Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Metropolis 948
Metropolis 948
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METROPOLISis theonlyEnglish-languagemagazine
inJapancertifiedbyABC, Audit Bureauof Circulations.
30,000copies per printedissueguaranteed
2012 Supermoon over Tennozu Isle, by Theodore Miller
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#948
MAY 25-JUN 7, 2012
inside
coverdeSIgn&PhoTo: kohjI ShIIkI, caPPuccInoleTTerIngby
hIroyukI TakagI, PhoTograPhedaTcafecelI InebISu
04 THE SMALL PRINT
05 UPFRONT
06 GLOBAL VILLAGE
07 THE GOODS
10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Japan Beat, Clubbing,
Artifacts, Gameplan
12 YOKOHAMA &
KAMAKURA SPECIAL
19 AGENDA
25 REAL ESTATE
26 MOVIES
29 DINING OUT
Bites, Izakaya Review,
Tastemaker
32 CLASSIFIEDS & JOBS
37 HOROSCOPE & MEDIABOX
38 THE LAST WORD
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Copyright 2012MetropolisKK. Theviews expressedhereinarenot
necessarilythoseof thepublisher. Metropolis KKreserves theright to
edit or deleteanyadvertisement without notice.
4f roppongi og bldg, 1-3-4 nishi-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031
TEL 03-4550-2929 Fax 03-4550-2859 wEb www.metropolis.co.jp
METROPOLIS is Japans No.1 English magazine, founded
by Mark and Mary Devlin in 1994 and published for Japans
international community by Metropolis KK, a subsidiary of
Japan Inc Holdings.
facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine twitter.com/MetropolisTokyo editor@metropolis.co.jp
The TOKyO METPOd: If ITS goIng on In Tokyo,
ITS goIng on aT metpod.com
CEO/PUbLISHER Terrie lloyd CHIEFOPERaTINGOFFICERneil butler EdITORIaL jeff W. richards (edITor-In-chIef)
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and Web develoPer) MEdIa kamasami kong (Manager)
Photo of the week
08 FEATURE
roast with the most
Tokyos coolest coffee
By Veena Yoshino
Reach over 60,000 Metropolis readers. Advertise with us: sales@metropolis.co.jp; http://metropolis.co.jp/advertise
No.103-4550-2929
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Send your snaps to metropolis.co.jp/photo for our online Photo of the
day. The best entries will be chosen for Photo of the Week.
www.metropolis.co.jp/events
Mays getsumatsu,
at the Mercedes Benz
Connection
THU MAY 31
THANKS FOR COMING
BACK, BUDDY
Miyagi Prefecture resident Ikuo yokoyama afer
his harley-davidson motorcycle washed up in West
canada one year afer the 3/11 tsunami. harley-
davidson plans to clean up the machine and reunite
it with its owner
VOL 10
metropolis.co.jp/saiko
(Face , Back , Decolletage)
with Techft in the subject line. The best
answers (with m/F and size wanted) will
be chosen by the team at noon, June 7.
Techfit is available at Adidas shops
across the city (4,515-7,980).
BATTLE COMPRESSION
& GIVEAWAY
official compression sportswear part-
ner of the Japan Rugby Football union
(JRFu), Adidas will be supporting the
beefcakes en route to the 2019 Rugby
World Cup in Japan. Their new Techfit
line is a multifunctional sports vest worn
by professional athletes and now avail-
able to armchair warriors in Japanin
various energetic colors and fabrics that
aim to improve performance, prevent
fatigue and eliminate sweat.
Were giving away one pair each of
mens and womens Adidas Techft com-
pression shorts and top to two people
who can tell us what their best move
would be at the Krush.19 kickboxing
event on June 8 (see gameplan, p.11).
Email giveaways@metropolis.co.jp
the goods
SUPERCANDYWATER
We never thought candy and nutri-
t ious went toget her, but t hen we
received some SNAP Supercandy from
Ag Internationaland we re still not
sure. Promising to help you run, jump,
play, shoot, and shred with an advanced
degree of awesome, these 28g packs of
multi-berry flavor gummies and jelly-
beans, citrus favor gums, and caramels
are also infused with b vitamins, anti-
oxidants and electrolytes under all that
tooth-rotting sugar (299). Also available
from the distributor is Coco Hydro,
the first powdered coconut water to be
imported to Japan. made from young
organic coconuts and marketed as a
healthy alternative to unnatural, con-
ventional sports drinks, all you need
to supply is water. Available in original,
pineapple, and pomegranate & rasp-
berry flavors (450g, 2,499; 10 x 30g,
1,985)all thats missing is the vodka
or rum. Available at http://supercandy.
myshopify.com.
RAZING GAME
If youve spent any time at all as systems
Alliance Commander shepard, trying to
exterminate a race of nearly unstoppable
machines called the Reapers, then youll
be all over the Mass Effect 3-branded
Chimaera 5.1 wireless gaming headset
(19,000) and heavy duty back-lit Black
Widow Ultimate keyboard (13,800)
for the Xbox 360. Even if youre not into
intergalactic shoot outs, both the head-
set and keyboard, provided by popular
gaming peripherals company Razer, are
PC-compatible for less violent activities
like skype or writing emails (boring...).
The 5.1 Dolby surround sound headset
gets you a pinpoint drop on enemies as
they close in all around youbut its also
great for crankin up the movie sound-
track in your rice paper-walled apato.
Available at major electronic retailers,
Amazon, and razerzone.com.
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#948 www.metropolis.co.jp 07
08 download our podcast at podcast.metropolis.co.jp
Japan is more known for tea than cofee, but since the Dutch brought the bitter beverage to these shores in
the 1800s, it has become as widespread as its preparation is varied. Aside from the ubiquitous chain outlets,
there are hundreds of little cafs that take pride in their own way of preparing and serving. Some roast and
sell their own beans, some use the siphon vacuum method, some do crazy whippy designs on their caf
latte. Out of all these options, here are some favorites.
Joe runs free at Tokyos coffee corners
By Veena Yoshino
ROAST WITH THE MOST
Feature
OMOTESANDO KOFFEE
Secret garden
Te best ones are always harder to fnd, and all the
better once you do. Omotesando Kofee is the frst
f loor of a two-story traditional Japanese house;
enter through the small gate into a tiny garden
and youll see the cofee counter through the open
sliding doors. Made personally by the owner, the
cofee is very smooth and a perfect balance of light
and dark, which can be drunk any time. Get a cup
(from 350) and relax in their peaceful garden.
4-15-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5413-
9422. Open daily 10am-7pm. www.ooo-kofee.
com
OBSCURA CAF
Siphonic art
At Obscura Caf, water is boiled one cup at a time
with the siphon methodalso known as vacuum
coffee makinga technique invented in Berlin
in the 1830s. Te water transfers upward through
a connecting beaker that contains coffee and
sits before dripping back down to be served. Te
barista times it to the second, with diferent types
of coffee (from 500) requiring differing times.
While the siphon drips, enjoy English art and
design coffee-table books. Obscura Laboratory
(4-28-9 Tashido, Setagaya-ku) sells coffee beans
and take-out cofee.
1-9-16 Sangenjyaya, Setagaya-ku. Tel:03-3795-
6027. Open daily noon-11pm, closed 3rd Wed.
www.cafe-obscura.com
YANAKA
Follow your nose
Heres a chain that provides a delicious-smelling
alternative to the other high-street staples. At
Yanaka stores, the beans are roasted right there
behind the counter. Choose your beans to drink
or buy from various wooden containers. You can
even choose how well done you want your beans
according to a chart that explains the aroma and
taste at each level of roasting. Now thats con-
sumer cofee control.
2-33- 6 Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku. Tel:
0120-935-466. Open daily 11am-8pm, closed
2nd Tue. www.yanaka-cofeeten.com
COFFEE AND ROASTER 2-3
Slow and solo
Take your time to read the menu descriptions,
while you relax to mellow jazz. Tis seasons spe-
cial Brazilian Aoba blend had a fresh aftertaste
and a soft aroma, and they also serve Guatema-
lan, Tanzanian, and Colombian coffee (also as
beans), prepared in the good old-fashioned drip
style using fennel cloth instead of paper filters
(from 450). Concoctions such as mocha Java with
whipped cream and mint and Irish Mist cofee are
also available. Te Showa-era crockery and com-
fortable couches make this a great place for some
solo downtime.
1F Kamohara Bldg, 1-2-14 Shimotakaido, Sug-
inami-ku. Tel: 03-3327-9923. Open Tue-Sun
11:30am-8pm, closed Mon. http://cofee2-3.jp
BEAR POND ESPRESSO
Cofee with a little treat
Often touted as the best cofee in Tokyo, Bear Pond
is owned by a couple who used to live in New York.
The tiny caf with wooden benches thus has an
American feel, especially when you see the Amer-
ican candies and treats lined up on the counter.
The coffee (from 300) is rich and thick with a
sweet aroma, and the espresso shot will power you
through the day. Try their creamy, smooth iced
lattea perfect dessert in itself.
2-36-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 03-5454-
2486. Open daily from 10am (closing time
varies). www.bear-pond.com
LIFE
Cofee, dinner, music
After a day in Yoyogi Park, Life will provide you
with home-made pizzas, a variety of pastas, and
some rustic Italian wine to slurp, before you cap
it all of with their excellent cappuccinos (500),
complete with some premium foam art. In their
choice of coffee beans, Life opts for a Japanese
blendYamamoto beansto combine Italian
expertise with a Japanese palate. Local bands
add a musical element to your Life experience
every now and then, accompanied by special din-
ner menuscheck their homepage for dates of
upcoming events.
1F, 1-9-19 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3467-
3479. Open daily 11:45am-2:30pm & 6-10pm.
www.s-life.jp
PhoTobyJameshadfield CourTesyofyanakaCoffee
CourTesyofobsCuraCaf CourTesyoflife
SOAKS
Veggie latte?
Located by the river in Nakameguro, Soaks serves
up great coffee, and, for the braver punter, the
more wholesome variet y of a veggie lattein
pumpkin, spinach and carrot favor (600). Who
said coffee couldnt be nutritious? Soaks also
specializes in fresh vegetarian foods to balance
the surging caffeine rush, and sells exceptional
homemade veggie donuts (from 150) to enjoy on
the go after grabbing one at a booth right next to
the entrance.
1-5-10 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-5794-
3451. Open daily 10:30am-11pm. www.soaks.jp
KOSOAN
Zen cafeine
For a cafeinated sip in the context of a traditional
Japanese teahouse, Kosoan is a tatami-lined,
mindhealing space reminiscent of a Kyoto sabo.
The coffee (500) comes in all the usual forms,
and can be enjoyed in the Zen wash of the gor-
geous garden, or whi le you gaze upon t he
traditional Japanese folk art on display in the
gallery space. If you are bored of the black bev-
erage, go green with some matcha and wagashi
(Japanese sweets) for 800, red with a strawberry
milk (500), or scof other summer desserts like
anmitsu (agar jelly; 800).
1- 24- 23 Ji yugaoka, Megur o- ku. Tel :
03-3718-4203. Open Thu-Tue 11am-6:30pm.
Nearest stn: Jiyugaoka. www.kosoan.co.jp
#948 www.metropolis.co.jp 09
CRAYON HOUSE RESTAURANT
Feeling wholesome
Get in on the natural vibe at Crayon House with
their organic cofee (550), or their cafeine-free
cereals coffee, made from cereal and chestnuts
(525). Choose from a rich selection of whole-
some desserts, such as sesame and maple tart,
carrot pudding, and butter cookies (525). Also try
theirmainly veggielunch bufet (11am-2pm)
which costs 1,260 for adults and 630 for kids
aged 2-6.
B1, 3-8-15 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03
3406 6409. Open daily 11am-11pm. www.
crayonhouse.co.jp
COFFEE ON THE GO
If you dont have the time for a sit-down
coffee session, and dont fancy heading
into one of the holy trinity of stock stan-
dards in the chain market, try the Little
Nap Cofee Stand located opposite Yoyogi
Park (5-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku; www.lit-
tlenap.jp), which serves good, quick drip
coffees (from 300). If you happen to be
in Ebisu, Sarutahiko Cofee (1-6-6 Ebisu,
Shibuya-ku; http://sarutahiko.co) has a
long list to choose from (from 380).
ROAST WITH THE MOST
PhoTobyJulioshiiki
PhoTosbyJulioshiiki
W
ith all the new-fangled coffee lingo
out there (venti soy non-fat cara-
mel macchi ato no-foam st i rred
ext ra-cream ext ra-hot ext ra-caramel run-
through-twice anyone?), things could get mixed
up. Whats a cofee junkie to do?
Hi royuki Takagi made t he cof fee on
this issues cover at Caf Celi (1-13-6 Ebisu,
Shibuya-ku; http://cafeceli.com). A specialist
barista trainer for Kyoto roaster Ogawa Cofee,
we asked him for some tips.
First of, all cafs are diferent. Some dont
have espresso machines, for example. Takagi
suggests orderi ng of f-menu. Baristas take
pride in serving up their best, so dont get too
complex. While the latte art might be beau-
tifulits not the baristas main focus. Their
focus is on pulling the perfect shot of espresso
every time: from the micro-millimeter of the
grind to the pressure of the tamping so the hot
water fows just right.
Takagi compares cofee to wine: conditions
have to be perfect. Depending on the day, the
temperature, or the humidity, the same cofee
bean will produce a very different espresso.
We try really hard every time to make that Holy
Grail of perfect cofee, he proclaims.
Barista otaku are so obsessed, says Takagi,
that some even carry their own milk contain-
ers and use them exclusively. Tey know by feel
when their personal stainless-steel jugs con-
tents are ready for frothing and tamping for your
latte, cappuccino or macchiato.
A good barista will get to know the custom-
ers. Some like their coffee strong, some mild;
some like aromatic, while others prefer cofee
oil. Takagis best tip in a new place? Just ask
your barista, What do you recommend?
Get the best from
your barista
DOUBLE-A
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ou might not guess it now with
all the powerful Japanese riot
grrrl rock groups about these
days, but drummer Masumi
Sakurai of Tokyo noise rock duo
Moja is something of a pioneer.
When she went to famed music
college Berklee in Boston, she was the only woman
drummer among dozens of Japanese.
In the past, there wasnt as much of an under-
ground and a higher level of performance was
expected from professional recording artists,
she says at a Shibuya caf. Te explosion of the
underground has opened up the feld to anyone,
including women who may have been put off by
the image of drums as a mans instrument. People
feel freer to express themselves even if theyre not
experts.
Women are stronger in general, and Japa-
nese women musicians are popular overseas,
shaggy bassist/vocal ist Haru Higuchi chips
in, pointing to tours by women-led indie rock
bands like Bo-Peep and Detroit7. Men dont
want to go abroad anymore, he says.
Created in 2005 when their previous band
Gorilla disintegrated leaving only Masumi and
Haru, Moja havebeneath the radar of Japans
conser vat ive mai nst ream music i ndust r y
become one of t he count r ys more popular
musical exports.
When Metropolis meets them theyve just
returned from their fourth tour of England. A
quick junket to South Korea is to follow. Tis tour
was really good, Haru says with an audible sense
of contentment. We rented a car and toured Wales
and England, not just London. It was the frst time
we were really able to mix it up with local bands.
We got to experience the underground scene
and get a sense of what is going on there at the
moment, Masumi adds. Experiencing diferent
ways of thinking prevents us from becoming set
in our ways. Going abroad frequently keeps our
music from going stale.
To play and tour in such intimate circum-
stances, Haru and Masumi must be a couple, right?
If we were involved it would be difcult for us to
get along as musicians, Haru says, giving a prac-
ticed response. We both have strong personalities
and butt heads as a bandif we were a couple it
would intrude onto our personal life. Since were
not involved we can leave it at the studio.
Listening to their new album Super Ultra Gold
79, you get the sense that all the stress that builds
up in their busy Tokyo lives gets released in their
music. From the chaotic opener Introduction
through to the foreboding, machine-gun drum
riffs of the closer 100 C, the album is a mael-
strom of start-stop rhythms and scorching blasts
of guitar, bass, synths and screamy vocals.
More than the lyrics, the sound itself is
the main point, Masumi says, her well-coiffed
appearance and mild manner belying Mojas wild,
visceral music. Thats why we like to set up our
instruments on the f loorso our audience can
feel the vibrations in their guts.
For Super Ultra Gold 79 Moja (the name has no
particular signifcance they say) took the unusual
strategy of issuing the album in mp3 and vinyl
forms, but without a CD release.
Te mp3s are for the bulk of people who dont
have turntables, explains Haru. People dont
buy CDs anymore, and we want as many people
as possible to hear our music, hence the free
downloads. Te vinyl is because we love analog.
If people take different approaches to releasing
music it will hopefully stimulate the imagination
of buyers, and the market.
Mojas unorthodox approach to music seems to
refect a general nonconformist approach to life.
And death. In his day job, Haru arranges fowers
for funerals.
I see death every day, so I understand the
finality of life, he concludes. When people die
they become simply material objects, so that gives
me an appreciation of life. It makes me feel like I
could die anytime so I want to do all I can while
Im alive. I dont want to leave any regrets.
Moja play Metropolis next Saiko live music
showcase. Shibuya Milkyway, Jun 24. See con-
cert listings (popular) for details.
japan beat
Masumi and Haru issue
a sonic punch to the gut
By Dan Grunebaum
MOJA
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Arts & Entertainment all tHe best in arts & culture across tHe MetroPolis
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ok yos newest museum,
open in Nakameguro since
March, is the Tokyo branch
of a well-known Nihonga museum in
Fukushima Prefecture, and worth a
visit for fans of the genre.
The building has a distinctive
black patterned faade, giving it a
somewhat Arabic look. Once inside,
however, the collection is unmis-
takably Japanese, with some 100
paintings executed using the coun-
t r ys t i me-honored met hods of
mineral pigments on panel, silk, and
washi scroll paper, occasionally aug-
mented with gold-leaf decoration.
Despite t he t radit ional st yle,
many painters represented here, like
Chinami Nakajima and Yuji Tezuka,
I
n addition to producing some of the planets most noted DJs, Chile is
home to the threatened peaks of Patagonia. A few years back, Ameri-
can Emilie McGlone of Japanese NGO Peace Boat had the idea to
combine her twin loves of dance music and Patagonia in a fundrais-
ing DJ contest.
Since Patagonica was founded in 2008, we have adapted to new chal-
lenges, she tells Metropolis. Our first year, we fundraised to support the
international campaign by Peace Boat and the National Committee to pro-
tect the fora and fauna of Chile. During our second tour, we found ourselves
in the country during one of the largest earthquakes in Chiles history, and
quickly refocused to support the afected people.
McGlone recently formed the Patagonica Collective, which brings art-
ists and activists together to campaign for the UNESCO listing of Patagonia.
In Chile, our Patagonica DJ Contest has spread to various regions, she
explains, holding local DJ contests in three major cities before deciding
the fnal artist at the National Contest held in the capital, Santiago.
Contacted in Chile before he heads to Japan to help choose the local
champion, the winner of last years contest Marcos Latrach says its natural
for him to combine music and environmental work.
Between 1990 and 1994 I had a radio program called Mundo Ecolgico,
he relates. We promoted environmental awareness, accompanied by lit-
erature and good music. Patagonica in a way continues the work we did,
because we can reach more people to say, Hey, listen, this is our world and
we have to take care of it.
Latrach was exposed to music at a very early age by his cousinwho
sang with some of Latin Americas top bands. Electronic sounds came later
in the 90s, but Latrach has been DJing since his teens. My frst parties were
at friends houses in the small city where I lived in the sixth region of Chile,
he recalls, and at one disco where they let me play until midnight. I was
only 14 years old and didnt have permission to be out late.
A course in DJing introduced Latrach to the technical side of the craft,
and by 17 he had his frst residency at a club called Ad-hoc. Moving to San-
tiago to study production, he turned on to techno at the capitals clubs and
hasnt looked back.
Te common denominator is the music and a natural inspirationI
wonder if its a product of the political processes we lived through in Chile,
he says about the Santiagos experience of repression. A great amount of
artistic expressions were generated, and by necessity the expressions were
slanted. I also believe that our music is enriched by our origins in the native
cultures that once lived here and unfortunately were devastated.
In Tokyo, where Latrach will guest DJ at the event to decide the Japanese
Patagonica contest winner, punters can look forward to a hypnotic blend of
minimal and tech-house, juiced with Latin percussion and melodies.
Tis opportunity touches me in a special way, because music has given
me this experience, Latrach concludes. I hope to be with special people
and a culture unknown to meto show what I do and feel. I want to share
magical days flled with dancing, positive energy and musical journeys.
M Event Space, Jun 8. See club listings for details. www.parties4-
peace.com
clubbing
Marco Latrach
the chilean house honcho helms
this years Patagonica fundraiser
By Don Crispy
artifacts
SATO SAKURA
MUSEUM TOKYO
By C. B. Liddell
are contemporary, as the museum
special i zes i n Ni honga pai nters
born in the Showa era (1926-1989).
Their themes are the usual ones of
delicately painted natural scenes
f lowers, cherr y t rees i n bloom,
autumn leaves, moonlit nights and
misty views of Mt. Fuji.
Impressive works include Naka-
jimas Shunya Miharu no Takizakura
(1998), with an abundance of cherry
blossoms cascading like a water-
fall. Ten there is Tezukas Sekishun
(1995), which uses the moon as a
spotlight to pick out the subtly sex-
ual action of sakura shedding their
blossoms to a stif but gentle breeze.
Here, you realize the close afni-
ties Nihonga has with haiku poetry.
Like haiku, there is the focus on the
seasons and an attempt to evoke a
very specific sensual impression of
an aspect of nature or experience.
Sato Sakura Museum Tokyo. See
exhibition listings (other areas)
for details.
gameplan
KRUSH.19
By Bruce Gherbetti
F
ormerly of the K-1 family of
premier kickboxi ng events
in Japan, the Krush series is
now coming into its own. The last
event, Krush.18, which took place
earlier this month at Korakuen Hall
in Tokyo, was a take-no-prisoners
afair, with seven of the eleven con-
tests resulting in knockouts. The
headline match saw 63kg champion
Ryuji Kajiwara defend his belt with
a unanimous decision over 2008 K-1
Koshien champion Hiroya.
The series returns next month
with Krush.19. It, too, promises to
be another big night of action with
some heavy kickers upping the ante.
Te main event will be a 65kg super
fght featuring Yuta Kubo (Fighting
Kairos) squaring off with Abdellah
Ezbiri (Morocco). Meanwhile, the
60kg super fight pits former AJKF
Super Featherweight champ Naoki
Ishikawa against former RISE Super
Featherweight champ, the Shibuya-
based Kan Itabashi.
Also on the bil l is a 63kg Wil-
drush league contest between TaCa
(Triple-Y) and Yukimitsu Takahashi
(Hamakko Muay Tai). A KO win by
TaCa would mean a tie for frst place
with current league number one,
Hideaki Yamazaki. Several more
regular fights round out the card,
including one 70kg match, and two
60kg slug fests, plus a 60kg t it le
elimination round fght.
Each Krush f ight goes at least
three rounds, with each round last-
ing a frantic three minutes.
Krush.19. Jun 8, Korakuen Hall.
See sports listings for details.
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#948 www.metropolis.co.jp 11
12 special advertising section
Yokohama & Kamakura Special
KAMAKURA TRAIL
The ancient city from a samurais-eye view
S
urrounded by mountains and sea, Kama-
kura offers a wealth of rambles that are
outside the typical temple tours, and
rarely crowded with tourists. To feel
like a medieval samuraiwithout the
encumbering clothing try the Daibutsu
Kuzuharagaoka hiking course. The road was report-
edly used by samurai 650 years ago, and it looks like it
hasnt changed much since then. This relatively easy
trek is perfect for those who would like to check out
Kamakura from a diferent angle.
The walk takes about an hour and a half and goes
past such locations as the Daibutsu (Giant Buddha),
and Jochi-ji and Tokei-ji temples. Genjiyama Park is the
halfway point, and good for a break. Compared with
other hiking routes, this one is well maintained, and its
steep slopes are equipped with steps. Nevertheless, you
should avoid sandals and high heels if you want your
feet to go the distance.
Take a bus from the No. 1 terminal in front of Kama-
kura station east exit 1 . After around ten minutes,
trafc allowing, get of at Daibutsu-mae 2 . Keep walk-
ing in the same direction towards the road tunnel in
front, and on the right side (youll have to cross), you
will spot some steep steps. This is the starting point. But
before you begin, you might want to pop into Daibutsu.
The famous Giant Buddha is defnitely worth a peek.
First of, youll see an old building next to the steps
before the hike begins. It used to be a Kamakura city
gymnasium, where Kendo and Aikido were practiced.
Built in 1935, it currently stands unused owing to earth-
quake risk.
The course travels ridges with views of the shore.
You can see inlets and the shore sometimes through
the groves of trees. These stunning views will clear your
mind, and the fresh air will restore your lungs. Keep an
eye out for fowers blooming in season. A recent walk was
lined with a beautiful hedge of camellia and dafodils.
You wont meet many other folk along the way, but
you should hear plenty of other life. Taiwanese squir-
rels, black kites and cats are numerous. Its said that the
squirrel population descended from locally kept pets
that escaped.
Afer 30 minutes, youll hit Genjiyama Park 3 . There
are some picnic tables and benches scattered around the
park, along with restrooms and the obligatory vending
machines. If you go down a little bit in the direction of
Kewaizaka, you'll see a statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo,
the samurai founder of the Kamakura Shogunate (1185).
Quaf a cup of Joe next to Yoritomo and he might divulge
some of the local samurai secrets.
Back on the main path, continue straight to Kuzu-
haragaoka shrine 4 . Near the gate, youll see two big
stones tied to each other with fancy red string. These
represent the gods of matchmaking. If you throw coins
into a box and pray, you're guaranteed to be hitched
within the week.
Near the end of the course, old-style Japanese houses
are scattered about. With nicely maintained bamboo
fences, thatched roofs covered with moss and lichen,
you'll probably be unable to avoid some photo snapping.
Finally, head down the slope towards Jochi-ji
temple 5 , and beyond to the main road. Turn lef and
walk straight for seven minutes. Along the way, drop by
Tokei-ji temple 6 if you still have it in you. This road will
take you to JR Kita-Kamakura station 7 which will take
you home, or back into the ancient town.
Kita-Kamakura stn
Kamakura stn
Pacific Ocean
Wadazuka stn
East exit
2
3
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6
5
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JapanTourist.jp
#948 www.Metropolis.co.Jp 13
Yokohama & Kamakura Special
This peaceful trove of Japanese art is based in
the home of modern master Kiyokata Kaburaki,
famous for his moving portraits of touching sub-
jects that captured an era. Born in 1878 in Tokyo,
Kaburaki lived and worked at here from 1954 until
his death in 1972 at age 93. The museum (entry
200 for children, and 300 for adults) can be
found at 1-5-25 Yukinoshita.
0467-23-6405
www.kamakura-arts.or.jp/kaburaki
This heaven for cinephiles was built in 2010 as
the legacy of the Kawakita couple, known by
enthusiasts as legends in Japanese movie his-
tory. The museum (entry from 200) serves the
film and art community by organizing special
exhibitions, Japanese and i nternational fi l m
screenings (from 800), workshops, and by offer-
ing a library flled with flm books and magazines.
0467-23-2500
www.kamakura-kawakita.org
Built in 1936, this antique shop is immediately rec-
ognizable as a place of cultural heritagewhich is
why it has been designated as one. The stunning
pinewood hall is a good introduction to the artisa-
nal work of this space, where you can obtain real
handmade wooden articles, chiseled with the
expertise collected from lifetimes of experience,
and carefully lacquered with black and vermilion.
Stop by for a wooden slice of local culture.
0467-22-0708
The artisans of Hakkodothe oldest store in Kama-
kuraare descendants of sculptors of Buddhist
images, and use the technique of Kamakura-bori to
produce quality crafs. Typically, a pattern is chiseled
into katsura wood, then lacquered, in a month-long
process. Hakkodos skills have been passed through
through generations, but theyre not afraid of adding
modern methods to make beautiful objects of art.
0467-22-2429
www.kamakurabori.org
Stop in at Kamakura Mizue to have personalized
wooden seals or chopsticks made for a truly Japa-
nese souvenir of Kamakura or a thoughtful gift for
someone special. Order any combination of letters,
numbers, or images you like, and your personalized
design will be made in three minutes while you wait.
The English-speaking staf will help you get the best
from this unique local shop.
0467-25-3812
Email: kamakuramizue@live.jp
KABURAKI KIYOKATA
MEMORIAL ART MUSEUM
KAMAKURA CITY KAWAKITA
FILM MUSEUM
SUNSHOUDO HAKKODO KAMAKURA MIZUE
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5
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Kamakura stn
East exit
FamilyMart
FamilyMart
Genjiyama Park
Tsurugaoka
Hachimangu
Shrine complex
Onari
Elementary
School
Kamakura
City Chuo
Library
Church
Dai-ichi
Elementary
School
Kiyokawa
Hospital
Kamakura
Jogakuin HS
Kamakura
City hall
Lawson
Hongaku-ji
Jyouei-ji
(Botamochi-ji)
Jyogyo-ji
Temple
Yasaka
Daijin
Jufuku-ji
Eisho-ji
Jokomyo-ji
Tatsumi Jinja
Suwa Jinja
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Kamakura
Post office
Yukinoshita
Post office
W
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Bank
Bank
Police stn
West exit
Wadazuka stn
The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
complex contains The Wakamiya
Shirahata Museum. The park is an oasis of
lotus ponds, lush greenery, with a scenic
bridge and a mountain view.
The Wakamiya Oji walkway is lined with
cherry blossoms, this path comes alive
in spring. The rest of the year its lined
by brightly lit lanterns leading the way
from Yuigahama Beach to Tsurugaoka
Hachimangu shrine. The walkway was
commissioned by first Kamakura Shogun
Minamoto no Yoritomo (reign 1192-1199), to
pray for the easy delivery of his baby.
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Some must-visit shops
and sights in Kamakura
J
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I
Omotesando
KNK Bldg. 3F 3-5-17,
Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku,
Tokyo. 1 min. walk from
Omotesando stn, A3 exit.
Tel: 03-5771-4114
Clinic hours:
11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun)
Yokohama
Katsukou Bldg. 4F 1-2-8,
Houraicho, Naka-ku,
Yokohama-shi. 3 mins.
walk from JR Kannai stn.
Tel: 045-252-9455
Clinic hours:
11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) &
11AM~5PM (Sat)
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist
We welcome email and phone inquiries | amc@akaiclinic.com www.akaiclinic.com
DR. HIDEMI AKAI
Is a board-certied plastic surgeon and an
associate professor of the Plastic and
Reconstructive department of Showa University
in Tokyo. Trained at Harvard Medical School,
Akai has over twenty years of experience.
DR. KEIKO AKAI
Is also a board-certied plastic surgeon and
skin care specialist, and the Akai Medical
Clinic offers a range of cosmetic surgery and
laser treatments, including the latest
techniques and state-of-the-art technology.
Laser Treatment Skin Care Cosmetic Surgery
Other cosmetic procedures available. For fees and detailed information services, please refer to our homepage.
Its time to sort out
the problems you
have with your
appearance
www.akaiclinic.com
Is a procedure to remove mostly fat
from the upper and lower eyelids to
correct drooping upper lids and
puffy bags below your eyes -
features that make you look older
or even interfere with your vision.
While it can add an upper eyelid
crease to Asian eyes, it will not
erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage.
Blepharoplasty can enhance your appearance and your
self-confidence, but it won't necessarily meet your ideal.
As with all surgery, think carefully about your expecta-
tions and discuss them with me.
A detached retina or glaucoma gives reason for caution;
check with your ophthalmologist before you have surgery.
The AccuSculpt is a state-of-
the-art piece of equipment that
can help you secure a trim, sexy
body without putting in hours at
the gym. The new kind of
laser-assisted lypolysis it effects,
known as Laser-Lipo, removes
excess fat deposits in typical
areas such as chest, jowls and
hips. This innovation uses a
specific wavelength to eliminate
fat with a minimum of collateral tissue damage. Stop
in at AMC to be one of the first in this country to try
the AccuSculpt, already a hit AccuSculpt, already a
hit in the US market.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
SURGICAL TREATMENT
Take care of your breasts with a range of procedures at AMC. Augmentation can increase bustline by
one or more cup size, at a cost of 700,000-900,000. Reduction can reduce back and neck pain, skin
irritation and bra strap grooving. And the breast lift can raise them or firm them up nicely. Get in touch
for more info.
FOR SKIN REJUVENATION: SAG, DROOP,
WRINKLES, SUN DAMAGED SKIN, FRECKLES, PORES
INFINI (Hybrid Fractional RF) NEW!
Portrait Plasma (Plasma Skin Regeneration)
Affirm / Affirm Multiplex
eMax (Aurora Pro, Refirm, Polaris WRA)
eCO2 (Fractional CO2 Laser)
SOLARI (Square Pulse IPL)
ACNE & ACNE SCAR
INFINI (Hybrid fractional RF) NEW!
eCO2 (Fractional CO2 Laser)
Portrait Plasma (Plasma Skin Regeneration)
Photo Dynamic Therapy
Chemical Peeling, Microdermabrasion
CELLULITE & BODY CONTOURING
AccuSculpt (laser-assisted lypolysis) NEW!
Vela Smooth, MesoTherapy
LASER HAIR REMOVAL Under Arms
BOTOX (ALLERGAN)
Glabeller Lines, Crows Feet, Hyperhydrosis, etc.
COLLAGEN & HYARULONIC ACID for Tear Trough,
Laugh Line, Lip Augmentation, Nasal Reshaping
TATTOO REMOVAL with Q-YAG Laser
PRFM(GROWTH FACTOR) & STEM CELL THERAPY
for Skin Rejuvenation and Breast Reconstruction
LEG VEINS
EYELID SURGERY
Upper Eyelid, Lower Eyelid, Baggy Eye
NASAL RESHAPING
FACE LIFT
SILHOUETTE SUTURE FOR THREADS LIFT
Minimal Invasive Lifting Surgery with
Special Thread
BREAST SURGERY
Breast Augmentation, Lift, Reduction,
Nipple Reduction
FAT & STEM CELL INJECTION THERAPY
for Breast Augmentation or Facial Contouring
LIPOSUCTION with the Latest Ultrasonic Device
TUMMY TUCK
HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
SKIN SURGERY
Mole / Cyst / Wart / Skin Cancer
Biopsy, Excision, Laser Surgery
FEMALE / MALE GENITAL SURGERY
Breast Procedures
Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) AccuSculpt(laser-assisted lypolysis)
#948 www.Metropolis.co.Jp 15
Yokohama & Kamakura Special
AKAI MEDICAL CLINIC
For all your cosmetic sur-
gery needs in the bayside
cit y of Yokohama, Akai
Medical Clinic has a fine
out post t here to add to
their trendy Omotesando
location. The Yokohama
clinic not only boasts the
same range of up-to-the-
minute equipment as the
Tokyo one, but it also ofers
specialized treatment in the areas of acne, acne scars, and sun damage.
Passengers on the road to beauty should feel comfortable with the man in
the driving seat, Dr. Hidemi Akai, who earned his stripes in Harvard Medical
School and at Massachusetts General Hospital. While he has been a leader
in the Tokyo and Yokohama industry for some years now, he is not content
to rest on his laurels; constantly travelling around the world to try the latest
innovations.
Te new, state-of-the-art contraption AccuSculpt, for example, can help
you secure a trim, sexy body, without putting in hours at the gym. Te new
kind of laser-assisted lypolysis it effects, known as Laser-Lipo, removes
excess fat deposits in typical areas such as chest, jowls and hips. Tis innova-
tion uses a specifc wavelength to eliminate fat with a minimum of collateral
tissue damage. Stop in at AMC to be one of the frst in this country to try the
AccuSculpt, already a hit in the US market.
Another piece of high-grade equipment at the Yokohama clinic is the
Solari, a device for enhancing the skin, removing pores and blemishes, lines,
wrinkles and anything in the way to a great complexion. It uses intense
pulsed light (IPL) treatment, which produces high-intensity light during a
short period of time. More than any other IPL machine on the market, the
Solari is renowned for targeting tissue with precision and no side efects, pro-
ducing efective energy good for youand your tissue.
Men worried about thinning pates can have recourse to AMCs Hair
Stimulating Complex (HSC) service. Based on newborn cells operating in
embryonic conditions, this groundbreaking solution is offered alongside
topical use of lotions, intra-oral treatment, injections andfor complete
baldnessa transplant.
Botox can be had for 20,000 per area, while hyarulonic acid treatment
costs 40,000 for laugh lines, 30,000 for lip augmentation and 52,500 for tear
troughs. Remove sun-damaged skin, acne scars and blotches with a course of
full-facial chemical peeling and micro-dermabrasion therapy, currently just
15,750 for one full-facial session including vitamin treatment, and package
prices for three or six sessions, at 42,000 or 84,000.
Other services on ofer, as the summer fast approaches, include removal
of unwanted hair for those times on the beach or in the pool. Back laser hair
removal costs around 40,000-90,000 per session (depending on the area),
with approximately fve to seven sessions needed. Liposuction is ofered at
250,000 per area, for a one-of procedure.
For treatment such as removal of bags under the eyes or tear troughs, take
the course of non-surgical growth factor injections. Taken from your blood,
the growth factor comes from your own platelets and tells the skin to repair
itself. Tis is defnitely the biggest craze in cosmetic surgery of recent years,
as it uses the bodys own natural elements to reverse the processes of aging.
If you want to feel as powerful and strong as a US President, take the same
thing they dogrowth hormone treatment. Tis course of self-applied injec-
tions costs about 200,000-500,000 per month, and is touted to return the
energy and enthusiasm you might have felt lacking.
Get in touch to book a consultation with AMCs friendly, English-speaking
staf. Let AMC help you feel and look goodboth in Tokyo and Yokohama.
www.akaiclinic.com/en
AFRODITA HAIR SALON
Its really interesting to
meet so many kinds of peo-
ple wit h di f ferent hai r,
diferent tastes and difer-
ent lifestyles, says Yoshiko
Morimoto, the director of
Af rodi t a hai r sal on i n
Yokohama.
Having trained at Vidal
Sassoon in London, and
wi t h st i nt s worki ng at
salons in New York and Los Angeleswhere clientele included Hollywood
entertainers and modelsshe opened Afrodita in 2001. Her idea was to ofer
the same Beverly Hills style in English to foreigners in Japan, but without the
huge fees charged in the most exclusive parts of Tokyo.
Her reputation for great style and efortless communication gets around
as evidenced by the multitude of positive comments on her website. While
Afrodita is located in Yokohama (close to Yokohama station), many of her cli-
ents make the trip from Saitama, Chiba, Yokosuka and the Shonan areas to
get styled with her English-speaking staf.
It can be hard to get the style you want when communication is difcult,
and many foreigners have a lot of trouble at hair salons in Japan where staf
dont usually speak much English. Obtaining that style also means she car-
ries exclusive Western hair care products like Redken so foreign customers
can use products more suited to their hair type.
Producing great results isnt just about my skill level or what I think looks
good, she says. Its about fnding out what the client is really looking for,
and creating a style they feel confdent with, that suits their personality and
lifestyle. Morimotos specialty? Color. Her hair colors are not only stunning
and sexy, but also perfectly suited to complement your skin type.
Its all about communication, Morimoto says. People have diferent
types of hair, facial features, coloring, lifestyles, and needs; a really good style
takes all those things into consideration.
www.alpha.ac.jp/english
16 special advertising section 16 special advertising section
Yokohama & Kamakura Special
SHYO SHYO AN
Once upon a time, kimono
(literally things to wear)
were ever yday at t i re i n
Japan. Nowadays, t hese
elegant T-shaped robes,
tied at the back with an obi
sash, are reserved only for
special occasions. Since
kimono are not tailored to
ft, the wearer needs a cer-
tain skill to put them on
properlyeasy enough to learn when they were the only thing in your ward-
robe, but not so simple in 21st-century Japan.
Te answer is lessons in kitsuke (kimono dressing) from a certifed expert.
Shyo Shyo An ofers instruction in English, with a painless, natural approach
that makes it easy to dress up and look stunning. A one-off yukata (light
cotton robe) lesson lays down the essentials, while basic komon and taiko
dressing takes just three lessons to learn. Longer courses that lead to certi-
fcation are also available, and at Shyo Shyo An, youll have the opportunity
to make friends with other people who share your interest in these unique
and beautiful garments. With spring in full sway, its time to take that spe-
cial kimono or yukata out of the closetand wear it right. It will be just as
pretty as it looked when you bought it, and imagine the heads youll turn and
conversations youll start when you wear it to the temple market or a dinner
party.
Yokohama stn east exit information center (Sogo B1F). Tel: 045-
465-2077. Open Mon-Sat 8am-7pm, Sun & hols 8am-6pm. Tickets
1,700-6,500 (adults), 800-4,050 (children). Reserve online at http://
meturl.com/yokbayside
Hon-cho
Prim. School
Route 16
Ongaku Dori
Iseyama
Shrine
Nogeyama
Park
Hotel
Yokohama
Kaiyotei
Kanagawa
Youth Hostel
Pref.
Cultural
Center
Sakuragicho Sta.
Subway Sta.
Yokohama International
Education Academy
Learn Japanese in Yokohama
Tel.
045-250-3656
Fax.
045-250-3657
Email.
admissions@yiea.com
Short-term Students always welcome!
Regular Course (Student Visa)
April Admission
July Admission
October Admission
January Admission
Short-term Course (Other Visas)
2-10 week courses in all levels
Other Courses
summer course, winter course, private lessons
YOKOHAMA INTERNATIONAL EDCUATION ACADEMY
Please
contact us
regarding
student visa
applications
43 Miyazakicho, Nishiku, Yokohama, 220-0031
Sakurakicho sta. (JR Line, Subway)/4mins walk
MinatoMirai sta. (MinatoMirai Line)/8mins walk
Hinodecho sta. (Keihinkyuko Line)/8mins walk
www.yiea.com
Souvenir Shop
A wide variery of Chinese food,
tea, goods, spirits and more.
YOKOHAMA
DAISEKAI
YOKOHAMA
DAISEKAI
1F & 2F
Beauty and
Health
Chinese dress
rental,
photography
sessions,
fortune telling,
massage, etc.
4F
Chinese Food Court
Over 100 varieties of authentic
Chinese food. 150 seats.
3F
Trick Art Museum
Touch and take pictures inside
the optical illusion-filled rooms.
5-8F
Open daily 10am-10pm (shop times vary).
Exit 3 Motomachi-Chukagai station.
Just in front of Tenchomon
97 Yamashitacho, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Tel: 045-681-5588 | www.daska.jp/english
Yokohama China Town
Motomachi-
Chukagai Stn
(exit 3)
(North exit)
YOKOHAMA
DAISEKAI
YOKOHAMA
DAISEKAI
JR Ishikawa-cho Stn
#946 www.Metropolis.co.Jp 17 #948 www.Metropolis.co.Jp 17
Yokohama & Kamakura Special
YOKOHAMA DAISEKAI
At the center of Yokohamas
Chinatown, in front of the
Tencho-mon gate, stands
the eight-story entertain-
ment uni t Yokoha ma
Daisekai. Based on Shang-
hai Daska, it was created as
part of the 30th anniver-
sary of friendship between
the two cities, recreating
the entertainment zone of
Chinas pulsating metropolis in the bayside city of Yokohama.
Filled with souvenirs from Chinatown and the wider city of Yokohama,
Daska Market hosts a bunch of thrilling goodies on the frst and second foors,
including a Hello Kitty store. On the third foor is a food court at which to feast
on an array of delicious Chinese dishes, while a section of beauty and health
services is found on the fourth. To enter a mysterious world of mirrors, roll up
for the Trick Art Museum, which costs 1,000 for adults, 800 for high-school
or junior-high students, 500 for children, and is free for under-threes. Whats
more, fash your well-thumbed copy of Metropolis magazine at the entrance
and nab yourself a 10% discount (per group only). Please note that the dis-
count is not valid with other coupons or discount deals.
For families or groups of friends, as well as for tourists and travelers pass-
ing through, Yokohama Daisekai is a taste of the real China in the middle of
Chinatown, and its eight fun-packed foors have something for everyone to
get excited about.
Canadas image as a
cold country works
against people imag-
i ni ng it could be a
serious wine producer, says Jamie
Paquin, founder of Heavenly Vines
and purveyor (along with his wife
Nozomi) of quality, terroir-minded
Canadian vintners produce here in
Tokyo. In fact, it's the only all-Cana-
dian wine shop in the worldoutside
of Canada, of course.
And while many might think of
Te Great White North, or anything
above the 49th parallel, as a frozen
wasteland unsuitable for viticul-
turetheyd be sadly mistaken.
The areas of British Columbia,
Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia
that are suitable are exceptional.
People are usually surprised to learn
that the Okanagan Valley [in BC] is a
desert and reaches over 40C in the
summer, and even parts of Niagara
have longer growing seasons than
the Bordeaux average. For such a
vast country, wine regions are very
small however, and produce limited
quantities. They do so well locally
that they have little need to export
something Paquin and Heavenly
Vines would like to change.
Tokyo is the right place for these
wines given the citys appreciation of
high-quality, hand-crafted food and
drink from around the world, he
says. Te time is right, as well, since
major international wine writers are
taking serious interest in Canadian
wines. Matt Kramer of US magazine
Wine Spectator recently described
Ontario as the least-known, great
wine region in the world.
Heavenly Vines offerings wont
break the banknot all of them,
anywaybut this isnt your local
bottle shop. On the night I stopped by,
Paquin had graciously opened a 2008
Desert Hills Malbec from the Okana-
gan Valley for customers to taste. We
have no interest in fogging wines for
their own sakeour passion lies in
wines of distinction, he notes, pur-
posefully swirling the Malbec around
in an unobtrusive glass. We want
the wines we import to Japan to grab
peoples attention rather than merely
serving as a token of Canadiana. I
take a big hit of the dark ruby colored
red. A slap of oak is followed by a vel-
vety cascade of dark summer fruits
trailing over my tongue, the famous
cherries and brambleberries of the
region. Attention sufciently grabbed.
Currently in his portfolio is two-
time Canadian Winery of the Year
Tawse Winery from Niagara, as well
as some of Norman Hardies Pinot
Noir and Chardonnay, the latter of
which was named by Wine Spectator
as a top 3 world wine in 2011.
And word is spreading. Heavenly
Vines now supplies hotels such as the
Four Seasons Marunouchi, Manda-
rin Oriental, Grand Hyatt Roppongi
Hills, Kimono Wine Bar and Grill,
and exclusive wine bars like Petit
Paris in Kagurazaka and Bar Olivino
in Meguro. More recently weve
partnered with Caf Celi in Ebisu
to showcase Canadian wines by the
glass and bottle, concludes Paquin.
Owners Desmond Soon, also Cana-
dian, and Kazue Shu now have
Tokyos most diverse Canadian wine
list at very reasonable prices.
2-29-5 Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-
ku. Tel: 03-5773-5033. Nearest
st: Ebisu. www. facebook. com/
heavenlyvines
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Visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp for complete listings.
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CLASSIFIEDS
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Issue 950
FRI, JUN 8
Deadline:
May 31, 3pm
Issue 952
FRI, JUN 22
Deadline:
Jun 14, 3pm
1 AT YOUR SERVICE
1.1 HEALTH
ACUPUNCTURE IN TOKYO/
AOYAMA/SHI BUYA AREA.
N o n - i n v a s i v e , g e n t l e
t r e at me nt . S oot hi ng &
relaxi ng. Only di sposabl e
needles used. Fluent/native-
l evel Engl i sh. I ndi vi dual
assessment, personalized
therapy program. Nurturing
and supportive atmosphere.
F u l l y i n t e g r a t e d w/
convent i onal pr act i ces
and medi cati on. Covered
by most foreign insurance.
T e l : 0 3 - 5 4 6 9 - 0 8 1 0
www.acuraclinic.com
DRASTI CALLY CHANGE
Y O U R F A C E ! R e mo v e
wr i nkl e s and r ec ei ve a
facial lift-up. First time trial:
1000. 2min walk from Shin-
Sakuradai stn, exit 2. Reserve
by phone only at 0120-50-
9091. www.rakutendou.jp/
spiritface.html
MEDICAL/LIFE INSURANCE
w i t h c o v e r a g e f o r
radioactivity, earthquakes,
tsunami, natural disasters,
plus emergency benefits!
A f f o r d a b l e , f u l l - s e t
g u a r a n t e e s ! T h e o n l y
r e g i s t e r e d i n s u r a n c e
company f or f orei gner s
in Japan with multilingual
staff to assist you. For your
protecti on and securi t y!
0120- 656- 684/046-265-
6685 www.vivavida.net
JAPANS MOST AFFORDABLE
H E A LT H I N S U R A N C E .
HEALTH INSURANCE plans
as low as 44,600/year. 3-,
6- and 12-month plans to fit
your needs. Comprehensive
c o v e r a g e : i n p a t i e n t /
outpati ent , I CU, surgery,
prescriptions, emergency,
X-rays, MRI, CAT, lab tests.
Claims processed in Japan
and pai d i n yen. Opti onal
Accidental Death & Disability.
Easy enrol l ment ; pay by
c r e d i t c a r d o r a t
conveni ence stores. Si gn
up for Heal t hOne today!
w w w . h e a l t h o n e . j p
i n f o @ h e a l t h o n e . j p
06-6263-8688
SPORTS PHYSI OTHERAPY
( phys i cal t her apy) car e
i n Hi roo. Nati ve Engl i sh-
s p e a k i n g t h e r a p i s t s ,
s p e c i a l i z i n g i n s p o r t s
i nj uri es, post- operat i ve
rehabi l itati on, back/neck
pa i n, r unni ng- r e l at e d,
h e a da c h e s , o r t h ot i c s ,
ergonomic consultations,
and womens health. www.
tokyophysio.com 03-3443-
6769
TO ADVERTI SE i n Japans
No. 1 Engl i sh magazi ne,
log on at www.metropolis.
co. j p/cl assi fi eds or emai l
your commerci al ads t o
commerci al @metropol i s.
co.jp
O S T E O P A T H Y
by a UK-trai ned, quali fied
osteopath, providing safe
and effective treatment for
headaches, back/neck pains,
arthritis, nerve-compression
s y n d r o m e s s u c h a s
sciatica, TMJ problems, etc.
AOP -Aoyama Osteopathy
Practice-. Visit the English
pa ge a t www. a oya ma -
osteopathy.com/english/
1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY
ONLY CUT ZONE s a l o n
p r o v i d e s a h a i r c u t
service for only 1000. 5min
wal k from Ki t asenj u stn.
Friendly English-speaking
staf f i s avai l abl e. Contact
us at 03-3882-1550. Open
from 10am until 7pm, 7 days
a week. http://meturl.com/
onlycutzone
SOPHI STI CATED PRIVATE
HAIR SALON. Bondz Salons
owner has experi ence i n
NY. High quality service and
natural products. Cut: 5000.
Color: 5000~. All menu 20%
off on first visit. 1min from
Azabu- Juban st n. www.
bondzsalon.jp/index_.html
Reservation: 03-6426-5562
1.3 MOVING
MOVI NG OVERSEAS? Cal l
ECONOSHIP! With over 30
years experience, you can
count on Econoshi p for
courteous, efficient, reliable
ser vi ce and reasonabl e
prices. Call, email, or see our
new website. Ask how you
can receive 10 boxes free of
charge. i nfo@econoshi p.
net www. econoshi p. net
0120-222-111
MOVING? Experienced staff
will assist you at reasonable
prices. Transportation for
overseas/domestic moving.
Packing and warehousing
with care. Customs clear-
ance. Ai r or sea frei ght
f or wardi ng worl dwi de.
03-5851-9331/090-1216-0012
1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES
TAX CONS ULTATI ON I N
ENGLISH! If you are anxious
about your tax return, we
can handle your problem for
a reasonable price. Please
call 03-5843-6511 or email
us at i s@mei sei - audi t . j p.
Check our website for more
info: http://takedatax.jp
1.8 GENERAL SERVICES
HONEYCLOVER BABYSITTING
A N D H O U S E K E E P I N G
SERVI CES. We speci al i ze
i n Engl i sh- speaki ng and
foreign babysitters. We will
provide qualified babysitters
who a r e be s t s ui t e d t o
you and your chi l d. LAST
MINUTE calls ok! Reasonable
pri ces. Tel : 03- 6431-9647
Mobi l e: 080- 4274- 3237
www. honeycl over. co. j p
info@honeyclover.co.jp
LOVI NG BABY MASSAGE.
Teaching mothers, fathers
and other family members
professional baby massage
and child yoga techniques
f r o m i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y
accl ai med Peter Wal kers
De ve l o p me n t a l B a by
Massage and YogaGym.
E/J. 3000/session. Four-
session discount: 10,000.
Call Shino at 080-3362-0429
or email babymassage123@
gmail.com
2 FIND A PLACE
2.1 GUESTHOUSE
NEXT TO AZABU-JUBAN AND
MINAMI-SHINAGAWA STN.
Pri vate furni shed rooms
in Akasaka(2min), Azabu-
Juban, Minami-Shinagawa,
very cl ose to the stati on.
Cleaning every week. First
two months speci al offer
4 6 , 0 0 0 ~ 5 6 , 0 0 0/ m,
uti l iti es i ncl uded. No key
money, free Internet.
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Metropolis Mediabox
Youre walking past thousands of
people in a place like Tokyo. If you
were saying hello to everyone,
Japanese and foreigners alike, it would
still be mighty strange but at least
it would be fair! Ignoring Japanese
people all day and vigorously nodding
at every foreigner you see just seems
racist to me, although in a backhanded
fashion.johnnyrabbit
BULLTWIT
Loved the Student Soapbox feature
article [May 10]. Nice inspiring stories
by students!@Curiousiko
Thanks for your Burger Special
during my trip [Apr 13]heres my
little write up: http://t.co/kkQljZ2o
@perfecttrough
Re: The E.A.T. diner in the new Hikarie
building... Im very sure its NOT Cali
style. In n Out or FatBurger IS.
@StarrWulfe
Re: Green Escapes (Upfront Extra, Apr
24): There is a glowing green escape
in Fukushima...@ststev
#948 www.METROPOLIS.CO.JP 37
BY CATHRYN MOE Horoscope
COMINGUPINMETROPOLIS
FEATURE: THE METROPOLIS GUIDE TO THE SHORT SHORTS
FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA 2012 Q&A: MEET KIWI JUP BROWN
WHOS RUNNING THE LENGTH OF JAPAN FOR CHARITY
THE LAST WORD: ITS NOT TOO LATE TO HELP IN TOHOKU
CHECK US OUT
WWW.METROPOLIS.CO.JP
Want to have The Last Word? Send your article
to: editor@metropolis.co.jp
SPOT THE
DIFFERENCE
THIS LACK OF
UNDERSTANDING
OF FOREIGN
CULTURES COULD
BE DAMAGING TO AN
AGING JAPAN FACED
WITH INTENSIFYING
GLOBALIZATION
PRESSURES
W
hen youre rid-
i ng t he t rai n i n
Japan, take note
of where ever y-
one sits around
you. If there is a spare seat next to
you and a spare seat across the way,
Japanese people will often take the
latter. Is this racism? I would argue
notat least not a sinister form of
racism.
There were 2.1 million foreign-
ers l i vi ng i n Japan i n 2010, 1.6
percent of its 127 million total popu-
lation. In Japan, common attitudes
towards foreigners (or what Id call
soft racism) are often born out of
the ever-present focus on cultural
difference rather than feelings of
superiorit y (hard racism). The
decision to avoid sitting next to a for-
eign person on the train most likely
derives from a fear of the unknown,
rather than a genuine aversion to
foreign people.
The word for foreigner in Japan,
gaiji n, has become synonymous
with an us and them mentality.
In Japan, youre often not an Aus-
tralian, Briton or Indonesian. Youre
simply a gaijin.
mine who headed home after work
one day carrying 100,000 rent in
cash. As he reached for his wallet
before arriving home his gut sank
with the realization that it was gone.
As happens in so many stories of this
kind in Japan, the local police station
called him to interrupt his distress.
A stranger had found the wallet on
the street and handed it inalong
with its precious contents. Though
many readers might have heardor
experiencedstories like this, its
worth remembering that there are
few countries in the world where
t his ki nd of t hi ng happens. The
family-like bond in Japanese society
breeds this kind of common respect
and thoughtfulness for their fellow
community membersand even a
foreigner, in this case. But this sense
of unity comes at a price.
Many Japanese people struggle
to relate to foreigners. Often when
I order at a restaurant in Japan, for
example, t he waiter wi l l turn to
my Japanese friends and reply to
themeven though Ive just spoken
in Japanese. This lack of familiar-
it y and understanding of foreign
cultures could be damaging to an
aging Japan faced with increased
immigration and intensifying glo-
balization pressures.
Some of these social issues have
been recognized by the Japanese
business community who lobbied
successfully for English to become
a compulsory subject for fifth- and
sixth-grade elementary school stu-
dents from 2011albeit only one
lesson per week. Rakuten, Japans
largest i nternet onl i ne retai ler,
announced that English will be the
companys ofcial language by 2012,
with all internal meetings held in
English.
The Japanese government has
also made some steps towards inter-
nationalizing the Japanese psyche
over the past few decades. Way back
in 1978, the government launched
t he Japan Exchange and Teach-
ing (JET) program in communities
across Japan. In 2011 there were
4,330 participants from 39 countries
acting as assistant language teach-
ers (ALTs), sports education advisors
(SEAs), and coordinators of interna-
tional relations (CIRs). Te program
has been largely efective promoting
cross-cultural interaction at grass-
roots level. However, t here st i l l
remains a gap in the appreciation of
the diversity of foreign cultures, and
a communication gap.
Japan needs to expand on these
programs and policies to strengthen
cultural awareness and, in turn,
improve Japanese international rela-
tions. Tis will expose more Japanese
to foreign peoplehopefully without
adversely afecting their family-like
social bondand al low t hem to
communicate, exchange ideas and
most importantly, relate. And per-
haps the next time Im travelling on
a train in Tokyo and there are two
empty seats, a Japanese person will
sit next to me, not because they chose
to sit next to a foreigner, but because
they didnt see a diference.
GET YOUR
NEXT PRINTED
COPY FRIDAY,
JUN 8
Glen Clancy is a former resident of
Japan who now works at Arena magazine
in Melbourne. He can be found online at
www.aussiebeef.wordpress.com
The cost of
Japans Us vs.
Them mentality
By Glen Clancy
The linguistic classification of
foreigners into a single group both
inadvertently encourages ignorance
of the array of different cultures
worldwide, and prevents the realiza-
tion of the many social and human
similarities other cultures share
with the Japanese. For example, Ive
of ten been asked such questions
here as, Do people overseas eat a
lot of rice? or, Do people overseas
drink coffee?as if everyone out-
side Japan is a united entity.
But there are advantages to this
shared national psyche. It bonds the
Japanese people closer together and
forms a family-like union between
127 million people, or rather124.9
million people.
This sense of fami ly unit y is
ref lected in universal social prac-
tices such as removing shoes before
entering a house or school, the cus-
tom of public bathing in onsen as
well as activities such as nabe parties
or izakaya outings. Following the
Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of
3/11/2011, there were numerous for-
eign reports written in admiration of
Japanese victims and refugees lin-
ing up courteously in ration queues
and remaining considerate of others
despite the horrifc conditions.
Another example of this consid-
eration lies in a story of a friend of
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