Tokyo Weekender - September 2017

The DJ, the food and the ambiance were primo and the three-hour
event featured twin sister pole dancers, a gorgeous Brazilian samba
dancer, and several singers. It was a wild night that brought back
great memories of the Lexington Queen in its heyday. The fashion, the
lighting, the models, and Steve’s super personality all ended up making
it the excellent celebration it was. Congratulations Steve – you’re
the best.
DEWI’S DINNER FOR HER DAUGHTER AND FAMILY
Dewi Sukarno no sooner got back from one of her many trips (this
time Indonesia – and at the time of writing, she had just returned
from 10 days in South Africa!) than she planned and hosted a dinner
for her daughter Karina, her son-in-law Fritz Seegers, and her grandson
Karin. Her daughter lives in London, and she and her family were
only here for a few days, so the party ended up being on the same
night as the big and very crowded Japan-Arab Day annual reception
at the Imperial.
I was lucky as my good friends the Azerbaijani Ambassador Gursel,
his wife Rana, and their son Nursel were also invited to both
events. As always, they kindly gave me a ride from the Imperial to
Dewi’s event at the world-renowned Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai restaurant
behind Tokyo Tower, a restaurant with exceptional tofu cuisine,
gardens, lanterns, bridges, and remarkable Japanese ambiance. It really
is legendary.
The guests there that evening were an interesting mix of business
tycoons, bankers, showbiz celebrities – notably the TV actress Ahn
Mika and dancer Rei Natsumi – and Dewi and Karina’s families. I have
known Karina for many years, and was happy to see her so content
with her husband and son. The dinner was excellent and featured
course after course of mostly tofu dishes. You should have at least one
meal there while you’re in Japan.
I got a pleasant surprise when I ran into long-time friend, the multitalented
Judy Ongg, who was at another party at the same venue. I
held a lot of events for Judy when the Lexington was still the place
to go.
NORMAN TOLMAN CELEBRATES
Since Norman Tolman and his entourage have been doing a lot of
traveling, I have sort of lost track of him and his creative endeavors.
He recently took a round-the-world trip, arranging exhibits for Toko
Shinoda in Amsterdam, Almaty, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. If you think
Toko is the only artist The Tolman Collection handles you’d be wrong!
The printmaker Wako Shuji has been their exclusive artist since 1984.
On September 23 they will release a book about him (when does Norman
find time to write?). Things Are Seldom What They Seem is about
lithographs that Wako has made for The Tolman Collection, which are
not available anywhere else.
Unfortunately, I missed good friend Norman’s 81st birthday party,
which he hosted at his apartment. Really sorry about that, as I heard
he had some 70 guests so I’m sure it was great fun.
STARACES’ GLITTERING ITALIAN NATIONAL DAY
Our new Italian Ambassador Giorgio Starace had only been here a
short time before he had to host Italy’s national day party. This is
always one of the biggest diplomatic events of the year, and he, with
the help of his staff, his catering service (Giorgio Matera), and many
top Italian businessmen, made it all very special. The Italian embassy
with its legendary garden (which is associated with the story of the
47 ronin) is not the biggest, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful
and is big enough to hold the 1,300 guests that came that evening and
still not be too crowded.
The glitz and glamour of the evening started at the main entrance
to the residence, where there was a display of Italian cars that included
a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, a Fiat and a Vespa, which were tastefully
displayed and beautifully illuminated. The opening ceremony
featured a welcome speech by the ambassador and congratulations
by several Japanese government officials. These could be seen on a
big monitor in the garden.
The buffet started out with a long table of wonderful Italian appetizers
in the main dining area. Believe me, they all tasted as good
as they looked. White tents were scattered around the garden where
Tokyo’s top Italian chefs served a colorful and tasteful variety of pizza,
pasta, and many other Italian specialties. The hosting couple also
provided tables and comfortable chairs where guests could relax and
chat while enjoying the marvelous food. For dessert there was a big
selection of Italian gelatos and Segafredo Zanetti’s man-in-Japan Brian
Mori and his staff served their world famous espresso in the main
reception room.
Our congratulations to Ambassador and Signora Starace, as well
as the many others who helped them make it a truly special celebration.
The new ambassador is really cool – he reminds me of my
Italian godfather, the late great fashion designer Brioni.
"GERMAN REQUIEM" PERFORMANCE NEXT MONTH
Robert Ryker, music director of the popular Tokyo Sinfonia, has a
new project in the works. On October 31, he will conduct a chorus,
orchestra and soloists – more than 250 artists – in a performance of
Johannes Brahms's German Requiem. It is the composer’s most massive
work, but because it requires so much talent and preparation, it
is seldom performed in Japan.
A group of business people and religious leaders have joined
Maestro Ryker in organizing the event to be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan
Theater in Ikebukuro to mark the 500th anniversary of the
Reformation that sparked a political, intellectual, religious and cultural
revolution that continues today.
This performance will be one of many events around the world
to commemorate the date. Following the performance, there will be
a cultural reception to celebrate how music brings together people
from around the world. I expect to be there, ears and heart open, and
camera in hand.
For information and tickets, go to www.r500.co
Hideki and Linda Yamada
at Hiroo Segafredo
Nishantha and Tomoko Perera with their son Taj at
the Sri Lankan Festival, Yoyogi Park
Chicken Man restaurant owner, Dike Echee, Tunade
Latin music agency’s Dabid Garcia
TOKYO WEEKENDER | SEPTEMBER 2017 | 45