.
You may not enjoy the crumbling
and chaos, but there are measures
still asking to be addressed before
the shaking stops. You can’t help having others
come to you for advice, even if you’re not feeling
on top of any pedestals at the moment. The Moon,
south node, Uranus, and the Sun all congregate
galactically to open a door you weren’t expecting.
Communications are slippery but the mystical is
ever more obvious and available to you.
Ceres in your sign is asking you to sit
down and rest a moment. You can balance out your week without losing all
the opportunities flying past. The main thing to
consider is what is being expressed by the current transit of the Moon, south node, Uranus, and
the Sun. What you hear, read, and say is likely to
change from moment to moment. Knowing this,
you can sift out what you need to remember and
act on, and what you can let the heavens take
care of. Find your niche and recline.
Neptune connects with Vesta precisely in Pisces this week. Don’t let
your ability to dream big or your desire
to help others keep you from asking for what you
want and need. The truth is, you’re intimately
connected with the universe, and it’s this which
makes your requests resonate in a sympathetic
field. The Moon adds feeling to the south node,
Uranus, and Sun combination on Friday. Blend
and stir the magic that is intrinsically yours.
Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
32
Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
PISCES
LINGO BOX
Ikeisei (異形成) = Dysplasia
Under a pilot program in Osaka, taxi
drivers who score a Grade 2 on the Eiken
English proficiency test will be allowed to
decorate their cabs with stickers that say,
“International Visitors Taxi.”
Mahi shita (麻痺した） = Paralyzed
the small print
Bōryoku (暴力) = Violence
Teiden (停電) = Blackout
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
Kankō (観光) = Tourism
stats
THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES
CHILD POVERTY AS A NATIONAL ISSUE IS A BIG STEP”
5.3 MILLION
—Aya Abe, a professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University, on a newly-launched
fund to help improve the lives of poor children
STRANGE DAYS
⊲Investigators
⊲
with Chubu Electric Power Co.
are at a loss to explain what caused a blackout
that left nearly half of all households in Nagano Prefecture without electricity last month.
⊲Government
⊲
officials say a Japanese tour
company’s decision to take a group of sightseers on an excursion to northern Niger is
“incomprehensible.”
⊲The
⊲
foreign ministry had cautioned citizens
to avoid the area because of activities by Islamist militants.
NOT ALL FUN & GAMES
⊲A
⊲ court in Fukuoka awarded ¥200 million to
a man who was paralyzed when he fell from
the shoulders of high school classmates during
a sports-day activity in 2003.
⊲The
⊲
man, now 29, was injured while taking
part in a game called kibasen, in which teams
of students stage “mock cavalry battles.”
⊲Authorities
⊲
at the health ministry have added
196 diseases—including muscular dystrophy
and a bone affliction called dysplasia—to their
Units of Toyota’s iconic
Crown luxury sedan that have been sold
since the model’s introduction 60 years
ago
list of illnesses for which sufferers can receive
financial assistance.
⊲The
⊲
payments now cover a total of 306 diseases that affect 1.2 million people.
31,377,000
Visitors to Tokyo Disneyland
and Tokyo DisneySea in 2014—a record
41
Percentage of government subsidies
allocated for March 11 disaster
reconstruction that have been used as
planned
FOREIGN(ER) AFFAIRS
⊲Officials
⊲
at the justice ministry say that, for
the first time in more than two decades, the
number of foreign residents who overstay
their visas is rising.
⊲The
⊲
officials say about 41,000 foreigners are
currently violating their visa status, which is
still way down from the peak of 299,000 in 1993.
⊲A
⊲ tourism promotion group in Asakusa held a
drill designed to help visitors from abroad deal
with being “far from home during a disaster.”
About 700 people took part.
⊲Authorities
⊲
at the environment ministry have
banned exports of Asian brown pond turtles.
They say the critters from Okinawa are being
threatened by overhunting.
nounced that they had investigated a record
59,072 cases of domestic violence last year.
⊲They
⊲
say the number was so high because
they’ve expanded the scope of investigations to include unmarried partners who live
together.
⊲The
⊲
number of stalking cases reported last
year—22,823—was also a record.
⊲Headline
⊲
of the Week: “Facial Recognition
System Sends Warning E-mails to Families of
Pachinko Addicts” (via Japan Today)
RISING UP, RISING DOWN
AND FINALLY…
⊲Authorities
⊲
at the National Police Agency an-
⊲As
⊲ part of a ¥3 billion fundraising effort, administrators at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto—
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—
have leased part of the grounds to property
developers, who are planning to build condos.
⊲Two
⊲
Japanese scientists were among the
six winners of the 2015 Canada Gairdner International Awards, which recognize achievements in medicine and which come with a prize
of $10,000 (Canadian).
⊲According
⊲
to the agriculture ministry, the
amount of land devoted to community farms
has increased 40 percent over the past decade.
⊲The
⊲
three prefectures with the most such
farms are Kanagawa (589), Tokyo (475) and
Aichi (343).
at a glance
BY ADAM GARWOOD
Check out Adam’s works at http://meturl.com/adam3
Small Print Updated Weekly
→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo
33
the last word
and the other unpleasant stuf f involved in
raising kids. No, thank
you.
Of course, that attitude was part of my BC
(Before Child) life, back
when I was the perfect
mother (it’s easy prechild). I would be fine on
my own, and surely my
husband’s occasional
presence would fill my
adult- conversation
quota.
But then something
unexpected knocked
me flat. I gave birth to
… a baby—a real, live,
cr ying, not sleeping,
what-the-heckshould- I - do -with-itfor-12-hours-each-day,
holy-jesus-mary-andjoseph-it-just-ateIllustration by Christi Rochin
incense -now-whatshould-I-do baby. I was
lonely. And so very, very lost.
I started dreaming of mama tomo.
At the park, I would sneak a glance
at groups of moms laughing away (at
poop -related stories, I’d jealously
think—how I long for those stories now!)
while their kids played. But I had no idea
how to approach them. Complicating
matters was nervousness about my
Japanese. Would I hinder conversations, needing extra or slower explanations? No, I just couldn’t make mama
BY HELEN A. LANGFORD
tomo. I was destined to be a lone-wolf
mother.
Until one day, my infant daughter
stared down a Western woman at the
park with her kids. She came over for a
chat, and introduced me to the wonderful world of mama tomo and mothers’
groups. I haven’t looked back since.
That woman changed not just my
life, but my daughter’s as well. And
Mama tomo (friends): there was a time while I don’t see her often, I owe her
when those two words would send me so much. All of my mama tomo, all of
running for the nearest exit. Friend- my daughter’s friends, my sanity, and,
ship based solely on child possession yes, happiness and contentment as a
seemed so silly. How could that pos- mother—they’re ours because of her,
because of the world of support she
sibly be enough?
Send your article to:
I pictured deadly dull “play dates,” and others welcomed us into.
editor@
Mothers’ groups offer shoulders to
where conversations revolved around
metropolisjapan.com
such thrilling topics as poop, weaning, cry on, an outlet for venting, smiling
Finding
Your
Village
Because it’s too hard
being a mom on your own
WANT
TO HAVE
THE LAST
WORD?
The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
34
WHETHER CYBER-BASED
OR FACE-TO-FACE,
MOTHERS’ GROUPS ARE
A GODSEND.”
faces as each other’s children blow out
birthday candles. There are cheers of
“you can do it!” and the ever-important
“I know what you’re going through; I’ve
been there, too.”
Whether cyber-based or of the
face-to-face variety, mothers’ groups
(fathers are usually welcome, too) are a
godsend. And it turns out that language
really isn’t much of a barrier after all.
I belong to four mothers’ groups
now, and many of my dearest friendships were born therein. There are
the local groups, huge Tokyo-based
ones, and even Japan-wide Facebook
groups. Most are welcoming of anyone
and everyone, though some focus on
foreign-born moms and dads only.
Yes—that’s important, too.
For all the fantastic friendships I’ve
built with Japanese moms and their
kids, there is something to be said for
belonging to a group where I can vent
about some of the more challenging
aspects of being a foreign mother in
Japan. Being able to do that without the
risk of offending my Japanese friends is
a relief because, let’s face it, no matter
where a person lives (home country
or not), there are going to be things a
person doesn’t like about the place.
Being able to talk freely about those
parts—and get advice on how to deal
with them positively—is a blessing.
Making new friends is never easy,
but as the saying goes, it takes a village
to raise a child (and protect a person’s
sanity—for some reason, that got left
out of the original). And it turns out that
having kids is a perfectly legitimate
place to start friendships. So, if you’re
lonely and overwhelmed, look for us
online, at the park, around town. Let
your mama (and papa) tomo be your
village. I promise you’ll be welcomed
with open arms.
■ Helen A. Langford is a writer, editor, innkeeper, and recent convert to oya-ko socializing.