x - Metropolis Magazine

Mar 20-Apr 2, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com
無料 PRICELESS
SEE OUR Y
UT
HAIR & BEAL
SPECIA
FASHION WEEK
TOKYO GETS TRENDY
THE ROAD AHEAD
BRINGING WOMEN’S
ISSUES TO LIGHT
CHAMPAGNE
SHOWERS
BIZARRE
BEAUTIFICATION
SHADES
OF GREY
SKYLAR
KEEPS IT
COOL
www.akaiclinic.com
Cosmetic Surgery
Laser Treatment
Skin Care
rejuvenate
yourself with
the best in beauty
technology
Quality of Akai Clinic
At Akai clinic, we only use products and technologies
approved by the FDA.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
• EYELID SURGERY rejuvenation of upper and lower eye
lid, tear trough, double eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis, etc.
• NOSE SURGERY tip plasty, hump resection, deviated
nose, ala reduction, augmentation or reduction
rhinoplasty.
• BREAST SURGERY augmentation, lift, reduction,
reconstruction.
• LIPOSUCTION WITH LASER ultra sonic assisted suction
device.
• LASER-LIPO minimal invasive facial and body
contouring device with AccuSculpt™ (1444nm laser).
• FACE LIFT forehead, brow, mid-face, neck lift, thread’s lift.
•TISSUE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES for facial
rejuvenation, breast augmentation, AGA (PRFM, fat &
stem cell injection, growth factor.
• SKIN TUMORS skin cancer, cyst, mole, wart, scar
revision.
• GENITAL REJUVENATION SURGERY tightening of the
vagina, reduction of labia minor and augmentation of
the labia major.
• HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SURGERY
• LASER & REJUVENATION lasers, RFs, IPLs, plasma,
Ultra Sound for wrinkle, sagging, drooping, open pores,
rosacea, skin complexion, pigmentation, melisma with
SOLARI, Aurora-Pro, INFINI, eCO2, Affirm, EndyMed,
Portrait Plasma, SPECTRA, AccuSculpt, etc.
• BOTOX & FILLERS allergan’s BOTOX, Juvederm,
Radiesse etc.
• ACNE & ACNE SCARS PLASMA fractional lasers (eCO2,
Affirm), INFINI (fractional RF), iClear (photo dynamic
therapy), microdermabrasion, chemical Peeling.
• LASER HAIR REMOVAL all kinds of lasers available:
Alex and long pulsed YAG, diode laser, etc.
• TATTOO REMOVAL with Spectra (Q-YAG laser) for any
color of tattoo.
• CELLULITE, BODY CONTOURING & STRETCH MARKS
cVela Smooth and EndyMed body (FDA Approved).
• LEG VEIN, BROKEN CAPILLARY long Pulsed YAG or
VenoCare.
• RHINOLIGHT hay fever, Allergic Rhinitis.
• SKINOLIGHT psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, Vitiligo,
Atopic dermatitis.
DR. HIDEMI AKAI
is a board-certified plastic
surgeon and an associate
professor of the
department of plastic,
aesthetic and
reconstructive surgery at
Tokyo’s Showa University.
Dr. Akai trained at
Harvard Medical School
and Massachusetts
General Hospital before
amassing over twenty-five
years of experience.
DR. KEIKO AKAI
is also a board-certified
plastic surgeon, and a
dermatologist.
The Akai Clinic offers a
range of
cosmetic-surgery
procedures, laser
treatments and skin care,
using state-of-the-art
equipment and the latest
techniques.
Additional fee for anesthesia is required. Please contact the clinic for more information.
Other cosmetic procedures available. For fees and detailed information services, please refer to our homepage.
We welcome email and phone inquiries.
Omotesando
KNK Bldg 3F 3-5-17, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
1-min walk from Omotesando stn, A3 exit.
Tel: 03-5771-4114 Email: amc@akaiclinic.com
Clinic hours: 11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun)
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist
Yokohama
Quadrifoglio 4F 5-14 Kinkocho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama.
1-min walk from Yokohama stn, North East exit.
Tel: 045-620-5745 Email: amc-skincare@akaiclinic.com
Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)
inside
MAR 20-APR 2, 2015 • #1095
EDITOR’S
LETTER
There’s always a silver lining when skies are grey—and this week,
that silver lining just happens to be Skylar Grey. The singer-songwriter who has penned hits for major pop artists is now riding her
rising star, and she stopped by Tokyo for a quick chat and to show
off her cool tattoos. Speaking of cool, winter heads to Oceania as
10
PUNiK: Speaking the universal language of punk.
springtime comes in. Keep trendy by visiting some of Tokyo’s best
English-speaking salons. But above all, during the month of International Women’s Day, we take a look at some of the mental health
issues women continue to face and how we can help. Oh, and feel
like entertaining your cats? Flip over to page 18. You’re welcome.
© Mika Ninagawa, Courtesy of Tomio Koyama Gallery
12
23
Humphrey’s Haunts: Sip spirits near Bogart’s past.
Golden Fins: Ninagawa’s underwater subjects.
Cover design & photo: Kohji Shiiki, shot at FOX International Channels (Japan)
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03
upfront
123RF
LINGOIST
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JP
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Carbon steel two-piece set with hard case ¥23,300
Carbon steel Wa-Santoku ¥9,800
17-layer stainless steel small knife with Japanese wooden handle ¥7,500
2-12-6 Matsugaya, Taito-ku. Tel: 03-3841-4205. Open 10am-6pm daily.
Asakusa or Tawaramachi. www.kap-kam.com/index_english.html
04
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S
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
hanami spots
UNTIL EARLY APR
UNTIL EARLY APR
UNTIL EARLY APR
Enjoy a stroll along the Meguro River, where
800 sakura trees line both banks for a distance
of 3.8km. Until early Apr. Meguro River.
Nakameguro. Tel: 03-5722-6850. http://
meguro-kanko.com
Take in the blossoms for a km along the Sumida
River, dating back to those planted by shogun
Tokugawa Yoshimune during the Edo period.
Until early Apr. Sumida Park. Asakusa. Tel:
03-5608-6951. http://j.mp/sumidatourism
See the famous shidare-zakura, or weeping
cherry tree, which boasts a height of 15m and
width of 20m. Until early Apr, 9am-5pm. ¥300.
Rikugien Gardens. Komagome. Tel: 03-39412222. http://j.mp/rikugiengardens
Meguro River
Sumida Park
Rikugien Gardens
© Charly Herscovici / ADAGP, Paris, 2015
EDITOR’S PICK APR 22-26
MAR 25-JUN 29
MAGRITTE EXHIBITION
A retrospective of Belgian surrealist
artist René Magritte, who achieved
a unique artistic style that strongly
influenced 20th-century art and design,
and which continues to fascinate people
around the world. Mar 25-Jun 29,
10am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri). Closed
Tue. ¥600-1,400 (adv)/ ¥800-1,600
(door). The National Art Center, Tokyo.
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-5405-8686.
http://magritte2015.jp/english.html
《 白紙委任状 》1965年 81.3x 65.1cm 油彩／カンヴァス
ワシントン・ナショナル・ギャラリー
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1985.64.24
© TBS/LH
MR. SHOW
MAR 26
Photo courtesy of Creativeman
Korean all-male revue Mr. Show arrives in Japan to tease and titillate female
audiences. A Chippendales sort of R-rated strip extravaganza, Mr. Show is
exclusively a ladies-only affair. Eight hunks take turns disrobing and revealing
their ripped six-packs, lats, and pecs as a high-octane soundtrack throbs in
the background. Highly recommended for gaijin girls who are into Asian guys.
Apparently the show made a bit of a kerfuffle when its female director Kolleen
Park debuted the production in conservative South Korea last year. Dan Grunebaum
Apr 22, 7:30pm; Apr 23-24, 2:30 & 7:30pm; Apr 25, 12:30, 4:30 & 8:30pm;
Apr 26, 12:30 & 4:30pm, ¥6,000-20,000. Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka.
Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.mrshow.jp
KINDNESS
Yokoo Tadanori. The Sky Above the Venue of
EXPO’70. 1967. The National Museum of Art, Osaka
Solo project of British
singer Adam Bainbridge,
whose debut album
World, You Need a
Change of Mind was
released in 2012.
Mar 26, 7:30pm, ¥6,000.
Club Quattro. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3499-6669.
http://j.mp/kindness2015
MAR 26-29
TONIGHT IS NASTY
Six female dancers representing Japan
perform solo and duet dances, choreographed
by Akira Kasai, that trace the journey towards
the achievement of universal catharsis. Mar
26-27, 7:30pm; Mar 28-29, 3pm, ¥3,0004,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500-4,500 (door). Setagaya
Public Theatre. Sangen-jaya. Tel: 03-33207217. http://setagaya-pt.jp/en
MAR 20-MAY 17
OSAKA EXPO ’70 DESIGN
PROJECT
MAR 27-29
TOKYO MOTORCYCLE SHOW
© bozzo
Held under the theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind,”
the 1970 Osaka Expo (Japan World Exposition) is remembered
as a national event in Japan during the years of spectacular
economic growth. This exhibition presents a complete picture of
the design work for the 1970 Expo. Mar 20-May 17, 10am-5pm
(until 8pm on Fri). Closed Mon. ¥130-430. The National Museum
of Modern Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
http://j.mp/osakaexpo2015, http://j.mp/moon2015
Enjoy bikes from all over the world—including the latest
models and custom machines—take them out for a test
ride, and more. Mar 27, 1-6pm; Mar 28, 10am-6pm;
Mar 29, 10am-5pm, ¥500-1,300 (adv)/ ¥1,000-1,600
(door). Tokyo Big Sight. Kokusai-Tenjijo.
http://motorcycleshow.org/english
05
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
HAIR & BEAUTY
New Do,
New You
Tokyo gets the makeover of the year as
it leaves behind the frosty blue and grey palette
of winter in lieu of pastel pinks that pop up
in cherry trees throughout the city,
completely vivifying the landscape.
Why not give springtime a run for its money
with a revamping of your own? Let go of that
hairstyle you’ve been rocking since
last October, and give your coif new life
at the hands of some of Tokyo’s best
English-speaking salons.
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Metropolis readers who bring this ad for color
treatment receive 15% off
AFRODITA
Valid until June 30, 2015
1F, 2-108-1 Sengencho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama
045-311-0139
Wed-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-8pm,
closed Mon-Tue
Yokohama
www.yokohamahairsalon.com
Facebook: Afrodita Yokohama Hair Salon
Instagram: @afroditasalon_
Hair stylist Yoshiko Morimoto is on a mission to bring the high-level of style and service
available in Beverly Hills to Japan. But unlike salons in the most exclusive parts of
Tokyo, Morimoto offers this in English and without huge fees. Having trained at Vidal
Sassoon in London and at top salons in New York and Los Angeles—where her clientele included Hollywood
entertainers and models—she knows how to work with Western hair. Upon her return to Japan in 2001,
Morimoto opened Afrodita near Yokohama Station. Today, clients travel from Saitama, Chiba, and Yokosuka
just to get styled. And as customers from many countries will tell you, Morimoto never fails to satisfy them
with her eye for style, especially with trending colors. Her friendly, international staff all speak English, as well
as other languages from across the globe. Afrodita salon even stocks exclusive American hair care brand
Redken. Follow the photos of her latest cuts on Facebook at “Afrodita Yokohama Hair Salon.”
Yokohama
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Free consultation in English for Metropolis
readers
DUDE
2-26-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku
03-3468-9116
Wed & Fri 10am-7:30pm, Thu 10am-8:30pm,
Sat-Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon-Tue
Shimokitazawa
dude-hair@nifty.com
www.dude.jp
06
At a typical Japanese hair salon, you are confronted by an army of staff fawning over
you like a movie star or minor member of the Royal Family. Instead of just getting
on with the job, they wrap you up like a Victorian doll and subject you to endless
interrogation about what you eat and don’t eat, where you’re from, the weather in Japan versus your home
country, and other delightful topics. This might be great for some people, but if you just want a haircut with
no extra hassle you should zero in on Dude. Located among the trendy lanes of Shimokitazawa, Dude is a
salon with its priorities firmly in place. Friendly and efficient, the staff give both dudes and dudettes what they
came for—the stylish haircut that suits them best. They also provide a totally relaxing atmosphere that leaves
customers feeling peaceful. So aim for a hassle-free life—and haircut—at Dude.
Shimokitazawa
MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• 20% off our entire range of services on your first
visit!
6F, 4-1-9 Azabu-jūban, Minato-ku
03-6436-0228
Mon & Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, closed Tue & Sun
Azabu-Jūban (exit 4, 1 min)
www.goldsalontokyo.com
GOLD SALON
Gold Salon Tokyo is a top choice for foreign residents seeking a hair salon
experience closer to what they might be used to back home. The fact that 98
percent of the salon’s clientele are foreign residents is a testimony to their
skill with foreign hair. English is the first language in the salon, so communication—from booking through
to consultation—gives Gold the leading edge. The stylist/colorists have many years experience working
with the variations in hair texture and myriad of color options demanded by their discerning, international
clientele. As salon owner and director Howard Regner likes to put it, “If the U.N. set up a hair salon, it
would pretty much look like Gold!” So whether it's a great cut, superb color, or the smoothest Brazilian
keratin treatments in town, the choice is simply Gold!
Azabu-Jūban
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• 30% off cut, color, and perm for first-time visitors
(excludes Keratin treatment)
KERATIN TREATMENT
• Short ¥20,000-25,000
• Medium ¥25,000-30,000
• Long, from ¥30,000
206 The Roppongi Tokyo Plaza, 3-7-1,
Roppongi, Minato-ku
03-5574-8844
Mon & Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols
10am-7pm, closed Tue
Roppongi
www.hayatosalons.com
HAYATO
TOKYO
Hayato Salon is bringing a new option to those looking to make their daily hair care easier.
Their formaldehyde-free keratin treatment is the first customizable, long-lasting smoothing
service for silky smooth hair. It makes unruly, frizzy hair manageable, softens waves,
Roppongi
smoothes overall hair structure, reduces daily styling time, and lasts for up to 5 months.
In addition to keratin treatment, Hayato offers a wide range of treatments, and satisfaction is always guaranteed.
Each team member is bilingual and does their very best to create a relaxing, comfortable, and classy environment.
The stylists are all experts—especially at handling the varied hair types of foreigners—thanks to a training program
developed by founder Hayato himself. Stylists receive on-the-job training at Hayato New York for two years, where
they learn to speak English, so when they debut at Hayato Tokyo they’re more than ready to serve you.
WEBSITE
KENJI SUZUKI
New York City | Azabujuban, Tokyo
SPECIAL OFFER
• Mention Metropolis and receive 20% off all
services if you are a first-time customer
• Pre-book your next appointment and receive 10%
off your next cut
Bondz Salon 4F, 1-8-13 Azabu-jūban,Minato-ku
080-1307-4973
Tue-Sun 11am-9pm; closed Mon & 2nd Tue
Azabu-Jūban
contact@kenji-hairstylist.com
www.kenji-hairstylist.com
KENJI HAIR
STYLIST
English-fluent Kenji Suzuki is one of the many talented stylists who have come together
at the Bondz Salon in Azabu-jūban, where the relaxed, boutique-like atmosphere makes
you feel right at home. Having held high-profile positions in the international beauty
Azabu-Jūban
industry for more than 20 years, Kenji spent most of those years in New York City. In fact,
he stills takes care of his stylish clientele there on periodic visits to the U.S. Since 2013, he has shared the styles
and techniques that he learned and honed in the Big Apple with his Tokyo clients, specializing in dry haircutting for
men and women, and offers color and perm treatments. Whether a patron has a specific look in mind or wants to
try out something new, Kenji works closely with them to ensure they leave with a style that follows trends, yet still
brings out their own personal beauty. “For your hairstyle, for your lifestyle” is his motto.
07
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HAIR & BEAUTY
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
Mention Metropolis to get:
• 20% off all hair services and 40% off Japanese
straightening perm and intense treatment with
stylist Yuri on your first visit. (Valid until April 30.)
• First-time Shellac nail coloring manicure for
¥4,500 or pedicure for ¥6,500.
SIN DEN
Changes are a big commitment! At Sin Den, we so get that! When you’re ready to make a
change and freshen up for spring, our stylists are right there to discuss how to go about
it, and how to make it work for you. We know what’s trending now, but we also know that
it’s “old-fashioned” to simply follow trends. What’s hottest this season is to find the look that makes you feel
fabulous. Whether you’re an international banker, domestic diva, fashionista, or chic kid, dare to be different
and dare to be you. No style is crazy if it’s yours, and puts a little strut in your step! Woof!
3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
03-3405-4409
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Omotesando
http://sinden.com
Omotesando
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Mention Metropolis and receive free Kerastase
hair treatment (¥3,000 value) and more!
• Pearl Mask Facial Treatment 20% off (First-time
visitors only)
(These offers cannot be combined with other
coupons)
SERVICES
• Hair: Cut, color, perm, highlights, and head spa
• Body: Waxing and facials
2F YS Bldg, 2-1-21 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku
03-6408-6132
Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols 10am-7pm,
closed Mon
Hiroo or Roppongi
www.vipcreativehair.jp
WEBSITE
VIP CREATIVE
HAIR SALON
VIP Creative Hair International is there to meet all your hair care and beauty
needs for any special occasion. Their team of experts has served Tokyo’s
Japanese and foreign communities for many years, and they work to provide
Roppongi
a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere of pure luxury in their private treatment
rooms. Their exclusive tewaza (hand technique) spa relaxes the head and scalp muscles, improves
circulation, stimulates facial muscles, and enhances your body’s natural healing powers. The salon staff
have extensive experience in the U.S. and Japan, and can work with a full range of hair colors—as their
many loyal foreign customers can attest. Leave your stress behind, relax, and enjoy the VIP treatment at
this exceptional hair salon!
WATANABE
HAIR DRESSING
Harajuku
SPECIAL OFFER
• Metropolis readers visiting for the first time
receive 10% off all hair services.
SERVICES
• Haircut by hairstylist Aki: ¥9,720
• Haircut: ¥5,940 (stylist)
• Gray cover: ¥5,940
• Henna from ¥7,560
• Coloring from ¥8,100
• Highlights from ¥8,640
B1 Sun Beauty Harajuku, 3-25-6 Jingumae,
Shibuya-ku
03-3405-1188
Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun & hols
10am-8pm
Harajuku or Meiji-Jingūmae
www.watanabe-hair.com
08
To visit Watanabe Hair Dressing
is to experience the best of
Tokyo’s hair salons, where
English-speaking staff pamper
clients from start to finish and
use unique techniques to create
sophisticated looks. If you’re
looking to discover a great
new style this summer, a visit
to Watanabe Hair Dressing
may just be a step in the right
direction. Forbes once called Aki
Watanabe “the best hairdresser
in Tokyo.” Trained at the Vidal
Sassoon and Toni & Guy academies, his own salon, Watanabe Hair Dressing, celebrated its 20th anniversary
last year. Aki has done hairstyling for magazines such as The Face and i-D, and worked for brands like Red or
Dead. Some of his celebrity clients include Beat Takeshi, architect Paul Tange, and Massive Attack. But you
don’t have to be an A-lister to enjoy his latest styling trends and techniques. Aki has trained his young staff to
provide great coifs at affordable prices for everyone.
MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →
WEBSITE
ELANA JADE
ORGANIC BEAUTY SALON
Azabu-Jūban
SPECIAL OFFER
• Receive four 60-min peeling facials for only
¥42,000 (a savings of ¥14,000)
3F Latorie Memorial Bldg, 1-5-19 Azabu-Jūban,
Minato-ku
03-6438-9895
Mon-Tue 11am-9pm, Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat Sun 10am-7pm
Azabu-Jūban
www.elanajade.com
Turn back the years “naturally” with Elana
Jade’s amazing organic peeling course!
Chosen by celebrities such as Nicole
Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Hudson,
Ilsci Organics offers the benefits of a
chemical peel without the potential long- or
short-term chemical damage. For this month
only, Elana Jade is offering this unique fourtreatment course for only ¥42,000.
The salon is a short five-minute walk
from Roppongi Hills in Azabu-Jūban,
and exclusively uses certified organic
ingredients in all treatments. Elana Jade
also specializes in waxing (specifically
Brazilian wax), and organic facials, as well
as hot-stone and oil massages. They also
have specific ranges for men, brides, and
mommies-to-be, making Elana Jade your
oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
•Bring this copy of Metropolis and receive a full
face treatment for ¥23,000 (reg. ¥29,250) or
upper back for ¥17,400 (reg. ¥20,500)
SERVICES
•Men’s hair removal (per visit/per five sessions):
“Speedo” area: ¥38,000/¥133,000
2F Ishihara Bldg, 3-7-1 Azabu-Jūban, Minato-ku
03-6435-1276
info@mds-a.jp
Mon-Fri noon-11:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols
10am-11:30pm
Azabu-Jūban
http://mds-a.jp/english
MDSA
Springtime is upon us, and that means it’s time to lose the scruff and do a little
“manscaping” to look your best for the warmer weather and outdoor activities. MDSA
Hair Removal Salon, just a two-minute walk from Azabu-Jūban Station, offers secluded
treatment rooms, English-speaking staff, a reservation-only policy, and an atmosphere that caters to both
men and women, so it’s not all feminine. The tools and procedures used to remove unwanted hair from backs,
shoulders, bellies, and those “mankini” lines come direct from the U.S. Head in for a free consultation and
a localized hair-removal trial to see for yourself how it works. You’ll be impressed by the efficiency, minimal
discomfort, and good value. Rooms can service two people, so bring your friend or girlfriend along to also
benefit from MDSA’s service while they hold your hand—if you’re man enough!
Azabu-Jūban
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
• Mention Metropolis for 15% off all waxing
services
Arrow Plaza Harajuku 312, 4-19-8 Jingūmae,
Shibuya-ku
03-3470-7109
Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Omotesandō or Meiji-Jingūmae
http://shousalon.com
SHOU SALON
Shou Beauty Salon, located just five minutes from both Omotesandō and MeijiJingūmae stations behind Omotesandō Hills, last year celebrated 15 years in
business, during which they have served more than 30,000 customers from
many countries. Owner/beautician Hiromi Matsumaru understands all skin types, having trained in the
U.S. and Australia, and Shou’s wide range of treatments includes many that you would find back home,
such as Brazilian waxing, deep cleansing facials, manicures and pedicures (including speedy Shellac
polish), and eyelash tinting in popular colors like blue, black, and brown. A hugely popular treatment is the
Endermologie facelift, which utilizes the latest techniques to give you a double lift, stimulating revitalization
of your collagen and further brightening your skin with a CO2 mask.
Omotesando
09
music
JAPAN BEAT
Photo by Stephen Jackson
PUNiK
Speaking the universal
language of punk
BY DAN GRUNEBAUM
J
apan is a place where—to the Western
mind—appearances can be deceptive. A
woman could be a man; a donut could be
a bean-paste bun; a “yes” could mean “no.”
“The Japanese punk scene is a bit strange
in the sense that even without punk’s energy,
bands are considered punk here,” observes
frontman Tagu of Tokyo punk outfit Punik
ahead of a trip to Taiwan. “It may look like punk,
but it’s not really—in fact, you could say that
about Japanese rock as a whole.”
Formed in 2008, Punik are one of the hardier acts on Tokyo’s live house circuit, logging
a punishing 100 gigs a year at storied Chuo
Line rock venues like Earthdom and Mission’s.
They’ve been approached by major labels but
prefer to reject commercial pressures and,
Tagu says, “retain punk’s original impulse.”
Their performances are a jangled-nerve storm
of tracks with titles like “Punk Bomb.”
Debuting as a trio with Fuckareyoudoing??,
Punik (a pun on “punk” and “panic”) recently
added Englishman Nigel van der Grijspaarde
on bass. “The first time I saw Punik, these three
guys ran on stage, plugged in, and basically
assaulted their instruments and the audience’s
senses,” he recalls. “It was a raw blast of power,
incredibly loud, there were bum notes and not
one of them gave a damn! It was the most re-
10
freshing thing I’d heard in years.
“Soon after that, their bassist quit,” he continues, “and a mutual friend set up a meeting.
Tagu and Makoto were already well in their
cups. There basically was nothing to joining
except they both made one thing clear—passion! We rehearsed on Tuesday and my first
gig was Friday. That was it. Tagu said, ‘Don't
worry about screw-ups, just put your guts into
it. We’re gonna play 11 songs in the next 25 minutes. Ready?’”
How does the band maintain its brutal schedule while holding day jobs? “Punk rock has been
my motivator since I was 13,” Grijspaarde answers. “It hooked me when I was going through
a turbulent teen time and never let go. To us,
it’s not spiky hair and spit; it’s the way we live.
We use anger constructively, and when you’re
standing on stage waiting for that ‘one, two,
three, four’ above the feedback … well, there is
nothing else like it. Though it has to be said that
for the first few gigs with Punik, I would come
offstage and puke from the exertion!”
A veteran of the U.K. punk scene, Grijspaarde says the band is getting positive
feedback from his old mates in England. Punik
have also brought their roots punk to Las Vegas, where they performed at the first-ever
Hempfest, sharing the stage with members
of Cypress Hill, Fishbone Project, and Beijing.
At the time of this writing, they were in Taipei
for the Anarchy in Taiwan street punk festival.
Grijspaarde calls Beijing and Taipei “hotbeds of unrest, anger—especially amongst the
students ... ideal for punk expression,” but like
Tagu, expresses mixed feelings about Japan’s
punk scene. “Japan is a relatively easy country to live in—no cop beat-downs, comfortable
level of living—people living the superstar life
vicariously through insipid ‘talents,’” he says.
“Yet on the other hand, some of the world’s
most extreme music can be found right here,
played ferociously night after night in hundreds
of dingy, sweaty pisshole joints.”
As for life as Punik’s lone gaijin, it seems
that forty years since its invention, punk has
become a universal language, easing Grijspaarde’s path.
“There's nothing special about having a foreigner in the band, but Nigel doesn't speak
Japanese, so we have to communicate through
gestures,” Tagu laughs. “But when it comes to
the music, as soon as we start to play everything’s OK.”
Punik play Design Festa, Vol. 41. May 17,
2:40pm. Tokyo Big Sight, Outdoor Stage. Tagu
plays solo May 18, 11:30am. Tokyo Big Sight,
Indoor Stage. http://designfesta.com/en/
cover story
Fox Backstage Pass airs Sat on Fox
at 1am; Sun on Fox Movies Premium
at 9 am; and on Fox Sports and
Entertainment at 11:30am.
The singer-songwriter
casts cool shades
on Tokyo
BY DANIEL L. SMITH
FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
S
ome might find it odd that the most striking characteristic to catch my eye upon
meeting pop singer Skylar Grey was her
“coolness.” She had just strolled down
to the lobby from her room at the Grand Hyatt
Tokyo to greet a small cadre that was to accompany her to an interview with Fox Backstage
Pass and Metropolis in Harajuku.
As the itinerary was explained, Grey smiled
and nodded before heading to a canary-yellow
Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Convertible—her predesignated mode of travel. If there were any
pressing details not ironed out, her demeanor
didn’t show it; she just looked cool. Like many
of the her soulful songs, there’s a soothing
quality about the singer that comes across like
the shade cast by trees on a hot day—that cool.
Maybe it stems from the comfort zone she
found with music at an early age.
“I started singing professionally with my
mother when I was six. I made three albums
by the time I was 14. My mother was a singer,
and so was my dad. Everybody in my family is
in music,” Grey explained. “I have always composed music. At my first piano recital, when I
was seven, I composed the song that I played.
So when I was 14, I started adding lyrics and
I just became obsessed with songwriting. I
moved to Los Angeles. I got a [record] deal,
but it was always writing for myself and others
and movies and stuff.”
Photos: Kohji Shiiki
1 TO 1:
SKYLAR
GREY
As an artist, she enjoyed modest success as
a featured singer on Fort Minor’s “Where’d You
Go” and “Be Somebody.” But something special about Grey started to emerge that set her
apart from her contemporaries: She wrote great
songs—songs that major artists wanted to sing.
“I wrote a song called ‘Love The Way You
Lie’ that got picked up by Eminem and Rihanna,
and that kind of changed my life! It was huge!”
Huge is an understatement. The song
reached number one on 26 charts globally and
earned a Grammy nomination for Song of the
Year. The buzz about Grey was on, and it made
her a hot commodity in a cool business!
“It set a chain of events in motion. I got to
work with so many amazing people after that
like Diddy, Dr. Dre, T.I., and Nicki Minaj. The list
goes on! It’s amazing!”
Grey said the inspiration she draws upon to
write songs taps into her basic instincts. “Songwriting for me is pretty much always the same.
I come from a personal and emotional place
when I write, and then I have to decide whether
I am willing to give it up for another artist. It
is different every time. Usually I start with the
music, add the melody, chord changes and stuff
like that, then the lyrics come after,” Grey said.
As her music has developed, so have other
interests such as brand tie-ups and a fashion label. It’s the brand tie-up that brought the singer
to Tokyo on behalf of Amway Japan. Grey is the
spokesperson for Amway’s energy drink.
She said her fashion label is still in its initial
stage. “I have my own fashion line called Woodrat. It’s not out yet, except for a few beanies,
but I am really excited about it. It’s a unisex line
because I am a tomboy. I am actually wearing
all Y3 right now, which is my favorite brand—
ironically Japanese. I’m looking for the right op-
Skylar Grey and fashion designer Eiko Gudnason
portunity to release it, but I have all the designs
ready,” Grey explained.
Grey got to exchange fashion views with
Japanese designer Eiko Gudnason, whose
Eiko World collection was inspired by a fantasy
world she would escape to during childhood.
While Grey hopes to get back to Japan soon,
2015 is shaping up to be the most groundbreaking time of her career. She has songs on
the soundtracks of two of the most anticipated
films—“I Know You” from Fifty Shades of Grey
and “I Will Return” from the latest in “The Fast
and the Furious” franchise, Furious 7.
In composing “I Know You,” Grey said she
felt the need to do some research. “I got asked
to work on the film track about a year and a
half ago. So I decided to read the book. It was
interesting. I definitely had a lot of friends tell
me they got excited reading it. For me though,
I wanted to dig more into the emotional side of
the characters and write a song that was based
on the love story that was happening.”
Grey said “I Will Return” was penned from a
more personal perspective. “It’s beautiful and
it’s a song that I wrote and was inspired by Paul
Walker.”
How cool is that? I think Skylar Grey cool.
11
food&drink
Apparently the 3-D phenomenon isn’t exclusive to the movies or printing: Even snack
foods are getting in on the craze. Last year’s
Rich Giza corn chip snacks evolve into Gizakkuru 3-D. The chips now have morphed
into three-dimensional, wheel-like shapes
that result in different textures depending
on how they’re chewed. Because Japanese
snack foods pay attention to this kind of thing.
Comes in barbecue and butter flavors. Available at convenience stores nationwide.
RESTAURANT
¥¥
EN/JP
BY V KEVORK
Located on the 24th floor of the Peninsula Hotel
and surrounded by the Imperial Palace gardens
is Peter: The Bar. Its magnificent views, spaceship vibe, violet lighting, and artificial trees will
transport you to another world.
The bar, which has no cover charge, offers
cocktails priced at approximately ¥2,000 (plus
service charge) on an average day, and also
presents you with the option of ordering a bottle
of exclusive Dom Perignon Brut Rose 2003 for
¥98,000—plus service charge—if your purse
allows for such extravagance. All the beverages
in the extensive menu are mixed by profession-
12
als, concocted with precision so it rightfully presents itself as an award-winning beverage.
Happy hour happens Sundays through
Thursdays from 5 to 8pm. Here, choose from
a select list of lavish drinks and bar snacks,
priced at an affordable ¥800 (plus service
charge)—mimosas, spumonis, margarita, and
wine, among others. The accompanying snacks
include small portions of nachos, fish and chips,
beef cubes, olives, and cajun Peter-style fries.
Their signature Tokyo Joe cocktail is on this
list—the bar’s homage to one of the greatest
actors of all time. Upon chatting with the bartender, I discover the origins of the Tokyo Joe
and it makes the experience even more significant. He explains that Tokyo Joe is the name of
a movie filmed around this area, starring Humphrey Bogart as an American returning to Tokyo
to see what’s left after World War II.
The cocktail celebrating the film is a beautiful drink and exquisite in its form—something
Lindt Chocolat Café’s new sakura-inspired
products look as sweet as they taste, and are
sure to gear you up for spring regardless of
the inconsistent weather. The White Chocolate
Sakura Ice Drink (¥772) mixes Amarena and
Griotte cherries with the subtle saltiness and
aroma of cherry blossoms. The Délice (Lindt’s
macarons) Sakura combines white chocolate
ganache, cherry purée, and sakura-flavored syrup for a Japanese twist on the French delicacy.
3-5-22 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 033423-2200. Omotesandō. www.lindt.jp
of a Japanese version of a cosmopolitan. The
concoction comprises Bombay Sapphire, ume
(plum) liqueur, drambuie, cranberry juice, and
lemon juice. It’s served in the top of a martini
glass, propped up by stilts. If one is to truly
experience the Tokyo Joe, the cranberry and
ume flavors must be savored, the drink’s unique
presentation taken in, and its background story
kept in mind.
Don’t forget the cajun Peter-style fries: These
spicy carbs are positively addictive and make all
the difference when looking for the perfect snack
for your posh drinks.
And if you need a reason to raise your glass, remember that, in 1949, Humphrey Bogart was filming a movie close to this exact location. Kampai!
The Peninsula Hotel 24F, 1-8-1 Yurakucho,
Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-6270-2763. Hibiya
http://meturl.com/peterthebar
Photo by Vesna Kevork
Peter: the bar
There are few foods that match the pizza in terms
of awesomeness; but the food’s one main flaw
is that it isn’t so easy to eat one on the go. But
Stickpizza & Cafe Bar in Roppongi remedies that
by rendering the pizza into stick version: Easy to
eat while on your feet. The wide array of options
range from the tame (arabiata, carbonara, etc.) to
unique (spicy curry, squid...)—and desserts, too
(cinnamon apple, sweet potato caramel, among
others). Takeout OK—perfect for a hanami outing. 7-3-13 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi.
www.eu-syokudou.com
Japanese brewery SanktGallen offers a slew
of fun flavors such as Pineapple Ale, Sweet
Vanilla Stout, Apple Cinnamon Ale, and Imperial Chocolate Stout. A limited spring edition,
their SanktGallen Sakura is made with the
leaves and blossoms of sakura from Nagano’s
Takatō region, selected as one of Japan’s
100 most beautiful sakura destinations. Looking for an alcoholic beverage for hanami? It
doesn’t get more fitting than sakura beer.
Available in select stores or online from www.
sanktgallenbrewery.com
RESTAURANT
¥¥
If you’re packing a lunch for the great outdoors,
you may have a friend in the new “Eat” series of
lunch boxes from Thermos. The “Fresh Food
Container” set includes two food containers
that preserve the freshness of cool foods, and
you can pair that up with the company’s other
insulated containers that preserve the food’s
temperature. Finally, stack them into the Food
Container Set’s picnic basket, which keeps your
soups hot and desserts frozen. Comes in Rose
Pink and Mint Green colors. Available at Tokyu
Hands stores or online at www.thermos.co.jp.
SAKURA FRENCH TOAST
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Enjoy sakura season with perfect “hybrid” French
toast! The sweetness of the sakekasu (sake lees)
milk sauce with cherry blossoms, layered with
azuki (sweet red beans) and English-muffin
French toast, make for a spring deliciousness
sure to bring a smile to your face.
Servings: 2
Cooking time: 1 hr (active 30 min)
French toast
• 2 English muffins
• 1 large egg
• 80cc milk
• 80cc heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp butter
JP
El Pato
BY JOAN BAILEY
Opened just five years ago, El Pato
is already one of Koenji’s best-loved
watering holes.
Settled at one of the bar’s three
wooden tables, our group of four surveyed what was on tap for the evening and opted for pints of Shiga Kogen’s IPA and Indian Summer Saison.
A selection of American imports such
as Anchor Steam, Lost Coast, and Brooklyn
Brewery are also on hand. The Saison, with
notes of citrus and hops, fairly crackled on the
taste buds, quickly becoming the table favorite.
The small but dense menu included pizza,
hamburgers, a nice handful of starters and
salads, BBQ spare ribs, and an assortment of
pastas. Vegetarian options are available on the
menu and by request. We opted for the brussels sprout chips, a New York pizza, burgers,
and a large order of the fish and chips.
The mekabbetsu—Brussels sprout—chips
appeared warm and delightfully crunchy. Sautéed and served with a sprinkling of parmesan
cheese, salt, and pepper, this relatively new
vegetable in Japan proved a hit.
Four well-sized pieces of piping-hot fish
came atop a tidy mountain of externally crispy,
internally delectably soft fries. The fish was
tender and flavorful and the tartar sauce tangy.
The burgers arrived cut in half, the long
metal sandwich pins a necessity for these little
RECIPE
Sakura sakekasu sauce
• 2 salted sakuras
• 50g sake lees
• 100cc milk
• 80cc sweetened
condensed milk
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 50cc heavy cream
Filling/decoration
• 4 tbsp azuki (canned)
• 2-4 salted sakura
• 2 sakura leaves (packed for cooking)
DIRECTIONS:
beasts. The pink-centered lamb patty sat atop
generous slices of tomato, avocado, and crisp
lettuce on springy focaccia bread. The regular burger arrived in a similar outfit, but on a
toasted bun instead, pleasing the tastebuds.
The New York pizza came with a generous
serving of fresh arugula sprinkled with parmesan cheese. We snapped up each perfectly
gooey slice, with its blend of Italian herbs, in
a flash, folding it the way New Yorkers believe
they invented.
Our stomachs full, we didn’t have room
for more—although the plates of pasta going
by looked saucy, the salads verdant as they
followed close behind. “I guess we just have
to come back,” said my husband with a smile
as we left.
Note: Parties of more than four should reserve
in advance. Days off vary, so call ahead.
2-22-10 Koenji-kita, Suginami-ku. Tel: 03 6795
7888. Lunch: 12-3:30pm, dinner: 6-10pm.
Koenji.
1. Mix egg, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and butter
well. Combine with English muffin (sliced in
half) in zipper storage bag and leave for 30
min or longer.
2.Dip salted sakura in water for few minutes to
remove salt, then put on paper towel.
3.With hand blender or mixer, blend sauce ingredients. Pour into saucepan and heat on low,
until just before it boils. Add olive oil and keep
heating. Let it boil gently, mixing with spoon
frequently for 2-3 min. When texture becomes
heavy, turn off heat and add heavy cream. Mix
well, then pour into container and cool in fridge.
4.In frying pan, heat the butter. Add English
muffin mixture and cook on medium low.
5.On plate, place sakura leaf and the bottom
half of French toast, spread azuki on it, and
top it with upper half of French toast. Pour
sakekasu sauce on French toast generously,
and garnish with sakura.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
13
1 DISH FROM ¥780
1 DRINK FROM ¥500
COURSES FROM ¥4,000
NEW OPEN!
Let’s Eat Crab!
ENJOY DELICIOUS CRAB, CASUALLY.
CARAT has the concept of
allowing customers to enjoy
eating crab, casually. The high
quality crabs come directly
from Rausu, Hokkaido.
The restaurant is open 24/365,
so please come to enjoy a nice
dinner at the bar or in the
café, or close out your day
with some noodles!
e
Lin i
do ong
Ōe pp
Ro
Police
Station
Roppongi
Crossing
aka
araiz
Imo
6-1-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5413-3689
e
Lin gi
http://carat-roppongi.com
n
iya
Hib oppo Almond
R
Open 24 hours
Family
Mart
Lunchtime: 11am~3pm
Post Office
14
city life
INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN’S DAY
BY VICKIE SKORJI, DIRECTOR OF TOKYO ENGLISH LIFELINE (TELL)
J. Howard Miller's "We Can Do It!" poster from 1943
depression in women were
found to be three to four times
higher in those who were exposed to sexual trauma during
childhood, or physical abuse
or intimate-partner violence in
adulthood.
Experiencing domestic violence puts victims at further
risk for unintended pregnancy,
HIV infection, alcohol abuse,
suicide, long-term physical injury, and death at the hands of
their partner—the killer in 38
percent of all female murders.
Research shows that following rape, one in three
women will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Depression is the most common mental health problem
for women and often leads to
suicide—a leading cause of
death for women under 60.
MENTAL HEALTH
I
nternational Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, an event started in 1909
to celebrate women’s achievements and to
promote global gender equality. This year’s
theme was, “make it happen.”
While significant gains have been made over
the last century in many developed countries,
gender equality still has a long way to go. Tangible differences exist in women’s healthcare for
both physical and mental issues, rights, wages,
maternity care, and jobs.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
Sexual and intimate partner violence occurs in
large numbers in every country. Over one-third
of all women worldwide will experience sexual
or intimate violence in their lifetime. Rates of
Stigma surrounding mental health issues
creates the greatest barrier to receiving help
and promoting recovery. Mental illness remains
highly stigmatized in Japan. Many Japanese
believe recovery from mental illness is not possible, that it comes as the result of personal weakness or character flaws, rather than biology.
FINDING HELP
Fifteen years ago, I moved to Asia, and twelve
years ago to Japan as a trailing spouse. In Asia,
my career as a neuropsychologist drew to an
abrupt halt due to licensing and registration requirements. Like many foreign women in Japan,
I found my work options were limited or nonexistent in my profession; so I focused on being
a mother and being in a new country.
In 2004, I hit a low point when my daughter
returned home for university. I realized everyone
was moving forward with their lives except me. It
was then that I found the Tokyo English Lifeline
(TELL), and my life just keeps moving forward;
from a volunteer phone counselor, to assistant
director, practicing therapist, to Lifeline director. Over the years, I’ve spoken to hundreds of
women—both western and Japanese returnees—who applied for the training because they
were lost and wanted to feel valued again.
Like those who supported me, I’ve supported
many through career changes, and encouraged
others to reach for bigger goals. Through TELL,
I’ve been able to join forces with other organizations and help make noise about domestic
violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and
a range of other issues affecting women’s lives
and mental health in Japan.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
For four days (March 22-25), Tokyo will host the
6th World Congress on Women’s Mental Health.
Focusing on trauma, depression, and resilience,
the event is organized by the International Association for Women’s Mental Health.
The Global Gender Gap Index 2014, compiled by the World Economic Forum, ranked
Japan 104th out of 142 countries. Helping sensitize women to mental health issues and giving
them the confidence to seek assistance is vital.
Gender inequality, lower wages, and difficulty
in obtaining full-time employment after giving
birth can all impact women’s ability to divorce
or escape abusive relationships.
More investment is needed, both on a
global level and in Japan, to prevent violence
against women and girls. National campaigns
addressing mental health issues and educational programs at community, business, and
governmental levels are desperately needed
to improve Japan’s Global Gender Gap ranking.
The benefits would be felt by not only women,
but also their families and ultimately the country.
All girls and women should have the right to a
life free from violence, to contribute equally in
society, and receive equal pay.
This month, TELL is making a noise about
women’s mental health issues. Help us raise
awareness of women’s rights issues in Japan,
make change happen, and invest in the future.
The following organizations offer various forms of support and counseling, as well as assist those wanting to help.
TELL
An accredited non-profit
organization providing a
wide range of services to the
international and Japanese
communities, including a crisis
support line, face-to-face
counseling, child protection,
and suicide prevention, 9am
to 11pm, 365 days a year. Tel:
03-5774-0992. www.telljp.com
Resilience
A non-profit organization
specializing in support for
victims with emotional scars
stemming from harassment
or bullying at home or in the
workplace, as well as providing
workshops, lectures, and
training sessions. In Japanese
only. http://resilience-jp.
heteml.jp
Kapatiran
A free counseling service
dealing with everything from
legal to domestic issues,
catering primarily to Filipino
citizens living and working in
Japan.
Tue & Sat, 11am-4pm. Tel:
03-3432-6449. E-mail:
kapatiran.tko@nskk.org.
http://kapatiran.jp/?lang=en
For Empowering Women
(FEW)
A non-government, business
and social networking
organization helping
women professionally and
personally, focusing on career
development, social and
volunteer activities, etc.
www.fewjapan.com
Lighthouse
A non-profit organization
providing support and
counseling for victims of abuse
in Japan, as well as offering
education and training for
counselors. In Japanese only.
Tel: 0120-879-871. http://lhj.jp
15
city life
BIZARRE BEAUTY
Unusual ways to treat
yourself in the city
BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI
When it comes to the attainment of beauty, it seems there’s no path left
untrodden. From the daily wearing of makeup to cosmetic surgical procedures, women all around the world spare no effort and expense to get one
step closer to their ideal. From beautifying sound waves to golden facials,
here are a few of the non-conventional beauty treatments offered in Tokyo.
“Sound Esute” salon Releaf in Harajuku offers a treatment that uses sound
waves for a variety of different purposes such as preventing balding,
improving blood circulation, or toning any part of the body. Based on a
treatment called Cymatics Therapy, used medically in hospitals and clinics, Sound Esute uses a device called the Cyma Doctor that emits sound
at different wavelengths to rejuvenate your cells and even provide psychological benefits. 2F Pino Harajuku, 4-28-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.
Meiji-Jingūmae. Tel: 03-3403-1991. http://touchez.jp
Ciz Labo, a salon with
branches in Ebisu, Ginza,
and Omotesandō among
others, offers a treatment
using real gold in which
gold foil (94.5% pure gold
and 5.5% silver) is applied
to the entire face to improve
blood circulation and leave
you with supple skin.
The salon also offers
a super deluxe treatment
priced at ¥648,000 called
the “Champagne Crystal
Celebrity Course” that
uses 20 bottles of ¥20,000
Champagne, and involves
bathing in the expensive
bubbly while it’s poured
down your back. The carbonation has detoxifying effects, and improves
blood circulation. The price is definitely intended for “celebrities,” but if
you ever dreamed of bathing in Champagne, this might be your chance!
Ebisu Branch. 1-1-40 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Ebisu. Tel: 03-3797-4116.
www.ci-z.com
16
fashion fix
FASHION “WEEK”
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
“Fashion Week” has to be one of the biggest misnomers in the fashion lexicon, frankly bordering on a bare-faced lie at times. Even the
official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo schedule sprawls past
either side of this designation, and the scope of events is guaranteed
to keep you busy well into April. Those interested can check the full
schedule at the official homepage (http://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com),
and keep in mind that there’s a whole host of exhibitions, installations,
and events going on off-schedule—which I’m afraid you’ll just have
to navigate yourself. My advice is to hit social media and jump at any
open invitations.
ON POINT
One of the biggest questions facing Tokyo Fashion Week as a whole
is one of identity. Simply put, how
does the week reflect Tokyo? And
by proxy, how does it reflect Japanese fashion? It’s easy to get distracted by brands such as Black by
Vanquish, G.V.G.V., and 5351 Pour
Les Hommes et Les Femmes, that
acutely reflect what you see on the
streets of Tokyo outside the venues.
But while there are doubtless elements of those brands which reflect
a standard of finish and awareness
of layering that you could say typify
the Japanese market, they’re still
brands working in the Western fashion genre. Few would associate them
with the traditional. However, tradition and fashion rarely go hand in hand—
one celebrates the past and continuity, while the other wants to tear it up,
or at the very least, deconstruct it.
Stepping up to offer a vision of traditional Japanese clothing in the Fashion
Week context are brands like kimono maestro Jotaro Saito and artisanal label
Matohu. Each season, their collections propose a simple point—“modern”
does not have to mean “Western”— and whether it’s kimono in gothic snakeskin print, or traditional workwear rendered in top-of-the-range textiles, these
two designers are taking the lead on this ongoing discussion.
Fashion Week has a tendency to
tease—after all, you see all these
great clothes on the catwalk—but
with the taunting caveat that they’re
not going to be on sale for at least
three or four months. Those in need
of a bit of instant retail gratification
would do well to head on over to the
7th Shibuya Fashion Festival, which
kicks off on the 21st of March with a
guerrilla fashion show just a stone’s
throw from Hachiko. On that note,
the iconic dog will be dressing up for the occasion in a number of fashionable ensembles, and if you join him, you could be in the running for a ¥5,000
shopping voucher if you’re snapped by the organizers. Over 200 shops in
the Shibuya area will be participating with a range of workshops, sales, and
parties, so check out the official homepage (www.shibuyafashionfestival.
com) to see what’s going on.
UPCOMING
Affectionately termed “Fashion Week Flu,” the inevitable consequence of a
barrage of shows, parties, and all-round excess, does not have to put an end to
your week. Rather, it presents an opportunity to accessorize with the current boom
in fashionable face masks. Designer options are all the rage, but even your local
drugstore is likely to stock a range of easy-to-coordinate copies to suit your look.
Photo by Samuel Thomas
SHOPPING STRATEGY
STREET
FOCUS
CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR.
17
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
THE THEORY OF
EVERYTHING
It was only a matter of time before a film was
made about this remarkable man. Stephen
Hawking was diagnosed with ALS 50 years
ago and given two years to live. You can
confidently say he has beaten the odds—
and in the process, he turned the world of
science on its head with his groundbreaking concepts of the Big Bang, black holes,
and boundaries of the universe. But like its
cinematic cousin, The Imitation Game, the
film doesn’t try to explain the science. For
that, read Hawking’s most excellent A Brief
History of Time. Instead it concentrates on
the formidable personal challenges faced
by the physicist and his first wife Jane (upon
whose memoir the film is based). Of course
the film belongs to Eddie Redmayne, who
took home an Oscar for his painstakingly
detailed por trayal, without unnecessar y
exaggeration, of a brilliant man gradually
losing control of his body’s muscles. But its
emotional center is Felicity Jones as Jane,
who matches Redmayne scene for scene
with an equally powerful but far subtler performance. This brainy bio is inspirational,
literate, schmaltz-free, and quite moving,
bringing this hardened reviewer close
to tears more than once. Japanese title:
Hakase to Kanojo no Theory. (123 min)
NEW
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM:
SECRET OF THE TOMB
The 2006 Ben Stiller
ve h i c l e N i g h t a t t h e
Museum of fered the
mildly amusing spectacle of all the exhibits at the American Museum of
Natural History coming to life. It was pure multiplex fodder, but at least encouraged kid curiosity. The plodding
2009 sequel merely repurposed the same material.
The best thing I can say about this flaccid, Londonbased cash grab (aside from one amusing tweak on
M.C. Escher’s “Relativity”), is that it’s the last one. One
recurring gag is a pissing monkey. Go to a museum
instead. Japanese title: Night Museum: Egypt Oh no
Himitsu. (97 min)
NEW
CLOWN
As a birthday surprise
fo r hi s so n , a m o d e l
father and husband
(Andy Powers) dons an
antique clown costume
he had found hidden away in an attic. The problems
start when he finds he can’t get the suit off. Ditto the
red nose, fright wig, and whiteface makeup. But this
is child’s play to his (bwa-ha-ha-ha!) subsequent turning into a demon with a taste for the flesh of children.
No laughing matter. Also starring Peter Stormare, this
Eli Roth-produced direct-to-DVD schlock-fest clearly
is not for anyone suffering from coulrophobia (look it
up). Or anyone, period, for that matter, save hardcore
horror fans. (100 min)
SONG ONE
An aspiring young musician in a coma, his semiestranged sister (Anne
Hathaway) returning
to Brooklyn from overseas to sit at his bedside and hope, the boy’s indiefolk idol (Johnny Flynn) joining the vigil, mom (Mary
Steenburgen) revealing truths, and the curative power
of music. Not a lot of drama, but also zilch melodrama.
There’s a sense of realism to this intuitive, low-key
musical love story by newcomer writer/director Kate
Barker-Froyland, which refreshingly confounds your
cinematic expectations at every turn. I liked how it
tries not at all to be hip, and the fine acoustic music.
Japanese title: Brooklyn no Koibito tachi. (88 min)
INTO THE WOODS
Ro b M a r s h a l l ’s t r a c k
record in the tricky craft
of adapting stage musicals includes an Oscarwinner (Chicago) and
a real turkey (Nine). This one’s in between, a toneddown (it’s Disney) version of Stephen Sondheim’s
far racier stage epic that mixes and matches four
Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The first half is fun, creative, and exuberant, but then the mash-up starts falling apart as the story lines begin tripping over one
another. Some magical moments, interleaved with
embarrassing missteps. Great cast includes Meryl
Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and about ten
minutes of Johnny Depp. (125 min)
JESSABELLE
A broke, temp orari l y w h e e l chai r- b o u n d
young woman is forced
to move into her goodol’-boy father’s place in
creepy-swampy Louisiana and deal with a houseful
of Southern Gothic horror clichés. A bathtub scene?
Seriously? Some southern-fried voodoo. Her dead
mom doing tarot readings on VHS and warning of a
“presence” in the house. Yawn. Sarah Snook, who was
so good in Predestination, does her best to make this
generic material work, but all she succeeds in doing
is making the wait for the phenomenally unsurprising
final twist a little easier. Directed by Saw series veteran
Kevin Greutert. (90 min)
THE IMITATION GAME
While no one can be called
the inventor of the computer, Alan Turing comes
close. The machine he
built to break the Nazis’
Enigma code saved thousands of lives. But this was leavened with tragedy when he broke a different code: The
petty, antediluvian social code of 1940s Britain that made
homosexuality a crime. Benedict Cumberbatch puts in
another flawless performance, expressing the man’s
genius and arrogance as well as his social clumsiness and
loneliness. Script wisely doesn’t try to explain the math,
and streamlines events into a cinematically accessible
whole without dumbing it down. Japanese title: Imitation
Game: Enigma to Tensai Sugakusha no Himitsu. (114 min)
NEW
NEW
NEW
The Theory of Everything: © UNIVERSAL PICTURES; Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.; Clown: © 2014 Vertebra Clown Film Inc.; Song One: © 2014 Song One Funding
LLC All Rights Reserved; Into the Woods: ©2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc.; Jessabelle: © 2015 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.; The Imitation Game: © 2014 BBP IMITATION, LLC; Good People: © 2013 GOOD PRODUCTIONS.
INC; Begin Again: © 2013 KILLIFISH PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Predestination: © 2013 Predestination Holdings Pty Ltd, Screen Australia, Screen Queensland Pty Ltd and Cutting Edge Post Pty Ltd; Annabelle: © 2014 WARNER
BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC; Chef: © Merrick Morton; The Fault in Our Stars: © 2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX.
20
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
GOOD PEOPLE
How about moronic people? A law-abiding but
cash-strapped American
couple in London finds
a bag of money in the
basement flat they had rented to a lowlife of questionable career goals who just died of a heroin overdose.
They decide to keep the money. What could go wrong?
Don’t these people ever go to the movies? James
Franco and Kate Hudson play it so generic, they nearly
disappear (though in Franco’s case this is a plus), and
Tom Wilkinson seems to be channeling Columbo as
the investigating copper. The final “thrilling” scene
in a house being refurbished plays like Home Alone.
Japanese title: Perfect Plan. (90 min)
BEGIN AGAIN
Direc tor John Carney
transplants the theme of
his lovely 2006 Once to
NYC with name actors.
Keira Knightley plays a
freshly dumped songwriter coerced into doing one personal, acoustic song in a noisy New York club. The only
one listening is a drunken, washed-up music producer (a
great Mark Ruffalo). In the film’s most memorable scene,
her performance is replayed through his eyes, as his imagination adds sidemen only he can hear. The two begin a
professional courtship that could save both their lives.
Good music, appealing characters and a story just offbeat
enough to keep you interested. Japanese title: Hajimari
no Uta. (103 min)
PREDESTINATION
A high - concep t , low budget existential
puzzle that will reward
t hink ing mov ie g o er s .
A complex , paradoxi cal, time-travel mind-messer that mixes elements
of Looper, Memento and Back to the Future. Ethan
Hawke is a sort of time cop who, in another time, happens upon a fellow whose backstory is a real mind(not to mention gender-) bender. Sarah Snook shows
in one movie more range than most actors do in an
entire career. I can’t really tell you much more for fear
of spoiling some of the surprises, of which there are
many. But this one will play with your brain while it
touches your heart. (97 min)
ANNABELLE
Hey, a movie about a
creepy antique doll!
Well, that’s new. This
c h e a p o s p i n - of f p re quel from The Conjuring
focuses on the backstor y of the titular doll that
appeared late in that vastly better movie. This cashgrab offers nothing remotely original, the music’s
oppressive, the acting’s anemic, the scares are surface-level and instantly forgettable, the dialogue’s
labored, and it plagiarizes several other movies. (It’s
such a blatant rip-off of Rosemary’s Baby that the
main characters are even named Mia and John.) At
least the doll is not animated. Chucky, this ain’t; skippable, this is. Japanese title: Annabelle: Shiryōkan no
Ningyo. (98 min)
CHEF
If you know any thing
about writer/direc tor/
a c t o r J o n F a v r e a u ’s
c a re e r (s t a r t i n g w i t h
personal films such as
Swingers and Made, then on to blockbusters like Iron
Man and Cowboys and Aliens), this can be seen as a
veiled autobiography. It’s the heartwarming tale of a
talented chef quitting his job in a prestigious but unadventurous restaurant to get back to his creative culinary
roots in a beat-up Cuban sandwich truck. Selling back
in. Not a lot of drama here, but it’s knowledgeable and
continually amusing; more a relaxed, slow-food cinematic meal, set to great salsa, R&B, and funk music.
Super cast. Japanese title: Chef: Mitsuboshi Food Truck
Hajimemashita. (115 min)
THE FAULT IN OUR
STARS
Stay with me here, and
don’t dismiss this spirited YA romance on its
downer topic. Hazel and
Gus—Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, great chemistry—meet in a teens-with-cancer support group. They
live in the present, because, well ... they don’t have a
future. Reluctantly, they fall in love. The film is never
maudlin or overtly manipulative (okay, a little in the last
scenes), it earns the tears and offers honesty along
with, yes, humor. The acting is superb, the characters
are fully realized, and the dialogue is sharp. Willem
Dafoe shines in a subplot. This is what Nicholas Sparks
keeps trying to do. Japanese title: Kitto, Hoshi no Sei
Ja Nai. (125 min)
©NISHI-ZO 西村映造
© IMAGE.NET
©1983 Wild Style. All Rights Reserved.
eiga
Ac tress Maki Mizui has made
some brave choices after transitioning from being a pin - up
By Rob Schwartz
(“gravure”) model. She starred
as a girl experiencing abuse in
Endless Blue (2009), which has great relevance to
the present film. Mizui also had roles in splatter fests
like Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl and Tokyo Gore
Police (which she also wrote). Now Mizui takes the
reigns for her directorial debut, and she’s only 21.
This powerful and harrowing tale first unspooled at
the much-loved Yūbari International Fantastic Film
Festival in late February. In a tale that could be taken
from recent headlines in Japan, Mayuka (Kayano
Masuyama of AKB48 fame) is abducted on her way
home from a part-time job. The man responsible (Ken
Koba), a serial sex offender, holds and torments her,
but in the end releases her unharmed. Deeply traumatized, Mayuka is wracked with guilt and fear but
does not inform the police. The resultant portrayal of
a victim’s psychology is astute, disturbing, and effective. This is a mini tour-de-force. Hopefully it portends
big things from the versatile talent Mizui. English title:
Kept. (70 min)
RA
movie news
An escaped robot that becomes intelligent sounds
like the plotline of the ’80s comedy Short Circuit. But
the vision of the director does a lot to determine the
tone of a film, and no one will mistake the new film
Chappie, directed by Neill Blomkamp, for anything
other than a sci-fi romp. “If anyone liked [Blomkamp’s
debut] District 9, which I loved, it has got that same
feel,” Hugh Jackman said at the Berlin premiere. “It
is a science fiction film, but it is very realistic and
incredibly touching. It also makes you think a little
bit.” Jackman plays an engineer who builds humancontrolled robots to fight crime in South Africa. When
his boss (Sigourney Weaver) greenlights an A.I. model
by a rival developer (Dev Patel), crime surges, and
a prototype named Chappie escapes. Patel called
the experience of filming with Blomkamp in South
Africa “amazing.” “The crews were so happy to work
with him, because he is a hero there.” Weaver called
herself “a huge admirer” of Blomkamp and said she
jumped at the chance to work with him because his
script was so original. The two will have the chance
to work together again—the director has been tapped
to helm the upcoming Alien sequel, which will see the
actress returning as Ripley. Chappie opens in Japan
May 23. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
Lace up your Adidas for the re-release of early hip-hop
film Wild Style (1983; pictured), at Cinema Rise (13-17
Utagawacho, Shibuya-ku; www.cinemarise.com) for
three weeks, starting March 21. The plot about a reporter
trying to track down a graffiti artist is forgettable—what
made it a cult hit and source of countless samples used
in songs were the performances by Grandmaster Flash,
Fab Five Freddy, and others … Before the technology
existed to add subtitles, silent films were shown in Japan
accompanied by benshi—narrators who would translate,
explain the story, do voices, and even do sound effects.
The art form is still alive and Akiko Sasaki will show
you how it’s done with Buster Keaton’s 1926 comedy
masterpiece The General at Cinemart Shinjuku (3-815 Roppongi, Minato-ku; http://meturl.com/cinemartshinjuku), on March 22 at 10am and 12:30pm … Human
Trust Cinema Yurakucho (2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku;
www.ht-cinema.com) has something for multi-lingual
cinema fans this month. The German comedy Back on
Track, on from March 21, has laughs and heart in a story
about a former Olympian who fends off the boredom of
a retirement home by training for the Berlin Marathon.
And Vanessa Paradis plays a single mother of a boy with
Down syndrome in the French-language Café de Flore,
on from March 28. KM
21
インターナショナルパーティー ･ 入場無料
¥500フード＆ドリンクメニュー有り
FRIDAY
MARCH 27
7PM-11PM
FREE ENTRY
¥500 FOOD & DRINKS
Welcome in the spring breeze
Wear
something
blue to get
one free
drink!
Join us for this month's Getsumatsu at American-style bar restaurant,
Blue Point! Nestled in the platinum street of Shirokane, the newly
designed restaurant has a calm atmosphere like the lobby of a five-star
hotel—stylish and airy, letting you forget the business of the city.
Blue Point
4-19-19 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku.
Tel: 03-3280-2020 - http://www.tgn.co.jp/hall/shirogane/bp
MORE INFO»
http://meturl.com/mar15
“Tokyo’s premier multidisciplinary rehabilitation center”
• Assessments and treatments
Club 360 is a multidisciplinary health
performed by a team of
and fitness center, which also offers
internationally trained, registered and
personal training, group classes,
experienced physiotherapists.
boxing and kickboxing.
• Private treatment rooms
• Large, fully equipped rehab gym
• Central location 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills
• Consultations available in English and Japanese
Sports injuries
Musculoskeletal and spinal conditions (neck and back pain)
Ergononomic and postural assessments
Gait assessments
Rehabilitation programs
Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:00pm, Sun 8:00am - 2:00pm • Tel: 03-6434-9667
22
© Mika Ninagawa, Courtesy of Tomio Koyama Gallery
arts&culture
ART
MIKA
NINAGAWA
The Japanese artist’s filtered
image of self
BY C.B. LIDDELL
The show’s title, “Mika Ninagawa: Self Image,” might lead one to expect a narcissistic
focus—and, in a sense, it is. But Ninagawa’s
“selfies” are hardly a vanity project. This is
signalled by the fact that the section of the
show dedicated to these is the only part that
eschews her trademark “Ninagawa color,” using
bleaker, starker monochrome instead.
Several of these, including some of an “intimate” nature, hint at the emotional turmoil
of the thrice-divorced 49-year-old. They also
suggest that she uses photography as a way of
coming to terms with
her emotions. As a
subtle touch, the curators have decorated
the gallery here with
the chess-board pattern of Ninagawa’s
bathroom, the backdrop of some of them.
I
f there’s one word
that sums up the work
of photographic artist Mika Ninagawa,
it’s “lush.” Famed for her
“Ninagawa color,” her pictures of flowers, goldfish,
and celebrities seem to
“bleed” and “melt” with
vivid colors, rather like
cheese on pizza, creating
images that are visceral,
raw, and—most importantly—luxuriant.
The daughter of famed
theater director Yukio Ninagawa, she’s also very
much part of the Japanese cultural elite, and
much in demand for portraits, advertisements,
and magazine shoots. But side-by-side with
her commercial work, she also maintains a serious “art” career, with themed photo books and
exhibitions, like the one at the Hara Museum of
Art, which explore the medium of photography
in more profound ways.
But while this part of the exhibition has an
element of guilty voyeurism about it, the most
effective and artistic part of the show is the
large downstairs gallery, featuring a collage of
colorful images.
Supplementing her usual trademarks—flowers, goldfish, parted lips—are also images of
stuffed animals and people at a musical festival.
In these deceptively soft images, as lush and
enticing as anything shot for a magazine spread,
we encounter Ninagawa’s hard-edged cynicism.
With the festival goers, she makes a point of
highlighting their hands
thrown up in the air as if
in distress.
“Losing one’s sense
of ego while dancing to
explosive music is a very
primitive act, but do they
look like they are having
fun and are in a state of
euphoria?” Ninagawa
asks. “It seems to me they aren’t. On the
contrary, they look as if they are calling
for help or are frightened by the muchtoo-bright light.”
This sense of darkness that lies just
under the surface also explains her
obsession with goldfish, which feature
prominently in a video installation.
Ninagawa is drawn to these creatures
because they have been reshaped solely
for the purpose of human appreciation.
“By compounding deformity with
deformity, it becomes more interesting
as a shape, but weaker as a life form,”
she explains. “Its lifespan is shortened
as it becomes more susceptible to bacterial infection.”
In essence, Ninagawa’s work explores the
balance between beauty and strength, color and
shape, femininity and masculinity; and between
the ability to approach reality directly or through
various filters of perversion. But these themes
and dichotomies are buried deep in her work,
like the poison or medicine of a sugar-coated pill.
Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, until May 10.
23
agenda
WATCH LIST
hot tickets
APR
25-JUN 28
Naruto Exhibition
Experience the spectacular world of
manga master Masashi Kishimoto’s
iconic Naruto. Apr 25-Jun 28,
10am-8pm. ¥500-1,800 (adv)/
¥800-2,000 (door). Mori Arts Center
Gallery. Roppongi.
http://naruto-ten.com
Tickets on sale now
Concerts
POPULAR
The Big Nothing: Angels &
Demons
A night of rock ‘n’ roll, drinks,
and fun! Mar 20, 8pm. ¥2,300.
Heaven’s Door. Sangenjaya.
Tel: 03-3411-6774. http://j.mp/
nothingangels2015
Colin and Yozy (COZY)
A dance and music spectacle
for the eyes and ears. Mar 22,
6:30-10pm. ¥1,600-1,900.
Otsuka MEETS. Otsuka. Tel:
03-6303-3226. http://meets.
rinky.info
MAR
24
Mark Ronson
English soul musician, DJ, and
producer, famed for his work with
Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen,
recently scoring a hit with “Uptown
Funk.” Mar 24, 7:30pm. ¥3,500.
Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://j.mp/
markronson2015
Tickets on sale now
American pop-rock band’s
Tokyo show with supporting
act New Politics. You’ll thank
them for the memories. Mar
30, 7pm. ¥7,000. Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/
falloutboy2015
Rhye
R&B musical duo that initially
began as an internet-based
mystery, posting several
singles online without
providing any background
information or contact details.
Mar 30, 7:30pm. ¥6,000.
Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/
rhye2015
Ne-Yo
Rancid
American punk rock band
founded by ’80s punk veterans
Tim Armstrong and Matt
Freeman, who previously
played in the highly influential
ska-punk band Operation Ivy.
Mar 25, 7pm. ¥6,800. Akasaka
Blitz. Akasaka. http://j.mp/
rancid2015
Alexandra Stan
Romanian pop star and model
known for “Mr. Saxobeat” and
“Lollipop (Param Pam Pam).”
Mar 26, 7:30pm. ¥6,500.
Ebisu Garden Hall. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5423-7111. http://j.mp/
alexandravictor
Soft Machine Legacy
Originally named Soft Machine,
the Canterbury rockers now
tour as Soft Machine Legacy,
with some former and new
members. With special guest
Keith Tippett. Mar 26-27,
7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,400-8,400.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
softmachinelegacy2015
Skindred
Welsh rock band whose
musical style mixes heavy
metal, alt rock, reggae,
and punk, and who are well
known for their energetic and
involving live performances.
Mar 28, 6pm. ¥4,000. WWW.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-7685.
http://j.mp/skindred2015
The American R&B singer
comes closer to perform a
show that’s guaranteed to
be “so sick.” Mar 30, 8pm.
¥9,000. Pacifico Yokohama.
Minatomirai. http://j.mp/
neyo2015
Rockapella
American a cappella group
who sings original vocal
music and covers of pop and
rock songs. Mar 31, 7pm.
¥6,500-8,500. Billboard
Live. Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
rockapella2015
Azealia Banks
Controversial American rapper
and singer-songwriter, whose
music is as popular as her
feuds with fellow rappers.
Mar 31, 8pm. ¥5,500. Tsutaya
O-East. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/
azealiabanks2015
Mastodon
American metal band whose
songs feature progressive
concepts and unique
instrumentation. Apr 1, 7pm.
¥7,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/
mastodon2015
The New Flying Zabutons
A short history of R&B,
part one. Apr 3, 7-11pm.
¥1,000. Rooster North Side.
Ogikubo. www.ogikuborooster.com/north
Liv Warfield
Oregonian R&B singersongwriter, named “Portland’s
Most Soulful Singer,” and
newest member of her
mentor Prince’s New Power
Generation. Mar 26-27,
7 & 9:30pm; Mar 28, 5 &
8pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
livwarfield2015
Arrested Development
Fall Out Boy
The Waterboys
This ain’t a scene; it's the
Band whose music is a mix of
24
Grammy Award-winning
American alternative hip-hop
group who were named
Band of the Year by Rolling
Stone magazine in 1993.
Apr 4, 6 & 9pm; Apr 5, 4:30
& 7:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
arresteddevelopment2015
MAY
30
Nickelback
One of Canada’s most controversial
rock bands come to Japan. This is
how we remind you of that fact. May
30, 7pm. ¥9,500. Tokyo Taiikukan.
Kokuritsukyogijo or Sendagaya.
http://j.mp/nickelback2015
Tickets on sale from Mar 21
Celtic folk music with rock and
roll. Apr 6, 7:30pm. ¥8,000.
Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
waterboys2015
Tropics
Chris Ward, a British producer
and multi-instrumentalist
whose music is a little
bit chillwave, a little bit
polyrhythmics. Apr 7, 7pm.
¥4,500-6,500. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://j.mp/tropics2015
Battle Beast
Finnish heavy metal band who
rose to prominence by winning
two major band competitions
in 2010. Apr 7, 7pm. ¥6,800.
Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
battlebeast2015
Stick Men
Progressive rock band formed
by the bassist Tony Levin, with
special guest David Cross.
Apr 10, 7pm. ¥6,000-8,000.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
stickmen2015
JUN
25-JUL 5
Jersey Boys
A rock musical following Franki
Valli and the Four Seasons’ early
beginnings, their rise, and their
eventual fall. A show you can’t take
your eyes off of. Jun 25-Jul 5, various
times. ¥9,000-13,000. Theatre Orb.
Shibuya. Tel: 0570-550-799.
http://j.mp/jerseyboys2015
Tickets on sale Mar 21
JAZZ/WORLD
Bobby McFerrin
The reggae and jazz great
reminds you to not worry—be
happy. Mar 20 & 23, 7 &
9:30pm; Mar 21-22, 5 & 8pm.
¥12,800. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/mcferrin2015
Gerald Albright
American jazz saxophonist
and multi-instrumentalist who
was one of the ten featured
saxophonists who performed
at Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
Mar 24, 7pm. ¥7,800. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
albright2015
American internationally-known
jazz vocalist who has recorded
and performed with some of
the most notable figures on
the American jazz scene. Mar
31-Apr 3, 6:30 & 9pm; Apr 4, 5 &
8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/merrill2015
Colm Wilkinson: Broadway
and Beyond Japan
Irish tenor best known for
originating the role of Jean
Valjean in Les Misérables. Apr
18, 6:30pm; Apr 19, 3pm; Apr
21-22, 2pm. ¥7,000-12,000.
Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/
wilkinson2015
Mexican jazz drummer who
composed the music for the
Academy Award-winning
film Birdman. Apr 14,
7pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
antoniosanchez2015
William Bell
Helen Merrill
Powerhouse vocalist brings her
take on rock, blues, and soul
to Tokyo. Apr 18, 6:30-11pm.
¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door).
Yotsuya Lotus. Yotsuyasanchome. Tel: 03-5315-4781.
http://yotsuyalotus.com
Antonio Sanchez &
Migration
Jamaican reggae musician,
multi-instrumentalist, singer,
and actor who is the only living
musician to hold the Order
of Merit. Apr 14-16, 6:30 &
9:30pm. ¥10,000-12,000.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
jimmycliff2015
Chart-topping British singersongwriter puts on a show
that’ll make you go “boom,
clap.” Apr 16, 7pm. ¥6,000.
Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/
charli2015
Davina Robinson
bandleader, and music
producer who was the principal
architect of P-Funk, and was
inducted into the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Apr
12, 6 & 9pm; Apr 13, 6:30 &
9:30pm. ¥12,000-14,000.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
georgeclinton2015
Jimmy Cliff
Charli XCX
American bubblegum singersongwriter who’s all about that
bass. Apr 18, 7pm. ¥5,800.
Laforet Museum. Harajuku.
Tel: 03-5413-3072. http://j.mp/
trainor2015
One of the biggest drum festivals
in Japan. The main event involves
800 taiko performers presenting
an exciting show in appreciation of
nature and hope for world peace. Apr
18-19, 10am-5pm. Free. Naritasan
Shinshoji Temple. Narita. http://j.
mp/naritataiko2015
Tickets on sale now
Jazz, rock, and funk trio
with members Charnett
Moffett, Stanley Jordan, and
Eric McPherson. Mar 25-27,
6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel:
03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/
nettworktrio2015
English rock band led by
former Oasis lead guitarist/
songwriter. Apr 16, 7pm.
¥9,000. Nippon Budokan.
Kudanshita. http://j.mp/
gallagher2015
Meghan Trainor
APR
18-19
Narita Taiko Matsuri
Nettwork Trio
Memphis soul singersongwriter and former member
of The Del Rios makes sure
you don’t miss your water.
Mar 28, 6 & 9pm; Mar 29, 4:30
& 7:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/
williambell2015
Noel Gallagher’s High
Flying Birds
for free
Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quartet
Grammy Award-winning Cuban
jazz pianist and composer
Rubalcaba’s tribute to Charlie
Haden. Apr 5, 5 & 8pm; Apr
6-7, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
rubalcabaquartet2015
Keziah Jones
Nigerian singer-songwriter
and guitarist who describes
his musical style as “blufunk,”
a fusion between raw blues
elements and hard, edgy
funk rhythms. Apr 8-10, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
keziahjones2015
Herb Alpert & Lani Hall
Jazz trumpeter Alpert, who
is the only recording artist
to hit number one on the
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop
chart as both a vocalist and
an instrumentalist, and
his wife Hall, a Grammy
Award-winning singer. Apr 17
& 20, 7:30pm; Apr 18-19, 6pm.
¥14,800-18,040. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
alperthall2015
Dudamel, winner of the
prestigious City of Toronto
Glenn Gould Protégé Prize.
Mar 28, 6pm. ¥9,000-26,000.
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
http://j.mp/laphil2015
Michinoku Wind Orchestra
A music aid concert for high
school brass band clubs in
the coastal region of Iwate
prefecture. Apr 1, 5pm. Free
(admittance by lottery).
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
http://j.mp/michinoku2015
Vittorio Grigolo
Italian operatic tenor who was
chosen to become part of the
Sistine Chapel Choir as a soloist
at a young age. Apr 5, 2pm.
¥15,000-18,500. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999.
www.operacity.jp/en
Toyota Master Players,
Wien
With performances of Mozart’s
“Serenade in D major, K. 239
Serenata notturna,” Hummel’s
“Concerto for Trumpet in E
major,” and more. Apr 6, 7pm.
¥3,000-5,500. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
toyotaplayers2015
Lim Hyung Joo
UN Peace Medal-winning
South Korean operatic pop
tenor and classical crossover
singer. Apr 8, 7pm. ¥7,500.
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
http://j.mp/limhyungjoo2015
Blue Mountain Boys
Classic country western and
bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30
& 7:30pm. Free. Cafe Sepia.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-1300.
www.nagaremono.com/sepia
CLASSICAL
Regis Pasquier
A great violinist of world fame
who was awarded the First
Prize for violin and chamber
music at the Conservatoire
National Superieur de Musique
de Paris at the age of 12. Mar
24, 7pm. ¥6,500 (¥3,000
students). Toppan Hall. Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5840-2200.
http://j.mp/pasquier2015
Marek Szpakiewicz Cello
Recital
World-renowned Polish cellist’s
first appearance in Japan. Mar
27, 7-9pm. ¥4,500. Oji Hall.
Ginza. www.facebook.com/
ForJapanWereUnited
George Clinton and
Parliament-Funkadelic
Los Angeles Philharmonic
American singer-songwriter,
Conducted by Gustavo
Kyung-wha Chung
Korean violinist who attended
the prestigious Juilliard
School. Apr 15, 7pm. ¥5,00012,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Clubbing
FRIDAY 20
Microcosmos
Bahamania. House, soul: DJs
Naiz, Chika, etc. From 12am.
¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-5496. www.
microcosmos-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Air
Privilege. Hip-hop: DJs
Clark Kent, Izoh, etc. From
10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Power. Electro: DJs 80kidz,
Halfby, etc. From 10pm.
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Mark Sixma, Husman, etc.
From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
The Big Party. All mix, EDM:
DJs Kaori, Komori, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Club Asia
19th Anniversary. Dub, bass
music: DJs Baku, Kuranaka,
etc. Live: Dry & Heavy and
more. From 11pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Endless Flight. House,
disco: DJs Henrik Schwarz,
Konstantin Sibold, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
Spring Funky Bass. Bass
music, grime: DJs Swindle,
Roska, etc. From 11:30pm.
¥3,500. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
FRIDAY 27
Microcosmos
Build. Hip-hop: DJs Kingmck,
Plastic Kid, etc. From 12am.
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-5496. www.
microcosmos-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix: DJ Ykk and more.
From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after
11:30pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
Club Asia
Runway Afterparty. EDM: DJs
Fukushima, Chiba, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Ballet composed by Sergei
Prokofiev and performed by the
K-Ballet Company. Mar 20 & 22,
2pm; Mar 21, 12:30 & 4:30pm.
¥6,000-13,500. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/
kballetcinderella2015
Daikanyama Unit
Fatbros x Manual. DJs Shimoda,
Alexander Lee Chang, etc. From
11pm. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings)
/ 070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs
Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From
11pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Dance
Cinderella
Womb
Ruby Room
The Room
¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500 (door).
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
http://j.mp/sakuraparty2015
Air
Mad Decent Night. Hip-hop,
electro: DJs Paul Devro, Liz,
etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com
Ucess the Lounge
Le Corsaire
Ballet loosely based on the
poem The Corsair by Lord
Byron, performed by the Tani
Momoko Ballet Company. Mar
21, 2 & 7pm; Mar 22, 4pm.
¥3,000-12,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en
Seiji Ozawa Music
Academy Opera Project
XIII
Featuring Ravel’s L’enfant et
les sortileges performed by the
Seiji Ozawa Music Academy
Orchestra. Mar 24, 7pm.
¥8,000-18,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Exhibitions
ENDING SOON
Bartkira: Akira Meets The
Simpsons Mash-Up
Worldwide Art Project,
Volume 3
A mash-up of “Akira” and the
characters and setting from
The Simpsons. Until Mar 21,
1-7pm. Free. Gallery Hakusen.
Asagaya. www.bartkira.com
Sense Modern
Romeo and Juliet
Performed by the Scottish
Ballet Company. Mar 26, 7pm;
Mar 27, 2 & 7pm; Mar 28, 2pm.
¥6,000-12,000. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/
scottishballet2015
NHK Ballet no Kyōen
Japan’s best ballet companies
and dancers gather to perform
contemporary pieces as well
as classics such as Carmen and
Sleeping Beauty. Mar 28, 5pm.
¥3,000-12,000. NHK Hall.
Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae.
Tel: 03-3465-1751. http://j.mp/
nhkballet2015
Riverdance 20 Years
Showcasing works by Yozo
Hamaguchi, a printmaker
widely known as the artist who
gave new life to mezzotint.
Until Mar 22, 11am-5pm,
closed Mon. ¥200-600. Musée
Hamaguchi Yozo: Yamasa
Collection. Suitengu-mae.
Tel: 03-3665-0251. www.
yamasa.com/musee/en
Kishio Suga: Situated
Latency
An artist of the Monoha
movement that flourished in
the years before and after
1970, who uses stone, wood,
and sheet metal to create
installations which consist
not merely of the relationship
between substances, but
also of the minute and free
relational structure between
the space and materials
as an object. Until Mar 22,
10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥600-1,100. Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng
Disko Klubb. Disco, house:
DJs Force of Nature, Omi,
etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000
w/1d. Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
Sound Museum Vision
Womb
The Room
Mashup. EDM: DJs Feenixpawl,
Dantz, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc.
From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
With an incredible two
decades of global success,
this tour provides Riverdance
fans old and new the
opportunity to celebrate an
incredible milestone for an
incredible show. Apr 3-15,
various times. ¥7,500-12,000.
Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/
riverdance20years
SATURDAY 21
T2
Rosas: Drumming
Constellations: Practices
for Unseen Connections/
Discoveries
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Yoshimasa, Hikaru, etc.
From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Belgian choreographer Anne
Teresa De Keersmaeker’s
contemporary dance
company Rosas’ production
of Drumming, a dazzling
dance set to a powerful
score for percussion by the
American minimalist Steve
Reich. Apr 16-17, 7:30pm;
Apr 18, 2pm. ¥1,000-6,000.
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.
Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-53912111. www.geigeki.jp
The theme for this exhibition
is “to draw invisible lines
and to connect dots,” by
introducing works that
link different “places” and
“times,” going beyond existing
borders to spin together
new relationships. Until
Mar 22, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. ¥600-1,100. Museum
of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng
Stage
Wonder Seeds
Microcosmos
City Hunter.Hip-hop: DJs
Alamaki, Keita, etc. From
12am. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496.
www.microcosmos-tokyo.com
Classics. Hip-hop: DJ Maseo
and more. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
Ageha
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
Sesh On. Hip-hop: DJs
Yanatake, Ty-Koh, etc. From
11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com
Club Asia
Magic. House, disco: DJs
Kawasaki, Endo, etc. From
9pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Hitsuji. Techno, electro:
DJs Ishino, Lama, etc. From
11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.
clubasia.co.jp
Air
Ucess the Lounge
Disco Disco Disco. House,
disco: DJs Daniel Wang, Nori,
etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Disko Klubb. Disco, house:
DJs Force of Nature, Omi,
etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000
w/1d. Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
Sound Museum Vision
Womb
Techno Invader. Techno: DJs
Ken Ishii, Sunahara, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
Chic Miniature. House: DJs
Ernesto Ferreyra, Pi-Ge, etc.
Live: Chic Miniature. From
11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
The Room
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Dantz, Daijiro, etc. From
10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Liquidroom
Ageha
SATURDAY 28
Shangri-La. House, gay night:
DJs Sawa, Chu, etc. From
11pm. ¥4,000. Shinkiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
House of Liquid. Deep house:
DJs Nick the Record, Bing,
etc. From 11:30pm. ¥3,000.
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800.
www.liquidroom.net
Sound Museum Vision
Kitsuné Club Night: Sakura
Party. Creators collective from
France working across genres.
APR 2-14
OPERA
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
Verdi’s masterpiece with its
famous overture and grand
human drama. Apr 2 & 8,
6:30pm; Apr 5, 11 & 14,
2pm, ¥6,480 - ¥21,600. New
National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai. www.nntt.jac.
go.jp/english/
Manon Lescaut
Puccini’s opera about the
beautiful, free-willed maiden
Manon, and how the Chevalier
des Grieux’s pure love for her
ruins his life. Mar 21, 2pm.
¥5,400-27,000. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/
lescaut2015
An open-call exhibition aimed
to select and sell potential
works of young artists,
providing an opportunity to
connect young artists with art
lovers/collectors. Until Mar
22, 11am-7pm. Free. Tokyo
Wonder Site. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3463-0603. http://j.mp/
wonderseeds2015
Cute Girls in Ukiyo-e
Featuring ukiyo-e paintings
of Edo women and their
luxurious and colorful
kimonos, hair ornaments,
and accessories. Until Mar
26, 10:30am-5:30pm, closed
Mon. ¥500-700. Ukiyo-e Ota
Memorial Museum of Art.
Harajuku. Tel: 03-34030880. www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.
jp/index-E.html
Film History in Posters Part
2: Musical Films
Showcasing the original
posters of the postwar films
from the collection of Makoto
Wada, a famous illustrator,
this exhibition will trace the
descent of the musical film,
which played a significant role
in movie history. Until Mar 29,
11am-6:30pm, closed Mon.
¥70-210. National Film Center.
Kyobashi. www.momat.
go.jp/english
Neo-Impressionism, from
Light to Color
Introducing the trend of
“Neo-Impressionism,” a
movement that progressed
with innovative painting
linked to the 20th century,
and which developed a style
of brightly portraying the real
world onto picture frames,
based on the latest light and
color theories. Until Mar 29,
9:30am-5:30pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥800-1,600.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art
Museum. Ueno. Tel:
03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/
neoimpressionism2015
Fantaisie Merveilleuse
Introducing the richly
imaginative, but relatively
unknown, Art Deco world by
focusing on 80 works shown
for the first time in Japan. Until
Apr 7, 10am-6pm. ¥480-960
(adv)/ ¥600-1,200 (door).
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien
Art Museum. Meguro. Tel:
03-3443-0201. www.teien-artmuseum.ne.jp/en
Mikiko Kumazawa: Howl
Showcasing young and
up-and-coming artist
Kumazawa’s latest works.
Until Apr 11, 11am-7pm,
closed Sun, Mon & hols. Free.
Mizuma Art Gallery. Ichigaya.
Tel: 03-3793-7931. http://
mizuma-art.co.jp/top_e.php
Love Birds
Jules Pascin
Displaying Pascin’s
best-known later works such
as his nude oil paintings in
mother-of-pearl tones, as
well as his early sketches and
watercolors and experiments
in printing, Fauvism and
Expressionism. Until Mar
29, 10am-6pm, closed Wed.
¥500-1,000. Shiodome
Museum. Shimbashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/pascin2015
Swiss Design
Showcasing the distinct
sophistication and quality of
Swiss design that sets the
country apart in functionality,
tradition, engineering and
hands-on craftsmanship.
Until Mar 29, 11am-7pm
(until 8pm on Fri & Sat),
closed Mon. ¥1,000-1,200.
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery.
Hatsudai. http://meturl.com/
swissdesign2015
Ken Miki: Apple +
Showcasing works by graphic
designer Miki known for his
original designs, who has
worked on projects for IBM
Japan, ThinkPad and more.
Until Mar 31, 11am-7pm (until
6pm on Sat), closed Sun & hols.
Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery.
Ginza. http://meturl.com/
ginzagraphicgallery
ONGOING
Masterpieces of Buddhist
Sculpture from Northern
Japan
Showcasing Buddhist
sculptures from Michinoku
famous for their powerful
expressions. Until Apr
5, 9:30am-5pm, closed
Mon. ¥400-1,000. Tokyo
National Museum. Ueno.
michinoku2015.jp
Pharaohs and People in
Ancient Egypt
Explore the lives and
spirituality of the Ancient
Egyptians through items from
the Tokai University Collection.
Until Apr 5, 9:30am-5pm,
closed Mon. ¥150-300.
Yokohama Museum of EurAsian
Cultures. Nihon-Odori. Tel:
045-663-2424. http://j.mp/
pharaohs2015
Bodhisattvas: Symbols of
Salvation and Support
Showcasing sculptures
and paintings depicting
Bodhisattvas, or deities
who, despite having attained
enlightenment for themselves,
willingly descend into the
human realm, where they
face the joys and sorrows
of human life and extend a
hand in salvation. Until Apr
6, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000
(door). Nezu Museum.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. www.nezu-muse.
or.jp/en
An exhibition of artwork
by Jad Fair, an artist and
musician, featuring his
new paper-cuttings with
a motif of birds. Until Apr
26, 1-7pm, closed Mon &
Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery.
Edogawabashi. Tel:
03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/
lovebirds2015
Pictorialism: Prelude to
Modern Photography
An exhibition focusing on
one of the most important
movements in the historical
development of modern
photography. Until Apr 30,
10am-7pm. Free. Fujifilm
Square. Roppongi. Tel:
03-6271-3350. http://j.mp/
pictorialism2015
Great Fake Exposition:
Cultural history of fakes
and imitation
Showcasing fake and imitation
articles and the relationship
between them and their
genuine counterparts. Until
May 6, 9:30am-4:30pm, closed
Mon. ¥450-830. National
Museum of Japanese History.
Keisei-Sakura. http://j.mp/
greatfakeexposition2015
Gabriel Orozco:
Inner Cycles
Mexican artist known for
works that manipulate existing
objects or rules to transform
them into something else,
which intervene with common
scenes to invite new thoughts.
Until May 10, 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. ¥600-1,100.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Tokyo. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.
www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng
Best of the Best
The last exhibition before the
museum closes for renovation
on May 18, showcasing
160 works of modern and
contemporary Western art.
Until May 17, 10am-6pm
(until 8pm on Fri), closed
Mon. ¥500-800. Bridgestone
Museum of Art. Tokyo. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/bestofthebest2015
Intimate Impressionism
from the National Gallery
of Art, Washington
Works by Renoir, Manet,
Monet, and others chosen
by Ailsa Mellon, daughter of
Andrew Mellon, founder of the
National Art Gallery. Until May
24, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥1,400 (adv)/
¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi
Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. http://
mimt.jp/english
Louvre Museum
With works by Vermeer,
Rembrandt and others. Until
Jun 1, 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
¥800-1,600. The National Art
Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/
english
25
The Great Amazon
Featuring over 400 exhibits
and a 4-K theatre experience
where you can travel to the
Amazon through a 355"
large-scale screen. Until Jun
14, 9am-5pm (until 8pm on
Fri), closed Mon. ¥600-1,600.
National Museum of Nature
and Science. Ueno. Tel:
03-3822-0111. http://j.mp/
thegreatamazon2015
UPCOMING
Fukagawa in the Snow: The
Reappearance of an
Utamaro Masterpiece
Showcasing works by Utamaro,
one of the most highly
regarded ukiyo-e practitioners,
especially for his portraits of
beautiful women, or bijin-ga.
Apr 3-Aug 31, 9am-5pm.
¥1,800-2,800. Okada
Museum of Art. Kowakidani.
Tel: 0460-87-3931. www.
okada-museum.com/en
TDC Exhibition
Ginza Graphic Gallery’s annual
exhibition showcasing the
results of the Tokyo TDC
Awards held by the Tokyo
Type Directors Club. Apr 3-28,
11am-7pm, closed Sun & hols.
Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery.
Ginza. http://j.mp/type2015
Hills. Toranomon. Tel:
03-6406-6665. http://
toranomonhills.com/en
Yakult Swallows vs.
Nippon-Ham Fighters
Utrillo & Valadon
Showcasing pieces by
Utrillo, a French painter who
specialized in cityscapes; and
his mother Valadon, an artist
whose drawings and paintings
mostly included female nudes,
female portraits, still lifes,
and landscapes. Apr 18-Jun
28, 10am-6pm, closed Mon.
¥650-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,200
(door). Sompo Japan
Museum of Art. Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.
sjnk-museum.org/en
Tokyo Story 2015
Showcasing works by artists
who participated in Tokyo
Wonder Site’s Creator in
Residence program. Apr
18-Jul 26, 11am-7pm. Free.
Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo. Tel:
03-5689-5331. http://j.mp/
tokyostory2015
Sports
The Beauty of Asian Art
Showcasing prehistoric
and ancient masterpieces
from China, Korea, and
Southeast Asia. Apr 11-Jun
14, 10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum
of Arts. Tokyo.
www.idemitsu.com/museum/
honkan
The Ceramic Works of
Rouault and the Fauvists
Introducing ceramic works
created by some of the great
French artists of the early 20th
century, including Georges
Rouault and Henri Matisse. Apr
11-Jun 21, 10am-6pm, closed
Wed. ¥500-1,000. Shiodome
Museum. Shimbashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/panasonicmuseum
Happy at Hundred
Featuring works by German
photographer Karsten
Thormaehlen, of 100-year-old
men and women. Apr 16-18,
10am-5pm. Free. Toranomon
Yomiuri Giants vs Lotte
Marines
Mar 22, 2pm. ¥300-3,500.
Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
giants.jp/en
Yomiuri Giants vs. DeNA
Baystars
Mar 27, 6pm; Mar 28-29, 2pm.
¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs.
Hanshin Tigers
Mar 31-Apr 2, 6pm.
¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu
Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin
Tigers
APR 4-5
Apr 3-4, 6pm; Apr 5, 2pm.
¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
Yakult Swallows vs.
Chunichi Dragons
Kataoka Tamako
Japanese-style painter who
uses vivid colors, boldly
deformed shapes, and
paintings using powerful
brushwork. Apr 7-May 17,
10am-5pm, closed Mon.
¥300-1,200 (adv)/ ¥400-1,400
(door). The National Museum
of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://tamako2015.
exhn.jp
Mar 22, 1pm. ¥300-2,100.
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Tokyo Sevens 2015
HSBC Sevens World Series
Apr 7-9, 6pm. ¥500-4,000.
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Round 7. Apr 4, 10am, Apr
5, 9:25am. ¥3,000 (1-day
ticket). Prince Chichibu
Memorial Rugby Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34013551. www.tokyo7s.jp
Yomiuri Giants vs. Yakult
Swallows
BASEBALL
Yakult Swallows vs. DeNA
Baystars
Yakult Swallows vs.
Lotte Marines
Apr 17-19, 6pm. ¥300-4,600.
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Mar 20-21, 1pm. ¥300-2,100.
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34048999. www.yakult-swallows.
co.jp
Apr 10, 6pm; Apr 11-12, 2pm.
¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. www.giants.jp/en
MMA
Yomiuri Giants vs.
Nippon-Ham Fighters
Steel! Championship
Tournament
Mar 20, 6pm; Mar 21,
1:30pm. ¥300-5,000. Tokyo
Dome. Suidobashi. Tel:
03-5800-9999. www.
tokyo-dome.co.jp
Armored knights and samurai
battle with axes and swords.
Mar 28, 5:30-8pm. ¥4,0005,000. Star Rise Tower:
Tokyo Tower Media Center.
Akabanebashi. http://
armoredbattle.peatix.com
Tomodachi Charity
Baseball Game
Charity event in support
of children in the Tohoku
region, with retired New York
Yankees greats Derek Jeter
and Hideki Matsui. Mar 21,
5pm. ¥2,000-5,000. Tokyo
Dome. Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999.
http://support-our-kids.org/
2with55
Festivals
TRADITIONAL
Shirasagi-no Mai
Traditional ceremonial parade
and dance. Apr 12. Sensoji.
Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181.
http://meturl.com/sensojijimai
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Asakusa Yabusame
APR 12
Archers demonstrate their skills
on horseback. Apr 18, 1pm.
Sumida Park. Asakusa. http://j.
mp/yabusame2015
INTERNATIONAL
Comedy
New Material Night
Standup, improv, and trying
out new stuff. Apr 7, 8-10pm.
Free. Double Tall Cafe.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5467-4567.
http://tokyocomedy.com/
new_material_night
Standup Comedy at The
Hobgoblin
Standup comedians with a
variety of styles performing in
English. Apr 16, 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
JAPANESE CULTURE
WORKSHOP KOKEDAMA
LESSON
Enjoy making traditional
Japanese moss balls and
learn how to grow them.
Lessons available in
Japanese, English, or Italian.
Casual environment. ¥6,500.
Apr 12, 11:15am and 2pm.
291 2F Glassarea Aoyama.
Omotesando. http://
ondtable.com/workshops
Other Events
Poetry Slam & Live Jazz
Fundraiser with 20 local
performance poets and live
jazz. Mar 21, 6-10pm. ¥2,000
w/1d. World Peace Theater.
Kawasaki. http://ytg.jp
Visa and immigration
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Chiyoda Sakura Festival
Enjoy cherry blossoms on foot
or by boat. Mar 29-Apr 5, all
day. Free. Chidorigafuchi Moat
Greenery Path. Kudanshita
or Hanzomon. http://j.mp/
chiyodasakura2015
Midtown Blossom 2015
Celebrate Spring in Tokyo
Midtown with Martini Blossom
Lounge (12-8pm) and enjoy
the lighting up of the Sakura
trees (5-11pm). Mar 20-Apr
19, 12-11pm. Various prices.
Tokyo Midtown. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3475-3100. www.
tokyo-midtown.com/en
Take in the best of Japanese
contemporary art and enjoy new
works from contemporary Asian
galleries. Mar 20, 11am-9pm;
Mar 21, 11am-8pm; Mar 22,
10:30am-5pm. ¥1,500-3,000
(adv)/ ¥2,000-3,500 (door).
Tokyo International Forum
Exhibition Hall. Yurakucho.
http://artfairtokyo.com/en
Pet Expo
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike with arty socializing.
Every third Wed, 7-10pm.
¥2,000 w/ 1d. Studio and
Space IVVA. Meiji-Jingūmae
or Harajuku. www.facebook.
com/Dr.Sketchy.Tokyo
Held once a year, Suntory
Hall’s Open House provides
a day filled with concerts
and fun events, such as the
opportunity to experience
conducting and more! Apr
4, 11am-5pm. Free. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
suntoryopenhouse2015
An event for pet lovers and
pets with activities, such as a
sports day event for dogs and a
cat show. May 3-5, 10am-5pm.
¥600-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,300
(door). Makuhari Messe.
Kaihin-Makuhari. www.
pethaku.com
Learning
Rikugien Garden
Illumination
Learn about Champagne and
sake, and enjoy a French-style
dinner. Apr 4, 7-10:30pm.
¥14,980 +tax (adv). Stellato.
Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. http://meturl.com/
monthlywine
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
www.j-star.jp
Enjoy the illumination of the
impressive shidarezakura,
or weeping sakura tree. Mar
19-Apr 5, from sunset until 9pm.
¥150 (seniors)/¥300 (general)/
children free. Rikugien
Gardens. Komagome. Tel:
03-3941-2222. http://meturl.
com/rikugarden
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
Imperial
Palace
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp
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
Learn about Japan’s fast
moving PET, packaging,
polyester, recycling market,
and innovative technologies.
Apr 20-21, all day. ¥1,595.
Hilton Tokyo. Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3344-5111. http://j.mp/
jpet2015
Suntory Hall Open House
Champagne & Sake Seminar
Other Legal & Business matters
Hiroshi Oogai,
JPET
Highlighting the many nationalities and cultures that make
Tokyo a vibrant community.
Enjoy international food, music
and dance performances,
carnival games, shopping
bazaar, raffle, and more.
Apr 25, 10am-4pm. Free entry.
International School of the
Sacred Heart Campus.
Hiroo. www.issh.ac.jp
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Art Fair Tokyo
ISSH 36th Annual Family
Festival
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art
School
We can support you with:
Over 1,000 cherry blossom
trees, with nighttime
illumination. Mar 29-Apr 7,
all day. Free. Sumida Park.
Asakusa. http://j.mp/
sumidacherryfestival2015
OnJapan Cafe’s first themed
event, featuring a special
menu using ingredients from
Tohoku and workshops that
allow you to sample delicious
regional dishes and sake from
the region. Until Mar 28, various
times. Various prices. OnJapan
Cafe. Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
03-6434-1228. http://cafe.
onjapan.tokyo
Meet fellow knitters, crocheters
and sewers to talk, share
ideas, eat, drink and create.
Every first and third Tue,
7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt.
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/
TokyoStitchandBitch
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
Sumida Park Cherry
Blossom Festival
Tohoku Spring
Stitch-n-Bitch
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Various special events
including a nighttime lantern
illumination. Mar 29-Apr 7, all
day. Free. Ueno Park. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3828-5644. http://j.mp/
uenosakuramatsuri2015
Greenroom Festival ’15
Art and music festival with
a focus on ocean and beach
preservation with artists The
Wailers, Lotus, Mama’s Gun, The
Growlers, and more. May 23-24.
¥9,800 (one day)/ ¥17,000 (2
days). Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Minatomirai. Tel:
045-211-1515. http://greenroom.
jp/english
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: info@wada-lats.com
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LISTINGS
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27
Metropolis and its Classifieds
section are printed every
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Classifieds, where ads are
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FRI, APR 3 ISSUE
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FRI, APR 17 ISSUE
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Reser vations: 03 -3793 2357 or info@nepenji.net
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MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN
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FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get
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Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
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day. Tax, utilities included.
frontdesk@azabucourt.
co m w w w. a z a b u co u r t .co m
0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0
English and Japanese. I'm a JF, 39,
seeking a language exchange partner. I'd
prefer a female from the US. I will teach
you J in return. Also, it would be nice if
we could be friends, too! dakkun2007@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. American Ivy
Leaguer, loves Japan, the arts, museums,
Japanese culture, seeking Japanese for
language/cultural exchange. Currently
in NYC—in Tokyo soon. Prefer over 30,
similar interests. Especially welcome
if you plan to visit NYC. rosigma21@
yahoo.com
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
日本語と英語。 僕はイギリス人.
毎日日本 語を勉 強してる. で も
言 語 交 換にいつも失 敗しちゃう.
juicysummer@gmail.com
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
IKEBANA (JAPANESE
TRADITIONAL FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful
means of self-expression.
Trial les son, inclu din g
all materials ¥4000. No
Japanese necessary.
C e r t i f i ca t i o n , d i p l o m a ca n
be earned. Three classroom
locations in Tokyo. Website:
w w w.atelier-soka.com/
english/index.html
Email: smile@mika-otani.com
Sofa, large, clean, in very good condition,
w/two feather-filled back cushions
¥39,000. Pick up only Minato-ku.
mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp
4.2 APPLIANCES
Air purifier, Venta LW, size 24, Germanmade ¥12,000. Sanyo futon dryer ( 布
団乾燥機 ), still in box ¥3000. Fujitsu
AH-56D humidifier ¥3000. Toshiba
trouser press, stand-up, as new ¥3000.
Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@hotmail.com
Washer/dryer, Panasonic NA-VX30001R,
in excellent condition, economic, quiet.
Near Oji Stn. oxbow@i.softbank.jp http://
youtu.be/huHW4g5c_0I 09060208213
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Sharp LC-20D10 TV, 20"
¥5000. Daikin TCK55M-W air cleaner
¥10,000. Hitachi R-12RA fridge ¥5000.
Toshiba AW-50GM washer ¥10,000.
Buy together for discount. ronzakaria@
hotmail.com 090-5308-9870
Sayonara sale! Sharp Aquos TV, 45",
w/stand ¥10,000. Yamaha CLP-535
piano, one y/o ¥60,000. Framed wall
picture ¥5000. Hitachi aircon ¥5000.
Two Fujitsu aircon ¥5000/each. Hitachi
fridge ¥5000. davidgolding@hotmail.
com 09098246207
Sayonara sale! Washer/dryer; fridge/
freezer; double-top glass dining table,
w/four chairs ¥6000/each. ¥15,000/all.
And more. Pick up Mar 23-27. fph10@
gol.com
Sayonara sale! Dainichi FW-322S
kerosene heater; Ikea Ektorp sofa,
Kullen chest of drawers, Bjurst table;
balcony table and chairs; WMK90 kitchen cabinet; bedroom light;
Christmas tree and lights; Sanyo home
phone; barbecue; humidifier; Tefal
kettle; clock; tools, etc. qqcb6agd@
beach.ocn.ne.jp 09065403103
4.5 AUDIO & MP3
Stereo, old (31x90x46), radio and
cassette only ¥1000. Pick up near
Yokohama Stn or arrange delivery
yourself. fridge_washmachine@yahoo.
co.jp
4.6 FOR KIDS
3.9 TEACH ME!
APARTMENTS AVAILABLE near
train stations in Takanawa,
M i t a , M o r i s h i t a . Re n t f r o m
¥ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 /m - ¥ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 /m .
No key money, no guarantor
required. Single house in Kiba,
w/garage ¥140,000/m. Please
email info@cardiganltd.com.
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT—ONE
MONTH FREE RENT! One-room
apartment, w/loft, small kitchen,
b a t h r o o m , a l o n g t h e S o te t s u
Line, easy access to Yokohama,
Totsuka, Futamatagawa, Shonandai
¥45,000/m. Private rental. No
agent fees. robhoey.c17@gmail.com
3 EDUCATION
3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS
WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR
J A P A N E S E I N A F R I E N D LY
ENVIRONMENT? Seeking a
friendly JF tutor with a good
understanding of English? I
teach all levels in Tokyo. Tuition
is ¥3000/h. If interested,
please feel free to contact me.
tati_m317@yahoo.com
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
CREA-UN UENO. Furnished
private rooms, w/digital
locks, near Asakusa, Ueno,
Skytree. Safe area, femaleonly, roof top garden w/
nice view, BBQ space, free
bicycle. From ¥56,000/m.
Utilities included. No key
money/guarantor. crea-un.
sakura@ko-bo.com http://
w w w. s a k u r a - k o - b o . c o m
03-6912-0692
English and Japanese. My friends
and I are seeking language and cultural
exchange partners. I'd love to practice
Japanese conversation with you. By the
way, I'm a certified Japanese teacher.
Every Tue evening, I'd like to practice in
Asakusa. jpteaching@gmail.com
English and Japanese. Open-minded
Japanese female, 23-40, sought for
language exchange and socializing.
Serious only. Call Bobby at 0905589-6864 or 080-8118-4073 or email
mybaby-precious@docomo.ne.jp.
English and Japanese. Can you help
me practice speaking E? I am willing to
help you learn J in return. I have free time
weekday mornings and afternoons. Let's
meet up in the Shonan area for coffee.
chocolate88888emi@gmail.com
T R A N S L AT I O N F O R E N G LI 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
Spanish teacher wanted. Como esta?
Seeking a patient conversational Spanish
instructor. Around the Shinjuku area
preferred. I'm a beginner. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
日本料理の作り方 を教えて下さ
い。その代わりに、英語を教えま
す。 meru.asap@gmail.com
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Bed, single (99x197x46; headboard
H70cm), wooden, w/mattress ¥5000.
Pick up near Yokohama Stn or arrange
delivery yourself. fridge_washmachine@
yahoo.co.jp
Cabinet, teak, large, for TVs, in very
good condition ¥29,000. Firm. Standing
light, Yamada, heavy, not Ikea ¥6000.
Minato-ku. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.
co.jp
Cabinet, kitchen ¥8000. Wall clocks,
two available ¥5000/each. Pick up
near Yokohama Stn or arrange delivery
yourself. fridge_washmachine@yahoo.
co.jp
Desk, Nitori, dark brown, gray metal
frame (50x90xH75cm), w/accessories
(portable small document wagon and
overhead attachment shelf) ¥3000.
leszek@rybicki.cc
Rug, Ikea (80x150cm), almost new
¥1000. Delivery possible depending on
location. broadmind@gmail.com http://
goo.gl/eYFyuc
Various items. Katoji bed and mattress,
w/mattress cover, side cushion; fourway toy; Aprica diaper disposal unit;
three-pack of disposal unit refills; potty
training potty; highchair. rkrajan12@
gmail.com 09084937082
4.7 FOR FREE
Fridge, Toshiba (H5'), w/built-in freezer,
works well. nihon4eva@gmail.com
090-8842-2894
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Golf bag, tote, Le Coq Sportif Golf, w/
shoe pocket, as new ¥2000. Pick up
Shinjuku-ku. likeme4u@hotmail.com
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Pedals, guitar: Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
¥5000. MXR distortion+ ¥4000. ¥8000/
both. Pick up around Yokohama or Tokyo.
el.complexus _de_cor@yahoo.com
07014190914
Ukulele, Pono Baritone, handmade in
Hawaii, solid cedar top, cutaway design,
electric pickup, solid rosewood sides,
back, abalone rosette, ebony tuner
heads, sealed Grover tuners, maple
binding, w/case ¥50,000. anreimann@
yahoo.com
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Italian movies, 50 available, w/
Japanese subtitles ¥20,000/all. Not
for sale individually. tocco_di_classe@
hotmail.com
5.6 COLLECTORS
Dunhill lighter, gold-plated, late '60s,
made in Switzerland, not US, in full
working order ¥10,000. mcmctokyo13@
gmail.com
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Ichiro Suzuki stamps. Commemorative
stamps of the Seattle Mariners celebrating
nine consecutive seasons of 200 hits,
exclusively released in Japan, cannot
be bought anywhere ¥10,000. Photos
available. likeme4u@hotmail.com
6 VEHICLES
6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Daihatsu Mira Avy, '05, shaken until
May, very clean, w/Kenwood CD player,
speakers ¥40,000. cameronhardy1982@
hotmail.com 09049147686
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t
anything. From emergency
assistance to simple questions. Visit
www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,”
or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer
or support, please contact team@
jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com
7 GENERAL
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS
Paul McCartney on Apr 27 at Tokyo
Dome, two tickets available (2nd floor,
3rd base, gate 41, passage 8, column
19, #71 and #72). New ¥38,148. Sell
¥35,000/both. Cash only. Not available
individually. Omiya, Saitama. tezukuri@
ymail.com
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
Benz C class wagon, '09-'10 model,
black or white, no dealers or auction
guys. alinjap@yahoo.com
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Laptop, Toshiba Dynabook, Pentium 4
2.0 GHz, 1GB RAM, 80GB HD ¥5000. Pick
up near Hirai Stn, Sobu Line, or HigashiAzuma Stn, Kameido Line. broadmind@
gmail.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 and sales.
michiane256@gmail.com
Free headshots/porfolio photos. I need
practice to up my skill-level. We can meet
in Shibuya on Sat afternoon for outdoor
shots. Photos for CV, LinkedIn, Facebook,
LINE, etc. Thanks to those who helped me
out last time! rodayos75@gmail.com
Help decorate my camper van.
Seeking someone with
artistic flair and imagination
to help me cheaply make
the interior of my kei camper
van really fun and homely
(nice f looring, cur tains,
covers, etc.). Al so need
woodwork help for the bed.
tokyophoto1@gmail.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
10.2 SUPPORT
N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e
to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free,
anonymous English counseling
daily from 9am-11pm by trained
v o l u n t e e r s ( 0 3 - 5 7 74 - 0 9 9 2 ) .
TELL COUNSELING: affordable
multilingual psychotherapy by
accredited Western-trained
professionals, a CIGNA International
Provider (03 - 4550 -1146). TELL
website: www.telljp.com. Follow
us on Facebook and Twitter @
TokyoLifeLine.
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE . Fif t y- one years ago,
West Papua should have been an
independent country. Since 1969,
West Papua has been invaded
and the people robbed of their
rights, culture and country. Help
support West Papuans’ desire to
be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/
markhelp2@gmail.com
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
TOK YO. If you have a problem
with drinking, we can help.
English-speaking meetings daily.
03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.
org http://aatokyo.org
HI V Peer Suppor t group a n d
workshops. Get together with people in
the same boat as you, who understand.
Held in a safe, considerate, 100%
confidential setting to discuss what’s
on your mind, ask questions and make
new friends. info@peersupporttokyo.
com www.peersupporttokyo.com
Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo
is an infertility support group that
provides informal opportunities for
women and men experiencing infertility
to connect with one another. Please visit
website for more info. admin@ttctokyo.
org www.ttctokyo.org
To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s
No.1 English magazine, log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email
your commercial ads to commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
10.3 LOST FRIENDS
Seeking Mindy. Is Mindy Mack, a
petite blonde teaching assistant
from L.A., still in Tokyo? Any info
appreciated. m106 8 19 151 -t sky@
yahoo.com
Seeking photographer Max. Seeking
Max (originally from Kyushu), a
photographer who lived in Tokyo
House (Otsuka) in the mid-’90s. His
girlfriend’s name was Rei. Anyone
know their whereabouts? Please let
me know. Thank you. om_services@
laposte.net
11 MESSAGES
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.
One year (24 issues) ¥3600
(c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s ,
7-100 copies ok ¥22,560).
Half year (12 issues) ¥1800
(c o r p o r a t e s u b s c r i b e r s ,
7-100 copies ok ¥12,000).
Bank transfer or credit card
(Visa, Mastercard, Diners
Club). D etail s at ht t p: //
metropolisjapan.com/
subscription.
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR
YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E !
Write any thing, from bir thday
messages to proposals. http://
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
PARTY - SPRING SPECIAL. Sat,
Mar 28, 6:30-9pm, Bar Quest
(Roppongi). Japan’s biggest
internat ional par t y. 250
people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http://
getyourfriend.com/mobile/
jiparty@hotmail.com http://
w w w.get your frien d.com /
090-1735-5405
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
info@gaitomo.com
I NTE RN ATI O N A L PA RT Y
A T L E A F C U P. C o m e j o i n
us and have fun. Men:
¥3000. Foreigners/women:
¥ 2 0 0 0. A l l - y o u - ca n - d r i n kand-eat. Iidabashi and
Yokohama: Mar 21 and Apr 4.
Shibuya: Mar 28 and Apr 11.
www.leafparty.com
PARTY LIKE RABBITS! Have a
blast at TokyoLocos’ Easter
Bunny Party. Original cocktails,
gift giveaway, photo station.
Free after-party entry to Club
Ivy. Fri, Apr 3, 8-11pm, Ginza
R o o t s To k y o . G e n t l e m e n :
¥4000. Ladies: ¥3000. Bunny
a t t i r e e n c o u r a g e d ! h t t p : //
meturl.com/easterbunnyparty
info@tokyolocos.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
JOBS
CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED
BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi,
S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g
enthusiastic, prof icient English,
French, Spanish and/or German
speakers who can teach and lead
lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.
A p p l y o n l i n e : h r @ l e a f c u p .co m
www.leafcup.com/job.php
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.
ART MODEL NEEDED. Nude model
required for sophisticated art project.
Willing to offer attractive modeling
fee. Privacy is 100% respected.
Serious only. Mail: strikeapose@nifty.
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 appl y, send intro
let ter, CV and relevant clips to
editor@metropolisjapan.com.
SALES INTERN. Metropolis is seeking
a bilingual (E/J) intern to join the
most successful English-language
advertising team (Restaurants & Bars)
in Japan. Great opportunity to learn in
an exciting environment. No pay, but
transportation provided. Please email
knakashima@metropolis.co.jp.
To advertise:
commercial@metropolisjapan.com
03-4588-2277
TOKYO’S PREMIER HEALTH AND FITNESS
CLUB, CLUB 360, is now hiring full-time
and part-time E/J bilingual front
desk staff. An interest in fitness,
a n d a d m i n i s t r a t i ve ex p e r i e n ce
is a plus. Positions immediately
available. Please send resume to
nathan@club360.jp. www.club360.jp
03-6434-9667
SKY HIGH, a raw, 100% vegetarian juice
bar opening soon in Hiroo, is seeking
E/J bilingual bartender, kitchen staff
and bike messenger. Basic cafe, bar
operation knowledge a plus. Will train
immediately. Work hours are flexible.
To join our team, please send resume
to info@skyhigh-tokyo.jp. Aoyama
branch is also seeking staff. www.
skyhigh-tokyo.jp
WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on
hotels, restaurants and bars to offer
our high-quality wines at incredible
prices. Candidates should be
confident, J/E bilingual, passionate
about wine, love fine dining and travel,
have experience in sales, wine or both.
Full-time (Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm).
Position available immediately. Please
send cover letter and resume to
winejob@metropolisjapan.com.
メトロポリスはバイリンガル（日英）の営業スタッ
フを募集しています。是非、私達の広告マーケテ
ィングチームに加わりませんか！ 応募条件：責
任感をもって勤勉に取り組める方、協調性があ
り、意欲を持って主体的に働ける方を募集して
います。営業経験のある方は歓迎します。フルタ
イム (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm) で働ける方に
限ります。jobs@metropolisjapan.com
13.1 SPORTS
AMERICAN FOOTBALL.
N ihon Unis ys 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
http://www.unisys.co.jp/football
A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H
FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby
(OZ tag) and Rugby League players.
We play ever y Sat from 1 0am
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 ht tp: //ameblo.jp/
tokyo13warriors
A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby
League team is seeking Rugby
Le a g u e p l aye r s f o r J a p a n e s e
Ru gby Le a gu e of f icial g ames
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 ever y Sat at 2:30pm by
Ariake Stn, Yurikamome Line. Any
age, sex, level ok. Please email
for details. funwithtouch@gmail.
c o m w w w. f u n w i t h t o u c h .c o m /
where-we-play
P L AY R U G B Y. T h e To k y o
Crusaders are a friendly but
keen international rugby club.
D evo te d to t h e g a m e a n d i t s
social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays
in the Shuto League 1st Division.
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.
com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
s p o r t f ro m S cot lan d . Usin g a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.
org
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
tennis@yahoo.fr
29
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
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 www.
geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html
Football /soccer players. Tokyo
Redstar, Setagaya League 1, is seeking
soccer players. Practice almost every
Sat/Sun in Tokyo. Players in a spirit of fair
play welcome. saito987@hotmail.com
http://tokyoredstar.com
Futsal in Tokorozawa. Sun night
futsal? Mostly 30-45 year olds, every
Sun evening, non-league, but mildly
competitive. Come and play for exercise
and fun! Any age and nationality ok.
futsalintokorozawa@gmail.com
Futsal players wanted by a very friendly
international team. Practice is in Tokyo
and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available.
fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp
Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team
in Tokyo seeking people who can enjoy
the game with others. Please introduce
yourself (age, nationality, where you
live, whether you belong to another
team). umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp
Gaelic football in Japan. Japan Gaelic
Athletic Association is always seeking
new members, M/F ok. No experience
necessary. Great way to meet new
people and get fit at the same time.
japangaa@gmail.com www.facebook.
com/japangaa
DON’T MISS AN ISSUE – SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Jogging Yokosuka. SJM seeking friends
to jog 8-20km in Yokosuka, mornings
preferred, but depending on the day,
other times could work, too. ジョギン
グ仲間募集横須賀. elsalvadorjapan@
yahoo.es
One year (24 issues) ¥3,600. Half year (12 issues) ¥1,800.
One year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥22,560.
Half year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥12,000.
Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club).
http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription
Since 1949
今年は"にほんごをもの"にする
EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL
D A I LY CO N V E R S AT I O N A N D B U S I N E S S J A PA N E S E
JAPANESE PROFICIENCY TEST
N1, N2, N3, N4
ST
* One month intensive
* 2 & 3 days a week
* Private & Corporate
* Business Japanese
www.evergreen.gr.jp
YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785
UDEN
VIS T
Registr A
ati
July 20 on for
15 term
NOW O
PEN!
Free trial lesson
for groups
info@evergreen.gr.jp
03-3713-4958
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
Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts.
Free training group for samurai and
ninjutsu fighting arts. Vigorous, but safe
and intelligent, one-on-one, or small
group training depending on the day.
Spiritual refinement is a key element.
rootarty@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-qa3g
Table tennis in Minato-ku. Hi,
our international team is seeking
experienced players. You need to be
living or working in Minato-ku and commit
to play ten times/year on Sundays (all
day). No beginners, please. fgrideau@
gmail.com
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese
and foreign volleyball players gather in
Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have
volleyball experience and want to play
volleyball in a friendly atmosphere?
inter vollclub@yahoo.co.jp http://
intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
Women’s soccer club. Five-a-side,
11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or
three practices/matches on Sun. All
nationalities, experience level s,
beginners welcome. Happy and friendly
club! We have many socials. djnorio@
hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
WEEKEND AWAY? Inn By The Sea
Kamakura, a 4min walk from
Hase Stn, offers child-friendly
accommodation near the
D a i b u t s u , H a s e Te m p l e,
Yuigahama Beach and many
other Kamakura landmarks.
Find us on Facebook at
I n n B yTh e S e a Ka m a k u r a .
innbytheseakamakura.com
innbythesea@yahoo.com
30
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
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
Interested in Britain? Professional
British guy working near Marunouchi is
seeking interesting people to hang out
with after work for drinks. Any nationality
ok. Prefer someone with an interest in the
UK. I'm late 30s, speak some Japanese
and Korean. englishmobile@outlook.com
Kichijoji. British guy living in Kichijoji.
I am seeking some people also living in
Kichijoji to hang out, have drinks, etc. All
my friends are in central and it would be
cool to know someone more local. Any
nationality. onzeetop@gmail.com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
13.4 MUSIC
Japanese drummer seeking musicians.
Guitar and bass player sought for rock,
dance, pop, blues, jazz, etc. Melody is
important. Hopefully, we can have gigs
so everybody can dance! kosuke1016@
hotmail.com
Vocalists wanted. Anyone want to put
their vocals over some electronica tracks?
Grime, rap, RnB, rock, soul, whatever you
do. M/F, any language ok. Get in touch if
you're interested! scw105@yahoo.co.uk
We need a drummer who is able to take
trips to Kansai, Kyushu or other regions
of Japan with us. We play rock music
and had gigs about 90 times last year.
Serious only. naho@kt-sequence.com
www.audioleaf.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 090-35983072 for more info. daginia@gmail.com
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
Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our
home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home.
ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com
色ー度カフェ. ライトワーカーヒ
ーリング。任意の助けのための私
に連絡してください。 winds_fr@
hotmail.com
13.6 RELIGIOUS
Seeking a Baptist church? If you’re
seeking a Baptist church without
judgmental people, where everyone is
in normal clothes, and with many English
speakers, give me a call. Meet at HigashiShinjuku Stn, A2 exit, Sun at 10:30am.
paytyt@gmail.com 08041554200
13.8 PROFESSIONAL
Tokyo Traders Club. International
club for traders and investors. Discuss
opportunities in stocks, commodities and
forex. Many regular events, including FX
trading workshop. New to trading? No
problem; beginners also welcome.
You can also learn to trade. Join free!
info@tokyotraders.com http://www.
tokyotraders.com/ 080-5444-1321
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit,
member-run organization that sponsors
activities (seminars, cultural events,
conferences) for those wanting to further
develop intercultural competencies
and meet other interculturalists. yuko.
bolick@japanintercultural.org www.
japanintercultural.org
Nihongo 倶 楽 部いんたぁなしょ
なる. Nihongo Club International is a
volunteer group to help foreign people
learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer
Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu,
7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
Brit for Brit (Yankee or Irish ok, too).
Eee-up, chap from Blighty here seeking
some fellow people from back home for
chats involving words of more than one
syllable (at least until we've had a few
beers). i.do.tricks@gmail.com
S E E K I N G A S U G A R DA D DY ?
Safely meet elite, wealthy men
while having fun and making
money. We are a members only dating club with stric t
rules. Foreign and Japanese
executives, lawyers, celebrities.
Not an escort club. No charge
for female members. 0120-675858 (English) international@
universe-club.jp http://universeclub.jp/en/women 0120-675858
About suits, ties and handkerchiefs.
You: fashion, dresses, skirts, boots,
high heels. Me: 36, from Santa Monica,
athletic, love dancing (but don’t go to
clubs), reading, art, mojitos, tempura
and ice cream. You: live or work in central
Tokyo. oohansel@yahoo.com
American from NYC. Executive, 50s,
loves Japanese art, culture, cuisine,
seeking JF, 35-45, for a forever
relationship. Friendship first, serious
love next. Have you ever had a real
connection? Visiting Tokyo in Apr. Imagine
forever... rosigma21@yahoo.com
British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim,
seeking a nice girl to hang out with.
Nationality/race unimportant, but should
be 20-35 and have a nice personality.
Interested in music and film: you should
be, too. shiodomebye@gmail.com
Cherry blossom chance. British knight
seeks Japanese princess for a fairytale
ending. Ok, a frog and a kiss will do—I'll
take a gamble. 日本語 ok です！
samurai.will2014@gmail.com
Chinese woman wanted. English guy,
doesn't like Japanese women much,
seeking a Chinese living in Tokyo.
I'm nice. Contact me. summerfunk@
googlemail.com
Climber and chess? Recently 離婚
した僕が hope to meet a woman who
loves rock climbing or has an interest.
Keen chess player a plus. Let me pick you
up in my Pajero and we'll see. christian@
local81.jp
Cute, interesting Japanese male for
SWF. Seeking attractive Western female
with a nice smile. If you are interested in
chatting over coffee or nice food, please
contact me. I am looking forward to your
message. Just try once. juniperten2013@
gmail.com
Deep love. I'm Japanese, 40s, seeking
real love. I have had many relationships,
but have never felt real love. Can you help
me discover what it's like? We can try
everything together... toshinoris1012@
yahoo.co.jp
Doing a favor for a very famous and
accomplished lawyer. I am helping an
attorney, 70, young, fit, with law offices
in three states, find a marriage-minded
Japanese lady, 35-55. vintagebook4u@
gmail.com
Foreign girl? Read this. Foreign guy
here. All my foreign girlie friends have
disappeared back to their countries and
I miss our "beer and bitching" sessions,
when they'd tell me their dating horrors
and I'd explain the man's point of view.
ja22y@outlook.com
Free afternoons. Are you a JF? If yes,
please finish this sentence: I am cute
and fun to be with because... If you can
reply, this SWM is going to reply to you.
Afternoon is best. jsn334@gmail.com
Friendship with benefits. Guy, 30,
living in central Tokyo, seeking a friendswith-benefits relationship. Let's share
many things together and enjoy every
bit of life. I am fun to be with. I can speak
some Japanese. Waiting for your email.
uniman@gmail.com
Gentleman for long-term, intimate
friendship. Hi! I am a respectful, goodlooking Western man, 48, interested
in having regular intimate time with a
decent woman. I don't care about your
age—just be positive, safe, nonsmoking.
vbcfgt@hotmail.com
German man, 30, in the Shinjuku
area, seeking a passionate and loving
Japanese woman. I like going to
museums, restaurants and sporting
events. hamenahamena@gmx.de
Give me a chance? Hi, friendly, creative
American M in Suginami seeking kind,
considerate female, 30s, to enjoy Japan
together. Traveling, writing, food,
music, everything! Nihongo also ok. Try
something new and mail me? It could be
good. Thanks. go_shokai@yahoo.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
Japanese man seeking someone.
Japanese man, 41, seeks a partner for
hanging out on weekends. I am openminded and easy to get along with.
My hobbies are music, movies, books,
and so on. hiro11923@gmail.com
090-6925-2360
Japanese man seeks female. Hi, I'm
a JM seeking a foreign friend. I'm 30,
easygoing, like driving, drinking, movies,
dancing at clubs, etc. If you are seeking
a friend, please mail me back. Any
nationality ok. kosuke1016@hotmail.com
Lived overseas? White English guy
seeking easygoing JF who has lived
overseas in an English-speaking
country. I'm 30s, seeking someone, 20s,
who prefers older guys. Nonsmokers
only. A good intro gets my reply.
titanislander+2@gmail.com
Married for married. Married European
guy, 30, in a sexless marriage, seeking a
woman in a similar situation. Let's meet
for a coffee first. strengthandhonour85@
gmail.com
Massage friend. British man, 35,
seeking a plump or fat JF to be a massage
friend. I want to give and receive body
massage, but it's too expensive. Let's
help each other relax. No sex ok.
zzztopsandfingers@hotmail.co.uk
No English? 銀行で働いてるイギリ
ス人が日本の女の子探してる。英
語分からない女の子欲しい。 vint.
snap@gmail.com
Nothing at home. Can you help me?
Are you a nice, cute and friendly JF? I'm
married, but no sex for years. Goodlooking guy, but trapped. Just touch me
a little, that's all—can any woman help?
jsn334@gmail.com
Public fun. Are you a JF who likes to be
a little bit crazy? What about secret fun in
public places? We can do it quickly, with
people close by—that will be exciting. At
your lunch break maybe? joolsshow@
yahoo.co.jp
Questions! Are you seeking a tall guy?
Are you too stressed and in need of some
fun? If yes, reply to me. jsn334@gmail.
com
Romance with an older lady. Very nice
and sexy gentleman seeks an older, or
much older, woman to have nice dates
and a romance. feeltokyo@yahoo.co.uk
S e e k i n g co m p a n i o n s h i p. I 'm
Caucasian, 44, 194cm, nonsmoking,
social drinker, enjoy traveling, music,
books, hikes, dining out as well as
cooking at home. I like simplicity of life.
Seeking a long-term relationship with
a like-minded woman. pisces030771@
hotmail.com
Seeking fun. SWM, 28, French, seeking
people who want fun like me. My life is
stable, but boring and stressful. I need
excitement for my mental health balance.
If you feel the same way, contact me,
please. reydajp@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking relationship leading to
marriage from a serious lady. Please,
no drama—straight to business. Japanbased people only. smartguy@i.
softbank.jp
Serious relationship. Single, 30, living
and working in Tokyo, seeking a serious
relationship. I like movies, travel. 日本
語大丈夫です。良かったら連絡くだ
さい。 lavillelumiere2015@gmail.com
Single, handsome, caring and witty
Japanese male seeks a nice Western
or Japanese female for friendship and
possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred.
If you are interested in exciting and
happy times with me, email me now!
cioinjapan@gmail.com
SW Brit for encounter. Br it ,
30-something, seeking a casual
encounter. I am tallish, good-looking(ish),
love chatting and drinking. Let's meet for
a beer and take it from there if we click.
happylamp@hotmail.co.uk
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of
books, films, music, seeks an attractive
British lady with the same interests.
hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp
Venetian man seeking Asian woman in
Tokyo. 日本語 ok. marcofromvenezia@
yahoo.com
Virgin guy, 28, single. I haven't
experienced a woman's touch yet because
I suffer from extreme shyness. I am trying
to find someone here so that I don't need
to ask her directly. Anyone want to explore
me? I won't be bad, I guess. meru.asap@
gmail.com
WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35.
I am tall, white, with blue eyes. I speak
Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@yahoo.com
ラブレッター。 When I was young, I
wrote love letters with pen and paper,
waiting for days to receive the answer.
Now it is just a sweet memory. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
Just split up with my long-term boyfriend
this month. JF, 45, seeking a boyfriend.
Fit, 5'3, cheerful, loving, love watching
football. Please reply if you are single,
sincere and close to my age. Serious only.
letmeknowmoreaboutyou@i.softbank.jp
Love cherry blossoms? Seeking a tall,
cool single foreigner living in the Midtown
(Roppongi) area. Easy to hang out after
work or on weekends. tokyomiffy@
gmail.com
Rare discovery! Warmhear ted,
attractive, positive, slim SJF, enjoys
cooking, hiking, working, art, seeks
gentle, attractive, successful Caucasian
in central Tokyo who wants to raise a
loving family. What's important is trust,
respect and stimulating each other. Photo
necessary. sorosoroaitai@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking comfort, Hi, I'm 29, work six
days/week, seeking men to comfort me. I
don't have time to meet new people. I like
movies, music, drinking and going out.
What about you? butterfly.saya0324@
gmail.com
Seeking single/divorced Caucasian
professional, 35-45, tall and confident.
I am single, tall and voluptuous.
fumiyomuroya@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking someone real to spend life
with. I lived in Canada for a year and had a
great time there. That experience brought
me here. I'm looking forward to talking
with you. 1069klo@gmail.com
Serious relationship. Seeking tall
Caucasian businessman, 37-50, faithful,
considerate, educated. I'm seeking a
long-term relationship leading to... I'm
an Asian woman, 45. Please reply, w/
photo. check1111@hotmail.co.jp
Very feminine, and I can be tough, totally
fun. Japanese, mid-40s, happy with my
looks from head to toe, with Western
spunk and exotic Asian gentleness,
seeking single business professional.
Won't disappoint you if you're what I'm
seeking. whiteforeverbeau@yahoo.co.jp
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE
C R E AT E O P P O R T U N I T I E S
for elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date, take the night where you
want it to go. Fresh, young
w o m e n j o i n o u r c l u b eve r y
day. Try our free one-month
trial offer: first date is on us!
0120-675-858 (English)
international@universe-club.jp
http://universe-club.jp/en
Bonjour, Blue-eyes! Seeking a tall,
blue-eyed single French or British man,
preferably someone who loves music
and art and who lives in the Hiroo area.
tokyomiffy@gmail.com
Discover fun in Tokyo. Seeking nice,
classy gentleman as companion for
activities (dining, movies/concerts, spa,
etc.). I'm free on weekday afternoons,
too. I'm a JF, mid-30s, slim, pretty,
attached—so nothing serious, please!
Please reply with introduction.
amynakagawa@outlook.jp
Enjoy dating. Hi, I am a JF, 44. I love
classical music (Mozart, Brahms), opera
(Puccini), art (Raphaello), horseback
riding, horse racing, good restaurants.
Would like to have a friend to enjoy
these things with. Thank you! elegant.
note1211@gmail.com
European man for serious relationship.
I'm a SJF, 30s, seeking a European
gentleman as I'm interested in the culture
and history. Email me for more info.
Serious and genuine people who know
how to carry on interesting conversation
only. trai_cay@hotmail.com
Feminine SJF. Woman seeking romance
and love in a long-term relationship. Welleducated, healthy, charming European or
North American preferred. We all want a
bit more warmth in life. I'm mid-40s.
Singles only. nikitaeleon@yahoo.co.jp
LOVE-SONG LOVER. Romantic,
mature guy seeking another
nonsmoking guy for friendship,
interesting activities around town,
maybe more. Tall, dark brown hair,
average build. Sense of humor
along with independence important.
Happy to exchange face photos and
chat first. ming@zar.att.ne.jp
Serious relationship. Middle-aged T
seeking serious relationship leading to
marriage. For love, caring for each other
and a happy life. I know it's difficult, but
it's my dream. eco_nyanko@yahoo.co.jp
14.5 ESCORTS
ESCORTS have gone online.
To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y
co m p a nio n , v i s it ht t p: //
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/
category/personals/escorts.
14.6 AND OTHERS
TRANCE PARTIES. Attractive couple
(European/Japanese) is seeking one
or two women to join us for dinners
and trance parties. All expenses
paid—just enjoy. tokyopleasure6@
gmail.com
Dominant Japanese gentleman,
late 50s, with 25 years of experience,
177cm, 79kg, married, nonsmoker,
discreet, perfectly healthy, seeks a
hidden submissive lady of any age or
nationality for Gorean or Histoire d’O style
relationship. tarlstefan@hotmail.com
Female wanted for light bondage play.
Hi, ladies. Have you ever wanted to be tied
up and spanked? Just light rope or a bath
robe cord. Blindfold, too, if you want. A
white guy in Tokyo can do it. joolsshow@
yahoo.co.jp
April 2015 Membership Fee
I can gratify your innermost kinky
desire. I'm a SJM, 20s, DD-free, discreet,
no strings attached. Just tell me what you
want me to do. I'll reply within 24 hours.
zaku2@live.jp
Strict English teacher seeking pupil.
English teacher with firm hands and
strict educational methods is seeking an
obedient pupil. bermudatri@hotmail.com
31
RELATIONS
GROCERY SHOPPING FASHION
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
When I was a kid, I swore I would never become one of those people
you see on an ice-cream run at midnight, wearing just pajamas. But then
I grew up and realized that life is hard. More often than I would like to
admit, I found myself driving to the supermarket at midnight for cake,
chips, or whatever else I was craving. However, when my husband and
I moved to Tokyo, I realized that my occasional pajama-clad grocery runs
were long gone. Women dress so nicely in Tokyo ... even just to go to the
grocery store at 2am.
スーパーでのお買い物ファッション
私は子供の頃、真夜中にパジャマ姿でアイスを買いに出かけるような人には絶
対にならないと誓いました。でも大人になって、そんなこともしたくなるほど
人生は大変なのだと気が付きました。認めるには恥ずかしいのですが、私はよ
く深夜にケーキやポテトチップスなど、その時々に欲していたものを買いにス
ーパーに行っていました。でも夫と東京に引っ越して来てからはそのようなこ
とはしなくなりました。なぜなら東京の女性は常に身だしなみを整えているか
らです。深夜2時にスーパーに行く時でも。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 21-Jun 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jun 21-Jul 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Money—that’s the operative word this
week. Venus is in the early stages of
reviving your income, or bringing you
something you value. It could be a sentimental
gift or a treasured family heirloom. Whatever
form it takes, be sure to thank this goddess, for
this is only the beginning. With the Pluto-Uranus
squares, events may have conspired so that your
self-esteem took a hit. Every time you get back
up, world history and your destiny become one;
your strength is an inspiration to others.
Finally! Venus in your sign brings
you wealth in one form or another.
Remember that personal qualities
and how you present yourself have value. You
negotiate with others using your energetic field
every day, though most times that perspective
is not spoken of or even known about. Mars still
trails in your solar twelfth house of behind-thescenes activities. Dreams dominate this sector
of your chart as well. The Sun shines a little light
on this over the weekend.
A great week to send your request
to the court of cosmic appeals—after
all, Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the
messenger. Gemini also rules the third house
of communication, opposing the ninth house of
law. So when it comes to quantum repartee or
negotiating an agreement, you pretty much have
it covered. Venus has moved behind the scenes
in your chart. She may want to hide a financial
strength from predators in order to give your
resources time to grow.
If it weren’t for Mars and Uranus
dancing a tightwire at work, it would
be easy to welcome the Sun into this
sector of your chart. The Sun rules the heart and
your ego. As it is, awareness gained this week is
worth the reflection, because you’re free to step
out of the loop you’ve been in. No one ever said
consciousness doesn’t come at a high price. Still,
freedom is what you were born for. Saturday and
Sunday are days of possible tension, which by
Monday becomes a power base for you.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣
Your house of romance is full this
weekend. Make sure you don’t have
too many people interested in you at
once, or you’ll have the same lesson coming to
you from every direction—exponential, multiplied.
The Sun-Moon conjunction on Friday is yummy,
just as the Moon separating from the Sun is sad to
see it go. Saturday and Sunday are for work, one
way or another. You’ll have energy to tackle a big
task. If you pace yourself, Venus will see you have
a reward at the end.
Mar 21-Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jul 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣
Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
Lessons learned lately are expensive — ouch! You’ll sur vive them.
Your heart is overflowing, and you’re
treated to glimpses of the bigger picture and
your role in it. Once you see it, you’ll realize why
Leo’s ruled by the Sun, which governs the heart.
Compassion becomes the only way to absorb
current shocks and move forward. Reflect the
energies from your opposing sign, Aquarius.
Understanding comes from pulling back and
restoring yourself before going back in.
The tip of the Sun-Moon conjunction
opposes, and can balance, your
relationship on Friday. Then the
weekend rolls around—or hits, depending on
your personal velocity—and you get to see just
what you’ve created together. For some weird
quirk of universal law, even if you’re single, you
still get to have the experience. It might be with a
relative who wants to give you a gift, or a corporation that needs to make amends. Grab it when
it comes, for it’s a lightning strike.
If it weren’t for you, everything would
go by in a blur and no one would
remember why. We didn’t just come
here for the grit of the day; we came to resonate
with something so lovely that inspiration follows.
It may be a beautiful mind, a gorgeous rose, or
a tempting ... someone. And don’t forget food!
Then there’s the sound of a voice that soothes;
the color of a green bud that blooms purple-pink.
There has to be something that nourishes the
soul, and you hold the power in your hand.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Sagittarius, whom everyone requests
when they need a lift, needs some
tender, loving care this week. You’re
not used to the heaviness of Saturn in your sign.
This planet’s in the early stages of putting you
in the driver’s seat. Sagittarius still governs
everything from optimism and fun to the law and
long-distance travel. Splicing together opposing
viewpoints can become exhausting. Synthesizing, correlating, all in the name of holding onto
the highest perspective, takes its toll. It may be
time to delegate.
Sometimes it ’s good to get on
another channel; you have so many
other options this way. Some people
beat upon a door that won’t open—because
it’s the wrong door. Seems simple, but not
when emotions are involved. Of all the signs,
Capricorns are the most pragmatic; you do what
works. Luckily, with the Sun-Moon conjunction
this Friday, you can start your weekend with a
little whimsy. Fantasy’s always a nice way to
escape—no reality required.
Ever feel like you can think better
when no one else is around? How
hard is it to find that kind of space
these days? The pressure is on to create your
own little cocoon. Some people are born with a
built-in buffer zone, others are porous and can’t
help feeling everything around them. With the
Sun-Moon conjunction in your solar second
house of income on Friday, there may be pressure to perform or provide financial help. Make
sure you are OK in the midst of it all.
Wow! The Sun conjuncts the Moon
in Pisces on Friday, and feelings run
deep: Music is inspirational, films
change lives. Mercury in your sign makes you
prophetic and mystical. Then the Sun leaves your
sign and so does the Moon. Suddenly, you’re
looking at what you have; income is a factor, and
what you own. What you do with your time is valuable. Who you are and what you create is your
signature of self. You become a wave of reality
that travels on forever.
Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
32
Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
PISCES
LINGO BOX
Saiken (再建) = reconstruction
Headline of the Week:
“Chinese Scrambling
to Buy Shower Toilet
Seats in Japan”
(via The Japan News)
Jōkō (条項) = terms; clause
the small print
Fudōsan (不動産) = real estate
Kyūryō (給料) = salary
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
Fukkyū (復旧) = recovery
stats
WE HAVE CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS AT REVIVING
IMAGES OF PRECIOUS MEMORIES THAT PEOPLE HAVE
GIVEN UP ON REPRODUCING” —Takahiko Koyama, president of
85
Percentage of respondents to a
newspaper survey who say they support
Sapporo’s bid to host the 2026 Winter
Olympics
Retro Enterprises in Sumida-ku, which specializes in refurbishing black-and-white
television sets
THANKS BUT NO THANKS
⊲A
⊲ group of NPOs and other organizations involved in reconstruction in northeastern Japan
have designated 53 disaster-hit locations as
“pilgrimage sites.” Among the destinations are
two reactors at the crippled Fukushima nuclear
plant and the so-called miracle pine tree of Rikuzentakata.
⊲Officials
⊲
in Okinawa have come up with a
plan to get rid of an invasive species of wasp
that’s been devastating local trees … by introducing another type of wasp that preys
on the interlopers.
⊲Immigration
⊲
authorities suspect a Philippine
diplomat helped three of his countrymen enter Japan to work at jobs in violation of their
visa status.
MILESTONES
⊲On
⊲ February 12, The Mainichi Shimbun published its 50,000th issue.
⊲Self-Defense
⊲
Force officials say they’ve fulfilled the terms of a 2008 treaty by disposing
of all of Japan’s cluster munitions.
⊲Scholars
⊲
say a recently discovered trove of
400 notebooks and other papers written by
celebrated military commander Gentaro Kodama (1852-1906) represents “a boon for modern history research.”
⊲A
⊲ tasting event in Toyama featured a squid
believed to be among the largest ever captured. The beast measured six meters long and
weighed 130 kilos.
50
Number of purse snatchings carried
out by a pair of 21-year-old scooterriding bandits, according to Chiba police
52 Percentage of mobile phone shops
that provide “insufficient explanations”
to customers who purchase
smartphones, according to the National
Police Agency
FROM THE BUSINESS DESK
⊲Didier
⊲
Leroy, a 57-year-old Frenchman, became the first non-Japanese to be named an
executive vice president at Toyota Motor Co.
⊲Executives
⊲
at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank unveiled a plan to welcome back retired workers
who “have specialist knowledge of inheritance,
real estate, and other areas.”
⊲Members
⊲
of an education ministry panel have
urged the government to boost the salaries
of senior researchers and increase support for
younger scientists.
⊲Doctors
⊲
with the Japan Society of Obstetrics
and Gynecology approved a research study to
determine whether improved screening of eggs
fertilized in vitro can reduce miscarriage rates.
SPANNING THE GLOBE
⊲Dozens
⊲
of primary and middle school students
in Osaka are flocking to a community center
that’s been repurposed as an “English village.”
The goal is to immerse the kids in an international environment.
⊲U.S.
⊲
actress Charlotte Kate Fox, who costarred in the hit NHK drama Massan, has been
chosen to play the lead role in a Broadway production of Chicago.
⊲Officials
⊲
at the University of Tokyo and Peking
University announced a plan to enhance academic and student exchanges.
GAME ON!
at a glance
BY ADAM GARWOOD
Check out Adam’s works at http://meturl.com/adam3
⊲Tokyo
⊲
Governor Yoichi Masuzoe said he believes funds earmarked for disaster reconstruction in Tohoku would be better used to
help pay for the 2020 Olympics. Which is weird,
because last year Masuzoe went on record as
saying the reconstruction budget should be
used for disaster recovery and that the “cost
of hosting the Olympics can be covered from
elsewhere.”
⊲Officials
⊲
at JR East said they’ll introduce double-decker “green car” carriages on the Chūō
and Ōme Lines in time for the Tokyo Games.
⊲Bottom
⊲
Story of the Week: “Mystery Person
Who Sent Hina Dolls to U.S. President Kennedy
Identified” (via Mainichi Japan)
Small Print Updated Weekly
→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo
33
the last word
Illustration by Christi Rochin
International
Women’s Day
Achieving Gender Equality:
A Challenging Endeavor
BY ANNABEL LANDRY
THE
FEMINIST
DREAM
THAT
WOMEN
CAN ‘HAVE
IT ALL’ IS
SLOWLY
FADING.
WANT
TO HAVE
THE LAST
WORD?
Send your article to:
editor@
metropolisjapan.com
I play taiko because it’s good for the soul,
body and mind; it empowers me, and enables me to connect musically with others—men and women alike—who share
a passion for this ancient ceremonial art.
Our teacher, a middle-aged Japanese
woman, is a veritable leader and a great
source of inspiration.
Throughout history, women like her
have furthered women’s emancipation.
Yet, in the Information Age, the status of
women is still precarious. So, we must
ask ourselves: Have we failed to raise
greater awareness and foster wider public
engagement?
While women worldwide do enjoy
more rights today than a century ago,
those in developing nations still face great
discrimination and hostility. This is something rigorously documented and repeatedly denounced by organizations such
as Amnesty International, UN Women,
and Human Rights Watch. The web page
of the HRW Women’s Rights division
points to the severity of the problem:
“Despite great strides made by the
international women’s rights movement
over many years, women and girls around
the world are still married as children or
trafficked into forced labor and sex slavery. They are refused access to education
and political participation, and some are
trapped in conflicts where rape is perpetrated as a weapon of war. Around the
world, deaths related to pregnancy and
childbirth are needlessly high, and women are prevented from making deeply
personal choices in their private lives.”
Women and girls in many high-income
nations also grapple with sexual harassment and gender inequalities. According to UN Women, 40 to 50 percent of
EU women experience unwanted sexual
advances, physical contact, or other forms
of sexual harassment at work. Studies
have shown 30 to 40 percent of women
face a similar ordeal across Asia. In the
U.S., “83 percent of girls aged 12 to 16
[have] experienced some form of sexual
harassment in public schools.”
Meanwhile, the feminist dream that
women can “have it all” is slowly fading.
The reality is, raising a family while climbing the corporate ladder is difficult—unless we’re willing to sacrifice family life.
Women still face barriers to promotion,
remaining conspicuously underrepresented in top executive and board
positions. Significant pay disparities
also persist in the G-20. In the U.S., the
Institute for Women's Policy Research
recently found that “female full-time workers made only 78 cents for every dollar
earned by men, a gender wage gap of
22 percent.”
In Japan, nearly 30 years after the Diet
enacted the Equal Employment Opportunity Law, more than 50 percent of women still would rather become a housewife after marriage or childbirth. Not
surprising, given the rigid work culture,
long hours and gender income gap—the
second greatest among OECD countries.
However, with Japan’s rapidly declining
population, the necessity to bring more
women into the workforce has increased.
To address this, Prime Minister Abe announced, in 2013, his “womenomics” policy package, aiming to boost the number
of women in senior management by 2020.
Marilyn Frye, notable American philosopher and feminist theorist, believes
“the locus of sexism is primarily in the system and framework, not in the particular
act.” Clearly, if we wish to end discrimination in all forms, we must reform existing
social structures and institutions in ways
that help create and sustain new perspectives on gender diversity. But first, we
need to redefine gender roles.
Consider this: While women have
rightfully benefited from the introduction
of gender-specific legislation and policies, men are often penalized in areas like
property division, paternity leave, spousal
support, and alimony, to name a few. This
owes to persistent social stereotypes,
prevailing expectations, and lack of progressive reforms. Another problem is that
men—and boys—are also subjected to
sexual discrimination, a fact that’s consistently ignored. Males, regardless of
ethnicity and sexual orientation, regularly
fall prey to sexual assault or other forms
of violence, but are less likely to report
the incidents for fear of being ridiculed
or stigmatized.
So, perhaps it’s time to recognize that
we need to rally more men to our cause.
If we’re serious about achieving gender equality, we must work together to
fight all forms of discrimination, whether
arising from gender, race, age, disability, or sexuality. Neither incitement to
hatred against men nor endorsement of
antiquated belief systems catering to patriarchy will move society forward.
Sure, it’ll never be perfect. But if we
beat our drums in unison and work together to achieve harmony, we can bring
about change and innovation for the perpetual betterment of humanity.
■ Annabel Landry is a freelance writer living
in Tokyo.
The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
34
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Nature sets the stage Enjoy white beaches, see dolphins and baby pandas, and relax in ancient onsens.