June 2024 INTOUCH Magazine

CITY SCHEMATICS

CULINARY CANVAS

HISTORIC TRAVELS

Island

Jamaican Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richards weaves a vibrant tapestry of cross-cultural connections

Diplomacy

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Ahead of the Club’s celebration of Jamaica this month, Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richards shares her mission of cultural diplomacy.

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 Rényi

Production Administrator Yuko Shiroki

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Shane Busato

Tim Hornyak

Cassandra Lord

Brendan Morris

Masaki Sato

Lisa Wallin

Amanda Wells

Thomas Zaleski

Photographers

Shane Busato

Yuuki Ide

Ken Katsurayama

Kayo Yamawaki

Illustrator

Tania Vicedo

INTOUCH is printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper, harvested from sustainably managed forests.

ADVERTISING IN INTOUCH

Explore the Club’s range of advertising possibilities by talking to the Club’s exclusive advertising agency, Custom Media.

Custom Media President Robert Heldt

Custom Media Publisher Simon Farrell advertising@tac-club.org 03-4540-7730 | custom-media.com

JOINING TOKYO AMERICAN CLUB

To arrange a tour of the facilities, contact the Membership Office.

Tokyo American Club 2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8649

membership@tac-club.org 03-4588-0687 | tokyoamericanclub.org

All prices referenced in INTOUCH include consumption tax.

THE LUXURY WATCH EXPERTS

Commit Ginza is a watch specialty store located in the heart of Ginza. We carefully select and sell high-end pieces from top brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet. Not only do we offer lower prices than our competitors, but our experienced appraisers—who carefully monitor all aspects of the domestic and international market—have handled over 20,000 watches, including

many rare vintage Rolex models worth over ¥ 10 milli on. This expertise ensures that sellers will receive the highest value for the items they bring in. And as many of our c ustome rs come from overseas, we have staff members who speak English and Chinese on hand at all times. We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with unparalleled service.

Finding Links

WORDS MASAKI SATO IMAGE CLARA GARCIA

Golf is a universal language . The Club is a melting pot of nationalities and backgrounds, but for those of us who love the game, finding common connections and bonds is easy. The Men’s Golf Group (MGG) now has more than 60 active members from over 10 countries and a vibrant slate of events to keep us connected year-round.

But there is one “good” problem: with so much interest, the available slots fill up quickly and sometimes members who want to join an event are left out. Changing that is my priority for this year and I have been working to expand the slots in each event so that as many MGG members as possible can join.

Finding places to play has become more challenging. The boom in golf that started during the pandemic means that Saturday slots at many golf courses are becoming increasingly scarce—and more expensive. But we are negotiating with some courses to expand our reservations to a maximum of 12 groups—up from the six to eight in previous years.

Making it possible for more members to be involved is crucial to me as the diversity of the MGG is one thing that makes it so special. Regardless of our mother tongue or where we originally came from, we are all connected through the common language of golf and enjoy socializing and getting to know one another. The more men we can involve, the better.

As we work to expand access, there are plenty of opportunities to grow our relationships. We have a full slate of outings, getting together every other weekend for our competitive but always friendly events. As I write this, we’ve just finished our three-day Spring Stag Tournament, our oldest tournament, which started in 1983. This used

to be an overseas trip prior to the pandemic, but when the borders closed, we refocused on discovering the delights of golf around Japan. In 2021 and 2022, we went to Fukuoka, and for the past two years, we’ve gone to Kansai, playing great courses around Kobe and Osaka.

This month we’re teeing off at Ibaraki Golf Club on the 8th, and on the 22nd, after we spend the day on the links of Hodogaya Country Club, we will head to an Italian restaurant in Shiodome for our social gathering, including family members.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2024 season, we are preparing for our annual Abandoned Husbands weekend, an overnight trip to play two rounds of golf in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

Heading into the homestretch, in October we will stage the Emperor’s Cup Tournament. This event, started in 1986 and played as the President’s Cup until 2019, is undoubtedly our biggest event and the crown jewel of our competitions. The original format pitted Team USA against the rest of the world. Now, Team International takes on Team Japan. The 12 golfers on each side are chosen based on points earned through the year. It’s a very special culmination to the MGG season, as no private country club in Japan can run this type of competition.

The Men’s Golf Group has been a very important part of my life for many years. The friendships, trust and camaraderie we build on the greens are unmatched and last a lifetime. I look forward to growing opportunities for you all.

Masaki Sato is chair of the Men’s Golf Group and a member of the Club’s Recreation Committee.

“The friendships, trust and camaraderie we build on the greens are unmatched and last a lifetime.”

Skills that Serve

“Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, feed him for a lifetime.”

We’ve all heard the adage. And in the competitive postCovid hospitality market, our employee focus mandates that we embrace its spirit by offering our associates the tools for career development. In fact, fostering an employee culture of growth, innovation and training is a pillar of this year’s Board of Governors.

You may think of employee training as a group sitting in a room and listening to an instructor or shadowing a veteran. In hospitality in general—and specifically in Japan—on-the-job training and briefing-based instruction is indeed often the norm. But this is not very conducive for learning and retention of new skills.

As many Members are aware, the Club recently allocated downtime in a few of our dining outlets to provide more effective foundational training for our food and beverage service associates using principles of learning that foster instructional uniformity and comprehension. Although this approach takes more time, it is our hope that the results will lead to more consistent service, better efficiency and productivity and enhanced job satisfaction.

On top of the foundational base, we have many value-added programs on this year’s training schedule.

These include:

• A specialized hospitality-focused leadership program in partnership with Dale Carnegie

• Comprehensive training to refine competency-based interview skills and acquire top talent

• A complete revamp of our member service standards, conflict resolution steps and principles

• Stress management strategies for physical and mental well-being with TELL Japan

• Our Jiro Matsumura Internship cross-training exchange with the Jonathan Club in California

• Enhanced onboarding procedures

All these are efforts to further hone our customer service standards.

We thank all Members for your understanding of the downtime and appreciate your patience. Please be reminded that all-day service remains available in Rainbow Café, Traders’ Bar, The Cellar and the Winter Garden. We hope you will soon notice improved service as we work to build pride and professionalism. Whether a team member works at the Club for one year or 10, their tenure will be a positive addition to their résumé. TZ

CLARA

GARCIA

From the Shelves

Olivia Yeonjae Ryu has loved animals for as long as she can remember. When her mom shared books with animal photos and explanations, exploring the pages together turned Olivia into a reader. Now 9, the young Member can be found exploring the shelves of the second-floor Library after school almost every day.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is Kay’s Marvellous Medicine by Adam Kay, who is an actual doctor. I love it because it tells you

CONNECTIONS

Diamond Jubilee

about the medicines that were made a long time ago, and the illustrations are also really funny. I feel reading Kay’s Marvellous Medicine is actual learning from a book.

What inspired your love of books?

Through the books about animals that my mom bought and read to me, I learned about the joy that books can bring. After that, I started reading books of various genres with pleasure.

What genre do you most enjoy?

I’m still looking for my favorite genre, so I’m enjoying many types of books. Regardless of genre, I like graphic novels the most. The reason is that I really like drawing. After reading a graphic novel, I always draw the characters from the book. Sometimes, I think about a new story and create my own comic book. My classmates really enjoy and love these so much.

What are you currently reading?

I am reading A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat. It is about a middle school boy who started a world journey with his classmates for the first time in his life. I highly recommend it because it has lots of overseas adventures.

When were you last unable to put down a book?

The last book I was unable to put down is El Deafo, a graphic novel by Cece Bell. It was so good that I read it again, and my mom and I made a costume of the main character together for a book day event at my school.

The Club’s Connections group recently celebrated its 75th anniversary with a spectacular gala attended by over 120 Members and guests. The proceeds from the event will go to support the areas affected by the New Year’s Day earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing live calligraphy performance by Miwa Fujiwara, whose graceful and precise strokes were perfectly synchronized with her breakdancing counterpart.

The celebration reached its peak when Rain and the Midnight Gravity Band took the stage, filling the dance floor with their captivating talents.

Connections President Vanessa Thomas expressed her optimism for the group’s future: “As we celebrate this milestone, let us not only look back with pride at all that Connections has accomplished but also look forward with excitement to the future. We can only imagine what the next 75 years will bring.” SB

CLARA GARCIA

KAYO YAMAWAKI

Image: Olivia Yeonjae Ryu

Tasteful Type

The third-floor’s metamorphosis into 51 East was a major project involving many dedicated staff. But the décor, tables and service were just part of the recipe. Putting chef Francesco “Paco” La Monica’s delectable dishes to paper was a crucial addition.

To ensure the best possible menus reached Members’ hands, restaurant manager Matthieu Rigaud turned to veteran designer Clara Garcia for help.

It was the kind of task she savors.

Conveying elegance through only type is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to menu design, notes Garcia, who earned her master’s degree from the Barcelona School of Arts and Design. “You must send a message clearly, in a simple way. Less is better, but the few elements should capture the true essence you want to communicate.”

Rigaud decided to highlight Garcia’s efforts in a Star card (an online system where staff can recognize one another for their work).

“When we did the dry run, we changed some dishes and names,” explains the Cannes native. “Some aspects of the menu design had to change as well. Clara was really proactive, updating the menu right up to D-Day.” CBJ

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

Sage Sips for Summer

As summer sets in, here are three wines to enjoy outdoors, ideally in the shade or close to the sea.

My first selection is Birichino’s 2022 Malvasia Bianco (¥3,800), crafted in Monterey from Malvasia, an ancient family of grapes that includes a diverse collection of noble varieties. It is a rare wine grape, though like Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, it has an intriguing fruit scent and palate. The citrusy originality pairs well with seafood, pesto or sharp cheese.

Next, we move up north to Oregon for the 2022 A to Z Pinot Gris (¥2,900), a wine that goes with about everything, all the time, including nothing, which is sometimes a fine option, too. This delightful sipper has a satisfying flavor that lingers with acidic texture. Well balanced with a silky finish.

Lastly, we hop over to Spain for the 2016 Cune Gran Reserva Tempranillo (¥5,200). Tempranillo is the most important grape at the heart of Rioja’s best wines. This is where Rioja tastes serious. At the Reserva level, winemakers select better grapes and age their wines longer. A very well-balanced wine to share with friends, and a real treat for the taste buds.

Brendan Morris is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.

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

WORDS BRENDAN MORRIS

IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

Image: Clara Garcia and Matthieu Rigaud

What’s on in

JUNE 4

Exhibition: Timothy Betjeman

American painter Timothy Betjeman has been fascinated by art since he was a child.

“I loved copying drawings from Leonardo da Vinci and Egon Schiele especially,” he says, recalling those early days of flipping through his dad’s art books. “That’s when I got really into drawing, and from drawing comes everything else.”

The path to everything else would lead him from Chicago to London to Tokyo on a journey through art schools that would culminate in a master’s degree in Japanese painting from the University of Tokyo and a PhD from Tama Art University.

Betjeman draws inspiration from traditional Heian-period Rinpa paintings and the intricate details of European botanical drawings and Western pop art. “Western oil painting and nihonga represent distinct visual languages,” reveals the native New Yorker. “I aspire to combine and show the expression between the two.”

Betjeman’s works will be on display this month in the Frederick Harris Gallery. CBJ

Members are invited to attend the opening reception.

Moment I realized I wanted to become an artist. Looking through my dad’s art books as a child. What I would tell my 20-year-old self.

Go to Japan.

My perfect creative environment.

Anywhere that is quiet, with space and good light. Having an ocean nearby is a plus!

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

El Greco, because I heard he had a live orchestra play for all of his meals.

• Through July 1 • Opening reception: June 4 • 6:30pm • Frederick Harris Gallery • Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online

1

All-Comers Swim Meet

The Sky Pool hosts a morning of all-ages swim action, personal bests and awards.

• 9am–12:45pm • Sky Pool • ¥2,000

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

1

Father-Daughter Dinner Dance

Embrace an evening of music, dancing and a photo booth for keepsakes to cherish.

• 4:30–8:30pm (Makeover Salon: 2–4:30pm) • New York Ballroom • ¥16,500 per pair; ¥6,600 per additional daughter (guests: ¥19,800 per pair; ¥7,920 per additional daughter) • Sign up online

2

Sunday Brunch Buffet

Enjoy an eye-popping selection of brunch classics and Club signatures.

• 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

2024 Summer Reading Challenge

The Library’s semiannual, page-turning read-a-thon returns.

• Through August 14 • Library

• Details online

5 & 20

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

7

Movie Night

Club kids travel back in time with pizza and a lineup of ’80s flicks.

• 6–9pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms

• ¥2,750 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,300)

• Ages 5–12 • Sign up online

7–9

Down Under Wine Sale

Replenish the home cellar with discounted top drops from Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

• June 7 & 8: 10:30am–7pm; June 9: 10:30am–5pm • Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms

• Details online

11

Let’s Talk Business: Breakfast and Inspiration with Elio Orsara

Born in Calabria, Elio Orsara has been a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and champion of Italian food culture in Japan for more than 30 years. His ventures transcend mere business and have succeeded through challenges that include the 2011 Fukushima disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Orsara’s mission is deeply personal. Discovering that his son was allergic to chemicals in commercial foods moved him to ensure that his family had the most natural food possible. He then extended this mission to friends and the community, establishing an organic farm, cheese factory, salami factory and his own eatery, Elio Locanda Italiana.

Members will hear a firsthand account of these endeavors, as well as the challenges, solutions and triumphs of his three-decade journey in Japan.

A delightful American breakfast buffet offering an extensive selection of dishes will set the mood for this inspiring morning session. CBJ

• 8–9:30am • Manhattan I • ¥3,500 (walk-ins: ¥4,950); guests: ¥4,950 (walk-ins: ¥6,050) • Limit two guests per Member • Adults only • Sign up online

8

Create Your Own Bookmark

Club kids snip, sketch and scribble their way to a perfect placeholder.

• 10–11am • Washington & Lincoln rooms

• ¥330 (guests: ¥550) • Ages 5–12 • Sign up online

9

Swim Clinics with Olympians

Former Olympians Miguel and Bruno Ortiz-Cañavate turn Club swimmers into freestyle stars.

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

10

Summer Camp Discovery

The Club kicks off weeklong sessions of games, crafts, music, dance and fun.

• 9am–3pm • Big Kids (ages 5–10): ¥55,000; Preschoolers (ages 3–4): ¥49,500 • Sign up online

11

Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner

George Blanckensee hosts a tasting of Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from the legendary Napa winery.

• 7–9:30pm • Manhattan I • ¥24,000 (guests: ¥28,800) • Sign up online

12

Cocktail Connections

Head to the Club’s watering hole for this summer-infused mixer.

• 5–7pm • Traders’ Bar • Connections members: free (non-Connections members & guests: ¥1,000)

• Details online

13 & 25

Squash Night

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

• 5:30–7:30pm • Squash Courts • Details online

14

Cub Scout Meeting

Elementary school kids are introduced to the exciting world of Scouting through the Club-sponsored Pack 51.

• 6:30–8pm • Free • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • Details online

10-28

One Love at the Club

In 1965, one year after Japan and Jamaica established diplomatic ties, a singer from the village of Nine Mile named Robert Nesta Marley adapted the gospel song “People Get Ready” for his new group, the Wailing Wailers. The tune failed to make a splash, but it provided a springboard to stardom. When he reimagined the song as “One Love” a decade later, one of the world’s most recognizable anthems and music legends were born.

The Club celebrates the magic of the entire Caribbean region plus 60 years of Japan–Jamaica friendship this month with a series of events and offerings. The centerpiece Embassy Nights gala on June 15 will be kicked off by Jamaican Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richards, who invites Members to experience what Bob Marley called “good vibrations.”

Enjoy a full-course menu prepared by Jamaican-Japanese chef Angelee Koshiishi and the ambassador’s secret-recipe rum punch as steelpan and reggae sounds transform the New York Ballroom into a party worthy of Hellshire Beach. CBJ

Embassy Nights: One Love

• June 15 • 5:30–10pm • New York Ballroom • ¥20,000 (guests: ¥25,000) • Adults only

10–21

Caribbean Chef’s Specials

• Rainbow Café

Caribbean Lunch Specials

• American Bar & Grill, Traders’ Bar

Worthy Park Rum Cocktails

• Traders’ Bar

13

Caribbean Fitness “Chippin”

• 11:30am–12:30pm

• Gymnasium

16

Jamaican Brunch Buffet

• 11am–3pm • Rainbow Café

Caribbean Splash-A-Round

• 3–5:30pm • Sky Pool

23

Steelpan Workshop

• 1–3:15pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms

24–28

Summer Camp Discovery: Caribbean Week

See full details and sign up online

16

Father’s Day Grand Buffet

The annual celebration honoring fathers has its origins in a moment of tragedy. It was after a deadly mine explosion in West Virginia in 1907 that a local woman, Grace Golden Clayton, suggested a church service to honor the lost fathers.

The Fairmont gathering was one of the earliest efforts to recognize their importance to families. Sonora Smart Dodd organized another celebration in Spokane, Washington, in 1910, but dads would have to wait more than half a century for the third Sunday in June to become an official holiday.

This month, the Club pays the ultimate homage to the man of the house with a scrumptious all-you-can-eat-buffet that will have him beaming with joy. The mouthwatering array includes smoked St Louis ribs, lobster bisque, beer can-roasted chicken and an array of drinks.

Bring your appetite and show dad how much he means to you. 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

8–16

Father’s Day Premium Whisky Sale

Enjoy 10 percent off select Suntory Hibiki and Yamazaki whiskies and the Club’s own Westland single malt.

• 10am–9pm • The Cellar • Details online

FATHER’S DAY FUN FACTS

● A Babylonian boy carved a loving message to his dad in clay 4,000 years ago.

● The US Open golf tournament has coincided with Father's Day since the 1970s.

● Americans buy about 100 million ties each year as Father’s Day gifts.

● Richard Nixon signed a law making Father’s Day a national holiday in 1972.

18

Nihonbashi Chef’s Table

Enjoy an intimate dinner of gourmet cuisine and wine pairings featuring Berry Bros & Rudd.

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

• Sign up online

19

TAC Talk: Thomas Lockley

Take a treacherous trip to Tudor England with the Nihon University associate professor. Lockley offers a peek into the adventure on page 19.

• 6–8pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms • ¥1,980 (guests: ¥2,480)

• Sign up online

20

Book Lovers’ Group

Join the Club’s band of bibliophiles for a discussion of Ned Blackhawk’s The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of US History

• 11am–12:30pm • Free • Details online

22

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

24

Coffee Connections

Expand your social circle over a morning cup of joe.

• 10–11:30am • Brooklyn III

• Connections members: free (nonConnections members & guests: ¥1,000)

• Details online

28

Cocktail Hour

Budding mixologists learn how to craft the perfect daiquiri, a blend of Bacardí white rum, lime juice and syrup.

• 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.

Luxury, History, Nature in Nagano

Exclusive hotel fuses French cuisine and l’art de vivre à la française

Nestled below the Tateshina Highlands in picturesque Chino, Nagano Prefecture, lies Hôtel de L’Alpage. The exclusive new property, which I visited in April, features classic French charm and cuisine with a contemporary twist and seamless maître d’hôtel service.

Formerly the historic Hotel Heidi, which was built in 1974 by a cousin of former Emperor Akihito, the Tyrolean property was taken over and demolished in 2019 and reopened in March 2024.

Featuring 12 guest rooms, the property will no doubt attract discerning Japanese and expatriate couples and individuals who appreciate European culture, lifestyle and cuisine with a blend of sophistication, comfort and indulgence.

I was awed by the welcoming garden, winding staircase, centerpiece stainedglass windows and sparkling chandeliers. My spacious third-floor room with sweeping mountain views was replete with exclusive European brands—Duxiana beds, Maison Duvivier Canapés furniture

and Farrow & Ball paint and wallpaper. A huge bath and heated balcony mat added to the opulence.

THE ART OF HOSPITALITY

The fusion of French culinary excellence and Latin-style la vie en rose hit me as I entered the high-ceilinged Restaurant Le Jardin, where chef Keiji Azuma, trained at Michelin-starred restaurants and former chef at Ile de France in Aoyama, creates classic French dishes using fresh local ingredients.

I embarked on a journey of haute cuisine, from a delicate appetizer to sumptuous main courses of attractively presented light and creamy seafood and umami-rich steak in delicate red wine sauce to decadantly colorful dessert followed by herbal tea and mignardises.

The sommelier perfectly paired my light, fruity and perfumed Bourgogne Roncevie 2017 Domaine Arlaud.

The experience, however, began and climaxed at Bar Le Rêve, a cozy enclave adorned with antique books on art,

photography and architecture. Inviting seats provide the perfect setting for preand post-prandial joie de vivre with an aperitif or digestif.

The next day, after a 20-minute drive and warm greeting by a friendly guard in traditional Swiss dress, I took the swish, seven-minute ride on the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway to Tsuboniwa Nature Park at 2,237 meters. We were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Japanese Alps, after which we popped in for a jolly lunch at the multiple award-winning Barakura English Garden.

But the Hôtel de L’Alpage was my raison d’être for visiting Chino. From the exquisite cuisine to the ambiance steeped in history, culture and nature, it was a testament to the art of hospitality—maître d’hôtel meets omotenashi

Discover Hôtel de L’Alpage hotelalpage.com/en/

Words by Simon Farrell

Spicy Legend

WORDS C BRYAN JONES

IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI

The story behind the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich dates back more than 70 years and would leave any prankster clucking. As legend goes, the deep-fried delight owes its origins to a begrudged lady who’d had enough late-night philandering by her beau, the owner of Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. She cooked up some blazing bird to punish him, but he liked it so much that he put it on the menu. And it has tantalized Tennesseans ever since.

You can savor the Club’s take on this chicken classic, complete with hot chili honey, coleslaw, mayonnaise and pickles, in Traders’ Bar for lunch or dinner. Just make sure you’re home at a decent hour.

• Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

• Traders’ Bar • ¥2,000

David Stanley Hewett is one of the most well-known artists in Japan. He rst came to Japan in 1988, and his love for its arts and culture motivated him to study the country’s ceramics, traditional painting, obi design and, most notably, the technique for making traditional screens. Hewett is best known for his Bushido Series of paintings which thematically draw on Japanese history and are full of energy and passion, featuring gold leaf, bright colors, and sweeping arcs of thrown paint.

In March 2024, he opened a major joint exhibition with Living National Treasure Inoue Manji at the Onishi Gallery in New York to great acclaim.

In November 2017, Hewett’s painting, Majime, was selected as the gi from Akie Abe, the wife of Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, to the

First Lady of the United States. In 2019, the painting was inducted into the National Archives Collection of the United States of America.

His paintings can be seen in the permanent collections of prominent hotels, The United States Embassy Tokyo, and many other public and private collections around the world.

In 2008, he designed the #1 selling obi in Japan for Takashimaya, and since 2018, has been designing wine glasses and decanters for the world’s most famous wine glass maker, Riedel.

Hewett is passionate about promoting Japanese art and culture and sharing the country’s craftsmanship excellence with the world.

BALANCED PALETTE

Through color and symbolism, Sante Visioni invites 51 East guests into a visual symphony where every brushstroke tells a story.

WORDS LISA WALLIN

IMAGE YUUKI IDE

The culinary creations of chef Francesco “Paco” La Monica have been attracting Members to the third floor since 51 East opened in April. The new eatery has now added to its Italian connection with a feast for the eyes: a collection of remarkable works by Italian artist Sante Visioni, a longtime friend of La Monica.

“I consider cooking another kind of art,” says Visioni, “and chef Paco and I have a very similar approach.” This search for balance, he adds, is what drives his creativity. “My paintings are the result of a process that has a lot in common with a very rational approach to art.”

Although subtle, this rationality infuses Visioni’s creations with meticulous harmony. Beyond being visually stunning, his art reflects personal experiences and emotions; he channels sensations from his surroundings, whether the vibrant energy of Tokyo or the echoes of past relationships. Music also plays a significant role in his process. Carefully curated playlists accompany his painting sessions and influence the depth and intensity of the images that emerge.

The artworks chosen for display at 51 East are not mere adornments but vibrant expressions of Visioni’s artistic odyssey. They offer a glimpse into his exploration of

Image: Sante Visioni

emotion and personal narrative. Each bears the mark of his meticulous process and effort to strike a delicate balance between chaos and harmony.

Their creation was also deeply introspective. “Some of the artworks displayed at the Club were originally featured in my 2023 exhibition ‘Decade: I was fine before you came,’ a series that I painted after a breakup and which allowed me to create a dialogue between my past and present,” Visioni reveals. “This process brought me back to 10 years earlier, when I was part of the punk scene.” Each brushstroke, he explains, served as a cathartic release as he channeled his emotions onto the canvas, looking for inner answers in a process of self-discovery.

The selection process for Visioni’s artworks at 51 East was deliberate, and even their placement is informed by his creative approach. “Since I’m very obsessed with the concept of balance, I think the way they are displayed— three smaller ones on one side and the big one on the other side—really makes the room more vibrant and appealing.”

Looking ahead, Visioni aspires to continue evolving as an artist, sharing his vibrant creations with audiences worldwide; he recently displayed his art in Bogota, Colombia, and he’s currently preparing a new show in Miami. As his works bring the walls of 51 East to life, they transcend cultural boundaries and invite viewers into a world where balance, harmony and creativity converge, affirming the transformative power of art.

• Artworks available for purchase. Inquire at 51 East.

LOST LATITUDE

Thomas Lockley lays the keel for a TAC Talk filled with historical intrigue on the open sea.

When the explorer Thomas Cavendish returned to England in 1588 after sailing around the globe, he was celebrated as a hero. But there is a lesser-known figure whose arrival in England that same year had perhaps an even bigger impact: a 21-year-old Japanese man known only as Christopher.

“The knowledge that Christopher had about mapmaking was absolutely crucial to the English at the time. It essentially formed the basis for them to be able to sail into the blue safely,” explains Nihon University Associate Professor Thomas Lockley, who will take Members on that 16th-century voyage during a TAC Talk on June 19.

Despite being the impetus for a seemingly major turning point in English seafaring, Christopher’s story is not one commonly mentioned in English history books. But it stood out to Lockley, and he explores the trials and tribulations in his new book A Gentleman from Japan: The Untold Story of an Incredible Journey from Asia to Queen Elizabeth’s Court. “Nobody’s looked at it from this perspective,” he notes. “There are millions of books on Tudor England, but none of them have anything to do with Japan. That’s been Christopher’s gift to me.”

Christopher’s birth name may have been lost to the mists of time, but Lockley has waded through that gossamer veil to uncover how an enslaved marine worker came to be the first recorded Japanese person to set foot on English soil, and even to meet Queen Elizabeth I.

Originally from the UK himself, Lockley likes to draw on the experiences of historic travelers to and from Japan to challenge perspectives. “The idea was to rewrite the concept of international history among my students, and to give them a new idea of what it meant to be Japanese and international, doing things on a global scale rather than a domestic one.”

A Gentleman from Japan begins with a prologue outlining the exploits of Cavendish to start the reader off with a connection among North America, Europe and Asia and emphasize the global nature of the story to come.

Christopher’s narrative is one of tragedy and the romance of his voyages, of death and pain and the reality of what it was to be a sailor in a time where chances of survival were often around 50 percent, if not less. “What kind of mindset did it take to dance with the devil at those odds?” asks Lockley.

The answer perhaps lies somewhere within Christopher’s international predisposition. There is evidence that he spoke Spanish and Chinese, and learned English in a year. He gained this knowledge through his perilous travels, the details of which are bolstered by personal accounts from those close to Christopher and brought to life by Lockley’s narrative approach.

When Lockley started his research, he expected to find adventure. But he was met with an unexpected personal insight into an extraordinary traveler’s life. He hopes that readers will have the same reaction. “I would like them to come away with a sense of ‘Naruhodo, I didn’t know that.’”

TAC Talk: Thomas Lockley

• June 19 • 6–8pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms • ¥1,980 (guests: ¥2,480) • Sign up online

WORDS CASSANDRA LORD

Image: Thomas Lockley

SPREADING ONE LOVE

Jamaican

Richards on the J–J partnership, gender equality and cultural diplomacy.

WORDS TIM HORNYAK

In Japan, one’s 60th birthday is known as kanreki , a milestone marking the completion of five cycles of the Chinese zodiac. It’s also a time for rebirth, and this year marks the 60th anniversary of ties between Japan and Jamaica, a Caribbean nation looking to redefine itself as a republic.

The Club will celebrate those ties on June 15 with a gala kicked off by Jamaican Ambassador to Japan Shorna-Kay Richards. Ahead of the exciting night, Richards spoke to INTOUCH about her role as a bridge between the two countries.

Though some 13,000 kilometers apart, Japan and Jamaica share commonalities besides respect for democracy and the rule of law. They are both mountainous island nations located off larger continental economic powers; they punch far above their weight in the cultural sphere; and their envoys work next to each other under the United Nations’ alphabetical seating. The J–J partnership, as it’s called, encompasses everything from diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges to Jamaicans teaching English in Japan, as well as official development assistance (ODA) provided by Japan to Jamaica. It’s also visible in everyday things like Japanese cars on the streets of Kingston and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee in java lovers’ cups in Tokyo.

Ambassador Shorna-Kay

KAYO YAMAWAKI

“As maritime nations, we share similar challenges—we both have hurricanes, typhoons and earthquakes,” says Richards. “Japan understands the vulnerabilities of small island states and our tomodachi [friends] relationship is based on that. Japan’s ODA has also been very strong and vibrant. We have close cultural cooperation and we’re trying to really increase our economic cooperation.”

Born in Westmoreland, Jamaica’s westernmost parish, Richards joined the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ministry in 1994 and has spent 30 years in the foreign service, specializing in disarmament and international security. She first came to Japan in 2005 as a United Nations Disarmament Fellow to meet representatives of hibakusha , or survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. She pledged to make their quest for disarmament heard in the UN.

In addition to being concurrently ambassador to Japan, Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, New Zealand and the Philippines since 2020, Richards serves as chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters at the invitation of Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN’s high representative for disarmament affairs.

“Participants will experience Jamaican culture through their five senses … but there’s also the sixth sense.”

On top of that workload, Richards devotes much of her time to promoting Jamaican culture in Japan, discussing reggae on Japanese radio and serving Jamaican specialties such as jerk chicken and her Ambassador’s Rum Punch. While the exact recipe of that sweet, refreshing concoction is a closely guarded secret, Members will have a chance to enjoy it at the gala.

Richards is a passionate gardener, and the backyard of her official residence in Shinagawa explodes with colorful bougainvillea, azaleas and tulips. She’s also a fan of bonseki, the art of creating temporary landscapes on lacquer trays using sand and pebbles. The Japanese appreciation of impermanence is one of the many aspects of Japanese culture the ambassador loves.

Gender equality is another area of great importance to Richards. In 2022, she held an exhibition at the embassy entitled “Jamaican Women Holding Up More Than Half the Sky” that introduced prominent women from her country. While Japan ranks 125th out of 146 nations in the World Economic Forum’s 2023 report on gender equality, women in 24th-ranked Jamaica make up 65 percent of public sector workers and lead multiple government ministries as well as the military. Richards is hopeful that the status of Japanese women will improve.

“We have been striving for a society where women play an equal role with men,” she says, “a society where both genders are contributing is very important. Japanese

women are so well educated and well trained. I think they should be allowed to continue to rise through the ranks and have higher leadership roles.”

In May, Richards was promoting the Japan premiere of One Love , a biopic about reggae superstar Bob Marley starring British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir. Prior to that, she held a reception for Monty Alexander, a jazz piano legend from Jamaica who dazzled audiences at Blue Note Tokyo ahead of his 80th birthday in June.

“Cultural diplomacy has been my calling card,” says Richards. “Even though we’re a tiny island of 2.9 million people, we’re known as a cultural super state. It has recognition in Japan, whether it’s Usain Bolt, Blue Mountain Coffee or reggae music.”

The Embassy Night: One Love gala in the New York Ballroom will feature the pulsating rhythms of a reggae band and the enchanting sounds of a steel drum band. Members can also explore the island’s art and exciting tourism destinations. Jamaican-Japanese chef Angelee Koshiishi, who trained at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu institute in Paris, will prepare a full-course Jamaican menu.

“Participants will experience Jamaican culture through their five senses with the food and the atmosphere,” says Richards. “But there’s also the sixth sense. You can’t put a name to it, but you literally feel it. That’s what I want. Bob Marley called it good vibrations. With that spirit, through the music, the food and our rums, I think people will be happy for a long time to come.”

Embassy Nights: One Love

• June 15 • 5:30–10pm • New York Ballroom • ¥20,000 (guests: ¥25,000) • Adults only • Sign up online

Images: (left) Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richard; (above) The Iwami High School jazz band performed Bob Marley tunes at the Jamaican Embassy’s 60th-anniversary reception on February 8.

TOWER OF POWER

Bringing Tokyo to new heights with Azabudai Hills, Club architect Fred Clarke reflects on collaborative design, sustainability and building things that last.

WORDS TIM HORNYAK IMAGES PELLI CLARKE & PARTNERS

When Mori Building opened its latest megaproject across the street from the Club last November, media coverage was saturated with images of its signature Garden Plaza B. Designed by London’s Heatherwick Studio, its façade seems to be melting onto Sakurada Dori.

What few people realized, however, is that other major portions of the Azabudai Hills project were designed by Club architect Fred Clarke. On the heels of the opening, the cofounder of Connecticut-based Pelli Clarke & Partners shares his vision for the neighboring landmarks.

The $4.2 billion, 8.1-hectare Azabudai Hills was 30 years in the making and is the latest incarnation of Mori Building cofounder Minoru Mori’s dream of “vertical garden cities.” Steps away from the Club, Mori JP Tower, the tallest building in Japan at 325 meters, offers stunning panoramic views of the capital and allows visitors to look down on Tokyo Tower to the southwest.

For Clarke and his team, designing the skyscraper was a natural step after having created icons such as Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers in 1999, the Landmark in Abu Dhabi in 2013, as well as Salesforce Tower on San Francisco’s Mission Street

Images: (top) Fred Clarke; (right) a planning session during development of the Azabudai clubhouse

in 2018. The architectural firm is active in most regions of the world and has designed everything from a hospital for women and children in Qatar to a Japanese sake brewery in New York. What distinguishes Azabudai Hills, however, is that it’s a multipurpose complex envisioned by separate teams of architects: Pelli Clarke, which did the site’s soaring office and residential towers, and Heatherwick Studio, which crafted the undulating groundscape structures.

“The

Club is a very good example of a building that was designed to last well over 100 years.”

“We worked separately, but the two designs are complementary,” says Clarke. “Better cities are the ones that are not homogeneous. The pieces are mutually supportive and full of surprises. Our building is big and prominent, but it has a serene presence. I see it as a figure wearing a formal kimono and standing in a garden, which Heatherwick designed. It’s a beautiful environment and a complimentary set of visual impressions.”

Azabudai Hills and the Club were built over a decade apart and differ in their purpose, but share common points in their collaborative design process, notes Clarke. The Pelli Clarke team works with the client to determine the best vision for any given building. For the Club, figuring out how the family functions and business functions could be separate parts of an integrated structure was key.

“We never enter any project knowing the answer,” he says. “It’s a bit like a mystery story. You’re examining the clues, and you know there’s an answer in there somewhere. We considered every Club Member a client, and we took six months or so at the beginning to understand their patterns and priorities.”

Clarke has a long history of working in Tokyo. Even before he and Cesar Pelli founded their firm in 1977, he was planning the US Embassy (1976) and meeting the

famous Metabolist architect Kisho Kurokawa in 1972, when the latter’s Nakagin Capsule Tower was erected. In the half-century since, the Japanese capital has changed dramatically. Hubs such as Shinjuku and Shibuya are evolving from commuter transfer points into centers to work and live. Tokyo is also expanding upward: skyscrapers are proliferating and reaching new heights, including supertall structures like Tokyo Skytree and the Mori JP Tower.

Another important trend is the need to make buildings as safe and resilient as possible. Threatened by earthquakes, typhoons and other hazards, Tokyo architecture must withstand threats and offer sanctuary. Azabudai Hills, for instance, has earthquake-resistant structural features and independent power supplies to allow businesses to continue operating even in major temblors. The site is also designed to be an evacuation center for 3,600 people in emergencies.

Meanwhile, unlike the scrap-and-build architecture of the past, when structures were replaced every few decades, buildings in Tokyo are increasingly made to last.

“The Club is a very good example of a building that was designed to last well over 100 years. To do that, you have to be sure that the fundamental materials can last for a very long time and that the building can adapt technologically,” explains Clarke.

“Buildings being built today in Japan are more expensive than in the past and that’s where sustainability factors in. If it’s not sustainable, handsome and pleasant, people are not going to take care of it or value it. I think the ultimate goal of almost every architect is you hope people like your buildings well enough to maintain and protect them for decades and centuries.”

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Tokugawa Village Mejiro

Fighting Back

Member Greg Story shares how years in the dojo prepared him for life’s biggest challenges.

When I was in high school , I had to deal with a bully. I was younger than my classmates (I graduated when I was 16) and this guy was 18. At that age, that’s a big difference in physicality.

I never wanted to feel helpless again, so I decided to learn how to defend myself. This was in the early 1970s, and back then there weren’t a lot of options in Brisbane. There was wrestling, but that didn’t feel right. When I saw Sean Connery take a guy down as James Bond, I knew those moves were for me. Karate it would be.

But to find a local dojo in those days was almost impossible. You had to actually know somebody. And I didn’t know anybody. Then I saw an ad in the newspaper for a 10-week karate course at the YMCA. I thought: “Okay, here’s a chance. I can try it.” And from the very first class, I was hooked. The instructor was so fast and precise, and had so much power.

I progressed through the ranks very quickly and got my black belt in 19 months. The style I practice, Shito-ryu, is very scientific. It doesn’t rely on physical strength; it relies on accuracy, speed and perfection of technique. I wasn’t particularly strong, and I wasn’t particularly big, so it suited me very nicely.

Later, when I started coaching, I had a real eye-opener. Australia had gotten terrible results at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, and the country decided that coaches needed to be certified. We were doing a lot of stupid stuff, sticking too closely to Japanese practices like not drinking water during training. It was 45 degrees Celsius in Queensland, so maybe that wasn’t the best idea. That’s when I learned to adapt to the environment, something that has been critical to my business success years later. We were modernizing what we’d learned and how we’d been taught.

Another benefit came into play at the end of 2022, when I found out that I had cancer.

In karate, you learn very quickly the fragility of the human body. If you punch someone and they block you in a certain place, that is going to hurt. You learn to deal with pain a bit better. Being able to put up with pain helped me through recovery.

The diagnosis was a surprise, but I know that the decision I made so many years ago, triggered by a bully, helped me to get through it. After the surgery, I couldn’t do anything for a while. Understanding the body’s fragility, how to build up strength and when to ease up put me in a good position. I gradually restarted my early-morning walks and returned to the Club Fitness Center.

I’m now cancer-free and feeling great. I’m rebuilding my strength on my own terms, guided by all I learned in the dojo. I’m not trying to win tournaments and I’m not coaching anybody anymore. I’m teaching myself.

As told to INTOUCH’s C Bryan Jones.

Image: Greg Story

YUUKI IDE

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New Members

AZABUDAI

UK | Robert & Joanna Kenney

Asahi Group Holdings

“We’re from the UK, although we haven’t lived there for 11 years, and have moved around Europe for work, but this is our first time living in Asia. We joined the Club mostly for the social opportunities—especially Traders’ Bar—but also the sports facilities. We hope to meet new friends over the coming months. If you see us, say hi!”

Image: (l-r) Livi, Jackson, Joanna and Robert Kenney

AZABUDAI

USA

Joel Fastenberg

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Aisha Kanaya Yuson mybest, Inc.

Kristy Sayre-Batty & Shane Batty Boehringer Ingelheim

Marina Yui

Deloitte Tohmatsu Risk Advisory LLC

AUSTRALIA

Adam & Elecia Baylis

KPMG Consulting Co., Ltd.

Angus Wright & Georgia Ireland Macquarie Energy Japan

CHINA

Lu Jin & Di Wu

Google Japan G.K.

GERMANY

Liv Johansson

Communicue Pte. Ltd.

Karsten Michaelis & Joanna Ng Sze Leng

DHL Global Forwarding Japan K.K.

David Schneider

Ceremony Corporation

NIHONBASHI

JAPAN | Katsumi Kato

JTB Corporation

“I love sports, especially running under the philosophy of sound mind, sound body. I’m glad to be able to work out at the Nihonbashi Club, which is within walking distance from my home. Meeting people is the joy of life. I look forward to meeting many great people as a Member of this Club.”

Image: Katsumi Kato

INDIA

Rohan Monga & Stephani Yosephine Reighel

Asahi TM Inc.

Sunish & Jaini Parakkel

Jay Enterprises, Limited Japan

JAPAN

Mayuko Chigira

Kabushiki Gaisha Marunuma

Mugi Fukushima

List Sotheby’s International Realty

Miki Hobo

IDA Planning

Atsuko & Daniel Horiguchi

Koike Glass K.K.

Takuzo & Hanako Izawa

Tyson Management Corp

Masanori Kato

J.P. Morgan Securities, Ltd.

Kazuki & Fusako Niwa

J1 Homes Co., Ltd.

Kunihiko & Ayako Shiina

Medical Corporation MEDICI, Kosugi Ladies Clinic

Keita Shiotani

Pantheum Partners Co., Ltd.

Tetsuo & Nobuko Tsuneishi

Tokyo Electron Device Ltd.

Taiju & Anri Watanabe

GENDA Inc.

Masahiro Yamagiwa

NETHERLANDS

Martin Steenks & Marjolein Steenks-Janssen

Domino’s Pizza Japan. Inc.

NEW ZEALAND

Felicity Prendergast & Alexander Kane

Fonterra Japan Limited

SWEDEN

Carl Svahn

Rimrock Capital Management

TAIWAN

Cheng Ya Liu & Meng Chun Wu

Novartis Japan

UK

Edward & Flora Montgomery

Hakluyt & Company Japan K.K.

NIHONBASHI

JAPAN

Kento & Ran Okamoto

LaSalle Investment Management K.K.

Hiroyuki Ueshima

Nagase & Co., Ltd.

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• Large enclosed outdoor playground

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• Parent visits welcome at all times

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Flag on the Play

Class

Introduction to Flag Football

First played by American soldiers during World War II, flag football has surged in popularity in recent years. The NFL switched to the fun pigskin variant for the annual Pro Bowl last year, and even the Olympics are getting in on the action, with the sport making its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Flag football keeps kids active, improving their fitness, agility and coordination. It also helps them develop key skills such as teamwork and communication while building strong friendships. More than 620,000 young people participate on 1,600 teams in official NFL FLAG programs across all 50 states.

Instructor Yoshihito Omi

IBM Big Blue wide receiver Yoshihito Omi started playing football at age 10. He joined an insurance company right after university, but the roar of the stadium could not be silenced.

“After just two years in the corporate world, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming the first Japanese player in the NFL,” he says.

In 2020, Omi left Japan to test his skills in America, playing in the Spring League, a developmental platform for the NFL and Canadian Football League. He then caught the eye of the European League of Football—the sole Japanese player to do so—and earned an invitation to the NFL International Player Combine. He has also served as captain of the Japanese national team.

Introduction to Flag Football

• June 9 • 3–4:30pm • Gymnasium

• ¥1,320 • Ages 6–12 • Sign up online

Image: Yoshihito Omi

Grand Opening May 27

Surrounded by the beauty of natural light cascading through expansive windows and fresh flowers, immerse yourself in a culinary journey that captures the essence of all four seasons.

GOTTA is where cherished moments with loved ones are born, turning every meal into a treasured memory.

I have got to go. = GOTTA

Address GOTTA, 1-11-15, Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Phone 03-4335-9015

Access 3-minute walk from Gotanda station, 15-minute drive from Roppongi

Opening Hours 8am‒10pm

Weekdays breakfast: 8‒11am | lunch: 11am‒3pm | dinner: 5:30‒10pm

Weekends breakfast: 8‒11am | lunch: 11am‒3:30pm | dinner: 5‒10pm

April 5

First Friday: Sugar Shack

Maple syrup sweetness filled the Winter Garden as Members tucked into a Canadian sugar shack feast set to upbeat jazzy vibes.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

April

11

TAC Talk: teamLab

Members took a trip behind the scenes of digital exhibitions with teamLab’s communications director, Takashi Kudo. IMAGES YUUKI IDE

April 12

Mitsui Fudosan 3x3 Cup

The Club’s squad of b-ballers dribbled and shot their way to top prize at this year’s Mitsui Fudosan 3x3 Cup.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

April 19

Connections 75th Anniversary Gala

The spirit of giving shone brightly as Members celebrated Connections’ diamond jubilee and contributed to the Noto Peninsula’s recovery.

IMAGES KAYO YAMAWAKI

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

WORDS AMANDA WELLS ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO

Moving to another country can be difficult. Doing so during a global pandemic gives “difficult” new meaning. Our arrival in Japan was a turbulent series of obstacles. The day we arrived at the consulate to secure our visas was the start of their shutdown due to Covid. We were supposed to have moved to Japan in late March 2020, but just after my husband Rick arrived on a tourist visa for a meeting, Japan closed its borders. I didn’t see him again for five months.

This was not our first expat experience. We had lived in Paris from 2001 to 2004 with our school-age sons. The school had provided me with instant friends also raising children abroad. My husband was immersed at work with co-workers from his US team.

The move to Tokyo was different. Our children were now in their 30s. Rick remained in the same environment, interacting with English speakers and former colleagues. I did not have the same social connections. I couldn’t read or communicate in Japanese. I was no longer surrounded by women sharing my experience. All the “how to live in

Japan” programs for expats were canceled due to Covid concerns. It was not an easy time to arrive.

Rick suggested we join the Club. I joined Connections, and the members of the group became my friends. Rick and I met other Club Members, and they became a lifeline to information and offered a sense of belonging.

I participated in Connections enrichment classes and excursions to more places than I can recall. I attended Kazuko Morio’s amazing garden walks and learned about an ancient history and the meaning and cultural significance of so many statues, symbols and even rocks.

The Club quickly became our home away from home. We attended social events, looked forward to each First Friday celebration, and offered our time and effort to the many wonderful programs. I was pleased and honored to co-chair the 2022 session of Tokyo: Here and Now after its pandemic-spurred disappearance.

On the TV show Cheers, regulars are woven into the character of the bar. When they shout “Norm!” the point is that it’s a place where everybody knows your name. Traders’ Bar was our Cheers. We formed bonds with the staff and appreciated them far more than they’ll ever know.

As we have finished our four years in Tokyo, we reflect on what we’ve left behind. The friendships we formed with other Members, the comfort of enjoying an oasis of sorts in the middle of one of the world’s largest cities and, finally, the shared expat experience can’t be replicated.

Now back in our home country, we have wonderful memories of those friendly faces that made our life in Tokyo so rich with funny stories, deep friendship, open arms and caring hearts.

Tokyo American Club is a place like no other, where everybody really does know your name.

Amanda and Rick Wells are former Members of the Club.

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for luxurious living

Toranomon Hills Residential 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. 毎月一回一日発行