From the Lawson combini near the office, Naruto Ham and Egg Sandwich!

It seems like the Japanese have replaced their designer pouches with designer pooches. From cafes to salons, weddings to fashion, a dog can live a pretty plush life in Japan. There are more than 25,000 outfits in Japan itself that cater for dogs alone and the streets now overflow with pampered pups in child like strollers and the latest fashion fads — from trendy t-shirts to dyed prints — anything goes. With a market now estimated at 1.5 trillion yen per year it’s no wonder businesses have been cashing in from the pet boom, which started back in 1992. According to experts fewer births, people living alone and the cute factor are at the heart of the dog obsession. Experts have also suggested that the Japanese are now replacing children with dogs. Statistics show that dogs, at 12.5 million, now outnumber children under 10 in Japan

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For those that really want to see some doggy style, Omotosando Hills and Roppongi Hills are the places to hit. From mudpacks to massage from restaurants to doggy cakes, the Japanese have taken the phrase “man’s best friend” to a whole new level.

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Foreign filmmakers have long been aware of Tokyo as a surreal and dynamic movie backdrop. The dazzling neon lights, the crowds that swarm the streets, and the unique culture, are notable highlights to this city of contrasts. It is here that filmmakers are provided with both serenity and action all in the blink of an eye. Here’s a look at some of the Japan-inspired cinema favorites and their locations.

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For many, the words “Japan” and “movie” evoke just one word: Godzilla. The 1954 classic first helped put Japan on the movie map and fans of the great beast can see a miniature version of the star a few minutes walk from Hibiya station, near the Hibiya Chanter building.

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In our last episode we covered what expecting mums need to know in the early stages of their pregnancy. This time we’ll go more in-depth by looking at delivery options, registering your child, maternity and paternity leave, and getting out and active after the birth.

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Being an expectant mother in a foreign country may seem overwhelming at first, especially if you don’t read or speak the language. Fortunately there are others who have trodden that path before you, and many are happy to share their knowledge.

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I just noticed in the Spinshell Events page that Toho Cinemas in Roppongi is having a series of classic trilogies and showing them all back-to-back every Friday. Tomorrow is the X-Men trilogy and next week, it’s Lord of the Rings. Not just any old Lord of the Rings though, it’s the special edition. It starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 29:50 (translation: 5:50 a.m.), running for 681 miles! Whoops, that was a little English mistake by whoever made the Toho website.. 681 minutes! Bring a big bag of popcorn. Click here for the Toho schedule page

X-Men starts tomorrow at 23:30 and ends at 29:35, running for a comparatively short 334 miles. I love the name they give it: Ikkimi Night (Ikki is what you say to encourage someone to down a drink in one. Mi is short for Miru, to see).

Tickets go on sale a week before, which means that X-Men may be sold out, but you can probably get LOTR tickets from tomorrow. The price is ¥3000 (¥250/hour for LOTR). The following weeks are The Godfather and Death Note.

More information in the Events Guide Page.

Here’s what you’ll look like after 12 hours of Lord of the Rings:

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Residents of Tokyo have long enjoyed living in a city of gastronomic delights. And many have noticed that the fan-base has grown to include a steady stream of out of town guests. Following the release of Michelin’s 2008 Tokyo guide, Japan’s capital has now reached global culinary fame.

But what sets Tokyo’s restaurants apart from the rest?

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It’s the opening performance of Takarazuka’s Phantom of the Opera. The theater is hushed as the Phantom rests in Christine’s arms. The main lights dim to a single spotlight and all that is left is a tender moment between two forlorn lovers. The emotion wells up in the audience as they are caught in the moment, but one thing is amiss.

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by Dillon Font

What with all the brilliant cable and satellite television, the Tsutayas, the plush movie theater complexes sprouting around the city – not to mention the ease of illegally downloading TV and movies – expats here have little trouble finding entertainment in their mother tongue. However, in the century preceding such blessed electronic ease, plenty of bored Tokyoites came together to put on live entertainment for our communities. And they’re still going. And they are forming more theater companies. In fact, theater in Tokyo is getting very exciting lately. So here’s a breakdown of the many groups now operating in the Kanto plains. Take note, wannabe actors and backstage techs: they are always looking for new faces.

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Tokyo is a city brimming with creativity. From its unique architecture to the artwork that adorns its pavements it’s no wonder that foreigners flock here to become part of the design scene. But how easy is it to make your mark in a city of 12 million people?

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