Oct 17-30, 2014 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine CHECK OUR NEW WEBSITE! www.metropolisjapan.com 無料 PRICELESS TERROR FOR TOTS FREAKY FAMILY FUN DEAD ENDS TOKYO’S HAUNTED WALKS TRICK OR TREAT? PARANOIA VS GOOD PARENTING FIND A FAKE BOYFRIEND SCREAM SEASON PAINT THE TOWN DEAD AT FUTUROPOLIS OCT 30 IN TOKYO CLASSIFIEDS CAMP WITH THE VAMPS CHECK THE WATCH LIST SEE OUR HALLOWEEN SPECIAL DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES FOR TV? Looking for English & Chinese speakers Also Japanese, Spanish & French speakers 日本初上陸! NOW IN JAPAN! TOKYO CORRESPONDENT Fashion One broadcasts original programming to over 300 million people in 44 countries. We’re now looking for a Tokyo correspondent to join our worldwide operations. No fashion experience needed—just the right personality! Send your CV, cover letter, photo and/or video application, plus a link to any on-camera work to: http://www.fashionone.jp/casting 日本人テレビリポーター を募集しています! 日本初上陆! 我们正在面向全球招募中 文流利的电视台记者! ファッション ワンは世界44ヶ国、3億人以 上に発信している番組です。 你好,美女!想成为一名记者吗? 履歴書と、 プロファイル写真一枚を送って 下さい。 只要你拥有一副可爱的容貌,那就快快 もしあなたが映っている動画やリンク先 があれば、是非一緒に送って下さい。 你只需要给我们发送你的简历和照片。 http://www.fashionone.jp/casting http://www.fashionone.jp/casting 我们会是你的第一选择! 加入我们这支年轻的队伍吧! FACEBOOK等个人网页也欢迎! BE SEEN. BE THE SCENE. metropolis.co.jp/fashionone inside OCT 17-30, 2014 • #1073 EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to our ghoulish Halloween extravaganza! As we charge the batteries for our own freaky Futuropolis party on October 30, we’ve dug deep into the city’s hidden haunts to bring you the best of the scary season. From kids’s costume parades to adult fetish parties, check our primer to schedule your screams! 08 123RF Fright Nights: Check the city’s Halloween hotspots. 11 Terrify yourself at Trick or Treat Horror Dining, try tofu pumpkin pudding, or visit a Ghostbusters-themed café. Or why not find out why travelers were thought of as close to spirits on the Tokaido Road in Hakone? We’ve also got costume tips and a few notes on decoration etiqutte—anything to put the “brrr” in your October! 21 Photo: Misuterareta Scary Spaces: Exploring Japan’s abandoned areas. 123RF Pumpkin Patch: The DIY of trick-or-treat. Cover design & photography: Kohji Shiiki. Photo from the Fox Walking Dead Season 5 PR Event. Season 5 of The Walking Dead starts Sunday, October 19 at 10pm on Fox. The Fox Walking Dead Haunted House was presented in collaboration with Obaken Haunted House in Nakano-ku (http://obakensan.com/). Undead models: Andy Brown (foreground), Itsuki Tomiyama (background). GET PRINTED! SEND YOUR KŌYŌ (FALL LEAVES) PHOTOS FOR THE OCT 31 ISSUE. DEADLINE OCT 22 metropolis.co.jp/features/photo IN FOCUS A Derelict Grave: Kochiin Cemetery in Minato-ku, by Marky Star. Kochiin is a funerary temple of the Nanbu clan, which controlled parts of eastern Aomori during the Edo period. Although the temple was prosperous and had close ties to the Tokugawa shogunate, today it is a shadow of its former self. Search over 30 million photos 8F Nishi-Azabu Sonic Bldg, 3-2-12 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 Tel 03-4588-2277 Fax 03-4588-2278 • www.metropolisjapan.com METROPOLIS is Japan’s No.1 English magazine, founded in 1994 and published for Japan’s international community. ✓ 10 free starter credits with registration ✓ 25% credits bonus on purchase Promo Code: Metropolis www.123rf.com/metropolis CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Neil Butler EDITORIAL Mike Kanert (Managing Editor) Martin Leroux (Editor) Wendy Nguyen (Editorial Assistant & Social Media Manager) Anna Cock Gibson (Proofreader) Momoko Mochizuki, Nina Janezic (Interns) CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dan Grunebaum (Entertainment) Don Morton (Movies) C.B. Liddell (Arts) Samuel Thomas (Fashion) DESIGN Kohji Shiiki (Art Director) Davi Azevedo (Graphic Designer) WEB Minh Douangprachanh (Webmaster) James McGuire (Web Developer) PRODUCTION Helen Langford (Production Assistant) ADVERTISING Akane Ochi, Karl Nakashima, Niki Kaihara (Sales Managers) Yo Takahashi (Sales Executive) Ai Hosokawa (Sales Assistant) ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Keiko Adachi (Adminstration) Michiko Anezaki (Adminstration/Classifieds) IT Guilhem Malfre (It/Web Developer) MetropolisMagazine @MetropolisTokyo MetropolisTokyo [email protected] Reach over 60,000 Metropolis readers. Advertise with us: [email protected]; http://metropolis.co.jp/advertise 外国人集客なら6万人の読者を持つNo.1ブランド・メトロポリスをご活用ください。詳しくは:03-4588-2277 © Copyright 2014 Japan Partnership Inc. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or delete any advertisement without notice. 03 04 upfront LINGOIST scene around town COSTUME CRUNCH Photo by E Ghouls and goblins are terrorizing the streets, but sometimes deciding on your costume—or kosuchūmu—can be even scarier. The structure “X ni shimasu” is used when expressing a decision you’ve made after mulling over the options. Placed directly after the noun or gerund of your choice, it translates to “I’m going with…” or “I’ll make it…” How Would You Like That? JP EN JP EN Kosuchūmu wa nani ni shimasu ka? What will your costume be? Sō desu ne. SF-kei ni shimasu. Hmm... I’ll make it sci-fi-themed. Oct 2: The musical Chess presented by Tokyo International Players, Shinjuku Photo by Kohji Shiiki JP EN JP EN JP Uchū-jin no kosuchūmu ni shiyō to omotte imasu. I’m thinking of going with an alien costume. Sō desu ka. Dewa, watashi wa uchū-hikōshi no kosuchūmu ni shimasu. I see. Well then, I’ll go as an astronaut. K Oct 9: Fox Walking Dead Season 5 PR Event, Nakano-ku A N A C R 123RF EN Tatoeba? For example? O S S Photo by Rodger Sonomura 1 A 2 お Down 1. Heart of Saitama city, 2. Spirit or ghost from Japanese folklore, 3. White horse, 5. Medicine, 6. Sea otter. 3 4 5 6 Across 1. Cage, 3. To pay, 4. Exorcism, 7. Chestnut, 8. Moss B 7 8 C Solution: Oct 11: The folktales of Yama presented by Doubtful Sound, Shinjuku Photo by Davi Azevedo ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross A B C Metropolis Members Club THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Rhodric Davies won a 50-minute golf lesson courtesy of Cool Clubs UPCOMING PRIZE One lucky MMC member will win a set of 7 nail enamels courtesy of Revlon Oct 12: Yokohama Oktoberfest, Minatomirai Register for prizes & discounts www.metropolis.co.jp/club 05 PROPAGANDA Shot Bar HALLOWEEN WEEKEND! Door: ¥2,000/1 drink & 1 shot | With discount ticket: ¥1,500/1 drink & 1 shot 10/24 (Fri) 8pm-5am Wear a costume to get a discount ticket for 10/25(Sat) party! 10/25 (Sat) 8pm-5am (Non-smoking Night) Wear a costume to get a discount ticket for 10/31(Fri) party! No happy hour & no smoking 10/31 (Fri) 8pm-5am Wear a costume to get a discount ticket for 11/1(Fri) party! Costume contest from 12am 11/1 (Sat) 8pm-5am Happy Hour before 9pm Drinks ¥500~ www.propaganda-tokyo.com 2F Yua Roppongi Bldg., 3-14-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku Tokyo 06 03-3423-0988 TO-DO LIST 3 TOP koyo spots EARLY NOV-EARLY DEC MID-LATE OCT MID OCT-EARLY NOV Showa Kinen Park Mount Tanigawa Karuizawa, Kumoba Lake Boasting an enormous area of land (enough to fit 40 Tokyo Domes), the main highlight is the ginkgo leaves, at their best during mid-Nov. 9:30am-4:30pm, park entrance ¥80-410. Nishi-Tachikawa. Tel: 042-528-1751. www.ktr. mlit.go.jp/showa/ At an elevation of 1,977m and one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, Mount Tanigawa's fall leaves can be viewed both from its peak and afar. Ropeway return price ¥2,060. Minakamicho, Gunma. Minakami. 25 mins from station by bus. Tel: 0278-62-0401. http://meturl.com/ mttanigawa © 2014 “Pale Moon” Film Partners EDITOR’S PICK OCT 23-31 TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Five world premieres are in the offing as Japan's leading film fest tries to up its game to compete with the likes of Cannes and Venice. Among them is the Rie Miyazawa vehicle Pale Moon, the only Japanese film in the 27th TIFF International Competition. With Disney’s Big Hero 6, the studio’s follow-up to Frozen, launching this year’s TIFF, animation is also a keyword of the event. “The World of Hideaki Anno” will screen 50 works by animator Hideaki Anno, the creator of the Evangelion series. Closing the fest is Parasyte, director Takashi Yamazaki’s live-action rendering of the sci-fi manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki. Asian films are also in focus in a festival that, in a bid to rev up its pop culture clout, has AKB48 producer Yasushi Akimoto as its executive producer. Dan Grunebaum Oct 23-31, various times and prices. Roppongi Hills and other venues. Roppongi, Nihonbashi and Higashi-Ginza. http://2014.tiff-jp.net/en/ © Rising Up Studios OCT 18 Also known as Swan Lake, the reflection of the changing leaves on the lake's surface is a sight to behold. Karuizawa, Nagano. Karuizawa. Tel: 0267-42-5538. AAYTP HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY The African American Youth Travel Program’s spooky night filled with food, entertainment and a costume contest. Oct 18, ¥3,500. Bistro Maffik. Shibuya. http://meturl.com/aaytp OCT 24 BALKAN BEATS DJ Robert Soko, aka Balkan Beats, brings his hype-tastic Slavic dance music to Japan. Oct 24, 11pm, ¥2,500. Fai Aoyama. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5466-3181. www.fai-aoyama. com OCT 26-27 ANVIL The Canadian subjects of the rockdoc Anvil: The Story of Anvil are baaack! Oct 26-27, 7pm, ¥5,000 (adv)/¥6,000 (day). Shinjuku Loft. Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5272-0382. www.loft-prj.co.jp/LOFT/ OCT 24-NOV 3 TOKYO RAMEN SHOW Indulge in top-quality ramen assembled from all over Japan. Oct 24-Nov 3, 10am-9pm (10am-6pm Oct 29 & Nov 3), free entrance. Komazawa Olympic Park. Komazawa-Daigaku. www.ramenshow.com OCT 25 SUNDAI CHARITY HALLOWEEN Sundai College’s campus transforms into a haunted house, with all profits going to the Japanese Red Cross. Oct 25, 10am-3pm, ¥100. Sundai College of Business & Foreign Languages. Ochanomizu. Tel: 0120-51-4185. http://meturl.com/sundai2014 CHECK FOR MORE EVENTS ON P.24 07 HALLOWEEN THE METROPOLIS HALLOWEEN PRIMER Our ghoulish guide to the season’s hair-raising hotspots FUTUROPOLIS OCT 30 Metropolis Halloween Glitterball The legendary Metropolis Halloween Glitterball Party is back at Ele Tokyo! Ladies get in free as we time warp into Futuropolis with the city’s freakiest cyber-spooks and mecha-mummies! So get your jet pack on, because we'll be giving out prizes for the best dressed, plus special performances by ultra-cool FEMM and beautiful Tokyo Dreamgirl. Tickets online and at the door. Oct 30, 7pm, ¥2,000(m) w/2d; ladies free; men ¥3,000 w/2d after 10pm. Ele Tokyo. Roppongi. http://meturl.com/halloween ADults Tokyo Decadance Halloween Party With DJs, dancers, performers, a horror house zone and a “vampire floor” for Tokyo’s true underground, this promises to be a spectacular night of gothic fun. Blood-suckers need not fear the sun: stick around for the after-party starting from 5:30am. Oct 18, 10pm, ¥3,00010,000. Christon Cafe Shinjuku. Shinjuku-sanchome. http:// meturl.com/haldecadance Masquerade of Ghosts Party on for five straight nights with costume contests, food, a Halloween make-up booth, Mr. & Ms. Masquerade contests and more. Entrance fees differ by day. Oct 24-31, 7pm, ¥2,000-3,000(m)/¥1,0002,000(f), w/1-2d. Brand Tokyo Roppongi. Roppongi. http:// brandtokyo.net/halloween/ Tokyo Gaijins Halloween Party Tokyo Gaijins is a hosting yet another legendary Halloween party. A great place to meet and party with other foreigners, costume contests will be held every 30 minutes from 11pm-1am. Strictly smoke 08 free! Oct 25, 8pm, ¥2,0002,500/¥3,000 w/o costume. Propaganda Shot Bar. Roppongi. http://meturl.com/ gaijinhal Whistlebump Yelloween Progressive house, techno, trance and more. With DJs Pena, Rougout de Lapin, Groove Patrol, B2B and others—plus live performers and pole dancers. Oct 25, 9:30pm, ¥3,000(adv)/¥4,500(door). Xex Nihonbashi. Nihonbashi. http://meturl.com/halxex Monster Mashup-Halloween Fiesta Party Hosted by Tokyo Snow Club and Japonicus, this party is the place to be for music lovers. Party with five live bands and 12 DJs. They have everyone’s tastes covered with music genres including rock, latino, drum ‘n’ bass, house, electro and dubstep. Oct 31, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (door). Daisy Bar. Shimokitazawa. http://meturl.com/showclubhal Pink Sensation Halloween Party Join Hello Kitty in her 40th Anniversary Bash at Sanrio Puroland. The usually family- friendly theme park hosts a one-night-only Halloween music festival, with a pink dress code. Oct 31, 9pm, ¥4,500 (adv)/ ¥5,500 (door). Sanrio Puroland. Tama Center. http://pinksensation.jp/ ALL AGES Tokyo Tower Narikiri Halloween The first floor of Tokyo Tower’s main observatory has been done up in creepy form. Simple costumes can be borrowed for free, and you’re at leisure to take as many snaps as you like. Complementing the spooky atmosphere, Cafe La Tour is offering a special pumpkin Mont Blanc Halloween cake set for ¥680. Until Oct 31, 9am-10pm daily, ¥900. 1F Tokyo Tower Main Observatory. Daimon. http:// meturl.com/haltower Bakeneko Parade Held in Kagurazaka, the setting for Soseki Natsume’s novel I am a Cat, the Bakeneko Parade is a Halloween parade that specializes in cat disguises. Cat make-up services also available: ¥500 for a quick kitty, or ¥1,000 for a professional cat. Oct 19, 10am, free. Kagurazaka. http:// meturl.com/bakeneko Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Various shows, parades, decorations and evening fireworks—including the Haunted Mansion done up like The Nightmare Before Christmas. Until Oct 31, various times. Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea. Maihama. http://meturl.com/ disneyhalloween Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fes Ikebukuro goes cosplay-crazy, with change rooms and storage available on-site (¥500). If you don’t want to get in on the action yourself, just check out the televised free stage events and special acts from the Tokyo International Film Festival and Newtype publisher Kadokawa. Oct 25-26, 10am, free. Ikebukuro East Exit area. Ikebukuro. http:// ikebukurocosplay.jp Roppongi Hills Halloween Costume events, Halloween workshops, special restaurant menus and more—including a tie-in with The World of Tim Burton. On October 25, be sure to check out the kids’s (10am) and adults’s (11am) costume parades at Roppongi Hills Arena. Until Oct 31, various times. Roppongi Hills area. Roppongi. http:// meturl.com/halroppongi Kawasaki Halloween There's something for everyone in La Cittadella, Kawasaki. The 25th opens with kids’s parades and concerts at Club Citta, while things go bump in the night at the Monsters’s Festival. Grown-up ghouls and goblins parade around the site on the 26th before busting some killer moves at the Dancing Pumpkin club party. Oct 25: Kids’s Parade, 1pm & 3pm; Citta Family Concert, 11am & 2pm; Monsters’s Festival, 10pm. Oct 26: Halloween Parade, 2:30pm; Dancing Pumpkin, 5pm. Various prices. La Cittadella, Kawasaki. Kawasaki. http://meturl.com/ kawahalloweenenglish Shimokita Halloween The event kicks off with jugglers and other entertainers at 3pm. Strut your stuff in the costume parade from 7pm (¥1,000 w/1d, register online), then let your fangs out all night as Shimo’s hot shops stay open until 5am. Costume contest for kids at 4pm; adults at 8pm. And watch for Vader! Oct 26, 3pm. Parades start in front of Tsuge izakaya, 5-29-16 Daizawa, Setagaya. http://yokukitashimokita.com/hw2014 KIDS Anpanman Children’s Museum and Mall’s Halloween Event 2014 Various shows and activities with the beloved bread-headed cartoon hero. Until Oct 31, various times, various prices. Yokohama Children’s Museum and Mall. Shin-Takashima and Takashimacho. http://meturl. com/anpanhallo Puro Halloween Party 2014 Various shows and activities featuring Hello Kitty and friends. Until Oct 31, various times, various prices. Sanrio Puroland. Tama Center. www.puroland.jp/2014_ halloween Tokyo Dome Happy Halloween 2014 This family-friendly event includes a Halloween Kids’ Parade (registration required) on the 18th, as well as face painting 2-4pm weekends and holidays all month. Thrillseeking event-goers can also investigate the haunted house (¥620). Until Oct 31, various times, various prices. Tokyo Dome City. Korakuen. www. tokyo-dome.co.jp/news/ halloween/2014/ Tokyo Skytree Halloween Magic On selected dates, get rewarded with candy and presents when you show up at Tokyo Skytree Town in costume. Events include street performances, masquerade laser shows, magical kids’s parades and the mystery adventure Harapeko Detective and the Phantom Pumpkin (¥500). Oct 3-31, various times. Tokyo Skytree Town. Tokyo Skytree. http://meturl.com/ halskytree Children’s Halloween Graveyard Mystery Tour Historic ghost walk for kids 6-18, with ghost stories by candlelight presented by Haunted Tokyo Tours. Oct 22, from 7pm. Gaienmae. www. hauntedtokyotours.com Halloween in Tama Center The streets surrounding Tama Center beckon an assortment of costumers, ranging from fun-loving teens to babies, dogs and even cats dressed in Halloween attire. Plus trick-ortreating. Oct 25-26, 12:30pm; contest results at 1:30pm daily. Registration 12-12:30pm. Tama Center. Opening ceremony: Oct 24, 4:50pm. Tama Center. www.tamajack.com Tamagawa Halloween Festival Various family-friendly Halloween events in collaboration with Sesame Street, including the Sesame Street Greeting (Oct 25, 26 & 31, 10am) and the Halloween Parade (Oct 26, 11:30am). Oct 25-31, various times, free. Tamagawa Takashimaya SC. Futakotamagawa. http:// meturl.com/tamahal SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HALLOWEEN BAR QUEST HALLOWEEN PARTY Come out for a ghoulish blast with special Halloween treats and drinks! Oct 31-Nov 1, 7pm, free (charge after midnight). Bar Quest. 3F No. 2 Rene Bldg, 5-3-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi. Tel: 03-5414-2225. www.barquest.tokyo CHILES MEXICAN GRILL: DAY OF THE DEAD Asagaya Pearl Center Halloween Costume Contest This costume contest for parents and kids offers Suginami gift cards worth anywhere from ¥20,00050,000. Registration must be completed in person at the Pearl Center’s Furusato-kan; limited to the first 100 parentchild combos. If mom and dad aren’t up for it, kids can compete alone for sweets. Oct 26, 2pm, free. Asagaya Pearl Center Asagaya. http://meturl.com/halpearl Halloween Walk 2014 Stamp rally, candy giveaway, face painting, costume contest and more, all centered around historic Western-style houses. Oct 26, 10am, various venues. Ishikawacho and Motomachi-Chukagai. http:// meturl.com/yamatehalloween Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade Enjoy one of Tokyo’s largest Halloween parades—only for kids under 12 and their parents, though! Also treat rally for parade participants, and other activities throughout the day. Registration required. Oct 26, 1pm. Registration open 11am-12:30pm on the day, ¥1,000 per child. Starts at Jingumae Elementary School. Omotesando. www. harajuku-halloween.com Kichijoji Halloween Festival A Halloween festival for moms by moms, with unique events such as the Baby Carriage Parade (Oct 29, 3:25pm), where moms flaunt their Halloween-decorated prams. Other events include kids’ parades and trick-or-treating. Oct 29-31,various times, ¥1,000-2,000, registration required. Kichijoji. www. kichijoji-halloween.net Come feel the Halloween with our terrific Mexican menu and famous Spicy Devil Burritos—and on Thursdays and Fridays from 4-8pm, limited Mexican craft beers are included in our ¥500 happy hour. Swing by on Fridays the 24th and 31st to be transformed into a Mexican skull with amazing face painting, then lose it from 8-10pm on Saturday November 1st at our Day of the Dead celebration, with a special buffet and all-you-can-drink for ¥4,800 (Due to capacity limitations, reservations are required). 1-8-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6434-9693. Open Mon 11am-4pm, Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm. Harajuku and MeijiJingūmae. www.chiles-grill.com CLINTON STREET BAKING COMPANY HALLOWEEN Japanese pumpkin pancakes (¥1,600+tax) and butter squash bisque (pumpkin soup, ¥900+tax) available until the end of the month. Check Twitter (@csbjapan) and Facebook (CSB. Japan) for food coupons and other offers. Takeout available by phone during open hours. Clinton Street Baking Company. YHT MinamiAoyama Bldg, 5-17-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minatoku. Omotesando. Open 8am-11pm daily. Tel: 03-6450-5944. www.clintonstreetbaking.co.jp PROPAGANDA HALLOWEEN WEEKEND Four freaky nights of parties! Come in costume each night to get a discount ticket for the next party. Happy hour until 9pm nightly (except October 25), with drinks from ¥500. October 25 is smoke-free! Oct 24-25 & 31, plus Nov 1, 8pm. Regular ¥2,000 w/1d&1shot; ¥1,500 w/1d&1shot w/discount ticket (no discount available Oct 24, but wear a costume to get a discount coupon for Oct 25, etc.). Propaganda. 2F Yua Roppongi, 3-14-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3423-0988. www. propaganda-tokyo.com SCREAM!! HALLOWEEN PARTY 2014 SHIBUYA Epoch-making Halloween party Scream!! moves to WWW Shibuya, an old movie theater converted into a club space, for a night of chills and thrills, goblins and ghouls, freaks and frequencies. Get ready to SCREAM!! Veteran party vampires and an unearthly flock of DJs spin cutting-edge Disco, House and Electro for Tokyo’s most dangerous crowd. Come and experience the most terrifying vibe in town at one of Tokyo’s top venues. DJs: Force of Nature (Mule Music), Gonno (WC, Mekur, International Feel), MXRLX (Blackmaps/ Mild Bunch), and DSKE’s Same Fitzgerald (Onigiri Discotheque) and TROPI (Sunset Driver). Nov 21, 11pm, ¥3,500/¥2,500 w/costume. WWW, B1F Rise Bldg, 13-17 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-7685. www-shibuya.jp SHAG TOKYO HALLOWEEN SHIBUYA FLAME HALLOWEEN 2014 SHIBUYA Join Flame Halloween every night from October 24-31 at Flame Tokyo in Shibuya. The Kokoro Odoru Halloween Party will be welcoming different guest artists daily, building up to a terrifying costume contest on the 31st. Come in costume to get a discount and one free shot—plus, an amazing prize awaits the contest winner. All mix, various DJs. Oct 24-31, 10pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. Flame Tokyo, 1F Jikansu Bldg, 2-4 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3496-2727. http://flame-tokyo.com Fashion and fetish club Shag Tokyo presents three Halloween events to juice the creepy crawlies into life all night long. Get your costume on, then get your freak on at this erotic dungeon of the dark and dirty. Sweet Dreams Halloween: Oct 25, 10pm, ¥3,500(m) w/1d, ¥3,500(f ) w/1d. International Halloween Party: Oct 31, 12pm, ¥3,000(m) w/1d, ¥2,500(f ) w/1d. Fetish Halloween Party: Nov 1, 11pm, ¥3,000(m) w/1d, ¥2,500(f ) w/1d. 2F Festae Omotesando Bldg, 3-18-19 MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku. Omotesando. Tel: 03-34750788. http://shag.tokyo 09 cover PHANTOM PATHS OF TOKYO A haunted tour of the familiar BY CAL WIDDALL J Shitaya Shrine in Inaricho apanese folklore teems with tales of yokai: demons, ogres, even possessed household items that terrify and amaze. Not just relics of the past, the roots and traces of these legends and beliefs can be discovered all around modern Tokyo, if you know where to look. Haunted Tokyo Tours is devoted to revealing this mysterious side of the city. Tour guide Lilly Fields believes these stories are a vital part of Tokyo’s history, giving us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. “The things we tread likely contains a few societies try to suppress—their deskeletons of a less supernatmons and phantoms—often tell ural kind: human remains us more about that society than are regularly discovered anything else,” says the 30-year at the site, which was once Japan resident, whose passion one of Tokyo’s three big for the supernatural is evident slums. Considered unworthroughout the tour. thy of saving by firefighters, The “Ghosts and Goblins it is filled with the bodies of of Old Tokyo” tour focuses former residents unable to particularly on locations afford proper funerals. that pay tribute to various True crime and factual yokai: tengu, the longhistory are also covered in nosed avial humanoids; grisly detail—especially on foxes, which, legend has night tours. One highlight Kappa’s hand? it, can shapeshif t into is a visit to the final restbeautiful women to seduce ing place of ukiyo-e master men and birth half-human, half-fox sorcerers; Katsushika Hokusai, painter of the iconic The and kappa, water spirits that have taken to the Great Wave off Kanagawa. A yokai enthusiast, sewers since Tokyo’s urbanization. Hokusai painted many of the demons promiFields begins the tour by demonstrating the nent in Japanese folklore. And unlike other correct method of walking beneath a torii gate: artists of his time, rather than depict actors in close to either pillar—not the middle sei-chu, costume, he painted from his own vivid imagiwhich is reserved for the gods—and with your nation. Standing beside his tomb, Fields shows outside foot first, so you don't offend any deities us a widely unnoticed ghostly apparition in his that also happen to be passing by pointing your most famous work, then reads aloud his chilling bum at them. She then leads us to peer through death poem, her voice dropping to a whisper. a shrine window to see an eerily small skeletal After a visit to Old Hag's Pond, the site of an hand believed to be that of a real-life kappa. infamous legend that has spawned both plays At another section of the tour, the ground and horror movies, the tour ends at Asakusa's 10 Hokusai’s tomb in Inaricho Lilly Fields of Haunted Tokyo Tours LUGUBRIOUS LOCALES SADAKO 3-D (JOYPOLIS) Step into the world of The Ring, where Sadako (the creepy little girl from the movie) awaits—as do English-speaking guides. 3F-5F Decks Tokyo Beach, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minatoku. http://tokyo-joypolis.com/language/english/ NAMCO NAMJA TOWN Stroll through the haunted section of this slightly bizarre theme park in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine Mall, which was built on the site of the infamous Sugamo Prison. The real horrors, however, are some of the flavors offered at Ice Cream City on the third floor. 3-1-3 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. www. namco.co.jp/tp/namja/ THE LOCKUP Spend an evening in the cells at this asylumthemed restaurant, where the dishes are named after your possible crimes, the drinks come in test tubes and syringes, and the facility perhaps isn’t as secure as it seems. B2F Shibuya Grand Tokyo Bldg, 33-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. www.lock-up.jp Senso-ji, where the group cleanses themselves with sacred water. “If the cleansing doesn't work and an evil spirit follows you home,” Fields begins earnestly before smiling, “don't call me.” Haunted Tokyo Tours, ¥3,000/person. [email protected]. www. hauntedtokyotours.com Confessions of an anonymous urban explorer TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MISUTERARETA I f there’s one time of year that’s perfectly suited to the subculture of urban exploration, it’s Halloween. Every major ruin in Japan has its own ghost story or urban legend. Some stem from tragic, real-life incidents; others—like the Himuro Mansion—are pure fantasy. My interest in ruins has taken me to prefectures in Japan I never thought I’d visit, into buildings I was never supposed to enter and have adventures I will never forget. Over the last six years, I’ve managed to avoid arrest, injury and confrontation. However, for those tempted to venture out on All Hallows’ Eve, I have a number of cautionary tales to share. My first haikyo trip on the outskirts of Saitama prefecture was an embarrassingly paranoid experience. Misjudging the amount of time it would take to get to my location, I ended up walking alone for over an hour down an isolated country road. As the sun started to go down, the leaves on the ground seemed to stalk me—stopping exactly when I stopped; scuttling behind me only when I moved forward. When I finally reached my destination—a run-down love hotel—an unknown beast in the undergrowth continuously circled the building but never showed itself. The whole experience was overwhelming to the point I swore I’d never do it again. But I soon realized that urban exploration is an experience best enjoyed in hindsight. As the fear began to wear off, and the photos of my explo- Abandoned residence in Nagano ration circulated online, I was already thinking about my next destination. “Whatever you do, don’t get sucked into this,” my wife warned me. It was already too late. Visiting residential ruins is a line I’ve crossed and regretted. Even if you’re completely sure a residence has been abandoned by its original owner, there may still be some unofficial residents living there. Such was the case in Nakagusuku Kogen hotel in Okinawa Nagano, where I entered a broken residence with a dubious new tenant. The first clue that I'd stepped into the wrong building was a series of disjointed children’s pictures scrawled on the sliding doors through which I’d entered. The second: a giant knife positioned next to a recently vacated sleeping bag. This was enough to see me scrambling out the door and running down the road. Exploring ruins in a group can also be a lot of fun. Several years back, Michael John Grist, the explorer who gave me my first map, invited me along on a road trip to the Izu Peninsula with a couple of his friends. Their good-humored camaraderie was a stark contrast to the paranoia to which I’d grown accustomed, and if it weren’t for them, I probably would have missed out on seeing one of Japan’s greatest ruins. So have a happy and exploratory Halloween. And as always: “Take only pictures; leave only footprints.” For more haikyo adventures visit: http://misuterareta.wordpress.com LINGO BOX Yokai (妖怪) = Spirit(s) or ghost(s) from Japanese folklore Yakubarai (厄払い) = exorcism Haikyo (廃墟) = ruin(s) 11 food&drink The trick’s the ultimate treat at Trick or Treat Horror Dining. Decked out in gothic paraphernalia, this red-lit bar/eatery presents everything from coffins and cobwebbed chandeliers to Jack Skellington cushions and a Linda Blair bust right at your table. The ghoulish atmosphere has even summoned up the real Tim Burton. Monolingual marauders be warned, however: nihongo is the only language of the dead in this haunt. Come for drinks. The food’s horrific—but it kind of has to be. 2A Toda Bldg, 7-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi. http://meturl.com/trickdining ¥¥ EN/JP Serving up Japan, one plate at a time BY JOAN BAILEY Set on the eighth floor of Shibuya Hikarie, d47 Shokudo is the foodly arm of award-winning designer Kenmei Nagaoka’s “d&design” project, curating the best of Japan’s 47 prefectures. As the lights came up around Shibuya station and the famous crossing below, we toasted our adventure at the shokudo (cafeteria) with the four-sake sampler (¥1,400) of signature brews from Tochigi, Toyama and Yamaguchi, ranging from sweet to bitter. The set is enough for two, but tumblers of a single variety (¥550 and up) are also available. We considered the f i ve - dish opt ion (¥1,000) but decided more exploring was needed. Sake firmly in hand, we set out for Chiba to savor washed cheese rind pickled in sake kide izumi (¥520). With a sharp taste surprisingly similar to blue cheese, it melted gloriously on the tongue and proved a fine companion for rice wine. From there, we ventured north to sample Fukushima’s pickled Pacific herring topped with Japanese pepper (¥520). The four pieces of fish that arrived were firm and well-flavored: sour and sweet with a hint of herring’s bitterness. Heading inland to Nagano, we surveyed natto mixed with umeboshi and Japanese mild ginger, or myoga (¥620). Served on a 12 Fans of Ghostbusters will be delighted to hear that J.S. Burgers Cafe will honor the supernatural ’80s classic by celebrating the 30th anniversary of its release with ghostinspired hamburgers, a marshmallow (man) sundae and “monster” cream sodas served in measuring cups. Perfectly aligned with the spooky month of October, if you want a surefire way of bringing on the Halloween spirit, you know who to call. Branches in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Ikebukuro. http://journal-cafe.jp/ single perilla leaf, it looked like a lonely lump, but the tart and salty plums with the soft ginger flavor of myoga dressed the big, firm beans up beautifully. We dashed south to Kagawa for a quiet culinary stop sampling the region’s tofu (¥200). Served chilled with a simple topping of negi (long onion) and myoga, the firm yet silky tofu needed just a pinch of salt or soy sauce to pull all the flavors together. We carried on south to Okinawa for tofuyo (fermented tofu, ¥520). Dubbed the “challenge menu” item of the evening, it came as a single small chunk on a bamboo leaf. The tiniest bit on a chopstick delivered a pungent sake kasu-like flavor in a creamy texture. We then jetted up to Osaka for minararu irikon (¥500) and seasonal ohitashi, or blanched greens ( ¥ 420 ) . C r u n c h y d r i e d i r i ko n (Osakan for dried baby sardines), konbu, sesame seeds and peanuts bathed in soy sauce and mirin effectively represented Japan’s famous port city. The small bowl of ohitashi arrived as a verdant spinach seasoned with light dashi. We hopped west for a Toyama omelet (¥460)—thick and dense with a subtly sweet edge—with a second stopover in Nagano for more natto, which really is that good. A quick turn south to Nagasaki brought a plate of warm and crunchy aji-fry (¥1,000) with cool julienned cabbage. We finished in the far north of Hokkaido with rice ball sets (¥360) of one umeboshi and one konbu each. Served warm and fresh, they were the perfect ending to a perfect trip. 8F Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. www.hikarie8.com/d47shokudo Photos by Joan Bailey RESTAURANT In the spirit of the spooky season, Lindt has released a selection of limited-edition Halloween chocolates, including the Halloween Lindt Gift Box, a monster pack of 25 delectable chocolate balls (¥2,700). Definitely a treat for fans of the scrumptious Swiss chocolate Lindt is famous for, festive aficionados will have to move fast— these little terors are only around until October 31. Can’t wait to get them home? Then why not indulge at one of the Lindt Chocolat cafés around town? Lindt Chocolat Cafe Omotesando. 3-5-22 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. http://www.lindt.jp Photo by Tommy Pham If you thought you were out of reasons to devour Krispy Kreme’s delicious melt-in-yourmouth donuts, you thought wrong! Their special Halloween offerings incorporate seasonal flavors and the “kowa-kawaii” (spooky/cute) motif that’s all the rage in Tokyo. The donut dealers bring you their Caramel Halloween Jack (¥230), Spider Choco Custard (¥200), Berry Jelly Star (¥220) and Sweet Potato Mont Blanc (¥230). Grab a mixed dozen for your next Halloween party! Available at all Krispy Kreme stores until Oct 31. If you’re debating what to grab on the go, why not try a juicy, perfectly wrapped burrito en route to your next shinkansen trip? Upping the ante on the myriad burrito bastions already in the city, Umum Good Burritos! is offering up five varieties: lamb, teriyaki chicken, beef and vegetable, all for ¥750. Finish it off with a sweet tiramisu burrito for dessert (¥500). Just try to get there early if you’re hankering for a lamb lunch. B1F Marunouchi Bldg, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tokyo and Nijūbashimae. www. umum.jp Savoring Saigon TEXT BY WENDY NGUYEN If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese that will transport you back to the bustling laneways of Saigon (minus the motorcyclists and plastic chairs), look no further than Miss Saigon, located just a few minutes from the Shibuya crossing. The restaurant is quaintly decorated, with a few paintings of Vietnamese landscape on the wall and plastic fruit hanging from the ceiling—an odd choice in interior design, but it works in adding to the charm of this family-run establishment. The staff are dressed in traditional ao dai and are warm, friendly and attentive. The owner and head chef is a wonderful Vietnamese woman who often comes out of the kitchen to make sure everyone is enjoying their food. The menu is extensive, making ordering a daunting task. However, a few options stand out, such as the Gòi Ngó Sen (¥800), a salad combining lotus root, shrimp and pork, dressed with a deliciously sweet and tangy fish sauce. The lotus root gives the salad a crunchy texture while the combination of the sauce, lemon and mint garnish provides a fresh crisp taste. Lovers of Vietnamese food will definitely be excited for the Gòi Cuón (¥750), a spring roll that consists of fresh ingredients such as herbs, cucumber, rice noodles, pork and shrimp—but is also not deep fried. Enthusiasts will know that the most important element of this dish is the dipping sauce, and Miss Saigon creates an amazing one that perfectly balances sweet and sour, with a hint of nuttiness. TOFU PUMPKIN PUDDING RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI Photos by Tommy Pham RESTAURANT RECIPE Gòi Ngó Sen Looking for an alternative to candy and chocolate this Halloween? Enjoy the festive season while staying healthy with this guilt-free tofu pumpkin pudding recipe! Start to Finish: 1hr (active time 20 min) Servings: 4-5 cups • • • • • • • • 150g fresh kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) with peel&seeds removed 150ml whole milk or soy milk 100g silken (kinu) tofu 2 eggs (medium sized) 2 tbsp honey (2 tbsp = 30ml) 2 tbsp sugar (2 tbsp = 30ml) Optional: maple syrup to serve Optional: a pinch of cinnamon powder DIRECTIONS: Gòi Cuón The ultimate factor that determines whether a Vietnamese restaurant is worth telling your friends about is Pho. There are two key elements to a good bowl of Pho: A generous serving of herbs on top (with a wedge of lemon on the side), and being hit with the overwhelming aromas from the bowl even before tasting the soup. Miss Saigon does not disappoint in this department, serving up delicious Pho for ¥800-950. After adding in the necessary fresh chilli and tasting the soup for the first time, you’ll be hit with instant nostalgia for the time you sat by the road in Saigon in the early hours of the morning, having your first bowl of Pho and sipping on your icecold Vietnamese coffee. 6F Shimizu Bldg, 2-29-18 Dogenzaka, Shibuya. Shibuya. 1. Dice the kabocha into 3-5cm cubes. Place the cubes in a microwavable bowl (cover with a lid) and microwave for 3 minutes at 800w. 2.Place the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl with the kabocha. Using a hand blender, mix until smooth. 3.Pour the mixture evenly into 4-5 heat-resistant cups and cover the top of each cup with tinfoil. 4.Fill a deep, heavy pan with boiling water to 1-2cm deep. Place the cups in the pan and heat with the lid on for 8 minutes at a low setting. 5.Turn the heat off and leave the cups in the pan with the lid on for 15-20 minutes. 6.Take the cups out of the pot and set to cool. Chill in the refrigerator if you prefer a cooler pudding. For a sweeter taste, drizzle with maple syrup. Rieko Suzuki Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at http://meturl.com/ruby 13 www.failte.jp Spacious 5F terrace overlooking central Shibuya. Enjoy our great selections of Irish and European brews. 7th Anniversary 4 days! Oct 16 (Thu) to 19 (Sun) • Regular Draft beer discounted! ¥700 • Selected Bottled beer discounted! • Special menu available! More details http://failte.jp 14 Tokyu Plaza 5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat) 3-11pm (Sunday & hols) tel: 03-3476-7776 escapes TREK TO TRANQUILITY Photo: JapanTravel Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Springs Coupon http://meturl.com/odakyuhotsprings Trace the Tokaido through Hakone’s heights BY TYLER PARR ACCESS An affordable option to experience Hakone is by purchasing the Odakyu Line Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Springs Coupon, which provides round-trip travel and includes entrance into two onsen for about ¥4,000. Yunessun offers an extensive variety of baths, including green tea and wine spas, and because bathing suits are required, these onsen are co-ed. If you‘d like to enjoy a more traditional setting, the Mori-no-yu onsen is also available in the resort. There was a time when travel in Japan was uncommon; those who traveled were considered strange beings that could communicate with spirits. However, at the turn of the 17th century, that all changed, beginning with the opening of the Tokaido Road, which connected Edo (now Tokyo) to the country’s original capital, Kyoto. The journey led travelers through Hakone, which eventually transformed the hot spring town into one of Japan’s first travel destinations. The first travelers to Hakone were daimyo, or provincial rulers, who used the Tokaido during their journeys to and from Edo and Kyoto. Daimyo were carried along Tokaido Road in boxlike palanquins known as kago, which enabled them to rest their legs. Yet, kagos were designed so that passengers sat stooped forward, and this caused tension to build in their backs. Travel parties would stop at hot springs—known as onsen—to rest and soak their sore muscles. It was from the practice of these early travelers that Hakone received its allure of being the place to recuperate and relax. When the road was first upgraded, it was covered with a thin layer of bamboo called hakone-dake grown in the Hakone region. By 1680, as the road became more heavily utilized, worn bamboo was replaced with a layer of pebbles packed below larger stones that was able to withstand rain. Travelers wishing to bathe in the hot springs would trek along this path from Edo to Hakone carrying food along a distance of 82 kilometers in about three days, clad in straw sandals known as waraji. Even horses then wore straw shoes as iron was not yet used for such purposes. For those who wish to walk along the road and experience part of the pilgrimage that these early travelers embarked upon, there’s a cedar-lined stretch on the southern side of Lake Ashinoko between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi that leads to Yumoto, the oldest and largest of the 16 onsen located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. For those looking to delve further into the history of Hakone, there’s a replica checkpoint near Lake Ashinoko, which was completed in 2007 and includes a watchtower, living quarters and a prison. These checkpoints were necessary in the past, as they were used by officials to screen travelers and inspect baggage at a time when travel permits were required, and women’s travel and the transport of weap- On Nov 3, the Hakone Daimyo Parade invites participants to dress in full traditional attire, including armor and weapons, to march through Yumoto as part of a feudal procession. ons were restricted. The checkpoints were also used to regulate entrance into Edo and prevent escape. Nowadays, it’s possible to explore the area nearby the replica as there are sections of the Tokaido that look as they did hundreds of years ago—before cars were introduced, and when walking was the way to travel. 15 10-WEEK BODY TRANSFORMATION COURSE STA RT NOW! TURN YOUR PASSION FOR JAPAN INTO A CAREER YOU’LL LOVE • Unlimited Classes For 10-weeks • Customized Nutritional Plan • 10-week Vip Membership • 2 Fitness & Composition Assessments All of this for only SPECIAL ¥88,000! Sign up with a friend and both get 5,000 off! Just 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills Club 360 also offers No membership or joining fees Physiotherapy, personal training Pristine showering facilities and sports massage Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:30pm, closed Sun • Tel: 03-6434-9667 16 • Join our team as a Japan Sales Specialist • Be part of a growing, award winning travel company • Enjoy extensive training in the UK and abroad • Receive a highly competitive salary • Base yourself in our UK offices Find out more about becoming an Audley Country Specialist at www.audleytravel.com/careers fashion fix SHOWROOM SEASON BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR Tokyo Fashion Week has been and gone for the Spring/Summer 2015 season, but for those in the industry it’s far from over. Once the dust has settled from the shows, the real work begins as fashion buyers and media crews head to the showrooms to see the actual clothes from the catwalk. If you want a peek behind the curtain, this is where insiders get to place their private orders for The Happening Shibuya department store Parco is in for a total rebranding this winter. The consistently popular shopping location has been on a steady path toward modernization for some time now, especially in comparison to its more traditional contemporaries—many of whom have yet to create a functioning online shopping site. But Parco’s new trajectory pitches the store directly at the current generation of youth alienated by the conventional department store experience. Aimed clearly toward so-called digital natives, the new Parco will be social media and online ready, not least because it will also become the public-facing HQ for Niconico Douga, the popular video sharing site. Parco’s path toward the youth vote began in October 2012, when it devoted its entire fifth floor to a pop culture-orientated space, featuring not only fashion and anime crossover fashion from Cospa but also shops for hardcore fans, such as the flagship One Piece shop. This approach of melding youth fashion with its cultural context is key to winning over the generation raised on the internet, and if the attendance at this month’s Shibuya Cultural Festival at Parco is any indication, it appears to be working. Japonsim as a fashion genre is loosely described as Western takes on Japanese aesthetics. And while that may seem a fairly archaic concept in an ever-more-globalized world, it’s still as relevant as ever thanks to it increasingly being Japanese fashionistas who attempt to mix said aesthetics, having been raised on a predominantly Western fashion diet. Non-Japanese fans should aim to be cautious. If in doubt, stick to one piece of Japonica per ensemble (as above) lest you segue into costume. Photo by Samuel Thomas The Happening was without a doubt the biggest unexpected success story to come out of this season’s Tokyo Fashion Week. The Happening group—which is made up of a varied team of similarly minded fashion designers, stylists and shop owners—originally made its mark by hijacking last season’s fashion show from Dresscamp, running a guerrilla fashion show on the runway while the guests for the official show were being seated. For their second outing earlier this month, they took their grassroots mentality to the public with a crowd-funded fashion show held in the hub of Harajuku street fashion, LaForet. Under the remit of putting art back into fashion, designers Leonard Wong, Nyte, Garter and Araki Shiro threw wearability to the wind with a series of outfits that wouldn’t look out of place in Lady Gaga’s wardrobe. But even though these outfits might never be worn on Tokyo’s streets, the show was funded by the general public, indicating that even if the average man or woman might not wear fashion on this scale, they certainly desire to see it nonetheless. STREET FOCUS SHOPPING STRATEGY Courtesy of Parco ON POINT the season—usually at a substantial discount. So if you’ve ever wondered how industry types manage a different outfit every day of the month, this might just be your explanation. However, recently more and more brands have started to extend this same courtesy to their best customers in the form of pre-order exhibitions—so keep your eye out for those this season. FASHION CALENDAR Oct 17 | Macaronic Koenji Opens Cult select shop Macaronic, responsible for stocking some of the coolest underground brands in Tokyo, is making the move from Harajuku to Koenji, taking with it yet another piece of Harajuku’s fashion cred in the process. www.macaronic.jp Oct 19 | Tweed Run Tokyo Now in its third iteration, the cycling route that takes in some of Tokyo’s finest heritage fashion, art and food cultural hotspots is back. Needless to say, the dress code is tweed, and it’s strictly enforced. http://tweedruntokyo.com/ Oct 24 | Knee-High Sock Sensation Knee-high socks inspired by currently airing anime Gundam Build Fighters are making waves online thanks to a new photo book from underwater photographer Koga Manabu. The designs, which turn the wearer’s leg into a robotic appendage, are on sale at Pater’s Harajuku from the 24th. www.paters.co.jp Oct 25-28 | Oasis—The Exhibition Mancunian rock legends Oasis’ effect on late ’90s Harajuku street fashion is the star of this exhibit in LaForet Harajuku. Alongside classic photos and a screening of their first Tokyo gig, there will be a recreation of the iconic Definitely Maybe album cover, as well as artifacts from the era. http://oasis-chasingthesun.jp/ exhibition/ 17 movies BY DON MORTON featured movie A MOST WANTED MAN Dramatically understated but visually striking and intellectually suspenseful, this adaptation by Anton Corbijn (Control, The American) of the John le Carré novel takes a look at the ethical vagaries of thwarting terrorism, and at the frequently melancholy lives of those dedicated to the task. When a severely abused Russian-Chechen immigrant (Grigoriy Dobrygin) surfaces in Hamburg seeking asylum, a variety of competing international intelligence agencies begin to circle, suspecting he’s there to claim his deceased father’s ill-gotten fortune and do mischief. Going against this mindset is a disgraced German spymaster (an intense, nuanced Philip Seymour Hoffman), who thinks the man is innocent and can be better used to bag a wealthy Islamic philanthropist he suspects of financing terrorists. Robin Wright’s the creepy CIA presence, Willem Dafoe is excellent as a shady banker, and a miscast Rachel McAdams is out of her depth as a liberal lawyer. I enjoyed the book. And while it doesn’t rate up there with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy or The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, the author is never less than compelling. So this may be minor le Carré, but it’s major Hoffman, and well worth seeing as the actor’s last completed role. Japanese title: Dareyorimo Nerawareta Otoko. (121 min) NEW EPIC Boy, talk about a misleading title. How about “Middling”? I like “ U n d e r w h e l m i n g .” I t seems there’s a battle raging in our forests between two races of tiny people, one of which causes things to grow and another that seeks only decay. Stumbling into this world is a disaffected teen embarrassed by her geeky scientist dad’s obsession with said fairy war. This one looks great, but the story’s so repetitive and filled with over-familiar tropes that it probably plays better with the sound off. Lots of celebrity voice talent; little momentum or imagination. From the people who did Ice Age and Rio. ‘Nuff said. Japanese title: Mary to Himitsu no Okoku. (102 min) NEW GRACE OF MONACO Here we have a “fictionalized story, based on true events.” (Don’t you just love all the ways the makers of bad movies have of rewording this caveat?) In 1962, Alfred Hitchcock offered Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco (Nicole Kidman) the lead in Marnie. Cornball story tells of how she is tempted but bravely refuses and pluckily buckles down to become a true royal, and in the process, through pure charm, saves the royal family from a palace coup and Monaco from a French invasion (over taxes), and delivers a rousing speech at—wait for it—a lavish charity ball. Jeez. Who cares? Dramatically inert middlebrow mush. Japanese title: Grace of Monaco: Kohi no Kirifuda. (102 min) SCUM Ever wonder where tough-guy British actor Ray Winstone star ted out? With tough-kid Britgrit roles, of course. This 1977 docudrama, shot when Ray was 20, exposed the brutality of the country’s “borstal” system of juvenile detention centers (since improved). It’s hard to watch in some places, with violent and graphic scenes of bullying and rape, but never less than compelling. It was originally commissioned for the BBC as a critique of this kind of institutional dehumanization. When the Beeb deemed it too violent for broadcast, director Alan Clarke reshot it as a feature film. Still powerful today. (98 min) NYMPHOMANIAC: VOL. I Lars von Trier cuts back on the stylistic excesses to tell (the first half of) this charac ter-based stor y of a self-diagnosed sex addict named Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg; Stacy Martin in flashbacks) who is discovered beaten and bleeding in an alley by Good Samaritan Stellan Skarsgård. They talk. Graphic? Yes. Pornographic? Some have called it so. Titillating? Not at all. Uncharacteristically, there’s a good bit of humor here. Uma Thurman is a showstopper as the wife of one of the men whose lives Joe has ruined. Mesmerizing, compelling and purely entertaining. I’m seduced. Vol. II coming Oct 31. (118 min) IF I STAY A teenage girl’s family is wiped out in a car crash and she’s left in a coma, but through a mystical narrative device she’s split between her comatose self and a “spirit” self who wanders around the hospital wondering if she should succumb or awake as an orphan (albeit with a hunky boyfriend). I’m not familiar with the YA novels of Gayle Forman, but I’m pretty sure she reads Nicholas Sparks. Manipulative, banal and relentlessly drippy. But the acting’s good, especially Chloë Grace Moretz, who at 17 is showing signs that she just might survive the transition from child sensation to grown-up actor. Japanese title: If I Stay: Ai ga Kaeru Basho. (106 min) A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST At f irst I thought this charmless oater send-up might be more watchable had writer/director/producer Seth MacFarlane cast a real comedic actor in the lead instead of himself. You know, someone funny. But almost two padded hours later, I realized that no cast, no matter how all-star, could make this flaccid collection of fart, poop, come and piss jokes palatable to anyone but its target audience of preteen boys. MacFarlane clearly thinks he’s remaking Mel Brooks’s Blazing Saddles. This is insulting in itself. I used to think the man was merely annoying. Now I hate him. Japanese title: Koya wa Tsuraiyo: Arizona yori Ai wo Komete. (116 min) NEW NEW NEW NEW A Most Wanted Man: © A Most Wanted Man Limited / Amusement Park Film GmbH; Epic: © 2013 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.; Grace of Monaco: ©2014 STONE ANGELS SAS; Scum: © Kendon Films Ltd. MCMLXXIX All Rights Reserved.; Nymphomaniac: Vol. I: © 2013 ZENTROPA ENTERTAINMENTS31 APS, ZENTROPA; If I Stay: © 2014 Warner Bros. Ent. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All rights Reserved.; A Million Ways to Die in the West: © Universal Pictures; Jersey Boys: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC ENTERTAINMENT; Frank: © 2013 EP Frank Limited, Channel Four Television Corporation and the British Film Institute; Under the Skin: © Seventh Kingdom Productions Limited, Channel Four Television Corporation and The British Film Institute 2014; Million Dollar Arm: © 2014 Disney Enterprise, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; Mindscape: Stills photographs by Quim Vives - Copyright © 2013 OMBRA FILMS, S.L.; Wake in Fright: © 2012 Wake In Fright Trust. All Rights Reserved. 18 More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies MILLION DOLLAR ARM A few ye a r s b a c k , a sports agent (an awful Jon Hamm) hit on the idea of enticing Indian c r i c ke t b o w l e r s i n t o becoming baseball pitchers through the eponymous reality show. Two hopefuls were offered contracts by the Pirates and then relegated to some third-tier farm team. MLB’s cynical involvement in this attempt to tap into a potential market of 1.2 billion baseball fans is topped only by Disney’s cynicism in shoehorning the story into its feel-good, sports-underdog mold in order to get 1.2 billion Indian butts into theater seats. Sappy, obvious, maudlin and bloated, this is strictly minor league. (124 min) FRANK An aspiring but untalented songwriter wannabe (Domhnall Gleeson) insinuates himself into an eccentric, punkish band fronted by the title character, a virtuoso/freak who never takes off his huge, papier-mâché stage head. Ever. Michael Fassbender, the actor inside the head, amazingly makes Frank a fully developed character without the use of his face—a talent that’s hard to hide. This affable oddity is funny, quirky, original and honest. It gradually deepens into an examination of the effects of social media hype on true creativity and of the thin line between genius and madness. Also Maggie Gyllenhaal. (95 min) UNDER THE SKIN An alien in a gorgeous human body (an intense Scarlett Johansson, in a “brave” career move) drives her van around Scotland enticing young, unattached men to their doom. This adaptation of Michel Faber’s novel is hard to call. There’s little exposition and almost no characterization, as the film relies on nightmarish imagery, complex sound design and a menacing score to tell its tale. If you’re looking for a mainstream sci-fi/horror flick, keep looking. If you’re willing to surrender yourself to an existential, highly atmospheric and deeply creepy movie “experience,” then this is for you. Japanese title: Under the Skin: Tane no Hoshoku. (107 min) JERSEY BOYS You probably wouldn’t think of Clint Eastwood as the best choice to adapt a jukebox stage musical to the screen. And though he imbues the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with palpable atmosphere, he mistakenly concentrates on the group’s dramatically inert and unremarkable rags-to-riches-to-rags backstory. Ultimately, like most filmed Broadway musicals, this one made me wish I was watching the stage show instead. Should have been dancing in the aisles rather than slogging through another behind-the-music soap opera. Put succinctly, while mildly diverting, this ain’t no Ray or Walk the Line. (134 min) MINDSCAPE Also called Anna. In a world where “telepathic detec tives” can poke through your memories to solve problems and/or crimes, one such mind sleuth is tasked with persuading a rich kid to eat. He’s just getting back into the game after memories of his wife’s death interfered with his work, and young Anna presents him with more than just a bratty hunger strike. Though blandly directed, this scifi psychodrama offers fair suspense but little originality. The versatile Mark Strong is always good, and Taissa Farmiga, Vera’s 21-years-younger sister, is an actress to watch. Both deserve a better picture. Japanese title: Kioku Tantei to Kagi no Kakatta Shojo. (99 min) WAKE IN FRIGHT Thought to be lost until recently, Ted Kotcheff’s shocking 1971 Aussie film is quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A vacationing schoolteacher (Gary Bond) gets sidetracked in a boozy outback town and loses all his money gambling. He falls in with a vicious band of hard-drinking, kangaroo-massacring sociopaths (including Jack Thompson and the ever-creepy Donald Pleasence), and discovers depths of depravity within himself he never dreamed existed. This intense examination of the ephemeral nature of “civilization” is not an easy sit, but it’s compellingly watchable. Made me want a drink. And a shower. Japanese title: Koya no Chidoriashi. (116 min) © 2014 SIGLO/SASAKI FILMS eiga It’s been a year of new projects in untapped fields for old Japanese film icons. First, renowned 75-yearo l d c i n e m a to g r a p h e r M a s a k i Tamura directed his first feature By Rob Schwartz ever, Drive-in Gamo (see August 22 issue’s Eiga), and now, the long-retired, legendary NHK TV director Shoichiro Sasaki comes forth with his first theatrical release. Sasaki is a highly influential TV auteur who’s picked up a variety of international prizes for his works, including the Prix Italia Grand Prix, an RAI Award, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival Golden Nymph and the Golden Prague Best Director Award. He inspired some of the most highly regarded Japanese filmmakers working today, including Hirokazu Koreeda and Naomi Kawase. This work—part drama, part documentary and part experimental—uses ordinary people with no acting experience. Minyon (or Minyoung, playing herself) is a university student in Seoul, passionate about sound and writing a novel called The Law of Harmonics. She becomes obsessed with a photo of Sueko, a Japanese friend of her grandmother, and comes to Tokyo to try to investigate it. She meets an old Japanese university friend who’s now a journalist who reports on shady characters and seems to be in danger. After meeting a host of surreal people, Minyon’s identity is transposed to Sueko’s and she finds herself living in World War II-era Japan. Constantly shifting between Korean, Japanese and music, the film is challenging, inventive and arresting. This is a must-see for those with a taste for the avant-garde. English title: Harmonics Minyoung. (140 min) © Legende Films, Gaumont, France 2 Cinema, Scope Pictures movie news MINYON BAION NO HOSOKU By the time this issue of Metropolis hits the streets, we hope that fall will finally have come to Tokyo, meaning that the Tokyo International Film Festival is just around the corner. The 27th edition of the fest offers over a hundred screenings for cinemaphiles. Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn will head the jury that will vote on the 15 films in the competition. Contenders for the Sakura Grand Prix include The Connection (pictured), a French film starring Jean Dujardin and covering the ’70s French Connection drug ring from the European side, and an international co-production with the brutally honest title, Ruined Heart! Another Love Story Between a Criminal and a Whore. Special screenings present movies months before their release in Japan, or that may never be back in theaters. Highlights are The Nutcracker, a computer-animated film by fashion designer Sebastian Masuda, the food truck comedy Chef and the French deportation tale Samba, starring Omar Sy, whose Intouchables won in Tokyo back in 2011. The Japanese Cinema Splash program is a chance to catch domestic fare with English subtitles, including the teen lesbian drama Starting Over and Walking with My Mother, a documentary about an elderly woman overcoming the death of her husband by growing closer to her sister. The Asian Future section unveils work by up-and-coming directors from Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey and elsewhere, and the Crosscut Asia program features new films from Thailand. The World Focus section includes works by established filmmakers that have not yet secured distribution in Japan, such as Peter Bogdanovich’s latest She's Funny That Way, as well as Hungry Hearts, an Italian film about an international couple in New York struggling with very different views on how to raise their baby. Other one-off events are the latest Doraemon film dubbed in English, winning works from the Japan Student Film Festival, and a 4K screening of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause restored by Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation. The National Film Center in Kyobashi presents the related event “Film Treasures from The Museum of Modern Art,” October 24 to November 9, screening 35mm prints from the New York museum’s collection, ranging from a 1905 silent to the 1971 blaxploitation pic Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. TIFF runs Oct 23-31 at Roppongi Hills and other venues. http://2014.tiff-jp.net/en Kevin Mcgue 19 city life ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING Dear AMA, I met a friend of a friend for the first time the other day, and I didn’t like her at all. Although I believe in giving people a proper chance, she behaved in a manner that was loud, rude and at times racist. Thankfully, she’s not my friend and I can at least keep my distance… but I also feel I should say something. I’ve told my friend in person AUTONOMOUS AUTHOR BY JEFF W. RICHARDS Foreign authors in Japan aren’t all writing about shoguns and geisha, otaku culture or Harajuku fashion. Iain Maloney writes about places and eras dearer to his home. The Scottish author’s third and latest novel—and his first to be published—First Time Solo, is a tale of young, British men on the home front in 1943 who learn to fly and play jazz. 20 that I probably won’t go out in a group if she’s there—but how should I handle her if I meet her again? The foreign community isn’t that big and I don’t want to be nasty.—No Offense Dear No Offense, We’ve passed your question on to the good people at TELL. Here’s what they had to say: I can hear you are concerned about your friend and her new acquaintance. You are right: as foreigners in Japan, our community is very small and our friendships overlap, which can complicate the situation. Finding people you like and maintaining friendships can be challenging in any countr y or community. As foreigners without extended families and regular friends, the friendships and relationships we make in Japan become even more important. Your friend’s new acquaintance appears to have added a stress to your relationship, and your ability to socialize together. This has left you questioning how best to respond to your friend and this new person. I can hear that this person has many traits and behaviors that challenge your values and beliefs regarding acceptable behavior. These are often culturally defined and vary considerably. For example, someone from New York typically behaves very differently from a Japanese person, and also from a Greek person, and so on. Friendships—like any relationship—take work, and I am concerned that your feelings toward the new acquaintance may damage your existing friendship, and I can hear you care about this friend. Our Lifeline counselors can explore your concerns and help you to work through your feelings and options that might work for you, should you meet the acquaintance again. Answer courtesy of TELL. If you need to talk, they’re here to listen. Call the TELL Lifeline at 03-5774-0992 from 9am-11pm, 365 days a year. Or visit their website at www.telljp.com If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life in Tokyo, send your questions to askanything@ metropolisjapan.com and we’ll find the most appropriate people to answer your queries. The settings of his stories also reflect “Not enough contemporary writthe writer’s environment—in particular, ers are given exposure in the English his current country of residence. literary world. I’d love to bring out “I’ve written a lot of short stories a book showcasing … lesser-known set in Japan, and one day I hope to NOVELS Japanese writers like Ryuichiro Utcollect them all into a book,” says the ARE sumi and Nao-Cola Yamazaki—and Aberdeen-born Maloney, who moved WHERE all the ones I’ve never even heard of MY to Japan with his wife in 2005. yet. There’s so much great literature in “The novel I wrote before [First Time PASSION this country that the rest of the world Solo], Dog Mountain, was set in Japan LIES.” deserves to enjoy.” with all Japanese characters. It was Asked about the trappings of writabout political corruption and abuses of pow- ing stories with foreign characters or settings, er—as well as being a thriller with odd fantasy the writer says it’s all too easy to fall into the elements, like talking dogs.” usual clichés. “It takes a brave, imaginative Maloney’s writing has manifested in various leap to free yourself from viewing a culture genres of expression: short stories, poetry, haiku as an outsider, and to believably inhabit the and articles on music, travel and literature. But psyche of someone from that culture, with his heart remains closer to writing novels. all the different pressures and expectations “Novels are where my passion lies,” says that follow.” Maloney. “I love the sprawl, the structural possibilities … the space that a novel gives you. “I’ve written four [novels], of which First First Time Solo Time Solo was the first to be published. The (Freight Books) has first I wrote is too embarrassing to show anybeen shortlisted for The Guardian’s Not one, the second was shortlisted for the 2013 the Booker Prize, Dundee International Book Prize and the and is available on fourth will come out sometime [in 2015].” Amazon (¥1,660). You can follow Maloney also harbors an interest in writing for Iain Maloney at the screen and stage, but is first eyeing translathis website: www. ing works by Japanese authors to bring their iainmaloney. wordpress.com works to an international audience. family matters RANKING ROUNDUP TRICK-OR-TREAT YOURSELF Finding the Great Pumpkin in the Big Mikan HEAVY HALLOWEEN HITTERS *As rated by readers of S Cawaii! Beauty cosplay & fashion idea magazine TOP HALLOWEEN PARTY SPOTS 1. Roppongi 2. Shibuya 3. Harajuku Roppo ng the n i gets havin od for clubs ing tons of wal distancekable . BY HELEN LANGFORD 123RF PREMIER COSTUME DESTINATIONS 1. Club 2. Tokyo Disneyland 3. Karaoke AVERAGE COSTUME COSTS 1. ¥5,000 2. ¥20,000 3. ¥15,000 Clubs are by far the top choice— and they get packed fast, so plan ahead. of Kit sets and es costumblood fake about r retail fo 00. ¥5,0 TOP COSTUME PICKS *From S Cawaii! Beauty HOT COSTUMES 1. Sailor Moon 2. Frozen 3. Maleficent 4. Hot cops 5. Oiran (courtesan) 6. Corpse bride 7. Baby nurse While it’s easy enough to find adult-oriented Halloween parties, giving little ones the full experience can be a little harder in the land of namahage and kaiju. With All Hallows’ Eve creeping toward commercial monsterdom in Japan. it’s easy enough to find theme park extravaganzas headlined by squeaky-voiced mice and bewhiskered nonfeline kitties with parades, trick-or-treating, costume contests and more. But if you want something more personal and closer to home, you can also check out small shōtengai (shopping streets), department stores and kids’s eikaiwa schools for event posters to see what kinds of local Halloween-y events are in the works. PUMPKIN PATCHERY Speaking of Halloween-y, is there anything more so than an orange orb lit from within? Skip the green kabocha and seek out a proper carving pumpkin at farmers markets, florists, Costco or online at purveyors like The Flying Pig and Rakuten. For a trip to a real pumpkin patch, you can let your inner Linus out at Shin-Kiba’s Yumenoshima Park (http://meturl.com/pumpkinpatch), which brings in pumpkins from Ibaraki for frolicking fun (no taking them home, though). Shirokanedai, Moto-Azabu/Azabu Juban and Tokyo Midtown areas, with businesses and even private residences passing out the sweet stuff. Stick to houses with Halloween decorations, or just follow the crowds. Trick-or-treating aficionados outside the metropolitan core have been known to set up their own routes, both solo and in cooperation with school and neighborhood friends. Simply make a list of interested families, draw up a basic map with participating houses marked (houses should be decorated or labeled with a Halloween decal) and get some parents to act as chaperones. Some trick-or-treating groups charge a fee that’s pooled to buy candy, which is then distributed to participating houses, while others put each house in charge of its own treats. Make sure Halloween newbies understand that each kid only needs a candy or two, not intricately packaged gift bags! If you go it on your own, it means purchasing candy and asking various neighbors to hand it out to your little ones, who will come by at a predetermined time. While it’s not as much fun for the older crowd, for smaller kids (and elderly neighbors), candy and a cute, costumed munchkin are the only things needed for squeal-worthy satisfaction. T-O-T DIY PUMPKIN PURVEYORS Halloween isn’t Halloween without kids trickor-treating, and hundreds of doorbell-ringers can be found at Yoyogi-Uehara station and the The Flying Pig (www.theflyingpig.com; search for “Halloween pumpkin”) Rakuten (www.rakuten.co.jp/wf-cartgift; Japanese) TOP COSTUME SHOPS 1. Tokyu Hands (http://meturl.com/tokyuhands) 2. Don Quijote (http://meturl.com/donki) 3. Claire’s (http://clairesn.co.jp/) 4. Spinns (www.spinns.com) 5. Paris Kid’s (http://meturl.com/pariskids) 6. SBY (http://shop.sby.co.jp) 7. Okadaya (www.okadaya.co.jp) TRY IT OUT GHOST MAKEUP PRIMER *From S Cawaii! Beauty 1. Moisturize your face with skin lotion: Take a generous amount and spread it over your face and neck until it’s fully absorbed. 2. Spread white face makeup onto a small section of your hand. Warm the makeup by rubbing it into your hand in small circular motions. 3. Apply the makeup onto your cheeks, and spread it around the rest of your face. Use a moist makeup sponge and make sure it’s applied evenly. Extend it down your neck as well. 4. Pat your face and neck with a fresh makeup sponge to remove excess oil, skin and makeup. 5. Use a makeup puff to pat baby powder over your makeup, being sure to remove any excess powder from the puff before applying. Repeat steps (4) and (5) as needed. 6. To create a gaunt, skeletal look, apply bronzer starting just below your temples and ending below your cheekbones. To find the spot, suck in your cheeks and apply the bronzer where your cheeks indent. 7. To contour the rest of your face, apply bronzer to the sides of your face and just below your hairline. Tah-daah! 21 arts&culture ART OLYMPIAN BUILD Zaha Hadid revolutionizes the Tokyo landscape BY C.B. LIDDELL © Zaha Hadid Architects New National Stadium, Japan London Aquatics Center, UK The exhibition at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery gives Hadid an opportunity to answer her critics, and should also be seen as an important PR exercise, with the architect presenting her oeuvre in a way that may mollify her critics. The first half of the exhibition could even elicit some sympathy and white-knighting, because it focuses on her “unbuilt works,” using models, artworks and designs. Poor little Zaha, Iwan Baan © Zaha Hadid Architects Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan 22 it seems, had to plough a long, lonely furrow before one of her designs was finally constructed, giving her the nickname, “The Queen of the Unbuilt.” Working first in the office of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, Hadid set up her own architectural practice in 1980. But despite doing well in competitions, she had to wait more than 10 years to see her first built work, the Vitra Fire Station in Germany (1993), whose dramatic angular shape seems to wail like a fire engine siren. Advances in construction technology and 3-D computer analysis helped her achieve her trademark flowing, curvilinear designs that many have interpreted as a more “feminine” style; sometimes over-literally so—her recent design for the Al-Wakrah Stadium in Qatar was famously compared to female genitalia. Visitors can judge for themselves, with installations showing some of her best-known works and a section focusing on the Olympic Stadium, the climax—no pun intended—of her long career. Oct 18-Dec 23, ¥1,000-1,200. Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Shinjuku-ku. Hatsudai. www. operacity.jp/en/ Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects Zaha Hadid is among the unquestioned superstars of world architecture. She’s additionally significant as one of the few women to break the so-called glass ceiling of this male-dominated profession. That she is also Iraqi only adds to her cosmopolitan crossover appeal, making her the perfect name to associate with big, inclusive international projects—such as the stadium design for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The eponymous exhibition at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery aims to give Tokyoites an insight into her aesthetic. This is more than a mere curiosity: serious concerns have been voiced about her design for the Tokyo Olympic Stadium and its impact on the showcase event to the extent that last year, a group of Japan’s top architects, including Fumihiko Maki, Toyo Ito and Sou Fujimoto, formed to oppose Hadid’s design: Speeches were made and petitions signed. The main criticisms have been that the stadium, which will occupy the current site of the 1964 National Olympic Stadium, will be too big, expensive and unsustainable. To accommodate these criticisms, the stadium will now be scaled down. But critics also say Hadid’s works, with their sleek, futuristic lines, are designed to stand out in an overly attention-seeking manner that causes aesthetic disharmony and degrades the visual environment. That might sound odd as this is Tokyo—home of the architecturally absurd non sequitur. Photo Courtesy of Sub Pop Records MUSIC REVAMPING THE VASELINES Indie legends bring a new album and new lineup to Japan BY LESLIE LEE III It was a foggy morning in Glasgow when Metropolis talked to Eugene Kelly of The Vaselines. But he had every reason to be cheery: V for Vaselines, the band’s new album, just came out. The band, comprising Kelly and Frances McKee, had split just after releasing their first album, Dum-Dum, in 1989. A copy found its way to Kurt Cobain, prompting Nirvana to cover three Vaselines songs; the defunct band was then elevated to cult status. Kelly and McKee found themselves playing together again—and enjoying it. They toured, re-released their old work and recorded their second album, 2010’s Sex with an X. When asked how a third album came about, Kelly replies, “We just kept touring. As songwriters, we felt we had at least one more album in us.” The product, V, is a rowdy 35 minutes filled with the band’s signature happy melodies and POP LIFE THE LOVE BEHIND ANIME Patrick Galbraith’s The Moé Manifesto BY DAN GRUNEBAUM When it comes to Japan’s image in the global eye, kawaii—the “cuteification” of just about everyone and everything—is a staple. However, lesser known is moe, an emphasis on the emotional response to fictional characters, as opposed to the characters themselves. The moe phenomenon has been misrepresented and stigmatized as bizarre overseas. But Patrick Galbraith, author of The Moé Manifesto, the world’s first English book on the attraction, sets the record straight. dark humor. “We just want to make short pop songs,” the Vaselines frontman states. “We’ve got short attention spans and we want to get it over with quickly.” And the new release has been garnering positive responses. “I think people like the record,” says Kelly. “It’s going to make them want to come see us live.” The Vaselines will be returning to Japan in November, where longtime fans will hear new songs and a new, more aggressive lineup. Read the full article at http://meturl.com/vaselines ● Nov 2-3, ¥7,900 (1 day) / ¥13,900 (2 days), Shin-Kiba Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. http://ynos.tv/hostessclub/ ● V for Vaselines is available digitally on Amazon and iTunes. Signed copies are available at www.thevaselines.co.uk. “Moe—which is the noun form of the verb moeru (which can mean ‘to sprout’ or ‘to burn’)—is a response to fictional characters,” explains the American author. “It has the connotation of something that gets your motor running.” “There’s a lot of misunderstanding,” he says regarding fans of manga, anime and game. “It’s easy to look at images of Japanese men embracing pillows with their favorite characters and say, ‘Man, those guys are weird!’ It’s a joke; we laugh and move on.” “The Moé Manifesto is an attempt to talk with people on the inside— creators, fans and critics of manga, anime and games in Japan—and get their perspective. It’s a manifesto in the sense that it’s a political statement: let’s take people and their lives seriously. Rather than point, laugh and dismiss, let’s listen to them and respect that we might not understand it immediately.” The moe style is characterized by exaggerated features, such as unnaturally huge eyes and nonexistent mouths and noses. First used in girls’s comics, these elements were introduced to emphasize characters’s emotional responses, and were later adopted in men’s manga and anime, through which they became a standard. “One interesting result is … ‘anti-realism.’ Cute girl characters don’t exactly look like real women. You can have characters that are attractive without any comparison to or connection to the ‘real’ thing.” But exactly how important is sexual fantasy to moe? “I posed that question to Honda Toru,” Galbraith says of the moe guru. “He married a character from a PC game. He was attracted to her sexually, sure, but there’s something more to it. Honda describes that ‘something more’ as love.” What surprised the author, though, was how robust the discourse on moe is in Japan. “Many of us can regonize the allure of comic book and cartoon characters, but how often do you hear people talk about marrying them—and what that might mean socially and economically? Or advocating [a] sexual orientation toward fictional characters? “What surprised me most was how serious people took their relationships with fictional characters, which were described to me as life-saving— a reason for living, or an alternative way of life.” http://meturl.com/moemanifesto 23 agenda WATCH LIST Concerts POPULAR Oct 25, 4pm, ¥9,500 (adv) +1d. Saitama Super Arena. Saitama-Shintoshin. l-tike. com Yuki Koyanagi Noisemaker J-pop princess from Saitama. Oct 17, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. www.yuki-koyanagi.jp Emo rock with catchy melodies. Oct 24, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.club-quattro.com Loud Park 14 Farm Party 14 Dream Theater, Manowar, Arch Enemy and others. Oct 18-19, 10:30am, ¥14,500-16,500 (1 day, adv)/ ¥26,000 (2 days, adv). Saitama Super Arena. Saitama-Shintoshin. www. loudpark.com/14 With avant-rock bands Meah!, Jebiotto, Comorevi-Butter Fly, Barry Zogon Band. Oct 24, 6:30pm, ¥1,000 (door). Ruby Room. Shibuya. http:// farmparty.tokyogigguide.com Puffy Energetic and eclectic J-pop duo. Nov 8, 6pm, ¥5,400 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. www.ex-theater.com Ben Folds plays his pop hits arranged for orchestral performance. Nov 17-18, 7pm, ¥10,000-11,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522. http://meturl. com/ben14 Tommy Guerrero Kyary Pamyu Pamyu American professional skateboarder and musician, with Tony Guerrero and El Diablitos. Oct 24, 7pm, ¥5,000 (adv). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. http://meturl.com/ guerrero2014 Pop princess of super kawaii proportions. Oct 18, 4pm, ¥6,500. Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. Tel: 03-5720-9999. http://meturl. com/kyary2014 Nov 8, 5pm; Nov 9, 3pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Meiji-Jingumae. http://ltike.com Meah! Japan Tour With Happy Family, The Singapore Cane and more. Oct 18, 6pm, ¥500. SuperDeluxe. Roppongi. Tel: 03-5412-0515. www.super-deluxe.com Fatboy Slim With Steve Aoki and others. Oct 19, 3pm, ¥9,800 (adv). Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. www.smash-jpn. com Gamuso Live With Icon Girl Pistols, Android Beach Party and Midnight Moon Theater. Oct 18, 8pm; Oct 19, 12am, free. Gamuso Chroma. Asagaya. Tel: 03-5364-9096. http://gamuso. com Ken Yokoyama Japanese guitarist with guest band Over Arm Throw. Oct 25, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv). Yokohama Bay Hall. MotomachiChukagai. Tel: 03-3444-6751. http://www.pizzaofdeath.com/ Sabbat Night With Fake Face, Egg Brain, Super Beaver and more. Oct 26, 3pm, ¥3,130 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. http:// meturl.com/sabbat13 The Heavy British indie band from Bath. Oct 21, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com Bowline 14 With 10-Feet and more. Oct 26, 11:30am, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Saitama Super Arena. Saitama-Shintoshin. http:// bowlinelive.jp vocalist of The Ramones goes solo. Nov 4, 7pm, ¥5,800 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://ltike.com The Gazette Visual-kei rockers. Nov 7, 6:30pm, ¥6,480 (adv) +1d. Club Citta. Kawasaki. Tel: 044-246-8888. www.clubcitta. co.jp 20th anniversary performance. Nov 9, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv). Shelter. Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3444-6751. http:// backdropbomb.jp Mr. Big ‘80s rock group from Los Angeles. Nov 10, 7pm, ¥8,3009,300. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. http://meturl. com/big14 Jason Mraz Aussie roots and jam band. Oct 22-23, 7:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-5720-9999. www. smash-jpn.com Feelflip Japanese five-piece ska punk band. Oct 26, 3pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com Kieran (UK) Dinosaur Pile-Up Rick Astley Pop-rock artist returns to Kanto in support of new EP. Oct 23, 7pm, ¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door). Club Doctor. Ogikubo. Tel: 03-3392-1877. www.clubdoctor.co.jp. Oct 24, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500 (door). The Club Sensation. Kannai or Hinodecho. Tel: 045-241-3166. http:// sensation-jp.com West Yorkshire lads play alternative rock. Oct 28, 7pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. www. creativeman.co.jp English singer-songwriter returns to rickroll Japan. Nov 12-13. 7pm, ¥7,800-¥8,800. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522. http://meturl.com/astley2014 The Royal Concept Alt rock from Sweden. Oct 28, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. www. creativeman.co.jp Japan Night Japanese music festival with [Alexandros], Sakanaction and Vamps. Oct 23, 6:30pm, ¥5,400 (adv)/ ¥6,000 (door). Zepp DiverCity. Daiba. www. japannight.jp/en/ Renzo Rubino Piano Concert The 2014 Italian revelation: a powerful and eclectic singersongwriter who will put a spell on you. Oct 23, 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Fazioli Showroom. Tamachi. Tel: 03-68093534. www.iccj.or.jp/content/ renzo-rubino-concert Tokio Japanese rock/pop band formed by Johnny & Associates. Nov1, 5:30pm; Nov 2, 4pm, ¥8,000. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. www. nipponbudokan.or.jp Hostess Club Weekender The latest edition of promoter Hostess’s thrice-yearly indie rock fest is headlined by Kaiser Chiefs and Team Me. Nov 2, 1:45pm; Nov 3, 1:30pm. ¥7,900 (one day)/ ¥13,900 (two days). Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-6809-1070. http://ynos.tv/ hostessclub/ Pierrot ’90s visual-kei band makes a comeback. Oct 24, 6:30pm; 24 CJ Ramone Former bassist and sometimes The Ben Folds Orchestra Experience 1Eyedman Tokyo-based group with catchy Brit-pop/rock tunes and lyrics. Nov 14, 7pm, ¥3,000. Tsutaya O-Nest. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-4420. http://ltike.com 9mm Parabellum Bullet Post-hardcore band from Yokohama. Nov 15, 6:30pm, ¥3,800 (adv) +1d. Club Citta. Kawasaki. Tel: 050-55330888. www.clubcitta.co.jp Rock in Opposition Japan 2014 Originally a movement of progressive bands united & 7:45pm, ¥2,500. Softwind. Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp Blue Mountain Boys Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Japanese ska and jazz band. Oct 28, 7pm, ¥5,400. Club Citta. Kawasaki. Tel: 044-223-2333. http:// clubcitta.co.jp/ Classic country and western and bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm, free, Cafe Sepia. Shibuya. Tel: 03-34061300. www.nagaremono.com/ sepia CLASSICAL Thomas Zehetmair Jazz orchestra. Oct 28-29, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥8,000. Blue Note. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp Australian violinist. Oct 17, 7pm, ¥3,000-6,500. Toppan Hall. Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5840-2200. www.toppanhall.com/en JAZZ/WORLD The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Chamber Orchestra Sagamihara Yoshiko Kishino Big band jazz. Oct 30-31, 7 & 9:30pm; Nov 1, 6 & 9pm, ¥6,800-8,800. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com Performing Mozart and Beethoven. Oct 18, 2pm, ¥2,500-5,000. Mori no Hall. Hashimoto. Tel: 042-775-3811. www.hall-net. or.jp/02hashimoto Birthday live 2014. Oct 17, 7:30pm, ¥5,400. JZ Brat. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-0168. www.jzbrat.com Nao Suzuki Piano Solo Live Contemporary jazz. Oct 18, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind. Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp Sadao Watanabe Orchestra Energetic Japanese jazz band. Oct 19, 4:30pm, ¥3,00010,000. Sagami Green Hall. Sagami-Ono. Tel: 042-7492200. www.hall-net.or.jp Carlos Kanno Tropical Superjam Latin jazz. Nov 2, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,500-24,000. Motion Blue. Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Platina Jazz Orchestra Presented by Rasmus Faber. Nov 4-5, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥6,500-8,500. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com Cedric Hanriot Grooovematic Tommy Campbell Japan tour 2014. Oct 20, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,000-22,000. Motion Blue. Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Final Japan tour. Nov 6, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200-22,800. Motion Blue. Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Chris Botti Seiji Igusa Jazz trumpeter. Oct 20-21, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥10,500-12,500. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. www. billboard-live.com Acoustic guitar solo live. Nov 8, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind. Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp Rabbitoo Modern jazz band. Oct 22, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥4,800-6,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. www.cottonclubjapan. co.jp Akane Matsumoto Meets Hideaki Kanazawa Afternoon jazz live. Nov 9, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,500. Softwind. Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp Among the winners of 2012’s Area Sanremo chosen to perform at the Festival of Sanremo the following year, where he won the critics’s award for his song “Il postino.” Oct 23, 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Fazioli Showroom. Tamachi. Tel: 03-6809-3534. http:// meturl.com/rubino2014 2014 Japan tour. Nov 10, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥6,800-9,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. www.cottonclubjapan. co.jp Nelson Rangell Smooth jazz. Nov 12-14, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥7,000-8,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. www.cottonclubjapan. co.jp Double Rainbow Yosuke Onuma and Takana Miyamoto with special guest Keizo Nakanishi. Oct 24, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500-24,000. Motion Blue. Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Minako Kikuchi Piano Solo Live Jazz piano. Oct 26, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www. softwind.jp Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra The 61st afternoon concert. Oct 19, 2pm, ¥2,100-5,700. Tokyo Opera City regular series. Feb 26, 7pm, ¥5,10011,300. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp91st Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra Subscription concert no. 776. Oct 20, 7pm, ¥2,500-6,500. Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall Subscription concert no.780. Dec 8, 7pm, ¥2,200-7,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en The 853rd Subscription Concert Conducted by Mikhail Pletnev. Oct 21, 7pm, ¥6,200-7,700. Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall Jonas Kaufmann Jiro Yoshida Renzo Rubino Knot Fest Japan Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Korn and others. Nov 15-16, 12pm, ¥14,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥27,000 (2days, adv). Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. www. knotfestjapan.com 8:30pm, ¥8,000-10,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Back Drop Bomb Coffee-house singersongwriter. Nov 11, 7pm, ¥8,000 (adv) +1d. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522. www. smash-jpn.com Nov 14, 7pm, ¥8,000 (adv). Tokyo International Forum Hall A. Yurakucho. www.smash-jpn. com John Butler Trio in their opposition to the music industry that refused to recognize their music, feat. artists Picchio Dal Pozzo and Present. Nov 15-16, 3pm, ¥14,000 (seated)/ ¥10,500 (standing). O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. rockinopposition-japan.com Taeko Moriyama Japanese jazz drummer. Nov 14, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200-22,800. Motion Blue. Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Toshihiro Nakanishi and Sumire Kuribayashi Jazz Instruments. Nov 15, 7 & 8pm, ¥3,200. Softwind. Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp 2014 Japan tour. Oct 22, 7pm, ¥14,000-26,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra The 4th Enjoy Classic Series. Oct 23, 8pm, ¥3,000-5,100. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp Subscription concert no.543. Dec 4, 7pm, ¥3,600-7,200. Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall The 88th Subscription Concert Conducted by Mikhail Pletnev. Oct 24, 7pm, ¥6,200-7,700. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. http:// operacity.jp Acoustic Life Op.1 Brothers 5 Premium live. Oct 27, 6 & National tour in promotion of album release. Nov 16, 6:30 Quatuor Mosaïques The essence of Viennese hot tickets OCT 24-NOV 9 DEC 26-29 Film Treasures from MOMA Kool & The Gang Martin Scorsese’s Italianamerican, Walt Disney’s Newman Laugh-oGrams and more. Oct 24-Nov 9, various times, ¥520-1,300. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo Film Center. Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl.com/ momat Tickets on sale now American Jazz, R&B, soul, funk and disco group. Dec 26-29, various times, ¥13,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://meturl.com/koolgang2014 Tickets on sale from Oct 21 music. Oct 25, 5pm, ¥3,00011,880. Toppan Hall. Iidabashi. Tel: 03-58402200. www.toppanhall.com/en Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp Shirogame Philharmonic Orchestra 23th Opera Arias. Nov 7, 7pm, ¥3,000-5,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-53539999. operacity.jp Regular concert. Oct 26, 2pm, ¥1,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp The 83rd Music Competition of Japan The final selection of vocal section. Oct 27, 5pm, ¥2,0003,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. http://operacity.jp NHK Symphony Orchestra No. 1792 Conducted by Tatsuya Shimono. Oct 29, 7pm, ¥3,600-8,800. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall Autumn Exhibition of Contemporary Music 2014 Concert of JSCM members. Oct 30, 6:30pm, ¥4,000. Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall. Shinjuku or Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-9999. www. operacity.jp Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall & Tokyo Symphony Orchestra 102nd masterpieces complete works. Nov 1, 2pm, ¥3,0006,000. 104th masterpieces complete works. Jan 12, 2pm, ¥3,000-6,000.Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp The 93rd Global Classic Concert Ikuyo Nakamichi Piano recital. Nov 8, 2pm, ¥1,500-4,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohommachi. Tel: 0570-064-939. www. saf.or.jp. Piano recital. Feb 8, 2pm, ¥3,000-4,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall Yulianna Avdeeva Piano recital. Nov 8, 2pm, ¥5,000-7,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp Hisako Kawamura Piano recital . Nov 9, 2pm, ¥2,000-6,000. Mori no Hall. Hashimoto. Tel: 042-775-3811. www.hall-net. or.jp/02hashimoto Le Velvets Classic elegance. Nov 9, 3pm, ¥6,000-9,800. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-53539999. http://operacity.jp Artists Salon Concert Series Vol.190. Nov 10, 7:30pm, ¥4,000-5,000. Suntory Hall Blue Rose. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall Eri Tsuchiya Piano Recital Music Academy Tokyo 77th Message Concert Performed by The Pupils and Lecturers of Music Academy Tokyo. Nov 2, 1pm, free(advanced application necessary). Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall AAR 35th Anniversary Charity Concert Mihoko Fujimura’s Mezzo-Soprano special recital. Nov 3, 2pm, ¥5,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. http:// operacity.jp The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma 15th anniversary. Nov 4, 7pm, ¥7,000-22,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall NTT east NHK Symphony Orchestra Concert Conducted by Toshiaki Umeda. Nov 5, 7pm, ¥3,000-5,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. http:// operacity.jp Rainer Kühl Violin recital. Nov 6, 7pm, ¥3,600-4,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki. Annual recital with Steinway. Nov 10, 7pm, ¥3,500 (general)/¥6,000 (for two). Matsuo Hall. Yurakucho or Ginza. Tel: 03-3539-1845. www.h-matsuo.co.jp/hall_ studio/hall_tokyo.html Orchestra Dell' Accademia Nazionale Di Santa Cecilia,Roma Conducted by Antonio Pappano. Nov 11, 7pm, ¥9,000-33,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall FEB 5 The Vamps British pop boy band. Feb 5, 7pm, ¥6,000-7,000. Zepp Tokyo. Aomi. Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://meturl. com/vamps2014 Tickets on sale from 0ct 18 The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine Conducted by Volodymyr Sirenko. Nov 15, 2pm, ¥4,0008,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. http://operacity.jp Orchestra Festival 2014 Performed by College of Music. Nov 16, 24, Dec 6 & 7, 3pm, ¥1,000-3,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp JAN 25 Japan Idol Festival With Links, Chu-Z, Ultra Girl and more. Jan 25, 3pm, ¥4,500. Shinjuku Blaze. Shinjuku. Tel: 0570-550-799. www. kyodotokyo.com/JIF Tickets on sale now of Tetsuya Kumakawa. Oct 9-26, various times, ¥6,00018,500. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-53539522. www.bunkamura.co.jp Dracula Ballet adaptation of the 1897 Gothic horror novel performed by the NBA Ballet Company, directed and choreographed by Michael Pink. Oct 25, 6:30pm; Oct 26, 3pm, ¥3,000-10,000. U-Port Hall. Osakihirokoji. Tel: 03-3494-1840. http:// meturl.com/dracula2014 for free OCT 26 Song of the Earth Festival to commemorate the 2011 Tohoku earthquake with live music performances, a food market and more. Oct 26, 10am, free. Kawaguchi Sports Park. Echigokawaguchi. www. songoftheearth.info w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com 03-6434-0968. http://meturl. com/origamiclub The New Matrix Bar Sound Museum Vision Matrix Friday. Old-school hip-hop, westside, southside, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp Transitions. Techno, house: DJs John Digweed, Gonno, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com The Room The Room Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Womb Bingo Players. EDM: DJs Bingo Players, Hirata, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp No Requests. Drum‘n’bass, house: DJs Special Request, Randall, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp SATURDAY 18 UPCOMING Ageha Ageha The Wonderland. House, EDM: DJs Daishi Dance, Tanaka, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Shinkiba. www.ageha.com Halloween. All mix: DJs Kaori, Mitomi, etc. Oct 25, from 8pm, ¥4,500. Shinkiba. www. ageha.com Air Air Mnml Ssgs Party. Techno: DJs Silent Servant, Nobu, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com Innervisions. House: DJs Dixon, Shibata, etc. Oct 25, from 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com Daikanyama Unit Origami Dbs. Dubstep: DJs Mala & Coki, Goth-Trad, etc. From 11:30pm, ¥3,500. Daikanyama. www. unit-tokyo.com Into the Woods. House. Oct 25, from midnight, 10pm ¥3,000. Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. http://meturl.com/ origamiclub Womb The Ben Folds Orchestra Experience The Sleeping Beauty Stage New production of a classical masterpiece arranged by Artistic Director Noriko Ohara. Nov 8, 9, 13, 15 & 16 2pm; Nov 11, 6:30pm, ¥3,240-16,200. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-53529999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/ english Whales, Stories of Giants L.A. Dance Project An innovative 3-D dance performance inspired by legends and stories from Latin American tradition. Oct 18, 11am & 2pm, ¥1,500-2,500. Setagaya Public Theater. Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-54321515. http://setagaya-pt.jp/ Modern dance by artistic collective based in L.A. Nov 8-9, 3pm, ¥2,000-¥6,000 (gen) / ¥3,600-¥5,400 (members). Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohommachi. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp 2014 Japan tour. Nov 17-18, 7pm, ¥10,000-11,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522. www.bunkamura.co.jp Don Giovanni Operatic portrayal of a playboy’s inhibited and philandering life. Oct 19, 22 & 26, 2pm; Oct 24, 6:30pm; ¥4,320-23,760. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt. jac.go.jp/english Clubbing NOV 1 (SAT), 11PM Liquidroom DJ Mag Party Halloween Improvazilla Main Stage Show Improv games and scenes and a fully improvised musical based on the audience’s suggestions. Oct 31, 8-10:30pm, ¥1,500 +1d. Crocodile Live House. Shibuya. http:// tokyocomedy.com Wonderful State Q Butoh dancer Temmetsu escapes into his imaginary kingdom. Nov 1, 7:30pm; Nov 2, 1:30 & 6:30pm, ¥2,900 (adv)/ ¥3,200 (door). Theater Samsa. Asagaya. Tel: 090-8516-6005. www. temmetsu.com @ Ageha. Headliner: Dantz, Adam Saville. Live: Chill, Sam Rhansum. Lineup: TinyDucks, Daijiro, Jeseph, Takuyatokyo. ¥3,500, ¥3,000 (adv & member). Wear a full body costume and entry fee ¥2,500. Address: 2-2-10 Shinkiba Koto, Tokyo. Tel: 03-55342525. http://facebook.com/ djmagpartyjapan Shinkiba FRIDAY 17 Emaf Tokyo. Electronic: DJs Luke Vibert, Lone, etc. From 3pm, ¥6,000. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. www. liquidroom.net Piano recital. Nov 12, 7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall. Shinjuku or Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-9999. http://operacity.jp Suntory Hall Opera Academy Performance Gaetano Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. Nov 13, 6:30pm, ¥5,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall Kawasaki Shinkin Bank Presents Lunchtime and night concert. Nov 14, 12:10 & 7pm, ¥500. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp Bilingual Comedy Anniversary Show The Pirates of Tokyo Bay celebrate four years in Tokyo. Nov 16, 7:30pm, ¥2,500. SuperDeluxe. Roppongi. Tel: 03-5412-0515. http://meturl. com/pirates2014 Once Tony Award-winning musical about true love found on the streets of Dublin. Until Dec 14, various times, ¥13,000. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. www.once-musical.jp Dance Carmen Retelling of Bizet’s opera in ballet form, under the direction Sound Museum Vision Big Halloween Party. Electro, edm: DJs Taku, Marc Panther, etc. Oct 25, from 9pm, ¥4,000. Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com Ruby Room Teppan. DJs Nabe, Kubota, etc. From 11pm, ¥1,000. Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com Sound Museum Vision Rolling Thunder. EDM: DJs Daruma & Jommy, Habanero Posse, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. www. vision-tokyo.com Womb Halloween Party. Techno: DJs Techriders, Serizawa, etc: Live: Benoit & Sergio. Oct 25, from 11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp Exhibitions AKASAKA/ROPPONGI The New Matrix Bar Ageha Asap. All mix: DJs Turntable Junkies, U5, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. Shinkiba. www.ageha.com Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp Womb Chie Mori Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Interbreed, Port of Gold. Hip-hop: DJs Kensei, Deflo, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,500. Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com Session. Techno, house: DJs Frank Maurel, Ohnishi, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp Origami FRIDAY 24 Air Hector. DJs Hector, Miku, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. http://meturl.com/ origamiclub Ageha Love Halloween Party. All mix: DJs 81Neutronz, Daruma, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Shinkiba. www.ageha.com Sound Museum Vision Mori Art Museum Lee Mingwei and His Relations. Mixed media artist with an interactive style. The completion of his works relies on the participation of his audience. Until Jan 4, ¥500-1,500. Jacob Kirkegaard. Sound and video installation on Fukushima by Danish sound artist. Until Jan 4, 10am-10pm / Tue, 10am-5pm, ¥1,500 (general) / ¥1,000 (uni/high school) / ¥500 (4 years-junior high). Open Mon & Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi. Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.mori.art.museum Mori Arts Center Gallery Techno Invader. Techno: DJs Ishino, Yoji, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500. Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com Plus Tokyo. Techno: DJs Hiyama, Nishimura, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com T2 Origami Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Shu, Vivid, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 Libre. House, disco: DJs W!ld, Tsutsui, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Omotesando. Tel: Air The World of Tim Burton. Exhibit on the widely regarded as one of cinema's most imaginative and visual filmmakers. Nov 1-Jan 4, 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 11am-11pm, ¥800-1,800. 52F Roppongi Hills Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi. Roppongi. www. tim-burton.jp 25 WE VALUE THE TREASURES Auction full of impressive Japanese antique goods. Full range of services, quality items, reasonable price.Free delivery service in Tokyo 23 wards. http://jazzy-japan.com 1-8-2 Umejima Adachi-ku, Tokyo Japan E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 03-5888-5869 Executive Sales Training in Japan WADA Legal & Administrative Office We can help you with: • Visa & Immigration Procedures • Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation and Refugee Status • Establishing a Company & Branch Office • Accounting Services, Acquiring Business Licences • Preparation/Translation of Legal & Business Documents • Other Legal & Business Matters One that really achieves results! YOUR KEY TO THE SUCCESS! 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Free trial lesson for groups [email protected] 03-3713-4958 OCT 18-NOV 2, FREE Nowhere Hitomi Onuki’s work connects pieces of glass to evoke the beauty of the maimed. In this exhibition, she uses the idea of the mirror as a boundary to create a fragile and ephemeral world of glass wolves. Oct 18-Nov 2, 12-7pm daily, free. Nanatasu Gallery. 3F Ogura Bldg, 2-12-4 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6419-7229. Nogizaka. www.nanatasu.jp Suntory Museum of Art Koyasan 1200th Anniversary: Treasures of the Sacred Mountain. Figures carved by some of Japan’s most celebrated Buddhist sculptors, including Unkei and Kaikei. Until Dec 7, ¥800-1,300. Open Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue. 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Roppongi. www.suntory. jp/sma The National Art Center, Tokyo The Birth of Impressionism— Freedom in Painting: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay. Impressionist masterpieces from Paris. Until Oct 20, ¥800-1,600. The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. Feat. Japanese & Western paintings, sculptures, applied fine arts and writing. Oct 31-Dec 7, 10am-6pm, closed Tue, ¥700-1,200. Masterpieces from the Kunsthaus Zürich. Japanese exhibition of one of the best art museums in Switzerland boasting a world-class collection of modern art. Until Dec 15, 10am-6pm, closed Tue, ¥800-1,600. Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nogizaka. www. nact.jp GINZA/KYOBASHI/ TOKYO Bridgestone Museum of Art Willem de Kooning: From the John and Kimiko Powers Collection. Dutch-born American artist and one of the founders of abstract expressionism. Until Jan 12, ¥500-800. Open Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bridgestone-museum. gr.jp Idemitsu Museum of Arts Ninsei, Kenzan and Crafts of Kyoto. Featuring the ceramic works of artists Nonomura Ninsei and Ogata Kenzan. Oct 25-Dec 21, Mon-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon, ¥700-1,000. Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi. Tokyo. http:// meturl.com/craftsofkyoto2014 Nagoya Commerce and Industry Center The Mirror Ginza. The true nature of the coming era reflected in artwork. Until Nov 9, 1-9pm, ¥1,000 (lecture is extra), reservation only. 1-9pm. 4-3-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Ginza-itchome. wave director known for The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and other films. Until Dec 14, ¥70-210. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi. Kyobashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. momat.go.jp The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo Hishida Shunso: A Retrospective. Works by Meiji-period painter and innovator of nihonga. (Note: In the Sep 5-18 edition of Metropolis, this exhibition was erroneously listed as ¥300-1,400. It should have read ¥400-1,400 as below). Until Nov 3, ¥400-1,400. Celadon Now: Techniques and Beauty Handed Down from Southern Sung to Today. Modern ceramic art. Until Nov 24, ¥300-900. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat. go.jp HARAJUKU/AOYAMA Laforet Museum Chasing The Sun: Oasis 1993-1997. Photos, artifacts and memorabilia from Oasis’s early years. Oct 25-28, 11am-9pm; Oct 28, 11am-6pm, ¥1,000-1,200 (adv)/¥1,200-1,400 (door). Laforet Harajuku 6F, 1-11-6 Jingumae. Meiji-Jingumae. www.laforet.ne.jp Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art Utagawa Kunisada: 150th Anniversary of His Death. Collection of prints by one of the great ukiyo-e masters. Until Nov 24, ¥700-1,000. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae. Harajuku. www. ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp UltraSuperNew Gallery RetroMoto. Lust-worthy selection of hand-crafted motorcycles. Until Oct 19, 10am-7pm. Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, closed Sun and Hols. 1-1-3 Jingumae. Harajuku. http://meturl. com/ultrasupernewgallery SHIBUYA/EBISU Bunkamura: The Museum The Dream of French Paintings: From Impressionism to Ecole de Paris. Select works by Monet, Chagall, Cézanne, Foujita and more. Oct 18-Dec 14, ¥500-1,400. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2-24-1 Dogenzaka. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. bunkamura.co.jp SHINJUKU/IKEBUKURO Hiromart Gallery Natural Base. Oil and watercolor exhibition by Claudia Ahlering. Oct 24-Nov 30, 1-7pm. Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyoku. Edogawabashi. www. hiromartgallery.com Kenji Taki Gallery Nobuyuki Tanaka. Recipient of the 18th MOA Mokichi Okada Prize Craft Arts Section Award. Until Nov 8, 12-7pm, Free. Open Tue-Sat noon-7pm, closed Sun-Mon & hols. 3-18-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Hatsudai. www.kenjitaki.com National Film Center Le Monde Enchanté de Jacques Demy. Behindthe-scenes photographs from works by French new Sompo Japan Museum of Art Normandie: L'Estuaire de la Seine—L'Invention d'un Paysage. Paintings by Eugène Boudin, Raoul Dufy and others. Until Nov 9, ¥700-1,100. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 42F Sompo Japan Bldg. 1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku. Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www. sompo-japan.co.jp/museum Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery Zaha Hadid. Iraqi-British architect, and first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Oct 18-Dec 23, 11am-7pm, closed Mon, ¥1,000-1,200. Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Hatsudai. www.operacity.jp/en/ag UENO Edo-Tokyo Museum Tokyo Olympics and the Bullet Train. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Until Nov 16, ¥670-1340. Open Tue-Fri & Sun 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am7:30pm, closed Mon & hols. 1-4-1 Yokoami. Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3626-9974. www. edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp The National Museum of Western Art Ferdinand Hodler: Towards Rhythmic Images. Paintings by one of the best-known Swiss artists of the 19th century. Until Jan 12, ¥800-1,600. Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno Park. Ueno. www. nmwa.go.jp Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum From Botticelli to Bronzino. About 70 works by the great Renaissance masters, courtesy of the famed Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Until Dec 14, ¥1,000-1,600. Uffizi Gallery. An exhibition tracing the development of Florentine art from the 15th to the 16th century through works from the collection of the Uffizi Gallery. Until Dec 14, 9:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon, ¥800-1,600. 8-36 Ueno Park. Ueno. www. tobikan.jp Tokyo National Museum National Treasures of Japan. Artifacts gathered across various genres and periods. Until Dec 7, ¥900-1,600. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno Park. Ueno. www. tnm.jp ¥300-500. 10am-5pm, closed Tue (May-Aug, Sat, 9am-9pm). 1300-432 Goura Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa. Gora. Tel: 046-02-2717. www.hmop.com OTHER AREAS Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation. Presenting the Marsh House featured in When Marnie was There along with various other architecture featured in works by Ghibli along with the background art and art boards. Until Dec 14, ¥200-400. 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mon. 3-7-1 Sakuramachi, Koganei. Musashikoganei. Tel: 042-388-3300. www. tatemonoen.jp/english/ Hakone Museum of Photography Mt. Fuji. Katsura Endo’s portrayal of the ever-changing symbol of Japan. Permanent exhibition. Until Nov 4, PRO WRESTLING Hoki Museum Hito Omoi, Hito Omou. Painting. Lifelike portraits by contemporary artists. Until Nov 16, ¥900-1,800. Open Mon & Wed-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15 Asumigaokahigashi, Midori-ku. Toke. www.hoki-museum.jp Masataka Contemporary Planet Jam. A group show with artists Saki Fujikawa, Ryoko Kumakura, and Kinoko portraying how the world each artist inhabits meet, intersect and merge, creating an interesting environment for expression. Until Nov 8, Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun & Mon, free. Sansho Bldg, 3-2-9 Nihonbashi Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-0027. Nihonbashi. Tel: 03-3275-1019. www.masatakacontemporary.com/en The Container Change Room. Canadian artist Robert Waters’s exhibition. Until Nov 16, Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm, closed Tue, free. Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Tue. Hills Daikanyama, 1-8-30 Kami-Meguro. Naka-Meguro. www. the-container.com Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Genius and Ambition: The Royal Academy of Arts, London 1768-1918. Oil paintings by Turner, Constable and others. Until Nov 24, ¥400-1,300. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mon. Yano-machi 492-1 Hachioji. Hachioji. Tel: 042-691-4511. www.fujibi. or.jp/en Tokyo Gallery + BTAP Jin Sha Solo: Salute to Masters. Featuring 15 works of Chinese paintings, prints and sculptures by Chinese artist Jin Sha. Oct 18-Nov 22, Tue-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm, closed Mon & Sun, free. Tue-Fri 11am-7pm & Sat 11am-5pm, closed Sun, Mon & hols. 7F, 8-10-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Shinbashi. Tel: 03-3571-1808. www. tokyo-gallery.com Sports AMERICAN FOOTBALL Ueno Royal Museum Hokusai: From the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. One of Japan’s most famous ukiyo-e artists of the Edo period. Until Nov 9, ¥400-1,500. Open Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 1-2 Ueno Park. Ueno. www.ueno-mori.org Brave Thunders. Oct 24, 7:15pm, ¥700-3,500. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Sendagaya. Tel: 03-54742112. X League ●●Bulls Football Club vs. Taiyou Cranes. Oct 18, 11am, ¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●IBM Big Blue vs. Hurricanes. Oct 18, 2pm, ¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●Asahi Beer Silver Star vs. All Mitsubishi Lions. Oct 19, 5pm, ¥1,100. Yokohama Stadium. Kannai. Tel: 04-5661-1251. ●●Meiji Yasuda Pirates vs. Tokyo Gas Creators. Oct 19, 11am, ¥1,100. Yokohama Stadium. Kannai. Tel: 04-5661-1251. ●●Obic Seagulls vs. Lixil Deers. Oct 19, 2pm, ¥1,100. Yokohama Stadium. Kannai. Tel: 04-5661-1251. ●●Fujitsu Frontiers vs. Nojima Sagamihara Rise. Oct 20, 7pm, ¥1,100. Todoroki Stadium. Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-722-0303. BASKETBALL National Basketball League Hitachi Sunrockers vs. Toshiba Michinoku Oct 18, 7pm, ¥3,700-5,000. Shinkiba 1st Ring. Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3521-1015. DDT DDT. Oct 26, 12pm, ¥3,0005,000. Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. RUGBY Japan vs. New Zealand Nov 8, 2pm, ¥500-10,000. Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3881. Yokohama International School, The Loft. Yamate or Motomachi-Chukagai. http:// meturl.com/scbwi2014 Cider Seminar Tasting of five French ciders, coupled with seminar on historic background. Oct 19, 4pm, ¥2,500 (members)/ ¥3,000 (non-members). Brasserie Ripaille Motomachi. 2F Wistaria Motomach, 4-179 Motomomachi. Ishikawacho. www. institutfrancais.jp "We are Living in Extraordinary Times:" The Importance of Nature Conservation WWF Japan’s Shigeki Komori on why conservation is crucial. Oct 22, 7pm, Free. Lakeland College. Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3225-0425. http://meturl. com/lakelandlectures2014 Top League ●●Ricoh Black Rams vs. Toyota Verblitz. Oct 19, 11:40am, ¥300-3,600. Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3881. ●●Suntory Sungoliath vs. NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes. Oct 19, 2pm, ¥300-3,600. Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3881. Festivals Kiba no Kakunori Square log-rolling event on water. Oct 18-19, various times, free. Kiba Park. Kiba. http://meturl.com/kibakaku1 The Survival Guide to Sake A beginner’s session: decoding labels and food pairing. Oct 22, 7:30pm, ¥3,500. One Kitchen. Yotsuya-sanchome. Tel: 03-6326-5918. http://meturl. com/sakesurvivalguide Italian vs. French Wine Wine seminar with an Italianstyle gourmet dinner. Oct 24, 6pm, ¥11,980 (adv). Stellato. Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. www.wineandcooking. info Other Events Pixiv Matsuri Community A celebration of illustrators and illustrations with live music, a cosplay contest and more. Oct 25-Nov 24, 10am-11pm, ¥500-1,200 (adv)/ ¥500-1,500 (door). Roppongi Hills Viewing Platform at Tokyo City View Gallery. Roppongi. Tel: 0570-000-777. http://l-tike. com/event/pixiv/ Grief Support Group Game Market Hosted by TELL every Wednesday. For more information, contact training@ telljp.com. Oct 8-Dec 10, 7-8:30pm, free. Wesley Center. Omotesando. http://meturl. com/griefsupport2014 Interact with other analog gamers and visit booths dedicated to board games, card games, simulation games and more. Nov 16, 10am-5pm, ¥500-1,000. Tokyo Big Sight. Kokusai Tenjijo. Tel: 03-5283-9955. http:// gamemarket.jp/ Hagi Festival 30-meter long tunnel of bush clover grown on a bamboo frame is in full bloom. Sep 13-Oct 19, all day. Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden. HigashiMukojima. Tel: 03-3611-8705. http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en Half-Fast Cyclists Bicyclists of all treads meet for slide shows, lectures, ride-planning, etc. Every second Wed, 7pm, free, The Pink Cow. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773. cowmail@ thepinkcow.com Tokyo Street Hockey Association Casual street hockey group with regular meet-ups. Every first, second and third Fri, various venues. Check website calendar for details. www. tokyohockey.com Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Burlesque models pose for artstars and sketching newbies alike with arty socializing. Halloween Special: Wed, Oct 29, 7pm, ¥2,000 w/ 1d. Studio and Space IVVA. Meiji-Jingumae or Harajuku. www.drsketchytokyo. wordpress.com Festival Fukushima! Ikebukuro comes to life with a giant furoshiki cloth on the ground, big band music and original Bon dancing. The festival also serves as the launch party for the 2014 edition of Festival/Tokyo, Japan’s largest performing arts event. Nov 1, 3-8pm; Nov 2, 11am-5pm, free. Ikebukuro West Gate Park. Ikebukuro. www.festival-tokyo.jp/14/en/ Yokohama Triennale 2014 Art event with the theme “voyage into the sea of oblivion.” Until Nov 3, various times, ¥500-2,400. Various venues. Minatomirai and Basamichi. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www. yokohamatriennale.co.jp Learning SCBWI Japan Translation Day 2014 Event for translators of Japanese children’s literature into English. Oct 18, 9am-5pm, ¥4,000 (members) / ¥5,000 (non-members). MORE LISTINGS ONLINE → METURL. COM/LISTINGS 27 Metropolis and its subsequent Classifieds section are printed every other week. The upcoming publication dates and corresponding deadlines for print are as follows. This does not affect the online Classifieds, where ads are visible immediately after they are approved. FRI, OCT 31 ISSUE Deadline: Oct 23, 3pm FRI, NOV 14 ISSUE Deadline: Nov 6, 3pm 1 AT YOUR SERVICE 1.1 HEALTH I N N E R BALANCE. Tr a d i t i o n a l oriental treatment of acupuncture a n d moxibustion. Also body massage a n d r e f l e xo l o g y. M o b i l e ser v ice to your home or of f ice. Email Takahito at [email protected] or see http://tmasuda.wix. com/inner-balance. COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH COVE R AG E FOR E XPATS, D I PLO 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 m o n e y - b a c k g u a r a n t e e. Quick, easy application; convenient payment options. Enroll today! info@e ar thhe althcare.jp w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp 078-351-7300 ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC in Toranomon Hills offers a wide range of preventive, correc tive and cosmetic dentistry. Superior service focused on customer satisfaction and convenience. Open until 10pm. Modern dentistry at its best. www. rmdcc.com/english/ 0120-648-071 email your commercial ads to commercial@ metropolisjapan.com. 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). Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 70 Email: [email protected] Website: http://officelife. jp/en/ SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY (physical therapy) care in Hiroo. Native English -speaking therapists specializing in sports injuries, p o s t - o p e r a t i v e rehabilitation, back/neck pain, running related, headaches, orthotics, ergonomic consultations and women’s health. w w w.tokyophysio.com 03-3443-6769 I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT N I P PA S H I O F F I C E s u p p o r t s visa and naturalization applications, commercial r e g i s t r a t i o n ( b r a n c h o f f i ce installation, company establishment, etc.), inheritance procedures in Japan. Free consultation available in English, Español and Japanese. Tel: 03-6264 8446 [email protected] http:// nippashi.com TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS, Japan’s No.1 English magazine, log o n a t w w w. m e t r o p o l i s . co.jp/classifieds or CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists in branding, web design, photo/ v i d e o p ro d u c t i o n . D r a w ing A Crowd: a new approach in design. Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd. co 28 FURNITURE RENTAL. Create customized furnished apartments with our furniture rental ser vice. Furniture packages arranged by our qualified interior designers to accommodate various sizes and styles. We also offer apartment leasing consultation. Please call 0120-957-520. www.smartrental-tokyo.com 1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI (next to Tokyo), member o f t h e Yo k o h a m a B a r Association. Legal service in English for traffic accidents, divorce, inheritance, bankruptcy, business cases (contracts, establishing a company, trademarks, etc.) and other legal problems. Email: [email protected] www. sumikawa.net/ 2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000 1.8 GENERAL SERVICES 1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY MEN'S BARBERSHOP IN ROPPONGI WELCOMES FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get your haircu t right . H aircu t s ¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a v e ¥ 5 8 0 0. Kids' haircuts ¥4000¥ 4 4 0 0. F i r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t ¥ 1 0 0 0 . h t t p : //o a z o . b i z / t o p 0 3 - 5 5 4 5 - 7 7 9 7 o a z o7 7 9 7 @ yahoo.co.jp ¥ 32 ,400. G old ¥27,000. Silver ¥21,600. Prices include one photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo + ¥2000). Prices are for 40 words, one print issue, two weeks online. For detail s, visit t h e To k y o C l a s s i f i e d s blog - ht tp://metropolis. co.jp/classifiedblog/ - or email us at commercial@ metropolisjapan.com. RENTAL SPACE IN YOKOHAMA, can be used for dance, language lessons, gatherings, etc., max 2 5 - p e r s o n c a p a c i t y, o p e n 10am-10pm, 6min walk from JR Okuchi stn, Yokohama line. From ¥1280/h. 2F Matsumoto Bldg, 127-1 Okuchidoori, Yokohama-shi. www. astic-sounds.com/studio2.html 045-439-4949 2 FIND A PLACE 2.1 GUESTHOUSE CREA-UN UENO. Furnished p r i v a te r o o m s , w/d i g i t a l locks, near Asakusa, Ueno, Skytree. Safe area, femaleo n l y, r o o f to p g a r d e n 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 akura - ko - b o.com 03-6912-0692 KANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE. Brand-new furnished share rooms, separate male and female floors, all rooms w/d i g i t a l l o c k s , a i r co n , fridge, 1min walk from Kanamachi stn, Chiyoda line ¥40,000/m. room@ airay-apartment.net 03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net/ THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH METROPOLIS? Platinum ICHII CORPORATION. Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in central Tokyo locations. No key money/guarantor/agent f e e r e q u i r e d . N e w, c l e a n apartments, simple contract system, full English support. Call us today! 03-5437-5233 www.japt.co.jp Please call 0120-957-920. www.tokyoapartments.jp 3 EDUCATION 3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE Chinese, Spanish, English, Japanese. Hey, John from the US. Don't have much chance to use J at my company. Let's get together for a chat or latte around the Tokyo area. Also speak Chn, Sp. [email protected] English and Japanese. Hey, I'm a JM, 21, seeking a native English speaker to improve my English. M/F ok. [email protected] English and Japanese. JF, 32, admires British culture, is seeking someone British who could help keep her English alive. I can help with your Japanese. Prefer girl-talk with another girl/lady with tea and cakes. madamixx@yahoo. co.jp English and Japanese. I've studied from books and my Japanese is ok. But the Japanese that's in comedy, that people use on LINE... that's something new completely! Help me "level up" using LINE and meeting in Tokyo. I'm male, nonsmoking, genki. scottish1_@ outlook.com English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese female, 34, seeking an E/J language exchange partner. I really want to speak English fluently. Help me! I'm seeking friends, too. I live in Tokyo. gaobroad@ hotmail.com PRIVATE FURNISHED A P A R T M E N T S . Odakyu line: MukogaokaYu e n / Yo m i u r i - L a n d - M a e , 20/30min from Shinjuku. Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate, 15min from Shinagawa. 1K~2LDK ¥58,000/ m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 044-9337000 Email:mh@minowagroup. jp w w w.minowagroup.jp/ minowahomes English and Japanese. JF seeks a native speaker of American English for language exchange. Ple as e drop me a line if you are interested. M/F, any age ok. Please be serious. Thanks in advance. patricia_idaida@ yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Japanese male seeking language exchange partner. I would like to brush up my language skills. I can teach J. Please mail me if you are interested. aberdun0495@ gmail.com English and Japanese. Seeking a language exchange partner. I teach you E for J around Akishima/Tachikawa. [email protected] S E RV I C E D A PA R TM E NT S in a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites. 4 min from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily ¥ 7800. Weekly ¥6850 -/day. Monthly ¥5700-/day. Over three months ¥5130-/day. Ta x , u t i l i t i e s i n c l u d e d . frontdesk@azabucourt. com w w w.azabucour t . com/ 03-3446 -8610 English and Japanese. American available in Koshigaya or nearby areas in Tokyo. Looking to meet often, if possible. Let me know if you are seriously interested. rabbitquick1234@ yahoo.com English and Japanese. Group language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza. Most members are 20s and 30s. We switch languages every 30min. Fun events on weekends. Free to join. ando. [email protected] French and Japanese. Hi, I am a French guy seeking language exchange friends, 20-47. I speak Fr and E, and am currently learning J. I'm someone reserved in general. I want to meet new people. [email protected] YO KO H A M A A PA R TM E NT, private, large 2DK in quiet suburban area, all appliances included, easy access to Yokohama, Futamatagawa, Totsuka, Shonandai, Ebina ¥66,000/m. No key money, no agent fees. Pets ok. robhoey.c17@ gmail.com 2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000 0 TOKYO APARTMENTS. Your one-stop housing solution throughout Tokyo. Providing s e r v ice d , fu rni s h e d a n d unfurnished apartments, for both long- and shortterm stays. Also providing relocation services, furniture rental, property m anagement and sales. French and Japanese. Salut! I'm a Japanese male, 21, seeking a French speaker. I'm interested in studying, but I'm a complete beginner. M/F ok. [email protected] French, English, Italian. Hello there, I'm an Italian man, 28, seeking a language exchange partner for Skype or around Tochigi. metalsadness@ hotmail.com French, Por tuguese, Spanish, Japanese. Hi, I'm a Japanese college student, 21, seeking a language exchange par tner. I'm a native at J, beginner at Fr and Port, and intermediate at Sp. h.s163ilm@yahoo. 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 G e r m a n , E n g l i s h , J a p a n e s e. Multilingual JF seeks a conversation partner in several languages, such as Ger/E/J. Let's meet over coffee/beer/ wine. Interests: yoga, jogging, hiking, gardening, etc. mahavidya111@gmail. com Spanish, English, Japanese. Let's converse over coffee or a drink at a coffee shop. I can help you with E or Sp. Practice makes perfect! If serious about either language, send me a message. [email protected] 3.9 TEACH ME! Expert Python/C++ programmer (local). Can pay ¥1000/h, plus coffee. Must be fluent in English or Japanese. Masters or PhD student (engineering) is ideal. Must be able to meet in Tokyo. [email protected] Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere! Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF, 30s, ikke-ryger. [email protected] PhD s tudent in engineering? Tokyo only. Majoring in wireless/ communication or related area? Help me with simulation. Must be able to use Matlab/Simulink and know how to validate hypothesis with simulation like Monte Carlo, etc. Will pay ¥2000/h. yatri_ [email protected] Reasonable English lessons. Japanese male, 30, seeks native English teacher who could teach me on weekends along the Odakyu line. Please introduce yourself. [email protected] Wine teacher in Tokyo. Teach me about French wine in Tokyo on weekends. Prefer a native teacher with teaching experience and a wine qualification. Will pay for your time. frenchwinetasting@ hotmail.com 4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Bed, Simmons, double, clean ¥50,000. [email protected] Desk, small (W90xD59xH64), wood veneer, gray metal base, electrical socket, disassembles ¥1000. Pick up Yokohama. angelitonegro@hotmail. com Furniture sale! Wooden TV stand ¥10,000. Ital sofa Italian singleseat sofa, hardly used, in excellent condition ¥10,000. Wooden coffee table ¥6000. Delivery possible for small fee. [email protected] Furniture sale! Sofa chair, TV stand, coffee table, all in excellent condition. Cheap. Delivery possible for small fee. [email protected] Table and chairs, antique (table: 1 7 0 x 9 6 x H 7 5 ) ¥ 1 0 0,0 0 0. s t a r @ moon8sun.com http://www.flickr.com/ photos/68788774@N06/ 4.2 APPLIANCES Rotisserie cooker, Rotisol Grand Flame, for commercial use, w/three splits, can roast up to 12 chickens ¥500,000. Negotiable. [email protected] 080-6723-3446 Washer, Toshiba AW-607W, 7kg, hardly used ¥10,000. Pick up near Denenchofu stn. [email protected] 080-4736-2647 4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Kickboxing, judo, ski wear sets; Christmas tree decorations; futon mattress and sheets; pots; digital photo frame; waterproof boots and suit; cordless phone; books; DVDs; PlayStation 3 games; PlayStation Portable and games. Details available. [email protected] Sayonara sale! Large and small plants, tables, sofas, chairs, beds, f r id g e, e tc . C e n t r al Ro p p o n gi. [email protected] 090-6013-1396 Sayonara sale! Furniture, electronics, etc. Details, photos available. bobak. [email protected] Sayonara sale! Small fridge, floor carpet, vacuum, rack, kerosene heater, small electric floor heater, shoe rack, new trash bin, nabe pot, deep fryer, bowls ¥15,000. Delivery to Tokyo, Kawasaki ok. [email protected] The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp 4.4 TV & HOME THEATER Remote, LG Magic AN-MR300, brandnew, never used ¥1000. Pick up Denenchofu stn. ckm.wittmann@gmail. com TV, Sony KDL-55W900A, almost new; Sony RHT-G15 home stereo deck. New ¥270,000. Sell ¥120,000. Pick up only Denenchofu. raymondspencer@hotmail. com 080-4736-2647 4.6 FOR KIDS Crib ¥5000. Can deliver to central/ western Tokyo and assemble for extra charge. col [email protected] 09065221536 4.7 FOR FREE Analog TV 14" Aiwa, w/remote. Photo available. Pick up Tokyo area. [email protected] Cabinet, antique (W87xH166cm). Pick up only Suginami. star@moon8sun. com Perfume and lotion. Rose water (Palestine), rose oil perfume (India), and peony lotion from L'Occitane. Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo. [email protected] 5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Lens, Canon zoom EF-S 18-55 1:3.55.6 IS, in excellent condition ¥8000. [email protected] SLR and lenses. Minolta Dynax 7000i, w/two AF zoom lenses (35-80mm and 70-210mm), camera handle slightly discolored, lenses in good condition ¥1000. Pick up Denenchofu stn. ckm. [email protected] 5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Guitar, Gretsch "Historic Series" resonator ¥ 4 0,000/obo. Photos available. [email protected] 0338241438 Sound module, Korg TR-Rack, in good condition ¥20,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com Sound module. Roland MKS-50 analog synthesizer sound module, in very good condition ¥29,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com Folding bicycle, cheaper than ¥10,000. Around Adachi or Katsushika. ego_prin@ yahoo.co.jp 8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE HD, two available, Fujitsu SCSI, Ultra 320 SCSI, 68-pin, 10,000rpm, 36GB ¥1000/ each. [email protected] Laptop, Fujitsu FMV Lifebook AH56/H FMVA56HL, 15.6", Core i7 2.3GHz/4 core, 750GB HD, 8GB RAM, Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit, hardly used. Make an offer. [email protected] Tablet, Wacom Bamboo CTL471, one-pen, no box or manuals, hardly used ¥4000. [email protected] 10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME Atheist LiveStream show needs volunteer hosts. We are seeking agnostic and/or atheist hosts for a bi-weekly live streaming show. The show promotes positive atheism. Shooting takes place at our studio near Yokohama. assassin. [email protected] Au pair needed. Live-in au pair/ nanny needed to look after kids while parents escape town for a few days. English speaking. Help prep lunch boxes, dinner, breakfast and send youngest to kindy (right next door). mur ray @ ex p er is te chfuture s.com 090-8565-6218 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] お 掃 除 手 伝 い求 む. 池 袋 近 辺 の 共 働 き夫 婦 が月1回 土 曜 に 来 てくれ る人を 探して ま す。 s ophyinter n at ion al 2020 @ gm ail . com 7 GENERAL 7.2 FASHION Dress, Heaven and Earth (Shibuya 109), gray, w/chain detail and matching gray tank top, Japanese free size, in great condition ¥500. Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo. larajuku1997@ gmail.com Dress, Jenevi (Shibuya 109), mini, black, w/blue detail, Japanese free size, in great condition ¥500. Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo. [email protected] 7.3 MISCELLANEOUS Portable navigation, CiVi, as new, w/ box, manual, all accessories ¥8000. [email protected] 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 vo l u n te e r s: 03 - 57 74 - 0 9 92 . TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual p s yc h o t h e r a py by a cc re d i te d Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider: 03 - 4 5 5 0 -1 1 4 6 . T E L L w e b s i te: 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 - 0 0 0 -9 11 . To volunteer or support, please contact [email protected]. www. jhelp.com/ 7.4 ITEMS WANTED Adults' bicycle, cheap, for over the Christmas period. Shinjuku/Nakano area. Thanks! Scott [email protected] Bicycle sought for a reasonable price. 自 転 車 を 安く売ってくだ さる方 を探しています。 umek2002jp@ yahoo.co.jp WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE PEOPLE . Fif t y- one years ago, West Papua should have been an independent country. Since 1969, West Papua has been invaded Iro-Do Cafe meeting. Volunteer healing meeting in Tokyo. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help. winds_fr@ hotmail.com HIV Peer Support group and 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. [email protected] www. peersupporttokyo.com International futsal, five-a-side, on weekends in Tokyo. Friendly club, all nationalities welcome. djnorio0417@ yahoo.co.jp Tibetan Buddhist meditation in Tokyo. Part of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. This school puts special focus on meditation practice. Regular guided meditations Sun from 7pm. findlay65@ gmail.com http://www.meetup.com/ Tibetan-Buddhist-Meditation-In-TokyoJapan/ 080-4389-8818 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] Tokyo Dialogue. We have been meeting in the heart of the concrete jungle called Tokyo for 10 years to create an oasis of calm reflection and listening. findlay65@ gmail.com http://tokyodialogue. wordpress.com/ Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts. Seeking people interested in training in old-style Japanese fighting arts. Effective and intelligent, but safe training approach. rootarty@gmail. com 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 Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo is an infertility support group that provides informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another. Please visit website for more info. [email protected] www. ttctokyo.org/MESSA I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y AT LEAFCUP. Come join us and have fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/ women: ¥2000. All-you-candrink-and-eat. Iidabashi and Yokohama: Oct 18 and Nov 1. Shibuya: Oct 25 and Nov 8. www. leafparty.com 13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s No.1 English magazine, log on at www. metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@ metropolisjapan.com. 11 MESSAGES 11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES WRITE A MESSAGE FOR YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E ! Write any thing, from bir thday messages to proposals. http:// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp. 12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY 6 VEHICLES Bike, Riteway, men's, sport, 9.8kg, two y/o, in great condition, Shimano gears/ brakes, new tires, inner tubes, small scratches, for rider under 180cm. New + parts ¥70,000. Sell ¥30,000. rod_ [email protected] Please call 090-3598-3072 for more information. [email protected] http:// www.diamondway.jp/ Interested in tai chi? Then why not start now? Take a step to counter the stresses of daily living. Practice is in Toyama Park on Sun mornings, near Takadanobaba stn. [email protected] 10.2 SUPPORT 6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Futsal team. Weekend futsal team in Tokyo seeks players who can enjoy the game with others. Please introduce yourself. 港区で週末にフットサル 興味ある方. umek2002jp@yahoo. co.jp ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO. If you have a problem with drinking, we can help. English-speaking meetings daily. 03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. org http://aatokyo.org Seeking climate change experts. Seeking an expert on man-made climate change who would be willing to be a guest speaker on a non-profit YouTube streaming show I launched in Aug. kilian. [email protected] 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. Please, if interested, let us come to an agreement. samueladonkor@gmail. com 090-6152-6274 subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥12,000). Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club). Details at http:// metropolis.co.jp/subscription. J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L HALLOWEEN PARTY. Sat, Oct 25, 6:30-9pm, Devi Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest international par t y. 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] SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE. One year (24 issues) ¥3600 (corporate subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥22,560). Half year (12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate AMERICAN FOOTBALL. Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league Central Division, seeks fit players w/ US college football experience for all positions. Practice every Sat/Sun from 10am-3pm (including meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue subject to change). Attendance at practice must be over 60%. Please contact for tryout info and send your profile to team admin. [email protected] http://www.unisys.co.jp/football/ A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League players. We play every Sat from 10am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners welcome! Good exercise and fun! Many other activities, such as BBQs and drinking parties! Email for details. [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 League p layer s for Japanese Rugby League of f icial games from Apr to Sep. Everyone welcome. Contact for more details. [email protected] FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join us for social or competitive touch rugby every Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake stn, Yurikamome line. Any age, sex, level ok. Please email for details. [email protected] http://www. funwithtouch.com/where-we-play/ PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club. Devoted to the game and its 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 cot land . 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/ info@tamjapan. org 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] Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. [email protected] Women's football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities, experience levels, beginner s welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. [email protected] 13.2 LEISURE MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. [email protected] Free Japanese home cooking. Japanese housewife offers free washoku home cooking class in English at her house near Kawasaki stn on weekday days. You pay the cost of ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@ ezweb.ne.jp Let's cook together. Why don't you come over to my kitchen (Japanese woman in Shinagawa) to learn how to make yummy home-style Japanese dishes? Washoku, Western food, Chinese, etc. Only pay for ingredients. Women only. cookjapon@ gmail.com Tokyo ET contact group. Join us beneath the stars as we endeavor to make contact with ET visitors and their craft. Our next UFO contact event will be on Lake Okutama, Tokyo, on October 25/26. nakanosky@ gmail.com http://www.meetup.com/ Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/events/193113322/ 13.4 MUSIC Female backing/joint main singer. Hi, seeking female singer for a Tokyo band - two Japanese, two British members. We play UK-style indie rock, have many songs, play live sometimes but need to improve vocals. 日本語もok. [email protected] JM support guitarist seeks singer. I'm a Japanese guitarist in Tokyo. I'd like to help with your singing. Please let me play your songs. Let's street gig together in Tokyo. I like pop, rock, punk. riku_ [email protected] Keyboardist sought by funk/fusion band. Any nationality is welcome. Come for a tryout. [email protected] Musicians wanted. Seeking keyboards, drums, guitars and Vox to take my music live and into the studio to record. You must be able to rehearse weekends in central Tokyo. Listen to my SoundCloud playlist. [email protected] https:// soundcloud.com/shinopshino_being/sets Seeking jazz members. Japanese male seeking jazz players for fun in the Tokyo area. I've been playing the alto sax for a couple of years. Still amateur, but want to play with others. Please feel free to contact me. [email protected] 13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. 13.6 RELIGIOUS Seeking a Baptist church without judgmental people, many English speakers, and where everyone is in normal clothes? Contact me and let’s meet at Higashi-Shinjuku stn, exit A2, Sun at 10:30am. [email protected] 13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. [email protected] www. japanintercultural.org Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょなる. Nihongo Club International is a volunteer group to help foreign people learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 7-9pm. [email protected] 14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking nonsmoking friends from Denmark, Germany, Canada or Australia for having fun times together. Let's meet for a cup of coffee first. Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. Mail with self-introduction, please. [email protected] Canadian teacher seeks friends in Tokyo. Hi, there. I just returned from Canada and am seeking friends in Japan. I have worked in Tokyo, Nagano, Chiba, etc., and seek friendship, advice on work, survival, etc. I am 44, nonsmoking. nekobot14@ gmail.com Fellow Japanese learners. English guy in Tokyo learning Japanese. I'm seeking other people who are also learning Japanese to hang out with, share language tips and resources, and share occasional frustrations. My Japanese isn't great (yet!). [email protected] Friends in Shibuya. JF, 33, in art dealing, just started to work in Shibuya. I'm seeking fun friends to hang out with around Shibuya. It would be nice to have lunch together on weekdays for a change. [email protected] From Denmark or Germany? If so, drop me a line! Have been seeking Danes and Germans for friendship. Tell me what you'd like to do with a JF, 30s. Let's have fun times together! Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. [email protected] Interested in crime thrillers and the dark side of human psychology? I am a doctor of clinical psychology interested in meeting people, M/F ok, for intellectual discussions of criminal behaviors. [email protected] International friends sought by Japanese female, 34, in the Tokyo or Yokohama area. I like to meet new people. Japanese with experience living in a foreign country also ok. gaobroad@ hotmail.com 29 Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp JOBS 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. ¥1,000-¥1,500/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 LIVE-IN NIGHTTIME HOTEL STAFF AT HOTEL GRAPHY sought to support late-night check-ins, emergencies, etc. No need to remain at reception at all times - only when needed. Requirements: conversational E/J, diligence, sincerity. ¥50,000. Free housing, utilities included. info@ global-agents.co.jp NEED YOUR HANDS. Time to move forward! Nude model needed for art. Willing to offer attractive modeling fee. Feel pleasure in shooting you never knew exis ted. M ail: [email protected] プロジェクトマネージャー・コーディネーター 募集。 六本木にあるMetropolis Magazine は、バイリンガルスタッフを募集しています。経 験:デザイン・広告業界の経験、進行管理の経 験があれば尚可。能力:コミュニケーション能 力、協調性、日本語に堪能、ビジネスレベルの 英語力。条件:平日9:30-18:30 待遇:面接に て。[email protected]まで、履歴書・職 務経歴書(和文/英文)をご送付下さい。書類 選考の上、ご連絡させて頂きます。 30 To advertise: [email protected] 03-4588-2277 INTERNATIONAL WELLNESS, BEAUTY AND INSPIRATION COMPANY in Shibuya is hiring customer support, online marketers, translators, PR staff, basic accounting staff, IT and more. Positive personalities, with desire for long-term career, J/E bilingual. Email resume to [email protected]. 03-6427-8501 www.clubsparkle.com CRAFT BEER TAP, a new craft beer restaurant, is seeking part- and f u l l - t i m e h a l l s t a f f. J a p a n e s e ability required, European looks preferred. Part-time ¥1000/ h ~. F u l l - t i m e ¥ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 / m ~. Email CV to Kondo HR manager. [email protected] 0120-233-182 www.world-liquor-importers.co.jp. SEEKING EXECUTIVE A SSISTANT. Foreign-owned company in Minakami, Gunma, is seeking an executive assistant. Mon- Fri, 9am- 6pm. Requirements: fluent in E/J, previous EA /secretar y/of f ice experience. Competitive salary. Please send CV to [email protected]. METROPOLIS is seeking motivated bilingual (E/J) sales executives, support staff and interns to join its advertising and marketing team. Send E/J resume to jobs@metropolis. co.jp. The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp Italian friends sought for friendship. I am a single Japanese female, mid-40s, love art, nature, beauty in general. Will await a response from a well-educated, gentle, open-minded person. Sorry - I do not speak Italian. carpediem.mavie@ gmail.com 14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN SUBMISSIVE SJM, 36, cute, is seriously seeking a woman who is into, or interested in, dominating men. I am so submissive, with seven years’ experience, that I am happy to take whatever and serve you in any way. [email protected] Active woman? Healthy mind? Appreciates a man who can make her laugh, surprise her? Doesn't jump into bed with every guy, but is passionate when she feels a connection? Feels her mind racing as she reads this? Is this you? ja22y@ outlook.com Aroma massage. Would you like a nice, relaxing aroma oil massage? Amateur masseur seek s mature massage partners to practice on. I can meet anywhere in central Tokyo. I speak English and Japanese. amamassage@ hotmail.com Engineering isn't the best place to meet new people, so I'm trying the internet. Hi, French guy seeking an open-minded person, 20-47. I speak French and English and am currently learning Japanese. brd. [email protected] English speaking 大学生? Fun, open-minded, well-traveled English male working in Tokyo is seeking someone to meet after work. Prefers English-speaking university student who is cheerful, enjoys life, and wants to hang with a cool foreigner. boogion@ gmail.com European male seeking woman. Hello, I'm a European man, good-looking, tall (180cm), blond, seeking a nice Japanese woman to chat and become friends with and more. I live and work in Tokyo. [email protected] Attractive single Japanese male seeks a nice Western or Japanese female for friendship and possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. I am confident that I can create fun times for you. If you are ready, email me. cioinjapan@ gmail.com German and Japanese. Asian male seeking German exchange partner. I am non-native, but speak fluent++ Japanese. Prefer a patient, mature woman, 25-40. Meet weekly after work (8-10pm), around Osaki/Shinagawa/Tokyo. yatri_in_town@ yahoo.co.jp Black American seeking nice lady. Hello, how are you doing? I am in the Saitama/Tokyo area. I am seeking a nice person to be friends with, and if there is a connection, more. rabbitquick1234@ yahoo.com Graphic designer. French businessman living in Tokyo seeks a Japanese lady who is a graphic designer. [email protected] Confident, tall, thrill-giving man seeks Japanese woman who wants her body to explode with feelings she never knew existed. This is a journey which you will treasure forever. Nonsmokers only, 23-26. I'm white, international British. Japanese ok. [email protected] Decent JM available. Seeking a cheerful and mature lady. I'm 30s, financially secure, clean, living in Tokyo, enjoying life. Let's have dinner or drinks to get to know each other first. Prefer nonJapanese. Casual date? gb_0606@ yahoo.co.jp Married woman? Do you think romance and marriage can be separate? Enjoy exploring new restaurants, fun conversation and a bit of real romance? Intelligent, kind American, early 40s, married, white, slim, seeking one special person. Nihongo mo ok. pinottokyo@ yahoo.co.jp 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 Massage for JF in Yokohama, Tokyo. Hello, tall Spanish man can give you private オイルマッサージ。いかがで すか?興味があれば連絡下さい。 [email protected] MWM for MJF. Are you a nice Japanese lady looking to reignite passion and romance? If so, I would love to meet you. I'm a married white Canadian in central Tokyo, mid-40s, easygoing, welleducated, nonsmoking. theroyaljoker@ yahoo.com [email protected] Attractive black male seeking attractive girlfriend, single/married, fun to be around, and seeking intimacy. I'm 36, intelligent, 183cm, athletic, from NY, working in IT, living in Ota-ku. I enjoy movies, running, relaxing. Please send your photo! [email protected] British-Australian gentleman. Hello, I am an Oxbridge-educated British-Australian gentleman seeking a single Japanese lady for friendship and marriage. I will be in Tokyo and Kyoto in Nov and would like to have an email exchange beforehand. stjdavid@ googlemail.com out for a drink or coffee. atatakaijohn@ yahoo.co.jp No English? 銀行で働いてるイギリ ス人が日本の女の子探してる。英 語分からない女の子欲しい。 vint. Fake boyfriend. Caucasian American guy, 30s, seeking woman who wants a fake boyfriend for practice. Any problem you could ever have with a boyfriend, I'll be way worse! If we really like each other, it could be real I suppose. bizman7777@ hotmail.com British guy, 45, seeks reasonablelooking lady of any nationality for fun and friendship. I'm average-looking, white, tall and slim. [email protected] marriage seekers/smokers. scottish1_@ outlook.com Handsome, sexy man seeking hot older woman in Tokyo or Yokohama. I love mature ladies (40s, 50s). A nice, tall, handsome gentleman is waiting, hoping to meet you. 日本語可能です。 [email protected] I'm not like most foreigners in Tokyo. I don't dream of cute girls. I've lived in several countries, enough to understand Japanese and other cultures. My humor is playful, silly. Can you handle a nontypical gaikokujin? Seeking 20s only. [email protected] London calling. Here from London. Will be staying in Japan for a while. Want to meet new people to hang out with, enjoy drinks, do new things. I'm not the Roppongi type, so no Roppongi lovers, please. Nonsmokers only. [email protected] Long-term affair. I am seeking a married woman in a similar situation: married with children, love family, no intention to divorce. [email protected] Lunch friends. English guy seeking lunch friends near Otemachi. I already have a busy social life in the evenings, but if we get on at lunch maybe the occasional afterwork hangout could work, too. No Non-Japanese Asian. Title says it all: seeking a girl from Asia who isn’t Japanese. I’m from England, but have lived in several countries in Asia. Love travel, music, open minds. ero.lp.xei@ gmail.com Opposites attract. Balding, brutallooking, but nevertheless kind, witty and fun Englishman, 40s, would like to entertain a slim, attractive, chatty woman in the evenings after work. E/J ok. [email protected] Pleasure for you. Nice, caring, safe, fun for a SJF who is seeking a genki time after work or in spare time. Let's chat via LINE or email, and see if we have similar ideas/fantasies to make reality. [email protected] Seeking a serious relationship. I'm a SWM neuroscientist, 31, from Manchester, UK, seeking a well-educated, cute Japanese partner, preferably under 28, for a long-term serious relationship. [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 longterm relationship. Let's meet up over coffee and talk. [email protected] Seeking chubby/pochari woman. Fun-loving, successful, nonsmoking, well-traveled married male is seeking a chubby/big beautiful Japanese woman for a passionate relationship. [email protected] Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s, positive, romantic, honest, a gentleman, seeks JF, 40s-50s, for a long-term relationship. [email protected] Seeking Ms. Right. I am a Frenchman. I am told I am handsome, gentle, funny. I am nice to be with. If I can find my special one, I would like to go to the beautiful beach together. akb4898711@hotmail. com Seeking serious relationship. European guy, early 40s, positive, easygoing, gentle, romantic, lots of hobbies, seeking female, 35-55, openminded, easygoing, enjoys simple things. Speak Nihongo. No busy people, please. [email protected] Seeking serious relationship. I am a down-to-earth black guy seeking romantic love leading to marriage. Serious only, photo necessary. No games, please. [email protected] Seeking SJF for company / fun / relationship. I like travel, nature, movies, concerts, dining, festivals, hiking, onsen, beaches. Me: single Asian-American, professional, from western US. Let's enjoy a good time together. Replies in Japanese ok. [email protected] Seeking someone for romance. Let's start with mail and see where it goes. [email protected] Singaporean, Chinese, Indian...? British guy, 30s, seeking non-Japanese women to hang out with, maybe more. It may seem obvious, but please only contact me if you have time to meet. No Japanese seeking marriage with a gaijin, please! [email protected] S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for foreign men and Japanese women. Leave the event with a new date! Always more women than men. FREE if signing up in advance! Otherwise, ¥2,000. info@ exeo-international.com www. exeo-international.com Driven to work? Japanese woman, 30s, attractive, elegant, educated, seeks a successful businessman in Tokyo. She feels attracted to a man who is driven to work. He should be sincere and care about her. [email protected] Tall American man, professional, 35-45, sought for nice dinners and fun. Anybody out there? [email protected] International-minded Japanese, early 30s, ready to start a relationship. If you are a laid-back, professional/ independent guy of a similar mind, let's see how it goes. Must be single nonsmoker. Your introduction/photo appreciated. [email protected] WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes. I speak Japanese. [email protected] JF living in Tokyo, 29. I'm divorced, no kids. I'm seeking someone serious. I'm very interested in American and British culture. I've always enjoyed listening to music from the '60s-'80s. khatruyuasa@ kdr.biglobe.ne.jp 有名な人? We can meet in secret. White, attractive, English-speaking male. Contact me. [email protected] 銀座. White guy working near Ginza seeking a woman, 22-29, to hang out with, have some drinks after work. Make sure you give an intro - I won't reply if you don't. [email protected] Seeking single Japanese man. Middleaged Caucasian woman seeking a kind single Japanese or Caucasian man, 40-55, 170-185cm, university-educated professional, in central Tokyo, for friendship, activity partner and long-term relationship. [email protected] Serious man wanted. Single Japanese female, stable job, independent, welleducated, seeking an honest, mature guy with a stable job. I'm wild-natured, 40s, a good conversationalist, enjoy city life. Single, no kids only. jmtat59dmi@ docomo.ne.jp To g e t h e r fo reve r. S J M , 4 0 s , professional, smart and clever, seeking a sweet and caring lady to be together forever. Into movies, the outdoors and much more. Together shall we explore? If interested, send me a message. [email protected] Seeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind, seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance in Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee and talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@ yahoo.com Seeking nice SWM, 30s, for a longterm relationship. Me: SJF, 30s, sweet, caring, healthy. I like listening to music while drinking. Serious only. Please let me know your nationality and age. [email protected] LAVISH DATES AND INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE CR E ATE O PP O RTU N ITI E S for elite foreign males to meet elegant Japanese females. Start with a luxurious dinner date,take the night where you w a n t i t t o g o. Fr e s h , y o u n g women join our club every day. Tr y our free one - month trial offer: first date is on us! 0120675 - 858 (E ) international@ universe-club.jp http:// universe-club.jp/en Fresh start. Attractive, cultured JF, 30s, seeks a good-looking young boyfriend who can possibly have a long-term relationship. He should be Caucasian, nonsmoking, cultured. No one-night stands. [email protected] 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 Mr. Right. JF, 37, with beautiful kids, seeks loyal, hardworking gentleman to spend the future with. If you are in the same situation, please let me know. Serious only. [email protected] Serious boyfriend. Beautiful Japanese wants to meet someone. No married men, cheaters, casual relationships whatsoever. Prefer someone in the Ichikawa/Nishi-Funabashi area, 27-38, American. I'm 36, with a professional job and multiple talents. gkr93mz@ gmail.com Tattoos or piercings? Seeking a woman with tattoos or piercings, 20s, able to meet in Tokyo. I'm a man from England. 日本語でも英語でも大丈夫. uk84@ outlook.com Seeking fun. SWM, 28, French, seeking people who want fun like me. My life is stable, but boring and stressful. I need excitement for my mental health balance. If you feel the same way, contact me, please. [email protected] Seeking girlfriend. SWM, good-looking, working in finance, seeking a girlfriend. I like reading, keeping fit, movies. Let's go 14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN Laugh and smile a lot. Let's chat over a cup of coffee. Warmhearted, polite, chubby SJF, 41, laughs and smiles quite a bit, seeking sweet, sane single Caucasian guy for a serious relationship in Tokyo. camellia.sunflower@gmail. com Love snowboarding? I'm an athletic, fun SJF, 39, seeking a guy who can have a super big laugh with me. Serious, single only, please. [email protected] Serious only. SJF, 40, living in Tokyo, seeking a single American man, 37-43. I'm tall, slender, funny, romantic, love music, movies. I don't smoke or drink. I would like someone to share and enjoy life with. No bed buddies. nowucme8@ gmail.com 14.4 GAY & LESBIAN JM seeking friendship/relationship. JM, early 30s, athletic, straight-acting, laid-back, seeking friendship leading to a relationship. Love traveling, photography, various sports, meeting new people. Seeking someone around my age. Cheers. light_draws_near@ yahoo.co.jp 14.5 ESCORTS ESCORTS have gone online. To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y co m p a n i o n , v i s i t h t t p: // classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ category/personals/escorts. 15 JOBS 15.1 JOB WANTED NEED A BABYSITTER? My name is Merinda Masuda. I’m 16, great with children and give them 100% attention. Trustworthy, responsible, loving, can do housework while children sleep. Seeking work in central Tokyo. Availab le mos t evening s , S at evenings and Sun. [email protected] 31 RELATIONS HALLOWEEN DECORATION ETIQUETTE BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA I foolishly assumed that because bakeries have Halloween-themed treats, karaoke parlors are decked out in pumpkins and skeletons and a nearby department store has a huge “Happy Halloween!” banner hanging by the entrance, Japanese families celebrated Halloween. A couple days ago over dinner, I told my husband I wanted to decorate our house a bit for Halloween. He suggested the ¥100 store. Two hours and ¥1,700 later, I walked out of Daiso with two bags full of awesome, cheap and gaudy Halloween decorations. Two days after that, my husband told me our outdoor Halloween decorations were (apparently) scaring our neighbors. We moved the decorations back inside and peace was restored. ハロウィンデコレーションのエチケット 近頃町のパン屋さんやカラオケ店で多くのハロウィングッズを見かけるため、私は日 本でもハロウィンを祝うのだと知りました。 ある晩、私は夫にハロウィン用に家を飾り 付けしたいと打ち明けると、100円ショップを勧められました。100円ショップに 足を運んでみたところ、2時間で1700円分もの安くて可愛いハロウィングッズを 買う事が出来ました。 しかし2日後、 夫に外に飾り付けたハロウィンデコレーションが 隣の人を驚かせてるから片付けるようにと言われてしまいました、 、 、残念ですが、ハ ロウィングッズをしまい、事は何事も無くおさまりました。 ■ 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 20-Jun 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ Jun 21-Jul 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣ Although part of you may be delirious with anticipation, do you also have a quiver of fear when it comes to a new pact you’ve made? Moving forward is assisted by the strength and courage of your ruler Mars in your solar ninth house. This placement lends its focus to dealing with in-laws, long-distance journeys and your connection with “all that is.” You can make it easier on yourself by creating a form of expression that no one can take away. The result? Freedom. Whatever you do, your strength is in being positive. Staying in the present can be a challenge with Neptune in your sector of groups, hopes and wishes. Love them or not, projects can spring up, dissolve and even return. Your energy levels at this very moment may be low or high—but in either case can change in a heartbeat. You may feel a heightened sense of intuition as your instincts are being rewired. Pallas Athene comes to your rescue starting Monday. Be an original. No one can clip your wings, so there’s no need to fret. Changes in your schedule just pave the way for desires finding their expression. Take a deep breath and think of your friends supporting you in any situation to get through each day. If you are in a relationship, Vesta transiting brings wisdom to your choices; hear your partner’s suggestions out. Pallas Athene leaves your romance sector and puts the focus on work, starting Monday. Enter the satisfaction zone. There’s joy in what you’re doing this week—because you followed your heart and soul. In the testing times we are in, you have an innate sense of knowing that a strong foundation is the only way to move forward, and moving forward is something you want to do. You’re subtle and strong at the same time. You sense when energies combine to create a path that fits your dreams; it’s as if there are moments when you can hear the stars speaking to you. Take action in a loving way. LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO Sep 22-Oct 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣ Penetrating, feeling for subtle movements in your path, right now you are being offered several choices. There is a quality to Scorpio that often thinks if you haven’t done it the hard way, it won’t stick. The thing is, you’re doing it the hard way this very moment with Saturn in your sign. Venus, the North Node, Mercury, the Sun and Pallas Athene are pressing on your psyche, and it’s a lot to take; sorting the shadows this week prepares you for an awesome quantum leap. Mar 20-Apr 18 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣ Jul 22-Aug 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ Apr 19-May 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ Aug 22-Sep 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣ CANCER The performer in you needs an outlet. These days are charged and you have a dynamic energy—it’s as if your electrical field makes others feel dazzling. Quite a gift! Mars in your solar fifth house of love and creativity turns heads. Starting Monday, Pallas Athene amps up the lights at home; this includes redecorating or even finding another abode. The unconventional merges with your executive authority. You’re in a decisive, winning time of your life. Go for it! Bring your own soul into your heart and watch your spirit soar. Sweet, shy, and health conscious, you are moving into a realm of peak focus and creativity. Whatever Neptune and Chiron opposite Virgo may do, what seems lost comes back in an unexpected, even unprecedented wave of upgrades. It may be changed, but that’s what you were secretly hoping for, isn’t it? Pallas Athene moves to your house of communication on Monday; your original thoughts reward you. Action-packed and not a moment to lose, you may be zinging from one stellar moment to the next. Venus calls in her cards from the rest of the zodiac so you can receive what’s due; right on her tail is the North Node, pushing you to try something new, or mix it up with an old dream recently dusted off. Say what’s on your mind, because Venus combines with both Mercury and the Sun in your sign—just make sure it’s said gently with your diplomatic finesse. SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 17 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ Feb 18-Mar 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣ Staying focused and on track is a big leap for Sag at the moment. Neptune square to your sign has put you in a position of “pushing through the envelope.” Chiron addresses past hurts and intends to heal wounds, but you must put yourself in a position to accept this without making yourself vulnerable. How to do this? Your originality is about to step forward via your dreams; giving yourself time to absorb what’s around you leads to your value and success. You’re in the public eye or making strides in your career. It’s all about diplomacy and negotiations this week. The North Node brings in new opportunities for you; Venus means money, beauty, love and comfort; Mercury is still retrograde, so take this chance to review any contracts and how they are worded. The Sun warms you to an idea you have wanted to take forward: it’s either about you, or helping to define your sense of self—both are important. Your aura of indifference is balanced by the beating heart you hope others don’t hear too loudly. A recent special connection throws you into a tizzy as it looks like your life could take a 180. Don’t be fooled by the sparks and curves of Uranus in your communication sector. Yes, things are lively, but if you want them to continue, you’ll have to put spaces between your adrenaline rush. At the same time, have fun—someone may be watching you with a promotion in mind. Open up your eyes and see with your heart, something you’ve known how to do since childhood; feelings get more points than logic when it comes to new realms making themselves known. Since this is a time of change, it’s also a time of reforming what exists—thus, reformation. That’s why you get a “reality” vote! Partners have much to add, and may take a lot of your attention; if you’re single, you may reap multiple rewards from your many good deeds. Nov 22-Dec 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣ 32 Dec 21-Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣ PISCES A 62-year-old primatologist who has “devoted himself to gorilla research in remote areas of Africa for over 30 years” was named the next president of Kyoto University. LINGO BOX Nagusameru (慰める) = console Saibanchō (裁判長) = chief justice the small print Tokyo, whose research team was “awarded” an Ig Nobel Prize for its study on the slickness of banana peels CUTTING EDGE PALACE NEWS ⊲Imperial ⊲ granddaughter Princess Mako, 21, decamped for England to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Leicester. Tabe-aruki (食べ歩き) = eat while walking Ebora dairyūkō (エボラ大流行) = Ebola epidemic BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN EVEN THOUGH IT’S OBVIOUS THAT BANANA SKINS ARE SLIPPERY, WE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVED THE SLIPPERINESS.”—Kiyoshi Mabuchi of Kitasato University in ⊲An ⊲ online retailer that sells shoes embedded with cameras has earned the wrath of authorities in Kyoto, who say the devices are for the sole purpose of taking upskirt photos. ⊲Officials ⊲ at the National Police Agency say they’re concerned about the growing number of child sex abuse cases linked to smartphone messaging apps like Line and KakaoTalk. ⊲Police ⊲ from Tokyo busted a 16-year-old Kumamoto high school student for hacking the servers of gaming company GameOn. It was the first-ever arrest in Japan for a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. ⊲The ⊲ Chofu Parco department store in Western Tokyo put on display Lego models of Mount Fuji and 40 other World Heritage sites. More than 450,000 blocks were used to create the replicas. Banana no kawa (バナナの皮) = banana peel ⊲It ⊲ was reported that the Emperor and Empress will visit the island nation of Palau next year “to console souls of war dead.” ⊲The ⊲ New York Times published an op-ed slamming the Imperial Household Agency’s newly compiled biography of Emperor Hirohito, saying it “perpetuates the false but persistent image… of a benign, passive figurehead.” ⊲It’s ⊲ taken two years, but staff at the National Diet Library have managed to restore 116 volumes of historical documents that were damaged by the March 2011 tsunami. HIGH ROLLERS ⊲The ⊲ value of the land in the Higashi-Azabu neighborhood that houses the Russian embassy has been estimated at ¥2.33 million per square meter. ⊲Officials ⊲ at the iconic Hotel Okura announced plans to open properties in Manila and Bangkok. ⊲Yutaka ⊲ Kume, who led Nissan Motor during the automaker’s heyday in the ’80s and ’90s, died of stomach cancer in Yokohama. He was 93. at a glance BY RODGER SONOMURA stats 1,167 Outlets of gyudon chain Sukiya that will temporarily suspend 24-hour operations due to staff shortages ¥100 MILLION Amount that Tokyobased tire manufacturer Bridgestone Corp will donate to help West African nations fight the Ebola epidemic 790,000 Pickup trucks recalled by Toyota in North America due to “faulty suspension parts [that] may lead to fires” ⊲For ⊲ the second straight year, the editors of Times Higher Education named Tokyo University as the top school in Asia, and the 23rd best in the world. MILESTONES ⊲Officials ⊲ at Tokyo SkyTree say more than 100 million people have visited the tower since its debut in May 2012. ⊲Hiroko ⊲ Ando, 64, a graduate of Chuo University law school, became just the third woman to be appointed chief justice of a Japanese high court. She’ll serve in Takamatsu. ⊲Japan’s ⊲ shortest railway tunnel—a 7.2-meter-long stretch of track on the JR Agatsuma line in Gunma—has been taken out of service to make way for the construction of a new dam. THANKS, BUT NO THANKS ⊲US ⊲ Open runner-up Kei Nishikori—the first Asian man to reach the finals of a grand slam tennis tournament—turned down an honorary award from his home prefecture of Shimane. ⊲By ⊲ way of explanation, Nishikori said, “I’m 24 years old and still a work in progress.” ⊲Officials ⊲ in the historic Higashi Chaya district of Kanazawa have put up notices in Japanese and English urging tourists not to eat while walking. ⊲Bottom ⊲ Story of the Week: “Municipalities, Firms Team Up to Make IT-Embedded Manhole Covers” (via Mainichi Japan) 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 Stranger Danger Illustration by Christi Rochin DANCING THE LINE BETWEEN PARANOIA AND GOOD PARENTING BY TANA PHILLIPS ‘STRANGER DANGER’ NEVER REALLY TOOK ROOT IN JAPAN. AND THAT’S A GOOD THING.” WANT TO HAVE THE LAST WORD? Send your article to: editor@ metropolisjapan.com She was the worst mom in America. Everyone said so: internet bloggers, TV news shows, radio talk DJs... Her name is Lenore Skenazy and she created a media firestorm in the U.S. a few years ago with one dangerous, unconscionable act: she let her nine-year-old son ride the subway by himself. I wonder what those pundits and mommy bloggers would think of the trains in Tokyo. Here, it’s perfectly common for young children to use public transportation, walk to school and play in parks by themselves. Yet these same acts in the United States aren’t just frowned upon; they’re often considered criminal. The stories abound. On a cool September day, a mother left her six-year-old son in the backseat of her locked and parked car while she spent less than five minutes picking up one item from a store. A concerned citizen called the police and she spent the next two years fighting charges of negligence and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Another mother left her nine-year-old daughter playing at a park around the corner while she worked her shift at McDonald’s. The park was only a couple of blocks from their home, but a passerby called the police, who duly showed up at her work to take her into custody. In Japan, my children play in the park by themselves all the time. They walk or ride their bikes to school by themselves. They can go to their friends’s houses without supervision, provided they come home when the streetlights turn on. It’s the kind of upbringing my husband and I had—a kind of upbringing that has all but disappeared in the U.S. No longer is a parent permitted to make decisions about his or her own child’s maturity level and readiness for independence. Yet any stranger is qualified to make a judgment about their parenting and involve the police and child protective services without a second glance. It’s different in Japan because it’s so much safer here. Right? Japan is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world. However, as Skenazy likes to point out, violent crime rates in the U.S. have been declining steadily over the past several decades. In fact, they’re at their lowest levels since the early 1970s. The problem is that facts don’t seem to matter much. A prime example: As Halloween arrives, American parents will be meticulously checking their children’s candy for suspicious-looking pieces. But most won’t be aware that the joy and simplicity of the holiday were permanently tainted by just one incident back in 1974, when Ronald Clark O’Bryan of Deer Park, Texas, killed his son by inserting cyanidelaced Pixy Stix into his Halloween haul. As a result of this targeted attack— though disguised to look random, it was for the insurance money; parents now worry that every block of candygivers might hide some stranger out to harm their kids. The idea of “stranger danger” never really took root in Japan. And that’s a good thing, because the U.S.’ stranger danger campaign has turned out to be one of the most successful and harmful campaigns in existence. The truth is that crimes against children are most often perpetrated by someone close to the child: a family friend, a teacher, a family member—someone the child knows and trusts. Even though I know all of this—even though I think of myself as a reasonable, logical parent—I don’t allow my children the same freedoms in the U.S. that they’re afforded here. Forget going to the store by themselves; back home I start to panic if they’re not in the same aisle as me in the grocery store. And even if I don’t panic myself, there’s still the concern of being seen as a bad parent for treating my children the same in one country as in another. Maybe by the time we leave Japan, my parenting practices and confidence will have matured to the point that I’ll be able to trust my kids and my own instincts. Maybe by then the U.S. will have gotten a grip on its neuroses and let parents make reasonable decisions about what their children are old and mature enough to handle. Or maybe by then my children will just be so old I’ll no longer have to worry about these things in the first place. ■ Tana Phillips blogs about her (mis) adventures in Japan—and her far more harrowing adventures raising four kids—at japanicked.com The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors. NEXT ISSUE CHE’NELLE SAYS IT ALL Photo by Ryan Bruss 34 SO YOU THINK YOU TEACHING UNCERTAINTY: KNOW YOUR NAKANO? COMING OUT IN JAPAN We welcome all kinds of parties. Please contact us. Each branch has different hours. www.dubliners.jp HAPPY HALLOWEEN PARTY! ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR Oc 31stt 10月31日(金)はオールデイハッピーアワー *Pint of Beer ¥850 * 1/2Pint of Beer ¥500* Come in costume! Shinjuku 2F Shinjuku Lion Hall 3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku 03-3352-6606 | [email protected] http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/ Ikebukuro Shibuya 2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg. 2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku 03-5459-1736 |[email protected] http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008214/ Akasaka B1 Sun Gorou Bldg. 1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku 03-5951-3614 | [email protected] http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g029000/ 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/ Join Japan's largest travel community site Share your own experiences Explore the hidden Japan Become a member and earn rewards FUTUROPOLIS METROPOLIS Presents HALLOWEEN GLITTERBALL OCT 30, 7-11PM LADIES: FREE GENTLEMEN: ¥2,000 W/2 DRINKS FEATURING Set menu of selected drinks for ¥500. 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