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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 providing high-quality housing in Tokyo’s city center for our discerning customers.
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 (2025)
Statutory Auditors Koichi Komoda (2024), Paul Kuo (2025)
Parentheses denote term limit.
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
Human Resources Jason Dominici
Marketing & Communications Shane Busato
Member Services Jonathan Allen
Nihonbashi Noriaki Yamazaki
Operations Thomas Zaleski
Recreation Susanna Yung
Managing Editor C Bryan Jones
editor@tac-club.org
Communications Editor Alec Jordan
Assistant Editor Kathy Russo
Designer Kohji Shiiki
Designer/Photographer Clara Garcia
Proofreader Lidia Rényi
Production Administrator Yuko Shiroki
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Phoebe Amoroso
Patrick Balfe
Lloyd Danon
Mark Militello
Demir Sadikoglu
Jillian Tattle
Photographers
Donna Beeman
Yuuki Ide
Toshiyuki Masuda
Takumaru Suzuki
Noriyuki Yamamura
Kayo Yamawaki
Illustrator
Tania Vicedo
INTOUCH is printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper, harvested from sustainably managed forests.
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.
Cryotherapy harnesses the power of ultra-low temperatures to boost metabolism, stimulate the healing process and improve mood, all in just 3 minutes.
℃RYO TOKYO®
at a 10 % Discount for Club members in September
Light therapy is an innovative wellness technology that uses lasers and highenergy LEDs to reduce inflammation, relieve stress and detox the body, all in just 10 minutes.
https://cryo.tokyo/en | Tel. 03-5439-9969
Kinokuniya Sugar Residence 3F 2-2-1 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Experience them for yourself at our two locations.
℃RYO TOKYO® NEO https://cryo-neo.tokyo/en | Tel. 03-6665-8411 Azabu Kyowa Building 3F 3-3-8 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
WORDS JILLIAN TATTLE IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
When I arrived in Tokyo three years ago , the challenges of settling into life in a new city came with a twist. I had gone through the process twice before—in Zurich and Singapore—but this time the pandemic meant that many of the events and activities that thrust you into the community were absent.
Normally, I could have dove into Connections’ longrunning Tokyo Here & Now orientation series, which you can learn more about on page 20. But it was on hiatus. Still, I was able to meet so many fabulous women through the group, and they encouraged me to go on tours and join classes. That’s how I made my friendships and my community here.
Since then, I’ve taken part in many activities. One of my favorites from this year took place on March 8, when we hosted a luncheon in honor of International Women’s Day. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and legendary Japanese fashion designer Yumi Katsura were among the inspiring guest speakers. Sadly, Katsura passed away just six weeks after the event, at age 94. It was an honor to meet her at one of her final public appearances. The opportunity to connect with such high-profile women, who lead and influence our community, is one of the many great benefits of being part of Connections.
As we continue through the year, there’s a lot of new energy in Connections. With business fully back to normal and many new Members arriving, fresh ideas have infused our agenda. We’re putting new spins on familiar favorites, such as the aforementioned Tokyo Here & Now, which returns this month for its second year under the name Tokyo 101. The seminars take place over two days, September 24 and 25, and we wrap up with an end-of-theweek barbecue on the 27th. You don’t have to be a Club Member to attend, so bring your friends.
In November, we will again host the International Bazaar. One of our biggest fundraisers, the annual gathering of vendors and artisans offers a spectacular range of creative and practical items at great prices. And each purchase allows us to help the community through our charity support.
Also important to note is that, because of its former incarnation as the Women’s Group, many Members still believe that only women can join Connections. In fact, we encourage men to join as well, and spouses automatically become members.
Connections is all about, well, connections. The way in which we provide such a welcoming and supportive environment to newcomers is, for me, our group’s greatest strength. And through the relationships we build, we are able to make a difference in the city and country we now call home. We can witness that difference hands-on as volunteers, visiting organizations we support and meeting people whose lives are changed. It’s such a rewarding experience.
So, join us at one of our events, coffee or cocktails gatherings, tours or enrichment classes and explore the wider world of the Club and the community that Connections opens up. I promise you’ll make great friendships, find laughter and learn some new things.
Jillian Tattle is Connections president.
“The way in which we provide such a welcoming and supportive environment to newcomers is, for me, our group’s greatest strength.”
Rackets were in full swing at the Club’s squash facilities from July 13 to 15, when Japan’s top male and female players faced off in the TAC Premier Classic. The event, now in its 13th edition, saw athletes competing in the open tournament for a ¥150,000 prize and bragging rights in the friendship tournament.
On the men’s side of the open tournament, Tomotaka Endo (center left) beat Shota Yasunari and current Club instructor Yujin
Ikeda, who came in third. Satomi Watanabe (center right), ranked 14th in the world, took first place among the women, with Kurumi Takahashi finishing second and Kozue Onizawa third.
For the friendship tournament, Member Hayato Ryuki was first and Kohei Niiyama second, while the top two female players were Rin Sakamoto and Yoko Shiromi. See more photos from the three-day event on page 33. AJ
As a teenager with severe asthma, team athletics were out of the question for Matt Twigg. But inspired by his father, a former high school football star who had weights all around the house, he took a solitary approach and dove into bodybuilding.
Thus began a four-decade fitness journey that led him to take classes in sports medicine at the University of Massachusetts Boston and compete in bodybuilding contests. Along the way, his training made him relentlessly curious. “I’m always questioning as I move along,” he explains. “What can I do that’s better? What can I do to improve?”
This spirit also drove Twigg’s career in technology. He started off building computers and later worked as a technology innovation analyst for finance companies in Japan and the United States.
Balancing professional life with the pursuit of peak physical performance is what Twigg aims to help Club Members do beginning this month as he kicks off the new BodyPro: 12-Week Physique Transformation class. AJ
Born and raised in Tokyo, Member Aaryan Kumar has been an avid reader and film aficionado from an early age. Now a student at the University of Chicago, he frequently visits the Club’s second-floor Library in search of new adventures in print as well as on DVD and Blu-ray when he is in town.
What was your favorite childhood book?
Either the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan or Roald Dahl’s books. I think Dahl, in particular, creates such fascinating worlds.
What inspired your love of books?
Mostly, it was teachers I’ve had over the years. There were a few years in middle and early high school when I read just one or two books in my free time, but assignments and discussions really stoked my curiosity to read more. I also can’t neglect my love for films, which, in many ways, inspires my love for books.
What genre do you most enjoy?
It’s hard to pick just one. Literary and film criticism, which is really more of a field than a genre, is something I’ve been reading a lot lately.
What are you currently reading?
Dubliners by James Joyce. It’s a short and easy read, and a great introduction to his writing.
Summer sunshine may give you a healthy dose of vitamin D, but too much exposure can be harsh on your skin. Restore its supple glow with The Spa’s Pro Brightening treatment (¥14,000 for 60 minutes). The three-step process reveals brighter skin by boosting absorption of brightening actives to address dark spots and reducing uneven pigmentation. The combination of Dermalogica face serum, eye serum and gel moisturizer prevents damage from free radicals and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all while brightening and firming your skin.
Contact 03-4588-0714 or spa@tac-club.org to book a pampering. CBJ
When were you last unable to put down a book?
That would be How Soccer Explains the World by American author Franklin Foer. In this book, Foer goes around the world, speaking to football fans, athletes and executives to provide commentary on the global sport and, by extension, the world. There are great stories and moments, and I’d say it’s a pretty politically relevant book. I read it in one sitting just a few weeks ago.
We look forward to welcoming your family for a visit. Join us for one of our two Open House events on September 21st and November 30th.
The early years (3 to 6) are a time to bring the world to the child in their classroom, to instil in the child a sense of joy, wonder, and awe for the world—their home. Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we invite you to visit us to see the benefits of a Montessori education. At Dandelion Montessori School, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where each child can thrive. Our Montessori programme is designed to meet the unique
needs and interests of each child, providing a personalised educational experience that fosters independence, resilience, creativity, and a love of learning.
In our multi-aged classroom, children are able to learn at their own pace and in a way that is meaningful to them. Our experienced, Montessori-trained teachers provide guidance and support, allowing the children to direct their own learning and make their own discoveries while encouraging them to live together harmoniously in our small community.
Visit our website to book your visit! www.dandelion.tokyo
Dandelion Montessori School 62-3 Azabu-Mamianacho, Minato-ku, Tokyo
We all know the feeling of watching our phone battery fade at a key moment. For Member Chuk Besher, the bar hit red as he was preparing to leave on a business trip, so he dropped by one of the six ChargeSpot stations around the Club to top off. Only, it didn’t work.
To solve the problem, he visited Member Services in the B1 Family Lobby. A technical issue with his account was the cause, and it was deftly solved by concierge Kanako Koyama.
Besher was so impressed with her service and solution, he recognized Koyama in an online Tell TAC.
“She could have just said, here’s the website or here’s the phone number, please check or call,” says Besher, a Member since 1971. “Instead, she walked me back to the ChargeSpot station, assessed the situation and started trying to solve it. She showed real initiative and leadership. I was impressed.”
Soon, he was back up and running.
Koyama, who joined the team in June 2023, says it was all in a day’s work. “Promptly addressing issues and taking a proactive approach to problem-solving creates genuine connections that make Members feel comfortable, secure and valued,” says the Tokyo native who returned to Japan after college in Los Angeles.
Besher feels Koyama went the extra mile. “She not only wanted to solve the problem, but she also put herself in my shoes,” he explains. “I wouldn’t have easy access to a plug in the wall on my trip that day. She solved everything.” CBJ
Members can recognize Club staff by submitting an online Tell TAC through the Club website.
As hot and humid August gives way to a more outdoors-friendly September, here are three wines to enlighten your long-awaited picnic or barbecue.
Pair your finger foods with Laherte Frères Brut Ultradition (¥7,000), a spectacular champagne made by the seventh generation of the Laherte family. This very low dosage blend of 60 percent Pinot Meunier, 30 percent Chardonnay and 10 percent Pinot Noir delivers a refreshing and relatively low-carb sparkler. With notes of warm bread, green apple, citrus oil and peach, this medium to full-bodied choice is bright and incisive, with a fleshy core of lively fruit, a pinpoint mousse and a racy spine of acidity. Awarded 91 points by Robert Parker.
Moving on to your appetizers, go bold with Emile Beyer Pinot Gris Hohrain 2020 (¥4,700) from France’s Alsace region, rated 90 points by Vinous Pairs very well with liver pâté, creamy blue cheese with figs and spicy dishes.
For your meat course, try Matthews Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (¥6,700) from Washington’s Columbia Valley. A kiss of acid and supple tannins provide structure to the black plum and faint beef dripping. This 94-pointer from Wine Enthusiast magazine boasts well-integrated toasted oak, red and blue fruits and a lengthy finish.
Demir Sadikoglu is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.
For the month of September, receive a 10 percent discount on purchases of at least three bottles of any of these recommended Cellar wines.
Suiko Ohta was born into a family of painters. From a young age, she was taught the art by her grandaunt and mother, Shoko, who was a beloved teacher at the Club for nearly 70 years before her passing in 2019.
What Ohta learned set the stage for a moment that would change her life. While studying in Switzerland and the United States at age 18, she demonstrated Japanesestyle painting. “This experience gave me new appreciation for the art, and I decided to become a professional artist to spread painting as a tradition that Japan should be proud of,” she explains.
The fourth-generation artisan uses natural paints and skillful brushstrokes to depict landscapes and figures that express gratitude for nature’s blessings and the splendor of changing seasons.
For more than three decades, Ohta has taught classical Japanese painting and even followed in her mother’s footsteps as a
teacher at the Club. Her works will be on display this month in the Frederick Harris Gallery. CBJ
Members are invited to attend the opening reception on September 12 at 6:30pm.
Moment I realized I wanted to become an artist.
When I shared Japanese-style painting while studying abroad and got an unexpectedly positive response.
What I would tell my 20-year-old self. Look for more than just the right answer. Be relaxed and open-minded, broaden your thinking and do not worry about what others think of you. My perfect creative environment. An environment where I can maintain a close relationship with my students. Artist, living or dead, I’d most like to share a meal with.
[Japanese painters] Ogata Korin, Uemura Shoen and Konoshima Okoku.
• Through October 7 • Frederick Harris Gallery • Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online
1
Brunch Buffet
Enjoy an eye-popping selection of brunch classics and Club signatures.
• Weekends & holidays • 11am–3pm
• Rainbow Café • Adults: ¥4,200; ages 12–17: ¥3,400; ages 7–11: ¥1,600; ages 6 & under: free • Details online
2
Culture Connections
Nutritionist Zoe Brown demystifies the role of nutrition in women’s vitality and daily life.
• 10–11:30am • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • Connections members: free (non-Connections members & guests: ¥1,000)
• Details online
2
Club Study Hall: After School
Students of all ages make new friends and maximize their academic potential.
• Daily & weekly sessions through December 6 • 2–6pm • Childcare Center • Details online
2–15
Peruvian Specials
Traders’ Bar captures Peru’s rich culinary landscape with vibrant colors and bold flavors.
• 5pm • Traders’ Bar • Details online
2–20
Evenings of American Classics
Step back in time as the American Room pays homage to its Azabudai restaurant namesake. Learn more on page 15.
• 5–10pm • American Room
• Details online
4
Connections’ Welcome Back
Make this fall your season of new experiences and friendships. All Members welcome.
• 9:30am–2:30pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki and Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms • Free
• Details online
Spaghetti Wednesday
Feast on classic Italian-American pasta dishes every hump day.
• 3–11pm • 51 East Bar • Details online
Inspired by European harvest festivals, farmers and craftspeople in Colonial America came together as the leaves began to turn to build community spirit and share their wares. Over time, the tradition evolved into the classic country fair.
Members can take a trip back to those simpler times this month with an evening of authentic Americana in the Winter Garden.
Put on your finest vintage wear and get things off on the right foot as members of the Dancin’ Texas troupe put on a lively, toe-tapping performance. Then enjoy a bounty of fair favorites such as grilled corn on the cob, slow-cooked baked beans, tri-tip steak sandwiches and pumpkin pie. Chow down while local band The Country Fairground sets the mood with a lineup of classic country tunes that recall generations past.
And don’t worry about leaving the kids behind. We have a night of fun flicks lined up just for them.
By way of appreciation to Members and to welcome you back after summer, the preregistration price is ¥1,000, down from ¥2,750.
Additionally, the first 100 sign-ups for the event will be entered into a drawing for one of five rejuvenating treatments at The Spa. Usher in the end of summer with a night that celebrates the United States’ rustic roots and the homespun charm and heritage behind the red, white and blue. AJ
• 7–9pm • Winter Garden, American Bar & Grill • ¥1,000 (walk-ins: ¥3,850); guests: ¥7,150 (walk-ins: ¥8,250) • Adults only • Sign up online
6
Movie Night
Club kids catch a lineup of flicks while parents enjoy First Friday.
• 6–9pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms
• ¥2,750 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,300)
• Ages 5–12 • Sign up online
7
Benefits of Resistance Training
Unlock the secrets to a fitter, stronger you with insights from Club trainer Matt Twigg.
• 3–4pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms
• Free • Sign up online
8
Let’s Get Flexible
Learn fun moves that improve strength from former Cirque du Soleil artist Shun Sugimoto.
• 3:30–6:45pm • The Studio • ¥7,700 (two sessions: ¥13,200) • Sign up online
9
Nihonbashi Pilates & Yoga
Restore balance and sculpt your core alongside renowned instructor Agata Jargilo.
• 7–8:30pm • &Biz Fitness Studio (6F) • ¥5,500 (guests: ¥6,500)
• Sign up online
10
Nihonbashi Chef’s Table
Enjoy an intimate dinner of gourmet cuisine and fine wine.
• 6pm • American Room (private dining room) • ¥16,800 (guests: ¥20,000) • Sign up online
10
Pommery Champagne Dinner
Mark the 150th birthday of the first-ever brut champagne with an unforgettable culinary experience.
• 7–9:30pm • 51 East • ¥20,000
• Sign up online
15
Cracking College Admissions: X-Factors
Tokyo Academics founder Neil Nguyen shares how to make your application shine.
• 3–5pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms
• Free • Sign up online
Do you know why that granite “origin of Japan” monument sits just outside the Azabudai clubhouse? Or which Edo-era Akita samurai clan once called the land under the Club home?
With 96 years under its belt, the Club has a rich past and more than a few surprises tucked away in the corners. Members interested in learning more about the Club’s history and traditions—as well as playing a role in its future—won’t want to miss this special evening.
At this engaging informal get-together, the Club’s first vice president, Reiko Saito (pictured), and second vice president, Ginger Griggs, will share updates and information on how the Club runs, including its structure and governance.
The goal, says Griggs, “is to provide interesting and important background that makes everyone proud of their Club and eager to get involved.”
With wine, bites and interactive activities, the evening is sure to be fun.
“Members can mingle and enjoy getting to know one another better while learning about the Club’s vision and future,” says Saito. “And they may learn things that will lead them to become part of a committee or the Board in the future.”
So, if you’ve ever wanted to know more about the Club, drop by, learn a bit of trivia, share your ideas or simply catch up and mingle with your fellow Members over a glass of wine. CBJ
• 6–8pm • Brooklyn III • Free • Details online
After a summer of scorching excitement, the cooler air of September beckons Members back to the Club for a new season of sensational activities. To help everyone reconnect and dive into fall, Members and guests are invited to an alfresco affair at Splash!
Cajun-spiced rib steak, Jack Daniel’s barbecued chicken, peppercharred salmon and free-flow drinks headline a smorgasbord of zesty delights, setting the perfect tone for an evening of fun and friendship.
The bonanza of bites, sips and chats caps off Tokyo 101, a series of expert-led informational sessions open to everyone. Turn to page 20 to learn more about the two-day event, set for September 24 and 25, as well as this year’s speakers and theme of rediscover, reconnect.
“The gathering on the Club’s scenic terrace will be an opportunity for Members and guests to make the most of the cooler evenings, get to know each other a little better and enjoy great food, drinks and live music,” promises Member Marieann Machida, one of the organizers. “Connections member or not, everybody is welcome!”
What better way for veteran expats to share their experiences and tips, and for newcomers to quickly settle into life in Tokyo? CBJ
• 6–9pm • Splash! • ¥6,500 (guests: ¥10,000) • Adults only • Sign up online
18
Nihonbashi Mixer
Enjoy a laid-back evening of seasonal tapas and all-you-can-drink wine and beer.
• 6–7:30pm • Muromachi Bar & Lounge
• ¥3,000 (walk-ins: ¥3,500); guests: ¥4,000 (walk-ins: ¥4,500) • Limit: two guests per Member • Sign up online
The Club’s band of bibliophiles welcome Thomas Lockley for a discussion of his book A Gentleman from Japan
• 11am–12:30pm • 51 East • Free
• Details online
Round up your brainiest friends for a night of sips and stumpers.
• 7:30–9pm • Traders’ Bar • ¥3,000 (guests: ¥6,000) • Sign up online
Cap off your summer with free fitness activities during World Wellness Weekend.
• 3–6pm • Gymnasium • Free • Sign up online
Behind the Label
Earn a globally recognized wine qualification at this course taught by the Club’s Kanako Ijichi. Continues through November 21.
• 6:30–8:30pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms • ¥84,700 (guests: ¥101,640)
• Sign up online
Enjoy elevated delights while kids try their hand at making tiramisu.
• One Sunday each month • 11am–3pm
• 51 East • ¥8,000; ages 9–12: ¥4,000; ages 6–8: ¥2,000 (includes cooking activity for ages 6–12) • Details online
Check the Club website for the most up-to-date information on events and programs.
Enjoy the pampered life at Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Offering year-round marine and leisure fun for all the family, plus a wellness center, gym and fresh fusion cuisine, the starlit Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas is nearer to Taiwan than Naha, the capital of Okinawa. However, three-hour direct flights from Haneda International Airport to Ishigaki Island, where the hotel is located, put it within easy reach.
With 21 types of locally inspired rooms, suites and villas, this sophi sti cated modern resort allows families and couples to fully embrace Ishi gaki’s diverse nature, cuisine and culture, and even explore the nearby remote islands.
I was awed by the endless starry sky— Ishigaki Island is the only place in Japan where you can see 84 of the 88 constellations and the Southern Cross.
VARIETY OF DELIGHTS
I thoroughly enjoyed a soft and soothing foot bath with mineral-rich local salt at the air-conditioned Fusaki Spa. Almost
hidden among tropical plants, the spa is attended by bilingual therapists offering unrushed traditional and modern massage treatments and pampering.
And for dining, my favorite of the hotel’s four restaurants was Hanaré, which serves an innovative wine-paired fusion course menu featuring the long-preserved techniques and sustainable ingredients of Ryukyu cuisine, strongly influenced by Japan, China and Southeast Asia.
A sparkling chandelier reminiscent of
Ishigaki’s celebrated night sky and an illuminated Ryukyuan garden take center stage. The highlights included the juicy giant clams and crispy island vegetables, along with the subtle umami flavor of fermented dashi (soup stock)—served with impeccable hospitality, warmth and attention to detail. The 10-course menu climaxed with subtropical fruits, ice cream, sweet sake and soothing bedtime beverages. The hotel also offers more casual buffet, barbecue and café options as well as The Star Bar, an outdoor venue where you can enjoy the famous local awamori
One excited young family at breakfast on my last day told me how they easily dozed off to the calming sound of waves, birds, insects and plants swaying in the gentle breeze, while I ended my evenings to distant laughter, soft chatter and a sanshin guitar playing island tunes.
That will be my lasting memory of Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas.
www.fusaki.com/eng
Words by Simon Farrell
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
In the 1940s, eating out in America surged in popularity, with tableside service adding a spectacle of elegance and craftsmanship. Step back into that golden age of dining this month as the Nihonbashi Club’s culinary team offers a set of succulent classics in the American Room.
Enjoy a cut from the classic roast beef wagon—sliced right at your table—along with mashed potatoes, seasonal greens, horseradish and gravy. The centerpiece is complemented by soup, wedge salad with smoked salmon and avocado ranch dressing and a showstopper dessert of baked cheesecake with dark cherry sauce.
• Evenings of American Classics • September 2–20 • 5–10pm • Details online
The direction of the Club depends on Members exercising their right to vote. Are you registered?
WORDS LLOYD DANON
YUUKI IDE
Have you ever thought about who makes decisions for your Club? Would you like to be a part of deciding who sits on the Board of Governors? In November, there will be another opportunity for all Voting Members to choose their leaders. But to do so, you must register to vote. Have you?
Ensuring that as many people as possible are registered gives Members more representation and influence. Right now, a surprising 80 percent of those eligible are not registered. This means just 20 percent of the membership is guiding Club decisions. We need a greater proportion of Members to register and cast their ballots. When more of us register and cast informed votes, it benefits all Members, today and tomorrow.
Registration is easy and can be done through the Voting page of the Club website or the QR code on this page. Once you’ve registered, be sure to make it count by remembering to cast your ballot. Voting Members who forget to vote lose the right for the following year.
How you vote in the Board election can shape the direction of the Club for years to come. For example, if you feel that familyfocused facilities and services don’t receive enough resources compared with other areas, then vote for candidates passionate about those issues. Votes really can bring about change.
Ahead of the November election, the Nominating Committee is determined to present a slate of candidates for the Board of
Governors with experience in a wide range of industries that complement the Club’s needs. Ideally, we want to ensure that there are two candidates for each position. Historically, we have had many male candidates with finance backgrounds. But that needs to be balanced by more candidates with diverse skills and opinions, from essential fields such as human resources, hospitality, operations and risk management, to name a few.
This year, there are a number of experienced Board Members who are up for reelection and hope to continue their commitment to the Club. Many of the new candidates selected for this year’s slate have been active on Club committees for many years and have a good working knowledge of how the Club operates, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. If you are interested in being more involved in Club life, why not click on the Get Involved button on the home page of the Club website and volunteer for a committee?
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? REGISTER HERE TODAY!
To find out what candidates stand for and how they intend to serve Members, be sure to read all the relevant candidate information when it is posted online, and take the opportunity to meet those in the running at either the online event on October 17 or in person on October 24. Then make your voice heard and vote in November.
Lloyd Danon is a member of the Nominating Committee.
As he takes over the American Bar & Grill kitchen, chef Nathan Anaya promises to turn dining moments into memories.
Chef Nathan Anaya says he has always been in a culinary environment. Growing up in a Latino family, his passion for food started with cooking for family events and gatherings with his mother and grandmother. And he learned butchering techniques from his grandfather as they brought livestock back to the house and turned it into sellable products. “As I got older, I moved into doing my own thing,” Anaya tells INTOUCH as he joins the Club to lead the American Bar & Grill and Traders’ Bar kitchens.
I’ve spent 17 years working in various roles. I studied classical French cuisine at culinary school, starting out as a breakfast cook, before gradually moving into more senior positions. My experience spans a range of cuisines and kitchen environments, and this has given me a broad perspective on techniques and trends. I’ve had the pleasure of working for the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, where I developed a deep understanding of Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Lebanese and other fare. I love to take this knowledge and these techniques and bring them to the dishes I create.
In my most recent role, I was an executive task force chef, traveling to IHG and Kimpton properties across the United States. My job was to realign the program to fill whatever was missing, reiterate the standards to the staff and to build a sense of community. I was acting executive chef in Philadelphia, and also worked in New Orleans, North Carolina, Texas, along California’s central coast and in Washington, DC. I also opened properties in the Cayman Islands, Honduras and Mexico.
“I’m thrilled to join American Bar & Grill, because there are so many avenues to explore.”
These varied assignments gave me insights into different cultures in the region—not only what they bring to the table in terms of techniques, but also their perspectives on the culinary world.
I’m thrilled to join American Bar & Grill, because there are so many avenues to explore. I can’t wait to bring hearty American fare to the menu as well as delve into more unique and intricate dishes. I’m looking forward to enhancing existing offerings, as well as creating a bit more of an American feel and new dining experiences.
We’re going to feature things like steak and lobster, various types of mac and cheese, and introduce a huge steak-centric section to our dinner menu. I’m looking forward to bringing an American steakhouse experience to the Club—big hearty chops and sides such as creamy spinach and steaks topped with various types of butters and sauces. We’re also going to be doing New Orleans blackened salmon and Creole creations.
For brunch, you can expect very decadent French toast, pancakes and eggs Benedict. For Traders’, we’re going to bring more fun, shareable dishes and American classics to the menu—think sloppy joes and Texas barbecue with a twist. We’re also looking to add alcohol-based desserts to the menu, such as bourbon pecan pie.
My culinary philosophy is to use good ingredients, treat them right and source them locally. We want to make sure that we’re paying attention to what the seasons and our surroundings are telling us. Beyond the food, I put a lot of emphasis on being very hands-on in every aspect of the restaurant, whether that be paperwork, creating dishes or developing individuals. Those are points that I try to take everywhere I go.
Community is key. I want to create a sense of involvement, pride and accomplishment for what we’re trying to achieve as a team. I want everybody to be putting their hand in and going home happy at the end of the day, enjoying their workplace and being proud of what they’re doing. Empowering each and every individual is important. If someone puts something on the menu, why not share that person’s name and give the story behind the dish? That’s a chance to turn a moment into a memory for a guest. Ten years from now, I want our guests to look back and say that they ate the most amazing steak and lobster or the most scrumptious dessert at the Club. I think that’s what we’re here for—to turn moments into memories.
Through this year’s Tokyo 101 sessions, the Club’s
Connections group aims to help newcomers settle in and bring people back together.
WORDS PATRICK BALFE
IMAGES DONNA BEEMAN
JB Priestly said it best: “The more we elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.”
The English novelist and playwright made the observation in his 1957 book Thoughts in the Wilderness, a collection of essays about life and society.
The pandemic left many of us feeling this way. While instant messaging, social media and Zoom helped us stay in touch, even the most introverted breathed a sigh of relief when we were finally able to reconnect in person.
This sentiment has become a guiding light for the Connections group’s Tokyo 101 sessions in 2024. Back for its second year under a new title, the latest installment in one of the Club’s longest-running programs will focus on reconnection and offering a source of support, enjoyment and enrichment.
Formerly known as Tokyo: Here & Now, the series of comprehensive, expert-led sessions were developed as a source of information not easily available in English. Touching on everything from medical care to food and culture, they helped newcomers adjust to day-to-day life in another country—an experience that can often leave people feeling as if they were in the wilderness.
The sessions soon became much more. New friendships quickly emerged as a welcome by-product of the event, with participants connecting over shared experiences as they adapted to their new home. This blend of vital guidance and energizing social support has made the expat primer a not-to-be-missed date on the Club calendar for decades.
Having joined the rebranded Tokyo 101 gathering last September, Club Member KT Barous says, “It was not just the information that I learned, but the connections that I made which later became a major support to me when I was having hard days.”
Heading up the 2024 program is northern Virginia native Marieann Machida. A 2023 participant herself, she’s excited to open the doors to a new group. “I think there’s going to be a lot of enthusiasm,” she says. “Connections member or not, everybody is welcome.”
This year’s edition of Tokyo 101 will take place on Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25,
with half-day sessions featuring seven guest speakers. Machida says the two-day format is key to the social aspect of the program. “On day one, everybody’s nervous, everybody’s kind of finding their place,” she explains. “On day two, you begin to feel like you’ve made friends.”
To ensure that as many people as possible can attend, Connections has arranged special rates at the Club Childcare Center for Tokyo 101 participants.
A central theme of this year’s event is reconnection and rediscovery. After heavy reliance on virtual communication during the pandemic, Machida and the Connections group are eager to continue welcoming faceto-face interactions back to the Club.
“More than just information, Tokyo 101 is about giving people a sense of place and connection with others who are having a similar experience,” Machida explains. “It’s the rediscovery of getting out of the house and doing things in person. We’re trying to focus on reconnecting with people.”
“It was not just the information that I learned, but the connections that I made which later became a major support to me when I was having hard days.”
Kicking things off with breakfast and a chance to mingle, the first day’s discussions will touch on topics such as healthcare, Japanese food and disaster preparedness— an especially important topic in the face of recent government warnings about a possible megaquake.
Coming into the program with limited knowledge of Japan’s healthcare system, Barous says the discussions on medical care and disaster preparedness were her key takeaways from last year’s event. “I think it set me up for success, more than I would have assumed going in,” she says. “It gave me a sense of confidence that I didn’t have beforehand.”
On the second day, Member Reiko Saito will get things started after breakfast with a discussion of Japanese culture, followed by talks on mental health, lifestyle and travel.
Mental health plays a large role in setting yourself up for long-term success in a new place. Adjusting to life in Japan, Machida admits, can be trickier than in other countries. “It’s easy to feel isolated,” she says. “It’s nice to feel as though it’s a pretty standard experience.” Vicki Skorji, director of TELL’s Lifeline, Japan’s only English-language,
mental-health crisis hotline, will share valuable tips on coping with the stresses of life in Tokyo on day two.
Other guest speakers will include Dr Gautem Deshpande of Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic, author and cook Elizabeth Andoh of A Taste of Culture as well as intercultural consultant and travel specialist Sandra Isaka of Heartland Japan.
In addition to expert talks, both days will include lunch, Q&A sessions and introductions to other events and workshops available at the Club. This year, all Tokyo 101 attendees, including non-members, will be invited to attend the Fall Kickoff BBQ at Splash! on Friday, September 27. The alfresco gathering on the Club’s scenic terrace will be an opportunity for Members and guests to make the most of the cooler evenings, get to know each other a little better and enjoy bites, sips and live music.
While Tokyo 101 may be geared to new arrivals, it’s not just for the uninitiated. Some challenges of settling into life in a new country don’t quickly dissipate—particularly where language and cultural barriers are concerned. The sessions are filled with “the information you might not know that you need,” Machida explains.
On top of practical resources, the opportunity to share personal experiences and swap stories in an inclusive environment is a big focus, she adds. “Drawing people in, getting them involved and giving them an outlet for their energies—that’s everything that I’m happy about.”
Tokyo 101: An Expat’s Guide to Life in Japan
• September 24: 8:30am–2pm; September 25: 8:50am–2pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms • ¥19,800 (couples: ¥30,000); non-members ¥22,000 (couples: ¥33,000) • Open to the public • Adults only • Sign up online
Fall Kickoff BBQ
• September 27 • 6–9pm • Splash! • ¥6,500 (guests: ¥10,000) • Adults only • Sign up online
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Member Karen Tan turned to The Spa’s Cavi-Lipo to slim her arms for summer with sound results.
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
During the Baroque Period , the harmonies of Bach and Vivaldi were celebrated for their soothing, therapeutic effects on the mind and soul. Compositions such as “Prelude No. 1 in C Major” and the Largo movement of “Winter” from The Four Seasons were believed to align with the body’s natural rhythms, creating a sense of balance and well-being.
This connection between sound and healing has stood the test of time, and modern science is tapping into it for more tangible physical benefits through Cavi-Lipo, a noninvasive body-sculpting treatment that uses ultrasound technology to eliminate fat cells and tighten the skin.
The Spa began offering the treatment last year, and its popularity has grown as an effective, pain-free way to bid farewell to stubborn areas of fat and cellulite that exercise and diet can’t seem to shift.
Member Karen Tan decided to start a Cavi-Lipo regimen heading into summer to tone her arms as she prepared for hot-weather outings in sleeveless clothes.
“I’ve been going to the gym, doing Pilates and other exercises, but it can be very hard to quickly lose fat from a specific area,” she explains. “The Spa team had been telling me that they got very good results for other Spa users, so I thought I’d give it a try.”
The ultrasonic cavitation technology, cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration, uses interchangeable heads to precisely target and tone trouble areas, allowing for a treatment plan that is customized to each person’s needs.
A Spa therapist uses one of these heads to apply ultrasonic waves that break down fat cells. Deeper layers are then heated with radio-frequency energy to promote circulation and fat metabolism. This double-pronged approach delivers a more sculpted, toned appearance by efficiently reducing fat while tightening and smoothing the skin. Tan describes the cool-then-warm sensation as quite relaxing.
She has been visiting The Spa for 60 to 90 minutes a week and says that she saw noticeable results after the fifth session. “I’ve found that it’s been very good at spot reduction and firming up just certain areas that I was not happy with. The treatment has helped me a lot to tone up my arms,” Tan says. “I’m not completely where I want to be yet—you can’t suddenly go from A to Z—but there is definitely a difference.”
Looking back on the hot days that are beginning to fade, just like the unwanted contours of her arms, Tan feels the investment has been well worth it and plans to continue the sessions.
“I was a bit shy to wear all the summer clothes, but this treatment has helped me to be less conscious about wearing my sleeveless dresses.”
• The Spa • ¥2,250–9,000 per session • Multi-session discounts available • Details online
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
• Orthodontics & Invisalign 矯正歯科
• General Dentistry 一般歯科
• Cosmetic Dentistry 審美歯科
• Children’s Dentistry 小児歯科
AZABUDAI
USA | Soohee & Kahn Fukui
Fidelity Investments
When we found ourselves moving back to Tokyo from New York City in June, we knew we wanted to join the Club since it holds a special place in our hearts from childhood, and we wanted our kids to experience the same sense of community and engagement. We look forward to meeting many more Members and being involved in this wonderful community in the coming years.
Image: (l-r) Ten, Kahn, Soohee and Aggie Fukui
AZABUDAI
USA
John Absmeier Woven by Toyota Inc.
Joseph & Miki Fusaro Tullett Prebon Japan
Andrew & Mika Hershon Morgan Stanley
Christopher & Ayaka Jones JP Morgan
K. Lesli Ligorner & Alistair John Ritchie Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
CHINA
You Zhou & Lu Zhang Tesla Japan
GERMANY
Enrico Domhardt & Paula Leon Bravo ARTISAN&ARTIST Co., Ltd.
David & Molly Fassbender PGIM Real Estate (Japan) Ltd.
INDIA
Biju Paul K.K. Urban Creation
Juan & Rie Rodighiero Dentsply Sirona K.K.
JAPAN
Yu & Yuri Makita Makita Corporation
Kentaro & Mayumi Mori LeaderShip
Koji Osawa Global Catalyst Partners Japan
Hideo & Yukari Tomita Refinitiv Japan K.K.
Jun & Ayumi Yamamoto Millennium Capital Management Asia Limited
TAIWAN
Hsiun Ya (Sonya) Ho Simpson Thacher & Barlett LLP UK
Alastair Maclean
Seijet Capital K.K.
Nicholas Rees NJR Consulting / Alto K.K.
JAPAN | Takashi (Jack) Wada
Gifu Nisseki Co., Ltd.
The Tokyo American Club has been a place I have admired since I was 20 years old. Now that I have the opportunity to join, especially with the Nihonbashi location, I look forward to engaging in various activities such as dining, bar visits and fitness. Thank you very much for this opportunity.
Image: Takashi (Jack) Wada
JAPAN
Kazuhisa Hirata Chiyoda Ute Co., Ltd.
Takeshi Kurioka Nippon Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
Satoru Muto Dolbix Consulting Inc.
Akiyoshi Shiotani Dharmacapital K.K.
Junichi Ujiie Ujiie Research Institute, Ltd.
Hiroshi Yokoishi Captain Global Partners
Soraya Abdel Wahab ICS College of Arts
Magnolia Tree Kindergarten and Elementary School at the International House of Waldorf Steiner is dedicated to educating children in the Steiner Method, which encourages students to develop a joy in learning, natural self-discipline, and other inner resources to enrich themselves individually and as citizens of the world. We embrace each child’s unique character and nurture them to become independent, thoughtful, and kind-hearted human beings. Teachers at our school collaborate closely with parents to create a holistic and inclusive learning environment that bridges the gap between home and school to set the stage for a lifetime of educational development.
4-8-10 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku 03-3400-1593 | ihousewaldorf@gmail.com www.waldorf-steiner.org
JOIN AND EXPERIENCE OUR OPEN HOUSES
Saturdays September 7, 14, 28
Waldorf Preschool Class Program 13:30–17:00
Waldorf Elementary School Program 15:30–17:00
The modern world throws a lot at us every day. Engaging the body, mind and emotional core can equip you with the skills to respond effectively to stress and build resilience. Whether you’re looking to improve your mental and physical health or are simply curious about mindfulness, this class will show you how to manage the pressures, anxiety and emotional challenges of life.
Luiz Olimpio’s yoga journey began more than two decades ago. After training in India as a yoga instructor with the US-based nonprofit Yoga Alliance, the Brazilian began teaching yoga, meditation and mindfulness in Tokyo. He is a Harvard Medical School-certified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy teacher and holds regular meditation retreats in the Kanto area.
“Luiz is the perfect teacher for this class. His approach and logical explanations are well organized, and he always gives me accurate answers. I always enjoy our conversations, and I now understand more and have found solutions for dealing with everyday issues. I’m also calmer. Although I exercise, do sports and practice yoga, mindfulness has been the most valuable for my mental health. It really helps with my hectic work and lifestyle.”
• Sundays • 1–2:30pm • The Studio • ¥52,800 (eight classes)
• Sign up online
11
Estate director George Blanckensee took Members on a journey through the history of winemaking in Napa Valley.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
12
Members indulged in an evening of Kanagawa Prefecture’s finest cuisine, complete with a captivating live tuna-cutting show.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
July 13–15
Courtside thrills captivated Members as Japan’s squash enthusiasts clashed at the 13th TAC Premier Classic.
IMAGES TOSHIYUKI MATSUDA
Armed with brushes, Members and Nihonbashi Club staff teamed up to bring a fresh gleam to Tokyo’s historic mile marker zero.
While the Club underwent maintenance, the staff let their hair down at the annual bash to recognize long service and dedication.
NORIYUKI YAMAMURA
WORDS MARK MILITELLO ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO
Each year, college football players are slightly bigger and faster. The business of college football, however, has been changing at a more rapid pace, and with stunning force.
As a former player, I look out on a landscape that is almost unrecognizable. As a new season begins, the SEC welcomes powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma, while further realignment has seen the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC take in all but two members of the Pac-12, killing off a 109-year-old conference. What was the Power Five is now the Power Four, and they dominate college athletics.
Money is the driver of this upheaval. SEC football teams earn over $50 million per year from broadcast rights. The University of Texas raked in total revenue of $239 million last year, topping the nation. On average, football accounts for 75 percent of a school’s athletic department income, with men’s basketball a distant second.
A recent study showed 31 of the 50 highest-paid state employees are football coaches, with Alabama’s Nick Saban earning $11.7 million per year before his retirement after last season.
The biggest change has been felt by athletes, who can now get paid though something called name, image and likeness, or NIL. We had nothing like this in my playing days. NIL was created through a patchwork of state laws with
few guidelines, resulting in a sort of Wild West. Donors with deep pockets can directly contribute to a school’s NIL fund, which is separate from the school’s budget. It has become common for high school athletes to agree to an NIL deal before committing to attend.
There are many consequences, intentional and unintentional, that will play out over the next few years. Power has transferred from the NCAA to conferences. And while only a small percent of players make it to the NFL, those on the borderline can now stay in school another year to develop their skills while making money. Those who won’t go pro can still get paid to play while in college.
Any remaining threads of the thin amateur studentathlete veil have been pulled away. On any given campus, there are at least several freshmen driving fancy cars, making millions and “attending” classes with the rest of the student body. Others are getting a free education and graduating in four years with thousands of dollars in the bank.
They aren’t the only ones who benefit. The huge college football and NIL money helps other sports. Scholarships have dramatically increased, and women’s sports, such as basketball, soccer and gymnastics, have star athletes making serious money while building a strong social media presence.
My Duke University classmate and current ESPN broadcaster Jay Bilas has been a longtime vocal advocate of paying players, citing the huge money they help bring to a school. He thinks this major disruption in college sports will smooth out over time, but overall is a definite positive.
As the college football season kicks off this month, the on-field product will be better than ever. But this begs the question: At what point will there be noise from trustees, professors or even Congress, given college athletics’ antitrust status? For now, money is king, with athletes at last getting a share of the revenue.
Mark Militello is a Member of the Club.
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