Bill Hersey’s Partyline, February 1987
February, the shortest month in the year, has just about had it and here we are about to head into March. As we’ve all said so many times before, where does the time go?
In March the 21st is Vernal Equinox Day and a national holiday here in Japan. The day is known as Higan, Buddhist temples throughout the country hold special services and people pray for the souls of the departed and pay homage to Although it’s not a national holiday, the 3rd is the Hina-matsuri (Doll Festival) a special day for little girls. You’ve probably already seen the elaborate displays of dolls for the festival set up in the hotel. lobbies around town. There are no holidays on the U.S. calendar for March, but the 4th is Ash Wednesday and our Irish friends celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th. But let’s not jump to far ahead but look at what happened in February in our town called Tokyo.
Amb. Al-Haroun’s glittering Kuwaiti National Day fete
On the 25th of February Kuwaiti Ambassador and Mrs. Abdul Mohsin L. Al Haroun held a glittering reception in their Tange-designed home to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the independence of Kuwait. The ambassador wore his country’s national costume and Mrs. Al-Haroun looked stunning in a black designer dress. The embassy staff had decorated the residence with beautiful fabrics and Kuwaiti handicrafts. Films were shown on a large video of Kuwaiti culture and development and gold-framed photographs of H.H. Shaikh Sa’ad Al-Abdullah Al Salem Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, and H.H. Shaikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, were displayed among huge floral tributes that had been sent my many top Japanese firms for the special occasion.
The more than 300 guests included top Japanese government officials, diplomats and business and education leaders. Once guests congratulated Ambassador and Mrs. Al-Haroun and their staff, they moved upstairs for a Marvelous buffet of mid-eastern and western foods. The Al-Harouns are a popular couple and the guests relaxed and enjoyed the evening, many staying on much longer than the celebration was scheduled for. Our sincerest congratulations to our Kuwaiti friends on that very special occasion.
IN TOWN
Young American actor C. Thomas Howell was in the city to promote the film “Soul Man” for Nippon Herald, and I enjoyed showing him and his actor friend, Darren Dalton, places to shop, eat and enjoy Tokyo’s nightlife. Tommy’s not only one of Hollywood’s best young actors, he’s also a very genuine person and I’m happy to hear he’s already got several new films lined up.
Thomas dropped by the LEX Tokyo to wish Gloria a happy birthday. Tommy told me he had just finished working with the gorgeous and talented Ann-Margret on a film called “A Tiger’s Tale.” Their co-star is a two-year-old Bengal tiger named Valentino. Tommy also said that Ann was just great to work with and every bit as nice as she seems to be.
Australian superstar Paul Hogan was in town to promote his film “Crocodile Dundee” for 20th century Fox. You know by Cork’s review what a great film it is and I really enjoyed meeting Paul and his family. Unfortunately, he had a very tight schedule here, and was truthful when he answered a question about what he felt about Japan at a press conference: “Can’t answer that, as from the looks of my schedule, the only thing I’ll see is the inside of a hotel room, TV studios, a car and the airport.” The man has a great sense of humor and had the reporters with him all way at the press conference.
Catherine Hicks, the young actress who plays Dr. Gillian Taylor in the top-grossing “Star Trek IV-The Voyage Home,” certainly won our hearts at the press conference and later when we were able to get together with her and her mom, Jackie who was with her daughter on the film promo trip for UIP. What a dynamite lady Catherine is and I’m sure you’ll be seeing and hearing much more of her in the future.
