Metropolis is a 32-to-48-page free monthly city guide, news and classified ads glossy magazine published by Japan Partnership Inc. targeting the English-speaking community in Tokyo, Japan.[1] As of April 2011, its circulation was claimed to be 30,000.[2]

Metropolis
CategoriesNews magazine
FrequencyMonthly
Circulation30,000[1] (2006, unverified)
First issueFebruary 1994
CompanyJapan Partnership Inc.
CountryJapan
Based inTokyo
LanguageEnglish
Websitemetropolisjapan.com

History

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The magazine was first published in 1994 as the Tokyo Classified. Early editions, in the broadsheet style, consisted of classified advertisements sourced from shop notice boards.[3] Initially distributed with the Daily Yomiuri, the free magazine is now distributed across Tokyo and beyond to companies, embassies, hotels, bars and restaurants.[4] The magazine was originally owned and operated by Mark and Mary Devlin, renamed Metropolis in 2001, and sold to Japan Inc. Holdings in 2007.[2]

Since 1999 the magazine hosted an annual Halloween party "Glitterball" at Roppongi's Velfarre club at other notable clubs around Tokyo. Between 2003 and 2010, Metropolis donated some of the profits each year to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Japan and the YMCA.[5]

Metropolis is now owned by Japan Partnership Holdings Inc.[1] From 2020, Metropolis became a quarterly magazine, mainly publishing its content online via its website and social media platforms.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Report for Publisher of Free Paper: Metropolis". Metropolis. 2006. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. Retrieved 23 February 2008.
  2. ^ a b Simone, Gianni, "English mags approach milestone, crossroads", The Japan Times, 26 April 2011, p. 12.
  3. ^ Billy Adams (11 December 2002). "Big in Japan". Business A.M. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2007.
  4. ^ Jonathon Walsh (7 September 2004). "Life in the Metropolis: Mark Devlin, CEO & Publisher, Crisscross K.K." Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo. Archived from the original on 14 March 2008. Retrieved 23 February 2008.
  5. ^ Karen Foster. "A Good Cause". The Japan Times. Retrieved 23 February 2008.
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