Snapshot: November 2008 Snapshots

Full Moon Party Report Plenty of smiling faces at Fukuoka Now's "Full Moon Party" at With The Style Fukuoka on Oct. 17th; six-hundred and thirty three in fact! Besides just being a good time, some good was done too. Two-hundred thousand yen was raised via a charity raffle by event co-sponsor, Thai Airways International. All of the money was passed onto "Yamato Kosei Center", a welfare facility for mentally handicapped children in Fukuoka. Raffle prizes included a pair of return business class air tickets between Fukuoka and Bangkok, fully incl... More...

Snapshot: October 2008 Snapshots

Stars Shine in Fukuoka The 18th Focus on Asia, Fukuoka International Film Festival, kicked off on September 12. Directors, actors, film writers, and production staff from participating films attended the opening reception at Solaria Hotel. Grand Hyatt Fukuoka's New GM A belated, but warm welcome to Michael von Siebenthal, the new General Manager of the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka. Originally from Saanenmoser, Switzerland, Michael has worked in a long list of Hyatt hotels in several continents. Before taking over the reigns from Nick Nishikawa this ... More...

Snapshot: Rockers, Rappers, Jets and Fireworks

Welcoming the New Jets 2008 It's that time of year when fresh recruits on the JET (The Japan Exchange and Teaching) program land in Fukuoka to begin their jobs as foreign language educators and cultural ambassadors. Our cameras caught a few snaps at the official welcoming party for this year's group of 43 newbies. Welcome! Isla de Salsa 2008 The annual two-day outdoor "Borderless music festival" celebrating world music moved to a new venue near Momochi Beach this year. Saturday was a smashing success as a crowd of 2,500 enjoyed performance... More...

Snapshot: Parties in the Retail Shopping Capital of the World!

Summer Style Party Another huge crowd, (441 guests in fact!), turned out for Fukuoka Now's second mega-cocktail party at With The Style Fukuoka. Duncan, the magician, performed for the crowd, as did the DJ, and the dance floor filled and the party went on until late. The next Fukuoka Now party at With the Style will be in late October. Details on our website soon. Meanwhile, be sure to read about the summer's upcoming big music festivals, Isla de Salsa and Sunset Live. Canada Day Party On July 1, Canada celebrated it's 141st year as an ... More...

Snapshot: Amnesty, Independence and Jay Gutta

Jay Gutta - 3rd's a Charm Three years after the release of his freshman and sophomore endeavors in the Sasebo area, Jay Gutta is back and at it again, preparing for the release of his third LP, 3rd's a Charm, on August 8. Appropriately titled, his latest album steps up the quality on all fronts, the sound both heavy and crisp, and the lyrics sharp and poignant. The content varies throughout the CD, with some songs light and fun, others serving as harshly delivered political commentary. CDs can be purchased at locations around town or on amazon.c... More...

Snapshot: Weddings, Parties and Myanmar Cylone Relief

Sunsplash 2008 Report Hundreds of music and beach lovers rode the ferry across Hakata Bay to Nokonoshima for the inaugural Noko Island Sun Splash Party on May 18. Amongst palm trees and beach bungalows, the event featured an eclectic mix of stage acts from rock, to reggae and Latin genres. Blessed by sunny weather, many in the crowd enjoyed an early chance to flaunt their summer fashion. More photos on our website: www.fukuoka-now.com/gallery !8195! !8196!Fukuoka Now Winners! Fukuoka now is pleased to announce the winners of some recent lu... More...

Snapshot: Subway, Ramen and Mexican Masked Wrestling

Ippudo Opens in the Big Apple Since its debut in Daimyo, Fukuoka in 1985, Ippudo has grown into a successful chain of 34 "gourmet" ramen shops around Japan. On March 31, Ippudo opened a spacious and reportedly stylish shop in NYC's East Village. The length of the noodles has been shortened for clumsy gaijin eaters, but otherwise Ippudo's famous akamaru and shiromaru are said to be very similar to the originals, but priced at $13.00 a bowl! Info: www.ippudo.com/ny New Subway Stop! It wasn't too long ago that a proper submarine sandwich co... More...

Snapshot: Babies, Cars and Landmines

Matt's Back & It's a Boy! Matt and Noriko Simpson recently returned to Fukuoka after several years' absence, and with a baby boy, Reo-kun! Many moons ago Matt drew great illustrations for Fukuoka Now. Welcome back! Matt can be contacted at: reospa@ezweb.ne.jp Behind the Scenes By the time this issue is released the disgraced eikawa giant NOVA may have completely vanished from the face of the earth – or it might be back in business. Regardless, ramifications of the incident will be felt for some time, and it will have prompted some well-dese... More...

Snapshot: Friends Around Town

Flashback Fraser! After a year in Osaka, Fraser just couldn't stand being away from Fukuoka. So he's back and behind the bar at the recently renovated "Sam & Dave" in Tenjin. The booths and stage have been replaced with a new standing bar and bigger dance floor! On the cover: Ndongo N'diaye At 214 centimeters, Fukuoka Rizing's center, Ndongo is the tallest player in the BJ (Basketball Japan) League. The 30-year-old Senegalese signed with the NBA San Antonio Spurs in 2000, and later played in the NBA Summer Pro League for the Golden State W... More...

Snapshot: Snapshot

It was Canada Day, Eh? A big thanks to the 400 people who packed into Sam & Dave for the annual Canada Day bash. Trivia quiz winners walked away with some pretty cool prizes, including three brand new iPods courtesy of Neo Platinum Card. Highlights included the music stylings of "Big Yellow Taxi and a lively rendition of "O Canada." Photos on: www.kyushu-now.com/snaps Wedding Announcement Congratulations to George (born in Peru, raised in Florida) and Saori (Japanese) who first met at a Hawaiian party in June of 2005. Their next date inc... More...

Snapshot: Salsa and Cricket

Baby Announcement Newlyweds Gamu and Jun Watanabe welcomed their son Kumbirai into the world on April 21st. Weighing in at 3,802g, he was the biggest baby in Toono Hospital at the time! The new family recently left for London - sayonara and good luck! Philippine Independence Day Party Fukuoka's Filipino community gathered at Garcon on Sunday, June 10th, to celebrate the Philippines' 109th Independence Day. Guests were served a variety of Filipino dishes and were treated to traditional dance performances, and rousing renditions of popular t... More...

Snapshot: One Love, CNN Anchor Sachi Koto

Jake at Mamma Mia in Momochi Hawaiian ukelele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro was in town this May to play a gig with famous violinist Taro Hakase. He found time to meet up with us to pose for our cover and to chat about his upcoming tour, which brings him back for a concert at Zepp Fukuoka on Sept. 15. Believe us – you've never heard ukulele like this! Visit his site for a sample: www.jakeshimabukuro.com and see you at the show! Ticket info: B.I.C. (092) 713-6085. Fukuoka Now 100th Issue Party On Fri., April 20, over 440 socialites from all c... More...
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