Tokyo Weekender August 2016

KISS lookalikes at the Entertainment Art Exhibition on the huge yacht “Symphony"
THIS IS WHAT
I LOVE ABOUT
WRITING THIS
COLUMN
has interesting properties in and around Tokyo)
was there, and I really enjoyed meeting his wife. He
helped me find my apartment in Moto Yoyogi about
20 years ago, and has always been there to help me
with any landlord-related problems. I also enjoyed
talking with a couple of friends who went to the F-1
Race in Azerbaijan and they had nothing but nice
things to say about the country and the people.
POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY
– NEW OTANI
On the occasion of the Constitution Day of Poland,
Ambassador Cyryl Kozaczewski, his wife Iwona,
and their staff hosted a people-packed glittering
reception at the Hotel New Otani. The Ambassador
and his wife are a popular couple and there
were a lot of their interesting Japanese and international
friends there enjoying the celebration.
The military was well represented by the Polish
defense attaché, a young female marine from the
US, and a high ranking officer from the Japanese
Self Defense Force – all in full uniform. Polish
intern Natalia, who looked very stylish in her
country’s national costume, added color to the
crowd. I also enjoyed meeting the statuesque Ndiyoyi
Mutiti. I jokingly asked her if I could be her
manager. When she asked me what for, I told her
“basketball”; she laughed and said, “You’re a little
late,” and gave me her business card. Turns out
she’s the Ambassador of Zambia. She has a lovely
personality and I felt I had made a new friend.
That’s what I love about writing this column.
Got some good news a week or so later when
I ran into Ambassador Kozaczewski at Hiroo Segafredo.
He told me he wouldn’t be leaving Tokyo
this summer, but probably later this year. He’s a
good man, a good diplomat and a good friend.
MIN-ON’S DYNAMIC CHINESE
ACROBATS’ SHOW
Thanks to the Min-on Concert Association, I’ve
had the opportunity to see all three of the shows
by the renowned China National Acrobatic
Troupe. The 2016 show was titled “Acrobatic Fantasy
Drama – Be Brilliant! Master Chef Panda.”
The show, with its beautiful sets, colorful
costumes, and hard-to-believe acrobatics, was
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IN & AROUND
FROM TOP:
Sony Entertainment’s Dick Sano and actress/director
Jodie Foster, who was here to promote her film
“Money Monster”
Minato Okamoto, personal trainer Mark McDonald,
and Dan Kerrigan at Hiroo Segafredo
Austrian ballet dancer Christian Martinu, his wife,
dancer Rio Mitani, their daughter Manna
entertainment at its best. It made it easy to realize
why its performances in 123 countries and regions
have been awarded 60 gold medals in major
competitions around the world. This time in Japan
their tour was a total of 53 shows in 27 cities.
After the show at Nakano Sun Plaza, I joined
many Min-on guests in one of the building’s party
venues for a lavish buffet and the opportunity
to meet and mix with the super cast. Most
didn’t speak much English, but I was lucky as one
really cool lady helped me to communicate with
most of the performers. When I asked her where
she learned her English, she said, “Oh, I worked
with Cirque du Soleil in the US and Canada for two
years. She was really surprised when I told her
I was a friend of that show’s part-owner Guy Laliberte,
and in perfect English, she said, “Wow, the
world gets smaller.” A few weeks earlier, thanks
to Guy, I received two great tickets for third row
center seats at Cirque’s spectacular show “Totem”
at Odaiba Big Top. The sets, costumes, and very
international cast were different, but many of the
acrobatic miracles were similar to the 2,000-yearold
ones as performed in the China National Acrobatic
Troupe show. They simply have to be seen to
be believed.
If you like K-pop, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Korean
musical “Bibap,” which the Min-on Concert
Association is bringing to Japan later this month.
For a schedule of the show dates call Hori-san on
03-5362-3400 or 090-4532-4322.
JORDAN’S 70TH INDEPENDENCE
DAY CELEBRATION
Over at the Okura Hotel, Jordan Ambassador
Demiye Haddad and his wife Shafik held a very
special reception on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary
of the Independence Day of the Hashemite
Kingdom of Jordan. It was also to celebrate
the Centennial of the Great Arab Revolt. Shafik
has an interior designers’ touch, and had worked
with the hotel staff in setting up interesting displays
of Jordanian art, fashion and handicrafts
throughout the party venue.
TOKYO WEEKENDER | AUGUST 2016 | 49