Metropolis On Air

Interview with Robert Rÿker, Audio Lingoist, and more. In this episode we get musical as we’re joined by Robert Rÿker, the founder, music director, and conductor of the Tokyo Sinfonia, to talk about his life in music, why he created the Tokyo Sinfonia, what he hopes to achieve through music education in Japanese schools, the group’s upcoming concerts that will honor Mozart’s birthday, and more.
In addition to our featured interview, we preview what’s coming up in the February issue of Metropolis, and chat about DARS’s attempt to conquer the chocolate world. We also bring you Audio Lingoist Japanese language tips, and once again make a few trips to Classifieds Corner. This week’s segments were recorded at Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills. HostC Bryan Jones GuestRobert Rÿker Editorial TeamMartin Leroux and Momoko Mochizuki Classifieds CornerDavi Azevedo Editor and ProducerC Bryan Jones SponsorsOakwood Premier TokyoJaguarPremier Society ChaptersInterview: Robert Rÿker, The Tokyo Sinfonia (00:01:58)Sponsor: Oakwo

In this episode of our podcast, we’re joined by director Mark Osborne, whose new take on The Little Prince has landed on screens in Japan, to talk about how he became involved in the project, why it was important to protect the book (and how he did it), and why stop-action animation is so challenging. We also sit down with with Swiss entrepreneur and filmmaker Michel Bielecki to talk about his documentary project Heirs of a Forgotten Time, which is designed to raise awareness of and to preserve traditional Japanese crafts, as well as the online platform ZenPuls, which brings together Japanese artisans and customers from around the world—in their own language.
 In addition to our two featured interviews, we look around at the many open-air markets that pop up around the city this time of year, and bring you Audio Lingoist Japanese language tips. Plus, we once again make a few trips to Classifieds Corner. This week’s segments were recorded at the Warner Bros. offices in Tokyo and at the Shinjuku Hilton. HostC B

In this episode of our podcast, we’re joined by Metropolis Fashion Editor Samuel Thomas to talk about the current state of fashion in Japan, how it has changed in recent years, and how it differs from the image that many outside of Japan may have. We also sit down with Andy Señor, Jr, a 20-year veteran of the musical Rent, to talk about the new Japan production. We discuss his history with the show, how Rent has allowed him to reconnect with his Cuban heritage, how the themes in Rent play to a Japanese audience, and much more.
 In addition to our two featured interviews, we step out into the rain to remember those umbrellas that are no longer with us—and how their loss has impacted our lives. Plus, we once again make a few trips to Classifieds Corner. This week’s segments were recorded in studio and at various locations around Roppongi Hills.   Host C Bryan Jones   Guests Samuel Thomas and Andy Señor, Jr.   Editorial Team Martin Leroux and Momoko Mochizuki   Classifieds Corner Davi Azevedo   Editor and Produc

In this Metropolis One-on-One, host C Bryan Jones is joined by Andy Señor, Jr, a 20-year veteran of the musical Rent who is staging the new Japan production that opens at the Toho Theatre Creative on September 8. Andy and I talk about his history with the show, how Rent and other theatre has allowed him to reconnect with his Cuban heritage, how the themes in Rent play to a Japanese audience, and much more..   Host, Editor, and Producer C Bryan Jones   Guest Andy Señor, Jr.   Share your thoughts! Website: http://metropolisjapan.com/contact/ Twitter: @metropolistokyo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine   Subscribe/Listen iTunes: http://meturl.com/onairitunes RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Download MP3 file: http://traffic.libsyn.com/metropolis/one-009.mp3

Dionne Warwick. Kevin Jackson. In this episode of our weekly podcast, we’re joined by legendary singer Dionne Warwick to talk about her upcoming visit to the Blue Note, her love of Japan, and her granddaughter, up-and-coming vocalist Cheyenne Elliott. We also sit down with Kevin Jackson, the former University of Hawaii football star who now plays for the Obic Seagulls in Japan’s X League, to discuss how American football in played in Japan, outreach into schools, and much more.
 In addition to our two featured interviews, we say farewell to Obon with a look at some of Japan’s most famous ghost stories. Plus, we once again make a few trips to Classifieds Corner. This week’s segments were recorded in studio and at various locations around Roppongi Hills.   Host C Bryan Jones   Guests Dionne Warwick and Kevin Jackson   Editorial Team Martin Leroux and Momoko Mochizuki   Classifieds Corner Davi Azevedo   Editor and Producer C Bryan Jones   Sponsors Hanedo Edo Festival Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association Voic

In this Metropolis One-on-One, host C Bryan Jones is joined by Kevin Jackson, the former University of Hawaii (American) football star who now plays for the Obic Seagulls in Japan’s X League. Kevin has been playing football in Japan for more than a decade now and has become an ambassador of sorts for the game. Kevin explains how the pro and college games are played in Japan, talks about the chances of its popularity growing, and shares the experience of the Seagulls visiting The University of Alabama and competing in the first-ever Sister Cities International Bowl in Tuscaloosa, the sister city of the Seagulls’ home of Narashino.   Host, Editor, and Producer C Bryan Jones   Guest Kevin Jackson   Share your thoughts! Website: http://metropolisjapan.com/contact/ Twitter: @metropolistokyo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine   Subscribe/Listen iTunes: http://meturl.com/onairitunes RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Download MP3 file: http://traffic.libsyn.com/metropolis/one-008.mp3

Krzysztof Gonciarz. Traci Consoli. In this episode of our weekly podcast, we’re joined by Krzysztof Gonciarz of The Uwaga Pies, a daily vlog about life in Tokyo, to talk about his history with YouTube, how The Uwaga Pies came about, and how he and his vlogging partner Kasia put together these daily romps through our city. We also sit down with Traci Consoli at The Pink Cow in Roppongi to talk about her popular restaurant and art space that’s coming up on its 15th anniversary and why she has dedicated herself to providing the creative community with a place to express themselves, why California will always be part of her, and more.
 In addition to our two featured interviews, we head outside to bring you some recommendations for vegetarian- and Vegan-friendly dining around the city. In audio Lingoist we show you how to ask for directions to that restaurant you’re looking for. Plus, we once again make a few trips to Classifieds Corner. This week’s segments were recorded at various locations around Roppongi Hill

In this Metropolis One-on-One, host C Bryan Jones is joined by Traci Consoli at The Pink Cow in Roppongi to talk about her popular restaurant and art space that’s coming up on its 15th anniversary and why she has dedicated herself to providing the creative community with a place to express themselves, why California will always be part of her, and more.   Host, Editor, and Producer C Bryan Jones   Guest Traci Consoli   Share your thoughts! Website: http://metropolisjapan.com/contact/ Twitter: @metropolistokyo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine   Subscribe/Listen iTunes: http://meturl.com/onairitunes RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Download MP3 file: http://traffic.libsyn.com/metropolis/one-007.mp3

In this Metropolis One-on-One, host C Bryan Jones is joined by Krzysztof Gonciarz of The Uwaga Pies, a daily vlog about life in Tokyo, to talk about his history with YouTube, how The Uwaga Pies came about, and how he and his vlogging partner Kasia put together these daily romps through our city.   Host, Editor, and Producer C Bryan Jones   Guest Krzysztof Gonciarz   Share your thoughts! Website: http://metropolisjapan.com/contact/ Twitter: @metropolistokyo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine   Subscribe/Listen iTunes: http://meturl.com/onairitunes RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Download MP3 file: http://traffic.libsyn.com/metropolis/one-006.mp3

Baye McNeil. Koichi Nishigaki. In this episode of our weekly podcast, we’re joined Baye McNeil, also known as Locohama, author of two books about life in Japan—“Hi! My name is Loco and I am a Racist,” and “Loco in Yokohama”— and a writer for The Japan Times. We also sit down with Koichi Nishigaki of Crest Cafe to discuss his upcoming charity walkathon to support the children who are feeling ongoing effects of the Tokohoku disaster in conjunction with the NPO Apricot.
 In addition to our two feature interviews, we have an Editors’ Summit in which we explore the many unusual flavors of Pepsi—and other drinks—that descend upon Japan. In audio Lingoist we show you how to make reservations, and we also make a few trips to Classifieds Corner. This week’s segments were recorded at under the atrium at Tokyo Midtown and beside the pond at Hinokicho Park.   Host C Bryan Jones   Guests Baye McNeil and Koichi Nishigaki   Editorial Team Martin Leroux and Momoko Mochizuki   Classifieds Corner Davi Azevedo   Editor and Prod

In this Metropolis One-on-One, host C Bryan Jones is joined by Baye McNeil, also known as Locohama, author of two books about life in Japan—“Hi! My name is Loco and I am a Racist,” and “Loco in Yokohama.” We discuss how he ended up in Japan, his experiences and writing, as well as the workshops he now teaches at Japanese universities, plans for the future, and more. Host, Editor, and Producer C Bryan Jones   Guest Baye McNeil   Share your thoughts! Website: http://metropolisjapan.com/contact/ Twitter: @metropolistokyo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine   Subscribe/Listen iTunes: http://meturl.com/onairitunes RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Download MP3 file: http://traffic.libsyn.com/metropolis/one-005.mp3

In this Metropolis One-on-One, host C Bryan Jones is joined by Mississippi-native LaTonya Whitaker, whose Taste the Love catering and cooking classes bring authentic Creole, Cajun, and Southern soul food to Tokyo.   Host, Editor, and Producer C Bryan Jones   Guest LaTonya Whitaker   Share your thoughts! Website: http://metropolisjapan.com/contact/ Twitter: @metropolistokyo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine   Subscribe/Listen iTunes: http://meturl.com/onairitunes RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Download MP3 file: http://traffic.libsyn.com/metropolis/one-004.mp3

In this Metropolis One-on-One, host C Bryan Jones is joined by FOX Executive Producer Dan Smith to chat about the end of Backstage Pass, the launch of J Club TV, and more of his plans for the future. Dan also tells us how he first got his producing gig in Japan—a fascinating story that proves that persistence does pay off.   Host, Editor, and Producer C Bryan Jones   Guest Dan Smith   Share your thoughts! Website: http://metropolisjapan.com/contact/ Twitter: @metropolistokyo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetropolisMagazine   Subscribe/Listen iTunes: http://meturl.com/onairitunes RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Download MP3 file: http://traffic.libsyn.com/metropolis/one-003.mp3

Dan Smith. LaTonya Whitaker. In this episode of our weekly podcast, we’re joined by FOX Executive Producer Dan Smith to chat about the end of Backstage Pass, the launch of J Club TV, and more of his plans for the future. Dan also tells us how he first got his producing gig in Japan—a fascinating story that proves that persistence does pay off. We also sit down with Mississippi-native LaTonya Whitaker, whose Taste the Love catering and cooking classes bring authentic Creole, Cajun, and Southern soul food to Tokyo.
 In addition to our two feature interviews, we have an Editors’ Summit in which we attempt to unravel the mystery of the tearful Afternoon Tea ads, an audio Lingoist that will help you avoid freezing in the office this summer, and a few trips to Classifieds Corner. This week’s segments were recorded at the Tokyo American Club, under the atrium at Tokyo Midtown, and beside the pond at Hinokicho Park.   Host C Bryan Jones   Guests Dan Smith and LaTonya Whitaker   Editorial Team Martin Leroux and Momoko

We’re joined by Tetsuo Nakahara, organizer of Fukushima Kids Dolphin Camp, to talk about his experience with live dolphins as a swim instructor in Hawai’i, why he chose to create this camp, and how the program helps children affected by the Fukushima disaster find a brighter future. http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss

We’re joined by Shenan Brown of the Jawaiian group Def Tech to talk about how he and Micro first met, their early success, their breakup and reunion, and where the group is headed. We also talk about their new album, Howzit!? and upcoming tour dates, as well as Shen’s thoughts on music streaming and more.

In the inaugural episode of Metropolis Magazine’s new podcast, Metropolis On Air, host C Bryan Jones sits down with Def Tech’s Shenan Brown to talk about the group’s creative process, Hawaiian spirit, the music industry, and more. We’re also joined by Tetsuo Nakahara of Fukushima Kids Dolphin Camp, and we hit the streets in search of Tokyo’s best second-hand record shops. Plus, Japanese language tips in Lingoist, and more! Be sure to check out the full-length interview with Shenan, which runs almost an hour and is available separately in our podcast feed. There’s also a longer version of our interview with Tetsuo in the feed as well. RSS: http://metropolis.libsyn.com/rss Coming soon to iTunes.