HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016

Metropolis - JANUARY 2016

NEW ISSUE OUT NOW! JANUARY 2016 Catch a thief with Scott Cooper The Black Mass director spills the beans on new Depp movie Read more →

PLASTIC MAKES BEAUTIFUL IN KOREA

METROPOLIS ~ DEC 11-DEC 24.2105

Young men spending more on alcohol

75 YEARS AGO

Friday, Dec. 13, 1940

Young men spending more on alcohol

With their pockets filled with money and their hearts joyful over the anticipation of year-end bonuses, Tokyo’s young men are spending more on liquor, if the evidence gathered by a Miyako reporter at Shimbashi and Yurakucho stations can be taken as proof.

Late Wednesday night a Miyako reporter saw a young inebriated fellow severely taken to task by a policeman close to Shimbashi Station, apparently on account of his careless conduct caused by his drinking. Then, a few steps away, another intoxicated case, causing some trouble to a station employee, was found by the same reporter.

A staff member at Shimbashi Station, when approached by the Miyako representative, is quoted to have said: “About 60 percent of those taking trains here after 11 o’clock at night these few days are more or less intoxicated, I can assure you. Maybe it is because the majority of salaried men’s pockets are now warm with their year-end bonuses. Anyway, we strongly doubt if there are many bars around here where liquor is sold so late at night. After all, the sight of young men feebly walking under the strength of alcohol is not very encouraging when a new national structure (to ready Japan for a protracted war) is being promoted.”

One of the clerks at Yurakucho Station, when met by the same reporter, admitted that they also are having many drunken passengers to handle late at night. “Now, we generally have 700 to 800 passengers who take trains after 11 o’clock at night. More than half of them are seen enlightened with alcoholic beverages.”

However, the paper continues, the cases of complete drunkenness are rare. Some are happy after imbibing in a few drinks, but not drunk; others wobble a bit while climbing the station steps; and not a few appear to be partially intoxicated; but complete drunkenness is seldom noticed.

Do Animals Sound More Realistic in Japanese or English?

Published on Dec 2, 2015

I noticed that the sound that animals made were different in Japanese and English. Which animals do you think sound more realistic in Japanese vs. English? What do animals sound like where you're from?
Here are the names of animals and the sounds they make, in Japanese and in English.

INTOKYO MAGAZINE - NUMBER 01

 

A new monthly print magazine for visitors to Tokyo and expats alike, 
available at select points in Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku (for now). 

You can download the full InTokyo PDF here: bitly.com/intokyo01

METROPOLIS - NOV 27-DEC 10

AI Samurai

AI-Samurai was originally designed for the events and conferences to be held in different countries around the world, to provide visitors the information of the venue, navigation of games, and other recommendations. AI-Samurai is equipped with the AI system called "A.I. Galleria" that enables it to recognize a person from the portrait image and interact appropriately in real time. Starting from the international event "SXSW Interactive 2016" to be held in March 2016, AI-Samurai will start his pilgrimage to the world in search of realistic dialogues with humans.

AI-Samuraiは世界各国で開催されるイベントで来場者に会場案内、ゲームナビ

­ゲーション、レコメンドなどを行う目的で製作が開始されました。AI-Samurai­には、A.I.GalleriaというAIシステムが搭載されており、リアルタイムに­画像から個人を認識し、音声での対話が可能です。2016年3月に行われるSXSW Interactive 2016を皮切りにAI-Samuraiはリアルな対話チャネルを求めて世界を行脚予­定です。

Uncle Lyle Petersen has received his reward

『もうひとつの東京タイム。』 "ANOTHER TOKYO TIME."

The best Janken game ever

Stephen Colbert and the Starbucks Christmas cup

When Japanese Baby is Born

JAPAN AS MY GRACE ~ THEME SONG

Run away with me
Lost souls and reverie
Running wild and running free
Two kids, you and me

And I say
Hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades

Long live the pioneers
Rebels and mutineers
Go forth and have no fear
Come close the end is near

And I say hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades

All hail the underdogs
All hail the new kids
All hail the outlaws
Spielberg's and Kubrick's

It's our time to make a move
It's our time to make amends
It's our time to break the rules
Let's begin

And I say hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Leaving like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades

Songwriters
GRANT, ALEXANDER JUNIOR / FELDSHUH, NOAH G. / HARRIS, CASEY WAKELEY / HARRIS, SAMUEL NELSON / LEVIN, ADAM

Published by
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Rise of the Samurai

Rise of the Samurai: How Japan's growing military 

is setting off alarm bells both in Japan and around the world.

MKR(Makoto Katsuragi Racing)

今年から、RODMOTORS DRAG RACING TEAM　⇒　MKR(Makoto Katsuragi Racing)へTEAM名も、車のカラーリングも一新した、DRAG VETTE HQ-7　今年のレースシーンを収めたＤＶＤが遂に発売です！！

http://rodmotors.shop-pro.jp/

Climbing Mt Fuji Sea to Summit: 27hrs of Exhaustion

Published on Oct 27, 2015

Captain Falcon, Axel, and I climbed Mount Fuji sea to summit, I'm still not 100% sure why.
TRIP STATS: 27+hrs, 50km (31mi), 3776m up (12400ft), 10+ chocolate bars eaten.
►COMMENT: What should our next epic Japan adventure be?

GAG REEL w/ outtakes and bonus footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcHTu...

ROUTE MAP we used on the trip to hike Fuji sea to summit: https://goo.gl/roGZdH (I didn't make it, just found it online)

TRIP BACKSTORY: I met Axel and Captain Falcon when we were living in Singapore from 2013-2015. We became brosephs at a monthly tabletop board game night I held at my place. When I heard from my friend Dylan (yes "that" Dylan from Japan by Bicycle: https://youtu.be/0qAZ1yhS2Yk?t=27m31s) that he had climbed Mount Fuji sea to summit my mind was blown. I didn't know that people attempted such a route, but I knew I had to try it too. In the summer of 2015 Axel and I both moved to Japan and Cap't Falcon quit his job to travel around Asia. When he came to Japan, I knew this was the best chance to assemble an elite team and attempt this crazy sea to summit trek. Thankfully they both accepted my invitation to do this hike.

SIDE STORY: At the very end of the video there's a sunrise time lapse. When I was sitting there capturing this shot, I was so tired from being awake for over 30 hours and cold in the freezing temperature that I hallucinated that the blobby clouds (which were a lot closer than this wide lens makes them look) were turning into giant stuffed animals that were coming up the mountain to kill me. No joke. My brain was definitely losing grip on reality and I was honestly terrified of the killer giant cloud animals. It's ok, you can laugh at me.

Black in Japan

Published on Sep 16, 2015

A video interview of eight people on what it's like being black in Japan. Many thanks to everyone who was willing to share their experiences and thoughts here! We made two versions of this video: this is the longer, full version with more information, stories, thoughts, and explanations.

Japan's ‘hidden Christians’ maintain faith

Driven underground years ago, Japan's ‘hidden Christians’ maintain faith


NPR: From the Roman Empire to the Cold War-era Soviet Union, many Christian groups throughout history have concealed their faith to survive government persecution. But some of Japan's kakure kirishitan, or “hidden Christians,” have remained closeted for nearly 4 1/2 centuries -- long after the threat of persecution had lifted.

Tokyo Design Week 2015

Thomas Travels to Japan

Published on Sep 9, 2015

Konichiwa! Thomas travels to Japan where he encounters some really useful passengers, 

or Sumos, that help him clear a blocked line of the railway.

Metropolis Sep 18 - Oct 1 Out Now!

Japanese practice of ‘forest bathing’ to unplug

Tech workers turn to the Japanese practice of ‘forest bathing’ to unplug

By Brigid Schulte

Maybe in another era, we just called it camping. But 'forest bathing,' which originated in Japan, is now being used to unplug from the digital world  Read full article »

The truth behind Aji-no-moto

STAFF NEEDED: Editorial Assistant

STAFF NEEDED: Editorial Assistant

Interested in joining the Metropolis team? We have an immediate opening for an enthusiastic and dedicated person. Must have strong Japanese language skills (reading / writing / speaking). To apply, please send your CV and writing samples to

editor@metropolisjapan.com

.

About Us

Metropolis was founded in 1994 as Tokyo Classified, a compendium of casual and professional English-language ads distributed with the Daily Yomiuri newspaper. Rebranded as Metropolis in 2001, the magazine is now independently owned by Japan Partnership Inc., with between 20,000 to 30,000 copies distributed to over 600 locations in the Kanto area every two weeks. Boasting the largest distribution of any English-language magazine in Japan, we’re proud to say that Metropolis is one of the first sights to greet new arrivals at Narita Airport.

Japan’s No. 1 English Magazine

Metropolis doesn’t cover the past: we show you the future—online, in print and in person. With a focus on upcoming events and exhibitions—including the city’s most comprehensive events listings—we keep visitors and residents alike tuned into what’s happening in the world’s greatest conurbation.

Our flagship website and varied social media services track hot bars and restaurants both new and old, while our monthly party event keeps the Tokyo community connected, informed and energized. Our listings and classifieds offer a forum for corporate players and indie artists alike, and we even offer rant space for readers with beefs about the issues of the day. All this in addition to our regular litany of music, art, movies, lifestyle and entertainment.

A Metropolis reader is anyone with an interest in Japan, be it as broad as the latest national music craze or as precise as the best vegan meal in Meguro-ku. If it can slake your curiosity or ease your life on the ground, we’ll make sure it gets to you.

‘I’ve seen the future, and it’s …. paper’

September 8, 2015

How a new origami “zippered tube” design may transform structures from pop-up furniture to buildings A new origami “zippered tube” design that makes paper-based (or other thin materials) structures stiff enough to hold weight, yet can fold flat for easy shipping and storage could transform structures ranging from microscopic robots to furniture and even buildings. That’s what researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Georgia Institute of Technology, … more…

Metropolis Sep 4 - Sep 18 Out Now!

USS Reagan Leaving for Japan

After 11 Years in San Diego, USS Reagan Leaving for Japan
After 11 years in San Diego, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan will begin a voyage on Monday to its new home port in Yokosuka, Japan. The Reagan is one of three aircraft carriers taking part in a swap of home ports. The USS George Washington left Japan, and following a stop here, is destined […] 

AUTUMN FESTIVALS

AUTUMN FESTIVALS CONNECT LOCALS

By Yuudai Takaki Chief executive GoldHorn Inc.

The time to celebrate aki matsuri (autumn festivals) is almost here. Festivities take place throughout Japan to commemorate a Shinto ritual celebrating a bountiful harvest and good catch. Unlike the larger, more prominent natsu matsuri (summer festivals), these autumn festivals impress the visitor with distinctly local delights. In Tokyo, portable shrines can be seen being paraded in each district at the beginning of September. READ MORE

A Sprawl of Ghost Homes in Aging Tokyo Suburbs

A Sprawl of Ghost Homes in Aging Tokyo Suburbs - The New York Times

 

“There are empty houses everywhere, places where nobody’s lived for 20
years, and more are cropping up all the time,” said Ms. Haneda, 77,
complaining that thieves had broken into her neighbor’s house twice and
that a typhoon had damaged the roof of the one next to it.

Japan has so many super old people

Japan has so many super old people that it can’t afford to give them special sake cups anymore

By Elahe Izadi

Being very old in Japan comes with perks -- namely, a commemorative silver sake cup, given to each person who reaches 100.When the practice started in 1963, the Asian nation sent out 153 of the commemorative saucer-like cups as a token of recognition that being very old was something unique and truly special. But now Japan has a lot of very old people; so many, in fact, that the government has plans to nix the commemorative silver gifts in lieu of a cheaper option, Kyodo News reports.  Read full article »

Metropolis - Aug 21 ~ Sept 3, 2015

215kph drifts at “Japan’s Nurburgring”

Japan's Past World War II Apologies

Shinzo Abe Echoes Japan's Past World War II Apologies but Adds None

By JONATHAN SOBLE 

Mr. Abe's statement on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the war's end seemed intended to highlight what he and other conservatives see as an endless apology. 

World War II ended 70 years ago — here's the planned US invasion of Japan that never happened

On August 14, 1945, US President Harry Truman announced the...  Read» China is trying to use WWII history to shame Japan and weaken its alliances Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is sick of apologizing. In...  Read» Shinzo Abe's Bid to Redefine Japan and Its Military Has Echoes of Family History By JONATHAN SOBLE Mr. Abe, who wants the military to take on limited combat roles, sees himself in the mold of his grandfather Nobusuke Kishi, a premier who helped redefine cooperation with America after the war.

Emperor voices his displeasure

Emperor offers a regal critique of Japan’s drift away from pacifism

By Anna Fifield

TOKYO — Emperor Akihito is a man of few words. Japan’s American-written constitution designed it that way.But the 81-year-old figurehead has increasingly found ways to skirt the constitutional limits on his role and has, in characteristically subtle language, appeared to voice his displeasure with the path that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is leading Japan down.  Read full article »

My Dad's Old Car 1965 Impala

For a modern nation, they still don’t get it.

Marines assist in Saipan recovery effort

August 9, 2015

Thanks to all for my birthday greetings, I was here in Guam with power and water, very thankful but thinking about my people in Saipan.

A week after the disaster the people are getting very tired.  While trying to get some work done, all are thinking about securing water, where to shower, what to eat, toilet and long hot dark nights.  Bam declared a state of emergency but as usual FEMA is slow to respond.  The US Military was quick and doing a great job.  People of Guam are coming together and showing a lot of support.  Report this morning was the Seabees got one power plant working and power going to the hospital.  Generator at some water wells and water flowing slowly to the southern villages.  Central area where we are still has no water.  I’ve got a 50K tank full of water so the showers we set up are very busy with my workers, rain water is refilling the tank.  Our relief supplies arrived and will be distributed today.  I’ll be going there tomorrow with more supplies.

All generators got sold out real quick on Guam, tried to get Japan to send several portable gensets but what a complicated ordeal, first they said airlines would not transport them, then they’re worried about EPA compliance, then not immediately available, now it’s O-Bon all week and no one around.  For a modern nation, they still don’t get it. (日本が近代国家であるが、彼らはまだそれを得ることはありません)。To say the least, I’m very disappointed, we’ll try again today.  A small 6000w genset at my staff house would at least give us lights, some fans, ref. and water pump for the shower & toilet. 

So aside from all that, I had a quiet peaceful birthday.

tom (class of '76)

Japan's Naked Island Hermit

78-year-­old Masafumi Nagasaki is the sole resident of a tropical island located at the southern tip of Okinawa, Japan. He would rather obey the demands of nature than of another person, which is what led him to escape civilization and live on Sotobanari Island. We decided to go and find out exactly what kind of lifestyle he's leading, and why he chooses not to wear clothes.

Nagasaki - before and after the bomb

What Nagasaki looked like before and after the bomb
By Ishaan Tharoor 
Three days after leveling the city of Hiroshima with a uranium atomic bomb known as a "Little Boy," the United States dropped the more menacing-sounding "Fat Man" over Nagasaki. It was Aug. 9, 1945. Some 40,000 to 80,000 people were killed, and much of the city was pulverized. Nuclear weapons would never again be used in warfare.  Read full article »

METROPOLIS - AUGUST 7 - 20, 2015

What it would look like if the Hiroshima bomb hit your city

What it would look like if the Hiroshima bomb hit your city
Seventy years ago today, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, and three days later dropped another bomb, this time on Nagasaki. As the Washington Post reports, a nuclear historian has created a NukeMap that allows you to visualize what the Hiroshima and Nagasaki explosions would look like in your hometown.

As their numbers dwindle, Hiroshima survivors have a plan to keep memories alive
By Anna Fifield
HIROSHIMA, Japan — The crowd sat entranced as 78-year-old Emiko Okada recalled the horrifying events of Aug. 6, 1945, a day that started hot and cloudless. There was the buzz of the plane, the huge flash, the cries for water, the kids like ghosts with skin dangling off them, the people with their guts hanging out.  Read full article »

Japan: Children in Institutions Denied Family Life

(Tokyo, May 1, 2014) Japan's overwhelming use of institutions instead of family-based care is failing thousands of vulnerable children by not preparing them for independent, productive lives in Japanese society. According to government statistics, more than 39,000 children in Japan live in different kinds of institutions across the country. These are "alternative care" settings, including infant care institutions, child care institutions, short-term therapeutic institutions, group homes for independent living, and foster care and family homes. The children were removed from their families because the authorities determined that their parents were either unable or unwilling to care for them properly.

Hiroshima: What 70 years of reconstruction looks like

Hiroshima: What 70 years of reconstruction looks like - The Washington Post

390-year-old bonsai tree survived an atomic bomb

This 390-year-old bonsai tree survived an atomic bomb, and no one knew until 2001 - The Washington Post

Ramu Tokashiki in the W.N.B.A.

Ramu Tokashiki, a Japanese Rookie, Blossoms in the W.N.B.A.

Seattle's Ramu Tokashiki, the third Japanese woman to play in the play in the
W.N.B.A. and the most successful yet, has become a growing fan favorite