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 independent nation, and here in Fukuoka a crowd of just over 270 Canadians and friends gathered to listen to Canadian music, drink Canadian beer, and talk about Canada. Special thanks to J.C. Bouvier for his preview of the CM World Festival, complete with a few select Canadian TV commercials. Photo gallery: fukuoka-now.com/gallery




Fukuoka - 17th Best City!
"Who would have thought that a city of only 1.7 million, nearly 900km from Tokyo, would have the nerve to take on the undisputed shopping capital of the world?" asks the July/August issue of UK-based Monocle magazine. Founded by Tyler Brûlé, a Canadian journalist, entrepreneur, and also the founder of Wallpaper magazine, Monocle, which debuted in February 2007, provides a globalist perspective on international affairs to wealthy, cosmopolitan readers. Their current issue ranks and features the 20 most livable cities in the world. Copenhagen took the gold, Tokyo the bronze, Kyoto came in twentieth, and, nani?, Fukuoka ranks 17th! The nine-page spread on Fukuoka contains a mixture of both predictable and some surprising comments and images. However, it's Monocle's declaration of Fukuoka as top "Retail City" of the world that is most surprising. Perhaps we have become too accustomed to great variety of uncrowded shops, easy access, and reasonable prices? Regardless, congratulations to us! Let's hope City Hall can make good use of this highly respected international acclaim. www.monocle.com Subscription required for full text.

American Independence Day
American Consulate Principal Officer, Ms. Margot Carrington and her husband, William, pose with members of the U.S. Marine Color Guard at the American Independence Day reception held at Grand Hyatt Fukuoka. Both Fukuoka Governor, Wataru Aso, and Fukuoka City Mayor, Hiroshi Yoshida, delivered short speeches commenting on the importance of US-Japan relations and the consulate's important role in strengthening these ties. The 300 guests enjoyed a wide variety of American foods and beverages and viewed displays of American-made Harley Davidson motorcycles and the Trek bicycle model used in the Tour de France. Read about the consulate's recent activities on their website: http://fukuoka.usconsulate.gov

Rock America 2008
The smell of American ribs, burgers and mac 'n' cheese enticed patriots and friends of America into Hard Rock Cafe Fukuoka midday on July 5 for Rock America, an event organized by local bar Off Broadway to celebrate American Independence Day. Japanese and many of Fukuoka's international community attended, including members of the Japan-America Society of Fukuoka.


Noh Theater Classes for Foreigners
For those interested in noh, Japanese traditional theater, head down to the Ohori-koen Noh Theatre the first and third Wednesday of each month for free lessons on noh dance, song and musical instruments. Lessons begin on August 27 and will prepare participants for a final performance to be held on January 12. English interpretors are provided for non-Japanese speakers. Experience is not necessary, and there is a one-time rental fee of ¥3,000 to borrow a noh fan and footwear. Contact Harumi Yamaoka in Japanese by phone 090-5479-3780, or fax in English 092-541-3612.