Metropolis

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Metropolis 1000th-issue cover design contest! It was a tough choice but we chose Christi Rochin’s design. See more of her work here.

And the winner is... Christi Rochin

Below are all the other entries we received in alphabetical order. Thanks for your great work guys!

Ximena Criales

Robert Day

David Peralta Delaluz

Angelo Drayer

Adam Garwood

Hugh

Nina Kouprianova

Caroline Meathrel

Ken Niimura

Masakura Nouhiro

Kim D Sato

May 24, 2013 | No Comments | 72 views

Sushi Cats

The phenomenon of the Nekozushi, or sushi cat, is a body of pseudomyth accompanied by a hilarious bank of associated weirdness. Get postcard sets (¥1,050), individual postcards (¥315), or a photo book (¥1,470), for example, or go to town on a massive A3-sized print for ¥42,000 plus shipping. Which might be what real feline sushi might set you back. Browse the strange goods at the online shop, and check out the Tumblr site for some more truly eye-opening videos.

Metropolis is giving away two picture books; email giveaways@metropolis.co.jp with your details and “Cat” in the subject line.

May 24, 2013 | No Comments | 134 views

Editors’ Note

For our 1,000th issue we celebrate some past highlights since launching as Tokyo Classified back in 1994 and transforming into Metropolis in 2001. We also want to thank all the readers and advertisers who’ve supported us for nearly 20 years. Expats in Tokyo are often pushed together by necessity, and that has led to an amazing richness of culture and collaboration. At Metropolis, we’ve always tried to aid that as much as possible, safe in the knowledge that if we get anything wrong—our readers will be the first to tell us.

So here’s to another 1,000 issues exploring the endless secrets of this fascinating city. Please keep reading, posting shady classified ads, writing letters and comments and being vocal in your criticism—so we can continue to be a vital part of this wonderful community we serve.

The Metropolis team at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo fountain. Photo by Michelle Madden

Come raise a glass to the Metropolis millenial milestone at our party at Le Baron de Paris on May 31!

By: Metropolis Editors | May 21, 2013 | No Comments | 251 views

Party for the Right to Fight!

Bold documentarian and 17-year Japan resident Heath Cozens was granted intimate access to the startling world of disabled wrestling—a world of intrigue, violence, love, and pride.

The group Doglegs was formed in Tokyo in 1991 when two cerebral-palsy sufferers fought over a girl—and loved it. They decided to formalize the fight club and expand as a way for all kinds of disabled participants to express themselves.

Cozens is in the final stages of post-production but needs funds to complete his film. Hence an event to raise cash while initiating guests into this brave new world.

There will be preview footage from the film, live music from Osakan band Expe, and two real Doglegs wrestling matches to behold.

Sun, Jun 2, 6pm
Las Chicas Aoyama
¥3,000 w/1d (advance) / ¥4,000 (door)
5-47-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Nearest stn: Shibuya or Omotesando
http://doglegsmovie.com/news/event

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May 16, 2013 | No Comments | 448 views

Japanese Marvels

One of the lesser vaunted benefits of Japan and the USA’s special alliance is the possibility of combining US Marvel comic book heroes with traditional Japanese hand towels. Not content with invading the country via a series of big-budget Hollywood flicks, Iron Man is also invading key moments in Japanese cultural history, specifically appearing on top of “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” in Hokusai’s iconic ukiyo-e. Look out for Spiderman admiring sakura petals scattering in the moonlight amid other Marvel Tenugui (¥840). Take these 100%-cotton items to the onsen and let your favorite hero protect more than just the earth’s safety.

Available online via Ensky Shop

May 13, 2013 | No Comments | 493 views

Cuddling Concrete

Courtesy of Mani Apparel

These stuffed toys are shaped after the four-legged concrete structures that form breakwaters on Japan’s coastlines. The Tetogurumi gets its name from a conflation of tetrapod and nugurumi (soft toy), and is suitable for manly men because of its neutral non-kawaii form, its usability as a head rest and because it could look like a woman in an inviting posture if you squint a little. Made from polyester, felt and cotton, these cuddly toys are a lot safer than the real thing, which has been lambasted for its tendency to disrupt natural cycles of erosion. Another item in the line of cuddly architectural features is the “Damgurumi,” or cuddly dam.

Available from Village Vanguard and other stores in mini (12cm; ¥1,575); middle (25cm; ¥2,940) and deka (38cm; ¥7,350), and in both light and dark gray.

May 10, 2013 | No Comments | 444 views