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A Japanese billionaire, Kaoru Nakajima, has organized an extravagant birthday party in the Sicilian city of Palermo. The celebrations have taken over various luxurious venues in the city, including the top opera house, theater, and a luxury hotel. The event, which reportedly cost hundreds of thousands of euros, has invited hundreds of guests and features a concert and banquet. The party has divided opinions in Palermo. Some believe that the celebration could provide an economic boost to Sicily, which is one of Italy's poorest regions. However, others are skeptical that ordinary people will benefit from the event and are concerned about the rental of cultural landmarks. Kaoru Nakajima, a 73-year-old eccentric industrialist, accumulated his wealth through his involvement with the US firm Amway, which sells health and beauty products. He has also pursued writing books and music. Initially planned for his 70th birthday, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main event will take place at the renowned Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house and a filming location for The Godfather Part III. The concert will feature Matteo Bocelli, the son of tenor Andrea Bocelli. In addition to the opera house, Nakajima has reportedly booked the Teatro Politeama for a week to accommodate the banquet preparations. The scheduling conflicts caused by the event have affected other concerts, including those by the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra. Nakajima has also reserved all the rooms at the five-star Villa Igiea hotel, as well as additional rooms at the Hotel delle Palme. While some local officials, like regional president Renato Schifani, have expressed satisfaction with the event's potential economic benefits, they also raised concerns about security. Schifani was only made aware of the plans through the press, just days before the arrival of over 1,500 guests, some potentially important figures. Palermo mayor Roberto Lagalla dismissed these concerns as excessive.