Sparkle & Cheer
The Club goes all out for a season of holiday fun and flavors
HELPING HANDS
MYTH MAKER
FOLDED WONDERS
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FANTASTIC FOLDS
Ahead of December’s Frederick Harris Gallery exhibition, Bonnie Cherni shares how she fell in love with a Japanese craft.
With her first novel, one young Member invites readers into a fantastical world of possibilities.
Singer Jenny Shima joins Gabez and Mr Magicio to bring fairytale charm and magical melodies to the Club’s Family Christmas Show.
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 (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 Kamizuru-Bowman (Ginger Griggs)
Nominating Grace Lee
Recreation Shinji Yamasaki (Nils Plett)
Risk Control Ren Kuroda (Mihoko Manabe)
Parentheses denote Board liaison.
INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER
Noriaki Yamazaki
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Business Support Lian Chang
DIRECTORS
Facilities Toby Lauer
Finance Naoto Okutsu
Human Resources Jason Dominici
Interim Nihonbashi Koji Kaneko
Marketing & Communications Shane Busato
Member Services Jonathan Allen
Operations and Acting Food & Beverage
Thomas Zaleski
Recreation Susanna Yung
INTOUCH
Managing Editor C Bryan Jones
editor@tac-club.org
Communications Editor Alec Jordan
Assistant Editor Kathy Russo
Designer Kohji Shiiki
Designer/Photographer Clara Garcia
Production Administrator Yuko Shiroki
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Masami Bailey
Andrew Chin
Justin Negrón
Lina Raffone
Julian Ryall
Photographers
Blue Lion Tokyo
Yuuki Ide
Ken Katsurayama
Satomi Nuga
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 CEO Robert Heldt
Custom Media Publisher Simon Farrell
Sales Director Edvard Vondra
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.
A SCHOOL WHERE LEARNING BLOSSOMS
Magnolia Tree Kindergarten and Elementary School at the International House of Waldorf Steiner is dedicated to educating children in the Steiner Method, which encourages students to develop a joy in learning, natural self-discipline, and other inner resources to enrich themselves individually and as citizens of the world. We embrace each child’s unique character and nurture them to become independent, thoughtful, and kind-hearted human beings. Teachers at our school collaborate closely with parents to create a holistic and inclusive learning environment that bridges the gap between home and school 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
Saturday, December 7
Christmas wreath crafts and drawing
Saturday, December 14
Essence of Waldorf education: hands-on math and language development
Cultivating Community
WORDS JUSTIN NEGRÓN IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
As we close out another year , it’s inspiring to reflect on the hard work of the Membership Office and the Membership Committee. This work done behind the scenes enhances the experiences of prospective and existing Members, helping shape and foster a robust, vibrant community.
From refining and streamlining the application process to enhancing the onboarding experience, the efforts have focused on ensuring that the Club continues to be a place that welcomes and sustains meaningful connections among Members. Through these refinements, we hope to offer prospective Members a process that reflects the Club’s values while also ensuring that each new Member joins us with an understanding of our community’s unique culture and shared interests.
One of the committee’s core projects was expanding the orientation process and creating a more purposeful onboarding experience for new Members. Our goal is for every Member to feel immediately welcome. Quickly finding their place within the Club’s vibrant community sets the stage for deeper involvement and enjoyment.
With comprehensive orientation sessions, personal introductions and advice on how to get involved in Club activities, we, along with key committee and Board members, have enhanced early interactions to help ensure that each new Member feels connected and informed from the very start.
Recognizing the Club’s evolving role in our Members’ lives, we also took a close look at entrance fees. Following extensive examination and analysis, we proposed updates that reflect the Club’s high level of membership value and reputation on local, regional and global levels. After much deliberation, the Board approved an increased entrance fee of ¥3 million for foreign-national applicants starting January 1, 2025. The updated fee structure acknowledges the lasting commitment and engagement we see from our international Members, continues to move us toward a structure that reflects membership value and supports the Club’s growth and sustainability.
In addition to these operational improvements, the committee has been engaged in a broader ongoing dialogue about the Club’s future and how to help shape the Member experience across all life stages. Members frequently express their vision for how the Club can be a continuous source of community—from the early days of joining through retirement and beyond. This consideration of a holistic approach reaffirms our commitment to being more than just a club; we are an international hub that remains rooted in American values yet adapts to serve an increasingly diverse membership.
The Membership Committee remains dedicated to connecting each Member’s experience with the broader international community. With over 4,000 memberships, our Club’s strength lies in these shared connections. We are grateful to each of you for being a part of this vibrant, ever-evolving community. The input and efforts you contribute help build a club that enriches lives and reflects the passions and aspirations of those who walk through our doors, Member and staff alike.
Justin Negrón is chair of the Club’s Membership Committee.
“The Membership Committee remains dedicated to connecting each Member’s experience with the broader international community.”
At the Helm
With the departure of Darren Morrish last month, the Club finds itself in capable hands as Nori Yamazaki fills the position as interim general manager. For more than 30 years, he has been dedicated to the Club, having held key roles in Food & Beverage as banquet operations manager, restaurant manager and beverage manager.
Following the completion of the Azabudai redevelopment in 2011, Yamazaki was appointed Food & Beverage director. Most recently, he served as managing director of the Nihonbashi Club. As Representative Governor Jesse Green explains, “With his extensive experience across Food & Beverage operations and general management, and his deep understanding of our community, Nori is exceptionally suited to lead us through the transition to a new permanent general manager.” AJ
SKY POOL
Pool Prep
To ensure that Members can kick off the new year with a splash, the Sky Pool will be closed from December 23 to January 1 for a deep clean. Maintenance on the pool will also be conducted, and the deck areas and furniture will be cleaned. The Sky Pool is set to reopen with a sparkle on January 2, and Members are encouraged to try out a free month of the Adult Programs Sky Pool Pass in January—a perfect way to dive into those New Year’s fitness resolutions! AJ
During the pandemic, Marvin Yang’s parents took him to local bookstores, where he explored various genres. “I particularly enjoyed reading Japanese encyclopedias, which let me enjoy different cultures and knowledge,” says the 10-year-old Member. Today, he continues his journey of exploration— uncovering magical worlds and fantastical tales—among the shelves of the second-floor Library.
What was your favorite early childhood book?
My favorite early childhood book was I Really Like Slop! by Mo Willems. It was the first book from the Elephant & Piggie series that I read. I was 6 years old. I really liked it, so I read all the Elephant & Piggie books.
What inspired your love of books?
From the Shelves
My earliest memory of reading is from when I was about 3. My mom would often read me books made of cloth. They were soft and fun, and created wonderful memories for me. I enjoy reading books because I like going to different worlds, with sad things, happy things and magical things. Reading is like a dream—solving a mystery or going on an adventure. What genre do you most enjoy?
I enjoy almost every genre, but my favorite is fantasy— books with magic or lots of things that do not happen in the real world. I enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling.
Youthful Glow
The use of vitamin A to smooth skin and enhance radiance traces its roots back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. Modern science puts a derivative, retinol, to work by using microencapsulation to lock molecules in microscopic shells and release them gradually and gently.
What are you currently reading?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It’s about the Triwizard Tournament held at Hogwarts that only wizards who are older than 17 are allowed to enter. When were you last unable to put down a book? Almost every time I read. I don’t want to stop in the middle of the story—especially at the good part. Every time I read a book, I want to finish the whole thing.
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Caring Community
Ahead of Member Aya Koike’s knee surgery, she and her husband Junji visited the Club for dinner at American Bar & Grill. Food & Beverage Training Manager James Johnson provided such great service that they decided to recognize him in an online Tell TAC.
“James helped Aya walk to the table and made everything comfortable for her,” says Junji. “He was very attentive and, each time he came back to the table, he said something very nice. We felt very comfortable.”
For Johnson, the situation was an example of why he loves his job at the Club.
“When it comes to service, we need to adjust our position and point of view to best suit the situation,” explains the Canada native.
The Club’s treatment of his family shows how the community comes full circle.
At the start of the pandemic, his wife, a nurse in Tokyo, was the first known case of Covid connected to the Club. “My manager at the time, Antonio Villasmil, and acting F&B Director at the time Don Suranga, truly showed me what it meant to be part of the Club. They kept calling me, kept making sure my wife was alright and offered to send food and groceries to my house.”
It’s an attitude of caring that he always wants to pay forward— something that was certainly noticed by Junji.
“This was kind of a memorial dinner for my wife, and it was a great experience. James was not just friendly, but very kind—an intimate sort of communication and very thoughtful. We were amazed,” he notes.
The service was only natural for Johnson. “The Club really took care of me when we needed it most, and I will do all I can to make sure I do the same for everyone else.” CBJ
Members can recognize Club staff by submitting an online Tell TAC through the Club website.
Holiday Bottles
After a long hot summer and a toasty start to fall, the crisp air has finally arrived. The holidays bring many occasions to gather with friends and family, and to help you elevate your celebrations, here are three wines from The Cellar that pair beautifully with seasonal dishes.
My first selection is the NV Pommery Apanage Blanc de Noir (¥9,900). Crafted solely from black grapes sourced from 17 top crus across the Champagne region of France, this complex and delicious cuvée harmonizes well with gourmet foods.
Next is the 2023 Vass Felix Filius Chardonnay (¥3,300) from Australia’s Margaret River, one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. With bright elegant fruit, subtle hints of wild complexity and a tight acidity, this white shines alongside grilled fish or roast chicken.
Rounding out the trio is the 2020 Annabella Cabernet Sauvignon (¥3,400). Produced by the family-owned Michael Pozzan Winery and named in honor of the winemaker’s grandmother, this is a classic example of Napa’s prized varietal. The wine blooms with layers of black plum, cranberry, cocoa powder and a hint of mission fig. Enjoy this stunner with a slow-cooked brisket—it’s a true showstopper.
Masami Bailey is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.
For the month of December, receive a 10 percent discount on purchases of at least three bottles of any of these recommended Cellar wines.
DECEMBER What’s on in
Santa’s Winter Garden Wonderland
When businessman James Edgar welcomed Santa to his Brockton, Massachusetts, department store in 1890, he sparked a fascination that would become an American tradition. Stores across the nation saw the excitement among kids as a way to attract customers during the holiday season. By the 1940s, photos with Santa had become an annual must and cherished family keepsakes.
Each year, the Club carries on the tradition by inviting Saint Nick to fly down from the North Pole and set up shop in the Winter Garden. He enjoyed his visit so much last year, he’s returning for three weekends this December to see the kids on his “nice” list, find out what they’re hoping to see under the tree on the 25th and pose for snapshots.
And while a white Christmas is a rare sight in Tokyo, that won’t be the case this year. To add a touch of holiday magic, the Main Entrance will be getting its own snowfall at 6pm on weekend evenings, accompanied by music and a light show.
So, get your wish lists ready and experience the magic of Christmas alongside Santa, right in the Winter Garden! CBJ
1
Family Photos
Mark the holiday season with a set of professional portraits. Sessions continue on December 7 and 8.
• 9:40am–7pm • 51 East, The Terrace
• ¥27,500 (optional album of prints: ¥5,500) • Details Online
1
Gingerbread House Workshop
Don your apron and culinary carpenter’s hat for deliciously fun sessions of construction.
• 11am–4pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • ¥3,520 (guests: ¥4,290) • Sign up online
1
Holiday Afternoon Tea
A winter selection of sweet and savory deliciousness, paired with teas and seasonal drinks. Continues on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29.
• 3–5pm • Winter Garden • ¥8,400 (for two) • Details online
1
The Cellar’s Festive Offering
Deck your table with panettone, stollen and fine vintages.
• Through December 28 • The Cellar
• Details online
4
Winter Reading Challenge
Teams Private Eye Penguins and Inspector Polar Bears turn pages to solve a mystery and win spectacular prizes.
• Through January 15 • Library • Free • Ages 2–12 • Details online
6
Holiday Movie Night
Club kids enjoy a lineup of seasonal flicks while parents let loose at the Bonenkai Bash.
• 6–9pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms
• ¥2,750 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,300)
• Ages 5–12 • Sign up online
7 & 8 Family Christmas Show
When Eddie Barth arrived in Japan in 1997, he had no idea he would become the beloved kids’ entertainer Mr Magicio. He had considered a career in finance, but a job at a kindergarten changed all that.
“Getting energy from the kids was awesome,” recalls the London native.
“The time would just go so fast, and you had fun the whole day because you had to mirror the kids’ energy. I was super lucky to have that job.”
Barth says that working in the kindergarten was like Navy SEAL training for kids’ entertainers. Over the past 15 years, he’s made his Mr Magicio persona a community favorite. He’ll bring not only magic and music to this year’s Family Christmas Show, but also his stunning balloon art, which won gold and bronze at this year’s Twist & Shout competition in Chicago.
Joining Barth is a colorful cast of characters that includes Disney stage show veteran Jenny Shima (more on page 22), her daughter Velvet Jean and comedy pantomime duo Gabez, who won the Ocean of Laughter Award at last year’s Busan International Comedy Festival.
Club chefs will be serving up an equally impressive lineup of festive fare, including roast chicken, teriyaki-roasted salmon, wagyu-angus beef burgers, herb and cheese gnocchi, Black Forest cherry trifle and yule log.
As the fun commences with Christmas crafts for kids, it’s an event that will delight both young and old. CBJ
• 12–2pm & 5–7pm • New York Ballroom and Brooklyn rooms • Adults: ¥6,000 (guests: ¥7,200); children: ¥2,800 (guests: ¥3,360); ages 2 & under: free • Details online
6
Bonenkai Bash
Wrap up the year with an evening of live music, exquisite cuisine and holiday cheer.
• 7–10pm • New York Ballroom, 51 East
• ¥6,800 (walk-ins: ¥7,800); guests: ¥8,500 (walk-ins: ¥9,500) • Open to Nihonbashi Members • Adults only
• Sign up online
7
Christmas Storytime
A morning of yuletide tales, crafts and donations to Animal Refuge Kansai.
• 11:30am–12:30pm • Library • Free
• Details online
13
Christmas Candy Workshop
Kids peek inside Santa’s magical recipe book and create their own cute Christmas candies.
• 4:30–7:15pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • ¥2,310 (guests: ¥2,772) • Sign up online
13
Nihonbashi Bonenkai
Cap off 2024 among friends at the Nihonbashi Club’s year-end bash.
• 6:30–9pm • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • ¥8,000 (walk-ins: ¥9,200); guests: ¥10,000 (walk-ins: ¥11,500) • Details online
13 & 20
Roasted Chestnut Stall
Find good fortune with complimentary bags of chestnuts, and piping-hot Janat Earl Grey on the 20th.
• 5–6pm (4–7pm on December 20)
• Club entrance (1F) • Free
15
Christmas Bonanza
The Gymnasium transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with holiday games, a photo booth, festive stories, crafting tables and more.
• 10am–3:45pm • Gymnasium
• ¥2,750 (guests: ¥3,300); ages 2 & under: free to enter, participation ¥2,750 • Details online
9
Twinkle & Toast
Ring in the holiday season and cap off 2024 with a glass of Champagne, a delicious lunch, a wonderful musical performance and time with friends.
This longtime Club tradition, formerly called “Holiday Cheer & Champagne,” is a great way to get to know fellow Members and build connections in the community.
“I feel like we’re really back in the swing of things after Covid, and there’s a lot of enthusiasm for having an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family,” says Marieann Machida, director of community relations for the Club’s Connections group. “This year, I’m really looking forward to having the Salvation Army Brass Band perform and the sing-along of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and other traditional Christmas songs.”
The menu includes roasted butternut squash and apple bisque, snow-aged F1 wagyu and Christmas mascarpone mousse, as well as vegetarian dishes such as yuba-and-avocado carpaccio and winter mushroom strudel.
A 25-percent discount voucher for childcare is also available.
Christa Wallington, who has been a Club Member since 2010, says the holiday luncheon is always a highlight, as well as a fabulous end to the year and beginning of the season. “For our longtime Japanese Members, it’s a chance to experience a taste of the season—it really lifts everyone’s spirit.” CBJ
• 11:30am–2pm • Manhattan III • ¥7,000 (guests: ¥10,500) • Sign up online
24 & 25
Christmas Grand Buffets
Roast boar, goose—even peacock—were some of the colorful centerpieces of medieval holiday feasts, which also featured seasonal treats like mince pies, puddings and spiced wine. Modern favorites such as ham, turkey and fruitcake found their way to the table during the early days of Colonial America. And the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals have continued to evolve ever since.
The Club’s culinary team has tapped its creativity to gift wrap elevated lunch and dinner spreads brimming with dishes to satisfy every palate and appetite. The lineup of Christmas fare runs from turkey roulade, rib of beef and roast lamb to crab cakes, citrus-roasted chicken, Niigata pork terrine and braised red cabbage with spiced apple. And the dessert selection of Christmas stollen, gingerbreadand-cranberry pie, forest berry cobbler and white chocolate yule log is sure to hit the spot for those with a sweet tooth. Meanwhile, adults can let the Christmas cheer flow with a two-hour, all-you-can-drink beverage package.
Whether you were on Santa’s good list or not, everyone deserves to celebrate with a Club feast of holiday classics. Happy holidays! CBJ
• 11am–2pm & 4:30–7:30pm • New York Ballroom, Brooklyn rooms
• Adults: ¥9,200 (two-hour, all-you-can-drink beverage package: ¥3,300; wine upgrade: ¥550); ages 13–17: ¥5,500; ages 4–12: ¥2,450; ages 3 & under: free • Limit 10 people per reservation • Details online
16
Holiday Camp
Make lasting memories with themed crafts, songs, dance and games. Three sessions through January 3.
• 9am–3pm • ¥39,600–49,500 (non-Members: ¥51,480–64,350); Camp Plus (3–5pm): ¥3,960 per day (non-Members: ¥5,150) • Ages 3–10
• Details online
16
Celebratory Cuisine
Choose your course and enjoy the flavors of the season in style.
• Through December 25 • American Bar & Grill • Details online
21 & 22
Holiday Brunch Buffet
Enjoy an eye-popping selection of brunch classics and Club signatures.
• 11am–3pm • Rainbow Café
• Adults: ¥4,200; ages 12–17: ¥3,400; ages 7–11: ¥1,600; ages 6 & under: free • Details online
22
51 East Holiday Brunch
Enjoy elevated delights while kids try their hand at crafting sweet sensations.
• 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
22
Christmas Splash-A-Round
Club kids dive into an afternoon of Sky Pool cheer.
• 3–5:30pm • Sky Pool • ¥2,200 (guests: ¥2,750) • Ages 5–12 • Sign up online
24
Holiday Jazz
Five exquisite courses and a serving of live jazz.
• Dinner • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • ¥16,800 • Details online
Check the Club website for the most up-to-date information on events and programs.
A Taste of the Holidays
WORDS ALEC JORDAN
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
Make the yuletide season a flavorful one in the American Room with an exquisite fivecourse feast curated by the Nihonbashi Club’s culinary team.
Served until Christmas Day, the dinner starts with a glass of Dom Pérignon Champagne and features Kinka pork carbonnades, “Gift Wrapping Soup” and your choice of grape-fed strip loin medallion, Hinai Jidori roulade or skillet-seared flounder. Top it off with “I Forgot My Favorite Decoration!” a dessert of pistachio mousse, dacquoise, dark cherry jam and glaçage. Perfect for enjoying with colleagues or loved ones.
• December 2–25 • American Room • ¥16,800
Saving Lives While Saving
Warm the hearts of these and many other animals at ARK this winter by making a donation, signing up as a member or sponsoring a specif ic cat or dog. Your special gift to an animal at ARK will help you save tax, regardless of your income. ARK is one of few animal welfare organizations to have achieved Nintei status, which means that we are able to of fer you a special tax receipt for your donation.
ARK (Animal Refuge Kansai) was founded by Briton Elizabeth Oliver, MBE in 19 9 0. More than 6,000 animals have been rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over the last 30 years. Construction continues at a new facility, designed to further improve animal welfare standards, has commenced operation in Tamba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture.
arkbark.net
It’s not too late to get your Original ARK Calendars. Proceeds are used for vaccinations for more than 100 animals per year.
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CRAFTING CONNECTIONS
With her first novel, one young Member invites readers into a fantastical world of possibilities.
Myiesha Jain has been creating new worlds from the second-floor Library for years. With the release of her debut novel, the 14-year-old scribe pulls readers into one of them.
In Blood We Burn tells the story of the clashing kingdoms of a 12-year-old assassin and her misunderstood rival. Jain admits it’s still surreal to see the first book in her planned trilogy published.
“To me, it’s always going to be the document that’s on my laptop,” she says of the 390-page tale, now available in the Club Library and through Amazon.
A self-described avid reader and writer for as long as she can remember, Jain is evangelical about the power of the written word.
“There’s a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words,” she says. “But for me, a sentence has the power to stick with you for a lifetime.”
She began working on the story three years ago but says the book really took shape over the past year, after she developed a strict routine of writing after school until dinnertime. Those sessions often took place at the Club.
“There’s something very cozy about the Club Library,” she explains. “I just love the entire atmosphere. I honestly think I had my best writing sprints there because I was so focused.”
Jain admits that the process of creating a work for others was a challenge. She recalls how hard it sometimes was to
digest critical feedback from the book’s development editor and her writing peers.
“As a teen, I don’t want to be valued just for my age, I want to be valued for my writing. So it was really difficult to get past these feelings of self-doubt,” she says.
“I just reminded myself that writing, at its core, is just your art. It’s your way of expressing yourself and building connections with the world around you.”
Jain cites Hafsah Faizal (We Hunt the Flame), Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me) and Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes). The three have been breakout successes in the young adult genre, which is the fastest-growing category in publishing with print sales jumping by nearly 50 percent from 2018 to 2023.
In addition to sharing a fondness for creating dystopian worlds, Jain praises the three for adding diversity to their works.
“As a writer, I can recognize how difficult that can be to really represent different cultures and religions correctly. But as a reader, it really healed me to read their books and see how they represented people who look like me in an industry that’s so Westernized,” she says.
Born in India and a resident of Tokyo since she was 5, Jain says she hopes her works can have a similar effect on readers.
“I just feel so inspired to make the same impact that they’ve had and also give those same feelings of comfort to other readers.”
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FANTASTIC FOLDS
Ahead of December’s Frederick Harris Gallery exhibition, Bonnie Cherni shares how she fell in love with a Japanese craft.
Epic Origami is known for its larger-than-life origami installations and innovative teaching. This month, the group will exhibit its works in the Frederick Harris Gallery and welcome Members to a hands-on workshop. Founder Bonnie Cherni, who discovered origami at age 15 when her mother was given a book by a Japanese exchange student, reveals her folded journey with INTOUCH
What was your first impression of origami?
My first impression, from the book my mother received, was “Wow! Origami is so hard! Maybe I should give up.” We worked all day, and I felt very frustrated.
How did you hone your craft?
WORDS
C BRYAN JONES IMAGE EPIC ORIGAMI
That first book was very difficult. Luckily, my second book, written by John Montroll, really helped me succeed. I’m unusual in this field as an artist who loves animals and wants to create them with my hands. Usually, male engineers dominate origami, and the diagrams can be very challenging for me. Montroll’s books were the bridge that empowered me to create the animals I love. His designs excel at structure and can be increased in size.
What is the most unusual medium you’ve used?
I enjoy the idea of attempting origami from interesting materials. Shower curtains can sometimes have great designs that work well. I also use outdoor vinyl, the type used to cover cars, to prolong the life of my pieces outdoors.
A friend asked if I could fold a dragon from copper mesh. I didn’t know if it was possible, but I put on gloves and started folding. The medium worked beautifully, and I’m able to show copper-mesh sculptures in arid climates where the moisture doesn’t change them.
Beeswax wrap is another fun medium. It coats the fabric, helping my folds stay in place. We create our own huge sheets of “paper” that are one piece of material if unfolded. We include aluminum layers inside to give us an armature to keep our origami strong so it can stand.
How did you bring together the Epic Origami team? Epic Origami attracts the best of the best among origami artists, team members who are collaborative and committed to sharing origami as a gesture of peace and community. People say my passion for origami is contagious, and my experimental nature intrigues others. We hosted renowned French origami artist Terry Nicolas and Robert Lang, an American physicist and one of the world’s leading origami artists, at our Denver airport show.
Tell us about the origami workshop you’ll host at the Club. Our origami workshops are fun, whether this is your first day or you’ve been doing origami for years. We understand where you are and where you’re headed and encourage progress as you fold patterns that fit your level rather than striving for perfection. Wherever you are in your origami journey, expect to be delighted by a day full of fun and laughter!
Epic Origami Exhibition
• December 3–January 6 • Frederick Harris Gallery
• Reception: December 3 at 6:30pm • Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online
Origami Extravaganza Workshop
• December 14 • 10am–3pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki
classrooms • ¥3,300 (guests: ¥3,960) • Ages 8 & above
• Sign up online
UNSEEN
STRUGGLES
Connections helps Moyai in their quest
to
find lasting solutions to poverty in Japan.
WORDS JULIAN RYALL
Look closely as you make your way around Tokyo, and you may see something unexpected: poverty. Despite being the capital of the world’s fourth-largest economy, prosperity is not as universal as it may seem at a glance.
That’s why the work of the Tokyo-based Moyai Support Centre for Independent Living, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the homeless and underprivileged, is so critical. It’s also why Club Members are so keen to help its aims.
“Many people view Japan as a wealthy, safe country— an image I also held when living abroad,” says Lina Raffone, director of charities for the Club’s Connections group. “However, after moving back to Japan and getting involved in various volunteer activities, I became aware of the hidden poverty and inequality that exist here.
“Homelessness often goes unseen, and societal expectations around self-reliance make it hard for people to seek help,” she adds. “This hidden reality contrasts with Japan’s prosperous image, highlighting the importance of awareness and community support for those facing hardship.”
“It was a humbling experience, and the gratitude expressed by the recipients was both moving and motivating.”
Japan’s relative poverty rate stands at 15.4 percent, meaning that an alarming one in every 6.5 individuals lives below the poverty line, defined as earning less than ¥1.27 million a year. Others do not even earn that much and are left to fend for themselves, living rough on Tokyo’s streets.
The Moyai Food Pantry, one of the organization’s key outreach programs, aims to help this group. Thirteen Club Members volunteered at the event on October 26, handing out a bag containing face masks, instant rice, crackers, vegetables and snacks to 810 people—a figure that Moyai believes is a new record for a single-day event.
“Spending a day feeding the homeless was truly eyeopening and rewarding,” says Cristina Tyldum, who took part in the event with her husband, Svein Tyldum.
“Not only did it offer a chance to make a tangible difference in someone’s day, but it also allowed me to connect with individuals in a meaningful way,” she tells INTOUCH. “The simple act of offering a meal became an opportunity to share a smile and offer a moment of dignity.
“It was a humbling experience, and the gratitude expressed by the recipients was both moving and motivating,” she adds. “Every minute spent serving was a reminder of the importance of community and how small acts of kindness can ripple out in ways we may never fully understand.”
Janice Ishizaka and her 18-year-old son Julius also took part. The day served as a “reality check,” they say, on the lives of less fortunate residents of Tokyo, especially for younger participants.
“I volunteered with my son because I thought it would be an important lesson in caring for others and realizing that there is poverty in the city,” Janice says.
“I never expected to see long and winding lines of over 800 people waiting for a small bag of food.
“I hope in the future that large multinational and local food companies can step up and donate a lot more via their CSR initiatives,” she adds. “It would be great if any Club Members who work in food or beverage companies could help the charity. I read that Japan is focusing on reducing food waste, so maybe the charity can connect with a local farm to accept any imperfect food as well.”
Moyai CEO Ren Ohnishi says that since Japan’s economic bubble burst in the early 1990s, there has been a surge in the number of homeless people in Tokyo.
“There are various challenges, but if I had to identify the largest issue it would be society’s understanding of poverty issues,” he explains. “Although awareness of poverty has gradually increased in Japan in recent years, the belief in personal responsibility remains strong and there is resistance to creating safety nets funded by taxes.
“Today, all members of the Diet, across party lines, recognize poverty as a pressing issue,” he says. “While this acknowledgment remains largely abstract, with few concrete policies or approaches implemented, our approach has become more specific over time. We now actively engage in policy proposals and drafting, identifying necessary changes in laws, systems and budgets to better address poverty.”
Still, much remains to be done on the streets, and Moyai is in urgent need of support and volunteers.
“We hope that many people will get involved in various ways,” Ohnishi shares. “Support can take many forms, including [financial] donations, contributing goods, volunteering and promoting our activities on social media. We believe that having as many people involved as possible in whatever way they can is the most important factor.”
Raffone, who organized this Member volunteer event for the first time, says that gathering participants was challenging and required extra effort. “But everyone who joined found it deeply rewarding, even humbling. I hope that more Members will join us and experience firsthand the positive impact we can make together.”
Visit the Connections page of the Club website for details on the group’s support of local charities.
ENCHANTED ISLAND
Singer Jenny Shima joins Gabez and Mr Magicio to bring fairytale charm and magical melodies to the Club’s Family Christmas Show.
C BRYAN JONES
Growing up, Jenny Shima never imagined she’d be a Disney princess. At age 4, she was all about the piano. “I was always practicing, always wanted to,” she recalls. “I thought that was what I was going to do with my life. I did all the competitions and was really focused on classical music.”
It was a natural path for the Indiana native. She grew up in a musical household, encouraged by her mother, who played piano and sang. But things really took off with the arrival of a new neighbor. “A Russian woman moved in three doors down, and my mom had gotten word that she was this spectacular piano teacher,” Shima recalls. “She went knocking on her door and said, ‘Please, would you teach my daughter?’ The woman said no, because she had such a long wait list. But she agreed to a quick assessment, after which she told my mom, ‘Okay. I’m going to take your kid because she’s got a lot of potential; but don’t tell anyone.’”
It turns out she was right. Shima would go on to become an accomplished pianist, taking part in many competitions along the way. Until one day she froze up.
“It was like some scene out of a movie,” she says. “I’m sure it wasn’t that dramatic, but I got up to the piano and I just couldn’t get started with the first note, even though I obviously knew the music. I’d never had anything like that happen before. I thought, ‘This is getting really intense. I can’t do this.’”
Shima pegs that moment to anxiety and the pressure to be perfect all the time. It was time to shift gears. Her mother suggested that she join the school choir, but she didn’t want to. “My mom made me and said I would have to do it for just a semester. And in that year, I just fell in love with it. That’s when I did my first musical.”
In theater, Shima found the creative freedom she was seeking. “There are no mistakes in theater. You just go with it and keep creating, and it’s a new show every night,” she explains. “That was so different to me from piano. I was hooked right away. I just was like, well, I think theater is really what I want to do. But if I hadn’t had all the piano training … it has been such a helpful thing throughout. If you do anything in regards to music—piano or even any instrument really—even if you don’t do it as an adult, it really helps you so much along the way.”
“There are no mistakes in theater. You just go with it and keep creating.”
With a scholarship to the Hartford Conservatory, Shima planned to study musical theater after high school. But before she could start, she got a call from Walt Disney World and was offered a gig in Florida.
“I’ll do this one contract for a year and then I’ll go to college,” she recalls. “But that turned into seven.”
From Orlando, Shima went on to perform on cruise ships with Royal Caribbean before returning to the Disney family to help open the Hong Kong park in 2005. After a couple of years, she was asked to come to Tokyo Disneyland.
With Disney, Shima brought to life some of the world’s most beloved princesses—Cinderella, Belle and Ariel—in the parks’ fantastical stage shows.
She’ll play another leading lady at the Club this month when she takes to the stage in the New York Ballroom as Princess Christmas in Santa’s Elves’ Magical Music Christmas
She’ll help another Club favorite, Mr Magicio, as they work to keep the elves in line and ensure that all the toys are ready in time for Santa’s big trip. Making that task a challenge are two particularly cheeky elves, played by the celebrated comedy pantomime duo Gabez.
Shima will be joined by her daughter Velvet Jean, who has been making a name for herself as a performer, including in last year’s Broadway Christmas Wonderland at Theatre Orb in Shibuya. Club kids will get their own parts as well as the performance unfolds and they join the celebration on stage.
“This is the place to fill up your Christmas spirit cup,” says Shima. “You see lots of pretty decorations and lights in Japan, and in that way it sort of feels like Christmas, but I always want an explosion of Christmas. I need classic Christmas songs, dancing and Santa and elves. We’re striving to give families a full-blown American Christmas experience.”
Family
Christmas Show
• December 7 & 8 • 12–2pm & 5–7pm • New York Ballroom and Brooklyn rooms • Adults: ¥6,000 (guests: ¥7,200); children: ¥2,800 (guests: ¥3,360); ages 2 & under: free • Details online
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Hiker’s Heart
Member Jay Bailey fuels his spirit and stamina on Japan’s scenic trails.
I first got the hiking bug during the pandemic. I was living in Hong Kong, and it was one of the most locked-down cities in the world. Covid took away a lot of options for other things to do—most places, even restaurants, were closed after 6pm for quite a long time—so that’s when we started night hiking.
Hong Kong has an image of being a city of metal, concrete and skyscrapers, but that’s just a small part. About 80 percent of the island is parks and nature reserves, and they’ve done a really good job of setting out and maintaining great trails. Once you get up to a high peak, you get some of the most beautiful night views in the world looking across the harbor.
In 2021, we moved back to Japan and have been enjoying some amazing hiking here. The nature in Japan is really phenomenal.
Anything you do that moves the body is great. I use the Fitness Center at the Nihonbashi Club several times a week and mix up my routine with a bit of cardio. It helps keep me ready for the weekend hikes, where I do tens of thousands of steps. On our recent hike up Mount Shogikashira in the Japan Alps, we did 45,000. And those are not easy steps. Those are not walking down the street on a flat surface. Clambering up rocks is hard, and climbing down can be even harder. But the more you move your body, the stronger you get, the healthier you feel and the more capable you are.
A perk of hiking in Japan is the abundance of hot springs in the countryside. They make recovery much easier. Whatever mountain you’re on, stick “onsen” into Google Maps and you’ll find one on the way home. Jump in there and rest your legs for half an hour. And quite often, they have meals as well. Good food and wine are my other loves, and getting a few kilometers under the belt with hikes makes me feel less guilty if I indulge.
Whether you’re just starting off or have hiked in the past and are jumping back in, you’ll probably have sore legs after the first couple, but you’ll be back fighting fit before you know it if you do it regularly. And as you get fitter, your energy levels go up overall. Suddenly, you find that you’re not relying on that cup of coffee to get going in the morning. You’re waking up with energy and a bounce in your step.
I turned 50 this year, and being able to keep up with my 15-year-old son, Hugo—or at least try to finish the hike after him and take some ribbing for being a bit slow—is great. We just climbed Mount Kinpu and it was absolutely gorgeous with the fall colors—reds, oranges and yellows— and the mountain streams. It’s so picturesque. We’re now talking about doing Mount Kita, the second-highest mountain in Japan.
As told to INTOUCH’s C Bryan Jones.
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New Members
AZABUDAI
AUSTRALIA | Brendan & Emma Levy
BGC Shoken Kaisha Limited
“Our family recently moved from Sydney to Tokyo. Keen to meet friends and settle into our new environment quickly, we joined the Club. Our daughters have been making great use of the Sky Pool, Bowling Alley and Gymnasium while we have been utilizing the Library, Fitness Center and Traders’ Bar. As a family, we regularly eat at the restaurants or use them as a place to meet with friends. We look forward to further getting involved with the Club community!”
AZABUDAI
USA
Kevin & Jamie Marie Holyfield
MGM Resorts Japan
Wright Hunter McDonald Shizen Energy, Inc.
Reina Shibata & Aaron Davis
Reina Shibata LLC
Kai Shimojo ENEOS Corporation
AUSTRALIA
Jack Anderson-McDonald & Aki Yoshida Shell Japan
Dominic & Anna Taylor
Uber
Hoi Yan Teresa Yam & Yan Kee Johnson Wong
Zurich Life Insurance Japan Company, Ltd.
CHINA
Daili & Teruo Suenaga Abante Co., Ltd.
Zhuohao Gu & Yan Zhang
eBeauty Holdings (Cayman) Limited
Fei Lu & Yusuke Shikatani
Bloomin Digital and Strategy Co., Ltd.
Anna Ng & Yuki Nagata Ajisen Japan Limited
FRANCE
Jean-Renaud & Olivia Humblot
Danone Japan Co., Ltd.
GERMANY
Shiyin Cai & Yi Cheng
Cross-Border Business Support
Kerim Oezsoez & Yuki Xia
Sync Sloan Co., Ltd.
GREECE
Dimitrios Vavougyios & Wonjin Seo
GK Kifisia
INDIA
Pradip Roy Dia Inc.
IRELAND
Joseph & Yume Meenan
BGC Capital Markets Japan
NIHONBASHI
SWITZERLAND | Soraya Abdel Wahab
ICS College of Arts
“About two years ago, I decided to move to Japan and start studying again. Back then, I never imagined how challenging it would be to make new friends in a huge city like Tokyo. But now, with the Nihonbashi Club, I’ve found the community I was hoping for. I’ve already met so many amazing people and had the chance to join some exciting events. I’m really looking forward to staying actively involved in the Club life!”
JAPAN
Motoyasu & Rika Hirose
Uryu & Itoga
Nobunaga & Yuko Koga
Integral Investments Inc.
Kazumi & Akiko Ogawa
Savills Asset Advisory Co., Ltd.
Naho & Noriyuki Ogawa
Mirai Investment
Taro & Tomoko Otsuka
Otsuka Warehouse
Ryutaro & Kana Saito
STR Co., Ltd.
Kengo & Sachiyo Taguchi
Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd.
Junko & Yoshiyuki Tsunoda
Nobu Tokyo LLC
Yoichiro Yagi
Unity Guard System Co., Ltd.
Takashi & Mami Yoshimura
Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd.
NEW ZEALAND
Richard Orbell & You Jeong Bok
CBRE
SOUTH KOREA
Jungwoo Ha & Eun Ah Goo
Musashi University
UK
Malek Nasser & Alisa Jane Miles
Zaiko PTE Ltd. / Zaiko KK Ltd.
David Young Hoon Shin &
Jae Yeon Ahn
Latham & Watkins LLP
Charlotte Simpson &
Daniel Johnson
Novartis Pharma K.K.
NIHONBASHI
JAPAN
Kyoko Edwards
KK Urban Creation
Akihiro Kimura
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Mitsuhiro Sekiya
Shimizu Corporation
St. Alban’s Nursery , only five minutes from Tokyo American Club, offers a select English-language program of learning and self-discovery for preschoolers, inspired by Montessori principles. Located in the quiet, leafy grounds of St. Alban’s Anglican-Episcopal church, the Nursery is independently operated and open to children of all denominations and cultures, and focuses on each child’s individuality and needs, in a caring, highly personalized atmosphere.
• Large enclosed outdoor playground
• Safe off-street drop-off and pick-up area
• Parent visits welcome at all times
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• Relocations and Re-stacks
• Technology Upgrades
• Cloud Solutions
• ISO-27001 Certified
Calm Control
Class Aikido
Mind-body awareness is key to aikido, says sixth-degree black belt Paul Neuman. “It’s in everything we do. You must control your body while someone is connected to you, and sometimes not wanting you to have that control. In doing so, you have to forget everything you’ve trained and simply do. It’s called “ mushin ” in Japanese: “no mind.”
The Pacific Aikido owner and chief instructor invites Members aged 15 and above to learn the culture and techniques of the Japanese martial art. Students will build coordination, agility and self-confidence. Over time, they will develop a measured calm when faced with situations of conflict.
“Aikido is the way of harmony,” Neuman explains. “We don’t have opponents, we have partners, and we work together so we can both improve. It’s give and take on the mats from start to finish. I think that’s more important now than ever.”
Instructor
Paul Neuman
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Paul Neuman began his aikido training in 1988 at Renfrew Dojo under Yukio Kawahara, chief instructor of the Canadian Aikido Federation, and has been teaching aikido to adults and children since 1994. As part of Pacific Aikido, the Club’s aikido group is a registered dojo of the Aikikai Foundation–Aikido World Headquarters.
Aikido and Junior Aikido (Winter Terms) • Wednesdays (January 8–March 12) or Sundays (January 12–March 16) • Ages 5 & above • No previous experience necessary • Details online
October
19
Monte Carlo in Purgatory
An evening of high-stakes fun with casino games, live entertainment and gourmet canapés lit up the night and raised ¥315,000 for Mirai no Mori.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE & BLUE LION TOKYO
October
24
Meet the Candidates
Members running for the Board of Governors answered questions and discussed their ideas for the Club at this Winter Garden event.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
October 26–31
Halloween at the Club
Members welcomed the spooky season with a host of ghoulishly good events and flavors at both the Azabudai and Nihonbashi clubhouses.
October 27
Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Festival
Armed with wide smiles and banners, Members and staff from the Nihonbashi Club brought the red, white and blue to this famous festival’s parade.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
November
8
First Friday: Día de Muertos
November kicked off with a vibrant celebration of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, featuring colorful skull faces, lively music and spirited dance.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
The Power of Giving
WORDS LINA RAFFONE ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO
As a child in Mexico and Brazil during the 1970s and ’80s, living in the bubble of expat privilege, I often felt disconnected from local communities. Yet, witnessing the stark contrast between wealth and poverty opened my eyes to inequality and sparked a desire to help others. These early experiences shaped my understanding of how economic disparity influences communities and poverty manifests globally.
Poverty can be absolute, a lack of basic survival resources, or relative, defined by one’s economic standing. The latter is the case in Japan, where the average annual income has remained around ¥4 million for the past 30 years, even as the cost of living has risen. Despite the recent rise in minimum wage to ¥1,163 per hour, many workers still struggle to afford necessities. With 40 percent of the workforce in unstable, non-permanent jobs, economic insecurity is widespread.
Homelessness in Japan, often unfairly stigmatized with stereotypes of laziness, is far more complex. It is often due to circumstances beyond one’s control. Even those who appear healthy may carry hidden hardships. Systemic disparities—economic, physical and mental— exist from birth and create divides that effort alone cannot bridge.
In Japan, cultural stigma around seeking help exacerbates these issues, leading many to hide their struggles. This stigma is rooted in societal expectations that prioritize self-reliance, making it difficult for those in need to reach out for support. Homelessness often results in “poverty of relationships,” causing individuals to lose connections with work, friends and family, deepening social isolation.
Understanding these realities emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach, and addressing the challenges requires economic solutions and a shift toward social acceptance.
As the Connections Charities Committee director, I help organize hands-on volunteer activities and charity drives, supporting homeless people and children in care facilities, and contributing to Japanese charities each year. Grassroots efforts are crucial in making a difference and driving systemic change. If you’re interested in getting involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to connections@tac-club.org.
Through volunteering, I’ve learned that giving isn’t just a one-way act. In fact, I often find myself receiving even more in return—kindness, insights and warmth from the people I engage with—which brings deep joy. Making a real impact requires mindfulness and empathy.
The Club community is vibrant, but it shouldn’t just be a place for Members to enjoy; it should also be where everyone, including staff, can give and support one another, creating a more inclusive environment. By extending this spirit of giving beyond our circle, we can reach those in the wider community who face challenges. Small gestures and genuine conversations are powerful ways to foster empathy, bridge divides and make a meaningful impact far beyond our community.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
Lina Raffone is a Member of the Club and Connections’ director of charities.
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