Metropolis-10411

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#1041 Mar 7~20, 2014
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INSIDE
#1041
MAR 7-20 , 2014
06 FEATURE
THE HALF-
LIFE OF ANTI-
NUCLEAR
PROTEST
By Cal Widdall
03 THE SMALL PRINT
04 UPFRONT
05 GLOBAL VILLAGE
09 CLINIC SPECIAL
12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
14 AGENDA & LISTINGS
20 MOVIES
23 DINING OUT
29 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS
33 HOROSCOPE
34 LAST WORD
COVER DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI, ILLUSTRATION: © 281_ANTI NUKE
(HTTP://WWW.281ANTINUKE.COM)
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The Small Print
By Steve Trautlein
“
I SHOULD’VE LEARNED
GERMAN”
—Haru Kuroki, on accepting the best actress award last
month at the Berlin International Film Festival for her
role in Chiisai Ouchi (The Little House)
STRANGE DAYS
ćć
A comedy duo named Nosei-mahi Burazazu—literally,
“cerebral palsy brothers”—is making a
name for itself by “playing on public perceptions
about people with disabilities.”
ćć
A total of 24,000 commuters were delayed last
month when a conductor on a Ginza line train
walked off the job because of a stomachache.
ćć
Rescue workers from Japan Airlines and the
Tokyo Fire Department staged a drill “based on a
scenario that a JAL passenger flight has made an
emergency landing in Tokyo Bay.”
ćć
Officials at a fisheries cooperative in Miyagi have
opened an online shop selling cultured oysters
harvested by local fishermen.
MILESTONES
ćć
Katsusuke Meguro, who served as the chamberlain
for Emperor Akihito for 48 years, announced
his retirement at the age of 71.
ćć
Staff at Inokashira Park Zoo offered a special treat
to Hanako—Japan’s oldest elephant—on the occasion
of her 67th birthday: sliced bread topped
with anko (bean-jam buns).
ćć
A publisher in Seoul has launched a bimonthly
journal called Boon, which is described as “the
first comprehensive South Korean magazine on
Japanese culture.”
ćć
Headline of the Week: “Japanese Woman With
Unusual Name Celebrates 100th Birthday” (via Japan
Today)
BY THE NUMBERS
CAMILLE PERRY
ćć
Researchers have determined that the March 11,
2011 earthquake triggered ground liquefaction in
9,678 areas of 13 prefectures.
ćć
Officials at Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance
Co admitted that they withheld auto insurance
payments from 120,000 customers who had
failed to file a claim.
ćć
An animal welfare center in Fukuoka city was
forced to take in 60 housecats after their owner—
a male resident in his 30s—suddenly fell ill.
ćć
Authorities at the health ministry say that 325,000
people in Japan are working while undergoing
cancer treatment.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ćć
According to officials at the foreign ministry, a
total of 107 Japanese nationals have been killed
overseas during the past five years.
ćć
In response to crimes committed against its
citizens abroad, the government is considering
establishing a system of “sympathy funds” for
bereaved family members.
ćć
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the president of
the Marshall Islands agreed to cooperate on fishing
and disaster-reduction efforts.
ćć
The Japan Cultural Institute in France held an
exhibition detailing exchanges between the two
countries related to silkworm farming in the
19th century.
TECH TALK
ćć
Arakawa-ku will become the first municipality in
Japan to provide tablet computers to all students
in its elementary and junior high schools.
ćć
An IT officer at Fujitsu who was responsible for
maintaining ATMs for the Bank of Yokohama
was arrested on suspicion of tapping into more
than 50 private bank accounts and stealing ¥24
million.
ćć
Officials at something called the Foundation
for Promoting Personal Mobility and Ecological
Transportation say that 290,000 people around the
country are enrolled in car-share programs—a
four-fold rise from two years ago.
ćć
Chuo Electric Co. is getting ready to fire up a geothermal
energy plant in Kumamoto. It will be
first such facility to open in Japan in 15 years.
42.1
Percent of respondents to a news-service poll who
say they would like to see the consumption-tax hike
deferred “for the time being”
1,081
Convenience stores operated in China by FamilyMart
Co. as of the end of January
$425 million
Criminal fine imposed on Tokyo-based Bridgestone
Corp in a price-fixing case involving “anti-vibration
rubber parts” in tires
COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03

Upfront
A M
A
ask Metropolis
anything
Dear AMA,
I picked up a sexy girl at a club a few weeks ago, but in the
heat of the moment decided against spending the extra
¥1,000 for a pack of condoms on the way to the hotel.
Now I’m worried that I may have caught something—and
it wasn't the first train home. Is there any way I can get
tested anonymously? I don’t want my girlfriend or boss
to find out about my extra-curricular activities.
—Oops I Did It Again
Dear Oops I Did It Again, we passed your query on to
the good folks at TELL (formerly Tokyo English Life
Line). Here's what they had to say...
"Finding out about services in Japan when you don't
speak the language can be extremely challenging
and frustrating. There are a number of clincs available
for confidential and anonymous STD and HIV
testing, but these vary depending on where you live
in Japan. The TELL Lifeline (formerly Tokyo English
Life Line) can help you find what testing center
is available in your area, its hours of operation and
procedures involved. Wiki-tell, accessible via the
TELL website, is another option and provides a list of
services and organizations available Japan-wide for
the international community. The Japan HIV center
also has an English hotline 03-5259-0256 that is available
on Saturday from noon to 3pm.
However, if you have any questions about the
testing procedures in Japan for HIV/AIDS, such as
the window period for getting an accurate result, the
phone counselors at TELL Lifeline are all trained in
this topic. Typically you will need to wait 90 days
from the last time you had unprotected sex before
you can get an accurate HIV/AIDs test, but you can
get tested for other STDs in the mean time, and thinking
about safe sex options during this time will be
important."
Answer courtesy of TELL. If you need to talk, they're
here to listen. Call the TELL Lifeline at 03 5774-0992
from 9am-11pm, 365 days a year or visit their website
at www.telljp.com.
If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life
in Tokyo, send your questions to askanything@
metropolis.co.jp and we’ll find the most
appropriate people to answer your queries.
pollen protector
spring skin
Hayfever season is in full
swing and your nose and eyes
feel like they are on fire. But
aren't you getting bored with
those ordinary white surgical
masks? Here to help set you
apart is Pico Mask (¥680), an
online store offering fashionable
alternatives. Not only are
they available in floral, polka
dot and black lace patterns,
but also—since they're made
out of cotton—they are soft,
warm and can be washed and
reused. Aside from their ecofriendliness,
the maker claims that they cut 100 percent of UV rays, 99 percent of
pollen and 87 percent of viruses. The adjustable straps make them suitable for faces
of any size. So rather than wear a white mask that labels you as “sick”, choose one that
makes you hip. Ai Hosokawa
www.picomask.com
Cherry blossom petals
blow through the air
like a snowstorm in the
spring. They can also
help your skin in the
season when the winter
dryness ends and
excess oil begins to be
a problem. Sakura oil
blotting paper ( ¥367
for a package of 30) are
highly absorbent sheets
for your face available in four sweet pastel colors—a single stroke can help clear
up your skin. And when summer comes and there are no more sakura to see, you
can always carry pocketful of spring with you. Taiichi Izawa
Metropolis has four sets of Sakura blotting paper to give away. To win, email giveaway@metropolis.co.jp
with “blotting paper” in the subject line and let us know
your favorite hanami spot. http://meturl.com/sakurapaper
L’operaio is the largest speciality pre-owned luxury car dealership
in Tokyo. Each sale is backed by our outstanding customer
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Always 350 or more imported cars.
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04 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Global Village
THREE YEARS ON
Donate your time, money and talent to Tohoku
By Lisa Wallin
COURTESY OF ROBERT WILLIAMS
CYCLING FOR
CHANGE
Many honorable volunteers have come
together for projects both big and small to
help the people of Tohoku on the road to
recovery following the March 2011 disaster. Some
unlikely heroes emerged last year when a group of
expat businessmen cycled 320 kilometers over twoand-a-half
days to Tohoku to raise funds for the Save
Minamisoma Project.
This year, the self-styled Knights in White Lycra
are making a second tour in a bid to raise funds for
Ortiz Global Academy for Aid (OGA), an NPO founded
by international kindergarten Ortiz Global Academy
that does work in Minamisanriku. The destination is
further up the coast, meaning 465 kilometers over
four days. “We wanted to challenge ourselves more,”
says organizer Robert Williams. “It is a way to encourage
people to sponsor us yet again this year”.
The group started under the moniker Tokyo Brits,
since the 2013 ride—by coincidence rather than
design—was made of up ten British riders. After the
group expanded to include Japanese, Americans
and Aussies, the name no longer fit and a Moody
Blues song during a karaoke session inspired the new
nickname.
On May 15, the 21-strong group will meet in
Tokyo, put down their beers, don their lycra shorts
and head off for Tohoku, where they will be greeted
by the residents of Minamisanriku. The goal of this
trek is to raise ¥5 million toward the construction of
vegetable processing factory to provide a sustainable
future for the people in the region.
The group is accepting donations through the
OGA for Aid website. They are also planning a fundraising
dinner at the Conrad Hotel on April 25. The
mayor of Minamisanriku will attend and Williams
reports that the team “may appear in lycra shorts and
dinner jackets to sing to the crowd.”
www.ogaforaid.org/en/kiwl.html
PHOTO: ALLISON KWISELL
PHOTO: BRIAN SCOTT PETERSON
PHOTO: 123RF/ WHITETAG
RECORDING
RECOVERY
In the wake of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and
tsunami in in Japan, Brian Scott Peterson and Yuko
Yoshikawa started a volunteer photo project to help
survivors replace family photo albums that had been
lost in the catastrophe. Using instant film, they were able
to take and hand photos directly to their subject, giving
them a sense of security in uncertain times. Nearly three
years later, Photohoku is still going strong, having made
over 30 visits to affected regions. Over 100 photographers
from around the world have taken around 7,000
shots for 700 new photo albums for Tohoku families.
PHOTO: TOMIO YAMAZAKI
To find out how you can get involved, visitphotohoku.
org and facebook.com/photohoku
REMEMBERANCE 3/11
OGA for Aid invites you to an evening boat
cruise on the Sumida River to mark the third
anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
You’ll be in a traditional Yakatabune boat
and enjoy an all-you-can eat and drink dinner party.
Guides will recount fascinating tales from Edo-Japan
and OGA will discuss what’s been done in Tohoku
since 2011 and their recovery plans for 2014, helping
thousands of people rebuild their lives.
March 11, 6:30-9pm, ¥18,000.
Email angela@ogaforaid.org for reservations
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05

Feature
THE HALF-LIFE OF
PHOTO BY KOHJI SHIIKI
ANTI-NUCLEAR
PROTEST
As public outcry
subsides, voices
both for and
against nuclear
energy rises
By Cal Widdall
with translation by
Louise Rouse
March 11 will mark three years
since the earthquake and
tsunami that devastated the
northeast coast of Japan and
caused the second largest nuclear
incident in history. No matter how many times the
statistics of human loss are repeated, the impact
of those numbers still remains: 19,000 people left
dead or missing from the earthquake and tsunami
and over 300,000 displaced from the 12-mile evacuation
zone surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear power plant. Of those displaced, 140,000
still haven’t received satisfactory compensation,
many are forced to live in temporary settlements
or shared quarters and 1,600 have since died from
issues related to displacement. Evacuees from
Chernobyl saw their life expectancy drop from
65 to 58 years—not because of radiation but due
to issues such as depression, alcoholism and suicide—and
the immense stress of forced location is
having the same effects on those ripped from their
homes in Fukushima.
National polls taken since show that the
majority of Japanese people oppose the use of
nuclear power, and in the summer of 2012 tens of
thousands of people (some estimates as high as
200,000) took to the sweltering streets of Tokyo in
vociferous protests against the restart of two reactors.
In 2014, however, the issue no longer seems
to be the political third rail it once was. Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe has stated the importance
of nuclear power in his plans for Japan’s economy
yet continues to enjoy a high popularity rating.
And in the recent Tokyo gubernatorial election,
voters named welfare and the economy as more
important issues than nuclear power, eventually
choosing pro-nuclear candidate Yoichi Masuzoe
over nuclear opponents Kenji Utsinomiya and
Morihiro Hosakawa as their governor.
In the area surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi
plant it will be decades before crops can be
grown safely again, but in comparison with the
thirty-year half-life of the cesium that contaminates
the land, the half-life of Japan’s anti-nuclear
protest seems relatively short. Visitors to the
capital, long since reverted to its neon-drenched
default after the setsuden energy conservation
measures immediately following the triple-catastrophe,
could even be forgiven for thinking that
power is no longer a concern. The only visible consequence
of the disaster seems to be a few missing
light bulbs on each train carriage, the dying flicker
of a series of short-lived energy saving campaigns.
281_ANTI NUKE
Though life may have gone back to normal in
Tokyo, a series of reminders of the disaster have
made sporadic appearances throughout the city
in the form of artistic protest stickers. The most
prevalent depicts a girl wearing a raincoat with
the words “I hate rain” split by a nuclear symbol,
while others label Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and
TEPCO as liars, often portraying the latter’s logo
as gun barrels or an atomic bomb.
The man responsible works under the moniker
281_Antinuke. He first started in November 2011
because he felt the issue of nuclear power was
fading from the public conscience and wanted to
somehow remind everyone that “3/11 is not over.”
The Japanese government—previously notorious
PHOTO BY KOHJI SHIIKI
for its system of amakudari, wherein bureaucrats
condoned and promoted industries they were
supposed to be regulating in return for lucrative
jobs upon retirement—continues to assert that
nuclear power is the only way to revive the economy,
but 281 hopes his work will provide a catalyst
for people to question that narrative. “Even just
once. I don’t want people to give up on finding an
alternative,” he says.
Though championed as a Japanese Banksy by
international media, there’s also been significant
resistance to his activities from nationalistic Japanese
groups and at one point he received death
threats that frightened him into temporarily
shutting down his social media accounts. More
06 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

THE CASE FOR NUCLEAR
POWER IN JAPAN
By Cal Widdall
accustomed to the attention,
he now brushes off
these early incidents as
“lightweight trolling”
and admits, “At that time
I wasn’t used to it and
it took me by surprise.”
Since then he’s kept his
real identity a closelyguarded
secret and
only appears in photographs
with his hood up
and features concealed
behind a face mask,
vaguely resembling the
hazmat-suited TEPCO
employees currently
engaged in the Fukushima
clean-up. Not
even his family, who live
near Fukushima, know
of his alternate persona.
Right now, 281 confesses
that he’s “obviously failing” in his goal to
keep the issue alive, and he’s currently searching
for legal ways to get his work seen by more
people. But for anybody who wishes to resist the
government’s nuclear energy policies his advice
was clear: “It’s important to debate this issue with
many people, and more than anything, I think it’s
vital we don’t forget. Of course we should all try
PHOTO BY KOHJI SHIIKI
to save energy, but also when you go to the supermarket
and choose what kind of vegetables and
meat to buy, which producers to buy it from, those
kinds of things are also outward signs of your
intentions and can mobilize society.”
The power of demonstrations is also something
he has faith in, having attended them in Tokyo
countless times.
Though polls show that the majority of the Japanese
public oppose nuclear power, proponents
argue that the voice of dissent is fuelled largely
by misinformation, and the lethargy which seems to
have gradually seized Japan’s anti-nuclear movement is
actually a remission of emotionally-charged irrational
reasoning.
The Fukushima disaster
provided a tragic demonstration
of the dangers of
nuclear power, but Bruno
Comby, founder of Environmentalists
for Nuclear
Energy, believes the
outcome should be considered
from a different
perspective. “The fact that
Bruno Comby
even in an extraordinary
and very rare event such
as the giant natural tsunami which struck Fukushima
no one has died from radiation, illustrates
how safe nuclear energy is.” He adds that the nuclear
industry’s safety culture has been enhanced by the
disaster, so even if a Japanese nuclear power plant
once again faced a giant tsunami they would be better
defended and prepared, leading to less extreme
consequences.
It also must be said that no easy alternatives
currently exist. Japan’s increased dependency
on imported fossil fuels during the three years
“offline” have not been without their own - less
visible - consequences, which will persist until the
reactors are restarted. Besides the scrapping of
Kyoto protocol targets and an estimated cost of 30
billion dollars per year, the atmospheric emissions
routinely released by coal and oil contain carcinogens
and substances that contribute to respiratory
illness and heart disease. According to David Hess,
a nuclear analyst at the World Nuclear Association
(WNA), “While seldom mentioned, the health and
environmental impacts associated with burning
fossil fuels so outstrip that of nuclear energy that it
beggars belief.” He points toward a 2013 scientific
study that estimated a total of 160,000 early mortalities
had been prevented by the use of nuclear
power in Japan. “Put simply, nuclear power has
saved many Japanese lives.”
Hess proposes that
renewable energy sources
and energy conservation
should be used to complement
nuclear power, but
dismisses the idea that
they could supplant it in an
industrialised nation with
a population density as
high as Japan. He says it’s
David Hess
understandable that many
amongst the Japanese public
have been greatly upset by the nuclear accident
and would like to see its immediate abandonment,
but reiterates his position. “The Japanese people will
have to accept the fact that there is a limit to what
renewables can realistically expect to achieve. The
country needs its nuclear reactors.”
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 07

Feature
SIDEBAR 1
[IMAGE: Anti-nuclear demonstration]
Info for the third year anniversary
demonstration
L-R: Setsuo Fujiwara, Taichi Wasakiyo and Michiko Saito
TENT
At the crossroads outside the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry (METI) building in
Kasumigaseki three large tents draped in antinuclear
slogans are blocked off from the road by
waist-high signs reading: “State-owned land. With
the exception of authorized persons, entrance is
forbidden.” Placed in front of the signs are an array
of colourful potted plants and three cinder blocks
in order for people to easily step over the barriers.
The tents have been a focal point for the protests
since they were first erected in September 2011.
During a protest marking six months since
the earthquake, four young students on a hunger
strike and a group of men in their 60s and 70s
chose the spot for two reasons: proximity to the
ministry responsible for the reactor restarts and
distance from any police headquarters. Over time
it’s evolved into a conglomerate of several groups
with a monthly organizational meeting and an
established chain of command during emergencies.
Their two goals are to prevent the restart of
nuclear reactors and to assist those affected by the
disaster in receiving adequate compensation.
Inside the 20-square-meter main tent a dozen
seats surround a small table and shelving units
overflowing with books and plastic boxes line the
two sides. A curtain separates an area at the back
where, during the night, two six-hour sleeping
shifts are taken from 9pm to 3am and 3am to 9am.
Each night half of the group “on duty” sleep while
the other half keep watch. Summer nights are
unbearably hot and humid, while the winter brings
chilling winds that beat emphatically against the
outside of the tent and sweep through the gaps in
the entrance. A sliding wooden door installed in
January has improved insulation, but the temperature
remains only marginally warmer than outside.
Thick communal clothing, jokingly referred to as
“share wear,” helps keep the group warm.
One man who is seemingly unaffected by
the cold is Masahide Kimura, who strolled in
from the snowy outdoors wearing a pair of traditional
wooden Japanese sandals on the night
Metropolis visited the tent. A couple of group
members introduced him as a leader but he dismissed
the notion with a good-natured smile and
insisted on equality. He was returning from the
fifth oral proceeding regarding a lawsuit filed
by METI and his high spirits were juxtaposed by
their lawyer who took a seat in the corner, looking
preoccupied. If they lose, the tent will be
removed and Taro Fuchigami and Taichi Masakiyo
(two defendants selected simply because
they signed a letter from the group to the ministry)
will be charged rental for the land the tents
RESOURCES
ANTI-NUCLEAR ORGANIZATIONS
Metropolitan Coalition Against Nukes
Organizes peaceful marches, including the No Nukes
Day United Action Against Nuclear Power on Mar 9
http://coalitionagainstnukes.jp
Anti Nuclear Funabashi
Holds meetings in Chiba
http://funabasi.jimdo.com
Goodbye Nukes 10 Million People Action
Working to collect 10 million signatures
http://sayonara-nukes.org
Anti-Nuclear Nakano Mo
Holds parades, demos and meetings
www.mcri21.com/nakanomo
Citizens’ Nuclear Information Center
NPO aiming for a society that does not rely on
nuclear power
www.cnic.jp
No Nukes Plaza
Daily meetings and demonstrations in Tokyo
www.tanpoposya.net/main/index.php?id=202
Association of Fukushima’s Nuclear Power Owl
Based in Tokyo, aiming for a non-nuclear society
http://fukurou.txt-nifty.com
No Nukes Ibaraki
Network bringing anti-nuclear people together
http://nonukes-ibaraki.seesaa.net
PRO-NUCLEAR ORGANIZATIONS
Japan Technology Nuclear Institute
Supporting safe use of nuclear power
www.gengikyo.jp/english/index.html
World Nuclear Association
International organization promoting nuclear energy
www.world-nuclear.org
Environmentalists For Nuclear
International non-profit organization promoting
nuclear energy
www.ecolo.org
are occupying, land which they insist is public
space. When the suit was first filed the amount
was ¥11 million. It currently stands at ¥15 million
and will continue to rise until the matter is
settled, though their lawyer doesn’t expect that
will be until next year. Regardless of the result,
they consider the lawsuit a success in that METI
was finally forced to acknowledge them.
Over 4,000 people nationwide are involved
with the tent in some way, but the core group that
PHOTO BY CAL WIDDALL
Group members Taichi Masakiyo and Yuki Hashimoto
maintains it has diminished to less than 30 and
it’s sometimes difficult for them to cover the weekday
“shifts.” In the time passed since the disaster,
many have reluctantly gone back to their regular
lives and jobs, others have had to deal with illness
or worse. In one corner of the room is a framed
photograph of a member who died of karoshi,
or death from overwork and mental stress. “He
worked too hard,” one of the group explained
before another added, “And drank too much.”
Setsuo Fujiwara, 64, says that returning to work
isn’t a problem for him, as he has no job to go back
to. Four years ago, he was working as a nuclear
safety inspector and was ordered to cover up his
poor evaluation of a power plant in Hokkaido. He
refused and became a whistleblower, eventually
leading to a termination which was later deemed
unlawful. 88-year-old Michiko Saito, who regularly
takes shifts at the tent in a “no nukes” sweater
and a hat bearing the group’s Japanese characters,
was also an anti-nuclear power activist before the
disaster. Her first protest was over 40 years ago, at
a time when she says there were around 250 other
individual activists but no organisation to unite
them. Just a few hundred yards from where the tent
stands today, she turned up at the gates of the ministry
with two friends only to be laughed at and told,
“Come back when you have more people.”
Over the past few years she’s done exactly that,
often returning with the thousands of other protesters
that gather around the ministry and Diet
building every Friday. To mark the disaster’s third
anniversary, a large-scale demonstration in Tokyo
has been scheduled for March 9. Perhaps its attendance
will give a clearer picture of whether the
capital really has forgotten the events of 2011.
08 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Clinics & Medicine
Promotional Special
AKAI MEDICAL CLINIC
Aoyama & Yokohama
Although some cosmetic and skin clinics in Tokyo may have English-speaking staff, there are few doctors in
the city as experienced at treating multitudes of international clients using the latest equipment approved
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surgeon and Dr. Keiko Akai is a board-certified plastic surgeon and dermatologist. Their clinics offer cosmetic
surgery as well as non-surgical treatments using up-to-the-minute tools and techniques. Akai Clinic will help you
welcome spring with a renewed appearance from nose tip plasty, eye bag reduction or skin rejuvenation (including
skin tightening, complexion and acne scar treatments). The clinics also offers laser-lipo, liposuction and cellulite
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AZABU SKIN CLINIC
Ebisu
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Spring is on the way and it’s time to gear up for a busy and active social season, one that includes more mingling
at events like cherry blossom parties. It’s time to try Azabu Skin Clinic’s various programs. The clinic
combines the popular Thermal Cool CPT or Titan treatments with a powerful laser lift for results that
will improve sagginess in your eyes and face and exceed your expectations. Noticed some thinning hair after
turning another year older? Why not try AGA genetic testing and dual oral and external treatments. For women
concerned about fatigue, restlessness and low energy when reaching the age of perimenopause or menopause,
a blood test to check hormone levels can be followed up with a custom treatment using bio-identical hormones
to boost health, energy, beauty and immunity. Visit the clinic's website for more details on the many beauty
options available.
7F Hagiwara 1 Bldg, 1-3-1, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
0120-005-327 (clinic), 0120-890-992
(medical spa)
info@azabu-skinclinic.com
Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun 10am-7pm, Wed
11am-8pm
Ebisu
www.azabu-skinclinic.com
FUREAINO-OKA DENTAL CLINIC
Yokohama
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFERS
▶▶
Discounts available until April 30
▶▶
Check up and consultation:
¥5,000
▶▶
Teeth cleaning: ¥10,000
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Home whitening: ¥20,000 (reg ¥40,000)
▶▶
Office whitening: ¥45,000 (reg ¥60,000)
Fureaino-oka Dental Clinic is ready to provide dental care for patients from across the globe in a relaxing
atmosphere. Prior to opening, clinic director Dr. Akiniwa completed the UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry
Residency program. Now based in Yokohama, he applies his knowledge and experience to provide
the community with dental care at the highest international standards available. The attention to high standards
starts with the waiting room, which is styled like a boutique to help visitors feel at ease. Consultations can be done
in English, so you can explain your problems and concerns before treatment starts. The clinic is fully equipped to
provide a wide range of care, including general dentistry, implants, cleaning, orthodontics and cosmetic restoration.
Japanese National Health Insurance and private foreign insurance are accepted. Dr. Akiniwa looks forward
to seeing you and hopes to serve as your family dentist.
8-10 Kusugaya, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama
045-949-6474
Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 2:30pm-7pm, closed
Sun & hols
Tsuzuki-Fureainooka
http://fureainooka.net/en/
#1041 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 09

Clinics & Medicine
Tokyo’s top clinics offer treatment using state-of the art equipment and bilingual consultations.
MAPLE ORTHODONTIC CLINIC
Ningyocho
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
▶▶
5% off orthodontic treatment for
Metropolis readers
Straightening teeth is a great way to improve smiles and self esteem. For best results, it’s never too early
to find a good orthodontist for the kids—like Nihonbashi’s Maple Clinic. Maple’s Dr. George Yamaguchi, a
graduate of Hokkaido University School of Dental Medicine, was born in LA and lived in Toronto (hence
the maple emblem). He welcomes foreign clientele and their families to his beautifully designed and friendly
office. Maple Clinic specializes in low-cost, high-quality whitening and esthetic dental services with a free consultation
and examination for first-time patients. If your family started treatment overseas, Dr. Yamaguchi can
continue it seamlessly at his clinic. He believes everyone should have access to orthodontic treatment, so Maple
Clinic provides world-class treatment in a state-of-the-art facility at a reasonable price.
1F Kobayashi Yoko Bldg, 1-15-7 Kakigara-cho,
Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
0120-199-053
Open Tue-Fri noon-3pm & 4-8pm, Sat-Sun
10am-1pm & 2:30-6:30pm, closed Mon
Suitengumae
www.maple-ortho.com
PLAZA CLINIC
Hiroo
SPECIAL OFFER
WEBSITE
▶▶
50% off laser hair removal (one
time offer, restrictions apply) plus
a free book, New You With Botox
Sring is a time to rejuvenate yourself and Plaza Clinic, conveniently located near Hiroo Crossing, is just the place
to help revitalize your look this year. Dr. Robert Kure, former chief resident in plastic surgery at UCLA, is the only
Japanese surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As the head surgeon of Plaza Clinic, he
strives to provide the very best in modern cosmetic care using Botox and state-of the-art equipment to treat wrinkles,
hyperhidrosis in the hands and migraine headaches. He reduces lines using Restylane and Juvederm and removes
blemishes with the Retin-A and Obagi systems. Plaza also offers face lifts, liposuction, laser tattoo and freckle removal
as well as double eyelid procedures. They offer English consultations and foreign insurance can be used for certain
reconstructive and dermatological procedures. Once you’ve been to Plaza, they’re confident you’ll return.
4F, 5-5-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
03-5475-2345
info@plazaclinic.net
Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat 9:30am-6pm
(by appointment), closed Thu & Sun
Hiroo
www.plazaclinic.net
SORRISO DENTAL CLINIC
Shinagawa
SPECIAL OFFER
WEBSITE
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Mentions Metropolis and firsttime
visitors get filler treatment
for ¥36,000 (reg ¥44,000)
SERVICES
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Esthetic dentistry (porcelain crowns & veneers)
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Teeth whitening
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A
bright white smile is beautiful to look at and can greatly improve your self-confidence. The internationally
trained specialists at Sorriso Dental Salon can improve the cosmetic look of your teeth, their
alignment and your overall visage. Dr. Yukari Ueki will perform a comprehensive examination during
your initial dental visit and then at regular check-ups. At Sorriso, they also specialize in cosmetic facial treatments
using hyaluronic acid and Botox, which can rejuvenate skin by reducing or eliminating wrinkles, raising
scar depressions, enhancing and replacing soft tissue volume loss through injections. All treatments take place
in complete privacy and in a safe, comfortable environment.
1/2F 4-21-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku
03-3443-4557
smile@belsorriso.jp
Thu-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat & Mon 10am-5pm,
Wed & Sun (reservation only), closed Tue
Shinagawa
www.belsorriso.jp
10 ● SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Whether you need a regular checkup or a cosmetic procedure, make an informed choice before you book an appointment.
TOKYO BUSINESSPERSON’S CLINIC
Chiyoda
WEBSITE
SPECIAL OFFER
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Bring this copy of Metropolis in
March and get a free melanoma
test or radiation dose check when
you receive other treatments. (Not
available for Japanese nationals)
Tokyo Businessperson’s Clinic is a unique concept in Japan—a primary care clinic especially for businesspeople
and foreign visitors. Dr. Ito is a qualified medical practitioner—both in Japan and the United
Kingdom—who consults on internal medicine, dermatology and travel pharmaceuticals. Most staff
members have experienced working overseas and are aware of the worries patients may have about medical
treatment outside their own country. Unlike other nations, Japan’s national policy is to deliver medical care
through specialists, not general practitioners. Although it is an advantage for foreign visitors to have free access
to specialists, it is often difficult even for Japanese people to know which hospital is most appropriate. This one
stop clinic solves such problems by providing knowledgeable general care.
SERVICES
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1-8-3 Kajicho, Chiyoda-ku
03-6206-4484
Mon-Thu 7am-1pm & 4pm-6pm; Fri
7am-1pm, closed Sat, Sun and hols
Kanda
http://tbp-clinic.com/
TRUST DENTAL CLINIC
Harajuku
SPECIAL OFFER
WEBSITE
▶▶
Metropolis readers get 50%
off cleaning or 20% off dental
implants until the end of April
SERVICES
▶▶
Cleaning: ¥21,000 (including x-rays)
▶▶
Implants: ¥315,000 (including ceramic crown)
▶▶
Whitening: ¥42,000 (including a home kit)
▶▶
Fillings: from ¥8400 (without Japanese health
insurance) from ¥2,600 (with Japanese health
insurance)
Sort out your lasting dental issues, or just go in for a warm-weather clean up at Trust Dental Clinic (formerly
Tokyo Adventist Dental Clinic). The institute provides dental care of the highest international standards
for the city’s international community, including sterilization techniques certified by the US Occupational
Safety & Health Administration. The clinic’s services include dental implants, oral surgery, preventive and restorative
dentistry. Dr Oikawa, a member of the American Dental Association, is licensed in the United States and has
20 years of clinical experience in hospital dentistry under his belt. His hygienists are trained overseas in the US
and the UK. They welcome consultation visits and second-opinion appointments. Japanese National Health Insurance
is accepted, so remember your insurance ID card. For private insurance, staff can help with your claim forms.
1-11-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
03-3402-1501
Mon & Wed-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm,
Tue 9:30am-1pm, closed Sun
Harajuku
www.trustdental.jp/english/
TSURUKI CLINIC
Mita
SPECIAL OFFERS
WEBSITE
▶▶
10% off all dental treatments
for patients who do not have
Japanese medical insurance
▶▶
10% discount on dental
treatments not covered by Japanese medical
insurance
Tsuruki Clinic in Mita is ready to meet the needs of Japan's international patients with an English language
telephone hotline (070-6674-8141) and a text message service connecting patients with an
English-speaking dentist. The service is just one part of the clinic’s effort to be one of the top maxillofacial
clinics in the world providing patients with the very best in modern care. The staff is made up of highly
trained and caring doctors who have been handpicked by Dr. Tsuruki. Services include general and cosmetic
dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery and cosmetic dermatology. The team at Tsuruki Clinic do everything they
can to maintain each patient’s oral health and hygiene to ensure healthy oral longevity, something that is essential
in today’s aging society.
3-2-1 Mita, Minato-ku
03-6435-0993
tsurukiclinic@willcom.com
10:30am-1pm & 2:30pm-8pm; closed Fri
& hols
Mita
www.tsuruki-mita.org
#1041 ● WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP ● 11

Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS
art
ART FAIR TOKYO
All the fun of the fair
By C.B. Liddell
Tokyo’s big “art heart” takes a mighty
beat this weekend as Tokyo Art Fair sets
up its stall once again at Tokyo International
Forum for the annual event that
brings together most of the important local galleries,
plus a few from overseas.
The three-day event, which runs over this
weekend, is guaranteed to whet the appetite of
art fans and point to some of the main trends for
the year ahead, although these might be hard to
see among all the variety. With around 100 galleries
participating, expect to be bombarded with
all kinds of art, from antiques to avant-garde,
abstract to figurative, domestic to exotic.
With international currencies—and other
reserves of value like gold and bitcoin—fluctuating
wildly, now may be the ideal time to hedge
by investing in a bit of quality art, with the added
bonus that it’ll brighten up your home. So, with
decorative and mercenary motives in mind,
here are my picks of what to seek out and haggle
over—if it hasn’t been “red-dotted” by the time you
get there!
See expos & forums listings for details.
Think Deeply About (2013) by Kazuki Takamatsu. Using countless
transparent layers of gouache, Takamatsu builds up ghostly and
ethereal images that mix elements of the cute with the macabre.
Red Fuji—Birdollies (2013) by Kenji
Shimizu. Updating nihonga for the Twitter
and anime generation, Shimizu keeps the
iconic elements from the past—Mt. Fuji
rearing up above the clouds—but gives the
old cliché a new burst of life with his “bird
dollies” and confectionary colors.
Pussy Whipped (2013) by Colin Christian.
British artist Christian’s spiritual
homeland is clearly Japan and quite
possibly the Korova Milkbar from
Clockwork Orange. His female figures
and masks, made mainly of silicone,
are replete with anime and pop cultural
references.
The Butterflies and the Splendid Girls in Mt. Fuji
(2011) by Rin Nadeshico. Nadeshico’s art walks the
surprisingly fine line between strong, independent
female imagery and otaku “pervert-fodder” bordering
on the pedophiliac.
Water on a Mannequin (2011) by
Korehiko Hino. What would an art
show be without pieces that make
you scratch your head and think,
“WTF?” Tokyo Art Fair is sure to have
its fair share of these, like this rather
disturbing masterpiece by Hino. Once
seen, it can never be unseen!
Nagi (2011) by Maako Kido.
Oil and water are said not
to mix. Don’t tell Kido, who
uses oil paints to capture the
complexities of water. Her
rippling lines also explore the
human form. David Hockney
would be impressed.
Goldfish Bowl (2013) by Miki Kariya.
Kariya’s melodic composition with
its vivid colors evokes the artistry of
Henri Matisse.
music
HOT TUNA
Vintage Cali tunesters
prepare to sizzle Japan
By Rob Schwartz
Tokyo has seen a glut of classic rock acts headed
for the city’s arenas and stadiums of late (Rolling
Stones, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan etc.), so a
long-awaited tour of intimate venues by legendary San
Francisco band Hot Tuna should make for the perfect,
understated complement.
Hot Tuna, a blues act, started in 1969 when then
super hot rock band Jefferson Airplane took a break due
to throat surgery for lead singer Grace Slick. Members
Jorma Kaukonen (guitar) and Jack Casady (bass)
wanted to keep performing together as they had
done before Jefferson Airplane. (The Airplane
formed in 1965 but the pair were childhood friends
and had cut a single, “Magic Key” together as early
as 1958.)
The Airplane was part of the San Francisco acid
rock scene that epitomized the hippie era, but when
the duo of Kaukonen and Casady formed Hot Tuna
they struck out in a blues direction, fulfilling an
early love of Kaukonen’s. “When I was younger we
just played rock ‘n roll,” he told Metropolis. “I loved
blues music but I didn’t have the insight to play it.”
Kaukonen’s attraction to the blues stemmed
from its being the antithesis of the acid-fueled fantasies
of Jefferson Airplane. “The thing that really
struck us is the subject matter had to do with truth
and reality,” he explains. “It could be good and
could be bad; it could be happy blues or sad blues,
PHOTO BY BARRY BERENSON
12 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

sports
J.LEAGUE
PREVIEW
by Dan Orlowitz
The J.League kicked off its 21st season on March
1, with fans across the country braving the late
winter chill to return to stadiums both near and
far. What can they look forward to in 2014?
WILL SANFRECCE’S THIRD
ARROW HIT THE TARGET?
Sanfrecce Hiroshima became the first team since
2008’s Kashima Antlers to defend the J.League title
when they overtook runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos
on the final day of the season. The Kanagawa side got
their revenge on New Year’s Day when they triumphed
in the Emperor’s Cup final, but Sanfrecce struck back
in the February 22 Fuji Xerox Super Cup match-up
between the two league co-founders.
With a squad that has seen few major changes
aside from the departure of national team backup
goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa (who was replaced by
the able Takuto Hayashi), few deny that Sanfrecce are
capable of winning a third straight league crown.
Both the reigning champions and Marinos, along
with Kawasaki Frontale and Cerezo Osaka, will look to
end Japan’s five-year run without an AFC Champions
League title. This year, the continental tournament’s
new format will guarantee an East vs. West match-up
in the final.
ON THE BUBBLE FOR BRAZIL
Following Japan’s March 5 game against New Zealand,
Japanese players have roughly 10 weeks to demonstrate
their worthiness to Alberto Zaccheroni as he
prepares to select his squad for this summer’s World
Cup. With over half of the 23-man roster expected to
come from European clubs, there will be stiff competition
for the remaining spots among J.League players.
Japan’s defence is possibly the biggest question mark
heading into Brazil; Maya Yoshida and Yasuyuki Konno’s
recent poor international form could open the way for
FC Tokyo captain Masato Morishige to join the squad.
Some fans are even clamoring for the return of 2010 center-back
duo Marcus Tulio Tanaka and Yuji Nakazawa.
On the attacking end, Yuya Osako’s departure for
1860 Munich will put pressure on Cerezo star Yoichiro
Kakitani, who chose to remain in Japan despite
Sanfrecce Hiroshima after winning the Fuji Xerox Super Cup
interest from European clubs, to
show that his 17-goal 2013 season
wasn’t a fluke.
STAR POWER
FROM ABROAD
While fans have become accustomed
to announcements of
Japanese players leaving for Europe, this winter was a
refreshing change of pace with two international stars
making their way to Japan.
The biggest of the two is undoubtedly Diego Forlan,
the 2010 World Cup MVP who’s won trophies with
Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and his native
Uruguay. The 34-year-old’s No. 10 jersey is already one
of Cerezo Osaka’s top-sellers and the club welcomed
unprecedented crowds to their season opener against
Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Meanwhile, the league’s efforts to expand into
Southeast Asia should see a boost from Indonesia international
Irfan Bachdim, who joined Ventforet Kofu after
a successful trial. The 23-year-old is Southeast Asia’s
most popular player and will undoubtedly provide a
spark to coach Hiroshi Jofuku’s squad.
The league will also see some international flavor
on the bench: one-time Sanfrecce player and former
Australia coach Graham Arnold will manage Vegalta
Sendai after winning the A-League championship last
WANT TO FOLLOW THE J.LEAGUE
IN ENGLISH? CHECK OUT:
• The English-language J-Talk
Podcast, updated weekly
http://jtalkpodcast.blogspot.jp/
• JapanFooty.com
www.japanfooty.com/
• The J.League community on Reddit
www.reddit.com/r/jleague/
season with Central Coast Mariners.
In the capital, Italian coach
Massimo Ficcadenti, an avowed
J.League fan who coached Samurai
Blue superstar Yuto Nagatomo
at Cesena, has taken the reins at
FC Tokyo.
SAYONARA, KOKURITSU
The legendary Tokyo National Stadium will see its final
J.League game played on May 6 before construction
of the New National Stadium begins later this year. The
venue famously hosted the J.League’s first game between
Yokohama Marinos and Verdy Kawasaki. The Emperor’s
Cup final, traditionally played at Kokuritsu on New Year’s
Day, will take place at Nissan Stadium on December 13 to
accommodate next January’s Asian Cup in Australia.
THE LONG ROAD TO RIO
In addition to 11 pro and semi-pro teams from across
Japan, the newly-formed third division known as the
J3 will include a rotating “Under-22 Selection” featuring
players eligible to participate in the 2016 Summer
Olympics. It’s an experiment that is not without its
critics, but time will tell as to whether or not it can help
Makoto Teguramori’s Japan squad improve on the
country’s fourth-place finish in London.
See sports listings for details.
PHOTO BY DAN ORLOWITZ/THIRD LENS OPEN WWW.THIRDLENSOPEN.COM/TLO
but it was about real life. It wasn’t a saccharine Tin Pan
Alley song. As a musical genre, as a type, the blues just
seemed so real to us.”
Over more than four decades, Hot Tuna has become
one of the most celebrated units to continuously perform
blues and other styles of Americana.
“Jorma,” as he’s known to committed fans, learned
his technique from blues legends like the Reverend
Gary Davis and John Lee Hooker. The band, filled
out by a posse of stellar sidemen, plays traditional
blues tracks, but like every great act, they make them
uniquely their own.
“If I’m learning or covering a song by somebody
else, I try to extract that which is intrinsic to that song,
whether it’s a lick or a rhythm,” Koukonen continues.
“I’ve never felt it necessary to form someone else’s licks.
That just wasn’t me. It’s got to be a song that speaks to
you, that you can perform with the same conviction
that the original artist did.”
Most Hot Tuna shows are animated by a host of
blues traditionals that have now become firmly associated
with the act. One can expect to hear the classic
“Hesitation Blues,” which was first released in 1916.
“It’s a great song,” Kaukonen comments. “From a
guitar player’s point of view, it’s a C blues but half of it’s
in A minor, which is anomalous for a song from that
period. In addition to the fact it’s a cool song there were
things in it that concerned young guys like myself
back at that time. ‘Can I get you or must I hesitate?’
There’s a lot of that thinking. People today, they don’t
think about what a big deal it was to have a girlfriend
with whom you might have a sexual experience, growing
up in the '50s.”
Another track one can expect to hear at the Hot
Tuna shows in Japan is “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed
and Burnin’.” “It’s a Rev. Gary Davis song—that’s one
of the first finger picking songs I learned,” Kaukonen
relates. “You know, I believe the Rev. Davis is one of
the great figures of 20th century American music. It’s
fatalistic but there is an upbeat feeling to the music that
belies the lyrical intention of the song.”
While Koukonen was here on his own last year, this
is the first time for Hot Tuna to play Japan since 1997.
Koukonen is quite excited to be back to a country with
which it turns out he has a rather interesting history.
“My father was a linguist and in WW2 he learned
Japanese,” he relates. “He was with MacArthur’s staff
and stayed at the Grand Hotel in Yokohama. He was in
Japan for a long time. When we played Yokohama the
last time, back in the ’90s, I stayed at the hotel, at the new
wing where my dad was billeted in WW2.”
Thumbs Up Yokohama, Apr 24
Club Quattro, Shibuya, Apr 25
Tokyo Women's Plaza Hall, May 3
Thumbs Up, Yokohama, May 4
See concert listings (popular) for details.
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 13

AGENDA
PAULIEN VERLACKT
OSA IMAGES
gig
NOUVELLE VAGUE
If the idea of The Clash or Billy Idol songs given
an acoustic bossa nova makeover sounds intriguing,
then pencil into your calendar an upcoming
visit by French cover band Nouvelle Vague. Formed
a decade ago by Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux,
the group’s retro jazz version of Idol’s “Dancing
with Myself” found its way into the hit show LA
Ink. The duo have become something of a phenomenon,
with numerous guest appearances by French
celebrities. Their upcoming tour sees them performing
with no less than three female vocalists.
Dan Grunebaum
French Institute of Tokyo, Mar 29 and O-Nest,
Mar 30.
PHOTO: STEFAN BREMER
st. paddy’s
I LOVE IRELAND
The first of its kind in Japan, this one-day fest is
about more than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with
a pint of Guinness—it is a chance to learn about the
Emerald Isle through its culture, sports and food.
Pubs including the Dubliners and Shannon’s will
offering fish and chips and Irish oysters. Performances
include the Trinity Dancers, lead by world
Irish dancing champ, American Tyler Schwarz,
singer Seamus Begley with Téada (pictured) and
Irish-flavored rock from Johnsons Motorcar. The
full range of activities and the St. Patrick’s Day
Parade kicking off at 1pm in nearby Harajuku are
enough to make anyone feel Irish for a day.Lisa Wallin
Yoyogi Park, Mar 16. See other events listings.
PHOTO: MASAHIKO TANIGUCHI
stage
OVO: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Canadian circus juggernaut Cirque du Soleil
may have shuttered its $100-million purposebuilt
theater at Tokyo Disneyland, but it hasn’t
given up on Japan. Founder Guy Laliberte and
his merry band of acrobats’ latest show is a take
on the teeming, high-energy insect world, and
it’s at a big top in Odaiba through mid-May.
Expect unconventional renderings of conventional
circus routines like the flying trapeze,
as well as new segments tying into the insects
theme, such as “crickets” on a “power track” and
foot juggling. DG
Odaiba Big Top, through May 11. See stage listings
for details.
opera
DIE TOTE STADT
Finnish National Opera
Die Tote Stadt
The history of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s opera
(German for “the dead city”) is almost as tumultuous
as the life of its composer. Korngold was just 23
years old in 1920 when German theater launched
a bidding war in an effort to secure its premiere. It
was a hit, but he fled Austria in the face of mounting
anti-Semitism. Later, the Nazis declared all his
works verboten. The fact that he found work in Hollywood
got him ostracized by the classical music
world and he died in relative obscurity in 1957. His
work has since been reappraised, recorded and
performed, but the opera that made his reputation
is rarely staged due to challenging tenor and
soprano roles. This production sees Torsten Kerl
and Meagan Miller tackle the leads. Kevin Mcgue
Mar 12-24, New National Theatre, Tokyo. See
stage listings for details.
Vol au Vent.
Polychromed
wood, paper
and bamboo,
59x40x80cm
exhibition
exhibition
MAURICE MONTERO
Maurice Montero is a man obsessed with flight.
The French-Ecuadorian artist is renowned for his
intricate and kinetic sculptures of wood, bamboo
and paper depicting man’s attempt to conquer aviation.
Most of his smaller works are held in private
collections globally. Reminiscent of antique toys
with their distinct finish of soft, neutral colors; his
meticulous carvings are engineered to come alive
with rotating gears and wheels that move in sync
with his wooden character’s joints. The works—
and their graceful, delicate movements—are on
display at the Cervantes Institute in Chiyoda for
two weeks only before moving to Gallery Seiho in
Ginza for another week. Jeff W. Richards
Cervantes Institute, Mar 14-Apr 2; Gallery
Seiho Apr 3-11. See exhibition listings for
details.
festival
FIRE WALK
Established in 744 as a base for Buddhism
in eastern Japan, Yakuoin Yukiji is nestled in
the forests of Mt. Takao. The sheltered position
saved it from being burned down in the civil war
period, and today two of its main annual events
involve fire. Falling on March 9 this year, the
saito goma-ku purification ritual begins when a
great bonfire is lit with sticks that worshippers
have rubbed over their bodies. Later, Shugendo
monks chant and walk barefoot across the smoldering
ashes sacred fire. Members of the public
can participate once the fire has been put out.
Just bring a towel to wipe off the soot. May be
cancelled if there is snow on the ground. Lisa
Wallin
March 9, Yakuoin Yujiki. See festival listings
for details.
14 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Listings
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS
Concerts
POPULAR
Holiday of March
Pop-funk hipsters Bradio,
Holidays of Seventeen and
others. Mar 7, 6:30pm, ¥1,700
(adv)/ ¥2,300 (door) +1d. Star
Lounge. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
http://eplus.jp
Zeppet Store
Alt rock with X Japan
influences. Mar 7, 7pm, ¥5,000
(adv)/ ¥5,500 (door) +1d.
Shibuya Club Quattro. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 050-5533-
0888. www.club-quattro.com
11th Anniversary Live:
MRF
Punk bands Hawaiian 6,
Dustbox and Shank. Mar 9,
3pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Studio
Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
studio-coast.com/info/11th
Mo'some Tonebender
J-rockers extraordinare. Mar
9, 6pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000
(door) +1d. Shibuya Club
Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.
club-quattro.com
Rayflower
J-rock band made up of
ex-L'Arc-en-Ciel and Sophia
members. Mar 9, 5:30pm,
¥4,500 (adv) +1d. Shinjuku
Blaze. Nearest stn: Shinjuku.
www.rayflower.jp
Sug
Fashionista Takeru and
company. Mar 9, 5:30pm,
¥4,600 (adv) +1d. WWW.
Nearest stn: Shibuya.
050-5533-0888
Alice in Chains
Grunge metal from Seattle.
Mar 10, 7pm, ¥7,000 (adv)
+1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn:
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
www.creativeman.co.jp
Wilko Johnson
Essex-based guitar genius.
Mar 10-11, 7:30pm, ¥6,500
(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-5720-9999. http://meturl.
com/wilko2014
Kaishin no Ichigeki
Melodic rock from Tokyo. Mar
10, 6pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000
(door) +1d. O-West. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3475-9999.
www.hipjpn.co,jp
Louder than Bomb Vol. 2
Her Name in Blood, Make
My Day and Peanuts
For a Party Boy. Mar 14,
6:45pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d
Yokohama F.A.D. Nearest stn:
Motomachi-Chuakagai. www.
hernameinblood.com
Alternative Tokyo
Eastern Youth, People in
the Box and others. Mar 15,
2:30pm, ¥5,000 (adv) +1d.
Studio Coast. Nearest stn:
Shinkiba. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
www.creativeman.co.jp
BEAST
K-pop group with awkward
anagram. Mar 15, 6pm; Mar 16,
5pm, ¥8,500 (adv) +1d. Zepp
Diver City. Nearest stn: Daiba.
Is This Your Limit?
Melocore bands My Limit
the Universe, Survive Said
the Prophet and others. Mar
15, 5:30pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/
¥2,500 (door) +1d. Club Lizard.
Tel: 045-663-4755. www.
survivesaidtheprophet.com
Dark Tranquility
with guest The Resistance.
Mar 18, 7pm, ¥7,000 (adv) +1d.
O-East. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Tricot
J pop all-girl quartet. Mar
20, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.
Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn:
Akasaka. Tel: 050-5533-0888.
www.tbs.co.jp/blitz
Minna no Senkan
Uhnellys, Doit Science and
others. Mar 21-23, from 1pm,
¥3,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥7,000 (3
days, adv) +1d. SuperDeluxe.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel:
info@minnanosenkan.com.
www.minnanosenkan.com
Homecoming
With A Ghost of Flare, Minor
League and others. Mar
21, 6:30pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/
¥2,500 (door) +1d. Cyclone.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3463-0069. www.
survivesaidtheprophet.com
L'Arc en Ciel
Visual-kei veterans. Mar 21,
5pm; Mar 22, 5pm, ¥10,000
(adv). National Olympic
Stadium. Nearest stn:
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3403-1151.
l-tike.com
Ska Ska Club
Third wave ska from the Big
Mikan. Mar 22, 6pm, ¥3,300
(adv) +1d. Zepp Diver City.
Nearest stn: Daiba. 050-5533-
0888
The Twisted Harbor Town
Classical and metal fusion.
With New Breed and others.
Mar 22, 6:30am, ¥2,300
(adv)/ ¥2,600 (door) +1d.
Cyclone. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3463-0069. www.
thetwistedharbortown.com
Rottengraffty
With Man with a Mission.
Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 (adv)
+1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. Tel: 050-5533-0888.
www.diskgarage.com
Timid
Socially conscious rapper from
New York. Mar 23, 7pm, ¥1,500
(adv). Yotsuya Lotus. Nearest
stn: Yotsuya Sanchome.
Tel: 03-5315-4781. http://
yotsuyalotus.com
Man with a Mission
Wolf-headed rockers and
Coldrain. Mar 24, 7pm, ¥3,885
(adv). Zepp Tokyo. Nearest stn:
Aomi. www.diskgarage.com
Macklemore and Ryan
Lewis
Hip hop duo. Mar 25, 7pm,
¥6,500-7,000 (adv) +1d.
Akasaka Blitz. Nearest stn:
Akasaka. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
www.tbs.co.jp/blitz
SolarCoaster
Rock and roots featuring
Nature Airliner, Kaku-Uchi
and DJ Solar. Mar 27, 7pm, free.
Gamuso. Nearest stn: Asagaya.
Tel: 03-5364-9096. www.
gamuso.com
Bakudan Johnny
Crazy kids from Sapporo. Mar
28, 7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥3,000
(door) +1d. Redcloth. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3202-
5320. bakudanjohnny.com/
live
Punkspring
Bad Religion,The Hives, SiM
and others . Mar 29, noon,
¥8,800-12,000 (adv). Makuhari
Messe. Nearest stn: Kaihin-
Makuhari. Tel: 06-7732-8888.
www.punkspring.com
Nouvelle Vague
Punk and post-punk cover band
from France. Mar 29, 7pm, free.
The French Institute Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Iidabashi. Tel:
03-5206-2500. www.frecho.com
Mar 30, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.
O-Nest. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3462-4420. www.
shibuya-o.com.
Swanky Dank
With Rizing 2 End, T.C. Speaker
and others. Mar 30, 4:30pm,
¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door)
+1d. Eggman. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. l-tike.com
Lionel Richie
"Hello" and "All Night Long"
hitmaker. Mar 31, 7pm,
¥12,000-15,000 (adv). Nippon
Budokan. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
www.creativeman.co.jp Mar
27, 7pm, ¥12,000-15,000 (adv).
Pacifico Yokohama. Nearest
stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 03-3499-
6669. www.creativeman.co.jp
Bob Dylan
No introduction needed. Mar
31-Apr 10. 7pm, ¥13,000-
22,000 (adv) +1d. Zepp Diver
City. Nearest stn: Daiba. Tel:
03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp/
Artists/BobDylan
Tonari no Bandman
Good Morning America, The
Band Apart and 8tto. Apr 2,
6:30pm, ¥3,500-6,000 (adv)
+1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
www.diskgarage.com
Thirty Seconds to Mars
Rock band with love, lust,
faith and dreams. Apr 3, 7pm,
¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel:
03-3499-6669. http://meturl.
com/30sec2014
Maximo Park
UK indies band that likes to
apply some pressure. Apr 3,
7pm, ¥5,000 (adv) +1d. Unit.
Nearest stn: Daikanyama.
www.creativeman.co.jp
Guruguru Toiro
Asparagus, Charisma.com,
Spooky and more. Apr 5, 1pm;
Apr 6, 1pm, ¥3,500 (1 day,
adv)/ ¥6,000 (2 days, adv).
Saitama Super Arena. Nearest
stn: Saitama-Shintoshin. Tel:
050-5533-0888.
Practical Lovers
UK-based electro pop and The
Watanabes. Apr 5, 8pm, free.
What the Dickens. Nearest stn:
Ebisu. Tel: 03-3780-2099. www.
whatthedickens.jp
Ken Yokoyama
Old school punk rock. Apr 6,
7pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d. Studio
Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Killswitch Engage
Metalcore from
Massachusetts. Apr 7, 7pm,
¥6,800 (adv) +1d. Akasaka
Blitz. Nearest stn: Akasaka.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Jeff Beck
Talented but underrated
guitarist of exceptional skill.
Apr 7-9, 7pm, ¥9,500-10,500
(adv). Tokyo Dome City Hall.
Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel:
03-3402-5999. www.udo.jp/
Artists/JeffBeck
Spiritual Beggars
Psychedelic metal band from
Sweden. Apr 8, 7pm, ¥6,800
(adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800.
www.creativeman.co.jp
Burt Bacharach
Pop hitmaker with orchestra.
Apr 10, 7pm, ¥8,400-12,960.
NHK Hall. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. info@promax.
co.jp. www.promax.co.jp/
burtbacharach
Deep Purple
Pioneers of heavy metal. Apr
12, 5pm, ¥9,000-10,000 (adv).
Nippon Budokan. Nearest
stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-
5999. udo,jp
Under the Dead Vol.4
feat. Angry Frog Rebirth and
others. Apr 12, 5pm, ¥2,500
(adv) +1d. Cyclone. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-
0069. www.creativeman.co.jp
Bruno Mars
His love is like a hand grenade.
Apr 12, 5pm; Apr 13, 4pm,
¥8,000-15,000 (adv). Makuhari
Messe. Nearest stn: Kaihin-
Makuhari. Tel: 03-3499-6669.
http://meturl.com/bruno2014
The Bonez
J-rock that's easy to sing along
to. Apr 12, 6pm, ¥3,000 (adv)
+1d. Shimokitazawa Garden.
Nearest stn: Shimokitazawa.
Tel: 03-3795-1069. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Hot Tuna Acoustic Duo
Original Jefferson Airplane
members Jorma Kaukonen and
Jack Casady. Apr 24, 6:30pm,
¥6,000 (adv). Thumbs Up.
Nearest stn: Yokohama. Apr 25,
7:30pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club
Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
order@buffalo-records.com.
JAZZ/WORLD
Mike Price Jazz Orchestra
Big band music, including
pieces from "Cuban Fire". Mar 7,
8pm, ¥3,990. Someday. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku-gyoenmae.
someday.net
Anna Maria Jopek "Haiku"
With guest Makoto Ozone. Mar
7, 5:30 & 8:45pm, ¥8,400. Blue
Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5485-0088. www.
bluenote.co.jp
Bonobos
Hyper folk rock trio. Mar 9,
6pm, ¥3,700 (adv)/ ¥4,200
(door). Liquidroom. Nearest
stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-5720-9999.
www.bonobos.jp/live
Aquapit
Evolved organ music. Mar 9,
5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,500. Motion
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Omar Sosa & Paolo Fresu
Duo with guest Kazunori
Kumagai. Mar 10, 5:30 &
8:45pm, ¥7,500. Blue Note.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Pascal Schumacher and
Jef Neve Duo
Vibe and pianist duo. Mar
10, 5 & 8pm; Mar 11, 5 &
8pm, ¥5,000-7,000. Cotton
Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.
cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Anna Tsuchiya
Acoustic show. Mar 11, 5:30
& 8:45pm, ¥5,500. Blue Note.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Nikki Yanofsky
Young Canadian vocalist.
Mar 12-Mar 14. various times,
¥7,350. Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Hani Tomoharu Trio
Rhythm, blues, soul, and
jazz. Mar 12, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600.
Motion Blue. Nearest stn:
Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919.
www.motionblue.co.jp
Ishii Akira Trio
An energy filled stage of piano
jazz. Mar 13, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600.
Motion Blue. Nearest stn:
Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919.
www.motionblue.co.jp
Thai Music Grammy
Award Festival
A handpicked selection of
Thai superstars. Mar 15-16,
10am-7pm, free. Yoyogi
Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.
bmi-music.com
Keiko Lee
Japanese jazz diva. Mar 16,
3:45 & 7pm, ¥7,350. Blue Note.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Atsuko Takaizumi
With Shunji Takenaka and
Yoshihiro Arita. Mar 16, 5pm,
¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Fried Pride
Funky jazz beats. Mar 18,
7 & 9:30pm, ¥5,800-7,800.
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
www.billboard-live.com
Festival de Chanson: Prix
Cerises
Mostly Japanese singers take
on traditional French song. Mar
19, 6pm, ¥6,000-8,000. Tokyo
International Forum. Nearest
stn: Yurakucho. info@jchanson.jp.
www.j-chanson.jp
Triplet's
Enjoy the full-scale "The
Touch of Music!" Mar 19, 7
& 9pm, free. Motion Blue.
Nearest stn: Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Nicola Conte Jazz Combo
featuring Melanie
Charles
New generation European
jazz. Mar 21, 3:45 & 7pm;
Mar 22, 3:45 & 7pm, ¥7,500.
Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Yoshio Suzuki Bass Talk:
Birthday Special Live
Beautiful sounds and warm
melodies. Mar 21, 5:30 &
7:30pm, ¥5,500. Motion Blue.
Nearest stn: Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
John McLaughlin and The
4th Dimension
British jazz group. Mar 23-Mar
26. various times, ¥8,400.
Blue Note. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-
0088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Nicola Conte Jazz Combo
New generation European
jazz. Mar 23, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,000.
Motion Blue. Nearest stn:
Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Jill-Decoy Association
Japanese jazz trio. Mar 23,
4:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,800-6,800.
Billboard Live. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133.
www.billboard-live.com
Gray Zone
Trio sound navigating from
ethnical to the latest sounds
of New York. Mar 25, 7 & 9pm,
¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest
stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-
1919. www.motionblue.co.jp
Senzoku Get Jazz
Orchestra
Current students of Senzoku
College of Music. Mar 26, 7
& 9pm, ¥3,000. Motion Blue.
Nearest stn: Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
XO Presents Lip Service
Vol.5
4 charming trumpeters. Mar
27, 7 & 9pm, ¥5,000. Motion
Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Lee Ritenour and Friends
American star guitarist and
other topnotch musicians.
Mar 28, 5:30 & 8:45pm; Mar 29,
3:45 & 7pm, ¥8,400. Blue Note.
Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel:
03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.
co.jp
Mexican Music Festival:
Chamber Music Evening
Latin-style guitar and more.
Mar 28, 7pm, ¥4,000. Tokyo
Opera City Recital Hall.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku or
Hatsudai. Tel: 0570-02-9999.
www.operacity.jp
The Night Flight
Junko Yagami and Tsugutoshi
Goto. Mar 30, 4 & 6:30pm; Mar
31, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,500-10,000.
Cotton Club. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.
www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp
10th Asia Music Festival
Asian folk music by street
musicians around Kawasaki
station. Apr 12-13, noon-5pm,
free. Kawasaki station area.
Nearest stn: Kawasaki.
Tel: 045-663-9999. www.
tvk-yokohama.com
CLASSICAL
Le Velvets
Classical-pop crooners.
Mar 6, 6:30pm; Mar 7, 2pm;
Mar 8, 2pm, ¥5,500-9,800.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3234-9999. www.
le-velvets.com
The 8th Yomikyo College
Naoto Otomo conducts
Ravel. Mar 7, 8pm, ¥3,000-
4,000. Bunkyo Civic Hall.
Nearest stn: Korakuen.
Tel: 03-3562-1550. www.
yomikyo.or.jp/e
Portrait of Composers
Series Vol.96
Eliahu Inbal conducts
Symphony No. 8. Mar 8,
2pm, ¥6,500-11,000. Tokyo
Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest
stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 045-682-
2000. www.tmso.or.jp/e
Requiem
Sumida Peace Memorial
Concert. Mar 9, 3pm, ¥5,000-
7,000. Sumida Triphony Hall.
Nearest stn: Kinshicho. www.
triphony.com
Il Divo
Operatic pop crooners. Feb
26-27, 7pm; Mar 10, 7pm,
¥10,000-13,000. Nippon
Budokan. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3402-
5999. www.udo.jp/Artists/
IlDivo
Respighi Serenade
Champagne reception
and concert. Mar 12, 7pm,
¥5,500-6,000. Oji Hall.
Nearest stn: Ginza. Tel:
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com.
tokyosinfonia.com
The 535th Subscription
Concert
Tatsuya Shimono conducts
works by Dvorak. Mar 12,
7pm, ¥3,500-7,000. Suntory
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome.
Tel: 03-3562-1550.
www.yomikyo.or.jp/e
Spring Has Come
The ultimate concert to
celebrate the arrival of
spring. Mar 14, 7pm, ¥1,500-
6,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
tokyo-harusai.com
New Japan Philharmonic
Orchestra
Best of the program. Mar 14,
7:15pm; Mar 15, 2pm, ¥4,250-
8,000. Sumida Triphony Hall.
Nearest stn: Kinshicho. Tel:
03-5608-1212. www.triphony.
com
10th Anniversary
Concert: Spring is Here
A concert to celebrate the
coming of spring. Mar 14,
7pm, ¥1,500-6,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Gerhard Oppitz Piano
Recital
Beethoven: The Late Piano
Sonatas. Mar 15, 3pm, ¥1,500-
6,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
tokyo-harusai.comBeethoven,
3 piano sonata. Mar 15, 3pm,
¥1,500-6,000.
J.S.Bach vol.17
Shinichi Fukuda plays the
guitar. Mar 15, 2pm, ¥5,000.
Tokyo National Museum.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.
tokyo-harusai.com
When Music meets
Modern Art
Marimba player Kunihiko
Komori. Mar 15, 7pm, ¥3,500.
Ueno Royal Museum. Nearest
stn: Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.
com
Kunihiro Komori: When
Modern Art and Music
Meet
Marimba museum concert.
Mar 15, 7pm, ¥3,500. Ueno
Royal Museum. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3833-4191. www.
ueno-mori.org
2 Cellos
Croatian cello duo. Mar 16,
5pm, ¥7,000-8,000. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3402-5999.
www.udo.jp/Artists/2Cellos
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 15

Listings
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS
L'Histoire du soldat
The story of a soldier and
the devil. Mar 16, 3pm,
¥1,500-5,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.
www.tokyo-harusai.com
Ribon Aida
Violin Recital. Mar 16, 2pm,
¥3,000. National Museum of
Nature and Science. Nearest
stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111.
www.tokyo-harusai.com
Alessio Bax
Music Travelogue on the
Piano: Russia. Mar 16, 2pm,
¥3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum. Nearest stn:
Ueno. www.tokyo-harusai.
com
Libon Aida Violin
Recital
Museum concert by the
violinist Libon Aida. Mar
16, 2pm, ¥3,500. National
Museum of Nature and
Science. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111.
www.kahaku.go.jp
Journey of Piano Music:
Russia
Performed by Alessio Bax.
Mar 16, 2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo
Metropolitan Art Museum.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-3823-6921.
www.tobikan.jp
The Soldier's Tale for
Children
Stravinsky's "The Soldier's
Tale" with commentary.
Mar 16, 11am, ¥1,500-
2,500. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
www.t-bunka.jp/en/
The Soldier's Tale
Stravinsky's tale. Mar 16,
3pm, ¥1,500-6,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111.
www.t-bunka.jp/en/
Subscription Concert
No.766 B Series
Eliahu Inbal conducts
works by Mahler. Mar 17,
7pm, ¥3,500-7,500. Suntory
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome.
Tel: 03-3822-0727.
www.tmso.or.jp/e
Shigeko Hata
Soprano recital. Mar 18,
2pm, ¥3,500. National
Museum of Nature and
Science. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111.
www.tokyo-harusai.com
The 569th Suntory Hall
Popular Series
Tatsuya Shimono conducts
Lalo and others. Mar 18,
7pm, ¥3,500-7,000. Suntory
Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome.
Tel: 03-3562-1550.
www.yomikyo.or.jp/e
Shigeko Hata Soprano
Recital
Museum concert of songs
from France and other. Mar
18, 2pm, ¥3,500. National
Museum of Nature and
Science. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111.
www.kahaku.go.jp
Nobuyuki Tsujii
Piano virtuoso plays
Chopin and Liszt. Mar
19, 7pm, ¥4,800-6,800
(adv). Green Hall. Nearest
stn: Sagami-Ono. Tel:
03-3234-9999. www.
nobupiano1998.com
J.S.Bach vol.18
Violinist Fumiaki Miura.
Mar 19, 7pm, ¥3,500. Tokyo
National Museum. Nearest
stn: Ueno.
www.tokyo-harusai.com
Chamber Music
Concert
Classic Players Tokyo
perform baroque pieces
by Mozart and others. Mar
21, 6pm, ¥2,000. Tokyo
Metropolitan Theatre.
Nearest stn: Ikebukuro.
Tel: 0570-010-296.
www.geigeki.jp
Tokyo Spring Music
Festival Chamber
Orchestra
Mozart played by top
musicians. Mar 21, 3pm,
¥1,500-7,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-3828-2111. www.t-bunka.
jp/en/
String Quartet by NHK
Symphony Orchestra
All Beethoven program. Mar
21, 2pm, ¥3,500. National
Museum of Nature and
Science. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel:
03-3822-0111. www.kahaku.
go.jp
Japanese Songs : Tokyo
Opera Singers
Beautiful choral arrangements
of Japanese songs. Mar 22,
2pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.
www.tokyo-harusai.com
Stage
Let It Be
Theatrical concert from
London's West End. Until
Mar 9, Various times, ¥9,800-
19,800. Theatre Orb. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. Tel: 0570-000-
777. l-tike.com
Die Tote Stadt
The story of a young man
struggling to get over the death
of his wife. Mar 12 & 18, 7pm;
Mar 15, 21 & 24, 2pm, ¥5,250-
26,250. New National Theatre
Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.
Tel: 0120-489-459. www.nntt.
jac.go.jp
Canary English Rakugo
Recital
Traditional Japanese
narrative performed in
English. Mar 21, noon; Mar
22, noon; Mar 23, noon, free.
Oedo Ryogokutei. Nearest
stn: Ryogoku. Tel: kanariya.
eiraku@gmail.com. canary.
justhpbs.jp
Harold Pinter Double-Bill
Blackstripe Theater presents
challenging plays Ashes to
Ashes and One for the Road.
Mar 28, 7:30pm; Mar 29, 2
& 7pm; Mar 30, 2 & 7pm,
¥2,000 (students)/ ¥3,000
(adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Trance
Mission Theatre. Nearest stn:
Sangubashi. Tel: tickets@
blackstripetheater.com. www.
blackstripetheater.com
In the Heights
Broadway musical with
an all-star Japanese cast.
Until Apr 20, Various times.
Bunkamura Theater Cocoon.
Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-9999. www.
bunkamura.co.jp/cocoon
Wozzeck
Story of hardship and
exploitation of the poor. Apr 5,
2pm; Apr 8, 7pm; Apr 11, 2pm;
Apr 13, 2pm, ¥4,200-23,100.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel:
0120-489-459. www.nntt.
jac.go.jp
Thriller Live
Musical featuring some of
Michael Jackson's greatest
hits. Until Jun 8, various times,
¥5,500-8,500. Blue Theater.
Nearest stn: Roppongi.
Tel: 03-5414-3255. www.
thrillerlive.jp
Annie
Musical about a redhead who
loves tomorrow. Until May 11,
Various times, ¥6,800-8,500.
Aoyama Round Theater.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
aoyama.org/english
Ovo - Cirque du Soleil
Revolutionary troupe that
blends circus arts and street
entertainment. Until May 11,
various times, ¥4,500-12,000.
Odaiba Big Top, Odaiba. Nearest
stn: Tokyo Teleport. www.fujitv.
co.jp/events/ovo
Goldberg Variations
With Julien Szulman and
Nobuko Imai. Mar 22, 6pm,
¥1,500-6,000. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.
www.tokyo-harusai.com
Dance
Suzuko Ishikawa and
Izumi Tanaka
Contemporary dance. Mar
7, 7pm, ¥4,000-5,000. Tokyo
Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest
stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-5391-
2111. www.geigeki.jp
Don Quichotte
Ballet de l'Opéra National de
Paris blends windmills with
dancers. Mar 13, 6:30pm; Mar
14, 6:30pm; Mar 15, 1:30 &
6:30pm; Mar 16, 3pm, ¥7,000-
25,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
Nearest stn: Ueno. www.nbs.
org/english
Qurevelum
Contemporary dance. Mar
14, 7:30pm; Mar 15, 3pm;
Mar 16, 3pm, ¥2,500-3,500.
Theater Tram. Nearest stn:
Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-5432-
1526. setagaya-pt.jp/en
Symphony in Three
Movements
A triple bill of ballet
performances including new
work by Jessica Lange and
others. Mar 18, 7pm; Mar 19,
7pm; Mar 21--23, 2pm, ¥3,150-
10,500. New National Theatre
Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.
jac.go.jp/ballet
La Dame aux Camelias
Alexandre Dumas's novel
adapted for the stage.
Performed by Ballet de l'Opéra
National de Paris. Mar 20,
6:30pm; Mar 21, 1:30pm; Mar
22, 1:30 & 6:30pm; Mar 23,
3pm, ¥7,000-25,000. Tokyo
Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn:
Ueno. www.nbs.org/english
La Bayadère
Story of love and betrayal
performed by K-Ballet
Company. Until Mar 26,
Various times, ¥6,000-13,000.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-3477-9999. www.k-ballet.
co.jp
Kenka
Butoh dance. Apr 2, 7pm;
Apr 3, 7pm, ¥3,500-6,000.
Kanagawa Arts Theater.
Nearest stn: Motomachi-
Chukagai. Tel: 0463-60-1008.
torifunebutohsha21.web.
fc2.com
Sai
Butoh dance. Apr 5, 4pm;
Apr 6, 4pm, ¥3,500-6,000.
Kanagawa Arts Theater.
Nearest stn: Motomachi-
Chukagai. Tel: 0570-015-415.
http://torifunebutohsha21.
web.fc2.com
Clubbing
FRIDAY 7
Ageha
Agepa. All mix: DJs U5, Ilmari,
etc. From 11pm, (m)¥2,500,
(f)free. Nearest stn: Shinkiba.
www.ageha.com
Air
Butterfly Effect. Techno, house:
DJs Tanaka, Kyoko, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.
com
Sound Museum Vision
Rolling Thunder. Edm: DJs
Daddys Groove, Tiny Ducks,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
vision-tokyo.com
The New Matrix Bar
Matrix Friday. Old school
hip-hop, west side, south
side, all mix. DJ Ykk and
more. From 6pm, ¥1,000
(after 11:30pm). Nearest stn:
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Unit
The Danshi Ongaku Chubo.
J-pop: DJs Michelle Sorry,
Okadada, etc. From
11:30pm, ¥3,500. Nearest
stn: Daikanyama. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Womb
Sterne. Techno: DJs Joris
Voorn, Ishino, etc. From 11pm,
¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.
womb.co.jp
SATURDAY 8
Air
Groundrhythm. House: DJ
Kaoru Inoue and more. From
10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com
Module
Back2basic. Hip-hop: DJs
Watarai, Sakurai, etc.
From 11pm, ¥3,000 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
module-tokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Link up. Reggae, edm: DJs
Mitomi, Watarai, etc: Live:
Mighty Crown and more.
From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d,
(f)¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
Womb
The Yes. House, techno: DJs
Osawa, Uemura, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
SUNDAY 9
Module
Bio. Drumnbass, house: DJs
Yotte, Billy, etc. From 5pm,
¥2,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.module-tokyo.com
The Room
Em. Nu classic: DJs Sazanami,
Cbtek, etc. From 5pm ¥2,000
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Village
Sunday Tribe. Hip-hop: DJs
Hokuto, Kango, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥2,000 w/1d, (f)
¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:
Azabu-Juban. Tel: 03-6230-
0343. www.villagetokyo.com
THURSDAY 13
Air
Operation Sakura. All mix:
DJs Aya, Satoko Lab, etc. Live:
Bird. From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
air-tokyo.com
Club Asia
Honey. All mix: DJs Ttb,
Iwata, etc. From 10:30pm,
(m)¥1,000, (f)free. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.clubasia.
co.jp
Module
Crank. Techno: DJs Daichi,
Yasushi, etc. From 10pm,
¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.
com
Sound Museum Vision
Massive B. Reggae: DJs
Massive B, King Jam, etc.
From 10pm
(m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥2,500
w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.vision-tokyo.com
Village
Lady Marmalade. Hip-hop:
DJs Kekke, Juicy, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥2,000 w/1d,
(f)¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn:
Azabu-Juban. Tel: 03-6230-
0343. www.villagetokyo.com
Womb
Double Circle. House, disco:
DJs Ageishi, Kent, etc. From
10pm, ¥1,500. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
FRIDAY 14
Ageha
Tjo to Wipa to Yukai na
Nakamatachi. All mix, edm:
DJs Takeru, Wildparty, etc.
From 11pm, (m)¥3,000,
(f)¥2,000. Nearest stn:
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Club Asia
Jumper. Edm: DJs Mad as
Noise, Hikaru, etc. From
11pm (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)free.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
clubasia.co.jp
Sound Museum Vision
Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs
Ilmari, Kango, etc. From
11pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
vision-tokyo.com
Unit
Artemis. Funky, sexy: DJs
Jan Krueger, Yasu, etc. From
11:30pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn:
Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo.
com
Velours
Domina Trix. Female
dominance: DJs Zil, Alex Einz,
etc. From 11pm, (m)¥5,500
w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5778-
4777. www.velours.jp
Womb
Maya Jane Coles. Techno,
house: DJ Maya Jane Coles
and more. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
UPCOMING
Ageha
Asobinite. House, electro: DJs
Nakata, Ol Killer, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn:
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Club Asia
Tokyo Gw. Dubstep, grime: DJs
Party2style, G Rina, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.clubasia.co.jp
Module
Dope Dive. Techno, house: DJs
Jay Daniel, Tommy, etc. From
11pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com
Ruby Room
Perrugia. DJs Sadhu, Danda,
etc. From 11pm, ¥1,500 w/1d.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Independent. Techno: DJs
Kaiserdisco, Supermaar, etc.
Mar 15, from 10pm, (m)¥3,500
w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest
stn: Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com
Exhibitions
AKASAKA/ROPPONGI
Fujifilm Square
Sakura Line 3/11. Photography.
Mar 7-20, free. 2011.03.11
From the Date of the Disaster.
Photography. Underwater.
Mar 7-20, free. Open daily
10am-7pm. 9-7-3 Akasaka,
Roppongi. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6271-3350.
fujifilmsquare.jp/en
Mori Art Museum
Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes
Eternal. Almost 700 works by
the standard-bearer of Pop Art.
Until May 6, ¥500-1,500. MAM
Project 020: Gabriel Acevedo
Velarde. Mixed media. Until
May 6, ¥500-1,500. Open Mon
& Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue
10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
mori.art.museum
Mori Arts Center Gallery
Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian
Avant-Garde. Masterpieces
by English painters. Until Apr
6, ¥500-1,500. 52F Roppongi
Hills Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.
roppongihills.com/art/macg/
Suntory Museum of Art
Imari: Japanese Porcelain for
European Palaces. Luxurious
early seventeenth century
porcelain from Saga
prefecture. Until Mar 16,
¥800-1,300. Open Wed-Sat
10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols
10am-6pm, closed Tue. 9-7-4
Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Roppongi. www.suntory.
jp/sma
The National Art Center,
Tokyo
Kazumi Nakamura. Acrylic
and oil paintings. Mar 19-May
19, ¥500-1,000. The Power of
Images: The National Museum of
Ethnology Collection. Symbols
and totems from around the
world. Until Jun 9, ¥500-1,000.
Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon
10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm,
closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi.
Nearest stn: Nogizaka. www.
nact.jp
GINZA/KYOBASHI/
TOKYO
Bridgestone Museum of
Art
The Painters' Eyes, the
Sculptors' Hands. Paintings and
sculptures by various artists.
Until Apr 13, ¥500-800. Open
Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm,
closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
bridgestone-museum.gr.jp
Ginza Nikon Salon
Remembrance 3.11. Photos
of Fukushima by Hiromi
Tsuchida. Until Mar 11, free.
1F Strate Ginza, 7-10-1 Ginza,
Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Ginza.
Tel: 03-3248-3783.www.
tokyo.mae.lu/jp/node_19876/
hana-hito-tokyo
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
The Dreams of Itaya Hazan:
The Bliss of Japanese
Modern Ceramics. Ceramics.
Retrospective featuring some
of the artist's greatest works.
Until Mar 23, ¥700-1,000.
Discover the Beauty of Japan
IX: Fascination with Japanese
Painting. Masterpieces from
various eras. Apr 5-Jun 8,
¥700-1,000. Open Tue-Thu
10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm,
closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg,
3-1-1 Marunouchi. Nearest stn:
Tokyo. www.idemitsu.co.jp/
museum
Megumi Ogita Gallery
Shoko Kanazawa. Calligraphy.
Until Mar 29, ¥500. Tue-Sat
11am-7pm, Closed Mon & Sun.
4F, 5-4-14 Ginza. Nearest stn:
Ginza. www.megumiogita.com
Mitsubishi Ichigokan
Museum
The Beautiful-Art for Art's
Sake: The Aesthetic Movement
1860-1900. Mixed media.
Organized by the Victoria and
Albert Museum, London. Until
May 6, ¥500-1,600. Wed-Fri
10am-8pm, Tue, Sat & Sun/
hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon.
2-6-2 Marunouchi. Nearest
stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-5405-8686.
www.mimt.jp
Mitsui Memorial Museum
Hina Dolls of the Mitsui Family.
Display of rare dolls. Until
Apr 6, ¥500-1,000. 7F Mitsui
Main Bldg, 2-1-1 Nihombashi-
Muromachi, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Mitsukoshimae. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.mitsuimuseum.jp
National Film Center
Japanese Film Heritage.
Permanent collection of
works from the National Film
Center. Until Apr 3, ¥40-200.
Iconography of Yasujiro
Ozu Films. A collection of
paintings, design and lettering
that sheds light on Mr. Ozu's
unique aesthetic sensibility.
Until Mar 30, ¥40-200. Little
Known Japanese Cinema
Vol.7. Recently restored films
from Shochiku. Until Mar 16,
¥100-500. Directed by Kazuki
Omori-His Own Selection.
Lineup of films mostly from the
1980s. Mar 18-30, ¥100-500.
Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm,
closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi.
Nearest stn: Kyobashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.momat.
go.jp
Gallery Seiho
Maurice Montero. Mixed media.
Apr 3-11. free. Open Mon-Sat
11am-6:30pm, closed Sun.
16 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

1F Tosei Bldg., 8-10-7 Ginza.
Nearest stn: Shinbashi. Tel:
03-3573-2466. http://galleryseiho.com
Sprout Curation
Synchronicity: Admiring
Kazuo Ohno. Photos of a
master dancer by Naoya
Ikegami. Until Mar 8, free.
Open Tue-Sat noon-7pm,
closed Sun, Mon & hols. 6F,
1-3-2 Kiyosumi. Nearest stn:
Kiyosumishirakawa. Tel:
03-3642-5039. www.sproutcuration.com
private collection in Italy. Apr
4-May 25, ¥700-1,500. Open
Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm,
Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2- 24-1
Dogenzaka. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.bunkamura.co.jp
Konno Hachimangu
Shrine
Horse. Photography by the
illustrious Antoine Poupel.
Until Mar 25, free. 3-5-12
Shibuya. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
www.geocities.jp/ynycr674/
English/englishindex.html
Tokyo Opera City Art
Gallery
Sawa Hiraki: Under the
Box, Beyond the Bounds.
Photography. Until Mar 30,
¥600-1,000. Will Happiness
Find Me? 10 artists from
the Ishikawa collection.
Apr 19-Jun 29, ¥800-1,000.
Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm,
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2
Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn:
Hatsudai. www.operacity.
jp/en/ag
UENO
The National Museum of
Modern Art, Tokyo
Your Portrait: A Tetsumi
Kudo Retrospective. Mixed
media. Abstract expression
of ordinary objects by one of
Japan's most innovative artists
of the 20th century. Until Mar
30, ¥250-850. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen.
Nearest stn: Takebashi.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
momat.go.jp
HARAJUKU/AOYAMA
National Children's Castle
Artscape. Over 500 artworks
from students of over 50
different nationalities. Until
Mar 16, free. Open Tue-Sun
12:30-5:30pm, closed Mon.
5-53-1 Jingumae. Nearest stn:
Omotesando. Tel: 03-3797-
5666. www.kodomono-shiro.
com/english
Nezu Museum
Kiyomaro: Master Swordsmith
to the Last Samurai. Celebrating
the 200th anniversary of
the artist's birth. Until Apr
6, ¥900-1,200. Tue-Sun,
10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 Minami-
Aoyama, Minato-ku. Nearest
stn: Omotesando. www.
nezu-muse.or.jp/en
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial
Museum of Art
Reminiscence of Hiroshige:
Ukiyo-e History Walk.
Comparing real locations in old
Oedo and modern Tokyo. Until
Mar 23, ¥500-700. Hiroshige
Blue: Blue Attracted the World.
Color-themed Edo art. Apr
1-May 28, ¥500-700. Open
Tue-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm,
closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.
ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp
KAYABACHO/KIBA
Base Gallery
The Places Nobody Knows.
Works by Toshio Miyaoka.
Until Mar 29, free. Open
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun
and Hols. 1-1-6 Nihombashi-
Kayabacho, Chuo-ku. Nearest
stn: Kayabacho. www.
basegallery.com
Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo
Fragments: Incomplete
Beginnings. Mixed media.
Until May 11, ¥700-1,600. The
Marvelous Real. Contemporary
Spanish and Latin American
art from the Musac collection.
Until May 11, ¥600-1,100.
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.
Nearest stn: Kiyosumi-
Shirakawa. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng
SHIBUYA/EBISU
Bunkamura Gallery
Synchronicity of Photograph
and Picture. Mixed media.
Until Mar 16, free. Open daily,
10am-7pm. 2- 24-1 Dogenzaka.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
bunkamura.co.jp/english
Bunkamura: The Museum
Arcadia on the Shore: Puvis
de Chavanne's Mythic World.
Mural painter that combined
innovation with classical
style. Until Mar 9, ¥700-1,400.
Collection of Museo Poldi
Pezzoli: The Aristocratic
Palace and its Beauty — Milano
the Magnificent Collection
of the Nobleman. Exquisite
paintings originally part of a
Logos Gallery
100 People's Book Covers. Book
covers abound. Mar 12-26,
free. Open daily 10am-9pm.
B1F Parco Part1, 15-1
Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.
parco-art.com/web/logos
Parco Museum
We Love AAA. Mixed media.
Goods, music video set props
etc. Until Mar 17, ¥400-500.
Open daily 10am-9pm.
B1F Parco Part1, 15-1
Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Tel:
03-3477-5873. www.parco-art.
com
The Watari-Um Museum
of Contemporary Art
Treasure. Photography by
Harumichi Saito. Until Mar
16, ¥500-1,000. Open Tue
& Thu-Sun 11am-7pm, Wed
11am-9pm, closed Mon.
3-7-6 Jingumae. Nearest stn:
Gaienmae. www.watarium.
co.jp
Tokyo Wonder Site
Shibuya
Asia Anarchy Alliance.
Photography by artists from
all across Asia. Mar 8-20, free.
1-19-8 Jinnan. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0603.
www.tokyo-ws.org/shibuya
Yamatane Museum of Art
My. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms,
and Flowers in Spring. Mixed
media. Commemorating
Mt. Fuji's registration as a
World Cultural Heritage site.
Mar 11-May 11, ¥900-1,200.
Open Tue-Fri 11am-5pm,
closed Mon & hols. 3-12-36
Hiroo. Nearest stn: Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
yamatane-museum.or.jp
SHINJUKU/
IKEBUKURO
Bunka Gakuen Costume
Museum
European Fashion. Rococo
for men and children. Until
May 24, ¥200-500. Mon-Sat
10am-4:30pm, Closed Sun and
hols. Shinjuku Bunka Quint
Bldg. 3-22-7 Yoyogi. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3299-
2387. www.bunka.ac.jp/
museum
Hiromart Gallery
Ultra Deep Field. Painting.
Abstract art by Alan Van
Every. Until Mar 9, free. Open
Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed
Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi,
Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn:
Edogawabashi. www.
hiromartgallery.com
Shinjuku Nikon Salon
Why do We Exist? A visual
study of high energy physics
at CERN. Until Mar 17, free.
Open daily 10am-7pm.
Tokyo L-Tower 28F, 1-6-1,
Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.
Nearest stn: Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-3344-0565. www.
nikon-image.com/activity/
salon/index_en.htm
Sompo Japan Museum of
Art
Face. Mixed media. Until Mar
30, ¥300-500. Face 2014.
Mixed media. Grand-prix
winners of an annual
competition aimed at young
artists. Until Mar 30, ¥300-500.
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed
Mon. 42F Sompo Japan Bldg,
1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5405-
8686. www.sompo-japan.
co.jp/museum
National Museum of
Nature and Science
I wa Jinjutsu. A look into
Edo period medicine. Apr
15-Jun 15, ¥600-1,500.
Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun
9am-5pm, Fri 9am-8pm,
closed Mon. 7-20 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno.
Tel: 03-3822-0111. www.
kahaku.go.jp
The National Museum
of Western Art
Monet, An Eye for
Landscapes: Innovation
in 19th Century French
Landscape. Some of the
artist's most famous
impressionist works,
including "Water Lilies".
Until Mar 9, ¥600-1,400.
The 150th Anniversary: The
Prints of Edvard Munch from
the National Museum of
Western Art, Tokyo. Prints.
Major element of Munch's
overall work method. Until
Mar 9, ¥130-420. Open daily
9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno.
www.nmwa.go.jp
Tokyo Metropolitan Art
Museum
Island View: Why Artists
Focus on Islands. Mixed
media. Until Mar 7, free.
The Centennial Exhibition
of the Japan Art Institute's
Revival: The Masterpieces
of Nihonga. Traditional
Japanese paintings by
Hogai Kano and others.
Until Apr 1, ¥800-1,400.
8-36 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:
Ueno. www.tobikan.jp
Tokyo National
Museum
The 800th Memorial of Yosai
Roots of Zen: Yosai and the
Treasures of Kenninji. Mixed
media. Religious artifacts
and paintings. Mar 25-May
18, ¥700-1,600. Yayoi
Culture at the Westernmost
Point of Honshu: The
Hibikinada Area and the
Ayaragigo Site in Yamaguchi
Prefecture. Artifacts from
western Japan. Until Mar 9,
¥400-600. Mural Paintings of
the Kitora Tumulus. Pictures
from an eighth century
grave. Apr 22-May 18,
¥400-900. Open Tue-Sun
9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno
Park. Nearest stn: Ueno.
www.tnm.jp
Ueno Royal Museum
VOCA: The Vision of
Contemporary Art 2014.
Mixed media. Mar 15-30,
¥500. Open Sat-Thur
10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm.
1-2 Ueno Park. Nearest stn:
Ueno. www.ueno-mori.org
OTHER AREAS
Cervantes Institute
in Tokyo
Maurice Montero. Mixed
media. Mar 14-Apr 2, free.
Open Mon-Sat 10am--8pm,
Sun 10am-1pm. 2-9
Rokubancho. Nearst stn:
Ichigaya. Tel: 03-5210-1800.
http:// http://tokio.cervantes.
es/jp/default.shtm
Japan Folk Crafts
Museum
Tea and Beauty: Soetsu
Yanagi and the Way of Tea.
Tea utensils and other
accessories. Until Mar 23,
¥500-1,000. 10am-5pm,
closed Mon. 4-3-33 Komaba.
Nearest stn: Komabatodai.
www.mingeikan.or.jp
THE RACE IS ON!
Groups of 4 or more can
compete with each other
Admission
1 ticket (7 min)=¥2000, 3 tix=¥5000, 5 tix=¥7500
Mention Metropolis
for FREE ADMISSION
JR Sotobo line
JR Keiyo Line
Keiyo Highway
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 17

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High School
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Listings
Miraikan
The Sekai-Ichi. Assortment
of surprising and inspiring
objects made in Japan. Until
May 6, ¥300-1,000. 2-3-6,
Aomi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn:
Telecom Center station.
Tel: 03-3570-9151. www.
miraikan.jst.go.jp/en
Museum of
Contemporary Art Tokyo
Fragments: Incomplete
Beginnings. Mixed media.
Until May 11, ¥700-1,600.
The Marvelous Real.
Contemporary Spanish and
Latin American art from the
Musac collection. Until May
11, ¥600-1,100. Tue-Sun,
10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1
Miyoshi, Koto-ku. Nearest
stn: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.
www.mot-art-museum.
jp/eng
National Museum of
Japanese History
Various Seasonal Festivals.
Traditional ornaments and
accessories. Until May 6,
¥250-420. Earthquakes in
Japanese History. Mixed
media. A closer look into
individual experiences
and social impacts of these
natural disasters. Mar
11-May 6, ¥450-830. Open
Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm,
closed Mon. 117 Jonai-cho,
Sakura-shi. Nearest stn:
Keisei-Sakura. www.
rekihaku.ac.jp/english
Pola Museum of Art
Homage to Renoir: Renoir
and Painters of the Twentieth
Century. Impressionist
oil paintings. Until Apr
6, JPY1,000-1,800. Color,
Line, Form: Matisse, Degas,
Chagall. Oil, watercolor
and pastel painting. Until
Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800.
Japanese-Style Paintings
and Japanese Western-
Style Paintings. Works by
Léonard Foujita and others.
Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-1,800.
Glasswork Selections. 120
of the museum's finest
pieces. Until Apr 6, ¥1,000-
1,800. 9am-4:30pm. 1285
Kozukayama, Sengokuhara,
Hakone-machi. Nearest stn:
Gora. www.polamuseum.
or.jp
Setagaya Art Museum
Ginko, Ryusei and Reiko
Kishida—Genealogy of
Innovative Spirit. Painting.
Until Apr 6, ¥500-1,200.
Open Tue-Sun10am-6pm,
closed Mon. 1-2 Kinutakoen,
Setagaya-ku. Nearest
stn: Seijogakuenmae.
Tel: 03-3415-6011. www.
setagayaartmuseum.or.jp/
index_e.html
Sprout Curation
Synchronicity: Admiring
Kazuo Ohno. Photos of a
master dancer by Naoya
Ikegami. Until Mar 8, free.
Open Tue-Sat noon-7pm,
closed Sun, Mon & hols. 6F,
1-3-2 Kiyosumi. Nearest stn:
Kiyosumishirakawa. Tel:
03-3642-5039. www.sproutcuration.com
Taka Ishii Gallery of
Photography and Film
Frank Lloyd Wright. Photos
of Wright's works taken by
architectural photographer
Yukio Futagawa. Until Mar
15, free. Noon-7pm, closed
Mon, Sun & hols. 5F, 1-3-2
Kiyosumi, Koto-ku. Nearest
stn: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.
www.takaishiigallery.com
The French Institute
Tokyo
Digital Choc 2014. Machinery
on the walls, robots of
dreams and more. Until Mar
23, various times, free. 15
Ichigaya Funagawara-cho.
Nearest stn: Iidabashi.
Tel: 03-5206-2500. www.
institutfrancais.jp/tokyo
The Museum of Modern
Art, Hayama
Masamu Yanase 1900-1945:
A Retrospective. Mixed
GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS
media. Until Mar 23,
¥100-1,000. Open Tue-Sun
9:30am-5pm, closed Mon.
2208-1 Isshiki, Hayama,
Miura-gun. Nearest stn: Zushi.
The Museum of Modern
Art, Kamakura
From the Collection: Where is
the Light. Mixed media. Until
Mar 23, ¥100-700. 2-1-53
Yukinoshita, Kamakura,
Kanagawa. Nearest stn:
Kamakura. Tel: 04-6722-5000.
Tokyo Gallery + BTAP
Shinohara: Ushio and Noriko.
Works by the artists featured
in the documentary "Cutie
and the Boxer". Until Mar 29,
free. Tue–Fri 11am–7pm & Sat
11am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon &
Hols. 7F, 8-10-5 Ginza. Nearest
stn: Shinbashi. Tel: 03-3571-
1808. www.tokyo-gallery.com
Sports
BASEBALL
Central League
Yomiuri Giants vs.
Yokohama DeNA Baystars.
Mar 21, 2pm, ¥500-4,500.
Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-
9999.
Central League Fan Meeting.
Mar 24, 10am, ¥1,500-2,500.
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.
Yokohama DeNA Baystars.
Mar 28-30, 6pm, ¥500-4,600.
Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn:
Harajuku.
Interleague
Chiba Lotte Marines vs.
Yomiuri Giants. Mar 12, 1pm,
¥300-2,500. QVC Marine Field.
Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari.
Tel: 043-296-1227.
Chiba Lotte Marines vs.
Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Mar 15,
1pm, ¥300-2,500. QVC Marine
Field. Nearest stn: Kaihin-
Makuhari. Tel: 043-296-1227.
Chiba Lotte Marines vs.
Hanshin Tigers. Mar 19, 1pm,
¥300-2,500. QVC Marine Field.
Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari.
Tel: 043-296-1227.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows
vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham
Fighters. Mar 21, 1pm,
¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu Gaien.
Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.
Chiba Lotte Marines. Mar 22,
1pm, ¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu
Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Yomiuri Giants vs. Hokkaido
Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Mar 22, 2pm, ¥500-4,500.
Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-
9999.
Pacific League
Chiba Lotte Marines vs.
Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
Mar 8, 1pm, ¥300-2,500.
QVC Marine Field. Nearest
stn: Kaihin-Makuhari. Tel:
043-296-1227.
Chiba Lotte Marines vs.
Saitama Seibu Lions. Mar 9,
1pm, ¥300-2,500. QVC Marine
Field. Nearest stn: Kaihin-
Makuhari. Tel: 043-296-1227.
Chiba Lotte Marines vs.
Orix Buffaloes. Mar 14, 1pm,
¥300-2,500. QVC Marine Field.
Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari.
Tel: 043-296-1227.
Chiba Lotte Marines vs.
Tohoku Rakuten Golden
Eagles. Mar 18, 1pm,
¥300-2,500. QVC Marine Field.
Nearest stn: Kaihin-Makuhari.
Tel: 043-296-1227.
BASKETBALL
National Basketball
League
Hitachi Sunrcokers vs.
Mitsubishi Electric Diamond
Dolphins. Mar 15-16, 3pm,
¥1,000-3,500. Kashiwa Chuo
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:
Kita-kashiwa. Tel: 04-7164-
9573.
Hitachi Sunrockers vs.
Toshiba Brave Thunders. Apr
4-5, 7:15pm, ¥1,000-3,500.
Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.
BOXING
Hidenori Ohtake vs.
Takafumi Nakajima
Mar 24, 5:50pm, ¥4,000-15,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
FIGURE SKATING
ISU World Championships
Mar 26-Mar 30, various times,
¥3,000-25,000. Saitama Super
Arena. Nearest stn: Saitama-
Shintoshin.
KICKBOXING
Krush. 39
Mar 8, 6pm, ¥4,500-9,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
MMA
Shooto
Mar 16, 5:30pm, ¥5,000-10,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Pancrase 257
Mar 30, 3pm, ¥7,000-
15,000. Yokohama Cultural
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:
Kannai. Tel: 045 641 5741.
Rise 98
Mar 30, 5:30pm, ¥4,000-10,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
PRO WRESTLING
Noah: Great Voyage
Mar 8, 5pm, ¥4,000-15,000.
Ariake Colosseum. Nearest stn:
Ariake. Tel: 03-3529-3301.
Zero 1
Mar 9, 12pm, ¥2,000-6,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Big Japan
Nov 22, 7pm, ¥3,150-6,300.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
New Japan
Mar 15, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-8,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
All Japan: Dream Power
Mar 18, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Noah: Spring Navig.
Mar 21, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-7,000.
Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn:
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.
Deep 65 Impact
Mar 22, 2:30pm, ¥6,000-15,000.
Differ Ariake. Nearest stn:
Ariake-tennis-no-mori.
DDT
DDT: Judgement. Mar 21,
12pm, ¥3,000-5,000. Korakuen
Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi.
Tel: 03-5800-9999.
RUGBY
Japan Rugby
Championships
51st Japan Rugby
Championship. Mar 9,
2pm, ¥500-4,500. National
Olympic Stadium. Nearest stn:
Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3403-1151.
SOCCER
J. League, Division 1
FC Tokyo vs. Ventforet Kofu.
Mar 8, 3pm, ¥600-6,200.
Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn:
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-0555.
Kashima Antlers vs. Vegalta
Sendai. Mar 8, 7pm, ¥1,400-
8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kashima Sports
Stadium.
Omiya Ardija vs. Nagoya
Grampus. Mar 8, 3pm, ¥1,000-
5,500. NACK5 Stadium. Nearest
stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-
7950.
Urawa Reds vs. Sagan Tosu.
Mar 8, 4pm, ¥1,000-10,000.
Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn:
Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-
1001.
Kawasaki Frontale vs.
Omiya Ardija. Mar 15, 3pm,
¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium.
Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel:
18 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS
EVENT
We Love ’80s Disco
If the coming of spring has you feeling a little physical, then
head out to Grand Hyatt Tokyo on April 11 for their We Love
‘80s Disco international event. The hotel will transform its
1,000 square meter, pillar-free Grand Ballroom into a mirror
ball-filled discotheque to welcome the city’s booty-shakers
from all over the world. The venue’s 6.6 meter (23 feet) high
ceilings will reverberate with the best tunes of the material
decade from 8pm until late. Tickets are ¥13,000 and include
unlimited drink service.
Apr 11, 8pm. Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Nearest stn: Roppongi.
http://meturl.com/welove80sdisco
044-722-0303.
Yokohama F. Marinos vs.
Tokushima Vortis. Mar 15,
1pm, ¥1,000-5,300. Nippatsu
Mitsuzawa Stadium. Nearest stn:
Yokohama. Tel: 045-311-2016.
FC Tokyo vs. Kawasaki Frontale.
Mar 23, 7pm, ¥600-6,200.
Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn:
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-0555.
Kashima Antlers vs. Cerezo
Osaka. Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,400-
8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kashima Sports
Stadium.
Omiya Ardija vs. Vegalta Sendai.
Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,000-5,500.
NACK5 Stadium. Nearest stn:
Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950.
Urawa Reds vs. Shimizu S-Pulse.
Mar 23, 3pm, ¥1,000-10,000.
Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn:
Urawamisono. Tel: 048-812-
1001.
Kawasaki Frontale vs. Nagoya
Grampus. Mar 28, 7pm,
¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium.
Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel:
044-722-0303.
Yokohama F. Marinos vs.
Kashima Antlers. Mar 29, 2pm,
¥1,000-5,300. Nissan Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel:
04-5477-5000.
Nabisco Cup
FC Tokyo vs. Kashima
Antlers. Mar 19, 7pm,
¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto
Stadium. Nearest stn:
Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-2440-0555.
Kashima Antlers vs. Sagan
Tosu. Apr 2, 7pm, ¥1,400-8,000.
Kashima Soccer Stadium.
Nearest stn: Kashima Sports
Stadium.
SWIMMING
Japan Championships:
Preliminary
Apr 10-Apr 13, 9:30am,
¥2,000. Tatsumi International
Swimming Center. Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5569-5061.
Japan Championships:
Final
Apr 13, 4pm, ¥3,000-4,000.
Tatsumi International
Swimming Center. Nearest stn:
Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5569-5061.
TABLE TENNIS
World Team Table Tennis
Championships
Apr 28-May 5, various times,
¥1,000-8,000. Yoyogi National
Gymnasium. Nearest stn:
Meiji-Jingumae.
Festivals
Fire-Walking Festival
Yamabushi and other
participants walk across
hot coals while praying for
protection against illness.
Mar 9, all day, free. Takao-san
Yakuoin Head Temple. 2177
Takao-machi, Hachiojii. Nearest
stn: Takao-san Iriguchi. www.
takaosan.or.jp/english
Kannon Jigen-e
Celebrating the original of the
shrine with a golden dragon
dance and other events.
Mar 18, all day, free. Sensoji.
Nearest stn: Asakusa. Tel:
03-3842-0181. www.senso-ji.jp
Sumida Park Cherry
Blossom Festival
Famous since the Edo
period, with over 1,000 trees.
Illuminated at night. Mar
20-Apr 10, all day, free. Sumida
Park. Nearest stn: Asakusa.
www.gotokyo.org/en/
Chiyoda Cherry Blossom
Festival
Enjoy cherry blossoms from
a boat. Illuminated at night.
Mar 20-Apr 10, all day, free.
Yasukuni Shrine and environs.
Nearest stn: Ichigaya. www.
kanko-chiyoda.jp
Cherry Blossom Festival
Illuminated at night on
weekends and concerts on
Sundays.Mar 20-Apr 10, all day,
¥500. Jindai Botanical Garden.
Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel: 042-485-
1210. www.tokyo-park.or.jp
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
About 1,000 cherry blossom
trees, illuminated at night.
Movies and musical
performances. Mar 20-Apr 13,
various times, free. Ueno Park.
Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-
5644. www.ueno.or.jp/tourist
Toshimaen Cherry
Blossom Festival
Ride attractions at half price
from 3pm with a Yozakura
Night Pass. Mar 20-Apr 6, all day,
¥1,000. Toshimaen. Nearest stn:
Toshimaen. Tel: 03-3990-8800.
www.toshimaen.co.jp
Sakura Tsutsumi Street
Flower Festival
Illuminated at night and flee
markets, attractions, and others
on weekends. Mar 20-Apr 15, all
day, free. Along Sumida river.
Nearest stn: http://visit-sumida.
jp
Cherry Blossom Festival
900m-long street. Until Apr 15,
all day, free. Sendaiborigawa
Park and Minamisuna Green
Park. Nearest stn: Toyocho.
http://hanami.walkerplus.com
Cherry Blossom at
Sankeien
Enjoy sightseeing 300 cherry
blossom trees and historical
architectures. Until Apr 15,
9am-9pm, ¥500. Sankeien
Garden Museum. Nearest stn:
Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634.
hanami.walkerplus.com/
Bunkyo Cherry Blossom
Festival
Cherry blossom festival since
1971. Until Apr 6, all day, free.
Bunkyo distrcit. Nearest stn:
Waseda. www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp
Cherry Blossom Night
Viewing
Tomyoji pagoda and cherry
blossom trees lit up by lanterns
and floodlights. Until Apr 7,
until 9pm, ¥200-500. Sankeien
Garden Museum. Nearest stn:
Negishi. Tel: 045-621-0634.
www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about
Funado Cherry Blossom
Festival
180m cherry blossom street.
Until Mar 31, 10am-3:30pm,
free. Ukima Park. Nearest stn:
Ukima Funado. Tel: 03-3969-
9168. hanami.walkerplus.com/
Nakameguro Cherry
Blossom Festival
Enjoy cherry blossom sake
and shops along the river.
Illuminations at night. Mar
20-Apr 10, all day, free. Along
Meguro river. Nearest stn.:
Nakameguro. www.nakamegu.
com
Forums & Expos
Art Fair Tokyo
From antiques to contemporary
art, media and fashion. Mar 7,
11am-9pm; Mar 8, 11am-8pm;
Mar 9, 10:30am-5pm, ¥1,500 (1
day, adv)/ ¥3,000 (3 day, adv).
Tokyo International Forum
Exhibition Hall. Nearest stn:
Yurakucho. info@artfairtokyo.
com. www.artfairtokyo.com/en
Japan Shop
Shop fittings, signs, audio
visual equipment and more.
Mar 7, 10am-4:30pm, free (adv
registration)/¥2,000 (door).
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel:
03-3512-5670. http://messe.
nikkei.co.jp/en/js
Security Show
Japan's largest exhibition of
security and safety technology.
Mar 7, 10am-4:30pm, free (adv
registration)/ ¥2,000 (door).
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
tradefairs2012@smj.co.jp.
http://messe.nikkei.co.jp/en/ss
Tokyo Franchise Show
Franchisers and new
businesses seek partners.
; Mar 7, 1-am-4:30pm, free
(registration required).
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon.
tradefairs2014@smj.co.jp.
http://messe.nikkei.co.jp/en/fc
Anime Japan 2014
Anime-focused business
fair and traditional festival.
Mar 22-23, 9am-5pm, ¥1,500.
Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn:
Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon. www.
anime-japan.jp
Bazaars & Markets
Earth Day Market
Organic produce, recycling
projects and more. Mar 30,
10am-4pm, free. Yoyogi
Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.
earthdaymarket.com
Shinagawa Intercity Flea
Market
More than 120 vendors. Sun &
hols. Nov 15-Jan 1, 9am-3pm,
free. Shinagawa Intercity.
Nearest stn: Shinagawa. http://
meturl.com/shinflea
Iidabashi Ramla Market
Every first and third Sun,
10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla.
Nearest stn: Iidabashi.
Umi no Koen Flea Market
Every 3rd Sun, 10am-4pm,
Umi no Koen. Nearest stn:
Uminokoen-Shibaguchi.
rinpodan@umino-kouen.net
Tel: 03-3226-6800.
Best Flea Market
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,
Tokyo International Forum Hall
C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
03-3226-6800.
Hanazono Shrine Market
Every Sun, 8am-4pm,
Hanazono Shrine. Nearest
stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel:
03-3200-3093.
Ibaraki-ichi
Farm-fresh veg from the north.
Every Sat, 7-9am, Roppongi
Hills East Court. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6406-5285.
Nogi Shrine Market
Every second Sun, 5:30am-
3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn:
Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.
Oedo Antique Fair
Japan’s largest outdoor antique
market. Every first and third
Sun, 8am-4:30pm, Tokyo
International Forum Hall C.
Nearest stn: Yurakucho. Tel:
03-5805-1093.
Aoyama Marché
Organic farmers’ market.
Every weekend, United
Nations University. Nearest
stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-3456-
0960.
Yasukuni Shrine Antique
Market
Every Sun, sunrise-sunset,
Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn:
Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.
Fudaten Jinja Market
Every second Sun, 10am-4pm,
Fudaten Jinja. Nearest stn:
Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.
Shinjuku Central Park
Market
Local produce stalls, workshops
and live performances. Every
Sat, 10am-4pm, Shinjuku
Central Park. Nearest stn:
Tocho-mae. Tel: 03-2504-
2128. http://meturl.com/
shinjukuparkmarket
Yebisu Marché
Organic fruits and vegetables.
Every first and third Sun,
11am-5pm, Ebisu Garden
Place. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.
facebook.com/YEBISUMarche
Community
Remembrance 3/11
Yakatabune Edo-style all-youcan-eat
dinner cruise in
remembrance of the Tohoku
disaster. Talks about recovery
plans and more. Mar 11,
6:30pm, ¥18,000. Shinagawa
Port. Nearest stn: Shinagawa.
ogaforaid@gmail.com http://
meturl.com/oga3112014
Roppongi Tenmon Club
Star gazing with other
astronomy enthusiasts. Mar 28,
7-9pm, ¥500-1,500 (entrance
fee) + ¥2,000 (seminar,
optional). Tokyo City View. Tel:
03-6406-6652. http://meturl.
com/tenmon
Stitch-n-Bitch
Meet fellow knitters, crocheters
and sewers to talk, share ideas,
eat, drink and create. Every
first and third Tue, 7pm, free,
Cafe Respekt. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.meetup.com/
TokyoStitchandBitch
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm, free,
The Pink Cow. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773.
cowmail@thepinkcow.com
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art
School
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike with arty socializing.
Every third Wed, 7pm, ¥2,000
1d incl. Studio and Space
IVVA. Nearest stn: Harajuku
or Meiji-jingumae. www.
drsketchytokyo.wordpress.
com
Learning
Burgundy & Champagne
Wine Seminar
An exclusive wine seminar
with a French gourmet dinner.
Mar 15, 7pm, ¥15,980 (adv).
Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
Tel: frenchwinetasting@
hotmail.com. http://meturl.com/
otherwine
Shodo Workshop
Volunteer teachers show
particpants how to write their
names in kanji. Mar 16, 6pm,
free. Sakura House Asakusa.
Nearest stn: Asakusa. info@
sakura-hostel.co.jp
The 16th Aromatherapy
Symposium
Discussion of the current
status in German-speaking
countries. Mar 16, 1-5pm,
¥2,000 (members)/ ¥3,000
(students)/ ¥5,000 (gen). Tokyo
International Forum. Nearest
stn: Yurakucho. research@
aromakankyo.or.jp. www.
aromakankyo.or.jp/english
Intercollegiate Celtic
Festival
3 days of of music and dance
classes. Mar 17-19, various times,
¥17,230 (3 nights incl. food).
National Olympics Memorial
Youth Center. Nearest stn:
Sangubashi. http://icf-shamrock.
com
Clos des Fees Wine Tasting
Dinner
With speaker Herve Bizeul, the
wine make himself. Mar 19,
7:30pm, ¥11,000. Le Terroir.
Nearest stn: Mejiro. bruno.
leroy@hesperidesadvisors.com
http://leterroir-winebar.com
Californian Wine vs.
French Wine
Wine seminar with a US-style
gourmet dinner in an
international atmosphere. Mar
28, 7pm, ¥10,980 (adv). Legato.
Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://
meturl.com/monthlywine
TCS Improv Workshop
The weekly Tokyo Comedy
Store In the Moment improv
workshop, all levels welcome.
Beginner intensives on
weekends throughout the year.
See website for more details.
Every Wednesday, 7-9pm,
Our Space Studio. Nearest stn:
Hatagaya. Tel: 03-5770-7401.
www.tokyocomedy.com/
improv_comedy_workshop
Fashion Events
Shibuya Fashion Week
Fashion promotes creation.
Mar 10-Mar 24, various times,
various prices. Nearest stn:
Shibuya. www.shibuya-fw.com
Mercedez-Benz Fashion
Week
Autumn/Winter collections
setting trends on a global scale.
Mar 17-Mar 22, various times,
various prices. Shibuya Hikarie
and other venues. Nearest stn:
Shibuya.
http://tokyo-mbfashionweek.
com/en/the17th
Roomslink Tokyo
Exhibitions, fashion shows and
interactive installations. Mar
18-21, various times, various
prices. BelleSalle Shibuya
Garden. Nearest stn: Shibuya.
ttp://roomslink.com/en/
The 28th JITAC European
Textile Fair
Trendsetting European
fabric showcase. Mar 25-27,
9:30am-6pm, ¥3,000. Tokyo
International Forum. Nearest
stn: Yurakucho.
Tel: 06-6228-6229.
Tokyo Runway
Semi-annual pret-a-porter
fashion show. Mar 21, 12:30pm,
¥3,500-6,500. Yoyogi National
Stadium. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
http://tokyo-runway.com
Tokyo Fashion Wear Expo:
Spring
International clothing trade
show. Apr 2-4, 10am-6pm, free
(registration required). Tokyo
Big Sight. Nearest stn: Kokusai-
Tenjijo-Seimon. Tel: fwt@
reedexpo.co.jp. www.apparelexpo.jp/en/home_spring
Other Events
Furusato no Shoku
Zenkoku Festival
Food stalls filled with regional
specialties from all over Japan.
Mar 8-9, all day, free. Yoyogi
Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
Tel: 03-3469-6081. www.
yoyogipark.info/2014/furusato
Diner's Club Ice Rink
Blading in the heart of
Roppongi. Until Mar 9,
11am-10pm, ¥1,000 (elem
and under)/ ¥1,500 (gen).
Tokyo Midtown. Nearest stn:
Roppongi. http://meturl.com/
midskate2014
Tokyo International
Literary Festival
Authors, literary critics and
others gather to discuss and
read their works. Until Mar 9,
various times, various prices.
Venues across Tokyo. www.
tokyolitfest.com
Latin Beats & Havana Heat
Escape to the tropics with salsa
dancing, free flow mojito plans
and more. Every Thu, from
7pm, free. Mixx Bar & Lounge.
Nearest stn: Roppongi-Itchome.
Tel: 03-3505-1111. www.
anaintercontinental-tokyo.
jp/mixx
Tokyo no Mori 2014
Series of classical concerts
held annually. For more details
on specific performances, see
"Classical" section. Until Apr 13,
various times, various prices.
Across Ueno area. Nearest stn:
Ueno. Tel: 03-3322-9966. www.
tokyo-harusai.com
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Yokohama
Annual procession of green-clad
revelers. Mar 15, 2pm, free.
Motomachi area, Yokohama.
Nearest stn: Ishikawacho or
Minato Mirai. www.inj.or.jp/en
Night Venus - Light for
Wishing
Illumination. Until Mar 16, daily
from noon, free. VenusFort.
Nearest stn: Aomi. Tel: 03-3599-
0700. www.venusfort.co.jp/
illumi
I Love Ireland Festival
Performances by Lady
Chieftains, Trinity Irish Dance
Group and others. Mar 16,
all day, free. Yoyogi Park.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.
iloveireland.net
Tokyo St. Patrick's Parade
Tokyo Pipe Band, jugglers amd
dancers take on the streets of the
Big Mikan. Mar 16, 1-3pm, free.
Omotesando area. Nearest stn:
Harajuku. www.inj.or.jp/en
Tokyo Outdoor Weekend
Frisbee booths, yoga
workshops, slacklines and live
shows. Mar 22,11am-7pm, Mar
23, 11am-6pm, free. Yoyogi
Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.
www.tokyooutdoorshow.jp
Haru Kaze
Art and music show with an
eco-friendly twist. Mar 29-30,
11am-8pm, free. Yoyogi Park.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel:
03-3469-6081. http://harukaze.
asia/2014
100 Flower Festival
Painstakingly put-together
flower arrangements, vocal
performances and more .
Until Mar 31, 10am-9pm, free.
Tamagawa Takashimaya S・C.
Nearest stn: Futago Tamagawa.
Tel: 03-3709-2222. www.
tamagawa-sc.com
Winter Fantasy
Illumination. Until Apr 9, from
sunset, free. Cosmo Clock 21,
Cosmo World. Nearest stn:
Minato Mirai. www.senyo.
co.jp/cosmo
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 19

Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON
More reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies
12 YEARS A SLAVE
Solomon Northrup, a New York free man, was
kidnapped in 1841 and sold into slavery. Later
he wrote a book about it. We are all righteously
agreed, one would hope, on the evils of human
bondage. Several Hollywood movies have touched,
gingerly and obliquely, on this dark period of American
history. But the true, banal evil of the practice had
yet to be depicted cinematically until Steve McQueen
came along and made a movie from the writings of
this unique witness to history. The film demolishes
several cherished fabrications about the era aimed at
making us feel less ashamed. Don’t be expecting “Zipa-dee-doo-dah.”
This horror-film history lesson pulls
no punches. The brutality is not easy to watch (which
is the point). It’s visceral, vital, unsettling and not a little
existential. Yet it’s so compelling that you are pulled in
from the first scene. The film revolves around Chiwetel
Ejiofor’s translucent portrayal of Northrup, utterly
convincing in every nuance the role demands. An
arresting Michael Fassbender gives him a run for his
money as a truly scary slave owner who’s unhinged on
top of evil and sadistic. Also a radiant Lupita Nyong’o.
Japanese Title: Soredemo Yoru wa Akeru. (133 min)
NEW
GRAND PIANO
A celebrated young classical pianist
(Elijah Wood) approaches the
title instrument for his first concert
in five years since publicly
choking on a difficult piece. So I’m
settling in for a nice drama about
creative pressure when he opens
the score to find a message in bright red, “Play one wrong note
and you die!” punctuated with a rifle laser dot. There ensues an
increasingly ludicrous cat-and-mouse game in which he must
identify the hazily motivated villain (it’s John Cusack) and
outsmart him, all while playing a piece that’s nearly unplayable
without distraction. Hopelessly contrived. Japanese title: Grand
Piano Nerawareta Kurokagi. (90 min)
NEW
RIDDICK
The second sequel to 2000’s spare,
surprisingly effective Pitch Black
wisely ignores 2004’s disappointing
The Chronicles of Riddick and
goes back to its dark roots (though
it works as a stand-alone). This
time our see-in-the-dark, wanteddead-or-alive
anti-hero (Vin Diesel, never better), finds himself
stranded on a hostile planet. So he activates a distress beacon at
an abandoned mercenary outpost, which summons two competing
groups of bounty hunters. Riddick views this as “calling a taxi.”
Plenty of gallows humor, especially one “comeuppance” scene
involving a head in a box. I had fun. Japanese title: Riddick: Galaxy
Battle. (119 min)
NEW
DRACULA 3D
The spook-movie crowd would
once have been eager to see what
Euro-horror auteur Dario Argento
could have done with Bram Stoker’s
oft-filmed story. But they probably
anticipated something several
levels above this groan-worthy
awfulness. The CG is screen-saver, the sets seedy, the dialogue
eye-rolling, the pacing inept and the staging clunky. The “acting”
is aggressively amateurish, at least until Rutger Hauer shows up as
Van Helsing, and then he just looks bored. Lots of nudity and gore,
though, so there’s that. And the Count turning himself into a giant
praying mantis? Okay, that was new. Japanese title: Dario Argento
no Dracula. (106 min)
NEW
THE HOBBIT: THE
DESOLATION OF SMAUG
It’s a spirited, fan-pleasing middle
child. But the padding necessary
to stretch a single, non-epic
volume into a nine-hour trilogy
is more pronounced. Peter
Jackson’s decision to shoot in
High Frame Rate digital 3-D results in some jaw-dropping,
brilliantly choreographed (if a bit long and video-game-ish)
action set pieces, but at the same time gives the dramatic bits,
already weak, a sort of daytime-TV feel. Bottom line: eventful,
robustly entertaining eye candy, but little depth or emotional
impact. I was dragon by the time I left the theater, mourning the
terrific single movie The Hobbit would have made. Japanese
title: Hobbit Ryu ni Ubawareta Okoku. (160 min)
NEW
MACHETE KILLS
The whole thing started as a joke
trailer within a 2007 Quentin
Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez grindhouse
“homage,” which grew into a
2010 feature. I had fun at Machete.
This sequel not so much. The joke
is played out, Bob, and throwing
an all-star cast at it (along with a bunch of severed heads) is not
helping. Literally overkill. The once-stunning midnight mayhem
has become repetitive. There are good bad movies, and there are
bad bad movies. But it’s very hard to make a good intentionally bad
movie, and this quickly devolves into a splatter comedy that, were
it on TV, you’d soon be channel surfing. (107 min)
NEW
LOVELACE
For someone who made just one
film, Linda Lovelace had a major
impact on the porn film industry
(and late-night comedians). Books
both favoring porn and not have
been written about her. Willing
trailblazer or kept slave? This skindeep
movie tries to have its cake and swallow it too by portraying
the pro-porn first and then overlaying what’s gone before with the
“real story.” The non-compelling result has a made-for-TV feel.
Perfs by Amanda Seyfried and Peter Sarsgaard are spot on, but
James Franco as Hugh Hefner? Please. At the end I knew little
about the woman. But then I wasn’t all that curious. (92 min)
NEW
NEBRASKA
When an ornery old fart (Bruce
Dern) in Montana receives one of
those “You may already have won
$1,000,000” letters, he decides he
must get to Nebraska to pick up
his check. His long-suffering son
at length consents to take him,
and another minimalist Alexander Payne road-trip dramedy is
born. They get stalled in dad’s hometown, where news of the new
millionaire inspires congratulations as well as greed. It’s a comedy,
but one infused with regret and longing, a wry study of life and
roots. Payne somehow turns the unpleasant old guy into an unforgettable
character that we never actually like, but get. Japanese
title: Nebraska Futatsu no Kokoro wo Tsunagutabi. (114 min)
NEW
FOR NO GOOD REASON
You probably know cartoonist/
caricaturist/satirist Ralph Steadman
best for the highly appropriate
(i.e. severely demented) splatter
illustrations in Hunter S. Thompson’s
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
and other gonzo writings. This
inventively shot (sometimes animated!) overview of his unique,
50-year career revolves, somewhat distractingly, around an
interview conducted by fan/friend Johnny Depp. It’s rich in
anecdotes and demonstrations of his creative process. That’s
good in an art doc. But in the end, I still didn’t know what makes
Ralph tick. That’s not. Limited, but worth a look. (90 min)
DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
Matthew McConaughey’s selfreinvention
continues with this
Oscar-nominated performance as
the real-life Ron Woodruf, a redneck
bigot who is diagnosed with AIDS in
1985 and given a month to live. But
he educated himself and eventually
formulated an effective, quasi-legal vitamin cocktail that he
black-marketed to other HIV sufferers. What makes this movie
great is watching this character develop from a narrow-minded
homophobe into a person who comes to respect and even care
for the gay people he’s helping. It’s a fine story, told without
manipulation, condescension, sentimentality or sermonizing.
(117 min)
20 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

12 YEARS A SLAVE: © 2013 BASS FILMS, LLC AND MONARCHY ENTERPRISES S.A.R.L. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; GRAND PIANO: © NOSTROMO PICTURES SL / NOSTROMO CANARIAS 1 AIE / TELEFONICA PRODUCCIONES SLU / ANTENA3 FILMS SLU 2013; RIDDICK (2013/ 3): © 2013 RIDDICK PRODUCTIONS, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; DRACULA 3D: © 2012 MULTIMEDIA FILM PRODUCTION S.R.L. ENRIQUE CEREZO P.C. S. A. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURES INC.; MACHETE KILLS: © 2012
VRELONOVAMA LTD; LOVELACE ©2012 LOVELACE PRODUCTIONS,INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; NEBRASKA: © 2013 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; FOR NO GOOD REASON: (C) ITCH FILM LTD 2013.; DALLAS BUYERS CLUB: © 2013 DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.;
KICK-ASS 2: © 2013 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE BUTLER: © 2013 BUTLER FILMS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT: © 2012 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; AMERICAN HUSTLE: © 2013 CTMG PHANTOM FILMS; AMERICAN HUSTLE: ©
2013 CTMG PHANTOM FILMS; THE WOLF OF WALL STREET: © 2013 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; EIGA: ©2014『 東 京 難 民 』 製 作 委 員 会 ; MOVIE NEWS: KEVIN MCGUE; CINEMATIC UNDERGROUND: © 2011 MANDALAY VISION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
KICK-ASS 2
Despite the violence, 2010’s edgy
Kick Ass was sporadically amusing.
It made fun of superhero tropes, and
Chloe Grace Moretz’s 12-year-old
“Hit Girl” character was delightfully
shocking for that potty mouth on
her. But this tonally schizophrenic,
vulgar sequel goes all Dark Knight on us. It’s mean-spirited and
meandering, and looks a lot like what the first one was satirizing.
There’s a lot of killing. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is off-putting as
the super-villain, and now Moretz, though still the best thing in
the picture, is just another cussing teenager. A very unpleasant
movie. Please, NOT for kids. (103 min)
THE BUTLER
Lee Daniels (Precious) uses the
truish story of a butler (Forest
Whitaker) who was a fixture in
the White House from 1952 to
1986 to chronicle the Civil Rights
movement. It’s full of truths, and
you should see it. Now the gripes:
It’s a tad self-important, its blatant (evidently ineffective)
Oscar-baiting is off-putting, and the parade of big-name cameos
portraying all those presidents is distracting. But, somewhat
paradoxically, the best scenes take place outside the presidential
mansion, focusing on the battles between the non-confrontational
butler and his vastly more politically engaged son (David
Oyelowo). (127 min)
JACK RYAN:
SHADOW RECRUIT
There’s nothing wrong, exactly,
with this “origin” reboot of the Tom
Clancy cash cow (Clancy didn’t
write this). It competently cobbles
together all the action tropes, the
direction is able, and the central
conspiracy suitably wacko. Chris Pine’s a little weak, but that’s
nothing new. Good supporting work from Kevin Costner, Keira
Knightley and director Kenneth Branagh as the villain. Yes, it’s all
there. But then it isn’t. I cannot remember a more personality-free,
by-the-numbers action retread. It fairly throbs with not-newness.
Better to watch any Bourne a third time than this total snore once.
(105 min)
AMERICAN HUSTLE
Starts off with, “Some of this actually
happened,” which is a refreshing
take on that trite “inspired by true
events” hogwash, and also the only
honest statement you’ll find in this
hugely entertaining assemblage
of lies, disguises, deceits, scams,
stings and cons. A pair of small-time con-persons (a transcendent
Christian Bale & a terrific Amy Adams) get caught by an insanely
ambitious FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) who uses them to set up
other stings to advance his career. Jennifer Lawrence, too. Great
use of vintage '70s jukebox hits. A twisted tale well told. I want to
see it again. (138 min)
THE WOLF OF WALL
STREET
High-finance low-life Jordan Belfort
and his vulgar cadre of badly
behaving brokers built their wildly
successful trading house through
fraud and bullying sales tactics.
An extended feature about these
degenerates would be unwatchable. So Scorsese has instead
made a flat-out comedy and pulled out all the stops. Leonardo
DiCaprio stars as the swinging-dick anti-hero in an unchained,
balls-to-the-wall portrayal. Kind of like a Gordon Gekko but, you
know, funny. While true stories of twisted characters are diverting
for a while, three hours is a long time to spend in the company
of such douchebags. (180 min)
eiga
TOKYO NAMMIN
By Rob Schwartz
Occasionally, Japanese films will take up
a serious social issue. The challenge is
whether the work can examine the
problem in a realistic and non-manipulative
way. The results with Tokyo Nammin, a movie
about being homeless in Japan, are decidedly
mixed. Osamu (Aoi Nakamura) is your average
college student. Without warning he is kicked
out of school because his fees have not been
paid. The same thing happens to him with his
apartment when his father, who has been supporting
him, disappears and apparently has
massive debt chasing him. Thus the naïve Osamu must make his way in the world. Based on the hit 2011
novel of the same name by Tetsuzo Fukuzawa, the story dives into the sleazy host/hostess world of Tokyo’s
red lights districts (which affords the flick many on-location shots of Shinjuku and Kabukicho). Osamu gets
stuck with a huge bill at a hostess club and is forced to work as a host, pouring ladies drinks and entertaining
them with the allure of possible sex. He gets drawn into a relationship with Akane (Chihiro Otsuka), a damaged
older woman. Will the sensitive hero be able to survive and escape his plight? Overall the film is handled
with the seriousness the subject matter demands, but the touches of melodrama and tear-jerking add some
sour notes. Worth a look, but not a masterpiece. (English title: Refugee in Tokyo; 130 min.
movie news
Chilean actress Paulina García has
enjoyed opportunities not often
afforded to Hollywood actresses. She
took on the title role in Gloria, a divorcee in her
late 50s who refuses to give up on life, and her
enthralling performance earned her the best
actress award at last year’s Berlinale. “That
is why we won’t get the Oscar,” García told
Metropolis during a recent trip to Tokyo. “There
are not many films about women this age.” The
film was Chile’s official submission for the best
film in a foreign language category, but failed to
make the short list. However, her Berlin triumph
has opened new doors in theater and film for
the actress. But at the age of 53, she is troubled
by ageism in the film world. “Meryl Streep is an
exception and she will be working until she is 90, but it is very hard for other actresses,” García says. “Jack
Nicholson is fat, bald and old now, but still is a great actor and gets offers. But [Chinatown costar] Faye Dunaway,
who is still so beautiful, can’t get work.” Kevin Mcgue
Gloria is now playing at Human Trust Cinemas in Shibuya and Yurakucho (www.ht-cinema.com)
cinematic underground
The buzz around former rom-com mainstay
Matthew McConaughey turning
his career around has given rise to the
new term “McConaissance.” Shin-Bungeiza
in Ikebukuro (3F, 1-43-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro
Toshima-ku; www.shin-bungeiza.com) is celebrating
with an all-night screening of his recent
work on March 8, including Bernie (pictured) in
which he plays a small town Texas sheriff...The
biggest star in the history of Japanese cinema
turns the big six-oh this year and to mark the
occasion, Jimbocho Theater (1-23 Kanda Jimbocho,
Chiyoda-ku; www.shogakukan.co.jp/jinbocho-theater) is screening 28 films from Godzilla’s long career,
March 8-April 11. There will be a number of Q&As, including one on March 8 with actor Akira Takarada, who costarred
with the G-man numerous times, starting with the original in 1954...Laputa in Asagaya (2-12-21 Asagaya
Kita, Suginami-ku; www.laputa-jp.com/laputa/) revists Japanese New Wave cinema with a selection of works
from the Art Theatre Group, March 9-April 26. The subversive production company made Diary Of A Shinjuku
Thief (1968) and Funeral Parade of Roses (1969) before folding in the '80s. Kevin Mcgue
Unless noted, Japanese films screen without English subtitles. Non-English language films are shown with Japanese subtitles only.
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 21

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22 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Dining Out
st. patrick's day shenanigans
St. Patrick's Day
Celebrations
March 15
All draft beer pints ¥700!
(Guinness, Kilkenny, Sapporo, Cider,
Guest beer)
St. Patrick's day family party at 4pm
March 16 &17
All draft beer pints ¥500!
Live Events:
March 16, 6pm
Tuk Tuk Skip
(Irish Traditional Music)
B1F Matsuda Building
Meguro 3-12-3
Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel/ Fax: 03-3760-6179
Nearest stn:
JR Meguro
15 min walk on
Meguro-dori from
JR Meguro stn West exit
THE DUBLINERS IRISH PUB
The pub crawl starts now! Get a Dubliner’s Happy Card by visiting each of
Dubliner’s five pubs in Tokyo and getting a stamp. Once you receive the
Happy Card, you can visit Dubliner's and drink beer at Happy Hour prices all
day, every day for a year. Last day to participate in the pub crawl is March 16,
2014—so what are you waiting for? Get crawlin'!
March 17
¥500 pints of draft beer all day
Live Irish music at all braches
● Akasaka
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
03-3539-3615.
Closed Sat-Sun and hols
● Ikebukuro
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro,
Toshima-ku. 03-5951-3614
● Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall 3-28-9
Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606
● Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736
● Shinagawa
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minatoku-ku
03-6718-2834
March 17, 8pm
Honey Cookies (Bluegrass)
www.seamus-ohara.com
Hotel
Claska
Mar 16 and 17
All Draft Beer Discounted!
Green Beer Available!
SPECIAL ST PATRICK’S
FOOD MENU AVAILABLE
Seamus
O’hara
Lawson
Royal Host
Tama Univ.
Meguro HS
Spacious 5F
terrace
over looking
central
Shibuya.
www.failte.jp
Enjoy our
great selections
of Irish and
European brews.
St.Patrick’s Day Special
Ootori
Jinja
Meguro River
Sunday
Mart
Police
Box
IRISH MUSIC LIVE
3/12 (WED) 1ST 7:30PM~ 10:30PM~
3/26 (WED) 1ST 7:30PM~ 2ND 9PM~
MUFJ
Bank
Tokyu Metro
Meguro stn.
Tokyu
Plaza
JR Meguro stn.
Police Box
More details
www.failte.jp
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)
3-11pm (Sunday & hols)
tel: 03-3476-7776
SEAMUS O’HARA
From March 15-17, have a craic at Seamus O’Hara’s and order a ¥1,000 traditional
Irish breakfast or ¥1,000 roast lamb chop!
● March 15
All day draft beer pints ¥700
(Guinness, Kilkenny, Sapporo,
Cider, guest beer)
4pm: St.Patrick's Day Family
Party with pub quiz—kids
welcome!
● March 16
All draft beer pints ¥500
6pm: Post-parade party featuring
Tuk Tuk Skip (live traditional
Irish music)
● March 17
All draft beer pints ¥500
8pm: Honey Cookies (live bluegrass
music)
Open 6pm-2am (Mar 15 &16
4pm-2am)
GORGEOUS BAR &LOUNGE
CONVENIENT STANDING CASH-BAR AREA
SELECTED ALCOHOL & FOOD FROM ¥500
Enjoy friday night events at P.C.M
8pm-2am, no entry fee
Celebrate the beginning of the spring
and enjoy the breeze on our terrace
•3/7 (FRI) POMMERY NIGHT FRENCH FRIDAY
DJ Flight Formation
•3/14 (FRI) HEINEKEN NIGHT
DJ Lava and more!
•3/20 (THU) REAL SOUND OF HEARTLAND
DJ K+C
Guest: DJ Ice
Craft Beer
from ¥500
* Only on Marunochi
1F Tokia Tokyo Bldg, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.
Nearest stations: Tokyo or Yurakucho. Open: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Tea 2:30-5pm,
Dinner (Mon-Fri) 5pm-4am LO 3:30am, (Weekends and hols.) 5pm-11pm LO 10pm
☎ 03-5222-1251www.miyoshi-grp.com/cardinal/pcm
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 23

Roppongi's famous
Chinese eatery
beer, cocktails, music, food & more
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY
SAT, MARCH 15
Post a photo of the
restaurant on Facebook,
and get 1 free beer.
Open 24 hours • 180 people max for parties
Roppongi:
2F Court Annex Roppongi,
3-2-13 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku.
Akasaka:
B1F Floral Plaza
Bldg, 3-8-8 Akasaka,Minato-ku.
03-5414-5708 03-6234-9788
Visit our website for info on other Chinese Cafe Eight locations
welcome@cceight.com | www.cceight.com
No service charge
Hot food and snacks
Bookings for up to 50 people
For parties and event bookings contact:
03-3441-9970
stickersbar@gmail.com
www.stickersinternationalbar.com
Social medias:
Shinagawa-ku, Higashigotanda 1-16-10-4F
(1 minute on foot from Gotanda station)
¥300
DRINKS FROM
JR
Gotanda
Station
(Yamanote Line)
East gate
Big
Echo
*3hrs
NOMIHODAI: ¥3,000
Exit A6
Seven
eleven
Toei Asakusa line
Lawson
Sakurada Dori
Azabujuban ➞
Enjoy gourmet steak, fish,
seafood and a selection of
world-class wines with a
superb skyline view.
Tokyo’s No.1 nighttime panorama
Fresh fish direct from Tsukiji market
High-quality Japanese steaks
Selection of high quality wines
from over 2,000 cellars worldwide
Party & wedding catering
English service & menu available
Yakult
Panasonic
Shiodome City Center
Matsushita
Shiodome Eletric
Nihon TV tower
Tower
LUNCH:
Mon-Sun 11:30am-3pm (LO 1:30pm)
DINNER:
Mon-Sun 5:30pm-11:30pm(LO 9:30pm)
Online Reservation:
www.fish-bank-tokyo.jp
03-3569-7171
41F Shiodome City Center Bldg, 1-5-2 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku 03-3569-7171
PAccounting
• Auditing
• IPO Consulting
• Due Diligence
PTax
• Tax Preparation
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• US Tax Filing
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PVisa Attorney
• Establishing a Company
& Branch Office
• Corporate Services
• Immigration Services
More Than Twenty Years Experience
KASAI CPA
042-401-0342
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4-1-2-302 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo
support@kasaicpa.com
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24 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

BITES
Dining
Out
blooming delicious
The Westin Tokyo in Ebisu will be sakuradarake,
or “awash with cherry blossoms,” this season
with its annual Sakura Fair covering the entire
venue: from cakes at the Deli (¥650) to hanami
kaiseki at restaurant Mai and sakura mojitos
(¥2,000) at The Bar. The cherry blossoms will be
gathered in Kyushu, where they bloom earlier,
and used to infuse culinary creations with a
pink blush. Special menus are available March
20-April 6. Adding to the atmosphere, The Westin
Garden will host cherry trees from all over
Japan and landscape designer Kazuyuki Ishihara
will give a demonstration in the lobby at
8:30pm on March 29. The time is right for a taste
of spring. Lisa Wallin
1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-5423-7000
picnic basket
Hanami season is almost here and it doesn't
have to be all about the booze. If you do it right,
immaculately prepared bento will take their
rightful place on the blue tarp. Those who lack the
culinary skills of the perfect housewife can get in
touch with Daylesford Organic Cafe and Shop
in Aoyama. The original farm shop is located in
Gloucestershire in the UK. They have good ol’ British
style sandwich baskets (¥5,500 for 5-6 people)
and tea baskets (¥4,800 for 5-6 people, including
quiches, scones and muffins) for takeout or delivery.
For those having posher get-togethers, they
also offer catering. LW
5-52-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3486-
0080. Open daily 11am-9pm. www.daylesford.
jp/takeout
soba flower
Drop these noodles into a boiling pot and you
will smell the aroma of spring in Japan. Another
hint is the vivid pink color. Yes, this sakura soba
(¥845 for 3 packs) is made with cherry blossoms
that produce a mild flavor. Each package comes
with a soy-based dipping sauce, making them
easy to throw in a bento box if you want to rosecolor
up someone’s day. They're also great for
picnic baskets destined for your favorite hanami
spot, where you can eat sakura while also sitting
under them. The noodles are “semi-dried” to
maximize freshness. That also means they have
to be eaten soon—and that shouldn’t be a problem
with food this fun. Taiichi Izawa
http://meturl.com/sakurasoba
capybara café
The animated film Ratatouille proved that even
a rodent can have its own restaurant. Now the
world’s largest member of the order Rodentia—
and one of Japan’s favorite characters— has
its own café. Daikanyama’s fashionable Sign
will transform into Kapibara (named after the
katakana name for the critter), from March 8 to
April 6. Although capybara meat is eaten in South
America, the focus here is on the animal’s cutout
image, which appears in latte art, cookies (¥450)
and, of course, lots of merchandise (starting at
¥150). If furry rodents aren’t your thing, the café
is dog-friendly, so bring your pup and stay for the
free WiFi. LW
1F Daikanyama Station Bldg., 19-4 Daikanyama,
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-9570. Open daily
9am-9pm.
serious seaweed
The Umino Seaweed shop dreamed of peace for
both the oceans and humans. How to achieve
such a noble dream is tricky, but making the
world more beautiful—and tasty—is a good
place to start. Their Design Nori (¥1,260 for one
large zenkei sheet, ¥1,365 for set of 15 small puchi
sheets) features intricate motifs hole-punched
into into the seaweed, with the white rice behind
creating a stark contrast. Reminiscent of traditional
Japanese stencil artwork, the product won
a Good Design Award in 2012. What started out
as—and in many ways still is—a humble seaweed
shop, has turned into a design company employing
laser-cutting technology. We heard they were
considering using the leftover bits for furikake so
that nothing goes to waste. Stay tuned for that. LW
facebook.com/designnori uminokaisouten
shochu 101
The Marronnier Chinese Restaurant at The Tokyo
Prince Hotel transforms into a shochu school from
6:30-8:30pm, the fourth Friday of every month. The
¥7,000 entry fee gets you tastings of several varieties
of honkaku (single distillation) shochu from top
makers in Kagoshima. Many of the makers themselves
will be on hand to teach ways of drinking,
such as with the kurojaka heating pot or mixed into
delicious cocktails, as well as standard intros on each
kura. Drinks are paired with Chinese cuisine made
with seasonal ingredients straight from Kyushu’s
Kagoshima Oidon Ichiba Market, making for a good
opportunity to hone your shochu skills over a meal.
As a bonus, diners are entered into a draw to bring
home a souvenir. The next events are March 28 and
April 25. Reservations are recommended. LW
3-3-1 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3432-1142
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 25

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Seminars for team leaders and CEOs
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Professional step by step dance
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26 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

keeping tabs
BREWDOG
The bad boys of Scottish
craft beer land in
Roppongi
By Stefan Van Eycken
THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY
Dining Out
The people at Whisk-e Ltd., who handle
distribution for BrewDog craft beer in
Japan, have wanted to open a bar in
Tokyo since the UK locations opened by
the bad boys of Scottish brewing became a hit. It
took a while for things to come together—Helsinki
and Sao Paulo opened in the meantime—but the
Tokyo branch has been worth the wait.
At any given time, it features 20 selections on
tap, half of which are BrewDog originals and the
others are the “Best of the Rest,” or guest beers.
Aside the six core BrewDog selection on tap, there
are always four limited-edition options, leaving
fans spoiled for choice. Some options are smallbatch,
experimental brews of which only two or
three kegs are produced, and this is the only place
were you can sample them.
The list of guest beers reads like a “brew’s who”
of the craft scene. Most of these are sourced from
abroad (Mikkeller, 8Wired, Lagunitas, Heretic
Brewing, etc.), but there are also Japanese suds on
tap from the likes of Minoh and Shiga Kogen.
If you want to give your taste buds a little break
from beer, you can try the selection of whiskies and
other spirits—rare stuff at ridiculously low prices—
or have some nosh. There are the usual cheese
and meat board offerings, but also a short menu of
dishes designed to complement the various styles
of beer on offer, like a pork chop dish cooked with
5am Saint amber ale. It’s all about using good
ingredients—provenance being very important—
and creating dishes that come with a little bit of
a story. To give you an idea of the sort of thinking
that reigns in the kitchen, the staff is experimenting
with infusing olive oil with hops and also trying
to produce a hop salt. Be prepared to be surprised.
Be prepared also to spend some time gazing
around—not at fellow punters but at the quirky
punk-meets-retro interior designed by Tokiko
Okabe of Scandinavian Modern. Much of it was
shipped over from the UK, including a huge red
leather chesterfield, seats from an old Sheffield
cinema and recycled floorboards from a Scottish
high school gym that are now used to cover the
outer walls of the cold room. There are also two socalled
pata pata boards, listing the beers available.
They look old arrival departure flight info boards
and are connected to the PA system so when a new
beer is put on tap, you can actually hear the beer
list changing—that’s the pata pata sound.
BrewDog Roppongi is the sort of place that
could easily become your second living room: endlessly
stimulating and dangerously comfortable…
be warned.
BrewDog Roppongi. 5-2-3 Roppongi, Minatoku;
Tel: 03-6447-4160. Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight,
Fri-Sun 11am-midnight. www.brewdogbar.jp
tastemaker
JUN OKUMA
Oboro Saketen
By Yukari Sakamoto
Navigating sake can be overwhelming, especially
for non-Japanese speakers. There are
many hurdles to bringing that experience
home. Labels, while beautiful and stylized, can be
impossible to read. Even if they are legible, there are different
ranks, regions and seasonal offerings to decipher.
That's why a nihonshu shop where the staff speak English
fluently can be a real lifesaver.
Oboro Saketen in Shimbashi, is named after the
Japanese word for “hazy.” “The kura (sake breweries)
are like the sun, and sakaya shops are like a hazy moon,”
says owner Jun Okuma, explaining his relationship
with the manufacturers. The Tokyo native has used
his communication skills to partner with labels such as
Taka, Jikon, Shichihonyari and Furosen, which aficionados
will recognize.
Okuma says at home he often finds himself cooking
steamed vegetables with sesame-based seasonings
that pair well with a delicate Yamawa from Miyagi. He
recommends the full-body Furosen from Shiga, made
with natural yeast, for heartier dishes like duck or lamb.
Oboro Saketen holds monthly tastings organized
around themes. The most recent was a selection of
unpasteurized varieties of nihonshu from Jikon in
Mie, each made with a different variety of rice. There
are also around five open bottles on hand at the store
for samplings. On our visit, we tasted several including
an unpasteurized, unfiltered junmaiginjo from
Jikon, which had lavender notes and was very rich,
and a junmai daginjo from Daina in Tochigi that was
aged a year, rounding out its flavor and softening its
PHOTO BY YUKARI SAKAMOTO
aroma. We finished with
a Shichihonyari aged in
sherry barrels, imparting
dry tannins and
the delicate aroma of
sherry. Throughout tastings,
Okuma generously
imparts information on
yeast, filtering, aging, rice
varietals and what makes
each kura unique.
Prior to opening
his own shop, Okuma
worked as a buyer for
a large retailer, which
explains his strong network
of both brewers and
clients. Shimbashi is filled with izakaya that cater to
business people in the area, and Oboro supplies many
of these casual drinking pubs. This is what makes it
such an all-inclusive experience. You can stop by, taste
through some sake from the impressive cellar, order a
half-case or case to be sent to your home and then have
Okuma recommend a local izakaya to enjoy some with
your evening meal.
Oboro. 5-29-2 Shinbashi, Minato-ku. Tel:
03-6809-2334. Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat
noon-5pm, closed Sun and hols. www.oborosaketen.com
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27

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info@healthone.jp
050-3424-6713
NAKAMARU
D E N T A L ,
LOCATED IN
YOKOHAMA,
provides
g e n e r a l
dentistry, esthetic
dentistry, dental implants
and orthodontics by a
UCLA-trained and certified
dentist. 30min from
Shinagawa and Shibuya.
nakamar-@cameo.plala.
or.jp www.nakamarudental.jp/english/
045-681-
3359
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy)
c a r e i n H i r o o .
Native English-speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
p o s t - o p e r a t i v e
rehabilitation, back/neck
pain, running related,
headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations
and women’s health.
www.tokyophysio.com
03-3443-6769
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
ONLY CUT ZONE salon
provides a hair cut
service for only ¥1000.
5 m i n w a l k f r o m
Kita-Senju stn. Friendly
English-speaking staff
is available. Contact
us at 03-3882-1550.
Open from 10am until
7pm, seven days a week.
http://meturl.com/
onlycutzone
1.3 MOVING
CHEAPEST, QUICKEST AND
SAFEST! Transporter Tokyo
supports your moving and
delivers your stuff. Moving
for singles or couples
from ¥12,000. Delivery
(furniture, motorbikes, etc.)
from ¥7000. English-, Frenchand
Japanese-speaking
staff available. Inquiries:
info@transporter-tokyo.
com www.transportertokyo.com/english/contact
Tel:03-6715-9391 Fax:
03-6715-9392 Address: 3-29-8
Nishi-Rokugo, Ota-ku, Tokyo
MOVING OVERSEAS?
Call ECONOSHIP! With over
30 years of experience, you
can count on Econoship for
courteous, efficient, reliable
service and reasonable
prices. For real peace of
mind, move with the best.
Move with Econoship! Call,
email, or visit our website.
Ask how you can
receive 10 free boxes.
0120-222-111 info@
econoship.net www.
econoship.net
1.4 TRAVEL
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
CLASSIFIEDS
Metropolis and its subsequent Classifieds section are printed every other
week. The upcoming publication dates and corresponding deadlines for
print are as follows. This does not affect the online Classifieds, where ads
are visible immediately after they are approved.
NARITA AIRPORT CAR/
MINIVAN TRANSFER
SERVICE. Cheaper than
a taxi. English-speaking
driver. Meet and greet.
Free baby seat. Luggage
assistance. Dependable-
Safe-Easy-Quick Airport
Transfer Service. BOOK
NOW! Email Reservation@
TokyoAirporter.com.
www.tokyoairporter.com
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
US AND JAPANESE TAX
SERVICES. Planning a
job switch? Best time to
leave Japan? Tax impact
on a potential investment?
We can comment on
both sides. No charge
for initial consultation.
ExpatTax Japan. www.
expattaxjapan.com.
info@expattaxjapan.com.
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI
(next to Tokyo), member
of the Yokohama Bar
Association. Legal service in
English for traffic accidents,
divorce, inheritance,
bankruptcy, business cases
(contracts, establishing a
company, trademarks, etc.)
and other legal problems.
Email: web@smkw.biz
http://www.sumikawa.net/
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
handles your visa case.
Permanent residency,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).
Tel: 090-8330-0670
Email: mailto@officelife.jp
Website: http://officelife.
jp/en/
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists
in branding, web design, photo/
video production. Drawing A Crowd:
a new approach in design. Get in
touch. info@drawingacrowd.co
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
AIRCON: installation, removal,
cleaning. Professional
installation/removal of
aircon, disposal and cleaning
of aircon units. Pick up,
transport and install in Tokyo,
Yokohama, Chiba and Saitama.
www.astorsolutions.com
contactus@astorsolutions.
com
THE ASPIRATION OF
“MIWA” IN DAIKANYAMA is
to display the craftsmanship
of traditional Japanese art
in the contemporary world.
Our wish is to present dishes,
art and crafts made of urushi,
glass and china. www.
craftandlife-miwa.com
#101, 20-13 Sarugakucho,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEAM OF TWO WOMEN OFFERING
CLEANING SERVICES. Gardening,
garage cleaning, moving in and
out; weekly, or once or twice/
month. Name it and we’ll do it!
English and Nihongo ok. Call Ellen.
090-6536-0914
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
THINKING ABOUT
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS? Platinum
¥28,928. Gold ¥23,940. Silver
¥18,953. Bronze ¥2000.
Printed photos +¥2000/
photo. Prices are for one print
issue, two weeks online. For
details, contact commercial@
metropolis.co.jp.
GREAT LOCATION & SUPER
CLEAN. Private furnished
rooms in Roppongi,
Akasaka, Azabu-Juban and
Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min
from stn, ladies-only floor
available, weekly cleaning
service, free internet, aircon,
fridge. From ¥49,000/m.
No key money/guarantor/
agent fee. 090-2405-0022
mail@bauhousetokyo.com
C R E A T E G U E S T
HOUSE provides clean,
comfortable, reasonable
rooms around central
Tokyo and Saitama. No
key money, agent fee,
guarantor necessary. Rent
includes all utility fees,
as well as internet fees.
Contact us at 03-5155-7781.
info@accommodationjapan.com
www.create-gh.
jp/
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
SAKURA HOUSE. Leading
multilingual real estate
agency in Tokyo since
1992. Over 1600 furnished
apartments and guest/
share house rooms, from
¥52,000/m, utilities included.
No key money/guarantor/
agent fee. Contact
us: 03-5330-5250
info@sakura-house.com
www.sakura-house.com
ICHIGAYA GREEN CORP.
Two apartments available
in furnished, three-story
apartment building,
sunny and quiet, south/
north facing, many trees,
small Japanese garden,
5min walk from subway
Issue 1043
FRI, MAR 21
Deadline:
Mar 13, 3pm
station, 13min by bicycle
to JR Shinjuku/Yotsuya
stn. Rent: ¥100,000/m
(2K). ¥120,000~/m (3K).
Tel/fax: 03-3341-7875
Mail: itto@itto-jinnai.com
www.itto-jinnai.com/
green/greencorp.html
ICHII CORPORATION.
Over 600 affordable,
quality-furnished
apartments in central
Tokyo locations. No key
money/guarantor/agent
fee required. New, clean
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today! 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
PRIVATE FURNISHED
A P A R T M E N T S .
Odakyu line: Mukogaoka-
Yuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae,
20/30min from Shinjuku.
Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,
15min from Shinagawa.
1K~2LDK ¥58,000/
m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 044-
933-7000 Email:mh@
minowagroup.jp www.
m i n o w a g r o u p . j p /
minowahomes
SERVICED APARTMENTS
in a quiet residential area
of Hiroo. Studios and
suites. 4min from Hiroo
stn. Rates: Daily ¥7800.
Weekly ¥6850-/day.
Monthly ¥5900-/day. Over
three months ¥4950-/
day. Tax, utilities included.
frontdesk@azabucourt.
com www.azabucourt.
com/ 03-3446-8610
YOKOHAMA APARTMENT - ONE
MONTH FREE RENT! Private
apartment, w/loft, new aircon/
heater, kitchen and bathroom;
washer and fridge can be added
¥39,000/month. Private rental,
no agent fee, no key money. One
month free. Yokohama area.
cluboneseven@i.softbank.jp
TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,
JAPAN’S NO.1 ENGLISH
MAGAZINE, log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or
email your commercial ads to
commercial@metropolis.co.jp.
Issue 1045
FRI, APR 4
Deadline:
Mar 27, 3pm
2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000
TOKYO APARTMENTS. Your
one-stop housing solution
throughout Tokyo. Providing
serviced, furnished and
unfurnished apartments,
for both long and shortterm
stays. Also providing
relocation services,
furniture rental, property
management and sales.
Please call 0120-957-920.
www.tokyoapartments.jp
2.5 PLACE WANTED
American college student
seeking homestay in exchange for
language lessons. Hi! I am a college
student coming to Tokyo and would
like to find a short-term homestay
family. In exchange, I can give
English lessons. Please email me.
szettle@ymail.com
Room to sublet. Female European
professional, 30, tidy and respectful,
is seeking to sublet a room in a fully
furnished apartment in central
Tokyo. isiresol@gmail.com
2.6 BUY/SELL PREMISES
T I R E D O F
P A Y I N G
R E N T ?
Minato Asset
Management
Co., Ltd. can
help you find
properties, get a mortgage,
permanent visa, etc.
Diversified income
properties also available.
mukai@minato-am.com
090-4123-1025 03-55798-
2779 www.realestateminato.com
2.7 OFFICE SPACE
MONDEWORK T O K Y O :
serviced offices and share
offices available from one
month located in Ichigaya
(Yotsuya, Kojimachi), 24/7
access, company registration,
bilingual reception service.
Facilities include free
drinks, copy machine, TV,
projector, meeting rooms.
Please call 03-4455-7594.
www.tokyoapartments.jp/
serviced-offices/
MODERN, STYLISH SPACE
IN AOYAMA. Conduct focus
groups, interviews, training
or meetings in well-equipped,
comfortable setting. Host
seven at-table, eight in
viewing room. Break lounge
included, FocusVisionequipped.
Contact studio@
the-carter-group.com or call
03-6438-9481 for pricing.
Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or
items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.
Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings.
#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 29

3 EDUCATION
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
English and Japanese. I would like
to do language exchange over Skype!
bracken73@yahoo.com
English and Japanese. JF, 40,
seeking a native English speaker for
language exchange. I need to improve
my English for work. Hope to meet at a
cafe on weeknights around Minato-ku/
Shibuya/Ebisu. Let's help each other!
sunshine-246@excite.co.jp
English and Japanese. JF, 28, seeks
native English speaker. I'm planning
to go to Australia to learn E. My English
level is beginner. Please help me. I can
meet you around Narita. luvinusarah@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. I'm seeking a
language exchange friend in Yokohama
or Tokyo. I can teach J. I can speak E,
but not well. So, please teach me E.
I'm a woman, around 30. k_ayana@
hotmail.co.jp
English and Japanese. I'm an English
gentleman wanting to improve my
Japanese with a language exchange
partner. I love art, history, philosophy,
culture, traveling and exploring.
Thanks. spencerwrsi@gmail.com
English and Japanese. British male,
32, professional with MBA, seeks
Japanese, M/F ok, for exchange
around Akasaka over coffee. My
Japanese is quite basic, but my English
is highly eloquent. Professional or
post-graduate student preferred. mba.
kensington@gmail.com
English and Japanese. JF, 32, seeks
native English speaker for exchange
and good friends. I've worked at a
Japanese company for 10 years.
I'm available late on weekdays or
on weekends around Yokohama or
Kawasaki. m_t19811026@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Japanese
studying English seeks people from
overseas to discuss movies, how to use
expressions, etc., over coffee for a short
time between Soka and Takenozuka.
Friendship only. No sexual mail, please.
language_exchange3@hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Group
language exchange every Wed, 7:30-
9:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.
Most members are 20s and 30s. We
switch languages every 30min. Fun
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.
andy@gmail.com
French and English. Seeking native
French speaker (M/F) to meet weekly
in Roppongi area for extreme beginner
French language tips over coffee.
My native English can hopefully help
you, too. (Written/spoken, business/
social). I'm an Australian male, 32.
crassoneloquence@gmail.com
French, English, Japanese.
European man seeking a language
exchange partner to improve his
Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E.
Let's enjoy sharing our cultures and
interests. Machida area preferred.
understanding_life@hotmail.com
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
Thai, Japanese, English. Looking
forward to meeting anyone who lives in
the Tokyo area for language exchange,
cafe, hanging out and traveling
together sometimes. I'm Thai, male,
professional career, easygoing and
fun. freemap49@yahoo.com
3.8 OTHER LANGUAGES
Russian or Welsh language
teacher sought. Beginner in both
languages. Can pay for lessons. Near
Nerima or Ikebukuro would be ideal.
pennyavalon@yahoo.co.jp
3.9 TEACH ME!
Japanese or haircutting i n
exchange for your English. We're
experienced hairdressers who used
to work in London, England, but who
are working in Japan now. Would you
be interested in exchanging either
Japanese or haircuts for your English?
iamahairdresser6946@gmail.com
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE &
FITTINGS
Curtains, Muji, ivory (110x110cm),
100% cotton. alessandrolibri@gmail.
com
Lamp, Francfranc, for tables, small,
in good condition, in original box, w/
bulb ¥1000. Pick up near Meguro stn.
befaft03@yahoo.fr
Shelf, Muji, w/four drawers, in good
condition, one y/o ¥15,000. Pick up
near Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr
Stool, white leather, w/silver metallic
legs, as new. Photos available.
alessandrolibri@gmail.com
4.2 APPLIANCES
Blender ¥1000. Pick up 7min walk
from Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr
Fan, electric, two speeds, automatic
turn, up/down adjustable orientation, in
good condition, in original box ¥1000.
Pick up near Meguro stn. befaft03@
yahoo.fr
Kettle, electric, Tefal, in good
condition ¥2000. Pick up 7min walk
from Meguro stn. befaft03@yahoo.fr
Rice cooker, Zojirushi, '08, IH type, as
new ¥7000. mizi2005@hotmail.com
Stove, gas, less than one y/o, clean,
in perfect working order ¥8000/obo.
Pick up Meguro. galloway.james82@
gmail.com
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Sharp 32" TV, Bluray,
games, HDMI, cable TV ok, works
well ¥25,000/obo. Fridge, opens
from both sides; rice cooker; in good
condition: free. rob_andy99@yahoo.
com 08066490888
Sayonara sale! NEC phone/fax
machine, w/digital display; desk for
computer (128x65x45). stupendociao@
yahoo.co.jp
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
Remote, LG Magic AN-MR300,
brand new, never used ¥2000. Pick
up Denenchofu stn. ckm.wittmann@
gmail.com
TV 22", Sony Bravia HDTV ¥20,000.
wkempson@gmail.com
4.5 AUDIO & MP3
Headset, Bose Mobile MIE2i, as new.
New ¥13,650. Sell ¥7500. Chakubarai.
perukunboy@hotmail.com
4.6 FOR KIDS
Ski wear. Pants, size 130cm ¥300.
Gloves and other items. Pick up
or chakubarai. Photos available.
housetsu@gmail.com
Stroller, Maclaren, in very good
condition. New ¥35,000+. Sell ¥12,000.
Free delivery possible. mizi2005@
hotmail.com
4.7 FOR FREE
SkyPerfecTV, dish, w/tuner and
cable, never used. Pick up Yoyogi.
stupendociao@yahoo.co.jp
Washer, Toshiba AW-40S5, 4kg, more
than seven y/o. Pick up only. benoit.
castets@gmail.com
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Tent, Nemo Meta, one-person, ultraportable,
used once, w/tent pole
¥20,000. dancervi@live.co.uk
5.3 MUSICAL
EQUIPMENT
Drumsticks and brushes. Vic Firth
Hickory American Classic 7A sticks,
never used; Rute 606 Vic Firth, bundled
mini wooden rods, special ordered,
never used; steel wire brushes, never
used ¥5000/all. Photos available.
earth_travel_joy@hotmail.com
Headphones. Dre New Beats Studio
Headphones, not wireless ¥30,000.
en_sabah_nurx@hotmail.com
Room correction software,
Arc, for mixing, w/pro calibrated
measurement mic, multi-platform Mac/
PC measurement software, RTAS, VST,
AU DAW correction plug-in, original
box ¥20,000. Photos available. earth_
travel_joy@hotmail.com
5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD
Japanese learning materials.
Japanese Verbs and Essentials of
Grammar, 13 Secrets for Speaking
Fluent Japanese, Conversation Book
for Everyday Japanese and English
Level 4, Random House Japanese-
English Dictionary, Contemporary
Japanese Volume 1 ¥5000/all. Details
available. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.
com
Kanji learning material.
Remembering the Kanji, three-book
complete system for remembering jou
yo list and over 1000 more key kanji,
w/Nelson Kanji Dictionary ¥8500/all.
earth_travel_joy@hotmail.com
6 VEHICLES
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, &
ACCESSORIES
Road bike, Devinci Millennium
Optimum Carbon C-T 61cm, suits rider
around 187cm, w/Ultegra nine-speed
shifters, derailleur, 105 cranks, brakes,
XSR-2 rims, Schwalbe tires, Serfas
saddle, Cateye computer, Sachs bottle
holder, Shimano SPD pedals ¥70,000.
cjriach@hotmail.com
7 GENERAL
7.2 FASHION
Sunglasses, Ray-Ban, two m/o,
no scratches. New ¥28,000. Sell
¥20,000. singhprak@yahoo.com
090-2863-9585
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS
Nicorette gum, fresh mint, 2mg, 630
pieces (21x30-piece boxes), expires
autumn '14. New ¥45,000. Sell ¥12,000.
Meet Shinagawa or send chakubarai.
perukunboy@hotmail.com
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
Computer. Seeking old PC for free.
tsuneokobayashijapan@yahoo.co.jp
Pregnancy clothes, prefer US size 11
for bottoms and US size M/Japan size
L. Free or cheap. lelanis@hotmail.com
Records. Budding musician in need
of sample material. Give me your old
records - the more obscure or strange,
the better. I’ll pay for postage. mallon_
robert@hotmail.com 080-6497-5403
Sofa, three-in-one. steps.od@ezweb.
ne.jp 09061526274
Vinyl records, LP collections. Japanpressed
LPs, EPs and singles from the
‘60s, ‘70s, etc., any genre considered.
Will pay cash for quality items. brian.
greenough@jcom.home.ne.jp
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
Monitor connector, USB-RGB/D2, w/
receipt, box. New ¥7450. Sell ¥4500.
Photos available. earth_travel_joy@
hotmail.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
Crime victim (American) needs help
reading Japanese court documents
and preparing list of complaints
in Japanese. No legal experience
required. Please contact Cliff at 090-
7729-1195. cliffworks@gmail.com
I want to learn salsa or tango. I am
a Western male living in Tokyo. I am
free on Sun, anytime. Seeking info
or a dance friend. Can anyone help?
scorpiosrealm@hotmail.co.uk
Seeking E/J translator in Machida.
I would like to edit some documents
into Japanese, but I have limited
knowledge of it. I can teach you English
or French. Please contact me. Machida
area preferred. understanding_life@
hotmail.com
10.2 SUPPORT
NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen.
TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous
English counseling daily from
9am-11pm by trained volunteers:
03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual
psychotherapy by accredited
Western-trained professionals,
a CIGNA International Provider:
03-4550-1146. TELL website: www.
telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook
and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a day, from anywhere, about
anything. From emergency
assistance to simple questions. Visit
www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,”
or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer
or support, please contact team@
jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com/
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE. Fifty years ago, West Papua
should have been an independent
country. Since 1969, West Papua has
been invaded and the people robbed
of their rights, culture and country.
Help support West Papuans’ desire
to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/
davidhalpern@7ymail.com
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO.
If you have a problem with drinking,
we can help. English-speaking
meetings daily. 03-3971-1471
inquiries@aatokyo.org http://
aatokyo.org
TOKYO AMERICAN CLUB
INTERNATIONAL MEMBER’S
ASSOCIATION. A call out to TAC
members! Have you been bullied,
harassed and mistreated by TAC?
Have you been suspended and/
or expelled by TAC without proper
due process? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
We are a group working together
to help individuals like you and to
make a better TAC for everyone!
Contact us at: tacima@outlook.com
HIV Peer Support group and
workshops. Get together with people in
the same boat as you, who understand.
Held in a safe, considerate, 100%
confidential setting to discuss what's
on your mind, ask questions and make
new friends. info@peersupporttokyo.
com www.peersupporttokyo.com
Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo
is an infertility support group that
provides informal opportunities for
women and men experiencing infertility
to connect with one another. Please visit
website for more info. admin@ttctokyo.
org www.ttctokyo.org/
10.3 LOST FRIENDS
R. Watson. Seeking my old friend
Robin Watson. Do you remember Tae
and Hayato? Please find me and contact
me. sundayroseinfo@gmail.com
Seeking Max (Rei). Seeking Max,
a photographer who lived in Tokyo
House in the mid-’90s. His girlfriend’s
name was Rei. Anyone know their
whereabouts? Please let me know.
Thank you. om_services@laposte.net
Seeking Y. Oneyama. If anyone has
any knowledge of her whereabouts,
please email me. I’d appreciate it a lot.
Thanks. ssi80254@yahoo.com
11 MESSAGES
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR YOUR
SPECIAL SOMEONE! Write
anything, from birthday messages
to proposals, and so much more!
Contact us through our website at
http://classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
JAPAN INTERNATIONAL
PARTY - Spring Special. Sat,
Mar 22, 6:30-9pm, Devi
Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s
biggest international party.
250 people expected. Allyou-can-drink
and free
snacks. Japanese men:
¥4000. Others: ¥3000.
Mobile: http://getyourfriend.
com/mobile/ jiparty@
hotmail.com www.
getyourfriend.com/
090-1735-5405
JOIN THE BIGGEST,
BEST, MOST POPULAR
INTERNATIONAL PARTY!
Great people, drinks and food!
Meet new friends and party
with nice people in a friendly
atmosphere. Events in Tokyo
(Ginza, Azabu, Roppongi)
and Osaka. ¥1500-¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
info@gaitomo.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
A MERICAN FOOTBALL.
Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league
Central Division, seeks fit
players w/ US college football
experience for all positions.
Practice every Sat/Sun from
10am-3pm (including meeting)
in Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue
subject to change). Attendance
at practice must be over 60%.
Please contact for tryout info
and send your profile to team
admin. bullsxleague@gmail.
com http://www.unisys.co.jp/
football/
ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCH
FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag
rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby
League players. We play every
Sat from 10am in Tatsumi.
M/F and beginners welcome!
Good exercise and fun! Many
other activities, such as BBQs
and drinking parties! Email for
details. tokyorugbyleague@
hotmail.com http://ameblo.
jp/tokyo13warriors
AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS
Rugby League team is seeking
Rugby League players for
Japanese Rugby League
official games from Apr to
Sep. Everyone welcome.
Contact for more details.
japananzacs@gmail.com
AIKIDO IN ENGLISH. Seidokan
Aikido of Tokyo invites you to
practice a modern style of aikido in
an international environment. Sat,
1-3pm. Itabashi-ku, Toei Mita/Saikyo
line. We welcome men and women,
Japanese and non-Japanese.
dojo@tokyoseidokan.com www.
tokyoseidokan.com 03-5994-1185
PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders
are a friendly but keen international
rugby club. Devoted to the game and
its social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays
in the Shuto League 1st Division.
http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.
crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.
com
TAMBOURELLI. Unique new
sport from Scotland. Using a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.
org
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
tennis@yahoo.fr
Basketball in the Yokohama area.
Want to play b-ball in the Yokohama
area? All Japanese, but good enough
for intermediate games every Mon and
Wed night at a local school's gym. Feel
free to come. It's free. Please contact
for further details. satoru.nicolas@
gmail.com
Diving in Izu. Get in touch to talk about
scuba diving near Tokyo. Information
on scuba lessons, equipment advice,
dive trips, monthly social events, CPR
training, etc. kowtokyo@yahoo.co.jp
Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend
Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@
hotmail.com
Futsal player. Want to play futsal on
weekends in Tokyo? Please introduce
yourself (name, age, nationality,
where you live, whether you belong to
another team). futsaluk@yahoo.co.jp
Futsal players wanted by a very
friendly international team. Practice is
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details
available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp
Interested in tai chi? Then why not
start now? Take a step to counter the
stresses of daily living. Practice is in
Toyama Park on Sun mornings, near
Takadanobaba stn. chifact@gmail.com
13.2 LEISURE
M A C A R T H U R H E I G H T S .
Take a break where General Douglas
MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo
by car or direct train. Beautiful
cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach,
shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.
com
Free Japanese home cooking lessons.
Japanese housewife offers free home
cooking lessons in English to females
and kids at her house near Kawasaki
stn during the day on weekdays.
You pay the cost of ingredients.
tome.haruka-soushi@ezweb.ne.jp
30 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

J O B S
To advertise:
commercial@metropolis.co.jp
03-4588-2277
C O M M E R C I A L J A P A N E S E
LUXURY YACHT. First mate required:
ocean-experienced bilingual male/
female with ability to cater to private
family environment and high-profile
guests, interior/exterior duties,
well-organized and spoken, marine
grade 6 license required. Second
position: seasonal deckhand, active
gaijin, game-fishing and watch
experience, exterior duties, PWC
license preferred. Send resumes to
struanmckay@yahoo.com.
TRANSLATORS WANTED (NATIVE
ENGLISH OR JAPANESE SPEAKERS).
Seeking native Japanese- and
English-speaking translators for
in-house positions in Jimbocho. Pay
commensurate with ability. Send CV
and short sample of translation work to
jobs@honyaku-plus.com.
INTERNATIONAL
H O S T E S S E S
WANTED, fun and
easygoing, with proper
visa. Top-quality
karaoke sound system and stage, 1min
from Nishi-Kasai stn, Tozai line. Daily
pay, plus drink back. No tax! Tel:
03-5696-5397 or 080-3504-9474.
Email: liza@stardustjapan.com
Website: www.stardustjapan.com
SALES & MARKETING POSITIONS.
Metropolis is seeking motivated
bilingual (E/J) sales executives, support
staff and interns to join its advertising
and marketing team. Send your resume,
in both English and Japanese, to jobs@
metropolis.co.jp. Positions available
are posted on our website at http://
metropolis.co.jp/jobs.
SALES INTERN. Metropolis is seeking
a bilingual (E/J) intern to join the most
successful English-language advertising
team (Restaurants & Bars) in Japan. Great
opportunity to learn about advertising
in an exciting environment. No pay, but
transportation provided. Please email
knakashima@metropolis.co.jp.
03.3405.4409
www.sinden.com
13.3 ARTS
Love Shakespeare? A m a t e u r
group in Tokyo, meeting once/month
to celebrate our love of the Bard.
Come to read, or just to listen. All
nationalities welcome, no experience
necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo.
com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Shakespeare-sama/
13.4 MUSIC
A capella/singers with acoustic
guitars. I want to meet people who
sing well, can harmonize and play
acoustic guitar. Eagles, CSNY, J.
Denver, James Taylor, Colin Hay.
I'm 54. I hope for skilled, mature
players. alansmollen@gmail.com
Another "bass player wanted"
ad. Forming the best blues/rock
band in Japan to be rock legends.
Making CD. Right bass player
needed. Are you out there? See
link for my drumming. dreamat@
nifty.com
Drummer and bassist wante d
around Yokohama. We mainly play
rock music and have rehearsals in
Shin-Yokohama. Any kind of player
is welcome, so feel free to contact
us. m_a_b1998@yahoo.co.jp
Japanese drummer seeking
musicians. Guitar and bass player
sought for rock, dance, pop, blues,
jazz, etc. Melody is important.
Hopefully, we can have gigs so
everybody can dance! kosuke1016@
hotmail.com
Jazz, funk, world bassist. Looking
to build a group/duo/trio. Need
guitar/piano player who can play the
chords and solos well. I'm getting
my chops back. Near Inadazutsumi,
Keio line. Thirty-five years playing
(rusty) jazz. alansmollen@gmail.
com
Singer-songwriter, under 30,
sought by JM guitarist, 20s, in
Tokyo. Please let me play your
songs. Tokyo area. riku_hiroxx@
hotmail.com
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.
Do you want to explore your own
mind? Guided Buddhist meditation
every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.
International practitioners, beginners
welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call
090-3598-3072 for more information.
daginia@gmail.com http://www.
diamondway.jp/
Zen meditation (Zazen). You've
always thought it would be interesting
to try it - why not now? Join us Fri
evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make
arrangements in advance by email, and
check our home page. tokyozazen@
jcom.home.ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Institute) is a nonprofit,
member-run organization
that sponsors activities (seminars,
cultural events, conferences) for
those wanting to further develop
intercultural competencies and
meet other interculturalists. yuko.
bolick@japanintercultural.org www.
japanintercultural.org
Nihongo 倶 楽 部 いんたぁなしょなる.
Nihongo Club International is a
volunteer group to help foreign people
learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer
Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu,
7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
PARK FRIENDS AROUND AZABU.
I'm seeking a happy friend to enjoy
parks and activities in English with
my son and me. Azabu area - good
for aquariums, parks, sports.
Wrap up warm and let's have fun!
alisaminami@yahoo.co.jp
American couple seeking Japanese
friends. Inquisitive mid-30s American
couple seeking hip Japanese couples/
singles for friendship and exploring
Tokyo. Wide variety of interests! Please
be fit, fun and willing to try new things!
日 本 語 ok! cook_on_wheels@yahoo.com
Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking
nonsmoking friends from Denmark,
Germany, Canada or Australia for having
fun times together. Let's meet for a cup
of coffee first. Please be nonsmokers,
30s. Mail with self-introduction, please!
b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp
Brazilian/Latin/jazz appreciation. I
know many interesting Latin clubs/jazz
bars, but have nobody to go with. If you
are a music lover, please join me. I’ll show
you around interesting music spots in
Tokyo. roseroseiloveyoujp@yahoo.co.jp
Danes wanted! JF, 30s, into Denmark
like crazy. Er der nogen dansker i Tokyo
eller Kanagawa at moedes til kaffe og
hjaelpe mig at laere dansk lidt? Please
be nonsmokers, 30s preferred. Glaeder
mig til at hoere fra jer! codename107113@
live.com
Jazz-playing friends in Tokyo.
Japanese male seeking jazz players for
fun in the Tokyo area. I've been playing
the alto sax for a couple of years. Still
amateur, but want to play with others.
Please feel free to contact me! yossynet@
ra2.so-net.ne.jp
Penpal from overseas. Japanese
studying English seeks people from
abroad to talk to about everyday life,
English corrections, questions, movies,
etc. Always seeking interesting people.
Friendship only. No sexual mails, please.
language_exchange3@hotmail.com
Seeking European friends. Japanese
single mom, 40s, lived in the UK for
several years, working in design/media
in Tokyo, seeking European friends
for activities, language help (E/J) and/
or correspondence. Play is important!
email@amarrel.com
Trading anyone? Friendly American
guy living in central Tokyo and
trading for a living. I'm seeking E/J
bilingual people interested in trading
to exchange trading education for
Japanese language help. My schedule
is flexible. Let's meet up! blendy1321@
gmail.com
Strong, beautiful, flexible
Transform your body & soul at
BASI PILATES!
Offering you “Authentic Pilates”
Metropolis Campaign
Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0
Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400
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Private Lessons
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Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio
Lessons in English available
Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more
03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp
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Don't miss an issue!
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on your doorstep—and have
ransom note material for decades.
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#1041 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 31

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR
WOMEN
Adventurous American male, 50,
Shinjuku, seeking adventurous,
intelligent female, 25-35, for a serious
relationship. Let's enjoy the city
together. Please include photo with your
reply. shinjukukoo@aol.com
Attractive and handsome bilingual
JM seeks romance. Romantic, goodlooking,
caring, successful Japanese
professional, mid-30s, seeking sincere
woman who enjoys movies and
traveling for a serious relationship
leading to marriage. Please reply w/
details, and possibly w/photo. pirlo_
cucchiaio@hotmail.com
Attractive JM for SWF. Seeking
attractive Western female with a
nice smile. If you are interested in
chatting over coffee or nice food,
please contact me and let me know. I
am looking forward to your contact.
juniperten2013@gmail.com
Attractive lady sought by SJM.
Attractive lady engaged in something
like school or working in an office is
sought by a SJM, Any age/nationality
ok. Healthy minds are welcome.
hiro14458@yahoo.co.jp
Attractive single Japanese male
seeks a nice Western or Japanese
female for friendship and possibly more.
Nonsmokers preferred. I am confident
that I can create fun times for you. If
you are ready, email me. cioinjapan@
gmail.com
Attractive, cute and gentle SJM
seeking foreign female. Let's enjoy new
experiences and feel happier together.
Nonsmoker preferred. Waiting for your
response! Let's start with dialogue.
lifegoes2012@mail.goo.ne.jp
Big black guy for you. I want to give
beautiful ladies lots of fun. Satisfaction
guaranteed. Skilled, very experienced,
well-muscled, no strings attached. Find
what you've been missing. tokioitelive@
gmail.com
British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim,
seeking a nice girl to hang out with.
Nationality/race unimportant, but
should be 20-35 and have a nice
personality. Interested in music and
film: you should be, too. shiodomebye@
gmail.com
Caring and cute JM seeks attractive,
hearty, nonsmoking Western female for
friendship. I simply would like to share
fun, interesting and great experiences
with you. If you feel the same way, just
drop me a line. jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jp
Caucasian-Japanese half in Narita,
Chiba. Aloha, I'm 26 and working as an
English teacher in Narita. Would like
to meet a kindhearted woman for a
relationship and marriage hopefully. For
more info, email me. Thanks. boosted_
art@hotmail.com
Daytime friendship? Mature British
WM, easygoing and friendly, seeking
pleasant JF. Prefer married (because
less complicated). Email or chat on
Skype first? tempteccobox@hotmail.
com
Deutsch. Guten Tag! I'm a JM working
for a trading company. I'd love to find a
German-speaking girlfriend. Love music
(classical Baroque, symphonic metal,
gothic metal, opera, etc.), art, culture,
history. I'd love to teach you Japanese.
Danke! pride.rock_@hotmail.co.jp
English gentleman. Hi! I'm single and
would like a serious relationship. I'm
modest, educated, caring, confident
and good-looking (I think). I love art,
history, philosophy, culture. I also
enjoy exercise, romantic evenings,
good humor, traveling and exploring.
spencerwrsi@gmail.com
Fine wine and a good time! SWM,
42, seeking someone with a great
mind, sense of humor and who is
spontaneous! vitamin_sea@live.jp
Free in the daytime? Mature British
guy, easily free in the daytime, seeking
a pleasant (M)JF to spend pleasant time
together. No complications, honest!
tempteccobox@hotmail.com
Friends first. JM seeks friendship
or a steady relationship with Englishor
Japanese-speaking people. Any
nationality ok. I like outdoor activities,
movies and music. Tokyo or Kanagawa.
snowsurfsk8@yahoo.com
Hello, I'm a single grad student, 27,
179cm, 93kg, seeking someone for a
casual relationship. I do not drink or
smoke. If you are interested, please
send an email. love.silence.1988@
gmail.com
Humorous and good-looking SJM,
30s, seeks an attractive foreign lady
with the same interests, like movies,
books, music and going to cafes. Let's
meet up for coffee and maybe more.
lovehotellover@yahoo.co.jp
I will make you feel special. I
sometimes feel lonely during evenings
and weekends. I like the idea of
being intimate friends and lovers
without a formalized relationship.
I am a very warm, passionate and
considerate lover. Please write me!
heyyouthereitsme@yahoo.dk
Japanese male, 41, single, seeks
sincere, warm, open-minded white
female for friendship and romance.
I am generous, nonsmoking, like
traveling, reading, philosophy and
enjoying my life. skyoverture@mail.
goo.ne.jp
Japanese or foreign woman for
long-term relationship. I'm 42, 194cm,
good-looking, Pisces. I'm affectionate,
emotionally mature, empathetic.
I love traveling, music, reading,
yoga, bicycling, cooking. Seeking a
nurturing woman with similar qualities,
preferably a Scorpio. pisces030771@
hotmail.com
JM seeking foreign girl. Hi, I'd like
to make friends with a foreign girl.
I'm easygoing and I want to do fun
things. I play music and I work in real
estate in Tokyo. I like to shop, drink, etc.
kosuke1016@hotmail.com
JM seeks older or fat woman. I'm a
Japanese man seeking an older or fat
woman for erotic play in Tokyo. Relaxed
and friendly, will enjoy giving you much
pleasure. riku_hiroxx@hotmail.com
Just human. We are just humans
and can sometimes find ourselves in
a situation beyond our control which
we call loneliness. I guess there is an
understanding JF out there who might
understand me. Serious only, please.
strike4me@yahoo.com
Karaoke. Seeking female friend to sing
karaoke with. Green Day, Nirvana, etc.
Age, looks not important. Let's have
fun. friendlylatour@hotmail.com
Lazy weekends together? Seeking
attractive and curvy girlfriend,
160cm+, who is fun to be around and
seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area. I'm
a caring Afro-American male from NY,
35, 183cm, shaved head, athletic build,
working in IT. Interested? sbmmodel@
yahoo.com
Married, but lonely and bored? I
know how you feel! Seeking a fun and
open-minded lady for secret, casual
but serious, romantic, sexy dates. Any
nationality or age. I'm an attractive and
healthy Caucasian-Japanese, 180cm,
85kg, 34. sp777saw@hotmail.com
Married, but looking. American male,
37, seeks JF seeking the same. Tall and
easygoing, I enjoy the odd night out,
but have been lonely lately. Please drop
me a line if you would care to meet up.
Cheers. mudcookie@hotmail.com
Mature and sophisticated Japanese,
some have said charming, seeking an
elegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dream
about wild nights as well as sharing the
simple pleasures of love. Is that you?
imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp
Mature friendship. Gentleman, 53,
in very good shape physically and
mentally, seeking a similar woman,
45-65, for friendship and adult fun
together. Nothing too serious. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
Older Japanese women are so
beautiful. As Japanese women age,
they become more and more beautiful.
I love ladies in their 50s and 60s.
vbcfgt@hotmail.com
Opposites attract. Balding, brutallooking,
but nevertheless kind, witty
and fun Englishman, 40s, would like
to entertain a slim, attractive, chatty
woman in the evenings after work. E/J
ok. gbeer2000@yahoo.com
Outdoorsy, active, easygoing woman
needed. SWM, professional, tall, goodlooking,
with easygoing personality,
romantic and very giving, seeks an
attractive, slim, low-maintenance
woman who's seeking a solid longterm
relationship that involves love,
travel, shopping and lots of joy!
deepcoralblue@gmail.com
Public play. Experienced SJM, 30s,
clean and handsome, is seeking a
submissive foreign female playmate,
no strings attached. imaclosedbook@
yahoo.co.jp
Romance with an older lady. Very
nice and sexy gentleman seeks an
older, or much older, woman to have
nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@
yahoo.co.uk
Secret romance. JM, 52, seeking a
girlfriend for a secret romance. JF also
ok. I'm an engineer working in central
Tokyo. I like overseas travel, movies,
etc. Let's meet and have a nice time
together. ginzashiodome02@hotmail.
co.jp
Seeking a mature woman or lonely
housewife for chats over coffee or
dinner. Nonsmokers only. I only drink
wine. If we like, I am open to doing
anything. ilovetokyo1980@gmail.com
Seeking female. Guy, 40s, seeking
girlfriend of any nationality. I don't
care about age or shape. Serious only,
please. bismarkan2005@yahoo.com
Seeking foreign housewife. Very
masculine Caucasian man working
and living in central Tokyo is seeking a
foreign housewife, any age ok. vbcfgt@
hotmail.com
Seeking friend. Hello! I'm a man,
33, seeking a friend from Europe. I'm
interested in the cultures of Europe.
I like traveling and going to Japanese
restaurants. Waiting for your mail.
rkrcp057@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking girlfriend. I am a white
guy, tall, blue eyes, living in Tokyo,
seeking a kind girlfriend around Tokyo.
alexinjapan1@hotmail.com
Seeking nice lady. I'm from Australia.
I am in my 40s, am tall, thin and have
blue eyes. I teach English at a university.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. ebattley@
hotmail.com
Seeking Parisienne. Affluent and
excellent Japanese architectural
engineer is seeking an attractive
Parisienne who can speak English. I
visited Paris last Dec and would like
to know more about the city. Give
me the hot information on Paris now.
imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking romantic love. I am a downto-earth,
kind black guy seeking
romantic love leading to marriage. Mail
me w/photo. smartguy@i.softbank.jp
Serious male, just turned 36, tall and
slim, seeking a female of any nationality
for a long-term relationship. Please
email me with a small introduction.
Let's meet for a coffee to see how it
goes. montamula@yahoo.com
Single mother sought by married
father with 5-year-old boy for meeting,
having fun and speaking English on
weekends with the kids. Let's enjoy
the beautiful days of winter together.
Boy or girl ok. understanding_life@
hotmail.com
Slender and attractive lady
wanted. Tall, smart, handsome,
outgoing, honest and romantic SWM
is seeking one special lady. You: slim,
attractive, outgoing, love to laugh,
adventurous, love to see new places
and try new things. Let's do it together!
deepcoralblue@gmail.com
Slender and sweet lady needed.
Gentle, giving, romantic, passionate
SWM seeks the love of his life!
Relationships don't have to be hard
if both are interested, willing to grow
together. I'm what you've been waiting
for - as you're for me! nightwatchblue@
gmail.com
SWM for a chat. SWM, 34, seeking a
non-Japanese lady for casual dating.
Let's meet for a chat over coffee or
beer and see if we like each other. No
pressure. zzztopsandfingers@hotmail.
co.uk
UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover
of books, films and music, seeks
an attractive British lady with the
same interests. First chat, then meet
up for coffee and maybe more.
hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp
Very special, only for you.
Attractive, youthful JM, late 40s, seeks
a lovely woman. Tokyo is cold now;
let's do some things to keep warm
together. I'm fun, kind and handsome.
samuraijapan2011@gmail.com
Western female? Japanese man, late
20s, seeks a lonely Western female in
Tokyo for friendship or more. I am very
westernized, but Japanese at heart.
I treat women with respect and care.
mcgurodonut@gmail.com
愛 人 を 探 しています. 優 しくて 親 切 な 男 性
は,やさしい 女 性 の 愛 人 に 会 いたいんですけど.
vbcfgt@hotmail.com
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING
FOR MEN
SINGLE? Then this is for you.
Singles-only dating parties
every Fri night for foreign
men and Japanese women.
Leave the event with a new
date! Always more women
than men. FREE if signing
up in advance! Otherwise,
¥2000. info@exeointernational.com
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES for
elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date,take the night where
you want it to go. Fresh,
young women join our club
every day. Try our free onemonth
trial offer: first date
is on us! 0120-675-858 (E)
international@universeclub.jp
http://universe-club.
jp/en
After work? I work in central Tokyo
and it would be nice if we could have
lunch or hang out after work. People
usually say I am beautiful. blue_
diamond_sea@yahoo.co.jp
Best friends? JF, mid-30s, looks young
and sexy, seeks someone who can be
her best friend and more. She doesn't
have a JF personality: outspoken/
tough, but can be extremely sweet and
sincere. I love outdoor things, dancing.
kiss_and_hug2000@yahoo.co.jp
Educated, genuine gentleman.
Cultured and feminine woman, mid-
40s, seeks her equal. European
professionals preferred. Singles only.
sputnik_sweetheart19@yahoo.co.jp
European professional. SJF seeks
a European professional, 30s, living
in Japan, for a serious relationship
possibly leading to marriage. Please
email if you are caring, cultured, happy
with your life here and also seeking
something serious. happyflower735@
gmail.com
Exploring Tokyo with JF. Seeking
someone around my age (30), single,
independent. Let's start as friends first
and see how it goes. Hope to have some
common interests. Photo appreciated.
Thanks. musicinlife@excite.co.jp
Hello, seeking someone to be my best
friend. sweetlife95@yahoo.co.uk
Hi guys! I am a Japanese female,
42, seeking a tall SWM, 35-42. Please
email me about yourself and send
photos of yourself. I am not seeking a
sexual relationship. japanisawesome@
hotmail.co.jp
Intelligent business person is
wanted. I'm seeking a SWM, 35-45,
whose native language is French
or English, to be for my friend or
partner. I like cooking, baking,
language, economics, sociology.
legateaufrancais@yahoo.co.jp
Japan-loving French guy. SJF seeks
a French guy who loves living in Japan,
30s, for a serious relationship, possibly
leading to marriage. I am caring,
curious and open-minded. Serious only.
vinrouge735@gmail.com
Love snowboarding? Hiking?
I'm an athletic, fun SJF, 39, seeking a
guy who can have a big laugh with me!
Serious, single only, please. enohpi4s@
yahoo.ca
Meow. Meow, meow. Cute
Japanese princess seeking
special prince in Tokyo, smart,
funny, a gentleman, 25-34. I'm
a little bit selfish because I'm
a princess. Please attach your
photo, then I'll give you mine.
6pack.curocuta@gmail.com
Modest and humble SWM for serious
relationship. SJF, mid-30s, genuine and
down-to-earth, is seeking the same
type of man - someone who enjoys the
simple things in life and appreciates
quiet nights with nice food, books and
music. cotedor@live.com
Naturally beautiful. SJF, 45, with
a great figure. I believe I look good
without makeup, in jeans/T-shirt, after
waking up, after hard exercise. I enjoy
dressing up for special occasions.
Single, witty, intelligent seeks the same.
American preferred. pinktomato214@
gmail.com
Seeking attractive single man.
Seeking my soulmate. I am a SJF, 52,
163, 53, living in Tokyo, young looks,
honest, elegant, with a heart of gold.
Looking forward to hearing from
you. Serious single men only, please.
ammellia731@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking Frenchman for serious
relationship. I'm a SJF, 30s, interested
in France, seeking a relationship with
a sincere and intelligent Frenchman,
25-45. No language exchange
or games, please. Serious only.
framboisier@inter7.jp
SJF for long-lasting relationship.
SJF, mid-30s, mentally mature,
genuine and cheerful, enjoys the
outdoors, art and food, is seeking
an intelligent SWM, 25-45, who can
make interesting conversation, have
dates on weekends. No info, no reply.
himawarigirl@inter7.jp
SJF seeking man for serious romantic
relationship. Attractive, smart SJF, 41,
divorced, in central Tokyo, is seeking
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Take me away. SJF, mid-30s, enjoys
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attractive, lives in Tokyo, seeks a
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attractive SWM with a great sense of his
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14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
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sexual, athletic, fit, traveled, educated,
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Non-aggressive and sane a great plus!
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Serious Japanese guys. GAM in
Tokyo, 173, 70, 37, into movies, onsen,
traveling, badminton, sign language,
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are interested in something serious
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hair, pre-op newhalf, pretty good figure.
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European man, handsome, tall, clean,
seeks couple or woman for sexual fun.
日 本 語 も 大 丈 夫 です! srj500@gmail.com
Male sissy maid. Very submissive TV
maid with experience as a houseboy,
women’s personal maid. Hope to meet
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32 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Horoscope BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
Mar 21-April 19 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Ah, majestic Aries, proud Ram that you
are, take a moment this week to indulge
in a view from a place on high. You’ve had
so many surprises, you’re now bored if they aren’t on
tap. What’s that? A moment of serenity? Things are
never going to be the way they used to be. You could
wait forever and just be left standing on the platform.
Shake-ups insist that now things are going to be better.
Mars opposite your sign catches you. Dreams
are healing and friends increase your fun. Let them.
GEMINI
May 21-June 21 ♥♥♥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣♣♣
It’s an excellent week to see how much
your dreams match who you truly are.
You’re capable of many things, but
what makes you happy is paramount these days.
As systems crumble all around us, what we’re left
with are our feelings. If you’re doing what you
like, playing and living with whom you love, then
you’ve got heaven on earth. Sounds simple but it
can involve letting go of all those obstacles you’re
holding onto to stay "safe."
TAURUS
Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
The astrological phrase for Taurus is “I
Own,” which is a tad tricky in the midst of
a world transition of who owns what. And
ownership is transmuting to mean owning self-discipline
in the spiritual realm. But this is where you
really shine, for Venus, your ruling planet, knows
all about love. You know that what you do reflects
what you put into it. So if you’re moving through
recent changes with a sense of heart and love, the
results reflect this. And you can live with that!
CANCER
June 22-July 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
The North Node of the Moon is preparing
to move out of your sector of
romance for a good long time. Before
it transits to your sector of home and hearth, is
there anything you need to say or do? Any stone
left unturned? Perhaps there is someone in your
life for whom you care, but you’ve been waiting for
them to make the next step. You’ll have a stronger
influence if you act this week than if you wait until
the winds have changed.
LEO
July 23-Aug 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Pallas Athene is retrograde at the end
of your sign. She’s giving you one last
chance to accept your own unique
self. Expression is important for everyone, but it’s
especially important for a Leo. You are ruled by
the Sun and when you run wild and free you are a
beautiful thing to behold. The power in your creativity
and way you carry yourself puts you at the
top of entertainers and leaders. Mercury appeals
to partners. Great if you’re sorting joint finances!
VIRGO
Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
How do you see yourself? Neptune
opposite your sign is washing away bits
of old beliefs and filling your soul with
calm. The trust that comes from your inner peace is
astounding. As we move from a time of logic to that of
thought manifestation, you may find you’re smiling
to yourself and worrying less. Your ruling planet,
Mercury, may have a thing or two to say about this.
Treat yourself to something special to celebrate
completing the latest ups and downs at work.
LIBRA
Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Both Mars and Vesta are retrograde in
your sign, and that’s not all bad. Reassess
your resources. Check when you
have stamina and when your energy dissolves.
Reconnect with yourself so you trust your inner
wisdom and knowledge. It would be easy to feel
held back but consider it a blessing and a gift. Any
time to catch your breath right now is just what
you need. Learn the art of leisurely luxuriating in
your thoughts and a hot bubble bath.
SCORPIO
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Be your seductive, mysterious self. Feel
the power of saying little and letting
others wonder. Your magnetic allure is
high this week. The Sun in your solar fifth house
is a light of romance. Feel it flow through you and
honor the strings that play to sensitive breezes.
Unhook from other’s defenses and practice playing
in the realm of gentle power. Saturn in your
sign is not there to make things heavy. He’s there
to help you create a structure that works for you.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Sags are moving into a romantic zone.
Those scared witless by impending
commitment can rest assured they've
done the work required to be ready for love. Saturn
is not just an angel of the dark whispering to turn
and run. He also has the ability to turn your fears
into light. The phrase “I believe” actually has power.
Neptune, Chiron and the Sun in your home sector
wash away past misunderstandings and create a
cozy corner to call your own.
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣
There are a lot of angels helping people
in these testing times. Sometimes when
the thing you have worked so hard for
doesn’t work out, you think it’s to do with you. But it
could very well be your angels messing everything
up so the only path you can take is the special one
they’ve devised for you. Trust that your thoughts
are becoming lighter and brighter, regardless of
what happens around you. Be yourself and see
things fall into place this week.
CAPRICORN
Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Catch your breath and if in a partnership,
let them do some of the work.
Jupiter is likely to be making your
relationship sector make more sense now. Most of
the planetary activity is on your side of the chart, so
to speak, meaning do what you need to do to take
care of yourself this week. Don’t let others catch
you in a net of obligations. You will need your own
time and energy to complete yet another cycle of
the soul-game you are on the path to winning.
PISCES
Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
The Sun continues to travel through
your Birthday Zone. You’re comfortable
this week, either finishing up old
connections that never really worked or basking in
the warmth of knowing you’ve made some excellent
decisions lately. Treating yourself with the
kindness you give others is starting to strike gold.
Trusting that each event is not isolated but part of a
greater picture is an example of the Sun transiting
Chiron in Pisces. Feel it? If not, practice helps!
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The Last Word
SILVER LININGS
PRAYER BOOK
Life will never be normal again in postdisaster
Tohoku
By Amya L. Miller
Want to have The Last Word? Send your article
to: editor@metropolis.co.jp
CHRISTI ROCHIN
Amya Miller is the executive director
of Vigor Japan, a company assisting
various post–3/11 Tohoku towns, as well
as director of global PR for the city of
Rikuzentakata
For the first time in many
months, my fingers do
not obey.
I type, delete, type
again, delete more.
Today I am the bearer of bad news.
Most people I know avoid the Negative
Nellies, the chronic complainers
and the naysayers surrounding us
for whom life is always dramatic
and sad. Listening to them becomes
tedious. I don’t want to be a burden
or a bore. I’m not writing to stir up
emotion or sentiment. I write today
to inform you on the status of life in
Tohoku three years post-disaster—
a glimpse into the lives of those
around me—and today I don’t have a
lot of good news to share.
I’m approaching the third year
mark of my work in Rikuzentakata.
This is the city wiped off the map in
the tsunami that struck a few days
shy of three years ago. Downtown is
gone, replaced with tall weeds and a
vast open view to the sea. Vases with
flowers mark where homes once
stood. Buildings where people met,
ate, worked and gossiped are gone.
Apartments and houses, homes
to the bulk of the population, are
reduced to concrete foundations.
It’s depressing. Driving through
downtown, something most residents
must do on a daily basis,
simply chips away at our souls. Life
here sucks.
For some. For others, there is a
genuine attempt to see the disaster
as an opportunity: to start over,
change, try new things, reinvent
oneself, dream. That’s the good
news. The bad news is: there is a
select few to whom this applies.
These people were “glass half-full”
types before the disaster. While it’s a
struggle to maintain optimism when
very little physical improvement can
be seen throughout town, these are
the folks who strive to stay positive.
Then there are those who can only
see the negative. I say this not to
point fingers and call them whiners,
but to openly state the following: trying
to find the silver lining each day
in post-disaster Tohoku is simply too
much for some.
Rikuzentakata was a bustling
city of 24,000 people predisaster.
The population
now hovers just over 20,000. Of the
4,000 who no longer live in town, just
under 1,800 were lost on March 11,
2011. The rest left town.
Of the remaining 20,000, everyone
lost someone. Some lost a
spouse, a child, a parent, a sibling,
a grandparent, an aunt or a
cousin. Others lost colleagues,
friends, more distant relatives and
neighbors. Most people I know
lost more than one person in their
lives. You don’t just “move on” or
“get over” this. When there is collective
grief, and where there is
pervasive pain, movement tends
to be stagnant or even flow backwards.
People are tired. Even those
who initially rallied the troops
with a stoic “March on!” are silent.
The gap is widening between those
who see the disaster as a chance to
improve versus those who cannot
see beyond their pain. More and
more the emotional health of those
in Tohoku resembles a bell curve: a
few who can stay positive, a larger
group of those who are seen as apathetic
and simply living day-to-day
and back down to those mired in
the memories of life pre-disaster.
“What’s your point?” you ask.
Rightfully so. Today I neither
offer advice nor will I assign blame.
Enough people have offered their
opinions on both. Time has moved
on—but life has not. This is the ugly
secret in Tohoku, the truth no one
wants to discuss. Very few have
DRIVING
THROUGH
DOWNTOWN,
SOMETHING MOST
RESIDENTS MUST DO
ON A DAILY BASIS,
SIMPLY CHIPS AWAY
AT OUR SOULS. LIFE
HERE SUCKS.”
anything to show for the amount of
time that has passed.
I
do not want to be known as
Depressing Doris. I abhor the idea
of preaching doom-and-gloom.
Somebody, however, needs to let
people know just how tough it is to get
out of bed for many in post-tsunami
Tohoku. Today, the region needs a
kick in the pants—along with a giant
bear hug. You need to know this. How
you offer one or both is for another day.
On this memorial, however you
choose to express your faith, I ask
that you remember.
I ask that you care.
Sing. Light a candle. Say a prayer.
We’ll take the kicks and hugs later.
The views expressed in "The Last Word" are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.
METROPOLIS is Japan's No.1 English magazine, founded in
1994 and published for Japan’s international community.
It is the only English-language publication in Japan that
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34 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

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Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
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