Japanese Mad Max Meeting

Japanese Mad Max fans in Nagano, Japan

During the week-end of the 18th and 19th June 2005 I had the honour of again being invited to Nagano in Japan, for their 4th Annual Mad Max meeting. Fans from all over Japan gathered at a beautiful lodge in picturesque Nagano to celebrate their love of all things Mad Max.

This year fans were especially honoured to play host to famous Japanese singer, Akira Kushida, who amongst other credits sang the song "Rollin into the Night", which played out over the end credits of Mad Max when the film screened in Japan. An instrumental version of the same song can also be heard during the Japanese version of Mad Max. Akira put on a brilliant live performance of many songs that whipped the fans into a frenzy, and would later include an encore performance of "Rollin into the Night" where yours truly was honoured to sing alongside Akira. A definite highlight of my visit and one that I will never forget. Akira during his long career actually recorded the theme songs to many famous Japanese children's television shows.

During the meeting fans participated in a fantastic, well supported Mad Max trilogy inspired costume parade (Max, The Goose, Fifi, Johnny the Boy, Sprog and Grease Monkey all in attendance), placed excited bids during a totally Mad Max themed auction and held many a boisterous group discussion about the films. All this while devouring a delicious dinner and man do these fans love a beer or two and know how to party!!!!

Outside the meeting house the carpark played host to dozens of bikes including several Goose and Toecutter replicas, a Goose inspired Drag Bike, a replica of Max's 4 door Interceptor, and many other Mad Max themed motorcycles including Bubba Zanetti's ride and some bikes that had been painted in the famous yellow, blue and red colours of the MFP. These bikes/vehicles had to be seen to be appreciated. One "Goose" replica even had nitrous oxide on tap if required!!

A huge Thank You must go to both Satoshi Mamada (www.madmax-jp.com) and Tomikyo Shiraishi who along with their ever willing staff put on an unforgettable, well organised week-end in an always friendly fun filled atmosphere. I for one can hardly wait until next year!!

– Tim Ridge (Nutter)