Country Gold

You wouldn’t think Japan had many country music fans, but you’d be wrong. Every year good olﾕ boys (and gals) from all over the country mosey on down to Aso to soak up that good ol’ country sound. In a country of cramped spaces hemmed in by steep mountains, the rolling plains of Aso offer respite from Japanﾕs everyday claustrophobia. Itﾕs a place of wide skies and clean air. In the fall the leaves turn a magnificent red and the sky shifts into a deeper shade of blue. Asoﾕs wide open spaces are somehow reminiscent of America, and thatﾕs why thereﾕs no better place to hold the Country Gold international country music festival. It draws over 20,000 country fans from throughout Japan every year, making it the largest festival of its kind in Japan. Featuring such big-name acts as Eddy Raven and Heather Myles, this year the 14th Country Gold festival will give fans in Japan a unique opportunity to listen to country music under the big Aso sky. To add to the festivalﾕs American atmosphere, thereﾕs a wide range of entertainment, including a dance area to practice your right fine line-dancinﾕ steps. Unleash the cowboy (or gal) within by decking yourself out in cowboy clothes from the western-goods stalls. And did we mention the thick, juicy American steaks on the barbecue? Organizers are also setting up a campground for those wanting to hitch up their wagons a day early. Country-lovinﾕ folks will have a rare opportunity to commune over campfires, grub and liquor. Itﾕll be a celebration of all things country! So come on over to Aso, yﾕall! Yee-haw!!