A note from the Sad Day for Kumamoto Desk (we have much tissue): Charlie Nakatani is a Kumamoto fixture. He owns a western-themed bar off of Shimotori (Good Time Charlie, グッドタイムチャーリー, 下通１丁目７−２４) and, perhaps more importantly, organizes the Country Gold music festival, AKA “promise day” (約束の日), which has been held at the Aspecta venue in Aso each autumn for 30 years.
Kumanichi (sweet how the article refers to him as “Charlie-san”) reports that, sadly, this year’s Aspecta festival (10/20) will be the last. A quote from the article: “In 2003, when Kumamoto Prefecture decided to eliminate financial support to Aspecta in line with reform of the national special corporation laws, Charlie-san and others gathered signatures nationwide to enable survival of facilities and events. When Minamiaso Village was seriously damaged in the quakes, the event was dedicated to reconstruction aid, with donations gathered from the fans given to the village.”
At 82, Charlie-san is no spring chicken. The article notes he intends to continue inviting American country music acts to Kumamoto, but to smaller, indoor venues. I’ve only attended the event once but greatly enjoyed it, though my wife has never forgiven me for making her boot dance. Mark your calendars and, in the meantime, visit his bar with a hearty “arigatou.” The loss of such a great Kumamoto tradition is indeed sad. - William