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 corners of the globe packed into La Boheme Qualita to celebrate Fukuoka Now’s 100th issue, and what a party it was! Global Dining CEO Kozo Hasegawa offered his congratulations, and best wishes were also relaid by Mr. Gono in the name of Fukuoka Prefecture Governor Wataru Aso. Three snappy dressers got rewarded with the latest iPod Nano model, as DJs spun cool tunes for the dancing throngs. Continuing into the early hours, this party brought people together, which is what we love to do!
CNN Anchor Sachi Koto
In late April the former CNN Headline News anchor visited Fukuoka along with the Mayor of Atlanta to promote relations between the two sister cities. Sachi also spoke about her experiences working as an Asian woman in America’s male-dominated media at an event organized by Avanti magazine. Prior to her speech she met with our Editor, Nick Szasz. Sachi has just written a book that teaches children about the importance of diversity. Learn more about her activities at www.sachikoto.com
One Love Island Jam
One Love Island Jam on Sunday, May 13, the first big beach party of the year on Nokonoshima, was a blast!
Sam & Dave 3rd Birthday
Every Saturday night is packed at Sam & Dave but some kind of new record was set on April 27th as the nightclub celebrated its 3rd year in Fukuoka! Spotted in the crowd was someone you might recognize from TV shows like “Koko ga hen dayo Nihonjin” and others: Kevin Ochi, seen here “picking up” on the local scene. Back to “Sam & Dave” – have you heard about their new Happy Hour? All food items just ¥500 every night until 23:00! More info at www.samanddave.jp
Seattle Visits Fukuoka
70 executives from leading Seattle-based corporations, including Microsoft and Boeing, visited Fukuoka and Kitakyushu City for eight days on what they describe as a “traveling university,” exploring what it takes to be a “Competive region in a Global Economy”. Fukuoka Governor Wataru Aso (pictured here on the left) held a reception in the garden of his official residence and received a baseball signed by both Ichiro and Jojima of the Seattle Mariners!
Canada Day, eh!
Every year it gets bigger – Fukuoka Now’s Canada Day Party at Sam & Dave. Last year over 500 wild Canadians and others crazy about Canada attended! You don’t have to be Canadian to enjoy Canadian beer, whiskies, food, music, videos, and games with prizes. Come along on Saturday, June 30, from 19:00 to 23:00! Tickets are just ¥1,000 and include a Canadian beer or soft drink.
Baby Announcement
Danny Gertman from Israel and Canadian jewelry designer Sheena Purcell are thrilled to announce the arrival of their first son, Myron Purcell Gertman. He was born in Watanabe Clinic in Kashii on March 13 and weighed 2.7 kgs.
