Revamped Free Magazine 'Metropolitana' Launches New Features for Modern Tokyo Workers

The free magazine 'Metropolitana', issued by Sankei Shimbun, is set to unveil a complete redesign for its October issue, which will be distributed at 53 Tokyo Metro stations every month from the 10th to the 19th. This redesign embodies the new concept of creating a 'third place for the heart', aiming primarily at the working women of the metropolitan area.

The magazine will feature a fresh series of works, including newly written tanka (a traditional form of Japanese poetry) by renowned poet Maho Okamoto. Moreover, there will be enhanced sections spotlighting the charm of the neighborhoods surrounding Tokyo Metro stations. This revamp symbolizes a new project that strengthens reader engagement through events and social media collaboration.

A New Concept: 'Third Place for the Heart'

In light of the current trend of magazine publications scaling back or ceasing operations, 'Metropolitana' aims to maintain its accessibility and warmth by completely refreshing its layout. As today’s world is saturated with information, the magazine encourages readers to put down their smartphones and savor a moment of peace when they turn its pages. The goal is to provide a space that offers both tranquility and excitement amidst the hustle and bustle of Tokyo life, transforming 'Metropolitana' into a warm refuge or 'third place' for all readers.

Feature: Taking a Moment to Breathe

The inaugural feature article spotlights the question, 'What does it mean to live richly in the heart?' It includes exclusive interviews with influential guests such as comedian and manga artist Taro Yabe, actress and television personality Misato Shimizu, singer-songwriter Sakura Fujiwara, and doctor Toshirou Inaba. This section is designed to remind everyone passing through Tokyo to take a moment to pause and breathe.

Okamoto Maho's New Poetry Series and Enhanced Reader Engagement

New content includes a poetry series by Maho Okamoto along with a series of interviews with creators from various forms of art, including film, music, and theatre. The first guest in this new interview series is photographer and director Yoshiyuki Okayama, whose film 'Byousoku 5 Centimeter' will be released on October 10. Readers can look forward to insights into Okayama's perspectives on the importance of pausing amidst fast-paced daily life.

Additionally, 'Tokyo Pocket', a new feature, will explore the neighborhoods surrounding Tokyo Metro stations as places for personal discovery. The inaugural exploration will focus on Kagurazaka along the Tozai Line. The magazine will also bolster its connections with readers through an official Instagram account and various engaging events.

Special Distribution Event on October 10

In celebration of the redesigned issue, 'Metropolitana' will hold a distribution event at the promotional corner at the Tokyo Sankei Building, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Starting at approximately 9 AM, the October issue will be distributed alongside promotional samples from sponsoring companies, while supplies last.

Distribution Locations

'VeF' is available for free at dedicated racks across 53 Tokyo Metro stations, including Asakusa, Ueno, Nihonbashi, and Shibuya, among others.

For more information, visit the official website.

About 'Metropolitana'

Launched in 2003, 'Metropolitana' is a free magazine published by Sankei Shimbun that has consistently catered to working women in Tokyo by providing a diverse array of lifestyle features from the Metro stations since its inception.

Publication By: Sankei Shimbun
Editorial & Production: Metropolitana Project
Contact: [email protected]