Tokyo Weekender - October 2017

lawyer Toshihiro Matsumaru. It was, as always, wonderful talking
with Hisanaga and (sister of the emperor) Takako Shimazu as well as
Kazuko Ito, the new president of Soka Gakkai’s Min-On Concert Association,
and Hirotaka Ishihara, son of the former governor of Tokyo
and Diet Member. If you’re into ethnic food, as I am, you'll know that
Peruvian food has recently gained international popularity – and the
Peruvian Embassy and Westin worked together on a bountiful, beautiful,
delicious, and healthy buffet of Peruvian specialties. Healthaddict
friends have introduced me to goji berries from China, chia
seeds, and the grain quinoa which was used in a delicious Peruvian
dessert that night. The hosting couple, Ambassador and Señora
Forsyth, are a very international, sophisticated, outgoing couple. I’m
sure they’ll like Japan, and Japan will like them. Our congratulations
on their super celebration, and we wish them a long, happy, and successful
posting here.
JAMAICA 55TH ANNIVERSARY
RECEPTION AT THE OKURA
Jamaican Ambassador Clement Allicock, his wife Suzanne, and their
family and staff hosted a reception at the Okura Hotel. The occasion
was to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence Day. Thanks to Bob Marley’s
music, the fastest man in the world Usain Bolt, the Jamaican bobsled
team, the people of Jamaica, and their laid-back way of life, it’s a very
popular country in Japan, especially with the younger generation. As
you can see from the photos, they’re good-looking people and appreciate
chic fashion. They’re also very talented, and I was thrilled to see
two professional singers who know how to belt out pop music. One of
them, Jhana Graham, opened the program with her renditions of the
Jamaican and Japanese anthems. The other, Monique Dehaney, didn’t
sing at the reception, but I’ve seen her perform before, and believe me
she’s excellent.
Ambassador Allicock is a great speaker and he had plenty of interesting
things to say about his country in his welcome speech. I was also
impressed with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Shunsuke Takei’s
speech and toast. The buffet was first class with a variety of healthy
salads, great curry, and of course, Jamaica’s famous jerk chicken.
Ambassador Allicock is super busy with all kinds of colorful promos,
and interesting people. These, of course, included a lot of cheering
for Bolt who ran the day after the celebration. I had the pleasure of
meeting and talking with the sports legend a couple of years ago when
he was with former Jamaican Ambassador Claudia Barnes when she
was posted here.
Hopefully we’ll continue to see a lot of him in the ad campaigns he
does for ANA and Nissan. I’m sure that like another Jamaican legend –
musician Bob Marley – he will continue to be a star as well. I enjoyed
talking with Takei, the young and dynamic Japanese politician, as well
as Junichi Hosogai, who’s one of the sponsors of the Jamaican bobsled
team. Our congratulations on all the Jamaican events to celebrate
many things Jamaican.
NATIONAL AZABU CUSTOMER
APPRECIATION BARBECUE
One of the many special things that National Azabu does to get
involved in the community is their popular barbecues. These are
complimentary for VIP customers and are held in the supermarket’s
parking lot several times a year. Mother Nature was kind on
Sunday, September 10, and it was a beautiful day for the afternoon/
evening event and was crowded with a variety of guests. Healthy
Tokyo had a booth and was giving out samples of energy bars, and
Matcha Miracle Drink and Honest Bee staff kept busy explaining
their grocery delivery services. Great food included Benito’s
paella, barbecued steak, super sandwiches, and a salad bar. Kids
had plenty to do with micro-scooters, catching noodles from a
long bamboo shoot (nagashi somen), and trying games of chance.
Entertainment included music by a New Orleans-style band, several
vocalists, and a clown. For those looking for luxury, there was a
beautiful Lamborghini on display. The party ended with several
chefs working on a 60kg tuna – and there was delicious sashimi for
everyone. It was a great get-together in every way. Congratulations
to the Uemura family, the owners of National Azabu, and all of
the great staff. And if you want to check a really great Halloween
display that’s full of spooky good fun for kids and adults alike, drop
by at National Azabu. They’ve gone all out this year.
THIS & THAT
October comes to an end with Halloween, which has become a major
celebration here in Tokyo and beyond. But how did a custom
brought to America by Irish immigrants get to Omotesando? The story
goes back to the late 1970s, when one of the big American donut
chains ran a Halloween promotion, giving a saucer decorated with
trick-or-treaters to anyone who bought a dozen donuts. The chain’s
Japanese stores had the same promotion, but had to come up with
some explanation. So, Halloween was billed as a day to buy and eat
donuts. And that's what it was for several years until marketers saw
the possibility of expanding beyond donuts to candy, costumes and
decorations. Now, Halloween is on its way to joining Christmas as a
major Japanese commercial and social event. Keep an eye out for the
Easter Bunny, who is likely to hop up soon to join Santa Claus and
Jack-o’-Lantern.
This year, October 31 has extra significance. It is the 500th anniversary
of the Reformation, which is being commemorated worldwide
not only by Protestants, but even by Catholics and people with
no connection to those religions. Because Japan is so close to the International
Date Line, among the world’s first events to mark the day
will be here in Tokyo, when Maestro Robert Rÿker of the Tokyo Sinfonia
will lead some 250 artists in a performance of Brahms’ German
Requiem at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater. Visit www.r500.co for
information and tickets.
Father Grimm, Bill, Bill Ireton, Shiga, and Dale Toriumi
gathered to celebrate Bill’s birthday
Marty Kuehnert, Horst, Hiroshi, and baseball great
Randy Bass at the Ex
Charo, Bill, Roberta, and Matthew Ireton with Keanu
Reeves and Chad Stahelski, who were in Tokyo
recently to promote John Wick 2
TOKYO WEEKENDER | OCTOBER 2017 | 49