finding pluto - Metropolis Magazine

Transcription

Jan 9-22, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
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FINDING
PLUTO
CHERKAOUI BRINGS
TEZUKA’S WORLD
TO STAGE
THEATRICAL TEENS & TOTS
BRIDGING LANGUAGE AND ARTS
CUTE BLUE BOX
HARAJUKU’S NEW INFORMATION HUB
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
SEE THE WATCHLIST
Illustrations ©Naoki Urasawa · Studio Nuts Takashi Nagasaki Tezuka Productions / Shogakukan Inc.
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JAN 9-22, 2015 • #1085
EDITOR’S
LETTER
It’s a new year and Metropolis is kicking things off in style. Go behind
the scenes at Bunkamura as renowned choreographer Sidi Larbi
Cherkaoui explains how he adapts Tezuka's manga for stage, then
take a youthful turn and go inside the Tokyo Junior Playhouse—
where English and the arts shape a new generation. Make the most
11
Harvest Time Has Come!: Create the perfect salad.
14
of Harajuku in 2015 with Moshi Moshi Box, and book up your calendar with a look ahead to the many art exhibits headed for Tokyo.
Want to take it all in with the Japanese guys? Find out how to make
friends with the elusive Japanese maie. And while you’re out, don’t
forget to grab a delicious meal with our latest recommendations.
Photo by Tyler Parr
Royal Echos: Exploring the Khmer Empire.
22
Photo by Jon Ellis
Clowning Around: John McLean’s long, sad story.
Cover design: Kohji Shiiki; Cover photo: Illustrations ©Naoki Urasawa · Studio Nuts Takashi Nagasaki Tezuka Productions / Shogakukan Inc.
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04
upfront
SCENE AROUND TOWN
LINGOIST
Photo by C Bryan Jones
BEAT THE BLUES
With the holidays and New Year’s festivities behind us, it’s time to get
back to the grind with school, work and life in general—but that doesn’t
mean there’s no more fun to be had. To beat the post-holiday blues,
why not plan an exciting weekend with friends and family? Use the
phrase “shūmatsu no yotei” and start planning away!
Dec 31: Welcoming the new year in quiet Ashigara
Photo by Davi Azevedo
123RF
JP
EN
JP
EN
Jan 1: Countdown and Hatsumode at Tokyo Tower
Shūmatsu no yotei wa nandesuka?
What are your plans for the
weekend?
1
EN
Toku ni yotei wa nai desu.
I don’t have any particular
plans.
K
Photo by Julio Shiiki
JP
は
A
N
2
JP
EN
A
C
3
D
5
6
C
7
8
9
B
Solution:
Photo by Daniel Machado
A
B
C
Ikimashō!
Let’s go!
R
O
S
S
Down
1. Grave or tomb
2. Pension
3. Senior citizen
6. The back
8. Chair
A
4
Jan 2: First-time snowboarder at Tsugaike Kogen, Nagano
Issho ni sukī wo shini
ikimasenka?
Would you like to go skiing
with me?
D
Across
1. Feather or wing
3. Ice
4. Tourism
5. History
6. One’s senior
7. Match or game
9. Thanks or gratitude
ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross
Metropolis Members Club
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
Jacques Lalancette
won a Peeling Facial courtesy of Elana Jade
UPCOMING PRIZE
One lucky MMC member will win Two Nights
Accommodation courtesy of the b Nagoya
Jan 3: Snowy swans at Takamatsu park in Morioka, Iwate
Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
05
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
shopping
UNTIL JAN 12
UNTIL JAN 12
UNTIL JAN 25
Dash! Bazaar
Decks Winter Sale
Ikspiari The Sale
Catch up on the latest fashion trend items.
Until Jan 20, 10am-9pm. Joinus/ The Diamond.
Yokohama. Tel: 045-319-2438.
www.sotetsu-joinus.com
Save up to 80% on must-have winter items.
Until Jan 12, 11am-9pm. Decks Tokyo Beach.
Odaiba Kaihin Koen. Tel: 03-3599-6500.
http://j.mp/odaibadecks
Courtesy of Womb
EDITOR’S PICK JAN 31
SVEN VATH
Shibuya superclub Womb
kicks things into high gear with
German techno innovator Sven
Vath. Whether as the composer
of definitive discs like The
Harlequin, the Robot, and the
Ballet Dancer, or as the force
behind Ibiza’s Cocoon events,
Vath’s place in dance music
is unassailable. Join him and
other revelers emerging from
their holiday cocoons as Tokyo
nightlife returns to full power for
2015. Dan Grunebaum
Jan 31, 11pm, ¥3,500. Womb.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Photo: © Hideto Maezawa
JAN 12
SEKAI
MARUGOTO
CLASSIC
JAN 23-25
REAL REALITY
The latest piece from contemporary choreographer Mikuni Yanaihara questions
our relationship with technology.
Jan 23, 7:30pm; Jan 24, 2 & 6pm; Jan 25, 2 & 6pm, ¥3,000 (student)/ ¥3,500
(adv)/ ¥3,800 (door). Setagaya Public Theatre, Theatre Tram. Sangenjaya.
Tel: 03-5432-1515. http://setagaya-pt.jp/en
06
Conducter Hiroshi Aoshima
introduces the captivating
world of classical music
through well-known classics
performed by Theater
Orchestra Tokyo. Jan 12,
11:30 & 3:30pm, ¥5,500.
Tokyo International Forum
Hall A. Yurakucho.
Tel: 050-3776-6184.
www.sekai-marugoto.com
Save up to 70% at over 70 stores at Tokyo
Disney Resort’s shopping mall. Until Jan 25,
10am-11pm. Ikspiari. Maihama.
Tel: 047-305-2525. http://j.mp/ikspiarisale
Courtesy of SuperDeluxe © Noriko Akiyama
JAN 10
ANLA COURTIS X
KEIJI HAINO
Argentine psych-rock guitarist
and sound manipulator meets the
eminence grise of Japanese noise.
Jan 10, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,300
(door). Super Deluxe. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-5412-0515.
www.super-deluxe.com
JAN 20
KAWARAYU ONSEN
YUKAKE MATSURI
TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 10
7PM-1AM
Men wearing nothing but a fundoshi
throw hot water on each other— if
the water hits you, it’s said to bring
good luck.
Jan 20, 5am, free. Kawarayu Onsen,
Gunma prefecture. Kawarayu
Onsen. www.kawarayu.jp
www.facebook.com/ANAInterContinentalTokyo
Advance Tickets
At the Door
Men ¥4,000 incl 2 drinks
Couples ¥3,500 incl 2 drinks
Women free
Men ¥ 5,000 incl 2 drinks
Couples ¥5,000 incl 2 drinks
Women free
Supporters
Sponsors
UNTIL MAR 29
FILM HISTORY IN POSTERS PART 2:
MUSICAL FILMS
The exhibition traces the rise of the Hollywood musical, which helped to create
such stars as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Until Mar 29, 11am-6:30pm, ¥70-210.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, National Film Center. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat.go.jp/english
meturl.com/valentine
Dress Code
Chic, classy. Men to wear jackets.
No jeans, tennis shoes
07
cover story
F
Photo by Julio Shiiki
or many, comic books and science fiction are the domain of fantasy, a childlike
playground located far away from meaningful discourse. In Japan, manga may
transcend this view in a way Western
comics have not; yet for the average person, it
may still seem light fare. In reality, nothing could
be farther from the truth, and the philosophical
ideas underlying these stories can teach us a
lot about life. This is, in fact, what led renowned
choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui to take on
the challenges of adapting PLUTO, the awardwinning manga series by Naoki Urasawa and
Takashi Nagasaki, for stage in collaboration
with Bunkamura.
Named after the chief villain of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, PLUTO is a story of murder
that follows a robot detective, Gesicht, as he
attempts to solve a series of cases involving
the deaths of both man and machine. But more
than this, it’s a story about dealing with change,
loss and finding the strength to forgive. It’s this
philosophical component that attracted Cherkaoui to the story.
“[Tezuka’s] work is really always about finding ways to connect differences, finding ways
to make people aware that there is some sort of
bridge that needs to be built between people,”
explains Cherkaoui. “There’s a lot about the
characters of Tezuka that end up showing you
how similar they are. Even when they’re making
totally different decisions in life, they basically
have been traumatized in the same way.”
Cherkaoui recounts the experience of
reading PLUTO for the first time three years
ago while working on his first collaboration
with Bunkamura, TeZukA. “I was very touched
A NEW STAGE FOR
ASTRO BOY
From manga to stage, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
uses motion to bring PLUTO to life
BY C BRYAN JONES
08
Rehearsal Photos by Yoshie Kobayashi
by this story. Touched because I felt it resonated with so many elements either from my
personal experience or that I saw in society.
Even on a political level, there were many elements that were recognizable, and I thought
I saw an extremely intelligent reflection of
the world.”
From this angle, it’s easy to see how the
subject matter is ripe for an engaging theatrical work. But remember: This a science fiction
story involving robots, one that plays out in
illustration and spans eight volumes. From a
creative perspective, bringing such a story to
stage is a huge challenge, but one Cherkaoui
relishes given his visual mindset.
“A lot has to do with where things are in the
space and how they move,” explains the prolific
choreographer. “And I think comic books and
especially the works of Tezuka, but also the
works of Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, have
an appeal to me because of that—because
there are all the shapes and angles, and a
sequential approach, which is very different
from when you’re reading a book or watching a
movie. It just has its own kind of pace.”
It’s this foundation in movement that has allowed Cherkaoui to breathe life into the work
of Tezuka and Urasawa with a Japanese cast,
despite not speaking Japanese himself. “In the
beginning, I was quite nervous because I felt,
would I have enough words?” he says. “Given
that I don’t speak Japanese, would I have the
right kind of vocabulary that would translate in
a specific way in order to inspire the actors? But
actually it went quite smoothly. I think human
psychology is so universal, and I think people
recognize through intentions, through energy,
through focus. We can see what we mean even
when we don’t have all the variation possible
through words. On the contrary, sometimes
those words even get in the way. I think there
are moments where, just by showing it in a
certain way or approaching it in a certain way
IT WAS GREAT TO
HAVE TO CONFINE
THAT INTO A
COMPACT CAST. IT
HELPED GET CLOSER
TO THE ESSENCE OF
ELEMENTS NAGASAKI
OR URASAWA WERE
TRYING TO ADDRESS.”
physically more than verbally, it actually works
better.”
When moving from one medium to another,
there’s always a balancing act between staying
true to the source and taking creative liberty.
When asked how he is approaching PLUTO,
Cherkaoui explains, “I end up really trying to
stay as true as possible to the actual characters
I’ve met in the comic book. Because they are on
stage, of course, there’s a difference because
it’s a body that’s alive and that’s right there.
But the energy, I really, really want to make it
as close as possible to the comic book.” Not
all are alive and breathing on stage, of course:
Puppetry is used to bring the robots—which
include the title villain himself—to life.
As for the takeaway, Cherkaoui hopes the
audience will connect with the characters and
the message in the same way he has. “I could
speak for hours about each character because
I really like them and I think they are really interesting beings, so I hope the audience gets to
meet each and every one of them and falls in
love with Uran, with Atom or falls in love even
with Tenma or Brau 1589 because they are all
very strong identities.”
Beyond the charac ters, the message
Cherkaoui hopes the audience leaves with is
the ability to forgive, which he sees as the most
central point of PLUTO. “The ability to forgive, I
think, is a very, very hard one. I know it’s a hard
one for me. And I think, if anything, what reading PLUTO has taught me is to try and address
that issue of forgiveness.”
PLUTO will be presented in Tokyo at
Bunkamura’s Theatre Cocoon from Jan
9 to Feb 1, and in Osaka at Morinomiya
Piloti Hall from Feb 6 to 11.
www.pluto-stage.jp
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food&drink
© Dagashi Bar
コシダカHD提供
For a dose of nippon nostalgia in Tokyo, Dagashi Bar has you covered. Guests are transported back to 1950s Japan, where dagashi-ya
were all the rage—neighborhood shops selling all sorts of snacks for kids after school. On
the menu are staples for those who grew up
in mid-20th-century Japan, such as Neapolitan spaghetti, retro-style yakisoba and deepfried bread that comes in nine flavors. Alcohol
served, too, if reliving someone else’s childhood becomes too much. 1-13-7 Ebisu-nishi,
Shibuya-ku. Ebisu.
Finding halal food in Tokyo can be a struggle despite a recent growth in interest in Japan—but the search is now a little easier with
Manekineko Karaoke’s halal food-serving
branch in Yotsuya-sanchome. Certified by the
Malaysia Halal Corporation, all of its 20 food
items, including ramen and fried chicken, are
halal friendly. There’s even a prayer space
available with reservation. Future endeavors include a “Muslim student discount,” and a party
plan available after Ramadan. 3-1 Samon-cho,
Shinjuku-ku. Yotsuya-sanchome.
RESTAURANT
¥¥
EN/JP
Gettin’ Crispy
With It
BY C BRYAN JONES
If you’re looking for a light, healthy and filling
meal, you have a new friend in Azabu-Jūban.
Newly opened in December, Crisp Salad Works
offers custom chopped salads in a relaxing,
nature-inspired setting located across from
Park Court Azabu-Jūban Tower.
Six signature salads kick off the menu, ranging from the Classic Chicken Caesar (¥940)
to the Vegan-friendly Earthy Nutty Crunchy
(¥1,020). And while all of these are delectable,
the Crisp Salad Works twist is that you are the
master. At your command are 29 ingredients
and 10 homemade dressings that deliver endless crispy combinations.
Custom salads start at ¥860 and begin
with a base of romaine lettuce, spinach, or wild
rice + multi-grain (all vegan). Included in the
¥860 price are your choice of four toppings
that include apple, spicy broccoli, roasted tofu,
How about indulging in a fancy tea break? Head
over to Hotel Nikko Tokyo for an “excellent
afternoon tea.” Limited to three days, the event
features an abundance of amaou strawberries,
from amaou panna cotta and amaou and pistachio shortcake, to an amaou champagne cocktail. Although steep at ¥6,000 per person, the
Veranda, where the afternoon tea is, boasts a
grand view of Tokyo Bay. Why not start the year
off with a touch of class? Jan 11, Feb 8 & Mar 8,
12-5pm, Bar Veranda. 1-9-1 Daiba, Minato-ku.
Daiba. Tel: 03-5500-5580.
homemade croutons and toasted
almonds, to name a few. For
more creative options, add
premium toppings, such
as avocado (¥180), grilled
chicken (¥180), homemade
ham (¥280) or my personal
favorite, shaved parmesan
(¥280).
No salad is complete
without dressing, and Crisp
Salad Works makes their own
from gluten-free ingredients. They
even have the ever-elusive buttermilk ranch, the mainstay I grew up with in
the American South that has proven difficult
to find in Japan.
Visiting Crisp Salad Works for lunch, I was
helped by the friendly and delightful Hitomi, a
member of the English-speaking team of salad
artesans. All the ingredients are visible right
on the counter, and the salad is created right
before your eyes while you have a great conversation to boot. This isn’t just ordering off a
menu and waiting for your food to arrive, it’s a
fun and light break in your daily routine.
Everything about Crisp Salad Works says
nature, right down to the interior. Long wooden
tables, sandy earthtone walls, and a flood of
light through the large glass windows facing
the sidewalk, provide a calm retreat from a busy
workday. In fact, the setting may leave you longing for a relaxing drink, and two special menu
items fit the bill: homemade lemonade (free
refills!) and homemade sangria.
If you’re searching for a salad that’s a cut
above the standard fare, and is free of preservatives, gluten and made with the freshest ingredients, drop by this spot just minutes from
Azabu-Jūban station and build your own salad,
grab one of the standard greens or even get a
bowl to go. Harvest time has come!
1-10-10 Mita, Minato-ku. 03-6435-4386.
Open daily 11am-10pm. Azabu-Jūban.
www.crisp.co.jp
11
Smoothies can be a trusty friend when it comes
to rectifying the toll the holidays may have had
on your stomach. Located in Marunouchi, Very
Veggie Flavors concocts a variety of fresh
smoothies and juices, using such ingredients
as kale, kiwi, avocado and litchi. The beverages range from the healthy (vegetable- and
tofu-based smoothies, ¥594-648), to indulgent
treats (Banana Cookie Cream, ¥594). Salads,
curries and veggie pita also available. Marunouchi Bldg. B1F, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyodaku. Tokyo.
When the cold wind blows, it brings with it
seasonal chocolates with an added punch.
Each winter, Lotte sprinkles shelves with the
rum raisin-flavored Rummy and Bacchus, a
cognac-injected treat. While these are very
satisfying combinations, winter also demands
mikan (tangerines), and these Grand Marnierinfused cubes fit the bill perfectly. Grab a box
to brighten up your afternoon—and don’t worry, the 2.9-percent alcohol content won’t break
any office rules. Available in supermarkets
nationwide.
Photos by Vesna Kevork
BAR
¥¥
JP/EN/FR
Niku bar
shoutaian
12
YEAR OF THE SHEEP
MICROWAVE CUPCAKES
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Cupcakes are best fresh from the oven. But
for cupcake-lovers whose homes are without
ovens, this microwave cupcake could make a
good substitute. Overheating ruins both texture
and taste, so find the best power and heating
time for your microwave, using my recipe as the
standard since every microwave has its own
character. Eat them sooner rather than later,
since they easily get stiffer with time compared
to oven-baked ones.
Servings: 4 small cupcakes
Cooking time: 40 min (active for 10 min)
Cupcake cups: 4 small paper cups, sliced in half
to lower the height
BY V KEVORK
The last thing you’d expect to find in a small,
dark basement in an obscure part of Shibuya
is a premium A5 wagyu burger. Yet that’s just
the jewel you’ll stumble upon if you trek beyond
Shibuya station’s West Gate, past the Nishiguchi
Bridge. Joy! Joy!
But for me, joy slowly dissipates as I learn
they’ve sold out of what my heart and stomach
yearn for. Although the A5 wagyu burgers (200g
for ¥1,400 or 400g for ¥2,000) have all been
claimed, lunch is still available and other options
include a wagyu beef bowl (¥1,400), a Korean
dish (¥1,300) and curry.
My fixation is only on wagyu,
so the rest is completely lost in
translation. The beef bowl it is.
Six magnificent slices of roasted
wagyu, wasabi and ginger on a
bed of rice and sweet soy sauce
are presented with accompanying
miso soup, salad and a small plate of
vegetables.
The dinner menu is also available in English and dishes include, but are not limited to,
extreme rump steak 200g (¥1,800), japanese
inside skirt steak (¥1,680), sashimi of beef carpaccio (¥1,200) and soft beef stew in red wine
(¥1,180).
The bar is cozy, and would be a natural choice
for ‘in-the-know’ students, cashed-up salary
men or a secret society of poets. Inconspicu-
RECIPE
ous and blending in with its surroundings, the
hippie music is an odd choice. But considering
this dark basement is home to premium beef
and white walls adorned with rainbow-colored
cows, it suits. It’s a scene straight out of a Haruki
Murakami novel, where cows fly, sheep dance
and people can feast on A5 wagyu burgers in
secret cellars.
Though my quest for the A5 wagyu
burger was foiled, a number of days
later I’m finally able to sample the
treat. It’s as juicy, succulent and
delicious as one would hope: Two
hundred grams of A5-grade goodness, floating in a vinegar-and-soy
sauce, topped with radish and sprinkled with spring onion. Because the reward has been delayed, it tastes even sweeter.
Time to wake up! Snap out of the dream!
Maybe it was not a dream after all. Two doses
of wagyu beef in one week. Ready to conquer
the world!
24-8 1F Tokyoto Shibuyaku Sakuragaokatyo.
Tel: 03 3464 0803. Lunch: 11:30-14:30, Dinner 17:30-23:00. Shibuya. http://meturl.
com/shoutaian
Batter
• 2 eggs, large
• 5 tbs sugar
• 2 tbs vegetable oil
• 6 tbs flour
• 1.5 tsp baking powder
• 3-4 drops vanilla extract
Decoration
• 40g cream cheese
• 2 tbs powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup mini
marshmallows
• Craft paper, black and
white (Cut out black
paper to make sheep’s
face, and tiny round eyes
with the white)
DIRECTIONS
1. Sift flour and baking powder. Leave cream
cheese at room temperature to soften.
2.In a mixing bowl, whisk egg and sugar.
Add sifted flour and baking powder. Mix to
smoothen batter.
3.Add vegetable oil and mix. Pour batter into
paper cups. Place paper cups on plate and
microwave without lid for 2 min at 600W. If
still raw, microwave for another 30 sec. Cool
for 20 min.
4.Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar
in small bowl. Mix well with spoon or small
whisk.
5.Spread cream cheese mixture on cooled cupcakes. Put mini marshmallows and sheep’s
faces on top.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
Explore Japan. Share your experiences. Earn rewards.
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JAPAN’S
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Ginzan Onsen is an onsen area in Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture.
13
escapes
EXPLORING THE
KHMER EMPIRE
Mysterious land fit for kings and queens
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY TYLER PARR
D
usk falls as lights flicker to signal a Saigon
evening. Food and beverage carts are
pulled curbside as tourists survey menu
signs and scooters race past, riders beeping horns and zigzagging through traffic. A bed
can be found for less than ¥1,000 a night in
Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City), but be prepared
for late-night noise if you stay in the backpacker
district, where clubs cater to night owls. In daylight, Ben Thanh market bustles with aisles full
of omiyage options, as well as fresh produce
and seafood cooked to order. Nearby, a smaller
market named Thai Binh, where locals shop,
offers a genuine look into Vietnamese life and
tasty treats. One specialty often eaten at markets is noodle soup adorned with hot sauce.
Choose a noodle and a broth that look good
and follow along with locals as they add condiments. Vietnamese pancakes and sandwiches,
with thinly sliced meats and cheeses, are also
on offer as well as grilled mussels served aside
peanuts.
Low airfares from Japan to Saigon make this
part of the former Khmer Empire accessible
to all travelers and offer easy access to Cam-
14
bodia. A bus can be taken all the way to the
Angkor temples in Siem Reap for as little as
¥1,600, or avoid the bumpy bus ride and fly direct. In Siem Reap, the temples sit as they have
for centuries, monuments so wonderful you’ll
be unable to avoid touching the ancient stone
structures. The largest of the temples, Angkor
Wat, was built in the 12th century and took 37
years to complete. More than 1,200 years ago,
the Khmer Empire encompassed areas in modern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China’s southern
Yunnan province, eastern Myanmar and all of
Cambodia. In 1623, a Khmer king allowed Vietnamese refugees fleeing civil war to settle near
Prey Nokor, a southern fishing village in current
Cambodia; but soon Khmer people were unable to stop the mass migration of foreigners,
who eventually chose the name Saigon for their
newly taken land. Today, Saigon is the largest
metropolis in Vietnam. Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, but the struggle
for survival continues among the poor majority
populace today. Still, Cambodia remains a safe
travel destination that allows visitors to see rustic beauty unspoiled by commercialism, and so
it’s poverty that has preserved its authenticity.
It’s possible to take home more than memories of the special temples with a “rubbing” wherein thick rice paper is placed over a mold
made from a temple wall and rubbed with charcoal to recreate a specific
scene. You may also consider buying a Khmer scarf, called a krama,
worn by both men and women, or a silver betel nut box that was once
a common item and status symbol. Clothing and jewelry aficionados
will not be disappointed by quality or variety of merchandise. Travelers
may pamper themselves in the old empire. Massage and nail salons offer full services, and dinner shows perform traditional Apsara dancing.
Follow royal tradition and go for an elephant ride; kings and queens
once used the beautiful animals to travel to and from temples. For only
a dollar, you can purchase a pineapple or banana bunch and feed the
gentle giants that are cared for in the sanctuary.
Tourists have many restaurant options that include Indian, Thai, Italian and local fare. Siem Reap market stalls pedal snacks such as fried
crab on a stick (four for ¥100), spring rolls, grilled corn and cashews.
Beverages include freshly squeezed juices, coffee blends and ice-cold
beer. Several restaurants have alfresco tables that give a fine view of
street action, with delicious dinners for
Budget accommodation
¥300 and drinks for as little as ¥50.
option in Saigon
Tuk-tuks (motorcycle taxis) are an
KONIKO BACKPACKER’S
HOSTEL
efficient and fun way to move about the
konikobackpackershostel@
city, and drivers may offer insight into
gmail.com (Inquire for rates)
rural life with tours of the surrounding
Budget accommodation
countryside. There’s still opportunity
option in Siem Reap
to see Cambodia before it fully develGARDEN VILLAGE
ops. Take a cue from Cambodians and
GUESTHOUSE
www.gardenvillageresort.com
go slowly when roaming these picturesque places, but do go and let the
ELEPHANT RIDES/TOURS:
kind people show you their artistry and
SIEM REAP
http://meturl.com/
history as they welcome tourists to a
angkortours
brighter future.
15
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16
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fashion fix
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
The start of the new year is a perfect opportunity to emerge from your
holiday hibernation revitalized with an updated look for 2015. That doesn’t
have to mean new clothes—although the ongoing sales will help—but a
tweak in your hair, makeup, or more importantly, how you coordinate what
you already have is a great way to refocus your fashion eye.
For those who want to reinvent themselves entirely but are not quite
ON POINT
Anime and manga fans are spoilt
for fashion choice right now with
a huge number of high-profile collaborations planned for 2015—as
more and more brands give in and
accept the aesthetics of Japanese
pop culture.
The biggest news has to be that
the biggest breakout hit of the last
decade, Attack on Titan, is going
to be the subject of an ongoing collaboration with
fashion technicians Anrealage. The two powerhouses
have joined forces on a series of photoreactive T-shirts,
on sale now, that look plain at first glance but gradually transform into the bodies of the titular titans when
exposed to sunlight.
If kawaii is more your proverbial
cup of tea, then the highly-anticipated CLAMP and SuperGroupies collaboration, featuring classic
anime and manga Card Captor
Sakura, is worth a look. The lineup features shoes, hats and accessories faithfully reproduced directly from the series, as
well as some more subtle designs that reproduce motifs other fans will
clock but should just look like good fashion to everyone else.
sure in which direction to turn, I suggest a stroll through a department
store—whether OIOI, Isetan or 109. As your wallet allows, pick a shop that
fits your fashion trajectory, and throw yourself open to the mercy of the
inevitably highly persuasive sales staff. Once you have a new base to riff
off of, the hard work is done—and you can spend the rest of the year just
tweaking the fashion formula.
STREET
FOCUS
SHOPPING STRATEGY
At its best, Tokyo fashion can be pretty intimidating even for Japanese people,
and it can be all the harder to win real approval from the scene as an outsider.
However, there are a couple of good role models for foreign fashion fans to
prove it’s possible to make a name for yourself—as well as give something back.
Today’s subject is artist and designer Lactose Intoler-Art (www.lactoseintolerart.
com), known on the streets of Koenji for his ‘90s-infused avant-garde stylings.
The American was originally inspired by Tokyo street fashionistas; now, they’re
the ones wearing his designs.
Photo by Samuel Thomas
The biggest fashion sale event of
the season, the LaForet Grand
Bazar, is with us once again with
a whole series of events set to
empty shelves and fill wardrobes
throughout the latter half of the
month. For the uninitiated, the
sale, which is pointedly held well
after most department stores
have finished theirs, is the best
chance to buy the top avantgarde and subcultural Tokyo
fashion at what is otherwise a
pretty high price point. That’s why crowds well into the thousands can be
expected to queue before the store opens, and why it can be one of the
most entertaining to observe—even if you don’t shop yourself.
For those wanting their fill of the widely varied selection the iconic
shop sells, the official website (www.laforet.ne.jp/grand_bazar) and
Twitter (#Laforet_SALE) are your best guides to the bewildering number
of time-specific sales, offers and student discounts.
Happy shopping!
17
city life
Photos by C Bryan Jones
Photo courtesy of ASOBISYSTEM
CUTE BLUE BOX
Meet Moshi Moshi Nippon’s new Harajuku mecca
BY C BRYAN JONES
Japan has long been known as the fount of
cuteness—and no place exudes kawaii more
than Harajuku. Famed internationally as a pop
culture and fashion mecca, Harajuku beckons
visitors from all over. So it’s only natural that
ASOBISYSTEM’s first tourist information center, Moshi Moshi Box, would be located where
Takeshita-dori street, Meiji-dori street and the
entrance to Ura-Harajuku meet. At this epicenter of coolness stands a blue building that’s
home to everything needed to make the most
of a day on the town.
“Needless to say, the fashion culture of this
town is already very famous outside Japan,”
explains ASOBISYSTEM’s Ryoji Kuroyanagi
as he shows Metropolis around Moshi Moshi
18
Box. “But it’s not only fashion. Various other
aspects of culture are gathered here in one
place. It's like a toy box. Harajuku is a place full
of entertainment that foreign visitors have never
experienced in their own countries.”
The mission of Moshi Moshi Box is to make
this culture easily accessible: The center provides not only maps and information about the
area, but also internet access via iMacs that
anyone can use, free charging for smartphones
and tablets, the only Travelex automated currency exchange machine in Harajuku, shipping
services and a selection of stylish omiyage
(“souvenirs”) produced by the Box’s creator,
Moshi Moshi Nippon.
More than just a fashion mecca, the tastes of
Harajuku are also well known, particularly in the
form of crêpes. In addition to charging phones
upon visiting the Moshi Moshi Box, guests can
recharge themselves at the adjoining Marion
Crêpes shop.
Although tourist information is available from
many sources, there are key points that set this
endeavor apart. “This center is not managed
by ministries and governmental offices but by
a private company,” Kuroyanagi points out. “So
we are able to deliver street culture to visitors,
as well as fundamental tourist information. We
can provide detailed information about specific
shops in Harajuku, because we specialize in
Harajuku.” Need proof? Kyary Pamyu Pamyu,
the undisputed queen of Harajuku and global
symbol of kawaii, is a key part of Moshi Moshi
Nippon—as host of the company’s TV show that
airs twice a month and reaches viewers in more
than 150 countries.
With its grand opening on Christmas Day,
the Harajuku Moshi Moshi Box is just the beginning of a mission to connect the world with
Japanese pop culture. More of these information centers will be launched in various cities
around the world, as places where people can
learn about Japanese culture, get authentic
and unique Japanese goods and promote Japan as a top destination for those planning
vacations abroad.
Forget about the Year of the Sheep. Harajuku’s newest waypoint makes 2015 the Year
of Kawaii.
T’s ONE Bldg 3-23-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.
Tel: 03-3470-0140. 10am-6pm. Harajuku.
http://moshimoshi-nippon.jp
TOKYO JUNIOR
PLAYHOUSE
Where kids experience the thrill of
“getting bitten by the showbiz bug”
BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI
There’s an unexplainable magic to being part of
something that comes alive for a brief, fleeting
moment, like live theatre. Nami Sasaki, founder
of Tokyo Junior Playhouse, a non-profit, children’s, English language drama club, likens the
experience to “reading a book and immersing
yourself in [it],” but adds it’s “only better—because it comes alive.”
Nami is a professional interpreter who’s
worked for decades in the entertainment industry in Japan, translating for artists such as Stevie
Wonder, Michael Jackson and Magic Johnson.
After years of working to bridge language/
culture gaps, she found a passion for nurturing
global-minded children, and established an
English school in Setagaya.
TJP was originally created for the Japanese
students who attended the school, but Nami
quickly received higher demand from international families whose children come from
multicultural, multilingual backgrounds. No
matter their nationality or language spoken at
home, at TJP children use English as the common language to communicate, collaborate
and simply have fun. “Our only rule,” explains
Nami, “is to have fun, to the max.”
For those who join TJP and eventually travel
on from Japan to different countries around the
globe, Nami hopes “to have them take a piece
of Japanese culture and make it their own, so
they can bring it back to their own countries
and travel around the world with it wherever
they go.” Along this strain, TJP’s past three
performances have been based on traditional
Japanese stories taken from folklore, kabuki
and rakugo. An example is Why I’m Scared of
Cupcakes, an adaptation of the popular rakugo
story “Manjū Kowai,” about a man who pretends
to be scared of manjū in order to trick his friends
into buying him the sweet, anko-filled sweets.
TJP accepts children of varying ages, with
three-year-olds all the way up to 13-year-olds
having joined in the past. The communication
that happens between these children, as well
as between them and the director—and the energy that’s born as a result of their interaction—
is what makes the TJP experience special. “The
fun part of drama,” explains Nami, is that “you
can’t go wrong. You can just be yourself and let
yourself run with your imagination,
because there’s no wrong answer—
every answer is right.”
TJP’s upcoming endeavor Angel
in Training is a musical and their first
fully original production. Auditions
for casting are on January 17, with
rehearsals to follow every Saturday
at Yoyogi Worcle Studio. The final
performance will be held at Shimokitazawa Town Hall on March 15 as
part of the Setagaya Sekai Haku,
an event promoting international
exchange in Setagaya—and a large
audience is expected.
On what makes theatre special, Nami explains how nothing beats “the performance—
when you’re getting on stage and you’re all
nervous, but somehow you get out there in the
spotlight and you get the rush and you’re all
excited, and your parents are all excited, and
the audience are happy to see you.” In today’s
digital age, where communication is as easy
as sending a text message, TJP urges kids not
to rely on computers and phones to express
themselves but to do so using only themselves.
“Getting bitten by the showbiz bug,” says Nami,
“is what it’s all about.”
For more information, or to sign up for the
winter session, visit http://tokyojuniorplayhouse.com
19
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR
Most filmgoers, myself included, really dug 2005’s Sin City, a graphic novel adaptation by Robert
Rodriguez and Frank Miller that looked like one, replete with sexy babes and severely noir vernacular and violence, all wrapped up in a highly stylized, entertaining package. So, despite the
fact that a decade is a mighty long time to bring out a sequel, here we are back in the city of sin
with some of the original characters (Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Powers Boothe) and a few
new ones (Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eva Green), and more of the same. A lot more.
Of the same. If that’s what you’re looking for, you will not be disappointed. But after a while, I
found it repetitive and even banal. There’s nothing fresh or innovative on offer unless you count
the pointless 3-D. Most of what the film has going for it is due to the dynamic Eva Green as the
title murder-justifying dame, who alone seems to recognize how super campy all this stuff is
and appears, by the way, more often than not without clothing. Bottom line: Dutiful retread, but
second-string, mostly leftover material listlessly presented. But viva Eva! Japanese title: Sin City:
Fukushu no Megami. (102 min)
NEW
LEGENDS OF OZ:
DOROTHY’S RETURN
No sooner has Dorothy
returned from Oz than
she’s summoned back by
her three YBR traveling
companions to deal with the Wicked Witch’s power-mad
jester brother. This joyless, charmless cash-grab is the
worst “Oz” movie yet (even worse than yours, James
Franco). New, moronic characters; sappy pop songs;
lazy, unbelievably cheesy animation. No brain, no heart,
no courage, no magic, no soul. You can take your kids
if you’re okay with them growing up with low entertainment expectations, but you’ll be bored witless. This
movie’s so bad I heard the investors want their money
back. Skip it twice. Japanese title: Oz: Mezase! Emerald
no Kuni e. (91 min)
NEW
SON OF GOD
I’ve got no problem with
churchgoers finding comfort in endless depictions
of the Greatest Story Ever
Repeatedly Retold. Really
I don’t. But this is a film column, and, cinematically
speaking, this earnest but bland Sunday-school flick is
a disaster of, well, biblical proportions. Narratively, it’s
more of a series of setups for Jesus to utter His Greatest
Hits than a coherent story. The tanned Portuguese actor
in the title role does more posing than acting, and suggests little depth. The score’s cornball, the Jews are
portrayed irresponsibly negatively and it’s way too long.
(138 min)
JIMMY P.
Black foot W WII vet
Jimmy Picard checked
into the Menninger Clinic
in Topeka in 1948 to deal
w i t h d e p re s s i o n a n d
severe headaches. Since he was physically undamaged,
the clinic, on the absurd notion that Native American
minds were somehow different, called in French anthropologist Georges Devereux. He and Jimmy talk ... And
talk and talk. Devereux later wrote a book from his case
notes, which Arnaud Desplechin’s film follows with an
intellectual scrupulousness that sacrifices any dramatic
impact. Fine performances by Benicio Del Toro and
Mathieu Amalric help, but this one’s a real slog. (114 min)
BIG HERO 6
Disney’s Frozen for boys
is the engaging tale of a
young robotics prodigy at
a prestigious tech school
in the hybrid city of San
Fransokyo. When his older brother dies in a fire, he
takes over the operation of the Miyazaki-ish title hero,
named Baymax, an inflatable (and highly marketable)
caregiver robot, and they go about identifying the villain that set the fire. Good for both parents and children,
and it gets points for presenting death to kids in a nonthreatening way. But then the gentle Baymax gets a suit
of armor and a rocket pack, and the film devolves into
second-rate, flying-around 3-D nonsense. Japanese
title: Baymax. (98 min)
A PROMISE
In pre-WWI Germany, a
smart, upwardly mobile
executive secretar y
(Richard Madden) to a
rich industrialist (Alan
Rickman) falls in love with the boss’ much younger wife
(Rebecca Hall). Society being as buttoned-up as it was,
they content themselves with meaningful stolen glances—lots of them—until he is sent off to Mexico. The war
inconveniently prevents his return or even communication. I kept waiting for something to happen. It doesn’t.
Not a single bodice ripped. The camera work’s crappy.
Sorry, but French director Patrice Laconte’s first Englishlanguage effort is a big bore. Japanese title: Kureai. (94
min)
BAD MILO!
A stressed - out junior
exec is understandably
shocked to learn that
his recent gastrointestinal troubles are being
caused by a demonic polyp in his large intestine that
occasionally detaches itself to wreak havoc on those
causing its host stress. Now, a movie about an ugly little
butt-goblin is not going to appeal to everyone. But this is
smarter and way more original than the average grossout comedy—and will be appreciated best by those who
enjoy seeing a dumb idea well executed. And fans of
films like The Brood, Basket Case and It’s Alive will
certainly dig the in-jokes. (85 min)
NEW
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For: © 2014 Maddartico Limited. All Rights Reserved.; Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return: ⓒ 2012 - Dorothy of Oz, LLC and Summertime Entertainment; Son of God: © 2014 LightWorkers Media Inc. and Hearst Productions Inc.
All Rights Reserved.; Jimmy P.: © 2013 Why Not Productions-France 2 Cinema-Orange Studio; Big Hero 6: ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.; A Promise: © 2014 FIDELITE FILMS – WILD BUNCH – SCOPE PICTURES; Bad Milo!: ©PREDESTINED,
LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; Maps to the Stars: © 2014 Starmaps Productions Inc./Integral Film GmbH; Gone Girl: © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox; The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: ©2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.; Interstellar: © 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.and Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved; Love, Rosie: © 2014 CONSTANTIN FILM PRODUKTION GMBH.
20
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
MAPS TO THE STARS
Dav id Cronenb erg’s
tragicomic take on
Tinseltown and its scabrous goings- on outLynch’s Mulholland Drive
and plays like The Player with teeth. To call the Weiss
family “dysfunctional” would be a compliment. Dad’s a
self-serving TV self-help guru, and Mom manages their
jaded 13-year-old actor son. Dad’s star client is a fading diva who’s angling for the lead role in a remake of
one of her late, great mother’s films. Her new personal
assistant is a burn-scarred newbie who also happens
to be the Weiss family’s pyromaniacal prodigal daughter. There’s a devastating family secret in the mix, and
a ghost. (112 min)
GONE GIRL
When a man’s perfect
wife inexplicably goes
missing, he finds himself
at the center of a media
circus, and his own innocence comes into question. That’s really all I can tell you,
because this is one of those movies where you regularly
find out that everything you know is wrong. One of the
best movie mysteries since The Usual Suspects, it’s
flawlessly cast, starting with Rosamund Pike. I’ve always
liked her character work, but I had no idea she had this
kind of acting chops. Intelligent and mesmerizing, this
is excellent, high-level pulp. Two and a half hours, but
edge-of-your-seat all the way. (145 min)
LOVE, ROSIE
Perhaps the Brits
wanted to show t hey
coul d make ro man t ic
comedies ever y bit as
drippy and unrealistic
as the Americans. Alex and Rosie (Sam Claflin and
Lily Collins, showing an astounding lack of chemistry)
have grown up together and are best friends. Though
it’s obvious to even the dullest audience member that
they’ll eventually end up together, it takes a dozen
years (and one hour, 42 minutes of your life) for them
to get around to it. I guess it takes time to get through
all those clichés and predictable “twists.” Neither
romantic nor funny. Japanese title: Ato 1cm no Koi.
(102 min)
THE HOBBIT:
THE BATTLE OF THE
FIVE ARMIES
The dragon is slain in the
first act but is replaced
with an even worse monster: politics. Elves, men, dwarves and orcs all descend on
Lonely Mountain to claim their share (or all) of the treasures
therein. Now, all these LOTR prequels are necessarily padded. (Factoid: It takes longer to watch this trilogy than it
does to read the slim book.) But as I’ve said of the other
two films, it’s great padding. This one’s darker and weirder,
but it’s fun to watch, the hour-long titular smackdown is
beautifully choreographed, the characters and emotions
are convincing and in all a fitting adieu to Middle Earth.
Japanese title: Hobbit: Kesshou no Yukue. (144 min)
FURY
This isn’t quite Saving
Private R yan, but it
comes close and can
stand with the best
W WII combat movies.
Brad Pitt disappears into the role of a tank commander nicknamed “Wardaddy,” as he marshals his
crew behind enemy lines during the last days of the
war, outgunned and outnumbered by a vicious and
desperate enemy. The action scenes are terrific, but
it’s during the down times that the film shines. One
15-minute sequence, involving a pair of women hiding in an apartment, brims with suspense, dread and
an unexpected sensitivity. Then it’s back to the daily
business of not getting killed. (134 min)
INTERSTELLAR
On an ecologically
d o o m e d , n e a r- f u t u r e
Earth, a NASA pilot must
travel through a wormhole to f ind humanit y
a new home, but it means he must leave behind his
beloved daughter, likely to never see her again. By
the way, she sees ghosts. While it’s a science fiction
movie, the science is viable, which makes the fiction
more believable. Though Nolan’s films can be cold
and emotionless, in this surreal yet grounded movie,
he manages to effectively balance spectacle and emotion, the cosmic and the intimate. Call it science with
a soul. This must-see film will stretch your mind. Big
screen, please. (169 min)
© 2014『バンクーバーの朝日』製作委員会
© IMAGE.NET
© 2014 Quad Productions
eiga
Talk about the stars aligning for a b lock bus ter
Canadian-Japanese produc tion. Direc tor Yuya
By Rob Schwartz
Ishii has been a rising
commercial talent in Japan since his 2010 effort Sawako
Decides, which premiered at the Pia Film Festival and
went on to screen at the prestigious fests of Berlin,
Hong Kong, New York and Vancouver, among others. It
picked up the Best Film Prize at the Fantasia Film Fest
in Montreal. His 2013 drama, The Great Passage, was
selected as Japan’s submission for the Best Foreign
Language Film at the Academy Awards. Mix that with
huge Japanese stars like Satoshi Tsumabuki, Kazuya
Kamenashi, Ryo Katsuji, Yusuke Kamiji and Aoi Miyazaki
(among many others) and you have a local film event.
The flick premiered at the Vancouver Film Fest to, predictably, great fanfare and star-worship. The story concerns residents of a Japanese immigrant community in
Vancouver who start a baseball team and persevere
despite harsh conditions, racism and poverty. While
there’s plenty to keep the viewer engaged, the effort
is too heavy on the melodrama. Do you enjoy heavy
strings to let you know what you’re supposed to be feeling? (132 min)
VANCOUVER
NO ASAHI
movie news
Director Tim Burton has used his instantly recognizable style to create fantastical worlds for such films as
Beetlejuice, The Corpse Bride and other cult favorites.
It’s not often that his films have any basis in reality,
but that’s not the case with his upcoming Big Eyes,
which traces artist Margaret Keane’s creation of a pop
culture phenomenon with her paintings of doe-eyed
innocents and her long struggle for recognition after
her husband stole the credit. “I haven’t based a movie
on a true story since Ed Wood [in 1994], so it was nice
to go back to that,” Burton said during a recent visit
to Tokyo. The script was penned by Scott Alexander
and Larry Karaszewski, who wrote Ed Wood, as well
as biopics of Larry Flint and Andy Kaufman, and personally sought out Keane, now in her 80s, to get the
OK to tell her story. Burton was no stranger to the
artist when he got the script. “I grew up in suburbia,
so her paintings were always around in dentist offices
and places like that,” the native of Burbank, California
said. “But I didn’t know just how strange the story
was.” Big Eyes opens January 23. Kevin Mcgue
cinematic underground
Popular French actor Omar Sy stars in the romantic comedy Samba, about a Senegalese immigrant struggling to
get documentation, who enters into a relationship with a
French woman, played by Charlotte Gainsbourg. The film
is directed by the same duo behind Intouchables, which
also starred Sy and was a huge hit in Japan. On now at
Shinjuku Piccadilly (3-15-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; www.
shinjukupiccadilly.com) ... Late actor Ken Takakura will be
honored with screenings of some of his most beloved
films at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro (3F, 1-43-5 HigashiIkebukuro Toshima-ku; w w w.shin-bungeiza.com),
January 18-30. Known for his tough but sensitive image,
Takakura drew comparisons to Clint Eastwood. Black
Rain, which starred Takakura and Michael Douglas, will
screen in English. Japanese-language selections include
1977’s The Yellow Handkerchief … Waseda Shochiku (1-516 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku; www.wasedashochiku.
co.jp) continues to present double features of classic
and second-run films. Superhero spoofs The Lego Movie
and Guardians of the Galaxy are on from January 10. Gay
adoption drama Any Day Now and English Vinglish, about
an Indian housewife’s struggle to learn English in New
York, will play from January 17. And two English-language
films by Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski screen from
January 24. KM
21
arts&culture
ART
ART-CONOCLAST
Jack McLean’s long, sad story
BY DAN GRUNEBAUM
F
rom his burnable pyro-sculptures to his
pathetic Sad Clown character, Scotsman
Jack McLean’s art aims to provoke questions and undermine authority. McLean has
spent a good part of the last two decades in Tokyo and now brings his turbulent imagination to
alternative space The Container.
Metropolis asked McLean about his new
drawing series, It’s a long story, in full colour,
without a happy ending.
Photos by Jon Ellis
22
What moved you to create your first color works
for The Container?
I’d been working in black and white for a number
of years, and I had wanted to try the same style
of drawing in full color for a while. Hendricks Gin
company were sponsoring the next show at The
Container, so Shai Ohayon the director asked
me if I wanted to try full-size color drawings in a
solo show specifically for the space.
Tell us about the genesis of your Sad Clown
character.
The Sad Clown started as a performance for an art event called
“Dirty, Dirty, Sex, Sex” in Shinjuku-nichome. I wanted to
do something clichéd
and absurd that had elements of ’70s comedy TV
and British working-class,
naughty seaside humor.
I’ve always hated clowns,
and I find most performance
art awful, so I thought this
would be a good opportunity to
kill two birds with one stone. A truly
awful piece of performance art from a sad clown.
The ending is not a happy one… How did you
feel after completing the work?
I work very hard on the big drawings—
hours and hours in front of the canvas—
so there is a sense of relief when they
are completed. Then it’s time to start
another one.
Your art, such as your micro and pyro sculptures, often takes aim at the commercial art
establishment. What then are your thoughts
on Banksy?
Success—in the sense of “commercial success”—
means that you are involved in the commercial
art world establishment, and that world is far
removed from the street. Due to his success,
Banksy is now part of the commercial establish-
ment whether he likes it or not.
On viewing It's a long story... a few artists that
come to mind are Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí
and outsider artist Henry Darger. Please tell us
your thoughts on them and any other possible
influences on your artistic development.
Francis Bacon developed a unique style that
elevated him beyond his limitations. Salvador
Dalí’s eccentricity and flamboyant personality
promoted his technical ability within the context
of his time. Darger was discovered by an insider,
and the obsessive nature of his work was easy
to understand. But none of them have really had
any direct influence on my work. I’m not sure if
I recognize any artists who have influenced my
work, but I’m sure to others looking at my drawings they will find connections.
How have two decades of living in Japan onand-off shaped your art?
I’m not consciously aware of living in Japan
shaping my art except from the ability to sustain
myself economically and thus allowing me to
create my art as a result of that. Perhaps the
shaping, if any, has been in more subtle ways
to do with the how and why I live here, and the
respect I have for Japanese society.
How do people in Scotland and Japan approach
art differently?
I think the way people go to see art in galleries in Tokyo is different. The great European masters are more accessible in Scotland than in Japan,
so when there are “visiting
exhibitions” here, I think
there is probably more
enthusiasm. Also, I think
art shows are promoted
more here—or used to
be; maybe that is also the
same now in the U.K.
Tell us about your favorite
museums and galleries in
Tokyo.
I like the museums in Ueno because
they are older. I sometimes go to a rental gallery
complex in an old apartment building in Ginza,
but as it becomes more well-known, it is losing its
appeal. But one day, I’ll go there and it will have
become a vacant lot, so it doesn’t really matter.
What could be done to improve Japan’s art
scene?
Affluent Japanese should spend their money on
interesting and intrinsically valuable art rather
than designer goods and the equivalent brandname artists. This would create a healthy situation that would help to develop a more positive
Japanese art scene.
The Container, 1F Hills Daikanyama, 1-8-30
Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku. Until Feb 15; Mon
& Wed-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm.
Meguro. http://the-container.com
ART
2015 ART PREVIEW
Looking ahead to this year’s exhibits
BY C.B.LIDDELL
©Musée La Piscine (Roubaix), Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Arnaud Loubry /
distributed by AMF, Achat de l'Etat 1930
Courtesy of Dordrechts Museum
Eugène-Robert Poughéon The Serpent c. 1930 Courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
©2013 Tomura Gallery
Statue of Emperor Jummu by Takeuchi Kyuichi
©2012 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All
Rights Reserved.
2014 was an interesting art
year in Japan with many highlights—and this year also has
lots to offer art fans. A good
place to start is Meguro’s Teien
Art Museum, the gorgeous art
deco venue that was reopened
recently after a major expansion. The museum will host
“Fantaisie Merveilleuse: Classicism in French Art Deco” (Jan
17-Apr 7), looking at the strong
influence of classical Greek
and Roman art in the 1920s and
’30s—a trend that influenced
even the likes of Picasso.
This month also sees the Landscape with the Chestnut Tree
opening of “Neo-Impressionism, from Light to Color” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum (Jan 24-Mar 29) in Ueno.
This will be a vibrant show—featuring the
work of Monet, Seurat, Matisse and Derain—that will also see the start of the spring.
Filling a similar slot, but extending all the
way into early summer, is the “Louvre” exhibition at Roppongi’s National Art Center, Tokyo
(Feb 21-Jun 1). The “Louvre” brand name is
sure to pack this out, so expect long queues
to see Vermeer’s The Astronomer (1668),
which is sure to be the star.
Those interested in contemporary art
might find what they’re looking for at the
“New Wave Artists” exhibition held at the
same venue (Feb 19-Mar 15), which features ‘Think deeply about’
the work of up-and-coming artists like Takumi Sejima and Kazuki Takamatsu, one of my a lot to say about the cash-art nexus of Renaissance period Florence.
picks from last year’s Tokyo Art Fair.
With the Tokyo National Museum disappointTokyo Art Fair is the main gallery showcase
held in the spring at Tokyo International Forum— ing recently, the most interesting show of tradiand sets the tone for artistic trends for the rest tional Oriental art might possibly be “Double
of the year, so it's well worth a visit. This year, Impact: The Art of Meiji Japan” (Apr 4-May 17)
it’s held on the weekend of Mar 20-22 and will at the well-curated Tokyo University of the Arts,
also in Ueno. In recent years, interest in Meijibe bigger than ever.
The National Museum of Western Art in period art has soared. Sourced from the Museum
Ueno has struggled to attract big-name artists of Fine Arts, Boston, this should present a lively
in recent years, but their exhibition of the Italian and varied show.
Later in the year, there’s much to see, but
Baroque artist Guercino (Mar 3-May 31) should
provide unexpected delights and uncluttered perhaps the main excitement will surround the
geek-chic art of Takashi Murakami, the originator
exhibition spaces.
For those interested in art history, “Bankers, of “Superflat” art. Murakami has now turned his
Botticelli and the Bonfire of the Vanities” (Mar hyper-anime style to Buddhist mythology with
21-Jun 28) at Shibuya’s Bunkamura should have a three-meter-high, 100-meter-long painting of
The 500 Arhats
the 500 arhat (or enlightened followers) of Buddha, to be shown at the Mori Art Museum (Oct
31-Mar 6, 2016). This was created in response to
the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and aims
to create its own artistic tremors.
23
agenda
WATCH LIST
Concerts
POPULAR
G.I. Orange
British new wave and pop band
formed in the mid-1980s. Jan
11, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv). Koenji
High. Koenji. Tel: 03-53780382. http://meturl.com/
orange2014
Ásgeir
Icelandic solo singersongwriter who performs
melodic folk. Jan 12, 6pm.
¥5,800 (adv). Liquidroom.
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800.
http://meturl.com/asgeir2014
Alt-J
English indie rock band whose
debut album An Awesome
Wave won the 2012 British
Mercury Prize. Jan 13, 7pm.
¥6,000. Tsutaya O-East.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681.
http://meturl.com/altj2014
Slow Magic
A blend of electronic pop
and dance music by masked
producer. Jan 14, 6:30-11pm.
¥3,500 (adv)/¥4,000
(door). Under Deer Lounge.
Harajuku. Tel: 03-57282655. http://iflyer.tv/en/
event/216826/
Joe
American R&B singersongwriter and producer.
Jan 14-15, 6:30 & 9:30pm.
¥12,500-14,500. Billboard
Live. Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133. http://meturl.
com/joe2015
The Script
Irish pop-rock band with
hits “The Man Who Can’t Be
Moved” and “Breakeven.” Jan
16, 7pm. ¥6,500. Akasaka
Blitz. Akasaka. http://meturl.
com/script2014
Martha Wainwright
Canadian-American folk-rock
singer-songwriter. Jan 16,
7pm. ¥4,800-6,800. Billboard
Live. Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133. http://meturl.
com/martha2015
Julian Casablancas + The
Voidz
American rock band formed as
a side project of Casablancas’,
lead vocalist of The Strokes.
Jan 17, 6pm. ¥6,500. Ebisu
Garden Hall. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5423-7111. http://meturl.
com/casablancas2015
sound is reminiscent of and
rooted in modern garage rock
and blues rock. Jan 21, 7pm.
¥5,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://
meturl.com/royalblood2014
FKA Twigs
English singer-songwriter,
producer and dancer whose
album LP1 is a nominee for
the 2014 Mercury Prize. Jan
22, 7:30pm. ¥5,500 (adv).
Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/twigs2014
Allen Toussaint
American musician
and influential figure in New
Orleans R&B. Jan 21-22, 7
& 9:30pm. ¥6,500-8,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://
meturl.com/toussaint2015
Johnny Marr
English musician and singersongwriter, as well as former
guitarist and co-songwriter of
the The Smiths. Jan 26, 7pm.
¥6,800 (adv). Liquidroom.
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800.
http://meturl.com/marr2015
Julia Fordham
British singer-songwriter
whose career has been going
strong for over three decades.
Jan 26, 7pm. ¥6,800-8,800.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://
meturl.com/fordham2015
Chet Faker
Australian electronica
musician who won
Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Award at the 2012 Australian
Independent Records Awards.
Jan 26, 7:30pm. ¥5,500.
Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. http://meturl.
com/faker2015
Cyndi Lauper
American pop icon and winner
of Grammy, Emmy and Tony
awards. Jan 20, 7pm. ¥10,50012,500. Nippon Budokan.
Kudanshita. http://meturl.
com/lauper2014
Royal Blood
British hard rock duo whose
24
American ambient music artist
and producer, whose music
captures the sound of 1970s
analog media while remaining
both progressive and futuristic.
Jan 29, 8pm. ¥6,000 (adv)/
¥6,500 (door). Tsutaya O-East.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681.
http://meturl.com/tycho2014
My Name
South Korean boy band
created by Fly to the Sky
member Hwanhee. Jan 31,
5pm. ¥8,800. Studio Coast.
Shin-Kiba. http://meturl.com/
myname2015
Richie Kotzen
Guitarist, singer-songwriter
and producer with an
instantly recognizable and
immediately striking style. Feb
1, 5pm. ¥8,000. Akasaka Blitz.
Akasaka. http://meturl.com/
kotzen2014
No Age
Experimental punk duo based
in Los Angeles, with special
guests The Novembers and
ZZZ’s. Feb 1, 7pm. ¥5,000
(adv). Club Quattro. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/
noage2015
Yngwie Malmsteen
Swedish heavy metal
guitarist, songwriter,
multi-instrumentalist and
bandleader known for his
neo-classical playing style.
Feb 2, 7pm. ¥10,800. Shibuya
Public Hall. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3463-3022. http://j.
mp/13srweQ
The Vamps
British pop boy band. Feb
5, 7pm. ¥6,000-7,000. Zepp
Tokyo. Aomi. Tel: 03-35990710. http://j.mp/vamps2015
Swans
American experimental rock
band led by singer, songwriter
and multi-instrumentalist
Michael Gira. Jan 27, 7pm.
¥6,000 (adv). Tsutaya O-East.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54584681. http://meturl.com/
swans2015
Lily Allen
English singer’s concert for her
third studio album Sheezus,
which has been praised for
its lyrical content, social
commentary and outlook. Jan
27, 7pm. ¥8,000. Toyosu Pit.
Shin-Toyosu. Tel: 03-35317888. http://meturl.com/
lilyallen2015
Shin-Kiba. http://meturl.
com/modeselektor2015
1555. http://meturl.com/
pine2015
Momoiro Clover Z
Jason Moran & The
Bandwagon
Japanese idol group known for
their energetic performances
incorporating elements of
ballet, gymnastics and action
movies. Feb 11, 3:30pm.
¥7,200. Yokohama Arena.
Shin-Yokohama. Tel:
045-474-4000. http://meturl.
com/momoclo2015
Banks
Tuck & Patti
American singer-songwriter
dubbed as an “artist to watch”
by Fox Weekly. Feb 12, 7pm.
¥6,000. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.
mp/banks2015
American jazz duo active
from 1981. Jan 21-22, 7 &
9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note
Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/
tuckpatti2015
Mötley Crüe
Brian Owens
American heavy metal band
known for their genre-bending
music and anthemic choruses.
Feb 14-15, 5pm-4pm. ¥13,00030,000. Saitama Super Arena.
Saitama-Shintoshin. http://
meturl.com/motley2014
Soul man, considered the
“second coming of Marvin
Gaye.” Jan 25, 5 & 8pm.
¥7,500. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/owens2015
Karen Souza
New Found Glory
American rock band who
emerged as part of the second
wave of pop-punk in the late
1990s. Feb 14, 6pm. ¥6,500.
Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-8750. Feb 15, 6pm.
¥6,500. Yokohama Bay Hall.
Motomachi-Chukagai. Tel:
045-624-3900. http://j.mp/
glory2015
JAZZ/WORLD
Blue Note Tokyo All-Star
Jazz Orchestra
Directed by Eric Miyashiro with
special guest Richard Bona.
Jan 9, 7pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/allstar2015
Velvet-voiced crooner and
Grammy award-winner. Feb 6,
7pm. ¥9,500-18,000. Nippon
Budokan. Kudanshita. http://
meturl.com/buble2015
Chiodos
American post-hardcore band
from Davison, Michigan. Feb 7,
6pm. ¥5,500/ ¥7,500 (meet &
greet package). Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
http://j.mp/chiodos2015
At the Gates
Swedish death metal band
with a melodic death metal
sound. Feb 9, 7pm. ¥7,000
(adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel:
03-5464-0800. http://meturl.
com/atthegates2014
Louis Hayes Jazz
Communicators
American jazz drummer Hayes’
endeavor to continue bringing
exciting musical alternatives to
audiences around the world.
Jan 9, 6:30 & 9pm; Jan 10, 5 &
8pm. ¥8,000-10,000. Cotton
Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. http://meturl.com/
hayes2015
Richard Bona
Jazz bassist and musician from
a tiny village in Cameroon,
who now makes his home in
the great cities and concert
halls of the world. Jan 10-11,
5 & 8pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/bona2015
Swans Japan Tour 2015
Infamous and mighty live
performance by experimental
rock band. Jan 27, 7pm.
¥6,000 (adv)/¥6,500 (door) w/
1d charged at door. Tsutaya
O-East. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/
swanstour2015
Slash
British-American musician and
songwriter Slash best known
as the former lead guitarist of
Guns N’ Roses, featuring Myles
Kennedy & The Conspirators.
Feb 10, 7pm. ¥8,000. Studio
Coast. Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/
slash2015
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Welsh rock band who recently
released their debut album
The Balcony. Jan 28, 7pm.
¥5,000 (adv). Daikanyama
Unit. Daikanyama. Tel:
03-5459-8630. http://meturl.
com/catfish2014
Jazz pianist and composer
Moran’s trio The Bandwagon
with special guest Alicia Hall
Moran. Jan 18, 5 & 8pm;
Jan 19-20, 7 & 9:30pm.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://j.mp/moran2015
Argentine jazz singer who
started out performing under
various pseudonyms while
providing vocal support to
various electronic music
producers. Jan 26-27, 7 &
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/souza2015
Basia
Polish singer-songwriter
known for her singular
jazz-influenced stylings and
multi-layered harmonies.
Jan 27-28, 7 & 9:30pm.
¥9,000-11,000. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. http://meturl.com/
basia2015
Chickenshack
Michael Bublé
My Name
South Korean boy band
created by Fly to the Sky
member Hwanhee. Jan 18,
5pm. ¥6,800. Yokohama Bay
Hall. Motomachi-Chukagai.
Tel: 045-624-3900. http://
meturl.com/myname2015
Tycho
Larry Harlow’s Latin
Legends of Fania
American salsa music
performer. Also featuring
Orestes Vilato and Jorge
Santana. Jan 13-16, 7 &
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/harlow2015
Gan-Ban Night Special
Featuring Modeselektor, a
German electronic music
duo consisting of Gernot
Bronsert and Sebastian
Szary. Feb 10, 11pm.
¥4,000 (adv). Studio Coast.
Courtney Pine
English jazz musician Pine,
featuring Mario Canonge. Jan
15-16, 6:30 & 9pm; Jan 17, 5
& 8pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Cotton
Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-
British blues band founded in
the mid-1960s. Jan 29, 7pm.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/
chicken2015
Larry Carlton & Steve
Lukather
Golden guitar duo playing
fusion/rock music. Jan 30, Feb
2-3, 7 & 9:30pm; Jan 31-Feb 1,
5 & 8pm. ¥12,000. Blue Note
03-5485-0088. http://meturl.
com/carlton2015
Blue Mountain Boys
Classic country western and
bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30
& 7:30pm. Free. Cafe Sepia.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-1300.
www.nagaremono.com/sepia
by Puccini and more. Jan 12,
3pm. ¥2,000-6,200. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/
comingofage2015
Strauss Festival Orchester
Wien New Year Concert
Conducted by Peter Guth with
performances of J. Strauss II’s
“The Blue Danube” and more.
Jan 14, 7pm. ¥4,000-8,500.
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
http://j.mp/strauss2015
Alexander Romanovsky
Ukrainian classical pianist who
has been invited to perform
a Mozart concerto for Pope
Benedict XVI. Jan 17, 3pm.
¥1,000-3,500. Saitama Arts
Theater. Yonohonmachi. Tel:
0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp
Hollywood Festival
Orchestra
Enjoy tunes from movie
classics such as Gone With
the Wind and The Godfather
and recent blockbuster films
such as Frozen. Jan 17, 3pm.
¥7,000-8,500. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9999. www.
bunkamura.co.jp/english
Nobuyuki Tsujii
Conducted by Vasily Petrenko
with the Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra. Jan
22, 2pm. ¥14,000-21,000.
Omiya Sonic City. Omiya. Tel:
048-647-4111. http://meturl.
com/tsujii2014
Distant Worlds: Music from
Final Fantasy
Enjoy music from Square
Enix’s best-selling video
game franchise. Jan 22-23,
7pm. ¥6,500-9,100. Tokyo
International Forum Hall A.
Yurakucho. http://meturl.
com/distantworlds2015
NHK Symphony Orchestra
Best Classics
Performance of Gershwin’s
“Rhapsody in Blue”
and Dvořák’s “Symphony No.
9: From the New World.”Jan
25, 3pm. ¥6,500-7,500.
Katsushika Symphony Hills.
Aoto. Tel: 03-5670-2222.
http://meturl.com/nhk2015
Live Image Cinema Best
Showcasing movie music
from Cinema Paradiso, Studio
Ghibli’s Tales from Earthsea
and more. Jan 26, 6:30pm.
¥6,500. Tokyo Metropolitan
Theatre. Ikebukuro. Tel:
03-5391-2111. http://meturl.
com/liveimage2015
CLASSICAL
Clubbing
Yuzuko Horigome
FRIDAY 9
Violinist who’s appeared as
a soloist with the world’s
greatest orchestras including
the London Symphony, Czech
Philharmonic and more. Jan 10,
2pm. ¥1,500-4,000. Saitama
Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi.
Tel: 0570-064-939. www.
saf.or.jp
Coming of Age Day
Concert
Enjoy highlights from Turandot
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix: DJ Ykk and
more. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Ucess the Lounge
A-1 Lounge. Lounge: DJs Killer
Tunes Broad Cast, Barch,
etc. ¥1,000. Harajuku. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
hot tickets
FEB
7
The Legend of Zelda
FEB
25
5 Seconds of Summer
Symphony Concert
Performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic
Orchestra, celebrating the release
of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s
Mask 3D. Feb 7, 6pm. ¥7,408-9,000.
Tokyo International Forum Hall A.
Yurakucho. Tel: 050-5533-0888.
Tickets on sale from Jan 10
Australian pop-rock band who went
from YouTube to stardom. Feb 25,
7pm. ¥6,000 (standing)/ ¥7,000
(reserved). Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka.
http://j.mp/fiveseconds2015
Ruby Room
Club Asia
Cd Hata. Techno: DJs Hata,
Koyas, etc. Free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings)
/ 070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
Cadissh. House, electro: DJs
Wildparty, Hyper Juice, etc.
¥3,000. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Erection. Hip-hop, bass
music: DJs Basi, Btb, etc.
¥4,000. Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-5459-8630. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Air
Bootylicious. Hip-hop: DJs
Iku, Matsunaga, etc. ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
The Room
Destination. Broken beats,
deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri,
etc. ¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
American rapper Pitbull with his
eighth studio album Globalization.
Mar 28, 1pm. ¥12,000-20,000.
Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari.
www.springroove.com/15
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-37803022 (evenings) / 070-69694816 (daytime). www.
ryburoomtokyo.com
APR
27-28
Olivia Newton-John
Australian singer who’s a four-time
Grammy Award winner. Apr 27-28,
7pm. ¥9,000-10,000. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/olivia2015
Jan 11, 3pm. ¥3,240-8,640.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-53529999. http://meturl.com/
colorofdance2015
Womb
Ucess the Lounge
Daikanyama Unit
MAR
28
Pitbull rules Springroove
Take It Eazy. All mix: DJs K27t,
Ishikawa, etc. ¥1,500 w/1d. Tel:
03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp
Womb
Endless Flight. Disco,
house: DJs Daniele Baldelli,
Jd Twitch, etc. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp
Ruby Room
Poly Musia. DJs Oguni,
Ishimori, etc. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3780-3022 (evenings) /
070-6969-4816 (daytime).
www.rubyroomtokyo.com
Tuemix. EDM, Top 40: DJs
Alpha One, Asada, etc.
(m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
WEDNESDAY 14
Womb
Wedm. EDM: DJs Hiroki,
Ikezawa, etc. (m)¥1,500, (f)
free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp
Dance to the Future:
Third Steps
Based on a project to foster
future choreographers from
members of the National Ballet
of Japan (NBJ), Dance to the
Future features contemporary
dance pieces performed by
members of the NBJ. Jan
16, 7pm; Jan 17-18, 2pm.
¥3,240-5,400. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. http://meturl.
com/dancetothefuture2015
The Room Bar. Bar style: DJs
Saitou, Koma, etc. ¥free.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
La Bayadère
SUNDAY 11
THURSDAY 15
Ucess the Lounge
Womb
Daimeiwaku. All mix: DJs
Twoaim, Itokin, etc. ¥2,000
w/1d. Tel: 03-6807-1588.
www.ucess.jp/
Pop Girls. EDM: DJs Mamicho,
Hirona, etc. (m)¥1,500, (f) free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Agepa. All mix: DJs Kaori,
Shintaro, etc. Shinkiba.
Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.
ageha.com
Lounge Neo
The Room
Swan Lake
Holidays. All mix: Various DJs.
¥2,000. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
http://loungeneo.iflyer.jp
Ryukyu Holic. Loose and hot
music: DJs Ryukyu Holic DJs.
¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Liquidroom
Air
House of Liquid. House: DJs
Jamie Xx, Nobu, etc. ¥3,000.
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800.
www.liquidroom.net
Bring It. House, disco: DJs
Idjut Boys, Felix Dickinson,
etc. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5784-3384. www.
air-tokyo.com
Performed by the Monte
Carlo Ballet Company
and choreographed by
Jean-Christophe Maillot. Feb
27, 7pm; Feb 28, 2 & 6:30pm;
Mar 1, 2pm. ¥5,000-16,000.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno.
Tel: 03-3828-2111. http://
meturl.com/montecarlo2014
Zero
Ageha
Club Asia
Perfect. House, EDM: DJs
Yamariki, Oikawa, etc. ¥2,500.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.
clubasia.co.jp
Lounge Neo
Jaguar Bass. Dubstep: DJs
Watapachi, Km, etc. ¥2,000.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://
loungeneo.iflyer.jp
SATURDAY 10
Orange. All mix: DJ Chihiro.
¥1,000. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
FRIDAY 16
Em. Nu classic: DJs Sazanami,
Cbtek, etc. ¥2,000 w/1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Club Asia
Shop. Techno, breakbeats: DJs
Dye, Onomono, etc. ¥3,000.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. www.
clubasia.co.jp
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix: DJ Ykk and
more. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
The Room
Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs
Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. ¥2,500
w/1d. Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
The Flying Dutchman
Opera inspired by the
legendary ghost ship of doom
with libretto and music by
Richard Wagner. Jan 18, 21,
25 & 31, 2pm; Jan 28, 7pm.
¥3,240-21,600. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. http://meturl.
com/dutchman2015
Pluto
Club Asia
MONDAY 12
Jumper. EDM: DJs Hikaru,
Shima, etc. (m)¥3,000, (f)free.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551.
www.clubasia.co.jp
The Room
Ucess the Lounge
Switch Over. Techno, house:
DJs Odoroyo Fish, Chigira, etc.
theroom.jp
Alleged. All mix: DJs Moa,
Ashra, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d.
Harajuku. Tel: 03-68071588. www.ucess.jp/
Womb
Womb
Zero Gravity. Electro, techno:
DJs Signal, Soramame, etc.
¥1,500 w/ 1d. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Sterne. Techno DJs: Sunahara,
Ishino, etc. ¥3,500. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
The Room
Space Jungle Luv. Rare groove,
jazz: DJs Marcy, Kanno, etc.
theroom.jp
Stage
The New Matrix Bar
The Room
Womb
Click 2 Click. House, techno:
DJ Cilck 2 Click. ¥4,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Club Asia
Sound Museum Vision
Warp. House DJs: Nakata,
Uchida, etc. (m)¥3,000,
(f)¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5728-2824. www.visiontokyo.com
An adaptation of the
international smash-hit manga
Pluto directed by Sidi Larbi
Cherkaoui. Seats with English
language captions (via iPad)
available for performances
from Jan 9-18. Jan 9-Feb 1,
various times. ¥6,000-10,500.
Bunkamura Theater Cocoon.
Shibuya. www.pluto-stage.
jp/2
The New Matrix Bar
Saturday Night Fever.
Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ
Ykk and more. ¥1,000 (after
10pm). Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
Air
Groundrhythm. House, techno:
DJs Inoue, Hikaru, etc. ¥3,000.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384.
www.air-tokyo.com
Ucess the Lounge
B. All good music: DJs Ryo,
Alamaki, etc. ¥1,000 w/ 1d.
Tel: 03-6807-1588. www.
ucess.jp
Sound Museum Vision
New Year’s Bash. DJs Darren
Emerson, Gonno, etc. ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-57282824. www.vision-tokyo.com
Ageha
Otoshidama. EDM, house:
DJs Yoji, Kazuma, etc. 0.
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com
Lounge Neo
Guess. Electro, disco: DJs
Ali&, Fujita, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d.
Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://
loungeneo.iflyer.jp
TUESDAY 13
Ruby Room
Open Mic. Open Mic. ¥1,000
JAN
15
Otariya Matsuri
Held twice a year in December and
January, New Year’s pine decorations
are burned in a big bonfire. Jan
15, 10am-7pm. Free. Utsunomiya
Futa-arayama Shrine, Utsunomiya,
Tochigi Prefecture. Utsunomiya.
Tel: 028-622-5271.
fledermaus2015
Exhibitions
ENDING SOON
Mori Junichi: Tetany
Leaving a vivid impression
with his three-faced cadaver
trinity statue during his 2011
“Trinitite” exhibition, Junichi
now presents a human-shaped
piece for the first time. Until
Jan 10, 11am. Free. Mizuma
Art Gallery. Ichigaya. Tel:
03-3793-7931. http://meturl.
com/junichi2014
The Room
Ballet that tells story of the
temple dancer Nikiya and
the warrior Solor who have
sworn eternal fidelity to one
another. Feb 17, 7pm; Feb 19,
21 & 22, 2pm. ¥3,240-10,800.
bayadere2015
Secretbox. House, disco: DJs
Dimitri from Paris, Aono, etc.
¥2,500 w/1d. Tel: 03-37979933. http://aoyama-zero.com
for free
Dance
Le Corsaire
A ballet loosely based on Lord
Byron’s poem The Corsair
by the Mikhailovsky Theatre
Ballet Company. Jan 8-9, 7pm.
¥7,000-15,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.koransha.com
Color of Dance
Choreographed by Mehmet
Balkan with one of the greatest
dancers of our time Irek
Mukhamedou and Jozef Varga.
Return to the Forbidden
Planet
A cosmic sci-fi rock‘n’roll
musical for the whole family.
Feb 6-7, 7:30pm; Feb 8,
2pm. ¥1,500 (adults)/¥500
(students). Yokohama
International School, Tanner
Auditorium. Motomachi
Chukagai. http://tiny.cc/43o4px
Operetta composed by
Johann Strauss II, with stage
production by Heinz Zednik,
a renowned tenor whose
elegant staging comes from
his thorough familiarity with
the Viennese temperament
and deep understanding of the
work. Jan 29 & Feb 6, 7pm; Feb
1, 4 & 8, 2pm. ¥4,320-23,760.
Ukiyo-e New Year’s
Exhibition
Featuring prints of Edo
landmarks and beautiful
women by Kunisada Utagawa,
Eisen Keisai and others. Until
Jan 28, 10:30am. ¥500-700.
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum
of Art. Harajuku. www.
ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp
Ferdinand Hodler: Towards
Rhythmic Images
Asaba’s Typography
Paintings by one of the
best-known Swiss artists of
the 19th century. Until Jan
12. ¥800-1,600. The National
Museum of Western Art.
Ueno. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
http://hodler.jp
Japanese art director
known for producing several
acclaimed commercials and
posters. Jan 9-31, 11am-7pm.
Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery.
Ginza. www.dnp.co.jp/
foundation/
Willem de Kooning: From
the John and Kimiko
Powers Collection
The Fab Mind: Hints of the
Future in a Shifting World
Dutch-born American artist
and one of the founders of
abstract expressionism.
Until Jan 12. ¥500-800.
Bridgestone Museum of Art.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.bridgestone-museum.
gr.jp
Millet, Barbizon and
Fontainebleau
Organized by the Museum
of Fine Arts, Boston, and
featuring Millet’s three
greatest works. Until Jan
12, 10am. ¥1,400 (adv)/
¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi
Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. http://
mimt.jp/millet
Kanhikari Art Expo 2014,
Kamakura Exhibition
Artists from Japan and
abroad gather in Japanese
temples. Until Jan 14, 8:30am.
¥300. Kenchoji Temple.
Kita-Kamakura. http://
kanhikari.com
Tokyo Experimental
Festival Sound Installation
As part of the TEF, which
introduces experimental
performances and exhibitions
focusing on music and sound,
artists Ami Yamasaki, Shun
Owada and Muku Kobayashi
redesign time and space both
visually and acoustically.
Until Jan 18, 11am. Free.
Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo.
Ochanomizu. Tel: 03-56895331. http://meturl.com/hongo
ONGOING
Attack on Titan
Die Fledermaus (“The Bat”)
government overseas study
program for artists, with a
wide range of works from
paintings, engravings,
photography and pottery
to casting, animation and
installation. Until Jan 25,
10am. ¥500-1,000. The
National Art Center, Tokyo.
Nogizaka. domani-ten.com/
Featuring the Japanese manga
series by Hajime Isayama,
with real-scale Titans and a
360-degree experience of
Isayama’s world. Until Jan 25,
10am. ¥1,000-2,000. Ueno
Royal Museum. Ueno. www.
kyojinten.jp
17th Domani: The Art of
Tomorrow
In support of the Japanese
Focuses on the aspirations
and activities of those
who seek to understand
and resolve social issues
through design. Until Feb 1,
11am. ¥500-1,000. 21_21
Design Sight. Nogizaka.
Tel: 03-3475-2121.
www.2121designsight.jp
Yoshimasa Tsuchiya
Sculptor who uses
traditional Buddhist sculpting
techniques to create mystical
sculptures of animals and
plants. Jan 9-Feb 7, 11am-7pm.
Free. Megumi Ogita Gallery.
Ginza. Tel: 03-32483405. http://meturl.com/
tsuchiya2015
Modern Craft Art Japan:
Beauty of Masterpieces
from the Museum
Collection
Explore the history of
Japanese craft art from the
Meiji era to the present day.
Until Feb 15, 10am. ¥70-210.
Craft Gallery, The National
Museum of Modern Art.
Takebashi. Tel: 03-57778600. www.momat.go.jp/
Monogatari-e Illustrated
Narrative Painting: Words
and Forms
Featuring Monogatari-e,
a term given to the art of
painting which selected and
illustrated symbolic scenes
and episodes in Buddhist
stories and classical tales,
the exhibition examines the
close relationship between its
form and words. Jan 10-Feb
15, 10am-5pm. ¥700-1,000.
Idemitsu Museum of Arts.
Tokyo. www.idemitsu.co.jp/
museum
Animal Worship
Showcasing paintings
and crafts of sheep and
other animals, including
the Double-Ram Zun from
the British Museum. Jan
10-Feb 22, 10am-5pm.
¥1,000-1,200. Nezu Museum.
Omotesando. http://meturl.
com/animal2015
25
Hikari Exhibition
Featuring the relationship
between light and space, the
earth and humans, showcasing
the beautiful world of light.
Until Feb 22, 9am. ¥600-1,600.
National Museum of Nature
and Science. Ueno. Tel:
03-3822-0111. http://hikari.
exhn.jp
Yoshihide Otomo: Between
Music and Art
Otomo is active as a musician
in a broad range of musical
fields from improvised
to popular, and works on
soundtracks for cinema and
TV among many other things.
The exhibition focuses on the
dissimilarities between the
originally different disciplines
of music and art, with the
aim to define what exists
“between” these two systems.
Until Feb 22, 11am. ¥500. NTT
Intercommunication Center.
Hatsudai. http://meturl.com/
otomo2014
14-Mar 15, 9:30am-5pm.
¥410-620. Tokyo National
Museum. Ueno. http://
meturl.com/greattsunami2015
Gallery, The National Museum
of Modern Art. Takebashi.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://
meturl.com/nakamura2015
Jules Pascin
Guercino
Displaying Pascin’s best-known
later works such as his nude oil
paintings in mother-of-pearl
tones, as well as his early
sketches and watercolors
and experiments in printing,
Fauvism and Expressionism.
Jan 17-Mar 29, 10am-6pm.
¥500-1,000. Shiodome
Museum. Shimbashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/pascin2015
Italian Baroque painter whose
many drawings are noted for
their luminosity and lively style.
Mar 3-May 31, 9:30am-5:30pm.
¥600-1,300 (adv)/ ¥800-1,500
(door). The National Museum
of Western Art. Ueno. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.tbs.co.jp/
guercino2015
Swiss Design
Showcasing the distinct
sophistication and quality of
Swiss design that sets the
country apart in functionality,
tradition, engineering and
hands-on craftsmanship. Jan
17-Mar 29, 11am-7pm. ¥1,0001,200. Tokyo Opera City Art
Gallery. Hatsudai. http://
meturl.com/swissdesign2015
Shake! Art Exhibition
Digital art produced
by TeamLab, an “Ultra
Technologist” organization
that merges science,
technology, art and design,
with an interactive Future Park.
Until Mar 1, 10am. ¥900-1,800.
Miraikan. Telecom Center
station. Tel: 03-3570-9151.
http://odoru.team-lab.net
Masterpieces of Buddhist
Sculpture from Northern
Japan
Narahara Ikko: Domains
Fantaisie Merveilleuse
One of the leading
photographers of post-war
Japan. Domains focuses on
human beings in a monastery in
Hokkaido and a female prison
in Wakayama, both isolated
from the external world. Until
Mar 1, 10am. ¥130-430. The
National Museum of Modern
Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/ikko2014
Introducing the richly
imaginative, but relatively
unknown, Art Deco world by
focusing on 80 works shown
for the first time in Japan.
Jan 17-Apr 7, 10am-6pm.
¥480-960 (adv)/ ¥600-1,200
(door). Tokyo Metropolitan
Teien Art Museum. Meguro.
Tel: 03-3443-0201. www.
teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en/
Ninnami Dohachi: An
Observant and Brilliant
Potter
Introducing Dohachi, a potter
particularly admired as a
master of Japanese-style
kyoyaki, or Kyoto ceramics,
and his oeuvre through a
large number of his works,
including matcha and sencha
teawares and tableware for
serving kaiseki cuisine. Until
Mar 1, 10am. ¥800-1,100 (adv)/
¥1,000-1,300 (door). Suntory
Museum of Art. Roppongi.
www.suntory.com/sma
Explore! Experience! EdoTokyo
Explore the cultural and artistic
history of the flourishing
capital. Until Mar 8, 9:30am.
¥120-240 (adv)/ ¥150-300
(door). Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36269974. http://meturl.com/
edotokyomuseum
M
for entio
FR n M
EE
e
AD trop
MI oli
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ION
Katagaki no Nai Jinsei
Showcasing works by the late
calligrapher and poet Mitsuo
Aida in honor of the 90th
anniversary since his birth.
Until Mar 8, 10am. ¥200-800.
Mitsuo Aida Museum.
Yurakucho. Tel: 03-62123200. http://meturl.com/mitsuo
Showcasing Buddhist sculptures
from Michinoku famous for
their powerful expressions.
Jan 14-Apr 5, 9:30am-5pm.
¥400-1,000. Tokyo National
Museum. Ueno. http://
michinoku2015.jp
UPCOMING
Best of the Best
The last exhibition before the
museum closes for renovation
on May 18, showcasing
160 works of modern and
contemporary Western art.
Jan 31-May 17, 10am-6pm.
¥500-800. Bridgestone
Museum of Art. Tokyo. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.
com/bestofthebest2015
Yoshitoshi and Kunichika:
Beauties of Modern Age
Showcasing works by the
two leading Ukiyo-e artists
of the Meiji period. Feb 1-25,
10:30am-5:30pm. ¥500-700.
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum
of Art. Harajuku. http://
meturl.com/ukiyoe
Intimate Impressionism
from the National Gallery
of Art, Washington
Works by Renoir, Manet, Monet
and others chosen by Ailsa
Mellon, daughter of Andrew
Mellon, founder of the National
Art Gallery. Feb 7-May 24,
10am-6pm. ¥1,400 (adv)/
¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi
Ichigokan Museum. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. http://
mimt.jp/english
Louvre Museum
THE RACE IS ON!
Groups of 4 or more can
compete with each other
Admission
1 ticket (7 min)=¥2100, 3 tix=¥5200, 5 tix=¥7800
¥47,000
26
The Great Tsunami of
March 11, 2011 and the
Restoration of Cultural
Properties
After the Great East Japan
Earthquake, the Tokyo
National Museum cooperated
with institutions including the
Rikuzentakata City Museum
and the Iwate Prefectural
Museum to restore damaged
cultural properties. The
exhibition shares the results of
four years of effort and informs
visitors of the restoration
project’s current status. Jan
With works by Vermeer,
Rembrandt and others.
Feb 21-Jun 1, 10am-6pm.
¥800-1,600. The National Art
Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka.
www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/
english
JFK: His Life and Legacy
Explore John F. Kennedy’s life
from his early days, his road to
becoming the U.S. President
and and his relationship
with Japan. Mar 6-May 10,
10am-5:30pm. Free. National
Archives of Japan. Takebashi.
Tel: 03-3214-0621. www.
archives.go.jp
Mono-ha: Works on Paper
Showcasing drawings by
artists Jiro Takamatsu, Nobuo
Sekine and others. Mar
7-Apr 11, 11am-7pm. Tokyo
Gallery + BTAP. Shinbashi.
Tel: 03-3571-1808. www.
tokyo-gallery.com/en
Indian Buddhist Art from
Indian Museum, Kolkata
The oldest general museum
in Asia, the Indian Museum in
Kolkata, founded in 1814, is
providing some 80 precious
works of Indian Buddhist art
for display in Japan, where
you can explore the history
of Buddhist art in India, the
birthplace of Buddhism. Mar
17-May 17, 9:30am-5pm.
¥600-1,200 (adv)/ ¥800-1,400
(door). Tokyo National Museum.
Ueno. http://meturl.com/
indianmuseum2015
Celebrating Two
Contemporary Geniuses:
Jakuchu and Buson
Celebrating 300 years since the
birth of Japanese painter Ito
Jakuchu and poet and painter
Yosa Buson. Mar 18-May 10,
10am-6pm. ¥800-1,100 (adv)/
¥1,000-1,300 (door). Suntory
Museum of Art. Roppongi.
http://suntory.jp/SMA
Money and Beauty:
Bankers, Botticelli and the
Bonfire of the Vanities
Explores Florence’s rise as a
financial capital, which lead
to the rise of the Renaissance.
Mar 21-Jun 28, 10am-7pm.
¥500-1,300 (adv)/ ¥700-1,500
(door). Bunkamura: The
Museum. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://
botticelli2015.jp
Sports
PRO WRESTLING
JWP
●●Jan 11, 1pm, ¥4,000-6,000.
Hana-yashiki. Asakusa. Tel:
03-3842-8780.
●●Jan 18, 1pm, ¥3,000-5,000.
Itabashi Green Hall. Oyama.
Tel: 03-3579-2222.
Noah
●●Jan 10, 6:30pm, ¥5,0007,000. Korakuen Hall.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.
●●Jan 12, 5pm, ¥5,000-7,000.
Yokohama Radiant Hall.
Kannai. Tel: 045-261-6666.
RUGBY
Nakamura Minato’s
Jewelry: Square, Globe,
Line, Plane
Toshiba Brave Lupus vs.
NTT Communications
ShiningArcs
Showcasing Minato’s uniquely
attractive jewelry that has
a distinct contrast to the body
when worn. Feb 24-Apr 19,
10am-5pm. ¥70-210. Craft
Jan 11, 11:40am. ¥2,0503,600. Chichibunomiya Rugby
Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel:
03-3401-3881. http://jrfu.
org/jrfu
JAN 21-26, 2015
Canon Eagles vs. Kobe
Steel Kobelco Steelers
Jan 11, 2pm. ¥2,050-3,600.
Chichibunomiya Rugby
Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel:
03-3401-3881. http://jrfu.org/
http://jrfu/index.php
SUMO
plants and more. Jan 15-16,
9am-8pm. Setagaya
Boro-Ichi Grounds. Tel:
03-3429-1829. http://meturl.
com/boroichi
Iidabashi Ramla Market
Every first and third Sun,
10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla.
Iidabashi.
Sumo Grand Tournament
Jan 11-25, 8am-6pm. ¥2,20014,800 (per person); ¥31,00037,200 (family boxes). Ryogoku
Kokugikan. Ryogoku. Tel:
03-3623-5111. http://meturl.
com/sumogrand
Festivals
TRADITIONAL
Umi no Koen Flea Market
Every third Sun, 10am-4pm,
Umi no Koen. UminokoenShibaguchi. rinpodan@
umino-kouen.net Tel: 03-32266800.
Fukuju-no-mai Dance
Seven deities of good fortune
dance for Setsubun. Feb 3,
2:30-5:15pm. Free. Sensoji.
Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181.
www.e-asakusa.jp
Ukera Shinto Ritual
Various setsubun rituals,
including a Q&A with demons.
Feb 3, evening. Free. Gojo
Tenjinja Shrine. Ueno. www.
gojotenjinja.jp
Jindaiji Temple Daruma
Doll Fair
Roughly 300 stalls selling
mostly daruma, as well as
various rituals. Mar 3-4,
9am-5pm. Free. Jindaiji.
Mitaka. Tel: 042-486-5511.
www.jindaiji.or.jp
Fire-Walking Festival
Yamabushi monks walk
across hot coals. Participation
open to visitors. Mar 8, 1pm.
Free. Takao-san Yakuo-in.
Takaosan-guchi. http://
meturl.com/takaosan
Asakusa Kannon Jigen-e
A celebration of the beginning
of Sensoji Temple. Mar 18,
6am-5pm. Free. Sensoji.
Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181.
www.senso-ji.jp
Forums &
Expos
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,
Tokyo International Forum Hall
C. Yurakucho. Tel: 03-32266800.
Hanazono Shrine Market
Every Sun, 8am-4pm,
Hanazono Shrine. Shinjukusanchome. Tel: 03-3200-3093.
Monster Hunter Festa
Calling all fans of the “Monster
Hunter” video games, with
official “Monster Hunter”
competitions, stage events
and merchandise. Jan 18,
10am-5pm. Free. Makuhari
Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari.
http://meturl.com/monsterfesta
Camera & Photo Imaging
Show
Showcasing the technology,
culture and industry of cameras
and photo imaging. Feb 12-15,
12-5pm. ¥1,500. Pacifico
Yokohama. Minatomirai.
www.cpplus.jp/en/
Bazaars &
Markets
Setagaya Boro-ichi
Roughly 700 venders selling
food, accessories, toys,
Learning
Farm-fresh veg from the north.
Every Sat, 7-9am, Roppongi
Hills East Court. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6406-5285.
Nogi Shrine Market
Every second Sun, 5:30am3pm, Nogi Shrine. 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.
Yurakucho. Tel: 03-5805-1093.
Aoyama Marché
Organic farmers market. Every
weekend, United Nations
University. Omotesando. Tel:
03-3456-0960.
Yasukuni Shrine Antique
Market
Every Sun, sunrise-sunset,
Yasukuni Shrine. Kudanshita.
Tel: 03-3261-8326.
Fudaten Jinja Market
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,
Fudaten Jinja. Chofu. Tel:
04-2489-0022.
Shinjuku Central Park
Market
Local produce stalls, live
performances and more. Every
Sat, 10am-4pm, Shinjuku
Central Park. Tochōmae. Tel:
03-2504-2128. http://meturl.
com/shinjukuparkmarket
Yebisu Marché
Organic fruits and vegetables.
Every first and third Sun,
11am-5pm, Ebisu Garden
Place. Ebisu. www.facebook.
com/YEBISUMarche
Comedy
Standup Comedy Night
All standup show, featuring
comedians with a variety
of styles performing in
English. Jan 15, 9pm. Free.
The Hobgoblin. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-6415-4244. www.
tokyocomedy.com
New Material Night
Standup, improv and trying out
new stuff. Jan 20, 8pm. Free.
Double Tall Cafe. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5467-4567. www.
tokyocomedy.com
TELL Lifeline Training
Phone Counselor Training
Program available both
online and now a new flexible
in-classroom schedule. Starts
Feb 21. For more info, contact
Mica Henderson at training@
telljp.com
Seminar on Real Estate in
Japan and Related Tax
English seminar with Japanese
real estate expert. Jan 16,
7pm-8:30pm. ¥2,000. GS
Chiyoda Building. http://meturl.
com/gsseminar
Burgundy Wine Seminar
Learn about Burgundy wines
while enjoying a French-style
dinner. Jan 31, 7pm-10:30pm.
¥11,980 plus tax (adv). Stellato.
Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. http://meturl.com/
monthlywine
Multicultural Cafe 2014:
Let’s Make Fillings of
Monaka
Making wagashi—Japanese
sweets—while exchanging
culture. Until Jan 31, various
times. ¥1,000 (one time).
Shinjuku Bunka Center.
Higashi-Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3350-1141. http://meturl.
com/multicultural2014
Other Events
Japan Idol Festival
With Links, Chu-Z, Ultra Girl
and more. Jan 25, 3pm.
¥4,500. Shinjuku Blaze.
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5155-5990.
www.kyodotokyo.com/JIF
Japan Idol Festival
With Links, Chu-Z, Ultra Girl
and more. Jan 25, 3pm.
¥4,500. Shinjuku Blaze.
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5155-5990.
www.kyodotokyo.com/JIF
Jewellumination
Produced by famed lighting
designer Motoko Ishii, enjoy
three million colorful LEDs
set up throughout the vast
park. Until Feb 15, 4-8:30pm.
¥500-1,000. Yomiuri Land.
Yomiuri Land. Tel: 044-9661111. www.yomiuriland.com/
jewellumination
Art Rink
Ice skate while enjoying art.
Until Feb 22, sunset until
10pm. ¥500; skate rentals
¥500. Yokohama Red Brick
Warehouse. Minatomirai.
Tel: 045-211-1515. www.
yokohama-akarenga.jp
Community
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm. Free.
The Pink Cow. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6434-5773. www.
thepinkcow.com
ADVERTORIAL
THE 58TH TOKYO
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS FAIR
Craftsmanship carried on
from the Edo period
FEB 21
Ibaraki-ichi
Antique Jamboree
The largest antique event in
Japan with a vast variety of
items with different tastes and
styles including Japanese,
European and American
antiques as well as collectible
toys. Jan 9-11, 10am-5pm.
¥800 (adv)/ ¥1,000(door).
Tokyo Big Sight. KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. http://meturl.
com/antique
Meet fellow knitters,
crocheters and sewers to talk,
share ideas, eat, drink and
create. Every first and third
Tue, 7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt.
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/
TokyoStitchandBitch
Best Flea Market
Hatsu Fudo
Lively daruma doll fair with
vendors from throughout
Kanto. Jan 28. Free.
Takahatafudoson Kongoji
Temple. Takahatafudo. www.
takahatafudoson.or.jp
Stitch-n-Bitch
MORE LISTINGS
ONLINE → HTTP://
METURL.COM/
LISTINGS
W
hile Tokyo stands as
one of the world’s most
modern metropolises, it’s
also home to a wealth of
traditional crafts that have been passed
down since the Edo period—many of
which still thrive today.
Over six days in January, the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government will celebrate
these traditional techniques at the 58th
Tokyo Traditional Crafts Fair. Starting
January 21, the 11th floor exhibition hall of
Shinjuku Takashimaya will be filled with
the skills that have for centuries formed
the foundation of Tokyo heritage, as
many as 44 of them designated Tokyo
Traditional Objects of Industrial Arts.
Visitors will not only be able to
make purchases and watch skilled
craftspeople ply their trades, but will
even have chances to try their hand
at making traditional Tokyo crafts
themselves. Techniques on display will
include everything from woven silk and
hand-painted kimono to ornamental
samurai armor and hand-forged
scissors and knives. You can find handpainted lanterns and patterned paper
for Japanese sliding doors, classical
wooden cabinets and woodblock prints,
or even get your hands on a hand-made
shamisen or koto. It’s a rare opportunity
to touch a piece of living history—right in
the heart of an ultramodern city.
EDO TEGAKI
CHOCHIN
FESTIVE PAPER
LANTERNS
Chochin paper
lanterns are a
staple of traditional
Japanese
imagery—but they
also illuminate
the rich history of
the nation's arts.
Characteristically
created as a collapsible
lantern with a spiral bamboo frame
and washi paper covering, and handpainted with family crests and kanji
lettering, the chochin is often present at
festive events—while the red variations
typically mark the entrance to izakaya.
The lamp’s history traces back
to the Bunki era (1501-1504) of the
Muromachi period (1337-1573), when the
kago-chochin (lanterns within bamboo
baskets) used at the time served as
the prototype for the conventional
chochin. The initial design evolved into
a collapsible lantern during the Tenbun
era (1532-1555) and later adopted a
skeleton using split-bamboo hoops,
with the chochin becoming a wellestablished luminary device by the Edo
period (1603-1868).
EDO MOKU-CHŌKOKU
WOOD SCULPTURES
The art of wood
carving, or
moku-chōkoku,
is said to have
begun at the
same time
Buddhism was
introduced to
Japan around the sixth century. Buildings
and spiritual establishments were
embellished with carvings of Buddhist
iconography, which appealed to the
senses of the aristocracy.
By the Edo period (1603-1868), the
trade had evolved: In compliance with
the delicacy and simplicity of the Zen
Buddhism aesthetic, wood carvings had
moved away from statuesque imagery and
more into the abstract and decorative. As
Japan westernized in the Meiji era (18681912), so did the architectural style and,
consequently, the carvings.
To produce a three-dimensional
sculpture, the design is first drawn directly
on all four working surfaces—and the
quality of the finished work is as much
dependent on these sketches as on the
craftsperson’s carving skills. Constructed
in the early Showa era, the Diet Building
incorporates masterpieces of sculpting
that were executed by a team of 300
craftsmen over a period of more than
three years.
TOKYO BUTSUDAN
BUDDHIST ALTARS
In Japan, spiritual households are often
equipped with butsudan, or Buddhist
altars. These altars are typically wooden
cabinets that serve to display statues of
Buddha during religious practices and
rituals, keeping the icon enclosed and
protected at other times. The miniature
shrines are also believed to be the center
of spiritual activity within the home,
generally used to communicate with and
pray for ancestors.
The prominence of the butsudan
dates back to the arrival of Buddhism in
Japan in the mid-sixth century, although it
wasn't until the Genroku era (1688-1704)
that the altars began to be manufactured
in large quantities as the Tokugawa
shogunate encouraged the strengthening
and protection of Buddhism.
Butsudan are typically constructed
without the use of nails, employing
instead various joinery techniques. The
altars are engraved
with images
and refined
with natural
lacquer,
which is then
polished to a
gloss.
The 58th Tokyo Traditional Crafts Fair
Shinjuku Takashimaya Store 11F, 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku. Jan 21-22 & 25
10am-8pm, Jan 23-24 10am-8:30pm, Jan 26 10am-6pm. Shinjuku or Yoyogi.
27
Metropolis and its
subsequent Classifieds
section are printed every
other week. The upcoming
publication dates and
corresponding deadlines
for print are as follows. This
does not affect the online
Classifieds, where ads are
visible immediately after
they are approved.
FRI, JAN 23 ISSUE
Deadline: Jan 15, 3pm
FRI, FEB 6 ISSUE
Deadline: Jan 29, 3pm
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 HEALTH
I N N E R
BALANCE.
Tr a d i t i o n a l
oriental
treatment of
acupuncture
a
n
d
moxibustion.
Also body
massage
a n d r e f l e xo l o g y. M o b i l e
ser v ice to your home or
of f ice. Email Takahito at
innerbalance123@gmail.com
or see http://tmasuda.wix.
com/inner-balance.
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH
COVE R AG E FOR E XPATS,
D I PLO M AT S , TE AC H E R S .
Inpatient and outpatient
care, emergencies, surgery,
meds, checkups, dental, lab
tests, MRI and more. Thirtyday money-back guarantee.
Quick, easy application;
convenient payment
options. Enroll today!
info@e ar thhe althcare.jp
w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp
078-351-7300
ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC
in Toranomon Hills offers a
wide range of preventive,
correc tive and cosmetic
dentistry. Superior service
focused on customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. Modern
dentistry at its best. www.
rmdcc.com/english/
0120-648-071
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy)
care
in
Hiroo.
Native English -speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
p o s t - o p e r a t i v e
rehabilitation, back/neck
pain, running related,
headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations
and women’s health.
w w w.tokyophysio.com
03-3443-6769
T H I N K I N G A B O U T
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS? Platinum
28
¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver
¥21,600. Prices include one
photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo
+ ¥ 20 0 0). P r i ce s a r e f o r 4 0
wo r d s , o n e p rin t i s s u e, t wo
weeks online. For details,
v i s i t t h e To k y o C l a s s i f i e d s
blog—http://metropolis.co.jp/
classifiedblog—or email us at
commercial@metropolisjapan.
com.
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
CU R LY H A I R S PE C I A LI S T
IN TOK YO. Englishsp e aking K iyoko, highly
experienced in NY’s
cu rly h a i r s a lo n s , t a ke s
care of curly hair at her
salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu.
R e s e r v a t i o n s : 0 3 -3 7 93 2357 or info@nepenji.net
http://english.nepenji.net/
index_en.html
MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN
ROPPONGI WELCOMES
FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get
your haircu t right . H aircu t s
¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a v e ¥ 5 8 0 0.
Kids’ haircuts ¥4000¥ 4 4 0 0. F i r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t
¥ 1 0 0 0 . h t t p : //o a z o . b i z / t o p
0 3 - 5 5 4 5 - 7 7 9 7 o a z o7 7 9 7 @
yahoo.co.jp
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT
N I P PA S H I O F F I C E s u p p o r t s
visa and naturalization
applications, company
establishment and branch
off ice installation, including
commercial regis tration, as
well as inheritance procedures
in Jap an. Fre e co n sul t at io n
available in English, Español
and Japanese. Tel: 03-6264 8446 np@nippashi.com http://
nippashi.com
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists
in branding, web design, photo/
v i d e o p ro d u c t i o n . D r a w ing A
Crowd: a new approach in design.
Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.
co
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
FURNITURE RENTAL. Create
customized furnished
apartments with our
furniture rental ser vice.
Furniture packages
arranged by our qualified
interior designers to
accommodate various
sizes and styles. We also
of fer ap ar tment leasing
consultation. Please call
0120-957-520. www.smartrental-tokyo.com
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
ICHII CORPORATION.
Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in
central Tokyo locations. No
key money/guarantor/agent
f e e r e q u i r e d . N e w, c l e a n
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today! 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
handles your visa case.
Permanent residency,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).
Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 70
Email: mailto@officelife.jp
Website: http://officelife.
jp/en/
CREA-UN UENO. Furnished
private rooms, w/digital locks,
near Asakusa, Ueno, Skytree.
S a f e a r e a , f e m a l e - o n l y,
rooftop garden w/nice view,
BBQ space, free bicycle. From
¥56,000/m. Utilities included.
No key money/guarantor.
crea-un.sakura@ko-bo.com
http://w w w.sakura-ko-bo.
com 03-6912-0692
Danish, German, Japanese. Hej
and ‘N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes
and G ermans to hel p her wit h
l a n g u a g e s i n To k y o / Ka n a g a w a
through fun conver sations over
cups of coffee or just hanging out.
Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s.
codename107113@live.com
English and Japanese. Hi, I’m a
Japanese female, 25, seeking a
native English-speaking language
exchange partner in Ikebukuro for
Sun afternoon. F/M ok. I can teach J.
misameetup55555@hotmail.com
English and Japanese. JF, late
30s, seeking a language exchange
partner who can study together in
Tokyo or Saitama. I use E at work and
am studying at a school, too. I can
help your Japanese. purpleiris0414@
gmail.com
PRIVATE FURNISHED
A P A R T M E N T S .
O d a k y u l i n e: M u ko g a o ka Yu e n / Yo m i u r i - L a n d - M a e ,
20/30min from Shinjuku.
Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,
15min from Shinagawa. 1K~2LDK
¥58,000/m~¥120,000/m. Tel:
0 4 4 - 9 3 3 -7 0 0 0 E m a i l : m h @
minowagroup.jp www.
minowagroup.jp/minowahomes
English and Japanese. Seeking a
female native English speaker around
Narita. I need to speak English at work.
It would be my pleasure to help your
Japanese improve. luvinusarah@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. 毎日日本
語勉強してるけどまだぜんぜん上
手じゃないね .どうすればいい？
僕は U K 男です。 s u m m e r f u n k @
googlemail.com
English and Japanese. I’ll teach you
E in exchange for J. Let’s have fun while
studying. smartguy@i.softbank.jp
SERVICED APARTMENTS in
a quiet residential area of
Hiroo. Studios and suites.
4min from Hiroo stn. Rates:
Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/
day. Monthly ¥5700-/day.
Over three months ¥5130-/
day. Tax, utilities included.
frontdesk@azabucourt.
com www.azabucourt.com
0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0
2.4 HOUSE SHARE
P R I VAT E A PA R T M E N T I N
YOKOHAMA, Sotetsu line, 22min
from Yokohama stn, one room w/
loft, kitchen and unit bathroom
¥44,000/m. Direct rental by owner.
robhoey.c17@gmail.com
2.5 PLACE WANTED
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI
(nex t to Tokyo), member
o f t h e Yo k o h a m a B a r
Association. Legal
service in English for
traffic accidents, divorce,
inheritance, bankruptcy,
business cases (contracts,
establishing a company,
trademarks, etc.) and other
legal problems.Email:
web@smk w.biz w w w.
sumikawa.net/
3 EDUCATION
Seeking photo studio space in central
Tokyo, 30-50sqm, with high ceiling.
Old, garage-style and/or shared
space ok. First floor preferred. info@
marcalbertphoto.com
To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s
No.1 English magazine, log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email
your commercial ads to commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
English and Japanese. I’m a JF,
31, seeking someone who can do a
language exchange with me. I’ll talk
to you in E and you’ll talk to me in J
over coffee or a drink. happeaceke@
gmail.com
English and Japanese. Hello, I’m an
Englishman, 35. I work as a computer
engineer. I’m trying to learn J, but it’s
so difficult. If you can help me with my
Japanese, I can help you with English.
jemwed@gmail.com
Engl ish and Jap anese. G ro up
language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.
Most members are 20s and 30s. We
switch languages every 30min. Fun
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.
andy@gmail.com
E n g l i s h , S p a n i s h , J a p a n e s e,
Mandarin. Hey, all. American guy
living in Japan for eight years seeking
friends to chat and hang with. I’m
a native English speaker, but also
learning Mand, Sp and (always)
business J. xiongjia@hotmail.com
French and Japanese. Fr and J
exchange in Otemachi. winds_fr@
hotmail.com
French and Japanese. Hi, I am a
French guy seeking language exchange
friends, 20-47. I speak Fr and E, and
am currently learning J. I’m someone
reserved in general. I want to meet new
people. brd.j111@aol.com
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL
2.8 RESORT ACCOMMODATION
3.9 TEACH ME!
Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter
dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg
taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere!
Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF,
30s, ikke-ryger. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp
Japanese in central Tokyo. こんに
ちは. I’d like to study seriously. Mon,
Wed and Thu mornings around 9:30am
in central Tokyo. Please let me know
how much you charge for one hour. よ
ろしく。 allonhodes@gmail.com
Teach me English in exchange for
karate. Do you want to learn real
karate? I can teach you one of the
major styles of traditional Japanese
karate. We can exchange for your
English lesson. tsuneokobayashi@
hotmail.com
Thai teacher wanted. Sawasdee krup?
Seeking a patient conversational Thai
instructor. Around the Shinjuku area
preferred. I’m a beginner. likeme4u@
hotmail.com
Wine teacher in Tokyo. Teach
me about French wine in Tokyo on
weekends. Prefer a native teacher
with teaching experience and a wine
qualification. Will pay for your time.
frenchwinetasting@hotmail.com
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Bed, FranceBed, double
(L2 16xW 140xH26), w/drawers,
mattress, in good condition ¥40,000.
Delivery included. bed-sale@
bulbouscell.com
Drawer set, antique, five-drawer
(L30xW24xH36cm), kiri wood, used to
keep papers with a key and lock, but no
key ¥7000. Pick up only Omotesando.
mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp
4.2 APPLIANCES
Deep fryer, Tefal, home-use, new
in box, safety features ¥2000/obo.
tripeler@yahoo.com
Fridge/warmer, Twinbird HR-4707,
micro-sized, holds six regular cans,
rounded retro look, new in box ¥1500.
tripeler@yahoo.com
Microwave, CMO-551W, 500W, turntable plate is missing, still works
¥400. Pick up Aoto stn. heyuyuhei@
gmail.com
Washer/dryer, Sh ar p E S -TG 8 1G
(58.5x61x98.5cm), washes 8kg, dries
4.5kg, five y/o, as new, w/new net
¥8000. Arrange delivery yourself.
psychomat@hotmail.com
Vacuum, AIM-R0B01, white, new
¥ 3000. Pick up Shimokitazawa.
aminimia@yahoo.com
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
3D TV 42”, Toshiba Regza ZP3, one
y/o, w/four pairs of 3D glasses, TV
stand ¥50,000. chosensha@gmail.com
0906308945
Flatscreen TV 19”, Toshiba 19AC2,
black, HDMI- compatible, hardly
used, w/remote ¥ 7000. Pick up
Takanawadai stn. dcrystal77@yahoo.
com 090-9140-2067
LCD TV 37”, Orion, two available, used
three or four years, no scratches on
screens, in good condition, no stands, w/
half of a wall-mount bracket attached,
remote, B-CAS card ¥15,000. AzabuJuban/Roppongi area. pukaloca@
gmail.com
4.6 FOR KIDS
KANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE.
Brand-new furnished share
rooms, separate male and
female floors, all rooms w/
digital locks, aircon, fridge,
1min walk from Kanamachi
stn, Chiyoda line ¥40,000/m.
room@airay-apartment.net
03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net
INN BY THE SEA
KAMAKURA, a 4min walk
from Hase stn, offers childfriendly accommodation near
the Daibutsu, Hase Temple,
Yuigahama Beach and many
other Kamakura landmarks.
Find us on Facebook at
I n n B yT h e S e a Ka m a k u r a .
innbytheseakamakura.com
innbythesea@yahoo.com
IKEBANA (JAPANESE
TRADITIONAL FLORAL
ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful
means of self-expression. Trial
lesson, including all materials
¥4000. No Japanese necessary.
Certification, diploma can
be earned. Three classroom
locations in Tok yo. Website:
www.atelier-soka.com/english/
index.html Email: smile@mikaotani.com
Bath chair, Aprica, w/reclining back,
for babies, in very good condition,
hardly used, folds for easy storage
¥3000. Pick up Nishi-Kasai. shelly_
gupta@mail.com
Car seat, Aprica ¥5000. Pick up
Komazawa Park. star@moon8sun.com
Footwear. Boots: cream, size 21cm;
red, size 15cm. Rain boots: blue, size
17cm; yellow, 20cm. Summer shoes.
All ¥100-¥300. Pick up or chakubarai.
Photo available. housetsu@gmail.com
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
4.7 FOR FREE
Tire chain, non-steel, used twice, size
175-60-R15, w/case and tool, best for
Nissan Cube, etc. Pick up JR Chigasaki or
Hiratsuka stn. runway1735@yahoo.co.jp
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
Road bike, small, 26” tubular tires,
for small rider (145-165cm), 12-speed,
bar-end shifters, needs new paint job.
New ¥110,000. Sell ¥10,000. tripeler@
yahoo.com 080-6581-4724
Trainer, remove front wheel and attach
bike to ride in stationary position ¥5000/
obo. tripeler@yahoo.com
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHONES
Smartphone, Samsung Galaxy s3,
DoCoMo, blue, in excellent condition, can
be unlocked ¥18,000. robinafaisal2010@
yahoo.co.jp 09099697842
Camera drone, DJI Phantom
2 a n d Z e n m u s e H 3 -3 D,
never opened, w/firstflight guarantee ¥92,000.
cafecontigo@hotmail.com
DSLR, Sony @57 SLT-A57K, one charger
BC-VM10A, w/recharger battery, DT
18-55mm lens, USB cable, shoulder
trap, J/menu, no scratches, almost new
¥30,000. saiduz@gmail.com
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Exercise bike, Life Fitness 95Ri, as
new. New ¥350,000. Sell ¥90,000.
raymondspencer@hotmail.com
080-4736-2647
Ski wear set: pants, coat, goggles,
suitable for around 170-180cm ¥5000.
yannu@hotmail.com
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Ink cartridges, Canon Inkjet 310/311.
kinlay3000@gmail.com
Laptop, Dell E4300 notebook, 2.4GHz
Core 2 Duo P9400, 4GB, 80GB HD, E/
keyboard and Win 7 Pro 64 ¥15,000.
masui41@live.com
10.2 SUPPORT
Guitar pack, brand new, top brands:
folding guitar stand, black, durable
but light; guitar neck hanging holder,
attaches to wall; chromatic guitar
tuner; mini amp ¥1800/all. Photos
available. blue_sky20@outlook.com
5.5 GAMING
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.
One year (24 issues) ¥3600
(corporate subscribers, 7-100
copies ok ¥22,560). Half year
(12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate
subscribers, 7-100 copies ok
¥12,000). Bank transfer or
credit card (Visa, Mastercard,
D i n e r s C l u b). D e t a i l s a t
http://metropolisjapan.com/
subscription.
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR
YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E !
Write any thing, from bir thday
messages to proposals. http://
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.
12.1 LET’S PARTY
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Japanese learning material s.
Pimsleur Japanese I, II, and III, in
original package, as new, each set
contains 16 CDs, booklet, guide
¥24,000/all. mita.yama@hotmail.com
11 MESSAGES
12 SOCIAL SCENE
NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen.
TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous
English counseling daily from
9am-11pm by trained volunteers:
03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual psychotherapy
by accredited Western-trained
professionals, a CIGNA International
Provider: 03 - 4550 -1146. TE LL
website: www.telljp.com. Follow us on
Facebook and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a
day, from anywhere, about anything.
From emergency assistance to simple
questions. Visit www.jhelp.com/ and
press “help,” or call 0570-000-911. To
volunteer or support, please contact
team@jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
PARTY - WINTER SPECIAL.
Sat, Jan 24, 6:30-9pm, Bar
Quest (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http://
getyourfriend.com/mobile/
jiparty@hotmail.com http://
w w w.get your frien d.com /
090-1735-5405
Wii console, hardly used, w/game set
(Super Mario Bros, Mario Party 8, Super
Mario Galaxy 2), in excellent condition,
original packaging ¥15,000. masui41@
live.com
5.6 COLLECTORS
Beer glasses, from various Japanese
microbreweries, new, collection of 12
¥3000/all. ¥300/each. Krombacher Pils
glass boot, 1.5L ¥1500/obo. tripeler@
yahoo.com
6 VEHICLES
6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Benz C180 Wagon Kompressor,
Avantgarde limited edition, black, ETC,
leather seats, Exon lights, aluminum
wheel, 120,000km, shaken until May
‘16, all taxes paid ¥695,000. Firm.
No dealers or auction sites. alinjap@
yahoo.com
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Bike, women’s, hardly used, less than
one y/o, w/registration; front, back and
wheel lights; wheel and chain lock;
basket. New ¥21,800. Sell ¥18,000. Pick
up only Akasaka. holly_@btopenworld.
com
Mamachari, three-speed, 27”. 20min
from Ueno, Keisei line. Test and decide
price. heyuyuhei@gmail.com
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE . Fif t y- one years ago,
West Papua should have been an
independent country. Since 1969,
West Papua has been invaded and
the people robbed of their rights,
culture and country. Help support
West Papuans’ desire to be free.
http://tapol.gn.apc.org/ markhelp2@
gmail.com
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
TOKYO. If you have a problem
with drinking, we can help.
English-speaking meetings daily.
03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.org
http://aatokyo.org
HI V Peer Suppor t group a n d
workshops. Get together with people in
the same boat as you, who understand.
Held in a safe, considerate, 100%
confidential setting to discuss what’s
on your mind, ask questions and make
new friends. info@peersupporttokyo.
com www.peersupporttokyo.com
Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo
is an infertility support group that
provides informal opportunities for
women and men experiencing infertility
13.1 SPORTS
Seeking Mindy. Is Mindy Mack, a petite
blonde teaching assistant from L.A.,
still in Tokyo? Any info appreciated.
m106819151-tsky@yahoo.com
10.1 HELP ME
Professional oil massage wanted.
Seeking a professional or student
masseur. Can pay ¥7000/90min or
exchange English or Italian. Serious only.
No shiatsu—only aroma oil massage.
Thanks. alinjap@yahoo.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
10.3 LOST FRIENDS
10 HELP!
Acoustic guitar, Aria Dreadnought,
3/4 scale, hardly used, in excellent
condition, w/ basic case ¥ 8000.
Pick up Takanawadai stn, Asakusa
l ine. dcrys tal7 7@yahoo.com
090-9140-2067
Electric guitar, Steinberger R series,
never gigged/taken outside, EMGs,
wooden body, graphite neck, 24 frets,
black finish, bought used ¥120,000.
blue_sky20@outlook.com
to connect with one another. Please visit
website for more info. admin@ttctokyo.
org www.ttctokyo.org
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
info@gaitomo.com
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y AT
LEAFCUP. Come join us and have
fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/
women: ¥2000. All-you-candrink-and-eat. Iidabashi and
Yo k o h a m a : J a n 1 7 a n d F e b
7. S h i b u y a : J a n 1 0 a n d 2 4 .
www.leafparty.com
JUST A 3MIN WALK
FROM ROPPONG I HILL S,
Club 360 is a large and
modern health and fitness
club. No membership or
joining fees. Personal
training, physiotherapy,
f itness classes, b oxing,
kickboxing, massage.
info @club3 60.jp w w w.
club360.jp 03-6434-9667
AMERICAN FOOTBALL.
N ihon Unis ys Bulls , X league
Central Division, seeks fit players w/
US college football experience for
all positions. Practice every Sat/Sun
from 10am-3pm (including meeting)
in Tokyo/Saitama (time and venue
subject to change). Attendance
at practice must be over 60%.
Please contact for tryout info and
send your profile to team admin.
bullsxleague@gmail.com http://
www.unisys.co.jp/football/
A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H
F O OT B A L L . N o n - c o n t a c t t a g
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League
players. We play every Sat from
10am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners
welcome! Good exercise and fun!
Many other activities, such as
BBQs and drinking parties! Email
for details. tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com ht tp: //ameblo.jp/
tokyo13warriors
A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby
League team is seeking Rugby
League p layer s for Japanese
Rugby League of f icial games
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
japananzacs@gmail.com
FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join
us for social or competitive touch
rugby every Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake
stn, Yurikamome line. Any age, sex,
level ok. Please email for details.
funwithtouch@gmail.com http://www.
funwithtouch.com/where-we-play/
PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders
are a friendly but keen international
rugby club. Devoted to the game and
its social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays in
the Shuto League 1st Division. http://
www.facebook.com/tokyo.crusaders
www.tokyocrusaders.com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
sp or t from S cotland . Using a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.org
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
tennis@yahoo.fr
Badminton club in Tokyo. Small
international group seeks players from
abroad. If you know basic footwork,
strokes and play seriously, you could
definitely enjoy playing with us.
mune2006@hotmail.co.jp http://www.
geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html
Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Futsal players wanted by a very
friendly international team. Practice is
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details
available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp
Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team
in Tokyo seeking people who can enjoy
the game with others. Please introduce
yourself (age, nationality, where you
live, whether you belong to another
team). umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp
Interested in tai chi? Then why not start
now? Take a step to counter the stresses
of daily living. Practice is in Toyama Park
on Sun mornings, near Takadanobaba
stn. chifact@gmail.com
International soccer club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities welcome. Happy and
friendly club! We have many socials.
djnorio0417@yahoo.co.jp
New players sought, especially goal
keeper and strikers, for regular futsal,
11-a-side, socials. Any nationality
ok. kantocelts@gmail.com w w w.
kantoceltsfc.com
Quality football. Interested in playing
football at the weekend and training
midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers
after a good run out? If you consider
yourself a quality player, please drop
us a note. bfcvagabonds@gmail.com
Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts.
Seeking people interested in training
in old-style Japanese fighting arts.
Effective and intelligent, but safe
training approach. rootarty@gmail.com
Seeking Japanese archery
companions. Let’s do kyudo near
Tokyo. Once/month for three hours,
weekends only. See website for details.
datemasamune216@yahoo.co.jp http://
jmty.jp/tokyo/com-spo/article-qa3g
Table tennis in Minato-ku. Hi,
our international team is seeking
experienced players. You need to be
living or working in Minato-ku and
commit to play ten times/year on
Sundays (all day). No beginners, please.
fgrideau@gmail.com
Women’s football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities, experience levels,
beginners welcome. Happy and friendly
club! We have many socials. djnorio@
hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
SKIING AND
BOARDING
IN HAKUBA.
Snow package:
Dec 19-Mar
31; departs
Ikebukuro
Fridays at
7:30pm (11:30pm arrival);
t wo night s, one dinner, t wo
breakfasts, round-trip private
bus, two-day ski pass, live music
party ¥26,900. 0261-75-5155
info@more-resort.com http://
hakuba-hotel-accommodation.
com
MACARTHUR HEIGHTS.
Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l
Douglas MacArthur did! One
hour from Tokyo by car or direct
train. Beautiful cabins on the
ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping.
housinginjapan@yahoo.com
Tokyo ET contact group. Join us
beneath the stars as we endeavor to
make contact with ET visitors and their
craft. Our next UFO contact event will be
on Kujukuri Beach, Chiba, on Jan 17/18.
nakanosky@gmail.com http://www.
meetup.com/Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/
events/193113322
Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard
club for anyone living in, or visiting
Tokyo. We go on big group trips every
weekend in the winter. Powder,
live music events, and parties in
snow. Membership is free! info@
tokyosnowclub.com ht tp:// w w w.
tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616
13.3 ARTS
Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in
Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate
our love of the Bard. Come to read, or
just to listen. All nationalities welcome,
no experience necessary! rchrd_
schwartz@yahoo.com http://groups.
yahoo.com/group/Shakespeare-sama/
13.4 MUSIC
Bassist and keyboardist wanted
for working pop/rock band. Must be
experienced and versatile. We play
both originals and covers. Gigs lined
up. Please contact us for more info.
enterthegroove@gmail.com
Singer and rapper needed. Seeking a
singer/rapper and other musicians. Just
finished writing some music and laying
down some tracks. Must be patient and
want to work together for something
good in the future. sandiegoluv22@
yahoo.com
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do
you want to explore your own mind?
Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun,
6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International
practitioners, beginners welcome,
Japanese spoken. Please call 090-35983072 for more information. daginia@
gmail.com http://www.diamondway.jp/
Reiki events. This group is for people
who are interested in Reiki and
spirituality. For more details about
our upcoming events, please visit
our webpage. info@reikibyyuko.com
www.reikibyyuko.com/reiki-events.
htm
Rocky Mountain Mystery School. Hi,
I’m looking to meet people from the
Rocky Mountain Mystery school here
in Tokyo. Look forward to meeting you.
blue_sky20@outlook.com
Tai chi in Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park is
open again. Come learn and practice
Guang Ping Yang Taiji Chuan with likeminded people. Early morning practice
is best. ddh@gol.com www.gpytcjapan.
com 03-3487-3011
Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always
thought it would be interesting to try it—
why not now? Join us Fri evenings at
Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our
home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home.
ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com
色ー度カフェ. ライトワーカーヒ
ーリング。任意の助けのための私
に連絡してください。 winds_fr@
hotmail.com
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit,
member-run organization that sponsors
activities (seminars, cultural events,
conferences) for those wanting to further
develop intercultural competencies
and meet other interculturalists. yuko.
bolick@japanintercultural.org www.
japanintercultural.org
Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょ
なる. Nihongo Club International is a
volunteer group to help foreign people
learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer
Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu,
7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
Anyone from Denmark? JF, 30s, lived
in Denmark before, wants to learn more
of the language and culture. Is there
anybody who can meet somewhere
in Tokyo? Nonsmoker, late 20s-30s
preferred. Glaeder mig til at hoere fra
dig snart! codename107113@live.com
Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking
nonsmoking friends from Denmark,
Germany, Canada or Australia for
having fun times together. Let’s meet
for a cup of coffee first. Please be
nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. Mail with
self-introduction, please. b2jw13@
hotmail.co.jp
Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF,
early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with
in central Tokyo. atkm92@yahoo.co.jp
29
Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
JOBS
CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED
BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi,
S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g
enthusiastic, prof icient English,
French, Spanish and/or German
speakers who can teach and lead
lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.
A p p l y o n l i n e : h r @ l e a f c u p .co m
www.leafcup.com/job.php
M ETROPOLIS I S S E E K I N G A N E /J
BILINGUAL INTERN to join the most
successful English-language
advertising team (Restaurants &
Bars) in Japan. Great opportunity
to learn about advertising in an
exciting environment. No pay, but
transportation provided. Please fax
your E/J resume to 03-4588-2278 or
email knakashima@metropolisjapan.
com.
Seeking Japanese friends. こんに
ちは。私は、33 歳のヨーロッパ人で
す。日本人の友達を探しています。
petersmu12@gmail.com
Weekdays. JF, 34, seeks English
speakers who are available in the
afternoon on weekdays. Non-natives
are also fine. I would like to have good
friendship with foreign people to learn
about their cultures. Nonsmoking,
punctual people under 35 preferred.
polkadots.1466@gmail.com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
SEEKING MARRIAGE. Single male,
early 30s, seeking a working or
studying female, under 32, for a
serious relationship leading to
marriage. Prefer someone who
wants to start a family soon. I
am an educated, hard-working
professional in Tokyo. uniman@
gmail.com
SUBMISSIVE SJM, 36, cute, is
seriously seeking a woman who is
into, or interested in, dominating
men. I am so submissive, with seven
years’ experience, that I am happy
to take whatever and serve you in
any way. slaveintokyo@gmail.com
SWM SEEKS JF. Tall, slim, elegant,
30s, a lover of fashion, great food,
wine, travel, music and shopping?
Real passion for life and all the
good things it can bring. A love of
romance, laughter and spending
time together. SWM, late 40s, 6’,
athletic, English gentleman, living
alone in Tokyo, seeks beautiful
partner to share evenings and
weekends. markg17@y7mail.com
American executive seeking
companionship. White male, athletic
body, 182cm, 85kg, good sense of humor,
seking girlfriend/physical relationship
with SJF or MJF, 20-45. Live in a nice
Western-style place. Sometimes lonely.
Very respectful. skykingwilt@yahoo.com
Amore! You know the meaning
without checking a dictionary? Italian
executive, 40, seeking a well-educated,
sophisticated lady to share nice moments
together. gioochan@libero.it
Art of love. European, 50s, seeking
a Japanese lady to share passion,
30
To advertise:
commercial@metropolisjapan.com
03-4588-2277
J A P A N T R A V E L I N T E R N S H I P.
JapanTravel.com is seeking E/J
bilingual interns to join the largest
tourism website in Japan. Multiple
oppor tunities in content, sales/
marketing and web/design. Work
in an exciting, global environment
in Roppongi. Transportation and
business expenses provided. No
salary, minimum three months, chance
for full-time position. Please send your
resume (E/J) to info@japantravel.com.
METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S NUMBER ONE
ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MAGAZINE, is
seeking motivated E/J bilingual sales
executives, assistants, support staff
and interns to join its advertising and
marketing team. Send resume (E/J) to
jobs@metropolisjapan.com.
spirituality, the nature and the art of
love. winds_fr@hotmail.com
this opportunity will be a great one for us.
followupforme14@gmail.com
Attractive, humble gentleman seeking
life partner. Active, attractive French
gentleman, 30s, educated, easygoing,
fit, seeking a quality life partner for a
romantic relationship. Email w/photo.
medadam96@gmail.com
I will make you happy. Educated in the
US, handsome, gentle, 30s, is seriously
seeking a woman from the bottom of
my heart. I will satisfy you mentally
and physically. akutsut@yahoo.co.jp
090-2765-0607
British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim,
seeking a nice girl to hang out with.
Nationality/race unimportant, but should
be 20-35 and have a nice personality.
Interested in music and film: you should
be, too. shiodomebye@gmail.com
Japanese male, 42, single, seeks
sincere, warm, open-minded white
female for friendship and romance. I am
generous, nonsmoking, like traveling,
reading, philosophy and enjoying my
life. ruby12ax7@gmail.com
Engineering isn’t the best place to
meet new people, so I’m trying the
internet. Hi, French guy seeking an openminded person, 20-47. I speak French
and English and am currently learning
Japanese. brd.j111@aol.com
L o n e l y J a p a n e s e d i v o r c é e?
A m e r ican guy, 5 0 s, p le a s an tlooking and respectable, is seeking
a divorced Japanese woman, 50-60,
for companionship, friendship and
romance. We can start as friends. If
you’re interested, send me an email.
dennisthemenace1966@gmail.com
English gentleman. I am an Oxbridgeeducated English gentleman/financier,
30s, seeking an attractive Japanese
lady for friendship/marriage. I visit
Japan often and would like to have an
email exchange before meeting in early
2015. stjdavid@googlemail.com
Gentleman for long-term intimate
friendship. Hi! I am a respectful, goodlooking Western man, 48, interested
in having regular intimate time with a
decent woman. I don’t care about your
age—just be positive, safe, nonsmoking.
vbcfgt@hotmail.com
Handome black guy living and working
in Tokyo seeking a nice lady for a serious
relationship and maybe more. I’m 30,
slim, athletic body, studying Japanese.
Let’s meet. I’m sure we’ll click.
nuckprotus@hotmail.com
Handsome, caring and witty SJM
seeks a nice Western or Japanese
female for friendship and possibly
more. Nonsmokers preferred. If you are
interested in exciting and happy times
with me, email me. cioinjapan@gmail.
com
Handsome German, tall, blue eyes,
dark blond, intelligent, seeking nice
Japanese woman. Let’s meet and have a
coffee together. sonne_palmen_strand@
hotmail.com
Handsome, sweet and smart SJM
seeks SWF who seeks secret happy
events in her spare time in Tokyo. Single/
married ok. Shall we begin to talk? I think
Mature man for mature woman.
Attractive, mature European man,
50, seeks a Japanese lover. I prefer
somebody around my age (40s-60s). I
am highly cultured and like Japanese
ladies very much. vbcfgt@hotmail.com
Meaningful relationship. Single
American gentleman in Tokyo, 45,
medical doctor, kind, caring, stylish and
fit, seeks an attractive Japanese female,
30-40, for a meaningful relationship.
met4b@aim.com
Need love. Handsome Engl ish
gentleman, moderate build, mid-30s,
needs beautiful, passionate JF. I am
fun, intelligent, well-mannered and
empathic. Let’s have romance together.
Please send photo w/email. I’m looking
forward to hearing from you. edanoki@
gmail.com
No English? 銀行で働いてるイギリ
ス人が日本の女の子探してる。英
語分からない女の子欲しい。 vint.
snap@gmail.com
Positive attitude. You’re reading this
ad because you’re alone or in a bad
relationship. You’re seeking someone
to make you feel happy and desired.
I’m financially and emotionally secure.
I can’t promise you that we match, but
let’s try. addakota@yahoo.com
Secret romance. Smart, nonsmoking JM,
53, seeking only one girlfriend for secret
romance. I respect your privacy. I am a
businessman working in central Tokyo.
If you are interested in my ad, please
contact me. shinjuku02@hotmail.co.jp
Seeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind,
seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance
in Tokyo. Let’s meet up for coffee and
talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@
yahoo.com
Seeking large Japanese girlfriend.
Canadian guy, 40s, open-minded, gentle,
romantic, positive, seeks overweight
girlfriend for long-term relationship in
Tokyo. Serious only, please. bbalajan@
yahoo.com
Seeking loving Japanese woman.
Professional, well-educated, mature,
successful married male is seeking
a nonsmoking, loving, passionate
Japanese woman for a long-term discreet
relationship to adore and cherish each
other. Serious only, please. Movies,
dinners, travel... nicefunguy_321@
yahoo.com
Seeking nice girlfriends. SJM, 172/58,
technical system businessman, seeking
tall, slim, sexy Japanese or Asian. Thank
you! nyannya_neko_boo9503@yahoo.
co.jp
WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl,
18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes.
I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@
yahoo.com
ラブレッター。 When I was young, I
wrote love letters with pen and paper,
waiting for days to receive the answer.
Now it is just a sweet memory. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G
EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for
foreign men and Japanese
women. Leave the event with a
new date! Always more women
than men. FREE if signing up in
advance! Otherwise, ¥2000.
info@exeo-international.com
www.exeo-international.com
Seeking serious, chubby JF.
European guy, 40, open-minded,
easygoing, honest, faithful, seeks a JF
who can meet up soon (not too many
emails) for a long-term relationship. Let’s
meet up over coffee and talk. niman429@
yahoo.com
Seeking serious relationship. I am a
simple and down-to-earth guy seeking a
partner ready to experience new things.
Serious only, please. Reply w/photo.
smartguy@i.softbank.jp
Seeking serious relationship. Hi, I’m
an American guy, 30, seeking a nice girl
for a long-term relationship. I’m tall,
fit, kind, open-minded, easygoing and
easy to talk to. Say hello! 日本語 ok.
beforethesneez@gmail.com
SJM for relationship. I am a caring
SJM, 40s, seeking a SWF who is sweet,
caring, passionate, outgoing, in the
Tokyo/Kanagawa area. Hoping to start
a relationship that might turn into
something serious. toshinoris1012@
yahoo.co.jp
SJM seeking SWF/SJF. Financially
secure S JM seeking long -term
relationship with SWF/SJF who likes to
travel, go hiking and exercise. I don’t
smoke or drink and am into a healthy
lifestyle. cminorseven@yahoo.com
Sword-swinging, swashbuckling 19th
century pirate explorer. My cooking can
win the hearts of damsels, but when
it fails, my books turn boring dinners
into intellectually stimulating meals.
Seeking like minds to spar with. Arr!!
jonhenschell87@gmail.com
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover
of books, films and music, seeks an
attractive British lady with the same
interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp
White guy for black girl. Appreciation
for dry, dark British humo(u)r essential.
I’m 30s. You’re open-minded, but not
a (complete) freak. Single/married
ok, but nonsmokers only. onzeetop@
gmail.com
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS—WE
CR E ATE O PP O RTU N ITI E S
for elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date, take the night where
you want it to go. Fresh, young
women join our club every
day. Tr y our free one - month
trial offer: first date is on us!
0120-675-858 (English)
international@universe-club.jp
http://universe-club.jp/en
Chemistry. Hope you feel butterflies
when we meet. Genuine Japanese
beauty, fit with a very feminine frame
and curves, overseas-educated, mid40s, independent-minded, loves
Shania’s songs. You: single American,
articulate, funny, professional, around
my age or older. lemon_somehearts@
yahoo.co.jp
Earnest man for marriage. Attractive,
slender, sincere, feminine SJF, 57,
lovely young looks and heart, seeks
nonsmoking professional WM, sincere,
cheerful, affectionate, who doesn’t
play with other people’s feelings. I like
travel, hiking, dining out, etc. Serious
only, w/photo, please. rosefleur@
outlook.jp
Family man. European single mother,
4 4, good-looking, open-minded,
seeking a partner who is reliable,
fun to be with. Please reply w/photo.
tokyohime@gmx.com
Frenchman sought. After visiting
France several times, I’ve fallen in
love with the country. So, I’d like to
meet a Frenchman for a long-lasting
relationship. I am Japanese, 30s. Write
me if you think you’re great! cotedor@
live.com
Let’s explore the world together.
At t rac t i ve, cute, car ing single
Asian woman, 30s, seeking a longterm relationship with a cute Asian
guy. Single/never married only.
Serious inquiries. Onegaishimasu.
sweetprincess0747@gmail.com
Let’s make each other happy! Sweet,
thoughtful, slim SJF, many say beautiful
inside and out, seeks single-minded,
attractive, tall, successful Caucasian
who lives in central Tokyo. I love
cooking, traveling, hiking, art, nature.
Serious only. Please email w/photo.
iihidana888@yahoo.co.jp
Rare discovery! Warmhear ted,
attractive, positive, slim SJF, enjoys
cooking, hiking, working, art, seeks
gentle, attractive, successful Caucasian
in central Tokyo who wants to raise
a loving family. What’s important is
trust, respect and stimulating each
other. Photo necessary. sorosoroaitai@
yahoo.co.jp
Seeking relationship. Attractive SJF
is seeking a single Western male for a
relationship. I like art, music, movies
and traveling. Let’s have a chat over
coffee first. Serious, nonsmokers only,
please. osawagase20@hotmail.co.uk
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
Seeking someone to hold me. I’m 28,
living in Tokyo. I don’t have time to find
a nice relationship because I work too
much. I need someone to spend time
with me. butterfly.saya0324@gmail.
com
Your perfect complement. You will
have a beautiful best friend, good
chef, sexy flirt and great listener
to your dreams or even problems.
Sophisticated, little wild, fit, educated
SJF, 40+, seeks a sincere single
gentleman who works and plays hard.
enfant7bythesea@yahoo.co.jp
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
Bisexual white guy, fit, seeking gay
or bisexual guy for guy fun. Seeking
versatile or top. lava_mk@outlook.
com
For information:
Tel: (03) 3345-7977
FAX: (03) 3345-5377
J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE
Woman seeking woman. Cute, petite
bisexual Japanese girl seeking an
attractive HWP girl for friendship and
more. Me: quiet type, clean, fairly new
to this. Serious only, and please send
photo and details. No men or couples.
kh0998jp@gmail.com
Reasonable prices.
Free first time consultation
We can support you with:
Visa and immigration
14.5 ESCORTS
Intellectual property rights
(Patent, trademark, copyrights)
ESCORTS have gone online.
To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y
co m p a n i o n , v i s i t h t t p: //
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/
category/personals/escorts.
14.6 AND OTHERS
SLAVE BOY. Intelligent Caucasian
American, 30s, seeking to be a
slave boy under a sadistic girl who
is also intelligent. I look forward to
hearing from you. Start as friends,
long-term possible. Serious only.
darkbandit1@hotmail.com
http://www.wada-lats.com/
E-mail: info@wada-lats.com
3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Establishing a Company &
Branch office
Other Legal & Business matters
Hiroshi Oogai,
Patent attorney
Immigration lawyer
www.j-star.jp
Grand Prince
Hotel Akasaka
Exit 4,
Nagatacho stn
Supreme
Court
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
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
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31
RELATIONS
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
New Year’s resolutions are tricky. Every year, I make drastic, overreaching goals like “waste less time on Facebook,” “make better
friends,” and “find more enjoyment in everyday life.” I've been
doing that for as long as I can remember. My husband says that’s
“very American” of me and, when we lived in the States, he used
to laugh at the number of people who showed up to the gym only
for the first couple days of January. By February, the gym was back
to being a ghost town.
新年の決意
新年の決意は厄介です。毎年、私は“Facebookをあまり使わない”や“もっ
と良い友達を作る”、また “ 毎日もっと楽しい事をする”といったハードル
の高い目標を決意します。私は、かれこれずっと新年の決意を行っていま
すが、私の夫は叶いそうもない新年の決意をする事は“アメリカ人っぽい
ね”と言います。私たちがアメリカに住んでた時、1月には多くの人がジム
に筋トレに来ていたのに、三日も持たずに来なくなり、2月にはいつもの
ジムに戻っていたと夫は言って笑っていました。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 20-Jun 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣
Jun 21-Jul 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
You can sit on your hands, you can
stand on your head or you can twist
yourself into a pretzel to make things
work. 2015 is a year that starts out one way but
ends up another. If you’ve made it this far, you’ll
complete what you set out to do. You’ll see
changes from a cycle that started seven years
ago—look how far you’ve come. Some of your
wishes are about to come true.
This week’s key is you have everything
you need inside you already. The
external screen on which it’s being
projected comes from within. You’re the filmmaker, the audience and the participant, all
at once. How do you change your movie? Is it
up to destiny? Mars transits to your house of
friendships. You’ll meet new ones to invite you
on a journey you’ll want to take.
You could go around in circles, but
you’d probably make plans to break
away. Watch to see if this comes up
for you. The new year of 2015 offers a clarity of
focus and options. The reflection is a strengthening from choices you’ve made. This week,
talk it out: There could be things behind the
scenes that prove valuable information for your
next step—and they may be sexy.
You can’t keep a family together if it’s
not a family—it takes time to become
one. You can’t keep 2014 when it’s
2015. You have some choices, but other times,
you don’t. The stars can guide which direction
to turn. You have some grand opportunities this
week. Money is involved, while relationship
choices are about feeling inspired. Choose the
path that calls, as it’s for you.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 22-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
You’re free of Saturn! No longer is there
such a push to take life so seriously. It
hasn’t changed—you have. This planet
of structure and stability is known to solidify
situations. It now resides in your solar second
house of finances. How you make your income,
your attitude towards it and your patience with
yourself are the order of the day. You’ll be
strengthened and enjoy a stronger base.
Mar 20-Apr 18 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Jul 22-Aug 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Apr 19-May 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Aug 22-Sep 21 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
Any resistance to 2015 is worth walking, running or swimming out—or if
you’re not into being physical, there
are films, music, Kindles and books. One thing
is certain: The more you’re yourself, the more
quickly you’ll arrive at where you’re meant to
be. Uranus has been shaking up the status quo
anyway. Long trips and explorations deserve
your attention.
You may start early 2015 with a
change that surprises everyone,
most especially you. You’ve been
through blizzards of emotional realms, and it’s
tempting to move forward and not look back—
except you may, for awhile. Your appreciation
for being in the moment has stabilized. You’re
ready to be your unique self and see what
shakes out, which may be a whole lot of love.
With the new year now underway,
you’re taking more chances. The
constant readjustments Uranus
has brought shows that nothing can be taken
for granted. If you’re going to go through a lot,
you may as well go through it for reasons that
make sense to you. Be sure to speak up this
week. You’re focused on harmony, beauty and
serenity; in 2015, they are for you.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 17 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 18-Mar 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
You made expansive choices last year
and in 2015, you’ll choose the best.
There’s time to do what you love.
You’ll find you can enjoy the ups and downs,
because they’re not nearly as precipitous as
they have been. Your patience with everything
grows immeasurably as you see you’re free to
actually follow your dreams and desires. You
are the rule-maker now. Ultra yay!
You don’t have to wait forever to
have what you want. If big projects
are bumping along at a snail’s pace,
enjoy your daily treats before things get uber
busy, because they will. When the seventh
Pluto-Uranus square comes around, you’ll be
in a whole new territory. So look at current
obstacles as a past to say goodbye to, soon.
You’ll be so happy you won’t look back.
Mars leaves your sign and enters your
financial sector on Monday. It’s just as
well, because you may have moved so
quickly through the holidays that now it’s time to
slow down. Focus and personal drive shifts to
income. Your energy increases, so it’s a match.
You might not expect early January to be this
way but with Venus and Mercury still in Aquarius,
you’re getting a bonus astrological perk.
Does it ever seem like what you’re
thinking about just keeps popping
up? Is it really simply your focus, or
is it something deeper reflected back to you?
The Moon and Lilith conjoin exactly this week
in your relationship sector. Something specific
comes into your awareness that brings clear
thinking into focus. Mars enters your sign on
Monday. Action is easier now—and more fun!
Nov 22-Dec 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣
32
Dec 21-Jan 19 ♥♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
PISCES
The operator of Tokyo
Skytree adorned the
tower with white, blue,
green and red LEDs in
celebration of the three
Japan-born scientists
who won the 2014
Nobel Prize in physics.
LINGO BOX
Bōmei (亡命) = asylum
the small print
Kōreisha (高齢者) = senior citizens
Kankō-kyaku (観光客) = tourists
Kichi (基地) = military base
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
Nenkin (年金) = pension
TAP DANCE ACCEPTS ANYONE AND ANY LANGUAGE”
—Sendai native Kazunori Kumagai, who became the first Japanese person to win
the prestigious Flo-Bert tap dancing prize, awarded annually in New York
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
⊲For
⊲
just the second time in her life, Empress
Michiko made an overseas trip without her
husband. She attended the state funeral of
Belgium’s Queen Fabiola.
⊲The
⊲
government slapped economic sanctions on 26 individuals and 14 groups for fomenting unrest in eastern Ukraine.
⊲Officials
⊲
at the justice ministry are considering a new rule that would offer residency status to asylum seekers while their cases are
being heard.
⊲Headline
⊲
of the Week: “Tohoku Ice Hockey
Team to Return Medals After Players Toss
Them in Trash Following Loss” (via Mainichi
Japan)
POLITICS, SCHMOLITICS
⊲Just
⊲
3.4 percent of Japanese Twitter users
posted election-related tweets during campaigning for the Diet elections last month.
⊲Meanwhile,
⊲
political operatives say the low
rate of internet use in rural areas caused
them to abandon online campaigns targeting the regions.
⊲High
⊲
school administrators say they’re trying
to get “largely apathetic young people” interested in politics by holding mock elections
and using newspapers as teaching tools.
⊲A
⊲ news organization survey has found that
49 percent of voters oppose the government’s
new secrecy law and 51 percent are against
the idea of Japan exercising the right to collective defense.
stats
6
Asylum seekers who were granted
refugee status in Japan in 2013,
according to the justice ministry
¥67.9 BILLION
Value of unused beer
coupons held by Japanese households,
according to liquor industry groups
>60 Ratio of foreign tourists who visit
Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka during
their trips to Japan
UPWARD & ONWARD
THE FRIENDLY SKIES
⊲Finance
⊲
Minister Taro Aso issued an apology after telling an audience in Hokkaido that
Japan’s growing social security expenditures
can be blamed on “young people not having
children.”
⊲In
⊲ response to census figures that indicate
more than half of Japanese women will be over
50 by the year 2019, cosmetics companies are
fast-tracking the development of products
aimed at senior citizens.
⊲Police
⊲
in Shinagawa arrested a member of
the Japanese men’s national volleyball team
for stealing ¥140,000 from a wallet at a
pachinko parlor.
⊲A
⊲ U.S. business traveler became the 900
millionth passenger to pass through Narita
Airport since the facility opened in 1978.
⊲Meanwhile,
⊲
officials at Haneda Airport say
they welcomed more than 70 million passengers last year.
⊲In
⊲ a move designed to prod officials in Okinawa to relocate a U.S. military base, the central government is mulling a plan to reduce the
budget for development in the prefecture.
⊲Investigators
⊲
from the Transport Safety Board
rushed to Kitakyushu Airport after a private
plane careened off the runway and slammed
into a concrete wall. The two people aboard
were injured but survived.
at a glance
BY RODGER SONOMURA
AND FINALLY…
⊲Authorities
⊲
at the NPA say the number of kidnapping cases involving preteens has risen
by 15 percent during the past year.
⊲Most
⊲
of the abductions take place between
2pm and 6pm—the hours that kids are likely
to be heading home from school.
⊲Officials
⊲
in charge of the government’s pension
investment fund say a financial crisis similar to
the one in 2008 could trigger annual losses
of ¥30 trillion.
⊲It
⊲ was reported that celebrated actor Ken
Takakura completed a memoir just four days
before his death in November.
Small Print Updated Weekly
→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo
33
the last word
Illustration by Christi Rochin
Hang Out With
the Men Too
Tips on Befriending the
Elusive Japanese Male
BY CHARLES LEWIS
JAPANESE
MEN OFTEN
GET A BAD
RAP FROM
FOREIGN
MALES,
WHETHER
NEWBIES OR
LEARNED,
LONG-TERM
EXPAT.”
WANT
TO HAVE
THE LAST
WORD?
Send your article to:
editor@
metropolisjapan.com
Much has been written about the enigmatic Japanese male and how to break
through the tatemae (“official stance”)
to the honne (“real feelings”) by foreign
women. However, a foreign man’s take
on this thorny issue is harder to find, unless complaining is involved.
Foreign men making friends with Japanese women is nothing new. Men and
women of similar ages getting to know
one another is simply nature taking its
course. You don’t have to be Charisma
Man to meet a Japanese girl.
But Japanese men often get a bad
rap from foreign males, whether newbies
or learned, long-term expats. Common
gripes directed at Japanese men state
they are reticent, shy, have limited interests outside of work, or that they seek
free English lessons—something girls
are often given a pass on.
There certainly are Japanese men
possessing these characteristics, but it’s
unfair to stereotype a whole group based
on preconceptions or the behavior of a
few; there are lots of cool guys in Japan.
Foreign men who only hang out with
Japanese women or other foreigners
are missing out on what the other half of
the population—the men—has to offer,
and could have a better Japan experience if they mingled with some guys for
a change.
I’m a heterosexual foreign man, and
I’ve known some Japanese women in my
decades in Japan—we’re talking Showa
era here, when TV went off at midnight
and most convenience stores didn’t sell
beer, meaning a dry night if you couldn’t
get to a vending machine before 11pm—
and I’ve enjoyed having Japanese male
friends from the beginning.
Here are my tips on what to do and
what not to do if you’re up to being a man
in Japan and hanging out with the guys.
Punctuality is a well-known Japanese
virtue, so show up—and on time—when
meeting a Japanese guy. While plenty of
girls might wait, many men look on it as
a snub if you come late or blow them off
for some trivial reason.
Foreigners in Japan often need assistance but don’t expect a lot of help from
your new Japanese male acquaintances.
While motherly instinct might kick in with
women who lead you through the intricacies of life in Japan, self-reliance,
fortitude and toughness are drilled into
Japanese men from a young age. Asking
them for help getting the gas turned on or
buying a phone might not go over so well.
Don’t think every Japanese man
who strikes up a conversation with you
wants to be your friend. Face it: You’re
different here, and inane conversations
with casual acquaintances who have
a passing interest in you comes with
the territory.
If you like alcohol, you’re in the right
place, as sake is considered a gift from
the gods in Japan, and imbibing with
the men is an ideal way to get to know
them. If you’re a teetotaler, volunteering
or taking up a hobby are good ways of
getting yourself into a group.
Learning to speak Japanese is a good
idea. Women—especially if love or lust
is a factor—are more likely than men to
make the extra effort to speak your native language.
And talk like a man—in masculine
Japanese. While your Japanese lady
friends may gush on your newfound mastery of nihongo even if you sound like
an elementary school girl because your
Japanese is rudimentary and your main
language partner is female, guys won’t
be impressed if you sound effeminate.
Most of Japanese society has moved
past “gusai desu” (“this is my stupid
wife”), but modesty is still the norm, so
there’s no need to tell your Japanese
buddies how great your woman is or to
compliment them on theirs. And if you’re
a player, limit the stories about your exploits to your foreign friends as most
Japanese guys probably won’t be interested in hearing about the latest notch
on your bedpost.
Once you do make friends with Japanese men, accept that while you may
have to be a kōhai (“junior”) to your elders, younger guys will likely never consider you a senpai (“senior”). Japan’s
social hierarchy is complicated, and
many Japanese probably don't like the
system anyway.
When hanging out with you, a foreigner, they’re happy to just be friends.
■ Charles Lewis is a teacher, editor and writer
living in the Shonan area of Kanagawa.
The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
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UP CLOSE WITH A
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