Archive
Fuzzy Democracy
Saitama has its Obama Moment
Director of Chaos
After tantalizing Japanese audiences in films like Suicide Club and Love Exposure, director Sion Sono makes his scariest move yet: a big-budget Hollywood production
Train Talk
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2009 Roberto De Vido [...]
Hung Jury
Changes to Japan's legal system may energize the debate over capital punishment
Tall Order
Some of Tokyo's iconic buildings are being lost to zoning laws that were intended to improve the city
Band of Sisters
After finding fame as otaku idols, the Nakano Fujoshi Sisters are striking gold as a boy group
Highway to Hell
Or, why I hate driving in Japan
On the Cards
The government says its new registration system for foreign residents will make our lives easier. But some lawmakers and privacy rights activists claim that Big Brother lurks around the corner
Sky High
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2009 It’s easy to [...]
War Story
Gregory Hadley's Field of Spears recounts a dramatic—and little-known—episode from the closing days of World War II. Yet as the author discovered, the story didn’t finish with the war's end
The Rainmaker
Author Barry Eisler has found gold on the mean streets of Tokyo with six books about Japanese-American assassin John Rain. Now the action is coming to the big screen
Golden Age
Stuck in Tokyo for Golden Week? Lucky you. With everything from cosplay festivals to street fairs to beer factory tours, the city and environs offer more than a week's worth of fun. Here are our top picks.
Playtime in the City
Find your inner athlete with the help of a local sports team
Marijuana Underground
Celebrity busts and student smokers have Japan's authorities in a tizz. But what do users make of Japan's ganja explosion? Shaun Davies delves into Tokyo's marijuana subculture to find the answer
Open Season
Celebrating 150 years as the international face of Japan, Yokohama gets ready to greet the crowds
On the Road to Justice
A motorcyclist sets out to keep his family's killer behind bars
Head Case
In his new documentary, director Kazuhiro Soda explores the taboo subject of mental illness
Jeremy, Japan and the Giant Monsters
A true story.
Pretty in Pink
As Tokyoites get pumped up for hanami season, Metropolis offers tips, trivia, history—and wigs
Going Native
Tokyo's thriving Ainu community keeps traditional culture alive
Tokyo 2050
Futuristic super-hub or graying has-been: what's next for our favorite metropolis?
An Addict’s Guide to Pachinko
The ins and outs of Japan's favorite pastime