This has been an exciting week: moving house, adopting a lovely dog (from Ark animal rescue), and bonding with our new Hanzomon/Kojimachi/Ichibancho neighbourhood. Highlights: fabulous strolling (with lovely new dog) in Chidorigafuchi Park, and tracking down the local hipster coffeeshop - Jupiters Coffee Roasters... We had a tasty Thai meal in Sawadee, nice cocktails in Hachiro's, and rejoiced in the delicious cakes and hipster vibe at No. 4 (part of the Ivy Place/Cicada/Roastery clan) - though I took a dim view of them not letting our new lovely dog sit in the patio. Perhaps the most exciting local find for us, as vegetarians, is Soranoiro ramen restaurant. First, it has a Michelin star. I've traveled much further than an 8 minute stroll from my house to eat at a Michelin starred restaurant! Next, it is cute and charming and attractive, while still being down to earth with a vending machine ordering system etc. And best of all: its specialty is vegetarian and vegan ramen! As a vegetarian, it's like a glorious miracle. So that has been my Hanzomon bonding so far. Where else should I try? Where could I have a drink or coffee during a walk with lovely new dog. Comment below or on @PerfectLiarsTKY on Twitter!
Of course I have also ventured beyond our new home for Tokyo fun. The week's highlight was the lovely Avenue Q concert by Tokyo International Players. Great venue (Mandala in Gaienmae), lovely vibe, super performances, and delicious gin (and fries). A delightful evening! I also went to a party in Hiroo, I went to see Dead Poets Society at the brilliant 10am weekend screenings at Toho Nihonbashi (on through this week), and I performed at Good Heavens Comedy Club, kicking off my new 'seven deadly sins' themed comedy. (I talked about pride on Wednesday, and was able to confirm that it does indeed come before a fall...)
THE COOLEST THINGS AROUND TOWN IN TOKYO NEXT WEEK
It's mostly a film extravaganza this week - but don't miss physical theatre, comedy, and nerds...
Fri 16 - The Moet Midpark outdoor cinema in Roppongi opens this evening with The Great Gatsby.
Sat 17 - Tonight the Moet Midpark cinema is showing The Man from UNCLE.
Sun 18 - There's a stand up comedy tonight at Gamuso in Asagaya. Or NINE at the Moet Midpark cinema. Or if you're in the mood for physical theatre, today and tomorrow only, get yourself over to World Peace Centre in Kawasaki where there is a double bill: A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup (quirky, charming, 21st century clowning - I saw it at the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington DC. Suitable for kids of all ages), and Touch Me Not (bereavement and filmmaking - not so suitable for kids). Click here for the various times, prices etc. Hosted by Yokohama Theatre Group.
Mon 19 - This is your only other chance to go see the two physical comedy shows described above. Also, in the evening, the Devil Wears Prada is on at the Moet Midpark cinema.
Wed 21 - Good Heavens Comedy Club is tonight at Shimokitazawa and as ever it should be much fun!
Thu 22 - The Man from UNCLE is on again at the Moet Midpark cinema.
Fri 23 - Nerd Nite is tonight at Bar Gari Gari. Sip your beer and learn from the nerds about magic, Macbeth and gaming. Or NINE is being repeated at the Moet Midpark cinema. Or if that's still not tempting you, you can try Dr Sketchy's burlesque art class!
Even more films this week
What a good week for cinema! This week's film double bill at Ginrei Cinema in Iidabashi has one French film and one English film. The English one is 45 Years. It's on all week at 12:15, 4:05 and 7:55. A great opportunity to visit this reportedly very cool venue. And Toho Nihonbashi has The Dead Poets Society on every day at 10am (see all the films on this year from the 10am series here - thanks for the link, Fernando). The Japanese Film Center has a series of Japanese indies from the punk era with English subtitles. Finally, the BFG is coming out this week - mostly looks like it's in English. Oh, and if you missed it, I see Trumbo is on at the Hibiya Chanter.
Perfect Liars Club is launching on 6th October
This US comedy storytelling interrogation show is the talk of Washington - the Washington Post called it 'storytelling at its finest'. It's going to be amazing. Reserve your tickets NOW.
Oh okay, I know you want to see my new dog... (and if you are interested in adopting, we used ARK who were great).
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