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 July, Michael was the General Manager at the Hyatt Regency in Saipan. Michael says he hopes to take advantage of Fukuoka’s proximity to other Asian countries and to increase the number of foreign guests.
Sunset Live Model Audition
Have you voted for your favorite cover model? Log on to our website to place your vote! Over 110 contestants competed for the “Cutest Girl”, “Most Handsome Guy”, “Nicest Couple” and “Anything Goes” awards. Also be sure to check out our photo gallery of shots taken at Sunset Live 2008.
Cartoonist Resurfaces in Fukuoka
Former Fukuoka resident Lars Martinson dropped by to show off his graphic novel and give a sneak preview of the forthcoming sequel. Lars spent three years as an ALT in Shingu, Fukuoka Prefecture between 2003 and 2006. He’s now studying Japanese calligraphy at Shikoku University. His graphic novel, Tonoharu: Part One, is a two-color graphic novel printed on beautiful heavy paper. The book is a hilarious depiction of his life in Japan. Anyone who has ever lived and worked in Japan, especially as an English teacher, will enjoy it. His drawings are fabulous and filled with many recognizable Fukuoka landmarks. Pick up a hard cover on amazon.co.jp for just ¥2,263 or visit his website at http://larsmartinson.com/
BJ Action Heats Up
Fukuoka’s professional basketball team, Rizing Fukuoka, return to action this month for their second season. Last year, led by Head Coach John Neumann, the team overcame obstacles on and off the court to make it to the BJ League playoffs. Michael Parker (#3, Forward) returns for his second season and is joined by fellow Americans, Michael Sturns (#13, Guard), Jesse King III (#32, Guard/Forward), and Brandon Tobias (#44, Power Forward). More info: www.rizing-fukuoka.com
Wanjiru Strikes Gold!
Fukuoka Now’s “Gekkan Gaijin” (July 2008), Samuel Wanjiru not only won the gold medal for the men’s marathon in the Beijing Olympics, he also smashed the Olympic record of 2:09:21 set by Carlos Lopes of Portugal in the 1984 L.A. Olympics with a time of 2:06:32. Samuel lived and trained here in Fukuoka for four years, making him the most famous and accomplished gaijin from Fukuoka in recent memory. Samuel poses with fellow Kenyan Willy and his wife Yuki, owners of Jambo Africa bar in Sumiyoshi, (080-5270-5960).
Gossip
It’s no longer just gossip, Fukuoka’s newest international dance club is open! Owner Claudio and manager Akiko by the entrance of Gossip on Oyafuko-dori. Tel: 092-741-3741
