Sunday, November 1st

The modern media would have you believe that Michael Jackson is no longer with us. Those who attended this year’s Children’s Halloween Party know better. In a room packed with 100 boys and girls, mothers and fathers, and oji-chans and oba-chans, MC Nathan Bryan donned his red leather Thriller outfit and proved that the King of Pop has a few moves left in him.

Though the weather outside was headed for the worse, Sunday November 1st saw the Kobe Club Ball Room play host to a motley crew of ninjas and witches, pumpkins and princesses, a bevy of flora and fauna, and even the occasional superhero. The afternoon featured a grand buffet spread with a selection of finger foods fit for royalty (or those dressed as such).

With bellies filled with Pizza and Hot Dogs, our ghost and ghouls gathered around the main stage to listen as Marist Brothers International School teacher Mr. David Alexander told the tale of ”The Ghost with One Black Eye”. Mr. Alexander ensnared his listeners with a lively voice for each character, and shook the audience as he delivered the final twist to the tale. MC Nathan Bryan provided a real-time, equally colorful, Kansai-ben translation. Sorry Tokyoites, Jacko doesn’t do Hyojun-go (standard Japanese).

Sufficiently thrilled and chilled, it was time for everyone to get on their feet and warm back up with a round of games. In a scene reminiscent of Sports Day at Hogwarts, witches and wizards divided up into teams and took part in a slew of competitions. I would be disqualified from fatherhood if I didn’t mention the huge smile on my 10-month old son Kai had as he ran (aka. was dragged by his father) down the course. Other events included Musical Chairs, and Smash-the-Pinata. Not to be forgotten was the father-daughter Armless-Eating competition. Let me assure you it is a true spectacle to see a stage full of grown men having their faces viciously stuffed with pie by an army of blindfolded princesses.

Overall, the event was a tremendous success, and a pleasure to attend. As always, many thanks go out to the staff of the Kobe Club.

- Eric Brueggemann: