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Sep 19-Oct 2, 2014 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolis.co.jp無料 PRICELESSFEMMFATALEBRING DOWN THEDOLLHOUSEGET DOLLED UPWITH OUR FASHION &BEAUTY SPECIALTWISTED ARTBUNKAMURA’S VISUALDECEPTIONSTEAM TO ESTEEMCOME CLEAN WITHYOURSELFCATCH JOHN LEGENDCHECK OUR LISTINGS!

DO YOU HAVEWHAT IT TAKESFOR TV?Looking for English& Chinese speakersAlso Japanese, Spanish& French speakersNOW IN JAPAN!TOKYOCORRESPONDENTFashion One broadcasts original programmingto over 300 million people in 44 countries.We’re now looking for a Tokyo correspondentto join our worldwide operations.No fashion experience needed—just the rightpersonality! Send your CV, cover letter, photoand/or video application, plus a link to anyon-camera work to:http://www.fashionone.jp/casting日本初上陸 ! 日本初上陆 !日本人テレビリポーターを募集しています!ファッションワンは世界 44ヶ国、3 億人以上に発信している番組です。履歴書と、プロファイル写真一枚を送って下さい。もしあなたが映っている動画やリンク先があれば、是非一緒に送って下さい。http://www.fashionone.jp/casting我们正在面向全球招募中文流利的电视台记者 !你好 , 美女 ! 想成为一名记者吗 ?我们会是你的第一选择 !只要你拥有一副可爱的容貌 , 那就快快加入我们这支年轻的队伍吧 !你只需要给我们发送你的简历和照片。FACEBOOK 等个人网页也欢迎 !http://www.fashionone.jp/castingBE SEEN. BE THE SCENE.metropolis.co.jp/fashionone

insideSEP 19-OCT 2, 2014 • #1069Photo: 123RFPhoto by Lorenzo BarassiUnderground Piano (1984) by Shigeo Fukuda.Courtesy of Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art.071318Baby (Road) Bump: Overcoming infertility in Japan.Plastic Makes Perfect: FEMM rocks the dollhouse.Your Lying Eyes: Bunkamura’s art will twist your brain.Cover design Kohji Shiiki, photography: Lorenzo Barassi (www.lnz.it), models: FEMM (www.femm.jp)GET PRINTED!SEND YOUR “CREEPY SCENE” PHOTOS FOR THE OCT 17 ISSUE. DEADLINE OCT 6 metropolis.co.jp/features/photoIN FOCUSView of the 9/9 harvest moon from Nishi-Azabu, by Christian Walker8F Nishi-Azabu Sonic Bldg, 3-2-12 Nishi-Azabu,Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 Tel 03-4588-2277Fax 03-4588-2278 • www.metropolis.co.jpMETROPOLIS is Japan’s No.1 English magazine,founded in 1994 and published for Japan’sinternational community.Search over 30 million photos✓ 10 free starter credits with registration✓ 25% credits bonus on purchasePromo Code: Metropolis www.123rf.com/metropolisCHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Neil Butler EDITORIAL Mike Kanert (Managing Editor) Martin Leroux (Editor) Wendy Nguyen (EditorialAssistant & Social Media Manager) Lisa Wallin (Editorial Assistant) Anna Cock Gibson (Proofreader) Momoko Mochizuki, Taiichi Izawa(Interns) CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dan Grunebaum (Entertainment) Don Morton (Movies) C.B. Liddell (Arts) Samuel Thomas (Fashion)DESIGN Kohji Shiiki (Art Director) Davi Azevedo (Graphic Designer) Minh Douangprachanh (Web Designer) James McGuire (Web Developer)PRODUCTION Helen Langford (Production Assistant) ADVERTISING Akane Ochi (Director of Sales) Karl Nakashima (Sales Manager)Yo Takahashi, Maya Oishi (Sales Executives) Ai Hosokawa (Sales Assistant) ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Jeanette Komatsu (OfficeManager) Michiko Anezaki (Adminstration/Classifieds), Keiko Adachi (Adminstration) IT Guilhem Malfre (It/Web Developer)MetropolisMagazine @MetropolisTokyo MetropolisTokyoeditor@metropolis.co.jpReach over 60,000 Metropolis readers. Advertise with us: sales@metropolis.co.jp; http://metropolis.co.jp/advertise外国人集客なら6 万人の読者を持つNo.1ブランド・メトロポリスをご活用ください。詳しくは:03-4588-2277© Copyright 2014 Japan Partnership Inc. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or delete any advertisement without notice.03

city lifein personINK ARTISTBY MICHIKO OKUBOMore than a half-century ago, Katsue Inoue,one of the artists featured in the College Women’sAssociation of Japan’s (CWAJ) upcomingOctober Print Show, fell under the spell of theraven-haired beauties of Edo-period ukiyo-e.While all the other colors in the centuries-oldwoodblock prints had faded, Inoue noted theluxuriant jet-black hair was still vivid and alive.The hair of these stylish Edo beauties inspiredher to pursue the perfect black ink for her owndramatic flower prints.Inoue, now 82, works relentlessly to createthis perfection. She makes her own ink, mixingcrushed Indian ink sticks with water. Every dayfor months, she skims off impurities and glue (abinding agent in the ink) and changes the water.She then grinds the sediments with a mortar andpestle 5,000 times, mixes the powder with waterand strains it through cotton cloth.Katsue Inoue with print Fleeting BeautyInoue began her artistic journey as a kimonodyer. She studied yuzen-zome, a resist-dyeingtechnique that involves painting with multicolordyes directly onto silk. She was already teachingyoung girls these techniques when she startedto learn woodblock printing from a fellow volunteerartist in her early twenties.Photo by Yoshinobu NakamuraIn the 1970s, legendary printartist Shiko Munakata spottedher talent. He was so captivatedthat he stood stock still, hisface nearly touching the print.Munakata took Inoue underhis wing. He told her, “Flowersare your thing.” Inoue considersthem her lifelong friends. Sheplaces her rich, pure-black inkover a woodblock she’s carvedwith a minimalist floral design,then presses Echizen-washi(handmade paper) overtop. Herflowers bloom as they take onthe ostensibly black ink’s hiddencolors. Though having gonefrom multicolor yuzen dyeing to monochromaticwoodblock prints, she has never abandoned hercolors, but embraces them in her sensual black ink.Inoue’s striking print, Waltz, is available forpurchase at the CWAJ Print Show, Oct 17-19at the Tokyo American Club. See exhibitionlistings for details. www.cwaj.orgWAFUDRESSINGAvoid sartorial snafus atlocal life eventsBY HELEN LANGFORDIf you’ve ever found yourself suffering from appropriate-apparelanxiety before a big event,know that you’re not alone. And although commonsense feels like a reliable guide, “common”varies from culture to culture in truly unexpectedways—and you don’t want your common senseto leave you in a post-faux-pas funk. While therewill be regional (and generational) variations,here is a general (and conservative) guide todressing for special events in Japan.WEDDINGS: Avoid all white or all black. If yougo with either, add colorful accessories. Havehemlines reach at least your knees, and coverbare shoulders with a stole or something similar.Avoid black and colored tights, sheer tops,open-toed shoes, boots of any length, shoeswithout backs and anything with animal print.Summer weddings may allow some leeway, butif there is any doubt, conservative is best.FUNERALS: Ososhiki demand black from topto toe. That includes ties, shoes, purses andalmost everything in between. The exception iswhite shirts if you’re wearing a suit, and schooluniforms for kids. Dresses should have sleevesand reach below your knees. Black tights areobligatory; sunglasses a definite no. Shinythings and rings other than wedding bandsare out, and a single-strand pearl necklace isthe only acceptable white accessory. Otsuya,the ceremony the night before the main service,allows a bit more wiggle room, with darkblue or dark gray outfits acceptable, but tiesshould still be black. For small kids withoutuniforms or funeral attire, a nice, dark-coloredoutfit will suffice—just make sure there’s no redin it whatsoever. Coats, umbrellas and otherweather-related accessories should be blackor another somber color. All clothing should besimple and without decoration.RITES OF PASSAGE: For children’s life eventssuch as Miyamairi (a newborn’s first shrine visit),Shichi-Go-San (the celebrations for three- andseven-year-old girls and three- and five-yearoldboys), or school entrance and graduationceremonies, most parents will show up in suits,with skirt suits being common for women. Thatbeing said, these are places where you can letout some of your personal style, so dresses,skirts and pants are A-OK as long as they’redressy. If you decide to wear a kimono, followthe protocol for seasonal pattern, color andstyle (and if you don’t know what that means,skip the kimono).PANTYHOSE PRIMER: Until recently, skippingpantyhose was a big no-no in Japan. Thoughtimes have changed and young women are startingto go bare-legged, for formal occasions it’swise to err on the side of tradition and hose up.If the event is on the casual side and it’s summer,you can probably go without, but it might be bestto ask if anyone else will be forgoing conventionbeforehand—and it wouldn’t hurt to have a pairin your bag, just in case.Photo: 123RF06

FROM PATIENTTO PARENTA roadmap to fertility in JapanBY ALY LAWSONFew things can make a woman feel more vulnerablethan medical stirrups. Add the fear ofinfertility when trying to conceive, and it can feellike the loneliest place in the world.Infertility is typically defined as the inabilityto conceive after a year of intercourse withoutbirth control, or the inability to carry a pregnancyto live birth. The statistics vary by country, ageand other factors. But the crux is that there is noneed to suffer alone.“Don’t take it personally,” says Christine Jamplis,an American dealing with fertility issuesin Japan. “It’s not a race.” That’s good advice,seeing as navigating the processes and availableoptions can sometimes make you feel likeyou’re stuck in gridlock.It helps to know what can be done. So ifyou’ve “tried” for a while with no luck, and iftemperature-taking and ovulation kits aren’tproducing a big fat positive pregnancy stick,these are the basic steps.First, a semen analysis for your partner andan HSG (hysterosalpingogram) for you, to checkthat travel of a fertilized egg would be unimpeded.Also, a blood draw at a certain point in yourcycle will show if you’re ovulating and sendingeggs down the fertilization highway. If not, yourdoctor can prescribe Clomifene (or similar) forovulation stimulation.If that doesn’t work, the next steps are shotsof hMG (human menopausal gonadotropin) andother pregnancy-supporting hormones. If necessary,forms of IVF (in vitro fertilization) are alsoan option. While it can be daunting, just rememberthat you always have options and hope.“If you suspect something is wrong, go gethelp,” says Windsor Redick, a military servicemember who’s dealt with infertility and now has ahealthy child. “I kind of kept the infertility strugglebottled up socially while we were going throughit.” When she found herself getting emotional asyet another friend announced a pregnancy onFacebook—or even when women walked by withmultiple toddlers in tow—having an email friendto whom she could vent made all the difference.“She was there for me and would just listen. It wasexactly what I needed,” she says.The brightest side of Japanese fertility treatmentis its relative affordability. And while notavailable to everyone, many expats and militaryservice members can access a medical translator.They’re more than interpreters—they’rekind, hardworking professionals who go theextra mile, advising you on everything from thekinds of sushi that are safe to eat during pregnancyto giving directions to maternity shops.For her part, Jamplis commutes to Yokohama’sFukuda Women’s Clinic. While the trains arerush-hour mad at any hour, she says the environmentof the small but well-known establishmentis like being in someone’s home. There’s onlythe doctor and nurse—and if patients aren’t inthe first wave when the doors open, they won’tget a seat in the assembly line of a waiting room.As long as you have a chance at fertility, thekey is to never abandon parenthood, and to tryto not focus on the money—or that lonely senseof exposure when your legs are spread beforevirtual strangers, a curtain separating you fromthe medical staff, your translator a timid parrot atyour side. But by the time you’re done, you feelyou definitely deserve to be a parent.ENGLISH-SPEAKING OB/GYNHOSPITALS & CLINICS• Seibo Hospital, Shinjukuwww.seibokai.or.jp/hospital/english.html• Sanno Hospital, Akasakawww.sannoclc.or.jp/english/index.php• Fukuda Women’s Clinic, Yokohamawww.fukuda-wclinic.comSAMPLE PRICE LIST*• Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)treatment: ¥3,500 (minimum) per shot, approx. oneshot per day for 1-2 weeks• In vitro fertilization (IVF): ¥300,000 (first try);¥250,000 each time thereafter*Excluding consultation feeSource: www.fukuda-wclinic.com/costs.htmlPhoto: 123RFK1か2 34 56 7 810LINGOISTSALON SELECTIONSLast time we used the verb suffix “-te kudasai”in school. With a bit of embellishment,it can serve you just as well at the salon, orbiyo-in—not to be confused with the byo-in,or hospital!JP Katto wo onegai shimasu.EN I’d like a haircut/trim.JP Angelina Jolie mitai ni shite kudasai.EN Please make my hair like Angelina Jolie’s.JP Sukoshi kitte kudasai.EN Please cut just a little bit.JP Takusan kitte kudasai.EN Please cut a lot.JP Mo ii desu. / Daijobu desu.EN That’s good enough. / This is okay.Lesson by Alpha Japanese Language Institute.Learn hiragana and katakana free online atwww.alpha.ac.jp/mob/ebooks/hirakata/ANDown1. Cute2. Easy3. To favor5. Hair salon7. Cram school8. To thin outSolution:BACA B CRANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacrossAC2OSAcross1. Body4. Boil5. Beautiful skin6. To immigrate9. Go10. A lotS07

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONFASHION&BEAUTYLook Sharp!Perfect your hair, smile andbody at these hot Tokyo shopsWEBSITESPECIAL OFFERS• 78% off ThermaCool CPT• 43% off body ThermaCool CPT• 67-73% off Botox & fillers• Photo facial trial: ¥9,800• Cavitation RF trial: ¥5,000• Laser hair removal trial (armpits): ¥1,900*Plus tax, valid until Sep 30, 20147F Hagiwara Bldg 1, 1-3-1, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku0120-005-327 (Toll free)info@azabu-skinclinic.comOpen Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun 10am-7pm,Wed 11am-8pmEbisu (West Exit)www.azabu-skinclinic.comAZABU SKINCLINICEbisuAs the summer heat cools down and we enter the relaxing days of fall, we’ve addedsome new items to the clinic menu, including melasma treatment and a DNA testfor dieting. A DNA test? That’s right: Your genes are yours and will never changethroughout your life. Just one simple gene test will reveal whether it’s carbohydratesor fat that causes your problems, and what exercises will give you the best results. We also have a new90-minute version of our popular Ultimate Slimming Program, giving you yet another choice for bodyrefreshment this season. Or why not come in and try our whitening injection to revive your tired skin and bodyafter absorbing the summer’s strong UV rays? We’ve also got a special campaign for the Titan XL treatmentfor skin tightening skin and sagginess reduction, and a special limited ThermaCool skin tightening packageon specified days of the week. Be sure to check our homepage for our various campaigns!WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• Sign up today and receive free registration (reg.¥30,000)SERVICES• Four private lessons for ¥38,500/month• Five private lessons for ¥46,500/monthStudios in Roppongi, Shibuya and Yokohama03-6425-7054Mon-Fri 10am-9:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols9am-5pmRoppongi, Shibuya, Yokohamawww.basipilates.jp/englishSPECIAL OFFER• Mention Metropolis and receive four 60-minpeeling facials for only ¥42,000 (¥14,000savings)3F Latorie Memorial Bldg, 1-5-19Azabu Juban, Minato-ku03-6438-9895salon@elanajade.comMon-Tue 11am-9pm, Wed-Fri 10am-9pm,Sat-Sun 10am-7pmAzabu-Jubanwww.elanajade.comWEBSITEBASI PILATESVarious locationsFor a dose of mental, physical and spiritualhealth, stop in at Tokyo’s most exclusiveorganic beauty salon. Specializing in facials,waxing and massage, Elana Jade is locatedon the chic shopping street in Azabu Juban,offering an oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Thisfall, turn back time with the Ilcsi Organicspeeling facial, which uses pure certifiedorganic ingredients and is a favorite amongcelebrities such as Nicole Kidman andGwyneth Paltrow. For ultimate results, it’srecommended you have one facial everyweek for four weeks; after that, one or twofacials a year is all that’s needed to keepyour skin vibrant and in its peak condition.With no chemicals or lasers, an Elana Jadefacial is a must to look and feel your bestthis fall.Move beyond your traditional fitness routines with pilates—a holistic approachthat utilizes physical strength training and breathing exercises to work both yourbody and your mind. Stop in at one of Basi Pilates’ 13 studios in Tokyo and find outhow 20 million other pilates practitioners worldwide train their minds to control their muscles, build flexibility,increase strength and improve coordination. These unique exercises tone the deep muscles that supportyour skeleton—not just the surface muscles affected by ordinary workouts. Pilates practice helps you accessnewfound power from the very first time you try it. To consistently improve your posture and physical wellbeing,the muscle contractions you learn can be managed daily—at home or at the studio. The studio sessionswill also teach you how to direct your thoughts inward and use concentration and breathing exercises to helpfocus your mind—a little like working out and meditating at the same time.ELANA JADEORGANIC BEAUTYAzabu-Juban08

LINGOBOXHada ga karakara shite imasu.( 肌がからからしています)= My skin is dry.MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• 20% off our entire service menu on your firstvisit!6F, 4-1-9 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku03-6436-0228Mon & Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, closed Tue & SunAzabu-Jubanwww.goldsalontokyo.comGOLD SALONAzabu-JubanGold Salon Tokyo is the first choice for foreign residents seeking a hair salonexperience closer to what they might be used to back home. In fact, 98 percentof the salon’s clientele are foreign residents. As English is the first language inthe salon, communication—from booking through to consultation—gives Gold the leading edge. Unlikehairdressers who’ve trained or worked exclusively on Asian hair, the stylist/colorists on the Gold team havemany years of experience working with the variations in hair texture and myriad color options of discerningclientele from a variety of countries. As salon owner and director Howard Regner likes to put it, “If the U.N.set up a salon, it would pretty much look like Gold!” So if you want a great cut, superb colors or the smoothestBrazilian keratin treatments in town, then we’d like to say to you, “Welcome to Gold!”WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• 30% off cut, color and perm for first-time visitorsuntil the end of December206 The Roppongi Tokyo Plaza, 3-7-1Roppongi, Minato-ku03-5574-8844Mon & Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun& hols 10am-7pm, closed TueRoppongiwww.hayatosalons.comHAYATO TOKYORoppongiHayato Salon just celebrated its second anniversary in its new Roppongilocation after moving from Omotesando. Established in New York City back in1994, the salon opened the doors of its London branch five years back, and itsthree global branches are now situated in the three most sophisticated hairstyling cities of the world. Hayatoguarantees absolute satisfaction. Each team member is completely bilingual, and they all try their very best tocreate a relaxing, comfortable and classy environment. Our hairstylists are all experts—especially at handlingforeigners’s varied hair types. The secret behind our expertise is that Hayato himself, the founder, spent morethan 12 years developing a training program for his staff. They only debut as hairstylists at Hayato Tokyo aftertwo years of on-the-job training at Hayato New York, learning to speak English. Come down and enjoy theresults of this well-honed system.WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• Mention Metropolis to get a cut for ¥4,300, a cut &half highlights for ¥10,850, or a cut & full highlightsfor ¥13,300.MENU• Cut: ¥5,500• Cut & half highlights: ¥15,500• Cut & full highlights: ¥19,000*Plus tax2F Porte Bonheur, 5-4-11 Akasaka, Minato-ku03-6426-5227Daily 10am-8pm, closed 3rd Mon monthly(Also closed Sep 22 & 29)Akasakawww.kiwasalon.com/jp/KIWASALON NYAkasakaKiwa Salon is dedicated to making men and women look their best. Begun in NewYork, the salon focuses on providing the highest quality of beauty treatment, withthe Stateside branches consistently receiving 4-5-star ratings on online urban guideYelp. Now the salon that brought Japanese cutting-edge techniques to the U.S. iscoming back home to Tokyo, where English-speaking stylists can create beautiful cuts, colors and permsfor both Asian and Western hair. Using coloring agents normally unavailable in Japan, the staff are all highlyexperienced in creating show-stopping highlights and color gradations in both Japanese and Western hair.Come on by and find out what New York has been talking about!09

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONFASHION&BEAUTYLINGOBOXHada wo kirei ni shitai desu.( 肌をきれいにしたいです)= I want to make my skin pretty.WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• Blow out (includes shampoo) ¥3,500 (reg.¥5,000). Valid until Oct 20, 2014.MENU• Cut: ¥8,000 (women) ¥7,000 (men)• Color: From ¥7,000• Straightening*: From ¥20,000*Consultation required3F Hirota Bldg, 1-3-8 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku090-8558-3382 (Ellie Ishida)ellie.malu.salon@i.softbank.jpEbisuDaily, by appointment onlyhttp://meturl.com/maluhairmakeMALU HAIRMAKEEbisuIn 2002, Ellie began her career as a stylist in Tokyo. She then moved to midtownNew York, where she picked up knowledge of the beauty industry and quickly foundherself in hot demand. Now back in Japan (as of last April), Ellie offers her expertise incutting, washing and blow drying, as well as Japanese straightening, as she brings apersonal touch of enthusiasm and joy to everyone who enters her salon. Makeup and personal ID photo shootservices are also available onsite, combining several professional services in a single convenient location tohelp you create a positive, powerful image of yourself. With a private and relaxing atmosphere, her salon islocated just three minutes from Ebisu station.WEBSITEOmotesando5-10-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-kuOmotesandoGinza3-4-18 Ginza, Chuo-kuGinzaShinjuku3-34-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-kuShinjukuYokohama Motomachi1-20-2 Motomachi, Naka-ku, YokohamaMotomachi Chukagai03-3408-7863english@mokumeganeya.com11am-8pm Mon-Sunwww.mokumeganeya.com/e/MOKUMEGANEYAOmotesando, Ginza, ShinjukuWe create jewelry through the traditional Japanese metalworkingtechnique of mokumegane. Roughly 400 years ago, master metalsmithDenbei Shoami developed an exquisite technique in which differentlycolored metals were layered, then painstakingly carved and forged to create beautiful patterns in thestyle of wood grains. Top Japanese jewelry brand Mokumeganeya is one of the few brands in the worldto specialize in mokumegane. We use processes that have been handed down since the Edo period, andwhich have grown and developed over time to add more and more variations to this ancient technique. Yourjewelry will be made by highly skilled smiths whose hand-crafted techniques ensure that each wood grainpattern is unique in the world. You’re welcome to drop in any time and check out the jewelry collection atany of our 16 Mokumeganeya stores across Japan. Let our concierges help you find the unique jewelry stylethat’s right for you!WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• 50% off paraffin pack treatment for customerstaking services over ¥2,400 (plus tax). Valid untilOct 31, 2014.Shibuya Premium Store4F, 25-4 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku03-5784-5861info@nailquick.co.jpMon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols 11am-8pmShibuyawww.nailquick.co.jpwww.bodyhonee.jpNAIL QUICKShibuya, othersMajor nail chain Nail Quick offers delicate Japanese nail art from skilled manicuristswho take the traditional Japanese spirit of hospitality to heart. The chain’s salons canbe found minutes away from major stations, including Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara,Shibuya, Omotesando, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Azabu Juban and Yokohama, just to name a few—and abranch can also be found at Narita Airport. Since its founding in 1996, Nail Quick has grown to become thelargest nail chain in the metropolitan area. Feel free to consult the salon’s manicurists for the best solution toyour finger and toe needs 365 days a year. The season’s hot recommendation is the popular gel nail course,available from ¥7,000 plus tax. In addition to nail art and care, Nail Quick salons offer imported BodyHoneeepilating wax, which is made of 100% natural ingredients, and can be used as Brazilian wax by both men andwomen at home (also available online).10

LINGOBOXTaikei wo yoku shitai desu.( 体系をよくしたいです)= I want to improve my physique.MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →SPECIAL OFFER• 50% off laser hair removal (one-time offer,restrictions apply) plus a free book,New You With Botox4F, 5-5-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku03-5475-2345info@plazaclinic.netMon-Tue & Thu-Sat 9:30am-6pm(by appointment), closed Wed & SunHiroowww.plazaclinic.netWEBSITEPLAZA CLINICHirooIf you’re consideringcosmetic surgery, PlazaClinic, conveniently locatednear Hiroo Crossing, is aneasy choice. Dr. Robert Kureis the only surgeon in Japancertified by the AmericanBoard of Plastic Surgery andwas chief resident in plasticsurgery at UCLA. As thehead surgeon of Plaza Clinic,he strives to make sure ithas the very best in moderncosmetic care. State-of-the-art equipment is used for Botox treatment for wrinkles, hyperhidrosis in handsand migraine headaches. Lines are reduced with Restylane and Juvéderm, while blemishes and wrinklesare removed with Retin-A and Obagi systems. Plaza also offers facelifts, liposuction, laser tattoo and freckleremoval, and double eyelid procedures. English consultations are offered, and foreign insurance can be usedfor reconstructive procedures and certain dermatological cases. Once you’ve been to Plaza, we’re confidentyou’ll return. Laser hair removal is currently 50% off.WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• Mention Metropolis for 20% off all hair services• Shellac nail coloring manicure for ¥4,500 orpedicure for ¥6,500; the first 10 bookingswill receive a free 10-15 minute mani or pedimassage. (Only for customers new to Sin Den.Valid until Oct 31, 2014.)SIN DENOmotesandoFor over 20 years, Sin Den has beenTokyo’s go-to salon for innovative cuts,perfect hair coloring and effortlesssleek styling. Located near Tokyo’s fashion hub, Harajuku,Sin Den’s rep comes from honest communication, personalattention and the way you feel when you leave the salon:refreshed, fabulous and flirty. Foreigners, celebs, families andlocals rave about Sin Den’s team of charismatic stylists. Theyknow all the hottest hair trends and nail treatments, but listenfirst to what you want. Luxuriate in the last days of summer bytreating yourself to Sin Den’s rich Keratin treatment. Keratin“kers” for your hair, repairing sun damage and smoothingstrands, leaving you feeling silky and sexy all the way into fall.3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku03-3405-4409Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pmOmotesandosinden.comSin Den 1994 Sin Den 2014SPECIAL OFFER• Mention Metropolis for a free consultationMENU• Inner braces: ¥1,350,000• Initial consultation: ¥3,240• Examination/diagnosis: ¥37,800• Teeth whitening: ¥27,000 (home)/¥48,600(office)/¥75,600 (dual home & office)• Fast orthodontics (optional): ¥54,000*Tax includedWEBSITE9F-A 27SY Bldg, 1-8-7 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku03-6450-5822, 0120-188-901 (Toll-free)Mon-Tue & Thu-Fri 12:30-8:30pm, Sat-Sun& hols 9:30am-12:30pm/1:30-5:30pm, closed WedShibuyawww.shibuyakyousei.jpSMILE CAREORTHODONTICSSHIBUYAShibuyaSmile Care OrthodonticsShibuya takes every stepto make every one of ourpatients smiles. And withinner braces, you can keepyour confident smile evenduring your treatment.Inner braces are attachedto the inside surfaces ofthe teeth, meaning they’repractically invisible from the outside—even up close. By coordinating with our dentists, dental hygienists anddental technicians, we ensure that we can deliver the optimal treatment plan for your teeth. We also offerpartial braces, which will correct only the area of your teeth you might be concerned about, and 3-D digitalinner braces, which use a fine orthodontic wire that’s produced based on a computer simulation predictingthe movement of your teeth, enabling us to shorten your treatment period to six months or less. Our patientsdon’t have to feel self-conscious about their braces or avoid eating certain food. You’ll get a more beautifulsmile without having to change your lifestyle.11

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONFASHION&BEAUTYMORE SPECIALS ONLINE →LINGOBOXNehru wo kawaiku shite kudasai.(ネールをかわいくして下さい)= Please make my nails cute.WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• 20% off home teeth whitening (reduced to¥36,000 from ¥45,000)1/2F, 4-21-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku03-3443-4557; Fax: 03-3443-4558smile@belsorriso.jpTue & Fri 10am-7pm; Mon, Sat & Sun 10am-5pmShinagawabelsorriso.jpSORISSODENTAL SALONShinagawaA bright white smile is beautiful to see and a great source of self-confidence.Sorriso Dental Salon works with internationally trained dental specialists toimprove the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, your dental alignment andyour smile. A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Ueki duringyour initial dental visit and at regular check-ups. We also specialize in skin treatment, including dermal fillertreatments using collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite and Botox, which rejuvenate facial skinby reducing or eliminating wrinkles, raising scar depressions, enhancing lips and replacing soft tissue volumeloss through facial injections. Dorriso Dental Salon will take care of all your needs in a comfortable, privateenvironment. Feel free to contact us for any inquiries.WEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• Mention Metropolis and receive free Kérastasehair treatment when you purchase other servicesover ¥5,000 (first-time visitors only)MENU• Hair: Cut, color, perm, highlights and head spa• Body: Waxing and facials2F YS Bldg, 2-1-21 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku03-6408-6132Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols 10am-7pm,closed MonHiroo or Roppongiwww.vipcreativehair.jpWEBSITESPECIAL OFFER• Mention Metropolis and receive 10% off all hairservices (first-timers only)MENU• Haircut by hairstylist Aki: ¥9,720• Haircut: ¥5,940 (stylist). Gray cover: ¥5,940• Henna from ¥7,560. Coloring from ¥8,100• Highlights from ¥8,640B1 Sun Beauty Harajuku, 3-25-6 Jingumae,Shibuya-ku03-3405-1188Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun & hols10am-8pmHarajuku or Meiji-Jingumaewww.watanabe-hair.comVIP CREATIVE HAIRINTERNATIONALRoppongiVip Creative Hair International is there to meet all your hair care andbeauty needs for any special occasion. Their team of experts has servedTokyo’s Japanese and foreign communities for many years, and they workto provide a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere of pure luxury in theirprivate 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 salonstaff have extensive experience in the U.S. and Japan, and can work with a full range of hair colors—as theirmany loyal foreign customers can attest. Leave your stress behind, relax and enjoy the VIP treatment at thisexceptional hair salon!WATANABE HAIRDRESSINGHarajukuTo visit Watanabe HairDressing is to experience thebest of Tokyo’s hair salons,where English-speaking staffpamper clients from start tofinish, using unique techniquesto create sophisticated looks.If you’re looking to discover agreat new style this fall, a visitto Watanabe Hair Dressingmay just be a step in theright direction. Forbes oncecalled Aki Watanabe “the besthairdresser in Tokyo.” Trainedat the Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy academies, his own salon, Watanabe Hair Dressing, celebrated its 20thanniversary last year. Aki’s done hairstyling for magazines such as The Face and i-D and worked for brandslike 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 hisyoung staff to provide great coifs at affordable prices for everyone.12

coverDRESSING THEMANNEQUINSBY SAMUEL THOMASFASHION EDITORFEMM wear cult underground label Balmung from Japanesedesigner Hachi. The current A/W 2014-15 collectionis inspired by virtual idol Hatsune Miku, a blank slate ontowhich a character is projected—a perfect match for themannequins of FEMM. As Hachi explains, “So many peopleuse different vessels for different characters’s traits,stories and thoughts of their own, to the point where, dependingon the fashion, each observer effectively sees adifferent character. When I design, I design avatars.” ThePhoto by Lorenzo Barassidesigner’s voluminous shapesthat envelope and exaggeratethe body are in stark contrast toFEMM’s usually figure-huggingattire. Likewise, Balmung’s softermaterials contrast with the harshnessof rubber, which in turn offersa different interpretation of RiRiand LuLa’s identity.FEMM’s fashion is normally thework of Shoichiro Matsuoka, whooperates out of high-tech costumersGM Atelier. Each outfit creates a differentcharacter for the duo, so whether displayed asschoolgirls, French maids or clad in kimono, eachchanges their persona—not just for them, but forthe viewer as well. This is accentuated by the useof rubber for their outfits, a staple of the alternativescene outside Japan, but one rarely used to renderthe standards of the Japanese subculture scene.This unique combination of familiar ensemblesin alien textiles gives FEMM a genuine edgein the sea of kawaii fashion worn by theircontemporaries. Watch this space.www.balmung.jpwww.gm-atelier.com13

coverThe global image of Japanese musiccould be forever altered by theaudio-visual explosion that is FarEast Mention Mannequin—betterknown as FEMM.The surging currents of Americanelectrohop, J-electro and Eurotrancethat dominate the duo’srefreshingly in-your-face soundis powered by an even slicker image: FEMM isfronted not by people, but by two “living mannequins”named RiRi and LuLa. The mannequinsare in turn represented in public by “agents”going by the monikers Honey-B and W-Trouble.If that sounds like the roster of the next X-Men sequel, just wait for the visuals: RiRi andLuLa’s hypnotic, tandem-choreographed musicvideos feature the plastic duo decked out inform-fitting rubber costumes designed by GMAtelier, transforming them into shiny schoolgirls,gleaming French maids or Tron-like combatautomatons.Lyrics fly across the screen, highlightingFEMM’s second double-take-inducing strength:in a nation notorious for its mangled pop-songEnglish, FEMM’s command of the language isso pitch-perfect it hits like a body check. “I’mNO BARBIEGIRLSALLOWEDMannequin duo twerkshard for the moneyTEXT BY MIKE KANERTPHOTOGRAPHY BY LORENZO BARASSI14

like a hurricane—insane,” the two declare in“Kill the DJ.” “Move—hey, hey—I’m ’bout todevastate.”All of FEMM’s tracks are officially sung bythe mannequins. But Honey-B and W-Troubleappear as themselves in the opening of theirdebut single, “Astroboy”—allowing the agentsto share a tenuous moment of discussionthrough the veil.“FEMM’s music includes a lot of rapping andspeaking kind-of-rapping,” Honey-B says innearly fluent English, her eyes concealed behindsilver sunglasses.“And even in the singingpart, the pronunciation for certain words withattitude is very important.”Remarkably, W-Trouble says she’s only “learning”English. “For the little details, to be honest, Idon't really want to rely on Honey-B,” she admitsin eloquent Japanese. “But the truth is I do.”She continues: “For the musical nuances, it’slistening that’s important: the key is to matchthe sound and flow. If the nuance reveals a kindof attitude, it’s partly due to the songwriting andpartly due to Honey-B.”Released in April this year, “Astroboy” wasco-written by Brian Lee, co-writer of two trackson Lady Gaga’s Born This Way. All nine ofFEMM’s original releases to date have beenpenned by a high-powered team of producersand pop artists from the U.S., Europe andAustralia, then mastered in New York by an engineerwhose clients include Beyoncé, Adele,Taylor Swift and One Direction.From the all-English lyrics to their attitudeand musical style, everything about FEMMbroadcasts that their target isn’t Japanese, butglobal. Yet publicity has been kept to a minimum,and aside from sporadic mannequinwalkingappearances around Tokyo, word hasspread almost entirely online.It was the single “Fxxk Boyz Get Money”—uploaded to YouTube on June 26—that projectedFEMM onto the global radar. Honey-Battributes the track’s popularity to its strongmessage, as well as its embrace of a recentdance craze: “This song is for twerking, andit’s really hot right now—this twerking dancestyle,” she says. “So we thought to have FEMMtry these moves.”Mated to a tune co-written by 2007 AmericanIdol semifinalist Nicole Tranquillo, the duo’srobotic tandem butt jiggle went viral on Tumblr,producing hundreds of thousands of hits and aseries of incredulous reaction videos.Asked about the two possible interpretationsof the track’s audacious title, W-Troubleonly laughs. “We'll leave it up to you to decidewhich it is,” she says.Honey-B and W-Trouble claim to representthe Far East Mention Mannequin’s AgencySyndicate, an underground societyaiming to “send out the message to allthe mannequins and dolls in the world.”What that message is isn’t exactly clear, butthere is indeed something subversive here.FEMM holds a funhouse mirror to the doll-likekawaii archetype of Japanese women, reflectingback a pair of hyper-aggressive mannequinswho blast through the glass with a subwoofer-stokedwave of female empowerment.“We look up to all artists in the world whohave girl power,” Honey-B says. “This is oneof the themes for FEMM: for girls to be strongand powerful.” Her surrogate, RiRi, is billed asa “combat mannequin”—and LuLa, while characterizedas a healer, has been known to sporta sizeable assault rifle.FEMM WILL BE APPEARING ATAT THE END OFOCTOBER!After amassing more than 1 million onlinevideo views, FEMM have finally announcedtheir first full album: the 13-trackFemm-Isation, to be released October 1(¥2,200). The album caps months of anticipation,as videos have been uploaded monthlybeginning February this year, and recently acceleratedto biweekly.“The mannequins have a hard scheduleover a month, and maybe they learn five, sixsongs,” says Honey-B. Asked to confirm the existenceof a cache of new tracks, she promisesconfidently, “We have more.”“We hope you’re looking forward to them!”W-Trouble chimes in.Claiming a catchphrase that encapsulateseverything about the duo’s style, Honey-B addstriumphantly, “Right in your face!”Check out FEMM’s full catalogue on iTunesor YouTube at Far East Mention Mannequin’sAgency Syndicate. www.femm.jp15

coverTHE POWEROF FASHIONTokyo GirlsCollection 2014A/WBY SAMUEL THOMASFASHION EDITORPhotos courtesy of ©TGC 2014 A/WNow in its 19th iteration, theTokyo Girls Collection (TGC)has come and gone for anotherseason, heralding withit the official arrival of autumnfashion for Tokyo, as well asendorsing the trends that willcharacterize the city’s streetsfor the next six months. Forthe curious, the core trend thisfall is a return to 1960s monotonechic for the fashionateelite, while the general toneis a return to the 1990s for thecasual shopper.Although the centraltheme—as ever—was a celebrationof Japanese girls’culture, this season’s TGC wasalso home to the first appearanceof a number of brandsfrom abroad, including Diesel,Kate Spade Saturday and UGG.Trend-based fashion mighthave been the focus, but cutekids’ fashion also popped up, asdid sharp suits for aspiring OL(office ladies) and salarymen, allnext to the surprise appearanceof plus-size fashion from SmileLand in sizes from L to 10L.Following the tradition ofholding a satellite event out-side of Tokyo—as TGC haspreviously done in Osaka,Nara and even as far away asOkinawa—this year TGC willbe popping up in Nagoya onOctober 4. TGC Night in Nagoyapromises to be a mix offashion shows and live performancesto rival the core event.Peach JohnchannelsHarajuku streetstyle for itslatest lingeriecollectionMonotone modchic is back forA/W 2014It’s never too earlyto school yourselfin fashionOp art hitsfashionOffice wear neednot be squareEnduring preppyfashion continuesto reign supreme16

fashion fixFALL FASHIONBY SAMUEL THOMASThe Tokyo autumn season presents a quandary for even the mostseasoned of fashionable Tokyoites—not only because the length of whatis considered to be “autumnal” varies by up to a month, but also becausethe temperature is given to fluctuate on an almost daily basis. As such,the question of investing in light layers to match the season is one closerto a gamble than an investment. The shops may be packed with outers inpaper-thin leather and barely-there cotton and flax, but realistically, howmany days are you going to get out of them? For the office-bound, youmight even be able to count the hours! The solution is to go for an autumnouter that can double as a layer come winter. So waistcoats, cardigansand gilets are all in—just make sure you can wear them under an outercome winter and you’re good to go.ON POINTSay “Japanese men”and the first image tocome to mind is mostlikely that of the salaryman:a bestragled, besuitedfigure increasinglydevoid of theromance associatedwith the dauntless gogetterof the 1980s.Turning this state ofaffairs around is avant-garde salaryman fashionrevolutionary Yasuto Kimura, a man whostudied fashion part-time while he himselfwas a salaryman working the daily grind. Evenhaving now graduated from the prestigiousCoconogacco alternative fashion school, he’sstill bound to the daily grind—that is, until hisdesigns take off.With the vast majority of contemporary Japanesemenswear focused away from the tailoredsuit and toward streetwear, it’s refreshingto see such a progressive designer dedicatinghimself to the genre, even if his deconstructedand exploded salaryman suits are most likelya leap outside the dress code of most offices.SHOPPING STRATEGY“Showrooming” is one of the most malignedphenomena in modern fashion: the customervisits a shop, picks and tries on clothes, then retreatsto the comfort of his or her home to placean order for the item online, saving an often-Photo by Yasuto Kimuranot-inconsiderableamount of money inthe process. Fromthe consumer’sperspective, theyget the best ofboth worlds—butfor bricks-andmortarretail thatcan’t hope to competewith the loweroverheads of onlineshopping, it’s a growing frustration.Offering one solution is new Harajuku boutiquePlays! (www.plays.tokyo.jp), which opened latelast month with a view to facilitating showroomingrather than hindering it. In-store customerswill find a range of imported high brands fromMSGM to Rick Owens, as well as local favoritessuch as Y-3 and Suzuki Takayuki. Shopperscan then try on clothes and receive advice asnormal, but when it comes time to completethe sale’ they do so online through partnersites—from which Plays! recoups an affiliate fee.With plans to open similar stores in Nagoya andOsaka, this might well be the shop of the future.STREETFOCUSEven though Tokyo might be one of the safestplaces for experimental fashion choices thatmight get you ostracized (or worse) abroad,there’s still a separate time and place for indulgingextremities—and fortunately next month ispositively packed with chances to flex your fashionmuscles, as in today’s snap. Chief among them isMercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo, which runsfrom October 13 to 19—so you have plenty of timeto get your outfit ready!Photo by Samuel ThomasFASHION CALENDARUntil Oct 19 | Doll CultureExhibitionRoppongi Hills is home to anexhibition featuring five ofJapan’s most beloved dolls.With 6%Dokidoki curatorSebastian Masuda on hand forcreative direction, the lineupis a journey into kawaii culturethat should explain the originsof much of Tokyo girls’s fashion.www.doll-culture.comFrom Sep 19 | The SoloIstx Foot the CoacherTakahiro Miyashita’s iconicpost-Number (N)ine brand TheSoloist is collaborating againwith footwear line Foot theCoacher on a series of high-endleather sneakers. Of the twoversions, both costing ¥37,000plus tax, the distinctive offcenterlaced design is sure to bea collectors’s item. Move fast!http://galleryofauthentic.jp/Sep 19-21 | Beautiful Peoplemenswear hits AoyamaEnduringly popular Tokyobasedlabel Beautiful Peopleshines a light on its menswearline with a limited run in itsordinarily women’s-onlyAoyama flagship. The Beatlesinspiredcollection featuresmany spot-on riffs of ’60sclassics, so those in need of aretro fix know what to do.www.beautiful-people.jpSep 23 | Anrealagetakes on ParisOne of the biggest events inTokyo fashion isn’t in Tokyo,but rather over in Paris thismonth. Harajuku-based fashiontechnicians Anrealage aremaking their Paris FashionWeek debut—and thanks to thewonders of technology, you cansee history unfold live online.http://anrealage.com/Sep 28 | Moshi MoshiNippon FestivalForeigners get in free (normally¥3,500) with a valid passportor residence card at this annualcelebration of Japanese popculture and fashion. It’s achance to see fashion shows aswell as performances from thelikes of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu andDempagumi.inc—for free! Sowhat are you waiting for? http://fes14.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/17

arts&cultureCOMMUTER GAMERLET MYPEOPLE GOBY ADAM BOLTONKiwanuka is one of those games that’s virtuallyimpossible to categorize in an iOS gaminglibrary. While it might be defined as a puzzler,it’s more of a game of strategy. Yet should youbecome invested in the lives of the game’slittle wizard-like shepherd and hisflock of followers, it’s also a sortof adventure. However you sliceit, Kiwanuka, developed by CMAMegacorp, is a fresh, fun, uniquelittle gem of a challenge.Played out across 30 bite-sized stages, youguide a funky, robed nomad—complete witha massive, glowing staff that gives him controlover his people—and his growing armyof raver-like Kiwanukan followers across, up,over, under and around various obstacles toKiwanuka1337 & Senri ($4.99, iOS)Cirque du Soleil yourway through crystallinelevels.reach an imprisoned compatriot at the end ofeach level. Since the stages are littered withfloating rocks and ledges, you have to use yourmystic powers of follower-manipulation to build“people-ladders” to swing around anchoredpositions and latch onto distantoutcroppings. Once you humanrope-swingyour way to victory,you’re treated to a psychedelicvisual bombardment as your captivecompanion is freed from hisor her prism prison.With a sense of achievement as you figureout each puzzle—and a pretty funky electrosoundtrack on the way—Kiwanuka is a goodchoice for breaking up the grinding gridlockhours.ARTDON'T TRUSTYOUR EYESArt that bites backat BunkamuraBY C.B. LIDDELLThe trouble with most art, from the classics to the most avantgarde,is that it sits or hangs there in the gallery, waiting to beseen. In other words, it’s passive.There’s quite a different vibe at the “Visual Deception II”exhibition at Bunkamura The Museum, where much of theart has a life of its own, impacting on the senses in a moreinstinctual way that bypasses the intellect. Building on anearlier, successful show from 2009, the second in the seriescontains plenty of art that tries to evoke visceral reactionsand sensations rather than polishing socio-political agendas.A good example of this is Daniel Rozin’s Wooden Mirror(2014), a mosaic of flickering wooden squares with hiddencameras that track and instantly represent our movements.The effect is like stumbling upon some natural wonder ratherthan a work of art, and the experience is all the fresher for it.A similar effect, but with greater humor, can be found inShigeo Fukuda’s Underground Piano (1984)—a smashed-up,chaotic jumble of broken piano pieces, which are so cunninglyarranged that in a mirror next to the work they miraculouslycome together again to recreate the perfect form of a piano.The effect is visceral and raw, more like a wonder of naturethan something that won art council funding or ticked theright boxes for trendy curators and collectors.The exhibition spans a wide variety of genres, includingsculpture, hyper-realism, surrealism, op-art and photography—butit also stretches back in time, revealing that art’sability to pull off simple visual trickery has always had astrong appeal, and may be something that it needs toCourtesy of Sperone Westwater, NY.focus on more.Some of the earliestworks in the show are bythe great 16th-centuryItalian painter GiuseppeArcimboldo, who createdpaintings of people madeup of various objects. Hiswork The Sommelier (1574)is composed from variousjugs, kegs and tankardsassembled in human form.The effect is more comicalthan visceral, althoughthere’s also an element of the creepy and the surreal. Indeed,Arcimboldo was viewed as a precursor by the Surrealist movement,who are well represented here, with several works byRené Magritte, Salvador Dali and Méret Oppenheim, whoseSquirrel (1969) is a pint of beer with a squirrel’s tail.These surrealist works, along with the graphic tessellationsof Dutch print artist M. C. Escher, suffer from beingall too familiar, but are nevertheless rewarding to look at asexamples of “art history.”More effective are the relatively unknown works, which becomemore immediate because you don’t see them throughthe filter of art history and cliché, such as Evan Penny’s FemaleStretch, Variation #2 (2011), a hyper-realistic sculpture of awoman’s head, except that it’s taller than you and incrediblythin and elongated, like a three-dimensional hall of mirrorsimage.This is art that works best through raw reaction. Onceyou start wondering if the artist is commenting on anorexianervosa or the cult of “thin” in modern society, it immediatelyloses its power.Until Oct 5, Bunkamura. See exhibition listings for details.Female Stretch, Variation#2 (2011) by Evan Penny.Hiroshige and Hughes(2013) by Patrick Hughes.Courtesy of Flowers Gallery London18

Courtesy of SmashMIGHTY CELTSOF YOUTUBESkinny Lister craft folk for the digital ageBY DAN GRUNEBAUMWhen Metropolis reaches Skinny Lister frontmanDan Heptinstall, he’s messing around ona computer trying out ideas for a new song. It’snot exactly what you’d expect of a band whosespecialty is pre-internet Celtic folk and a guywho plays something called a “stomp box.”“I use my computer as a tape recorder,”Heptinstall says, denying any suggestion ofdigital literacy with a laugh. “All our songs starton an acoustic guitar, voice or accordion.”But despite the English outfit’s folk bonafides, the band is very much a creation of thedigital era. “There’s a small festival in Germanycalled Haldern ... we did an impromptu gig forthe crowd waiting in front of the main stage,”Heptinstall explains. “A massive party kickedoff, and it was filmed and uploaded to the net,and that really helped to break us.”Skinny Lister (named for a high school classmate)launched in 2009 in Greenwich, England,a district of South East London. “There usedto be a pub next door where they had a folknight—we were inspired to become part of it,”Heptinstall recalls. “Also, our members Max andJAPAN BEATLorna Thomas [melodeon player and vocalist,respectively]—their father has a folk heritage.He’s been writing folk songs for years, andthey grew up being taken to traditional folkclubs with him.”The group began singing sea shanties as wellas traditional jigs and reels. They also perform anumber of the elder Thomas’ songs live—includinga rousing number called “Forty Pound Wedding.”Heptinstall says, “They’ve become singalongsthat everyone in the crowd gets into.”The online popularity of roots folk bandslike Skinny Lister, Mumford & Sons or America’sLumineers may be a case in which—to turn an adageon its head—the medium isn’t the message.Audiences are definitely yearning for somethingorganic, and if the medium of distribution happensto be digital, so be it.“We don’t align ourselves with bands likeMumford & Sons—they sound more American,”cautions Heptinstall. “We consciously try tobe quite English and a bit Irish in what we do.We love The Pogues, and the subjects and attitudewith which they deliver them. We alignourselves more with that than the current cropof folk bands. But the current folk wave hasdefinitely opened some doors for us.”Skinny Lister’s current invitation to Japan—and release of their forthcoming album ondomestic imprint Uncleowen—traces back towhat has become a familiar route for bandsinto the country: a barnstorming debut at theFuji Rock Festival.“Japan was one of the highlights of last year—it was unexpected,” says Heptinstall. “We knewwe were playing Fuji Rock, but we didn’t foreseesuch a response. We played the pre-party, andwe must have had several thousand peoplewatching it, and they were going crazy. Thenthe next day everyone seemed to come along.It exceeded our expectations and we can’t waitto return.”Fuji Rock offers a release from Japan’s unforgivingday-to-day, blessing bands with ecstaticreceptions that can be hard to repeat at astandard club gig in Tokyo. But for Heptinstallthere are other rewards to be had than simpleapplause. “As a songwriter, it’s a cathartic experienceto get something out of your system,”he says. “That would exist without me needingto perform in front of people. And then for otherpeople it can be a similar thing—people puttheir emotions into it. And if you’re feeling good,music can help that along. And if you’re feelinglike it’s the end of the world, music can help youwork through that, too.”Oct 8, Club Quattro. See concert listings (popular)for details.19

agendaWATCH LISTCourtesy of The Container, TokyoSEP 21TOKYOSUMMERPOETRYSLAMHosted by Ivan Radix, afinalist from the Brisbaneheat of AustralianPoetry Slam 2013. Sep21, 5:30pm, ¥1,000+1d.Hilton Tokyo. Shinjuku.http://meturl.com/tokyoslamPhoto by Takashi IkemuraEDITOR’S PICKNOV 1-2TEMMETSU: WONDERFULSTATE QButoh dancer Temmetsu is one of a small bandof artists to have learned his craft at Asbestoskan,the school founded by Tatsumi Hijikata, thecreator of Japan’s avant-garde dance form. ForWonderful State Q, he uses the snail’s shell as ametaphor for the state—but in this case, the stateis the interior world of the individual. “The snail'sshell forms a mysterious nation to which othersare not admitted,” Temmetsu says. “Falling insideitself, the snail’s shell becomes its own country.”The Q, he adds, stands for the “question” ofwhether this mysterious interior world is anearthly paradise or a purgatory. —Dan GrunebaumNov 1, 7:30pm, ¥2,900 (adv)/¥3,200 (door).Nov 2, 1:30pm & 6:30pm, ¥2,900 (adv)/¥3,200(door). Theater Samsa. Asagaya. Tel: 090-8516-6005. www.temmetsu.comPhoto by Joe ZanghiOCT 18-19LOUD PARK 14Heavy metal warhorsesManowar, Dream Theaterand newer-school acts likeArch Enemy bang it outat Japan’s long-runninghard rock rave. Oct 18-19,10:30am, ¥14,500-16,500 (1day, adv)/ ¥26,000 (2 days,adv). Saitama Super Arena.Saitama-Shintoshin.www.loudpark.com/14Jungle Gym (Orange Alert)UNTIL NOV 16ROBERT WATERS: CHANGE ROOMConceptual Canadian artist transforms unconventional artspace into a changing room via collage, silkscreen, drawingsand sculpture. Until Nov 16, free. Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun10am-8pm, closed Tue. The Container. Naka-Meguro.http://the-container.com/Courtesy of CreativemanOCT 7IDANRAICHELIsraeli singer-songwriterspans the full paletteof his country’s musicalheritage, from Europeand the Middle-Eastto Africa. Oct 7, 7pm& 9:30pm, ¥4,800-6,800. Billboard Live.Roppongi. Tel:03-3405-1133. www.billboard-live.comCourtesy of Billboard LiveSEP 22PROSUMERTechno and housefrom the worldleadingBerlinelectronic musicscene’s biggestand baddest club,Berghain. Sep 22,10pm, ¥3,500. Air.Shibuya. http://meturl.com/prosumerCourtesy of Airhot ticketsOCT 19Fatboy SlimWith Steve Aoki and others. Oct 19,3pm, ¥9,800 (adv). Makuhari Messe.Kaihin-Makuhari.www.smash-jpn.comTickets on sale now!UNTIL SEP 25Pia Film FestivalAnnual showcase of emergingindie cinema talent. Until Sep25, screenings ¥1,000-¥2,000(adv)/¥1,200-¥2,500 (door). NationalFilm Center. Takebashi.Tel: 03-5777-8600. http://pff.jp/Tickets on sale now!OCT 1John LegendWinner of nine Grammy Awards.Oct 1, 7:30pm, ¥8,500. PacificoYokohama. Minatomirai.Tel: 0570-00-3337.www.sonymusic.co.jpTickets on sale now!NOV 20-26Swan LakePerformed by the Bolshoi Balletand the Bolshoi Orchestra. Nov 20,7pm; Nov 24, 5pm; Nov 26, 1 & 7pm,¥6,300-21,000 (members) ¥7,000-22,000 (gen). Bunkamura OrchardHall. Shibuya. www.bunkamura.co.jpTickets on sale now!freeNOV 10 & 22Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi FairOpen air market selling okamemasks, bamboo rakes of goodluck, etc. Nov 10 & 22, all day, free.Chokokuji Temple and Ootori Shrine.Asakusa. meturl.com/asatori120

ConcertsPOPULARBoyz II MenAmerican R&B vocal groupwith emotional ballads and acappella harmonies. Sep 19,7pm; Sep 20, 6pm, ¥8,500-9,500. Tokyo InternationalForum Hall A. Yurakucho.Tel: 0570-550-799.www.kyodotokyo.com/b2mHan-KunReggae and hip-hop MC.Sep 20, 6pm, ¥5,500(adv). Yokohama Bay Hall.Motomachi-Chukagai.Tel: 045-624-3900.http://han-kun.134r.comAAAJ-pop septet. Sep 20, 5pm,¥7,800 (adv) +1d. YokohamaArena. Shin-Yokohama.Tel: 045-474-4000.www.diskgarage.comTotalfatPunk band from Tokyo. Sep 21,6pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d. ZeppTokyo. Aomi.www.creativeman.co.jpFarm Party 13Indie rock and more withNaisho, Goodbye EnemyAirship, Servals, and HippoDisco. Sep 21, 6:30pm,¥1,000 (adv). Ruby Room.Shibuya. http://farmparty.tokyogigguide.comSono Ongaku wo MotteiruMerpeoples, Hotte and more.Sep 21, 7pm, ¥2,300 (adv)/¥2,500 (door). Zher the Zoo.Yoyogi. Tel: 03-5358-4491. www.ukproject.com/zherthezoo/Mannish BoysRock‘n’roll side project byKazuyoshi Saito and TatsuyaNakamura. Sep 22, 7:30pm,¥5,400 (adv) +1d. AkasakaBlitz. Akasaka. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.smash-jpn.comSexy Idol Music FestaIdol groups Pinkey, MillionGirls Z and more. Sep 22, 5pm,¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Club Citta.Kawasaki. Tel: 044-246-8888. http://meturl.com/idolmusic14Led ZepagainLed Zeppelin tribute band. Sep23, 5pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. ExTheater Roppongi. Roppongior Nogizaka. Tel: 03-5453-8899. www.ex-theater.comMuccVisual-kei band namedafter a bright-red children'sTV show character. Sep23, 5pm, ¥5,569 (adv) +1d.Yoyogi National Gymnasium.Meiji-Jingumae.www.55-69.com/69warsTsubasa NagaseJapanese crooner sings sweetmelodies. Sep 23, 7:30pm,¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door).Aube. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-2896. http://grow-seeds.jp/contactThird Coast KingsFunk and soul band fromAnn Arbor. Sep 25, 7:30pm,¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro.Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.www.smash-jpn.comBuck-Tick’80s rock veterans fromGunma. Sep 25-26, 6:30pm,¥6,800 (adv). NHK Hall.Shibuya. Tel: 03-3405-9999.www.nhk-sc.or.jpUverworldAnime pop-rockers. Sep 25,6:30pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.SEP 28, 1PMMoshi Moshi NipponFestival 2014Foreigners get FREE entry!If you love Japanese popculture, don’t miss this!Featured acts include KyaryPamyu Pamyu and more.Register for tickets here:http://fes14.moshimoshinippon.jp/eng/Sep 28,1pm, Tokyo MetropolitanGymnasium. Sendagaya orKokuritsu-KyogijoClub Citta. Kawasaki.Tel: 044-246-8888.www.sogototokyo.comHaunted HeartsFormer Dum Dum Girlsand Crocodiles members’snew project. Sep 25, 7pm,¥4,500 (adv)/ ¥5,000 (door).Marz. Seibu-Shinjuku. Tel:03-3202-8248. www.marz.jpHer Name in BloodHeavy metal beasts. Sep26, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d.O-West. Shibuya.www.hernaminblood.comKAT-TUNJapanese boy band. Sep26, 6pm; Sep 27, 1 & 5pm;Sep 28, 1pm, ¥8,300 (adv).Yoyogi National Gymnasium.Meiji-Jingumae.Tel: 0570-550-955.www.kyodotokyo.comGoodbye Enemy AirshipAustralian rockers with MinamiDeutsch, Barry Zogon Bandand others. Sep 26, 6:30pm,¥1,000. Gamuso. Asagaya.Tel: 03-5364-9096.www.tokyogigguide.comSecret 7 LinePunk-rock trio with catchytunes. Sep 27, 6:30pm, ¥2,500(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.www.secret7line.comNamie AmuroQueen of Japanese R&B. Sep27, 6pm; Sep 28, 5pm, ¥8,800(adv). Saitama Super Arena.Saitama-Shintoshin.www.kyodotokyo.comOledickfoggyJapanese-Irish folk-rock. Sep27, 6pm, ¥3,000 (adv) +1d.Liquidroom. Ebisu.Tel: 03-5464-0800.www.red-hot.ne.jpAir SwellIndustrial rock trio. Sep27, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv)+1d. Daikanyama Unit.Daikanyama.www.diskgarage.comInoranLuna Sea co-founder, hailedmusician and producer. Sep28, 5:30pm, ¥5,800 (adv)+1d. Shibuya Public Hall.Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-3022. www.red-hot.ne.jpNo Nukes 2014Namba69, The Hiatus,Brahman and others. Sep29-Oct 1, 7pm, ¥3,900-4,900(1 day, adv)/ ¥10,000 (3 days,adv). Zepp DiverCity. Daiba.http://nonukes2014.netX JapanOne of Japan's mostinfluential rock groupsthroughout history. Sep30-Oct 1, 7pm, ¥10,000-13,000. Yokohama Arena.Shin-Yokohama.Tel: 045-474-4000.www.xjapanmusic.comBoston"More Than a Feeling" and"Don't Look Back" hitmakers.Oct 2 & 9, 7pm, ¥11,000-12,000. Nippon Budokan.Kudanshita. http://meturl.com/boston14Buzz the BearsFuzzy punk-rockers. Oct3, 7pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d.O-West. Shibuya.www.creativeman.co.jpTomomi KaharaControversial J-pop singer.Oct 4, 5:15pm; Oct 5, 4:15pm,¥6,800 (adv). NHK Hall.Shibuya. Tel: 03-3465-1751.www.kyodotokyo.comMariah CareySinger, songwriter, diva.Oct 4, 5pm, ¥9,000-18,000.Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. Oct 6, 7pm,¥9,000-18,000. YokohamaArena. Shin-Yokohama. Tel:045-474-4000. http://meturl.com/3zNight Ranger’80s rock band from SanFransisco. Oct 5, 5pm; Oct 6,7pm, ¥7,500-8,500. ShibuyaPublic Hall. Shibuya. Tel:03-3463-3022. http://meturl.com/night14Backyard DiaryHusking Bee, Dustbox, MyFirst Story and others. Oct 5,2pm, ¥3,900 (adv) +1d. O-Eastand O-Nest. Shibuya. www.creativeman.co.jpGrant NicholasLead singer of Feeder's soloproject. Oct 7, 7pm, ¥6,000(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.www.smash-jpn.comHot Chelle RaeNashville-based pop rock trio.Oct 7, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d.O-East. Shibuya.www.creativeman.co.jpSkinny ListerRambunctious British folkband. Oct 8, 7:30pm, ¥6,000(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.www.smash-jpn.comJAZZ/WORLDKyle EastwoodPopular jazz bassist living inParis. Sep 17, 7 & 9:30pm; Sep18, 7 & 9:30pm; Sep 19, 7 &9:30pm, ¥7,800. Blue Note.Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. www.bluenote.co.jpGinger Baker's JazzConfusionThe legendary drummer andband. Sep 21, 5 & 8pm; Sep 22,6:30 & 9pm; Sep 23, 5 & 8pm,¥8,500-10,500. Cotton Club.Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555.www.cottonclubjapan.co.jpVolta Masters BandFeaturing SierraClub jazz. Sep 22, 7 & 9pm,¥3,600-20,400. Motion Blue.Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jpTamir Hendelman in TokyoJoined by Nobumasa Uotaniand Tatsuhiko Takeda. Sep 23,3:30 & 5pm, ¥4,500 (adv w/1d)/ ¥5,000 (door). Half MoonHall. Higashi-Kitazawa orShimokitazawa.IchigoPerformed by graduates fromTokyo National University. Sep24, 8 & 9pm, ¥3,000. Softwind.Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind.jpTigran Hamasyan TrioArmenian pianist. Sep 25, 6:30& 9pm; Sep 26, 6:30 & 9pm;Sep 27, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,500-8,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo.Tel: 03-3215-1555.www.cottonclubjapan.co.jpTokyo Chutei IkiSaxophones-only band. Sep26, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600-20,400.Motion Blue. Bashamichi.Tel: 045-226-1919.www.motionblue.co.jpTaylor McFerrinProducer, composer, pianist,DJ and live musician. Sep 26,8pm, ¥5,400 (adv). WWW.Shibuya.Chanson Latin TangoDuo live Satsuki Iwamoto andMasaru Okuyama. Sep 28, 7& 8:15pm, ¥3,000. Softwind.Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind.jpKazeNew international jazz group.Sep 28, 8pm, ¥3,000 (w/ 1d).Pit Inn. Shinjuku-sanchome.Tel: 03-3354-2024.www.pit-inn.comJune Yamagishi andKazumi WatanabeSuper session. Sep 29, 7& 9:30pm, ¥5,500-7,500.Billboard Live. Roppongi.Tel: 03-3405-1133.www.billboard-live.comMisato Senoo TrioJazz pianist. Sep 30, 7 & 9pm,¥3,600-20,400. Motion Blue.Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jpFrench BossaBossa nova in French. Oct 1, 8& 9:30pm, ¥2,800. Softwind.Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind.jpSariThe Sweetest Sounds tour. Oct2, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,800-21,200.Motion Blue. Bashamichi.Tel: 045-226-1919.www.motionblue.co.jpEddie PalmieriSalsa jazz orchestra. Oct 2, 7& 9:30pm; Oct 3, 7 & 9:30pm;Oct 4, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,800. BlueNote. Omotesando.Tel: 03-5485-0088.www.bluenote.co.jpPaquito D'Rivera & TrioCorrenteLatin jazz. Oct 5, 5 & 8pm; Oct6, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥8,500. BlueNote. Omotesando.Tel: 03-5485-0088.www.bluenote.co.jpPet Metheny Unity GroupWorld tour 2014. Oct 8, 7pm;Oct 9, 6:30pm; Oct 10, 6:30pm,¥9,800-10,800. SumidaTriphony Hall. Kinshicho.Tel: 03-5608-5404.www.triphony.comBlue Mountain BoysClassic country and westernand bluegrass. Every thirdSat, 6:30 & 7:30pm, free. CafeSepia. Shibuya.Tel: 03-3406-1300.www.nagaremono.com/sepiaCLASSICALThe Lifeworks of BrahmsConcert dedicated to thefamous German composer.Sep 21, 2pm, ¥1,000-2,500. Sagami Green Hall.Sagami-Ono. Tel: 042-749-2200. www.hall-net.or.jpVienna PhilharmonicOrchestraKawasaki: Conducted byGustavo Dudamel. Sep 22,7pm, ¥13,000-35,000. MuzaKawasaki Symphony Hall.Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200. www.kawasaki-symhall.jp.Suntory Hall Lecture: ByProf Dr. Clemens Hellsberg. Sep23, 2pm, ¥1,000-4,000. SuntoryHall Concert: Conducted byGustavo Dudamel. Sep 24,7pm, ¥13,000-35,000. SuntoryHall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culture-sports/suntoryhallPianists Marathon ConcertVarious musicians. Sep 25,6:30pm, ¥4,000. Tokyo OperaCity Recital Hall. Shinjuku orHatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-9999.www.operacity.jp85th Saitama RegularConcertConducted by Keiko Mitsuhashi.Sep 26, 7pm, ¥2,000-5,500.Sonic City. Omiya. Tel:048-647-4111. www.sonic-city.or.jpJapan PhilharmonicOrchestraPerforming Rossini, Mozart, andmore. Sep 27, 5:20pm, ¥1,500-7,200. Yokohama MinatoMirai Hall. Minatomirai. Tel:045-682-2020. www.yaf.or.jpTokyo Symphony OrchestraPerforming pieces by Mozart.Sep 28, 11am, ¥3,500. MuzaKawasaki Symphony Hall.Kawasaki. Tel: 044-520-0200. www.kawasaki-symhall.jpSpecial concert conducted byKazuyoshi Akiyama. Dec 29,2pm, ¥4,000-25,000. SuntoryHall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culture-sports/suntoryhallGroup Pianist 2014Marathon Concert II. Sep 29,6:30pm, ¥4,000. Tokyo OperaCity Recital Hall. Shinjuku orHatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-9999.www.operacity.jpGame Symphony JapanPerforming Final Fantasy VII.Sep 30, 7pm, ¥6,500-10,000.Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome.Tel: 0570-55-0017.www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhallFumiharu SumitomoSolo pianist performing Liszt.Oct 1, 7pm, ¥2,000-4,000.Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. www.yaf.or.jpBach Collegium JapanWith pianist Masayuki Nakaji.Oct 3, 7pm, ¥3,000-15,000.Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel:03-5353-9999. http://operacity.jp111thJ.S. Bach ConcertStarring pianist Pierre-LaurentAimard. Oct 4, 3pm, ¥2,500-6,000. Saitama Arts Theater.Yonohonmachi. Tel: 048-858-5500. www.saf.or.jpPierre-Laurent AimardSolo pianist performingBach. Oct 4, 3pm, ¥2,500-6,000. Saitama Arts Theater.Yonohonmachi. Tel:0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jpMunchener Bach OrchesterBach-only program conductedby Hansjörg Albrecht. Oct4, 1 & 7pm, ¥6,000-8,500.Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.Hatsudai or Shinjuku.Tel: 03-5353-9999.http://operacity.jpOct 5, 1:30pm, ¥6,000-8,500.Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. www.yaf.or.jpStageParsifalRichard Wagner's lastcompleted opera. Until Oct 14,¥1,620-32,400. New NationalTheatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.Tel: 03-5352-9999.www.nntt.jac.go.jp/operaA Chip in the Sugar BenefitPerformance for TELLAlan Bennett’s funnyand moving monologue.Reservation required. Oct3, 7pm, ¥7,000 (w/1d).SuperDeluxe.Tel: 03-5412-0515.event@telljp.comRoppongi.YamaFolktales from Yamagatabrought to the stage bytheater group DoubtfulSound. English with Japanesesubtitles. Oct 8-10, 7:30pm;Oct 11-12, 2:30 & 7:30pm,¥2,500 (student)/ ¥3,000(adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). TinyAlice. Shinjuku-sanchomeor Gaienmae.Tel: 03-3354-7307.http://doubtfulsound.asiaMon Père, GiacomettiContemporary performancegroup Akumanoshirushiperforms a piece about afather-and-son relationship.With English subtitles. Oct11-12, 1 & 6pm; Oct 13, 1pm,¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door).Kanagawa Arts Theater.Motomachi-Chukagai.www.kaat.jp/englishDon GiovanniOperatic portrayal of aplayboy’s inhibited andphilandering life. Oct 16 & 246:30pm; Oct 19,22 & 26, 2pm,¥4,320-23,760. New NationalTheatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/englishDance[àut]Groupe ENTORSE play withsound, space and movementin dance. Sep 19, 7:30pm;Sep 20, 3pm, ¥4,000 (gen) /¥7,000 (pair). Theater Tram.Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-5432-1526. http://setagaya-pt.jp/Niku no Uta10 female dancers performbutoh dance. Until Sep21, various times, ¥2,500(adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). B1,Dairakudakan Kochuten. 2-1-18,Kichijoji-Kitamachi. Kichijoji.http://dairakudakan.comCarmenRetelling of Bizet’s operain ballet form, underthe direction of TetsuyaKumakawa. Until Oct 26,various times, ¥6,000-18,500.Bunkamura Orchard Hall.Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522. www.bunkamura.co.jpClubbingFRIDAY 19AgehaBig Party. All mix: DJs Kaori,Hal, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000(m),¥2,500 (f). Shinkiba. www.ageha.comAir13th Anniversary. House,techno: DJs Ishino, Sunahara,etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500.Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.comDaikanyama UnitThe Bug x Actress. Bass music:DJs The Bug, Actress. From11pm, ¥4,500. Daikanyama.www.unit-tokyo.comModuleExtra-C-C Can't-U-C. All goodmusic: DJs Obuchi, Nozaki,etc. From 11pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com21

OrigamiDeep Secrets. Jazzy deephouse: DJs Kevin Yost, Kabuto,etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. DeepSecrets Tokyo Launch. From10pm, ¥2,500 (Facebookdiscount)/ ¥3,000 (door).Omotesando. Tel: 03-6434-0968. www.facebook.com/events/826868197346219/Sound Museum VisionPower. Electro, techno: DJsOsawa, Tanaka, etc. From10pm, ¥3,500(m) (w/1d),¥2,500(f) (w/1d). Shibuya.www.vision-tokyo.comT2Global EDM. EDM: DJs Dantz,Wildparty, etc. From 10pm,(m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d.Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs VariousDJs. From 10pm, ¥3,500(m)(w/2d), ¥2,500(f) (w/2d).Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692.www.t2-shibuya.comThe New Matrix BarMatrix Friday. Old schoolhip-hop, west side, south side,all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jpThe RoomWah Wah. Rare groove:DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc.From 11pm, ¥2,500 (w/1d).Shibuya. www.theroom.jpWombTri-Bute. Techno, house: DJsJohn Osborn, So, etc. From11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jpSATURDAY 20AgehaSuper Bikini Night. House,EDM: DJs Mitomi, DaishiDance, etc. From 11pm,¥3,500. Shinkiba. www.ageha.comModuleTri Beat. All good music: DJsBunchi, Shikushiku, etc. From9pm, ¥3,500 w/1d. Shibuya.www.module-tokyo.comRuby RoomEcho Patrol. DJs Eree, Hiro, etc.From 11pm, free. Shibuya.www.rubyroomtokyo.comSound Museum VisionRdms. House, techno: DJsTanaka, Daishi Dance, etc.From 10pm, ¥3,000 w/1d.Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.comThe New Matrix BarSaturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk andmore. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after10pm). Roppongi.www.matrixbar.jpThe RoomMagic. Disco, house: DJsKawasaki, Endo, etc. From9pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.www.theroom.jpWombMarble Night. Techno, house:DJs Para One, Bobmo,etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.www.womb.co.jpFRIDAY 26AgehaInside Out. Hip-hopDJs Hazime, Nobu, etc: Live:Aklo. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000,(f)¥2,000. Shinkiba. www.ageha.comAirMake or Take. Hip-hop DJsSouljah, Chaki, etc Live:Flatbush Zombies. From 10pm,¥3,500. Shibuya.www.air-tokyo.comDaikanyama UnitThrowing Snow. Trip hop DJsAmetsub: Live: Throwing Snowand more. From midnight,¥3,500. Daikanyama.www.unit-tokyo.comModuleWag. Techno, house: DJs EdDavenport, Sinzin, etc. From9pm, ¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya.www.module-tokyo.comSound Museum VisionClassics. Hip-hop DJSouthpaw Chop and more:Live: Nice & Smooth. From10pm, ¥3,500 (m) (w/ 1d),¥3,000 (f) (w/ 1d). Shibuya.www.vision-tokyo.comThe RoomChamp. Funk, jazz: DJsTominaga, Oibon, etc. From10pm, ¥2,500 (w/ 1d).Shibuya. www.theroom.jpWombLilith. Techno: DJs Three,Serizawa, etc. From 11pm,¥3,500. Shibuya.Tel: 03-5459-0039.www.womb.co.jpUPCOMINGAgehaMore More More. EDM, house:DJs Osawa, Taku, etc. Sep 27,from 9pm, ¥3,500. Shin-Kiba.www.ageha.comAirRon Trent. House DJs Ron Trent,Stock, etc. Sep 27, from 10pm,¥3,500. Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.comDaikanyama UnitIn Business. Funk DJs Jin, Kuroda,etc. Live: The Funky Twin Peaksand more. Sep 27, from 11pm,¥3,000. Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo.comLiquidroomChaos. Techno DJs Fumiya,Cabanne, etc. Sep 27, from11pm, ¥3,500. Ebisu.Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.liquidroom.netModuleVeta. Techno, minimal: DJsOkuda, Takahashi, etc. Sep 27,from 11pm, ¥3,000. Shibuya.www.module-tokyo.comRuby RoomSlow it down. DJs Harsoul,Drew, etc. Sep 27, from 11pm,free. Shibuya.www.rubyroomtokyo.comSound Museum VisionSounday Joint Pre Party.Reggae, hip-hop: DJs MightyCrown, Kentaro, etc. Sep 27,from 10pm, ¥3,000 (w/ 1d).Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.comWombArpa Showcase. Techno DJsSodeyama, Mold, etc: Live:Skudge. Sep 27, from 11pm,¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jpExhibitionsAKASAKA/ROPPONGI21_21 Design SightImage-Makers. Mixed mediaportraying a world of imagesand fantasy. Until Oct 5,¥500-1,000. Open Mon &Wed-Sun 11am-8pm, closedTue. 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku.Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121.www.2121designsight.jpFujifilm SquareGreat Railway. Works by railwayphotographer Seiya Nakai.Until Oct 1, free. Open daily10am-7pm. 9-7-3 Akasaka,SEP 27-OCT 12SansuiYoung photographer KoheiFukushima captures thewildness of nature with apresentation of a mountainwaterfall, making optimaluse of space to recreatethe raw power of a naturalscene. Sep 27-Oct 12.Free. Open daily, 12-7pm.3F Ogura Bldg, 2-12-4Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel:03-6419-7229. Nogizaka.www.nanatasu.jpRoppongi. Roppongi.Tel: 03-6271-3350. http://fujifilmsquare.jp/enMori Art MuseumLee Mingwei and His Relations.Mixed media artist withan interactive style. Thecompletion of his worksrelies on the participation ofhis audience. Sep 20-Jan 4,¥500-1,500. Jacob Kirkegaard.Sound and video installationon Fukushima by Danishsound artist. Sep 20-Jan4, 10am-10pm / Tuesdays,10am-5pm, ¥1,500 (general) /¥1,000 (uni/high school) / ¥500(4 years-junior high). Open Mon& Wed-Sun, 10am-10pm, Tue10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.mori.art.museumNanatasu GalleryIto wo Kashi. Mami Itagakiportrays the lives of peoplethrough sculptures usingmaterial from the Paulowniatree. Until Sep 21, free. Opendaily noon-7pm. 3F OguraBldg. 2-12-4 Nishi-Azabu.Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6419-7229.www.nanatasu.jpSuntory Museum of ArtThe Radiance of Stillness andMotion: Bohemian Glass.Exclusive pieces from theMuseum of Decorative Artsin Prague. Until Sep 28,¥800-1,300. Koyasan 1200thAnniversary: Treasures of theSacred Mountain. Figurescarved by some of Japan' mostcelebrated Buddhist sculptors,including Unkei and Kaikei. Oct11-Dec 7, ¥800-1,300. OpenWed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon& hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue.9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku.Roppongi. www.suntory.jp/smaThe National Art Center,TokyoThe Birth of Impressionism—Freedom in Painting:Masterpieces from theMusée d’Orsay. Impressionistmasterpieces from Paris. UntilOct 20, ¥800-1,600. OpenWed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm,Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue.7-22-2 Roppongi. Nogizaka.www.nact.jpWako Works of ArtNellie. Photography and filmby Fiona Tan. Until Sep 27,free. Open Tue-Sat, 11am-7pm,closed Sun-Mon. 3F PyramidBldg, 6-6-9 Roppongi.Roppongi. www.wako-art.jpGINZA/KYOBASHI/TOKYO59th CWAJ Print ShowJapan’s largest exhibit and saleof contemporary Japaneseprints. Oct 17, 11am-8pm;Oct 18, 11am-7pm; Oct 19,11am-6pm, free. TokyoAmerican Club, 2-1-2 Azabudai,Minato-ku. Kamiyacho. Tel:03-4588-0381. www.cwaj.orgBridgestone Museum of ArtTime and Painting — 24Episodes. 160 works rangingfrom ancient art to Rembrandt,Renoir and Monet. Until Sep23, ¥500-800. Willem deKooning: From the John andKimiko Powers Collection.Dutch-born American artist andone of the founders of abstractexpressionism. Oct 8-Jan 12,¥500-800. Open Tue-Sun & hols10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Tokyo.Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bridgestone-museum.gr.jpGinza Graphic GallerySo French. Posters by MichelBouvet. Until Sep 27, free.Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat11am-6pm, closed Sun & hols.1F Ginza Bldg, 7-7-2 Ginza.Ginza. www.tokyo.mae.lu/jp/node_19876/hana-hito-tokyoIdemitsu Museum of ArtsNational Treasures of theMunakata Shrine: The SacredIsland of Okinoshima and HolyTreasures from the Shrine.Historical items from a sacredisland in Fukuoka Prefecture.Until Oct 13, ¥700-1,000.Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm,Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon.9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1Marunouchi. Tokyo. www.idemitsu.co.jp/museumMitsubishi IchigokanMuseumFélix Vallotton—Fire Beneaththe Ice. Swiss painter influencedby Japanese woodcuts. UntilSep 23, ¥800-1,600. Wed-Fri10am-8pm, Tue, Sat-Sun &hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon.2-6-2 Marunouchi. Tokyo. Tel:03-5405-8686. www.mimt.jpMitsui Memorial MuseumNoh Masks and Costumes—Look, Learn and Compare.Discover the meanings behindthe different styles of masksand extravagant stage-wear.Until Sep 21, ¥500-1,000.7F Mitsui Main Bldg, 2-1-1Nihombashi-Muromachi,Chuo-ku. Mitsukoshimae. Tel:03-5777-8600.www.mitsui-museum.jpNagoya Commerce andIndustry CenterThe Mirror Ginza. The truenature of the coming erareflected in artwork. Oct16-Nov 9, 1-9pm, ¥1,000(lecture is extra) / reservationonly. 1-9pm. 4-3-6 Ginza,Chuo-ku. Ginza-itchome.National Film CenterLe Monde Enchanté de JacquesDemy. Behind-the-scenesphotographs from works byFrench New Wave directorknown for The Umbrellas ofCherbourg and other films. UntilDec 14, ¥70-210. Open Tue-Sun11am-6:30pm, closed Mon.3-7-6 Kyobashi. Kyobashi. Tel:03-5777-8600.www.momat.go.jpPola Museum AnnexPlaying with Sound. Interactiveinstallations by sound artist anddesigner Yuri Suzuki. Until Sep23, free. Open daily, 11am-8pm.3F Pola Ginza Bldg. 1-7-7 Ginza.Ginza-itchome. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.po-holdings.co.jp/m-annexThe National Museum ofModern Art, TokyoHishida Shunso: ARetrospective. Works by a Meijiperiod painter and innovatorof nihonga. Sep 23-Nov 3,¥400-1,400. Celadon Now:Techniques and Beauty HandedDown from Southern Sungto Today. Modern ceramicart. Until Nov 24, ¥300-900.Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun,10am-5pm, Fri, 10am-8pm. 3-1Kitanomaru-koen.Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat.go.jpTakebashi.HARAJUKU/AOYAMAUkiyo-e Ota MemorialMuseum of ArtSpecters, Ghosts and Sorcerersin Ukiyo-e. Traditionalprints of ghastly ghouls andcreepy critters. Until Sep 25,¥600-900. Utagawa Kunisada:150th Anniversary of His Death.Collection of prints by one ofthe great ukiyo-e masters. Oct1-Nov 24, ¥700-1,000. OpenTue-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm,closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae.Harajuku. www.ukiyoe-otamuse.jpSHIBUYA/EBISUBunkamura: The MuseumVisual Deception II: Into theFuture. Art that plays tricks onthe spectators’s eyes. UntilOct 5, ¥500-1,500. The Dreamof French Paintings: FromImpressionism to Ecole de Paris.Select works by Monet, Chagall,Cézanne, Foujita and more. Oct18-Dec 14, ¥500-1,400. OpenMon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm,Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2-24-1Dogenzaka. Shibuya.Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bunkamura.co.jpSHINJUKU/IKEBUKUROSompo JapanMuseum of ArtNormandie: L'Estuaire dela Seine—L'Invention d'unPaysage. Paintings by EugèneBoudin, Raoul Dufy and others.Until Nov 9, ¥700-1,100.Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closedMon. 42F Sompo JapanBldg. 1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku.Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5405-8686.www.sompo-japan.co.jp/museumTokyo Opera CityArt GalleryThe Way of Painting. Works bynew artists from 2000 onwards.Until Sep 21, ¥800-1,000.Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm,Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2Nishi-Shinjuku. Hatsudai.www.operacity.jp/en/agUENOEdo-Tokyo MuseumTokyo Olympics and the BulletTrain. In commemoration ofthe 50th anniversary of theTokyo Olympic and ParalympicGames. Sep 30-Nov 16,¥670-1340. Open Tue-Fri,& Sun 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat,9:30am-7:30pm, closedMon & hols. 1-4-1 Yokoami.Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3626-9974. www.edo-tokyomuseum.or.jpThe National Museum ofWestern ArtFerdinand Hodler: TowardsRhythmic Images. Paintings byone of the best-known Swissartists of the 19th century. Oct7-Jan 12, ¥800-1,600. Opendaily, 9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7Ueno Park. Ueno.www.nmwa.go.jpTokyo Metropolitan ArtMuseumArt as a Haven of Happiness.Mixed media. Rich harmoniesand vibrant colors by artistsborn with Down syndrome.Until Oct 8, ¥400-800.Ancient Egyptian Queensand Goddesses: Treasuresfrom The MetropolitanMuseum of Art, New York.200 masterpieces, includingjewelry made for PharaohHatshepsut and images ofdeities. Until Sep 23, ¥1,000-1,600. 8-36 Ueno Park.Ueno. www.tobikan.jpTokyo National MuseumNational Treasures of Japan.Artifacts gathered across variousgenres and periods. Oct 15-Dec7, ¥900-1,600. Open Tue-Sun9:30am-5pm. 13-9 Ueno Park.Ueno. www.tnm.jpUeno Royal MuseumHokusai: From the Museumof Fine Arts, Boston. One ofJapan’s most famous ukiyo-eartists of the Edo period.Until Nov 9, ¥400-1,500.Open Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri10am-8pm. 1-2 Ueno Park.Ueno. www.ueno-mori.orgOTHER AREASHakone Museum ofPhotographyMt. Fuji. Katsura Endo’sportrayal of the ever-changingsymbol of Japan. Permanentexhibition. Until Nov 4,¥300-500. 10am-5pm, closedTue (9am-9pm Sat fromMay to August). 1300-432Goura Hakonemachi,Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa.Gora. Tel: 046-02-2717.www.hmop.comHara Museum ofContemporary ArtArt Scope 2012-2014: Remainsof Their Journeys. Results of aDaimler Foundation-createdartist exchange betweenGerman and Japanese artists.Until Oct 13, ¥500-1,100. OpenTue-Sun 11am-5pm, closedMon. 4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa.Kita-Shinagawa. Tel: 03-3445-0651. www.haramuseum.or.jpHoki MuseumHito Omoi, Hito Omou.Painting. Lifelike portraits bycontemporary artists. UntilNov 16, ¥900-1,800. OpenMon & Wed-Thu, 10am-6pm,Fri-Sat, 10am-7pm, Sun,10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15Asumigaokahigashi, Midori-ku.Toke. www.hoki-museum.jpMakuhari MesseSpace Expo 2014: The GreatChallenge of NASA/JAXA.Extraterrestrial explorationfrom 1897 until modern times.Until Sep 23, ¥900-2,500. 2-1Nakase, Mihama-ku. Kaihin-Makuhari. www.m-messe.co.jpMiraikanToilet!? Human Waste & Earth’sFuture. A playful explanationon “what goes in, must comeout” and how it affects theenvironment. Until Oct 5,¥600-1,200. 2-3-6, Aomi,Koto-ku. Telecom Centerstation. Tel: 03-3570-9151.www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/enOkada Museum of ArtSpirit of China: Masterpiecesof Jade. Exquisite works of artmade from ornamental rock.Until Sep 30, ¥1,800-2,800.Open daily, 9am-5pm. 493-1Kowakudani, Hakone-machi.Kowakidani. Tel: 0460-87-3931. www.okada-museum.com/en/ShoichiroDead Animals. Symbolicphotography by RichardMisrach. Until Sep 20, free.Open Tue-Sat 11am-7pm,closed Sun, Mon & hols. B1FSansho Bldg. 3-2-9 Nihonbashi.Nihonbashi. Tel: 03-3275-1008. www.g-sho.comThe Container"Change Room." Canadianartist Robert Waters'exhibition. Until Nov 16, OpenMon-Fri, 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun,10am-8pm, closed Tue, free.Mon-Fri, 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun,& hols 10am-8pm, closedTue. Hills Daikanyama, 1-8-30Kami-Meguro. Naka-Meguro.www.the-container.com22

Tokyo Fuji Art MuseumGenius and Ambition: TheRoyal Academy of Arts, London1768-1918. Oil paintings byTurner, Constable and others.Until Nov 24, ¥400-1,300.Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm,closed Mon. Yano-machi492-1 Hachioji. Hachioji. Tel:042-691-4511. www.fujibi.or.jp/enSportsAMERICAN FOOTBALLX League●●Asahi Beer Silver Star vs.Taiyou Cranes. Sep 21, 2pm,¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium.Keikyu Kawasaki orKawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931.●●Lixil Deers vs. Bulls FootballClub. Sep 23, 11am, ¥1,100.Amino Vital Field. Tobitakyu.Tel: 042-440-0555.●●Fujitsu Frontiers vs. TokyoGas Creators. Sep 27, 2pm,¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium.Keikyu Kawasaki orKawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931.●●All Mitsubishi Lions vs.Bulls Football Club. Oct 4,11am, ¥1,100. KawasakiStadium. Keikyu Kawasaki orKawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931.●●Fujitsu Frontiers vs. IBMBig Blue. Oct 4, 2pm, ¥1,100.Kawasaki Stadium. KeikyuKawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel:044-244-2931.●●Lixil Deers vs. TaiyouCranes. Oct 4, 10:45am,¥1,100. Amino Vital Field.Tobitakyu. Tel: 042-440-0555.●●Nojima Sagamihara Risevs. Meiji Yasuda Pirates. Oct5, 5pm, ¥1,100. KawasakiStadium. Keikyu Kawasaki orKawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931.BASEBALLCentral League●●Yomiuri Giants vs. TokyoYakult Swallows. Sep 19-21,6pm, ¥300-6,100. Tokyo Dome.Suidobashi.Tel: 03-5800-9999.●●Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Sep23-25, 1pm, ¥500-4,600. MeijiJingu Gaien. Shinanomachior Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-0312.Pacific League●●Chiba Lotte Marines vs.Orix Buffaloes. Sep 28, 6pm,¥800-4,900. QVC Marine Field.Kaihin-Makuhari.Tel: 043-296-1227.●●Chiba Lotte Marines vs.Hokkaido Nippon-HamFighters. Sep 23-26, 1pm,¥800-4,900. QVC Marine Field.Kaihin-Makuhari.Tel: 043-296-1227.●●Saitama Seibu Lions vs.Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.Sep 28, 6pm, ¥600-4,600.Seibu Dome. Seibukyujomae.Tel: 04-2925-1141.●●Saitama Seibu Lions vs.Hokkaido Nippon-HamFighters. Oct 2, 6pm,¥600-4,600. Seibu Dome.Seibukyujomae.Tel: 04-2925-1141.FIGURE SKATINGCarnival on IceOct 4, 7pm, ¥6,000-24,000.Saitama Super Arena.Saitama-Shintoshin.Japan OpenOct 4, 1pm, ¥4,000-23,000.Saitama Super Arena.Saitama-Shintoshin.GOLFJGTOBridgestone Open. Oct23-26, 8am, ¥1,000-3,000.Sodegaura C.C. SodegauraCourse. Kamatori.Tel: 043-291-1111.JLPGAFujitsu Ladies. Oct 17-19,7:45am, ¥3,000. Tokyu SevenHundred Club. Toke.Tel: 043-294-0700.Morinaga Ladies. Oct 31-2,8pm, ¥5,400. MorinagaTakataki Country Club.KARATEGoi.All Japan ChampionshipOct 25, 11am, ¥4,000. TokyoMetropolitan Gymnasium.Sendagaya. Tel: 03-5474-2112.RUGBYJapan vs. New ZealandNov 8, 2pm, ¥500-10,000.Chichibunomiya RugbyStadium. Gaienmae.Tel: 03-3401-3881.Top LeagueSuntory Sungoliath vs. KobelcoSteelers. Sep 19, 7:30pm,¥300-3,600. ChichibunomiyaRugby Stadium. Gaienmae.Tel: 03-3401-3881.TENNISRakuten Japan Open:SundaySep 28, 12pm, ¥2,500-4,000.Ariake Colosseum. Ariake.Tel: 03-3529-3301.Rakuten Japan OpenSep 29-Oct 5, various times,¥1,000-13,500. AriakeColosseum. Ariake.Tel: 03-3529-3301.FestivalsNezu MatsuriOne of the three biggest annualShinto festivals in Tokyo. Sep20-21, all day, free. Nezu Jinja.Nezu. Tel: 03-3822-0753.www.nedujinja.or.jpFukuro FestivalMikoshi shrine parades,taiko drum shoes, lion danceperformances and more.Sep 27-Oct 12, all day, free.Ikebukuro, west side.Ikebukuro. www.yosakoitokyo.gr.jpNarita Hanabi TaikaiBoom Factor: 10,000.Award-winning fireworksfor their unique designs andperformances. Oct 11, 7pm,free. Inbanuma area (Chiba).Narita.Forums &ExposTokyo Game Show 2014Changing Games: TheTransformation of Fun. Sep20-21, 10am-5pm, ¥1,000 (adv)/¥1,200 (door). Makuhari Messe.Kaihin-Makuhari. http://meturl.com/tokyogameshow2014CommunityLuau ExtravaganzaCharity event in aid of ShineOn! Kids with raffle prizesincluding tickets to theMaldives, Guam and more. Sep27, 5pm, ¥25,000 (donationper seat). Tokyo American Club.Kamiyacho. Tel: 03-4588-0381. http://meturl.com/sokids1A Purrfect Autumn Nightfor HeartFundraiser with a live show andraffle to support animal shelterHeart. Sep 28, 7pm, ¥1,000.What the Dickens. Ebisu. Tel:03-3780-2099. http://meturl.com/purrfect1OCT 8 - DEC 10Grief Support GroupYou don’t need to be alonewhen grieving the death ofa loved one- we are here foryou. Interested in joining us?Every Wed 7-8:30pm, WesleyCenter, Minami Aoyama.Omotesando. Email:training@telljp.comFEW’s 18th Biennial CareerStrategy SeminarMake new connections andturbo charge your career. Opento all self identified women.Oct 4, 10am-5:30pm, ¥10,000(members & non-memberstudents)/ ¥12,000 (guests)/¥15,000 (door). CompassOffices. MG Meguro EkimaeBuilding, 2-15-19 Kamiosaki.Meguro. public.relations@fewjapan.comStitch-n-BitchMeet fellow knitters, crochetersand sewers to talk, shareideas, eat, drink and create.Every first and third Tue,7pm, free, Cafe Respekt.Shibuya. www.meetup.com/TokyoStitchandBitchHalf-Fast CyclistsBicyclists of all treads meetfor slide shows, lectures,ride-planning, etc. Everysecond Wed, 7pm, free, ThePink Cow. Roppongi. Tel:03-6434-5773. cowmail@thepinkcow.comDr. Sketchy’s Anti-ArtSchoolBurlesque models pose for artstars and sketching newbiesalike with arty socializing.Every third Wed, 7pm, ¥2,000w/1d. Studio and Space IVVA.Meiji-Jingumae or Harajuku.www.drsketchytokyo.wordpress.comLearningCider SeminarTasting of five French ciders,coupled with seminar onhistoric background. Oct 19,4pm, ¥2,500 (members)/¥3,000 (non-members).Brasserie Ripaille Motomachi.2F Wistaria Motomachi, 4-179Motomomachi. Ishikawacho.www.institutfrancais.jpNihonga ClassRegular classes and one-dayworkshops on basic Japanesestylepainting techniques.All classes in English andJapanese. Weekdays 6pm,Sat 11am & 3pm. Email fordetails on flexible class times,4B Maruoka Bldg, 5-49-7Jingumae. Meiji-Jingumaewww.mariatanikawa.comOther EventsTokyo InternationalBar ShowBartending championships,demonstrations and samples.Sep 20-21, 11:30am-6pm,¥5,000 (1 day)/ ¥9,000 (2days). Tokyo Dome City Hall.Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999. www.tokyobarshow.comTURN YOUR PASSION FOR JAPANINTO A CAREER YOU’LL LOVE• Join our team as a Japan Sales Specialist• Be part of a growing, award winning travel company• Enjoy extensive training in the UK and abroad• Receive a highly competitive salary• Base yourself in our UK officesFind out more about becoming an Audley Country Specialistat www.audleytravel.com/careersMORE LISTINGS ONLINE → METURL.LISTINGS23

moviesfeatured movieBY DON MORTONDAWN OF THEPLANET OF THEAPESIt’s a rarity for a sequel to improve on the original, especiallywhen the first flick was pretty good in itself. This exciting,thought-provoking movie deftly picks up where Rise of thePlanet of the Apes left off, with a small band of apocalypsesurvivinghumans in San Francisco facing off with top chimpCaesar’s group of perspicacious primates, which has setup an impressively civilized camp in Muir Woods. But thealmost Shakespearean conflict is not so much betweenman and ape as it is between warmongers and moderatesin both camps. Of course it’s allegorical, but the touch is solight that you’ll be caught up in the suspense and actionbefore you ever realize it’s delivering a message. No meanfeat. Not enough good things can be said about Andy“Gollum” Serkis as Caesar. Also Jason Clarke, Gary Oldmanand Keri Russell. The film does not preach; the awesome CGsupport the storytelling; it’s intelligent and viscerally thrilling.And James Franco’s not in it. Best Apes movie so far. Italso pulls off the even more rare feat of making me anxiousfor the next installment. Japanese title: Saru no Wakusei:Rising. (130 min)© 2014「海を感じる時」製作委員会© IMAGE.NET© Ajax Studioseigamovie newscinematic undergroundUMI WOKANJIRUTOKIBy Rob SchwartzWhile the story may seemoverused by today’s standards,its history is fascinating.The novel this flick is basedon (of the same name, whichliterally translates as When ISense the Sea) was released in 1978 and depicted indetail the steamy affair between a teenage schoolgirland a senior at the same school. It was highly laudedand won the Gunzo Newcomer’s Award while at thesame time scandalizing Japan. The kicker was that thefemale author, Kei Nakazawa, was only 18 when thebook was published. One day, rebellious Emiko (YuiIchikawa) is cutting class in the school paper roomwhen she runs into Hiroshi (Sosuke Ikematsu). Heimmediately hits on her and they enter into a hot andheavy affair that consumes her life. She falls heavilyin love with Hiroshi but he declares it’s only aboutsex. Though they break up and get back together,Emiko follows Hiroshi around, basing her life aroundhim —even taking up work at a flower shop just to benear his university. In all, this is a well-acted depictionof both naive love and clueless obsession. (118 min)The last time Metropolis caught up with RyoheiSuzuki, he was a presenter for Fox Japan varietyshows. Now he’s the lead in a Japanese film, generatinga good deal of buzz with two other features inthe pipeline. Tokyo Tribe, based on a manga by SantaInoue, is set in a near future where riots in Shibuyahave led to the formation of rival tribes (Check ourreview online). Suzuki and Hokkaido-born rapperYoung Dais play former best friends who are set tosquare off when members of their tribes begin offingeach other. “I was thrilled to work with director ShionSono,” Suzuki says. “I pulled together all of the skillsI’ve developed in order to make myself ‘Sono material’from head to toe.” Since the tribes in the film battleit out with both violence and freestyle rap, Suzuki’spreparation was physical and verbal. “It was the firsttime for me to do sword fighting, so I was swinginga wooden sword around every day to prepare,” theactor recalls. “For the rap scenes, I shared ideas withsome pros and worked with Young Dais. Every freeminute on the set or in the car, I just kept my mouthmoving.” Tokyo Tribe is now playing. http://tokyotribe-movie.com/Kevin McgueAfter decades of being unavailable in any format becausethe negative was misplaced, the 1971 Australian thrillerWake in Fright (pictured) has been tracked down andremastered, and can even be seen on the big screenfrom September 27 at Cinema Qualite (3-37-12 Shinjuku,Shinjuku-ku; http://qualite.musashino-k.jp). The longlostfilm starts with a school teacher arriving at an isolatedoutback town for a little R&R, but nothing goes asplanned… The French romantic comedy Un plan parfait(aka Fly Me to the Moon) proves that the genre can still beromantic and even funny. Diane Kruger struggles with afamily curse that causes all of its women to end their firstmarriage in divorce, so she marries a random strangerinstead of ruining things with her boyfriend. Playing fromSeptember 20 at Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho (2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; www.ht-cinema.com)... Themultimedia event Century of Film and Dance is runningSeptember 20 to October 3 at Image Forum in Shibuya(2-10-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku; www.imageforum.co.jp). Inaddition to live performances and Q&As, the schedulefeatures eight programs ranging from compilations of jazznumbers from Hollywood films to documentaries on contemporaryperformers. http://dancenewair.jp/ KM24

More reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/moviesBY DON MORTONNEWDELIVER US FROM EVILLazy Exorcist retreadhas Eric Bana (trying ona hilarious Bronx accent)as a cop-turned-demonologisthaunted by theacts of Mephistophelean mayhem committed by someGIs who apparently left ajar a door to hell while in Iraq.It’s “inspired by actual events,” which is movie-speak for“this stuff never really happened.” Note to filmmakers:dim lighting alone does not make things scary, just hardto see. Looks like it was shot and edited on an iPhone.The demons are gross but never scary. The backgroundmusic is by The Doors. Really. Hopelessly hokey, dreadfullyderivative, and mercifully missable. Japanese title:NY Shinrei Sousakan. (118 min)NEWFRANKIE & ALICEFrankie is a black ’70sgo-go dancer whosuffers from multiplepersonality disorder,sharing her body with aprecocious seven-year-old nicknamed “Genius” and,get this, a vicious southern racist called Alice. StellanSkarsgård is the psychologist who diagnoses anddocuments her disorder. Halle Berry, trying perhapsa bit too hard for a second Oscar, does what she canwith the bland material (based on a true story, etc.) butnever really disappears into the role(s). As a whole,the movie is mildly interesting, frequently lurid, a tadcartoonish and never truly engaging. (101 min)NEWLE WEEK-ENDOn what was to be anostalgic attempt tocelebrate 30 years ofcomplex but affectionatemarriage, Brits JimBroadbent and Lindsay Duncan (never better) travelto Paris to revisit the scenes of their honeymoon. Thetrip reveals both their strong bond and some halfburiedfissures. As movies about the gently aging go,you could view this as an antidote to fluff like The BestExotic Marigold Hotel. It’s well crafted, intelligent, mischievous,melancholy and even profound. A memorabledinner party scene in which things come to a head isalone worth the price of admission. Also a superb JeffGoldblum. Japanese title: Weekend wa Paris de. (93 min)NEWGUARDIANS OF THEGALAXYWith no less than twoHan Solo types, thisirreverent, self-satirizingspace romp has rebelswagger to spare. One’s a raccoon (voice by BradleyCooper). The other, played by career goofball ChrisPratt, is a self-mythologizing space rogue who listenswhile doing his banditry to a ’70s mix tape on a vintageWalkman. He and a surrogate family of misfits cometogether to stop the villain from taking over the universe,etc. They comprise a blue Zoe Saldana, a literal-mindedDave Bautista, and the voice of Vin Diesel as an Ent-liketree creature. It’s self-aware, silly, funky and thoroughlyenjoyable. (121 min)NEWFRANCES HANoah Baumbach’s(Kicking and Screaming,The Squid and theWhale) tale of a 27-yearoldwoman strugglingwith impending maturity (now termed a “quarter-life crisis”)stands way out from a seemingly endless paradeof Gen-X dreck. Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote with thedirector, brings along her gifts for physical comedy andoff-kilter timing. An aspiring dancer, Frances missessocial cues, ignores advice and talks too much. Hercomplacent life is derailed by the impending marriageof her roomie Sophie (Sting’s kid Mickey Sumner; great).Exuberant, poignant, wryly funny and offbeat withoutcynicism. It’s honest. (86 min)NEWNIGHT TRAIN TOLISBONA stuffy Brit academic(Jeremy Irons) whodescribes himself asboring (he’s right) impulsivelywalks out of his Swiss classroom and hops atrain to Lisbon to find out more about Portuguese poetand doctor Amadeu de Prado. In a movie so titled, youmight think you’re in for a little noirish intrigue instead ofthis low-energy historical detective story. Lots of flashbacks,exposition and philosophical mutterings. It’s notterrible; the prestigious cast includes Mélanie Laurent,Jack Huston, Tom Courtenay, Bruno Ganz, Lena Olin andCharlotte Rampling. But the characters never really comealive. Japanese title: Lisbon ni Sasowarete. (110 min)NEWTIME IS ILLMATICA perk of reviewingfilms is watching musicdocumentaries aboutperformers and genresyou don’t, um, commonlyfollow. This one is about one of hip-hop’s most intellectualartists, Nasir “Nas” Jones, celebrating his influentialdebut album 20 years back. Man’s a poet. Using archivalfootage (helpfully subtitled) and talking heads, thefilm links what was happening in the recording studiowith the politics and policy at the time of being black inAmerica. It’s brisk and stylish, and avoids hagiography.Fans will love it, and neophytes can learn something. Idid. Still don’t like hip-hop. Japanese title: Nas: Time isIllmatic. (73 min)NON-STOPThis is the moderatelysuspenseful if credibility-stretchingtale of analcoholic, over-the-hillU.S. Air Marshall who hasissues. But we trust him immediately and completelybecause he’s Liam Neeson. One of the passengerson his red-eye flight is messing with his mind, textingthreats to kill a passenger every 20 minutes. And asa bonus, the mystery messenger is framing Liam forhis/her planned $150-million heist. Glaring plot holes,numerous red herrings, some dull stretches. Serviceablethriller is forgettable, but among the better efforts in theactor’s ongoing spate of quickie actioners. Also JulianneMoore. (106 min)STORIES WE TELLFor her third directorialeffort, Sarah Polley trieson a documentary abouther mother, who diedwhen Sarah was 11. Sheinterviews family members in an attempt to get a betterpicture of what made Mom tick. But this is much morethan talking heads. Each viewpoint is slightly skewed.It soon morphs into a dramatic investigative mystery,and ends up being nothing less than an examination ofstorytelling and truth itself. You’ll enjoy this most if I tellyou little. This is brave filmmaking, but Polley approachesher emerging material with a strong sense of personalethics. Well done! Japanese title: MonogataruWatashitachi. (108 min)ZULUThis police proceduraloffers little new to thegenre, but the acting,production values andever-fascinating backdropof South Africa’s Cape Town bring it up to theentirely watchable level. Forest Whitaker and OrlandoBloom (not my favorite actor, but he does well here) aremismatched cop buddies tracking down a new drugthat’s killing off African youths. It’s fairly unflinching in itsbrutality and paced like a roller coaster, but it finds timeto promote the concept of the necessity of forgiveness.Directed by Jérôme Salle and adapted from a novel byCaryl Férey. Japanese title: Cape Town. (110 min)HOW I LIVE NOWKevin Macdonald’sclumsy marriage of a YAromance and a harrowingWW III survival saga isfar from original. But theever-surprising Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, Hanna) providesthe glue that makes it all work. A snotty Americanteenager is unloaded for the summer with her Englishcousins (including the dishy George MacKay). She eventuallylowers her barriers and comes to see this fragile,unsupervised group of kids and teens as the family shenever had. Then someone nukes London and the filmmorphs into a fashionably begrimed thriller, in which thestory effectively adheres to her POV. Well worth seeing.Japanese title: Watashi wa Ikiteikeru. (101 min)LUCYEuro-schlock producerLuc Besson latches onto and runs with thedebunked urban legendthat humans use only tenpercent of their brains’s capacities. The result is a pulpy,preposterous, action-packed yet mildly contemplativeand never predictable blend of 2001 and Charly, with adash of The Matrix. Pseudo-science aside, it also happensto be a total blast. Does a superb job of feigningdepth. Scarlett Johansson’s spot-on in the title role of aparty girl forcibly drafted as a drug mule who suffers amassive dose of a new mind-expanding drug and turnsinto an existential superhero. Insanely fun. (90 min)Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox; Deliver us from Evil: Sony Pictures Entertainment; Frankie & Alice: © 2009 F&A PRODUCTION SERVICES INC. All Rights Reserved.; Le Week-End: © 2013 Free Range Films Limited/The British Film Institute / Curzon Film Rights 2 and Channel Four Television Corporation.; Guardians of the Galaxy: © Marvel 2014 All rights reserved.; Frances Ha: © Pine District, LLC.; Night Train to Lisbon: © 2012 Studio Hamburg FilmProduktionGmbH / C-Films AG / C-Films Deutschland GmbH / Cinemate SA. All Rights Reserved.; Time is Illmatic: © COPYRIGHT ILLA FILMS, LLC 2014; Non-Stop: © 2014 TF1 FILMS PRODUCTION S.A.S STUDIOCANAL S.A.; Stories We Tell: ©2012 NationalFilm Board of Canada; Zulu: © 2013 ES KW AD-PA THÉ PRODUCTION -LOBSTER TREE-M6 FILMS; How I Live Now: © The British Film Institute/Channel Four Television Corporation/ HILN Ltd 2013; Lucy: © 2014 Universal Pictures25

food&drinkPhoto by Rodger SonomuraPhoto by Tommy PhamFamed for 430 years of authentic French cuisine,La Tour d’Argent now celebrates its 30thyear in Japan with a world-class feast at its NewOtani location. Executive chef Renaud Augierserves up the Paris branch’s exquisite signaturemenu, including Caneton Marco Polo au poivrevert (roast duckling with green pepper) and Mosaiquede Saint-Jacques et legumes au caviar(scallops with vegetables and caviar).Hotel New Otani, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku.Lunch Oct 16-Nov 16; dinner Oct 15-Nov 30.Nagatacho. http://meturl.com/tourdargentNot quite Japanese and not quite Thai, YamiYami Curry blends the two cuisines to createdelicious fusion curries that are sure to hit thespot when you can’t decide on what to eat.The restaurant also lets you custom createyour own curry—and if you’re looking for achili hit, choose the extra-spicy option! Pricestypically range from ¥720-860, but can goup depending on your customization. Englishmenu available.Branches in Iidabashi, Jimbocho, Nakano andWaseda. http://syokushindou.jp/jimbo.htmThe backstreets of Shibuya are home to W.PGold Burger (pronounced "Whoopi"), a laidbackburger joint with a menu as pun-tasticas its name. The shop serves up such gemsas the Whoopi Goldburger (natch), the KevinBacon Burger and the Sarah Jessica Burger (itsounds better when you try it in katakana). Allpunning aside, the burgers are as huge as theirnamesakes’ names, and served with mashedpotatoes or fries. Vegetarian burgers availableon request.1-9-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya.¥¥¥ EN/JPCAFÉRhubarb pie inyour eyeTEXT AND PHOTOS BY MIKE KANERTSo much more than a typical panyasan, theJiyugaoka Bake Shop opens its elevatedfourth-floor expanse to present a bright andfully serviced café.Light pours in from the floor-to-ceiling windows—andmore illumination can be found onthe 17-seat open-air terrace past the temptingbake display, a cozy spot for a mid-afternoonnibble. The ample food menu offers everythingfrom asparagus and bacon risotto (¥1,100) toeggs benedict (¥1,260), while New Yorkersmight enjoy the sight of potato knishes withsalad for ¥850, proof positive of the bakerowner’stime in the Big Apple.The aesthetic presentation is impeccable—though sometimes the visuals raise the bara little too high: As nice as it looks, the BakeShop Full Breakfast (¥1,500) is essentially justan artistically arranged collection of ordinaryeggs, toast, fried potatoes and nearly-noteworthysausages shored up by a limp salad.The true excellence of the Bake Shop arisesfrom its drinks and desserts. There are tenteas on offer, including wild raspberry, hibiscusand berry “super fruits” and even “Red Dusk”Rooibos tea for any homesick South Africansout there (¥700 each). The “Passion & Beauty”passion fruit tea treads the perfect linebetween sweet and strong without any needfor sweeteners. There are also eight kinds ofGuatemalan coffee (¥400-680) with decaf andorganic soy milk options, a variety of organicjuices (¥700), yogurt smoothies (¥850) anda small beer and organic wine list, with amberbrews including Kronenbourg White fromAlsace, Germany’s Schöfferhoffer Grapefruit(¥950 each) and a seasonal American IPA(¥900).Desserts include caramel crunch bananabread, a peanut butter and jelly bar (¥600each, with homemade whipped cream), and—get ready for it—an apple and rhubarb crumblewith ice cream (¥680) made with homegrownrhubarb. Also noteworthy is the cherry pie(¥600, with whipped cream), which is neithertoo sweet nor too tart, and is wrapped in atender yet flaky pastry crust.Everything on the dessert menu—andmore—is available to take home from the bakerycounter, and we left with a bag packedwith corn bread (¥380), chocolate chip scones(¥250) and some more apple rhubarb crumble(¥380). The selection changes daily, so there’salways something new in store.The Bake Shop is just five minutes’s walkfrom Jiyugaoka station’s main exit, taking youpast a delightful selection of confectioners,lifestyle shops and niche toy stores that willgive you plenty to do on the way.4F, 2-16-29 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku. Jiyugaoka.www.bakeshop.jp26

RECIPEHEALTHY TIRAMISURECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKIYes, tiramisu can be healthy! Just use tofu,drained fat-free yogurt and a small portionof cream cheese, complementing layers ofcrushed biscuits with okara. You can get freshokara at the supermarket or at a specialist tofushop. It spoils quickly when refrigerated, butlasts well frozen—just microwave it for a fewminutes when you thaw it. Okara powder isa reasonable substitute when you can’t getit fresh.Start to finish: 12 hrs (active time 10 min)Servings: 41. 100g silken (kinu) tofu2. 200g drained fat-free yogurt3. 80g cream cheese4. 4 tbsp sugar (1 tbsp = 15ml)5. 1 tbsp lemon juice6. 1/3 cup (80ml) espresso7. 1 tsp rum (optional) (1 tsp = 5ml)8. 5 hard biscuits9. 1/3 cup fresh okara10. Cacao powder to dustDIRECTIONS1. Leave 450g of fat-free yogurt on a paper towelor coffee filter in a strainer in the fridge overnight.The result will be about 200g of drainedyogurt, with whey drained out below. (If you’rein a hurry, you can substitute unsweetenedGreek yogurt or mascarpone cheese.)2. In a deep mixing bowl, combine the tofu,drained yogurt, cream cheese, sugar andlemon juice. With a blender or whisk, blendto smoothness. Put the mix in the refrigerator.Briefly microwave the okara to remove excessmoisture and allow it to cool. Crush the biscuitsand combine them with the cooled okara. Addespresso and rum (optional). Toss to allow theespresso to be absorbed evenly.beauty tipYou don’t have to throwout the whey: you candrink it with lemon andhoney, cook bread or ricewith it, or mix 1 tablespoonof whey, 1 tablespoon ofsake and 10 tablespoonsof purified water to makeskin lotion. Just be sure to use it at night, notin the morning—it’s sticky and doesn’t smellgreat! (Those with sensitive skin shouldconsult with a dermatologist before trying this.)3. Fill 4 small cups to about 1/8 with the creamymix from the fridge. Then fill each cup to halfwaywith the crushed biscuit mix.4. Place the rest of the creamy mix in the cupsand cover this with the rest of the crushedbiscuit mix.5. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Dust the top withcacao powder before serving.Rieko SuzukiRieko blogs bilingual recipes athttp://meturl.com/ruby¥¥ EN/JPRAMENRamen Right fromLong IslandTEXT AND PHOTO BY GRACE BUCHELEMINETAIn 2007, a self-described “Jewish Kid fromLong Island” opened his first ramen restaurantin Tokyo. His restaurant, Ivan Ramen,serves a new, original kind of ramen—a fusionof East and West.Located in Setagaya, the decor of the originalIvan Ramen is minimalistic, with woodencounters and stainless steel accents. The restaurantis identifiable only by a simple “Eat RamenHere” sign near the entrance and a boardexplaining the history of the founder, IvanOrkin. The counters sit in an L-shape, facingthe kitchen, so you can watch all the detail putinto your meal. On weekends, there’s typicallya line of businessmen waiting to get into thefamous “foreigner ramen shop.”The menu is simple, allowing the shop tospecialize. It offers shio, shoyu, spicy red chiliand roasted garlic ramen, along with shioand chili, sesame tsukemen (ramen dippingnoodles) and a “ramen of the day.” Flavoredrice bowls are also available for those whowant a little extra.On a bustling Monday night, our ramen ofthe day was cold ramen with chicken, lemonand tomato (¥950). It was served in a chilledbroth of savory tomato sauce with pulledchicken, a topping of seaweed powder anda lemon garnish. It’s not your typical ramenbroth, and to our surprise, the noodles in thisdish weren’t the standard wheat-based ramennoodles, either. Instead, the noodles at IvanRamen were the texture and consistency oflinguine noodles with a subtle hint of “ramenesque.”These noodles are Ivan’s own recipe,prepared by U.S. artisan noodle maker SunNoodle.From the atypical broths to the custom-made noodles, Ivan Ramen serves anexperience different from any otherramen restaurant in Japan. The chickenand tomato ramen was more likea savory tomato and spaghetti soupthan a Japanese ramen dish.We continued with the roastedgarlic chashu ramen (¥1,050). Itwas served in a steamy, thick broth,topped with a nest of onions, garlicand seaweed powder, four slicesof slow-cooked chashu pork and aroasted clove of garlic. The dish wasalso served with Ivan’s signature noodles,suspended in the intensely flavored, creamygarlic broth.Drinks include “beer of the day” (¥600)and apple juice. Most evenings, you can alsoorder homemade ice cream.There are two Ivan locations in Tokyo andtwo in New York. We went to the original IvanRamen on the border between Setagaya andSuginami; the second shop, Ivan Ramen Plus,is in central Setagaya. Don’t hold your breathto meet this ramen star, though: Ivan now residesin New York, where he runs Ivan RamenNew York and Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop.3-24-7 Minami-Karasuyama, Setagaya-ku.Hachimanyama. www.ivanramen.com27

̶ Hana・Gakoi ̶The best Sushi andYakitori Restaurantin Aoyama.Happy Hour All ¥500!!Mon-Fri (except Public holidays)Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT,The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT,Glasses of wine, CocktailsEnjoy our great selectionsof Irish and European brews.SEP 22-24ARTHUR GUINNESSDAY EVENT• Order a pint of Guiness and you get achance to to win discount ticket up to ¥200!• Special food menu available!ShibuyaMeiji ST.Shibuya P.O.HIKARIEAoyama ST.Roppongi ST.Shibuya police stationYAKITORI,SUSHIHANAGAKOIB1 Diamond bldg1-1-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-kuTokyo 〒150-0002TEL 03-3498-3228Lunch 11:30 ~ 14:00Dinner 17:00 ~ 23:00(L.O.22:00 Drink L.O.22:30)More detailshttp://failte.jpTokyuPlaza5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, ShibuyaOPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)3-11pm (Sunday & hols)tel: 03-3476-777628

Metropolis and its subsequentClassifieds section areprinted every other week. Theupcoming publication datesand corresponding deadlinesfor print are as follows. Thisdoes not affect the onlineClassifieds, where ads arevisible immediately after theyare approved.FRI, OCT 3 ISSUEDeadline: Sep 25, 3pmFRI, OCT 17 ISSUEDeadline: Oct 8, 3pmBlog postthe official metropolis classifieds bloghttp://metropolis.co.jp/classifiedblogThe whiny buzz, the itchy bites... There’s a lot to hate whenit comes to mosquitoes, and even more since the return ofdengue fever. But before you go slapping a drugstore’s worthof anti-mosquito products on your delicious, blood-filledbody, have a look at what’s considered useful and what’sconsidered not-so-much: http://meturl.com/deathtomosquitoJames Gathany / Wikimedia CommonsThink the Classifieds is just ads? Think again! Visit the blog for saucy ads of yore, ideas to make yourads pop, updated prices (hello, free vehicles ads!) and plenty more Classifieds goodness.http://metropolis.co.jp/classifiedblog1 AT YOUR SERVICE1.1 HEALTHCOMPREHENSIVE HEALTHCOVERAGE FOR EXPATS,DIPLOMATS, TEACHERS.Inpatient and outpatientcare, emergencies, surgery,meds, checkups, dental,lab tests, MRI and more.Thirty-day money-backguarantee. Quick, easyapplication; convenientpayment options. Enrolltoday! info@earthhealthcare.jp www.earthhealthcare.jp078-351-7300SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY(physical therapy)care in Hiroo.Native English-speakingtherapists specializingin sports injuries,p o s t - o p e r a t i v erehabilitation, back/neckpain, running related,headaches, orthotics,ergonomic consultationsand women’s health.www.tokyophysio.com03-3443-67691.7 BUSINESS SERVICESTHINKING ABOUTADVERTISING WITHMETROPOLIS? Platinum¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000.Silver ¥21,600. Pricesinclude one photo. Bronze¥2000 (photo + ¥2000).Prices are for 40 words,one print issue, two weeksonline. For details, visitthe Tokyo Classifieds bloghttp://metropolis.co.jp/classifiedblog/ - or email usat commercial@metropolis.co.jp.LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI(next to Tokyo), memberof the Yokohama BarAssociation. Legal service inEnglish for traffic accidents,divorce, inheritance,bankruptcy, business cases(contracts, establishing acompany, trademarks, etc.)and other legal problems.Email: web@smkw.biz www.sumikawa.net/TO ADVERTISE INMETROPOLIS, Japan’sNo.1 English magazine,log on at www.metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or emailyour commercial ads tocommercial@metropolis.co.jp.VISA COUNSELING:female immigration lawyerhandles your visa case.Permanent residency,naturalization, eligibility(inviting your spouse/children/workers fromyour country), extension/change of visa status.Consultation ¥5000. OFFICELIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).Tel: 090-8330-0670Email: mailto@officelife.jpWebsite: http://officelife.jp/en/CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialistsin branding, web design, photo/video production. Drawing ACrowd: a new approach in design.Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.co1.8 GENERAL SERVICESFURNITURE RENTAL. Createcustomized furnishedapartments with ourfurniture rental service.Furniture packagesarranged by our qualifiedinterior designers toaccommodate varioussizes and styles. We alsooffer apartment leasingconsultation. Please call0120-957-520. www.smartrental-tokyo.com2 FIND A PLACE2.1 GUESTHOUSECREA-UN UENO. Furnishedprivate rooms, w/digitallocks, near Asakusa, Ueno,Skytree. Safe area, femaleonly,rooftop garden w/nice view, BBQ space, freebicycle. From ¥56,000/m.Utilities included. No keymoney/guarantor. crea-un.sakura@ko-bo.com http://www.sakura-ko-bo.com03-6912-0692GREAT LOCATION & SUPERCLEAN. Private furnishedrooms in Roppongi,Akasaka, Azabu-Juban andMinami-Shinagawa, all2min from stn, ladies-onlyfloor available, weeklycleaning service, freeinternet, aircon, fridge.From ¥49,000/m. No keymoney/guarantor/agentfee. 090-2405-0022mail@bauhousetokyo.comKANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE.Brand-new furnished sharerooms, separate male andfemale floors, all roomsw/digital locks, aircon,fridge, 1min walk fromKanamachi stn, Chiyodaline ¥40,000/m. room@airay-apartment.net03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net/2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000ICHIGAYA, IN CENTRAL TOKYO.Furnished, 25sqm, w/southand north balconies, cherryblossom trees in Japanesegarden, sunny and quiet,5-7min from Akebonobashiand Ushigome-Yanagichosubway stn, very convenientto Yotsuya/Shinjuku by bicycle¥100,000-. Tel/fax: 03-3341-7875 itto@itto-jinnai.comwww.itto-jinnai.com/green/greencorp.htmlICHII CORPORATION.Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnishedapartments incentral Tokyo locations. Nokey money/guarantor/agentfee required. New, cleanapartments, simple contractsystem, full English support.Call us today! 03-5437-5233www.japt.co.jpPRIVATE FURNISHEDA P A R T M E N T S .Odakyu line: Mukogaoka-Yuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae,20/30min from Shinjuku.Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,15min from Shinagawa. 1K~2LDK¥58,000/m~¥120,000/m. Tel:044-933-7000 Email:mh@minowagroup.jp www.minowagroup.jp/minowahomesSERVICED APARTMENTS ina quiet residential area ofHiroo. 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/ 03-3446-8610BRIGHT PRIVATE ROOM IN LARGELUXURY RESIDENTIAL VILLA INASAKA, 14min to Ikebukuro, hugebathtub, big TV, etc., free furnitureavailable ¥48,000/m. Utilities,internet, cable included. No keymoney. villa.asaka@yahoo.com0906349129602.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000TOKYO APARTMENTS. Yourone-stop housing solutionthroughout Tokyo. Providingserviced, furnished andunfurnished apartments,for both long- and shorttermstays. Also providingrelocation services,furniture rental, propertymanagement and sales.Please call 0120-957-920.www.tokyoapartments.jpSPACIOUS, WESTERN-STYLEHOUSE, less than 30min toShibuya, 4LDK, office space, allrooms internet- and TV-ready,Bose speakers, Secom securitysystem, lots of storage space,solar panels, two parking spots,good for families with children.noemi.sato@gmail.com http://meturl.com/spacioushouse3 EDUCATION3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERSJAPANESE LESSONS f o rserious students of any levelfrom experienced, volunteerteacher near the Yamanoteline in Tokyo. Free. Please callSetsuko at 090-1210-9285. Email:nihongo123123@ezweb.ne.jp3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGEEnglish and Japanese. Hi, I'm an Asian-American male, 30. I'd like to improve myJapanese for use at work. I'm seekingsomeone who can meet weekdays(morning/afternoon) on the west side ofTokyo. italybird@live.comEnglish and Japanese. SJF seekingJapanese language learners. Dropme a line if you're interested in doinga language exchange with a studentteacher. supermiffy.may@gmail.comEnglish and Japanese. I'm a Japanesefemale living in Yokohama seeking alanguage exchange partner. I like to hangout with my friends. I'm looking forwardto hearing from you. blenda0406@yahoo.co.jpEnglish and Japanese. Hi, I'm Shogo,male, 22, living in Shibuya. My characteris mild. I want to practice speaking E andbecome friends with someone who wantsto learn J. Shall we teach each other?shogo9130@gmail.comEnglish and Japanese. A gaigokujinwalks into Pronto for lunch and asks for"hentaiko spaghetti." The staff looksat him strangely. He looks back at thestaff, puzzled. That gaigokujin was me.Welcome to strange life in Japan, me!mentaikospaghetti@outlook.comEnglish and Japanese. Seeking alanguage exchange partner. I'll teachyou E in exchange for J around Akishima/Tachikawa. If interested, mail me.smartguy@i.softbank.jpEnglish and Japanese. Well-educatedsingle black American guy, 35, 180cm,seeking E/J language exchange. Tokyo,Chiba, Saitama. eddywillson33@hotmail.comEnglish and Japanese. Japanese ladywould like to have a native speaker ofAmerican English as a language exchangepartner. Please drop me a line if you areinterested. Any age, M/F ok, but pleasebe serious. patricia_idaida@yahoo.co.jpEnglish and Japanese. Black Americanmale, 32, seeks Japanese for languageexchange. povic2010@hotmail.comEnglish and Japanese. Group languageexchange every Wed, 7:30-9:30pm,at coffee shops around Ginza. Mostmembers are 20s and 30s. We switchlanguages every 30min. Fun events onweekends. Free to join. ando.andy@gmail.comGerman and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/Jlanguage exchange partner. Seit SechsMonaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ichspreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,drop me a line. gardenstate2005@hotmail.comItalian and Japanese. Would like tolearn basic It from a native speakerwho wants to practice J. Possibly nearShibuya on weekday evenings after 7pm.unicornio@nifty.comKorean and Japanese. Japanese male,41, seeks a native Korean speaker forKor/J exchange. I like music, reading,cooking. I hope we can learn from eachother and have some fun. astralsky@excite.co.jpSpanish and Japanese. Soy un varónjaponés, 26, viviendo en Tokio, buscandouna mujer y los compañeros españolespor hacer intercambios de idiomas.Hablo japonés. Quiero aprender español.Entiendo un poco español. riku_hiroxx@hotmail.com3.9 TEACH ME!Wine teacher in Tokyo. Teach me aboutFrench wine in Tokyo on weekends. Prefera native teacher with teaching experienceand a wine qualification. Will pay for yourtime. frenchwinetasting@hotmail.com4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGSLight, NEC ceiling, in good and cleancondition ¥2000. Pick up 7min from Hiraistn, Sobu line, or Higashi-Azuma stn,Kameido line. broadmind@gmail.comMattress, Span America MedicalSystems Geo-Mattress Pro, queensized,orthopedic, shipped from theUS, w/special washable cover, clean,in excellent condition ¥30,000/obo.snoopy96815@yahoo.com 033467-9106Sofas, leather, one seats 2.5, the otherseats two; child's bed; three bar stools;tall standing lamp; wooden stool; allitems in good condition. Pick up Yoyogi.karthikmg2@gmail.com http://tinyurl.com/k87qgtw4.2 APPLIANCESAircon, in good condition, wellmaintainedand cleaned: room, twoavailable ¥5000/each. Living roomaircon ¥8000. ¥15,000/all. x_mikky_x@yahoo.co.jpFridge/freezer, Sanyo SR-B18J, 175L(fridge 123L, on top; freezer 52L, in threedrawers), silver, '05, good for one-twopeople, in excellent condition ¥10,000.View Shinjuku. Can arrange deliveryfor extra cost. metropolisclassified@jungletelegraph.netGas stove, Rinnai, Toshi gas, used sixmonths ¥37,500. Free delivery in Tokyo.oxbow@i.softbank.jpVacuum, Twinbird Cyclone, powerfulbut silent, washable, easy-to-cleanfilter ¥2000. Pick up 7min from Hirai stn,Sobu line, or Higashi-Azuma stn, Kameidoline. h broadmind@gmail.com http://goo.gl/NvIO7Y4.3 SAYONARA SALESayonara sale! PC and monitor, ingood condition ¥12,000. Oak desk/table¥3500/obo. Deluxe floor chair and smalltable ¥5000/both. Humidifier ¥3000.Panasonic ceiling lights ¥1500/each.takecareletsgo@yahoo.comSayonara sale! Ikea goods, electronicgoods, brand-name chihuahua clothes,etc. Pick up or COD. Yokohama,Motomachi. x_mikky_x@yahoo.co.jpSayonara sale! Kickboxing, judo, skiwear sets; Christmas tree decorations;futon mattress and sheets; pots; digitalphoto frame; waterproof boots and suit;cordless phone; books; DVDs; PlayStation3 games; PlayStation Portable andgames. Details available. yannu@hotmail.com4.6 FOR KIDSBooks, Japanese, picture, six available;one hardcover Pikachu book ¥500/all.Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available.housetsu@gmail.comCar seat, Aprica Bettino, seat/bed, rotates360° and folds flat as a baby bed, in verygood condition, no marks or stains, w/instruction book, DVD and box ¥10,000.chasethefiredragon@yahoo.comCoats, blue and gray, size 130cm ¥500.Brown, size 140cm ¥300. Items for winter.Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available.housetsu@gmail.comWindbreaker, Puma, black, size 130cm,in good condition ¥1000. Pick up orchakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS5.1 CAMERASDigital camera, Canon PowerShot C1,as new, hardly used (only 50 shots), w/all cables, manuals, etc., carrying bag¥6000/obo. Pick up Tsurumi. rsd91750@nifty.com 04550644155.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENTKickboxing, judo, ski wear sets.Kickboxing set: gloves, bandage, legprotectors, two pairs of short pants ¥1000.Adult judo set, suitable for around 175-185cm¥1000. Ski wear set, suitable for around 170-180cm ¥2000. yannu@hotmail.com29

10-WEEKBODY TRANSFORMATION COURSESTARTNOW!• Unlimited Classes For 10-weeks• Customized Nutritional Plan• 10-week Vip Membership• 2 Fitness & Composition AssessmentsJust 3 min walk from Roppongi HillsNo membership or joining feesPristine showering facilitiesWADA Legal & Administrative OfficeFor information:Tel: (03) 3345-7977FAX: (03) 3345-5377Hiroshi Oogai,Patent attorneyImmigration lawyerWe can help you with:• Visa & Immigration Procedures• Mixed Marriage, Naturalisationand Refugee Status• Establishing a Company &Branch Office• Accounting Services, AcquiringBusiness Licences• Preparation/Translation ofLegal & Business Documents• Other Legal & Business Mattershttp://www.wada-lats.com/E-mail: info@wada-lats.com3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku,Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICEReasonable prices.Free first time consultationWe can support you with:Visa and immigrationIntellectual property rights(Patent, trademark, copyrights)Establishing a Company &Branch officeOther Legal & Business matterswww.j-star.jpAll of this for only ¥88,000!Sign up with a friendSPECIALand both get 5,000 off!Club 360 also offersPhysiotherapy, personal trainingand sports massageAddress: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: RoppongiHours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:30pm, closed Sun • Tel: 03-6434-9667Grand PrinceHotel AkasakaAkasakaMitsukestnAoyama AveAkasakaExcelHotelTokyuExit 4,Nagatacho stnSupremeCourtNationalDietLibrary608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jpImperialPalace5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENTElectric guitar, Fernandes, and Ibanezbass, used for recording, both work well¥5000/both. Must buy together. Pick uponly Ebina or Sasazuka stn. earth_travel_joy@hotmail.comHeadphones, Shure SRH1540, closedbackflagship model, lightweight, hardlyused, boxed, w/spare pads, spare cable,carrying case ¥40,000. rsd91750@nifty.com 04550644155.4 BOOKS/CD/DVDJapanese learning materials. PimsleurJapanese I, II, and III, in original package,as new, w/16 CDs, booklet, guide¥24,000/all. mita.yama@hotmail.com5.5 GAMINGPlayStation 3 games, some French,some English: Skyrim, Call of Duty:Modern Warfare 1 and 2, Ridge Racer 7,GTA 4, GTA: Episode of Liberty City, UFC2009, Uncharted 2 ¥2500/all. yannu@hotmail.comPlayStation Portable, w/five games¥2500. PlayStation 3 games, eightavailable ¥2500. Details available.yannu@hotmail.com7 GENERAL7.1 PHONESFax/phone/answering machine,Sanyo/Panasonic SFX K-12, thermalpaper-type, clean, works fine,one cordless handset, PDF manualdownloaded (Japanese) ¥8000/obo.Pick up Tsurumi. rsd91750@nifty.com0455064415iPhone 4S 32GB, Australian, officiallyunlocked and SIM-free, as new, w/box,accessories ¥49,750. Pick up Shinjuku-ku.metropolis@iltoro.orgSmartphone, Nexus 5, black, 16GB,SIM-free, used less than three months,as new, w/original box, accessories¥30,000/obo. Meet in person only. kizuki.buy@gmail.com7.2 FASHIONCoat, Kent, size L, cream ¥600. LL Beanlong-sleeved shirt, gray ¥300. Pick up orchakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.comDress, Heaven and Earth (Shibuya 109),gray, w/chain detail and matching graytank top, Japanese free size, in greatcondition ¥1000. Pick up Koto-ku or meetcentral Tokyo. larajuku1997@gmail.comDress, Jenevi (Shibuya 109), mini, black,w/blue detail, Japanese free size, in greatcondition ¥1000. Pick up Koto-ku or meetcentral Tokyo. larajuku1997@gmail.comRaincoat, Cecilene, size M, ivory ¥600.Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available.housetsu@gmail.comSandals, women's, beige, w/silver studs,rubber platform (3.5cm/1.25"), sizeJapan 25.5/EU 40/ US 9, very soft, in goodcondition ¥1000. Pick up Koto-ku or meetcentral Tokyo. larajuku1997@gmail.comShoes, women's flats, silver, size Japan26/US 9/EU 40, in fair condition, somewear on the front, not leather ¥500.Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo.larajuku1997@gmail.com7.3 MISCELLANEOUSApron, brand-new, linen knit(L76xW40cm), various colors, w/pocketinside ¥800. Pick up around Toritsu-Daigaku or Jiyugaoka stn, Toyoko line.boureyxx@aol.comCleaner, for pet fur, dani, futon, sofa,etc. ¥500. Pick up or chakubarai.Photos available. housetsu@gmail.comFile folders, size B1, three available,w/cute designs ¥750/all. Pick upor chakubarai. Photos available.housetsu@gmail.com7.4 ITEMS WANTEDBicycle sought for a reasonable price. 自転車を安く売ってくださる方を探しています。umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp8 COMPUTERS8.2 HARDWARELaptop, Samsung ChromebookXE303C12, 11.6", 2GB RAM, 16GB SSD,768p resolution screen, keyboardand battery in excellent condition.markjapanmark@aol.comRouter, broadband LAN and wireless,four LAN ports, supports PPPoE ¥1500.broadmind@gmail.comTablet, MS Surface Pro 3, bought in USlast month, unpacked, 128GB, i5 Core,w/original packing and accessories¥100,000. amit.ranjan1@gmail.com10 HELP!10.1 HELP MECat-sitter sought for 12 weeks forclean, sweet, healthy Birman cat. Hegets lonely, so he will have to be lookedafter in your home. All food and catlitter provided. Will pay reasonable fee.hinokitsuki@gmail.comModels wanted for photo project.Seeking open-minded people for artphoto project in Tokyo. Anyone - M/F, anyrace/age welcome. Provide prints for yourtime. Great opportunity to be part of aunique art exhibit. Serious only, please.alcove2009@yahoo.co.jpSponsorship. Ten years’ experiencein cafe/bar work, including working atinternational hotels. I’d like to opena cafe/bar, but need sponsorship.Individuals and companies are welcome.Please, if interested, let us come to anagreement. samueladonkor@gmail.com 090-6152-6274Want to open small, Melbourne-style,coffee shop. Melbourne-trained baristawho wants to open a small espressocafé seeking advice. Please contact me.gordon.j.jones@gmail.com10.2 SUPPORTNEED TO TALK? We’re hereto listen. TELL LIFELINE: free,anonymous English counselingdaily from 9am-11pm by trainedvolunteers: 03-5774-0992.TELL COUNSELING:affordable multilingualpsychotherapy by accreditedWestern-trained professionals,a CIGNA International Provider:03-4550-1146. TELL website:www.telljp.com. Follow uson Facebook and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hoursa day, from anywhere, aboutanything. From emergencyassistance to simple questions.Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press“help,” or call 0570-000-911.To volunteer or support, pleasecontact team@jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com/WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONEPEOPLE. Fifty-one years ago,West Papua should have been anindependent country. Since 1969,West Papua has been invadedand the people robbed of theirrights, culture and country. Helpsupport West Papuans’ desire tobe free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/markhelp2@gmail.comALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO.If you have a problem with drinking, wecan help. English-speaking meetingsdaily. 03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.org http://aatokyo.orgTO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS,Japan’s No.1 English magazine,log on at www.metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email yourcommercial ads to commercial@metropolis.co.jp.HIV Peer Support group and workshops.Get together with people in the sameboat as you, who understand. Held ina safe, considerate, 100% confidentialsetting to discuss what’s on your mind,ask questions and make new friends.info@peersupporttokyo.com www.peersupporttokyo.comInfertility support group. TTC Tokyo isan infertility support group that providesinformal opportunities for women andmen experiencing infertility to connectwith one another. Please visit websitefor more info. admin@ttctokyo.org www.ttctokyo.org/11 MESSAGES11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGESWRITE A MESSAGE FORYOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE!Write anything, from birthdaymessages to proposals, and somuch more! Contact us throughour website at http://classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.12 SOCIAL SCENE12.1 LET’S PARTYSUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLISAND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.One year (24 issues) ¥3600(corporate subscribers,7-100 copies ok ¥22,560).Half year (12 issues) ¥1800(corporate subscribers, 7-100copies ok ¥12,000). Banktransfer or credit card (Visa,Mastercard, Diners Club).Details at http://metropolis.co.jp/subscription.JAPAN INTERNATIONALPARTY - AUTUMN SPECIAL.Sat, Sep 27, 6:30-9pm, DeviFusion (Roppongi). Japan’sbiggest international party.250 people expected. All-youcan-drinkand free snacks.Japanese men: ¥4000.Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http://getyourfriend.com/mobile/jiparty@hotmail.com http://www.getyourfriend.com/090-1735-5405JOIN THE BIGGEST,BEST, MOST POPULARINTERNATIONAL PARTY!Great people, drinks andfood! Meet new friendsand party with nice peoplein a friendly atmosphere.Events in Tokyo (Ginza,Azabu, Roppongi) andOsaka. ¥1500-¥2000.http://english.gaitomo.com/info@gaitomo.com30

J O B STo advertise:commercial@metropolis.co.jp03-4588-2277Executive Sales Trainingin JapanCHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTEDBY LEAFCUP in Tokyo, Iidabashi,Shibuya, Yokohama. Seekingenthusiastic, proficient English,French, Spanish and/or Germanspeakers who can teach and leadlively conversations. ¥1000-¥1500/h.Apply online: hr@leafcup.comwww.leafcup.com/job.phpSALES INTERN. Metropolis is seekinga bilingual (E/J) intern to join themost successful English-languageadvertising team (Restaurants & Bars)in Japan. Great opportunity to learn inan exciting environment. No pay, buttransportation provided. Please emailknakashima@metropolis.co.jp.METROPOLIS is seeking motivatedbilingual (E/J) sales assistants,support staff and interns to join itsadvertising and marketing team. SendE/J resume to jobs@metropolis.co.jp.SEEKING ROOM ADVISOR. O u rcompany provides real estatebrokerage services focused onforeign customers. Join our salesteam full-time to accommodateforeigners for the best apartmentsin Tokyo. Japanese/non-Japaneseok, but must have conversationalJapanese and English. Salary from¥3.5 million/year. Send E/J resume toinfo@flat-japan.com. www.flat-japan.com Tel: 03-6455-0796OPERATION MANAGER NAQUINGS hasan operation manager position open.The employment scheme includesthree stages: 1. Provide us with yourresume. 2. Display your readiness towork for NaquinGS at the interviewwith our managers. 3. Show your bestprofessional and personal skills andprove you are the best candidate forus. If you have any questions relatedto employment, contact our managersin the HR department. NaquinGS.comOne that really achieves results!YOUR KEY TO THE SUCCESS!INTERNATIONALLY PROVENCORPORATE OR INDIVIDUAL TRAININGImprove your sales by 20% minimumFull day course: 9AM to 5PMWeekend or weekdaysFor more information or inquiries:info.fti.jp@gmail.comTel: 090-6456-1596(9am - 5pm)Frank A. Kasala, President & CEO of Future Technologies International,has over 40 years of international sales experience and 17 years as acorporate sales instructor.INTERNATIONAL PARTY ATLEAFCUP. Come join us and havefun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/women: ¥2000. All-you-candrinkand eat. Every Sat night from7:30-10pm at all café locations(Tokyo, Iidabashi, Shibuya,Yokohama). www.leafparty.com13 CLUBS & INTERESTS13.1 SPORTSA MERICAN FOOTBALL.Nihon Unisys Bulls, X leagueCentral Division, seeks fit playersw/ US college football experiencefor all positions. Practice everySat/Sun from 10am-3pm (includingmeeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time& venue subject to change).Attendance at practice must beover 60%. Please contact for tryoutinfo and send your profile to teamadmin. bullsxleague@gmail.comhttp://www.unisys.co.jp/football/ALL-NATIONALITY TOUCHFOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby(OZ tag) and Rugby League players.We play every Sat from 10amin Tatsumi. M/F and beginnerswelcome! Good exercise and fun!Many other activities, such asBBQs and drinking parties! Emailfor details. tokyorugbyleague@hotmail.com http://ameblo.jp/tokyo13warriorsAMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUEPLAYERS. Japan ANZACS RugbyLeague team is seeking RugbyLeague players for JapaneseRugby League official gamesfrom Apr to Sep. Everyonewelcome. Contact for more details.japananzacs@gmail.comFUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Joinus for social or competitive touchrugby every Sat at 2:30pm byAriake stn, Yurikamome line. Anyage, sex, level ok. Please email fordetails. funwithtouch@gmail.comhttp://www.funwithtouch.com/where-we-play/PLAY RUGBY. The TokyoCrusaders are a friendly butkeen international rugby club.Devoted to the game and itssocial side, the “Cru” welcomesall players and supporters.Established in 1990, the Cru playsin the Shuto League 1st Division.http://www.facebook.com/tokyo.crusaders www.tokyocrusaders.comTAMBOURELLI. Unique newsport from Scotland. Using atambourine-like instrument as aracquet, players hit a shuttlecock.We play two or three times/monthon weekends in Meguro with manysocials. Join us! More details: www.tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.orgAll-level tennis group in Tokyo.Serious and motivated tennis playerssought by active tennis group to jointheir weekly sessions in central Tokyo.We have advanced and intermediategroups on weekday evenings. Beginnerand low-intermediate also welcome.No entrance or membership fees.Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.tennis@yahoo.frBadminton club in Tokyo. Smallinternational group seeks players fromabroad. If you know basic footwork,strokes and play seriously, you coulddefinitely enjoy playing with us.mune2006@hotmail.co.jp http://www.geocities.jp/mune_albat/page4.htmlBasketball in the Yokohama area.Want to play b-ball in the Yokohamaarea? Mostly Japanese players playintermediate games every Mon and Wednight at a local school’s gym. Feel free tocome. Please contact for further details.satoru.nicolas@gmail.comFutsal players wanted by a veryfriendly international team. Practice isin Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Detailsavailable. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jpInterested in tai chi? Then why not startnow? Take a step to counter the stressesof daily living. Practice is in Toyama Parkon Sun mornings, near Takadanobabastn. chifact@gmail.comInternational football club. Five-aside,11-a-side, on grass fields. Twoor three practices/matches on Sun.All nationalities welcome. Happy andfriendly club! We have many socials.djnorio0417@yahoo.co.jpTeach me martial arts. I’m a Japaneseman in Tokyo. Please teach me martialarts for free. Hope to hear from you soon.kamikaze_vibe@hotmail.comTennis in central Tokyo. Active group oftennis friends in central Tokyo welcomesserious/motivated new players. We playon weekday evenings and weekends.Different levels (sorry, no beginners),fun training sessions and games withgreat people from all over. tennis.tokyo@yahoo.fr31

Triathlon training partner. I have thiscrazy idea to attempt an Ironman racenext year. I have no experience otherthan a few marathons. Anyone interestedin training with me? M/F ok. It could be agood adventure. klemmer1@yahoo.comVolleyball Club Intervoll. Japaneseand foreign volleyball players gather inTakadanobaba to enjoy playing. Havevolleyball experience and want to playvolleyball in a friendly atmosphere?intervollclub@yahoo.co.jp http://intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/Women’s football club. Five-aside,11-a-side, on grass fields. Twoor three practices/matches on Sun.All nationalities, experience levels,beginners welcome. Happy and friendlyclub! We have many socials. djnorio@hotmail.co.jp13.2 LEISUREMACARTHUR HEIGHTS.Take a break where GeneralDouglas MacArthur did! Onehour from Tokyo by car or directtrain. Beautiful cabins on theocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping.housinginjapan@yahoo.comLet's cook together. Why don't you comeover to my kitchen (Japanese woman inShinagawa) to learn how to make yummyhome-style Japanese dishes? Washoku,Western food, Chinese, etc. Only pay foringredients. Women only. cookjapon@gmail.com13.3 ARTSLove Shakespeare? Amateur group inTokyo, meeting once/month to celebrateour love of the Bard. Come to read, or justto listen. All nationalities welcome, noexperience necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shakespeare-sama/13.4 MUSICJapanese drummer seeking musicians.Guitar and bass player sought forrock, pop, blues, jazz, etc. Melody isimportant. Hopefully, we can have gigsso everybody can dance! kosuke1016@hotmail.comMusicians wanted to play northernEuropean/Scandinavian music together,especially accordionist. Rehearse acouple of times/month in Nakano. We aretwo violinists, flutist, bassist, guitaristand pianist. unicornio@nifty.comSinger or singer-songwriter, M/F ok,sought by JM guitarist. Perform aroundTokyo or Yokohama. Pop, rock! Avril,AAR, FOB, GD, Snow Patrol, BEP, Fergie,1D, Taylor Swift, etc. kamikaze_vibe@hotmail.com13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRITDiamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do youwant to explore your own mind? GuidedBuddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, nearAzabu-Juban. International practitioners,beginners welcome, Japanese spoken.Please call 090-3598-3072 for moreinformation. daginia@gmail.com http://www.diamondway.jp/Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve alwaysthought it would be interesting to try it- why not now? Join us Fri evenings atTokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangementsin advance by email, and check our homepage. tokyozazen@jcom.home.ne.jpwww.wgthorpe.com13.8 PROFESSIONALTokyo Traders Club. Internationalclub for traders and investors. Discussopportunities in stocks, commodities andforex. Many regular events, including FXtrading workshop. New to trading? Noproblem: beginners also welcome.You can also learn to trade. Join free!info@tokyotraders.com http://www.tokyotraders.com/ 080-5681-132113.9 INTERNATIONALIntercultural activities. JII (JapanIntercultural Institute) is a non-profit,member-run organization that sponsorsactivities (seminars, cultural events,conferences) for those wanting to furtherdevelop intercultural competenciesand meet other interculturalists. yuko.bolick@japanintercultural.org www.japanintercultural.org14 PERSONALS14.1 FRIENDSAmerican male seeking friends. I loveliving here and I'd love to meet morepeople. I'm really into music, dancing,BBQs and exploring new places.amerdavd@gmail.comEat Korean with me. Seeking somepeople to hang out and eat Korean foodwith. I'm not Korean, but I lived there.I'm male. 日本語でも韓国語でも大丈夫 . superspicy@outlook.comFellow Japanese learners. English guyin Tokyo learning Japanese. I'm seekingother people who are also learningJapanese to hang out with, sharelanguage tips and resources, and shareoccasional frustrations. My Japaneseisn't great (yet!). vint.snap@gmail.comNew here. Feels weird to try findingfriends online, but with work, study(Japanese), exercise, I thought this couldbe a way to meet new people. I like goingout, travel, photography, and have a veryEnglish sense of humour. onzeetop@gmail.comSeeking friends, Japanese M/F ok,21-29, for long-distance communication.I'm a Filipino male, 26, who lovesJapanese culture, food, soccer, kendo.Friendly person. natsuverx@gmail.comSeeking friends. Japanese guy inTokyo. I'm seeking new friends. I likesoccer, anime, listening to and playingmusic, reading comics. Coffee/tea orkaraoke, CD store - I'll show you aroundTokyo, etc. Let's go, friends! riku_hiroxx@hotmail.com14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMENSUBMISSIVE SJM, 36, cute, isseriously seeking a woman who isinto, or interested in, dominatingmen. I am so submissive, withseven years’ experience, that I amhappy to take whatever and serveyou in any way. slaveintokyo@gmail.comAmerican surfer style. Consultant, 38,from Culver City (near Beverly Hills), inMita, Minato-ku. Love restaurants,suits, colored handkerchiefs and ties,dancing, R&B, hip hop, reading, art. You:live/work in central Tokyo, willing to trysomething new. oohansel@yahoo.comAre you my sunshine? Seeking asunbeam to share days of joy. SWM,50, 177cm, fit. ukulelegold@gmail.comArt tour. Professional artist, 44, visitingTokyo alone in Oct, seeking company tovisit galleries, concerts, cafes, etc.Native English speaker, conversationalJapanese, 181cm, 77kg, blue eyes,gray/brown hair. Divorced. Happyto exchange photos. greysydney@hotmail.comAttractive Japanese man for marriedwoman. Tall, handsome marriedJapanese businessman, 38, seeksWestern or Japanese woman for discreetmeeting. b318b318@hotmail.comAttractive JM for SWF. Seekingattractive Western female with a nicesmile. If you are interested in chattingover coffee or nice food, please contactme and let me know. I am lookingforward to your contact. Just try once.juniperten2013@gmail.comAttractive single Japanese maleseeks a nice Western or Japanesefemale for friendship and possibly more.Nonsmokers preferred. I am confidentthat I can create fun times for you. Ifyou are ready, email me. cioinjapan@gmail.comBilingual date. Single Japanese man,37, in Tokyo, seeks a bilingual lady fora date. I am fun, fit, financially stable,and lived in NY for ten years so cancommunicate in English. Please write meand let's start talking! sat7@yahoo.comBritish-Australian gentleman.Hello, I am an Oxbridge-educatedBritish-Australian gentleman seekinga single Japanese lady for friendshipand marriage. I will be in Tokyo andKyoto in Nov and would like to have anemail exchange beforehand. stjdavid@googlemail.comCalm, gentle JM seeks someonespecial for a serious relationship leadingto marriage. I am 42, nonsmoking, don'tdrink. Any nationality ok. If interested,please contact me. Let’s start with a cupof coffee. olympia127@yahoo.co.jpCanada? Hi, I am seeking a woman tomove to Canada with me. You must beserious, 40+. martin_coman@hotmail.comCaring and cute JM seeks attractive,hearty, nonsmoking Western female forfriendship. I simply would like to sharefun, interesting and great experienceswith you. If you feel the same way, justdrop me a line. jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jpCasual daytime fun? CanadianMWM, 30s, educated, professional,fit, attractive, kind, seeks attractiveJapanese/Asian lady for passionatecasual romance (not just friends) in Tokyo.Let's meet regularly weekday/weekenddaytime - sorry, no evenings. Coffee first.tokyodreamin@gmail.comCasual friendship. Seeking a lady fora casual relationship. I'm a guy from theUK, 30s, and I live and work in Tokyo.Married/single, any age ok. jjey10@hotmail.comDaytime passion? Attractive NorthAmerican WM, 30s, clean and safe,seeks attractive lady, 20-49, forpassionate hotel encounters weekdaysor weekends (day time only). Ikebukuro,Shinjuku areas preferred. Can last a longtime. You will feel good. 121quantum@gmail.comDiscreet and mutually beneficialfriendship sought with an open-mindedwoman who has a great attitude and canprovide a girlfriend-type experience. I’ma very open-minded and down-to-earthmiddle-aged Asian. Please reply withyour photos and contact info. I’m a wellculturedand traveled gentleman whowants some naughty fun. paul00702@yahoo.comFrench and English. Frenchbusinessman, 35, tall, good-looking, isseeking a female native English speakerfor language exchange in downtownTokyo. houlala2000-2001@yahoo.frIs this you? I am tall, British, 30s,working in a proper job, living in Japanpermanently. 日本語もできる. Youare Japanese, around 165cm, slimor medium weight, relaxed, happy,working but have free time. uk84@outlook.comJapanese male desu. It's hard tocommunicate in English, but I'll try todo it as well as I can. I'm a SJM, sweetand cool, love rock music, seeking a newrelationship with a nice single whitefemale. getloud999-hello@yahoo.co.jpJapanese male, 42, single, seekssincere, warm, open-minded whitefemale for friendship and romance. I amgenerous, nonsmoking, like traveling,reading, philosophy and enjoying mylife. skyoverture@excite.co.jpJapanese man seeking female. I wouldlike to make some friends, chill and chatwith you. I'm easygoing. Let's have fun.I am a musician and play the drumsand piano. I like to sing karaoke, too.kosuke1016@hotmail.comKissin' the moonlight. In an openrelationship and seeking a femalekissing friend. I want to go to a park orsomewhere else. riku_hiroxx@hotmail.comLanguage exchange withbenefits. Haven't got time tosit down at your desk andstudy Nihongo? I can teachyou in bed. I'm a Japaneseguy, AKA, a sleepingdictionary! You will learnmore effectively and quickly.tcnsncymtd@gmail.comLong-distance relationship with aSJF. Seeking a SJF who wants a seriousrelationship leading to settling down witha family and kids. If you're interested,please reply. No gamers. Serious only.pjoseph74716@hotmail.comLong-term affair. I am seeking a marriedwoman in a similar situation: marriedwith children, love family, no intention todivorce. vbcfgt@hotmail.comLong-term relationship and possiblymore. Bilingual clinical doctor, late 20s,seeking a kind and serious woman, anyrace, age, looks, interested in having niceand possibly regular massage exchange.I like traveling, sports, watching movies.tkyo_b@yahoo.co.jpLunch friends. English guy seeking lunchfriends near Otemachi. I already havea busy social life in the evenings, but ifwe get on at lunch maybe the occasionalafter work hangout could work, too. Nomarriage seekers/smokers. scottish1_@outlook.comMarried woman? Intelligent and kindAmerican, early 40s, married, white, slim,educated, seeking one special woman inthe same situation. Do you like exploringnew restaurants, fun conversation and a bitof real romance? Any nationality. Nihongomo ok. donno5599@yahoo.co.jpMature and sophisticated Japanese,some have said charming, seeking anelegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dreamabout wild nights as well as sharing thesimple pleasures of love. Is that you?imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jpMovie buddies. Seeking someone toenjoy going out to movies, doing exerciseand going on romantic trips. I am workingin Tokyo. I'd prefer someone who usesUeno stn or who lives nearby. love.silence.1988@gmail.comNice gentleman seeks a mature Japanesewoman, 50+, to enjoy special sweetmoments together, with respect and goodmanners. vbcfgt@hotmail.comNo 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.comOlder Japanese women are so beautiful.As Japanese women age, they becomemore and more beautiful. I love ladies intheir 50s and 60s. vbcfgt@hotmail.comOutgoing black male seeking attractivegirlfriend, 20-55, over 160cm, who is funand seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area. I'm36, smart, 183cm, shaved head, athletic,from NY, working in IT, living in Ota-ku.Please send photo! goldfinger726@gmail.comPocchari JF? I'm an African currentlyresiding in central Tokyo. I'm seekinga pocchari Japanese lady for a seriousrelationship. No jokes, please. Seriousemails only. strike4me@yahoo.comProposal for SWF in Tokyo. AttractiveSJM seeks attractive, spirituallymature, thoughtful SWF for a meaningfulrelationship. Shall we begin to talk? I thinkthis opportunity will be a great one for us.followupforme14@gmail.comReady for adventure? Passionate,good-looking, athletic, highly creative,cultured Western man, early 40s, in Tokyofor at least the next six months, seekinga good-looking, cultured Japanese ladyfor passionate, temporary romance.sanctuaryseller@outlook.comSeeking a cute Japanese partner. I'm aSWM neuroscientist, 31, from Manchester,UK, seeking a well-educated Japanesepartner, under 25, for a long-termrelationship. pulerd@hotmail.comSeeking chubby, serious JF. Europeanguy, 40, open-minded, easygoing, honest,faithful, seeks a JF who can meet up soon(not too many emails) for a long-termrelationship. Let's meet up over coffeeand talk. niman429@yahoo.comSeeking female swimming mate foroccasional practice after work and onweekends. I am a JM, 40, working incentral Tokyo. Western female under 45preferred. youdidntsaythat@yahoo.co.jpSeeking German female for saunadate. Japanese male, early 40s, younglooking,is seeking a German female for asauna date. I just visited sauna in Germanyand was really impressed. I want to do itprivately. youdidntsaythat@yahoo.co.jpSeeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind,seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romancein Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee andtalk. Serious only, please. munesan50@yahoo.comSeeking Parisienne. Affluent andexcellent Japanese architectural engineeris seeking an attractive Parisienne whocan speak English. I visited Paris last Decand would like to learn more about thecity. Give me the hot info on Paris now.imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jpSeeking romantic relationship leadingto marriage. If interested, respond withphoto. Japan residents only. smartguy@i.softbank.jpSeeking SJF for company/fun/relationship. I like travel, nature, movies,concerts, dining, festivals, hiking, onsen,beaches. Me: single Asian-American, 30s,professional, from western America. Let'senjoy a good time together. Life is short.ilikesandiego@yahoo.co.jpSerious only. Kind, mature Japanese manwho feels lonely is seeking a woman whofeels the same. Any nationality, any age,any color. I am open to all your fantasies.Let's meet for a coffee and see whathappens. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jpShare my life with someone. I'm fromSan Francisco, California. I've beenliving in Japan for four years. I love ithere and I want to stay forever. I alsowant to find someone to spend life with.richard876781@outlook.comSingle Italian seeking JF. I'm an Italianprofessional, in the wine business, seekinga JF for a serious relationship leadingto marriage. Hope we share interests:art, travel, dance, opera, wine, dining,concerts, etc. kyrwa@rocketmail.comSWM veterinarian traveler, 25, seekinga SJF, 20s or 30s, to show me your culture.scott.travis.mcclelland@gmail.comTattoos or piercings? Seeking a womanwith tattoos or piercings, 20s, able tomeet in Tokyo. I'm a man from England.日本語でも英語でも大丈夫 . uk84@outlook.comTea or beer in the park. Seeking somepeople to spend a sunny Sat/Sun in thepark. Japanese/foreigners welcome. I'mEnglish. I hang around guys at the office,so just want to chill with some femalecompany. superspicy@outlook.comWhite guy, tall, blue eyes, would like tohave fun with a friendly female, hopefullyhave a serious relationship. I am single,kind, honest, warm, educated. I speaksome Japanese. alexinjapan1@hotmail.com14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MENSINGLES-ONLY DATINGEVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT forforeign men and Japanesewomen. Leave the eventwith a new date! Alwaysmore women than men. FREEif signing up in advance!Otherwise, ¥2000. info@exeo-international.com www.exeo-international.comLAVISH DATES ANDINDULGENT NIGHTS - WECREATE OPPORTUNITIESfor elite foreign males to meetelegant Japanese females.Start with a luxurious dinnerdate,take the night where youwant it to go. Fresh, youngwomen join our club every day.Try our free one-month trialoffer: first date is on us! 0120-675-858 (E) international@universe-club.jp http://universe-club.jp/enJAPANESE OR WESTERN MANWANTED. 外国人女性、魅力的、優しい、日本語 ok、金持ちとやさしいloverほしい、上品、慈善、楽しいだけ, 素敵な男性 over 45. 最初のデートは素敵なレストランに行きましょう。Let's enjoy! あそぼう! Mail:femmesouriante@hotmail.com からいばりする人、くらい人、けちな人メールしないで。Big and beautiful black woman fromNYC seeking someone to have some funwith, maybe leading to something moreserious. If I am what you are seeking, Iwould definitely like to hear from you!Any nationality ok. tkydivine@yahoo.comCasual but respectful partner? SJFseeking a man, late 40s or over, forhaving fun. Hopefully, it'll become along-term relationship. I am 30s and havea kid. I want just one respectful partner.bluemermaiduk@yahoo.comElegance and sultriness are definitelynot mutually exclusive. It takesintelligence and class to deliver sexappeal gracefully. Evaluate me to seeif I have what it takes. Gentle, beautifulJapanese, 45, seeks articulate,fun, professional, mature singlebusinessman. clovers_four@aol.jpExperienced man for intimate time. I'ma SJF, late 30s, inexperienced, seeking agentle and experienced man to guideme. Please contact me if you can helpme explore my sexual side. Send photoand details. tokyochan2015@gmail.comMeaningful relationship. SJF, fun, kind,sincere, kind, active, seeking someone,mid-30s-40s, preferably from the UK,to share nice time together after work,weekends. I like to keep fit, so someonewho likes that would be nice. Seriousonly. tokyokyoto2014@yahoo.co.jpSeeking single man. I am a Japanesefemale, 40, seeking a SWM. I work incentral Tokyo. I hope to meet you inTokyo. I prefer you speak Japanese andEnglish. blenda0406@yahoo.co.jpSWM, 30s, sought for seriousrelationship, if possible, marriage. I'ma sweet, kind SJF, 30s, drama-free,very happy. Hope you'll reply. Pleaselet me know your nationality and age.rykya614@i.softbank.jpTall, well-built SWM. Seeking singlewhite professional, 35-45, who is seekinga tall, feminine single female to enjoyeach other's company. Preferably over6' tall. sreiko751@gmail.comThe special one. Seeking a SWM for aserious relationship, and if possible,marriage. I'm a SJF, 30s, sweet, caring,honest, positive. Please mail me yourdetails, photo. Let's go eat somethingnice together! rykya614@i.softbank.jpYou will enjoy my class, intelligence,beauty, and lots of love. Sensible yetplayful, 40-ish, nice figure, overseaseducated,seeks a single businessprofessional, up to 60s. I won't disappointyou if you're what I'm seeking. Trust me.bluecolt_liholiho@yahoo.co.jp14.5 ESCORTSESCORTS have gone online.To find a lovely ladycompanion, visit http://classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/category/personals/escorts.14.6 AND OTHERSFeminine white guy, 34, 178cm, 74kg,living in Tokyo, seeking straight maleboyfriend. k.sweetdream@yahoo.com15 JOBS15.1 JOB WANTEDNEED A BABYSITTER?My name is MerindaMasuda. I’m 16, greatwith children and givethem 100% attention.T r u s t w o r t h y ,responsible, loving, can dohousework while children sleep.Seeking work in central Tokyo.Available most evenings, Satevenings and Sun.merindababysitter@gmail.com32

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ LuckhoroscopeBY CATHRYN MOEARIESMar 21-Apr 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣Don’t let the details derail you. Viewthe overall picture. Where do yousee yourself? Would you rather havea different visual, entirely? The Sun and NewMoon in your relationship sector bring swiftpotential and great power. Center yourself withgratitude. Someone may change the goalpostsor push to move faster than you feel comfortablewith. Unhook from the past as you leap intocool waters of your future.TAURUSApr 20-May 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣An open-door policy lets you take onnew vistas and challenges. Finding itfun to be in the driver’s seat again?Don’t delay in taking steps where you feelcalled. Your spirit is online and easier to access.The Sun and New Moon clear the way to makeastute business decisions. Who has your heart?Is it wrapped in a blue box with a big bow ontop? Or does it beat quietly in a leafy park? Letyour shadow have its day too.OctoberGEMINIMay 21-Jun 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣Mercury brings in all due humility,yet you’re still on track to enjoy thisweek. The Sun enters your romancesector with the New Moon following the nextday. This alignment signals a new cycle. If you’rein a relationship, you may introduce somethingnew to the life you’re sharing. If you’re single,you may find it easier to see whose eyes arenoticing your special qualities. Go where thesupport lies to focus on your needs. You will bewell received.LEOJul 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣This week’s star power is weighted inyour “how do I feel about this?” sectorof your chart. It translates to what youwant for yourself (not what others push for).Those who ask the least of you are a treasure,but those close-by add motivation and focus.The Sun blesses your connections, bringingsuccess in negotiations. This is especially true ifdealing with brothers, sisters and choices aboutyour home. The New Moon breathes fresh airinto an old situation.LIBRASep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣Your ruler Venus is in full swingas she balances the details in theshadows. The wisps of dreams youonce had now give way to clearer definition. It’sa relief to know you have more than one choice.An important decision is starting to pan out.Give it time. The Sun enters your sign to beginyour birthday highlights. Happy Birthday, Libra!This week’s New Moon starts a cycle of beautyyou can’t miss. It’s for you.SAGITTARIUSNov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣Your approach determines whetheryou go to the next level or back tostart. Even if you feel things comingfrom every direction, it’s worth realizing thevalue you have to others. The qualities andleadership you hold are evident. There arethose who wait for your next move so they canfollow. The Sun’s transit and this week’s NewMoon begin a cycle of friendship that’s deeperand more substantial than you might expect.The details will rearrange to meet your needs.AQUARIUSJan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣Partnership is everything and thensome. The Moon, Jupiter, and DarkMoon Lilith combining to help youbreak the rules ... er, expand your viewpoints.The Sun transits to a New Moon which is bothuplifting and encouraging just before the equinoxgets ready to knock your socks off. Youmay find you’re in the midst of just what youdreamed of (but forgot to request the specificdate and location?). It’s still going to work out foryou. Just breathe.CANCERJun 21-Jul 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣Your ideas are heard and accepted.This is a relief, as you may have justabout decided to share your ideaselsewhere. Cosmic alignment sets the focus onyour strength at home, but enough is enough.It’s time for you now. Luckily, your financesare catching a comet’s tail, which brings morespending power. In addition, you’ll be able totake charge in areas that were previously closedto you. The New Moon whispers, “Take the pathless traveled” for your personal delight.VIRGOAug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣Venus is enjoying her transit throughdetail-focused Virgo. You may think,what will I ask of love this week?There are as many definitions as there are stars.Most will agree an inner warmth is a must. If ittakes laughter, good food, sunsets or a happyhome to get there, Venus is on your side. TheSun brightens your income, with the New Moonfollowing to help you leave one train of thoughtand engage another. You can accomplish whatyou have set out to do.SCORPIOOct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣Your boundaries are firm. Take a deepbreath and share your kindness. Toa point. Venus moves to gift gettogethersand best friends. With Ceres in yoursign, you may feel strongly pulled to take care ofsomeone. Be aware it’s time for you to be takencare of too. In fact, it’s a requirement. The Sun’stransit combined with the New Moon help youbegin a new balance in love and savings.CAPRICORNDec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣There’s a shift in the air and you’relikely to notice. The Sun transits toa New Moon which highlights yourcareer. People notice you and sense your evenhand of justice. New directions can be easierthan they look. This equinox is a time of balancein your friendships. Venus chases the Sun andbrings a healthy material aspect to the spiritualinfusion you’ve been brewing. Give love achance. Make sure you gift yourself truth andunderstanding in the matter.PISCESFeb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣Swim, little fishy, swim. Play and feelyourself float on the edge of thecosmos. This is a most magical weekfor Pisces. The Sun transits to connect with aNew Moon, adding to your mystical allure. Atthe same time, the equinox can be especiallysexy for you. The realms of illusion (that havekept you from breaking through to where youreally want to be) are dissolving just in time foryou to land on your feet.Tel: 03-3796-2411relaxtokyo.comCOURSESBody care30 min: ¥3,15060 min: ¥6,300(Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250)120 min: ¥12,600Oil massage(daytime only)60 min: ¥8,400120 min: ¥16,800Special offerGel Nail from ¥4,980ALL SERVICES 20% OFF(First time visitors only) *except Gel Nail.MenuManicure..........¥5,500Pedicure...........¥6,500Shellac Hand....¥5,980Shellac Foot.....¥6,980Now You Can Rechargein Roppongi 24/7/365Metropolis Promo60 & 120min courses now ¥1,000 off30min course ¥500 offAppointment by:florir.nail@gmail.comhttp://florir-nail.com03-3403-5570Open hour: weekdays 12:00~21:00Sat, Sun & hol: 11:00~20:00No.2 Sanken Bldg. 3F 4-1-19 Roppongi Minato-kuHotelIBISMosBurgerAlmondSoba shopTakoyaki shopPolice boxRoppongi-dori33

GeothermalSelf-EsteemHOW ONSEN HELPED MEGET OVER MY BODY ISSUESJAPANESEONSENTAUGHT METO LOVEMY BODYJUST THEWAY IT IS.”WANTTO HAVETHE LASTWORD?Send your article to:editor@metropolis.co.jpBY GRACE BUCHELE MINETAI remember hating my body when I wasgrowing up. It’s not that I wanted to bepretty; I just wanted to be “good enough.”If I looked just a little bit like that womanon the cover of the gas-station magazine,I thought I would be happy.Now I've realized it doesn’t workthat way. I can’t look like that womanin the magazine because the womanin the magazine doesn’t even likethe woman in the magazine. It’s Photoshop,and you can't Photoshop areal person.Now, it’s no secret that mostwomen don’t like their bodies. Andliving in Tokyo—where most Westernwomen are taller and thickerthan their average Japanese counterpart—canabsolutely wreck yourself-confidence. My Japanese sister-in-lawis four months pregnantand weighs less than 100 pounds. I don’tweigh less than 100 pounds. I will neverweigh less than 100 pounds.Strange as it seems, the one thing thatbreaks up the cycle of self-loathing andbody image issues for a Western womanin Japan is an onsen—a Japanese spa.In every onsen, patrons strip, wash andthen bathe in any number of communalbaths. Some of the tubs are filled withminerals; some are icy and refreshing;some are outside; and some have jetstreams to massage you while you relaxin a chair composed of rocks.The key characteristic of Japaneseonsen, of course, is that everyone is naked.You’re face-to-face with a bunch ofthe last wordstrangers’s junk. And no one seems tocare at all.The first time I went to an onsen, Iwas 15. I was in boarding school in Hokkaido,back when I knew absolutely nothingabout Japanese culture (aside fromanime, I guess) and spoke exactly fourwords of the local language (“yes,” “no,”“thank you,” “toilet”). I went on a schoolsponsoredsnowshoeing trip and, on thelast day, our group went to an onsen.“I didn't bring a swimsuit,” I confessedto my dorm mom while we were waiting inthe lobby. “It wasn't on the packing list!”She smiled. “It's okay, you don't needa swimsuit.”“But, then, um…” I gestured to everyone.“Are we just...?”“Naked,” she clarified. “Everyonegets naked.”I gulped and followed her into thechanging room. As I stepped throughthe curtains, I was shocked. There weredozens of Japanese ladies in variousstages of undress. Old, young, wet, dry,chubby, skinny—everyone was different.As my dorm mom peeled off layers ofclothes, I stood there immobile. At thetender age of 15, I had never been nakedin front of another person before.The next five minutes ticked slowly by.I fumbled with my clothes a bit, slowly unbuttoningmy shirt, then glancing aroundthe room to make sure no one was looking.Before I knew it, my dorm mom wasnaked, a tiny wash towel slung over hershoulder.She looked at me, and I guess sheknew what I was going through. “It'sokay,” she told me. “Everyone is scaredtheir first time.”I eventually made it to the bath. I wasso nervous, I felt like I was going to passout. My dorm mom and I nestled in astone alcove in one of the outside baths,snow gently falling and freezing to thetop of my hair.I was stunned by the fact that no onewas looking at me or laughing at my body.I’d spent so long hating myself and myacne and my stretch marks that I’d sortof forgotten that everyone has their ownimperfections—and imperfections aren’tsomething to be embarrassed about,because each mark only adds to a person’spersonality. Mothers with jaggedC-section scars? Proof they survivedchildbirth. Women with small oilburns along their wrists? Cookingwith oil is hard. A skinned knee fromfalling on a rainy day, permanentblisters from wearing work heels, asunburn that peeled wrong, scarsfrom surgery—these are all proofthat you’ve been alive.I’ve changed since then. I live inJapan again, but now with my husband.I still have body issues, butevery year I love my body a little bitmore. Onsen help. When the makeupis washed away, when that perfectlycurled hair is washed and tied up ...when people are completely naked,something magical happens.I was with my sister at an onsen theother night, and as we were soaking inone of the outside baths, she mused, “Ibet girls in America would have muchfewer body issues if they could go toonsen.”Japanese onsen taught me to lovemy body just the way it is. It taught methat no one has the “perfect” physicalshape—and that the standards I have forperfection are stupid. When we strip offall the threads and colors we slap on to tryto get that magazine look, we find we alllook a little more alike than we thought.Illustration by Christi Rochin■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who alsoblogs and draws comics about her daily life inJapan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.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.NEXT ISSUECHECK OUTOUR SAKE SPECIALDON’T SMOKENEAR MEPLUS: LOOK FOR OURNEW WEBSITE NEXT MONTH!34

Eachbranchhasdifferenthours.Wewelcomeall kindsof parties.Pleasecontact us.www.dubliners.jpWHERE THERE ARENO STRANGERS,ONLY FRIENDSYOU HAVE YETTO MEET!Shinjuku2F Shinjuku Lion Hall3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku03-3352-6606 | sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jphttp://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/IkebukuroB1 Sun Gorou Bldg.1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku03-5951-3614 | sali2709@sapporo-lion.co.jphttp://r.gnavi.co.jp/g029000/ShinagawaShinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.B1F Grand Passage2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku03-6718-2834 | sali6654@sapporo-lion.cohttp://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008220/Shibuya2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku03-5459-1736 |sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jphttp://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008214/AkasakaB1 Sannou Park Tower2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku03-3539-3615 | sali2645@sapporo-lion.co.jpr.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays

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