Inspired by large gala-style work functions from my past, some time ago I dreamed up the idea of hosting a glitzy Black Tie Ball in Tokushima for my friends and colleagues. Initially I had wanted to have the event on 7/7 and roll with a glamorous James Bond-esque theme but unfortunately, in Japan, Tanabata Festival is celebrated on this day and all suitable venues were already fully booked! We decided to have the event the following weekend instead (admittedly without realising it was a long weekend!) and contacted the Hotel Clement to book the Grand Ballroom.
Our expectations were a little high to begin with and we quoted the Clement numbers of around 100. We also discussed food and drink packages, entertainment/decoration options and deadlines. Not being able to speak Japanese was a major challenge, but luckily we were able to enlist the services of a trusty friend who helped us along every step of the way!
Next we moved onto marketing the event. We had posters made up, tickets printed and created a facebook page. We invited fellow ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) and our Japanese friends to come along. Unfortunately, by the time our RSVP deadline rolled around we only had 30 or so people interested in attending the event and so with those numbers we went back to the event organisers at the Hotel Clement. They were a little surprised to see such few in attendance, but cheerfully helped us to lock in the details of the night.
At 7pm on Saturday night, we kicked off the event. The Hotel Clement had laid out the Grand Ballroom superbly, making a black baby grand piano the centre-piece to our room. Guests arrived dressed in their finest and everybody looked amazing. The first 20 or so minutes were spent taking pictures, choosing seats and catching up with everyone.
At 7.20pm Lisa and I took to the microphone to welcome our guests and make a few short speeches/toasts. The bar opened at promptly half 7 and our first course arrived soon after. I didn't have the forethought to take pictures of each course - delicious as it was - but here is a rough idea of our menu:
First course: pate square with crisp vegetable slices + fresh bread and butter
Second course: salmon sashimi with fresh salsa and cucumber shavings
Third course: creamy potato soup + fresh bread and butter
Fourth course: baked fish fillet with creamy vegetable salsa
Fifth course: medium-rare steak fillet slices with steamed vegetables and gravy
Sixth course: three-layered sponge cake with fresh fruit slices
Seventh course: coffee/tea
So the drinks were flowing, the food was beautiful and the service was top-notch - next up, the entertainment... Two fellow ALTs kindly offered their musical services to us for the night and wowed the crowd with their performances. Michael played a few songs on the baby grand piano first, followed by Anthony who took to the stage to belt out a few tunes on his bagpipes. Both guys put on quite an impressive show with each finishing their "set" to rapturous applause.
The open bar wound up at 9.30pm and with the event set to close at 10 o'clock it was time for one last round of photos and table-hopping. Lisa and I took to the mic one last time to say our thanks before posing with everyone on stage for what seemed like a million group photographs.
Overall the night was a raging success. Everyone had fun, everyone looked gorgeous, the food was sublime, the drinks kept coming and the staff at Hotel Clement did everything they could to ensure the night went smoothly. I had a fabulous time and I can't wait to attend again next year - just remind me not to try organising it second time round!
The table settings at Tokushima Black Tie Ball
From L-R: Me, Danielle, Lisa, Ashleigh and Sam
Striking the quintessential Japanese pose with Takuya
Michael playing a few songs on the Baby Grand Piano
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