Bill Hersey’s Partyline August 1985

As much as I dig the ol’ sun, Tokyo’s summer weather’s a bit too much as far as I’m concerned. I’ve been spending the mornings at the Capitol Tokyu pool, drop by the office for an hour to make phone calls or send telexes, then either go over to the Hilton for tennis and a light workout or home to watch videos or to write. Evenings when there’s a party or two I shed the shorts and sports shirts I wear during the day, force myself into a suit and tie, make the rounds, change back into something more comfortable and end up at the Lex in Roppongi, the Moonchild in the Hilton or home for more videos.

Thinking about this, I realize how very lucky I am to have a lifestyle that gives me so much freedom. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve pretty much accepted the fact that I’m never going to be wealthy but, even so, don’t know many people who have a more exciting life than I do. Believe me, I’m thankful for the people, the opportunity to travel and such that make things the way they are for me. But back to what happened in good old Tokyo in August.

Japan’s prima ballerina Yoko Morishita decorated by gov’t

The invitation was in Japanese and, frankly, I had no idea it was going to be such an impressive, grand affair. I’m talking about a huge reception at the Okura honoring Japan’s prima ballerina Yoko Morishita.

Yoko, recipient of many awards all over the world, was recently presented with the Nihon GeijutsSho Award and the Buyo Geijutsu-Sho Award from Tokyo Shimbun.Mansfields welcome daughter Anne and grand-daughter 

People in the huge crowd who came to congratulate her included TIH Prince and Princess Takamado, government officials, diplomats and leaders in the dance world.

Yoko is married to one of Japan’s top male dancers, Tetsutaro Shimizu, and her parents-in-law Masao and Mikiko head the internationally known and prestigious Matsuyama Ballet Company.

In a speech, Prince Takamado, a real dance aficionado, jokingly said he doesn’t think there are many awards left in the world for dance that Yoko hasn’t won. That’s very close to being true and it’s really nice to see she remains a very charming and humble person who continues her devotion to the dance.

The Matsuyama Ballet Company is currently on its third overseas tour with performances in the United Kingdom and Greece. After their return to Japan, they will tour Japanese cities with 14 performances in September and October. Rudolph Nureyev will be guest performer during that time.

Mansfields welcome daughter Anne and grand-daughter 

Egyptian community in Tokyo fetes 33rd National Day

In addition to those wonders, Egypt has the Egyptians, a marvelous, hospitable people who are outgoing and have a great collective sense of humor. Because of these characteristics, they are often called “The Italians of North Africa.” I’ll be talking more about Egypt and her people in a Weekender cover story I’m working on now.

Meanwhile, right here in Tokyo I was able to get together with Egyptian friends and friends of the Egyptians at a reception given by Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Samy Sabet on July 23 to celebrate the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

It was a crowded mid-day reception and once everyone had congratulated the Ambassador and Minister Anis Nemetalla, also in the receiving line, they moved into the residence for a fine buffet of Egyptian food and a relaxed break with their friends and other interesting people. It was basically a stag affair, but once Nadia Sabet, wife of the Ambassador, learned there were a few ladies there, she came to join in the celebration. I’m glad she did as she’s a dynamic, intelligent woman who adds a great deal to any affair she attends.

Daniel Tschudy of Wagonlits Tours paused to tell me he and his wife would be taking their long delayed honeymoon this fall and travel to Egypt. They plan to take the train from Cairo to Luxor, a travel experience Daniel, on behalf of his company, offered me when I went to Egypt last October. I really do want to travel Egypt that way one of these days,

The Sabets’ party was a casual, relaxed affair with everyone there enjoying the mid-day break, perfect for the occasion. Our congratulations.

Int’l friends help Singapore fete National Day

One country that really has been promotional-minded and has had it payoff is beautiful, booming Singapore. On Friday, Aug. 9, I joined Singapore Ambassador and Mrs. Lee Khoon Choy and their many friends at a reception at their home. The occasion was the celebration of the 20th National Day of the Republic of Singapore. Considering the number of people out of the city on holidays, it was a crowded party. The weather that evening was pleasant and everyone seemed to be enjoying the variety of people and the superb buffet of both Singaporean and western foods; many stayed past the scheduled end of the party.

Ambassador Lee and his wife Ah Siam are an outgoing, gregarious couple and have made a lot of friends during their stay here. Four of the couple’s seven children were here, while their oldest daughter and two sons were back home for the holidays. The boys actually attend school in Singapore.

It was good seeing Noriko Ohno of Kokusai Ikebana. She was just back from one of her overseas cultural exchange programs. I also enjoyed seeing several other friends I hadn’t seen for some time and meeting others for the first time. It was a splendid evening in every way, perfect for the occasion.

At the Lex Tokyo