Metropolis (free magazine): Difference between revisions
(Controversy) |
Sparkzilla (talk | contribs) (Removed unverifiable claims) |
||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
The magazine runs the "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 the [[YMCA]] Challenged Childrens' Project. |
The magazine runs the "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 the [[YMCA]] Challenged Childrens' Project. |
||
| − | ==Controversy== |
||
| − | |||
| − | Circulation claims |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the November 1999 issue of "Japan Traveler" a free English-language magazine it was alleged that the Crisscross publication "Tokyo Classified" (the forerunner to Metropolis) was engaging in a gross circulation fraud by wildly exaggerating print-run figures in an attempt to unfairly increase it's competitiveness in the advertising market. The article, in the monthly publication, was by Japan Traveller owner and publisher James C. Gibbs. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Gibbs went on to expand his claims on the Japan Traveler web-site (material now removed) by alleging that: |
||
| − | |||
| − | *Tokyo Classified was initially claiming a 60,000 copies per week circulation by their 6th issue. |
||
| − | *Circulation was then quoted as 45,000 copies per week in the company data handout. |
||
| − | *In response to an enquiry from a disquieted client dated 16 November 1999, Publisher and CEO Mark Devlin replied "We are also speeding up our application for verification of 40,000 each week from the Japanese Audit Bureau of Circulations". |
||
| − | |||
| − | Gibbs described incredulity that a publication which has grown from a 4-page black and white broadsheet to a 56-page full-color A4 glossy magazine should see it's quoted circulation figures drop by half. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tokyo Classified's response |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tokyo classified responded to Gibbs claims on their web-site (material now been removed) and Devlin wrote to Gibbs asking him to withdraw the allegation and apologise. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Court case |
||
| − | |||
| − | In early 2001, Metropolis co-founder, Mary Devlin was in court and being sued by a former employer for approx. ¥1.5 million (approx $12,500) in unpaid wages. A settlement was reached for her to pay Y500,000 (approx $12.250). |
||
==External links== |
==External links== |
||
Revision as of 12:16, 16 December 2006
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. According to Japan's Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) the magazine is the highest distribution English magazine in Japan, with 30,000 copies distributed each week throughout Tokyo, Yokohama and Chiba.
Originally known as Tokyo Classified, the first issue was published on February 26, 1994, as a four-page classified ad sheet. 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. Metropolis is the only English magazine in Japan to have its circulation verified by Japan ABC.
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.
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.
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.
In 2004 the magazine was involved in a controversy surrounding convicted drug smuggler Nick Baker. Initially the magazine supported Baker, but reversed its position when new information came to light.
The magazine runs the "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 the YMCA Challenged Childrens' Project.
External links
- Metropolis website
- Article about Metropolis' history
- Mark Devlin speech to Tokyo Entrepreneurs' association
