Free events in Toronto this week will start out emerging you in Japanese fantasy and end with a huge dose of cartoon nostalgia. In between see the works of author and artist Douglas Coupland, dance to the music collections of some rising Canadian musicians, and attend a funeral for a 45 year old lit mag that perished, just like you will, from lack of financial stamina.

Here's how to mourn the fact cryopreservation will never be in your budget in Toronto this week.

1. Seven Weeks (January 29, The Japan Foundation)
Hausu director Nobuhiko Obayasi's 2014 film Seven Weeks (野のなななのか) will screen (with English subtitles) at the The Japan Foundation. The 3 hour fantasy / drama is free, but RSVP here.

2. Last Descant Magazine Launch (January 29, Supermarket)
After 45 years, #167 - In a Cabinet of Curiosities will be Descant's last issue. Sadly, the mag can no longer continue to publish. See them off this week in Kensington Market: at the launch, Tightrope Books owner Jim Nason, and Mark Kingwell will read.

3. Douglas Coupland (January 31 - April 19, MOCCA)
Broke Canlit fans will be excited about this exhibition at MOCCA (and the ROM, but that's not free) - Douglas Coupland's everywhere is anywhere is anything is everything installation will continue the writer's obsession with tech and pop culture via whatever means necessary - including Lego. You can also see a free exhibit at Daniel Faria Gallery.

4. Doomsquad + Milk Jagger DJ sets (January 31, Magpie)
Maybe we can't see Doom Squad and Milk Jagger (Michael Wallace of Viet Cong and Women) play in Toronto for free this week, but you can hang out and dance to their favourite jams at this no cover night.

5. A Very Special Clone High Marathon (February 1, Smiling Buddha)
Bring a #2 pencil to this week's dose of cartoon nostalgia (these events are always free - don't rich people have fond mems?), or watch all 13 quirky episodes with Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, JFK, Gandhi, and Abraham Lincoln for the first time.

BONUS

6. Movie Night at the Garrison (January 21, The Garrison)
The Garrison wants to warm you up on Wednesdays this month with free cult movie screenings, drink specials, and snacks. Mexi-style popcorn is 3 bucks - $1 per person if you split it with three handy pals.

7. Good Enough Live Karaoke (Thursdays in January, The Garrison)
Is your singing voice sometimes meh, sometimes great, but mostly just good enough? Good Enough's live karaoke band will be at the Garrison every Thursday this month, and admission is free. Sing your heart out with a live, Buck-65-approved backup band January 15, 22 and 29.

Also check out these regular free events

Elvis Mondays (Mondays, The Drake)
Toronto's longest running indie showcase, William New's free show has put thousands of bands on stage. It's at the Drake Underground every Monday.

Free Nights at the Horseshoe (Monday/Tuesday, The Horseshoe)
The Legendary Horseshoe has a storied history, and hosts free indie rock shows in the early week with Shoeless Mondays and Dave Bookman's Nu Music Night on Tuesdays.

Free Evening (Wednesday, AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario's free evening runs from 6-8:30pm. It can be a little crowded, but sometimes the people watching is as good as the art (sometimes).

CINSSU's Free Friday Films (Fridays)
Though the Innis Town Hall is still under construction, you can follow the Cinema Studies Student Union for reliable Friday night movies and solid picks at Isabel Bader Theatre and/or Alumni Hall 100.

Canadian Opera Company (Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre)
September through to early June, catch free classical shows at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts "most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30 p.m."

MOCCA (Tuesday - Sunday)
While nearly all art galleries in the city are free to enter, it's worth noting The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is always PWYC.

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Image: Seven Weeks