Tokyo Weekender - January 2016

Bill with film world’s Kaz Kuzui (left) and Shake Shack Japan CEO Ryota
Tsunoda (right) at the Grand Opening for Tokyo’s first Shake Shack
Tokyo’s Longest Running
December was back-to-back parties and events, and I
always like to start out the first column of the new year with
something very special. This means moving back a bit for
Dewi Sukarno’s glittering Grand Imperial Charity 18th Banquet.
The venue was, as usual, Tokyo Meguro Gajoen’s “Maiougi,” which
has been given a facelift and is even more beautiful than before. Dewi
set up the elegant evening in cooperation with the Earth Aid Society NPO
to benefit the Japan Red Cross Society and AAR—The Association for Aid
& Relief, Japan.
As it is at all of her events, the huge venue was wall-to-wall people
that included top politicians, film stars, celebrities, fashion girls and the
cream of Japanese society. The variety of really outstanding fashion was
right-out-of-Vogue awesome.
My thanks to Dewi for one of the best tables in the house. It was next
to her table and people seated there included my ex-business partner
Ceremony President Tsukasa Shiga, Swiss medical student Michel Bielecki,
politician Akiko Sano and several top businessmen, including the
president of Steiff Teddy Bear. The toast was by Peruvian Ambassador
Elard Escala.
The seven-course gala dinner as delicious as always. This was followed
by entertainment that included a show by veteran popular singer,
Ikuzo Yoshi and two modern dances by Mai Nakanishi and her partner
Tatsuya Kukizawa. Mai, who’s Chinese, has an almost identical twin sister
who lives in New York where she’s a dancer as well. The big surprise
at our table was when Shiga bought a painting by Dewi for ¥800,000 in
the silent auction. Since he graduated from St. Mary’s, Shiga has become
Society Page with Bill Hersey
a real business tycoon and has many successful businesses as President
of Ceremony, which includes wedding halls, funeral parlors, and movie
production. He’s a Rotary Club member, helps support the Urawa Reds
Soccer team and contributes to many charities. He is also an art collector
(he owns a gallery) and dedicated F-1 race fan. Congratulations to Dewi on
her super beautiful event.
TURKISH NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION – IMPERIAL
The popular diplomatic couple, Turkish Ambassador A. Bulent Meric and
his wife Kumiko chose the Imperial Hotel for their National Day Reception
in October. The program included the playing of both the Turkish and
Japanese anthems, an informative welcome speech by the Ambassador, a
congratulatory speech by a Japanese government VIP, and a toast by another
dignitary. Japan and Turkey have excellent relations and guests included
high ranking government officials, as well as a full house of business leaders
and other VIPs from both countries.
Turkish food is very special and the Imperial’s Food and Beverage
Department worked with the embassy staff to prepare a lavish buffet of
Turkish and Japanese favorites as well as many western specialities. It was
a nice evening with many interesting people and good friends—perfect for
the occasion.
TOLMAN’S SHINODA EXHIBITION AT CONRAD HILTON
As the pop song goes, “Oops I (actually he) did it again.” I’m talking about art
expert/top dealer Norman Tolman. If you were able to see the exhibition by
the world famous artist Toko Shinoda at the Conrad Hilton, you know, I and
JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com