October 18, 2009, Minami Aso - Fans of country music from all over the world gathered at scenic Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture to experience the 21st annual Country Gold International Music Festival. During the event, organized by Kumamoto native Charlie Nagatani, about 10,000 fans enjoyed performances by American headliners Mark Wills, Jeff Bates, Trent Willmon, and other artists. Attendees also had the opportunity to line dance, feast on Texas beef stew, and meet rodeo champion Pepper Fipps (aka “The Unforgettable Cowboy”).

In his opening remarks, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs Mark S. Dieker thanked Charlie Nagatani—an honorary citizen of 33 U.S. states, invitee to the White House, and recipient of the Mansfield Award—for again organizing this year’s event. He also noted that Country Gold, over its twenty-one year history, has brought the United States and Japan closer together. Other guest speakers included Kumamoto Governor Ikuo Kabashima and local Village Mayor Toshiya Nagano.

Hats off to Charlie, the performers, and everyone else who contributed to making this year’s Country Gold such a rompin’ success!