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Feature: The world of private detectives has always been male territory, thanks to Hollywood. Sure, there are exceptions. Charlie's Angels and V.I. Warshawski always managed to do enough butt-kicking to get the job done. But in the real world of private eyes, a kiss can be just as lethal as a kung-fu chop. The oldest trick in the book is back in fashion: female seduction. Why send a man to do a woman's job? More like Cleopatra than Charlie's Angels, a new breed of women investigators
has appeared on the scene in recent years. Are they chasing criminals
or serial killers? Not exactly, particularly with Japan having the lowest
crime rate in the world. They're actually hunting down prospective unfaithful
men whose wives or fiancées are anxious to know just how true their
beaus are. Woman undercover Kusumoto said women agents go so well camouflaged that the guilty party
rarely detects he's being set up. The goal varies from case to case: testing
the infidelity level of a prospective husband, to capturing the scene
of the big cheat with hidden cameras, bugging devices and other spy gadgets
to utilize in divorce proceedings. Nevertheless, there is no denying that entrapment cases are driving the private investigation industry. Tahara said they account for half of all cases at agencies in his association. "It is only in the past four to five years that the private investigation business has mutated into this daytime drama. The economic recession is largely to blame for dragging the industry into the gutter. It's just despicable." In the old days, he said, the P.I. agencies were mainly engaged to investigate a prospective employee, or better yet, do a bit of corporate espionage. Nevertheless, as companies started to go belly left and right, the need and the budget for these spying activities decreased. Kusumoto said entrapment assignments are the biggest moneymakers thanks
to the effective marketing power of the media, in this case, a TV soap.
Many agencies use fronts that look like a female-run operation. "This
is only to attract business," she said. "Most private detective
agencies are run by ex-cops and other male investigators. But they know
the female bonding marketing strategy is a lot more effective than the
intimidating male figure for female clients." So far, so bad. But Tahara said that things can start getting weird. Instead of contemplating whether or not to take it further with a lawyer, 70 percent of the female clients sign up for another contract: a special "entrapment package," whereby the agency agrees to send in a female investigator to lure the husband into a relationship, diverting his attention away from his lover. She then dumps him and, in theory, he will go back to his wife or fiancée, just like in the TV drama. The big question is in costhow much do these "entrapment packages" go for? The NIA puts forward a guideline for fees. It ranges from ¥500,000 to a few million yen, depending on the duration of the assignment. Nonetheless, Tahara suspects that some unscrupulous investigators probably charge a lot more. Some agencies, he said, even go as far as helping the client pay for the assignment by arranging finance through a second-tier loan shark. "But things don't always work out according to plan," Tahara said. "For instance, sometimes the client's husband refuses to accept the female investigator's change of heart, and he can turn into a potential stalker." Therefore, before the situation turns into a crime of passion, some agencies will hire a yakuza to intervene. Basically, the yakuza appears out of nowhere and either threatens the guy or blackmails him. However, that's not exactly what the original client had in mind. "That's what happens when you engage the services of shady detective agencies," SagaC.com's Kusumoto said. "Many clients come to us because they don't want yakuza involved." Doctoring strange love Even though this charitable feeling was her motive, the job opened her eyes in a morbid sort of way. "It's true that the job offered me more responsibilities and challenges compared to other job options. But I didn't realize so many people were unfaithful to their spouses. And making a career change from a wedding planner to this world is quite ironic." One assignment she recalls as excruciating was a wife-turned-stalker, threatening to kill the "other woman" way after the affair was over. Of course, their employee being "the other woman," Kusumoto had to physically tackle the client. "The thing I like about this job the most is the challenge it has to offer is a lot more gratifying because some areas of the investigative world can only be done by a woman," she said. What little training she received was on the job. The rest is up to her charm and guile. One ongoing problem with the industry is the lack of a regulatory body. There are no specific laws or guidelines that can be enforced. Unlike the US, private investigators in Japan do not need licenses. Therefore, the industry interprets the lack of authority as being able to manipulate a situation any way they like. And as for ethics, forget about it. "Some shady agencies even act as pimps when they accept these kinds of entrapment cases," Tahara said. "Not that they advertise it widely in public, but if the female agent is required to become physically involved, it is basically the same thing as prostitution." Whether Japanese women's declining tolerance for infidelity is an indication that marriage in the future will be more than the financial arrangement it has often been to date, the country's male population should think twice before philandering. Photos: Elina Moriya
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706: Mix Masters Tokyo’s Bartenders Hop on the Mixology Train 705: Fight For Your Rights Local unions are helping foreign workers make their voices heard. But can non-Japanese ever really get a fair shake? 704: Fashion Forward With a renewed focus and revamped format, Japan Fashion Week aims to put Tokyo designers on the world map. But can the country’s flagship event keep homegrown talent from defecting overseas? 703: True Believers With the opening of a new mosque in Yokohama, Japan’s Muslim community is branching out. But can the locals learn to coexist with a misunderstood and stigmatized religion? 702: Hard Time After Three Weeks in a Shinjuku Lock-Up, the author finds that justice in Japan is rough indeed 701: Marunouchi on the Move An ambitious 10-year plan is turning the neighborhood into one of Tokyo’s most exciting destinations 700: A Few Of Our Favorite Things To celebrate 700 issues as Japan's favorite English magazine, we offer our top picks for enjoying Tokyo. Now it’s your turn… 699: Fantasy Dining Dramatic eating and drinking experiences await at Tokyo's theme restaurants 698: Come One, Come All To Yasukuni Each August, the notorious shrine becomes a battleground in the struggle for Japan's self-identity 697: Cool Runnings As registration for the 2008 Tokyo Marathon enters the homestretch, one runner recounts her experiences in the inaugural race 696: Two-Wheel Dreaming Although Japan’s motorcycle industry is in decline, biking in Kanto still offers limitless pleasure. Here’s everything you need to know to get started 695: Past Perfect Tree-lined paths, traditional crafts, historic temples—plus world-class restaurants and shopping—await in the cool hills of Yanesen 694: Hooking Up Business networking opportunities abound in Tokyo for anyone who knows where—and how—to look 693: Future Tense As writers and academics converge on Tokyo to explore the explosion of Japanese pop culture, the country's youth face an uncertain future 692: Battle of the Burgers As Burger King returns to Japan after a six-year absence, fast food restaurants are pulling out all the stops to attract more customers 691: Big into Japan From shakuhachi to sake to sushi, foreign artisans are bringing Japan to a wider audience 690: Art Attack Tokyo's Contemporary Art Galleries Ride the Waves of Boom and Bust 689: Graffiti Nation From walls to road signs to art galleries, Tokyo gets tagged out 688: Messengers of Life Seven years after losing her son to a drunk driver, Kyoko Suzuki spearheads a campaign to raise public awareness of the issue 687: Boy Toys No longer under the shadow of their sisters, Japan’s hosts have taken center stage 686: Design Triumph With three new Tokyo restaurants, Sir Terence Conran looks to infuse the local dining scene with his distinctive sense of style 685: Festival Frenzy Asakusa is set to go crazy for the three-day Sanja Matsuri 684: Spin Masters Foreign independent label partners look to crack open Japan’s music industry 683: Ginza's Rumbling Road It’s full speed ahead for Tokyo’s only private motorway 682: Time To Play Stuck in Tokyo for Golden Week? Make the most of your holiday with these 15 can’t-miss activities 681: Dying For It As the Lucie Blackman murder trial comes to a close, foreign hostesses in Tokyo are aware of the industry’s dangers 680: Japan Gone Wild Tabloid Tokyo 2 uncovers the city in all its seamy glory 679: Great Heights Roppongi undergoes another transformation with the opening of Tokyo Midtown 678: The Once and Future Ninja A grandmaster carries on the legacy of Japan’s secretive art—and says foreign students may be its last hope for survival 677: Crime Spree Foreigners who turn to Japan’s justice system for help find themselves ignored. Is incompetence to blame—or racism? 676: Game On From rugby to volleyball, Tokyo has a sports team for you 675: Drawing a Crowd Japanese youth have been rushing to put themselves under the needle. Is the centuries-old tattooing subculture finally gaining mainstream acceptance? 674: Star Shots Leslie Kee’s mammoth photo book gathers Asia’s biggest celebrities for a good cause 673: Spirited Away Despite tough new laws, Japan’s sex trafficking industry is booming. Meet one of its most tragic victims 672: Tuning Out Japanese radio stations have forgotten about the listeners. But all signals point to big changes ahead 671: Dream Works Director John Williams is making a name for himself in the world of Japanese film 670: Unwinding the Gyroball Daisuke Matsuzaka is headed to the US Major Leagues with a super-secret pitch in his arsenal. Or is he? 669: Sole City Want to look fashionable in the street-style capital of the world? Hint: Use your feet 668: Last of the Speed Tribes Their theatrics are preserved in photos, but little else remains of Japan’s bosozoku biker boys 667: Who’s the Boss of You? If you can break the bureaucracy, there is nothing more rewarding than starting your own business 666: Good sports From baseball sizzle to World Cup fizzle, Japan’s athletes had a wild 2006 665: Return of the Peacemaker Humanitarian aid worker and former hostage Nahoko Takato won’t give up on her personal mission to alleviate suffering in Iraq 664: Hard to swallow Japan makes a lot of noise about its cultural right to hunt whale, so why isn’t anyone biting? 663: Time for giving Avoid last-minute Xmas anxiety with Metropolis’ seasonal gift guide 662: Downhill from here Itching to hit the slopes this winter? The Metropolis winter resort guide is the place to start 661: No Mo’ Drama Two visits from Michael Jackson make 2006 a thriller year for music promoter Broderick Morris 660: Gone but not forgotten An award-winning film keeps the candle burning for Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Korean agents 29 years ago 659: Kids’ night out Children get a taste of what awaits them in adulthood at Kidzania 658: The Samurai in Shirokanedai Mikio Yahara fights to keep the spirit of budo alive in the 21st century 657: Dynamite Design This month, Tokyo becomes the world’s No.1 designer destination. Among the creative crowd, here are four faces to watch 656: How to get ahead Corporate hunger for bilingual professionals keeps ruthless recruiters on their toes 655: Mori and Me Five years after establishing Tokyo’s most prestigious art space, Japan’s first foreign museum director says sayonara 654: Big Kids From comics to figurines, toys aren’t just for boys anymore. Grownups, even women, can play too 653: Here’s looking at you So you always wanted to be a model? Now’s your chance 652: Doggy style A decade ago, Tokyo canines were lonely sentinels chained up outside. today, a dog’s life is one of Tinkerbellesque luxury 651: The China Syndrome As politicians wrangle, Japanese living in China are making money and building friendships 650: In The Mix Networking websites give the bashful new opportunities for social interaction 649: Noh Way A new season of Japan’s oldest theatrical art form starts this month 648: Wonder boy From a troubled youth in Los Angeles to sold-out arenas in Japan, Cyril is enjoying a magical ride 647: Lights, camera, gaijin Famous foreigners spill the beans ABOUT working in Japanese TV 646: No heels, no life Girl tribes create fashion anarchy in the urban jungle of Shibuya 645: Local Hero Foreign-born parliamentarian Marutei Tsurunen turns heads in nagatacho. but can he change minds too? 644: Southern Exposure What happens when you travel from the busiest city on the planet to the remotest spot on earth? One photographer found out—and took his diary with him 643: The Meaning of LOHAS The pioneer behind Japan’s sustainable lifestyles craze goes back to basics 642: Nights to Remember Taste the good life at ten unique Tokyo hotels 641: SONY at 60 Will Japan’s most famous company get a new lease on life, or early retirement? 640: Turning Japanese For better or for worse, pop stars everywhere have got something to say about Japan 639: Life’s a Beach Here comes the sun, so get ready to strip off, oil up and catch some rays 638: You Go, GIRLS! Japanese women demand equality in the workplace 637: 20/20 Vision The Tokyo-born Pecha Kucha phenomenon has the global creative community hooked 636: The World is not Enough Led by a low-key coach, Japan’s soccer team limps into the World Cup 635: A dying breed Japan’s smokers are feeling the heat as the government slowly tackles tobacco 634: The Real Tokyo Underworld Beneath our streets, engineers are thinking big to keep the city functioning 633: Cool Biz Rich, confident and creative, corporate Japan is giving itself a makeover 632: Treat Yourself Tokyo is famous for its eclectic health treatments, some wonderful, others just weird. We dispatched a skeptic to try ten of the most maverick 631: Pocket Revolutionaries With podcasting, anyone (even Metropolis) can be a DJ 630: Flower power Spring in Tokyo is the start of a vibrant cycle of new colors that abound even in this concrete jungle 629: Man vs Mountain For Tokyo resident Blair Falahey, Everest is just one more obstacle to overcome 628: Little Journeys, Big Delights From bugs to butts, tokyo's less visited museums have something for everyone 627: Harmonize This Shinjuku’s Aikido World Headquarters is a magnet for martial arts enthusiasts from around the globe 626: The Emperor and I Former Newsweek bureau chief Bernard Krisher recalls how he got the scoop of a lifetime 625: Fair Game The Tokyo International Anime Fair returns, with global interest in Japanese animation at an all-time high 624: Dark Matter Suffering ignorance and discrimination, Japan’s black community struggles to retain its pride 623: Revenge of the Nerds The geeks come out to play in Akihabara, and they’re not ashamed anymore 622: An Ofer you can’t refuse A Tokyo-based entrepreneur says his South Pacific dream is a win-win adventure for everyone 621: We’d be nowhere without the subway system we love to hate 620: The Boys and Girls of Winter Rocked by scandals and looking to overcome an abysmal showing in Salt Lake City, Japan’s winter Olympians take on the world in Turin 619: The view from the Hills Minoru Mori defends the Omotesando Hills development and reveals big plans for Tokyo 618: Think of the Children Japan’s prejudiced legal system encourages desperate parents to abduct their own kids 617: We ♥ Tokyo From the quirky to the cultural, explore more of Japan’s eclectic delights in 2006, because only here can you… 616: The Inner Mongolian As Asashoryu fights to extend his record-breaking winning streak, Metropolis asks the yokozuna about babies, Bulgarians and Ulaanbaatar 614-615: Create a new you in 2006 by learning a traditional Japanese craft 613: Get the Message As companies vie ruthlessly for our attention, Tokyo is consumed by innovations in advertising 612: Mad Dash The Tale of Snow White and the Master Shafter: A day with the Samurai Hash House Harriers 611: Geisha Gazing Rob Marshall and his pan-Asian stars put the casting controversy behind them to lift the lid on the world of old Kyoto 610: Life through a Lens Whether in a war zone or on a rugby pitch, 29-year-old photographer Chihiro Koga has a unique perspective 609: THE DICTATOR VANISHES There may be method in the madness of Alberto Fujimori, formerly Tokyo’s most notorious foreign resident 608: True Crime Convicted drug smuggler Nick Baker’s story is not what it first appeared 607: Fight Clubs PRIDE and K-1 are muscle-packed, testosterone-fueled phenomena. But there’s more to sport than blood and brawn 606: Home Truths Purchasing property here isn’t easy, but there’s never been a better time to try. One happy homeowner has these house-buying hints 605: Meeting of the Minds Design tide descends on Tokyo for an explosive week of creative mischief 604: Lights, Camera... Be part of the action at the 18th Tokyo International Film Festival 603: Kafu's City The haunts of Tokyo's most famous scribe may have gone, but their spirits remain 602: Big city nights Asia's most happening city is just across the water, So what are you waiting for? Find out what all the fuss is about 601: Lets Get Trivial! Just what youve been waiting for: part two of "The Big 600" things to know about Tokyo 600: The Big 600 Part 1 Facts and figures, tales and trivia, records and rumors. We present everything you ever wanted to know (and some things you didnt) about the biggest and greatest city in the world 599: Show me the way If you have trouble learning Japanese, or lack the motivation to do so, why not try Japanese Sign Language instead? 598: Blueprint for Living A postmodern development in Chiba is beautiful to look at. But would you want to live there? 597: Inside the Box They spend their lives taking care of drunks, criminals and tourists. Who on earth would want to work in a koban? 596: The Film Files Donald Richie, the worldwide authority on Japanese film, shares his movie memories 595: Sea Worthy Minoru Saitos seventh around-the-world voyage may have been his last, but the 71-year-old isnt about to abandon the open water 594: In Search of the Rising Sun Sixty years after the end of World War II, Tokyo still has places that evoke that tumultuous era 593: Art is All Around Enough with overcrowded galleries! Get a different kind of art attack in the citys free public space 592: What are you staring at? Wild Harajuku styles are no longer Japanese only. Seven international enthusiasts explain what its all about 591: River Chronicles Every July, Tokyo celebrates summer with dazzling fireworks along its most famous river. But the Sumidas waters conceal a history of both joy and tragedy 590: A Kissa the Action Cheap, open all night, and offering loads of entertainment, Tokyos manga kissa serve a restless generation 589: Halo Heroes The Guardian Angels hit the streets of Tokyo to fight fear and complacency 588: Taste the Success The celebrity-chef invasion gears up as British bad boy Gordon Ramsay opens two restaurants at the new Conrad Tokyo 587: Keeping your cool Metropolis offers some hot tips for enjoying Tokyo this summer 586: A Tale of 2 trainers Got a week? Or a couple? Two writers abandon their desks and learn to get fit quick 585: Room Service Back by popular demand, our design specialists turn two Tokyo shoe-box apartments into dream dwellings 584: Half a world away Brazilian-Japanese have a love-hate relationship with the land of their forefathers 583: Coming to a theater near you Everything you ever wanted to know about the marketing of foreign movies in Japan 582: Little Miss Popular So much more than just a doll, birthday-girl Blythe is everything to everyone 581: A Life Less Ordinary A new exhibition gives modern relevance to the dramatic suicide of Japans most controversial author 580: Resting in pieces With no relatives around to pay for upkeep, dozens of graves in Aoyama Cemetery are in danger of being relocated. But not if The Foreign Section Trust has its way 579: Holiday of Hopes and Dreams Volunteers Find it Hard to Balance Tourism and Charity on a Hybrid Holiday to Tsunami-Hit Sri Lanka 578: The World in a Day Been there, Waited in line, Got the T-shirt. Decide for yourself whether to tackle Expo 2005 with our comprehensive (and honest) guide 577: The Road to Ruin Residents of Shimokitazawa fight plans to build a highway through their town 576: Back on Course After losing its groove in the economic downturn, Japanese golf is scrambling back 575: Idol Worship The whiz kid behind 90s house icons Deee-lite is back with his first solo disc in six years 574: The Eagles Take Flight The first foreign general manager of a Japanese baseball team, Marty Kuehnert says hes confident he can make the new team fly 573: The Writes of Spring Haiku offer the clearest understanding of the undying appeal of the cherry blossoms 572: Seekers of Supreme Truths Ten years after the gas attacks, Japan struggles with old memories and new religions 571: Spring Forward! Update your wardrobe with the top trends from the Spring/Summer 2005 collections 570: Memoirs of a gaijin house Clean up your room; you never know when photographer Yutaka Otsuka will turn your living space into art 569: Meals on Wheels Entrepreneurial Tokyoites storm the citys lunchbreaks with a new take on street-food tradition 568: How to be Romantic: A Valentines Day Dating Guide 567: Understanding the Enemy Japan faces an inscrutable opponent when it plays North Korea in the World Cup qualifiers 566: Reaching for the Universe The Miss Universe Japan pageant is about more than just looks: its shaping women who are savvy, goal-oriented and able to express themselves 565: Inner Space Come in from the cold with our guide to Tokyo's top winter entertainment spots 564: Voices of Kobe Ten years on, experiences of the great hanshin earthquake can help tokyoites prepare for the worst 563: The Russians are coming!! Japans ages-old sport faces a foreign invasion 561-562: Golden Year 2004 2004 was record breaking, both on and off the sports field. Metropolis recalls the years best, worst, and most bizarre 560: Chef du jour With an empire that spans the globe and a talent for bringing diners to their knees, Alain Ducasse is the undisputed king of the culinary world. Now Tokyo gets a taste of his success 559: The Jingle Hop has begun... As the countdown to the holidays continues, Metropolis offers a look at both cool and traditional options for adding a Japanese flavor to your holiday shopping 558: Final conflict Fifty years after his celluloid birth, Godzilla takes one last stroll through Tokyo. But is this really the end of the iconic green monster? 557: Perfect getaways From cross-country skiing to traditional culture, winter in Japan offers a wealth of reasons to venture outside the capital city 556: Rock of ages Elvis schoolmate, former Yankees shortstop, protegé of mafia don Joe Colomborocker Jimmy Angels colorful life shows no signs letting up 555: Art explosion Japans largest art event, Design Festa, marks its tenth anniversary 554: The bait and the catch An ex-sushi chef lives in hiding, while dishing out details of the private life of his onetime boss, North Koreas Kim Jong Il 553: Watercolors The horror writer of Ringu fame paints the tale of a riveting performance by a Tokyo theatrical troupe 552: Well read Japan takes center stage as Metropolis rounds up recent fiction set in the Land of the Rising Sun 551: Reality check Hardcore punk rocker turned Zen master Brad Warner leads a journey of self-discovery 550: Life lessons From permanent residency to private schooling, our expert panel tells you how to make the most of out of living in Tokyo 549: Journey Into Imagination Explore the creative minds of contemporary designers with a guided tour of Tokyos upcoming design extravaganzas 548: State of play Japans top video-game makers try to dig themselves out of a slump with new titles debuting at this weekends Tokyo Game Show 547: Let the games beginagain Theres no shortage of options for pro sports fans when it comes to taking in a contest in Japan 546: Fish stories A Harvard academic and anthropologist casts his net around Tsukiji, the fish market at the center of the world. 545: Flash back Tokyo designers look to the past for this season's fashion trends 544: Unsung heroes In a profit-driven economy dominated by mechanization, mass production and cheap foreign labor, a handful of Kyoto artisans keep the traditional art of craftsmanship alive 543: Law and order Tougher cops, late-night curfews and surveillance cameras. Governor Shintaro Ishihara is spearheading an unprecedented stand against crime in the city of Tokyo. Is it all too much or not enough? 542: Eyes on the prize From the pool to the track, Japan's Olympic athletes set their sights on Athens glory 541: Knight errant When Narita immigration officers took custody of Bobby Fischer on July 13, the chess champion felt betrayed by the country that had granted him sanctuary. Now the former grandmaster and his supporters ready his last gambit 540: War and remembrance Tim Hornyak revisits Japan's WWII legacy through the exalted and execrated grounds of Yasukuni Shrine. 539: Out and about Whatever youre looking for in a summer getaway, youll find it in the Tokyo area and beyond. Heather Lew gets the scoop on the hottest ways to chill out. 538: Snail's pace Once a country that defined fast-forward, Japan is learning how to take its time. Steve Trautlein catches up with the Slow Life movement. 537: Role models Japanese actors are stepping into the spotlight overseas thanks to some award-winning performances and a raft of samurai-inspired flicks. Chris Betros profiles the top talent. 536: Sonic stories Summer Sonic creator Naoki Shimizu says Japan's rock festival calendar may have reached the breaking point. 535: Feeling festive From fireworks to dance contests, Tokyo is gearing up for another summer of matsuri mania. Metropolis previews the best of the bunch. 534: Field of dreams Hideki Matsui made his name in the ballpark, but the Major Leaguer hopes to be remembered as much for his heart as his home runs. Sachie Kanda visits him in New York. 533: Depth charge From the underwater realms of Okinawa to the green seas off Izu, spectacular diving is closer than you think. Carlo Niederberger jumps in. 532: Screen dreams Undaunted by miniscule budgets and a serious lack of limelight, Tokyos foreign filmmakers pursue their craft. Michael J. Miller talks to the people behind the cameras. 531: Spirited away Jumpei Yasuda was abducted at gunpoint and held captive by a band of Iraqi mujahideen. So why cant he wait to get back to Baghdad? Tama Miyake Lung hears his story. 530: Wonder Bars Tokyos theme bars serve up food, cocktailsand some totally unexpected entertainment. Metropolis goes in search of the citys wildest drinking dens. 529: In the loop A dedicated group of foreign and Japanese artists are filming what they hope will be Japan's first sitcom. Chris Betros visits the set. 528: Down towns In the shadow of glittering skyscrapers and trendy mini-cities, Tokyos derelict neighborhoods survive unchanged. Stephen Mansfield takes a walk on the wilder side. 527: Ask Mr. Movie Man Faced with a bewildering plethora of new movie releases this Golden Week, self-indulgent Metropolis film critic Don Morton interviews himself. 526: Directors Cut With a hit film inspired by her observations of Tokyo, Sofia Coppola has emerged as a gifted storyteller who fuses trendsetting style and quiet resolve. Tama Miyake Lung catches up with the Oscar winner on a recent visit. 525: Room service Armed with ¥5,000 per room, our interior stylists make over three expatriate pads using a playful dose of discount decor. 524: Uninventing the wheel While other inventors dream of high-tech glory and patent riches, Kenji Kawakami straps toilet paper to his head and hankies to the seat of his pants. Tim Hornyak meets the Chindogu master. 523: Fresh talent A handful of hot young chefs are raising the bar for traditional Japanese cuisine. Ai Uchida learns their recipes for success. 522: Full Steam Ahead The area's newest railway, the Minatomirai line, puts the varied charms of Yokohama within easy reach. Steve Trautlein goes for a ride. 521: Fields of dreams Just in time for spring and summer, Japan's sports scene gets set to sizzle. Fred Varcoe keeps his eye on the ball. 520: Out of Eire One-hundred years after his death, Lafcadio Hearn remains a favorite in his adopted country of Japan. Steve Trautlein goes in search of the writer's Irish connections. 519: Pop star With its anime, manga, music and film all the rage overseas, Japan is entering an age of unprecedented hipness. Tony McNicol investigates the staying power of "Japanese cool." 518: Food fright With mad cow and avian flu adding to the list of threats to Japan's food safety, Tama Miyake Lung looks at how the country is coping and provides tips on how to protect yourself. 517: Curtain call Events editor Dan Grunebaum reflects on the past and future of Tokyo's performing arts scene, and provides a sneak preview of the year ahead. 516: Second coming Despite being dumped by the team nine years ago, Bobby Valentine is back in Japan to manage the floundering Chiba Lotte Marines. Rob Smaal meets this season's most anticipated arrival. 515: Room at the top A new wave of luxury hotels is shaking up the industry in Tokyo like never before. Can they all survive? Chris Betros checks in. 514: Building up Tokyo's chaotic sprawl serves as the breeding ground for playful and cutting-edge building design. Stephen Mansfield tours the city's architectural highlights. 513: Pick of the litter She's cute, she's a commercial powerhouse and she's coming up on her 30th birthday. Ken Belson and Brian Bremner let the story of Japan's favorite cat out of the bag. 512: Beating the blues Feeling depressed or in trouble? Tokyo has plenty of support groups that are just a phone call or mouse click away. Chris Betros provides a few pointers. 511: A world apart For many foreign parents in Tokyo, providing their children with a fulfilling education is beyond reach. Steve Trautlein reports. 509/10: Up where we belong As the skiing and snowboarding season comes into full swing, a handful of pros provide tips on where to travel this winter. Carlo Niederberger reports. 508: Call of the wild Jeff Hammond talks to Tokyo-based photographer Beezer about his new book, Wild Dayz, and the legendary music scene it portrays. 507: Santa's secret weapon With all the craziness before the holidays and the rush to jump on the plane, finding the perfect gift can be more hassle than heartwarming. Hanna Kite brings the fun back with a shopping guide sure to please everyone on your list. 506: Fashion by numbers Tama Miyake Lung sums up the top trends from the Spring/Summer 2004 Tokyo collections. 505: Sex education After decades spent believing that HIV and AIDS are other countries' problems, Japan could be in for a disturbing lesson. Stephen Cotterill reports. 504: Man about town Stephen Mansfield goes on a sentimental journey with eminent author and celebrated Tokyo chronicler Donald Richie. 503: Bowled over Bowling has been in Japan since the Edo period, and it looks like it's here to stay-even if the lights go out. Michael J. Miller gets in the game at Tokyo's top lanes. 502: Trial and error Josh Noblestone takes a closer look at the case of drug-smuggling suspect Nick Baker and what it reveals about Japan's criminal justice system. 501: Close encounters The skies above Japan are alive with extraterrestrial activity, according to the nations foremost UFO research group and its fearless leader. Matt Wilce examines the evidence. 500: Coming of age As Metropolis celebrates its 500th issue, we look at where we've been, and where we're going, through the eyes of Tokyo's international community. 499: Welcome happiness The new Mori Art Museum hopes to lead Roppongi's cultural evolution. John McGee sees what's up. 498: Just passing through There's always someone interesting to catch up with at the Tokyo International Film Festival, says veteran attendee Chris Betros. 497: Pick six From October 9-13, Tokyo Designers Block will transform the streets of Aoyama and Omotesando into a grown-ups playground. Steve Trautlein talks with a half dozen of the events top talents. 496: The name game Arnold Schwarzenegger's not the only one hoping to trade celebrity for a taste of political power. Chris Betros looks at Japan's lawmakers and finds everyone from singers to wrestlers filling the ranks. 495: Bliss list Metropolis hits the massage table for a rundown on the city's best spas. 494: On alert Two years after the September 11 attacks, experts say Japan is more vulnerable than ever to the threat of terrorism. Steve Trautlein reports. 493: Playing the field Japan's athletes are gearing up for an autumn of nonstop sports action. Fred Varcoe previews all the fun. 492: From the hip Japan's youth are giving hip-hop music, dance and fashion a makeover. Michael J. Miller raps with the devotees of "black style." 491: Modern marvel With a bold new design for the Dojunkai Aoyama Apartments along Omotesando, award-winning architect Tadao Ando is raising the stakes on an already remarkable career. Tama Miyake Lung meets the self-made maestro. 490: Show time Nearly one year into a government-run licensing program, Tokyo's street performers are finally getting some respect. Mick Corliss hears more from some of the charismatic characters. 489: Time zone Old and new exist side by side in Tokyo's Tsukishima-Harumi area. Chris Betros goes for a tour. 488: Great escapes From pristine beaches and picturesque temples to mountain resorts and the magic of Hollywood, Matt Wilce compiles our ten favorite spots for a quick getaway. 487: Season tickets Looking for a fun way to beat the heat? Metropolis gets the rundown on the best thrills and chills to keep you entertained all summer long. 486: Life at the top Yuichiro Miura survived 70 years, several potentially fatal ski runs, and five days in the Death Zone before becoming the oldest person to conquer Mount Everest. Tama Miyake Lung meets the new record holder and the son who shared in his thrilling ascent. 485: Seeing green As temperatures in Tokyo rise, city officials look skyward to beat the heat. Steve Trautlein tours the city's rooftop gardens. 484: Calling the tunes? Piano icon Herbie Hancock looks to reinvent jazz with Tokyo Jazz 2003, but is adding a turntablist to his band going to do the trick? Music editor Dan Grunebaum reports. 483: Power struggle After a string of safety scandals, Tokyo's major energy supplier may not have enough juice to meet demand this summer. Matt Wilce reports on the very likely possibility of the city's first blackout in 16 years. 482: Flavor of the month Boston-based big shot Todd English is the latest celebrity chef to spice up the Tokyo dining scene. Georgia Jacobs gets the scoop. 481: The new wave As another scorching summer approaches, more and more Japanese are discovering the joys of the beach, and a fair few are finding sporting success on the sand. Tama Miyake heads for the shore. 480: Never-ending stories The big onslaught of summer movies begins with lots of sequels and remakes. Chris Betros looks at the lineup. 479: Revival of the fittest Ginza is under fire from swish new developments, but Japan's sentimental shopping strip is fighting back and winning some unlikely fans. Martin Webb reports. 478: The sky's the limit The Moris are changing the face of Tokyo like never before. Chris Betros meets the man on top, CEO and President Minoru Mori. 477: Park place With spring in full swing, there's no better time to unwind in the city's lush sanctuaries. David Chester tells you where to park it. 476: Fun in the sun As the mercury rises, Japan's sportsmen and women gear up for a season of thrills. Fred Varcoe previews all the action. 475: The elements of style When the mercury drops this fall and winter fashion hits a high note, if the Fall/Winter 2003-2004 Tokyo collections are anything to go by. Georgia Jacobs reports. 474: The hills are alive Tokyo is an ailing city about to get a new cultural and entertainment heart: Roppongi Hills. Chris Betros goes for a visit. 473: Big bang theory After lying dormant for 300 years, Mount Fuji has recently rumbled to life, and Tokyo is bracing for the worst. Steve Trautlein reports. 472: Recipe for success In the City of the Saturated Restaurant Industry, launching 102 new establishments is a lot to swallow. But if anyone can pull it off, its Americas most famous gastronome, Wolfgang Puck. Georgia Jacobs gets the dish on his Japan expansion. 471: From tigers to towers A gleaming new city is springing up at Shiodome, one of many transforming the Tokyo landscape. Chris Betros joins the crowds. 470: Head over heels At Shinjukus Yoshinkan Hombu Dojo, April is the time for foreigners and Japanese police officers to train side-by-side, as Steve Trautlein learns from the masters. 469: Tokyo story Its been 400 years since Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa made Edo his capital. As Tokyo gets ready to celebrate four centuries as Japans premier city on March 24, Matt Wilce takes a look at the metropolis less familiar history. 468:Mass immigration All foreign residents in Tokyo and nine prefectures now have to troop off to a new immigration office in Shinagawa for that vital stamp in the passport. Chris Betros joins the crowds. 467: In the raw With his charity restaurant receiving rave reviews and his acclaimed no-holds-barred documentary launching in Japan, things are looking up for Jamie Oliver. But, the Naked Chef tells Georgia Jacobs, reality sometimes bites. 466: Reaching for the stars The quest for space will continue despite the Columbia tragedy, and Japan will play its part, Chris Betros reports. 465: Devil may care Governor Shintaro Ishihara relishes his role as the thorn in the side of Japanese bureaucracy. But the most powerful man in Tokyo is also one of the few people getting things done in the capital, he tells Tama Miyake. 464: Love in the fast lane Romance is big business in Japan, as matchmaking and speed dating agencies vie to help you find your soulmate. Chris Betros reports. 463: Eastward bound As Japan's homegrown talent struggle to launch themselves to stardom in the West, many of Hollywood's biggest names, ironically, have headed east to kick-start their careers. 462: Small talk With a healthy sense of play, Tokyo offers youngsters all the fun they can handle. Steve Trautlein joins in. 461: All washed up With the mercury dropping there's no better time to get up to your neck in hot water, and have a little fun in the process. Matt Wilce brings you a roundup of nearby onsen with more. 460: Going BAPE With BAPE hotel wishes, BAPE Café New York dreams, and a new London boutique finally a reality, A Bathing Ape creator Nigo is the next self-appointed fashion ambassador for trendy Tokyoites. But is the rest of the planet ready for this simian-inspired lifestyle? Roland Kelts gets the answer from the man himself. 459: China Town Thirty years after the former adversaries joined hands, China and Japan aren't exactly the model of diplomatic relations. But, as Tama Miyake discovers, that hasn't stopped Tokyo trendsetters from making the Middle Kingdom all the rage. 457/8: Happy holidays Most of Tokyo shuts down for New Year'sbut not all of it 456: Voluntary Movement Despite a legacy of government indifference and a lack of social recognition, Japan's volunteers are determined to carry out their good works 455: The busy person's guide to holiday shopping Wrapping things up at the office before the end of the year doesn't leave much time for wrapping up presents, let alone shopping for them 454: Ahead of the curve In a world where design is the new capital, the currency through which brands and products are bought and sold, Marc Newson is a captain of the industry 453: Click draw Following Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and now Waking Life, are Japanese animators jumping on the computer graphics bandwagon? 452: Warm front Tama Miyake tracks the hottest trends from the Spring/Summer 2003 Tokyo Collection 451: Great taste Former sumo champ Akebono brings his fighting spirit and an appetite for life to the restaurant business at the newly opened ZUNA 450: Seniority rules With wads of cash in the bank, the nation's elderly are quickly becoming the darlings of savvy manufacturers 449: A different tune Music is universal, but can expat musicians carve a niche out of the world's second largest market? 448: To die for Cardboard coffins, online mourning, space burials and wearable remains 447: A business of her own With continuing education, self-invention and sheer will, the country's female population is joining the ranks of Japan Inc 446:Great Idée Teruo Kurosaki wants to change the world through design 445: Open house A traditional Japanese farmhouse complete with thatched roof and hearth, Chiiori in the Iya Valley offers adventurers the opportunity to relive the best of old Japan 444: In a T.I.F.F. The 15th Tokyo International Film Festival celebrates Asian cinema with a little bit of help from Hollywood heavyweights. 443: All grown up Western readers will be seeing a new face to manga soon, and it's got nothing to do with Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh. 442: Saved by the bell With the suicide toll topping 30,000 since 1998, can hotline pioneer Inochi no Denwa, answer Japan's cry for help? 441: Ready to rumble Japan's X League American football players on the road to the Rice Bowl 440: Feel the rhythm Asakusa's Samba Carnival is proof positive of Japan's status as the Asian hotbed of Brazilian culture 439: Interior angle The stars du jour of the foodie crowd are no longer celeb chefs but the country's avant-garde designers 438: Alternate view Tokyo's independent cinemas offer a ticket out of the mainstream 437: Bean counting The last thing caffeine-addicted Tokyoites need is another fancy cup of joe 436: Wild things August is the time when friends flee for Bali, Blighty and Buenos Aires, and the city empties for O-bon, but that's no reason to be bored 435: Ties that bind Thanks to increased government involvement and greater public exposure, child abuse is gradually emerging from the shadows 434: Stars in your eyes You know when summer has arrived in Japan. Baseball bats and yukata come out of storage, tea and noodles are served cold, cicadas' songs pierce the air and fireworks fill the night sky 433: Picture this Don Morton, the guy who goes to all the movies so you don't have to, offers guidance for the time you'll spend this summer in dark rooms watching moving images on walls 432: The shore thing Three hours south lies a village by the sea where the sands of time slow to a trickle, breeze blows off the Pacific, and turquoise waters lap at its pristine beaches and hidden coves 431: Fast food On July 4, the world's fastest eaters descend on Coney Island, New York, to conquer a mountain of hot dogs in the 87th annual Nathan's contest 430: Making music Drawing 50,000 fans and over 70 world-class acts, The Fuji Rock Festival is Japan's premier sound extravaganza 429: Capital Assets Tokyo is a treasure trove of art, culture and a fair share of kitsch 428: The house of Hanae As the investor-owned pret-a-porter line that bears her name goes bust, Japan's couture pioneer pushes ahead 427: The grand stand Overshadowed by its mega-neighbor, the new Saitama City is set to prove it's more than a sleepy industrial backwater 426: Sugamo stories With little more than pencils and paper, five prolific inmates documented life behind bars with such infamous war criminals as WWII premier Hideki Tojo 425: Made in Japan A charmed existence by many standards, expatriate life in Tokyo, despite wars, earthquakes and occupation, has paved the road to success for many a foreigner 424: The game of life Hidetoshi Nakata has been cheered and jeered as the face of Japanese soccer 423: In the flesh Summer sumo tournament at Ryogoku in May 422: Fashion Frenzy The joshikosei, or teen fashionistas, are some of the most voracious consumers on the planet 421: This way up On the doorstep of fashion enclave Daikanyama, Nakameguro has been steadily making its way from downtown district to divine destination 420: The big kick The first World Cup of the 21st century promises to be a ball of fire 419: Win win situation With the winter season safely behind it, Japan is bracing itself for potentially the biggest sporting year in history 418: Laughing matters Tokyo's comedians want to make Japan a funnier place 417: Robotops Spearheading the robot evolution, Japan continues to wow the world with its clever cast of droids 416: Crime scene Mark Schreiber dishes the dirt on Japanese felons 415: Culture class Tokyo's international schools dole out lessons on life in Japan 414: Club scene Our guide to where to go to get tight and toned in Tokyo 413: Matter of PRIDE Ultimate fighters pull out all the punches for Pride 412: Spy games Unfaithful spouses and philandering beaus beware of the beautiful barfly 411: A winter's tale Japan's all star cast of Olympians are set to storm Salt Lake City 410: Close quarters Venturing into Tokyo's private spaces 409: In the DARC Turning the spotlight on Japan's cutting-cutting edge rehab program 408: Take the plunge You don't have to go far outside the city limits before you hit prime onsen territory. 407: Bringing up the baby The future looks bright for the newest member of the royal family 406: You gotta have Seoul Korea Reconsidered 405: Deep impact Meet Japan's most influential people in 2001 404: 12 fun ways to spend your post christmas break 403: Martha Stewart exclusive America's domestic diva descends on Japan 402: All they want for Christmas 399: To beef or not to beef One mad cow and Japan's beef industry is bust. 398: In touch with tradition an interview with 3 artisans who bring the best of the past to present-day Tokyo 397: Captain cooks Out of the kitchen - Tokyo's rising executive chefs 396: Ghost town Tokyo's horrible history 395: Generation Next The world-first launch of NTT DoCoMos third generation mobile phone network represents a quantum leap into mobile cyberspace. Stuart Braun goes online. 394: Sister act Celeb sisters Kyoko and Mika Kano have taken Japan by storm, but can they win over the West? Chris Betros and Maki Nibayashi spend an evening with the divine duo. 393: Reel time Matt Wilce gets a close-up of the Tokyo International Film Festival's hottest tickets. 392: Lap it up Michael Schumacher is champion again, but the unpredictable Suzuka circuit is still set to offer up a surprise-packed Japan Grand Prix on October 14. Stuart Braun goes trackside. 391: Everything old is new You might think Azabu Juban is all swanky dining and dancing 'till dawn..... 390: Cooking the books Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisas in town with his new book in hand..... 389: Up from the underground Japan's literary superstar Haruki Murakami is home for the duration 388: First wave John McGee dives into Japan's art extravaganza 387: Water world Matt Wilce explores Tokyo DisneySea 386: Open house Many people are sleeping on the streets of Tokyo 385: A moveable feast Some of the city's best yatai fare 384: Hair A look at Tokyo's salon industry 383: Summer in the city 20 ways to make August a little more bearable 382: Tokyo Tomorrow Stuart Braun tracks the future of the metropolis 381: From zero to hero 81-year-old Zero fighter Sadamu Komachi looks back 380: Island escapade Journey to Odaiba 379: Open-air fare Tokyo's alfresco dining spots 378: Reel story Reel in the summer's hottest movies 377: Sonic relief Gear up for the summer's hottest music festivals 376: All at sea No shortage of fun in the sun on the beach 375: Your cup of tea Tea time in Tokyo 374: No time to waste Tokyo's mounting problems with garbage 373: Freetown Tokyo's stylish suburb, Jiyugaoka 372: Broken record Tokyo's ecclectic array of record stores 371: Bottoms up Tokyo's finest martini bars 370: Admit one Regulations for foreigners wanting to live and work on Japan 369: After a fashion Spring trends from the catwalks to the streets 368: Bandwidth wagon Japan's move towards DSL 367: Just for sports How to play ball this summer 366: Life's a hitch Helpful hints for hitch hiking in Japan 365: Altered state Try Tokyo's tailors on for size 364: The Fringe Club Shinjuku's infamous Golden Gai bar district 363: Take two Tomatos Design gurus Michael Horsham and Steve Baker 362: Stage left Innovative and intimate shogekijo (little theaters) 361: The lowdown on TC Everything you ever wanted to know about TC, but were afraid to ask 360: A reversal of fortune Tokyo's home of racing, Fuchu Racecourse 359: Funny Valentine How to do Valentine's Day in Japan 358: Two-faced Heartthrob Katsunori Takahashi 357: Read all about it Amazon.com comes to Japan 356: Daikanyama Central Tokyo's hippest hood 355: Wash out Heaven Sento 354: Means to an end Some good ideas to inspire you 352/3: Last Laugh TC's rosey re-cap of the year Signs of the times Horoscopes for 2001 351: It's a wrap TC's holiday gift tips 350: Cable ready Cable and satellite broadcasting renaissance ISSUES 349- ISSUES 299- ISSUES 249- Also check MINI FEATURES |
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