Terry Ito Column Vol.38 My only celebrity friend

I received an incredible LINE message from a friend living in Paris, along with a photo of the beautiful night view of the Eiffel Tower. "Terry, you can stay at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Previously, only the Eiffel family was allowed here. The restaurant inside is also wonderful. I prefer to see it from the outside, though. Please come to Paris! I know Mr. Eiffel, and I'll introduce you." It was a dreamy invitation. I had no idea that the Eiffel Tower was named after him. And even more so, that you can stay at the Eiffel Tower. I don't think it's mentioned in many tourist guides. I wonder what it would be like to stay at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Listening to chanson music while overlooking the Paris night view below, sipping champagne that I can't drink. Naturally, I'd like to dress up in a tuxedo. And I'd love to have a beautiful Parisian woman by my side. My dreams just keep expanding.

Even so, European social circles remain as glamorous as ever. France faces difficult social challenges such as immigration issues, high unemployment, and rising prices, but celebrity culture, art, and fashion are deeply rooted in people's lives and are the object of admiration, which is something I envy.

I haven't actually been to Paris in over 40 years. I'm a complete stranger, but I'm sure I'll never get another chance like this again. It's a dream invitation, and I'd love to visit the "City of Lights," ideally around next spring. I'd love to see Eiffel's face and learn about its history. I'd also like to see some rare photos from that time. Ideally, I'd like to take a photo with the Eiffel Tower. If I go to Paris, I'd like to climb Montmartre Hill and paint an oil painting, pretending to be an artist. I'd also like to visit the grave of poet Arthur Rimbaud, whose grave I've loved since my student days, in Charleville. I'd also like to at least visit the home of Alain Delon, the leading man of the century who passed away recently. I've completely gotten off topic.

As for my celebrity friend, he's coming to Japan soon. He doesn't say he's coming back. My friend is Japanese, of course, but he's lived in France for a long time and travels the world regularly, so he must have an international sensibility. I'm jealous. I feel ashamed that I've been in Japan for so long, and that Tokyo is the only place I can go. Okay, now is the time to act, while I'm still confident in my stamina. First, I want the Dodgers to win, and then I'll clear my schedule for a trip to New York, hoping they'll face the Yankees in the World Series. It might not be a bad idea to watch the Dodgers win thanks to Shohei Ohtani's performance, and then use that momentum to fly to Paris. But how much would such a luxurious trip cost? Even though the dollar has weakened recently... I looked it up on my computer... No, this way of thinking is wrong. It seems like I'll never be able to break into celebrity society.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry