944 Apr 27-May 10, 2012

Transcription

Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
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#944 Apr 27~May 10, 2012
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DR. HIDEMI AKAI
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an associate professor of the Plastic and
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NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty)
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walk from JR Kannai stn.
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Tel: 045-252-9455
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We welcome email and phone inquiries | amc@akaiclinic.com
www.akaiclinic.com
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#944
The Tokyo Metpod: If it’s going on in Tokyo,
it’s going on at metpod.com
APR 27-MAY 10, 2012
Photo of the week
Send your snaps to metropolis.co.jp/photo for our online Photo of the Day. The best entries will be chosen for
Photo of the Week.
10 FEATURE
After the Return
Forty years after Okinawa’s
reversion to Japanese rule
By Jesse Veverka
04 THE SMALL PRINT
05 Upfront
07 TRAVEL
12 Arts & Entertainment
Art, Music, Clubbing
15 OUTDOORS SPECIAL
19 AGENDA
25 REAL ESTATE
26 MOVIES
29 Dining out
Bites, Restaurant Review,
Bar Review
32 ClassifiedS & JOBS
37 horoscope & mediabox
38 the last word
cover design: kohji shiiki; Photo: Courtesy of forest
adventure
A suburban vending machine in Katsushika, by Keiji Ichikawa
METROPOLIS is Japan's No.1 English magazine, founded
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The Small Print This week’s required reading, by Reg Dunlap
Olympus doesn’t
seem to understand
“
how people view the
company”
—Koji Miyata, a former Olympus director, after the
company appointed a former executive implicated
in the scandal as general manager for finance
ALL ABOARD!
ćć Starting April 10, visiting foreigners could buy
five-day unlimited train passes for JR lines—
including bullet trains—in western Japan.
They’ll set a feller back around ¥22,000.
ćć Drug charges against former Indiana basketball
player and BJ league MVP Lynn Washington
were dropped by Osaka police after he spent 18
days in the pokey for allegedly trying to smuggle weed into Japan. His wife Dana remained
jailed on similar charges.
ćć A dozen kids from tsunami-hit Kesennuma in
Miyagi Prefecture were honored by UNESCO
for starting the Fight Shimbun newspaper, with
some even scoring an invite to the organization’s HQ in Paris.
ćć A 63-year-old publisher from Fukushima admitted to sending bags filled with radioactive dirt
from his garden to the Environment Ministry
and TEPCO headquarters.
ćć Four people, including two in their 80s, died and
train service was disrupted when strong winds
and rain ripped across Japan on April 3. Supposedly, it was being billed as the strongest storm
to hit Tokyo since 1959.
SURF’S UP
ćć A giant 34.4-meter-high tsunami could hit
Japan’s Pacific coast if an earthquake the size of
last year’s killer quake struck along the Nankai
Trough, according to revised estimates.
ćć It was officially ruled that a 58-year-old security
guard at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs died
from overwork, which resulted in a “ruptured
thoracic aortic aneurysm.”
ćć Japanese and US researchers found that radioactive cesium up to 100 times the level prior to
March 11, 2011 was detected in sea plankton far
from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
ćć In other cesium news, a health ministry survey
found that food had radioactive levels exceeding a new limit in 421 cases in eight prefectures
since January.
ćć The government is planning to decree a “noman’s land” in the immediate vicinity of the
Fukushima nuclear plant, which means that
nobody can ever live there again... ever.
ćć Computer prog ra m m i ng la ng uage Ruby,
i nvented by sof t wa re eng i neer Yu k i h i ro
Matsumoto in 1993, was approved by the International Organization for Standardization as
a global standard.
ćć The government of Japan is considering “limiting
the royal status of princesses to one generation if they are to be allowed to create their own
Imperial Family branches after marriage to commoners.” It seems some are worried that—heaven
forbid!—a female or a royal with a “common” dad
might one day be crowned Emperor/Empress.
SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET
ćć The skeleton of a 45-year-old man thought to
have kicked the proverbial bucket more than two
years ago was found in a Saitama apartment.
ćć In Tsukuba, an 87-year-old woman was found
dead in her room at a nursing home a week after
she passed away. Not the most attentive staff at
that facility...
ćć A 97-year-old Japanese man was apparently
arrested for trying to kill an 84-year-old
woman with a sword. The ornery old fogey tried
to make his getaway with a walking frame.
ćć Things got nasty in an izakaya in Tokyo’s Adachi
Ward when two inebriated women went at each
other. It ended when one of them bashed the
other’s skull in with a beer mug, killing her.
ćć Tokyo chefs licensed to prepare poisonous
blowfish sashimi are miffed at a new law coming
into effect in October that will allow unlicensed
chefs to slice and dice the deadly delicacy.
ćć Headline of the Week , courtesy of The Tokyo
Reporter: “Panty-peeking parlors skirt adultentertainment laws”
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
ćć A bout of cold weather resulted in cherry blossoms appearing five days later than usual in the
Tokyo area and three days later than last year.
ćć The Asahi Shimbun admitted that it failed to
declare some ¥250 million in income over a
five-year period, resulting in tax authorities
requesting ¥86 million in back taxes.
ćć A class-action lawsuit filed against TEPCO by 14
residents of Iitate, Fukushima, in Tokyo District
Court asked for ¥265 million compensation for
“mental suffering caused by radiation exposure
fears and life in temporary housing.”
ćć Chilean President Sebastian Pinera will
donate a new Moai statue—similar to the large
stone faces found on Easter Island—to a school
in Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture after
theirs was damaged by the tsunami last year.
ćć A day after Japan’s first executions in 20 months,
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said, “the number of heinous crimes has not decreased, so
I find it difficult to abolish the death penalty
immediately.”
ćć Noda also pointed out that 85.6 percent of people polled by the Cabinet Office in 2009 said the
death penalty is unavoidable, “depending on
circumstances.”
ćć It has been revealed that the Japanese PM’s office
“was not linked to the government’s nuclear
disaster teleconference system when the nuclear
crisis in Fukushima broke out” last year.
THE OSAKA FILE
Miwa Kaneoya
ćć An Osaka police inspector and his assistant
were “suspected of forging an investigation
document” in a 2010 traffic accident. Naughty!
ćć Also in Osaka, a police criminal investigator and
assistant who lost key evidence in a robberyrape case—a cigarette butt—and tried to cover
up the gaffe, were reported to prosecutors. Said
the 55-year-old inspector, “I considered which
was more troublesome, reporting the loss or
fabricating evidence, and chose to make up the
evidence.”
ćć A 55-year-old municipal government employee
in Osaka Prefecture was canned for accessing
dating sites about 10,000 times from his office
computer between October 2010 and June 2011.
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan
Today, The Japan Times, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Asahi Shimbun, The
Mainichi Daily News, Daily Yomiuri, AFP,
Reuters and Kyodo.
stats
� 60 Percent of respondents to a Mainichi Shimbun poll opposed to raising the consumption tax
� 37 Percent in favor of the tax hike, which will rise to 10 percent by 2015 � 84 Percent of
respondents to another Mainichi survey who do not feel the government’s nuclear safety tests are
sufficient � 100 The noise level, in decibels, at an elementary school next to Okinawa’s US Marine
Corps Air Station Futenma during the takeoff and landing of military aircraft
04 • download our podcast at • podcast.metropolis.co.jp
people, trends & miscellany
q&a
kanji korner
Moko
Igarashi
Some yojijukugo, or fourcharacter compounds to get
your kanji karma pumpin’
Taiko master
You teach drumming at several locations
in and around Tokyo. Why did you choose
to learn this traditional way of Japanese
percussion? Actually, I first learned to play the
piano. It was only when I entered university
that I made my transition to drumming. I
found it was the perfect marriage of music
and sports—my other passion—because of its
physicality. I later added Western percussion to
my noise-making arsenal.
What makes taiko drumming so special? Taiko
has both a musical side and an athletic side,
which makes it both beautiful and powerful.
That’s why I called my school Miyabi Arashi,
which means “elegant storm.” Taiko also requires
a lot of concentration—like martial arts—and
teamwork. Yet, despite all the movement
involved, this is something you can do even
when you get old. My taiko master, for instance,
is now 77 years old and he still plays better and
faster than all of his students.
Since 1997 you have been running Miyabi
Arashi Taiko School. Why did you decide
to teach taiko? I wanted to spread the
understanding and enjoyment of Japanese
music and culture while enhancing
communication between the local and foreign
communities. My students are able to interact on
an equal level and learn more about each other.
So, all your classes are bilingual and open to
any nationality. How come you speak English
so well? I lived abroad for many years, first
studying music in the Netherlands, and then
teaching Japanese in the United States.
Taiko drumming looks quite complicated.
Also, traditional Japanese arts teachers seem
to be very strict and conservative. Do your
foreign students have any problems adjusting
to this kind of situation? Taiko is actually easier
than you think. It’s amazing how quickly and
easily your body remembers the beat patterns
Upfront
海千山千
umisen yamasen = a sly old person
It’s said in Japanese folklore that a snake will turn into a dragon
after having lived in the sea and the mountains for a thousand
years apiece. This phrase, which literally translates as “sea
thousand mountain thousand,” adapts the saying for humans;
it denotes someone whose worldly experience has rendered
him or her devious and cunning.
明鏡止水
for you. As for taiko classes, it’s true that many of
them are as strict as a martial arts dojo. But my
classes are much more relaxed and we laugh
a lot. At the same time, I always make a point
to teach my students—especially children—a
respectful approach to taiko. Nowadays taiko
drumming has become like an art form, but in
the old time it was deeply rooted in community
life. My style in particular comes from Tohoku,
an important farming and fishing area. The
Japanese drumming style comes from the
movements performed by the farmers, keeping
their hip low and spreading the seeds around
a big area with their hands. Also, the front-andback movements come from fishing. The players
are like the fishers who line up along the edge of
the boat, casting their big nets into the sea and
then pulling it back through a collective effort.
Where is your school located? Actually, you
could call Miyabi Arashi a “movable school.”
I currently teach 23 weekly classes around
Tokyo, at such places as the American School
in Japan, the Nishimachi International School
in Moto Azabu, the Tokyo American Club, and
the British School in Tokyo, which is located in
Shibuya. Gianni Simone
For information on Moko Igarashi’s classes,
stormy@shore.ocn.ne.jp or call (03) 5442-3368
meikyo shisui = clear and serene
This phrase will please anyone who still thinks of Japanese
culture as the exclusive domain of refined Zen aesthetic.
Literally meaning “clear mirror, still water,” it refers to a state
of mind blissfully uncluttered by thoughts and worries. No
wonder it’s rarely heard in contemporary Japan.
一石二鳥
isseki nicho = two birds, one stone
Identical in both literal meaning and application to the English
proverb, this phrase is in fact one of very few four-character
compounds to be derived from our language. For those with a
lot of tasks on their hands, or just an unusual aversion to birds,
the Japanese have coined isseki sancho and isseki yoncho
respectively meaning “three” and “four birds, one stone.”
唯我独尊
yuiga dokuson = a holier-than-thou attitude
Buddhist mythology has it that when the Buddha was born
(emerging fully formed from the right side of Queen Maya’s
torso), he took seven steps, pointed to the heavens and
declared, “Yuiga dokuson,” which can be translated as “Only I
am holy!” Bold words for a newborn baby, the phrase is now
used to describe those with a self-righteous, conceited attitude.
Alex Dudok de Wit
scene around town
© Keigo Katayama
hotel
In the tradition of grand station hotel
restorations pioneered by the stunning St.
Pancras Renaissance London Hotel in the UK,
the Tokyo Station Hotel is set to open, after a
six-year restoration, on October 3. If you fancy
getting in within the millennium, best make a
reservation as soon as they start taking ’em, on
May 8. The hotel takes up floors 2-4 of the Tokyo
Station Marunouchi Building, and features 150
rooms designed by UK company Richmond
International to blend European classicism
and modernism, which basically means high
ceilings, big windows and an inexplicable urge to
drink gin and tonic. www.tokyostationhotel.jp
What? Rojin Shimpi: Photographs of eccentric elderly people by
Kyoichi Tsuzuki and Keigo Katayama.
Where? Gallery Shuhari
When? May 1-27
How much? Free
See exhibition listings (Shinjuku/Ikebukuro) for more details.
#944 • wWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05
people, Trends & MIscellany
Upfront
Green Escapes
Monkey around with
some flora and fauna
this Green Day
By Brandi Goode
Kawaguchi Lake
Of Fuji’s five lakes, Kawaguchiko is the largest and
offers the most leisure activities. It’s famous for those
amazing shots you may have seen of a snow-capped
Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms. Though
Golden Week may be a bit late for the sakura, there
are plenty of other flowers, including lavender fields
in June and July at Oishi Park, to be taken in. To take a
tour of the sights you can hop on an old school bus for
¥1,000 per day.
Swing by Herb Hall to taste the delectable lavender
ice cream and check out their lovely greenhouse with
lots of reasonably priced plants, a wall stocked with
seed packets to grow your own, and plenty of herbal
bath and cooking goodies. Don’t miss the Perfume
House with over 500 miniature fragrances and
essential oils.
Altogether, there are about seven museums
around Kawaguchiko, ranging from art museums
with kimono tapestry to one displaying antique
music boxes. There’s also an intriguing monkey
performance theater where for ¥1,500 you can
watch a 40-minute monkey circus. The show is called
Happy Monkey, though to be honest, with six shows a
day, these monkeys looked anything but happy. The
burdens of showbiz.
Transport: Take the Chuo Highway Bus from
Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (¥1,700, reservation
recommended).
Mount Takao Monkey
Forest and Wild Plant
Garden
For just ¥400 you can see around 60 monkeys in this
somewhat wild habitat, and they look much happier
and healthier than any of the creatures you’ll find at
the sad zoos around town. The trainers in this monkey
park believe monkeys are similar to humans in their
communication of emotions. Sure, the monkeys
perform tricks and sing for their supper (a simple
Chichibu-tama-kai
National Park
cracker will do), but you can see how much care is
taken to construct monkey communities.
Within the park is a 2,800m2 wild plant garden,
which offers a nice view and a welcome respite from
the hike up to Takaosan’s summit. Golden Week is
usually a good time to visit Mount Takao, as you can be
sure to avoid school field trips.
Unfortunately, the Beer Garden doesn’t open
until July, but you can try Ukai Toriyama for a special
dining experience in a natural garden setting. They
offer a kaiseki lunch menu for ¥4,730 and will even
provide transport to and from the station.
Transport: Take the Chuo line to Takao, and then
transfer to the Keio line for Takaosanguchi.
This region has a reputation for high-quality water, and
there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Start with a rafting
trip down the Arakawa river in an old-fashioned
Japanese boat (40 mins, ¥1,550). Adventurous spirits
can opt for kayaks or whitewater rafting courtesy of
MontBell Outdoor Challenge’s Nagatoro office (http://
event.montbell.jp).
Next, take the train down to Chichibu. Golden
Week is blooming season for shiba zakura, a violet
moss that covers Hitsujiyama Park with 400,000
plants in geometric, undulating patterns. This
breathtaking colored carpet will provoke a sakuralike communing with natural beauty. After a morning
spent rambling outdoors, head to Soba Musashiya to
sample some noodles or soba dumplings.
What better way to finish off your lunch than with
some liquid of the gods—sake? Buko Brewery is as
much a museum as a drinking depot. The Edo building
dates back to 1753 and offers tours in Japanese.
Finally, conclude a water-inspired day with a soak
in the Yumoto Buko onsen. It’s open until 10pm and
will set you back ¥800.
Transport: Take the Red Arrow Limited Express
from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu and connect to
the Chichibu railway for Nagatoro or Chichibu.
Travel Great Journeys in Japan and Around the World
The Seto
Inland
Sea
Island cycling in Shikoku
Trip Tips
TOKYO
Text & photos by Lauren Hill
Mihara
Ikuchi jima
Omishima
Seto
inland
sea
Imabari
There is no official campsite on
Ikuchi Jima, but it’s possible to
camp by Sunset Beach, if you ask
permission from the tourist office
and pay a small fee. There are official
campsites with more facilities on
Omishima. On Ikuchijima and
Omishima there are many youth
hostels and guesthouses.
Bikes can be hired on any of the
islands for ¥1,500, which includes
a ¥1,000 deposit. If you don’t mind
losing the deposit, your bicycle can
be left at a different rental station on
any of the other islands.
To get there, take the Shinkansen
from Tokyo to Mihara via Okayama.
From Mihara there are regular
passenger ferries to the islands.
M
omentum built as I
spiralled down the
winding path from
t he high suspension bridge leading
onto the island. I kept in the shadow
of lush vegetation and sheltered from
the intense midday sun. Majestic
black-and-white butterflies dipped
through the air in front of me, while
cicadas chirped over the sound of
the sea.
The day before, I had taken a
boat from Mihara in Hiroshima-ken
to Ikuchi Jima—one of a chain of
islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The
port of Mihara is a tranquil resting
spot to sit and watch the boats go
by. Locals affectionately refer to the
sea as the Japanese Mediterranean.
This is due to the climate, the slower
pace of life, fresh seafood and locally
grown olives, peaches and citrus
fruit. If it hadn’t been for Japan’s
ever-present muzak drifting down
from speakers around the harbor, I’d
have forgotten where I was—and the
short time it took me to get there.
The boat soon arrived to ferry us
across the calm water to Ikuchi Jima.
On the island, I was driven by a tourist rep to my camping destination
Sunset Beach, leaving the rest of the
evening to explore by foot.
I set out early for a bicycle rental
station close to Setoda port. From
here you can cycle through Setoda,
passing Kosanji temple before turning down along the coastal path,
taking you from port to beach. After
that, the cycle path leads to Tatara
Bridge. As you climb up to the suspension bridge, the route zigzags
through citrus groves until a long
glorious empt y path stretches to
For accommodation , transport and bike info, see www.
city.onomichi.hiroshima.jp/
english
Omishima. As I crossed, high above
the water, a cool breeze blew and the
structure of the bridge towered overhead, architectural lines dramatic
against the blue sky. This, and a hazy
deep blue panorama of the nearby
islands, felt like a reward for having
made it there.
Cycling the Seto Ohashi is now a
popular way to explore the islands,
but there are still few people on the
cycle route, making the winding
paths and long, straight stretches
across the water even more exhilarating. In a day or two you can cycle
the entire 70km from the start of the
bridge in Onomichi, Honshu, to its
end in Imabari, Shikoku.
After a day of cycling with no set
itinerary, I returning my bike to the
same rental station. That evening,
I savored some sushi on Sunset
Beach, looking out at the gloriously
golden sea.
Sat,
June 2,
2012
Start a
Company
in Japan
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up your own company, find out what
it takes to make it successful.
Terrie Lloyd, founder of over 17
start-up companies in Japan, will be
giving an English-language seminar
and Q & A on starting up a company
in Japan.
The Dons
of
Udon
Use your noodle in Takamatsu
This is an ideal opportunity to find out
what is involved, and to ask specific
questions that are not normally
answered in business books.
All materials are in English and are
Japan-focused.
By Nathan Palmer
A
genu i ne udon m a n iac
w ou ld n’t t h i n k t w ic e
about making a day trip
to the island of Shikoku
for a decent bowl of the thick white
noodles. In fact, many folks from as
far as Kansai do so. Within the area,
Takamatsu is the capital of the foodstuff, and the home of Sanuki udon.
The thick wheat-f lour noodles,
known in China as wudong, were
brought over to Japan in the ninth
centur y by Buddhist monks, and
reportedly first eaten in Sanuk i,
the former name of today’s Kagawa
Prefecture, of which Takamatsu is
the capital.
I first heard of the biggest city
in Shikoku via Haruki Murakami’s
Kafka on the Shore, where the main
character, Kaf ka, is mysteriously
drawn to Takamatsu from Tokyo,
crossing the Great Seto Bridge from
Honshu by bus. A 1955 ferry disaster
in which 171 lives were lost prompted
the epic ten-year construction project of this 13-kilometer bridge, which
is the longest double-deck bridge in
the world. The 20-minute train ride
across it almost justifies the trip in
itself. The bridge offers panoramic
views over the Seto Naikai (Seto
Inland Sea), dotted with islands covered with olive trees that thrive in
the Mediterranean-like climate.
Finding a Sanuki udon shop in
Takamatsu is about as hard as finding a cake shop in Ginza. Because
the weather was warm, we ate our
noodles cold on a zaru, or shallow
bamboo basket, dipping them in a
cold soy-sauce based soup—more
diluted in the west countr y than
back east in Kanto.
Common toppings include tempura, sliced negi, or sweetened, fried
tofu skins in the case of kitsune (fox)
udon—so named because it’s supposedly a favorite of the Shinto fox
deity. After a diet of pre-cooked,
mushy supermarket udon, eating
real homemade Sanuki udon is a revelation. They are ridiculously long,
thick, springy and delectably chewy.
However, there’s more to Takamatsu than noodles, such as the
fa mous Edo-era Rit sur in Koen
(Chestnut Grove Gardens). Owing to
its proximity to Honshu, Takamatsu
became a prosperous trading center
and castle city during feudal times.
Lord and shipping magnate Ikoma
Takatoshi used his wealth to begin
construction of the garden in 1625,
and work wasn’t completed until
1745—after over more than a century
of improvements by successive lords.
In the ancient Chinese tradition
of borrowed scenery, the heavily
wooded surrounding hills and mountains provide a tranquil, natural
backdrop to the spacious gardens, a
complete circuit of which takes several hours. The gardens are home to
various wood workshops producing, and selling, finely crafted bowls,
carvings and kitchen utensils.
At the center of the garden is a teahouse, located in a pond filled with the
biggest and most ferociously greedy
carp I have ever seen. Watching
them wolf down their breadcrumbs I
couldn’t help remembering the faces
of the maniac Kansai day-trippers
slurping down their Sanuki udon with
the same—almost religious—fervor.
After trying Sanuki udon for myself I
could understand their dedication.
Terrie Lloyd
President and CEO
LINC Media Inc. and
Japan Inc Holdings Group
›››
www.japaninc.com/entrepreneur_handbook_seminar
Feature
After the
Return J
S. Grant. A number of proposals were discussed;
including some that could have allowed independence for the Ryukyuan state. However, any
territorial hopes on the Chinese side, or hopes for
independence on the Ryukyuan side, were dashed
by the First Sino-Japanese War over Korea—sealing
the fate of the Ryukyu nation until World War II.
Forty years after its reversion, Okinawa has
become Japan’s democratic powder keg
By Jesse Veverka
M
ay 15, 2012 will mark
the 40th anniversary
of Okinawa’s reversion
to Japan after nearly
three decades of occupation by the US. For
ma ny Ok inawa ns,
this day will not be
a day of celebration, but a reminder of their ongoing struggle for self-determination. While most of
the world believes that the Empire of Japan ended
65 years ago with the country’s new constitution,
Okinawa challenges that definition as the one colonized nation still under Japan’s dominion. Since
before the dawn of the nation-state era, the island
kingdom has found itself at the center of devious
power games played by much larger neighbors—
and is now at a crossroads. Will it continue to be
crushed between the interests of the world’s heaviest contenders—or become the spark that ignites
civil democracy in Japan and beyond?
Superficially, Okinawa might conjure images
of creamy beaches and pastel skies punctuated by
clots of unsightly US military bases—an island paradise with a few imperfections. However, the real
picture is much more insidious. “Okinawa has been
colonized so much that people forget it’s a colony,”
observes Ryan Yokota, an Okinawan-American and
University of Chicago PhD candidate specializing
in post-WWII Okinawan nationalism.
Although it never formally established itself
as a nation-state in the European sense, just 140
years ago the Ryukyu Kingdom (as Okinawa was
known at the time) met several common nationdefining criteria: it had its own nobility, it was an
established member of the Chinese tributary trade
system (somewhat analogous to a cross between
today’s UN and WTO), and it had its own group of
languages, distinct from its neighbors.
However, when nation-state fever swept through
Asia at the end of the 19th century, the Kingdom
had no discernable nationalist movement, making
it an easy target for Empire-frenzied Japan. “There
was no movement on the part of the Ryukyu royalty
to institute a modern popular sense of nationalism,” comments Yokota. “If you compare Hawaii for
example, there was a [nation-state building] movement prior to its occupation by the US,” he adds.
“Even in Tibet you saw that.” In contrast, the Ryukyu
Kingdom already had an ambiguous tribute-trade
relationship with both Japan and China. Under pressure from Japan, King Sho Tai abdicated, and was
forced to move to Tokyo, to become a marquis under
the kazoku peerage system of the Meiji Empire; with
the Ryukyu Kingdom officially becoming Meiji
Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture in 1879.
The Ryukyuan court covertly appealed to the
Qing court in China, provoking Chinese representatives, such as Viceroy Li Hongzhang, to try
to obtain intervention from US President Ulysses
apan’s defeat in the Pacific War freed
other occupied nations like China and
Korea, but Okinawa followed a different
trajectory. While the bloody “Typhoon
of Steel” (Battle of Okinawa) in 1945
w rested the island chain from the
Emperor’s clutches, in many ways the subsequent
period of US occupation was even worse. After seeing their land destroyed, Okinawans saw it seized
for military bases under US martial law, while the
local economy languished. Some villagers were
even relocated to Bolivia, as documented by Kozy
Amemiya of the Japan Policy Research Institute.
By the 1950s it was clear that Japan’s postwar
growth “miracle” had begun, and yet while its quality of life soared, Okinawa was mired in a military
economy characterized by “a subculture of bars,
prostitutes and racism,” in the words of scholar
Chalmers Johnson. As a result many began to see
reunification with their former colonial masters as
the lesser of two evils. “They thought to themselves,
‘If we go to Japan we can at least get under the peace
constitution, regain our civil rights, and we can get
rid of the bases,’” remarks Yokota. It wasn’t just the
Okinawans who wanted reunification. Japan saw
Okinawa’s reversion as symbolic closure to the war;
while the US was happy to receive the generous
financial incentives on offer.
In order to reunify, however, the Okinawans
would need to first reinforce their “Japanese”
identity. Accordingly, Japanese replaced the Ryukuan languages in public schools, with entire
generations growing up ignorant of the languages.
Although a recent movement has tried to revive, or
at least preserve, what is left of them, the damage
has been done. “By 2030 the last completely fluent
speakers will be gone … and by 2080 nobody will
be able to understand the Ryukuan languages,”
concedes linguistics professor Patrick Heinrich of
Saitama’s Dokkyo University.
1609
1879
Meiji Period-1920s
1930s-40s
Apr-Jun 1945
Sep 1945
Shimazu clan
invades from
Kagoshima
Annexation as
a prefecture
Doka (assimilation)
policies
Kominka
(imperialization)
policies
WWII: Battle of
Okinawa
WWII:
Japanese
surrender
U
ltimately, reversion ended up
bei ng good busi ness for a l l
i n v ol v e d — e x c e p t t he O k inawans. While America returned
official title, its bases remained.
Today, about 75 percent of all US
bases in Japan are located in Okinawa, covering
an incredible 11 percent of the islands’ total land
area, and 18 percent on Okinawa Island itself.
Local landowner opposition was bought off with
handsome payments. “Viewed in the context of
Japanese politics, this was a small price to pay
for leaving mainland Japan relatively free of the
American military presence… quarantining it if
you will,” explains Professor Mark Selden of Cornell University’s East Asia Program.
Okinawa scholar Gavan McCormack, author of
the upcoming Resistant Islands, argues that, “since
the ‘reversion’ to Japan of 1972 … Okinawans have
consistently struggled to regain their lands and to
limit and remove the US military presence.”
But this simmering dissatisfaction did not
explode until 1995. The kidnap and rape of a 12-yearold Okinawan girl by three US servicemen fueled
massive demonstrations and a modern nationalist movement calling for increased autonomy
and reduced American presence. Then Governor
Masahide Ota even refused to renew land leases
for US bases (he was eventually forced to comply by
Japan’s Supreme Court). With a growing number of
activist groups, organized protests, and local political dissent, the US attempted to diffuse tensions by
relocating Futenma, its most notorious base, to a
new location in less populated Henoko. However,
opposition continued to amplify.
Rather than accept Futenma’s relocation on
the island, residents who had tired of seeing their
environment degraded and society desecrated
by American building projects pushed for a
complete moratorium on any new construction,
culminating in a protest of 90,000 Okinawans in
April 2010 and sit-ins continuing at Henoko to
this day. The dissent has been successful. Despite
tremendous pressure from the Clinton, Bush
and Obama administrations, as well from a slew
of Japanese prime ministers, the US has been
unable to move forward with its Henoko plans for
the past 15 years.
In 2005, Professor John Lim at the University
of the Ryukyus found that roughly a quarter of
Okinawans wanted independence (from a sample
of 1,000). But how does that play out in practical
terms? Says Yokota, “The sentiment is there, the
sense of difference is there, but it’s a very difficult
thing for any state to become independent.”
Problems are enhanced by modern geopolitical forces. Okinawan independence doesn’t just
involve Japan and the US, but also the biggest
regional player, China. Within academic and diplomatic circles, and in popular sentiment, there
are fears that an independent Okinawa might
find itself pulled into the irredentist claims of Beijing. Professor Xu Yong at Peking University, for
example, has argued that the illegitimacy of the
Japanese annexation of Okinawa bolsters China’s
right to the islands.
What’s more, the Prefecture also administers the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, site
of the 2010 Japanese Coastguard collision with
a Chinese fishing trawler—almost guaranteeing future sovereignty disputes with China. Yet,
McCormack qualifies any preconception that
the Okinawan population might feel threatened
by the Chinese juggernaut. “They have a half a
millennium of history as part of the pre-modern
Chinese ‘tribute system’ world,” he says. For his
part, Yokota doesn’t see the possibility of any
serious Chinese claim. “From a historical standpoint, it's as nonsensical as China asserting a
claim over Korea,” he says.
While complete independence may not be an
option for Okinawa, the growing sense of national
identity and an increased will to oppose the heavy
hand of the US-Japan alliance give hope for a
future where local voices are heard and respected.
McCormack believes it could even result in, “the
deepening of democracy; its extension from formal electoral democracy to actual, substantial
popular sovereignty.”
Yokota notes that Okinawans “know their situation is constrained. They continually try to push
for more self-determination and control over
decisions that affect their lives [such as base relocation].” Selden acknowledges that Okinawans
have made progress. “It is extraordinary, however, that with both US and Japanese governments
the name game
“Okinawa” is the name of a Japanese prefecture, an
archipelago and an island. The prefecture consists
of about 160 islands belonging to the geographical
formation known as the Ryukyu Arc, which spans
from the coast of Kyushu to Taiwan. The prefecture’s
islands are often grouped into three archipelagos,
the Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands and Yaeyama
Islands. The largest island, Okinawa, is the home of
prefectural capital Naha.
Get involved
• Okinawa Peace Network Japan
http://okinawaheiwa.net (Japanese)
• Hawaii Okinawa Alliance
http://hoa.seesaa.net
• US for Okinawa Peace Action Network
http://us-for-okinawa.blogspot.com
• Society of Okinawa Language Revitalization
https://sites.google.com/site/shimakutuba
(Japanese)
further reading
• Islands of Discontent: Okinawan Responses to
Japanese and American Power (Asian Voices)
Laura Hein and Mark Selden, Rowman & Littlefield
Publishers, 2003
• Okinawa: Cold War Island
Chalmers Johnson Ed., Japan Policy Research
Institute, 1999
• Resistant Islands: Okinawa Confronts Japan and
the United States
Gavan McCormack and Satoko Norimatsu,
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, July 2012
committed to honoring the agreement to build at
Henoko, that it remains thwarted—I would say
very likely dead in the water—after 15 years. It is
difficult to think of another instance in which a
prefecture could sustain such resistance.”
“Citizen sovereignty is a principle of the [Japanese] constitution, but nowhere implements it like
Okinawa. The ongoing struggles are of immense
importance to the whole of Japan and beyond it, the
region and the world,” McCormack concludes.
1947
1952
1953
1972
1995
2010
Enactment
of Japan’s
constitution
US occupation of
Japan ends
Reversion of
Amami Islands
to Japan
Reversion
(re-annexation)
of Okinawa
Okinawan girl
raped by US
servicemen
Senkaku boat
collision
Arts & Entertainment All the best in arts & culture across the metropolis
Lee Bul
art
The Mori shows
the feminism
and femininity of
the avant-garde
Korean artist
By C. B. Liddell
L
ee Bu l seems to be
f a mou s for a l l t he
w rong reasons. The
major Korea n c ontemporary artist, who
has a retrospective at
the Mori Art Museum, had her first
big break in 1997 at the Museum of
Modern Art in New York, when an
artwork she was exhibiting, containing dead fish, literally started
stinking and forced the exhibition to
be shut down.
The cont roversy t his caused
led her to get noticed by the wider
art world. Yes, once again, as with
Andres Serrano’s Piss Christ, Chris
Ofili’s elephant dung paintings, or
Damian Hirst’s pickled animals, a
contemporary artist gained fame by
doing something repulsive to normal people.
music
Pandora
& Betty Poison
Courtesy of Turbine Productions
An Italian/Belgian beast with
two backs brings the carnage
By Dan Grunebaum
M
eta l is t he music of
rebellion (see the Arab
Spring). But the target
changes depending on
place and time. For European bands
of the moment, the point of ire seems
to be the reality TV drivel dominating the continent’s airwaves.
“If you want to torture us, put us in
front of a TV and make us watch what
a terrible Kafkaesque nightmare the
worldwide media landscape with its
dozens of talent shows has become,”
singer Annie for metal unit Pandora
growls from her native Belgium.
Pandora arrives this week for a
fast-and-dirty tour of Tokyo’s live
house dives in the company of Italian mayhem-makers Betty Poison,
whose song “Paris Hilton Up Your
Ass” leaves no doubt where they
stand on the issue of contemporary
pop culture.
“T hese for mats a nd t he way
people are treating each other contaminate young people’s values and
perceptions of themselves—and the
diversity of musical tastes,” Pandora’s Annie elaborates. “It makes
them believe that one day they are
the biggest unimportant losers, and
the next day they can be the eighth
world wonder.”
Italian metal trio Betty’s Poison’s
frontwoman Lucia Rehab says her
anti-Paris Hilton anthem came from
getting tired seeing, “all these Paris
Hilton wannabes with nothing else
in their cranium but a pack of fashionable, tasteless, superficial shit.
“I had already started writing
and playing this song, but it was
not 100% complete. The last straw
came when I met this top model
Bul is also considered a major
contemporary artist because her
work can be loaded w it h heavi ly pol it icized i nter pretat ions,
although, to be fair, these are usually the work of overactive curators.
The main way in which her art is
politicized is with a feminist narrative, but the fact that she was reared
by left-wing parents at a time when
South Korea was less than fully
democratic also crops up in explanations of her art.
One suspects that some of her
less successful artworks, like Aubade
(2007), a pointless piece of scaffolding that genuflects in the general
direction of the Soviet Constructivist movement, are partly driven by
the artist’s attempts to live up to the
more overblown rationalization of
her work. These occasionally try to
invoke the totalitarianisms of the
20th century, presumably because
Lee’s from the one country that is
still stuck in the Cold War.
But despite t hese negatives,
there is still something attractive
about much of her art. In her 1999
video installation, Amateurs, the
viewpoint gets tossed around like a
ball between a group of Korean high
school girls, with the film slowed
down at crucial moments to give us
little moments of voyeurism: a bit
pervy but definitely enjoyable.
Despite her feminist agenda, it’s
artworks like this, characterized by
at a party in Milan and she started
talking nonsense about Paris Hilton as her biggest lifestyle icon and
I thought, ‘Fuck, bimbo, Paris Hilton
up your ass!’”
Pandora and Betty Poison formed
in the mid-2000s and became part
of an underground European metal
scene that includes bands like Moshbox and Luminal. Eschewing the
prog-y, pretentious tendencies of
major label Euro metal, they’re closer
in spirit to the grungy, post-hardcore
sound of bands like Courtney Love’s
Hole (who Betty Poison opened for
on Hole’s 2010 Italian tour).
Mu sic scenes a re no longer
defined by geography or nationality.
Based in a German-speaking part
of Belgium, Pandora say they are
viewed as “German” by Belgians and
“Belgian” in Germany. Both
bands seem to define themselves by their opposition to
the mainstream more than any
sort of pan-European identity.
In t he case of Bett y Poison,
sculptural works, which evoke the
human body, often in truncated or
android form. While those keen to
press the hoary old feminist agenda
can see her one-legged Cyborgs
(1998) as yet another expression of
evil male-chauvinist society hamstringing women, others might see a
delight in fetishistic power. Indeed,
some of the pieces, like the glitzy
tendril-spewing sculpture Apparition (2001) had me thinking of Lady
Gaga’s more extravagant costumes.
One of the noticeable features of
the exhibition is that it includes a fullscale recreation of her atelier. Here
we can see how she works through
her ideas and develops them in various directions. What I noticed is that
although her studio is very neat and
well organized, the ideas themselves
seemed rather messy and confused.
This goes a long way to explaining
Lee Bul’s art.
“Lee Bul: From Me, Belongs to
You Only,” Mori Art Museum,
until May 27. See exhibition listings (Akasaka/Roppongi) for
details.
opposition to the mainstream also
takes the form of raising the proverbia l m idd le f i nger to Ita ly ’s
male-dominated, macho culture.
“Despite this lovely pair of tits (not
that huge anymore since I lost seven
kilos, anyway) and my slightly nice
features,” laughs Lucia, “I am macho
myself and people can perceive it
very well everywhere—even in my
‘beefy’ country.”
With hundreds of gigs in Europe
to their credit and initial forays to
North America in the bag, Pandora
and Betty Poison began to set their
sights on more exotic destinations.
“While recording in the States we
were thinking about touring in general and thought that it´d be great to
see what the Japanese music scene
is like,” explains Pandora’s Annie.
“So together with our siblings Betty
Poison, Turbine Productions, Bellaphon Records and a couple of local
promoters we were able to set this
project up.”
“We were ta l k i ng about ou r
upcoming tour with Pandora, whose
members are blood brothers to us,
and somebody came up with Japan,”
Betty Poison’s Lucia adds. “So we
started planning it together. Neither
band can live without jumping in the
saddle all the time. Everything is possible, if you’re ready to fight for it.”
Various venues, Apr 28-May 3.
See concert listings (popular) for
details.
clubbing
Eli Walks
Deep, dark beats from a young
Japanese-American
By Don Crispy
G
Courtesy of Turbine Productions
row ing up the son of a
dad who worked on US
military bases, Eli Walks
led a nomadic existence.
It was Tokyo’s club scene that lured
him to settle here and use the city
as a base for a career as electronic
music producer.
“I was born in California and
moved a rou nd a lot, i nclud i ng
Okinawa and Tokyo,” the 28-yearold tells Metropolis over coffee in
Shibuya. “I came back because I love
Tokyo. Going out to clubs here and
seeing people vibing to a 4/4 beat,
and being exposed to events like
Electraglide and Metamorphose,
opened me up to dance music.”
A decade of soaking up beats and
four years ramping up his laptop production skills at CalArts has now led
to his debut album. Parallel dropped
last month and has already garnered
Walks a sought-after spot on the Fuji
Rock bill.
Rooted in Walks’ experience of the
Tokyo electronic music scene and Los
Angeles’s influential Low End Theory
party, the album sits somewhere on
the musical spectrum in between the
abstract techno of British outfits like
Autechre and the glitch-hop of Low
End Theory’s Flying Lotus.
“Honestly I think I’m just having
fun playing around,” Walks says,
when pressed about his musical
direction. “The key for me is heavy
beats and nice melodies. I like to go
to have a steady beat, to bring two
worlds together, the IDM stuff and
the danceable pop.”
Experimental electronica along
the lines of Autechre or Flying Lotus
can prove a challenging listen to all
but the committed. But Walks brings
an emotionally accessible, melodic
thread to songs like “Moving” and
“Freefall,” and says he isn’t averse
to commercial music. This may be
the result of high school years spent
play ing in a rock band w ith his
vocalist sister.
Fully bilingual and comfortable
on both sides of the Pacific, Walks
is noncommittal about which he
prefers. “I’m totally fine with both,”
he offers. “The Japanese are very
concentrated and like to sit still and
listen, but in America they are very
aggressive with the moves and want
to grind to the music.”
Rather than how punters respond
to his music, however, Walks’ main
preoccupation is whether they can
actually afford to come out to his
concerts.
“I want to play a ton of shows, but
a lot of people don’t have money,”
he laments. “A lot of my friends are
broke. They want to go to the shows
but they can’t afford it. I’ve been to
shows recently where I thought there
would be more fans. The economy is
pinching people.”
Republic @Womb and WWW, May
19. See club listings for details.
Music Airport
playful femininity, that are the most
effective. Her earliest works, outlandish soft-sculpture body suits,
which attracted attention and made
movement difficult, clearly fit into
this category.
Of course, the official, feminist,
Germaine-Greer-approved explanation is that these suits represent
the impediment of fashion, from the
foot-binding of Manchu China to the
high heels of today, and the enslavement and objectification of women,
but if this were all they are, they
would be terribly boring.
Instead, the video installations
that illustrate this part of the exhibition, like Cravings (1989), show the
artist moving around awkwardly,
enjoying the shock of onlookers and
being the centre of attention. The
suits, which are hung from the ceiling, are impressive objects in their
own right and suggest that women,
as the weaker sex, have always found
numerous ways to compensate in the
supposed battle of the sexes.
A similar bifurcated narrative
can be constructed for her many
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and communication that will pave the way for a group to achieve its goals
together in the future.
So, when you fancy escaping the frantic urban pace during the summer
months, head to Hakuba and join Evergreen for some epic adventures in the
Japan Alps.
4377 Happo-One, Hakuba-mura, Nagano. Tel: 0261-72-5150. Email:
tours@evergreen-outdoors.com. www.evergreen-hakuba.com
Outdoors Special
Forest Adventure
In three stunning locations
not far from Tokyo, Forest
Adventure can unleash
your wildest natural fantasies while consolidating a
wholesome and natural
relationship with your surrounding environment.
Crazy capers include
zip lines stretching over
10 0 m , Ta r z a n s w i n g s
that fly you from tree to tree, and dizzying canopy walks with rope ladders.
However, these high jinks have no harmful effects on the local environment;
Forest Adventure places natural harmony at the top of its list of priorities, so
that kids and adults can have a fun—and guilt-free—outdoors experience.
The Mt. Fuji location lies just ten minutes from Kawaguchiko IC on the
Chuo Expressway by car. The adventure course is available to anyone aged 10
or older, or over 140cm tall, while the canopy course is open to anyone over
110cm tall. In Odawara—only ten minutes from the station by car or bus—you
can immerse yourself in an immense forest with 300-year-old trees overlooking a gorgeous stream. The courses there are open to kids aged six and
older, and over 110cm tall. Finally, hit up Hakone just 12 minutes away from
Hakone-Yumoto station by foot, or two minutes via the free shuttle bus. This
park, in the heart of Hakone, offers a full course to anyone aged 10 or older, or
over 140cm tall. Reserve for any of these activities online or by phone.
Mt. Fuji 8545-1, Fujisan, Narusawa-mura, Minami-Tsurugun, Yamanashi. Tel: 090-3345-0970. Email: fuji@foret-aventure.jp
Odawara 4391 Kamenokouyama, Kuno, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa. Tel:
080-4330-4030. Email: odawara@foret-aventure.jp
Hakone 749-1 Chanohana, Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa. Tel: 080-4219-2206. Email: hakone@foret-aventure.
jp. www.foret-aventure.jp
Gakuto Villas, Hakuba
Though Hakuba, of 1998
Nagano Olympics fame, is
primarily known as one of
the best winter ski holiday
destinations in Japan, most
have yet to experience its
fabulous greener side. In
fact, there are more activities on offer there during
the summer months than
in the colder “white season.” Come spring, Hakuba comes to life. It sheds its snowy blanket and the
beautiful mountains become a haven for those fleeing to the cool, crisp air of
the Japanese Alps.
Gakuto Villas lies in the peaceful, tree-lined Wadano Mori at the base of
Happo One, the largest winter ski area and the hub of summer activity. Now
finishing its second winter season, each eco-chic villa is in impeccable condition. Self-catering facilities and a charming living and dining area provide
a flexible living space adaptable to your needs whether you are visiting with
your family, friends—or even your work colleagues. With fabulous restaurants
within walking distance, you’ll have plenty of excellent dining opportunities.
You can also make the most of the gorgeous summer nights around a BBQ; a
firm favorite of the locals—and the Gakuto Villas staff, too.
So to lie back in the sunshine with a juicy novel, soak your muscles in a
local onsen, or burn off some energy hiking or biking among the stunning
peaks, Gakuto Villas is your perfect countryside escape in Hakuba.
Hokujyo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano. Tel: +813-4577-3310.
Email: gakutovillas@create-living.com. www.gakutovillas.com
16 • Special advertising section
Harbor Circuit
Get you r pu lse raci ng ,
regardless of the weather,
at this indoor kart parad ise. Ha rbor Ci rcu it is
based on similar venues in
t h e U K— t h e h o m e o f
indoor karting. First-timers shouldn’t worry as all
gear is rentable and you
don’t even need a driver’s
license. All you need is a
Mention Metropolis
for free admission
JR S
oto
bo li
ne
Keiy
oH
igh
wa
y
Admission
JR Keiyo
Line
spark of curiosity.
Anyone over 130cm tall—regardless of age—can hop into the Sodi RX-7,
with a Honda GX270 engine, made by France’s premier kart maker. Seats and
pedals are adjustable for your comfort. There is also a kart tailored for twelves
and under. Mounted with the Honda GX160 engine, the Funkid is chaindriven, meaning it runs quietly to keep those little ears intact.
A real-time ranking system allows groups of friends or family to compete,
and individuals to smash their personal best. Regular endurance races and
time trials are open to the public.
Safety is a top priority, with crash prevention brake lamps, and coverings
on engines and mufflers to prevent burns. This all makes it easier to fly round
Harbor Circuit’s pumping course layout, complete with a flying junction
and tunnel. Sharp corners and twisty turns test even the most experienced
drivers. But it’s beginner friendly, too—though you won’t fly round first time,
completing the course will bring satisfaction, as well as relieving stress—and
even provides a measure of exercise. Once you try, you’ll be hooked.
2F Harbor Circuit, Chiba Sports Plaza, 13-26 Dezuminato, Chuo-ku,
Chiba. Tel: 043-441-3243 (Japanese only). Email: mail@harbor-circuit.
com. Open Mon-Fri, 2-11:30pm, Sat 11am-11:30pm, Sun 11am-9:30pm
(final admission 30 min before closing). Cash only. Nearest stn: Honchiba. www.harbor-circuit.com.
Nozawa holidays
Though famous for its slopes, Nozawa
Onsen in Nagano is the perfect yearround destination. Come in the green
season for mountain hikes, followed
by a relaxing soak in one of many free
onsen baths around the village. For
something more adventurous, tr y
mountain bik ing, Chikuma River
canoeing, or hitting the golf course
and adventure center in the nearby
Madarao Resort. From mid-July until
end of August, put your bike on the
main gondola to get a lift to the top—
and cruise down at your own pace.
Nozawa Holidays owns and operates four fine places to stay in the
area. Lodge Nagano is open all year, and provides a fantastic base for hiking through the surrounding mountains and visiting the village. Alpine Villa
Nozawa, open December through May, is a ski and snowboard lodge with
spacious Japanese-style rooms. For a private escape, pick Nozawa House,
a beautiful wooden holiday home hidden in the tranquil forest. It’s just the
ticket for school holidays, a romantic getaway, corporate event, or just a
sweet, relaxing weekend. They are also open throughout Golden Week for
some prime spring skiing.
Nozawa Onsen village, with its traditional charm, amazing food and
friendly people, is inviting at any time of year—and just three hours from
Tokyo. Don’t miss August’s Run and Bike Festival (http://runandbike.jp/rbinnozawa). Get a video taste of Nozawa Onsen at http://vimeo.com/39454520.
Tel: 050-5532-6026. Email: lodgenagano@gmx.net. Skype: markbaum.
Nearest stn: Togari Nozawa Onsen or express bus from Nagano. www.
nozawaholidays.com and www.lodgenagano.com.
The Mountains are calling....
tel. 050 5532 6026
e. lodgenagano@gmx.net
www.nozawaholidays.com
Outdoors Special
Cultural center of
potted miniature trees
The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
www.bonsai-art-museum.jp
2-24-3 Toro-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama. Tel: 048-780-2091. Entrance: ¥300, ¥100 (students)
Open Mar-Oct Fri-Wed 9am-4:30pm, closed Thu (except hols). Nearest stn: Toro.
Metropolis provides for your dining, traveling,
shopping—and living—needs in Japan
As a bonsai points upward,
so should those with an
interest in the minature
tree head north of Tokyo.
W here else shou ld t he
world’s first publicly-run
bonsai museum be opened
but in Saitama City, where
the culture of bonsai growing is designated a
traditional industry? Folks
have long come from around the world to this district where famous growers
hone their leafy wares, to take in the natural surroundings, talk to experts,
and buy some specimens for their own collections.
Now, the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum has now been established to promote and develop this culture, and thereby consolidate Saitama’s status as
the home of bonsai in Japan.
The collection of the former Takagi Bonsai Museum of Art forms the
nucleus of the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, with bonsai pots, beautifully
shaped stones—known as suiseki—that were traditionally used as decorations for some juicy garden-based chin stroking—and paintings, including
ukiyo-e woodblock prints, all depicting everyone’s favorite potted plants.
The museum is also taking on the grand aim of systematically collecting and
publishing documents related to the wonderful world of the diminutive trees,
including history, folklore, growing techniques, and more.
English, Chinese and Korean headphone guides are available, in order to
make international visitors feel at home and discover the arcane Japanese art
with ease.
¥100-300, group discounts available. 2-24-3 Toro-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama.
Tel: 048-780-2091. Open Mar-Oct Fri-Wed 9am-4:30pm & Nov-Feb 9am4pm (last entrance 30 mins before), closed Thu (except hols), New Year
and between exhibitions. Nearest stn: Toro. www.bonsai-art-museum.jp
Seikansou
JapanTourist.jp
• Japan’s first user-based
English travel website
• Articles growing by
500+ a month
• Locals write about
favorite places
• Post your experiences
and earn points
• Top contributors
compete in TourSumo
Banzuke
Shopping
• Shop in English
from anywhere
in Japan
• 25%~35% discount
on listed wines
• Selection cases
available
• New World wines
a specialty
• Hundreds of reviews
from experts
• Rank and review your
favorite restaurants
• Special discounts
• Register to write and
earn free meals
• Next day delivery
japantourist.jp
18 • Special advertising section
metroshopping.jp
metrodining.jp
Im merse you rself in
nature’s beauty while luxu r i a t i n g i n y ou r o w n
private onsen at Seikansou, one of Kanagawa’s
premier Japanese-st yle
inns. Just 90 minutes by
limited express train from
Shinjuku, this elegantly
appointed nine-room ryokan offers guests a truly
sublime experience every time. Five of the rooms come with an outdoor
rotenburo bath, many of which enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Yusaka and surroundings. You will find there’s nothing quite like relaxing in healing thermal
waters while taking in the stunning vistas of the natural landscape. And
whatever the season, you’re guaranteed something special. Enjoy the verdant
greens of spring and summer, seas of red and yellow leaves in autumn, and
the mist drifting lazily off the surface of the water in winter. Hakone is famous for its forests, mountains, and hot springs, and Seikansou can make a fine base to explore the local area—though with all the
comforts on offer, you might well just stay in the ryokan. Exquisite, multicourse meals are served in the comfort of your room, after which guests can
enjoy a late-night drink at the bar.
Seikansou also has a communal footbath with mountain views, a free
internet terminal and a concierge service providing sightseeing information.
Rooms start at ¥26,150 per person (plus a ¥150 bath tax). Seikansou is based
just 15 minutes walk from Hakone-Yumoto station, or one minute on the local
bus (¥100).
19 Yumoto-chaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa. Tel:
0460-85-5795. Check in: 3pm; check out: 11am. Nearest stn: HakoneYumoto. www.seikansou.jp
AGENDA
Metpod
Courtesy of Blue Note Tokyo
By Dan Grunebaum
Fumitoshi Eto “Itabashi-ku Sakura-gawa” (2010)
Courtesy of Sintok Singapore Film Festival 2012
gig
art
cinema
� Cuban jazz titans Omara Portuondo and
Chucho Valdés go back so far, Portuondo was a
ballerina under the baton of Valdés’s father. A
collective century of musical experience belies
the freshness of their 2011 album Omara & Chucho. The silver-toned Portuondo is the voice of the
Buena Vista Social Club and, at 81, plays sempai to
70-year-old, piano-playing kohai Valdés. Legend
has it Valdés hit on Portuondo when she was a ballerina in his dad’s Tropicana revue. She rebuffed
him—but a lifelong friendship was created.
Blue Note Tokyo, April 30-May 5. See concert
listings (jazz/world) for details.
� Tokyo’s most compact art expo returns to Spiral
Hall in Aoyama. Compared to the artistic indigestion you might suffer from the leading events like
the sprawling Tokyo Art Fair, SICF forces emerging artists and collectives into the confines of 50
narrow booths. Among the young artists taking
on the challenge this year are figures like Fumitoshi Eto, whose digital Pole Position paintings use
Japan’s ubiquitous concrete telephone poles as a
focal point for meditations on urbanization and
transformation.
Spiral Hall, May 3-6. See (Harajuku/Aoyama)
listings for details.
� “Sintok” means “Sin”gapore + “Tok”yo, and
began in 2009 to showcase the increasing number
of Singapore films making an international splash.
This year, Sintok features a special screening of the
works of noted director Royston Tan, whose quirky
musical-comedy 881 made a splash in Japan in
2008. Documentaries, dramas, comedies, and art
films by directors of Chinese, Malay and Indian
origins will be shown, highlighting a burgeoning
film industry with a different vibe than nearby
Hong Kong’s better-known directors.
Cinemart Roppongi, May 12-20. See film listings for details.
原信太郎氏所蔵
Courtesy of Metamorphose
川口紘
Omara Portuondo &
Chucho Valdés
exhibition
Orient Express
Railway Models
� Densha otaku (train geeks) should head for
Tokyo Tower, where over 450 model trains will be
chugging down a 45-meter track set up for a special
exhibition. The show is the brainchild of 92-yearold world-renowned modeler Nobutaro Hara, who
hand-builds exquisite functional reconstructions
of classic trains. The show traces the golden age of
railways in Japan beginning with the opening of
the Shimbashi-Yokohama line 140 years ago, and
will preview the spacious Hara Model Railway
Museum to open in Yokohama this summer. Probably as fun for people watching as anything else.
Tokyo Tower, through May 6. See exhibition
listings (Akasaka/Roppongi) for details.
Spiral Independent
Creators Festival
Sintok Singapore
Film Festival
concert
dance
� A decade of braving the elements—and having
her event canceled by a typhoon last year—finally
led producer DJ Mayuri to move her rave indoors.
This year’s Metamorphose is reborn as a more
staid affair inside the cavernous confines of
Makuhari Messe—the convention center familiar to fans of Summer Sonic et al. On the bill are a
number of acts which were scheduled to play last
year, such as leftfield indie-rock act Flaming Lips
and hoary English techno duo Orbital, with new
additions like Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz Sound
System.
Makuhari Messe, May 12. See concert listings
(popular) for details.
� Hinting at his mischievous nature, butoh
dancer Temmetsu changed founder of Japan’s
avant-garde dance form Tatsumi Hijikata’s
formulation of ankoku butoh, or “dance of darkness,” into ankoku yugi, or roughly “dark play.”
The striking veteran dancer, who has appeared
in a host of performances and collaborations,
including music videos for Hikaru Utada, presents a new solo piece Sacred Art. Apparently
the theme of the work is the arcane and esoteric
science of alchemy, and the interpretative performer will dance, “as if he were a piece of metal
turned into gold by an alchemist.”
Arché, May 5-6. See dance listings for details.
Metamorphose
Sacred thing
Agenda Listings
hot list
20Concerts
20Stage
21 Dance
21 Clubbing
22 Exhibitions
24 Sports
24 Festivals
24 Forums & Expos
24 Bazaars &
Markets
24 Community
24 Learning
24 Film
24 Other Events
Concerts
Popular
Roger Daltrey
Iconic singer from The Who.
Apr 27, 7pm, ¥9,000/¥10,000.
Kanagawa Kenmin Hall.
Nearest stn: Nihonodori. Tel:
04-5662-8866.
The Hitch Lowke: The
Rock Theater vol 2.0
Energetic pop rock Kyotoite
band. Apr 27, 7pm, ¥2,500
(adv)/¥3,000 (door) +1d.
Deseo. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3405-9999.
Ron Sexsmith
Canadian folk/pop singersongwriter. Apr 27-28,
various times, ¥5,000-7,000.
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133.
Bangaichi
All-female orchestra feat.
Yukari Oonishi. Apr 27,
8pm, ¥4,500 (door) + 1d.
Shinsekai. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5772-6767.
www.shinsekai9.jp
Bad Food Stuff
Back Drop Bomb, Brahman
and other J-rock bands. Apr
28, 3:30pm, ¥3,980 (adv)
+1d. Studio Coast. Nearest
stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-34446751. www.badfoodstuff.
com
Audio The Hacienda
Oiso Festival
All-day Madchester rock,
electro and house, feat.
The Charlatans. Apr 28-29.
11am-8pm, various tickets.
Kanagawa Oiso Prince Hotel.
www.fac51thehacienda.jp
Pandora & Betty Poison
Female-fronted metal bands
from Belgium and Italy. Apr
28, 7pm, ¥2,000. Yukotopia.
Nearest stn: Umejima. Tel:
03-3886-2996. Apr 30, 7pm,
¥2,000. Outbreak. Nearest
stn: Yotsuya. Tel: 03-53680852. May 2. Club Crawl.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3498-3113. May 3. Wild
Side. Nearest stn: Shinjukusanchome. Tel: 03-5919-8847.
Sphere
J-pop idol unit. Apr 28,
4pm, Apr 29, 3pm, ¥7,350.
Yokohama Arena. Nearest
stn: Shin-Yokohama. Tel:
03-3475-9999.
Submit your event at metropolis.co.jp/listings/submit
J. A. Caesar
Avant-garde film and theater
composer. May 3, 6pm,
¥4,000-5,000+1d. Shinjuku
Face. Nearest stn: Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-3419-0536. www.
asian-crack.com
Shuji Terayama Ongakusai
Various artists performing
music by avant-garde writer,
director and photographer
Terayama. May 4, 5pm, ¥3,500.
Doors. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5350-5800. www.
livebar-the-doors.net
Lady Gaga
Unfreeze your meat dresses.
May 10, 7pm, ¥9,000-32,000.
Saitama Super Arena. Nearest
stn: Saitama-Shintoshin.
Tel: 04-8601-1122. www.
ladygagajapan2012.com
Metamorphose
The Flaming Lips, Orbital,
Galaxy 2 Galaxy, Derrick May,
Adrian Sherwood, EboTaylor,
Afrobeat Academy and
more. May 12, 10am-9pm,
¥14,000+1d(door). Makuhari
Messe. Nearest stn: KaihinMakuhari. Tel: 04-3296-0001.
www.metamo.info
L’Arc~en~Ciel
Globally successful rock
band from Osaka. May 12-13.
5pm, ¥9,000. Nissan Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel:
04-5477-5000.
FC Five Last Tour
Hardcore rock band with
Kamomekamome, Hawaiian6,
etc. May 12, 3:30pm, ¥3,000
(adv)/¥3,500 (door) +1d. Unit.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama. Tel:
03-5459-8630.
Former Oasis co-founder’s
alternative rock band. May
23, 7pm, ¥7,500-8,500 (adv).
Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-5720-9999.
Northern Europe Music
Night
Electro-pop artists from all
over Northern Europe. May 25,
¥4,800 (adv)/¥5,500 +1d. Unit.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama. Tel:
03-5459-8630.
Rocks Tokyo
Rock festival in its 3rd year
running with One Ok Rock,
Big M ama, Totalfat and more.
May 26-27, noon, ¥8,500
(1day)/¥15,000 (2days) +1d.
Wakasu Park. Nearest stn:
Shin-kiba. www.rockstokyo.
jp/2012
Japan Blues & Soul Carnival
Feat. Johnny Winter and
others. May 26, 5pm, ¥9,00010,000. Zepp Diver City.
Nearest stn: Daiba. May 27,
4pm, ¥9,000. Hibiya Outdoor
Theater. Nearest stn: Hibiya.
Tel: 03-3591-6388.
Man with a Mission
Japanese rockers in wolves'
clothing. May 27, 6pm, ¥3,000.
Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 03-5738-2020.
Quattro Mirage Vol. 4
Metropolis presents Saiko
Vol. 10
Africaemo, Samm Bennett,
Moja, Mootekkis, Tokyo
Pinsalocks & Gabez (comedy).
DJs Adam3 & Muthafunka.
Jun 24, 4pm, ¥2,000 (adv) /
¥2,500 (door) + ¥500 drink
charge. Milkyway. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-4550-2929.
www.metropolis.co.jp/saiko
Roach Album Release Tour
Final
Hardcore quartet from
Okinawa celebrate their new
album release. Jun 28, 7:30pm,
¥2,800 (adv) +1d. O-West.
03-3462-6969.
Angel Witch
British heavy metal. Jun 29,
7pm, ¥6,500+1d(adv). O-East.
03-5774-3030.
Orange Range
Okinawan group blending
pop, rock and hip-hop. Jul
3-4, 6:30pm, ¥5,500. Shibuya
Kokaido. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3463-3022.
Hardcore Fanclub
Japanese hardcore. Jul 4,
7pm, ¥2,000 (adv) +1d. O-West.
03-3444-6751.
Ben Skepper
Avant-garde cellist. May
12, 6pm, ¥4,500. Konno
Hachimangu Shrine. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.maisonde-contrapuntal.com/shop/
events/inimitable.html
Hapa
Contemporary Hawaiian music
troupe. May 17, ¥4,500-6,500.
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
The Real Group
Award-winning Swedish
a cappella group. May 28,
¥4,500-6,500. Billboard Live.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133.
Bootsy Collins
Deep funk bassist. May 31-Jun
2. ¥11,500-13,500. Billboard
Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133.
Taicoclub ’12
Animal Collective, DadaD,
Jonti, Josh Wink, etc. Jun 2-3.
3pm, ¥11,000-12,000 (adv)/
¥ 13,000 (door). Kodama no
Mori. Nearest stn: Yabuhara.
Tel: 03-6303-3690. www.
taicoclub.com
Chris Botti
Critically acclaimed jazz
trumpeter. Jun 16, 2pm,
¥8,000-10,000. Tokyo
Dome City Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Yosuke Yamashita
Special Big Band Concert. Jul 6,
7pm, ¥6,000/ ¥7,500. Suntory
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 03-5774-3030.
www.t-onkyo.co.jp
Do As Infinity
J-pop diva. May 12-13,
various times, ¥8,500.
Yokohama Arena. Nearest stn:
Shin-Yokohama. Tel: 04-54744000.
Yuzu
J-pop duo. Jun 2-3. 5pm,
¥13,600. Tokyo Dome. Nearest
stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.
Hard rock. Jul 10, 7pm,
¥6,500+1d. Club Quattro.
Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.
mandicompany.co.jp
Okinawan bands. Jul 22,
4pm, ¥6,800 (adv), ¥7,300
(door). Hibiya Outdoor
Theater. Nearest stn: Hibiya.
Tel: 03-3591-6388. www.
mandicompany.co.jp
22-20s
Fear, and Loathing in Las
Vegas
Fabolous
Drumstruck
Ayumi Hamasaki
English blues rock. May 15,
7pm, ¥5,800 (adv) +1d. Club
Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3444-6751.
Asobi Seksu
Emo/metalcore/electronica
band from Kobe. Jun 3, 6pm,
¥3,000 +1d. O-East. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-6969.
US band led by female
Japanese singer. May 15, 8pm,
¥5,300 (door). O-Nest. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34624420. May 18, 7pm, ¥5,300
(door). O-West. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5773-5061.
Monkey Majik
Lotus
Chicago rapper and
producer. Jun 8, 6:30pm,
¥10,000 (adv)/¥11,000
(door). Yokohama
Bayside Hall. Nearest stn:
Motomachi-Chukagai. www.
swagfamilylegacy.jp
Organic ambient trance funk.
May 17, 7:30pm, ¥4,500-5,000.
WWW. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-7685.
Donavon Frankenreiter
Surfing singer-songwriter
from California. May 18, 7pm,
¥5,000 (adv)/¥5,500 (door) +1d.
Duo Music Exchange. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54598711.
Zukunasi
J-pop/rock band. Jun 8, 7pm,
¥5,800. Shibuya Kokaido.
03-3463-3022. www.shibuko.
com
Soulja Boy
Flumpool
Four-piece band from Osaka.
Jun 9-10. 5:30pm, ¥5,800.
Tokyo Dome City Hall. Nearest
stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.
Four-piece all-female band.
May 18, 6:45pm, ¥2,500 (door).
Basement Bar. Nearest stn:
Setagayadaita. Tel: 03-54816366.
Anna Tsuchiya
Red Meets Black
Rega
The Red Line Tour continues
with Japanese celtic rock band
Oledickfoggy and more. May
18, 6:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d.
Club Quattro. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
www.redlinetour.jp
Shimokitazawa Sound
Cruising
Japanese New Wave band.
Apr 29-30; May 3-7, 6pm.
¥4,000 +1d. Club Quattro.
03-3477-8750.
Morrissey
Greenroom Festival
Former frontman of
legendary band The Smiths.
May 3, 6pm, ¥8,000+1d.
Yebisu Garden Hall. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-3462-6969.
Noel Gallagher's High
Flying Birds
23-24. 2pm, ¥7,900 (1 day)/
¥13,900 (2 days). Yebisu
Garden Hall. Nearest stn: Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5424-0111. www.ynos.
tv/hostessclub
Shibuya Comes Alive! feat.
virtuoso guitarist Miyavi and
Rize. May 31, 7pm, ¥3,800
+1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
Multi-genre and generally
alternative gigs at venues
across the area. May 19,
5&11pm, ¥3,000-5,000.
Garden, Reg, Three, etc.
Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
soundcruising.jp
The Telephones
Warehouse. Nearest stn:
Minatomirai. Tel: 04-52111555. www.greenroom.jp
Go to www.meturl.com/listings
Surf vibe fest feat. Donavon
Frankenreiter, Slightly Stoopid,
Lotus, Tahiti80, etc. May 19-20,
1-9pm, ¥9,000 (1day)/16,000
(2days). Yokohama Red Brick
J-pop singer and sometime
model. Jun 9, 6pm, ¥5,000.
Shibuya Kokaido. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-3022.
Funky progressive quartet
from Ehime. Jun 9, 7pm,
¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro.
03-3477-8750.
Big Bang
South Korean boy band. Jun
16-17, various times, ¥9,500.
Yokohama Arena. Nearest stn:
Lite
Tokyo instrumental
progressive rock outfit. Jun
23, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.
SuperDeluxe. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5412-0515.
Hostess Club Weekender
Feat. The Cribs, Hot Chip,
Mystery Jets, Gaz Coombes,
Here We Go Magic, Cloud
Nothings, Exlovers, etc. Jun
J-pop/rock . Jul 7, 6pm, ¥6,300.
Shibuya Kokaido. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-3022.
Electric Mary
Rapper from the US. Jul
13, 6:30pm, ¥10,000
(adv)/¥11,000 (door).
Yokohama Bayside Hall.
Nearest stn: MotomachiChukagai. www.
swagfamilylegacy.jp
Nao Matsushita
Japanese female singer and
actress. Jul 21, 6pm, ¥6,300.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
matsushita-nao.com
Fuji Rock Festival
The Stone Roses, Radiohead,
Buddy Guy, and more.
Jul 27-29. ¥16,800 (1day
pass)/42,800 (3day). Naeba
Ski Resort. Nearest stn: Echigo
Yuzawa. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
www.fujirockfestival.com
But by Fall
American-style, danceable
melodic pop punk band
celebrate their tour finale. Aug
24, 7pm, ¥2,300 (adv) +1d.
O-West. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-7088.
Wiz Khalifa
Rapper from the US. Aug 27,
7:30pm, ¥10,000 (adv)/¥11,000
(door). Zepp Tokyo. Nearest
stn: Aomi. Tel: 03-3599-0710.
www.swagfamilylegacy.jp
Jazz/World
Joe Barbieri
Italian guitarist. From Apr
27-29, various times, ¥6,5008,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
Duke Ellington's “A Tone
Parallel to Harlem"
Feat. Mike Price Jazz
Orchestra. Apr 27, 7:45 &
9:15pm, ¥3,465. Someday.
Nearest stn: Shinjukugyoenmae. Tel: 03-3359-6777.
Omara Portuondo and
Chucho Valdés
Cuban jazz. Apr 30-May 5,
various times, ¥8,400. Blue Note.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088.
Ryukyu Festival
Percussion entertainment. Aug
The Galaxy Theater. Nearest
stn: Kita-Shinagawa. Tel:
03-5769-0011.
Classical
The Universe of Sound
Music Festival
Traditional and classical
music. Apr 27, 6:30pm,
¥5,000(general),
¥1,500(students). Yamaha
Ginza Hall. Nearest stn: Ginza.
Tel: 03-6661-0344. www.
yuna-japan.jp/en
Heirs of Russian Pianism
Feat. Sergei Edelmann, and
Lilya Zilberstein. Apr 30,
3pm, ¥5,000-6,000. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Nearest stn:
Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-5404.
New Symphony Orchestra
217th Concert
The New Symphony Orchestra
plays Akira Ifukube's Ballata
Sinfonica and Mahler's Das
Lied von der Erde. Apr 30, 2pm,
¥1,500-3,000. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-0788.
Zoorasian Brass meets
Tokyo Symphony
Orchestra
Lions, tigers and bears perform
a kids' friendly concert feat.
works by Grieg, Strauss and
more. Apr 30, 11am & 2pm,
¥3,000 (gen)/¥1,000 (JHS &
under). Kawasaki Education
Culture Center. Nearest stn:
Kawasaki. Tel: 044-233-6361.
Wiener Sängerknaben
Oliver Stech conducts Wiener
Sängerknaben, performing
works by Strauss, Sieczynski
and Teiichi Okano. May 4&20,
2pm, ¥1,000-7,000. Tokyo
Opera City Concert Hall.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5353-0788.
The 194th Tokyo Opera
City Popular Series
The Yomiuri Nippon
Symphony Orchestra
performs pieces by Brahms
and Dvořák. May 9, 7pm,
¥3,000-7,000. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-0788.
B to C: From Bach to
Contemporary Music
Takashi Aoyama (baritone)
sings anything and everything
from Bach to Ravel. May 15,
7pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Opera
City Recital Hall. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-0788.
The 817th Subscription
Concert
The Tokyo Philharmonic
Orchestra presents Shohat:
Alpha and Omega. May 23,
7pm, ¥4,500-7,500. Suntory
Composium: Toshio
Hosokawa's Melodies
Members of the Tokyo College
of Music and NHK Symphony
Orchestra perform various
works by Toshio Hosokawa.
May 24, 7pm, ¥3,000
(general)/1,000 (student).
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5353-9999.
Simpatico Chamber
Orchestra Concert
Eiichi Kimura conducts pieces
by Ravel and Mozart. May 27,
6pm, free (by application).
Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
080-6547-1791.
Michie Koyama
Piano recital. Jun 23, 3pm,
¥2,000-5,000. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-3244.
Berlin Symphony
Orchestra
Feat. Lior Shambadal (c) and
Stanislav Bunin (p). Jun 24,
5pm, ¥5,000-16,000. Suntory
Niu Niu
Fourteen-year-old pianist.
Jun 30, 2:30pm, ¥2,5004,500. Suntory Hall. Nearest
stn: Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
03-3584-9999.
Cavalleria Rusticana
Feat. Paolo Carignani (c) and
Tetsu Taoshita . Jul 13-16,
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest
stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
Keisuke Toyama
Piano recital. Aug 1, 7pm,
¥3,000-3,800. Suntory Hall.
Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. Tel: 03-3584-9999.
Stage
Disney Live! Mickey's Music
Party
Interactive Disney musical
stage show. Apr 28-30, various
times, ¥3,800/¥5,000. Tokyo
International Forum Hall C.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
03-5221-9038.
Annie
Everyone’s favorite precociousorphan musical. Apr 28-May 13,
various times, ¥6,500/¥8,000.
Aoyama Theater. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3797-5678.
Kafka's Monkey
Based on Franz Kakfa's A
Report to an Academy. Starring
Kathryn Hunter. May 2-6,
Theater Tram. Nearest stn:
Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-5432-1515.
www.setagaya-pt.jp
Kanojo no iu koto ni wa
Romantic comedy starring
Miki Maya, Michitaka Tsutsui
and Akiko Yada. Until May
6, various times, ¥8,000
(general)/¥5,000 (25 and
under). Parco Theater. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34775858. www.parco-play.com
Derisyasweetos
Carny female sextet. May 18,
¥4,000-5,500 (door). Shinjuku
for complete listings
Face. Nearest stn: Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-3419-0536. www.
derisya.com
Sixteen Wounded
Written by Eliam Kraiem.
Until May 20, various times,
¥3,150/¥5,250. New National
Theater. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999.
Macbeth
Shakespeare’s tragedy
by International Theatre
Company London. May 29,
6pm, ¥5,000 (adv), ¥2,500
(adv. student), ¥5,500 (door).
Rikkoukai Hall. Nearest stn:
Shinbanba. Tel: 03-3471-3200.
www.stageplay.jp/en
Come Fly Away
New Broadway musical feat.
Frank Sinatra classics. No
admission for under-sixes. Jul
24-Aug 12, various times, ¥7,00010,500. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-911. www.cfa2012.jp
Phantom of the Opera
Gaston Leroux’s classic
adaptation. Ongoing, various
times, ¥3,000-9,800. Dentsu
Shiki Theater Umi. Nearest stn:
Shinbashi. Tel: 03-5776-6730.
www.shiki.gr.jp/applause/
operaza
The Lion King
Musical based on Disney
classic. Ongoing, various
times, ¥5,000-9,800/¥2,500
(student). Shiki Theater Haru.
Nearest stn: Takeshiba. Tel:
03-5776-6730. www.shiki.
gr.jp/applause/lionking
Beauty and the Beast
Japanese adaptation of the
Broadway musical. Ongoing,
Shiki Theater Natsu. Nearest
stn: Oimachi. Tel: 03-5776-6730.
www.shiki.gr.jp/applause/bb
Cats
Japanese version of the hit
Broadway musical, produced
by Gekidan Shiki. Ongoing,
Cannon Cats Theater. Nearest
stn: Shin-takashima. Tel:
03-5776-6730. www.shiki.
gr.jp/applause/cats
Evita
Musical on the life of
Argentine political leader
Eva Perón. Ongoing, various
times, ¥4,000-9,800/¥3,0004,000(student). Jiyu Theater.
Nearest stn: Hamamatsucho.
Tel: 03-5776-6730. www.shiki.
gr.jp/applause/evita
Dance
Vienna State Ballet
The Bat. Apr 28-30, various
times, ¥1,500-18,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
Dairakudakan Kochuten
butoh performance
Choreographed and directed
by Daiichiro Yuyama, artistic
direction by Akaji Maro.
Until Apr 30, various times,
¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (door).
Dairakudakan Kochuten.
Nearest stn: Kichijoji.
Tel: 0422-21-4984. www.
dairakudakan.com
Delicious
Feat. professional dancers
such as Youya Shinjo, Shu
Nakashima, etc . May 4-6,
various times, ¥6,500. Cradle
Hall. Nearest stn: Gaienmae.
Tel: 03-3475-8121.
Sacred Thing
Ankoku butoh dance inspired
by alchemy, performed by
Temmetsu. May 5-6, various
times, ¥2,800 (adv)/¥3,000
(door). Arche. Nearest stn:
Asagaya. Tel: 090-8516-6005.
www.temmetsu.com
The Taming of the Shrew
Ballet based on Shakespeare's
comedy. Jun 1-2, various times,
¥5,000-18,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-3791-8888.
Swan Lake
Performed by Stuttgart Ballet.
Jun 5-6, 6:30pm, ¥5,000¥18,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-37918888.
Alatzki
Butoh dance quintet. Jun
Session House. Nearest stn:
Kagurazaka. Tel: 03-32660461.
Stand Alone Zone
Système Castafiore presents
an adventure in a dark, illusory
world full of mythical creatures.
Jun 23, 3pm, ¥2,500-3,000.
Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest
stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel:
048-858-5500. www.institut.jp/
ja/evenements/11760
West Side Story
Romeo and Juliet-inspired story
of street gangs in ’50s US. Jul
18-Aug 5, various times, ¥8,00013,000. Theatre Orb. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-3244.
Clubbing
Friday 27
Ageha
Fever. Hip-hop: DJs Souljah,
Koya, etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000
(f), ¥3,500 (m). Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Air
Black & Gold. House, disco: DJs
Kawasaki, Tanaka, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843386. www.air-tokyo.com
Club Asia
333. Rock, bass music. DJs
Miyu, Rs, etc. Live: Abnormals.
From 11pm, ¥3,000 w/1d.
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Eleven
Public House. Techno, house.
DJs Den, Kikiorix, etc. Live:
Radiq and more. From 10pm,
¥3,000. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-5775-6206. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Micro Cosmos
Electro Swing Party. Electro
swing, jazz house: DJs Sugaya,
Kohama, etc. From 12am,
¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496.
www.microcosmos-tokyo.com
Module
R20. House, techno: DJs
Shiraishi, Remi, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34648432. www.module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Sound Circus. House: DJs The
Martinez Brothers, Emma, etc.
From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south side,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1066. www.
matrixbar.jp
The Room
Champ. Funky jazzy music: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3461-7167.
www.theroom.jp
Under Deer Lounge
Womb
Superfine. House: DJs Cassy,
Takuya, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-1383. www.
womb.co.jp
Saturday 28
Ageha
Universal Sound of Orchestra.
Techno: DJs Secret Cinema,
Ishino, etc. Live: Son Kite and
more. From 11pm, ¥4,000.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Air
Saw. House, tech house.
From 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d.
Tel: 03-5784-3386. www.
air-tokyo.com
Club Asia
Flash. Electro: DJs Nakata,
Nakamura, etc. From 11pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Eleven
Ra Vs. House: DJs Mike
Huckaby, Patrice Scott, etc.
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-57756206. www.go-to-eleven.
com
Micro Cosmos
Night Park. Hip-hop: DJs
Tama, Fumi-Cho, etc. From
12am, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57845496. www.microcosmostokyo.com
Module
Soi. Drum ‘n’ bass, jungle:
DJs Ena, Dx, etc. From 10pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3464-8432.
www.module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Stones Throw Japan Tour.
Hip-hop: DJs J Rocc, Muro,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000.
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever.
Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ
Ykk and more. From 6pm,
¥1,000 (after 10pm). Nearest
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051066. www.matrixbar.jp
The Room
In Motion. House, crossover:
DJs M-Swift, Tajiri, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34617167. www.theroom.jp
Unit
L’epilogue. Minimal, dub: DJs
Matsui, Omo, etc. Live: Edit
Select. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Warehouse702
The Ring. House: DJs
Kitty Glitter, Asahina, etc.
From 11pm, ¥4,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban.
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.
warehouse702.com
Womb
Saved Records. House,
techno: DJs Nic
FanFanciulli, Sodeyama,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
03-5459-1383. www.womb.
co.jp
Sunday 29
Style Band Tokyo x Tokyo Indie.
Electro punk: Tomo, U-Hey,
Si Oux. From 11pm, ¥2,500
(adv)/¥3,000 (door). Nearest
stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-57282655. www.stylebandtokyo.
tumblr.com
Ageha
Warehouse702
Ministry of Sound. House,
tech house: DJs Tv Rock,
Jaxx da Fishworks, etc.
From 10pm, ¥3,000.
Tel: 03-5784-3386. www.
air-tokyo.com
Fire. House, hip-hop: DJs
Sharam, N6, etc. From 10pm,
¥2,500 w/1d (f), ¥3,500 w/1d
(m). Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban.
Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.
warehouse702.com
Shangri-La. Gay mix: various
DJs. From 10pm, ¥4,000.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. www.ageha.
com
Air
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/
Agenda Listings
Eleven
King Street Sounds. House: DJs
Danny Krivit, Dazzle Drums,
etc. Live: Kimara Lovelace.
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-57756206. www.go-to-eleven.com
Micro Cosmos
The Venus. Hip-hop: DJs
Yu-Ki, Arata, etc. From 12am,
men ¥2,000 w/1d, women
free. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-5496. www.
microcosmos-tokyo.com
Module
Speil. House, techno: DJs
Kensuke, Koike, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34648432. www.module-tokyo.
com
Sound Museum Vision
The Hacienda Oiso Festival.
Techno, house: DJs Carl Craig,
Nina Kraviz, etc. From 10pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
Unit
Bokoboko Japan Tour. Electro:
DJs Kensei, Kajiwara, etc.
Live: Burnt Friedman. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
Warehouse702
High Up. Hip-hop: DJs Taku,
Yuto, etc. From 11pm,
Azabu-Juban. Tel: 03-62300343. www.warehouse702.
com
Womb
Basstech. Drum ‘n’ bass,
dubstep: DJs Goth-Trad, Aki,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
03-5459-1383. www.womb.
co.jp
Monday 30
Air
Optimist. Techno, tech house:
DJs Bengal, Tom, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843386. www.air-tokyo.com
Eleven
Pop Song 2 U. All mix: DJs
Kaya, Ayumi, etc. Live: Aira
Mitsuki and more. From
Roppongi. Tel: 03-57756206. www.go-to-eleven.
com
JR HARAJUKU Sta.
2
3
OTA MEMORIAL
HARAJUKU MUSEUM OF ART
QUEST
SOFT
BANK
NIKE
MUJI
1
The Room
LAFORET
HARAJUKU
ZARA
Switch Over. Drum ‘n’ bass,
breakbeat: DJs Fish&Chick,
Miho, etc. From 4pm, ¥1,500
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3461-7167. www.
theroom.jp
5
6
Tokyo Metro
MEIJI-JINGUMAE
‘Harajuku’ Sta.
4
7
Warehouse702
Us. House, techno: DJs
Raha, So, etc. From 9pm,
com
Womb
Aesthetic
Dentistry
FREE
COUNSELING
FOR
METROPOLIS
READERS
1F Osakabe Bldg, 5-46-12
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.
Tel: 03-3486-4484.
info@aoyama-omotesando.jp
www.aoyama-omotesando.jp/en
Zettai-Mu. Dub, dubstep: DJs
Kuranaka 1945, Goth-Trad,
etc. Live: Zion Train and more.
From 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d.
03-5784-3386. www.air-tokyo.
com
Eleven
10%room. House, disco: DJs
Kango, Kenske, etc. From
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5775-6206.
www.go-to-eleven.com
Harumi Port Terminal
Rainbow Disco Club.
10am-9pm, ¥6,000. Nearest
stn: Kachidoki. Tel: 03-68053518. www.tptc.co.jp
Micro Cosmos
Black Munchee. Gay mix: DJ
Usus and more. From 12 am,
dress code: Black. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496.
www.microcosmos-tokyo.
com
Module
Wisdom. Techno, house: DJs
Foog, Uekem, etc. From 9pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3464-8432.
Sound Museum Vision
The Shelter Japan Tour. House:
DJs Timmy Regisford, Yasuda,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d.
The Room
Noi. Space music: DJs Niwa,
Yagisawa, etc. Live: Kai and
more. From 10pm, ¥2,000
Tel: 03-3461-7167. www.
theroom.jp
Unit
Secret Society. Rock: DJs
Yakenohara, Powboyz,
etc. Live: Guitar Wolf and
more. From 11pm, ¥3,000.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Warehouse702
Love & House. House: DJs
Nakamura, Dantz, etc. From
10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d (f),
¥3,500 w/1d (m). Nearest stn:
com
Womb
Gan-Ban Night Special. Electro,
hip-hop: DJs Kango, Yan, etc.
Live: Dexpistols. From 11pm,
¥4,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-1383. www.
womb.co.jp
Thursday 3
Ageha
Pacha World Tour. House: DJs
Mitomi, Yummy, etc. From
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Air
Tuesday 1
Club Asia
Sdm. Bass music: DJs Mal,
E-Mura, etc. From 10pm,
Roppongi. Tel: 03-57756206. www.go-to-eleven.
com
Orthodontics
Air
Air
Eleven
Implants
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525.
www.ageha.com
Sound City. House, techno: DJs
Omar S, Ryosuke, etc. From
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3386.
www.air-tokyo.com
Martes. House, techno:
DJs Sodeyama, Shintaro,
etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500
Tel: 03-5784-3386. www.
air-tokyo.com
Ceramics
Closed Wed. & Hols.
Drhop. Electro, house: DJs
Wmwm, April, etc. From
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-54591383. www.womb.co.jp
Go to www.meturl.com/l
Wednesday 2
Ageha
Clash. Techno: DJs Mauro
Picotto, Ken Ishii, etc. From
Back to Chill. Dub step: DJ
Goth-Trad. From 11pm, ¥3,000
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-2551. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Eleven
Assemble. Techno: DJs Qhey,
Kawanabe, etc. From 10pm,
¥3,000. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-5775-6206. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Micro Cosmos
Event The Drunk Brothers.
House: DJs Takizawa, Yasuda,
etc. From 12am, ¥2,000
Tel: 03-5784-5496. www.
microcosmos-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Power. Electro: DJs Off the
Rocker, Taku, etc. From 10pm,
men ¥3,000 w/1d, women
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
El Amor. Disco, house: DJs Endo,
Jin, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,000
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3461-7167. www.theroom.jp
Unit
Club Museum 9th Anniversary &
Surgeon 20th Anniversary. DJs
Surgeon, Rock da House, etc.
stn: Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
Warehouse702
Parade. House, techno: DJs
Marc Panther, Hiroki, etc.
From 10pm, men ¥3,500 w/1d,
women ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Azabu-Juban. Tel: 03-62300343. www.warehouse702.
com
Womb
Rainbow Disco Club After Party.
House, techno: DJs Otsuki,
Den, etc. From 11pm, ¥4,000.
03-5459-1383. www.womb.
co.jp
Friday 4
Air
Raum. House, tech house:
DJs So, Matsunami, etc. From
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3386.
www.air-tokyo.com
Club Asia
Get Hi Tech. Tech house: DJs
Yoji, Overflow, etc. From 11pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Micro Cosmos
Honey Drippin’. Hip-hop: DJs
Sarasa, Ryuhei, etc. From
12am, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-57845496. www.microcosmostokyo.com
Module
Mosaique. House, techno: DJs
Mayuri, Kato, etc. From 9pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3464-8432.
Sound Museum
Vision
Bonjour Music School. Electro,
techno: DJs Boys Noize, Verbal,
etc. From 10pm, ¥4,500.
The Room
Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs
Lefto, Jin, etc. From 10pm,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3461-7167.
www.theroom.jp
Unit
Kf. Dance music: DJs Citizen
of Peace, Krush, etc. From
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com
Womb
Sterne. House, techno: DJs
Jesse Rose, Oliver $, etc. From
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-1383.
www.womb.co.jp
Upcoming
Womb & WWW
Republic. 100 VJs and DJs
festival across two venues.
May 19. Womb: 1:30-8:30pm.
WWW: 11:30pm-6am. ¥3,800
(adv) ¥4,500 (door). Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-1383.
www.womb.co.jp
Exhibitions
Akasaka/Roppongi
Mori Art Museum
Ho Tzu Nyen. Video. Until May
27, ¥1,500 (general)/¥1,000
(univ, HS). One Piece. Experience
listings for complete listings
the world of manga and anime
supervisor Eiichiro Oda.
Original art, movies, etc. Until
Jun 17, ¥2,000 (general)/¥1,500
(HS, MS)/¥800 (elem and under).
Lee Bul. Asia’s leading female
artist. Until May 27, ¥1,500.
Arab Express. The latest art from
the Arab world. Jun 16-Oct 28,
¥1,500 (general). Open Mon
& Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue
10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi,
Minato-ku. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.mori.art.museum
Mori Arts Center Gallery
Ancient Egyptian Book of the
Dead. Journey through the
afterlife. Jul 7-Sep 17, ¥1,500.
52F Roppongi Hills Tower,
6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
Suntory Museum of Art
Treasures of the Mohri Family.
Lifestyle of feudal lords. Until
May 27, ¥1,300 (general).
Bingata. Ryukyu (Okinawa)
style dyed fabric. Jun 13-Jul
22, ¥1,300. Open Wed-Sat
10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols
10am-6pm, closed Tue.
9-7-4 Akasaka. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3479-8600.
www.suntory.jp/sma
The National Art Center,
Tokyo
Cezanne. Paris-Provence.
Paintings by French
post-impressionist artist. Until
Jun 11, ¥1500. Gutai. Works of
avant-garde artist group who
were active from the 50s to the
70s. Jul 4-Sep 10, ¥1,000. Open
Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, closed
Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-68129900. www.nact.jp
Tokyo Tower
Tetsudo Mokei. Train models
exhibition. Until May 6,
¥1,000 (general). Open daily
10am-6pm. 4-2-8 Shibakoen.
Nearest stn: Akabanebashi.
Ongoing, ¥200. Let's Go To The
Movies. Retro movie posters,
culture, etc. Until Jul 29, Closed
Jun 18-25, ¥200. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 3-7-6 Kyobashi.
Nearest stn: Kyobashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.momat.
go.jp
National Museum of
Modern Art Tokyo
Hara Hiromu and The National
Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
The artist’s posters designed
for exhibitions held by the
museum. Until May 6, ¥420
(general)/¥130 (univ). Jackson
Pollock. Painting. Until May
6, ¥1500. Japanese Crossing
Borders: Asia as Dreamed by
Craftspeople, 1930s-1945.
Antiques. Until Jul 16, ¥500.
Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun
10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm.
3-7-6 Kyobashi. Nearest stn:
Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.momat.go.jp
Nichido Contemporary
Art
NCA Collection. Various
media. Until May 5, free. 4-3-3
Hatchobori. Nearest stn:
Hatchobori. Tel: 03-3555-2140.
www.nca-g.com/en
Vanilla Gallery
Moso Geijutsu Gekijo. Kyoichi
Tsuzuki presents outsider
artists' radical illustrations
contributed to the exhibitonist
magazine Nyan 2 Club. Apr
30-May 12, ¥500. Vitamin-V.
Works by Tetsuo Koyama,
Keiryu Asakura, and
Kizimecca. May 14-26, ¥500.
Open Mon-Fri noon-7pm, Sat
noon-5pm, closed Sun. 4F
Daini Kamata Bldg, 6-10-10
Ginza. Nearest stn: Ginza. Tel:
03-5568-1233.
Vanilla Mania Gallery
Ginza/Kyobashi/
Tokyo
Miina Room 317. The room of
a girl in a doll suit. May 1-Jun
2, ¥1,000 (f)/ ¥3,000 (m).
7pm-11:30pm. 7-7-7 Ginza,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Ginza.
Tel: 03-3571-3337.
Bridgestone Museum
Wako Main Building
You’ve Got to See These
Paintings. Painting. Until Jun
24, ¥800. Open Tue-Sun & hols
10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1
Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3563-0241.
www.bridgestone-museum.
gr.jp/en
Ginza Graphic Gallery
Kigi. Creative design by
Ryosuke Uehara and Yoshie
Watanabe. May 8-30, free.
Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm,
Sat 11am-6pm, closed Sun
& hols. 1F Ginza Bldg, 7-7-2
Ginza. Nearest stn: Ginza. Tel:
03-3571-5206.www.tokyo.
mae.lu/jp/node_19876/
hana-hito-tokyo
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
Eternal Beauty. From karamono
(Chinese ink paintings) and
tea ceramics to bronzeware.
Until Jun 10, ¥1,000(general),
¥700(HS&univ). Open
Tue-Thur 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F
Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi.
Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel:
03-3213-9402. www.idemitsu.
co.jp/museum
Marunouchi Gyoko-dori
Underground Gallery
Art Award Tokyo Marunouchi.
Exhibition that supports
young artists. Apr 28-May27,
free. 2 Marunouchi. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-5218-5100.
marunouchi.com
Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Museum
Katagami Style. Japanese
pattern paper from 19-20th
centuries. Until May 27,
¥1,400(general), ¥1,000(HS
& univ). 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
National Film Center
Nihon Eiga. History of Japanese
films from the NFC collection.
Lady Dior As Seen By. Over
70 works by various artists,
inspired by Christian Dior's
iconic bag. Until May 20, free.
4-5-11Ginza. Nearest stn:
Ginza. Tel: 03-3562-2111. www.
wako.co.jp
Harajuku/Aoyama
Design Festa
Lotus. Illustrations by
Kushiketa Yukari and Visky
Crown. Until Apr 27, free. Surre
Building. Illustrations, graphic
art, photography by Surre
Works. Until Apr 28, free. Ekaki
Kazu. Illustrations by Kazu.
Apr 28-30, free. Open daily
11am-7pm. 3-20-18 Jingumae.
Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3479-1442. www.
designfestagallery.com
Nezu Museum
Korin. Paintings of irises
and eight bridges. Until May
20, ¥1,200(general). 6-5-1
Minami-Aoyama. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-34002536. www.nezu-muse.
or.jp/en
Spiral Hall
SICF13. Spiral Independent
Creators Festival 13. May 3-6,
11am-7pm, ¥700(general).
Open daily 10am-8pm. 5-6-23
Minami-Aoyama. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. www.spiral.co.jp
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial
Museum of Art
Neko Hyakkei. Utagawa's
ukiyo-e of pussies. Jun
1-Jul 26, ¥1,000(general),
¥700(HS&univ). Open
Tue-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm,
closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.ukiyoeota-muse.jp
Shibuya/Ebisu
Bunkamura Gallery
Leonardo da Vinci - Bi no
Risou. The Idea of Beauty: A
celebration of Leonardo
Da Vinci's painted works.
Until Jun 10, ¥1,500
(general)/¥1,000 (univ,
HS)/¥700 (MS, elem). Aquirax
World. Akira Uno's works.
May 16-27, free. Open
daily, 10am-7pm. 2- 24-1
Dogenzaka. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111.
www.bunkamura.co.jp/
english
Bunkamura: The
Museum
Talking Flowers, Fairies
and Butterflies. The world
of Ernst Kreidolf and his
children's illustration
books. Jun 19-Jul 29,
10am-6:30pm, ¥1,300
(general). Hakuin.
Illustrations by Zen
Buddhist Hakuin of the
Edo period. Ongoing,
10am-6:30pm. 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
Seibu Shibuya
Mode of Barbie. Barbie's
wardrobe exposed. Until
May 7, 10am-9pm, ¥700.
21-1 Udagawa-cho. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-34620111.
Space O
Asami Kiyokawa. Embroidery
on photos. Until May
6, 11am-9pm, free. B3
Omotesando Hills, 4-12-10
Jingumae. Nearest stn:
Meiji-Jingumae. Tel: 03-34970310. www.omotesandohills.
com/english/index.html
Tokyo Wonder Site
Shibuya
Tokyo Story. Works of
hundred artists on display at
Tokyo Wonder Site Shibuya,
Hongo and Aoyama. Until
Apr 29, 11am-7pm, free.
1-19-8 Jinnan. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0603.
www.tokyo-ws.org/shibuya
Yamatane Museum of
Art
Sakura, Sakura, Sakura.
Paintings of cherry
blossom trees. Until May
20, ¥1,200(general). Open
Tue-Fri 11am-5pm, closed
Mon & hols. 3-12-36 Hiroo,
Shibuya-ku. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.yamatane-museum.
or.jp
Zen Foto Gallery
Douman River on the Border.
Photography by Shen Xue
Zhe. Until Apr 28, free. Paris.
Photography by Robert
Doisneau. May 1-16, free.
2-17-3 Shibuya. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 050-5531-9536.
www.zen-foto.jp
Shinjuku/
Ikebukuro
Dokkin Jikken Shitsu
Gallery
Onan's Fairy Tail. Paintings
by drag queen Onan Spel
Mermaid. May 6-20, 4-7pm,
free. Open Tue-Sun 4-7pm.
Final day 1-7pm. Closed
Mon. 602 Gunkan Bldg,
1-1-10 Okubo. Nearest stn:
Higashi-Shinjuku. Tel:
080-4688-1091. www.
dokkin-jikken.com
Eitoeiko Gallery
Junta Egawa. Colorful
and mysterious abstract
paintings. Until Apr 28,
12-7pm, free. Open Wed-Sun
noon-7pm, closed Mon-Tue.
32-2 Yaraicho. Nearest stn:
Kagurazaka. Tel: 03-64796923. www.eitoeiko.com
Gallery Shuhari
Rojin Shinpi. Photographs of
eccentric elderly people by
Kyoichi Tsuzuki and Keigo
Katayama. May 1-27, free.
Tue-Sun noon-8pm, until
5pm on last day. Closed Mon.
3-13-3F Yotsuya. Nearest stn:
Yotsuya. Tel: 03-5269-1436.
www.gallery-shuhari.com
Agenda Listings
Hiromart Gallery
It's a Wonderful Life. Painting
show by Yuka Goto and
Tomohiro Koizumi. Until
May 27, 1-7pm, free. Open
Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed
Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi.
Nearest stn: Edogawabashi.
Tel: 03-6233-9836.
Roonee 247
Photography
R15 Stage 1. Photographs
of pupils at different stages
of school. May 1-13, free.
5-18-11 Shinjuku. Nearest
stn: Yotsuya-Sanchome.
Tel: 03-3341-8118. www.
roonee.com
Sokyusha
Godam. Photography
by Shinobu Isesaki. Apr
30-May 13, free. 1-7pm. 3F,
1-3-5 Shinjuku. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3358-3974.
www.sokyusha.com
Sompo Japan Museum
of Art
Henri Le Sidaner. Painting.
Until Jul 1, ¥1,000 (general).
42F Sompo Japan Bldg,
1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.
sompo-japan.co.jp/museum
Ueno
Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Tower. Artwork of
towers in Paris, Osaka, and
Tokyo in celebration of the
completion of the Sky Tree.
Until May 6, ¥1,300(general).
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
Galeria de Muerte
Bizarre Bazaar. Art fair at the
underground and outsider
art gallery. Until Apr 30, free.
Mon-Tue, Th-Sat, 1-7pm,
closed Wed & Sun. 3F, 3-32-1
Higashi-Ueno. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3835-8278.
www.galeriademuerte.com
National Museum of
Nature and Science
Genso no Fushigi. Learn
about chemical elements.
Jul 21-Oct 8, free. The
Inca Empire Revealed: A
Century after the Machu
Picchu “Discovery”. Feat. 3D
sky-view theater. Until Jun
24, ¥1,400 (general). 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
Piranesi. Drawings. Until
May 20, ¥420(general).
Berlin. European art from
Renaissance to Rococo. Jun
13-Sep 17, ¥1,500 (general).
Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm.
7-7 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-5131.
www.nmwa.go.jp
Yayoi Museum
Nihon no Kawaii-ten.
Cutesy goods from the
Taisho period. Until July 1,
¥900(general)/¥800(HS).
2-4-3 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku.
Nearest stn: Nezu. Tel:
03-5689-0462. www.nmwa.
go.jp
Other Areas
3331 Arts Chiyoda
Otomo Katsuhiro Genga.
Legendary artist Katsuhiro
Otomo exhibits original
artwork from Akira and
other works. Until May 30,
¥1,500 (general). Open
daily noon-7pm. 6-11-14
Soto Kanda. Nearest stn:
Suehirocho. Tel: 03-68032441. www.3331.jp/en
Hara Museum of
Contemporary Art
Hiroshi Sugimoto:
From Naked to Clothed.
Go to www.meturl.com/listings for complete listings
Various media. Until Jul 1,
¥1,000(general). Open Tue-Sun
11am-5pm, closed Mon. 4-7-25
Kita-Shinagawa. Nearest stn:
Kitashinagawa. Tel: 03-34450651. www.haramuseum.or.jp
28-Jun 24, ¥600. Open daily
10am-5pm. 3F Urawa Century
City, 2-5-1 Naka-cho, Urawa-ku,
Saitama. Nearest stn: Urawa.
Tel: 048-827-3215. www.uam.
urawa.saitama.jp
Hoki Museum
Meguro Museum of Art,
Tokyo
The Aesthetics of Life: Gazing,
Smiling, Feeling. Figure
paintings. Until May 20,
¥1,500/¥1,000 (senior)/¥750
(MS)/free (elem & under).
Realism Today. Ongoing,
¥1,500. Open Mon & Wed-Thu
10am-6pm, Fri, Sat 10am-7pm,
Sun 10am-5pm, closed Tue.
3-15 Asumigaokahigashi,
Midori-ku. Nearest stn: Toke.
Tel: 043-205-1500. www.
hoki-museum.jp/en
Makuhari Messe
Charlotte Perriand and Japan.
French architect and designer
who lived in Japan during
WWII. Until Jun 10, ¥900
(general)/ ¥700 (HS, univ,
seniors). 2-4-36 Meguro.
Nearest stn: Meguro. Tel:
03-3714-1201. www.mmat.jp
Sports
Figure Skating
Dino Kingdom. Jurassic
showcase. Jul 21-Sep 23,
9am-5pm, ¥2,500(general),
¥1,200(elem&MS). Nakase
2-1, Mihama-ku. Nearest
stn: Kaihin-Makuhari. Tel:
04-3296-0001. www.m-messe.
co.jp
Prince Ice World
Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo
Krush.18
Bloomberg Pavilion Project.
Akihisa Hirata’s paper building
stages exhibitions and
performances. Ongoing, free.
The Art of Connecting. Painting
by Atsuko Tanaka. Until May
6, ¥1,000 (general)/¥800
(univ, 65 and over)/¥500 (MS,
HS). Ay-O: Over the Rainbow
Once More. Large-scale,
participation installation and
painting. Until May 6, ¥1,100
(general)/¥850 (univ, 65 and
over)/¥550 (HS, MS). Thomas
Demand. Photographer who
makes 3D models of rooms
and other spaces. May 19-Jul 8,
¥1,000. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.
Nearest stn: Kiyosumishirakawa. Tel: 03-5245-4111.
www.mot-art-museum.jp
National Museum of
Emerging Science and
Innovation
Design a Letter Yourself, with
Algorithmic Thinking. Various
typography using the latest IT.
Until Jun 25, ¥600. 2-3-6 Aomi,
Koto-ku. Nearest stn: Telecom
Center. www.miraikan.jst.
go.jp/index_e.html
National Museum of
Japanese History
Rakuchu Rakugai Zubyobu to
Fuzokuga. Folding screens
depicting life in and around
the city of Kyoto.Until May
6, ¥830(general). Kinsei no
Fuzokuga. Genre painting
of modern era. Until May
20, ¥420. Dento no Sakuraso.
photos of primrose. Until
May 6, ¥100. Open Tue-Sun
9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mon.
117 Jonai-cho, Sakura-shi.
Nearest stn: Keisei-Sakura. Tel:
04-3486-0123. www.rekihaku.
ac.jp
Pola Museum of Art
The Development of
Impressionism: Monet, Renoir
and the Next Generations.
Painting. Until Jul 8, ¥1,800
(general)/¥1,300 (univ,
HS)/¥700 (MS. elem). 1285
Kozukayama, Sengokuhara,
Hakone-machi. Nearest stn:
Gora. Tel: 04-6084-2111. www.
polamuseum.or.jp
The Museum of Modern
Art, Saitama
Eternity of Eternal Eternity.
Yayoi Kusama's works. Until
May 20, ¥1,100. Ultraman
Art. Design and figurines
of Ultraman. Jul 7-Sep 2,
¥1,100. Goto Shu. Abstract
paintings and installations.
Until Jul 8, ¥200. Open daily
10am-5:30pm. 9-30-1 Tokiwa,
Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi.
Nearest stn: Kitaurawa. Tel:
048-824-0111. www.momas.
jp/022eng/e_index.htm
Urawa Art Museum
Machi to Hito Sono Fukei.
Illustrations by Shohachi
Kimura. Apr 28-Jun 24, free.
Cinema Graphics: Hisamitsu
Noguchi. European movie
posters in the Golden Age. Apr
Apr 28-May 4, 11am & 3:30pm,
¥2,500-15,000. Shin-Yokohama
Skate Center. Nearest stn:
Kickboxing
Japan's leading kickboxing
event. Email krush.tickets@
gmail.com for more info. May
3, ¥4,500. Korakuen Hall.
Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel:
03-5800-9999. www.krush-gp.
com/schedule/20120422.
html
Soccer
Asian Champions League
FC Tokyo vs Brisbane
Roar FC. May 2, 7:30pm,
¥500-6,000. National Olympic
Stadium. Nearest stn:
Gaienmae.
Kashiwa Reysol vs Buriram
United FC. May 2, 7pm, ¥1,0005,000. Hitachi Stadium. Nearest
stn: Kashiwa.
J. League, Division 1
FC Tokyo vs Shimizu
S-Pulse. Apr 28, 1pm,
¥500-6,000. Ajinomoto
Tobitakyu.
Kashima Antlers vs Gamba
Osaka. Apr 28, 3:30pm, ¥1,400¥7,500. Kashima Soccer
Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima
Sports Stadium.
Kashiwa Reysol vs Sagan
Tosu. Apr 28, 2pm, ¥1,0005,000. Hitachi Stadium. Nearest
stn: Kashiwa.
Kawasaki Frontale vs
Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Apr 28,
3pm, ¥800-4,500. Todoroki
Musashikosugi.
Yokohama F Marinos vs
Vissel Kobe. Apr 28, 4pm,
¥900-5,000. Nissan Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kozuke.
Kawasaki Frontale vs Jubilo
Iwata. May 3, 3pm, ¥800-4,500.
Todoroki Stadium. Nearest stn:
Musashikosugi.
Kashima Antlers vs Sagan
Tosu. May 6, 7pm, ¥1,400¥7,500. Kashima Soccer
Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima
Sports Stadium.
Kashiwa Reysol vs Sanfrecce
Hiroshima. May 6, 3pm,
¥1,000-5,000. Hitachi Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kashiwa.
Kawasaki Frontale vs
Kashiwa Reysol. May 12, 3pm,
18276. Todoroki Stadium.
Nearest stn: Musashikosugi.
Urawa Reds vs Albirex
Niigata. May 12, 4pm, ¥1,00010,000. Saitama Stadium.
Nearest stn: Urawamisono.
Swimming
Japan Synchronized
Swimming Championships
2012
May 2-5, 1pm, ¥2,000. Tatsumi
International Swimming
Center. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
Tel: 03-3547-0900.
Festivals
Omiya Bonsai Festival
Miniature trees on sale and
display at the mecca of Bonsai.
May 3-5, free. Bonsai Shiki no
Ie. Nearest stn: Omiya-Koen.
Tel: 048-664-1636.
Forums & Expos
Learning
Hobby Show
Fantasy Live Roleplay
Workshop
Arts and crafts exhibition and
sale. Until Apr 28, 10am-5pm,
¥1,000. Tokyo Big Sight.
Nearest stn: Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. Tel: 03-5530-1111.
Dolls Party 27
Agalmatophiliacs unite. May
6, 10am-5pm, ¥2,200. Tokyo
Big Sight. Nearest stn: KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 075-3251171.
Dream Party
Moe anime character
promotional event, aka otaku
heaven . May 6, 11am-6pm,
¥2,000. Tokyo Big Sight.
Nearest stn: Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. Tel: 03-5530-1111.
Bazaars & Markets
Best Flea Market
Every second Sun,
10am-4pm, Tokyo
International Forum Hall C.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
03-3226-6800.
Hanazono Shrine Market
Every Sun, 8am-4pm,
Hanazono Shrine. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel:
03-3200-3093.
Ibaraki-ichi
Fresh vegetables from farms
in Ibaraki. Every Sat, 7-9am,
Roppongi Hills East Court.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-6406-5285.
Nogi Shrine Market
Every second Sun, 5:30am3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.
Oedo Antique Fair
Japan’s largest outdoor
antique market. Every first
and third Sun, 8am-4:30pm,
Tokyo International
Forum Hall C. Nearest stn:
Yurakucho. Tel: 03-58051093.
Aoyama Marche
Farmers from around the
nation gather to sell their
organic fruits and vegetables.
Every weekend. United
Nations University. Nearest
stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-3456-0960.
Yasukuni Shrine Antique
Market
Every Sun, sunrise-sunset.
Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-32618326.
Fudaten Jinja Market
Every second Sun, Fudaten
Jinja. Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel:
04-2489-0022.
Tokyo International
Forum Flea Market
Every second Sun. Handmade
crafts. Ongoing, 10am-4pm,
free. Tokyo International
Forum. Nearest stn:
Yurakucho.
Community
Stitch-n-Bitch
Meet fellow knitters,
crocheters and sewers to talk,
share ideas, eat, drink and
create. Every first and third
Tue, 7pm, free, Cafe Respekt.
03-6418-8144. www.meetup.
com/TokyoStitchandBitch
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm, free,
The Pink Cow. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-5597.
cowmail@thepinkcow.com
Open Mike Night
Try out your new material
with the Tokyo Comedy Store.
Every first Tues, 8pm, free.
Double Tall Cafe, Shibuya.
www.tokyocomedy.com/
open_mike_night
Learn the basic rules of live
action role-play for character
building (elf, dwarf, etc.), acting,
latex weapon fighting, magic
using, lock picking, etc. Apr
29, 2:30pm, ¥1,000. Castle
Tintagel. www.castletintagel.
com
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3475-3100. www.
tokyobarshow.com
13th Annual TELL Charity
Walk and Runathon
Medieval Combat
Support TELL (Tokyo English
Life Line) and get fit at the
same time by taking on the
5 or 10km run, or the more
leisurely 5km walk. May
5, 9am, ¥3,500 (adv)/4,500
(door). Chidorigafuchi Park.
Nearest stn: Hanzomon. www.
telljp.com
TCS Improv Workshop
Exhibition opening reception.
May 6, 4-6:30pm, free. Dokkin
Jikken Shitsu Gallery. Nearest
stn: Higashi-Shinjuku. Tel:
080-4688-1091. www.dokkinjikken.com
Two introductory workshops:
unarmored longsword and
armored sword and shield.
Apr 30, 3pm, ¥1,575. Castle
Tintagel. www.castletintagel.
com
The Tokyo Comedy Store’s
weekly improv workshop. All
levels welcome. Real Dear,
Mita. Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban.
Tel: 03-5770-7401.
Film
Sintok Singapore Film
Festival
May 12-20, Toho Cinemas
Roppongi Hills, Chanter and
Cinemart Roppongi. www.
sintok.org
Other Events
Guru-Guru Camp
Golden Week hoop dance
and movement arts retreat.
Apr 27-May 6, all day, free.
Niijima Campground. www.
spinmatsuri.com
Onan’s Mermaid Spell
Open the Park
Tokyo Midtown opens its park
for Golden Week with yoga,
an outdoor library and live
performances. Until May 6,
various, free. Tokyo Midtown.
Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3475-3100. www.
tokyo-midtown.com
Oxfam Trailwalker JP
Three-day annual endurance
walking event to support
Oxfam. May 11-13, 8:30am,
¥120,000 per four-person
team. Shiroyama Track and
Field, Odawara-city. www.
trailwalker.jp
Camp Fuji Friendship
Festival
Bunkamura Gallery
Auction
Various media. Various Media.
Apr 28-May 6, free. Bunkamura
Gallery. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9174.
Annual US Marine Corps Base
event in Gotenba, Shizuoka,
with stage, stalls, kids’ land, pony
riding, military display, etc. After
party at Club from 4pm to 12am
(20 yrs old & over only). May
12, 11am-7pm, free. Camp Fuji,
2092 Nakabata, Gotenba-city,
Shizuoka. Tel: 0550-89-6102.
www.mccsfuji.com
Colors
Wine, Cheese and Song
Feat. Artists Adam3, Johnny,
Okura, Chomp, with Live Music
the Mootekkis and DJs all
night. First 20 get a free tee. Apr
28, 6pm, free. Gamuso. Nearest
stn: Asagaya. Tel: 03-53649096. http://gamuso.com
Bikkuri Daidogei
Carnival and street
performance. Apr 28-29,
noon-6pm, free. All over Koenji
area. Nearest stn: Koenji. www.
koenji-daidogei.com/2012
Fun with Colors
Swedish childrens' book
illustrator Stina Wirsén's Little
Pink & Brokiga charactersthemed event. Apr 28-May
6, 11am-5pm. Ebisu Garden
Place. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.
gardenplace.jp
Genki Hasshin
Children-oriented events.
Apr 28-May 6, 10am-5:30pm,
¥400-500. Aoyama Round
Theater Children's Castle.
www.kodomono-shiro.jp
ACKid
A week full of performance,
music, screenings, fine arts,
etc. Until Apr 29, 7pm, ¥2,000
(adv)/¥2,500 (door). Kid Ailack.
Nearest stn: Meidaimae. Tel:
03-3322-5564. www.blog.
livedoor.jp/kidailack
Yoga Aid Challenge
Stretch your body and relieve
your conscience with a
two-hour outdoor yoga class
for charity. Apr 29, 8am, free.
Tokyo Midtown. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3475-3100.
www.yogaaid.com/japan
Tokyo Rainbow Pride
Will Tokyo’s formerly
under-represented LGBT
march hit critical mass this
year? Apr 29, 11am-5:30pm,
free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081.
www.tokyorainbowpride.jp
Tokyo Int'l Bar Show
Single-malt heaven at Whisky
Live. May 5-6, 11:30am-6pm,
¥5,000(adv 1 day), ¥9,000(adv
2days). Tokyo Midtown
All-you-can-drink soul & funk
live-song event with French
wine and cheese with freshly
baked baguettes. May 19,
6pm, ¥3,980/¥5,980(VIP). Fiat
Space. Nearest stn: Aoyama
Icchome. Tel: 03-5771-7660.
www.wineandcooking.info/
en/specialevent.html
Rakugo in English
Feat. Katsura Kaishi and 11
other master storytellers.
Email: info@rakugo-in-english.
com. May 19, noon, free.
Cascade Hall, Chiyoda. www.
rakugo-in-english.com
Fuji Shiba-Zakura Matsuri
Catch the sight of the natural
pink carpet on the skirt of Mt.
Fuji at Fuji Motosuko Resort.
Until May 20, 8am-5pm,
¥500. Fuji Motosuko Resort.
Tel: 0555-89-3031. www.
shibazakura.jp
Japan on Foot
Author Mary King's book
launch. May 25, 6-9pm, ¥1,500
(general). Wesley Centre,
6-10-7 Minami Aoyama,
Minato-ku. Tel: 090-9153-5917.
www.swet.jp
World Journey Festa
World festival with live
performances, dancing,
painting and more. Jun 3,
10am-8pm, ¥4,000 (adv)/5,000
(door). Harumi Port Terminal.
Nearest stn: Kachidoki. Tel:
03-6805-3518.
Shibuhouse Party
All-night house party on
22nd of every month. Contact
shibuhouseinfo@gmail.
com for address/directions.
Ongoing, 7pm-7am, ¥1,000
w/food & drink. Shibuhouse.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
shibuhouse.com
Movie ReviewS
& cinemas P. 26
Metrohomes selected listings
All english-language services!
MetroHomes.jp
Just a few examples from Japan’s biggest
English-language real estate database...
Oji Green Hill
Apartments #201
Minato-ku • Nearest stn:
Omotesando (7 min) • 237 m2
• 4LDK • ¥1,200,000,
• No key money
Park Avenue Jinnan
Shibuya-ku • Nearest stn:
Shibuya (8 min)
• 69–106m2
• 1–3 Bedrooms
• ¥230,000–470,000
Noble Mansion I
Shinjuku-ku • Nearest stn:
Ochiai (2 min) • 38m2 • 2DK
• ¥130,000 • No agency fee/key
money
Eastern Homes Roppongi
Roppongi (8 min)
• 112m2 • 3LDK
• ¥430,000
Green Court Azabu-Juban
Azabu-Juban (3 min)
• 64–81m2 • 1 bedroom •
¥300,000–350,000
Hikawa Gardens
Roppongi-itchome (7 min)
• 174m2 • 4LDK • ¥1,400,000
• No key money
Maralunga Uehara
Shibuya-ku • Nearest stn:
Yoyogi Uehara (9 min)
• 225m2 • 4LDK • ¥1,000,000
• No key money
Pair Palais Sangenjaya
Setagaya-ku • Nearest stn:
Sangenjaya (12 min) • 16m2
• 1R • ¥75,000 • No agency fee/
key money
Enplus Inc.
La Tour Mita
Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Mita
(4 min) • 55-224m2 • 1R-4LDK
• ¥300,000–1,400,000 • No
agency fee/key money
JAPT. Shinagawa B
Shinagawa (12 min)
• 25m2 • 1K • ¥130,000
• No deposit/agency fee/
key money
No.2 Fujitomo Bldg.
Edogawa-ku • Nearest stn:
Kasai (5 min) • 64m2 • 2LDK
• ¥130,000 • No agency fee/
key money
Central Park Tower LaTour Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku • Nearest stn: Tochomae
(5 min) • 49-289m2 • 1R-5LDK,
¥248,000–¥1,580,000 • No agency fee/
key money
Enplus Inc.
Park Habio Shinjuku East
Side Tower
Shinjuku-ku • Nearest stn:
Higashi-shinjuku (3 min)
• 43m2 • 1LDK • ¥177,000
• No key money
JAPT. Meguro A
Shinagawa-ku • Nearest stn: Gotanda
(6 min) • 25m2 • 1DK • ¥130,000
• No deposit/agency fee/key money
The Tokyo Towers Sea Tower
Chuo-ku • Nearest stn:
Kachidoki (5 min) • 75m2
• 3LDK • ¥200,000 • No key
money
Residia Nishi-Azabu
Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Hiroo (11
min) • 49m2 • 1LDK
• ¥215,000 • No key money
IPSE Gakugeidaigaku
Meguro-ku • Nearest stn:
Gakugei Daigaku (14 min) •
28m2 • 1R • ¥119,000
• No agency fee/key money
Koto-Ku Monzen-Nakacho B
Koto-ku • Nearest stn:
Monzen-nakacho (7 min) •
13m2 • 1R
• ¥89,000 • No agency fee/key
money
Property information accurate at time of printing. Please check Metrohomes.jp for up-to-date listings
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#944 ● wWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 25
Agenda Movies By Don Morton
For theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies
Wrath of the Titans
Ye gods! There’s a lot to be said
for lowered expectations. After
surviving 2010’s abysmal Clash of
the Titans (“Release the Kraken!”),
I was expecting so little of this
colos s a l ly i ne s sent ia l se quel
that I was pleasantly surprised to
be watching a movie with brief but identifiable periods of not
sucking. I might have been drinking. At any rate, it fails to answer
the question central to both movies: what are Ralph Fiennes and
Liam Neeson (in silly beards) doing in this lame CGI product? Sam
Worthington is okay in the lead, but that may just be a reflection
of my relief that it wasn’t Gerard Butler. Japanese title: Titan no
Gyakushu. (99 min)
This Means War
A pair of CIA aces and best pals
(Chris Pine and Tom Hardy) find
themselve s wooin g the sa me
woman (Reese Witherspoon),
and utilize all their spy skills, not
to mention millions of dollars
worth of bugs, hidden cameras
and even airborne drones, in a battle for her heart. This is creepy
and usually called stalking. Exactly how stupid does the director
known as “McG” think his audiences are? This smarmy McMovie
is not funny, exciting, romantic or remotely believable, and it’s
guaranteed to piss off fans of both the action and rom-com genres.
It’s the kind of flick that’s so bad you leave the theater spitting.
Japanese title: Black & White. (98 min)
Metpod
Bridesmaids
O
kay, I took some flak recently for going
easy on a couple of rom-coms. (I just can’t
help it—sniffle—they’re so fulfilling!) Well,
it gets worse, because here comes an
endorsement of a chick flick. As you might surmise,
this distaff Hangover is about a wedding; more
specifically about the mismatched mess of misfits
chosen by the bride (Maya Rudolph) to represent
the myriad virtues of the fairer sex. Right. It’s been
compared to Sex and the City’s approach to women, i.e.
that they are every bit as rude and crude as men—but
that’s not accurate. These are realistic women, and
Joyful Noise
NEW
I’m Still Here
NEW
Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton
vie for control of a church choir
as a Big Competition looms.
Yawn. I could have forgiven the
rampant artifice, the staggering predictability, the cornball
acting , the awful script, the
useless subplots, the shameless exaggeration, and the many,
many other contrivances if the movie had delivered even a
little of its implicitly promised gospel music. But this marriage
in hell of Sister Act and Glee is more about pop songs in choir
robes, and for a movie about church choirs, there’s precious
little spirituality. But Lord, that don’t stop them from preaching.
(117 min)
Showing from Apr 28
A few years ago, Joaquin
Phoenix decided to stop making
movies. I’m probably not alone
in wishing he had done so before
making this one, a supposed
documentary by brother-in-law
Casey Affleck chronicling his
downward spiral into irrelevance (and hip-hop infamy). There’s
been some controversy about the questionable nature of all
this. Part of me believes it to be a hoax, another part thinks it’s
true. But 100 percent of me doesn’t really care, because either
way it’s an ugly sit. Also sad, painful, foul-mouthed, screaming,
tedious, sniveling and pointless. I can’t wait to see what he does
next. Japanese title: Yogisha Joaquin Phoenix. (108 min)
Showing from Apr 28
Also Showing
The Black Power
Mixtape: 1967-1975
Excellent doc on the title era, but narrated in
Swedish. Recommend snagging a DVD with
subs you can understand. (100 min)
they’re being as rude and crude as, well, real women.
Melissa McCarthy deserves special mention here.
Co-writer and star Kristen Wiig, channeling Lucille
Ball, plays the bride’s Everywoman BFF, who finds her
position as maid of honor threatened by the young,
type-A wife of the groom’s boss. But never mind the
plot, because this is essentially a string of skits. No one,
however, does sketch comedy better than SNL’s Wiig.
The ensemble cast is nicely balanced, and the film has
heart, wit, mischief and great hilarity. Guys, you’ll like it
even if you go on your own. (128 min)
Showing from Apr 28
Hit So Hard
If your idea of a good spy thriller
is entertainingly cartoonish good
and bad guys shooting, car-chasing
and blowing each other up, then
skip this unapologetically slow,
cerebral Cold War flick. But if you’re
willing to forget Bond and Bourne, pay attention, and consider
yourself a grownup, you’ll see how a movie needn’t be purposelessly kinetic to be thrilling. British intelligence veteran George
Smiley (Gary Oldman) is recalled from retirement to identify a
highly placed Soviet mole. Extra kudos to the screenwriters for
their meaty, cagey distillation of le Carré’s dense narrative into a
two-hour film. Japanese title: Uragiri Circus. (127 min)
Apollo 18
The real horror in this repetitive, found-footage
game of spot-the-creature comes when you
realize that you paid to see this. (86 min)
Standing Army
T h e m o v i n g a n d f a c t- b a s e d
story of Margaret Humphreys,
a British social worker who in
1986 stumbled onto a monstrous
scheme by the British and Australian governments under which
tens of thousands of children were
taken from their “unfit” (i.e. unwed) mothers from the 1940s to
the ’70s and illegally shipped off to church-run orphanages in
Australia, where they were beaten, raped and psychologically
abused. She launched a lifelong battle against the indifferent or
outright hostile bureaucracies from both countries to help these
emotionally scarred adults find their mothers, and their very
identities. Japanese title: Orange to Taiyo. (105 min)
NEW
For the most part, this is one of
those interesting-only-to-fans
rock-docs about a musician, in
this case likable lesbian drummer
Patty Schemel of Hole, who falls
into the old drugs-and-alcohol
trap. The already weak narrative
about this relative unknown is not well served in the first two
thirds by several inevitably overshadowing clips of Kurt Cobain
and asshole-rock queen Courtney Love, but we at least find out
who she is, which makes the third act, chronicling her trip to street
hell and tricking for drugs before snapping out of it (not a spoiler;
it’s in the film’s subtitle), relevant and even moving. (103 min)
Showing from Apr 28
Tinker Tailor
Soldier Spy
Oranges and Sunshine
DeadHeads
Zombie comedy (zomedy?) with
a love story attached (rom-zom?)
changes the time-honored parameters of the genre by having its two
buddy-zombie protagonists able
to do such unzombielike things as
run, think and talk. No explanation
is offered for their uniqueness, and I ain’t asking. Mike, un-living
in a research lab for the last three years, and Brett, a more experienced flesh-eater who actually thinks it’s kind of cool, decide to
find and say goodbye to Mike’s girlfriend (OMG! It’s a road movie
too!) Amiable and not too gross, but also not all that funny. Don’t
be expecting Shaun of the Dead. Japanese title: Zombie Heads
Shinisokonai no Seishun. (90 min)
Texas Killing Fields
Pol i c e p ro c e du ra l f ro m A m i
C a n a a n M a n n (d a u g h t e r o f
Michael) is scary because it ’s
true. Title refers to a bayou body
dump on the outskirts of Texas
City, Texas. The film is nicely
atmospheric, and the acting is
uniformly good despite poorly fleshed-out characters. Sam
Worthington, Jessica Chastain and Jeffrey Dean Morgan are the
cops, and Chloe Grace Moretz is a young girl criminally neglected
by her skanky mother during a spree of disappearances of young
girls. So while it’s engaging to a point, the graceless editing makes
it hard to follow, and it leaves you with a feeling of missed opportunity. Japanese title: Killing Fields Shisso-chitai. (105 min)
Docu-rant on overseas US military bases, their
public purpose and their “hidden” agenda.
Japanese title: Daremo Shiranai Kichi no Koto.
(75 min)
Drive
A noir-actioner for thinking people that offers
plenty of substance to go along with the style.
Think Bullitt. Or Shane. (100 min)
Bridesmaids: © 2011 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; © 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; I’m Still Here: © 2010 Flemmy Productions, LLC; Hit So Hard: The Life & Near Death Story of Patty Schemel: © 2011 EBERSOLETTI FILMCO, INC. IN ASSOCIATION
WITH THE EBERSOLE HUGHES COMPANY TIGHT SHIP PRODUCTIONS; The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975: © 2011 Story AB, Sveriges Television AB, and Louverture Films LLC.; Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: All rights reserved. © 2010 StudioCanal SA.; Wrath of the
Titans: © 2012 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND LEGENDARY PICTURES FUNDING, LLC; This Means War: © 2012 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.; Oranges and Sunshine: ©Sixteen Midlands (Oranges) Limited/See-Saw
(Oranges) Pty Ltd/Screen Australia/Screen NSW/South Australian Film Corporation 2010; Deadheads: © 2011 FroBro Films, All Rights Reserved; Texas Killing Fields: © 2011 Gideon Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.; Rogue: © 2006 THE WEINSTEIN
COMPANY, LLC and VR – BIG CROC PTY LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; John Carter: ©2011 Disney. JOHN CARTER™ ERB, Inc.; The Battleship: © 2012 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS All Rights Reserved.; The Warrior’s Way: © 2010 Laundry Warrior Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
A tour boat full of tasty tourists is
stranded on a gradually disappearing sandbar in a remote Australian
tidal river while a large, rapacious
reptile picks them off one by one.
Okay, not so original, but this
competent Jaws knockoff is fairly
suspenseful and as good as any I’ve seen about hungry, territorial, eight-meter crocodiles, and the hard-working cast (Radha
Mitchell, Michael Vartan, Sam Worthington, Mia Wasikowska)
manages to bring it off. The final scene in the monster’s lair, while
requiring considerable suspension of disbelief, still brings a few
more surprises to the dinner party. Japanese title: Man Eater. (92
min)
John Carter
A Civil War veteran finds himself
on Mars, where the reduced gravity
allows him to jump really high,
making him a kind of superhero.
He gets involved in the planet’s
insufficiently explained politics
involving two warring human
sides and some native Martians, opting, natch, for the side with
the babe. It’s overstuffed and hard to follow; or care about. It’s not
terrible. It’s just that for $350 million you expect something more
than “not terrible.” In short, while it’s clearly aiming for Lord of the
Rings with an Avatar vibe, it more closely resembles those crappy
Star Wars prequels. (132 min)
Battleship
The Warrior’s Way
Sergio Leone meets Federico Fellini.
An Asian warrior (Korean star Jang
Dong-gun, very cool), “the greatest
swordsman in the world,” defies his
mentor and refuses to kill a baby of
his rival clan, instead fleeing with
the infant to the Old West, where he
settles in a backwater town that has, for some reason, a resident
circus troupe. Geoffrey Rush is the town drunk, Kate Bosworth the
motormouth maiden in distress and Danny Huston the deranged
villain. It’s unsubtle but visually impressive and stylishly fun for
the first-half setup. But then it sinks into repetitive, fairly constant
slicing and dicing. Japanese title: Ketto no Daichi de. (100 min)
The Artist
Yes, it’s everything they say it is.
Director Michel Hazanavicius
had to have some kinda couilles
to go against Hollywood’s biggeris-better conventional wisdom,
and in the process underline the
apparently forgotten truth in that
town that story is more important than presentation. When the
advent of talking movies destroys the career of a famed silent film
star, his life spirals into irrelevance. But there’s an angel watching
over him. A lot of love went into this ever-so-slightly tongue-incheek celebration of the history of the cinema, and you will go
home feeling warm and happy. (100 min)
Cinemas 11 22 45 52 61 63 80 84 85 88 92 96
Corman’s World: Exploits of
a Hollywood Rebel
Delightful doc about the six-decade career of Roger Corman,
the “King of the Bs,” and his massive influence on filmmaking.
Japanese title: Corman Teikoku. (90 min)
© 2012『ももへの手紙』製作委員会
Momo e no
Tegami
W
riter/director Hiroyuki Okiura
and anime studio Production
I.G. have produced a winner
with their touching Momo e no Tegami.
Working on realistic and fantastical
levels, this animation centers on
12-year-old Momo (voiced by Karen
Miyama), forced to move with her
mother to a tiny island in the Seto Inland
Sea after her father’s untimely death.
Moving from Tokyo to a village
bores Momo and, worse, she’s left to
fend for herself when Mom (voiced by
Yuka), a teacher, goes off to work. But
Momo’s days become too exciting.
Three yokai—traditional Japanese
goblin spirits—have followed the family
to the island. When Momo cracks a
500-year-old book they become visible
to her, but not to adults. There is the
lizard-like leader Kawa (voiced by
Koichi Yamadera), the oaf Iwa (voiced
by Toshiyuki Nishida) and the miniature, cute-as-a-button Mame (voiced
by Cho). After Momo gets a hold on her
fear, they make friends. The spirits are
constantly stealing food (Japanese
ghosts are always hungry) and getting
into mischief that she must cover up.
These amusing fantasy sequences act
as counterpoint for the main story, that
Momo fought with her father before he
disappeared at sea, and she found a
letter to her he only started but never
finished. The girl desperately wants to
know what he intended to say.
Entertaining , charm ing and
moving, this anime is rare in that it
works as slapstick and drama, fantasy
and realism. English title: A Letter to
Momo. (120 min)
movie news
Robert Redford is taking
his show on the road. The
75-year-old actor and
champion of independent
film is taking the Sundance
Film Festival outside of the
US for the first time, for a run
at London’s O2, April 26-29.
A total of 14 films, which
premiered in January at the
festival’s usual location in
Park City, Utah, will make
the trip to the UK, along
with the filmmakers, and
fest chairman Redford. “I
welcome the opportunity to
see how people in the UK experience these films,” Redford said when
announcing the London event. “While they are American productions,
they speak to universal experiences and global challenges.” The
festival had humble beginnings in 1978 as an effort to encourage
filmmakers to shoot in Utah, and was taken over in 1985 by Redford’s
NPO and renamed after his character in the movie Butch Cassidy and
the Sundance Kid. It quickly won a reputation as the indie film event,
and directors such as Steven Soderbergh, Darren Aronofsky, and
Jim Jarmusch got their first big break in Park City. The move overseas
will deliver a wider audience to up-and-coming directors. “Sundance
London also is the perfect opportunity to continue our long-time
commitment to growing a broader international community around
new voices and new perspectives,” Redford said. www.sundancelondon.com. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
© Louverture Films
In what is essentially a neato
recruiting film for the US Navy
and Japan’s MSDF, alien invaders
splash down off Hawaii during the
annual RIMPAC exercises, and it’s
up to Taylor Kitsch and Tadanobu
Asano to save the world. Aegis
destroyers and fighter aircraft are stymied by a force field, so we
earthlings turn to an older battle technology that I was asked not
to reveal (but look at the friggin’ title!). I wondered why an alien
race capable of traversing interstellar space would then start
lobbing mortars at us until I saw that this is adapted from the
Hasbro video game. Big snore unless you’re 10. (130 min)
eiga By Rob Schwartz
IMAGE.NET
Rogue
© 2012beachwalkers
Sentimental
Yasuko
T
heater director Kei Horie brings
his own play to the big screen in
this well plotted but overdone
t h r i l l e r. Ya s u k o ( m o d e l A z u s a
Okamoto) is a depressed hostess who
has attempted suicide in the past. On
the anniversary of her parents’ death
she is rushed to the emergency room
unconscious—a victim of strangulation. Was she brutally attacked? Did
she ask someone to kill her? Yasuko
has no memory of the incident but,
using her cellphone, police are able to
cast suspicion on seven men who were
involved with the woman. Flashbacks
and interrogations reveal Yasuko’s
twisted life and what happened on the
night. Reminiscent of the much-better
Memories of Matsuko, this flick builds
suspense but is sadly drenched in
sentimentality and melodrama. The
over-the-top acting should have been
reeled in considerably, and results in a
passable, but flawed, thriller. (87 min)
The social documentary The Black Power Mixtape will screen at K’s
Cinema in Shinjuku (3-35-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; www.ks-cinema.
com) from April 28. Director Göran Olsson found historic footage of
civil rights leaders Stokely Carmichael (pictured), Angela Davis et al
languishing in a Swedish TV archive and edited it into an overview
of the black power movement in America, 1967-75... If you want to
get warmed up for the upcoming Hobbit film, head to Shin-Bungeiza
in Ikebukuro (3F, 1-43-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro Toshima-ku; www.shinbungeiza.com) as they screen special extended versions of Peter
Jackson’s three Lord of the Rings films all day on May 4. ¥3,000 gets
you into all three Oscar-winning epics... Experimental film and video
weirdness will hit the screens as the 26th Image Forum Festival
is held April 28-May 14 at Shibuya’s Image Forum (2-10-2 Shibuya,
Shibuya-ku; www.imageforum.co.jp) and Park Tower Hall in Shinjuku.
This year’s fest includes a special program celebrating 60 years of
Australian avant-garde cinema. www.imageforumfestival.com. KM
Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English language
films are shown with Japanese subtitles only.
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
www.dubliners.jp
HAPPY HOUR!
@ The Dubliners’
¥800
ALL PINTS
OF BEER
MURPHY'S / GUINNESS /
KILKENNY / YEBISU
(Beers available vary by location)
¥500 COCKTAIL
MENU AVAILABLE!
Shinjuku 15:00∼19:00 (weekdays)
Ikebukuro 17:00∼19:00 (weekdays)
Akasaka 17:00∼19:00 (weekdays)
Toranomon 12:00∼19:00 (Mon-Sat)
Shibuya 12:00∼19:00 (weekdays)
Shinagawa 12:00∼19:00 (every day)
The menu may vary in each store. Please go online for more information.
Please contact each branch for opening hours and Happy Hours
during Golden Week (28 Apr - 6 May)
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Ikebukuro
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Toranomon
1F New Toranomon Bldg.
1-1-18 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Closed: Sun. & Holidays
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jp
1
Akasaka
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Japan’s
No.
Shinagawa
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
03-6718-2834 | sali6654@sapporo-lion.co
Second-hand Bookstore!
40,000 International books
available from ¥200
Café
Book Off - Shirokanedai
10:00~22:00 03-5475-5696
Cafe Corner
8:00~20:00 L.O.
4-3-19 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku
Spa Shirokane
Metro Namboku line
Toei Mita line
Shirokanedai station
Exit No.2
n
atio
Post office
i st
eda
kan
o
ir
Sh
Seven Eleven
Happoen
Grand Hills
Shirokanedai
the latest dish on food & drink in the big city
B i t e s
Dining Out
burger
strange fruit
udon
David labi
F
or homemade noodles so long and thick that
you could use one to escape from Mordor,
Taka (1-7-20 Jindaiji, Mitaka-shi; www.
taka-udon.com) is where this kind of gem
is usually located—deep in a nondescript suburban
area. In this case, 15 minutes’ walk from Chuo line
station Musashi-Sakai. Taka’s massive interior, replete
with tatami and table areas, is decorated with bizarre
objects, leafy plants, and games for kids. But the real
star is the udon, served in a set for ¥1,000. Nabe yaki
udon comes in at ¥1,250, and chili-miso nabe udon for
¥1,050. Warning: the omori is damn big.
avocado
Flickr: Fugu Tabetai
H
I
gyoza
makeover
atsukoi no Kaori (“The Scent of First
Love”) is the name for this new variety
of white strawberry, bred in the
underground labs of Miyoshi Agritech
Co., with who knows what sinister GM techniques.
Though it might look like this picture has been put
through some kind of cheap Photoshop effect, it
is in fact the real deal. If you are keen on paying
about ¥500 per strawberry—or more than ¥1,000 as
pictured—a box could make a good spring gift, or a
nice objet d’art for your mantelpiece. They’ll probably
never go rotten, but don’t quote us on that.
n Shibuya’s brand-new commercial wonderland
just in front of the station’s east exit, Cali-style
diner Eat (7F Shibuya Hikarie; http://eatburger.
jp) will be providing pale Tokyoites with a vision
of Golden State life. The signature dish is the Eat
burger (¥1,050), made with 100% Japanese beef and
natural salt from no further than Patagonia—and
no binding ingredients to screw things up. Crispy,
freshly made buns and a homemade southern sauce
are added to finish the job. The menu also features
Tex-Mex classics like burritos (¥1,260), and a frozen
margarita just in time for the heat (¥840).
photo by bash
Courtesy of Side Door
N
amed after a 1973 Italian sex comedy,
Sessomatto Avocado Bal (2F M Bldg.,
1-13-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku; www.
mado.in/s001.html) is the second haven
for lovers of this versatile fruit. The Jingumae branch
opened four years ago, bringing the obvious combo of
avocado dishes and deep-house music to the masses.
The new place is designed by artist Nobuyoshi Miwa,
and offers opening priced drinks of Heineken and
glasses of wine for just ¥300. Head down evenings (and
lunchtimes, soon) to try treats like avo with wasabi
(¥500), shrimp, tomato and avocado sauté (¥600), and
spam and avocado risotto (¥1,000). Dogs welcome.
S
queaky clean, targeted at women in
their 20s and 30s, and recommended
by its position in Ebisu station, Gyoza
Kamukura (2F Atre 1-5-5 Ebisu-Minami,
Shibuya-ku; www.kamukura.co.jp) is a collaboration
of Dotombori Kamukura, a venerable Osaka ramen
purveyor, and Gyoza Kitchen. Visit this shiny venue
to consume snacks more commonly served in a
grubby shack. Your standard gyoza come in at ¥280
for five, with the Osaka-style ramen at ¥650. Get their
salad set (¥280/person) for thick lettuce to wrap
your dumplings and six sauces, and indulge in some
Korean-style parcel munching.
I
f the usual izakaya, yakitori, yakiniku joints
seem passé, maybe you need to go somewhere
that requires a reservation—but not a platinum
card. Tucked underneath Roppongi’s nocturnal
haunt Tokyo Sports Café, the newly renovated Side
Door (B2F Fusion Bldg, 7-13-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku;
www.sidedoor.tv) offers course meals from ¥5,000
and full entrées like roasted chicken, pan-fried veal
with tempura zucchini, large flower- and vegetableinfused salads and more. A healthy New World wine
selection focusing on California and Australia help
make a robust, Western-styled gourmet meal even
more full-bodied.
www.failte.jp
Spacious 5F
terrace
over looking
central
Shibuya.
Enjoy our great selections
of Irish and European brews.
Happy Hour All ¥500!!
Mon-Fri (except Public holidays)
Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT,
The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT,
Glasses of wine, Cocktails
Tokyu
Plaza
Golden Week Special! 4/26-5/6
Drink all 5 selected beers and get a beer glass
More details
http://failte.jp
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)
3-11pm (Sunday & hols)
tel:
03-3476-7776
We accept major
credit cards
(except for special
discounts)
NEXT METROPOLIS PARTY:
7-11PM • FREE ENTRY • ONE COIN DRINK
APR 27 (FRI)
MORE INFO AT: http://metropolis.co.jp/events
the latest dish on food & drink in the big city by JEff W. Richards
Dining Out
Courtesy of Wolf
restaurant review
Wolf
Hot pot of
champions in
Toranomon
S
u mo cha mp Ch iyonof uji—58th yokuzuna—knows
his onions when it comes to
power foods. To that end he
opened this restaurant bearing his
nom de guerre, bestowed owing to
his piercing stare and solitary habits.
Chiyonofuji’s success stemmed from
his diet rich in high-protein, lowcalorie suppon (softshell turtle) and
fugu (blowfish)—and these are the
menu’s staples at Wolf.
Past a mural of fellow champs’
handprints, we were escorted into
a minimalist space decorated with
pale beech furniture and f lower
arrangements. A sma ll ar my of
attentive staff delivered our celery
salad (¥500), and fugu skin and mizuna salad (¥800), which paired nicely
with nama Kirin Ichiban Shibori
(¥700). Both salads were light with
citrus zest, and the latter tingled our
tongues in anticipation of the fugu
feast to come.
T he chawanmu shi , a w a r m,
savory egg custard with gingko nuts
(¥800), had an intriguing bitterness
that proved to emanate from the
boiled turtle within. The fugu karaage, (¥1,580), was outstanding. The
puffer fish is surprisingly bony, making this more like fried chicken, with
a finger-lickin’ coating that would
have made the Colonel proud.
But t he center piece was t he
yakiniku-st yle fugu. We had the
joumi (boneless) set (¥5,400), with
slices seasoned in three ways: negi
and salt, garlic, and spicy miso. Our
server deftly grilled the slices at our
table, letting them curl before flipping to brief ly sear the other side.
The fish on its own had a subtle succulence, and when paired with the
right dipping sauce (lemon or shoyu),
the flavor burst into life.
The suppon nabe was a different
story. Ceremoniously presented in
a medieval-style hot pot, there were
no shrieks of “Oishi so!” like those of
our neighbors. The powerful gingerand-negi aroma conjured memories
of home remedies, and in the dark
liquid, lumps of turtle lurked menacingly. The chewy, dry meat called for
an imo shochu on the rocks (¥700).
More bone and cartilage than meat,
we nibbled the suppon in small
bites, masticating for an inordinate
amount of time—like working on the
driest, chewiest stewing beef you’d
ever had. Turtle is a delicacy (and
its blood—not served at Wolf—is a
famous genki drink for men), but this
dish left us softshell-shocked. It was a
relief when the broth was ladled into
bowls with rice, to eat sosui style.
Lest you think it’s all obscure
dishes, Wolf also does dried sardines
(¥600), tuna cutlets (¥1,100) and
broiled chicken (¥1,200). We finished
with fresh seasonal fruits (¥500)
and a creamy yuzu sorbet (¥400) to
freshen our tastebuds. While the
suppon might have been traumatic—if unforgettable—the real star
was the deep-fried and yakinikustyle grilled fugu, which makes a
visit to Wolf worthwhile.
J/E
Menu available in Japanese and
English
Lunch from ¥1,200, dinner ¥1,200
Entirely nonsmoking
Tatami-esque rooms offer privacy
Fugu, both karaage or yakinikustyle, is dangerously delicious
The suppon is an acquired taste
2F Atago Green Hills Plaza, 3-21-5
Toranomon, Minato-ku. Tel:
03-5733-3771
Open Mon-Sat, 5pm to 2am, closed
Sun. Soon opening for lunch.
Nearest stns: Kamiyacho or
Toranomon
www.wolf.jpn.com
bar review
Genka
Bar
Top-shelf drinks
at bargainbasement prices
S
omet i me s, memb er s h ip
has its privileges, and other
times, it just means really
cheap booze. In an unassuming gray building a stone’s throw
from Gotanda station, this bar makes
that clear right from its name, genka,
which means “cost price.”
Upon entering, we hand over
¥1,500 to the smiling staff. This will
gain us access to a wide menu of
drinks priced at cost. It’s not nomihodai, but then, which nomihodai
offers up premium single malts and
martinis anyway? It’s a busy Thursday and some customers are sent
upstairs to the “lounge” area, some to
the main floor. Segregated groups of
cocktail-sipping ladies and draught
beer-slugging guys have their cheap,
black jackets thrown over seat backs.
It’ll be a salaryman and OL free-forall if the fire alarm goes off.
We open the large, varied drinks
menu, slobbering to see the discounts. We’re not disappointed. So
low are the prices, you could work
your way through the menu like a
book (skipping anything with the
words “calorie off” or “cassis”). My
partner in crime and I started with a
Bass Pale Ale (¥250) and a Guinness
(¥300).
Before we’d drained them, we
were already f lipping to the whiskies. I got a Taketsuru 21-year-old
(¥420) and he opted for the Lagavulin 16-year-old (¥300). Other options
include Ardbeg (¥210), and some
Glens (’Livet and ’Fiddich) for ¥120.
The décor is not much, but what
do you expect from a Costco-priced
bar? Red paint over whelmingly
adorns the black interior, and the
plywood counter seating wouldn’t
be out of place at your local tachinomiya. What would be, though, is
the cool Frank Sinatra and Edith Piaf
crooning out of the speakers. A lively
and enthusiastic clientele, younger
than the denizens of oyaji-infested
the local yakitori joints, only adds to
the appeal.
As you loosen your tie and settle
in for a third or fourth drink (Dirty
vodka martini? Porfidio tequila?
Negroni? Each ¥120), it’s time to
mull the food options. The speed
menu offers prepackaged items liked
mixed nuts, potato chips and dried
fruits (from ¥90), but others like the
Camembert cheese plate (¥300) or
salami and olives (¥150) constitute
better fare. Other items we devoured
were the roast beef plate (with a tasty
horseradish sauce—¥300), maguro
carpaccio (¥270), and crudités with
dip, to feel healthy.
At the end of the night, after
meeting the challenge to sample
pret t y much ever y t hing on t he
drinks menu, we tottered gingerly to
the register, where we each doled out
another ¥2,500. All told, the evening
cost a little under ¥8,000 for the two
of us—including entry fee, drinks
and food. Don’t be dismayed if you
can’t get a seat, Genka Bar fills up
fast. It’s hardly surprising.
J/E
Menu in Japanese with some
English
Entry ¥1,500, average drink price
¥150
No nonsmoking seats
2F izakaya-style, 3F lounge-like
Lagavulin 16-year-old single malt
for ¥300—’nuff said
Plywood seating as cheap as the
drinks
2-3F Nozu Bldg, 2-5-8 Nishi Gotanda,
Shinagawa-ku. Tel: 03-6417-9909
Open Mon-Sat 4:30pm to 1:30am,
closed Sun. Nearest stn: Gotanda
www.genkabar.jp
The majority of classified ads have moved online!
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.
Our online classified ad system gives you more
power to find, place and track your classified ads.
You can place FREE or commercial ads with online
tools to help you calculate the number of words and
price. All commercial and upgraded free ads placed
in this system will appear in Metropolis; Japan’s No.
1 English magazine, which hits the streets every
other Friday at over 800 locations throughout
Tokyo, Yokohama and Chiba.
owne r ha s expe rie nce in
NY. H i g h q u a l i t y s e r vi c e
and natural products.
Cut: ¥5000. Color:
¥5000 ~. All menu 20%
off on first visit. 1min from
A z a b u -J u b a n s t n . w w w.
bondzsalon.jp/index_.html
Reservation: 03-6426-5562
All classifieds submitted for business purposes are
considered commercial. Ads can appear in
any section.
1.3 Moving
To place Job ads please visit http://classifieds.
metropolis.co.jp or email:
commercial@metropolis.co.jp
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 Health
Acupuncture in Tokyo/
Aoyama/Shibuya area .
Non-invasive, gentle
treatment. Soothing &
relaxing. Only disposable
needles used. Fluent/nativeleve l En gli s h . In dividual
assessment, personalized
therapy program. Nurturing
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conventional practices
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by most foreign insurance.
Te l : 03 - 5 4 69 - 0 810
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MEDICAL/LIFE INSURANCE
with coverage for
radioactivity, earthquakes,
tsunami, natural disasters,
plus emergency benefits!
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coverage: inpatient/
outpatient, ICU, surgery,
prescriptions, emergency,
X-rays, MRI, CAT, lab tests.
Claims processed in Japan
and paid in yen. Optional
Accidental Death & Disability.
E a sy e n ro l l m e n t ; p ay by
credit card or at
convenience stores. Sign
up fo r H e a lth O n e to d ay!
www.healthone.jp
info@healthone.jp
06-6263-8688
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
( p h y s i c a l t h e r a p y) c a r e
in Hiroo. Native Engli sh speaking therapists,
specializing in sports
i n j u r i e s , p o s t- o p e ra t ive
rehabilitation, back/neck
pain, running-related,
headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations,
and women’s health. www.
tokyophysio.com 03-34436769
Os t e o p a t h y
by a UK-trained, qualified
osteopath, providing safe
and effective treatment for
headaches, back/neck pains,
arthritis, nerve-compression
syndromes such as
sciatica, TMJ problems, etc.
AOP -Aoyama Osteopathy
Practice-. Visit the English
page at www. aoyamaosteopathy.com/english/
1.2 Hair & Beauty
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 Kita se nju stn .
Friendly English-speaking
staff is available. Contact
us at 03-3882-1550. Open
from 10am until 7pm, 7 days
a week. http://meturl.com/
onlycutzone.
Sophisticated Private
Hair Salon. Bondz Salon’s
MOVING OVERSEAS? Call
ECONOSHIP! With over 30
years’ experience, you can
c o u n t o n Ec o n o s h i p fo r
courteous, efficient, reliable
s e r vi c e a n d r e a s o n a b l e
prices. Call, email, or see our
new website. Ask how you
can receive 10 boxes free of
charge. info@econoship.
n e t w w w. e c o n o s h i p . n e t
0120-222-111
MOVING? Experienced staff
will assist you at reasonable
prices. Transportation for
overseas/domestic moving.
Packing and warehousing
with care. Customs
clearance. Air or sea freight
fo r w a r d i n g wo r l d w i d e .
03-5851-9331/090-1216-0012
TA X CON S U LTATION IN
ENGLISH! If you are anxious
about your tax return, we
can handle your problem for
a reasonable price. Please
call 03-5843-6511 or email
us at is@meisei-audit .jp.
Check our website for more
info: http://takedatax.jp/
1.8 General Services
H o n e y Cl o v e r
Ba b y s i t t i n g a n d
Housekeeping Services.
We specialize in Englishspeaking and foreign
babysitters. We will provide
qualified babysitters who
are best suited to you and
your child. LAST MINUTE
calls ok! Reasonable
prices. Tel: 03-6431-9647
M o b i l e : 0 8 0 - 4 2 74 -3 2 3 7
w w w. h o n e yc l ove r. c o . j p
info@honeyclover.co.jp
1.7 Business Services
ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR
INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURN
F OR 2 0 1 1 ? W e a r e t a x
consultants who do income
tax for foreigners. Please
l e ave yo u r c o m p l i c a t e d
Japanese individual
t ax re tu rn to u s! S p e c i a l
cam paign on n ow! w w w.
kaori-fuchi.com/en/index.
htm l Te l : 81 -3 - 6 3 27-7 113 .
Em a il : t axreturn @ ka o ri fuchi.com
SUMIKAWA LAW OFFICE .
Member of the Yokohama
Bar Association, in Kawasaki
(next to Tokyo). We of fer
free email advice for victims
of car accidents. Contact
us before reconciling with
t h e i n s u ra n c e c o m p a ny.
Lawyer Kei Sumikawa. Email:
web@sumikawa.net http://
sumikawa.net
Lovi n g Baby Massag 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. ¥3000/session. Foursession discount: ¥10,000.
Call Shino at 080-3362-0429
or email babymassage123@
gmail.com
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 Guesthouse
Next to Azabu-Juban and
Minami-Shinagawa stn.
Private furnished room s
in Akasaka(2min), AzabuJuban, Minami-Shinagawa,
very close to the station.
Cleaning every week. First
two months special offer
¥46,000~¥56,000/m,
utilities included. No key
money, free Internet. 日本
人向けのシェアハウスもあり、全室
インターネット・家具付個室。敷・
礼金、仲介料、水道光熱費及び保
証人不要！0 9 0 - 2 4 0 5 - 0 0 2 2
mail@bauhousetokyo.com
www.bauhousetokyo.com
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Issue
946 Issue
948
Fri, May 11
Fri, May 25
Deadline:
Deadline:
May 1, 3pm
May 17, 3pm
2.2 Rent Under 200,000 yen
fo n t a n a @ g o l . c o m w w w.
TokyoCityApartments.net
03-3382-0151
¥55,000~/
M ONT H IN
RO P P ONGI .
Roppongi
¥63,000~.
Hanzomon
¥48,000~.
Ikejiri-Ohashi
¥48,000~.
Ginza ¥53,000~. Gotanda
¥48,000 ~. Kachidoki
¥48,000~. Utilities
¥7000/m. Fully furnished, w/
f r e e I n t e r n e t . Yo t s u y a
¥68,000 (utilities ¥10,000).
Dormitory ¥45,000 (utilities
¥ 5 0 0 0). N o key m o n ey,
¥10,000 refundable deposit.
03-3560-7405 / 080-54361 7 7 7
w w w .
roppongi-mayflowerhouse.
c
o
m
AFFORDAB LE
APARTMENTS &
GUESTHOUSES
IN TO K YO ’ S
P O P ULAR
AREAS: Azabu, Roppongi,
Asakusa, Kichijoji,
Yokohama ¥49,000~/m. No
k e y m o n e y/g u a r a n t o r/
brokerage fee. Over 100
g u e s t h o u s e s ( I n te rn e t ,
utilities included) and
apartments. Call Oakridge:
0 3 - 3 5 0 2 - 2 3 5 1
oakridgehousing@gmail.
com www.oakridge-housing.
com
Find short or long term stays in furnished/
unfurnished apar tments
for singles and families in
the Kasai and Nishi-Kasai
area. Urban Renaissance
p ro p e r t i e s i n Ro p p o n g i ,
N i n g y o c h o , Ts u k i s h i m a
and Nishi-Ojima available.
Buy condominiums and
i nve s t m e n t p ro p e r t y.
i n fo2@ fu j ito m o -f h .co. j p
www.fujitomo -fh.com
03-5696-2341
ICHII CORPOR A TION .
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 . New, clean
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
PRI V A TE F URNI S HE D
A P A RTMENT S . O d a k y u
l i n e , M u k o g a o k a -Yu e n /
Yomiuri-Land-Mae, 20/30
min from Shinjuku. Keikyu
line, Haccho-Nawate, 15min
from Shinagawa. 1K～2LDK,
¥58,000/m ～ ¥120,000/m.
Tel: 044-933-7000 Email:
mh@minowagroup.jp
w w w. minowagroup. jp/
minowahomes
S ERVICE D A PA RTMENT S
in a quiet residential area
of Hiroo. Studios and
s u i te s . 4 m i n f r o m H i r o o
s t n . R a te s : D a i ly ¥ 78 0 0.
Weekly ¥68 50 -/day.
Monthly ¥5900-/day. Over
three months ¥4950-/
day. Tax, utilities included.
f r o n t d e s k@ a z a b u c o u r t .
com w w w. azabucour t .
com/ 03-3446-8610
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT, ONE
MONTH FREE RENT. Clean studio
a pa r tm e nt , w/l of t , un it b ath ,
flooring, new aircon, in Yokohama,
near Yayoidai stn, Sotetsu line, and
JR Totsuka stn ¥45,000/m. NO key
money, one month FREE RENT. Pets
ok. cluboneseven2@i.softbank.jp
2.3 Rent Over 200,000 yen
F ONTA N A , e s t a b l i s h e d
over 30 years ago. With a
wide range of locations
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 .
TO K YO A P ART M ENT S .
Bilingual real-estate agency,
o f fe ri n g fu rn i s h e d a n d
unfurnished apartments
throughout central Tokyo.
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.
Also providing shortstay serviced apartments,
relocation service, furniture
rental and property
management services.
Please call 0120-957-520
www.tokyoapartments.jp
P L A Z A HOME S , L T D .
We h a v e b e e n a t r u s t e d
English-friendly real estate
agency since 1969. We
guarantee to cater to the
needs of expatriates with
our experience and
enormous database of
properties for sale or
r e n t i n To k y o . C o n t a c t
us at 03-3583- 6941 or
info@plazahomes.co.jp
h t t p : // w w w. r e a l e s t a t e tokyo.com
Trust- Residenc e .
D e s i g n e r, h i g h - r i s e a n d
luxury apartments, no
d e p o s i t , n o k e y m o n e y,
no agent fee. We offer you
perfect apartments for
the be st deals in the Bay
area, and all around Tokyo.
info@trust-residence.
com 03-3548-0254 http://
trustresidence-tokyo.com/
2.4 House Share
ROOMM A TE W A NTE D .
N a t ive En g l i s h - s p e a ki n g
roommate wanted to share
a 2DK room on the Toyoko/
To k y u l i n e . R e n t u p t o
¥ 5 0,0 0 0/m . N o n s m o ke r.
Contact for more details.
kanaemochizuki@yahoo.co.jp
Share house near
Gakugei-Daigaku stn, Toyoko/
Hibiya line. Room, w/wooden
flo o r, in c le a n , m o d e rn , fully
furnished six-bedroom house.
Quiet residential neighborhood,
but close to lively restaurants and
shops, 4min walk to the stn, 6min
train ride to Shibuya ¥69,000/m.
Current housemates are from Japan
and France. Tel: 090-6008-3968.
s hare hou se gakuge idaigaku @
gmail.com
HOME STAY IN TOKYO : G UE ST
ROOM IN MY HOUSE IN JAPAN. I am
a house owner who enjoys meeting
people. New, bug-free, 3min walk
from stn, utilities included, free
1000Mbps Internet ¥66,000/m.
www.homestaytokyo.com/
homestaytokyo@gmail.com
S u n n y r o o m i n A sa k u sa ,
Sumida-ku, in a 3DK flat, five-mat,
fu r n i s h e d , w/a c c e s s to a b i g
balcony, 8min walk from Asakusa
stn ¥47,000/m. Utilities ¥8000/m.
Details available. oimosanhouse@
gmail.com
3 EDUCATION
3.1 Japanese schools
F REE TRI A L L E S S ON
available now until May 31
at a newly opened Japanese
language school in NishiAzabu, near Roppongi.
Of fers daily/business
Japanese group lessons and
private lessons. For more
information: 03-5775-0547,
www.valiantls.com or info@
valiantls.com
3.2 Japanese Teachers
J a p a n e s e L e ss o n s ,
Anywhere, Anytime.
We are qualified teachers.
Lessons in your area or online.
Prices from ¥1000/h, written
in our resumes, emailed to
you. No registration fee! www.
sunlesson.com 090-27093736 japaneseanywhere@
yahoo.co.jp
COSMOS CLUB JAPANESE LESSONS.
Group of volunteers offer basic
Japanese lessons for foreigners.
Every Wed, 10am-12pm. Kudan
Shogai Gakushuukan, Kudan. Nearest
stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-6379-6898.
kuranot@mb5.suisui.ne.jp
Japanese Teachers. I’m a qualified
and experienced Japanese language
teacher. I teach in the Shinjuku,
Nakano, Shibuya and Roppongi
areas. Lessons at places convenient
to you. Rates: ¥2800/h. ¥3500/1.5h.
¥4500/2h. kosumosukaede@gmail.
com Zushi.
3.4 English Teachers
English Lessons via Skype. I am
based in London, England, and I offer
English lessons and conversation
via Skype. Reasonable prices.
Rfuenterprises@gmail.com
3.5 Language
Exchange
English and Japanese. JM, late
20s, clinical doctor, living in Shinjuku,
seeking a language exchange partner
to improve my writing skills. In return,
I’ll help with your Japanese. Thanks!
tkyo_b@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. UK guy, 40,
wants a language exchange partner.
My Japanese is basic, but I am a keen
student. stevendorrans@yahoo.com
English and Japanese. I’m seriously
seeking someone to help my English.
I don’t have any chance to use English,
but I want to improve it. I’m a Japanese
female, mid-20s, living in central Tokyo.
yasuko925@hotmail.co.jp
English and Japanese. We are a small
group of people seeking native English
speakers for language exchange in
a relaxing and friendly atmosphere
on some weekends at cafes in Tokyo.
jjbeancoffee@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Interesting,
well-educated, cute SJM seeks native
English speakers in Tokyo for a
language exchange. Let’s meet once
or twice/week to improve our language
abilities. I’m sure that it’ll be a wonderful
experience. lovely75@mail.goo.ne.jp
English and Japanese. JF, mid-30s,
seeks E/J language exchange friends
around my age who like movies, art,
onsen, etc. British or European females
preferred. horikosama@yahoo.com
English and Japanese. Male American
journalist, 30-ish, looking to sharpen his
Nihongo skills in exchange for English
instruction. I live in Hiroo and work near
Tokyo stn. Let’s get together and learn
the lingo, hopefully in some interesting
cafes. jimp_copy@yahoo.com
English and Japanese. Fun, active,
blond-haired, blue-eyed male seeking
language exchange in Soka, Saitama.
Prefer someone 30s-40s. Coffee,
dinner, karaoke, etc. goslowwater@
hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Group
language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.
Most members are 20s and 30s. We
switch languages every 30min. Fun
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.
andy@gmail.com
English and Japanese. JF, 25, seeks
a native English speaker to exchange
language, culture, hobbies. Not really
seeking business-like lessons: more
interested in having fun hanging out.
moonstones17@gmail.com
also possible. Any age ok.
One trial lesson ¥1000.
More info? Contact us now.
http://pism.web.fc2.com/
080-5071-5723
Furniture sale! Muji: small desk and
chair; three plastic containers, w/covers;
down comforter, w/clean covers; a few
kitchen goods ¥30,000/all. Pick up
Shinjuku. bashintokyo@hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Cool,
friendly, intelligent JM seeks native
English speakers for language and
cultural exchange. Let’s enjoy talking
about a variety of topics over coffee
or dinner in English and Japanese.
languageex2010@gmail.com
3.9 Teach Me!
Furniture sale! Stainless table (around
1m), w/four chairs, in great condition
¥7000. Chest ¥1000. Lamp ¥1000.
benjamin.cheng.tokyo@gmail.com
English and Japanese. A native
Japanese speaker seeks study buddy/
exchange partner to make learning
enjoyable and practical. Can meet
two-three times/month near Otemachi
afterwork or Aoyama on weekends.
M/F ok. Around my age (mid-20s-early
30s) preferred. white.magnolian.lamp@
gmail.com
English and Japanese. I’m a JF seeking
a native English speaker for language
exchange at cafes in the Hibiya,
Ginza, Yurakucho areas, on weekday
mornings before work. I can help with
your Japanese in return. No romance.
le.earlymorning@gmail.com
English and Japanese. Hi, Japanese
seeks a native English speaker for
language exchange, between Shinagawa
and Kawasaki, once/week, a weekday
after work or Sun afternoon. Let’s learn
together. ronron88jp@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. I’m a JF, 25,
living in Tokyo and seeking English
speakers for language exchange. I
really want to study English, especially
speaking. I can meet you near Shinjuku.
I can help with Japanese. cioccolato_
amaro@softbank.ne.jp
French, English, Japanese. European
man seeking a language exchange
partner to improve his Japanese. I can
teach you Fr or E. Let’s enjoy sharing our
cultures and interests. West of Tokyo
preferable, but Yokohama or central
Tokyo are ok. 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
German, Danish, Japanese. Guten Tag
and Hej! Can anybody help me out with
Ger and/or Danish in Tokyo/Kanagawa?
JF, 30s, spent one year in Europe and
would like to visit different cities more!
Please be a nonsmoker, 27-38. b2jw13@
hotmail.co.jp
3.6 Learning: General
Piano Lessons in English.
Classical piano, jazz piano
and singing lessons at your
home. Lessons at our studio
Private native English teacher
with experience teaching primary
school kids sought to teach my
children. Place is my house in
central Tokyo. ¥2000/h for 2-4 kids.
CV/references to ha_met@live.com
Experienced French tutor in Tokyo
sought to learn basic conversational
skills. I am completely new to the
language, but am aiming to take a
language test. Please contact me with
your lesson rate. udawat@gmail.com
French tutor sought by Japanese
female, 30s, to learn the basics (mainly
grammar). Weekend afternoons at a
cafe in Ikebukuro. Teaching experience
and materials are required. Can
pay ¥4000/90min, including train
fare. Only serious native speakers.
wwwtomodachi-ad@yahoo.co.jp
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 Furniture &
Fittings
Bed, folding, three positions (upright,
flat, semi-reclined), two m/o, hardly
used, in great condition ¥15,000.
some1writing@gmail.com 03-34099652
Bed, semi-double (D200xW140x
H40cm) ¥8000. Pick up Yoyogi. Photos
available. clubitaliano@mac.com
Bed, Ikea, double, bought Jan ‘10,
never directly slept on. New ¥86,800.
Sell ¥10,000/obo. Pick up only. Photos
available. Can assist w/assembly. jon80.
robinson@gmail.com
Cabinet, for bathrooms, tall, pink and
white, w/drawers and shelves ¥5000. TV
stand/chest, dark wood, w/one shelf and
six wicker-type drawers ¥5000. Photos
available. sbelsher@gmail.com
Curtains, four available, almost new
(W70xL160cm), light brown, w/white
inner curtain, side strap, hooks ¥3200/
set. ¥10,000/all. Pick up Meguro or can
arrange delivery. feetokyo@aol.com
090-8301-4489
Dining set. Ikea table, light wood, w/
extra leaf, six chairs in same wood,
blue fabric seats. New ¥80,000. Sell
¥6000/obo. Details, photos available.
azabusale@yahoo.com
Furniture sale! Korean chest, w/secret
compartments (H146xW101xD67cm)
¥25,000. Chinese chair (W132xH81x
D67cm) ¥20,000. Ebisu. morintl@
hotmail.com
Kotatsu, brand new ¥5000. Akasaka,
Minato-ku. davidcheong@gmail.com
08033680560
Sofa, Innovator (Swedish company),
seats two (W142xD64xH69cm), two
y/o, clean, in perfect condition. New
¥180,000. Sell ¥70,000. Pick up YoyogiHachiman. 日本語ok。 joshuaaaron82@
gmail.com
Stand, for TVs, black (90x42cm), w/TV
(optional) ¥2000. limor.sagi@hotmail.
com 080-33182123
Stand, BoConcept, for TVs, three
shelves, wood and metal, w/wheels,
in great condition. New ¥30,000.
Sell ¥5000. Pick up Azabu preferred.
Details, photos available. azabusale@
yahoo.com
Stool, bar, white seat, metal legs
(55-70cm) ¥5000/obo. Pick up
Kagurazaka or Edogawabashi stn.
jon80.robinson@gmail.com
TV/stereo box, stand, good for a
small TV or stereo, lid slides open, w/
lots of storage for books and DVDs/
CDs, from Freedom Furniture, Australia
¥5000. Negotiable. Pick up Tamachi.
katrinaellery@hotmail.com
4.2 Appliances
Aircon, Daikin, five y/o, for sevennine-mat room, in very good condition
¥40,000/obo. Pick up Fujisawa.
franciswayne@hotmail.com
Heater, panel, electric, Uniola,
DeLonghi type (W93xH58cm), 1000W
¥12,000. Pick up Himonya, Meguro-ku.
feetokyo@aol.com 090-8301-4489
4.3 Sayonara Sale
Sayonara sale! Single bed; Muji Rushi
sofa, seats two; National washer, 5kg;
National fridge; stand mirror; curtains;
all as new. Best offer. Shinjuku. Photos
available. furnitureforsale@hotmail.co.jp
Sayonara sale! Fridge; table, w/two
chairs; microwave; day bed; small
desk; two chests for clothes; hanging
metal rod for clothes; washer/dryer;
two glass-door cabinets. Near Tamachi
stn. anng271@gmail.com
Sayonara sale! Three-door fridge
¥20,000. Food cabinet ¥20,000.
Panasonic TV, as new ¥12,000. TV
cabinet ¥2000. Chest of drawers,
wooden ¥5000. Chest of drawers,
plastic ¥3000. Table and four chairs
¥20,000. clubitaliano@mac.com
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Sayonara sale! Fridge (150cm), in
good condition ¥15,000/obo. Sony
Vaio laptop ¥17,000/obo. Bookshelves,
coffeemaker, Muji chair, etc. Pick up
Shonandai. spiritjest@hotmail.com
09085007598
Sayonara sale! Antique lantern;
iron teapots; Chinese black lacquer
scroll table; elm chair; maple dining
table, seats 10; eight Dr. No armchairs
by Philippe Starck; Celadon dishes;
textiles; artwork; glassware. Meguro.
Photos available. littleblackhandbag@
gmail.com http://littleblackhandbag.
tumblr.com
4.6 For Kids
Bike, for girls 4-10 years old, pink, w/
training wheels ¥7000. Pick up Yoyogi.
clubitaliano@mac.com
Bunting bag, JJ Cole Bundle Me,
khaki, for infants, attaches to stroller
or car seat ¥1000. gumshoegluzman@
yahoo.com
Car seat, made in the USA ¥2500.
Pick up Meguro-ku. feetokyo@aol.com
090-8301-4489
Saitama English Playgroup. We’re an
English-speaking playgroup for families
with kids aged 0-12. We meet regularly
for birthdays, play dates and holidays.
Call/email Amy for information. long@
sta.att.ne.jp or 048-883-2536.
Stroller, Graco Mirage+, in good
condition, black ¥9000. Fisher-Price
Rainforest Melodies and Lights Deluxe
Gym, as new ¥4000. linhtien82@
yahoo.com
Various items. Paints, glue, scissors,
crayons, markers, stamps, musical
instruments, parachute, dancing
ribbons. Details available. sbelsher@
gmail.com
4.7 For Free
Audio-visual equipment. Sony DVD
player, Marantz amp and speakers,
in working condition. sergeimagic@
hotmail.com
Desk/table, Ikea Galant (160x80cm),
smooth frosted glass, adjustable
height T-legs, in excellent condition, w/
additional drawer and keyboard tray.
Pick up Mejiro/Shimo-Ochiai. Photos
available. commj1@gmail.com http://
s1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii576/
rosakleb/
Table, dining, white marble top, classic
style, w/four detachable wooden legs.
Pick up Shimouma, near Setagaya park.
john.b.beullens@gmail.com
Weights, free; rubber covers on plates;
50kg of plates, barbell, dumbbells;
three sets of solid dumbbells (6kg,
8kg, 10kg). Free, but must take all.
Setagaya-ku. Call after 5pm. kimberly@
gol.com 03-3415-2140
002 ¥50,000/obo. santokiya@gmail.
com 090-6508-8606
5.5 Gaming
Gamepad, ThrustMaster Ferrari
Motors F430 Challenge, limited edition
¥2500. Pick up Azabu-Juban stn.
Details, photos available. max_815@
yahoo.com
PlayStation 3 games, American:
Grand Theft Auto IV, Red Dead
Redemption; Japanese: Motor Storm,
Kill Zone, Ghost Recon 2, Winning
Eleven ‘08 ¥5000/all. jon80.robinson@
gmail.com
PlayStation 3 games. NBA2k10,
Winning Eleven ‘09 ¥1500/each.
NBA2K9 ¥1000. Pick up Ichigaya or
Shinjuku stn. howardshim@gmail.com
08032481789
5.7 Pets
Tai Tai is seeking
a new home. To
spare her the
stress of moving,
TaiTai is seeking a
friendly new
home . She i s 6
years old, clean, a little overweight,
likes sunbathing, and doesn’t follow
commands in Japanese, English or
Chinese. All vaccinations, micro
chip, etc., done. No charge, but must
be a cat lover. Please contact
ivydreher@yahoo.com.
6 VEHICLES
6.1 Cars, Parts, &
Accessories
BMX parts, Skyway freestyle
handlebars, w/decals; Haro Fusion
seatpost and stem, all NOS unused
¥20,000. Pick up Ochanomizu.
jamesbigceltic@excite.com 090-71768259
Golf shoes, Footjoy Softjoy, white,
waterproof, US size 5W/23cm, w/hard
spikes, new, in original box ¥5500.
Pick up Meguro-ku. feetokyo@aol.com
090-8301-4489
Ski equipment. Skis, 172cm ¥2700.
Poles: 105-120cm ¥1000. 62cm ¥500.
Ski boots: Raichle, 22cm ¥3500.
Dachstein, 23cm ¥2000. Pick up
Meguro. feetokyo@aol.com 0908301-4489
Tent, beach-shade style, in excellent
condition ¥2000. kenswatt@yahoo.
com
5.3 Musical Equipment
Piano, Casio PX135, digital, black, 88
keys, hardly used, bought Nov ‘11, w/
headphones, three-pedal unit, wooden
stand, collapsible stool ¥40,000. Pick
up Nishi-Shinjuku. shellalalulu@gmail.
com 08042080343
Workstation, ProTools Digidesign
J CE A UTO S - THE
A UTOMOBI L E
PRO F E S S ION A L S .
Specializing in car sales,
buy-backs, door-to - door
s h i p p i n g , l o n g - te r m c a r
storage and any other carrelated matters. If you need
assistance with your car, we
are here to help. Tel: 03-68683 3 6 6 o r 0 9 0 - 93 6 2- 5 0 9 8
inquiries@jce-autos.jp www.
jce-autos.jp
Alfa 147 Selespeed, ‘03, in Alfa
red, 126,000km, w/Tiptronic gears,
CD changer, ETC, Sat/Nav, shaken
until Apr ‘13, very fast and in great
condition for year ¥350,000/obo.
Photos available. dan.in_japan@
yahoo.co.uk
Toyota Nadia 98, 85,000km,
shaken until Oct ‘13, w/DVD Navi,
ETC device, FM tuner for iPhone and
iPod ¥200,000. Baby car seat for
sale. krideshkumar@yahoo.com
6.3 Bicycles, Parts, &
Accessories
Bike, Bridgestone Angelino, light blue,
used two years, w/wind cover, without
12.1 Let’s Party
8 COMPUTERS
8.1 Services
T o k y o IT S e r v i c e s .
We fix all kinds of computer
problems and also offer a data
recovery service in Tokyo. We
provide a range of computer
services to corporate,
small and medium- sized
businesses, and individual PC
and Mac users as well. Onsite
call and English computers for
sale. Rentals also available.
1min walk from JR Yamanote
line, Hamamatsucho stn
S5 exit, 3min from Daimon
s u b w ay B 4 e x i t . 1 0 a m 6:30pm. Call 03-3437-2312.
www.tokyoit.jp/english
8.2 Hardware
Desktop, mini, Lenovo, Core 2 Duo, A4
size, 4GB RAM, 160GB, DVD-R/W, Win 7
Pro, E/Office ‘07, VM-Mac OS X Lion 10.7
¥39,000. masui41@live.com
Monitor, Viewsonic VP151, 15” flat
panel, works with PC (DVI and analog)
and TV/video equipment (S-video and
RCA), wall mountable. Photos available.
leavocet-b5@yahoo.co.jp http://www.
kimari.com/forsale/moving.html
10 HELP!
AUTO DIRECT is a one-stop
shop for all your motor
equipment and services
in English. Buying cars in
Japan? Rent/sell/lease cars,
import your favorite car from
outside Japan, and insurance
in English. Call 03-5573-8776
or email mac@autodirect.jp
www.autodirect.jp/
12 SOCIAL SCENE
Road bike, Cervelo ‘11 S3 SRAM, red,
51cm frame, as new, w/all accessories,
one year warranty. chemitsue@gmail.
com
PlayStation 3 games, English, in
excellent condition: Catherine ¥3000.
Portal 2 ¥2500. Killzone 2 ¥2000.
Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition ¥1500.
mike.osaka1@gmail.com
5 HOBBIES & INTERESTS
5.2 Sports Equipment
battery. New ¥70,000. Sell ¥25,000.
Pick up Ebisu. meryamsaied2108@
gmail.com https://picasaweb.google.
com/114340713017120655598/ItemsFo
rSale
10.1 Help Me!
house cleaning. Filipina lady for
cleaning wanted in Yotsuya. Twice/
week, 2.5 hours ¥3000. (¥24,000/
m.) I know it’s not much, but please
help! Veronica at 090-4373-9844
ALL - YOU - C AN - DRIN K
HARAJUKU PARTY! ¥2000 FOR
Women AND NON-JAPANESE!
S u n , A p r 2 9, 6 : 4 0 p m ~,
Harajuku international party.
Promotional offer: only ¥2000
for women and non-Japanese.
All-you-can-drink. http://
internationalparty.p-kit.com/
ginzaparty@gmail.com
JAPAN INTERNATIONAL
PARTY - SPRING FESTIVAL.
Sat, Apr 28, 6:30-9pm, Devi
Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
Meet 250 new people. Allyou - c a n - d rin k a n d fre e
snacks. ¥3000-¥3500 (JM).
Mobile: getyourfriend.com/
mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.
com 090-1735-5405 www.
getyourfriend.com/
SHINJUKU COSMOPOLITAN
PARTY - GOLDEN WEEK
SPECIAL. Sat, May 5, 6:209pm, Int’l Club Tokyo Loose.
Shinjuku’s biggest, full-scale
international party. 200
people. Everybody welcome!
All-you-can-drink and free
snacks. Women: ¥3000. Men:
¥3500. party@shinjukuparty.
com www.shinjukuparty.com
10.2 Support
NEE D TO TA L K ?
We’re here to listen.
TELL LIFE LINE: free
English-language
anonymous
counseling, daily
from 9am-11pm, by trained
volunteers: 03-5774-0992. TELL
COUNSELING CENTER: affordable
multilingual psychotherapy by
accredited Western-trained
professionals, a CIGNA International
Provide r: 03 - 4 550 -1146. TELL
website: www.telljp.com. Follow us
o n Fa c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r @
TokyoLifeLine.
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 Japan’s No.1
English magazine, log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or
email your commercial ads to
Infertlity support group. TGP Tokyo
is an infertility support group in Tokyo
which provides informal opportunities
for women and men experiencing
infertility to connect with one another.
Please visit our website for more
information. taikenjo@gol.com www.
tgptokyo.com
TIF INTERNATIONAL PARTY
- SPRING FESTIVAL. Sat, May
12, 7-9:30pm, @ Seven Ebisu.
Biggest international party by
Japan’s biggest international
friendship site. 250 people.
Everybody welcome! All-youcan-drink and snacks. ¥3000.
party@goover.co.jp www.
miscellaneousparty.com
Central Division, seeks fit
players w/ US college football
experience for all positions.
Practice every Sat/Sun from
10am-3pm (including meeting)
in Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue
subject to change). Attendance
at practice must be over 60%.
Please contact for tryout info
and send your profile to team
admin. bullsxleague@gmail.
com http://www.unisys.co.jp/
football/
ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCH
FOOTBALL . N o n - co nt a c t
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 looking
for rugby league players for
J a pa 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 .
For more details, contact
japananzacs@gmail.com
FENCIN G IN TOKYO. Th e
YMC A F e n c i n g Te a m i s
looking for new members!
Fencing is both a mental and
physical sport that is fun and
challenging! Both Japanese
and foreigners, beginners
and advanced fencers
welcome! ymzk@king.odn.
ne.jp for more information!
English inquiries welcome.
h t t p : // m e m b e r s 3 . j c o m .
home.ne.jp/tokyo -ymcafencingteam/home.html
TAMBOURELLI. Very unique new
s p o r t fro m S cotl a n d . U s i n g a
tambourine-like instrument as
a sports racquet, players hit a
shuttlecock! We play two or three
ti m e s/m o nth o n we e ke n d s i n
Meguro with many socials. Join us!
More details: www.tamjapan.org/
en/ info@tamjapan.org
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
tennis@yahoo.fr
Cricket. Play cricket with the Chiba
Sharks! The ‘12 cricket season’s here!
There’s still time to get out of the
apartment to join us for training and
matches in and around Tokyo. All
nationalities and abilities welcome.
Email us! chibasharksinfo@gmail.com
http://www.chibasharks.com
TOKYO INT’L FRIENDSHIP
PARTY. Best int ’l party in
Tokyo! Sat, Apr 28: Kanda
party, w/British food, all-youcan-drink and eat. Sun, Apr 29:
Speed dating in Roppongi. Sat,
May 5: Roppongi Quest party.
Sat, May 12: Omotesando
party, all-you-can-drink and
eat. Please check website.
best@internationalparty.
com www.internationalparty.
com/index_e.html
Diving in Izu. Get in touch to talk about
scuba diving near Tokyo. Information
on scuba lessons, equipment advice,
dive trips, monthly social events, CPR
training, etc. kowtokyo@yahoo.co.jp
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
Rugby in Tokyo. Tokyo’s top rugby
club. Own ground, showers, jacuzzi,
bars, restaurants. Two teams, weekly
fixtures, free beers, birds, international
tours and great camaraderie. All ages,
shapes and sizes welcome. ycacrugby@
hotmail.com http://ycacrugby.com
13.1 Sports
A M ERI C AN F OOT B ALL .
Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league
Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Outdoor activities. JapaneseAmerican seeking Japanese people
interested in a bit of jogging. I am also
interested in trail walking and trekking.
kandarts138@gmail.com
Seeking venues to perform on an
ongoing basis. Available for private
functions. Phillip: 080-5422-9007.
Serious replies only.
Vocalist seeking venues. I’m
a professional vocalist from Los
Angeles seeking venues (e.g. clubs,
bars, restaurants) to perform on
a regular basis. I sing all styles
and I have tracks. Also available
for private function s . Phillip:
080-5422-9007
Drummer seeks other musicians.
I seeks musicians, especially a bass
guitar player, who like ‘90s bands. I
live in the Tokyo-Saitama area. Please
contact me. megpfire@yahoo.co.jp
14 PERSONALS
14.1 Friends
Architecture excursions. Are you
an architect in Tokyo? Do you make
a hobby of visiting new buildings by
talented architects? Would you like
another friend to tag along? If so, call on
me please. nalayevlum@gmail.com
Bouldering together? I’m a JF,
just came back to Tokyo from a job
in Europe. I’m seeking someone
who enjoys climbing to go together,
indoor and outdoor. I have three years’
experience. Please contact me if you
are a climber. katozuko@gmail.com
Drinks on weekends/weekdays.
JM, 25. Let’s go for drinks. M/F ok. I
have a list of places I want to go. I want
to go with foreigners to speak English.
Thank you/merci/gracias! blackpix12@
yahoo.co.jp
Just arrived in Tokyo from Europe?
JF, early 30s, seeks European people
living in Tokyo for friendship. If you have
just arrived in Tokyo, let’s visit Tokyo/
its suburban areas for sightseeing and
discover/experience Japanese culture
together. nature7373@gmail.com
Just moved to Tsukuba from Tokyo.
Hi, I am a Japanese female who just
moved to Tsukuba City. I love nature,
hot springs, books, the arts, vegetarian
food. I love learning about foreign
cultures and making foreign friends.
Prefer native English speaker. sweety_
rose2011@yahoo.co.jp
14.2 Men Looking For
Women
JAPANESE MAN SEEKS A SPANISH
OR LATIN WOMAN. I am single,
175cm and speak English and
Spanish. Call 080-3319-6436 or
email copa2002mundo@gmail.
com.
MARRIED MAN SEEKING GOOD
FRIEND. Seeking a woman for a
long-term relationship, not just sex
but also a good friendship. I am 45,
but still genki. Please send me your
photo. pastasjp@yahoo.co.jp
SUBMISSIVE SJM. Cute submissive
SJM, 33, is seriously seeking a
woman who is into, or interested in,
dominating men. I am so submissive,
with six years’ experience, that I can
take whatever and can serve you in
any way. slaveintokyo@gmail.com
A good heart. Seeking someone
very lonely who wants to move on
to the next chapter in her life and be
committed to helping us build a happy
future together. Late 30s, SWM. Tokyo.
compassandtime@hotmail.co.jp
American beach boy, 36, born in
America, raised near Santa Monica, my
father spoke German. Now near Tokyo
Tower. Love restaurants, fashion, R&B,
exercise every day. You: live or work in
Tokyo and open-minded. tokyotwr10@
yahoo.com
13.4 Music
Are you tall? I’m dying to meet a nice,
special, tall 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
Professional bands seeking
venues. I have two professional
bands, one jazz, the other R&B/pop.
Black female? White British guy,
chubby, 32, seeks black female for fun.
2211791009@tokyo.com
JOBS
ART!
MAY 17 ST
To advertise:
03-4550-2929
K A N DA
G A I G O
CAREER
COLLEGE
MENTION
METROPOLIS
AND GET A
¥5000
DISCOUNT
CHAT HOSTS & TEACHERS WANTED
@ LEAFCUP (Tokyo, Yokohama ,
Om iya). Se eking enthusiastic &
proficient Korean, French, Spanish,
German, and/or English speakers
who c a n te ac h a n d le a d l ive ly
conversations @ chat tables and group
lessons. ¥1000-¥1800/h. Apply online:
www.leafcup.com/job.htm
St. G R A N D E W i s s e e k i n g J/ E
bilingual sales experts and sales
assistants for property sales. Mid-level
career. Real estate experience is not
necessary. Business-level Japanese
and native-level English required.
¥230,000 -¥260,000/m, plus
commission. Sponsor working visa.
info - stg@st-grande.co.jp www.
st-grande.co.jp
SPARK UP A CAREER IN EXPAT
FI NANC IAL ADVI SORY SALE S !
Full skills training and assistance in
acquiring relevant qualifications with
a privately owned and FSA-registered
financial advisory firm. This is your
opportunity to manage your own
schedule, build your own business and
control your own destiny. Ask about
our annual Bali sales convention.
info@intert rust-private.com
h t t p : //i n t e r t r u s t - p r iv a t e . c o m
03-4550-6776
W riters wanted . w w w .
JapanTourist.jp seeks people around
the country who love travel and helping
others understand Japan. Earn flights,
hotel stays, restaurant meals, apparel
and more for your travel-writing
(sorry, no cash at this time). We aim to
recruit 1000 contributors through ‘12 to
become part of our grassroots network
covering every corner of the country.
Non-professionals are welcome, as
are non-native English speakers. We
provide a style guide and some editing.
See http://www.japantourist.jp/
about/contributing for details.
INTENSIVE JAPANESE COURSES
R-dx.co., Ltd. Now hiring PC-operators
and net models. Conversational
Japanese speakers preferred.
Many cute Cos ready! Dorm ready!
Double-work welcome! Trial welcome!
Average ¥3000/h + ¥10,000/day bonus
depending on your potential. Open 24
hours, flexible time (early birds, night
owls welcome!). Work at Ikebukuro,
Fussa, Shin-Koiwa office. Work from
home available. Tel: 090-6256-9339
ORGOGLIO DEL CASALTA Italian
Restaurant. Japanese waitstaff
wanted for 11am-4pm or 6pm-12am
(negotiable), transportation fees, meals
and bonus provided. ¥1200-¥1800/h.
Wage depends on experience and
skill. Opportunities for full-time
p os ition . 1/F Hiroo Bldg, Hiroo
3-12-40, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Contact:
090-2776-3182 or donorgoglio@
gmail.com
CUT FLOWER IMPORTING AGENT
TRAI NE E (TOKYO) FLOWE R
FO RWA R D E R S WA N T E D. 1 2
openings. Australia, New Zealand,
Myanmar, Tahiti. Serious people to
represent flower importing company
in Pacific Rim countries, age, sex, race
immaterial. Ambition plus motivation
essential. Phone: +66-888-640-064
info@honey-beez.info/jaggerdon@
gmail.com www.honey-beez.info/
www.thaiforest.co
Sales Intern.Metropolis is seeking
an E/J bilingual intern to join the
most successful English-language
advertising team (Restaurants & Bars
team) in Japan. Great opportunity to
learn about advertising in an exciting
environment. No pay, but transportation
provided. Please fax your resume (E/J) to
03-4550-2859 or email knakashima@
metropolis.co.jp.
• General Japanese language
Reserve your level
• Topical conversation (Economy, Japanese culture, etc) check and trial lesson
for Apr 21 & 25
• JLPT preparation
Nearest stn: Kanda or Otemachi
Inquire for your tailor
made lessons
www.kandagaigo.ac.jp/kgcc/jbz_lecture (company / private)
TEL: 03-3254-7100  kgcc@kifl.ac.jp
Tida Japanese Private Lesson
In your own home or office,
at your own time,
with your own customized lessons
#1
60min:
¥3,700
*two lessons
per week
no teachers’ transportation expenses
* within central Tokyo
EXPERIENCE OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY LESSONS
We offer a wide range of courses (semi-private, group, etc).
See our website for more details.
email: info@tida-jpl.com
website: www.tida-jpl.com
TOP QUALITY AND THE MOST REASONABLE JAPANESE LESSONS
Azabu-Juban School
Private & Course lesson
We make Japanese language lessons fun!
• Excellent English-speaking
instructors with plenty of experience.
• No registration fee
• Private lesson: NIC school, your office
or home. Free trial lesson
May Beginner’s, BJT & JLPT
N1, N2, N3 courses start now!
30 sec walk
from AzabuJuban stn.
Contact us for details. Metropolitan Area.
Tully’s Coffee
Darjeeling
Drug store Nanboku/Oedo Line
Hotel the Glanz
NIC
Azabujuban Stn exit 1
Nanboku/Oedo Line
Tel 03-3454-5002 • Email info@nicjapanese.com • www.nicjapanese.com
Since 1949
今年は"にほんごをもの"にする
EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL
D A I LY CO N V E R S AT I O N A N D B U S I N E S S J A PA N E S E
APPLY NOW FOR SPRING COURSE!
* ONE MONTH INTENSIVE
* 2 DAYS & 3 DAYS A WEEK
2012
Summer term
* PRIVATE & COMPANY
student VISA
* BUSINESS JAPANESE
registration
open!!
* PREP FOR JLPT (N1,2,3)
* COLLEGE VISA COURSE
www.evergreen.gr.jp
YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785
info@evergreen.gr.jp
FREE TRIAL LESSON
03-3713-4958
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Staffed by experienced
ophthalmologists, we
offer not only LASIK,
but the examination
and treatment of eye
diseases.
Black or Latin female sought by
successful young JM. I find them
attractive, but they are hard to meet
here. I’m laid-back, fun and said to be
good-looking. You should be cute/sexy.
Want to see how it goes? blackpix12@
yahoo.co.jp
California dreaming. Attractive SWM,
37, extremely fit, seeks attractive SF,
22-41, for dating, fun and more. Living
in the Tokyo area, near Edogawa.
Email w/photo if interested. I speak
conversational Japanese. Hope to hear
from you! craigsports@yahoo.com
Female friend sought in Tokyo by nice,
honest, young SJM. Any nationality ok.
Japanese female ok. redblue.red587@
gmail.com
Japanese Health Insurance Supported
4F Renai Aoyama Building, 3-3-11 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku Tokyo 107-0061
For your clearer vision call 03-5772-1451
Fo r e i g n r o m a n c e . F o r e i g n
professional in Tokyo, Kanto area, is
seeking a foreign female, 30s-40s,
from Asia, Europe or Africa, who is nice
and who likes books, movies, cultural
events. luneestbleu@hotmail.com
Handsome single guy seeks serious
relationship with a wonderful SJF. Let’s
be friends first, then get to know each
other better. Photo of you is a must. No
gamers. tokyoilike@yahoo.co.uk
Honest and cheerful JF wanted by
Dutch guy, 25, living in Kanagawa, for
an romantic relationship. I am cheerful,
handsome and athletic. taspinar@
gmail.com
Nice-looking JM in Tokyo seeks
romance. JM, bilingual, seeking a
friendly girl for dates and a relationship.
I am easygoing and seeking a fun and
relaxing time. I like cinema, classical
music. sipping_dita@hotmail.co.jp
Poker (girl)friend. Hi, I’m seeking a
cute Japanese girl, under 35, who plays
poker or would like to learn to play. I’m a
Frenchman, 29, cute, living and working
in Tokyo. floyd_1982@hotmail.com
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
We can support you with:
Visa and immigration
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
Other Legal & Business matters
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
www.j-star.jp
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
Imperial
Palace
Aoyama Ave
Akasaka
Mitsuke
stn
Akasaka
Excel
Hotel
Tokyu
National
Diet
Library
608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093
Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891
Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp
WADA Legal & Administrative Office
We can help you with:
• Visa & Immigration Procedures
• Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation
and Refugee Status
• Establishing a Company &
Branch Office
• Accounting Services, Acquiring
Business Licences
• Preparation/Translation of
Legal & Business Documents
• Other Legal & Business Matters
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
Seeking serious girlfriend. Nice
guy from Europe, 40, seeks only one
serious girlfriend, 30s/40s, in Tokyo.
I like movies, music, dining out, nice
drinks at nice places. Let’s share great
times. sinohe45@yahoo.com
14.3 Women Looking
For Men
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Hiroshi Oogai,
Seeking female dinner/drink partner.
American, 31, seeks female Japanese
for dinner and drink companion. I’d
like to learn some Japanese, but also
have some English conversation as
well if you’re interested. Please be
in Yokohama or Tokyo. montybay@
gmail.com
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: info@wada-lats.com
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
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@exeointernational.com
Attractive Asian? Attractive SJF, 40,
seeks a tall, English-speaking East
Asian guy, 35-40-ish. Let’s meet for a
coffee and chat. Hope you are a nature
lover, smart, down-to-earth. mon02@
hotmail.co.jp
Attractive SJF seeks SM. JF, early
40s, attractive, intelligent, sharp, sexy,
seeking man, 35-50, single, sincere,
nonsmoker, living in Tokyo, with a
steady job. Please describe yourself
in your reply. tokyoorchidee@yahoo.
co.jp
Attractive SJF, early 40s, seeks a
single man in the Tokyo area for a
friendship or relationship. European,
nonsmoking, professional, 35-50. No
players. No long distance. asahamada@
hotmail.co.jp
Be my friend, please. SJF, 30s,
seeking a special friend, preferably an
older gentleman. Japanese or foreign.
haphea@yahoo.com
Beauty over 40. I hope I can prove
you wrong that beauty soon fades
as you get older, especially after
40. Japanese, early 40s, educated
overseas, thinks it’s important to be
sexy and charming inside and out,
seeks mature, professional SWM.
honey_sweetbee@aol.jp
British or European. JF, mid-30s,
likes movies, art, design, onsen, yoga,
seeks tall (over 180cm) SWM who
lives in or near Tokyo for a serious
relationship. British or European, 28-40
preferred. Email w/photo appreciated!
horikosama@yahoo.com
14.5 Escorts
NO.1 ESCORT CLUB IN TOKYO.
Gorgeous and beautiful young
Japanese ladies. Clean and
discreet. Nurses, OLs, models.
Over 19 years only. Call: 0801262-8080. Open: 5pm-12am.
Check out real images at
www.clubboo.jp
Classical music friend. Attractive,
funny, young SJF, fit, with long hair,
seeks a classical music friend. Any age,
any nationality would be welcome, but
please tell me your favorite composers
and especially unforgettable concerts.
traveling1756music@yahoo.co.jp
Cute JF seeks potential boyfriend.
I am a SJF, 30s, 160cm+ tall, fit, sweet,
down-to-earth, fun, smart. If you are
athletic, professional and serious about
finding a potential girlfriend, maybe we
are a good match! pinkpeachapple@
gmail.com
Happy and easygoing. I am, so you
are. I have a busy life, maybe you, too.
Japanese female, early 30s, would
like to meet new people for afterwork
dinner/drinks, museums, traveling,
etc. Not seeking sex/romance, but
company. berrycherryb@yahoo.com
A A A D E A R S IR S .
C A L L U S F IR S T
A N D G ET THE BE S T .
To p - q ua l it y g i rl s fo r to p
d e m a n d a r e w i s h i n g fo r
the opportunity to share
e n j oy a b l e , w o n d e r f u l l y
satisfying times with
generous, classy gentlemen.
Our best attention at all times.
www.lipsescorttokyo.com
Te l : 03 -3 5 8 8 -1 5 9 0.
Prompt referrals. Seeking
new girls. 応募歓迎.
Marriage-minded European, late
30s or early 40s, is sought by a SJF.
Serious, honest, religious Christian with
a professional job only. Someone who
wants children with a JF in the future
preferred. donadei73@yahoo.com
Respectful relationship.
Warmhearted, attractive SJF, loves
hiking, art, seeks gentle, successful
Caucasian in central Tokyo for settling
down and raising a family. What’s
important is trust. Photo necessary.
sorosoroaitai@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking intelligent SJM. Attractive
SWF, early 20s, would love to meet
an interesting, intelligent JM. I’m
interested in art, architecture, learning
more about Japanese culture. Let’s
have some great conversations and
hopefully more. tenderbuttons123@
hotmail.co.uk
Japan’s complete Adult
Nightlife Guide for
foreigners! Having trouble
finding a Japanese girl for
fun? Come to http://erolin.net
and check all possible clubs,
b roth e l s a n d e sco r t s fo r
foreigners! When you visit,
don’t forget to mention “Erolin
Guide”! info@erolin.net
Seeking long-term relationship. I
am a JF, 40s, seeking a tall, cute white
guy. I love outdoor sports, hiking,
camping and snowboarding. Please
reply w/photo. Tokyo area, serious
only. kirakira222@yahoo.com
Sharing joy. Woman, loves art, nature
and interesting conversations, seeks
a partner for sharing love and life as
best friends and lovers in a long-lasting
relationship. Smart, intelligent, caring
person desirable. Early 40s. before_
sunrise_2009@yahoo.co.jp
Sweet JF with charming eyes, 43,
seeking my love leading to marriage: a
sincere Italian or Caucasian American,
42-49, handsome, dark hair, eyes,
stable job, not tall, intelligent. I have
a university degree, etc. Let’s produce
a loving life together. coaststarlight@
hotmail.com
Weekend fun and activity partner
sought by busy but attractive and
atypical SJF, 38, with nice eyes and
lips. Want to meet a physically and
intellectually confident man, under 35,
for fun/good conversations. You must
be fluent in English. sericarmali@
yahoo.co.jp
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Horoscope
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 21~June 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
June 22~July 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
The Moon in your house of romance
over the weekend helps you stand up
for yourself. That goes double for any
creative projects on at the moment. Your beloved
might be surprised at your self-esteem, but lately,
Uranus has taken a few knocks. It’s fun to see your
shooting sparks once more. Money might appear
slow but it’s anchoring itself deeply.
Keep in there with what’s working for
you. Jupiter continues to beam light into
your life (more succinctly, strike while
the iron’s hot). You have five weeks to rope this
in before it transits to your sector of income. That
could be handy too. If you haven’t created a safety
net, backpedal like mad and create an alternative
you can live with. Romance is hot.
Gear up for the Venus occultation in
your Sign this June. Envision where
you’d like to be, what you’ll see, and
whom you’ll meet. This type of love transit happened in 2004, but won’t again for 130 years (and
then in Sagittarius). It’s a once-in-several-lifetimes
opportunity. Trust your deepest wishes and callings. Then do what’s needed.
No time for romance? No worries.
You have admirers you don’t know
yet—who have their eye on you. Don’t
think that nothing is happening. Besides, you
have so many irons in the fire, you look all the
more attractive and unattainable. An unconventional person may enter your life soon. They
might look the norm, but they certainly are not!
LEO
VIRGO
Libra
SCORPIO
The Moon moves into Leo just in time for
a luxurious weekend. You’re generous,
but be sure to find time to treat yourself,
too. Plan a trip or dinner. People are more fun now,
with Juno in your sector of romance, creative
types and speculation. A nifty trine between your
Sign and Uranus in your in-law arena means good
news, or an escape hatch.
Mars direct in your Sign can push you
through last week’s Mercury–Uranus
conjunction. If you got through without being touched, consider yourself lucky (or
enlightened). Dealing with others’ things when
they affect you is always tickly. Luckily you have
celestial assistance. There’s plenty of spiritual
awareness to distract you.
Last call for the relationship train. Do
you want to jump on or wait at the
station with a cup of tea? Either way,
you’re receiving blessings. The turning point is
your take on yourself. What motivates you and
makes you happy? You’ll know which destination
is worth your time. Where do you want to live and
who do you want to love in five years?
The retro Juno–South Node opposition
from your money house to others’ may
mitigate the explosive qualities of the
Mercury–Uranus conjunction last week. If something you loved blew up, there might still be time.
If you had a string of genius insights, this week is
key to create a template before the next wave of
astrological wonders arrives.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20~Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Feb 19~Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
The Mercury–Uranus conjunction last
week still has a slight effect on you. Did
you like what happened? Want more of
it? This is a unique opportunity to join in the fray.
Did you feel blown away? Thoughts of running off
enter your mind? Restructure your responses and
get ready for another chance. It may come around
again... next April!
If the Mercury–Uranus conjunction
made a noticeable comment in your
life last week, its power is diminishing.
That means you can be happy to see it go, or jump
on the offer recently made to you. These things
don’t happen often, though they might again, in
your sector of where you live, next April. Consider
your options and then trust your judgment.
The Mercury–Uranus conjunction is
widening and you can breathe again. In
your sector of news and building bridges,
you may have been able to set a new foundation—
or see a current one blow up. Either way, you are
moving in a direction that suits your ultimate
freedom and joy. Hardships turn into opportunities with the positive transits this week.
You have just come through a week
where Mercury conjunct Uranus may
have taken you to the nether realms.
You could have scored in some area of your life,
or seen it slide away before you could catch it. You
will be all right. You are fine. What looked like a
mistake then can be a blessing now. This is just the
beginning of you in all your glory and power.
Mar 21~Apr 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣
July 23~Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Nov 22~Dec 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Apr 20~May 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Aug 23~Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Dec 22~Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Metropolis Mediabox
japantourist.jp: Your ticket to ride
Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
#942 April 13~26, 2012
FREE!
sERvEd hot oFF thE gRill
ouR annual spEcial
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
Regarding “‘Tokyo Burger Joints’”
(Burger Special, Apr 13): I suppose you
have to pay to play because my three
favorites aren’t listed. They are, in order,
Homework’s (Hiroo); Firehouse (Hongo
3-chome) and Kua’Aina (various). I like
them because they are veg-friendly:
half a dozen offerings and sweet-potato
fries; a veg sandwich, and remarkable
homemade garlic peanuts; a cheese
sandwich and pretty good onion rings,
respectively. And they have smoking
restrictions. I noticed that while some
of the ads in the burger special mention
veg fare, your write-ups do not (and
Sep 23~Oct 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Oct 23~Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
PISCES
facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine
metropolis.co.jp/community
twitter.com/MetropolisTokyo
metrodining.jp
are not listed alphabetically for some
reason). Since space doesn’t seem to be
too much of a problem could you please
devote one sentence to whether veg
items are available or not. A comment
about the smoking policy would also be
appreciated.—Allan
STUCK IN SODAI, AGAIN
FEATURE a cEntuRy aFtER thE titanic, thE lonEly lEgacy
oF its JapanEsE suRvivoR MUSIC thE chaRlatans’ MaRtin
Blunt on thE MEaning oF MadchEstER Q&A saRah outEn:
thE solo advEntuRER REachEs Japan
CANCER
matters if Chinese bullet trains are
faster or newer, I’ll still take the decadeold Japanese bullet trains anytime.
Which exemplifies why it’s so hard
to practice the mottainai culture with
made-in-China products: How can you
resell or hand down things that have
completely fallen apart?—trish
Regarding “Waste Not” (The Last Word,
Mar 13): [Author] Wang Baosheng’s
take on the “waste not, want not” ethos
is certainly interesting, if not entirely
correct. The plethora of secondhand
shops, particularly those specializing
in household goods and appliances, is
really only something that captured
the consciousness of most people
after easy and cheap disposal of
refrigerators and air conditioners and
the like on sodai gomi days started to
require a reservation and the payment
of a recycling fee. Prior to that it was
possible to outfit a small apartment for
free, courtesy of neighbors’ cast-offs.
But of course, only under the cover of
darkness!—Mark Gresham
Everyone wants to be “eco” nowadays,
yet “old” appliances and furniture
are sitting outside as garbage, houses
which are fine are torn down to build
brand-new ones and many new
products are covered in 25 layers
of packaging—I could go on and on.
Recycling is better than the US, but
varies by city/ward. On top of that,
shopping in Japan really is a “hobby,”
and people buy more than they need,
even if they can’t afford it (including
myself). Probably those who live,
or lived, in Tohoku and other areas
affected by the disaster last year are
the only ones who truly understand
and follow this concept.—Sarah Brave
Try Googling “bullet train accidents”
and China tops the list. Lesson: it hardly
Over the years Metropolis has done a
good job of covering a wide range of
LISTING LISTENING
music, both foreign and domestic,
and I applaud and thank you for that.
However in the last year or so there
has been a deterioration. To mention
just a few examples: The SonarSound
listing this year does not mention
Squarepusher, the best known of all
the artists playing, and a headliner. The
event I’ll Be Your Mirror was postponed
some time ago, but is still listed. The
Manic Street Preachers, hugely popular
in Japan for many years, are coming
again, but aren’t even listed. Hokuo
Music Night is merely listed as Northern
European Music Night, with none of the
four participating artists mentioned.
These are not listings from
one or minor promoters, but from
various well known promoters
like Creativeman, Smash, Beat,
and M&I. Lots of people look to
Metropolis for this kind of info, and it
is increasingly not there. Hoping you
might care.—Keith
We are doing our best to keep
listings up to date. If you would like
your event listed, please submit
online at http://metropolis.co.jp/
listings/submit
Metropolis wants to hear from you. Send your comments to letters@metropolis.co.jp. Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.
The Last Word
Want to have The Last Word? Send your article
to: editor@metropolis.co.jp
What are you looking at?
Intra-gaijin
relations:
Giving them the
once over
By Henry Watts
impression of being anything other
than resolutely indifferent to the
sight of another foreigner, no matter how predisposed one might be to
size them up.
Of course, most of us are not
nearly as intractable as this. Take for
instance those who accept the futility of attempting assimilation and
play up to their gaijin status by acting
outside the rules and expectations of
Japanese society. In the right mood,
these guys will cast off the façade
and offer a passing nod or a smile,
but might feel a tug of guilt for doing
eign population of 1.2 percent, you
couldn’t blame a foreigner for feeling
as though he/she is privy to arcane
cultural knowledge on Japan. Living
here is the closest many people get to
feeling like a celebrity. It just has the
unfortunate side effect of making
some foreigners rather inhospitable
to others—particularly online.
In real life, such competitiveness means that even a passing nod
or a smile can cross the line. The
more competitive you are, the more
likely you are to recoil at the prospect of interaction with a foreign
stranger. One simply cannot give the
so, since acknowledging a stranger
on the grounds they are a foreigner
suddenly feels rather cliquish. The
result of which is a comical display of
terribly awkward facial twitching.
This manner of fidgeting occurs
not so much on t he expat-f illed
streets of Roppongi or Shibuya/
Harajuku, but crops up at moments
when one least expects to encounter
another foreigner—in a conbini, in an
elevator, etc. Nonetheless, foreigners like observing other foreigners.
To chance upon a foreigner who has
mastered the language, or likewise,
one who looks lost, affirms one’s
shane busato
where all manner of dick measuring
goes on. “I’ve been in Japan longer
than you. You don’t know squat,”
is the kind of thing we’re talking
about. I suppose it’s to be expected
when people feel able to unleash
their innermost rage from behind
the safety of their computer screen.
In fact, far from decrying Gaijinpot
(a salient source of info on practical matters), by broadcasting the
gripes of foreigners, the forums are
actually illuminating. They reveal a
competitiveness and egotism among
foreigners. In a country with a for-
“
W hat a re you
looking at,
chump?” is not
somet h i ng I’ve
e v e r s a id , b u t
something I’ve inadvertently conveyed on occasions when on the
end of some unwarranted scowling.
In recent memory, I’ve only had to
call upon the look when confronted
by menacing troublemakers on the
train, and in the tax office, when a
foreigner could apparently do nothing else but gawk at me for the whole
time we were waiting. Sure, we were
the only foreigners there, and I probably stood out a little, but there is a
line, and he had crossed it. Then I
started to ponder: Is there actually
a “line?” What is the social etiquette
amongst foreigners?
If I know the Japanese expat community at all, everyone will have
their own burning views on this. I’m
envisaging visceral retorts from the
nihilistic breeding ground of internet
trolling known as Gaijinpot. If you’ve
had occasion to visit the site’s forums
you’ll have had backroom access into
the world of intra-gaijin squabbling,
own performance in Japanese society. It’s no terrible thing to identify
with those in similar circumstances
as your own.
For me, a chance meeting is reminscent of hikes in the English—or
Japanese for that matter—countryside, where encounters with passing
strangers are few and far between.
The only thing people have in common is being in the same place at
the same time, yet most are keen
to shoot off a smile, or a “Hello/
konnichiwa.” Indeed, it is even
customar y. Needless to say, t he
megalopolis is remarkably different. A face-full of sweaty armpits on
a sardine-packed train or a lung-full
of exhaust on a gridlocked street is
enough to squeeze the cordiality out
of anyone. But, even so, the sight of
a foreigner wandering around and
enjoying Tok yo’s enigmatic concrete jungle compels me to tip the
hat to them in much the same way
as I would to nature-goers during a
country ramble.
I won’t stare a hole through your
face, but I have no scruples about
a gentle nod when our eyes meet.
Just as I’d offer a pleasantry to any
Japanese passerby who maintained
eye contact—so long as it wasn’t
that “get out of my countr y, you
dirty foreigner” sort of eye contact.
My courteousness stops at nobody
except the trolls.
The more
competitive you
are, the more
you likely you
are to recoil at
the prospect of
interaction with a
foreign stranger”
■ Henry Watts is a politics and
international relations graduate and
freelance writer
ComingupINMETROPOLIS
OUR FIRST 100% FAMILY-FRIENDLY ISSUE!
FEATURE: choose your SCHOOL, BIRTH CLINIC AND PARENT
network UPFRONT: international school students
write about EXPAT LIFE DINING OUT: A NEW SPIN ON “FAMILY”
RESTAURANTS THE LAST WORD: JAPAN’S LEFT-BEHIND PARENTS
check us out
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get your
next printed
copy Friday,
May 11

944 Apr 27-May 10, 2012

Transcription

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