May 2024 INTOUCH Magazine

High Flying

The TAC Eagles capture their first Minato-ku championship

BARBELL BONDS

NOTEBOOK NARRATIVES

VINTNER OF OZ

Welcome Home Premium real estate for Tokyo living

www.nskre.co.jp/english

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

Our newest project, Livio Residence Nishiazabu, is a 32-story, high-rise tower that is surrounded by lush greenery, standing out as an oasis in the heart of the city as well as an architectural landmark. It offers a wide range of amenities to enrich residents’ daily lives, from a fully appointed fitness room to a comfortable teleworking lounge. This property is the latest example of our dedication to provide high-quality housing in Tokyo’s city center for our discerning customers.

18

BLENDING CULTURES

Life Member Georgia Bannister shares how following grapevines led her to lasting connections at the Club.

20

THREE’S COMPANY

United by their shared love of sports and roles as mothers, three Club friends support each other through CrossFit-inspired workouts.

22

HIGH FLYING BIRDS

The TAC Eagles junior squad reaches the top of the perch, winning its first Minato-ku basketball championship.

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

Managing Editor C Bryan Jones

editor@tac-club.org

Assistant Editor Kathy Russo

Designer Kohji Shiiki

Designer/Photographer Clara Garcia

Proofreader Lidia Renyi

Production Administrator Yuko Shiroki

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Julie Colby

Katheryn Gronauer

Tim Hornyak

Masumi Kawamoto

Cassandra Lord

Lisa Wallin

Photographers

Yuuki Ide

Katherine Jamison

Mary Sandoval

Takumaru Suzuki

Kayo Yamawaki

Illustrator

Tania Vicedo

Summer Camp at Dandelion Montessori School

9:00–14:00, Monday to Friday | ¥60,000 per week

Five weeks of summer fun from June 10 to July 12, with a new theme each week and activities that include arts and crafts, food preparation, songs and stories, music, movement and more! Visit our

YOUR DREAM PROPERTY

This urban oasis perfectly blends elegance with functional living. Why rent when you can own an unparalleled, fully appointed home for the same monthly spend?

Spacious living

• Five-bedroom home (400 sqm)

• Den and theatre rooms, separate formal and kids’ living rooms with high ceilings

• Italian furnished master bath, with egg tub and double-headed rainforest showers

• Master walk-in closet as big as most bedrooms

• Maid quarters with own shower

• Separate one-bedroom, fully appointed apartment (100 sqm) with private entrance

• Gourmet island kitchen

• Parking for three cars via private road

• Rooftop terrace

• 4% yield!

Prime location: 6-min walk to Ōokayama Station | one stop from Jiyūgaoka Station | 21 min by train to Shibuya Station

Look Who’s Talking

WORDS JULIE COLBY IMAGE CLARA GARCIA

Teachers from my youth might be surprised to find out that education and lifelong learning has become my passion. To their dismay, the trigger came during my career, not in my formal schooling. I vividly remember my shock when my mentor at work encouraged me to challenge my seniors to grow and learn as much as I was expected to. Being raised in Japan and leaning heavily into martial arts disciplinary psyche, the idea of challenging my elders seemed blasphemous. However, my mentor explained how she found happiness in growth, and that I would be doing a service in bringing new and challenging ideas to the table.

That is when it dawned on me: learning and growth can come from many angles and at every point of one’s life.

For example, my early memories of growth and discovery were often seen at the old Azabudai Club. When the pool was outdoors, and the crowd wasn’t limited to Team Phoenix, my alma mater, I found new friends, ideologies and cultures which undoubtedly enriched my life and mind. Now, the Club presents another layer of possibilities for my family and myself. For my children, it is an avenue for enriching activities and communities they would otherwise miss out on. For myself, it continues to be a place to exchange ideas and explore new possibilities.

The Club’s diverse membership and array of offerings have made it a natural place for lifelong learning, and

TAC Talks have become a staple for curious-minded Members. In its short history, the TAC Talk speaker program has hosted engaging guests from a wide array of disciplines and backgrounds. Japanese royalty, comic book artists, film directors and even national cultural treasures have graced our stage.

To reach this point, the TAC Talk Committee went through its own growth journey through experimentation. We’ve tried different ways of gathering speakers, methods of presentation and mixed entertainment aspects into the talks. Regardless of the variation, one thing always remains constant: the audience’s hunger for new ideas and inspiration.

With this in mind, we are putting our ear to the ground in search of what fascinates the Club community and what Members want to learn more about. TAC Talks are being reorganized to systematically cater to more diverse interests and demographics, with a focus on inspiration and education.

Crafting a format that is reliable while being full of allure and excitement is another of our missions. In April, we hosted a TAC Talk with teamLab that was organized after we observed strong interest in the group among Members. We were happy to see participation from a wide demographic, and believe the event successfully blended new ideas and audience engagement without breaking the tone and message of the TAC Talk format.

Members can expect to see a consistent, yet diversified set of TAC Talks in the coming months. I encourage everyone to attend these gatherings and engage in inspirational conversations, actively suggest potential speakers and join TAC Talk Committee meetings.

As Dr Suess says: “If you never did you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.”

Colby is chair of the Club’s TAC Talk Committee.

“The Club’s diverse membership and array of offerings have made it a natural place for lifelong learning.”

Julie

FENCING

Sabre Success

The Club hosted 52 fencers from around Japan on March 24 for the Tokyo American Club Friends Cup 2024.

Nine medals were won by Members during the daylong event, including two by Riona Andreea Ishihara, who nabbed bronze in the Girls’ Sabre Elementary School fifth- and sixth-year category and battled her way back from an early deficit to

take gold in the third- and fourth-year match.

Other Club winners were Sophia Bidinger (girls’ third- and fourth-year bronze), Riku Sasatani and Genichiro Watanabe (tied for bronze among third- and fourth-year boys) and Misaki Ikeuchi and Louis Okazaki (tied for bronze in first- and second-year mixed). Hugo Okazaki and Yujin Kure won boys’ fifth- and sixth-year gold and bronze respectively.

Special thanks to Member Jerry David Chan and coach Koji Emura for organizing this year’s event. CBJ

AMENITIES

Post-workout Pampering

Members looking to introduce a touch of opulence to their fitness routine may have noticed the latest addition to the locker rooms: cutting-edge ReFa hair dryers.

Made possible through the generosity of ReFa, one of Japan’s most innovative beauty care companies, these sleek grooming tools dry hair efficiently while minimizing heat damage. The company teamed up with top salons to engineer an elegant dryer that mimics the touch and effects of professional esthetic treatments.

At the Nihonbashi Club, Members can also enjoy ReFa showerheads. By combining ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles these high-end handpieces remove dirt and grime from the pores of skin and scalp.

And for those staying in the Guest Studios, ReFa hair irons pair with the dryers for unparalleled, damage-free hair care.

With the new amenities Members can now enjoy the fusion of luxury and functionality in their grooming rituals, setting a new standard in Club comforts. SB

From the Shelves

Sneaking late listens to Book at Bedtime on BBC Radio 4 as a kid played a big role in Member Jeremy Markwick-Smith’s love of reading. Today, he continues his literary safari in the second-floor Library, where taking in new stories requires no subterfuge.

What was your favorite childhood book?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis stands out as magical and very English, and was the first big book I read. Loving animals and seeing them in Africa, where I lived till I was 9, I was also fascinated by Hugh Lofting’s Dr Dolittle stories.

What inspired your love of books?

Apart from Book at Bedtime, literary criticism in high school made me aware that there could be much to find in an author’s work. I loved the background side of being a Catholic described by David Lodge and the pull of its presence in novels by Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh.

What genre do you most enjoy?

It’s always time to reread classics, or read them for the first time, but mainly I like police and espionage thrillers and social commentary novels. To me, Ben Elton captured a certain time very well in Meltdown, and I think he was prescient about where we’ve got to over the past four decades. In that area of social commentary, I just read Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson and hugely recommend it.

What are you currently reading?

I’m wading through Robert Stone’s 1998 novel Damascus

Melodic Contours

During the Baroque Period , the harmonies of Bach and Vivaldi were celebrated for their soothing, therapeutic effects on the mind and soul.

Modern science taps sound waves for more tangible physical benefits through Cavi-Lipo. The body-sculpting treatment uses ultrasound technology to break down fat cells and flush them out of the body while tightening the skin. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, the procedure is a safe and noninvasive alternative to fad diets and surgery.

Between May 1 and July 31, The Spa is offering 10 percent off all Cavi-Lipo treatments. Book your session at 03-4588-0714 or spa@tac-club.org and get ready for summer with a visibly toned, lifted and radiant appearance. CBJ

Gate. Maybe it appeals for exposition about what you get from faith, and it seems very relevant again in the wake of current events. I marvel at Stone’s vast knowledge! When were you last unable to put down a book?

I’m happy to say Diamonds to Die For, written by Club Member David Rudlin. Like fellow Member Tom Schinaman’s novel Ways to Die in Tokyo, it has a great story, and I simply have huge admiration for their achievements.

CLARA GARCIA

Image: Jeremy Markwick-Smith

Elevated Spirits

The ethos of convivialità , the joy of spending time together, is a cornerstone of Italian bars. And the mixology team at 51 East, the Club’s new Italian-American restaurant, puts this aperitivo tradition at the center of their philosophy. “We’re focused on bringing a modern Italian twist to the renaissance classic cocktails,” says Club beverage director Nathan Baggs. “By infusing Italian flavors into handcrafted cordials and spirits, we put a Club spin on familiar classics that Members can connect with.”

Drop by the third-floor watering hole to unwind after a long day of work and catch up with family and friends. Share one of the bar’s signature cocktails or toast to a glass of Italian wine, perfect for pairing with a selection of delectable bites like rosemary fried potatoes, chicken parmigiana subs and Amatrice-style rigatoni with bacon, chili and onion. And don’t miss the daily happy hour from 5 to 7! CBJ

• Monday to Friday • 5–11pm • Closed weekends & holidays

Cool Cuvée

With summertime gatherings just around the corner, I’ve selected three bottles from North America’s cooler climes that are sure to be a hit.

Limestone Spark! Riesling 2020 (¥3,480) from Ontario’s Tawse Winery is an outstanding single-vineyard sparkling that exudes rich notes of caramel apple, coconut and brioche with a luscious mousse and lasting finish. Pairs beautifully with fried spring rolls or triple-cream Brie on salted crostini.

Also from Ontario is Rosewood Estates Winery PTG 2022 (¥3,770), a light-to-medium-bodied red cuvée best served slightly chilled. The Gamay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Blaufränkisch blend delivers a refreshingly snappy cranberry juice and strawberry rhubarb jam palate, nose of brambleberries and light spicy notes. Enjoy with cured meats, chicken or duck.

Washington’s Walla Walla Valley offers Dunham Cellars Three Legged Red 2021 (¥3,300). Aged in the same barrels used for Dunham’s finest Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, this red matches their top wines. Raspberries, lemon drop and pepper aromas dance alongside notes of blackberry tea and citrus, complementing a tangy acidity and slippery texture.

Masumi Kawamoto is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.

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

WORDS MASUMI KAWAMOTO

IMAGE CLARA GARCIA

What’s on in

MAY 8

Exhibition: Mino Watabe

Growing up in Tokyo, Mino Watabe enjoyed the unrelenting stimulation of the city but cherished the tranquility of visits to botanical gardens and the ocean. Nature, she says, helped her maintain mental balance and inspired her art.

“I wanted to capture on canvas a world where contrasting things coexist, the landscape that I saw while moving back and forth between nature and man-made environments.”

Her paintings, which will be on display this month in the Frederick Harris Gallery, reflect this contrast of organic and inorganic, figurative and abstract. And all are based on scenery she has seen with her own eyes.

“I always begin a new work by walking around in search of a motif,” Watabe explains. “It is important to find my own perspective. But my wish is to create a painting that can be viewed in different ways, depending on the person standing in front of it.”

Members are invited to attend the opening reception at 6:30pm. CBJ

Moment I realized I wanted to become an artist.

My final year of high school.

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

Don’t be afraid of anything, believe in yourself and push ahead. Even mistakes will lead to a wonderful future.

My perfect creative environment.

A very large studio where I am surrounded by the motifs I paint.

Artist, living or dead, I’d most like to share a meal with.

Georgia O’Keeffe, David Hockney and Mark Rothko.

Through June 3 • Frederick Harris Gallery • Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online

1 & 16

Ladies’ Squash Clinic

Learn the fundamentals or boost your game with Club pro Rico Cheung.

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

3

Barbecue Terrace

Choose from three grill-your-own lunch and dinner sets, and a selection of refreshing drinks as Rainbow Café’s outdoor dining returns.

• Monday–Friday 5–6:30pm; weekends & holidays 11:30am–12:30pm & 5–6:30pm • Reserve online (two-hour bookings)

5

Sunday Brunch Buffet

Enjoy an eye-popping selection of brunch classics and Club signatures at Rainbow Café’s take on a popular American tradition.

• Every Sunday • 11am–3pm • Rainbow Café • Adults: ¥4,200; ages 12–17: ¥3,400; ages 7–11: ¥1,600; ages 6 & under: free • Details online

5

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

9 & 28

Squash Night

Enjoy casual games on the second Thursday and final Tuesday of the month.

• 5:30–7:30pm • Squash Courts

• Details online

10

Salvation Army Suginami Visit

See the impact of Members’ generosity on this trip to a children’s home helped by Connections’ charity drives.

• 10–11:30am • Free • Members only

• Sign up online

10

Movie Night

Club kids enjoy pizza and flicks while moms and dads take a trip Down Under for this month’s Oz-themed First Friday.

• 6–9pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms

• ¥2,750 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,300)

• Ages 5–12

• Sign up online

10 First Friday: Aussie Adventure

Australia is globally famous for its community spirit, vibrant social scene and focus on lifestyle and wellness. That perfect mix sounds a lot like the Club, so it’s only fitting that the land Down Under should come to the Winter Garden this month.

The indigenous sounds of the ancient Aboriginal didgeridoo along with Australian-inspired food and drinks will set the mood for an unforgettable trip to Oz.

Club Member Matthew Tappenden recalls how he was drawn to Australia in the 1980s.

“I remember watching Top of the Pops on TV in England and hearing ‘Down Under,’” he says. “It was a cold evening, and I started romanticizing about Australia and how much more fun it looked.”

Men at Work make a strong case, but they aren’t the only familiar name that will be calling Members to the dance floor at this real ripper of a First Friday. Hits by Kylie Minogue and Sydney-born legends INXS, Midnight Oil and AC/DC, performed by the Philip Woo Band, will keep the night moving.

Can you hear the thunder? CBJ

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

10

Cub Scout Meeting

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

• 7–8pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • Details online

12

Sky Pool Splash-A-Round

Kids burn off energy and make new friends during an afternoon of aquatic thrills.

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

15

Toastmasters Luncheon

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

• 12–1:30pm • ¥2,420 (guests: ¥2,900)

• Sign up online

15

Connections’ Annual General Meeting

The Club group unveils its new board of directors at this evening of mingling and volunteer appreciation.

• 6–8pm • Manhattan III

• Connections members: free (nonConnections members & guests: ¥3,750) • Sign up online

19

Swim Clinics with Olympians

Former Olympians Miguel and Bruno Ortiz-Cañavate turn Club swimmers into freestyle stars at this techniquefocused session.

• 4:30–6pm • Sky Pool • ¥11,000 (¥8,800 for each additional sibling) per session • Sign up online

21

Salvation Army Charity Drive

Donate new or gently worn clothing, including business casual, and household goods to a worthy cause.

• 9am–11:30am & 2–3:30pm • B1 Parking Lot • Details online

Mother’s Day Grand Buffet

Modern Mother’s Day was formally established by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 after campaigning by activist Anna Jarvis. But the tradition can be traced back to ancient times, to Greek and Roman festivals honoring the goddesses Rhea and Cybele. And it was Julia Ward Howe, author of the Civil War anthem “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and co-founder of the American Woman Suffrage Association, who advocated for a mother’s day dedicated to peace in 1870, after the war had ended.

The Club celebrates the occasion this month with its own modern take. Show mom how much you appreciate her with an all-you-caneat-buffet of popular dishes like lobster bisque, Niigata snow-aged pork and pink opera cake await mom in the New York Ballroom. CBJ

• 11am–3pm • New York Ballroom & Brooklyn rooms • Adults: ¥9,200; ages 13–17: ¥5,500; ages 4–12: ¥2,450; ages 3 & under: free • Limit: 10 people per reservation • Sign up online

MOTHER’S DAY FUN FACTS

●  In the US, the second Sunday in May is the most popular day of the year for dining out.

●  More phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than on any other day of the year.

●  In 2023, Americans spent more than $35 billion on Mother’s Day.

●  There are around 2.2 billion mothers around the world, and Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries.

21 Polperro Wine Dinner

When winemaker Sam Coverdale was in his teens, he was drawn to the vineyards in search of a way to combine art, science, agriculture and people. “Wine captures all this and more,” says the Australian native from New South Wales. “And it provides an opportunity to be creative and to meet interesting and passionate people all over the world.”

From the beaches of northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland, where he grew up surfing, Coverdale made his way through vineyards in Spain, Italy and France before founding his own winery, Polperro by Even Keel, on the lush Mornington Peninsula with his wife Emma Phillips in 2006.

Their goal, he explains, is to create elegant, balanced wines that represent unique, cool climate regions of Australia and “to harness the rhymes and rhythms of Mother Nature and capture the essence of every season in a bottle.”

Members will experience the results firsthand this month at a special dinner hosted by Coverdale and Life Member Georgia Bannister, Polperro’s trade marketing and export manager.

“Expect plenty of storytelling, laughter, love, warmth and passion from Sam, who is a master at his craft,” promises Bannister, who shares her own story on page 18.

Attendees will be among the first in the world to taste the singlevineyard 2022 vintages being released this month. Polperro and Even Keel wines have been consistently rated 95 and above by noted critics like Ned Goodwin and Robert Parker. CBJ

• 7–9:30pm • Brooklyn II & III

• ¥14,300 (guests: ¥17,160) • Sign up online

21

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

Traders’ Trivia Night Members test their knowledge to win prizes and support charities.

• 7:30–9pm • Traders’ Bar • ¥3,000 (guests: ¥6,000) • Sign up online

23

Book Lovers’ Group

Author and illustrator Marissa Moss joins the Club’s band of bibliophiles for a discussion of her book The Woman Who Split the Atom. Moss discusses her career on page 19.

• 5–6:30pm • Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms • Free • Details online

25

Cracking College Admissions

Ivy League graduate and admissions consultant Jason Cody Douglass shares insights on how young Members can secure a bright academic future.

• 1–3pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms

• Free • Sign up online

25

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

28

Cocktail Hour

Budding mixologists learn how to craft a rosemary paloma, a blend of 100-percent agave tequila, homemade rosemary syrup and grapefruit and lime juices.

• 5:30pm • Muromachi Bar • ¥2,200

• Members only • Sign up online

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

KATHERINE JAMISON PHOTOGRAPHY

Hit the Links in Hokkaido

Experience two of the northernmost prefecture’s top golf courses

Although Hokkaido is celebrated as a winter wonderland, warmer months in the prefecture offer a wide range of activities to enjoy—including a round of golf. And perhaps two of the best places to tee off in this scenic region are Hokkaido Brooks Country Club and Gozensui Golf Club.

Hokkaido Brooks Country Club is a premier course, designed and overseen

by Ed Snead and Taizo Kawada, that seamlessly integrates with its natural environment. The course’s 18 lush holes stretch over an expansive area of 500,000 square meters that showcase the best of Hokkaido’s landscapes.

Brooks stands out for providing a completely different experience in its first and second halves: the in course is links style, while the out course is very strategic. Its naturally undulating fairways

TWO OF THE BEST PLACES TO TEE OFF IN THIS SCENIC REGION ARE HOKKAIDO BROOKS COUNTRY CLUB AND GOZENSUI GOLF CLUB.

present challenges much like natural hazards, but each hole’s optimal route is marked, ensuring an enjoyable round of golf. Visitors can choose to walk the course or use an electric-powered cart.

The course maintains tournamentlevel putting surfaces thanks to its use of 777 turf, which is known for its durability and consistent quality. Named Japan’s best golf course in the 2017 World Golf Awards, Brooks has hosted several wellknown tournaments and is extremely popular with advanced golfers and even professional-level competitors.

After their game, visitors can enjoy a diverse menu at the clubhouse restaurant that features produce from around Hokkaido, including fresh lamb jingisukan. They can also relax in the club’s luxurious VIP room, large bathing area and sauna.

FLYING START

Gozensui Golf Club offers an equally captivating location for a day on the greens, set amid forests and flowing streams.

Designed by Isamu Doi, the course features impressive holes on both its inward and outward halves. Particular standouts are the 13th hole, a challenging left dogleg par 4 that features a large pond on the left side, and the 17th hole, a 402-yard par 4.

Like Brooks, Gozensui uses the same 777 turf on its greens, which ensures that tournament-level quality and high-speed putting are always maintained. A highly strategic woodland course that beautifully incorporates its natural surroundings, it is relatively flat and wide, making it quite popular with women and older golfers.

Following a round of golf, players can unwind in the sauna and dine at Gozensui’s clubhouse restaurant, which overlooks the green of the ninth hole and is surrounded by the tranquil primeval forests of Hokkaido. The menu features a wide range of prefectural delicacies, served alongside an array of beverages.

Both Brooks and Gozensui are conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. Thanks to their stunning natural surroundings and thoughtful design, they are ideal destinations for golf enthusiasts making a dedicated trip to hit the links in Hokkaido or fitting in a round right before or after a flight.

To make a reservation at either course, contact Hironori Kuroda at 080-3726-8021 or kuroda@brooks-c.com and tell him you are a Club Member.

Hokkaido Brooks Country Club www.brooks-c.com/en

Gozensui Golf Club www.gozensui-gc.com/en

Hole 12 at Hokkaido Brooks Country Club

Hole 13 at Gozensui Golf Club

In Your Corner

Take-5 Global provides executive coaching that unlocks growth and transformation

We all reach moments when we need a fresh perspective on the work challenges we face, whether it’s as the leader of a company or someone who has just taken on a role in a new environment. Working with a coach who understands those hurdles, and can suggest strategies for overcoming them, can be a true game changer.

It was Paul Dupuis’ own journey—and experience with coaching—that led him to launch his new company, Take-5 Global. Following a distinguished career leading large businesses around the Asia–Pacific region, most recently as CEO of Randstad in India and Japan, Dupuis recently transitioned into leadership development and strategy consulting. He works with clients ranging from Japanese and multinational companies who request coaching for senior management to C-level expats who have recently arrived in Japan.

Take-5 Global is named in part for the idea of “taking five.” As Dupuis explains, he became keenly aware of the importance of “pushing pause” while leading Randstad India during the Covid lockdown. “It was the toughest time of my career, both personally and professionally. As the captain of the ship leading a large organization through this unprecedented storm, I came to realize the importance of taking the time to reflect, ask for advice

and crystallize an action plan to navigate

through challenges.”

POSITIVE

IMPACT

In addition to his business career and non-executive board positions, the father of two sons and avid ice hockey player is the author of the best selling book The E5 Movement: Leadership Through the Rule of Five , available in English and Japanese.

Dupuis says that he owes much of his success to being coached. Currently, two of his good friends also act as coaches from time to time: Ken Honda,

a leading author and keynote speaker who is bringing Japanese culture and leadership practices to the world, and Marshall Goldsmith, the world-renowned executive leadership coach and New York Times best selling author.

“When it comes to finding the right coach, there are certain things people need to keep in mind,” he says. “The first is to make sure that you have good chemistry with that person.” The next has to do with your mindset. “You should be ready to look in the mirror and embrace the journey. Coaching sessions are aimed at unlocking potential, and sometimes that means having tough conversations.”

Dupuis admits that the commitment that goes into being coached isn’t always easy, but going through the process can be transformative—and have a positive impact on the world around you. “Leaders create movements, whether it’s in the business world, the NGO world, politics, the arts or even in your own home.”

To arrange a conversa tion with Dupuis, connect with him on LinkedIn.

Or email: pauldupuis@take5-global.com

Dupuis is also offering five signed copies of his book (in English or Japanese) to Club Members. Contact him via email to learn more.

Paul Dupuis Chief Enabling Officer Take-5 Global

Fish Tales

WORDS C BRYAN JONES

IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

Baja tacos gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s, particularly in Southern California. Some believe that Japanese fishermen influenced the creation of the tasty morsels by sharing tempura techniques with their Mexican counterparts. Whether true or not, the fusion of Mexican flavors with the casual, beach-inspired SoCal vibe deliciously highlights how culinary practices are shared and transformed across cultures.

The Club’s own culinary team has put their spin on the tantalizing wraps. Crispy fried white fish on soft yellow tortillas with a refreshing pico de gallo, finely sliced white cabbage and a refreshing lime sour cream.

“This signature West Coast staple is perfect for the summer months,” says Club executive chef Lindsay Gray. “And it’s a great dish to enjoy with beer and other hot weather drinks—perfect for a relaxing afternoon at Splash!”

• Baja tacos • ¥900

BLENDING CULTURES

Following a grapevine’s path from home and back, one Life Member cultivates enduring bonds at the Club.

WORDS C BRYAN JONES

IMAGE KATHERINE JAMISON PHOTOGRAPHY

Georgia Bannister began her wine journey in New York at the tender age of 21, working for Wine Australia. She then worked with Moët Hennessy for more than six years in Australia and Hong Kong. Along the way, she learned the ins and outs of the wine business.

The experience helped her transition after wedding bells rang and she moved to Japan in 2014 to be with her husband, Phil, whose work was based in Tokyo.

“That was the start of our journey,” Bannister recalls. “I joined the Club in 2017, about five months after my son was born, because we really wanted to benefit from the great family facilities.”

The family grew with the arrival of a daughter, and the Club became a central part of life. When Bannister returned to work, the Winter Garden was the ideal place to meet with clients. And the benefits for the children were all she had hoped for.

“All the extracurricular activities like gymnastics, ballet lessons, swimming, along with the international exposure … I think they are better for it,” says the Life Member.

Last summer, the family made the move back to Bannister’s native country, and she landed on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula among the lush vineyards of Polperro Wines. Leaving the Club behind was not easy, but it remains an important part of her life and is home base when she is back in town for work or to visit friends and Phil’s mother.

This month Bannister returns with Polperro founder Sam Coverdale for a special dinner in the Brooklyn rooms. Members will be among the first people in the world to

taste Polperro’s newly released single-vineyard wines.

Bannister says her new life with Polperro is a lot like what she experienced at the Club, a sense of family growing out of collaboration with others, and she wants to share it with fellow Members.

“When you work for a winery, which is from your home country, for a family that is working hard, you really feel like you invest heavily emotionally in the journey,” she explains. “Shadowing a winemaker is extremely enlightening, and I want great success for Sam and his wife Emma, because the hard work and dedication they both put in is just incredible. It shows in the quality of the wine and the entire experience we create for guests at Polperro.”

As excited as Bannister is to share the fruits of labor, it’s not the only reason she’s looking forward to being back. The Club feels like returning home every time she is in town. Like that old pub in Boston, everyone seems to know your name. During a visit in January, her daughter and son, now 5 and 7, were running through Club Med and caught the eye of Ronnie Navarro. “He asked, ‘Is that Evie and Tommy?’” Bannister says with a laugh. “He just couldn’t believe how tall they’d gotten. He’s known them since they were babies.”

Like fine wine, bonds formed at the Club get better with time.

Polperro Wine Dinner

• May 21 • 7–9:30pm • Brooklyn II & III

• ¥14,300 (guests: ¥17,160)

• Sign up online

Image: Georgia Bannister at Polperro Winery

HIDDEN HEROINES

Ahead of her TAC Talk this month, author and illustrator

Marissa Moss shares the inspiration behind her stories.

A tea party hosted by an owl sounds like a lot of fun. But one publisher didn’t think so and passed on 9-yearold Marissa Moss’ story about the whimsical gathering. That snub, however, did little to deter her ambitions to pen her own books. It took time, but a winding road through university history lectures and waiting tables led Moss to a breakthrough, and she’s been writing and illustrating children’s books ever since.

Her most popular work is the Amelia’s Notebook series. “I wanted to comment on the real lives that kids have,” says the Californian. “Nothing extraordinary happens to Amelia. What’s extraordinary is her point of view. There are a lot of diagrams and quizzes inside, so it’s really a visual-thinking book.”

The series—now 30 tomes and counting—draws on Moss’ childhood experiences but gives them the endings she longed for. One arguably extraordinary example is that Moss’ school was firebombed. In Amelia’s Notebook, the students go through a healing journey together and come to a mental closure.

Moss also tackles more complex stories with her non-fiction narratives about historical figures. Her latest book, Spying on Spies, released in March, follows the true story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, one of the world’s greatest code breakers.

In addition to Friedman, Moss has written about Austrian-Swedish physicist Lise Meitner (The Woman Who Split the Atom), baseball player Kenichi “Zeni” Zenimura (Barbed Wire Baseball) and one of America’s first female private eyes (Kate Warne, Pinkerton Detective).

Moss will take Members behind the scenes of The Woman Who Split the Atom and Amelia’s Notebook this month in a series of events at the Club.

“I’ve always had diverse characters because I felt like I never saw myself in picture books; I’m always trying to be more inclusive,” explains Moss. “When I started writing history, I was aware that there was a lot that isn’t taught. I wanted to do picture books about history that involved lots of people, generally minorities and women, who’d been erased from history.”

This can take her down a rabbit hole, but the journey is reinforced by research skills gained from her art and history studies. These skills are crucial for her work, and

she tries to nurture them in others through her workshops. “How do you vet information? How do you go about getting it? That’s a real skill that I don’t think is taught so much anymore. A lot of adults are falling for fake news because they don’t know how to look at, and evaluate, information.”

Moss also hopes to inspire children and give them a place to imagine themselves.

“We need to tell history more fully. Especially in math and sciences, girls have not been encouraged. And it’s still an issue, because they don’t see themselves in those fields. They need to know that there were women who made a difference.”

Graphic Novel Workshop

• May 22 • 5–6pm • Library • Free • Sign up online

TAC Talk

• May 22 • 7–8:30pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms

• ¥1,980 (guests: ¥2,480) • Sign up online

Book Lovers’ Group

• May 23 • 5–6:30pm • Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms • Free • Details online

THREE’S

COMPANY

A CrossFit challenge brings more than fitness gains to a group of dedicated Members.

WORDS LISA WALLIN

As Reina Hirayama, Mariko Takamiya and Chisato Koonmen enter the Club, their faces are alive with energy and excitement. It’s Thursday morning, and they are making their weekly pilgrimage to the second-floor Gymnasium, where trainer Luis Uraga awaits with barbells and boxing gloves. He greets them as they stroll in, matching their enthusiasm step for step.

The next hour will be filled with walking lunges, lifts and plenty of burpees and punches as Uraga puts the three women through a CrossFit-style workout that pushes them to the limit.

IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

The challenge will also highlight and strengthen the bond that brought the group together.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, Hirayama, Takamiya and Koonmen have been friends for over a decade. United by their shared love for Pilates and tennis, and their roles as mothers, the trio decided earlier this year to elevate their fitness by adding more strength training to their routines— and to do it together. These weekly meetings have become a shared ritual they hold sacred.

Koonmen adds that working out with others can be more enjoyable than going it alone. “The point is to do it together. I like to exercise and do a lot of fitness; I work out three or four times a week. But this is so fun. I know [Hirayama and Takamiya] through tennis, and it’s just more fun in a group.”

All three credit Uraga for his skill in setting challenging-yet-achievable goals, and for keeping their workouts dynamic and engaging. “Luis is good at pushing us, and he’s very creative and clear,” Takamiya says. “We never get bored.”

They have observed noticeable physical improvements since they began their fitness journey—results quantified through BMI scores. Uraga was particularly impressed by their progress when comparing their initial results with those from six weeks later. He saw a significant increase in muscle mass and a reduction in fat percentage across the board. He challenged them to maintain or surpass their current level by the next assessment and emphasized mutual accountability. Should anyone fall short, the other two would have to do 30 burpees each—a collective incentive to stay motivated and support one another’s progress.

“They’re not just dedicated to the grind, but to each other.”

Through Pilates they had all learned the importance of core strength and mobility—especially when it came to improving their tennis game. Koonmen’s experience with kickboxing further fueled the idea of creating a class with both boxing and CrossFit elements. Hirayama thanks their former trainer, Robert Daoust, for opening the door to kickboxing and inspiring them to pursue all styles of fitness.

With guidance from Club yoga instructor Luiz Olimpio, they enlisted Uraga, a boxing coach and trainer known for his personalized approach, to craft and guide a regimen.

Uraga most often works with Members one-on-one, but he was impressed with the trio’s dedication and camaraderie, and this group class has become one he looks forward to each week. “They seem close, like sisters,” he says. “They’re not just dedicated to the grind, but to each other. If one of them can’t make it on the usual day, they’ll reschedule so that they can all attend.”

Such consistency has been the key to their success, Hirayama notes. The accountability of attending classes together motivates them even on days when they feel overwhelmed. “It’s a mindset thing,” she explains. “If you feel pressured or under stress, you might just stay home and relax and do nothing. If you have something to do like a class, especially with friends, then you will probably get yourself off of your couch. That gives you a positive result.”

But the weekly get-together is not just about physiques. It’s an important time to bond, which extends over lunch after the workout. Hirayama, Takamiya and Koonmen agree that meeting up to sweat together and talk things out has been critical to improving their motivation as well as physical and mental well-being. They push each other to their limits, inspire one another with positive attitudes and find joy in achievements. It’s a winning combination they highly recommend to others.

Through sweat and laughter, they’ve formed a bond that transcends the gym walls, proving that true friendship thrives in the pursuit of shared goals and shared passions.

Visit the Fitness & Recreation page of the Club website to learn more about personal training options.

Images: (clockwise) (l-r) Reina Hirayama, Mariko Takamiya and Chisato Koonmen; Luis Uraga absorbs Hirayama’s punches; Takamiya takes her shot at Uraga; Koonmen lifts the day’s target.

HIGH FLYING BIRDS

TAC Eagles win their first Minato-ku championship as Club kids build skills for on and off the court.

With the TAC Eagles trailing and only seconds remaining, Siwon Lee sends the basketball soaring. His teammates watch with bated breath and erupt in joy as the net swooshes. The 10-year-old Member’s study of his idol, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, paid off big time as his lastsecond basket tied a semifinal game in February’s Minato Ward Elementary School Basketball Tournament. The goal sent the battle into overtime, where the Eagles prevailed 26–25 over Azabu MBC. They went on to defeat the Nanzan Stars 24–16 in the final for the B1 squad’s first tournament title since its founding in 2012.

“It felt really good, because the day before the semifinal I went to a ski resort and an onsen and I was thinking about the game all the time,” says Siwon, a student at the American School in Japan (ASIJ). “I was scared because we lost against Azabu MBC a few times.”

After scoring 13 points and getting three rebounds, teammate Rintaro Kim was named MVP of the championship game, another first for

WORDS TIM HORNYAK IMAGE YUUKI IDE

Images: Coach Dan Weiss with (l–r) Rintaro Kim and Siwon Lee; (right) the TAC Eagles B1 team

the Club. He recalls that key moment in the semifinal when things didn’t look good for the Eagles.

“I was like, ‘We’re gonna lose,’” admits 9-year-old Rintaro. “But Siwon said, ‘I’m gonna hit the fadeaway shot.’ And then he made it, and we went to overtime. We managed to win by one point. That was a hard win for us.”

Originally from South Korea, Siwon has been living in Tokyo for six years. In February 2023, he decided to join the Eagles because his friends told him they play basketball and he wanted to give it a try. It was a good move in more ways than one.

“I was able to get better at a new sport so I can also get better at school,” Siwon says. “It helps with some subjects, like phys ed, because you’re getting more exercise and you’re moving your body.”

Rintaro, a student at the British School in Tokyo, admires Los Angeles Lakers legends LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant. He also began playing basketball in February 2023 after seeing an ad for Rakuten’s NBA broadcasts.

“I was really nervous when I first joined since it was my first year on the team,” he reveals. “But it makes me really happy playing with the team, especially in the Minato-ku tournament, which is the biggest tournament [for us]. Lots of people are watching, and that makes me feel like the NBA players I first saw in the Rakuten advertisement.”

entire team working together and challenging each other at practice,” says Weiss. “The support of the parents was also key to allowing coaches to focus on strategy and player management.”

The Eagles were up against seven other teams in the tournament and were at a disadvantage because they only practice twice a week for 90 minutes beginning in September. Getting to the Club and focusing on basketball after a full day of school was a big challenge for the players, but Weiss says they benefitted from the direction of fellow coach Goncharenko and assistant coach Shosuke Yokoyama. Practices were broken down into warm-ups and fundamentals, with 12 of 20 kids eventually chosen for the tournament team.

“Our victory couldn’t have happened without the entire team working together and challenging each other at practice.”

About 20 boys and girls in grades two through four make up the TAC Eagles B1 team, which is led by former professional basketball player Dan Weiss. Coach Vitalii Goncharenko, another former pro in Europe, leads the fifth and sixth graders on the A1 team, which finished a respectable third.

“Our victory couldn’t have happened without the

“We wanted to find a balance between having fun, working hard and learning basketball,” says Weiss, who has coached the team since its first tournament in 2013. “We want them to be able to focus beyond the next 30 minutes, and that’s challenging in this era of instant gratification.”

Playing with the Eagles could be a stepping-stone to bigger things in sports. Former team captain Shou MurakamiMoses plays for ASIJ’s Mustangs football team and made the all-Japan under-15 team.

Siwon is looking forward to resuming basketball practice in April and says he would like to play in the NBA one day. Rintaro is also shooting for the stars. He aims to play basketball in high school and university, and maybe one day try out for the B.League, Japan’s professional basketball association.

“My goal for next season is to be braver and take the shots when I have them,” Rintaro says. “It doesn’t matter if you miss some, you have to try.”

WHY CHOOSE GYMBOREE?

WHOLE-CHILD APPROACH

CHILD-LED ACTIVITIES

UNIQUE CURRICULUM (MUSIC, ART, GLOBAL KIDS, DANCE, PROGRAMMING)

Morning Momentum

Member Jean-Louis Spotti shares how the Nihonbashi Club helped him change his routine and find new energy.

When I first came to Japan in my 20s , I settled into a kind of sedentary life. I had played baseball in high school and badminton in university back in France, but I was here to study Japanese. And then I transitioned into a job. I barely did any exercise or sports.

Naturally, I put on some weight. By my early 30s, I could feel that it was time to start getting fit and I began to work out.

A boost to my efforts came in April 2021. The Nihonbashi Club had just opened in my neighborhood and I checked out the Fitness Center. It was great. It’s really close to my work and just a 15-minute walk from my house. I joined right away.

With physical activity once again a big part of my life, my goal is to stay fit and healthy.

Training also gives me a lot of energy and has helped me succeed in changing my lifestyle. I decided a while back that I wanted to be done with my day by 9pm and turn in by 10. That gives you time to slow down your brain, have a light dinner, assess work, unwind and get seven hours of sleep.

To make this shift, I had to make some adjustments to my lifestyle, like having fewer drinks with friends at night. The routine of waking up early and getting to the gym helps tremendously. I’m up at 5am and in the Fitness Center at 6.

My goal is to keep going there a minimum of four times a week. I have a flow that I work through. I do arms and back one day, shoulders and chest another, then on to legs. On the fourth day, I double up on one of these depending on how I feel and what I want to focus on that week.

There’s no grand achievement or competition that I’m training for. I just want to maintain a certain muscle mass. I’m having great success doing that, and am actually increasing a bit. I want to keep up the high intensity and stay fit so that I can enjoy the rest of what life has given us—pleasures such as wine and good food.

I also feel mental benefits from these morning sessions. The time I spend at the Club is my moment. When you are at the gym, you’re spending time for yourself, not for other people. It’s an energizing way to start the day and helps me do my best when I jump into work.

Working out was something I came to see as necessary to compensate for that sedentary lifestyle I had settled into. When I realized that I needed to get into better shape, it changed my life for the better. Since my early 30s, I’ve dropped 20 kilograms. At 40, I’m feeling not just fitter, but also younger.

As

told to INTOUCH’s C Bryan Jones.

Image: Jean-Louis Spotti

Get Away to an Island Paradise

Savor the wonders of Ishigaki Island, with its crystal-clear ocean and pure white sand, at Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas. Its cozy yet contemporary spaces offer the perfect backdrop for experiencing the heart and soul of one of Okinawa’s most idyllic destinations.

F e e l c o m f

i n y o u r o w n

 Botox treatments (wrinkle removal, hyperhidrosis, migraines)

 Ultherapy, Titan, Laser Genesis, IPL

 Mole, tattoo, skin blemish removal

 Liposuction, mesotherapy (fat-dissolving injection)

 Facelift, breast augmentation/reduction

 Laser (for tattoos, hair removal, broken veins)

 Foreign insurance accepted

AZABUDAI

FRANCE | Olivier Teboul & Gaétane Baudry-Teboul Parfums Christian Dior (Japon) K.K

“For us, the Club is the perfect way to wind down from the busy Tokyo scene. Being greeted by friendly faces in a cozy ambiance and discovering enticing activities and events is never disappointing. We would be delighted to challenge you at the pinball machine (Olivier is the family expert) or have a chat with you by the cafe buffet—we usually are never far from the pancake machine!”

NIHONBASHI

JAPAN | Sachiko Motomura

BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd.

“Back in Tokyo after 19 years abroad, I joined the Club to immerse myself in a diverse community that blends the familiarity of American culture with the rich heritage of Tokyo. As someone passionate about exploring cultures while staying connected to my roots, I see the Club as the ideal place to meet like-minded people who understand the expat experience, grow my network and discover new interests.”

Image: (l–r) Olivier and Eléa Teboul, Gaétane Baudry-Teboul and Laia Teboul Image: Sachiko Motomura

AZABUDAI

USA

Wayne Chang & Maie Takahashi Dictador Rum

Anne Cunningham American School in Japan

Eileen Gao Fidelity Management and Research

Nirav & Akina Mehta Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Christopher Snow & Lalita Mosorin Ernst & Young Tax Co.

CANADA

Nadim & Nadine Assi Suntory Holdings Limited

Eric Laflamme & Helene Moore

Nippon Boehringer-Ingelheim Co., Ltd.

HONG KONG

Zhi Ma & Liang Zhao

China Elite White Wine Degustation Co., Ltd.

JAPAN

Takashi Aoki

McCann Erickson Japan Inc.

Miaki & Minoru Asada

Yusuke Hidaka

Mitsubishi Corporation

Takeshi & Sachiko Komatsu FP Trading Co., Ltd.

Kentaro & Junko Kori

Kori Lease Co., Ltd.

Yasuji & Yumiko Maeda

Bernie Grundman Mastering Studio Tokyo

Kensuke & Maiko Murashima Minerva Growth Partners, Inc.

Rie & Yoshiro Takahashi

Yamanote Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Mana Uchimiya

TMI Associates

Mika Yano & Uwani Martin

MGM Resorts Japan LLC

MALAYSIA

Meng Tong Lee

NEW ZEALAND

Gerasimos & Annabel Kate

Claudatos

Nautica Shipping & Logistics Japan K.K.

TAIWAN

I Fang (Lisa) Lim & Nobukatsu Mitsui Aequanimitas K.K.

Sung Tao Lu & Hsiao-Tien Mi Softbank Investment Advisers

NIHONBASHI

USA

Kenji Nonaka Skyy Development

JAPAN

Shozo Ishibashi The Ishibashi Tanzan Memorial Foundation

Hiroshi Sonoda Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.

Hiroshi Tamada RDiscovery, K.K.

Eriko Uematsu Snow Peak, Inc.

Taichiro Watanabe Deerpath Capital

We can help you completely refurbish your residence, office, or showroom, from finding the ideal combination of materials, fabrics, and colors to selecting the best furniture and furnishings.

We also provide design, construction, and renovation services for hotels and retail areas, with the ability to handle all local regulation issues and help with approval processing.

ONE DESIGNS’ English-speaking staff can assist with any inquiries.

ONE DESIGNS TOKYO OFFICE Ryoshin Onarimon Bldg. 7F 6-17-15 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: +81 (0)3 6758 3535

For more information,please email: post-onesd@koyou.co.jp www.koyou-onesd.co.jp/en

Luxury Homat properties for expats in Tokyo

Ever

When I joined the Club in 2018 , I was a single entrepreneur. A lot has changed in my life since then— marriage, motherhood—and the Club has been there for me throughout.

I became more involved when the Nihonbashi Club opened in 2021.

As a vice-chair of the Nihonbashi Committee, I loved having the chance to help the new clubhouse grow. I committed to educating myself about the Club’s development and formed relationships with staff and Members.

But my little one had other plans. In particular, she rejected the bottle. Having to exclusively breastfeed made it impossible to be away from her for more than two or three hours.

It Takes a Village

I was aspiring to become chair when I learned that I was pregnant. Given that the Nihonbashi Club does not permit anyone under 20—much less babies—to enter, my ability to continue with the committee at all, much less in a leadership position, was in question. Of course, caring for a baby takes top priority, but many women wish to balance their roles as parent and professional, and they fear that being unable to participate in meetings and activities will halt the momentum needed to continue in leadership positions. I was facing this reality.

The committee offered me a lifeline: virtual meetings. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, online attendance in business had become more accepted—often the norm, in fact. This technological solution helped me transition to motherhood without missing updates. I was able to mute myself when my baby cried and even go off-camera if I needed to breastfeed.

WORDS KATHERYN GRONAUER ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO

Virtual meetings weren’t perfect. I still struggled to form relationships with new committee members and participate in Club activities. But there were so many things that happened during the six months that I was away, such as events and the development of special-interest groups, that it would have been impossible to keep up with otherwise. And missing these things would have made me question my ability to handle a leadership position in the future.

Attending committee meetings while pregnant brought minimal challenges (save for it becoming harder each month to scoot my chair towards the table as my belly grew). It was after giving birth that my access changed dramatically.

Committee meetings take place once a month and last about 90 minutes. My original plan was to hire a sitter or have the baby settled into day care on the occasions when I needed to attend.

Despite being on the other side of a display, I experienced so much warmth from fellow Members and Club staff. Encouraging words and a generous gift card when I gave birth left me with an overall feeling of inclusivity that was really encouraging. Many even commented on how nice it was to watch my baby grow as each monthly meeting passed. They say that it takes a village to raise a child. The Club is my village.

Katheryn

March 15

Sakura Fes Nihonbashi

Spring celebrations got a touch of Club flair as Nihonbashi Members shared signature drinks and eats at the community’s cherryblossom celebration for a second year.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

March 20

Budo Martial Arts Experience

Members unleashed their inner martial artist as the Club was transformed into a dojo in partnership with the Japan Sports Agency.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

March 22

Embassy Nights: Olé España

Members reveled in a night of Spanish wonders, highlighted by classic cuisine, wine and traditional dance, in this collaboration with the Spanish Embassy.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

March 29

Nihonbashi Third Anniversary Celebration

Members were treated to a spectacular third birthday bash for the Club’s dynamic satellite clubhouse, complete with live music, geisha performances and delectable food.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

March 31

Easter at the Club

A visit from the Easter Bunny set the mood for a weekend of holiday celebrations as Members enjoyed a lavish spread and hopped into games and activities.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

April 4 51 East Preopening

The 51 East team welcomed Members for a sneak preview of the Club’s new third-floor Italian-American eatery while honing skills and making final tweaks.

IMAGES TAKUMARU SUZUKI

Healthy Heian

Class

Karate Fitness

Strike, kick and defend your way through wave after wave of energizing music. Originating in the Ryukyu Kingdom (now Okinawa) as a form of self-defense, karate also improves cardiovascular health, strength and body tone. Students in this class learn basic moves, such as punches, kicks, defensive tactics ( uke ) and stances, in a workout that’s perfect for karate beginners and all fitness levels.

Instructor Emiri Iwamoto

Born in 1988, Emiri Iwamoto has practiced karate since she was 8 years old and spent a decade on Japan’s national team. She finished top at the Asian Championships and achieved a first-place world ranking in 2017, and has won three World Karate Federation Karate 1-Premier League titles. In 2023, she earned a degree from the Waseda University School of Sports Sciences.

Student Jun Decornez

“I watched my son’s karate class for over 10 years and always wanted to try it myself. I found this new class at the Club and it is so fun and invigorating! I can relieve stress and it’s a great exercise for flexibility. I really feel better every time.”

Karate Fitness

• Every Tuesday (8:15–9pm) and Wednesday (11:30am–12:15pm)

• The Studio • Free • Sign up online

IMAGE CLARA GARCIA

Image: Jun Decornez and Emiri Iwamoto

Gather in the Company of Sea and Sky

Connect and share in a place that blends natural beauty and modern design with amenities that include meticulously crafted pools that provide settings for both relaxation and exercise.

オアフの自然美を取り入れたモダンデザインと、細部にまでこだわり抜いた プールなどのアメニティの数々で、人々はつながり、分かち合う。

Studio, One, Two, and Three Bedroom Honolulu Residences

ホノルルのスタジオ、1ベッドルーム、2ベッドルーム、3ベッドルームレジデンス

INQUIRE

thelauniuwardvillagehonolulu.com | + 1 808 470 8028

RB-21701

毎月一回一日発行

インタッチマガジン二〇二四年五月一日発行

A

平成三年十二月二十日第三種郵便物許可定価八００円 本体七二八円

new standard

for luxurious living

Tower Serviced Apartments

Toranomon Hills Residential Tower Serviced Apartments can make you feel at home from day one. Floor plans range in size from studios to two-bedroom units, and each apartment comes equipped with all the necessities for daily life. And the property’s full array of services and amenities put comfort and convenience right at hand.

Toranomon Hills Residential