Tokyo Weekender - February 2016

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 Tokyo
soon and will be performing here from February 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 February. 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 Tokyo, 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 2016