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-deserved reflection into the industry. On this month’s cover, Alex Deacon, a former Nova teacher and casualty advertises for work in front of Hakata Station. The image of an unemployed Caucasian soliciting for work on our the streets is a rather interesting one indeed. Any thoughts on the matter? Access http://www.now.blog-city.com and make them known.
Fukuoka Motor Show 2007 Special Event
Jean-Christian Bouvier (producer of the World CM Festival in Japan) returns to the Fukuoka Sun Palace to show a special 3 hour selection of entertaining television commercials related to cars and the automobile industry. The event is part of the Fukuoka Motor Show 2007 and takes place on Dec. 7 from 18:00 ~ 21:00. Advance tickets are ¥1,800. More info: 092-843-7370.
Cambodia Mines-remove Campaign
Perhaps you’re already aware that there are more than six million landmines still buried in Cambodia. But are you aware that you can help through Cambodia Mines-remove Campaign (CMC), a Fukuoka-based NGO? In addition to volunteering, donating, or participating in CMC’s numerous charity events, you can now sign up to join CMC’s study tour in Cambodia from February 17 to 26. Please call 092-833-7676 or visit www.cmc-net.jp for more information. In the photo is Ariel Silver, an American volunteer now living here in Fukuoka. Nice dress!
When Two Giants Meet
Ndongo N’diaye of Fukuoka Rizing, our new pro basketball team, was on our cover last month. This time we have a shot of him next to another giant, none other than Softbank Hawk’s Head Coach and baseball legend, Sadaharu Oh. Oh-san attended Fukuoka Rizing’s kick-off event at Hotel Il Palazzo.
Four More Reasons to Check Out a Rizing Game
Next home game: Dec. 7 at Action Fukuoka.
Full schedule: www.rizing-fukuoka.com
Upcoming Televised Games: Dec. 8 (TNC) and Dec. 24 (NHK)
Thai Airways Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Arnuphap Kittikul, General Manager of Thai Airways International (far right) prepares to crack open a keg of sake to celebrate the airline’s 15th year of flights between Fukuoka and Bangkok. Currently Thai Airways operates daily flights to Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi Airport. More info: www.thaiair.co.jp
Halloween
