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Metropolis (free magazine)

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Heatedissuepuppet (talk | contribs) at 09:38, 26 May 2007 (Fact-tagged for ages, I'm removing it now. Also removed trivial information. Sparkzilla, i'm not doing this because I "hate" your publication, but because it is in the best interest of everybody). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Metropolis cover
Metropolis cover

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.[1] The magazine is available at restaurants, bars, and other public places throughout Tokyo, Yokohama and Chiba and claims a circulation of 30,000.[2]

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.

History

Originally known as Tokyo Classified[3], the first issue was published on February 26, 1994.[4] The first edition was made up of classifieds sourced from shop notice boards printed on a four-page folded sheet of paper[5] and 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.[6]

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.[7]

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[8], but reversed its position when new information came to light.

References

  1. ^ "Keeping in Touch". Newsweek. May 15, 2006. Retrieved 2007-02-07.
  2. ^ "Metropolis Audit Bureau of Circulations certificate". metropolis.co.jp. January 27, 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-27.
  3. ^ "The Best Ads in Life are Free". Asahi Evening News. 1997. Retrieved 2007-01-27.
  4. ^ "Coming of Age (feature on Metropolis history)". Metropolis. 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-27.
  5. ^ "Big in Japan". Business A.M. December 11, 2002. Retrieved 2007-04-28.
  6. ^ "Mark Devlin speech to Entrepreneurs' Association of Tokyo". Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo. September, 2004. Retrieved 2007-04-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "A Good Cause". Japan Times. March 7, 2006. Retrieved 2007-02-07.
  8. ^ "Trial and error". Metropolis. November 7, 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-14.
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