December 2020 INTOUCH Magazine by Tokyo American Club

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DECEMBER 2020

INTOUCH

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Let It Snow Piste-loving Members on the joys of Japan’s slopes

DECEMBER 2020

DEMYSTIF YING WINE + FORGING HISTORY + D OWNTOWN WORKO UTS

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Contents 18

NISEKO HANAZONO RESORT

As Japan’s ski resorts open for a season without international visitors, four Members explain why they’re itching to hit the slopes this winter.

LE ADER SHIP

DIGE ST

AGENDA

TANIA VICEDO

INDEPTH

29 After growing up in an international setting in Africa, Member Reiko Saito reveals the thrill of rekindling those halcyon days at the Club.

CU LT U R E

NIHONBA SHI

WINE

FO CU S

TO THE P OINT

A newcomer to the world of parries and lunges, Member Kendrick Liu’s only regret is not picking up a saber and mask earlier.

COMMUNITY

WELLNE SS

VOICE

HIGHLIGHTS

E S C APE

KAYO YAMAWAKI

FINDING MY Z AMBIA IN TOKYO

COVER IMAGE OF NISEKO MT RESORT GRAND HIRAFU IN HOKKAIDO BY GLEN CLAYDON

DECEMBER | 1

P OWDER PURSUITS

TOKYO AMERIC AN CLUB

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

INTOUCH

Representative Governor Michael Alfant (2021)

Editor Nick Jones

First Vice President Jesse Green (2020)

editor@tac-club.org

Second Vice President Alok Rakyan (2021)

Assistant Editor Owen Ziegler

Secretar y Kenji Ota (2021)

Designer Kohji Shiiki

Treasurer Michael Benner (2020)

Designer Clara Garcia

Governors Jeffrey Behr (2021), Trista Bridges Bivens (2020), John Flanagan (2021),

Production Administrator Yuko Shiroki

Anthony Moore (2020), James Mori (2020), Tetsutaro Muraki (2020),

GENERAL MANAGER

Catherine Ohura (2021), Heidi Regent (2021), Christina Siegel (2020)

Anthony L Cala

Statutor y Auditors Koichi Komoda (2020), Paul Kuo (2021) Parentheses denote term limit.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERS Business Operations Wayne Hunter

CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Business Suppor t Lian Chang

Compensation Anthony Moore Culture, Community & Enter tainment Miki Ohyama (John Flanagan)

DIRECTORS

Finance Joe Moscato (Michael Benner)

Acting Food & Beverage Suranga Hettige Don

Food & Beverage Jim Weisser (James Mori)

Recreation Susanna Yung

House Douglas Hymas (Kenji Ota)

Member Services Jonathan Allen

Human Resources John Y. Sasaki (Tetsutaro Muraki)

Membership Mari Hori

Membership Misuzu Yamada (Trista Bridges Bivens)

Finance Naoto Okutsu

Nominating Ray Klein

Facilities Toby Lauer

Recreation Bryan Norton (Christina Siegel)

Communications Shane Busato

Risk Control Sam Rogan (Catherine Ohura)

USA House & Nihonbashi Satellite Club Opening

TAC Nihonbashi Task Force Ginger Griggs

Nori Yamazaki

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Dean Rogers (Jesse Green)

CONTRIBUTORS

Parentheses denote Board liaison.

Writers

SUBCOMMITTEES

Haruno Akiyama

Community Relations Hideki Endo

John Flanagan

Frederick Harris Gallery JoAnn Yoneyama

Reiko Saito

Golf Charles Postles

Michael Van Zandt

Squash Richard Kenny

Photographers

Swim Nils Plett

Donna Beeman

Wine & Beverage Michael Van Zandt

Glen Claydon Yuuki Ide Taro Irei Irwin Wong Noriyuki Yamamura Kayo Yamawaki Illustrator Tania Vicedo

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All prices referenced in INTOUCH exclude consumption tax.

2 | INTOUCH

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LEADERSHIP

Returning the Club to Financial Health WORDS JOHN FLANAGAN IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

his year’s coronavirus pandemic has proved to be perhaps the Club’s greatest challenge since World War II. The crisis exposed the Club’s Achilles’ heel—its event and meeting business—and left a financial hole that needed to be filled. This service generated more than ¥200 million in profits last financial year and accounted for 31 percent of the Club’s positive cash flow. But when gatherings stopped taking place, this revenue stream dried up. The Club was left without its primary means to cover the negative cash flow generated by its dining and recreation areas, whose 2019 losses amounted to ¥268 million and ¥55 million, respectively. With a deep bench of financial experts from which to draw, the Board of Governors put together a team of Members and management to tackle Club costs. This team successfully identified a path to help the Club remain financially solvent, bar any worsening of the pandemic or other calamities. But with the Club’s private event business far from healthy, we needed to find new revenue streams. That was the mission of the New Revenues Task Force, which kicked off in August. Like all Members, I care deeply about our Club and I wanted to do my part. So I approached the Club’s former representative director, Michael Alfant, offering to lead the task force. The group of 45 volunteer Members focused on value-enhancing ideas that wouldn’t negatively impact Members’ Club experience. After much discussion, 18 enthusiastic souls proposed 19 revenue-generating schemes. Following a review and vote, the task force presented nine proposals to the Board at its September meeting. Since some proposals do not require Board approval, such as projects to support the Club’s event business, these are being acted on separately. The Board reacted positively and held an online vote in October. Five ideas were most favorably received: an organic foods subscription service for both Members and the public; a more robust, open-to-the-public online store; the creation of an endowment fund; a fashion licensing concept; and outsourcing CHOP Steakhouse to a top restaurant chain. Once the new Board makes its selection, the task force and management will gauge the feasibility of each idea and, if appropriate, launch them. After the upheaval of this year, it’s hoped these opportunities could bring some stability and prosperity to 2021.

“LIKE ALL MEMBERS, I CARE DEEPLY ABOUT OUR CLUB AND I WANTED TO DO MY PART.”

John Flanagan is a Club governor and chair of the New Revenues Task Force.

DECEMBER | 5

D I G E ST E D I TO R

Let’s Show Our Appreciation

Snow Struggles

WORDS JOHN Y. SASAKI

If you run a ski resort, there’s one thing you simply can’t do without: snow. It would be like an ocean-less beach resort. For many of Japan’s winter destinations, that’s exactly what happened last season. December’s snowfall in Hokkaido was the lowest since records began in 1961. By January, officials in the city of Sapporo struggled to find enough of the white stuff for its world-renowned festival of snow sculptures. Meanwhile in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, when slopes would normally be packed with whooping skiers and snowboarders, the town had a mere 2 centimeters of snow. The death blow to the season arrived in the form of a global pandemic in early spring. Some resorts never made it to the summer. In February, the owner of a ski field in Fukui Prefecture’s Katsuyama filed for bankruptcy, the latest casualty in an already-declining industry. While Niseko in Hokkaido has become a shining example of how foreign investment and marketing can change the fortunes of an area, plenty of resorts around Japan continue to suffer from low snowfall, shorter winter seasons and a domestic market that peaked in the 1980s. Just as Japan residents this year have been able to rediscover parts of the country that had become honeypots of foreign visitors, so the coming months will offer powder hounds a chance to explore emptier slopes. In this month’s cover story, “Powder Pursuits,” four Members share what they relish about Japan’s ski scene. But for how much longer?

NORIYUKI YAMAMURA

COMMUNIT Y

This year has been a difficult one for the Club and Members, but it’s been even more so for our employees. Let’s do something special for them during this holiday season! With the support of the Board of Governors, the Human Resources Committee is coordinating a number of employee appreciation initiatives this month in expressing our thanks. Our employees are the heartbeat of our community and have been unwavering in their support of the Club. Please see how you can show your appreciation through the dedicated page on the Club website. And the next time you see an employee doing something around the Club for the benefit of Members, let them know that you appreciate their efforts. A simple thank you, or even remembering their name, can go a long way. Small gestures matter. John Y. Sasaki is chair of the Human Resources Committee. C O N N EC T I O NS

DONNA BEEMAN

Sale Success

After a year of uncertainty and upheaval, shoppers were out in force at last month’s International Bazaar. The annual, Connections-organized sale, which ran from November 8 to 10, raised nearly ¥4 million for local charities. It also saw almost ¥20 million in sales, surpassing last year’s figure. “The joy that this event brought to our community—local vendors, shoppers, volunteers and staff—made the planning, preparations and hard work so worthwhile,” says Connections President Heidi Regent. The Club group supports a number of local nonprofits through its sales, charity drives and other fundraising efforts. Turn to page 31 to see photos from the event. NJ

6 | INTOUCH

L I B R A RY

From the Shelves propriate books. Only after starting secondary school was I able to venture out to other public libraries. Reading was a way for me to travel beyond the confines of small-town life.

KAYO YAMAWAKI

Which genre do you most enjoy? I love reading novels, especially contemporary and historical fiction. Since moving to Japan, I have also become interested in Japanese and Asian literature. I enjoy getting to know other cultures through fiction by native authors.

Stefanie Rueller

At the end of a year that has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people around the world reading for pleasure, Member Stefanie Rueller discusses her own relationship with the written word. What was your favorite childhood book? Frederick by Leo Lionni was my favorite book when I was little. I loved the drawings and the message still sticks with me. Seemingly lazy Frederick spends his days daydreaming while the other mice are busy gathering food and supplies. Only during the dead of

winter does everyone realize the value of Frederick’s “collection.” His storytelling brings back memories of warm days and bright colors. What inspired your love of books? My mother was an avid reader and would spend every minute she could spare with her nose in a book. I grew up in a small German town and access to reading material was quite limited. The sole library was run by the local Catholic parish and only opened on Sundays after service. I had soon consumed its entire selection of child-ap-

What are you reading now? Currently, I am reading Moshi Moshi by Banana Yoshimoto. I love that it takes place in Shimokitazawa, a local neighborhood I frequent for shopping or a leisurely coffee. When were you last unable to put down a book? The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischwili. In the mold of the great Russian novel, this book packs an impressive 1,280 pages in the original German. Haratischwili follows eight generations of a Georgian family from the Russian Revolution to the beginning of the 21st century. The characters are complex and the history fascinating—a perfect novel to read while forced to stay home during a pandemic.

S PA

Body Pampering

PHYTOMER

The ubiquitous mask might have shifted the skincare conversation to above the neck this year, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the rest of your body. In fact, a visit with The Spa’s therapists might be just what’s needed to keep the stresses of 2020 at bay. For all of December, book a body wrap or Dermalogica back skincare treatment and take 20 percent off the total price. For full-body sculpting wraps from ¥10,400 and cleansing back therapies from ¥8,800, The Spa’s skincare specialists are here to have you looking and feeling your best well into 2021. OZ

DECEMBER | 7

Experience the atmosphere and hospitality of Ginza

Create Resilience in Your Company Half-day practical skill-building workshop conducted by experts

As soon as you enter Sushi Sugawara, you are greeted by an ambience that is completely different from the outside world. Sugawara, the owner and chef, serves pure edomae-style sushi, and creates each piece with the utmost care and delicacy. It’s no surprise that the restaurant is the preferred destination for diplomats and international VIPs.

Sushi Sugawara 3F Kaneroku Building, 8-7-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo A private room is also available for two to four guests. For reservations, please e-mail or visit our website: customer_service@sushi-sugawara.com  www.sushi-sugawara.com

All profits go directly to REI



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Learning. Love. Laughter. Small and intimate, in a leafy garden area only five minutes from Tokyo American Club, St. Alban’s Nursery provides each child with opportunities for learning and self-discovery in a safe, structured, loving environment. We welcome English-speaking preschoolers of all nationalities and cultures, and we focus on individuality to offer each child a wide choice of activities based on the Montessori method. Large enclosed outdoor playground Parents welcome at all times

3-6-25 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 Tel: 090-6480-4542 | Email: gilma.yam@gol.com www.saintalbans.jp

NEW HITOMI DENTAL OFFICE AKASAKA Akasaka Royal Plaza 2F, 2-13-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

D I G E ST SAFET Y

WINE

Handrail Hygiene

Bubbles and Baubles WORDS HARUNO AKIYAMA

CLARA GARCIA

IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

Members can now hold on tight and enjoy the ride on the Club’s escalators. Thanks to the new, high-tech handrail sanitizers on the two sets of Formal side escalators, passengers no longer need to worry about where to place their hands. The self-powered Clearwin devices use ultraviolet-C LED technology to eliminate 99.99 percent of harmful germs, including coronavirus. The ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lamps, which kill microorganisms by destroying their DNA, operate in combination with regular cleaning by the Club’s professional housekeeping team. Which means no more unsteady balancing acts when traveling between Club floors. NJ E V E N TS

TARO IREI

Spectacular Celebrations

A year to forget calls for a celebration to remember. From pandemics to politics, there’s plenty to leave behind and start anew in 2021—and no better place to do it than at the Club. With first-in-class facilities and service second to none, the Club’s event planners have the know-how to make your year-end bonenkai or company shinnenkai the talk of the town. Party packages begin at ¥11,000 per attendee and feature free-flow drinks and an array of international cuisine and Club signatures. Let the Club turn a tumultuous 2020 into a prosperous new year. Contact 034588-0308 or banquet@tac-club.org today. OZ

With its celebrations of year-end bonenkai, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year, December is definitely the month of cork-popping fizz. According to the Guild of Sommeliers, 22 percent of all champagne sales for the year are in December. Of course, sparkling wine isn’t all about that famous French region. If you’re looking for something different to uncork this season, why not try these three great-value bottles of bubby from The Cellar? Made from Chardonnay grapes in the eastern French region of the Jura, Philippe Vandelle’s Crémant du Jura Brut (¥2,650) offers gentle bubbles and hints of apple and citrus. Pleasant and smooth. Gruet’s Blanc de Noirs (¥3,250) is a medium-sweet, elegant sparkler from New Mexico. A blend of 75 percent Pinot Noir and 25 percent Chardonnay, its red berry aromas give way to fine bubbles and a creamy mouthfeel. Staying in the New World, Krone’s Borealis Cuvée Brut (¥2,900) is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and a fine example of how impressive South African bubbly can be. Elegant and creamy. Whatever you choose to fill your glass, happy holidays! Haruno Akiyama is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee. For the month of December, receive a 10 percent discount on purchases of at least three bottles of any of these recommended Cellar wines.

DECEMBER | 9

AG E N DA

Events in December

Documentary Screening: Tokyo Legacy Of all the historical eras that shaped m o d e r n To ky o , t h e t u r b u l e n t 1960s hold the greatest appeal for Member and History Channel executive John Flanagan. “Tokyo was actually a very, very dangerous place back then,” says Flanagan. “There were lots of protests [against the Japan-US security treaty], with tens of thousands of students clambering at the walls of

the Diet building and threatening the very government.” That is just one of dozens of epochal episodes covered in the History Channel’s Tokyo Legacy, an upcoming documentary charting the movements and moments that gave rise to the vibrant megalopolis that is today’s Japanese capital. The documentary, which features archival footage, includes interviews

with economists, businesspeople, athletes, architects, scholars and diplomats. At this special screening ahead of the program’s airing later this month, Members have the opportunity to enjoy the documentary free of commercials, followed by an exclusive Q&A session with Flanagan. “ Tokyo has faced so many challenges that threaten its very soul and then makes these big comebacks,” says the Club governor. “The theme [of the film] is really Tokyo’s resilience and how it always bounces back.” OZ  6:30–8:30pm  Manhattan I & II  Free  Details online

Open your heart and larder this holiday season. Through December 2, Connections is accepting donations of rice, canned foods and pasta to benefit Tokyo’s Second Harvest Japan food bank.

Spread a little Christmas magic this month. Pick up a gift tag written by a youngster living in a Salvation Army children’s home in Tokyo and return your gift by December 11 to ensure they wake up with a smile on Christmas Day.

Make your list and check it twice because Santa Claus is coming to town. Wish-list templates available at the Recreation Desk, Library and Member Services.

Second Harvest Food Drive

 Through December 2  9:30am–5pm  Connections Office  Details online

10 | INTOUCH

Be an Angel

 Connections Office  Details online

Letters to Santa

 Through December 7  ¥700  Details online

Tomokazu Ihara

TAC Talk: Tomokazu Ihara Tomokazu Ihara seemed like the last person who would join a workplace treadmill challenge. By his own admittance, he was a stressed-out, overweight sluggard. His bosses at the sporting goods company where he worked in Tokyo thought the competition was just what he needed. Surprising everyone, Ihara won it. But it was his next endeavor that led to a complete life transformation. After seeing a poster for a 15-kilometer forest race in Nagano in 2008, he signed up. To prepare, Ihara accompanied his colleague to Mount Takao on Tokyo’s verdant outskirts. “It was like thunder in my head,” he

Season of Giving: Celebrate with Style Zarny Shibuya shares his inspiring story from child refugee to acclaimed fashion designer at this festive luncheon organized by Connections.  11:20am–1:30pm  Manhattan II & III  ¥6,500 (non-Connections members: ¥9,500)  Details online

says of that first training run along the muddy paths of Takao’s wooded slopes. “The beautiful atmosphere was stunning. I fell in love with trail running that day.” Ihara was soon running in the mountains every week and racking up longer and longer distances. Eventually, he set himself a 100mile (160-kilometer) course from Haneda Airport to the peaks of Okutama and back. He has now completed 56 100-mile races, more than halfway to his century goal. The only finish line to elude him is that of the infamously grueling Barkley Marathons in Tennessee, which he has entered twice.

This month, the 43-year-old running coach will share his metamorphic journey at a Club talk, before hosting an outdoor trail-running clinic for Members on December 18. “At my event in Takao,” he says, “you will experience beautiful nature that could open up another door to your future.” NJ  6:30–8pm  Washington & Lincoln rooms  ¥3,500 (virtual attendance: ¥1,000); guests: ¥4,200 (virtual attendance: ¥1,200)  Sign up online TRAIL-RUNNING CLINIC  December 18  9am–2pm  Meeting point: Takaosanguchi Station  ¥3,500 (+TAC Talk: ¥5,000); guests: ¥4,200 (+TAC Talk: ¥6,000)  Sign up online

2 & 16

Members of the Club’s Toastmasters group polish their public speaking and leadership skills at monthly sessions of personal development.

Youngsters make new friends and pick up a lifelong love of reading at this inspiring session of children’s tales. Runs every Wednesday.

 12–1:30pm  Manhattan I (December 2); Washington & Lincoln rooms (December 16)  ¥2,200  Sign up online

 4–4:30pm  Children’s Library  Free  Ages 2–6

Toastmasters Luncheon

Wednesday Storytime

DECEMBER | 1 1

AG E N DA

Perrier-Jouët Champagne Dinner Savor more than 200 years of winemaking history at this evening of premium French champagne and paired dishes of seasonal cuisine.  6:30–9pm  Manhattan I  ¥18,000  Members only  Sign up online

Friday Night Live Special Bid adiós to a year to forget at a colorful evening of live flamenco music and dance with talented cantaor singer Keisuke Arita.  6:30–8pm  New York Ballroom  ¥4,000 (guests: ¥7,260); walk-ins (if space): ¥5,500 (guests: ¥8,360)  Details online

4, 11 & 18 Art Attack

Grab your brush and ready your wells for this three-part series of artistic inspiration featuring instruction from the creative maestros at Artbar Tokyo.  4–6pm  Activity Room  ¥10,500  Ages 9–14  Sign up online

Festive Feasts at the Club

4–6

1–25

Find Christmas gifts and potential heirlooms among this exclusive selection of strands, brooches, earrings, pendants and more from Sanwa Pearl.

Let the Club take care of the cooking this holiday. Visit the Club website to order your Christmas spread of turkey and trimmings for delivery or pickup.

 10:30am–7pm  Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms  Details online

 Details online

Pearl Sale

Youth Toastmasters Club Youngsters pick up tips on public speaking, debating and engaging an audience from members of the Club’s own Toastmasters group.  2–3pm  Brooklyn II & III  ¥1,000  Ages 10–18  Sign up online

6 & 13

Gingerbread Man Workshop Decorate your own gingerbread man and gingerbread Christmas tree with the whole family at this holiday season curtain-raiser.  11am–4pm  Brooklyn II & III  ¥2,100 (guests: ¥2,520)  Details online

12 | INTOUCH

Holiday Catering

1–25

Festive Flavors Get your fill of lobster bisque, crab cocktail and your choice of three entrées during this monthlong, multicourse celebration of yuletide eats.  American Bar & Grill, Traders’ Bar  ¥7,900  Details online

24–25

Christmas Favorites Recreate the family feasts of your childhood with a smorgasbord of maple-glazed ham, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted butternut squash and a ho-ho-whole rotisserie chicken.  Rainbow Café, Café Med  ¥9,680  Details online

24–25

Holiday Tapas Skip the cookies and milk and treat yourself to some seasonal tapas complemented by a selection of Club sommelier-curated wines.  Vista  Details online

24 & 25

Christmas Celebration It’s a feast to feed Santa’s whole workshop. From herb-roasted turkey and barbecue pork ribs to green bean almondine and yule log cake, there’s something for everybody on the naughty and nice list.  11am–2pm & 4:30–8pm  New York Ballroom  Adults (food only): ¥6,800; adults (food + twohour, all-you-can-drink beverage package for ages 20 & above): ¥9,600 (wine upgrade: ¥10,100); juniors (ages 13–17): ¥4,400; kids (ages 4–12): ¥2,200; infants (ages 3 & under): free  Details online

26–27

Holiday Classics After the presents have been opened, take the whole family to Rainbow Café for all the seasonal favorites they can stomach.  Rainbow Café  Details online

Share snippets of your home culture and holiday customs with other Connections members at this casual get-together.

Kids (big and small) enjoy a day of festive fun with Christmas-themed games, prizes and plenty of holiday spirit.

Culture Connections

 10am  Manhattan III  Free  Connections members only  Details online

Cocktail Connections Kick back at a fun, year-end evening of happy-hour drinks and mingling at the Club’s watering hole.  5–7pm  Traders’ Bar  Connections members only  Details online

Winter Reading Challenge The Library’s perennially popular reading challenge returns for another session of wintry reads, page-turning competition and spectacular prizes.  Through January 20  Library  Free  Ages 2–12  Details online

TAC Talk: Paul Martin The former curator of the British Museum’s Japanese arms and armor collection delves into all things katana, Japan’s famous samurai blade. Martin discusses the future of sword making in Japan on page 14.  6:30–8pm  Washington & Lincoln rooms  ¥1,500 (virtual attendance: ¥500); guests: ¥1,800 (virtual attendance: ¥600)  Sign up online

11, 18 & 25

Winter Garden Melodies Solo pianist Kaori Hayashi provides a soothing start to the weekend with classical and modern arrangements.  6–9pm  Winter Garden  Free  Details online

DIY Comic Book Club Kids craft their own comic book with the Library’s Drew Damron. The creative fun continues every second Saturday of the month.  11:30am–1:30pm  Teen Connection  ¥2,000  Ages 6–14  Sign up online

Christmas Bonanza

 10am–3:45pm  Gymnasium  Adults: free; children (ages 2–14): ¥2,000; walk-ins: ¥2,500  Details online

Camp Discovery: Winter Edition When the temperature drops, Camp Discovery’s days of games, crafts and counselor-led fun are just heating up.  Session 1: December 21–25; Session 2: December 28–30; Session 3: January 4–8  Ages 3–12  Sign up online

Nihonbashi: Tradition & Modernity

Tour the bustling streets of Nihonbashi, the home of the Club’s soon-to-open satellite facility, and experience its intriguing blend of Edo-era culture and modern-day architecture.

Kids kick off the weekend with a book-inspired morning of magic, adventure and laughs.

Saturday Storytime

 11:30am–12pm  Children’s Library  Free  Details online

 Connections members: ¥1,500 (non-Connections members: ¥1,650)  Details online

Meet and mingle with other Connections members at this final get-together for the year.

Gallery Exhibition: Sword Culture The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Sword Culture hosts an exhibition of traditional sword craftsmanship. Read more about these hand-forged blades on page 14.  Through January 12  Frederick Harris Gallery  Details online

Tochigi Sake Tasting An evening of top-shelf sake paired with a four-course meal to thrill nihonshu aficionados and gourmands alike.

Coffee Connections

 10am  Connections members only  Details online

Coming up in January 9

Seven Lucky Gods Walking Tour

 6:30–8:30pm  Manhattan II & III  ¥6,500 (guests: ¥7,800)  Details online

Usher in good luck for 2021 during this tour of temples associated with Japan’s seven gods of good fortune in the fascinating Tokyo districts of Yanaka and Ueno.

 10am–1pm  ¥500 (guests: ¥700); ages 11 & under: free  Sign up online

Book Lovers’ Group The Club’s bibliophiles mull Stuart Russell’s groundbreaking Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control at this final meetup of 2020.  11am–12:30pm  Vista  Free  Sign up online

Show & Tell Jamboree Ages 6 to 9 build confidence while learning how to wow a crowd at this afternoon of games, music and selfesteem-boosting activities.  2–3pm  Brooklyn II & III  ¥1,000  Sign up online

Ryogoku: Sumo’s Mecca Explore the Tokyo area of Ryogoku, with its famous sumo arena and museum and an Edo-era lord’s stunningly manicured garden.  Details online

29–31

Norikura Winter Wonderland Make the most of Japan’s winter sports season with a weekend of backcountry and downhill fun in the Southern Alps and a stay at Northstar Alpine Lodge.  Details online

DECEMBER | 13

I N D E P T H | CU LT U R E

Paul Martin

Call of the Blade

A telltale symbol of Japan, the katana sword endures today as a model of Japanese craftsmanship and dedication. WORDS OWEN ZIEGLER IMAGE IRWIN WONG

o thermometers. No gauges or timers. The swordsmith relies only on his own finely honed senses to heat the raw steel. “As they say historically, ‘To the color of the solstice moon,’” Paul Martin says. The former curator of the British Museum’s Japanese arms and armor collection and current trustee of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Sword Culture may not be a swordsmith himself, but he’s keenly aware of the idiosyncratic methods necessary to craft katana blades. “You could write a book telling people how to make swords,” Martin says. “But if you don’t have the direct teaching, you’re going to be missing something. Those intangible skills could be lost.” For a millennium and then some, Japanese swordsmiths have passed on

14 | INTOUCH

those carefully nurtured skills to each subsequent generation. Their ranks have certainly thinned since the age when samurai faced off against one another, but they and their exquisite wares survive to this day. “Ten years ago, there were about 300 licensed swordsmiths,” he says. “Today, it’s about 200.” One problem, explains Martin, who leads a presentation and discussion on Japanese arms and armor at the Club on December 9, is that there’s hardly any profit to be had in swordsmithing today. However, some still see the beauty in a katana’s curve (“like the drooping branch of a willow tree”) or are drawn to it through a background in martial arts. “It’s not a lucrative business,” Martin says of those who still devote themselves to a life at the forge. “It’s more of a calling than anything else.”

A fully assembled sword like the ones to be displayed at the Club this month are the product of more than just one master swordsmith. Individual artisans each craft the pommel, the intricate guard and the scabbard housing the blade. There’s even a separate school of blade polishing that requires its own training and tutelage. “Most Japanese craftsmen focus on just one craft,” Martin explains. “If you try and become a jack-of-alltrades, the level [of artistry] decreases quite rapidly.” It all seems to defy logic: scores of artisans laboring over a single blade in the modern age, all to craft an implement of war that no longer has a place on the battlefield. Perhaps there is some truth in legendary 17th-century samurai Miyamoto Musashi’s enduring words: “The sword has to be more than a simple weapon. It has to be an answer to life’s questions.” TAC TALK: PAUL MARTIN  December 9  6:30–8pm  Washington & Lincoln rooms  ¥1,500 (virtual attendance: ¥500); guests: ¥1,800 (virtual attendance: ¥600)  Sign up online GALLERY EXHIBITION: SWORD CULTURE  December 15–January 12  Frederick Harris Gallery  Details online

INDEPTH | NIHONBA SHI

Architectural rendering of the Nihonbashi Club fitness center

Perfect Fit

Member Jim Fink explains why working out at the new Nihonbashi Club’s fitness center will be more pleasure than pain. WORDS OWEN ZIEGLER

ext month, the seminal bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron turns 44. That might put the Mr Olympias and Mr Universes of the film a bit past their primes, but even they might turn up for one more workout were they to see what Jim Fink and the rest of the TAC Nihonbashi Task Force have planned for the upcoming satellite facility’s fitness center. “We really went through a very thoughtful process to select the equipment both in terms of what types of equipment and which manufacturers,” says Fink. “We were able to buy newer models than those installed in the Azabudai Club.” When the Nihonbashi Club opens in the spring, Members will be welcomed by four workout-specific areas: a stretching section with mats, rollers and exercise balls; a cardio space with

stationary bikes, treadmills and rowing machines; a plated machine zone; and a noise- and vibration-dampening floor space for free weights. While the Nihonbashi area will be roughly half the size of the Azabudai Fitness Center, Fink insists that this is a case of big things coming in a small package. “[We] were adamant that it be a real, fully functional, multipurpose kind of gym where anyone could f ind a good way to work out,” he says. “Our assumption is [the fitness center] would probably see peak usage at 20 people, but it has many more than 20 stations.” Since the space on the sixth floor of Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower was originally built to code for office use, the locker rooms had to be waterproofed, the air-conditioning system upgraded and plumbing laid under a new floor.

The result, Fink says, is a streamlined experience for Members: check in, get changed and work out. “[The design] is simple,” he says. “After people have used it once, they’ll know exactly how to move through it efficiently.” Fink sees the fitness center as a perfect addition to life in the heart of the Nihonbashi neighborhood. Perhaps Members will pop in for a calorie-burning treadmill session followed by breakfast at the adjacent lounge and restaurant. Surrounded by office complexes, the Nihonbashi Club is well situated to cater to anyone who prefers to fit in a workout during lunch breaks or make a beeline for the bench press right after quitting time. Following all the task force’s work to make the fitness center a home for light joggers and iron pumpers alike, Fink plans to be at the head of that queue. “I can’t wait to see all the equipment when it’s brand-new, including some of those big, heavy plates,” he says. “I’m looking forward to being one of the first people to test them out.” NIHONBASHI: TRADITION & MODERNITY Explore Nihonbashi’s intriguing blend of old and new on this Connections-organized tour.  December 14  Half-day tour  Details online

DECEMBER | 15

A DV E RTO R I A L

Driven by Excellence Heisei Hire is a limousine service that stands above

f you’re looking to go to, from or around Tokyo in comfort, luxury and style, there’s nothing that rivals a limousine service. And an undisputed leader in the industry, with a wellestablished track record and a wealth of experience, is Heisei Hire. The company is dedicated to providing its customers with a supremely luxurious experience. This starts with having a fleet—which includes spacious, comfortable Toyota Alphards and elegant Mercedes-Benz models—that can meet the needs of all customers. And as Shota Nakazawa, chief executive officer of Heisei Hire, added, the company is always adding new cars to their lineup, according to demand: “If a big customer wants to ride a Ford, we buy it to serve.” A HIGHER STANDARD But of course, the drivers behind these vehicles are a key component to making Heisei Hire’s service outstanding. The company maintains a staff of about 185, and they have all been painstakingly trained before they started driving customers. In addition to focusing on safe driving skills and developing a deep geographic knowledge of the greater Tokyo area so they can navigate without relying on GPS systems, drivers also refine subtler

elements of etiquette, such as how to walk and bow. As a part of their training, they even visit five-star hotels to observe how their staff provides service. About 40 percent of the company’s chauffeurs are bilingual—some are even native English speakers—and most are college graduates. In addition to their diverse fleet of vehicles and highly trained chauffeurs, Heisei Hire is also known for their flexibility. They are a Gold partner with the Blacklane service, and also work with other third-party companies such as Uber. In addition, they are continuing to develop a dispatching system to make the car reservation experience even easier for customers. As Nakazawa explained, the company can handle jobs large and small: “We can dispatch black cars on short notice—within 10 to 20 minutes—and we can dispatch more than 100 cars at one time. We once dispatched 127 cars for the royal family of Saudi Arabia. We are willing to take on any challenge, and have successfully executed missions that other companies might have found impossible.” Heisei Hire offers service throughout the Tokyo area, and as long as a drive starts or ends in Tokyo, they can go anywhere in the country.

SAFETY FIRST Of course, in the new normal, it is crucial for a limousine service to provide a ride that is both luxurious and safe. As Nakazawa pointed out, Heisei Hire takes a wide range of measures to ensure the highest levels of hygiene. When any of their cars returns to the company’s garage, after they are cleaned they are treated for 10 minutes with ultraviolet-C light, a disinfectant that kills viruses and bacteria. Then, throughout the day, ioncluster devices—similar to those used by the Tokyo Fire Department for their Covid19 ambulances—installed inside each of the vehicles eliminate viruses. Chauffeurs wear face masks all the time and only leave the garage after doing temperature checks, and cars are equipped with antiseptic solution for customers to use. With their winning combination of global standards in chauffeuring and exacting Japanese standards for hospitality, and their dedication to ensuring their customers’ safety, Heisei Hire is a clear choice when it comes to limousine services in Tokyo.

03-6627-5998 (Service in English) www.tac-heisei.com

SERVICE PRICE LIST (excl. tax) Trial Package  ¥100,000 (one time)  15-hour trial Type A  ¥400,000/month  60 hours per month/No distance limit Type B  ¥500,000/month  80 hours per month/No distance limit Type S  ¥1,000,000/month  No limitations in hours or distance* *Applicants for a Type S contract must go through a screening process.

INTOUCH

INDEPTH | WINE

Michael Van Zandt (right) at September’s North American Wine Battle

Uncorking Wine for All

With its indecipherable tasting notes and terms, wine can sometimes appear impenetrable. The Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee is working to change that. WORDS MICHAEL VAN ZANDT IMAGE YUUKI IDE

ine can sometimes seem a little baffling and out of reach. That’s largely because of the odd snooty sommelier or wine snob you might encounter at a restaurant or event. If you do run into a wine stiff neck, simply describe whatever it is that you’re drinking as “complex.” If they badger you to expound further, casually swirl your glass by the stem, stick your nose deep into the vessel, take an audible snort and declare, “Complex, definitely complex. Marsupial… yet pouchless.” I find that usually confuses people enough that they leave you alone for the rest of the evening. Thankfully, most folks interested in wine are pretty downto-earth and just like to find out other people’s thoughts on particular wines. Over the last couple of years, the Wine & Beverage Committee has been working to make wine more accessible at the Club through various events and

education strategies. It’s been about getting more Members to engage with wine—and one another—through tastings and dinners. We also plan to categorize our future events, with each one branded according to a different event series (Learner, Explorer and Connoisseur). Members will then be able to quickly check the series of the event, refer to the definition and decide whether to participate. Of course, every event we put on is easy to enjoy, whatever your level of wine interest and knowledge. I remember attending a blind tasting at the Club back in 1998. I knew very little about wine at the time, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of a fantastic evening. It was a replication of the so-called “Judgement of Paris” in 1976, when Steven Spurrier, an English wine importer, organized a blind tasting of Napa and Bordeaux wines. To the surprise of the wine world, California won in each category.

The date I took with me to that event a little over 20 years ago eventually become my fiancée and remains my wife today. Perhaps it’s the tannins that have kept us together all these years. My two favorite wines from the evening turned out to be a Château Mouton Rothschild and a Shafer Hillside Select. I was convinced that both were French and was shocked to learn that my standout (the Shafer), with its typical Bordeaux “complexity,” was, in fact, from the New World. So began my exploration of wine, helped by a four-year repatriation to the California wine region of Sonoma with my company at the time. As we look forward to a gradual reopening of the Club, with fewer social distancing measures at events, I hope that we can help more Members begin and continue their own fulfilling wine journeys. Michael Van Zandt is chair of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.

DECEMBER | 17

I N D E P T H | FO CU S

Powder Pursuits With Japan’s famous powder returning to ski resorts around the country, opportunities abound for adventure on emptier slopes. WORDS OWEN ZIEGLER

his winter, nearly 17 meters of snow will fall on the slopes of Niseko’s resorts in southwest Hokkaido. At Nagano Prefecture’s Hakuba 47, it’ll be 12 meters of the fresh stuff. At the Gala Yuzawa resort, just a 90-minute bullet train ride from central Tokyo, 15 meters of all-natural powder will coat the trails. Such totals (last season’s snow shortage not withstanding) are what draws hordes of powder hounds to the country each winter. Only this season, the vast majority of those international visitors won’t be allowed into Japan.

Hakuba 47, Nagano

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If there’s any silver lining to the coronavirus crisis that continues to grip the world, it’s that Japan, still relatively unscathed by the pandemic, offers stellar opportunities for domestic winter sports experiences, without the glut of foreign tourists. Look and ye shall very likely find deals unheard of in pre-pandemic times. That leaves just one major issue unresolved: what are you to do with all the untouched powder you’ll find? Fortunately, four snow-obsessed Members have plenty of tips for how to spend your wintry getaways.

OFF THE BEATEN SLOPES

MnK Niseko

Europeans are usually no strangers to top-class ski resorts, but Wolfgang Bierer immediately noticed the difference between the slopes of his home and those of Japan when he stepped off the ski lift for the first time nearly 15 years ago. “Of course, the big topic is snow quality,” says the German native, who has been skiing since childhood. “It’s really super powder [in Japan], which I think is just due to [the fact] that overall it’s mainly dry in the winter.” What does this mean for an experienced skier in a country that will be without a large portion of its expected snow sports enthusiasts? A tremendous opportunity for off-piste skiing. “I really like Shiga Kogen [in Nagano Prefecture because] it combines several ski areas together,” Bierer explains of venturing off groomed trails into untouched powder. “We could really make a whole-day round trip, which is very nice.” Accessing Bierer’s favorite resorts is also far from a hassle. He prefers to ship his skis via one of Japan’s famously efficient (and reasonable) nationwide courier services, so there’s no need to fiddle with rental measurements or suffer through ill-fitting gear at the resort, he says.

Wolfgang Bierer

In fact, it’s such a breeze to ski all around the country that Bierer already has multiple trips planned with his family this season—a clear sign that he’s not going to let this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity pass him by. “It’s just awesome skiing in Japan,” he says.

Niseko, Hokkaido

DECEMBER | 19

I N D E P T H | FO CU S

DAY-TRIPPER

You don’t have to head off the groomed slopes to make the most of Japan’s famous powder. Instead, like Member and longtime skier Christa Wallington, it can be about the total experience—on and off the slopes—that really makes any trip to the mountains worthwhile. “Norikura, Shiga Kogen and Hakuba are my main [destinations in Nagano], but there is more of a familiar atmosphere at Furano [in central Hokkaido],” says Wallington, who grew up skiing in the majestic Austrian Alps. “People are friendly. People would talk to you on the lifts. You don’t get those sorts of aspects that much in other ski resorts in Japan.” For Wallington, who’s more accustomed to Western-style ski resort towns with bars and restaurants open long into the night, it can be tough to find a similar après-ski experience among Japan’s relatively more sedate resorts. However, the proximity of the mountains to the capital can make a day trip to world-class slopes more than feasible. “You can get out to Gala Yuzawa [in Niigata Prefecture] and you can ski for the whole day, have an onsen [hot-spring bath] and take the shinkansen [bullet train] home for dinner,” explains Wallington. “I do that with girlfriends a few times a year.” “To me,” she adds, “that’s so special.”

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

For some, nightlife conditions can be overlooked if the skiing itself is up to snuff. Eddie Guillemette counts himself among those numbers. Though raised in the relatively flat American Northeast, the Member now calls Hokkaido’s Niseko region home for a good part of every year.

Eddie Guillemette

“I love the winter conditions,” says Guillemette, who joined the Club this year. “It’s this weird intersection of great powder snow, not high altitude and not particularly cold, relative to, like, Toronto or many parts of North America.” To take advantage of those uniquely perfect circumstances, Guillemette has found a similarly all-purpose activity: splitboarding. Simply, a splitboard is a snowboard that can be separated into two ski-like parts for climbing up slopes. It’s what enabled Guillemette to trek up (with the help of guides) Hokkaido’s famous Fuji lookalike, Mount Yotei, before snowboarding through the freshest of fresh powder all the way back down. “That was the hike of a lifetime,” says Guillemette of splitboarding up Yotei’s face thanks to a single-way skin spread over each ski. “It’s about a five-hour hike up and about 45 minutes down. Just absolutely amazing.” A property developer in the Niseko area, Guillemette has felt the crunch from the dearth of overseas activity this year. However, he knows best that with equal crisis comes equal opportunity. “We’re in a wave right now for sure,” he admits. “But you know, we do get inquiries and actually sold a few properties this year. The fundamentals are pretty good.” Just like the powder.

UNHURRIED ESCAPES

Christa Wallington and Annette Harling

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Climbing up mountains. Barreling down slopes. Snow sports often come in the most extreme of forms, but not if you ask Member Brian Burns. The California native has done the alpine game in his time, but he’s happened upon a gentler

Niseko Hanazono Resort, Hokkaido

way to appreciate Japan’s wintry landscapes in recent years. “This is exactly what snowshoeing is: it’s hiking in the snow,” he says. Originally a snowshoer in California’s mountainous interior, Burns brought his affinity for a slower pace of winter exploration to Japan, a country more known for its alpine pursuits. Despite the change in locales, Burns always brings his snowshoes and poles along on any destination trip outside Tokyo and urges skiing and snowboarding friends alike to set aside their mounts for an altogether different way to take in their picturesque surroundings. “I tell them, ‘While you’re up there, why don’t you just take one day? Rent snowshoes and just find any place and walk around,” he says. “It’s so easy to prepare for. It’s a shadow of what you’d have to do for skiing.” Given how much pleasure Burns derives from snowshoeing, why don’t more people try it out? Marketing has something to do with it, he says. With no lifts and snowshoeing resorts on the map, so much more advertising spend goes toward alpine sports. Until that changes, Burns is content to enjoy Japan’s wintry wilderness unspoiled by crowds. “[Snowshoeing] is almost like a different angle of the same picture but with a totally different beauty to it,” he says. “It really does surprise me that more people don’t do it.”

Brian Burns

NORIKURA WINTER WONDERLAND A Connections-organized weekend of winter sports fun in the mountains of Nagano.  January 29–31  Details online

DECEMBER | 21

S P EC I A L S P O NS O R E D S EC T I O N

Now Is the Time for Niseko Long-established company sets the stage for a perfect winter getaway

reaming of empty ski slopes, deep powder and first-class food and accommodation this winter? The upcoming season is a unique moment for the Niseko resort area. With restrictions on international travel, never before have so many residents of Japan turned their thoughts to nearby destinations and many are discovering the remarkable charms that lie in wait for the domestic traveler. “Setting aside the passport this time and looking for an amazing winter holiday is making many think of Niseko— particularly for its open space, its international vibe and its wide array of standalone, coronavirus-safe accommodations,” said Paul Nikel, president of Niseko-based luxury home builder West Canada Homes (WCH). “It is a unique moment to visit the resort and

experience it like it was in its heyday. The slopes are likely to be empty, and you will be able to easily book some of our renowned restaurants. Plus, staying in one of our villas is a wonderful option for groups and families: they offer space, privacy and safety in these coronavirus times. A half-day from Tokyo and you are in one of the global powder capitals with amazing days of adventure, views, food and unforgettable experiences.” A 30-YEAR HISTORY Paul Nikel and Russ Lefko, the founders of West Canada Homes, certainly remember those Niseko heydays. They used to show up in the quaint little ski town of Niseko in the early 1990s, having heard the stories of snow, food and onsens. “In those days, we used to drive out from Sapporo where we were living, staying at

small pensions and sleeping on the floor next to rusty old kerosene heaters while dreaming of the powder awaiting us the next day. Things are a bit different now, and certainly there have been plenty of ups and downs along the way, but we loved the place from the outset and this has never waned,” Paul explained. Leaping forward almost 30 years, Paul and Russ now head three highly successful companies based in the Niseko area: West Canada Homes, the foremost builder of luxury homes in Niseko; West Canada Properties (WCP), a bespoke real estate agency; and The Niseko Company (TNC), which manages the properties and delivers first-class guest and concierge services. Starting with little money and working some gigs alongside their main jobs, in classic startup style, they initially han-

FOUR AMAZING PROPERTIES

TSUDOI thenisekocompany.com/accommodation/tsudoi

HUKARERE westcanadahomes.com/projects/hukarere

A stunning recent addition to the portfolio, this lavish sixbedroom house will take your breath away. It offers nearly 800 sqm of space, with all the views you could wish for and a Japanese bath. Truly unique, it’s the perfect setting for a Niseko mountain getaway.

Named after the Maori word for “snow,” this property is one of the foremost in the Hanazono area of the resort, just down the road from the newly built Park Hyatt. At nearly 800 sqm it is one of the larger, more spacious homes in the area, with endless spaces for socializing and relaxing. It’s just a twominute drive from the Hanazono ski base, making it a very convenient location for a ski holiday.

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N IS E KO E X P E R I E N C E dled various construction projects around Sapporo. Their first major break in Niseko was in 2002 when they were engaged to manage construction of one of the first buildings of the “new” Niseko era: First Tracks. Hokkaido Tracks, a luxury real estate and vacation rental company, was establishing their business in the area and this was to be their first development. They sought out Paul and Russ’s local construction and design expertise; the fact that Hokkaido Tracks could work with them in English made them unique in the market. This combination continues to be a key element of the value that the guys offer their customers. The business steadily increased in volume as they successfully completed a host of projects and gained personal referrals and recommendations along the way. Their first standalone villa, Higuma, was completed in 2005 and from that time forward the company began to focus on the construction of custom homes. The timing was perfect as the Asian market was beginning to develop a taste for standalone luxury homes. This really set the tone for the next 15 years: during this time they have designed and built an extraordinary array of breathtaking properties in this unique part of the world.

EXTENDING THE BUSINESS The first natural extension beyond the home-building business came in 2005, as a direct result of the construction of Higuma, when the new owners needed a management solution. TNC was born with the express purpose of taking special care of the properties created by WCH and of offering an unparalleled luxury experience for those staying in the area. TNC remains the recognized leader in the provision and management of luxury villas, offering an unforgettable stay experience for a lucky few. A further extension of the business was when the pair began to offer land on which aspiring homeowners could build their amazing homes. WCP was established in 2006 to offer bespoke real estate services with a focus on finding dazzling house sites. Keeping quality in mind throughout, only the right sites are considered and sold. The desire has always been to ensure that WCP complements the home-building business with a supply of excellent plots of land with stunning views. WCH has handled well over 100 projects in the Niseko area and TNC manages more than 35 standalone villas that are available for rent in the Niseko area, ranging from exquisitely luxurious

to cozy and intimate. Quality and attention to detail are built into each property, and they are safe and healthy environments for you, your family, and friends. WCH offers a truly unique portfolio of properties—each one is treasured by its lucky owner, with whom long-term relationships continue to this day. STAY SAFE AND ENJOY Naturally, safety during the pandemic is paramount at TNC. “We have implemented policies in line with the most vigorous in the hotel industry, and along with flexibility in booking terms, this means guests do not need to have any concerns when they choose to stay in one of our properties,” explains Keith Danis, the general manager of TNC. Keith is a housebuilder himself and is now in charge of the management and concierge business. TNC guests can experience a Niseko winter, stay safely in a world-class property built by the best and be looked after by a highly professional team of local experts. This winter presents a perfect opportunity to enjoy Niseko in a villa that offers every luxury along with a comprehensive Covid-19 policy, ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones.

Rental properties ê thenisekocompany.com/accommodation info@thenisekocompany.com ê +81 (0) 136-21-7272 Land and real estate ê westcanadaproperties.com Home building ê westcanadahomes.com

PANORAMA thenisekocompany.com/accommodation/panorama

KOKORO thenisekocompany.com/accommodation/kokoro

A 500 sqm, six-bedroom home looking out from the Hirafu bluff, this has the most enticing living and dining spaces, and looks spectacular from the exterior as well. It has unrivaled views of Mount Yotei and is conveniently located in the heart of Hirafu Village.

Five bedrooms—one with a double bunk setup, and all with en suite and mountain and forest views—make Kokoro perfect for a large group or extended family to call it their Niseko home.

DECEMBER | 23

S P EC I A L S P O NS O R E D S EC T I O N

Winter Is Calling Make the most of Japan’s snow paradise with these three special offers

iseko has long been a favorite destination for snow sports aficionados. Each winter, skiers and snowboarders from around the world converge on what is now the most famous ski resort in Japan. But this year is different. Due to the global pandemic, international travel is at an all-time low. So while the world may not be coming to Niseko this winter, it’s the perfect opportunity

for Japan residents to make the trip. Those who head north will find wideopen slopes, great deals on accommodations and the chance to enjoy the many fine dining options in the area. THE CHOICE IS YOURS Whether you’re traveling solo or in a large group, the sheer range of properties to be found in Niseko is staggering—there are luxurious residences staffed by butlers

and chefs, as well as more down-toearth, cozy homes. And if you’re a novice skier or snowboarder and don’t have your own equipment, there are services that can help you find exactly what you need to enjoy your time on the snow. Without a doubt, there’s never been a better moment to visit Niseko, and the companies listed on these two pages can help you have an experience that you won’t soon forget.

MnK NISEKO In addition to its well-earned powder haven reputation, Niseko is now being recognized for its family-friendly options. TAC families staying with MnK Niseko can enjoy a spacious, Covidsafe vacation home in a managed community with an ondemand shuttle service, a kid’s camp, concierge service, clubhouse, ski school, snowshoe tours and a restaurant. Our EdVenture winter camp provides an English-language experience that features educational activities in the morning, semi-private ski lessons in the afternoon, and a pick-up/drop-off service—so parents can enjoy a full day on the mountain or just relax. With few tourists and skiers on the mountains, Niseko offers a holiday experience with an international flair, cheaper accommodation via the Go To Travel campaign and easy access to amazing local restaurants and experiences that are typically reserved months in advance. Families are our business and we often host groups of families traveling together. Leave everything to us and have an unforgettable winter experience!

www.mnkniseko.com

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Scan the QR code to take advantage of the combined 50% Go To Travel campaign, 10% accommodation and 5% guest services discounts.

N IS E KO E X P E R I E N C E

RHYTHM JAPAN Niseko, Hakuba and Furano are home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the world, which is why it’s so important that your equipment matches up to the hype! Rhythm Japan has a reputation for having some of the best gear around, and we’ve got exactly what you need— whether you’re a beginner or an expert rider, and whether you’re taking on the piste, the powder or the backcountry. We even have stylish items for those who don’t intend to hit the lifts at all. Our premium packages encourage you to swap your gear as the conditions change, and our friendly experts are always on hand to help. Complimentary services include on-site overnight storage, a pickup/drop-off service and for the coming season we are offering the Go To Travel campaign. Our Niseko and Hakuba locations are home to Rhythm & Beans coffee, which is consistently voted the best coffee in town.

www.rhythmjapan.com

Pre-book using this QR code and get 20% off all packages

H2 LIFE For an amazing Niseko or Furano holiday, guests have a terrific selection of accommodations from H2 Life, whose properties come complete with a plethora of services. The attentive H2 Life team is there to meet all holiday needs, from ski lessons and equipment to restaurant reservations, transportation and even customized experiences. H2 Life offers an impressive portfolio of properties that falls into three tiers: the HakuLife Collection, the Luxury Series and the Signature Series. So whether you’d like to stay in a HakuLife Collection property and be pampered by a team of private chefs and butlers, or would prefer a do-ityourself experience while exploring Hokkaido’s beauty and surprises at your leisure, the choice is yours. H2 Life guarantees a sensational experience or they will provide 10% off your next booking with them. When you couple this with their complimentary ¥20,000 per night in AllNisekoPass vouchers, experiencing Niseko or Furano and living the H2 Life has never been better!

inquiry@h2life.com www.H2Life.com

DECEMBER | 25

C O M M U N I T Y | W E L L N E SS

To the Point

The sport of fencing has been described as chess with swords. Member Kendrick Liu would probably agree. IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

he words “en garde” evoke images of swashbuckling adventures and harrowing sword fights, but they just signal the start of a match in a sport that requires athleticism, quick reflexes and a keen intellect. My sons started fencing three years ago in Shanghai, where we found a club that offered the full range of weapons: foil, saber and épée. My older son, Percival, picked saber and my younger son, Gareth, picked foil. In the beginning, we weren’t sure if they would be interested, but they quickly developed a love for fencing, so when we moved to Tokyo, we were delighted to find that the Club offered a fencing program taught by a former coach of the Japanese national team. When you start, you just do basic footwork. My wife thought it would be boring for them, but they took to it right away. They liked the structure and competition and, of course, that swashbuckling aspect was appealing at the start. The boys relished learning a new skillset then applying those skills to challenge other people. But fencing is not just about physical ability. There’s also an intellectual side. You have to strategize and think your way through a match, all at lightning speed. You exercise body and brain at the same time. By total coincidence, a good friend of mine from back in elementary school in the States had fenced saber for a while. He had invited me to join, but I had no real awareness of fencing then and never tried it. But after seeing my sons’ enthusiasm for the sport and learning that there were other parents at the Club in the fencing program, I thought I’d give it a shot and started saber classes in January. Surprisingly, I really enjoy

(l–r) Kendrick, Gareth and Percival Liu

it to the extent that I thought I should have followed my friend’s advice all those years ago. Not only is fencing great exercise, I also enjoy the cerebral aspects. Plus, I get to spend more time with the boys, sharing a common interest. And we’re looking forward to going to tournaments together in the future, especially if we can form a Club team. One aspect of the sport I’ve really come to appreciate is that although it appears extremely tense, you actually have to be relaxed and aware the whole time. A calm mind and a relaxed body allow you to better read your opponent and react faster. In the heat of a match, there’s almost a Zen aspect to it, similar

to other martial arts, where you have to be open to seeing the big picture. Physically, it can be quite rigorous, especially if you’re fencing with someone a third or a quarter of your age. Kids are definitely going to be much faster and more flexible. I am certainly winded at the end of a few matches and feel it the next day. As a bonus, my pants have gotten looser since I started. I’m almost 50, so I was surprised I could do it, to be honest. Fencing might look like a young person’s sport, but I think anyone can take it on and really enjoy it. As told to INTOUCH’s Nick Jones.

DECEMBER | 27

C O M M U N I T Y | R EG I ST E R

Arrivals

Up Close

US A John Carlson & Kotaro Kobayashi AbbVie G.K. Yoshikazu Richard Kawada Kawada Co., Ltd.

AUST R A L I A Nikhil & Deepti Gupte Barilla Japan K.K. Andrew & Maasa Heffernan Colonial Trade Co., Ltd.

FRANCE Christophe & Laurence Vermont AXA Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

US A |

INDIA

Gene & Amy Fujii

Astroscale Holdings, Inc.

Takakuni & Aiko Go

“We moved to Tokyo in January from Washington, DC. Although we have visited Tokyo a few times before, this is our first time living here as a family. Living in a new country with two kids is challenging but joining the Club has made the move a lot easier. We’re looking forward to making new friends and meeting everyone in the Club community.”

AI Investments Ltd.

(l–r) Amy, Gene, Mark and Laura Fujii

Taro & Sayoko Bhasin Morgan Stanley Japan Business Group

JA PA N Masayoshi Fujimoto Sojitz Corporation

Yoshiyuki Kuribayashi Kuribayashi Steamship Co., Ltd. Kenzo & Yukiko Nagaoka EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd. Yasuhiro & Sachi Odajima Aquila Capital Management GmbH Takeshi Okura Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Ichiro & Mikie Ota Geometry Ogilvy Japan G.K. Mamoru Sato Forbo Siegling Japan Ltd. Akira & Reiko Shiraishi EY Strategy and Consulting Co., Ltd.

Departures

B E LG I U M |

Simon Grunberger & Maria Barreto

Grunberger Diamonds Japan Nina Chung & Takashi Kato

Zachariah & Emily Miller

Tsutomu Horiuchi

Shigeru (Sam) & Tomoko Nakane

Justin Hotard & Maureen Ryan

Taisuke Nakane

Shinsuke & Aiko Katayama

Cristiano & Anne Marie Rinaldi

Kosuke Kato

David & Julia Rosenberg

Jonathan Lewis

Noriko Sasaka

“We are a nomadic family who have traveled quite a bit before arriving in Tokyo. After living in the United States for 13 years, arriving at the Club gave us a feeling of being home. The facility is impressive and has so much to offer me as a businessman and for my family’s entertainment. More importantly, the kindness of people always makes you want to come back.”

Jack Mickle & Beth Phelps

Robert Snodgrass

(l–r) Maria Barreto and Emma, Elliot and Simon Grunberger

Festive Fizz Tokyo American Club x Pommery Pop Champagne ¥1,800 | The Cellar

28 | INTOUCH

C O M M U N I T Y | VO I C E

Finding My Zambia in Tokyo WORDS REIKO SAITO ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO

henever I cast my mind back to the old Azabudai Club, I can see myself eating hamburgers and french fries with my kids by the pool in the summer. I also remember getting dressed up to celebrate my father’s birthday in the American Room, the Club’s fine-dining restaurant. Back then, the Club was one of the only truly international environments in Tokyo. It reminded me of my years growing up in Zambia, where we were the only Japanese family in the town of Ndola. My friends were drawn from all over the world: Britain, Ireland, India, Germany, China, the United States and, of course, Zambia. It was a time of carefree adventure. With no cultural barriers (and only one channel on the black-and-white TV), we spent our time exploring and having fun. It was a life-shaping experience and one that I vowed to try and replicate for my own kids one day. When my family joined the Club,

its multinational atmosphere provided echoes of my magical time in Zambia. One of the very first friends we made was a lifeguard at the pool. He quickly remembered our names and helped my children learn how to swim and leap from the diving board. He made us feel so welcome and a part of the community. It was the same whenever we went to the Garden Café, the old Club’s family restaurant. We always shared stories and laughter with one of the friendly servers there. She would bring my children paper and crayons as soon as we arrived, and they were so excited to see her. It became one of their favorite places to visit. Since then, we have made friend after friend among the Club’s large team of employees. Two years ago, my daughter worked as a counselor with Camp Discovery, the Club’s summer camp. The first friends she made were among the Recreation staff, who helped her settle in. While my retired father, who teaches the ukulele at the

Club, is always well looked after by the staff. And for me, as a single mother in Japan, it hasn’t been easy to be calm and confident. But the Club, Members and staff have always made me feel part of a welcoming extended family. Although working and raising kids has had its challenges, thanks to the staff who have helped make Azabudai my peaceful retreat, I am now embracing life at the Club with friends from around the globe. This family of friends is what provides so much value to being a Member. It’s not something you can put a price on or even find anywhere else. During the holiday season, just offering a simple greeting to staff or other Members can go a long way. At the end of a year like the one we have experienced, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate our friendships and recognize what is truly important in life. Reiko Saito is a member of the Club’s Human Resources Committee.

DECEMBER | 29

COMMUNIT Y | HIGHLIGHTS

October 24

Halloween Spooktacular

Costumed families and young trick-or-treaters had a frighteningly fun time at the Club’s annual spookfest of Halloween games, candy, stories and photo keepsakes. IMAGES YUUKI IDE

30 | INTOUCH

November 8–10 International Bazaar

Shoppers picked up unique gifts, handcrafted accessories and home enhancements over three days of this annual sale, which raised nearly ¥4 million for Connections-supported charities. IMAGES DONNA BEEMAN

DECEMBER | 31

COMMUNIT Y | ESCAPE

CLASS

Stunt Choreography

Stuntmen and stuntwomen have been making Hollywood stars look superhuman—while keeping them injury-free—for decades. In this class, students learn some of the secrets of the stunt trade, including body flexibility, spatial awareness, improvisation and fight scene choreography.

INSTRUCTOR

Chuck Johnson

Originally from Michigan, Chuck Johnson is the fight choreography instructor with the United Stuntmen’s Association’s international stunt school. A film industry veteran, he runs his own Tokyo-based stunt team and is adept in numerous martial arts, including taekwondo and capoeira.

STUDENT

Jessica Tappenden

“I especially like learning how to do rolls and falls and to be thrown into a wall without feeling any pain. We also rehearse and film mini fight scenes like you would see in a movie. Not only is it fun, but you learn about acting and how to do cool stunts that will make you proud.”

STUNT CHOREOGRAPHY  Saturdays from January 9  4:30–5:30pm  Activity Room  ¥19,260 (nine classes)  Ages 9–15  Sign up online

32 | INTOUCH

YUUKI IDE

Rolling with the Punches

EURO MERICAN

TAILOR-MADE STYLE Bespoke men’s and ladies’ fashion

suits from $450; blazers from $300; tuxedos from $650; overcoats from $750; trousers from $150; shirts from $69 (minimum of four shirts) Other superfine quality suits from $650 to $3,900

Prices in US dollars (excluding shipping); delivery in three weeks

For trip schedule visit: www.euromerican.com

www.moriliving.com

DECEMBER 2020

INTOUCH

at one of the city’s hottest restaurants. On-site gym and

TOKYO AMERIC AN CLUB

An English-speaking concierge who helps you book a table

Time for an upgrade Time for MORI LIVING

TOKYO AMERIC AN CLUB

Let It Snow Piste-loving Members on the joys of Japan’s slopes

DECEMBER 2020

DEMYSTIF YING WINE + FORGING HISTORY + D OWNTOWN WORKO UTS