Rhythm Rising
The Club’s music recital gives young Members a chance to share their talents
ARTFUL VINES
FRESH FLAVORS
NAUTICAL DREAMS
Welcome Home Premium real estate for Tokyo living
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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.
Three young Members share how the Club’s music recitals help them develop and showcase their talents.
ARTFUL VINES
Australian winemaker
Simone Horgan shares Leeuwin Estate’s story ahead of this month’s wine dinner at 51 East.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Representative Governor Jesse Green (2025)
First Vice President Nils Plett (2025)
Second Vice President Agnes Ouellette (2026)
Secretary Lin Shi (2026)
Treasurer Hiroshi Miyamasu (2026)
Governors Ginger Griggs (2025), David Hackett (2026), Geoffrey Kamizuru-Bowman (2026), Justin Negrón (2026), Dean R Rogers (2026), Reiko Saito (2025), Nathan Schmidt (2025), Rune Sølvsteen (2025), Vanessa Thomas (2025)
Statutory Auditors Paul Kuo (2025), Alok Rakyan (2026)
Parentheses denote term limit.
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Compensation Nils Plett
Culture, Community & Entertainment Matthew Tappenden (David Hackett)
Finance Dennis Hubbs (Hiroshi Miyamasu)
Food & Beverage Douglas Schafer (Nathan Schmidt)
House TBD (Justin Negrón)
Human Resources Ken Cogger (Reiko Saito)
Membership John Sasaki (Lin Shi)
Nihonbashi Rike Wootten (Ginger Griggs)
Nominating Neil Bevan
Recreation Shinji Yamasaki (Agnes Ouellette)
Parentheses denote Board liaison.
INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER
Nori 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
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Tim Hornyak
Erica Ituralde
Brendan Morris
Matthew Tappenden
Ariel Thorpe
Lisa Wallin
Photographers
Yuuki Ide
Kotaro Matsushita
Takumaru Suzuki
Noriyuki Yamamura
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.
Events to Remember
WORDS MATTHEW TAPPENDEN IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
Engaging activities are at the heart of what makes the Club home for so many Members. The Culture, Community & Entertainment Committee and the events team work tirelessly to craft moments that make each year a memorable one.
Last year, we built on the successes of 2023 to bring Members new and improved experiences.
Our Independence Day celebration is a prime example. While the signature event has always been popular and fun, we felt it could benefit from a more authentic Fourth of July feel. We introduced even more elements that evoke the spirit of the USA, such as fireworks, dunk tanks, a wider variety of food and activities for all ages. The result was a fantastic day, and we’re proud of the family-friendly atmosphere the additions created.
We took a similar approach for Christmas, working hard to improve what was already a well-loved celebration with elements like a grander outdoor lighting ceremony, complete with snow!
One event particularly close to my heart is the Family Christmas Show, which I’ve attended with my family for many years. I was thrilled to contribute to its success last year. The show featured the beloved comedy duo Gabez,
the ever-popular magician Eddie Barth and the talented Disney singer Jenny Shima. We were absolutely delighted to welcome more than 900 attendees to what was truly a spectacular weekend.
The committee also launched new events in 2024, such as Trivia Night at Traders’ Bar and a craft beer tasting, where Members selected their favorites to be showcased on the Club’s menus. Both were a great success.
Looking ahead, the committee is keen to continue refining popular events by taking a less-is-more approach. Rather than spreading ourselves too thin with a multitude of new offerings, our focus will be on ensuring that each one we host is the best it can be. For example, we plan to keep First Friday themes that have worked so well—like Bollywood and Day of the Dead—while introducing exciting new ones or reviving past hits, such as Hanami Night.
We are also taking into account changing demographics when planning for 2025. With more families joining the Club, we hope to create events that cater to all Members, while also offering childcare support so that parents can fully enjoy the experiences.
Of course, while we are focused on refining existing events, we also have exciting new initiatives in the works. The committee is currently working to introduce live music events and business breakfast get-togethers.
With so many enticing activities on the agenda, we recommend checking the event listings on the website regularly to ensure you don’t miss out.
As we build on past successes while keeping things fresh and engaging, we’re always looking for new voices and motivated individuals to join us. If you’re a hands-on person who loves creating memorable experiences and having fun, we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form at tac.club/committees. Not only do we have a great time putting these events together, but there’s also immense satisfaction in seeing the joy and smiles on the faces of Members young and old.
Matthew Tappenden is chair of the Culture, Community & Entertainment Committee.
“As we build on past successes while keeping things fresh and engaging, we’re always looking for new voices and motivated individuals to join us.”
Rec Revamp
With an eye on creating welcoming and engaging spaces for families and younger Members, several recreation facilities are being renovated. At the Fun Zone, the focus will be on social interaction and interactive games like pool, air hockey and foosball, while the first-floor Childcare Center will see its entrance transformed into a kids’ room for
CHARITY
Children’s Cheer
Spreading joy to the community is an important part of the holiday season for the Club’s Connections group. On December 6, Club Members Denis Duran, Janet Ferrett, Lina Raffone and Nicholas Raffone volunteered at the Kanagawa Prefectural Children’s Medical Center in Yokohama, while Duran paid a visit to a hospital in Kawasaki on his own on the 19th. In addition to helping Santa raise the spirits of young patients, Connections donated ¥266,100 to the Salvation Army. The funds were raised through the annual Angel Tree initiative as well as the International Bazaar, Coffee Connections and other events. The donation helps young people leaving Salvation Army care homes purchase furniture, electrical appliances and other essentials as they start independent lives. CBJ
ages 7 and under. This will replace the existing one on the second floor, where the space will be combined with Teen Connection to create a new functional training room.
Work on the Fun Zone and Childcare Center began on January 27 and will be completed on February 9, while Teen Connection will be renovated from February 10 to 16. AJ
From the Shelves
Growing up in a small town in India in the 1980s, Member Shuchika Sahay found that life revolved around Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. “Libraries were filled with it, cousins hoarded it and neighborhood kids rented it,” she recalls. “Friendships were forged over new Enid Blyton books, broken over lost ones.” Today, Sahay can be found searching for inspiration among the shelves of the second-floor Library.
What was your favorite childhood book?
I loved Famous Five for George. She owned an island (“a luxury”), a dog (“a bother”) and had fried bacon (“a forbidden food”) for picnics. You can imagine the spell she cast. I also read my fair share of classics and bestsellers. An early influence was the wonderful British library in my hometown. What inspired your love of books?
My parents. My father read nonfiction and equally enjoyed Urdu poetry. My mom was a math teacher and wrote Hindi like writers would. She sparked my curiosity in books, reading and writing. As an undergraduate, I wrote for a local newspaper and met young journalists and book enthusiasts. I got heavily influenced by what they were reading: Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh, Ian McEwan, Paul Scott, Margaret Atwood. Reading inspired everything else I chose in life—where I lived, who I befriended, how I traveled and all that was in between. What genre do you most enjoy?
I veer towards literary fiction. I like the ambition and scale of books that want to be more as well as what they always evoke in me—the love of language, the delight of reading something that is beautiful and nourishing in equal measures. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy remained my favorite for years. Roy wrote about twins whose lives change irrevocably as they navigate complex caste hypocrisy layered with patriarchy in India.
Gentle Relief
For many in my generation, Roy’s rage at patriarchy felt like their own.
What are you currently reading?
I am a human resource professional, so I consume a lot of nonfiction. I read about the shifts in the world, workplace and technology that could impact the way humans work. Currently, I am reading Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari. I recently read Klara and the Sun and was struck by Kazuo Ishiguro’s take on AI.
When were you last unable to put down a book?
I read Ian McEwan’s Nutshell almost half a decade back. It is a wicked book. I loved it. The point of view … ah! I can’t tell anymore without spilling the beans, so read it for yourself.
Our skeletal and nervous systems form the essential framework of our bodies. When key elements—bones, fluids and nerves—fail to work together, the result can be chronic neck and back pain, migraines and other discomforts.
A gentle touch can ease these conditions with pressure no more than the weight of a nickel. Craniosacral therapy, new to The Spa, works directly with the nervous system to release tension and enhance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, restoring natural healing and balance.
Craniosacral therapy is particularly effective for relieving headaches, anxiety, stress, temporomandibular joint pain, arthritis and prenatal symptoms, while also aiding postnatal recovery. Contact 03-4588-0714 or spa@tac-club.org to book your 60-minute (¥13,200) session and experience this deeply relaxing therapy. CBJ
CLARA GARCIA
KAYO YAMAWAKI
Shuchika Sahay
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.
A School for Joyful and Resilient Children
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.
OPEN HOUSE March 1 10am to 3pm
for the 2025/2026 Academic Year
Dream Factory
Culture, Community & Entertainment Committee Chair Matthew Tappenden once beautifully described the Club’s event planning team as a “dream factory.” Every day, we strive to live up to that vision, dedicated to crafting extraordinary events and making every Member’s experience truly unforgettable. From meticulous planning to flawless execution, our team works tirelessly to bring dreams to life.
However, no dream can be realized without collaboration, and we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Jocelyn Ouimet, Christian Jensen and Naoto Suzuki. These members of the Club’s Facilities team ensure the success of every event we coordinate.
Suzuki has a remarkable way of turning the impossible into reality.
During the Club’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony on November 30, he not only resolved unexpected electrical issues with quick thinking and expertise but also pulled off a seemingly unattainable request: to switch on all the Club’s Christmas lights simultaneously. He made what felt like a logistical dream happen flawlessly.
Ouimet and Jensen were equally indispensable during the Bonenkai Bash and Family Christmas Show. These large-scale holiday events required meticulous preparation, and their support was crucial during the labor-intensive banquet room setups. Their willingness to step in and assist showed not only their strength but also their unwavering camaraderie.
Through their tireless work, professionalism and ever-positive attitudes, Ouimet, Jensen and Suzuki embody the true spirit of teamwork and the Club. Whether it’s behind the scenes or on the front lines, they consistently go above and beyond, even during the Club’s busiest seasons. Their kindness, energy and unyielding support make them indispensable partners in our mission to deliver excellence. EI
Members can recognize Club staff by submitting an online Tell TAC through the Club website.
WINE
Cupid’s Cellar
WORDS BRENDAN MORRIS
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
With the holidays behind us and 2025 in full swing, I’ve selected three wines from The Cellar to help you elevate your festive February occasions.
Valentine’s Day is front and center, so let’s start with romance and France’s legendary Champagne Pommery. Maker of one of the most sought-after and timeless Champagnes, this oldworld house got its start in 1836. The NV Pommery Brut Royal (¥8,000) is their flagship cru, consistently celebrated for its exquisite elegance. Rosés bring their own romance to the table, and California makes some admirable ones, such as the Elizabeth Spencer Rosé North Coast 2021 (¥4,200). This luscious wine boasts a brilliant blush and delightful flavors of rose petal and raspberry. A touch of sweetness tempered with crisp acidity on the finish delivers a refreshingly balanced taste that pairs well with seafood and spicy cuisine.
For something a bit bolder, head southeast to Paso Robles, where the terroir is ideal for growing a California take on Graciano, an ancient red grape rarely seen outside Spain. This modest-yielding, distinctive grape gives us Groundwork Graciano 2021 (¥3,800), a hard-to-find wine perfect for sharing with friends over a dinner of grilled meat or hearty pasta.
Brendan Morris is a member of the Club’s Wine & Beverage Committee.
For the month of February, receive a 10 percent discount on purchases of at least three bottles of any of these recommended Cellar wines.
CLARA GARCIA
(l–r) Christian Jensen, Erica Ituralde, Jocelyn Ouimet, Sabrina Hunter and Naoto Suzuki
What’s on in
FEBRUARY 4
Exhibition: Masanori Ito
As Japan’s population ages, more and more people are getting rid of their belongings. Many household items, such as chests of drawers, are being thrown out.
Artist Masanori Ito seeks to breathe new life into these discarded objects.
“I started creating my art because I wanted to cause a stir at a time when many old things in Japan are being thrown away,” shares the Hokkaido native. By crafting pieces from acrylic and natural materials, such as wood and lacquer, he explores themes of chaos and harmony.
“Japanese aesthetics are based on a philosophy that places great importance on harmony,” Ito explains. “Beauty is created when opposites are balanced. The furniture is full of chaos if you look at the details, but the overall design conveys a sense of unity.”
The goal of his designs, Ito says, is to emphasize the importance of finding equilibrium amid the divisions that occur
in life. A selection of these works will be on display this month in the Frederick Harris Gallery. CBJ
Moment I realized I wanted to become an artist.
I’m not sure exactly when I decided to become an artist, but my efforts to preserve old objects led to the creation of artworks.
What I would tell my 20-year-old self. Keep going.
My perfect creative environment. Being surrounded by old Japanese objects. Artist, living or dead, I’d most like to share a meal with.
Andy Warhol.
• Through March 3 • Frederick Harris Gallery
• Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online
1
Tokyo Bay Challenge
Select your distance and swim your way to prizes and new limits at this annual Sky Pool event.
• Through February 28 • Sky Pool
• ¥2,750 • Sign up 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
Fitness Fair
Jump-start your 2025 resolutions with an afternoon of free sessions, including Karate Fit, Intermediate Pilates, Zumba and Flow Yoga.
• 3–6pm • Gymnasium • Free
• Members only • Ages 16 & above
• Sign up online
3
Valentine’s Flavors
Cupid’s culinary arrows start flying as the Nihonbashi Club marks the season of love with a special course dinner. Learn more on page 16.
• Through February 14 • 5–10pm
• American Room • ¥30,000 per couple
• Details online
3
Culture Connections
Experience the art of Japanese incense with Eriyo Watanabe.
• 10–11:30am • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • Connections members: free (non-Connections members & guests: ¥1,000) • Adults only • Details online
5
Spaghetti Wednesday
51 East Bar puts its own spin on an Italian-American tradition, serving a midweek special each Wednesday that includes soup or salad and three spaghetti options.
• 3–10pm • 51 East Bar • Details online
7
First Friday: Brazilian Carnival
Brazil’s most popular festival, Carnival has grown from its origins as the beginning of the Christian season of Lent to a vibrant celebration of dance and music that brilliantly reflects the country’s diverse cultural tapestry.
For one magical evening, the New York Ballroom will be infused with the spirit of Carnival, giving Members and their guests the opportunity to experience the extravagance and pageantry of the festival.
Delivering spellbinding dance performances will be Tokyo Samba Event, led by the renowned Sandra Bahia and accompanied by a live band. Between performances, a DJ will keep the beats flowing, spinning sets of tropical tracks.
Meanwhile, a splendid spread of Brazilian delicacies curated by the party planner Vaiter Festa Japan will be laid out at the buffet tables. You won’t want to miss this chance to revel in the sights, sounds and flavors of Carnival. And be sure to register quickly: the first 100 to sign up will be entered into a draw for two Rejuvenating Treatments at The Spa.
While parents let their hair down, there’s also fun for the young ones, who can take in their favorite flicks while munching on snacks at Movie Night, starting at 6pm. AJ
• 7–10pm • New York Ballroom • ¥3,750 (walk-ins: ¥5,000); guests: ¥7,500 (walk-ins: ¥10,000) • Adults only • Nihonbashi Club Members welcome • Sign up online
5
Leeuwin Estate Wine Dinner
Top vintages from Down Under take center stage during this six-course meal led by winemaker Simone Horgan, who shares her story on page 18.
• 6:30–9pm • 51 East • ¥24,000 • Limit one guest per Member • Sign up online
5 & 20
Ladies’ Squash Clinic
Learn the fundamentals or boost your game with Club pro Rico Cheung.
• 9:30–11:30am • Squash Courts 1 & 2
• Free • Sign up online
7
Movie Night
Club kids enjoy pizza and flicks while moms and dads celebrate the Brazilian Carnival at First Friday.
• 6–9pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms
• ¥2,750 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,300)
• Ages 5–12 • Sign up online
12
Cocktail Connections
Head to the Club’s third-floor watering hole for this popular mixer.
• 5–7pm • 51 East Bar • Connections members: free (non-Connections members & guests: ¥1,000)
• Details online
14
Pinewood Derby
Cub Scouts of the Club-sponsored Pack 51 race their handmade cars during this popular American tradition.
• Details online
14
Valentine’s Day Dinner at 51 East
Melt the heart of that special someone with a romantic evening at the Club’s Italian-American eatery.
• 6–11pm • 51 East • ¥30,000 per couple • Details online
14
Valentine’s Day Jazz
Celebrate this day of love in Nihonbashi with live jazz and an exquisite dinner course.
• American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • Details online
10
Super Bowl at the Club
No team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls. Just six teams have attempted the feat, most recently New England in 2006. The Patriots fell well short, losing to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round.
The Kansas City Chiefs become the seventh as they charge into the playoffs and attempt to make history when the AFC and NFC champions face off in the Caesars Superdome.
Standing in the way of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Mr Taylor Swift himself, star tight end Travis Kelce, is an unexpected odds-on favorite, the Detroit Lions, who made history themselves this season by securing the top seed in the NFC for the first time.
Will either team make it all the way to New Orleans? If not, who will? Members and guests will cheer on the last two standing in the New York Ballroom at the Club’s annual live viewing of the NFL championship, complete with English commentary, the famous halftime show, drinks and a mix of breakfast and tailgate-party favorites, including buffalo wings, nachos, wagyu burgers and shrimp jambalaya.
Also enjoy a performance by the Tokyo Girls cheerleaders as well as a cocktail bar, local brews and a photo booth. You can even flaunt your own passing skills in the “game zone.” CBJ
• 7:30am • New York Ballroom, Brooklyn Suite • General seating: ¥5,500 (walk-ins: ¥7,700); guests: ¥7,700 • VIP End Zone seating: ¥8,800 (guests: ¥11,000) • Adults only • Details online
18 Riedel Wine Dinner and Seminar with Wolfgang Angyal
Immerse yourself in a world of flavor and aroma with an evening of insights led by Wolfgang Angyal, president of Riedel Japan. Starting with a wine tasting seminar, Members will learn how the shape of a glass transforms the aroma and flavor profile of wine by sampling two reds and two whites, each served in a different type of glass.
Riedel glassware has long been favored by enthusiasts, since Claus Josef Riedel—the ninth generation of a family of glassmakers stretching back nearly 270 years—crafted glasses with long stems and smooth, undecorated, thin-blown bowls in the 1950s. The company later pioneered the concept of varietal-specific wine glasses, launching its first collection, called Sommeliers, in 1973. Riedel continues to evolve its offerings, and attendees can buy Riedel glasses at a special price during the event.
After the seminar, indulge in a dinner buffet featuring an array of fine dishes, including a cheese and salami selection, Venetian-style scallops, braised beef and grilled snow-aged pork.
Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding of how cutting-edge glassware can elevate aromas and flavors and to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts. CBJ
• 6:30–9pm • Manhattan I • ¥5,800 (walk-ins: ¥7,800); guests: ¥7,800 (walk-ins: ¥9,800) • Ages 20 & above • Limit three guests per Member • Sign up online
15
Show & Tell Jamboree
Ages 6 to 9 build confidence at an afternoon of games, music and selfesteem-boosting activities.
• 1–2:30pm • Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms • ¥1,000 (guests: ¥1,200) • Sign up online
15
Youth Toastmasters Club
Youngsters learn public speaking and how to engage an audience.
• 3–4pm • Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms • ¥1,100 (guests: ¥1,320) • Sign up online
16
Sky Pool Splash-A-Round
Kids burn off energy and make new friends during an afternoon of aquatic thrills.
• 3–5:30pm • Sky Pool • ¥2,200 (guests: ¥2,750) • Ages 5–12 • Sign up online
19
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
20
Book Lovers’ Group
The Club’s band of bibliophiles swap book recommendations and literary thoughts at this monthly get-together.
• 11am–12:30pm • 51 East • Free • Details online
25
Cocktail Hour
Budding mixologists learn to craft a Sidecar, a blend of Rémy Martin VSOP, Cointreau and lemon juice.
• 5:30pm • Muromachi Bar • ¥2,200 • Members only • Sign up online
Check the Club website for the most up-to-date information on events and programs.
Holistic Pet Health
Pilina’s Vision for Compassionate Veterinary Care in Tokyo
In Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, Pet Care Clinic Pilina stands out as a sanctuary for animals and their owners. Founded on a philosophy of connection and holistic well-being, Pilina has gained recognition for its comprehensive services and a warm, expat-friendly approach.
The name Pilina, meaning “connection” in Hawaiian, reflects the clinic’s foundational principle: bringing together pet owners, veterinarians, trainers and groomers in a collaborative effort to promote pet health. This philosophy is exemplified by Pilina Director Aimi Tsukada, whose dedication to redefining veterinary care is a driving force behind the clinic’s mission.
“Animals can’t speak for themselves, so it’s our responsibility to understand and address their needs. That requires teamwork,” Tsukada explains. Pilina
“ANIMALS CAN’T SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, SO IT’S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND ADDRESS THEIR NEEDS. THAT REQUIRES TEAMWORK.”
goes beyond traditional veterinary care by emphasizing proactive, preventative measures and encouraging owners to be involved in their pets’ overall well-being.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
Pilina’s holistic approach to pet care integrates traditional veterinary medicine with innovative wellness practices. The clinic believes in creating an environment where pets feel safe and comfortable, minimizing stress during visits.
“Our goal is to change how animals perceive the vet. We want them to associate it with positive experiences,
not fear,” Tsukada says. From the layout of the waiting area to gentle handling techniques, every detail is designed with pets’ comfort in mind.
The clinic provides general veterinary care that includes routine vaccinations, wellness checks, advanced cancer treatments and surgeries. With a skilled and experienced team, Pilina is equipped to manage various medical challenges while delivering personalized care tailored to each animal.
Grooming services at Pilina go beyond the basics. Specialized treatments such as ozone bubble baths are designed for pets with sensitive skin or allergies, helping to improve skin health and maintain a well-groomed coat. For those in need of temporary care for their pets, Pilina also offers a stress-free boarding experience. Their cage-free facilities prioritize comfort and aim to minimize
any anxiety animals may feel while away from their owners.
Recognizing the importance of behavior in medical care, the clinic also provides training support to help pets cooperate during treatments. These sessions are designed to address behavioral challenges, build trust between animals and caregivers and ensure a more seamless healthcare experience.
EXPAT SUPPORT
Navigating Japan’s pet care system can be daunting, but Pilina’s commitment to serving Tokyo’s international community is foundational to their philosophy of comprehensive care for animals and their owners. The clinic’s English-speaking staff is highly skilled in assisting with a
range of needs, from explaining vaccination schedules to offering guidance on importing or exporting pets. They also provide support for procedures such as travel certificates, ensuring international clients feel confident and well-supported throughout the experience.
“We understand the unique challenges expats face when caring for their pets in Japan,” says Tsukada. “Our goal is to make things as seamless as possible so owners can focus on what matters most: their pets’ happiness.”
COMMUNITY-ORIENTED CARE
The clinic frequently hosts workshops and events to educate owners on topics such as preventive care, nutrition and pet behavior. Pilina also provides personalized
advice on navigating Japan’s urban environment, including tips for finding pet-friendly parks, managing dietary changes and adhering to local regulations. These practices foster a sense of community among pet owners and provide valuable tools for maintaining their pets’ health.
Pilina’s commitment to collaboration extends to its partnerships with trainers, groomers and other specialists. This network allows the clinic to offer a seamless experience for clients, addressing all aspects of pet care under one roof. This comprehensive approach aligns with Pilina’s mission to redefine veterinary care by focusing on prevention, connection and the overall quality of life for both pets and their owners.
Tsukada envisions a future where Pilina serves as a model for how holistic practices can reshape the pet care industry.
“Our work isn’t just about treating illnesses—it’s about helping pets thrive,” Tsukada says. By embracing the bigger picture of animal wellness, Pilina is setting a new standard for veterinary care in Tokyo, ensuring that pets not only receive the best medical treatment but also enjoy a life of health, happiness and harmony with their owners.
1-12-8 Kaminoge
Setagaya Ward, Tokyo 158-0093
Tel. 03-6432-2073
info@pet-care-clinic-pilina.com
pet-care-clinic-pilina.com
Valentine’s Flavors
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
Celebrate Valentine’s with a course dinner that speaks the language of love. The Nihonbashi Club’s culinary team has brought together February’s most cherished flavors to create a truly unforgettable meal.
Start the evening with “Love in Bloom,” a sparkling rosé cocktail, and savor delicate Hokkaido scallops paired with hassaku orange jalapeño salsa and rose hip tea jelly. Then indulge in a Valentine’s centerpiece—chocolate—with a beef and lobster duo served with seasonal greens, chocolate mole and rose jam. Cap it off with a delectable dessert featuring raspberry rose and white chocolate coffee macarons.
An enchanting evening awaits—perfect for two hearts in harmony.
• February 3– 14 • 5–10pm ( last order: 9pm) • American Room
• ¥30,000 per couple
The Club’s third-floor Italian-American eatery , 51 East, has already made a splash among Members with its elevated and innovative cuisine. The restaurant will soon be offering even more to enjoy, starting this month with a menu relaunch led by renowned chef Mario Frittoli.
Over a career that has taken him from Europe to Japan and the United States, Frittoli has developed a refined culinary approach that reflects the food cultures of the countries where he has lived and worked. And as a Member himself, he knows firsthand how central high-quality dining is to the Club experience.
As Frittoli explains, while he will honor the restaurant’s Italian background, he will lean into American flavors, featuring homemade pasta, hearty steaks and delectable appetizers like fried calamari. “In terms of flavors and concepts, it’s Italian, but with really strong American influences.”
the restaurant isn’t something that needs to be limited to special occasions.”
Looking ahead to March, 51 East will host a hallmark collaboration with Tim Bodell, who has been the chef at Francis Ford Coppola Winery since 2011. As part of the twoday event, Bodell will be bringing dishes served at the winery to the Club along with some premium selections from the Coppola wine portfolio.
TASTEFUL CREATIONS
A revamped menu and an exciting collaboration elevate 51 East to new heights.
He’ll also be highlighting outstanding seasonal ingredients. “As you know, the quality of ingredients in Japan is wonderful. And every few months, we can go in a different direction and highlight the unique flavors of the changing seasons.”
As Club Executive Chef Lindsay Gray explains, the Club’s connections with Bodell and the winery are strong. “Tim has made previous visits to Japan; in fact, he hosted a wine dinner a few years back in our banquet facilities. We have a great relationship with the Coppola wine importer, who is also a Member, and we’re nurturing this by welcoming Chef Tim back to the Club.”
WORDS ALEC JORDAN
While Frittoli will be ensuring that 51 East serves impeccable cuisine, he’ll be making sure to deliver unparalleled value. “Instead of making a meal at 51 East something you enjoy just once a month, Members will be delighted to come several times a month. Dining at
Gray points out that the tie-up is one that speaks to the heart of 51 East’s concept as a restaurant that bridges two cultures. “Francis Ford Coppola is a quintessential Italian American, and hosting Chef Tim is a unique opportunity for our Members to experience not only authentic Italian-American dishes, but also some outstanding California wine pairings from the Coppola Winery’s finest selections.”
Whether it’s being able to experience an exciting menu revamp with a delicious array of new dishes or the chance to enjoy fine cuisine and vintages from Sonoma County and beyond, diners at 51 East are set to be spoiled for choice.
Chef Mario Frittoli
ARTFUL VINES
Simone Horgan continues the family tradition of crafting wines rooted in Australia’s ancient land.
WORDS TIM HORNYAK
IMAGES LEEUWIN ESTATE
The Margaret River region of Western Australia is one of the world’s most remote winemaking areas. Nearly 300 kilometers south of Perth and 4,000 kilometers west of Canberra, it might seem an unlikely place to build an international wine business. But that’s just what the Horgan family did in founding Leeuwin Estate.
In 1969, Denis and Tricia Horgan bought a large cattle farm that was 7 kilometers from their favorite surf break. It was hard to imagine creating a winery that would export its product to countries like Japan when the town was only dirt roads and subsistence farms. But the soil turned out to be ideal for growing varietals like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Before he decided to produce wines that could rank among the world’s best, Denis was a chartered accountant working in Perth. One day in 1973, he had an unexpected
visitor. His land had caught the attention of wine legend Robert Mondavi, who turned up on the property in search of the next big wine region.
“He inquired about an acquisition, and the end of the story was the start of a wonderful friendship and mentorship with Robert and his son Tim, who came out over the first few vintages and told Mom and Dad they had land capable of making incredible wines and taught them how to do it,” recalls Simone Horgan, who will return to the Club for the first time in a decade to host a wine dinner for Members at 51 East on February 5.
Leeuwin Estate produced its first commercial vintage in 1979 and is one of the five founding wineries of the Margaret River area. Today, it’s an award-winning winery—featuring dining, live music and art—that exports to 30 markets, including Japan. Like many of the world’s great wineries, Leeuwin is very much a family-run operation. It’s now into its second generation of managers, led by Simone and her brother Justin.
Several environmental factors make Margaret River special for oenophiles. The hilly, undulating property is home to some of the most ancient bedrock in the world, with Precambrian granite more than 750 million years old. As the granite crumbled over millennia, it formed freedraining gravel soil with a clay loam subsoil.
“This allows the vines to work very hard and get this wonderful concentration and depth in the quality of the
fruit,” says Simone. “Because we’re a cape, we’ve got ocean on three sides, providing a gentle cooling sea breeze in the mornings and a beautiful Mediterranean climate similar to Bordeaux, but with a longer growing season. This gives us greater latitude for reds and whites and consistency across vintages.”
The winery’s philosophy centers on sustainability—it’s been a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia since 2011—and a focus on purity of the fruit, attention to detail and creating wines that tell the story of the land and vineyard.
“The Art Series wines are released at the beginning of their drinking window, and they will tell their story for a long time.”
“It’s all about the land and wines being grown and not made,” notes Simone. “We’re low interventionist. We make site-expressive wines with incredible balance, elegance and complexity. We break our vineyards into very small parcels and harvest each at the optimum ripening to choose its barrel oak based on the fruit profile.”
The Leeuwin Estate property comprises 668 hectares with 161 under vine. The wine lineup is led by the acclaimed Art Series range, comprising an incredibly age-worthy Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, along with Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. The labels feature art from the winery’s collection of more than 160 paintings by Australia’s leading contemporary artists. Other series include Siblings, with a Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, and Prelude, representing the estate’s first releases and more readily expressive styles of Chardonnay and Cabernet, crafted for earlier drinking.
“The Art Series wines are released at the beginning of their drinking window, and they will tell their story for a long time,” says Simone. “An Art Series Chardonnay on release is all about energy and precision. As it ages, you’ll see secondary characteristics and it will open up across the mid-palate. But its hallmark will always be the length on the palate.”
Winemakers at Leeuwin try to convey a sense of place through their vintages, but to really understand the land, you must make the three-hour trip from Perth.
“You can taste wines and you can read about wines, but when you go to the place where the wine is made to see the soil and the light and smell the land, like the flowers on our peppermint trees, you understand why the winemakers do what they do and where the wine comes from,” Simone explains. “To me, going to the place a wine is made is where you truly connect with that sensory impact of the wine.”
Leeuwin Estate Wine Dinner • February 5 • 6:30–9pm • 51 East • ¥24,000 • Limit one guest per Member • Sign up online
Images: (clockwise from top left) Simone Horgan; Art Series wines; Leeuwin Estate Restaurant and Art Gallery
GROWTH INSTRUMENTAL
Three young Members share how the Club’s music recitals help them develop and showcase their talents.
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
The Club held the first in its annual series of concerts for music students on May 25, 2014. Those gathered in the Washington and Lincoln rooms that day were treated to a rendition of the children’s song “Little Indian Brave,” performed by 4-year-old Kyra Chavali.
Fast forward to last November, and her selection demonstrated just how much young Members grow through the Club’s music program. Now 15, Kyra played “Asturias (Leyenda)” by Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz, part of his Suite Española, Op. 47. With rapid, rhythmically driving arpeggios and contrasting quieter, reflective moments, the music evokes the energy and spirit of flamenco.
“I chose this because I wanted to learn a piece that had a clear contrast of fast and slow tempos,” Kyra explains. “I’m trying to find pieces that increase in complexity from the
ones I’ve played before and help me grow as a pianist.” Kyra says her teacher, Mana Totsuka, helped her get all the precise technical details right during lessons. “Then I’d practice at home as much as I could, memorizing the piece along the way. I had to learn to play both hands simultaneously from the beginning, as they work very closely with each other. Once all the notes were memorized, we worked on increasing the tempo. I had to practice almost every day as the recital got closer.”
Another young pianist is 9-year-old Allegra Sutton. The Member began playing in fall 2023 after being encouraged by a friend. She has already performed in two Club recitals. Most recently, she drew inspiration from a favorite book and film series and performed “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter.
(l–r) Huto Hirayama, Kyra Chavali and Allegra Sutton
While it took a lot of preparation, Allegra welcomed the process. “I practice every day, even on weekends. It’s part of my homework.”
Her teacher, Rieko Okita, sets the foundation during lessons at the Club.
“Okita-sensei helps me go over the notes, but in the beginning, I couldn’t read music. We wrote the letter at the bottom of each note so I would know what it was. Now I’m comfortable reading music.”
In addition to reading music, Okita helps students learn to balance the cognitive, affective and psychomotor elements of musical performance through the Pace Method, which emphasizes a holistic approach to music education by integrating theory, creativity, technique and ensemble playing. “As we perform, we think in motion and are involved in a process of deep concentration,” she explains. “I think music education has never been limited to mastering performance. Music is the core of life, the core of all subjects. It helps students build communication skills, creativity and independence.”
time he has delivered renditions of popular rock and folk songs, including “Orange” by Japanese band Spyair and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
“My dad showed me lots of music videos and I thought guitar was cool, so I started playing it,” Huto explains. Having started four years ago, he now plays every day, with lessons once a week at the Club. Instructor Yuma Nozaki helps Huto with things he says can be difficult, like finger technique. “He is very good at explaining things in a simple, easy-to-understand way that helps me.”
“I have fun when I play music, and it makes my dad and family happy.” –Huto
Hirayama
Allegra says she has felt that growth. “When Okitasensei told me to start using two hands, I would first start playing the same thing with both, because it’s hard to do different things with each hand. But as I got used to it, it became easier for me. Through music, I’ve learned that if I try something new, I can keep practicing and I’ll get better at it.”
Nine-year-old Huto Hirayama brought his guitar and some good old ’80s vocals to the fall recital with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” inspired by his dad, a fan of the band Journey. It was Huto’s third Club recital. Each
All the practice is worth it to be able to play his favorite songs on guitar. “I have fun when I play music, and it makes my dad and family happy,” Huto says. “My dad loves country music, so if I play country music, he feels so happy.”
With the recital format now expanded to spring and fall events, all three musicians have advice for fellow Members aspiring to perform. Allegra believes it’s important to choose the right instrument, and to pick a song you like so that you enjoy practicing. Huto says to remain calm and to play to the audience. And Kyra urges patience.
“It’s going to take time and a lot of practice to get better,” she notes. “You have to be patient, believe in yourself and keep practicing. It’s not a good idea to take a long break from playing. Try not to miss the chance to perform at recitals—that’s the only way to get rid of the nerves. It’s okay to make mistakes. Recovering from mistakes quickly is a big part of piano playing.”
Learn more about the Club’s music offerings by visiting the Recreation section of the Club website.
The Club’s fall 2024 recital was held on November 17
NAUTICAL DREAMS
A love of sailing inspires Wolfgang Bierer to bring Members together on the water.
When Member Wolfgang Bierer was 12 years old, his dad brought home a 5-meter-long windsurfing board and sparked a lifelong interest in the water. With no schools around, father and son learned to windsurf together, teaching themselves. “That’s when I got the bug,” he recalls.
As a university student in his native Germany, Bierer would often visit southern France to windsurf. When he came to Japan, he left those lake trips behind. But once he had children of his own, he wanted to do something back on the water.
Almost by accident, Bierer was introduced in 2012 to the Tokyo Sail and Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons (USPS). The only USPS squadron outside the US and Puerto Rico, the group is dedicated to promoting recreational boating skills and safety through education, hands-on training and civic activities.
This March, Bierer will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his strategic business consulting company in Japan, and during that time he has become very involved in sailing while collaborating with the Tokyo Sail and Power Squadron and Sailability Tokyo, a nonprofit that promotes sailing to the public.
Last spring, he began discussing the formation of a sailing group at the Club. Bierer knows at least 10 other Members who own boats and envisions a sailing group similar to the Club’s golf group, with regular outings, such as day cruises in Tokyo Bay.
The plan has synergy with the Nihonbashi Club’s Salty Sailors special interest group.
Bierer is also aiming to give kids and adults hands-on sailing experiences.
“Being a boat owner, and being related to Sailability Tokyo, I have access to dinghies. would like to provide intro courses in spring and summer to Members interested in sailing,” he explains. “And if there are sailors who already have experience, I can take them out on my boat to simply enjoy sailing together.”
To help Members learn about sailing, Bierer proposes a trial course that would begin with a morning classroom session at the Club, where Members can learn sailboat vocabulary as well as basic knot-tying skills and safety rules. Then the group would move to Sailability’s location near Toyosu Station.
When heading out on the water, safety comes first, says Bierer. “We have automatic inflatable safety vests, so there is no danger. I’m a former lifeguard, so I’m very strict about safety rules.”
By planting and nurturing the seeds of sailing at the Club, Bierer hopes to help others find a passion for something that has brought him so many wonderful memories, such as winning the 2024 Hayama International Friendship Regatta with the German team. The event, formerly known as the Embassy Cup, brought sailors from nine nations together to race 11 boats.
But perhaps even grander last year was spending his 20th wedding anniversary on the water. “We charted a catamaran in Fiji and went hopping from one uninhabited island to the next. This is something I could envision for my retirement, having access to a catamaran in a nice warm location and going diving every day.”
Interested Members can reach Bierer through the Salty Sailors group on the Club website or his contact details in the membership directory.
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
Wolfgang Bierer’s trimaran Gone with the Wind
Wolfgang Bierer
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Fitness Reborn
Member Aiko Umeda shares how training at the Club has transformed her postpartum body and mind.
After having my baby , I gained about 20 kilograms, and no matter what I tried, it wouldn’t come off. It was frustrating, both physically and mentally, and I knew I had to make a change. So, I decided to start working out.
At first, I tried exercising on my own in the Fitness Center, but I just couldn’t stay motivated. I’d do a little, then give up. That’s when I met [Club trainer] Luis Uraga. He saw me struggling and asked, “Are you done already?” He suggested we train together, and from that moment, things began to change.
It’s still tough, especially as a mom, but the benefits are incredible. The hardest part is finding time for myself. I’ve learned that if I don’t make time to take care of me, I lose
balance. So now, I drop my baby off at the Childcare Center and work out. It’s my time to reset and focus on myself.
I used to be very active. I played basketball in high school and danced in college. But pregnancy completely changed that. I stopped exercising altogether. Now that I’ve started again, it feels like I’m rebuilding everything from scratch.
My training with Luis focuses on both strength and cardio. We do weight training, squats and boxing, which has become one of my favorite parts of the routine. Though I don’t love every exercise—burpees are still a challenge—I know they work. Luis designed my program to target large muscle groups for weight loss, while boxing helps with cardio and core strength.
In the first month, I lost about 3 kilograms. The transformation has been amazing, and seeing those changes really motivates me to keep pushing.
The mental benefits have been just as important as the physical ones. Working out in the morning sets the tone for the rest of my day. It’s a positive start that makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something. It’s about making myself a priority, not just working on my fitness. This shift in mindset has been key to embracing the process.
My long-term focus is on building muscle and improving my posture. I’m just getting started, and I have so much more I want to achieve. The Club has really supported me in my fitness journey. Not only do I have access to great facilities, but the encouragement from fellow Members and staff pushes me to stay consistent and reach my goals.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to other moms in a similar situation, it’s to always make time for yourself. Even if you can’t leave your child at the Childcare Center, there are ways to make it work. Waking up early and making exercise a priority will help both your physical and mental health. It makes everything else easier to handle.
As for my daughter, Ena, I want to show her that taking care of your body is important—not just for how you look, but for how you feel. It’s about being strong, confident and healthy.
As told to INTOUCH’s Lisa Wallin.
IMAGE YUUKI IDE
YUUKI IDE
Aiko Umeda and Luis Uraga
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New Members
AZABUDAI
USA | Kevin & Jamie Marie Holyfield
MGM Resorts Japan
“We are the Holyfield family—Kevin, Jamie, Claire, 8, and Ella, 6. We recently moved to Tokyo from Las Vegas, and adjusting to life in this vibrant city has been an exciting adventure. We’re thrilled to be part of the Club community and love all things social. Claire and Ella have already enjoyed activities like swimming, tennis and dance, and they’re excited to try more. As a family, we look forward to making lasting friendships, contributing to the community and taking part in the wonderful programs the Club offers. We can’t wait to meet you all!”
AZABUDAI
USA
Terrence & Ana Allen Booz Allen Hamilton
Koan Hyun Cho & Youn Young Yang Sounds Good Company
Ramy Elsabee & Yiqi Liu Goodyear Japan Limited
Arthur Kenzo & Marie Manners Citigroup Global Markets Japan
Sara & Mamoru Tateishi Doggies Guitars
Jeremy & Elizabeth Urban Knorr Bremse Steering System
Justin & Grace Waldron Playco Global Inc.
AUSTRALIA
Matthew Underhill & Joanne Drew NES Fircroft
BRAZIL
Tymo Ussui Nakao TXP Medical
CHINA
Kun Du & Keisuke Nakatsuka Beckman Coulter Inc.
DENMARK
Casper Tvede Kysmaq
GERMANY
Karsten & Hiroko Klein Klein K.K.
HONG KONG
Hang Kin Leung & Jun Liu Saikyosangyo Co.
INDONESIA
Ronald & Julie Sidharta
Tabist K.K.
JAPAN
Takehito & Rina Fukui
Bond Realty Co., Ltd.
Hiroshi & Kumiko Hayakawa
Hayakawa Family Office Pte. Ltd.
Eri & Hideyuki Negishi
Haruka Rachi Accenture
NIHONBASHI
JAPAN | Junichiro & Kazumi Egawa
Yanone Co., Ltd.
“I am Junichiro Egawa, and I’m delighted to be joining the Club with my wife, Kazumi. I’m the owner of Yanone Sushi, a restaurant just across the street from the Club. I love interacting with customers and am always experimenting with new sushi creations. I also enjoy golfing and play about three times a month. As an active member of the Rotary Club and a Lotus car club, I have met many wonderful people. I’m looking forward to making new friends at the Nihonbashi Club and bringing my 14-year-old daughter to events. Thank you for the warm welcome!”
Maasa Uemura-Heffernan
American Bridge Company
Yuki & Naoya Yamano
Kokusai Corporation
MALAYSIA
Chi Min Tan & Hitomi Sato
NIGERIA
Dorcas (Dee) Olateru
EY ShinNihon LLC
TURKEY
Ilhan Murat & Aylin Ozgel
Coca-Cola Japan Co., Ltd.
UK
Ralph Davidson & Dyana Azman
STACK Infrastructure Japan G.K.
Paul Simpson & Zhao (Jessica)
Zhang
dkJapan K.K.
Neville & Joanna Stephens
BMW Japan Corp.
NIHONBASHI
USA
Michael Pearce
Alamode-Alamode K.K.
JAPAN
Kazuhiko Fujita
Esroh Co., Ltd.
Masaki Fukumori
TSK Consulting Co., Ltd.
Takeshi & Yukiko Hashimoto
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Kotaro & Chikako Nagasaki
Yamanashi Prefectural Government
Kengo Nate
Uniden Holdings Corporation
Iwao Oda
Mitsubishi Electric Building
Solutions Corporation
Toru Yamamoto
Daiwa Securities Co., Ltd.
(l–r) Jamie, Ella, Claire and Kevin Holyfield
Kazumi, Junichiro and Miyuki Egawa
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Sound Lessons
Class Piano
Studies have consistently found that learning to play an instrument helps build universal skills, including coordination, concentration and discipline. “Music is the core of life, the core of all subjects,” says Rieko Okita, director of Okita Piano School. In this class, students establish a strong rhythmic foundation and solid reading skills while developing their ability to express themselves through music. Beginners learn the fundamentals of piano through listening, singing and playing. Advanced students build on their foundations by playing pieces from different periods and discussing those compositions. Those interested in taking exams or performing in competitions will also learn about mental preparation.
Instructor Rieko Okita
A concert pianist, Rieko Okita says she loves teaching because she is excited to see her students improve, and they give her fresh, innovative ideas. A graduate of Musashino Music College, Okita is a current member of the Pace Method Research Society. She has taught at Yamaha and various international schools in Tokyo, with students advancing to universities focused on music.
Student Misaki Yokoyama
“I like playing with Okita-sensei because she has such great teaching skills, and she gives advice that can be helpful. When she began teaching me piano, she started easy, then the work became slightly harder and also more enjoyable. At first, I didn’t know what to do. Now, I can play Für Elise.”
Piano • Tuesdays • 2:30–7:40pm • Music Room I • ¥5,500 (30 minutes) • Ages 4 & above • Sign up online
IMAGE YUUKI IDE
Rieko Okita and Misaki Yokoyama
December
9
Twinkle & Toast
The annual Connections luncheon celebrated the year’s end with festive songs, bubbly toasts and joyful tributes to friends.
IMAGES TAKUMARU SUZUKI
December 13
Nihonbashi Bonenkai
Members enjoyed great food, drinks and unforgettable moments as they danced through the night at the Nihonbashi Club’s year-end bash.
IMAGES KOTARO MATSUSHITA
December 25
Christmas Grand Buffet
A festive feast of F1 wagyu roast beef, crab cakes and indulgent desserts like Christmas yule log made for a delicious holiday celebration at the Club.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
Fit for Life
WORDS ARIEL THORPE ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO
Thumping music, sips of cold beverages and careful movements through the crowd to catch up with friends. No, it’s not First Friday, but rather a busy evening in the Club Gymnasium.
It warms my heart as an athlete and healthcare provider to see so much camaraderie and joy while doing something physically, mentally and socially beneficial. And it especially feels good to see so many teenage Members going hard at their respective sports and workouts.
I admire their enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to put in the extra work to improve themselves. In some ways, this doesn’t surprise me. Youth in Japan are generally quite active compared with those in other high-income countries. However, statistics from the past few years of the Japan Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth suggest that this trend is moving downward. The report, published through a collaboration among many universities, finds that teens are becoming increasingly sedentary, putting every aspect of their health at risk.
As a community, we have an opportunity to encourage healthy, active lifestyles—not just in terms of sports participation but also in how we approach physical fitness. A crucial aspect often overlooked is teaching proper form. Many of us have experienced “getting away with” terrible exercise habits while still waking up every day feeling pretty good … until, suddenly, we can’t. “Youth is wasted on the
young” because they don’t know how good they have it until they suffer a back injury that won’t totally go away.
After more than 15 years as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and chiropractor, I know firsthand how implementing good habits early on can save middle-aged people from the crushing reality of aging. The camaraderie I see among the young athletes at the Club is vital for their physical, mental and social development. But while we’re providing such a positive, encouraging environment, why not also make it safer?
Injury prevention and good form are the foundations of staying active and healthy. Strengthening the muscles that support proper posture can have a significant impact on overall health. Large studies in Japan and the US have concluded that hunched-forward posture increases your risk of death by 1.5 times. It’s not just about preventing injury or premature death, though; having good posture can make us look taller, more confident and more poised. These are all things that will help teenagers as they navigate social circles, apply to universities and build the confidence to become strong leaders. It’s about more than just lifting weights, doing cardio or winning a game; it’s about teaching people how to move with intention, take care of their bodies and feel empowered in the process.
That’s why it’s been my pleasure to work with the Recreation Department to create a workshop specifically for teenage girls and women on March 2. The goal is not only to teach them to feel strong and confident but to ensure that they are building a foundation for long-term health. Let’s help young Members stay active, healthy and safe, and do it together in the supportive, vibrant community we’ve already built.
Ariel Thorpe is a Member of the Club.
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