Originally Posted by
jib71
I expect Bill Gates will want to avoid drawing attention if he can ...
I like the area, but I'm kind of surprised that he would want a house there. I can think of nicer - but less celebrated - places. I get why Japanese people think it's special - but I don't suppose Gates cares much about the BCBG brand that comes with the imperial connection etc.
John Lennon spent some time there too, now that I think about it.
I too am surprised. Why Karuizawa of all places? I would understand it if he were married to a Japanese or spent lots of time in Japan, but that's not the case. Unless he's doing it for investment (doubt it) or for a friend/acquaintance. Personally I love Karuizawa. There's something about the atmosphere there that draws me, and there's a European feel with a Japanese twist that can only be experienced in a Japanese resort area.
Btw, I kind of saw John Lennon at a hotel lobby in Karuizawa. Actually I was too little to know who he was and don't really remember it well, but I was with my parents who told me about it.