Metropolis-994

Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
10 top noodle shops on
Tokyo's iconic train line
The LasT Word
an ode to nihon
cLubbing
peter hook's hacienda
festival returns
#994 Apr 12~25, 2013
Special
promotion
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and aL fresco
dining
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Japanese whisky:
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inside
06 fEATURE
Soup Stop
tokyo
By Brian MacDuckston
03 THE SMALL PRINT
05 UPfRoNT
08 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
12 AGENDA
18 MoVIES
21 DINING oUT
24 CLASSIfIEDS & JoBS
29 HoRoSCoPE & MEDIABox
30 THE LAST woRD
Cover illustration & design: kohji shiiki
listen to tokyo’s pulse
metpod.com
The Small Print
by Reg Dunlap
“
iT’s OnLY nATURAL
THAT OKinAWAn
peOpLe dOn’T FeeL LiKe
niCe WORK, FeLLAs
ć A high school baseball coach in Chiba was suspended
for breaking one of his players’ arms
after the kid missed a fly ball in practice.
ć It was later revealed that the same coach had
“hit another first-year [player] in the face with a
bat, knocking out his front teeth and splitting
his lip.”
ć The NpA said it dealt with a record number of
cases of child pornography in 2012. Officials
said that underage smut “is spreading via the
internet.” Gee, ya think?
ć A Tokyo-based bicycle importer was ordered to
pay ¥189 million in damages to a man who was
paralyzed in an accident involving his Italianbrand
Bianchi bike.
MiLesTOnes
ć renowned anthropologist Masao Yamaguchi, a
leader of the “new academism” movement and
the author of the delightfully named treatise A
Psychological History of Losers, died in a Tokyo
hospital at age 81.
ć Akira Watanabe became the first shogi player in
17 years to win the prestigious Osho championship
before his 30th birthday.
ć Officials at Tama Zoo welcomed a pair of young
$712.6 million
Amount of money donated by US citizens for 3/11
disaster relief
kohji shiiki
CeLeBRATing THe dAY”
—teruo hiyane, professor emeritus at the university
of the ryukyus, on the upcoming ceremony marking
the restoration of japan’s independence following
World War ii
Photo of the week
submit your snaps at http://metropolis.co.jp/photo.
Chairlift Silhouette, by Aleisha Riboldi
#994
Apr 12-25, 2013
elephants from Sri Lanka as a gift commemorating
60 years of bilateral ties.
ć Executives at Honda say the latest model of their
Odyssey minivan is the first vehicle of its kind to
offer a built-in… vacuum cleaner.
ALL 3/11, ALL THe TiMe
ć Officials at the communications ministry say
about 700,000 people in areas hit hardest by
the March 11 disaster have lost their jobs or
have been forced to take a leave of absence. That
figure represents an astounding 27.8 percent of
the workforce in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima
prefectures.
ć Authorities at the environment ministry
announced that just over half of the 16.3 million
tons of tsunami debris in those prefectures
has now been removed.
ć The MpD filed charges against four engineers
for professional negligence over the collapse of
a parking-lot ramp at the Costco in Machida
during the quake. Two people died and five others
were injured in the incident.
ć Officials at Google reached an agreement with
seven Japanese cities and prefectures, including
Chiba and Kawasaki, to provide evacuation
information to residents in the
event of an earthquake or other
major disaster.
sAY WHAT?!?
ć A 25-year-old Yokohama man
who got into a quarrel with a
stranger on a street wound up
being beaten to death by a
passerby who had been filming
the argument with his
cellphone camera.
ć A mountain climber from
Saitama who went missing for
five days in Sumatra was discovered
alive at the bottom of
a 300-foot ravine.
$570 million
Amount of money Japan will loan to the Philippines to
develop a light-rail system and airport
Compiled from reports by ap, Japan Today, The Japan Times, JiJi, The Tokyo RepoRTeR, Japan pRobe, The mainichi, daily yomiuRi, afp, reuters and kyodo
search over 19 million photos
Fotolia is Your best source
For Japanese stock images
25% bonus on first credit purchase
us.fotolia.com/metropolis
ć A research team led by a professor at the University
of Tokyo warned that reef-building corals
may completely die out by the end of the century
due to acidification of seawater caused by
carbon dioxide emissions.
ć ANA and JAL passenger flights were forced to
divert to a nearby US military airbase after an
Air Self-Defense Force F-15 fighter jet got a flat
tire while landing at Naha Airport.
LAsT BUT nOT LeAsT
ć An F.C. Barcelona-sanctioned soccer camp
is opening this month in Katsushika-ku—the
birthplace of Captain Tsubasa creator Yoichi
Takahashi.
ć Tsukimino station in Kanagawa will test a
new-style safety barrier that uses long, thick
wires that “rise and fall with trains’ arrival and
departure.”
ć Officials at EgyptAir have cancelled operations
of the airline’s Cairo-Tokyo route, citing
“major economic losses and lack of support
from both governments.”
ć After a six-month delay due to diplomatic tensions,
Japanese and Chinese manga lovers
finally staged a joint exposition in Nanjing.
16,387
Number of victims of child abuse referred to
consultation centers last year by the NPA, a record high
#994 • www.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03
fotolia.Com

04 • dOwnLOad OuR POdCaST aT • POdCaST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
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Courtesy of the okinaWa movie festival
star struck
Joel Schumacher
the veteran director
on festivals and japan
By David Labi
Joel Schumacher spent a week in
Naha last month as head of the jury
at the Okinawa Movie Festival. The
lanky and charming Hollywood
director—whose films include The
Lost Boys and Batman forever—was full of
praise for the fest, now in its fifth year.
“I thought [the opening ceremony] was so
exciting, the whole energy of that crowd,” he
enthused. As opposed to other festivals rife
with ego, or so international they lose their
grounding, he described this one as a “community
outreach.” This was definitely the vibe
Metropolis got from the crowds at the festival’s
events—all free of charge. “They’re really trying
to make the Okinawans feel part of this
festival,” said Schumacher. “I wish more festivals
did that.”
What’s his opinion of Japanese film? Many
of his peers “are very, very inspired by Kurosawa,”
he said, mentioning Tarantino. But
he had less to say about today’s output. “We
don’t get enough Japanese film in the United
States... [just] the ones that are most publicized
or have won awards.”
Schumacher said his role on the jury
stemmed from his successes in Japan through
Warner Brothers, leading to an invitation
from Warner Japan chief Bill Ireton. What was
to be his criteria for picking the best films?
“Whatever it is, the wackiest comedy, the
biggest epic, if it feels like there was a conductor
who picked up the baton... [if] you
cover contest
Help make our 1,000th issue a special one—by
designing the cover.
since launching as Tokyo classified in
1994 we’ve experienced the bursting of the
tokyo bubble, the smartphone revolution and the tragic
events of march 2011.
in that time we’ve had all kinds of covers, from wacky
illustrations to eye-catching portraits. you might have loved
some. you might have hated others. but if you ever thought
you could do better—now’s your chance!
Schumacher (second from right) hits the red carpet
feel there was a vision here.” But it’s hard to
pick winners. “Anyone who finishes a movie
should win an award.” So he advised his jury,
“Let’s be positive... Nobody sets out to make a
bad movie.”
The 73-year-old’s success in Asia looks
set to continue; he hinted about a juicy, bigbudget,
wartime movie he’ll be shooting in
Shanghai. Did Hollywood’s stagnation mean
producers had to work with an international
audience in mind? “They have been for a long
time,” he said, referring to his adaptation of
The Phantom of the opera, which grossed
more in Asia than in any other region.
A chat of more than an hour moved on
from the festival to Tinsel Town’s “identity crisis.”
“The business ate itself up,” Schumacher
explained. “It outpriced itself.” Advertising
and talent fees skyrocketed. Studios had to
invest a fortune for a tiny profit margin. “They
started saying ‘no.’ And that has changed the
business,” he said. Thus was born the era of
trilogies and remakes. “Hollywood has corrupted
the world,” he chuckled.
Born in New York City, Schumacher
designed costumes for Woody Allen (Sleeper,
etc.) and directed two TV movies before his
first feature. But things have gone full circle
back to the small screen. He recently directed
part of the edgy Netflix series House of Cards.
“Cable has changed television,” he said, citing
ratings of HBO and AMC shows.
Schumacher mused about making a film
in Japan. “It would be very contemporary.”
“Like Lost In Translation?” someone piped
up. “That is not how I see Japan at all,” he
said firmly. “I love the Blade Runner part of
Tokyo... Tokyo always feels like right now.”
Back to
the future:
Metropolis
#1,000 as
imagined by
the design
team in issue
#500 (Oct 24,
2003)
Upfront
top ten
Thrills at Roppongi Hills
Celebrate the complex’s 10th birthday with
a day of activities
1. support local farmers at the Ibaraki Market (sat 7-9am). the
fresh produce goes fast—pick up a kyowa watermelon, famous for
its compact sweetness.
2. get a cup of joe and a soufflé at Lauderdale. With a welcoming
green terrace, this international café has a solid weekend brunch
following. feel free to linger with bottomless coffee refills.
3. do some light shopping at TV Asahi. doraemon fans look no
further, as the shop inside sells character goods and items (some
limited edition) from the channel’s variety shows. the first floor
boasts some mildly interesting rotating art displays.
4. pamper yourself at May’s Garden Spa. around since 1925,
it’s one of the classiest beauty havens in town. men are also welcome,
if they aren’t put off by gushing pink. a basic 60-minute
facial will set you back about ¥14,000, but our sources swear it’s
worth it.
5. in spring, stroll through the sakura-zaka walking trail before
picking up a bento at Seijo Ishii, or takeout from 37 Curry—
whose 21-day-aged black angus beef Curry is fantastic. settle on
a quiet patch of the japanese-style mohri garden.
6. soak up some culture at the Mori Art Museum. from april
26 a special 10th-anniversary exhibition titled “all you need is
love” will showcase a variety of local and international artists’
take on the sentiment.
7. Watch the sunset from Tokyo City View. museum tickets get
you to the 250m-above-sea-level observation deck. during the
summer months access the Sky Deck for an additional ¥500 for
open-air, 360º views and some occasional astronomy.
8. happy hour at the Oak Door Bar. this drinking den by the
grand hyatt’s steakhouse makes a killer yuzu mojito. the afterwork
crowd makes for excellent people-watching and mingling.
good cigars, too.
9. nosh on kabuki-inspired sushi. Pintokona may be kaitenstyle,
but the quality is decent and the prices, though slightly
up-market, are still reasonable.
10. Catch a flick at Toho Cinemas. apart from gummy-coke
bottles at the candy store, the best thing is the discounts. every
1st and 14th seats are only ¥1,000—and there’s money off for latenight
features. brandi Goode
the number 1,000 must be incorporated into your design
somehow. apart from that, use any style you like —photo, manga,
text, graffiti, or whatever your creativity dictates. if you want to reinterpret
or reinvent the metropolis logo—that’s your choice.
the winner will be paid ¥10,000—and more importantly will
have his or her cover on 30,000 magazines circulating around
tokyo. excited yet?
to enter send in your design by 11:59pm on monday, may 6 .
the winner will be notified by friday, may 10.
☛ All entries must be designed in Adobe photoshop or Illustrator,
using the template from http://meturl.com/cover1000
☛ Metropolis cannot print copyrighted images without written
permission from the owner
#994 • www.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05

Arts & Entertainment All ThE BEsT in ArTs & culTurE Across ThE METroPolis
808
State
The seminal
electronic act
reveals a political
side to rave
culture
By Dan Grunebaum
Movies have been
made and books
w r i t t e n a b o u t
legendary Manchester
club The
Hacienda and the dance music revolution
that swirled around it. If any
one track can be said to encapsulate
the electronic side of the northern
English city’s creative ferment in the
1980s, high on the list would be 808
State’s “Pacific State.” Created by the
trio of Graham Massey, Martin Price
and Gerald Simpson, the song’s contrast
of coldly mechanical drums
with warm synth and sax lines set
the template for many an acid house
anthem to come.
“The best memory for me is having
it played as the last tune of the
night at the Hacienda at the height of
afrojack
Producing and remixing for the likes of Beyonce and David
Guetta, Dutch producer Afrojack is one of the EDM scene’s
latest superstars.
Less than three years
ago, you were almost
unknown outside of
Holland. Surely, there
must be moments when
it’s hard to take in? If someone told
me this three years ago, I would be
laughing at them. But everybody likes
my tracks so that feels really good.
And I still like doing this so I’m going
to do this as long as I live.
How much do you feel you owe
to your 2010 breakthrough smash
“Take Over Control”? A lot. I knew it
was a good track and it was going to
be big, but I could never have guessed
it was going to be this good! I owe a lot
to this song.
You’re renowned for your tireless
work schedule. Does your
agenda never wear you out? Never.
Bookings are good to have people listen
to new tracks that I just finished
in the airplane while going there. So
08 • download our podcast at • podcast.metropolis.co.jp
the madness,” Massey recalls ahead
of his set at the upcoming Hacienda
Oiso Festival south of Tokyo. “It felt
like scoring a goal at a cup final. I have
not become bored playing that tune.”
Massey says the unique confluence
of musical influences in
Manchester at the time provided the
basis for a legacy that continues to
shape pop music a generation later.
“As a teenager we would go to rock
discos in Manchester, they played
quite a mix of music… Led Zeppelin
next to David Bowie, Gong next to
Kraftwerk. Reggae, prog, soul and
punk all mixed together at times.
The music culture in Manchester was
diverse—much like its population.”
The Hacienda—chronicled in the
film 24 Hour Party People—is remembered
for an adventurous approach
I can see if people like the song or not.
I use the people to check if the track
is good, or if I have to throw it away or
change something.
Over the last couple of years
you’ve gone from working with
David Guetta to remixing Madonna.
Do you see your musical tastes continuing
to expand, or do you feel
like you want to focus on narrower
musical spaces in the future? I don’t
know. When people ask me to remix a
song, I only do it when I like the song.
And there are a lot of different music
genres that I like.
Your Japanese fans are hotly
anticipating your return to a
region whose dance scene has been
stunned by the ubiquitous “Gangnam
Style.” Is there any truth in
the rumor that Psy may feature in
one of your upcoming projects?
I don’t know. I made a remix already
of Gangnam Style but I don’t know if
that arced from the austere ’80s
postpunk of New Order to the ’90s
hedonism of the Happy Mondays—
but Massey fills out a richer picture,
informed by the sociopolitical currents
of the era.
“The ’80s were a time of disempowerment
for young people in
Manchester,” he notes. “There was
a divide in the UK. On the one hand
some people were riding a wave of
affluence in London, [on the other]
the politics of Prime Minister Margret
Thatcher was not at all popular in
Manchester. There was an anti-establishment
atmosphere that fueled the
new nightclub and music scene—a
‘do it yourself’ culture arose out of a
need for expression.”
Massey provides a perspective at
odds with the image of narcissistic
I’m really going to work with him. But
you never know.
Is there anything different about
playing in Asia compared to Europe
and North America? Everybody
is crazy during parties. But in Asia
they are almost always crazier than
in Europe and North America. They
don’t stop screaming and yelling.
You’ve been working with some
absolutely huge superstars recently,
such as Beyonce, Chris Brown and
David Guetta. Is there ever any added
pressure producing tracks for artists
who can’t seem to get any bigger?
euphoria seeking with which rave
culture has often been written off.
“Martin was inspiring in his determination
for change,” he says of
his 808 partner, who ran key Manchester
record shop Eastern Bloc,
around which the group formed in
1987.
“He saw the dance music revolution
as a political thing, therefore
it was important to draw the dividing
lines from the old culture to the
new. Guitar bands were out. Using
the new technology was a stance for
change, being armed with a sampler
was very much about starting a
new page. We had more in common
with Detroit than London. Joining
an internationalism of the dance
floor was a rejection of colloquialism
that had chained us.”
Yeah of course, but I want to give the
people a lot of different variations of
music genres and give the artists I’m
working with a new audience and
great new songs! It’s really great to
work with them as well. You don’t meet
Chris Brown or Beyonce everyday.
You weren’t born when the original
Hacienda nightclub opened its
doors in Manchester in 1982. Do you
know much about the Madchester
scene? I don’t know a lot about the
Hacienda. I knew it was very important
and that it changed the music
landscape.

New Order veteran, Madchester
maverick and indefatigable
impresario Peter Hook’s
travelling Hacienda festival
returns to the Prince Hotel’s
Oiso digs on the beach south of
Yokohama. Ahead of the weekend
poolside party, Metropolis caught
up with two of the headliners,
who collectively represent two
generations of electronic dance
music.
So where are the politics of today’s
so-called EDM scene? “30 years
ago, all the music seemed fresh and
unpredictable. I’m aware of equivalent
illegal raves that go off around
Manchester in the present,” Massey
observes. “I think the spirit of antiestablishment
partying is building
in the UK. Let us hope austerity will
result in as much creativity this time
around.”
25 years since founding 808 State,
Massey’s fervor remains undimmed.
He will bring to Tokyo the same
five-member iteration of 808 State—
named for the Japanese-made Roland
sequencer that powered the acid
house scene—that electronic music
heads witnessed at Daikanyama’s
Unit in 2011. “We’ll play our betterknown
tunes, but we always like to
throw in a few obscure tunes from
the back catalogue,” he says about
the upcoming Hacienda-branded
festival, which will feature fellow
Hacienda vets the Happy Mondays
along with a slew of younger EDM artists
like Delphic and Digitalism.
Your own label Wall Recordings
has some excellent Dutch artists.
Tony Wilson's Factory Records was
instrumental in Manchester a hotbed
of dance music. Do you think
you and your label can go on to
make a similar impact? I hope so.
We see that a lot of Dutch DJs doing
well worldwide. I hope that one day
people will say it started with Wall
Recordings.
With this year marking the 30th
anniversary of the release of New
Order's “Blue Monday,” Peter Hook
recently mentioned in an interview
that he'd producers from the current
crop to remix the track. Is this
something you'd be interested in
doing? That would be great. I don’t
really know what kind of track it
would be because it depends on my
mood. But I probably will make it
bigger, harder and better!
Is there anyone in particular
you are keen to see at this year’s
festival? I want to be surprised when
I’m there but I know some tracks of
John Digweed and Digitalism, so I
really want to check them out when
I’m there. Interview by Nick Marsh/Mike
Burns
1 6
"Blue Monday" Remixed endlessly,
1983’s “Blue Monday”
embodies the shift from ‘70s disco
and ‘80s house music. It became
New Order’s signature encore tune.
2 7
3
4
"Pacific State" 1989 acid house
anthem that launched a thousand
chill-out rooms. Sterile rhythm
machine beats contrast with warm
synths and saxes.
"Step On" Seminal guitar rave
outing from Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches
hit #5 in 1990, a high water
mark for the then-budding dance
scene.
"Heaven Scent" With its
ricocheting synth melodies, four-tothe-floor
beats and arms-in-the-air
ethos, this 1999 track essentially
defined the progressive house style.
5 10
"Ghost in the Shell" One-half of
Denki Groove, Takkyu Ishino is also
capable of heavy duty Detroit minimalism.
This 1998 track for the PlayStation
game is one of his finest moments.
8
9
"Idealistic" German unit ’s
tweaky 2007 opus helped set the
template for the electro movement
of the latter 2000s.
"Extra" No one did more than Ken
Ishii to put Japanese techno on the
map, and this 1997 track—and its
hallucinatory animated video—
remains one of his finest moments.
"No Beef" Two DJs party their way
through Vegas in 2011, downing
bottles of “Afroki” and redefining
house music for a new generation
of Millennials.
"Good Life" If for nothing else, this
English quartet will be enshrined in
dance music lore forever for this deliciously
throwaway synth-pop outing
for the 2012 London Olympics.
"I hate Discooooooo !!!" Wonderfully
zany Japanese group
has the nerve to yoke together
indie-rock, electronica and Japonica—all
in one song.
sports
executive
fight
Night ii
clash of the corporate
titans
By Jeff W. Richards
L
ast November, 16 first-time fighters
stepped into the ring for the Vegas-style
Executive Fight Night black-tie boxing
event that raised over ¥5M for charity from the
450-plus spectators who packed into one of
Tokyo’s luxury hotel ballrooms for the night’s
entertainment. This year, 14 fighters will
square off in a more explosive fight card set to
go down at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo Ballroom on
May 24.
The fighters are once again training for 12
weeks with Club 360 owner and trainer Nathan
Schmid and former K1 and MMA fighter Jan
Kaszuba. Not only will they put their stamina
and boxing skills to the test—three rounds of
two minutes each for each bout—they’ll also
battle for a good cause, with all money raised
from an exciting charity auction and raffle
going to a worthwhile cause. This year, that
charity will be Refugees International Japan,
an independent not-for-profit organization
dedicated to raising funds to assist refugees
who have been displaced as a result of war and
conflict. Find out how the combatants deal
with their early morning Rocky workouts and
how they hone their killer instincts on their
blogs at ginjaninjas.com/fighters-blogs.
The “Ginja Ninjas,” as the organizers of the
event dub themselves, are also excited that this
year Executive Fight Night II will be featured
on Fox’s Backstage Pass TV program. Ringside
seating is already sold out, but if you rope-adope
over to the Ginja Ninja’s website, tickets
can still be had for Gold Tables (¥300,000) and
Gold Seats (¥33,000).
Executive Fight Night II @ Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Ballrom, May 24. ginjaninjas.com
#994 • www.metropolis.co.jp • 09
© 37 FrAMEs BY TrAcEY TAYlor & DEE GrEEn

Shared Office Special
Get Connected
Plug into creative workspaces,
make contacts and jump start
your business with Tokyo’s
newest shared office spaces
As much as our gadgets make
us into a mobile office, there's
something to be said for sitting
down at a desk, having an official
company address, or having
someone answer the phone for you.
With shared offices booming all around
the world, Tokyo has not been lagging behind.
But now there is a boom in shared-office
spaces with English support, to give succor
to all the gaikokujin entrepreneurs out there.
The obvious benefit of an office space is
sharing overheads and communication services.
The facilities listed below offer all the
amenities from Wi-Fi access and telephonereception
services in English and Japanese, to
printers, shared kitchens and parking. Some
even offer car services, in-house cafés, and
assistance in navigating the legal waters to set
up your company in Japan. What more could
you want?
But the beauty is also flexibility. If your
business takes off you can hire more space,
if you need to host a conference you can rent
a room, or if it’s a quiet month you can scale
back while keeping your company address
and phone number intact.
Sharing space is also a great way to make
contacts, and gain inspiration from the
shared buzz of a community. More than one
successful start-up has been launched from a
chat at a water cooler.
So look into the options on offer in our
Shared Office Special, and slap your priorities
on the communal table.
BUSINESS GARDEN Across Tokyo
Business Garden offers low cost private offices
in central Tokyo. The affordable office spaces
are fully equipped and ready-to-use. All five
branches have English speaking staff and are conveniently
located in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Yotsuya
and Shimbashi. The “Entrepreneur Support Plan”
is just ¥35,000 per month and support is provided
creating a corporation or opening a branch office in
Tokyo. Also included is telephone answering service
10 ● advertising section
Office Rental
in English and Japanese, high speed internet and 24/7
access to your office. The new Business Garden Yotsuya
Annex provides a wide variety of spacious booths for up
to 4 people in a great location just 6 minutes walk from
Yotsuya station. You can quickly start your business
even with a limited budget - all it takes is one-month
deposit to get started – with no admission fees or management
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becoming the next Tokyo mogul.
Special offer
• 50% off the first month’s rent at
Business Garden Yotsuya Annex
(¥42,000 for only ¥21,000)
• First three applicants only
• Offer ends April 30, 2013
FOTOliA
ContaCt
03-6890-1111 (Shinjuku) info@shinjuku-bg.jp
03-6892-1111 (Shibuya) info@shibuya-bg.jp
03-3358-1913 (Yotsuya) info@yotsuya-bg.jp
03-5366-4700 (Yotsuya Annex) annex@business-garden.co.jp
03-3459-0233 (Shimbashi)
www.yotsuya-bg.jp/annex/en/
info@shimbashi-bg.co.jp
OFFice URL

cROSS OFFIcE
Why lease or rent an empty office when
you can enjoy mingling freely with fellow
workers in a shared office environment
created with inspiration in mind? Opened on March
25 one minute from Shibuya station, Cross Office is
a common workspace with Wi-Fi internet access,
a lively decor filled with plants and on-site drinks
for ¥100. The rest of the building functions as a fully
serviced office with reception, printing services and
INcUBAR
Oakhouse, one of Tokyo’s biggest guesthouse
companies, has started Incubar—a unique
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#994 ● www.MetroPoLis.co.JP ● 11

Agenda Listings
festival COURTESY
Concerts
PoPular
Wilco
Groundbreaking US
alt-rock group. Apr 12, 7pm,
¥7,000 (standing)/ ¥7,500
(seated). Unit. Nearest stn:
Daikanyama. Apr 13, 6pm,
¥7,000 (standing)/ ¥7,500
(reserved seating) +1d.
Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
www.smash-jpn.com
Roach
Okinawan metal boys on a
solo show in Tokyo. Apr 12,
7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500
(door) +1d. Shelter. Nearest
stn: Shimokitazawa. Tel:
03-3466-7430.
The Jim Kweskin Jug
Band
Legendary band’s 50th
anniversary tour. Apr 12,
7pm, ¥8,000 (adv) +1d.
Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall.
Nearest stn: Nihonbashi.
toms-cabin.http://sakura.
ne.jp/Jim2013
Ayumi Hamasaki
J-pop diva. Apr 13, 6:30pm;
Apr 14, 4pm, ¥8,500. Saitama
Super Arena. Nearest stn:
Saitama-Shintoshin. Tel:
0570-550-955.
Donna Burke for Shine
On
Romantic songs by original
artist, with proceeds going
to Shine On Kids charity. Apr
13, 1 & 5pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/
¥3,500 (door) +1d. Akasaka
Kumin Center Hall. Nearest
stn: Akasakamitsuke or
Akasaka. Tel: 03-5413-2711.
www.donnaburke.com
Spring Nightmare
Gothic, Lolita and alternative
live show with Rose Noire
and more. Apr 14, 4pm,
¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500
(door) +1d. Live Inn Rosa.
Tel: 03-5956-3463. www.
artism.jp
The Wildhearts
Geordie hard rock and
melodic pop mix band. Apr
15, 7:30pm, ¥6,800 + 1d.
O-East. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
creativeman.co.jp/english
OF BLUE NOTE TOKYO
Jazz Auditoria 2013
With the help of Blue Note Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward is celebrating
Unesco International Jazz Day with a free jazz festival at the new
Waterras complex in Kanda. Blue Note means big names and
Jazz Auditoria does not disappoint. Heading the lineup is the
Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, led by Japan’s most important
jazz composer and one of just a few women anywhere to make
their mark on jazz as bandleaders. Filling out the ranks are the
Blue Note Tokyo All Star Jazz Orchestra and individual players
including popular violinist Naoko Terai and hepcat piano
personality Swing-O a.k.a 45.
Waterras, Apr 28-30, free. Nearest stn: Shin-Ochanomizu. Tel:
03-5259-0529. www.jazzauditoria.com
Rizing 2 End
Osaka punk rock with
Hi-Gravity, Symphony School
and more. Apr 17, 5:15pm,
¥2,000 (adv)/¥2,500 (door) +1d.
Club Lizard. Tel: 045-663-4755.
www.club-lizard.com
I Have a Dream
Chaotic and charismatic
rockers NSDP with Fear from
the Hate etc. Apr 19, 6:30pm,
¥2,800 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door)
+1d. Ruido K2. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-5310.
www.ruido.org/k2
Punk Ollie Vol.22
Hardcore bands The Twisted
Harbor Town, A Barking Dog
Never Bites and more. Apr 19,
6:30pm, ¥1,500 (adv)/ ¥2,000
(door) +1d. Deseo. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5457-0303.
www.deseo.co.jp
Asia Music Exchange
Festival
Artists from all over Asia, inc.
Korea’s J-Min, and Japan’s
Twin Cross. Apr 20, 5:30pm,
¥7,350-8,400. Muza Kawasaki
Symphony Hall. Nearest stn:
Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0100.
www.tvk-yokohama.com/asia
Christopher Owens
Former Girls singer goes solo.
Apr 20, 6pm, ¥5,500 +1d. Unit.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.
creativeman.co.jp/english
Kawaii Matsuri
TM Revolution, Kyary Pamyu
Pamyu, and other harbingers
of cute. Apr 20, 2:30pm; Apr 21,
2:30pm, ¥5,800 (1 day)/ ¥10,500
(2 days)/ ¥13,650 (VIP). Tokyo
Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Nearest stn: Sendagaya. Tel:
0570-00-3337. www.kawaiimatsuri.jp
Kim Jinho
K-pop singer's first solo show
in Japan. Apr 21, 6:30pm.
¥9,800. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-6416-1515. www.kimjinho.jp
Artism Market Opening
Anniversary Festival
Alt. and gothic bands, fashion
show, and more. Apr 21, 3:30pm,
¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) +1d.
Live Inn Rosa. www.artism.jp
Triple Axe Tour
Hey-Smith, Coldrain and SiM.
12 • DOwNLOAD Our pODcASt At • pODcASt.MetrOpOLiS.cO.jp
Submit your event at metropolis.co.jp/listings/submit
Apr 21, 6pm, ¥2,800 (adv)
+1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
www.smash-jpn.com
The Strypes
Rhythm-and-blues quartet
from Ireland. Apr 24, 7pm,
¥3,800 (adv) +1d. Club
Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Silhouette from the Skylit
Melodic hardcore band with
Countlost, Supernova and
more. Apr 24, 4:30pm, ¥2,500
(adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Club
Asia. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.silhouettefromtheskylit.
com
Fear from the Hate
Emo-electro hardcore
with oriental metal band
Harvest and more. April 26,
6pm, ¥2,400 (adv)/ ¥2,900
(door) +1d. Shibuya The
Game. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3409-1336. www.
shibuyathegame.com
The Pete Best Band
Original Beatles drummer
and band. Apr 27-29, ¥7,000-
8,000. Cotton Club. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Okamoto’s
Japanese rock band. Apr 27,
6pm, ¥ 3,150. O-East. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.okamotos.
net
The Hacienda Oiso Festival
Music festival with 808 State,
Digitalism, Happy Mondays,
and more. Apr 27, 11am; Apr
28, 11am, ¥8,900 (1 day adv)/
¥8,900 (adv)/ ¥11,000 (door)/
¥16,000 (2 days adv) +1d. Oiso
Long Beach. Nearest stn: Oiso.
www.fac51thehacienda.jp
Exile
R&B 14-strong boy band
famous for hot moves. Apr
27-May 1, 6pm, ¥9,500. Tokyo
Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.
tokyo-dome.co.jp
Japan Jam
The Starbems, The Back Horn
and more. May 3-4, 3pm,
¥4,800 (one day)/ ¥8,000
(two days) +1d. Studio Coast.
Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel:
050-5533-0888. www.
japanjam.jp
Untitled Fest
Tokyo metalcore bands
Artema, A Ghost of Flare, and
more. May 5, 1:30pm, ¥2,800
(adv), ¥3,300 (door) +1d. Club
Asia. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.clubasia.co.jp
Man with a Mission
J-rockers in wolves' clothing.
May 6, 6pm, ¥4,500 (adv)/
¥5,000 (door) +1. Nippon
Budokan. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 050-5533-
0888. www.mwamjapan.info
Tokyo Rocks
Cancelled. For info on
refunds see website. May
11-12, ¥12,500 (one day
pass)/¥23,000 (two day pass).
Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest
stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-
0555. http://tokyorocks.jp
Ozzfest
Slash, Slipknot, Black Sabbath,
Deftones, and more. May 11-12,
noon, ¥14,000 (1 day, standing)
/¥16,500 (1 day, reserved
seating) /¥27,000 (two day,
standing). Makuhari Messe.
Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari.
http://ozzfestjapan.com
Sigur Ros
Icelandic dream-pop
juggernaut. May 14, 7pm,
¥7,800. Nippon Budokan.
Nearest stn: Kudanshita. http://
nipponbudokan.web.fc2.com
Greenroom Festival
Surf vibe fest feat. The Brand
New Heavies, Newton
Faulkner, and more. May
18-19. ¥9,000 (1 day)/16,000
(2 days). Yokohama Red
Brick Warehouse. Nearest
stn: Minatomirai. www.
greenroom.jp
Fujifabric
Electric power pop. May 19,
6pm, ¥5,000 (adv) +1d. NHK
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.nhk-sc.or.jp/nhk_hall
The AP Tour
The Used, Silverstein and
Crossfaith. May 19, 6pm, ¥5,500
+1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
www.altpress.jp
Teentop
Manly K-pop heart stealers.
May 21-22, 7pm, ¥9,450. Tokyo
International Forum Hall A.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
0570-02-9999. www.teentop.jp
But By Fall
Tokyo pop punkers in solo
show. May 26, 7pm, ¥2,500
(adv) +1d. Shelter. Nearest stn:
Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3466-
7430. www.butbyfall.com
Takako Minekawa and
Dustin Wong
Experimental pop
collaboration. May 26, 7pm,
¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door)
+1d. O-Nest. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-4420.
www.shibuya-o.com/nest
Jazz/World
Helen Merrill
Veteran 82-year-old jazz
vocalist. Apr 9-12, ¥8,500. Blue
Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.
www.bluenote.co.jp
Candy Dulfer
Funky, powerful, and sexy
Dutch saxophonist. Apr 13-16,
¥8,400. Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Nerima Tea Club
English tuba player Gideon
Juckes' all-star acoustic
quintet plays strange old
European music. Apr 14, 7pm,
free, donations welcome.
Cafe Muriwui. Nearest stn:
Soshigayaokura. Tel: 03-5429-
2033. http://meturl.com/
nerimatealive1
Fred Hersch
US jazz pianist in solo show. Apr
17-19. 6:30 & 9pm, ¥5,800-7,000.
Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Karen Souza
Voluptuous vocalist. Apr 19-20,
¥6,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Stanley Jordan Trio
Jazz fusion guitar and piano.
Apr 20-23, ¥7,350-8,500. Cotton
Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.
cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Jens Lekman
Swedish singer-songwriter.
Apr 22, ¥4,000-6,000. Billboard
Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-3405-1133. www.billboardlive.com
Abiah
Jazz and organic soul. Apr 25,
¥6,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Mike Price Jazz Orchestra
Featuring the music of Gerald
Wilson, who is perhaps the most
senior and respected among
living US jazz composers
and bandleaders. Apr 26,
¥3,990. Someday. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku-gyoenmae. Tel:
03-3359-6777. http://someday.
net
Vincent Gallo
Actor, film director, artist
and musician. Apr 26-27, 7 &
9:30pm, ¥8,400. Blue Note.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz
Orchestra
A reunion with Lew Tabackin.
Apr 28-May 2, ¥9,000. Blue
Go to www.meturl.com/listinGs
Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. www.
bluenote.co.jp
Sara Gazarek
Charming, natural jazz singer.
May 3-5, ¥5,800-8,000. Cotton
Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.
cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Gifts of Music, Gift for All
Modern French classics. May
4, 2:30pm, free. The Museum of
Modern Art, Saitama. Nearest
stn: Kitaurawa. Tel: 048-824-
0111. http://momas.jp
Jake Shimabukuro
Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso.
May 10, 7pm, ¥6,500.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
0570-550-799. www.jklub.jp
Sound/Art—Tuning in to
Africa
Malian kora player Ballake
Sissoko. May 18, 7pm; May
19, 2pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/
¥3,500 (door) +1d. Yokohama
Creativecity Center. Nearest
stn: Kannai or Sakuragicho.
Tel: 045-221-0325. http://saa.
yafjp.prg
Sinne Eeg
Bittersweet vocals from
Scandinavia. May 20, from
¥6,000. Cotton Club. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Jazztronik
Jazz-and-house DJ. May 22,
¥4,500-6,500. Billboard Live.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
billboard-live.com
Fabrizio Bosso Quartet
Trumpet and acoustic jazz
from Italy. May 26. Cotton
Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Suoni Italiani
"Italian sounds" by Stefano
Bollani. May 26, 7pm,
¥6,000. Suntory Hall
Blue Rose. Nearest stn:
Roppongi Itchome. www.
newageproductions.it
Kodo Legend
Traditional Japanese taiko
artists. May 29, 7pm, ¥4,500
(general), ¥3,000 (students).
Green Hall. Nearest stn:
Sagami-Oono. www.kodo.or.jp
ClassiCal
Oboe Recital
Award-winning Ami Kaneko
performs German baroque.
Apr 13, 11am, ¥2,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3296-0600.
www.tokyo-harusai.com
Spring Festival in Tokyo
Classical music events
across Ueno. Until Apr 14.
Tokyo National Museum,
The Royal Ueno Museum
and more. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-5205-6403. www.
tokyo-harusai.com
Frans Bruggen Project
A series of performances
led by world-famous Dutch
conductor. Apr 4-15, 7pm,
¥6,000-12,000. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Nearest stn:
Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5608-1212.
www.triphony.com
Otello
Giuseppe Verdi's opera
performed by the Gran
Teatro La Fenice. Apr 17 &
19. 6:30pm, ¥9,000-45,000.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
bunkamura.co.jp
Yuja Wang
Chinese classical pianist
performs as part of the “Piano
Etoile Series.” Apr 20, 2pm,
¥1,500 (students), ¥3,500-
4,500 (general). Saitama
Arts Theater. Nearest stn:
Yonohonmachi. www.saf.
or.jp/en/index.html
Orchestra Detective Team
The New Japan Philharmonic
Orchestra presents classical
event for children. Apr 27,
4pm, ¥1,000-4,000. Sumida
Triphony Hall. Nearest stn:
Kinshicho. Tel: 03-5610-3815.
www.njp.or.jp
Masako Ezaki
Chopin piano recital. Apr 29,
2pm, ¥3,500-4,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-5774-3040.
www.japanarts.co.jp
Wiener Saengerknaben
The Vienna Boys' Choir sings
works by Strauss, Schubert and
more. May 3 & Jun 5, ¥1,000-
7,000. Suntory Hall. Nearest
stn: Roppongi-itchome.
May 4-Jun 16, ¥1,000-7,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Shinjuku or
Hatsudai. www.wsk-japan.org
NHK Symphony
Orchestra
Beethoven's symphony No.7
in A major and works by
Sibelius. May 5, 2pm, ¥5,800-
7,800. Suntory Hall. Nearest
stn: Roppongi-itchome.
Tel: 0570-000-407. www.
suntory.com/culture-sports/
suntoryhall
Wiener Symphoniker
Mozart, Brahms and
Beethoven. May 13 & 15,
7pm, ¥7,000-22,000. Suntory
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome.
Tel: 03-5774-3040.
Schubert and Mahler. May
18, 6:30pm, ¥7,000-19,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Shinjuku or
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5774-3040.
www.japanarts.co.jp
Alexander Romanovsky
Piano concert. May 14, 7pm,
¥4,500. Hamarikyu Asahi
Hall. Nearest stn: Shimbashi.
Tel: 03-5774-3040. www.
japanarts.co.jp
Music in Heaven: The
Comfort in Spirit
Harp concert to support those
dealing with terminal care.
Reservations only. May 15,
7pm, free. Hamarikyu Asahi
Hall. Nearest stn: Shimbashi.
Tel: 03-5458-9560. info@
gem-impact.com
Tokyo String Quartet
International quartet plays
Haydn, Beethoven and more.
May 16, 7pm, ¥3,000-6,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Nearest stn: Shinjuku or
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.japanarts.co.jp
The World of Dragon
Quest X
Video-game music turned
classical. May 25, 2pm,
¥4,000-5,000. Olympus Hall
Hachioji. Nearest stn: Hachioji.
Tel: 042-655-0802. www.
olympus.hall-info.jp
Lise de la Salle
Piano recital. May 26, 3pm,
¥1,000-3,500. Saitama
Arts Theater. Nearest
stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel:
0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp
La Mer and Petrouchka
Duo piano recital of Debussy
and Stravinsky. May 30,
7pm, ¥4,000-6,000. Kioi
Hall. Nearest stn: Yotsuya.
Tel: 03-5774-3040. www.
japanarts.co.jp
Stage
The Magic Flute
Mozart's operatic love story.
Apr 14 & 17 & 21, 2pm; Apr
19, 6:30pm, ¥3,150-21,000.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.
go.jp/english
Women of Ireland
Song, dance, and live music. Jul
19, 7pm; Apr 20, ¥6,000-10,000.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
bunkamura.co.jp/english/
orchard
Shen Yun
New York based dance

for complete listinGs
group of 100 artists performs
stunning show of classical
Chinese dance and music. Apr
22, ¥5,000-18,000. Bunkyo
Civic Hall. Apr 19, ¥5,000-
20,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Apr 28,
¥5,000-18,000. Yokosuka Arts
Theater. Nearest stn: Yokosuka.
Tel: 0120-91-8487. www.
shenyunperformingarts.org
Hansel and Gretel
The classic story performed as
opera for kids of all ages. Apr 27,
11am, ¥2,000 (general), ¥500
(kids). Mori no Hall. Nearest stn:
Hashimoto. www.hall-net.or.jp
Princess Mononoke
Whole Hog Theatre brings
Hayao Miyazaki's animated
film to life on stage. Apr 29-May
6, ¥7,500. Aiia Theater. Nearest
stn: Harajuku or Shibuya.
Tel: 03-6407-1680. http://
aiia-theater.com
Ocean's Eleven
Musical version of movie,
by famed all-female cast
of Takarazuka Revue. Mar
29-May 5, various times,
¥3,500-8,500. Tokyo
Takarazuka Theater. Nearest
stn: Hibiya. Tel: 03-5251-2001.
www.kageki.hankyu.co.jp
The Sound of Music
The Von Trapps in Japanese.
Until May 6, ¥3,000-9,800.
Shiki Theater Aki. Nearest stn:
Hamamatsucho. Tel: 03-5776-
6730. www.shiki.gr.jp
Michael Jackson: The
Immortal
Cirque de Soleil presents
a tribute of dance, visuals
and music. May 9-12.
¥6,000-25,000. Saitama
Super Arena. Nearest stn:
Saitama-Shintoshin. May
16-19, ¥12,000-25000.
Yokohama Arena. Nearest stn:
Shin-Yokohama. http://mj-t.jp
Nabucco
Giuseppe Verdi’s opera
performed in Italian with
Japanese subtitles. May 19-Jun
4, ¥5,250-26,250. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999.
www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english
Rakugo in English
A rare chance to hear
12 traditional Japanese
storytellers ply their comic
trade in English. May 19,
12:30pm, free. Shinjuku Bunka
Center. Nearest stn: Higashi-
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3350-1141.
www.rakugo-in-english.com
Cosi Fan Tutte
Mozart's tale of love, betrayal
and fiancé swapping. Jun 3-15,
¥4,200-23,100. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999.
www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english
4 Stars: One World of
Broadway Musicals
Lea Salona, Ramin Karimloo
and others perform songs
from Les Misérables and more.
Jun 15-23, ¥8,000-11,500.
Aoyama Theater. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. http://kyodotokyo.
com/4starsTokyo
The Little Mermaid
Disney and Shiki Gekidan
production of the classic
Hans Christian Andersen tale.
Apr 7-31, ¥4,000-8,800. Shiki
Theater Natsu. Nearest stn:
Oimachi. Tel: 0120-489444.
www.shiki.jp/applause/
littlemermaid
Cats
Japanese version of hit
Broadway musical. Ongoing,
¥3,000-9,800. Cannon
Cats Theater. Nearest stn:
Shin-takashima. Tel: 03-5776-
6730. www.shiki.jp
Dance
Beethoven Symphony
No.9
Spectacular symphonic ballet
by K-Ballet Company. Apr
12-14, 2pm, ¥10,000-18,000.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
bunkamura.co.jp
Infinity—Pipe Organ
Cosmos Bach Crossover to
Modern Times
Dancer Saburo Teshigawara
collaborates with organist
Masato Suzuki for a generationcrossing
performance. Apr
12, 7pm, ¥1,000-3,000. Tokyo
Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest
stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010-
296. www.t-bunka.jp/en
New Universe of Manuel
Legris III
A unique and original
performance by an
international cast. Apr 17-21,
¥7,000-16,000. U-Port Hall.
Nearest stn: Osaki-Hirokoji. Tel:
03-5721-8000. www.nbs.or.jp/
english
World Order
Powerful and innovative
dance unit of YouTube fame.
Apr 20, 5:30pm, ¥4,500-8,000.
Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 0570-550-955.
www.nipponbudokan.or.jp
Penguin Café 2013
Symphony in C / E=mc2 / 'Still
Life' at the Penguin Café by
The National Ballet of Japan.
Apr 28-May 4, ¥3,150-12,600.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. www.
nntt.jac.go.jp/english
Woyzeck
Korean dance group Sadari
Movement Laboratory
performs piece by Karl Georg
Buechner. May 1-5, 2pm,
¥2,500-5,000. Setagaya
Public Theater. Nearest stn:
Sangenjaya. http://setagaya-pt.
jp
Emanuelle Huynh and
Akira Kasai
Grand master of improv
dancing and contemporary
choreographer move in
symbiosis. May 17-19, ¥3,000
(adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Asahi Art
Square. Nearest stn: Asakusa.
Tel: 042-316-3508. info@
akirakasai.com
Utopía
By the María Pagés Flamenco
Company. May 18-19, ¥7,000-
12,600. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.bunkamura.co.jp/
english
Apollo
Male dance troupe Condors
performs piece directed by
Ryohei Kondo. May 18-19, 2 &
7pm, ¥4,100-5,000. Saitama
Arts Theater. Nearest stn:
Yonohonmachi. Tel: 0570-064-
939. www.saf.or.jp
A Gift From Malakhov Final
Artistic director and first
soloist of the Berlin State Ballet
performs an original piece
with an international cast. May
21-26, ¥5,000-16,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-5721-8000. www.
nbs.or.jp/english
Clubbing
Friday 12
Ageha
Azul. Hip-hop: DJs Komori,
Murakami, etc. From 11pm,
(m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. Nearest
stn: Shin-Kiba. www.ageha.
com
Air
Motivation. Techno: DJs Towa
Tei, Sunahara, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com
Eleven
Joy & House Link. Techno,
house: DJs Sodeyama, Suzuki,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Module
Wide Awake. Techno, house:
DJs Hirata, Temma, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
Ruby Room
Boyish Release Party.
DJs Ysk, Goboy, etc: Live:
Boyish and more. From
11:30pm, ¥2,000. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs
Verbal, Kaori, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)
free. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm, ¥1,000
(after 11:30pm). Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.
matrixbar.jp
The Room
Sound Sanctuary.
Jazz, house: DJ Shuya
Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive)
and more. From 10pm,
¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Unit
Gold Panda. Electro: DJs
Gold Panda, Star Slinger, etc.
From 11pm, ¥4,000. Nearest
stn: Daikanyama. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Womb
Rhythmholic. Techno: DJs
Dinky, Java, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.womb.co.jp
saturday 13
Ageha
Edms. Techno: DJs Sidney
Samson, Hirata, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. www.ageha.com
Air
Mastermind Music. Electro,
hip-hop: DJs Kenshu,
The Lowbrows, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.
com
Eleven
Galactic Soul. House, techno
DJ Alex from Tokyo and
more: Live: Vince Watson.
From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Module
Mass. Techno: DJs Ant, Kn,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
King Street Sounds. House:
DJs David Morales, Emma,
etc. From 10pm, ¥4,000.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
vision-tokyo.com
Womb
13th Anniversary. D ’n’ b,
deep house: DJs Osawa, Aki,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Womb 13th Anniversary
"Carnival Season". From
11pm, ¥3,000 (w/ flyer,
member) / ¥3,500 (door).
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp/13th
sunday 14
Air
The Morning Beat. House,
techno: DJs Otsuki, P-Yan,
etc. From midnight,
(m)¥1,000, (f) free. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.
air-tokyo.com
Module
Sunday Session. Techno,
house: DJs Gonno, Chiba,
etc. From 4pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
module-tokyo.com
The Room
Em. Nu classic: DJs Sekitova,
Carpainter, etc. From
midnight, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
International Parties
BEACH PARTIES | CRUISING PARTIES | SPORTS EVENTS | LIVE BANDS
THE RACE IS ON!
Groups of 4 or more can
compete with each other
Admission
1 ticket (7 min)=¥2000, 3 tix=¥5000, 5 tix=¥7500
Mention Metropolis
for FREE ADMISSION
JR Sotobo line
JR Keiyo Line
April 28
@AOYAMA
Big
International
Party
www.midblueinternational.com
Keiyo Highway
All seats non-smoking
#994 • www.MetrOpOLiS.cO.jp • 13

Agenda Listings Go to www.meturl.com/listinGs for complete listinGs
exhibition
Bathers (1914); by Yasui Sotaro
Through Japanese Eyes: Paris,
1900–1945
With Japan’s opening up in the 19th century came a desire
not only to equal but also to surpass the West. Japanese artists
flocked to the capital of Western art, Paris, from 1900 on, where
some passionately embraced the study of Western art and
others attempted to establish a Japanese identity within the
framework of modern Western art. This show looks at painters
like Tsuguharu “Léonard” Fujita and provides evidence
of a lively artistic dialog that paved the way for Japanese
contemporary art success stories such as Takeshi Murakami.
Bridgestone Museum of Art, until Jun 9, ¥500-800. 1-10-1
Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.bridgestonemuseum.gr.jp
monday 15
Air
Mon Chouchou. House,
techno: DJs Terui, Yuichirou,
etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
Eleven
Union. Hip-hop: DJs Kein,
Bobby, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥2,000 w/1d, (f)¥1,000
w/1d. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
www.go-to-eleven.com
Womb
Techvane. Techno, house: DJs
Oliviu, Yama, etc. From 10pm,
¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.womb.co.jp
tuesday 16
Ruby Room
Open Mic. Open Mic.
From 7pm, ¥1,000 w/2d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
The Room
Shugyo. Funk: DJ & jam
session: Mountain Mocha
Kilimanjaro and more. From
midnight, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Womb
Jade Vision. House, techno:
DJs Lx-E, A2c, etc. From
10pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.womb.
co.jp
Wednesday 17
Eleven
Sml. Disco, house: DJs
Ken-Ske, Toyo, etc. From
10pm, ¥1,000 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.
go-to-eleven.com
thursday 18
Air
Entertainment. Electro,
techno: DJs Mayu, Tsuda, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
air-tokyo.com
Eleven
Entropy. House, minimal:
DJs Kittikun, Masaomi, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Sound Museum Vision
Pinopateen. Hip-hop: DJs
Ken-Bo, Hazime, etc. From
10pm, ¥2,000. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
The Room
Ryukyu Holic. Loose and hot
music: DJs Genta, Sato, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Womb
Fiesta. Tech house, house:
DJs Moto, U-Suke, etc. From
10pm, ¥1,500. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.womb.co.jp
Friday 19
Air
Love Tribe. House: DJs Nozaki,
Shacho, etc. From 10pm,
¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
Eleven
Music Man. House: DJs Nori,
Kensei, etc. From 9pm, ¥3,000.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Module
Oto no Minamoto. Electric, nu
disco: DJs Mic B, Nakamura,
etc. From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
High Street. Hip-hop: DJs Scram
Jones, Muro, etc. From 10pm,
¥3,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
The Room
Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs
Kuroda, Ryuhei the Man, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Unit
Park Live. Pop, techno
DJs Nob, Ngtk, etc: Live: 80kidz
and more. From 11pm, ¥4,000.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
www.unit-tokyo.com
Womb
Inter Galactic Annex. All mix,
electro: DJs Taku, Sinden, etc.
From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.womb.co.jp
uPComing
Ageha
Clash x Gan-Ban Night. Techno:
DJs Vitalic, Osawa, etc. Apr 20,
from 11pm, ¥4,500. Nearest
stn: Shin-Kiba. www.ageha.
com
Air
Fang. Techno,house: DJs
Patrice Scott, Nehan, etc. Apr
20, from 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.
com
Aisotope Lounge
I love Gf. Women only: DJs Chii,
Peli, etc. Apr 20, from 9pm,
¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku Sanchome. www.
aisotope.net
Eleven
Sound of Berghain. Techno:
DJs Ben Klock, Nobu, etc.
Apr 20, from 10pm, ¥3,500.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
go-to-eleven.com
Module
Gold Experience. Techno,
house: DJs Sodeyama,
Yamaguchi, etc. Apr 20, from
10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Fad. Electro: DJs Mystery
REAL PEOPLE. REAL INFO.
REAL TOKYO.
WWW.METPOD.COM
14 • DOwNLOAD Our pODcASt At • pODcASt.MetrOpOLiS.cO.jp
Jets, Dexpistols, etc. Apr 20,
from 9pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(m)¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
The Room
Magic. House, disco: DJ
Kawasaki and more. Apr
20, from 9pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
theroom.jp
Unit
DBS presents Mala in
Japan. Dubstep: DJs Mala,
Goth-Trad, etc. Apr 20, from
11:30pm, ¥3,800. Nearest stn:
Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo.
com
Womb
Session. House. DJs Carlos
Manaca, Ohnishi, etc: Live:
Drunken Kong. Apr 20, from
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.womb.co.jp
Exhibitions
akasaka/roPPongi
21_21 Design Sight
Design Ah! NHK educational
program presents mixed
media. Until Jun 2,
¥500-1,000. Open Mon
& Wed-Sun 11am-8pm,
closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka,
Minato-ku. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121.
www.2121designsight.jp
Mori Art Museum
All You Need Is Love. Works
from Chagall to Kusama. Apr
26-Sep 1, ¥1,500. Open Mon
& Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue
10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
mori.art.museum
Mori Arts Center Gallery
Alphonse Mucha: An Insight
into the Artist. Until May 19,
10am-8pm, ¥1,500 (general),
¥1,200 (university/high
school), ¥800 (junior high).
Harry Potter: The Exhibition.
Interactive theatrical
event. Audio tour available
in English. Jun 22-Sep 16,
¥1,000-2,500. 52F Roppongi
Hills Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
roppongihills.com/art/macg
Suntory Museum of Art
"Mono no Are" and Japanese
Beauty. Key motifs in Japanese
art. Apr 17-Jun 16, Open
Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon
& hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
suntory.jp/sma
The National Art Center,
Tokyo
California Design, 1930-1965:
Living in a Modern Way.
Furniture, fashion, pottery
and photography. Until Jun
3, ¥1,000. Open Wed-Mon
10am-6pm, closed Tue.
7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. www.nact.jp
Skydiving Fast
Experience
Skydiving
near Tokyo!
Start: 8:45 or 10:45am at Ootone Airport
Airport & pick up location info:
http://www.skydivefast.com/access
Pick up: 6:50am at Tokyo Metropolitan
Theater, 3min walk from Ikebukuro stn
(west gate park)
Price: Tandem Skydiving: ¥39,800
Personalized video: ¥10,000
Max Weight: 80kg
ginza/kyobashi/
tokyo
Craft Gallery, The
National Museum of
Modern Art
Blooming Crafts: Modern
Crafts from the Museum
Collection. Mixed media.
Until May 6, ¥70-200.
Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm,
Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun
10am-5pm. 1-1 Kitanomarukoen
Chiyoda-Ku. Nearest stn:
Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.momat.go.jp/english
Ginza Graphic Gallery
TDC Exhibition. Tokyo
Type Directors Club award
winners. Until Apr 27, free.
Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat
11am-6pm, closed Sun & hols.
1F Ginza Bldg, 7-7-2 Ginza.
Nearest stn: Ginza. www.
tdctokyo.org/eng
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
Genji-e and Ise-e: The Illustrated
Love Stories. Traditional
Japanese art. Until May 19,
¥700-1,000. Open Tue-Thu
10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm,
closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg,
3-1-1 Marunouchi. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. www.idemitsu.co.jp/
museum
Marunouchi Gyoko-dori
Underground Gallery
Art Award Tokyo Marunouchi.
Upcoming contemporary
artists. Apr 27-May 26, free.
2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.
Nearest stn: Tokyo.
marunouchi.com
Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Museum
Great French Paintings from
the Clark. Renaissance to
19th-century. Until May 26,
¥1,500 (general). The Clark
Collection. Paintings by Renoir,
Manet, Monet and more. Until
May 26, ¥500-1,500. Wed-Fri
10am-8pm, Tue, Sat & Sun/
hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon.
2-6-2 Marunouchi. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. www.mimt.jp
Mitsui Memorial
Museum
Kyosai: Noh and Kyogen
Paintings. Hokusai's greatest
successor's works. Apr 20-Jun
16, ¥600-1,200. 7F Mitsui
Main Bldg, 2-1-1 Nihombashi-
Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Mitsukoshimae. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.mitsuimuseum.jp
National Museum of
Modern Art Tokyo
Francis Bacon. 20th
anniversary of artist’s death.
Until May 26, 10am-5pm
(until 8pm Fri), closed
Mon, ¥700 (HS), ¥1,100
(univ), ¥1,500 (gen). Design
Project for the Tokyo 1964
Olympic Games. Until May
26, ¥130-420. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 3-7-6 Kyobashi.
Nearest stn: Takebashi. www.
momat.go.jp
www.skydivefast.com
Tel: 04-2956-7597 (Business Hours: 9am~7pm, everyday)
haraJuku/aoyama
Diesel Art Gallery
I See a Different You. Studio
Africa photography exhibit.
Until May 10, free. Open
daily 11:30am-9pm. 1-23-16
Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.diesel.co.jp/art
Idol Tokyo
Marc Jacobs Iconic Showpieces.
Photographed by Juergen
Teller. Until Apr 14, free.
Mon-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat
11am-9pm. 5-11-9 Minami
Aoyama. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-6427-
4741. http://idoltokyo.com
Nezu Museum
National Treasure Irises
Screens—Rinpa Splendor. Ogata
Korin's screens. Apr 20-May
19, Ceramics and Ukiyo-e
Masterpieces from the Hagi
Uragami Museum. Paintings
and ceramics. Jun 1-Jul
15, ¥1,000-1,200. Tue-Sun,
10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 Minami-
Aoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Omotesando. www.
nezu-muse.or.jp/en
Spiral
Spiral Independent Creators
Festival. One hundred artists
present their creations. Mixed
media. May 3-6, ¥500-700.
Open daily 11am-8pm. 5-6-23
Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-3498-1171. www.spiral.
co.jp
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial
Museum of Art
Fantastic Comics. Art by
Katsuhika Hokusai and
Kawanabe Kyosai. Apr 27-Jun
26, free (JHS & under), ¥700
(HS & univ), ¥1,000 (gen). Open
Tue-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm,
closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.
ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp
shibuya/ebisu
Bunkamura: The Museum
Rubens: Inspired by Italy
and Established in Antwerp.
Paintings by the master
and disciples. Until Apr 21,
¥700-1,500. Antonio López. Key
contemporary Spanish artist.
Apr 27-Jun 16, ¥700-1,500.
Open Mon-Thu & Sun
10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm.
2- 24-1 Dogenzaka. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111.
www.bunkamura.co.jp
Parco Museum
Anzai Expo. Illustration, mixed
media. 60th birthday tribute
to Hajime Anzai. May 17-Jun
2, ¥400-500. Open daily
10am-9pm. B1F Parco Part1,
15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku.
Neareset stn: Shibuya. www.
parco-art.com/web
Poster Hari's Gallery
Shuji Terayama and Tenjo
Sasaki Poster Exhibit. Theater
posters 1967-1983. Until May
19, ¥300-500. 1-9pm. Asaka

PhotograPhy
Bldg 103, 2-26-18 Dogenzaka,
Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5456-7218. posterharis.
com
The Watari-Um Museum
of Contemporary Art
JR: Could Art Change the
World? Mixed media. Until
Jun 2, ¥800-1,000. Open Tue
& Thu-Sun 11am-7pm, Wed
11am-9pm, closed Mon.
3-7-6 Jingumae. Nearest stn:
Gaienmae. www.watarium.
co.jp
Tobacco and Salt Museum
Series of Art Prints on the Theme
of Japanese Literary Works.
Various media. Until May 12,
free. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. 1-16-8 Jinnan.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3476-2041. www.jti.co.jp/
Culture/museum
Tokyo Metropolitan
Museum of Photography
Dawn in Japanese Photography.
Early photography from
Hokkaido and Tohoku. Until
May 6, ¥250-500. Erwin
Blumenfeld: A Hidden Ritual in
Beauty. Fashion photographer
of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar
notoriety. Until May 6,
¥600-800. The Black is Waiting
for the White. Photographer
Marci Giacomelli's works
focusing on contrasts. Until May
12, ¥600-1,000. Open Tue-Wed
& Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri
10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-13-3
Mita Meguro-ku Tokyo. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. http://syabi.com
Yamatane Museum of Art
A Profusion of Flowers.
The language and the
encyclopedia of flowers.
Until Jun 2, ¥800-1,000. Kawai
Gyokudo—Depicting Japan,
Heart and Hearth. 140th
birthday exhibition. Jun 8-Aug
4, ¥800-1,000. Open Tue-Fri
11am-5pm, closed Mon & hols.
3-12-36 Hiroo. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
yamatane-museum.or.jp
shinJuku/
ikebukuro
Gallery Shuhari
Tondzumaru. Photography.
Until Apr 28, free. Tue-Sun
noon-8pm (5pm last day),
REPRESENTED BY SUBJECT MATTER GALLERY, MINAMI AzABU
Classic Botanical Flower; by Clinton Friedman
Clinton Friedman
Lensman Clinton Friedman celebrates the environment of
his native South Africa not with sweeping vistas of wild game
and savannas, but via intimate portraits of flowering plants.
In his desire to bring people closer to nature, he also isn’t
afraid to embrace the commercial. Last year, Friedman joined
with American contemporary furniture and housewares
store West Elm to create a collection of homeware items. This
show by photo gallery Subject Matter presents not only his
limited edition botanical flower photographic prints but also
examples of the graphic designs he has fashioned for scatter
cushions and umbrellas.
Subject Matter Art Gallery, until Apr 25, free. 1-19-3 Minami-
Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 050-5534-5007. Open Wed 10am-7pm
(other days by appointment). http://subjectmatterart.com
closed Mon. 3-13-3F Yotsuya.
Nearest stn: Yotsuya. www.
gallery-shuhari.com
Hiromart Gallery
Round Trip. Photography
by Michael Macioce. Until
Apr 28, free. Open Wed-Sun
1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. 1-30-7
Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest
stn: Edogawabashi. www.
hiromartgallery.com
Kenji Taki Gallery
Double Story. Mixed media by
Mitsunori Kimura. Until Apr 27,
free. Open Tue-Sat noon-7pm,
closed Sun-Mon & hols. 3-18-2
Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. www.kenjitaki.com
Roonee 247 Photography
E Seolje. Photography. Until Apr
21, free. Bridges: Connecting
People and Towns. Photography.
Apr 23-28, free. 5-18-11
Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Yotsuya-
Sanchome. Tel: 03-3341-8118.
www.roonee.com
Sompo Japan Museum of
Art
Odilon Redon. Oil paintings,
lithographs, prints. Apr
20-Jun 23, ¥600-1,000. 42F
Sompo Japan Bldg, 1-26-1
Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku. www.sompo-japan.
co.jp/museum
ueno
Edo-Tokyo Museum
The Flowering of Edo Period
Painting: Japanese Masterworks
from the Feinberg Collection.
40-year collection by NYC
couple. May 21-Jul 15,
¥650-1,300. Open Tue-Fri
& Sun 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat
9:30am-7:30pm, closed Mon
& hols. 1-4-1 Yokoami. Nearest
stn: Ryogoku. www.edo-tokyomuseum.or.jp
The National Museum of
Western Art
Raffaello. Painter and architect
of the Italian Renaissance.
Until Jun 2, ¥1,500. Open daily
9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
nmwa.go.jp
Tokyo Metropolitan Art
Museum
Leonardo da Vinci—Portraits of
a Genius. Illustrations and
oil paintings. Apr 23-Jun 30,
¥800-1,500. 8-36 Ueno Park.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
tobikan.jp
Tokyo National Museum
Shinto Shrines. Sacred
treasures from shrines
around Japan. Until Jun 2,
¥600-2,000. Open Tue-Sun
9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno.
www.tnm.jp
Tokyo University of the
Arts
Hirakushi Denchu Collection.
Sculpture. Until Apr 21,
free. 10am-5pm, closed
Mon & hols. 12-8 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Nezu. Tel:
050-5525-2200.
other areas
Edo Antique Kimono
Katagami Museum
Spring Pattern Festival:
Katagami and Kimono.
Japan's largest collection
of traditional paper
stencils used for dyeing
kimono. Until Apr 27,
¥1,000. 11am-6pm, closed
Mon & Wed. Nearest stn:
Nagata-cho. www.kioi.jp/
english
Hakone Museum of
Photography
Fuji-san. Photography by
Katsura Endo. Fuji through
the four seasons. Until Jul 15,
¥300-500. 10am-5pm, closed
Tues (9am-9pm Sat from
May to August). 1300-432
Gora Hakonemachi,
Ashigarashimogun,
Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Gora.
Tel: 046-02-2717. www.
hmop.com
Hara Museum of
Contemporary Art
Sophie Calle: For the Last and
First Time. Photography.
Images and interviews with
blind people. Until Jun 30,
¥500-1,000. Open Tue-Sun
11am-5pm, closed Mon.
4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa.
Nearest stn: Kita-shinagawa.
www.haramuseum.or.jp
Hoki Museum
Realism: Its Potential and
Challenges. Until May
19, ¥1,500 (general),
¥1,000 (HS). Open Mon
& Wed-Thu 10am-6pm,
Fri, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun
10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15
Asumigaokahigashi, Midoriku.
Nearest stn: Toke. www.
hoki-museum.jp
Meguro Museum of Art
Kenichi Sawaki. Illustration.
Until Jun 9, ¥550-700.
Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm,
closed Mon. 2-4-36 Meguro.
Nearest stn: Meguro. Tel:
03-3714-1201. www.
mmat.jp
National Museum of
Japanese History
The Great Eastern Japan
Earthquake and its Recovery
Efforts. Images and talks by
people from the area. Until
Sep 23, ¥250-420. Open
Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm,
closed Mon. 117 Jonai-cho,
Sakura-shi. Nearest stn:
Keisei-Sakura. www.
rekihaku.ac.jp
Pola Museum of Art
Looking for Beauty: Art
Collector Suzuki Tsuneshi.
An unassuming art lover's
extensive collection.
Until Jul 7, ¥700-1,800.
9am-4:30pm. 1285
Kozukayama, Sengokuhara,
Hakone-machi. Nearest stn:
Gora. www.polamuseum.
or.jp
The Museum of Modern
Art, Saitama
Tamamono. Mixed media.
Until May 19, ¥640-800.
Open daily 10:00am-
5:30pm. 9-30-1 Tokiwa,
Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi.
Nearest stn: Kitaurawa.
www.momas.jp
Beginners
welcome!
Strong, beautiful, flexible
Transform your body & soul at
BASI PILATES!
Offering you “Authentic Pilates”
Metropolis Campaign
Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0
Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400
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Private Lessons
¥30,000 ¥18,000
Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio
Lessons in English available
Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more
03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp
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Enjoy learning
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Trial Lessons
(by appointment only):
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Trial Lesson:
• Sat Apr 13 11:00~
Searching for Metropolis?
Pick up your copy at
these locations:
• Tower Records • HMV •
Kinokuniya Books • Maruzen
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Hilton Hotel • Keio Plaza Hotel •
Japan Tourist Information Center
(JNTO) • Dubliners Irish Pub • Nissin
World Delicatessen • Union
Motomachi • Peacock Jiyugaoka &
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Kid’s class
available
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Ito Hospital
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Omote-sando Hills
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Omote-sando stn
exit A2
KARATE
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#994 • www.MetrOpOLiS.cO.jp • 15

listinGs for complete listinGs
Tel: 03-3681-0010. www.
kameidotenjin.or.jp/english
Naki Sumo
A festival to induce good health,
where sumo wrestlers coax
babies to cry. The loudest and
longest cryer wins. Apr 29,
12:30-3pm, free. Sensoji. Nearest
stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181.
www.e-asakusa.jp/event/1304_
nakisumou
Spring Celebration Festival
Traditional musical, dance
and theatrical performances.
Apr 29-May 3, from 11am, free.
Meiji Jingu Shrine. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 03-3379-5511.
www.meijijingu.or.jp/english
Kurayami Matsuri
Float parade, race, etc.
Procession of illuminated
portable shrines starts 6pm
on May 5. Apr 30-May 6, from
10am, free. Ookunitama Shrine.
Nearest stn: Fuchu-Honmachi.
Tel: 042-362-2130. www.
ookunitamajinja.or.jp
Tokyo Fringe Festival
Short films, dance, comedy and
drama galore. May 3-6, 1pm,
¥1,000. Shakti Studio. Nearest
stn: Horikiri Shobuen. TFF@
thegarageinternational.com.
http://meturl.com/tff2013
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Food and drink from the
Americas, entertainment by
Yokosuka base members and a
salsa event. May 3-4, free. Yoyogi
Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.
cincodemayo.jp
Seishou Koutai Festival
Festival for the new school
year. May 4-5, from 10am, free.
Shirokanedai Kakurin Temple.
Nearest stn: Shirokanedai. Tel:
03-3441-9379.
Bunkyo Azalea Festival
Stroll around a spectacular
azalea garden. Until May 6,
9am-5pm, ¥200. Nezu Jinja.
Nearest stn: Nezu. Tel: 03-3822-
0753. www.nedujinja.or.jp/tutuji
Paris-Sai
An outdoor family festival with
music, film, and food. Jul 13, free.
The French Institute. Nearest
stn: Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5205-2500.
www.institutfrancais.jp/tokyo
Forums & Expos
Flower Dream
Ikebana workshops, displays
and competitions. Apr 13-14,
¥1,000 (adv), ¥1,500 (door).
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. www.
flowerdream-tokyo.net
The 37th Japan Hobby
Show
Everything from handmade
toys to scrapbooking and
leather goods. Apr 25-27, ¥1,000
(1 day)/ ¥1,500 (3 days)/ free
(HS and under). Tokyo Big Sight.
Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-
Seimon. www.hobby.or.jp/
hobbyshow/2013
Old/Now Car Festival
The largest automobile event
at Tsukuba circuit since 1986.
May 5, 8am, ¥2,500 (adv)/
¥3,000 (door). Tsukuba Circuit.
Nearest stn: Furukawa. Tel:
0290-44-3146. www.oldnow.
net
International Roses and
Gardening Show
Popular event in its 15th year.
May 11-16, 9:30am-5:30pm,
¥1,700 (adv), ¥2,000 (door),
free (elem/under). Seibu Dome.
Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
bara21.jp
Design Festa Vol. 37
Biannual art and design expo
featuring up and coming artists
from Japan and all over the
world. May 18-19, 11am-7pm,
¥1,000. Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest
stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
http://designfesta.com/en
Island Lifestyle Show
Hawaii art, goods and more.
May 25-26, ¥800 (adv)/ ¥1,000
(door). Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest
stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
Tel: 03-6427-4596. www.
hawaii.jp
Bazaars & Markets
Arab Charity Bazaar
Food, calligraphy, henna,
etc. and fabulous prizes too.
Entrance proceeds donated to
Tohoku relief charities. Apr 14,
¥1,000. Ark Hills, Karajan Place.
Nearest stn: Roppongi-itchome.
Tel: 03-5478-7177.
Artism Market
Alt. exhibition and sale of gothic
and Lolita, steampunk and
other subcultures. Apr 20, ¥500.
Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial
Trade Center. Nearest stn:
Takeshiba. Tel: 03-3434-4242.
www.artism.jp
Antique Jamboree
Haggle with 500 dealers with
Japanese, European, and US
vintage collections. Aug 2 for
early buyers only. Aug 2-4,
¥800-3,000. Tokyo Big Sight.
Nearest stn: Kokusai-Tenjijo-
Seimon. Tel: 0120-817-510.
http://home.att.ne.jp/sun/
jambokun/antique
Shinagawa Intercity Flea
Market
More than 120 vendors. Every
Sun & hols. 9am-3pm, free.
Shinagawa Intercity. Nearest
stn: Shinagawa. http://meturl.
com/shinflea
Umi no Koen Flea Market
Every third Sun, 10am-4pm,
Umi no Koen. Nearest stn:
Uminokoen-Shibaguchi.
rinpodan@umino-kouen.net
Tel: 03-3226-6800.
Best Flea Market
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,
Tokyo International Forum
Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.
Tel: 03-3226-6800.
Hanazono Shrine Market
Every Sun, 8am-4pm,
Hanazono Shrine. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel:
03-3200-3093.
Ibaraki-ichi
Fresh vegetables from farms
in Ibaraki. Every Sat, 7-9am,
Roppongi Hills East Court.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-6406-5285.
Nogi Shrine Market
Every second Sun, 5:30am-
3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.
Oedo Antique Fair
Japan’s largest outdoor antique
market. Every first and third
Sun, 8am-4:30pm, Tokyo
International Forum Hall C.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
03-5805-1093.
Aoyama Marché
Organic fruit and veg farmers’
market. Every weekend.
United Nations University.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-3456-0960.
Yasukuni Shrine Antique
Market
Every Sun, sunrise-sunset.
Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.
Fudaten Jinja Market
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,
Fudaten Jinja. Nearest stn:
Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.
Community
Southpaw Open Mike
New night for aspiring
standups. Apr 15, 8:30pm,
free. For a spot email
southpawopenmike@gmail.
com. The Black Sheep. Nearest
stn: Ikebukuro. http://meturl.
com/blacksheepmike
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art
School
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike with food, drinks and
arty socializing. Apr 17, 7pm,
¥2,000. The Pink Cow. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. cowmail@
thepinkcow.com www.
drsketchytokyo.wordpress.
com
Stitch-n-Bitch
Meet fellow knitters,
crocheters and sewers to
talk, share ideas, eat, drink
and create. Every first
and third Tue, 7pm, free,
Cafe Respekt. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/
TokyoStitchandBitch
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm, free,
The Pink Cow. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. cowmail@
thepinkcow.com
Learning
Open Portfolio Critique
for Illustrators
Aspiring children's book
illustrators can show
portfolios for feedback from
Clarion Books editor Kerry
Martin. Apr 12, 6pm. ¥2,000
(non-members). Tokyo
Women's Plaza. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5467-
1711. www.scbwi.jp
Daikanyama Karate
School
Try out a new sport in a friendly,
warm atmosphere. Apr 13,
11am (English) Apr 17 & 24,
7:30pm, Apr 13 & 20, 1pm,
¥2,000. Daikanyama Karate
Dojo. Nearest stn: Omotesando.
Tel: 03-3489-7553.
www.d-karate.com/english
Australian Wine and
Gourmet Dinner
Wine seminar in an
international atmosphere.
Apr 27, ¥9,980 (adv). Legato.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
frenchwinetasting@hotmail.
com. www.wineandcooking.
info/en/winetesting
Other Events
Venetian Mask Festival
For Mardi Gras, don masks
Mon-Sat 6-11pM
Tokyo’s newest Eyeopening
Robot Show
Costing ¥10 billion to create,
Josen Museum Inc. brings
you a unique, sensational
entertainment show.
One-hour show: ¥5,000 with
meal and 1 non-alcoholic
drink. Nearest stn: Shinjuku.
www.shinjuku-robot.com
and cloaks and partake in
related events. Until Apr 14,
¥800-1,300. Hakone Venetian
Glass Museum. Nearest stn:
Hakone Glass no Mori Mae. Tel:
0460-86-3111. www.ciao3.
com/info/english
Love Hawaii Collection
Cultural fair inc. food,
performances, craft
workshops and more. Apr
20-21, free. Osanbashi
Yokohama International
Passenger Terminal. Nearest
stn: Namamugi. Tel: 0467-22-
4488. www.hawaii.jp
Les Girafes
Dynamic street-arts collective
Compagnie Off finally comes
to Tokyo. Apr 26-29, free.
Roppongi Hills. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. www.roppongihills.
com/en
Festival del Cinema
Italiano
A series of Italian film
screenings. Apr 27-May 6,
¥1,300-1,600. Yurakucho
Asahi Hall. Nearest stn:
Yurakucho. Tel: 050-5542-
8600. www.ahashi.com/italia
Mama Fes
Two-day event for mothers
and families with workshops,
performances and sale. May
17-18, ¥1,000 (gen)/ free (JHS/
under). Tokyo Midtown.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
03-3475-3100. www.mamafes.
com
In Memory of Film
Figures We Lost in
2011-2012
Film screenings of movies
featuring actors and actresses
who passed away between
2011 and 2012. Until May
26, various times, ¥100-500.
National Film Center. Nearest
stn: Takebashi. www.momat.
go.jp/english/nfc
Department-H
Underground party hosted
by drag queens. BYOB. Every
first Sat, 12am, ¥3,000(dress
code)/¥4,500 (w/flyer)/ ¥5,000
(door). Tokyo Kinema Club.
Nearest stn: Uguisudani. Tel:
03-3874-7988. department-h.
com
Shibuhouse Party
All-night house party with
the Shibuhouse residents
on the 22nd of every
month, 7pm-7am. ¥1,000
w/ food & drink. Contact
shibuhouseinfo@gmail.
com for address/directions.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
shibuhouse.com
Hanami
The flowers may be gone but the
scheduled events still go on...
Chiyoda Sakura Matsuri
Over a thousand cherry
trees of different varieties.
Illuminated at night. Until Apr
14, until 10pm, free. Around
the Chidorigafuchi area. www.
kanko-chiyoda.jp
Shinjuku Gyoen Sakura
Festival
In the top 100 hanami spots
of Japan, with a thousand
sakura trees of sixty-five
different varieties. Until Apr
14, 9am-4:30pm, ¥50-200.
Shinjuku Gyoen. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku Gyoenmae. Tel:
03-3350-0151. www.env.go.jp/
garden/shinjukugyoen
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
A spectacular tree-lined path
lit up at night. Until Apr 14,
5am-11pm, free. Ueno Onshi
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-3833-0030. www.kensetsu.
metro.tokyo.jp/toubuk/ueno
Sumidagawa Hanami
640 cherry trees with a view of
Tokyo Sky Tree. Illuminated at
night. Mar 20-Apr 14, Sumida
Park. Nearest stn: Asakusa.
www.visit-sumida.jp
The Prince Sakura
Festival
View cherry blossoms from
The Prince Grand Hotel
Sakura Tower as you dine
on a sakura-based menu.
Until Apr 14, Prince Sakura
Tower Tokyo. Nearest stn:
Shinagawa. Tel: 03-3447-1111.
www.princehotels.co.jp/
sakuratower
#994 • www.MetrOpOLiS.cO.jp • 17

Though Golden Week may
be a little late for sakura
viewing, the months of
April and May are prime
time to see the spectacular
shibazakura blooming in the
Motosuko, Mount Fuji area.
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is famous for
those amazing picture postcard photos you may
have seen of a snow-capped—and soon-to-be
world heritage site—Mount Fuji framed by a lush
carpet of cherry blossom moss in red, white, pink
and purple as far as the eye can see.
Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, soon to be
a world heritage site, this yearly festival makes a
perfect day trip away from the crowded streets
of Tokyo.
After a scenic train ride to Kawaguchiko
station from Shinjuku, a local shuttle will take
you to the viewing area. If you prefer, there is
also a bus that will take you directly to the area
from Shinjuku station.
Once in the Motosuko area, you can enjoy the
stunning natural landscape and relax after the
long journey with your toes in Mother Nature’s
colorful pink carpet set against the backdrop of
advertorial
Fuji Shibazakura FeStival
Step into a picture postcard
in Yamanashi
Open: Everyday, 8am-5pm
Enquiry: 0555-89-3031 (Japanese Only)
Mount Fuji.
A local food festival is also held each year
at the same time, so you can enjoy traditional
homegrown delicacies while you traipse amid the
area's natural splendor. Some popular traditional
dishes from the area are Yoshida udon and
Fujinomiya yakisoba. You can also try nikuman
(steamed buns with meat filling) or chimaki (rice
cake wrapped in bamboo leaves) made with the
Yamanashi-brand Fujizakura pork. Follow them
up with a sweet sakura-flavored roll cake or
shibazakura manju—another popular treat made
with pickled sakura leaf dough and filled with
azuki beans.
GettinG there
Take the JR Chuo and Fujikyuko lines to
Kawaguchiko station to grab the 30-minute
shuttle bus to Fujimotosuko. Or take the
Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji station and a
shuttle bus 75 minutes to the hanami area. The
bus that leaves directly from Shinjuku station
takes about two hours and 25 minutes.
☛ Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Fujimotosuko resort
☛ apr 13-June 2, 8am-5pm.
☛ 212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minami tsuru district,
Yamanashi. ¥500 (over JHS), ¥200 (over 3).
☛ tel: 0555-89-3031 (Japanese only).
☛ www.shibazakura.jp/eng
Fuji
shibazakura Shibazakura
festival Festival
Experience a living carpet of pink moss
April June
13 02
www.shibazakura.jp/eng
Address: 212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko,
Minami Tsuru district
#994 ● www.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 19

nyc mixologist
serves serious
shots of spirit
By Brandi Goode
After 19 years in the
cocktail business, Jim
Meehan finds inspiration
in Japan’s veteran
bartender icons.
“We just don’t have 50 or 60-yearold
bartending masters in America
local flavors
Japan
Drams
10 Japanese
whiskies to try
By Stefan Van Eycken
It used to be a running joke, Japanese
whisky. Then, it started
beating top Scotch whiskies at
competitions worldwide and
people stopped laughing. But with
so many different brands out there,
where does one start?
Blends
Suntory Kakubin (¥1,480) is probably
the only whisky in the world
that doesn’t carry its name on the
label. It’s so iconic, it doesn’t need
the latest dish on food & drink in the big cityDining Out
tastemaker
Jim
meehan
who’ve devoted their lives to their
craft. Especially as I get older myself,
I really appreciate what guys like
[Hidetsugu] Ueno of Bar High Five
and [Kazuo] Ueda at Tender do.”
Jim’s bar in New York, PDT (short
for Please Don’t Tell—though by
now, the secret’s out), won the 2012
inaugural Outstanding Bar Program
Award granted by the James Beard
Foundation. The PDT philosophy
is one of serious playfulness; Jim
insists that while it is important
for his team members to be serious
about their work as mixologists,
to. Though it’s been around since
1937, Kakubin is spearheading the
current highball revival. There’s a
reason for that: it’s simple, clean—
and dirt-cheap.
Often overlooked because of its
understated design, Nikka ‘From
The Barrel’ (¥1,630) is probably
the best value-for-money Japanese
whisky available. It’s robust and
full of character. Also, it’s bottled at
a higher strength (51.4%), meaning
part of the fun is experimenting with
water to find out what works for you.
Most people will be familiar with
premium blend Hibiki 12 (¥4,680)
from the movie Lost in Translation.
Bill Murray was trying to push the
17, but Suntory have since released a
12-year-old version. One of the things
that sets it apart from Scotch is its partial
maturation in ex-umeshu casks.
The man behind the blend Ichiro’s
Malt & Grain “White Label”
(¥3,500) is not the baseball legend
but the leading craft distiller in
Photo by doron gild
maintaining a sense of fun is paramount—an
attitude that also helped
him take home an American Bartender
of the Year title.
“It’s the yin and the yang. We
serve sophisticated $15 cocktails in
a dark basement with tater tots and
hip hop.”
Jim recently made his second trip
to Tokyo for an event called “The Tao
of Cocktails” at the Park Hyatt’s New
York Bar, when we had the chance
to sit down and talk about whisky,
Japan and all things cocktail. One of
PDT’s signature drinks, served at the
event, embodies his dual philosophy.
The Tao of Pooh combines Manuka
honey vodka, Galliano, lemon bitters
and coconut water to make a sinfully
refreshing beverage.
When it comes to whisky, Jim says
Japanese brands occupy a subcategory
in the US. It’s often discovered
by consumers and bartenders last,
partially because they are highly
allocated—but connoisseurs readily
appreciate the quality of the discovery.
“What I see in America is that we’re
creators, and Japanese and Germans
perfect those creations.”
He relates how during a visit to
the Bowmore facility in Scotland,
he observed how the brewmasters
there love their whisky and preserve
everything about it. At Suntory, however,
they are of a different mindset,
constantly changing things in the
continual pursuit of perfection. This,
Japan, Ichiro Akuto. Part of the
blend comes from his own distillery
in Chichibu, which he set up
in 2008, but it also contains other
obscure whiskies he managed to get
his hands on.
single Malts
Released last year, Yamazaki NAS
(¥2,590) is the most versatile Japanese
whisky on the market. It’s
fabulous neat or on the rocks, in a
highball, mizuwari, or in cocktails.
Sorry to disappoint the rap fans, but
“NAS” is shorthand for “no age statement.”
Plain and simple: it won’t tell
you how old it is.
Single malt recommendations
are tricky. So much depends on the
style you like and the mood you’re in.
The best way to get to know the field
is to try two on opposite sides of the
spectrum, like the Yoichi 10 (¥4,875)
and the Hakushu 12 (¥7,350)—then
move on to others in your favored
range or style.
sample some of the world's
top drams at Whisky live and
discover other drinks and cocktails
at the tokyo international
bar show—including tips and
techniques from industry "legends
& rising stars." everyone
welcome. tickets are ¥5,000
(¥9,000 weekend pass) and
available online or at nippon
bartending association member
bars. check online for events
schedule and ticket information
tokyobarshow.com
he says, is essentially, wonderfully
Japanese.
Jim will be back in Tokyo to
appear at the Tokyo International Bar
Show as part of the “Legends & Rising
Stars” series of events, where he plans
to talk about his thought process
behind creating cocktails like those
in the recent promotion.
“Japan has so much amazing produce,
and many unique, high-quality
ingredients, even mass-produced
ones,” he says. “The focus here is more
on perfecting classic cocktails, but I
hope to encourage people to also create
new drinks.”
He just may be the right man for
the job.
Jim Meehan will be presenting
at the Tokyo International Bar
Show and Whisky Live 2013,
April 20-21 at Belle Salle Shibuya
Garden.
Karuizawa wasn’t always the
Rolls Royce of Japanese whiskies. In
fact, it closed in 2000 after poor sales
figures. Then, whisky geeks abroad
discovered it and loved it—but it was
too late. At the moment, the single
cask Karuizawa 12yo (¥10,500) bottled
for Isetan in Shinjuku is the only
one you’ll find in Japan!
Until further notice, Mars Maltage
3+25 (¥14,963) is the best
blended malt whisky in the world
(2013 World Whiskies Awards). A
blend of malt from long-gone distilleries
in Yamanashi and Kagoshima
that was matured in Nagano, this is
history in a bottle, but more importantly:
it’s absolutely stunning.
Our last one isn’t really a whisky,
but there’s whisky in it—and it’s
perfect for this time of the year. An
umeshu with a punch, it’s the whiskybased
White Oak Umeshu (¥1,260).
Want to know more? Visit www.
nonjatta.com for all things
whisky and Japan.
#994 • www.metropolis.co.jp • 21

ITALIAN CUISINE
Parkside dining in the middle of the city
Enjoy a peaceful meal next to the Shinjuku Gyoen Imperial Gardens.
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind…
° Dinner Courses ¥1,680~ ° Lunch time:
Food ¥980~ ° Vegetarian Course Available
22 • special advertising section
JR SHINJUKU
Lumine
2
MEIJI DORI
GYOEN ONDORI
Shinju–
kumon
Takashimaya
Times Square
NAKA DORI
Shinjuku
Park
Shinjuku
Gyoen
Stn
GAIEN NISHI DORI
Hanazu
Park
SHINJUKU DORI
Here
Shinjuku Gyoen
Imperial Palace
Okidomon
Open Tue-Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5:30-11pm • Sat 11:30am-11pm • Sun & Hols 11:30am-10pm
1-3-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku • Tel 03-3355-8447 • www.aureole.ne.jp
All you can eat + 1
drink ticket: ¥2000
*after that food and
drinks are cash bar style
Open 5pm-Late
1-23-1 Ebisu-Minami,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
03-3713-7067
www.tengokudo.jp
Ebisu
Garden
Place 7-Eleven
JR Ebisu
TENGOKUDO
3 min from subway Shinjuku-
Gyoen stn, Okidomon exit
KOSHU KAIDO
Don't miss an issue!
For the cost of postage get Metropolis on your
doorstep—and have ransom note material for decades.
http://metropolis.co.jp/subscription
Instant access to the
U.S. military news
and information
that matters to you most
Visit stripes.com/iphone
to see a demo
stripes.com | facebook.com/StripesPacific

CHILES MEXICAN GRILL
enjoy authentic Mexican just half a block
from the cosmopolitan crowds of Harajuku’s
takeshita street—or grab takeout and head for
nearby Yoyogi park
the classic crisp Margarita for ¥650, soaked up
with a juicy pork pibil burrito, and the delectable
beef with arbol sauce
chiles is run by carlos, a genuine Mexican
fellow, making it one of the few places in town
offering the real deal
10% off on burritos from 3:30pm until close
open Mon 10am-4pm, tue-thu & sun 10am-
10pm, Fri-sat 10am-11pm
1-8-24, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Nearest stn:
Meiji-jingumae. Tel: 03-6434-9693. Email:
chiles_grill@yahoo.com. http://meturl.com/
chilesmex
ROTI ROPPONGI
special advertising section Dining Out
On Deck Osusume
What else? Special Offer
Opening Hours
DECK IT OUT
target these terraces for your spring café needs
About Blooming Time
By David Labi
Just because the cherry blossoms have all been
trampled into the dirt, you don’t have to spend
the rest of the spring watching Game of Thrones.
Here are some other flora whose salad days are
approaching—and where to find them.
AzALEAS (APR-MAy)
For everyone’s favorite shade-tolerant flowering
shrub, known in Japan as tsutsuji, there’s no better
spot than the 6,600m2 garden of Nezu Shrine (nearest
stn: nezu or sendagi). as one would expect there
is a matsuri to appreciate the colorful little beggars
(50 kinds of them), where you can quaff the sweet rice
drink amazake, buy plants and tchotchkes, and bask in
Mother nature’s subtle charms. Meanwhile, the Imperial
Palace East Garden (nearest stn: otemachi)—aka
the bit you can actually get into more than two days a
year—has oodles too.
JAPANESE wISTERIA (LATE
APR-EARLy MAy)
get wistful at the Fuji Matsuri, which may sound like it
takes place at Japan’s iconic mountain until you find out
fuji also means… wisteria. the Japanese species of this
flowering plant is the most spectacular, bursting into
heady trails of white, blue, or violet clusters during the
season. tradition holds that this floral fest, which takes
place at Kameido Tenjin (nearest stn: Kameido) is auspicious
for academic aspirants. that might be because
it happens at the beginning of the school year. events
include academic lectures, traditional music, tea ceremonies,
and ikebana if you prefer your flowers dead.
ROSES (MAy)
life’s no bed of roses, unless you happen to live in
Kyu-Furukawa gardens (nearest stn: nishigahara).
london-born architect Josiah conder somehow
wangled a trip over to Japan to build the Westernstyle
gardens in 1917, and his romantic sensibilities
were given an outlet still to be appreciated today.
With a couple of hundred odd bushes peppered with
some 100 varieties of the flower, this is the place to
soak yourself with natural perfume. there’s also a
Japanese garden to cool you off after all that thorny
passion.
Source: www.gotokyo.org
there’s no other ground-floor, comfortable,
tranquil deck in roppongi perfect for relaxed
lunches, brunches, drinks or dinner, seven days
a week
slurp up from six revolving craft beer taps and
up to 20 great wines by the glass (¥700-1,400)
roti’s hearty tucker is prepared by people who
care—and know what they are doing. try their
burgers, roast dinners and more, and taste the
love for yourself
Bring Metropolis for a free wine, beer or mixed
drink, limited to one per day per person, until
apr 19
open daily 11:30am-11pm
1F Piramide Bldg, 6-6-9, Roppongi, Minatoku.
Nearest Stn: Roppongi .Tel: 03-5785-3671.
Email: info@roti.jp. www.roti.jp
AUREOLE
a fantastic location facing the green of historic
shinjuku gyoen. Hurry and you might even
catch some sakura blooms to feast your eyes on
while you feast
try their unforgettable blood-orange beer
(¥680) and the succulent grilled, matured
Japanese black beef (¥1,980)
the garden Beer terrace plan (dinner only)
gives you all you can drink for 90 minutes
for groups of two to eight, for ¥3,500 each. a
popular deal—best book ahead
say “i saw it in Metropolis” for a free mini dessert
(not valid with other offers, lunch menu or
course menus)
open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm & 5:30pm-10pm,
sat 11:30am-4:30pm & 5:30-10pm, sun & hols
11:30am-4:30pm & 5:30-9pm
101, 1-3-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Nearest stn:
Shinjuku Gyoen. Tel: 03-3355-8447. Email:
info@aureole.ne.jp. www.aureole.ne.jp
TENGOKUDO
Information
decor blends heavenly and hellish themes with
both tranquil and peaceful areas. “Freedom”style
atmos allows customers to mingle
all-you-can-eat pizza from the pizza oven, plus
one drink, for just ¥2,000 (5pm-midnight). can
it be true? try their special cocktail tengokudo,
reminiscent of a Bloody Mary
authentic napoli-style pizza dough with a
crispy crust. all ingredients imported from
italy, including toppings, flour, cheese, salt and
tomatoes
Mention Metropolis and get ¥500 off the all-youcan-eat
pizza deal
open Mon-thu 5pm-12am, Fri-sat 5pm-5am,
closed sun.
1F, 1-23-1 Ebisu-Minami, Shibuya-ku. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. 03-3713-7067. www.tengokudo.jp
#994 • www.Metropolis.co.Jp • 23

w/furniture, wireless LAN, near
Sakura-Josui stn, approximately
20min to Shinjuku by Keio line, to
Shibuya by Keio/Keio Inokashira
line ¥70,000/m. Utilities extra.
go_ibasho@yahoo.co.jp http://
blogs.yahoo.co.jp/go_ibasho
2.7 Office sPace
cOmPass Offices,
megurO, sHinaWaga-Ku.
fully furnished offices for
1-100 people, virtual offices
and meeting rooms. flexible
terms. co-working and
mobile working in the largest
business lounge in tokyo.
call 0120-948-818, email
jpsales@compassoffices.com
or visit www.compassoffices.
co.jp for more info.
OFFICE SHARE MATES
WANTED. Big office in
Jingumae, Shibuya, right
in the middle of Harajuku,
Omotesando and Aoyama,
6min from gaienmae stn,
lovely old building, superb
location, 24-hour access
¥50,000~¥68,000/m.
No key money/agent fee/
guarantor. k.hiroyuki@
gmail.com http://num10.
com/en
3 EDUCATION
3.1 JaPanese scHOOls
JAPANESE
LANgUAgE
PROFICIENCY.
Our flexible,
affordable
J a p a n e s e
lessons can help you reach
your communication goals
for everyday conversation,
passing the JLPT, or reading
newspapers or books.
Individual or group classes
at times and locations
suitable for you. Contact
Aoyama Language School
today! 03-5413-7450
www.aoyama-school.com
info@aoyama-school.com
N I H O N g O S A L O N
KOTOHOgI provides lessons
for students of all levels,
from kids to adults. Let’s
expand your possibilities
by learning Japanese
together to create the
life you want. Free trial
lesson with astrology
reading. See http://
kotohogi.info/ for details.
kotohogi@kotohogi0358.
com 080-4928-0358
3.2 JaPanese teacHers
ASSOCIATION OF JAPANESE
TEACHERS. Highly qualified,
experienced instructors
offer individual/small group
lessons at your home/office/
instructor’s home. Business/
daily conversation/JLPT
available. Lesson fee from
¥2200/h at instructor’s
home, from ¥2700/h +
transportation fee at other
places. Discount negotiable
for longer/frequent/group
lessons. 03-3918-0876, 044-
855-5039 ajtkyokai@yahoo.
co.jp http://ajt.rakurakuhp.
net/
JAPANESE LESSONS:
ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. We
are professional teachers.
We can teach in your area
or online on suitable days.
Lesson prices are written in
our resumes and emailed
to you. No registration
fee! www.geocities.
jp/japaneseanywhere
0 9 0 - 2 7 0 9 - 3 7 3 6
japaneseanywhere@yahoo.
co.jp
JAPANESE LESSONS BY
EXPERIENCED TEACHERS.
Business and daily
Japanese/JLPT preparation/
customized lessons,
at times and locations
suitable to you. Low prices
(¥2000~/h. Negotiable.),
and high quality lessons.
Free trial lesson. Contact
selicaton8842@h6.dion.
ne.jp.
3.5 language
excHange
English and Japanese. JF, early 40s,
seeking a language exchange partner,
M/F ok, from the USA, Canada or the UK.
Professional level unnecessary. I just
want to enjoy conversation. Shinjuku or
Ebisu area. cat_lover0213@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. English male,
30s, friendly, humorous, seeks language
exchange in Tokyo or Kanagawa. I live
on the Denentoshi/Odakyu lines. Tokyo
is ok. mh.phil@yahoo.co.uk
English and Japanese. American
male seeking friends to meet in free
time. Could help you to be fluent in E.
baralaora@hotmail.com 03-3422-4534
English and Japanese. Just moved to
Toyko from Maui. Hoping to meet a fun
person to exchange J and E, and also a
little Hawaiian if you're interested. Let's
meet in a cafe or bar and have fun!
Mahalo. tokyoguy01@gmail.com
English and Japanese. I'm a JF, 30s.
Please teach me E. I'll teach you J. I
love movies, classical music, nature,
etc. Let's study at cafes in/around
Tokyo or Saitama. Female preferred.
basisfairyseed@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF, 22,
seeking someone to exchange E/J. I want
to study E seriously, but am a beginner.
Let's get together and enjoy studying!
yuriko.2525.yokoi@gmail.com
English and Japanese. I'm a JM, 22. I
lived in Canada. I want to study E more.
I'll teach you J. Let's have a language
exchange! team_japan_canada@yahoo.
co.jp
Filipino and Japanese. Filipino
language speaker wanted by Japanese
guy for exchange via Skype or at cafes in
Yokohama or Yokosuka. I'm a complete
beginner. I can speak advanced E and
intermediate Sp. elsalvadorjapan@
yahoo.es
French, English, Japanese. Hello,
I am an Asian male, 30s, learning J.
I am seeking someone to exchange
Fr/E/J with once/week. Thanks. french.
boy.1980@gmail.com
Spanish, French, Japanese. Hi, if
you are a native Japanese speaker
seeking practice in Sp or Fr, I could help
you in exchange for your help with my
Japanese. Don't hesitate to contact me!
serpes11@hotmail.com
3.9 teacH me!
Chimichanga. I want to learn how to
make good chimichangas from possibly
a pro, or someone like one. If you know
how, please teach me. I seriously would
like to learn. mori.motoharu@gmail.com
Native English teacher, language
exchange partner and friend sought
by Japanese female, 28, in Roppongi. I
can pay you ¥1000/h. Please teach me
English. Let's also hang out as friends
(no payment). Let's enjoy Tokyo. sachi_
sspp@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking English teacher. Hi, I'm
seeking a British English teacher for
weekends in Shinjuku. I can pay you
¥2500/h. Please contact me. sepkay@
hotmail.co.jp
Tai chi and shamanic healing
exchange. Man, 48, living in central
Tokyo. I wish to learn tai chi and teach
shamanic healing. winds_fr@hotmail.
com
Thai cooking. Seeking someone
who can teach me Thai cooking. Will
pay for all ingredients and necessary
expenditures. Let's cook and eat
together. deeporange30@yahoo.com
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 furniture &
fittings
Furniture sale! Ikea, sofa, bed, etc.
¥25,000/all. Selling as a set. brahmsfor@
hotmail.com
Stand, for clothes (W79xH100xD41cm),
metal frame ¥1500. Photo available.
dhanya.laksh@gmail.com 8044738131
Table, coffee, teak, in excellent condition
¥3000. 080-335-08967
Tea chest (L73xD33xH90cm), in good
condition. New ¥35,000. Sell ¥25,000.
Willing to negotiate. Must come and see
in Minato-ku. oldfurniture@netmap.net
4.2 aPPliances
Freezer, Electrolux, still in the the box,
495L, top-loading ¥75,000. Can arrange
delivery in Tokyo, Kanagawa. hatoh16@
gmail.com 080-6553-6819
Fridge, small, three y/o, used only two
years, works perfectly ¥5000. Pick up
Tokaidaigaku-Mae stn, Kanagawa, or
pay for takkyubin. liuwina@gmail.com
08043742109
Heater, Yamazen CF1-1203, electric
(10x30x36cm), recently used, high/low
settings, easy to carry on train ¥500. Pick
up Gotokuji. e-ri-no@excite.co.jp
Washer/dryer, washes 8kg, dries 4.5kg,
ion/Ag+ functions, '12 model, made in
Japan. New ¥61,000. Sell ¥35,000/obo.
Pick up only. caffeine.tokyo@gmail.com
4.3 sayOnara sale
Sayonara sale! Fridge, office desk,
bookcases, storage shelves, blinds,
etc. List, details available. Near Sakura-
Shinmachi, Setagaya-ku. setagaya@gmx.
de http://setagaya.weebly.com/
Sayonara sale! Baby gate system, large
vase, table, bar counter chairs, DVDs, PC
parts, etc. Azabu. 3zvfb-3708764711@
sale.craigslist.org http://goo.gl/UuKhr
Sayonara sale! Mitsubishi fridge, '12.
New ¥120,000. Sell ¥58,000/obo. Sharp
washer/dryer, washes 8kg, dries 4.5kg,
'12, ion/Ag+ functions. New ¥61,000.
Sell ¥35,000/obo. caffeine.tokyo@
gmail.com
Sayonara sale! Furniture, electronics,
musical equipment, elliptical trainer,
weights (dumbbells) and bench, TVs,
indoor/outdoor furniture, shelving,
desks, bicycles, etc. Mizonokuchi stn.
classifieds575@yahoo.com
4.5 auDiO & mP3
Dock, JBL, iPod/radio, in great condition,
smoke and pet-free household. New
¥19,000. Sell ¥8000. Pick up Roppongi
or takkyubin. Photos available.
jaybeedeal@gmail.com
Speakers, Kenwood SS-322, great
sound if used w/amp or stereo system,
not suitable for use w/computers, w/
copper cables (1x10m, 1x5m) ¥1000.
Near Sakura-Shinmachi, Setagaya-ku.
setagaya@gmx.de
4.7 fOr free
Dresser, wooden, very old, heavy.
Pick up Kyodo, Odakyu line, or delivery.
e-ri-no@excite.co.jp
Rack, metal (H150xW120-160xD50cm).
Pick up Kyodo, Odakyu line, or delivery.
e-ri-no@excite.co.jp
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 cameras
Bag, Lowepro Flipside 400AW, for SLRs
and DSLRs, unused, w/original tags
¥10,000. In-person transaction only. No
shipping. jayfeirin@yahoo.co.jp
Digital camera, Fujifilm X100S, used
once, as new, bought from Yodobashi
¥100,000. Firm. DSLR, Nikon D3s, mainly
used in studio, in excellent condition, w/
extra EN-EL4a battery, MH-22 quick
charger for dual EN-EL4a batteries,
four 8GB CF cards ¥300,000. i.mobile.
pizzaman@gmail.com 08048590771
5.2 sPOrts eQuiPment
Elliptical machine, Horizon Fitness
Andes 507, foldable/adjustable, w/
workout programs, heart-rate sensor,
CD/mp3 input, mat, normal wear, but
in excellent condition ¥45,000. Pick up
only Mizonokuchi stn. classifieds575@
yahoo.com
Surfboard, Chaos, hand-crafted, 6'17"
¥10,000. McTavish longboard, brand
new, Australian, handmade ¥25,000.
Pick up Ebisu. Photo available. lolipop.
flores@yahoo.com
5.3 musical eQuiPment
Headphones. Ultrasone Edition 9 studio
monitoring headphones, limited edition,
in presentation box, brand new, unused
¥300,000. justcallmehenry@gmail.com
Insect sounds, Ric Viers’ Blastwave, on
USB drive, thousands of sounds, brand
new, never plugged in. New $249. Sell
¥15,000. justcallmehenry@gmail.com
edwardsoperation.com
Piano, Yamaha P-140, digital, built-in
loudspeakers, w/stand and pedal,
in perfect condition, bought in '09
¥45,000. Pick up Kagurazaka. cjriach@
hotmail.com
5.7 Pets
Seeking fluffy friend? Japan Cat
Network is seeking loving homes for
rescued cats and dogs. Foster or adopt
to find a friend and save a life! Meet
available pets at japancatnet.com.
mperuzzi@gmail.com
6 VEHICLES
6.1 cars, Parts, &
accessOries
J ce autOs - tHe
a u t O m O b i l e
PrOfessiOnals. specializing
in car buy-backs, door-todoor
shipping, long-term car
storage and any other carrelated
matters. if you need
assistance with your car, we
are here to help. tel: 03-6868-
3366 or 090-9362-5098
inquiries@jce-autos.jp
www.jce-autos.jp
autO Direct is a one-stop
shop for all your motor
equipment and services
in english. buying cars in
Japan? rent/sell/lease cars,
import your favorite car from
outside Japan, and insurance
in english. call 03-5573-8776
or email shige@autodirect.jp.
www.autodirect.jp/
6.3 bicycles, Parts,
& accessOries
Bike, six-gear, 18 m/o, in very good
condition ¥6000. Pick up Katsushika-ku,
Tokyo. tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com
090-8498-1298
Handlebars, Skyway EZ 1980s, BMX
freestyle, white, w/decals, unused
¥4000. Pick up Ochanomizu. Other Haro
parts also available. jamesbigceltic@
excite.com 09071768259
Mountain bike, rides well, chain is a
bit noisy (needs some oil), otherwise
in good condition ¥2000. Setagaya-
Shimokitazawa. tokyojose@gmail.com
7 GENERAL
7.1 PHOnes
iPhone 5 16GB, black, unused, locked
to SoftBank ¥45,000. Willing to trade for
MacBook Air '11/'12 model. emeraldsae@
yahoo.com
Phone, Pioneer, w/cordless companion
phone for another room, both white
¥2000. Pick up only. 080-3350-8967
Smartphone, Nokia 800 Metro 7.5, '12,
in box, unlocked quad band works on all
global networks, including DoCoMo and
SoftBank, 16GB flash, eight-megapixel
camera, w/hotspot tethering ¥15,000.
gewatson@gmail.com 08056842220
7.2 fasHiOn
Bag, men's, business, faux leather
(52x30x11cm), used once. New ¥6000.
Sell ¥2000. Pick up Gotokuji or COD
delivery. e-ri-no@excite.co.jp
Clothes, in good condition, 20 pieces
or more ¥2000. euniceinjapan@gmail.
com
Flip-flops, Olukai brand, XL, made in
Hawaii, never worn. New ¥6000+. Sell
¥3000. Swim trunks, Tommy Bahamas,
XL, never worn ¥500. Ties, Versace,
two, in original gift box ¥3000/
each. ¥5000/both. Pick up Shinjuku.
likeme4u@hotmail.com
Jacket, Formula One Official
Panasonic Toyota sponsor jacket,
men’s, red/white, size M, in very good
condition, w/warm liner jacket, hood in
neck pouch. Shoes, Converse All Stars
Turndown High Top, men’s, gray, size
US 9/27.5cm, brand new, boxed, never
worn. Details available. shonan9005@
jcom.home.ne.jp 090-9832-1956
8 COMPUTERS
8.1 services
tOKyO it services.
We fix all kinds of computer
problems and also offer
a data recovery service
in tokyo. We provide a
range of computer services
to corporate, small and
medium-sized businesses,
and individual Pc and mac
users as well. Onsite call and
english computers for sale.
rentals also available. 1min
walk from Jr yamanote line,
Hamamatsucho stn s5 exit,
3min from Daimon subway
b4 exit. 10am-6:30pm. call
03-3437-2312. www.tokyoit.
jp/english
10 HELP!
10.2 suPPOrt
NEED TO TALK? We’re
here to listen. TELL
LIFE LINE: free
English-language
a n o n y m o u s
counseling, daily from 9am-11pm, by
trained volunteers: 03-5774-0992.
TELL COUNSELINg CENTER:
affordable multilingual
psychotherapy by accredited
Western-trained professionals, a
CIgNA International Provider:
03-4550-1146. TELL 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
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12 SOCIAL SCENE
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#994 • www.metropolis.co.jp • 25

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
Mar 21~Apr 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣ Apr 20~May 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
May 21~June 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
June 22~July 22 ♥♥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣♣
It’s your turn to make things happen.
Notice where your attention is. Is it
on what you want to see? You are the
doer of the zodiac. You may feel like there isn’t
anything you can’t do. Of course obstacles are
fear projections, showing you what you need to
release from within. As you stop feeding your
inner shadow, you’ll find there is light on your
path again.
LEO
July 23~Aug 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
You can’t do everything at once. Stop.
Breathe. Have a song in your heart and
see beauty abound. You’re allowed! The
more you focus on what works, the happier you’ll
feel. This period in our planet’s history is about
releasing old patterns and embracing the new.
No need to hold onto your chains. They just aren’t
you. Juno in your partnership sector backs this up
(if not, another partner may see you more clearly).
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 22~Dec 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
You’re becoming proficient keeping
your rhythms in harmony with what
works. Some mornings seem to stretch
out forever, others become afternoon in an
instant. With Mercury entering your sector of
romance on Saturday, it’s time to speak your mind.
Ever the zodiac's bachelor and bachelorette, you
still need your mate! Open the door to dating or if
you’re spoken for, be sure to get some ‘me’ time.
Ideas and creativity come fast and furious for you.
Metropolis Mediabox
GROWING PAINS
Regarding “A Fitting Concern” (The
Last Word, Mar 15): While I’m far from
NBA-huge, I’ve had many of the same
daily challenges. For one, I haven’t been
able to see myself brush my teeth for
two decades (the mirror is only chin
high). The counters in the kitchen have
me stooped over like an octogenarian
Japanese woman. As for clothes, I’ve
had a devil of a time trying to squeeze
my thighs into trousers that are my
relatively slim waist size. But, on the
other hand, Japan is one of the most
convenient places to live. There is, for
Synchronistic events undo old habits of
thinking. You can be alone and still have
a good time. Feelings and creativity
become currency in your week. Your outlook
and way of thinking is changing. Undo the past by
staying in integrity with yourself. Watch how you
combine what you know from feelings versus all
that logic. Dreams count too. Mercury enters your
sector of connecting to inner realms on Saturday.
VIRGO
Aug 23~Sep 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ♣♣♣♣
If you're holding on to common sense,
you may find it’s slipping away. Moving
to the center of the Milky Way, our
planet is experiencing a wobble which translates
to Virgos needing a Pisces in their midst. If you
can’t see your way, embrace their qualities. Flow
like water, feel goose bumps when impressed.
Sink into music and float through films. You'll soon
have the time of your life. Starting Monday.
CAPRICORN
Dec 22~Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥ ♣♣
Time with friends may be limited
as you plow through what needs to
be done in your personal life. This
includes looking at finances, home duties, the
potential for moving, and work. You may also
meet someone who seems like a destiny connection,
helping you to express your creativity.
Mercury stimulates conversations where you live
starting Saturday. You may feel motivated to stop
a previous habit.
example, a shelf just before the checkout
counter at convenience stores to rest
your bag when you pay. You can pay
with large bills, and you can get change
anywhere. IC cards make commuting,
buying drinks, and so on a breeze. Ditto
with cellphones. Most packages are
cleverly designed for ease of opening.
You can find coin lockers everywhere
(try that in San Francisco). No hassles at
airports. Sending money is just an ATM
away. You can get to the most remote
places with public transportation. And
these are just a few...—Aonghas Crowe
Yes, it really is built for the small people.
But people are getting taller and bigger
all the time here, so things will have to
change, bit by bit.—Outsiderinsider
This is true. I was born and raised in
NYC. But every time I go to Tokyo I
am shocked by how tall people are
nowadays (obviously not everybody).
—pipokun
Are you having more fun than you
know what to do with? With Jupiter in
Gemini, this is your year to fly on many
levels. In fact, you could soar. You may feel like
you’ve spent more than your fair share, juggling
too many balls (acorns, people, jobs), but somehow
you’ve learned to trust the process. Transitioning
to a new paradigm has never been easy! Let the
delicious matrix of love be your next dessert.
LIbRA
Sep 23~Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Librans are in the midst of a metamorphosis.
Now that you’re sparking left,
right and center with planets (and
luminaries) opposite your sign, internal balance
is central. Don’t give up until you have it just right.
Each step forward brings you closer, even with
different people. We’re just energy, and we’re all
one. Being a rainbow rebel may get you started,
but your cheerful self will attract what you seek.
AQUARIUS
CANCER
SCORPIO
Oct 23~Nov 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
Transparency is becoming a requirement
everywhere you look, and Scorpios
don’t like everyone to look unless they’re
invited. Still, you get greater help with more hands
on deck than just your own. Things are crazy at
work – Uranus, the Sun, Venus, Mars and Pallas
Athene make sure of that. Be sure to speak up as
Mercury joins the fray beginning Saturday! This
goes double if you think you’re falling in love.
PISCES
Jan 20~Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ Feb 19~Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Wounding in your financial pocket
also includes healing. What you
worked so hard for during the past
few years becomes a wand of expertise you
can keep. Others value what you have to share,
so don’t be shy. Mercury enters your sector of
thoughts and ideas on Saturday. You have more
than enough courage to break through the
envelope and redefine your comfort zone. This
includes letting love in.
GLASS FEELING
Regarding “The Small Print” (Mar
29): Although the writer seems to be
implying that female workers earning
less wages than male counterparts is a
typically Japanese thing, he should do
a little research to see that this is rather
a global phenomenon that’s been going
on since the beginning of corporate
work culture. Name me a few countries
where women don’t receive a lesser
average income.—Nekoguchi
STILL GAIJININ’
This article is just bad… and somewhat
racist. First of all, using the word “gaijin”
instead of foreigner is unnecessary, and
second of all, some people are actually
highly satisfied with their jobs in Japan
and don’t need to seek comfort in their
“popularity” among Japanese people.
This is a huge stereotype (if you can
even call it that because none of the
points in this article seem familiar to
me) and I think the author is probably
Found the feeling center within that
works for you? If not, try a massage,
hypnotherapy, or a coffee-fueled
conversation. It’s easy to be sparked by others,
as Mercury enters your area of financial and
spiritual resources starting Saturday. What to
do about family and obligations? Take care of
yourself. Be a role model. In doing this, you are
able to enjoy loved ones more comfortably, and
at your own pace.
facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine twitter.com/MetropolisTokyo
insecure about his job. I’ve lived in
Japan for four years and to be honest,
I could not care less about new expats
coming in. Good for them… I don’t
know why this was published, but it’s
rubbish.—Sue
Perfect, thank you for writing this. It’s
always so funny when I see a foreigner
in a group of Japanese and suddenly
that foreigner sees me. Within half
a second he (or she) pretends I am
not there and will never look in my
direction again. It’s because this
person was average back home and
seeing someone from his side of the
planet reminds him or her of that. I
get it. This behavior from other gaijin
used to bother me but really, I can
understand where they’re coming
from. I wouldn’t want to give up the
power and attention I had never
received in my home country in my
entire life. When it happens now, I just
smile.—XaBa
Metropolis wants to hear from you. Send your comments to letters@metropolis.co.jp. Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.
Metropolis Members Club
Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
SHANE BUSATO
This week’s winner! Upcoming prize!
Divual Shah
won a romantic dinner for two
Courtesy of 148 @ Azabu Juban
BY CATHRYN MOE Horoscope
With April breezes come walks in the
park, cherry blossoms floating and an
unexpected monster kite. Unless the
new paradigm alters the weather again. Even the
planets seem to be changing. You are now entering
the fourth dimension! It’s traffic, working,
shopping and cooking, as usual. Except… did you
notice the Moon went into your sign Monday just
as Venus made your friends fun and generous too?
One lucky MMC member will
win a adidas Yoga Mat
Courtesy of adidas
#994 • www.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29

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