ready set - Metropolis Magazine

Transcription

Dec 26, 2014-Jan 8, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
CHECK OUR NEW WEBSITE!
READY
SET
OK GO COMES
TO TOKYO
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ARTISTIC MAMA’S BOY
WHISTLER’S BACK
IN GREY AND BLACK
3… 2… 1…
GUIDE TO RINGING
IN THE NEW YEAR
CALL FOR EQUALITY
JAPAN STANDS
WITH FERGUSON
We wish you a
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
2015
Countdown Party December 31
Shibuya (open~late)
Shinjuku (open~late)
FREE glass of sparkling
wine for the countdown
¥500 pint of draugh beer
(11pm-1am)
OPENING DAYS - 2015
SHIBUYA
SHINJUKU
Jan 1st (noon OPEN)
Jan 1st (15:00 OPEN)
Shinagawa Jan 4th
Akasaka
Jan 5th
Ikebukuro
Jan 5th
*For more info, call one of our locations or check our website
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jp
Ikebukuro
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
Akasaka
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Shinagawa
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
w w w. d u bli n e rs. j p
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)
3-11pm (Sunday & hols)
TEL: 03-3476-7776
http://failte.jp
Enjoy our great selection
of Irish and European brews.
COUNTDOWN
CELEBRATION!
20
15
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Select pints ¥700 on 31st, dropping to ¥500
when the clock strikes midnight. Enjoy
toshikoshi soba (traditional Japanese New Year’s
food), self-service beer from the Guinness tap,
and many other events from 6pm-2am.
PROPAGANDA
Shot Bar
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015
31 Dec 2014 Countdown Party from 7pm-5am
Traditional Kagamiwari ceremony
(Sake Case breaking ceremony)
All you can drink until the
SAKE DRUM [72 LITER] is dry!
Door:
Ladies ¥2500w/1 drink
Gents ¥3500 w/1 drink
& FREE Japanese sake
from midnight
FREE ENTRANCE
BEFORE 9PM
Happy Hour: Until 9pm
Drinks from ¥500
www.propaganda-tokyo.com
2F Yua Roppongi Bldg., 3-14-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku Tokyo
04
03-3423-0988
inside
DEC 26, 2014 - JAN 8, 2015 • #1083
EDITOR’S
LETTER
Getting set to ring in the new year? Metropolis has the lowdown
on the hottest spots for the countdown to midnight. If you’re looking
for a catchy tune to carry you through the holidays, OK Go won’t let
you down as they ride into our cover story. And since celebration
and song need the company of food and drink, check out the bites
09
Auld Lang Syne: Find the right spot for New Year’s Eve.
we have for you—including the taste of sunshine! New Year's is
also a time for reflection, and we find out how some Tokyo residents
are supporting kindred spirits through trying times in Ferguson,
Missouri. After reflecting, we also look to the future and how the
world can become a better place in The Last Word.
13
18
Walkin’ on Sunshine: How to juice up your day.
Bust a Rhyme: An English teacher raps his tale.
Cover design: Kohji Shiiki; cover photo: courtesy of Smash - Zen Sekizawa
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05
06
upfront
SCENE AROUND TOWN
LINGOIST
Photo by John LaTorre
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
With yet another year coming to an end, that coveted “fresh start” is
almost within our reach. Reflection is good, but at some point you must
simply leave it all behind (or “let it go,” as one wise animated snow
queen once said) and move on. What better way to do just that than
to make your New Year’s resolutions using the phrase “shin-nen no
houfu” to jump-start 2015?
JP
EN
JP
Dec 4-7: Tokyo International Players’ production of Little Women
EN
Photo by C Bryan Jones
Akemashite omedetou
gozaimasu!
Happy New Year!
JP
EN
Shin-nen no houfu wa nandesuka?
What is your New Year’s
resolution?
JP
EN
Yasai wo motto ippai taberu
koto desu.
To eat more vegetables.
Watashi wa motto yasashiku
naru koto desu.
To be kinder.
123RF
Dec 12: Roppongi Hills Artelligent Christmas Illumination
K
Photo by Julio Shiiki
1
A
2
N
A
C
3
い
4
6
R
O
S
S
Down
2. Opinion, 3. Underground or basement, 5.
Interrogation, 6. Blowfish
7. Overseas
5
7
B
8
D
9
Dec 17: Sake tasting event by Sakebu at Oboro Saketen, Shimbashi
Across
1. Yellow, 4. Heel (of the
foot), 6. Eruption, 8. Gene,
9. Wish or hope, 10. Wall
A
10
C
ANSWERS AT
meturl.com/
kanacross
Solution:
A
B
C
D
Metropolis Members Club
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
Akihiko Sasamoto
won a Personal Training Session courtesy of Club360
UPCOMING PRIZE
One lucky MMC member will win a Peeling Facial
courtesy of Elana Jade
Dec 20: Yokohama Art Department #5 presented by Artmania, Yokohama
Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
07
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
new year’s concerts
JAN 1-3
JAN 2-3
JAN 3
Suntory Hall New Year Concert
Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
New Japan Philharmonic
Performed by the Vienna Volksoper Orchestra
and conducted by Rudolf Bibl with pieces by
J. Strauss II, Suppé and Lehár. Jan 1-3, 2pm,
¥5,000-10,000. Suntory Hall. Tameikesanno. Tel: 0570-55-0017. http://meturl.com/
suntorynewyear
Conducted by Tadaaki Otaka with performances
of J. Strauss II’s Emperor Waltz, Sibelius’s
Finlandia and more, with fun events such as
the lion dance parade during intermission and
the New Year’s Lottery. Jan 2-3, 3pm, ¥3,5006,500. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9999. http://meturl.com/
tokyophilnewyear
Conducted by Naoto Ootomo, with
performances of J. Strauss II’s Tritsch-TratschPolka and other pieces by the Austrian
composer. Jan 3, 2pm, ¥1,000-2,500. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5610-3815.
http://www.njp.or.jp/en/
Courtesy of Creativeman
DEC 26-29
KOOL & THE GANG
American jazz, R&B, soul, funk and
disco group. Winner of two Grammy
Awards and recently chosen as a
recipient of a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame for 2015.
Dec 26-29, various times, ¥13,800.
Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/koolgang2014
© Suntory Hall
DEC 31
EDITOR’S PICK JAN 4
ELECTROX
Promoter Creativeman’s foray into the world of EDM, Electrox proved
successful enough last year for a second installment. Several of the
world’s top names in electronic dance music headline the big-barn
event at Makuhari. Among them are progressive house staples
Armin Van Buren and Above & Beyond. The lineup also takes in the
banging bass music of DJ Diplo, the trance of New World Punx (Ferry
Corsten and Markus Schulz), and English rocktronic outfit the Klaxons.
Interestingly, the bill makes virtually no nod to Japan’s own rich history
of electronic music, with the exception of athletic turntablist Yamato,
who tellingly also appeared on the Ultra bill. Dan Grunebaum
Jan 4, 2pm, ¥12,000-24,000 (adv)/ ¥15,000-30,000 (door). Makuhari
Messe. Kaihin Makuhari. http://www.electrox.jp/
SUNTORY HALL
SILVESTER CONCERT
Enjoy classical music by the Vienna
Volksoper Orchestra and a dance
performance by members of the
Vienna Volksoper Ballet Ensemble.
Dec 31, 10pm, ¥6,000-12,000.
Suntory Hall. Tameike-sanno. Tel:
0570-02-9999. http://www.suntory.
co.jp/suntoryhall/
UNTIL MAR 1
TAKAMATSU JIRO:
MYSTERIES
Solve the mysteries contained in Takamatsu’s
works, which has received an increasing amount
of international acclaim in recent years, and
revisit the artist’s vast philosophical world. Until
Mar 1, 10am-5pm (until 8pm on Fri), ¥500-900.
The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo.
Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/takamatsumysteries
Takamatsu Jiro, Birth, 1960, Mitaka City Gallery of Art
© The Estate of Jiro Takamatsu, Courtesy of Yumiko Chiba Associates
「カノン・ダジュール Canyon d'Azur ～光の渓谷へ～」
UNTIL JAN 12
CANYON
D’AZUR
JAN 3-4
MIKHAILOVSKY THEATRE NEW YEAR
SPECIAL GALA
Enjoy fragments from The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Raymonda. Jan 3-4,
2pm, ¥7,000-15,000. Tokyo International Forum Hall A. Yurakucho.
http://www.koransha.com/
08
Caretta Shiodome’s
illumination featuring
250,000 LED lights with
a 15m “corridor of light”
leading to a 10m-long “pillar
of light” and a dazzling
tree. Until Jan 12, 5-11pm,
free. Caretta Shiodome.
Shiodome. http://meturl.
com/carettacanyon
THE COUNTDOWN CRAZE
RINGING 2015 IN RIGHT
If you’re looking to usher in the new year in style, you’re in the right city. Some of Tokyo’s
most unique and hottest venues ensure that the kick-off to 2015 will be a memorable
one—whether you’re looking for fun, intrigue, music or a good, old-fashioned party.
Photo courtesy of よこすかカウントダウン2015実行委員会
YOKOSUKA
COUNTDOWN 2015
A locally supported event, the Yokosuka
Countdown marks its 18th year of festivities
with food booths, fireworks, live music and
dance performances. Only here can you see
Japanese and U.S. battleships illuminated
(9pm-1am)—and for two minutes after the
clock turns midnight, the ships will sound
their whistles and turn on their searchlights
for a truly majestic start to the new year.
Dec 31, 6pm-1am, free. Verny Park.
Yokosuka and Shioiri. Tel: 046-825-1080.
http://meturl.com/yokosukacountdown
JOYPOLIS COUNTDOWN
PARTY 2015
Ring in the new year at Tokyo Joypolis,
an indoor amusement park with rides for
thrill-seekers, arcade games and more.
Featuring the popular Japanese comedy
duo Hamakan, a live performance by Fūdan
Juku, a cross-dressing idol unit and a
chance to win luxurious prizes in a special
New Year’s lucky draw.
Dec 31, 9pm, ¥300-800 (park entrance
fee). Tokyo Joypolis. Odaiba Kaihin Koen.
joypoliscountdown
AGEHA COUNTDOWN 2015
Featuring R3hab, one of the leading figures
of Dutch house music, DJ Kaori, Mitomi
Tokoto and others.
Dec 31, 9pm, ¥4,980 (adv)/ ¥6,000 (door).
Ageha. Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
HANAYASHIKI COUNTDOWN
Celebrate in one of the oldest amusement
parks in Japan with live comedy
performances and a chance to win the
Appare Happi, which allows you and your
friends to enter the park free of charge for
an entire year.
Dec 31, 9pm-2am, from ¥1,000.
Hanayashiki. Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-8780.
http://meturl.com/hanayashikicountdown
Photo courtesy of Amano Studio
THE SUNSHINE 60
OBSERVATORY COUNTDOWN
WWW COUNTDOWN
This year, stillichimiya will head the
countdown along with Kakato, Seiho,
Nature Danger Gang and others, with Sex
Yamaguchi as the DJ.
Dec 31, 8pm, ¥4,500 (adv)/ ¥5,000 (door).
WWW. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-7685.
http://meturl.com/wwwcountdown2014
Ring in the new year at 251 meters above sea
level with a panoramic 360-degree view of
the city and its vibrant night lights. Request
your favorite song from the DJ and enjoy
performances by world-renowned artists,
dancers and idols such as Hideboh, an
acclaimed tap dancer.
Dec 31, 5pm-1am, ¥310-620 (observatory
entrance fee). The Sunshine 60 Observatory.
Higashi Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-3989-3457.
http://meturl.com/sunshinecountdown
OSHARE HANABI 2014
Be mesmerized by fireworks designed to
emulate Niagara Falls.
Dec 31, 11:59pm, free. Yokohama Red
Brick Warehouse. Bashamichi and Nihon
Odori. Tel: 045-227-2002. www.yokohamaakarenga.jp
SEE MORE EVENTS
IN WATCH LIST P.24
09
cover story
V I
RAL
MA S
T ERS
OK Go’s videos aren’t
your grandma’s MTV
BY DAN GRUNEBAUM
Photos courtesy of Smash - Zen Sekizawa
10
W
hen Metropolis reaches OK Go’s Damian Kulash, the singer is in Phoenix for a
funeral. Despite the circumstances, Kulash’s trademark enthusiasm bubbles
back as talk turns to the band’s tour-de-force
video for “I Won’t Let You Down,” shot in Japan.
“It really was a new experience in a lot of
ways,” he says. The piece features thousands
of Japanese high school girls dancing en
masse, filmed by drone from above, and the
four members of OK Go gamboling about on
Honda U3-X personal mobility devices.
“Director Morihiro Harano and the band
saw eye to eye,” Kulash continues about the
video which, at this writing, had been viewed
15 million times on YouTube. “It’s always magical when you align with someone creatively,
and you feel like the whole is more than the
sum of the parts. It’s even more magical when
you’re crossing the language barrier.”
Choreographed by Japan’s Air:man, “I Won’t
Let You Down” is a disco-flavored trifle of a
dance number that sees the high school girls—
epitomizing kawaii—deploying umbrellas in
precise movements to create what from above
looks like a shifting work of contemporary art.
People may be reminded of Japanese painter Yayoi Kusama’s dots or North Korea’s mass
games, but the main inspiration goes back to
1930s Hollywood. “Busby Berkeley was a famous American choreographer from the ’30s,
and he liked graphic aerial shots a lot,” Kulash
explains, “so what you see in our video with the
kaleidoscopic shots from on high, he often did
that in the studio with dancers.”
Forming in Chicago in the late ’90s, OK Go
have become known as much for their peppy
pop-rock and their stint as the house band for
NPR’s “This American Life,” as for their elaborate videos, which collectively boast over 100
million YouTube views.
To what does OK Go ascribe the remarkable
audience for their videos online? “We don’t try
to spell out our lyrics or match the song’s emotional content,” hazards Kulash. “We look at the
shape of the song, and try to match the arc of it.
For example, with a sad song, rather than trying
to make a sad [video], we try to make something with the same ups and downs. What we
hope is people will see that this three-minute
thing is not about the lyrics, it’s just this piece of
art for them to like—there’s a radical transparency of process.”
The success of OK Go’s videos means the
revenues from them form a key part of the
band’s income, and Kulash even appears on
panels devoted to the secrets of making viral
videos. The band has become something of
a poster child for the way post-analog bands
leverage numerous media formats to get their
music out.
“We like to think that recorded music in the
20th century existed in a bubble and there
were no commercial pressures on it, and it
was art,” Kulash reflects, “and no wonder we
hated the labels—they were doing all the dirty
work and paying themselves 90 percent of
the profits.”
Kulash observes that in the current, more
complex environment of downloads and
streams, it’s more difficult to figure out the
commercial side of one’s artistic endeavor.
OK Go’s solution has been to, so to speak, get
in bed with the enemy.
“We find it creatively freeing to go into business with people directly,” he says. “We know
then what’s expected of us and vice versa.
So rather than having a record company who
thinks they know better than you what to do
with your art, we work with people who want
to be associated with what we do. It’s a much
healthier relationship.”
In the case of “I Won’t Let You Down,”
there’s the obvious promotion for Honda’s
mobility device. “I can’t discuss the specifics
of our deal with Honda—but we knew what
was expected of us and what wasn’t,” says
Kulash. “We knew they would let us make the
video exactly as we wanted and have creative
control. They didn’t want to change what we
were doing because they liked it.”
Kulash says people need to get over the
idea of sponsorship as crass. “That’s where
a lot of the music is to be found these days
because radio plays only a few extremely wellfunded acts,” he says. “I have problems with
corporate domination of culture, but as long
as I’m not in a position where I’m shilling products, I’d rather be where culture is actually
happening than try to avoid it.”
OK Go has had a fan base in Japan ever
since touring its eponymous debut album in
2002. Last summer’s packed Fuji Rock appearance and the upcoming sold-out date in
Tokyo indicate just to what extent “I Won’t Let
You Down” has cemented the band’s relationship with people here. “In Japan, it feels like
everyone is a nerd about something—whether
it’s film or rock ‘n’ roll or bowling,” Kulash says.
“Having our music finally take off there just
feels right.”
The singer is an astute observer of the
way music scenes have evolved since OK
Go’s days on the Chicago band scene. “Those
communities used to be based around physical proximity,” he notes. “They still exist, but
now they’re based around concepts or styles
or artistic choices rather than geographic
locations.”
Whether in a close physical community of
bands, or a digitally diffused community of creators, the social role of music is clearly one of
its most important. But Kulash says it’s music’s
secret sauce that made it his life choice.
“For me, music is the only thing that can
scratch that itch,” he says. “I think the reason
why is, life is not simple. In your most joyous
moments there is melancholy. For example,
I’m talking to you from a funeral today. Being
human is so complex and magnificent, and for
me the interplay of sounds speaks to me in
those complex emotions.
“An amazing fact is that when people sing
together, their heartbeats align, and they release oxytocin on the level of sex. Oxytocin
generates feelings of loyalty and love, and
if you can generate that in a society by performing music, then it has a huge function in
making society whole. It’s amazing that you
can get the same answer scientifically and
emotionally and evolutionarily—which is that
music is fucking magic.”
Feb 17, 7pm (sold out). Tsutaya O-East. Nearest stn: Shibuya or Shinsen. Feb 19, 7pm.
¥6,000. Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://meturl.com/
okgo2014
11
food&drink
Morinaga’s Dars chocolate has gotten an upscale
makeover at the Dars Brand Shop, which opened
in Omotesando this month. The pop-up shop offers “Special Dars,” which comes in a variety of
flavors including mango, hōji-cha (roasted green
tea) and fruit granola, “Premium Dars Sweets”
and “Collaboration Dars Sweets,” which includes
an (edible) Dars tiara (¥30,000) designed by the
world’s first tiara designer Taro Kamitani.
Until Mar 15. Omotesando R Studio. Omotesando. Tel: 03-3470-8812. http://meturl.com/
darsshop
RESTAURANT
Already a Japanese winter staple, mikan
(tangerine) now makes its debut as a potato
chip flavor, produced by snack food brand
Koikeya. Although this could be considered
a wacky combination, it’s surprising how well
the two flavors complement each other. Why
not swap the traditional mikan-eating in a kotatsu for these mikan-flavored potato chips?
Available in convenience stores nationwide.
Just what does “pink” taste
like? We know this question
has been weighing on your
mind, and with the release
of this latest entr y in
Pepsi’s kaleidoscope of
flavors you can finally get
the answer. Well, maybe.
With no definitive label on
the bottle, the experience
of drinking Pepsi Pink Cola
is a subjective one. Hints
of strawberry, ume (plum)
and a touch of cream soda
come together to create
one of the more palatable
cola experiments. Grab
one and define “pink” for
yourself.
Available in convenience
stores nationwide.
Photos by Vesna Kevork
¥¥¥
EN/JP
Silver-spoon
service in
hipster
Daikanyama
BY V KEVORK
Enter the delightful world of
Chez Lui, a formal French brasserie where soup is served in
espresso cups and herbal tea
is accompanied by silver honey
pots. Silverware and vintage The delightful tandem of fish and scallop nestled in creamy white-wine sauce
glamour are the norm at this
restaurant located where it would be least confusion. Rather it’s the first dish of the day:
expected—in hipster Daikanyama, nestled The humble “soupe du jour”—a warm sweet
between trendy, upmarket fashion boutiques potato and chestnut soup that’s smooth, nutty
and sweet. It’s easy to be taken over with gidand unassuming cafés.
The venue is striking and elegant, with po- diness when considering the amount of effort
lite waiters donning black-and-white uniforms, taken to roast, crack and puree the chestnuts
the old-school French restaurant “feel” and a and bake the sweet potatoes. The portion is
subtle air of sophistication, which is reflected minuscule—just a few sips—but the flavors
in all the details. The interior—a color scheme are extraordinary and the texture oh-so-silky.
The main dish is up next: A grilled white
combining cream and chocolate—is reminisfish likened to sea bass, with a scallop and
cent of Parisian eclairs.
There are three weekday lunch sets avail- vegetables. The fish and ginormous scallop sit
able, ranging from ¥1,500 to ¥2,900. The proudly on a petite bed of mashed potatoes,
¥1,500 lunch set includes soup, fish or meat, surrounded by firm, steamed cauliflower and
a cherry tomato, all enveloped in a creamy
dessert, coffee and tea.
The first dish served in this set is some- white-wine sauce done to perfection.
Dessert is a cream cheese mousse topped
what surprising and sets the stage for what’s
to be expected for the whole course in terms with mango and presented in a transparent,
of style, quality and portion. A tiny and regal cylindrical glass cup replete with wooden
bone china espresso cup is brought out at the spoon. Soon the herbal tea arrives, accompastart of the course, but it’s not a ploy to cause nied by a silver pot of honey.
12
This restaurant’s appeal is multifaceted—
the unique soup combinations, its presentation, the synergy of the dishes and the extremely professional staff, who are attentive
without being overbearing. The prices are
very reasonable considering the high quality
of food and service.
A bit of sophistication and old-school glamour on an ordinary day?
“Oui, oui, Monsieur!”
20-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 033461-0070. Daikanyama.
As soon as the clock strikes midnight on December 26, Tokyo takes down all the yuletide
apparel, leaving you to wonder if Christmas ever
happened at all. Starbucks does the same thing
in Japan, taking off the menu their holiday favorites in lieu of new flavors. Their latest offering
is the Chocolate Orange Mocha, a concoction
that's equal parts creamy and fruity, with chunks
of orange peels in the mix. It comes in Frappuccino form too, naturally.
Available until Feb 14 in Starbucks shops nationwide. (They’re hard to miss!)
RESTAURANT
Looks like Mister Donut’s on a mission to
mash up every pastry known to man. Following their cronut bandwagon-jumping in
2014, the chain will start the year off with their
Brooklyn D&Ds: A hybrid of donuts and Danish, coming in plain, chocolate banana, strawberry and caramel nut flavors. The Mister will
also start selling Mason jars, which they call
“Brooklyn jars.” Perhaps their vision is more
Pinterest than the actual New York borough.
On sale from Jan 7 in Mister Donut chains nationwide.
¥¥ JP/EN/FR
Sunshine Juice
in Ebisu
BY AMANDA TAYLOR
That dreary, sneezy, sniffly time of
year is upon us—so keep your energy
up with a dose of “sunshine.”
Sunshine Juice, a juice bar in Ebisu,
has a whole slew of concoctions featuring such superfoods as goji berry,
wheatgrass and kale. Whether you A spectrum of choices come together to send a ray of sunshine your way
seek to detox or recharge, there’s a
drink for your needs.
you, so don’t drink it if you’ve got a three-hour
At an average of ¥1,000 per drink, it’s pricier business meeting coming up; you’ll need good
than your average juice stand—but they work. access to a bathroom. According to the menu,
The juices also come in sturdy reusable bottles; this juice works well to supplement malnutrition.
bringing your own bottle grants you a mild disFinally, Ironman’s Favorite (¥1,186, regular
count of ¥20. We tried three juices from the size)—a blend of beets, seasonal citrus fruits
winter, detox and rejuvenate menus.
and maca (a vitamin-rich root vegetable from
First up: Spicy Sunshine (¥980, regular size). the Andes of Peru). Luckily, Ironman’s Favorite
This ain’t your traditional OJ—it’s a mix of or- tastes a lot better than it smells and is sweeter
anges, seasonal citrus fruits and pepper that than the Green Detoxer. The menu claims elite
somehow works perfectly, the latter adding athletes often drink beet juice to recover from
more bite than flavor. This one’s packed with vi- exhaustion—so if you do catch a cold, this potamin C and is just the thing to warm you up and tion could help fortify your immune system.
get you going on chilly winter mornings. But fair
Sunshine also has a few cleanse programs
warning: When they say spicy, they mean spicy. that lay out which juices to drink and when to
Next: The Green Detoxer (¥980, regular do so for ultimate detoxification—but please
size), a melange of organic kale, spinach, Japa- consult a doctor before trying one of these pronese komatsuna (or mustard spinach), celery grams. Note: Only juice names are available in
and lemon combine in a powerful detoxer. English; for more detail on the ingredients, ask
It’s not very sweet—the lemon is the sole source the friendly and helpful staff.
of any sugar—so it’s a little more difficult to 1-5-8 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6277-3122.
swallow but by no means horrible. Be careful, Weekdays 8am-8pm, weekends and hols
because the green detoxer will in fact detox 9am-7pm. Ebisu. http://sunshinejuice.jp
RECIPE
EASY KURI KINTON
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Japan ushers in the New Year with osechi ryori—
a set of various traditional dishes, each representing a desired outcome for the year ahead.
If you’re looking for an increase in your bank account, try attracting fortune with kuri kinton—a
sweet-potato-and-chestnut dessert whose bright
shade of yellow symbolizes fortune, or gold.
Start to finish: 15 mins
Servings: 6 kuri kinton
1. 1 sweet potato, medium-sized (choose beniharuka,
benikirara, kanpachi or similar)
2. 6 pieces kuri no kanroni (chestnuts in syrup)
3. 1/2 tsp butter
4. 1 tbs brown sugar
5. A pinch of salt
6. Rum or cinnamon (optional)
7. 1 tsp-1 tbs dried okara
DIRECTIONS:
1. Rinse sweet potato with skin intact. With
plastic wrap, wrap without wiping the moisture off. Microwave on medium to high (600800W) for 5 minutes or until cooked tender.
2.Peel skin off sweet potato. With a masher or
fork, mash. Add butter, sugar, salt and rum or
cinnamon, if desired. Keep mixing.
3.If too soft, add dried okara. Start with 1 tsp;
gradually add to mixture until consistency is
just right.
4.On plastic wrap, spread 1/6 of mixture. Make
into a small, flat, round shape and place
drained chestnut in the middle. Fold plastic
wrap so the potato covers the chestnut‘s
bottom and sides. Squeeze the top to form a
shape called chakin shibori.
5.Note: If you find the sweet potato to be sweet
enough, you can skip the sugar. Also, be careful when peeling, as the sweet potato can be
very hot.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
13
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escapes
Fukuoka
Fukuoka Pref.
Yanagawa
canals
loading dock. Tours
last an average of
Train access by the
70 minutes, and pasTenjin-Omuta Line,
Kagoshima Line and
sengers are treated
Kyushu Shinkansen. Air
to the stories—and
access via Fukuoka and
occasional song—of
Ariake-Saga airports.
More information
the capable boatmen
and full English travel
who pole the crafts
and contact details
at http://meturl.com/
through the canals.
yanagawakk
Unfor tunately, the
commentary is only in Japanese, but English speakers can follow the route on the
maps provided.
Tours run year-round, and each season has enjoyable aspects. In spring, the
banks are lined with cherry trees and, if
you time it during March’s Hina Matsuri
(Doll Festival), you might even catch the
water parade of living dolls. In winter, kotatsu heaters are added to the boats to
keep passengers cozy.
For the most part, the ride through the canals
is a calm one. Be alert, however, for the occasional narrow passage or low-clearance bridge.
There’s also a statue or two of kappa (water
sprites) hidden along the route. Keep your eyes
peeled for these mischievous fellows.
All boat cruises end just southwest of the old
Yanagawa castle site. If the ride leaves you with
an appetite, don’t miss out on the Yanagawa
specialty of unagi (freshwater eel). At least a
half-dozen restaurants serving the local delicacy are within a stone’s throw of the disembarkation area.
HOW TO GET THERE
Nagasaki
THE VENICE OF KYUSHU
Cruise the canals of Yanagawa
BY MANDY BARTOK
It might be missing the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square, but
Yanagawa—a small cit y in
southern Fukuoka prefecture—has canals that could
rival the famous Italian city.
Around 2,000 years ago,
a portion of the nearby Ariake
Sea turned from tidal wetlands
into more solid ground. However,
locals living in the vicinity dug a series
of trenches and ditches to preserve water for agricultural use on the small settlement’s rice paddies. By the seventh and eighth centuries, more
official channels of transportation
were dug and paths between the
rice paddies were linked. Life
in Yanagawa revolved around
the water, and the routes remained vital as transportation
arteries until near the end of
the 19th century.
Today, visitors can travel a
small portion of the 470 kilometers
of canals that remain on a kawakudari
(“downstream”) tour. Shuttle buses deliver
boat passengers from the Nishitetsu rail station
on the eastern side of Yanagawa to the boat
FOR MORE GREAT
ESCAPES IN JAPAN VISIT
JAPANTRAVEL.COM
JapanTravel
.com
15
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
BIG HERO 6
A kind of Disney Frozen for boys, this is the engaging tale of a young robotics prodigy trying to get into
a prestigious tech school. When his older brother
dies in a fire that looks a lot like arson, he takes over
the operation of the Miyazaki-ish title hero named
Baymax, an inflatable caregiver robot, and he and his
amusing gang of geeks go about identifying the villain
that set the fire. The film gets points for presenting
the death of a loved one to kids in a non-threatening
way, and it’s original and clever enough to put in the
“both parents and kids” category. As a San Francisco
native and long-time Tok yo resident, I absolutely
loved the East-West hybrid city of San Fransokyo.
The Baymax creature fairly screams “marketability,”
of course. If you want to know just how loud, step into
Harajuku’s Kiddy Land when you get a chance. ‘Nuff
said. On the plus side, there’s no singing or dancing. But I could have done without Baymax getting
weaponized in the third act with a suit of armor and a
rocket pack, after which the film sort of devolves into
second-rate flying-around 3-D nonsense. Japanese
title: Baymax. (98 min)
NEW
A PROMISE
In pre-WWI Germany, a
smart, upwardly mobile
executive secretar y
(Richard Madden) to a
rich industrialist (Alan
Rickman) falls in love with the boss’ much younger wife
(Rebecca Hall). Society being as buttoned-up as it was,
they content themselves with meaningful stolen glances—lots of them—until he is sent off to Mexico. The war
inconveniently prevents his return or even communication. I kept waiting for something to happen. It doesn’t.
Not a single bodice ripped. The camera work’s crappy.
Sorry, but French director Patrice Laconte’s first Englishlanguage effort is a big bore. Japanese title: Kureai. (94
min)
NEW
BAD MILO!
A stressed - out junior
exec is understandably
shocked to learn that
his recent gastrointestinal troubles are being
caused by a demonic polyp in his large intestine that
occasionally detaches itself to wreak havoc on those
causing its host stress. Now, a movie about an ugly little
butt-goblin is not going to appeal to everyone. But this is
smarter and way more original than the average grossout comedy—and will be appreciated best by those who
enjoy seeing a dumb idea well executed. And fans of
films like The Brood, Basket Case and It’s Alive will
certainly dig the in-jokes. (85 min)
MAPS TO THE STARS
Dav id Cronenb erg’s
tragicomic take on
Tinseltown and its scabrous goings- on outLynch’s Mulholland Drive
and plays like The Player with teeth. To call the Weiss
family “dysfunctional” would be a compliment. Dad’s a
self-serving TV self-help guru, and Mom manages their
jaded 13-year-old actor son. Dad’s star client is a fading diva who’s angling for the lead role in a remake of
one of her late, great mother’s films. Her new personal
assistant is a burn-scarred newbie who also happens
to be the Weiss family’s pyromaniacal prodigal daughter. There’s a devastating family secret in the mix, and
a ghost. (112 min)
GONE GIRL
When a man’s perfect
wife inexplicably goes
missing, he finds himself
at the center of a media
circus, and his own innocence comes into question. That’s really all I can tell you,
because this is one of those movies where you regularly
find out that everything you know is wrong. One of the
best movie mysteries since The Usual Suspects, it’s
flawlessly cast, starting with Rosamund Pike. I’ve always
liked her character work, but I had no idea she had this
kind of acting chops. Intelligent and mesmerizing, this
is excellent, high-level pulp. Two and a half hours, but
edge-of-your-seat all the way. (145 min)
SAVAGED
“Oh dear,” I said when I
read the IMDb blurb on
this cheapie revenge
thriller. “A deaf girl is
b r u t a l ize d by a m u rderous gang, who are then hunted by her when the
bloodthirsty spirit of an Apache warrior inhabits her
lifeless body.” But as it progressed, I started thinking
it didn’t suck, and then surprised myself by finding it
rather entertaining, in a grindhouse kind of way. I reveled in the terrible acting, and I flat out guffawed when
the chainsaw came out. Not for everyone, but I’ve sat
through worse. Best seen with friends and tequila
shots. Japanese title: Savage Killer. (94 min)
ALIVE INSIDE
Early in this doc, social
worker Dan Cohen
and filmmaker Michael
Rossato-Bennett put a
pair of headphones on a
94-year-old, nearly comatose dementia sufferer named
Henry and play him some Cab Calloway. The result is
stunning. He immediately perks up and starts singing. Other old folks react similarly. So it’s a great idea
to play these abandoned people their old music, and a
$50 iPod is a lot cheaper than meds. Then it gets repetitious, the narration gets cloying, and it falls back on
fundraising. This is a downer after Henry. And despite
the filmmakers’ enthusiasm, this isn’t even a new idea.
Japanese title: Personal Song. (78 min)
NEW
Big Hero 6: ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.; A Promise: © 2014 FIDELITE FILMS – WILD BUNCH – SCOPE PICTURES; Bad Milo!: ©PREDESTINED, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; Maps to the Stars: © 2014 Starmaps Productions Inc./Integral Film
GmbH; Gone Girl: © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox; Savaged: Savaged The Movie LLC © 2013; Alive Inside: © 2012 EAR GOGGLES PRODUCTIONS.LLC. ALL RIGHTS; God’s Not Dead: © 2014 God’s Not Dead. LLC; Love, Rosie: © 2014 CONSTANTIN
FILM PRODUKTION GMBH; The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: ©2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.; Fury: © Norman Licensing, LLC 2014; Interstellar: © 2014 Warner Bros.
Entertainment, Inc.and Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
16
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
GOD’S NOT DEAD
This rickety attempt to
address an imagined
campaign among U.S.
universities to silence
“true believers” is lame
even by the already lax standards of faith-based cinema. The movie-long setup involves a smug, born-again
freshman running down a list of talking points with an
atheistic philosophy teacher who’s so clearly evil, I wonder why they didn’t give him horns and a tail. He later
gets hit by a car. All the characters are props. Legitimate
criticisms of Christianity are ignored. Subplots target
the godless Chinese and Muslims. All this and Duck
Dynasty, too. God, if there is one, would be seriously
pissed. Japanese title: Kami wa Shindanoka. (113 min)
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL
Yeah, well, so is hell, and
it’s sitting through faithbased movies. When a
(highly irritating) fouryear-old boy in an impossibly well-adjusted evangelical Christian family in an
improbably multiracial and multicultural Nebraska farm
town is saved (by a prayer montage) from a close call
with death, he emerges claiming to have visited Heaven,
which looks suspiciously like Sunday school. His dad’s
(Greg Kinnear) interpretation of this as proof of an afterlife is problematic though. Does not proof eliminate the
need for faith? (See the movie Doubt.) Literally preaching to the literally converted. Japanese title: Tengoku wa
Hontoni Aru. (99 min)
LOVE, ROSIE
Perhaps the Brits
wanted to show t hey
coul d make ro man t ic
comedies ever y bit as
drippy and unrealistic
as the Americans. Alex and Rosie (Sam Claflin and
Lily Collins, showing an astounding lack of chemistry)
have grown up together and are best friends. Though
it’s obvious to even the dullest audience member that
they’ll eventually end up together, it takes a dozen
years (and one hour, 42 minutes of your life) for them
to get around to it. I guess it takes time to get through
all those clichés and predictable “twists.” Neither
romantic nor funny. Japanese title: Ato 1cm no Koi.
(102 min)
THE HOBBIT:
THE BATTLE OF THE
FIVE ARMIES
The dragon is slain in the
first act but is replaced
with an even worse monster: politics. Elves, men, dwarves and orcs all descend on
Lonely Mountain to claim their share (or all) of the treasures
therein. Now, all these LOTR prequels are necessarily padded. (Factoid: It takes longer to watch this trilogy than it
does to read the slim book.) But as I’ve said of the other
two films, it’s great padding. This one’s darker and weirder,
but it’s fun to watch, the hour-long titular smackdown is
beautifully choreographed, the characters and emotions
are convincing and in all a fitting adieu to Middle Earth.
Japanese title: Hobbit: Kesshou no Yukue. (144 min)
FURY
This isn’t quite Saving
Private R yan, but it
comes close and can
stand with the best
W WII combat movies.
Brad Pitt disappears into the role of a tank commander nicknamed “Wardaddy,” as he marshals his
crew behind enemy lines during the last days of the
war, outgunned and outnumbered by a vicious and
desperate enemy. The action scenes are terrific, but
it’s during the down times that the film shines. One
15-minute sequence, involving a pair of women hiding in an apartment, brims with suspense, dread and
an unexpected sensitivity. Then it’s back to the daily
business of not getting killed. (134 min)
INTERSTELLAR
On an ecologically
d o o m e d , n e a r- f u t u r e
Earth, a NASA pilot must
travel through a wormhole to f ind humanit y
a new home, but it means he must leave behind his
beloved daughter, likely to never see her again. By
the way, she sees ghosts. While it’s a science fiction
movie, the science is viable, which makes the fiction
more believable. Though Nolan’s films can be cold
and emotionless, in this surreal yet grounded movie,
he manages to effectively balance spectacle and emotion, the cosmic and the intimate. Call it science with
a soul. This must-see film will stretch your mind. Big
screen, please. (169 min)
© 2014『超能力研究部の3人』製作委員会
© IMAGE.NET
© PARAMOUNT PICTURES
eiga
Director Nobuhiro
Yamashita tends to slip
under the radar in the
big(ger) budget world
of Japanese studio pics.
By Rob Schwartz
His varied works have
either been too art house for mainstream tastes or too
commercial to be seriously considered by film experts.
His breakthrough flick Cream Lemon (2004), based on
a popular manga, addressed half-sibling incest. But it
was his next film Linda Linda Linda (2005), a rock effort,
that brought him commercial success, critical acclaim
and the ability to make almost anything he wanted.
Yamashita promptly veered off in a surreal direction with
The Matsugane Potshot Affair (2006), which played well
at festivals but baffled the public. My Back Pages (2011)
was a serious investigation of 1960s radicalism that found
little support at the box office. Yamashita now offers a
light and amusing high school story centering on three
girls trying to access ESP. Its stars, Manatsu Akimoto,
Erika Ikuta and Nanami Hashimoto, are members of the
J-pop girl group Nogizaka 46 (a “rival” of AKB48, though
that may be giving them too much credit). Based on the
manga City Lights, this is an undemanding, mainly comedic fare with Yamashita’s deft touch. Good fun. (119 min.)
CHŌNŌRYOKU
KENKYŪBU NO
SAN-NIN
movie news
British actors have been finding work in Hollywood
since talking pictures created the need for pristine
elocution. Many put down stakes and never return
to work in the UK. Not so with Emma Thompson,
who was recently honored with the Richard Harris
Award, named after the Irish actor who appeared in
Unforgiven and Gladiator. The British Independent
Film Awards presents the honor each year to a performer who has made an outstanding contribution
to British cinema. Although Thompson has starred
opposite Will Smith and Arnold Schwarzenegger in
Hollywood, she has also written and acted in Britishbased productions such as Sense and Sensibility and
Nanny McPhee. “Some of my films have been independent, but I have to confess I have been ‘with’ studios. I have also taken small roles in large studio films
that could be described as formulaic for money,” the
actress joked during her acceptance speech. Jared
Harris, the son of the award’s namesake, praised
Thompson’s “determination not to let anyone else’s
lack of imagination restrict her opportunities. And if
those opportunities didn’t exist, she created them for
herself.” The Love Punch, starring Thompson, is currently in theaters in Japan. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
Cinema Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.
cinemavera.com) in Shibuya continues its showcase of
early film masterpieces with a program running from
December 27 to the end of January. Returning to the
screen this time are Billy Wilder’s film noir classic Double
Indemnity (pictured), Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt, and
Orson Welles’ Macbeth… The fourth installment of the
Mitaiken Zone Film Festival is set to launch on January
6 at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya (Cocoti Bldg. 7-8F,
1-23-16, Shibuya-ku; www.ht-cinema.com). Translating
as “the zone of the not-yet-experienced,” it’s packed
with titles even dedicated cinema fans have probably
never heard of and will most likely never get to see again.
The fest’s films include the stylish vampire flick Kiss of
the Damned, the dark comedy about social networks
Friended to Death and The Angriest Man in Brooklyn,
which features one of the last performances from Robin
Williams as a man who believes he has only 90 minutes
to live… The international co-production 1,000 Times
Good Night features Juliette Binoche as an acclaimed
war photographer whose career and personal life collide
when her husband refuses to continue their dangerous
lifestyle. On now at Kadokawa Cinema Yurakucho (1-11-1
Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; www.kadokawa-cinema.jp) and
Shibuya Cine Palace (20-11 Utagawacho, Shibuya-ku;
www.mitsuba-inc.co.jp/scp). KM
17
city life
TOKYO FOR FERGUSON
Japan protests police brutality
BY MARTIN LEROUX
Photos by Nayalan Moodley
The fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an
unarmed black teenager accused of burglary, by white police officer Darren Wilson
in Ferguson, Missouri, this August continues
to spark global outrage. Furthermore, the
grand jury's decision in November not to
persecute Wilson was met with nationwide
protests that brought to the forefront the issue of police brutality and violence against
black people in the United States.
On December 6, Tokyo-based African
American Youth Travel Program (AAYTP),
a non-profit organization providing underprivileged African American youth new experiences and opportunities through travel,
responded to the verdict by organizing a
peaceful demonstration, with the support
of the Tokyo community. Participants rallied
to show support for the Ferguson protests
and raise awareness for prejudice faced by
black people stateside at the
hands of law enforcement.
“I was absolutely devasWE ARE HERE
tated by the verdict of the
TODAY TO SHOW past trials of children being
THAT WE WANT
murdered and culprits being
AN END TO
let free,” says Amber RichardALL FORMS OF
son, president of AAYTP.
DISCRIMINATION
“In times like this, when
AND THE FULL
you are far away from home,
RECOGNITION
you can feel so helpless. We
OF OUR HUMAN
all wanted to make a contribuRIGHTS.”
tion to send support to all al-
18
lies, ending police brutality and demanding
an end to racial discrimination that exists in
our policing system."
Carrying bilingual signs that read “Don't
shoot!,” “Black lives matter” and “I can't
breathe”—referring to Eric Garner, who was
choked to death by a police officer in New
York this July—while wearing black, over
100 protesters of various nationalities, as
well as cultural and ethnic backgrounds,
marched from Yoyogi Park and through the
Shibuya and Omotesando areas. Aisha, one
of the organizers, opened the march with a
rendition of “Amazing Grace” while fellow
AAYTP member Ebony Bowens worked
with Tokyo police to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.
Richardson explains that the demonstration helped open eyes to existing racial
inequality in a country regarded internationally as a melting pot.
“The initial incidents themselves did not
gain much attention in Japanese media,
and also the fact that the history of discrimination is something that is not necessarily
talked about in Japan,” she states, explaining that Japanese coverage of Ferguson
was minimal until the verdict of Wilson's nonindictment. “Most people who are unaware
of the cultural differences are shocked that
we still suffer discrimination in the USA.”
For some of the participants, racial prejudice is something that has been witnessed
and experienced first-hand.
“Having grown up in St. Louis and for a
short while attending school in Ferguson, I
experienced just how racially segregated
the community there is,” says AAYTP member Niaya Harper, adding that the issue is
not unique to the city. “The sad thing is that
it is not isolated to just Ferguson, but this
is a problem that people can witness all
across the USA.”
However, Harper expresses appreciation for the amount of support coming from
the community in Japan.
“I am grateful for all the people around
the world who are bringing to light the injustice that we as African Americans face on a
daily basis. It is also very admiring to know
that, in Japan, people can openly feel and
understand these issues—and want to also
help to make a change.”
For fellow AAYTP member Dayo Adeshakin, prejudice persists on a larger scale
than in the mere confinements of cities and
communities: “Discrimination is something
that cannot be contained to a certain region
of the world. We are here today to show that
we want an end to all forms of discrimination
and the full recognition of our human rights.”
Richardson states that it’s possible to
help bring change in the U.S. from abroad—
through education.
“It starts in using your voice to let people
know it's not okay. Keep talking about issues related to race so people are aware
and provide educational outlets to teach
people about how to better communicate
and engage in a racially diverse society.
“This is one thing the AAYTP has in its
mission: To not only educate African American youth on cultures outside the USA, but
to also provide a chance for people in Japan
to learn about African American culture.”
For more information on the African American Youth Travel Program, visit www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanYouthTravelProgram.
ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING
Dear Metropolis,
I work in an international office and normally I love it, but … I guess sometimes
I can’t get away from feeling that certain “Japanese cultural norms” at work
are very stressful to me, as well as my co-workers. However, how we deal
with it is different. There’s a culture of unpaid overtime that my Japanese
colleagues obviously don’t like but give in to. I have a family and a long
commute, and thus I go home on time. I realize this could cause some bad
vibes with the people I work with, but it’s not something I am willing or able
to do. I don’t want them to have to pick up my (imaginary) slack, but we are
all overloaded with work with no way of getting a new team member. I feel
guilty, but I also feel that I’m in the right in a culture of wrong and it’s stressing
me out. Is there anything I can do? —Overworked
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Dear Overworked,
I can see that you’re feeling extremely stressed by the work culture that
exists in your company. You’re attempting to maintain a healthy work and
life balance by leaving work on time to get home to your family. I realize this
has left you with feelings of guilt and concern about what your co-workers
may or may not think with regards to your commitment to the work. Sadly,
many others like you also struggle with the same thing, and it’s not limited
to Japanese culture or companies. You feel stuck and are unsure of what
options you have. I’m wondering if there are any other co-workers who
might be experiencing similar feelings and how comfortable you would
be discussing this with them. If you have an HR department, they might
be able to run some lunchtime activities around stress management and
work-life balance, or have someone speak on the topic. Finding ways to
avoid burnout such as exercise, healthy eating and sleep are also very
important in managing your stress levels, and often taken for granted.
It sounds like you’d like some sort of support and acknowledgement
that you’re not alone in this. The TELL Lifeline is open every day and our
trained counselors are here to listen to your concerns and help consider
what your options might be.
Tel: 03-3796-2411
relaxtokyo.com
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Answer courtesy of TELL. If you need to talk, they’re here to listen. Call
the TELL Lifeline at 03-5774-0992 from 9am-11pm, 365 days a year.
Or visit their website at www.telljp.com
If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life in Japan, send your questions
to askanything@metropolisjapan.com, and we’ll find the most appropriate
people to answer your queries.
123RF
19
FASHION CALENDAR
Do you have what it takes for TV?
Looking for English
& Chinese speakers
Also Japanese, Spanish & French speakers
DEC 29
Celebrate the end of the year
with Maison Kitsuné
Parisienne powerhouse Maison
Kitsuné is hosting one of the last
fashion club nights of the year.
Brand director Gildas will be
on the decks, as will British DJ
Karma Kid, and needless to say
the fashion contingent will be out
in full force.
www.womb.co.jp
JAN 1
Lancôme launches French
Innocence
Start the new year with a new
look from cosmetics giant
Lancôme who’s gracing the first
of January with the launch of
their new French Innocence line
of makeup—which spans some
pretty vivid rose pinks right
through to relaxed grays.
www.lancome.jp
JAN 1
NOW IN JAPAN!
TOKYO CORRESPONDENT
Fashion One broadcasts original programming to over 300 million
people in 44 countries.
We’re now looking for a Tokyo correspondent to join our worldwide
operations.
No fashion experience needed—just the right personality! Send
your CV, cover letter, photo and/or video application, plus a link to
any on-camera work to:
http://www.fashionone.jp/casting
日本初上陸！
日本人テレビリポーターを募集しています！
ファッションワンは世界44ヶ国、3億人以上に発信している番組です。
履歴書と、
プロファイル写真一枚を送って下さい。
もしあなたが映っている動画やリンク先があれば、是非一緒に送って
下さい。
日本初上陆！
我们正在面向全球招募中文流利的电视台记者！
你好，美女！想成为一名记者吗？
我们会是你的第一选择！
只要你拥有一副可爱的容貌，那就快快加入我们这支年轻的队伍吧！
你只需要给我们发送你的简历和照片。
FACEBOOK等个人网页也欢迎!
BE SEEN. BE THE SCENE.
metropolis.co.jp/fashionone
20
Tokyu Plaza Shibuya sings its
swan song
The Shibuya shopping institution
Tokyo Plaza is closing its doors
after 49 years in early 2015 as
part of a huge urban renewal
program in the area. But they’re
going out with a bang with
what’s tipped to be one of
the best sales going. Literally,
everything must go.
http://shibuya.tokyu-plaza.com
JAN 3
Celebrate 90 years of NHK with
Anrealage
Fashion technician and voice of
a generation Kunihiko Morinaga
will be presenting a series of
technology-themed programs
to mark 90 years of broadcaster
NHK. With a focus on the
Japanese technology key to his
brand Anrealage and exploration
of the fashion of digital avatars,
this is definitely one to watch.
www.nhk.or.jp/nextworld
JAN 5
Theatre Products’ Emergency
Cosmetics
Popular, elegant streetwear label
Theatre Products is launching
a novel new accessory line
inspired by, of all things, makeup
samples. The sachets of makeup
are made of sturdy vinyl so
will survive daily use, but can
be cracked open in a makeup
emergency.
www.theatreproducts.co.jp
fashion fix
SALE SEASON
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
Christmas Day may have come and gone, but those of you whose greed
has yet to be sated are well catered for in the impending series of sales
set to continue from the first day of the new year to the end of January.
No matter how much you may have been lucky enough to receive in
your bonus or otoshidama, some planning is required to get the most
out of the hatsu-uri sales, so keep your ear to the ground—or, failing
Photo by Samuel Thomas
that, your favorite brand’s Twitter.
This jaded fashion fan’s advice is to hold off on your sale shopping
for as long as you possibly can. The best bargains come when shops
are seriously desperate to clear their shelves, so unless a 30 percent
discount is enough to leave the comfort of your kotatsu for, I would hold
off until the end of the month.
STREET
FOCUS
ON POINT
The new year heralds the end of Harajuku fashion legend Bunkaya Zakkaten, the iconic purveyor of fashion accessories and oddities that has
been fueling the city’s street scene for the past 40 years. Beloved by
stylists looking to add spice to a photo shoot, as well as bargain-hunting
tourists looking to take a piece of Harajuku home, the store is a true institution responsible for an endless stream of trends, all in their distinctive
faux-turn-of-the-century, vintage aesthetic. Mercifully, for the Harajuku
scene, the shop’s departure isn’t due to the rise of fakes that has chased
off a couple key players, most recently legwear line Avantgarde. Nor is it
due to a downturn in the local fashion economy. The fade to black is simply the manager Yoshitaro Hasegawa wanting to sign off on a successful
career. Marking his exit from the fashion scene, Yoshitaro is publishing
a book chronicling the history of the shop and the streets of Harajuku,
which is a must-read for contemporary street fashion fans who want to
see where it all began.
SHOPPING
STRATEGY
One of the core characteristics of Japanese street fashion is the emphasis
on layering, with many fashion fans refusing to wear a single layer—say, just a
T-shirt—even in the height of summer. Mercifully, the winter season doesn’t just
make this a matter of fashion but one of necessity. Follow the lead of today’s
subject and go layering crazy; just ensure each layer is visible at any given time
to ensure you don’t look too bulky.
Photo by Samuel Thomas
Lucky packs or fukubukuro are a popular peculiarity of the Japanese retail
landscape, offering faithful customers of a brand
or shop the chance to buy
a bag filled with random
items at a substantial discount. The custom, which
in its current form was instigated by Ginza Matsuya
Department Store in the
late Meiji period (but actually extends far back into
Edo-era Japan) is primarily a useful way for a shop to clear its racks. However, if the customer’s luck holds, some bags are genuinely like winning
the lottery, containing items that far outstrip the price of the pack tenfold.
In the case of fashion, the fukubukuro of popular brands are often
sold-out on pre-order months in advance, and in a bizarre twist, popular
brands have actually started to make new items specifically to satisfy the
demand for lucky bag hunters.
Beyond that, some labels pepper their packs with items exclusive to
that season’s fukubukuro—or else, run it like a true lottery by throwing a
one-off item into the mix as a prize for one lucky, loyal fan.
21
arts&culture
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Fund
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham
Nocturne in Blue and Silver, 1872-78.
Yale Center for British Art
Symphony in white, No.3, 1865-67.
The Henry Barber Trust, the Barber
Institute of Fine Arts, University of
Birmingham
ART
brooding essence, what Whistler was most interested in with
this work was the composition
and balance of elements that
would make it visually interesting—even for those who knew
little of its subject.
The same can be said for
Symphony in White, No. 3 (186567), which reduces a painting of
his mistress (on the left) and her
friend to an elegant and subtle
balance of forms and colors.
It’s interesting to speculate
on how he developed this attitude. It no doubt
had something to do with the West’s encounter
with Japanese art.
As ukiyo-e prints and other Japanese artworks flooded into the West in the 1850s and
’60s, Westerners were faced by images where
the subject matter was mysterious and littleknown, encouraging a simpler and purer appreciation of aesthetic elements.
Whistler was particularly keen on Japanese
art and—unlike some painters such as Monet
or Van Gogh, where the Japanese influence is
more questionable—in his work the debt owed
to Japan is clear.
One of the best examples is Nocturne: Blue
and Gold – Old Battersea Bridge (1872-75),
which transforms the well-known London Bridge
into a scene straight out of Edo. The artist’s use
of asymmetry and cropping mimic the impression left by the jumbled pages of many a ukiyo-e
triptych that had made the journey West.
The real gain that Whistler achieved by his
emphasis on aesthetics over content was to give
his art a timeless appeal that modern audiences
can still enjoy.
Until Mar 1, 2015. 3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku,
Yokohama. Tel: 03-5777-8600. Mon-Wed & FriSun 10am-6pm. Minatomirai. http://meturl.
com/whistler2014
WHISTLER
RETROSPECTIVE
BY C.B.LIDDELL
22
© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection
J
apanese people love Western art—but
what they love even more is Western art
that’s said to have a Japanese influence.
Any artist, therefore, who had a strong
interest in Japanese art is assured a warm
welcome in these parts. A case in point is the
19th-century American painter James McNeill
Whistler, the subject of a major retrospective
at the Yokohama Museum of Art, the first one in
Japan for 27 years.
The exhibition features paintings, sketches
and etchings from several sources, most notably
Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum, which boasts
the world’s largest permanent display of the
artist’s work.
During his life, much of which was spent in
London, Whistler was often steeped in controversy, both because of his stance against the
moralizing tendency of a lot of Victorian art—the
Pre-Raphaelites for example—and his emphasis
on purely aesthetic elements that this led to.
Never shy of an argument or short of words,
in 1878, Whistler wrote, “the picture should have
its own merit, and not depend upon dramatic,
or legendary, or local interest. As music is the
poetry of sound, so is painting the poetry of
sight, and the subject-matter has nothing to do
with harmony of sound or of color.”
This amoral approach was most famously
Arrangement in Grey and Black, No.2: Portrait of
Thomas Carlyle, 1872-73. Glasgow Museums
demonstrated in his portrait of his mother, which
he simply entitled Arrangement in Grey and
Black, No. 1. This isn’t included in the show, but
the almost equally famous Arrangement in Grey
and Black, No. 2 (1872-73) is. In addition to being a pleasing assemblage of dark and muted
tones, this is also a portrait of the great Victorian
philosopher and man of letters, Thomas Carlyle.
Although the painting captures Carlyle’s
MUSIC
RHYMES OF
THE
TIMES
Rhyming Gaijin breaks
hip-hop ground
BY MARTIN LEROUX
“Teaching English’s an easy gig, but sometimes
I feel like I ain’t teaching shit,” raps Rhyming
Gaijin on “Endless Possibilities,” a track from his
2010 album, The Soundtrack of My Life. “They’ll
probably learn from me if they study my rap.”
With autobiographical lyrics and self-produced beats often incorporating quirky samples, Rhyming Gaijin has made a name for himself in the Tokyo underground hip-hop scene.
What makes Rhyming’s music resonate with
his audience, however, is his narrative. He documents his experiences living and working in
Tokyo, where he teaches English by day. He
believes this to be an element that makes his
music more relatable and inspiring.
“I talk about my life and try to make it understandable to a broad audience,” the 32-year-old
Pennsylvania native explains to Metropolis.
A defining moment in Rhyming’s life came after graduating from Philadelphia’s Temple University in 2005, when he decided to move to Tokyo
in pursuit of his musical and educational goals.
Upon moving to Japan, Rhyming started
two YouTube channels—“rhyminggaijin” and
“messypro1”—to vlog about life in a new country
and his musical career, respectively. His videos
discussed culture clashes and provided insight
into life in Japan, which garnered the musician an
international following. To date, “rhyminggaijin”
has over 900,000 subscribers while “messypro1” boasts over one million.
“The reason I make YouTube videos is to
inspire people around the world, showing them
that they can do anything,” states the internet
star. “I answer questions when I can and give
them the most help I can. My philosophy is simple.
I want to do three things: Inspire, entertain and
educate. I believe the reason why viewers are
intrigued is because I have stuck to these ideas.”
Rhyming also applies his doctrine to his per-
formances, which he keeps fresh through freestyling. “It keeps the shows exciting,” he says,
explaining that it also helps him connect with
his audience and test new material and styles.
When asked if his teaching ever collides with
his music, Rhyming confirms there’s definitely
an overlap.
“Often, one influences the other. In my music,
you can hear about my life as a teacher,” referring to a line in “Endless Possibilities,” wherein
he raps, “My student looked up and said, ‘Hey,
you’re black!’”
For the past two years, Rhyming Gaijin has
been focusing primarily on his education, studying business at Globis University. Now having
gotten his MBA, the wordsmith is excited to
continue producing and performing, and to apply the new knowledge to fortify his music.
“It is my goal to create new paths for musicians to make music,” he says. “I want to be the
bridge between musicians and businesses.”
Having come very far from his YouTube days,
Rhyming states the most important thing he’s
learned thus far is the value of balance.
“It’s so easy to do one thing 120 percent and
neglect other things. You can see this when
family-run businesses become 120 percent
business and forget about the family.
“I believe we must find the balance in everything we do.”
Find Rhyming Gaijin’s albums SMF, Welcome
to J-Land and The Soundtrack of My Life on
iTunes or http://rhymingg.bandcamp.com.
REVIEW
I LOVE THE ’80s
Taylor Swift shifts into pop
BY LAURIER TIERNAN
At one point this fall, the media seemed collectively abuzz about Taylor Swift’s latest album,
1989. Having abandoned country altogether,
she embraced pop completely, without leaning on urban-music crutches, as many aspiring
crossover artists do. The icing on the cake was
the fact that the duration of her tour de force was
exactly the same as that of (younger prodigy)
Lorde’s debut album, with the same amount
of songs.
Sleeping in the devil’s bed, or just possessing one of the most effective production teams
in the history of music, her bets paid off so well
that not many seemed to mind the small flaws
in the finish. “Welcome to New York” opens the
album with nothing but a kick drum, snare and
’80s synthesizer chords, but the arrangement
builds so invincibly that any objective
naysayer is forced to acknowledge her
victory. “Blank Space” continues in the
same vein, while bringing in a tease of
her old country guitar playing in the
background and a chorus worthy of
a hit the size of Nirvana’s “Smells Like
Teen Spirit.”
The middle of the album elaborates
on updated versions of various styles
of ’80s pop (hence the album’s title, 1989) with
the slowly pulsating bass of tracks like “Out of
the Woods” and the cheerleader-flavored smash
hit, “Shake it Off.”
Only the last few tracks, “This Love,” “I Know
Places,” and “Clean” make you wonder if they
would have been B-sides in the era that inspired
them. However, having been written by someone who got her first development deal at the
age of 14, even these weaker songs hold their
own against many of the singles released by
her peers.
As she sings on this album’s biggest single,
despite the fact that “haters gonna hate," Ms.
Swift will probably just continue to “shake it off.”
23
agenda
WATCH LIST
Concerts
0382. http://meturl.com/
orange2014
POPULAR
Ásgeir
Jody Watley
American singer-songwriter
and defining artist whose music
crosses genres, from pop, R&B,
jazz, dance and electronic soul.
Dec 28, 4:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133. http://meturl.
com/watley2014
The Persuasions
American a cappella
group who’ve performed
interpretations of both secular
and nonsecular music, and
have covered a wide range of
musical genres. Dec 27-29, 5
& 8pm. ¥7,700-10,000. Cotton
Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. http://meturl.com/
persuasions2014
Exit Tunes Academy Final
Countdown Special
Special live music countdown
event with artists Kradness,
Mayumi Morinaga and others,
and special guests Hello
Kitty and My Melody. Dec 31,
9:30pm. ¥6,000. Tokyo Dome
City Hall. Suidobashi. Tel:
03-5800-9999. http://meturl.
com/exittunes2014
Clean Bandit
English electronic group
known for their UK Singles
Chart-topping single “Rather
Be.” Jan 6, 7pm. ¥6,000.
Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/cleanbandit2014
Klaxons
English indie rock-electronic
music band known for their
singles “Magick” and “Golden
Skans.” Jan 6, 7pm. ¥6,000.
Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://meturl.
com/klaxons2014
Topp Dogg
Thirteen-member Korean
hip-hop boy band. Jan 6-7,
7pm. ¥8,640-9,720. Zepp
DiverCity. Daiba. Tel:
03-3527-5256. http://meturl.
com/toppdogg2015
Icelandic solo singer-songwriter
who performs melodic folk.
Jan 12, 6pm. ¥5,800 (adv).
Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/asgeir2014
Alt-J
English indie rock band whose
debut album An Awesome Wave
won the 2012 British Mercury
Prize. Jan 13, 7pm. ¥6,000.
Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-4681. http://meturl.
com/altj2014
Joe
American R&B singer-songwriter
and record producer. Jan 14-15,
6:30 & 9:30pm. ¥12,500-14,500.
03-3405-1133. http://meturl.
com/joe2015
The Script
Irish pop rock band with hits
“The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”
and “Breakeven.” Jan 16,
7pm. ¥6,500. Akasaka Blitz.
Akasaka. http://meturl.com/
script2014
Canadian-American folk-rock
singer-songwriter. Jan 16, 7pm.
¥4,800-6,800. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
http://meturl.com/martha2015
Julian Casablancas + The
Voidz
American rock band formed as
a side project of Casablancas’,
lead vocalist of The Strokes. Jan
17, 6pm. ¥6,500. Ebisu Garden
Hall. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54237111. http://meturl.com/
casablancas2015
My Name
South Korean boy band
created by Fly to the Sky
member Hwanhee. Jan 18,
5pm. ¥6,800. Yokohama Bay
Hall. Motomachi-Chukagai.
Tel: 045-624-3900. Jan 31,
5pm. ¥8,800. Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. http://meturl.com/
myname2015
English indie rock band from
Manchester. Jan 7, 7pm.
¥6,500. Zepp Tokyo. Aomi.
Tel: 03-3599-0710. http://
meturl.com/19752014
American pop icon and winner
of Grammy, Emmy and Tony
awards. Jan 20, 7pm. ¥10,50012,500. Nippon Budokan.
Kudanshita. http://meturl.com/
lauper2014
Circa Waves
Royal Blood
British indie rock band.
Jan 8, 7pm. ¥5,000. Astro
Hall. Meiji-Jingumae. Tel:
03-3402-3089. http://meturl.
com/circawaves2015
British hard rock duo whose
sound is reminiscent of and
rooted in modern garage rock
and blues rock. Jan 21, 7pm.
¥5,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://
meturl.com/royalblood2014
Macy Gray
Grammy-winning R&B and
soul singer, known for her
distinctive raspy voice, revisits
Tokyo. Jan 7-8, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥7,800-9,800. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://meturl.com/
gray2015
G.I. Orange
British new wave and pop band
formed in the mid-1980s. Jan
11, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv). Koenji
High. Koenji. Tel: 03-5378-
24
Johnny Marr
English musician, singer
and songwriter who was
co-songwriter and guitarist
of the English rock band the
Smiths. Jan 26, 7pm. ¥6,800
(adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/marr2015
Julia Fordham
British singer-songwriter
whose professional career
began in the early 1980s.
Jan 26, 7pm. ¥6,800-8,800.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://
meturl.com/fordham2015
Chet Faker
Australian electronica musician
who won Breakthrough Artist
of the Year Award at the
2012 Australian Independent
Records Awards. Jan 26,
7:30pm. ¥5,500. Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://meturl.com/faker2015
Swans
Martha Wainwright
Cyndi Lauper
The 1975
Orleans R&B. Jan 21-22, 7
& 9:30pm. ¥6,500-8,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://
meturl.com/toussaint2015
FKA Twigs
English singer-songwriter,
producer and dancer whose
album LP1 is one of the
nominees for the 2014 Mercury
Prize. Jan 22, 7:30pm. ¥5,500
(adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/twigs2014
Allen Toussaint
American musician and
influential figure in New
American experimental rock
band led by singer-songwriter
and multi-instrumentalist
Michael Gira. Jan 27, 7pm.
¥6,000 (adv). Tsutaya O-East.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681.
http://meturl.com/swans2015
Lily Allen
English singer’s concert for her
third studio album Sheezus,
which has been praised for
its lyrical content, social
commentary and outlook. Jan
27, 7pm. ¥8,000. Toyosu Pit.
Shin-Toyosu. Tel: 03-35317888. http://meturl.com/
lilyallen2015
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Welsh rock band who recently
released their debut album
The Balcony. Jan 28, 7pm.
¥5,000 (adv). Daikanyama
Unit. Daikanyama. Tel:
03-5459-8630. http://meturl.
com/catfish2014
JAZZ/WORLD
Steve Gardner
Bluesman rambling with
the blues from Mississippi
to Tokyo. Dec 27, 7:30pm.
¥1,500. Half Moon Hall.
Higashi-Kitazawa or
Shimokitazawa. http://meturl.
com/gardner2014
Tony Monaco, Yosuke
Onuma & Gene Jackson
Golden organ trio led by
Monaco, the “God of the jazz
organ.” Dec 31, 7:30pm.
¥7,800-9,800. Cotton Club.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
http://meturl.com/monaco2014
Michel Camilo
Grammy Award-winning
pianist and composer from
the Dominican Republic
specializing in jazz, Latin and
classical music. Dec 30-Jan
4, various times. ¥9,000. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://
meturl.com/camilo2014
Blue Note Tokyo All-Star
Jazz Orchestra
Directed by Eric Miyashiro with
special guest Richard Bona. Jan
8-9, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue
Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/allstar2015
Louis Hayes Jazz
Communicators
American jazz drummer Hayes’
endeavor to continue bringing
exciting musical alternatives to
audiences around the world.
Jan 7-9, 6:30 & 9pm; Jan 10, 5
& 8pm. ¥8,000-10,000. Cotton
hayes2015
Richard Bona
Jazz bassist and musician who
comes from a tiny village in
Cameroon and now makes his
home in the great cities and
concert halls of the world. Jan
10-11, 5 & 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/bona2015
Larry Harlow’s Latin
Legends of Fania
American salsa music performer.
Also featuring Orestes Vilato
and Jorge Santana. Jan 13-16,
7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/harlow2015
Courtney Pine
English jazz musician Pine
featuring Mario Canonge. Jan
15-16, 6:30 & 9pm; Jan 17, 5
& 8pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Cotton
pine2015
Karen Souza
Argentine jazz singer whose
career began under various
pseudonyms while providing
vocal support to a number of
electronic music producers. Jan
26-27, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥7,800. Blue
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/souza2015
Basia
Polish singer-songwriter known
for her singular jazz-influenced
stylings and multi-layered
harmonies. Jan 27-28, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥9,000-11,000.
03-3405-1133. http://meturl.
com/basia2015
Chickenshack
British blues band founded in
the mid-1960s. Jan 29, 7pm.
¥7,000. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/
chicken2015
Larry Carlton & Steve
Lukather
Golden guitar duo playing fusion
rock music. Jan 30 & Feb 2-3,
7 & 9:30pm; Jan 31-Feb1, 5 &
8pm. ¥12,000. Blue Note Tokyo.
carlton2015
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-1300.
www.nagaremono.com/sepia
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
CLASSICAL
The Room
Yuzuko Horigome
Violinist who has appeared
as a soloist with the world’s
greatest orchestras, including
the London Symphony, Czech
Philharmonic and more. Jan 10,
2pm. ¥1,500-4,000. Saitama
Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi.
Tel: 0570-064-939. www.
saf.or.jp
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Shu, Vivid, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com
Alexander Romanovsky
Ageha
Ukrainian classical pianist who
has been invited to perform
a Mozart concerto for Pope
Benedict XVI. Jan 17, 3pm.
¥1,000-3,500. Saitama Arts
Theater. Yonohonmachi. Tel:
0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp
Cosmos. EDM: DJs Yves V, Justin
Prime, etc. From 11pm, ¥4,000.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Nobuyuki Tsujii
Conducted by Vasily Petrenko
with the Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra. Jan
22, 2pm. ¥14,000-21,000.
Omiya Sonic City. Omiya. Tel:
048-647-4111. http://meturl.
com/tsujii2014
Distant Worlds: Music from
Final Fantasy
Enjoy music from Square
Enix’s best-selling video
game franchise. Jan 22-23,
7pm. ¥6,500-9,100. Tokyo
International Forum Hall A.
Yurakucho. http://meturl.com/
distantworlds2015
NHK Symphony Orchestra
Best Classics
Performance of Gershwin’s
“Rhapsody in Blue”
and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9,
“From the New World”. Jan 25,
3pm. ¥6,500-7,500. Katsushika
Symphony Hills. Aoto. Tel:
03-5670-2222. http://meturl.
com/nhk2015
Live Image Cinema Best
Showcasing movie music
from Cinema Paradiso, Studio
Ghibli’s Tales from Earthsea
and more. Jan 26, 6:30pm.
¥6,500. Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-2111. http://meturl.
com/liveimage2015
Clubbing
FRIDAY 26
Liquidroom
Nightmare After Christmas.
Techno: DJ Takkyu Ishino. From
11:59pm, ¥3,000. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.
liquidroom.net
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
Party Jam. Hip-hop, all mix:
DJs Krush, Kango, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,000. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Blue Mountain Boys
Classic country, western and
bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30
& 7:30pm. Free. Cafe Sepia.
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From
10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Sound Museum Vision
Kats’. Hip-hop: DJs Sonpub,
Wise, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.
Origami
Tri-Bute. Deep house: DJs
Tristen, So, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Omotesando. Tel:
03-6434-0968. http://meturl.
com/origamiclub
Club Asia
Cross Town. Electro: DJs De De
Mouse, 80kidz, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
http://asia.iflyer.jp/venue/home
Womb
Dubvision. EDM: DJs Dubvision,
Yoshimasa, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Daikanyama Unit
Sound Slugger ft. Mad Professor.
Featuring dub producer
Mad Professor, Part2Style
and more. From 11pm,
¥3,500 (adv)/¥4,000 (door).
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
SATURDAY 27
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more.
From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm).
Air
Lilith. House, disco: DJs Fake
Eyes Production, Serizawa, etc.
From 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Hyper Society. House, electro:
DJs Tanaka, Off the Rocker, etc.
From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
Origami
Mind Off. Techno: DJs Mark
Broom, Stefano Lotti, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,500. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-6434-0968. http://
meturl.com/origamiclub
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Shu,
Kz, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥4,000
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.
www.t2-shibuya.com
Ucess the Lounge
Disco Jockey. Disco,
house: DJs Jin, Yan, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Meijijingumae. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
hot tickets
FEB
11
Momoiro Clover Z
Japanese idol group known for their
energetic performances incorporating
ballet, gymnastics and action movie
elements. Feb 11, 3:30pm. ¥7,200.
Yokohama Arena. Shin-Yokohama.
momoclo2015
Tickets on sale from Jan 17
Ageha
Mother. Trance: DJs
Protoculture, Ta-Ka, etc. From
11pm, ¥4,000. Shinkiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
JUN
4
Idina Menzel
American actress and singersongwriter who voiced Elsa in
Disney’s Frozen in which she sang
the award-winning song, “Let it Go.”
Jun 4, 7pm. ¥7,500-8,500. Nippon
Budokan. Kudanshita. http://
meturl.com/idina2015
Tickets on sale from Jan 10
etc. From 11pm, ¥2,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
MAR
26
Romeo & Juliet
Performed by the Scottish Ballet
and choreographed by Krzysztof
Pastor. Mar 26, 7pm. ¥6,000-12,000.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya.
romeo2015
Tickets on sale now
WEDNESDAY 31
DEC 31
The Delta Force. Techno,
trance: DJs Dimitri Dkn,
Marcus C, etc. Live: The Delta.
From 11pm, ¥4,000(adv).
Ruby Room
Warp. DJs Igaya, Nishida, etc.
From 11pm, ¥1,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022
(evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Ginza Roots Tokyo
TokyoLocos Christmas Party.
Full bar, great bar menu
and original Christmas
cocktails. 8-11pm, (m)¥4,000
w/2d, (f)¥2,000 w/2d.
Ginza-itchome. Tel:
03-5579-9330. http://meturl.
com/locoschristmas
Club Asia
Flash. Electro: DJs Nakata,
Nakamura, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Womb
Session. House, techno: DJs
Richie Santana, Ohnishi,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
SUNDAY 28
Remyusic. House: DJs Theo
Parrish, Kikiorix, etc. From
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Kohaku Oto Gassen. EDM,
hip-hop: DJs Kaori, Ueno,
etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500,
(f)¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
Function. Techno: DJs Funktion,
Sodeyama, etc. From 10pm,
03-6434-0968. http://meturl.
com/origamiclub
Sound Museum Vision
Power. All mix, electro: DJs Ol
Killer, Nakata, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
Origami
Dj Sneak. House: DJs Sneak,
Wakasa, etc. From 10pm,
03-6434-0968. http://meturl.
com/origamiclub
T2
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Baby-T, Shu, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥4,000 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
Daikanyama Unit
Future Terror. Techno: DJs
Lucy, Nobu, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Air
Plus Tokyo. Techno: DJs Wada,
Kihira, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Club Asia
Electric Daibonenkai. Electro,
techno: DJs Yummy, Qp,
Legendary goa trance label
Matsuri invites you to a
high-quality countdown
party on New Year's Eve!
Acts include Cosmosis,
Shiva Jorg, DJTsuyoshi, Yuta
and others! Don’t miss it!
Shinjuku.http://matsuridigital.jp. Facebook: www.
facebook.com/MatsuriDigital
2015 Liquid. Techno: DJs
Takkyu Ishino, Tanaka, etc.
From 8pm, ¥4,000. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.
liquidroom.net
Ageha
T2
Shibuya Mixx x T2m x Jumper.
EDM: DJs Shu, Murasaki, etc.
From 10pm, (m)¥4,000 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
Ageha
Daishi Dance. EDM: DJs Danny
Avila, Daishi Dance, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Shinkiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
Ruby Room
Tonbo Matsuri. DJs Koyas,
Tinnen, etc. From 8pm,
¥2,000 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3780-3022 (evenings) /
070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
Matsuri Digital
Countdown Festival
2014-2015
Liquidroom
Origami
Countdown 2015. All mix:
DJs R3HAB, Kaori, etc. From
9pm, ¥6,000. Shinkiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Daikanyama Unit
New Year’s Countdown Party.
DJs Hikaru, Bears, etc. Live:
Gonno and more. From 9pm,
¥3,000. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Air
Womb
Kitsune Bonenkai. House: DJs
Gildas, Karma Kid, etc. From
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
TUESDAY 30
Ruby Room
Open Mic. From 7pm,
¥1,000 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3780-3022 (evenings),
070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
Origami
Frank Muller. Techno:
DJs Frank Muller, Watsui,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.
origamiclub
T2
Shibuya Mixx x Global Emd2.
EDM: DJs Dantz, Shu, etc.
From 10pm, (m)¥4,000 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5428-8692. www.
t2-shibuya.com
The Room
Alma. Soul, house: DJs
Umeyama, Oibon, etc.
7-11pm, free. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Womb
Intergalactic. EDM, electro:
DJs Taku, Dexpistols,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp
(m)¥4,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000
XEX Nihonbashi
Oneness Meeting. DJs Jakam,
Artman, etc. Live: Oki Dub
Ainu Band. From 9pm, ¥4,000.
Air
Enjoy animation and music from
Disney's Fantasia and Fantasia 2000.
Apr 25, 5:30pm; Apr 26, 11am & 4pm.
¥6,500-8,500. Tokyo International
Forum Hall A. Yurakucho. Tel:
0570-550-799. http://meturl.com/
fantasia
Tickets on sale now
JAN
2-3
Hatsu En-nichi Daruma-ichi
Known as the very first Daruma-ichi
held every year, purchase daruma
and other luck-bringing items for
2015. Jan 2-3, during the day, free.
Hajima Daishi. Tachikawa. Tel:
042-541-1142. http://haijimadaishi.
com
Dance
The Nutcracker
MONDAY 29
Daikanyama Unit
Daikanyama Unit
APR
25-26
Disney Fantasia Concert
for free
Countdown to 2015. House:
DJs Timmy Regisford, Goto, etc.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Count Down to 2015. Techno,
electro: DJs Tiga, Osawa, etc.
Tel: 03-5728-2824. www.
vision-tokyo.com
Origami
Countdown Party. House: DJs
A Guy Called Gerald, Daniel
Bell, etc. From 9pm, ¥4,000.
origamiclub
The Room
Count Down. Jazz, funk: DJs
Jin, Kuroda, etc. From 9pm,
¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Club Asia
All Stars. Electro, techno: DJs
Nakata, Goth-Trad, etc. From
9pm, ¥4,000. Shibuya. Tel:
co.jp
Womb
New Year Countdown to
2015. Techno: DJs Josh Wink,
Manik, etc. From 9pm, ¥5,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
T2
Countdown Party. EDM: DJs
Dragon, Vivid, etc. From 10pm,
Whistlebump Countdown
2015. Olivier Ducret, DJ
Reas and others. From
9:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500
(guest list)/¥4,500 (door).
Mitsukoshi-mae. Tel:
03-3548-0065. http://meturl.
com/whistlebump
THURSDAY 1
T2
New Year Party. EDM: DJs Shu,
Murasaki, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500
FRIDAY 2
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Ucess the Lounge
New Year’s Party. All mix:
DJs Toyo, Kenta, etc. From
9pm, ¥1,000. Nearest Station:
Meijijingumae. Tel: 03-68071588. www.ucess.jp
Air
Back to Basics. House: DJ Ko
Kimura. From 10pm, ¥2,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
T2
New Year Party. EDM: DJs Shu,
Murasaki, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500
SATURDAY 3
Performed by the K-Ballet
Company. Dec 26, 2pm.
¥11,500. ACT Theater.
Akasaka. Tel: 03-35892277. www.k-ballet.co.jp/
company
Le Corsaire
A ballet loosely based on Lord
Byron's poem “The Corsair”
by the Mikhailovsky Theatre
Ballet Company. Until Jan
9, 6:30pm. ¥7,000-15,000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3828-2111. www.
koransha.com
Air
New Year Party. House,
techno: DJs Tanaka, Masda,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Club Asia
Back to Chill. Dubstep: DJs
Goth-Trad, Ena, etc. From
co.jp
Lounge Neo
Iscream. Hip-hop: DJs Atsu,
Chii, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,500
w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54582551. loungeneo.iflyer.jp
Womb
06s. Drum‘n’bass: DJs
Pendulum, Aki, etc. From
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
A cosmic sci-fi rock‘n’roll
musical for the whole family.
Feb 6-7, 7:30pm. ¥1,500
(adults)/¥500 (students).
Yokohama International
School, Tanner Auditorium.
Motomachi-Chukagai.
http://tiny.cc/43o4px
Exhibitions
ENDING SOON
Giorgio de Chirico
Choreographed by Mehmet
Balkan with one of the
greatest dancers of our time
Irek Mukhamedou and Jozef
Varga. Jan 11, 3pm. ¥3,2408,640. New National Theatre
Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. http://meturl.
com/colorofdance2015
Works by the founder of the
metaphysical art movement.
Until Dec 26, 10am-6pm.
¥500-1,000. Shiodome
Museum. Shimbashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/chirico2014
Dance to the Future: Third
Steps
Based on a project to foster
future choreographers from
members of the National
Ballet of Japan (NBJ), Dance
to the Future features
contemporary dance pieces
performed by members of
the NBJ. Jan 16, 7pm; Jan
17-18, 2pm. ¥3,240-5,400.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-53529999. http://meturl.com/
dancetothefuture2015
Stage
JAN 9-FEB 1, 2015
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
New Year Party. DJ Habanero
Posse. From 9pm, ¥1,000
w/1d. Nearest station:
Meijijingumae. Tel: 03-68071588. www.ucess.jp
Return to the Forbidden
Planet
Color of Dance
The New Matrix Bar
Ucess the Lounge
¥4,320-23,760. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://
meturl.com/fledermaus2015
Bon Bon
Candy-themed art pieces by
uco, a Japanese modern artist/
art director. Until Dec 26,
11am-7pm. Free. MDP Gallery.
Tel: 03-3462-0682. http://
meturl.com/bonbon2014
Micro Salon 2014
Showcasing microworks by
up-and-comers and veterans.
Until Dec 27, 11am-7pm.
Free. Tokyo Gallery + BTAP.
Shinbashi. Tel: 03-35711808. www.tokyo-gallery.com
Ryo Ohwada: Hakusei Zu
Showcasing Ohwada’s
taxidermy photography
collection taken at Tsuyama
Wonder Museum. Until Dec 27,
12-8pm. Free. Hpgrp Gallery.
ohwada2014
Boutique!
Pluto hits the stage
The hit manga series is
adapted into theater,
directed by Sidi Larbi
Cherkaoui. Jan 9-Feb 1,
various times, ¥6,000
(Cocoon seats)/ ¥8,000
(A-seats)/ ¥10,500 (S-seats).
Seats with English language
captions (via iPad) available
for limited performances
(Jan 9-18), from http://w.
pia.jp/a/pluto-stage/ until
Jan 6. Bunkamura Theatre
Cocoon. Shibuya.www.
pluto-stage.jp
Illustrations © Naoki Urasawa ·
Studio Nuts Takashi Nagasaki Tezuka
Productions / Shogakukan Inc.
Die Fledermaus (“The
Bat”)
Operetta composed by
Johann Strauss II, with stage
production by Heinz Zednik,
a renowned tenor whose
elegant staging comes from
his thorough familiarity with
the Viennese temperament
and deep understanding
of the work. Jan 29 & Feb
6, 7pm; Feb 1, 4 & 8, 2pm.
A fusion of fashion and art
featuring artists from Finland
and Japan. Until Dec 29,
11am-8pm. Free. Spiral.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34981171. www.spiral.co.jp
Lee Mingwei and His
Relations
Mixed media artist with
an interactive style. The
completion of his works
relies on the participation
of his audience. Until Jan 4,
10am-10pm. ¥500-1,500. Mori
Art Museum. Roppongi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.mori.art.
museum
Seeking New Genealogies:
Bodies/Leaps/Traces
Welcoming Mansai Nomura,
a well-known kyogen stage
actor as general advisor,
this exhibition looks at
diverse physical expressions,
ranging from the traditional
to the contemporary,
examining ways in which
our physical memories can
be integrated with modern
creativity. Until Jan 4,
10am-6pm. ¥600-1,200.
Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo. KiyosumiShirakawa. http://meturl.com/
seekingnewgenealogies
25
Around Michel Gondry's
World
World's first production based
on Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy
©Tezuka Productions
An acclaimed video artist/
film director who’s active
worldwide for his inventive
visual style and outstanding
work in music videos.
Until Jan 4, 10am-6pm.
¥600-1,000. Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. http://
meturl.com/michelgondry
ONGOING
Mori Junichi: tetany
Leaving a vivid impression
with his three-faced cadaver
trinity statue during his 2011
“trinitite” exhibition, Junichi
now presents a human-shaped
piece for the first time. Until
Jan 10, 11am-7pm. Free.
Mizuma Art Gallery. Ichigaya.
Tel: 03-3793-7931. http://
meturl.com/junichi2014
Ferdinand Hodler: Towards
Rhythmic Images
Paintings by one of the
best-known Swiss artists of
the 19th century. Until Jan 12,
9:30am-5:30pm. ¥800-1,600.
The National Museum of
Western Art. Ueno. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://hodler.jp
Illustrations © Naoki Urasawa・Studio Nuts Takashi Nagasaki Tezuka Productions / Shogakukan Inc.
Director & choreographer
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Jan 9-Feb 1, 2015
at
Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon
Mirai M.
Hiromi N.
Akira E.
BUY TICKETS ONLINE IN ENGLISH!
(English closed-captioning available ・ All seats reserved)
Official Website: http://www.pluto-stage.jp/2
Tickets: http://w.pia.jp/a/pluto-stage
Kazutoyo Y. Yutaka M. Yasufumi T.
Online booking available from Dec10 until Jan 6, 2015
Willem de Kooning: From
the John and Kimiko
Powers Collection
Dutch-born American artist
and one of the founders of
abstract expressionism.
Until Jan 12, 10am-6pm.
¥500-800. Bridgestone
Museum of Art. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
bridgestone-museum.gr.jp
Millet, Barbizon and
Fontainebleau
Organized by the Museum
of Fine Arts, Boston, and
featuring Millet’s three
greatest works. Until Jan 12,
10am-6pm. ¥1,400 (adv)/
¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi
Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. http://
mimt.jp/millet
Kanhikari Art Expo 2014,
Kamakura Exhibition
Artists from Japan and abroad
gather in Japanese temples.
Until Jan 14, 8:30am-4:30pm.
¥300. Kenchoji Temple.
Kita-Kamakura. http://
kanhikari.com
Tokyo Experimental
Festival Sound Installation
As part of the TEF, which
introduces experimental
performances and exhibitions
focusing on music and
sound, three artists (Ami
Yamasaki, Shun Owada and
Muku Kobayashi) redesign
time and space both visually
and acoustically. Until
Jan 18, 11am-7pm. Free.
Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo.
Ochanomizu. Tel: 03-56895331. http://meturl.com/
hongo
Attack on Titan
Featuring the Japanese
manga series by Hajime
Isayama, with real-scale
Titans and a 360-degree
experience of Isayama’s
world. Until Jan 25,
10am-5pm. ¥1,000-2,000.
Ueno Royal Museum. Ueno.
www.kyojinten.jp
17th Domani: The Art of
Tomorrow
In support of the Japanese
government overseas study
program for artists, with a
wide range of works from
paintings, engravings,
photography and pottery
to casting, animation and
installation. Until Jan 25,
10am-6pm. ¥500-1,000.
The National Art Center,
26
Tokyo. Nogizaka. http://
domani-ten.com
9974. http://meturl.com/
edotokyomuseum
The Fab Mind: Hints of the
Future in a Shifting World
Katagaki no Nai Jinsei
Focuses on the aspirations and
activities of those who seek to
understand and resolve social
issues through design. Until
Feb 1, 11am-8pm. ¥500-1,000.
21_21 Design Sight.
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-34752121. www.2121designsight.jp
Modern Craft Art Japan:
Beauty of Masterpieces
from the Museum
Collection
Explore the history of
Japanese craft art from the
Meiji era to the present day.
Until Feb 15, 10am-5pm.
¥70-210. Craft Gallery, The
National Museum of Modern
Art. Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. www.momat.go.jp
Hikari Exhibition
Featuring the relationship
between light and space, the
Earth and humans, showcasing
the beautiful world of light.
¥600-1,600. National Museum
of Nature and Science. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111. http://
hikari.exhn.jp
Yoshihide Otomo: Between
Music and Art
Otomo is active as a musician
in a broad range of musical
fields from improvised
to popular, and works on
soundtracks for cinema and
TV among many other things.
The exhibition focuses on the
dissimilarities between the
originally different disciplines
of music and art, with the
aim to define what exists
“between” these two systems.
¥500. NTT Intercommunication
Center. Hatsudai. http://
meturl.com/otomo2014
Shake! Art Exhibition
Digital art produced
by TeamLab, an “Ultra
Technologist” organization
that merges science,
technology, art and design,
with an interactive Future
Park. Until Mar 1, 10am-5pm.
¥900-1,800. Miraikan.
Fune-no-Kagakukan. Tel:
03-3570-9151. http://meturl.
com/teamlabfuturepark
Showcasing works by the late
calligrapher and poet Mitsuo
Aida in honor of the 90th
anniversary since his birth.
Until Mar 8, 10am-5:30pm.
¥200-800. Mitsuo Aida
Museum. Tel: 03-6212-3200.
http://meturl.com/mitsuo
UPCOMING
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.
Jan 6-Mar 29, 8am-5pm.
¥70-210. National Film Center.
Kyobashi. www.momat.go.jp/
english
Ukiyo-e New Year’s
Exhibition
Featuring prints of Edo
landmarks and beautiful women
by Kunisada Utagawa, Eisen
Keisai and others. Jan 6-28,
10:30am-5:30pm. ¥500-700.
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum
of Art. Harajuku. www.
ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp
Asaba’s Typography
Japanese art director
known for producing several
acclaimed commercials and
posters. Jan 9-31, 11am-7pm.
Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery.
Ginza. www.dnp.co.jp/
foundation
Yoshimasa Tsuchiya
Sculptor who uses
traditional Buddhist sculpting
techniques to create mystical
sculptures of animals
and plants. Jan 9-Feb 7,
11am-7pm. Free. Megumi
Ogita Gallery. Ginza. Tel:
03-3248-3405. http://meturl.
com/tsuchiya2015
Animal Worship
Showcasing paintings
and crafts of sheep and
other animals, including
the double-ram Zun from
the British Museum. Jan
10-Feb 22, 10am-5pm.
¥1,000-1,200. Nezu Museum.
Omotesando. http://meturl.
com/animal2015
Narahara Ikko: Domains
One of the leading
photographers of post-war
Japan, Domains focuses on
human beings in a monastery
in Hokkaido and a female
prison in Wakayama, both
isolated from the external
world. Until Mar 1, 10am-5pm.
¥130-430. The National
Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. http://meturl.com/
ikko2014
Ninnami Dohachi: An
Observant and Brilliant
Potter
Introducing Dohachi, a potter
particularly admired as a
master of Japanese-style
Kyoyaki, or Kyoto ceramics,
and his oeuvre through a large
number of his works, including
matcha and sencha teawares
and tableware for serving
kaiseki cuisine. Until Mar 1,
10am-6pm. ¥800-1,100 (adv)/
¥1,000-1,300 (door). Suntory
Museum of Art. Roppongi.
www.suntory.com/sma/
Monogatari-e Illustrated
Narrative Painting: Words
and Forms
Featuring monogatari-e,
a term given to the art of
painting which selected and
illustrated symbolic scenes
and episodes in Buddhist
stories and classical tales,
the exhibition examines the
close relationship between
its form and words. Jan
10-Feb 15, 10am-5pm.
¥700-1,000. Idemitsu
Museum of Arts. Tokyo.
www.idemitsu.co.jp/museum
Masterpieces of Buddhist
Sculpture from Northern
Japan
Showcasing Buddhist
sculptures from Michinoku,
famous for their powerful
expressions. Jan
14-Apr 5, 9:30am-5pm.
¥400-1,000. Tokyo National
Museum. Ueno. http://
michinoku2015.jp
Explore! Experience! EdoTokyo
The Great Tsunami of
March 11, 2011, and the
Restoration of Cultural
Properties
Explore the cultural and artistic
history of the flourishing capital.
Until Mar 8, 9:30am-5:30pm.
¥120-240 (adv)/ ¥150-300
(door). Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3626-
After the Great East Japan
Earthquake, the Tokyo
National Museum cooperated
with institutions, including the
Rikuzentakata City Museum
and the Iwate Prefectural
JAN 21-26, 2015
Museum, to restore damaged
cultural properties. The
exhibition shares the results of
four years of effort and informs
visitors of the restoration
project’s current status. Jan
14-Mar 15, 9:30am-5pm.
¥410-620. Tokyo National
Museum. Ueno. http://
meturl.com/greattsunami2015
Sports
PRO WRESTING
Noah
Dec 27, 6pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi.
www.noah.co.jp
participation fee). Shozoku
Inari-jinja Shrine. Oji.
kitsune.tokyo-oji.jp
Forums &
Expos
Antique Jamboree
The largest antique event
in Japan with a vast variety
of items with different
tastes and styles, including
Japanese, European and
American antiques as well
as collectible toys. Jan 9-11,
10am-5pm. ¥800 (adv)/
¥1,000(door). Tokyo Big
Sight. Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. http://meturl.com/
antique
JWP
Dec 28, 6:30pm, ¥2,0004,000. Korakuen Hall.
Suidobashi. www.
jwp-produce.com
Big Japan
Dec 30, 6:30pm, ¥3,2405,400. Korakuen Hall.
Suidobashi. www.bjw.co.jp
Monster Hunter Festa
Calling all fans of the Monster
Hunter video games, with
official Monster Hunter
competitions, stage events
and merchandise. Jan
18, 10am to 5pm. Free.
Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. http://meturl.com/
monsterfesta
Toshikoshi Pro Wrestling
Dec 31, 8pm, ¥4,320-5,400.
http://meturl.com/
toshikoshi2014
Bombaye 2014
Dec 31, 5pm, ¥3,00050,000. Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Ryogoku. http://meturl.
com/bombaye2014
Megabattle Legend 2014
Dec 31, 1pm, ¥6,800. Differ
Ariake. Ariake Tennis
Nomori. http://meturl.com/
megabattle2014
Camera & Photo Imaging
Show
Showcasing the technology,
culture and industry of
cameras and photo imaging.
Feb 12-15, 12-5pm. ¥1,500.
Pacifico Yokohama.
Minatomirai. www.cpplus.
jp/en
Community
Half-Fast Cyclists
Jan 3, 6:30pm, ¥2,000.
www.ddtpro.com
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm. Free.
The Pink Cow. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6434-5773. www.
thepinkcow.com
RUGBY
Stitch-n-Bitch
DDT
NEC Green Rockets vs.
NTT docomo Red
Hurricanes
Dec 28, 11:40am. ¥2,0503,600. Chichibunomiya
Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae.
Tel: 03-3401-3881. http://
jrfu.org
Kubota Spears vs. Ricoh
Black Rams
Dec 28, 2pm. ¥2,050-3,600.
Chichibunomiya Rugby
Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel:
03-3401-3881. http://jrfu.org
Toshiba Brave Lupus vs.
Yamaha Jubiro
Jan 3, 11:40am. ¥2,0503,600. Chichibunomiya
Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae.
Tel: 03-3401-3881. http://
jrfu.org
NTT Communications
ShiningArcs vs. Suntory
Sungoliath
Jan 3, 2pm. ¥2,050-3,600.
Chichibunomiya Rugby
Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel:
03-3401-3881. http://jrfu.org
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
Learning
Seminar on Real Estate in
Japan and Related Tax
English seminar with Japanese
real estate expert. Jan
16, 7pm-8:30pm. ¥2,000.
GS Chiyoda Building.
Iidabashi. http://meturl.com/
realestateseminar
Multicultural Cafe 2014:
Let’s Make Fillings of
Monaka
Making wagashi, Japanese
sweets, while exchanging
culture. Until Jan 31, various
times. ¥1,000 (one time).
Shinjuku Bunka Center.
Higashi-Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3350-1141. http://meturl.
com/multicultural2014
SUMO
Film
Sumo Grand Tournament
Poland Film Festival
Jan 11-25, 8am-6pm.
¥2,200-14,800 (per person);
¥31,000-37,200 (family
boxes). Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36235111. www.sumo.or.jp/en
Showing three films with
English subtitles: Hands
Up! by Jerzy Skolimowski,
Petla by Wojciech Has
and Blind Chance by
Krzysztof Kieślowski. Until
Dec 26, 2pm. ¥1,200 (adv)/
¥1,200-1,600 (door). Image
Forum. Shibuya. www.
polandfilmfes.com
Festivals
TRADITIONAL
Oji Kitsune-no-Gyoretsu
Fox Parade
Hatsumode inspired by
tales of foxes masquerading
as humans. Dec 31-Jan 1,
10:30pm. ¥1,000 (parade
Short Shorts Theater
Romance Program
Showcasing a selection
of romantic short films
from all over the world,
including the U.S., Sweden
and Russia. Until Dec 29,
various times. ¥800-1,000.
Brillia Short Shorts Theater.
Shintakashima. Tel:
045-633-2151. http://meturl.
com/shortsromance
Short Shorts Theater RomCom Program
Showcasing a selection
of short romantic comedy
films from all over the world,
including Ireland, Italy
and France. Until Dec 29,
various times. ¥800-1,000.
Brillia Short Shorts Theater.
Shintakashima. Tel:
045-633-2151. http://meturl.
com/shortsromcom
From Shinjuku Milano
Cinema, With Love
The Shinjuku Tokyu Milano
Cinema, which opened in
1956, will be closing its doors
on New Year’s Eve, and will
be holding 35mm screenings
of the biggest hits from its
long history, including E.T.,
The Towering Inferno and The
Matrix. Until Dec 31, various
times. ¥500. Shinjuku Milano
Cinema. Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3202-1189. http://meturl.
com/milanocinema
Other Events
R2 Supperclub New Year’s
Countdown
Bring in the new year with
a live drum performance by
Latin Grammy Award winner
Ludwing Pastoriza and
TEH (Burning Man). Dec 31,
9pm. Free. R2 Supper Club.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-64470002. http://meturl.com/
r2newyear
Two Rooms New Year’s
Countdown
DJ Kaz from 10pm ’til late and
then Mr. Ben Collins will roll
out some modern calssics for
the countdown. Dec 31, 10pm.
Free. Two Rooms Grill & Bar.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34984002. www.tworooms.jp/en
ADVERTORIAL
THE 58TH TOKYO
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS FAIR
Craftsmanship carried on
from the Edo period
W
hile Tokyo stands as
one of the world’s most
modern metropolises, it’s
also home to a wealth of
traditional crafts that have been passed
down since the Edo period—many of
which still thrive today.
Over six days in January, the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government will celebrate
these traditional techniques at the 58th
Tokyo Traditional Crafts Fair. Starting
January 21, the 11th floor exhibition hall of
Shinjuku Takashimaya will be filled with
the skills that have for centuries formed
the foundation of Tokyo heritage, as
many as 44 of them designated Tokyo
Traditional Objects of Industrial Arts.
Visitors will not only be able to
make purchases and watch skilled
craftspeople ply their trades, but will
even have chances to try their hand
at making traditional Tokyo crafts
themselves. Techniques on display will
include everything from woven silk and
hand-painted kimono to ornamental
samurai armor and hand-forged
scissors and knives. You can find handpainted lanterns and patterned paper
for Japanese sliding doors, classical
wooden cabinets and woodblock prints,
or even get your hands on a hand-made
shamisen or koto. It’s a rare opportunity
to touch a piece of living history—right in
the heart of an ultramodern city.
Odaiba’s onsen theme park
celebrates the coming of the
new year with comedy shows
and a dance-off. Dec 31, 11pm.
¥2,380 (entrance fee). Oedo
Onsen Monogatari. Telecom
Center. Tel: 03-5500-1127.
www.ooedoonsen.jp/daiba
Hooters Countdown Party
With various guest DJs and
an entertainment show. Dec
31, 11pm-3am. ¥3,500 (adv)/
¥4,000 (door). Hooters Ginza
& Shibuya. Shimbashi &
Shibuya. http://meturl.com/
hooterscountdown
Japan Idol Festival
Art Rink
Ice skate while enjoying art.
Until Feb 22, sunset until
10pm. ¥500; skate rentals
¥500. Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Minatomirai.
Tel: 045-211-1515. www.
yokohama-akarenga.jp
MORE LISTINGS
ONLINE → HTTP://
METURL.COM/
LISTINGS
THREE-STRINGED
INSTRUMENT
The shamisen came to
Japan from China via
the Ryukyu kingdom
(modern-day Okinawa),
arriving on the mainland
toward the end of the
Muromachi period (13371573). The manufacture
of shamisen flourished
during the Edo period
(1603-1868) as a range
of music was developed
to accompany kabuki
performances and
narrative stories. That
music now forms the
basis of the modern
shamisen repertoire.
When a shamisen string
is plucked, the distinctive resonance
that remains is called a sawari, with the
body specially designed to hold these
tones. It’s artfully carved using a variety
of precision processes, with the pieces
affixed using only glue. Aside from
the base, the entire craft of the Tokyo
shamisen is carried out by a single
craftsman.
EDO KATCHU
Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Countdown
With Links, Chu-Z, Ultra Girl
and more. Jan 25, 3pm.
¥4,500. Shinjuku Blaze.
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5155-5990.
www.kyodotokyo.com/JIF
TOKYO
SHAMISEN
HONBA KIHACHIJO
SILK FABRIC FROM HACHIJO ISLAND
These woven silk fabrics originate from
Hachijo-jima (Hachijo Island), located
nearly 300 kilometers south of Tokyo,
yet still considered part of the city.
Using techniques dating back to the
Muromachi period (1337-1573), the
island’s natural plant dyes are used
to produce threads of yellow, orange
and black, which are woven together
to produce the striped and checkered
patterns of Kihachijo. The colors of
which are said to become more vivid
with time. Kihachijo fabric was widely
used for everyday wear following the
Bunka and Bunsei periods of 1804-1829.
WARRIOR ARMOR
Japan’s Boys’
Day Festival has
a history tracing
back to the Nara
period of 710794. Around the
middle of the Edo
period (16031868), it became
popular to place
dolls adorned in
military dress in
homes on this date, with the hope that
male children would grow up strong
and healthy like a warrior. Over time,
this tradition changed into the practice
of simply displaying katchu (sets of
warrior armor) in the home, and these
sets of armor are still widely produced
across Japan.
The shikoro, or nape-guard, begins
production with the layering of sheets
of washi (Japanese paper). Rows of
kozane, or armored scales, are then laid
over this backing. The rows of kozane,
called kozaneita, are joined above
and below using laces of leather, silk
or cotton cord. While no longer used
in daily life, armor-making remains a
skill with deep cultural significance,
combining the techniques of metalwork,
lacquerware, leathercraft and braiding.
The 58th Tokyo Traditional Crafts Fair
Shinjuku Takashimaya Store 11F, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku. Jan 21-22 & 25
10am-8pm, Jan 23-24 10am-8:30pm, Jan 26 10am-6pm. Shinjuku or Yoyogi.
27
Metropolis and its
subsequent Classifieds
section are printed every
other week. The upcoming
publication dates and
corresponding deadlines
for print are as follows. This
does not affect the online
Classifieds, where ads are
visible immediately after
they are approved.
FRI, JAN 9 ISSUE
Deadline: Dec 24, 3pm
FRI, JAN 23 ISSUE
Deadline: Jan 15, 3pm
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 HEALTH
I N N E R
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Tr a d i t i o n a l
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focused on customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. Modern
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0120-648-071
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy)
care
in
Hiroo.
Native English -speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
p o s t - o p e r a t i v e
rehabilitation, back/neck
pain, running related,
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w w w.tokyophysio.com
03-3443-6769
T H I N K I N G A B O U T
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS? Platinum
28
¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver
¥21,600. Prices include one
photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo
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weeks online. For details,
v i s i t t h e To k y o C l a s s i f i e d s
blog—http://metropolis.co.jp/
classifiedblog—or email us at
commercial@metropolisjapan.
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1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
CU R LY H A I R S PE C I A LI S T
IN TOK YO. Englishsp e aking K iyoko, highly
experienced in NY’s
cu rly h a i r s a lo n s , t a ke s
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MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN
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FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get
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¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a v e ¥ 5 8 0 0.
Kids’ haircuts ¥4000¥ 4 4 0 0. F i r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t
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I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT
N I P PA S H I O F F I C E s u p p o r t s
visa and naturalization
applications, company
establishment and branch
off ice installation, including
commercial regis tration, as
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available in English, Español
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2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
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0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0
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2 FIND A PLACE
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VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
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Permanent residency,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
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Email: mailto@officelife.jp
Website: http://officelife.
jp/en/
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TOKYO APARTMENTS: your
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English and Japanese. Seeking a
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It would be my pleasure to help your
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English and Japanese. 毎日日本
語勉強してるけどまだぜんぜん上
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僕は U K 男です。 s u m m e r f u n k @
googlemail.com
English and Japanese. I'm a JF,
31, seeking someone who can do a
language exchange with me. I'll talk
to you in E and you'll talk to me in J
over coffee or a drink. happeaceke@
gmail.com
English and Japanese. Hello, I'm an
Englishman, 35. I work as a computer
engineer. I'm trying to learn J, but it's
so difficult. If you can help me with my
Japanese, I can help you with English.
jemwed@gmail.com
Engl ish and Jap anese. G ro up
language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.
Most members are 20s and 30s. We
switch languages every 30min. Fun
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.
andy@gmail.com
E n g l i s h , S p a n i s h , J a p a n e s e,
Mandarin. Hey, all. American guy
living in Japan for eight years seeking
friends to chat and hang with. I'm
a native English speaker, but also
learning Mand, Sp and (always)
business J. xiongjia@hotmail.com
French and Japanese. Fr and J
exchange in Otemachi. winds_fr@
hotmail.com
French and Japanese. Hi, I am a
French guy seeking language exchange
friends, 20-47. I speak Fr and E, and
am currently learning J. I'm someone
reserved in general. I want to meet new
people. brd.j111@aol.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
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
2.4 HOUSE SHARE
P R I VAT E A PA R T M E N T I N
YOKOHAMA, Sotetsu line, 22min
from Yokohama stn, one room w/
loft, kitchen and unit bathroom
¥44,000/m. Direct rental by owner.
robhoey.c17@gmail.com
2.5 PLACE WANTED
KANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE.
Brand-new furnished share
rooms, separate male and
female floors, all rooms w/
digital locks, aircon, fridge,
1min walk from Kanamachi
stn, Chiyoda line ¥40,000/m.
room@airay-apartment.net
03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a
Japanese female, 25, seeking a
native English-speaking language
exchange partner in Ikebukuro for
Sun afternoon. F/M ok. I can teach J.
misameetup55555@hotmail.com
English and Japanese. I'll teach you E
in exchange for J. Let's have fun while
studying. smartguy@i.softbank.jp
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI
(nex t to Tokyo), member
o f t h e Yo k o h a m a B a r
Association. Legal
service in English for
traffic accidents, divorce,
inheritance, bankruptcy,
business cases (contracts,
establishing a company,
trademarks, etc.) and other
legal problems.Email:
web@smk w.biz w w w.
sumikawa.net/
Danish, German, Japanese. Hej
and 'N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes
and G ermans to hel p her wit h
l a n g u a g e s i n To k y o / Ka n a g a w a
through fun conver sations over
cups of coffee or just hanging out.
Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s.
codename107113@live.com
English and Japanese. JF, late
30s, seeking a language exchange
partner who can study together in
Tokyo or Saitama. I use E at work and
am studying at a school, too. I can
help your Japanese. purpleiris0414@
gmail.com
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists
in branding, web design, photo/
v i d e o p ro d u c t i o n . D r a w ing A
Crowd: a new approach in design.
Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.
co
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
3 EDUCATION
Seeking photo studio space in central
Tokyo, 30-50sqm, with high ceiling.
Old, garage-style and/or shared
space ok. First floor preferred. info@
marcalbertphoto.com
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.
IKEBANA (JAPANESE
TRADITIONAL FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful
means of self-expression. Trial
lesson, including all materials
¥4000. No Japanese necessary.
Certification, diploma can
be earned. Three classroom
locations in Tok yo. Website:
www.atelier-soka.com/english/
index.html Email: smile@mikaotani.com
3.9 TEACH ME!
Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter
dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg
taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere!
Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF,
30s, ikke-ryger. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp
Japanese in central Tokyo. こんに
ちは. I'd like to study seriously. Mon,
Wed and Thu mornings around 9:30am in
central Tokyo. Please let me know how
much you charge for one hour. よろし
く。 allonhodes@gmail.com
Teach me English in exchange for
karate. Do you want to learn real karate?
I can teach you one of the major styles
of traditional Japanese karate. We
can exchange for your English lesson.
tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com
Thai teacher wanted. Sawasdee krup?
Seeking a patient conversational Thai
instructor. Around the Shinjuku area
preferred. I’m a beginner. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
Wine teacher in Tokyo. Teach me about
French wine in Tokyo on weekends.
Prefer a native teacher with teaching
experience and a wine qualification. Will
pay for your time. frenchwinetasting@
hotmail.com
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Bed, FranceBed, double
(L216xW140xH26), w/drawers, mattress,
in good condition ¥40,000. Delivery
included. bed-sale@bulbouscell.com
Drawer set, antique, five-drawer
(L30xW24xH36cm), kiri wood, used to
keep papers with a key and lock, but no
key ¥7000. Pick up only Omotesando.
mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp
4.2 APPLIANCES
Deep fryer, Tefal, home-use, new in box,
safety features ¥2000/obo. tripeler@
yahoo.com
Fridge/warmer, Twinbird HR-4707,
micro-sized, holds six regular cans,
rounded retro look, new in box ¥1500.
tripeler@yahoo.com
Microwave, CMO-551W, 500W, turntable plate is missing, still works ¥400.
Pick up Aoto stn. heyuyuhei@gmail.com
Washer/dryer, Sharp E S -TG8 1G
(58.5x61x98.5cm), washes 8kg, dries
4.5kg, five y/o, as new, w/new net ¥8000.
Arrange delivery yourself. psychomat@
hotmail.com
Washlet, National DL-SJX10, two y/o,
hardly used, easily attaches to toilet
¥7000/obo. tripeler@yahoo.com
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
Flatscreen TV 19", Toshiba 19AC2,
black, HDMI- compatible, hardly
used, w/remote ¥ 7000. Pick up
Takanawadai stn. dcrystal77@yahoo.
com 090-9140-2067
LCD TV 37", Orion, two available, used
three or four years, no scratches on
screens, in good condition, no stands, w/
half of a wall-mount bracket attached,
remote, B-CAS card ¥15,000. AzabuJuban/Roppongi area. pukaloca@
gmail.com
4.6 FOR KIDS
Bath chair, Aprica, w/reclining back,
for babies, in very good condition,
hardly used, folds for easy storage
¥3000. Pick up Nishi-Kasai. shelly_
gupta@mail.com
Footwear. Boots: cream, size 21cm;
red, size 15cm. Rain boots: blue, size
17cm; yellow, 20cm. Summer shoes.
All ¥100-¥300. Pick up or chakubarai.
Photo available. housetsu@gmail.com
Windbreaker, Puma, size 130cm,
black, in good condition ¥1000. Pick
up or chakubarai. Photo available.
housetsu@gmail.com
4.7 FOR FREE
Tire chain, non-steel, used twice, size
175-60-R15, w/case and tool, best for
Nissan Cube, etc. Pick up JR Chigasaki or
Hiratsuka stn. runway1735@yahoo.co.jp
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
Camera drone, DJI Phantom 2 and
Zenmuse H3-3D, never opened, w/firstflight guarantee ¥92,000. cafecontigo@
hotmail.com
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Exercise bike, Life Fitness 95Ri, as
new. New ¥350,000. Sell ¥90,000.
raymondspencer@hotmail.com
080-4736-2647
Ski wear set: pants, coat, goggles,
suitable for around 170-180cm ¥5000.
yannu@hotmail.com
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Acoustic guitar, Aria Dreadnought, 3/4
scale, hardly used, in excellent condition,
w/basic case ¥8000. Pick up Takanawadai
stn, Asakusa line. dcrystal77@yahoo.
com 090-9140-2067
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Ink cartridges, Canon Inkjet 310/311.
kinlay3000@gmail.com
Laptop, Dell E4300 notebook, 2.4GHz
Core 2 Duo P9400, 4GB, 80GB HD, E/
keyboard and Win 7 Pro 64 ¥15,000.
masui41@live.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
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
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Japanese learning materials. Pimsleur
Japanese I, II, and III, in original package,
as new, each set contains 16 CDs, booklet,
guide ¥24,000/all. mita.yama@hotmail.
com
10.3 LOST FRIENDS
DISA S TE R PRE PA RE DN E SS
DRILL FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS.
Learn first aid training,
traditional Japanese culture
and more on Tue, Jan 27, from
9am at the Tokyo Metropolitan
Gymnasium. Managed by the
Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Reservations: nipponbousaigaku@ t sp -taiyo.co.jp
www.seikatubunka.metro.tokyo.
jp/kokusai/kunren.html
11 MESSAGES
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR
YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E !
Write any thing, from bir thday
messages to proposals. http://
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
5.5 GAMING
Wii console, hardly used, w/game set
(Super Mario Bros, Mario Party 8, Super
Mario Galaxy 2), in excellent condition,
original packaging ¥15,000. masui41@
live.com
5.6 COLLECTORS
Beer glasses, from various Japanese
microbreweries, new, collection of 12
¥3000/all. ¥300/each. Krombacher Pils
glass boot, 1.5L ¥1500/obo. tripeler@
yahoo.com
5.7 PETS
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
volunteers: 03-5774-0992. TELL
COUNSELING: affordable multilingual
p s ych o t h e r apy by a ccre d i te d
Western-trained professionals,
a CIGNA International Provider:
03-4550-1146. TELL website: www.
telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook
and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
PARTY - WINTER SPECIAL.
Sat, Jan 24, 6:30-9pm, Bar
Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http://
getyourfriend.com/mobile/
jiparty@hotmail.com http://
w w w.get your frien d.com /
090-1735-5405
Corn snake, not venomous, not a
constrictor, mild-mannered, and cage:
free. By January. garnerchan@gmail.
com
6 VEHICLES
6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Benz C180 Wagon Kompressor,
Avantgarde limited edition, black, ETC,
leather seats, Exon lights, aluminum
wheel, 120,000km, shaken until May '16,
all taxes paid ¥695,000. Firm. No dealers
or auction sites. alinjap@yahoo.com
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a
day, from anywhere, about anything.
From emergency assistance to simple
questions. Visit www.jhelp.com/ and
press “help,” or call 0570-000-911. To
volunteer or support, please contact
team@jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Mamachari, three-speed, 27". 20min
from Ueno, Keisei line. Test and decide
price. heyuyuhei@gmail.com
Road bike, small, 26" tubular tires, for
small rider (145-165cm), 12-speed, barend shifters, needs new paint job. New
¥110,000. Sell ¥10,000. tripeler@yahoo.
com 080-6581-4724
Trainer, remove front wheel and attach
bike to ride in stationary position ¥5000/
obo. tripeler@yahoo.com
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
iPhone box, for iPhone 5 64GB, white;
w/manual, stickers, SIM tool, unopened
EarPods and SoftBank select protective film,
free case; does NOT include phone, charger,
cable ¥2000. jayfeirin@yahoo.co.jp
Smartphone, Samsung Galaxy s3,
DoCoMo, blue, in excellent condition, can
be unlocked ¥18,000. robinafaisal2010@
yahoo.co.jp 09099697842
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
TOKYO. If you have a problem
with drinking, we can help.
English-speaking meetings daily.
03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.org
http://aatokyo.org
HIV Peer Support group and workshops.
Get together with people in the same
boat as you, who understand. Held in
a safe, considerate, 100% confidential
setting to discuss what’s on your mind,
ask questions and make new friends.
info@peersupporttokyo.com www.
peersupporttokyo.com
Diners Club). Details at http://
metropolisjapan.com/
subscription.
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
Seeking Mindy. Is Mindy Mack, a petite
blonde teaching assistant from L.A.,
still in Tokyo? Any info appreciated.
m106819151-tsky@yahoo.com
10.2 SUPPORT
Electric guitar, Steinberger R series,
never gigged/taken outside, EMGs,
wooden body, graphite neck, 24 frets,
black finish, bought used ¥120,000.
blue_sky20@outlook.com
Guitar pack, brand new, top brands:
folding guitar stand, black, durable
but light; guitar neck hanging holder,
attaches to wall; chromatic guitar tuner;
mini amp ¥1800/all. Photos available.
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
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
info@gaitomo.com
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y AT
LEAFCUP. Come join us and have
fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/
women: ¥2000. All-you-candrink-and-eat. Iidabashi and
Yokohama: Jan 17 and Feb 7.
Shibuya: Dec 27 and Jan 10.
www.leafparty.com
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
A N D N E V ER M ISS A N ISSUE .
O ne year (24 is sues) ¥ 360 0
(corporate subscribers, 7-100
copies ok ¥22,560). Half year
(12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate
subscribers, 7-100 copies ok
¥ 1 2 ,0 0 0 ) . B a n k t r a n s f e r o r
credit card (Visa, Mastercard,
JUST A 3MIN WALK
FROM ROPPONG I HILL S,
Club 360 is a large and
modern health and fitness
club. No membership or
joining fees. Personal
training, physiotherapy,
f itness classes, b oxing,
kickboxing, massage.
info @club3 60.jp w w w.
club360.jp 03-6434-9667
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
F O OT B A L L . N o n - c o n t a c t t a g
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League
players. We play every Sat from
10am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners
welcome! Good exercise and fun!
Many other activities, such as
BBQs and drinking parties! Email
for details. tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com 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
League p layer s for Japanese
Rugby League of f icial games
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
japananzacs@gmail.com
FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join
us for social or competitive touch
rugby every Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake
stn, Yurikamome line. Any age, sex,
level ok. Please email for details.
funwithtouch@gmail.com http://www.
funwithtouch.com/where-we-play/
PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders
are a friendly but keen international
rugby club. Devoted to the game and
its social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays in
the Shuto League 1st Division. http://
www.facebook.com/tokyo.crusaders
www.tokyocrusaders.com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
sp or t from S cotland . Using a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.org
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
tennis@yahoo.fr
Badminton club in Tokyo. Small
international group seeks players from
abroad. If you know basic footwork,
strokes and play seriously, you could
definitely enjoy playing with us.
mune2006@hotmail.co.jp http://www.
geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html
Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.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
Interested in tai chi? Then why not start
now? Take a step to counter the stresses
of daily living. Practice is in Toyama Park
on Sun mornings, near Takadanobaba
stn. chifact@gmail.com
International soccer club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities welcome. Happy and
friendly club! We have many socials.
djnorio0417@yahoo.co.jp
New players sought, especially goal
keeper and strikers, for regular futsal,
11-a-side, socials. Any nationality
ok. kantocelts@gmail.com w w w.
kantoceltsfc.com
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.
Seeking people interested in training
in old-style Japanese fighting arts.
Effective and intelligent, but safe
training approach. 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
Women’s football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities, experience levels,
beginners welcome. Happy and friendly
club! We have many socials. djnorio@
hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
SKIING AND
BOARDING
IN HAKUBA.
Snow package:
Dec 19-Mar
31; departs
Ikebukuro
Fridays at
7:30pm (11:30pm arrival);
t wo night s, one dinner, t wo
breakfasts, round-trip private
bus, two-day ski pass, live music
party ¥26,900. 0261-75-5155
info@more-resort.com http://
hakuba-hotel-accommodation.
com
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
Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard
club for anyone living in, or visiting
Tokyo. We go on big group trips every
weekend in the winter. Powder,
live music events, and parties in
snow. Membership is free! info@
tokyosnowclub.com ht tp:// w w w.
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
13.3 ARTS
Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in
Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate
our love of the Bard. Come to read, or
just to listen. All nationalities welcome,
no experience necessary! rchrd_
schwartz@yahoo.com http://groups.
yahoo.com/group/Shakespeare-sama/
13.4 MUSIC
Bassist and keyboardist wanted
for working pop/rock band. Must be
experienced and versatile. We play
both originals and covers. Gigs lined
up. Please contact us for more info.
enterthegroove@gmail.com
Singer and rapper needed. Seeking a
singer/rapper and other musicians. Just
finished writing some music and laying
down some tracks. Must be patient and
want to work together for something
good in the future. sandiegoluv22@
yahoo.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 information. daginia@
gmail.com http://www.diamondway.jp/
Reiki events. This group is for people
who are interested in Reiki and
spirituality. For more details about
our upcoming events, please visit
our webpage. info@reikibyyuko.com
www.reikibyyuko.com/reiki-events.
htm
Rocky Mountain Mystery School. Hi,
I’m looking to meet people from the
Rocky Mountain Mystery school here
in Tokyo. Look forward to meeting you.
Tai chi in Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park is
open again. Come learn and practice
Guang Ping Yang Taiji Chuan with likeminded people. Early morning practice
is best. ddh@gol.com www.gpytcjapan.
com 03-3487-3011
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
13.9 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
Anyone from Denmark? JF, 30s, lived
in Denmark before, wants to learn more
of the language and culture. Is there
anybody who can meet somewhere
in Tokyo? Nonsmoker, late 20s-30s
preferred. Glaeder mig til at hoere fra
dig snart! codename107113@live.com
Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking
nonsmoking friends from Denmark,
Germany, Canada or Australia for
having fun times together. Let's meet
for a cup of coffee first. Please be
nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. Mail with
self-introduction, please. b2jw13@
hotmail.co.jp
Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF,
early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with
in central Tokyo. atkm92@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking Japanese friends. こんに
ちは。私は、33 歳のヨーロッパ人で
す。日本人の友達を探しています。
petersmu12@gmail.com
29
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
We can support you with:
Visa and immigration
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Other Legal & Business matters
Hiroshi Oogai,
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
www.j-star.jp
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Supreme
Court
Imperial
Palace
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
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
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: info@wada-lats.com
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
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
M ETROPOLIS I S S E E K I N G A N E /J
BILINGUAL INTERN to join the most
successful English-language
advertising team (Restaurants &
Bars) in Japan. Great opportunity
to learn about advertising in an
exciting environment. No pay, but
transportation provided. Please fax
your E/J resume to 03-4588-2278 or
email knakashima@metropolisjapan.
com.
Weekdays. JF, 34, seeks English
speakers who are available in the
afternoon on weekdays. Non-natives
are also fine. I would like to have good
friendship with foreign people to learn
about their cultures. Nonsmoking,
punctual people under 35 preferred.
polkadots.1466@gmail.com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
We have openings for
interns to work on:
Social Media | Editorial | Web Content
Great opportunity to gain experience
in a multimedia company! To apply, send
letter of introduction, CV and relevant clips to:
editor@metropolisjapan.com
Due to the high volume of correspondence, we regret
we can't respond to every query. No calls please.
January 2015 Membership Fee
30
03-4588-2277
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
JOBS
To advertise:
commercial@metropolisjapan.com
SEEKING MARRIAGE. Single male,
early 30s, seeking a working or
studying female, under 32, for a
serious relationship leading to
marriage. Prefer someone who
wants to star t a family soon. I
am an educated, hard-working
professional in Tokyo. uniman@
gmail.com
SUBMISSIVE SJM, 36, cute, is
seriously seeking a woman who is
into, or interested in, dominating
men. I am so submissive, with
seven years’ experience, that I am
happy to take whatever and serve
you in any way. slaveintok yo@
gmail.com
SWM SEEKS JF. Tall, slim, elegant,
30s, a lover of fashion, great food,
wine, travel, music and shopping?
Real passion for life and all the
good things it can bring. A love of
romance, laughter and spending
time together. SWM, late 40s, 6’,
athletic, English gentleman, living
alone in Tokyo, seeks beautiful
partner to share evenings and
weekends. markg17@y7mail.com
American executive seeking
companionship. White male, athletic
body, 182cm, 85kg, good sense of
humor, seking girlfriend/physical
relationship with SJF or MJF, 20-45.
Live in a nice Western-style place.
Sometimes lonely. Very respectful.
skykingwilt@yahoo.com
J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P.
JapanTravel.com is seeking E/J
bilingual interns to join the largest
tourism website in Japan. Multiple
oppor tunities 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.
METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S NUMBER ONE
ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MAGAZINE, is
seeking motivated E/J bilingual sales
assistants, support staff and interns
to join its advertising and marketing
team. Send resume (E/J) to jobs@
metropolisjapan.com.
Artistic American guy, 38, my father
spoke German, born in America, lived
near Santa Monica. Now near Tokyo
Tower. Love artistic expression,
restaurants, fashion, R&B. Please live
or work in central Tokyo and be openminded. tokyotwr10@yahoo.com
Attractive and handsome Japanese
professional seeks romance. Adorable,
caring, movie- and classical musicloving Japanese, 36, working for an
international firm, is seeking a longterm relationship with a kind, sincere
woman of any nationality. Serious only.
evanescence0222@gmail.com
Attractive, humble gentleman seeking
life partner. Active, attractive French
gentleman, 30s, educated, easygoing,
fit, seeking a quality life partner for a
romantic relationship. Email w/photo.
medadam96@gmail.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
Calm, gentle JM seeks someone
special for a serious relationship leading
to marriage. I am 43, nonsmoking, don't
drink. Any nationality ok. If interested,
please contact me. Let’s start with a cup
of coffee. olympia127@yahoo.co.jp
Caring and cute JM seeks attractive,
hearty, nonsmoking Western female for
friendship. I simply would like to share
fun, interesting and great experiences
with you. If you feel the same way, just
drop me a line. jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jp
Chinese, Singaporean, Indian...?
British guy, 30s, seeking non-Japanese
women to hang out with, maybe more.
It may seem obvious, but please only
contact me if you have time to meet. No
Japanese seeking marriage with a gaijin,
please! greenteais.yummy@gmail.com
Amore! You know the meaning
without checking a dictionary? Italian
executive, 40, seeking a well-educated,
sophisticated lady to share nice
moments together. gioochan@libero.it
Engineering isn't the best place to meet
new people, so I'm trying the internet.
Hi, French guy seeking an open-minded
person, 20-47. I speak French and English
and am currently learning Japanese. brd.
j111@aol.com
Art of love. European, 50s, seeking
a Japanese lady to share passion,
spirituality, the nature and the art of
love. winds_fr@hotmail.com
English gentleman. I am an Oxbridgeeducated English gentleman/financier,
30s, seeking an attractive Japanese
lady for friendship/marriage. I visit
Japan often and would like to have an
email exchange before meeting in early
2015. stjdavid@googlemail.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
Handome black guy living and working
in Tokyo seeking a nice lady for a serious
relationship and maybe more. I'm 30,
slim, athletic body, studying Japanese.
Let's meet. I'm sure we'll click.
nuckprotus@hotmail.com
Handsome, caring and witty SJM
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. cioinjapan@gmail.
com
Handsome German, tall, blue eyes,
dark blond, intelligent, seeking nice
Japanese woman. Let's meet and have a
coffee together. sonne_palmen_strand@
hotmail.com
Handsome, sweet and smart SJM
seeks SWF who seeks secret happy events
for your spare time in Tokyo. Single/
married ok. Shall we begin to talk? I think
this opportunity will be a great one for us.
followupforme14@gmail.com
I will make you happy. Educated in the
US, handsome, gentle, 30s, is seriously
seeking a woman from the bottom of
my heart. I will satisfy you mentally
and physically. akutsut@yahoo.co.jp
090-2765-0607
Japanese male, 42, single, seeks
sincere, warm, open-minded white
female for friendship and romance. I am
generous, nonsmoking, like traveling,
reading, philosophy and enjoying my
life. ruby12ax7@gmail.com
L o n e l y J a p a n e s e d i v o r c é e?
A m e r ican guy, 5 0 s, p le a s an tlooking and respectable, is seeking
a divorced Japanese woman, 50-60,
for companionship, friendship and
romance. We can start as friends. If
you're interested, send me an email.
dennisthemenace1966@gmail.com
Married Japanese female? I'm a
married American male, Caucasian,
mid-40s, 185cm. I'm hoping to find a
married Japanese female who enjoys
humor and intellectual conversation
for companionship and fun in Tokyo.
fasttrack32@gmx.com
warm and caring, and seeking a serious
long-term relationship, then please
drop me an email. Serious only, no
games. No Roppongi girls, please.
Lasagna5577@yahoo.com
Mature man for mature woman.
Attractive, mature European man,
50, seeks a Japanese lover. I prefer
somebody around my age (40s-60s). I
am highly cultured and like Japanese
ladies very much. vbcfgt@hotmail.com
Sexy and passionate lady wanted.
Canadian MWM in central Tokyo seeks
friendly and sincere MJF for ongoing
relationship. I am 40s, well-educated,
respectful, nonsmoking. Please contact
me and let's see what happens. Thank
you. theroyaljoker@yahoo.com
Meaningful relationship. Single
American gentleman in Tokyo, 45,
medical doctor, kind, caring, stylish
and fit, seeks an attractive Japanese
female, 30-40, for a meaningful
relationship. met4b@aim.com
Need love. Han d s ome En gl ish
gentleman, moderate build, mid-30s,
needs beautiful, passionate JF. I am
fun, intelligent, well-mannered and
empathic. Let's have romance together.
Please send photo w/email. I'm looking
forward to hearing from you. edanoki@
gmail.com
SJM for relationship. I am a caring
SJM, 40s, seeking a SWF who is sweet,
caring, passionate, outgoing, in the
Tokyo/Kanagawa area. Hoping to start
a relationship that might turn into
something serious. toshinoris1012@
yahoo.co.jp
SJM seeking SWF/SJF. Financially
s e cure S JM s e ek ing long -ter m
relationship with SWF/SJF who likes to
travel, go hiking and exercise. I don't
smoke or drink and am into a healthy
lifestyle. cminorseven@yahoo.com
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.
Romance and dating. Very nice and
sexy gentleman seeks an older, or much
older, woman to have nice dates and a
romance. feeltokyo@yahoo.co.uk
Romantic, cool professional. London
calling! Handsome, single, charismatic,
kind, athletic, exotic British-American
dual citizen, lived in Omotesando,
seeking a beautiful, tall, big, busty,
shapely, sincere partner/friend, young
20s, to enjoy New Year's together.
renais sancear t world@gmail .com
+447459056413
Secret romance. Smart, nonsmoking
JM, 53, seeking only one girlfriend for
secret romance. I respect your privacy.
I am a businessman working in central
Tokyo. If you are interested in my
ad, please contact me. shinjuku02@
hotmail.co.jp
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 girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind,
seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance
in Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee and
talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@
yahoo.com
Seeking large Japanese girlfriend.
Canadian guy, 40s, open-minded,
gentle, romantic, positive, seeks
overweight girlfriend for long-term
relationship in Tokyo. Serious only,
please. bbalajan@yahoo.com
Seeking loving Japanese woman.
Professional, well-educated, mature,
successful married male is seeking
a nonsmoking, loving, passionate
Japanese woman for a long-term
discreet relationship to adore and
cherish each other. Serious only,
please. Movies, dinners, travel...
nicefunguy_321@yahoo.com
Sword-swinging,
swashbuckling 19th
century pirate explorer. My
cooking can win the hearts
of damsel s, but when it
fails, my books turn boring
dinners into intellectually
stimulating meals. Seeking
like minds to spar with. Arr!!
jonhenschell87@gmail.com
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover
of books, films and music, seeks an
attractive British lady with the same
interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp
White guy for black girl. Appreciation
for dry, dark British humo(u)r essential.
I'm 30s. You're open-minded, but not a
(complete) freak. Single/married ok, but
nonsmokers only. onzeetop@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
S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G
EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for
foreign men and Japanese
women. Leave the event with a
new date! Always more women
than men. FREE if signing up in
advance! Otherwise, ¥2000.
info@exeo-international.com
www.exeo-international.com
Seeking nice girlfriends. SJM, 172/58,
technical system businessman, seeking
tall, slim, sexy Japanese or Asian.
Thank you! nyannya_neko_boo9503@
yahoo.co.jp
Seeking serious relationship. I am a
simple and down-to-earth guy seeking a
partner ready to experience new things.
Serious only, please. Reply w/photo.
smartguy@i.softbank.jp
Seeking serious relationship. Hi, I'm
an American guy, 30, seeking a nice girl
for a long-term relationship. I'm tall,
fit, kind, open-minded, easygoing and
easy to talk to. Say hello! 日本語 ok.
beforethesneez@gmail.com
Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, welleducated and traveled, with a stable
job, seeks true love. If you are 20-30s,
Chemistry. Hope you feel butterflies
when we meet. Genuine Japanese
beauty, fit with a very feminine frame
and curves, overseas-educated, mid40s, independent-minded, loves Shania's
songs. You: single American, articulate,
funny, professional, around my age or
older. lemon_somehearts@yahoo.co.jp
Earnest man for marriage. Attractive,
slender, sincere, feminine SJF, 57,
lovely young looks and heart, seeks
nonsmoking professional WM, sincere,
cheerful, affectionate, who doesn't play
with other people’s feelings. I like travel,
hiking, dining out, etc. Serious only, w/
photo, please. rosefleur@outlook.jp
Family man. European single mother,
44, good-looking, open-minded, seeking
a partner who is reliable, fun to be with.
Please reply w/photo. tokyohime@gmx.
com
snap@gmail.com
Positive attitude. You're reading this
ad because you're alone or in a bad
relationship. You're seeking someone
to make you feel happy and desired.
I'm financially and emotionally secure.
I can't promise you that we match, but
let's try. addakota@yahoo.com
Mountain
woman. If you
love mountains
more than
oceans, animals,
and are creative
and spiritual,
we might have
a chance. SJF, late 40s, all the above,
fit, artistic, fairly attractive, seeking
romantic times and more if things work
out. oriontopleiades@gmail.com
Frenchman sought. After visiting France
several times, I've fallen in love with the
country. So, I'd like to meet a Frenchman
for a long-lasting relationship. I am
Japanese, 30s. Write me if you think
you're great! cotedor@live.com
Let's explore the world together.
Attractive, cute, caring single Asian
woman, 30s, seeking a long-term
relationship with a cute Asian guy. Single/
never married only. Serious inquiries.
Onegaishimasu. sweetprincess0747@
gmail.com
Let's make each other happy! Sweet,
thoughtful, slim SJF, many say beautiful
inside and out, seeks single-minded,
attractive, tall, successful Caucasian
who lives in central Tokyo. I love
cooking, traveling, hiking, art, nature.
Serious only. Please email w/photo.
iihidana888@yahoo.co.jp
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
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ST
* One month intensive
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* Private & Corporate
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YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785
UDEN
VISA T
Registr
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July 20 on for
15 term
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PEN!
Free trial lesson
for groups
info@evergreen.gr.jp
03-3713-4958
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 relationship. Attractive SJF
is seeking a single Western male for a
relationship. I like art, music, movies
and traveling. Let's have a chat over
coffee first. Serious, nonsmokers only,
please. osawagase20@hotmail.co.uk
Seeking someone to hold me. I'm 28,
living in Tokyo. I don't have time to find
a nice relationship because I work too
much. I need someone to spend time
with me. butterfly.saya0324@gmail.
com
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
Bisexual white guy, fit, seeking gay
or bisexual guy for guy fun. Seeking
versatile or top. lava_mk@outlook.com
Woman seeking woman. Cute, petite
bisexual Japanese girl seeking an
attractive HWP girl for friendship and
more. Me: quiet type, clean, fairly new
to this. Serious only, and please send
photo and details. No men or couples.
kh0998jp@gmail.com
14.5 ESCORTS
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE
CR E ATE O PP O RTU N ITI E S
for elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date, take the night where
you want it to go. Fresh, young
women join our club every
day. Tr y our free one - month
trial offer: first date is on us!
0120-675-858 (English)
international@universe-club.jp
http://universe-club.jp/en
ESCORTS have gone online.
To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y
co m p a n i o n , v i s i t h t t p: //
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/
category/personals/escorts.
14.6 AND OTHERS
SLAVE BOY. Intelligent Caucasian
American, 30s, seeking to be a
slave boy under a sadistic girl who
is also intelligent. I look forward to
hearing from you. Start as friends,
long-term possible. Serious only.
darkbandit1@hotmail.com
31
RELATIONS
DIFFERENT CULTURES,
DIFFERENT CELEBRATIONS
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
One of the best things about living abroad is the chance to experience the
holidays in a different culture. Take New Year’s, for example. In America,
I usually spent New Year’s Eve with my family watching the ball drop and
sipping champagne, or out with friends at a crazy house party. However,
I also really love spending the oshogatsu holidays with my husband’s
family, eating the fancy lunch boxes and waiting several hours in line to
pray at the local shrine. It’s different ... but different is good.
文化の違う祝い方
外国に住んで一番良いことの一つは色々な祝い事を違う文化の視点から体
験できることです。お正月を例にあげると、アメリカでは大晦日には家族
とタイムズスクエア・ボールが落下するのを見ながらシャンパンを飲んだ
り、友達とパーティーで大騒ぎしたりします。でも私は見た目もキレイな
おせち料理を食べたり、初詣で参拝するのに何時間も待ったりする夫の家
族と過ごす日本のお正月も大好きです。違うお正月の祝い方ですが、違う
経験をするのも楽しいです。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 20-Jun 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣
Jun 21-Jul 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
You want to move fast but have to
slow down. You start to slow down
and events make you speed up.
Uranus pushes toward a critical decision just in
time to ring in the New Year. You’re getting used
to the up-and-down, sudden shake-ups in the
circle of feelings you hold dear. Say goodbye
to what's in the past—you won’t have to deal
with it again. Wonderful and new options are
coming your way.
There’s nothing like star ting the
new year! You can say goodbye to
adventures you’ve outgrown—you’re
able to travel or put effort into the next step of
your career. The Sun, Vesta, Pluto, Mercury and
Venus forge an emphasis on gaining ground,
even being all over the globe. Mars in your solar
tenth house energizes your focus and helps you
cut through red tape.
You won’t be lost without your
GPS: You have all the skills of a
high-flying eagle, the vision of a
drone and the cover of an invisibility cloak. In a
relationship? Your partner is definitely coming
through with the goods. Either that, or they’re
shaking things up—or both! Single? Expect to
attract those who need you most. Is this what
you want as you start the new year?
Either you’ve become your own
best friend or you’re about to be in
a partnership that gets your attention. The Sun, Vesta, Pluto, Mercury and Venus
all combine to bring this through. If you've
invested your time and energy in someone,
they may help you feel more solid. In material,
emotional or intellectual form, you're a person
of substance. It’s your calling; you deserve it.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 22-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
You may be using all your creative
abilities to suss out an important decision, and it’s certainly a noticeable
way to start the new year. If you’re dealing
with tension that originated from others, you’re
likely to let it go. As you continue to map out
your financial future, know that energy you put
into your home is likely to come back doubled,
relatively quickly.
Mar 20-Apr 18 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Jul 22-Aug 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Apr 19-May 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Aug 22-Sep 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
You may have to break the rules
regarding finances or create a few of
your own. The holidays have been a
tasty treat, but now you can focus on new ways
to enjoy yourself. Love and romance have celestial support but there's work to be done. Yikes!
The Sun, Vesta, Pluto, Mercury and Venus hover
in the heavens to help you sort things out. Work
and a new physique are on offer.
Lovely Lilith adorns your solar first
house, enticing you to “break the
rules.” Is it affordable? Money matters may be up in the air but are better than
they’ve been. You’re just about finished with
a particular project. Graduating from this has
brought you the communication skills you’re
famous for. Don’t wait for love to find you—it
may be standing patiently nearby.
Friends are fun as the new year
begins—and wow, do you have a lot
of focus on home life! If you’re trying
to make a decision or don’t have time for anything else, know the Sun, Vesta, Pluto, Mercury
and Venus will help you stay grounded. You’ll
benefit from doing some gardening or investing
in clothes or art you absolutely love—and will
last for almost ever.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 17 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 18-Mar 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Staying focused is only half the
fun—the other is watching what goes
up, down and ‘round and ‘round. The
Sun, Vesta, Pluto, Mercury and Venus are in
your financial sector. You're being considered
for things you haven’t even been told about yet.
These astrological angels are also opposite
your solar eighth house. You may receive a
legacy soon from all your hard work!
Weary bones need a good long nap.
Can you let yourself rest, or must you
keep going? The show must go on,
but what about an intermission? This New Year,
the Sun, Vesta, Pluto, Mercury and Venus are
all in your sign: It’s your time of year. Since it’s
winter, grab any sunshine when you can, and
if possible, treat yourself. Your powerhouse
Capricorn persona deserves a spa treatment!
You’ve been through so many changes, you can’t count. Perhaps what you
wanted to happen did but not in the
way you meant. As the new year arrives, you
may notice you've made important choices—
and rather seamlessly at that! Sometimes
you can move without actually leaving where
you are, and with that, dear Aquarius, you get
yummy brownie points.
You're brilliant at sensing what’s
about to show up. The outside world
has nothing on your ability to tune
in to inner realms. Do you feel you’re about to
experience a huge shift? Put in your request
that it be comfortable for all. Then you’ll be
able to relax into 2015 in the manner you most
desire, right from the beginning. Happy New
Year!
Nov 22-Dec 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
32
Dec 21-Jan 19 ♥♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
PISCES
750,000
Packages of
pasta recalled
by Nissin
Frozen Foods
because some
of the products were found to “contain parts of
insects believed to be cockroaches”
LINGO BOX
Torishirabe (取り調べ) = interrogation
Funka (噴火) = eruption
the small print
Kaigai (海外) = overseas
Shō-wakusei (小惑星) = asteroid
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
Idenshi (遺伝子) = gene
stats
THIS IS A VERY SOLID TEAM” —Pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, on
signing with Japan Series champion Softbank Hawks after spending eight years
in the U.S. Major Leagues
AND SO IT GOES…
⊲Seigen
⊲
Go, who was widely considered
the best go player of the Showa era, died in
Kanagawa at age 100.
⊲Go
⊲
was such a formidable opponent that
tournament operators had to cancel some of
their events because no other players were
willing to face him.
⊲Authorities
⊲
in Indonesia have conducted an
“intensive interrogation” with a 73-year-old
Japanese man who was busted with 2kg of
meth.
⊲Construction-industry
⊲
officials say the sturdy,
snow-proof design of houses in Nagano is one
of the reasons no fatalities occurred during
last month’s big quake.
BETTER GET CRACKING
⊲Toho
⊲
announced it will release a new Godzilla movie in 2016, though the studio has yet
to decide the “title, storyline, staff and cast.”
⊲Public
⊲
security authorities warn that the two
religious groups which splintered off from
the Aum Shinrikyo cult “are increasing their
assets.”
42.1 Percent of Japanese people who
⊲A
⊲ news organization survey has found that
just 24 of 47 prefectures have set targets for
promoting female workers in line with the
Abe administration’s goal of increasing the
number of women in leadership positions.
⊲Officials
⊲
at the meteorological agency
are keeping a close eye on Mount Aso
in Kumamoto Prefecture after “small-scale
eruptions” threw plumes of smoke 1,000
meters into the air.
HA HA, GOOD ONE
⊲Commanders
⊲
at the SDF say a recent dropoff in new recruits has nothing to do with the
Cabinet’s decision to allow Japan to exercise
its right to collective self-defense.
⊲Instead,
⊲
they say it’s “because economic
recovery helped increase private-sector employment.”
⊲The
⊲
welfare ministry announced that a record
number of people with disabilities are participating in the workforce.
⊲But
⊲
at the same time, more than 2,600 disabled people were the victims of abuse in
fiscal 2013.
at a glance
say they want smoking banned in all
restaurants, according to a new survey
by the health ministry
51.5 Percent of smokers who feel
“no particular place should be off-limits”
to them
COMING & GOING
⊲Officials
⊲
at Buckingham Palace say Prince
William will make his first visit to Japan in
February. His wife, Catherine, won’t make the
trip because she’s expecting the couple’s second child.
⊲The
⊲
operator of teen-girl mecca Shibuya
109 announced plans to open its first overseas store. The shop will debut in Hong Kong
next fall.
⊲Meanwhile,
⊲
officials at Sanrio held a ceremony in China’s Zhejiang Province to celebrate
the completion of the first outdoor Hello Kittythemed park located outside Japan.
⊲Among
⊲
the gear carried into space last month
by the Hayabusa-2 asteroid probe was a sample-collection device developed with the help
of adult students enrolled in a remedial course
at a high school in Osaka.
NEWS FROM THE LAB
BY ADAM GARWOOD
Check out Adam’s other work at http://meturl.com/adam3
⊲Experts
⊲
on a health ministry study panel have
found that electronic cigarettes contain 110
times the amount of formaldehyde—a carcinogen—as regular cigarettes.
⊲Researchers
⊲
at Kyoto University used iPS
cells to repair a mutated gene that causes
muscular dystrophy.
⊲For
⊲
the sixth consecutive year, schoolkids in
Fukui came out on top in nationwide tests of
physical strength and athletic ability.
⊲Bottom
⊲
Story of the Week: “Residents complain about smell of ginkgo nuts along roads”
(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
really see this image of the
“future” coming to life.
But let’s consider how
practical this new reality is
in the world we live in. The
UN’s eight millennium development goals are miles
away from eradicating poverty, achieving universal primary education, empowering women, reducing child
mortality, improving maternal
health, combating disease
and ensuring environmental
sustainability. Adorableness
aside, I have trouble imagining the little Tokyo Tower tour
guide robot helping.
Should we really be worrying about handy maids to
help with the dishes when
there are still those without
food or water? Personally, I
find oh-so-fabulous smartphones hard
to stomach when resources spent “upgrading” to the latest-and-greatest could
instead be helping someone in need. If
we think about how much time, energy
and money we put into contributing to
mass consumerism and technology for
solving our first-world problems, we’d all
be surprised about how much of that we
could send to a worthier cause while still
being able to live comfortably.
There’s also environmental sustainability to consider. Cast your mind back
to that “big, grey city” image. Is there a
single tree in that mental conjuring—or
any green foliage at all? We could go
on about the impending doom of global
warming—and the fact is, it’s a big problem. Plus, there’s the issue of animal
and plant species being displaced or
going extinct at the hands of humans.
I don’t know if robots can actively solve
these problems.
However, there’s some positive new
technologies out there—ones that save
lives, from scanning devices to more vaccinations that treat previously incurable
diseases. There’s also new technology
that assists scientists in studying animal
patterns and global warming. Solar- and
wind-powered technology is also a fan-
The “Future”
Going in the right direction
BY JASMINE MATZ
WANT
TO HAVE
THE LAST
WORD?
Send your article to:
editor@
metropolisjapan.com
When most people hear the words “the
future,” one image springs to mind: A
large, grey city with weird-shaped buildings, hovercraft zooming about, robot
maids gliding everywhere and billboards
advertising the latest technology. But is
this what we should be working toward?
I ask this because in Japan, one of
the most technologically advanced
countries in the world, these images
are swiftly becoming a reality. Japan’s
technological advancements are worldfamous, being the birthplace of ASIMO
and the creator of all types of futuristic
cars. Residents often come into contact
with robots, especially of the cute variety—more than I’m guessing they would
elsewhere in the world. Here, one can
IF WE JUST FORSAKE
ALL TECHNOLOGY, ALL
THE POSITIVE ASPECTS
WOULDN’T EXIST EITHER.”
tastic development, which we need to
start employing in developing countries
in lieu of high-carbon-emitting electricity. If we just forsake all technology, the
positive aspects wouldn’t exist either.
There’s also an endless list of technology that‘s both a blessing and a
curse: Airplanes and cars, for example,
make travel and postage systems more
efficient but emit thousands of tons of
greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere
every year. Even genetically modified
vegetables have their positives, according to the scientists that make them—
though I always make sure I go organic.
These things need to be improved
upon until their negatives are eliminated,
and then must replace their faulty predecessors. Happily, this has already started
happening, with items like Nissan’s new
zero-emission car on the market. There
are scientists that, somehow, organically and genetically modify wheat—of
which I’m still skeptical. Hopefully soon
these technologies will be all blessing
and no curse.
A balance has to be struck. We need to
keep advancing these positive technologies, but hold off on the hover chairs and
fab-o-matics until we all get three square
meals a day and zero carbon emission.
Then maybe we’ll wonder: Novelty aside,
do we even need hover chairs?
Once the elephant population is back
into the millions, maybe we can splurge
a bit and get ourselves that latest smartphone—which by then would hopefully
be produced in an ethical and environmentally sustainable factory.
It’s funny: Once humans realize the
true value of doing stuff with their own
hands, they can move on to robots. Until
then, we can wash our own dishes.
■ Jasmine Matz is an Australian student and
aspiring 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.
NEXT ISSUE
JOURNEY
TO PLUTO
Illustrations © Naoki Urasawa ·
Studio Nuts Takashi Nagasaki Tezuka
Productions / Shogakukan Inc.
34
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