28 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES Hiroko Inayama, Iman’s teacher, Santa, Iman Al-Muslahi Jamilah Al-Otaibi (Kuwait) Mika Nigitsch Orphans Christmas Party Itsumi Santo Kids, Bahrain’s Amb. Dr. and Mrs. Khalil Hassan Lilo, Mrs. Vahekeni (Angola) Daniele Yoshikoshi Teresa Dejean (Argentina) Steve Haynes, Fran Kuzui Paula Bowers (Canada) A few of our beautiful kids that day Mary Katayama (Aston Martin) FEBRUARY <strong>2016</strong> www.tokyoweekender.com
PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 29 special needs and they make sure she gets the special attention she needs and is always looked after. The other children are Areej, who goes to art school in Scotland and their son, Ryham studies physics in London. In Japan, Abeer not only took care of her family, she helped many Japanese with handicapped kids, and is really active in so many worthwhile charity projects. Believe me she stays busy, but I’m happy to see she took time off for herself. One of her major accomplishments was taking several courses in photography at Temple University, and her photos at an exhibition at the embassy of Oman really had her personal touch. The reception was laid back with a lot of interesting people from all walks of life enjoying the bountiful buffet, the company, and the ambiance. Everyone I’ve talked to who visited Oman loves it. Hope to get there later this year. You may have seen Abeer in Hiroo where she drives a blue VW Beetle and shops at National Azabu supermarket. MIN-ON’S DYNAMIC FLAMENCO SHOW The highlight of showbiz entertainment for me in December was the Min-On Concert Association’s Flamenco Show at Nakano Sun Plaza. Normally I’m not all that much into Japanese students doing dances from other countries but believe me, the Japanese girls in the show were really professional and looked good in the colorful flamenco costumes. The music included familiar songs from the opera “Carmen” to top tangos from Argentina. Min-On had brought in several musicians from Spain and two male dancers, Andoitz Ruibal and Santiago Erranz, who were really sensational and got the standing ovations they certainly deserved. Min-On President Kobayashi-san, who treats me like one of the family, gave me a wonderful surprise when he had his staff take me backstage to meet the dancers. Japan’s top flamenco dancer Yoko Komatsubara, a long-time friend I hadn’t seen for a long time, had put the dynamic show together. It was a really happy reunion with a hug and a kiss. Yoko emceed the show and did the choreography, as well as joining the cast in several numbers. She still looks great and can really dance. It was a great night of fiery flamenco in every way. THAI KING BUMBIBOL’S 88TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT THE IMPERIAL My thanks to Thai Amb. Sihasak Phuangketkeow and his wife, Varaporn for the invitation to a very special reception for long-time and much loved H.M. King Bumbibol Adulyadej’s birthday. The sparkling evening took place in the luxurious Peacock Room in the Imperial Hotel. Many of the Thai ladies wore chic colorful Thai national costumes, and the buffet featured all our favorite Thai foods. For entertainment, there was Thai music and traditional dances by groups of very talented performers. Many years ago I had the privilege of meeting his majesty at a reception at Bangkok’s legendary Oriental Hotel. I still have a CD of King Bhumbibol playing the saxophone with a Thai jazz group. Birthday celebration of the beloved King was festive and elegant, perfect for the occasion, and sure brought back a lot of great memories of my many visits to beautiful Thailand. SHAKE SHACK OPENS IN TOKYO Anthony Tsunoda, the Board Director/President of the recently opened Shake Shack in Meiji Park had told me they invited 1500 people for the opening party. I went with film gurus Kuz and Fran Kuzui. We got there pretty much on time, and from the looks of the long lines of guests just about everyone who was invited must have come. We really appreciated Anthony, who spotted us in the crowd, came over and took us to the VIP section. I was amazed at the number of people I knew but hadn’t seen for a long time. The Sazeby group, which Shake Shack belongs to, also has the famous Chaya restaurants both here and in Los Angeles. The guests that evening were mostly Japanese, and a very international-oriented group who were very successful in whatever they did. Our hamburgers and shakes that night were well worth the wait, and the rustic décor with many trees, picnic tables and several areas to relax and enjoy has already become a favorite with the trendies—even with the cool weather. Anthony is also in the fashion market and owns the outlet for my favorite shoes: “Campers” on Omotesando. Shake Shack there has already become a favorite hangout and a great place to meet interesting people and to be seen. Hope to see you there. Just heard there are already plans to open another shop in Ebisu. TO DO Hate to admit it, but I’ve become somewhat of a couch potato recently and try not to miss any of AXN’s “Outlanders.” The story about England and Scotland’s troubled history is interesting and the cast truly talented. If you watch CNN you know they’re doing a lot of new adventure travel series, and advertising that really give you a rundown on where to go, where to stay, what to do and see in this old world of ours. Most of my friends have seen at least one of Guy Laliberté’s Cirque du Soleil shows either here in Japan, or perhaps Las Vegas and other major cities around the world. My all-time favorite was the one based on Michael Jackson’s career I saw at Saitama Stadium. Happy to hear Daihatsu is bringing the latest Cirque du Soleil show “Totem” to <strong>Tokyo</strong> soon and will be performing here from <strong>February</strong> 3 through May 22. For ticket info/reservations call 0570-020-520 or visit totem-jp.com/en. If you really want something special for a bargain the Tolman collection in Shiba Daimon is consolidating framed prints from their three galleries—Hong Kong, Atago Jinja and the main gallery in Shiba Daimon with all prints at a 40 percent discount for cash sales. The sale goes on for the entire month of <strong>February</strong>. See you there. Really happy to see one of my all-time favorite travel destinations, the Philippines, is getting some of the attention it deserves. The country of 7000 islands really has something for everyone, there’s some of the greatest hospitality anywhere, it’s just a four-hour flight from <strong>Tokyo</strong>, and the inexpensive shopping has to be seen to be believed. Guarantee you’ll shop till you drop in the country of smiles—and bargains. If you like Italian food, which everyone I know does, check out the new winter menus at any of Segafredo Zanetti Espresso’s shops. The one across from H&M in Shibuya has really gotten a stylish makeover. You can be sure to run into expat friends at the one across the street from National Azabu in Hiroo. The popular café’s marketing man K. Hattori just sent me a list of additions to their regular menu. These include spinach and smoked salmon panini, several risottos, avocado open sandwiches and vongole bianco pasta. Prices are very reasonable. The good-looking Yuji Tamada family at National Azabu Panamanian Ambassador Ritter Diaz Gomez and his new wife Ayana www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY <strong>2016</strong>
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