Occupation: Sports writer, Kyodo News
Entry to Japan: 15th August 1991
Footballing heroes: Peter ‘the cat’ Bonetti or Gary Nelson (former Brighton supernova!) Greece and former BFC chopper George Eugene Stylianides. WELL ‘ARD!
Supports: Swiss Kickers, KFC, Vagabonds, Charlton Athletic, Millwall and of course Brighton and Hove Albion, Division 2 champions 2001/2
How became BFC member: One-time Esther House neighbour and fellow hedonist Kev ”The Kit” Gray introduced me to the BFC although I had met a few of the players before when I played for the Swiss Kickers. Made my debut as a second-half sub against some Japanese team in about 97 maybe. Never forget it. The opposition walked off the pitch within 10 minutes of my arrival to call an ambulance and the old bill because Sid had retaliated to a foul by beating the granny out of one of their players. An American guy had come down to video the match as part of a documentary on the recreational activities of foreigners living in Japan. I think he probably edited that bit. In fact he probably didn’t even remember it the next day as he got completely bolloxed in Footnik after the game.
Most memorable BFC/Vags moments:
- The above
- Watching George The Greek kick some 2 ft-tall Japanese player into Orbit with the ball nowhere in sight at the Copa Chile a couple of years back. Real horror show! Absolutely the latest, most cynical and painful-looking foul I have ever witnessed. Strangely, he didn’t get booked and the kid got up and started playing immediately.
- Listening to Email King Elliot hurl profanities in Chinese at no-one in particular after a few post-match beers at Tennozu Isle. You had to be there.
- Winning the Highland Games.
- Being Chatted up by a naked bagpipe player after the Highland Games
