Gekkan Gaijin: Eugenio & Claudio Velitti

In Japan: 11 years Hometown: Rome, Italy Identity: Wine merchants/Lifestyle consultants "It's very difficult," says Claudio Velitti, when we ask if he can recommend a good wine for sushi. "Wine is very personal, it must always be about passion". Between them wine merchant brothers Velitti & Velitti have over thirty years of experience bringing Italian aesthetics to Asia and Oceania, and now they aim to inject a bit of Italian style and passion into the Japanese taste for the finer things. But will European wine always remain a luxury item i... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Nathan Miller

9 years North Carolina, USA Vlogger Have you ever wondered what Kyushu looks like through someone else’s eyes? If so, you should check out Nathan’s video blog or “vlog,” www.bicycle-sidewalk.com. Nathan launched his vlog in July 2005 (nine months before the advent of YouTube) because he wanted to share his beloved Saga with the world. Since then he has (v)logged over 330 entries combining video with “man on the street”-type interviews. The result is a unique “bicycle-eye” view of Kyushu culture. Bicycle Sidewalk has gained worldwide appeal... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Orapan Uchida

In Japan: 24 years Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand Identity: Classical Thai Dancer Early birds may already be familiar with Orapan's voice, as the hostess of the 30-minute weekly Thai language radio show on Love FM 76.1 since 1997. On the show, which airs every Friday from 06:30, Orapan comments on recent events in Thailand between a mix of popular Thai music. But performing and teaching classical Thai dance is her real love and specialty. Dressed in elaborate costumes, she has performed countless times around Kyushu. She offers private and group... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Sean Michael Wilson

4 years Edinburgh, Scotland Comic Book Writer As a young boy, Sean loved to read comics, and by the age of twelve he decided to become a comic book writer. Sean now lives in Kumamoto where he is currently working on his twelfth book. Thanks to the internet, Sean collaborates with artists from Japan and all around the globe. This month, a manga of Japanese ghost stories that he originally produced for print will be released as downloadable data for viewing on mobile phones and PCs. To those who think comics are just for kids, Sean likes to p... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Samuel Wanjiru

Identity: Marathon Runner Hometown: Nyahururu, Kenya In Japan: 7 years Strolling through Tenjin wearing a polo shirt, jeans and a cap, no one would know that this young man is one of the fastest running humans – ever. But he is, and this month we are proud to introduce 21-year-old Kenyan native, four-year Fukuoka resident, and world-record holder for the half marathon, Samuel Wanjiru (58:33). Samuel is currently training in Kenya for the Beijing Olympics in which he will run in the full marathon. Despite having only run a handful of full ma... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Valentina Leila

Identity: Oriental Dance Instructor Hometown: Kishinev, Republic of Moldova In Japan: 6 years Valentina is a professional instructor of Arabian dance, and her performances literally light up the room! Crowned with a nine-pronged candelabrum, she entertains crowds with her performances of Oriental Belly Dance, a skill which she has been perfecting since she began training in her college years. Because of Turkey's close proximity to her homeland of Moldova, Valentina draws much of her influence from the Turkish style of Belly Dance, although ... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Cecilia Naomi Lipp

Hometown: San Francisco, USA In Japan: 2 years Identity: Organizer of the Amnesty International Fukuoka English Language Group For such a young woman, Cecilia has an impressive resumé of working with NPOs, including an internship at a former leprosy colony in Hawaii and work at Amnesty International's office in San Francisco. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in Multicultural Community Studies. In Fukuoka, her mother's hometown, she works with UN-HABITAT as a consultant on gender-specific issues. A yea... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Wilson Taira

Sao Palo, Brazil 17 years DJ & Brazilian Event Producer As the host of Love FM's Portuguese language radio show, (Wed. 06:30 ~ 07:00, 76.1 FM MHz), Wilson's voice is probably more familiar than his face. However, his frequent appearances at Brazilian events and parties in Fukuoka are changing that. Three years ago Wilson assumed the role of president of the Fukuoka Brazilian Club. The club holds events once every two months and its members include both Brazilians and fans of Brazilian culture. This month marks the 100th anniversary of the d... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Matt Braley

Berkley, California, USA 17 years Pâtissier While operating an izakaya in Kego for seven years, Matt realized that one of his desserts had the potential to become a business on its own. In July 2006 he converted his pub into a cheesecake factory and cafe. There, he and his staff use Matt's grandmother's recipe to bake classic New York style cheesecake. The crunchy Graham Cracker crust delivers a delightful contrast to the creamy cheesecake with a "just right" balance between sweet, salty, and tart flavors. On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Frid... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Neela

Chennai, India 7 years Bollywood Movie Dancer & Instructor Between the ages of five and twenty-two Neela appeared in no less than 500 films in India. Now that's a resume! A job with a Japanese television production company that was filming in India led to regular appearances on the popular and nationally broadcasted "Urinari TV" show for three years beginning in 1999. Since then Neela has lived in Fukuoka with his wife from Kumamoto, and teaches Indian "movie dance" at five studios. Unlike the more reserved traditional Indian dance, "movie... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Nicolas Sudre

Hometown: Bordeaux, France In Japan: 17 years Identity: Sommelier, Wine Importer, Restaurateur The green ribbon metal (Chevalier de L'Ordre du Mérite Agricole) on Nicolas's lapel was presented to the 42 year-old Frenchman on Dec. 4 by the government of France, in recognition of his nearly two decades of promoting French wines in Kyushu. Nicolas first came to Fukuoka in 1989 to manage Bordeaux's booth at the Yokatopia exposition in Momochi. Following that, he joined Iwataya Department Store and was instrumental in building their wine import ... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: DJ Richard

Hometown: Boston & New York, USA In Japan: 6 years Identity: Radio Personality, Cross FM HELLO RADIO! DJ Richard's wake-up call to Cross FM listeners and his infectious and vibrant personality make him one of the most popular DJs at the station. Through his avid love of music, Richard became a professional dancer, joining Marky Mark's funky bunch back in the 80s before making a move to DJing via voice announcing. Crossing the pond to Japan, Richard was discovered street DJing in Nagoya and appeared regularly on radio, TV and as an MC at the... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: John Neumann

Hometown: Illinois, USA In Japan: 2 months Identity: Head Coach, Rizing Fukuoka, BJ League Fukuoka's professional basketball team, "Rizing Fukuoka," debuts this month with Head Coach and former NBA player John Neumann at the helm. Neumann's coaching career began in Germany and was followed by posts in Belgium, Greece, Cyprus, Isreal, Kuwait, Lebanon as well as in the American minor-league. Joining Neumann are three Americans players (Michael Gardiner, Joshua Peppers and Jeffrey Price) one African (Ndongo N'diaye), and trainer Jeff Anderson.... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Mirko Steiner

Hometown: Saalfeld, Germany In Japan: 6 years Identity: Butcher & Sausage Maker When the sausage to advance his career through a work and study program was held in front of Mirko's nose, he couldn't refuse. He loved Fukuoka so much he didn't want to leave, and found himself a job at an established German-style sausage and meat shop in Fukuoka. Mirko has brought even more authenticity to the shop including techniques, the introduction of meat platters, and their new eat-in cafe. As a butcher, Mirko works with blades all day and then even aft... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: James Dover

Hometown: Honolulu In Japan: 4 years Identity: Artist, Art Teacher & Troublemaker Hailing from beautiful Hawaii for over 12 years, artist James Dover's mellow, island-like mentality is as relaxing as his murals. Since 1998 Dover has been in and out of Fukuoka, and now he's calling it home. Initially being lured to Fukuoka for the craft of wood-fired ceramics, he was drawn to its local, small city feel and room for self-expression. Now he's back painting the town... literally! Check out nightspots Volume, Xaymaca, and Uprising, as well as a ... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Warren Evison

Hometown: Southport, England In Japan: 14 years Identity: Ex-Pro Boxer, Motorcycle Racer On August 19, in front of the IMS building, Warren will mount a fully loaded BMW GS1200 and embark on a 20-day journey up to Hokkaido. He's named the journey "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" because he'll ride on only the less traveled lower roads. You can follow his progress on his website, buy the book or DVD that he'll be making along the way. The DVD will include tips on motorcycle touring in Japan as well as Warren's picks of off-the-beaten spot... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Esther Meeuwissen

Hometown: Kakamega, Kenya In Japan: 10 years Identity: African art collector/distributor 　 Fascinated by African art and culture? Meet Esther Meeuwissen, who followed her Dutch husband to Fukuoka a decade ago as he took up a job in the UN-Habitat Fukuoka Office. Realizing early on that many Japanese had a keen interest in her background, Esther found herself promoting African culture by giving Kenyan cooking lessons and teaching Swahili. In the past few years her focus has shifted to selling African art: not tourist-orientated curios, but aut... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Max

Chicago, USA 8 years Entertainer, Love FM Air Jockey (strap) and Athletic Supporter at the Dome Already famous as the ever-hyper, always goofy host of "Maximum Times" on Love FM (9:00 ~ 11:00 weekdays), Max, as in "Ohaiyougozai-MAX!" has a new gig! Max is now the Yahoo! Japan Dome's MC for all Softbank Hawks home games. After announcing the starting line-ups and MC-ing pre-game events, Max pops up all around the dome interviewing fans, playing with mascots, and dancing with cheerleaders. Despite the fact that he can't swing a bat or catch a... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Heeki Park

Hometown: Korean, born in Hiroshima In Japan: Half of her life Identity: Yoga Instructor Born in Hiroshima, raised in Seoul and educated in California, Heeki is a very multi-cultural and international woman. When she was a university student in Los Angeles, she worked part-time at a famous Japanese restaurant, frequented by Hollywood stars. She often heard the celebrity customers discuss yoga - if it was all the rage with the fashionable people, she wanted to try it too! After just one course, Heeki was hooked. Since then she has studied an... More...

Gekkan Gaijin: Sebo

Hometown: Paris, France In Japan: 7 years Identity: Radio & TV personality, narrator Seven years ago, when this wet-behind-the-ears Frenchman arrived in Tokyo as a student, he couldn't have predicted he would later become a radio and TV talento in Fukuoka. Sebo cut his teeth on Love FM's weekly French language show in 2001. He compares the adrenaline-filled rush of working in live media to playing his favorite sport, futsal. In the early morning TV show 'Asa Desu' he joins Japanese reporters introducing interesting spots and events. Using h... More...
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