DIGEST

MANAGEMENT

Focusing on the Future

WORDS DARREN MORRISH

Darren Morrish

It’s an honor and a privilege to join such a fantastic and iconic membership club as its new general manager.

I have been familiar with Tokyo American Club for many years. While I have never been a Member (previous work commitments and travel demands made joining difficult), I have visited the Club on numerous occasions and I always kept an eye on the Club during my years in Tokyo and elsewhere.

With Japan still feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the months ahead will inevitably continue to challenge and test our community. But I am excited at the opportunity to work with Members, management and staff to ensure we emerge from this period stronger. This is a chance to reinforce the Club’s position as a premier destination for both expats and internationally minded Japanese.

Originally from Australia’s Gold Coast, I entered the hospitality industry at a young age. Over the last 25 years, I have worked in senior leadership roles in various countries, including Japan. Most recently, I was the general manager of a large resort hotel in Okinawa, where I led the team through what was without doubt the toughest time of our careers.

As a leader of hospitality teams, I have always focused on how best to provide guest satisfaction and rewarding experiences. I want to apply this same approach at the Club.

Over the coming weeks and months, I very much look forward to reuniting with those Members whom I already know and getting to know many others.

I welcome Members’ thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to build community spirit, enhance the already excellent facilities and get back to socializing and seeing more of one another in the near future.

Darren Morrish is the new general manager of the Club.

EDITOR

Obstacles and Opportunities

A stubby piece of stationery proved the first indicator that Japan’s telework transition wasn’t going to go as smoothly as many had hoped during Japan’s first Covid-19-triggered state of emergency last year.

As commuters continued to fill Tokyo-bound trains each morning, despite pleas from officials to work from home, it became clear that some were heading to the office purely to stamp documents with company hanko seals.

By the end of last year, Club Member Taro Kono, Japan’s minister in charge of regulatory reforms, had announced that the age-old practice would be scrapped in nearly 15,000 administrative processes. He then turned his attention to the country’s enduring love affair with the fax machine.

But when a cabinet body said it intended to abolish the antiquated device at ministries and agencies, the decision was met with stiff resistance from hundreds of government offices that expressed concern about security with e-mail.

The pandemic not only highlighted a reluctance to embrace technology in some parts of Japan’s economy, but also the shortcomings of its office culture. A business environment that prioritized hierarchical group dynamics, face-to-face meetings, long hours and afterwork get-togethers was unprepared for the new normal of work.

In this month’s cover story, “Navigating the New Business as Usual,” a number of Members explain how they adapted to a work world flipped on its head. In some cases, that meant using Club facilities and services to motivate teams, hit sales targets and keep the wheels of business turning.

LIBRARY

From the Shelves

KAYO YAMAWAKI

If there was at least one positive to emerge from pandemic lockdowns, it was the book boom. Amid the resurgence in reading, publishers saw heightened interest in old classics. This nostalgia also helped to further accelerate sales of physical books.

“Over the past few years, we have seen print overtake digital delivery, with some readers, in fact, investing in both versions of the books they love,” wrote publisher Karen McDermott earlier this year.

One reader who continues to indulge in the joys of browsing shelves and cracking covers is Club Library regular John Loftus.

John Loftus

What was your favorite childhood book?

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss. I loved the rhythm and rhyme of the story. I loved the sense of humor and the idea that stories could be funny and entertaining.

What inspired your love of books?

Our family had lots of books and we were encouraged to read by our parents. I also remember my father reading at night for hours at a time.

What genre do you most enjoy?

I suppose the genre I like now is politically oriented writing that provides a deep dive into the personalities and events that have driven the United States to where we find ourselves now.

What are you reading now?

I just finished The Devil’s Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America’s Secret Government by David Talbot.

When were you last unable to put down a book?

My way of dealing with not being able to put a book down is not for everybody. I find it hard to sit and read when there are obligations or chores that need to be addressed. So I generally will read later in the day after I’ve completed these tasks. This way, I can stop reading when I want to stop, as opposed to interrupting a book’s flow.

Toning Treatments

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SPA

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Laying a Foundation for Lifelong Literacy

Language is best learned in an environment where children are motivated and stimulated by meaningful topics that they want to engage with. Thatʼs why, at KPIS, teachers construct a supportive setting that inspires young learners to communicate freely and openly about a variety of subjects.

KPIS studentsʼ reading and writing skills are nurtured on a daily basis by teachers who tell stories, read books aloud and encourage students to talk about actions, feelings and ideas that are important to them.

Visit kpischool.com or call 03-5707-0979

MEMBERSHIP

A Community Worth Sharing

WORDS RISA DIMACALI IMAGE YUUKI IDE

Risa Dimacali

Our friend David probably has no idea how much he’s changed our lives. When my husband, Brian, arrived in Japan to take up his position, David recommended that he join Tokyo American Club. Brian, who’s fluent in Japanese, was concerned about how I would adjust.

David knew that his longtime friend could easily navigate Tokyo, but he thought that the Club would help me to feel less isolated. Years later, we credit David for initiating the wonderful experience we’ve had in Japan.

I could have muddled along on my own to figure things out. And I probably would have slowly found friends. But the Club’s invaluable services made Tokyo life easier, and I had immediate access to a group of knowledgeable residents and eager newcomers for tips, socializing and exploring.

For years now, we’ve enjoyed the Club’s recreation facilities, cultural events and learning opportunities. On many evenings, we settle in for conversations with lifelong friends from the United States, Japan and across the world while Club bartenders or sommeliers, knowing our preferences, appear with recommendations. I have also been able to use my professional skills in volunteering roles at the Club.

Brian is happier knowing I’m happier. All thanks to a friend who thoughtfully recommended that we join this extraordinary Tokyo community.

Member referrals are the Club’s most reliable source of new Members. When you introduce someone who is seeking an international experience and friendships within this fast-paced city, you give them opportunities to broaden their circle, optimize their time in Japan and contribute their background to the mix.

The Club offers a monetary “thank you” for successful referrals, but the true, enriching reward is seeing your friends flourish within our community.

Risa Dimacali is chair of the Club’s Membership Committee.

 To refer a friend or colleague, contact the Membership Office at 03-4588-0687 or membership@tac-club.org.

WINE

Fall Refreshers

WORDS BILL DELORME IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

Japan’s sweltering months might be behind us, but it can be tough to shake off that craving for summer’s favorite sipper: rosé.

For those looking for some final summer flavors, I recommend giving Pursued by Bear’s 2019 Blushing Bear Rosé (¥4,730) a try. I’m a huge fan of Hollywood actor Kyle MacLachlan’s Washington winery, and this Bandol-inspired wine’s refreshing crispness and fruitiness will not disappoint.

If you’re already searching for something to pair with this year’s holiday feasts, look no further than Brooks’ 2018 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir—another Pacific Northwest winner. Wonderfully spicy and full-bodied with toasted cherry flavors and a smooth, mellow finish. Available for ¥4,290.

An absolute Cellar favorite of mine is the Club’s very own Hakkaisan junmai ginjo sake (¥3,300), which was first produced for the Club’s 90th anniversary in 2018. Smooth and crisp with a silky hint of licorice, I recommend serving it chilled. Its versatility means you can enjoy it on its own or paired with cheese, pasta, meat or fish. It also makes a great gift if you’re heading home for the holidays.

Bill DeLorme is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.

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