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Oct 2-15, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com
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OCT 2-15, 2015 • #1123
EDITOR’S
LETTER
The skies may have dulled to grey these days, but at ground
level, Tokyo is vibrant with artistry. Various festivals and exhibits
throughout Tokyo celebrate a wide array of media, all cumulating
to form a visual spectacle for all. ’Tis the season for cinephiles,
as the Tokyo International Film Festival highlights the latest and
06
greatest; see what’s screening this year in our TIFF guide. Craving inspiration? There’s something for everyone at Tokyo Design
Week, where creatives from all over gather to show their work.
Meanwhile, experience the city like never before; Tokyo transforms
into a playground as an international street game comes this way.
19
Art to Art: Tokyo Design Week brings out the creatives
21
Barakan Can: The multimedia man on Live Magic’s roots
Rice Rice Paddy: Agriculture gets artistic
Cover design: Julio Shiiki
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03
upfront
123RF
LINGOIST
THE SEARCH IS OVER
If you’re at the store looking for something in particular, but are having
trouble trying to navigate your way to your destination, don’t be afraid
to ask for help! Use this lesson to cut down on all the wandering, and
find what you want!
JP
EN
JP
EN
JP
EN
JP
EN
Sumimasen. Penchi wa doko ni arimasu ka?
Excuse me. Where can I find pliers?
San-kai ni arimasu.
They’re on the third floor.
Erebētā wa arimasu ka?
Is there an elevator?
Hai, kado wo magatta tokoro ni arimasu.
Yes, it’s right around the corner.
K
1
さ
A
N
A
C
2
3
9
10
B
4
5
6
6
7
8
A
11
8
12
D
C
Solution:
A
B
C
D
ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross
04
R
O
S
Across
1. A walk or stroll
2. Social status
5. Creativity
7. Autumn
8. Air
11. Trial or ordeal
12. Tongue
Down
1. Oxygen
3. Dead body
4. Advertisement
6. Sold out
7. Foot
9. Cow
10. North
S
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
graphic design galleries
Ginza Graphic Gallery
Advertising Museum Tokyo
Established in 1986, Ginza Graphic Gallery
holds exhibitions and lectures, and produces
publications, that aim to provide the public
with the opportunity to experience the art of
graphic design. DNP Ginza Bldg 1F, 7-7-2 Ginza,
Chuo-ku. Ginza. Tel: 03-3571-5206.
www.dnp.co.jp/gallery/ggg_e
Learn about the history of advertising in Japan,
and see award-winning advertisements from
Japan and overseas. The library provides access
to over 15,000 publications about advertising
and marketing. Caretta Shiodome, 1-8-2
Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku. Shimbashi or
Shiodome. Tel: 03-6218-2500.
www.admt.jp/en
Tokyo Midtown Design Hub
Created to act as a dynamic central network
for design that fuels new movements, Tokyo
Midtown Design Hub spreads knowledge of
design through exhibitions, seminars, and
publications. Midtown Tower 5F, 9-7-1 Akasaka,
Minato-ku. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6743-3776.
http://designhub.jp/en
Photo courtesy of Smash
OCT 11
EDITOR’S PICK
KINGS OF HOUSE
The official title of this daytime outdoor dance
fest—“Kings of House NYC in Tokyo”—is a mouthful.
But the lineup lives up to its billing: David Morales,
Louie Vega, and Tony Humphries (pictured) are three
lynchpins of the emotive, hands-in-the-air style of
electronic music that emerged from legendary New
York venues like Palladium, Sound Factory, and Twilo
in the late ’80s and ’90s. Unlike the the current crop
of EDM laptop tweakers, these guys even know how
to use a turntable. Dan Grunebaum
Oct 11, 12pm, ¥6,000 (adv). Harumi Passenger Ship
Terminal. Kachidoki. www.kohnyctokyo.com
OCT 30
COURTNEY BARNETT
UNTIL OCT 18
Courtney Barnett is a Melbourne indie rocker who pens
drily-humored albums like How to Carve a Carrot into a
Rose and Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I
Just Sit. She’s made quite a splash on the Western rock
circuit, and with her upcoming Japan debut she hopes
to do the same on this edge of the Pacific. Will she
appear at next summer’s Fuji Rock Festival? Barnett’s
Tokyo and Osaka gigs could make the difference. Oct
30, 7pm, ¥5,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-34446751. www.liquidroom.net
YOKOHAMA OKTOBERFEST
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse keeps the beer flowing
during its 17-day Oktoberfest celebration, featuring over
100 different beers including the German “Augustiner
Lagerbier Hell,” limited to 100 servings each day. Until
Oct 18, 12-9:30pm on weekdays; 11am-9:30pm on
weekends & hols. Entry fee ¥300. Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Bashamichi or Nihon-Odori.
www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/en
© Loock Galerie / Deutsche Bank Collection
OCT 11-12
JIYUGAOKA MEGAMI MATSURI
The Jiyugaoka Megami Matsuri, or Goddess Festival,
attracts many visitors each year with live music, food
booths, and various other events. Oct 11-12, 12pm. Free.
Around Jiyugaoka Station. Jiyugaoka.
www.jiyugaoka-abc.com
Miwa Yanagi, My Grandmothers: MINEKO, 2002 C-print
87.5 x 120 cm
UNTIL JAN 11
TIME PRESENT:
PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE
DEUTSCHE BANK COLLECTION
OCT 15-23
RADU STANCA NATIONAL
THEATRE: GULLIVER’S
TRAVELS AND OIDIP
Directed by Silviu Purcărete, Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre presents Gulliver’s Travels and OIDIP,
produced by Romania’s Radu Stanca National Theatre.
In Romanian with Japanese and English subtitles.
Gulliver’s Travels: Oct 15, 7pm; Oct 17-18, 2pm. OIDIP:
Oct 21-22, 7pm; Oct 23, 2pm. ¥4,500-5,500. Tokyo
Metropolitan Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010-296.
www.geigeki.jp
OIDIP
This exhibition presents a panorama of photographic
art made between 1970 and 2010 from the Deutsche
Bank Collection, which ranks as one of the world’s most
important collections of contemporary art on paper.
The exhibition hopes to cast a light on contemporary
photographic expression as it exists within the everaccelerating wave of globalization. Until Jan 11, 11am-5pm
(until 8pm on Wed). Closed Mon. ¥500-1,100. Hara
Museum of Contemporary Art. Shinagawa.
www.haramuseum.or.jp
05
feature
TOKYO
DESIGN
WEEK
E
veryone loves great design. For the past
three decades, Tokyo Design Week has
been bringing together some of the
world’s best work. More than 100,000
visitors partake in the festivities each year, and
the organizers are expecting 115,000 for the
30th anniversary event at Meiji-Jingu Gaien
from October 24 to November 3.
Merging architecture, interior design, product design, and graphic design, TDW always
has an exciting lineup—and 2015 is no different.
The theme for this year’s event is “interactive”,
and the offerings will be divided into four main
categories: design, art, fashion, and music.
Among the highlights tied into the theme
are the Interactive Exhibition and the Interactive Workshop, which allows the next generation of visual artists to share their visions. Think
they want you to be interactive? You’re right.
There are also a number of robot-related
sessions on the calendar, including the Super
Robot Exhibition, a display of the latest technologies in robotics and devices that help make
our lives better; and the Robot Inspired Exhibition, which center on the genres of CG printing,
graphics, and illustration, and highlights the
work of graphic designers, fashion designers,
and sound artists that are, as the name implies,
inspired by our mechanical friends.
Don’t feel like being assimilated? There’s
草間彌生 七色の富士より「生命は限りもなく、宇宙に燃え上って行く時」
06
Ross Lovegrove, “WATERWORLD”
also the 100 Creators Exhibition, a place
where aspiring amateurs can show off their
skills, and Team Lab Island, where adults and
children can explore the essence and fun of
art together.
Those familiar with the wildly popular South
by Southwest (SXSW) interactive music and
film festival held each March in Austin, Texas,
will be interested in the South by Southwest
Japan Nite. This special event will take place
as part of Tokyo Design Week on October 24
to 25, and November 1 to 2.
There are many, many more events on the
slate, such as the Young Creators Exhibition
that comes in four separate flavors: design, art,
fashion, and music, plus lots of company exhibitions. The TDW website has all the details that
just won’t fit into our pages. Check it out and
get interactive!
Tokyo Design Week 2015. October 24-November 3 (event site closed October 29).
Meiji-Jingu Gaien. Tickets at the door: adults
¥3,000, university students ¥2,000, high
school students ¥1,500, junior high school
students ¥1,000; online tickets ¥2,500.
Shinanomachi, Gaiemmae, or Aoyamaitchome. http://tokyodesignweek.jp
07
feature
28
THE
TH
TOKYO
INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL
The Tokyo International
Film Festival will screen
over 200 movies this year.
Almost all Japanese and
foreign-language movies
will include English
subtitles. Here are some
of the highlights:
THE WALK
This year’s festival opens with Robert Zemeckis’ biographical drama about French high-wire
artist Philippe Petit. While twelve people have
walked on the moon, only Petite has ventured
where he did in 1974. Overcoming odds, betrayals, dissension, and countless close calls,
he executes a seemingly impossible plan in
this emotional, character-driven story. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley, and
Charlotte Le Bon. Japanese premiere.
EVEREST
Inspired by the events surrounding an attempt
to reach the summit of Mount Everest, director
Baltasar Kormákur’s documentary follows the
journey of two different expeditions that push
themselves beyond their limits in the face of a
fierce snowstorm. Starring Jason Clarke, Josh
Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Emily
Watson, Keira Knightly. Sam Worthington,
Michael Kelly, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Naoko
Mori. Japanese premiere.
LIFE
Taking its name from the iconic American magazine, Luke Davies’ biographical drama about
the friendship between James Dean and Life
08
photographer Dennis Stock reveals
the journey the two made together
two weeks before the famed actor’s
death. Directed by Anton Corbijn.
Starring Dane DeHaan, Robert Pattinson, Joel Edgerton, Alessandra
Mastronardi, and Ben Kingsley.
KABUKIZA THEATRE
SPECIAL NIGHT
This alternative event that debuted
at last year’s TIFF returns with a new
35mm print of Akira Kurosawa’s
They Who Step on the Tiger’s
Tail, an adaptation of the Kabuki
play Kanjinchō. As a special treat,
renowned Kabuki actor Kataoka
Ainosuke will perform on stage. The
screening will be preceded by a
performance of Ame no Gorō featuring actor Kataoka Ainosuke.
October 26.
MOBILE SUIT
GUNDAM
It’s been almost 35 years
since the release of Mobile
Suit Gundam, and since
then this monumental work
of robot animation has
influenced many filmmakers and their stories, including 2013’s
Pacific Rim. This event marks the
first time TIFF has held a special
session for animation specific to a single series. Other
Gundam T V episodes,
films, and shorts will also
be screened. Directed by
Yoshiyuki Tomino. Starring some badass robots.
The Walk: ©2015 TriStar Pictures, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; EVEREST: © Universal Pictures; LIFE: Photo Credit:Caitlin Cronenberg, ©See-Saw Films; 27th TIFF Presents Special Night Event at Kabukiza Theatre: ©2014 TIFF; Ame no Goro (Goro in
the rain): ©SHOCHIKU; Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie -A wakening of the Trailblazer-: ©SOTSU, SUNRISE; SEASONS: © 2015 Galatée Films - Pathé Production - France 2 Cinéma - Pandora Film - Invest Image 3 - Rhône-Alpes Cinéma - Winds
- Pierre et Vacances; WOMAN IN GOLD: ©THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY / BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION / ORIGIN PICTURES (WOMAN IN GOLD) LIMITED 2015; You're Not You: ©2014 Daryl Prince Productions, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.;
TERMINAL: ©2015 Shino Sakuragi, Shogakukan/Terminal Partners
YOU’RE NOT YOU
Based on Michelle Wildgen’s novel of
the same name, Jordan Roberts and
Shana Feste’s screenplay follows the
adventures of a college student with a
thwarted dream and a classical pianist
with ALS. It’s a touching story about
the bonds of those from different backgrounds and making the most of the
short time left. Directed by George C.
Wolfe. Starring Hilary Swank, Emmy
Rossum, Josh Duhamel, Loretta
Devine, and Jason Ritter. Japanese premier.
SEASONS
WOMAN IN GOLD
TERMINAL
Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, French
direc tors of the 2009 Disneynature f ilm
Oceans, return to land in this documentary
that traces the development of life on Earth,
taking you back to the last Ice Age and following the evolution of nature up to modern
times. A fascinating account of the history of
living things, shown on the big screen. Starring assorted creatures of the forest. World
premiere.
This joint U.S.-U.K. film tells the true story of Jewish refugee Maria Altmann, who sued the Austrian government to reclaim a portrait of her aunt
that was stolen by the Nazis. The legal battle
revolves around Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting
Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, and made it all
the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Directed
by Simon Curtin. Starring Helen Mirren, Ryan
Reynolds, Daniel Brühl, Katie Holmes, and
Elizabeth McGovern. Japanese premiere.
The festival ends fittingly with a film about a
final stop that becomes the starting point of a
new journey. For a pair who abandoned their
own lives, an encounter in Kushiro, Hokkaido,
develops into a moving drama of renewal.
Based on Shino Sakuragi’s masterpiece Hotel
Royal, which won the 149th Naoki Prize in 2013.
Directed by Tetsuo Shinohara. Starring Koichi Sato, Tsubasa Honda, and Machiko Ono.
World premiere.
For more information about this year’s festival, visit http://2015.tiff-jp.net.
09
food&drink
Photo by Mubita Mambwe
There’s a delicious scent wafting through the hipster
haven that Kichijoji has become. It’s still undetermined
exactly whose mother has been cooking up the sugary
storm, but newly opened Mama’s Waffle serves
up bite-size versions of the Belgian treat. Utilizing
homemade butter, these waffles are creamy, fluffy, and
sure to sate any sweet tooth. The delectable flavors on
the menu are as varied as the fashion outside, ranging
from Chocolate, Maple, and Lemon to Sugar Butter,
Salted Butter Caramel, and Fig. The prices are also
tiny: ¥160 to ¥240, depending on the flavor. Get your
waffle on! 1-1-3 Kichijoji Hommachi, Musashino-shi.
Kichijoji.
Cupped-confectionery cravings in London have long
been sated by Lola’s Cupcakes, with their fresh,
handcrafted baked goods. Their playful offerings
range from cupcakes to cakes, personalizable in
ingredients as well as theme and design. This year,
the British makers of bite-sized happiness voyage
over to the other side of the world, setting up camp
in Harajuku’s Cascade department store. London
favorites Red Velvet, Carrot, and Chocolate Heaven
are on offer, as are Japan exclusives Tokyo Vanilla,
Matcha, Blood Orange, and Mont Blanc. They come
in sizes tiny (¥250-¥300) and regular (¥480-¥560).
Opens Oct 3. www.lolascupcakes.co.jp
RESTAURANT
¥¥
EN/JP
The Arboretum
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI
N
o journey on the (rail)road is complete
without an ekiben—packed meals bought
at the station. You might even say it’s one
of most fun things about traveling.
For many Yokohama residents, a longtime
ekiben favorite is Kiyoken’s shumai bento, with
its yellow wrapping and specialty shumai pork
dumplings, delicious even at room temperature.
Born in Yokohama, Kiyoken has its main
branch can be found in the very heart of the city:
Yokohama Station. Although Kiyokoen is known
mainly for its shumai, here you’ll find three different restaurants, each serving different cuisine:
Chinese restaurant Kakyu, Italian restaurant Il
Saggio, and Middle Eastern bazaar-themed beer
restaurant Alibaba.
If you’re simply looking for a place to enjoy
an afternoon dessert—or are in a very English
mood and want to engage in elegant tea drink-
10
If donuts are your bag but the choices at the usual
chain shops aren’t tantalizing your palate the way
they used to, Camden’s Blue Star Donuts—an
American chain, simply called Blue Star Donuts in its
motherland—offers unique flavors found only there.
Located in Daikanyama, the store offers the likes of
Passionfruit Cocoa Nib, Coffee Cream Cheese, Matcha
Latte, Raspberry Pistachio, and the Apple Brandy
Fritter (an alcoholic treat; eat responsibly). The oddest
offering on the menu, however, is the Maple Bacon,
which is exactly what its name suggests. The donuts
range from ¥210 to ¥380. Log Road Daikanyama,
No. 2, 13-1 Daikanyama, Shibuya-ku. Daikanyama.
ing—head to Kiyoken’s tea
salon, The Arboretum.
Connoisseurs not easily
satisfied with the average
Earl Grey or Darjeeling need
not worry; The Arboretum offers 27 varieties of tea, which
you can pair with a sandwich,
cake, or scones. The salon
has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with cozy
seating, feeling almost like a
hotel lounge.
For the sweet-toothed,
the cake set (¥1,000) allows you to select your cake of choice from a
tray of equally delicious-looking pastries. The
caramel cheesecake has a light, mousse-like
consistency, and comes topped with flakes of
cheese-flavored biscuits that add a nice crunchy
texture to the cake.
For those feeling especially fancy, there are
the afternoon tea sets, which come with small
cakes, sandwiches, and other sweet and savory
mini-foods served on a tiered stand. If you really
want to treat yourself, you can order the Premium
Afternoon Tea Set (¥2,050, limited to 20 sets a
day), while the Afternoon Tea Set (¥1,450, limited
to 50 sets a day) still lets you experience an elegant tea break on a reasonable budget.
The offerings found in these sets change
every month. The Afternoon Tea Set comes
with a caramel brownie cake, mango pudding,
momochacha (green tea pudding with sweet
potato and tapioca), a scone, bacon and gnocchi in a creamy white sauce, and sandwiches.
The Arboretum is a great, relaxing place to
spend some time sipping tea in true English
fashion.
If you’re stopping by before a trip on the train,
make sure to grab a shumai bento before you
head on your way, and you’ll be set!
Open 10am-9pm. 2-13-12 Takashima, Nishi-ku,
Yokohama. Yokohama. Tel: 045-441-8765.
www.kiyoken.com
Located a short walk from both Jiyugaoka and
Okusawa stations, Mellow Brown Coffee serves
expertly brewed cups of java and their signature
“waffle pancakes” that boast the best of both worlds:
a crispy waffle skin with a soft, almost soufflé-like
interior. A great spot to enjoy a slow weekend
brunch, the coffee house also serves the everpopular eggs Benedict, and plenty of variations of
the waffle pancakes. 2-12-10 Okusawa, Setagaya-ku.
Okusawa. Tel: 03-5726-9805. www.ufs.co.jp/
brand/mbc
Photo by Momoko Mochizuki
RESTAURANT
¥
RECIPE
Pumpkin Almond
Smoothie
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
America’s favorite ice cream-making duo, Ben &
Jerry’s, is offering a new, limited-edition flavor
available only in Japan. Named Lemont. Fuji after
the country’s symbolic mountain, it contains a
unique mixture of sliced Fuji apple and chunky bits
of cinnamon cookies mixed into a Setouchi lemonflavored ice cream, making it an all-American frozen
dessert with a Japanese twist. Omotesando Hills 1F,
4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5772-1724. www.benjerry.jp
EN/JP
Packed with seasonal goodies and nutrition-rich
foods such as almonds and olive oil, this is the
smoothie for autumn! Because the pumpkin was
organic, this recipe leaves the skin unpeeled—
but you can opt to take it off. Pumpkin seed oil
can be substituted for olive oil, and maple syrup
can be used in place of honey.
Cafe Coquille
BY VESNA KEVORK
A
modern, magnificent, and unexpected place exists in the backstreets of
Roppongi. With beautiful architecture
and design from the outside, the venue’s interior displays thought-provoking art
that continuously flows through the space,
via temporary exhibitions.
The National Art Center offers art lovers an opportunity to enrich their cultural
sensitivity while feeding on the “art of the day”—
their latest temporary exhibition, letting them
bask in sophistication after spending time in this
design-rich, soulful environment.
Located on the first floor, the casual Cafe Coquille commands attention with its tall ceilings,
open space, and glass windows. The spacious
area feels liberating, but makes one feel small
in comparison to the greatness of the works
on display. The feeling can be likened to being
caught in the tall bamboo groves of Kyoto, amid
a torrential rain in spring. One can get lost in the
art and the grand design.
The relaxed vibe makes Coquille accessible,
and the casualness exuded is at odds with the
elegance, exquisiteness, and grand architecture
of the establishment.
Among the art, visitors can enjoy a coffee and
absorb all the creativity of artists past and present.
It’s an opportunity to ponder the works, for those
seeking a quiet respite. It’s rare to have this type
of cafe and venue in Tokyo, where space is at a
premium.
Cooking time: 10 min
Servings: 1 tall glass
INGREDIENTS
Coquille serves coffee and snacks, the latter of which include sandwiches (from ¥480),
Häagen-Dazs ice cream mini-tubs (¥300),
poundcakes (¥280), and baked goods such as
curry bread (¥220), steamed buns, and seasonal
specials.
Sipping your coffee, you can make notes of
your thoughts and reflections of the exhibition
on a serviette, as would a true art aficionado. Or
sketch your own design in a moment of creativity.
Many come just to drink their cappuccinos in
silence and gaze through the window. The chairs
stare outward toward the tall glass panes. The
nature and the lush greenery are a relaxing oasis
for the eyes. Even on a day that was dreary, rainy,
and windy, the view was serene.
I held my cappuccino and did the same,
pondering the art, the photo exhibition, the arrival of autumn, and the luxurious space the café
provides, feeling as small as an ant nestled in an
underground acorn.
Cafe Coquille. 1F National Art Center, 7-222 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi. Tel:
03-5770-8164.
•1 medium-sized banana, peeled and frozen
•100g cooked pumpkin
•1/3 cup almonds, raw and unsalted
recommended
•100cc soy milk or milk
•2 tbs unsweetened yogurt
•2 tsp honey
•1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
•1 pinch cinnamon powder
DIRECTIONS
1. Chop almonds, putting aside 1 tbs of the nuts.
2.Cut frozen banana and pumpkin into mediumsized pieces.
3.Combine fruit, the remaining almonds, soy
milk, yogurt, honey, and olive oil in a tall glass.
4.Blend batch with a hand blender until smooth.
5.Pour into a glass. Sprinkle with the tablespoon
of chopped almonds and cinnamon powder.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
11
THE PERFECT SPACE FOR YOUR
PRIVATE PARTY OR EVENT
Flexible plans for groups of 20 people and up.
Example: 2-hour plan including 5 dishes +
all-you-can-drink for ¥3,000/person
Call 090-9951-8438 to
arrange your event.
HALLOWEEN
GLITTERBALL
OCTOBER
29
THURSDAY
AT
ELE TOKYO
AZABU-JUBAN
B1F.B2F 2-17-3. Shibuya.Shibuya-ku.Tokyo 150-0002 Japan
http://socialclubtokyo.com
ON AIR
PODCAST
CHECK MORE» http://metropolisjapan.com/on-air
12
More info at metropolis.co.jp/glitterball2015
city life
All photos by thisisbossi / Washington DC Journey
JOURNEY TO THE
END
OF
THE
NIGHT
The international street game hits Japan
BY MARTIN LEROUX
D
usk falls. The streets, tame during the
day, now come alive with neon lights
and bustling crowds—a transformation
seen daily yet reduced to a backdrop for
people’s treks home. For one night, however, the
rules change. The city you call home becomes
your playground: a maze you must navigate with
stealth and speed as you rush to specific landmarks, trailed by those determined to disrupt your
quest. The only tools at your disposal are your
knowledge of the city, and your own two feet.
Will you survive?
That’s the rush experienced in Journey to the
End of the Night, a street game that was created in
California by SF Zero, a collective of urban players
who organize a multitude of similar city games on
their San Francisco turf.
Equal parts scavenger hunt, large-scale tag,
and The Amazing Race, the game has a group of
“runners” individually rushing to six checkpoints,
going only on foot or by public transport; while
the other group—called “chasers”—attempts to
stop them in their tracks. Upon arrival, runners are asked to complete specific
tasks before they can continue.
If the runners are caught,
they become chasers. In
the end, the runners that
survive till the end win, as
do the chasers that catch
the most runners.
“It’s remarkably like
playing a video game,”
comments Nicole Aptekar,
a San Francisco artist who
partook in the first-ever Journey.
Since its first running in San Francisco in 2006, Journey has spread to 17 countries
and is played in cities around the U.S. and as far
away as Hong Kong, Sydney, Vienna, Berlin,
Gothenburg, and Ljubljana.
“It’s a game that’s meant to take you out of
your comfort zone, break you away from your
friends, and get you to interact with people you
haven’t met before,” says Rachel Roberts, who is
organizing Tokyo’s first-ever installment, taking
place in October.
While many street games are independent of
their environment, Journey is unique in that the
setting significantly alters the gameplay.
“Every place has its own style that works with
the game,” says Aptekar. “It’s a decent premise;
it doesn’t rely on any particular cultural themes. It
seems to work everywhere.”
“One of the challenges for Tokyo,” she continues, “is it’s so dense that for people to find their
way around … there’s not as many easy routes.
You have to wind your way more,” says Roberts.
“The other thing is, there’s so many different
routes that people could take. If they take the
train from checkpoint to checkpoint, it’s hard for
chasers to know which one to use.”
Some previous installments have spiced up
their games with the application of themes. The
2011 San Francisco Journey, held near Halloween,
took on a zombie tone, which had chasers playing
the role of the undead. Last year’s Journey in
Columbus, Ohio, played on the Creole werewolf
mythology, inspired by the novel Hagridden.
Likewise, the Tokyo Journey—which commences at Shiba Park—will don a theme relevant
to its business-centric host city. Runners
will assume the roles of stalwart
salarymen, racing to clear a
proposal with the six kaicho
(“chairmen”) waiting at the
checkpoints. Unfortunately, a group of profit-hungry
bucho (“managers”) trails
after them, eager to steal
the credit for the proposal.
The challenges at the
checkpoints will also fit the
theme.
Beyond Journey, Roberts
hopes to bring more street games to
Tokyo, starting with her Meetup group, “Tokyo
Urban Street Game Players.”
“The appeal [of street games] is getting people
to reconsider an area they already knew, and see
different sides of it,” she says. “And also to get
people to think more of the possibilities of things
they can do.”
Journey to the End of the Night: Tokyo.
Oct 17, 7pm; expected to last 3-4 hours.
Shiba Park, Minato-ku. Free registration;
donations appreciated to fund game.
Find out more at www.facebook.com/
TokyoJourney and www.ichaseyou.org;
register at www.toky0.org.
13
fashion fix
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
Photos by Samuel Thomas
Saganosuke
Reichel
A
Dario
Lactose
14
Fashion
with
Character
t the extreme end of the spectrum, good
fashion gives you fully-formed characters
to play with. Designers offer complete
worlds to romp around in, and of course,
a fitting outfit in which to do it. The concept of
a character creating an actor was the theme of
the Chara Chara Area, a new addition to Tokyo’s
most prestigious fashion trade show “Rooms,”
recently held in the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
Setting the mood of the area was Saganosuke Reichel, whose grotesquely cute style
has long reverberated over the city, deco-ing
everything in its wake, from bikes to daruma.
Leading the lineup was new brand Lactose
from American Brandon Reierson, who scooped
the prestigious Kameyama Award with his first
full collection. Entitled “Fashiolodeon,” the collection explored the Nickelodeon cartoon universe with a print-heavy collection that looked at
nostalgia for childhood, and why it exerts a hold
on us even in adulthood. We seem to strive to
be something new; at the same time, we cannot
shake how important our formative experiences
in childhood are. Moreover, do we ever really
want to let go of our childhood?
The depth on offer clinched the award in
what was otherwise a light-hearted trip back to
MeeWee Dinkee
the 1990s, featuring the designer’s own lineup
of characters who could have stepped out of
the cartoons playing on the booth’s suitably
retro CRT television, as well as the era’s fashion
FASHION CALENDAR
CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.
essentials—including oversized hockey
jumpers and Buffalo platforms.
Elsewhere, Taiwan-based Dario—
who enjoys a fanatical following in Harajuku—offered a dreamy world packed
with translucent fabrics and transparent
plastics that veered away from the body,
or featured carefully placed cutouts, all
of which rendered the person clothed,
but vulnerable. The effect was particularly noticeable in the showpiece items,
where oversized ensembles seemed
to stand away from the wearer’s body
entirely, creating silhouettes not unlike
character mascots but still revealing the
person inside.
Meanwhile, MeeWee Dinkee, the
fashion brand from anarchic musicians
Maywa Denki, went with a Japanese
warrior-inspired collection, finished
with rifle butt-shaped clutch bags, perfect for those who want to fight off the attention of street fashion photographers.
CLOTHES
MAKE THE
MAN
W
Holy Crap!
a new line of footwear designed with
the sole aim of soliciting the aforementioned exclamation from its customers. Designs popular with attendees
included shoes decorated with mangastyle onomatopoeia sound effects, sure
to add impact to your stance, as well
as toothed heels that could serve as
armaments in rush hour.
Away from the Chara Chara Area, the
honorable mention from the “Rooms”
exhibition goes to breakthrough brand
Kisaburo, whose modern take on traditional kimono flitted effortlessly between tailoring and pop-culture references. Of note was a black salaryman
suit reworked into a traditional Japanese style, including hakama trousers
the designer provocatively displayed in
front of a ukiyo-e of Commodore Matthew Perry’s infamous “Black Ships.”
Definitely one to watch.
hima://kawagoe
Bringing in the kawaii was social media star hima://kawagoe, who’s moved
from semi-salacious subcultural illustrations to fashion, adding Cardcaptor Sakura-style wings to accessories,
robot armor to tights, and anime eyes
to anything that moves. The standout
pieces from the designer’s collection
took her own otaku culture-heavy lifestyle to fashion, bringing in a penchant
for anime binges to bed, with wearable
pillows turning up in scarves, backpacks, and bags; and a host of beddingthemed items designed for snoozing
anywhere.
Those not looking for the complete
look were catered to by Holy Crap!,
hat you wear does not define who you are.
At the end of the day, even the person bedecked in clothes and caked in makeup has to
discard their finery, cram it all back in the wardrobe,
and scrub off the foundation painstakingly applied
earlier that day.
However, there’s no doubt fashion changes how
you are seen—and how you see yourself. You don’t
have to go to sartorial extremes to see this phenomenon in action. Those fortunate enough to not have
to wear a suit daily may be familiar with the curious
sensation of their posture stiffening as the starched
shirt is tucked into a belted waistband. It’s a daily
experience for most that sees salarymen’s necks
straightening as the tie draws the collar close, and
office ladies’ gait changed as skirts restrict the knees.
Still, the effect this has on how you’re seen is the
difference between acceptance and rejection. A
good suit signs more deals than a good presentation,
even as its nearest competitor, Steve Jobs’ normcore
uniform, gains traction. But who knows which one will
be required in the boardroom of tomorrow? All we do
know is something will be required; even if it might not
constrict the body, the lack of choice will always stifle.
Fashion can be the way out for many people, and
probably one of the reasons why it’s all too easy
to treat an attack on one’s fashion as an attack on
one’s self. It’s natural to think of what you wear on
the weekend as being the real you, as that’s the
one you choose. But in reality, both are probably
equally constructed: just a different character for a
different occasion.
Next time you see an outlandish Lolita fan on the
streets of Shinjuku—more likely than Harajuku these
days—remember that they might have changed out of
a suit only hours ago. Likewise, every suit-wearer on
the train has the potential to transform at will.
This ability to step into a shōjo manga-esque
transformation sequence isn’t unique to Japan—but
it’s exaggerated. In Europe and America, one’s allegiance to fashion is more frequently ingrained;
haircuts that require commitment, a solid selection
of piercings, and uncoverable tattoos are the badges
of honor for the devoted fashionista. In Japan, it’s the
temporary circle lenses, wigs, and even detachable
facial hair that rule the fashion roost. Japan may have
some of the most avant-garde fashion going, but it’s
rarely a mask that eats into the wearer’s face, as it is
elsewhere. This allows one to luxuriate in a bath at
the end of a long day, pondering just who he or she
will be tomorrow.
Kisaburo
15
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
A MOST
VIOLENT YEAR
Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac, who can do no wrong these
days) and his wife Anna (the ever-excellent Jessica
Chastain) are struggling to make a success of their
heating oil business in a competitive, you could say
cutthroat, industry. This is basically a character study.
Abel bought the business from his wife’s gangster
father but is determined to succeed without stooping
to the vicious tactics of his mobbed-up competitors
and “doing the (most) right things.” The title refers to
1981, when New York’s streets were at their meanest.
His delivery trucks are being hijacked, his drivers
beaten, his home creeped. It's not for everyone, but
a well-crafted, atmospheric, and believable film for
grown-ups. And while it brings little new to the gritty
true-crime thriller genre, you will not know where
it’s going. Also a surprisingly deep turn by a nearly
unrecognizable Albert Brooks, and David Oyelowo
fleshes out a slim role as the DA tasked with cleaning
up the industry. Despite the title, it’s not that violent,
but there is an undeniable, palpable undercurrent of
menace throughout. Directed without showy tactics
by the genre-jumping J.C. Chandor (All Is Lost and
Margin Call), here successfully channeling ’70s Lumet
and Scorsese. Japanese title: American Dreamer: Risō
no Daishō. (125 min)
NEW
ALTMAN
M *A* S * H , N a s h v i l l e ,
Brewster McCloud,
A We d d i n g , B e y o n d
Therapy, The Pla yer,
G o s f o r d P a r k … OK ,
also Popeye. Few film directors have been as admired
and emulated as the late Robert Altman. Ron Mann’s
doc features mostly the man himself in excerpts from
interviews and speaking appearances, along with home
movies, news footage, and even a few experimental
shorts. Talking heads are limited to actors he’d worked with
being asked to define, in a single word or phrase, what
the word “Altmanesque” means. Trickier than it sounds,
apparently. Would like to know more about his creative
process. Japanese title: Robert Altman: Hollywood ni
Mottomo Kiraware, Soshite Aisareta Otoko. (96 min)
NEW
FATHERS AND
DAUGHTERS
A widowed Pulitzer Prizewinning novelist (Russell
Crowe) struggles to keep
custody of his eight-yearold daughter while dealing with a mental breakdown
and a sagging career. Flash-forward a quarter-century to
his grown daughter (Amanda Seyfried) dealing with her
own demons, mostly through extremely loose sex (until
love interest Aaron Paul shows up). Flash back to Russell
and then back again to Amanda. Repeat repeatedly.
Directed by Italy’s maudlin master manipulator Gabriele
Muccino (The Pursuit of Happyness). None of the actors
made me forget they were acting. More depressing
than anything else. Japanese title: Papa ga Nokoshita
Monogatari. (116 min)
PASSION AND POETRY:
THE BALLAD OF SAM
PECKINPAH
Leading Peckinpah
savant Mike Siegel clearly
invested a lot of time
and love into this documentary on the life and times of
the bad-boy director: growing up in Fresno, his early TV
work, taking off with classics like Ride the High Country,
The Wild Bunch, Straw Dogs, and The Getaway, and then
down again thanks to coke and booze, ultimately reduced
to shooting music videos for the likes of Julian Lennon.
Siegel finished it in 2005, but it hasn’t seen a movie screen
until now, in Japan. Definitive, exhaustive, and, it must be
said, overlong at two hours for anyone who’s not a true fan
of the man. Japanese title: Sam Peckinpah: Jyōnetsu to
Bigaku. (115 min)
GOOD KILL
A tense, t imel y, and
informative ethics study of
the American use of drone
strikes in the Middle East
examines the morality of
the issue by focusing on those who “pilot” the pilotless
planes from planeless cockpits 11,000 kilometers away in
Las Vegas. Notably one Major Thomas Egan (Ethan Hawke
in top form), a veteran fighter pilot who finds it increasingly
difficult to ignore his conscience and continue to play
what amounts to a lethal video game. Then the CIA starts
giving increasingly ruthless orders and things come to an
emotional head. Also Zoë Kravitz (electric) and January
Jones (not). Japanese title: Drone of War. (102 min)
ANT-MAN
The cornball backstory of
this cliché-ridden Marvel
second-stringer involves
an ex-con (Paul Rudd)
trying to be a better dad
to his daughter. Because of his unique skillset—he
was a cat burglar—he is recruited by a mentor inventor
(Michael Douglas) who gives him this neato high-tech
suit that drops him down to, well, ant size (“Honey, I
Shrunk the Superhero”?). In the superhero universe,
this formulaic mixed bag is not terrible, but it’s way too
long, not as funny as it thinks it is (though I did like the
battle on the Thomas the Tank Engine train set), fairly
risk-averse, and borderline dull. (117 min)
TWO RAGING GRANNIES
In t his touching and
relevant documentary by
Norway’s Håvard Bustnes,
Shirley and Hinda—92
and 85—are two badass
grandmas in Seattle who become concerned about the
American economy. Must prosperity, they ask, be tied to
economic growth? Must we continue to shop and consume
just to stay afloat? Is there a more sustainable alternative?
These aging activists travel across the U.S., questioning
college kids, the homeless, Wall Street tycoons, and
growth economists, while generally being delightfully yet
meaningfully annoying. You go, girls! Japanese title: Shirley
and Hinda: Wōru Gai wo Dekin ni Natta Futari. (78 min)
NEW
NEW
A Most Violent Year: © 2014 PM/IN Finance. LLC; Altman: © 2014 sphinxproductions; Fathers and Daughters: © 2014 FATHERS & DAUGHTERS NEVADA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Passion and Poetry: The Ballad of Sam Peckinpah: © 20052015 El Dorado Productions. All rights reserved; Good Kill: © 2014 CLEAR SKIES NEVADA,LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Ant-Man: © Marvel 2015; Two Raging Grannies: Faction Film © 2013; The Voices: © 2014 SERIAL KILLER, LLC. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED; That Awkward Moment: © 2013 AWOD Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved; Kingsman: The Secret Service: © 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Boychoir: © 2014 BOYCHOIR MOVIE, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Pixels:
©2015 CTMG, INC All Rights Reserved; San Andreas: © 2014 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED, WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC.
16
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
THE VOICES
This is being marketed as
a deeply warped horror
comedy. Warped, yes;
but I have a problem
with that “comedy” part.
Gemma Arterton’s talking severed head in a refrigerator
is certainly out there, but funny? Not especially. Tastes
differ, but I actively disliked this tonally schizophrenic,
whimsical-yet-witless little creepshow, mostly due to
the shallow performance by Ryan Reynolds, who’s
clearly straining to beef up his lackluster filmography
(Green Lantern, RIPD) with a trusty old unhinged role. But
Nightcrawler this is not. Title refers to his talking dog and
cat. Also Jacki Weaver and Anna Kendrick. Japanese title:
Happy Voice Killer. (103 min)
THAT AWKWARD
MOMENT
The title of this derivative,
old - school brom - com
refers to the point in
a relationship when
somebody says, “So ... where is this going?” Three
20-something pals (Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Michael
B. Jordan) vow to remain single, committed only to
commitment-free sex. Undeveloped female foils include
Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis, and Jessica Lucas.
Relatively inoffensive except for the Efron bits, but not
remotely funny, and a general waste of a lot of young
talent. Not as insipid as crap like Valentine’s Day, but
disconcertingly close. Think of it as a male Sex and the
City. Japanese title: Koibito Made Ichi Pāsento. (94 min)
KINGSMAN:
THE SECRET SERVICE
Colin Fir th is Agent
Galahad, a suave, quintessentially Conner y
superspy. He can mow
down a row of thugs without rumpling his Savile Row suit.
His umbrella is bulletproof. This knowing postmodern
homage/spoof of Bond-spawned gentleman spy thrillers
is directed by the energetically edgy Matthew Vaughn, so
think a less colorful Austin Powers with extreme violence.
Worth seeing just for the acting. But ultimately this is
ideologically vapid, high-class multiplex fodder. The
shock humor is effective, but I could have done without
the church shooting. I was amused, but not often enough.
(128 min)
BOYCHOIR
Stet (Garrett Wareing)
is sent off by his hardhear ted father to the
National Boychoir
Academy (a real place,
apparently), where he is mentored by the troupe’s
demanding choir master. The latter is played by Dustin
Hoffman, and is the main reason to see this one. Anyway,
all this would undoubtedly have been more effective had
it not been for the recent Whiplash, which approaches
the musical mentor-protégé theme far more powerfully.
Uplifting but highly predictable and unworthy of its great
cast (Kevin McHale, Eddie Izzard, and Kathy Bates), this
one falls into the “mostly watchable” category. Japanese
title: Boy Soprano: Tada Hitotsu no Utagoe. (103 min)
PIXELS
Adam Sandler is amazing.
Jus t w hen you t hink
he can’t get any more
moronic, he summons
the energ y to appall
you anew. Aliens attack Earth with giant, weaponized
recreations of early ’80s arcade games like Pac-Man
and Donkey Kong, and it’s up to a former child Atari ace
(Sandler) to save the day. I know: “just entertainment.” But
this isn’t even very good on its own terms. Exhaustively
lazy, proudly pointless, by necessity heavy on the
exposition, and endless mugging by Sandler and Mall
Cop’s Kevin James—as the U.S. President! Even an
amusingly mulleted Peter Dinklage can’t save this turkey.
(98 min)
SAN ANDREAS
When magnitude-nine
quakes strike Los Angeles
and San Francisco, an
L.A. rescue helicopter
pilot (Dwayne Johnson)
is determined to save his daughter in S.F. Well, there’s
an original scenario. He abandons his duties, steals
a chopper, snags his estranged wife (Carla Gugino)
from the roof of a collapsing skyscraper, and they work
on their relationship issues en route. This is disaster
on a gargantuan, bloated, physics-defying, almost
pornographic scale. “Dumb” would be a compliment.
Visually impressive as mindless sensory barrages go, but
soulless and tension-free. Makes Roland Emmerich look
good. Japanese title: California Down. (114 min)
© Wa Entertainment, Inc.
© 2015 TriStar Pictures, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
© 2015 TriStar Pictures, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
eiga
This beguiling little film is
both charming and extremely
frustrating. It’s the directorial
debut of Takuya Misawa, who
has worked as an assistant
By Rob Schwartz
at the f ilm’s produc tion
company Wa Entertainment and is, in fact, still studying at
the film school Nihon Eiga Daigaku. Misawa is influenced
by Eric Rohmer, as well as this film’s producer and star Kiki
Sugino, who is herself fond of Rohmer. Airline colleagues
Karin (Ena Koshino) and Maki (Sugino) arrive at a quaint
and historic inn in Chigasaki for a little vacation and to
celebrate the marriage of ex-colleague Risa (Natsuko
Hori). As fate would have it, Maki’s old university is
doing an archeology field trip to Chigasaki, led by a
professor (Satoshi Nikaidō) she had an affair with. The
new arrivals, the workers, and the university students flirt
with attractions and seductions a la Rohmer, but there is a
major problem. We can’t get emotionally invested in any
character because all the interactions are too superficial
and childish. The film is beautifully shot and lyrically told,
but lacks any emotional punch whatsoever. Still, director
Misawa is one to watch in the future. Showing with English
subtitles. English title: Chigasaki Story. (88 min)
SANPAKU
YOKKA, GOJI
NO KANE
movie news
Japan has its latest contender for an Oscar. The
sports drama 100 Yen Love has been chosen as the
country’s official submission to the Academy Awards
for Best Foreign Language Film. The film follows the
transformation of a ¥100 shop clerk (Sakura Ando) who
enters the world of women’s boxing and finds selfconfidence. It won rave reviews for Ando’s highly physical
performance and picked up the Japanese Cinema Splash
Award at last year’s Tokyo International Film Festival.
Each country has its own rules for choosing the one
non-English film that will be its official submission, and,
technically speaking, the award goes to the country, not
the filmmaker. As more countries and territories produce
films, the number of submissions has grown, hitting a
record of 83 last year. A similar number is expected this
year, and from them a short list of nine will be selected.
From those, five nominees will be announced on January
14. During the golden age of Japanese cinema in the
1950s and ’60s, the country picked up a number of
nominations, wins, and honorary awards, but didn’t bring
home another statuette until 2008, with Departures, a
drama about a young man who faces social stigma when
he chooses to work as a mortician. The 88th Academy
Awards will be held February 28, 2016. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
The Tokyo International Film Festival will run October
22-31. The fest has matured and expanded in recent
years, and the 28th edition will be held at its main base of
Toho Cinemas in Roppongi Hills, as well as the venerable
Kabukiza and other venues. Opening the fest will be Robert
Zemeckis’ The Walk (pictured), which recreates—in 3D no
less—the view enjoyed by French high-wire artist Philippe
Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) while walking between
Manhattan’s Twin Towers in 1974. Another highlight is
Life, about a photographer (Robert Pattinson) given the
assignment of capturing the essence of rising star James
Dean for the eponymous magazine, and directed by
acclaimed photographer Anton Corbijn. Japanese films
screening with English subtitles include Foujita, about the
Japanese painter who gained notoriety in 1920s Paris, and
Sayonara, a sci-fi drama about a few refugees left behind
when Japan is evacuated due to radiation. The program
“Masters of J-Horror” will present some of the key films in
the boom that put Japan on the global horror map in the
’90s, including Takashi Shimizu’s Ju-on, which was remade
in the U.S. as The Grudge. Kabukiza will host a screening
of They Who Step on the Tiger’s Tail, Akira Kurosawa’s
adaptation of a kabuki play. Tickets go on sale October 10.
For a full schedule see http://2015.tiff-jp.net/en. KM
17
arts&culture
Glass Blanket
(2014) by
Sungmi Lee
ART
ARTIST
FILE
BY C.B. LIDDELL
Play (2014)
by Shimon
Minamikawa
Ute Klein/ Courtesy: Galerie Michael Janssen Berlin-Singapore
Unfamiliar
Corner 02
(2012) by
Seulki Ki
A
rtist File is the National Art Center, Tokyo’s big annual contemporary art show.
Usually, what you get is a collection of
mid-career artists, posing as “youngish,”
loosely tied together by a nebulous theme.
This year, however, Artist File has come up
with a stronger theme. To celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic
ties between Japan and Korea, the show has
brought together equal numbers of Japanese
and Korean artists to capture something of the
essence of this often-troubled relationship.
Rather prosaically titled “Next Door: Contemporary Art in Japan and Korea,” the show
eschews cozy cultural interplay in favor of weird
juxtaposition and unexpected resonance. As
reasonably successful contemporary artists,
each of the twelve participants has already
found his or her own niche, ranging from
Sungmi Lee’s large minimalist ceramic works
and Motohiro Tomii’s deadpan surrealism to
Shizuka Yokomizo’s overly precious photo and
video works.
Viewed on paper, the idea of bringing these
and the other nine extremely diverse artists
together into a coherent show may seem a little
18
Lessons for Restoration (mirror)
(2012) by Aiko Tezuka
like trying to herd cats, but strangely much of
the art seems to hit a similar chord, with a recurring theme of ghostliness and hauntedness that
seems to be more of a fortuitous accident than
a curatorial conceit.
Sometimes the ghostly theme is blatant, as
in Yokomizo’s Phantom (2006-7) video installation, in which people—mainly Westerners—
recount actual experiences of encountering
ghosts; or in Seulki Ki’s Post Tenebras Lux
(2014), photos of forest scenery inhabited by
apparently sentient clouds of mist. But often,
it’s more subtle. Ki also presents photos, which
seem to have been taken just a moment too
late, where the subject is in the process of
departing. Photos like this evoke a sense of
something half-seen or half-remembered.
This half-remembered or evasive quality is
more than an accident, but captures the feeling of awkwardness that subsists between
Korea and Japan: much is forgotten or passed
over due to its painfulness and the wish to
start afresh. The only problem is the ghosts
of the past are sure to make themselves felt
in some way.
Kohei Kobayashi’s offbeat works feature
odd videos and the props used to make them,
and provide some comic relief from the exhibition’s more sombre aspects.
It’s impressive that such a diverse show
hangs together quite well. But if there’s one
major criticism, it’s that there’s a deficiency of
aesthetically-pleasing art; video and concept
art of a largely minimalist character dominates.
Sungmi Lee’s large ceramic works, like Glass
Blanket (2014), incorporating broken automobile
glass, are initially impressive, but soon bore.
More satisfying as aesthetic and conceptual
works are Aiko Tezuka’s embroidery and antiembroidery works. She unpicks and reweaves
tapestries and other woven objects in eyecatching ways. Suspended Organs (Kitchen)
(2013) takes an old linen tea towel from pre-war
Germany and unpicks one half to create an
interesting design of sweeping threads and an
embroidered heart on a plate.
With these artistic works, one gets a sense
of two cultures communicating with each other
in a subtle way that helps lessen tensions between them. Ghosts and artists, it seems, can
say things others can’t.
National Art Center, Tokyo. Until Oct 12 .
MUSIC
PETER
BARAKAN’S
LIVE MAGIC
The veteran personality
curates a new roots fest
BY DAN GRUNEBAUM
I
n his 40 years in Japan,
Anglo-Burmese-PolishJewish broadcaster Peter
Barakan has hosted everything from the Japanese
60 Minutes to NHK’s Begin
Japanology—but his most
abiding passion is music.
Many know him as the host of
InterFM’s Barakan Beat, and
he began his career working
copyrights for a Japanese
music label in 1974.
Barakan now curates Live
Magic!, a roots music festival
that launched in 2014. He
tells Metropolis about Japan’s
aging music scene and his approach to turning a profit on a
non-commercial lineup.
Dayme Arocena
What was the inspiration
behind the fest?
Rather than it being an inspiration, one guy from Creativeman and another from Tower
Records came to me in 2012
and said, “We have this idea
for a festival: Would you like
to curate it?” They were fans
of my music TV show in the
mid-’80s, and both ended up
in the music industry. They
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
had an idea for an indoor
weekend festival for adults; I
was thrilled, and last year was the first one. It music I do at Live Magic!, and put in more
went off better than hoped—we didn’t know if headliners for a younger audience. I know in
we would make a profit. We ended up selling other areas, people are still trying to appeal
out Saturday, and had a 70-percent [full] house to a younger audience but we don’t need to
on Sunday. The atmosphere was comfortable be doing that. Last year, we had mainly people
and the music was fantastic.
in their 40s and 50s. We’re not that big a
festival, so we can afford to skew older.
Japan has the world’s most rapidly aging so- People that age like different music—they’re
ciety. How does that affect the music scene?
not into EDM or hip-hop. Though they have
This year, [Fuji Rock] got rid of the Orange more spending power, I think they’re being
Court, where they had the world and roots left out.
Music discovery has gone online. How did you
find the bands on the lineup?
Most of the people in the lineup are unfamiliar
to music fans in Japan, or anywhere. To be honest, even I didn’t know of some of them. For
example, Dayme Arocena—this amazing Cuban
artist—was discovered by Gilles Peterson on a
trip to Cuba several years ago. He raved about
her, and when I listened to her album, I was
knocked out and immediately got in touch.
With Jonathan Scales, who is this incredible
complex steel drum player, the weirdest thing
happened. A friend sent me a link to a live jam
band show, and somewhere in the background,
Photos courtesy of Creativeman
there was a steel drum
playing—but you couldn’t
even see the guy. My friend
found out the guy was
Jonathan Scales, and I got
in touch.
The group I’m With Her
is made up of three female
singer-songwriters who
all worked separately. A
friend sent me a YouTube
link, and I got excited about
them. These connections
just happen all over the
place. There’s so much
great music out there, and
once I get turned on, I want
to bring people in.
How about the Japanese
artists on the bill? Some
seem quite left-wing.
I’m not going to hide my
proclivities. Ranking Taxi
is a brilliant reggae toaster,
but he does it in very skillful Japanese on an array of
social topics. I first heard
him in 1989 when he did his
anti-nuclear song, which
he redid in 2011 after the
Fukushima disaster. His
work is so good and needs
to be heard again. I also
brought in Ainu musician
Oki. He has a political bent
as well. But the other Japanese artists aren’t
particularly political.
The best-known group is Tin Pan, Yellow
Magic Orchestra founder Haruomi Hosono’s
group. It’s a trio that goes back to the 1970s.
They normally back up someone else and hardly
ever play live. Chu Kosaka will sing with them,
which is quite a coup, as he doesn’t sing much
these days. Mainly he’s a Christian reverend.
Yebisu Garden Hall, Oct 24-25.
http://livemagic.jp
19
arts&culture
ART
FLORAL
EXPRESSIONS
Mika Otani and the art of Ikebana
BY C BRYAN JONES
T
Photos courtesy of Mika Otani
he art of ikebana is one that’s quintessentially Japanese. Its name combines the
words “ikeru”, which means “living”, and
hana, or “flower”; “ikiru” can also mean
“arranging flowers”. It can be a deceptive art:
at first glance, the work may appear to simply
be floral arrangement. But it is in fact a spiritual
practice—a meditative escape from the chaotic
world in which we live.
While the art’s exact origin is unknown,
ikebana has been practiced for at least six
centuries. It began as part of Buddhist customs,
20
evolving over time into different styles and approaches. Today, there are more than 3,000
ikebana schools, with three of the biggest
being Ohara, Ikenobō, and Sogetsu.
Sogetsu is a versatile school that focuses
on the art as a form of self-expression, suitable
for those looking to explore ikebana for the
first time.
“Sogetsu school is really free … they have
the free mind; we can create anything we want.
It’s called the Picasso of Flowers with its radical conception,” explains Mika Otani, owner of
Atelier Soka, which provides Sogetsu ikebana
classes in Tokyo. “I can put my emotions and my
ideas—and sometimes criticize society—into
ikebana. We can express something through
flower materials. It’s art.”
Otani has been practicing ikebana for 27
years and is a master of the art. She not only
teaches Sogetsu ikebana at her three locations
in Tokyo, but also conducts seminars and
demonstrations in India and Australia.
While ikebana has been a part of her life for
nearly three decades, it wasn’t always her day
job. For many years, she worked as an editor
for Japanese publications, later transitioning to
a career as a web publisher. But following the
Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011,
her view of the fragility of life changed, as it did
for so many, and she decided that she would
spend her time creating the art she loved and
teaching it to others. That’s when Atelier Soka
was born.
When asked how ikebana has changed her
over the course of her life, Otani says, “It’s like
meditation. I should think about my emotions
and my ideas. It’s only my time. I only place
flowers silently, and I can release my stress. I
think the process of creating ikebana is kind
of like yoga.”
This is mirrored in her approach to Atelier
Soka. For her students, it’s about enjoying
the process of transforming the materials of
nature into something with greater meaning,
not about the precision of rules or the classroom environment.
That’s not to say there aren’t basics that
must be learned, but Otani has created
comfortable surroundings in Yoyogi-Uehara,
Roppongi, and Setagaya (in her home) where
stress is left at the door and students can
reconnect with Mother Nature.
At Atelier Soka, Otani has many nonJapanese students. What attracts visitors and
expats alike to ikebana?
“Everyone wants to start something Japanese,” says Otani. “The starting point is just
curiosity. But one month later or two months
later, they change. Tokyo is really crowded, but
through ikebana, they can really feel nature.”
And that reconnection and expression
goes further than one might expect. When
we think of ikebana, we most often picture
flowers. But Sogetsu can incorporate any type
of material that the practitioner wants. This
means thoughts and feelings can be expressed
through not only flowers, but also plants, wire,
plastic, and other unconventional materials.
Sogetsu offers incredible flexibility for self
expression.
Ikebana opens up a world of emotional
exploration: a place where we can express
ourselves much in the way that a writer, painter,
or musician does. It’s quiet reflection for those
who practice Sogetsu, as the arranging is done
alone and in silence. Think of it as floral meditation—with Mika Otani as your guide.
Want Mika Otani to introduce you to ikebana?
E-mail smile@mika-otani.com or call 080-50994461 in English. Or visit www.atelier-soka.com.
GRAINY
GRAPHICS
Rice field art project
Photos by Ayano Murakami
grows community
BY JOAN BAILEY
F
or the residents of Sammu, a little town in
Chiba Prefeture in the flight path for nearby
Narita International Airport, airplanes are as
much a part of the landscape as rice fields.
While these two things may seem miles apart, a
new art project will bring them closer together.
Tomohito and Nagisa Minowa, organic
rice farmers from Sammu, found a receptive
audience at city hall when they first proposed
the idea. The Minowas, who have run similar
projects in France and Fukushima Prefecture,
paired up with local artist Barusa Mikoyasu and
more than 100 volunteers to make the first design a reality. Planted in June, the multicolored
seedlings are now filling in Mikoyasu’s design.
Based on a popular Japanese fairy tale, Tsuru
no Ongaishi (“The Gift of the Crane”), it depicts
a crane in flight carrying a piece of silk.
Planted just below a small park that offers a good view over the adjacent fields, the
tambo (rice field) belongs to Akira Inoue, another
Sammu organic rice farmer. Measuring 3,300
square meters, it isn’t huge—but it’s a good start.
“There’s a possibility that the tambo art will
be visible from planes flying to and from Narita,”
says Nagisa Minowa. “If it isn’t visible this year,
we’ll find a better location or work on a larger
drawing to provide an attractive site for tourists.”
The Tambo Art Project is an official part of
Sammu’s plans to prepare for the 2020 Olympics.
City staff also turned out in droves to help plant
the field in June and to manage a viewing festival.
An October harvest event is on the city calendar
and Sammu offered funds to support the project.
For the Minowas, the Sammu Project is
a natural extension of their own passions.
Tomohito, a sixth-generation rice farmer from
Sammu, met Nagisa while both worked at a
landscape design firm. Tambo art brings design
and agriculture together while also offering the
opportunity to creatively foster community.
“We feel tambo art attracts people and gives
them a starting point for getting involved in
agriculture and landscape design. It lets people
work together, allowing them to get closer. It also
changes over the season, which draws people
back to see what’s happened,” explains Nagisa.
The Sammu Project is also an extension of
a similar ongoing project in Soma, Fukushima
Prefecture. Working closely with Hideharu Asanuma of Youkei Design in Tokyo, and Tomoyuki
Endo, a Soma rice farmer, the Minowas helped
coordinate the planting of three rice fields in
the town located 45 kilometers from the ailing
nuclear power plant. In 2014, Soma residents
planted rice for the first time since the disaster
as a way to mark the event and raise morale.
Like the field in Sammu, the Soma plantings
are located near a popular elevated walking
path. The largest design shows a bucking horse
full of life, teeth bared, and mane and tail flying.
“The people of Soma know this symbol and
will see themselves, strong in body and will. It
will give them energy,” Asanuma says.
The project is part of Youkei Design’s Project
Nomad, a community-building effort born out of
their work to help create gathering spaces for
Soma residents. Arriving almost immediately after
the disaster to see how they might help, the group
designed and built a simple space where people
could meet, something residents desperately
needed in order to begin recovering personally
and as a community. There, they met Endo and
that the idea for the art project was born.
Sammu will run the project until 2020, and
hopes visitors from around the world will come to
plant, help weed, or just enjoy the view.
“We hope this will be a means to connect diverse people, to encourage people to interact
and get closer. We have a simple motivation:
we want to do something fun in our home
town!” explains Nagisa. “And,” she adds with
a smile, “if we can get people from other areas
or even from other countries to visit, it’s going
to be much more fun!”
Sammu Tambo Art Project
Harvest Event October 31, 2015
Nearest station: Matsuo
www.facebook.com/tamboart.sammu
21
agenda
WATCH LIST
hot tickets
OCT
17-18
Earth Day 2015
Learn about what it takes to live an
ecological and organic lifestyle.
Participate in workshops, purchase
handmade goods, grab delicious
food, and more. Oct 17-18,
10am-4pm. Free. Minami-Osawa
Nakago Park. Minami-Osawa.
www.804.jp
Concerts
POPULAR
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis
British three-piece band
featuring the siblings of the
Durham family, with Japanese
jazz band Ego-Wrappin’.
Oct 2, 7pm. ¥6,000-6,500.
Ex Theater Roppongi.
Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel:
03-6406-2222. http://j.mp/
kittydaisy2015
Swervedriver
English alternative rock
band who emerged with a
heavier rock sound than their
shoegaze contemporaries, and
evolved to include elements
of psychedelia, classic pop,
and indie rock. Oct 8, 7:30pm.
¥6,800. duo Music Exchange.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-8716.
http://j.mp/swervedriver2015
Räfven
Gypsy punk band from
Sweden performing original
music influenced by Eastern
European folk music and
the klezmer tradition. Oct 8,
7:30pm. ¥5,800. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://j.mp/rafven2015
!!!
Disco-punk band from
California—pronounced “Chk
Chk Chk”—comes to Japan
with their new album, As If.
Oct 9, 7pm. ¥6,000 +1d (adv).
Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. www.beatink.
com/Events/ChkChkChk2015
Darkstar
Electronic music duo whose
third studio album Foam Island
will be released on Sep 30.
Oct 11, 12am. ¥4,000. WWW.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-7685.
http://j.mp/darkstar2015
Paul Brady
Singer-songwriter,
multi-instrumentalist, and one
of Ireland’s most enduringly
popular artists. Oct 10-11,
5 & 8pm. ¥7,500-8,500.
Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel:
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
paulbrady2015
Thee Oh Sees
American band with a wide
range of rock genres, such
as 1960s garage rock and
psychedelic rock. Oct 11, 7pm.
¥4,000 +1d (adv)/¥4,500 +1d
(door). Oct 13, 7:30pm. ¥4,500
+1d (adv)/¥5,000 +1d (door).
Tsutaya O-Nest. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3462-4420. http://
iinioi.com/ohsees
22
NOV
16
Ron Sexsmith
Canadian singer-songwriter whose
music is generally melancholic
pop folk with elegant melodies,
accentuated by guitars and economic
application of other instruments.
Nov 16, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,500-8,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
http://j.mp/sexsmith2015
Tickets on sale now
Behemoth
Polish blackened death
metal band considered to
have played an important
role in establishing the Polish
extreme metal underground.
Oct 13, 7pm. ¥6,660. Club
Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
behemothtokyo2015
Paul Weller
English singer-songwriter who
is also the principal figure
of the 1970s and ’80s mod
revival, and is often referred
to as “The Modfather.” Oct
14, 7pm. ¥8,000-9,000.
Zepp DiverCity. Daiba. Tel:
03-3527-5256. http://j.mp/
weller2015
Eric Benét
Grammy-nominated
American R&B and neo-soul
singer-songwriter. Oct 16,
7 & 9:30pm; Oct 17-18, 5
& 8pm. ¥8,900. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
ericbenet2015
NOV
25-26
2001: A Space Odyssey
Live Cinema Concert
A full screening of the 1968 sci-fi
epic, with live orchestra and chorus.
Nov 25, 7pm; Nov 26, 2pm. ¥6,00010,000. Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999.
www.bunkamura.co.jp/english
Tickets on sale Sep 19
Fever. Shindaita. Tel:
03-6304-7899. http://j.mp/
thevelvetteen2015
Leo Sayer
British-born singer songwriter
musician and entertainer
who was a top singles and
album act on both sides of the
Atlantic in the 1970s. Oct 27,
7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800-9,800.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.
mp/sayer2015. Oct 29, 7
& 9:30pm. ¥7,800-9,800.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
sayertwo2015
Whitesnake
English rock band known for
their hits “Here I Go Again”
and “Is This Love.” Oct 30,
7pm. Pacifico Yokohama.
Minatomirai. Nov 2, 7pm.
Tokyo International Forum
Hall A. Yurakucho. ¥9,80020,000. Tel: 03-5221-9000.
http://j.mp/whitesnake2015
JAZZ/WORLD
Daryl Hall & John Oates
Stanley Clarke
American musical duo best
known for their hits such as
“Private Eyes,” “Rich Girl,”
and “Kiss on My List.” Oct 19,
7pm. ¥10,000-11,000. Nippon
Budokan. Kudanshita.
http://j.mp/hallandoates2015
American jazz musician and
composer known for his
innovative and influential
work on double bass and
electric bass, as well as
for his numerous film and
television scores. Sep 30-Oct
2, 7 & 9:30pm; Oct 3, 5 & 8pm.
¥8,900. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/clarke2015
Fear Factory
American metal band that
was enormously influential
on the heavy metal scene in
the mid-to-late 1990s. Oct
20, 7pm. ¥7,500. Liquidroom.
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800.
http://j.mp/fearfactory2015
Albert Hammond Jr.
American musician and
member of the indie rock
band The Strokes, in which he
plays guitar and keyboards.
Oct 21, 7:30pm. ¥6,500. duo
Music Exchange. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-8716. Oct
22, 7:30pm. ¥6,500. Astro
Hall. Meiji-Jingumae. Tel:
03-3402-3089. http://j.mp/
hammondjr2015
Steve Arrington
American singer, songwriter
and drummer, formerly
of the renowned Dayton
group Slave. Oct 20-21, 7
& 9:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
arrington2015
American indie rock band who are
renowned for their encyclopedic
repertoire of cover songs in live
performance and on record. Dec
18, 7pm. ¥6,000. Tsutaya O-East.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
http://j.mp/yolatengo2015
Tickets on sale now
music, with Alune Wade and
Ruy Adrián López-Nussa. Oct
7-9, 6:30 & 9pm. ¥6,5008,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
lopeznussatrio2015
Christian Scott Atunde
Adjuah
American jazz trumpeter,
composer, and producer. Oct
7-9, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
christianscott2015
Joss Stone
English soul singer who rose
to fame in late 2003 with
her multi-platinum Mind
Body & Soul. Oct 12-13, 8pm.
¥22,500-24,500. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
http://j.mp/jossstone2015
Candy Dulfer and Hans
Dulfer
Father-and-daughter sax duo.
Oct 10-12, 5 & 8pm; Oct 13-14,
6:30 & 9:30pm. ¥8,900. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
candyandhans2015
Christian McBride Trio
Led by four-time Grammy
Award-winner McBride who
is a jazz bassist virtuoso, with
Mark Whitfield and Emmet
Cohen. Oct 14-16, 6:30 & 9pm.
¥8,000-10,000. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/mcbridetrio2015
Ohta-San and Herb Ohta, Jr.
Roberto Fonseca Trio
Trio led by Cuban jazz pianist
Fonseca, with Yandi Martínez,
and Ramsés Rodríguez. Oct 4,
5 & 8pm; Oct 5, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/fonseca2015
Diana Panton
Canadian jazz vocalist whose
impressive catalogue of
internationally acclaimed
albums have garnered
numerous honours, including
a Juno win for her latest album
Red. Oct 5-6, 6:30 & 9pm.
¥6,500-8,500. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://j.mp/panton2015
Take 6
Grammy Award-winning
Christian vocal jazz group.
Oct 5-7, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥9,00011,000. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/takesix2015
The Velvet Teen
Indie rock trio from Sonoma
County, California. Oct 26,
7:30pm. ¥4,000. Shindaita
DEC
18
Yo La Tengo
Father-and-son ukulele duo.
Oct 17-18, 5 & 8pm. ¥7,0009,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
ohtasanandjr2015
FEB
24-25, 2016
Diana Krall
Grammy Award-winning Canadian
jazz pianist and singer who is the only
jazz singer to have eight albums debut
at the top of the Billboard jazz albums
chart. Feb 24-25, 7pm. ¥14,00015,000. Showa Women’s University,
Hitomi Memorial Hall. Sangenjaya.
http://j.mp/krall2016
Tickets on sale Oct 3
touching on elements of New
Orleans-style funk, R&B, soul,
blues, and hip-hop formed
by singer/producer Donnie
Sundal and New Orleans
guitar luminary Derwin
“Big D” Perkins. Oct 27, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥7,000. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
boukougroove2015
Tommy Emmanuel
Australian virtuoso guitarist
best known for his complex
fingerstyle technique,
energetic performances,
and the use of percussive
effects on the guitar. Oct 28,
6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel:
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
emmanuelcotton2015. Oct
29, 7:30pm. ¥6,800. Tsutaya
O-East. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/
emmanueleast2015
I’m With Her
Trio consisting of Sara
Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and
Aoife O’Donovan, whose first
release, I’m With Her, boasts a
riveting cover of John Hiatt’s
“Crossing Muddy Waters.” Oct
28, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,000. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.
mp/imwithher2015
Kamasi Washington
American jazz saxophonist
mainly known for his tenor
playing, which follows in the
traditions of John Coltrane
and Albert Ayler. Oct 30, 7
& 9:30pm; Oct 31-Nov 1, 5
& 8pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
washington2015
David Sanborn
American alto saxophonist who
has been described by critic
Scott Yannow as “the most
influential saxophonist on pop,
R&B, and crossover players of
the past 20 years.” Oct 19-22,
6:30 & 9pm. ¥10,800. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
sanborn2015
Ellen Oléria
John McLaughlin and The
4th Dimension
David Benoit featuring
Sara Gazarek
British jazz guitarist
McLaughlin, joined by his
electric fusion band, The
4th Dimension. Oct 23, 7
& 9:30pm; Oct 24-25, 5 &
8pm. ¥8,800. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
mclaughlin2015
Jazz pianist Benoit with jazz
singer Gazarek. Oct 30 & Nov
2, 6:30 & 9pm; Nov 2, 6:30pm
to 9pm. ¥8,000-10,000.
Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel:
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
benoitandgazarek2015
Harold López-Nussa Trio
Led by López-Nussa, a jazz
pianist who plays Cuban
for free
Boukou Groove
A genre-bending collective
Singer, musician, songwriter,
and actress from Brazil
specializing in genres such
as Música Popular Brasileira,
funk, and samba. Nov 2, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥6,800. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
oleria2015
Deodato
Brazilian pianist most known
for his innovative rendition of
Richard Strauss’ classical opus
Discount event tickets
Your source for discounted
tickets to upcoming events—
musicals, performance art,
plays, leisure activities,
cultural events, and more. Visit
our shop in Shibuya or Ginza
to check availability each day
starting at 10am. We're the
first discounted ticket shop
in Japan that’s like the TKTS
Discount Booths in New York!
http://ticketstoday.jp/
“Also Sprach Zarathustra,”
more commonly known as
the theme to 2001: A Space
Odyssey. Nov 2, 7 & 9:30pm;
Nov 3, 4:30 & 7:30pm.
¥6,800-8,800. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/deodato2015
Blue Mountain Boys
Classic country and bluegrass.
Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm.
Free. Cafe Sepia. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3406-1300. www.
nagaremono.com/sepia
CLASSICAL
Sibelius’s Complete
Symphonies
Conducted by Hannu Lintu
and performed by the New
Japan Philharmonic (Oct 7
& 10), and the Finnish Radio
Symphony Orchestra (Nov 2),
in celebration of the 150th
anniversary since Sibelius’
birth. Oct 7, 7pm; Oct 10,
6pm. ¥5,000-7,000. Nov 2,
7pm. ¥6,000-10,000. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Kinshicho. Tel:
03-5608-5404. http://j.mp/
lintusibelius2015
Wiener Philharmoniker
Week in Japan
A series of concerts performed
by the Wiener Philharmoniker
and conducted by Christoph
Eschenbach, who is currently
music director of both the
National Symphony Orchestra
and the John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing
Arts. Oct 4-8, various times.
¥13,000-35,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
wienerweek2015
Game Symphony Japan
14th Concert
Chamber Orchestra
Sagamihara
Professional concert focusing
exclusively on Sega game
music. Conducted by
Kenichi Shimura. Oct 10,
4:30pm. ¥6,500-8,500.
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.
Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-53912111. http://j.mp/gsj14th
An all-Mozart program
including Eine kleine
Nachtmusik, Symphony
No. 29, and more. Oct
31, 2pm. ¥5,000. Mori no
Hall. Hashimoto. Tel:
042-775-3811. http://j.mp/
sagamiharachamber2015
Flux Quartet
Clubbing
American string quartet
dedicated to the performance
of contemporary classical
music, renowned for its
performance of Morton
Feldman’s String Quartet
No. 2, which lasts for over
six hours. Oct 17, 3pm.
¥4,000. Kanagawa Kenmin
Hall. Nihonodori. Tel:
04-5662-8866. http://j.mp/
fluxquartet2015
Gidon Kremer and
Kremerata Baltica
Violinist Kremer and the
Kremerata Baltica Chamber
Orchestra perform Piazzolla’s
Las Estaciones, S.
Umebayashi’s Japanese Four
Seasons, and more. Oct 21,
7pm. ¥4,000-12,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
kremerata2015
FRIDAY 2
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Air
Daniel Avery. House: DJs
Daniel Avery, Nobu, etc. From
10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Make Some Noise. Trap: DJs
Tropkillaz, Shintaro, etc. From
10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
The Room
Jazz meets Classic
Pianist Makoto Ozone
takes on classical pieces
with world-renowned jazz
saxophonist Branford Marsalis
and the Tokyo Metropolitan
Symphony Orchestra. Oct 24,
5pm. ¥3,000-5,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel:
03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.
jp/en. Oct 25, 3pm. ¥3,0005,000. Olympus Hall Hachioji.
Hachioji. www.olympus.
hall-info.jp
The Philharmonics
Consisting of four members
of the Vienna Philharmonic,
one member of the Berlin
Philharmonic and two
extraordinarily gifted
brothers, The Philharmonics’
performances are informed
by the sound culture and
earnestness of the Wiener
Philharmoniker. Oct 26, 7pm.
¥6,500. Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-2111. http://j.mp/
philharmonics2015
Beethoven: Complete
Piano Concertos
With the Partitura Project led
by Maria João Pires, and the
New Japan Philharmonic.
Oct 27, 7pm. ¥5,0009,000. Sumida Triphony
Hall. Kinshicho. Tel:
03-5608-5404. http://j.mp/
partituraproject2015
Czech Philharmonic
Orchestra
Conducted by Jiří
Bělohlávek, with
performances of Smetana’s
Šárka, Mendelssohn’s Violin
Concerto in e minor, Op.64,
and more. Oct 28, 7pm.
¥7,000-20,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
czechphil2015
Deutsches SymphonieOrchester Berlin
Conducted by Tugan
Sokhiev, with performances
of Schubert’s Overture
to Rosamunde D.797,
Mendelssohn’s Overture
to Die Fingals-höhie, and
more. Oct 30, 7pm. ¥5,00018,000. Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-2111. http://j.mp/
deutsches2015. Nov 3, 2pm.
¥7,000-19,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
deutschesberlin2015
Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs
Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc. From 10pm.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Agepa. EDM, all mix: DJs
U5, Hokuto, etc. From 11pm.
(m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)free.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com
Club Asia
Bounce Up. House, electro:
DJs Wild Party, Broken Haze,
etc. From 11pm. ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Womb
Sterne. Techno: DJs San
Proper, Ishino, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Liquidroom
Montreux Jazz Festival. Disco:
DJs Psychemagik, Eddie C, etc.
From 11:30pm. ¥3,500(adv).
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800.
www.liquidroom.net
Ruby Room
Recondite. From 10pm.
¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.
com
Sound Museum Vision
Seeds. Techno, house: DJs
Haruka, Wakasa, etc. From
10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
The Room
Prove. Deep house, disco:
DJs Endo, Aoyama, etc.
From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Tokyo Wonder Night. EDM,
house: DJs Chocolate Puma,
Kiyoko, etc. From 11pm.
¥3,500. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Club Asia
Awapa. House, techno: DJs
Nanshiki Globe 15, Takeru,
etc. From 11pm. (m)¥3,500,
(f)¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Lounge Neo
Iscream. Hip-hop: DJs
Atsu, Chii, etc. From 11pm.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://
loungeneo.iflyer.jp
Womb
06s. Drum’n‘bass: DJs The
Prototypes, Aki, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
DUBLINERS’
IKEBUKURO
19
th
ANNIVERSARY
Saturday,
October 10
Cabaret Recording. DJs Binh,
Masda, etc. Live: So Inagawa.
From 11:30pm. ¥ 3,000.
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
Special hours 3pm-11pm
All pints of
draught beer
Cave
Kaleidoscope Vol. 2: Bom
Shanka Music Night vs.
Mini Little Maharashtra.
Psychedelic trance party: DJs
Nuky, Atesh, etc. Live: tec.
¥3,000 w/1d/¥2,500 (w/flyer).
Koenji. Tel: 03-5929-9099.
www.djsbarcave.tokyo
¥500
(Guinness, Kilkenny,
Yebisu)
SUNDAY 4
T2
Global Allmix Party. All
mix: Various DJs. From
10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d,
(f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Signum. House, techno: DJs
Miboo, Kagayaki, etc. 6-11pm.
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
SATURDAY 3
MONDAY 5
The New Matrix Bar
Air
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
World Wide of Bass House.
House: DJs Takizawa, Takeru,
etc. From 10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Brand Tokyo
T2
Weekend Carnival. Electro,
oldies, etc.: DJs Yuta Adachi,
Sero, etc. From 7pm. Free
entry until 12am, (m)¥3,500,
(f)¥1,000 (after 12am).
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34081111. http://brandtokyo.net
T2Monday. EDM: Various DJs.
From 10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d,
(f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Lose Yourself. House,
techno: DJs Terre Thaemlitz,
Sodeyama, etc. Live:
www.dubliners.jp
Daikanyama Unit
Take On Me: ’80s Night. 1980s
pop, rock, new wave, dance:
DJs timutaku, Timebred, etc.
From 11pm. Free. Shibuya.
Tel: 070-6969-4816
(daytime)/03-37803022 (evenings). www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Air
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
The Room
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Ikebukuro
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008214/
Akasaka
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
03-5951-3614 | sali2709@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g029000/
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
03-3539-3615 | sali2645@sapporo-lion.co.jp
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 | sali6654@sapporo-lion.co
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008220/
Womb
Feel. Techno, house:
DJs Kazuma, Kenta, etc.
From 10pm. ¥1,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
23
Crossing the language barrier to share “Noh” with the world.
Noh Theater:
Beyond Words, Beyond Borders
能
TUESDAY 6
Ruby Room
Open Mic. From 7pm. ¥1,500
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-37803022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Air
The Choice. Techno: DJs Itoh,
Hiyama, etc. From 10pm.
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5784-3384. www.air-tokyo.
com
T2
Super Tuesday. EDM: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500
w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Lounge Neo
Up to Your. Bass, trap: DJs
Ishikawa, Sasarisa, etc. From
10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://
loungeneo.iflyer.jp
Womb
Tuemix. EDM: DJs Alpha
One, Reon, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥1,500, (f) free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
WEDNESDAY 7
Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 2pm
(Experience Corner at 12pm)
Kita Noh Theatre
Tickets: Tixee (For English) https://tixee.tv/
All seats reserved
Price: Adult ¥3,500 / Student ¥1,500
Now on sale
Organized by Arts Council Tokyo
(Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture)
Supported by / in cooperation with Tokyo Metropolitan Government
www.tokyo-tradition.jp/eng/
T2
Shibuya Girls Party.
EDM: Various DJs. From
10pm. (m)¥2,500 w/2d,
(f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Womb
Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki, Yo, etc.
From 10pm. (m)¥1,500, (f) free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
The Room
Noi. House, techno: DJs Ai,
Niwa, etc. 7-11pm. Free.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
THURSDAY 8
Air
Aft’err Hours. Techno, house:
DJs Den, Jitsumitsu, etc. From
10pm. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
T2
Hand’s Up. World mix: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥2,500
w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Womb
Play the Beat. EDM: DJs Kenta,
Goshun, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
FRIDAY 9
Lounge Neo
G-Djp. Hip-hop, EDM: DJs
Dekoi, Sachi, etc. From 10pm.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://
loungeneo.iflyer.net
Ageha
Heroes and Villains. EDM: DJs
Vivid, Inagee, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,500.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
The Room
Destination. Broken beats,
deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri,
etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Air
Terra Incognita. Techno: DJs
Peverelist, Hodge, etc. From
10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs
Kaori, Kango, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
24
Das Rheingold
Wagner’s opera which took
its theme from the German
Nibelungenlied (The Song of the
Nibelungs) and Nordic myths,
conducted by Taijiro Iimori. Oct
4, 7, 10, & 17, 2pm; Oct 14, 7pm.
¥5,400-27,000. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
http://j.mp/dasrheingold2015
Needles and Opium
Club Asia
Tokyo Gorilla. Hip-hop: DJs
Taiki, Yukijirushi, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Womb
Intention. Techno, house: DJs
Jewel Kid, Mayuri, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Robert Lepage’s play exploring
the complex relationships
between displacement, drug
addiction, and the creative
drive, as revealed through the
lives of artist Jean Cocteau
and jazzman Miles Davis. Oct
9, 7pm; Oct 10, 1 & 6pm; Oct
11-12, 1pm. ¥5,500-7,500.
Setagaya Public Theatre.
Sangenjaya. http://
setagaya-pt.jp
Turandot
Liquidroom
!!! Dance music: DJ Kindness.
Live: !!! and more. From
11:30pm. ¥6,000(adv). Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.
liquidroomtokyo.com
Dance
Chikamatsu Dance
Contemporary dance
performance which draws
upon the dramatist Chikamatsu
Monzaemon as its theme. Oct
9 & 16, 7pm; Oct 10, 11, 17, &
18, 2pm. ¥3,240-5,400. The
New National theatre, Tokyo.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999.
http://j.mp/chikamatsu2015
The Sleeping Beauty
Performed by The Matsuyama
Ballet, with music performed
by the Kanagawa Philharmonic
Orchestra. Oct 24, 3:30pm.
¥3,000-10,000. Kanagawa
Kenmin Hall. Nihon Odori.
Tel: 045-633-3686. http://j.mp/
matsuyamasleeping2015
Dance Dance Asia
A project designed to
encourage collaboration and
support exchange between
and among dance companies
and dancers in Southeast
Asia, with a focus on street
dance and a variety of other
genres such as jazz and
contemporary dance. Watch
performances by groups such
as Wrecking Crew Orchestra,
Reckless, Blue Tokyo, and
more. Oct 28-30, 7pm; Oct
31, 3 & 7pm; Nov 1, 4:30pm.
¥3,000-4,000. Setagaya Public
Theater. Sangenjaya. http://
dancedanceasia.com/en
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
of Fred Astaire and Ginger
Rogers to the stage. Until Oct
12, various times. ¥5,00013,000. Tokyu Theatre Orb.
Shibuya. Tel: 0570-077-039.
www.umegei.com/tophat_
musical/english.html
Tales of Hoffmann
Ballet which fascinates with its
theme of love woven by richly
individual stage presences such
as the hero, Hoffmann, who
appears in various life stages
from youth to the onset of old
age, the three women whose
hearts he stole, and the devil
who appears in a multitude of
roles under different guises.
Oct 30, 7pm; Oct 31, 1 & 6pm;
Nov 1 & 3, 2pm. ¥3,240-12,960.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai. http://j.mp/
hoffmann2015
Stage
T2
Top Hat
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various
DJs. From 10pm. (m)¥3,500
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
One of the greatest dance
musicals of all time, Top
Hat brings the glamour of
Hollywood’s golden age and
the glorious, tap-dancing magic
Puccini’s opera performed by
the Sofia National Opera. Oct
10, 3pm. ¥7,000-20,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. www.
japanarts.co.jp/bulgaria2015/
english.html
Prince Igor
Borodin’s opera performed by
the Sofia National Opera. Oct
11, 3pm. ¥7,000-20,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. www.
japanarts.co.jp/bulgaria2015/
english.html
Murmurs
A tour of whirlwind romance,
city confusion, undersea
encounters, and diningroom debacles told through
a blend of theatre, illusion,
and dance by director and
designer Victoria Thierrée
Chaplin with Aurélia Thierrée.
Oct 16, 7:30pm; Oct 17-18,
3pm. ¥4,000. Setagaya Public
Theater. Sangenjaya. http://
setagaya-pt.jp
Exhibitions
OCT 24 & NOV 8, 12PM
Japanese Handicrafts
Exhibition
An exhibition showcasing
Japanese handicrafts held
at the “Ryotei” tea house
located in Kiyosumi Garden.
Lunch is provided, and you
can participate in workshops
using products by Japanese
artists. A maximum of 30
spots available. Advance
reservation required. ¥3,800
(lunch/workshops included).
Kiyosumishirakawa
(Oedo/Hanzomon line). To
make a reservation, visit
www.takenobu.tokyo/en/
nouvelle/20150204.html
or contact takenobu_exp@
icloud.com.
ENDING SOON
Leaps in Evolution: Tracing
the Path of Vertebrate
Evolution
Invaluable fossils of
backboned creatures are
presented alongside the
latest DNA-based research
findings, reconstructed
models of prehistoric animals,
and 4K video images to
review the great journey of
vertebrate evolution. Until
Oct 4, 9am-5pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Sep 7, 14, & 28.
¥600-1,600. National Museum
of Nature and Science.
Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111.
www.seimei-ten.jp
Maria Tanikawa:
Solo Show
Tokyo-based artist from New
York shows Nihonga paintings
with traditional Japanese ink,
pigment, gold leaf, etc. Until
Oct 4, 11am-11pm. Free. T.Y.
Harbor. Tennōzu Isle. Tel:
03-5479-4555. www.tysons.
jp/tyharbor
Ume Aoki Exhibition
Showcasing works by Japanese
manga artist Aoki, who
illustrates the visual novel
Sanarara. Oct 3-12, 10am-5pm.
¥500-900 (adv)/ ¥600-1,000
(door). Ueno Royal Museum.
Ueno. Tel: 03-3833-4191.
www.umeten.jp
Energy and Revival: The Art
of Momoyama
This exhibition showcases the
art of the Momoyama Period
with tea ceramics of the
Shino, Oribe, and Karatsu
wares together with paintings
by the Kano School and
Hasegawa Tohaku. Until Oct
12, 10am-5pm (until 7pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥700-1,000.
Idemitsu Museum of Arts.
Tokyo. www.idemitsu.com/
museum/honkan
Spiral’s 30th anniversary,
which showcases the work
of four artists who tackle the
constraints of daily life and
the limitations of the modern
age. Until Oct 18, 11am-8pm.
Free. Spiral. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-3498-1171. http://j.mp/
spiralspectrum2015
Graphic Trial Collection
2006-2015
Exhibition showcasing works
produced for Graphic Trial,
a project that explores the
possibilities of graphic design
and printmaking where leading
creators collaborate with
printing directors from Toppan
Printing to produce original
posters. Oct 8-24, 11am-7pm.
Free. Tokyo Midtown Design
Hub. Roppongi or Nogizaka.
Tel: 03-6743-3775. http://j.mp/
graphictrial2015
Pioneer of
Photojournalism
An exhibition of works by the
renowned photojournalist
Margaret Bourke-White, who,
through her contributions to
Life magazine and various
other publications, exerted
tremendous influence
on the development of
photojournalism in Japan.
Until Nov 2, 10am-7pm. Free.
Fujifilm Square. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6271-3350. http://j.
mp/bourkewhite2015
Thomas & Friends
Preserving Heritage: The
Nezu Collection
Explore the world of the
British children’s television
series Thomas & Friends,
including original artwork, and
learn about how the widely
popular series began. Until
Oct 12, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. ¥700-1,200. Museum
of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng
In commemoration of the
75th anniversary of the
foundation of the museum, this
exhibition focuses in particular
on paintings, calligraphies,
and tea utensils. Until Nov
3, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥1,000-1,200. Nezu Museum.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. www.nezu-muse.
or.jp/en
Oscar Niemeyer: The Man
Who Built Brasilia
The Last Impressionists:
Time of Intimacy
A retrospective of one of
Brazil’s leading architects
who is highly acclaimed for
his unique buildings that
harmonize organic curves with
modernism’s geometric forms.
Until Oct 12, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. ¥600-1,100. Museum
of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng
Showcasing works by artists
who were active in Paris during
the start of the 20th century,
such as Carrière, Aman-Jean,
and Le Sidaner. Until Nov
8, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥650-1,000
(adv)/ ¥800-1,200 (door).
Sompo Japan Museum of Art.
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-54058686. www.sjnk-museum.org
Dinh Q. Lê: Memory for
Tomorrow
Robin Fry: Gary’s Lilies
Through the unique artwork
and activities of Vietnamese
artist Dinh Q. Lê, who attracted
attention with his tapestries
made by weaving together
strips of photographs, this
exhibition provides us with
an opportunity to think about
our past, present, and future.
Until Oct 12, 10am-10pm (until
5pm on Tue). ¥1,500 (adv)/
¥600-1,800 (door). Mori Art
Museum. Roppongi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
memoryfortomorrow2015
ONGOING
Hiroyuki Matsuura: Super
Acrylic Skin - Trigonal Clone
Graphic designer Matsuura has
made Japan’s cartoon character
culture a theme of his artistic
expression since 1999, and has
been working in an increasingly
broad range of media including
painting, sculpture, and prints.
Until Oct 17, 11am-7pm (until
5pm on Sat), closed Sun, Mon,
& hols. Free. Tokyo Gallery
+ BTAP. Shinbashi. Tel:
03-3571-1808. http://j.mp/
matsuuraacrylic2015
Spectrum: Examining
Today, Searching for the
Future
Exhibition celebrating
Exhibition of new paintings
by Robin Fry, a Berlin-based
Canadian artist who is
known as an abstract painter
and performing artist. Oct
2-Nov 8, 1-7pm, closed
Mon & Tue. Free. Hiromart
Gallery. Edogawabashi.
Tel: 03-6233-9836. http://
hiromartgallery.com
OS-XX Prelude to the
Operating Systems of the
Future City
The exhibition examines the
operating system (OS) of cities
and explores themes based
on the historical context,
providing an opportunity to
think about the future of Tokyo
and other cities by exploring
their future structure through
the visions of creators who
develop the latest ideas
and methodologies. Until
Nov 8, 11am-7pm. Free.
Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo.
Ochanomizu, Suidobashi,
or Hongo-sanchome. Tel:
03-5689-5331. www.
tokyo-ws.org/english
What is Realist Painting?
Exploring the diversity
and potential of realist
painting through 54 works of
landscapes, figures, and more.
Until Nov 15, 10am-5:30pm,
closed Tue. ¥900-1,800. Hoki
Museum. Toke. Tel: 043-2051500. www.hoki-museum.
jp/en
The Art of Bulgari: 130
Years of Italian
Masterpieces
This exclusive exhibition will
highlight the jewelry and
watches of Bulgari that defined
a pivotal period in Italian
design. Until Nov 29, 9:30am5pm. ¥800-1,400. Tokyo
National Museum. Ueno.
http://j.mp/artofbulgari2015
Okubo Toshimichi and the
Times He Lived In
The museum’s first exhibition
presenting their complete
collection of material relating
to Okubo Toshimichi, who
led the Meiji Restoration
and the establishment of
modern Japan. This exhibition
presents correspondence
and other articles left by
him, and explores his life and
achievements. Oct 6-Dec 6,
9:30am-4:30pm. ¥450-830.
National Museum of Japanese
History. Keisei-Sakura.
www.rekihaku.ac.jp/english
Kimono Modernism
This exhibition showcases
bright and colorful meisen, a
type of kimono, created from
the Taisho to the Showa Period
that adopted modern American
designs such as prints of
roses and tulips. Sep 26-Dec
6, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥500-800. Sen-Oku Hakuko
Kan. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.sen-oku.
or.jp/english
From Ukiyo-e to
Photography: Cultural
Awakening in Japan’s
Visual Field
Showcasing the various
expressions found in ukiyo-e
and photographs from the
end of the Edo Period to the
beginning of the Meiji Era. Oct
10-Dec 6, 9:30am-5:30pm
(until 7:30pm on Sat), closed
Mon. ¥470-1,140 (adv)/
¥680-1,350 (door). Edo-Tokyo
Museum. Ryogoku. Tel:
03-3626-9974. www.
edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en
The Genesis and
Development of Landscape
Painting
Showcasing works from the
Kunsthistorisches Museum
in Vienna, of attractive
European landscapes.
Until Dec 7, 10am-7pm
(until 9pm on Fri & Sat).
¥500-1,300 (adv)/ ¥700-1,500
(door). Bunkamura: The
Museum. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
wienlandscape2015
Kuriki Tatsusuke
Kuriki Tatsusuke (1943–2013)
was an artist who, after
flourishing at the Asahi
Ceramics Art Exhibition
and the Nitten Exhibition,
demonstrated a unique talent
in the ceramic art world by
devoting himself to his own
viewpoint and theory of form.
This exhibition will try to
identify his clear approach
to art and modern ceramics.
Oct 8-Dec 13, 10am-5pm,
closed Mon. ¥400-700. The
National Museum of Modern
Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://j.mp/
tatsusuke2015
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Niki de Saint Phalle
Showcasing works by French
sculptor and painter Saint
Phalle, who created a garden
called Giardino dei Tarocchi
in Italy, containing sculptures
of the symbols found on
Tarot cards. Until Dec 14,
10am-6pm (until 8pm Fri),
closed Tue. ¥600-1,400 (adv)/
25
Festival of
T
raditional Performing Arts
Memories of Asia, Treasures of Japan
Sunday, 25th October, 2015 at 5pm
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Main Hall
Tickets (All seats reserved)
S seat ¥4,000 / A seat ¥3,000
Student ¥2,000
Now on sale
¥800-1,600. The National Art
Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
www.niki2015.jp
Captive Beauty: Treasures
from the Prado Museum
Drawn entirely from the
Prado’s extraordinary
holdings, the exhibition brings
together works by a range
of illustrious painters who
contributed significantly to the
history of European art, such
as El Greco, Goya, and Murillo.
Oct 10-Jan 31, 10am-6pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon.
¥1,500 (adv)/ ¥1,000-1,700
(door). Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Museum. Tokyo. Tel:
03-5405-8686. http://mimt.
jp/english
Open Space 2015
A collection of Japan’s greatest traditional artists
performing together
Organized by Arts Council Tokyo
(Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture)
Supported by / in cooperation with Tokyo Metropolitan Government
www.tokyo-tradition.jp/eng/
Explore an array of
representative, historical, and
new works from the realm
of media art, as well as the
results of research activities
at educational institutions.
Until Mar 6, 11am-6pm,
closed Mon. Free. NTT
Intercommunication Center.
Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-144199.
http://j.mp/openspace2015
UPCOMING
The Golden Legend
Be dazzled by the gold artifacts
created 6,000 years ago that
shine just as bright today. Oct
16-Jan 11, 9:30am-5:30pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed Mon.
¥600-1,400 (adv)/ ¥800-1,600
(door). The National Museum
of Western Art. Ueno. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.nmwa.
go.jp/en
Architect Frank Gehry: I
Have an Idea
This exhibition focuses on
ideas that are the driving force
behind Gehry’s creativity,
tying together the background
behind formation of ideas, the
process up to their completion,
and the unchanging conviction
and strong commitment of
the architect. Oct 16-Feb
7, 10am-7pm, closed Tue.
¥500-1,100. 21_21 Design
Sight. Nogizaka. Tel:
03-3475-2121. http://j.mp/
frankgehry2015
Tsuyoshi Ozawa: The
Return of Painter F
Solo exhibition by Tsuyoshi
Ozawa, who is known
for works full of humor
and wit that provide
commentaries on history and
the times in which we live
with supple sensitivity and
creativity. Oct 23-Dec 27,
11am-7pm (until 6pm on Sun
& hols), closed Mon. Free.
Shiseido Gallery. Shimbashi.
Tel: 03-3572-3901. www.
shiseidogroup.com/gallery
Georges Rouault: In Search
of the Inner Light
Showcasing works by Georges
Rouault (1871-1958) who is one
of the representative French
artists of the 20th century. His
paintings are characterized
by substantial matière and a
depiction of mysterious light
veiled in a transparent glow
that keenly depicted human
suffering, love, and hope.
Oct 24-Dec 20, 10am-5pm
(until 7pm on Fri), closed Mon.
¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum
of Arts. Tokyo. www.
idemitsu.com/museum/honkan
The Great Terracotta Army
of China’s First Emperor
This exhibition brings together
artifacts with connections to
the First Emperor of China, Qin
Shi Huang, while exploring
the “everlasting world” of
his terracotta army and its
mysteries. Oct 27-Feb 21,
9:30am-5pm, closed Mon.
26
¥700-1,400 (adv)/ ¥900-1,600
(door). Tokyo National
Museum. Ueno. http://j.mp/
terracottaarmy2015
Sports
BASEBALL
Yomiuri Giants vs. Yakult
Swallows
Oct 4, 6pm. ¥300-12,400.
Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
giants.jp/en
SOCCER
FC Tokyo vs. Shonan
Bellmare
Oct 17, 2pm. ¥600-6,200.
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp/
english
FC Tokyo vs. Urawa Reds
Oct 24, 2pm. ¥600-6,200.
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp/
english
FC Tokyo vs. Sagan Tosu
Nov 22, 1:30pm. ¥600-6,200.
Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.fctokyo.co.jp/
english
Festivals
TRADITIONAL
Zojo-ji Temple Takigi Noh
Noh by firelight. Oct 3,
6pm. ¥2,000-8,000. Zojo-ji.
Onarimon or Shiba Koen.
www.zojoji.or.jp/en
Tokyo Yosakoi
More than 100 teams perform
on the streets of Ikebukuro.
Oct 10-11, 10:30am-8:30pm.
Free. Ikebukuro. www.
yosakoitokyo.gr.jp
Comedy
New Material Night
Standup, improv, and trying
out new stuff. Oct 6, 20, & Nov
3, 8-10pm. Free. Double Tall
Cafe. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54674567. http://tokyocomedy.com/
new_material_night
Stand-up Comedy at
The Hobgoblin
Stand-up comedians
with a variety of styles,
performing in English. Oct 15,
9-10:30pm. Free. Hobgoblin
Shibuya. Shibuya. http://
tokyocomedy.com/standup_
comedy_at_the_hobgoblin
Community
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slideshows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm. Free.
The Pink Cow. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6434-5773.
www.thepinkcow.com
and enjoy a gourmet dinner in
an international atmosphere.
Oct 10, 7pm. ¥15,980 (adv).
Legato. Shibuya. www.
wineandcooking.info/en/
specialevent.html
Cultural Education in
Germany and Japan: The
Case of the Children’s
Opera “Traumspiel”
A German-Japanese
symposium led by experts
on education, scholars and
project personnel. Oct 21,
2-8pm. Free. Goethe-Institut
Tokyo-Europa Saal. Aoyama
Itchome. Tel: 03-3584-3201.
http://j.mp/traumspiel2015
The Use of Art in Politics:
Lecture and Open Talk
A lecture by Professor
Klaus-Dieter Lehmann,
president of the GoetheInstitut, and open talk with
Professor Morihide Katayama,
cultural critic. Oct 22, 5:30pm9pm. Free. Goethe-Institut
Tokyo. Aoyama Itchome. Tel:
03-3584-3201. http://j.mp/
artinpolitics2015
The Process of Making
Picture Books with Author/
Illustrator Keiko Kasza
Details about the process of
picture book creation, the
challenges and hardships
Kasza goes through to satisfy
her publisher, readers and
herself. Oct 24, 6-7:30pm.
¥800 (members)/¥1,200
(nonmembers). Tokyo Women's
Plaza. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5467-1711. http://japan.
scbwi.org
Film
UNHCR Refugee Film
Festival
Watch films such as The Good
Lie, Boxing for Freedom, and
Hope, which tell the stories of
refugees and stateless people.
Oct 2-3, various times. Free.
Spiral Hall. Omotesando. Tel:
03-3498-5793. Oct 10 &12,
various times. Free. Istituto
Italiano di Cultura di Tokyo.
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-32646011. http://unhcr.refugeefilm.
org/2015/en
Documentary Film Brasil
Bam Bam Bam: The Story
of Sonzeira
Documentary about Gilles
Peterson’s new Brazilian music
collective “Sonzeira.” Oct
9-16, various times. ¥1,500.
Uplink Cinema. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-6825-5503. www.
brasilbambambam.jp
Other Events
Night Wonder Aquarium
Wander through Enoshima
Aquarium at night, transformed
into an art space that changes
in relation to the movement of
the fish. Until Dec 25, 5-8pm.
¥1,000-2,100. Enoshima
Aquarium. Katase Enoshima.
Tel: 0466-29-9960. www.
enosui-wonderaquarium2015.
com
Learning
Tokyo Grand Tea
Ceremony 2015
An introduction to Japanese
tea ceremonies. Oct
3-4. Edo-Tokyo Open Air
Architectural Museum.
Musashikoganei. Tel:
042-388-3300. Oct 10-11.
Hamarikyu Gardens. Tokyo.
www.tokyo-grand-teaceremony2015.jp
Exclusive Burgundy Wine
Seminar
Learn about Burgundy wines
MORE LISTINGS
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LISTINGS
Metropolis and its Classifieds
section are printed every
other week. The upcoming
publication dates and
corresponding deadlines
for print are as follows. This
does not affect the online
Classifieds, where ads are
visible immediately after
they are approved.
FRI, OCT 16 ISSUE
Deadline: Oct 7, 3pm
FRI, OCT 30 ISSUE
Deadline: Oct 22, 3pm
JA PA N ES E LESSO N S . Serious
Japanese lessons from
experienced teacher along the
Yamanote Line in Tokyo. Lesson
fee: free. Let’s enjoy Japanese
lessons and culture. Please call
Setsuko at 090-1210-9285. Email:
n i h o n g o1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 @
yahoo.co.jp
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Cantonese and Japanese. Japanese
female seeks Hong Kongese
female to exchange language. 如
果你 可以傾 計 一 齊 喺 東 京
或 者 市 川 ，請 連 絡 俾 我 呀 ？
system, full English support.
Call us today! 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 HEALTH
G E N E R A L D E N T I S T R Y.
A merican dental school
graduate, 20 years’
experience in hospital
dentistry, over 2000
d e ntal im p lant s , n a t i ve
English speaker; 3min
from JR Harajuku Stn,
p a r k i n g a v a i l a b l e. W i l l
fill out insurance forms.
info@trustdental.jp
www.trustdental.jp/english
03-3402-1501
FOR ENGLISH- L ANGUAGE
PREVENTIVE, CORRECTIVE
AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY,
look no further than ADAcertified Tornare Dental Clinic,
located in Toranomon Hills.
Superior service, customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. http://goo.gl/
RdwZvh 0120-648-071
E S T H E T I Q U E S A LO N L E L I T
MEGURO, an English-speaking
beauty salon with highly
skilled staff, is like your own
s e cr e t p a r a d i s e w h e r e y o u
can relax completely. Trial
price for your first visit, tax
included: Body Deep Tissue
Massage (60min) ¥4980
(regular price ¥8640). Facial
Moisture Treatment (60min)
¥4980 (regular price ¥9720).
Hours: 9am-6pm; closed Wed
www.lelitmeguro.com/English.
html welcome@lelitmeguro.
com 090-3913-8044
RENTAL APARTMENTS, HOUSES,
CONDOS AND STUDIOS in
Yokohama, Kawasaki, Tokyo,
and near US military bases.
English-speaking staff will guide
you through the renting process.
For a stress-free search, contact
Rent Life. 045-470-3214 www.
rent-yokohama.com/english
e-yokohama@r-life.co.jp
S E R V I C E D A PA R T M E N T S i n
a quiet residential area of
Hiroo. Studios and suites.
4min from Hiroo Stn. Rates:
Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/
d a y . M o n t h l y ¥ 570 0 - /d a y .
O ver t hre e mont hs ¥ 513 0 - /
day. Tax, utilities included.
frontdesk@azabucourt.
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2.5 PLACE WANTED
CURLY HAIR SPECIALIST IN
TOK YO. English-speaking
Kiyoko, highly experienced
in NY’s curly hair salons,
takes care of curly hair at
her salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu.
Reser vations: 03 -3793 2357 or info@nepenji.net
http://english.nepenji.net/
index_en.html
C H I E
FUNAKURA,
the stylist
and coloring
specialist
Harper’s
B a z a a r
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n a m e d t h e b e s t i n To k y o ,
finally opens her own salon in
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ex p e r i e n ce. 03 - 6 4 3 4 - 52 1 9
s i lva p a p i l i o.co m co n t a c t @
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TO A DV E RTI SE I N
METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S
N O .1 E N G L I S H M A G A Z I N E ,
lo g o n a t w w w.met ro p ol is .
co.jp/classifieds or
email your commercial
ads to commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
CRE ATIVE SO LUTION S .
Specialists in branding, web design,
photo/video production. Drawing A
Crowd: a new approach in design.
Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.
co
Luxury apartment/house sought,
55sqm+, Minato-ku (Hiroo/Ebisu ok),
no move-in other than rent; American
and Japanese, both professionals,
responsible; will pay ¥200,000¥400,000/m. No unauthorized sublets
or room shares, and no guesthouses,
please. thescrollingninja@gmail.com
Seeking flexible room or apartment in
Tokyo. English web designer seeking an
apartment or room for rent in Tokyo. My
budget is ¥100,000/m. england4japan@
gmail.com
3 EDUCATION
3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS
English and Japanese. Open-minded
Japanese female, 23-40, sought for
language exchange and socializing.
Serious only. Call Bobby at 090-55896864 or 080-8118-4073 or email
mybaby-precious@docomo.ne.jp.
English and Japanese. JF seeks an
exchange partner in the daytime on
weekdays at Kawasaki Stn. tome.harukasoushi@ezweb.ne.jp
English and Japanese. イライラ. Do
you ever feel that no matter how much
you study, you get worse? I'm seeking
someone for casual E/J chats in a bar
(like HUB) after work. I'm an English guy.
exc1t3@outlook.com
English and Japanese. I’m a Japanese
man. I’m in Tokyo. Basically, I work on
weekdays. But after work and weekends,
I want to spend time with various people.
My hobbies are movies, yoga and
cafes. Let’s have fun using English and
Japanese. kamedasu@aol.jp
English and Japanese. I'm a male
American journalist and psychology
professor from New York. I love the arts,
culture, travel, philosophy, literature.
Let's have coffee and talk about the world
in our two languages. danceincode@
gmail.com
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESELANGUAGE TEACHERS TOKYO,
JA PA N . H ighly qu al if ie d,
experienced instructors
offer individual/small group
lessons at your home/office/
instructor’s home. Business/
d a i l y c o n v e r s a t i o n /J L P T
a va i la b le. Les s o n fe e fro m
¥2200-¥2700/h. Negotiable.
03-3918-0876/044-855-5039
ajtkyokai@yahoo.co.jp http://
ajt-tokyo.jp
だけ使うから日本語で話したいで
す。 aoimebe@yahoo.ca
French and Japanese. Fr and J exchange
and book collaboration in Ikebukuro.
I’m a French book writer, 50. I seek a
language exchange partner. I’m learning
J. I like mikkyo and aromatherapy. I
hope you like the same things. winds_
fr@hotmail.com
French and Japanese. I’m French and
want to really improve my Japanese.
I’m proposing a Fr-J language exchange,
all levels from novice to expert and
even slang. A bientôt, merci! srakoton@
hotmail.com
French, English, Japanese. European
man seeking a language exchange
partner to improve his Japanese. I can
teach you Fr or E. Let’s enjoy sharing
our cultures and interests. Machida
area preferred. understanding_life@
hotmail.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
Indonesian and English. Japanese lady
is seeking a native speaker of Indonesian
for language exchange in the Roppongi or
Omotesando area. Serious only. Thanks!
patricia_idaida@yahoo.co.jp
Korean and Japanese. Japanese male,
42, seeks a native Korean speaker for
Kor/J exchange. I like music, reading,
cooking. I hope we can learn from each
other and have some fun. astralsky@
excite.co.jp
Spanish, English, Japanese. Currently
visiting the country and would like to
practice the Japanese language with
someone. Native Spanish speaker, and
fluent in English. Contact me for more
info. josetopo1@gmail.com
Thai, Chinese, Japanese. I’m a JM, 35,
who wants to learn Chn or Thai. Tokyo or
Kanagawa. futsaluk@yahoo.co.jp
日本語 and English. Japanese man
seeking an English speaker for language
exchange via Skype. I’m off work, so
anytime is fine. I’m going to the US, and I
want to learn as much E as possible before
going. dc2ek9nsxr@yahoo.co.jp
英語と日本語 。 僕はイギリス人.
毎日日本 語を勉 強してる. で も
言 語 交 換にいつも失 敗しちゃう.
juicysummer@gmail.com
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
English and Japanese. I want to
practice speaking E, and I can teach J. I
am a Japanese businessman, 39, working
for a company near Tokyo Stn, living in
Osaki. Weekends, or weekdays between
8pm and 9pm. jun-tan@hotmail.co.jp
English and Japanese. Hi! I'm a
Japanese living in Tokyo. Are you seeking
a language exchange? I want to learn and
use English more! I've made a LINE group
to exchange languages. Please contact
me for details. 703926nsc@gmail.com
English and Japanese. American expat
male, 38, working and living in Minato.
I have free time during the daytime. No
evenings/nights. smichexy@gmail.com
English and Japanese. Hi, my name
is Mio. I live in Tokyo. I'm seeking a
language exchange partner, M/F ok–but
genuine people only. I'm looking forward
to meeting many people. Thank you for
reading. xoxo.715m@i.softbank.jp
2 FIND A PLACE
ICHII CORPORATION.
Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in
central Tokyo locations. No
key money/guarantor/agent
fee required. New, clean
apartments, simple contract
English and Japanese. Englishspeaking Canadian male seeks a
Japanese language exchange partner in
Saitama, near Kawaguchi Stn, Wed, from
6-8pm. I will teach you E. Please help me
with my Japanese. fizfiz242@yahoo.com
English and Japanese. E/J exchange for
book writing on healing field of interest.
Ikebukuro area. winds_fr@hotmail.com
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
ATTORNEY AT LAW 第一東京弁
護士会 . Shinsuke Nagayoshi
gives expert legal advice on
issues concerning immigration,
accidents, inheritance, divorce
and more. Fluent in English,
Portuguese, Spanish and
Mandarin. Be confident your
case is fully understood and
in safe hands. Contact me at
03-6264-4174. Fax:03-55394701 infoenglish@shinsukenagayoshi.com http://shinsukenagayoshi.com
Dutch and Japanese. Japanese male,
35, seeking Dutch-J language exchange
partner via LINE or Skype, or around
Niigata. ttoba@hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Hello, I’m
Kris, male, early 30s. I’m seeking a
language exchange partner in Yokohama/
Yokosuka. I can teach you E. krisssh69@
gmail.com
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
THINKING
ABOUT
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS ? Platinum
¥32,400. Gold ¥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 details,
email us at commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
wingchun_2lee4yipman1893_1972@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Hi, Canadian
male, 30, in Ebisu, seeks language
exchange on weekday mornings/
afternoons. I work all over, so Kanagawa/
east Tokyo ok, too. 同僚といつも英語
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a
Japanese female living in Tokyo. I'm
seeking a language exchange partner. I
want to learn E. I'm interested in overseas
travel. Would you like to email and talk?
dtwipaoikkkkk@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Interesting,
well-educated, cute SJM seeks native
English speakers in Tokyo for a language
exchange. Let’s meet once or twice/week
to improve our language abilities. I’m sure
that it’ll be a wonderful experience. Just
email me. languageex2010@gmail.com
English lessons. JM, 30, seeks native
English teacher for reasonably priced
lessons at a cafe in central Tokyo.
umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp
Japanese teacher. Hello, I’m a
Frenchman, 33. I’ve studied Japanese for
one year. I’m seeking a Japanese teacher
to practice conversation and study
grammar at a cafe. I have my own books.
mistaajoe@yahoo.com
PhD student in engineering? Tokyo only.
D2/D3 majoring in wireless communication
engineering? Need some mentoring on how
to design simulation. Must know Monte
Carlo/Particle Filter/Neural Network, etc.,
and be able to use Matlab/Simulink ¥5000/
two hours. yatri_in_town@yahoo.co.jp
Spanish teacher wanted. ¿Cómo está?
Seeking a patient conversational Spanish
instructor. Around the Shinjuku area
preferred. I’m a beginner. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Cabinet, teak, large ¥29,000. Firm.
Pick up Minato-ku. No delivery,
but can introduce delivery service.
mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp
D re s s e r, W i n n i e - t h e - P o o h , i n
excellent condition, natural solid wood
(W43xL80xH100cm) ¥10,000. Pick up only.
pmatsumoto@caj.or.jp 090-3815-9355
Table (185x145x70), and four chairs.
New ¥ 10 0,0 0 0. S el l ¥ 30,0 0 0.
raymondspencer@hotmail.com
080-4736-2647
4.2 APPLIANCES
Air purifier, Venta LW, size 24, Germanmade ¥ 7000. Pick up Shinjuku.
likeme4u@hotmail.com
Humidifier, Fujitsu AH-56D ¥1500. Pick
up Shinjuku-ku. likeme4u@hotmail.com
Trouser press, Toshiba, stand-up, as
new ¥2500. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Epson PC and Dell
monitor, in very good condition. PC
¥7000. ¥10,000/both. New Alinco Fitness
Pro exercise bike ¥60,000. Fridge, in
good condition, medium-sized ¥6000.
Tables. takecareletsgo@yahoo.com
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
LED TV, Sharp Aquos LC-40 J9B. Pick
up only Tsukuba. tafsmail@gmail.com
08067003657
Portable TV, SoftBank PhotoVision
Huawei, white, works fine with/without
antenna, can record and play in oneseg or full-seg with SD card, stores and
displays photos, shows weather, w/
remote, as new, great reception ¥5000.
redtomatointokyo@gmail.com
4.5 AUDIO & MP3
F R E E J A PA N E S E C O O K I N G
A N D C U LT U R E C L A S S E S .
Demo classes taking place
in O c t (call igrap hy, craf t s ,
origami) for foreigners. Price:
free. Original value over
¥10,000. Requirements:
S N S fee db ack , take p hotos
and videos. Contact:
himawari1212iloveyou@
yahoo.co.jp (Uchiyama)
www.yoitoko.org
3.9 TEACH ME!
T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G L I S H
LESSONS. Working towards
becoming an English-to-Japanese
translator, but need help polishing
my English. Can translate simple
documents in exchange for
English lessons. michiane256@
gmail.com
Cooking teacher in Tokyo. Teach me
about your country’s cuisine in Tokyo on
weekends. Prefer a native teacher with
teaching and cooking experience. Will
pay for your time. frenchwinetasting@
hotmail.com
Speaker, Onkyo RBX-500, Bluetooth,
white, as new ¥10,000. mishraearly@
gmail.com
4.6 FOR KIDS
Clothes: girls’, size 90-150cm; boys’,
size 90-140cm; some for babies. Cheap.
Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available.
housetsu@gmail.com
Diapers, Merries, size L, new, pull-ups,
56 in pack ¥1300. ¥2500/two packs.
Pick up Okubo or Higashi-Nakano.
purejasmine1004@hotmail.com
Karate gi and belt, for kids 3-12
¥0-¥2000. gnbkaijpn@gmail.com
Radio-controlled car, Turbo 911.
salenohanashi@gmail.com
Windbreaker, Puma, size 130cm, black, in
good condition ¥1000. Pick up or chakubarai.
Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com
4.7 FOR FREE
Bed, loft, brown metal (H186cm), enough
space underneath for desk, also has
rail for hanging clothes, can be lowered
about 50cm by removing one section, no
mattress. pp4d@ybb.ne.jp 090-2766-5162
27
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
Digital camera, Leica X2, compact, w/
Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH lens, made
in Germany, lightweight, as new, w/
leather case ¥120,000. robertnapier@
icloud.com
Digital camera, Leica X1, steel gray,
compact, w/Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH
lens, made in Germany, lightweight, as
new ¥80,000. Shibuya. robertnapier@
icloud.com
Digital camera, Lumix DMC GF6, tilting,
touch-screen display, hinged flash,
quick autofocus, clean JPEG output, ISO
3200, fast startup, Wi-Fi, w/two lenses
(45-150mm zoom lens and 14-42),
charger, battery, bag, holder ¥22,000.
johnjaintokyo@gmail.com
DSLR, Nikon D200 body, battery and
charger, all cables and adaptor, zoom
lens (Nikkor 18-70mm), soft carry
case, 4GB SanDisk CompactFlash
memory card, boxed, as new ¥35,000.
jcharltonuk@hotmail.com
Lens, Canon zoom EF-S 18-55 1:3.55.6 IS, in excellent condition ¥5000.
deshayes.g@gmail.com
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Air mattress, Snow Peak, size L, super
lightweight, no need for pump, ideal
for hikers. New ¥20,000. Sell ¥5000.
tsutsuji.bf2mr@gmail.com
Ends Oct 31
Elliptical, Pro-Form 14.0 CE, full-sized,
heavy-duty. Arrange transportation
yourself. Details available. trspence@
gmail.com 080-4883-1330
Exercise bike, Life Fitness 95Ri.
New ¥ 3 5 0,0 0 0. S el l ¥ 5 0,0 0 0.
raymondspencer@hotmail.com
080-4736-2647
Golf tote, Le Coq Sportif Golf, w/
shoe pocket, as new ¥1000. Pick up
Shinjuku-ku. likeme4u@hotmail.com
Leg Magic, u n u s e d, w /g u i d e,
grade-up set, purple ¥980. Shinjuku.
hanamizuki337@yahoo.co.jp
Racket bag, tennis, Penn
(73x30xW18cm), padded, holds many
rackets, shoe pocket, two other pockets,
shoulder strap, never used ¥1000. Pick up
near Yokohama. sayonara_vancouver@
hotmail.com
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Bass, Somnus Zi, five-string, handmade
in Japan, mid-’80s, fully serviced/
adjusted by Tune Guitar Technologies
¥90,000/obo. mcmctokyo13@gmail.
com
Drums: Pork Pie Pig Lite, snare, black
lugs and hoops ¥25,000. Pearl Brass
Free Floater, snare, in great condition,
huge projection, great sensitivity
¥30,000. dustincassidy1@gmail.com
Guitar, Japanese Fender Telecaster,
and small Vox amp, w/soft gig case,
cable, strap, stand, tuner ¥45,000. Pick
up Komae. Details, photos available.
kaminari_mike@outlook.com
Synthesizer, Dave Smith Instruments
Evolver desktop, almost new, excellent
programmability, classic DSI sounds,
plus unique evolving sounds. Sell or
consider trade. accessmatrix@outlook.
com
Synthesizer, Electron Analog Keys
Analog, bought in Tokyo, deep
and powerful. Details available.
accessmatrix@outlook.com
5.7 PETS
Angelfish, five, healthy: free. Can
meet at any station from JR Tokaichiba
to Yokohama, or from Kikuna to
Motomachi-Chukagai, Tokyu-Toyoko
Line. reden1024@yahoo.com
6 VEHICLES
28
Honda Dio scooter, second-hand. MotoAzabu. teamgilbert@gmail.com
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Folding bike, almost new ¥7500.
gnbkaijpn@gmail.com
Mountain bike, brand-new, imported
from France, back carrier, disc brake,
suspension fork, w/pump, extra inner
tube, lock, bike bag ¥55,000. elsa.
lepage66@gmail.com
Mountain bike, Giant (XL 29”), matte
black, rider should be about 182cm,
w/detachable rear racks (basket, child
seat), Shimano shifters, disc brakes,
Acera derailleur ¥50,000. mcintire@
me.com http://sayonara.mcintire.
international/
Mountain bike, Rocky Mountain
Blizzard, X T brake levers, brake
calipers leaked so have been changed,
SRAM shifters and derailleurs, RaceFace
cranks, Magura 100XC forks, Mavic rims,
five y/o. New ¥350,000. Sell ¥150,000.
iandedwards@netscape.net
Road bike, Giant TCR, size M frame,
yellow and black, in excellent condition,
currently disassembled (pick some of
the parts I have for assembly at a bike
shop). New ¥226,000, Sell ~¥40,000.
Price depends on parts (Shimano/
Campagnolo/etc). cjriach@hotmail.
com 08055275093
Road bike, Time, carbon, ‘08, Dura
Ace gears and brakes, FSA SLK compact
(50/34) carbon crankset, XL (60cm). New
¥450,000. Sell ¥105,000. morris1638@
gmail.com 090-2219-4197
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
Smartphone, Galaxy Note Edge Scl24,
AU, bought Sep, in box, w/original stickers
attached, accessories ¥65,000. Tokyo/
Chiba. shiploo2003@yahoo.com
7.2 FASHION
E X- W E TA
WORKSHOP
DESIG NE R on
The Hobbit now
bringing his own
hand-crafted
jewelry and
chainmail to market. Only the highest
quality materials used. Order online
and follow our Facebook page.
http://on.fb.me/1HI4kG8
Flip-flops, Olukai brand, XL, made in
Hawaii, never worn. New ¥6000+. Sell
¥3000. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
Raincoat, Cecilene, size M, ivory,
slight stain at the neck ¥500. Pick up or
chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@
gmail.com
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Router, Buffalo WHR-HP-GE, English,
Wi-Fi, easy to set up and configure,
in excellent condition ¥4000. Pick up
Chiba/Tokyo, or delivery possible.
misterd2@hotmail.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
FR E E E N G LI S H -TO -JA PA N E S E
TRANSLATION. Working towards
becoming a translator and need
practice with simple documents.
Have experience working in law
office, accounting, HR, advertising
and sales. michiane256@gmail.com
Business partnership. European
with 20 years’ experience in early
childhood education and language
training seeking a business partner
to join a unique education project. No
investment needed but your time. A great
opportunity to make a difference in this
world. understanding_life@hotmail.com
080-3126-9376
Climate expert needed. Need a guest
speaker to appear on a YouTube streaming
show to talk about man-made climate
change and what to expect in the future.
assassin.wolves.films@gmail.com http://
frozen-frame.wix.com/ageofreason
Do you know RDF/XML? I need your help
to convert a CVE (google it!) file to RDF/
XML. You should have good knowledge of
ontology, RDF, XSLT, Jena SDB, etc. Can
pay ¥5000/two hours, plus coffee. yatri_
in_town@yahoo.co.jp
English to Japanese or Russian. I have
suffered a stroke. In Nishi-Kokubunji, I
have written a series of 31 small books
in English. If you have time to help with
proofreading or translating, please
contact me. mark_henne@yahoo.com
Professional oil massage wanted.
Seeking a professional or student
masseur. Can pay ¥7000/90min or
exchange English or Italian. Serious only.
No shiatsu—only aroma oil massage.
Thanks. alinjap@yahoo.com
Seeking a place to couch surf for a
night near Tsukiji. Hi, I'm seeking a place
to couch surf (stay for free) for a night
near Tsukiji. I'd like to go to a Tsukiji tuna
auction this Oct. azzakwan@gmail.com
Show promoting atheism seeking
co-hosts. We are seeking atheist/agnostic
individuals who would be interested in
co-hosting Age of Reason, a livestream
show that promotes positive atheism,
knowledge and common sense. assassin.
wolves.films@gmail.com http://frozenframe.wix.com/ageofreason
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 Cloud Funders welcome.
Please, if interested, let us come to an
agreement. samueladonkor@gmail.
com 090-6152-6274
10.2 SUPPORT
Fax/printer/copy/scanner/phone,
Brother MFC-735CD, all-in-one, w/
extra handset, nine LC11/16 cartridges
¥3000. Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
iPad 2 16GB, Wi-Fi, as new, w/cover,
charger, cable ¥15,000. net_pro@ymail.
com 09067110999
Keyboard, Apple MC184J/A, Japanese,
wireless, in original plastic wrapping, never
used. New ¥8200. Sell ¥5000. Pick up near
Tokyo Stn, or takkyubin. sayonara5109@
gmail.com
Laptop, Dynabook Qosmio G20/390LS
PQG20390LS, XP operating system,
17” screen, GeForce, 160GB, in good
condition ¥5000. johnjaintokyo@
gmail.com
Monitor, Eizo, 19” ¥15,000. agnimitra.
shekhar@gmail.com
6.2 MOTORBIKES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Port switch, Cisco Catalyst 3560 POE,
24-port ¥15,000. agnimitra.shekhar@
gmail.com 09067110999
Gentsuki moped, never used, in excellent
condition, insurance until Sep 1, ‘16
¥20,000/obo. Pick up only Akebonobashi.
Will go to kuyakusho to change registration
if required. halcyon333@i.softbank.jp
Printer, Canon i9950 A3+ photo printer,
rarely used, w/original box, several new
cartridges, a few packs of Ilford photo
paper, and a voltage converter ¥30,000.
tokyofoto10@hotmail.co.jp
PHONE COUNSELOR TRAINING
PROGRAM. Fall ‘15 in Tokyo: Oct
3 - Dec 5. In-person and online
training sessions available. For
more info, visit www.telljp.com or
email training@telljp.com.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a
day, from anywhere, about anything.
From emergency assistance to
simple questions. Visit www.jhelp.
com/ and press “help,” or call
0570 - 000 -911. To volunteer or
support, please contact team@jhelp.
com. www.jhelp.com
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,
JAPAN’S NO.1 ENGLISH MAGAZINE,
log on at www.metropolis.co.jp/
classifieds or email your commercial
a d s to co m m e rcia l @ m e t ro p o lisjapan.com.
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE . Fif t y-t wo year s ago,
West Papua should have been an
independent country. Since 1969,
West Papua has been invaded
and the people robbed of their
rights, culture and country. Help
support West Papuans’ desire to
be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org
papuansbehindbars.org
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.
info@peersupporttokyo.com www.
peersupporttokyo.com
Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo is
an infertility support group that provides
informal opportunities for women and
men experiencing infertility to connect
with one another. Please visit website
for more info. admin@ttctokyo.org www.
ttctokyo.org
10.3 LOST FRIENDS
Seeking Mindy. Is Mindy Mack, a petite
blonde teaching assistant from L.A.,
still in Tokyo? Any info appreciated.
m106819151-tsky@yahoo.com
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
J A P A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
H A LLOWEEN PA RT Y. Sat ,
Oct 24, 6:30-9:00pm, Bar
Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
O t h e r s : ¥ 3 0 0 0. M o b i l e:
h t t p: //g e t yo u r f r i e n d .co m
mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.com
w w w. g e t y o u r f r i e n d . c o m
090-1735-5405
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com
info@gaitomo.com
I N T E R N AT I O N A L E V E N T S .
Looking to join a variety of
i n t e r n a t i o n a l e v e n t s? T h e
Tokyo Spontaneous Hangout
Meetup Group has events
such as international parties,
picnics, free live English
comedy, one-day trips,
language exchange and many
more. Check this link for further
detail s; w w w.meetup.com/
tokyoites
Football /soccer players. Tokyo
Redstar, Setagaya League 1, is seeking
soccer players. Practice almost every
Sat/Sun in Tokyo. Players in a spirit of fair
play welcome. saito987@hotmail.com
http://tokyoredstar.com
Futsal players wanted by a very friendly
international team. Practice is in Tokyo
and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available.
fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp
PHYSIOTHERAPY AT CLUB 360.
Australia- and New Zealandtrained physiotherapists
specializing in neck and back
pain, sports injuries, chronic
pain and post-operative
rehabilitation. Private treatment
rooms and fully equipped gym,
just a 3min walk from Roppongi
Hills. info@club360.jp www.
club360.jp 03-6434-9667
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 and venue
subject to change). Attendance at
practice must be over 60%. Please
contact for tryout info and send your
profile to team admin. bullsxleague@
gmail.com 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.
tokyorugbyleague@hotmail.com
http://ameblo.jp/tokyo13warriors
A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby
League team is seeking Rugby
Le a g u e p l aye r s fo r J a p a n e s e
Ru gby League of f icial games
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
japananzacs@gmail.com
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.
funwithtouch@gmail.com 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. www.
facebook.com/tok yo.crusaders
www.tokyocrusaders.com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
sp or t from S cotland . Using a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racket, 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.
tennis@yahoo.fr
Badminton club in Tokyo. Small
international group seeks players from
abroad. If you know basic footwork,
strokes and play seriously, you could
definitely enjoy playing with us.
mune2006@hotmail.co.jp http://www.
geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html
Baseball player. Japan Amateur
Baseball team is seeking players for
baseball games and practices. We play
every Sat and Sun in Yokohama City.
Everyone welcome. Email for details.
starbay5555@yahoo.co.jp
Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team
in Tokyo seeks people who can enjoy
the game with others. Please introduce
yourself (full name, age, nationality,
where you live, whether you belong to
another team). umek2002jp@yahoo.
co.jp
International futsal, five-a-side, on
weekends in Tokyo. Friendly club, all
nationalities welcome. djnorio0417@
yahoo.co.jp
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.
bfcvagabonds@gmail.com
Seeking Japanese archery
companions. Let’s do kyudo near
Tokyo. Once/month for three hours,
weekends only. See website for details.
datemasamune216@yahoo.co.jp http://
jmty.jp/tokyo/com-spo/article-q7li
Tennis in central Tokyo. Active group of
tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes
serious/motivated new players. We play
on weekday evenings and weekends.
Different levels (sorry, no beginners),
fun training sessions and games with
great people from all over. tennis.tokyo@
yahoo.fr
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese
and foreign volleyball players gather in
Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have
volleyball experience and want to play
in a friendly atmosphere? intervollclub@
yahoo.co.jp http://intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
Women’s football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun. All
nationalities, experience levels, beginners
welcome. Happy and friendly club! We
have many socials. djnorio@hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
I N N B Y T H E S E A
KAMAKURA, a 4min walk
from Hase Stn, offers childfriendly accommodation near
the Daibutsu, Hase Temple,
Yuigahama Beach and many
other Kamakura landmarks.
Find us on Facebook at
I n n B yTh e S e a Ka m a k u r a .
innbytheseakamakura.com
innbythesea@yahoo.com
October
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.
housinginjapan@yahoo.com
Drunk Poets Tokyo. Drunk Poets See
God! Every last Fri of the month, we
convene to flex our English muscles and
get into the spirit of poetry. Bar Gari
Gari, Ikenoue Stn. Find us on Facebook!
flyingsorcha@yahoo.com.au
Japanese home cooking. Japanese
housewife offers free home cooking
lessons to females at her house near
Kawasaki Stn on weekdays during
the day. Free, but you pay the cost of
ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@
ezweb.ne.jp
Tokyo ET contact group. Join
us beneath the stars as we make
contact with ET visitors and their
craft. nakanosky@gmail.com www.
meetup.com/Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/
events/193113322/
29
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
JOBS
IMMEDIATE OPENING:
SALES EXECUTIVES
Interested in joining the Metropolis team?
We have an immediate opening for an
enthusiastic individual to plan and sell
creative design projects. Must have strong
Japanese language skills. To apply, please
send your CV to:
jobs@metropolisjapan.com
Due to the high volume of correspondence we regret that we can’t respond to every query. No calls please.
Special pricing for the
first-time visit
Men’s & Women’s
Hawaiian Lomi Lomi
60 minutes: ¥6,800
90 minutes: ¥9,800
Hot Stone Treatment
60 minutes: ¥7,800
90 minutes: ¥10,800
Facial
Specializes in “Lomi Lomi”
traditional Hawaiian
Oil Massage
60 minutes: ¥6,800
Tel: 03-3527-9734
Hours: 1pm-9pm
3-1-16 4F Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
info@auliispa.com | www.auliispa.com/en
3 min from Tokyo Station Yaesukita exit
2 min from Nihombashi Station B3 exit
ONE-STOP
SERVICES
IN ENGLISH
PTax
• Auditing
• IPO Consulting
• Due Diligence
• Tax Preparation
• Establishing a Company
• Tax Consulting
& Branch Office
• US Tax Filing
• Corporate Services
• Accounting Services • Immigration Services
• Payroll Services
KASAI CPA
042-401-0342
30
PVisa Attorney
PAccounting
More Than
Twenty Years
Experience
Takashi Kasai CPA Firm
4-1-2-302 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo
support@kasaicpa.com
www.kasaicpa.com
CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED
BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi,
S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g
enthusiastic, prof icient English,
French, Spanish and/or German
speakers who can teach and lead
lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.
A p p l y o n l i n e : h r @ l e a f c u p .co m
leafcup.com/job
JapanTravel
.com
JOIN US IN INTRODUCING JAPAN TO
THE WORLD. Seeking energetic ,
bilingual individuals with a passion
for travel and interest in tourism.
We offer excellent career paths and
promotion prospects and are an
equal-opportunity employer. Our
workplace is conveniently located
2min from Roppongi Stn. Positions
available include account manager,
d e s i g n e r, d e v e l o p e r, p r o j e c t
manager. Visit our jobs page for
details. To apply, please send your
resume to info@japantravel.com.
http://en.japantravel.com/jobs
J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P.
J a p a nTr a v e l . c o m i s s e e k i n g
E/J bilingual interns to join the
largest tourism website in Japan.
Multiple opportunities in content,
sales/marketing and web/design.
Work in an exciting, global
environment in Roppongi.
Transportation and business expenses
provided. No salary, minimum three
months, chance for full-time position.
Please send your resume (E/J) to
info@japantravel.com.
WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on
hotels, restaurants and bars to offer
our high-quality wines at incredible
prices. Candidates should be
confident, J/E bilingual, passionate
about wine, love fine dining and travel,
have experience in sales, wine or both.
Full-time (Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm).
Position available immediately. Please
send cover letter and resume to
winejob@metropolisjapan.com.
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you
want to explore your own mind? Guided
Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near
Azabu-Juban. International practitioners,
beginners welcome, Japanese spoken.
Please call 090-3598-3072 for more
information. daginia@gmail.com http://
www.diamondway.jp
Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always
thought it would be interesting to try
it—why not now? Join us Fri evenings at
To advertise:
commercial@metropolisjapan.com
03-4588-2277
CRE ATIVE , AMBITIOUS BILINGUAL
SALES STAFF IN ROPPONGI. Do you
like meeting new people and driving
a project through to completion?
Are you excited by a challenge?
Join Metropolis’ sales team and
work in a fast-paced international
env ironment . Sales exp erience
required, events/project planning
e x p e r i e n c e a p l u s . To a p p l y,
send your E /J resume to jobs@
metropolisjapan.com.
E N TH U S I A S TI C , A DA P TA B LE W E B
DEVELOPER. As our online media
presence continues to grow,
Metropolis is seeking a motivated
we b d eve l o p e r to imp rove our
existing online products and more.
Experience with WordPress a must,
along with ability to use Git to track
and manage code. There will also
be opportunities to test yourself
both creatively and artistically. To
apply, send your E/J resume to jobs@
metropolisjapan.com.
BLOGGERS SOUGHT. Metropolis is
seeking three American bloggers who
can travel five nights in Tohoku this
autumn and write the travel stories
on their blogs. Travel expense, hotels,
tour fees and guarantee are provided.
Please send your profile and link of
your blog to jobs@metropolisjapan.
com.
メトロ ポ リス は バ イリン ガ ル（ 日 英 ）の 営 業
ア シ ス タ ントと ス タッ フ を 募 集 して い ま す｡
是非 、私 達の広告マーケティングチームに加わ
りませんか！ 応募条件：責任感をもって勤勉に
取り組める方、協 調 性 があり、意 欲を持って主
体 的に働ける方を募 集しています。営業 経 験の
ある方は歓 迎します。フルタイム ( M o n - Fr i ,
9:30am-6:30pm) で働ける方に限ります。
jobs@metropolisjapan.com
WANT TO HELP CREATE METROPOLIS?
We’re seeking social media, web, and
editorial interns. Great opportunity
to gain experience in a multimedia
company ! To ap p l y, send intro
let ter, CV and relevant clips to
editor@metropolisjapan.com.
Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our home
page. tokyozazen@jcom.home.ne.jp
www.wgthorpe.com
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
American gentleman seeking friends.
I can speak Japanese, enjoy various
activities and dining out. I'm openedminded, 5'9", 175lbs, have dark blond
hair, blue eyes. tommtgyi@gmail.com
Be friends. JF seeking friends. I'm
interested in UK culture, love traveling
and music. Let's go to some gigs,
cultural events, hiking, cafes, pubs or
izakaya together! edeusevol@hotmail.
com
Female friend. I’m a JF, 30s, seeking
female friends, someone of a similar
age, to hang out together. Any
nationality welcome. I’d like to go to
cafes, bars, shopping. If interested,
please contact me. y.yoco119@gmail.
com
Feminine crossdressing male in Tokyo
seeking female or male friends of any
nationality. alexinjapan1@hotmail.com
Friends from all over the world.
Japanese lady is seeking friends who can
hang out with her in Tokyo. Please send
me a message. Anybody ok, but I am not
seeking a date. Thanks! patricia_idaida@
yahoo.co.jp
In Tokyo. JF seeks foreign people who are
interested in exploring Tokyo. Through
this activity, I hope to make long-term
friendships (no romance/relationships).
My English is intermediate. Nonsmokers,
punctual, under 40 preferred. gbsrs@
hotmail.co.jp
Lunch in Tokyo (Ikebukuro, Shinjuku,
Shibuya, etc.). Asian-American, 30s,
seeking new friends to have lunch for
language exchange. Have two hours
free and can meet anywhere in Tokyo.
M/F ok. Reply in E/J. marknyctokyo@
gmail.com
Mature friends. Japanese mom having
a hard time being an old lady in this
young=the-best-thing-in-the-world
nation. I want to have fun with my life
before I step foot in a seniors' center.
alilily111s@gmail.com
Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF,
early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with
in central Tokyo. atkm92@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking mamatomo. Hello, there! I'm
32, have a 1-year-old son, am seeking
mamatomo who live in/around Tokyo. Any
age/nationality ok. sandao20131213@
gmail.com
Kissin' the moonlight. In an open
relationship, seeking female kissing
friend in Tokyo. I want to go to a park or
another place. riku_hiroxx@hotmail.com
Lonely Latino in Tokyo. Single male,
mid-30s, lonely in Tokyo, seeking
discreet fun times with a JF, 20-50,
married/attached/single ok. Central
Tokyo. Serious replies only. Looking
forward to hearing from you. Your photo
gets mine. tennistycoon@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. gbeer2000@yahoo.com
Seeking companionship. I'm Turkish,
4 4, 194cm, Pisces, nonsmoking,
social drinker, speak Japanese. I'm
into spirituality, Reiki, learning about
different cultures, music, non-fiction
books, hikes, dining out, cooking at
home. I live near Machida. Seeking
a committed long-term relationship.
pisces030771@hotmail.com
Seeking metal friend. I am a Japanese
male, 40s, seeking a nice female who
likes heavy metal music. Let’s talk about
our favorite bands, spend time listening to
heavy metal music, and hang out and go
to gigs. getloud999-hello@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking ぷに子 girl. Seeking a curvy
or ぷに子 woman. I am 32, fairly goodlooking, living in Tokyo. Your photo gets
mine. よろしく. moeru.kokoro@gmail.
com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
Anyone interested in Pakistani men
and culture? Hi, I’m 30, from Pakistan,
living and working in Tokyo, seeking a
Japanese girlfriend. Anyone interested,
please message me. aneelkumar143@
yahoo.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
Bad guy seeks good girl. Handsome,
intelligent UK male, 38, tired of being a
playboy, seeks a nice, pretty Japanese
woman, 25-40, for friendship... and
maybe romance. Can you help me
become a better person? db881633@
gmail.com
Chinese guy in Tokyo. Hello, I am
a Chinese guy working in Tokyo. I’m
courteous, patient, optimistic, like most
indoor and outdoor activities. Please drop
me a line and let’s get to know each other.
reuterswang@yahoo.co.jp
Fusion of love and inspiration.
Let us cultivate a fusion of love and
inspiration, sharing Japanese culture,
romance, passion, and the tao of the
art of love. I am an English book writer,
52, living in central Tokyo. winds_fr@
hotmail.com
Gym rat? Cheerful, energetic Canadian
man, 51, happily married in non-sexual
partnership, seeks cheerful, happily
married woman who is a gym rat like
me. Know that great endorphin-flooded
feeling we get after the gym? Let’s enjoy it
together! androgoner@gmail.com
Handsome Italian man seeking sexy,
feminine and fun to be with! Let’s go
and explore new places and enjoy life.
You must be financially independent.
I’m seeking a partner, not a daughter.
No childish girls—real women, please.
sugartokyo4@yahoo.com
Hey, New Yorker. Tall, blue-eyed English
guy with wicked sense of humo(u)r seeks
New Yorker who can handle that my
accent is way cuter than hers. Nothing
too serious, but definitely flirtatious. No
drama queens. onzeetop@gmail.com
Italian or Spanish? British guy seeking
Italian or Spanish woman living in
Tokyo. Have drinks, some fun. Send me
a message and tell me about yourself.
summerfunk@googlemail.com
Jukujo? Australian guy, mid-40s,
single, living in central Tokyo, seeking
an interesting, mature Japanese lady.
soleman196@hotmail.com
Tired of soushoku danshi?
Handsome American man,
38, seeks attractive and thin
JF, 30-35. I like classical
music and opera. I eat meat.
enigma626@gmail.com
Year of the Tiger. Hello, all you left-ofthe-box thinkers. I enjoy the finer things
in life; I appreciate beauty in people and
things around me; love Will & Grace, My
name is Earl, Death in Paradise. Say hi!
mulberry.hort@ymail.com
Young American gentleman, mid-20s,
193cm, slim yet muscular, seeking someone
nice and outgoing. Would love to meet up
and grab some coffee together. I am openminded. blakechace101@yahoo.com
Younger pleasure awaits. Attractive
WM, 30, visiting Tokyo, seeks frustrated
older JF for a night of pleasure neither of
us will forget. takoyaki24@gmail.com
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
JAPAN-ONLY LIMITED "REAL
LOVE" CONDOMS FROM DUREX.
The world’s number one condom
brand presents a new safe
and sexy produc t to Japan.
Express your love with Durex.
Available at Condomania,
Amazon and Rakuten.
Condomania, 6 -30-1
Jingu-Mae, Shibuya-ku,
To k y o, J a p a n 1 5 0 - 0 0 0 1
Tel:03-3797- 6131
http://condomania.jp/
date, take the night where you
want it to go. Fresh, young
women join our club every day.
0120-978-649 (E)
international@universe-club.jp
http://universe-club.jp/en
Are you my prince? Single woman,
42, fit, nice looks, likes the outdoors,
beaches, travel, seeking a boyfriend
for a serious relationship. Loves eating,
walking. Serious only. No playboys/
penpals/time wasters. aruku1000@
yahoo.co.jp
For marriage. I’m a single Japanese
female living in Yokohama seeking
a serious relationship leading to
marriage. I have a girlfriend, but if you
are ok with that, please contact me.
danku0429@aol.jp
Humbly confident. I may not be young
or too innocent, but I’m content, playful
and cultured. Overseas-educated SJF,
mid-40s, long shiny hair, fine skin,
toned, womanly frame, looking very
feminine. You are single, mature-aged,
loving your life. aquacream_dawn@
yahoo.co.jp
INTERNATIONAL DIVORCE
CHILD CUSTODY & FAMILY LAW
and other legal troubles
Given its complexity and specialized nature, obtaining
qualified legal guidance is crucial for your case.”
ERI MIZUTANI LAW OFFICE
Eri Mizutani, attorney-at-law (Tokyo Bar Association)
Maffice Bajikoen 1-25-20, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Japanese female seeking foreign
friends. I’m a married Japanese female
seeking friends from English-speaking
countries as you sound sexy. I really like
the accent. People say I look younger
and attractive, but that’s for you to
judge. mail2marimari@gmail.com
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
We can support you with:
Visa and immigration
JF seeking serious relationship
with white European. JF, 40+, seeking
Caucasian European, 30s-50s, living
in Japan, for a serious relationship.
Single only. Communicate in English or
Japanese. ajrm18231@gmail.com
Lost and lonely in Tokyo? Mature only.
Seeking single/divorced guy, 40s-50s
preferred, faithful, smart, financially
and mentally stable. Me: SJF, late
40s, voluptuous, brainy, spontaneous.
More for interesting messages.
philosophia07@gmail.com
Love traveling. Attractive, feminine,
bilingual JF professional, enjoys
traveling, scuba diving, music, reading,
dining out, finer things in life, seeking a
mature, sophisticated gentleman, 35-45,
for a meaningful relationship. Would
love to multiply happiness by sharing.
icedcoconutmilktea@hotmail.com
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Seeking SWM in Tokyo. I want to
find a partner who can share life and
travel together. That means no casual
relationships. Single OL, early 40s, in
Tokyo. Thank you. aruku1000@yahoo.
co.jp
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
European in Tokyo. Big European
man in Tokyo, 172cm, 95kg, 47, for
friends of any nationality. Fun and love!
tgay2010@yahoo.co.jp
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
Supreme
Court
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
www.j-star.jp
Imperial
Palace
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp
“IMAMURA KINEN” LAW OFFICE
今村記念法律事務所
WE PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE BY THE LAWYER,
ACCOMPANIED WITH A QUALIFIED
INTERPRETER IN ENGLISH OR FRENCH.
Visa and Immigration issues
Naturalization, mixed marriage, etc.
Car Accident, Inheritance, Labor Dispute
Corporate Legal matters, Contracts, etc.
Yusuke Totsuka,
Lawyer
Yuta Watanabe,
Lawyer
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT US IN ENGLISH,
FRENCH OR JAPANESE IF YOU NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE.
Hiroaki Sugiyama,
Lawyer
Tel: 090-8487-1968
If not available 080-4864-1258
http://japanlawoffice.blog.fc2.com/
Our office is located in Jinbocho, very close from the station (A2 exit)
1F Senshu Daigaku 8-Go 1-Kan, Jinbocho 2-8-3 Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
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
Friends and fun. Japanese guy, 27,
170, 65, good-looking, seeking friends
and fun in/around Tokyo. Please reply
w/face photo and stats. Thanks. kcv@
hotmail.co.jp
Lesbian friends and girlfriend sought
by JF, nonsmoker. Hope to make good
friendship and more. My English isn’t
great. Serious females only! No couples.
maplefrozen@gmail.com
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Aoyama Ave
Other Legal & Business matters
Hiroshi Oogai,
Japanese only. GAM in Tokyo, 17373-39, into movies, onsen, traveling,
badminton, sign language, violin, aikido.
Drop me a line if you are interested in
something serious and long-term.
Seeking boyfriend only, prefer men in
their 30s. cynopterustay@hotmail.com
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE
C R E AT E O P P O R T U N I T I E S
for elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Seeking new fun with you!
Attractive JF, 30s, banker, just out of a
relationship. I want to meet someone
new for having fun. Prefer to meet
after work in central Tokyo. Let’s
have fun together. reina2010japan@
yahoo.co.jp
Seeking single middle-aged man.
I am a single middle-aged woman
s e e k i n g a J a p a n e s e /A m e r i ca n /
European living in central Tokyo and
available on Sat and holidays. I like
conversation, languages, picnics,
hiking, etc. lailakholoussi@hotmail.
co.jp 090-1214-5220
ENGLISH
AVAILABLE!
Contact
Tel: 03-6432-7654
Email: office@mizutanieri.com
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: info@wada-lats.com
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
31
RELATIONS
THE CREATIVITY PROBLEM
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
Creativity is hard, especially over a prolonged period of time. When I
first moved to Japan, it was easy finding things to write or draw about,
because everything was new and exciting. However, four years and a
couple hundred comics later, I’m starting to struggle. How many times
can you talk or draw about sushi before it starts to feel overplayed and
fake? I know my experiences aren’t unique, though; many of my friends
who also work in creative fields suffer from burnout.
クリエイティブの問題
クリエイティブな事はし続けるのは大変です。特に長い間続けるのは
困難を極めます。日本に初めて来た時は、全てが新鮮で面白かった
ため、ブログや漫画のネタには困りませんでした。しかし、4年間に
250ページ以上の漫画を描いてきたので、最近はネタ切れ気味です。
内容が重複せずに寿司について、何回ブログや漫画のネタに出来ま
すか？私の体験は別に特別でもありません。クリエイティブな仕事を
している友人も同様にネタ切れになりネタ探しで苦労しています。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 22-Jun 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jun 22-Jul 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
If you’re in a sticky wicket, there are
various approaches for you. One is
to take the high road, because it’s
likely to work best. Saturn in your solar ninth
house will ground you and keep you stable
even if you’re holding an unpopular position.
Of course, be true to yourself. While the going
may seem slow, Saturn has a way of making
things last. Bit by bit, you’ll earn the support
that’s rightfully yours.
Your love life is about to take off as
Venus will be moving in next week,
so gear up for it. The Sun, Juno, Dark
Moon Lilith, and Mercury retrograde are in
your solar sixth house of work. You may think
everyone is just fluffing about while you’re
taking all the risks. Take heart: this is a time
of feeling out the balance before the stakes
are completely set in cement. Negotiations
continue.
Quadruple trine for Geminis. This
is a lucky aspect with fortuitous
potential. Finding time to enjoy it
all may be your only concern this week. With
Mercury as your ruling planet, you have a
tendency to think it through, apply it, and be
done. However, when you do this for others,
they frequently wander off and get lost—which
means your schedule can change just when you
were preparing to relax!
Venus takes her final bow in your
s o l a r s e co n d h o u s e. S h e c a n
enhance your finances, income, or
what you own. If you’ve been offered a bonus,
a job, or a chair, accept it now. This goddess is
doing her best to help you feel cozy, secure,
and sink into in a bit of comfort. However, she’s
on to new digs soon—so any moment of pampering that comes your way, enjoy!
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 24-Oct 23 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Oct 24-Nov 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Lots of dreams, lots of downloading. Not everyone remembers, and
some people remember too much.
Whatever category you fit into—or somewhere
in between—know that things are about to
change. The ease and flow which you desire in
money and love has been stuck and refitted,
so to speak. Soon, you’ll be able to call the
shots, which is what you signed up for in the
first place.
Mar 21-Apr 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Jul 24-Aug 23 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Apr 21-May 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Aug 24-Sep 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
Whatever comes a Leo’s way, you’ll
take in your stride. Leo is ruled by
the Sun, which governs the heart.
You feel deeply and will roar if necessary.
The lion and lioness are compassionate and
act decisively. When hur t, you’ll lick your
wounds until you’re at the forefront again.
Venus in your sign is about to make sure that
happens. Recovery is on its way.
Mars, the warrior, is fast approaching Jupiter, the bestower of “more.”
Whatever you focus on is likely to
grow—and fast. Expanding too quickly can
make things pop, but you’re likely to feel
ever y thing is being offered—or asked—at
once. As you take a deep breath, know that in
a few weeks, Venus will be in Virgo. And then
it’s time to enjoy the luxuries that are a “must”
on your list!
Although you may be hanging on
to your scales of balance for dear
life, you have an endearing quality which makes sure someone will catch you.
Right now, you’re fairly Libra’d up, with the Sun
(happy birthday!), Juno, Mercury—although
retrograde—and Dark Moon Lilith in your sign.
These stellar influences demand a lot of attention, but will take you in your desired direction.
Rest if you need to, and don’t feel guilty!
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 21-Feb 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Feb 20-Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Nice work if you can get it, Sag. Saturn
moves into your sign properly now;
the weight on your shoulders melts
into your muscles. You’re stronger and have
fewer self-doubts. What you’re doing has merit
and is taken seriously. It may have seemed like
carving granite a few months ago, but the ball
is rolling now. Look for a fortunate occurrence
or helpful information midweek.
Your sense of humor peeks out from
behind all your responsibilities.
Being able to play is considered
a higher brain function, and now you can let
yourself breathe. Having seen new vistas,
people, and places in their own state of disarray helps you let go of the chains of others’
mishaps. You’re still there for everyone, you’re
just there for yourself in a happily delicious,
guiltless way.
Aquarians who’ve worked through
spiritual insight s of late may be
holding on to a string, but the fear is
gone and the string is fascinating. You have
such a strong inner calling, it’s impossible
not to rise to the floaty zone when required.
As scientists f ind the light in our brains is
resonance-based and not linear, your desire
to see a film or make music brings the next
step of your script into focus.
You don’t have to know the answer;
you only need to have the mindspace to let your heart help you
stay centered in each moment. People live
on different levels without even realizing it.
The more you focus on a calm and loving
resolution, the more you live in that connected
glow. Next week, Venus will show you how to
bring it into play.
Nov 23-Dec 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
32
Dec 23-Jan 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
PISCES
LINGO BOX
Shita（舌）Tongue
The MPD announced
that cops at Haneda
Airport will be the first
in Tokyo to use Segway
scooters on the job
Yosan（予算）Budget
the small print
Kangaenaosu（考え直す）To reconsider
Urikireta（売り切れた）Sold out
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
Sango（サンゴ）Coral
stats
I WILL MAKE SOCIETY A PLACE WHERE LOSERS
CAN MAKE A COMEBACK” —Hidemori Gen, manager of
11.3
an izakaya in Shinjuku that offers work to former prison inmates.
ZOOM ZOOM
⊲Police
⊲
in Osaka arrested a college student
for stealing a ¥16 million Nissan GT-R from
the parking lot of a vehicle shipping company.
⊲The
⊲
best part of that story: the kid drove the
car in an officially sanctioned Japan Automobile Federation race—and won.
⊲A
⊲ set of 15,000 metro cards bearing photos
of Japanese adult video star Yui Hatano sold
out within four hours of being released in
Taiwan.
⊲Headline
⊲
of the Week: “Livestock Researcher
Now a Guitar Echo Innovator” (via The Japan
News)
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK
⊲A
⊲ Muslim detainee at Yokohama’s immigration center went on a hunger strike after officials served him lunch that had bacon in it.
⊲As
⊲ part of the government’s growth strategy,
the education ministry is planning to export
“the structure and content of Japan’s educational system.” Good luck!
Percent of Japanese high schoolers
who say they have more than 50 friends
online that “they’ve never met in real life”
⊲Among
⊲
the sounds that companies have
been seeking to copyright since the revised
Trademark Law went into effect in April are
“shuwatchi” (Ultraman’s color timer) and “kasakasa” (ochazuke being poured over rice).
1.67 MILLION
Number of people who
took part in drills around the country last
month to mark Disaster Prevention Day
69.5 TONS Haul of salmon caught off
FINDINGS
Hokkaido last month on the first day of the
fixed-net fishing season; last year, the total
was 18.9 tons
⊲Researchers
⊲
in Hyogo discovered a pair of
dotaku bronze bells dating to the Yayoi Period—
and, for the first time with such a find, pieces of
rope were still attached to the tongues.
⊲Rising
⊲
water levels thought to be caused
by global warming are causing mass cancellations of yakatabune river cruises in Tokyo,
as the boats can no longer fit under bridges
during high tide.
⊲For
⊲
the first time ever, biologists have observed coral spawning in waters off the coast
of Numazu in Shizuoka.
⊲Authorities
⊲
at the meteorological agency are
creating a database with detailed information
on past eruptions of 47 major volcanoes
around the country.
LOOK OUT BELOW
⊲Officials
⊲
at the transport ministry are concerned about a dramatic surge in the number
of “potentially dangerous” aviation incidents
caused by human error.
⊲The
⊲
number of such cases last year—207—
was twice as many as in 2013.
⊲For
⊲ the first time since 1983, Japan’s contribution to the U.N. budget looks set to fall below
10 percent.
⊲Just
⊲
five years ago, Japan accounted for
20.57 percent of the organization’s budget.
at a glance
AND FINALLY…
BY ADAM GARWOOD
Check out Adam’s works at http://meturl.com/adam3
⊲Consumer
⊲
affairs authorities lambasted a
Tokyo-based precious metals company for selling bogus numismatic goods under the rubric
“British Royal Baby Anniversary Coin.”
⊲JAXA
⊲
announced that astronaut Norishige
Kanai will blast off for a six-month stint aboard
the International Space Station in November
2017.
⊲Officials
⊲
at the health ministry are having
second thoughts about the tradition—which
began more than 50 years ago—of awarding
cups made of pure silver to anyone who turns
100 years old.
⊲The
⊲
primary consideration is cost: in 1963,
there were only about 150 centenarians in
Japan; this year, there are around 32,000.
Small Print Updated Weekly
→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo
33
the last word
your article to:
WANT TO HAVE THE LAST WORD? Send
editor@metropolisjapan.com
Illustration by Christi Rochin
Have
Mic, Will
Broadcast
How podcasting opens
doors and makes a
difference
BY C BRYAN JONES
O
ne of the great things about technology
is that it has put the power of creativity in
the hands of more people than ever. I’ve
worked in media and publishing for two
decades, and over that time, I’ve watched the
tools I use evolve dramatically.
When I first started in magazines, I was processing and stripping film, manually assembling
color proofs, and boxing up said film to ship
across the United States to print. Today, we output PDF files straight from InDesign and upload
them to a server for the printing company. It’s
simple; things have really changed.
Even more liberating than this is how today’s
technology has enabled anyone with a creative
vision to express themselves not just through
writing—in print or online—but through video
and audio. Technology is no substitute for talent,
but in the past, many with incredible creative
skills and messages to share were locked out
of realizing their vision.
Our creative arts focus in this issue highlights
how film, graphic design, fashion, and even
art forms like ikebana have changed and are
flourishing.
One important thing missing from all of this
is radio. Well, not radio as we have known it, but
rather the rebirth of it. I’m talking about podcasts, which are often described as “online radio
shows” to those not familiar with the format. But
really, it’s a rethinking of radio, not simply a transition from sound waves traveling through the
air to bits traveling across the internet. Just as
on-demand services like Netflix and Hulu have
changed how we consume television, podcasts
are changing the way we consume radio.
I GET TO DO SOMETHING
I LOVE AND MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES
OF OTHERS AT THE SAME
TIME. WHAT’S BETTER THAN
THAT?”
This doesn’t just mean traditional programs—
though you can get those as podcasts—but new
ones made by people like you and me. In the
right hands, a microphone, a computer, editing
software, and a web host are all that’s necessary
to create content of quality equal to what you
hear on NPR or BBC.
I began podcasting five years ago, after
having been a podcast consumer for five years
prior; and it has opened up doors that I could
not open before.
I’m a huge Star Trek fan, so naturally that’s
where I started. When I recorded my first episode in December 2010, I had no connections
with those who created and wrote Star Trek.
Today, I’m connected to numerous writers,
actors, directors, designers, and others who
created the series I love. They sit down with
me for hours at a time to talk about their experiences and their work—and I get to share those
discussions with fans all over the world. I’ve
built an entire network of 20 shows (http://
trek.fm), a family of more than 30 hosts, and
I even write for the official website that’s run
by CBS (www.startrek.com). For a fan like me,
it’s a dream come true—and it’s all thanks to
podcasting.
But even more rewarding than the connections I’ve made into the franchise, is the way
my podcasts help others. Many times each
week, I receive a message from someone who
tells me that my shows make their commute
tolerable, their housework more enjoyable, or
helped keep their spirits up while they were
sick. Every time someone shares that with me,
it lifts my spirits and reminds me that the time,
money, and lost sleep I put into creating these
shows is worth it. I get to do something I love
and make a difference in the lives of others at
the same time. What’s better than that?
It’s because of the experiences of the past
five years as a podcast producer—and the
past 10 years as a podcast consumer—that
I’ve brought the medium to Metropolis. Through
our show Metropolis On Air, we bring voices and
insight to you that transcends the printed page.
Like any creative venture, podcasting takes
time, talent, vision, and dedication. But if you
have something you’re passionate about,
something you want to share with the world,
it’s never been easier to connect with likeminded people around the world—and you
might open some unexpected doors along
the way. Technology has given us all a voice.
■ C Bryan Jones is Editor-In-Chief of Metropolis and host
of multiple shows on the Trek.fm podcast network.
The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
34