1EzaGZW

Mar 20-Apr 2, 2015 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com 

無料 

PRICELESS 

SEE OUR 

HAIR & BEAUTY 

SPECIAL 

FASHION WEEK 

TOKYO GETS TRENDY 

THE ROAD AHEAD 

BRINGING WOMEN’S 

ISSUES TO LIGHT 

CHAMPAGNE 

SHOWERS 

BIZARRE 

BEAUTIFICATION 

SHADES 

OF GREY 

SKYLAR 

KEEPS IT 

COOL

www.akaiclinic.com 

Cosmetic Surgery 

Laser Treatment 

Skin Care 

rejuvenate 

yourself with 

the best in beauty 

technology 

Quality of Akai Clinic 

At Akai clinic, we only use products and technologies 

approved by the FDA. 

SURGICAL TREATMENTS 

• EYELID SURGERY rejuvenation of upper and lower eye 

lid, tear trough, double eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis, etc. 

• NOSE SURGERY tip plasty, hump resection, deviated 

nose, ala reduction, augmentation or reduction 

rhinoplasty. 

• BREAST SURGERY augmentation, lift, reduction, 

reconstruction. 

• LIPOSUCTION WITH LASER ultra sonic assisted suction 

device. 

• LASER-LIPO minimal invasive facial and body 

contouring device with AccuSculpt (1444nm laser). 

• FACE LIFT forehead, brow, mid-face, neck lift, thread’s lift. 

•TISSUE ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES for facial 

rejuvenation, breast augmentation, AGA (PRFM, fat & 

stem cell injection, growth factor. 

• SKIN TUMORS skin cancer, cyst, mole, wart, scar 

revision. 

• GENITAL REJUVENATION SURGERY tightening of the 

vagina, reduction of labia minor and augmentation of 

the labia major. 

• HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SURGERY 

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS 

• LASER & REJUVENATION lasers, RFs, IPLs, plasma, 

Ultra Sound for wrinkle, sagging, drooping, open pores, 

rosacea, skin complexion, pigmentation, melisma with 

SOLARI, Aurora-Pro, INFINI, eCO2, Affirm, EndyMed, 

Portrait Plasma, SPECTRA, AccuSculpt, etc. 

• BOTOX & FILLERS allergan’s BOTOX, Juvederm, 

Radiesse etc. 

• ACNE & ACNE SCARS PLASMA fractional lasers (eCO2, 

Affirm), INFINI (fractional RF), iClear (photo dynamic 

therapy), microdermabrasion, chemical Peeling. 

• LASER HAIR REMOVAL all kinds of lasers available: 

Alex and long pulsed YAG, diode laser, etc. 

• TATTOO REMOVAL with Spectra (Q-YAG laser) for any 

color of tattoo. 

• CELLULITE, BODY CONTOURING & STRETCH MARKS 

cVela Smooth and EndyMed body (FDA Approved). 

• LEG VEIN, BROKEN CAPILLARY long Pulsed YAG or 

VenoCare. 

• RHINOLIGHT hay fever, Allergic Rhinitis. 

• SKINOLIGHT psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, Vitiligo, 

Atopic dermatitis. 

DR. HIDEMI AKAI 

is a board-certified plastic 

surgeon and an associate 

professor of the 

department of plastic, 

aesthetic and 

reconstructive surgery at 

Tokyo’s Showa University. 

Dr. Akai trained at 

Harvard Medical School 

and Massachusetts 

General Hospital before 

amassing over twenty-five 

years of experience. 

DR. KEIKO AKAI 

is also a board-certified 

plastic surgeon, and a 

dermatologist. 

The Akai Clinic offers a 

range of 

cosmetic-surgery 

procedures, laser 

treatments and skin care, 

using state-of-the-art 

equipment and the latest 

techniques. 

Additional fee for anesthesia is required. Please contact the clinic for more information. 

Other cosmetic procedures available. For fees and detailed information services, please refer to our homepage. 

We welcome email and phone inquiries. 

Omotesando 

KNK Bldg 3F 3-5-17, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo. 

1-min walk from Omotesando stn, A3 exit. 

Tel: 03-5771-4114 Email: amc@akaiclinic.com 

Clinic hours: 11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun) 

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist 

Yokohama 

Quadrifoglio 4F 5-14 Kinkocho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama. 

1-min walk from Yokohama stn, North East exit. 

Tel: 045-620-5745 Email: amc-skincare@akaiclinic.com 

Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)

EDITOR’S 

LETTER 

inside 

MAR 20-APR 2, 2015 • #1095 

There’s always a silver lining when skies are grey—and this week, 

that silver lining just happens to be Skylar Grey. The singer-songwriter 

who has penned hits for major pop artists is now riding her 

rising star, and she stopped by Tokyo for a quick chat and to show 

off her cool tattoos. Speaking of cool, winter heads to Oceania as 

springtime comes in. Keep trendy by visiting some of Tokyo’s best 

English-speaking salons. But above all, during the month of International 

Women’s Day, we take a look at some of the mental health 

issues women continue to face and how we can help. Oh, and feel 

like entertaining your cats? Flip over to page 18. You’re welcome. 

© Mika Ninagawa, Courtesy of Tomio Koyama Gallery 

10 12 23 

PUNiK: Speaking the universal language of punk. 

Humphrey’s Haunts: Sip spirits near Bogart’s past. 

Cover design & photo: Kohji Shiiki, shot at FOX International Channels (Japan) 

Golden Fins: Ninagawa’s underwater subjects. 

GET PRINTED! 

SEND IN YOUR BEST PHOTOS FOR OUR APR 3 ISSUE. DEADLINE MAR 20. metropolisjapan.com/focus 

IN FOCUS 

Tokyo Girls Collection 2015 S/S, Stay up to date with the latest trends online: meturl.com/tgc2015 

8F Nishi-Azabu Sonic Bldg, 3-2-12 Nishi-Azabu, 

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03

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JP Kami kirimashita? Oniai 

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04

3 

TOP 

hanami spots 

UNTIL EARLY APR 

Meguro River 

Enjoy a stroll along the Meguro River, where 

800 sakura trees line both banks for a distance 

of 3.8km. Until early Apr. Meguro River. 

Nakameguro. Tel: 03-5722-6850. http:// 

meguro-kanko.com 


Sumida Park 

Take in the blossoms for a km along the Sumida 

River, dating back to those planted by shogun 

Tokugawa Yoshimune during the Edo period. 

Until early Apr. Sumida Park. Asakusa. Tel: 

03-5608-6951. http://j.mp/sumidatourism 

TO-DO LIST 


Rikugien Gardens 

See the famous shidare-zakura, or weeping 

cherry tree, which boasts a height of 15m and 

width of 20m. Until early Apr, 9am-5pm. ¥300. 

Rikugien Gardens. Komagome. Tel: 03-3941- 

2222. http://j.mp/rikugiengardens 

EDITOR’S PICK APR 22-26 

© Charly Herscovici / ADAGP, Paris, 2015 

MAR 25-JUN 29 

MAGRITTE EXHIBITION 

A retrospective of Belgian surrealist 

artist René Magritte, who achieved 

a unique artistic style that strongly 

influenced 20th-century art and design, 

and which continues to fascinate people 

around the world. Mar 25-Jun 29, 

10am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri). Closed 

Tue. ¥600-1,400 (adv)/ ¥800-1,600 

(door). The National Art Center, Tokyo. 

Nogizaka. Tel: 03-5405-8686. 

http://magritte2015.jp/english.html 

《白紙委任状》1965 年 81.3x 65.1cm 油彩 /カンヴァス 

ワシントン・ナショナル・ギャラリー 

National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1985.64.24 

MR. SHOW 

Korean all-male revue Mr. Show arrives in Japan to tease and titillate female 

audiences. A Chippendales sort of R-rated strip extravaganza, Mr. Show is 

exclusively a ladies-only affair. Eight hunks take turns disrobing and revealing 

their ripped six-packs, lats, and pecs as a high-octane soundtrack throbs in 

the background. Highly recommended for gaijin girls who are into Asian guys. 

Apparently the show made a bit of a kerfuffle when its female director Kolleen 

Park debuted the production in conservative South Korea last year. Dan Grunebaum 

Apr 22, 7:30pm; Apr 23-24, 2:30 & 7:30pm; Apr 25, 12:30, 4:30 & 8:30pm; 

Apr 26, 12:30 & 4:30pm, ¥6,000-20,000. Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka. 

Tel: 050-5533-0888. www.mrshow.jp 

Yokoo Tadanori. The Sky Above the Venue of 

EXPO’70. 1967. The National Museum of Art, Osaka 

© TBS/LH 

MAR 26 

KINDNESS 

Solo project of British 

singer Adam Bainbridge, 

whose debut album 

World, You Need a 

Change of Mind was 

released in 2012. 

Mar 26, 7:30pm, ¥6,000. 

Club Quattro. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-3499-6669. 

http://j.mp/kindness2015 

MAR 26-29 

TONIGHT IS NASTY 

Six female dancers representing Japan 

perform solo and duet dances, choreographed 

by Akira Kasai, that trace the journey towards 

the achievement of universal catharsis. Mar 

26-27, 7:30pm; Mar 28-29, 3pm, ¥3,000- 

4,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500-4,500 (door). Setagaya 

Public Theatre. Sangen-jaya. Tel: 03-3320- 

7217. http://setagaya-pt.jp/en 

Photo courtesy of Creativeman 

MAR 20-MAY 17 

OSAKA EXPO ’70 DESIGN 

PROJECT 

Held under the theme of “Progress and Harmony for Mankind,” 

the 1970 Osaka Expo (Japan World Exposition) is remembered 

as a national event in Japan during the years of spectacular 

economic growth. This exhibition presents a complete picture of 

the design work for the 1970 Expo. Mar 20-May 17, 10am-5pm 

(until 8pm on Fri). Closed Mon. ¥130-430. The National Museum 

of Modern Art, Tokyo. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. 

http://j.mp/osakaexpo2015, http://j.mp/moon2015 

© bozzo 

MAR 27-29 

TOKYO MOTORCYCLE SHOW 

Enjoy bikes from all over the world—including the latest 

models and custom machines—take them out for a test 

ride, and more. Mar 27, 1-6pm; Mar 28, 10am-6pm; 

Mar 29, 10am-5pm, ¥500-1,300 (adv)/ ¥1,000-1,600 

(door). Tokyo Big Sight. Kokusai-Tenjijo. 

http://motorcycleshow.org/english 

05

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 

HAIR & BEAUTY 

New Do, 

New You 

Tokyo gets the makeover of the year as 

it leaves behind the frosty blue and grey palette 

of winter in lieu of pastel pinks that pop up 

in cherry trees throughout the city, 

completely vivifying the landscape. 

Why not give springtime a run for its money 

with a revamping of your own? Let go of that 

hairstyle you’ve been rocking since 

last October, and give your coif new life 

at the hands of some of Tokyo’s best 

English-speaking salons. 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Metropolis readers who bring this ad for color 

treatment receive 15% off 

Valid until June 30, 2015 

1F, 2-108-1 Sengencho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 

045-311-0139 

Wed-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-8pm, 

closed Mon-Tue 

Yokohama 

www.yokohamahairsalon.com 

Facebook: Afrodita Yokohama Hair Salon 

Instagram: @afroditasalon_ 

AFRODITA 

Yokohama 

Hair stylist Yoshiko Morimoto is on a mission to bring the high-level of style and service 

available in Beverly Hills to Japan. But unlike salons in the most exclusive parts of 

Tokyo, Morimoto offers this in English and without huge fees. Having trained at Vidal 

Sassoon in London and at top salons in New York and Los Angeles—where her clientele included Hollywood 

entertainers and models—she knows how to work with Western hair. Upon her return to Japan in 2001, 

Morimoto opened Afrodita near Yokohama Station. Today, clients travel from Saitama, Chiba, and Yokosuka 

just to get styled. And as customers from many countries will tell you, Morimoto never fails to satisfy them 

with her eye for style, especially with trending colors. Her friendly, international staff all speak English, as well 

as other languages from across the globe. Afrodita salon even stocks exclusive American hair care brand 

Redken. Follow the photos of her latest cuts on Facebook at “Afrodita Yokohama Hair Salon.” 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Free consultation in English for Metropolis 

readers 

2-26-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku 

03-3468-9116 

Wed & Fri 10am-7:30pm, Thu 10am-8:30pm, 

Sat-Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon-Tue 

Shimokitazawa 

dude-hair@nifty.com 

www.dude.jp 

DUDE 

Shimokitazawa 

At a typical Japanese hair salon, you are confronted by an army of staff fawning over 

you like a movie star or minor member of the Royal Family. Instead of just getting 

on with the job, they wrap you up like a Victorian doll and subject you to endless 

interrogation about what you eat and don’t eat, where you’re from, the weather in Japan versus your home 

country, and other delightful topics. This might be great for some people, but if you just want a haircut with 

no extra hassle you should zero in on Dude. Located among the trendy lanes of Shimokitazawa, Dude is a 

salon with its priorities firmly in place. Friendly and efficient, the staff give both dudes and dudettes what they 

came for—the stylish haircut that suits them best. They also provide a totally relaxing atmosphere that leaves 

customers feeling peaceful. So aim for a hassle-free life—and haircut—at Dude. 

06

MORE SPECIALS ONLINE → 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• 20% off our entire range of services on your first 

visit! 

6F, 4-1-9 Azabu-jūban, Minato-ku 

03-6436-0228 

Mon & Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, closed Tue & Sun 

Azabu-Jūban (exit 4, 1 min) 

www.goldsalontokyo.com 

GOLD SALON 

Azabu-Jūban 

Gold Salon Tokyo is a top choice for foreign residents seeking a hair salon 

experience closer to what they might be used to back home. The fact that 98 

percent of the salon’s clientele are foreign residents is a testimony to their 

skill with foreign hair. English is the first language in the salon, so communication—from booking through 

to consultation—gives Gold the leading edge. The stylist/colorists have many years experience working 

with the variations in hair texture and myriad of color options demanded by their discerning, international 

clientele. As salon owner and director Howard Regner likes to put it, “If the U.N. set up a hair salon, it 

would pretty much look like Gold!” So whether it's a great cut, superb color, or the smoothest Brazilian 

keratin treatments in town, the choice is simply Gold! 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• 30% off cut, color, and perm for first-time visitors 

(excludes Keratin treatment) 

KERATIN TREATMENT 

• Short ¥20,000-25,000 

• Medium ¥25,000-30,000 

• Long, from ¥30,000 

206 The Roppongi Tokyo Plaza, 3-7-1, 

Roppongi, Minato-ku 

03-5574-8844 

Mon & Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols 

10am-7pm, closed Tue 

Roppongi 

www.hayatosalons.com 

HAYATO 

TOKYO 

Roppongi 

Hayato Salon is bringing a new option to those looking to make their daily hair care easier. 

Their formaldehyde-free keratin treatment is the first customizable, long-lasting smoothing 

service for silky smooth hair. It makes unruly, frizzy hair manageable, softens waves, 

smoothes overall hair structure, reduces daily styling time, and lasts for up to 5 months. 

In addition to keratin treatment, Hayato offers a wide range of treatments, and satisfaction is always guaranteed. 

Each team member is bilingual and does their very best to create a relaxing, comfortable, and classy environment. 

The stylists are all experts—especially at handling the varied hair types of foreigners—thanks to a training program 

developed by founder Hayato himself. Stylists receive on-the-job training at Hayato New York for two years, where 

they learn to speak English, so when they debut at Hayato Tokyo they’re more than ready to serve you. 

WEBSITE 

KENJI SUZUKI 

New York City | Azabujuban, Tokyo 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Mention Metropolis and receive 20% off all 

services if you are a first-time customer 

• Pre-book your next appointment and receive 10% 

off your next cut 

Bondz Salon 4F, 1-8-13 Azabu-jūban,Minato-ku 

080-1307-4973 

Tue-Sun 11am-9pm; closed Mon & 2nd Tue 

Azabu-Jūban 

contact@kenji-hairstylist.com 

www.kenji-hairstylist.com 

KENJI HAIR 

STYLIST 

Azabu-Jūban 

English-fluent Kenji Suzuki is one of the many talented stylists who have come together 

at the Bondz Salon in Azabu-jūban, where the relaxed, boutique-like atmosphere makes 

you feel right at home. Having held high-profile positions in the international beauty 

industry for more than 20 years, Kenji spent most of those years in New York City. In fact, 

he stills takes care of his stylish clientele there on periodic visits to the U.S. Since 2013, he has shared the styles 

and techniques that he learned and honed in the Big Apple with his Tokyo clients, specializing in dry haircutting for 

men and women, and offers color and perm treatments. Whether a patron has a specific look in mind or wants to 

try out something new, Kenji works closely with them to ensure they leave with a style that follows trends, yet still 

brings out their own personal beauty. “For your hairstyle, for your lifestyle” is his motto. 

07

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HAIR & BEAUTY 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

Mention Metropolis to get: 

• 20% off all hair services and 40% off Japanese 

straightening perm and intense treatment with 

stylist Yuri on your first visit. (Valid until April 30.) 

• First-time Shellac nail coloring manicure for 

¥4,500 or pedicure for ¥6,500. 

3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku 

03-3405-4409 

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm 

Omotesando 

http://sinden.com 

SIN DEN 

Omotesando 

Changes are a big commitment! At Sin Den, we so get that! When you’re ready to make a 

change and freshen up for spring, our stylists are right there to discuss how to go about 

it, and how to make it work for you. We know what’s trending now, but we also know that 

it’s “old-fashioned” to simply follow trends. What’s hottest this season is to find the look that makes you feel 

fabulous. Whether you’re an international banker, domestic diva, fashionista, or chic kid, dare to be different 

and dare to be you. No style is crazy if it’s yours, and puts a little strut in your step! Woof! 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Mention Metropolis and receive free Kerastase 

hair treatment (¥3,000 value) and more! 

• Pearl Mask Facial Treatment 20% off (First-time 

visitors only) 

(These offers cannot be combined with other 

coupons) 

SERVICES 

• Hair: Cut, color, perm, highlights, and head spa 

• Body: Waxing and facials 

2F YS Bldg, 2-1-21 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku 

03-6408-6132 

Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols 10am-7pm, 

closed Mon 

Hiroo or Roppongi 

www.vipcreativehair.jp 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Metropolis readers visiting for the first time 

receive 10% off all hair services. 

SERVICES 

• Haircut by hairstylist Aki: ¥9,720 

• Haircut: ¥5,940 (stylist) 

• Gray cover: ¥5,940 

• Henna from ¥7,560 

• Coloring from ¥8,100 

• Highlights from ¥8,640 

WEBSITE 

B1 Sun Beauty Harajuku, 3-25-6 Jingumae, 

Shibuya-ku 

03-3405-1188 

Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun & hols 

10am-8pm 

Harajuku or Meiji-Jingūmae 

www.watanabe-hair.com 

VIP CREATIVE 

HAIR SALON 

Roppongi 

VIP Creative Hair International is there to meet all your hair care and beauty 

needs for any special occasion. Their team of experts has served Tokyo’s 

Japanese and foreign communities for many years, and they work to provide 

a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere of pure luxury in their private treatment 

rooms. Their exclusive tewaza (hand technique) spa relaxes the head and scalp muscles, improves 

circulation, stimulates facial muscles, and enhances your body’s natural healing powers. The salon staff 

have extensive experience in the U.S. and Japan, and can work with a full range of hair colors—as their 

many loyal foreign customers can attest. Leave your stress behind, relax, and enjoy the VIP treatment at 

this exceptional hair salon! 

WATANABE 

HAIR DRESSING 

Harajuku 

To visit Watanabe Hair Dressing 

is to experience the best of 

Tokyo’s hair salons, where 

English-speaking staff pamper 

clients from start to finish and 

use unique techniques to create 

sophisticated looks. If you’re 

looking to discover a great 

new style this summer, a visit 

to Watanabe Hair Dressing 

may just be a step in the right 

direction. Forbes once called Aki 

Watanabe “the best hairdresser 

in Tokyo.” Trained at the Vidal 

Sassoon and Toni & Guy academies, his own salon, Watanabe Hair Dressing, celebrated its 20th anniversary 

last year. Aki has done hairstyling for magazines such as The Face and i-D, and worked for brands like Red or 

Dead. Some of his celebrity clients include Beat Takeshi, architect Paul Tange, and Massive Attack. But you 

don’t have to be an A-lister to enjoy his latest styling trends and techniques. Aki has trained his young staff to 

provide great coifs at affordable prices for everyone. 

08

MORE SPECIALS ONLINE → 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Receive four 60-min peeling facials for only 

¥42,000 (a savings of ¥14,000) 

3F Latorie Memorial Bldg, 1-5-19 Azabu-Jūban, 

Minato-ku 

03-6438-9895 

Mon-Tue 11am-9pm, Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat- 

Sun 10am-7pm 

Azabu-Jūban 

www.elanajade.com 

ELANA JADE 

ORGANIC BEAUTY SALON 

Azabu-Jūban 

Turn back the years “naturally” with Elana 

Jade’s amazing organic peeling course! 

Chosen by celebrities such as Nicole 

Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Hudson, 

Ilsci Organics offers the benefits of a 

chemical peel without the potential long- or 

short-term chemical damage. For this month 

only, Elana Jade is offering this unique fourtreatment 

course for only ¥42,000. 

The salon is a short five-minute walk 

from Roppongi Hills in Azabu-Jūban, 

and exclusively uses certified organic 

ingredients in all treatments. Elana Jade 

also specializes in waxing (specifically 

Brazilian wax), and organic facials, as well 

as hot-stone and oil massages. They also 

have specific ranges for men, brides, and 

mommies-to-be, making Elana Jade your 

oasis in the heart of Tokyo. 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Bring this copy of Metropolis and receive a full 

face treatment for ¥23,000 (reg. ¥29,250) or 

upper back for ¥17,400 (reg. ¥20,500) 

SERVICES 

• Men’s hair removal (per visit/per five sessions): 

“Speedo” area: ¥38,000/¥133,000 

2F Ishihara Bldg, 3-7-1 Azabu-Jūban, Minato-ku 

03-6435-1276 

info@mds-a.jp 

Mon-Fri noon-11:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols 

10am-11:30pm 

Azabu-Jūban 

http://mds-a.jp/english 

MDSA 

Azabu-Jūban 

Springtime is upon us, and that means it’s time to lose the scruff and do a little 

“manscaping” to look your best for the warmer weather and outdoor activities. MDSA 

Hair Removal Salon, just a two-minute walk from Azabu-Jūban Station, offers secluded 

treatment rooms, English-speaking staff, a reservation-only policy, and an atmosphere that caters to both 

men and women, so it’s not all feminine. The tools and procedures used to remove unwanted hair from backs, 

shoulders, bellies, and those “mankini” lines come direct from the U.S. Head in for a free consultation and 

a localized hair-removal trial to see for yourself how it works. You’ll be impressed by the efficiency, minimal 

discomfort, and good value. Rooms can service two people, so bring your friend or girlfriend along to also 

benefit from MDSA’s service while they hold your hand—if you’re man enough! 

WEBSITE 

SPECIAL OFFER 

• Mention Metropolis for 15% off all waxing 

services 

Arrow Plaza Harajuku 312, 4-19-8 Jingūmae, 

Shibuya-ku 

03-3470-7109 

Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm 

Omotesandō or Meiji-Jingūmae 

http://shousalon.com 

SHOU SALON 

Omotesando 

Shou Beauty Salon, located just five minutes from both Omotesandō and Meiji- 

Jingūmae stations behind Omotesandō Hills, last year celebrated 15 years in 

business, during which they have served more than 30,000 customers from 

many countries. Owner/beautician Hiromi Matsumaru understands all skin types, having trained in the 

U.S. and Australia, and Shou’s wide range of treatments includes many that you would find back home, 

such as Brazilian waxing, deep cleansing facials, manicures and pedicures (including speedy Shellac 

polish), and eyelash tinting in popular colors like blue, black, and brown. A hugely popular treatment is the 

Endermologie facelift, which utilizes the latest techniques to give you a double lift, stimulating revitalization 

of your collagen and further brightening your skin with a CO 2 mask. 

09

music 

JAPAN BEAT 

PUNiK 

Speaking the universal 

language of punk 

BY DAN GRUNEBAUM 

Photo by Stephen Jackson 

Japan is a place where—to the Western 

mind—appearances can be deceptive. A 

woman could be a man; a donut could be 

a bean-paste bun; a “yes” could mean “no.” 

“The Japanese punk scene is a bit strange 

in the sense that even without punk’s energy, 

bands are considered punk here,” observes 

frontman Tagu of Tokyo punk outfit Punik 

ahead of a trip to Taiwan. “It may look like punk, 

but it’s not really—in fact, you could say that 

about Japanese rock as a whole.” 

Formed in 2008, Punik are one of the hardier 

acts on Tokyo’s live house circuit, logging 

a punishing 100 gigs a year at storied Chuo 

Line rock venues like Earthdom and Mission’s. 

They’ve been approached by major labels but 

prefer to reject commercial pressures and, 

Tagu says, “retain punk’s original impulse.” 

Their performances are a jangled-nerve storm 

of tracks with titles like “Punk Bomb.” 

Debuting as a trio with Fuckareyoudoing??, 

Punik (a pun on “punk” and “panic”) recently 

added Englishman Nigel van der Grijspaarde 

on bass. “The first time I saw Punik, these three 

guys ran on stage, plugged in, and basically 

assaulted their instruments and the audience’s 

senses,” he recalls. “It was a raw blast of power, 

incredibly loud, there were bum notes and not 

one of them gave a damn! It was the most refreshing 

thing I’d heard in years. 

“Soon after that, their bassist quit,” he continues, 

“and a mutual friend set up a meeting. 

Tagu and Makoto were already well in their 

cups. There basically was nothing to joining 

except they both made one thing clear—passion! 

We rehearsed on Tuesday and my first 

gig was Friday. That was it. Tagu said, ‘Don't 

worry about screw-ups, just put your guts into 

it. We’re gonna play 11 songs in the next 25 minutes. 

Ready?’” 

How does the band maintain its brutal schedule 

while holding day jobs? “Punk rock has been 

my motivator since I was 13,” Grijspaarde answers. 

“It hooked me when I was going through 

a turbulent teen time and never let go. To us, 

it’s not spiky hair and spit; it’s the way we live. 

We use anger constructively, and when you’re 

standing on stage waiting for that ‘one, two, 

three, four’ above the feedback … well, there is 

nothing else like it. Though it has to be said that 

for the first few gigs with Punik, I would come 

offstage and puke from the exertion!” 

A veteran of the U.K. punk scene, Grijspaarde 

says the band is getting positive 

feedback from his old mates in England. Punik 

have also brought their roots punk to Las Vegas, 

where they performed at the first-ever 

Hempfest, sharing the stage with members 

of Cypress Hill, Fishbone Project, and Beijing. 

At the time of this writing, they were in Taipei 

for the Anarchy in Taiwan street punk festival. 

Grijspaarde calls Beijing and Taipei “hotbeds 

of unrest, anger—especially amongst the 

students ... ideal for punk expression,” but like 

Tagu, expresses mixed feelings about Japan’s 

punk scene. “Japan is a relatively easy country 

to live in—no cop beat-downs, comfortable 

level of living—people living the superstar life 

vicariously through insipid ‘talents,’” he says. 

“Yet on the other hand, some of the world’s 

most extreme music can be found right here, 

played ferociously night after night in hundreds 

of dingy, sweaty pisshole joints.” 

As for life as Punik’s lone gaijin, it seems 

that forty years since its invention, punk has 

become a universal language, easing Grijspaarde’s 

path. 

“There's nothing special about having a foreigner 

in the band, but Nigel doesn't speak 

Japanese, so we have to communicate through 

gestures,” Tagu laughs. “But when it comes to 

the music, as soon as we start to play everything’s 

OK.” 

Punik play Design Festa, Vol. 41. May 17, 

2:40pm. Tokyo Big Sight, Outdoor Stage. Tagu 

plays solo May 18, 11:30am. Tokyo Big Sight, 

Indoor Stage. http://designfesta.com/en/ 

10

cover story 

Fox Backstage Pass airs Sat on Fox 

at 1am; Sun on Fox Movies Premium 

at 9 am; and on Fox Sports and 

Entertainment at 11:30am. 

1 TO 1: 

SKYLAR 

GREY 

The singer-songwriter 

casts cool shades 

on Tokyo 

BY DANIEL L. SMITH 

FOX EXECUTIVE PRODUCER 

Some might find it odd that the most striking 

characteristic to catch my eye upon 

meeting pop singer Skylar Grey was her 

“coolness.” She had just strolled down 

to the lobby from her room at the Grand Hyatt 

Tokyo to greet a small cadre that was to accompany 

her to an interview with Fox Backstage 

Pass and Metropolis in Harajuku. 

As the itinerary was explained, Grey smiled 

and nodded before heading to a canary-yellow 

Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Convertible—her predesignated 

mode of travel. If there were any 

pressing details not ironed out, her demeanor 

didn’t show it; she just looked cool. Like many 

of the her soulful songs, there’s a soothing 

quality about the singer that comes across like 

the shade cast by trees on a hot day—that cool. 

Maybe it stems from the comfort zone she 

found with music at an early age. 

“I started singing professionally with my 

mother when I was six. I made three albums 

by the time I was 14. My mother was a singer, 

and so was my dad. Everybody in my family is 

in music,” Grey explained. “I have always composed 

music. At my first piano recital, when I 

was seven, I composed the song that I played. 

So when I was 14, I started adding lyrics and 

I just became obsessed with songwriting. I 

moved to Los Angeles. I got a [record] deal, 

but it was always writing for myself and others 

and movies and stuff.” 

Skylar Grey and fashion designer Eiko Gudnason 

As an artist, she enjoyed modest success as 

a featured singer on Fort Minor’s “Where’d You 

Go” and “Be Somebody.” But something special 

about Grey started to emerge that set her 

apart from her contemporaries: She wrote great 

songs—songs that major artists wanted to sing. 

“I wrote a song called ‘Love The Way You 

Lie’ that got picked up by Eminem and Rihanna, 

and that kind of changed my life! It was huge!” 

Huge is an understatement. The song 

reached number one on 26 charts globally and 

earned a Grammy nomination for Song of the 

Year. The buzz about Grey was on, and it made 

her a hot commodity in a cool business! 

“It set a chain of events in motion. I got to 

work with so many amazing people after that 

like Diddy, Dr. Dre, T.I., and Nicki Minaj. The list 

goes on! It’s amazing!” 

Grey said the inspiration she draws upon to 

write songs taps into her basic instincts. “Songwriting 

for me is pretty much always the same. 

I come from a personal and emotional place 

when I write, and then I have to decide whether 

I am willing to give it up for another artist. It 

is different every time. Usually I start with the 

music, add the melody, chord changes and stuff 

like that, then the lyrics come after,” Grey said. 

As her music has developed, so have other 

interests such as brand tie-ups and a fashion label. 

It’s the brand tie-up that brought the singer 

to Tokyo on behalf of Amway Japan. Grey is the 

spokesperson for Amway’s energy drink. 

She said her fashion label is still in its initial 

stage. “I have my own fashion line called Woodrat. 

It’s not out yet, except for a few beanies, 

but I am really excited about it. It’s a unisex line 

because I am a tomboy. I am actually wearing 

all Y3 right now, which is my favorite brand— 

ironically Japanese. I’m looking for the right opportunity 

to release it, but I have all the designs 

ready,” Grey explained. 

Grey got to exchange fashion views with 

Japanese designer Eiko Gudnason, whose 

Eiko World collection was inspired by a fantasy 

world she would escape to during childhood. 

While Grey hopes to get back to Japan soon, 

2015 is shaping up to be the most groundbreaking 

time of her career. She has songs on 

the soundtracks of two of the most anticipated 

films—“I Know You” from Fifty Shades of Grey 

and “I Will Return” from the latest in “The Fast 

and the Furious” franchise, Furious 7. 

In composing “I Know You,” Grey said she 

felt the need to do some research. “I got asked 

to work on the film track about a year and a 

half ago. So I decided to read the book. It was 

interesting. I definitely had a lot of friends tell 

me they got excited reading it. For me though, 

I wanted to dig more into the emotional side of 

the characters and write a song that was based 

on the love story that was happening.” 

Grey said “I Will Return” was penned from a 

more personal perspective. “It’s beautiful and 

it’s a song that I wrote and was inspired by Paul 

Walker.” 

How cool is that? I think Skylar Grey cool. 

Photos: Kohji Shiiki 

11

food&drink 

Apparently the 3-D phenomenon isn’t exclusive 

to the movies or printing: Even snack 

foods are getting in on the craze. Last year’s 

Rich Giza corn chip snacks evolve into Gizakkuru 

3-D. The chips now have morphed 

into three-dimensional, wheel-like shapes 

that result in different textures depending 

on how they’re chewed. Because Japanese 

snack foods pay attention to this kind of thing. 

Comes in barbecue and butter flavors. Available 

at convenience stores nationwide. 

There are few foods that match the pizza in terms 

of awesomeness; but the food’s one main flaw 

is that it isn’t so easy to eat one on the go. But 

Stickpizza & Cafe Bar in Roppongi remedies that 

by rendering the pizza into stick version: Easy to 

eat while on your feet. The wide array of options 

range from the tame (arabiata, carbonara, etc.) to 

unique (spicy curry, squid...)—and desserts, too 

(cinnamon apple, sweet potato caramel, among 

others). Takeout OK—perfect for a hanami outing. 

7-3-13 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi. 

www.eu-syokudou.com 

Lindt Chocolat Café’s new sakura-inspired 

products look as sweet as they taste, and are 

sure to gear you up for spring regardless of 

the inconsistent weather. The White Chocolate 

Sakura Ice Drink (¥772) mixes Amarena and 

Griotte cherries with the subtle saltiness and 

aroma of cherry blossoms. The Délice (Lindt’s 

macarons) Sakura combines white chocolate 

ganache, cherry purée, and sakura-flavored syrup 

for a Japanese twist on the French delicacy. 

3-5-22 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03- 

3423-2200. Omotesandō. www.lindt.jp 

¥¥ EN/JP 

RESTAURANT 

Peter: the bar 

BY V KEVORK 

Located on the 24th floor of the Peninsula Hotel 

and surrounded by the Imperial Palace gardens 

is Peter: The Bar. Its magnificent views, spaceship 

vibe, violet lighting, and artificial trees will 

transport you to another world. 

The bar, which has no cover charge, offers 

cocktails priced at approximately ¥2,000 (plus 

service charge) on an average day, and also 

presents you with the option of ordering a bottle 

of exclusive Dom Perignon Brut Rose 2003 for 

¥98,000—plus service charge—if your purse 

allows for such extravagance. All the beverages 

in the extensive menu are mixed by profession- 

als, concocted with precision so it rightfully presents 

itself as an award-winning beverage. 

Happy hour happens Sundays through 

Thursdays from 5 to 8pm. Here, choose from 

a select list of lavish drinks and bar snacks, 

priced at an affordable ¥800 (plus service 

charge)—mimosas, spumonis, margarita, and 

wine, among others. The accompanying snacks 

include small portions of nachos, fish and chips, 

beef cubes, olives, and cajun Peter-style fries. 

Their signature Tokyo Joe cocktail is on this 

list—the bar’s homage to one of the greatest 

actors of all time. Upon chatting with the bartender, 

I discover the origins of the Tokyo Joe 

and it makes the experience even more significant. 

He explains that Tokyo Joe is the name of 

a movie filmed around this area, starring Humphrey 

Bogart as an American returning to Tokyo 

to see what’s left after World War II. 

The cocktail celebrating the film is a beautiful 

drink and exquisite in its form—something 

of a Japanese version of a cosmopolitan. The 

concoction comprises Bombay Sapphire, ume 

(plum) liqueur, drambuie, cranberry juice, and 

lemon juice. It’s served in the top of a martini 

glass, propped up by stilts. If one is to truly 

experience the Tokyo Joe, the cranberry and 

ume flavors must be savored, the drink’s unique 

presentation taken in, and its background story 

kept in mind. 

Don’t forget the cajun Peter-style fries: These 

spicy carbs are positively addictive and make all 

the difference when looking for the perfect snack 

for your posh drinks. 

And if you need a reason to raise your glass, remember 

that, in 1949, Humphrey Bogart was filming 

a movie close to this exact location. Kampai! 

The Peninsula Hotel 24F, 1-8-1 Yurakucho, 

Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-6270-2763. Hibiya 

http://meturl.com/peterthebar 

Photo by Vesna Kevork 

12

Japanese brewery SanktGallen offers a slew 

of fun flavors such as Pineapple Ale, Sweet 

Vanilla Stout, Apple Cinnamon Ale, and Imperial 

Chocolate Stout. A limited spring edition, 

their SanktGallen Sakura is made with the 

leaves and blossoms of sakura from Nagano’s 

Takatō region, selected as one of Japan’s 

100 most beautiful sakura destinations. Looking 

for an alcoholic beverage for hanami? It 

doesn’t get more fitting than sakura beer. 

Available in select stores or online from www. 

sanktgallenbrewery.com 

RESTAURANT ¥¥ 

El Pato 

BY JOAN BAILEY 

JP 

Opened just five years ago, El Pato 

is already one of Koenji’s best-loved 

watering holes. 

Settled at one of the bar’s three 

wooden tables, our group of four surveyed 

what was on tap for the evening 

and opted for pints of Shiga Kogen’s 

IPA and Indian Summer Saison. 

A selection of American imports such 

as Anchor Steam, Lost Coast, and Brooklyn 

Brewery are also on hand. The Saison, with 

notes of citrus and hops, fairly crackled on the 

taste buds, quickly becoming the table favorite. 

The small but dense menu included pizza, 

hamburgers, a nice handful of starters and 

salads, BBQ spare ribs, and an assortment of 

pastas. Vegetarian options are available on the 

menu and by request. We opted for the brussels 

sprout chips, a New York pizza, burgers, 

and a large order of the fish and chips. 

The mekabbetsu—Brussels sprout—chips 

appeared warm and delightfully crunchy. Sautéed 

and served with a sprinkling of parmesan 

cheese, salt, and pepper, this relatively new 

vegetable in Japan proved a hit. 

Four well-sized pieces of piping-hot fish 

came atop a tidy mountain of externally crispy, 

internally delectably soft fries. The fish was 

tender and flavorful and the tartar sauce tangy. 

The burgers arrived cut in half, the long 

metal sandwich pins a necessity for these little 

If you’re packing a lunch for the great outdoors, 

you may have a friend in the new “Eat” series of 

lunch boxes from Thermos. The “Fresh Food 

Container” set includes two food containers 

that preserve the freshness of cool foods, and 

you can pair that up with the company’s other 

insulated containers that preserve the food’s 

temperature. Finally, stack them into the Food 

Container Set’s picnic basket, which keeps your 

soups hot and desserts frozen. Comes in Rose 

Pink and Mint Green colors. Available at Tokyu 

Hands stores or online at www.thermos.co.jp. 

beasts. The pink-centered lamb patty sat atop 

generous slices of tomato, avocado, and crisp 

lettuce on springy focaccia bread. The regular 

burger arrived in a similar outfit, but on a 

toasted bun instead, pleasing the tastebuds. 

The New York pizza came with a generous 

serving of fresh arugula sprinkled with parmesan 

cheese. We snapped up each perfectly 

gooey slice, with its blend of Italian herbs, in 

a flash, folding it the way New Yorkers believe 

they invented. 

Our stomachs full, we didn’t have room 

for more—although the plates of pasta going 

by looked saucy, the salads verdant as they 

followed close behind. “I guess we just have 

to come back,” said my husband with a smile 

as we left. 

Note: Parties of more than four should reserve 

in advance. Days off vary, so call ahead. 

2-22-10 Koenji-kita, Suginami-ku. Tel: 03 6795 

7888. Lunch: 12-3:30pm, dinner: 6-10pm. 

Koenji. 

RECIPE 

SAKURA FRENCH TOAST 

RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI 

Enjoy sakura season with perfect “hybrid” French 

toast! The sweetness of the sakekasu (sake lees) 

milk sauce with cherry blossoms, layered with 

azuki (sweet red beans) and English-muffin 

French toast, make for a spring deliciousness 

sure to bring a smile to your face. 

Servings: 2 

Cooking time: 1 hr (active 30 min) 

French toast 

• 2 English muffins 

• 1 large egg 

• 80cc milk 

• 80cc heavy cream 

• 1 tbsp sugar 

• 1 tbsp butter 

Filling/decoration 

• 4 tbsp azuki (canned) 

• 2-4 salted sakura 

• 2 sakura leaves (packed for cooking) 

Sakura sakekasu sauce 

• 2 salted sakuras 

• 50g sake lees 

• 100cc milk 

• 80cc sweetened 

condensed milk 

• 1 tsp olive oil 

• 50cc heavy cream 

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Mix egg, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and butter 

well. Combine with English muffin (sliced in 

half) in zipper storage bag and leave for 30 

min or longer. 

2. Dip salted sakura in water for few minutes to 

remove salt, then put on paper towel. 

3. With hand blender or mixer, blend sauce ingredients. 

Pour into saucepan and heat on low, 

until just before it boils. Add olive oil and keep 

heating. Let it boil gently, mixing with spoon 

frequently for 2-3 min. When texture becomes 

heavy, turn off heat and add heavy cream. Mix 

well, then pour into container and cool in fridge. 

4. In frying pan, heat the butter. Add English 

muffin mixture and cook on medium low. 

5. On plate, place sakura leaf and the bottom 

half of French toast, spread azuki on it, and 

top it with upper half of French toast. Pour 

sakekasu sauce on French toast generously, 

and garnish with sakura. 

Rieko Suzuki 

Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at 

http://meturl.com/ruby 

13

1 DISH FROM ¥780 

1 DRINK FROM ¥500 

COURSES FROM ¥4,000 

NEW OPEN! 

Let’s Eat Crab! 

ENJOY DELICIOUS CRAB, CASUALLY. 

CARAT has the concept of 

allowing customers to enjoy 

eating crab, casually. The high 

quality crabs come directly 

from Rausu, Hokkaido. 

The restaurant is open 24/365, 

so please come to enjoy a nice 

dinner at the bar or in the 

café, or close out your day 

with some noodles! 

6-1-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 

Tel: 03-5413-3689 

http://carat-roppongi.com 

Open 24 hours 

Lunchtime: 11am~3pm 

Hibiya Line 

Roppongi 

Ōedo Line 

Roppongi 

Almond 

Family 

Mart 

Police 

Station 

Imoaraizaka 

Post Office 

Roppongi 

Crossing 

14

city life 

INTERNATIONAL 

WOMEN’S DAY 

BY VICKIE SKORJI, DIRECTOR OF TOKYO ENGLISH LIFELINE (TELL) 

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually 

on March 8, an event started in 1909 

to celebrate women’s achievements and to 

promote global gender equality. This year’s 

theme was, “make it happen.” 

While significant gains have been made over 

the last century in many developed countries, 

gender equality still has a long way to go. Tangible 

differences exist in women’s healthcare for 

both physical and mental issues, rights, wages, 

maternity care, and jobs. 

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION 

Sexual and intimate partner violence occurs in 

large numbers in every country. Over one-third 

of all women worldwide will experience sexual 

or intimate violence in their lifetime. Rates of 

J. Howard Miller's "We Can Do It!" poster from 1943 

depression in women were 

found to be three to four times 

higher in those who were exposed 

to sexual trauma during 

childhood, or physical abuse 

or intimate-partner violence in 

adulthood. 

Experiencing domestic violence 

puts victims at further 

risk for unintended pregnancy, 

HIV infection, alcohol abuse, 

suicide, long-term physical injury, 

and death at the hands of 

their partner—the killer in 38 

percent of all female murders. 

Research shows that following 

rape, one in three 

women will develop post-traumatic 

stress disorder (PTSD). 

Depression is the most common 

mental health problem 

for women and often leads to 

suicide—a leading cause of 

death for women under 60. 

MENTAL HEALTH 

Stigma surrounding mental health issues 

creates the greatest barrier to receiving help 

and promoting recovery. Mental illness remains 

highly stigmatized in Japan. Many Japanese 

believe recovery from mental illness is not possible, 

that it comes as the result of personal weakness 

or character flaws, rather than biology. 

FINDING HELP 

Fifteen years ago, I moved to Asia, and twelve 

years ago to Japan as a trailing spouse. In Asia, 

my career as a neuropsychologist drew to an 

abrupt halt due to licensing and registration requirements. 

Like many foreign women in Japan, 

I found my work options were limited or nonexistent 

in my profession; so I focused on being 

a mother and being in a new country. 

In 2004, I hit a low point when my daughter 

returned home for university. I realized everyone 

was moving forward with their lives except me. It 

was then that I found the Tokyo English Lifeline 

(TELL), and my life just keeps moving forward; 

from a volunteer phone counselor, to assistant 

director, practicing therapist, to Lifeline director. 

Over the years, I’ve spoken to hundreds of 

women—both western and Japanese returnees—who 

applied for the training because they 

were lost and wanted to feel valued again. 

Like those who supported me, I’ve supported 

many through career changes, and encouraged 

others to reach for bigger goals. Through TELL, 

I’ve been able to join forces with other organizations 

and help make noise about domestic 

violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and 

a range of other issues affecting women’s lives 

and mental health in Japan. 

MAKING IT HAPPEN 

For four days (March 22-25), Tokyo will host the 

6th World Congress on Women’s Mental Health. 

Focusing on trauma, depression, and resilience, 

the event is organized by the International Association 

for Women’s Mental Health. 

The Global Gender Gap Index 2014, compiled 

by the World Economic Forum, ranked 

Japan 104th out of 142 countries. Helping sensitize 

women to mental health issues and giving 

them the confidence to seek assistance is vital. 

Gender inequality, lower wages, and difficulty 

in obtaining full-time employment after giving 

birth can all impact women’s ability to divorce 

or escape abusive relationships. 

More investment is needed, both on a 

global level and in Japan, to prevent violence 

against women and girls. National campaigns 

addressing mental health issues and educational 

programs at community, business, and 

governmental levels are desperately needed 

to improve Japan’s Global Gender Gap ranking. 

The benefits would be felt by not only women, 

but also their families and ultimately the country. 

All girls and women should have the right to a 

life free from violence, to contribute equally in 

society, and receive equal pay. 

This month, TELL is making a noise about 

women’s mental health issues. Help us raise 

awareness of women’s rights issues in Japan, 

make change happen, and invest in the future. 

The following organizations offer various forms of support and counseling, as well as assist those wanting to help. 

TELL 

An accredited non-profit 

organization providing a 

wide range of services to the 

international and Japanese 

communities, including a crisis 

support line, face-to-face 

counseling, child protection, 

and suicide prevention, 9am 

to 11pm, 365 days a year. Tel: 

03-5774-0992. www.telljp.com 

Resilience 

A non-profit organization 

specializing in support for 

victims with emotional scars 

stemming from harassment 

or bullying at home or in the 

workplace, as well as providing 

workshops, lectures, and 

training sessions. In Japanese 

only. http://resilience-jp. 

heteml.jp 

Kapatiran 

A free counseling service 

dealing with everything from 

legal to domestic issues, 

catering primarily to Filipino 

citizens living and working in 

Japan. 

Tue & Sat, 11am-4pm. Tel: 

03-3432-6449. E-mail: 

kapatiran.tko@nskk.org. 

http://kapatiran.jp/?lang=en 

For Empowering Women 

(FEW) 

A non-government, business 

and social networking 

organization helping 

women professionally and 

personally, focusing on career 

development, social and 

volunteer activities, etc. 

www.fewjapan.com 

Lighthouse 

A non-profit organization 

providing support and 

counseling for victims of abuse 

in Japan, as well as offering 

education and training for 

counselors. In Japanese only. 

Tel: 0120-879-871. http://lhj.jp 

15

city life 

BIZARRE BEAUTY 

Unusual ways to treat 

yourself in the city 

BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI 

When it comes to the attainment of beauty, it seems there’s no path left 

untrodden. From the daily wearing of makeup to cosmetic surgical procedures, 

women all around the world spare no effort and expense to get one 

step closer to their ideal. From beautifying sound waves to golden facials, 

here are a few of the non-conventional beauty treatments offered in Tokyo. 

“Sound Esute” salon Releaf in Harajuku offers a treatment that uses sound 

waves for a variety of different purposes such as preventing balding, 

improving blood circulation, or toning any part of the body. Based on a 

treatment called Cymatics Therapy, used medically in hospitals and clinics, 

Sound Esute uses a device called the Cyma Doctor that emits sound 

at different wavelengths to rejuvenate your cells and even provide psychological 

benefits. 2F Pino Harajuku, 4-28-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. 

Meiji-Jingūmae. Tel: 03-3403-1991. http://touchez.jp 

Ciz Labo, a salon with 

branches in Ebisu, Ginza, 

and Omotesandō among 

others, offers a treatment 

using real gold in which 

gold foil (94.5% pure gold 

and 5.5% silver) is applied 

to the entire face to improve 

blood circulation and leave 

you with supple skin. 

The salon also offers 

a super deluxe treatment 

priced at ¥648,000 called 

the “Champagne Crystal 

Celebrity Course” that 

uses 20 bottles of ¥20,000 

Champagne, and involves 

bathing in the expensive 

bubbly while it’s poured 

down your back. The carbonation has detoxifying effects, and improves 

blood circulation. The price is definitely intended for “celebrities,” but if 

you ever dreamed of bathing in Champagne, this might be your chance! 

Ebisu Branch. 1-1-40 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Ebisu. Tel: 03-3797-4116. 

www.ci-z.com 

16

fashion fix 

FASHION “WEEK” 

BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR 

“Fashion Week” has to be one of the biggest misnomers in the fashion 

lexicon, frankly bordering on a bare-faced lie at times. Even the 

official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo schedule sprawls past 

either side of this designation, and the scope of events is guaranteed 

to keep you busy well into April. Those interested can check the full 

ON POINT 

One of the biggest questions facing 

Tokyo Fashion Week as a whole 

is one of identity. Simply put, how 

does the week reflect Tokyo? And 

by proxy, how does it reflect Japanese 

fashion? It’s easy to get distracted 

by brands such as Black by 

Vanquish, G.V.G.V., and 5351 Pour 

Les Hommes et Les Femmes, that 

acutely reflect what you see on the 

streets of Tokyo outside the venues. 

But while there are doubtless elements 

of those brands which reflect 

a standard of finish and awareness 

of layering that you could say typify 

the Japanese market, they’re still 

brands working in the Western fashion genre. Few would associate them 

with the traditional. However, tradition and fashion rarely go hand in hand— 

one celebrates the past and continuity, while the other wants to tear it up, 

or at the very least, deconstruct it. 

Stepping up to offer a vision of traditional Japanese clothing in the Fashion 

Week context are brands like kimono maestro Jotaro Saito and artisanal label 

Matohu. Each season, their collections propose a simple point—“modern” 

does not have to mean “Western”— and whether it’s kimono in gothic snakeskin 

print, or traditional workwear rendered in top-of-the-range textiles, these 

two designers are taking the lead on this ongoing discussion. 

schedule at the official homepage (http://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com), 

and keep in mind that there’s a whole host of exhibitions, installations, 

and events going on off-schedule—which I’m afraid you’ll just have 

to navigate yourself. My advice is to hit social media and jump at any 

open invitations. 

STREET 

FOCUS 

SHOPPING STRATEGY 

Fashion Week has a tendency to 

tease—after all, you see all these 

great clothes on the catwalk—but 

with the taunting caveat that they’re 

not going to be on sale for at least 

three or four months. Those in need 

of a bit of instant retail gratification 

would do well to head on over to the 

7th Shibuya Fashion Festival, which 

kicks off on the 21st of March with a 

guerrilla fashion show just a stone’s 

throw from Hachiko. On that note, 

the iconic dog will be dressing up for the occasion in a number of fashionable 

ensembles, and if you join him, you could be in the running for a ¥5,000 

shopping voucher if you’re snapped by the organizers. Over 200 shops in 

the Shibuya area will be participating with a range of workshops, sales, and 

parties, so check out the official homepage (www.shibuyafashionfestival. 

com) to see what’s going on. 

Affectionately termed “Fashion Week Flu,” the inevitable consequence of a 

barrage of shows, parties, and all-round excess, does not have to put an end to 

your week. Rather, it presents an opportunity to accessorize with the current boom 

in fashionable face masks. Designer options are all the rage, but even your local 

drugstore is likely to stock a range of easy-to-coordinate copies to suit your look. 

Photo by Samuel Thomas 

UPCOMING 

CHECK METROPOLISJAPAN.COM FOR THE LATEST FASHION CALENDAR. 

17

movies 

BY DON MORTON 

featured movie 

THE THEORY OF 

EVERYTHING 

It was only a matter of time before a film was 

made about this remarkable man. Stephen 

Hawking was diagnosed with ALS 50 years 

ago and given two years to live. You can 

confidently say he has beaten the odds— 

and in the process, he turned the world of 

science on its head with his groundbreaking 

concepts of the Big Bang, black holes, 

and boundaries of the universe. But like its 

cinematic cousin, The Imitation Game, the 

film doesn’t try to explain the science. For 

that, read Hawking’s most excellent A Brief 

History of Time. Instead it concentrates on 

the formidable personal challenges faced 

by the physicist and his first wife Jane (upon 

whose memoir the film is based). Of course 

the film belongs to Eddie Redmayne, who 

took home an Oscar for his painstakingly 

detailed portrayal, without unnecessary 

exaggeration, of a brilliant man gradually 

losing control of his body’s muscles. But its 

emotional center is Felicity Jones as Jane, 

who matches Redmayne scene for scene 

with an equally powerful but far subtler performance. 

This brainy bio is inspirational, 

literate, schmaltz-free, and quite moving, 

bringing this hardened reviewer close 

to tears more than once. Japanese title: 

Hakase to Kanojo no Theory. (123 min) 

NEW 

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: 

SECRET OF THE TOMB 

The 2006 Ben Stiller 

vehicle Night at the 

Museum offered the 

mildly amusing spectacle 

of all the exhibits at the American Museum of 

Natural History coming to life. It was pure multiplex fodder, 

but at least encouraged kid curiosity. The plodding 

2009 sequel merely repurposed the same material. 

The best thing I can say about this flaccid, Londonbased 

cash grab (aside from one amusing tweak on 

M.C. Escher’s “Relativity”), is that it’s the last one. One 

recurring gag is a pissing monkey. Go to a museum 

instead. Japanese title: Night Museum: Egypt Oh no 

Himitsu. (97 min) 

NEW 

CLOWN 

As a birthday surprise 

for his son, a model 

father and husband 

(Andy Powers) dons an 

antique clown costume 

he had found hidden away in an attic. The problems 

start when he finds he can’t get the suit off. Ditto the 

red nose, fright wig, and whiteface makeup. But this 

is child’s play to his (bwa-ha-ha-ha!) subsequent turning 

into a demon with a taste for the flesh of children. 

No laughing matter. Also starring Peter Stormare, this 

Eli Roth-produced direct-to-DVD schlock-fest clearly 

is not for anyone suffering from coulrophobia (look it 

up). Or anyone, period, for that matter, save hardcore 

horror fans. (100 min) 

NEW 

SONG ONE 

An aspiring young musician 

in a coma, his semiestranged 

sister (Anne 

Hathaway) returning 

to Brooklyn from overseas 

to sit at his bedside and hope, the boy’s indiefolk 

idol (Johnny Flynn) joining the vigil, mom (Mary 

Steenburgen) revealing truths, and the curative power 

of music. Not a lot of drama, but also zilch melodrama. 

There’s a sense of realism to this intuitive, low-key 

musical love story by newcomer writer/director Kate 

Barker-Froyland, which refreshingly confounds your 

cinematic expectations at every turn. I liked how it 

tries not at all to be hip, and the fine acoustic music. 

Japanese title: Brooklyn no Koibito tachi. (88 min) 

NEW 

INTO THE WOODS 

Rob Marshall’s track 

record in the tricky craft 

of adapting stage musicals 

includes an Oscarwinner 

(Chicago) and 

a real turkey (Nine). This one’s in between, a toneddown 

(it’s Disney) version of Stephen Sondheim’s 

far racier stage epic that mixes and matches four 

Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The first half is fun, creative, 

and exuberant, but then the mash-up starts falling 

apart as the story lines begin tripping over one 

another. Some magical moments, interleaved with 

embarrassing missteps. Great cast includes Meryl 

Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and about ten 

minutes of Johnny Depp. (125 min) 

NEW 

JESSABELLE 

A broke, temporarily 

wheelchair-bound 

young woman is forced 

to move into her goodol’-boy 

father’s place in 

creepy-swampy Louisiana and deal with a houseful 

of Southern Gothic horror clichés. A bathtub scene? 

Seriously? Some southern-fried voodoo. Her dead 

mom doing tarot readings on VHS and warning of a 

“presence” in the house. Yawn. Sarah Snook, who was 

so good in Predestination, does her best to make this 

generic material work, but all she succeeds in doing 

is making the wait for the phenomenally unsurprising 

final twist a little easier. Directed by Saw series veteran 

Kevin Greutert. (90 min) 

THE IMITATION GAME 

While no one can be called 

the inventor of the computer, 

Alan Turing comes 

close. The machine he 

built to break the Nazis’ 

Enigma code saved thousands of lives. But this was leavened 

with tragedy when he broke a different code: The 

petty, antediluvian social code of 1940s Britain that made 

homosexuality a crime. Benedict Cumberbatch puts in 

another flawless performance, expressing the man’s 

genius and arrogance as well as his social clumsiness and 

loneliness. Script wisely doesn’t try to explain the math, 

and streamlines events into a cinematically accessible 

whole without dumbing it down. Japanese title: Imitation 

Game: Enigma to Tensai Sugakusha no Himitsu. (114 min) 

The Theory of Everything: © UNIVERSAL PICTURES; Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.; Clown: © 2014 Vertebra Clown Film Inc.; Song One: © 2014 Song One Funding 

LLC All Rights Reserved; Into the Woods: ©2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc.; Jessabelle: © 2015 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.; The Imitation Game: © 2014 BBP IMITATION, LLC; Good People: © 2013 GOOD PRODUCTIONS. 

INC; Begin Again: © 2013 KILLIFISH PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Predestination: © 2013 Predestination Holdings Pty Ltd, Screen Australia, Screen Queensland Pty Ltd and Cutting Edge Post Pty Ltd; Annabelle: © 2014 WARNER 

BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC; Chef: © Merrick Morton; The Fault in Our Stars: © 2014 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX. 

20

More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies 

GOOD PEOPLE 

How about moronic people? 

A law-abiding but 

cash-strapped American 

couple in London finds 

a bag of money in the 

basement flat they had rented to a lowlife of questionable 

career goals who just died of a heroin overdose. 

They decide to keep the money. What could go wrong? 

Don’t these people ever go to the movies? James 

Franco and Kate Hudson play it so generic, they nearly 

disappear (though in Franco’s case this is a plus), and 

Tom Wilkinson seems to be channeling Columbo as 

the investigating copper. The final “thrilling” scene 

in a house being refurbished plays like Home Alone. 

Japanese title: Perfect Plan. (90 min) 

BEGIN AGAIN 

Director John Carney 

transplants the theme of 

his lovely 2006 Once to 

NYC with name actors. 

Keira Knightley plays a 

freshly dumped songwriter coerced into doing one personal, 

acoustic song in a noisy New York club. The only 

one listening is a drunken, washed-up music producer (a 

great Mark Ruffalo). In the film’s most memorable scene, 

her performance is replayed through his eyes, as his imagination 

adds sidemen only he can hear. The two begin a 

professional courtship that could save both their lives. 

Good music, appealing characters and a story just offbeat 

enough to keep you interested. Japanese title: Hajimari 

no Uta. (103 min) 

PREDESTINATION 

A high-concept, lowbudget 

existential 

puzzle that will reward 

thinking moviegoers. 

A complex, paradoxical, 

time-travel mind-messer that mixes elements 

of Looper, Memento and Back to the Future. Ethan 

Hawke is a sort of time cop who, in another time, happens 

upon a fellow whose backstory is a real mind- 

(not to mention gender-) bender. Sarah Snook shows 

in one movie more range than most actors do in an 

entire career. I can’t really tell you much more for fear 

of spoiling some of the surprises, of which there are 

many. But this one will play with your brain while it 

touches your heart. (97 min) 

ANNABELLE 

Hey, a movie about a 

creepy antique doll! 

Well, that’s new. This 

cheapo spin-off prequel 

from The Conjuring 

focuses on the backstory of the titular doll that 

appeared late in that vastly better movie. This cashgrab 

offers nothing remotely original, the music’s 

oppressive, the acting’s anemic, the scares are surface-level 

and instantly forgettable, the dialogue’s 

labored, and it plagiarizes several other movies. (It’s 

such a blatant rip-off of Rosemary’s Baby that the 

main characters are even named Mia and John.) At 

least the doll is not animated. Chucky, this ain’t; skippable, 

this is. Japanese title: Annabelle: Shiryōkan no 

Ningyo. (98 min) 

CHEF 

If you know anything 

about writer/director/ 

actor Jon Favreau’s 

career (starting with 

personal films such as 

Swingers and Made, then on to blockbusters like Iron 

Man and Cowboys and Aliens), this can be seen as a 

veiled autobiography. It’s the heartwarming tale of a 

talented chef quitting his job in a prestigious but unadventurous 

restaurant to get back to his creative culinary 

roots in a beat-up Cuban sandwich truck. Selling back 

in. Not a lot of drama here, but it’s knowledgeable and 

continually amusing; more a relaxed, slow-food cinematic 

meal, set to great salsa, R&B, and funk music. 

Super cast. Japanese title: Chef: Mitsuboshi Food Truck 

Hajimemashita. (115 min) 

THE FAULT IN OUR 

STARS 

Stay with me here, and 

don’t dismiss this spirited 

YA romance on its 

downer topic. Hazel and 

Gus—Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, great chemistry—meet 

in a teens-with-cancer support group. They 

live in the present, because, well ... they don’t have a 

future. Reluctantly, they fall in love. The film is never 

maudlin or overtly manipulative (okay, a little in the last 

scenes), it earns the tears and offers honesty along 

with, yes, humor. The acting is superb, the characters 

are fully realized, and the dialogue is sharp. Willem 

Dafoe shines in a subplot. This is what Nicholas Sparks 

keeps trying to do. Japanese title: Kitto, Hoshi no Sei 

Ja Nai. (125 min) 

©NISHI-ZO 西村映造 

© IMAGE.NET ©1983 Wild Style. All Rights Reserved. 

eiga 

Actress Maki Mizui has made 

RA some brave choices after transitioning 

from being a pin-up 

By Rob Schwartz 

(“gravure”) model. She starred 

as a girl experiencing abuse in 

Endless Blue (2009), which has great relevance to 

the present film. Mizui also had roles in splatter fests 

like Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl and Tokyo Gore 

Police (which she also wrote). Now Mizui takes the 

reigns for her directorial debut, and she’s only 21. 

This powerful and harrowing tale first unspooled at 

the much-loved Yūbari International Fantastic Film 

Festival in late February. In a tale that could be taken 

from recent headlines in Japan, Mayuka (Kayano 

Masuyama of AKB48 fame) is abducted on her way 

home from a part-time job. The man responsible (Ken 

Koba), a serial sex offender, holds and torments her, 

but in the end releases her unharmed. Deeply traumatized, 

Mayuka is wracked with guilt and fear but 

does not inform the police. The resultant portrayal of 

a victim’s psychology is astute, disturbing, and effective. 

This is a mini tour-de-force. Hopefully it portends 

big things from the versatile talent Mizui. English title: 

Kept. (70 min) 

movie news 

An escaped robot that becomes intelligent sounds 

like the plotline of the ’80s comedy Short Circuit. But 

the vision of the director does a lot to determine the 

tone of a film, and no one will mistake the new film 

Chappie, directed by Neill Blomkamp, for anything 

other than a sci-fi romp. “If anyone liked [Blomkamp’s 

debut] District 9, which I loved, it has got that same 

feel,” Hugh Jackman said at the Berlin premiere. “It 

is a science fiction film, but it is very realistic and 

incredibly touching. It also makes you think a little 

bit.” Jackman plays an engineer who builds humancontrolled 

robots to fight crime in South Africa. When 

his boss (Sigourney Weaver) greenlights an A.I. model 

by a rival developer (Dev Patel), crime surges, and 

a prototype named Chappie escapes. Patel called 

the experience of filming with Blomkamp in South 

Africa “amazing.” “The crews were so happy to work 

with him, because he is a hero there.” Weaver called 

herself “a huge admirer” of Blomkamp and said she 

jumped at the chance to work with him because his 

script was so original. The two will have the chance 

to work together again—the director has been tapped 

to helm the upcoming Alien sequel, which will see the 

actress returning as Ripley. Chappie opens in Japan 

May 23. Kevin Mcgue 

cinematic underground 

Lace up your Adidas for the re-release of early hip-hop 

film Wild Style (1983; pictured), at Cinema Rise (13-17 

Utagawacho, Shibuya-ku; www.cinemarise.com) for 

three weeks, starting March 21. The plot about a reporter 

trying to track down a graffiti artist is forgettable—what 

made it a cult hit and source of countless samples used 

in songs were the performances by Grandmaster Flash, 

Fab Five Freddy, and others … Before the technology 

existed to add subtitles, silent films were shown in Japan 

accompanied by benshi—narrators who would translate, 

explain the story, do voices, and even do sound effects. 

The art form is still alive and Akiko Sasaki will show 

you how it’s done with Buster Keaton’s 1926 comedy 

masterpiece The General at Cinemart Shinjuku (3-8- 

15 Roppongi, Minato-ku; http://meturl.com/cinemartshinjuku), 

on March 22 at 10am and 12:30pm … Human 

Trust Cinema Yurakucho (2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; 

www.ht-cinema.com) has something for multi-lingual 

cinema fans this month. The German comedy Back on 

Track, on from March 21, has laughs and heart in a story 

about a former Olympian who fends off the boredom of 

a retirement home by training for the Berlin Marathon. 

And Vanessa Paradis plays a single mother of a boy with 

Down syndrome in the French-language Café de Flore, 

on from March 28. KM 

21

インターナショナルパーティー・入場無料 

¥50 0フード&ドリンクメニュー有り 

FRIDAY 

MARCH 27 

7PM-11PM 

FREE ENTRY 

¥500 FOOD & DRINKS 

Welcome in the spring breeze 

Wear 

something 

blue to get 

one free 

drink! 

Join us for this month's Getsumatsu at American-style bar restaurant, 

Blue Point! Nestled in the platinum street of Shirokane, the newly 

designed restaurant has a calm atmosphere like the lobby of a five-star 

hotel—stylish and airy, letting you forget the business of the city. 

Blue Point 

4-19-19 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku. 

Tel: 03-3280-2020 - http://www.tgn.co.jp/hall/shirogane/bp 

MORE INFO» http://meturl.com/mar15 

“Tokyo’s premier multidisciplinary rehabilitation center” 

• Assessments and treatments 

performed by a team of 

internationally trained, registered and 

experienced physiotherapists. 

• Private treatment rooms 

• Large, fully equipped rehab gym 

• Central location 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills 

• Consultations available in English and Japanese 

Club 360 is a multidisciplinary health 

and fitness center, which also offers 

personal training, group classes, 

boxing and kickboxing. 

Sports injuries 

Musculoskeletal and spinal conditions (neck and back pain) 

Ergononomic and postural assessments 

Gait assessments 

Rehabilitation programs 

Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi 

Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:00pm, Sun 8:00am - 2:00pm • Tel: 03-6434-9667 

22

arts&culture 

ART 

MIKA 

NINAGAWA 

The Japanese artist’s filtered 

image of self 

BY C.B. LIDDELL 

© Mika Ninagawa, Courtesy of Tomio Koyama Gallery 

If there’s one word 

that sums up the work 

of photographic artist 

Mika Ninagawa, 

it’s “lush.” Famed for her 

“Ninagawa color,” her pictures 

of flowers, goldfish, 

and celebrities seem to 

“bleed” and “melt” with 

vivid colors, rather like 

cheese on pizza, creating 

images that are visceral, 

raw, and—most importantly—luxuriant. 

The daughter of famed 

theater director Yukio Ninagawa, she’s also very 

much part of the Japanese cultural elite, and 

much in demand for portraits, advertisements, 

and magazine shoots. But side-by-side with 

her commercial work, she also maintains a serious 

“art” career, with themed photo books and 

exhibitions, like the one at the Hara Museum of 

Art, which explore the medium of photography 

in more profound ways. 

The show’s title, “Mika Ninagawa: Self Image,” 

might lead one to expect a narcissistic 

focus—and, in a sense, it is. But Ninagawa’s 

“selfies” are hardly a vanity project. This is 

signalled by the fact that the section of the 

show dedicated to these is the only part that 

eschews her trademark “Ninagawa color,” using 

bleaker, starker monochrome instead. 

Several of these, including some of an “intimate” 

nature, hint at the emotional turmoil 

of the thrice-divorced 49-year-old. They also 

suggest that she uses photography as a way of 

coming to terms with 

her emotions. As a 

subtle touch, the curators 

have decorated 

the gallery here with 

the chess-board pattern 

of Ninagawa’s 

bathroom, the backdrop 

of some of them. 

But while this part of the exhibition has an 

element of guilty voyeurism about it, the most 

effective and artistic part of the show is the 

large downstairs gallery, featuring a collage of 

colorful images. 

Supplementing her usual trademarks—flowers, 

goldfish, parted lips—are also images of 

stuffed animals and people at a musical festival. 

In these deceptively soft images, as lush and 

enticing as anything shot for a magazine spread, 

we encounter Ninagawa’s hard-edged cynicism. 

With the festival goers, she makes a point of 

highlighting their hands 

thrown up in the air as if 

in distress. 

“Losing one’s sense 

of ego while dancing to 

explosive music is a very 

primitive act, but do they 

look like they are having 

fun and are in a state of 

euphoria?” Ninagawa 

asks. “It seems to me they aren’t. On the 

contrary, they look as if they are calling 

for help or are frightened by the muchtoo-bright 

light.” 

This sense of darkness that lies just 

under the surface also explains her 

obsession with goldfish, which feature 

prominently in a video installation. 

Ninagawa is drawn to these creatures 

because they have been reshaped solely 

for the purpose of human appreciation. 

“By compounding deformity with 

deformity, it becomes more interesting 

as a shape, but weaker as a life form,” 

she explains. “Its lifespan is shortened 

as it becomes more susceptible to bacterial 

infection.” 

In essence, Ninagawa’s work explores the 

balance between beauty and strength, color and 

shape, femininity and masculinity; and between 

the ability to approach reality directly or through 

various filters of perversion. But these themes 

and dichotomies are buried deep in her work, 

like the poison or medicine of a sugar-coated pill. 

Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, until May 10. 

23

agenda 

WATCH LIST 

hot tickets 

APR 25-JUN 28 

Naruto Exhibition 

Experience the spectacular world of 

manga master Masashi Kishimoto’s 

iconic Naruto. Apr 25-Jun 28, 

10am-8pm. ¥500-1,800 (adv)/ 

¥800-2,000 (door). Mori Arts Center 

Gallery. Roppongi. 

http://naruto-ten.com 

Tickets on sale now 

MAR 24 

Mark Ronson 

English soul musician, DJ, and 

producer, famed for his work with 

Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen, 

recently scoring a hit with “Uptown 

Funk.” Mar 24, 7:30pm. ¥3,500. 

Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. 

Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://j.mp/ 

markronson2015 


MAY 30 

Nickelback 

One of Canada’s most controversial 

rock bands come to Japan. This is 

how we remind you of that fact. May 

30, 7pm. ¥9,500. Tokyo Taiikukan. 

Kokuritsukyogijo or Sendagaya. 

http://j.mp/nickelback2015 

Tickets on sale from Mar 21 

JUN 25-JUL 5 

Jersey Boys 

A rock musical following Franki 

Valli and the Four Seasons’ early 

beginnings, their rise, and their 

eventual fall. A show you can’t take 

your eyes off of. Jun 25-Jul 5, various 

times. ¥9,000-13,000. Theatre Orb. 

Shibuya. Tel: 0570-550-799. 

http://j.mp/jerseyboys2015 

Tickets on sale Mar 21 

for free 

APR 18-19 

Narita Taiko Matsuri 

One of the biggest drum festivals 

in Japan. The main event involves 

800 taiko performers presenting 

an exciting show in appreciation of 

nature and hope for world peace. Apr 

18-19, 10am-5pm. Free. Naritasan 

Shinshoji Temple. Narita. http://j. 

mp/naritataiko2015 


Concerts 

POPULAR 

The Big Nothing: Angels & 

Demons 

A night of rock ‘n’ roll, drinks, 

and fun! Mar 20, 8pm. ¥2,300. 

Heaven’s Door. Sangenjaya. 

Tel: 03-3411-6774. http://j.mp/ 

nothingangels2015 

Colin and Yozy (COZY) 

A dance and music spectacle 

for the eyes and ears. Mar 22, 

6:30-10pm. ¥1,600-1,900. 

Otsuka MEETS. Otsuka. Tel: 

03-6303-3226. http://meets. 

rinky.info 

Rancid 

American punk rock band 

founded by ’80s punk veterans 

Tim Armstrong and Matt 

Freeman, who previously 

played in the highly influential 

ska-punk band Operation Ivy. 

Mar 25, 7pm. ¥6,800. Akasaka 

Blitz. Akasaka. http://j.mp/ 

rancid2015 

Alexandra Stan 

Romanian pop star and model 

known for “Mr. Saxobeat” and 

“Lollipop (Param Pam Pam).” 

Mar 26, 7:30pm. ¥6,500. 

Ebisu Garden Hall. Ebisu. 

Tel: 03-5423-7111. http://j.mp/ 

alexandravictor 

Soft Machine Legacy 

Originally named Soft Machine, 

the Canterbury rockers now 

tour as Soft Machine Legacy, 

with some former and new 

members. With special guest 

Keith Tippett. Mar 26-27, 

7 & 9:30pm. ¥6,400-8,400. 

Billboard Live. Roppongi. 

Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ 

softmachinelegacy2015 

Skindred 

Welsh rock band whose 

musical style mixes heavy 

metal, alt rock, reggae, 

and punk, and who are well 

known for their energetic and 

involving live performances. 

Mar 28, 6pm. ¥4,000. WWW. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-7685. 

http://j.mp/skindred2015 

Liv Warfield 

Oregonian R&B singersongwriter, 

named “Portland’s 

Most Soulful Singer,” and 

newest member of her 

mentor Prince’s New Power 

Generation. Mar 26-27, 

7 & 9:30pm; Mar 28, 5 & 

8pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note 

Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 

03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ 

livwarfield2015 

Fall Out Boy 

This ain’t a scene; it's the 

American pop-rock band’s 

Tokyo show with supporting 

act New Politics. You’ll thank 

them for the memories. Mar 

30, 7pm. ¥7,000. Studio Coast. 

Shin-Kiba. http://j.mp/ 

falloutboy2015 

Rhye 

R&B musical duo that initially 

began as an internet-based 

mystery, posting several 

singles online without 

providing any background 

information or contact details. 

Mar 30, 7:30pm. ¥6,000. 

Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 

03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/ 

rhye2015 

Ne-Yo 

The American R&B singer 

comes closer to perform a 

show that’s guaranteed to 

be “so sick.” Mar 30, 8pm. 

¥9,000. Pacifico Yokohama. 

Minatomirai. http://j.mp/ 

neyo2015 

Rockapella 

American a cappella group 

who sings original vocal 

music and covers of pop and 

rock songs. Mar 31, 7pm. 

¥6,500-8,500. Billboard 

Live. Roppongi. Tel: 

03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ 

rockapella2015 

Azealia Banks 

Controversial American rapper 

and singer-songwriter, whose 

music is as popular as her 

feuds with fellow rappers. 

Mar 31, 8pm. ¥5,500. Tsutaya 

O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-5458-4681. http://j.mp/ 

azealiabanks2015 

Mastodon 

American metal band whose 

songs feature progressive 

concepts and unique 

instrumentation. Apr 1, 7pm. 

¥7,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu. 

Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/ 

mastodon2015 

The New Flying Zabutons 

A short history of R&B, 

part one. Apr 3, 7-11pm. 

¥1,000. Rooster North Side. 

Ogikubo. www.ogikuborooster.com/north 

Arrested Development 

Grammy Award-winning 

American alternative hip-hop 

group who were named 

Band of the Year by Rolling 

Stone magazine in 1993. 

Apr 4, 6 & 9pm; Apr 5, 4:30 

& 7:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500. 


Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ 

arresteddevelopment2015 

The Waterboys 

Band whose music is a mix of 

Celtic folk music with rock and 

roll. Apr 6, 7:30pm. ¥8,000. 

Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ 

waterboys2015 

Tropics 

Chris Ward, a British producer 

and multi-instrumentalist 

whose music is a little 

bit chillwave, a little bit 

polyrhythmics. Apr 7, 7pm. 

¥4,500-6,500. Billboard Live. 

Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405- 

1133. http://j.mp/tropics2015 

Battle Beast 

Finnish heavy metal band who 

rose to prominence by winning 

two major band competitions 

in 2010. Apr 7, 7pm. ¥6,800. 

Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-3477-8750. http://j.mp/ 

battlebeast2015 

Stick Men 

Progressive rock band formed 

by the bassist Tony Levin, with 

special guest David Cross. 

Apr 10, 7pm. ¥6,000-8,000. 


Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ 

stickmen2015 

Noel Gallagher’s High 

Flying Birds 

English rock band led by 

former Oasis lead guitarist/ 

songwriter. Apr 16, 7pm. 

¥9,000. Nippon Budokan. 

Kudanshita. http://j.mp/ 

gallagher2015 

Charli XCX 

Chart-topping British singersongwriter 

puts on a show 

that’ll make you go “boom, 

clap.” Apr 16, 7pm. ¥6,000. 

Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 

03-5464-0800. http://j.mp/ 

charli2015 

Meghan Trainor 

American bubblegum singersongwriter 

who’s all about that 

bass. Apr 18, 7pm. ¥5,800. 

Laforet Museum. Harajuku. 

Tel: 03-5413-3072. http://j.mp/ 

trainor2015 

Davina Robinson 

Powerhouse vocalist brings her 

take on rock, blues, and soul 

to Tokyo. Apr 18, 6:30-11pm. 

¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000 (door). 

Yotsuya Lotus. Yotsuyasanchome. 

Tel: 03-5315-4781. 

http://yotsuyalotus.com 

Colm Wilkinson: Broadway 

and Beyond Japan 

Irish tenor best known for 

originating the role of Jean 

Valjean in Les Misérables. Apr 

18, 6:30pm; Apr 19, 3pm; Apr 

21-22, 2pm. ¥7,000-12,000. 

Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/ 

wilkinson2015 

JAZZ/WORLD 

Bobby McFerrin 

The reggae and jazz great 

reminds you to not worry—be 

happy. Mar 20 & 23, 7 & 

9:30pm; Mar 21-22, 5 & 8pm. 

¥12,800. Blue Note Tokyo. 

Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485- 

0088. http://j.mp/mcferrin2015 

Gerald Albright 

American jazz saxophonist 

and multi-instrumentalist who 

was one of the ten featured 

saxophonists who performed 

at Bill Clinton’s inauguration. 

Mar 24, 7pm. ¥7,800. Blue 

Note Tokyo. Omotesando. 

Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ 

albright2015 

Nettwork Trio 

Jazz, rock, and funk trio 

with members Charnett 

Moffett, Stanley Jordan, and 

Eric McPherson. Mar 25-27, 

6:30 & 9pm. ¥7,500-9,500. 

Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 

03-3215-1555. http://j.mp/ 

nettworktrio2015 

William Bell 

Memphis soul singersongwriter 

and former member 

of The Del Rios makes sure 

you don’t miss your water. 

Mar 28, 6 & 9pm; Mar 29, 4:30 

& 7:30pm. ¥6,800-8,800. 


Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ 

williambell2015 

Helen Merrill 

American internationally-known 

jazz vocalist who has recorded 

and performed with some of 

the most notable figures on 

the American jazz scene. Mar 

31-Apr 3, 6:30 & 9pm; Apr 4, 5 & 

8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. 


0088. http://j.mp/merrill2015 

Gonzalo Rubalcaba Quartet 

Grammy Award-winning Cuban 

jazz pianist and composer 

Rubalcaba’s tribute to Charlie 

Haden. Apr 5, 5 & 8pm; Apr 

6-7, 7 & 9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue 

Note Tokyo. Omotesando. 

Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ 

rubalcabaquartet2015 

Keziah Jones 

Nigerian singer-songwriter 

and guitarist who describes 

his musical style as “blufunk,” 

a fusion between raw blues 

elements and hard, edgy 

funk rhythms. Apr 8-10, 7 & 

9:30pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note 


03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ 

keziahjones2015 

George Clinton and 

Parliament-Funkadelic 

American singer-songwriter, 

bandleader, and music 

producer who was the principal 

architect of P-Funk, and was 

inducted into the Rock and 

Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Apr 

12, 6 & 9pm; Apr 13, 6:30 & 

9:30pm. ¥12,000-14,000. 


Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ 

georgeclinton2015 

Antonio Sanchez & 

Migration 

Mexican jazz drummer who 

composed the music for the 

Academy Award-winning 

film Birdman. Apr 14, 

7pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note 


03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ 

antoniosanchez2015 

Jimmy Cliff 

Jamaican reggae musician, 

multi-instrumentalist, singer, 

and actor who is the only living 

musician to hold the Order 

of Merit. Apr 14-16, 6:30 & 

9:30pm. ¥10,000-12,000. 


Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://j.mp/ 

jimmycliff2015 

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall 

Jazz trumpeter Alpert, who 

is the only recording artist 

to hit number one on the 

U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop 

chart as both a vocalist and 

an instrumentalist, and 

his wife Hall, a Grammy 

Award-winning singer. Apr 17 

& 20, 7:30pm; Apr 18-19, 6pm. 

¥14,800-18,040. Blue Note 


03-5485-0088. http://j.mp/ 

alperthall2015 

Blue Mountain Boys 

Classic country western and 

bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30 

& 7:30pm. Free. Cafe Sepia. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3406-1300. 

www.nagaremono.com/sepia 

CLASSICAL 

Regis Pasquier 

A great violinist of world fame 

who was awarded the First 

Prize for violin and chamber 

music at the Conservatoire 

National Superieur de Musique 

de Paris at the age of 12. Mar 

24, 7pm. ¥6,500 (¥3,000 

students). Toppan Hall. 

Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5840-2200. 

http://j.mp/pasquier2015 

Marek Szpakiewicz Cello 

Recital 

World-renowned Polish cellist’s 

first appearance in Japan. Mar 

27, 7-9pm. ¥4,500. Oji Hall. 

Ginza. www.facebook.com/ 

ForJapanWereUnited 

Los Angeles Philharmonic 

Conducted by Gustavo 

Dudamel, winner of the 

prestigious City of Toronto 

Glenn Gould Protégé Prize. 

Mar 28, 6pm. ¥9,000-26,000. 

Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. 

Tel: 0570-55-0017. 

http://j.mp/laphil2015 

Michinoku Wind Orchestra 

A music aid concert for high 

school brass band clubs in 

the coastal region of Iwate 

prefecture. Apr 1, 5pm. Free 

(admittance by lottery). 


Tel: 0570-55-0017. 

http://j.mp/michinoku2015 

Vittorio Grigolo 

Italian operatic tenor who was 

chosen to become part of the 

Sistine Chapel Choir as a soloist 

at a young age. Apr 5, 2pm. 

¥15,000-18,500. Tokyo Opera 

City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or 

Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. 

www.operacity.jp/en 

Toyota Master Players, 

Wien 

With performances of Mozart’s 

“Serenade in D major, K. 239 

Serenata notturna,” Hummel’s 

“Concerto for Trumpet in E 

major,” and more. Apr 6, 7pm. 

¥3,000-5,500. Suntory Hall. 

Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 

0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ 

toyotaplayers2015 

Lim Hyung Joo 

UN Peace Medal-winning 

South Korean operatic pop 

tenor and classical crossover 

singer. Apr 8, 7pm. ¥7,500. 


Tel: 0570-55-0017. 

http://j.mp/limhyungjoo2015 

Kyung-wha Chung 

Korean violinist who attended 

the prestigious Juilliard 

School. Apr 15, 7pm. ¥5,000- 

12,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. 

Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. 

www.t-bunka.jp/en/ 

Clubbing 

FRIDAY 20 

Microcosmos 

Bahamania. House, soul: DJs 

Naiz, Chika, etc. From 12am. 

¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-5784-5496. www. 

microcosmos-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). 

Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp 

Air 

Privilege. Hip-hop: DJs 

Clark Kent, Izoh, etc. From 

24

10pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. 

air-tokyo.com 

Sound Museum Vision 

Power. Electro: DJs 80kidz, 

Halfby, etc. From 10pm. 

(m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 

w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728- 

2824. www.vision-tokyo.com 

T2 

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs 

Mark Sixma, Husman, etc. 

From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, 

(f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. 

t2-shibuya.com 

Ageha 

The Big Party. All mix, EDM: 

DJs Kaori, Komori, etc. From 

11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. 

Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. 

www.ageha.com 

Ruby Room 

Fatbros x Manual. DJs Shimoda, 

Alexander Lee Chang, etc. From 

11pm. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings) 

/ 070-6969-4816 (daytime). 

www.rubyroomtokyo.com 

The Room 

Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs 

Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From 

11pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. 

www.theroom.jp 

Club Asia 

Runway Afterparty. EDM: DJs 

Fukushima, Chiba, etc. From 

11pm. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-5458-2551. www.clubasia. 

co.jp 

Ucess the Lounge 

Disko Klubb. Disco, house: 

DJs Force of Nature, Omi, 

etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000 

w/1d. Meiji-jingumae. Tel: 

03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp 

Womb 

Mashup. EDM: DJs Feenixpawl, 

Dantz, etc. From 11pm. ¥3,500. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. 

www.womb.co.jp 

SATURDAY 21 

Microcosmos 

City Hunter.Hip-hop: DJs 

Alamaki, Keita, etc. From 

12am. ¥2,000 w/1d. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-5496. 

www.microcosmos-tokyo.com 


Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop, 

R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and 

more. From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after 

10pm). Roppongi. www. 

matrixbar.jp 

The Room 

Magic. House, disco: DJs 

Kawasaki, Endo, etc. From 

9pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. 

www.theroom.jp 

Air 

Disco Disco Disco. House, 

disco: DJs Daniel Wang, Nori, 

etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. 

www.air-tokyo.com 


Techno Invader. Techno: DJs 

Ken Ishii, Sunahara, etc. From 

10pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,500. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728- 

2824. www.vision-tokyo.com 

T2 


Dantz, Daijiro, etc. From 

10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, 


Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. 


Ageha 

Shangri-La. House, gay night: 

DJs Sawa, Chu, etc. From 

11pm. ¥4,000. Shinkiba. 

Tel: 03-5534-2525. www. 

ageha.com 

Club Asia 

19th Anniversary. Dub, bass 

music: DJs Baku, Kuranaka, 

etc. Live: Dry & Heavy and 

more. From 11pm. ¥3,500. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-2551. 

www.clubasia.co.jp 

Womb 

Endless Flight. House, 

disco: DJs Henrik Schwarz, 

Konstantin Sibold, etc. From 

11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. 

womb.co.jp 

Daikanyama Unit 

Spring Funky Bass. Bass 

music, grime: DJs Swindle, 

Roska, etc. From 11:30pm. 

¥3,500. Daikanyama. 

Tel: 03-5459-8630. www. 

unit-tokyo.com 

FRIDAY 27 

Microcosmos 

Build. Hip-hop: DJs Kingmck, 

Plastic Kid, etc. From 12am. 

¥2,000 w/1d. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-5784-5496. www. 

microcosmos-tokyo.com 


Matrix Friday. Old-school 

hip-hop, west side, south 

side, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. 

From 6pm. ¥1,000 (after 

11:30pm). Roppongi. www. 

matrixbar.jp 

Air 

Mad Decent Night. Hip-hop, 

electro: DJs Paul Devro, Liz, 

etc. From 10pm. ¥3,500. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784- 

3384. www.air-tokyo.com 


Classics. Hip-hop: DJ Maseo 

and more. From 10pm. ¥3,500. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. 

www.vision-tokyo.com 

The Room 

Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs 

Tominaga, Oibon, etc. 

From 10pm. ¥2,500 w/1d. 

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp 

T2 


Yoshimasa, Hikaru, etc. 

From 10pm. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, 


Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. 


Ageha 

Sesh On. Hip-hop: DJs 

Yanatake, Ty-Koh, etc. From 

11pm. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. 

Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534- 

2525. www.ageha.com 

Club Asia 

Hitsuji. Techno, electro: 

DJs Ishino, Lama, etc. From 

11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. 

Tel: 03-5458-2551. www. 

clubasia.co.jp 

Ucess the Lounge 

Disko Klubb. Disco, house: 

DJs Force of Nature, Omi, 

etc. From 11pm. ¥2,000 

w/1d. Meiji-jingumae. Tel: 

03-6807-1588. www.ucess.jp 

Womb 

Chic Miniature. House: DJs 

Ernesto Ferreyra, Pi-Ge, etc. 

Live: Chic Miniature. From 

11pm. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-5459-0039. www.womb. 

co.jp 

Liquidroom 

House of Liquid. Deep house: 

DJs Nick the Record, Bing, 

etc. From 11:30pm. ¥3,000. 

Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. 

www.liquidroom.net 

SATURDAY 28 


Kitsuné Club Night: Sakura 

Party. Creators collective from 

France working across genres. 

¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500 (door). 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. 

http://j.mp/sakuraparty2015 

Dance 

Cinderella 

Ballet composed by Sergei 

Prokofiev and performed by the 

K-Ballet Company. Mar 20 & 22, 

2pm; Mar 21, 12:30 & 4:30pm. 

¥6,000-13,500. Bunkamura 

Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/ 

kballetcinderella2015 

Le Corsaire 

Ballet loosely based on the 

poem The Corsair by Lord 

Byron, performed by the Tani 

Momoko Ballet Company. Mar 

21, 2 & 7pm; Mar 22, 4pm. 

¥3,000-12,000. Tokyo Bunka 

Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828- 

2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en 

Romeo and Juliet 

Performed by the Scottish 

Ballet Company. Mar 26, 7pm; 

Mar 27, 2 & 7pm; Mar 28, 2pm. 

¥6,000-12,000. Bunkamura 

Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-3477-9111. http://j.mp/ 

scottishballet2015 

NHK Ballet no Kyōen 

Japan’s best ballet companies 

and dancers gather to perform 

contemporary pieces as well 

as classics such as Carmen and 

Sleeping Beauty. Mar 28, 5pm. 

¥3,000-12,000. NHK Hall. 

Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae. 

Tel: 03-3465-1751. http://j.mp/ 

nhkballet2015 

Riverdance 20 Years 

With an incredible two 

decades of global success, 

this tour provides Riverdance 

fans old and new the 

opportunity to celebrate an 

incredible milestone for an 

incredible show. Apr 3-15, 

various times. ¥7,500-12,000. 

Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-3477-9999. http://j.mp/ 

riverdance20years 

Rosas: Drumming 

Belgian choreographer Anne 

Teresa De Keersmaeker’s 

contemporary dance 

company Rosas’ production 

of Drumming, a dazzling 

dance set to a powerful 

score for percussion by the 

American minimalist Steve 

Reich. Apr 16-17, 7:30pm; 

Apr 18, 2pm. ¥1,000-6,000. 

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. 

Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-5391- 

2111. www.geigeki.jp 

Stage 

APR 2-14 

OPERA 

LA FORZA DEL DESTINO 

Verdi’s masterpiece with its 

famous overture and grand 

human drama. Apr 2 & 8, 

6:30pm; Apr 5, 11 & 14, 

2pm, ¥6,480 - ¥21,600. New 

National Theatre Tokyo. 

Hatsudai. www.nntt.jac. 

go.jp/english/ 

Manon Lescaut 

Puccini’s opera about the 

beautiful, free-willed maiden 

Manon, and how the Chevalier 

des Grieux’s pure love for her 

ruins his life. Mar 21, 2pm. 

¥5,400-27,000. New National 

Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. 

Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://j.mp/ 

lescaut2015 

Seiji Ozawa Music 

Academy Opera Project 

XIII 

Featuring Ravel’s L’enfant et 

les sortileges performed by the 

Seiji Ozawa Music Academy 

Orchestra. Mar 24, 7pm. 

¥8,000-18,000. Tokyo Bunka 

Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828- 

2111. www.t-bunka.jp/en/ 

Exhibitions 

ENDING SOON 

Bartkira: Akira Meets The 

Simpsons Mash-Up 

Worldwide Art Project, 

Volume 3 

A mash-up of “Akira” and the 

characters and setting from 

The Simpsons. Until Mar 21, 

1-7pm. Free. Gallery Hakusen. 

Asagaya. www.bartkira.com 

Sense Modern 

Showcasing works by Yozo 

Hamaguchi, a printmaker 

widely known as the artist who 

gave new life to mezzotint. 

Until Mar 22, 11am-5pm, 

closed Mon. ¥200-600. Musée 

Hamaguchi Yozo: Yamasa 

Collection. Suitengu-mae. 

Tel: 03-3665-0251. www. 

yamasa.com/musee/en 

Kishio Suga: Situated 

Latency 

An artist of the Monoha 

movement that flourished in 

the years before and after 

1970, who uses stone, wood, 

and sheet metal to create 

installations which consist 

not merely of the relationship 

between substances, but 

also of the minute and free 

relational structure between 

the space and materials 

as an object. Until Mar 22, 

10am-6pm, closed Mon. 

¥600-1,100. Museum of 

Contemporary Art Tokyo. 

Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www. 

mot-art-museum.jp/eng 

Constellations: Practices 

for Unseen Connections/ 

Discoveries 

The theme for this exhibition 

is “to draw invisible lines 

and to connect dots,” by 

introducing works that 

link different “places” and 

“times,” going beyond existing 

borders to spin together 

new relationships. Until 

Mar 22, 10am-6pm, closed 

Mon. ¥600-1,100. Museum 

of Contemporary Art Tokyo. 

Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. www. 

mot-art-museum.jp/eng 

Wonder Seeds 

An open-call exhibition aimed 

to select and sell potential 

works of young artists, 

providing an opportunity to 

connect young artists with art 

lovers/collectors. Until Mar 

22, 11am-7pm. Free. Tokyo 

Wonder Site. Shibuya. Tel: 

03-3463-0603. http://j.mp/ 

wonderseeds2015 

Cute Girls in Ukiyo-e 

Featuring ukiyo-e paintings 

of Edo women and their 

luxurious and colorful 

kimonos, hair ornaments, 

and accessories. Until Mar 

26, 10:30am-5:30pm, closed 

Mon. ¥500-700. Ukiyo-e Ota 

Memorial Museum of Art. 

Harajuku. Tel: 03-3403- 

0880. www.ukiyoe-ota-muse. 

jp/index-E.html 

Film History in Posters Part 

2: Musical Films 

Showcasing the original 

posters of the postwar films 

from the collection of Makoto 

Wada, a famous illustrator, 

this exhibition will trace the 

descent of the musical film, 

which played a significant role 

in movie history. Until Mar 29, 

11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. 

¥70-210. National Film Center. 

Kyobashi. www.momat. 

go.jp/english 

Neo-Impressionism, from 

Light to Color 

Introducing the trend of 

“Neo-Impressionism,” a 

movement that progressed 

with innovative painting 

linked to the 20th century, 

and which developed a style 

of brightly portraying the real 

world onto picture frames, 

based on the latest light and 

color theories. Until Mar 29, 

9:30am-5:30pm (until 8pm on 

Fri), closed Mon. ¥800-1,600. 

Tokyo Metropolitan Art 

Museum. Ueno. Tel: 

03-3823-6921. http://j.mp/ 

neoimpressionism2015 

Jules Pascin 

Displaying Pascin’s 

best-known later works such 

as his nude oil paintings in 

mother-of-pearl tones, as 

well as his early sketches and 

watercolors and experiments 

in printing, Fauvism and 

Expressionism. Until Mar 

29, 10am-6pm, closed Wed. 

¥500-1,000. Shiodome 

Museum. Shimbashi. Tel: 

03-5777-8600. http://meturl. 

com/pascin2015 

Swiss Design 

Showcasing the distinct 

sophistication and quality of 

Swiss design that sets the 

country apart in functionality, 

tradition, engineering and 

hands-on craftsmanship. 

Until Mar 29, 11am-7pm 

(until 8pm on Fri & Sat), 

closed Mon. ¥1,000-1,200. 

Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery. 

Hatsudai. http://meturl.com/ 

swissdesign2015 

Ken Miki: Apple + 

Showcasing works by graphic 

designer Miki known for his 

original designs, who has 

worked on projects for IBM 

Japan, ThinkPad and more. 

Until Mar 31, 11am-7pm (until 

6pm on Sat), closed Sun & hols. 

Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery. 

Ginza. http://meturl.com/ 

ginzagraphicgallery 

ONGOING 

Masterpieces of Buddhist 

Sculpture from Northern 

Japan 

Showcasing Buddhist 

sculptures from Michinoku 

famous for their powerful 

expressions. Until Apr 

5, 9:30am-5pm, closed 

Mon. ¥400-1,000. Tokyo 

National Museum. Ueno. 

michinoku2015.jp 

Pharaohs and People in 

Ancient Egypt 

Explore the lives and 

spirituality of the Ancient 

Egyptians through items from 

the Tokai University Collection. 

Until Apr 5, 9:30am-5pm, 

closed Mon. ¥150-300. 

Yokohama Museum of EurAsian 

Cultures. Nihon-Odori. Tel: 

045-663-2424. http://j.mp/ 

pharaohs2015 

Bodhisattvas: Symbols of 

Salvation and Support 

Showcasing sculptures 

and paintings depicting 

Bodhisattvas, or deities 

who, despite having attained 

enlightenment for themselves, 

willingly descend into the 

human realm, where they 

face the joys and sorrows 

of human life and extend a 

hand in salvation. Until Apr 

6, 10am-5pm, closed Mon. 

¥700-900 (adv)/ ¥800-1,000 

(door). Nezu Museum. 


2536. www.nezu-muse. 

or.jp/en 

Fantaisie Merveilleuse 

Introducing the richly 

imaginative, but relatively 

unknown, Art Deco world by 

focusing on 80 works shown 

for the first time in Japan. Until 

Apr 7, 10am-6pm. ¥480-960 

(adv)/ ¥600-1,200 (door). 

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien 

Art Museum. Meguro. Tel: 

03-3443-0201. www.teien-artmuseum.ne.jp/en 

Mikiko Kumazawa: Howl 

Showcasing young and 

up-and-coming artist 

Kumazawa’s latest works. 

Until Apr 11, 11am-7pm, 

closed Sun, Mon & hols. Free. 

Mizuma Art Gallery. 

Tel: 03-3793-7931. http:// 

mizuma-art.co.jp/top_e.php 

Ichigaya. 

Love Birds 

An exhibition of artwork 

by Jad Fair, an artist and 

musician, featuring his 

new paper-cuttings with 

a motif of birds. Until Apr 

26, 1-7pm, closed Mon & 

Tue. Free. Hiromart Gallery. 

Edogawabashi. Tel: 

03-6233-9836. http://j.mp/ 

lovebirds2015 

Pictorialism: Prelude to 

Modern Photography 

An exhibition focusing on 

one of the most important 

movements in the historical 

development of modern 

photography. Until Apr 30, 

10am-7pm. Free. Fujifilm 

Square. Roppongi. Tel: 

03-6271-3350. http://j.mp/ 

pictorialism2015 

Great Fake Exposition: 

Cultural history of fakes 

and imitation 

Showcasing fake and imitation 

articles and the relationship 

between them and their 

genuine counterparts. Until 

May 6, 9:30am-4:30pm, closed 

Mon. ¥450-830. National 

Museum of Japanese History. 

Keisei-Sakura. http://j.mp/ 

greatfakeexposition2015 

Gabriel Orozco: 

Inner Cycles 

Mexican artist known for 

works that manipulate existing 

objects or rules to transform 

them into something else, 

which intervene with common 

scenes to invite new thoughts. 

Until May 10, 10am-6pm, 

closed Mon. ¥600-1,100. 

Museum of Contemporary Art 

Tokyo. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. 

www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng 

Best of the Best 

The last exhibition before the 

museum closes for renovation 

on May 18, showcasing 

160 works of modern and 

contemporary Western art. 

Until May 17, 10am-6pm 

(until 8pm on Fri), closed 

Mon. ¥500-800. Bridgestone 

Museum of Art. Tokyo. Tel: 

03-5777-8600. http://meturl. 

com/bestofthebest2015 

Intimate Impressionism 

from the National Gallery 

of Art, Washington 

Works by Renoir, Manet, 

Monet, and others chosen 

by Ailsa Mellon, daughter of 

Andrew Mellon, founder of the 

National Art Gallery. Until May 

24, 10am-6pm (until 8pm on 

Fri), closed Mon. ¥1,400 (adv)/ 

¥500-1,600 (door). Mitsubishi 

Ichigokan Museum. 

Tel: 03-5405-8686. http:// 

mimt.jp/english 

Tokyo. 

Louvre Museum 

With works by Vermeer, 

Rembrandt and others. Until 

Jun 1, 10am-6pm, closed Tue. 

¥800-1,600. The National Art 

Center, Tokyo. Nogizaka. 

www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/ 

english 

25

The Great Amazon 

Featuring over 400 exhibits 

and a 4-K theatre experience 

where you can travel to the 

Amazon through a 355" 

large-scale screen. Until Jun 

14, 9am-5pm (until 8pm on 

Fri), closed Mon. ¥600-1,600. 

National Museum of Nature 

and Science. Ueno. Tel: 

03-3822-0111. http://j.mp/ 

thegreatamazon2015 

UPCOMING 

Fukagawa in the Snow: The 

Reappearance of an 

Utamaro Masterpiece 

Showcasing works by Utamaro, 

one of the most highly 

regarded ukiyo-e practitioners, 

especially for his portraits of 

beautiful women, or bijin-ga. 

Apr 3-Aug 31, 9am-5pm. 

¥1,800-2,800. Okada 

Museum of Art. Kowakidani. 

Tel: 0460-87-3931. www. 

okada-museum.com/en 

TDC Exhibition 

Ginza Graphic Gallery’s annual 

exhibition showcasing the 

results of the Tokyo TDC 

Awards held by the Tokyo 

Type Directors Club. Apr 3-28, 

11am-7pm, closed Sun & hols. 

Free. Ginza Graphic Gallery. 

Ginza. http://j.mp/type2015 

Kataoka Tamako 

Japanese-style painter who 

uses vivid colors, boldly 

deformed shapes, and 

paintings using powerful 

brushwork. Apr 7-May 17, 

10am-5pm, closed Mon. 

¥300-1,200 (adv)/ ¥400-1,400 

(door). The National Museum 

of Modern Art, Tokyo. 

Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777- 

8600. http://tamako2015. 

exhn.jp 

The Beauty of Asian Art 

Showcasing prehistoric 

and ancient masterpieces 

from China, Korea, and 

Southeast Asia. Apr 11-Jun 


¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum 

of Arts. Tokyo. 

www.idemitsu.com/museum/ 

honkan 

The Ceramic Works of 

Rouault and the Fauvists 

Introducing ceramic works 

created by some of the great 

French artists of the early 20th 

century, including Georges 

Rouault and Henri Matisse. Apr 

11-Jun 21, 10am-6pm, closed 

Wed. ¥500-1,000. Shiodome 

Museum. Shimbashi. Tel: 

03-5777-8600. http://meturl. 

com/panasonicmuseum 

Happy at Hundred 

Featuring works by German 

photographer Karsten 

Thormaehlen, of 100-year-old 

men and women. Apr 16-18, 

10am-5pm. Free. Toranomon 

Hills. Toranomon. Tel: 

03-6406-6665. http:// 

toranomonhills.com/en 

Utrillo & Valadon 

Showcasing pieces by 

Utrillo, a French painter who 

specialized in cityscapes; and 

his mother Valadon, an artist 

whose drawings and paintings 

mostly included female nudes, 

female portraits, still lifes, 

and landscapes. Apr 18-Jun 


¥650-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,200 

(door). Sompo Japan 

Museum of Art. Shinjuku. 

Tel: 03-5405-8686. www. 

sjnk-museum.org/en 

Tokyo Story 2015 

Showcasing works by artists 

who participated in Tokyo 

Wonder Site’s Creator in 

Residence program. Apr 

18-Jul 26, 11am-7pm. Free. 

Tokyo Wonder Site Hongo. Tel: 

03-5689-5331. http://j.mp/ 

tokyostory2015 

Sports 

APR 4-5 

Tokyo Sevens 2015 

HSBC Sevens World Series 

Round 7. Apr 4, 10am, Apr 

5, 9:25am. ¥3,000 (1-day 

ticket). Prince Chichibu 

Memorial Rugby Stadium. 

Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401- 

3551. www.tokyo7s.jp 

BASEBALL 

Yakult Swallows vs. 

Lotte Marines 

Mar 20-21, 1pm. ¥300-2,100. 

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. 


8999. www.yakult-swallows. 

co.jp 

Yomiuri Giants vs. 

Nippon-Ham Fighters 

Mar 20, 6pm; Mar 21, 

1:30pm. ¥300-5,000. Tokyo 

Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 

03-5800-9999. www. 

tokyo-dome.co.jp 

Tomodachi Charity 

Baseball Game 

Charity event in support 

of children in the Tohoku 

region, with retired New York 

Yankees greats Derek Jeter 

and Hideki Matsui. Mar 21, 

5pm. ¥2,000-5,000. Tokyo 

Dome. Suidobashi. 

Tel: 03-5800-9999. 

http://support-our-kids.org/ 

2with55 


Nippon-Ham Fighters 

Mar 22, 1pm. ¥300-2,100. 




co.jp 

Yomiuri Giants vs Lotte 

Marines 

Mar 22, 2pm. ¥300-3,500. 

Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. 

Tel: 03-5800-9999. www. 

giants.jp/en 

Yomiuri Giants vs. DeNA 

Baystars 

Mar 27, 6pm; Mar 28-29, 2pm. 

¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome. 

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800- 

9999. www.giants.jp/en 


Hanshin Tigers 

Mar 31-Apr 2, 6pm. 

¥300-2,100. Meiji Jingu 

Baseball Stadium. 



co.jp 

Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin 

Tigers 

Apr 3-4, 6pm; Apr 5, 2pm. 

¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome. 




Chunichi Dragons 

Apr 7-9, 6pm. ¥500-4,000. 




co.jp 

Yomiuri Giants vs. Yakult 

Swallows 

Apr 10, 6pm; Apr 11-12, 2pm. 

¥300-5,000. Tokyo Dome. 



Yakult Swallows vs. DeNA 

Baystars 

Apr 17-19, 6pm. ¥300-4,600. 




co.jp 

MMA 

Steel! Championship 

Tournament 

Armored knights and samurai 

battle with axes and swords. 

Mar 28, 5:30-8pm. ¥4,000- 

5,000. Star Rise Tower: 

Tokyo Tower Media Center. 

Akabanebashi. http:// 

armoredbattle.peatix.com 

Festivals 

TRADITIONAL 

Shirasagi-no Mai 

Traditional ceremonial parade 

and dance. Apr 12. Sensoji. 

Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181. 

http://meturl.com/sensojijimai 

NOMURA REAL ESTATE URBAN NET CO.,LTD. 

“YOUR PARTNER FOR 

REAL ESTATE 

IN AZABU JŪBAN” 

For Buyers, Make Your Dream Home a Reality with Us 

For Sellers, Let Us Help You Get Your Asking Price 

NOMURA REAL ESTATE 

URBAN NET CO.,LTD. 

CALL: 080-1102-7667 / 03-5444-2281 

SALES REP: MASARU NAKAMURA 

masa-nakamura@nomura-re.co.jp 

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism(3)No.6011 

Member of the Association of Real Estate Agents of Japan 

Member of the Real Estate Fair Trade Council 

OPEN THURSDAY-MONDAY, 9:30AM-6:10PM 

OFFICE ADDRESS: 1F AXIA FORESTA, 

2-11-5 AZABU-JŪBAN, MINATO-KU 

26

Asakusa Yabusame 

Archers demonstrate their skills 

on horseback. Apr 18, 1pm. 

Sumida Park. Asakusa. http://j. 

mp/yabusame2015 

INTERNATIONAL 

Greenroom Festival ’15 

Art and music festival with 

a focus on ocean and beach 

preservation with artists The 

Wailers, Lotus, Mama’s Gun, The 

Growlers, and more. May 23-24. 

¥9,800 (one day)/ ¥17,000 (2 

days). Yokohama Red Brick 

Warehouse. Minatomirai. Tel: 

045-211-1515. http://greenroom. 

jp/english 

Comedy 

New Material Night 

Standup, improv, and trying 

out new stuff. Apr 7, 8-10pm. 

Free. Double Tall Cafe. 

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5467-4567. 

http://tokyocomedy.com/ 

new_material_night 

Standup Comedy at The 

Hobgoblin 

Standup comedians with a 

variety of styles performing in 

English. Apr 16, 9-10:30pm. 

Free. Hobgoblin Shibuya. 

Shibuya. http://tokyocomedy. 

com/standup_comedy_at_the_ 

hobgoblin 

Community 

Half-Fast Cyclists 

Bicyclists of all treads meet 

for slideshows, lectures, 

ride-planning, etc. Every second 

Wed, 7pm. Free. The Pink Cow. 

Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773. 

www.thepinkcow.com 

Stitch-n-Bitch 

Meet fellow knitters, crocheters 

and sewers to talk, share 

ideas, eat, drink and create. 

Every first and third Tue, 

7pm. Free. Cafe Respekt. 

Shibuya. www.meetup.com/ 

TokyoStitchandBitch 

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art 

School 

Burlesque models pose for 

artstars and sketching newbies 

alike with arty socializing. 

Every third Wed, 7-10pm. 

¥2,000 w/ 1d. Studio and 

Space IVVA. Meiji-Jingūmae 

or Harajuku. www.facebook. 

com/Dr.Sketchy.Tokyo 

Learning 

Champagne & Sake Seminar 

Learn about Champagne and 

sake, and enjoy a French-style 

dinner. Apr 4, 7-10:30pm. 

¥14,980 +tax (adv). Stellato. 

Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-3442- 

5588. http://meturl.com/ 

monthlywine 

APR 12 

JAPANESE CULTURE 

WORKSHOP KOKEDAMA 

LESSON 

Enjoy making traditional 

Japanese moss balls and 

learn how to grow them. 

Lessons available in 

Japanese, English, or Italian. 

Casual environment. ¥6,500. 

Apr 12, 11:15am and 2pm. 

291 2F Glassarea Aoyama. 

Omotesando. http:// 

ondtable.com/workshops 

Other Events 

Poetry Slam & Live Jazz 

Fundraiser with 20 local 

performance poets and live 

jazz. Mar 21, 6-10pm. ¥2,000 

w/1d. World Peace Theater. 

Kawasaki. http://ytg.jp 

Art Fair Tokyo 

Take in the best of Japanese 

contemporary art and enjoy new 

works from contemporary Asian 

galleries. Mar 20, 11am-9pm; 

Mar 21, 11am-8pm; Mar 22, 

10:30am-5pm. ¥1,500-3,000 

(adv)/ ¥2,000-3,500 (door). 

Tokyo International Forum 

Exhibition Hall. Yurakucho. 

http://artfairtokyo.com/en 

Tohoku Spring 

OnJapan Cafe’s first themed 

event, featuring a special 

menu using ingredients from 

Tohoku and workshops that 

allow you to sample delicious 

regional dishes and sake from 

the region. Until Mar 28, various 

times. Various prices. OnJapan 

Cafe. Meiji-jingumae. Tel: 

03-6434-1228. http://cafe. 

onjapan.tokyo 

Suntory Hall Open House 

Held once a year, Suntory 

Hall’s Open House provides 

a day filled with concerts 

and fun events, such as the 

opportunity to experience 

conducting and more! Apr 

4, 11am-5pm. Free. Suntory 

Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 

0570-55-0017. http://j.mp/ 

suntoryopenhouse2015 

Rikugien Garden 

Illumination 

Enjoy the illumination of the 

impressive shidarezakura, 

or weeping sakura tree. Mar 

19-Apr 5, from sunset until 9pm. 

¥150 (seniors)/¥300 (general)/ 

children free. Rikugien 

Gardens. Komagome. Tel: 

03-3941-2222. http://meturl. 

com/rikugarden 

Ueno Sakura Matsuri 

Various special events 

including a nighttime lantern 

illumination. Mar 29-Apr 7, all 

day. Free. Ueno Park. Ueno. 

Tel: 03-3828-5644. http://j.mp/ 

uenosakuramatsuri2015 

Sumida Park Cherry 

Blossom Festival 

Over 1,000 cherry blossom 

trees, with nighttime 

illumination. Mar 29-Apr 7, 

all day. Free. Sumida Park. 

Asakusa. http://j.mp/ 

sumidacherryfestival2015 

Chiyoda Sakura Festival 

Enjoy cherry blossoms on foot 

or by boat. Mar 29-Apr 5, all 

day. Free. Chidorigafuchi Moat 

Greenery Path. Kudanshita 

or Hanzomon. http://j.mp/ 

chiyodasakura2015 

Midtown Blossom 2015 

Celebrate Spring in Tokyo 

Midtown with Martini Blossom 

Lounge (12-8pm) and enjoy 

the lighting up of the Sakura 

trees (5-11pm). Mar 20-Apr 

19, 12-11pm. Various prices. 

Tokyo Midtown. 

Tel: 03-3475-3100. www. 

tokyo-midtown.com/en 

Roppongi. 

JPET 

Learn about Japan’s fast 

moving PET, packaging, 

polyester, recycling market, 

and innovative technologies. 

Apr 20-21, all day. ¥1,595. 

Hilton Tokyo. Shinjuku. Tel: 

03-3344-5111. http://j.mp/ 

jpet2015 

ISSH 36th Annual Family 

Festival 

Highlighting the many nationalities 

and cultures that make 

Tokyo a vibrant community. 

Enjoy international food, music 

and dance performances, 

carnival games, shopping 

bazaar, raffle, and more. 

Apr 25, 10am-4pm. Free entry. 

International School of the 

Sacred Heart Campus. 

Hiroo. www.issh.ac.jp 

Pet Expo 

An event for pet lovers and 

pets with activities, such as a 

sports day event for dogs and a 

cat show. May 3-5, 10am-5pm. 

¥600-1,000 (adv)/ ¥800-1,300 

(door). Makuhari Messe. 

Kaihin-Makuhari. www. 

pethaku.com 

MORE LISTINGS 

ONLINE → HTTP:// 

METURL.COM/ 

LISTINGS 

Hiroshi Oogai, 

Patent attorney 

Immigration lawyer 

608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093 

Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891 

Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp 

WADA Legal & Administrative Office 

For information: 

Tel: (03) 3345-7977 

FAX: (03) 3345-5377 

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE 

Reasonable prices. 

Free first time consultation 

We can support you with: 

Visa and immigration 

Intellectual property rights 

(Patent, trademark, copyrights) 

Establishing a Company & 

Branch office 

Other Legal & Business matters 

www.j-star.jp 

We can help you with: 

• Visa & Immigration Procedures 

• Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation 

and Refugee Status 

• Establishing a Company & 

Branch Office 

• Accounting Services, Acquiring 

Business Licences 

• Preparation/Translation of 

Legal & Business Documents 

• Other Legal & Business Matters 

http://www.wada-lats.com/ 

E-mail: info@wada-lats.com 

3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku, 

Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023 

Grand Prince 

Hotel Akasaka 

Akasaka 

Mitsuke 

stn 

WE BUY AND SELL 

METALS & JEWELRY! 

・Valuable used Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and 

Viennese Gold (1 toz ~ 1/10 toz) in stock! 

・Refurbished platinum and other metals, 

New jewelry and craft jewelry also available. 

・Free value appraisal. 

Metropolis readers receive a free gift 

with purchases of ¥20,000 or more 

Loja de Ouro 

金のみせ 

Ishikawacho station 

0120-5610-68 

10:00-18:30 / 

Closed Sundays and Mondays 

Aoyama Ave 

Akasaka 

Excel 

Hotel 

Tokyu 

Exit 4, 

Nagatacho stn 

Kinnomise 

Supreme 

Court 

National 

Diet 

Library 

2/6 Values 

1 toz: ¥168,000- 

Reference price of new 

items: ¥175,084- 

http://kinnomise-chugai.jp/ 

Imperial 

Palace 

27

1 AT YOUR SERVICE 

1.1 HEALTH 

I N N E R 

BALANCE. 

Traditional 

oriental 

treatment of 

acupuncture 

and moxibustion. 

Also body 

massage 

and reflexology. Mobile 

service to your home or 

office. Email Takahito at 

innerbalance123@gmail.com 

or see http://tmasuda.wix. 

com/inner-balance. 

ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADA- 

CERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC 

in Toranomon Hills offers a 

wide range of preventive, 

corrective and cosmetic 

dentistry. Superior service 

focused on customer 

satisfaction and convenience. 

Open until 10pm. Modern 

dentistry at its best. www. 

rmdcc.com/english/ 

0120-648-071 

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH 

COVERAGE FOR EXPATS, 

DIPLOMATS, TEACHERS. 

Inpatient and outpatient 

care, emergencies, surgery, 

meds, checkups, dental, lab 

tests, MRI and more. Thirtyday 

money-back guarantee. 

Quick, easy application; 

convenient payment 

options. Enroll today! 

info@earthhealthcare.jp 

www.earthhealthcare.jp 

078-351-7300 

SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY 

(physical therapy) 

c a r e i n H i r o o . 

Native English-speaking 

therapists specializing 

in sports injuries, 

post-operative rehabilitation, 

back/neck pain, running 

related, headaches, orthotics, 

ergonomic consultations 

and women’s health. 

www.tokyophysio.com 

03-3443-6769 

T H I N K I N G A B O U T 

ADVERTISING WITH 

METROPOLIS? Platinum 

¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver 

¥21,600. Prices include one 

photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo 

+ ¥2000). Prices are for 40 

words, one print issue, two 

weeks online. For details, 

email us at commercial@ 

metropolisjapan.com. 

1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY 

CURLY HAIR SPECIALIST IN 

TOKYO. English-speaking 

Kiyoko, highly experienced 

in NY’s curly hair salons, 

takes care of curly hair at 

her salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu. 

Reservations: 03-3793- 

2357 or info@nepenji.net 

http://english.nepenji.net/ 

index_en.html 

MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN 

ROPPONGI WELCOMES 

FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking 

assistant will get 

your haircut right. Haircuts 

¥4800. With shave ¥5800. 

Kids’ haircuts ¥4000- 

¥4400. First-time discount 

¥1000. http://oazo.biz/top 

03-5545-7797 oazo7797@ 

yahoo.co.jp 

1.3 MOVING 

MOVING OVERSEAS? Call 

ECONOSHIP! With over 35 

years of experience, you 

can count on Econoship for 

courteous, efficient, reliable 

service and reasonable 

prices. Call, email, or see 

our new website. Ask how 

you can receive 10 boxes 

free of charge.0120-222-111 

info@econoship.net 

www.econoship.net 

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES 

IMMIGRATION LAWYER AT 

NIPPASHI OFFICE supports 

visa and naturalization 

applications, company 

establishment and 

branch office installation, 

including commercial 

registration, as well as 

inheritance procedures in 

Japan. Free consultation 

available in English, 

Español and Japanese. 

Tel: 03-6264-8446 

n p @ n i p p a s h i . c o m 

http://nippashi.com 

Metropolis and its Classifieds 

section are printed every 

other week. The upcoming 

publication dates and 

corresponding deadlines 

for print are as follows. This 

does not affect the online 

Classifieds, where ads are 

visible immediately after 

they are approved. 

FRI, APR 3 ISSUE 

Deadline: Mar 26, 3pm 

FRI, APR 17 ISSUE 

Deadline: Apr 9, 3pm 

IMMIGRATION SERVICES 

IN ENGLISH. Yokoyama 

Administrative and Legal 

Office will support all your 

visa needs: extension, 

status change, permanent 

residence, naturalization. 

Free consultation in 

Kinshicho available by 

reservation. Contact us at 

03-5626-4139 or yokoyamaoffice@r8.ucom.ne.jp. 

http://meturl.com/yokoyama 

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 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 

TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS, 

log on at www.metropolis. 

co.jp/classifieds or email your 

commercial ads to commercial@ 


2 FIND A PLACE 

2.1 GUESTHOUSE 

CREA-UN UENO. Furnished 

private rooms, w/digital 

locks, near Asakusa, Ueno, 

Skytree. Safe area, femaleonly, 

rooftop garden w/ 

nice view, BBQ space, free 

bicycle. From ¥56,000/m. 

Utilities included. No key 

money/guarantor. crea-un. 

sakura@ko-bo.com http:// 

www.sakura-ko-bo.com 

03-6912-0692 

KANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE. 

Brand-new furnished share 

rooms, separate male and 

female floors, all rooms w/ 

digital locks, aircon, fridge, 

1min walk from Kanamachi 

Stn, Chiyoda Line ¥40,000/m. 

room@airay-apartment.net 

03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net 

2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000 

ICHII CORPORATION. 

Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished 

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 

SERVICED APARTMENTS in 

a quiet residential area of 

Hiroo. Studios and suites. 

4min from Hiroo Stn. Rates: 

Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/ 

day. Monthly ¥5700-/day. 

Over three months ¥5130-/ 

day. Tax, utilities included. 

frontdesk@azabucourt. 

com www.azabucourt.com 

0 3 - 3 4 4 6 - 8 6 1 0 

APARTMENTS AVAILABLE near 

train stations in Takanawa, 

Mita, Morishita. Rent from 

¥100,000/m-¥200,000/m. 

No key money, no guarantor 

required. Single house in Kiba, 

w/garage ¥140,000/m. Please 

email info@cardiganltd.com. 

YOKOHAMA APARTMENT—ONE 

MONTH FREE RENT! One-room 

apartment, w/loft, small kitchen, 

bathroom, along the Sotetsu 

Line, easy access to Yokohama, 

Totsuka, Futamatagawa, Shonandai 

¥45,000/m. Private rental. No 

agent fees. robhoey.c17@gmail.com 

3 EDUCATION 

3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS 

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR 

JAPANESE IN A FRIENDLY 

ENVIRONMENT? Seeking a 

friendly JF tutor with a good 

understanding of English? I 

teach all levels in Tokyo. Tuition 

is ¥3000/h. If interested, 

please feel free to contact me. 

tati_m317@yahoo.com 

3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE 

English and Japanese. Open-minded 

Japanese female, 23-40, sought for 

language exchange and socializing. 

Serious only. Call Bobby at 090- 

5589-6864 or 080-8118-4073 or email 

mybaby-precious@docomo.ne.jp. 

English and Japanese. Can you help 

me practice speaking E? I am willing to 

help you learn J in return. I have free time 

weekday mornings and afternoons. Let's 

meet up in the Shonan area for coffee. 

chocolate88888emi@gmail.com 

English and Japanese. My friends 

and I are seeking language and cultural 

exchange partners. I'd love to practice 

Japanese conversation with you. By the 

way, I'm a certified Japanese teacher. 

Every Tue evening, I'd like to practice in 

Asakusa. jpteaching@gmail.com 

English and Japanese. I'm a JF, 39, 

seeking a language exchange partner. I'd 

prefer a female from the US. I will teach 

you J in return. Also, it would be nice if 

we could be friends, too! dakkun2007@ 

yahoo.co.jp 

English and Japanese. American Ivy 

Leaguer, loves Japan, the arts, museums, 

Japanese culture, seeking Japanese for 

language/cultural exchange. Currently 

in NYC—in Tokyo soon. Prefer over 30, 

similar interests. Especially welcome 

if you plan to visit NYC. rosigma21@ 

yahoo.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 

日本語と英語。僕はイギリス人 . 

毎日日本語を勉強してる. でも 

言語交換にいつも失敗しちゃう. 

juicysummer@gmail.com 

3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL 

IKEBANA (JAPANESE 

TRADITIONAL FLORAL 

ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful 

means of self-expression. 

Trial lesson, including 

all materials ¥4000. No 

Japanese necessary. 

Certification, diploma can 

be earned. Three classroom 

locations in Tokyo. Website: 

www.atelier-soka.com/ 

english/index.html 

Email: smile@mika-otani.com 

3.9 TEACH ME! 

TRANSLATION FOR ENGLISH 

LESSONS. Working towards 

becoming an English-to-Japanese 

translator, but need help polishing 

my English. Can translate simple 

documents in exchange for English 

lessons. michiane256@gmail.com 

Spanish teacher wanted. Como esta? 

Seeking a patient conversational Spanish 

instructor. Around the Shinjuku area 

preferred. I'm a beginner. likeme4u@ 

hotmail.com 

日本料理の作り方を教えて下さ 

い。その代わりに、英語を教えま 

す。 meru.asap@gmail.com 

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 

4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS 

Bed, single (99x197x46; headboard 

H70cm), wooden, w/mattress ¥5000. 

Pick up near Yokohama Stn or arrange 

delivery yourself. fridge_washmachine@ 

yahoo.co.jp 

Cabinet, teak, large, for TVs, in very 

good condition ¥29,000. Firm. Standing 

light, Yamada, heavy, not Ikea ¥6000. 

Minato-ku. mmcaproni2010@yahoo. 

co.jp 

Cabinet, kitchen ¥8000. Wall clocks, 

two available ¥5000/each. Pick up 

near Yokohama Stn or arrange delivery 

yourself. fridge_washmachine@yahoo. 

co.jp 

Desk, Nitori, dark brown, gray metal 

frame (50x90xH75cm), w/accessories 

(portable small document wagon and 

overhead attachment shelf) ¥3000. 

leszek@rybicki.cc 

Rug, Ikea (80x150cm), almost new 

¥1000. Delivery possible depending on 

location. broadmind@gmail.com http:// 

goo.gl/eYFyuc 

Sofa, large, clean, in very good condition, 

w/two feather-filled back cushions 

¥39,000. Pick up only Minato-ku. 

mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp 

4.2 APPLIANCES 

Air purifier, Venta LW, size 24, Germanmade 

¥12,000. Sanyo futon dryer ( 布 

団乾燥機 ), still in box ¥3000. Fujitsu 

AH-56D humidifier ¥3000. Toshiba 

trouser press, stand-up, as new ¥3000. 

Pick up Shinjuku. likeme4u@hotmail.com 

Washer/dryer, Panasonic NA-VX30001R, 

in excellent condition, economic, quiet. 

Near Oji Stn. oxbow@i.softbank.jp http:// 

youtu.be/huHW4g5c_0I 09060208213 

4.3 SAYONARA SALE 

Sayonara sale! Sharp LC-20D10 TV, 20" 

¥5000. Daikin TCK55M-W air cleaner 

¥10,000. Hitachi R-12RA fridge ¥5000. 

Toshiba AW-50GM washer ¥10,000. 

Buy together for discount. ronzakaria@ 

hotmail.com 090-5308-9870 

Sayonara sale! Sharp Aquos TV, 45", 

w/stand ¥10,000. Yamaha CLP-535 

piano, one y/o ¥60,000. Framed wall 

picture ¥5000. Hitachi aircon ¥5000. 

Two Fujitsu aircon ¥5000/each. Hitachi 

fridge ¥5000. davidgolding@hotmail. 

com 09098246207 

Sayonara sale! Washer/dryer; fridge/ 

freezer; double-top glass dining table, 

w/four chairs ¥6000/each. ¥15,000/all. 

And more. Pick up Mar 23-27. fph10@ 

gol.com 

Sayonara sale! Dainichi FW-322S 

kerosene heater; Ikea Ektorp sofa, 

Kullen chest of drawers, Bjurst table; 

balcony table and chairs; WMK- 

90 kitchen cabinet; bedroom light; 

Christmas tree and lights; Sanyo home 

phone; barbecue; humidifier; Tefal 

kettle; clock; tools, etc. qqcb6agd@ 

beach.ocn.ne.jp 09065403103 

4.5 AUDIO & MP3 

Stereo, old (31x90x46), radio and 

cassette only ¥1000. Pick up near 

Yokohama Stn or arrange delivery 

yourself. fridge_washmachine@yahoo. 

co.jp 

4.6 FOR KIDS 

Various items. Katoji bed and mattress, 

w/mattress cover, side cushion; fourway 

toy; Aprica diaper disposal unit; 

three-pack of disposal unit refills; potty 

training potty; highchair. rkrajan12@ 

gmail.com 09084937082 

4.7 FOR FREE 

Fridge, Toshiba (H5'), w/built-in freezer, 

works well. nihon4eva@gmail.com 

090-8842-2894 

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 

5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT 

Golf bag, tote, Le Coq Sportif Golf, w/ 

shoe pocket, as new ¥2000. Pick up 

Shinjuku-ku. likeme4u@hotmail.com 

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT 

Pedals, guitar: Boss BD-2 Blues Driver 

¥5000. MXR distortion+ ¥4000. ¥8000/ 

both. Pick up around Yokohama or Tokyo. 

el.complexus_de_cor@yahoo.com 

07014190914 

Ukulele, Pono Baritone, handmade in 

Hawaii, solid cedar top, cutaway design, 

electric pickup, solid rosewood sides, 

back, abalone rosette, ebony tuner 

heads, sealed Grover tuners, maple 

binding, w/case ¥50,000. anreimann@ 

yahoo.com 

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD 

Italian movies, 50 available, w/ 

Japanese subtitles ¥20,000/all. Not 

for sale individually. tocco_di_classe@ 

hotmail.com 

5.6 COLLECTORS 

Dunhill lighter, gold-plated, late '60s, 

made in Switzerland, not US, in full 

working order ¥10,000. mcmctokyo13@ 

gmail.com 

28

The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp 

Ichiro Suzuki stamps. Commemorative 

stamps of the Seattle Mariners celebrating 

nine consecutive seasons of 200 hits, 

exclusively released in Japan, cannot 

be bought anywhere ¥10,000. Photos 

available. likeme4u@hotmail.com 

6 VEHICLES 

6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES 

Daihatsu Mira Avy, '05, shaken until 

May, very clean, w/Kenwood CD player, 

speakers ¥40,000. cameronhardy1982@ 

hotmail.com 09049147686 

7 GENERAL 

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS 

Paul McCartney on Apr 27 at Tokyo 

Dome, two tickets available (2nd floor, 

3rd base, gate 41, passage 8, column 

19, #71 and #72). New ¥38,148. Sell 

¥35,000/both. Cash only. Not available 

individually. Omiya, Saitama. tezukuri@ 

ymail.com 

7.4 ITEMS WANTED 

Benz C class wagon, '09-'10 model, 

black or white, no dealers or auction 

guys. alinjap@yahoo.com 

8 COMPUTERS 

8.2 HARDWARE 

Laptop, Toshiba Dynabook, Pentium 4 

2.0 GHz, 1GB RAM, 80GB HD ¥5000. Pick 

up near Hirai Stn, Sobu Line, or Higashi- 

Azuma Stn, Kameido Line. broadmind@ 

gmail.com 

10 HELP! 

10.1 HELP ME 

FREE ENGLISH-TO-JAPANESE 

TRANSLATION. Working towards 

becoming a translator and need 

practice with simple documents. 

Have experience working in law 

office, accounting, HR and sales. 

michiane256@gmail.com 

Free headshots/porfolio photos. I need 

practice to up my skill-level. We can meet 

in Shibuya on Sat afternoon for outdoor 

shots. Photos for CV, LinkedIn, Facebook, 

LINE, etc. Thanks to those who helped me 

out last time! rodayos75@gmail.com 

Help decorate my camper van. 

Seeking someone with 

artistic flair and imagination 

to help me cheaply make 

the interior of my kei camper 

van really fun and homely 

(nice flooring, curtains, 

covers, etc.). Also need 

woodwork help for the bed. 

tokyophoto1@gmail.com 

Professional oil massage wanted. 

Seeking a professional or student 

masseur. Can pay ¥7000/90min or 

exchange English or Italian. Serious only. 

No shiatsu—only aroma oil massage. 

Thanks. alinjap@yahoo.com 

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-one years ago, 

West Papua should have been an 

independent country. Since 1969, 

West Papua has been invaded 

and the people robbed of their 

rights, culture and country. Help 

support West Papuans’ desire to 

be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/ 

markhelp2@gmail.com 

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 

TOKYO. If you have a problem 

with drinking, we can help. 

English-speaking meetings daily. 

03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. 

org http://aatokyo.org 

HIV Peer Support group a n d 

workshops. Get together with people in 

the same boat as you, who understand. 

Held in a safe, considerate, 100% 

confidential setting to discuss what’s 

on your mind, ask questions and make 

new friends. info@peersupporttokyo. 

com www.peersupporttokyo.com 

Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo 

is an infertility support group that 

provides informal opportunities for 

women and men experiencing infertility 

to connect with one another. Please visit 

website for more info. admin@ttctokyo. 

org www.ttctokyo.org 

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@ 


10.3 LOST FRIENDS 

Seeking Mindy. Is Mindy Mack, a 

petite blonde teaching assistant 

from L.A., still in Tokyo? Any info 

appreciated. m106819151-tsky@ 

yahoo.com 

Seeking photographer Max. Seeking 

Max (originally from Kyushu), a 

photographer who lived in Tokyo 

House (Otsuka) in the mid-’90s. His 

girlfriend’s name was Rei. Anyone 

know their whereabouts? Please let 

me know. Thank you. om_services@ 

laposte.net 

11 MESSAGES 

11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES 

SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS 

AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE. 

One year (24 issues) ¥3600 

(corporate subscribers, 

7-100 copies ok ¥22,560). 

Half year (12 issues) ¥1800 

(corporate subscribers, 

7-100 copies ok ¥12,000). 

Bank transfer or credit card 

(Visa, Mastercard, Diners 

Club). Details at http:// 

metropolisjapan.com/ 

subscription. 

WRITE A MESSAGE FOR 

YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE! 

Write anything, from birthday 

messages to proposals. http:// 

classifieds.metropolis.co.jp. 

12 SOCIAL SCENE 

12.1 LET’S PARTY 

J APAN INTERNATIONAL 

PARTY - SPRING SPECIAL. Sat, 

Mar 28, 6:30-9pm, Bar Quest 

(Roppongi). Japan’s biggest 

international party. 250 

people expected. All-youcan-drink 

and free snacks. 

Japanese men: ¥4000. 

Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http:// 

getyourfriend.com/mobile/ 

jiparty@hotmail.com http:// 

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 

INTERNATIONAL PARTY 

AT LEAFCUP. Come join 

us and have fun. Men: 

¥3000. Foreigners/women: 

¥2000. All-you-can-drinkand-eat. 

Iidabashi and 

Yokohama: Mar 21 and Apr 4. 

Shibuya: Mar 28 and Apr 11. 

www.leafparty.com 

PARTY LIKE RABBITS! Have a 

blast at TokyoLocos’ Easter 

Bunny Party. Original cocktails, 

gift giveaway, photo station. 

Free after-party entry to Club 

Ivy. Fri, Apr 3, 8-11pm, Ginza 

Roots Tokyo. Gentlemen: 

¥4000. Ladies: ¥3000. Bunny 

attire encouraged! http:// 

meturl.com/easterbunnyparty 

info@tokyolocos.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 

and venue subject to change). 

Attendance at practice must be 

over 60%. Please contact for tryout 

info and send your profile to team 

admin. bullsxleague@gmail.com 

http://www.unisys.co.jp/football 

J O B S 

To advertise: 

commercial@metropolisjapan.com 

03-4588-2277 

CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED 

BY LEAFCUP in Tokyo, Iidabashi, 

Shibuya, Yokohama. Seeking 

enthusiastic, proficient English, 

French, Spanish and/or German 

speakers who can teach and lead 

lively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h. 

Apply online: hr@leafcup.com 

www.leafcup.com/job.php 

JAPANTRAVEL INTERNSHIP. 

JapanTravel.com is seeking 

E/J bilingual interns to join the 

largest tourism website in Japan. 

Multiple opportunities in content, 

sales/marketing and web/design. 

Work in an exciting, global 

environment in Roppongi. 

Transportation and business expenses 

provided. No salary, minimum three 

months, chance for full-time position. 

Please send your resume (E/J) to 

info@japantravel.com. 

ART MODEL NEEDED. Nude model 

required for sophisticated art project. 

Willing to offer attractive modeling 

fee. Privacy is 100% respected. 

Serious only. Mail: strikeapose@nifty. 

com 

WANT TO HELP CREATE METROPOLIS? 

We’re seeking social media, web, and 

editorial interns. Great opportunity 

to gain experience in a multimedia 

company! To apply, send intro 

letter, CV and relevant clips to 

editor@metropolisjapan.com. 

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 in 

an exciting environment. No pay, but 

transportation provided. Please email 

knakashima@metropolis.co.jp. 

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 

FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join 

us for social or competitive touch 

rugby every Sat at 2:30pm by 

Ariake Stn, Yurikamome Line. Any 

age, sex, level ok. Please email 

for details. funwithtouch@gmail. 

com www.funwithtouch.com/ 

where-we-play 

PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo 

Crusaders are a friendly but 

keen international rugby club. 

Devoted to the game and its 

social side, the “Cru” welcomes 

all players and supporters. 

Established in 1990, the Cru plays 

in the Shuto League 1st Division. 

http://www.facebook.com/tokyo. 

crusaders www.tokyocrusaders. 

com 

TOKYO’S PREMIER HEALTH AND FITNESS 

CLUB, CLUB 360, is now hiring full-time 

and part-time E/J bilingual front 

desk staff. An interest in fitness, 

and administrative experience 

is a plus. Positions immediately 

available. Please send resume to 

nathan@club360.jp. www.club360.jp 

03-6434-9667 

SKY HIGH, a raw, 100% vegetarian juice 

bar opening soon in Hiroo, is seeking 

E/J bilingual bartender, kitchen staff 

and bike messenger. Basic cafe, bar 

operation knowledge a plus. Will train 

immediately. Work hours are flexible. 

To join our team, please send resume 

to info@skyhigh-tokyo.jp. Aoyama 

branch is also seeking staff. www. 

skyhigh-tokyo.jp 

WINE SALESPERSON sought to call on 

hotels, restaurants and bars to offer 

our high-quality wines at incredible 

prices. Candidates should be 

confident, J/E bilingual, passionate 

about wine, love fine dining and travel, 

have experience in sales, wine or both. 

Full-time (Mon-Fri, 10:30am-7:30pm). 

Position available immediately. Please 

send cover letter and resume to 

winejob@metropolisjapan.com. 

メトロポリスはバイリンガル( 日英 )の営業スタッ 

フを募集しています。是非、私達の広告マーケテ 

ィングチームに加わりませんか! 応募条件 : 責 

任感をもって勤勉に取り組める方、協調性があ 

り、意欲を持って主体的に働ける方を募集して 

います。営業経験のある方は歓迎します。フルタ 

イム (Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:30pm) で働ける方に 

限ります。jobs@metropolisjapan.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 

29

Many more classified ads online! Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp 

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE – SUBSCRIBE NOW! 

One year (24 issues) ¥3,600. Half year (12 issues) ¥1,800. 

One year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥22,560. 

Half year corporate subscribers: 7-100 copies ¥12,000. 

Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club). 

http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription 

Since 1949 

今年は"にほんごをもの"にする 

EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL 

DAILY CONVERSATION AND BUSINESS JAPANESE 

JAPANESE PROFICIENCY TEST 

N1, N2, N3, N4 

* One month intensive 

* 2 & 3 days a week 

* Private & Corporate 

* Business Japanese 

www.evergreen.gr.jp 

YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785 

STUDENT 

VISA 

Registration for 

July 2015 term 

NOW OPEN! 

Free trial lesson 

for groups 

info@evergreen.gr.jp 

03-3713-4958 

Badminton club in Tokyo. Small 

international group seeks players from 

abroad. If you know basic footwork, 

strokes and play seriously, you 

could definitely enjoy playing with 

us. mune2006@hotmail.co.jp www. 

geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.html 

Football/soccer players. Tokyo 

Redstar, Setagaya League 1, is seeking 

soccer players. Practice almost every 

Sat/Sun in Tokyo. Players in a spirit of fair 

play welcome. saito987@hotmail.com 

http://tokyoredstar.com 

Futsal in Tokorozawa. Sun night 

futsal? Mostly 30-45 year olds, every 

Sun evening, non-league, but mildly 

competitive. Come and play for exercise 

and fun! Any age and nationality ok. 

futsalintokorozawa@gmail.com 

Futsal players wanted by a very friendly 

international team. Practice is in Tokyo 

and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. 

fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp 

Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team 

in Tokyo seeking people who can enjoy 

the game with others. Please introduce 

yourself (age, nationality, where you 

live, whether you belong to another 

team). umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp 

Gaelic football in Japan. Japan Gaelic 

Athletic Association is always seeking 

new members, M/F ok. No experience 

necessary. Great way to meet new 

people and get fit at the same time. 

japangaa@gmail.com www.facebook. 

com/japangaa 

Jogging Yokosuka. SJM seeking friends 

to jog 8-20km in Yokosuka, mornings 

preferred, but depending on the day, 

other times could work, too. ジョギン 

グ仲間募集横須賀 . elsalvadorjapan@ 

yahoo.es 

Quality football. Interested in playing 

football at the weekend and training 

midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers after 

a good run out? If you consider yourself 

a quality player, please drop us a note. 

bfcvagabonds@gmail.com 

Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts. 

Free training group for samurai and 

ninjutsu fighting arts. Vigorous, but safe 

and intelligent, one-on-one, or small 

group training depending on the day. 

Spiritual refinement is a key element. 

rootarty@gmail.com 

Seeking Japanese archery 

companions. Let’s do kyudo near 

Tokyo. Once/month for three hours, 

weekends only. See website for details. 

datemasamune216@yahoo.co.jp http:// 

jmty.jp/tokyo/com-spo/article-qa3g 

Table tennis in Minato-ku. Hi, 

our international team is seeking 

experienced players. You need to be 

living or working in Minato-ku and commit 

to play ten times/year on Sundays (all 

day). No beginners, please. fgrideau@ 

gmail.com 

Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese 

and foreign volleyball players gather in 

Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have 

volleyball experience and want to play 

volleyball in a friendly atmosphere? 

intervollclub@yahoo.co.jp http:// 

intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/ 

Women’s soccer club. Five-a-side, 

11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or 

three practices/matches on Sun. All 

nationalities, experience levels, 

beginners welcome. Happy and friendly 

club! We have many socials. djnorio@ 

hotmail.co.jp 

13.2 LEISURE 

WEEKEND AWAY? Inn By The Sea 

Kamakura, a 4min walk from 

Hase Stn, offers child-friendly 

accommodation near the 

Daibutsu, Hase Temple, 

Yuigahama Beach and many 

other Kamakura landmarks. 

Find us on Facebook at 

InnByTheSeaKamakura. 

innbytheseakamakura.com 

innbythesea@yahoo.com 

MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. 

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 

Japanese home cooking. Japanese 

housewife offers free home cooking 

lessons to females at her house near 

Kawasaki Stn on weekdays during 

the day. Free, but you pay the cost of 

ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@ 

ezweb.ne.jp 

13.4 MUSIC 

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 

Vocalists wanted. Anyone want to put 

their vocals over some electronica tracks? 

Grime, rap, RnB, rock, soul, whatever you 

do. M/F, any language ok. Get in touch if 

you're interested! scw105@yahoo.co.uk 

We need a drummer who is able to take 

trips to Kansai, Kyushu or other regions 

of Japan with us. We play rock music 

and had gigs about 90 times last year. 

Serious only. naho@kt-sequence.com 

www.audioleaf.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 info. daginia@gmail.com 

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 

色ー度カフェ. ライトワーカーヒ 

ーリング。任意の助けのための私 

に連絡してください。 winds_fr@ 

hotmail.com 

13.6 RELIGIOUS 

Seeking a Baptist church? If you’re 

seeking a Baptist church without 

judgmental people, where everyone is 

in normal clothes, and with many English 

speakers, give me a call. Meet at Higashi- 

Shinjuku Stn, A2 exit, Sun at 10:30am. 

paytyt@gmail.com 08041554200 

13.8 PROFESSIONAL 

Tokyo Traders Club. International 

club for traders and investors. Discuss 

opportunities in stocks, commodities and 

forex. Many regular events, including FX 

trading workshop. New to trading? No 

problem; beginners also welcome. 

You can also learn to trade. Join free! 

info@tokyotraders.com http://www. 

tokyotraders.com/ 080-5444-1321 

13.9 INTERNATIONAL 

Intercultural activities. JII (Japan 

Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit, 

member-run organization that sponsors 

activities (seminars, cultural events, 

conferences) for those wanting to further 

develop intercultural competencies 

and meet other interculturalists. yuko. 

bolick@japanintercultural.org www. 

japanintercultural.org 

Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょ 

なる. Nihongo Club International is a 

volunteer group to help foreign people 

learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer 

Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 

7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp 

14 PERSONALS 

14.1 FRIENDS 

Brit for Brit (Yankee or Irish ok, too). 

Eee-up, chap from Blighty here seeking 

some fellow people from back home for 

chats involving words of more than one 

syllable (at least until we've had a few 

beers). i.do.tricks@gmail.com 

Interested in Britain? Professional 

British guy working near Marunouchi is 

seeking interesting people to hang out 

with after work for drinks. Any nationality 

ok. Prefer someone with an interest in the 

UK. I'm late 30s, speak some Japanese 

and Korean. englishmobile@outlook.com 

Kichijoji. British guy living in Kichijoji. 

I am seeking some people also living in 

Kichijoji to hang out, have drinks, etc. All 

my friends are in central and it would be 

cool to know someone more local. Any 

nationality. onzeetop@gmail.com 

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN 

SEEKING A SUGAR DADDY? 

Safely meet elite, wealthy men 

while having fun and making 

money. We are a membersonly 

dating club with strict 

rules. Foreign and Japanese 

executives, lawyers, celebrities. 

Not an escort club. No charge 

for female members. 0120-675- 

858 (English) international@ 

universe-club.jp http://universeclub.jp/en/women 

0120-675- 

858 

About suits, ties and handkerchiefs. 

You: fashion, dresses, skirts, boots, 

high heels. Me: 36, from Santa Monica, 

athletic, love dancing (but don’t go to 

clubs), reading, art, mojitos, tempura 

and ice cream. You: live or work in central 

Tokyo. oohansel@yahoo.com 

American from NYC. Executive, 50s, 

loves Japanese art, culture, cuisine, 

seeking JF, 35-45, for a forever 

relationship. Friendship first, serious 

love next. Have you ever had a real 

connection? Visiting Tokyo in Apr. Imagine 

forever... rosigma21@yahoo.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 

Cherry blossom chance. British knight 

seeks Japanese princess for a fairytale 

ending. Ok, a frog and a kiss will do—I'll 

take a gamble. 日本語 okです! 

samurai.will2014@gmail.com 

Chinese woman wanted. English guy, 

doesn't like Japanese women much, 

seeking a Chinese living in Tokyo. 

I'm nice. Contact me. summerfunk@ 

googlemail.com 

Climber and chess? Recently 離婚 

した僕がhope to meet a woman who 

loves rock climbing or has an interest. 

Keen chess player a plus. Let me pick you 

up in my Pajero and we'll see. christian@ 

local81.jp 

Cute, interesting Japanese male for 

SWF. Seeking attractive Western female 

with a nice smile. If you are interested in 

chatting over coffee or nice food, please 

contact me. I am looking forward to your 

message. Just try once. juniperten2013@ 

gmail.com 

Deep love. I'm Japanese, 40s, seeking 

real love. I have had many relationships, 

but have never felt real love. Can you help 

me discover what it's like? We can try 

everything together... toshinoris1012@ 

yahoo.co.jp 

Doing a favor for a very famous and 

accomplished lawyer. I am helping an 

attorney, 70, young, fit, with law offices 

in three states, find a marriage-minded 

Japanese lady, 35-55. vintagebook4u@ 

gmail.com 

Foreign girl? Read this. Foreign guy 

here. All my foreign girlie friends have 

disappeared back to their countries and 

I miss our "beer and bitching" sessions, 

when they'd tell me their dating horrors 

and I'd explain the man's point of view. 

ja22y@outlook.com 

Free afternoons. Are you a JF? If yes, 

please finish this sentence: I am cute 

and fun to be with because... If you can 

reply, this SWM is going to reply to you. 

Afternoon is best. jsn334@gmail.com 

30

Friendship with benefits. Guy, 30, 

living in central Tokyo, seeking a friendswith-benefits 

relationship. Let's share 

many things together and enjoy every 

bit of life. I am fun to be with. I can speak 

some Japanese. Waiting for your email. 

uniman@gmail.com 

Gentleman for long-term, intimate 

friendship. Hi! I am a respectful, goodlooking 

Western man, 48, interested 

in having regular intimate time with a 

decent woman. I don't care about your 

age—just be positive, safe, nonsmoking. 

vbcfgt@hotmail.com 

German man, 30, in the Shinjuku 

area, seeking a passionate and loving 

Japanese woman. I like going to 

museums, restaurants and sporting 

events. hamenahamena@gmx.de 

Give me a chance? Hi, friendly, creative 

American M in Suginami seeking kind, 

considerate female, 30s, to enjoy Japan 

together. Traveling, writing, food, 

music, everything! Nihongo also ok. Try 

something new and mail me? It could be 

good. Thanks. go_shokai@yahoo.com 

Handsome Italian man seeking sexy, 

feminine and fun to be with! Let's go 

and explore new places and enjoy life. 

You must be financially independent. 

I'm seeking a partner, not a daughter. 

No childish girls—real women, please. 

sugartokyo4@yahoo.com 

Japanese man seeking someone. 

Japanese man, 41, seeks a partner for 

hanging out on weekends. I am openminded 

and easy to get along with. 

My hobbies are music, movies, books, 

and so on. hiro11923@gmail.com 

090-6925-2360 

Japanese man seeks female. Hi, I'm 

a JM seeking a foreign friend. I'm 30, 

easygoing, like driving, drinking, movies, 

dancing at clubs, etc. If you are seeking 

a friend, please mail me back. Any 

nationality ok. kosuke1016@hotmail.com 

Lived overseas? White English guy 

seeking easygoing JF who has lived 

overseas in an English-speaking 

country. I'm 30s, seeking someone, 20s, 

who prefers older guys. Nonsmokers 

only. A good intro gets my reply. 

titanislander+2@gmail.com 

Married for married. Married European 

guy, 30, in a sexless marriage, seeking a 

woman in a similar situation. Let's meet 

for a coffee first. strengthandhonour85@ 

gmail.com 

Massage friend. British man, 35, 

seeking a plump or fat JF to be a massage 

friend. I want to give and receive body 

massage, but it's too expensive. Let's 

help each other relax. No sex ok. 

zzztopsandfingers@hotmail.co.uk 

No English? 銀行で働いてるイギリ 

ス人が日本の女の子探してる。英 

語分からない女の子欲しい。 vint. 

snap@gmail.com 

Nothing at home. Can you help me? 

Are you a nice, cute and friendly JF? I'm 

married, but no sex for years. Goodlooking 

guy, but trapped. Just touch me 

a little, that's all—can any woman help? 

jsn334@gmail.com 

Public fun. Are you a JF who likes to be 

a little bit crazy? What about secret fun in 

public places? We can do it quickly, with 

people close by—that will be exciting. At 

your lunch break maybe? joolsshow@ 

yahoo.co.jp 

Questions! Are you seeking a tall guy? 

Are you too stressed and in need of some 

fun? If yes, reply to me. jsn334@gmail. 

com 

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 

Seeking companionship. I ' m 

Caucasian, 44, 194cm, nonsmoking, 

social drinker, enjoy traveling, music, 

books, hikes, dining out as well as 

cooking at home. I like simplicity of life. 

Seeking a long-term relationship with 

a like-minded woman. pisces030771@ 

hotmail.com 

Seeking fun. SWM, 28, French, seeking 

people who want fun like me. My life is 

stable, but boring and stressful. I need 

excitement for my mental health balance. 

If you feel the same way, contact me, 

please. reydajp@yahoo.co.jp 

Seeking relationship leading to 

marriage from a serious lady. Please, 

no drama—straight to business. Japanbased 

people only. smartguy@i. 

softbank.jp 

Serious relationship. Single, 30, living 

and working in Tokyo, seeking a serious 

relationship. I like movies, travel. 日本 

語大丈夫です。良かったら連絡くだ 

さい。 lavillelumiere2015@gmail.com 

Single, handsome, caring and witty 

Japanese male seeks a nice Western 

or Japanese female for friendship and 

possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. 

If you are interested in exciting and 

happy times with me, email me now! 

cioinjapan@gmail.com 

SW Brit for encounter. Brit, 

30-something, seeking a casual 

encounter. I am tallish, good-looking(ish), 

love chatting and drinking. Let's meet for 

a beer and take it from there if we click. 

happylamp@hotmail.co.uk 

UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of 

books, films, music, seeks an attractive 

British lady with the same interests. 

hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp 

Venetian man seeking Asian woman in 

Tokyo. 日本語 ok. marcofromvenezia@ 

yahoo.com 

Virgin guy, 28, single. I haven't 

experienced a woman's touch yet because 

I suffer from extreme shyness. I am trying 

to find someone here so that I don't need 

to ask her directly. Anyone want to explore 

me? I won't be bad, I guess. meru.asap@ 

gmail.com 

WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35. 

I am tall, white, with blue eyes. I speak 

Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@yahoo.com 

ラブレッター。 When I was young, I 

wrote love letters with pen and paper, 

waiting for days to receive the answer. 

Now it is just a sweet memory. vbcfgt@ 

hotmail.com 

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN 

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 one-month 

trial offer: first date is on us! 

0120-675-858 (English) 

international@universe-club.jp 

http://universe-club.jp/en 

Bonjour, Blue-eyes! Seeking a tall, 

blue-eyed single French or British man, 

preferably someone who loves music 

and art and who lives in the Hiroo area. 

tokyomiffy@gmail.com 

Discover fun in Tokyo. Seeking nice, 

classy gentleman as companion for 

activities (dining, movies/concerts, spa, 

etc.). I'm free on weekday afternoons, 

too. I'm a JF, mid-30s, slim, pretty, 

attached—so nothing serious, please! 

Please reply with introduction. 

amynakagawa@outlook.jp 

Enjoy dating. Hi, I am a JF, 44. I love 

classical music (Mozart, Brahms), opera 

(Puccini), art (Raphaello), horseback 

riding, horse racing, good restaurants. 

Would like to have a friend to enjoy 

these things with. Thank you! elegant. 

note1211@gmail.com 

European man for serious relationship. 

I'm a SJF, 30s, seeking a European 

gentleman as I'm interested in the culture 

and history. Email me for more info. 

Serious and genuine people who know 

how to carry on interesting conversation 

only. trai_cay@hotmail.com 

Feminine SJF. Woman seeking romance 

and love in a long-term relationship. Welleducated, 

healthy, charming European or 

North American preferred. We all want a 

bit more warmth in life. I'm mid-40s. 

Singles only. nikitaeleon@yahoo.co.jp 

Just split up with my long-term boyfriend 

this month. JF, 45, seeking a boyfriend. 

Fit, 5'3, cheerful, loving, love watching 

football. Please reply if you are single, 

sincere and close to my age. Serious only. 

letmeknowmoreaboutyou@i.softbank.jp 

Love cherry blossoms? Seeking a tall, 

cool single foreigner living in the Midtown 

(Roppongi) area. Easy to hang out after 

work or on weekends. tokyomiffy@ 

gmail.com 

Rare discovery! Warmhearted, 

attractive, positive, slim SJF, enjoys 

cooking, hiking, working, art, seeks 

gentle, attractive, successful Caucasian 

in central Tokyo who wants to raise a 

loving family. What's important is trust, 

respect and stimulating each other. Photo 

necessary. sorosoroaitai@yahoo.co.jp 

Seeking comfort, Hi, I'm 29, work six 

days/week, seeking men to comfort me. I 

don't have time to meet new people. I like 

movies, music, drinking and going out. 

What about you? butterfly.saya0324@ 

gmail.com 

Seeking single/divorced Caucasian 

professional, 35-45, tall and confident. 

I am single, tall and voluptuous. 

fumiyomuroya@yahoo.co.jp 

Seeking someone real to spend life 

with. I lived in Canada for a year and had a 

great time there. That experience brought 

me here. I'm looking forward to talking 

with you. 1069klo@gmail.com 

Serious relationship. Seeking tall 

Caucasian businessman, 37-50, faithful, 

considerate, educated. I'm seeking a 

long-term relationship leading to... I'm 

an Asian woman, 45. Please reply, w/ 

photo. check1111@hotmail.co.jp 

Very feminine, and I can be tough, totally 

fun. Japanese, mid-40s, happy with my 

looks from head to toe, with Western 

spunk and exotic Asian gentleness, 

seeking single business professional. 

Won't disappoint you if you're what I'm 

seeking. whiteforeverbeau@yahoo.co.jp 

14.4 GAY & LESBIAN 

LOVE-SONG LOVER. Romantic, 

mature guy seeking another 

nonsmoking guy for friendship, 

interesting activities around town, 

maybe more. Tall, dark brown hair, 

average build. Sense of humor 

along with independence important. 

Happy to exchange face photos and 

chat first. ming@zar.att.ne.jp 

Serious relationship. Middle-aged T 

seeking serious relationship leading to 

marriage. For love, caring for each other 

and a happy life. I know it's difficult, but 

it's my dream. eco_nyanko@yahoo.co.jp 

14.5 ESCORTS 

ESCORTS have gone online. 

To find a lovely lady 

companion, visit http:// 

classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ 

category/personals/escorts. 

14.6 AND OTHERS 

TRANCE PARTIES. Attractive couple 

(European/Japanese) is seeking one 

or two women to join us for dinners 

and trance parties. All expenses 

paid—just enjoy. tokyopleasure6@ 

gmail.com 

Dominant Japanese gentleman, 

late 50s, with 25 years of experience, 

177cm, 79kg, married, nonsmoker, 

discreet, perfectly healthy, seeks a 

hidden submissive lady of any age or 

nationality for Gorean or Histoire d’O style 

relationship. tarlstefan@hotmail.com 

Female wanted for light bondage play. 

Hi, ladies. Have you ever wanted to be tied 

up and spanked? Just light rope or a bath 

robe cord. Blindfold, too, if you want. A 

white guy in Tokyo can do it. joolsshow@ 

yahoo.co.jp 

I can gratify your innermost kinky 

desire. I'm a SJM, 20s, DD-free, discreet, 

no strings attached. Just tell me what you 

want me to do. I'll reply within 24 hours. 

zaku2@live.jp 

Strict English teacher seeking pupil. 

English teacher with firm hands and 

strict educational methods is seeking an 

obedient pupil. bermudatri@hotmail.com 

April 2015 Membership Fee 

31

RELATIONS 

GROCERY SHOPPING FASHION 

BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA 

When I was a kid, I swore I would never become one of those people 

you see on an ice-cream run at midnight, wearing just pajamas. But then 

I grew up and realized that life is hard. More often than I would like to 

admit, I found myself driving to the supermarket at midnight for cake, 

chips, or whatever else I was craving. However, when my husband and 

I moved to Tokyo, I realized that my occasional pajama-clad grocery runs 

were long gone. Women dress so nicely in Tokyo ... even just to go to the 

grocery store at 2am. 

スーパーでのお買い物ファッション 

私は子供の頃、真夜中にパジャマ姿でアイスを買いに出かけるような人には絶 

対にならないと誓いました。でも大人になって、そんなこともしたくなるほど 

人生は大変なのだと気が付きました。認めるには恥ずかしいのですが、私はよ 

く深夜にケーキやポテトチップスなど、その時々に欲していたものを買いにス 

ーパーに行っていました。でも夫と東京に引っ越して来てからはそのようなこ 

とはしなくなりました。なぜなら東京の女性は常に身だしなみを整えているか 

らです。深夜 2 時にスーパーに行く時でも。 

■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics 

about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com. 

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck 

horoscope 

BY CATHRYN MOE 

ARIES 

Mar 21-Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ 

TAURUS 

Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ 

GEMINI 

May 21-Jun 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ 

CANCER 

Jun 21-Jul 22 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ 

Money—that’s the operative word this 

week. Venus is in the early stages of 

reviving your income, or bringing you 

something you value. It could be a sentimental 

gift or a treasured family heirloom. Whatever 

form it takes, be sure to thank this goddess, for 

this is only the beginning. With the Pluto-Uranus 

squares, events may have conspired so that your 

self-esteem took a hit. Every time you get back 

up, world history and your destiny become one; 

your strength is an inspiration to others. 

LEO 

Jul 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ♣♣ 

Finally! Venus in your sign brings 

you wealth in one form or another. 

Remember that personal qualities 

and how you present yourself have value. You 

negotiate with others using your energetic field 

every day, though most times that perspective 

is not spoken of or even known about. Mars still 

trails in your solar twelfth house of behind-thescenes 

activities. Dreams dominate this sector 

of your chart as well. The Sun shines a little light 

on this over the weekend. 

VIRGO 

Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ 

The tip of the Sun-Moon conjunction 

opposes, and can balance, your 

relationship on Friday. Then the 

weekend rolls around—or hits, depending on 

your personal velocity—and you get to see just 

what you’ve created together. For some weird 

quirk of universal law, even if you’re single, you 

still get to have the experience. It might be with a 

relative who wants to give you a gift, or a corporation 

that needs to make amends. Grab it when 

it comes, for it’s a lightning strike. 

CAPRICORN 

Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ 

A great week to send your request 

to the court of cosmic appeals—after 

all, Gemini is ruled by Mercury, the 

messenger. Gemini also rules the third house 

of communication, opposing the ninth house of 

law. So when it comes to quantum repartee or 

negotiating an agreement, you pretty much have 

it covered. Venus has moved behind the scenes 

in your chart. She may want to hide a financial 

strength from predators in order to give your 

resources time to grow. 

LIBRA 

Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ 

If it weren’t for you, everything would 

go by in a blur and no one would 

remember why. We didn’t just come 

here for the grit of the day; we came to resonate 

with something so lovely that inspiration follows. 

It may be a beautiful mind, a gorgeous rose, or 

a tempting ... someone. And don’t forget food! 

Then there’s the sound of a voice that soothes; 

the color of a green bud that blooms purple-pink. 

There has to be something that nourishes the 

soul, and you hold the power in your hand. 

If it weren’t for Mars and Uranus 

dancing a tightwire at work, it would 

be easy to welcome the Sun into this 

sector of your chart. The Sun rules the heart and 

your ego. As it is, awareness gained this week is 

worth the reflection, because you’re free to step 

out of the loop you’ve been in. No one ever said 

consciousness doesn’t come at a high price. Still, 

freedom is what you were born for. Saturday and 

Sunday are days of possible tension, which by 

Monday becomes a power base for you. 

SCORPIO 

Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣ 

Your house of romance is full this 

weekend. Make sure you don’t have 

too many people interested in you at 

once, or you’ll have the same lesson coming to 

you from every direction—exponential, multiplied. 

The Sun-Moon conjunction on Friday is yummy, 

just as the Moon separating from the Sun is sad to 

see it go. Saturday and Sunday are for work, one 

way or another. You’ll have energy to tackle a big 

task. If you pace yourself, Venus will see you have 

a reward at the end. 

Lessons learned lately are expensive—ouch! 

You’ll survive them. 

Your heart is overflowing, and you’re 

treated to glimpses of the bigger picture and 

your role in it. Once you see it, you’ll realize why 

Leo’s ruled by the Sun, which governs the heart. 

Compassion becomes the only way to absorb 

current shocks and move forward. Reflect the 

energies from your opposing sign, Aquarius. 

Understanding comes from pulling back and 

restoring yourself before going back in. 

SAGITTARIUS 

Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ 

AQUARIUS 

Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣ 

PISCES 

Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣ 

Sagittarius, whom everyone requests 

when they need a lift, needs some 

tender, loving care this week. You’re 

not used to the heaviness of Saturn in your sign. 

This planet’s in the early stages of putting you 

in the driver’s seat. Sagittarius still governs 

everything from optimism and fun to the law and 

long-distance travel. Splicing together opposing 

viewpoints can become exhausting. Synthesizing, 

correlating, all in the name of holding onto 

the highest perspective, takes its toll. It may be 

time to delegate. 

Sometimes it’s good to get on 

another channel; you have so many 

other options this way. Some people 

beat upon a door that won’t open—because 

it’s the wrong door. Seems simple, but not 

when emotions are involved. Of all the signs, 

Capricorns are the most pragmatic; you do what 

works. Luckily, with the Sun-Moon conjunction 

this Friday, you can start your weekend with a 

little whimsy. Fantasy’s always a nice way to 

escape—no reality required. 

Ever feel like you can think better 

when no one else is around? How 

hard is it to find that kind of space 

these days? The pressure is on to create your 

own little cocoon. Some people are born with a 

built-in buffer zone, others are porous and can’t 

help feeling everything around them. With the 

Sun-Moon conjunction in your solar second 

house of income on Friday, there may be pressure 

to perform or provide financial help. Make 

sure you are OK in the midst of it all. 

Wow! The Sun conjuncts the Moon 

in Pisces on Friday, and feelings run 

deep: Music is inspirational, films 

change lives. Mercury in your sign makes you 

prophetic and mystical. Then the Sun leaves your 

sign and so does the Moon. Suddenly, you’re 

looking at what you have; income is a factor, and 

what you own. What you do with your time is valuable. 

Who you are and what you create is your 

signature of self. You become a wave of reality 

that travels on forever. 

32

Headline of the Week: 

“Chinese Scrambling 

to Buy Shower Toilet 

Seats in Japan” 

(via The Japan News) 

the small print 

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN 

LINGO BOX 

Saiken ( 再建 ) = reconstruction 

Jōkō ( 条項 ) = terms; clause 

Fudōsan ( 不動産 ) = real estate 

Kyūryō ( 給料 ) = salary 

Fukkyū ( 復旧 ) = recovery 

WE HAVE CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS AT REVIVING 

IMAGES OF PRECIOUS MEMORIES THAT PEOPLE HAVE 

GIVEN UP ON REPRODUCING” —Takahiko Koyama, president of 

Retro Enterprises in Sumida-ku, which specializes in refurbishing black-and-white 

television sets 

THANKS BUT NO THANKS 

⊲A ⊲ group of NPOs and other organizations involved 

in reconstruction in northeastern Japan 

have designated 53 disaster-hit locations as 

“pilgrimage sites.” Among the destinations are 

two reactors at the crippled Fukushima nuclear 

plant and the so-called miracle pine tree of Rikuzentakata. 

⊲Officials ⊲ in Okinawa have come up with a 

plan to get rid of an invasive species of wasp 

that’s been devastating local trees … by introducing 

another type of wasp that preys 

on the interlopers. 

⊲Immigration ⊲ 

authorities suspect a Philippine 

diplomat helped three of his countrymen enter 

Japan to work at jobs in violation of their 

visa status. 

MILESTONES 

⊲On ⊲ February 12, The Mainichi Shimbun published 

its 50,000th issue. 

⊲Self-Defense ⊲ 

Force officials say they’ve fulfilled 

the terms of a 2008 treaty by disposing 

of all of Japan’s cluster munitions. 

⊲Scholars ⊲ say a recently discovered trove of 

at a glance 

BY ADAM GARWOOD 

400 notebooks and other papers written by 

celebrated military commander Gentaro Kodama 

(1852-1906) represents “a boon for modern 

history research.” 

⊲A ⊲ tasting event in Toyama featured a squid 

believed to be among the largest ever captured. 

The beast measured six meters long and 

weighed 130 kilos. 

FROM THE BUSINESS DESK 

⊲Didier ⊲ Leroy, a 57-year-old Frenchman, became 

the first non-Japanese to be named an 

executive vice president at Toyota Motor Co. 

⊲Executives ⊲ at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank unveiled 

a plan to welcome back retired workers 

who “have specialist knowledge of inheritance, 

real estate, and other areas.” 

⊲Members ⊲ of an education ministry panel have 

urged the government to boost the salaries 

of senior researchers and increase support for 

younger scientists. 

⊲Doctors ⊲ with the Japan Society of Obstetrics 

and Gynecology approved a research study to 

determine whether improved screening of eggs 

fertilized in vitro can reduce miscarriage rates. 

Check out Adam’s works at http://meturl.com/adam3 

stats 

85 Percentage of respondents to a 

newspaper survey who say they support 

Sapporo’s bid to host the 2026 Winter 

Olympics 

50 Number of purse snatchings carried 

out by a pair of 21-year-old scooterriding 

bandits, according to Chiba police 

52 Percentage of mobile phone shops 

that provide “insufficient explanations” 

to customers who purchase 

smartphones, according to the National 

Police Agency 

SPANNING THE GLOBE 

⊲Dozens ⊲ of primary and middle school students 

in Osaka are flocking to a community center 

that’s been repurposed as an “English village.” 

The goal is to immerse the kids in an international 

environment. 

⊲U.S. ⊲ actress Charlotte Kate Fox, who costarred 

in the hit NHK drama Massan, has been 

chosen to play the lead role in a Broadway production 

of Chicago. 

⊲Officials ⊲ at the University of Tokyo and Peking 

University announced a plan to enhance academic 

and student exchanges. 

GAME ON! 

⊲Tokyo ⊲ Governor Yoichi Masuzoe said he believes 

funds earmarked for disaster reconstruction 

in Tohoku would be better used to 

help pay for the 2020 Olympics. Which is weird, 

because last year Masuzoe went on record as 

saying the reconstruction budget should be 

used for disaster recovery and that the “cost 

of hosting the Olympics can be covered from 

elsewhere.” 

⊲Officials ⊲ at JR East said they’ll introduce double-decker 

“green car” carriages on the Chūō 

and Ōme Lines in time for the Tokyo Games. 

⊲Bottom ⊲ Story of the Week: “Mystery Person 

Who Sent Hina Dolls to U.S. President Kennedy 

Identified” (via Mainichi Japan) 

Small Print Updated Weekly 

→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT 

Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo 

Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo 

33

the last word 

International 

Women’s Day 

Achieving Gender Equality: 

A Challenging Endeavor 

BY ANNABEL LANDRY 

THE 

FEMINIST 

DREAM 

THAT 

WOMEN 

CAN ‘HAVE 

IT ALL’ IS 

SLOWLY 

FADING. 

WANT 

TO HAVE 

THE LAST 

WORD? 

Send your article to: 

editor@ 

metropolisjapan.com 

I play taiko because it’s good for the soul, 

body and mind; it empowers me, and enables 

me to connect musically with others—men 

and women alike—who share 

a passion for this ancient ceremonial art. 

Our teacher, a middle-aged Japanese 

woman, is a veritable leader and a great 

source of inspiration. 

Throughout history, women like her 

have furthered women’s emancipation. 

Yet, in the Information Age, the status of 

women is still precarious. So, we must 

ask ourselves: Have we failed to raise 

greater awareness and foster wider public 

engagement? 

While women worldwide do enjoy 

more rights today than a century ago, 

those in developing nations still face great 

discrimination and hostility. This is something 

rigorously documented and repeatedly 

denounced by organizations such 

as Amnesty International, UN Women, 

and Human Rights Watch. The web page 

of the HRW Women’s Rights division 

points to the severity of the problem: 

“Despite great strides made by the 

international women’s rights movement 

over many years, women and girls around 

the world are still married as children or 

trafficked into forced labor and sex slavery. 

They are refused access to education 

and political participation, and some are 

trapped in conflicts where rape is perpetrated 

as a weapon of war. Around the 

world, deaths related to pregnancy and 

childbirth are needlessly high, and women 

are prevented from making deeply 

personal choices in their private lives.” 

Women and girls in many high-income 

nations also grapple with sexual harassment 

and gender inequalities. According 

to UN Women, 40 to 50 percent of 

EU women experience unwanted sexual 

advances, physical contact, or other forms 

of sexual harassment at work. Studies 

have shown 30 to 40 percent of women 

face a similar ordeal across Asia. In the 

U.S., “83 percent of girls aged 12 to 16 

[have] experienced some form of sexual 

harassment in public schools.” 

Meanwhile, the feminist dream that 

women can “have it all” is slowly fading. 

The reality is, raising a family while climbing 

the corporate ladder is difficult—unless 

we’re willing to sacrifice family life. 

Women still face barriers to promotion, 

remaining conspicuously underrepresented 

in top executive and board 

positions. Significant pay disparities 

also persist in the G-20. In the U.S., the 

Institute for Women's Policy Research 

recently found that “female full-time workers 

made only 78 cents for every dollar 

earned by men, a gender wage gap of 

22 percent.” 

In Japan, nearly 30 years after the Diet 

Illustration by Christi Rochin 

enacted the Equal Employment Opportunity 

Law, more than 50 percent of women 

still would rather become a housewife 

after marriage or childbirth. Not 

surprising, given the rigid work culture, 

long hours and gender income gap—the 

second greatest among OECD countries. 

However, with Japan’s rapidly declining 

population, the necessity to bring more 

women into the workforce has increased. 

To address this, Prime Minister Abe announced, 

in 2013, his “womenomics” policy 

package, aiming to boost the number 

of women in senior management by 2020. 

Marilyn Frye, notable American philosopher 

and feminist theorist, believes 

“the locus of sexism is primarily in the system 

and framework, not in the particular 

act.” Clearly, if we wish to end discrimination 

in all forms, we must reform existing 

social structures and institutions in ways 

that help create and sustain new perspectives 

on gender diversity. But first, we 

need to redefine gender roles. 

Consider this: While women have 

rightfully benefited from the introduction 

of gender-specific legislation and policies, 

men are often penalized in areas like 

property division, paternity leave, spousal 

support, and alimony, to name a few. This 

owes to persistent social stereotypes, 

prevailing expectations, and lack of progressive 

reforms. Another problem is that 

men—and boys—are also subjected to 

sexual discrimination, a fact that’s consistently 

ignored. Males, regardless of 

ethnicity and sexual orientation, regularly 

fall prey to sexual assault or other forms 

of violence, but are less likely to report 

the incidents for fear of being ridiculed 

or stigmatized. 

So, perhaps it’s time to recognize that 

we need to rally more men to our cause. 

If we’re serious about achieving gender 

equality, we must work together to 

fight all forms of discrimination, whether 

arising from gender, race, age, disability, 

or sexuality. Neither incitement to 

hatred against men nor endorsement of 

antiquated belief systems catering to patriarchy 

will move society forward. 

Sure, it’ll never be perfect. But if we 

beat our drums in unison and work together 

to achieve harmony, we can bring 

about change and innovation for the perpetual 

betterment of humanity. 

■ Annabel Landry is a freelance writer living 

in Tokyo. 

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. 

34

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