March 2024 INTOUCH Magazine

Queen of Couture

World-renowned designer Yumi Katsura on pushing the boundaries of fashion

COURT CAMARADERIE

IRON AMBITION

CULINARY MAESTRO

Welcome Home Premium real estate for Tokyo living

We don’t just offer places to live, but locations where communities can grow.

Our Homat Series has been offering the best in modern and stylish rentals in prime locations for international residents since 1965.

www.nskre.co.jp/english

We offer a wide range of premium residences, from highrises with sweeping panoramic views, such as the Homat Viscount in Akasaka, to low-rise residences in green and quiet neighborhoods, such as the Homat Sharon in Minami-Azabu. Our continuing goal is to provide highquality housing for expat families living and working in Tokyo’s city center.

As the Club prepares for the opening of its newest restaurant, chef Francesco “Paco” la Monica reveals his culinary philosophy and what he has planned for the third-floor’s 51 East.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Representative Governor Jesse Green (2025)

First Vice President Reiko Saito (2025)

Second Vice President Ginger Griggs (2025)

Secretary Nils Plett (2025)

Treasurer Rune Sølvsteen (2025)

Governors Trista Bridges Bivens (2024), Justin Keyes (2024), Mihoko Manabe (2024), Tetsutaro Muraki (2024), Sam Rogan (2024), Dean R Rogers (2024), Edward Rogers (2024), Nathan Schmidt (2025), Vanessa Thomas—Connections president (2025)

Statutory Auditors Koichi Komoda (2024), Paul Kuo (2025)

Parentheses denote term limit.

CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Compensation Sam Rogan

Culture, Community & Entertainment Matthew Tappenden (Trista Bridges Bivens)

Finance Patrick McLeod (Rune Sølvsteen)

Food & Beverage Mark Spencer (Nathan Schmidt)

House Adam Donahue (Justin Keyes)

Human Resources Ken Cogger (Sam Rogan)

Membership Justin Negrón (Tetsutaro Muraki)

Nihonbashi Geoffrey Bowman (Ginger Griggs)

Nominating Grace Lee

Recreation Shinji Yamasaki (Nils Plett)

Risk Control Ren Kuroda (Mihoko Manabe)

Parentheses denote Board liaison.

GENERAL MANAGER

Darren Morrish

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

Business Support Lian Chang

DIRECTORS

Facilities Toby Lauer

Finance Naoto Okutsu

Food & Beverage Suranga Hettige Don

Human Resources Jason Dominici

Marketing & Communications Shane Busato

Member Services Jonathan Allen

Nihonbashi Noriaki Yamazaki

Operations Thomas Zaleski

Recreation Susanna Yung

INTOUCH

Editor C Bryan Jones

editor@tac-club.org

Communications Manager Nick Jones

Designer Kohji Shiiki

Designer Clara Garcia

Production Administrator Yuko Shiroki

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Phoebe Amoroso

Masami Bailey

Tim Hornyak

Cassandra Lord

Justin Negrón

Anano Sichinava

Photographers

Shane Busato

Clara Garcia

Yuuki Ide

Takumaru Suzuki

Yuriko Terashima

Kayo Yamawaki

Illustrator

Tania Vicedo

ADVERTISING IN INTOUCH

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Cultivating Our Community

WORDS JUSTIN NEGRÓN IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

Members are the Club’s lifeblood . The steady stream of new arrivals through the doors each month provides an important financial resource for the Club while helping to keep our community vibrant and dynamic.

Representing the diverse perspectives among the membership, the Membership Committee oversees the Club’s approach to attracting and integrating these new Members. At the same time, the committee considers how Members would like their community to evolve.

With the Membership Office team handling the mechanics of recruiting new Members and helping them settle in, the committee conducts interviews and screenings and examines everything from recruitment guidelines and procedures to membership categories and entrance fees. It’s a broad purview.

The Membership Office cultivates relationships with many local corporations, international schools and other institutions to ensure a diverse mix of potential Members. And with the recent opening of the Azabudai Hills complex, there are numerous membership and business growth opportunities on our doorstep.

There is no doubt that our membership demographics are shifting. While Members are still joining for our international community, facilities, programs and an environment that supports their interests, the average membership duration between Japanese and foreign nationals is narrowing.

The difference is now half of what it once was, with more longtime, foreign residents joining the Club. There has been less turnover in the membership in recent years as well. All this leads to a greater number of Members fully invested in both their lives in Japan and in our Club community.

Following the upheaval of the pandemic, there has been a steady growth in membership, and the Club now boasts

more than 4,000 memberships. Since borders reopened and visas started being issued again, more expats have been arriving in Japan. And we are seeing an increase in longtime foreign residents and Japanese nationals seeking a hub and community around which to center their personal and professional lives.

“When a place and its community enhance your life, naturally you want to spread the word.”

There is good news from the Nihonbashi Club as well. Marking its third anniversary at the end of this month, the downtown hub continues to draw interest from potential Members, particularly those who live or work in the area. Not surprisingly, the recent adjustment in entrance fees triggered numerous applications ahead of the deadline, and there has been no sign of a slowdown in interest since. The Club is set to reach a milestone of 300 dedicated Members this year.

For all the work of the Membership Committee and Membership Office, close to 60 percent of new Members are introduced by existing Members. They are our greatest ambassadors. When a place and its community enhance your life, naturally you want to spread the word. This is how the Club evolves, steered by the people who care most about it.

Justin Negrón is chair of the Club’s Membership Committee.

Blossoming Ties

The Club’s longtime relationship with Fukushima Prefecture, established in the aftermath of the March 2011 disaster in Tohoku, continues to flourish.

On January 26, a group of Members visited Noda Junior High School in Fukushima, where they heard presentations from students, enjoyed a traditional Japanese school lunch and delivered a fun-filled English language workshop. The next morning, they played games with families at Mikawadai Community Center.

A group of 12 young ambassadors from the town of

Miharu (pictured) then returned the favor on February 10 with a visit to the Club, where they enjoyed an American lunch and met Members. They also played games in English and had a chance to show off their bowling skills.

“Bringing together Fukushima middle school students, their local communities and Club Members fosters friendships and English skills,” says Member Cathy Noyes. “It also nurtures a deeper understanding of our host country, provides new perspectives on culture and enriches our lives in profound ways.” CBJ

Helping Hawaii

After wildfires devastated the Maui town of Lahaina last August, the Club’s Connections group made a ¥600,000 donation through the America-Japan Society in Tokyo to help locals rebuild.

The funds were distributed to the Lahaina Jodo Mission, a 111-year-old Buddhist temple that was destroyed in the disaster, and the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, set up to support recovery efforts.

“There is so much to be done in Lahaina, and the biggest issue at the moment is getting adequate housing for those who lost their homes,” explains Alexander Jampel, Club Member and chair of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH). “Many people are working day in and day out to provide services and shelter and to clean up the devastated area. The work has really just begun.” CBJ

Image: (l–r) Alexander Jampel, bishops Toshiyuki Umitani, Kosen Ishikawa and Clark Watanabe and JASH President Reyna Kaneko

YURIKO TERASHIMA

From the Shelves

Arseny Chuk Besher says he feels like he grew up in the Club Library. A Member since 1974, he got into reading after his father gave him a set of biographies. Now, he’s passing along that love of books to his sons. “It’s hard to win over kids who prefer screen time during breaks, but I’m starting to enjoy some success with the help of [Library manager] Sue [Conolly] and the Library staff.”

What was your favorite childhood book?

It’s hard to choose, but To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee captured my imagination. It’s a story about a father and child fighting against racism and is one of the first books I read in English. As a teenager, I was inspired by the protagonist’s dedication to justice and equity.

Spring Pampering

Shake off winter and spruce up for spring with a little midweek “me time” at The Spa. Swedish, deeptissue, aromatherapy and Sabai hot stone are just some of the treatments sure to ease soreness, increase flexibility and boost your mood. Leap into a new season feeling your best with 15 percent off all treatments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March 31. Contact 03-4588-0714 or spa@tac-club.org to book a pampering. CBJ

What inspired your love of books?

I was inspired by my parents’ love of books. My dad always had books around his bed, and my mother would always take me along to her favorite library. Some books that I came across at the Club Library that I recommend are White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburgh Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and a collection of essays titled Ukraine in Histories and Stories. All these were amazing because they made me learn something new and something about myself at the same time.

What genre do you most enjoy?

I enjoy nonfiction books that teach me about both history and contemporary society.

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience During World War II by Albert Marrin. It’s a book with photos about more than 100,000 Japanese Americans being put into internment camps by the US government from 1942 to 1945. We must learn from history not to repeat it.

When were you last unable to put down a book?

When I was reading Father Returns by Japanese playwright Kan Kikuchi. It’s about a father who returns to his family after having abandoned them. It was interesting to read it in the context of Japanese patriarchy at the time. When I was doing research for work, the Club Library helped me find it within an almanac of plays from the early 20th century.

CLARA GARCIA

KAYO

YAMAWAKI

SPA

Image: Arseny Chuk Besher

A SCHOOL WHERE LEARNING BLOSSOMS

Magnolia Tree Kindergarten and Elementary School at the International House of Waldorf Steiner is dedicated to educating children in the Steiner Method, which encourages students to develop a joy in learning, natural self-discipline, and other inner resources to enrich themselves individually and as citizens of the world. We embrace each child’s unique character and nurture them to become independent, thoughtful, and kind-hearted human beings. Teachers at our school collaborate closely with parents to create a holistic and inclusive learning environment that bridges the gap between home and school and sets the stage for a lifetime of educational development.

4-8-10 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku

03-3400-1593 | ihousewaldorf@gmail.com

www.waldorf-steiner.org

JOIN OUR OPEN HOUSES

Saturday, March 23

1:30pm to 3pm

Forest Children Art & Craft Tea Party

Make watercolor paintings, create felt artwork, see a Waldorf puppet theater, and much more.

Saturday, March 30

1:30pm to 3pm

Explore Mathematics and Our English Curriculum

Step into the enchanting world of Waldorf mathematics and discover our comprehensive ESL program.

Stogie Moment Savior

Mark Twain once said that eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man’s enjoyment of his cigar. Naturally, then, Member Andrew Liu wasn’t going to let a little rain stop a relaxing smoke with a visiting friend.

There was just one problem. The canopy in the outdoor smoking area was not cooperating with his attempts to raise it. Luckily, Nobuhiko Kiuchi was nearby.

“The [third-floor] area is a lot of space to cover for someone on duty there,” Liu says. “I was trying to raise the tarp just outside and Nobu noticed me having trouble. He came to our rescue and, after some effort, hooked the rod in place. By the end, he was rather drenched. I was so grateful and impressed by his unwavering determination.”

Liu felt inspired to recognize the assistant manager in an online Tell TAC. Kiuchi, who has been with the Club for three decades, says he was happy to help.

“I always try to picture myself on the receiving end,” he explains. “If Members are happy, then I am happy.”

Liu has noticed Kiuchi’s hospitality-minded professionalism on many occasions since joining the Club in 2006.

“Nobu is very attentive,” he says, “and our encounter with the rain is an illustration of his conscientiousness and dedication to the core.” CBJ

Members can recognize Club staff by submitting an online Tell TAC through the Club website.

Spring Sidekicks

A glass of fizz shouldn’t be just for the holidays or special occasions. So why not toast Mother Nature’s revival with Schramsberg’s 2020 Blanc de Noirs?

Available at The Cellar for ¥5,400, this is a medium-bodied sparkler, made primarily from Pinot Noir in California. Schramsberg pioneered this style in the United States, and this vintage offers bright, stone fruit flavors, crisp acidity and minimal tannins. Enjoy with nutty cheeses, white fish and pork tenderloin.

Travel up the coast and you reach Oregon, which has built a reputation for producing world-class Pinot Noir. And A to Z Wineworks’ 2021 Pinot Noir (¥4,000) is another winner from the state. With flavors of raspberry and cassis fruits, the wine’s gentle oak aging produces a delicious balance between the tannin, acid and fruit. Pairs well with anything from salmon to spring vegetables.

My final recommended Cellar sipper is Berry Bros & Rudd’s 2020 Good Ordinary White by Dourthe (¥2,400), a zesty—and great-value— Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of gooseberry and lemon peel, a palate of citrus notes and a refreshing burst of acidity. Sounds like the perfect partner to a picnic under a cherry blossom canopy.

Masami Bailey is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.

For the month of March, receive a 10 percent discount on purchases of at least three bottles of any of these recommended Cellar wines.

CLARA GARCIA

Image: Andrew Liu and Nobuhiko Kiuchi

What’s on in

MARCH

2 King of Pop Tribute Show

On stage, Adrián Álvarez bears an uncanny resemblance to the King of Pop—and not just in the way he seamlessly reproduces MJ’s most famous dance moves.

Inspired by the American artist as a teen, Álvarez, who is based in Spain, later developed his own tribute show under the name SacMJJ.

“I know that my mission in this life is to bring the MJ message around the world,” he says.

As part of his Japan tour, SacMJJ will dazzle Members at the Club with his breathtaking choreography of classics like “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Black or White” and “Thriller.”

The performance will conclude with a photo and autograph session.

“This is one of my favorite parts of the show,” says SacMJJ, “because I get to connect with the people.” CBJ

MJ Favorites

Song: “Stranger in Moscow”

Deep cut: “Faces” (an unreleased leaked track believed to have been intended for the album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I)

Dance move: James Brown shuffle and his popping. I love it! Music video: “Ghosts” and “Remember the Time”

Album: Dangerous

• 4:30–6pm (buffet dinner: 6:30–8:30pm) • New York

Ballroom • Details online

1

Italian Happy Hour

Explore Super Tuscans and wines from the island of Sardinia during this monthlong event.

• 5–7pm (All day on weekends)

• Traders’ Bar • Details online

1

1673 Special Offer

Host a business breakfast, working lunch or client dinner in the Nihonbashi Club’s VIP space and receive a dining voucher worth up to ¥30,000. Continues through March 29.

• Details online

1

Movie Night

Club kids enjoy pizza and flicks while moms and dads unwind at this month’s Okinawa-themed First Friday.

• 6–9pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms

• ¥2,750 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,300)

• Ages 5–12 • Sign up online

1

First Friday: Okinawa Night

Immerse yourself in Ryukyu culture, music and food at this celebration of Japan’s southern archipelago.

• 7–9pm • Winter Garden, American Bar & Grill • ¥2,750 (walk-ins: ¥3,850); guests: ¥7,150 (walk-ins: ¥8,250) • Limit: two guests per Member • Sign up online

1–17

St Patrick’s Day at Traders’

Raise a glass to the Emerald Isle while savoring a slow-braised lamb dinner.

• Traders’ Bar • Details online

2

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Candy Workshop

A reading of Eric Carle’s famous story kicks off an afternoon of delicious candy making.

• 2–4pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms

• ¥3,300 • Sign up online

3

Introduction to Squash Club instructor Rico Cheung introduces families to the basics of squash.

• 4:30–6:30pm • Squash Court 1 • Free

• Members only • Ages 6 & above • Sign up online

5 Exhibition: Mitsuru Yamazaki

During the Edo period, volunteer firefighters, known as machibikeshi, protected Japanese towns from frequent fires. Among them were the tobi, construction workers whose dexterity and knowledge of building design helped them quickly reach high areas to battle flames. Their heritage lives on in today’s shobodantai volunteer fire brigades, but their numbers are falling.

Artist Mitsuru Yamazaki has made preserving this important cultural legacy his life’s work. For nearly half a century, he has been depicting these heroes.

“I want to leave a record of this tradition through my paintings,” explains the Kuwasawa Design Institute graduate, “and I hope a new generation of tobi will inherit and expand this wonderful tradition.”

Yamazaki will unveil an exhibition of his paintings at a reception at the Frederick Harris Gallery on March 5. CBJ

Moment I realized I wanted to become an artist.

It was when I was in third grade and my drawing of Tokyo Tower won a special award in the Minato drawing competition for the second year in row.

What I would tell my 20-year-old self.

Study the basics and techniques of sculpting and use your experiences and emotions as a base for your art.

My perfect creative environment.

A large studio where I can create the large sculptures and paintings that I have always dreamed of. I’d also like to try creating works overseas. Artist, living or dead, I’d most like to share a meal with. Michelangelo.

• Through April 1 • Frederick Harris Gallery • Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online

6 & 20

Toastmasters Luncheon

Hone your public speaking and presentation skills at regular meetings of the Club’s cohort of Toastmasters.

• 12–1:30pm • New York Bridge (March 6); Washington & Lincoln rooms (March 20) • ¥2,420 (guests: ¥2,900)

• Sign up online

6 & 21

Ladies’ Squash Clinic

Learn the fundamentals of squash or give your game a boost with Club pro Rico Cheung.

• 9:30–11:30am • Squash Courts 1 & 2 • Free • Sign up online

8

International Women’s Day Luncheon

Connections welcomes speakers Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and fashion designer Yumi Katsura (more on page 22).

• 11:30am–1:30pm • Manhattan II & III • ¥9,000 (guests: ¥10,000) • Sign up online

8

Cub Scout Meeting

Elementary school kids are introduced to the exciting world of Scouting through the Clubsponsored Pack 51.

• 7–9pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • Details online

14 & 26

Squash Night

Connect with fellow players at casual evenings of games on the second Thursday and final Tuesday of each the month.

• 5:30–7:30pm • Squash Courts

• Details online

19

Nihonbashi Chef’s Table

Enjoy an intimate dinner of gourmet cuisine and wine pairings presented by the Club’s culinary creatives.

• 6pm • American Room (private dining room) • ¥15,000 (guests: ¥18,000) • Sign up online

22

Embassy Nights: Olé España

Cultural exchange between Japan and Spain dates back to 1613, when the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa sent Hasekura Rokuemon Tsunenaga on a diplomatic mission to meet King Philip III in Madrid.

More than 400 years after the two countries established links, the Club kicks off a series of embassy galas with a spectacular evening of Spanish culture and cuisine.

Organized in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy, the black-tie event features a multicourse dinner of Iberian classics, prepared by the embassy’s resident chef, with exquisite Spanish wine pairings.

Meanwhile, talented flamenco dancer Ken Nagata and a troupe of fellow bailaores and musicians will stage a performance of the art form most associated with Andalusia in the south.

“Flamenco taught me to be honest with my feelings and inspiration and to express them all with passion, which is sometimes difficult in Japanese society,” Nagata says.

The evening will also include performances of a very different kind, as a venenciador demonstrates the art of sherry pouring and pianist Azumi Nishizawa provides a live soundtrack to accompany a projection-mapping “tour” of Spain. CBJ

• 5:30–10pm • New York Ballroom • ¥20,000 (guests: ¥25,000) • Adults only • Sign up online

29

Nihonbashi Third Anniversary Celebration

The Club’s first-ever satellite hub has come a long way since it opened its doors on March 31, 2021. In just three years, Tokyo American Club Nihonbashi, with its cozy ambience and iconic design, has become a welcome retreat for Members living and working in the area.

“We have also built a strong connection with the local community through our outreach programs and relationship with [developer] Mitsui Fudosan,” says Geoffrey Bowman, chair of the Club’s Nihonbashi Committee. “We even have our own festival hanten jackets that Members can wear during community events. We have come a long way in three years!”

As another birthday rolls around, Members from both clubhouses are invited to celebrate the milestone with an evening of live music, buffet eats and all-you-can-drink libations. You might even win a prize or two. And as the vibrant lights of Nihonbashi shine through the night, keep the celebratory vibes going at the after-party. CBJ

• 7–9pm • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • Members: ¥7,700 (walk-ins: ¥8,800); guests: ¥9,900 (walk-ins: ¥11,000) • After-Party: 9–10:30pm • Members: ¥2,640 (walk-ins: ¥8,800); guests: ¥3,300 (walkins: ¥11,000) • Sign up online

23

Show & Tell Jamboree

Ages 6 to 9 build confidence at an afternoon of games, music and self-esteem-boosting activities.

• 1–2:30pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • ¥1,000 (guests: ¥1,200) • Sign up online

23

Youth Toastmasters Club

Youngsters pick up tips on public speaking and how to engage an audience.

• 3–4pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • ¥1,100 (guests: ¥1,320)

• Sign up online

25

Book Lovers’ Group

The Club’s band of bibliophiles swap book recommendations and literary thoughts at this monthly get-together.

• 11am–12:30pm • CHOP Lounge • Free

• Details online

26

Cocktail Hour

Budding mixologists learn how to craft the perfect Amaretto Sour, a delicious blend of Italian amaretto, bourbon, bitters, syrup, lemon juice and egg white.

• 5:30pm • Muromachi Bar • ¥2,200 • Members only • Sign up online

28

Hanami Dinner Cruise

Members take in Japan’s famed cherry blossoms from a traditional yakatabune boat in Tokyo.

• 6:30–9pm • Details online

31

Spring Splash-A-Round

Club kids celebrate Easter with an aquatic egg hunt and inflatable thrills.

• 3–5:30pm • Sky Pool • ¥2,200 (guests: ¥2,750) • Ages 5–12 • Sign up online

Check the Club website for the most up-to-date information on events and programs.

KAYO

YAMAWAKI

Bring It On Home

IREA’s English-speaking real estate agents help clients nd their perfect properties

There may be no better time than now to buy a property in Japan. But the domestic real estate market comes with significant challenges. When compared to other developed countries, the processes involved in real estate transactions here can be complicated and opaque. This, compounded with the language barrier and cultural differences, can make foreign investors and would-be property buyers feel skeptical and uncertain.

This is why having someone in your corner is crucial. IREA, which is backed by more than 20 years of experience, is an agency that offers invaluable expertise, trustworthy service and excellent results.

What makes IREA stand out is the quality of its agents, who can assist in determining the market price of a property, buying income or residential properties and finding the ideal rental. Guided by three key values—transparency, trust and professionalism—they combine a keen understanding of the Japanese real estate market and its dynamics with a personal touch that helps them build lasting relationships with their clients.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

IREA’s agents come from diverse backgrounds, with overseas experience that gives them deep insights into the concerns of foreign clients. One is Rukiye Tohti, who

“BUYING IN JAPAN CAN BE CHALLENGING AND STRESSFUL FOR FOREIGNERS, BUT I’M HERE TO MAKE IT EASY WITH THE RIGHT INFORMATION AND PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.”

has been a real estate agent since July 2021. A native of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tohti has been an entrepreneur, a hotel manager in her hometown, a sales manager for a travel agency in Istanbul and a member of a business development team that was tackling social problems, such as women’s poverty.

Her cross-cultural experience, ability to listen carefully to what her clients need and dedication to providing them with support throughout the propertybuying process has led to a long string of successes. This includes helping a couple from Florida who wanted to make a quick decision on a property purchase during a short visit. After listening closely to their needs, Tohti was able to share a range of options that they narrowed down to one—a luxury tower mansion in Yotsuya. Needing to return to the States, they left the final transactions to her. She also arranged for a renovation company to do some work on the property, which the couple was thrilled to have as their new vacation home in Japan.

Tohti explains that she understands the challenges people from overseas face.

Rukiye Tohti

“Buying in Japan can be challenging and stressful for foreigners, but I’m here to make it easy with the right information and professional assistance. My passion has always been to help people in any way I can.”

THE EXTRA MILE

Naomi Fukuda, who has been a real estate agent for five years, shares the same passion. Her overseas experience includes extensive travel for a position at JTB and later as the Japan PR director for Australia’s Tourism Northern Territory. And she is one of IREA’s most decorated agents. When she was a RE/MAX agent last year, she was the top seller out of about 400 agents between January and September 2023. Fukuda is also a licensed financial

planner, which enables her to provide detailed financial advice.

As a keen observer of global financial trends, she recommends that would-be buyers purchase a property with a high market value. And although the yen is very weak and the real estate market is quite hot now, she thinks that prices could still rise. Fukuda also points out that the homes she recommends to clients who are buying residences or vacation properties and not planning to stay in Japan long term are very different from those she suggests for people who intend to live in Japan for the rest of their lives.

She has a wealth of repeat and referral clients who have appreciated her willingness to go the extra mile. A case in point

“IF SOMEONE CHOOSES ME TO BE THEIR AGENT, I WILL DO MY UTMOST TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS.”

is a Japanese American man from Seattle who had family in Japan. He had made a trip here to look for a property but couldn’t find what he was looking for. Later, finding the property online, he asked Fukuda to pay it a visit. She later showed it to him over a Zoom call and he knew that he had found the right one. While the client was able to visit the property in person at one point, he couldn’t be in Japan to sign the purchase contract or officially take over the property. Fukuda served as his representative during the entire process and eventually flew to Seattle to meet him at T-Mobile Park during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to deliver the keys to his new home.

As she explains, it was all in a day’s work. “I love doing things for the well-being of others. If someone chooses me to be their agent, I will do my utmost to achieve the best results.”

To contact Fukuda or Tohti through WhatsApp, scan the following QR codes:

Naomi Fukuda

070-8437-4182

nfukuda@r-amistad.com

Rukiye Tohti

090-4931-9988

rukiye@r-amistad.com

To browse IREA’s property listings, visit: https://realestate.co.jp/irea/en/forsale/listing

Naomi Fukuda

Seasonal Sips

WORDS C BRYAN JONES IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

As spring peeks around the corner of the Nihonbashi Club’s Muromachi Bar, bartender Masaru Moribe presents three refreshing cocktails for March in homage to nature’s reawakening.

Tokyo Calling, he says, is inspired by the beauty of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms as the city throws on its ephemeral cloak of pink and white hues, while Pisco Sour features a fermented grape juice produced in winemaking areas in Chile and Peru at its core, and Blueberry Nights blends gin with blueberry purée, lemon juice, lavender bitters and egg white for an aperitif like no other.

While the cocktail trio is available for longer than the duration of Tokyo’s sakura show, you’ll still need to be quick to try them all. CBJ

Muromachi Bar & Lounge • Tokyo Calling (¥1,210), Pisco Sour (¥1,100), Blueberry Nights (¥1,430)

Image: (l–r) Pisco Sour, Blueberry Nights and Tokyo Calling

ITALIAN WITH A TWIST

As he prepares to lead the Club’s newest dining spot, chef Francesco “Paco” la Monica shares his philosophy for blending tradition with modern flair.

WORDS PHOEBE AMOROSO

IMAGE YUUKI IDE

Image: Chef Francesco “Paco” la Monica

Preparations are in full swing for a spring of inspired Italian flavors as the Club unveils its newest restaurant, 51 East. Opening in April in the space formerly home to CHOP Steakhouse, 51 East will serve modern American-Italian cuisine.

Heading the kitchen is Francesco “Paco” la Monica, a native of Savona, in northwest Italy, where his family has been running a restaurant for 70 years.

“I was basically born in a kitchen,” he says.

The 32-year-old chef has built up a wealth of experience at renowned restaurants globally, including the critically acclaimed Noma in Denmark and Gaggan in Bangkok. He talks to INTOUCH about his kitchen passion and what he’s cooking up for the third floor’s new culinary destination.

What first drew me to Japan was the snow because I am a snowboarder. I came here for the winter season in Nagano. Once the season was over, I started to travel around the country and saw that the people were very interested in and open-minded about food. I also felt that they were very kind, and the place was safe. That’s why I fell in love with the country and decided it would be a good place to settle down.

“My biggest philosophy is respecting the ingredients.”

Working at Koks, the most remote two-Michelinstar restaurant in the world, was incredible. Due to the latitude, it’s almost completely dark in winter and completely bright in summer. The restaurant is only open during summer, and we foraged for ingredients. There were very few vegetables that we could use, so it was mainly wild herbs.

The focus really was on the fish. The seafood in the Faroe Islands is amazing. The fishermen would bring live langoustine, crabs and lobsters to the harbor, and we’d go every morning to pick up the fresh catch. I got to work with such beautiful produce. I learned a lot about fish, fermentation and aging. With that climate, it’s hard to always work with fresh vegetables, so aging, salting and drying are very common techniques there.

But the experience that most shaped my approach to cooking was my time at Satoyama Jujo in Niigata. It’s a ryokan with one Michelin star that makes a kind of kaiseki cuisine using only local produce. That’s where I met Keiko Kuwakino. She became one of my mentors. She’s a self-made chef, which is something I highly respect. She taught me things that I could never have learned in cooking school or in kitchens with chefs who just trained in other famous restaurants.

I learned how to treat the produce in a certain way, especially vegetables. I also learned how to respect the people and be friendly with everybody. It was a team made up almost entirely of women, so everyone was very kind. They created a good atmosphere while also working

very hard. Before, I had some experiences in Michelinstar and high-end restaurants that were a little bit tough, but it’s thanks to this place that I realized how beautiful it could be working in the kitchen if you love the team and love the people.

My biggest philosophy when it comes to cooking is respecting the ingredients. So my priority is to bring fantastic produce to 51 East. I want to source good meat and cook it in a way that respects its properties, so not using too many sauces, for example. I also want to respect my Italian roots and the tradition of American-Italian cuisine. Aside from that, I always try to be very receptive to guests’ feedback. I’m always happy to hear what they’d like to have.

For 51 East, we want to take some Italian classics and reimagine them in a way that’s a little more modern and familiar to Members. We’re taking inspiration from American-Italian food culture and will be respecting tradition while striving towards innovation. Our dishes will be traditional without being boring, and they’ll be innovative without being too fancy. We want to create a food language that’s easy to understand. I want to bring all this together and represent it in our concept of modern Italian dining, making delicious dishes with the help of all the team.

Members should visit 51 East to taste something new. Bring a sense of curiosity. I want to surprise them. Then, of course, I hope they come again because they have a great experience and because our food is delicious.

SHANE BUSATO

STORY SOMMELIER

Yuko Akisato explains what’s kept her at the Club for nearly four decades.

WORDS C BRYAN JONES IMAGE CLARA GARCIA

When Yuko Akisato was a teenager , she listened to Sen Nishiyama cover the Apollo 11 moon landing on Japanese television.

“I was so amazed by his interpretation,” she says of the historic event in 1969. “He was fully Japanese but was born in Utah. His Japanese was very beautiful.”

Inspired by Nishiyama’s mastery of language, Akisato purchased a set of training tapes from Simul Academy, the interpreting and translation school where he taught for three decades.

“I thought it was impossible to become a simultaneous interpreter,” she says, “but I could still learn English. Later, I took one of his classes and it inspired me more.”

Those language skills eventually led Akisato to the Club, where she has worked for 38 years. But before settling down in Azabudai, she made an important stop at California State University, Fullerton. While studying there, her love of classical music landed her a job in the school’s music library. The experience came in handy when she returned to Japan and saw an ad for a job at the Club.

Akisato joined as a part-timer in October 1986, becoming full-time a year later.

One of her first positions was in the Video Library. Under her watch, the collection blossomed through the VHS and Betamax years—amassing more than 5,000 tapes in each format—into a library of over 15,000 DVDs at its peak.

“It was one of the most popular places in the Club, so I really had to keep up,” she says. “I went to the movie theater a lot.”

“The most I ever saw in a single month was 16. I watched three a day. By the end, I was so, so, so tired, and the stories were all mixed up!” she reveals with a laugh.

She applied that deep knowledge to helping Members, and she even penned a regular column for INTOUCH.

With the advent of streaming, the need for such an expansive video collection waned. The streamlined selection of hard-to-find titles now resides alongside books on the shelves of the second-floor Library, while Akisato now works at The Cellar.

But while the surroundings may have changed, her commitment to helping Members remains as strong as ever. Just as she dove deep into movies to provide the best possible service, she has done the same with wine.

“I don’t drink a lot of wine, but it’s really important to know wine. If you don’t know about wine, you can’t sell wine,” she explains.

On her own dime, Akisato took a six-month course to earn her Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification.

Like her immersion in cinema years ago, being able to share an interesting story behind a bottle is just one twist in the thread that runs through her nearly four decades at the Club.

And what does she enjoy most about her job?

“I really like people,” she says. “At the Club, you get to talk to so many people and get to know them.”

Image: Yuko Akisato

SIMPLY SMASHING

As squash rebounds at the Club, Members can’t get enough of the sport’s rewarding mix of fitness and friendship.

WORDS TIM HORNYAK IMAGE YUUKI IDE

“That’s not exercise, it’s flagellation.” English playwright Noël Coward’s observation on the game of squash echoes that of many outsiders watching players maniacally chase a tiny ball around a room. But for enthusiasts, squash is the perfect fitness tonic.

It can also be an antidote to the blahs of a chilly morning. When things heat up on the Club’s courts, not only do the balls bounce more, but players also get a killer workout.

“It’s so intense and always challenging,” says Neil Bevan, a Club Member since 2004 who began playing in the UK. “I played rugby most of my earlier life and felt that it had a similar feeling to squash: hard but enjoyable.”

Bevan also likes how friendships form naturally on the court. Beyond the sweat factor, it’s the sense of camaraderie and mutual support that keeps him going back.

“The great thing about squash is that players, both advanced and beginner level, are always generous with their

time,” he explains. “They are supportive and love to teach. You can decide how hard you want the game to be run. It’s so easy to begin playing and a wonderful way to become part of an outstanding group of people. It’s so very accessible.”

Married players Atsushi and Jieun Miyasaka are some of the Members with whom Bevan goes toe to toe. They began playing casually at the Club about three years ago after joining in 2019. Fellow Member Mehrdad Mehrabi Jirandeh was playing on the next court over and asked them to join. The games soon became a regular morning fixture for the group.

“It’s a great start to the day for both of us, and we can burn calories easily,” says Jieun. “We love the squash community—everyone is nice, fun and kind—and while it can be competitive from time to time, other players give us good tips and advice.”

Jieun began participating in the Club league last summer. Her aim is to make the Tokyo squash grade tournament. As for Atsushi, his goal is to win a game against his wife. To do that, he notes, he’ll need to practice more and improve.

With nearly 130 players, the Club’s squash community offers no shortage of opportunities to meet partners, drop in on a group or form a new one. As interest in the three second-floor courts returns to pre-pandemic levels, with expanded league play and free instruction available from pro Rico Cheung, squash has never been more accessible to Club Members.

“For those in their mid-to-late 50s and over, squash is one of the best sports to keep you fit and young,” says Atsushi, who, like Jieun, also works out in the Fitness Center every week. “With the excellent Club facilities, it is extremely easy to play.”

Visit the Squash page of the Club website to book courts and learn more about events, lessons and free introductory sessions.

Image: (l–r) Neil Bevan, Ajeesh Sadanand, Jieun Miyasaka, Atsushi Miyasaka and Geoffrey Dossor

DEFINING ELEGANCE

Set to speak at the Connections International Women’s Day Luncheon this month, fashion legend Yumi Katsura shares her journey and the impact of selflessness.

WORDS CASSANDRA LORD

Yumi Katsura’s fascination with dresses started at a young age, and her first stitch ignited a passion for elegance that would transform Japanese fashion. Now 93, the world-renowned designer reflects on her experiences and shares advice on finding the right path to success.

How did you get started?

My mother ran a dressmaking school with 2,000 students, and I was expected to take over. We would make everything, from blouses to underwear. It was a two-year course, and we were thinking what we could do for a third year. At that time, in the 1960s, we were starting to see party dresses here and there, but we didn’t have a chance to wear them ourselves. I thought, why not make wedding dresses?

Why wedding dresses?

Because no one else was doing it! I have also loved fairy tales since I was a child. My dad would always treat me on Sundays by taking me to the bookshop. One week I would read The Little Mermaid, the next, Cinderella. I really liked seeing the women in their beautiful dresses.

How tough was it to make your way as a woman in the fashion industry in Japan?

In the first year of opening my shop, in 1965, I had 100 reservations, but faced so many cancellations. The reason was usually the mother-in-law. If the groom’s mother didn’t like the dress, it was hard for the bride to go over her head. They would often say things like, “It’s a Japanese wedding, so a kimono is more appropriate.”

Images: Yumi Katsura 50th Anniversary Show in 2015; (right) Yumi Katsura

On top of that, Japanese designers were also against me. At that time, you would only wear a kimono or a wedding dress, not both, as is often done now.

That year, I ended up with only a third of my original bookings. In most cases, I had already bought the materials and invested my time into the design.

But I didn’t start doing this for myself or to have a luxurious life. I’ve always done this for others, and I always think about the happiness of others. So I paid my employees and then there was nothing left.

Who has been the most inspiring woman in your life?

It has to be Grace Kelly. At the magazine I worked for, Josei Jishin , I was asked to interview celebrities. I was just starting out as a designer, so meeting Grace Kelly wouldn’t normally have been possible. But through the magazine, she accepted. I also interviewed Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. These were the three big inspiring names of the time.

Achieving elegance is one of my main objectives when it comes to design, and I think that Grace Kelly is the embodiment of elegance.

“If you’re only doing it for yourself, you’ll end up stagnating. Try to do it for others.”

How has your time abroad influenced your designs?

Japanese kimonos are elegant, but they’re not suited to modern life. It’s tough to get on the train or wear them while doing other things. I wanted to make a kind of elegance that works today.

I noticed that when it comes to that convenience, the European version of elegance is better. But Japan has good sides too, like the colors and tamoto kimono sleeves. So I made a dress that incorporates tamoto, giving it an elegant silhouette and a Japanese influence.

What has been the highlight of your career?

In 1981, I went to New York for a three-day exhibition with Japan’s top brands. At that time, there were no Japanese designers making wedding dresses, so they wanted me to be involved. I had never worked abroad.

There was a bridal magazine editor and a bridal lead of a big department store. I showed them three of my dresses. They complimented the Japanese silk and told me that my designs were so different from what they had seen in America.

They put my dresses up in the shop windows, but that was the year of Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding, where she wore a big romantic dress. My designs were more akin to a mermaid line dress, which is much narrower, so it took a while to take off. People at the time called mine the “Yumi line,” because it was different and a little softer than the usual mermaid dress.

What advice do you have for young women finding their way in creative fields?

There are a lot of jobs in this world, so find what is unique to you and forge your path based on that. If you’re only doing it for yourself, you’ll end up stagnating. Try to do it for others. Do it for Japan, do it for women, do it for others’ happiness. Make that your objective and you’ll find success.

International Women’s Day Luncheon

• March 8 • 11:30am–1:30pm • Manhattan II & III • ¥9,000 (guests: ¥10,000) • Sign up online

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Strokes to Strides

Member Alexandre Bigarella shares how he found his path to endurance racing and enduring friendships.

My parents were always into sports and introduced my sister and me to many activities. As a child in Brazil, I didn’t know that our penchant for trying new things would lead me to triathlons and Ironman races.

That journey started when I found myself in the water. I got hooked on swimming and did it all through childhood. During my teenage years, I swam at school.

One day, when I was 13 or 14, I was at the pool with my teammates and there was this older guy there. He was maybe 35 and was with the masters swimmers. He invited the coach and the whole crew to his place for pizza. He had a very nice trophy room, an impressive collection from his career as a triathlete. He mentioned that he was training for his third Ironman. “What is Ironman?” I asked. He explained and I thought it sounded like something I would never accomplish, but I kept it in the back of my mind.

When I was 22, I started working for a bicycle distributor in Brazil. I always liked bikes, but I never had one. Now that I had access, I started riding. I could already swim, and I’d begun running two years earlier, so when my boss saw me put that last piece in place, he asked, “Why don’t you go for a triathlon?”

I didn’t need much of a nudge. I started training in January and I did my first race in September. That was in 2005. And I’ve never stopped since. I’ve now done more than 70 races of different kinds.

Image: Alexandre Bigarella

And that Ironman that I thought was out of reach? I’ve completed four: two in Brazil in 2010 and 2014, one in New Zealand in 2022 and one last September in Italy.

My wife, Gabriela, and I raced in Italy together. After going with me to New Zealand and experiencing the atmosphere, she said she wanted to run one. She did the 70.3-mile half Ironman and I did the full one. Now she’s training for a full Ironman, and we are hoping to run it together soon.

It’s been wonderful to prepare together and motivate each other. Having someone by your side who understands what you like and is also into the sport can be very valuable for the relationship and also brings you closer.

That’s one thing I love about triathlons and Ironman overall: the people I meet and the friendships we make. I’ve kept in touch with my team from Brazil, and we met one member last September in Italy. And at the Club, we’ve met many people from the large triathlete community. We joined mainly for the pool; it’s perfect for our training because it is open early, before work, and we’re welcome with our tattoos. But definitely, when we joined the Club, our lives changed forever.

Looking back, I appreciate that poolside encounter that sent me on this amazing journey. I’m still good friends with that guy to this day.

As told to INTOUCH’s C Bryan Jones.

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New Members

AZABUDAI

JAPAN | Hayato & Kyoko Kondoh

Bain Capital

“Before joining, we had several opportunities to visit the Azabudai facility. Intrigued by both staff and Members, who are incredibly friendly and warm, we are very glad to join the Club. Our two sons love the various activities, and we are cherishing the chance to meet others and hear their life stories.”

Image: (clockwise from bottom left) Yuto, Hayato, Allen & Kyoko Kondoh

AZABUDAI

USA

Mark Akabane BFC, Inc.

Haruto Arita SoftBank Group

Steven & Tammy Beaver

Aflac Life Insurance Japan Ltd.

Sander de Bruijne & Chisako Mampuku (de Bruijne) Jet Team, Inc.

James Doyle

Walt Disney Company

Koji & Takako Hobo

International Dental Clinic

Biljana Jovanovic Oh & Hideki Oh

VCA Japan Ltd.

Edward Kopp

Chubb Insurance Japan

Subodh Naik & Ujjwala Vijapurkar

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC

Robert Rogers & Weiying Liu

Prudential Financial, Inc.

Alexander Kishin Weber & Sumire Ishida

Rebase, Inc.

AUSTRIA

Peter Mossig

The Blackstone Group

BRAZIL

Rodrigo Lima & Isabela Paim Gomes

Danone Japan Co., Ltd.

NIHONBASHI

JAPAN | Soichiro Saito

NTT Security (Japan) KK

“When my friend invited me to the Club, I was impressed by the friendly atmosphere and interested in joining as a Member one day. I was convinced that the Fitness Center and the cozy restaurant at Nihonbashi would enrich my daily life.”

Image: Soichiro Saito

CHINA

Qingyang Chen & Yiqiu Xie FinTech, Inc.

Mengdi (Mandy) Li & Qin (Kevin) Yang

Parkgreen Co., Ltd.

DENMARK

Kennet & Helle Brysting

Gilead Sciences K.K.

FRANCE

Adrien Caron

RealCRO Co., Ltd.

Emile Cuve & Francois Fouilland

Credit Agricole CIB Tokyo

Chloe & Yusuke Kanaumi

Gatrac, Inc.

JAPAN

Takaaki Kagami

Dentsu Inc.

You (Yo) & Nozomi Nagami

Raksul, Inc.

Shogo & Yuki Nishida

Kakehashi, Inc.

Maki & Toshitaka Okabe

Asakusabashi ENT Clinic

Junichi & Remi Ozai

Inter Sections Co., Ltd.

Yuya Shimbo

Houraiya Building Co., Ltd.

Genta Takagi

Shimbashi Trust Clinic

Tokinao Tonomoto

Accenture Japan

SOUTH KOREA

Chungwon Gee & Misato Motomune

Citadel Securities Japan Co., Ltd.

Byung Eun (Chris) Park & Jihye (Chloe) Cha

Ascent Equity Partners

UK

Jason Lam & Glass Wu

Japan Hana Real Estate LLC

Pauline Ng & Jack Ung

Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K.

NIHONBASHI

JAPAN

Shingo Kayama

Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC

Atsushi Nakazawa Eighty Co., Ltd.

Eizo Nishimura

Abiomed Japan K.K.

UK

Simon Collins & Yumi Endo Collins

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

A POWDERFUL EXPERIENCE

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A Taste of Home

“Why don’t we try the Japanese way?” my husband asked as we prepared for our first shinkansen bullet train trip.

“The shops in Tokyo Station sell an endless variety of bentos,” he said enthusiastically. “You can find so many arrangements and tastes, and the best thing is that we can enjoy it on the train, with a nice tea.”

At the station, I chose a bento with 12 compartments. The variety of ingredients, textures and colors was amazing. It felt unreal, especially for such a reasonable price.

“It’s just a lunch box, calm down,” I told myself.

Since then, I’ve tried dozens of bentos, but the feeling of childish excitement has never left me.

Could I make my own? I had heard stories about the tough competition among Japanese mothers to make the most creative lunch for their children. And I had watched videos of people waking up at dawn to quietly prepare a variety of side dishes for their family. Still, I never believed making a bento was doable.

Feeling ready for the challenge, I remembered a tiny

Japanese shop near my house. I rushed there. And as I unconfidently approached the bento shelf, the lady tending the shop noticed me. Without moving or saying a word, she glanced at me as if to suggest that she was there to guide me into the world of bento.

And in a blink, she was standing right next to me, ready to get my journey started.

She showed me a box most suitable for a beginner— budget friendly and easy to take care of—and pointed out colorful cups for side dishes. Then she showed me how to separate the food by rounding her hands like a scoop. Finally, she took me to the shelf displaying furoshiki, beautiful cloths featuring endless patterns used to wrap bento. “Only in Japan,” I thought to myself as I chose one with a sakura pattern.

The next morning, I was ready to make my first bento. I started on the left side, fixing rice and pickled plum (my husband’s favorite duo), then filled the box with Georgian side dishes from the previous day. It was sakura season and, by complete chance, I had on hand some pickled sakura from the neighborhood shop. I laid it gently on the rice.

And now the last step. I remember the feeling of wrapping my first bento like a Christmas gift, secretly, with love and expectation that it would make the receiver happy. I imagined my husband’s hidden excitement as he carried the homemade bento to work, anticipating the discovery of its contents and the simple joy of having it.

Bento, I like to say, is a way to carry a piece of home wherever you go. It’s filled with care, love and peace of mind. It is your comfort zone. And sometimes, that’s all you need to get through the day.

Anano Sichinava is a Club Member.

WORDS ANANO SICHINAVA ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO

January 18

Men’s Golf Group Kickoff Party

The Club’s golf enthusiasts shared stories from the greens and honored last season’s triumphs as they unveiled the 2024 competition calendar.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

January 26

Streamer Coffee Training

A team from Streamer Coffee Company showed staff their way around new state-ofthe-art hardware as the Club launched its new blends on January 30.

IMAGES TAKUMARU SUZUKI

February 2

First Friday: Venetian Masquerade

Members masked up for a captivating “carnevale” celebration, teeming with sumptuous Italian flavors, drinks and La Bella Ciao Trio’s sweet serenades.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

February 10

Miharu Young Ambassadors

The Club welcomed young ambassadors from the Fukushima town with historical ties to the land beneath the Azabudai Club for a day of cultural exchange.

IMAGES YURIKO TERASHIMA

February 12

Super Bowl at the Club

Football fans took their gridiron excitement into overtime with a Monday morning of breakfast bites, drinks and thrilling pigskin action, as the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

Healthy Goals

IMAGE CLARA GARCIA

Class

Active Soccer

Lionel Messi joined his first soccer team, Newell’s Old Boys, when he was just 7. And while not all kids will go on to win eight Ballon d'Or awards, they will enjoy the many developmental benefits of the sport, including enhanced coordination, social skills, selfesteem and teamwork as they learn the fundamentals, such as ball control, passing and shooting.

Instructor

Rintaro Tashima

After starting soccer at age 5, Rintaro Tashima won a national championship in his first year of high school before going on to play at Keio University. The 26-year-old midfielder later represented VVVVenlo and Dinamo Zagreb in the second divisions of the Dutch and Croatian leagues, respectively.

Student

Chihyun Park

“I enjoy the class because of how everyone supports each other, and I can feel that I am getting better. I enjoy learning from coach Tashima because he helps me to improve my accuracy when I pass and shoot, and he lets us play fun games.”

Active Soccer

• Through June 3 • Every Monday (4–4:50pm: ages 4–5; 5–6pm: ages 6–8; 6:10–7:10pm: ages 9–11)

• Gymnasium • ¥49,500 (ages 4–5); ¥57,750 (ages 6–11) • Sign up online

Image: Chihyun Park and Rintaro Tashima

THE LAUNIU WARD VILLAGE リゾートプールからの眺望

The Launiu Ward Village possesses the essence of elegant island living. Its idyllic location provides sweeping views of O‘ahu’s southern shore.

The Launiu Ward Village が纏うのはアイランドリビングのエレガンス。 ここは、オアフのサウスショアを一望できる素晴らしいロケーション。

Studio, One, Two, and

THE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN WARD VILLAGE, A MASTER PLANNED DEVELOPMENT IN HONOLULU, HAWAII, WHICH IS STILL BEING CONSTRUCTED. ANY VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF WARD VILLAGE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, PARKS, AMENITIES, OTHER FACILITIES AND THE CONDOMINIUM PROJECTS THEREIN, INCLUDING THEIR LOCATION, UNITS, VIEWS, FURNISHINGS, DESIGN, COMMON ELEMENTS AND AMENITIES, DO NOT ACCURATELY PORTRAY THE CONDOMINIUM PROJECTS OR THE MASTER PLANNED DEVELOPMENT. ALL VISUAL DEPICTIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS IN THIS ADVERTISEMENT ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. THE DEVELOPER MAKES NO GUARANTEE, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WHATSOEVER THAT THE DEVELOPMENTS, FACILITIES OR IMPROVEMENTS OR FURNISHINGS AND APPLIANCES DEPICTED WILL ULTIMATELY APPEAR AS SHOWN OR EVEN BE INCLUDED AS A PART OF WARD VILLAGE OR ANY CONDOMINIUM PROJECT THEREIN. WARD VILLAGE PROPERTIES, LLC, RB-21701.

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