THE CUTE CHARACTERS TAKING OVER JAPAN

Transcription

Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolis.co.jp
#1028 Dec 6~19, 2013
FREE!
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GIFT IDEAS FOR
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CLUBBING
RICHIE HAWTIN’S
BIG WOMB
ADVENTURE
THE LAST WORD
JINGLE BELL NOT
PLUS
SEASONAL
DELIGHTS
FROM CITY
SHOPS
THE CUTE
CHARACTERS
TAKING OVER
JAPAN
Transform Your Life
from the Inside, Out!
F
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INSIDE
#1028
DEC 6-19, 2013
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KOHJI SHIIKI
06 FEATURE
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Submit your snaps at http://metropolis.co.jp/photo.
MASCOT
REVOLUTION
www.metropolis.co.jp/jobs
By Cal Widdall
03 THE SMALL PRINT
05 UPFRONT
08 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
10 AGENDA & LISTINGS
16 MOVIES
18 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
24 DINING OUT
30 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS
37 HOROSCOPE & MEDIABOX
38 THE LAST WORD
COVER MODEL: BECKY HAINER, COVER
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY: KOHJI SHIIKI,
CAMERA ASSISTANT: LISA WALLIN
FOLLOW US ON:
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@metropolistokyo
The Small Print
By Steve Trautlein
THE OPTIONS ARE
TO GO ON VACATION,
“
CHANGE YOUR RESIDENCE
OR FIND A NEW JOB
SOMEWHERE FREE FROM
POLLUTION” —Physician Kazushi
ćć Among those honored were a lantern maker, a
researcher of organic electroluminescence and
“the developer of Vocaloid character Hatsune
Miku.”
ćć The youngest recipient was 26-year-old Yan Jun,
a Chinese citizen living in Osaka who saved a
young Japanese boy from drowning during a
typhoon in September.
CHRISTI ROCHIN
Miyatake, addressing a group of expats at the Embassy
of Japan in Beijing
USELESS GESTURES
ćć In response to a series of scandals involving
mislabeled food at hotel restaurants, the Japan
Association of Chinese Cuisine has urged its
members to “change their crustacean-naming
conventions.”
ćć A plutonium test conducted by the US between
July and September drew a letter of rebuke
from the mayor of Nagasaki, who said the move
was “completely unacceptable.”
ćć Officials at McDonald’s issued an apology after
managers at one of their restaurants in Western
Tokyo posted a notice “refusing entry to homeless people.”
ćć The All Japan Chefs Association invited 50
senior citizens in Tokyo to enjoy “a top-class
French meal cooked by chefs who work at prestigious hotels”.
THAT TIME OF YEAR
ćć The government presented its autumn decorations to 4,193 Japanese people and 49
foreigners for their contributions to society.
ćć This being Japan, only 347 of the recipients—or
8.3 percent of the total—were women.
�
#metropolistokyo
Insta
The colors of koyo at Hakone Open Air Museum, by Martin Rousseau.
42
Percent of Japanese men in their 60s who
would remarry their wife, according to an
internet survey
“and changes in the number of comments made
on the internet.”
ćć Officials at Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka will
operate a steam locomotive “in the guise of
Thomas the Tank Engine” for two months next
summer.
FOREIGN DISASTER DAYS
ćć In Niigata, a veterinarian and an animal trainer
have teamed up to compile a guide “for people
who plan to evacuate with their dogs if a major
disaster hits.”
ćć Officials at the Board of Audit have found that
23 percent of funds earmarked for reconstruction in northeastern Japan have been used for
projects not directly related to recovery.
ćć Finance ministry officials have announced that,
by next October, the government will begin
collecting sales tax on e-books and music purchased from overseas websites.
ćć TMG officials say they’ll take a cue from
London Olympic organizers and adopt a
“multi-headed organizational structure” in preparing for the 2020 Games.
AND FINALLY…
MILESTONES
ćć Researchers at Kinki University have developed
a method for manipulating a computer mouse
via “a tube held in the mouth.” It’s hoped the
breakthrough will help people who have limited
use of their hands.
ćć Two Japanese chocolatiers were among 12 people to win top honors at the Salon du Chocolat
competition, held last month in Paris.
ćć A professor at Tottori University has devised a
formula that can be used to predict hit songs.
It’s based, among other things, on how frequently the tunes are mentioned in the media
�
16
Percent of Japanese 60-something women who
would remarry their husbands, according to the
same survey
ćć According to a survey by food manufacturer
Nisshin, nearly half of Japanese housewives
cook traditional cuisine more frequently than
they did ten years ago.
ćć Officials at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are
discussing a deal with authorities in Ankara
to jointly develop tank engines for the Turkish
military.
ćć Meanwhile, the Diet passed a bill that allows
armed security guards “to be onboard Japanese vessels in waters off Somalia and nearby
areas to fight piracy.”
ćć Bottom Story of the Week: “Nursing Clothes
Manufacturer Lets Interns Bring Their Children
to Work” (via Mainichi Japan)
�
35
Number of appearances on NHK’s year-end music
show made by singer Chiyoko Shimakura, who died of
liver cancer last month in Tokyo at age 78
COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO
#1028 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03
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Upfront
characters
I
market
DAVI AZEVEDO
f your little ones (or you yourself) are struggling to
remember basic kanji, help is here from toy company Bandai in the form of Mojibakeru. The clever
name combines the words for “written character” and
“to transform” and that is exactly what these little guys
do. Each toy (¥105) is shaped like a single kanji. It also
comes with a stick of gum to chomp on while twisting
and turning the parts to transform it into the very creature named by that character. The ryu rears its head
as a ferocious dragon and the taka spreads its wings
to reveal a majestic falcon. The series is not extensive
enough to help you ace the JLPT, but they are ideal
stocking stuffers for anyone ready to take the step
beyond katakana. Available at better toy shops.
crafts
W
N
© BANDAI
eed to cross frankincense and myrrh off your
holiday shopping list? Atelier Niki Tiki is
offering traditional toys, ornaments and decorations at a pop-up shop in Tokyo Midtown (B1 Galleria,
9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 080-6747-1852. www.
nikitiki.co.jp). The Japanese company directly imports
traditional toys made by craftsmen in Switzerland and
Germany with an attention to detail not found in mass
produced plastic gadgets. These goodies are on the
shelves of the permanent store on the third floor of
Midtown, while the seasonal shop on the B1 level offers
decorations including Christmas pyramids, revolving
decorations powered by candle heat and hand-made
nutcracker figures. There is a selection of Christmas
trees and, yes, they even have myrrh-scented incense.
ith no end to the cheap plastic junk that is put
on store shelves ahead of the holidays, you
may find yourself looking for festive decorations with a more authentic touch. Interior goods maker
T-Lab has you covered with hand-carved wooden
ornaments. The Hyogo prefecture-based company
has set up a special atelier in Indonesia to produce the
products that combine the Japanese love for cute characters with traditional Indonesian carving techniques.
The adorable polar bears in winter coats (¥998-¥1,155)
a carved from light, fast-growing paulownia trees
planted as part of a program to prevent soil erosion and
deforestation. And in a further effort to protect the environment in the country of production, a portion of the
proceeds go World Wide Fund for Nature. Available at
Wise Wise Tools at Tokyo Midtown (http://wisewisetools.com; 03-5647-8355)
protection
T
Y
CO
U
RT
ES
Y
O
F
G
O
LL
A
ou can give life lessons this holiday season
thanks to a new bilingual book from Masahiro
Fujita. Having largely grown up abroad, Hiro,
as he is known to his friends, was a world-wise young
man on the fast track to a successful career at a global
advertising firm in Tokyo. Then in 2010 he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s
disease). Now 34, he has control over only his facial
muscles and left index finger and has lost his voice
following a tracheostomy. Yet though it all he has continued to work and has even found time to share his
thoughts about life in the book 99% Thank You - Things
Even ALS Can’t Take Away (¥1,500) from Poplar Publishing. The brief, one-page entries often read like poetry
and cover his stuggles with his health as well as more
prosaic advice. “I never carried a bag to the office. The
commute is time for observing people,” reads one missive. “More importantly, you don’t stand out if you’re
late or want to sneak home early.”
glass
COURTESY OF SUGAHARA GLASSWORKS INC
inspiration
he Finnish design company Golla was started
by two brothers in their father’s garage in the
'90s and soon their simple, handmade items
were being sold at the MoMA gift shop in New York.
Now the company takes a more high tech approach
with functional cases and covers for smartphones, tablets and laptops—now available in Japan. Their phone
wallets (¥1,980-¥2,780) make for good stocking stuffers
and can hold a smartphone and have a zippered pocket
on the back for coins or keys. There are slots of credit
cards and IC commuter passes, so you can keep all your
essentials together. Laptop bags (starting at ¥3,480) are
durable and the company doesn’t shy away from using
bold colors and designs. Available from www.hakubaphoto.jp/golla Yodobashi Camera and other major
electronic stores. Metropolis has 10 phone wallets
to give away. To apply, email giveaways@metropolis.co.jp and answer the question "who created the
character Moomin?"
I
f you are doing some holiday shopping for someone special and looking for something that is, well,
special, you may want to look into glass jewelry
from Sugahara. Japanese craftsmen create handmade
glasses and plates at the company’s Chiba workshop.
But they also spin off delicate rings (from ¥5,250), necklaces (from ¥10,500) and earrings (from ¥11,500). Most
pieces are made from various colors of glass that have
been blended, creating unique colors and others have
been scraped and polished to create patterns below the
surface. And since everything is handmade, you can be
sure you are giving a one-of-a kind gift. The company
also offers classes on making glass jewelry, so your
holiday shopping may lead to a new hobby. Available
online from www.sugahara.com and at Sugahara
Aoyama (3-10-18 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku).
Feature
The cult of cute
rules Japan
By Cal Widdall
id
Yosh
O k az
a
Nish
n
emo
B u ru
beh
o-ku
S e nt
T
here’s no perfect translation for
yurukyara, the Kumamons and Hikonyans of Japan. The kyara is short for
“character,” but the yuru part seems
to be designated a different English word by
everyone who tries: Weak? Soft? Gentle? None
of them really fit. Perhaps the closest word we
have is mascot, but suggest that to any Englishspeaking Japanese person and they’ll furrow
their brow and inhale sharply, as though trying to suck the word right out of the air to avoid
anyone else hearing your misguided attempt.
Much like t heir name, t he concept of
yurukyara doesn’t really translate to other
cultures, this need for all-smiles all the time,
for everything to be embodied by happy bears
and cats in helmets. Their presence has seeped
throughout the fabric of Japanese society and
bled into more serious aspects of life where
they simply don’t belong, like glitter from a
Halloween costume still making an appearance on your work clothes in December.
The most recent example of this mascot
mania is Ashikawa Prison’s adoption of two
six-foot cuddly characters to welcome convicts
into incarceration. Human rights campaigners
protested that harsh prison conditions were
being masked by Katakkuri-chan, whose giant
smiling face is topped with a purple flower, but
a spokesperson explained their creation was
necessary to reinforce the facility’s image as
a rehabilitation institution that is connected
to, and supported by, society. The underlying
message was clear: regardless of any seemingly
conflicting role, organizations don’t consider
themselves part of modern Japanese society
without a yurukyara to represent them.
The reason for their saturation of anything
and everything, besides bored office workers
06 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
a
Kum
ra O
Waku
n
u
iko-k
a-kun
n
n
mon
am
akut
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a-kun
looking for something other than administrative duties to do, seems to be the overwhelming
success of regional yurukyara in promoting
tourism.
The undeniable star of the past few years has
been Kumamon, Kumamoto’s rosy-cheeked
black bear. The winner of 2011’s Yurukyara
Grand Prix and a household name in Japan, his
fictitious evil alter ego has even made him into
an international meme. Any English language
internet search for Kumamon results in a number of pictures of him, arms held aloft in joy as
he does things, “For the glory of Satan!”
Of course, in real life he spends his time
dancing, waving his arms around and getting irrationally excited about things rather
than carrying out satanic rituals. It’s unclear
what exactly drives his popularity, but his
unpredictabilty seems to play more of a part
than his rather unremarkable appearance.
Melo
n-ku
ma
Even Kumamon’s trademark “vague” expression—raised eyebrows and mouth slightly
agape—looks strangely off. More ak in to
shock and confusion, as though he’s gradually
developing self-awareness partway through
the performance of an embarrassing dance
routine.
One factor that goes part way to explaining his prevalence is Kumamoto’s relatively
lax control of his image rights, which also contributed to a staggering ¥30 billion (USD $305
million) of merchandise sales last year. To put
that figure into perspective, it’s $63 million
more than Barbie merchandise generated in
North America during the same period and
equivalent to 0.6% of Kumamoto Prefecture’s
entire annual GDP.
With this kind of money attainable it’s no
surprise every prefecture, city and ward wants
their own Kumamon. Even the baff lingly
high ¥5 million spent on producing Nara’s
Sento-kun was a pittance compared to the estimated ¥1.5 billion worth of PR his controversy
generated.
Though yurukyara are often designed by
public competition winners, there’s little variation in their composition. The vast majority
are a basic anthropomorphic combination of
the area’s notable characteristics and a name
to match (though choosing a name isn’t always
so simple, just ask Fukushima Industries’ Fukuppy). For example, Yubari is famous for Yubari
melons and bears, hence Melon-kuma, a partmelon, part-bear, all-terrifying monstrosity
which regularly makes children cry and hide
behind their parents.
A not her mishmash mascot of note is
Sento-kun, whose disconcerting appearance
combines Nara’s prominent temples and deer
to result in a young monk with antlers. Again,
children cried, one Buddhist group branded
it “insulting” and locals were even more disparaging, claiming that it had committed the
utmost of mascot sins: that of not being cute. So
repulsed were they by this deformed little boy,
the people of Nara sent over 600 of their own
designs in an effort to replace him.
It’s debatable whether the professional
desig ners responsible had an incredible
amount of foresight or none at all, but the controversy lifted Sento-kun up by his awkward
antlers and placed him at the forefront of
national attention. Five years on, he remains
one of the most well-known and begrudgingly
likeable mascots in Japan.
For areas without the extravagance of multiple things to boast about, creating a mascot
is often a simple case of adding limbs to their
famed product or tourism spot. Kodaira City,
producer of blueberries, has a lip-licking blueberry named Burubeh, and an onsen egg called
Wakutama-kun represents the hot spring
resort of Wakura Onsen.
Of course, some places are unfortunate
enough to have absolutely nothing of note to
brag about in the form of a giant colorful costume. If these places absolutely insist on having
a mascot—and they always do—they’re left
to either come up with something completely
unconnected or actively search for inspiration.
Nishi-Kokubunji’s Nishiko-kun, which looks
like a giant gray lion pendant on legs, is a perfect illustration of the second route. His creator
was walking around Musashi-Kokubunji when
he came across an old stone roof with a lion
pattern. In classic mascot-creating tradition,
he added legs and Nishiko-kun was born.
The southern prefecture of Shimane, has
taken an admirably honest—and opposite—
approach to the process. Often ranked bottom
of “Japan’s best prefecture” lists, it bravely
decided to make this the prominent feature
to promote, riffing on the established rules of
yurukyara culture. Yoshida-kun, a scowling
boy adopted from the area’s popular anime
Eagle Talon, pokes fun at the area’s unpopularity on a number of souvenirs. One cake box
proclaims, “At least Shimane has decent cake,”
while a pack of chocolate pies sports in big bold
characters: “Shimane or Tottori, I’m not really
sure which but I went to that area.”
JAPANESE IDOL
By Edward Harrison
J
Fuzz & Fur: Japan's Costumed
Characters by Edward and John
Harrison. Mark Batty Publisher,
2011, 144pp. ¥1,800.
apan’s history and religion are steeped in icons and characters. In
traditional Shinto belief, spirits or gods exist in everything from animals to nature and even in nonliving objects. Buddhist images such
as the red-bibbed jizo statues and the Seven Lucky Gods are commonplace. Even Japanese mythical creatures called yokai appear in 3D form.
All these graphic representations of characters can be seen as a precursor
to the modern mascot and indicative of why characters are so prevalent
in Japan.
With the many slick and polished characters used in advertising,
anime and computer games; the loose and often awkward yurukyara
have a unique charm: their un-sophistication. They often appeal to people
who might normally be suspicious of characters’ motives. Yurukyara are
undemanding, their naivety makes you feel relaxed and more open to
whatever they might be promoting. Here are a few of our own faves.
Takamaru-kun
To celebrate its 400th
anniversary, Hirosaki
Castle created the badass
Takamaru-kun. The
area was once called
Takaoka because of
the taka (falcons) that
live there, but it was
renamed to Hirosaki in
1603. Takamaru-kun is
wearing a kabuto (helmet)
that combines the shape
of the castle and the helmet worn by Tsugaru
Tamenobu, the first lord of the area who drafted
the design of the fortress.
Unari-kun
Narita is well
known for its
international
airport, but it’s
also famous for
the large number
of unagi (eel)
restaurants. In the
past, the small city
had a flourishing
locally caught eel trade. Now, however, the busiest
airfreight hub in Japan is more likely to have the
slippery creatures flown in from either Taiwan or
China. Unari-kun is said to be from Unari planet: he
flew to earth and searched for the best airport in
world. After discovering Narita, he decided to settle
there and as way of thanks to the friendly citizens he
now promotes the city.
A!kanbe
A mascot for Nakatsu castle
in Kyushu, A!kanbe might
look like a slightly mental
upside-down miso bowl
but he is, in fact, modeled
on a kabuto—specifically,
the one worn by Kanbei
Kuroda who first started building the stronghold.
His expression and name also come from the word
akanbe, a childish Japanese gesture. To do it, use one
finger to press just below your eye and pull down
while sticking out your tongue and making the
sound, “Behhhhhhh.”
Funassyi
The unofficial mascot of
Funabashi, Chiba had
humble beginnings.
Armed with a homemade
costume and plenty of
yaruki (motivation) this
now international star is
more famous (and possibly
richer) than his kigurumiclad compatriots. One of
the few yurukyara that talks, he squeals and finishes
each sentence with, “Nashiiii!” This smarter-thanyour-average pear-shaped prodigy runs, jumps
and shakes like a tazered would-be bag-snatcher.
He jetted off to London recently, and was also the
unfortunate victim of a prank involving the setting
off of multiple explosions. His high-pitched voice and
strange mannerisms make him a point of ridicule,
but at the same time he’s just one of those characters
you have to like. —Lisa Wallin
YURUKYARA GRAND PRIX
T
he Yurukyara Grand Prix was started in
2010 as annual competition for people’s
favorite characters with the first one
receiving just 169 entries and 240,000 votes. In
2011, Kumamon won in a landslide victory over
349 other contenders with 3, 330,000 people
voting. In the 2012 competition, over 6.6 million
voters chose Ehime’s Imabari city mascot, Bariisan, from 865 entrants. This year’s competition
was held on November 24 at the Yurukyara
Summit in Saitama and received 17,430,533 votes
for 1,580 entrants. Here’s how it all went down:
1. Sanomaru of Tochigi
2. Shissedaimyo Ieyasu-kun of
Shizuoka
3. Gunma-chan of Gunma
4. Fukka-chan of Saitama
5. Yoichi-kun of Otawara, Tochigi
6. Ayukoro-chan of Atsugi, Kanagawa
7. Choruru of Yamaguchi
8. Kawarimi Senbei of Fukuoka
9. Shippei of Iwata, Shizuoka
10. Shimanekko of Shimane
(pictured, right)
BURUBEH: COURTESY OF KODAIRA CITY PROMOTION OFFICE; SENTO-KUN: COURTESY OF EDWARD HARRISON; NISHIKO-KUN: ©NISHIKOKUN, DESIGNER: YUMI NISHIO;
YOSHIDA-KUN: © DREAM LINK ENTERTAINMENT, INC; WAKURA ONSEN WAKUTAMA-KUN: © WAKURA ONSEN TOURISM ASSOCIATION; TAKAMARU-KUN, UNARI-KUN,
A!KANBE, SHIMANEKKO: COURTESY OF EDWARD HARRISON
Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS
clubbing
WOMB ADVENTURE
Japan’s evolving love
affair with Plastikman
By Dan Grunebaum
M
etropolis tracked down pivotal Canadian DJ and producer Richie Hawtin aka
Plastikman to hear about his evolving
relationship with Shibuya superclub
Womb’s annual big room extravaganza and get his take
on the state of electronic dance music two decades after
he emerged from the Detroit techno scene.
How did you first become involved with Womb
Adventure?
I’ve been very close to the Womb gang for many years
now. Six years ago they started to talk about doing a
larger event, and all of Womb’s international DJ partners
encouraged them as we’ve always felt there was a place
for a special one-off event for techno and house in the
Tokyo area. Of course there are and have been other
large-scale electronic music parties in Japan, but Womb,
with so many direct contacts to the international DJ
community, was in a great position to offer a new type of
lineup, and therefore a new type of event.
How has the relationship evolved?
My relationship with Womb has come full circle,
starting as a business partnership when they first
booked me as a DJ, then developing into a close-knit
friendship with some of the core Womb team, and now
again, uniting that friendship with unified business and
creative ideas to bring my own special shows to Womb
Adventure (ie. Contakt, Plastikman Live, Enter, etc).
What have been some of the high points so far?
Hahahah... they are nearly all highlights! Of course,
presenting Plastikman Live at Womb Adventure was
an absolute killer experience, but the most heartfelt
gig was just after the tsunami when we came to do a
Minus Hearts Japan benefit gig. We all wore our hearts
on our chests and played music together bringing help,
happiness and warmth to our Japanese fans.
Tell us about your plans for this year’s Womb Adventure
and the development of your Enter showcase.
The Enter events are a marriage of high technology
production values and the best possible DJs and music
JAPAN ACTUALLY
SEEMS TO BE
SOMEWHAT
RESILIENT TO THE MORE
COMMERCIAL FORMS OF
EDM.”
that electronic music has to offer. This year we’ll be
combining favorite performers—like myself, Gaiser and
Josh Wink—with some of the most interesting up-andcomers, including Recondite and Bella Sarris. Along
with the performers, I’ll be bringing my entire audio,
visual and lighting team in order to create the perfect
synchronization between all the elements you need for
a great experience.
When we first spoke a decade ago, you were
experimenting with virtual DJ gear. Tell us about your
continuing relationship with technology.
A decade ago I was one of two people touring the world
with virtual DJ technology (i.e. the ability to play and mix
digital music files). Now there’s hundreds of thousands
art
of people adding to the tradition of DJing and mixing
music together. Today it’s common for a DJ to mix with
turntables, CD players and digital controllers separately,
or even in combination. The past ten years have been a
truly exciting revolution, and to be part of that from the
beginning has been one of the most satisfying parts of
my career—to really see and be part of a technological
revolution that has changed the way we play and even
listen to music.
Electronic music is being repackaged as EDM. How does
this look to you as an early exponent?
There’s always been a form of more commercial or
popular electronic music. The music that I create,
produce and play has maintained a certain position
within the greater world of electronic music—a position
that has allowed it to flow freely in creativity and
continue to develop. The more visible commercial level
has always been there, it’s a product of what we do... and
whether they call it new beat, trance or now EDM, that
component will always be there.
You are a frequent visitor to Japan. What is your
perception of the current club scene in Japan relative to
the world?
Japan actually seems to be somewhat resilient to the
more commercial forms of EDM, which is exciting. The
scene in Japan seems to be slowly moving towards
a more “unique” sound of electronic music rather than a
more homogenized EDM sound. That’s great!
Why do you think music came to be?
Music exists for many reasons: for transmitting
messages, emotions and creating and sustaining
memories.
Tell us one thing we don’t know about Richie Hawtin
that will help people understand what drives you to be a
DJ and electronic music producer.
Swimming allows me to continue to have the focus for
renewed evolution.
Makuhari Messe, Dec 14. See concert listings
(popular) for details.
© JOSEF KOUDELKA / MAGNUM PHOTOS
JOSEF KOUDELKA
A photographic legend
exposed at MoMAT
By C.B. Liddell
I
t’s hard to say what makes a great photographer,
but it’s easy to see. A visit to the “Josef Koudelka
Retrospective” at the Museum of Modern Art
Tokyo will instantly demonstrate this.
Based on a 2002 exhibition held in the photog raphe r ’s n at ive C ze c h Republ ic , t he show
covers Koudelka’s work from his early days in Communist Czechoslovakia to the infamous 1968 Prague
Spring—when troops from the
Soviet Union crushed a popular
uprising—and then beyond to
the work the photographer did in
exile in the West.
Since it follows his life story,
the emotional highpoints of
the exhibition are the shots he
took of demonstrations and
military action on the streets of
Prague. This was the Tiananmen Square of its day and like
that event it created many iconic
Josef Koudelka, FRANCE. Hauts-de-Seine. Parc de Sceaux. 1987.
games
XMAS 360
BIOSHOCK INFINITE
Alternate history in a city in the sky
Gifts for the gamer on your list
By Adam Bolton
TELLTALE GAMES - © 2013 TELLTALE, INC.
W
hile the Xbox One and PS4 have been
released in most regions, Japan has to
wait until the first quarter of 2014 until
the next generation consoles come this
way. Not to worry, Metropolis chooses some solid stocking stuffer contenders available in Tokyo stores now.
ASSASSIN’S CREED 4:
BLACK FLAG
All the piracy without the scurvy
THE WOLF AMONG US
Warping childhood Disney memories
Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbo x One, PS3, PS4, Wii U, PC
© 2013 UBISOFT ENTERTAINMENT
moments—such as the shot of two young demonstrators walking down a battle-scarred street, jointly
holding a Czech flag aloft.
Although this is the poignant centre of the exhibition, with photographs that capture the drama and
emotion of the times, these works are less expressive
of Koudelka’s true artistry. This is much more evident
in his early works, where he sets figures in ominous
looking landscapes and uses strong monochrome
contrasts.
These images have a feeling of alienation and evoke
a sense of the contradictions of the 20th century. Poland
1958 shows a tangle of rusty barbed wire emerging
from a beach, with the legs of child playing nearby. This
contrasts the war and violence that had raged there
within recent memory with the innocent pleasures of
the would-be “Workers Paradise” that nevertheless had
Based on Fables, the comic book series written by Bill
Willingham, and developed by Telltale Games, the studio
responsible for the critically acclaimed The Walking Dead
games, comes a gritty, fairy tale murder mystery. Step
into the well-worn shoes of Bigby Wolf (a now reformed
Big Bad Wolf) the misunderstood sheriff of Fabletown,
a secretive district of Manhattan that has become the
home of many characters of fairy tale lore, as he investigates the grizzly murder of one of its inhabitants.
This is interactive story telling at its finest, offering a
fresh spin on the relationships and dynamics of iconic
characters in a way you’ve never seen them before.
Once again, the familiar gameplay mechanic from
The Walking Dead games makes an appearance, and
much like it, The Wolf Among Us is an episodic offering
where choices and moral dilemmas make a continuing
impact on the story and the relationships of its characters.
Though not particularly heavy on puzzles, this game
tests your reflexes and yanks brutally at your emotions
with its many turns and twists of the plot.
A much shorter game due to its episodic style, expect
the following episode to be released some time at the end
of this year.
Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita, iOS
to rely on totalitarian methods to maintain power.
His fascination with contrasts fed into his most
experimental work: The photos he took connected to
the theatre. These include arty designs using extreme
contrast, as well as grainy shots of avant-garde plays.
More fascinating is his “Gypsies” series. In the EU,
the movements of the Roma people from Bulgaria and
Romania are now big news, so it is interesting to see
Koudalka’s intimate take on this mysterious race of
Indian-descended people, who have long played the
role of awkward outsider in European history.
In the shots, taken mainly from 1962 to 1970,
Koudelka seems to have established a real rapport with
them. His shots convey their humanity, sense of community and even flashes of humour, but there is also
plenty of squalor and a wizened toughness about his
subjects that could easily have an uglier face with a less
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
© 2002-2013 TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC.
DEVELOPED BY IRRATIONAL GAMES.
Partly set during the 1700s, play as the fame-hungry
aspiring pirate and dashing rogue Edward Kennway as
he crosses swords with the British and Spanish naval
forces alongside legendary real life historical characters
such as Edward “Blackbeard” Thatch, Benjamin Hornigold and Charles Vane.
Offering a classic mix of all-out close combat, athletic free-running and stealth, those familiar with the
previous titles will also be happy to see a far more open,
sand-box environment set in the Caribbean, visiting
such locales as Havana, Kingston and the Bahamas,
where you are free to plunder ships, loot wrecks with the
use of the diving-bell and take part in thrilling naval battles as the captain of your own pirate ship, the Jackdaw.
The fourth game in the epic tale also brings back
many of the puzzles to decipher, unlocking further
information on the Templar conspiracy, and collectables to find through the treasure map mechanic of
the third game. And if that isn’t enough, there is also
a rather solid multi-player mode to satisfy those
with a competitive, if somewhat murderous, streak.
Set in an alternate 1912 during the “American Exceptionalism,” travel to Columbia, a prosperous yet surreal
city perched in the clouds, as Booker Dewitt, a former
Pinkerton agent sent to retrieve an imprisoned girl by
the name of Elizabeth, to pay back old gambling debts.
As straightforward as this may sound, things never
go so smoothly. The true ugliness of the times rears its
head on occasion, as themes of inequality, racism and
the hard line between the wealthy industrialists and
the impoverished working class set the scene for revolution amongst the people.
Offering a rich, compelling storyline, its subtle mix
of first-person gun play, exploration and plot-twists will
leave you slack-jawed—this is one experience for veteran gamers that’s impossible to pass up. With a list of
fascinating characters that guide the story along and
deeply emotional revelations, expect an experience
that never quite lets up and delivers wave after wave of
adventure and unforgettable storytelling.
The first storyline-based downloadable content,
Burial At Sea, is also currently available to purchase
online, offering players the chance to revisit the iconic
underwater city of the first two games, Rapture, with
two extra hours of gameplay, updated enemies and
new tools to dispatch them. To fully enjoy the additional content, complete the main game first, as the DLC
contains major storyline spoilers.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Batman: Arkham Origins. PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U
2. Call of Duty: Ghosts. PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U
3. Injustice: Gods Among Us. PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Wii U
4. Battlefield 4. PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
5. Need For Speed Rivals. .PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
sympathetic photographer.
The Gypsies are perpetual exiles, and after the
crushing of the Prague Spring in 1968, so was Josef
Koudelka—living first in the UK and then France—but
Koudelka also felt that modern man was a kind of
“exile,” living a life alienated from natural reality. The
section “Exiles” (1970-1994) elevates his personal experience to that of a universal statement.
The photographs show odd scenes and snippets of reality—a confused child, a dog in the snow,
men pissing in an alley, a watch on a hand—all
poetically evocative of a world that doesn’t quite fit
humanity but that remains beautiful nonetheless.
Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, until January 13.
See exhibition listings (Ginza/Kyobashi/Tokyo) for
details.
Agenda Listings
Submit your event at metropolis.co.jp/listings/submit
CONCERT
Kemuri
Recently reunited funlovin'
punkrockers. Dec 20, 7pm,
¥4,000-4,500 (adv) +1d. Zepp
Diver City. Nearest stn: Daiba.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Ritmo Solar vol.3
Tex & Sun Flower Seed,
Caribbean Dandy and others.
Dec 20, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/
¥3,500 (door) +1d. Eggman.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
eggman.jp
COURTESY OF LAFORET
Open Reel Ensemble
Harajuku Performance +
Dommune 2013
In eight years, trendy Harajuku department store Laforet’s
Performance + has become one of Tokyo’s better showcases
of cutting-edge music and performance art. This year, Laforet
teams up with Dommune, the streaming club and promotion
outfit run by digital wunderkind Naohiro Ukawa, for a look at
the current state of Japanese electronic music and alternative
rap. The first day’s program, “New Sound Generation,”
presents the careful electronic glitch-pop of Shuta Hatsunuma
and the retro-techno inventions of Open Reel Ensemble. The
second day, “Nihongo Rap,” raises the bar for foreign listeners
with offerings including the likes of tongue-in-cheek girl-rap
duos, DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan, and Charisma.com.
Dec 21, 7pm; Dec 22, 6pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door). Laforet
Museum. Nearest stn: Meiji-jingumae. www.dommune.com/
harajuku2013
Dreams Come True
J-pop band with Fuzzy
Control. Dec 20, 6:30pm,
¥5,980-6,980 (adv) +1d.
Yokohama Arena. Nearest
stn: Shin-Yokohama. www.
red-hot.ne.jp
Babymetal
Teeny bop trio that fuses idol
music with metal. Dec 21, 4pm,
¥5,800 (adv). Makuhari Messe.
Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari.
Tel: 0570-084-003. www.
red-hot.ne.jp/sp/babymetal
Shonen Knife
All-female pop-punk veterans.
Dec 21, 6pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.
Fever. Nearest stn: Shindaita.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Music for All, All for One
Concerts
POPULAR
Namie Amuro
Okinawa pop queen. Dec
7, 6pm; Dec 8, 5pm, ¥8,500
(adv). Yoyogi National
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:
Meiji-Jingumae. http://
kyodotokyo.com
Geki Rock X The Bonez
Rock, hip-hop and electrofusion. Dec 7, 6pm, ¥3,500
(adv) +1. Club Quattro.
Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Artism Festa
Underground and goth-rock.
Dec 7-8, 3:30pm, ¥3,000
(adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) +1d. Live
Inn Rosa. Tel: 03-5956-3463.
www.artism.jp
Crossfaith
Up-and-coming Osakan
industrial metallers. Dec
8, 6pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d.
O-East. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Country Yard
Punk rock band with After
Tonight, Northern 19 and
others. Dec 8, 1pm, ¥2,800
(adv) +1d. Yokohama Bay
Hall. Nearest stn: MotomachiChukagai. Tel: 045-624-3900.
www.smash-jpn.com
Elvis Costello & The
Imposters
Angry, emotional and
energetic ensemble. Dec 11
&13-14, 7:30pm, ¥8,000 (adv)
+1d. Ex Theater Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi or
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
www.ex-theater.com
Arashi
J-pop idol quintet. Dec
12-14, 6pm; Dec 15, 6pm,
¥8,500 (adv). Tokyo Dome.
Nearest stn: Suidobashi.
Tel: 0180-993-773. www.
johnnys-net.jp
Fear, and Loathing in
Las Vegas
Electro-metalcore. Kobe
kids tear up the dance floor,
eardrums and more. Dec 13,
7pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Zepp
Diver City. Nearest stn: Daiba.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
lasvegas-jp.com
The Birthday
Garage and punk rock. Dec
13, 7pm, ¥4,500 (adv) +1d.
Club Quattro. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
www.smash-jpn.com
Band Night for TELL Vol. 3
Tokyo indie bands and artists
raise funds and awareness
for Tokyo English Life Line.
Dec 13, 7pm, free (donations
welcome). The Juke Joint.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-6427-2528.
Womb Adventure
Charity event feat. Chris
Hart, Vamps, Kyary Pamyu
Pamyu and others. Dec 21-23,
4pm, ¥7,800 (adv). Yoyogi
National Gymnasium. Nearest
stn: Meiji-Jingumae. www.
musicforall.jp
Hikashu Christmas
Daisakusen
Electro. DJs Richie Hawtin, Paco
Osuna, etc. Dec 14, 9pm, ¥7,000.
Makuhari Messe, Chiba. Nearest
stn: Kaihin-Makuhari. http://
wombadventure.jp
Avant-pop ensemble and
guests. Until-Dec 23. 6pm,
¥4,000 (adv) +1d. Unit.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
CSS
The Cherry Cokes
New rave rock from Brazil.
Dec 14, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.
Ex Theater Roppongi. Nearest
stn: Roppongi or Nogizaka.
www.smash-jpn.com
The Watanabes
Indie pop rockers' video
release party and full 2-hour
show. Dec 14, 8pm, free.
What the Dickens. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-3780-2099.
www.thewatanabes.com
Bradio
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu,
Tofubeats and more. Dec 23,
2pm, ¥4,900 (adv) +1d. Ex
Theater Roppongi. Nearest
Tel: 03-3405-9999. www.
sogotokyo.com
Pop princess trio. Dec
24-25, 6pm, ¥6,500 (adv).
Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-57209999. www.red-hot.ne.jp
J-rock band famed for
multiple anime theme songs.
Dec 25-26, 6:30pm, ¥6,300
(adv). Nippon Budokan.
Nearest stn: Kudanshita.
www.uverworld.com
Husking Bee, Asparagus and
more. Dec 17, 7:15pm, ¥3,000
(adv) +1d. Fever. Nearest stn:
Shindaita. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
www.smash-jpn.com
Zazen Boys Matsuri
Session
The Wanted
The Tigers
K-pop heartthrobs. Dec
19-20, 6pm; Dec 21, 4pm,
Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.
diskgarage.com
Eli "Paperboy" Reed
Juke joint rocker. Dec 19,
7:30pm, ¥3,969 (adv) +1d.
Fever. Nearest stn: Shindaita.
Tel: 03-6304-7899. www.
smash-jpn.com
Blue Encount
Melodic J-rock. Dec 19, 7pm,
¥2,500 (adv) +1d. O-West.
creativeman.co.jp
Alt-rock. Dec 26, 7pm, ¥3,800
(adv). Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 050-5533-0888.
1960s J-pop makes a
comeback. Dec 27, 6:30pm,
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
the-tigers2013.com
Countdown Japan 13/14
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Puffy,
MUCC and others. Dec 28-30,
1pm; Dec 31, 3pm, ¥9,50010,500 (1 day)/ ¥18,00019,000 (2 days)/ ¥24,00025,000 (3 days)/ ¥29,500
(4 days). Makuhari Messe.
Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari.
countdownjapan.jp
Char
Old school rock'n'roll guitarist
with guests. Dec 28, 7pm;
Dec 29, 6pm, ¥6,800 (adv). Ex
Theater Roppongi. Nearest
www.red-hot.ne.jp
042-775-3811. www.hall-net.
or.jp
Alti Quartet & Paul Meyer
Chamber music by Mozart and
Brahms. Dec 11, 7pm, ¥4,800.
Bunkyo Civic Hall. Nearest stn:
Korakuen. Tel: 03-5803-1100.
bunkyocivichall.jp
Alternative J-rock. Dec 30,
7pm, ¥3,900 (adv)/ ¥5,000 +1d.
Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn: Aomi.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Los Lonely Boys
Krystian Zimerman
American Chicano rock trio.
Dec 30, 7:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv)
+1d. Liquidroom. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Crazy Ken Band
Melody makin' sound
machines. Dec 31, 10pm,
¥6,300 (adv) +1d. Akasaka
Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka.
www.red-hot.ne.jp
Electrox
Redboo & The La Freak Crew,
Boom Boom Satellites and
more. Jan 4, 1pm, ¥9,00022,000 (adv) +1d. Makuhari
Messe. Nearest stn: KaihinMakuhari. www.electrox.jp
JAZZ/WORLD
Traditional+
Bamboo wind instrument
shakuhachi virtuoso Dozan
Fujiwara performs and
discusses the history, present
and future of this traditional
piece. Dec 8, 4pm, ¥500-1,000.
Spiral Hall. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. http://meturl.
com/shakuhach2013
Roberta Flack
Septet combines jazz
standards with original
compositions. Dec 12, 7:30pm,
¥3,500 (adv) +tax. Tokyo Club
Meguro. B1, Chougin Meguro
Ekimae Mansion Bldg., 2-18-20
Osaki. Nearest stn: Meguro.
www.tokyo-club.com/meguro
Simon Cosgrove
feat Andrew Dickeson and
Ryuichi Yamamura. Dec
20, 7:40pm, ¥3,000. Boozy
Muse Okubo. B1 Kokoro,
1-8-20 Kita-Shinjuku. Nearest
stn: Shin-Okubo. www.
boozy-muse.com
Kuricorder no Christmas
Recorder group plays "Little
Drummer Boy" and other
holiday classics. Dec 21, 4pm,
¥3,500 (adv). Bunkyo Civic
Hall. Nearest stn: Korakuen.
Tel: 03-5803-1111.
Nabowa
Instrumental folk-funk. Dec
21, 7pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d.
Liquidroom. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800. www.
red-hot.ne.jp
Incognito
Acid jazz unit from the UK. Dec
25, 6:30 & 9:30pm; Dec 26-27,
6 & 9pm, ¥8,400 (adv). Blue
Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.
www.bluenote.co.jp
CLASSICAL
Requiem
Performed by Bach Collegium
Japan and conducted by
Masaaki Suzuki. Dec 7,
4pm, ¥3,000-8,000. Saitama
Arts Theater. Nearest stn:
Yonohonmachi. www.saf.or.jp
Alti Quartet & Paul Meyer
Chamber music by Beethoven
and Brahms. Dec 8, 3pm,
¥2,000-6,000. Mori no Hall.
Nearest stn: Hashimoto. Tel:
New Year's Eve Concert
Akira Miyagawa with The New
Japan Philharmonic. Dec 31,
10pm, ¥4,000-6,000. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Nearest stn:
Kinshicho. www.triphony.com
CHRISTMAS MUSIC
Tchaikovsky Serenade
Overture in C Minor
and other works, with a
post-performance champagne
reception. Dec 11, 7pm, ¥5,500
(group)/ ¥6,000 (single). Oji
Hall. Nearest stn: Ginza. Tel:
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com.
www.tokyosinfonia.com
Pay Money to My Pain
Tokyo Jazz Seven
Uverworld
Big Bang
Funky J-pop trio. Dec 29, 6pm,
¥4,200-4,800 (adv). Zepp
Tokyo. Nearest stn: Aomi.
http://shikura.jp
Unborde Xmas Party
Organic Groove
English-Irish boy band. Dec 18,
7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Studio
Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
www.creativeman.co.jp
Shikuramen
Drunk Irish folk-punk septet.
Dec 23, 5:30pm, ¥2,999 (adv)
+1d. Akasaka Blitz. Nearest
stn: Akasaka. Tel: 03-34446751. www.smash-jpn.com
Perfume
New Peace
Melodic J-rock quartet from
Aichi. Dec 29, 7:30pm, ¥3,500
(adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. Tel: 050-5533-0888.
lunkhead.jp
Classy and urbane soul singer
from North Carolina. Dec 11-12,
7 & 9:30pm; Dec 14-15, 5 &
8pm, ¥13,000 (adv). Blue Note.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Groovy masters of funk.
Dec 15, 7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/
¥2,500 (door) +1d. ACB Hall.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku or
Seibu-Shinjuku. Tel: 03-32050901. www.bradio-web.com
Antibalas, Albatrus and
others. Dec 15, 5pm, ¥6,500
(adv) +1d. Unit. Nearest
stn: Daikanyama. www.
organicgroove.net/party
Lunkhead
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS
Beethoven's last three sonatas.
Dec 12, 7pm, ¥6,000-15,000.
Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.
Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel:
045-682-2020.
The New York Harlem
Singers
Jazz and R&B fusion octet
takes on modern holiday
classics "Winter Wonderland",
"Jingle Bell Rock" and more.
Dec 14, 2pm, ¥2,00-3,500
(adv). Meguro Persimmon Hall.
Nearest stn: Toritsudaigaku.
Tel: 03-5701-2904.
For Scotland
Traditional and contemporary
ballads, songs and poems. Dec
15, 2pm, ¥2,000 (students)/
¥4,000 (members)/ ¥5,000
(gen). Sengawa Avenue Hall.
Nearest stn: Sengawa. Tel:
tjgharris@gmail.com. www.
japan-scotland,jp
DEC 18, 6PM
Austrian Christmas
Concert
New York-based Austrian
singer and songwriter
Elisabeth Lohninger
arranges and performs
Christmas songs from all
over the world, including
Japan. Wednesday, Dec
18, 6pm, free. Takanawa
City Center, Takanawa
Community Plaza, 1-16-25
Takanawa Minato-ku.
http://austrianculture.jp/
elisabeth_lohninger.html
Celtic Christmas
Irish accordionist. Dec 7,
5:30pm, ¥4,000-6,500. Sumida
Kinshicho. www.plankton.
co.jp/xmas13
Christmas Gospel Concert
Vo. Midori Karasima. Dec 15,
6pm, ¥5,000-7,500. Sumida
Large gala event with singing
Christmas tree, dancing and
more. Until Dec 8. various times,
free. Tokyo Baptist Church. 9-2
Hachiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.
tokyobaptist.org
Sergey Schepkin
Kiriku Handbell Ensemble
Winter Picture Book
American pianist. Dec 16,
7pm, ¥3,000-5,000. Sumida
Rafal Blechacz
Polish classical pianist plays
works by Beethoven, Chopin
and more. Dec 17, 7pm, ¥2,0005,000. Saitama Arts Theater.
Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel:
0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp
Vienna Glass Harmonica
Duo
Schubert, Mozart and more.
Dec 21, 4pm, ¥2,000-11,000.
Kioi Hall. Nearest stn: Yotsuya.
Tel: 03-5276-4500. www.
kioi-hall.or.jp
Twilight Special
Organist Mineko Kojima
& Lutenist Akiko Sato. Dec
21, 5pm, free. Saitama
Yonohonmachi. saf.or.jp
Daimaru Charity Concert
Tokyo Metropolitan
Symphony Orchestra
performs works by Beethoven.
Dec 22, 2pm, ¥1,000-6,000.
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.
Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-2111. www.geigeki.
jp/english
Beethoven's 9th
Symphony Concert
Led by Philipp von
Steinaecker feat. The New
Japan Philharmonic. Dec 23,
2pm, ¥5,000-9,000. Sumida
Deutsche
Kammerphilharmonie
Pieces from Beethoven's
opera, Fidelio. Nov 28, 7pm;
Nov 30, 3pm, ¥10,000-28,000.
Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.
Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel:
045-682-2020.
Beethoven's 9th
Symphony
featuring the Ukraine National
Opera Orchesta. Dec 29, 2pm;
Dec 30, 1pm, ¥7,000-10,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 050-3776-6178.
www.koransha.com
One of the most well-known
contemporary handbell
groups in the world. Dec 13,
12:10pm, ¥1,000. Saitama
Yonohonmachi. www.saf.or.jp
Mariko Senju and Suk
Chamber Orchestra
Christmas Concert
"Ave Maria," "Joy of Love" and
other works. Dec 14, 1:30pm,
¥4,000-7,000. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel:
03-5353-9999.
Ave Maria in Christmas
The St. Petersburg Chamber
Ensemble Divertissement.Dec
8 & 22, 11:30am; Dec 10-11,
7pm; Dec 23, 3pm, ¥4,500 (adv).
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 050-3776-6184.
www.koransha.com
Christmas Sounds from
Ireland
Traditional Irish dance and
classic holiday songs. Dec 8,
6pm, ¥4,500. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai or Shinjuku.
Tel: 050-3776-6184. www.
koransha.com
Boni Pueri Christmas
"Silent Night," "Hallelujah" etc.
Dec 11, 6:30pm, ¥5,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. www.arstokyo.co.jp/
concert/concert_2013/c04
The New York Harlem
Singers
Jazz and R&B fusion octet takes
on modern holiday classics
"Winter Wonderland", "Jingle
Bell Rock" and more. Dec 12,
6:30pm, ¥4,000 (adv). Machida
Public Hall. Tel: 042-728-4300.
Christmas Gospel
The Glory Gospel Singers. Dec
17, 7pm, ¥5,000-6,500. Sumida
Christmas Family Concert
Seasonal pieces by Iveson,
Handel and others. Dec 21,
2pm, ¥1,000-2,000 (adv).
Mori no Hall. Nearest stn:
STAGE
m
FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS
Drama, songs and more. Dec
15, 11am & 2 & 5pm, free
(adv). Belle Salle Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. http://
tokyo.jesuslifehouse.com/
christmas
Christmas Sounds
from Hawaii
Napua Greig sings Hawaiian
holiday tunes. Dec 23, 1:30 &
5:30pm, ¥5,500. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall, Shinjuku-ku.
Nearest Station: Hatsudai,
Shinjuku. Tel: 050-3776-6184.
www.koransha.com
Shinji Tanimura's
Christmas Dinner Show
Gourmet dinner accompanied
by a top-notch performance.
Until-Dec 24. 6pm, ¥4,5000
(adv). Imperial Hotel. Nearest
stn: Hibiya. Tel: 03-3504-1111.
www.imperialhotel.co.jp
Christmas Special Classics
The Metropolitan Chorus of
Tokyo performs "Ave Maria"
and other songs. Dec 24,
6:30pm, ¥6,000-10,000. Tokyo
International Forum Hall
A. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.
Tel: 050-3776-6184. www.
koransha.com
Saori Yuki's Christmas
Dinner Show
Extravagant Christmas
feast followed by a stellar
performance by a veteran
singer. Dec 25, 6:30pm, ¥42,000
(adv). Imperial Hotel. Nearest
stn: Hibiya. Tel: 03-3504-1111.
Vistlip: Merry Bell
Visual-kei Christmas concert.
Dec 25, 7pm, ¥4,500 (adv)
+1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn:
Ganesh Versus the Third
Reich
Australian Back to Back
Theatre presents a story rich
with imagery and mythology.
English with Japanese subtitles.
Dec 6, 7pm; Dec 7, 3pm; Dec
8, 2pm, ¥4,500 (adv)/ ¥5,000
(door). Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre. Nearest stn:
Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-5391-2111.
www.festival-tokyo.jp/en
Night Must Fall
Tale of suspense, dark romance
and unexpected humor. ; Dec
6, 7pm; Dec 7, 1 & 7pm; Dec 8,
3pm, ¥2,500 (students)/ ¥4,000
(adv)/ ¥4,500 (door). Theater
Bonbon, Nakano. Nearest stn:
Nakano. www.tokyoplayers.org
Les Contes d'Hoffmann
Opera fantastique by Jacques
Offenbach. ; Dec 7 & Dec 10,
2pm, ¥1,500-21,000. New
National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.
go.jp/opera
Tosca
Teatro Regio Torino performs
Puccini's Tosca. Dec 8, 3pm,
¥10,000-41,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-5774-3040. www.japanarts.
co.jp
Tokyo Heterotopia
Visitors follow a recorded
narrative while visiting various
public spaces, forming a story
in each area. Until Dec 8,
Noon-7pm, every hour, ¥1,0003,500 (adv)/ ¥1,000-4,000
(door). various venues. www.
festival-tokyo.jp/en
a
Dance to the Future:
Second Steps
The NBJ Choreographic
Group performs
contemporary ballet. Dec
7-8, 2pm, ¥3,150-5,250. New
National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.
go.jp/english
Heels & Kesu Kesu
Unciauncia performs a
special version of their
acclaimed production, with
special guest singer Arisa
Kawagoe. Dec 7, 6:30pm,
¥2,000 (incl 1d). Studio and
Space IVVA. Nearest stn:
Meiji-jingumae or Harajuku.
http://studioandspaceivva.
com
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please contact Special body shop - Max Craft
with excellent staffs and resourced equipments.
Ragus
Irish music and dance show.
Dec 7, 2pm, ¥4,500-7,500.
Green Hall. Nearest stn:
Sagami-Ono. Tel: 050-37766184. www.koransha.com
Sheet metal work
Men
Collaboration of prominent
Israeli group Theater Clipa
and Japanese butoh dancer
Taketeru Kudo. Dec 11-14,
7:30pm; Dec 15, 5pm, ¥2,500
(adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). Gallery
Yuudo. Shimo-ochiai,
Shinjuku-ku. Nearest stn:
Mejiro. tokyoguienkan@
gmail.com http:// blog.yu-do.
noor.jp
Rabid Romantic
Rhapsody
Troupe of 15 college dancers
choreographed by Akiyo
Fukami. Dec 12-13, 1 &
7pm, ¥3,000-3,300 (adv)/
¥3,500-3,800 (door). Asahi
Art Square. Nearest stn:
Asakusa. Tel: 090-91185171. haikara2001.com/
akiyogeneration
Painting
Restoration
Hiroo High School
MAX CRAFT
�Shibuya
Meiji-dori
Komazawa-dori
feat. The Bohemians. Dec 24,
7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Loft.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku. www.
red-hot.ne.jp
Stage
Dance
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THE REVOLUTIONARY MODEL OF MAX CRAFT
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Happy Endless X'mas
Shin-Kiba. www.creativeman.
co.jp
Re-interpretation of
Japanese traditional taiko
performances. Dec 20, 7pm;
Dec 21-23, 2pm, ¥3,000-7,000.
Bunkyo Civic Hall. Nearest
stn: Korakuen. Tel: ticket@
kodo.or.jp. www.kodo.or.jp
THE REALITY OF DEALER AUTO REPAIR
a
Laura Fygi & Band present
a holiday dinner and show
to remember. Dress code:
something red. Until Dec 22,
various times, ¥19,000-21,500
(adv, incl dinner). Cotton Club.
Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.
cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Kodo One Earth Tour
2013: Mystery
m
Merry Xmas Darling
Taiko performance, the
second work directed by
artistic director Tamasaburo
Bando. Dec 18, KAAT
Kanagawa Arts Theatre,
Yokohama 6:30pm, Nearest
stn: Nihon Odori or Kannai.
Dec 20-23, Bunkyo Civic
Hall, Tokyo. S-seats ¥7,000,
A-seats ¥5,000, Students
¥3,000. Nearest stn:
Korakuen or Kasuga. Tel:
0259-86-3630. http://www.
kodo.or.jp
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Multi-talented jazz musician
influenced by modern pop
music. Dec 22-23, 5:30 &
8:30pm; Dec 24, 6:30 & 9:30pm,
¥8,400. Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Kodo One Earth Tour
2013: Mystery
ee
air F
Rep % off
20
w
Christmas Evening with
Till Brönner
DEC 18, 20-23
Isango Ensemble's
perspective of one of the
world's most popular operas.
Dec 19, 6:30pm; Dec 20,
2pm; Dec 21, 2 & 6:30pm;
Dec 22, 2pm, ¥1,000-8,400.
Nearest stn: Ikebukuro.
Tel: 0570-010-296. www.
geigeki.jp
r
La Bohème
c
Ave Maria in Christmas
–
Hashimoto. Tel: 042-7429999. www.hall-net.
or.jp/02hashimoto
f
Drums and Voices
A collaboration between
twelve performers of
traditional music from seven
different ASEAN countries.
Dec 18, 7pm, ¥5,000.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9999. drums-andvoices.jp/en
The St. Petersburg Chamber
Ensemble Divertissement
plays works by Bach, Mozart
and others. Dec 21, 11:30am &
3pm, ¥4,500 (adv). Yokohama
Minato Mirai Hall. Nearest stn:
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-4535080. www.koransha.com
t
A Timeless Christmas
w
Jonathan Swift’s 1726 novel Gulliver’s Travels is reimagined
as a dreamy theater piece by French company Skappa &
associés. Lying on the ground, an actor casts his shadow on
a large screen, in macroscopic size. On his shadow a town
takes shape, and then is bent out of shape. Taking as its cue
the fantastical scale of Gulliver in relation to the Lilliputians,
Swift!, in the hands of Skappa founders Isabelle Hervouët and
Paolo Cardona, is a captivating reinvention of a classic that
speaks at different levels to adults and children.
Dec 13, 7pm; Dec 14-15 2pm. ¥1,500-3,000. Owlspot Theater.
4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro. Nearest stn: Higashi-Ikebukuro.
www.owlspot.jp
w
COURTESY OF THE FRENCH INSTITUTE
Swift!
Urban dance combined with
burlesque and slapstick
comedy. Dec 13, 7pm; Dec
15, 2pm, ¥1,000-4,500.
03-5391-2111. www.geigeki.
jp/english
Our top quality garage repairs over 100 high
performance and hi-end cars per month.
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Don Quichotte du
Trocadéro
.
Post-Fukushima fable by
Toshiki Okada. Japanese
with English subtitles. Until
Dec 8, various times, ¥4,000
(adv)/ ¥4,500 (door). Tokyo
Metropolitan Theatre.
03-5391-2111. www.festivaltokyo.jp/en
o
Current Location
Ebisu stn
JR Yamanote line
TOKYO DROP OFF
Hiroo View Hills 1F, 3-1-3,
Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6419-7321.
Fax: 03-3797-7321.
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
YOKOHAMA HQ AND FACTORY
4460, Ikonobecho, Tsuzuki-ku
Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Tel: 045-939-0299
Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm
Sun-Hols 11am-3pm
Agenda Listings
The Kabuki
The Tokyo Ballet performs
the tale of 47 Ronin. Dec 14,
3pm; Dec 15, 3pm, ¥2,00010,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
english@nbs.or.jp. www.nbs.
or.jp/english
Traditional Performing
Arts × Street Dance
High school street dance
performers collaborate
with tsugaru shamisen artist
Hiromitsu Agatsuma and
dance group Dazzle. Dec
14, 1 & 4pm, ¥2,000-3,000.
Nippori Sunny Hall, 5-50-5
Higashi-nippori. Nearest stn:
Nippori. http:// meturl.com/
traditionstreet2013
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky's classic
Christmas ballet. Dec 17-20,
7pm; Dec 21, 2 & 7pm; Dec
22-23, 2pm, ¥3,150-12,600.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. www.
nntt.jac.go.jp/english
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky's classic
Christmas ballet
Dec 22-23, 2pm, ¥5,00013,000. Tokyo International
Forum Hall A. Nearest stn:
Yurakucho. Tel: 050-37766184. www.koransha.com
The Nutcracker
Submit your event at metropolis.co.jp/listings/submit
10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d,
(f)¥2,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:
Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.
villagetokyo.com
Womb
Sterne. Techno: DJs
Masomenos, Ishino, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
SATURDAY 7
Ageha
The Wonderland. Trance: DJs
Paul Oakenfold, Protoculture,
etc. From 11pm, ¥4,000. Nearest
stn: Shin-Kiba. www.ageha.com
Air
Groundrhythm. House, techno:
DJs Kaoru Inoue, Timo, etc.
From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.
com
Double Tokyo
Ring 22nd Anniversary. From
11pm, ¥4,000 (adv). Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6434-5544.
www.doubletokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Edm Vision. Edm: DJs Spankers,
Hello Kitty, etc. From 11pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d.
vision-tokyo.com
Charity Christmas
performance by the NBA
Ballet Company. Dec 25, 3pm,
¥500-1,000. Bunkyo Civic
Hall. Nearest stn: Korakuen.
Tel: 03-5803-1100.
The New Matrix Bar
La Bayadère
The Room
Performed by the Kiev
Ballet. Dec 26, 6:30pm; Dec
27, 6:30pm, ¥5,000-13,000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest
stn: Ueno. Tel: 050-37766184. www.koransha.com
New Year Special Ballet
Compilation of works
performed by the Kiev Ballet.
Jan 2, 2pm; Jan 3, 2pm,
¥5,000-13,000. U-Port Hall.
Nearest stn: Osaki-Hirokoji.
Tel: 050-3776-6184. www.
koransha.com
Clubbing
FRIDAY 6
Ageha
Agepa. All mix DJs U5,
Shintaro, etc: Live: Cream.
From 11pm, (m)¥2,500, (f)
free. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
www.ageha.com
Air
A1. House, techno: DJ Levon
Vincent and more. From
Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com
Module
Double A Side. All mix: DJs Sgr,
Nk, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500.
module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Classics. Hip-hop: DJs Jazzy
Jeff, Muro, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
Breakthrough. Hip-hop:
DJs Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
theroom.jp
Unit
Back Channel. House, hip-hop:
DJs Kenny Dope, Kensei, etc.
stn: Daikanyama. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Velours
Music Sauce. DJs Cge, Paipai,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5778-4777. www.
velours.jp
Village
Fantastic. Hip-hop: DJs
Hokuto, Kekke, etc. From
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more.
From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm).
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
Spunky. Crossover, jazz: DJs
Matsuoka, Niche, etc. From
10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Village
Grand Slam. Hip-hop DJs
Nuckey, Kekke, etc: Live: Marin.
From 10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d,
(f)¥2,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:
Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.
villagetokyo.com
Womb
Fabric London. Techno,house
DJs Craig Richards, Seth
Troxler, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
FRIDAY 13
Ageha
Scream. Edm: DJs Marc Panther,
Mitomi, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. www.
ageha.com
Air
David Morales. House: DJ David
Morales and more. From 10pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
Module
Goodweather. Bass music,
dancehall: DJs Logan Sama,
Mal, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000.
module-tokyo.com
Ruby Room
No Style. DJs Kurihara,
Kubota, etc. From 11pm, free.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Edm Music Festival. Edm: DJs
Dave Aude, Daishi Dance,
etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,500,
(f)¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
Sound Sanctuary. Jazz,
crossover: DJ Shuya
Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive).
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
theroom.jp
Unit
Mad Professor. Dub DJs Mad
Professor, Shimoda, etc
Live: Dry & Heavy. From
Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo.
com
Velours
New York Dance Music Premier.
House: DJs Nozaki, Morita, etc.
stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-57784777. www.velours.jp
Womb
Rhythmholic. House: DJs
Cesare vs Disorder, Eita, etc.
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp
UPCOMING
Ageha
Harajuku Now. DJs Nakata,
Kyoko, etc. Dec 14, from 11pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
www.ageha.com
Module
Mass Ddr. Techno: DJs Ddr, Kn,
etc. Dec 14, from 10pm, ¥3,000
www.module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Big Groove. Hip-hop, electro
DJs Daruma, Habanero Posse,
etc: Live: A$ap Fergand
more. Dec 14, from 11pm,
(m)¥3,500, (f)¥3,000. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com
The Room
Black Edition. Cosmic
crossover: DJs Sato, Nishida,
etc. Dec 14, from 10pm, ¥2,500
www.theroom.jp
Unit
Moshiwake Night. Hard core
j-pop: DJs Okite Porshe, Gee,
etc. Dec 14, from 11pm, ¥3,900.
www.unit-tokyo.com
Exhibitions
AKASAKA/ROPPONGI
21_21 Design Sight
Toward a Design Museum
Japan. Mixed media. Until
Feb 2, ¥500-1,000. Open
Mon & Wed-Sun 11am-8pm,
closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka,
Minato-ku. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121.
www.2121designsight.jp
Fujifilm Square
Ihee Kimura's Travels to
Akita and the Ryukyu
Islands. Photographer's
documentation of pre- and
post-war Japan. Until Dec
27, free. Two Journeys of
Ihei Kimura — The Ryukyu
Islands and the Akita Region.
Documentation of pre-war
rural life and the changes in
the regions after WII started.
Until Dec 27, free. Open daily
10am-7pm. 9-7-3 Akasaka,
Roppongi. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6271-3350.
fujifilmsquare.jp/en
Mori Art Museum
Out of Doubt: Roppongi
Crossing 2013. Contemporary
art series held triennially.
This installment takes a fresh
look at a familiar intersection
to most Tokyoites. Until Jan
13, ¥500-1,500. Open Mon &
Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue
10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.
mori.art.museum
Mori Arts Center Gallery
Ever and Never: The Art of
Peanuts. Original drawings
and sketches of Snoopy &
co. Until Jan 5, ¥500-2,000.
52F Roppongi Hills Tower,
6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.
roppongihills.com/art/macg/
Suntory Museum of Art
Celestial Dance: The Art of
Hiten. Relics and religious
artefacts on display in
commemoration of the
renovations of Byodoin's
Phoenix Hall. Until Jan 13,
¥800-1,300. Open Wed-Sat
10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols
10am-6pm, closed Tue. 9-7-4
Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.suntory.
jp/sma
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS
EXHIBITION
Kayabacho, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Kayabacho. www.
basegallery.com
Suigetsu
Ko Ushijima is one of the
more skillful of a new
generation of artists
seeking to reinvent the
traditions of Japanesestyle painting, or nihonga.
The Kanazawa-based
Ushijima applies
handmade Japanese
washi paper to boards,
and then creates line
and ink drawings that he
brings to life with richly
colored nihonga pigments
and silver and gold leaf.
His works can be seen
COURTESY OF TRAUMARIS SPACE
concurrently at Nadiff in
Ebisu in the exhibition “Suigetsu” (Water Moon), and at the
National Art Center, Tokyo, where he is a finalist in the “Shell
Art Award” show for emerging artists.
Traumaris Space. Dec 11-28., free. Open Tue-Sat
4pm-midnight, Sun 2-10pm, closed Mon. 3F Ebisu Nadiff,
1-18-4 Ebisu. Nearest stn: Ebisu.,
Shell Art Award, National Art Center, Tokyo, Dec 11-23,
¥200-400. Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri
10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka
The National Art Center,
Tokyo
Divisionism from Van Gogh
and Seurat to Mondrian.
Oil paintings. Until Dec 23,
¥800-1,500. The Japan Fine Arts
Exhibition. Mixed media. Recent
works depicting traditional
themes. Until Dec 8, ¥500-1,200.
Open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm,
closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi.
nact.jp
GINZA/KYOBASHI/
TOKYO
Bridgestone Museum
of Art
Gustave Caillbotte—Impressionist
in Modern Paris. Works by a
leading member and supporter
of the Impressionist movement.
Until Dec 29, ¥1,000-1,500. Open
Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm,
closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
bridgestone-museum.gr.jp
Craft Gallery, The National
Museum of Modern Art
Close Up Crafts. Mixed media.
Until Dec 8, ¥300-500.
Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm,
Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun
10am-5pm. 1-1 Kitanomarukoen Chiyoda-Ku. Nearest stn:
Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.momat.go.jp/english
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
The Kano School in Edo—
Innovation toward Elegance.
Traditional Japanese paintings
with an innovative style.
Until Dec 15, ¥700-1,000.
Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F
Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi.
Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.
tokyo.mae.lu/jp/node_19876/
hana-hito-tokyo
Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Museum
Masterpieces from the Collection
of Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum.
Works by Renoir, Vallotton,
Toulouse-Lautrec and more.
Until Jan 5, ¥400-1,200. Wed-Fri
10am-8pm, Tue, Sat & Sun/
hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon.
2-6-2 Marunouchi. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.
mimt.jp
Mitsuo Aida Museum
Even Just One Thing. 10th
anniversary special display
of the calligraphy artist Aida's
most important works. Until Dec
15, ¥200-800. Open Tue-Sun
10am-5:30pm, closed Mon. B1
Tokyo International Forum
Glass Bldg, 3-5-1 Marunouchi,
Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-6212-3200.
www.mitsuo.co.jp
National Film Center
Iconography of Yasujiro Ozu
Films. A collection of paintings,
design and lettering that sheds
light on Mr. Ozu's unique
aesthetic sensibility. Dec
Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo
Crystallize. Mixed media
by Tokujin Yoshioka. Until
Jan 19, ¥600-1,100. Bunny
Smash: Design to Touch the
World. Multimedia. Design
focused on changing people's
perception of society. Until
Jan 19, ¥600-1,100. Tue-Sun,
10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1
Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn:
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng
Taguchi Fine Art
Kazumi Yoshimine: Passage of
Time. Painting. Until Dec 21,
free. Dai 2 Inoue Bldg, 2-17-13
Nihombashi-Kayabacho,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn:
Kayabacho. Tel: 03-5652-3660.
www.taguchifineart.com
SHIBUYA/EBISU
Bunkamura Gallery
12-Mar 30, ¥40-200. Open
Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm, closed
Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi. Nearest
stn: Kyobashi. Tel: 03-57778600. www.momat.go.jp
My Theater 2013. Oil paintings.
Until Dec 11, free. Bunkamura
Winter Craft Collection.
Seasonal handicrafts, trinkets
and sundries. Dec 14-25, free.
Open daily, 10am-7pm. 2- 24-1
Dogenzaka. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.bunkamura.
co.jp/english
Shiseido Gallery
Bunkamura: The Museum
In Praise of Velázquez :
Handmaidens Reborn in
the Night. Photography by
Yasumasa Morimura. Until
Dec 25, free. Open Tue-Sat
11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm,
closed Mon. B1F Tokyo
Ginza Shiseido Bldg, 8-8-3
Ginza, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn:
Shimbashi. Tel: 03-3572-3901.
www.shiseido.co.jp/gallery
The National Museum of
Modern Art, Tokyo
Josef Koudelka Retrospective.
Photography. Artist's first
exhibit in Asia displays his
entire body of work. Until Jan
13, ¥250-850. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Nearest stn: Takebashi.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
momat.go.jp
Zeit-Foto Salon
Hong Kong - Shenzen
1998. Rudai Takano's
documentation of travels in
China. Until Dec 21, free. Open
Tue-Fri 10:30am-6:30pm,
Sat 10:30am-5:30pm, closed
Sun-Mon & hols. 4F Matsumoto
Bldg, 1-10-5 Kyobashi,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3535-7188. www.
zeit-foto.com
HARAJUKU/AOYAMA
Diesel Art Gallery
Global Photo Collaborations:
Vice Japan. Photography.
Until Feb 14, free. Open
daily 11:30am-9pm. 1-23-16
Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.diesel.co.jp/art/
Itochu Aoyama Art Square
Tomo ni Ikiru. Calligraphy art
by Shoko Kanazawa. Until Dec
23, free. 11am-7pm daily. B1
CI Plaza, 2-3-1 Kita-Aoyama.
Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel:
03-5772-2913. www.itochuartsquare.jp
Nezu Museum
Ido Tea Bowls: Treasured
Possessions of Muromachi
Daimyo. Ceramics from the
Korean peninsula adored by
Japanese tea masters. Until
Dec 15, ¥800-1,200. Tue-Sun,
10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Omotesando. www.
nezu-muse.or.jp/en
KAYABACHO/KIBA
Base Gallery
Kaori Miyayama "The Way
Down to the Sky -il modo di
scendere al cielo-". Mixed
media. Until Dec 21, free. Open
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun
and Hols. 1-1-6 Nihombashi-
Arcadia on the Shore: Puvis
de Chavanne's Mythic World.
Mural painter that combined
innovation with classical style.
Jan 2-Mar 9, ¥700-1,400. Open
Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm,
Fri-Sat 10am-8pm. 2- 24-1
Dogenzaka. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111.
www.bunkamura.co.jp
Logos Gallery
Yotsuba & Danboard: The
Exhibition. Themed around a
cardboard box robot. Mixed
media. Until Dec 9, ¥500. Flick
Me, Every Day! More or Less?!
Mixed media. Dec 7-15, free.
Open daily 10am-9pm. B1F
Parco Part1, 15-1 Udagawacho,
Shibuya-ku. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.parco-art.com/
web/logos
Meguro Museum of Art
Yukio Tsuchiya. Performance
art and design. Until Dec 8,
¥500. Tsuchiya Yukio - Artist,
Designer, Educator. Pre and
post-war paintings and designs
by Tsuchiya Yukio. Until Dec
8, ¥300-500. Open Tue-Sun
Meguro. Nearest stn: Meguro.
Tel: 03-3714-1201. www.
mmat.jp
Tokyo Metropolitan
Museum of Photography
True Colors. Photography. Feb
7-23, free. Open Tue-Wed &
Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri
Mita, Meguro-ku. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. syabi.com
Yamatane Museum of Art
Jakuchu's Adorability and
Shoen's Beauty : "Kawaii" in
Japanese Art. Edo-period
screen paintings. Jan 3-Mar
2, ¥900-1,200. Open Tue-Fri
11am-5pm, closed Mon & hols.
3-12-36 Hiroo. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
yamatane-museum.or.jp
SHINJUKU/
IKEBUKURO
Hiromart Gallery
The Collection – Artworks 2013.
Mixed media. Dec 11-Jan 19,
free. Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm,
closed Mon-Tue. 1-30-7
Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest
stn: Edogawabashi. www.
hiromartgallery.com
NTT Intercommunication
Center
Open Space 2013. A melting pot
of artists and media. Until Mar
2, free. Solaris. Works by Arata
Isozaki. Dec 14-Mar 2, ¥500.
4F Tokyo Opera City Tower,
3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest
stn: Hatsudai. www.ntticc.or.jp
FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS
Tokyo Opera City Art
Gallery
150 Years of Modern Japanese
Music. Mixed media. Dynamic
view of Japan's meeting
with the West. Until Dec 23,
¥600-1,000. Project N 54 Mihoko Ogaki. Mixed media.
Until Dec 23, ¥600-1,000.
Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm,
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2
Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. www.operacity.
jp/en/ag
UENO
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Ukiyo-e: A Journey Through
the Floating World. Woodblock
prints. Jan 2-Mar 2, ¥450-1,300.
Open Tue-Fri & Sun 9:30am5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-7:30pm,
closed Mon & hols. 1-4-1
Yokoami. Nearest stn:
Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3626-9974.
www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
National Museum of
Nature and Science
Big Dinosaurs: Wonders of the
Gobi Desert. Velociraptor and
tarbosaurus bones unravel
mysteries of Earth's history.
Until Feb 23, ¥600-1,500.
Surviving the Desert: Strategies
of Humans, Plants & Animals.
Investigation into survival in
harsh conditions. Until Feb 9,
¥600. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun
9am-5pm, Fri 9am-8pm, closed
Mon. 7-20 Ueno Park. Nearest
stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111.
www.kahaku.go.jp
The National Museum of
Western Art
Monet, An Eye for Landscapes:
Innovation in 19th Century
French Landscape. Some
of the artist's most famous
impressionist works, including
"Water Lilies". Dec 7-Mar
9, ¥600-1,400. Open daily
9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
nmwa.go.jp
Tokyo Metropolitan Art
Museum
Turner from the Tate: the
Making of a Master. British
romantic landscape paintings.
Until Dec 18, ¥600-3,200. Field
of Painting. Mixed media. Five
artists connect to the outside
world. Jan 4-10, free. 8-36 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
tobikan.jp
Tokyo National Museum
Admired from Afar:
Masterworks of Japanese
Painting from the Cleveland
Museum of Art. Traditional
Japanese paintings return.
Jan 15-Feb 23, ¥800-1,600.
The 60th Japan Traditional
Kogei Exhibition Engendering
Beauty, Preserving Technique:
Artworks by Living National
Treasures. Mixed media. Artists
acknowledged for their pursuit
of excellence. Jan 15-Feb 23,
¥800-1,400. Japanese Masks:
Noh Masks - Zekan and Kawachi.
Masks by masters. Until Feb
16, ¥400-600. Open Tue-Sun
9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno Park.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tnm.jp
Sakura. www.rekihaku.ac.jp/
english
Pola Museum of Art
Walk Home in Delight.
Photography. Images of a
Scandinavian white Christmas.
Until Dec 25, free. 9am-4:30pm.
1285 Kozukayama,
Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi.
Nearest stn: Gora. www.
polamuseum.or.jp
Saita Museum
Tea Bowls and Calligraphy
by Zen Priests of Daitokuji.
Ceramics from the collections
of Aizu Museum, Waseda
University. Until Dec 13,
¥500. Mon-Fri 10am-1pm,
2pm-4:30pm, Closed
Sat-Sun & hols. 3-23-35 Daita
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. Nearest
stn: Setagaya Daita. Tel:
03-3414-1006.
Setagaya Art Museum
Experimental Workshop.
Mixed media by young
avant-garde artists. Until
Jan 26, ¥500-1,000. Open
Tue-Sun10am-6pm, closed
Mon. 1-2 Kinuta-koen,
Setagaya-ku. Nearest
stn: Seijogakuenmae.
Tel: 03-3415-6011. www.
setagayaartmuseum.or.jp/
index_e.html
Taro Okamoto Museum of
Art, Kawasaki
Faces and Masks. Paintings.
Until Jan 13, ¥300-900. Kayo Illustrations by Taro Okamoto.
Lesser known illustration
work for a serialized novel in
the Tokyo Shinbun. Until Dec
27, ¥300-600. Open Tue-Sun
9:30am-5pm, closed Mon. 7-1-5
Masukata, Tama-ku, Kawasaki.
Nearest stn: Mukogaoka-Yuen.
Tel: 04-4900-9898. www.
taromuseum.jp/english/
index_english.html
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum
Impressionists at Waterside-Depicting urban resorts: Paris,
the Seine and Normandy.
Painting. Portraying the lives of
19th-century french urbanites'
pursuit of leisure. Until Jan
5, ¥300-1,200. 10am-5pm
Tue-Sun, closed Mon.
Yano-machi 492-1 Hachioji.
Nearest stn: Tokyo Fuji
Bijitsukan. Tel: 042-691-4511.
www.fujibi.or.jp/en
Sports
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
Japan X Bowl
Dec 16, 7pm, ¥2,000-2,500.
Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
BOXING
Ryota Murata
Dec 6, 6pm, ¥5,000-30,000.
Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest
stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36235111.
All Japan Rookie of the
Year Match
Dec 22, 2pm, ¥3,000-10,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
8,000. Korakuen Hall.
Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel:
03-5800-9999.
Deep 64 Impact
Dec 22, 4:40pm, ¥6,00015,000. Differ Ariake.
Nearest stn: Ariake-tennisno-mori.
Noah: Noahful Gift
Dec 23, 3pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Differ Ariake. Nearest stn:
Ariake-tennis-no-mori.
Wrestle-1: First Winter
Dec 23, 4pm, ¥4,0007,000. Tokorozawa City
Gymnasium. Nearest
stn: Shintokorozawa. Tel:
04-2991-1181.
Wrestling New Classic
Dec 23, 12pm, ¥3,0005,000. Theater 1010.
Nearest stn: Kitasenju. Tel:
03-5244-101.
Big Japan: New Year's
Eve
Dec 31, 7pm, ¥4,000-6,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.
RUGBY
Top League
NTT

Communications
Shining Arcs vs. Ricoh
Black Rams. Dec 7,
12pm, ¥300-3,500.
Chichibunomiya Rugby
Stadium. Nearest stn:
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-34013881.
Ricoh

Black Rams vs.
Kintetsu Liners. Dec 22,
1pm, ¥300-2,000. Fukuda
Arena. Nearest stn: Soga.
Tel: 043-208-5577.
SOCCER
J. League, Division 1
FC
Tokyo vs. Vegalta
Sendai. Dec 7, 3:30pm,
¥500-6,000. Ajinomoto
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555.
Kashima

Antlers vs.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Dec
7, 3:30pm, ¥1,400-7,500.
Kashima Soccer Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kashima
Sports Stadium.
Kawasaki

Frontale vs.
Yokohama F. Marinos. Dec
7, 3:30pm, ¥800-4,500.
Todoroki Stadium. Nearest
stn: Musashikosugi. Tel:
044-722-0303.
Shonan

Bellmare vs.
Omiya Ardija. Dec 7,
3:30pm, ¥600-5,500.
Shonan BMW Stadium
Hiratsuka. Tel: 0463-334455.
Urawa

Reds vs. Cerezo
Osaka. Dec 7, 3:30pm,
¥1,000-3,000. Saitama
Urawamisono. Tel: 048-8121001.
VOLLEYBALL
Emperor’s Cup/
Empress’s Cup
Crystallize. Mixed media
by Tokujin Yoshioka. Until
Jan 19, ¥600-1,100. Bunny
Smash: Design to Touch the
World. Multimedia. Design
focused on changing people's
perception of society. Until
Jan 19, ¥600-1,100. Tue-Sun,
Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn:
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www.
mot-art-museum.jp/eng
All Japan Championship
Emperor’s Cup/Empress’s
Cup. Dec 11-15, various
times, ¥800-2,000. Tokyo
Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Nearest stn: Sendagaya. Tel:
03-5474-2112.
All Japan Medalists on Ice
Meiji Jingu Gaien
Gingko Festival
National Museum of
Japanese History
Asia League
OTHER AREAS
Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo
Various Seasonal Festivals.
Traditional ornaments and
accessories. Until May 6,
¥250-420. Traditional Antique
Chrysanthemum. Over 100
variations of classical fronds.
Until Jan 26, ¥100. Open
Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm,
closed Mon. 117 Jonai-cho,
Sakura-shi. Nearest stn: Keisei-
FIGURE SKATING
Dec 21-Dec 23, various times,
¥2,000-12,000. Saitama Super
Arena. Nearest stn: SaitamaShintoshin.
Dec 24, 5:30pm, ¥5,000-9,000.
Saitama Super Arena. Nearest
stn: Saitama-Shintoshin.
ICE HOCKEY
H.C.

Tochigi Nikko Icebucks
vs. Tohoku Free Blades. Dec
7-8, 4pm, ¥1,000-3,600. Nikko
Shimofuri Ice Arena. Tel:
0288-53-5881.
PRO WRESTLING
New Japan: Road to Tokyo
Dome
Dec 21-Dec 23, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-
Festivals
Street perfromances, tea
ceremony demonstrations,
ikebana exhibition
and more. Until Dec 9,
10am-4:30pm, free. Meiji
Jingu Gaien. Nearest
stn: Harajuku. Tel:
03-3401-0312. www.
meijijingugaien.jp/event
Gishi-sai
Commemoration of the 47
akoroshi who avenged the
death of their master. Dec
14, all day, free. Sengakuji.
2-11-1 Takanawa, Minatoku. Nearest stn: Sengakuji.
www.sengakuji.or.jp
Since 1949
今年は"にほんごをもの"にする
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YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785
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Agenda Listings
Forums & Expos
Sportec
A focus on health and
fitness. ; Dec 6,10am-6pm;
Dec 7, 10am-5pm, free
(pre-registration)/ ¥2,000
(door). Tokyo Big Sight.
Nearest stn: Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. www.sports-st.
com/en
Eco-Products 2013
Activities, products and
proposals for a sustainable
world. Dec 12-13, 10am-6pm;
Dec 14, 10am-5pm, free
(registration required).
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
http://eco-pro.com/eco2013/
english
Jump Festa
Annual manga and
anime event. Dec 21-22,
9am-5pm, free. Makuhari
Messe. Nearest stn: KaihinMakuhari. Tel: 03-32308439. www.jumpfesta.com
Christmas Markets
Christmas Organic
Market
Ikura
Intersection
Onarimon
Station
Sakurada Dori
Kamiyacho
Station
Open: Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm / Sat 10 am - 4pm
10-13, 5 chome Toranomon Minato-ku Tokyo
http://artplz-magatani.com
Until Dec 22, every Sun
11am-5pm, free. Ark
Karajan Place, Ark Hills.
Nearest stn: RoppongiIcchome. www.arkhills.com
Marché aux Puces
Akasaka: Akasaka
Christmas Flea Market
European crafts,
accessories and furniture.
Until Dec 22, 11am-5pm,
every Sunday, free. Ark
Karajan Place. Nearest
stn: Roppongi-Itchome.
Tel: 03-6406-6663. www.
arkhills.com/event
Roppongi Hills
Christmas Market
German-style market with
handmade crafts and
imported goods. Until Dec
25, daily 11am-9pm, free.
Roppongi Hills. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-64066000. www.roppongihills.
com/events
Marché de Noël
Toys, treats, seasonal cards
etc. Until Dec 25, daily
11am-9pm, free. Tokyo
Midtown. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34753100. http://meturl.com/
midtownmarche2013
Soramachi Christmas
Market
Mulled wine, European
nibbles and crafts. Until Dec
25, daily 11am-10pm, free.
Tokyo Soramachi. Nearest
stn: Asakusa or Oshiage.
Tree of Hope
Sale of exquisite Christmas
ornaments where a
percentage of the proceeds
go to charity. Until Dec 25, all
day, ¥2,500 per ornament.
The Peninsula Hotel Lobby.
Nearest stn: Hibiya. www.
peninsula.com/Tokyo
Winter goodies and treats.
Until Dec 25, 5-8pm weekdays,
11am-8pm Sat, Sun & Hols, free.
Ark Karajan Place. Nearest
stn: Roppongi-Itchome. Tel:
03-6406-6663. www.arkhills.
com/event
Community
The Cat's Meow
Modern speakeasy presents
a book reading and signing
with Japantown author Barry
Lancet. Hardcover book,
welcome drink and snacks
included. Dec 6, 8-10pm,
¥4,000. Biscotti Tapas. Nearest
stn: Yoyogi Uehara. http://
kimiecat.wordpress.com
Charity Concert for
Typhoon Haiyan Victims
Roppongi Tenmon Club
Christmas Flea City
Tel: 03-3433-6321
Seasonal Food Marché
Christmas Food Market
Trinkets, party goods and
other handy things in time
for Christmas. Until Dec 21,
10am-2pm, every Sat, free.
Tel: 03-6406-6663. www.
arkhills.com/event
Tokyo Tower
German-style huts line the
plaza selling hot wine, stollen
and traditional crafts. Until
Dec 25, daily 11am-10pm,
free. Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Nearest stn:
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-2272002. www.yokohamaakarenga.jp
Artists from all over the Big
Mikan join to raise money
for the Save The Children
Foundation in the Philippines.
Dec 12, 7pm, ¥2,000 (1d incl.).
What the Dickens. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-3780-2099. www.
whatthedickens.jp
Love & Gift
5 minutes walk
Christmas Market
A holiday twist to the
regular earth-friendly
market. Dec 14, 11am-6pm,
free. Park Hyatt Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. info@
euofa.jp www.facebook.
com/organicmarket.tokyo
Seasonal delicacies from all
over the world. Until Dec 20,
5-9pm, every Friday, free.
Tel: 03-6406-6663. www.
arkhills.com/event
We feature an extensive and affordable variety of unique
and authentic objects d’art to satisfy virtually any taste
guaranteeing that your Japanese memento will be distinctive.
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/L
Star gazing with other
astronomy enthusiasts. ;
Dec 27, 7-9pm. ¥500-1,500
(entrance fee) + ¥2,000
(seminar, optional). Tokyo City
View. Tel: 03-6406-6652. http://
meturl.com/tenmon
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art
School
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike. Every third Wed, 7pm,
¥2,000, The Pink Cow. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-64345773. cowmail@thepinkcow.
com www.drsketchytokyo.
wordpress.com
Learning
Christmas Deco Brooch
Workshop
Design your own felt brooch,
just in time for Christmas! For
kids of all ages. Dec 7, 4pm,
¥1,000. Omotesando Hills.
Nearest stn: Omotesando
or Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
laforet1@kiwa-inc.co.jp. www.
omotesandohills.com/event
Champagne Christmas
Wine Dinner
Wine seminar with a
French gourmet dinner.
Dec 14, 7-10:30pm, ¥10,980
(adv). Legato. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.meetup.
com/wineseminartokyo/
events/150836272
Children's Gingerbread
House Decoration Class
Design a candy house with
afternoon tea after. For
children ages 3 and over. Dec
21, 2pm, ¥8,500 (per parent
and child pair). Shangri-La
Hotel. Nearest stn: Otemachi
or Tokyo. Tel: 03-6739-7888.
www.shangri-la.com/tokyo
Ladies' Gingerbread
House Decoration Class
Design your own candy house.
Afternoon tea with champagne
included. Dec 22, noon, ¥8,500.
Shangri-La Hotel. Nearest
stn: Otemachi or Tokyo. Tel:
03-6739-7888. www.shangri-la.
com/tokyo
Fish Ornament Workshop
Make your own fish-shaped
ornament for this year's
Christmas tree. Until Dec
25, daily from 10am, free
(materials)/ ¥600-2,000
(aquarium entrance fee).
Sumida Aquarium. Nearest
stn: Oshiage. www.sumidaaquarium.com
Other Events
British Cheese Tasting
All-you-can-eat UK and
Irish artisanal cheeses and
free sangria. Dec 8, 2-6pm,
¥3,500. The White Fox. 2F,
Kouei Ekimae Bldg. 1-1-11
Kishimachi. Nearest stn: Oji.
www.thewhitefox.jp
Christmas Tree and City
Skyline Night Cruise
Catch the breathtaking
city view at dusk from the
waters of Tokyo Bay. ; Dec 14
& 21-25, 5pm, ¥500-1,000.
Chiba Port Tower. Nearest
stn: Chiba Minato. www.
chiba-porttower.com
Tokyo Fashion Fuse 7
Fashion show feat Sumire
and DJ Ken Ishii. Dec 14, 9pm,
¥3,000 (w flyer or Facebook
click)/ ¥4,000 (door). Izumi
Garden Gallery. Nearest stn:
Roppongi-Itchome. info@
streetleveltokyo.com http://
iflyer.tv/ja/event/162694
Take a Photo with Santa
Limited to 50 families by a
lottery system. See website
for entry details. Dec 20,
5-6pm, ¥1,000 (per group).
Imperial Hotel. Nearest stn:
Hibiya. Tel: 03-3539-8240.
Feed an Elephant:
Christmas Version
Give an early xmas present to
one of the zoo's most popular
residents. Dec 21-23, 2pm,
¥200-500. Kanazawa Zoo.
Nearest stn: Kanazawabunko.
www2.kanazawa-zoo.org
Christmas Party with
Santa
Children receive a toy and
a photo with Santa. Dec 21,
11:30am & 5pm, ¥9,000
(4-12 yrs)/ ¥17,000 (adults).
Imperial Hotel. Nearest stn:
Hibiya. Tel: 0120-111-569.
Thank You Candle
Write a message of gratitude
on a candle, then line up with
others to create a giant heart.
Dec 24, sunset-8pm, ¥1,000
per candle. Yokohama Red
Brick Warehouse. Nearest stn:
Minatomirai. Tel: 045-2111515. www.welcome.city.
yokohama.jp
Yokohama Christmas:
Singing Tree
Until Dec 25, from 5:30pm, free.
Queen's Square. Nearest stn:
Minato Mirai. www.qsy-tqc.jp
Whisky Hills 2013
Discounted or free whisky
samples abound at
participating restaurants.
Nov 12-Dec 25, various times,
various prices. Roppongi
Hills. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
www.whiskyhills.jp
Film
Swedish Film Festival
Classic and new films by
Swedish directors. Nov
30-Dec 6, various times,
¥500-1,500. Eurospace.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://
meturl.com/swefilm2013
Poland Film Festival
A selection of works by Polish
filmmakers ranging from
the 1950s to as recent as
2011. Nov 30-Dec 13, various
times, ¥1,200 (adv)/ ¥1,500
(door)/ ¥8,000 (free pass to
all screenings). Image Forum.
polandfilmfes.com
Christmas
Services
0422 Citizens' Christmas
Service
Dec 14, 10:30am. Kichijoji
Catholic Church.1-7-8
Gotenyama, Musashino-shi.
Nearest stn: Kichijoji. www.
svdtokyo.jp
LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS
Christmas Eve Candlelight
Worship Service
Dec 23, 4pm. St. Paul
International Lutheran
Church. 1-2-32 Fujimi,
Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn:
Iidabashi.
Tokyo Baptist Church
Service
Dec 24, 5 , 7 & 9pm. Tokyo
Baptist Church. 9-2
Hachiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku.
info@tokyobaptist.org.
www.tokyobaptist.org
Worship Service
Dec 24, 4 & 6:30 & 8pm. Tokyo
Union Church. Nearest stn:
Omotesando or Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3400-0047. www.
tokyounion.org
Sunday School Nativity
Play
The Christmas story. Dec 24,
7pm, free. St. Alban's Anglican
Episcopal Church. 3-6-25 Shiba
Koen, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Kamiyacho. stalbans@
saintalbans.jp.
www.saintalbans.jp
Christmas Day Service
Prince in Hakone. Nearest stn:
Hakone Yumoto. www.tbs.
co.jp/l-prince/e
Omotesando Illumination:
Let's Give Happiness
Until Jan 5, from sunset, free.
Omotesando area. Nearest
omotesandohills.com
Tama Center Illumination
Until Jan 7, daily from 4:30pm,
free. Tama Center. Nearest
stn: Tama Center. www.
tamacenter-cm.com/illumi
Shinbashi Christmas
Illumination
Until Jan 10, from 5pm, free. SL
Hiroba. Nearest stn: Shinbashi.
http:// meturl.com/sl2013
Bright Christmas
Until Dec 25, daily from 5pm,
free. Yokohama Landmark
Tower. Nearest stn: Minato
Mirai. www.marunouchi.com/
feature_jp/13xmas
Hikari no Saiten
Until Dec 25, daily from
4:30pm, free. Motofuchie
Park, Adachi-ku. Nearest stn:
Takenotsuka. http:// meturl.
com/adachihikari2013
Dec 25, 11am. Tokyo
Union Church. Nearest stn:
Omotesando or Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3400-0047. www.
tokyounion.org
Xmas Wonderland
Christmas Day Mass
Baccarat Eternal Lights
Dec 25, 8:30 & 10am & 6pm.
St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
6-5-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku.
Nearest stn: Iidabashi. www.
ignatius.gr.jp/eng
Traditional Christmas
Morning Worship Service
of Holy Communion
Dec 25, 11am. St. Paul
International Lutheran
Church. 1-2-32 Fujimi.
Nearest stn: Iidabashi. info@
spilchurchtokyo.org.
www.spilchurchtokyo.org
free. Shibuya Hikarie. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.hikarie.jp/
special/2013/xmas
Until Jan 13, daily from 4pm,
free. Ebisu Garden Place.
Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.
gardenplace.jp
Christmas Decorations
and Model Christmas Train
Until Jan 13, all day, free.
Hilton Tokyo Bay Lobby.
Nearest stn: Maihama. www.
hiltontokyobay.jp
Tiara of Light
Holiday Lights
free. Ginza and Kasumigaseki
area. Nearest stn: Ginza.
http:// mi-mo.jp/pc/special/
xmas2013_illumination
White Kitte
Utsunomiya Illumination
free. JP Tower Kitte. 2-7-2
Marunouchi. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. http:// jptower-kitte.jp/
white-kitte
Daikanyama Dix Sept
Christmas Illuminations
Until Dec 25, daily from sunset,
free. Daikanyama Dix Sept.
www.17dixsept.jp
British Christmas
free. Marionnier Gate. 2-2-14
Ginza, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Yurakucho. www.
marronniergate.com
Aoyama Christmas Circus
Avex Bldg Plaza. 3-1-30 MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest
ustream.tv/channel/accavex
Megurogawa Minna no
Illumi
Until Dec 25, daily from sunset,
free. Along part of the Meguro
river. Nearest stn: Ozaki or
Gotanda. www.minna-noillumi.com
Winter Vista Illumination
¥80-400. Showa Kinen Park.
Nearest stn: Tachikawa. www.
showakinenpark.go.jp
free. Across Utsunomiya city.
Nearest stn: Utsunomiya.
http:// meturl.com/utsu2013
Tokyo Skytree Town
Illumination
free. Tokyo Soramachi. Nearest
stn: Asakusa or Oshiage.
Blue Lights Symphony
Until Feb 14, daily from
5pm, free. Keyaki Hiroba,
Saitama Shintoshin. Nearest
stn: Saitama Shintoshin.
www.saitama-arena.co.jp/
illumination2012
Marunouchi Illuminations
Until Feb 16, daily from 5pm,
free. Marunouchi area. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. www.marunouchi.
com
Tokyo Dome City Winter
Illumination
Nov 7-Feb 16, from 5pm, free.
okyo Dome City. Nearest stn:
Korakuen or Suidobashi.
www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/
illumination/2013
Jewellumination
Until Feb 16, from 4pm,
¥500-1,200. Yomiuriland.
Nearest stn: Yomiurilandmae.
www.yomiuriland.com/
jewellumination
UDX'mas Illumination
Oto to Hikari no
Omotenashi
Winter Illuminations
Night Venus - Light for
Wishing
Nov 25-Dec 25, daily from
5:15pm, free. Akihabara UDX.
Nearest stn: Akihabara. Tel:
03-5289-0989. www.udx.jp
Tokyo Diver City Plaza. Nearest
stn: Daiba. www.divercitytokyo.com
Romantic Starry Night
Until Jan 5, daily from 3:30pm,
free. The Museum of the Little
Until Mar 2, from 5pm, free.
Akasaka Sacas. Nearest stn:
Akasaka. sacas.net
Until Mar 16, daily from noon,
free. VenusFort. Nearest stn:
Aoumi. Tel: 03-3599-0700.
www.venusfort.co.jp/illumi
Winter Fantasy
Until Apr 9, from sunset, free.
Cosmo Clock 21, Cosmo World.
THE
Nearest stn: Minato Mirai.
www.senyo.co.jp/cosmo
Lake Sagami Illumillion
Until Apr 13, from 5pm,
¥300-500. Sagamiko Resort
Pleasure Forest. Nearest stn:
Sagamiko. www.sagamikoresort.jp/illumillion
Tokyo Gate Bridge
Illumination
Dec 24,from sunset, free.
Iwakasu Park. Nearest stn:
Iwakasu Koen Kanpujo.
http:// meturl.com/
iwakasupark
Sky Illumination
Until Dec 25, Mon-Thu &
Sun 10am-11pm, Fri, Sat &
before Hols 1am, ¥500-1,500.
Tokyo City View. www.
roppongihills.com/events
Roppongi Hills
Illumination
free. Roppongi Hills. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-64066000. www.roppongihills.
com/events
Starlight Garden
5pm, free. Tokyo Midtown.
Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3475-3100. www.
tokyo-midtown.com/jp/
xmas/2013/illumination
Aqua Marine Magic
Until Dec 25, daily
11am-11pm, free. Aqua City.
Nearest stn: Odaiba Kaihin
Koen. www.aquacity.jp
Caretta Illumination —
White Xmas in the Sea
free. Caretta Shiodome.
Nearest stn: Shiodome. Tel:
03-6218-2100. www.caretta.
jp/illumi2013
Tokyo Tower Christmas
Illumination
free. Tokyo Tower. Nearest
stn: Akabanebashi. www.
tokyotower.co.jp
Illumination Museum
Until Dec 25, depends
on location, free. Office
buildings and hotels
around West Shinjuku.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku or
Nishi-Shinjuku. www.
machigurumi.net
Christmas Shining
Lights
Until Dec 25, 11am-11pm,
free. Omotesando Hills.
Nearest stn: Omotesando
or Meiji-jingumae. Tel:
03-3497-0310. www.
omotesandohills.com/
event
Christmas Illumination
Nov 6-Dec 25, from 4:30pm,
free. Lalaport Yokohama.
Nearest stn: Kamoi. http://
yokohama.lalaport.jp
Xmas Illumination
4:45pm, free. Lalaport Tokyo
Bay. Nearest stn: Minami
Funabashi. http:// tokyobay.
lalaport.net
E
C
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DA HOP
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instruction in both English and Japanese.
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working for many famous artist and
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Here are some of the artist and
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Starts this December!
Every Saturday from 5:30-6:30pm
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us: 080-4346-9405 (Eng/Jap ok!)
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バンゲリングベイ
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4-6-10 Nakamachi,
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info@bungelingbay.com
www.bungelingbay.com
facebook.com/bungeebisu
Tel: 03-6905-6573
Christmas Illumination
and Show
5pm, free. Chiba Port Tower.
Nearest stn: Chiba Minato.
www.chiba-porttower.com
Mark IS Minato Mirai
Christmas
Until Dec 25, all day, free.
3-5-1 Minato Mirai. Nearest
stn: Minato Mirai. www.
mec-markis.jp/mm
Tokyo Michi Terrace Starlight Walk
Until Dec 29, from 5pm, free.
Marunouchi area. Nearest
stn: Tokyo.
Towers Milight: All Office
Buildings Light Up
Dec 24, 4:30-9:30pm, free.
Minato Mirai area. Nearest
stn: Minato Mirai. www.
minatomirai21.com
Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON
47 RONIN
W
hen their daimyo is tricked into having
to commit seppuku, his now-masterless
samurai get their revenge, but at the
price of their own ritual suicides. This
tale of honor, loyalty and sacrifice is the most famous
example of the bushido code, and amounts to Japan’s
“national legend.” Then there’s this movie. Granted,
most Chushingura dramatizations are fictionalized,
but this one takes the pink potato. A monster-slaying
Keanu Reeves (and where is Steven Seagal when you
really need him?), after worming his way into the title
troop, proceeds to rally and reboot the retired ronin,
but first must battle CG monsters and giant gladiators,
and outsmart forest demons to acquire swords—all
this to give the creators of the crappy 3D something
to do. The sets are more Temple of Doom than feudal
Japan. The dialogue’s eye-rollingly corny, and the
(over)acting by a mostly Japanese cast almost makes
Keanu look good. (It’s shown in two versions: Japanese
and tortured English.) This is one of the worst movies
ever made. Someone should do jail time for making a
movie this bad. If I were Japanese I’d protest in front of
the American Embassy. All that said, however, it does
have hilarious bad-movie potential. A few drinks first
wouldn’t hurt. (121 min)
THE SESSIONS
NEW
A 38-year-old polio-paralyzed
Berkeley poet with a droll sense
of humor decides that he wants
to lose his virginity before he hits
his “sell-by” date, and engages a
sex therapist (Helen Hunt). This
heartwarming film treats the
subject of sex for the disabled with a rare explicitness and
honesty, tenderness and humor. No emotional button-pushing.
Hunt is at her most engaging, but the focus is on the versatile
John Hawkes. Is this really the same actor who played the scary
uncle in Winter’s Bone? William H. Macy’s Catholic confessor
serves mainly to save us from a continuous expository
voiceover. Just see it. (91 min)
THE BIG WEDDING
Wit h a t it le t h is gener ic , a n
ensemble cast comprising some
hot young actors and a few old
vets, a hackneyed central conceit
involving pretending to still be
married and a poster with everyone smiling moronically, could
this be anything but a feature-length studio sitcom? This multiplex
fodder is forced, flaccid and tonally clueless, but so innocuous that
it’s difficult to even bother criticizing. None of the acting is bad, but
neither is anyone actually believable (though Robert De Niro,
Susan Sarandon and Diane Keaton at least appear to be having
a good time for their paychecks). Airline movie. Japanese title:
Griffinka no Wedding Note. (90 min)
THE CALL
Halle Berry’s a 911 operator
already shaken by the recent
death of a young kidnapped caller.
She takes a call from a generally
irritating Abigail Breslin, who’s
been locked in the trunk of a car,
likely by the same killer, and the
game’s afoot. While Berry stays at
her call-center post using only her professional smarts, this is a
mildly effective suspense thriller. But then the filmmakers, unable
to resist bringing their star into the action, blow the novelty of their
own premise by having her leave her desk and go after the bad
guy herself, and it all devolves into insultingly stupid serial-killer
drivel. Japanese title: The Call: Kinkyu Tsuhou Shirei Shitsu. (94 min)
GOOD OL’ FREDA
NEW
Liverpudlian Freda Kelly in the
60s had the best job a girl could
ask for, as secretary to the Beatles
and head of their fan club from
1963 until their breakup 11 years
later. Nice lady. She still works
as a secretary. Missing from this
inessential account of the band’s early days are any juicy gossip
tidbits or insider insights. “George was the quiet one” is as deep as
it gets. The mildly interesting chronological account of the band’s
growing popularity repeatedly returns to the uninteresting topic
of answering all that fan mail. The vibe is positive, but soon it all
begins to sound alike. Japanese title: Aishi no Freda. (86 min)
SHOWING FROM DEC 7.
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Paul Greengrass can craft
incredibly suspenseful films
around true incidents for which
we already know the outcome.
This you-are-there dramatization of the 2009 hijacking of an
American freighter upends the
conventional Hollywood idea of the action hero. Tom Hanks’s
Captain Phillips is an everyman whose only weapons are guile
and intelligence. The film focuses on the relationship between
Phillips and the Somali pirate captain (a terrific Barkhad Abdi).
In the transcendent final ten minutes, Phillips, safe at last,
finally allows himself to react to four days of terror. Absolutely
devastating. (134 min)
A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE
It’s real-world reassuring to know
that most serial killers exist only
in serial killer movies. Unless of
course you’re me and have to sit
through them all. So I’ve developed a grudging appreciation
for the work of Adam Wingard
(You’re Next) who manages to make mostly effective crime
and horror flicks without resorting to excessive gore. Faint
praise, but it’s better than torture porn. This charmingly titled
flick, apparently shot on a handycam set on out-of-focus,
follows separately an escaped SK and his former girlfriend as
their paths gradually converge. Contrived, WTF twist ending.
Japanese title: Beautiful Die. (87 min)
BLANCANIEVES
NEW
I f yo u ’ r e u p fo r s o m e t h i n g
completely different, try on this
visually stunning, painstakingly
crafted B&W silent movie from
Spa i n , w r iter/d i re ctor Pablo
Berger’s knowing riff on the
Grimm boys’ Snow White. (A few
dialogue cards in Spanish, but you can figure them out.) With
its bullfighting motif, dark wit, and a kinky dominatrix of an
evil stepmother, this magical, macabre, melancholy movie is
definitely not for kids. (Toto, I don’t think we’re in Disneyland
anymore.) I’d call the symphonically lush, flamenco-themed
score intrusive if it didn’t work so perfectly in every scene. ¡Ole!
(104 min) SHOWING FROM DEC 7.
RED 2
Unwarranted, inferior sequel
seems unaware that it used up the
novelty of gun-toting geezers in
its trashy fun 2010 predecessor.
A little of this stuff goes a long
way. Actors Helen Mirren, John
Ma lkov ich and Ma r y-Louise
Parker again venture into Bruce Willis mindless movie-star land,
this time pulling in Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones and
Byung-hun Lee with them. I’d say its attitude toward copious
minion-killing is rather blasé for a comedy, but that would imply
that it’s funny. And save for a few zingers from John Malkovich’s
LSD-addled former agent, it’s not, really. Japanese title: Red
Returns. (112 min)
SNITCH
Although the story of a guiltridden everyman father going
undercover against the drug
gangs to save his clueless son is
so stale that it’s growing mold,
this passable action-thriller gives
Dwayne Johnson the opportunity to do more than scowl and spout one-liners. It’s his best
work to date. He actually out-acts costar Susan Sarandon, but
to be fair she’s just ticking over on idle here. The dialogue’s
pulpy and the hand-held camerawork’s nauseating, but the
story is character-driven an at least toys with moral ambiguity before getting to the 18-wheeler chase. Japanese title:
Overdrive. (112 min)
47 RONIN: © UNIVERSAL PICTURES; THE SESSIONS: ©2012 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX; GOOD OL’ FREDA: COURTESY OF FREDA KELLY; BLANCANIEVES: © 2011 ARCADIA MOTION PICTURES SL, NIX FILMS AIE, SISIFO FILMS AIE, THE KRAKEN FILMS AIE, NOODLES PRODUCTION, ARTE FRANCE CINÉMA.;
THE BIG WEDDING: © WEDDING PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; CAPTAIN PHILLIPS: © 2013 COLUMBIA PICTURES INDUSTRIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; RED 2: 2013 SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE CALL: ©2013 EMERGENCY FILMS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED.; A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE: © 2011 AHWTD LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; SNITCH: ©2012 SNITCH FILM HOLDINGS, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; BEAUTIFUL CREATURES: © 2013 ALCON ENTERTAINMENT, LLC.; AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY: ©2012 NEVER SORRY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE
PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER: ©2013 SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; CAN’T STAND LOSING YOU-SURVIVING THE POLICE: COPYRIGHT 2012 OTL DISTRIBUTION LLC.; CHRISTMAS FLICKS: © AARDMAN ANIMATIONS; EIGA: © 2013 畑事務所・GNDHDDTK ; MOVIE NEWS: ©
YUKO HARAMI; CINEMATIC UNDERGROUND: © NORDICSTORIES.
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
The clunky plot in this blatant,
southern-fried Twilight cash-in
clone has this literary jock kid
falling for the new girl in school. It
then transpires that she’s a witch,
see, but we won’t know if she’ll be
a light witch or a dark one until her
approaching 16th birthday. Or something. Either the film doesn’t
really grasp or can’t be bothered to explain its own pseudo-lore.
What does it mean to be claimed by the dark? Pretty ho-hum
stuff for non-target ‘tweeners. Fortunately, pedigreed Brit actors
Jeremy Irons and Emma Thompson liven things up with their
inspired, honey-dripped scenery-chewing. (125 min)
AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY
He designed the “ Bird’s Nest ”
stadium and then denounced the
Olympics as propaganda. When
scrutinized by the Communist
Party, he wryly turned his life
into a production. This plucky,
charismatic, ursine man with
his deadpan, caustic sense of humor is China’s best known and
the Party’s least favorite artist/dissident. His art is messing with
the bureaucratic mindset. If this fine documentary by Alison
Klayman has an unfinished feel, it’s because the recently
arrested Ai’s life is a work in progress. Let’s hope there will be a
sequel. Note: Half in Mandarin, but urgent and inspiring enough
to see anyway. Japanese title: Ai Weiwei: Ayamaranai. (91 min)
eiga
KAGUYA HIME NO MONOGATARI
Rob Schwartz
T
he Studio Ghibli franchise is mostly associated with superstar director Hayao Miyazaki,
but the filmmaker formed the studio back
in 1985 with another renowned auteur, Isao Takahata. Takahata was nearly as prolific as Miyazaki for
a number of years but hasn't made a feature since
1999—until now. His latest is a wonderfully crafted
fairytale piece based on the ancient Japanese story,
the Tale of Princess Kaguya. Okina (Takeo Chii), an
elderly forester, finds a glowing bamboo stalk in the
woods and is shocked to discover a tiny girl inside
(Aki Asakura), which the befuddled man takes home to wife Ouna (Nobuko Miyamoto). Reminiscent of both
Miyazaki and Japanese folk tales in general, the girl shapeshifts into a baby that the couple feel obliged to raise.
She grows at a flabbergasting rate and as she matures Okina finds treasures and gold in the forest. Newly rich, the
couple give their daughter a mansion and servants but the girl yearns for the rough and common neighborhood of
her parents’ poor birth. Aristocrats court her to no avail and even the Emperor cannot win her. The denouement
reveals her otherworldly heritage. Charming, poetic and evocative, Takahata has reached into Japanese lore for a
winner. English title: The Tale of Princess Kaguya. (137 min)
movie news
THE PERKS OF BEING A
WALLFLOWER
We’ve all seen too many sappy
coming-of-age movies about
fitting in and being yourself. But
somehow this one from writer/
d i r e c to r S te p h e n C h b o s k y
manages to take a fresh look at
the positive aspects of being on the outside looking in. Charlie
(Logan Lerman) is a troubled freshman who is befriended by
a pair of perfectly happy senior-class outcasts (Ezra Miller &
Emma Watson). Their older and artsier crowd adopts Charlie
and helps him face down some dark, guilt-driven demons.
This nuanced, unsentimental ode to the power of supportive
friends is warm and wise, sad and amusing, and not at all unhip.
Japanese title: Wallflower. (102 min)
CAN’T STAND LOSING
YOU: SURVIVING THE
POLICE
This candid and entertaining
look at the rock group’s sevenyear history, interspersed with
foota ge f rom their 2007-08
reunion tour, is adapted from
Andy Summers’s popular autobiography One Train Later.
What makes it so much more personal than most rock docs is
the inclusion of the guitarist’s own, most excellent still photography. Man has a second talent. Few talking heads, not even
Sting or Stuart Copeland. Of note to us here in Tokyoland is a
scene in which Summers is strolling past a tiny karaoke bar in
Shinjuku’s Golden Gai district that’s belting out “Every Breath
You Take.” He goes in... (82 min)
CHRISTMAS FLICKS
Home for the holidays? Get
into the spirit of the season
by taking home some holiday
f i l m s on DV D. A Chr ist mas
Carol: The Musical (2004) TV's
Kelsey Grammer proves he
can actually carry a tune in
this song-filled, family-friendly take on the Dickens tale
costarring Jane Krakowski and Jason Alexander...Woody
Allen's Everyone Says I Love You (1996) follows an extended
family over one year of holidays from New York to Venice to
a grand musical ending in Paris....The computer animated
Arthur Christmas (2011; pictured) offers a familiar story of
a loser proving himself by saving Christmas, but the all-star
(mostly British) voice cast gives it heart. Kevin Mcgue
W
hen Pablo Berger released Blancanieves, a new silent
film made in the style of 1920s cinema, many critics
said that he was just riding on the coattails of The Artist.
What they don’t realize is that it’s not possible to plan and produce
a film in under a year, especially one that transplants the fairy tale
of Snow White into the world of Spanish bullfighting. “Big budget
films like this move like elephants,” Berger told Metropolis from his
home in Madrid. “I wrote the script in 2004 and the first page said,
'This is a black-and-white silent film.' Most people laughed in my face
and didn’t read it. Those who did laughed even more because they
saw how expensive it would be.” But after nearly a decade, his persistence finally paid off. When The Artist became the first silent to win
the Best Picture Oscar since 1929, Berger’s film was already in the can, but he admits the buzz helped prime audiences for his film. Although the director used many of the conventions of the silent age, including a square format
screen, he also allowed himself modern techniques such as spitfire editing. “I didn’t want to make a silent film for
‘20s audiences, but for audiences now,” he explains. “People can process images much more quickly now. I wanted
to appeal to them, but also have them experience seeing a silent film in the cinema.” Blancanieves screens from
December 7 at Shinjuku Musashinokan. KM
cinematic underground
T
he English-language documentary Liv & Ingmar (2012; pictured) draws on interviews,
archival footage and film clips to explore
the 42-year creative and romantic relationship
between acclaimed Swedish director Ingmar
Bergman and his frequent star Liv Ullmann.
Screening from December 7 at Shibuya’s Eurospace
(1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku; www.eurospace.
co.jp)... Director Fabrice Gobert brings new edginess
to French cinema with Lights Out (2010), a thriller
about high school students whose weekend
party takes a dark turn when they discover the body of a classmate in the forest. With a soundtrack by now
defunct band Sonic Youth. Screening from December 14 at Eurospace…Prolific French director François
Ozon has one film in theaters and another on the way. In the House (2012), on at Bunkamura’s Le Cinema (2-24-1
Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku; www.bunkamura.co.jp) until December 13, tells the story of a high school teacher (Fabrice Luchini ) who falls into a trap a student sets when he hands in an essay about his taboo relationship with a
classmate’s mother. Ozon’s latest, Jeune & Jolie, is due out next February. The 46-year old filmmaker has averaged
one film per year since 1999. KM
Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only.
LOOKING GOOD
Christmas Special
AKAI MEDICAL CLINIC Aoyama Clinic
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Botox & fillers 50% off
▶▶ Aurora & Aurora Pro (for skin
rejuvenation) 50% off
▶▶ Polaris & Refirm (for lift-up) 50% off
▶▶ Laser hair removal 50% off
▶▶ AccuSculpt laser-lipo 30% off
▶▶ Thread lift 30% off
B
efore heading home for the holidays, improve your appearance with a visit to Akai Clinic, which uses the
latest clinical technology available in Japan. The clinic offers cosmetic surgery as well as non-surgical
treatments using machinery certified by the FDA. Solari, Spectra and Aurora Pro treatments address
freckles, broken capillaries, large pores and sun damage. Inifini, Refirm, eCO2, Affirm and EndyMed are used for
lift-up procedures and Botox, fillers and fat and stem cell injections are effective against wrinkles. A thread lift
procedure can make you look younger and AccuSculpt laser lipo shapes your face and body with minimal damage. Dr. Hidemi Akai is a Harvard Medical School-trained plastic surgeon and Dr. Keiko Akai is a board-certified
plastic surgeon and dermatologist.
AZABU SKIN CLINIC Ebisu Clinic
3F KNK Bldg., 3-5-17 Kita-aoyama, Minato-ku
03-5771-4114
Omotesando
4F Quadrifoglio, 5-14 Kinkocho,
Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama
045-620-5745
Yokohama
amc@akaiclinic.com
www.akaiclinic.com
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Therma Cool CPT: 72% off
▶▶ Photo facial trial: ¥12,500
▶▶ Laser hair removal trial
(armpits): ¥1,950
▶▶ Body Thermacool CPT: 35% off
▶▶ Critation RF Trial: ¥7,500
▶▶ Botox and fillers: 53-73% off
P
repare for Christmas and the end of the year party circuit by taking care of face and body problems at
Azabu Skin Clinic. The clinic offers Therma Cool CPT, an effective treatment for saggy skin and wrinkles,
Botox and fillers that work against facial furrows while Vbeam and photo facial can deal with broken
capillaries that proliferate during the colder season. A photo facial rejuvenates and whitens the face and body
and concentrated vitamin C drips lighten the skin. Other services include laser hair removal, hormone replacement therapy and fat cavitation. Director Dr. Kawashima is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging
Medicine and Surgery and offers consultations in English.
BLANL’OR NAIL SALON Shirokane-Takanawa Nails
7F Hagiwara 1 Bldg, 1-3-1, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
0120-005-327 (clinic), 0120-890-992
(medical spa)
info@azabu-skinclinic.com
Mon-Fri 11am-7pm (Wed until 8pm); Dec 31
10am-3pm; closed Jan 1-4
Ebisu
www.azabu-skinclinic.com
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ 5% off pedicure and manicure
combination
▶▶ Free massage with manicure
service
▶▶ Mention Metropolis and receive
a complimentary foot massage (first-time
visitors only)
SERVICES
▶▶ Manicure* = ¥3,200
▶▶ Pedicure* = ¥4,900
▶▶ Color gel* = ¥5,250▶
(*incl. filing, cuticle care, buff & polish)
J
ust a short walk from Shirokane-Takanawa station is Nail Salon Blanl’or, a favorite with local residents who
come for the attentive treatment by the Japanese staff. A warm white and brown interior with comfortable
reclining sofas makes for a relaxing atmosphere, where clients can unwind and watch television or DVDs
during their appointment. Friendly English-speaking staff begin all treatments with a massage from the fingertips to the wrist to promote circulation and healthy nails in the hands. For your tired and neglected feet, the team
will perform a proper exfoliation to remove cuticles and dried skin from the soles—highly recommended for
people who have been wearing sandals all summer.
18 ● SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
2F Wada Bldg, 1-25-2 Shirokane, Minato-ku
03-6904-0053
10am-7pm, closed Tue
nail.blanlor.jp/en
LOOKING GOOD
DUDE Shimokitazawa Hair
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Free consultation in English for
Metropolis readers
A
t a typical Japanese hair salon you are confronted by an army of staff fawning over you like a movie star or
minor member of the Royal Family. And instead of just getting on with the job, they wrap you up like a Victorian doll and subject you to endless interrogation about what you eat and don’t eat, where you’re from,
the weather in Japan and your home country and other delightful topics. This might be great for some people, but
if you just want to have your hair cut with no extra hassle, you should zero in on Dude. Located among the trendy
lanes of Shimokitazawa, Dude is a salon with its priorities firmly in place. Friendly and efficient, the staff give both
dudes and dudettes what they came for—the stylish haircut that suits them best. They also provide a totally relaxing atmosphere that leaves their customers in peace. So aim for a hassle-free life—and haircut—at Dude.
GOLD SALON Azabu-Juban Hair
2-26-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku
03-3468-9116
dude-hair@nifty.com
Wed & Fri 10am-7:30pm, Thu 10am-8:30pm,
Sat-Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon-Tue
Shimokitazawa
www.dude.jp
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ 20% of the total service bill for
new clients on their first visit.
G
old Salon’s team of hair stylists have spent years honing their skills under the direction of salon director Howard Regner and can work with all manner of hair types to provide the level of service their discerning clients
demand. Over 98% of clientele, whom the salon calls “guests”, are foreign ex-pats. The team’s strength lies in
the ability to communicate with clients to gain a thorough understanding of each individual’s desired look before
picking up any tools. All staff adhere to the “Sticking to the Brief” policy, which means whatever the guest has said
during the consultation stage will be followed to the letter. If your hair starts to behave in an unexpected way, your
stylist will stop and consult with you again. All stylists are fluent in English. For Tokyo’s best crafted haircuts, beautiful, natural looking hair colors and the sleekest, smoothest Brazilian Keratin Treatments, the only choice is Gold.
INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY Akabanebashi Esthetic
6F, 4-1-9 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku
03-6436-0228 0
Mon & Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, closed Tue &
Sun
Azabu-Juban
www.goldsalontokyo.com
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Metropolis readers can bring this
ad and receive 10% off Brazilian
Keratin treatment or ¥1,000 off a
Brazilian wax.
W
here would you go to get a Brazilian wax or Brazilian keratin treatment? There are many choices,
including Japanese salons and those run by expats. But if you wanted a steak dinner, you wouldn’t
go to a sushi bar, you would go to a steak house. And for Brazilian treatments you should go to a true
Brazilian salon with stylist trained in Brazil. Anyone can apply wax on your body or put Keratin in your hair,
but the Brazilian is a special technique that leaves your skin feeling sexy and smooth. The staff at Estetica Brasil
Beauty are fully trained in Brazil and keep up to date with all the new and improved techniques. Just remember:
if it wasn't for the Brazilian, we would all be hairy down there or walking around with razor cuts.
3A Sanki Bldg, 2-2-12 Azabudai, Minato-ku
03-3505-2558
Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm, closed Mon
Akabanebashi
www.esteticabrasilbeauty.com
#1028 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 19
LOOKING GOOD
Christmas Special
MAPLE ORTHODONTIC CLINIC Ningyocho Dental Clinic
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ 5% off orthodontic treatment for
Metropolis readers
S
traightening teeth is a great way to improve smiles and self esteem. For best results it’s never too early
to find a good orthodontist for the kids—like Nihonbashi’s Maple Clinic. Maple’s Dr. George Yamaguchi, a
graduate of Hokkaido University School of Dental Medicine, was born in LA and lived in Toronto (hence
the maple emblem). He welcomes foreign clientele and their families to his beautifully designed and friendly
office. Maple Clinic specializes in low-cost, high-quality whitening and esthetic dental services with a free consultation and examination for first-time patients. If your family started treatment overseas, Dr. Yamaguchi will
continue it seamlessly at his clinic. He believes everyone should have access to orthodontic treatment, so Maple
Clinic provides world-class treatment in a state-of-the-art facility at a reasonable price.
MDSA Azabu-Juban Esthetic
1F Kobayashi Yoko Bldg, 1-15-7 Kakigara-cho,
Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
0120-199-053
Open Tue-Fri noon-3pm & 4-8pm, Sat-Sun
10am-1pm & 2:30-6:30pm, closed Mon
Suitengumae
www.maple-ortho.com
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Men: Upper back ¥17,400
(reg. ¥20,500)
▶▶ Women: both legs ¥20,800
(reg. ¥26,000)
SERVICES
▶▶ Men (per visit/per five sessions)▶
Full face: ¥29,250/¥87,750▶
"Speedo" area: from ¥8,500/¥29,000
▶▶ Women (per visit/per five sessions)▶
Both legs: ¥26,000/¥90,000▶
Bikini area: from ¥8,400/¥28,000
C
hristmas is a time for celebration and the New Year is a time for fresh beginnings. Both are perfect reasons
to get yourself cleaned up and looking fantastic as social occasions give you the chance to gleam in your
best party gear. MDSA Hair Removal Salon, just a two-minute walk from Azabu-Juban station, offers private treatment rooms and a reservation only policy to ensure privacy and comfort. Staff can speak English and
20% of the clientele are foreigners. Tools and procedures used to remove unwanted hair from backs, shoulders,
bellies and bikini lines come from the US. Head in for a free consultation and a localized hair-removal trial to see
for yourself how it works. You’ll be impressed by the efficiency, minimal discomfort and the good value. Rooms
can service two people, so bring friends or family along to benefit from MDSA's service.
PLAZA CLINIC Hiroo Skin Clinic
2F Ishihara Bldg, 3-7-1 Azabu-Juban,
Minato-ku
03-6435-1276
info@mds-a.jp
Mon-Fri noon-11:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols
10am-11:30pm
Azabu-Juban
http://mds-a.jp/english
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ 50% off laser hair removal (one
time offer, restrictions apply) plus
a free book, New You With Botox
I
f you’re considering cosmetic surgery, why not choose Plaza Clinic this Christmas, conveniently located near
Hiroo crossing? Head surgeon Dr. Robert Kure is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery—the only
plastic surgeon with this accolade in Japan—and was chief resident in plastic surgery at UCLA. Dr. Kure is always
working hard to ensure Plaza offers the very best in modern cosmetic care with up-to-the-minute equipment. The
clinic offers Botox treatment for wrinkles, as well as hyperhidrosis for hands and migraine headaches. Fillers such
as Restylane and Juvederm reduce lines and Retin-A and Obagi systems remove blemishes and wrinkles. The clinic
also offers facelifts, liposuction, laser tattoo and freckle removal and double eyelid procedures. English consultations
are offered and foreign insurance can be used for reconstructive and certain dermatological cases.
4F, 5-5-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
03-5475-2345
info@plazaclinic.net
Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat 9:30am-6pm
(by appointment), closed Thu & Sun
Hiroo
www.plazaclinic.net
LOOKING GOOD
POWERS HEALTH & BEAUTY Yotsuya Sanchome Nails
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ One color Shellac manicure,
¥3,900 (reg. ¥5,775, incl. removal)
SERVICES
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
POWERS
HEALTH&BEAUTY
H
ave you ever felt apprehensive when making an appointment for the first time at a nail salon? After
all, you don’t know what kind of people work there or what the salon is like. What if it is not a proper
salon, but just one room in an apartment? Or what if you have to walk down a narrow alley to get there?
Powers Health & Beauty alleviates all those worries. The salon is located less than a minute walk from Yotsuyasanchome station, which is just four minutes by train from Shinjuku. The salon is located on the first floor and
surrounded by glass, so you can see how clean the space is at first glance. The staff is serious about providing a
hygienic experience, sanitizing equipment and using separate files, buffs and woodsticks for each customer.
SAKAZEN Shibuya Clothing
Y
SIN DEN Omotesando Hair
1F MK Bldg, 1-12 Funamachi, Shinjuku-ku
03-6380-1860
info@powershb.co.jp
Mon-Sun noon-9pm
Yotsuya-Sanchome
http://r.goope.jp/powershb
WEBSITE
PRICE LIST
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
ou’re tired of trying on that classy shirt only to find that your physique defies Japanese clothing sizes—or
maybe you gave up trying a long time ago. Help can be found in the heart of Shibuya. Sakazen Shibuya
is the place to update your wardrobe for the New Year or pick out a holiday gift for a loved one. Offering
everything from casual clothing to formal suits, the shop specializes in fashion for big and tall men and also
stocks regular sizes, meaning there’s something for everyone. The Christmas sale kicks off December 6, with
gentlemen’s casual and business wear up to 80% off. Suits with an extra pair of pants can be had for ¥15,000
(reg. ¥51,450) or business jackets for ¥9,800 (reg. ¥40,950). World-famous brands including Versace, Armani
and Hugo Boss are available at great prices. So forget flying home to replenish your closet—just head to Shibuya.
All include cuticle care and one color
Manicure ¥4,725
Pedicure ¥6,090
Shellac manicure ¥5,775
Shellac pedicure ¥7,140
Gel manicure ¥6,825
Gel pedicure ¥8,190
Large size suits from ¥19,000
Large size shirts from ¥1,900
Large size outer wear from ¥4,900
Large size jeans from ¥3,900
29-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
03-3770-1641
Open daily 11am-9:30pm
Shibuya
www.sakazen.co.jp
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Mention Metropolis and receive
20% off hair services until Dec 31*
▶▶ Shellac manicure for ¥4,500 or or pedicure for ¥6,500* ▶
(*first -time visitors only)
F
abio Alfano grew up and started his career in southern Italy by the Amalfi cost in his father`s salon. In
1996 he spent the early part of his hairdressing career working in Florence, Bologna and Milan. In 2001,
he moved to London to work as a hairstylist in Mayfair. Alfano furthered his hairdressing skills as an educator in London’s Toni & Guy academy while also working at London Fashion Week. In 2006, he joined the Sin
Den team and from early on Alfano has shared his enthusiasm and passion with the staff and clients of the salon.
“Before a stylist even picks up a pair of scissors or mixes hair color, it is important to talk with customers about
the hairstyle that suits their hair type, face shape and lifestyle,” he says. Alfano and his friendly, gifted team at Sin
Den wish everyone a fabulous holiday season!
3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
03-3405-4409
info@sinden.com
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Omotesando
www.sinden.com
GETTING AWAY
Christmas Special
HARBOR CIRCUIT Chiba Racing
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Two-hour passport Fri-Sat,
6-11pm ¥5,500 and free
admission (reg. ¥500)
PRICES
▶▶ Admission ¥500; balaclava rental ¥300; helmet
and glove rental free; 7-minute ride ticket ¥2,000,
3 tickets ¥5,000, 5 tickets ¥7,500; family package
¥3,000.
I
2F Chiba Sports Plaza, 13-26 Dezuminato,
Chuo-ku, Chiba
043-441-3243
mail@harbor-circuit.com
Mon-Fri, 2-11:30pm, Sat & hols
10am-11:30pm, Sun 10am-9:30pm
Chiba
www.harbor-circuit.com
f you want to fill the holiday season with thrills and excitement, get your family and friends together
for a trip to Harbor Circuit in Chiba, where you can pile into go-karts and race away your pent-up stress.
No driver’s license is required and safety guidelines are clearly explained to beginners. Parties of four
or more can opt for a group race and burn rubber racing their friends. There are five different track plans to
choose from, including a 40-lap race, and there is a real-time ranking system to record drivers’ skills. After
your grand prix, you can relax track side for a snack. You are guaranteed at least four laps per ticket, no matter
how crowded the track is. And once you have tried it, you will be back for more.
ROBOT RESTAURANT Shinjuku Variety show
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Each customer who brings this
copy of Metropolis or displays
this ad on their mobile device
(one per person) will receive 20%
off admittance to the show
PRICES
▶▶ ¥5,000 (includes food and one drink)
W
ho hasn’t seen the large Valkyrie-like female robots on their truck whizzing around Tokyo to a pumping
soundtrack? These pulchritudinous automatons are waiting in the heart of Shinjuku’s Red Light District
at the Robot Restaurant. The venue is a dizzying design of gold, glittering mosaics, and shiny surfaces.
The all-action show involves massive robots, teams of bouncy dancers, mindblowing flying machines and more.
Lest you think this a guy thing, the audiences are always a merry mix of girls and boys, young and old, foreign and
Japanese. Make a reservation before your visit then confirm by phone one hour before the show. The future is kaleidoscopic and robotic… and an unforgettable experience.
SIERRA RESORT HOTEL Niigata Hotel
B2F Shinjuku Robot Bldg, 1-7-1 Kabukicho,
Shinjuku
03-3200-5500
Open daily 6pm-11pm
Shinjuku
www.robot-restaurant.com/E/
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Mention Metropolis when
reserving and receive ¥2,000
daily ski rentals or a one-day hot
spring visit for ¥800 (reg. ¥1,000)
RATES AND FACILITIES
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
W
ant to spend a picture-perfect white Christmas surrounded by snow? The Sierra Resort offers skiing and relaxation just 75 minutes from Tokyo, and is ideal for couples or families. Located at the
center of the Iwappara Ski Area, the resort offers skiing just outside of its doors from morning till
night. Views of Mount Tanikawa and the city make for European atmosphere which is completed by the full
course French dinner and extensive selection of wines available in the hotel restaurant. For breakfast, there is
a Western/Japanese breakfast buffet. Take a break from the slopes by relaxing in the lobby or enjoying the hot
springs with a view of the snow.
One night standard room with two meals
Weekdays: from ¥9,500/person
Weekend/holidays: from ¥12,600/person
Rental skis, snow wear and snowboards
available; English-speaking instructors can be
arranged.
Yuzawa
Iwappara Ski Area, Yuzawa-machi, MinamiUonuma, Niigata
025-787-3250
yuzawa@sierra.ne.jp
Echigo-Yuzawa
http://sierrayuzawa.com
LEARNING
ARC ACADEMY Shinjuku Japanese school
WEBSITE
COURSES
▶▶ Winter program: ¥80,000 (12 days)
▶▶ Spring programs: ¥90,000/¥98,000
(2 weeks)
7F Nishishinjuku K-1 Bldg, 7-2-6 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-5348-7671
shinjuku@arc.ac.jp
Mon & Wed-Fri, 10am-6:30pm, Tue
10am-7:30pm, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun &
hols
Shinjuku
http://en.arc-academy.net
A
RC Academy provides a good opportunity to learn Japanese language and culture at the same time,
with language classes held in the morning and many activities to learn various aspects of Japanese
culture are held in the afternoon. The school is located in Shinjuku, which is easily accessible from anywhere in Tokyo, and offers special programs for winter and spring. For learners who are simply interested in the
language, intensive courses ranging from 4 days to many months are available at the Shibuya, Shinjuku and
Yokohama locations. Whether you want to improve basic conversation or master business terminology, ARC
Academy can help. Corporate training programs include custom-made curriculums to meet individual schedules and needs. Friendly teachers and staff welcome your inquiries by email, telephone or in person.
THIS JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL Kichijoji Japanese school
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Bring a copy of Metropolis and get
a ticket for our Christmas raffle.
COURSES
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
▶▶
T
his Japanese Language School offers courses based on everyday activities, so contents are directly
linked to the learners’ life in Japan. Language is acquired when students see it in the actual context, so
the school sets “real” language experiences in each course. Some classes go to a supermarket together,
while others invite Japanese people to exchange opinions in vibrant, educational debates. Take a 40-minute
free trial lesson before December 13 and enter the Christmas raffle for a chance to win three months of free lessons. The “Kanji Recognition Challenge” will be held on December 14 for those interested in improving their
kanji skills. Everyone is welcome to this special single session, regardless of their Japanese reading level, where
participants will learn 50 characters in one hour. Why not brush up on your character recognition this year?
WE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL Shibuya Japanese school
Getting Ready! Course
Let’s Hit The Street Course
Talking With A Japanese Person Course
Forming An Opinion Course
#603 Park Villa Kichijoji, 1-30-1 KichijojiMinamicho, Musashino-shi
0422-29-8365
info@thisjls.com
Mon-Fri 9am-7pm
Kichijoji
www.thisjls.com
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶ Christmas discount:
No registration fee until Dec 25
(reg. ¥17,850)
▶▶ Free trial lesson
COURSES
▶▶ Daily and business Japanese, JLPT lessons,
cultural sessions, language exchange
▶▶ Flexible intensive courses available
W
e Japanese Language School prides itself on providing quality lessons and premium services to
fulfill learners’ needs and help them achieve their goals. Its unchanging philosophy is “studentcentered and dynamic teaching.” Located just three minutes from Shibuya station, the school also
offers off-site classes for those with busy schedules. There are also English and Chinese language classes, giving
you the chance to experience cross-cultural communication with people from around the world through social
events and a language-exchange program. This winter, the school is offering a "No Registration Fee" campaign
and a new intensive course with a diverse curriculum and flexible schedule to improve your language skills
quickly. Make your New Year’s resolution a reality and start 2014 in the right direction with We.
4F Higashi Nihon Bldg, 1-22-8 Shibuya
03-5489-6480
info@we-japan.com
Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm,
closed hols
Shibuya
www.we-japan.com
Holiday Dining SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Festive feasts
Holiday special events
Spirit of Christmas
Yuletide deals
Our gift to Metropolis readers
Shop info
Harajuku
Marunouchi
Shibuya, Akasaka, Roppongi
CHILES MEXICAN GRILL
FRIGOS REPOS
HOBGOBLIN
Mexican dining
Belgian beer
British pub
Special holiday beers, both in bottles and on tap,
served for a limited time during the holidays.
Enjoy Chiles joyous holiday repast while you
immerse yourself in their traditional Mexican
Christmas spirit.
Customers who come in on New Year’s will all
receive oshogatsu gifts.
All-you-can-eat Christmas Eve buffet (7-11pm)
features turkey, roast chicken and Chiles
once-a-year Christmas apple salad for ¥2,500.
Includes one drink and ¥500 sparkling wine all
night.
A traditional Christmas theme inside with
festive lights outside welcome the holiday
season.
Christmas tree, lights, tinsel, garland and more
will make Mexican dining festive
We are offering a special, limited Christmas
menu.
Until Jan 7 order oven-cooked turkey breast
marinated in a special garlic-and-pepper adobo
sauce. Dec 25 celebrate with a special roast
chicken Christmas dinner
New Year’s Eve countdown party with specials
on champagne and no cover charge.
Christmas trees with all of the festive
decorations and lights, just like back home!
Traditional British roast turkey dinner with all
the trimmings either à la carte or buffet-style on
Christmas Day.
Bring a copy of Metropolis and get your first draft
beer for ¥500.
Metropolis readers reserving dinner for four or
more friends receive a free bottle of cava with
their meal—because it’s time to make merry!
(valid Dec 26-31)
If you’re looking for a true British end-ofyear experience then look no further than
Hobgoblin, which has been serving the foreign
community at three locations since 2000.
B1F PCP Bldg, 1-11-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.
Tel: 03-5220-2272. Open daily 11am-11pm; (food
L.O. 10pm; drink L.O. 10:30pm); lunch 11am-2pm
weekdays 11am-4pm weekends. Nearest stn: Tokyo www.eurobeer.net/repos
Mention Metropolis and get a glass of our
homemade eggnog on Christmas day or a shot
on New Year’s Eve.
1-8-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-64349693. Open Mon 11am-4pm,Tue-Fri
11am-9pm,Sat 11am-10pm,Sun 11am-8pm.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.chiles-grill.com
Shibuya: 3F Ichiban Bldg, 1-3-11 Dogenzaka,
Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6415-4244. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Akasaka: B1 Tamondo Bldg, 2-1319 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6229-2636. Nearest stn: Akasaka. Roppongi: 1F Aoba Bldg,
3-16-33 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3568-1280.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.hobgoblin.jp
Harajuku
Nakameguro
Ebisu
MADOSH! CAFE
SUN 2 DINER
DEDESUKE
Avocado restaurant
Californian grill
Japanese izakaya
Enjoy California home cooking without having
to catch a flight. Californian-Mexican dishes
include guacamole and chips, quesadillas,
nachos, roast turkey and avocado wraps and
original chicken burrito. Plus charcoal grill
American rib-eye steaks or pork chops, jerk
chicken, roast beef and famous hamburgers.
Eat healthy avocado and roast turkey dishes
while enjoying a unique interior decorated by
Tokyo artists.
Two-hour party course for 30-40 people
includes all-you-can-drink plus six food
courses and a whole turkey—just ¥4,500 each.
Plenty of avocado green Christmas decorations
for the holidays!
Try the avocado turkey burger (¥1,200) or roast
turkey with avocado salsa (¥1,200) available in
limited numbers over the holidays.
Bring this copy of Metropolis and receive a
signature Belgian waffle free.
2F, 5-28-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel:
03-3400-1188. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-11pm,
Sun 11:30am-10pm. Nearest stn: Shibuya or
Harajuku. www.mado.in
24 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
A large venue that seats up to 60 people in the
horigogatsu style has special party courses
available all December to get you in a festive
mood!
This holiday season enjoy the special party
plan with seasonal food course and all-youcan-drink for two hours—only ¥4,000.
Whole roast chicken dinner with gravy for 2-3
people (¥2,300 ) throughout December. Please
reserve three days in advance.
From Jan 4, one-10 litres taruzake (barrel) will be
available free to diners while it lasts.
Mention Metropolis and get your first 250ml craft
beer for ¥400 (dinner only).
Metropolis readers receive beef shabu-shabu
for only ¥2,200 and half-priced charcoal grilled
steak.
1F Ogawa Bldg, 2-43-11 Kami-Meguro, Meguroku. Tel: 03-5724-3330. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3:30
pm & 5-11pm, Sat-Sun & hols 11am-11pm. Nearest
stn: Nakameguro. http://sun2diner.com/
2F Daikoku Bldg, 1-8-14 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3444-5511. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-5am,
Sun & hols 4-11pm. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.
dedesuke.com/ebisu
①
Meguro
SEAMUS O’HARA
Irish pub
Enjoy the Christmas turkey breast plate with all the trimmings from
December 20-25 for just ¥2,000—groups of six or more can reserve a
whole stuffed bird (one week advance)—and avail yourself of 90-minute
all-you can-drink Irish beers, draft cider, sparkling wine and cocktails for
just ¥2,500. Or how about Xmas pudding with ice cream for only ¥500?
Irish Christmas Night celebrations on Sunday, December 15
(4pm-midnight) feature live music, pub quizzes and an all day happy
hour. Have a craic!
The atmosphere at Seamus O’hara over the festive season is that of a true
Irish countryside Christmas.
Mention Metropolis when booking for dinner and receive 15 extra
minutes of all-you-can-drink.
B1F Matsuda Building, 3-12-3 Meguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-2760-6179.
Open daily 6pm-2am (Dec 20-25 from 3pm) Nearest stn: Meguro. www.
seamus-ohara.com
②
③
Mention Metropolis and receive your choice of
☆Half-priced charcoal grilled pound steak (reg. ¥4,200)
☆Half-prced gara taki Nabe (special Japanese chicken broth)
☆Harf-priced Japanese wagyu beef shabu-shabu *
* Two person serving only
Ebisu Dedesuke
2F Daikoku Bldg. 1-8-14 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
Nearest station: Ebisu (1 min walk from West Exit)
Tel: 03-3444-5511
http://www.dedesuke.com/ebisu/
Mon-Fri 4pm-5am (L.O. 4am),
Sun & Hol 4pm-11pm (L.O. 10pm)
All-you-can-drink courses from ¥4,000 per person
for two to 60 people
2013
Grand
Open!
8 types of draft beer and over 80 types of bottled beer
ALL 14:00-19:00
HOUR!
￥500 HAPPY
- VEDETT EXTRA WHITE
- KRIEK BELLE-VUE
- EDELPILS
- COCKTAILS
- GLASS WINE
Tokyo Stn
Marunouchi
Central Exit
Open: 11am-11pm (L.O. food 10pm/ drink 10:30pm)
Lunch time: Weekdays 11am-2pm,
Sat, Sun & Hols 11am-4pm
TEL: 03-5220-2272 - Email: repos@eurobeer.net
Yaesu
Central
Exit
dor i
bori-
o St
uch
Tokyo
International
Forum
Soto
7min from Tokyo stn. Yaesu Central Exit,
5min from Kyobashi stn (Ginza Line) Exit 5
10min from Yurakucho Stn.
Yur
ak
B1F PCP BLDG, 1-11-1
Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
n
Kyobashi Stn
Exit 5
Special Christmas Plate
Dec 20 ~ 25
¥2000 for a turkey breast
with all the trimmings.
(If you come with a group of 6 or more,
you can change to a whole turkey
between you. Reservation required.)
All-you-can-drink
available for 2 hours ¥2500
(L.O. 30mins before)
(including Guinness, Kilkenny, Sapporo,
Draft Cider and sparkling wine.)
B1F Matsuda Building
Meguro 3-12-3
Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel/ Fax: 03-3760-6179
Homemade X'mas Pudding
with ice cream ¥500
( L.O 30 mins before close )
Sun, Sat, Holiday
Tama Univ.
Meguro HS
Ootori
Jinja
Police
Box
Sunday
Mart
MUFJ
Bank
Tokyu Metro
Meguro stn.
JR Meguro stn.
Police Box
• 11am - 11pm
Party up to 30 people
Tel: 03-5724-3330
http://sun2diner.com
8 min walk from Nakameguro Stn
Enjoy Craft Beer & California
style American food!
Get together with your friends!
Sun 2 Diner
Komazawa Street
Nakameguro st
Meguro River
Hotel
Claska
ya Law
l H so
os n
t
r
Seamus
O’hara
ive
oR
gur
Me
Ro
15th Dec (SUN)
Open Mon-Fri
• 11am - 3:30pm, 5pm - 11pm
Irish Christmas Night
www.seamus-ohara.com
Nearest stn:
JR Meguro
15 min walk on
Meguro-dori from
JR Meguro stn West exit
OUR CRAFT BEER
SHIGA KOGEN BEER
on Tap & 10 Bottles of
American Craft Beer.
BITES
THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY
how sweet it is
K
een on prolonging holiday season indulgence, but also determined to stick to your
New Year’s resolution to get into shape?
Check out the 17th All-Japan Sweets Marathon
(well, 10k race) January 19 in Odaiba ¥5,000 (junior
high and under ¥3,500). Launched in Osaka in 2010,
the event elevates the traditional aid station to a
delight of patisserie goodness. Japan being the land
of self-restraints, it’s no surprise that the name of
the game is hitokuchi (one bite) and not tabehodai.
That said, with 20 confectioners participating,
chances are you’ll finish your run licking your fingers. You can tackle the 10km in teams relay style
or individually, but with over 5,000 runners participating, you will need to maintain a good pace to
get first pick of the goodies. Your support team can
even indulge if they buy a ticket for the accompanying sweets expo. The entry deadline is December
20, so register soon and get training. —Helen Langford
www.sweets-marathon.jp
premium slice
A
ustrian native and longtime Los Angelino Wolfgang Puck famously created
his smoked salmon pizza for the postOscar party he has catered for 19 years. With no
melted cheese or tomato sauce, Puck’s signature
dish meant all those starlets needn't worry about
stains on their Dior gowns. Now the celebrity chef
brings that same blend of casual and formal to Ark
Hills Tokyo with the Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar (1F
Ark Mori Bldg, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel:
03-5575-2100. www.wp-japan.jp). The spacious
eatery is sure to be a hit with those looking for an
elegant pizzeria that boasts quality ingredients
you won't get from a delivery chain. Besides the
classic smoked salmon (¥2,200), try the chicken
meatball (¥1,400), oven-roasted vegetable (¥1,500)
or house-made lamb sausage (¥1,400) pizza. Or
make 'za a starter before moving on to the flat iron
steak (¥2,400) or ravioli with ricotta cheese, pine
nuts and tomato cream sauce (¥1,300).
cool tool
P
rosumer quality food processors certainly
save time in the kitchen, but they can
also be more trouble than they are worth.
Besides taking up a lot of valuable real estate on
already cramped Japanese counters, there is the
complicated cleanup after each use which more
often than not will leave you with cut fingers.
French appliance maker T-Fal has simplified
everything with Fresh Express (¥15,750), a compact, versatile tool that will become a friend in
the kitchen. The five interchangeable cutting
drums handle slicing, crinkle cuts, grating, fine
and course shredding and are color-coded so you
so you keep them straight. A mixing bowl can be
slid right under the opening keeping everything simple and clean
and operation is simple with
only a single button. And a
plus for those with small
k itchens, t he at tachments can be stacked
together for compact
storage.
Available at major
electronic stores.
gingerbread
W
hot stuff
M
chockie
T
KEVIN MCGUE
he innovate chocolate brand Max Brenner
was launched in 1996 by Max Fichtman
and Oded Brenner. Brenner had trained
Germany and France, but launching the brand in
Israel allowed them some freedom to break with
tradition and create a new “chocolate culture.”
Shaking up the long tradition of chocolatiers, a
typical branch is part Parisian sidewalk cafe and
part Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now Max
Brenner brings its whimsical approach to Tokyo
with a location in Omotesando Hills (4-10-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5413-5888.). Joining an
already crowded market, the newcomers take the
brown drug to new heights with chocolate spread
pizza (¥1,800) a chocolate syringe (¥500) and
cocoa (¥500) served in “hug mug,” a ceramic cup
that comfortably nests in two hands.
hile the holidays are a time for getting
together with relatives of both the tolerable and the other variety in the kitchen
and around the dining table, a 1LDK apartment
doesn’t offer the room for a Christmas cookie baking marathon. Enter Shangri-La’s Gingerbread
House Decorating Class, a lesson led by the
hotel’s patissier en residence. Design your house
any way you like under his expert advice and
when your masterpiece is finished reward yourself with a delicious afternoon tea set. The event
for children is open to kids 3 and up with a guardian (¥8,500 for the pair). For those who would
rather do make their edible architecture free from
the pitter patter of little feet, there’s a ladies-only
session on December 22 that includes a glass of
Laurent-Perrier champagne with tea.
See listings (learning) for details.
http://meturl.com/gingerbread
COURTESY OF SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TOKYO
oving on from the highball craze that
gripped the nation a few years ago, it
seems warm booze is what’s in this season with Suntory pushing whisky served oyuwari
(with hot water) and mulled wine stands popping up at Christmas markets. While the words
“warm beer” are enough to put anyone off, you
might want to try the hot stout (¥650) Kirin City
locations have added to their menu. Served with
a creamy, steaming head and a cinnamon stick,
the drink is is sure to warm and cheer you in the
cold months. Kirin has even published a recipe.
Get a can of Kirin Stout, pour 150ml in a glass mug,
leaving 3cm of space for foam. Heat for 70 seconds
in a 500W microwave. Then gradually add one
teaspoon of sugar, stirring gently to not destroy
the head. Drop in a cinnamon stick and enjoy.
www.kirincity.co.jp
Dining Out
GORGEOUS BAR &LOUNGE
CONVENIENT STANDING CASH-BAR AREA
SELECTED ALCOHOL & FOOD FROM ¥500
Enjoy various events on Friday until the year ends!
All events start: 8pm and No entry fee.
P.C.M. MANHATTAN WINTER in Dec!!! 12/6(FRI) CIROC DANCE CLASSIC NIGHT
DJ:K+C & MORE
12/13(FRI) HEINEKEN NIGHT XMAS
DJ:LAVA and musicians, dancers, and more.
12/18 (WED) kind of night
DJ:LAVA, VJ:adachi
Craft Beer
from
12/20(FRI) POMMERY XMAS
¥500
DJ:TADAHISA SHINKAWA (SOUNDFINDER)
GUEST DJ:DAVY
1F Tokia Tokyo Bldg, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.
Nearest stations: Tokyo or Yurakucho. Open: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Tea 2:30-5pm,
Dinner (Mon-Fri) 5pm-4am LO 3:30am, (Weekends and hols.) 5pm-11pm LO 10pm
☎ 03-5222-1251www.miyoshi-grp.com/cardinal/pcm
Roppongi's famous
Chinese eatery
Order 3 Tsingtao beers,
and get 1 free. Post a photo
of the restaurant on Facebook,
and get 1 free Tsingtao. (3 people max.)
Open 24 hours • 180 people max for parties
Roppongi:
2F Court Annex Roppongi,
3-2-13 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku.
Akasaka:
B1F Floral Plaza
Bldg, 3-8-8 Akasaka,Minato-ku.
03-5414-5708 03-6234-9788
Visit our website for info on other Chinese Cafe Eight locations
welcome@cceight.com | www.chinesecafe8.com
THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY
Dining Out
local flavors
FOODIE
GIFTS
1
Tokyo offers a wide array of
gourmet prezzies
By Yukari Sakamoto
W
hen it comes to Christmas shopping for food lovers, Tokyo has something
for everyone. With so much on offer, knowing where to go and what to
get is half of the work. Let Metropolis help you out with our selection of
epicurean goodies.
A set of tasting cups from the Masumi Brewery in Nagano available at the
Masumi online shop (¥1,575; www.masumi.jp), along with a set of half-bottles
of sake (¥3,450) will be a treat for the nihonshu aficionado. There is no better
way to taste and compare a variety of sake all made from the same brewery. Masumi's
honjozo, junmaishu, junmai ginjo, and junmai daiginjo half-bottles are sold in a box set.
These can be ordered online, gift-wrapped and delivered.
1
©IWAKO INC.
2
For fun stocking stuffers, Iwako makes erasers of different foods like sushi,
ramen and bento (set of six for ¥315; www.iwako.com/shop/1/food.
html#food1) sold at several different stores in the outer market of Tsukiji. Curious where to find the regional Kit Kat (¥840) flavors like wasabi, ichimi togarashi (chili
pepper) or azuki (sweet bean)? Look no further than Tokyo Station’s Shokoku Gotochi
Plaza. The shop is located in the First Avenue section. It also happens to be across the corridor from Tokyo Ramen Street, so grab a bowl while in the basement arcade of Tokyo
Station. While in the area, be sure to check out Morinaga’s flagship store, Morinaga no
Okashina Okashiya-san, for Hi-Chew candies (¥100) in flavors like lychee, sour lemon,
and golden kiwi.
2
3
For the cookbook lover, Ivan Orkin has penned an autobiography and cookbook, Ivan Ramen: Love, Obsession, and Recipes from Tokyo’s Most Unlikely
Noodle Joint (¥2,930). The book includes recipes for his signature ramen, so
complete the gift with a ramen bowl, renga (soup spoon) and chopsticks. Nobu: The Sushi
Cookbook (¥4,410) includes detailed photos on how to make nigiri zushi (hand-pressed
sushi). It also includes a recipe for hako zushi, a pressed sushi more commonly found in
the Kansai region. Complete the package with a wooden oshigata mold (¥3,500; http://
meturl.com/sushimold) for making pressed sushi at home and a sharkskin grater used
for fresh wasabi (¥1,313; http://meturl.com/grater).
The secret to enjoying distilled spirits in Japan is the round ice ball. The ice
melts slowly and is beautiful when presented in a wide-mouth glass. Traditionally hand-carved by a bartender, plastic ice molds (¥480; http://meturl.com/
ice) are practical and fun to present with a bottle of Japanese whisky. Or, for a more local
flavor, head to the Okinawa antenna shop Ginza Washita (Chuo-ku, Ginza 1-3-9). The
basement has a selection of awamori (from ¥1,000), the shochu from the tropical island,
and colorful Ryukyu glasses that are perfect for the big ice balls.
COURTESY OF GINZA WASHITA
3
4
4
Interesting areas to explore for gifts for the foodie in your life include Tsukiji’s
Outer Market. Be sure to check the online calendar before going as it is closed
on Sundays and some weekdays (www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/). Kappabashi, the
wholesale district for kitchenware and tableware is always fun to carefully peruse. A
department store’s basement, depachika, has a myriad of packaged food gifts, from sweet
to savory. Better yet, head to the events space in a department store, usually the top floor,
for the seasonal oseibo section. Oseibo are year-end gifts that Japanese people will send
to friends and colleagues. Here you will find a wide variety of gifts at different price points.
At Takashimaya you can order food gifts made by star chefs like Yoshihiro Murata of
Kikunoi in Kyoto. Best of all, most of the oseibo gifts will be delivered for free shipping, so
be sure to bring along the address and phone number of the recipient.
5
COURTESY OF GINZA NATSUNO
A lovely set of lacquer chopsticks is something that the receiver can use almost
everyday. For Tokyo’s widest selection, Natsuno in Ginza (6-7-4 Ginza, Chuoku; www.e-ohashi.com) has hundreds of chopsticks in a variety of designs.
Complete the gift with some hashi-oki chopstick rests.
6
©TOKYO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
5
6
The majority of classified ads have moved online!
NOTE:
PRINTED
CLASSIFIEDS!
CLASSIFIEDS
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.
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 HEALTH
KIMISHIMA DENTAL OFFICE,
MINAMI-AZABU, MINATO-KU,
TOKYO. English-speaking
dentist, 3min from Hiroo stn,
specializing in both cosmetic
a n d g e n e ra l d e n t i s t r y.
State-of-the-art facility and
friendly staff. Special offer for
Metropolis readers: 30% off
dental check-up. 03-6277-4217
http://kimi-dental-office.com/
in sports injuries,
p o s t - o p e r a t i v e
rehabilitation, back/neck
pain, running related,
headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations
and women’s health.
w w w.tokyophysio.com
03-3443-6769
A C U P U N C T U R E ,
SHIATSU, MOXIBUSTION.
Profe s s ion al treatm e nts
offered by licensed
acupuncturist trained
in China, Australia and
Japan. Acupuncture is
ef fective for backache,
sore shoulders , sciatica ,
headache, stomach
problems, depression,
colds and flu, high blood
pressure, insomnia.
Phone Lynne at 090-54954936.
1.4 TRAVEL
JAPAN’S MOST AFFORDABLE
H E A LT H I N S U R A N C E .
If you feel like you’re throwing
money away on insurance,
come on over to HealthOne
and start saving today!
Three-, six- and 12-month
plans. Inpatient/outpatient
coverage for illness and injury.
Online enrollment; pay by
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s to r e s . w w w. h e a l t h o n e .
jp info@healthone.jp 0503424-6713
NAKAMARU
D ENTAL ,
LO C AT E D I N
YOKOHAMA ,
provides
g e n e r a l
dentistry, esthetic
dentistry, dental implants
and orthodontics by a
UCLA-trained and
certified dentist. 30min
from Shinagawa and
Shibuya. nakamar-@
c a m e o . p l a l a . o r. j p w w w.
nakamaru-dental.jp/
english/ 045-681-3359
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy)
c a r e i n H i r o o .
Native Engli sh - speaking
therapists specializing
ENGLISH-SPEAKING HAIR
SALO N IN YOKO HAMA .
H a d trainin g in En glan d .
C a n s u g g e s t t h e p e r fe c t
hairstyle for you. Web: www.
faces-hair.com Email: mail@
fa ce s - h air.co m Te l : 0 4 5 662-0722
O N LY C U T Z O N E s a l o n
provides a hair cut
service for only
¥1000. 5min walk from
K i t a - S e n j u s t n . Fr i e n d l y
English-speaking staf f is
av a i l a b l e . C o n t a c t u s a t
03-3882-1550. Open from
10am until 7pm , 7 days a
week. http://meturl.com/
onlycutzone
1.3 MOVING
C H E A P E S T, Q U I C K E S T
AND SAFEST! Transporter
To k y o s u p p o r t s y o u r
moving and delivers
your stuff. Moving
for singles or couples
from ¥12 ,000. Delivery
(furniture, motorbikes,
etc.) from ¥7000.
English, French and
Japanese -speaking staf f
available. Inquiries:
info@transportertokyo.com www.
transporter-tokyo.
com/english/contact
Te l : 0 3 - 6 7 1 5 - 9 3 9 1 F a x :
03-6715-9392 Address:
3-29-8 Nishi-Rokugo, Otaku, Tokyo
Issue 1030 Issue 1033
FRI, DEC 20
FRI, JAN 10
Deadline:
Deadline:
Dec 12, 3pm
Dec 19, 3pm
available, weekly cleaning
service, free internet, aircon,
fridge. From ¥49,000/m.
No key money/guarantor/
agent fee. 090-2405-0022
mail@bauhousetokyo.com
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
N A R I TA A I R P O R T C A R /
MINIVAN TRAN SFER
SERVICE. Cheaper than a
taxi. English-speaking driver.
Meet and greet. Free baby
seat. Luggage assistance.
Dependable-Safe-Easy-Quick
Airport Transfer Service. BOOK
NOW! Email Reservation@
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www.tokyoairporter.com
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
SHIBAURA DENTAL CLINIC ENGLISH-SPEAKING DENTIST.
General and cosmetic dental
clinic. Dentist is a graduate of
Harvard Dental School, with
over 20 years’ experience
with dental practices in the
USA, Japan. Blue Shield,
Japanese National Insurance
accepted. 5min walk from
J R Ta m a c h i s t n . O p e n
M o n - S at . 03 - 5 4 4 2- 8 5 2 5
www.shibaura-dental.com/
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI
(next to Tokyo), member
o f t h e Yo ko 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@smkw.biz
http://www.sumikawa.net/
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration
lawyer handles your
visa case. Permanent
residency, naturalization,
e lig ib ilit y (invitin g your
spouse/children/workers
from your country),
extension/change of
visa status. Consultation
¥5000. OFFICE LIFE
(Miho Fujibayashi).
Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 7 0
Email: mailto@officelife.jp
Website: http://officelife.
jp/en/
TO ADVERTISE IN
M E T R O P O LI S , JA PA N ’ S
NO.1 ENGLISH MAGAZINE,
log on at www.metropolis.
co.jp/classifieds or email
yo u r c o m m e r c i a l a d s t o
commercial@metropolis.
co.jp.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists
in branding, web design, photo/
vi d e o p ro d u c ti o n . D rawi n g A
Crowd: a new approach in design.
Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.
co
SPECIAL CHAUFFEUR
SERVICE: HANDICAPPED/
E L D E R LY/ S P E C I A L N E E D S .
English-speaking, licensed
care specialist /driver touring
Tokyo and environs offers you
door-to-door convenience and
comfort. First hour ¥5000.
Additional time ¥2500/30min.
y o k o @ t o k y o s a k u r a t o u r. c o m
www.tokyosakuratour.com
SMILE STAND: Japan's first and
only stylish rental photo booth.
An exciting addition to any party,
event, etc., and the best way to
get crazy, fabulous, professional
photos. With this ad ¥55,000~.
info@highland-tokyo.com
https://vimeo.com/44976943
www.smile-stand.com
THINKING
ABOUT
ADVERTISING WITH
M ETRO P O LI S ? Platinum
¥28,928. Gold ¥23,940. Silver
¥18,953. Bronze ¥2000.
Printed photos +¥2000/
photo. Prices are for one print
issue, two weeks online. For
details, contact commercial@
metropolis.co.jp.
LOVI N G BABY MA S SAG E .
Teaching mothers, fathers
and other family members
professional baby massage
and child yoga techniques
from internationally
acclaimed Peter Walker’s
“Developmental Baby
Massage” and “YogaGym”.
E /J . P r i v a t e s e s s i o n s
from ¥4000. Small groups
from ¥3000. Four-session
discount. Call Shino
at 080-3362-0429 or email
babymassage123@gmail.
com.
T H E A S P I R AT I O N O F
“MIWA” IN DAIKANYAMA is
to display the craftsmanship
of traditional Japanese
a r t i n t h e co n te m p o ra r y
world. Our wish is to
present dishes, art, and
crafts made of urushi,
gla s s an d c hina .　w w w.
craftandlife-miwa.com
#101, 20 -13 Sarugakucho,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
GREAT LOCATION & SUPER
CLEAN. Private furnished
rooms in Roppongi,
Akasaka, Azabu-Juban and
Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min
from stn, ladies-only floor
SAKURA
HOUSE.
Leading multilingual real
e state age ncy in Tokyo
s i n c e 1 9 9 2 . O ve r 1 6 0 0
furnished apartments
a n d g u e s t /s h a r e h o u s e
rooms, from ¥52,000/m,
utilities included.
No key money/guarantor/
agent fee. Contact
us: 03-5330-5250
info @ sakura - house .com
www.sakura-house.com
F O N TA N A , e s t a b l i s h e d
over 30 years ago.
With a wide range of
location s at competitive
prices, our apartments and
guesthouses are some of
the best. Let our
international team
find you the perfect
p l a c e t o l i v e i n To k y o .
fo n t a n a @ g o l . c o m w w w.
TokyoCityApartments.net
03-3382-0151
I C H I G AYA G R E E N C O R P.
Fu rn i s h e d , t wo - ro o m ,
three-story apartment,
s u n ny a n d q u i e t , s o u t h /
north facing, many
trees, small Japanese
garden, 5min walk
from subway station,
13min by bicycle to
J R S h i n j u ku / Yo t s u ya
¥100,000/m. Tel/
fax: 03-3341-7875
Email: itto@itto-jinnai.
com
I C H I I C O R P O R AT I O N .
Over 600 affordable,
quality-furnished
apartments in central
To k yo l o c a t i o n s . N o key
m o n ey/g u a ra nto r/a g e nt
fe e re quire d . N ew, clean
apartments, simple
contract system, full
English support. Call us
today! 03-5437-5233 www.
japt.co.jp
MODERN,
BEAUTIFUL
A
N
D
F R I E N D LY
S H A R E
HOUSES IN
CENTRAL
TOKYO,
featuring amenities such as a
yoga studio, pool tables and
private music rooms.
All houses cleaned daily, onemonth contracts available,
simple proce ss , with full
English support. Call us at
03- 64 47-2201. info @
s h a re d e s i g n .co. j p w w w.
sharetown.jp
P R I VAT E F U R N I S H E D
A P A R T M E N T S .
Odakyu line: MukogaokaYuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae,
20/30min from Shinjuku.
Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,
15minfromShinagawa.1K~2LDK
¥58,000/m~¥120,000/m.
Te l : 0 4 4 - 93 3 -70 0 0
Email:mh@minowagroup.
jp www.minowagroup.jp/
minowahomes
S E RVI C E D A PA RTM E NT S
in a quiet residential area of
Hiroo. Studios and suites. 4min
from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily
¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/day.
Monthly ¥5900-/day. Over
three months ¥4950-/day. Tax,
utilities included. frontdesk@
azabucour t .com www.
azabucourt.com/ 03-3446-8610
K I B A
GO-CHOME,
KOTO-KU, TOKYO,
2DK, 3 3 s q m ,
s o u t h -fa c i n g ,
newly renovated,
w/ big veranda
where you can
enjoy BBQs,
se parate
bathroom and restroom, 1min from
stn, first story is a convenience store,
1min to huge Kiba Park, 5min walk
to Japan’s biggest Ito Yokado, w/
many restaurants, 1.5 key money, 1
deposit ¥95,000/m. No agent fee.
nuiko4518@mail.goo.ne.jp
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT, NO KEY
MONEY, NO AGENT FEE. Private oneroom apartment, w/loft, small kitchen,
unit bathroom, walking distance to
Yayoidai stn, Sotetsu line, easy access
to Yokohama and Totsuka stn ¥45,000.
Private rental. robhoey.c17@gmail.com
Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or
items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.
Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings.
2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000
TO K YO A PA RTM E NT S .
Corporate housing
p rovi d e r of fe ri n g s h o r t
and long-term apartments
throughout central
Tokyo. Fully customizable
packages! Serviced,
furnished and unfurnished
apartments, relocation
service, furniture rental,
a n d p ro p e r ty s a l e s a n d
management. Please
call 0120-957-520.
www.tokyoapartments.jp
EXPAT HOME , 20MIN TO ASIJ,
IN GREEN KICHIJOJI. Beautiful
expat-designed home, 158sqm,
plus loft, two decks, European
and American appliances,
40min to Roppongi, 20min
to ASIJ ¥460,000/m. Key
m o n ey : o n e m o n t h . D e p o s i t :
two months . Pets negotiable.
chhofamily@gmail.com
http://kichijojihome.wordpress.
com/
2.4 HOUSE SHARE
N AT I V E E N G L I S H / B I L I N G U A L
H O M E S TAY L A DY s o u g h t .
Furnished room, three cooked
meals, heating and lighting
expenses and more ¥50,000/m.
Please teach English to my kids.
To k yo . n u i ko 4 5 1 8 @ m a i l . g o o .
ne.jp
2.5 PLACE WANTED
Clean, respectable male needs
weekday stay near Osaki starting Jan.
I just need a shower, bed, light and
outlet to charge my phone. Willing
to pay ¥2000/night for any Mon-Thu
nights. Only 12 hours. garridosjapan@
gmail.com
2.6 BUY/SELL PREMISES
TIRED OF
PAYIN G
R E N T ?
Minato Asset
Management
Co., Ltd. can
help you find
properties, get a mortgage,
permanent visa, etc.
Diversified income
properties also available.
m u k a i @ m i n a to - a m . c o m
090-4123-1025 03-557982779 www.realestate minato.com
3 EDUCATION
3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS
WE ARE QUALIFIED
TEACHERS offering lessons
in your area or online. Prices
from ¥1500/h , written in
our re sum e s , e m aile d to
you. No registration fee!
japaneseanywhere@
ya h o o.co. jp ht tp : //w w w.
sunlesson.com 090-27093736
JAPANESE LESSONS for all levels
fro m exp e ri e n c e d te a c h e r i n
Tokyo near the Yamanote line.
First and second lessons free.
Let ’s e njoy Japane se le s son s
and culture! Please call Setsuko
at 090-1210-9285. Email:
nihongo123123@ezweb.ne.jp
3.5 LANGUAGE
EXCHANGE
DIALOGUE WITH THE WORLD!
Seeking language exchange
partners? Mostly Japanese
and English native speakers,
but other languages as well.
Enjoy your conversation
with other members and
foster understanding of
new cultures! support@
gengocros s .com www.
gengocross.com
Danish, German, Japanese. Hej
and 'N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes
and Germans to help her with
languages in Tokyo/Kanagawa
through fun conversations over
cups of coffee or just hanging out.
Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred.
codename107113@live.com
Deutsch und Japanisch. JM seeks
language exchange with someone
who can teach me Ger. I can teach
you J in return. Prefer central Tokyo
or Kanagawa. M/F ok. Native German
speakers only. snowsurfsk8@yahoo.
com
English and Japanese. Japanese
male, 41, seeks a native English
speaker for E/J exchange. I like music
and am interested in vegetarianism
and meditation. Let's help each other
and have some fun. blackstar777@
mail.goo.ne.jp
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JM,
23, seeking a language exchange
partner in the Shinjuku area. I can help
you with your Japanese! kgnshd8@
hotmail.co.jp
English and Japanese. Working
Japanese single mother, 40s, with
British accent, seeking English
speaker(s) around lunchtime in
Jimbocho. Prefer friends-based, fun
and witty language exchange over
reasonable and tasty food/tea. No
smoking. email@amarrel.com
English and Japanese. I'm a JF,
40s, seeking a language exchange
partner. I love music and teach piano
to kids and adults. I'd like to improve
my English. Prefer Machida area. I'm
looking forward to hearing from you!
rosellina717@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. I would like
to improve speaking. I am Japanese
and work in Tokyo. I want to study
seriously. In return, I can teach you J.
chocolate1111london9999@gmail.com
English and Japanese. British man,
Kanagawa or Tokyo, seeks Japanese for
language exchange. Prefer educated
partner. spk3005@i.softbank.jp
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a
Japanese working for an international
British company in Tokyo. I'd like to
teach J in E to native or bilingual English
speakers since that would be best for
my English development. Please
contact me. tkycityjpn@yahoo.co.jp
seeks friends from foreign countries
between Soka and Takenozuka for
language exchange, movies. Let's talk
over coffee. Friendship only. No sexual
emails, please. language_exchange3@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese
female, mid-30s, studying E and
seeking language exchange friends.
I'm an office worker living in Tokyo.
I like traveling, running, films, eating
out, coffee, etc. Please contact me.
npkpd906@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Seeking
language exchange in the Yokohama
area. I am free most evenings and
weekends. America kara kimashita.
kanngoyer@yahoo.com
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a
mid-30s Japanese female seeking
a language exchange partner and
friendship. I lived overseas for a few
years, and I'd like to share thoughts and
laugh together, too. I prefer females.
2008juli@gmail.com
man, 33, seeks language exchange
partner for weekdays around 7pm.
Marunouchi, Nihonbashi and Kiba
areas are convenient for me. Hope to
hear from you soon! s_tomizawa@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Seeking
a language exchange partner for
Japanese language help and English
a r o u n d A k i s h i m a / Ta c h i k a w a .
smartguy@i.softbank.jp
English and Japanese. Group
language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.
Most members are 20s and 30s. We
switch languages every 30min. Fun
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.
andy@gmail.com
English, Italian, Spanish, Japanese.
I'm a Japanese female, mid-30s,
seeking language exchange friends.
I like traveling, films, eating out,
coffee, etc. Feel free to contact me.
moomoo29@hotmail.co.jp
English, Japanese, French. Hi!
I'm a JF, 24, living in Tokyo. I'd like
to be able to speak E better. Would
someone teach me? I'll teach you
J in return. Please send me a reply.
rinayokoyama0919@gmail.com
English, Thai, Japanese. I am a JM,
37, in Tokyo, seeking English or Thai
speakers for language exchange. I
can meet you in Tokyo or nearby. My
hobbies are travel, watching movies,
drinking. jojodio2006-game@yahoo.
co.jp
Fre nc h , Engli sh , Japane se .
European man seeking a language
exchange partner to improve his
Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E.
Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and
interests. Machida area preferred.
understanding_life@hotmail.com
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
Italian and Japanese. It/J language
exchange sought by a professional
woman. Weekday evenings (6:307:30pm) or weekends, one lesson/
week or two. Preferably Shibuya,
Ometesando, Denentoshi line areas.
Serious only. ayana.sayana@yahoo.
com
Korean and Japanese. Japanese
male, 40, seeks a native Korean
speaker for Kor/J exchange. I like music,
reading, cooking. I hope we can learn
from each other and have some fun.
deepgreenforest@mail.goo.ne.jp
Spanish, English, Japanese. Hi,
there. I'm a Japanese female, late 20s,
seeking someone who can teach me Sp
in E. I'd be happy to help your Japanese
in return. Looking forward to hearing
from you soon. danae1907wien@
gmail.com
Swedish, English, Japanese. I'm a
Swedish guy, 21, living in Tokyo, trying
to learn J. I'm not a native English
speaker, but I could definitely help you
improve. Of course, I speak Swedish,
too. doff.almen@gmail.com
3.9 TEACH ME!
Business Japanese teacher sought
for regular, weekly 90min lesson.
Ideally somebody who has business
experience and can conduct a lesson
just in Japanese. Pay to be discussed.
Free trial lesson required. cy.west@
marriott.com
English lessons. JM, 33, seeks native
English teacher for ¥1500/h around the
Odakyu line. umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp
Help with photoshop/American
comics. Artist working on a graphic
novel seeks expert Photoshop user to
help me learn how to put the finishing
touches on my book. Will give you
credit if published and a percentage of
any profit. analogderez1@yahoo.co.jp
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE &
FITTINGS
Table, wooden (H70xL90xW60cm)
¥1000. Pick up near Gotanda stn.
vandley.industries@gmail.com
#1028• WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 31
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Table, glass (71x61x90cm), for
computers, w/sliding lower shelf for
keyboard and mouse. New ¥14,000.
Sell ¥3000. Pick up Asakusa.
sim o n . jam e s .wo o d @ gmail .co m
08037291807
4.2 APPLIANCES
Foot spa, Panasonic, steam, w/
infrared heater ¥13,000. Pick up JR
Sakuragicho. Can deliver for a fee.
violett821@hotmail.com
Fridge/freezer, 86L (fridge: 60L;
freezer: 26L), works well ¥2000. Pick
up Chofu or arrange delivery. vags@
hotmail.fr http://imgur.com/Me5jvmj
080-4007-1711
Hairdryer, Koizumi KHD-1236, w/
Turbo and ion function, in good
condition ¥1000. mizi2005@hotmail.
com
Rice cooker, Tiger, IH, as new ¥9000.
Delivery included. mizi2005@hotmail.
com
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Ikea bed, dining
table, big sofa, center table, washer,
fridge, in very good condition.
amitabh0124@yahoo.com
080-4425-2400
Sayonara sale! Electric appliances,
furniture, designer clothes and
purses. Make an offer. Pick up only
Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku. Photos
available. heidi_hideshima@yahoo.
com http://instagram.com/heidi_
hideshima 080-3350-4343
Sayonara sale! Doll house, ski set,
ski wear, homeschooling LifePac,
roller skates, baby seat. Pick up
Hirano area, Koto -ku. Photos
available. zhaoan@yahoo.com
Accounting
• Auditing
• IPO Consulting
• Due Diligence
Visa Attorney
Tax
• Corporate
• Tax Preparation
Services
• Tax Consulting
• Immigration
• US Tax Filing
Services
• Accounting Services
• Payroll Services
Sayonara sale! Pioneer 43" plasma
¥ 3 0,0 0 0. Miele wa sher/dr yer
¥50,000/both. Sanyo fridge ¥7000.
Outdoor storage unit ¥8000. Wooden
blinds ¥6000. Dehumidifier ¥2500.
Pick up Meguro. bellnori412@gmail.
com
4.5 AUDIO & MP3
More Than Twenty Years Experience
Speakers, B&W MM-1, multimedia,
compact, well-balanced, in excellent
co n ditio n , w/re m ote , c ab le s ,
documentation, original box ¥40,000.
No shipping. jayfeirin@yahoo.co.jp
KASAI CPA
Bathtub, Combi, clean, wellmaintained ¥2500. preetish19@yahoo.
com
042-401-0342
For the cost of postage get Metropolis
on your doorstep—and have ransom
note material for decades.
Takashi Kasai CPA Firm
4-1-2-302 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo
support@kasaicpa.com
www.kasaicpa.com
Stroller fabric, Bugaboo, fleece,
tailored, w/carrycot apron, seat cover,
sun canopy. New $165. Sell ¥11,000.
Breezy canopy, sand. New $75. Sell
¥5500. ¥15,000/both. victoria_
prime1@yahoo.com 08096896688
Stroller, Aprica, stick, cobalt, as
new, very clean ¥16,000/obo. Free
delivery possible depending on area.
mizi2005@hotmail.com
http://metropolis.co.jp/subscription
AZUMA
LEGAL AND BUSINESS
SUPPORT CENTER
a division of azuma consulting ltd.
We totally support your Visa and business needs
Our services include:
 Immigration (visa) assistance
Eligibility, Visa change & Renewal, Permanent resident
 Company Foundation
 Bookkeeping
 Payroll (withholding taxes etc.)
 Other business documents
www.azuma-law.com
Rafine Higashi Ginza 209, 4-4-14, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
Attn: Mr. Y.Ogawa, Representative
email: info@azuma-law.com | tel/fax: 03-6226-5105 | mobile: 080-1126-2293
4.6 FOR KIDS
Train set, wooden, 70+ pieces, w/
mountain, three bridges, turntable,
Thomas, Percy, Edward, Henry,
Gordon, James, Spencer, Hiro, Diesel
10, Troublesome Truck, Giggling
Troublesome Truck, generic trains/
cars, trees, buildings, people ¥8000/
obo. my-mail-michael@ezweb.ne.jp
09058044378
4.7 FOR FREE
Range, Rinnai Gas, two burners,
w/pull-out grill, three y/o, in good
condition. Pick up/arrange delivery
Kamino ge stn , Oimachi line .
earlbrawley@gmail.com
Various items. S e m i - d o u b l e
bed; two singles, w/bedguards for
kids; 29" TV; dining table; fridge;
microwave; washer; etc. Hachioji.
my- m a il - m i c h a e l @ ez we b . n e . jp
h a c h i o j i s a y o n a r a .w e e b l y. c o m
09058044378
Various items. National fridge/
freezer, 404L; National washer,
6L; Daikin aircon. Pick up only
Shinjuku-ku. bernjoyce@gmail.com
09040289154
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
Camera, Black Magic Design
Pocket Cine, new in box ¥120,000.
Details available. paul@spinfish.tv
09010364681
Digital camera, Canon EOS Kiss, w/
two-lens kit (EF-S18-55mm F3.5-5.6
IS), battery, charger, strap, in great
condition ¥30,000. Pick up Tokyo/
Shinagawa. sweetviera7@gmail.com
DSLR, Nikon D7000, w/new 35mm
1.8 lens, no boxes ¥75,000. Pick up
Shinjuku San-Chome. recfreq@yahoo.
com
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Bindings, snowboard, K2, for
beginners, 4x4, cap toe strap, women's
size 6-10/men's size 5-8 ¥1000. Pick up
near Yokohama. sayonara_vancouver@
hotmail.com
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Insect sounds. "Bugs" collection
of insect sounds taken from Ric
Viers’ Blastwave Sound Library,
thousands of sounds pre-installed
on a dedicated USB drive, brand new,
never plugged in. New $249. Sell
¥15,000. justcallmehenry@gmail.com
edwardsoperation.com
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
DVDs, 50 available, most bought in
Japan, in excellent condition, in original
packaging ¥300/each or less. Details,
list available. grabthebrassring71@
yahoo.com
Monitor, Samsung T260, wide, HDMI,
in perfect working condition, no dead
pixels, no scratches ¥12,500. Cash only.
Pick up only Ningyocho Dec 19-21. Box
available. jimmy_d@hotmail.co.jp
Tablet, Sony Xperia Z 32GB, Wi-Fi,
six m/o, w/original Sony leather cover
¥43,000. mishraearly@gmail.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
BABY-S IT TER N EED ED I N
JIYUGAOKA, Toyoko line, for two
boys (7 and 10 years old). Mostly
weekday evenings. Responsible,
experienced, Japanesespeaking person (English not
mandatory), over 22. ¥1000/h, plus
transportation fee. Please mail
introduction. minamiyama@gmail.
com
Audio magician: help, please.
Seeking audio engineer, preferably
Mac user (but not picky if it sounds
good) to help remix my tracks to
get them sounding more magical.
rod_jaytee@yahoo.co.uk 09082752381
Native English check needed.
JM musician needs you to check my
English lyrics. I need your help. Let’s
hang out! tokyolocalize@hotmail.com
Seeking gyoza area. Hi, I remember
once there was a place that had many
gyoza shops along a street, but I can't
remember where it was. Either in
Kanagawa or Tokyo. Anyone know
what I'm talking about? hell-fire@
yahoo.com
10.2 SUPPORT
5.5 GAMING
Board games, European-style, as
new or un-played: Drakon ¥1500.
Attika ¥1000. Mr. Jack ¥1000.
Babel ¥1000. Settlers of Catan,
Japanese ¥1500. Bohnanza ¥500.
La Citta ¥4000. ¥7000/all/obo.
09058044378
Xbox 360, UK, white, 60GB, w/13
games (Halo 1, 3, 4, ODST, Reach; Mass
Effect 1-3; Fable II and III), UK power
converter, unopened official Xbox
T-shirt (black, size M) and baseball cap
set, clean, works perfectly. taxiarkai@
yahoo.co.jp
N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e
to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free,
anonymous English counseling
daily from 9am-11pm by trained
vo l u n te e r s : 03 - 57 74 - 0 9 92 .
TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual
p syc h oth e rapy by acc re dite d
Western-trained professionals,
a CIGNA International Provider:
03-4550-1146. TELL website: www.
telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook
and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.
7 GENERAL
7.2 FASHION
Coat, Zara, for winter, very warm, in
great condition, faux suede, size M.
New ¥35,000. Sell ¥5000. Pick up
Ikebukuro. Can ship via Sagawa for an
additional ¥600. chemists_at_large@
yahoo.com
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS
Christmas tree, s l i m - t y p e
(180cm), fully decorated, many
ornaments, lights, used four
times ¥8000. Photos available.
09058044378
Christmas tree, two y/o (H150cm),
from Tokyu Hands, in excellent
condition, w/tree stand, skirt and
decorations, no lights ¥4000. Pick up
Nishi-Funabashi or pay for delivery.
mark.dkeene@yahoo.com
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
iPad 4 64GB, black, no scratches,
in great condition ¥35,000. Ebina,
Kanagawa. splendidham@gmail.com
08041178302
Keyboard, wireless, 2.4GHz, w/
trackball mouse, function keys for
music player, volume, etc., good grip
for use without table, in good condition
¥3000. Pick up Sangenjaya or Shibuya.
japanjohan@yahoo.co.jp
Monitor, ThinkVision L171p, LCD, 17",
in great condition, w/manual, DB15,
DVI, power cables ¥7000. nrad_bob@
hotmail.com
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a d ay, fro m a ny wh e re , a b out
a ny t h i n g . Fro m e m e rg e n c y
assistance to simple questions.
Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press
“ he lp,” or call 0 570 - 0 0 0 -911.
To volunteer or support, please
contact team@jhelp.com. www.
jhelp.com/
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL ,
O N E PEO PLE . Fifty years ago,
West Papua should have been
an inde pe nde nt countr y.
Since 1969, West Papua has
b e e n inva d e d a n d th e p e o p l e
robbed of their rights, culture
a n d c o u n t r y. H e l p s u p p o r t
West Papuans’ desire to be
fre e . ht tp : //t a p ol .g n . a p c .org/
davidhalpern@7ymail.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
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,
JAPAN’S NO.1 ENGLISH
MAG A Z I N E , log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or
email your commercial ads to
commercial@metropolis.co.jp.
11 MESSAGES
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
13.1 SPORTS
‘T WA S S H O RTLY B EFO RE
CHRISTMAS, and all through
the land, people were
c u r s i n g t h e o u t ra g e o u s
c o s t of C h ri s t m a s c a rd s
and, Metropolis gave all a
reason to hope - post one
ad here for all your friends,
a n d avo i d g o i n g b r o ke .
http://classifieds.
metropolis.co.jp/
MAMA-TOMO, where would I be
without you? Curled up in the
fetal position in a corner pulling
my hair out, no doubt. You ladies
and your kiddies rock K’s and my
socks. Wishing you all a merry
Christmas and looking forward to
plenty of new adventures in 2014.
Cheers!
THANK YOU, AI-SAN. You taught
me French swear words, how to
wrap iPhone cases, and helped
me recognize the greatness of
Japanese dajare. I will never forget
my great experience interning with
you at Metropolis!
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET'S PARTY
JAPAN I NTE R NATI O NAL
CHRI STMAS PARTY. Sat ,
D e c 21 , 6 : 3 0 - 9 p m , D evi
Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected. Allyo u - c a n - d ri n k a n d fre e
snacks. Japanese men:
¥4 0 0 0. O t h e r s : ¥ 3 0 0 0.
Mobile: http://getyourfriend.
com/mobile/ jiparty@
hotmail.com 090-1735-5405
http://www.getyourfriend.
com/
J O I N T H E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
INTERNATIONAL PARTY!
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friend s
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
Events in Tokyo (Ginza ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500-¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
info@gaitomo.com
AMERICAN FOOTBALL .
Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league
C e n t ra l D i v i s i o n , s e e k s
fit players w/ US college
football experience for all
positions. Practice every
S at /S un from 10a m -3 p m
(including meeting) in
To k y o / S a i t a m a ( t i m e &
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/
CLUB 360 PERSONAL
TRAINING, physical therapy,
fitness classes, massage.
Large, modern facility just
3min walk from Roppongi
Hills, with experienced
trainers and therapists. For all
your fitness and rehabilitation
needs, contact us! info@
club360.jp www.club360.jp
03-6434-9667
ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCH
FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby
League players. We play every
Sat from 10am in Tatsumi.
M/F and beginners welcome!
Good exercise and fun! Many
other activities, such as BBQs
and drinking parties! Email for
details. tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com http://ameblo.
jp/tokyo13warriors
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE
PLAYERS . Japan ANZAC S
Rugby League team is seeking
Rugby League players for
J a p a n e s e Ru g by Le a g u e
official games from Apr to
S e p. Eve r yo n e we lco m e .
Contact for more details.
japananzacs@gmail.com
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
spor t from Scotlan d . U sing 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
Basketball in the Yokohama area.
Good intermediate games every Mon
and Wed night at a local school's gym.
Feel free to come. It's free. Please
contact for further details. satoru.
nicolas@gmail.com
Cricket. Cricket. Cricket! Play
cricket with the Chiba Sharks Cricket
Club! Teams in JCA Division 1, Division
2, T20 and monthly indoor training.
Indoor Winter League starting soon!
Men/women, all nationalities, abilities
welcome. Never too late to play!
chibasharksinfo@gmail.com http://
www.chibasharks.com
Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Football/soccer GK players.
Tokyo Redstar, Setagaya League 3, is
seeking soccer players for goalkeeper
positions. Practice almost every Sat/
Sun in Tokyo. Attendance must be over
60%. Experienced player welcome.
Please send your profile. saito987@
hotmail.com http://tokyoredstar.com/
Futsal player. Want to play futsal on
weekends in Tokyo? Please introduce
yourself (name, age, nationality,
where you live, whether you belong to
another team). futsaluk@yahoo.co.jp
Futsal players wanted by a very
friendly international team. Practice is
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details
available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.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
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
Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese
and foreign volleyball players gather
in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing.
Have volleyball experience and
want to play volleyball in a friendly
atmosphere? intervollclub@yahoo.
co.jp http://intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/
13.2 LEISURE
MCARTHUR HEIGHTS.
Take a break where General Douglas
McArthur did! One hour from Tokyo
by car or direct train. Beautiful
cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach,
shopping. mcarthurheights@yahoo.
com
Free Japanese home cooking
lessons. Japanese housewife offers
free private home cooking lessons
in English (women only) at her house
near Kawasaki stn during the day
on weekdays. You pay the cost of
ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@
ezweb.ne.jp
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 http://www.
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
13.3 ARTS
American comics. Seeking fans of
American comics to meet, chat and
share ideas. Maybe we can work on
projects to get published or just have
a good time talking about comics.
analogderez1@yahoo.co.jp
Independent film makers night.
We want to start an independent film
makers night. It will be a networking
night and a chance to show your
work. If you are interested, please
get in touch. kelly.williams@sasuraievents.com
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
Chorus singer/instrumentalist
sought. Cover band, currently fourpiece including female lead vocals,
guitar, bass and drums, is seeking an
additional member. Ideally, female
who can sing good vocal harmonies
and play guitar or keyboard.
bassplayerintokyo@gmail.com
Drum or taiko. Seeking someone
to teach me taiko or the drums. I can
teach you languages (English, German,
French). heinpt@yahoo.com
JOBS
Chika’s Special Facial Therapy:
¥15,750 (90min)
To advertise:
commercial@metropolis.co.jp
Includes cleansing, (exfoliation and extraction,
if needed) along with a special facial massage
Chika’s Hot Stone Body Therapy:
¥12,600 (70min)
Warm, stone bed massage that helps balance
your energy, body and mind.
It takes you to a deeper relaxation!
10% off with this ad!
B1F Sun Beauty Harajuku,
3-25-6 Jingumae,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
OFFER FOR METROPOLIS READERS!
This month special
Brazilian wax & Under arms
Only ¥5,500!
Nail
Waxing
(Lycon)
Shellac for hand ¥4,800~ Brazilian ¥6,800~
Shellac for foot ¥6,800~ Bikini ¥3,800~
Under Arms ¥2,200~
Gel Nail ¥6,500~
Lower 1/2 Legs ¥4,000~
Manicure ¥4,300~
1/2 Arms ¥3,000~
Pedicure ¥6,500~
tip–top–tap
NISSIN
Akabanebashi Sta.
Azabu Juban Sta.
•Akabanebashi Stn: 1 minute walk
•Azabu Juban Stn: 8 minutes walk
English speaking Private Nail Salon
tip–top–tap
B1F Rever Hayashi
1-18-7 Higashi-Azabu,Minato-ku
Weekday 12:00-22:00
Weekend 10:00-20:00
ONLINE APPOINTMENT www.tip-top-tap.com
Strong, beautiful, flexible
Transform your body & soul at
BASI PILATES!
Offering you “Authentic Pilates”
Metropolis Campaign
Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0
Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400
Package 3 Machine
Private Lessons
¥30,000 ¥18,000
Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio
Lessons in English available
Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more
03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp
www.basipilates.jp/english/
COCO JUKU, a quickly expanding
English school, seeks native English
instructors. Location: Tokyo area.
S a l a r y: ¥2 6 5 ,0 0 0/mont h . S o c i a l
Insurance, union membership, visa
sponsorship. Teaching experience and
TEFL, CELTA, TESOL desired. To apply,
please email CV and cover letter to
Coco-apps@nichiigakkan.co.jp.
METROPOLIS is seeking E/J bilingual
sales executives. Base salary and attractive
commissions. Experience preferred. Send
E/J resume to jobs@metropolis.co.jp.
http://metropolis.co.jp/jobs/
I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O S T E S S E S
WANTED! Fun and easygoing, w/
proper visa. Daily pay, starting at
¥1800-¥2500/h. No tax! Top-quality
karaoke sound system. Stardust Club,
1min from Nishi-Kasai stn, Tozai line.
Tel: 03-5696-5398, 03-5696-5397
or 080 -3 504 -94 54 E m a i l : liza@
stardustjapan.com Website: www.
stardustjapan.com
Drummer and bassist wanted
around Yokohama for a band. We
mainly play rock music and have
rehearsals in Shin-Yokohama. Any
kind of player is welcome, so feel free
to contact us. m_a_b1998@yahoo.
co.jp
Guitarist, other odds and ends.
Seeking musicians for creative
projects, soundscapes to improvised
rock, explorers of new sounds. Not
trying to be famous, just want to
create. Basically improvise around a
theme. xrc@jcom.home.ne.jp
Jazz singer in Tokyo sought
by Japanese guitarist. I play jazz
standards in Tokyo. k.chiba106@
gmail.com
Seeking bassist. Are you
comfortable with odd time
signatures? Like progressive rock?
Arthur Pentameter is seeking a
bassist with attitude and skills. We
play around Tokyo on a monthly
basis. philpost@hotmail.com http://
www.arthurpentameter.net
Seeking cover band. Hey, I'm
seeking like-minded musicians
to start a pop-punk cover band.
To k y o / w e s t e r n To k y o a r e a .
Fall Out Boy, etc. I'm a bassist.
N e e d g u i t a r, vo c a l s , d r u m s .
simonsworkemail@gmail.com
Vocal coach sought for one hour
of vocal training. Can exchange for
one hour of piano, bass or English
instruction. bradburgess1000@
yahoo.com
Yes, another "bass player wanted"
ad. Original music. Play blues/rock.
Can actually "play." No slappers. No
suits. Sample of playing. See online
for video. dreamat@nifty.com
You're right: we can sing a song!
Seeking female singer/songwriter.
I'm a Japanese guitarist. I play electric
03-4588-2277
FORE IGN AN D JAPAN E S E CAFE
STAFF WANTE D. LD&K Inc . will
open a new cafe in Udagawa, Shibuya
at the end of Nov. We are seeking
friendly, music-loving E/J speakers
for the bar, kitchen and hall. Shift
work paid at ¥1000 -¥1400/h ,
depending on experience.
Transportation and staff meal
provided. Valid visa required. Please
contact kawaguchi@ldandk.com.
http://www.udagawacafe.com/
I N T E R NAT I O NA L M A R K E T I N G
MANAGER/ASSISTANT WANTED.
Mirei Recruit is seeking energetic
bilinguals to sell product to distributors,
communicate with foreign division staff
and expand our business. Experience
pre fe r re d . S e nd CV, w/photo, to
manager1@mirei-i.com.
ADMIN INTERN. Metropolis is seeking
an E/J bilingual intern for general
admin duties, editing, and various other
tasks. Students welcome. No pay, but
transportation provided. Great chance
to gain experience in an international
environment. jobs@metropolis.co.jp
SALES INTERN. Metropolis is seeking
a bilingual (E/J) intern to join its
Restaurants & Bars advertising team.
No pay, but transportation provided.
Please email knakashima@
metropolis.co.jp.
and acoustic guitar. Rock, pop, punk,
R&B. Gigs in Tokyo. kamikaze_vibe@
hotmail.com
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.
Do you want to explore your own
mind? Guided Buddhist meditation
every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.
International practitioners, beginners
welcome, Japanese spoken. Please
call 090 -3598-3072 for more
information. daginia@gmail.com
www.diamondway.jp/
Reiki share. Non-profit Reiki
share group. We meet twice/
month in the Ueno area. Other
healing modalities are ok, too.
inarichoureiki@gmail.com
Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve
always thought it would be interesting
to try it - why not now? Join us Fri
evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno.
Make arrangements in advance by
email, and check our home page.
tokyozazen@jcom.home.ne.jp www.
wgthorpe.com
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
Around 40! JF, around 40, seeks
new female friends for nights out.
All my friends have gotten married,
feeling a bit isolated from the dating
world. Preferably around my age and
not into Sex and the City, please. nmi.
skt@gmail.com
Danes wanted! JF, 3 0 s , into
Denmark like crazy! Er der nogen
dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa
at moedes til kaffe og hjaelpe
mig at laere dansk lidt? Please
be nonsmokers, 30s preferred.
Glaeder mig til at hoere fra jer!
codename107113@live.com
Dining friends. SJF, early 40s,
seeking friends who can go out for
dinner on weekdays and weekends.
Minato-ku area preferred. luv.
rosewood@gmail.com
Japanese guy living in Tokyo
seeks friends to explore local
treasures: aka-chochin, yakitori, etc.
fivefivefive@chime.ocn.ne.jp
JM seeks jazz players for fun. I've
been playing the alto sax for a couple
of years. Still amateur, but want to
play with others. yossynet@ra2.
so-net.ne.jp
Musician? Hello, I’m a SJF. I speak
English. Can any guitar players
teach me? I’m free after work or on
weekends. tokyo_arts@aol.com
New friends. I am a Russian female,
27, living in Tokyo, married, with a
young baby, seeking new friends
who could meet up sometimes for a
tea and chat. Prefer similar age and
situation. Female only. positve@
hotmail.com
Running mate wanted! Do you
enjoy running in this perfect season,
but are getting bored running
alone? Same here! I'm seeking a
running mate in the Ikebukuro/
Mejiro/Takadanobaba area. Let's
run together and stay fit! loveurpp@
gmail.com
Seeking friends in central Tokyo.
JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang
out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@
yahoo.co.jp
Se e kin g illu st rators . I ’m a
Canadian writer (published)
seeking Japanese illustrators who
are interested in collaborating on
children’s picture books. My themes
are healing and peace, the kinds of
絵本 that adults can enjoy as well as
children. Japanese ok. philcoecc@
gmail.com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR
WOMEN
HANDSOME JM SEEKS SINCERE
WOMAN IN TOKYO. Successful
Japane se busine s sman , early
3 0 s , b ilin gua l , go o d - lo o kin g ,
caring, seeks something
long-term, potentially leading to
marriage. If interested, please
feel free to drop me a line.
Photo preferred. pirlo_cucchiaio@
hotmail.com
MARRIED MAN SEEKING WOMAN.
There is something that I have
missed in my life. Seeking a friend
to share some good moments
(talking, having romantic dinners
and more). Please send your photo
to pastasjp@yahoo.co.jp.
SUBMISIVE SJM, 35, 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.
slaveintokyo@gmail.com
彼女探しています。H i ! I a m a
29-year-old guy seeking someone
under 29 for a serious relationship.
I can speak Japanese quite well
and I have a LINE account. Waiting
for your email. uniman@gmail.
com
Are you fun? American gentleman,
30s, attractive, clean, seeking
no - string s-at t ach e d m e eting s
to release stress. Not seeking a
relationship at this time. You should
be 20-40, fun, sexy and attractive.
Kinky is a plus. deepwatersmind@
yahoo.com
Are you tall? I'm dying to meet a nice,
tall, special woman (165cm and up)
here in Tokyo. I'm young, American,
very fit. Any race/country ok. I just find
tall women gorgeous! shallumain@
yahoo.co.jp
Attractive single Japanese male
seeks a nice Western or Japanese
female for friendship and possibly
more. Nonsmokers preferred. I am
confident that I can create fun times
for you. If you are ready, email me.
cioinjapan@gmail.com
Attractive, cute and gentle SJM
seeking foreign female. Let's enjoy
new experiences and feel happier
together. Nonsmoker preferred. Let's
start with dialogue. lifegoes2012@
mail.goo.ne.jp
Beautiful inside and out. I'm a
nonsmoking SWM, 30s, with a good
job in Tokyo, seeking someone for
a serious relationship. I enjoy the
outdoors, seeing movies, traveling,
listening to all kinds of music, reading.
deepwatersmind@yahoo.com
Big black guy for you. I want to give
beautiful ladies lots of fun. Satisfaction
guaranteed. Skilled, very experienced,
well-muscled, no strings attached.
Find what you've been missing.
tokioitelive@gmail.com
Big, tall woman? Guy seeks tall,
larger-than-average woman. Age,
nationality and looks not important.
spk3005@i.softbank.jp
British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim,
seeking a nice girl to hang out with.
Nationalit y/race unimpor tant ,
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 42,
nonsmoking, don' t drink. Any
nationality ok. If interested, please
contact me. Let's start with a cup of
coffee. olympia127@yahoo.co.jp
Enjoy life. Caucasian American man
seeking Japanese woman, under 27,
who loves nature, Japanese food, and
life, for lasting relationship. Let's enjoy
it together. Serious only. I’m educated
and work in Tokyo. Email, w/photo.
sushix10@gmail.com
European gentleman, mid-40s, tall,
educated, good-looking, S, seeks M
lady, under 30, with unusual fantasies,
ready to explore the extraordinary.
One mouse click may make your
secret desires come true! aminimia@
yahoo.com
European man seeking Japanese
angel. European, 30s, seeking JF who
likes family life and figure skating in her
free time. I like to enjoy myself at home.
I am a computer programer. I also like
fashion design and cooking. xoxo@
crystalise.tw http://crystalise.tw/xi
French businessman, 40s, seeking
his princess to share a new life. Photo
appreciated. Let's get to know each
other by email before a glass of wine.
romaji99@hotmail.com
Friends first. JM seeks friendship
or a steady relationship with English
or Japanese-speaking people. Any
nationality ok. I like outdoor activities,
movies and music. Tokyo or Kanagawa.
snowsurfsk8@yahoo.com
Friendship or more. SJM, 40s, classy
and stylish, seeks sweet and intelligent
woman to share feelings and a sincere
friendship. Age, race and looks are not
important. We can start getting to know
each other by email before meeting.
toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp
Good-looking British man, 39, tall, is
seeking a Japanese girlfriend in/around
Tokyo. Preferably 18-29, slim, with some
English ability. Seeking a girl who is not
tied to her work. Waiting for your email.
jaguar671@hotmail.com
Handsome White American new in
Tokyo. I'm an educated, fit, Californialooking guy with lots of interests,
hobbies. I am seeking a cute, kind,
possibly slender Japanese girl. よろし
くお願いします. Try me. wwooozzz3@
yahoo.com
Hanging out on evenings/weekends.
Professional, respectful male, new to
Tokyo, is seeking a female for evenings/
weekends. I like chatting over coffee,
movies, concerts, long walks. We can
discuss more later. furugh2002@
yahoo.com
Hotel friend. Seeking woman, any
nationality ok, to share good times in a
hotel. chilljapan@gmail.com
things. Contact me. yossynet@ra2.
so-net.ne.jp
Late-working man. I am a Western
man living in Tokyo, working at
a bar. I'm seeking a woman to
meet sometimes, late at night,
after midnight, sometimes on
weekends. Maybe you work late, too?
scorpiosrealm@hotmail.co.uk
Lazy weekends together? Seeking
attractive and curvy girlfriend,
160cm+, who is fun to be around and
seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area.
I'm a generous Afro-American male
from NY, 35, 183cm, athletic build,
intelligent, honest, working in IT.
Interested? sbmmodel@yahoo.com
Life is short. American, late 30s,
professional, tall, laid-back, speaks
Japanese, likes eating and drinking
out, traveling, reading, museums,
parks, photography, watching movies,
seeking an open-minded woman, with
similar interests for fun and adventure
in Tokyo. pdmc30@yahoo.com
Long-haired Japanese guy. SJM,
40s, cool and honest, seeks nice female
friend who is open-minded and likes
to communicate. I enjoy movies, rock
music, taking pictures, relaxing walks,
etc. Let's get to know each other.
seventh-heaven999@mail.goo.ne.jp
Mature and sophisticated Japanese,
some have said charming, seeking an
elegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dream
about wild nights as well as sharing the
simple pleasures of love. Is that you?
imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp
Muslim marriage. Single guy,
30, seriously seeking someone for
marriage. I am a moderate Muslim
(believer in Islam), and am seeking
someone with the same or similar faith.
Introducing a third person is welcome,
too. Thank you. akashjp3000@yahoo.
com
Nice American guy, 34, nonsmoker,
doesn't drink, very healthy, blue eyes,
seeking a fun girl to hang out with and
laugh. Let's see where that takes us.
patrickf291@yahoo.com
Princess needed! Very slender
and attractive JF needed for
prince to complete his kingdom!
You'll get a romantic, outgoing
and handsome SWM to fulfill your
wishes! Adventuresome, outgoing,
loves to travel, try new things,
athletic and a sweet lover are a must!
nightwatchblue@gmail.com
I'm a JM. Nice to meet you! I'm
Japanese, 23, and I like foreign women.
Please send me a message! We can be
friends. misawa514@gmail.com
If you feel lonely. Sometimes talking
to unknown people is better than
talking to your best friend. giozomi@
yahoo.co.uk
In Kanagawa? Kind and friendly
foreigner, late 30s, seeks a lunch or
afternoon tea friend in the Kanagawa
area for friendship and maybe more. If
you are interested in movies, traveling,
cultural exchange, drop me a line. Any
nationality ok. gulliverjourney@live.
com
Italian boyfriend. Open-minded lady
sought by an Italian executive working
in central Tokyo. I'm good-looking and
love wine. You won't be disappointed!
gioochan@libero.it
Japanese male, 40, single, seeks
sincere, warm, open-minded white
female for friendship and romance.
I am generous, nonsmoking, like
traveling, reading, philosophy and
enjoying my life. skyoverture@mail.
goo.ne.jp
Chinese girlfriend. Seeking female
Chinese friends. Want to have some
good times at a hotel. chilljapan@
gmail.com
Japanese man seeks female. Hi,
I'm a JM seeking a foreign friend. I'm
30, easygoing, like driving, drinking,
movies, dancing at clubs, etc. If you
are seeking a friend, please mail me
back. Any nationality ok. kosuke1016@
hotmail.com
Danish girlfriend sought by a very
nice and generous SJM, 39, in Tokyo.
I really like Denmark and Danish girls.
I really would like a girlfriend from
Denmark! seven8877@hotmail.com
JM seeking international
friend. JM, 175cm, 65kg, seeking
international friend for going out in
Tokyo. My hobbies are playing the
alto sax, travel, drinking and new
Public play. Are you a dirty
girl who is interested in
chikan play? SJM is willing
to help you with it. We can
meet and play any place you
like - packed train, movie
theater, public washroom or
love hotel. imaclosedbook@
yahoo.co.jp
Romance with an older lady. Very
nice and sexy gentleman seeks an
older, or much older, woman to have
nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@
yahoo.co.uk
Seeking female partner. Foreign
single male, early 40s, seeking good
female friends around the Tokyo,
Chiba area. I am mature, gentle, sincere,
caring. Let's have a date over a cup of
coffee. Serious females only, please.
serioussa@gmail.com
Seeking my honey bunny. I'm 42,
divorced, 194cm, black hair/eyes,
from Turkey, seeking a serious longterm relationship. You're around my
age, preferably a divorced Caucasian,
nonsmoking, independent, love
life and its challenges, into fitness,
solitude, spirituality. pisces030771@
hotmail.com
Seeking some fun times. German
guy, 25, living in Tokyo, seeking fun with
a JF in central Tokyo. lstyle.tokyo87@
gmail.com
“Don't wait until the new year to get in the best shape of your life!”
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Pristine showering facilities
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WADA Legal & Administrative Office
We can help you with:
So big and nice. Do you ever wonder
what super-big feels like? I'm Canadian,
white, good-looking. Most importantly,
I am very well-endowed. Please be
a nonsmoker, 24-37. big22cmlong@
yahoo.com
• 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
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
Sexual relations sought by black male,
33, in Tokyo. If you are seeking good,
romantic sexual relations, contact me
and I will make you feel like a woman in
paradise. paris0010@yahoo.com
WM seeking active, attractive
female. WM, 26, from the USA, 188cm,
handsome, slender, fit, seeking JF,
under 28, fit, active, healthy sense of
humor. Photo exchanged after contact.
bonsaimo7@gmail.com
Your time! Let’s find the love and
passion of a new romance together!
Handsome, fit, professional SWM
seeks very slim JF for that special time
only two can share! Romance, special
attention, travel, dining, fun. We can
have it all! nightwatchblue@gmail.com
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: info@wada-lats.com
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING
FOR MEN
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
We can support you with:
Visa and immigration
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Other Legal & Business matters
Hiroshi Oogai,
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
www.j-star.jp
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Imperial
Palace
SINGLE? Then this is for
you. Singles-only dating
parties 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
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp
Meiji Dori
Shibuya
Station
Meijijingumae
Station
L AV I S H DAT E S A N D
INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE
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American SBM sought. Elegant,
intelligent, nonsmoking SJF seeks
tall American BM in Tokyo to share
interests: music, traveling, good food,
movies. Late 30s would be good. No
kids only. amiela07@gmail.com
Bored with traveling alone. I am a
JF, late 30s, divorced, small but lots
of energy, seeking a travel/hiking
buddy. Never tried, but would like to go
trekking (to Everest someday). Let's go
to onsen, zazen, skiing, etc., together!
mahavidya111@gmail.com
Cute, fit and so much more!
SJF, 30s, sweet, fun, sophisticated city
girl, but appreciate nature and simple
things, love exercise, traveling, etc.,
seeking an athletic professional guy.
tokyoactivegal@gmail.com
European gentleman for serious
relationship. I'm a SJF, 30s, seeking a
European gentleman as I'm interested
in culture. Email me for more info.
Serious and genuine who know
how to introduce themselves only.
framboisier@inter7.jp
Japanese or Korean. I'm around
40, living in central Tokyo, lived
overseas and fluent in English. If you
are Japanese or Korean and seeking
a relationship possibly leading to
something serious, please email me.
2010mirai@gmail.com
Naturally beautiful. SJF, 45, with
a great figure. I believe I look good
without makeup, in jeans/T-shirt, after
waking up, after hard exercise. I enjoy
dressing up for special occasions.
Single, witty, intelligent seeks the same.
American preferred. shinyhills525@
gmail.com
Need your gentleness. European
lady, 42, living in Tokyo, seeking young
guy. You need to be obedient and
gentle. irina.bilas@mail.ru
Nurturing, beautiful, playful.
More importantly, intelligent. Radiant
Japanese beauty, 44, comfortable with
my own femininity and appearance,
seeks a professional single American
of a mature age. Make me laugh, and I
will make you smile when you see me.
honeydaisy97@yahoo.co.jp
Relaxed weekend. Early 30s seeking
an independent, internationally
minded person. Let's try and meet up
for coffee. Single nonsmokers only.
Thanks. tkybondgirl14@yahoo.com
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Mature, middle-aged single guy
only. SJF, late 40s, large/voluptuous,
with both comical and cynical sides,
seeking friend with benefits. He must
be single, 40-50s, healthy, responsible,
trustworthy. Serious, romantic a plus.
vinasantih@excite.co.jp
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Info: www.erotic-massagejapan.com
Russian female, 41, 173cm, single,
well-educated, working at a Japanese
company, likes swimming, seeks a
soulmate: tall SWM, 37-50, living in
Japan. lenol@hotmail.co.jp
Seeking Frenchman for serious
relationship. I'm a SJF, 30s, interested
in France, seeking a relationship with
a sincere and intelligent Frenchman,
25-45. No language exchange
or games, please. Serious only.
framboisier@inter7.jp
Seeking SWM friends and more.
Attractive SJF, 40-something, 5'2",
110lbs, cute, looks 28-35, works as a
freelancer, B.A. in law, seeks native
English-speaking SWM for friendship,
possibly more. peachdiamondcore@
aol.jp
Speak Korean or English? SJF, mid30s, seeks someone who is sincere
and attractive. I’m bilingual, attractive,
with a good smile, and I love traveling,
art, etc. Serious only, please. keimilai@
gmail.com
Sweet JF. If you're seeking a sweet
life with a sweet JF, write me. I'm a
SJF, mid-30s, enjoy making cakes and
bread, walking in the park and beach.
Well-mannered gentleman with good
job only. rosecolour@inter7.jp
Woman. Natural and different.
Single Japanese woman, 40+,
attractive and cultured, seeks a
partner. Friendship first. Single men
only, please. sputnik_sweetheart19@
yahoo.co.jp
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
Cozy fun. Japanese, 5'7", 145lbs,
smooth body, into kissing, cuddling,
hugging, etc., living alone in Tokyo.
Feel free to make contact. Please
reply with face shot and I'll send mine.
urbanpado@outlook.jp
Man, European, 40s, fit, good-looking,
seeking hot encounter. Mature a plus.
run125@hotmail.com
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AT KAGAYAKI
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kagayakilove@yahoo.co.jp
03-5515-3320 *Please speak
English slowly.
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14.6 AND OTHERS
JM seeks older or fat woman. I'm a
Japanese man seeking an older or fat
woman for erotic play in Tokyo. Relaxed
and friendly person. Will enjoy giving
you much pleasure. riku_hiroxx@
hotmail.com
JM, 22, living in Tokyo, seeks a woman
to take the virginity of a man. Girls with
big, soft boobs are more than welcome.
ikumin1222@hotmail.com
New, exciting experience? Let's
enjoy food, wine and good conversation
together. Looking to spoil an interesting,
smart and attractive lady. We are a
social, fun and energetic EuropeanJapanese couple, 30s, in central Tokyo.
tokyopleasure6@gmail.com
Passable shemale seeks dominant
male. Well, I'm already interested in
trying out bondage, spanking and
things like that. I'm wondering if there's
a dominant who'd like a short or longterm plaything? mnkytown@yahoo.
com
Seeking mistress. Caucasian seeking
a domination playmate, experienced
or inexperienced, nothing dangerous
or extreme. Me: safe, clean, healthy,
generous. ms2013spk@yahoo.com
Sissy maid. I am a very submissive
TV maid who loves to clean and do
housework. I hope to meet a woman
who could make use of my services.
Free, clean, obedient, extremely
hardworking. supersissy789@yahoo.
co.jp
BY CATHRYN MOE
Horoscope
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
Make your own rules. Someone has
to. Or no rules at all. You may surprise
yourself. You’re expanding into areas
you haven’t tried before. The unknown isn’t guaranteed to be comfortable. In fact it probably won’t
be. Your chart this week has you craving freedom
and yet with Jupiter and Dark Moon Lilith in your
solar fourth house, you secretly want a cuddle and
a cozy warm life at home.
There may seem to be less of you and a
whole lot more of others this week. Obligations seem to crop up and there’s no
telling what you’ll be asked to do. Part of you may
want to live for fun but at the end of the day that
tends not to be sustainable. Consequences crop up
in larger amounts right now. When you put your
energies into taking care of yourself and saying
what’s real for you, you’re rewarded.
The birth of our new earth is felt by all
its inhabitants. There are moments of
tension, breaths of release. Pain and
joy, confusion and clarity all merge. Overlapping
awareness and crazy time schedules seem to go
together. One minute you’re holding on, the next
you’re letting go. It’s all a bit much to ask. No one
can do it consistently, but as a Gemini, this week
you’ll have to. Juno in Aquarius has your back.
How do you take care of yourself? Do
you hide out in your crab cave? When
someone gets near a soft spot, do you
pinch the living daylights out of them? There isn’t
much you can do other than be what you are. The
tricky part is having that part exposed while still
feeling safe. Venus opposite your sign says ‘just do
it’. Your beauty glows this week.
LEO
VIRGO
Aug 23, 24~Sep 22, 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Sep 23, 24~Oct 22, 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Finally, a sense of comfort in your role
sinks in. The Part of Fortune in your sign
brings success in your current efforts.
The Moon opposite Leo on Friday lends itself to
your focus. It strengthens your resolve as Mars
transits to your communication sector Saturday.
Changes at home may seem slow but the foundation you’re creating is worth this extra time. Open
yourself to new experiences.
Tread carefully over prickly details.
They may blossom into warm understanding with this week’s shift of
perspective. The repercussions of thought and
feeling merge as harmony becomes a focus. Trying to reign in your dreamy side? It’s either going
to be expressed through your artistic pursuits or
those of a partner. Since inner vision has not cost,
you may as well be the recipient of inspiration.
You have everything to gain. Risk
a dent or two in your ego. You’ll up
your chances of winning a closer connection with your divine self. Your ruling planet
Venus wants you surrounded with beauty, serenity, comfort. Mars entering your sign on Saturday
brings drive to make this real in your world. Don’t
let a little thing like Pluto taking apart your dreams
stop you from making new and better ones.
The calm you feel is the mounting of
energy before your new life begins. It’s
one of cutting away fears and obligations
that were never yours. For so long you have tried
to make your deepest desires understood, while
noticing that the tides of emotion kept carrying
you off to other destinations. Right now, Scorpio
can create their own paradigms like magic.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20, 21~Feb 18, 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 19, 20~Mar 20, 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Happy Birthday Sag! Whether your
birthday is this week, last week or coming up, you’re in the high energy zone
of your year. That may seem like a surprise when
you consider the season means it’s a bit cooler.
However, Sags are like pilot lights. They’re there
for you to the nth degree. They keep others’ hearts
warm ‘cause theirs are always sparking. Break a
few rules and put yourself first this week.
You’re all about building for the future.
If only you knew what the future held!
You’ve come to the right place. The
world is becoming more malleable, more permeable with an infusion of thought and feeling. What
used to be considered a pillar of tradition doesn’t
excite the nervous system the way it used to do.
It’s the new lights who are sparking an interest. It’s
your turn to step up to the plate and hit a home run.
You’ll have a better sense of what you’re
doing as each day progresses. Juno in
your sign glows with the transit of the
moon in Aquarius on Friday. Translated, this is a
day to feel what is important to you. It may mean
rearranging your schedule or booking yourself in
for a massage or an energy healing. Venus is hiding in your solar twelfth house. Love is around the
corner and just about to show up.
Chiron in Pisces opposite Pallas
Athene says you get what you pay for.
It’s not all about money, either. Emotions run high and investments must be carefully
scrutinized this week. Sure, you can gamble and
shoot for the moon. But if you end up stuck on an
emotional raft rather than sparkling amidst the
stars, you’re going to want your investment back.
And by then it may be too late.
March 20, 21 - April 19, 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Apr 20, 21~May 20, 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
July 23, 24~Aug 22, 23 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Nov 22, 23~Dec 21, 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣
Dec 22, 23~Jan 19, 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Metropolis Mediabox
facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine
XXXXX
and
I visited Japan this summer for
Regarding
the
history,“Smokehouse”
food, temples,(Restaurant
nature,
Review,
October
I have
this
...etc.
Pop
culture25):
had
zeroto
tothink
do with
is as
a paid
ad, not
review.
It doesn’t
it
did the
lacka of
women
CEOs, even
the
seem likxxxxxx
aging
population and overworked
salarymen.—JLR
CHRISTI ROCHIN
NOT SO COOL
Regarding “Uncool Japan” (The Last
Word, November 8): Does it really
matter as neither J-Pop or its lamer
imitator, K-Pop, travel all that well?
—Jenni Anderson
If the point being made is that the
government using Japanese pop
culture to get tourists is a failure
then I can see the point. My wife
May 21, 22~June 20, 21 ♥♥♥ ¥ ♣♣♣♣
Sounds like someone just stepped off
the plane and looked up stuff on the
internet.—John Rabbito
Once again the defensive, disgruntled
expats start to cry when someone
dares launch a perfectly valid
criticism at Japan. Funny, isn't it, how
it's always the women that get most of
the flack, too.—Guest
To my mind, she makes five main
points:
1) It's unimaginative. True.
2) Japan is not actually that cool. In
many ways, it's not cool at all. True.
3) The "cool" idea has been done
before. True.
June 21, 22~July 22, 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Oct 23, 24~Nov 21, 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
PISCES
twitter.com/MetropolisTokyo
4) The Japanese government is
actually using "cuteness" to promote
the country? True…and give me a
break!
5) And this is the clincher: If you have
to say "We're cool!", you're not cool.
Very true.—tokyoracer
CYCLE CITY
Regarding “Roads Scholar” (Feature,
November 22): They spend ¥13.5 billion
on removing bikes each year? Why not
spend that on making parking areas?
—@BenIley
BORN TO RUN
Regarding “Still Fighting” (Metro
Daily, November 23): February 2006
I was walking home in Meguro one
eve, I suddenly found myself in an
ambulance with severely bloodied face,
broken nose, lost front teeth and more...
After years battling with racist jingoist
judges in Kafkaesque courts, with a
fully incompetent lawyer [...] who quit
mid-trial, I learned the perp stalked
me in his car then jumped out and
attacked me from behind until I fell
to the street. He kicked me in the
head repeatedly as hard as he could
while wearing boots—all in front of
witnesses—and drove away.
Meguro police did their best
to conceal everything, sheltered
the thug, destroyed evidence and
photos, failed to give me a victim
rights handbook, lied to me and
didn't hold perp one night in jail.
The settlement I received was
equivalent to one month's pay,
although I sustained permanent
internal and external injuries, PTSD
and loss of work income for five
years.
He was found guilty of assault in
a sham criminal hearing to which
I was not invited or informed of,
fined ¥300,000 and walked away
without having spent one hour in jail.
—cliffintokyo
Metropolis wants to hear from you. Send your comments to letters@metropolis.co.jp. Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.
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Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
UPCOMING PRIZE!
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Courtesy of Zwilling
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The Last Word
Want to have The Last Word? Send your article
to: editor@metropolis.co.jp
CHRISTI ROCHIN
NOT SO
SILENT
NIGHT
Before rushing
into Christmas,
take time to
savor autumn
By David Chester
David Chester is a musican and
filmmaker based in Tokyo.
I
t’s early November. You’re out
for an evening stroll, reveling in
the crisp autumn air. Perhaps
you’re in Ginza, window-shopping at the most expensive stores on
earth even though you know full well
you’ll never be able to afford anything in them. But fall is in the air,
and all is right in your world. Then,
as it always does, your sense of selfworth gets the better of you and you
boldly sweep into one of those exclusive boutiques, intending to slip on a
designer jacket just for the hell of it.
Then it hits you. Nay—it assaults you.
From that speaker on the left—no,
the right—no, it’s in surround sound!
“I saw Mommy kissing Santa
Claus!”
You r e a l i z e , a s y ou f r a nt ically search for your custom f it
earplugs, that it’s already too late.
The onslaught of Christmas songs
(and merchandise, decorations and
“Christmas cakes”) has begun—
and you are powerless to stop it.
And really, what’s the big deal?
Everyone else clearly knows it’s a
t wo-month holiday. W hat’s your
excuse?
I ask myself this question every
year, when time-honored chestnuts
like “Jingle Bell Rock” drill through
my eardrums and nestle in my brain
until the ornaments are back in their
boxes at day’s end on December 25.
The problem: I love what is commonly known as Christmas music.
As a professional musician, I probably know more merry melodies than
even hardcore aficionados, including many Japanese X mas tunes,
such as Yumi Matsutoya’s upbeat
“My Baby Santa Claus,” and Midori
Karashima’s sorrowful “Silent Eve.”
What I do not love, however, is
having the “sounds of the season”
force-fed to me any earlier than
necessary. For me, holiday music
sets a tone and establishes a mood
— one that should be joyous, warm,
and centered around family and
friends. But the insistent cheeriness
or solemn beauty of some Christmas
songs played before their time only
makes me feel irritated or depressed.
More importantly, it highlights a
situation that seems absolutely out
of sync with what Japan otherwise
might offer.
Although starting Christmas in
early November (or late October)
is not peculiar to Japan, what I find
disturbing is that in a country where
the people truly love their seasons,
celebrating them with foods, festivals, art and more, why would they
want to toss November to the crows
for the sake of blasting “All I Want
For Christmas is You” and putting up
a tinseled tree? Why is the beauty of
an entire month wiped out so that we
can “enjoy” Christmas?
What if, instead, we threw a bit
more weight behind “Culture Day”
(November 3) or “Labor Thanksgiving Day” (November 23)? What
if we took a step back in time and
embraced what the Japanese used to
call shimotsuki, the “month of frost”?
Grow ing up in sunny Sout hern
California, I never had an appreciation for anything in particular
associated with fall or winter. But
here in Japan, there’s so much! The
wagashi(sweets), shaped and colored to capture the fleeting beauty
of the season, the intense dreaml i ke seasona l colors of momiji,
the chance to enjoy yakimo from
t he street vendor who sings his
mournful song. All these things
are overshadowed by a mad rush to
convince everyone that a Westernstyle Christmas—or a damn good
imitation of it—is what the season is
about.
THE
INSISTENT
CHEERINESS
OR SOLEMN
BEAUTY OF SOME
CHRISTMAS SONGS
PLAYED BEFORE
THEIR TIME ONLY
MAKES ME FEEL
IRRITATED OR
DEPRESSED.”
I’m sorry—in my book, it is not.
W hile I mulled over this article,
I took a walk in my local park and
I saw something I had almost forgotten about—a beautiful tree, its
autumn leaves still proudly showing
their crimsons and golds. A woman
stood near it, gently rocking her baby
back and forth. A man and his dog
observed it silently. Some children
gathered the fallen leaves, just to see
the colors up close. I, too, stood and
had a precious moment with nature,
one not hampered by t he invasive strains of “Last Christmas” or
“Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” I had a chance to ref lect on
what the season meant to me. And
the only sound I heard was the wind
as it rustled the leaves. How beautiful it was.
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
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