Volume 04, Number 08
Partyline
Working on this column on one of Continental Airlines resort shuttles to Guam. The three hour 20 minute flight is really pleasant with a wide range of both audio and visual in-flight entertainment— I am listening to the latest Broadway Shows— an outgoing and attentive international crew and good food. My main reason for going to Guam was to see and spend some time with my good friend, Mustafa Issa, who is General Manager of the Guam Hyatt Regency there. After five and a half years on Saipan and another five and a half on Guam, the legendary hotelier has been transferred to the Osaka Hyatt Regency where he is now GM. We wish him all the best in his new position.
Believe me he’ll be missed in Guam where I know he is known and respected by everyone on the island. Knowing Mustafa, as I do, I’m sure he’ll do a great job down in Osaka as well.
Unfortunately, I was busy and couldn’t get to Guam when another legendary hotelier, the Guam Hilton Resort and Spa’s General Manager Manfred Pieper hosted a big sayonara for Mustafa. As always, I enjoyed Guam and plan on doing a travel story on that great little island getaway in the near future. The Tokyo scene, as you know, stays busy. Over in Shibuya, Amway hosted a festive evening to showcase their products and to thank their many supporters. Interesting people, a bountiful buffet, and a warm ambience made it a very special event.
Nepal is one of the many countries who recently celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan. To celebrate the occasion, Nepalese Charge de Affaires, Paras Ghumire and his wife Prabena hosted a festive, well-attended reception at the Okura Hotel.
Our Iceland friends also held their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan in the Orchard room at the Okura. Adding to the occasion, HE Mrs Valgerour Sverissdottir, Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade flew in for the celebration. Kudos to the Okura—the buffet was excellent. I also enjoyed talking with Ambassador Thordur Oskarsson’s wife, Sigurborg and their two daughters, Anna and Hanna. Both, as you can see, look like models. Over at the New Otani, European Union Ambassador Hugh Richardson hosted a sayonara for EU minister Michael Reiterer. After five years in Japan, Michael has moved to Switzerland where he is now EU Ambassador there. It has been a real privelege knowing the Reiterers. Michael’s wife Norgart and their lovely daughter Bettina are still here, and will join him when Bettina finishes this semester at ASIJ.
Our friends from the UAE, Ambassador Saeed Ali Al Nowais, his wife Zahra, their children, and the Embassy staff went all out on their huge (about 1,000 people) reception to celebrate the UAE’S 35th National Day. For the event they booked two of the Imperial Hotel’s largest venues. Guests that evening included top ranking Japanese Government Officials, diplomats, business leaders, familiar faces with the arts, fashion and entertainment, and sports world as well as so many of Saeed, Zahra, and their four children’s friends from all walks of life.
There were huge gold-framed photos of the UAE’s leaders, a beautiful illuminated ice carving of the National Emblem, long rows of floral congratulatory messages, and a colorful and interesting exhibition of photos of the history, the development, the culture, and the tourist attractions of the UAE. There, of course, was a lot of emphasis on Dubai with its amazing architecture and attractions. The capitol, Abu Dhabi, also has some fantastic and futuristic development going on.
The bountiful buffet that evening included continental, Japanese, Chinese, and the best of Arab food. At one end of the room, a colorful and comfortable Arab tent had been set up where guests could relax over Arab coffee or mint tea, and enjoy dates, cakes, and cookies. I had the privilege of visiting the UAE four times. Once, I drove around all seven emirates and another time was for the 20th anniversary celebration. What a great experience that (actually all four visits) was.
People
The legendary and multi-talented Kabuki actor Tamasaburo has been even busier than usual. His associates told me when he was not on stage, he was back stage working on a book that talks about his 37-year career. The first 350 books will be a limited printing and Tamasaburo will rub some of his makeup on, and attach a piece of one of his costumes to each of the books. Talk about a marketing mind. In addition to his Kabuki career and writing his book, the man also has done some directing. Which includes a stage production of Romeo and Juliet starring Hiroyuki Sanada (Last Samurai) and Ken Watanabe’s wife, Kaho Minami.
It was very nice having former Sacred Heart teachers Barry and Judith Spence back in town. They’re both teaching in Singapore now and had a break for Chinese New Year so they brought their daughters Victoria (5) and Sophia (7) to Tokyo Disneyland.
During their Tokyo visit they got together with good friends Segafredo President/Managing Director Japan and Asia, Mitsuru Sakuraba and his wife Susan, who is also a teacher.
Congratulations to:
Gaga Communications who have moved their operations (film distribution etc) to the 34th floor of the magnificent new Midtown Tower.
The Hayashi family (Humax) on the opening of their upscale New York-style new restaurant Union Square Tokyo in Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace B1. Park Hyatt Tokyo GM Robert Barker and his staff on the opening, of their new luxury suite, the Tokyo Suite on the hotels 50th floor. The private art collection, exquisite woods and fabrics, and breathtaking views of the city really add up to living in luxury.