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Oct 17-30, 2014 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine
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OCT 17-30, 2014 • #1073
EDITOR’S
LETTER
Welcome to our ghoulish Halloween extravaganza! As we
charge the batteries for our own freaky Futuropolis party on October 30, we’ve dug deep into the city’s hidden haunts to bring
you the best of the scary season. From kids’s costume parades to
adult fetish parties, check our primer to schedule your screams!
08
123RF
Fright Nights: Check the city’s Halloween hotspots.
11
Terrify yourself at Trick or Treat Horror Dining, try tofu pumpkin
pudding, or visit a Ghostbusters-themed café. Or why not find out
why travelers were thought of as close to spirits on the Tokaido
Road in Hakone? We’ve also got costume tips and a few notes on
decoration etiqutte—anything to put the “brrr” in your October!
21
Photo: Misuterareta
Scary Spaces: Exploring Japan’s abandoned areas.
123RF
Pumpkin Patch: The DIY of trick-or-treat.
Cover design & photography: Kohji Shiiki. Photo from the Fox Walking Dead Season 5 PR Event. Season 5 of The Walking Dead starts Sunday, October 19 at 10pm on Fox.
The Fox Walking Dead Haunted House was presented in collaboration with Obaken Haunted House in Nakano-ku (http://obakensan.com/). Undead models: Andy Brown (foreground), Itsuki Tomiyama (background).
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03
04
upfront
LINGOIST
scene around town
COSTUME CRUNCH
Photo by E
Ghouls and goblins are terrorizing the streets, but sometimes deciding on
your costume—or kosuchūmu—can be even scarier. The structure “X ni
shimasu” is used when expressing a decision you’ve made after mulling
over the options. Placed directly after the noun or gerund of your choice,
it translates to “I’m going with…” or “I’ll make it…”
How Would You Like That?
JP
EN
JP
EN
Kosuchūmu wa nani ni shimasu ka?
What will your costume be?
Sō desu ne. SF-kei ni shimasu.
Hmm... I’ll make it sci-fi-themed.
Oct 2: The musical Chess presented by Tokyo International Players, Shinjuku
Photo by Kohji Shiiki
JP
EN
JP
EN
JP
Uchū-jin no kosuchūmu ni shiyō to omotte imasu.
I’m thinking of going with an alien costume.
Sō desu ka. Dewa, watashi wa uchū-hikōshi no
kosuchūmu ni shimasu.
I see. Well then, I’ll go as an astronaut.
K
Oct 9: Fox Walking Dead Season 5 PR Event, Nakano-ku
A
N
A
C
R
123RF
EN
Tatoeba?
For example?
O
S
S
Photo by Rodger Sonomura
1
A
2
お
Down
1. Heart of Saitama city, 2. Spirit
or ghost from Japanese folklore, 3. White horse, 5. Medicine, 6. Sea otter.
3
4
5
6
Across
1. Cage, 3. To pay, 4. Exorcism,
7. Chestnut, 8. Moss
B
7
8
C
Solution:
Oct 11: The folktales of Yama presented by Doubtful Sound, Shinjuku
Photo by Davi Azevedo
ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross
A
B
C
Metropolis Members Club
THIS WEEK’S WINNER!
Rhodric Davies
won a 50-minute golf lesson courtesy of Cool Clubs
UPCOMING PRIZE
One lucky MMC member will win a set of 7 nail
enamels courtesy of Revlon
Oct 12: Yokohama Oktoberfest, Minatomirai
Register for prizes & discounts
www.metropolis.co.jp/club
05
PROPAGANDA
Shot Bar
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!
Door: ¥2,000/1 drink & 1 shot | With discount ticket: ¥1,500/1 drink & 1 shot
10/24 (Fri) 8pm-5am
Wear a costume to get a discount ticket for 10/25(Sat) party!
10/25 (Sat) 8pm-5am (Non-smoking Night)
Wear a costume to get a discount ticket for 10/31(Fri) party!
No happy hour & no smoking
10/31 (Fri) 8pm-5am
Wear a costume to get a discount ticket for
11/1(Fri) party! Costume contest from 12am
11/1 (Sat) 8pm-5am
Happy Hour
before 9pm
Drinks ¥500~
www.propaganda-tokyo.com
2F Yua Roppongi Bldg., 3-14-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku Tokyo
06
03-3423-0988
TO-DO LIST
3
TOP
koyo spots
EARLY NOV-EARLY DEC
MID-LATE OCT
MID OCT-EARLY NOV
Showa Kinen Park
Mount Tanigawa
Karuizawa, Kumoba Lake
Boasting an enormous area of land (enough to
fit 40 Tokyo Domes), the main highlight is the
ginkgo leaves, at their best during mid-Nov.
9:30am-4:30pm, park entrance ¥80-410.
Nishi-Tachikawa. Tel: 042-528-1751. www.ktr.
mlit.go.jp/showa/
At an elevation of 1,977m and one of Japan's
100 famous mountains, Mount Tanigawa's fall
leaves can be viewed both from its peak and
afar. Ropeway return price ¥2,060. Minakamicho,
Gunma. Minakami. 25 mins from station by
bus. Tel: 0278-62-0401. http://meturl.com/
mttanigawa
© 2014 “Pale Moon” Film Partners
EDITOR’S PICK OCT 23-31
TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Five world premieres are in the offing as Japan's leading film fest tries
to up its game to compete with the likes of Cannes and Venice. Among
them is the Rie Miyazawa vehicle Pale Moon, the only Japanese film in
the 27th TIFF International Competition. With Disney’s Big Hero 6, the
studio’s follow-up to Frozen, launching this year’s TIFF, animation is also
a keyword of the event. “The World of Hideaki Anno” will screen 50
works by animator Hideaki Anno, the creator of the Evangelion series.
Closing the fest is Parasyte, director Takashi Yamazaki’s live-action
rendering of the sci-fi manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki. Asian films are also in
focus in a festival that, in a bid to rev up its pop culture clout, has AKB48
producer Yasushi Akimoto as its executive producer. Dan Grunebaum
Oct 23-31, various times and prices. Roppongi Hills and other venues.
Roppongi, Nihonbashi and Higashi-Ginza. http://2014.tiff-jp.net/en/
© Rising Up Studios
OCT 18
Also known as Swan Lake, the reflection of the
changing leaves on the lake's surface is a sight to
behold. Karuizawa, Nagano. Karuizawa.
Tel: 0267-42-5538.
AAYTP
HALLOWEEN
COSTUME
PARTY
The African American Youth
Travel Program’s spooky
night filled with food,
entertainment and a costume
contest. Oct 18, ¥3,500.
Bistro Maffik. Shibuya.
http://meturl.com/aaytp
OCT 24
BALKAN BEATS
DJ Robert Soko, aka Balkan Beats,
brings his hype-tastic Slavic dance
music to Japan. Oct 24, 11pm,
¥2,500. Fai Aoyama. Omotesando.
Tel: 03-5466-3181. www.fai-aoyama.
com
OCT 26-27
ANVIL
The Canadian subjects of the rockdoc Anvil: The Story of Anvil are
baaack! Oct 26-27, 7pm, ¥5,000
(adv)/¥6,000 (day). Shinjuku Loft.
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5272-0382.
www.loft-prj.co.jp/LOFT/
OCT 24-NOV 3
TOKYO RAMEN SHOW
Indulge in top-quality ramen assembled from all over Japan. Oct 24-Nov 3, 10am-9pm
(10am-6pm Oct 29 & Nov 3), free entrance. Komazawa Olympic Park. Komazawa-Daigaku.
www.ramenshow.com
OCT 25
SUNDAI CHARITY
HALLOWEEN
Sundai College’s campus
transforms into a haunted house,
with all profits going to the
Japanese Red Cross. Oct 25,
10am-3pm, ¥100. Sundai College
of Business & Foreign Languages.
Ochanomizu. Tel: 0120-51-4185.
http://meturl.com/sundai2014
CHECK FOR MORE EVENTS ON P.24
07
HALLOWEEN
THE METROPOLIS
HALLOWEEN PRIMER
Our ghoulish guide to the season’s hair-raising hotspots
FUTUROPOLIS OCT 30
Metropolis Halloween Glitterball
The legendary Metropolis Halloween
Glitterball Party is back at Ele Tokyo! Ladies
get in free as we time warp into Futuropolis
with the city’s freakiest cyber-spooks and
mecha-mummies! So get your jet pack on,
because we'll be giving out prizes for the
best dressed, plus special performances
by ultra-cool FEMM and beautiful Tokyo
Dreamgirl. Tickets online and at the door.
Oct 30, 7pm, ¥2,000(m) w/2d; ladies free;
men ¥3,000 w/2d after 10pm. Ele Tokyo.
Roppongi. http://meturl.com/halloween
ADults
Tokyo Decadance
Halloween Party
With DJs, dancers, performers,
a horror house zone and a
“vampire floor” for Tokyo’s true
underground, this promises to
be a spectacular night of gothic
fun. Blood-suckers need not
fear the sun: stick around for
the after-party starting from
5:30am. Oct 18, 10pm, ¥3,00010,000. Christon Cafe Shinjuku.
Shinjuku-sanchome. http://
meturl.com/haldecadance
Masquerade of Ghosts
Party on for five straight
nights with costume contests,
food, a Halloween make-up
booth, Mr. & Ms. Masquerade
contests and more. Entrance
fees differ by day. Oct 24-31,
7pm, ¥2,000-3,000(m)/¥1,0002,000(f), w/1-2d. Brand Tokyo
Roppongi. Roppongi. http://
brandtokyo.net/halloween/
Tokyo Gaijins Halloween Party
Tokyo Gaijins is a hosting yet
another legendary Halloween
party. A great place to meet
and party with other foreigners,
costume contests will be
held every 30 minutes from
11pm-1am. Strictly smoke
08
free! Oct 25, 8pm, ¥2,0002,500/¥3,000 w/o costume.
Propaganda Shot Bar.
Roppongi. http://meturl.com/
gaijinhal
Whistlebump Yelloween
Progressive house,
techno, trance and more.
With DJs Pena, Rougout
de Lapin, Groove Patrol,
B2B and others—plus
live performers and pole
dancers. Oct 25, 9:30pm,
¥3,000(adv)/¥4,500(door).
Xex Nihonbashi. Nihonbashi.
http://meturl.com/halxex
Monster Mashup-Halloween
Fiesta Party
Hosted by Tokyo Snow Club
and Japonicus, this party is the
place to be for music lovers.
Party with five live bands and
12 DJs. They have everyone’s
tastes covered with music
genres including rock, latino,
drum ‘n’ bass, house, electro
and dubstep. Oct 31, 7pm,
¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (door).
Daisy Bar. Shimokitazawa.
http://meturl.com/showclubhal
Pink Sensation Halloween
Party
Join Hello Kitty in her 40th
Anniversary Bash at Sanrio
Puroland. The usually family-
friendly theme park hosts a
one-night-only Halloween
music festival, with a pink dress
code. Oct 31, 9pm, ¥4,500
(adv)/ ¥5,500 (door). Sanrio
Puroland. Tama Center.
http://pinksensation.jp/
ALL AGES
Tokyo Tower Narikiri
Halloween
The first floor of Tokyo Tower’s
main observatory has been
done up in creepy form. Simple
costumes can be borrowed
for free, and you’re at leisure
to take as many snaps as
you like. Complementing
the spooky atmosphere,
Cafe La Tour is offering a
special pumpkin Mont Blanc
Halloween cake set for ¥680.
Until Oct 31, 9am-10pm daily,
¥900. 1F Tokyo Tower Main
Observatory. Daimon. http://
meturl.com/haltower
Bakeneko Parade
Held in Kagurazaka, the setting
for Soseki Natsume’s novel
I am a Cat, the Bakeneko
Parade is a Halloween
parade that specializes in
cat disguises. Cat make-up
services also available: ¥500
for a quick kitty, or ¥1,000 for a
professional cat. Oct 19, 10am,
free. Kagurazaka. http://
meturl.com/bakeneko
Tokyo Disneyland &
DisneySea
Various shows, parades,
decorations and evening
fireworks—including the
Haunted Mansion done
up like The Nightmare
Before Christmas. Until Oct
31, various times. Tokyo
Disneyland & DisneySea.
Maihama. http://meturl.com/
disneyhalloween
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay
Fes
Ikebukuro goes cosplay-crazy,
with change rooms and storage
available on-site (¥500). If
you don’t want to get in on
the action yourself, just check
out the televised free stage
events and special acts from
the Tokyo International Film
Festival and Newtype publisher
Kadokawa. Oct 25-26, 10am,
free. Ikebukuro East Exit
area. Ikebukuro. http://
ikebukurocosplay.jp
Roppongi Hills Halloween
Costume events, Halloween
workshops, special restaurant
menus and more—including
a tie-in with The World of Tim
Burton. On October 25, be
sure to check out the kids’s
(10am) and adults’s (11am)
costume parades at Roppongi
Hills Arena. Until Oct 31,
various times. Roppongi Hills
area. Roppongi. http://
meturl.com/halroppongi
Kawasaki Halloween
There's something for everyone
in La Cittadella, Kawasaki. The
25th opens with kids’s parades
and concerts at Club Citta,
while things go bump in the
night at the Monsters’s Festival.
Grown-up ghouls and goblins
parade around the site on the
26th before busting some
killer moves at the Dancing
Pumpkin club party. Oct 25:
Kids’s Parade, 1pm & 3pm;
Citta Family Concert, 11am
& 2pm; Monsters’s Festival,
10pm. Oct 26: Halloween
Parade, 2:30pm; Dancing
Pumpkin, 5pm. Various prices.
La Cittadella, Kawasaki.
Kawasaki. http://meturl.com/
kawahalloweenenglish
Shimokita Halloween
The event kicks off with
jugglers and other entertainers
at 3pm. Strut your stuff in the
costume parade from 7pm
(¥1,000 w/1d, register online),
then let your fangs out all night
as Shimo’s hot shops stay open
until 5am. Costume contest for
kids at 4pm; adults at 8pm. And
watch for Vader! Oct 26, 3pm.
Parades start in front of Tsuge
izakaya, 5-29-16 Daizawa,
Setagaya. http://yokukitashimokita.com/hw2014
KIDS
Anpanman Children’s Museum
and Mall’s Halloween Event
2014
Various shows and activities
with the beloved bread-headed
cartoon hero. Until Oct 31,
various times, various prices.
Yokohama Children’s Museum
and Mall. Shin-Takashima and
Takashimacho. http://meturl.
com/anpanhallo
Puro Halloween Party 2014
Various shows and activities
featuring Hello Kitty and
friends. Until Oct 31, various
times, various prices. Sanrio
Puroland. Tama Center.
www.puroland.jp/2014_
halloween
Tokyo Dome Happy
Halloween 2014
This family-friendly event
includes a Halloween Kids’
Parade (registration required)
on the 18th, as well as face
painting 2-4pm weekends
and holidays all month. Thrillseeking event-goers can also
investigate the haunted house
(¥620). Until Oct 31, various
times, various prices. Tokyo
Dome City. Korakuen. www.
tokyo-dome.co.jp/news/
halloween/2014/
Tokyo Skytree Halloween
Magic
On selected dates, get
rewarded with candy and
presents when you show
up at Tokyo Skytree Town
in costume. Events include
street performances,
masquerade laser shows,
magical kids’s parades
and the mystery adventure
Harapeko Detective and the
Phantom Pumpkin (¥500).
Oct 3-31, various times.
Tokyo Skytree Town. Tokyo
Skytree. http://meturl.com/
halskytree
Children’s Halloween
Graveyard Mystery Tour
Historic ghost walk for kids
6-18, with ghost stories by
candlelight presented by
Haunted Tokyo Tours. Oct 22,
from 7pm. Gaienmae. www.
hauntedtokyotours.com
Halloween in Tama Center
The streets surrounding Tama
Center beckon an assortment
of costumers, ranging from
fun-loving teens to babies,
dogs and even cats dressed in
Halloween attire. Plus trick-ortreating. Oct 25-26, 12:30pm;
contest results at 1:30pm daily.
Registration 12-12:30pm. Tama
Center. Opening ceremony:
Oct 24, 4:50pm. Tama
Center. www.tamajack.com
Tamagawa Halloween
Festival
Various family-friendly
Halloween events in
collaboration with Sesame
Street, including the Sesame
Street Greeting (Oct 25, 26 &
31, 10am) and the Halloween
Parade (Oct 26, 11:30am). Oct
25-31, various times, free.
Tamagawa Takashimaya SC.
Futakotamagawa. http://
meturl.com/tamahal
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HALLOWEEN
BAR QUEST
HALLOWEEN
PARTY
Come out for a ghoulish
blast with special
Halloween treats and
drinks!
Oct 31-Nov 1, 7pm, free (charge after midnight). Bar
Quest. 3F No. 2 Rene Bldg, 5-3-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5414-2225. www.barquest.tokyo
CHILES
MEXICAN GRILL:
DAY OF THE
DEAD
Asagaya Pearl Center
Halloween
Costume Contest
This costume contest for
parents and kids offers
Suginami gift cards worth
anywhere from ¥20,00050,000. Registration must be
completed in person at the
Pearl Center’s Furusato-kan;
limited to the first 100 parentchild combos. If mom and
dad aren’t up for it, kids can
compete alone for sweets.
Oct 26, 2pm, free. Asagaya
Pearl Center Asagaya.
http://meturl.com/halpearl
Halloween Walk 2014
Stamp rally, candy giveaway,
face painting, costume
contest and more, all
centered around historic
Western-style houses.
Oct 26, 10am, various
venues. Ishikawacho and
Motomachi-Chukagai. http://
meturl.com/yamatehalloween
Hello Halloween Pumpkin
Parade
Enjoy one of Tokyo’s largest
Halloween parades—only
for kids under 12 and
their parents, though!
Also treat rally for parade
participants, and other
activities throughout the day.
Registration required. Oct
26, 1pm. Registration open
11am-12:30pm on the day,
¥1,000 per child. Starts at
Jingumae Elementary School.
Omotesando. www.
harajuku-halloween.com
Kichijoji Halloween
Festival
A Halloween festival for moms
by moms, with unique events
such as the Baby Carriage
Parade (Oct 29, 3:25pm),
where moms flaunt their
Halloween-decorated prams.
Other events include kids’
parades and trick-or-treating.
Oct 29-31,various times,
¥1,000-2,000, registration
required. Kichijoji. www.
kichijoji-halloween.net
Come feel the Halloween
with our terrific Mexican
menu and famous Spicy
Devil Burritos—and on
Thursdays and Fridays
from 4-8pm, limited
Mexican craft beers are
included in our ¥500
happy hour. Swing by on Fridays the 24th and 31st
to be transformed into a Mexican skull with amazing
face painting, then lose it from 8-10pm on Saturday
November 1st at our Day of the Dead celebration,
with a special buffet and all-you-can-drink for
¥4,800 (Due to capacity limitations, reservations are
required).
1-8-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6434-9693.
Open Mon 11am-4pm, Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat
10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm. Harajuku and MeijiJingūmae. www.chiles-grill.com
CLINTON
STREET BAKING
COMPANY
HALLOWEEN
Japanese pumpkin
pancakes (¥1,600+tax)
and butter squash
bisque (pumpkin soup,
¥900+tax) available until the end of the month.
Check Twitter (@csbjapan) and Facebook (CSB.
Japan) for food coupons and other offers. Takeout
available by phone during open hours.
Clinton Street Baking Company. YHT MinamiAoyama Bldg, 5-17-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minatoku. Omotesando. Open 8am-11pm daily. Tel:
03-6450-5944. www.clintonstreetbaking.co.jp
PROPAGANDA HALLOWEEN
WEEKEND
Four freaky nights of parties! Come in costume
each night to get a discount ticket for the next party.
Happy hour until 9pm nightly (except October 25),
with drinks from ¥500. October 25 is smoke-free!
Oct 24-25 & 31, plus Nov 1, 8pm. Regular ¥2,000
w/1d&1shot; ¥1,500 w/1d&1shot w/discount
ticket (no discount available Oct 24, but wear a
costume to get a discount coupon for Oct 25, etc.).
Propaganda. 2F Yua Roppongi, 3-14-9 Roppongi,
Minato-ku. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3423-0988. www.
propaganda-tokyo.com
SCREAM!! HALLOWEEN PARTY
2014 SHIBUYA
Epoch-making Halloween party Scream!! moves to
WWW Shibuya, an old movie theater converted into a
club space, for a night of chills and thrills, goblins and
ghouls, freaks and frequencies. Get ready to SCREAM!!
Veteran party vampires and an unearthly flock of DJs
spin cutting-edge Disco, House and Electro for Tokyo’s
most dangerous crowd. Come and experience the most
terrifying vibe in town at one of Tokyo’s top venues.
DJs: Force of Nature (Mule Music), Gonno (WC,
Mekur, International Feel), MXRLX (Blackmaps/
Mild Bunch), and DSKE’s Same Fitzgerald (Onigiri
Discotheque) and TROPI (Sunset Driver). Nov 21,
11pm, ¥3,500/¥2,500 w/costume. WWW, B1F Rise
Bldg, 13-17 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5458-7685. www-shibuya.jp
SHAG TOKYO
HALLOWEEN
SHIBUYA
FLAME HALLOWEEN 2014
SHIBUYA
Join Flame Halloween every night from October
24-31 at Flame Tokyo in Shibuya. The Kokoro Odoru
Halloween Party will be welcoming different guest
artists daily, building up to a terrifying costume
contest on the 31st. Come in costume to get a
discount and one free shot—plus, an amazing prize
awaits the contest winner.
All mix, various DJs. Oct 24-31, 10pm, (m)¥3,000,
(f)¥2,000. Flame Tokyo, 1F Jikansu Bldg, 2-4
Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku. Shibuya. Tel:
03-3496-2727. http://flame-tokyo.com
Fashion and fetish
club Shag Tokyo
presents three
Halloween events
to juice the creepy
crawlies into life all
night long. Get your
costume on, then get your freak on at this erotic
dungeon of the dark and dirty.
Sweet Dreams Halloween: Oct 25, 10pm, ¥3,500(m)
w/1d, ¥3,500(f ) w/1d.
International Halloween Party: Oct 31, 12pm,
¥3,000(m) w/1d, ¥2,500(f ) w/1d.
Fetish Halloween Party: Nov 1, 11pm, ¥3,000(m)
w/1d, ¥2,500(f ) w/1d.
2F Festae Omotesando Bldg, 3-18-19 MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku. Omotesando. Tel: 03-34750788. http://shag.tokyo
09
cover
PHANTOM
PATHS OF
TOKYO
A haunted tour of the familiar
BY CAL WIDDALL
J
Shitaya Shrine in
Inaricho
apanese folklore teems with tales of
yokai: demons, ogres, even possessed
household items that terrify and amaze.
Not just relics of the past, the roots and
traces of these legends and beliefs can
be discovered all around modern Tokyo, if you know where to look.
Haunted Tokyo Tours is devoted to revealing this mysterious side of the city. Tour guide
Lilly Fields believes these stories are a vital part
of Tokyo’s history, giving us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. “The things
we tread likely contains a few
societies try to suppress—their deskeletons of a less supernatmons and phantoms—often tell
ural kind: human remains
us more about that society than
are regularly discovered
anything else,” says the 30-year
at the site, which was once
Japan resident, whose passion
one of Tokyo’s three big
for the supernatural is evident
slums. Considered unworthroughout the tour.
thy of saving by firefighters,
The “Ghosts and Goblins
it is filled with the bodies of
of Old Tokyo” tour focuses
former residents unable to
particularly on locations
afford proper funerals.
that pay tribute to various
True crime and factual
yokai: tengu, the longhistory are also covered in
nosed avial humanoids;
grisly detail—especially on
foxes, which, legend has
night tours. One highlight
Kappa’s hand?
it, can shapeshif t into
is a visit to the final restbeautiful women to seduce
ing place of ukiyo-e master
men and birth half-human, half-fox sorcerers; Katsushika Hokusai, painter of the iconic The
and kappa, water spirits that have taken to the Great Wave off Kanagawa. A yokai enthusiast,
sewers since Tokyo’s urbanization.
Hokusai painted many of the demons promiFields begins the tour by demonstrating the nent in Japanese folklore. And unlike other
correct method of walking beneath a torii gate: artists of his time, rather than depict actors in
close to either pillar—not the middle sei-chu, costume, he painted from his own vivid imagiwhich is reserved for the gods—and with your nation. Standing beside his tomb, Fields shows
outside foot first, so you don't offend any deities us a widely unnoticed ghostly apparition in his
that also happen to be passing by pointing your most famous work, then reads aloud his chilling
bum at them. She then leads us to peer through death poem, her voice dropping to a whisper.
a shrine window to see an eerily small skeletal
After a visit to Old Hag's Pond, the site of an
hand believed to be that of a real-life kappa.
infamous legend that has spawned both plays
At another section of the tour, the ground and horror movies, the tour ends at Asakusa's
10
Hokusai’s tomb
in Inaricho
Lilly Fields of Haunted Tokyo Tours
LUGUBRIOUS LOCALES
SADAKO 3-D (JOYPOLIS)
Step into the world of The Ring, where Sadako
(the creepy little girl from the movie) awaits—as
do English-speaking guides.
3F-5F Decks Tokyo Beach, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minatoku. http://tokyo-joypolis.com/language/english/
NAMCO NAMJA TOWN
Stroll through the haunted section of this slightly
bizarre theme park in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine
Mall, which was built on the site of the infamous
Sugamo Prison. The real horrors, however, are
some of the flavors offered at Ice Cream City on
the third floor.
3-1-3 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku. www.
namco.co.jp/tp/namja/
THE LOCKUP
Spend an evening in the cells at this asylumthemed restaurant, where the dishes are named
after your possible crimes, the drinks come in test
tubes and syringes, and the facility perhaps isn’t
as secure as it seems.
B2F Shibuya Grand Tokyo Bldg, 33-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. www.lock-up.jp
Senso-ji, where the group cleanses themselves
with sacred water. “If the cleansing doesn't
work and an evil spirit follows you home,” Fields
begins earnestly before smiling, “don't call me.”
Haunted Tokyo Tours, ¥3,000/person.
hauntedtokyotours@hotmail.com. www.
hauntedtokyotours.com
Confessions of an
anonymous urban
explorer
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MISUTERARETA
I
f there’s one time of year that’s perfectly
suited to the subculture of urban exploration, it’s Halloween. Every major ruin in
Japan has its own ghost story or urban
legend. Some stem from tragic, real-life incidents; others—like the Himuro Mansion—are
pure fantasy. My interest in ruins has taken me
to prefectures in Japan I never thought I’d visit,
into buildings I was never supposed to enter
and have adventures I will never forget. Over
the last six years, I’ve managed to avoid arrest,
injury and confrontation.
However, for those tempted to venture out
on All Hallows’ Eve, I have a number of cautionary tales to share.
My first haikyo trip on the outskirts of Saitama prefecture was an embarrassingly paranoid
experience. Misjudging the amount of time it
would take to get to my location, I ended up
walking alone for over an hour down an isolated country road. As the sun started to go
down, the leaves on the ground seemed to
stalk me—stopping exactly when I stopped;
scuttling behind me only when I moved forward. When I finally reached my destination—a
run-down love hotel—an unknown beast in the
undergrowth continuously circled the building
but never showed itself.
The whole experience was overwhelming
to the point I swore I’d never do it again. But I
soon realized that urban exploration is an experience best enjoyed in hindsight. As the fear
began to wear off, and the photos of my explo-
Abandoned residence in Nagano
ration circulated online, I was already thinking
about my next destination.
“Whatever you do, don’t get sucked into this,”
my wife warned me. It was already too late.
Visiting residential ruins is a line I’ve crossed
and regretted. Even if you’re completely sure a
residence has been abandoned by its original owner, there may still be some unofficial
residents living there. Such was the case in
Nakagusuku Kogen hotel in Okinawa
Nagano, where I entered a broken residence
with a dubious new tenant.
The first clue that I'd stepped into the wrong
building was a series of disjointed children’s
pictures scrawled on the sliding doors through
which I’d entered. The second: a giant knife
positioned next to a recently vacated sleeping
bag. This was enough to see me scrambling out
the door and running down the road.
Exploring ruins in a group can also be a lot
of fun. Several years back, Michael John Grist,
the explorer who gave me my first map, invited
me along on a road trip to the Izu Peninsula with
a couple of his friends. Their good-humored camaraderie was a stark contrast to the paranoia
to which I’d grown accustomed, and if it weren’t
for them, I probably would have missed out on
seeing one of Japan’s greatest ruins.
So have a happy and exploratory Halloween. And as always: “Take only pictures; leave
only footprints.”
For more haikyo adventures visit:
http://misuterareta.wordpress.com
LINGO BOX
Yokai (妖怪) = Spirit(s) or ghost(s)
from Japanese folklore
Yakubarai (厄払い) = exorcism
Haikyo (廃墟) = ruin(s)
11
food&drink
The trick’s the ultimate treat at Trick or Treat Horror Dining. Decked out in gothic paraphernalia,
this red-lit bar/eatery presents everything from
coffins and cobwebbed chandeliers to Jack Skellington cushions and a Linda Blair bust right at
your table. The ghoulish atmosphere has even
summoned up the real Tim Burton. Monolingual
marauders be warned, however: nihongo is the
only language of the dead in this haunt. Come for
drinks. The food’s horrific—but it kind of has to
be. 2A Toda Bldg, 7-16-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku.
Roppongi. http://meturl.com/trickdining
¥¥
EN/JP
Serving up Japan,
one plate at a
time
BY JOAN BAILEY
Set on the eighth floor of Shibuya Hikarie, d47
Shokudo is the foodly arm of award-winning
designer Kenmei Nagaoka’s “d&design” project, curating the best of Japan’s 47 prefectures.
As the lights came up around Shibuya
station and the famous crossing below, we
toasted our adventure at the shokudo (cafeteria) with the four-sake sampler (¥1,400)
of signature brews from Tochigi, Toyama and
Yamaguchi, ranging from sweet to bitter. The
set is enough for two, but tumblers of a single
variety (¥550 and up) are also available.
We considered the f i ve - dish opt ion
(¥1,000) but decided more exploring was
needed. Sake firmly in hand, we set out for
Chiba to savor washed cheese rind pickled
in sake kide izumi (¥520). With a sharp taste
surprisingly similar to blue cheese, it melted
gloriously on the tongue and proved a fine
companion for rice wine.
From there, we ventured north to sample
Fukushima’s pickled Pacific herring topped
with Japanese pepper (¥520). The four pieces of fish that arrived were firm and well-flavored: sour and sweet with a hint of herring’s
bitterness.
Heading inland to Nagano, we surveyed
natto mixed with umeboshi and Japanese
mild ginger, or myoga (¥620). Served on a
12
Fans of Ghostbusters will be delighted to
hear that J.S. Burgers Cafe will honor the
supernatural ’80s classic by celebrating the
30th anniversary of its release with ghostinspired hamburgers, a marshmallow (man)
sundae and “monster” cream sodas served
in measuring cups. Perfectly aligned with the
spooky month of October, if you want a surefire way of bringing on the Halloween spirit,
you know who to call.
Branches in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku
and Ikebukuro. http://journal-cafe.jp/
single perilla leaf, it looked like a
lonely lump, but the tart and salty
plums with the soft ginger flavor of
myoga dressed the big, firm beans
up beautifully.
We dashed south to Kagawa for
a quiet culinary stop sampling the
region’s tofu (¥200). Served chilled
with a simple topping of negi (long
onion) and myoga, the firm yet silky
tofu needed just a pinch of salt or
soy sauce to pull all the flavors together.
We carried on south to Okinawa
for tofuyo (fermented tofu, ¥520).
Dubbed the “challenge menu” item
of the evening, it came as a single
small chunk on a bamboo leaf. The
tiniest bit on a chopstick delivered
a pungent sake kasu-like flavor in
a creamy texture.
We then jetted up to Osaka for
minararu irikon (¥500) and seasonal ohitashi, or blanched greens
( ¥ 420 ) . C r u n c h y d r i e d i r i ko n
(Osakan for dried baby sardines),
konbu, sesame seeds and peanuts
bathed in soy sauce and mirin effectively represented Japan’s famous port city. The small bowl of ohitashi
arrived as a verdant spinach seasoned with
light dashi.
We hopped west for a Toyama omelet
(¥460)—thick and dense with a subtly sweet
edge—with a second stopover in Nagano
for more natto, which really is that good. A
quick turn south to Nagasaki brought a plate
of warm and crunchy aji-fry (¥1,000) with cool
julienned cabbage.
We finished in the far north of Hokkaido
with rice ball sets (¥360) of one umeboshi
and one konbu each. Served warm and fresh,
they were the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
8F Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku.
Shibuya. www.hikarie8.com/d47shokudo
Photos by Joan Bailey
RESTAURANT
In the spirit of the spooky season, Lindt has released a selection of limited-edition Halloween
chocolates, including the Halloween Lindt Gift
Box, a monster pack of 25 delectable chocolate
balls (¥2,700). Definitely a treat for fans of the
scrumptious Swiss chocolate Lindt is famous
for, festive aficionados will have to move fast—
these little terors are only around until October
31. Can’t wait to get them home? Then why not
indulge at one of the Lindt Chocolat cafés around
town? Lindt Chocolat Cafe Omotesando. 3-5-22
Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. http://www.lindt.jp
Photo by Tommy Pham
If you thought you were out of reasons to devour Krispy Kreme’s delicious melt-in-yourmouth donuts, you thought wrong! Their special Halloween offerings incorporate seasonal
flavors and the “kowa-kawaii” (spooky/cute)
motif that’s all the rage in Tokyo. The donut
dealers bring you their Caramel Halloween
Jack (¥230), Spider Choco Custard (¥200),
Berry Jelly Star (¥220) and Sweet Potato
Mont Blanc (¥230). Grab a mixed dozen for
your next Halloween party! Available at all
Krispy Kreme stores until Oct 31.
If you’re debating what to grab on the go, why
not try a juicy, perfectly wrapped burrito en
route to your next shinkansen trip? Upping the
ante on the myriad burrito bastions already in
the city, Umum Good Burritos! is offering up
five varieties: lamb, teriyaki chicken, beef and
vegetable, all for ¥750. Finish it off with a sweet
tiramisu burrito for dessert (¥500). Just try to get
there early if you’re hankering for a lamb lunch.
B1F Marunouchi Bldg, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tokyo and Nijūbashimae. www.
umum.jp
Savoring Saigon
TEXT BY WENDY NGUYEN
If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese that
will transport you back to the bustling laneways
of Saigon (minus the motorcyclists and plastic
chairs), look no further than Miss Saigon, located
just a few minutes from the Shibuya crossing.
The restaurant is quaintly decorated, with a
few paintings of Vietnamese landscape on the
wall and plastic fruit hanging from the ceiling—an
odd choice in interior design, but it works in adding to the charm of this family-run establishment.
The staff are dressed in traditional ao dai and
are warm, friendly and attentive. The owner and
head chef is a wonderful Vietnamese woman
who often comes out of the kitchen to make sure
everyone is enjoying their food.
The menu is extensive, making ordering a
daunting task. However, a few options stand
out, such as the Gòi Ngó Sen (¥800), a salad
combining lotus root, shrimp and pork, dressed
with a deliciously sweet and tangy fish sauce.
The lotus root gives the salad a crunchy texture
while the combination of the sauce, lemon and
mint garnish provides a fresh crisp taste.
Lovers of Vietnamese food will definitely be
excited for the Gòi Cuón (¥750), a spring roll
that consists of fresh ingredients such as herbs,
cucumber, rice noodles, pork and shrimp—but is
also not deep fried. Enthusiasts will know that the
most important element of this dish is the dipping
sauce, and Miss Saigon creates an amazing one
that perfectly balances sweet and sour, with a
hint of nuttiness.
TOFU PUMPKIN PUDDING
RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI
Photos by Tommy Pham
RESTAURANT
RECIPE
Gòi Ngó Sen
Looking for an alternative to candy and chocolate this Halloween? Enjoy the festive season
while staying healthy with this guilt-free tofu
pumpkin pudding recipe!
Start to Finish: 1hr (active time 20 min)
Servings: 4-5 cups
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
150g fresh kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) with
peel&seeds removed
150ml whole milk or soy milk
100g silken (kinu) tofu
2 eggs (medium sized)
2 tbsp honey (2 tbsp = 30ml)
2 tbsp sugar (2 tbsp = 30ml)
Optional: maple syrup to serve
Optional: a pinch of cinnamon powder
DIRECTIONS:
Gòi Cuón
The ultimate factor that determines whether
a Vietnamese restaurant is worth telling your
friends about is Pho. There are two key elements
to a good bowl of Pho: A generous serving of
herbs on top (with a wedge of lemon on the side),
and being hit with the overwhelming aromas
from the bowl even before tasting the soup. Miss
Saigon does not disappoint in this department,
serving up delicious Pho for ¥800-950. After
adding in the necessary fresh chilli and tasting
the soup for the first time, you’ll be hit with instant nostalgia for the time you sat by the road in
Saigon in the early hours of the morning, having
your first bowl of Pho and sipping on your icecold Vietnamese coffee.
6F Shimizu Bldg, 2-29-18 Dogenzaka, Shibuya.
Shibuya.
1. Dice the kabocha into 3-5cm cubes. Place the
cubes in a microwavable bowl (cover with a lid)
and microwave for 3 minutes at 800w.
2.Place the remaining ingredients in a large
mixing bowl with the kabocha. Using a hand
blender, mix until smooth.
3.Pour the mixture evenly into 4-5 heat-resistant
cups and cover the top of each cup with tinfoil.
4.Fill a deep, heavy pan with boiling water to
1-2cm deep. Place the cups in the pan and
heat with the lid on for 8 minutes at a low setting.
5.Turn the heat off and leave the cups in the pan
with the lid on for 15-20 minutes.
6.Take the cups out of the pot and set to cool.
Chill in the refrigerator if you prefer a cooler
pudding. For a sweeter taste, drizzle with
maple syrup.
Rieko Suzuki
Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at
http://meturl.com/ruby
13
www.failte.jp
Spacious
5F terrace
overlooking
central
Shibuya.
Enjoy our great selections
of Irish and European brews.
7th Anniversary
4 days! Oct 16 (Thu) to 19 (Sun)
• Regular Draft beer discounted! ¥700
• Selected Bottled beer discounted!
• Special menu available!
More details
http://failte.jp
14
Tokyu
Plaza
5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya
OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat)
3-11pm (Sunday & hols)
tel:
03-3476-7776
escapes
TREK TO
TRANQUILITY
Photo: JapanTravel
Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot
Springs Coupon
http://meturl.com/odakyuhotsprings
Trace the Tokaido through
Hakone’s heights
BY TYLER PARR
ACCESS
An affordable option to
experience Hakone is by
purchasing the Odakyu Line
Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun
Hot Springs Coupon, which
provides round-trip travel
and includes entrance into
two onsen for about ¥4,000.
Yunessun offers an extensive
variety of baths, including green
tea and wine spas, and because
bathing suits are required, these
onsen are co-ed. If you‘d like to
enjoy a more traditional setting,
the Mori-no-yu onsen is also
available in the resort.
There was a time when travel in Japan was uncommon; those who traveled were considered
strange beings that could communicate with
spirits. However, at the turn of the 17th century,
that all changed, beginning with the opening
of the Tokaido Road, which connected Edo
(now Tokyo) to the country’s original capital,
Kyoto. The journey led travelers through Hakone, which eventually transformed the hot
spring town into one of Japan’s first travel
destinations.
The first travelers to Hakone were daimyo,
or provincial rulers, who used the Tokaido during their journeys to and from Edo and Kyoto.
Daimyo were carried along Tokaido Road in
boxlike palanquins known as kago, which enabled them to rest their legs.
Yet, kagos were designed so that passengers sat stooped forward, and this caused tension to build in their backs. Travel parties would
stop at hot springs—known as onsen—to rest
and soak their sore muscles. It was from the
practice of these early travelers that Hakone
received its allure of being the place to recuperate and relax.
When the road was first upgraded, it was
covered with a thin layer of bamboo called
hakone-dake grown in the Hakone region. By
1680, as the road became more heavily utilized, worn bamboo was replaced with a layer
of pebbles packed below larger stones that
was able to withstand rain. Travelers wishing to
bathe in the hot springs would trek along this
path from Edo to Hakone carrying food along a
distance of 82 kilometers in about three days,
clad in straw sandals known as waraji. Even
horses then wore straw shoes as iron was not
yet used for such purposes. For those who wish
to walk along the road and experience part of
the pilgrimage that these early travelers embarked upon, there’s a cedar-lined stretch on
the southern side of Lake Ashinoko between
Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi that leads to
Yumoto, the oldest and largest of the 16 onsen
located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
For those looking to delve further into the
history of Hakone, there’s a replica checkpoint
near Lake Ashinoko, which was completed in
2007 and includes a watchtower, living quarters and a prison. These checkpoints were
necessary in the past, as they were used by officials to screen travelers and inspect baggage
at a time when travel permits were required,
and women’s travel and the transport of weap-
On Nov 3, the Hakone Daimyo Parade invites
participants to dress in full traditional attire, including
armor and weapons, to march through Yumoto as part
of a feudal procession.
ons were restricted. The checkpoints were
also used to regulate entrance into Edo and
prevent escape. Nowadays, it’s possible
to explore the area nearby the replica as
there are sections of the Tokaido that look
as they did hundreds of years ago—before
cars were introduced, and when walking was
the way to travel.
15
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16
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fashion fix
SHOWROOM SEASON
BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR
Tokyo Fashion Week has been and gone for the Spring/Summer 2015 season,
but for those in the industry it’s far from over. Once the dust has settled from
the shows, the real work begins as fashion buyers and media crews head to
the showrooms to see the actual clothes from the catwalk. If you want a peek
behind the curtain, this is where insiders get to place their private orders for
The Happening
Shibuya department store
Parco is in for a total
rebranding this winter. The consistently
popular shopping
location has been
on a steady path toward modernization
for some time now, especially in comparison to
its more traditional contemporaries—many
of whom have yet to create a functioning online shopping site. But Parco’s new trajectory
pitches the store directly at the current generation of youth alienated by the conventional
department store experience. Aimed clearly
toward so-called digital natives, the new Parco
will be social media and online ready, not least
because it will also become the public-facing
HQ for Niconico Douga, the popular video
sharing site.
Parco’s path toward the youth vote began
in October 2012, when it devoted its entire fifth
floor to a pop culture-orientated space, featuring not only fashion and anime crossover fashion from Cospa but also shops for hardcore fans,
such as the flagship One Piece shop. This approach of melding youth fashion with its cultural
context is key to winning over the generation
raised on the internet, and if the attendance at
this month’s Shibuya Cultural Festival at Parco is
any indication, it appears to be working.
Japonsim as a fashion genre is loosely described
as Western takes on Japanese aesthetics. And
while that may seem a fairly archaic concept in an
ever-more-globalized world, it’s still as relevant
as ever thanks to it increasingly being Japanese
fashionistas who attempt to mix said aesthetics,
having been raised on a predominantly Western
fashion diet.
Non-Japanese fans should aim to be cautious.
If in doubt, stick to one piece of Japonica per
ensemble (as above) lest you segue into costume.
Photo by Samuel Thomas
The Happening was without a doubt the biggest
unexpected success story to come out of this
season’s Tokyo Fashion Week. The Happening
group—which is made up of a varied team of similarly minded fashion designers, stylists and shop
owners—originally made its mark by hijacking last
season’s fashion show from Dresscamp, running
a guerrilla fashion show on the runway while the
guests for the official show were being seated.
For their second outing earlier this month, they
took their grassroots mentality to the public with
a crowd-funded fashion show held in the hub of
Harajuku street fashion, LaForet.
Under the remit of putting art back into fashion, designers Leonard Wong, Nyte, Garter and
Araki Shiro threw wearability to the wind with a
series of outfits that wouldn’t look out of place in
Lady Gaga’s wardrobe. But even though these
outfits might never be worn on Tokyo’s streets,
the show was funded by the general public, indicating that even if the average man or woman
might not wear fashion on this scale, they certainly desire to see it nonetheless.
STREET FOCUS
SHOPPING STRATEGY
Courtesy of Parco
ON POINT
the season—usually at a substantial discount. So if you’ve ever wondered how
industry types manage a different outfit every day of the month, this might just
be your explanation. However, recently more and more brands have started
to extend this same courtesy to their best customers in the form of pre-order
exhibitions—so keep your eye out for those this season.
FASHION CALENDAR
Oct 17 | Macaronic Koenji Opens
Cult select shop Macaronic, responsible
for stocking some of the coolest
underground brands in Tokyo, is making
the move from Harajuku to Koenji,
taking with it yet another piece of
Harajuku’s fashion cred in the process.
www.macaronic.jp
Oct 19 | Tweed Run Tokyo
Now in its third iteration, the cycling
route that takes in some of Tokyo’s
finest heritage fashion, art and food
cultural hotspots is back. Needless to
say, the dress code is tweed, and it’s
strictly enforced.
http://tweedruntokyo.com/
Oct 24 | Knee-High Sock Sensation
Knee-high socks inspired by currently
airing anime Gundam Build Fighters
are making waves online thanks to
a new photo book from underwater
photographer Koga Manabu. The
designs, which turn the wearer’s leg
into a robotic appendage, are on sale at
Pater’s Harajuku from the 24th.
www.paters.co.jp
Oct 25-28 | Oasis—The Exhibition
Mancunian rock legends Oasis’ effect
on late ’90s Harajuku street fashion
is the star of this exhibit in LaForet
Harajuku. Alongside classic photos
and a screening of their first Tokyo gig,
there will be a recreation of the iconic
Definitely Maybe album cover, as well as
artifacts from the era.
http://oasis-chasingthesun.jp/
exhibition/
17
movies
BY DON MORTON
featured movie
A MOST
WANTED MAN
Dramatically understated but visually striking and
intellectually suspenseful, this adaptation by Anton
Corbijn (Control, The American) of the John le
Carré novel takes a look at the ethical vagaries of
thwarting terrorism, and at the frequently melancholy lives of those dedicated to the task. When
a severely abused Russian-Chechen immigrant
(Grigoriy Dobrygin) surfaces in Hamburg seeking
asylum, a variety of competing international intelligence agencies begin to circle, suspecting he’s
there to claim his deceased father’s ill-gotten fortune and do mischief. Going against this mindset is a
disgraced German spymaster (an intense, nuanced
Philip Seymour Hoffman), who thinks the man is
innocent and can be better used to bag a wealthy
Islamic philanthropist he suspects of financing terrorists. Robin Wright’s the creepy CIA presence,
Willem Dafoe is excellent as a shady banker, and
a miscast Rachel McAdams is out of her depth as
a liberal lawyer. I enjoyed the book. And while it
doesn’t rate up there with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
or The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, the author
is never less than compelling. So this may be minor
le Carré, but it’s major Hoffman, and well worth seeing as the actor’s last completed role. Japanese title:
Dareyorimo Nerawareta Otoko. (121 min)
NEW
EPIC
Boy, talk about a misleading title. How
about “Middling”? I like
“ U n d e r w h e l m i n g .” I t
seems there’s a battle
raging in our forests between two races of tiny people,
one of which causes things to grow and another that
seeks only decay. Stumbling into this world is a disaffected teen embarrassed by her geeky scientist dad’s
obsession with said fairy war. This one looks great, but
the story’s so repetitive and filled with over-familiar
tropes that it probably plays better with the sound off.
Lots of celebrity voice talent; little momentum or imagination. From the people who did Ice Age and Rio. ‘Nuff
said. Japanese title: Mary to Himitsu no Okoku. (102 min)
NEW
GRACE OF MONACO
Here we have a “fictionalized story, based on true
events.” (Don’t you just
love all the ways the makers of bad movies have of
rewording this caveat?) In 1962, Alfred Hitchcock offered
Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco (Nicole Kidman) the lead
in Marnie. Cornball story tells of how she is tempted but
bravely refuses and pluckily buckles down to become a
true royal, and in the process, through pure charm, saves
the royal family from a palace coup and Monaco from
a French invasion (over taxes), and delivers a rousing
speech at—wait for it—a lavish charity ball. Jeez. Who
cares? Dramatically inert middlebrow mush. Japanese
title: Grace of Monaco: Kohi no Kirifuda. (102 min)
SCUM
Ever wonder where
tough-guy British actor
Ray Winstone star ted
out? With tough-kid Britgrit roles, of course. This
1977 docudrama, shot when Ray was 20, exposed the
brutality of the country’s “borstal” system of juvenile
detention centers (since improved). It’s hard to watch in
some places, with violent and graphic scenes of bullying
and rape, but never less than compelling. It was originally commissioned for the BBC as a critique of this kind
of institutional dehumanization. When the Beeb deemed
it too violent for broadcast, director Alan Clarke reshot it
as a feature film. Still powerful today. (98 min)
NYMPHOMANIAC: VOL. I
Lars von Trier cuts back
on the stylistic excesses
to tell (the first half of) this
charac ter-based stor y
of a self-diagnosed sex
addict named Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg; Stacy Martin
in flashbacks) who is discovered beaten and bleeding
in an alley by Good Samaritan Stellan Skarsgård. They
talk. Graphic? Yes. Pornographic? Some have called it
so. Titillating? Not at all. Uncharacteristically, there’s a
good bit of humor here. Uma Thurman is a showstopper as the wife of one of the men whose lives Joe has
ruined. Mesmerizing, compelling and purely entertaining. I’m seduced. Vol. II coming Oct 31. (118 min)
IF I STAY
A teenage girl’s family is
wiped out in a car crash
and she’s left in a coma,
but through a mystical
narrative device she’s
split between her comatose self and a “spirit” self who
wanders around the hospital wondering if she should
succumb or awake as an orphan (albeit with a hunky
boyfriend). I’m not familiar with the YA novels of Gayle
Forman, but I’m pretty sure she reads Nicholas Sparks.
Manipulative, banal and relentlessly drippy. But the acting’s good, especially Chloë Grace Moretz, who at 17 is
showing signs that she just might survive the transition
from child sensation to grown-up actor. Japanese title:
If I Stay: Ai ga Kaeru Basho. (106 min)
A MILLION WAYS TO
DIE IN THE WEST
At f irst I thought this
charmless oater send-up
might be more watchable
had writer/director/producer Seth MacFarlane cast a real comedic actor in the
lead instead of himself. You know, someone funny. But
almost two padded hours later, I realized that no cast, no
matter how all-star, could make this flaccid collection of
fart, poop, come and piss jokes palatable to anyone but
its target audience of preteen boys. MacFarlane clearly
thinks he’s remaking Mel Brooks’s Blazing Saddles. This
is insulting in itself. I used to think the man was merely annoying. Now I hate him. Japanese title: Koya wa
Tsuraiyo: Arizona yori Ai wo Komete. (116 min)
NEW
NEW
NEW
NEW
A Most Wanted Man: © A Most Wanted Man Limited / Amusement Park Film GmbH; Epic: © 2013 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.; Grace of Monaco: ©2014 STONE ANGELS SAS; Scum: © Kendon Films Ltd. MCMLXXIX
All Rights Reserved.; Nymphomaniac: Vol. I: © 2013 ZENTROPA ENTERTAINMENTS31 APS, ZENTROPA; If I Stay: © 2014 Warner Bros. Ent. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All rights Reserved.; A Million Ways to Die in the West: © Universal
Pictures; Jersey Boys: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC ENTERTAINMENT; Frank: © 2013 EP Frank Limited, Channel Four Television Corporation and the British Film Institute; Under the Skin: © Seventh Kingdom
Productions Limited, Channel Four Television Corporation and The British Film Institute 2014; Million Dollar Arm: © 2014 Disney Enterprise, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; Mindscape: Stills photographs by Quim Vives - Copyright © 2013 OMBRA FILMS,
S.L.; Wake in Fright: © 2012 Wake In Fright Trust. All Rights Reserved.
18
More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies
MILLION DOLLAR ARM
A few ye a r s b a c k , a
sports agent (an awful
Jon Hamm) hit on the
idea of enticing Indian
c r i c ke t b o w l e r s i n t o
becoming baseball pitchers through the eponymous
reality show. Two hopefuls were offered contracts by
the Pirates and then relegated to some third-tier farm
team. MLB’s cynical involvement in this attempt to tap
into a potential market of 1.2 billion baseball fans is
topped only by Disney’s cynicism in shoehorning the
story into its feel-good, sports-underdog mold in order
to get 1.2 billion Indian butts into theater seats. Sappy,
obvious, maudlin and bloated, this is strictly minor
league. (124 min)
FRANK
An aspiring but untalented songwriter wannabe
(Domhnall Gleeson)
insinuates himself into
an eccentric, punkish
band fronted by the title character, a virtuoso/freak
who never takes off his huge, papier-mâché stage
head. Ever. Michael Fassbender, the actor inside the
head, amazingly makes Frank a fully developed character without the use of his face—a talent that’s hard
to hide. This affable oddity is funny, quirky, original
and honest. It gradually deepens into an examination
of the effects of social media hype on true creativity
and of the thin line between genius and madness. Also
Maggie Gyllenhaal. (95 min)
UNDER THE SKIN
An alien in a gorgeous
human body (an intense
Scarlett Johansson, in
a “brave” career move)
drives her van around
Scotland enticing young, unattached men to their doom.
This adaptation of Michel Faber’s novel is hard to call.
There’s little exposition and almost no characterization, as the film relies on nightmarish imagery, complex
sound design and a menacing score to tell its tale. If
you’re looking for a mainstream sci-fi/horror flick, keep
looking. If you’re willing to surrender yourself to an existential, highly atmospheric and deeply creepy movie
“experience,” then this is for you. Japanese title: Under
the Skin: Tane no Hoshoku. (107 min)
JERSEY BOYS
You probably wouldn’t
think of Clint Eastwood
as the best choice to
adapt a jukebox stage
musical to the screen.
And though he imbues the story of Frankie Valli and
the Four Seasons with palpable atmosphere, he mistakenly concentrates on the group’s dramatically inert
and unremarkable rags-to-riches-to-rags backstory.
Ultimately, like most filmed Broadway musicals, this
one made me wish I was watching the stage show
instead. Should have been dancing in the aisles rather
than slogging through another behind-the-music soap
opera. Put succinctly, while mildly diverting, this ain’t
no Ray or Walk the Line. (134 min)
MINDSCAPE
Also called Anna. In a
world where “telepathic
detec tives” can poke
through your memories
to solve problems and/or
crimes, one such mind sleuth is tasked with persuading
a rich kid to eat. He’s just getting back into the game
after memories of his wife’s death interfered with his
work, and young Anna presents him with more than just
a bratty hunger strike. Though blandly directed, this scifi psychodrama offers fair suspense but little originality.
The versatile Mark Strong is always good, and Taissa
Farmiga, Vera’s 21-years-younger sister, is an actress
to watch. Both deserve a better picture. Japanese title:
Kioku Tantei to Kagi no Kakatta Shojo. (99 min)
WAKE IN FRIGHT
Thought to be lost until
recently, Ted Kotcheff’s
shocking 1971 Aussie film
is quite unlike anything
you’ve ever seen. A vacationing schoolteacher (Gary Bond) gets sidetracked in a
boozy outback town and loses all his money gambling.
He falls in with a vicious band of hard-drinking, kangaroo-massacring sociopaths (including Jack Thompson
and the ever-creepy Donald Pleasence), and discovers
depths of depravity within himself he never dreamed
existed. This intense examination of the ephemeral
nature of “civilization” is not an easy sit, but it’s compellingly watchable. Made me want a drink. And a shower.
Japanese title: Koya no Chidoriashi. (116 min)
© 2014 SIGLO/SASAKI FILMS
eiga
It’s been a year of new projects in
untapped fields for old Japanese
film icons. First, renowned 75-yearo l d c i n e m a to g r a p h e r M a s a k i
Tamura directed his first feature
By Rob Schwartz
ever, Drive-in Gamo (see August 22
issue’s Eiga), and now, the long-retired, legendary NHK TV
director Shoichiro Sasaki comes forth with his first theatrical
release. Sasaki is a highly influential TV auteur who’s picked
up a variety of international prizes for his works, including
the Prix Italia Grand Prix, an RAI Award, the Monte-Carlo
Television Festival Golden Nymph and the Golden Prague
Best Director Award. He inspired some of the most highly
regarded Japanese filmmakers working today, including
Hirokazu Koreeda and Naomi Kawase. This work—part
drama, part documentary and part experimental—uses
ordinary people with no acting experience. Minyon (or
Minyoung, playing herself) is a university student in Seoul,
passionate about sound and writing a novel called The
Law of Harmonics. She becomes obsessed with a photo of
Sueko, a Japanese friend of her grandmother, and comes
to Tokyo to try to investigate it. She meets an old Japanese
university friend who’s now a journalist who reports on
shady characters and seems to be in danger. After meeting a host of surreal people, Minyon’s identity is transposed
to Sueko’s and she finds herself living in World War II-era
Japan. Constantly shifting between Korean, Japanese and
music, the film is challenging, inventive and arresting. This
is a must-see for those with a taste for the avant-garde.
English title: Harmonics Minyoung. (140 min)
© Legende Films, Gaumont, France 2 Cinema, Scope Pictures
movie news
MINYON
BAION NO
HOSOKU
By the time this issue of Metropolis hits the streets,
we hope that fall will finally have come to Tokyo,
meaning that the Tokyo International Film Festival is
just around the corner. The 27th edition of the fest
offers over a hundred screenings for cinemaphiles.
Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn will
head the jury that will vote on the 15 films in the
competition. Contenders for the Sakura Grand Prix
include The Connection (pictured), a French film
starring Jean Dujardin and covering the ’70s French
Connection drug ring from the European side, and
an international co-production with the brutally honest title, Ruined Heart! Another Love Story Between
a Criminal and a Whore. Special screenings present
movies months before their release in Japan, or that
may never be back in theaters. Highlights are The
Nutcracker, a computer-animated film by fashion
designer Sebastian Masuda, the food truck comedy
Chef and the French deportation tale Samba, starring Omar Sy, whose Intouchables won in Tokyo back
in 2011. The Japanese Cinema Splash program is a
chance to catch domestic fare with English subtitles,
including the teen lesbian drama Starting Over and
Walking with My Mother, a documentary about an
elderly woman overcoming the death of her husband
by growing closer to her sister. The Asian Future section unveils work by up-and-coming directors from
Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey and elsewhere, and
the Crosscut Asia program features new films from
Thailand. The World Focus section includes works
by established filmmakers that have not yet secured
distribution in Japan, such as Peter Bogdanovich’s latest She's Funny That Way, as well as Hungry Hearts,
an Italian film about an international couple in New
York struggling with very different views on how to
raise their baby. Other one-off events are the latest
Doraemon film dubbed in English, winning works from
the Japan Student Film Festival, and a 4K screening
of James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause restored
by Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation. The National
Film Center in Kyobashi presents the related event
“Film Treasures from The Museum of Modern Art,”
October 24 to November 9, screening 35mm prints
from the New York museum’s collection, ranging
from a 1905 silent to the 1971 blaxploitation pic Sweet
Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.
TIFF runs Oct 23-31 at Roppongi Hills and other
venues. http://2014.tiff-jp.net/en Kevin Mcgue
19
city life
ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING
Dear AMA,
I met a friend of a friend for the first time the
other day, and I didn’t like her at all. Although I
believe in giving people a proper chance, she
behaved in a manner that was loud, rude and
at times racist. Thankfully, she’s not my friend
and I can at least keep my distance… but I also
feel I should say something. I’ve told my friend
in person
AUTONOMOUS
AUTHOR
BY JEFF W. RICHARDS
Foreign authors in Japan aren’t all writing
about shoguns and geisha, otaku culture or
Harajuku fashion. Iain Maloney writes about
places and eras dearer to his home.
The Scottish author’s third and latest novel—and his first to be published—First Time
Solo, is a tale of young, British men on the home
front in 1943 who learn to fly and play jazz.
20
that I probably won’t go out in a group if she’s
there—but how should I handle her if I meet
her again? The foreign community isn’t that
big and I don’t want to be nasty.—No Offense
Dear No Offense,
We’ve passed your question on to the good
people at TELL. Here’s what they had to say:
I can hear you are concerned about your friend
and her new acquaintance. You are right: as
foreigners in Japan, our community is very
small and our friendships overlap, which can
complicate the situation.
Finding people you like and maintaining friendships can be challenging in any
countr y or community. As foreigners
without extended families and regular
friends, the friendships and relationships
we make in Japan become even more
important.
Your friend’s new acquaintance appears to have added a stress to your
relationship, and your ability to socialize together. This has left you
questioning how best to respond
to your friend and this new person. I can hear
that this person has many traits and behaviors
that challenge your values and beliefs regarding acceptable behavior. These are often
culturally defined and vary considerably. For
example, someone from New York typically
behaves very differently from a Japanese person, and also from a Greek person, and so on.
Friendships—like any relationship—take
work, and I am concerned that your feelings
toward the new acquaintance may damage
your existing friendship, and I can hear you
care about this friend. Our Lifeline counselors can explore your concerns and help you
to work through your feelings and options
that might work for you, should you meet the
acquaintance again.
Answer courtesy of TELL. If you need to talk,
they’re here to listen. Call the TELL Lifeline at
03-5774-0992 from 9am-11pm, 365 days a
year. Or visit their website at www.telljp.com
If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life
in Tokyo, send your questions to askanything@
metropolisjapan.com and we’ll find the most
appropriate people to answer your queries.
The settings of his stories also reflect
“Not enough contemporary writthe writer’s environment—in particular,
ers are given exposure in the English
his current country of residence.
literary world. I’d love to bring out
“I’ve written a lot of short stories
a book showcasing … lesser-known
set in Japan, and one day I hope to NOVELS
Japanese writers like Ryuichiro Utcollect them all into a book,” says the ARE
sumi and Nao-Cola Yamazaki—and
Aberdeen-born Maloney, who moved WHERE
all the ones I’ve never even heard of
MY
to Japan with his wife in 2005.
yet. There’s so much great literature in
“The novel I wrote before [First Time PASSION this country that the rest of the world
Solo], Dog Mountain, was set in Japan LIES.”
deserves to enjoy.”
with all Japanese characters. It was
Asked about the trappings of writabout political corruption and abuses of pow- ing stories with foreign characters or settings,
er—as well as being a thriller with odd fantasy the writer says it’s all too easy to fall into the
elements, like talking dogs.”
usual clichés. “It takes a brave, imaginative
Maloney’s writing has manifested in various leap to free yourself from viewing a culture
genres of expression: short stories, poetry, haiku as an outsider, and to believably inhabit the
and articles on music, travel and literature. But psyche of someone from that culture, with
his heart remains closer to writing novels.
all the different pressures and expectations
“Novels are where my passion lies,” says that follow.”
Maloney. “I love the sprawl, the structural possibilities … the space that a novel gives you.
“I’ve written four [novels], of which First
First Time Solo
Time Solo was the first to be published. The
(Freight Books) has
first I wrote is too embarrassing to show anybeen shortlisted for
The Guardian’s Not
one, the second was shortlisted for the 2013
the Booker Prize,
Dundee International Book Prize and the
and is available on
fourth will come out sometime [in 2015].”
Amazon (¥1,660).
You can follow
Maloney also harbors an interest in writing for
Iain Maloney at
the screen and stage, but is first eyeing translathis website: www.
ing works by Japanese authors to bring their
iainmaloney.
wordpress.com
works to an international audience.
family matters
RANKING ROUNDUP
TRICK-OR-TREAT
YOURSELF
Finding the Great Pumpkin in the Big Mikan
HEAVY HALLOWEEN HITTERS
*As rated by readers of S Cawaii! Beauty cosplay & fashion idea magazine
TOP HALLOWEEN PARTY SPOTS
1. Roppongi
2. Shibuya
3. Harajuku
Roppo
ng
the n i gets
havin od for
clubs ing tons of
wal
distancekable
.
BY HELEN LANGFORD
123RF
PREMIER COSTUME DESTINATIONS
1. Club
2. Tokyo Disneyland
3. Karaoke
AVERAGE COSTUME COSTS
1. ¥5,000
2. ¥20,000
3. ¥15,000
Clubs are by far
the top choice—
and they get
packed fast, so
plan ahead.
of
Kit sets and
es
costumblood
fake about
r
retail fo 00.
¥5,0
TOP COSTUME PICKS
*From S Cawaii! Beauty
HOT COSTUMES
1. Sailor Moon
2. Frozen
3. Maleficent
4. Hot cops
5. Oiran (courtesan)
6. Corpse bride
7. Baby nurse
While it’s easy enough to find adult-oriented
Halloween parties, giving little ones the full experience can be a little harder in the land of namahage and kaiju.
With All Hallows’ Eve creeping toward commercial monsterdom in Japan. it’s easy enough
to find theme park extravaganzas headlined by
squeaky-voiced mice and bewhiskered nonfeline kitties with parades, trick-or-treating, costume contests and more. But if you want something more personal and closer to home, you
can also check out small shōtengai (shopping
streets), department stores and kids’s eikaiwa
schools for event posters to see what kinds of
local Halloween-y events are in the works.
PUMPKIN PATCHERY
Speaking of Halloween-y, is there anything more
so than an orange orb lit from within? Skip the
green kabocha and seek out a proper carving
pumpkin at farmers markets, florists, Costco or
online at purveyors like The Flying Pig and Rakuten. For a trip to a real pumpkin patch, you can
let your inner Linus out at Shin-Kiba’s Yumenoshima Park (http://meturl.com/pumpkinpatch), which
brings in pumpkins from Ibaraki for frolicking fun
(no taking them home, though).
Shirokanedai, Moto-Azabu/Azabu Juban and
Tokyo Midtown areas, with businesses and even
private residences passing out the sweet stuff.
Stick to houses with Halloween decorations, or
just follow the crowds.
Trick-or-treating aficionados outside the metropolitan core have been known to set up their
own routes, both solo and in cooperation with
school and neighborhood friends. Simply make
a list of interested families, draw up a basic map
with participating houses marked (houses should
be decorated or labeled with a Halloween decal) and get some parents to act as chaperones.
Some trick-or-treating groups charge a fee that’s
pooled to buy candy, which is then distributed to
participating houses, while others put each house
in charge of its own treats. Make sure Halloween
newbies understand that each kid only needs a
candy or two, not intricately packaged gift bags!
If you go it on your own, it means purchasing candy and asking various neighbors to
hand it out to your little ones, who will come
by at a predetermined time. While it’s not as
much fun for the older crowd, for smaller kids
(and elderly neighbors), candy and a cute, costumed munchkin are the only things needed for
squeal-worthy satisfaction.
T-O-T DIY
PUMPKIN PURVEYORS
Halloween isn’t Halloween without kids trickor-treating, and hundreds of doorbell-ringers
can be found at Yoyogi-Uehara station and the
The Flying Pig (www.theflyingpig.com;
search for “Halloween pumpkin”)
Rakuten (www.rakuten.co.jp/wf-cartgift; Japanese)
TOP COSTUME SHOPS
1. Tokyu Hands (http://meturl.com/tokyuhands)
2. Don Quijote (http://meturl.com/donki)
3. Claire’s (http://clairesn.co.jp/)
4. Spinns (www.spinns.com)
5. Paris Kid’s (http://meturl.com/pariskids)
6. SBY (http://shop.sby.co.jp)
7. Okadaya (www.okadaya.co.jp)
TRY IT OUT
GHOST MAKEUP PRIMER
*From S Cawaii! Beauty
1. Moisturize your face with skin lotion: Take a generous
amount and spread it over your face and neck until it’s
fully absorbed.
2. Spread white face makeup onto a small section of your
hand. Warm the makeup by rubbing it into your hand in
small circular motions.
3. Apply the makeup onto your cheeks, and spread it
around the rest of your face. Use a moist makeup sponge
and make sure it’s applied evenly. Extend it down your
neck as well.
4. Pat your face and neck with a fresh makeup sponge to
remove excess oil, skin and makeup.
5. Use a makeup puff to pat baby powder
over your makeup, being sure to remove
any excess powder from the puff before
applying. Repeat steps (4) and (5) as
needed.
6. To create a gaunt, skeletal look, apply
bronzer starting just below your temples
and ending below your cheekbones. To
find the spot, suck in your cheeks and
apply the bronzer where your cheeks
indent.
7. To contour the rest of your face,
apply bronzer to the sides of your face
and just below your hairline. Tah-daah!
21
arts&culture
ART
OLYMPIAN
BUILD
Zaha Hadid
revolutionizes the
Tokyo landscape
BY C.B. LIDDELL
© Zaha Hadid Architects
New National Stadium, Japan
London Aquatics Center, UK
The exhibition at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery gives Hadid an opportunity to answer her
critics, and should also be seen as an important
PR exercise, with the architect presenting her
oeuvre in a way that may mollify her critics.
The first half of the exhibition could even
elicit some sympathy and white-knighting, because it focuses on her “unbuilt works,” using
models, artworks and designs. Poor little Zaha,
Iwan Baan © Zaha Hadid Architects
Heydar
Aliyev Center,
Azerbaijan
22
it seems, had to plough a
long, lonely furrow before
one of her designs was
finally constructed, giving
her the nickname, “The
Queen of the Unbuilt.”
Working first in the office of Dutch architect Rem
Koolhaas, Hadid set up her
own architectural practice
in 1980. But despite doing
well in competitions, she
had to wait more than 10 years to see her first
built work, the Vitra Fire Station in Germany
(1993), whose dramatic angular shape seems
to wail like a fire engine siren.
Advances in construction technology and
3-D computer analysis helped her achieve her
trademark flowing, curvilinear designs that
many have interpreted as a more “feminine”
style; sometimes over-literally so—her recent
design for the Al-Wakrah Stadium in Qatar was
famously compared to female genitalia.
Visitors can judge for themselves, with installations showing some of her best-known works
and a section focusing on the Olympic Stadium,
the climax—no pun intended—of her long career.
Oct 18-Dec 23, ¥1,000-1,200. Tokyo Opera
City Art Gallery, Shinjuku-ku. Hatsudai. www.
operacity.jp/en/
Hufton + Crow © Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid is among the unquestioned superstars of world architecture. She’s additionally
significant as one of the few women to break the
so-called glass ceiling of this male-dominated
profession. That she is also Iraqi only adds to
her cosmopolitan crossover appeal, making
her the perfect name to associate with big,
inclusive international projects—such as the
stadium design for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The eponymous exhibition at Tokyo Opera
City Art Gallery aims to give Tokyoites an insight
into her aesthetic. This is more than a mere
curiosity: serious concerns have been voiced
about her design for the Tokyo Olympic Stadium and its impact on the showcase event to
the extent that last year, a group of Japan’s top
architects, including Fumihiko Maki, Toyo Ito and
Sou Fujimoto, formed to oppose Hadid’s design:
Speeches were made and petitions signed.
The main criticisms have been that the stadium, which will occupy the current site of the
1964 National Olympic Stadium, will be too
big, expensive and unsustainable. To accommodate these criticisms, the stadium will now
be scaled down.
But critics also say Hadid’s works, with their
sleek, futuristic lines, are designed to stand
out in an overly attention-seeking manner that
causes aesthetic disharmony and degrades
the visual environment. That might sound odd
as this is Tokyo—home of the architecturally
absurd non sequitur.
Photo Courtesy of Sub Pop Records
MUSIC
REVAMPING THE
VASELINES
Indie legends bring a new album
and new lineup to Japan
BY LESLIE LEE III
It was a foggy morning in Glasgow when Metropolis talked to Eugene Kelly of The Vaselines. But he had every reason to be cheery:
V for Vaselines, the band’s new album, just
came out.
The band, comprising Kelly and Frances
McKee, had split just after releasing their first
album, Dum-Dum, in 1989. A copy found its way
to Kurt Cobain, prompting Nirvana to cover
three Vaselines songs; the defunct band was
then elevated to cult status.
Kelly and McKee found themselves playing
together again—and enjoying it. They toured,
re-released their old work and recorded their
second album, 2010’s Sex with an X.
When asked how a third album came about,
Kelly replies, “We just kept touring. As songwriters, we felt we had at least one more album in us.”
The product, V, is a rowdy 35 minutes filled
with the band’s signature happy melodies and
POP LIFE
THE LOVE
BEHIND ANIME
Patrick Galbraith’s The Moé Manifesto
BY DAN GRUNEBAUM
When it comes to Japan’s image in the global eye, kawaii—the “cuteification” of just about everyone and everything—is a staple. However,
lesser known is moe, an emphasis on the emotional response to fictional
characters, as opposed to the characters themselves.
The moe phenomenon has been misrepresented and stigmatized as
bizarre overseas. But Patrick Galbraith, author of The Moé Manifesto,
the world’s first English book on the attraction, sets the record straight.
dark humor. “We just want to make short pop
songs,” the Vaselines frontman states. “We’ve
got short attention spans and we want to get
it over with quickly.”
And the new release has been garnering
positive responses. “I think people like the
record,” says Kelly. “It’s going to make them
want to come see us live.”
The Vaselines will be returning to Japan in
November, where longtime fans will hear new
songs and a new, more aggressive lineup.
Read the full article at
http://meturl.com/vaselines
● Nov 2-3, ¥7,900 (1 day) / ¥13,900 (2 days),
Shin-Kiba Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. Tel:
03-5534-2525. http://ynos.tv/hostessclub/
● V for Vaselines is available digitally on
Amazon and iTunes. Signed copies are
available at www.thevaselines.co.uk.
“Moe—which is the noun form of the verb moeru (which can mean
‘to sprout’ or ‘to burn’)—is a response to fictional characters,” explains
the American author. “It has the connotation of something that gets your
motor running.”
“There’s a lot of misunderstanding,” he says regarding fans of manga,
anime and game. “It’s easy to look at images of Japanese men embracing
pillows with their favorite characters and say, ‘Man, those guys are weird!’
It’s a joke; we laugh and move on.”
“The Moé Manifesto is an attempt to talk with people on the inside—
creators, fans and critics of manga, anime and games in Japan—and get
their perspective. It’s a manifesto in the sense that it’s a political statement: let’s take people and their lives seriously. Rather than point, laugh
and dismiss, let’s listen to them and respect that we
might not understand it immediately.”
The moe style is characterized by exaggerated
features, such as unnaturally huge eyes and nonexistent mouths and noses. First used in girls’s comics, these elements were introduced to emphasize
characters’s emotional responses, and were later
adopted in men’s manga and anime, through which
they became a standard.
“One interesting result is … ‘anti-realism.’ Cute
girl characters don’t exactly look like real women.
You can have characters that are attractive without
any comparison to or connection to the ‘real’ thing.”
But exactly how important is sexual fantasy to moe? “I posed that
question to Honda Toru,” Galbraith says of the moe guru. “He married
a character from a PC game. He was attracted to her sexually, sure,
but there’s something more to it. Honda describes that ‘something
more’ as love.”
What surprised the author, though, was how robust the discourse
on moe is in Japan. “Many of us can regonize the allure of comic book
and cartoon characters, but how often do you hear people talk about
marrying them—and what that might mean socially and economically?
Or advocating [a] sexual orientation toward fictional characters?
“What surprised me most was how serious people took their relationships with fictional characters, which were described to me as life-saving—
a reason for living, or an alternative way of life.”
http://meturl.com/moemanifesto
23
agenda
WATCH LIST
Concerts
POPULAR
Oct 25, 4pm, ¥9,500 (adv)
+1d. Saitama Super Arena.
Saitama-Shintoshin. l-tike.
com
Yuki Koyanagi
Noisemaker
J-pop princess from Saitama.
Oct 17, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv)
+1d. Ex Theater Roppongi.
Roppongi or Nogizaka.
www.yuki-koyanagi.jp
Emo rock with catchy melodies.
Oct 24, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/
¥3,000 (door). Club Quattro.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750.
www.club-quattro.com
Loud Park 14
Farm Party 14
Dream Theater, Manowar, Arch
Enemy and others. Oct 18-19,
10:30am, ¥14,500-16,500 (1
day, adv)/ ¥26,000 (2 days,
adv). Saitama Super Arena.
Saitama-Shintoshin. www.
loudpark.com/14
With avant-rock bands Meah!,
Jebiotto, Comorevi-Butter
Fly, Barry Zogon Band. Oct
24, 6:30pm, ¥1,000 (door).
Ruby Room. Shibuya. http://
farmparty.tokyogigguide.com
Puffy
Energetic and eclectic J-pop
duo. Nov 8, 6pm, ¥5,400 (adv)
+1d. Ex Theater Roppongi.
Roppongi or Nogizaka.
www.ex-theater.com
Ben Folds plays his pop
hits arranged for orchestral
performance. Nov 17-18, 7pm,
¥10,000-11,000. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5353-9522. http://meturl.
com/ben14
Tommy Guerrero
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
American professional
skateboarder and musician,
with Tony Guerrero and El
Diablitos. Oct 24, 7pm, ¥5,000
(adv). Daikanyama Unit.
Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. http://meturl.com/
guerrero2014
Pop princess of super kawaii
proportions. Oct 18, 4pm,
¥6,500. Makuhari Messe.
Kaihin-Makuhari. Tel:
03-5720-9999. http://meturl.
com/kyary2014
Nov 8, 5pm; Nov 9, 3pm,
¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Yoyogi
National Gymnasium.
Meiji-Jingumae. http://ltike.com
Meah! Japan Tour
With Happy Family, The
Singapore Cane and more. Oct
18, 6pm, ¥500. SuperDeluxe.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5412-0515.
www.super-deluxe.com
Fatboy Slim
With Steve Aoki and others.
Oct 19, 3pm, ¥9,800 (adv).
Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. www.smash-jpn.
com
Gamuso Live
With Icon Girl Pistols, Android
Beach Party and Midnight
Moon Theater. Oct 18, 8pm;
Oct 19, 12am, free. Gamuso
Chroma. Asagaya. Tel:
03-5364-9096. http://gamuso.
com
Ken Yokoyama
Japanese guitarist with guest
band Over Arm Throw. Oct 25,
7pm, ¥3,000 (adv). Yokohama
Bay Hall. MotomachiChukagai. Tel: 03-3444-6751.
http://www.pizzaofdeath.com/
Sabbat Night
With Fake Face, Egg Brain,
Super Beaver and more. Oct 26,
3pm, ¥3,130 (adv) +1d. Studio
Coast. Shin-Kiba. http://
meturl.com/sabbat13
The Heavy
British indie band from Bath.
Oct 21, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv)
+1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Bowline 14
With 10-Feet and more. Oct
26, 11:30am, ¥6,500 (adv)
+1d. Saitama Super Arena.
Saitama-Shintoshin. http://
bowlinelive.jp
vocalist of The Ramones goes
solo. Nov 4, 7pm, ¥5,800 (adv)
+1d. Club Quattro. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://ltike.com
The Gazette
Visual-kei rockers. Nov 7,
6:30pm, ¥6,480 (adv) +1d.
Club Citta. Kawasaki. Tel:
044-246-8888. www.clubcitta.
co.jp
20th anniversary performance.
Nov 9, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv).
Shelter. Shimokitazawa.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. http://
backdropbomb.jp
Mr. Big
‘80s rock group from Los
Angeles. Nov 10, 7pm, ¥8,3009,300. Nippon Budokan.
Kudanshita. http://meturl.
com/big14
Jason Mraz
Aussie roots and jam band. Oct
22-23, 7:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv)
+1d. Ex Theater Roppongi.
Roppongi or Nogizaka.
Tel: 03-5720-9999. www.
smash-jpn.com
Feelflip
Japanese five-piece ska punk
band. Oct 26, 3pm, ¥2,500
(adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
smash-jpn.com
Kieran (UK)
Dinosaur Pile-Up
Rick Astley
Pop-rock artist returns to
Kanto in support of new EP. Oct
23, 7pm, ¥1,500 (adv)/¥2,000
(door). Club Doctor.
Ogikubo. Tel: 03-3392-1877.
www.clubdoctor.co.jp. Oct
24, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/¥3,500
(door). The Club Sensation.
Kannai or Hinodecho.
Tel: 045-241-3166. http://
sensation-jp.com
West Yorkshire lads play
alternative rock. Oct 28, 7pm,
¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Daikanyama
Unit. Daikanyama. www.
creativeman.co.jp
English singer-songwriter
returns to rickroll Japan. Nov
12-13. 7pm, ¥7,800-¥8,800.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522.
http://meturl.com/astley2014
The Royal Concept
Alt rock from Sweden. Oct
28, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv)
+1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.
creativeman.co.jp
Japan Night
Japanese music festival with
[Alexandros], Sakanaction
and Vamps. Oct 23, 6:30pm,
¥5,400 (adv)/ ¥6,000 (door).
Zepp DiverCity. Daiba. www.
japannight.jp/en/
Renzo Rubino Piano
Concert
The 2014 Italian revelation: a
powerful and eclectic singersongwriter who will put a
spell on you. Oct 23, 7:30pm,
¥4,000. Fazioli Showroom.
Tamachi. Tel: 03-68093534. www.iccj.or.jp/content/
renzo-rubino-concert
Tokio
Japanese rock/pop band
formed by Johnny & Associates.
Nov1, 5:30pm; Nov 2, 4pm,
¥8,000. Nippon Budokan.
Kudanshita. www.
nipponbudokan.or.jp
Hostess Club Weekender
The latest edition of promoter
Hostess’s thrice-yearly indie
rock fest is headlined by Kaiser
Chiefs and Team Me. Nov 2,
1:45pm; Nov 3, 1:30pm. ¥7,900
(one day)/ ¥13,900 (two days).
Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. Tel:
03-6809-1070. http://ynos.tv/
hostessclub/
Pierrot
’90s visual-kei band makes a
comeback. Oct 24, 6:30pm;
24
CJ Ramone
Former bassist and sometimes
The Ben Folds Orchestra
Experience
1Eyedman
Tokyo-based group with
catchy Brit-pop/rock tunes and
lyrics. Nov 14, 7pm, ¥3,000.
Tsutaya O-Nest. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3462-4420. http://ltike.com
9mm Parabellum Bullet
Post-hardcore band from
Yokohama. Nov 15, 6:30pm,
¥3,800 (adv) +1d. Club Citta.
Kawasaki. Tel: 050-55330888. www.clubcitta.co.jp
Rock in Opposition Japan
2014
Originally a movement of
progressive bands united
& 7:45pm, ¥2,500. Softwind.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp
Blue Mountain Boys
Tokyo Ska Paradise
Orchestra
Japanese ska and jazz
band. Oct 28, 7pm, ¥5,400.
Club Citta. Kawasaki.
Tel: 044-223-2333. http://
clubcitta.co.jp/
Classic country and western
and bluegrass. Every third
Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm, free, Cafe
Sepia. Shibuya. Tel: 03-34061300. www.nagaremono.com/
sepia
CLASSICAL
Thomas Zehetmair
Jazz orchestra. Oct 28-29, 7
& 9:30pm, ¥8,000. Blue Note.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp
Australian violinist. Oct 17, 7pm,
¥3,000-6,500. Toppan Hall.
Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5840-2200.
www.toppanhall.com/en
JAZZ/WORLD
The Vanguard Jazz
Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Sagamihara
Yoshiko Kishino
Big band jazz. Oct 30-31, 7
& 9:30pm; Nov 1, 6 & 9pm,
¥6,800-8,800. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com
Performing Mozart and
Beethoven. Oct 18, 2pm,
¥2,500-5,000. Mori no
Hall. Hashimoto. Tel:
042-775-3811. www.hall-net.
or.jp/02hashimoto
Birthday live 2014. Oct 17,
7:30pm, ¥5,400. JZ Brat.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-0168.
www.jzbrat.com
Nao Suzuki Piano Solo Live
Contemporary jazz. Oct 18,
2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp
Sadao Watanabe
Orchestra
Energetic Japanese jazz band.
Oct 19, 4:30pm, ¥3,00010,000. Sagami Green Hall.
Sagami-Ono. Tel: 042-7492200. www.hall-net.or.jp
Carlos Kanno Tropical
Superjam
Latin jazz. Nov 2, 5:30 &
7:30pm, ¥4,500-24,000.
Motion Blue. Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Platina Jazz Orchestra
Presented by Rasmus
Faber. Nov 4-5, 7 & 9:30pm,
¥6,500-8,500. Billboard Live.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com
Cedric Hanriot
Grooovematic
Tommy Campbell
Japan tour 2014. Oct 20,
7 & 9pm, ¥4,000-22,000.
Motion Blue. Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Final Japan tour. Nov 6, 7
& 9pm, ¥4,200-22,800.
Motion Blue. Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Chris Botti
Seiji Igusa
Jazz trumpeter. Oct 20-21, 7
& 9:30pm, ¥10,500-12,500.
Billboard Live. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-3405-1133. www.
billboard-live.com
Acoustic guitar solo live. Nov
8, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp
Rabbitoo
Modern jazz band. Oct 22, 6:30
& 9pm, ¥4,800-6,000. Cotton
Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. www.cottonclubjapan.
co.jp
Akane Matsumoto Meets
Hideaki Kanazawa
Afternoon jazz live. Nov 9,
2 & 3pm, ¥2,500. Softwind.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp
Among the winners of 2012’s
Area Sanremo chosen to
perform at the Festival of
Sanremo the following year,
where he won the critics’s
award for his song “Il postino.”
Oct 23, 7:30pm, ¥4,000.
Fazioli Showroom. Tamachi.
Tel: 03-6809-3534. http://
meturl.com/rubino2014
2014 Japan tour. Nov 10, 6:30
& 9pm, ¥6,800-9,000. Cotton
Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. www.cottonclubjapan.
co.jp
Nelson Rangell
Smooth jazz. Nov 12-14, 6:30
& 9pm, ¥7,000-8,000. Cotton
Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. www.cottonclubjapan.
co.jp
Double Rainbow
Yosuke Onuma and Takana
Miyamoto with special guest
Keizo Nakanishi. Oct 24,
7 & 9pm, ¥4,500-24,000.
Motion Blue. Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Minako Kikuchi
Piano Solo Live
Jazz piano. Oct 26, 2 & 3pm,
¥2,000. Softwind. Roppongi.
Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.
softwind.jp
Tokyo Philharmonic
Orchestra
The 61st afternoon concert.
Oct 19, 2pm, ¥2,100-5,700.
Tokyo Opera City regular
series. Feb 26, 7pm, ¥5,10011,300. Tokyo Opera City
Concert Hall. Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999.
operacity.jp91st
Tokyo Metropolitan
Symphony Orchestra
Subscription concert no. 776.
Oct 20, 7pm, ¥2,500-6,500.
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall Subscription
concert no.780. Dec 8, 7pm,
¥2,200-7,500. Tokyo Bunka
Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en
The 853rd Subscription
Concert
Conducted by Mikhail Pletnev.
Oct 21, 7pm, ¥6,200-7,700.
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall
Jonas Kaufmann
Jiro Yoshida
Renzo Rubino
Knot Fest Japan
Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Korn
and others. Nov 15-16, 12pm,
¥14,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥27,000
(2days, adv). Makuhari Messe.
Kaihin-Makuhari. www.
knotfestjapan.com
8:30pm, ¥8,000-10,000.
Cotton Club. Tokyo.
Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.
cottonclubjapan.co.jp
Gordon Goodwin's Big
Phat Band
Back Drop Bomb
Coffee-house singersongwriter. Nov 11, 7pm,
¥8,000 (adv) +1d. Bunkamura
Orchard Hall. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5353-9522. www.
smash-jpn.com Nov 14,
7pm, ¥8,000 (adv). Tokyo
International Forum Hall A.
Yurakucho. www.smash-jpn.
com
John Butler Trio
in their opposition to the
music industry that refused
to recognize their music, feat.
artists Picchio Dal Pozzo and
Present. Nov 15-16, 3pm,
¥14,000 (seated)/ ¥10,500
(standing). O-East. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.
rockinopposition-japan.com
Taeko Moriyama
Japanese jazz drummer. Nov
14, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200-22,800.
Motion Blue. Bashamichi.
Tel: 045-226-1919. www.
motionblue.co.jp
Toshihiro Nakanishi and
Sumire Kuribayashi
Jazz Instruments. Nov 15,
7 & 8pm, ¥3,200. Softwind.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp
2014 Japan tour. Oct 22, 7pm,
¥14,000-26,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
Yomiuri Nippon Symphony
Orchestra
The 4th Enjoy Classic Series.
Oct 23, 8pm, ¥3,000-5,100.
Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.
Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel:
03-5353-9999. operacity.jp
Subscription concert no.543.
Dec 4, 7pm, ¥3,600-7,200.
Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017.
www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall
The 88th Subscription
Concert
Conducted by Mikhail Pletnev.
Oct 24, 7pm, ¥6,200-7,700.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5353-9999. http://
operacity.jp
Acoustic Life Op.1
Brothers 5
Premium live. Oct 27, 6 &
National tour in promotion of
album release. Nov 16, 6:30
Quatuor Mosaïques
The essence of Viennese
hot tickets
OCT
24-NOV 9
DEC 26-29
Film Treasures from MOMA Kool & The Gang
Martin Scorsese’s Italianamerican,
Walt Disney’s Newman Laugh-oGrams and more. Oct 24-Nov 9,
various times, ¥520-1,300. The
National Museum of Modern Art,
Tokyo Film Center. Tokyo. Tel:
03-5777-8600. http://meturl.com/
momat Tickets on sale now
American Jazz, R&B, soul, funk and
disco group. Dec 26-29, various
times, ¥13,800. Blue Note Tokyo.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088.
http://meturl.com/koolgang2014
Tickets on sale from Oct 21
music. Oct 25, 5pm, ¥3,00011,880. Toppan Hall.
Iidabashi. Tel: 03-58402200. www.toppanhall.com/en
Tel: 044-520-0200. www.
kawasaki-sym-hall.jp
Shirogame Philharmonic
Orchestra 23th
Opera Arias. Nov 7, 7pm,
¥3,000-5,000. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Hatsudai
or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-53539999. operacity.jp
Regular concert. Oct 26,
2pm, ¥1,000. Muza Kawasaki
Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.
Tel: 044-520-0200. www.
kawasaki-sym-hall.jp
The 83rd Music
Competition of Japan
The final selection of vocal
section. Oct 27, 5pm, ¥2,0003,000. Tokyo Opera City
Concert Hall. Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999.
http://operacity.jp
NHK Symphony Orchestra
No. 1792
Conducted by Tatsuya
Shimono. Oct 29, 7pm,
¥3,600-8,800. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
Autumn Exhibition of
Contemporary Music 2014
Concert of JSCM members.
Oct 30, 6:30pm, ¥4,000.
Tokyo Opera City Recital
Hall. Shinjuku or Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5353-9999. www.
operacity.jp
Muza Kawasaki Symphony
Hall & Tokyo Symphony
Orchestra
102nd masterpieces complete
works. Nov 1, 2pm, ¥3,0006,000. 104th masterpieces
complete works. Jan 12, 2pm,
¥3,000-6,000.Muza Kawasaki
Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.
Tel: 044-520-0200. www.
kawasaki-sym-hall.jp
The 93rd Global Classic
Concert
Ikuyo Nakamichi
Piano recital. Nov 8, 2pm,
¥1,500-4,000. Saitama Arts
Theater. Yonohommachi.
Tel: 0570-064-939. www.
saf.or.jp. Piano recital. Feb 8,
2pm, ¥3,000-4,000. Suntory
Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
Yulianna Avdeeva
Piano recital. Nov 8, 2pm,
¥5,000-7,000. Muza Kawasaki
Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.
Tel: 044-520-0200. www.
kawasaki-sym-hall.jp
Hisako Kawamura
Piano recital . Nov 9, 2pm,
¥2,000-6,000. Mori no
Hall. Hashimoto. Tel:
042-775-3811. www.hall-net.
or.jp/02hashimoto
Le Velvets
Classic elegance. Nov 9, 3pm,
¥6,000-9,800. Tokyo Opera
City Concert Hall. Hatsudai
or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-53539999. http://operacity.jp
Artists Salon Concert
Series Vol.190. Nov 10,
7:30pm, ¥4,000-5,000.
Suntory Hall Blue Rose.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
Eri Tsuchiya Piano Recital
Music Academy Tokyo 77th
Message Concert
Performed by The Pupils
and Lecturers of Music
Academy Tokyo. Nov 2, 1pm,
free(advanced application
necessary). Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
AAR 35th Anniversary
Charity Concert
Mihoko Fujimura’s
Mezzo-Soprano special
recital. Nov 3, 2pm, ¥5,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5353-9999. http://
operacity.jp
The Silk Road Ensemble
with Yo-Yo Ma
15th anniversary. Nov 4, 7pm,
¥7,000-22,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
NTT east NHK Symphony
Orchestra Concert
Conducted by Toshiaki Umeda.
Nov 5, 7pm, ¥3,000-5,000.
Tokyo Opera City Concert
Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5353-9999. http://
operacity.jp
Rainer Kühl
Violin recital. Nov 6, 7pm,
¥3,600-4,000. Muza Kawasaki
Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.
Annual recital with Steinway.
Nov 10, 7pm, ¥3,500
(general)/¥6,000 (for two).
Matsuo Hall. Yurakucho
or Ginza. Tel: 03-3539-1845.
www.h-matsuo.co.jp/hall_
studio/hall_tokyo.html
Orchestra Dell' Accademia
Nazionale Di Santa
Cecilia,Roma
Conducted by Antonio
Pappano. Nov 11, 7pm,
¥9,000-33,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
FEB
5
The Vamps
British pop boy band. Feb 5, 7pm,
¥6,000-7,000. Zepp Tokyo. Aomi.
Tel: 03-3499-6669. http://meturl.
com/vamps2014
Tickets on sale from 0ct 18
The National Symphony
Orchestra of Ukraine
Conducted by Volodymyr
Sirenko. Nov 15, 2pm, ¥4,0008,000. Tokyo Opera City
Concert Hall. Hatsudai or
Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999.
http://operacity.jp
Orchestra Festival 2014
Performed by College of Music.
Nov 16, 24, Dec 6 & 7, 3pm,
¥1,000-3,000. Muza Kawasaki
Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.
Tel: 044-520-0200. www.
kawasaki-sym-hall.jp
JAN
25
Japan Idol Festival
With Links, Chu-Z, Ultra Girl and more.
Jan 25, 3pm, ¥4,500. Shinjuku Blaze.
Shinjuku. Tel: 0570-550-799. www.
kyodotokyo.com/JIF
Tickets on sale now
of Tetsuya Kumakawa. Oct
9-26, various times, ¥6,00018,500. Bunkamura Orchard
Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-53539522. www.bunkamura.co.jp
Dracula
Ballet adaptation of the 1897
Gothic horror novel performed
by the NBA Ballet Company,
directed and choreographed by
Michael Pink. Oct 25, 6:30pm;
Oct 26, 3pm, ¥3,000-10,000.
U-Port Hall. Osakihirokoji.
Tel: 03-3494-1840. http://
meturl.com/dracula2014
for free
OCT
26
Song of the Earth
Festival to commemorate the
2011 Tohoku earthquake with
live music performances, a
food market and more. Oct 26,
10am, free. Kawaguchi Sports
Park. Echigokawaguchi. www.
songoftheearth.info
w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com
03-6434-0968. http://meturl.
com/origamiclub
The New Matrix Bar
Sound Museum Vision
Matrix Friday. Old-school
hip-hop, westside, southside,
all mix: DJ Ykk and more. From
6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Transitions. Techno, house:
DJs John Digweed, Gonno, etc.
From 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya.
www.vision-tokyo.com
The Room
The Room
Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs
Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From
11pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya.
www.theroom.jp
Womb
Bingo Players. EDM: DJs Bingo
Players, Hirata, etc. From
11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
No Requests. Drum‘n’bass,
house: DJs Special Request,
Randall, etc. From 11pm,
¥2,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
SATURDAY 18
UPCOMING
Ageha
Ageha
The Wonderland. House, EDM:
DJs Daishi Dance, Tanaka,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Halloween. All mix: DJs Kaori,
Mitomi, etc. Oct 25, from 8pm,
¥4,500. Shinkiba. www.
ageha.com
Air
Air
Mnml Ssgs Party. Techno: DJs
Silent Servant, Nobu, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
Innervisions. House: DJs Dixon,
Shibata, etc. Oct 25, from
10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
Daikanyama Unit
Origami
Dbs. Dubstep: DJs Mala & Coki,
Goth-Trad, etc. From 11:30pm,
¥3,500. Daikanyama. www.
unit-tokyo.com
Into the Woods. House. Oct 25,
from midnight, 10pm ¥3,000.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. http://meturl.com/
origamiclub
Womb
The Ben Folds Orchestra
Experience
The Sleeping Beauty
Stage
New production of a classical
masterpiece arranged by
Artistic Director Noriko Ohara.
Nov 8, 9, 13, 15 & 16 2pm; Nov
11, 6:30pm, ¥3,240-16,200.
New National Theatre Tokyo.
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-53529999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/
english
Whales, Stories of Giants
L.A. Dance Project
An innovative 3-D dance
performance inspired by
legends and stories from Latin
American tradition. Oct 18,
11am & 2pm, ¥1,500-2,500.
Setagaya Public Theater.
Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-54321515. http://setagaya-pt.jp/
Modern dance by artistic
collective based in L.A. Nov
8-9, 3pm, ¥2,000-¥6,000
(gen) / ¥3,600-¥5,400
(members). Saitama Arts
Theater. Yonohommachi. Tel:
0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp
2014 Japan tour. Nov 17-18,
7pm, ¥10,000-11,000.
Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522.
www.bunkamura.co.jp
Don Giovanni
Operatic portrayal of a
playboy’s inhibited and
philandering life. Oct 19, 22
& 26, 2pm; Oct 24, 6:30pm;
¥4,320-23,760. New National
Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai.
Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.
jac.go.jp/english
Clubbing
NOV 1 (SAT), 11PM
Liquidroom
DJ Mag Party Halloween
Improvazilla Main Stage
Show
Improv games and scenes
and a fully improvised
musical based on the
audience’s suggestions.
Oct 31, 8-10:30pm,
¥1,500 +1d. Crocodile Live
House. Shibuya. http://
tokyocomedy.com
Wonderful State Q
Butoh dancer Temmetsu
escapes into his imaginary
kingdom. Nov 1, 7:30pm;
Nov 2, 1:30 & 6:30pm,
¥2,900 (adv)/ ¥3,200 (door).
Theater Samsa. Asagaya.
Tel: 090-8516-6005. www.
temmetsu.com
@ Ageha. Headliner: Dantz,
Adam Saville. Live: Chill,
Sam Rhansum. Lineup:
TinyDucks, Daijiro, Jeseph,
Takuyatokyo. ¥3,500,
¥3,000 (adv & member).
Wear a full body costume
and entry fee ¥2,500.
Address: 2-2-10 Shinkiba
Koto, Tokyo. Tel: 03-55342525. http://facebook.com/
djmagpartyjapan Shinkiba
FRIDAY 17
Emaf Tokyo. Electronic:
DJs Luke Vibert, Lone, etc.
From 3pm, ¥6,000. Ebisu.
Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.
liquidroom.net
Piano recital. Nov 12, 7pm,
¥3,500. Tokyo Opera City
Recital Hall. Shinjuku or
Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5353-9999.
http://operacity.jp
Suntory Hall Opera
Academy Performance
Gaetano Donizetti’s L’elisir
d’amore. Nov 13, 6:30pm,
¥5,000. Suntory Hall.
Roppongi-itchome. Tel:
0570-55-0017. www.suntory.
com/culture-sports/suntoryhall
Kawasaki Shinkin Bank
Presents
Lunchtime and night
concert. Nov 14, 12:10 &
7pm, ¥500. Muza Kawasaki
Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.
Tel: 044-520-0200. www.
kawasaki-sym-hall.jp
Bilingual Comedy
Anniversary Show
The Pirates of Tokyo Bay
celebrate four years in Tokyo.
Nov 16, 7:30pm, ¥2,500.
SuperDeluxe. Roppongi. Tel:
03-5412-0515. http://meturl.
com/pirates2014
Once
Tony Award-winning musical
about true love found on the
streets of Dublin. Until Dec
14, various times, ¥13,000.
Ex Theater Roppongi.
Roppongi or Nogizaka.
www.once-musical.jp
Dance
Carmen
Retelling of Bizet’s opera in
ballet form, under the direction
Sound Museum Vision
Big Halloween Party. Electro,
edm: DJs Taku, Marc Panther,
etc. Oct 25, from 9pm, ¥4,000.
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
Ruby Room
Teppan. DJs Nabe,
Kubota, etc. From 11pm,
¥1,000. Shibuya. www.
rubyroomtokyo.com
Sound Museum Vision
Rolling Thunder. EDM: DJs
Daruma & Jommy, Habanero
Posse, etc. From 10pm,
¥3,500. Shibuya. www.
vision-tokyo.com
Womb
Halloween Party. Techno: DJs
Techriders, Serizawa, etc: Live:
Benoit & Sergio. Oct 25, from
11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel:
03-5459-0039. www.womb.
co.jp
Exhibitions
AKASAKA/ROPPONGI
The New Matrix Bar
Ageha
Asap. All mix: DJs Turntable
Junkies, U5, etc. From
11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000.
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,
R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more.
From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm).
Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp
Womb
Chie Mori
Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs
Tominaga, Oibon, etc.
From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d.
Shibuya. www.theroom.jp
Interbreed, Port of Gold.
Hip-hop: DJs Kensei, Deflo, etc.
From 11pm, ¥2,500. Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
Session. Techno, house:
DJs Frank Maurel, Ohnishi,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039.
www.womb.co.jp
Origami
FRIDAY 24
Air
Hector. DJs Hector, Miku,
etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000.
Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. http://meturl.com/
origamiclub
Ageha
Love Halloween Party. All mix:
DJs 81Neutronz, Daruma,
etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.
Shinkiba. www.ageha.com
Sound Museum Vision
Mori Art Museum
Lee Mingwei and His Relations.
Mixed media artist with an
interactive style. The completion
of his works relies on the
participation of his audience.
Until Jan 4, ¥500-1,500. Jacob
Kirkegaard. Sound and video
installation on Fukushima by
Danish sound artist. Until Jan 4,
10am-10pm / Tue, 10am-5pm,
¥1,500 (general) / ¥1,000
(uni/high school) / ¥500 (4
years-junior high). Open Mon
& Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue
10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.
Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.mori.art.museum
Mori Arts Center Gallery
Techno Invader. Techno:
DJs Ishino, Yoji, etc. From
10pm, (m)¥3,500, (f)¥2,500.
Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.
com
Plus Tokyo. Techno: DJs
Hiyama, Nishimura, etc. From
10pm, ¥3,000. Shibuya.
www.air-tokyo.com
T2
Origami
Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs
Shu, Vivid, etc. From 10pm,
(m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500
Libre. House, disco: DJs W!ld,
Tsutsui, etc. From 10pm,
¥3,500. Omotesando. Tel:
Air
The World of Tim Burton.
Exhibit on the widely
regarded as one of cinema's
most imaginative and visual
filmmakers. Nov 1-Jan 4,
11am-10pm, Sat & Sun
11am-11pm, ¥800-1,800. 52F
Roppongi Hills Tower, 6-10-1
Roppongi. Roppongi. www.
tim-burton.jp
25
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E-mail: contact@jazzy-japan.com
Tel: 03-5888-5869
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OCT 18-NOV 2, FREE
Nowhere
Hitomi Onuki’s work connects
pieces of glass to evoke
the beauty of the maimed.
In this exhibition, she uses
the idea of the mirror as a
boundary to create a fragile
and ephemeral world of
glass wolves. Oct 18-Nov 2,
12-7pm daily, free. Nanatasu
Gallery. 3F Ogura Bldg, 2-12-4
Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel:
03-6419-7229. Nogizaka.
www.nanatasu.jp
Suntory Museum of Art
Koyasan 1200th Anniversary:
Treasures of the Sacred
Mountain. Figures carved
by some of Japan’s most
celebrated Buddhist sculptors,
including Unkei and Kaikei.
Until Dec 7, ¥800-1,300. Open
Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon
& hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue.
9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku.
Roppongi. www.suntory.
jp/sma
The National Art Center,
Tokyo
The Birth of Impressionism—
Freedom in Painting:
Masterpieces from the
Musée d’Orsay. Impressionist
masterpieces from Paris. Until
Oct 20, ¥800-1,600. The Japan
Fine Arts Exhibition. Feat.
Japanese & Western paintings,
sculptures, applied fine arts
and writing. Oct 31-Dec
7, 10am-6pm, closed Tue,
¥700-1,200. Masterpieces from
the Kunsthaus Zürich. Japanese
exhibition of one of the best
art museums in Switzerland
boasting a world-class
collection of modern art. Until
Dec 15, 10am-6pm, closed Tue,
¥800-1,600. Open Wed-Thu,
Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri
10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2
Roppongi. Nogizaka. www.
nact.jp
GINZA/KYOBASHI/
TOKYO
Bridgestone Museum of
Art
Willem de Kooning: From
the John and Kimiko Powers
Collection. Dutch-born
American artist and one of
the founders of abstract
expressionism. Until Jan 12,
¥500-800. Open Tue-Sun &
hols 10am-8pm, closed Mon.
1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku.
Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600.
www.bridgestone-museum.
gr.jp
Idemitsu Museum of Arts
Ninsei, Kenzan and Crafts of
Kyoto. Featuring the ceramic
works of artists Nonomura
Ninsei and Ogata Kenzan.
Oct 25-Dec 21, Mon-Thu
10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm,
closed Mon, ¥700-1,000.
Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm,
Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon.
9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1
Marunouchi. Tokyo. http://
meturl.com/craftsofkyoto2014
Nagoya Commerce and
Industry Center
The Mirror Ginza. The true
nature of the coming era
reflected in artwork. Until
Nov 9, 1-9pm, ¥1,000 (lecture
is extra), reservation only.
1-9pm. 4-3-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku.
Ginza-itchome.
wave director known for
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
and other films. Until Dec
14, ¥70-210. Open Tue-Sun
11am-6:30pm, closed Mon.
3-7-6 Kyobashi. Kyobashi.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
momat.go.jp
The National Museum of
Modern Art, Tokyo
Hishida Shunso: A
Retrospective. Works by
Meiji-period painter and
innovator of nihonga. (Note:
In the Sep 5-18 edition of
Metropolis, this exhibition
was erroneously listed as
¥300-1,400. It should have
read ¥400-1,400 as below).
Until Nov 3, ¥400-1,400.
Celadon Now: Techniques
and Beauty Handed Down
from Southern Sung to Today.
Modern ceramic art. Until Nov
24, ¥300-900. Open Tue-Thu
& Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Takebashi. Tel:
03-5777-8600. www.momat.
go.jp
HARAJUKU/AOYAMA
Laforet Museum
Chasing The Sun: Oasis
1993-1997. Photos, artifacts
and memorabilia from
Oasis’s early years. Oct
25-28, 11am-9pm; Oct 28,
11am-6pm, ¥1,000-1,200
(adv)/¥1,200-1,400 (door).
Laforet Harajuku 6F, 1-11-6
Jingumae. Meiji-Jingumae.
www.laforet.ne.jp
Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial
Museum of Art
Utagawa Kunisada: 150th
Anniversary of His Death.
Collection of prints by one of
the great ukiyo-e masters.
Until Nov 24, ¥700-1,000.
Open Tue-Sun 10:30am5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10
Jingumae. Harajuku. www.
ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp
UltraSuperNew Gallery
RetroMoto. Lust-worthy
selection of hand-crafted
motorcycles. Until Oct
19, 10am-7pm. Mon-Sat
11am-6pm, closed Sun
and Hols. 1-1-3 Jingumae.
Harajuku. http://meturl.
com/ultrasupernewgallery
SHIBUYA/EBISU
Bunkamura: The Museum
The Dream of French
Paintings: From
Impressionism to Ecole
de Paris. Select works by
Monet, Chagall, Cézanne,
Foujita and more. Oct 18-Dec
14, ¥500-1,400. Open
Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm,
Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2-24-1
Dogenzaka. Shibuya.
Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.
bunkamura.co.jp
SHINJUKU/IKEBUKURO
Hiromart Gallery
Natural Base. Oil and
watercolor exhibition by
Claudia Ahlering. Oct 24-Nov
30, 1-7pm. Open Wed-Sun
1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue.
1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyoku. Edogawabashi. www.
hiromartgallery.com
Kenji Taki Gallery
Nobuyuki Tanaka. Recipient
of the 18th MOA Mokichi
Okada Prize Craft Arts Section
Award. Until Nov 8, 12-7pm,
Free. Open Tue-Sat noon-7pm,
closed Sun-Mon & hols. 3-18-2
Nishi-Shinjuku. Hatsudai.
www.kenjitaki.com
National Film Center
Le Monde Enchanté de
Jacques Demy. Behindthe-scenes photographs
from works by French new
Sompo Japan Museum of
Art
Normandie: L'Estuaire
de la Seine—L'Invention
d'un Paysage. Paintings
by Eugène Boudin, Raoul
Dufy and others. Until Nov
9, ¥700-1,100. Tue-Sun,
10am-6pm, closed Mon. 42F
Sompo Japan Bldg. 1-26-1
Nishi-Shinjuku. Shinjuku.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.
sompo-japan.co.jp/museum
Tokyo Opera City Art
Gallery
Zaha Hadid. Iraqi-British
architect, and first female
recipient of the Pritzker
Architecture Prize in 2004.
Oct 18-Dec 23, 11am-7pm,
closed Mon, ¥1,000-1,200.
Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm,
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2
Nishi-Shinjuku. Hatsudai.
www.operacity.jp/en/ag
UENO
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Tokyo Olympics and the Bullet
Train. In commemoration of
the 50th anniversary of the
Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic
Games. Until Nov 16,
¥670-1340. Open Tue-Fri & Sun
9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am7:30pm, closed Mon & hols.
1-4-1 Yokoami. Ryogoku.
Tel: 03-3626-9974. www.
edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
The National Museum of
Western Art
Ferdinand Hodler: Towards
Rhythmic Images. Paintings by
one of the best-known Swiss
artists of the 19th century.
Until Jan 12, ¥800-1,600.
Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm.
7-7 Ueno Park. Ueno. www.
nmwa.go.jp
Tokyo Metropolitan Art
Museum
From Botticelli to Bronzino.
About 70 works by the great
Renaissance masters, courtesy
of the famed Uffizi Gallery
in Florence. Until Dec 14,
¥1,000-1,600. Uffizi Gallery.
An exhibition tracing the
development of Florentine
art from the 15th to the 16th
century through works from the
collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
Until Dec 14, 9:30am-5:30pm,
closed Mon, ¥800-1,600. 8-36
Ueno Park. Ueno. www.
tobikan.jp
Tokyo National Museum
National Treasures of Japan.
Artifacts gathered across
various genres and periods.
Until Dec 7, ¥900-1,600. Open
Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm. 13-9
Ueno Park. Ueno. www.
tnm.jp
¥300-500. 10am-5pm, closed
Tue (May-Aug, Sat, 9am-9pm).
1300-432 Goura Hakonemachi,
Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa.
Gora. Tel: 046-02-2717.
www.hmop.com
OTHER AREAS
Edo-Tokyo Open Air
Architectural Museum
Studio Ghibli: Architecture in
Animation. Presenting the
Marsh House featured in When
Marnie was There along with
various other architecture
featured in works by Ghibli
along with the background art
and art boards. Until Dec 14,
¥200-400. 9:30am-4:30pm,
closed Mon. 3-7-1 Sakuramachi,
Koganei. Musashikoganei.
Tel: 042-388-3300. www.
tatemonoen.jp/english/
Hakone Museum of
Photography
Mt. Fuji. Katsura Endo’s
portrayal of the ever-changing
symbol of Japan. Permanent
exhibition. Until Nov 4,
PRO WRESTLING
Hoki Museum
Hito Omoi, Hito Omou.
Painting. Lifelike portraits by
contemporary artists. Until
Nov 16, ¥900-1,800. Open
Mon & Wed-Thu 10am-6pm,
Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun
10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15
Asumigaokahigashi, Midori-ku.
Toke. www.hoki-museum.jp
Masataka Contemporary
Planet Jam. A group show
with artists Saki Fujikawa,
Ryoko Kumakura, and Kinoko
portraying how the world
each artist inhabits meet,
intersect and merge, creating
an interesting environment
for expression. Until Nov 8,
Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun
& Mon, free. Sansho Bldg, 3-2-9
Nihonbashi Chuo-ku Tokyo
103-0027. Nihonbashi. Tel:
03-3275-1019. www.masatakacontemporary.com/en
The Container
Change Room. Canadian artist
Robert Waters’s exhibition. Until
Nov 16, Mon-Fri 11am-9pm,
Sat-Sun 10am-8pm, closed
Tue, free. Mon-Fri 11am-9pm,
Sat-Sun & hols 10am-8pm,
closed Tue. Hills Daikanyama,
1-8-30 Kami-Meguro.
Naka-Meguro. www.
the-container.com
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum
Genius and Ambition: The
Royal Academy of Arts, London
1768-1918. Oil paintings by
Turner, Constable and others.
Until Nov 24, ¥400-1,300.
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed
Mon. Yano-machi 492-1
Hachioji. Hachioji. Tel:
042-691-4511. www.fujibi.
or.jp/en
Tokyo Gallery + BTAP
Jin Sha Solo: Salute to Masters.
Featuring 15 works of Chinese
paintings, prints and sculptures
by Chinese artist Jin Sha. Oct
18-Nov 22, Tue-Fri 11am-7pm,
Sat 11am-5pm, closed Mon &
Sun, free. Tue-Fri 11am-7pm
& Sat 11am-5pm, closed
Sun, Mon & hols. 7F, 8-10-5
Ginza, Chuo-ku. Shinbashi.
Tel: 03-3571-1808. www.
tokyo-gallery.com
Sports
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
Ueno Royal Museum
Hokusai: From the Museum
of Fine Arts, Boston. One of
Japan’s most famous ukiyo-e
artists of the Edo period.
Until Nov 9, ¥400-1,500.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri
10am-8pm. 1-2 Ueno Park.
Ueno. www.ueno-mori.org
Brave Thunders. Oct 24,
7:15pm, ¥700-3,500. Tokyo
Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Sendagaya. Tel: 03-54742112.
X League
●●Bulls Football Club vs.
Taiyou Cranes. Oct 18, 11am,
¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium.
Keikyu Kawasaki or
Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931.
●●IBM Big Blue vs. Hurricanes.
Oct 18, 2pm, ¥1,100. Kawasaki
Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or
Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931.
●●Asahi Beer Silver Star vs. All
Mitsubishi Lions. Oct 19, 5pm,
¥1,100. Yokohama Stadium.
Kannai. Tel: 04-5661-1251.
●●Meiji Yasuda Pirates vs.
Tokyo Gas Creators. Oct 19,
11am, ¥1,100. Yokohama
Stadium. Kannai. Tel:
04-5661-1251.
●●Obic Seagulls vs. Lixil
Deers. Oct 19, 2pm, ¥1,100.
Yokohama Stadium. Kannai.
Tel: 04-5661-1251.
●●Fujitsu Frontiers vs. Nojima
Sagamihara Rise. Oct 20, 7pm,
¥1,100. Todoroki Stadium.
Musashikosugi. Tel:
044-722-0303.
BASKETBALL
National Basketball League
Hitachi Sunrockers vs. Toshiba
Michinoku
Oct 18, 7pm, ¥3,700-5,000.
Shinkiba 1st Ring. Shin-Kiba.
Tel: 03-3521-1015.
DDT
DDT. Oct 26, 12pm, ¥3,0005,000. Korakuen Hall.
Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.
RUGBY
Japan vs. New Zealand
Nov 8, 2pm, ¥500-10,000.
Chichibunomiya Rugby
Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel:
03-3401-3881.
Yokohama International
School, The Loft. Yamate or
Motomachi-Chukagai. http://
meturl.com/scbwi2014
Cider Seminar
Tasting of five French ciders,
coupled with seminar on
historic background. Oct 19,
4pm, ¥2,500 (members)/
¥3,000 (non-members).
Brasserie Ripaille Motomachi.
2F Wistaria Motomach,
4-179 Motomomachi.
Ishikawacho. www.
institutfrancais.jp
"We are Living in
Extraordinary Times:" The
Importance of Nature
Conservation
WWF Japan’s Shigeki Komori
on why conservation is crucial.
Oct 22, 7pm, Free. Lakeland
College. Shinjuku. Tel:
03-3225-0425. http://meturl.
com/lakelandlectures2014
Top League
●●Ricoh Black Rams vs. Toyota
Verblitz. Oct 19, 11:40am,
¥300-3,600. Chichibunomiya
Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae.
Tel: 03-3401-3881.
●●Suntory Sungoliath vs. NTT
Docomo Red Hurricanes.
Oct 19, 2pm, ¥300-3,600.
Chichibunomiya Rugby
Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel:
03-3401-3881.
Festivals
Kiba no Kakunori
Square log-rolling event on
water. Oct 18-19, various
times, free. Kiba Park. Kiba.
http://meturl.com/kibakaku1
The Survival Guide to Sake
A beginner’s session:
decoding labels and food
pairing. Oct 22, 7:30pm,
¥3,500. One Kitchen.
Yotsuya-sanchome. Tel:
03-6326-5918. http://meturl.
com/sakesurvivalguide
Italian vs. French Wine
Wine seminar with an Italianstyle gourmet dinner. Oct 24,
6pm, ¥11,980 (adv). Stellato.
Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-34425588. www.wineandcooking.
info
Other Events
Pixiv Matsuri
Community
A celebration of illustrators
and illustrations with live
music, a cosplay contest
and more. Oct 25-Nov 24,
10am-11pm, ¥500-1,200
(adv)/ ¥500-1,500 (door).
Roppongi Hills Viewing
Platform at Tokyo City View
Gallery. Roppongi. Tel:
0570-000-777. http://l-tike.
com/event/pixiv/
Grief Support Group
Game Market
Hosted by TELL every
Wednesday. For more
information, contact training@
telljp.com. Oct 8-Dec 10,
7-8:30pm, free. Wesley Center.
Omotesando. http://meturl.
com/griefsupport2014
Interact with other analog
gamers and visit booths
dedicated to board games,
card games, simulation games
and more. Nov 16, 10am-5pm,
¥500-1,000. Tokyo Big
Sight. Kokusai Tenjijo.
Tel: 03-5283-9955. http://
gamemarket.jp/
Hagi Festival
30-meter long tunnel of bush
clover grown on a bamboo
frame is in full bloom. Sep
13-Oct 19, all day. Mukojima
Hyakkaen Garden. HigashiMukojima. Tel: 03-3611-8705.
http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en
Half-Fast Cyclists
Bicyclists of all treads meet
for slide shows, lectures,
ride-planning, etc. Every
second Wed, 7pm, free, The
Pink Cow. Roppongi. Tel:
03-6434-5773. cowmail@
thepinkcow.com
Tokyo Street Hockey
Association
Casual street hockey group
with regular meet-ups. Every
first, second and third Fri,
various venues. Check website
calendar for details. www.
tokyohockey.com
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art
School
Burlesque models pose for
artstars and sketching newbies
alike with arty socializing.
Halloween Special: Wed,
Oct 29, 7pm, ¥2,000 w/
1d. Studio and Space IVVA.
Meiji-Jingumae or Harajuku.
www.drsketchytokyo.
wordpress.com
Festival Fukushima!
Ikebukuro comes to life with
a giant furoshiki cloth on the
ground, big band music and
original Bon dancing. The
festival also serves as the
launch party for the 2014
edition of Festival/Tokyo,
Japan’s largest performing
arts event. Nov 1, 3-8pm; Nov
2, 11am-5pm, free. Ikebukuro
West Gate Park. Ikebukuro.
www.festival-tokyo.jp/14/en/
Yokohama Triennale 2014
Art event with the theme
“voyage into the sea of
oblivion.” Until Nov 3,
various times, ¥500-2,400.
Various venues.
Minatomirai and Basamichi.
Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.
yokohamatriennale.co.jp
Learning
SCBWI Japan Translation
Day 2014
Event for translators
of Japanese children’s
literature into English. Oct 18,
9am-5pm, ¥4,000 (members)
/ ¥5,000 (non-members).
MORE LISTINGS
ONLINE → METURL.
COM/LISTINGS
27
Metropolis and its subsequent
Classifieds section are
printed every other week. The
upcoming publication dates
and corresponding deadlines
for print are as follows. This
does not affect the online
Classifieds, where ads are
visible immediately after they
are approved.
FRI, OCT 31 ISSUE
Deadline: Oct 23, 3pm
FRI, NOV 14 ISSUE
Deadline: Nov 6, 3pm
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 HEALTH
I N N E R
BALANCE.
Tr a d i t i o n a l
oriental
treatment of
acupuncture
a
n
d
moxibustion.
Also body
massage
a n d r e f l e xo l o g y. M o b i l e
ser v ice to your home or
of f ice. Email Takahito at
innerbalance123@gmail.com
or see http://tmasuda.wix.
com/inner-balance.
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH
COVE R AG E FOR E XPATS,
D I PLO M AT S , TE AC H E R S .
Inpatient and outpatient
care, emergencies,
surgery, meds, checkups,
dental, lab tests, MRI
and more. Thirty-day
m o n e y - b a c k g u a r a n t e e.
Quick, easy application;
convenient payment
options. Enroll today!
info@e ar thhe althcare.jp
w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp
078-351-7300
ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADACERTIFIED DENTAL CLINIC
in Toranomon Hills offers a
wide range of preventive,
correc tive and cosmetic
dentistry. Superior service
focused on customer
satisfaction and convenience.
Open until 10pm. Modern
dentistry at its best. www.
rmdcc.com/english/
0120-648-071
email your commercial
ads to commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
VISA COUNSELING:
female immigration lawyer
handles your visa case.
Permanent residency,
naturalization, eligibility
(inviting your spouse/
children/workers from
your country), extension/
change of visa status.
Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE
LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).
Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 70
Email: mailto@officelife.jp
Website: http://officelife.
jp/en/
SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY
(physical therapy)
care
in
Hiroo.
Native English -speaking
therapists specializing
in sports injuries,
p o s t - o p e r a t i v e
rehabilitation, back/neck
pain, running related,
headaches, orthotics,
ergonomic consultations
and women’s health.
w w w.tokyophysio.com
03-3443-6769
I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT
N I P PA S H I O F F I C E s u p p o r t s
visa and naturalization
applications, commercial
r e g i s t r a t i o n ( b r a n c h o f f i ce
installation, company
establishment, etc.),
inheritance procedures in
Japan. Free consultation
available in English, Español
and Japanese. Tel: 03-6264 8446 np@nippashi.com http://
nippashi.com
TO ADVERTISE IN
METROPOLIS, Japan’s No.1
English magazine, log
o n a t w w w. m e t r o p o l i s .
co.jp/classifieds or
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists
in branding, web design, photo/
v i d e o p ro d u c t i o n . D r a w ing A
Crowd: a new approach in design.
Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.
co
28
FURNITURE RENTAL. Create
customized furnished
apartments with our
furniture rental ser vice.
Furniture packages arranged
by our qualified interior
designers to accommodate
various sizes and styles. We
also offer apartment leasing
consultation. Please call
0120-957-520. www.smartrental-tokyo.com
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI
(next to Tokyo), member
o f t h e Yo k o h a m a B a r
Association. Legal service in
English for traffic accidents,
divorce, inheritance,
bankruptcy, business cases
(contracts, establishing a
company, trademarks, etc.)
and other legal problems.
Email: web@smkw.biz www.
sumikawa.net/
2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
MEN'S BARBERSHOP IN
ROPPONGI WELCOMES
FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get
your haircu t right . H aircu t s
¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a v e ¥ 5 8 0 0.
Kids' haircuts ¥4000¥ 4 4 0 0. F i r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t
¥ 1 0 0 0 . h t t p : //o a z o . b i z / t o p
0 3 - 5 5 4 5 - 7 7 9 7 o a z o7 7 9 7 @
yahoo.co.jp
¥ 32 ,400. G old ¥27,000.
Silver ¥21,600. Prices
include one photo. Bronze
¥2000 (photo + ¥2000).
Prices are for 40 words,
one print issue, two weeks
online. For detail s, visit
t h e To k y o C l a s s i f i e d s
blog - ht tp://metropolis.
co.jp/classifiedblog/ - or
email us at commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
RENTAL SPACE IN YOKOHAMA,
can be used for dance, language
lessons, gatherings, etc., max
2 5 - p e r s o n c a p a c i t y, o p e n
10am-10pm, 6min walk from JR
Okuchi stn, Yokohama line. From
¥1280/h. 2F Matsumoto Bldg, 127-1
Okuchidoori, Yokohama-shi. www.
astic-sounds.com/studio2.html
045-439-4949
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
CREA-UN UENO. Furnished
p r i v a te r o o m s , w/d i g i t a l
locks, near Asakusa, Ueno,
Skytree. Safe area, femaleo n l y, r o o f to p g a r d e n w /
nice view, BBQ space, free
bicycle. From ¥56,000/m.
Utilities included. No key
money/guarantor. crea-un.
sakura@ko-bo.com http://
w w w. s akura - ko - b o.com
03-6912-0692
KANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE.
Brand-new furnished share
rooms, separate male and
female floors, all rooms
w/d i g i t a l l o c k s , a i r co n ,
fridge, 1min walk from
Kanamachi stn, Chiyoda
line ¥40,000/m. room@
airay-apartment.net
03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net/
THINKING
ABOUT
ADVERTISING WITH
METROPOLIS? Platinum
ICHII CORPORATION.
Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in
central Tokyo locations. No
key money/guarantor/agent
f e e r e q u i r e d . N e w, c l e a n
apartments, simple contract
system, full English support.
Call us today! 03-5437-5233
www.japt.co.jp
Please call 0120-957-920.
www.tokyoapartments.jp
3 EDUCATION
3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Chinese, Spanish, English, Japanese.
Hey, John from the US. Don't have much
chance to use J at my company. Let's
get together for a chat or latte around
the Tokyo area. Also speak Chn, Sp.
xiongjia@hotmail.com
English and Japanese. Hey, I'm
a JM, 21, seeking a native English
speaker to improve my English. M/F ok.
n7091haru050222@yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. JF, 32, admires
British culture, is seeking someone
British who could help keep her English
alive. I can help with your Japanese.
Prefer girl-talk with another girl/lady
with tea and cakes. madamixx@yahoo.
co.jp
English and Japanese. I've studied
from books and my Japanese is ok. But
the Japanese that's in comedy, that
people use on LINE... that's something
new completely! Help me "level up"
using LINE and meeting in Tokyo. I'm
male, nonsmoking, genki. scottish1_@
outlook.com
English and Japanese. I'm a Japanese
female, 34, seeking an E/J language
exchange partner. I really want to speak
English fluently. Help me! I'm seeking
friends, too. I live in Tokyo. gaobroad@
hotmail.com
PRIVATE FURNISHED
A P A R T M E N T S .
Odakyu line: MukogaokaYu e n / Yo m i u r i - L a n d - M a e ,
20/30min from Shinjuku.
Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate,
15min from Shinagawa.
1K~2LDK ¥58,000/
m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 044-9337000 Email:mh@minowagroup.
jp w w w.minowagroup.jp/
minowahomes
English and Japanese. JF seeks a
native speaker of American English
for language exchange. Ple as e
drop me a line if you are interested.
M/F, any age ok. Please be serious.
Thanks in advance. patricia_idaida@
yahoo.co.jp
English and Japanese. Japanese male
seeking language exchange partner.
I would like to brush up my language
skills. I can teach J. Please mail me if
you are interested. aberdun0495@
gmail.com
English and Japanese. Seeking a
language exchange partner. I teach
you E for J around Akishima/Tachikawa.
smartguy@i.softbank.jp
S E RV I C E D A PA R TM E NT S
in a quiet residential area
of Hiroo. Studios and
suites. 4 min from Hiroo
stn. Rates: Daily ¥ 7800.
Weekly ¥6850 -/day.
Monthly ¥5700-/day. Over
three months ¥5130-/day.
Ta x , u t i l i t i e s i n c l u d e d .
frontdesk@azabucourt.
com w w w.azabucour t .
com/ 03-3446 -8610
English and Japanese. American
available in Koshigaya or nearby
areas in Tokyo. Looking to meet often,
if possible. Let me know if you are
seriously interested. rabbitquick1234@
yahoo.com
English and Japanese. Group
language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.
Most members are 20s and 30s. We
switch languages every 30min. Fun
events on weekends. Free to join. ando.
andy@gmail.com
French and Japanese. Hi, I am a French
guy seeking language exchange friends,
20-47. I speak Fr and E, and am currently
learning J. I'm someone reserved in
general. I want to meet new people.
brd.j111@aol.com
YO KO H A M A A PA R TM E NT,
private, large 2DK in quiet
suburban area, all appliances
included, easy access to Yokohama,
Futamatagawa, Totsuka, Shonandai,
Ebina ¥66,000/m. No key money, no
agent fees. Pets ok. robhoey.c17@
gmail.com
2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000
0
TOKYO APARTMENTS. Your
one-stop housing solution
throughout Tokyo. Providing
s e r v ice d , fu rni s h e d a n d
unfurnished apartments,
for both long- and shortterm stays. Also providing
relocation services,
furniture rental, property
m anagement and sales.
French and Japanese. Salut! I'm a
Japanese male, 21, seeking a French
speaker. I'm interested in studying,
but I'm a complete beginner. M/F ok.
n7091haru050222@yahoo.co.jp
French, English, Italian. Hello there,
I'm an Italian man, 28, seeking a
language exchange partner for Skype
or around Tochigi. metalsadness@
hotmail.com
French, Por tuguese, Spanish,
Japanese. Hi, I'm a Japanese college
student, 21, seeking a language
exchange par tner. I'm a native
at J, beginner at Fr and Port, and
intermediate at Sp. h.s163ilm@yahoo.
com
German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J
language exchange partner. Seit Sechs
Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich
spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested,
drop me a line. gardenstate2005@
hotmail.com
G e r m a n , E n g l i s h , J a p a n e s e.
Multilingual JF seeks a conversation
partner in several languages, such as
Ger/E/J. Let's meet over coffee/beer/
wine. Interests: yoga, jogging, hiking,
gardening, etc. mahavidya111@gmail.
com
Spanish, English, Japanese. Let's
converse over coffee or a drink at a
coffee shop. I can help you with E or Sp.
Practice makes perfect! If serious about
either language, send me a message.
viteonbass@yahoo.com
3.9 TEACH ME!
Expert Python/C++ programmer
(local). Can pay ¥1000/h, plus coffee.
Must be fluent in English or Japanese.
Masters or PhD student (engineering)
is ideal. Must be able to meet in Tokyo.
yatri_in_town@yahoo.co.jp
Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter
dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg
taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere!
Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF, 30s,
ikke-ryger. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp
PhD s tudent in engineering?
Tokyo only. Majoring in wireless/
communication or related area? Help
me with simulation. Must be able to
use Matlab/Simulink and know how to
validate hypothesis with simulation like
Monte Carlo, etc. Will pay ¥2000/h. yatri_
in_town@yahoo.co.jp
Reasonable English lessons. Japanese
male, 30, seeks native English teacher
who could teach me on weekends
along the Odakyu line. Please introduce
yourself. umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp
Wine teacher in Tokyo. Teach me about
French wine in Tokyo on weekends.
Prefer a native teacher with teaching
experience and a wine qualification. Will
pay for your time. frenchwinetasting@
hotmail.com
4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS
4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS
Bed, Simmons, double, clean ¥50,000.
star@moon8sun.com
Desk, small (W90xD59xH64), wood
veneer, gray metal base, electrical
socket, disassembles ¥1000. Pick up
Yokohama. angelitonegro@hotmail.
com
Furniture sale! Wooden TV stand
¥10,000. Ital sofa Italian singleseat sofa, hardly used, in excellent
condition ¥10,000. Wooden coffee table
¥6000. Delivery possible for small fee.
creadle71@hotmail.com
Furniture sale! Sofa chair, TV stand,
coffee table, all in excellent condition.
Cheap. Delivery possible for small fee.
bill_bracken@hotmail.com
Table and chairs, antique (table:
1 7 0 x 9 6 x H 7 5 ) ¥ 1 0 0,0 0 0. s t a r @
moon8sun.com http://www.flickr.com/
photos/68788774@N06/
4.2 APPLIANCES
Rotisserie cooker, Rotisol Grand Flame,
for commercial use, w/three splits,
can roast up to 12 chickens ¥500,000.
Negotiable. bakachan80@yahoo.com
080-6723-3446
Washer, Toshiba AW-607W, 7kg, hardly
used ¥10,000. Pick up near Denenchofu
stn. raymondspencer@hotmail.com
080-4736-2647
4.3 SAYONARA SALE
Sayonara sale! Kickboxing, judo, ski
wear sets; Christmas tree decorations;
futon mattress and sheets; pots; digital
photo frame; waterproof boots and
suit; cordless phone; books; DVDs;
PlayStation 3 games; PlayStation
Portable and games. Details available.
yannu@hotmail.com
Sayonara sale! Large and small
plants, tables, sofas, chairs, beds,
f r id g e, e tc . C e n t r al Ro p p o n gi.
kizayaro@gmail.com 090-6013-1396
Sayonara sale! Furniture, electronics,
etc. Details, photos available. bobak.
rostampour@hays.co.jp
Sayonara sale! Small fridge, floor
carpet, vacuum, rack, kerosene heater,
small electric floor heater, shoe rack,
new trash bin, nabe pot, deep fryer,
bowls ¥15,000. Delivery to Tokyo,
Kawasaki ok. hatoh16@gmail.com
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
4.4 TV & HOME THEATER
Remote, LG Magic AN-MR300, brandnew, never used ¥1000. Pick up
Denenchofu stn. ckm.wittmann@gmail.
com
TV, Sony KDL-55W900A, almost new;
Sony RHT-G15 home stereo deck. New
¥270,000. Sell ¥120,000. Pick up only
Denenchofu. raymondspencer@hotmail.
com 080-4736-2647
4.6 FOR KIDS
Crib ¥5000. Can deliver to central/
western Tokyo and assemble for extra
charge. col inrundle@yahoo.com
09065221536
4.7 FOR FREE
Analog TV 14" Aiwa, w/remote.
Photo available. Pick up Tokyo area.
acapulco58@hotmail.com
Cabinet, antique (W87xH166cm). Pick
up only Suginami. star@moon8sun.
com
Perfume and lotion. Rose water
(Palestine), rose oil perfume (India),
and peony lotion from L'Occitane.
Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo.
larajuku1997@gmail.com
5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS
5.1 CAMERAS
Lens, Canon zoom EF-S 18-55 1:3.55.6 IS, in excellent condition ¥8000.
deshayes.g@gmail.com
SLR and lenses. Minolta Dynax 7000i,
w/two AF zoom lenses (35-80mm and
70-210mm), camera handle slightly
discolored, lenses in good condition
¥1000. Pick up Denenchofu stn. ckm.
wittmann@gmail.com
5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT
Guitar, Gretsch "Historic Series"
resonator ¥ 4 0,000/obo. Photos
available. wapo@cl.aoyama.ac.jp
0338241438
Sound module, Korg TR-Rack, in good
condition ¥20,000. Pick up Senzoku
stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@
gmail.com
Sound module. Roland MKS-50 analog
synthesizer sound module, in very good
condition ¥29,000. Pick up Senzoku
stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@
gmail.com
Folding bicycle, cheaper than ¥10,000.
Around Adachi or Katsushika. ego_prin@
yahoo.co.jp
8 COMPUTERS
8.2 HARDWARE
HD, two available, Fujitsu SCSI, Ultra 320
SCSI, 68-pin, 10,000rpm, 36GB ¥1000/
each. deshayes.g@gmail.com
Laptop, Fujitsu FMV Lifebook AH56/H
FMVA56HL, 15.6", Core i7 2.3GHz/4
core, 750GB HD, 8GB RAM, Win 7 Home
Premium 64-bit, hardly used. Make an
offer. sellfujitsulaptop@gmail.com
Tablet, Wacom Bamboo CTL471, one-pen,
no box or manuals, hardly used ¥4000.
thewalkingbox@gmail.com
10 HELP!
10.1 HELP ME
Atheist LiveStream show needs
volunteer hosts. We are seeking agnostic
and/or atheist hosts for a bi-weekly live
streaming show. The show promotes
positive atheism. Shooting takes place
at our studio near Yokohama. assassin.
wolves.films@gmail.com
Au pair needed. Live-in au pair/
nanny needed to look after kids while
parents escape town for a few days.
English speaking. Help prep lunch
boxes, dinner, breakfast and send
youngest to kindy (right next door).
mur ray @ ex p er is te chfuture s.com
090-8565-6218
and the people robbed of their
rights, culture and country. Help
support West Papuans’ desire to
be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/
markhelp2@gmail.com
お 掃 除 手 伝 い求 む. 池 袋 近
辺 の 共 働 き夫 婦 が月1回 土 曜
に 来 てくれ る人を 探して ま す。
s ophyinter n at ion al 2020 @ gm ail .
com
7 GENERAL
7.2 FASHION
Dress, Heaven and Earth (Shibuya
109), gray, w/chain detail and matching
gray tank top, Japanese free size, in
great condition ¥500. Pick up Koto-ku
or meet central Tokyo. larajuku1997@
gmail.com
Dress, Jenevi (Shibuya 109), mini,
black, w/blue detail, Japanese free
size, in great condition ¥500. Pick
up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo.
larajuku1997@gmail.com
7.3 MISCELLANEOUS
Portable navigation, CiVi, as new, w/
box, manual, all accessories ¥8000.
mizi2005@hotmail.com
N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e
to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free,
anonymous English counseling
daily from 9am-11pm by trained
vo l u n te e r s: 03 - 57 74 - 0 9 92 .
TELL COUNSELING:
affordable multilingual
p s yc h o t h e r a py by a cc re d i te d
Western-trained professionals,
a CIGNA International Provider:
03 - 4 5 5 0 -1 1 4 6 . T E L L w e b s i te:
w w w.telljp.com. Follow us
o n F a c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r @
TokyoLifeLine.
THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours
a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t
anything. From emergency
assistance to simple questions.
Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press
“help,” or call 0570 - 0 0 0 -9 11 .
To volunteer or support, please
contact team@jhelp.com. www.
jhelp.com/
7.4 ITEMS WANTED
Adults' bicycle, cheap, for over the
Christmas period. Shinjuku/Nakano area.
Thanks! Scott scott_w_1@yahoo.com
Bicycle 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.jp
WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE
PEOPLE . Fif t y- one years ago,
West Papua should have been an
independent country. Since 1969,
West Papua has been invaded
Iro-Do Cafe meeting. Volunteer healing
meeting in Tokyo. Don’t hesitate to
contact me if you need help. winds_fr@
hotmail.com
HIV Peer Support group and workshops.
Get together with people in the same
boat as you, who understand. Held in
a safe, considerate, 100% confidential
setting to discuss what’s on your mind,
ask questions and make new friends.
info@peersupporttokyo.com www.
peersupporttokyo.com
International futsal, five-a-side, on
weekends in Tokyo. Friendly club, all
nationalities welcome. djnorio0417@
yahoo.co.jp
Tibetan Buddhist meditation in Tokyo.
Part of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan
Buddhism. This school puts special focus
on meditation practice. Regular guided
meditations Sun from 7pm. findlay65@
gmail.com http://www.meetup.com/
Tibetan-Buddhist-Meditation-In-TokyoJapan/ 080-4389-8818
Quality football. Interested in playing
football at the weekend and training
midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers
after a good run out? If you consider
yourself a quality player, please drop
us a note. bfcvagabonds@gmail.com
Tokyo Dialogue. We have been meeting
in the heart of the concrete jungle called
Tokyo for 10 years to create an oasis of
calm reflection and listening. findlay65@
gmail.com http://tokyodialogue.
wordpress.com/
Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts.
Seeking people interested in training
in old-style Japanese fighting arts.
Effective and intelligent, but safe
training approach. rootarty@gmail.
com
Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always
thought it would be interesting to try it
- why not now? Join us Fri evenings at
Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements
in advance by email, and check our home
page. tokyozazen@jcom.home.ne.jp
www.wgthorpe.com
Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo is
an infertility support group that provides
informal opportunities for women and
men experiencing infertility to connect
with one another. Please visit website
for more info. admin@ttctokyo.org www.
ttctokyo.org/MESSA
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y AT
LEAFCUP. Come join us and have
fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/
women: ¥2000. All-you-candrink-and-eat. Iidabashi and
Yokohama: Oct 18 and Nov 1.
Shibuya: Oct 25 and Nov 8. www.
leafparty.com
13 CLUBS & INTERESTS
13.1 SPORTS
To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s
No.1 English magazine, log on at www.
metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email
your commercial ads to commercial@
metropolisjapan.com.
11 MESSAGES
11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES
WRITE A MESSAGE FOR
YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E !
Write any thing, from bir thday
messages to proposals. http://
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.
12 SOCIAL SCENE
12.1 LET’S PARTY
6 VEHICLES
Bike, Riteway, men's, sport, 9.8kg, two
y/o, in great condition, Shimano gears/
brakes, new tires, inner tubes, small
scratches, for rider under 180cm. New
+ parts ¥70,000. Sell ¥30,000. rod_
jaytee@yahoo.co.uk
Please call 090-3598-3072 for more
information. daginia@gmail.com http://
www.diamondway.jp/
Interested in tai chi? Then why not
start now? Take a step to counter the
stresses of daily living. Practice is in
Toyama Park on Sun mornings, near
Takadanobaba stn. chifact@gmail.com
10.2 SUPPORT
6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES
Futsal team. Weekend futsal team in
Tokyo seeks players who can enjoy the
game with others. Please introduce
yourself. 港区で週末にフットサル
興味ある方. umek2002jp@yahoo.
co.jp
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO.
If you have a problem with drinking, we
can help. English-speaking meetings
daily. 03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo.
org http://aatokyo.org
Seeking climate change experts.
Seeking an expert on man-made climate
change who would be willing to be a
guest speaker on a non-profit YouTube
streaming show I launched in Aug. kilian.
lexx5@gmail.com
Sponsorship. Ten years' experience
in cafe/bar work, including working at
international hotels. I'd like to open
a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship.
Individuals and companies are welcome.
Please, if interested, let us come to an
agreement. samueladonkor@gmail.
com 090-6152-6274
subscribers, 7-100 copies ok
¥12,000). Bank transfer or
credit card (Visa, Mastercard,
Diners Club). Details at http://
metropolis.co.jp/subscription.
J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
HALLOWEEN PARTY. Sat, Oct
25, 6:30-9pm, Devi Fusion
(Roppongi). Japan’s biggest
international par t y. 250
people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.
Japanese men: ¥ 4000.
Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http://
getyourfriend.com/mobile/
jiparty@hotmail.com http://
w w w.get your frien d.com /
090-1735-5405
J O I N TH E B I G G E S T,
B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R
I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !
Great people, drinks and
food! Meet new friends
and party with nice people
in a friendly atmosphere.
E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a ,
Azabu, Roppongi) and
Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000.
http://english.gaitomo.com/
info@gaitomo.com
SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS
AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE.
One year (24 issues) ¥3600
(corporate subscribers, 7-100
copies ok ¥22,560). Half year
(12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate
AMERICAN FOOTBALL.
Nihon Unisys Bulls, X league Central
Division, seeks fit players w/ US
college football experience for all
positions. Practice every Sat/Sun
from 10am-3pm (including meeting) in
Tokyo/Saitama (time & venue subject
to change). Attendance at practice
must be over 60%. Please contact for
tryout info and send your profile to
team admin. bullsxleague@gmail.com
http://www.unisys.co.jp/football/
A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H
FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby
(OZ tag) and Rugby League players.
We play every Sat from 10am in
Tatsumi. M/F and beginners welcome!
Good exercise and fun! Many
other activities, such as BBQs and
drinking parties! Email for details.
tokyorugbyleague@hotmail.com
http://ameblo.jp/tokyo13warriors
A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E
PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby
League team is seeking Rugby
League p layer s for Japanese
Rugby League of f icial games
from Apr to Sep. Everyone
welcome. Contact for more details.
japananzacs@gmail.com
FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join
us for social or competitive touch
rugby every Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake
stn, Yurikamome line. Any age, sex,
level ok. Please email for details.
funwithtouch@gmail.com http://www.
funwithtouch.com/where-we-play/
PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders
are a friendly but keen international
rugby club. Devoted to the game and
its social side, the “Cru” welcomes
all players and supporters.
Established in 1990, the Cru plays in
the Shuto League 1st Division. http://
www.facebook.com/tokyo.crusaders
www.tokyocrusaders.com
TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w
sp or t from S cot land . Using a
tambourine-like instrument as a
racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.
We play two or three times/month
on weekends in Meguro with many
socials. Join us! More details: www.
tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan.
org
All-level tennis group in Tokyo.
Serious and motivated tennis players
sought by active tennis group to join
their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.
We have advanced and intermediate
groups on weekday evenings. Beginner
and low-intermediate also welcome.
No entrance or membership fees.
Reasonable participation fees. tokyo.
tennis@yahoo.fr
Futsal players wanted by a very
friendly international team. Practice is
in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details
available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp
Women's football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two
or three practices/matches on Sun.
All nationalities, experience levels,
beginner s welcome. Happy and
friendly club! We have many socials.
djnorio@hotmail.co.jp
13.2 LEISURE
MACARTHUR HEIGHTS.
Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l
Douglas MacArthur did! One
hour from Tokyo by car or direct
train. Beautiful cabins on the
ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping.
housinginjapan@yahoo.com
Free Japanese home cooking. Japanese
housewife offers free washoku home
cooking class in English at her house near
Kawasaki stn on weekday days. You pay the
cost of ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@
ezweb.ne.jp
Let's cook together. Why don't you come
over to my kitchen (Japanese woman in
Shinagawa) to learn how to make yummy
home-style Japanese dishes? Washoku,
Western food, Chinese, etc. Only pay for
ingredients. Women only. cookjapon@
gmail.com
Tokyo ET contact group. Join us beneath
the stars as we endeavor to make contact
with ET visitors and their craft. Our next UFO
contact event will be on Lake Okutama,
Tokyo, on October 25/26. nakanosky@
gmail.com http://www.meetup.com/
Tokyo-ET-Contact-Group/events/193113322/
13.4 MUSIC
Female backing/joint main singer. Hi,
seeking female singer for a Tokyo band
- two Japanese, two British members.
We play UK-style indie rock, have
many songs, play live sometimes but
need to improve vocals. 日本語もok.
stevendparker@hotmail.com
JM support guitarist seeks singer. I'm
a Japanese guitarist in Tokyo. I'd like to
help with your singing. Please let me
play your songs. Let's street gig together
in Tokyo. I like pop, rock, punk. riku_
hiroxx@hotmail.com
Keyboardist sought by funk/fusion band.
Any nationality is welcome. Come for a
tryout. christianpelissero@yahoo.fr
Musicians wanted. Seeking keyboards,
drums, guitars and Vox to take my music
live and into the studio to record. You
must be able to rehearse weekends in
central Tokyo. Listen to my SoundCloud
playlist. xp_sucks@hotmail.com https://
soundcloud.com/shinopshino_being/sets
Seeking jazz members. Japanese male
seeking jazz players for fun in the Tokyo
area. I've been playing the alto sax for a
couple of years. Still amateur, but want
to play with others. Please feel free to
contact me. yossynet@ra2.so-net.ne.jp
13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you
want to explore your own mind? Guided
Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near
Azabu-Juban. International practitioners,
beginners welcome, Japanese spoken.
13.6 RELIGIOUS
Seeking a Baptist church without
judgmental people, many English
speakers, and where everyone is in
normal clothes? Contact me and let’s
meet at Higashi-Shinjuku stn, exit A2, Sun
at 10:30am. paytyt@gmail.com
13.9 INTERNATIONAL
Intercultural activities. JII (Japan
Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit,
member-run organization that sponsors
activities (seminars, cultural events,
conferences) for those wanting to further
develop intercultural competencies
and meet other interculturalists. yuko.
bolick@japanintercultural.org www.
japanintercultural.org
Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょなる.
Nihongo Club International is a volunteer
group to help foreign people learn
Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action
Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 7-9pm.
nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jp
14 PERSONALS
14.1 FRIENDS
Are you from... JF, 30s, seeking
nonsmoking friends from Denmark,
Germany, Canada or Australia for having
fun times together. Let's meet for a cup of
coffee first. Please be nonsmokers, late
20s-30s. Mail with self-introduction,
please. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp
Canadian teacher seeks friends in Tokyo.
Hi, there. I just returned from Canada
and am seeking friends in Japan. I have
worked in Tokyo, Nagano, Chiba, etc., and
seek friendship, advice on work, survival,
etc. I am 44, nonsmoking. nekobot14@
gmail.com
Fellow Japanese learners. English guy
in Tokyo learning Japanese. I'm seeking
other people who are also learning
Japanese to hang out with, share
language tips and resources, and share
occasional frustrations. My Japanese
isn't great (yet!). vint.snap@gmail.com
Friends in Shibuya. JF, 33, in art
dealing, just started to work in Shibuya.
I'm seeking fun friends to hang out with
around Shibuya. It would be nice to have
lunch together on weekdays for a change.
return.to.oz1985@gmail.com
From Denmark or Germany? If so, drop
me a line! Have been seeking Danes and
Germans for friendship. Tell me what you'd
like to do with a JF, 30s. Let's have fun
times together! Please be nonsmokers,
late 20s-30s. codename107113@live.com
Interested in crime thrillers and the
dark side of human psychology? I am a
doctor of clinical psychology interested
in meeting people, M/F ok, for intellectual
discussions of criminal behaviors.
pulerd@hotmail.com
International friends sought by
Japanese female, 34, in the Tokyo or
Yokohama area. I like to meet new
people. Japanese with experience living
in a foreign country also ok. gaobroad@
hotmail.com
29
Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
JOBS
CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED
BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi,
S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g
enthusiastic, prof icient English,
French, Spanish and/or German
speakers who can teach and lead
lively conversations. ¥1,000-¥1,500/h.
A p p l y o n l i n e : h r @ l e a f c u p .co m
www.leafcup.com/job.php
LIVE-IN NIGHTTIME HOTEL STAFF AT
HOTEL GRAPHY sought to support
late-night check-ins, emergencies,
etc. No need to remain at reception
at all times - only when needed.
Requirements: conversational E/J,
diligence, sincerity. ¥50,000. Free
housing, utilities included. info@
global-agents.co.jp
NEED YOUR HANDS. Time to move
forward! Nude model needed for art.
Willing to offer attractive modeling
fee. Feel pleasure in shooting
you never knew exis ted. M ail:
voguestylevogue@gmail.com
プロジェクトマネージャー・コーディネーター
募集。 六本木にあるMetropolis Magazine
は、バイリンガルスタッフを募集しています。経
験：デザイン・広告業界の経験、進行管理の経
験があれば尚可。能力：コミュニケーション能
力、協調性、日本語に堪能、ビジネスレベルの
英語力。条件：平日9:30-18:30 待遇：面接に
て。jobs@metropolis.co.jpまで、履歴書・職
務経歴書（和文／英文）をご送付下さい。書類
選考の上、ご連絡させて頂きます。
30
To advertise:
commercial@metropolisjapan.com
03-4588-2277
INTERNATIONAL WELLNESS, BEAUTY
AND INSPIRATION COMPANY in Shibuya
is hiring customer support, online
marketers, translators, PR staff,
basic accounting staff, IT and more.
Positive personalities, with desire for
long-term career, J/E bilingual. Email
resume to resume@clubsparkle.com.
03-6427-8501 www.clubsparkle.com
CRAFT BEER TAP, a new craft beer
restaurant, is seeking part- and
f u l l - t i m e h a l l s t a f f. J a p a n e s e
ability required, European looks
preferred. Part-time ¥1000/
h ~. F u l l - t i m e ¥ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 / m ~.
Email CV to Kondo HR manager.
Keiichi.kondo@zato.co.jp 0120-233-182
www.world-liquor-importers.co.jp.
SEEKING EXECUTIVE A SSISTANT.
Foreign-owned company in Minakami,
Gunma, is seeking an executive
assistant. Mon- Fri, 9am- 6pm.
Requirements: fluent in E/J, previous
EA /secretar y/of f ice experience.
Competitive salary. Please send CV to
smkkbjtokyo@gmail.com.
METROPOLIS is seeking motivated
bilingual (E/J) sales executives,
support staff and interns to join its
advertising and marketing team.
Send E/J resume to jobs@metropolis.
co.jp.
The majority of classified ads have moved online! classifieds.metropolis.co.jp
Italian friends sought for friendship. I
am a single Japanese female, mid-40s,
love art, nature, beauty in general. Will
await a response from a well-educated,
gentle, open-minded person. Sorry - I do
not speak Italian. carpediem.mavie@
gmail.com
14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN
SUBMISSIVE SJM, 36, cute, is
seriously seeking a woman who is
into, or interested in, dominating
men. I am so submissive, with seven
years’ experience, that I am happy to
take whatever and serve you in any
way. slaveintokyo@gmail.com
Active woman? Healthy mind?
Appreciates a man who can make her
laugh, surprise her? Doesn't jump into bed
with every guy, but is passionate when she
feels a connection? Feels her mind racing
as she reads this? Is this you? ja22y@
outlook.com
Aroma massage. Would you like a
nice, relaxing aroma oil massage?
Amateur masseur seek s mature
massage partners to practice on. I can
meet anywhere in central Tokyo. I speak
English and Japanese. amamassage@
hotmail.com
Engineering isn't the best place to meet
new people, so I'm trying the internet.
Hi, French guy seeking an open-minded
person, 20-47. I speak French and English
and am currently learning Japanese. brd.
j111@aol.com
English speaking 大学生? Fun,
open-minded, well-traveled English
male working in Tokyo is seeking
someone to meet after work. Prefers
English-speaking university student
who is cheerful, enjoys life, and wants
to hang with a cool foreigner. boogion@
gmail.com
European male seeking woman. Hello,
I'm a European man, good-looking, tall
(180cm), blond, seeking a nice Japanese
woman to chat and become friends with
and more. I live and work in Tokyo.
f1thu57@gmail.com
Attractive single Japanese male
seeks a nice Western or Japanese
female for friendship and possibly more.
Nonsmokers preferred. I am confident
that I can create fun times for you. If
you are ready, email me. cioinjapan@
gmail.com
German and Japanese. Asian male
seeking German exchange partner. I am
non-native, but speak fluent++ Japanese.
Prefer a patient, mature woman, 25-40.
Meet weekly after work (8-10pm), around
Osaki/Shinagawa/Tokyo. yatri_in_town@
yahoo.co.jp
Black American seeking nice lady.
Hello, how are you doing? I am in the
Saitama/Tokyo area. I am seeking a nice
person to be friends with, and if there is
a connection, more. rabbitquick1234@
yahoo.com
Graphic designer. French businessman
living in Tokyo seeks a Japanese lady who
is a graphic designer. turbo32s@yahoo.fr
Confident, tall, thrill-giving man
seeks Japanese woman who wants her
body to explode with feelings she never
knew existed. This is a journey which you
will treasure forever. Nonsmokers only,
23-26. I'm white, international British.
Japanese ok. erolp.x.ei@gmail.com
Decent JM available. Seeking a cheerful
and mature lady. I'm 30s, financially
secure, clean, living in Tokyo, enjoying
life. Let's have dinner or drinks to get
to know each other first. Prefer nonJapanese. Casual date? gb_0606@
yahoo.co.jp
Married woman? Do you think
romance and marriage can be separate?
Enjoy exploring new restaurants, fun
conversation and a bit of real romance?
Intelligent, kind American, early 40s,
married, white, slim, seeking one special
person. Nihongo mo ok. pinottokyo@
yahoo.co.jp
Seeking large Japanese girlfriend.
Canadian guy, 40s, open-minded, gentle,
romantic, positive, seeks overweight
girlfriend for long-term relationship in
Tokyo. Serious only, please. bbalajan@
yahoo.com
Massage for JF in Yokohama, Tokyo.
Hello, tall Spanish man can give you
private オイルマッサージ。いかがで
すか？興味があれば連絡下さい。
maldonado_4649@yahoo.co.jp
MWM for MJF. Are you a nice Japanese
lady looking to reignite passion and
romance? If so, I would love to meet you.
I'm a married white Canadian in central
Tokyo, mid-40s, easygoing, welleducated, nonsmoking. theroyaljoker@
yahoo.com
snap@gmail.com
Attractive black male seeking attractive
girlfriend, single/married, fun to be
around, and seeking intimacy. I'm 36,
intelligent, 183cm, athletic, from NY,
working in IT, living in Ota-ku. I enjoy
movies, running, relaxing. Please send
your photo! goldfinger726@gmail.com
British-Australian gentleman.
Hello, I am an Oxbridge-educated
British-Australian gentleman seeking
a single Japanese lady for friendship
and marriage. I will be in Tokyo and
Kyoto in Nov and would like to have an
email exchange beforehand. stjdavid@
googlemail.com
out for a drink or coffee. atatakaijohn@
yahoo.co.jp
No English? 銀行で働いてるイギリ
ス人が日本の女の子探してる。英
語分からない女の子欲しい。 vint.
Fake boyfriend. Caucasian
American guy, 30s, seeking
woman who wants a fake
boyfriend for practice. Any
problem you could ever
have with a boyfriend, I'll
be way worse! If we really
like each other, it could be
real I suppose. bizman7777@
hotmail.com
British guy, 45, seeks reasonablelooking lady of any nationality for fun and
friendship. I'm average-looking, white,
tall and slim. juxterposer@gmail.com
marriage seekers/smokers. scottish1_@
outlook.com
Handsome, sexy man seeking hot
older woman in Tokyo or Yokohama. I
love mature ladies (40s, 50s). A nice,
tall, handsome gentleman is waiting,
hoping to meet you. 日本語可能です。
maldonado_4649@yahoo.co.jp
I'm not like most foreigners in Tokyo.
I don't dream of cute girls. I've lived in
several countries, enough to understand
Japanese and other cultures. My humor
is playful, silly. Can you handle a nontypical gaikokujin? Seeking 20s only.
m3_3m@outlook.com
London calling. Here from London.
Will be staying in Japan for a while.
Want to meet new people to hang out
with, enjoy drinks, do new things. I'm
not the Roppongi type, so no Roppongi
lovers, please. Nonsmokers only.
englishmobile@outlook.com
Long-term affair. I am seeking a married
woman in a similar situation: married
with children, love family, no intention
to divorce. vbcfgt@hotmail.com
Lunch friends. English guy seeking lunch
friends near Otemachi. I already have a
busy social life in the evenings, but if we
get on at lunch maybe the occasional
afterwork hangout could work, too. No
Non-Japanese Asian. Title says it
all: seeking a girl from Asia who isn’t
Japanese. I’m from England, but have
lived in several countries in Asia. Love
travel, music, open minds. ero.lp.xei@
gmail.com
Opposites attract. Balding, brutallooking, but nevertheless kind, witty
and fun Englishman, 40s, would like
to entertain a slim, attractive, chatty
woman in the evenings after work. E/J
ok. gbeer2000@yahoo.com
Pleasure for you. Nice, caring, safe,
fun for a SJF who is seeking a genki time
after work or in spare time. Let's chat
via LINE or email, and see if we have
similar ideas/fantasies to make reality.
mrmonkeymark@gmail.com
Seeking a serious relationship. I'm a
SWM neuroscientist, 31, from Manchester,
UK, seeking a well-educated, cute
Japanese partner, preferably under 28,
for a long-term serious relationship.
pulerd@hotmail.com
Seeking chubby, serious JF. European
guy, 40, open-minded, easygoing,
honest, faithful, seeks a JF who can meet
up soon (not too many emails) for a longterm relationship. Let's meet up over
coffee and talk. niman429@yahoo.com
Seeking chubby/pochari woman.
Fun-loving, successful, nonsmoking,
well-traveled married male is seeking
a chubby/big beautiful Japanese
woman for a passionate relationship.
enjoylife_321@yahoo.com
Seeking mature JF. Cool guy, 40s,
positive, romantic, honest, a gentleman,
seeks JF, 40s-50s, for a long-term
relationship. nnazila73@yahoo.com
Seeking Ms. Right. I am a Frenchman. I
am told I am handsome, gentle, funny. I
am nice to be with. If I can find my special
one, I would like to go to the beautiful
beach together. akb4898711@hotmail.
com
Seeking serious relationship.
European guy, early 40s, positive,
easygoing, gentle, romantic, lots of
hobbies, seeking female, 35-55, openminded, easygoing, enjoys simple things.
Speak Nihongo. No busy people, please.
bbamian@yahoo.com
Seeking serious relationship. I am
a down-to-earth black guy seeking
romantic love leading to marriage.
Serious only, photo necessary. No games,
please. smartguy@i.softbank.jp
Seeking SJF for company / fun /
relationship. I like travel, nature, movies,
concerts, dining, festivals, hiking, onsen,
beaches. Me: single Asian-American,
professional, from western US. Let's
enjoy a good time together. Replies in
Japanese ok. ilikesandiego@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking someone for romance. Let's
start with mail and see where it goes.
artoistk@hotmail.com
Singaporean, Chinese, Indian...?
British guy, 30s, seeking non-Japanese
women to hang out with, maybe more.
It may seem obvious, but please only
contact me if you have time to meet. No
Japanese seeking marriage with a gaijin,
please! greenteais.yummy@gmail.com
S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G
EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for
foreign men and Japanese
women. Leave the event
with a new date! Always
more women than men. FREE
if signing up in advance!
Otherwise, ¥2,000. info@
exeo-international.com www.
exeo-international.com
Driven to work? Japanese woman, 30s,
attractive, elegant, educated, seeks a
successful businessman in Tokyo. She
feels attracted to a man who is driven
to work. He should be sincere and care
about her. springwinds14@yahoo.co.jp
Tall American man, professional,
35-45, sought for nice dinners and fun.
Anybody out there? sreiko751@gmail.com
International-minded Japanese,
early 30s, ready to start a relationship.
If you are a laid-back, professional/
independent guy of a similar mind,
let's see how it goes. Must be single
nonsmoker. Your introduction/photo
appreciated. happi_coco14@excite.co.jp
WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35.
I am tall, white, with blue eyes. I speak
Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@yahoo.com
JF living in Tokyo, 29. I'm divorced, no
kids. I'm seeking someone serious. I'm
very interested in American and British
culture. I've always enjoyed listening to
music from the '60s-'80s. khatruyuasa@
kdr.biglobe.ne.jp
有名な人? We can meet in secret.
White, attractive, English-speaking male.
Contact me. ja22y@outlook.com
銀座. White guy working near Ginza
seeking a woman, 22-29, to hang out
with, have some drinks after work. Make
sure you give an intro - I won't reply if you
don't. wakaruyo@outlook.com
Seeking single Japanese man. Middleaged Caucasian woman seeking a kind
single Japanese or Caucasian man,
40-55, 170-185cm, university-educated
professional, in central Tokyo, for
friendship, activity partner and long-term
relationship. kolucy1231@gmail.com
Serious man wanted. Single Japanese
female, stable job, independent, welleducated, seeking an honest, mature
guy with a stable job. I'm wild-natured,
40s, a good conversationalist, enjoy city
life. Single, no kids only. jmtat59dmi@
docomo.ne.jp
To g e t h e r fo reve r. S J M , 4 0 s ,
professional, smart and clever, seeking
a sweet and caring lady to be together
forever. Into movies, the outdoors and
much more. Together shall we explore?
If interested, send me a message.
toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking girlfriend. Cool guy, 40, kind,
seeks mature JF, 40s-50s, for romance
in Tokyo. Let's meet up for coffee and
talk. Serious only, please. munesan50@
yahoo.com
Seeking nice SWM, 30s, for a longterm relationship. Me: SJF, 30s, sweet,
caring, healthy. I like listening to music
while drinking. Serious only. Please
let me know your nationality and age.
rykya614@i.softbank.jp
LAVISH DATES AND
INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE
CR E ATE O PP O RTU N ITI E S
for elite foreign males to meet
elegant Japanese females.
Start with a luxurious dinner
date,take the night where you
w a n t i t t o g o. Fr e s h , y o u n g
women join our club every day.
Tr y our free one - month trial
offer: first date is on us! 0120675 - 858 (E ) international@
universe-club.jp http://
universe-club.jp/en
Fresh start. Attractive, cultured JF, 30s,
seeks a good-looking young boyfriend
who can possibly have a long-term
relationship. He should be Caucasian,
nonsmoking, cultured. No one-night
stands. nanaironohana24@yahoo.co.jp
Would you like a nice, relaxing aroma
oil massage? Amateur masseur seeks
mature massage partners to practice
on. I can meet anywhere in central
Tokyo. I speak English and Japanese.
amamassage@hotmail.com
Seeking Mr. Right. JF, 37, with
beautiful kids, seeks loyal, hardworking gentleman to spend the future
with. If you are in the same situation,
please let me know. Serious only.
keiko2011tokyo@yahoo.co.jp
Serious boyfriend. Beautiful Japanese
wants to meet someone. No married
men, cheaters, casual relationships
whatsoever. Prefer someone in the
Ichikawa/Nishi-Funabashi area, 27-38,
American. I'm 36, with a professional
job and multiple talents. gkr93mz@
gmail.com
Tattoos or piercings? Seeking a woman
with tattoos or piercings, 20s, able to
meet in Tokyo. I'm a man from England.
日本語でも英語でも大丈夫. uk84@
outlook.com
Seeking fun. SWM, 28, French, seeking
people who want fun like me. My life is
stable, but boring and stressful. I need
excitement for my mental health balance.
If you feel the same way, contact me,
please. reydajp@yahoo.co.jp
Seeking girlfriend. SWM, good-looking,
working in finance, seeking a girlfriend. I
like reading, keeping fit, movies. Let's go
14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN
Laugh and smile a lot. Let's chat over
a cup of coffee. Warmhearted, polite,
chubby SJF, 41, laughs and smiles
quite a bit, seeking sweet, sane single
Caucasian guy for a serious relationship
in Tokyo. camellia.sunflower@gmail.
com
Love snowboarding? I'm an athletic,
fun SJF, 39, seeking a guy who can have
a super big laugh with me. Serious,
single only, please. enohpi4s@yahoo.ca
Serious only. SJF, 40, living in Tokyo,
seeking a single American man, 37-43.
I'm tall, slender, funny, romantic, love
music, movies. I don't smoke or drink. I
would like someone to share and enjoy
life with. No bed buddies. nowucme8@
gmail.com
14.4 GAY & LESBIAN
JM seeking friendship/relationship.
JM, early 30s, athletic, straight-acting,
laid-back, seeking friendship leading
to a relationship. Love traveling,
photography, various sports, meeting
new people. Seeking someone around
my age. Cheers. light_draws_near@
yahoo.co.jp
14.5 ESCORTS
ESCORTS have gone online.
To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y
co m p a n i o n , v i s i t h t t p: //
classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/
category/personals/escorts.
15 JOBS
15.1 JOB WANTED
NEED A BABYSITTER?
My name is Merinda
Masuda. I’m 16, great
with children and give
them 100% attention.
Trustworthy,
responsible, loving, can do
housework while children sleep.
Seeking work in central Tokyo.
Availab le mos t evening s , S at
evenings and Sun.
merindababysitter@gmail.com
31
RELATIONS
HALLOWEEN DECORATION ETIQUETTE
BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA
I foolishly assumed that because bakeries have Halloween-themed treats,
karaoke parlors are decked out in pumpkins and skeletons and a nearby
department store has a huge “Happy Halloween!” banner hanging by the
entrance, Japanese families celebrated Halloween.
A couple days ago over dinner, I told my husband I wanted to decorate
our house a bit for Halloween. He suggested the ¥100 store. Two hours
and ¥1,700 later, I walked out of Daiso with two bags full of awesome,
cheap and gaudy Halloween decorations.
Two days after that, my husband told me our outdoor Halloween
decorations were (apparently) scaring our neighbors.
We moved the decorations back inside and peace was restored.
ハロウィンデコレーションのエチケット
近頃町のパン屋さんやカラオケ店で多くのハロウィングッズを見かけるため、私は日
本でもハロウィンを祝うのだと知りました。
ある晩、私は夫にハロウィン用に家を飾り
付けしたいと打ち明けると、１００円ショップを勧められました。１００円ショップに
足を運んでみたところ、２時間で１７００円分もの安くて可愛いハロウィングッズを
買う事が出来ました。
しかし２日後、
夫に外に飾り付けたハロウィンデコレーションが
隣の人を驚かせてるから片付けるようにと言われてしまいました、
、
、残念ですが、ハ
ロウィングッズをしまい、事は何事も無くおさまりました。
■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics
about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.
horoscope
BY CATHRYN MOE
♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
May 20-Jun 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Jun 21-Jul 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣
Although part of you may be delirious
with anticipation, do you also have a
quiver of fear when it comes to a new
pact you’ve made? Moving forward is assisted
by the strength and courage of your ruler Mars
in your solar ninth house. This placement lends
its focus to dealing with in-laws, long-distance
journeys and your connection with “all that is.”
You can make it easier on yourself by creating
a form of expression that no one can take away.
The result? Freedom.
Whatever you do, your strength is in
being positive. Staying in the present
can be a challenge with Neptune in
your sector of groups, hopes and wishes. Love
them or not, projects can spring up, dissolve
and even return. Your energy levels at this
very moment may be low or high—but in either
case can change in a heartbeat. You may feel a
heightened sense of intuition as your instincts
are being rewired. Pallas Athene comes to
your rescue starting Monday. Be an original.
No one can clip your wings, so
there’s no need to fret. Changes in
your schedule just pave the way for
desires finding their expression. Take a deep
breath and think of your friends supporting you
in any situation to get through each day. If you
are in a relationship, Vesta transiting brings
wisdom to your choices; hear your partner’s
suggestions out. Pallas Athene leaves your
romance sector and puts the focus on work,
starting Monday. Enter the satisfaction zone.
There’s joy in what you’re doing this
week—because you followed your
heart and soul. In the testing times
we are in, you have an innate sense of knowing
that a strong foundation is the only way to move
forward, and moving forward is something you
want to do. You’re subtle and strong at the same
time. You sense when energies combine to create a path that fits your dreams; it’s as if there are
moments when you can hear the stars speaking
to you. Take action in a loving way.
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
Sep 22-Oct 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Penetrating, feeling for subtle movements in your path, right now you are
being offered several choices. There
is a quality to Scorpio that often thinks if you
haven’t done it the hard way, it won’t stick.
The thing is, you’re doing it the hard way this
very moment with Saturn in your sign. Venus,
the North Node, Mercury, the Sun and Pallas
Athene are pressing on your psyche, and it’s
a lot to take; sorting the shadows this week
prepares you for an awesome quantum leap.
Mar 20-Apr 18 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣♣
Jul 22-Aug 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣
Apr 19-May 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Aug 22-Sep 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
CANCER
The performer in you needs an outlet.
These days are charged and you have
a dynamic energy—it’s as if your electrical field makes others feel dazzling. Quite
a gift! Mars in your solar fifth house of love
and creativity turns heads. Starting Monday,
Pallas Athene amps up the lights at home; this
includes redecorating or even finding another
abode. The unconventional merges with your
executive authority. You’re in a decisive, winning time of your life. Go for it!
Bring your own soul into your heart
and watch your spirit soar. Sweet,
shy, and health conscious, you are
moving into a realm of peak focus and creativity. Whatever Neptune and Chiron opposite
Virgo may do, what seems lost comes back in
an unexpected, even unprecedented wave of
upgrades. It may be changed, but that’s what
you were secretly hoping for, isn’t it? Pallas
Athene moves to your house of communication
on Monday; your original thoughts reward you.
Action-packed and not a moment to
lose, you may be zinging from one
stellar moment to the next. Venus
calls in her cards from the rest of the zodiac so
you can receive what’s due; right on her tail is
the North Node, pushing you to try something
new, or mix it up with an old dream recently
dusted off. Say what’s on your mind, because
Venus combines with both Mercury and the Sun
in your sign—just make sure it’s said gently with
your diplomatic finesse.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
Jan 20-Feb 17 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣
Feb 18-Mar 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
Staying focused and on track is a big
leap for Sag at the moment. Neptune
square to your sign has put you in a
position of “pushing through the envelope.”
Chiron addresses past hurts and intends to heal
wounds, but you must put yourself in a position
to accept this without making yourself vulnerable. How to do this? Your originality is about to
step forward via your dreams; giving yourself
time to absorb what’s around you leads to your
value and success.
You’re in the public eye or making
strides in your career. It’s all about
diplomacy and negotiations this
week. The North Node brings in new opportunities for you; Venus means money, beauty,
love and comfort; Mercury is still retrograde, so
take this chance to review any contracts and
how they are worded. The Sun warms you to an
idea you have wanted to take forward: it’s either
about you, or helping to define your sense of
self—both are important.
Your aura of indifference is balanced
by the beating heart you hope others
don’t hear too loudly. A recent special
connection throws you into a tizzy as it looks
like your life could take a 180. Don’t be fooled
by the sparks and curves of Uranus in your communication sector. Yes, things are lively, but if
you want them to continue, you’ll have to put
spaces between your adrenaline rush. At the
same time, have fun—someone may be watching you with a promotion in mind.
Open up your eyes and see with your
heart, something you’ve known how
to do since childhood; feelings get
more points than logic when it comes to new
realms making themselves known. Since this is
a time of change, it’s also a time of reforming
what exists—thus, reformation. That’s why you
get a “reality” vote! Partners have much to add,
and may take a lot of your attention; if you’re
single, you may reap multiple rewards from your
many good deeds.
Nov 22-Dec 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣
32
Dec 21-Jan 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣
PISCES
A 62-year-old
primatologist who has
“devoted himself to
gorilla research in remote
areas of Africa for over
30 years” was named the
next president of Kyoto
University.
LINGO BOX
Nagusameru (慰める) = console
Saibanchō (裁判長) = chief justice
the small print
Tokyo, whose research team was “awarded” an Ig Nobel Prize for its study on
the slickness of banana peels
CUTTING EDGE
PALACE NEWS
⊲Imperial
⊲
granddaughter Princess Mako, 21,
decamped for England to pursue a master’s
degree at the University of Leicester.
Tabe-aruki (食べ歩き) = eat while walking
Ebora dairyūkō (エボラ大流行)
= Ebola epidemic
BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN
EVEN THOUGH IT’S OBVIOUS THAT BANANA
SKINS ARE SLIPPERY, WE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVED
THE SLIPPERINESS.”—Kiyoshi Mabuchi of Kitasato University in
⊲An
⊲ online retailer that sells shoes embedded
with cameras has earned the wrath of authorities in Kyoto, who say the devices are for the
sole purpose of taking upskirt photos.
⊲Officials
⊲
at the National Police Agency say
they’re concerned about the growing number
of child sex abuse cases linked to smartphone
messaging apps like Line and KakaoTalk.
⊲Police
⊲
from Tokyo busted a 16-year-old Kumamoto high school student for hacking the
servers of gaming company GameOn. It was
the first-ever arrest in Japan for a distributed
denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
⊲The
⊲
Chofu Parco department store in Western
Tokyo put on display Lego models of Mount Fuji
and 40 other World Heritage sites. More than
450,000 blocks were used to create the replicas.
Banana no kawa (バナナの皮) = banana peel
⊲It
⊲ was reported that the Emperor and Empress
will visit the island nation of Palau next year “to
console souls of war dead.”
⊲The
⊲
New York Times published an op-ed
slamming the Imperial Household Agency’s
newly compiled biography of Emperor Hirohito,
saying it “perpetuates the false but persistent
image… of a benign, passive figurehead.”
⊲It’s
⊲ taken two years, but staff at the National
Diet Library have managed to restore 116 volumes of historical documents that were damaged by the March 2011 tsunami.
HIGH ROLLERS
⊲The
⊲
value of the land in the Higashi-Azabu
neighborhood that houses the Russian embassy has been estimated at ¥2.33 million
per square meter.
⊲Officials
⊲
at the iconic Hotel Okura announced
plans to open properties in Manila and Bangkok.
⊲Yutaka
⊲
Kume, who led Nissan Motor during the
automaker’s heyday in the ’80s and ’90s, died
of stomach cancer in Yokohama. He was 93.
at a glance
BY RODGER SONOMURA
stats
1,167
Outlets of gyudon chain Sukiya
that will temporarily suspend 24-hour
operations due to staff shortages
¥100 MILLION Amount that Tokyobased tire manufacturer Bridgestone
Corp will donate to help West African
nations fight the Ebola epidemic
790,000
Pickup trucks recalled by
Toyota in North America due to “faulty
suspension parts [that] may lead to fires”
⊲For
⊲
the second straight year, the editors of
Times Higher Education named Tokyo University as the top school in Asia, and the 23rd
best in the world.
MILESTONES
⊲Officials
⊲
at Tokyo SkyTree say more than 100
million people have visited the tower since its
debut in May 2012.
⊲Hiroko
⊲
Ando, 64, a graduate of Chuo University law school, became just the third woman
to be appointed chief justice of a Japanese
high court. She’ll serve in Takamatsu.
⊲Japan’s
⊲
shortest railway tunnel—a 7.2-meter-long stretch of track on the JR Agatsuma
line in Gunma—has been taken out of service
to make way for the construction of a new dam.
THANKS, BUT NO THANKS
⊲US
⊲ Open runner-up Kei Nishikori—the first
Asian man to reach the finals of a grand slam
tennis tournament—turned down an honorary
award from his home prefecture of Shimane.
⊲By
⊲ way of explanation, Nishikori said, “I’m 24
years old and still a work in progress.”
⊲Officials
⊲
in the historic Higashi Chaya district
of Kanazawa have put up notices in Japanese
and English urging tourists not to eat while
walking.
⊲Bottom
⊲
Story of the Week: “Municipalities,
Firms Team Up to Make IT-Embedded Manhole
Covers” (via Mainichi Japan)
Small Print Updated Weekly
→ METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT
Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo
Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo
33
the last word
Stranger
Danger
Illustration by Christi Rochin
DANCING THE LINE BETWEEN
PARANOIA AND GOOD PARENTING
BY TANA PHILLIPS
‘STRANGER
DANGER’
NEVER
REALLY
TOOK ROOT
IN JAPAN.
AND THAT’S
A GOOD
THING.”
WANT
TO HAVE
THE LAST
WORD?
Send your article to:
editor@
metropolisjapan.com
She was the worst mom in America. Everyone said so: internet bloggers, TV
news shows, radio talk DJs... Her name is
Lenore Skenazy and she created a media
firestorm in the U.S. a few years ago with
one dangerous, unconscionable act: she
let her nine-year-old son ride the subway
by himself.
I wonder what those pundits and
mommy bloggers would think of the
trains in Tokyo. Here, it’s perfectly common for young children to use public
transportation, walk to school and
play in parks by themselves. Yet these
same acts in the United States aren’t
just frowned upon; they’re often considered criminal.
The stories abound. On a cool September day, a mother left her six-year-old
son in the backseat of her locked and
parked car while she spent less than five
minutes picking up one item from a store.
A concerned citizen called the police and
she spent the next two years fighting
charges of negligence and contributing
to the delinquency of a minor. Another
mother left her nine-year-old daughter
playing at a park around the corner while
she worked her shift at McDonald’s. The
park was only a couple of blocks from
their home, but a passerby called the
police, who duly showed up at her work
to take her into custody.
In Japan, my children play in the park
by themselves all the time. They walk or
ride their bikes to school by themselves.
They can go to their friends’s houses
without supervision, provided they come
home when the streetlights turn on.
It’s the kind of upbringing my husband
and I had—a kind of upbringing that has
all but disappeared in the U.S. No longer
is a parent permitted to make decisions
about his or her own child’s maturity level
and readiness for independence. Yet
any stranger is qualified to make a judgment about their parenting and involve
the police and child protective services
without a second glance.
It’s different in Japan because it’s so
much safer here. Right?
Japan is consistently ranked one of
the safest countries in the world. However, as Skenazy likes to point out, violent crime rates in the U.S. have been
declining steadily over the past several
decades. In fact, they’re at their lowest
levels since the early 1970s.
The problem is that facts don’t seem
to matter much. A prime example: As
Halloween arrives, American parents
will be meticulously checking their children’s candy for suspicious-looking
pieces. But most won’t be aware that
the joy and simplicity of the holiday
were permanently tainted by just one
incident back in 1974, when Ronald
Clark O’Bryan of Deer Park, Texas,
killed his son by inserting cyanidelaced Pixy Stix into his Halloween haul.
As a result of this targeted attack—
though disguised to look random, it
was for the insurance money; parents
now worry that every block of candygivers might hide some stranger out to
harm their kids.
The idea of “stranger danger” never
really took root in Japan. And that’s a good
thing, because the U.S.’ stranger danger
campaign has turned out to be one of the
most successful and harmful campaigns in
existence. The truth is that crimes against
children are most often perpetrated by
someone close to the child: a family friend,
a teacher, a family member—someone the
child knows and trusts.
Even though I know all of this—even
though I think of myself as a reasonable,
logical parent—I don’t allow my children the same freedoms in the U.S. that
they’re afforded here. Forget going to the
store by themselves; back home I start to
panic if they’re not in the same aisle as me
in the grocery store. And even if I don’t
panic myself, there’s still the concern of
being seen as a bad parent for treating
my children the same in one country as
in another.
Maybe by the time we leave Japan,
my parenting practices and confidence
will have matured to the point that I’ll
be able to trust my kids and my own
instincts. Maybe by then the U.S. will
have gotten a grip on its neuroses and
let parents make reasonable decisions
about what their children are old and
mature enough to handle. Or maybe by
then my children will just be so old I’ll no
longer have to worry about these things
in the first place.
■ Tana Phillips blogs about her (mis)
adventures in Japan—and her far more
harrowing adventures raising four kids—at
japanicked.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 ISSUE
CHE’NELLE
SAYS IT ALL
Photo by Ryan Bruss
34
SO YOU THINK YOU
TEACHING UNCERTAINTY:
KNOW YOUR NAKANO? COMING OUT IN JAPAN
We
welcome
all kinds
of parties.
Please
contact us.
Each
branch
has
different
hours.
www.dubliners.jp
HAPPY
HALLOWEEN
PARTY!
ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR
Oc
31stt
10月31日(金)はオールデイハッピーアワー
*Pint of Beer ¥850 * 1/2Pint of Beer ¥500*
Come in costume!
Shinjuku
2F Shinjuku Lion Hall
3-28-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
03-3352-6606 | sali3292@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g209300/
Ikebukuro
Shibuya
2F Dogenzaka Center Bldg.
2-29-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
03-5459-1736 |sali6581@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008214/
Akasaka
B1 Sun Gorou Bldg.
1-10-8 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
03-5951-3614 | sali2709@sapporo-lion.co.jp
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g029000/
B1 Sannou Park Tower
2-11-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
03-3539-3615 | sali2645@sapporo-lion.co.jp
r.gnavi.co.jp/g008233/
Closed: Sat., Sun., & Holidays
Shinagawa
Shinagawa Mitsubishi Bldg.
B1F Grand Passage
2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku
03-6718-2834 | sali6654@sapporo-lion.co
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g008220/
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FUTUROPOLIS
METROPOLIS
Presents
HALLOWEEN
GLITTERBALL
OCT 30, 7-11PM
LADIES: FREE
GENTLEMEN:
¥2,000 W/2 DRINKS
FEATURING
Set menu of selected drinks for ¥500.
TOKYO
DREAMGIRL
SUPPORTERS
FEMM
DAFTY
SPONSORS
meturl.com/halloween