Upfront Extra

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.


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May 16, 2013 | No Comments | 340 views

TM & © 2013 MARVEL & SUBS

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 | 431 views

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 | 411 views

Kat Black’s Touchstone Tarot

Metropolis‘ resident tarot expert offers an overview analysis of a current news item or celebrity profile.

With Olympic figure skater Mao Asada announcing her retirement next year in order to find a partner and settle down, this week we ask the tarot—for her sake and ours:

How’s a person to find love in Tokyo?

The cards we received were the 7 of wands upright, the knight of wands reversed and the 2 of cups reversed.

With a 3-card reading like this, we take the central card as the signifier, the main card of the spread, and the two flanking cards as the supporting cards. The central card in this spread is the knight of wands reversed: Guard against throwing yourself body and soul into projects, or in this case, romances, without taking some deep, cooling breaths first. Don’t let your passion get the better of you or you might come over to a prospective partner like a love-struck rhino. Keep cool-headedness, both in your search, and in the crucial early days, and you’ll be in it for the long run. Also, any bumps you hit along the road won’t be felt so strongly.

The 7 of wands shows us a person struggling against the odds, despite being in an advantageous position. The tarot advises us that finding romance—and keeping it—is tricky. Don’t give up the fight in your search for a perfect partner. As with the knight of wands, this is a fire card, thus characterized by passion, the will and impulses. But in this case—let them guide you to success.

The card on the left is the 2 of cups reversed, a water card. Upright, this is the card of new romances. Reversed, it warns against guardedness and coldness in a relationship. The course of love is upset, or prevented from flowing smoothly; so keep yourself open to possibilities. Remember love is elusive, and appearing aloof is as dangerous to a burgeoning, tender romance as coming on too strong.

Lastly, looking at the elemental dignities of this spread, we see two fire and one water card. The already reversed two of cups is looking like it might evaporate in the presence of these two fire cards. So if you’re looking for love in Tokyo this spring, keep your whole approach slow, steady and flexible.


If you enjoyed reading this Tokyo tarot round-up, and feel you could benefit from a blind spot tarot analysis, for your relationship, career or social life, contact Elise Mori for an in-person tarot consultation.

By: Elise Mori | May 8, 2013 | No Comments | 359 views

© Yuse Design

It’s unclear whether these tasty looking Post-It-style slips will make desk organization easier by diverting your gluttonous urges. They may just send you running for the conbini. But whatever the dietary effect, these Sandwich Tags from Yuse Design will certainly color up your clutter. Available in lettuce and tomato (¥525), pure bacon (¥840) and the complete BLT (¥1,260), these innovative sammie slips won the Audience Choice Award at the 10th Spiral Independent Creators’ Festival. Just make sure your dog doesn’t eat your homework.

Available online from Amazon.jp or from Itoya Stationery store in Ginza.

May 8, 2013 | No Comments | 516 views

Design by Mika Tsutai

Have an action-packed dinner with these striking Manga Zara (manga plates) from Comicalu. Thwack!

¥2,980 per plate. Available online at www.comicalu.com or select stores across Japan (see website for points of sale).

May 5, 2013 | No Comments | 318 views