Metropolis #1047 Apr 18-May 1, 2014

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At Akai clinic, we only use products and technologies approved by the FDA.

DR. HIDEMI AKAI is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an associate professor of the department of plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at Tokyo’s Showa University.

Dr. Akai trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital before amassing over twenty-five years of experience.

DR. KEIKO AKAI is also a board-certified plastic surgeon, and a dermatologist.

The Akai Medical Clinic offers a range of cosmetic-surgery procedures, laser treatments and skin care, using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques.

www.akaiclinic.com

We welcome email and phone inquiries.

Omotesando

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

1-min walk from Omotesando stn, A3 exit.

Tel: 03-5771-4114 Email: amc@akaiclinic.com Clinic hours: 11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun)

Yokohama

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

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

Tel: 045-620-5745 Email: amc-skincare@akaiclinic.com Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)

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#1047

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06 FEATURE

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03 THE SMALL PRINT 04 GLOBAL VILLAGE 05 UPFRONT 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 12 AGENDA 13 LISTINGS 18 MOVIES 21 DINING OUT 23 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS 29 HOROSCOPE & MEDIABOX 30 LAST WORD DESIGN: KOHJI SHIIKI, PHOTO: LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER TOKYO

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An artist painting sakura in Shinjuku Koen, by Leslie Rogers

The Small Print

By Steve Trautlein

THERE WERE A LOT OF STARS THAT YEAR, “ SO I WAS JUST NOTHING SPECIAL”

—Michio Oji, 94, recalling her debut with the Takarazuka Revue in 1939. The all-female theater troupe is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

“many discriminatory expressions.” ćć Yakult Honsha Co—best known for its sicklysweet yogurt-like drinks—will collaborate with JAXA to “study the effects of lactic acid bacteria on the human immune system” in outer space. ćć Government officials say they’ll offer ¥150 billion in loans and grants to the government of Ukraine to help the country “out of its economic quagmire.”

CHRISTI ROCHIN

WHAT’S THE JAPANESE FOR “CHUTZPAH”? ćć A Kagoshima man who bought a PC that had been previously owned by a labor union insisted that the union pay him ¥8 million to “buy back personal information stored in the computer.” ćć Tokyo police busted an illegal gambling ring being run out of a condo in Shibuya that also serves as the residence of the ambassador from Ghana. ćć Officials at the Don Quijote retail chain have sued the promotion agency that manages J-pop megagroup AKB48. ćć The lawsuit claims the management company screwed Don Quijote out of an exclusive licensing deal by letting a pachinko parlor use machines featuring likenesses of the group’s members.

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK ćć The MPD has unveiled an official YouTube channel that includes, among other videos, the theme song of its mascot, Pipo-kun. ćć Education officials in Osaka have ordered 13 primary and junior high schools to remove Barefoot Gen from their libraries, citing the manga’s

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Distance, in feet, of the home run given up by former Rakuten Golden Eagles pitcher Masahiro Tanaka to the first batter he faced as a member of the New York Yankees

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ćć Brazil’s fair trade commission is investigating Mitsui & Co and 17 other companies on suspicion of bid-rigging on railway projects. ćć Weather officials in the Hokkaido port city of Nemuro say 115 centimeters of snow fell there on March 20—the most ever for the first day of spring.

SKYBORNE SAYONARA ćć The last Boeing 747 operated by a Japanese airline took to the skies for the final time, on an ANA flight from Naha to Tokyo. ćć One of the passengers onboard was a woman who had flown on ANA’s inaugural 747 flight, way back in 1979. ćć On hand for t he takeof f in Ok inawa was Shigeyuki Ochi, who developed the video technology that allows passengers to keep track of the plane’s in-flight progress. Ochi’s efforts are credited with jump-starting Japan’s camcorder industry, which went on to dominate the world in the ’80s and ’90s. ćć During the peak period of the mid-’90s, a total of 120 of the jumbo jets were operated by domestic carriers.

SAY WHAT?!?

OFF THE RAILS ćć Although the maglev railway line under construction between Tokyo and Nagoya won’t be completed until 2027, authorities at JR Tokai are offering train enthusiasts the chance to take a ride on a 43km stretch of track in Yamanashi. ćć Officials at the National Police Agency say 5,152 people died in traffic accidents in Japan in 2013—the lowest figure on record.

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ćć Researchers at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development say Japanese students are third-best in the world at “creative problem solving.” ćć As part of a proposed free-trade deal between Japan and the EU, officials in Tokyo have vowed to remove all tariffs on imported wine. ćć The Lawson conbini chain put on sale an “ideal pastry” dreamed up by sixth-graders at an elementary school in Aichi. ćć Bottom Story of the Week: “Oriental White Stork Flies to South Korea” (via The Yomiuri Shimbun)

21,089

Number of stalking and domestic violence cases recorded in Japan last year—the first time the number has topped 20,000, according to the National Police Agency

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3,260

Number of people who applied for refugee status in Japan in 2013, a record high, according to the justice ministry

COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY AP, JAPAN TODAY, THE JAPAN TIMES, JIJI, THE TOKYO REPORTER, THE MAINICHI, THE JAPAN NEWS, AFP, REUTERS AND KYODO

#1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 03

Global Village

THE ELECTRIC COMPANY

YIS students want to power Shibuya station—one step at a time

By Nils Burkhard, Mohima Kundu, Saimon Waninge, India Whatley & Bernard Yoshinami-Hitachi (grade 10 students, Yokohama International School)

COURTESY OF YOKOHAMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Pavegen tile layout

Teacher Benjamin McKeown (left) and his grade 10 Individuals and Societies class

W

hat if our footsteps could create energy?

And what if this energy could go, in some small way, toward powering a train station?

What if the energy saved could go toward running something else, and little by little Tokyo could become greener?

We think piezoelectric tiles are the future.

We are students from Yokohama International School (YIS) in the grade 10 Individuals and Societies class. This project started when our teacher asked us to find a way to create renewable energy in Japan.

We began by looking at different types of renewable energy. Many students wanted to focus on wind and geothermal power. However, we wanted to move away from typical “green” sources and find a unique way of producing energy. We discovered piezoelectric energy floor tiles from Pavegen Systems Ltd., a company in London. These tiles harvest energy directly from footsteps.

Pavegen has had a wide range of success working with public projects. Its tiles were installed at the London 2012 Summer Olympics to power LED lights using the energy created from the footsteps of visitors to the Games. As Tokyo has such a large population—and plenty of foot traffic— we believe these tiles present a great opportunity.

Most large-scale renewable energy projects are funded and managed by governments or large corporations, and are essentially out of sight and out of mind for the general public. With the piezoelectricity tiles, average consumers can create energy by themselves.

When a tile is stepped on, it quickly turns a small cog that reverses as the foot is lifted and the tile returns to its original height. As these cogs move, they generate a small electrical charge, which can then be stored in a battery. While each individual tile does not create that much electricity (presently 7 Watts per footstep at most), together, several tiles can power many things.

This simple idea for hands-on power generation

04 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

LIGHTING

Terminal 5

WAYFINDING SIGNAGE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION PHONE CHARGING

Pavegen tile doesn’t just provide renewable energy, it also reminds us that we can make the change ourselves.

Our team contacted Shun Shindo, the distributor of Pavegen Systems in Japan and a representative of Asaboh Corporation. After listening to our queries and discussing the project with us at YIS, Mr. Shindo and our team began to look at areas in the Tokyo/Yokohama area where we could install the tiles.

They need to be placed in an area with large numbers of people coming through each day. One idea was to place them in popular supermarkets such as National Azabu in Hiroo and Union in Motomachi. After looking at the supermarkets, however, we

realized that we wanted a place with an even greater amount of daily traffic to create even more energy. In a moment of true ingenuity, one classmate suggested Shinjuku station. From the corner of the room came another idea—this time it was Tokyo station. Then another—Yokohama station. The list went on and on.

After looking at specific stations in the Kanto area, we decided that Shibuya station would be the ideal site.

Shibuya station is huge, with dozens of ticket gates and hundreds of thousands of commuters each day.

Our idea is to insert three tiles in the middle of the ticket gates. While JR East, Tokyo Metro and private railway lines all use the station, we chose to focus on the JR East part of the station—which has 55 ticket gates in that area alone—and we are in the process of contacting JR to pitch our idea.

Installing piezoelectric tiles in Shibuya station would raise awareness of renewable energy in Japan, and create a learning opportunity. It will not only contribute to powering the station in an eco-friendly way, but also remind people every day of how they can help save Mother Earth, one footstep at a time.

Follow the Yokohama International School Pavegen project on Twitter (@ShibsPavProj) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/yispavegenproject).

Upfront

A ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING Dear AMA, I’m an ALT who works in a public elementary school. I think there’s a student in one of the classes who is getting abused at home. He comes to school with a black eye, a swollen lip or bruises on his arms. I asked him a couple times what happened and he just says “...my dad.” I have brought this to the Japanese teachers, but they don’t do anything about it! They told me that what happens at home is none of our business. That’s really hard for me to understand! I don’t get it, it’s so frustrating! What can a “foreigner” like me do to help this kid??—Savior or Nosey Parker Dear Savior, We passed your query on to TELL and here’s what they had to say:

bilingual manga

ALL AGES Jungle Emperor Leo (Leo Edition) by Osamu Tezuka ¥864 http://meturl.com/leomanga14 Kobo the Li’l Rascal by Masashi Ueda ¥950 http://meturl.com/lilrascal14 Mighty Atom (Best Selection) by Osamu Tezuka ¥864 http://meturl.com/osamanga Nodame Cantabile by Tomoko Ninomiya ¥1,296 http://meturl.com/nodame14

YOUNG ADULT-ADULT

赤ちゃん (akachan) = baby, infant (literally, “red-chan”) grow up 親子 (oyako) = parent and child 親子丼 (oyakodon) = chicken and egg on rice (literally, “parent and child on rice”)

If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything,” send your questions to askanything@metropolis.co.jp and we’ll find the most appropriate people to answer your queries.

While studies show that constantly checking the time actually increases stress, Smart Canvas’ range of Moomin watches aims to inject a flash of cuteness into your moments of anxiety. Popular characters Moomintroll, Snufkin and Little My appear on both the wristband and an updated version of the old-school 1990s display. But the graphics change daily, or several times a day depending on the mode you choose, and holidays such as New Year’s and Christmas have their own special images.

With four display modes to choose from, the watches can just as easily adapt to lovers of digital 24-hour time as to analog clock-face types. ¥19,440. Buy online at http://smartcanvas.jp. —Lisa Wallin

q-pot candy suite

Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama ¥1,080 http://meturl.com/titan14 Division Chief Kosaku Shima by Kenshi Hirokame ¥1,296 http://meturl.com/divchief14 The Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow ¥1,998 http://meturl.com/ghostin14 The Tale of Genji by Waki Yamato ¥1,296 http://meturl.com/genji14

育休 (ikukyuu) = maternity leave, childcare leave 育児 (ikuji) = childcare, nursing, upbringing 育つ (sodatsu) = to be raised, brought up,

P rote c t ion P rog ra m i n wh ic h specialists are able to speak with parents, schools, the child or the concerned person in English or Japanese about the abuse and the steps that can be taken. TCS can be reached at 03-4550-1146 (English) and 03-4550-1147 (Japanese).

If you need more information about a Child Guidance Center in your area you can call the TELL Lifeline and speak with a phone counselor who can help you find that information. While you are making your desicion about what to do, remember that our phone counselors are here seven days a week to listen to all your concerns, frustrations and worries without judgment.

• 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.

• Metropolis would also like to notify you of Childline, a counseling service kids can call themselves in Japanese at 0120-99-7777. www.childline.or.jp

smart canvas × moomin

Good for kids and adults alike, here’s a selection of bilingual manga you may not even have known existed. Double the fun in one volume!

Unless otherwise stated, prices listed are for the first volume of each series.

kanji korner

PHOTO: 123RF STOCK PHOTO/ ZURIJETA

A M

Suspecting that a child may be experiencing abuse at home can leave one feeling worried and stressed. The feeling of helplessness you are experiencing is understandable considering your co-workers appear to either not want to or are unsure of how to handle this situation. Your stress may be compounded by the fact that as a non-Japanese person here, the laws and available resources for this student might be unknown or inaccessible to you because of the language barrier.

It might help you to know that there is a child protection system in Japan that you can contact with your concerns. The quick version of how it works is that anyone (even the child himself) is able to report suspicions of child abuse—anonymously if they wish. The child must be under the age of 18. Key information includes the name, age and gender of the child, and the address where he or she lives; dates of abuse; other siblings living in the home; and photos if necessary. Reporting may be done via the national Child Guidance Hotline (0570-064-000), or by fax, letter or a direct visit to a Child Guidance Center or welfare office. Presently the reporting can only be done in Japanese.

TELL Counseling Service (TCS) has a Children

幼稚園 (yochien) = kindergarten, preschool 保母 (hobo) = day-care worker in a kindergarten or nursery school 園児 (enji) = kindergartener

Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel is collaborating w it h Q -pot ’s fa me d acce ssor y de sig ner Tadaaki Wakamatsu to create the ultimate “sweet room.” From chocolate bar wallpaper to strawberry pillows, cookie tables and chocolate-dripping TVs, the entire suite is like an industrial-scale explosion of Wakamatsu’s confectionary-obsessed accessories. A stay in this luxury twin room can seem a bit pricey (¥98,100 per night, more before and on weekends and holidays), but it’s sure to tempt Tokyo’s high-end Hansels and Gretels—at least until they realize none of it is edible. The drink bar is even fashioned like a miniature version of Omotesando’s Q-pot Cafe, but without the two-hour wait to get in. —LW #1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 05

PLAY DATES PLAY DATES Family Focus

Tokyo’s kid parks turn up the fun

By Anna Cock Gibson

M

Family Special

ickey and Minnie may reign supreme in Tokyo’s crowded amusement park market, but Kitty-chan is throwing her weight around at Puroland and Thomas the Tank Engine is puffing away in his own toddler-centric digs.

From role-playing to Lego construction, a plethora of dedicated spots for kiddie fun await discovery across the urban sprawl of the metropolis—and not all of them will break the budget or demand a full-day excursion.

Even the comparatively peaceful activity of onsen has been “themed” at Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari in Odaiba, where visitors can enjoy a vast selection of segregated indoor and outdoor baths, or perhaps a foot tub where fish nibble on bathers’ toes. Nearest stn: Telecom Center. www.ooedoonsen.jp/daiba/english Odaiba is also home to the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo, one of the best-value half-day trips to be made (if you book ahead). It’s not all about block construction—although there is a master-class for that—with the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride allowing little ones to rescue a princess by zapping skeletons, trolls and spiders with a laser gun. Infants up to the age of 5 are catered for with a Duplo Village, and there’s a very pink Lego friends zone that includes Andrea’s Karaoke Stage (Japanese songs only). There's also a private hosted party room available (20 kids max.) for those celebrating birthdays. Nearest stn: Odaiba-Kaihin Koen. www.legolanddiscoverycenter.jp If Hello Kitty fever has hit—as it usually does at some point in households containing little girls—make a day of it at Puroland, Tama Center. Since its revamp last summer, foreign visitors will appreciate screened English subtitles at the live shows and an English guide map including descriptions of key attractions. Amusements include a character boat ride, a Twinkling Tour of Kiki & Lala’s cloud home, an inflatable Bouncy Land and a My Melody car ride. Entirely indoors, Puroland is a good rainy day option, and if possible book ahead for a small discount on ticket prices­—and to save waiting in

Shibuya Crossing at Legoland Disovery Center Tokyo

Thomas the Train in kid-friendly 3D at Thomas Land

a long entrance line. Nearest stn: Tama Center. www. puroland.jp A little further out of town at Fuji-Q Highland, Thomas the Tank Engine fans have their own mecca in Thomas Land. With seven rides, a 3D theater, an English-style hedge maze and a giant Thomas statue it’s a satisfying experience. Rock ‘n’ Roll Duncan is a mini roller coaster, and youngsters can self-drive Thomas, Bertie or Percy, or take a helicopter flight (of sorts) with Happy Harold. Fuji-Q also hosts a Gaspard-and-Lisa-themed area, as well as a full-tilt amusement park that caters to older children and adults. The 172kph Dodonpa rollercoaster, restricted to ages 10 and older, is billed as “so fast you can’t even breathe.” Nearest stn: Fujikyu Highland. www.fujiq.jp/en/ There's another roller coaster to be enjoyed at the

centrally located Tokyo Dome City, a complex that also boasts—among some more sedate amusements—a hubless Ferris wheel, a roller skating arena and an indoor playground, ASOBono!, which is popular among the preschool set. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. www.tokyodome.co.jp Kid-O-Kid, with several branches in suburban Tokyo, is an easy outing for babies and young children, and while the facilities vary slightly by location, they generally include an inflatable airtrack for bouncing, a ball pit, magnet board, inflatable wheels big enough for kids to jump inside, a play supermarket and padded baby area. Locations in Hachioji, Nishiarai, Minamisunamachi, Musashimurayama, Funabashi, Matsudo, Kawasaki, Minato Mirai, Tama, Tsujido & Yomiuiriland. www.bornelund.co.jp/kidokid

CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Setagaya

WEBSITE SPECIAL OFFERS ▶▶ Contact us for a free trial lesson and come and join the fun! ▶▶ Bring this copy of Metropolis to receive 50% off enrolment

C

ambridge International School is committed to educating young children to meet life as a whole. Its philosophy has students learning about the totality, the wholeness of life, with an ongoing inquiry into the way we live our daily lives—as well as a pursuit of academic excellence. All aspects of the curriculum are designed to foster critical reasoning and discussion. The framework used in the classroom emphasises communicational activity as children engage in various tasks. Discussion of the tasks means students come to understand the associated discourse and its underlying rationale. With small classes, close interaction with the teacher provides a means to establish not only a mastery of the principles but also gives rise to a critical awareness of those activities leading to an intelligence born of observation and self-knowing. This self-knowledge is education in the true sense: helping individuals to be mature, free and to flower greatly in love and goodness.

06 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

1-8-8 Sakura Shinmachi, Setagaya-ku 03-6413-6450 info@cis-japan.co.jp Sakurashinmachi www.cis-japan.co.jp

Young medics in training at Kandu

Family Special

For children who enjoy role-play, mark Wednesdays down in the diary, as Kidzania at Lalaport Toyosu has expanded its English program from monthly to once a week. On “English Wednesdays” more than half of the 80 jobs/activities on offer will be conducted in the language. Participants aged 3-15 take on a variety of vocations—pilot, beautician, illustrator or firefighter, just to name a few—and earn “Kidzo” currency for their work. Nearest stn: Toyosu. www.kidzania.jp A similar amusement, Kandu, has just opened in Makuhari as part of the giant new Aeon Mall, although English is not yet supported. Nearest stn: Kaihinmakuhari (then bus). www.kandu.co.jp As summer approaches, consider planning a trip to Summerland, despite the notorious YouTube video of its packed-to-the-rafters indoor wave pool. The pool is part of the complex’s Adventure Dome, a huge, glassedin area that’s open outside of the summer months. Come July, Summerland opens its Outdoor Water Adventure attraction that includes a relaxing 650m river-style float.

There’s also a host of water slides, an aquatic playground, climbing challenges and several pools including shallow, toddler-friendly options. Nearest stn: Akigawa (then bus/taxi). www.summerland.co.jp Toshimaen in Nerima is best known for its 25 water slides, but it also has six separate pools to enjoy. Nearest stn: Toshimaen. www.toshimaen.co.jp A few final tips that apply to most attractions around Tokyo: book ahead if possible, get there early (before opening) and try to choose a day outside of Japanese school holidays. Waiting in line and being swamped by crowds can take the fun out of a much-anticipated family adventure, particularly with young children in tow.

KID FIT

Gyms let toddlers pump some iron

By Anna Cock Gibson

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okyo babies can jump on the path to lifelong health and fitness from just 6 weeks old with a host of programs offered citywide.

A good starting point for parents seeking an active lifestyle for their youngsters is children’s fitness center My Gym, which has six locations across the metropolis and offers nine age-determined class levels. Its Little Bundles class, catering to infants from 6 weeks to 6 months old, uses a combination of song, dance, rides, swings and early gymnastics to engage the little ones. Up to age 3, all My Gym classes require parent participation.

My Gym’s older charges are enrolled in Cardio Kids classes for ages 8 to 13. These involve circuit training, relays and exercises to enhance strength and flexibility. Program fees are rather hefty, but they also include members-only access to free-play My Gym sessions known as Jungle Time. Branches in Futakotamagawa, Hiroo, Kichijoji, Yokohama, Minato Mirai & Tsujido. www.mygym.jp Elsewhere in the urban jungle, Motoazabu’s holistic Club 360 offers three types of junior classes with karate, Kid Fit and boxing. Club manager Sam

HARBOR CIRCUIT Chiba

Gilbert—or “Sensei Sam” as he’s known by his following of young martial artists—is a third-dan black belt in the shinkyokushin style of karate and teaches three kids’ classes a week. One class is just for 3- and 4-yearolds, and Gilbert says that in his approach, “There’s a lot of games, but I make sure to include the traditions and get them familiar with basic techniques.” A separate class also exists for older children, while Kid Fit, for ages 5 to 10, is a combination of agility games, structured exercise and timed challenges.Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.club360.jp Also worth considering—but best suited to Japanese speakers—is local fitness giant Tipness, which has a dedicated Tipness Kids program at dozens of its branches across town that includes swimming, gymnastics, dance, karate, wrestling, aikido, tennis, squash and golf.

At the Tipness Kids branch at Sendagaya’s Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, babies can hop in the pool from just 4 months old and gymnastics begins at age 3. Dance offerings include hula and ballet, with a minimum age of 4. Branches across Tokyo. www.kids.tipness.co.jp Another port of call should be your local ward office, though information in English may be limited.

WEBSITE SPECIAL OFFERS ▶▶ No admission fee ▶▶ ¥500 off for children under 11 years old, students with ID, and those over 60 with ID PRICES

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ake the clan for some thrills and excitement this spring at Harbor Circuit in Chiba, where you can all pile into go-karts and race away your pent-up family feuds. No driver’s license is required and full safety guidelines are explained before each heat, so beginners have no need to be nervous. Four or more people can choose a “Group Race” and burn some rubber competing against friends. There is also the simpler “Mini GP” option and even a final 35-lap race—with five different plans to choose from. To hone their skills, drivers can also prove themselves against a real-time ranking system. No matter how crowded it gets, you’re all guaranteed four rides. After the race, everybody can relax around the circuit with snacks and still be part of the exciting race-day atmosphere. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be screeching back for more!

▶▶ Admission: ¥500 ▶▶ 1 ticket (7 min): ¥2,100, 3 tickets: ¥5,200, 5 tickets: ¥7,800, 8 tickets: ¥10,500 ▶▶ Group race package (over 12 years old, over 4 people): Mini Grand Prix ¥4,700 per person, Sprint Grand Prix ¥6,000 per person 2F Harbor Circuit, Chiba Sports Plaza, 13-26 Dezuminato, Chuo-ku, Chiba 043-441-3243 mail@harbor-circuit.com Mon-Fri 2-11:30pm, Sat & hols 10am-11:30pm, Sun 10am-9:30pm Chiba or Chiba-minato www.harbor-circuit.com

#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 07

Family Focus

LABOR OF LOVE Expecting a stress-free pregnancy in Japan

By Helen Langford-Matsui

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Family Special

hey say pregnant women glow, but I sometimes wonder if the glow isn’t just the stress radiating from them—stress compounded, for the expat mom, by being pregnant in an adopted country. But Japan is a good place to bring a child into the world. It has low rates of maternal, perinatal and infant mortality, and a lot of this is thanks to fantastic prenatal care. Sure, some things are done differently than “back home,” but the end result is the same: a swaddled little alien with your eyes and your husband’s nose. Knowing a few things going into the pregnancy game, though, will make those nine months (or, as they say in Japan, ten) a little easier.

First off, things to do before you get pregnant.

Booster shots—this will save you no end of grief should an outbreak occur. Also have a good long think about what’s important to you in a health care provider: that they’re English-speaking, allow rooming-in, discourage formula, etc. A list will help guide you somewhere well matched, and this will make a huge difference to your overall experience—you’ll be seeing these people every two weeks, after all.

Once you have a doctor’s confirmation that you’re pregnant, you’ll need to visit your ward office to register, because—guess what?—pregnancy isn’t covered

by Japanese national health insurance. Ward offices provide coupons so you can recoup at least some of your expenses. You’ll also get your boshi techo, a little notebook that will be your health record during your pregnancy, as well as your child’s health record for his or her entire childhood. Depending on the area, this book is available in several languages, though you might have to fight to get it in your language, order it, or even pay for it yourself. You’ll also get booklets on pregnancy health and the pregnancy keychain, which

supposedly gets you preferential treatment on trains and buses—don’t count on it.

When it comes to birthing choices, while lying on your back is still most common, there are options ranging from water birth to squatting to midwives, doulas, and more. Join foreign mothers’ and pregnancy groups and ask members for recommendations and advice.

You’ll get near-immediate feedback. Foreign moms in Japan are amazingly supportive; in fact, they provided me with advice for this article, the most important piece being “be your own advocate.” If doctors or nurses hassle you about weight gain, hem and haw over tests and vaccines that you want, push sugar water or formula on your newborn, etc.—don’t sit back and take it. Be polite but firm. With any luck, though, through your early research, you’ll have found a place where advocating for yourself won’t be necessary.

A few differences between Japan and the West to keep in mind: epidurals are the exception, not the rule; VBACs and natural births for multiple pregnancies are not common; and if you’ve had three caesarean sections already, you might very well be out of luck if you get pregnant again, with hospitals refusing to admit you. Post-birth, there’s a tendency to give newborns sugar water and formula to keep their weight up—chalk that one up to strong relationships with formula companies.

Not to be forgotten, the positive differences: terrific

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care should hospital bed rest be required; copious amounts of ultrasound photos; longer hospital stays after giving birth; and last but not least, your hospital omedetou (congratulations) meal. Whether a piece of cake or a fancy sit-down meal, at some point you’ll be feted for your efforts. Some hospitals even provide spa services. Actually, you might want to add that to your list of requirements when health care provider hunting…

Important vocabulary • Ninshin (ninpu) = pregnant (woman) • Sanfujinka = obstetrics and gynecology • Tsuwari = morning sickness • Shukketsu = bleeding • Jintsu = labor pains • Juncho = doing well More vocab pregnancy resources can be found at the Tokyo Pregnancy Group: http://tokyopregnancygroup.blogspot.jp/ Sanity savers and support: • Tokyo Mothers Group www.tokyomothersgroup.com/ • K-A International Mothers in Japan http://kajapan.org/

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t’s that time of year—spring. And with it comes tax season. Do you struggle with double taxation, your foreign tax credit or foreign-earned income exclusions? Do you need help filing FBAR and Form 8938 to properly disclose your foreign financial accounts and assets including pensions, annuities, severance pay and insurance with cash surrender value as well as defined benefits or contribution plans? Did you give or receive any international gifts this year? Sekiyama U.S. Tax Consulting LLC can help you maximize your U.S. tax savings and put you in compliance with all the rules and regulations. At Sekiyama, a U.S. CPA with more than 15 years experience at Big Four accounting firms provides individual tax return preparation and consulting services in both English and Japanese. Expats to or from from U.S., its citizens, green card holders, investors in American real estate and stocks, as well as exchange students are all welcome.

08 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

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BOUNCING OFF THE SHOJI

Make the most of tight play spaces

By Jo Ebisujima

A

tiny apartment with paper-thin walls is hardly ideal when you have a toddler about.

Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your space without breaking the piggy bank.

ROTATE TOYS AND BOOKS Have a limited area for toys and books that are accessible all the time, but put some of your stock away in the cupboard and switch the easy-access items around every few days. If children have too many things to choose from they tend to jump quickly from one thing to another; with limited toys they spend a longer time doing one activity. They also get excited when they see something “new” on the shelf that they haven’t played with for a while. If they have specific favorite toys, leave those out but rotate the others. It’s also a fun way to bring in seasonal or holiday-related toys to match the time of year. Finally, it means you can see which toys interest your child and which don’t; those that never get played with can be donated or thrown out.

YOGA Sometimes you can’t get outside to get the wiggles out.

Yoga is a great activity for little ones and parents alike.

The book My Daddy Is a Pretzel by Baron Baptiste is a fun way to introduce yoga to kids. You don’t have to wait for a rainy day; you can make it a daily ritual.

MAKE USE OF THE BATHROOM

Family Special

Children are fascinated with water, and Japanese bathrooms are perfect for water play—just close the door and splash away! Use things from the kitchen to play with: plastic bowls, jugs, spoons and whisks. To spice it up try adding bubbles or food color. When it’s hot, add some ice cubes or freeze several objects in a Tupperware container and let your child dig them out (also fun on the balcony or outside). Of course, it goes without saying kids shouldn’t be left unattended when playing with water.

YOYO MARKET

WHAT’S UP DOC?

Medical help in your lingo

By Anna Cock Gibson

F

inding a doctor in Tokyo who speaks your language isn’t as challenging as you might think. Thanks to an effort by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, a website and telephone hotline can help you find any English-speaking (or Chinese-, Korean-, Thai- or Spanish-speaking) medic around town.

An online search of the TMG’s medical information page yields an incredible 60 results for English-speaking doctors in pediatrics in Shibuya ward alone. You can narrow your search by medical specialty, location and language—and the results will also tell you how much English is spoken: fluent, daily conversation or a little.

The website also includes two telephone helplines—one for information and another for emergency translation services “for foreign patients visiting a hospital if their treatment is not going to be carried out smoothly because of language difficulty.”

For foreign families with children, figuring out what to do in an emergency is often a big concern. It helps to have an established relationship with a doctor or medical centre that offers an after-hours telephone service, such as the Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinic opposite Tokyo Tower or the National Medical Clinic in Minami Azabu.

The only hospital in Tokyo with a 24-hour dedicated pediatric emergency care unit is the National Children’s Hospital in Setagaya-ku.

ATTACK THE RECYCLE BIN You’re going to be throwing these things out anyway, so why not have some fun with them first? Have a box or drawer with basic crafting supplies like scissors, glue, tape, pipe cleaners, etc. There are hundreds of craft and activity ideas out on the web. The Pinterest website is a great place to start: try searching for “PET bottle crafts” or “tissue box crafts” and see what unique ideas come up.

REMEMBER TO CULL A small place (or even a large one) can easily get

Chiba

Emergency pediatric medical care—with the possibility of an English-speaking doctor—can also be accessed at St. Luke’s International Hospital near Tsukiji and at Hiroo’s Japanese Red Cross Medical Centre. Foreigner-friendly St. Luke’s has a free translation service for patients who speak English, Russian and Tagalog.

• Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information. Tel: 03-5285-8181, daily 9am-8pm. Emergency Translation Services. Tel: 03-5285-8185, weekdays 5-8pm, weekends & hols 9am-8pm. www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp • Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinic 32 Shiba Koen Bldg, 3-4-30 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku.

Tel: 03-3436-3028. Nearest stn: Kamiyacho or Akabanebashi. www.tmsc.jp • National Medical Clinic #202, 5-16-11 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3473-2057. Nearest stn: Hiroo. www.nmclinic.net • National Children’s Hospital 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 03-3416-0181.

Nearest stn: Seijo-gakuen-mae. www.ncchd.go.jp • St. Luke’s International Hospital 9-1 Akashicho, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3541-5151.

Nearest stn: Tsukiji. www.luke.or.jp • Japanese Red Cross Medical Centre 4-1-22 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3400-1311.

Nearest stn: Ebisu. www.med.jrc.or.jp

cluttered when you don’t do a regular cull. Concentrate on one area at a time (toys, books, clothes, etc.) and get rid of anything that is no longer used or has been damaged, broken or outgrown. By getting rid of what you don’t need, it will make your home feel bigger and less like a toy jungle.

For more ideas on things to do with your kids, check out Jo Ebisujima’s book, Montessori Inspired Activities for Pre-Schoolers, available on Amazon (¥1,400) or visit her Pinterest page for craft ideas: www.pinterest.com/jojoebi/

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#1045 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 09

Arts & Entertainment ALL THE BEST IN ARTS & CULTURE ACROSS THE METROPOLIS music

YO LA TENGO

US indie warhorse on musical economy and playing Japan

By Jason Kuttner

Y

o La Tengo (Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley, James McNew) from Hoboken, New Jersey have been playing together since 1984. Last year saw the release of their 13th studio album—the excellent Fade—which draws from the numerous stylistic forays of their 30-year history. Yo La Tengo plays legendary concerts and are known for tossing out unexpected cover songs from their vast and diverse repertoire. Metropolis had the pleasure of an easygoing chat with easygoing bassist James McNew, who has “only” been with the band since 1992.

When was the last time you played in Japan? We played at the Fuji Rock Festival last summer and we also played

art

ROPPONGI ART NIGHT

A trite night on the tiles

By C.B. Liddell

T

here aren’t many cities in the world where you could hold an event like Roppongi Art Night (RAN), a multifarious art-themed festival spread over the best part of the April 19-20 weekend and centered on Roppongi’s comparatively new art nexus.

London’s best equivalent is probably the Notting Hill Carnival, an event notorious for high crime and heavy policing, where it’s actually impossible to get into a true Caribbean vibe because of the barely-concealed tensions. This being Tokyo, however, you can get out of your head on art or something stronger and rest assured that the night around you will remain largely benign.

But the easy tolerance that makes Tok yo such an ideal venue for a freewheeling urban

10 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

festival also means that the actual art selected can sometimes be a bit trite and not particularly challenging—the artistic equivalent of gently toasting marshmallows around a campfire while someone breaks out the acoustic guitar.

This year’s line-up seems to point in this direction with the “One Body” project of Yoshinari Nishio, which sees the artist creating giant patchworks from used clothing donated by members of the public to create something called People’s House, driving home the message that “we’re all one!” Wow! Who knew?

In connection with this year’s soccer World Cup in Brazil, a friendly soccer tournament for participants of all ages will take place, using handmade balls, goals and uniforms, while a giant flag incorporating elements from the national banners of all the competitors will be run up to remind us that we’re... ahem... “all winners.”

Part of this attitude stems from the fact that Japan is trying to get itself into the all-embracing mindset needed to host the Olympics in a few years, so expect plenty more of this kind of “one world” art in the years ahead.

Last year’s RAN attracted 830,000 people— although it’s a moot question how many of them were coming for the clubbing—so expect a big event with plenty of crowds. In fact, because of the crowds and the occasion, a lot of the art has a tendency to assume the aesthetics normally associated with more traditional Japanese festivals.

Last year, Katsuhiko Hibino’s “Project Lighthouse” (again a tad heav y w it h t he upbeat symbolism) helped create a very matsuri-looking festival. This year expect more of the same, and just like a normal matsuri, there is an added emphasis this year on movement.

The “Roppongi Parade” starting at Roppongi

a show in Sapporo which was really, really fun. Yeah, it was a great trip. It’s always a great trip, so we’re really happy that we’re coming back.

Do you have regular things you enjoy doing when you are in Japan? Oh yeah, absolutely. Mostly it’s to see our friends. We don't really get to see them very often. Other than touring, we really don't get much of an opportunity to see them at all. It’s really emotional, very exciting for us to come.

Do you have any Japanese bands that you like to see or play with? Yeah, lots. We’re huge fans of Japanese music. Singer-composer Yamantaka Eye from the Boredoms—he remixed a song from our most recent album. Shintaro Sakamoto-san (formerly Yura Yura Teikoku) has a new album coming out very soon that I’m very excited about.

Do you play any Japanese cover songs? We did cover “I am Just a Mops,” by the ’60s psychedelic band The Mops. That's the only one so far.

Are you still teased about being the new guy in the band? I’m at peace with it. 23 years later, there’s really nothing you can do about it! I’ve learned to live with it.

How does Yo La Tengo keep it fresh and inspired after all of these years playing together? I think we don’t

think about it, that’s the key. We don’t really worry so much. We enjoy playing together. We enjoy each other’s company, which counts for a lot. There were times in the 1960s when bands had to put out, like, three albums per year; and thank god we don’t have to do that. Our relationship with Matador Records has been extremely healthy for us in allowing us to work at our own speed and to really only start making new music when we feel it’s time for us to start—and that goes a long way. To be that fortunate, to have that kind of arrangement, it’s a godsend, very lucky for us.

Despite that—only putting an album out every few years—you have a vast catalog. There’s no pressure!

Take your time. It’s a lot to ask. I know! I never take that personally.

What can people expect from your upcoming shows in Tokyo? We have very strong connections to our old songs and we’re able to make decisions at show time about the songs we would like to play that night. Every night is always different and the song list is always changing, so I don't know.

What’s your philosophy for bass playing? Personally, I’m a firm believer in less is more. Just in general, but especially when it comes to being economical with

bass playing. Some of my favorite bass players are guys who can play a lot of notes and I think that’s awesome the way they do it... I’m more into hypnosis, I think, and meditation and trance rather than showing off.

So many musicians love to fill up all of the space with sound. Space is a privilege. No one should know that more than the people who live in Japan.

I was very influenced by a bass player named Sue Garner from NYC. She played in a band called Fish and Roses and I think she is the best bass player I’ve ever seen in my life. I would try to imitate her and it would come out all wrong, but I think that’s good. I think that’s how you start developing your own style—when your imitations are unsatisfactory.

Besides music, what else do you like to do? I’m an artist I guess you could say. I draw and paint a lot. I’m a pretty good cook. I’m a very good driver. I’m not sure what else.

I think part of why your band is so well loved, is that your recordings and live performances feel so genuine and without pretension. Thanks man, that’s really sweet!

That makes me feel great. Thank you.

Ex Theater Roppongi, May 9 and Liquidroom, May 11. See concert listings for details.

PHOTO BY MIKE KANERT

stage

YOUTH THEATER

By the kids, for the kids

By Mike Kanert

By adults for kids or by kids for everyone—here are some of the groups doing theater with the metropolis’ young people in mind.

TIP Youth

The British School

The TIP Youth program is divided into two groups: one for 8- to 12-year-olds and one for 13- to 17-year-olds.

Workshops and rehearsals run from October to April, culminating in two full-theater productions. This year’s shows are Captain Louie Jr. (younger group) and Once On This Island (older group). Apr 24-27 at Theatre Bonbon, Nakano. For reservations, mail tipyreservations@ gmail.com. All tickets ¥2,000. www.tokykoplayers.org

The British School presents an original musical production at the end of March each year, performed at the Yoyogi National Youth Centre Building. For information and reservations, e-mail comms@bst.ac.jp (payment must be mailed in advance). Tickets ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,000 for concessions. www.bst.ac.jp

Professionals from the Yokohama Theatre Ensemble work with kids aged 8-16 to create their own play from scratch. Fifteen sessions starting in May, with a final performance Aug 17 at World Peace Theatre, Kawasaki. http://ytg.jp/

The American School in Japan (ASIJ) has two impressive student productions each year. The junior high school show runs in November, while the high school show is in April. This year’s high school show is Legally Blonde, which runs Apr 18-19 & 25-26. The school doesn’t really advertise, so you need to know someone involved to get a ticket!

Tokyo Theatre for Children

Saint Maur International School

Tokyo Theatre for Children (TTFC) offers shows targeted at children of all ages. This year’s production is Dick Whittington, an original pantomime adapted from the classic British children’s tale. Nov 28-30 at Theatre Bonbon, Nakano. http://tokyotheatreforchildren. wordpress.com

Saint Maur International school has an annual middle school show in March (free) and a high school production in November (¥2,000 for adults, ¥500 for students).

E-mail ngregoriades@stmaur.ac.jp for information. www.stmaur.ac.jp

YTG Kids’ Ensemble Crossing, going past Tokyo Midtown, then down Stars and Stripes Street to The National Art Center, will be directed by dancer Kim Ito and feature around 140 dancers giving ojigi (bowing) performances, with spectators expected to join in and bang heads with the best of them.

As part of this emphasis on moving one’s body, Singapore performance artist Lee Wen will be doing one of his usually baffling kinetic performances, while Kyary Pamyu Pamyu producer Yasutaka Nakata will offer something a little more mainstream.

Although the program may not sound particularly exciting, the element of chaos intrinsic to such large events should hopefully stir things above “boring” but below “dangerous.”

Roppongi Art Night starts 10am Sat, Apr 19 and runs until 6pm Sun, Apr 20. See other events listings (Roppongi) for details.

ASIJ

Drama Collaboration St. Mary’s International School, Seisen International School and the International School of the Sacred Heart collaborate to produce a show every April at St. Mary’s in Futakotamagawa. Get tickets from students or at the door, ¥1,000 for adults. (This year’s show was Apr 11-12.)

Yokohama International School Yokohama International School has various student performances throughout the year: elementary school in early March, junior high school in October and high school on the last weekend of January.

Tickets ¥1,500 for adults, ¥500 for students, available online and at the door. Check out their events calendar for details. www.yis.ac.jp

#1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 11

festival

festival

festival

� This year marks the second time this celebration of Mexican and Latin American culture comes to Japan—though not on May 5, likely to avoid coinciding with Children’s Day. The inaugural 2013 edition drew 100,000 people, and this year promises to be even bigger. Stretched out over two days, the highlight of the first day will be a futsal tournament between eight countries from the Americas—a great warm-up for the impending World Cup in Brazil. There are also opportunities for beginners to learn salsa, tango, Bachata and other smooth steps, and you can cool down with mojitos and piña coladas while soaking up performances by hot artists from the Americas. —Taiichi Izawa May 3-4, Yoyogi Park. See other events listings for details.

� Possibly the first beach party of 2014, Shonan Festival on Chigasaki’s Southern Beach is chocka-block with fun activities for the whole family.

There’s a plethora of soccer-based games as the 2014 World Cup approaches, as well as paddle races, live performances and the usual yatai food stall fare. One event not to miss is Mazar Cup 2014, a skimboard competition. Skimboards are much smaller than traditional surfboards and have no fins, meaning boarders have to glide along the surface of the water. Originated as a means of transport across the beaches of Southern California, the Shonan Festival offers a rare chance to catch this art form in action. —Lisa Wallin Apr 26-27, Southern Beach in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa. See other events listings for details.

� This annual Okinawa-style party has expanded from a simple food-and-parade affair to an allout extravaganza that brings the southern isles to La Cittadella in Kawasaki. Stages will be packed with traditional and modern artists from the isles, including sassy DJ twins Ryukyudisko, slated to appear with a host of other artists and DJs May 5 (¥4,000+1d, glass of awamori included).

Visitors can make their own shisa lion-dog ornaments or take an eisa workshop and learn how to dance Okinawa style. Sony Aquarium 3D will also be screening visuals from the famed Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. It certainly beats the cost of actually going down to the islands during the holiday season! —Lisa Wallin May 3-6, La Cittadella in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

See other events listings for details.

CINCO DE MAYO

SHONAN FESTIVAL

HAISAI FESTA

COURTESY OF SMASH

event

festival

art

� The world’s most iconic environmental event has become a pretty big deal in Japan, and it’s always a top draw for Tokyo families. The Earth Day Tokyo weekend brings in over 100,000 people with a slew of educational activities, presentations and of course arts and organic food. This year’s event is organized by respected Japan-based environmentalist C.W. Nicol, and will begin with a special convocational prayer ceremony by Native American activist Dennis Banks. Entertainers slated for the mainstage include Ainu musician Oki and the NTT East Tokyo Wind Ensemble. Festivalgoers can also bring cooking oil they’ve collected to be recycled into biodiesel. TokyoYuden, the organizers of the oil drive, aim to collect 1,000 kiloliters by the end of the weekend. —Dan Grunebaum Apr 19-20, Yoyogi Park. See other events listings for details.

� For the first few years, the Kids Land at Japan’s preeminent rock festival was a bit of an afterthought. But as the audience has aged, the area has come into its own. A large, covered area with minders keeps wee ones from catching cold in Niigata prefecture’s torrential rains. It includes space for diaper changing and nursing—but remember to bring your own diapers. And when the sun shines there are activities galore, including a giant log suspended high in the forest that adventurous kids can climb and swing from. It goes without saying that Fuji Rock is probably the safest large rock festival in the world (there are even washrooms set aside for families)—and the best thing about it is kids under 10 get into the event for free. —Dan Grunebaum Jul 25-27, Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata. See concert listings for details.

� The organizers of Roppongi Art Night (see p.10) haven’t forgotten that families might want to spend some time together exploring the various art exhibits, installations and performances.

Community-minded director Katsuhiko Hibino’s opening parade welcomes art lovers of all ages.

At Roppongi Hills there will be walks around the Mohri Garden Pond (colorfully dyed for the occasion), stargazing on top of the Mori Tower and a children’s exhibition at the Mori Arts Center Gallery, while the Mori Art Museum will have a kids’ tour on Sunday. The Suntory Museum offers an interactive light and shadow workshop along with a “Gulliver Scope,” and Tokyo Midtown gives families the chance to create some of their own art on a special canvas mural. Jeff W. Richards Apr 19-20, Roppongi. See other events listings for details.

EARTH DAY TOKYO

12 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

FUJI ROCK KIDS LAND

RAN FAMILY EVENTS

Listings

GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS

Concerts

Outburn Tour

POPULAR Grass Code Vol. 50

Mothercoat, The Twenties and others. Apr 18, 9pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Marz. Nearest stn: Seibushinjuku. Tel: 03-32028248. www.mothercoat.com

Screaming Maldini

Nuggets of pop genius. Apr 18, 7pm, ¥3,800 (adv) +1d. O-Nest.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-4420. shibuya-o.com

Vivid

Crossfaith, Coldrain and others. Apr 25, 6pm, ¥3,800 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. creativeman.co.jp

Alternative Medicine

Pop rock for what's ailing you.

Apr 25, 7pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/ ¥2,500 (door) +1d. Planet K. 1-8-10 Kichijoji Honmachi.

Nearest stn: Kichijoji. alternative_medicine02@ hotmail.com http:// altmedrock.syncl.jp

Jake Bugg

A burst of colors and melodic rock. Apr 19, 5:30pm, ¥4,800 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www. diskgarage.com

English rock'n'roller. Apr 26, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d.

Yokohama Bay Hall. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai.

Tel: 045-624-3900. www. creativeman.co.jp

Uplift Spice

Radiots

Girl-vocalist fronted emo band.

Apr 19, 6pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d.

O-West. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.smash-jpn.com

Bowline Festival

SiM, Skindred, Namba 69 and more. Apr 19, 2pm, ¥4,500 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3499-6669. www.bowlinelive.jp

Girls Award

Fashion show and concert with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and others. Apr 19, 3pm, ¥5,5007,500 (adv). Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae. Tel: 0570-550799. www.girls-award.com

Angelo

Visual-kei featuring 3 ex-Pierrot members. Apr 20, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 050-55330888. www.shibuya-ax.com

Kabuto Metal

Eye Hate God, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats and more.

Apr 20, 3:45pm, ¥10,500 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-34446751. http://l-tike.com/ kabutometalticket

Moonshine & Uttori Twilight

Punk rockers with a purpose.

Apr 26, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. Garret Udagawa. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-0069. www.cyclone1997.com/garret

Heal for People

J-pop singer and voice actress Junko Iwao. Apr 26, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥5,500. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Toru Suzuki

Love in City Golden Week Special. Apr 27, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,800. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Noid Festival

Super Beaver, Air Swell, Radical Radio and more. Apr 27, 1:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d.

Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-3496-1785. www.noid-japan.com

Toto

Penners of "Africa", "Rosanna" and other top 5 hits. Apr 28, 7pm, ¥9,500-10,500 (adv).

Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-34025999. www.udo.jp/Artists/ Toto

Local ska bands play authentic Jamaican sounds with an urban twist. Apr 20, 6pm, ¥1,000 +1d. Ruby Room.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. meturl. com/moonshine10

Okamoto's

Asking Alexandria

Party Rockets

Metalcore from the UK. Apr 22, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com

Dregen

Swedish rocker famed for Backyard Babies and The Hellacopters goes solo. Apr 22, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Duo Music Exchange. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.creativeman. co.jp

Four Seasons

Texas Style, Fruits Explosion and others. Apr 23, 7pm, ¥2,300 (adv)/ ¥2,800 (door) +1d. Garret Udagawa. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. cyclone1997.com/garret

10-Feet

Pop punk and indie rock from Kyoto. Apr 23, 7pm, ¥3,300 (adv)/ ¥3,800 (door) +1d. Club Citta. Nearest stn: Kawasaki.

Tel: 03-3405-9999. www. sogotokyo.com

Hot Tuna Acoustic Duo

Original Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. Apr 24, 6:30pm, ¥6,000 (adv). Thumbs Up. Nearest stn: Yokohama. Apr 25, 7:30pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. order@buffalo-records.com.

EMI Rocks Neo

Glim Spanky, Akai Koen and more. Apr 24, 6:30pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3405-9999. www.club-quattro.com

Funky foursome. Apr 29, 6pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tel: 03-5720-9999. www. shibuya-ax.com Idol quartet. Apr 29, 11am, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) +1d. O-Nest. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-4420. www.shibuya-o.com

Tiara

Premium Live 2014. Apr 29, 5 & 8pm, ¥5,000. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Humbert Humbert

With Kazumi Nikaido. Apr 29, 6pm, ¥4,500 (adv). Shibuya Public Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3405-9999. www.nika-humbert.com

New Audiogram Version 7.4

Former Luna Sea member J, with AA= and Meaning. May 1, 7pm, ¥4,200 (adv)/ ¥4,700 (door) +1d. O-East. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. www.newaudiogram.com

John Mayer

Singer of "Your Body is a Wonderland" and other love songs. May 2, 7pm; May 3, 5pm, ¥8,000-9,000. Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-34025999. www.udo.jp/Artists/ JohnMayer

New Audiogram Version 7.5

The Starbems, Noisemaker and others. May 2, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door) +1d. Fever. Nearest stn: Shindaita. Tel: 03-6304-7899. www.newaudiogram.com

Hot Tuna Acoustic Duo Lecture Concert

Original Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady talk and play.

May 3, 2pm, ¥4,000 (adv).

Tokyo Women's Plaza. Nearest stn: Omotesando. order@ buffalo-records.com

Viva La Rock

The Telephones, Boom Boom Satellites, SiM and more. May 3-5, 11am, ¥9,500 (1 day)/ ¥17,000 (2 days)/ ¥23,000 (3 days) (adv). Saitama Super Arena. Nearest stn: SaitamaShintoshin. vivalarock.jp/2014

Spy Air

J-pop quartet. May 3, 6pm, ¥4,800-5,000 (adv) +1d. Zepp Diver City. Nearest stn: Daiba. hall.zepp.co.jp

Japan Jam

Zazen Boys, Suede, The Royal Concept and more. May 3-5, 2:30pm, ¥4,900-5,900 (1 day, adv)/ ¥12,000 (3 days, adv).

Studio Coast. Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. http://japanjam.jp

Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her

Experimental indie rock. May 5, 6pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door) +1d. WWW. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-6304-9255. www-shibuya.jp

Carcass

May 6, 6pm; May 7, 7pm, ¥6,800 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3499-6669. www. creativeman.co.jp

Explosions in the Sky

Post-rock with elaborate guitar work and instrumentals.

May 7, 7pm, ¥5,800 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800. www. smash-jpn.com

Yo La Tengo

Hoboken-born indie rock. May 9, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi or Nogizaka.

May 11, 6pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.smash-jpn.com

Spock's Beard

Progressive rock. May 10, 7pm, ¥7,000-8,000 (adv) +1d.

Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800. www. smash-jpn.com

Fake Face

With Roach, Dolls Realize and The Wasted. May 10, 6:30pm, ¥2,400 (adv)/ ¥2,900 (adv).

Cyclone. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3463-0069. www. fake-face.net

Mad Ollie

Crossfaith, Meaning and others. May 10, 2pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast.

Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba.

Tel: 03-3499-6669. www. creativeman.co.jp

Intact Records Tour

Featuring Another Story and My First Story. May 11, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www. smash-jpn.com

Temples

English psychedelic rock.

May 12, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.smash-jpn.com

65daysofstatic

Post rock band with Cinema Staff. May 14, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Nearest stn: Ebisu. Tel: 03-464-0800. www.creativeman.co.jp

Disclosure

Electronic music-making brothers. May 15, 7pm, ¥5,800 (adv) +1d. Studio Coast.

Nearest stn: Shin-Kiba. www. creativeman.co.jp

Sanja Matsuri

Annual festival led by local

residents. May 15-May 18. various times, free. Asakusa Shrine. Nearest stn: Asakusa.

Tel: 03-3844-1575. www. asakusajinja.jp/english

Low IQ 01 & Master Low

J-rock duo. May 16, 7:30pm, ¥3,900 (adv) +1d. Akasaka Blitz.

Nearest stn: Akasaka. www. smash-jpn.com

Paul McCartney

Musician, humanitarian, poet and singer. May 17-18, 5:30pm, ¥13,500-17,500 (adv) +1d.

National Olympic Stadium.

Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel: 0570-550-799. outtherejapantour.com

This is Not a Business

Electro-rockers with Tengu masks. May 18, 6:30pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door) +1d. WWW. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 045-201-9999. www-shibuya.jp

Kemuri

Crazy ska band with Atata.

May 23, 7pm, ¥4,500 (adv) +1d. Shibuya-AX. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3444-6751. http://kemuri.com

Greenroom Festival

Surf culture festival with music, art and film. May 24-25, noon, ¥7,300 (1 day, adv)/ ¥13,000 (2 days, adv). Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6717719. www.greenroom.jp

Thick Festival

Secret 7 Line, Hey Smith, Roach and more. May 24-25, noon, ¥3,800 (1 day)/ ¥6,800 (2 days) +1d. Club Citta. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. Tel: 0570-084-003. www.thickfestival.com

Fuji Rock Festival

Jack Johnson, Travis, The Strypes and others. Jul 25-27, all day, ¥17,200-18,300 (1 day, adv)/ ¥35,700-44,000 (3 days, adv). Naeba Ski Resort. Nearest stn: Echigo Yuzawa. www. fujirockfestival.com

Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Juju

Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro

Japanese R&B and jazz singer.

Apr 23-24, 7pm, ¥7,300 (adv).

NHK Hall. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 0570-550-799. www. kyodotokyo.com

All Jackson Quartet

Jazz drummers. Apr 22-25. various times, ¥7,000-9,000.

Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/ en/

Robben Ford

Exciting session with popular singers and guitarists. Apr 23-24, various times, ¥8,000.

Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Crystal Jazz Latino

Latin collaboration with jazz. Apr 23, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500.

Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-1919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Jun Satsuma

A show by the young and traditional jazz guitarist. Apr 24, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Christopher Cross

American singer-songwriter.

Apr 24-26, various times, ¥6,900-8,900. Billboard Live.

Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. www.billboardlive.com

Erena Terakubo Special Quartet

Alto sax player. Apr 26, 5 & 8pm, ¥5,800. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Motoharu Sano and The Hobo King Band

JAZZ/WORLD

Japanese musician. Apr 27-28, various times, ¥7,300-9,300.

Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. www.billboard-live.com

Solo-Duo

Monty Alexander

Geila Zilkha and Ayumu Yahaba. Apr 18, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Eric Marienthal

Popular saxophone player.

Apr 18. various times, ¥7,5009,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/ en/

Sylvie Vartan

Bulgarian-French singer. Until Apr 19. various times, ¥12,00014,000. Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com

Naturally 7

R&B a cappella. Apr 20-21. various times, ¥6,800-8,800.

Billboard Live. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. www.billboard-live.com

Marcos Valle and Stacey Kent

Featuring Jim Tomlinson.

Until Apr 22, various times, ¥8,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Motoyoshi Hosotsubo Special Night

40th anniversary live. Apr 19, 5 & 7:30pm, ¥7,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Tres-Men

Next generation club jazz. Apr 20, 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Fuse

The leading unit of Japan's jazz scene. Apr 22, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200.

Motion Blue. Nearest stn:

With Kingston Local Train.

Apr 27-29, various times, ¥8,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Kaho Shimada

40th anniversary project. Apr 28, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,500-8,500.

Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/jp/ sp/artists/kaho-shimada/

The Travellers

Jump and jive sound. Apr 28, 7 & 9pm, ¥5,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Eric Alexander Quartet

Modern jazz. Apr29-30. various times, ¥7,500-9,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Nobie Especial Band

Powerful Brazilian sounds. Apr 30, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp/artists/nobie/

Nao Yoshioka and Brian Owens

Make the Change Project Tour 2014. May 1, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥7,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Earl Klugh

Acoustic guitar stage. May 1-3, various times, ¥8,50010,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/en

Eri Kamiya and Satoshi Yoshida Duo

Acoustic pops and Hawaiian music. May 1, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600.

Motion Blue. Nearest stn:

Fourth album release live.

May 2, 7:30pm, ¥3,400. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Dee Dee Bridgewater feat.

Theo Croker Top jazz singer. May 2-4, various times, ¥8,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp

Hideaki Nakaji Obatala Segundo

Exciting Latin sounds. May 4, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Emilie-Claire Barlow

Canadian jazz diva. May 4-6, various times, ¥6,500-8,500.

Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp/ en/

Tower of Power

American horn section returns. May 5-8, various times, ¥10,800. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Les Freres: Buggy Woogie Special Classic tunes for the whole family. May 5, 1 & 4pm, free (3 yrs and under)/ ¥5,000 (gen).

Tokyo Midtown Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 0570-550799. www.kyodotokyo.com/ lesfreres

Yoshi Ikuzo

Enka singer-songwriter.

May 7, 7pm, ¥15,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp/en/

Thomas Enhco Trio

Multitalented artist heads contemporary trio. May 8, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,000. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Ryutaro Makino

Jazz quintet with special guest.

May 9, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Chihiro Yamanaka Israel Trio

Jazz pianist and composer.

May 10, 5 & 8pm, ¥6,800. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp

Machiko Miura with Machiko Group

Rhapsody in Yokohama. May 12, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Tetsuro Kawashima Quartet

New album release live. May 13, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Joshua Redman Quartet Saxophone player, modern jazz. May 14-16, various times, ¥8,000-10,000. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Uit Nederland

Saxophone player from Rotterdam. May 14, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,200. Motion Blue. Nearest stn: Bashamichi. Tel: 045-2261919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Fabrizio Bosso: Spiritual Trio

Italian trumpet player. May 14-15, various times, ¥7,800.

Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

#1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 13

Listings Joao Lyra Especial

Brazilian music. May 15, 7 & 9pm, ¥5,000. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Naruyoshi Kikuchi and Pepe Tormento Azucarar Jazz duo. May 16, 6:30 & 9:30pm, ¥6,500. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

The Gospel According to Jazz

Kirk Whalum and others.

May 16-18, various times, ¥8,000. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Mary Black

Irish singer. May 19-20. various times, ¥8,000-10,000.

Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Segi Takamasa

Japanese jazz artist. May 20, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Jack DeJohnette Trio

Jazz drummer. May 20-22, various times, ¥8,500.

Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Yoko Sano

Birthday live. May 21, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Ai Kuwabara Trio Project Contemporary jazz May 22, 7 & 9pm, ¥3,600. Motion Blue.

Nearest stn: Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Aquapit

GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS Baroque Organ Music & Wine

Organist Minako Tsukatani performs as selection of wines and canapés is served. May 24, 6:30pm, ¥3,980 (adv)/ ¥5,980 (door). L'Atelier Baroque Sengoku. Nearest stn: Sengoku. pat_japan@hotmail.com. meturl.com/specwine

Teatro Dell'opera Di Roma Works by Simon Boccanegra conducted by Riccardo Muti.

May 25 & 31, 3pm; May 27, 6:30pm, ¥8,000-54,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3791-8888. www. roma2014.jp

Stage In the Heights

Thriller Live

Musical featuring some of Michael Jackson's greatest hits. Apr 25-Jun 8, various times, ¥5,500-8,500. Blue Theater. Nearest stn: Roppongi.

Tel: 03-5414-3255. www. thrillerlive.jp

The Teatro Dell'opera Di Roma with Riccardo Muti.

May 20, 6:30pm, ¥8,00054,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno.

Tel: 03-3791-8888. www. roma2014.jp

Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi Cello Recital

Songs to pass on to the next generation. May 24, 2pm, ¥1,500-4,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. Tel: 048-8585500. www.saf.or.jp

14 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Performers negotiate shifting ground on a tilting stage. May 9, 7:30pm; May 10, 1pm; May 11, 1pm, ¥1,000-5,200 (adv). Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010296. www.geigeki.jp

Fuerza Bruta

A look back into the 100-year history of modern dance in Japan. Jun 7-8, 3pm, ¥3,1505,400. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.

Tel: 03-5352-9999. nntt.jac.go.jp

The Prince of the Pagodas Ballet homage to Japan. Jun 12, 7pm; Jun 13 & 15, 2pm; Jun 14, 2 & 7pm, ¥3,150-12,960.

New National Theatre Tokyo.

Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. nntt.jac.go.jp

Clubbing FRIDAY 18 Ageha

Agepa. Edm, all mix: DJs Tora, U5, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha. com

Ovo - Cirque du Soleil

Tokyo Allmix Party. All mix: DJs Tomoharu, Ando, etc.

From 8pm, (m)¥3,000 w/2d, (f)¥2,000 w/2d. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-3408-1111. brandtokyo.net

Story of love, adultery and revenge in Sicily. May 14, 7pm; May 17, 2pm; May 21, 7pm; May 24, 2pm; May 27, 2pm; May 30, 2pm, ¥5,250-26,250. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 0120-489-459. www.nntt.jac.go.jp

Arabella

Operatic tale of two sisters and their dreams of romance. May 22 & 28, 6:30pm; May 25 & 31 & Jun 3, 2pm, ¥5,400-26,250.

New National Theatre Tokyo.

Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://nntt. jac.go.jp

Fantastic Dance. House: DJs Verbal, Daishi Dance, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

SATURDAY 19 Ageha

Love Tribe. House, jazz: DJs Nozaki, Shacho, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Brand Tokyo

Module

Bassick. Underground music: Various DJs. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

Sound Museum Vision

Edm Junkies. Edm: DJs Yves V, Hirata, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com

The New Matrix Bar

Matrix Friday. Old school hip-hop, west side, south side, all mix. DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp

TUESDAY 22 Air

Martes. Techno, house: DJs Shintaro, Otokawa, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Ruby Room

Open Mic. Open Mic. From 7pm, ¥1,000 w/2d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.rubyroomtokyo. com

Womb

Wonderland. Edm, electro: DJs Crookers, Tiny Ducks, etc.

From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Tuemix. Edm, all mix: DJs Alpha One, Mint, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

Air

WEDNESDAY 23

Plus Tokyo. Techno: DJs Nishimura, Itoh, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Module

Insomniac. Bass music: DJs Rowel, Venom, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com

Ruby Room

Teppan. DJs Nabe, Kubota, etc. From 11pm, ¥1,000.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com

The New Matrix Bar

Air

Cavalleria Rusticana

Womb

Himawari

Postmodern theater show from Buenos Aires. May 10-Jun 8, various times, ¥8,800 (adv)/ ¥9,800 (door). Akasaka Sacas.

Nearest stn: Akasaka. www. fuerzabruta.jp Revolutionary troupe that blends circus arts and street entertainment. Feb 12-May 11, various times, ¥4,500-12,000.

Odaiba Big Top, Odaiba. Nearest stn: Tokyo Teleport. www.fujitv. vo.jp/events/ovo

Wah Wah. Rare groove: DJs Kuroda, Ryuhei, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Sound Museum Vision

Dance Archives in Japan

Hans was Heiri

The Room

Yang Liping's lauded dance drama. May 23-Jun 1, various times, ¥5,500-12,000.

Bunkamura Orchard Hall.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. bunkamura.co.jp

Macbeth

Matthäus-Passion

Nabucco

The Peacock

Condors Dance Company presents another contemporary spectacular.

May 24, 2 & 7pm; May 25, 3pm, ¥2,000-5,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. www.saf. or.jp/en

CLASSICAL

Lorin Maazel conducts works

by Tchaikovsky and others.

May 8, 7pm, ¥19,000-35,000.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-3572-4311. www.geigeki.jp May 9, 7pm; May 10, 6pm, ¥13,000-38,000. Suntory Hall. Nearest stn: Roppongiitchome. www.suntory.co.jp/ suntoryhall

High-voltage dance experience.

May 2-7, various times, ¥7,50012,000. Theatre Orb. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 0570-00-3337. www.ktv.jp/btf

Musical about a redhead who loves tomorrow. Apr 26-May 11, various times, ¥6,800-8,500.

Aoyama Round Theater.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. aoyama.org/english

Annie

Camille Boitel's visual commentary of modern time mayhem. May 3, 7pm; May 4 & 6, 3pm; May 5, 5pm; May 6, 3pm, ¥1,000-5,200 (adv). Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre. Nearest stn: Ikebukuro. Tel: 0570-010296. www.geigeki.jp

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Dance Carmina Burara and Faster

Burn the Floor: Dance with You

Opera. The tragic tale of an abandoned geisha wife. Apr 23, 6:30pm; Apr 24 &Apr 26-27, 2pm, ¥2,000-10,000. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3234-9999. www. nikikai.net

L'immédiat

Enjoy classical music during lunch time. Apr 25, 12:10pm, ¥1,000. Saitama Hall. Nearest stn: Urawa. Tel: 048-829-2471. www.saf.or.jp/saitama

Re-interpretation of Japanese traditional taiko. Jun 21, 4pm; Jun 22-23, 3pm; Jun 24, 6pm; Jun 25, 2pm, ¥3,000 (students)/ ¥7,000 (gen). Asakusa Public Hall. Nearest stn: Asakusa. Tel: 03-3844-7491. www.kodo.or.jp

Madame Butterfly

Harvey Mason: Chameleon

The 12 Cellists

Kodo: Mystery

Broadway musical with an all-star Japanese cast. Apr 4-20, various times. Bunkamura Theater Cocoon. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9999. www.bunkamura.co.jp/cocoon

Shakespeare's dark tale in operatic form. May 1-2, 6:30pm; May 3-4, 2pm, ¥2,000-18,000.

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.nikikai.net/ english

By Bach Collegium Japan.

Apr 19, 4pm, ¥3,000-9,000.

Saitama Arts Theater. Nearest stn: Yonohonmachi. http:// saf.or.jp

Japanese dramatic opera about the love-hate relationship of a parent and child. Jun 19-20, 6:30pm; Jun 21-22, 2pm, ¥3,15016,200. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai.

Tel: 03-5352-9999. http://nntt. jac.go.jp

Dance inspired by music from Carl Orff and Matthew Hindson.

Apr 19, 6pm; Apr 25, 7pm; Apr 27, 2pm, ¥3,150-10,800. New National Theatre Tokyo. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/ballet

Organ jazz trio. May 23, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥5,400-7,500. Cotton Club. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. ¥5,400-7,500 www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp

American jazz drummer.

May 26-27, various times, ¥8,500. Blue Note. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Rokumeikan

Nylon Japan. Electro: DJs Ilmari, Imalu, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,000 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more.

From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm). Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp

The Room

Magic. Disco, house: DJs Kawasaki, Endo, etc. From 9pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Unit

Lee Bannon x Source Direct.

Drumnbass: DJs Lee Bannon, Source Direct, etc. From 11:30pm, ¥3,800. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo. com

Velours

Tokyo Spring. DJs Hoy-D, Yuuki, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-5778-4777. www.velours.jp

Womb

Session. House: DJs Arjun Vagale, Wada, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp

SUNDAY 20 Module

Moon Storage. Techno, minimal: DJs Ai, Rihit, etc.

From 4:20pm, ¥2,500 w/2d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. module-tokyo.com

Sound Museum Vision

Japan Rum Connection. Latin DJs Lando, Hemo, etc: Live: Monique Dehaney and more.

From 2pm, ¥6,000 w/ free rum.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. vision-tokyo.com

MONDAY 21 Air

Integration. House, techno: DJs Yogurt, Hatori and more. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo. com

Module

Sound Formula. Techno, house: DJs Makoto, Dx, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

Womb

Drhop. Edm: DJs Aramiy, Wataru, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

Module

Key of Life. House: DJs Washizu, Gion, etc. From 7pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo.com

Womb

Wedm. Electro, house: DJs Hiroki, Ikezawa, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f) free.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp

THURSDAY 24 Air

Sonica. House, techno: DJs Gen, Qp, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Womb

Inception. Techno, house: DJs Kent, Gonno, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp

FRIDAY 25 Ageha

Noir. Edm: DJs Mitomi, Vivid, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Disco Tribe. House: DJs Eric Duncan, Takimi, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Module

Answer Code Request. Techno, minimal: DJs Answer Code Request, Keihin, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.module-tokyo. com

Ruby Room

24/7. DJs Shimoda, Alexander, etc. From 10pm, ¥1,500 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. rubyroomtokyo.com

Sound Museum Vision

Ol Killer. Electro, all mix: DJs Ol Killer, 80kidz, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. vision-tokyo.com

The Room

Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs Tominaga, Oibon, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Unit

Ymw. Hip-hop. DJs Bim, Va Va, etc: Live: Anarchy and more.

From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www. unit-tokyo.com

Womb

Lilith. House: DJs Lee Foss, Serizawa, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp

UPCOMING Ageha

Clash. Electro, techno DJs Off the Rocker, Ken Ishii, etc. Live: Denki Groove. Apr 26, from 11pm, ¥4,500(adv). Nearest stn: Shinkiba. www.ageha.com

Air

Fang. Techno, house: DJs Lo Shea, Suwa, etc. Apr 26, from 10pm, ¥3,000. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com

Module

Nexjam. Techno, house: DJs Dr. Shingo, Sato, etc. Apr 26, from 10pm, ¥2,500. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.moduletokyo.com

Ruby Room

Hype. DJs Takayasu, Keiji, etc.

Apr 26, from 11pm, ¥1,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.rubyroomtokyo.com

Sound Museum Vision

Pink Dot Jungle. House: DJs David Morales, Gomi, etc. Apr 26, from 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. www. vision-tokyo.com

The Room

Tokyo Jazz Meeting. Jazz, house: DJs Shuya Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive) , Sato, etc. Apr 26, from 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Unit

Club Museum. Techno: DJ Surgeon and more. Apr 26, from 11:30pm, ¥3,500. Nearest stn: Daikanyama. www.unit-tokyo. com

Womb

10 Years of Mule Musiq. House, techno: DJs Koze, Lawrence, etc. Apr 26, from 11pm, ¥3,500.

Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp

Exhibitions AKASAKA/ROPPONGI 21_21 Design Sight

Kome: The Art of Rice. Mixed media. An exploration into Japan's staple food. Until Jun 15, ¥500-1,000. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 11am-8pm, closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3475-2121. www.2121designsight.jp

Mori Art Museum

Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal. Almost 700 works by the standard-bearer of Pop Art. Until May 6, ¥500-1,500. MAM Project 020: Gabriel Acevedo Velarde. Mixed media. Until May 6, ¥500-1,500. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi.

Nearest stn: Roppongi. www. mori.art.museum

Suntory Museum of Art

A Visual Revolution in Edo. Illustration. Import of microscopes and other optical devices overturned conventional illustration methods. Until May 11, ¥800-1,300. The Scientific Eye and Visual Wonders in Edo. The birth of intriguing visual effects in Japanese art. Until May 11, ¥1,000-1,300. Open Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue. 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.suntory. jp/sma

The National Art Center, Tokyo

Kazumi Nakamura. Acrylic and oil paintings. Until May 19, ¥500-1,000. The Power of Images: The National Museum of Ethnology Collection. Symbols and totems from around the world. Until Jun 9, ¥500-1,000.

Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi.

Nearest stn: Nogizaka. www. nact.jp

GINZA/KYOBASHI/ TOKYO Bridgestone Museum of Art

Chinese-Style Dresses from Fujishima Takeii to Umehara Ryuzaburo. Oil paintings

by Japanese artists in the early 20th century. Apr 26-Jul 21, ¥500-800. Open Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Tokyo.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. bridgestone-museum.gr.jp

¥1,980 a Night

Craft Gallery, The National Museum of Modern Art

Flowers: From the Museum Collection. Mixed media. Floral motifs that change seasonally.

Until Jun 1, ¥70-200. Works of Living National Treasures and Great Masters. Ceramics, glassworks, laquerwares and more. Until Jun 1, ¥70-200 Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. 1-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn: Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat.go.jp/english

Idemitsu Museum of Arts

Discover the Beauty of Japan IX: Fascination with Japanese Painting. Masterpieces from various eras. Until Jun 8, ¥700-1,000. Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.tokyo.mae.lu/jp/ node_19876/hana-hito-tokyo

Megumi Ogita Gallery Showcase

Landscape. Mixed media.

Works by Holly Farrell, Daisuke Takeya and others.

Until Apr 26, free. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Mon & Sun. 4F, 5-4-14 Ginza. Nearest stn: Ginza. Tel: Tue-Sat 11am-7pm. www.megumiogita.com

Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

The Beautiful — Art for Art's Sake: The Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900. Mixed media.

Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Until May 6, ¥500-1,600. Félix Vallotton — Fire Beneath the Ice. Swiss painter influenced

by Japanese woodcuts. Until Sep 23, ¥800-1,600. Wed-Fri 10am-8pm, Tue, Sat & Sun/ hols 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 2-6-2 Marunouchi. Nearest stn: Tokyo. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.mimt.jp

National Film Center

The Works of Hicozoh Akamatsu and Movie Title Design in Japan. Typography and character styles. Until Aug 10, ¥70-210. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi. Nearest stn: Kyobashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat.go.jp

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Reading Cinema, Finding Words: Art after Marcel Broodthaers. Mixed media.

The relationship between photography, films and video in contemporary art and cinema. Apr 22-Jun 1, ¥450-850. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Nearest stn: Takebashi.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. momat.go.jp

HARAJUKU/AOYAMA Nezu Museum

Irises and Wisteria Screens.

Screens that are designated national treasures. Apr 19-May 18, ¥1,000-1,200.

Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku.

Nearest stn: Omotesando. www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en

Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art

Hiroshige Blue: Blue Attracted the World. Color-themed Edo art. Until May 28, ¥500-700.

Open Tue-Sun 10:30am5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.ukiyoe-otamuse.jp

KAYABACHO/KIBA Base Gallery

Yasuhide Kunimoto. Paintings that explore individuality and blending into the crowd. Until May 12, free. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun and Hols. 1-1-6 NihombashiKayabacho, Chuo-ku. Nearest stn: Kayabacho. www. basegallery.com

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

Fragments: Incomplete Beginnings. Mixed media.

Until May 11, ¥700-1,600. The Marvelous Real. Contemporary Spanish and Latin American art from the Musac collection.

Until May 11, ¥600-1,100.

Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.

Nearest stn: KiyosumiShirakawa. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng

SHIBUYA/EBISU Bunkamura: The Museum Collection of Museo Poldi Pezzoli: The Aristocratic Palace and its Beauty — Milano the Magnificent Collection of the Nobleman. Exquisite paintings originally part of a private collection in Italy. Until May 25, ¥700-1,500. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2- 24-1 Dogenzaka. Nearest stn: Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bunkamura.co.jp

Parco Museum

Kiki and Lala x Care Bears.

Mixed media. Cute characters from east and west. Until Apr 21, free. Open daily 10am-9pm. B1F Parco Part1, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-34775873. www.parco-art.com

The Watari-Um Museum of Contemporary Art

Rudolf Steiner: Das Reich der Angeloi. Mixed media works by an Austrian philosopher and social reformer. Until Jul 13, ¥700-1,000. Open Tue & Thu-Sun 11am-7pm, Wed 11am-9pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Gaienmae. www.watarium. co.jp

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography

Robert Capa, the 101st Year: They All Adored Bob. Photography. Daily life in Spain during World War II. Until May 11, ¥700-1,100. A Retrospective on Shimo-oka Renjo. Collection of works by pioneer photographer and painter. Until May 6, ¥500-700. Valleys and Peaks.

Kanmuri Matsujiro and Hokari Misuo's portayal of highs and lows. Until May 6, ¥500-700. Open Tue-Wed & Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku. Nearest stn: Ebisu. syabi.com

Yamatane Museum of Art My. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and Flowers in Spring. Mixed media. Commemorating Mt. Fuji's registration as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Until May 11, ¥900-1,200.

Open Tue-Fri 11am-5pm, closed Mon & hols. 3-12-36 Hiroo. Nearest stn: Ebisu.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. yamatane-museum.or.jp

SHINJUKU/ IKEBUKURO Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum

European Fashion. Rococo for men and children. Until May 24, ¥200-500. Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Closed Sun and hols. Shinjuku Bunka Quint Bldg. 3-22-7 Yoyogi. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3299-2387. www.bunka.ac.jp/museum/ text/english.html

Hiromart Gallery

Hideaway. Paintings on wooden panels by Moki. Until Apr 27, free. Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Edogawabashi. www. hiromartgallery.com

Sompo Japan Museum of Art

Reflections of Holland: The Hague School and Barbizon. Oil paintings by Dutch masters. Apr 19-Jun 29, ¥600-1,000. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 42F

Capsule Hotel

Sompo Japan Bldg, 1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5405-8686. www.sompo-japan.co.jp/ museum

*Tax included separately

NEW OPENING!

Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery

Will Happiness Find Me? 10 artists from the Ishikawa collection. Apr 19-Jun 29, ¥800-1,000. Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Nearest stn: Hatsudai. www.operacity. jp/en/ag

24-hour online or phone booking English, Chinese, Korean OK! Check-in from 3pm / Check-out by noon

Kashiwaba Junior High School

I wa Jinjutsu. A look into Edo period medicine. Until Jun 15, ¥600-1,500. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-8pm, closed Mon. 7-20 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111. www.kahaku.go.jp

The National Museum of Western Art

Iriya Station

Minowa Station

3 minutes on foot from Iriya station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Tokyo, Taito-ku, Shitaya 3-10-10

Since 1949

今年は"にほんごをもの"にする EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Jacques Callot — Theater of Realism and Fantasy. 17th century prints. Until Jun 15, ¥300-600. Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www. nmwa.go.jp

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Tokyo National Museum

The 800th Memorial of Yosai Roots of Zen: Yosai and the Treasures of Kenninji. Mixed media. Religious artifacts and paintings. Until May 18, ¥700-1,600. Mural Paintings of the Kitora Tumulus. Pictures from an eighth century grave.

Apr 22-May 18, ¥400-900.

Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm.

13-9 Ueno Park. Nearest stn: Ueno. www.tnm.jp

Ueno Royal Museum

Inspiration — The Curiosity of the Moment. Mixed media by TV show talent-cum-painter.

May 20-Jun 8, ¥700-1,300.

Open Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 1-2 Ueno Park.

Nearest stn: Ueno. www. ueno-mori.org

OTHER AREAS Hakone Museum of Photography

Oyako. Portraits of parents and their children by Bruce Osborn. Apr 23-Jun 2, ¥300-500. Mt. Fuji. Katsura Endo's portrayal of the ever-changing symbol of Japan. Permanent exhibition.

Until Nov 4, ¥300-500.

10am-5pm, closed Tues (9am-9pm Sat from May to August). 1300-432 Goura Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Gora.

Tel: 046-02-2717. www. hmop.com

Hoki Museum

Hoki Museum Award Exhibition Vol. 1. Painting.

Until May 18, ¥900-1,800.

Hito Omoi, Hito Omou.

Painting. Lifelike portraits by contemporary artists. May 22-Nov 16, ¥900-1,800. Open Mon & Wed-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15 Asumigaokahigashi, Midoriku. Nearest stn: Toke. www. hoki-museum.jp

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2-5-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku www.toranomonvet.jp/en

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Japan Folk Crafts Museum

Kyushu Ceramics. Traditional pottery from western Kyushu. Until Jun 8, ¥200-1,000. 10am-5pm, closed Mon. 4-3-33 Komaba.

Nearest stn: Komabatodai. www.mingeikan.or.jp

Miraikan

The Sekai-Ichi. Assortment of surprising and inspiring objects made in Japan. Until May 6, ¥300-1,000. 2-3-6, Aomi, Koto-ku. Nearest stn: Telecom Center station.

Tel: 03-3570-9151. www. miraikan.jst.go.jp/en

Tel: 03-6240-6027 Fax: 03-6240-6028

Showa Dori

UENO National Museum of Nature and Science

Fully equipped Quality amenities with bath, shower and coin laundry on 1F

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For information: Tel: (03) 3345-7977 FAX: (03) 3345-5377

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Listings Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

Fragments: Incomplete Beginnings. Mixed media.

Until May 11, ¥700-1,600.

The Marvelous Real.

Contemporary Spanish and Latin American art from the Musac collection.

Until May 11, ¥600-1,100.

Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku.

Nearest stn: KiyosumiShirakawa. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng

National Museum of Japanese History

Various Seasonal Festivals.

Traditional ornaments and accessories. Until May 6, ¥250-420. Earthquakes in Japanese History. Mixed media. A closer look into individual experiences and social impacts of these natural disasters. Until May 6, ¥450-830. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mon. 117 Jonai-cho, Sakura-shi. Nearest stn: Keisei-Sakura. www. rekihaku.ac.jp/english

Okada Museum of Art

Rediscovery of Kitagawa Utamaro: Fukagawa in the Snow. An array of works by a master artist, including a massive 2 by 3.5 meter painting. Until Jun 6, ¥1,8002,800. Open daily, 9am-5pm.

493-1 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi. Nearest stn: Kowakidani. Tel: 0460-873931. www.okada-museum. com/en/

Pola Museum of Art

Finding Modigliani: From Parisian Avant-garde to Classicism. Oil paintings and sculptures by Italian artist.

Until Sep 15, ¥700-1,800.

GO TO WWW.METURL.COM/LISTINGS FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS 9am-4:30pm. 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi. Nearest stn: Gora. www.polamuseum.or.jp

Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Nearest stn: Sendagaya. Tel: 03-5474-2112.

Sogo Museum of Art

Jun 11-Jun 15, 10am, ¥500-3,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Nearest stn: Sendagaya. Tel: 03-5474-2112.

Thomas and Friends: Picture Book Art. Paintings of the most famous steam engine in the world. Until May 18, ¥300-800.

Open daily 10am-8pm. 2-18-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku. Nearest stn: Yokohama. www2. sogo-gogo.com/common/ museum/

The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama Pablo Picasso: Ceramic Works. Pottery by a master of contemporary art. Until May 18, ¥800-1,000. Open daily 10:00am-5:30pm.

9-30-1 Tokiwa, Urawa-ku, Saitama-shi. Nearest stn: Kitaurawa. www.momas.jp

Tokyo Gallery + BTAP

Invisible Space. Mixed media

by Kang Wook Lee. Until Apr 26, free. Tue–Fri 11am–7pm & Sat 11am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon & Hols. 7F, 8-10-5 Ginza. Nearest stn: Shinbashi.

Tel: 03-3571-1808. www. tokyo-gallery.com

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Y es-tu? Video and cinematic art by Christian Rizzo. Jun 20-29, free. 1-1, Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken. Nearest stn: Minatomirai. www.yokohamaakarenga.jp

Sports BADMINTON Yonex Open: Preliminary Round Jun 10, 10am, ¥500. Tokyo

Yonex Open

BASEBALL Central League

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs.

Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Apr 22-24, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs.

Chunichi Dragons. Apr 25-27, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs.

Hanshin Tigers. May 3-5, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien.

Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Interleague

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Yomiuri Giants. May 20, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Tokyo Yakult Swallows.

May 23, 6pm, ¥600-22,000.

Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 04-29251141.

Tokyo

Yakult Swallows vs. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. May 25, 6pm, ¥500-4,600. Meiji Jingu Gaien.

Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Pacific League

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Orix Buffaloes. Apr 18, 6pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Tohoku

Rakuten Golden Eagles vs. Saitama Seibu Lions.

Apr 24, 6pm, ¥500-7,000.

ALL YOU CAN EAT and DRINK for two hours ￥2,700 in downtown Shinjuku!

Tokyo Dome. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Apr 29-May 1, 2pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

Saitama

Seibu Lions vs.

Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. May 5, 1pm, ¥600-22,000. Seibu Dome.

Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae.

Tel: 04-2925-1141.

BASKETBALL Basketball Japan League

Saitama

Broncos vs. Niigata Albirex BB. Apr 26, 6pm, ¥900-7,000. Tokorozawa City Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Shintokorozawa. Tel: 04-29911181.

Yokohama

B-Corsairs vs.

Akita Northern Happinets.

Apr 26, 6pm, ¥1,000-12,000.

Hiratsuka Gymnasium.

Nearest stn: Hiratsuka. Tel: 0463-35-2255.

National Basketball League

Hitachi

Sunrockers vs.

Levanga Hokkaido. Apr 26-27, 6pm, ¥1,000-3,500. Ota City General Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Umeyashiki. Tel: 03-54806688.

BOXING Shoot Boxing

Apr 18, 5:30pm, ¥4,000-10,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

The Greatest Boxing

Apr 24, 5:45pm, ¥5,000-12,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Kadoebi Boxing: Kamikaze 3 Apr 30, 5:45pm, ¥5,000-12,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

GOLF Nichirei Ladies

Jun 20-Jun 22, 8am, ¥2,0005,000. Sodegaura Country Club Shinsode Course. Nearest stn: Honda. Tel: 03-228-2221.

JUDO All Japan Judo Championship

Apr 29, 10:30am, ¥1,500-7,000.

Nippon Budokan. Nearest stn: Kudanshita.

KICKBOXING Krush. 41

May 11, 6pm, ¥4,500-15,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

MMA Rise 99

Apr 29, 4:30pm, ¥4,000-7,000.

Differ Ariake. Nearest stn: Ariake-tennis-no-mori.

All you can eat

Includes: okonomiyaki, monjayaki, yakisoba, udon, and desserts with drinks (draft beer, sake, plum wine, soft drinks, etc

Reserve our comfortable window-side booth seats looking down on the beautiful night scene of Shinjuku!

OPEN: Everyday from 3PM 16 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

SOCCER J. League, Division 1

FC Tokyo vs. Cerezo Osaka.

Apr 19, 4pm, ¥600-6,200.

Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555.

Kashima

Antlers vs. Vissel Kobe. Apr 19, 3pm, ¥1,4008,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium.

Urawa

Reds vs. Kawasaki Frontale. Apr 19, 5pm, ¥1,00010,000. Saitama Stadium.

Nearest stn: Urawamisono.

Tel: 048-812-1001.

Kawasaki

Frontale vs.

Gamba Osaka. Apr 26, 4pm, ¥800-4,500. Todoroki Stadium. Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-7220303.

Omiya

Ardija vs. Ventforet Kofu. Apr 26, 5pm, ¥1,0005,500. NACK5 Stadium.

Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950.

Yokohama

F. Marinos vs. FC Tokyo. Apr 26, 2pm, ¥1,000-5,300. Nissan Stadium.

Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel: 04-5477-5000.

Kashima

Antlers vs.

Shimizu S-Pulse. Apr 29, 3pm, ¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium.

Urawa

Reds vs. Yokohama F. Marinos. Apr 29, 4pm, ¥1,00010,000. Saitama Stadium.

Nearest stn: Urawamisono.

Tel: 048-812-1001.

Kawasaki

Frontale vs.

Ventforet Kofu. May 3, 3pm, ¥800-4,600. Todoroki Stadium. Nearest stn: Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-7220303.

Omiya

Ardija vs. Albirex Niigata. May 3, 5pm, ¥1,0005,500. NACK5 Stadium.

Nearest stn: Kitaomiya. Tel: 048-644-7950.

Urawa

Reds vs. FC Tokyo.

May 3, 4pm, ¥1,000-10,000.

Saitama Stadium. Nearest stn: Urawamisono. Tel: 048-8121001.

Yokohama

F. Marinos vs.

Gamba Osaka. May 3, 2pm, ¥1,000-5,300. Nissan Stadium.

Nearest stn: Kozuke. Tel: 04-5477-5000.

FC Tokyo vs. Omiya Ardija.

May 6, 1pm, ¥600-6,200.

Ajinomoto Stadium. Nearest stn: Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555.

Kashima

Antlers vs.

Nagoya Grampus. May 6, 3pm, ¥1,400-8,000. Kashima Soccer Stadium. Nearest stn: Kashima Sports Stadium.

Ventforet

Kofu vs. Urawa Reds. May 6, 4pm, ¥700-4,200.

National Olympic Stadium.

Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3403-1151.

PRO WRESTLING

SUMO May Grand Tournament

Apr 19, 7pm, ¥3,700-5,000.

Shinkiba 1stRing. Nearest stn: Shinkiba. Tel: 03-3521-1015.

New Japan

Apr 19, 6:30pm, ¥4,000-8,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

All Japan

Apr 23, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Apr 25, 6:30pm, ¥3,000-10,000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

2F Shinjuku Picpek Building, 1-17-13, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku

May 25, 5pm, ¥2,000-5,000.

National Olympic Stadium.

Nearest stn: Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3403-1151.

Michinoku

Wrestling New Classic

Tel. 050-5815-3882

RUGBY Japan vs. Hong Kong

Hard Hit

Apr 26, 6pm, ¥5,000. Shinkiba 1stRing. Nearest stn: Shinkiba.

Tel: 03-3521-1015.

Deep 66 Impact

Apr 29, 6pm, ¥8,0000.

Korakuen Hall. Nearest stn: Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999.

May 11-May 25, 8am, ¥3,8008,500. Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Nearest stn: Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3623-5111.

TABLE TENNIS World Team Table Tennis Championships

Apr 28-May 5, various times, ¥1,000-8,000. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae.

Festivals Asakusa Yabusame

Archers demonstrate their skills on horseback. Apr 20, all day, free. Sumida Park. Nearest stn: Asakusa.

Tel: 03-5246-1151. www. taitonavi.jp

Spring Grand Festival

Several Shinto ceremonies held to pay respects to

enshrined kami. Apr 29-May 3, all day, free. Meiji Jingu Shrine. Nearest stn: Harajuku. www.meijijingu.or.jp/english

Kurayami Festival

Masked folk dances, midnight mikoshi parades and horse racing on the streets. Apr 30-May 6, various times, free.

Okunitama Shrine. Nearest stn: Fuchu-Honmachi. www. ookunitamajinja.or.jp

Ginza Yanagi Festival

Parades, stalls, theater performances and more.

May 5, all day, free. Nishi Ginza-dori. Nearest stn: Ginza. www.ginza.jp/nishiginza/ yanagi

Hinode Festival

Procession performed at twilight, offering a spectacular view from the mountain top. May 7, 7:30pm; May 8, 9:30am, free. MusashiMitake Shrine. Nearest stn: Mitakesan. Tel: 0428-78-8500. www.musashimitakejinja.jp

Kanda Matsuri

One of the three great Shinto festivals of Tokyo. May 9-15, vatious times, free.

Kanda Myoujin. Nearest stn: Shin-Ochanomizu or Ochanomizu. Tel: 03-32540753. www.kandamyoujin. or.jp

Botan Matsuri

Peony festival in the shrine park. Until May 18, 9am-5pm, ¥500-600. Ueno Toshogu Shrine. Nearest stn: Ueno.

Tel: 03-3822-3455. www. uenotoshogu.com/botan

Tokyo Minato Matsuri

Ride on unusual cruise boats and watch firefighters perform on the water. May 24-25, 10am-5pm, free.

Harumi Port Terminal.

Nearest stn: Kachidoki. Tel: 03-5379-1336. http://meturl. com/minatomatsuri

Forums & Expos The 40th Jumbo Fair

New and innovative technology. Apr 18, 10am-6pm; Apr 19, 10am-5pm, free. Tokyo Big Sight. Nearest stn: KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. Tel: 03-54721660. www.jumbo-fair.jp

The 38th Japan Hobby Show

Doll-making, knitting, scrapbooking accessories and more. Apr 24-26, 10am-5pm, ¥1,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥1,500 (3 days, adv). Tokyo Big Sight.

Nearest stn: Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. www.hobby.or.jp/ hobbyshow/2014

International Roses & Gardening Show

Blooming horticulturists' paradise. May 10-16, 9:30am5:30pm, ¥1,600-2,200.

Seibu Dome. Nearest stn: Seibukyujomae. Tel: 03-57778600. http://bara21.jp

Bazaars & Markets Earth Day Market

Organic produce, recycling projects and more. Apr 27, all day, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-34696081. www.earthdaymarket. com

Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market More than 120 vendors.

Sun & hols, 9am-3pm, free.

Shinagawa Intercity. Nearest stn: Shinagawa. meturl.com/ shinflea

Iidabashi Ramla Market

Every first and third Sun, 10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla.

Nearest stn: Iidabashi.

Umi no Koen Flea Market Every third Sun, 10am-4pm, Umi no Koen. Nearest stn: Uminokoen-Shibaguchi.

UNTIL APRIL 30 Matchbaco

Takayuki Nomura: Drowning in the Mist.

Acrylic and oil paintings.

Entrance Free. Open Tue-Sun 2pm-midnight, closed Mon. 5F, No.2 Shinjuku Bldg., 3-1-32, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku.

Nearest stn: Shinjuku Sanchome. http://matchbaco.net www.takayukinomura.com

rinpodan@umino-kouen.net Tel: 03-3226-6800.

Best Flea Market

Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.

Tel: 03-3226-6800.

Hanazono Shrine Market Every Sun, 8am-4pm, Hanazono Shrine. Nearest stn: Shinjuku-sanchome. Tel: 03-3200-3093.

Ibaraki-ichi

Farm-fresh veg from the north.

Every Sat, 7-9am, Roppongi Hills East Court. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6406-5285.

Nogi Shrine Market

Every second Sun, 5:30am3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nearest stn: Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001.

Oedo Antique Fair

Japan’s largest outdoor antique market. Every first and third Sun, 8am-4:30pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.

Tel: 03-5805-1093.

Aoyama Marché

Organic farmers’ market.

Every weekend, United Nations University. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-3456-0960.

Yasukuni Shrine Antique Market

Every Sun, sunrise-sunset, Yasukuni Shrine. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.

Fudaten Jinja Market

Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Fudaten Jinja. Nearest stn: Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.

Shinjuku Central Park Market

free. International School of the Sacred Heart. Nearest stn: Hiroo. Tel: 03-3400-3951. www.issh.ac.jp

Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tel: 03-3469-6081. www. earthday-tokyo.org

PechaKucha Night

All-night annual art extravaganza. Apr 19, from 10am; Apr 20, until 6pm, various prices. Venues across Roppongi. Nearest stn: Roppongi and Nogizaka. www.roppongiartnight.com

Presentations on design, thoughts and ideas. Apr 30, 8:20pm, ¥1,000. SuperDeluxe.

Nearest stn: Roppongi.

Tel: 03-5412-0515. www. pechakucha.org/cities/tokyo

TELL Lifeline Walk & Runathon

Walk and runathon to help support a worthy cause.

May 3, 8:30am (registration) / 10:15am (first race), ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,500 (door).

The Peninsula Hotel and Sakuradamon Imperial Palace course. Nearest stn: Yurakucho. www.tellwalkrun. com

Camp Fuji Friendship Festival

Live bands, game booths, military displays and more.

May 10, 11am-7pm (outside), 5pm-12am (nightclub), free.

USMC Camp Fuji, Nakabata 2092, Gotenba-shi, Shizuoka.

Nearest station: Takigahara Jietaimae. www.mccsfuji.com

Stitch-n-Bitch

Meet fellow knitters, crocheters and sewers to talk, share ideas, eat, drink and create. Every first and third Tue, 7pm, free, Cafe Respekt. Nearest stn: Shibuya. www.meetup.com/ TokyoStitchandBitch

Half-Fast Cyclists

Bordeaux Wine Seminar

An exclusive wine event with a French gourmet dinner.

Apr 18, 7:30pm, ¥15,980 (adv). Legato. Nearest stn: Shibuya. http://meturl.com/ monthlywine

Yebisu Marché

Butoh Intensive Workshops

Community Enchanting and festive night out for charity. Apr 19, 7:30pm, ¥14,500 (adv). Hilton Shinjuku Hotel. 6-6-2 Nishishinjuku.

Nearest stn: Shinjuku.http:// meturl.com/galasolidataire

Enchanted Lights

Exclusive night of entertainment and inspiration for a good cause. Apr 25, 6:30pm, ¥20,000. Conrad Tokyo. 1-9-1 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku. Nearest stn: Shiodome. ogaforaid. enchantedlights425@gmail. com. www.ogaforaid.org

Family Festival Olympics Book vendors, games and prizes, international food and music. Apr 26, 10am-4pm,

Beach volleyball, soccer, live performances and more.

Apr 26-27, 11am-4pm, free.

Southern Beach, Chigasaki, Kanagawa. Nearest stn: Chigasaki. shonan@ chigasaki-cci.or.jp. www. chigasaki-cci.or.jp/shonan_ festival

Tokyo Rainbow Pride

Parade, performances and plenty of pride. Apr 27, 11am-5:30pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tel: 03-3469-6081. www. tokyorainbowpride.com

Cinco de Mayo Festival Celebrate the Americas with fun, food and fiesta.

May 3-4, all day, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku.

Tel: 03-3469-6081. www. cincodemayo.jp

Spiral Independent Creators Festival

Learning

Opening the doorway to transformation. Apr 19, 10am, ¥15,000. Meguro location emailed to participants once registered. www. mysticallifellc.com

Opportunity to learn from Butoh masters Moe Yamamoto and others. Screenings, lectures, performances and more. May 2-22, 1-9:30pm, ¥45,000 (adv). Academy Otowa. 5-40-15 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku. Nearest stn: Gotokuji. butohWStokyo@ gmail.com. http:// butoh-ws. com

Nihonga Class

Regular classes and one-day workshops on basic Japanesestyle painting techniques.

All classes in English and Japanese. Every Wed and Sat, 11am, 3pm and 7pm, 4B Maruoka Building, 5-49-7 Jingumae. Nearest stn: Meijijingu-mae. www. mariatanikawa.com

Other Events Earth Day Tokyo

Educational activities, prize draws and more. Apr 19-20, from 10am, free. Yoyogi Park.

Filler -

¥18,000 ~ ¥20,000

Shonan Matsuri

Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School

Yoga for the Mind

AFJ's Charity Gala

Hula dancers, singers and more from the land of the lei.

Apr 26-May 6, various times, free. VenusFort. Nearest stn: Aoumi. Tel: 03-3599-0700. www.venusfort.co.jp/event/

Haisai Festa

Burlesque models pose for artstars and sketching newbies alike with arty socializing. Every third Wed, 7pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Studio and Space IVVA. Nearest stn: Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae. www.drsketchytokyo. wordpress.com

¥11,900 ¥18,000

Odaiba Hawaii Festival

Bicyclists of all treads meet for slide shows, lectures, ride-planning, etc. Every second Wed, 7pm, free, The Pink Cow. Nearest stn: Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773. cowmail@thepinkcow.com

Local produce stalls, workshops and live performances. Every Saturday, 10am-4pm, Shinjuku Central Park. Nearest stn: Tocho-mae.

Tel: 03-2504-2128. meturl. com/shinjukuparkmarket Organic fruits and vegetables.

Every first and third Sun, 11am-5pm, Ebisu Garden Place. Nearest stn: Ebisu. www. facebook.com/YEBISUMarche

Roppongi Art Night

*Hair growth program for ladies as well

Growth Factor ¥7,000 ¥5,000

¥1,900 ¥9,400

¥5,000

Open everyday / 10am ~ 7pm Wed/11am ~ 8am Tax not included in listed prices.

Ends Apr 30

Okinawa-focused event with movies, dance, music and more. May 3-6, all day, free.

La Cittadella. Tel: 044-2232333. lacittadella.co.jp/ haisai

Over one hundred artists display their works separated into two rounds over four days. May 3-6, 11am-7pm, ¥500-700.

Spiral. Nearest stn: Omotesando. Tel: 03-34981171. www.spiral.co.jp

62nd Yokohama Parade Lions and tigers and ships, oh my. May 3, 10:45 & 11:15am, free.

Yamashita Park. Nearest stn: Motomachi-Chukagai. www.yokohama-cci.com

Spring Festa

Cow milking, sheep herding and duck parades. May 3-6, from 9am, ¥800-1,500.

940-3 Tagura, Futtsu, Chiba.

Nearest stn: Kimitsu. www. motherfarm.co.jp

The Sweets 2014

Selection of desserts and pastries made by two master patissiers coupled with entertainment. May 5, noon & 3 & 7pm, ¥7,500.

The New Otani Hotel. Tokyo 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku.

Nearest stn: Nagatacho. www.newotani.co.jp/ tokyo/gwsweets2014/

Okinawa Matsuri

Okinawan food, music and mascots. May 10-11, 11am-9pm, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. http://allokinawa.com

Spring Rose Festival

Over 90 varieties of rose plants, including "Maria Callas" and others. May 15-Jun 16, all day, ¥70-150.

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens.

Nearest stn: Kami-Nakasato.

Tel: 03-3910-0394.

Manpaku

Annual food fest with local delicacies from all over Japan. May 17-Jun 2, 10:30am-9pm, ¥400-700 (adv)/ ¥500-800 (door).

Showa Kinen Park. Nearest stn: Tachikawa. http:// manpaku.jp

#1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 17

Agenda Movies BY DON MORTON

More reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

A

s dysfunctional family reunion films go, there’s not a lot new here. Any detectable comedy is dark as the night, and exists only to leaven the even darker drama. So not a lot of chuckles, but you see a movie like this (and you should) for the acting and the fiery, literate dialogue. The reason the far-flung Weston family is gathering at the big, shabby Oklahoma farmhouse is the suicide of the patriarch, who offed himself because dealing with his increasingly shrewish, cancer-stricken wife was getting in the way of his drinking. In addition to Meryl Streep dining delightfully on the scenery as one of the least likable screen characters in cinema history, and Julia Roberts as her cut-the-crap eldest daughter (both Oscar-nominated), there’s Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Juliette Lewis, Julianne Nicholson, Margo Martindale, Abigail Breslin, Dermot Mulroney, Sam Shepard and Benedict Cumberbatch. Each blends with the ensemble until his or her democratically allotted Big Scene. It’s a film of big gestures and little nuance. Insults are hurled, plates smashed, faces slapped and secrets revealed. Adultery, divorce, incest and X-treme one-upmanship. Adapted by Tracy Letts from her own Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play, and directed by John Wells (The Company Men). Japanese title: Hachigatsu no Kazoku-tachi.

(120 min)

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES

NEW

ANY DAY NOW

NEW

The latest YA fantasy franchise wannabe, aimed solely at separating from their allowances t he most ly ‘ t we eners who’ve read the Cassandra Clare books, is a hodgepodge of elements recycled from better (or just earlier) movies. Before I stopped counting, I spotted ripoffs of Harry Potter, Twilight, Men in Black, Buffy, and even Star Wars. Vampires, werewolves, demons, warlocks, a romantic triangle, a magic cup bestowing immense power, etc., all sewn up with seemingly endless exposition into an incomprehensible, way-too-long whole. Bad news: There are five more books. Good news: I’ll be ignoring them. Japanese title: Shadow Hunter. (130 min)

In 1979, a gay couple (a female i mp e rs on ator a nd a l aw ye r) that wants to adopt the Down Syndrome son of a prisonbound junkie hooker neighbor runs afoul of institutionalized homopho b i a . A b it o bv iou s , but the characters nonetheless ring true, thanks to fine performances by Alan Cumming, Garret Dillahunt and young Isaac Leyva that bring the material up from what could have been maudlin melodrama. Highlights the difficulties that partners wishing to be parents still face today in adopting a child, even one that no one else wants. Side note: some fine singing by Cumming. Japanese title: Chocolate Donut. (97 min)

THE WORLD’S END

NEW

The title is the last stop on a heroic 12-pub crawl that Gary and his mates failed to complete back in the ’90s, so he coerces the old gang into returning to t hei r hometow n a nd ta k i n g another shot at it. But they begin to sense a vague difference in their old drinking grounds and the people there. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are back with director Edgar Wright for another spot-on satire. They had fun with zombies in Shaun of the Dead, and buddy cop movies with Hot Fuzz. Sorry, telling you the target genre this time would spoil your fun. It’s clever, sad, wise and completely original. See it. Cheers, mate. Japanese title: World End Yopparai ga Sekai wo Sukuu. (109 min)

18 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

THE RAILWAY MAN

NEW

A former British soldier (Colin Firth) who worked on the Burma “Death Railway” hides his emotional scars well, until his new bride (Nicole Kidman) insists he confront his demons. He discovers that an interpreter for his tormenters back in the day (Hiroyuki Sanada) is alive and well and running a museum in what was once his concentration camp, and travels to Thailand with revenge in mind. (War Horse’s Jeremy Irvine is great as the character in flashbacks to the war.) What ensues is surprising and genuinely moving.

Kind of amazed that it’s being shown in Japan. Maybe the Abe Cabinet should catch a show. Japanese title: Railway Unmei no Tabiji. (116 min)

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

NEW

The W W I I- era , patriotically named hero has been conveniently deep-frozen for a few decades, probably so he can participate in Avengers movies.

It all depends on whether or not you’re into superhero flicks. If you’re not, it’s a lot of noise.

If you are, this is a well-crafted, old-school thriller that’s engrossing but appropriately forgettable. Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson are good, with surprising character depth. And Robert Redford (!) gleefully demolishes his own liberal crusader persona. It ’s also grounded in real-world concerns, from misguided antiterrorism programs to WikiLeaks. (135 min)

11 SETTEMBRE 1683

NEW

On t he t it le date , t he Ot toma n Empire launched a 300,000-man army against a smug and poorly d e fe n d e d Vi e n n a . L o n g s to r y short: if the city fell, Europe would become Muslim . Wise counsel from Italian monk Marco d’Aviano (F. Murray Abraham says “I am but a humble monk ” three times!) and the arrival of Poland’s commoner King Sobieski eventually managed to save the city’s snooty, aristocratic ass. Someday they’ll make a great movie about this. This beyond-cheesy Italian effort, though, is not it. Ponderous and self-important, but the dialogue’s pretty funny. Almost embarrassing, screen-saver SFX. (114 min)

PANDORA’S PROMISE

NEW

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES

NEW

Nuclear power is uncool these days. But this counterintuitive, a r ticu lately a rg ued doc posits that to be anti-nuclear is to be pro - coal and - oil in a warming world of rapidly growing energy demand. Dangerous? How many people are dying in China right now from coal pollution? Or in wars for oil fields? Which is the greater evil? The anti-nuclear movement may find all this, to borrow wording from Al Gore, inconveniently logical. Especially since the main interviewees are all former anti-nuke activists of note. Reasonable argument or sales pitch? I don’t know. But it opens up debate, and that’s never bad. Japanese title: Pandora no Yakusoku. (87 min)

They’re going to keep making these tired, found-footage cheapies until you stop paying to see them. For this fifth outing, the lack of action moves out of stale whitebread suburbia to target Latino audiences, as a trio of camera-toting teens delves into some spookiness in the ’hood. Borrows more from the vastly superior Chronicle than from its surveillancecam predecessors. Heavy on the “Boo!” moments, if that’s what floats your boat, but not a lot going on here but long stretches of paranormal inactivity, interspersed by a few cheap parlor tricks presented in a nauseating shaky-cam aesthetic. Japanese title: Paranormal Activity: Noroi no Shirushi. (84 min)

JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA

Johnny Knoxville expands his randy Octogenarian character Irving Zisman to feature length.

With a plot, even. Irving reluctantly a g r e e s to d r ive h i s g r a n d s o n to S o u t h C a r o l i n a , wh e r e h i s deadbeat dad has agreed to take him in for the child support he’ll get. Along the way, Irving and Billy (a spot-on Jackson Nicoll) test the social mores of Main Street America, and film with hidden cameras its flummoxed reactions. It’s rude, wrong and outrageous. This is guerilla filmmaking that occasionally reaches Borat levels. I am of course way too urbane and sophisticated for this juvenile trash. Busted a gut. Japanese title: Jackass Kusojijii no America Odan Chindouchu. (91 min)

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY: © 2013 AUGUST OC FILMS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES: © 2013 CONSTANTIN FILM INTERNATIONAL GMBH AND UNIQUE FEATURES (TMI) INC.; THE RAILWAY MAN: © 2013 RAILWAY MAN PTY LTD, RAILWAY MAN LIMITED, SCREEN QUEENSLAND PTY LIMITED, SCREEN NSW AND SCREEN AUSTRALIA.; PANDORA’S PROMISE: ©PANDORA'S PROMISE, LLC. ; ANY DAY NOW: © 2012 FAMLEEFILM, LLC ; 11 SETTEMBRE 1683: ©2012 MARTINELLI FILM COMPANY INTERNATIONAL SRL - AGRESYWNA BANDA.; CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER: © 2014 MARVEL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ; PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES: © PARAMOUNT PICTURES 2013. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; THE WORLD’S END: ©FOCUS FEATURES. JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA: © MMXIII PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.; GRUDGE MATCH: © 2014 WARNER BROS.ENTERTAINMENT INC.; SAVING MR. BANKS: ©2014 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.; SAVING MR. BANKS: ©2014 DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.; PARKED: NO CREDIT NEEDED.; THE LEGO MOVIE: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; FROZEN: ©2014 DISNEY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EIGA: ©2014『サンブンノイチ』製作委員会

GRUDGE MATCH

Must have looked better at the pitch meeting. Get senior citizens Rocky Balboa and Jake LaMotta (not their real names) back in the ring three decades later for an oldguy sports dramedy. It’ll be fun!

But this overlong, drab pic is more sad than fun. Oh, we’re used to Bobby’s slumming, and there’s little left for Sly but self-parody, but why trash two of cinema’s most iconic scrappers for a few bucks (it lost $11 mil) and even fewer I’m-too-old-for-this laughs? Kim Bassinger will not be highlighting this on her resume. I’m not telling who won, but if you’ve paid good money to see this, the loser is you. (113 min)

SAVING MR. BANKS

It took Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) 20 years to convince Mary Poppins author P. L . Travers (a magical Emma Thompson) to let him make a movie from it. Travers didn’t want it Disnified. Flashes back to her childhood in Australia and very movingly explains her attachment to her characters, her stubbornness, and this movie’s title. I enjoyed it despite my mistrust of the Mouse House, but not for a minute did I believe this sanitized, “imagineered” version was how things really went down. Truth be told, she capitulated because she was broke. She didn’t like the film, and probably wouldn’t like this one either.

Japanese title: Walt Disney no Yakusoku. (125 min)

eiga

SANBUN NO ICHI

By Rob Schwartz

S

o many thrillers these days try to hide the fact they want to be a Tarantino film but have nothing new to say or add to his oeuvre. The latest joyride by comedian, novelist and filmmaker Hiroshi Shinagawa takes a different approach—it doesn’t even try to hide the imitation. Maria (Mika Nakashima), a hostess at a men’s club, starts the proceedings by asserting that one of three bank robbers has killed her. She goes on to set the scene, based around her club Honey Bunny (get it?). Three men are holed up there after pulling off a bank heist that might have gone wrong (sound familiar?). They are the deep-in-debt manager Shuzo (Tatsuya Fujiwara), the waiter and martial artist Koji (Koki Tanaka), and the bumbling restaurant chain owner Ken (Ryuichi Kosugi). While the argue over splitting up the loot and avoiding the cops the film employs numerous flashbacks to set up the crime, introduce many more characters (mostly baddies), and constantly change who is scamming whom. Crime bosses are playing the robbers, or getting played. One second the characters are ripping each other off the next they’re in love. Every three minutes a new victor for the loot, and morally incorruptible hero, emerges and then is shot down to the point of silliness. Mix this with a climax that is so ridiculous it smashes any suspension of disbelief and a tone that does things like play an anal rape scene for laughs and you have a film so bad it’s painful. (English title: One Third; 120 min.)

family films THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

In a sporadically amusing remake of the 1947 classic from the story

by James Thurber, Ben Stiller is a dull Life magazine photo librarian who wishes he were more exciting so he could woo and win a pretty colleague (Kristen Wiig). While he engages in action-packed, deskbound fantasies, the film is kind of fun. Paradoxically, it’s when he gets all carpe diem and starts having actual, globetrotting adventures that the (admittedly very scenic) film loses traction. As Stiller movies go, this uneven, uninvolving bomb is closer to Night at the Museum than it is to Tropic Thunder. Japanese title: Life! (114 min)

THE LEGO MOVIE

Borrowing its plot from The Matrix, the story centers on Emmet Brickowski, a kind of clueless everyman Lego humanoid who stumbles upon the “ Piece of Resistance” and is recruited (as “The Special”) to save his brightly colored Legoworld from unimaginative corporate villains. His newfound allies include Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Gandalf, Dumbledore, Shaquille O’Neal and a Star Wars quartet. Excellent voice talent. It’s fast, fresh, funny, endlessly inventive and absurdly enjoyable, and all the while encouraging creativity in children. NOTE: Shown in English only at Shinjuku Piccadilly.

(92 min)

FROZEN

The Mouse House take on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen is about a queen who, unable to control her magical powers over ice and snow, banishes herself to a distant ice castle lest she harm her younger sister. Okay, this was not made for me. But I found this nicely animated, pro-girl animation diverting, despite featuring no less than eight pedestrian songs. It also adds not one but two new princesses to Disney’s royal arsenal. Disney ain’t dumb. The cute factor is served by a clever reindeer and a magical snowman who pines for the tropical life. “Minimally cloying” is hardly a rave, but there you are.

Japanese title: Anna to Yuki no Joou. (108 min)

By Kevin Mcgue

O

ne of the reasons traditional cinemas have survived the onslaught of home video, streaming and mobile options is that the movie theater has always been the premier date destination. But when baby makes three, it gets hard to go out. Thankfully, Tokyo offers plenty of cinema options for kids and their parents.

Toho Cinemas’ Mama Club Theater offers “babies welcome” screenings at many of their locations on Thursday mornings. The house lights don’t go all the way down when the projector fires up, allowing parents to keep an eye on their little ones, and the air conditioning is adjusted with kids in mind. There are child seats, places to park carriages and staff on hand to help when little movie critics get vocal with their disapproval of a film. www.tohotheater.jp/service/mamas_club_theater Hot Mama Cinema by Movix Cinemas offers special screenings for moms and babies on weekday mornings at its suburban locations. There are “stress free” ticket counters exclusively for moms, nursing and diaper-changing stations, as well as play mats in front of the screen. www.hotmama-cinema.jp Shinagawa Prince Cinema holds events to encourage parents to bring their infants to the cinema for the very first time, as well as screenings of Japanese films aimed at slightly older kids. Upcoming releases include the latest installments of the Crayon Shin-chan and Detective Conan franchises. The cinema also offers a “mama’s day off plan” on Wednesdays, which includes a movie ticket, a drink and dessert set at the café and care for an infant in the dakko (nursery) room for the single price of ¥5,800. www.princehotels.co.jp/shinagawa/cinema Kawasaki Art Center offers free nursery services staffed by volunteers for some screenings. http://kac-cinema.jp/barrierfree/ The Skip City Visual Museum in Kawaguchi boasts exhibitions on the technical side of the production of film and television, most of it interactive and geared toward kids, such as a booth where visitors can experience augmented reality or computer animation stations which allow the end results to be saved to a DVD to take home. Kids are also welcome to join Japanese language film production classes and workshops that introduce the basics of optics and film in a fun way. www.skipcity.jp/english The Tokyo Kinder Film Festival is gearing up for its 22nd installment, running August 13-17 at Chofu City Green Hall. Young festivalgoers discover the joys of cinema through programs featuring international shorts and animated films. There are also Q&As with Japanese and international filmmakers and filmmaking workshops. www.kinder.co.jp/en

#1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 19

GORGEOUS BAR &LOUNGE

Happy Hour All ¥500!!

Mon-Fri (except Public holidays) Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT, The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT, Glasses of wine, Cocktails

CONVENIENT STANDING CASH-BAR AREA SELECTED ALCOHOL & FOOD FROM ¥500

Enjoy Friday night events at P.C.M Start from 7 pm

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Enjoy our great selections of Irish and European brews.

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Nearest stations: Tokyo or Yurakucho. Open: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Tea 2:30-5pm, Dinner (Mon-Fri) 5pm-4am LO 3:30am, (Weekends and hols.) 5pm-11pm LO 10pm

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More details

http://failte.jp

5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat) 3-11pm (Sunday & hols) tel: 03-3476-7776

Roppongi's famous Chinese eatery

Post a photo of the restaurant on Facebook, and get 1 free beer.

Open 24 hours • 180 people max for parties Roppongi: 2F Court Annex Roppongi, 3-2-13 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku.

Akasaka: B1F Floral Plaza Bldg, 3-8-8 Akasaka,Minato-ku.

03-5414-5708 03-6234-9788

Visit our website for info on other Chinese Cafe Eight locations

welcome@cceight.com | www.cceight.com 20 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

BITES carpe diet

shrimping

PHOTO BY JEFF W. RICHARDS

French gourmet brand Fauchon is paying a full-on homage to Japan t his year, w it h its signature eclairs taking the form of The Great Wave of f Kanagawa

by Hok u sa i, t he st r iped pattern of Ginza’s kabuki theater and most notably, just in time for Children’s Day, the koinobori eclair comes in t he form of t he carp streamers hung up on May 5 to express hope that children will grow up healthy a nd st rong. T he f ishy-look i ng treats (¥540) come in two colors (blue and pink) and the inside custard fillings are color-coordinated to match—blueberry and strawberry.

Exclusive to Takashimaya Yokohama, Shinjuku and Nihonbashi.

Dining Out

If you like your shrimp, this one is for you. Ebigaraso in Kagurazaka bills itself as an “ebistro”—a shrimp bistro. Spilled into the nooks and crannies of an antique three-storey house, Ebigaraso serves up more than seven kinds of shrimp and shellfish relatives, including a freshly fried whole lobster for ¥2,980. Secret rooms make the place itself fun to explore: the door labeled “staff only” actually leads to a chandeliered party room for groups of eight or more, while the three couples’ seats on the third floor can only be found by clambering through the emergency exit. Of course, you’re free to just sit on the second floor and watch the chef broil your dish over a charcoal flame. But heads up: most of these shrimp still have their brains! —Taiichi Izawa

baked choco After 80 years on store shelves, Kit Kat is now going where no chocolate bar has ever (intentionally) gone before: into your toaster oven. The idea is the brainchild of Yasumasa Takagi, who’s been involved in creating new Kit Kat flavors for ten years. The Bake ‘N Tasty Mini Kit Kat Custard Pudding Flavor (¥540 for 13 mini-bars) is to be put on a cooking tray covered with aluminum foil, then heated in the toaster oven for about two minutes so the sugar will be caramelized in the style of a crème brûlée. Maker Nestlé has further collaborated with a clutch of companies to produce original menu items using the bars: sundaes at Wired Cafe and Moriva Coffee, and pizzas at Strawberry Cones and Napoli no Kama.—TI

mangetsu American craft brewer Blue Moon is welcoming the warming weather with a temporary bar in Omotesando. Easily identified by the slice of orange served atop each bottle, Blue Moon’s signature Belgian-style wheat ale is known for its fruity orange and coriander-seed flavor.

To complement the creamy beverages, Blue Moon—The Natural Bar, located in the open-air 246 Common just northeast of Omotesando crossing, offers a fresh menu including special items reserved just for the week of a full moon (such as that of Apr 14-20). Time is indeed of the essence here—The Natural Bar fades away after May 31. —TI

#1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 21

THE LATEST DISH ON FOOD & DRINK IN THE BIG CITY

local flavors

DEMYSTIFYING THE UDON MENU

UDON

• かけ (Kake)

Slurping up oodles of noodles

The standard hot noodles in a hot broth

• ぶっかけ (Bukkake)

by Yukari Sakamoto

U

don—those thick, chewy noodles made from wheat flour—are a much-appreciated delight for their texture and flavor.

And the plethora of udon restaurants across the city make it a great value, too, as most bowls can be had for under ¥500 and the whole meal can be gulped down in minutes. The price and speed also makes these a good option for hungry Tokyo families (and what kid doesn’t like sucking up some big slippery noodles?)

Some chains like Marugame Seimen (www. toridoll.com/en/shop/howto.html) or Hanamaru (www.hanamaruudon.com) will have a selection of vegetable and seafood tempura that kids can choose from to add as toppings to the udon. Inarizushi, the sweet packets of tofu stuffed with rice are a wellscoffed side dish at shops that are popular with the young ones.

TANIYA Ningyocho is a fun, quaint and historic Tokyo neighborhood to explore. We found Taniya by chance on a recent outing there when we walked by its front window and saw the chef, Tani-san, rolling out dough for udon. The shop is bright, the staff are genki and the portion sizes are generous—so consider asking for a small bowl of noodles. The staff recommended the bukkake (cold noodles, strong broth), which comes

FISHY FLEET

bites

Kaitenzushi for kids

by Lisa Wallin

W

hat could be better than a sushi t r a i n? W h y a s u s h i b o a t , o f course! Here 's a great way to recreate a sushi shop—the kind with the rotating trays—in the comfort of your apato.

And while this bites isn't a chef or maitre d', it does make the younger ones in the family the star gourmets.

Toy company Takara-Tomy Arts has come up with a genius at-home version of your favorite local kaitenzushi place, one they call Cho Nigi-Nigi O-uchi de Kaitenzushi. All you need to do is set up the track at home, don sushichef hats and aprons and get practicing on your “Irasshaimase!” Then, with squeeze tubes like a

22 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

Dining Out

Cold noodles with a bit of strong broth, garnished with toppings such as grated daikon, sudachi (Japanese citrus) and green onions

• 醤油 (Shoyu) Cold noodles topped with soy sauce and garnishes with a grated yamaimo (Japanese yam) and a softboiled egg that is fried tempura-style.

2-15-17 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo-ku 03-5695-3060. www.tg-supply.jp/taniya/

• ざる (Zaru) Cold noodles served with a small bowl of tsuyu dipping broth (also called tsuyu-dashi)

If you’ve got an adult hankering for a quick salaryman lunch or something stronger than soda to help wash it down, try popping in to one these noodly nosh joints.

• 釜あげ (Kama-age) Hot udon noodles served in a bowl of hot water and served with a dipping sauce

UDON MARUKA

Kama-age noodles that are topped with a raw egg and some soy sauce

The Kanda neighborhood is filled with cheap restaurants for the area university students. There is usually a line at this hot spot, but it moves quickly so don’t let that deter you. It’s all business inside as orders are taken quickly and noodles are boiled up in the open kitchen. Be sure to get the squid tempura that is served with scissors so that diners can cut it up into bite-size pieces.

New Surugadai Bldg., 3-16-1 Kanda-Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku. 03-3294-1320

SANUKIYA This shop, named after the famous Sanuki udon

Play-Doh Fun Factory, kids can help make nigiri or makizushi with their favorite ingredients— meaning no fuss and lots of creativity.

You may want to dial it down when meatballnatto-strawberry jam versions are suggested, but nothing beats the fun of a home-made family meal where everyone pitches in.

Keep an eye out for specially marked boxes t hat include t wo ex t ra st ra ig ht ra i l pieces, increasing options to change the railway layout every time.

List price ¥7,020. http://meturl.com/2w Available at toy stores nationwide

• 釜玉 (Kama-tama)

region, is just minutes from Koenji station. While some customers come in for just a bowl of udon, those in the know also come for the nihonshu. The sake list here includes includes popular labels like Jikon and Nabeshima. The son, Kondo-san, has a discerning palate and serves up small dishes, pairing each one with a different sake. The evening ends with a bowl of udon—and a great buzz from the sake.

4-38-7 Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku.

03-3314-4488. www.koenji-sanukiya.com

The majority of classified ads have moved online!

The Blog

NE W !

Think the Classifieds is just ads? Think again! Visit the blog for saucy ads of yore, ideas to make your ads pop, updated prices (hello, free Vehicles ads!), and plenty more Classifieds goodness. http://metropolis.co.jp/classifiedblog

1 AT YOUR SERVICE 1.1 HEALTH B I L I N G UA L US-LICENSED PSYCHIATRIST R Y U K O I S H I K AWA , MD, w i t h extensive clinical experience in both Japan a n d ove r s e a s . Fa m i ly relationship conflicts, cross-cultural human relationship issues (couples, individuals, groups).

M e d i c at i o n a s s e s s m e n t w/diagnostic interviews.

Weekly seminars available.

5min from Omotesando B1 exit . ryupsy@gmail.com 03-6427-4286

SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY (physical therapy) care in Hiroo.

Native English-speaking t h e ra p i s t s s p e c i a l i z i n g in sports injuries, p o s t - o p e r a t i v e rehabilitation, back/neck pain, running related, headaches, orthotics, ergonomic consultations and women’s health. www.tokyophysio.com 03-3443-6769

1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY

O N LY C UT ZO N E SALO N provides a hair cut service for only ¥1000.

5min walk from Kita -Senju stn . Friendly English-speaking staff is available. Contact us at 03-3882-1550.

Open from 10am until 7pm, seven days a week. http://meturl.com/ onlycutzone

1.3 MOVING

CHEAPEST, QUICKEST AND SAFEST! Transporter Tokyo supports your moving and delivers your stuff. Moving for singles or couples fro m ¥12 ,0 0 0. D e l ive r y (fu rn i t u r e , m o to rb i ke s , etc.) from ¥7000.

Engli sh -, Fre nc h - and Japanese -speaking staff available. Inquiries:

info@transporter-tokyo. c o m w w w. t r a n s p o r t e r tokyo.com/english/contact Te l : 0 3 - 6 7 1 5 - 9 3 9 1 F a x : 03- 6715-9392 Address: 3-29-8 Nishi-Rokugo, Ota-ku, Tokyo

CLASSIFIEDS

newyork-kaikei.com kny_ nishimura@yahoo. co.jp K.N.Y. Service Inc. 西村

勝也税理士事務所

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/

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH M E T R O P O LI S ? Pl ati n u m ¥ 3 2 , 4 0 0. G o l d ¥ 2 7,0 0 0.

Silver ¥21,600. Prices include one photo.

Bronze ¥2000 (photo + ¥2000). Prices are fo r 4 0 wo rd s , o n e p ri n t issue, two weeks online.

For details , visit the To k yo C l a s s i f i e d s b l o g - http ://metropoli s . co.jp/classifiedblog/ - or email us at commercial@ metropolis.co.jp.

AFFORDABLE, HIGHQ UALIT Y, E XPR E S S OFFSET PRINTING NOW AVAI L AB LE I N E N G LI S H! Shop/business cards: 1000 copies, 4c/4c 220kg ¥ 5500. A6 flyers: 3000 copie s , 4c/4c 110 kg ¥ 6 3 0 0. A 5 f lye r s : 5000 copies, 4c/1c 90kg ¥11,800. Contact wendy@ flyerinsatsu.co.jp or vi s it http ://e n gli s h . flyerinsatsu.co.jp.

AUTH O RIZ E D I R S E- FI LE PROVIDER prepares U.S. citizens’ tax returns and files them electronically. Worldwide income? Foreign Earned Income Exclusion?

Japanese financial accounts? Ask Mr. N i s h i m u ra . n i s h i m u ra @

Issue 1049 - FRI, MAY 2 Deadline: Apr 24, 3pm

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.

1.4 TRAVEL

N A R I TA A I R P O R T C A R / MINIVAN TRAN SFER S E RV I C E . C h e a p e r t h a n a taxi. English - speaking d rive r. M e e t a n d g r e e t .

Free baby seat. Luggage assistance. Dependable Safe - Ea sy- Q uic k Airpor t Tra n s fe r S e r vi c e . B O O K NOW! Email Reservation@ To k yo A i r p o r t e r. c o m . www.tokyoairporter.com

classifieds.metropolis.co.jp

S E K I YA M A U . S . TA X CONSULTING LLC. USCPA OFFICE IN TOKYO. Double taxation relief? Delinquent FBAR? Foreign Tax Credit or Foreign Earned Income Exc lu sion? Filing with a J a p a n e s e S p o u s e ? Te n percent discount available with 1040 preparations .

English and Japanese ok. w w w. s e k i y a m a t a x . c o m info@sekiyamatax.com 03-5403-4639 VISA COUNSELING: female immigration lawyer handle s your visa case .

P e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n c y, naturalization, eligibility ( i n v i t i n g yo u r s p o u s e / 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 7 0 Email: mailto@officelife.jp Website: http://officelife. jp/en/ CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists in branding, web design, photo/ vi d e o p ro d u c ti o n . D rawi n g A Crowd: a new approach in design.

Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd. co

1.8 GENERAL SERVICES

S M I L E S TA N D : J a p a n ’ s first and only stylish rental photo booth. An exc itin g a d d itio n to a ny p a r t y, e v e n t , e t c . , a n d the best way to get crazy, fabulous, professional

photos. With this ad ¥55,000~. info@highlandtokyo.com https://vimeo. com/44976943 www.smilestand.com TEAM OF TWO WOMEN OFFERING CLEANING SERVICES. House and garage cleaning, gardening, moving in and out; cleaning weekly or once or twice/month. Name it and we’ll do it! English and Nihongo ok. Call Ellen at 090-6536-0914. satoelena@yahoo.com TO ADVERTISE IN METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S NO.1 ENGLISH MAGAZINE, log on at www.metropolis. co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@ metropolis.co.jp.

2 FIND A PLACE 2.1 GUESTHOUSE GREAT LOCATION & SUPER CLEAN. Private furnished rooms in Roppongi, Akasaka, AzabuJuban and Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min from stn, ladies-only floor available, weekly cleaning service, free internet, aircon, fridge. From ¥49,000/m.

No key money/guarantor/ agent fee. 090-2405-0022 mail@bauhousetokyo.com

2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000

SAKURA HOUSE. Leading multilingual real estate agency in Tokyo s i n c e 1 9 92 . O ve r 1 6 0 0 furnished apartments a n d g u e s t /s h a re h o u s e rooms, from ¥52,000/m, utilities included.

No key money/guarantor/ agent fee. Contact us: 03-5330-5250 info @ sakura - house .com www.sakura-house.com

ICHIGAYA GREEN CORP. One apartment available in furnished, three-story apartment building, sunny and quiet, south/north facing, many trees, small Japanese garden, 5min walk from subway station, 13min by bicycle to JR Shinjuku/ Yotsuya stn. Rent: ¥100,000/m (2K). Tel/fax: 03-3341-7875 Mail: itto@itto-jinnai.com www.ittojinnai.com/green/greencorp. html

I C H I I C O R P O R AT I O N .

Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in central Tokyo locations. No key money/guarantor/agent

Issue 1051 - FRI, MAY 16 Deadline: May 8, 3pm

fee required. New, clean apartments, simple contract system, full English support.

Call us today! 03-5437-5233 www.japt.co.jp

P R I VAT E F U R N I S H E D A P A R T M E N T S .

Odakyu line: MukogaokaYuen/Yomiuri-Land-Mae, 20/30min from Shinjuku.

Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate, 1 5 m in from S hin a g awa .

1K~2LDK ¥58,000/ m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 0449 3 3 -70 0 0 E m a i l : m h @ m i n o w a g r o u p . j p w w w. minowagroup.jp/ minowahomes

SERVICED APARTMENTS in a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites.

4min from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/ day. Monthly ¥5700-/day.

Over three months ¥5130-/ day. Tax, utilities included. fr o n td e s k@ a z a b u c o u r t . com www. azab ucour t . com/ 03-3446-8610

R O P P O N G I S U M M E R S U B L E T. Fully furnished 2DK available for sublet from mid-May to mid-Sep. Light and airy corner unit, aircon, high-speed internet, washer and dryer, kitchen bar, covered veranda. Rent + utilities ¥200,000/m. Substantial discount for right person. Don at 090-58136721.

SUBLET TILL YEAR-END. Ground-floor 2K flat in Nishi-Shinjuku, older, tatami-style, very quiet, peaceful area, w/bathroom (w/ washlet), basic furniture/equipment ¥60,000/m. One-month deposit.

Single occupancy only. Parking possible. Call Jon. countrylove1212@ hotmail.com 080-2384-1924

2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000

TOKYO APARTMENTS. Your one-stop housing solution throughout Tokyo. Providing serviced, furnished and unfurnished apartments, for both long and short-term

stays. Also providing relocation services, furniture rental, property management and sale s .

Please call 0120-957-920. www.tokyoapartments.jp 3LDK IN YOYOGI available fro m Ap r, 10 m i n fro m Yoyo g i stn, 4min from Sangubashi stn, one-month key money, no agency fee, no renewal fee, no guarantor necessary, w/three aircon ¥210,000. Water included. kokoro30.pl@gmail.com

2.5 PLACE WANTED Apartment swap, New York City and Tokyo. Have a three-bedroom near Union Sq, NYC. Looking to swap for a Tokyo apartment in the Ikebukuro area or on the Tobu Tojo for all or part of July.

Please contact Ken at 1-917-446-0437. actionallen@hotmail.com English for room share Experienced teacher, clean, professional, male, seeking room share once/week in western Tokyo/NE Chiba. I can teach you English in exchange for the use of an extra futon and a shower. runnajon@ gmail.com Room to sublet. Female European professional, 30, tidy and respectful, is seeking to sublet a room in a fully furnished apartment in central Tokyo. isiresol@gmail.com

2.6 BUY/SELL PREMISES TIRED OF PAYING R E N T ?

Minato Asset Management Co., Ltd. can help you find properties, get a mortgage, permanent visa, etc.

Diversified income properties also available. mukai@ minato-am.com 090-41231025 03-55798-2779 www. realestate-minato.com

2.7 OFFICE SPACE

MONDEWORK TOKYO: serviced offices and share offices available from one month located in Ichigaya (Yotsuya, Kojimachi), 24/7 access, company registration, bilingual reception service.

Fa c i l i t i e s i n c l u d e f r e e drinks, copy machine, TV, projector, meeting rooms.

Please call 03-4455-7594. www.tokyoapartments.jp/ serviced-offices/ MODERN, STYLISH SPACE IN AOYAMA. Conduct focus groups, interviews, training or meetings in well-equipped, comfortable setting. Host seven at-table, eight in viewing room. Break lounge i n c l u d e d , Fo c u sV i s i o n equipped. Contact studio@ the-carter-group.com or call 03-6438-9481 for pricing.

Metropolis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or edit any ad without notice. Metropolis takes no responsibility for the quality of items or services advertised. Please carefully examine vendors or items offered before commitment. Please be careful when contacting and arranging to meet people.

Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings. #1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 23

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp

3 EDUCATION 3.2 JAPANESE TEACHERS FREE TRIAL LESSON . Friendly professional Japanese teacher offers private lessons ¥4000/90min. Have teaching experience at schools in Australia and Japan. Lesson area is close to Tama-Center, Odakyu line/Keio line/ Tama Monorail/JR Yokohama line. iriya96black@nifty.com

We welcome all kinds of parties.

Please contact us.

Each branch has different hours.

www.dubliners.jp DUBLINERS’ SHIBUYA Thank you for supporting us for 12 fun-filled years!

Join us at our

12 Anniversary Party th

Thu, April 24

Pints of draught beer only

¥500 (Guinness, Kilkenny, Yebisu)

Irish Live music Paddy Field from 8pm

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/

3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE

TO POST ADS, register an account at http://classifieds. metropolis.co.jp/ and use the password sent to your email account to log in. For help from there, visit our blog. h t t p : //m e t r o p o l i s . c o . j p / classifiedblog/ Chinese and English. Hi, I'm a Taiwanese girl seeking a Chn/E exchange. roway1011@gmail.com Danish, German, Japanese. Hej and 'N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes and Germans to help her with languages in Tokyo/ Kanagawa through fun conversations over cups of coffee or just hanging out.

Please be nonsmokers, 30s preferred. codename107113@live.com

English and Japanese. Hi, I'm a JF, early 30s, seeking a language exchange partner. I'm not a teaching professional, but if you are interested in studying with me, please mail me.

Female preferred. natsuki711@hotmail. co.jp English and Japanese. I'm seeking a language exchange partner, preferably an American, 26-38, in or near Ichikawa City. I'm a JF translator, 36. gk24vbn8@ gmail.com English and Japanese. My Japanese for your English. Weekdays along the Denentoshi line to Shibuya.

Lived in London, traveled around Europe and Australia. Love American indie music, art and coffee. Thanks! momokokawabata@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Do you want to improve your English and translation skills? Canadian, 40-ish, seeking a language partner. Let's help each other with our language skills over tea. Let's meet in Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Nerima. tarry2@hotmail.com English and Japanese. I work in Tokyo.

I am a guy, 25. I want to speak English well. Would you exchange J and E with me? jakengisi@gmail.com English and Japanese. Seeking English-speaking friends for coffee. I am Japanese, but 日本人もTOEIC900以 上歓迎実践ビジネス英語リスナ. 横須賀or横浜. elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es English and Japanese. Japanese seeks English speakers between Soka and Takenozuka for language exchange or coffee buddies. Where are you from? Friendship and chat at coffee shops only. Take it easy! language_ exchange3@hotmail.com

English and Japanese. Do you want to improve your English and translation skills? Canadian, 40-ish, seeking a language partner. Let's help each other with our language skills over tea. Let's meet in Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Nerima. tarry2@hotmail.com

Curtains, white, double-layered, two pieces (H200xW110cm) ¥2000. alessandrolibri@gmail.com Stool, white leather seat, metallic legs, as new ¥2000. alessandrolibri@ gmail.com

English, French, Chinese, Japanese.

I am seeking language exchange partners, 30s-40s, to brush up my languages. I can teach you J. belami818@gmail.com

Wardrobe, black, wood, w/glass doors (which I line with paper) ¥5000/ obo. Pick up only Edogawabashi stn, Yurakucho line. Details, photos available. marclark@hotmail.com 03-5261-9151

French and Japanese. Bonjour.

Je suis Roumaine et j'habite a Yokohama. Je cherche quelqu'un de nationalité française pour pratiquer la conversation française. Je peux enseigner le japonais (débutant niveau supérieur) en échange. Merci de votre réponse. ningyo14@yahoo. com

Appliance sale! Fridge, 145L, twodoor ¥3000. Rinnai gas stove, in good condition ¥18,000. Sharp Plasmacluster Ion aircon, for 6-8-mat, '08 ¥35,000. oxbow@i. softbank.jp

4.2 APPLIANCES

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

Minibar, Hitachi, in excellent condition (52x47x53cm) ¥2500. negmhossam@hotmail.com

Portuguese, English, Japanese.

Hi, I just started learning Port and I need help. I can help you with J or E conversation. I hope to hear from you. ominahesizuki@hotmail.com

Water flosser, Waterpik Ultra WP -10 0, b ra n d n ew, s hip p e d fro m U SA , n eve r o p e n e d , in original packaging, w/six tips and 10 -year warranty ¥5000. Pick up Ochanomizu/Akihabara area. opposite13@hotmail.com

Spanish and English. I'd like to have a language exchange with Englishspeaking people. pronusprorsus@ yahoo.com

3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL

Dutch and Japanese. H e ll o.

Angenaam kennis te maken. I'm seeking a language exchange partner who can speak Dutch and meet in the Tokyo area. I'm a JF, 30, living in Tokyo.

Please contact me to help my Dutch. yhappy1984h@yahoo.co.jp

English and Japanese. Hi! I'm Ken, a black male from Nigeria. I am so interested in the culture and traditions of Japan that I'd love to have an exchange penpal friend. Maybe someday I'll visit. victor_okoror@ yahoo.com 234-8034713154

24 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

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

S E W I N G A N D PATTERNMAKING CLASSES. Are you interested in creating your own clothes and bags? Learn to use the s ewin g m a c h in e a n d to draw your own patterns for clothing that you'll love and that will fit you perfectly. sewing.circle@yahoo. com http://sewingcircle. wordpress.com

3.9 TEACH ME! Private English teacher wanted.

I seek a patient teacher. All I need is your patience, experience not required. I'd like to take a trial lesson first. Prefer British English speaker, but not required. Wage and area is negotiable. snowlyjon@ excite.co.jp Reasonable English lessons .

Japanese male, 30, seeks native English teacher who could teach me at a cafe on weekends along the Odakyu line. umek2002jp@yahoo. co.jp Seeking cello teacher in the Shibuya area. We are seeking a cello teacher for our 13-year-old daughter. She has studied three years already.

Languages: Russian, English, French.

Weekly appointment. We already have a cello. arnaud.beranger@ ca-cib.com Web design. Foreign male seeking female web designer, open-minded, nonsmoker preferred. Must be available to meet in Tokyo, two-three times/month. I'll teach you English. In return, you teach me how to create a website. jj08@drivehq.com

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Chair, for desks, height and back adjustable, can dismantle for transport ¥1000. Cash only. Koenji. ohpopshop@ gmail.com Curtains, bedroom (W140x135cm), double-layer, light blue, quality brand. alessandrolibri@gmail.com

Rice cooker, Zojirushi, '08, IH type, as new ¥6000. mizi2005@hotmail. com

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Designer table, bike, heater, antique door, tent, air mattress, Muji shelves, Muji boxes, Muji folding table, exercise ball, hairdryer, retro scale, camping gas cooker, tools, badminton set, chalk board, Christmas tree. vombat. idae@yahoo.de Sayonara sale! Bedside table ¥300.

Microwave ¥500. TV stand, 1.5 y/o, in good condition. Ikebukuro area. loveryrosa@yahoo.co.jp Sayonara sale! Wa s h e r/dr ye r ¥7000. Fridge ¥3000. ¥9000/ both. Microwave oven ¥10,000.

Wooden dining table, w/four chairs ¥4500. Cabinet ¥1500. Pick up only Roppongi. mehtyagi@gmail.com Sayonara sale! Washer ¥5000. Oil heater ¥7000. Microwave ¥3000.

LP gas stove ¥4000. Wardrobes ¥2000. Sofa ¥7000. Table, w/ two chairs ¥5000. Prices include delivery in Tokyo. pop10eye@ gmail.com Sayonara sale! Sony Bravia 47" TV, Panasonic DVD/CD recorder, 5' pine double bed and mattress, tables, chairs, leather sofa, etc. Bunkyo-ku.

Leaving early May. learneigo@ hotmail.com 09065269676 Sayonara sale! Beds, shelves, bookshelf, sofa, fan, hanger rack, etc . Details, photos available. momoko.nakai@gmail.com http:// jp.pinterest.com/shimauma2014/ households/ Sayonara sale! Leath e r sofa , dining table and six chairs, DVD reader, flatscreen TV, DVD player, coffeemaker, office desk and chair, office chest of drawers, etc. Details, photos available. hirooecucina@ gmail.com 09034276795

4.4 TV & HOME THEATER TV and photo receiver, bedside, small, seven m/o, w/packaging, bought w/SoftBank smartphone ¥10,000. pop10eye@gmail.com

4.5 AUDIO & MP3 Amp/speaker system, Denon M370 5.1, in great condition. Pick up Meguro. gerald.wan@gmail.com https://www. flickr.com/photos/120990699@N03/ 08055351635 Headset, Bose Mobile MIE2i, as new.

New ¥13,650. Sell ¥7500. Chakubarai. perukunboy@hotmail.com Music system, Bose Wave Version I, w/iPad/iPhone (up to 4s) dock, remote ¥25,000. Cash only (no electronic transfers). No shipping. i.mobile. pizzaman@gmail.com

4.6 FOR KIDS Crib, Ikea Sniglar, two y/o, w/mosquito net, Disney (Pooh Bear) mobile (lots of battery left), mattress, in good shape, no stains ¥2000. menzoberranzen@ gmail.com Kitchen toy. Anpanman, new in the box ¥2500. Free delivery in area. mizi2005@hotmail.com Mat, for child's room (6-7-mat), clean ¥3000. mizi2005@hotmail.com Stroller, Maclaren, in very good condition. New ¥35,000+. Sell ¥9000.

Free delivery possible. mizi2005@ hotmail.com

4.7 FOR FREE Fridge, small/medium-sized, looks good and works well, not sure how old it is. Pick up only Edogawabashi stn, Yurakucho line. Details, photos available. marclark@hotmail.com 03-5261-9151 Massage table, sturdy steel frame, w/detachable steel legs, vinyl top has a few scratches. Ikebukuro area. chemists_at_large@yahoo.com

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Bag, Crumpler Karachi Outpost, previous model, size M, some scuffs but otherwise in excellent condition ¥5000. Firm. Cash only. Pick up Shibuya, Shinjuku or Harajuku areas. i.mobile.pizzaman@gmail.com

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Bicycle, Belart, 27" tires, white, durable, light, w/front basket, slightly more than one y/o, from Aeon. New ¥14,000. Sell ¥8000/obo. Can change registration.

Photos available. earth_travel_joy@ hotmail.com Electric bike, Panasonic, one y/o, w/ one extra battery, new tire, registration papers. german.lilibeth@yahoo.com 08043754951

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES iPhone 5S 16GB, DoCoMo, gold, sealed in box, w/all accessories and warranty, use with DoCoMo, MVNOs (b-mobile) or internationally with R-SIM ¥48,000.

Cash only. Meet in person. kizuki.buy@ gmail.com

7.2 FASHION Footwear. B o otie s , Vic to ria's Secret, faux fur, faux leather, size US 9, brand new. New ¥12,000+.

Sell ¥8000. Boots, Victoria's Secret, over-the-knee, platform, size US 8.5, 12.5cm heel, 2.5cm platform ¥9800. Shoes, Victoria's Secret, size US 9, w/5.5" heel, never worn.

New ¥8000+. Sell ¥5000. Pick up Ikebukuro area or COD. chemists_ at_large@yahoo.com Wedding celebrant gown, drycleaned, in good condition ¥15,000. gaijin46@hotmail.com

Digital camera, Canon Powershot S50, in excellent condition, w/all cables, battery, instructions ¥2000/obo.

Details, photos available. jai0424@ gmail.com sites.google.com/site/ jai0424

Wedding dress, white, size US 4-6/ Japan 9-11 (adjustable lace corset) ¥30,000. Ikebukuro area. chemists_ at_large@yahoo.com

5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Massage table, Earthlite, in good condition, w/accessories. New ¥60,000. Sell ¥29,000. charlie@ seishindo.org 08056565485

Fitness equipment, Exabody, hardly used, w/manual, three DVDs ¥2000. mizi2005@hotmail.com Shoes, for climbing, La Sportiva Python, boxed, size US 7/EU 39.5, used less than one hour indoors ¥10,000.

Pick up in/near Kichijoji. s.c851@ yahoo.co.uk Surfboards: 5'7", slightly banged up, still shreds ¥9000. 6'3, tri-fin, w/fins, in great condition ¥35,000. Pick up Ikebukuro area. chemists_at_large@ yahoo.com

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD Baby preparation books. New Contented Little Baby Book by Gina Ford; What to Expect: The First Year

by Murkoff, Eisenberg and Hathaway ¥1000/both/obo. jai0424@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/jai0424/ Pregnancy yoga DVDs. Pregnancy Health Yoga, Post Natal Yoga, both

by Tara Lee, region 2 (Europe, Japan) ¥1500/both/obo. jai0424@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/jai0424/

6 VEHICLES 6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES SELL YOUR CAR, MOTORBIKE O R S CO OTE R FO R FR E E . http://classifieds.metropolis. co.jp/ Volkswagen Golf station wagon, red, 85,000km, fully serviced at VW Roppongi, new tires, new battery, diplomatic plate, used only for city shopping ¥250,000. Photos available. hirooecucina@gmail.com 09034276795

6.2 MOTORBIKES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Scooter, Vespa LX125 3V, red, 6700km, a few scratches on left side, small nick where feet go, otherwise as new, w/electronic key, Momo helmet ¥200,000. Pick up Ebisu. alessiotokyo@gmail.com 08054580802

Router, Netgear 54G+ 802.11a/g, wireless ¥1000/obo. jai0424@gmail. com sites.google.com/site/jai0424 Tablet, Nextbook, Android 4.1, 7", new in box, sealed ¥14,000. mizi2005@ hotmail.com

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME Pro Tools 11 purchased by JM musician, but no idea how to use it. I need a master to help me develop my knowledge and skill. Genre: alternative, also like Nicolas Jaar. Can you be my master? A bit serious. tokyolocalize@ hotmail.com

Precision Cutting Brazilian Keratin Treatment Foil Highlighting / Blonde Specialists Colour Corrections Hair Extensions

PH 03-6436-0228

www.goldsalontokyo.com

for first visit from our entire service menu

4-1-9-6F Azabu Juban Minato-ku Tokyo (1min from exit 4 Azabu Juban stn)

Seeking E/J translator in Machida.

I would like to edit some documents into Japanese, but I have limited knowledge of it. I can teach you English or French. Please contact me. Machida area preferred. understanding_life@ hotmail.com

10.2 SUPPORT

NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen.

TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous English counseling daily from 9am-11pm by trained volunteers: 03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual p syc hothe rapy by acc re dite d Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider: 03-4550-1146. TELL website: www. telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS

Nicorette gum, fresh mint, 2mg, 630 pieces (21x30-piece boxes), expires autumn '14. New ¥45,000. Sell ¥12,000.

Meet Shinagawa or send chakubarai. perukunboy@hotmail.com Plant holder, made from 70-year-old tree trunk, 23kg, previously used to prepare homemade omochi ¥8000. mmcaproni2010@yahoo.co.jp

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a d ay, fro m a ny wh e re , a b out a ny t h i n g . Fro m e m e rg e n c y assistance to simple questions.

Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press “ he lp,” or call 0 570 - 0 0 0 -911.

To volunteer or support, please contact team@jhelp.com. www. jhelp.com/

Everything for an apartment. We just moved to Japan and have nothing.

Looking to buy an entire apartment's worth of furniture, kitchen items, etc. lillingworth@murraystate.edu 080-5491-5970 Sofa, three-in-one. steps.od@ezweb. ne.jp 09061526274

7.5 ITEMS TO SWAP BUY AN iPHONE, BUT WISH YOU H A D G OT T E N S O M E T H I N G A LITTLE MORE ANDROID? There’s p ro b a b ly s o m e o n e o u t t h e re feeling remorse of the opposite sort. Simplify things and swap those phones! Post your ad at ht tp : //c la s s if ie d s . m etrop oli s . co.jp/.

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE iPad 2 3G 16GB, Wi-Fi, in excellent condition, w/leather cover, charger ¥23,000. Firm. Tokyo. mristhisapen@ gmail.com 08096502926 Mac connectors, 30-pin to HDMI adaptor ¥1000/obo. iPad 2 30-pin stand/charger ¥1000/obo. jai0424@ gmail.com https://sites.google.com/ site/jai0424/ Monitors, Princeton 17" LCD ¥5000.

Samsung 24" LCD ¥25,000. Asus 20.5" LCD ¥10,000. danydurst3@yahoo.com

WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL , ONE PEOPLE . Fifty years ago, West Papua should have been an independent country. Since 1969, West Papua has been invaded and the people robbed of their rights, culture and country. Help support West Papuans’ desire to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/ davidhalpern@7ymail.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO. If you have a problem with drinking, we can help.

English-speaking meetings daily.

03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. org http://aatokyo.org

Hotel IBIS Soba shop

Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com

Suitcases, travel, black, two available, lightweight, roomy, in excellent condition ¥2500. negmhossam@ hotmail.com

7.4 ITEMS WANTED

Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365

Metropolis Promo

60 & 120min courses now ¥1,000 off 30min course ¥500 off

Mos Burger Almond

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

COURSES Body care 30 min: ¥3,150 60 min: ¥6,300 (Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250) 120 min: ¥12,600 Oil massage (daytime only) 60 min: ¥8,400 120 min: ¥16,800

O V E R E AT E R S A N O N Y M O U S .

Eating too much? Obsessed with food? Maybe purging, too?

Come join us as we recover to g e t h e r. M e e t i n g s S a t a t 1 0 : 3 0 a m a n d Tu e a t 6 : 3 0 p m .

Skype meetings five nights/week.

Contact: oatokyo @gm ail .com www.oaintokyo.org TOKYO AMERICAN CLUB I N T E R N AT I O N A L M E M B E R ’ S ASSOCIATION. A call out to TAC members! Have you been bullied, harassed and mistreated by TAC? Have you been suspended and/ or expelled by TAC without proper due process? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We are a group working together to help individuals like you and to make a better TAC for everyone!

Contact us at: tacima@outlook. com #1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 25

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp

Call today to book an appointment with some of the city’s best in-room massage therapists !

Service menu:

Tokyo’s

Aromatherapy treatment Lymph drainage treatment Reflexology Shiatsu

No.1

Relaxation Massage

HIV Peer Support group and workshops. Get together with people in the same boat as you, who understand.

Held in a safe, considerate, 100% confidential setting to discuss what’s on your mind, ask questions and make new friends. info@peersupporttokyo. com www.peersupporttokyo.com Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo is an infertility support group that provides informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another. Please visit website for more info. admin@ttctokyo. org www.ttctokyo.org/

atmosphere. Events in Tokyo (Ginza, Azabu, Roppongi) and Osaka. ¥1500-¥2000. http://english.gaitomo.com/ info@gaitomo.com

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

90min. ¥15,000 120min. ¥20,000 150min. ¥24,000 180min. ¥29,000

Open: 6pm-5am Tel: 03-5206-5134 www.tokyo-refle.com/en/

11 MESSAGES 11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES

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/ AIKIDO IN EN GLI SH. Seidokan Aikido of Tokyo invites you to practice a modern style of aikido in an international environment. Sat, 1-3pm. Itabashi-ku, Toei Mita/Saikyo line. We welcome men and women, J a p a n e s e a n d n o n -J a p a n e s e . dojo@tokyoseidokan.com www. tokyoseidokan.com 03-5994-1185

WRITE A MESSAGE FOR YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE! Write anything, from birthday messages to proposals, and so much more! Contact us through our website at http://classifieds. metropolis.co.jp. 伊地知さん卒業おめでとう。レミゼ ラブル、素敵だったよ。今日からフリーの 女優さんだね。がんばろ～！

Daikanyama Station

D ate

m -Ya

u Ky

Gonee has experience beauty therapist in London for 8 years. Gonee studied beauty college at London for CIDESCO course and she started to work in beauty salon at Sloane Square in London.

HIS Roppongi, 7 avril, mannequin (?) de Paris - vous avez acheté un billet et nous avons parlé un peu. Je suis l'Ecosse. Ecrivez-moi, s'il vous plaît.

Merci. ajrprent@hotmail.com

ori

Lycon Brazilian wax ¥9,000 → (30% off) ¥6,300 Lycon Full leg waxing ¥9,800 → (30% off) ¥6,800 Eyebrow & Upper Lip wax → ¥1,500 Eyelash Extension full set →¥5,000 (55x55) Eyelash & Eyebrow tint →¥2,500 Guinot Hydradermie Facial (60 min)→¥6,250 Manicure ¥8,000 → (30% off) ¥5,600 Pedicure ¥9,800 → ¥6,800

Komazawa Dori

GONEE BEAUTY

ine

oL

ok Toy

ine

L iya Hib

Ebisu Station 7Eleven

treatment@goneebeauty.com www.goneebeauty.com www.brazilian-waxingebisu.com

11.2 CUPID'S MESSAGES 大好きな久様へ、いつもありがとう ね。あなたが、いなければ、毎日つまらな いよ。これからも、よろしくね！

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

03-6452-2503

Address : 3F nakamura building 17-4-3 Minami-Ebisu Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

JAPAN I NTE R NATI O NAL PARTY - Spring Festival.

Sat, Apr 26, 6:30-9pm, Devi Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest international party.

250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.

J a p a n e s e m e n : ¥4 0 0 0.

Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http:// getyourfriend.com/mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.com http:// www.getyourfriend.com/ 090-1735-5405

APRIL J O I N T H E B I G G E S T, B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R INTERNATIONAL PARTY! Great people, drinks and food!

Meet new friends and party with nice people in a friendly 26 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.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 International football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio0417@yahoo.co.jp

10.3 LOST FRIENDS Kaori (Wendy) and Yumika Tsuji.

Wondering what happened to old friends. Both worked at Yokota Air Base in Fussa. Wendy for years - she was very well-known. I knew them both well. What happened to them? Any info appreciated. Thanks. mwhjapan2004@ yahoo.com

new members, male or female. No experience necessary. Great way to meet new people and get fit at the same time. japangaa@gmail.com http:// www.facebook.com/japangaa

A L L- N AT I O N A L I T Y T O 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 AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby League team is seeking Rugby League players for Japanese Rugby League official games from Apr to Sep. Everyone welcome. Contact for more details. japananzacs@gmail.com P L AY R U G BY. T h e To k yo C ru s a d e r s a re a fri e n d ly b u t keen international rugby club.

D evote d to t h e g a m e a n d it s 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 s p o r t fro m S cotl a n d . U s i n g 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: w w w.tamjapan .org/e n/ info @ tamjapan.org Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com Futsal player. Want to play futsal on weekends in Tokyo? Please introduce yourself (name, age, nationality, where you live, whether you belong to another team). futsaluk@yahoo.co.jp Futsal players required. Yamate Orient FC is seeking adult soccer players for Sat afternoons. Sessions are held in Yokohama every Sat from 1-3pm. If interested, contact Mike Yeomans. mikey@orchid.plala. or.jp http://www.pitchero.com/ clubs/yamateorientfootballclub/ 090-1848-0113 Futsal team in central Tokyo, intermediate level. Please introduce yourself (age, nationality, where you live, whether you belong to another team). umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp Gaelic football in Japan. Japan Gaelic Athletic Association is always seeking

Tennis in central Tokyo. Active international group of tennis friends in central Tokyo welcomes very motivated new players. We play on weekday evenings and weekends.

Different levels, fun training sessions and games with great people from all over the world. tennis.tokyo@yahoo.fr Volleyball Club Intervoll. Japanese and foreign volleyball players gather in Takadanobaba to enjoy playing. Have volleyball experience and want to play volleyball in a friendly atmosphere? intervollclub@yahoo.co.jp http:// intervoll.sakura.ne.jp/

13.2 LEISURE MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Take a break where General Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo. com

13.3 ARTS Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate our love of the Bard.

Come to read, or just to listen. All nationalities welcome, no experience necessary! rchrd_schwartz@yahoo. com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Shakespeare-sama/

13.4 MUSIC A cappella group. Miss singing? Join our singing group! We sing orchestral classical music only in human voice, conducted by a professional a cappella singer. ryusei@acappellacantabile.jp http://acappella-cantabile. jp/?page_id=202 Classical choir seeking singers.

Tokyo International Singers, a longstanding and well-respected choir, is seeking singers in all ranges. We practice once/week in Ebisu, and our next concert (Poulenc) is in Dec. timknowles@mac.com 03-3485-3041 Female vocalist wanted. I'm a JM seeking female vocalists who can sing English and middle/northern European languages for recordings.

You can listen to some of my demos at my website. I live in Yokohama. prettypopmusic@gmail.com http:// www.prettypop.net/demo/ J a p a n e s e d ru m m e r s e e k i n g musicians. Guitar and bass player sought for rock, dance, pop, blues, jazz, etc. Melody is important.

Hopefully, we can have gigs so everybody can dance! kosuke1016@ hotmail.com Japanese voice actors, singers wanted for electronic music project.

I'm an experienced musician, producer from Los Angeles. Studio located in Tokyo. Musical influences from Perfume to Daft Punk. This is a nonpaid gig - may have paid gigs in future. maticmatics101@gmail.com youtube. com/maticmatics/videos

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo.

Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban.

International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken. Please call 090-3598-3072 for more information. daginia@gmail.com http://www. diamondway.jp/

JOBS RYUKA IP LAW FIRM is seeking a supporting attorney for providing quick and thorough communication to our clients, three-plus years US experience (any field) required. For details, visit https://jobs.gaijinpot. com/job/view/orderby/latest/lang/ en/job_id/94047. Please submit a resume and cover letter through GaijinPot. 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 existed. Mail: voguestylevogue@ gmail.com “Introduction to Buddhism in English,” by Rev. Tatsuya Aoki, Sat, May 31, 5:30pm. Free. Hongwanji Tsukiji Betsuin, 3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8435. iba@myouenji.com 03-3541-1131 Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always thought it would be interesting to try it - why not now? Join us Fri evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements in advance by email, and check our home page. tokyozazen@ jcom.home.ne.jp www.wgthorpe.com

13.6 RELIGIOUS Christians in Tokyo meetup group. Are you a Christian seeking Christian friends to fellowship with? Have fun meeting new Christian friends at day/night hikes, museums, concerts, ice cream socials, movies, fellowship dinners and more. bchang6276@yahoo.com http://www. meetup.com/christians-in-tokyo/

13.8 PROFESSIONAL Tokyo Traders Club. International club for traders and investors. Discuss opportunities in stocks, commodities and forex. Many regular events, including FX trading workshop. New to trading? No problem: beginners also welcome. You can also learn to trade. Join free! info@tokyotraders. com http://www.tokyotraders.com/ 080-5681-1321

13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Institute) is a nonprofit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. bolick@japanintercultural.org www. japanintercultural.org

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Costco friends. 横浜金沢シーサイド. Are you a member of Costco Kanazawa Seaside who goes to shop sometimes?

Japanese male, fluent in English/ Spanish, wants someone with whom to enjoy shopping, chatting or jogging. elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es Couples from English-speaking countries. I'm a JM, 34, and my girlfriend is 26. We are seeking a couple from an English country to hang out with. umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp

To advertise: commercial@metropolis.co.jp

03-4588-2277 SALES & MARKETING POSITIONS. Met rop olis i s s e e k i n g mot ivate d bi l i n g ua l ( E /J ) s a le s exe cut ive s , support staff and interns to join its advertising and marketing team .

Send your resume, in both English and Japanese, to jobs@metropolis. co.jp. Positions available are posted on our website at http://metropolis. co.jp/jobs.

SALES INTERN. Metropolis is seeking a bilingual (E/J) intern to join the most successful English-language advertising team (Restaurants & Bars) in Japan. Great opportunity to learn about advertising in an exciting environment.

No pay, but transportation provided.

Please email knakashima@ metropolis.co.jp.

Friendly weekend lunch/dinner.

Japanese female seeking people to enjoy meals with on weekends in Tokyo/ Kanagawa. I'm quite open to all kinds of food, and also enjoy healthy meals. Line contact available after exchanging a few emails. Thanks. musicinlife@excite.co.jp Good friendship. JF seeks English speaker for friendship (not a relationship or romance). Non-native is ok. Preferably meet in Tokyo or talk over the internet around noon or on weekday afternoons.

Nonsmoking, punctual people under 40 preferred. chiechie32@gmail.com Into artistic/creative activities? Hello, I am a JF and have been seeking friends who are interested in creative activities like painting, playing instruments, shooting videos and more! Contact me with your thoughts and let's discuss further! miffpaayear@gmail.com Jogging partner wanted. Caucasian male, 40s, seeking partner(s) to jog with me around the Palace on Sat or Sun. simonjfch@docomo.ne.jp Let's go for a walk. I am an Eastern European guy, 19, seeking Japanese friends to hang out around Tokyo. Very kind and polite. Andrew to moshimasu!

Please send me a message for details. nai-5@mail.ru Seeking friends around Tokyo. Hi, I am seeking friends to hang around the Tokyo area. If you are interested, please send me an email and let's get to know each other. hiro11923@gmail.com Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@yahoo.co.jp Seeking new friends. SJF, 47, living in Funabashi, seeking nonsmoking female friends, around my age, to go to restaurants, events, concerts and so on. 日本人の方も大歓迎です。 emikin2001@ hotmail.com Trading anyone? Friendly American guy living in central Tokyo and trading for a living. I'm seeking E/J bilingual people interested in trading to exchange trading education for Japanese language help. My schedule is flexible. Let's meet up! blendy1321@gmail.com White ladyboy in Tokyo seeking female friends in the Tokyo area. k.sweetdream@yahoo.com

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN ADORABLE AND HANDSOME J M S E E K I N G LO N G -T E R M RELATION SHIP. Good-looking, caring, bilingual, financially stable Japanese male, mid-30s, seeks

sincere woman around Tokyo for a serious romantic relationship leading to a long-term relationship.

Please mail me with details. pirlo_ cucchiaio@hotmail.com SUBMI SIVE 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 Afternoon fun? MWM, Canadian, 30s, attractive and respectful, seeks Japanese lady for safe afternoon fun in central Tokyo. Weekdays or weekends ok. Are you fully satisfied? I have good experience. Take a chance and email. foreignerintokyo2@yahoo. com All these ads are boring!

European, 40, 185, 80, intelligent/ unconventional, passionate, somewhat bi-curious/kinky, net income ¥250-¥300,000, wants to stay in Japan, seeking Japanese/ A sian/C auca sian , 3 0 -3 5 , thin , enlightened, non-materialistic, cares for her looks. svereke@gmail.com Are you married and lonely?

Are you seeking passion in life?

Do you need physical and mental stimulation? Then contact me so I can make your wishes come true. adventureconsultant@yahoo.com Basic English ok. Englishman seeks a Japanese woman. I speak basic Japanese, so if you have basic English, it's ok. I'm sure we can communicate!

I'm seeking someone who really wants to be with a gaijin. Say hello! mat.sens@gmail.com

Can you read backwards?

Britain sunny from am I. Evenings my brighten to gal a meet to looking. Excuse an have I so, now office the at am I though - am I as bored as be must you, backwards this reading are you if. ring. ofdesire@gmail.com Crossdressing gentleman, English. Please be friends and more. englishsmiles@live.com

Recruiting Careers in Tokyo Pacific Associates Limited is a recruiting company focused on helping our foreign-capital clients find bilingual talent in Japan. We specialize in a number of industries including Pharmacuetical, Medical Device, Finance, Information Technology, Digital Media and Industrial/Manufacturing.

We are seeking potential team-members with good character, strong work-ethic and the desire to build a career in recruiting.

We offer training, support, teamwork and the platform for prosperity.

In addition to the normal pay and benefits, we provide a weekly cash-bonus, frequent team-building events and quarterly reward-travel.

We are hiring at all levels: Admin, Researchers, Associates, Consultants and Partners. PAL is a partner-owned business with equity opportunity.

careers@pacific-associates.jp Pacific Associates Limited

Houmei Bldg.6F, 1-3-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 http://www.pacific-associates.jp Phone: 03-6680-8888

Start a Company in Japan Sat, May 10, 2014 Entrepreneur’s Handbook Seminar If you have been considering setting up your own company, find out what it takes to make it successful.

Terrie Lloyd, founder of over 17 start-up companies in Japan, will be giving an English-language seminar and Q & A on starting up a company in Japan.

This is an ideal opportunity to find out what is involved, and to ask specific questions that are not normally answered in business books.

All materials are in English and are Japan-focused.

Terrie Lloyd President and CEO LINC Media Inc. and Japan Inc Holdings Group

››› www.japaninc.com/entrepreneur_handbook_seminar #1047 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP • 27

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Friendship or more. SJM, 40s, classy and stylish, seeks sweet and intelligent woman to share feelings and a sincere friendship. Age, race and looks are not important. We can start getting to know each other by email before meeting. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp Fun, respectful, single American male, nonsmoking, D/D-free, in good shape, seeking a respectful afternoon or evening romance and special times.

Good at listening and massage. Let me fill the void in your life and satisfy your fantasies. adventureconsultant@ yahoo.com Great opportunity for SWF in Tokyo.

Attractive SJM seeks attractive, spiritually mature, thoughtful SWF for a meaningful relationship. Shall we begin to talk? I won’t disappoint you. followupforme14@gmail.com I'm an analog person. Seeking nice female with similar hobbies. I'm a Japanese male, 40s, cool and honest.

I like rock music, American TV dramas, movies, tattoo art, and going for walks and taking pictures. getloud999hello@yahoo.co.jp Japanese man seeks female. Hi, I'm a JM seeking a foreign friend. I'm 30, easygoing, and I like driving, drinking, movies, dancing at clubs, etc. If you are seeking a friend, please mail me back. Any nationality ok. kosuke1016@ hotmail.com Just human. We are all just human and can sometimes find ourselves in a situation beyond our control which we call loneliness. I guess there is an understanding JF out there who might understand me. Serious only, please. strike4me@yahoo.com Married English businessman, nearly 50, active, fit and fun to be with, is seeking a bright, chatty, fun, slim, wine-drinking woman to go out on weekdays after work. Age, marital status not important, so don't hesitate! gbeer2000@yahoo.com Need a family. Give me a family, I'll give you everything. Educated, financially stable guy, 30s, is seriously seeking someone to start a family. You: educated, slim, under 40. Let's start from friendship. Nihongo ok. uniman@ gmail.com

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Need love. Handsome English gentleman, moderate build, mid30s, needs beautiful, passionate JF. I am handsome, fun, intelligent, wellmannered and empathic. Let's have romance together. Please send photo w/email. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. edanoki@gmail.com Seeking cute JF. German guy, 25, living in Tokyo, seeking some fun time with a JF in central Tokyo. lstyle.tokyo87@ gmail.com 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 serious relationship. Kind guy, 40, average-looking, openminded, easygoing, honest, faithful, seeks serious girlfriend for long-term relationship, any nationality ok. Chubby females preferred. ssina61@yahoo.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 some fun with a SJM? Cool, tall, witty Japanese male is seeking some fun with a single white female in Tokyo. We can start from friends! You're single; I'm single. Life is too short - why waste time? kemkekilab@gmail.com Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, welleducated and traveled, with a stable job, seeks true love. If you are 20-30s, warm and caring, and seeking a serious long-term relationship, then

28 • WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP

please drop me an email. Serious only, no games. No Roppongi girls, please.

Lasagna5577@yahoo.com Spring. Romantic MWM, attractive, interesting, educated, nonsmoking, highly successful, is seeking a positive woman also seeking something more. green2brown2@ yahoo.co.jp Green Warmer and warmer. Foreign male seeking a woman for short-term relationship based on mutual need and trust. Let's warm each other's hearts and bodies! You: under 36, nonsmoker, sincere, no-alcohol person. 日本語ok! jj08@drivehq.com White guy, tall, blue eyes, living in Tokyo, seeks girlfriend in the Tokyo area. alexinjapan1@hotmail.com You enjoy the tranquility of yoga, the elegance of a glass of wine, a movie that makes you laugh - but you would enjoy everything more with a man in your life. Me: English, 30s, seeking a JF, 25+. tagitslow@ gmail.com You say tomato. I say tomato. Oh wait, that doesn't work so well when written down.

You say toMAYto. I say toMAto. Now that just looks silly. Brit seeking Yank for banter, and to bash each other's countries. t.all184@ googlemail.com Younger pleasure awaits. Attractive WM, 30, visiting Tokyo, seeks an older JF for a night of pleasure neither of us will forget.

Your wish is my command. takoyaki24@ gmail.com シングルママ友達. Divorced guy, 29, wants to make a friendship with a single mother. 日 本語大丈夫ですよ。 akashjp3000@yahoo. com 愛人を探しています. 優しくて親切な男性 は,やさしい女性の愛人に会いたいんですけど.

vbcfgt@hotmail.com

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for foreign men and Japane se women . Leave the event with a new date!

Always more women than men . FREE if signing up in advance! Otherwise, ¥2000. info@exeoi nte rn atio n a l .co m w w w. exeo-international.com

Explore Tokyo with Japanese female. Seeking someone around my age (30), single, independent. Let's start as friends first and see how it goes. Hope to have some common interests. Photo appreciated. Thanks. musicinlife@excite.co.jp Feminine exotica with genuine heart. Gentle, pure, a little unique and different, hoping to meet my love to nurture a long-term relationship.

Well-educated European with honest, straight-forward soul preferred. I am mid-40s. Singles only. nikitaeleon@ yahoo.co.jp Glass of wine to start. SJF, 30s, seeking intelligent, warmhearted SWM who can make interesting conversation for a serious relationship. However, I am happy to start casually, sharing a glass of wine.

I am waiting for your nice description. veryberry@inter7.jp Hi, there! I am a SJF, 36, living in Tokyo. It would be great if I could meet a sincere SWM with the same interests as me, like watching movies, listening to music, reading, snowboarding and traveling. greentea25@hotmail.co.jp Is there someone nice out there?

Attractive and nice Japanese female, mid-40s, seeks someone nice and gentle around my age. Serious only. amitie_454@hotmail.com Long-term lover. Mature Western lady with sexy mouth and ideas seeks lovely, kind, rich mature Japanese man for loving and more. Write and convince me why you will be good for me and can offer a future of happiness. heston58@yahoo.com New season, new start. JF, attractive, elegant, cultured, 30s, seeks someone who can possibly have a long-term relationship (not marriage-minded).

He should be single, good-looking, Caucasian, 20s/30s. Let's enjoy city life together. bmens9182@yahoo.co.jp Serious boyfriend. B eautiful Japanese wants to meet someone.

No married men, cheaters, casual relationships whatsoever. Prefer someone in the Ichikawa/NishiFunabashi area, 27-38, American.

I'm 36, with a professional job and multiple talents. gkr93mz@gmail.com Serious long-term relationship sought. Charming SJF in central Tokyo seeks a serious long-term relationship.

I am a nonsmoker, fit, well-educated, down-to-earth and very passionate.

Want to enjoy dining out w/wine, music and traveling with someone special. youvegotmail2014@yahoo. co.jp Serious single businessman. I'm a SJF seeking a SWM, 35-50, whose native language is French or English, to be my friend or partner. I like cooking, baking, language, economics, sociology. legateaufrancais@yahoo. co.jp

L AV I S H D AT E S A N D INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES for elite foreign males to m e et e l e g a nt J a p a n e s e females. Start with a luxurious dinner date,take the night where you want it to go. Fresh, young women join our club every day. Try our free one-month trial offer: first date is on us! 0120675-858 (E) international@ u n ive r s e - c lu b . j p ht t p : // universe-club.jp/en Business traveler? Welcome! Hope to meet a nice, classy businessman on a business trip to Japan to talk with over nice dinners, etc. I'm interested in meeting other cultured people. I can be your dining partner, show you around, etc. roseroseiloveyoujp@yahoo.co.jp Earnest man for marriage. Attractive, slender, sincere, feminine SJF, 57, lovely young looks and heart, seeks nonsmoking professional WM, sincere, cheerful, affectionate, who doesn't play with other's feelings. I like travel, hiking, dining out, etc. Serious only, w/photo, please. moulinrouge@live.jp

Something new in spring. Japanese female, well-traveled and educated, calm, has lived abroad for several years, mid-40s, seeks Western male, relaxed, tough yet sensitive, open-minded, for friendship or serious relationship. travelwriter111@gmail.com Spring date with Japanese female.

International-minded, early 30s, seeking new people for dates. I consider myself attractive and downto-earth. I'm seeking an independent single guy. Message with photo appreciated. Thanks. jpn_camelia@ yahoo.com Uh oh, spaghettio. If I spill spaghetti sauce, you won't mind. I'm a SJF, 30s, intelligent, educated, independent, relaxed, funny, petite, cute. You're SM, 30-40s, intelligent, educated, financially secure, caring, honest, funny. Friends first. Serious only. Let's laugh together. icrmjd@gmail.com

14.5 ESCORTS ESCORTS HAVE GONE ONLINE. To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y com panion , vi sit http :// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ category/personals/escorts.

BY CATHRYN MOE

Horoscope

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

May 21-June 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣

June 21-July 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

The pinnacle of this week is the astrological grand cross involving Uranus in Aries. What’s happening is a big picture presented on a screen that’s as flexible as you can take. During interesting times in history, Aries is often called to be the first one out the gate. Luckily you’re a sizzling hot fire sign and you don’t mind.

Your ability to speak up and take action is on the increase, along with your willingness to enjoy romance a little on the wild side.

Happy Birthday, Taurus! Being in your birthday zone adds a layer of excitement for the next four weeks. Keep a dream journal and a wish list. Energies build up to bring resources to you. The world is waking up during the grand cross on Monday. You are part of the group that is gathering strength. If your plans seem to be moving backwards at times, do not despair. Mars retrograde in your sector of work and health has only a matter of weeks before it moves direct once again.

Watch your finances this week, especially investments. The grand cross involving your sector of income occurs on Monday. It also connects with your partner’s income. Friends encourage your creative spirit which can be expensive, or put you in a position to have a breakthrough and win big. Leave while you’re on top or you could lose fast, as well. Whatever you do, soar above the fray. You are becoming a role model, much admired!

Watch this week’s astrological grand cross in slow motion. On Monday, Jupiter in your sign helps you find a way to stand firm and reap deserved benefits. Romance could become serious with Saturn wishing to make things more permanent. Work at home requires additional time and another viewing before you finish with the final touches. It’s worth giving yourself a pat on the back or taking time out to enjoy how far you’ve come.

LEO

VIRGO

Aug 23-Sep 22 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Sep 23-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Monday’s grand cross includes Leos, too.

Though the exact points of contact are not in your sign, Pallas Athene (the warrior goddess who does it as well as the boys) in Leo helps you do something unique and original. She holds respect and energizes creative action. In this sense, your week includes similar energy to your opposite sign, Aquarius. You will be successful doing what is above and beyond, or just plain different. Be strong in your negotiations. Even with partners.

Watch for friends with big ideas.

They’re on a roll, but the astrological grand cross on Monday puts them in a position where they may have to think twice. Mars retrograde in your negotiation sector could make you hesitant to speak up, but don’t be. You might be the voice of reason they need to hear. This week is also about partnerships and what they have to offer.

The intensity has been building. You may enjoy the burst of power and realignment in your favor.

The intensity of this week brings out your sense of humor. Your perspective has just changed. When the astrological grand cross hits on Monday, you may have a well deserved break from what is normally expected of you. As your views expand to other possibilities and places, a partner may be a driving force. You’ll see you can do more of what you want and less of what doesn’t serve you. If you’re single, you may buy a ticket to travel or upgrade your skill set.

Your antennae are up as the astrological grand cross on Monday pushes buttons locally and worldwide. While the points of contact are not in your sign, you can see the deeper reasons during this time of readjustment. You’re able to make excellent choices in investments, particularly those with regard to oil, recycling, and sustainable energies. You are gifted with a sense of balance about all things this week. Your inner calm may surprise you.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

It would not be overstating it to say this is a make or break week for Sags in love. Or Sagittarians who are taking a creative project forward. Events will be triggered by the astrological grand cross on Monday.

Buttons are available for pushing and results are held in the hands of your reactions. You may move quickly and instinctively, wondering how your natural sense of balance can come into play when you’re through. You will have plenty of chances to regroup and start again.

Try as you might, with the astrological grand cross on Monday you may have to let go of the ropes and see how things shake out. The major thrust is Pluto in your sign opposing Jupiter in Cancer, with a huge stellium of planets in Aries and Libra making their own demands. Suffice it to say you will notice changes faster than you can blink in your life at home. At the same time you are garnering what you need to develop a strong foundation in your career. Keep believing.

Communications are moving as fast as you can blink. The long awaited grand cross occurs on Monday. You may be asked to take a trip or be in the midst of a sip of coffee when a great insight pops into your thoughts. The shift is from the linear intellectual to the heartfelt multi-dimensional. Oon the surface can be anything, though your compassion helps it occur more smoothly. Every thought you think gets a vote. How will you choose to direct your thoughts this week?

Venus is cozying up to Chiron in your sign, particularly on Sunday. Give a reason and get back a feeling. Something that needed to be healed gets soothed.

Don’t go for the linear mindset, you can do that later. It may have a hole in it and distract you.

Follow your instincts during the astrological grand cross on Monday. Income and finances bounce up and down as you stand firm to create the balance. You and a partner may just look at each other and laugh.

Mar 21-April 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣

Apr 20-May 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

July 23-Aug 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣

Nov 22-Dec 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

Dec 22-Jan 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣

Metropolis Mediabox

CANCER

Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Jan 20-Feb 18 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Feb 19-Mar 20 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

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CHRISTI ROCHIN

train station every day for eight years in Tokyo and never had any problem— about 4km each way.—Steven Forth

THE CYCLOTRON Regarding “Sidewalk Circus” (The Last Word, April 4): There is a bit more nuance here. Many trips in Tokyo are to the nearest station, or relatively short for shopping. Relatively few people make long commutes by bicycle. So on average bikes in Japan are moving very slowly. And they are designed to make it easy to stop and put your feet down. I cycled to the

I've rarely seen a modern city anywhere in the world that was less hospitable to bikes. There is rarely anywhere to park them, legally, and bike lanes are nowhere to be found. Riding them on the sidewalks is dangerous and even the mama-chans ride through crowds of people with careless abandon. A friend of mine was recently seriously injured by a fast-riding cyclist on a sidewalk. The city needs to step up and take some responsibility—require that areas be set asides for bike parking when constructing a building, and start actually enforcing some laws.— Jaycasey

TARNISHED GOLD Regarding “When in Japan…” (The

Last Word, March 21): Very valid point about using some discretion when complaining about Japan. It’s also valid to point out that if you dwell on the negative, it’s likely to bring down your own experience. If you really have that much to complain about, probably best to find somewhere you’re happier, yeah?

That said, it’s also not helpful to carry on with the stereotypical fallacies that Japan-apologists often trot out: supposedly ideal service, ludicrously “on-time” trains, reported warmth of everyone and anyone Japanese... If you buy into all the idealist tripe about Japan and remain blind to any negative instances, you’re just as bad as the people that complain relentlessly. —Jeff Light I am sick of being told what opinions I am allowed to express about the country I have made my home simply

because of my nationality. For the record, I have been in Japan for nearly 20 years, speak the language, work for a Japanese company, have a Japanese partner and a large circle of Japanese friends. But according to the writer I am not allowed to make any negative comments about the society I would like to think I am a part of... The writer would do well to stop thinking about the nationality of the complainant and consider the complaint itself. Is it valid or not? Then we might finally have some worthwhile debate instead of this endless and infantile “If you don't like it, why don't you go home?” nonsense.—Charles Marlowe I used to think that expats were just horrible people angry at the world.

But articles that display self-reflection, like this, give me more than a little hope.—Avery

Metropolis wants to hear from you. Send your comments to letters@metropolis.co.jp. Note that letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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The Last Word

Want to have The Last Word? Send your article to: editor@metropolis.co.jp CHRISTI ROCHIN

ODD KIDS OUT?

Third culture kids should explore the wa

By Aryo Hadi

Aryo Hadi is currently a freshman at Sophia University. He was born and raised in Japan, and resides in Tokyo.

I

magine being a TCK for one day—a Third Culture Kid. A TCK is a young person who lives in a society with a completely separate culture from where his or her parents originated. It sounds simple, but it can be quite complicated for those who identify themselves as TCKs. Take it from a person who’s a third culture kid himself: I was born and raised in Japan, but my mother is Filipino, while my father is Iranian.

I’ve lived in Japan all my life and I have Japanese nationality, but most people don’t immediately think of me as a Japanese person simply because I look different.

Identity and a sense of belonging are essential to a teen’s psychological wellbeing. Often you only want to blend in and be “just another person,” but when you, as a TCK, start speaking in English or another language with your friends on the train, Japanese people will start staring at you as if you’re circus animals. When a TCK gets approached for looking like a celebrity—like the half-Japanese baseball player Yu Darvish—it only serves as a reminder that he doesn’t fit in.

Having the advantage of being able to speak basic conversational Japanese was convenient in public situations, and helped me feel more like a normal Japanese person. However, I st ill considered my sel f a foreig ner most of t he time because I was surrounded by non-Japanese people at my internat iona l school. I spoke to my friends in English, studied in English, and didn’t learn a whole lot in my Japanese language class.

Only when I started attending a Japanese high school did I really get accustomed to the nuances of Japanese culture I hadn’t previously understood. I had plenty of funny and awkward moments as a result of this (like not being able to give a proper presentation in class—I couldn’t express myself!), and got into some downright embarrassing situations because of my lack of Japanese ability.

Another TCK friend once told me that, even though he understood the language, he didn’t get Japanese humor in his first few years in Japan.

He would translate the jokes, but didn’t get why they were funny. “But when I understood the culture here better,” he told me, “I gradually ‘got’ the Japanese version of humor, and learned to appreciate it.”

Willingness to explore the local culture is really the first step to actually enjoying the country you live in.

Being a foreigner in Tokyo isn’t so difficult if you surround yourself with other expats and stay in your comfort zone, but where’s the fun in that?

Even if you don’t speak Japanese at all, you can try a little at a time: greet you neighbor in the morning with a simple, “Ohayo gozaimasu!” It’ll open up your world to interacting with the Japanese people around you.

Although we should be proud of our unique backgrounds and being “different” from other people in Japan, sometimes it’s only natural for us to want to avoid being treated like foreigners. This is the reason why many find it hard to be part of Japanese society and prefer to have a circle of foreigner friends they spend their time with, simply because it’s easier. In my case, taking a leap into the Japanese environment paid off, but it’s not the same for everyone.

One great place to share and read about other TCK experiences is www.denizenmag.com, a community website full of personal stories and helpful articles. Being a TCK in Japan can be frustrating sometimes, what with the uncomfortable situations, the language barrier (or being treated differently even if you speak Japanese) and the special gaijin treatment you get from people everywhere in society. But not understanding

I’VE LIVED IN JAPAN ALL MY LIFE AND I HAVE JAPANESE NATIONALITY, BUT MOST PEOPLE DON’T IMMEDIATELY THINK OF ME AS A JAPANESE PERSON SIMPLY BECAUSE I LOOK DIFFERENT.” everything in the culture shouldn’t be an excuse for not trying to speak Japanese at all or simply taking the easy route by going to establishments where you can avoid anyone but foreigners. At the same time, being able to share your third culture experiences and learn about others like you is a great way to cope—but it all needs to move forward towards helping you find a balance between immersing yourself in the culture and keeping hold of your international roots.

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 Inc. or its partners and sponsors.

METROPOLIS is Japan's No.1 English magazine, founded in 1994 and published for Japan’s international community.

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8F Nishi-Azabu Sonic Bldg, 3-2-12 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 TEL 03-4588-2277 FAX 03-4588-2278 WEB metropolis.co.jp

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4-5-39 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku.

TEL: 03-3446-8610 frontdesk@azabucourt.com

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Price List Room types

Standard Studio for 1 person (46 units) 20~22m2

Rate types

Feb. ~ Nov.

Daily

¥7,800 ~ ¥9,700

Weekly

¥6,850 ~ ¥8,450

Monthly

¥5,700 ~ ¥7,200

Over 3 months Large Studio for 1 person (6 units) 25m2

10% Off from Feb. ~ Nov. rate

Room types

One Bedroom Suite for 2 persons (8 units) 33~51m2

All year ¥5,130 ~ ¥6,480

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¥10,100 ~ ¥10,400

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¥7,700 ~ ¥7,900

Over 3 months

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10% Off from Feb. ~ Nov. rate

All year ¥6,930 ~ ¥7,110

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Daily

¥14,200 ~ ¥21,000

Weekly

¥12,200 ~ ¥18,400

10% Off

Monthly

¥10,300 ~ ¥16,500

Over 3 months Two Bedroom Suite for 3 persons (1 unit) 72m2

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Daily

¥26,500

Weekly

¥23,100

Monthly

¥19,100

Over 3 months

from Feb. ~ Nov. rate

10% Off from Feb. ~ Nov. rate

All year ¥17,190

Utilities and consumption tax are included in the above price list, no matter the period of stay. A security deposit will be charged if you wish to stay more than one month.

Security deposit is refundable after all payments and damage charges are settled, after complete vacation of the property.