Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2013

LATERAL VIEWS
Regarding “By Way of the Inland Sea,” (The Last Word, May 10): How ponderously dull. Perhaps it’s for the best that the old vanguard die out and take these young pretenders with them.—Johnny Rabbit

The inflated sense of self-importance oozing out from the words of this pretentious piece of writing makes me—almost—want to laugh (or cry).—Yank

On the rare occasion Metropolis publishes something thoughtful and intellectual: cue nonsensical, ungrammatical, embittered criticism. Proving the author’s point, really. RIP Japan’s expatriate writing community, which can’t even get behind something as fundamental as eulogizing Richie.—RHC

Richie’s writing was always clear and understandable. Is there anyone out there that writes about Japan today in such a manner? Part of the problem is the lack of publishers and venues for writers about Japan.—Jaycasey

GOODBYE UK
Regarding “Sayonara Tokyo,” (The Last Word, Apr 25): Good luck back in the UK. I spent seven years at an int’l school and university in England. I have countless unforgettable memories of England. It is hard to share what I love about the UK here in Japan, but these memories will stay with me forever. Thanks for loving and understanding my country.—miya

WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED
How long have you been reading Metropolis?

• Since before it was Metropolis. Keep ‘er going!—Michael O. Hora
• 11 years—and contributing for about nine years.—Karla Yukari Sakamoto
• Since 1993 when I first got to Japan, it was Tokyo Classified and only a few pages.—Amy Betar
• Since 1994 when it was Tokyo Classified and it was in a broadsheet style with advertisements! It has gotten so much better since!—Kesang Klesen
• In 1994 when I first got to Japan.—Timothy Coulby
• Used to read it when it was good.—Peter McEntyre
• Since the start (Tokyo Classified). I mean hello! Before the internet took off, this is how you got UR “what’s on” info.—@Metroluxebc
• Since Nov/Dec 2003, though can’t remember what issue # that was!—@tokyofox
• Nine years, though to be honest I don’t read so much now.—@sheepchase
• I found out about you in 2012 and have loved the magazine ever since.—@Curiousiko
• Since 2004. お疲れ様でした…—Marcello Caçapa Pietrantonio
• Since the days it was Tokyo Classified and I first set foot in Japan… so on and off for 19 years.—Janelle Truman
• A couple weeks. I’m visiting Japan for the first time in 30 days, so I’m trying to learn as much as possible.—Ben Wyatte