Real New Zealand, Real Gentleman

My friend Fuji

Quite some time ago a generous donation came in from a Mr. Iwao Fuji, along with a request for more information about “this man Mal”. This was the first of several email exchanges during which I found out that Fuji (“call me that, it’s easier to remember”) runs a small tourism business out of Nelson called Real New Zealand. An ex-rugby player who first came to NZ on tour with his Japanese team, Fuji fell in love with this country, and now makes his living bringing his countrymen over to take part in sporting events such as the Kepler Challenge.

The very cool Sanyo Xacti

A couple of weeks ago I met up for coffee with Fuji as he was passing through Auckland en route to Japan. Before leaving he took a photo of the two of us and I happened to comment on what a great camera he had – the smallest, lightest videocam I’d ever seen, and waterproof – so he immediately offered to pick one up for me in Tokyo. Well today Fuji landed back in Auckland and we met up for coffee again so I could take delivery of said Sanyo Xacti and give him some money. But no, Fuji would not accept even a cent, preferring to make it a sponsored item. Nothing I said would change his mind, so I am now the proud owner of an exceptionally cool and FREE videocam, which will be just brilliant for taking live footage on the tracks during 7in7. Many, many thanks Fujisan. It is a real pleasure and priviledge to have you as a Friend of the Challenge.

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 8:30 pm and is filed under 2009 Blogs, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.