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
Fukuoka Now Winners!
Fukuoka now is pleased to announce the winners of some recent lucky draws. John Courcy (Canada) poses with his son and a representative from Thai Airways as he claims his free ticket to Bangkok. Also, posing with the snazzy Thai Airways suitcase that she won, is Judith Magyar (Hungary). In a separate contest, Eric Baker (USA) won a free air ticket to Ho Chi Mingh City on Vietnam Airlines. Each month we give something away! Check our website for details!
Michael & Miki – Married!
Michael and Miki Dailey finally got married – twice! Their first party was in Miyazaki on May 3rd, followed by a second party in Fukuoka on May 11. Michael’s family (nine of them!), came all the way from Chicago. Michael and Miki are forever grateful for their friends’ loving support and enormous help.
Engaged & NYC Bound!
Last Christmas Jonathan Trace proposed with roses and a diamond ring to Hatsumi Hirakawa during a trip to America. The couple will be married at Luigans on July 21, and will soon after begin packing for the move to their new nest in New York City. Congratulations!
Sam & Dave Turns Four and Welcomes Canadians!
Sam & Dave bartenders show off their skills of coordination and delicate choreography with a backwards pose to celebrate the club’s fourth year anniversary here in Fukuoka. Sam & Dave will once again be the venue for the always-a-bit-crazy Canada Day Party co-hosted by Fukuoka Now. This year the event will be on Tue., July 1st. You don’t have to be a Canuck to enjoy a Labatt’s Blue, a dish of Poutine, or a tune by The Tragically Hip. Everyone from everywhere is welcome to join us and party Canadian Style, eh (Had to sneak a “eh” in there). ¥1,000 at the door includes a Canadian beer or soft drink.
Australian Import Awards 2008
Australian Ambassador Murray McLean (left) poses beside Jarrod Waring, Senior Trade Commissioner, Fukuoka at the annual Australian Import Award Ceremony. Three local Japanese companies were acknowledged for their success in promoting the sales of Australian goods and services in Kyushu. Fukuoka Now also wants to take this opportunity to say an early farewell and “otsukaresama” to Jarrod Waring who has managed the Australian Consulate-General Fukuoka and led the Austrade Fukuoka team since 2004. Jarrod, his wife and children say they will miss the fabulous lifestyle Fukuoka provides, but are also looking forward to moving back to Melbourne, Australia after eight years overseas.
Myanmar Cyclone Relief
Ah Nge Htwe belongs to the Institute of Biological Control, within the Department of Applied Genetic and Pest Management at Kyushu University, Fukuoka. She came to Fukuoka to study in 2003, received her master’s degree in 2006 and is now a PhD student and will complete her studies by March of 2009. She is very interested in Japanese culture, especially music. As her son and other family members remain far away in Myanmar, she is concerned whenever she hears news about her home country. On May 2 Myanmar suffered immense damage due to Cyclone Nargis. Fortunately, her family members were not affected, but most of the people who live in delta areas of Myanmar suffered severely, with millions now in temporary shelters. The victims need your support in this struggle. Ah Nge Htwe encourages readers to help the Myanmar Cyclone Relief. Anyone interested in learning more about Myanmar, and possibly how to help the millions in need, please email: ahngehtwe@gmail.com
