Volume 04, Number 21
Partyline
As I mentioned in my last column I really hope to more or less get caught up on my party coverage by the end of the year so I will be cutting down on the copy until that happens. It's hard to believe that there are just three more issues after this one before we move into 2008. It's Sunday Oct 14 and I have just come from Brunei Ambassador and Mrs. Adnan Eid Al Fitri's luncheon— a Muslim tradition at the end of Ramadan. When I took a photo of a group of guests, one Ambassador commented, “We'll see that in 2010”. He was exaggerating a bit, but that convinced me I had made the right decision and that I have to get caught up on my event coverage.
Let's move on to our city's always-busy social scene.
US Ambassador Thomas Schieffer and his wife Susanne's truly red, white and blue celebration for the 231st anniversary of American independence was a spectacular evening in every way. Once guests congratulated the hosting couple they moved around in the residence or out into the garden to mix with the other guests, and chose from the huge variety of American foods on buffet tables set up everywhere. Susanne and her staff did a super job of decorating all the venues very much American. As I once told her, she should start a catering company. That would be a sure success. I wish I had space to mention (and thank) the many sponsors who contributed to the party. I don't so I will just list a few of my favorites—Alaska Seafood, California Prune Board, all the new Coca Cola products, Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, Hawaii Papaya, Hersheys, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Starbucks, Snapple and Ocean Spray. Hilton Tokyo sent over a delicious chocolate cake, Tokyo Disney sent Goofy and Mickey and Pat Boone Enterprises let their client Jimmy angel do a show. The program included the singing of the national anthem, a US marine colorguard, the cake cutting and toasts. There was music in the garden by the US Airforce Band of the Pacific. Rock singer Jimmy Angel, all dressed in black, put on one hell of a show belting out the best songs of the 70s. He worked hard and was really good. It was a really special evening with special people. These included PR Guru Skip Cronin, and renowned restauranteur Nobu Matsuhisa. He has 18 restaurants all over the world, just opened in Melbourne and Hong Kong and is planning on Nobu's in Dubai and Qatar. I also enjoyed talking with architect Yoshihiro Taniguchi and his wife Kumi. Yoshihiro keeps busy. His achievements include the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and he's currently working on the Asian Center in Houston, Texas. In addition to her fashion-related work, Kumi sometimes performs as an opera singer. It was also nice seeing Kathy Witson. She really helped me during her work at the Irish Embassy. Now she's doing a great job working with Alan R. Royston at the Schieffer residence.
I am a strong believer in the old saying, “It's the people that make the party” and believe me, it was certainly true at the huge gathering of Sho and Mary Katayama and Mary's late and great parents Paul and Amy Sung's friends. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of the Katayama's company Shintoyo Enterprises Ltd, which was founded July 19, 1957 by Mary's father, Paul H. Sung. The first importer of Jaguar and other European cars, Shintoyo now has several showrooms selling Jaguars and Aston Martins. Looking back I have some wonderful memories of great times with Paul and Amy. They were, as many of you out there know, very special people. It was nice seeing Mary's sister Annie Bernstein here. She lives in Hawaii and flew out for the celebration. One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by Sho and Mary's multi-talented friend Judy Ongg. I had just watched a Warner Brothers DVD American Pastime that Judy had starred in. She looked fabulous that evening, and can really belt out a song. The Katayama's good looking and super smart children, son Yushi and daughter Lisa were there that evening helping make sure all the guests were having a good time—which they did. In addition to working with Sho, Mary is President of the International Ladies Benevolent Society (ILBS) and a dedicated golfer. Really feel lucky to know this exceptional family.
A huge congratulations to Bangladesh Ambassador Ashraf ud-Doula, his wife Jasmine and their staff on the colorful, cultural and truly enjoyable reception they hosted at the Miyako Hotel on the occasion of their National Day. The fantastic buffet was artistically set up and delicious. The program included welcome and congratulatory speeches, as well as traditional music and dance. The Doulas are a very popular couple and it was wall-to-wall people that evening. Unfortunately, I had camera problems and many of my photos just didn't turn out. Truly sorry about that.
As always it was nice (and fun) to have the majestic four-masted Chilean Naval Officer's Training Ship Esmerelda back. The ship was on the last few months of a nine-month around-the-world cruise, and docked at Harumi Pier for a week. One night Esmerelda's officers and crew hosted a glittering reception on the ship. The food and the mood were perfect, and many of the guests really got into some lively dancing to the Latin beat of the ships band. I really enjoyed seeing friends who were here on the Esmerelda's previous trips and meeting many of the officers and crew who were in Japan for the first time. As always many spent their free time partying and making new friends at the New Lex. From Japan they went to Hawaii, Tahiti, Easter Island and home to Chile. I wish I could have stowed away on that part of the trip.
Everyone at Luxemourg Ambassador Michele Pranchere-Tomassini and her husband Jeans Yves's midday reception to celebrate Luxembourg's National Day were happy to have the opportunity to congratulate the popular couple. At the same time, we were all sad knowing that this was Michele, Jeans Yves and their children's sayonara party as well. The outgoing and dynamic lady served the country well during her four and a half years here. Believe me—she and her family will really be missed. They're in Belgium now where Michele is Ambassador Permanent Representative to the European Union.
People
Sorry I didn't get to see him, but appreciated Keith Emerson of Emerson Lake and Palmer “popping by” the New Lex and leaving me a nice note. I got to know Keith over the years during his gigs in Japan. He's a nice and talented guy.
Noted Hotelier Corrine Hayashi who is President/ CEO of HTH in Hawaii was in Japan on a business trip, and made her home for a few days at the prestigious Peninsula. Last December I had a super suite with a panoramic view of Diamondhead at Corrines Pacific Beach Hotel on Waikiki beach.
I love adventure traveling and envy Bvlgari Japan President Stephane Lafay's trips to Siberia as well as even more remote areas in Russia for his favorite pastime, salmon fishing.
To do
Be sure to drop by the Tokyo American Club 4F on Sat. Nov. 10 from 10am to 2pm for ILBS's always popular annual Christmas charity fair. There's lots of great shopping opportunities for homemade baked goods, jewelry, greeting cards, dolls, ornaments, Christmas decorations, bags, etc. Entrance tickets are ¥500. Raffle tickets are also ¥500 and the grand prize is a pair of return tickets to London courtesy of Virgin Atlantic. All proceeds go to charity and with Mary Katayama as ILBS President and Lady Toyoko Fry as Chairperson, it's sure to be one of the best fairs ever. See you there.
Drop by Hilton Tokyo's beautiful new marble lounge from Nov. 2 to 11 and enjoy the 2nd Peruvian gourmet and cultural promotion. The special event features over 50 Peruvian culinary dishes, Peruvian drinks, a cooking class and cultural performances. For details and reservations call 03-3344-5111 #219.