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Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine<br />

www.metropolis.co.jp<br />

EAT 'EM & SMILE<br />

VAN HALEN’S<br />

DAVID LEE ROTH<br />

JUMPS TO<br />

TOKYO<br />

FEATURE<br />

TEST DRIVING<br />

JAPAN’S ECO CARS<br />

MUSIC<br />

THE UK’S D.O.T.<br />

START A JOURNAL<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> Jun 7~20, 2013 FREE!<br />

WE GRILL<br />

UP THE<br />

CITY'S BEST<br />

BURGERS!<br />

THE LAST WORD<br />

LACING UP<br />

LOCAL LINGERIE


INSIDE<br />

06 FEATURE<br />

WHEELS<br />

OF GREEN<br />

by Roberto De Vido<br />

03 THE SMALL PRINT<br />

05 UPFRONT<br />

08 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT<br />

10 AGENDA<br />

15 MOVIES<br />

23 DINING OUT<br />

24 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS<br />

29 HOROSCOPE & MEDIABOX<br />

30 THE LAST WORD<br />

COVER DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI, COURTESY OF DAVID LEE<br />

ROTH, PHOTO BY MARK ROJAS<br />

LISTEN TO TOKYO’S PULSE<br />

METPOD.COM<br />

The Small Print<br />

By Steve Trautlein<br />

“<br />

THE MOOD WILL GET<br />

WORSE, BUT AS TIME<br />

GOES BY IT MAY COME BACK<br />

TO MORE OR LESS THE SAME<br />

PLACE.”<br />

—Yoshihide Soeya, Keio University Institute of East<br />

Asian Studies, on tensions between Japan, South<br />

Korea and China<br />

PUBLIC ENEMIES<br />

ć The Consumer Affairs Agency upbraided Coca-<br />

Cola Japan for using the word tokuhou (“news<br />

flash”) in ads for a new fiber drink. The agency<br />

said consumers might confuse the term with<br />

tokuho, a word used to describe healthy food.<br />

ć The MPD received 14,104 entries in a contest<br />

to name a new type of bank scam where<br />

fraudsters pretend to be the victim’s son over<br />

the phone. The official name is now “Kaasan,<br />

tasukete sagi,” or “Mom, help me scam.”<br />

ć The newest hire at the justice ministry’s clerical<br />

department is… a juvenile delinquent on probation.<br />

Officials hope to foster understanding<br />

about criminal rehabilitation.<br />

ć The MPD has asked NTT Docomo to be more<br />

careful with cellphone-rental companies, some<br />

of which are apparently fronts for crime groups.<br />

ONWARD AND UPWARD<br />

ć A sexual-minority advocacy group is petitioning<br />

the government to have sex-reassignment<br />

surgery covered by national health insurance.<br />

ć Some Japanese courts are trying to ease the<br />

stress on citizen jurors (a.k.a. lay judges) by<br />

190,000<br />

Estimated number of abandoned homes in Tokyo,<br />

according to the internal affairs ministry<br />

#<strong>1002</strong><br />

JUN 7-20, 2013<br />

Photo of the week<br />

Submit your snaps at http://metropolis.co.jp/photo.<br />

A foggy night on the Shinkyo sacred bridge—gateway to Nikko's shrines, by Eric Dan<br />

showing grisly crime-scene photos in black and<br />

white.<br />

ć The first female director of the Historiographical<br />

Institute of the University of Tokyo—the<br />

nation’s leading organization for preserving<br />

historical documents—took office last month.<br />

ć An education ministry panel has recommended<br />

medical researchers file a report when they<br />

receive corporate donations of ¥2 million yen<br />

or more.<br />

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN<br />

ć Government officials are warning people to be<br />

on the alert for moneymaking scams that “cite<br />

the effects of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic<br />

policies.”<br />

ć A research team led by a professor at Tohoku<br />

Fukushi University in Sendai has developed<br />

a wheelchair “that can help the elderly<br />

441<br />

Pregnant women who have taken a prenatal test for<br />

genetic disorders since the exam was introduced in<br />

April, according to the Japan Society of Obstetrics and<br />

Gynecology<br />

COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, JAPAN PROBE, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO<br />

<strong>Metropolis</strong> Members Club<br />

Register for prizes & discounts<br />

www.metropolis.co.jp/club<br />

THIS WEEK’S WINNER!<br />

Al Simpson<br />

won a romantic dinner for two<br />

Courtesy of 148 @ Azabu Juban<br />

UPCOMING PRIZE!<br />

One lucky MMC member will win<br />

a set of 7 Nail Enamels<br />

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SEARCH OVER 19 MILLION PHOTOS<br />

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maintain correct posture and improve their<br />

quality of life.”<br />

ć Mie fishermen successfully freed a 10m-long<br />

whale caught in seaweed-harvesting ropes.<br />

ć In response to a surge of interest in bonsai<br />

among young Europeans— u m ,<br />

really?—Saitama nurseries are to resume<br />

exports of the tiny trees to the EU.<br />

YOU DON’T SAY<br />

ć Nagoya University researchers believe female<br />

rhinoceros beetles may have once had horns<br />

but lost them when the appendages became<br />

“unnecessary for survival.”<br />

ć Fukushima officials report 1,300 cattle starved<br />

to death and more than 1,500 were euthanized<br />

following the March 11 disaster.<br />

ć The former head of a mental home in Chiba<br />

was handed one year in prison for “hitting<br />

a 50-year-old female resident in the face and<br />

stomach.”<br />

ć Meanwhile, 1,033 cases of abuse against disabled<br />

people were reported in the six months<br />

since a law targeting such practices went into<br />

effect in October.<br />

AND FINALLY…<br />

ć Kobe police arrested two men for selling<br />

devices allowing TV viewers to watch satellite<br />

channels for free. The men allegedly netted ¥80<br />

million.<br />

ć LDP officials plan to tackle child poverty by<br />

offering “consultations on family budgeting and<br />

career training for parents.”<br />

ć The environment ministry may remove goshawks<br />

from its list of endangered species. The<br />

population of the birds, below 500 in 1984, has<br />

bounced back to 5,818 in Kanto alone.<br />

ć Bottom Story of the Week: “Abandoned Japanese<br />

Bikes in Use by Nurses, Midwives in<br />

Ghana” (via Jiji).<br />

68,321<br />

People with disabilities who found work through<br />

public job-placement offices in fiscal 2012—a record—<br />

according to the labor ministry<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03


Shinjuku<br />

2F Shinjuku Lion Hall<br />

3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku<br />

03-3352-6606 | sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jp<br />

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/<br />

Each<br />

branch<br />

has<br />

different<br />

hours.<br />

04 • DOWNLOAD OUR PODCAST AT • PODCAST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP<br />

www.dubliners.jp<br />

WHERE THERE ARE<br />

NO STRANGERS,<br />

ONLY FRIENDS<br />

YOU HAVE YET<br />

TO MEET!<br />

Akasaka<br />

B1 Sannou Park Tower<br />

2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku<br />

03-3539-3615 | sali2645@sapporo-lion.co.jp<br />

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/<br />

Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays<br />

Shibuya<br />

2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.<br />

2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku<br />

03-5459-1736 |sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jp<br />

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008214/<br />

Ikebukuro<br />

B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.<br />

1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku<br />

03-5951-3614 | sali2709@sapporo-lion.co.jp<br />

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g029000/<br />

Shinagawa<br />

Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.<br />

B1F Grand Passage<br />

2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku<br />

03-6718-2834 | sali6654@sapporo-lion.co.jp<br />

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008220/<br />

We<br />

welcome<br />

all kinds<br />

of parties.<br />

Please<br />

contact us.


Feature<br />

WHEELS<br />

OF GREEN<br />

A look at the eco-tech<br />

cars on the market<br />

By Roberto De Vido<br />

Every manufacturer takes a different<br />

approach to green driving, with the main<br />

divide being electric/non-electric (e.g.<br />

hybrid or diesel). If you’re thinking about<br />

an all-electric car, you’re probably going to<br />

have to modify your driving habits. One manufacturer<br />

told <strong>Metropolis</strong>, “It works for some people. It doesn’t work<br />

at all for other people.” Which is why Toyota has sold five<br />

million hybrids.<br />

TESLA ROADSTER/MODEL S<br />

The two-seater Tesla Roadster is no longer for sale—the<br />

company is now turning out the four-door Model S—but<br />

the key fob is the same, and the Roadster was the one on<br />

offer for a test drive.<br />

We drove with Tesla’s Kevin Yu, in charge of the<br />

company’s Asia-Pacific operations, who put us at the<br />

wheel of an electric supercar. The Roadster’s acceleration<br />

is thrilling, enhanced by the knowledge that<br />

tromping on the “gas” when the light turns green is<br />

not burning any gas at all. During our drive around<br />

Aoyama, a Mercedes-Benz coupé pulled up alongside<br />

us at a red light and revved its engine. To which the<br />

Roadster replied, “Auf wiedersehen, sucker.”<br />

The new Model S, resembling an ordinary luxury<br />

sedan, outperforms the Roadster by a large margin, and<br />

thanks to Moore’s law of technological advancement,<br />

or the electric-vehicle equivalent, it’s significantly<br />

Tesla Roadster<br />

06 • DOWNLOAD OUR PODCAST AT • PODCAST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP<br />

cheaper. Tests have proven it can make the 460km<br />

from Tokyo to Kyoto without being charged (and with<br />

43km of charge remaining), indicating the Tesla has<br />

solved the electric vehicle owner’s range-anxiety problem.<br />

Another indication Tesla is doing something right<br />

is a North Carolina state senator's proposed legislation<br />

in effect banning Tesla sales in the state—after an<br />

$8,000 donation to his campaign from the North Carolina<br />

Car Dealers Association.<br />

One problem is the waiting time. Tesla is to manufacture<br />

20,000 Model S cars this year globally, with the<br />

majority going to the US. By comparison, Toyota sells 10<br />

million cars a year.<br />

Bottom line: Fun, fun, fun, and great range for an<br />

electric. If you can afford one ($62,000 in the US), and<br />

don’t mind the wait (the last Roadster customer in Japan<br />

had to wait three years), get onto it right away.<br />

TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN<br />

HYBRID (PHV)<br />

Of the 540km we drove the Prius PHV, the car was in<br />

electric mode for about three. The battery status display<br />

showed “full” most of the time, but apparently it<br />

wasn’t full enough to allow switching over, except very<br />

briefly. That said, those 540km used up only half a tank<br />

of gas, at a cost of just ¥4,200—road tolls were significantly<br />

more than that. But for all the electric usage we<br />

got with this car, it might just be worth getting the much<br />

cheaper regular Prius and spending the savings on a<br />

year’s supply of gasoline.<br />

Bottom line: This is the car for people who want to, or<br />

need to, do a lot of driving. That’s Toyota’s philosophy on “eco”<br />

vehicles. It’s a car that gets you where you want to go without<br />

compromises. The base price Prius PHV is ¥3.2 million.<br />

NISSAN LEAF<br />

This was the big adventure of the green-vehicle research<br />

experience. We wanted to push the Leaf to its advertised<br />

range limit, so we drove one evening from home<br />

in southern Miura Hanto in Kanagawa to Roppongi (just<br />

under 80km), planning to recharge during dinner.<br />

The problem was the lack of enough publicly available<br />

chargers. The first charger located by Nissan’s<br />

navigation app already had a Toyota hybrid plugged<br />

into it. The second was inside a carpark (¥300 to enter)—<br />

and not for public use. The third—we were now late for<br />

dinner—was inside the German Embassy grounds... verboten.<br />

The locator app is scant on details.<br />

The fourth charger was at a Nissan dealership, and<br />

we nearly hugged the manager when he emerged.<br />

He charged the car for less than hour and reparked it<br />

before he had to close the dealership, leaving the key<br />

in the door pocket. But after dinner, the car had only<br />

charged to 80%.<br />

Driving home at highway speeds, the range predictor<br />

was unspooling more quickly than the distance<br />

covered. We knew of a charger on the Yokohama-<br />

Yokosuka Road, but who wants to stop to charge their<br />

car at 1am? Approaching, the blue-lit digital instrument<br />

panel showed 15km of “fuel” remaining, with home<br />

just 10km away. We breathed a (tentative) sigh of relief<br />

and ploughed onward, only for the readout to change<br />

abruptly from “15” to “– – –.”<br />

We made it, but not without imagining a phone call<br />

to Nissan next morning letting them know where they<br />

could find their car. Company spokesman Chris Keeffe<br />

later pointed out the car does have a reserve for people<br />

who insist on pushing past sensible limits.<br />

With most aspiring electric car drivers planning to<br />

use their vehicles for shorter trips, Nissan is going all<br />

in on EV, waiting on government approval to sell its<br />

Renault-developed Nissan Mobility Concept in Japan.<br />

The Mobility Concept looks like a cross between the<br />

COURTESY OF TESLA COURTESY OF TOYOTA ROBERTO DE VIDO<br />

Toyota Prius Nissan Leaf


Mercedes Smart fortwo and the roofed-over Yamaha<br />

electric wheelchair often used by obasan in the country<br />

to get out to the fields. But the MC’s smaller size<br />

than the Smart Fortwo might make it even better as a<br />

city runabout.<br />

Bottom line: The range of the Leaf is advertised at 140-<br />

150km, though in normal driving it’s more like 120. But<br />

Nissan positions the vehicle as a second car/runabout. If<br />

you can get your home/office charger situation sorted out,<br />

it’s perfect for that. The base price Leaf costs just over ¥3<br />

million and significant savings maybe had through government<br />

electric vehicle subsidies.<br />

MERCEDES-BENZ SMART<br />

FORTWO ELECTRIC DRIVE<br />

So much fun, fun, fun that her daddy can keep the<br />

T-Bird. This car turned even more heads than the Tesla<br />

Roadster. It wasn’t to be put through the same paces<br />

as the Leaf, but it was great for a couple of hours zipping<br />

around Tokyo, burning zero gas, and squeezing<br />

through tiny gaps in traffic.<br />

The Smart fortwo is a two-seater, so it’s not for<br />

people with three kids and a Great Dane. And like<br />

the Leaf, the all-EV smart car requires you take<br />

a close look at your driving habits, and be sure<br />

you have access to chargers wherever you drive.<br />

Bottom line: Smart brand manager Kyoko Shimakawa<br />

said, “Customers just tell us it’s fun.” As usual, the customer<br />

is right, with a bonus: it’s zero-emissions fun! The<br />

base price costs ¥ 2.95 million with savings through government<br />

electric vehicle subsidies.<br />

BMW 523D SEDAN<br />

BLUEPERFORMANCE M SPORT<br />

BMW is expected to launch its i3 electric car in Japan in<br />

January, with the i8 to follow. In the meantime, it offers<br />

a wide range of “clean” diesel vehicles. We didn’t have<br />

enough time to drive the 1,200km BMW Japan said<br />

were possible on a single tank of fuel, but diesel engines<br />

do tend to run and run.<br />

Like many of the tested vehicles, the 523d has several<br />

performance modes, from “eco” to “sport,” and the<br />

turbocharger doesn’t disappoint in sport mode. At the<br />

other end of the eco spectrum, the car shuts down at<br />

stoplights to save fuel, and restarts when you lift your<br />

foot off the brake. Disconcerting at first, but you get<br />

used to it.<br />

Bottom line: Like the Toyota Prius, the BMW 523d<br />

requires no compromise in your driving habits, and guarantees<br />

you won’t suffer from range anxiety. The M Sport<br />

costs ¥6.3 million with savings through government ‘green’<br />

vehicle subsidies.<br />

PICK YOUR PONY<br />

With environmentally friendly automotive technologies,<br />

there are almost as many approaches as<br />

manufacturers, with price and convenience the main<br />

fault lines.<br />

COURTESY OF BMW<br />

BMW Sedan Mercedes Benz Smart<br />

While electric cars are inexpensive to operate, they<br />

are significantly more expensive than regular gasoline<br />

burners. For example, the Smart Fortwo electric drive<br />

retails for ¥2.95 million, but its entry-level gas-powered<br />

counterpart sells for ¥1.59 million.<br />

But for now, if you can afford it and don’t mind the<br />

wait, the Tesla Model S is the best eco car on the planet.<br />

However, if you, like many of us, can’t and do, but want<br />

to cut emissions significantly, choose the Nissan Leaf or<br />

the Smart Fortwo based on the size of your family and/<br />

or budget.<br />

Perhaps at some point, batteries will offer greater<br />

range and come way down in price. And charging<br />

stations will become more common. Then, environmental<br />

buyers will concern themselves mainly with<br />

color and style.<br />

As Tesla's Yu put it, “At some point you’ll stop caring<br />

about the technology and just focus on price.”<br />

ON THE ROAD<br />

Owning a car in Japan means first demonstrating you<br />

have a place to park. If your building has parking spaces,<br />

the management company will be delighted to rent you<br />

one and provide you with a Certificate of Permission for<br />

Use of Parking. If you rent or own a house, it’s very likely<br />

your property will include a parking space and you can<br />

obtain certification either from your landlord (if you<br />

rent) or the local police station (if you own).<br />

Buying a car is no more difficult in Japan than it is<br />

in many other countries, assuming you read and write<br />

Japanese or can get help from someone who does.<br />

You’ll need a driving license, of course, and obtaining<br />

a Japanese license can be easy or hard, depending<br />

on the reciprocal relationship your country has with<br />

Japan. Those from the US whose driving licenses are<br />

issued at the state level are out of luck, and have to negotiate<br />

the process from scratch, but license-holders from<br />

other Western countries (e.g. the UK, Australia, Canada,<br />

Germany, Sweden) may find it as easy as filling out a<br />

form and passing an eye test.<br />

Then you’ll need your alien registration card. Oh,<br />

and the money.<br />

If you buy through a dealer, the dealer will be<br />

happy to take care of the paperwork for you. If you buy<br />

a secondhand car from an individual, you will have to<br />

navigate the bureaucratic thicket yourself.<br />

ROBERTO DE VIDO<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> #833 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 07


Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS<br />

japan beat<br />

DAV I D L E E R OT H<br />

The Van Halen icon is<br />

hot for sensei<br />

By Jeff W. Richards<br />

V<br />

eteran Van Halen frontman and rock<br />

legend David Lee Roth has called<br />

Tokyo home for nearly a year. It might<br />

seem odd that an American rock star<br />

would settle in the Land of the Rising Sun—but it’s<br />

something that he ‘s done time and again in other<br />

cities over the years. His interest in Japan, though,<br />

goes way back, as <strong>Metropolis</strong> learned when we sat<br />

down with him for a lengthy session at his city<br />

residence.<br />

One thing is clear from the start: living here<br />

is about continuing his education. “I’m in school<br />

every single day—this is Roth University, by the<br />

way,” he says, getting right to it. “I do language<br />

every day for two hours... I have a Go sensei, a professional,<br />

who comes over two times a week. I love<br />

that game.”<br />

A long time student of the martial arts, I ask if<br />

he’s studying kendo here in Japan—and he quickly<br />

corrects me. “No, it’s not kendo. It’s kenjutsu. I’m<br />

going for my menkyo kaiden [full mastery] and<br />

I’ve been doing that since I was 12.” He explains<br />

that was the first time he held a sword in his hand.<br />

His father, an eye surgeon, had a lot of Japanese<br />

patients and Roth grew up immersed in Japanese-American<br />

culture in Pasadena—an area of<br />

California that housed internment camps during<br />

World War Two and became a strong Japanese-<br />

American community after the war. “I grew up<br />

next to Mr. Yoshida’s house—he was a kendo<br />

instructor,” he says. “Today, I’m the master of the<br />

six foot staff—it’s actually a shower curtain rod,<br />

but it looks great in the lights and I use it on stage,”<br />

he laughs, which is something that David Lee Roth<br />

does a lot, flashing his pearly whites and making<br />

you feel as if it’s the first time he’s told the joke.<br />

“And I do sumi-e [Japanese ink painting] as<br />

well,” he continues. “I always wanted to go to art<br />

school. I always knew there was such a thing as<br />

perspective even though my parents routinely<br />

accused me of never having any.” He laughs, but<br />

then quickly gets earnest. “But now that I’m here<br />

I’ve found a very serious professional teacher.<br />

It’s shugyo. Its austere style. My sumi-e teacher is<br />

right out of the Meiji restoration. He’s got the little<br />

goatee and he’s a man of very, very few words. And<br />

now we’ve grown to become friends, ya follow?<br />

It’s part of the education. It’s part of getting to<br />

know the neighborhood, but it’s also sharpening<br />

the sword—mentally, spiritually, physically—<br />

because when I go back to show business in the<br />

United States… It’s war. It’s conflict.”<br />

On that cue, is he working on any new music<br />

in Tokyo. “I’m in and out of the studio over in<br />

Ginza, routinely. Great studio, superb studio.”<br />

He’s recording constantly, but it’s not new music,<br />

it’s content for his HD video podcast, The Roth<br />

Show, and his radically different one-man variety<br />

radio show, Tokyo High Power Style Radio<br />

show (both available at davidleeroth.com and on<br />

iTunes). “I invented that title. It’s supposed to be<br />

08 • DOWNLOAD OUR PODCAST AT • PODCAST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP<br />

COURTESY OF DAVID LEE ROTH, PHOTOS BY MARK ROJAS COURTESY OF DAVID LEE ROTH<br />

like ‘Walkman,’ like no white guy would ever say<br />

that but when you do it seems to work for you,” he<br />

laughs. “So that’s me trying to sound Japanese-ish<br />

[he does his best salaryman-style katakana English]<br />

‘To-ki-o Ha-i Pa-wa— Su-ta-i-ru.’”<br />

It’s evident that he’s riding a surging wave of<br />

creativity in Japan. “There’s more latitude here,<br />

‘gap,’ I think it’s called. There’s a gap and this is<br />

one of the things [sumo champion] Konishiki<br />

has shared with me—is that folks find it 'interesting'<br />

if you do something that’s unexpected or<br />

incongruous.”<br />

He feels that popular music—and show business<br />

in general—is much more restrictive back in<br />

the US where you have to be known for one thing.<br />

He cites an example: “Advertising Boss Coffee. In<br />

the US—whoa!—they’re gonna make fun of you on<br />

Saturday Night Live. Here it’s kind of expected. I’d<br />

love to do a Boss Coffee ad. Here, I’ll do it now: [he<br />

adopts low yakuza voice] ‘Who’s boss now?’” He lets<br />

out another of his big laughs. “It’s pretty simple, but<br />

it works." For Roth, in rock, to play what he terms<br />

‘floor’ music ("because it’s house mix, it’s dance, it’s<br />

R&B, funk, whatever... ") would be unacceptable<br />

in the US. “Well, we’re not sure. ‘Jeez you changed<br />

your hat, Bob—you’re not a cowboy anymore.’”<br />

Roth broadcasts Tokyo High Power Style in English<br />

and Japanese along with his assistant, Etsuko.<br />

Does he bring in his famous Japanese friends as<br />

guests? “A lot of my colleagues have reached back<br />

in time, 1970s style, to replicate radio, and perhaps<br />

even more, talk show television—and it becomes<br />

a battle for guests. Whose guests are better?” He<br />

stops. “I'm not really interested in guests. I use<br />

as my template Mark Twain, who also traveled<br />

the world.” Roth’s concern is to enlighten listeners<br />

on subjects of his own mysterious choosing.<br />

“You're gonna learn things. The last episode, Konishiki<br />

said, ‘Wow! I didn't know the history of FM<br />

radio and why the DJs [drops to baritone voice]<br />

talk... so... slow.” It’s obvious he’s enjoying his new<br />

didactic role.<br />

So what's the perfect Tokyo day for Diamond<br />

Dave? “It’s not going to be perfect for most people,”<br />

he says. “Most of my day is spent is some variation<br />

of school or transition in between. It starts off at<br />

three in the morning because I’m running the<br />

show [Van Halen’s tour] from the balcony up there<br />

on my headset… Internationally we’ll probably do<br />

50 shows outside of the United States next year.<br />

Then I go back to sleep. Then school starts for me at<br />

nine and I’m done at noon. Usually three times a<br />

week I’ll have sumi-e and three times a week when<br />

I train with the sword. Weekends my form of recreation<br />

is Go. It’s not to most people’s taste.”<br />

So is Tokyo home ? “I’m based out of here now.”<br />

The highly content and independent Roth says<br />

that the only thing missing is his dog, Russell. “His<br />

inoculations are just about done. He’s an Australian<br />

cattle dog—a Queensland Blue. Next time<br />

we do an interview here, you’ll see Russ. We did<br />

fifty-five cities together on the last Van Halen tour.<br />

After that, I’m happy.”<br />

Happily, Russ won't miss Van Halen’s dates in<br />

Japan this month. “We're playing for two weeks,<br />

you know, it's the devil's rush. We're playing<br />

Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo.”<br />

We end on his perceptions of day to day life in<br />

Tokyo for those of us that come to live here—how it<br />

seems to fire them up.<br />

“It does for me. The ideas are much more myriad,<br />

and much more complex and constant here. And<br />

you know what? A lot of it comes from the interaction<br />

of people on the street. ‘Sumimasen’-style, you know,<br />

just that simple respect and the simple acknowledgement<br />

of others—it’s pretty rare in the US.”<br />

For the full interview with more on kenjutsu,<br />

the Japanese language, his Japanese tattoo, and<br />

more—see http://meturl.com/dlrintokyo.<br />

Van Halen plays Tokyo Dome on June 21. See<br />

concert listings (popular) for details.


music<br />

COURTESY OF HOSTESS<br />

THE D.O.T.<br />

England’s odd couple<br />

bonds on Diaries<br />

By Dan Grunebaum<br />

So, why did English pop stars Mike Skinner and Rob Harvey name their new<br />

band after something as plebian as the Department of Transportation? “I<br />

don’t know really,” Skinner confesses from down the line in England.<br />

What he later says provides some insight into how the ordinariness suggested<br />

by the D.O.T. acronym was the point where he and Harvey bonded and ended up<br />

working together.<br />

“One of the things we share is coming from backgrounds that are not musical,”<br />

Skinner explains about the group’s oddball pairing, which sets his deadpan raps<br />

against Harvey’s emotive vocals. “Both of us have struggled with the question:<br />

‘What purpose do we serve?’ In the music industry there is a lot of sitting around<br />

not seemingly doing anything. If you come into it feeling like you have to work<br />

a 9-to-5, it’s very hard. So all we’re really trying to do is make songs that are good<br />

enough that people want to buy them. Without sounding too Wall Street, we both<br />

have a sort of working man’s idea of what a song should be.”<br />

Which is not to belittle artists that reach for the sky. “You do need artists who<br />

are up their own ass and lost in their own idea of art—that’s where the cutting edge<br />

is,” Skinner muses. “But ordinary working people in the north of England are never<br />

going to understand that. We need the cutting edge, but I don’t think The D.O.T. are<br />

ever going to be that because we have too much of a complex about wanting to do<br />

something that means something to people.”<br />

Skinner, with his riveting hip-hop storytelling band The Streets, and Harvey,<br />

with his soul-bearing retro rock outfit The Music, were both at the end of the line<br />

with their groups when they joined forces in 2011. “I was demoing a lot of stuff for<br />

The Streets and just really liked the sound of his voice, so he ended up singing on<br />

three songs on the last Streets album,” Skinner recalls. “It was quite natural, really.<br />

We did a session together one day and wrote these three really good songs, and<br />

we’ve carried on ever since.”<br />

The result, on their first proper album Diary, weds Harvey’s keening vocals to<br />

Skinner’s dope rhythms, but it’s neither The Streets with vocals nor The Music with<br />

beats. Skinner sometimes sings, Harvey sometimes steps back—the music has a<br />

timeless poignancy that comes from working with expert horn players and other<br />

session musicians.<br />

“Usually I begin on the drum machine, and it ends with Rob finishing on the<br />

vocals—that’s how a lot of it’s come together,” Skinner says. “But it’s really relaxed.<br />

The Streets was quite high pressure in terms of there having to be a story. I’m rebelling<br />

against that now, which means that a lot of the songs are ambiguous. When<br />

music is melodic you can paint impressionistic pictures that don’t really need to<br />

make concrete sense. I’ve really been enjoying writing songs in that way, and a lot<br />

of them don’t have a storyline.”<br />

Skinner was headed off to direct films when The D.O.T. came together, and his<br />

and Harvey’s videos—one featuring a modern-day Jesus for the song “Blood, Sweat<br />

and Tears” is particularly striking—provide a visual accompaniment to the album.<br />

“The title Diary was a product of the video diaries that we’d been doing,” Skinner<br />

says. “To say that it’s more of a diary than any other album would be arrogant, but<br />

visually to be able to make the album look like one of our diaries was important.”<br />

Skinner isn’t exactly sure where what some have called “a celebrity side project”<br />

is leading, but he’s comfortable with its present shape for the moment. “I think<br />

it’s important to see things through. I’m very erratic on a daily basis, and I have a lot<br />

going on, so I find it very important to really focus on one thing.<br />

“The D.O.T. is in its infancy and we’re very careful for it to not set too quickly, for<br />

it to carry on feeling genuinely fun and unexpected. We wrote songs in big rooms<br />

with various people, and we wrote emailing back and forth, and I think maybe<br />

on the next album we might even write songs separately and then finish them off<br />

together. We have opted keep it as free as possible so it can still feel exciting.”<br />

Liquidroom, Jun 13. See concert listings (popular) for details.<br />

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Agenda Listings<br />

CONCERT<br />

Concerts<br />

POPULAR<br />

Helloween<br />

Metal giants with guest<br />

Gammaray. Jun 7, 7pm,<br />

¥8,500-9,500 (adv) +1d.<br />

Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:<br />

Harajuku. Tel: 03-3499-6669.<br />

www.creativeman.co.jp<br />

Broadway<br />

New York musical numbers<br />

sung by Greg Irwin, Donna<br />

Burke, etc. Dress code:<br />

business formal/black tie.<br />

Jun 7, 6:30pm, ¥9,000 (show<br />

only)/ ¥16,000 (dinner and<br />

show). Tokyo American Club.<br />

Nearest stn: Kamiyacho.<br />

Tel: 03-3440-0616. www.<br />

gregirwin.com<br />

Analogfish<br />

Three-piece melodic<br />

pop-rock. Jun 7, 6pm, ¥3,500<br />

(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.<br />

club-quattro.com<br />

Machina<br />

Ex-members of Evanescence<br />

and Future of the World. Jun<br />

7, 6:30pm, ¥3,000. Chelsea<br />

Hotel. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-3770-1567. www.<br />

chelseahotel.jp<br />

Love Psychedelico<br />

J-pop duo inspired by<br />

1960s rock. Jun 8, 6pm,<br />

¥5,800 (adv). Shibuya-AX.<br />

Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.<br />

lovepsychedelico.net<br />

Hostess Club<br />

Weekender<br />

Two-day fes with Travis,<br />

British Sea Power, and<br />

more. Jun 8-9, ¥7,900 (1<br />

day)/ ¥13,900 (2 days) +1d.<br />

Yebisu Garden Hall. Nearest<br />

stn: Ebisu. www.ynos.tv/<br />

hostessclub<br />

Guruguru Toiro<br />

The quirkiest, loudest<br />

J-indie. Jun 8, 1pm; Jun 9,<br />

1pm, ¥3,500 (1 day)/¥6,000<br />

(2 days). Saitama Super<br />

Arena. Nearest stn: Saitama-<br />

Shintoshin. Tel: 050-5533-<br />

0888.<br />

Beyond The Blue<br />

Battle of the bands with Five<br />

New Old, Pop Disaster and<br />

more. Jun 8, 1:30pm, ¥6,400<br />

(adv)/ ¥6,900 (door) +1d.<br />

Yokohama Bay Hall. Nearest<br />

stn: Motomachi-Chukagai.<br />

Tel: 03-3475-9999. www.<br />

bayhall.jp/sch/event<br />

Brahman<br />

Hardcore punk from Ibaraki.<br />

Jun 8, 6pm, ¥2,999 (adv) +1d.<br />

Makuhari Messe. Nearest stn:<br />

Kaihin-Makuhari. www.l-tike.<br />

com<br />

La’cryma Christi<br />

Visual kei. Jun 8, 5pm, ¥7,800<br />

(adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz.<br />

Nearest stn: Akasaka. Tel:<br />

0570-084-003. www.l-tike.com<br />

Oliver Mann<br />

Operatic dark pop from<br />

Melbourne. Jun 8, 7:30pm,<br />

¥2,000. Nanahari. Nearest stn:<br />

Hacchobori. Tel: 03-6806-6773.<br />

www.ftftftf.com<br />

Jas Vegas<br />

R&B pop princess. Jun 9, 6pm,<br />

¥2,000 (adv) +1d. Loop. Nearest<br />

stn: Daikanyama. Tel: 03-3499-<br />

6669. www.creativeman.co.jp/<br />

artist/2013/06jasmine<br />

Richard Pinhas<br />

French guitar virtuoso with<br />

Tatsuya Yoshida. Jun 9, 8pm,<br />

¥3,000 (adv). Pit Inn. Nearest<br />

stn: Shinjuku Sanchome. Tel:<br />

03-3354-2024. www.pit-inn.<br />

com<br />

The D.O.T.<br />

Side project of The Streets’ Mike<br />

Skinner and Rob Harvey from<br />

The Music. Jun 13, 7pm, ¥5,500<br />

(adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest<br />

stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751.<br />

www.liquidroom.net<br />

Toshiki Kadomatsu<br />

J-pop, AOR and R&B singersongwriter.<br />

Jun 14-16, ¥9,000-<br />

11,000. Billboard Live. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-<br />

1133. www.billboard-live.com<br />

The Bawdies<br />

Old school rock ’n’ roll and soul<br />

for a modern audience. Jun 16,<br />

6pm, ¥4,800. Yokohama Arena.<br />

Nearest stn: Shin-Yokohama.<br />

www.l-tike.com<br />

A Flood of Circle<br />

Blues and ’70s rock-influenced<br />

trio. Jun 16, 6pm, ¥3,150 (adv)<br />

+1d. Zepp Diver City. Nearest<br />

stn: Daiba. www.red-hot.ne.jp<br />

Story of the Year<br />

Missouri rock gods. Jun 20,<br />

7pm, ¥6,000. Club Quattro.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Jun 28,<br />

7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. O-East.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />

03-3444-6751. www.smash-jpn.<br />

com<br />

Scandal<br />

J-pop princesses disguised<br />

as rock chicks. Jun 20, 7pm;<br />

Jun 22, 7pm, . Zepp Diver City.<br />

Nearest stn: Daiba. www.<br />

red-hot.ne.jp<br />

Rock Walk Vol. 7<br />

Kyoto charmers The Hitch<br />

Submit your event directly to metropolis.co.jp/listings<br />

See www.metropolis.co.jp for more listings<br />

COURTESY OF HIP<br />

Eric Jacobsen Band<br />

Eric Jacobsen is best known in Japan as the English-singing,<br />

guitar-playing kids’ entertainer on NHK’s evergreen morning<br />

Eigo de Asobo segment. But the Massachusetts native has<br />

also long written psychedelic folk-infused “grownup” music.<br />

Jacobsen told <strong>Metropolis</strong> his new album Kind Awakening<br />

came out of a sense of “now or never.” Its themes range from<br />

explorations of mortality and religious brainwashing, to<br />

Jacobsen’s feelings on regaining his sense of smell after ten<br />

years. “For kids’ stuff, I generally go positive, fun—it’s honest, but<br />

usually optimistic,” explained Jacobsen. “For my grownup stuff I<br />

have to be emotionally naked. Good and bad.”<br />

Moon Romantic Aoyama, Jun 14, 7:30pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/<br />

¥2,500 (door) +1d. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. www.ericband.com<br />

10 • DOWNLOAD OUR PODCAST AT • PODCAST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP<br />

Lowke, Osaka punk rockers<br />

Rizing 2 End and more. Jun<br />

20, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000<br />

(door) +1d. Ruido K2. Nearest<br />

stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-5310.<br />

www.ruido.org/k2<br />

Van Halen<br />

US hard-rock gamechangers.<br />

Jun 21, 7pm, ¥9,000-12,500.<br />

Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn:<br />

Kudanshita. www.udo.jp/artists/<br />

vanhalen<br />

The Cherry Cokes<br />

Celtic folk rock with a heavy<br />

metal twist. Jun 21, 6pm, ¥3,500<br />

(adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest<br />

stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751.<br />

www.liquidroom.net<br />

Andre DiMuzio<br />

Electronic and synthesizercentric<br />

with the occasional<br />

acoustic guitar element.<br />

Jun 21, 7pm, free. The Juke<br />

Joint. Nearest stn: Roppongi.<br />

Tel: 03-6427-2528. www.<br />

thejukejoint.jp<br />

Soul Beats Jazz One<br />

Heartfelt soul and jazz, mixed<br />

with hip-hop vibes by Aimi<br />

Mukohara and Lo-Fi. Jun<br />

22, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d.<br />

The Juke Joint. Nearest stn:<br />

Roppongi. Tel: 03-6427-2528.<br />

www.jukejoint.jp<br />

Pinback<br />

Progressive rock with<br />

sing-along choruses. Jun<br />

27, 7:30pm; Jun 28, 7:30pm,<br />

¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Astro Hall.<br />

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.<br />

Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.<br />

creativeman.co.jp<br />

Quattro Burning<br />

Ken Yokoyama and The<br />

Birthday. Jun 28, 7pm, ¥3,800<br />

(adv)/ ¥4,300 (door) +1d. Club<br />

Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.<br />

club-quattro.com<br />

Down Beat Ruler<br />

The Ska Flames, Oi-Skall Mates<br />

and more. Jun 29, 6pm, ¥3,500<br />

(adv)/¥3,800 (door) +1d. Club<br />

Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.<br />

club-quattro.com<br />

Shank<br />

Punk rock trip with The Cherry<br />

Cokes and Jellyfish Flowers.<br />

Jul 1, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d.<br />

Club Quattro. Nearest stn:<br />

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751.<br />

www.smash-jpn.com<br />

Gackt<br />

Quirky and sometimes<br />

controversial musician. Jul<br />

4, 7pm, ¥8,600 plus service<br />

charge. Yokohama Arena.<br />

Nearest stn: Shin-Yokohama.<br />

Tel: 050-5533-0888. http://<br />

eplus.jp<br />

Mongol800<br />

Okinawan rock veterans.<br />

Jul 5, 6:30pm, ¥5,800 (adv).<br />

Nippon Budokan. Nearest<br />

stn: Kudanshita. www.<br />

mongol800.jp<br />

Chill the Punk<br />

Emo-punk rockers Rizing 2<br />

End, Rookiez is Punk’d, Wrong<br />

City and more. Jul 8, 7pm,<br />

¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d.<br />

Milkyway. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

www.shibuyamilkyway.com<br />

Sendai Kamotsu<br />

Tohoku’s craziest pop-rock<br />

outfit. Jul 11, 6:30pm, ¥5,500<br />

(adv) +1d. Yokohama Bay<br />

Hall. Nearest stn: Motomachi-<br />

Chukagai. Tel: 050-5533-<br />

0888. www.bayhall.jp/sch/<br />

event/130711.html<br />

M-Flo<br />

Hip-hop rhyme and club music<br />

masters. Jul 12, 7pm, ¥6,500<br />

+1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:<br />

Harajuku. Tel: 0570-550-799.<br />

ticket.kyodotokyo.com<br />

No More Fuckin’ Nukes<br />

Hard-rock heavyweights<br />

Ken Yokoyama, Brahman,<br />

Slang and more. Jul 14, 3pm,<br />

¥4,000 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX.<br />

Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />

Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.<br />

nomorefuckinnukes.com<br />

Mo’ Let’s Rock and Roll<br />

School<br />

Mo’some Tonebender and<br />

The Pees. Jul 15, 6pm, ¥3,500<br />

(adv)/¥4,000 (door). Club<br />

Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.<br />

club-quattro.com<br />

Merengue<br />

J-pop power ballad trio. Jul 17,<br />

7:30pm; Jul 18, 7:30pm, ¥3,800<br />

(adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest<br />

stn: Ebisu. Tel: 050-5533-0888.<br />

www.liquidroom.net<br />

SiM<br />

Rock punk reggae quartet.<br />

Jul 21, 6:30pm, ¥3,300 (adv)<br />

+1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:<br />

Harajuku. Tel: 03-3444-6751.<br />

www.smash-jpn.com<br />

Summer Madness<br />

Magokoro Brothers and<br />

Andymori. Jul 24, 7pm, ¥4,200<br />

(adv)/ ¥4,700 (door) +1d. Club<br />

Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.<br />

club-quattro.com<br />

Fuji Rock Festival<br />

Mother of all Japanese rock<br />

fests. Skrillex, Nine Inch Nails,<br />

The Cure, Vampire Weekend<br />

and more. Jul 26-Jul 28. Naeba<br />

Ski Resort. Nearest stn: Echigo<br />

Yuzawa. www.fujirockfestival.<br />

com<br />

Rock in Japan Festival<br />

Zazen Boys, Hey-Smith, Mongol<br />

800 and more. Until-Aug 4.<br />

10:30am, ¥11,500 (1 day)/<br />

¥22,000 (2 days)/¥30,000 (3<br />

days). National Hitachi Kaihin<br />

Park. Nearest stn: Kaihinkoen.<br />

Tel: 0180-993-611. www.<br />

rijfes.jp<br />

A-Nation Island<br />

Music/dance fes with Kumi<br />

Koda, E-Girls, Scandal, etc. Aug<br />

3-11, ¥4,500-7,500 (adv). Yoyogi<br />

National Gymnasium and<br />

Shibuya-AX. Nearest station:<br />

Harajuku. www.a-nation.net<br />

Aerosonic<br />

Aerosmith and B’z reunite for a<br />

rockin’ evening in Chiba. Aug 8,<br />

5:30pm, ¥12,000-15,000 (adv).<br />

QVC Marine Field. Nearest stn:<br />

Kaihin-Makuhari. Tel: 03-3499-<br />

6669. www.creativeman.co.jp/<br />

artist/2013/08aerosonic<br />

Zushi Fes<br />

Beach festival with Totalfat,<br />

Scandal and more. Aug 9-11,<br />

¥7,800 (one day)/ JPT23,400<br />

(three days). Zushi Marina.<br />

Nearest stn: Riviera Zushi<br />

Marina Mae or Kotsubo. Tel:<br />

0570-550-799. www.mtvjapan.<br />

com/zushifes2013<br />

Sonicmania<br />

Summer Sonic pre-event with<br />

The Stone Roses, Pet Shop<br />

Boys and more. Aug 9, 10pm,<br />

¥9,800 (adv) +1d/ ¥35,000<br />

(weekend pass, adv) +1d.<br />

Makuhari Messe. Nearest stn:<br />

Kaihin-Makuhari. Tel: 03-3499-<br />

6669. www.summersonic.<br />

com/2013/english<br />

Summer Sonic<br />

Metallica, Stone Roses,<br />

Muse, and more. Aug 10-11.<br />

Makuhari Messe. Nearest<br />

stn: Kaihin-Makuhari. www.<br />

summersonic.com<br />

World Happiness<br />

Kid-friendly fes with Midnight<br />

Suns, Michiko Shimizu, etc.<br />

Aug 11, ¥1,000-9,000 (adv).<br />

Yumenoshima Park. Nearest<br />

stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 0570-084-<br />

632. www.world-happiness.<br />

com<br />

JAZZ/WORLD<br />

Mike Price Jazz Quintet<br />

Soothing tunes before<br />

the rainy season starts.<br />

Jun 7, ¥2,500. Akasaka B<br />

Flat. Nearest stn: Akasaka.<br />

Tel: 03-5563-2563. www.<br />

mikepricejazz.com<br />

Nordic and Celtic Music<br />

Party<br />

Irish, Finnish and Swedish<br />

traditional music. Fiddle and<br />

kantele workshops. Jun 8,<br />

noon, free. Ueno Park. Nearest<br />

stn: Ueno. Tel: 049-247-1423.<br />

Karyn White<br />

R&B songstress from the<br />

States. Jun 8-9, ¥7,500-9,500.<br />

Billboard Live. Nearest stn:<br />

Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.<br />

www.billboard-live.com<br />

Chick Corea, Stanley<br />

Clarke Trio with Marcus<br />

Gilmore<br />

US jazz and fusion musicians.<br />

Until Jun 8. various times,<br />

¥12,000. Blue Note. Nearest<br />

stn: Omotesando. Tel:<br />

03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.<br />

co.jp<br />

Fujitsu Concord Jazz<br />

Festival<br />

Tribute to Norman Granz.<br />

Jun 9-10, ¥10,000. Blue Note.<br />

Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:<br />

03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.<br />

co.jp<br />

Lewis Nash Trio<br />

Prolific US jazz drummer with<br />

his band. Jun 11-12. 6:30pm<br />

and 9pm, ¥6,500-8,500.<br />

Cotton Club. Nearest stn:<br />

Tokyo. www.cottonclubjapan.<br />

co.jp<br />

Indigo Jam Unit<br />

Japanese jazz assemblage.<br />

Jun 11, ¥4,900-6,900.<br />

Billboard Live. Nearest stn:<br />

Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.<br />

www.billboard-live.com<br />

Snarky Puppy<br />

Texas-based instrumental<br />

fusion band. Jun 11-12. 7 &<br />

9:30pm, ¥5,000. Blue Note.<br />

Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:<br />

03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.<br />

co.jp<br />

After 7<br />

Reunion of R&B group. Jun<br />

12-13. 7 & 9:30pm, ¥6,500-<br />

8,500. Billboard Live. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-<br />

1133. www.billboard-live.com<br />

Follow Me<br />

New York-based Kimiko Itoh<br />

sings mellow tunes. Jun 14,<br />

7pm, ¥3,500. Mori no Hall.<br />

Nearest stn: Hashimoto. Tel:<br />

042-742-9999. http://hall-net.<br />

or.jp<br />

Hiramitsu Agatsuma<br />

Shamisen artist. Jun 14,<br />

6:30pm, ¥6,000. Yamaha<br />

Ginza Hall. Nearest stn: Ginza.<br />

Tel: 0570-550-799. www.<br />

kyodotokyo.com/kusabi2013<br />

Giovanni Allevi<br />

Italian pianist. Jun 15, ¥6,500.<br />

Blue Note. Nearest stn:<br />

Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-<br />

0088. www.bluenote.co.jp<br />

Bluey<br />

Incognito’s leader presents<br />

a tribute to Donald Byrd.<br />

Jun 16-18, ¥7,500. Blue Note.<br />

Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:<br />

03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.<br />

co.jp<br />

The Three Degrees<br />

US female vocal outfit. Jun<br />

17-18. 7 & 9:30pm, ¥7,000-<br />

9,000. Billboard Live. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-<br />

1133. www.billboard-live.com<br />

Joe Robinson<br />

Australian guitar player and<br />

vocalist. Jun 17-18, ¥5,000.<br />

Cotton Club. Nearest stn:<br />

Tokyo. www.cottonclubjapan.<br />

co.jp/en<br />

Chen Min<br />

Erhu player. Jun 19, ¥4,900-<br />

6,900. Billboard Live. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-<br />

1133. www.billboard-live.com<br />

Lau<br />

Free-thinking visionaries with<br />

folk music roots. Jun 19, 7pm,<br />

¥5,500 (adv)/ ¥6,000 +1d. Club<br />

Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-3498-2881. www.<br />

club-quattro.com<br />

Avant<br />

R&B singer-songwriter from<br />

the US. Jun 20-21, ¥8,400.<br />

Blue Note. Nearest stn:<br />

Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-<br />

0088. www.bluenote.co.jp<br />

Laura Mvula<br />

British soul singer-songwriter.<br />

Jun 20-21, ¥6,500 & ¥8,500.<br />

Blue Note. Nearest stn:<br />

Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-<br />

0088. www.bluenote.co.jp<br />

Yuki Futami<br />

Jazz piano phenomenon. Jun<br />

22, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Naru.<br />

Nearest stn: Ochanomizu. Tel:<br />

03-3291-2321. www.jazz-naru.<br />

com<br />

Nerima Tea Club<br />

Strange and old European<br />

music played by tuba-player<br />

Gideon Juckes and his all-star<br />

quintet. Jun 22, 8pm, ¥3,000.<br />

Flying Teapot. Nearest<br />

stn: Ekoda. Tel: 03-5999-<br />

7971. www.geocities.jp/<br />

flyingteapot1997<br />

Kuana Torres Kahele<br />

Hawaiian singer songwriter.<br />

Jun 29, ¥6,000. Cotton Club.<br />

Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.<br />

cottonclubjapan.co.jp/en<br />

CLASSICAL<br />

Maxim Vengerov<br />

Grammy winning violinist and<br />

violist. Jun 12, 7pm; Jun 13,<br />

7pm, ¥8,000-12,000. Suntory<br />

Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome.<br />

Tel: 0570-550-799.<br />

www.kyodotokyo.com<br />

Wiener Saengerknaben<br />

The Vienna Boys’ Choir sings<br />

works by Strauss, Schubert<br />

and more. Until Jun 16,<br />

¥1,000-7,000. Tokyo Opera<br />

City Concert Hall. Nearest<br />

stn: Shinjuku or Hatsudai.<br />

Tel: 03-5353-9999. www.<br />

wsk-japan.org<br />

Daniil Trifonov<br />

Piano recital of works by<br />

Chopin, Liszt and Seriabin.<br />

Jun 14, 7pm, ¥3,000-6,000.<br />

Tokyo Opera City Concert<br />

Hall. Nearest stn: Shinjuku or<br />

Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5774-3040.<br />

www.japanarts.co.jp<br />

156th Matinée Series<br />

Yomiuri Nippon Symphony<br />

Orchestra plays Beethoven.<br />

Jun 15, 2pm, ¥1,500-¥7,000.<br />

Tokyo Metropolitan Art<br />

Space. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro.<br />

Tel: 0570-00-4390. www.<br />

geigeki.jp<br />

The Chamber Orchestra<br />

Sagamihara<br />

Mozart-only program. Jun 22,<br />

6:30pm, ¥2,500-5,000. Mori no<br />

Hall. Nearest stn: Hashimoto.<br />

Tel: 042-742-9999. hall-net.<br />

or.jp<br />

Concert for Kids<br />

The Magic Flute performed<br />

for children aged 3 and up.<br />

Jun 22, 11am & 2pm, ¥1,500-<br />

2,500. Suntory Hall Blue<br />

Rose. Nearest stn: Roppongi<br />

Itchome. Tel: 03-3261-9933.<br />

www.smf.or.jp/kids<br />

Tokyo Sinfonia in June<br />

An ode to Holst, with soloist<br />

Nagisa Sakaki and Tamaki<br />

Goto. Jun 22, 7pm, ¥5,500-<br />

6,000. Oji Hall. Nearest stn:<br />

Ginza. tickets@tokyosinfonia.<br />

com. www.tokyosinfonia.com<br />

Seong-Jin Cho<br />

Korean pianist performs<br />

Beethoven, Chopin and<br />

more. Jun 24, 7pm, ¥4,500.<br />

Hamarikyu Asahi Hall. Nearest<br />

stn: Shibashi. Tel: 03-5774-<br />

3040. www.japanarts.co.jp<br />

Dresdner Philharmonie<br />

Works by Beethoven and<br />

Brahms. Jun 25, 7pm, ¥5,000-<br />

13,000. Suntory Hall. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi-itchome. Jun<br />

26, 7pm, ¥5,000-13,000.<br />

Tokyo Opera City Concert<br />

Hall. Nearest stn: Shinjuku or<br />

Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5774-3040.<br />

www.japanarts.co.jp<br />

Sarah Brightman<br />

UK classical crossover<br />

soprano and dancer. Jul 1,<br />

7pm; Jul 2, 7pm; Jul 4, 7pm; Jul<br />

5, 7pm, ¥13,000-15,000. Tokyo<br />

International Forum Hall<br />

A. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.<br />

www.l-tike.com


STAGE ©<br />

Stage<br />

Hair<br />

International cast performs the<br />

Broadway classic. Until Jun 9,<br />

various times, ¥ 9,000-12,000.<br />

Theatre Orb. Nearest stn:<br />

Shibuya. www.hairmusical.jp<br />

Cosi fan tutte<br />

Mozart’s tale of love, betrayal<br />

and fiancé swapping. Jun 9,<br />

2pm; Jun 15, 2pm, ¥4,200-<br />

23,100. New National Theatre<br />

Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.<br />

Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.<br />

jac.go.jp/english<br />

4 Stars: One World of<br />

Broadway Musicals<br />

Lea Salona, Ramin Karimloo<br />

and others perform songs<br />

from Les Misérables and<br />

more. Jun 15, 6:30pm; Jun<br />

16 & 18-19, 2pm; Jun 20, 2 &<br />

6:30pm; Jun 21, 6:30pm; Jun<br />

22, 2 & 6:30pm; Jun 23, 2pm,<br />

¥8,000-11,500. Aoyama Round<br />

Theater. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

kyodotokyo.com/4starsTokyo<br />

An und Aus<br />

By award-winning German<br />

playwright Roland<br />

Schimmelpfennig. Until Jun 23,<br />

various times, ¥3,150-5,250.<br />

New National Theatre Tokyo.<br />

Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:<br />

03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.<br />

go.jp/english<br />

Zou<br />

Played by Ren Osugi, Megumi<br />

Okina and more. Until Jul 21,<br />

various times, ¥3,150-¥6,300.<br />

New National Theatre Tokyo.<br />

Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:<br />

03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.<br />

go.jp/play<br />

Shochiku Oh Kabuki<br />

Witness the debut of kabuki<br />

performer Matagoro Nakamura.<br />

Jul 3, 1:30pm, ¥4,500-¥5,500.<br />

Green Hall. Nearest stn: Sagami-<br />

Oono. Tel: 042-742-9999.<br />

Scheherazade<br />

The story of the storyteller of<br />

One Thousand and One Nights.<br />

Jul 13, 2pm; Jul 14, 2pm; Jul 15,<br />

2pm, ¥5,000-14,000. Bunkyo<br />

Civic Hall. Tel: 050-3776-6184.<br />

www.koransha.com/ballet/<br />

shinzui2013<br />

Women of Ireland<br />

Full entertainment showcase<br />

with song, dance and live<br />

music. Jul 19, 7pmBunkamura<br />

Orchard Hall. Nearest stn:<br />

Shibuya. www.bunkamura.<br />

co.jp/english/orchard<br />

Dance<br />

French Impressionist<br />

Dance<br />

Music and imagery of Parisian<br />

artists meets dance. Jun 7, 7pm;<br />

KAZUYUKI MATSUMOTO<br />

Hetero (2011)<br />

Breathing Monster<br />

French choreographer Myriam Gourfink will share the stage<br />

with two Japanese dancers at Yokohama’s waterfront Redbrick<br />

Warehouse, the first in the latest installment of the French<br />

Institute’s Danse Cross series. Gourfink is known for a theatrical<br />

approach to dance, and her work is intended to produce a state<br />

of meditation. Dancers Kaori Seki and Teita Iwabuchi were<br />

the recipients of a French government scholarship last year<br />

that allowed them to go to France for four months and join the<br />

National Centre for Contemporary Dance. Their new piece<br />

Conception is the result of this immersion.<br />

Yokohama Redbrick Warehouse no. 1, Jul 6-7, ¥3,000 (adv)/<br />

¥3,500 (door). Nearest stn: Minatomirai. http://meturl.com/2n<br />

Jun 8, 3pm; Jun 9, 3pm, ¥3,150-<br />

5,250. New National Theatre<br />

Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.<br />

Tel: 0120-489459. www.nntt.jac.<br />

go.jp/english<br />

Trip Triptych<br />

Modern dance. Jun 7, 7pm;<br />

Jun 8, 3pm; Jun 9, 3pm, ¥3,150-<br />

5,250. New National Theatre<br />

Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.<br />

Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.<br />

jac.go.jp/english<br />

Danse/Tanz: M!M<br />

An intimate look into friendship<br />

interpreted through dance.<br />

Choreographed by Laurent<br />

Chetouane. Jun 7, 7:30pm;<br />

Jun 8, 5pm, ¥2,500 (members<br />

and students)/ ¥3,000 (gen).<br />

Kanagawa Arts Theater. Nearest<br />

stn: Motomachi-Chukagai. Tel:<br />

045-201-1514. http://meturl.<br />

com/dansetanz<br />

Chouf Ouchouf<br />

Moroccan acrobatic dance<br />

troupe. Until Jun 9, 7pm,<br />

¥1,000-4,000. Tokyo<br />

Metropolitan Theatre.<br />

Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel:<br />

0570-010-296. www.geigeki.jp/<br />

performance/theater027<br />

La Sylphide<br />

The Tokyo Ballet performs one<br />

of the oldest surviving romantic<br />

ballets. Jun 15, 3pm; Jun 16,<br />

3pm, ¥2,000-8,000. Tokyo<br />

Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />

Ueno. Tel: 03-5721-8000. www.<br />

nbs.or.jp/english<br />

Salves<br />

French dance troupe Maguy<br />

Marin performs a piece of<br />

calculated chaos. Jun 15, 3pm;<br />

Jun 16, 3pm, ¥3,200-5,000.<br />

Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest<br />

stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel:<br />

048-858-5500. www.saf.or.jp<br />

Don Quixote<br />

Ballet performance of the<br />

Cervantes classic. Jun 22, 2pm;<br />

Jun 23, 2pm; Jun 29, 2pm;<br />

Jun 30, 2pm, ¥3,150-10,500.<br />

New National Theatre Tokyo.<br />

Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:<br />

0120-489459. www.nntt.jac.<br />

go.jp/english<br />

Alice in Wonderland<br />

England’s Royal Ballet<br />

Company. Until Jul 7, Various<br />

times, ¥ 7,000-22,000. Tokyo<br />

Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />

Ueno.<br />

A Gala Evening with The<br />

Royal Ballet<br />

Select scenes from Swan<br />

Lake, Beauty and the Beast,<br />

Don Quixote, and more. Jul 10,<br />

6:30pm, ¥7,000-22,000. Tokyo<br />

Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:<br />

Ueno. www.nbs.or.jp/english<br />

Matthew Bourne’s Dorian<br />

Gray<br />

Adaptaion of Oscar Wilde<br />

novel; both Japanese and<br />

UK productions available.<br />

Jul 11-15, ¥6,000-10,000.<br />

Bunkamura Orchard Hall.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />

03-3490-4949. www.<br />

bunkamura.co.jp/english/<br />

orchard<br />

Swan Lake<br />

From the Royal Ballet<br />

Company of the UK. Jul 12-14,<br />

Various times, ¥ 7,000-22,000.<br />

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest<br />

stn: Ueno. www.nbs.or.jp/<br />

english<br />

Clubbing<br />

FRIDAY 7<br />

JUNE 7, 14, 21, 28<br />

New Style Bar in<br />

Urayasu city!<br />

International party & dj<br />

party nights @ Bristol23,<br />

Urayasu branch. Call<br />

047-705-5744 for details.<br />

Entrance fee: ¥2,000/2<br />

drinks. www.bristol23.com<br />

Ageha<br />

Agepa. Hip-hop: DJs U5,<br />

Sweet, etc. From 11pm,<br />

(m)¥2,500, (f)free. Nearest<br />

stn: Shin-Kiba. www.ageha.<br />

com<br />

Air<br />

Motivation. House, electro:<br />

DJs Towa Tei, Moodman, etc.<br />

From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest<br />

stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.<br />

com<br />

Sound Museum Vision<br />

Dogenzaka Densetsu. Reggae:<br />

DJs Red Spider, Monster Lion,<br />

etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500<br />

w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest<br />

stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com<br />

The New Matrix Bar<br />

Matrix Friday. Old school<br />

hip-hop, west side, south side,<br />

all mix<br />

DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm,<br />

¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).<br />

Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.<br />

matrixbar.jp<br />

Velours<br />

Sweden Night. DJs Montblanc,<br />

Sunpocket Djs, etc. From<br />

10pm, ¥2,500. Nearest stn:<br />

Omotesando. Tel: 03-5778-<br />

4777. www.velours.jp<br />

Village<br />

Fantastic. Hip-hop: DJ<br />

Hokuto and more. From<br />

10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d,<br />

(f)¥2,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:<br />

Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.<br />

Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.<br />

villagetokyo.com<br />

Womb<br />

Sterne. Techno: DJs Butch,<br />

Ishino, etc. From 11pm,<br />

¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.<br />

womb.co.jp<br />

SATURDAY 8<br />

Ageha<br />

The Wonderland. Trance:<br />

DJs Chicane, Yoda, etc. From<br />

11pm, ¥4,000. Nearest stn:<br />

Shin-Kiba. www.ageha.com<br />

Air<br />

Beat in Me. House, minimal:<br />

DJs Egal 3, Raha, etc. From<br />

10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn:<br />

Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com<br />

The New Matrix Bar<br />

Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,<br />

R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and<br />

more. From 6pm, ¥1,000<br />

(after 10pm). Nearest stn:<br />

Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 11


12 • DOWNLOAD OUR PODCAST AT • PODCAST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP<br />

All seats non-smoking<br />

Agenda Listings<br />

The Room<br />

Otoko Oibon. Crossover, jazz:<br />

DJs Kobayashi, Oibon, etc.<br />

From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />

theroom.jp<br />

Unit<br />

Minilogue Night. Trance<br />

DJs Marcus Henriksson,<br />

Sebastian Mullaert, etc:<br />

Live: Minilogue. From<br />

11:30pm, ¥3,500. Nearest<br />

stn: Daikanyama. www.<br />

unit-tokyo.com<br />

Velours<br />

Music Sauce. DJs Cge,<br />

Paipai, etc. From 10pm,<br />

¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn:<br />

Omotesando. Tel: 03-5778-<br />

4777. www.velours.jp<br />

Village<br />

Grand Slam. Hip-hop DJs<br />

Nuckey, Tony Touch, etc.<br />

From 10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d,<br />

(f)¥2,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:<br />

Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.<br />

Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.<br />

villagetokyo.com<br />

Womb<br />

Love & House World. House,<br />

progressive house: DJs<br />

Dantz, Takuya, etc. From<br />

10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:<br />

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.<br />

www.womb.co.jp<br />

SUNDAY 9<br />

Air<br />

The Morning beat. House,<br />

techno: DJ Pi-Ge and more.<br />

From midnight, ¥1,000.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />

air-tokyo.com<br />

The Room<br />

Em. Nu classic: DJs Sazanami,<br />

Kitayama, etc. From<br />

midnight, ¥2,000 w/1d.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.<br />

theroom.jp<br />

Village<br />

Sunday Tribe. Hip-hop:<br />

DJs Kango, Hokuto, etc.<br />

From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.<br />

Nearest stn: Azabu-Juban or<br />

Roppongi. Tel: 03-6230-0343.<br />

www.villagetokyo.com<br />

Womb<br />

Edm. Edm, electro: DJs<br />

Yoshimasa, Sone, etc. From<br />

12am, (m)¥2,500, (f)free.<br />

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:<br />

03-5459-0039. www.womb.<br />

co.jp<br />

THURSDAY 13<br />

Sound Museum Vision<br />

Bodega. Hip-hop: DJs Souljah,<br />

Tibby, etc. From 9pm,<br />

(m)¥2,000 w/1d, (f)¥1,500<br />

w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.<br />

www.vision-tokyo.com<br />

Village<br />

Celebration. Hip-hop:<br />

DJs Sah, Yaz, etc. From<br />

11pm, (m)¥2,000 w/1d,<br />

(f)¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:<br />

Azabu-Juban or Roppongi.<br />

Tel: 03-6230-0343. www.<br />

villagetokyo.com<br />

FRIDAY 14<br />

Ageha<br />

J Style Summer Party. DJs Mark<br />

Panther, Komori, etc. From<br />

10pm, (m)¥4,000, (f)¥3,000.<br />

Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. www.<br />

ageha.com<br />

Sound Museum Vision<br />

Asovision. Electro, house: DJs<br />

Nakata, Tanaka, etc. From<br />

10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d. Nearest<br />

stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com<br />

The Room<br />

Black Edition. Cosmic<br />

crossover<br />

DJs Sato, Nishida, etc: Live:<br />

Kuroda and Aces. From 10pm,<br />

¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:<br />

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp<br />

Womb<br />

Thunderbolt. Edm, electro:<br />

DJs Lazy Rich, Yoshimasa, etc.<br />

From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest<br />

stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-<br />

0039. www.womb.co.jp<br />

Exhibitions<br />

AKASAKA/ROPPONGI<br />

21_21 Design Sight<br />

Color Hunting. Directed by<br />

Dai Fujiwara. Jun 21-Oct<br />

6, ¥500-1,000. Open Mon<br />

& Wed-Sun 11am-8pm,<br />

closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka,<br />

Minato-ku. Nearest stn:<br />

Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121.<br />

www.2121designsight.jp<br />

Mori Art Museum<br />

All You Need Is Love. Works<br />

from Chagall to Kusama. Until<br />

Sep 1, 10am-10pm (till 5pm<br />

on Tue), ¥1,500. Out of Doubt:<br />

Roppongi Crossing 2013.<br />

Contemporary art series held<br />

triennially. This installment<br />

takes a fresh look at a familiar<br />

intersection to most Tokyoites.<br />

Sep 21-Jan 13, ¥500-1,500.<br />

Open Mon & Wed-Sun<br />

10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm.<br />

6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest stn:<br />

Roppongi. www.mori.art.<br />

museum<br />

Mori Arts Center Gallery<br />

Harry Potter: The Exhibition.<br />

Interactive theatrical event.<br />

Audio tour available in English.<br />

Jun 22-Sep 16, ¥1,000-2,500.<br />

52F Roppongi Hills Tower,<br />

6-10-1 Roppongi. Nearest stn:<br />

Roppongi. www.roppongihills.<br />

com/art/macg/<br />

Suntory Museum of Art<br />

“Mono no Are” and Japanese<br />

Beauty. Key motifs in Japanese<br />

art. Until Jun 16, Tani Buncho.<br />

Commemorating the 250th<br />

anniversary of the birth of a<br />

painter, poet and samurai. Jul<br />

3-Aug 25, ¥800-1,300. Open<br />

Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon<br />

& hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue.<br />

9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku.<br />

Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.<br />

suntory.jp/sma<br />

The National Art Center,<br />

Tokyo<br />

The Lady and the Unicorn. 16th<br />

century tapestries on loan<br />

from Musée de Cluny in Paris.<br />

Until Jul 15, ¥600-1,500. Open<br />

Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, closed<br />

Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi. www.nact.jp<br />

GINZA/KYOBASHI/<br />

TOKYO<br />

Bridgestone Museum<br />

Through Japanese Eyes: Paris,<br />

1900-1945. Discover post-Meiji<br />

Restoration artists’ view of the<br />

city of love in the early 20th<br />

century. Until Jun 9, ¥500-800.<br />

Open Tue-Sun & hols<br />

10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1<br />

Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Nearest<br />

stn: Tokyo. www.bridgestonemuseum.gr.jp<br />

Craft Gallery, The<br />

National Museum of<br />

Modern Art<br />

Body x Body x Body. An eye<br />

opening exploration of the<br />

human body. Jun 25-Sep<br />

1, ¥70-200. Open Tue-Thu<br />

10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm,<br />

Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. 1-1<br />

Kitanomaru-koen Chiyoda-Ku.<br />

Nearest stn: Takebashi. Tel:<br />

03-5777-8600. www.momat.<br />

go.jp/english<br />

Mitsui Memorial Museum<br />

Kyosai: Noh and Kyogen<br />

Paintings. Hokusai’s greatest<br />

successor’s works focusing<br />

on Noh and Kyogen theatre<br />

artwork. Until Jun 16,<br />

¥600-1,200. 7F Mitsui Main<br />

Bldg, 2-1-1 Nihombashi-<br />

Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Nearest<br />

stn: Mitsukoshimae. Tel:<br />

03-5777-8600. www.mitsuimuseum.jp<br />

National Film Center<br />

Japanese Film Heritage.<br />

Permanent collection of works<br />

from the National Film Center.<br />

Until Apr 3, ¥40-200. Titled<br />

Film Stills: Publicity Photos<br />

for Japanese Cinema. Until<br />

Aug 7, ¥200. Open Tue-Sun<br />

11am-6:30pm, closed Mon.<br />

3-7-6 Kyobashi. Nearest stn:<br />

Kyobashi. www.momat.go.jp<br />

National Museum of<br />

Modern Art Tokyo<br />

Playback Artist Talk. Film<br />

digest of previous exhibitions<br />

and talks by the artists.<br />

Jun 14-Aug 4, ¥130-420.<br />

Seiho Takeuchi. Traditional<br />

Japanese paintings. Sep<br />

3-Oct 14, ¥300-1,300.<br />

Unconsciousness of the City.<br />

Painting, photography and<br />

more. Until Aug 4, ¥420. Open<br />

Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-5pm,<br />

Fri 10am-8pm. 3-7-6 Kyobashi.<br />

Nearest stn: Takebashi. www.<br />

momat.go.jp<br />

HARAJUKU/AOYAMA<br />

Meiji Jingu Shrine<br />

Treasure House<br />

The Tale of Genji Portrayed<br />

through Court Attire.<br />

Fashion. Until Jun 30, ¥500.<br />

REAL PEOPLE. REAL INFO.<br />

REAL TOKYO.<br />

WWW.METPOD.COM


Agenda Listings<br />

The National Museum of<br />

Western Art<br />

Michelangelo Buonarroti.<br />

Painting, sculpture and more.<br />

Sep 6-Nov 17, ¥700-1,400.<br />

Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm.<br />

7-7 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:<br />

Ueno. www.nmwa.go.jp<br />

Tokyo Metropolitan Art<br />

Museum<br />

Leonardo da Vinci - Portraits<br />

of a Genius. Illustrations and<br />

oil paintings. Until Jun 30,<br />

¥800-1,500. La Méditerranée<br />

dans les Collections du<br />

Louvre. Art and sculptures<br />

from the Louvre’s<br />

Mediterranean collection.<br />

Jul 20-Sep 23, ¥600-1,500.<br />

8-36 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:<br />

Ueno. www.tobikan.jp<br />

Tokyo National Museum<br />

The Beauty of Japanese-style<br />

Calligraphy. Mixed media.<br />

A stunning collection of the<br />

evolution of kanji. Jul 13-Sep<br />

8, ¥600-1,500. Open Tue-Sun<br />

9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno<br />

Park. Nearest stn: Ueno.<br />

www.tnm.jp<br />

OTHER AREAS<br />

Hara Museum of<br />

Contemporary Art<br />

Sophie Calle: For the Last and<br />

First Time. Photography.<br />

Images and interviews<br />

with blind people. Until Jun<br />

30, ¥500-1,000. Enoshima.<br />

Photography by Eiichiro<br />

Sakata. Jul 13-Sep 29,<br />

¥500-1,000. Open Tue-Sun<br />

11am-5pm, closed Mon.<br />

4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa.<br />

Nearest stn: Kita-shinagawa.<br />

Tel: 03-3445-0651. www.<br />

haramuseum.or.jp<br />

National Museum of<br />

Japanese History<br />

The Great Eastern Japan<br />

Earthquake and its Recovery<br />

Efforts. Images and talks by<br />

people from the area. Until<br />

Sep 23, ¥250-420. Open<br />

Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm,<br />

closed Mon. 117 Jonai-cho,<br />

Sakura-shi. Nearest stn:<br />

Keisei-Sakura. www.<br />

rekihaku.ac.jp<br />

Yokohama<br />

Museum of Art<br />

Masterpieces of French<br />

Paintings. Artworks on loan<br />

from the State Pushkin<br />

Museum of Fine Arts in<br />

Moscow. Jul 6-Sep 16,<br />

Masterpieces of French<br />

Paintings from the State<br />

Pushkin Museum of Fine<br />

Arts. Works by Cezanne,<br />

Renoir and more. Jul<br />

26-Sep 16, ¥800-1,300.<br />

Fri-Wed 10am-6pm. 3-4-1<br />

Minatomirai, Nishi-ku.<br />

Nearest stn: Minato Mirai.<br />

www.yaf.or.jp/yma<br />

Yokohama Red Brick<br />

Warehouse<br />

Crossing: Between Cities<br />

and Deserts. A selection<br />

of movies, short films<br />

and media art. Jun 21-30,<br />

free. 1-1, Shinko, Naka-ku,<br />

Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken.<br />

Nearest stn: Minatomirai. www.<br />

yokohama-akarenga.jp<br />

Sports<br />

BASEBALL<br />

Interleague<br />

DeNA BayStars vs. Orix<br />

Buffaloes. Jun 8-9, 2pm,<br />

¥2,000-¥8,000. Yokohama<br />

Stadium. Nearest stn: Kannai.<br />

Tel: 04-5661-1251.<br />

Tokyo Yakult Swallows<br />

vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham<br />

Fighters. Jun 8-9, 3pm,<br />

¥500-4,500. Jingu Stadium.<br />

Nearest stn: Shinanomachi.<br />

Tel: 03-3404-8999.<br />

Yakult Swallows vs.<br />

Nippon-Ham Fighters. Jun<br />

8-9, 3pm, ¥1,500-¥4,500.<br />

Jingu Stadium. Nearest stn:<br />

Shinanomachi. Tel: 03-3404-<br />

8999.<br />

Yomiuri Giants vs. Rakuten<br />

Golden Eagles. Jun 8-9, 6pm,<br />

¥1,000-¥5,900. Tokyo Dome.<br />

Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel:<br />

03-5800-9999.<br />

Lotte Marines vs. DeNA<br />

BayStars. Jun 12-13, 6:15pm,<br />

¥1,800-¥4,800. QVC Marine<br />

Field. Nearest stn: Kaihin-<br />

Makuhari. Tel: 043-296-1227.<br />

Seibu Lions vs. Chunichi<br />

Dragons. Jun 12-13, 6pm,<br />

¥1,800-¥4,800. Seibu Dome.<br />

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.<br />

Tel: 04-2925-1141.<br />

BOXING<br />

East Japan Rookie King<br />

Elimination<br />

Jun 14, 5:45pm, ¥3,000-5,000.<br />

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />

KICKBOXING<br />

Nikudan Series<br />

Jun 29, 5:30pm, ¥3,000-10,000.<br />

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.<br />

MMA<br />

Krush.29<br />

Jun 16, 6pm, ¥4,000-10,000.<br />

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5351-8390.<br />

VTJ 2nd<br />

Jun 22, 4:30pm, ¥6,000-50,000<br />

+1d. Tokyo Dome City Hall.<br />

Nearest stn: Suidobashi.<br />

Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.<br />

meetsport.jp/hall<br />

PRO WRESTLING<br />

Best of the Super Jr. XX<br />

Jun 9, 6:30pm, ¥3,000-10,000.<br />

Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest<br />

stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3623-5111.<br />

Michinoku 20th<br />

Anniversary<br />

Jun 9, 12pm, ¥3,500-6,500.<br />

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:<br />

Suidobashi. Tel: 019-687-2431.<br />

WWE Live<br />

Featuring wrestlers John Cena,<br />

Dolph Ziggler and more. Jul<br />

4-Jul 5, 7pm, ¥3,000-7,000.<br />

Ryogoku Kokugikan. Nearest<br />

stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 0570-550-<br />

799. japantour13.wwe.co.jp<br />

9.<br />

RUGBY<br />

Japan vs. Wales<br />

Jun 15, 2pm, ¥600-5,500.<br />

Chichibunomiya Rugby<br />

Stadium. Nearest stn:<br />

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-<br />

3881. www.naash.go.jp/<br />

chichibunomiya<br />

Japan vs. USA<br />

Jun 23, 12:10pm, ¥300-7,000.<br />

Chichibunomiya Rugby<br />

Stadium. Nearest stn:<br />

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3290.<br />

www.rugby-japan.jp/ticket<br />

Tonga vs. Fiji<br />

Jun 23, 2:10pm, ¥300-7,000.<br />

Chichibunomiya Rugby<br />

Stadium. Nearest stn:<br />

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3290.<br />

www.rugby-japan.jp/ticket<br />

Festivals<br />

Tennou Sai<br />

Portable shrine procession<br />

and other events. Jun 8-9, from<br />

10am, free. Susanoo Shrine.<br />

Nearest station: Minami-Senju.<br />

Tel: 03-3891-8281. www.<br />

susanoo.or.jp/tennosai<br />

Tokyo Pure Ice Festival<br />

Cool off with an ice bar, ice<br />

sculptures, games, and more.<br />

Jun 9, 10am-4:30pm, free. Ueno<br />

Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:<br />

03-3828-5644. http://meturl.<br />

com/icefest<br />

Paris-Sai<br />

An outdoor festival with music,<br />

film, food, and family fun. Jul<br />

13, 4:11:30pm, free. The French<br />

Institute. Nearest stn: Iidabashi.<br />

Tel: 03-5205-2500. www.<br />

institutfrancais.jp/tokyo<br />

Kurihama Perry Festival<br />

Parades, bazaar, black ships,<br />

performances and fireworks<br />

to mark the 160th anniversary<br />

of Perry’s landing. Jul 13,<br />

10am-8:10pm, free. Kurihama<br />

port and its environs. Nearest<br />

station: Kurihama. www.<br />

kurihama.info/perry<br />

Forums & Expos<br />

Interior Lifestyle<br />

Global high design festival.<br />

Until Jun 7, 10am-6pm, free<br />

(adv registration)/¥2,000 (door).<br />

Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:<br />

Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel:<br />

03-3262-8456. www.interiorlifestyle.com<br />

International Tokyo Toy<br />

Show<br />

Toys, stage shows, kids’ park<br />

and more. Jun 15, 9am-5pm;<br />

Jun 16, 9am-4pm, free. Tokyo<br />

Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-<br />

Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-3829-<br />

2513. www.toys.or.jp/toyshow<br />

WADA Legal & Administrative Office<br />

For information:<br />

Tel: (03) 3345-7977<br />

FAX: (03) 3345-5377<br />

We can help you with:<br />

• Visa & Immigration Procedures<br />

• Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation<br />

and Refugee Status<br />

• Establishing a Company &<br />

Branch Office<br />

• Accounting Services, Acquiring<br />

Business Licences<br />

• Preparation/Translation of<br />

Legal & Business Documents<br />

• Other Legal & Business Matters<br />

http://www.wada-lats.com/<br />

E-mail: info@wada-lats.com<br />

3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,<br />

Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023<br />

14 • DOWNLOAD OUR PODCAST AT • PODCAST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP<br />

Mynavi Global Career<br />

EXPO Summer<br />

Job fair for global people.<br />

Until Jun 23, 11am-6pm, free.<br />

Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:<br />

Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. global.<br />

mynavi.jp<br />

Tokyo Summer Career<br />

Forum<br />

Job fair for Japanese-English<br />

bilinguals. Until Jun 30,<br />

10am-5pm, free. Tokyo Big<br />

Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-<br />

Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-5804-<br />

5591. www.careerforum.net/<br />

event<br />

Handmade in Japan Fes<br />

Crafts, hobby goods, accessories<br />

and more. Jul 20,-21, 11am-7pm,<br />

¥500 (adv)/ ¥700 (door). Tokyo<br />

Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-<br />

Tenjijo-Seimon. www.creema.<br />

jp/HMJ2013<br />

Bazaars & Markets<br />

Aoyama Marché<br />

Organic farmers’ market.<br />

Every weekend. United<br />

Nations University. Nearest<br />

stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-3456-<br />

0960.<br />

Iidabashi Ramla Market<br />

Every first and third Sun,<br />

10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla.<br />

Nearest stn: Iidabashi.<br />

Hanazono Shrine Market<br />

Every Sun, 8am-4pm,<br />

Hanazono Shrine. Nearest<br />

stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel:<br />

03-3200-3093.<br />

Mottainai Flea Market<br />

Over 100 Mottainai flea market<br />

vendors. Jun 8-9, 10am-4pm.<br />

Akihabara UDX. Nearest<br />

station: Akihabara. http://<br />

mottainai.info/english<br />

Earth Day Market<br />

Jun 16, 10am-4pm, free. Yoyogi<br />

Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.<br />

Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.<br />

earthdaymarket.com<br />

Antique Jamboree<br />

Haggle with 500 international<br />

dealers. Aug 2 for early buyers<br />

only. Aug 3-4, ¥800-3,000.<br />

Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:<br />

Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel:<br />

0120-817-510. home.att.ne.jp/<br />

sun/jambokun/antique<br />

Shinagawa Intercity Flea<br />

Market<br />

More than 120 vendors. Every<br />

Sun & hols, 9am-3pm, free.<br />

Shinagawa Intercity. Nearest<br />

stn: Shinagawa. http://meturl.<br />

com/shinflea<br />

Yasukuni Shrine Antique<br />

Market<br />

Every Sun, sunrise-sunset.<br />

Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn:<br />

Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.<br />

Community<br />

Party and Purpose<br />

A casual get-together over<br />

Hiroshi Oogai,<br />

Patent attorney<br />

Immigration lawyer<br />

dinner with people interested<br />

in personal development,<br />

organized by Tokyo Positive<br />

Thinkers. Every third Wed,<br />

8pm, about ¥2,000, TBA<br />

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art<br />

School<br />

Burlesque models pose for<br />

artstars and sketching newbies<br />

alike with food, drinks and<br />

arty socializing. Jun 19, 7pm,<br />

¥2,000. The Pink Cow. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi. cowmail@<br />

thepinkcow.com www.<br />

drsketchytokyo.wordpress.<br />

com<br />

Stitch-n-Bitch<br />

Meet fellow knitters, crocheters<br />

and sewers to talk, share ideas,<br />

eat, drink and create. Every<br />

first and third Tue, 7pm, free,<br />

Cafe Respekt. Nearest stn:<br />

Shibuya. www.meetup.com/<br />

TokyoStitchandBitch<br />

Sunday Spin<br />

Hula-hoop it up in Yoyogi, no<br />

need to bring your own. Every<br />

4th Sun, Yoyogi Park. Nearest<br />

stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-<br />

6081. http://meturl.com/<br />

hoopinginjapan<br />

Half-Fast Cyclists<br />

Bicyclists of all treads meet<br />

for slide shows, lectures,<br />

ride-planning, etc. Every<br />

second Wed, 7pm, free,<br />

The Pink Cow. Nearest<br />

stn: Roppongi. cowmail@<br />

thepinkcow.com<br />

Learning<br />

First Aid and CPR<br />

Certification Course<br />

Involves injury assessments,<br />

bandaging and splinting,<br />

and comes with a two-year<br />

certification. Jun 23, 9:30am-<br />

5:30pm, ¥14,700. Minato-ku<br />

Labor and Welfare Hall. Nearest<br />

station: Tamachi. http://meturl.<br />

com/tokygaijinfirstaid<br />

Yeats Day<br />

Talks on the Irish poet’s life,<br />

with readings and music. Email<br />

with “Yeats Day in Japan 2013”<br />

in the subject line. Jun 22,<br />

1-5:30pm, free. Room 501, Bldg<br />

11, Waseda Campus, Waseda<br />

University. Nearest station:<br />

Waseda. tokyoembassy@<br />

dfa.ie.<br />

www.facebook.com/<br />

YeatsDayJapan<br />

Symposium about Love<br />

Two sessions aim to uncover<br />

the mysteries of human<br />

emotion. Reservations<br />

required. Jun 30, 1pm,<br />

free (MAMC members)/<br />

¥2,000 (non-members).<br />

Academy Hills. Nearest stn:<br />

Roppongi. http://meturl.com/<br />

deepdarkness<br />

Other Events<br />

Cosplay in Differ Ariake<br />

All night cosplay event<br />

for over-18s. Jun 7, 11pm,<br />

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE<br />

Reasonable prices.<br />

Free first time consultation<br />

We can support you with:<br />

Visa and immigration<br />

Intellectual property rights<br />

(Patent, trademark, copyrights)<br />

Establishing a Company &<br />

Branch office<br />

Other Legal & Business matters<br />

www.j-star.jp<br />

¥2,000 (cosplay)/ ¥3.000<br />

(non-cosplay). Differ Ariake.<br />

Nearest stn: Ariake-tennis-nomori.<br />

info@cosplayheaven.<br />

jp. www.cosplayheaven.jp/<br />

cosplayheaven.html<br />

Bakuon Film Festival<br />

Shocking and explosive flicks<br />

include Natural Born Killers,<br />

Heaven’s Gate, Carrie and more.<br />

May 31-Jun 8, various times,<br />

¥1,000-5,000. Kichijoji Baus<br />

Theater. Nearest stn: Kichijoji.<br />

Tel: 0422-22-3555. www.<br />

facebook.com/bakuonfilmfes<br />

Hello Kitty’ Alice Festival<br />

Hello Kitty’s Adventures in<br />

Puroland. Spring celebration.<br />

May 7-Jun 30, 10am-5pm,<br />

¥4,000. Sanrio Puroland.<br />

Nearest stn: Odakyu Tama<br />

Center. Tel: 042-339-1111.<br />

Komazawa Oktoberfest<br />

Beer, sausage, music and<br />

prost! May 31-Jun 9, 4-10pm,<br />

free. Metropolitan Komazawa<br />

Olympic Park. Nearest stn:<br />

Komazawa-Daigaku. Tel:<br />

03-3421-6431. http://oktoberfest.jp<br />

Spring Day: Learn How to<br />

Take a Punch<br />

International comedian’s<br />

outrageous stand-up show. Jun<br />

15, 8pm, free. Our Space Studio.<br />

Nearest stn: Hatagaya. www.<br />

springdaycomedy.com<br />

Nagoya Run for the Cure/<br />

Walk for Life<br />

4K/8K run and 4K walk to<br />

raise breast cancer awareness.<br />

Register via site. Jun 15,<br />

9am, free (under 5s)/ ¥1,500<br />

(6-12 yr olds)/ ¥3,000 (gen)<br />

participation fee. Morikoro<br />

Park, Nagakute. www.<br />

runforthecure.org/en/nagoyarun-for-the-cure<br />

French Film and<br />

Workshop for Children<br />

Screening of animated movie<br />

U by Serge Ellisalde and<br />

Gregoire Solotareff, followed<br />

by a film workshop. Film in<br />

French with Japanese subs.<br />

Jun 18, 4-6pm, ¥1,000. Ecole<br />

Saint Maur Auditorium.<br />

Nearest stn: Ishikawacho. Tel:<br />

045-201-1514.<br />

http://meturl.com/cinegoutefr<br />

Tokyo Arts Week<br />

Two-week event with<br />

burlesque cabaret, comedy by<br />

Rock’n’LOL and Spring Day,<br />

acting workshops, etc. Until<br />

Jun 30, from ¥2,000. Trance<br />

Mission Theatre. Nearest stn:<br />

Sangubashi. www.trancemission.jp<br />

Warrior Dash<br />

Mud obstacle race. Jun 15-16,<br />

8am, free (spectator)/ ¥1,000<br />

(festival)/ ¥8,000 (adventure<br />

run). Sagamiko Resort Pleasure<br />

Forest, Kanagawa. Jun 22,-23,<br />

8am, free (spectator)/ ¥1,000<br />

(fest)/ ¥8,000 (run). Naeba Ski<br />

Resort. Nearest stn: Echigo<br />

Yuzawa. Tel: 03-4550-1199.<br />

www.warriordash.jp<br />

Grand Prince<br />

Hotel Akasaka<br />

Akasaka<br />

Mitsuke<br />

stn<br />

Aoyama Ave<br />

Akasaka<br />

Excel<br />

Hotel<br />

Tokyu<br />

Exit 4,<br />

Nagatacho stn<br />

National<br />

Diet<br />

Library<br />

608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093<br />

Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891<br />

Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp<br />

Supreme<br />

Court Imperial<br />

Palace


EIGA: ©JIYU KOBO CO., LTD. TO ROME WITH LOVE: ©GRAVIER PRODUCTIONS,INC.PHOTO BY PHILIPPE<br />

ANTONELLO; OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN: ©OLYMPUS PRODUCTIONS,INC; THE TREE: © PHOTO : BARUCH<br />

RAFIC – LES FILMS DU POISSON/TAYLOR MEDIA – TOUS DROITS RÉSERVÉS – 2010; G.I. JOE RETALIATION: ©<br />

2013 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. HASBRO AND ITS LOGO, G.I. JOE AND ALL RELATED<br />

CHARACTERS ARE TRADEMARKS OF HASBRO AND USED WITH PERMISSION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.;<br />

STOKER: © 2012 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.;BULLET TO THE HEAD:© 2012 THE<br />

ESTATE OF REDMOND BARRY LLC.ALL RIGHT RESERVED.; ROMAN POLANSKI: A FILM MEMOIR: ©2011<br />

MOVIESMore ANAGRAM FILMS LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; OBLIVION: © 2013 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. ALL RIGHTS<br />

RESERVED.<br />

BY DON MORTON Metpod<br />

reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies<br />

but the increasingly tiresome<br />

Gerard Butler is the kind of<br />

actor that makes you miss<br />

Bruce Willis’s (never thought<br />

I’d say this) charisma. The<br />

Bulgarian-made CG of several<br />

D.C. landmarks getting<br />

demolished are cheesy<br />

but effective. The body<br />

count is high, the violence is<br />

NEW<br />

brutal and frequent, and the TO ROME WITH LOVE<br />

THE TREE<br />

dialogue is moronic. This In his wonderfully scenic postcard When a young Australian husband<br />

is a sporadically entertain- from Rome, Woody Allen blends and father dies, his willful, brooding,<br />

completely forgettable the plausible with the surreal, ing young daughter (a good<br />

sledgehammer that won’t lightly intercutting four uncon- Morgana Davies) declares that<br />

disappoint its target audience nected stories about today’s the enormous Moreton Bay fig<br />

of hard-core action fans. celebrity culture and the need we tree in their yard now houses his<br />

But normal humans may all feel to be perceived, in some spirit, and it becomes the symbol<br />

share my disappointment way and maybe just a little bit, as of the family’s struggle to move<br />

with director Antoine extraordinary. Too many actors to on. It looms and protects, but also<br />

Fuqua, who made his name list, but the bittersweet storyline attracts bats and frogs and ruins<br />

with 2001’s memorable involving Alec Baldwin is some the plumbing. The lived-in perfor-<br />

OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN<br />

Training Day. Korean male<br />

model Rick Yune channels<br />

John Lone (not advised) to<br />

of the best writing Allen has done<br />

in years, and it holds up the sillier<br />

bits. Not among Allen’s greats, but<br />

mance by the always-compelling<br />

Charlotte Gainsbourg elevates<br />

this metaphor-flogging treacle to a<br />

North Korean “terrorists” orchestrate withdrawn from South Korea. Ah, but create a suitably smarmy villain. molto bene. Bad news for foreign watchable level, but she can’t stop it<br />

a meticulously coordinated air and unbeknownst to them, a disgraced Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, moviegoers: Half of it’s in Italian, from then descending into pseudo-<br />

ground assault on the White House former chief of the Prez’s security Angela Bassett and Melissa Leo but the subs are only in Japanese. mysticism. I’d love to pun that it<br />

(as IF), take the president hostage detail (and a pal of the boss’s son, and pick up paychecks. Japanese title: Maybe wait to rent. Japanese grew on me. But it didn’t. Japanese<br />

in the underground bunker and ex-Special Forces) is somewhere in the End of White House. (118 min) title: Roma de Amore. (112 min) title: Papa no Ki. (100 min)<br />

demand that American forces be House. So it’s Die Hard in Washington, SHOWING FROM JUN 8.<br />

SHOWING FROM JUN 8.<br />

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION<br />

Though about an Army unit<br />

based on a plastic toy mythos, this<br />

aggressively stupid (we’re talking<br />

Transformers here), tension-free fare<br />

for 10-year-olds plays more like a<br />

superhero movie. A very bad one.<br />

Soulless, boring, sloppily edited,<br />

overly populated, exposition heavy,<br />

and a “plot” that fairly screams out for<br />

quotation marks. Names: Channing<br />

Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, and a<br />

near-comatose Bruce Willis, though<br />

don’t blink or you’ll miss the latter.<br />

I gotta say though, that the rockclimbing<br />

ninja battle is kind of cool<br />

if you imagine it as, say, a demented,<br />

murderous Cirque du Soleil knife<br />

fight. Japanese title: G.I. Joe Back 2<br />

Revenge. (110 min)<br />

SHOWING FROM JUN 8.<br />

eiga ©<br />

D<br />

ROMAN POLANSKI: A LIFE<br />

MEMOIR<br />

Roman Polanski’s 278-title filmography<br />

includes Rosemary’s Baby,<br />

Chinatown, Tess and The Pianist.<br />

Fairly straightforward documentary<br />

made by a close friend while the<br />

actor/director was under house<br />

arrest in Switzerland. He bares it all,<br />

personal as well as professional. We<br />

learn of his experiences in Poland<br />

during the holocaust, his early<br />

acting, and his move to film. Frank<br />

discussions include the losing of his<br />

pregnant wife Sharon Tate in the<br />

Manson murders. His 1977 statutory<br />

rape charge is not shied away from,<br />

though Polanski is cast in a favorable<br />

light. Illuminating and inspiring. (90<br />

min)<br />

ocumentary<br />

filmmaker<br />

Sumiko Haneda<br />

is one of the pioneers of<br />

the genre in Japan and a<br />

groundbreaking visual<br />

artist for women in the<br />

country. Her films have<br />

been showcased around<br />

the world, including<br />

the prestigious Berlin<br />

International Film<br />

Festival. After releasing<br />

her first documentary in 1957, she has continually addressed<br />

social issues and injustices in Japan through her work. She<br />

produced her 1977 piece Usuzumi no Sakura (The Cherry Tree<br />

with Gray Blossoms) independently and won much acclaim with<br />

it—cementing her as one of Japan’s top documentarians. Soshite<br />

Akiko Wa, released in 1985, showed at the Kanebo International<br />

Women’s Film Week at the very first Tokyo International Film<br />

Festival and is well worthy of its current re-release. It follows<br />

Akiko Kaneda, who became obsessed with dance and the<br />

American choreographer, Martha Graham, at a young age. She<br />

moved to the US, dedicated herself to the art form and joined<br />

Graham’s ensemble. Every pore of Akiko’s being breathes a<br />

desire to express herself in dance and to leave words behind.<br />

Akiko becomes her own creative force and this powerful essay<br />

captures her development and a life dedicated to art. A wonderful<br />

film. (107 min) Rob Schwartz<br />

STOKER<br />

Korean director Chan-wook Park’s<br />

English-language debut is a disturbingly<br />

good, delightfully demented<br />

coming-of-age gothic romance. A<br />

grieving widow and her 18-year-old<br />

daughter take in, post-funeral, the<br />

deceased’s younger brother. As the<br />

three interact, the family dynamic,<br />

already pretty dysfunctional, goes<br />

through some macabre changes.<br />

Park applies his trademark visual<br />

mastery with operatic finesse, underlying<br />

every scene with repressed<br />

brutality and a state of dread. This<br />

wickedly weird creepiness may<br />

not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s<br />

compellingly watchable. An impressive<br />

debut. (98 min)<br />

movie news<br />

H<br />

IMAGE.NET<br />

ollywood actors will<br />

sometimes bring<br />

their kids to work to<br />

give them a fun day watching<br />

mommy and daddy<br />

play make believe on the<br />

other side of the camera.<br />

For Jaden Smith, the visit to<br />

the set placed him in front<br />

of the cameras. At the age of<br />

7, he won critical praise for<br />

his turn as the son of a struggling<br />

businessman played<br />

by his father Will Smith in<br />

2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness.<br />

Then he starred in the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid, this<br />

time without dad. “I felt jealous when I saw Jaden working with<br />

Jackie Chan,” Will recalled during a recent trip to Tokyo. “I said,<br />

‘That’s my boy!’” Wanting to work together as a family again, the<br />

duo called M. Night Shyamalan to wish him a happy birthday<br />

and brought up an idea for a story set 100 years in the future. The<br />

result of that call is After Earth, a sci-fi epic that reunites the father<br />

and son on screen. “Jaden is 14 now, so he has learned to control<br />

his emotions,” the proud father says. “He has grown as an actor.”<br />

The new movie also allowed the younger Smith to see his father<br />

in a new light. “When I was little, I didn’t really understand what<br />

my dad’s work is,” Jaden said. “Now I see how serious and passionate<br />

he is. Movies last forever, so he wants to get the scene perfect.”<br />

After Earth opens in Japan June 21. Kevin Mcgue<br />

BULLET TO THE HEAD<br />

Sylvester Stallone, who at 66 is not<br />

getting any prettier, here plays an<br />

aging assassin out for revenge on<br />

those responsible for the death of<br />

a loved one. Those he goes after,<br />

unsmiling and conscienceless,<br />

include a crooked lawyer, an<br />

African war criminal and a psycho<br />

man-mountain ex-mercenary.<br />

Ho hum. Forced, chemistry-free<br />

mismatched buddy-flick subplot<br />

involving Sung Kang sags. This<br />

two-fister from action legend Walter<br />

Hill (48 Hrs) is a surprise-free and<br />

familiar 90 minutes of shooting and<br />

killing and ax fights and bare-knuckle<br />

brawling. Zilch suspense. It’s a little<br />

sad. (91 min)<br />

T<br />

OBLIVION<br />

This pretty, forgettable exercise in<br />

competence will remind you of the<br />

many better movies to which it is<br />

glaringly indebted: Total Recall, The<br />

Matrix, I Am Legend, Star Wars and<br />

even WALL-E (though the star in that<br />

last one arguably had more range).<br />

Tom Cruise and Andrea Riseborough<br />

are some of the last humans on a<br />

post-apocalyptic Earth, monitoring<br />

maintenance and defense drones<br />

(aliens). Tom has a revelation, etc.,<br />

etc. Slick looking until the cliches<br />

start piling up. This is an empty,<br />

self-serious Tom Cruise vehicle that<br />

never really achieves lift-off. Bombastic<br />

soundtrack. Go rent 2010’s Moon.<br />

(124 min)<br />

cinematic underground<br />

2011 ALBZ PRODUCTIONS INC.<br />

he undead<br />

i n v a s i o n<br />

o f c i n e m a<br />

continues as Human<br />

Trust Cinema<br />

Shibuya (Cocoti<br />

Bldg.7,8F 1-23-16,<br />

Shibuya-ku; (www.<br />

ht-cinema.com)<br />

unleashes the<br />

latest installment<br />

of the Zombie Film<br />

Olympics starting<br />

June 8. A Little Bit<br />

Zombie (pictured)<br />

represents Canada<br />

and other walking dead flicks carrying the flags of the UK,<br />

Holland and Japan feature in this round…Late actor Shintaro<br />

Katsu is today best remembered for the Zatoichi jidaigeki series<br />

in which he starred as a blind, but highly-skilled, swordsman.<br />

But he also appeared in a variety of contemporary dramas and<br />

detective TV series, which feature in a retrospective at Cinema<br />

Vera (1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku ; www.cinemavera.com),<br />

June 8-28… The great stars of early Showa-era cinema are<br />

feted in a program running June 8-July 5 at Jimbocho Theater<br />

(1-23 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku; http://jinbocho-theater.<br />

jp). Shin Saburi, Ken Uehara and Shuji Sano all got their start in<br />

the 1930s and their popularity allowed them to continue their<br />

careers will into the ‘50s. KM<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 15


16 ● ADVERTISING SECTION<br />

Harajuku<br />

AIGLE<br />

Meijijingumae Stn<br />

Shibuya<br />

Harajuku<br />

Police Stn<br />

Meiji Street<br />

Harajuku Street<br />

Omotesando Street<br />

Tokyu Plaza<br />

We are here !


ALOHA ONO<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

It should be large—but healthy. Ground beef from<br />

Hawaiian loco moco and freeze dried tofu for extra<br />

nutrition. Buns encrusted with aromatic grains.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Original chili con carne;<br />

avocado.<br />

Specialties? Mochiko chicken (¥525)—tender chicken<br />

crisped up with rice cake powder. Hawaiian dishes<br />

such as pancake and Kalua pig.<br />

What’s the décor? Just near Shinjuku Central Park,<br />

you’ll feel you’re lounging in a beachside bar in sunny<br />

Hawaii.<br />

What else? On weekends and holidays from 8am-5pm,<br />

the Brunch Café serves pancakes and muffins only.<br />

1F, 6-16-8, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku<br />

Tel: 03-6279-0848<br />

Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-11pm.<br />

Nearest stn: Nishi-Shinjuku-gochome<br />

http://aloha-ono.com<br />

AUTHENTIC<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Authentic eschews fancy ingredients in favor of<br />

honing the basics and crafting each and every burger.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Broccoli, “peacheese” (with<br />

peach), and later this summer, kabayaki sauce (usually<br />

used for Japanese eel).<br />

Specialties? Broccoli cheese burger (¥1,270), and<br />

bacon cheese burger with crispy bacon (¥1,270).<br />

What’s the décor?<br />

Cute, simple, relaxed—and catered to the ska music<br />

grooving out the speakers.<br />

Any deals? During lunch 11am-4pm drinks are ¥200.<br />

Ask about their point-card system.<br />

What else? Open weekends and holidays—unlike<br />

other restaurants in the Akasaka/Tameike area.<br />

#101 Akasaka Chalet II Bldg, 2-18-19 Akasaka,<br />

Minato-ku<br />

Tel: 03-3505-8584<br />

Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols 11am-8pm<br />

Nearest stn: Akasaka or Tameike Sanno<br />

Burger Special<br />

Special Advertising Section<br />

ARMS<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Unique buns made with natural yeast; light, fluffy<br />

patties. Toppings are minced (except lettuce) to bring a<br />

full taste through the last bite.<br />

Specialties? Avocado mushroom cheese burger<br />

(¥1,350); Popeye burger (¥1,150).<br />

What’s the décor? Built with wood, the park side<br />

of the shop opens out in summer months. Antique<br />

décor combines with imported paint and wax for an<br />

American ambiance.<br />

Any deals? Weekday lunches offer set drinks for ¥200<br />

11am-4pm. Brunch is available Sat-Sun & hols from<br />

8-10:45am.<br />

What else? Look out for their takeout branch Arms<br />

Picnic in Shinjuku Luminé.<br />

• 5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku. Email: arms@utopia.<br />

ocn.ne.jp. Open Tue-Fri 11am-11pm, closed Mon<br />

(except hols), Sat-Sun & hols 8am-11pm<br />

• B2 Lumine, 1-1-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.<br />

Tel: 03-6302-0039. Open daily 10am-10pm (when<br />

Lumine is open). Nearest stn: Shinjuku<br />

• Takeout & Delivery: 1-9-21 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku.<br />

Tel: 03-3466-5974. Open daily 11am-10pm. Nearest<br />

stn: Yoyogi Koen. www.arms-burger.com<br />

BROOKLYN PANCAKE HOUSE<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

A healthy-sized patty (130g) of pure Japanese beef,<br />

cooked on an open-fire grill to bring out the natural<br />

flavor.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Gorgonzola.<br />

Specialties? Premium Brooklyn hamburger with<br />

French fries (¥1,100)<br />

What’s the décor? Transport yourself to a secret,<br />

solitary house in Brooklyn.<br />

Any deals? The weekday lunch set (11:30am-4pm)<br />

comes with a drink and salad.<br />

What else? US-style buttermilk pancakes; New York<br />

strip steak (350g).<br />

1F, 6-14-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku<br />

Tel: 03-3409-2018<br />

Open daily 11:30am-8pm<br />

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae<br />

www.brooklyn-pancake-house.com<br />

AS CLASSICS DINER<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

AS gives you 100% pure beef minced with a knife so<br />

you can enjoy the steak-like texture; high-quality buns<br />

made from natural yeast—and American sizes.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Blue cheese and mushroom<br />

burger (¥1,470); apple and sour-cream burger (¥1,470).<br />

Specialties? The cheeseburgers (¥1,155). Customers<br />

can add extra patties for ¥420 each.<br />

What’s the décor? The restaurant might be new, but it<br />

has a homey, nostalgic feel to it, with 12,000 tiles used<br />

inside and out.<br />

Any deals? For weekday lunches (11am-3pm), get a<br />

hamburger with fries and a drink for ¥1,050.<br />

What else? The atmosphere and location in party<br />

town Roppongi; changing craft beers every month<br />

(check site for details).<br />

• B1F, Roppongi Hills Metro Hut, 6-4-1 Roppongi,<br />

Minato-ku. Open daily 11am-10pm. Tel: 03-6721-1581<br />

• 1F, Orion Komazawa Bldg, 5-9-22 Yagumo, Meguroku.<br />

Tel: 03-5701-5033. Open Wed-Mon 9am-11pm,<br />

closed Tue. Nearest stn: Komazawa Daigaku or<br />

Toritsu Daigaku. www.asclassics.co.jp<br />

BURGER MANIA<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Refined patties made of Japanese beef that produce<br />

irresistible aromas, buns made with natural yeast, and<br />

fresh vegetables.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Shirokane branch—mango.<br />

Hiroo—cherry.<br />

Specialties? Ultimate blue cheese burger (¥1,300),<br />

which uses two of the three major blue cheeses in the<br />

world, namely gorgonzola and Roquefort. Homemade<br />

pancake (¥700).<br />

What’s the décor? The owner traveled to New York<br />

with the designer and created a little version of the Big<br />

Apple in Tokyo.<br />

Any deals? Weekday lunches (11:30am-4pm) offer<br />

salad and optional large serving of fries for free, and a<br />

drink for ¥200 extra.<br />

Shirokane: 6-5-7 Shirokane, Minato-ku. Nearest stn:<br />

Shirokanetakenawa. Tel: 03-3442-2200<br />

Hiroo: 2F, Hiroo Rokko-kan Bldg, 5-15-25 Minami-<br />

Azabu, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Hiroo. Tel: 03-5442-<br />

7899. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun & hols<br />

11am-10pm. www.burger-mania.com<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 17


www.arms-burger.com<br />

Truly a nature lled experience;<br />

enjoy a woody interior<br />

and plentiful sunlight at our<br />

open terrace style restaurant.<br />

* 16 Burgers * 11 Sandwiches * 6 Hot Dogs * Vegetarian burgers & sandwiches also available<br />

Delivery now available in the Yoyogi Park area: any park exit,<br />

your event or your ofce (available only in our delivery zone)<br />

ARMS Park Side Burger Shop<br />

5-64-7 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo<br />

03-3466-5970. Open daily 11am-11pm<br />

Closed Mondays (except public holidays)<br />

Pets are always welcome.<br />

Takeout & Delivery<br />

1-9-21 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku.<br />

03-3466-5974<br />

Open daily 11am-10pm<br />

Arms Picnic<br />

B-2 Lumine, 1-1-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.<br />

Tel: 03-6302-0039. Open daily 10am-10pm<br />

(when Lumine is open).<br />

Burger Mania-Shirokane<br />

1F 6-5-7 Shirokane<br />

Minato-ku, Tokyo<br />

tel/fax 03-3442-2200<br />

by train: 10minute by walk from Metro Nanboku-line,<br />

Mita-line "Shirokanetakanawa St" Exit 3<br />

by bus: 87 Bus route between Shibuya St. and<br />

Tamachi St, bus stop "Kitazatokenkyujyomae"<br />

Yoyogi-hachimon stn<br />

Yoyogi-koen stn<br />

Yoyogi-Sho Koen<br />

Yoyogi-kamizono-cho<br />

Yoyogi Park<br />

West exit<br />

Authentic hamburgers,<br />

sandwiches, shakes & desserts<br />

served up in a casual New<br />

York atmosphere.<br />

Burger Mania-Hiroo<br />

2F Hiroo Rokkokan, 5-15-25 Minami-<br />

Azabu, Minato-ku..<br />

Nearest stn: Hiroo, between exits 1 and 3<br />

(next to Citibank). Tel: 03-5422-7899.<br />

Email: burgermania2008@gmail.com<br />

See website for access: www.burger-mania.com<br />

Open hours: Weekdays 11:30am-11pm (10pm L.O)<br />

Sat, Sun, Pub Holidays 11am-11pm (10pm L.O) - Closed every 3rd Monday<br />

Delivery service: Fine Dine Shirokane: 03-5791-3130 Hiroo: 03-5775-1860<br />

18 ● ADVERTISING SECTION<br />

Grilled Mushroom Burger ¥1,390<br />

Limited quantities!<br />

3 types of mushrooms topped<br />

with Gouda cheese<br />

Just steps from<br />

Daikanyama Sta!<br />

ATM<br />

Main Exit<br />

East Exit<br />

Daikanyama Shop<br />

Moms welcome!<br />

Room for strollers<br />

available<br />

North Exit<br />

WE ARE<br />

HERE!<br />

2-21-15 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku Open every day 11am-11pm (L.O. 10:00pm)<br />

Choose from three sizes!<br />

S 80g R 100g L 200g<br />

Tel. 03-3770-1951<br />

www.hijiriya.co.jp<br />

Hot dog & Sandwiches<br />

Smoked salmon and avocado sandwich ¥1240<br />

Just steps from<br />

Naka-meguro Sta!<br />

Naka-meguro sta<br />

To Shibuya<br />

GT Tower<br />

7-eleven<br />

WE ARE<br />

Tsutaya<br />

HERE!<br />

2-1-1 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku Open daily 11am-10pm (Sun & hols 11am-8pm)


CAFÉ HOHOKAM<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Using the highest quality buns made from natural<br />

yeast.<br />

Any crazy toppings?<br />

The Apple and Gorgonzola Burger uses strong cheese<br />

and crisp ringo rings.<br />

Specialties? The signature Hohokam Burger features<br />

jalapenos, cheddar cheese and is topped with chili<br />

sauce.<br />

What’s the décor? A retro and modern feel designed<br />

with the Arizona desert in mind.<br />

Any deals? Weekday lunch specials from<br />

11:30am-4pm.<br />

What else? There’s a covered outdoor terrace—<br />

complete with cacti—that can be used rain or shine.<br />

2F, 3-22-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku<br />

Open daily 11:30am~11pm (LO-10:30pm)<br />

Tel: 03-5775-5708<br />

www.cafe-hohokam.com<br />

HOT ROCKS ROPPONGI GRILL<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Making it US-style, in terms of size and flavor, with<br />

100% US beef and special sauces homemade from<br />

scratch.<br />

Any crazy toppings? The Elvis Burger (¥1,800) is<br />

shareable between two or three people, and includes<br />

pineapple, avocado and bacon among its toppings.<br />

Specialties, prices? Big Rock Burger (¥1,250 yen), with<br />

egg, cheese, and “Rock” sauce containing more than 50<br />

ingredients, served with spicy fries.<br />

What’s the décor? Rock ’n’ roll American style, with<br />

great music, a bar and friendly staff.<br />

Any deals? Happy hour 6-9pm—all drinks ¥500.<br />

Lunch set ¥780 with one free drink. Party plan for 60<br />

people available.<br />

Mention <strong>Metropolis</strong> and get one free drink—<br />

including beer.<br />

Anything else? Chicken burgers made with Brazilian<br />

chicken and more, plus takeout, delivery and catering.<br />

Live music on Friday nights.<br />

1-2F, Youkou Central Bldg, 3-15-22 Roppongi, Minatoku.<br />

Open daily 11am-5am<br />

Tel:03-6804-5416. http://meturl.com/hotrocksgrill<br />

Burger Special<br />

Special Advertising Section<br />

CHILES MEXICAN GRILL AND<br />

SPORTS CANTINA<br />

What’s the secret of a good bur(ger)rito? A tasty<br />

burrito should be packed with warm beans and rice,<br />

fresh vegetables and authentic Mexican salsa.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Habanero peppers<br />

Specialties? Pibil burrito (¥980)—fried pork in orange<br />

sauce with Achiote Mayan roux; fajita platter for two<br />

(¥1,380)—grilled chicken and shio koji grilled steak<br />

What’s the décor? The casa of a true mexicano<br />

Any deals? The weekday lunch (11:30am-3:30pm) set<br />

includes a drink and salad or chips. Mexican beer and<br />

nachos for ¥900 and beers ¥400 on Tue-Fri 4-8pm.<br />

Any deals for <strong>Metropolis</strong> readers? 10% off on any<br />

main menu item from 3:30-6pm.<br />

What else? Shakes made from soy milk and a variety<br />

of sweets.<br />

1-8-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku<br />

Open daily 9am-9pm<br />

Tel: 03-6434-9693<br />

http://meturl.com/chilesmex<br />

MUNCH’S BURGER<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Munch’s uses high-quality lean beef, certified Angus<br />

from the US. Staff handcut the beef every day to make<br />

each patty.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Original smoked bacon (¥150)—<br />

order as much as you want—and original chili beans<br />

(¥450).<br />

What are your specialties? The bacon cheese burger<br />

(¥1,400) is made with homemade smoked bacon to<br />

create a fine balance.<br />

What’s the décor? Choose your floor based on your<br />

mood—1F for those calm moments, and 2F if you’re<br />

feeling a little more lively. The high tables on 2F enable<br />

some prime burger watching.<br />

Any deals? At lunch get a meat dish with rice for ¥880,<br />

and add ¥150 for a drink.<br />

What else? Caesar salad with avocado and bacon<br />

(¥880 small; ¥1,380 large); chicken gumbo soup (¥580),<br />

homemade chili beans.<br />

1-2F, I smart Bldg, 2-26-1 Shiba, Minato-ku<br />

Open Tue-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun & hols 11am-6pm,<br />

closed Mon (except hols). Closes when food runs out<br />

Nearest stn: Tamachi or Mita. http://munchs.jp<br />

FRIJOLES BURRITOS & TACOS<br />

What’s the secret of a good bur(ger)rito? Making<br />

everything from scratch each day for delicous fresh<br />

and additive-free food .<br />

Any crazy toppings? Try the red-arbol salsa for a<br />

succulent spicy sensation.<br />

Specialties? The burritos from ¥890-1,040.<br />

What’s the décor? US folks will feel right at home.<br />

Everyone else will appreciate the authentic stateside<br />

experience.<br />

What else? Healthy grilled chicken and steak to black<br />

beans plus bilingual, friendly staff.<br />

Azabu-Juban: 1F, Hada Bldg, 2-3-5 Azabu-Juban,<br />

Minato-ku. Tel 03-6459-4095. Open daily 11am-10pm<br />

(closes 3pm every 2nd Mon)<br />

Roppongi: 1F, Piramide Bldg., 6-6-9 Roppongi,<br />

Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6447-1433. Open daily 11am-10pm<br />

(closes 3pm every 2nd Sun)<br />

Akasaka: 1F, Common Akasaka Bldg, 2-11-13<br />

Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel 03-6459-1763. Open daily<br />

11am-10pm (closes 3pm every 3rd Sun)<br />

www.frijoles.jp<br />

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE<br />

IKEBUKURO<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Patties that are 100% pure beef—and mighty generous,<br />

too. Just enough lettuce and tomato, and a large bun to<br />

contain the burger-vegetable mixture.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Outback’s own “bloomin’<br />

onion”—an onion cut flower-style, battered, and deep<br />

fried.<br />

Specialties? The bloomin’ burger (¥1,380) with<br />

crunchy bloomin’ onion chips and chili bloomin’<br />

sauce.<br />

What’s the décor? The 7th-floor space by Ikebukuro<br />

east exit has a standing bar, a chic small dining room,<br />

and a wide main room with low counter seats in the<br />

middle and three 70-inch TVs to watch sporting<br />

events.<br />

7F, Ikebukuro-Tokyu Bldg, 1-41-4 Higashi-Ikebukuro,<br />

Toshima-ku<br />

Tel: 03-5928-1391<br />

Nearest stn: Ikebukuro<br />

Open Mon-Fri 5pm-12am, Sat-Sun & hols noon-12am<br />

www.outbacksteakhouse.co.jp/en<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 19


SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

100% wagyu beef patties cooked over an open flame.<br />

Any crazy toppings?<br />

Gourmet pineapples.<br />

Specialties?<br />

Hot dogs and pancakes.<br />

What’s the décor?<br />

San Francisco industrial café.<br />

Any deals?<br />

Weekday lunch set from 11:30am-4pm.<br />

What else?<br />

Choose which sausage you’d like for your hot dog, and<br />

your choice of draft beer.<br />

3-28-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku<br />

Open daily 11:30am-11pm (LO 10:30pm)<br />

Tel: 03-5775-5707<br />

www.sf-peaks.com<br />

Meiji Dori<br />

Post<br />

oce<br />

Burger Special<br />

Special Advertising Section<br />

SASA<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Homemade grilled-onion sauce. The sliced onions are<br />

sautéed and then cooked to perfection in the oven to<br />

bring out the rich flavor of the 100% Japanese beef patty.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Homemade chili, cooked with<br />

various spices to achieve the right degree of hotness<br />

and leave you begging for more.<br />

Specialties? Grilled mushroom burger—limited<br />

number made daily (¥1,390; regular size).<br />

What’s the décor? Surrounded by the warmth of<br />

wood, the store captures the essence of a Paris bistro.<br />

Any deals? Weekday lunches (11am-4pm) include one<br />

free drink. On weekends get a drink set with a burger of<br />

your choice for ¥300.<br />

What else? Beer from around the world and simple<br />

sides in case you fancy stopping by for just a drink.<br />

• 1F, Daikanyama-Pocketpark Bldg, 2-21-15 Ebisunishi,<br />

Shibuya-ku. Open daily 11am-10pm, closed every 3rd<br />

Tue. Tel: 03-3770-1951. • B1, Nakameguro GT Plaza<br />

Bldg, 2-1-1 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3711-<br />

4449. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.hijiriya.co.jp<br />

Abreuvoir<br />

café<br />

Meijijingumae Stn<br />

THE GREAT BURGER<br />

What’s the secret of a good burger?<br />

Fluffy fresh-baked toasted buns made with natural<br />

yeast, a coarsely-ground juicy patty, daily market-fresh<br />

vegetables.<br />

Any crazy toppings? Gorgonzola meets baked apple;<br />

smoky hickory sauce.<br />

Specialties? Bacon cheese burger with French fries<br />

(¥1,350).<br />

What’s the décor? Open-minded South California<br />

style.<br />

Any deals? The weekday lunch set (11:30am-4pm)<br />

comes with drink and salad.<br />

What else? US-style buttermilk pancakes; sandwiches.<br />

1F, 6-12-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku<br />

Tel: 03-3406-1215<br />

Open daily 11:30am-11pm<br />

Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae<br />

www.the-great-burger.com<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 21


BITES<br />

THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITYDining Out<br />

glasses<br />

When you hear of Mount Fuji beer glasses<br />

(http://meturl.com/fujiglasses) you might<br />

imagine a box of kitsch gifts on sale at one<br />

of Narita Airport’s souvenir shops. But these tasteful<br />

drinking vessels were garlanded with the Tokyo<br />

Midtown Award in 2008 for their design. Fill them up<br />

in the Japanese style of frothy pouring and behold as<br />

the sacred mountain appears before you (as it might<br />

look after a sandstorm). Made by Sugahara, the glasses<br />

(¥3,776 each, in a nod to the metric height of the peak)<br />

come in a wooden box and are gift-wrappable for free<br />

with a colored ribbon or a noshi commemorative<br />

attachment for special occasions. Add a gift card with a<br />

message of 100 characters, and shipping is ¥600 unless<br />

your order tops ¥15,000.<br />

beer<br />

COURTESY OF SUGAHARA GLASSWORKS INC<br />

The owner of Sankt Gallen used to brew his ale in<br />

San Francisco until Japan relaxed regulations<br />

on microbrewing. And he continues to show<br />

his passion and skill through the winning of a host of<br />

awards, including the fruit-beer gong at the International<br />

Beer Competition for four recent years running.<br />

Quaff gold like the limited Pineapple Ale (¥1,980 for 3 x<br />

330ml bottles) or buy a tasting pack like the Kanagawa<br />

Set (including two bottles of Shonan Gold and two of<br />

Yokohama XPA) for ¥2,430 including delivery. If you<br />

want to splash out on your own custom-made beer,<br />

order a 1,000-liter tank of it, ready in two months, for<br />

¥1,700,000, including original recipe, ingredients, label<br />

design, delivery, and a large belly. Or slap your own<br />

label on 1,000 bottles of an already existing brew for<br />

¥50,000. Order all this and more online at www.sanktgallenbrewery.com,<br />

or buy the brews at select shops<br />

and restaurants.<br />

wedding<br />

Considering the principal fear of most wedding<br />

planners in the West is a downpour, getting married<br />

in June in Japan—during tsuyu, the rainy<br />

season—seems a little risky. Which is why people don’t<br />

usually do it. However, there is a new trend of rokugatsu<br />

no hanayome (June brides), encouraged by goods such<br />

as this wedding cake topper from Nut2KK. Far from<br />

the Grecian tradition, rooted in a bid for a blessing from<br />

the god Juno, the “tradition” on these shores seems<br />

more a bid for commerce during a usually slow season.<br />

So spend a little more on this cake topper and aid a flagging<br />

industry. Considering the Japanese fondness for<br />

themed accessories, there may well be a whole line of<br />

marital raingear in the offing. Waterproof veil anyone?<br />

¥5,460 online at www.nut2deco.com<br />

d’oh-nuts<br />

PHOTO BY JEFF W. RICHARDS<br />

With a name reminiscent of bovine urine,<br />

Calpis is a hard drink to swallow for many<br />

Anglophones in Japan. But Japanese folks<br />

have been quaffing it since way back in 1919, when the<br />

cultured milk drink was sold only as a concentrated<br />

beverage. Now it has gone the route of every other drink<br />

in the conbini, appearing in a multitude of varieties<br />

to satisfy the hyperactive urges of your modern consumer.<br />

That’s where Mister Donut comes in. We’re not<br />

exactly sure what the connection is between a cloudy<br />

yogurty beverage and a ring of fatty carbs, but the Calpis<br />

x Mister Donut (¥136-147), available in soda and strawberry<br />

flavors, has to be worth a try. Doesn’t it?<br />

buffet<br />

The problem with all-you-can-eat buffets is pacing<br />

yourself. After stuffing your face with delicious<br />

appetizers and good-looking mains, there’s<br />

nary a cubic centimeter of stomach space left for dessert.<br />

Those with a sweet tooth, then, should head to the<br />

Somer House restaurant’s Nighttime Dessert Buffet at<br />

the Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu. Fill up on ten different<br />

cakes, including seasonal fruit tarts, five different puddings<br />

served in wine glasses, and the proud pastries of<br />

the pâtissier en résidence. A few other foods—like antipasti;<br />

soup and sandwiches—are available for a rounder<br />

meal. But why carb-load on anything but an ice cream<br />

sandwich with hotel-baked bread and homemade<br />

ice cream? ¥3,150 (adults), ¥1,995 (kids aged 6-12),<br />

¥1,050 (kids aged 3-5). Every Thu-Fri until Jun 28,<br />

7:30-10:30pm. Reserve via tel: 045-682-2219 or online<br />

http://ybht.co.jp/en<br />

kyoto<br />

COURTESY OF YOKOHAMA BAYSIDE HOTEL TOKYO<br />

COURTESY OF SANKT GALLEN BREWERY COURTESY OF ACECOOK<br />

© MISOD 13<br />

For a cup of soup with a twist, food company<br />

Acecook (eisukoku) has teamed up with groovy<br />

travel guide Co-Trip for an aesthetically pleasing<br />

package. A striking red wagasa (Japanese-style<br />

oil-paper umbrella) adorns the cover of Co-Trip’s latest<br />

guide to Kyoto—a far cry from the usual content<br />

overload found on tourism magazines here. The<br />

same design appears on the exterior of this instant<br />

dashi-based tofu soup with soy and green onions—<br />

reminiscent of the ancient capital’s cuisine. The cup<br />

includes a sachet of spice from a venerable Kyoto store<br />

founded in 1932. ¥150 at stores nationwide.<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 23


exchange. My off days are Sat evening<br />

and Sun daytime. I hope we can<br />

benefit greatly by studying languages<br />

together. egosense@hotmail.co.jp<br />

English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JM<br />

freelancer, 32, with a graduate degree<br />

from a US university, fluent English<br />

speaker, seeking a language exchange<br />

partner to maintain my English! Place:<br />

Shinjuku or Yoyogi. Time: flexible,<br />

but Thu preferred. takanotaro5555@<br />

gmail.com<br />

English and Japanese. Japanese<br />

male, 28, working in Saitama, seeking<br />

English speaker to improve my English.<br />

Can meet after work (evening-night) on<br />

weekdays at cafes in Tokyo/Saitama.<br />

Can help your Japanese. Hobbies:<br />

flying, diving, traveling, cooking, piano.<br />

langexhyoma@gmail.com<br />

English and Japanese. Hi, I am<br />

an English guy seeking language<br />

exchange. I'm into traveling, hanging<br />

out, exploring Japan. Please teach me<br />

Japanese. n48jnfg@yahoo.com<br />

English and Japanese. Experienced<br />

Japanese tutor is seeking exchange<br />

partner. I can speak E. Please feel free<br />

to contact me. polovakia@hotmail.co.jp<br />

English and Japanese. Japanese<br />

female, 30s, finished school to be a<br />

Japanese teacher, seeks native English<br />

speaker for serious language exchange.<br />

Weekdays after 6pm in Shibuya.<br />

tomoko_japanese@hotmail.co.jp<br />

English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JM<br />

office worker, 36, seeking a native<br />

English speaker living in Tokyo who<br />

wants to learn J. Please contact me.<br />

Thanks. sano_44@yahoo.co.jp<br />

English and Japanese. I am a<br />

Japanese mother of three seeking an<br />

American female for language and<br />

culture exchange in Kawasaki. Serious<br />

only, please. sakumoto@hotmail.com<br />

English and Japanese. Hi there, I'm<br />

male, 30, living in Tokyo, seeking a<br />

language exchange partner because<br />

I need to talk with a foreigner in<br />

business. I want to speak English more<br />

often. Let's have fun! nfukuno@gmail.<br />

com<br />

English and Japanese. Seeking<br />

language exchange partner around<br />

Higashi-Nakagami/Tachikawa. If<br />

you are interested, please drop me a<br />

message. smartguy@i.softbank.jp<br />

English and Japanese. I travel to the<br />

UK from time to time and would like<br />

to have casual language exchanges<br />

with British people. I'm 30, nonsmoker,<br />

available weekends in Kanagawa or<br />

Tokyo. Thanks. solfamusic7@yahoo.<br />

com<br />

Filipino and English. Filipino male,<br />

30s, seeking English study/conversation<br />

partner(s) to improve IELTS score<br />

(currently TOEIC 950 and IELTS 7.0). Can<br />

meet on weekends at cafes in Tokyo or<br />

Saitama (Kawaguchi or Omiya) area.<br />

aris.mallari@ymail.com<br />

French and Japanese. Japanese seeks<br />

native French speaker for language<br />

exchange. Let's meet up at a cafe or<br />

elsewhere. I used to be a Japanese<br />

teacher in Japan and overseas. Let's<br />

have fun using the Japanese language<br />

in Tokyo! kejinto@yahoo.co.jp<br />

French, English, Japanese. European<br />

man seeking a language exchange<br />

partner to improve his Japanese. I can<br />

teach you Fr or E. Let's enjoy sharing our<br />

cultures and interests. West of Tokyo<br />

preferable, but Yokohama or central<br />

Tokyo are ok. understanding_life@<br />

hotmail.com<br />

French, Japanese, Chinese, English.<br />

I'm seeking a language exchange with<br />

a native French speaker. In exchange,<br />

I offer you practice in E (my native<br />

language), J, or Mandarin Chn. I'm a<br />

French beginner, so need grounding in<br />

the basics. cb0387@live.com<br />

German, English, Japanese.<br />

Multilingual JF, late 30s, seeking<br />

exchange partner in central Tokyo<br />

to improve her German/English<br />

(and Japanese...). I like drinking,<br />

hiking, cycling, jogging, etc. Please<br />

drop me a line if you are interested.<br />

myheartskipsabeat0@gmail.com<br />

Italian and Japanese. Italian<br />

professional living and working in<br />

central Tokyo seeking a native Japanese<br />

for language exchange. Serious<br />

exchange partner only, M/F, any age ok.<br />

giozomi@yahoo.co.uk<br />

Korean and Japanese. Japanese<br />

male, 40, seeks a native Korean<br />

speaker for Kor/J exchange. I like music,<br />

reading, cooking. I hope we can learn<br />

from each other and have some fun.<br />

deepgreenforest@mail.goo.ne.jp<br />

3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL<br />

PACIFIC CULTURE CLUB gives you<br />

the opportunity to join workshops<br />

about Japanese culture: ikebana,<br />

calligraphy, kimono, koto (a<br />

Japanese instrument). Available for<br />

groups or individuals. keiko.pac@<br />

gmail.com 03-3391-1578<br />

3.9 TEACH ME!<br />

Japanese. Need some help with my<br />

Japanese and kanji. I can help you learn<br />

English or pay you. I am friendly and<br />

like meeting interesting people. Let's<br />

be friends. funjamsession@yahoo.co.jp<br />

Private martial arts teacher sought.<br />

Interested in energy and meditation<br />

more than combat. I have an excellent<br />

meditation and multiple healing teacher<br />

(if anybody needs one, ask me). So, I’m<br />

more interested in the breathing and<br />

inner strength. Thank you. earth_travel_<br />

joy@hotmail.com<br />

Violin. Seeking a professional teacher<br />

to teach me how to play the violin.<br />

mercedio@gmail.com<br />

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS<br />

4.1 FURNITURE &<br />

FITTINGS<br />

Cabinet, Chinese-style (approximately<br />

H115xW100xD45cm), black lacquer,<br />

design of ornate birds and branches,<br />

brass hinges and fittings, two doors,<br />

central shelf, two drawers below, in very<br />

good condition ¥19,000. cpitts@gol.<br />

com 09049527314<br />

Desk, very compact, in excellent<br />

condition, foldable study/office type<br />

¥1500. savitasubramu@hotmail.com<br />

Furniture sale! IDC bookshelf,<br />

crockery unit, foldable desk, cupboard,<br />

shelf, two chests, patio set, in good<br />

condition. Details, photos available.<br />

savitasubramu@hotmail.com<br />

Furniture sale! Queen-sized bed,<br />

mattress, two bedside tables ¥65,000/<br />

all. Dining table and four chairs ¥35,000.<br />

Coffee table ¥15,000. ¥100,000/all.<br />

usman@shahidfamily.org<br />

Picture frames, set of three,<br />

high quality, w/tapered mounts<br />

(40x51x2.5cm), adjustable hanging<br />

wire ¥3000/all. Pick up Shintomicho,<br />

Yurakucho line, or Hatchobori, Hibiya<br />

line. luci@gol.com<br />

Sofabed, modular, seats three, w/<br />

chaise and storage, two pillows, folds<br />

down to single bed, in great condition.<br />

New ¥45,000. Sell ¥30,000/obo.<br />

Arrange own delivery. srothroc@gmail.<br />

com http://imgur.com/a/hz756<br />

Storage cases, Nitori, plastic, 16<br />

available, white (39x74x30cm) ¥700/<br />

each. ¥2000/four. Pick up only Hon-<br />

Komagome. yeoks.yeoks@gmail.com<br />

Table, Actus, low, two piece set,<br />

functions as low table or TV/<br />

entertainment unit, white base<br />

(90x40x27.5cm), side shelf<br />

(42x26x42cm) ¥15,000. Pick up<br />

Shintomicho/Hatchobori area. luci@<br />

gol.com<br />

4.2 APPLIANCES<br />

Appliance sale! National/<br />

Panasonic fridge, newer, digital, 400L<br />

(H179xW59xD66cm), five-door, w/<br />

control panel and ice maker ¥30,000.<br />

Toshiba washer/dryer, 7kg ¥18,000.<br />

yumichan3498@gmail.com<br />

Dustbuster, Electrolux, two y/o ¥1500/<br />

obo. Pick up Motomachi. marij333@<br />

yahoo.com<br />

Fridge, Haier, 305L, in great condition<br />

¥20,000. Hitachi washer ¥25,000.<br />

baytokyo13@gmail.com<br />

Fryer, small, in good condition ¥1000.<br />

mizi2005@hotmail.com<br />

Hairdryer, Koizumi KHD-1236, w/Turbo<br />

and ion function, in good condition<br />

¥1500. Kettle, in good, clean condition<br />

¥1400. Kettle and delivery ¥1800.<br />

mizi2005@hotmail.com<br />

Rice cooker, Toshiba, 0.54L, white,<br />

in excellent condition ¥2800. Pick up<br />

Shintomicho/Hatchobori area. luci@<br />

gol.com<br />

Rice cooker, Zujirushi, '10, as new<br />

¥7000. Free delivery. mizi2005@<br />

hotmail.com<br />

Toaster oven, convenient, new, w/box<br />

¥2500. Vacuum, in good condition, used<br />

several months ¥2500. Details available.<br />

kiyokawa9773@gmail.com<br />

Washer, LG, fast, clean, silent, works<br />

perfectly, a couple of scratches on the<br />

panel, as new on the inside ¥3000. Pick<br />

up Sangenjaya. japanjohan@yahoo.<br />

co.jp<br />

4.3 SAYONARA SALE<br />

Sayonara sale! Sofa (H80xW60xL110;<br />

seat: H40cm); coffee table<br />

(H30xL120xB40cm); oven, bought<br />

secondhand, but in good condition<br />

¥5000. kaytan85@yahoo.com<br />

Sayonara sale! Sleeper sofa, dining<br />

table and four chairs, two additional<br />

small folding chairs, standing lamp,<br />

washer and rack, standing fan, large<br />

drying rack, etc. Pick up near Kiyosumi-<br />

Shirakawa stn. alr2554@earthlink.net<br />

Sayonara sale! Sofabed, TV, kotatsu,<br />

tables, carpets, lights, kids' stuff (tricycle,<br />

play kitchen set), and more. Details and<br />

photos available. profscott2000@<br />

yahoo.ca<br />

Sayonara sale! Shelves, kitchen<br />

furniture, appliances, lounge<br />

furniture. Details available.<br />

happyjenny1979@hotmail.com<br />

http://677321661671443068.weebly.<br />

com<br />

Sayonara sale! Car seat, toys, movies,<br />

chairs, mirror, scanner, books, PC, SW,<br />

phone, etc. Nishi-Azabu. mmb--@web.<br />

de http://tokyosayonara.weebly.com/<br />

4.6 FOR KIDS<br />

Blocks, Habermaass Corp., imported<br />

from Germany, set of 28, colorful,<br />

wooden, w/funny clown ¥2000. Pick<br />

up Shintomicho, Yurakucho line, or<br />

Hatchobori, Hibiya line. luci@gol.com<br />

Children's bike seat, iBert safe-T-seat,<br />

great center of balance for steering with<br />

child in front, bought new in July '09, for<br />

kids up to 17kg, E/J documentation,<br />

all parts included ¥5000. Shinagawa.<br />

allen@mcintire.jp 090-5469-7675<br />

4.7 FOR FREE<br />

Books, language training, Japanese<br />

and Dutch, Lonely Planet guides (mostly<br />

SE Asia), study guides for HS, teenage<br />

novels, adult novels. Pick up Yokohama-<br />

Motomachi. marij333@yahoo.com<br />

Desk, for computers (120x60xH72cm),<br />

w/pull-out keyboard shelf. Pick up only.<br />

cpitts@gol.com 09049527314<br />

Hats. Mini party top hats, glitter<br />

(diameter 12xH6cm). Pick up<br />

Shintomicho, Yurakucho line. luci@<br />

gol.com<br />

Sofabed, Ikea, new, and more.<br />

doug8edwards@hotmail.com<br />

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS<br />

5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT<br />

Exercise bike, hardly used ¥4000.<br />

rasapphire@yahoo.co.uk<br />

Racket, squash, Head, lightweight,<br />

never used, w/cover ¥3000. Pick up<br />

Shintomicho, Yurakucho line, Hatchobori,<br />

Hibiya line. luci@gol.com<br />

Scuba diving equipment. Cobra dive<br />

computer; Tusa regulator; Mares BC<br />

vest, size L, black and blue; used once<br />

¥150,000/all. lepierrot@hotmail.com<br />

09039120343<br />

Yoga mat, high quality, purple ¥1500.<br />

kiyokawa9773@gmail.com<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 25


5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT<br />

Electric bass, Warwick Thumb BO<br />

5, Ovangkol neck and body, Wenge<br />

fingerboard, active MEC J/J pickups,<br />

Warwick Just-A-Nut II, Warwick gig bag,<br />

in great condition ¥160,000. Pick up<br />

Ikebukuro. bloom_marc@hotmail.com<br />

Headphones. Ultrasone Edition 9<br />

studio monitoring headphones, limited<br />

edition, in presentation box, brand new,<br />

unused ¥300,000. justcallmehenry@<br />

gmail.com edwardsoperation.com<br />

Insect sounds, Ric Viers’ Blastwave, on<br />

USB drive, thousands of sounds, brand<br />

new, never plugged in. New $249. Sell<br />

¥15,000. justcallmehenry@gmail.com<br />

edwardsoperation.com<br />

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD<br />

Battlestar Galactica DVDs, region 1<br />

(USA), in excellent condition, bought<br />

on Amazon US: seasons 1, 2.0, 2.5, 3,<br />

4.0, Razor extended, only missing 4.5.<br />

hrmanu@gmail.com<br />

Chinese learning materials.<br />

Business Mandarin Kit by Asiapac<br />

Books, w/two textbooks, four CDs,<br />

travel tips, as new, never opened. New<br />

US$138. Sell ¥5500. cpitts@gol.com<br />

09049527314<br />

5.6 COLLECTORS<br />

Chair, Lloyd Loom, bucket<br />

(680x510x720mm), wicker (moss<br />

green), and steel (black), 1920s,<br />

from the UK, in excellent condition,<br />

certification available ¥38,000. luci@<br />

gol.com<br />

Chess set, Mongolian (Shatar), on felt<br />

board, as new, w/all pieces and carry<br />

case ¥2000. luci@gol.com<br />

6 VEHICLES<br />

6.1 CARS, PARTS, &<br />

ACCESSORIES<br />

J CE AUTOS - THE<br />

A U T O M O B I L E<br />

PROFESSIONALS. Specializing<br />

in car buy-backs, door-todoor<br />

shipping, long-term car<br />

storage and any other carrelated<br />

matters. If you need<br />

assistance with your car, we<br />

are here to help. Tel: 03-6868-<br />

3366 or 090-9362-5098<br />

inquiries@jce-autos.jp<br />

www.jce-autos.jp<br />

PORSCHE 911 (966) 4S,<br />

RIGHT-HAND DRIVE,<br />

steel gray exterior, allleather<br />

interior, original<br />

Carrozzeria navi system,<br />

‘03 model, 66,000km, in<br />

pristine condition ¥4million/<br />

obo. Email: cars@micklay.<br />

com www.youtube.com/<br />

watch?v=5ZauXuGcew8<br />

090-3805-7141<br />

6.2 MOTORBIKES,<br />

PARTS, & ACCESSORIES<br />

DUCATI MONSTER M800 SIE,<br />

2003, 21,000km, dual exhaust,<br />

carbon accessories, security<br />

system, new timing belt and clutch,<br />

upgraded gearing, Ventura rack,<br />

never toppled, kept in garage,<br />

well-maintained, all service records,<br />

shaken until Sep ¥500,000/obo.<br />

marantzfan564@yahoo.com<br />

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, &<br />

ACCESSORIES<br />

Hybrid bike, Australian import,<br />

large, best for someone 1.8m+,<br />

cross between road and mountain<br />

bike, in very good condition, 24<br />

gears, suspension, w/lights and<br />

lock ¥30,000/obo. Near Kita-Senju.<br />

chobbs19@yahoo.co.uk<br />

Mountain bike, Cannondale Rize 5<br />

XL, full suspension, aluminum, ridden<br />

off-road only once, bought new July<br />

'09, w/Topeak quick release rear MTX<br />

BeamRack, even quicker release MTX<br />

basket, all manuals, documentation.<br />

New ¥250,000. Sell ¥150,000. allen@<br />

mcintire.jp 090-5469-7675<br />

Mountain bike, Cannondale Trail SL<br />

29ER 4, '13 model, hardtail, w/airfork<br />

80mm, 29" wheels, brand new, frame<br />

size L, w/original invoice from YS<br />

Road. New ¥99,000. Sell ¥90,000.<br />

thokai01@gmail.com<br />

Road bike, Calamita Uno Steel,<br />

size 55, nine-speed, deep red, as<br />

new, B17 Brooks saddle, bullhorn<br />

bar, w/specialized helmet, proof of<br />

purchase available ¥60,000. Can<br />

help w/bike registration paperwork.<br />

damienkunik@hotmail.com<br />

Road bike, Land Rover, dark gray,<br />

27" wheels, six gears, five y/o, in<br />

working condition ¥16,000. Pick up<br />

Nishi-Koyama or Gakugei-Daigaku.<br />

agusplastra@gmail.com<br />

26 • DOWNLOAD OUR PODCAST AT • PODCAST.METROPOLIS.CO.JP<br />

7 GENERAL<br />

7.1 PHONES<br />

iPhone 4S 16GB, locked to SoftBank,<br />

black, w/original box, charger,<br />

headphones, etc., in excellent condition<br />

¥20,000. Can meet anywhere in central<br />

Tokyo. abel_of_abacus@yahoo.com<br />

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS<br />

Comforter, brand new, soft, warm,<br />

for bed or futon (150x210) ¥3000.<br />

kiyokawa9773@gmail.com<br />

Easel, Talens, large, wooden ¥5000/obo.<br />

Yokohama-Motomachi area. marij333@<br />

yahoo.com<br />

Frying pan, new, w/diamond<br />

layer for frying without oil ¥5000.<br />

kiyokawa9773@gmail.com<br />

Nabe, glazed ceramic pot, Japanese,<br />

brand new, in packaging ¥1600. Pick<br />

up Shintomicho, Yurakucho line. luci@<br />

gol.com<br />

Picnic blankets, two available, one red<br />

(140x115cm), one blue/white (138x90cm),<br />

waterproof (plastic-lined base), very<br />

lightweight, fold into convenient<br />

carry pouches ¥1000/each. Pick up<br />

Shintomicho or Hatchobori area. luci@<br />

gol.com<br />

Suitcase, Samsonite, black, carry-on<br />

size (41x23x36cm; fully extended handle<br />

height: 105cm), brand new, used once<br />

¥4500. Pick up Shintomicho/Hatchobori<br />

area. luci@gol.com<br />

8 COMPUTERS<br />

8.2 HARDWARE<br />

Desktop, ThinkCentre M58p USFF, Core<br />

2 Duo, A4 size, 4GB RAM, 1TB, DVD-R/W,<br />

Win 7 Pro, E/Office and 19" LCD ¥39,000.<br />

masui41@live.com<br />

Keyboard, wireless, 2.4GHz, w/trackball<br />

mouse, function keys for music player,<br />

volume, etc., good grip for use without<br />

table, in good condition ¥3000. Pick up<br />

Sangenjaya or Shibuya. japanjohan@<br />

yahoo.co.jp<br />

Keypad, Logicool diNovo Mini,<br />

Bluetooth, good for Win 7 Media Center<br />

¥12,000/obo. nrad_bob@hotmail.com<br />

Laptop, Dell E6400, 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo<br />

P8700, 8GB, 80GB HD, 7200RPM, E/Win<br />

7 Pro, Office '10, 14", 6.6lbs, two eight-hour<br />

batteries, backlit keyboard ¥33,000.<br />

masui41@live.com<br />

10 HELP!<br />

10.1 HELP ME<br />

Flashmob in Tokyo. I'm organizing<br />

a flashmob in Tokyo because I want<br />

to propose to my girlfriend. I need<br />

volunteer dancers to help, but there's no<br />

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp<br />

need to be professional. I want something<br />

easy and funny. Between July 3 and<br />

6. davefortheflash@gmail.com http://<br />

marrymeflashmob.blogspot.com.es/<br />

+34635249611<br />

10.2 SUPPORT<br />

NEED TO TALK? We’re<br />

here to listen. TELL<br />

LIFE LINE: free<br />

English-language<br />

a n o n y m o u s<br />

counseling, daily from 9am-11pm, by<br />

trained volunteers: 03-5774-0992.<br />

TELL COUNSELING CENTER:<br />

affordable multilingual<br />

psychotherapy by accredited<br />

Western-trained professionals, a<br />

CIGNA International Provider:<br />

03-4550-1146. TELL website: www.<br />

telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook and<br />

Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.<br />

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a<br />

day, from anywhere, about anything.<br />

From emergency assistance to simple<br />

questions. Visit www.jhelp.com/ and<br />

press “help,” or call 0570-000-911. To<br />

volunteer or support, please contact<br />

team@jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com/<br />

WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE<br />

PEOPLE. Fifty years ago, West<br />

Papua should have been an<br />

independent country. Since 1969,<br />

West Papua has been invaded<br />

and the people robbed of their<br />

rights, culture and country. Help<br />

support West Papuans’ desire to<br />

be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/<br />

davidhalpern@7ymail.com<br />

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO.<br />

If you have a problem with drinking,<br />

we can help. English-speaking<br />

meetings daily. 03-3971-1471<br />

inquiries@aatokyo.org http://<br />

aatokyo.org<br />

Infertlity support group. TTC Tokyo<br />

is an infertility support group in Tokyo<br />

which provides informal opportunities<br />

for women and men experiencing<br />

infertility to connect with one another.<br />

Please visit our website for more info.<br />

www.ttctokyo.org<br />

Sober support group. I am looking<br />

to form a small sober support group<br />

in or near the Azabu area. Non-12 Step,<br />

meet on weekends. Just to share and<br />

support. Interested? Please reply. wide_<br />

ide7@yahoo.com<br />

12 SOCIAL SCENE<br />

12.1 LET'S PARTY<br />

JAPAN INTERNATIONAL<br />

PARTY - EARLY SUMMER<br />

SPECIAL. Sat, June 22, 6:30-<br />

9pm, Devi Fusion (Roppongi).<br />

Japan's biggest international<br />

party. 250 people expected.<br />

All-you-can-drink and free<br />

snacks. Japanese men:<br />

¥4000. Others: ¥3000.<br />

Mobile: getyourfriend.<br />

com/mobile/ jiparty@<br />

hotmail.com 090-1735-5405<br />

www.getyourfriend.com/<br />

JOIN THE BIGGEST,<br />

BEST, MOST POPULAR<br />

INTERNATIONAL PARTY!<br />

Great people, drinks and food!<br />

Meet new friends and party<br />

with nice people in a friendly<br />

atmosphere. Events in Tokyo<br />

(Ginza, Azabu Roppongi)<br />

and Osaka. ¥1500-¥2000.<br />

http://gaitomo.com/<br />

info@gaitomo.com<br />

INTERNATIONAL PARTY<br />

@ LEAFCUP. Come join us<br />

and have fun. Men ¥3000.<br />

Foreigners/women ¥2000.<br />

All-you-can-drink-and-eat.<br />

Shibuya and Omiya: June<br />

8 and 22. Iidabashi and<br />

Yokohama: June 15 and<br />

July 6. For more info: www.<br />

leafparty.com<br />

TO ADVERTISE I N<br />

METROPOLIS, log on at<br />

www.metropolis.co.jp/<br />

classifieds.<br />

MY TOKYO PARTY: JUNE<br />

PARTIES. Come make new<br />

friends and have a good time<br />

with our friendly parties.<br />

Our next parties are June<br />

8 and 29. Two hours and 30<br />

minutes of all-you-can-drink<br />

¥2000. Check out our videos<br />

on YouTube (mytokyoparty),<br />

and our website. contact@<br />

mytokyoparty.com http://<br />

www.mytokyoparty.com<br />

ROME INTERNATIONAL<br />

CAFE. A relaxed space<br />

in Shibuya to chat with<br />

creative people regardless<br />

of nationality! International<br />

parties of 40-50 people,<br />

keeping a friendly<br />

atmosphere. Sat, June<br />

22, 7pm, w/one drink and<br />

snacks ¥1500. http://cafe.<br />

rome.or.jp s-go@rome.or.jp<br />

03-4513-8606<br />

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS<br />

13.1 SPORTS<br />

A MERICAN FOOTBALL.<br />

Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league<br />

Central Division, seeks fit<br />

players w/ US college football<br />

experience for all positions.<br />

Practice every Sat/Sun<br />

from 10am-3pm (including<br />

meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama<br />

(time & venue subject to<br />

change). Attendance at<br />

practice must be over 60%.<br />

Please contact for tryout info<br />

and send your profile to team<br />

admin. bullsxleague@gmail.<br />

com http://www.unisys.co.jp/<br />

football/


♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck<br />

ARIES<br />

March 20, 21 - April 19, 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />

Communication is everything and you<br />

are the master—riding the fastest steed<br />

down halls of shiniest marble, surrounded<br />

by applause and possible interrogation.<br />

Ruler Mars rushes you through the audience as<br />

the Sun beams. Your feelings are involved but you<br />

don’t have time to stop and analyze. Jupiter will<br />

enlarge the rumors, Dark Moon Lilith will bring up<br />

envy, and Pallas Athene will save the day. Whew!<br />

GEMINI<br />

May 21, 22~June 20, 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />

What seemed risky last week seems<br />

placid compared to what’s happening<br />

now. How does it feel to be on the fast<br />

track of your own personal ascension? No matter<br />

how fast you move, you could always move faster.<br />

So why not slow down and let the world pass you<br />

by (for a few hours)? What’s important will find<br />

you. Mars, the Moon, Pallas Athene, the Sun,<br />

Jupiter and Dark Moon Lilith vie for space in your<br />

sign. How much can a Gemini take?<br />

LEO<br />

July 23, 24~Aug 22, 23 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣<br />

When did life become so peaceful and<br />

quiet? Oh, it didn’t? The inner workings<br />

of spiritual expansion translates to nervous<br />

systems on alert. This includes a reflection<br />

in the outer world, which has been gaining speed<br />

since the (third) Pluto-Uranus square this May.<br />

A new depth is now available to you. Venus and<br />

Mercury whisper to suggest you take yourself to a<br />

quiet venue, one with beauty and serenity.<br />

LIBRA<br />

Sep 23, 24~Oct 22, 23 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣<br />

Things are flowing at warp speed<br />

for you! Libra is opposite hi-res Aries<br />

currently moving through a jungle<br />

of light and lasers. Thoughts are able<br />

to bend around impossible odds and ends of the<br />

past. Building new structures may not be your<br />

favorite activity, but if it’s beautiful and involves<br />

tea and romance, might you be willing to get on<br />

board? Your public standing begins to grow as it<br />

stays in balance.<br />

SAGITTARIUS<br />

Nov 22, 23~Dec 21, 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣<br />

If only the Centaur could run, galloping<br />

away from the knowledge and wisdom<br />

you have. However, Sagittarius is a<br />

visionary sign, and with that comes the<br />

responsibility of seeing things before others do.<br />

Whether there is someone in your life or not, the<br />

celestial energies are packed with opportunities<br />

in your sectors of both marriage and shared experiences.<br />

Ever more it becomes true—the present is<br />

all that is. Act now.<br />

AQUARIUS<br />

TAURUS<br />

Apr 20, 21~May 20, 21 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣<br />

Venus has joined Mercury. If you’ve<br />

been following the clues, you have a<br />

good idea of where you stand with cuddly-cozy<br />

or not-so-available connections. Either<br />

way, you’re busy making money or dealing with<br />

“things” so you’re already feeling full. Time out to<br />

enjoy the space between the bars would be nice,<br />

but Mars pushes you to accept financial opportunities.<br />

You may as well plan to rest another time.<br />

CANCER<br />

June 21, 22~July 22, 23 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣<br />

You’re sweet and sensitive, and you’d<br />

just love to find a way to make our<br />

world a calm, compassionate place.<br />

There is hope this week, as Venus and Mercury<br />

in Cancer help you express just the right soothing<br />

words or slip into a favorite place of beauty. At the<br />

same time, Ceres and Vesta in your sign make sure<br />

you are fed, and filled with wisdom. You’ll create<br />

a reality you can happily inhabit and may find<br />

someone to share your crab shell with.<br />

VIRGO<br />

Aug 23, 24~Sep 22, 23 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />

You can’t undo what has happened,<br />

but the universe might just, if you need<br />

to get out of a jam this week. While<br />

karma and accelerated ascension pops from<br />

every corner on our planet, you have the benefit<br />

of Venus and Mercury in your friendship sector.<br />

This translates as caring, compassion and a soothing<br />

stream of understanding that has previously<br />

been on hold. Eat your cake.<br />

SCORPIO<br />

Oct 23, 24~Nov 21, 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />

There’s a lovely, benefic trine between<br />

your sign and the sign of Cancer this<br />

week. While you are still in the straits of<br />

Saturn retrograde, your solar ninth house<br />

of long distance connections has lined up Venus<br />

and Mercury to bring you out of your Saturnine<br />

funk. If you were in one. Vesta and Ceres are there<br />

too in case you just want to chill out and watch the<br />

world go by, steeped in your wisdom of human<br />

nature, knowing that change can be a good thing.<br />

CAPRICORN<br />

Dec 22, 23~Jan 19, 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />

PISCES<br />

Jan 20, 21~Feb 18, 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ Feb 19, 20~Mar 20, 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣<br />

Funny thing. You can’t stop someone<br />

from their destiny. You may think you<br />

are saving them from hurt, protecting<br />

them in some way. But really there’s a<br />

larger picture of which you are a part, just as they<br />

are. The celestial stars can see who their biggest<br />

competition is here on earth. Your path just<br />

opened up. Feeling your way through it, let love in.<br />

Romance too. Even if your schedule is already full.<br />

There is love on the horizon and in<br />

your seventh house of partnership.<br />

What are you going to do? As you watch<br />

your priorities move and shift, check<br />

what you resonate with (and what you don’t). Neptune<br />

has moved retrograde and this is a celestial<br />

chance to express more of who you are, even if it<br />

feels unfamiliar. Your depths are merging with the<br />

surface as you bring what is needed to get through<br />

the week. Your intuition is gentle but strong.<br />

About being fluid—it brings you great<br />

strength. Pisces is known for being a<br />

slippery fish, but lately you’ve been so<br />

intrigued that your shyness has been<br />

swept aside. From the deep well of cosmic stories,<br />

yours is being drawn to the surface. Being in tune<br />

with what’s around you, you can’t help but open<br />

to the sounds of life. Changes at home bring a light<br />

rearrangement, as you get ready for a great love.<br />

BY CATHRYN MOE Horoscope<br />

Room 806 - Roppongi<br />

Hair Salon, Fades,<br />

Relaxers & Braids<br />

Tel: 03-5545-4325<br />

4/You 2 - Hiroo<br />

Massage & Waxing (ladies only)<br />

Tel:03-3443-2279<br />

Sakura Total<br />

Beauty Salon - Yokosuka<br />

Relaxers, Shellack gel,<br />

Waxing & Fades<br />

Tel/Fax 046-826-2218<br />

www.theroom806.com<br />

since 1998<br />

#<strong>1002</strong> • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29

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