In a nondescript commercial building in the city of Kumamoto lies a portal to another world. Open the door to Good Time Charlie on the fifth floor and you'll be whisked away to rural America.
The bar is owned by musician Charlie Nagatani, the 83-year-old leader of Charlie & Cannonballs, who is somewhat of a legend among Japanese — and indeed American — country music fans.
Now more than 60 years into his career, Nagatani, whose real first name is Masateru, has gained honorary citizenship in 33 U.S. states, met two American presidents, been recognized as an official Kentucky Colonel, won awards and medals from various peace and cultural socieities and, perhaps the most prestigious item on the list for a country star, earned membership as a performer at the Grand Ole Opry, the iconic heart of country music located in Nashville, Tennessee.