Metropolis (English magazine in Japan)
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Metropolis is a free distribution full-color 64-80 page weekly city guide and classified ads magazine published by Crisscross K.K. for Tokyo's English-speaking community. The magazine comprises four sections: feature articles and interviews relevant to expatriate life in Japan; an extensive Tokyo events guide; bar and restaurant listings; and over 1000 classified ads each week. All non-commercial classifieds, those sent in by private individuals and social organisations, are placed free of charge.
According to Japan's Audit Bureau of Circulations, 30,000 copies are distributed each week throughout Tokyo, Yokohama and Chiba.[1] Metropolis is the only English magazine in Japan to have such certification.
The magazine features interviews with Japanese and foreign celebrities, and has included interviews with Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara, footballer Nakata Hidetoshi and Peruvian ex-President Alberto Fujimori.
[edit] History
Originally known as Tokyo Classified, the first issue was published on February 26, 1994, as a four-page classified ad sheet.[2]
It was originally distributed as an insert in The Daily Yomiuri and The Japan Times and by hand at various Tokyo locations popular with the English-speaking community, which had grown substantially due to the worldwide attention given to Japan's bubble economy. Due to censorship of classified ads by The Daily Yomiuri, the company severed its newspaper distribution and created an independent distribution network, mainly to embassies, hotels, record stores, bars and restaurants.[3]
In 1999 the magazine started "Glitterball", an annual Halloween party at Velfarre, a large club in Roppongi. The party, which is attended by over 1600 people, raises funds for various children's charities in Japan, including Make a Wish Foundation and the YMCA Challenged Childrens' Project.[4]
In 2003, the magazine was renamed Metropolis and the format changed to include a weekly news round up and commentary on Japan-related political, social and community issues, such as Yasukuni Shrine, whaling, Women's rights in Japan, and Japan's involvement in World War II.
In 2004 the magazine reported on the controversial case of convicted drug smuggler Nick Baker. Initially the magazine was sympathetic to Baker[5], but reversed its position when new information came to light.
In 2005 the magazine reported on the inceasing number of child abductions in Japan, highlighting the case of Murry Wood, a Canadian citizen, whose children had been abducted by their Japanese mother.[6]A follow-up article showed that Wood has had little progress.[7]
In 2006, the magazine launched Metpod, a podcast version of the magazine.[8]
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Metropolis Audit Bureau of Circulations certificate. metropolis.co.jp (January 27, 2007). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
- ^ Coming of Age (feature on Metropolis history). Metropolis (2003). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
- ^ Mark Devlin speech to Entrepreneurs' Association of Tokyo. markdevlin.com (September, 2004). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
- ^ A Good Cause. Japan Times (March 7, 2006). Retrieved on February 7, 2007.
- ^ Trial and error. Metropolis (November 7, 2003). Retrieved on January 14, 2007.
- ^ Think of the Children. Metropolis (February, 2006). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
- ^ Remember the Children. Metropolis (19 January, 2007). Retrieved on January 27, 2007.
- ^ Metropolis Magazine Launches Japan Podcast. JCN Newswire (19 January, 2007). Retrieved on January 28, 2007.
