Grand Fifth
The Nihonbashi Club marks a community milestone
DIVINE VINES
VIVID VISIONS
PERFECT PLANS
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Artist Pavel Sipkin, exhibiting this month in the Frederick Harris Gallery, finds quiet poetry in Tokyo’s everyday scenes.
Night Konbini
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Representative Governor Nils Plett (2026)
First Vice President David Hackett (2026)
Second Vice President Agnes Ouellette (2026)
Secretary Lin Shi (2026)
Treasurer Hiroshi Miyamasu (2026)
Governors Vibhu Jain (2027), Geoffrey Kamizuru-Bowman (2026), Ren Kuroda (2027), Gregory Lyon (2027), Justin Negrón (2026), Dean Rogers (2026), Reiko Saito (2027), Douglas Schafer (2027), Christa Wallington (2027)
Statutory Auditors Alok Rakyan (2026), John Sasaki (2027)
Parentheses denote term limit.
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Centennial Anniversary Brian Nelson (TBA)
Compensation Justin Negrón
Culture, Community & Entertainment Matthew Tappenden (Vibhu Jain)
Finance Dennis Hubbs (Hiroshi Miyamasu)
House Mike Foley (Ren Kuroda)
Long-Range Planning Ron Lenore (Reiko Saito)
Membership Yan Fan (Lin Shi)
Nihonbashi Rike Wootten (Geoffrey Bowman)
Nominating Steven Greenberg
Recreation David Lee (Agnes Ouellette)
Parentheses denote Board liaison.
GENERAL MANAGER
Dustin McAvoy
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Nori Yamazaki
DIRECTORS
Brand Marketing & Communications Shane Busato
Facilities Richard Woods
Finance Naoto Okutsu
Food & Beverage Gerard Bonenfant
Human Resources Jason Dominici
Member Services Jonathan Allen
Operations Thomas Zaleski
Recreation Kaitlyn Giguere
INTOUCH
Managing Editor C Bryan Jones
editor@tac-club.org
Communications Editor Alec Jordan
Social Media Specialist Avery Devlin
Designers
Kohji Shiiki
Anna Wong
Designer/Photographer Clara Garcia
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Phoebe Amoroso
Trisha Florencia
Kaori Koide
Dustin McAvoy
Photographers
Jeff Goldberg
Yuuki Ide
Kayo Yamawaki
Wildly Simple Productions
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
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
advertising@tac-club.org 03-4540-7730 | custom-media.com
membership@tac-club.org 03-4588-0687 | tokyoamericanclub.org
All prices referenced in INTOUCH include consumption tax.
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Pre-K to Grade 12 International School
KA International School is characterized by a strong culture of care and support, where every student is an individual and feels a deep sense of belonging. We cultivate meaningful community connections that create an environment where learning is joyful, relationships are genuine, and students are empowered to take risks and grow.
One Team. One Vision. Limitless Possibilities.
WORDS DUSTIN MCAVOY IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
As I reach the six-month mark as your general manager and COO, I would like to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished together, and to share how this work is shaping the next phase for the Club.
A commitment to listening first has remained central to my approach and to how decisions are now being made across the Club.
Over these past months, I have spent time observing how the Club operates day to day, listening carefully to Members and staff, and identifying areas where we could act, thoughtfully and in a timely manner, to strengthen the Club experience.
One of my earliest priorities was ensuring that our leadership structure actively supports collaboration, accountability, and a consistent Member experience across the entire Club.
In October, I was proud to promote Nori Yamazaki to assistant general manager and Koji Kaneko to Nihonbashi
Club manager. Both bring deep institutional knowledge, credibility, and a strong commitment to service. Their expanded roles have strengthened alignment between our operations and improved coordination across both the Azabudai and Nihonbashi clubhouses.
That same month, we welcomed Kaitlyn Giguere as our director of recreation, bringing new energy and structure to our recreation and wellness spaces. More recently, we have placed the Nihonbashi Fitness Center reporting line under the Recreation umbrella, allowing for greater consistency, shared standards, and cross-exposure opportunities for staff at both properties. This integration supports professional growth for our team while delivering a more seamless experience for Members.
Throughout this work, I consistently emphasize a simple but powerful mindset: “One Team. One Vision. Limitless Possibilities.”
Our staff are the “heartbeat” of the Club, and when teams are aligned, supported, and empowered to work together across departments and locations, the entire Club benefits. Our staff’s pride, professionalism, and dedication continue to define the Member experience.
The progress of the past six months represents only the beginning. The months ahead will be guided by the same principles that shaped my first six months: listening carefully, acting intentionally, and holding ourselves accountable for results.
One highlight I am especially excited to share is our plans for an extraordinary Independence Day celebration this summer. We are working toward what will be the biggest Fourth of July event in the Club’s history, a true showcase of the Club at its best and a celebration of the community we share.
Everything we do is rooted in a simple truth: Tokyo American Club is a club built on people. It is defined by the Members who bring their families and friendships here, by the staff who serve with pride and professionalism, and by the volunteers who give their time and expertise to help the Club thrive.
My wife Kristin and I remain deeply grateful for the warmth you have shown us, and we look forward to many more shared moments throughout the Club.
Six months in, I am more confident than ever that the Club’s best chapters are still ahead. Together, we will honor what makes this Club special while building a future filled with possibility.
Dustin McAcoy is the Club’s general manager and COO.
“When teams are aligned, supported, and empowered to work together across departments and locations, the entire Club benefits.”
KITCHEN CREATIVE Medinah Country Club Executive Chef
Matthew Gilbert brings his unique flavors to Azabudai.
WORDS ALEC JORDAN
IMAGE GOLF KITCHEN
Great cooking, like great music , starts with a firm grounding in the fundamentals, but from there, true artists can take flight as they improvise, bending the rules and creating collaborative masterpieces on the fly.
For Matthew Gilbert, the executive chef at Medinah Country Club, just outside of Chicago, the two disciplines have informed his life over the years. When he was 15, he took his first job in the restaurant industry—dishwasher at the only fine dining establishment in his Montana hometown—so he could earn money to buy an amplifier. And from there, fate took over. “After just under a year, I got promoted to be a cook and found a mentor who was not only a talented chef from a big city, but also a metal and jazz drummer—a kindred spirit! Working with him I was able to come to understand the many similarities and parallels between the creativity of both food and music.”
Club Members will be able to enjoy his dishes in settings ranging from a barbecue buffet at Splash!, a wine dinner at 51 East, and specials at Rainbow Café and American Bar & Grill.
Members can sample Gilbert’s culinary compositions this month as he plays a few bars as guest chef in the Club’s kitchens.
After he left his hometown for culinary school in Vermont, Gilbert worked in a fine dining restaurant in Boston, a pair of Michelin-starred restaurants in France, building a career that has seen him cooking in 95 countries. One of the biggest shifts came when he moved to the American Club Hong Kong.
As he explains, it involved a huge amount of learning on the fly. “I thought that it would be easy to be the chef of a club. Boy, was I wrong. In truth, it took three years before I felt comfortable in the role. It is demanding of your time and energy, but it also happens to be the most fulfilling role this career path can offer. My role is to make people happy with food and with humanity, in the form of hospitality.”
Gilbert has taken his global experience and approach to the kitchens of Medinah Country Club, and during April,
As he prepares to work with the culinary teams of the Club’s restaurants, he keeps his musical background close to heart. “The energy of an active kitchen is very similar to that of the rock and roll environment. We must be open to differences in people with regard to backgrounds, philosophies, and ways of thinking, and when we embrace these differences in influence, we can build something together that really has deep meaning.”
Gilbert’s aim for his residency is to share his passion for creating memorable moments and connection through fine cuisine. “I look forward to the honor of meeting as many of your Members as possible and tell an American story with the dishes. I am thankful to be able to work with your excellent kitchen team to serve. It will be a true joy to spend time with you.”
Matthew Gilbert at the Club
• April 13–May 3 • Details online
Matthew Gilbert
From the Shelves
Member Jing Xu says some of her earliest memories of reading involve sharing books with classmates and discussing stories during lunch breaks. That sense of connection and companionship through reading has stayed with her, making the second-floor Library a favorite spot in the Club.
What was your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book was Grimm’s Fairy Tales I loved it during my early primary school years. I was fascinated by the magic and drama, but what I remember most vividly is retelling them to my friends. Sharing those tales felt almost as exciting as reading them.
During secondary school, I became completely absorbed in the Japanese manga Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue. It was hugely popular in China at the
LIBRARY
Turning a Page
If you’ve dropped by the Library since the middle of March, you’ve probably noticed some exciting changes that make the space even more inviting and convenient.
Desk seating has been moved to a more central area, and the number of desk seats has been increased from 13 to 20. In addition, a custommade desk space for 12 people as well as two custom-made tables for four people were installed.
Other custom-made furniture includes a decorative mantelpiece, a magazine rack, and a redesigned, spacious computer station. The new layout will still offer 18 comfortable sofa chairs, where you can curl up with your favorite reads. AJ
time. On the surface, it’s a story about high school basketball, but at its heart it’s about chasing dreams, perseverance, teamwork, and friendship.
What inspired your love of books?
I wouldn’t describe myself as a lifelong heavy reader. In fact, I’ve rediscovered my passion for reading more recently—inspired by my son. He is an avid reader. To him, reading is like breathing. Watching him devour books with such joy made me realize that I wanted that experience for myself. My New Year’s resolution this year was to read more and reduce screen time, and I’m happy to say I’m currently on my sixth book.
What genre do you most enjoy?
I’m especially drawn to biographies and fiction. I love understanding the inner journeys of real people, but I’m equally moved by powerful storytelling in novels.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Real Americans by Rachel Khong which I picked up somewhat randomly from the Library. It turned out to be an unexpectedly emotional read. I tend to resonate with every book in different ways, but this one deeply moved me with its exploration of the complexity and overwhelming depth of parental love.
I’m also rereading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. I find it endlessly inspiring—not only as a portrait of a visionary, but as a study of creativity, conviction, and imperfection.
When were you last unable to put down a book? For me, most books become impossible to put down once I pass the “warm-up” phase and reach the second half. But if I had to choose one, it would be Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. His autobiography is filled with unexpected twists and setbacks, and it’s beautifully written. It was one of those books that feels smooth and unstoppable.
KAYO YAMAWAKI
Jing Xu
The Perfect Audible
Coaches know that, if you want to win the big game, you need all your best hands on the field. When Member William DeLorme made his reservation for the Club’s Super Bowl bash, he accidentally left one player on the bench.
Yukina Benjamin quickly stepped in and called a winning play. That’s why DeLorme singled out the banquet sales and event assistant for recognition in an online Tell TAC.
“I popped in the events office and told her my situation—that I had messed up—and asked if there was anything she could do,” DeLorme explains. “She fixed it right away and then later confirmed by email. She really made everyone’s day.”
Making sure that DeLorme and his group of friends had prime seats for the NFL’s biggest stage was never a question for Benjamin. “I think it is important to lead with ‘I’ll see what I can do for you’ and try my best to accommodate requests,” says the Vermont native who joined the Club team part-time in January 2025, just before last year’s Super Bowl.
Benjamin really appreciates the experience. She initially planned to stay in Japan only for university, but transitioned to a full-time role at the Club last June. “After working at the Club, I felt it would be a great place to start my career,” she says.
DeLorme couldn’t be more thankful. “Everybody had a great time. The event is really fun. It’s energetic. And thanks to Yukina, we felt pretty special.” CBJ
Members can recognize Club staff by submitting an online Tell TAC through the Club website.
Setting the Standard CLUB
With the aim of preserving an environment in which Members can invite guests to enjoy the Club experience, while also improving service quality, fairness, and accessibility for all, changes to the Club guest policy will take effect April 1.
These changes were developed in collaboration with the House Committee, Board of Governors, and Club management based on usage data and benchmarking against the best practices of leading private clubs in the US for informed decision-making.
Some of these policies were provisionally announced in last month’s issue of INTOUCH but are now formally confirmed. Members may sign in a maximum of four guests per visit, unless pre-approved by executive management. Guests may visit the Club a maximum of two times per month, regardless of the host Member.
Only Members aged 16 and older may independently sign in guests, and Members aged 8 to 15 may host guests only when signed in by a Member parent or guardian aged 20 or older.
A standardized facility fee will apply to guest usage in family and recreational areas, where peak-period demand most directly impacts Member access. Guests dining exclusively in formal dining outlets will not be subject to the fee but must still be properly registered.
For more details about these rule updates, a handy FAQ document, and a form where you can submit your feedback about the new policies, please visit the Register Guests page on the Club website. AJ
KAYO YAMAWAKI
KAYO YAMAWAKI
William DeLorme and Yukina Benjamin
What’s on in
APRIL 3
First Friday: Hanami Night
As the winter chill begins to fade, one of the season’s most anticipated reveals is the cherry blossom forecast. This year, officials say Tokyo can expect to erupt in pink earlier than usual.
Even if Mother Nature follows suit and petals fall before April, Members can gather under a canopy of pink and revel in a springtime tradition at the Club’s annual sakura soirée.
The Winter Garden will fill with all the elements of a good hanami, including seasonal delicacies, select sake, cherry blossom-themed sips, and live music. Tokyoborn singer-songwriter Risera and her band will add a bright and gentle touch to the evening with a selection of J-pop favorites and sakura-inspired melodies.
collaboration with Kanagawa Prefecture’s Miura City, will show how quality is assessed to bring a variety of cuts—from bright red akami to subtly pink otoro—to your plate.
So, don your finest yukata and step into the spirit of spring.
But sign up soon—the first 100 to register will be entered into a prize drawing for two 60-minute rejuvenating treatments at The Spa.
And the fun isn’t just for moms and dads: kids can have a blast at Movie Night, catching flicks and munching on their favorite snacks. CBJ
Flowers won’t be the only thing that’s pretty in pink. A live tuna-cutting, put on in
• 7–9pm • Winter Garden • ¥2,750 (walkins: ¥3,850); guests: ¥7,150 (walk-ins: ¥8,250) • Adults only • Nihonbashi Members welcome • Sign up online
1
Toastmasters Luncheon
Hone your public speaking and presentation skills with the Club’s cohort of Toastmasters.
• 12–1:30pm • New York Bridge
• ¥2,420 (guests: ¥2,900)
• Sign up online
1
Race Pace Development
Aspiring collegiate swimmers and adults enhance their competitive performance under the guidance of Olympic swimmer Miguel Ortiz-Cañavate.
• Wednesdays • 7:15–8:30pm
• Sky Pool • ¥12,000 per month
• Sign up online
3
Movie Night
Club kids enjoy pizza and flicks while moms and dads celebrate sakura season at First Friday.
• 6–9pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • ¥2,750 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,300) • Ages 5–12 • Sign up online
8
Cocktail Connections
Celebrate hump day at this fun evening of mingling over drinks.
• 5–7pm • 51 East Bar & Lounge
• Connections members: free (nonConnections members & guests: ¥1,000) • Details online
9
The Magic of Bollywood
This lively and energizing monthly session combines expressive movement, vibrant music, and joyful rhythms to help you feel refreshed, confident, and inspired.
• 11am–1pm • The Studio • ¥16,500
• Members only • Ages 16 & above
• Sign up online
9
Squash Night
Connect with the Club’s vibrant squash community at two laid-back evenings of games and chat each month.
• 5:30–7:30pm • Squash Courts • Free
• Sign up online
4 & 5
Easter at Club
Bid farewell to winter and celebrate the season of renewal and rebirth with a weekend of family-friendly Easter activities.
The fun kicks off on Saturday with the Family Spring Festival. Head to the Gymnasium for a thrilling egg hunt and classic carnival games, where you can win prizes and tasty treats. Then, have close encounters with fuzzy friends at the petting zoo in the O-Zone, featuring rabbits, chicks, ducks, and more. You can even have photos taken with the Easter Bunny as you make unforgettable springtime memories.
On Sunday, dive into a delectable spread of holiday classics and seasonal treats. Feast on the likes of herb- and orange-roasted chicken, lobster cakes, wagyu, cedar-planked salmon, and an astounding array of fresh vegetables, salads, and sides.
And make sure to save room for dessert. The all-you-can-eat buffet features chocolate mousse, lime pie, cream puffs, and more.
Now get hopping! TF
Family Spring Festival
• 9am–3:45pm • Gymnasium, O-Zone • Ages 2–14: ¥3,300; participating ages 2 & under: ¥2,520 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,960); ages 15 & above: free
• Sign up online
Easter Grand Buffet
• 11am–3pm • New York Ballroom, Brooklyn Suite • Adults: ¥9,200 (guests: ¥11,000); ages 13–17: ¥5,500 (guests: ¥6,600); ages 4–12: ¥2,450 (guests: ¥2,900); ages 3 & under: free; all-you-can-drink package (adults only): ¥3,300 (wine upgrade: +¥550) • Limit 10 people per reservation • Sign up online
10
Cub Scout Meeting
Elementary school kids are introduced to the world of Scouting through the Club-sponsored Pack 51.
• 6:30–8:30pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms
• Details online
12
Kids’ Book Lovers’ Meetup
Young Members aged 6–12 build creativity, teamwork, and confidence as two teams to create their own original book and then pitch it to a publisher.
• 2–3:30pm • Logan Room • Free • Sign up online
12
Troop 51 Meeting
Discover adventure and lifelong skills through the Club-sponsored Scouting troop.
• 5–7pm • Activity Room • Free
• Ages 11–17
• Details online
13
Culture Connections
Board-certified dermatologist
Mikiko Hiraoka shares advice on how to age gracefully.
• 10–11:30am • Beate Sirota Gordon & Haru Reischauer classrooms
• Connections members: free (nonConnections members & guests: ¥1,000)
• Details online
13
Business Is Social
Catch up with fellow Members at this intimate networking session.
• 6–8pm • Winter Garden • ¥1,500 (guests: ¥2,000); includes one drink and a canapé • Adults only
• Sign up online
14
Sumida River and Hamarikyu Gardens Tour
Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Tokyo and explore an Edo-Period oasis in the heart of the city on this Connectionsorganized outing.
• 10:30am–2pm • Connections members: ¥1,800 (non-members: ¥2,200) • Adults only • Sign up online
7
Exhibition: Yoko Ogata
“Nature can sometimes feel distant when living in Tokyo,” says artist Yoko Ogata. “I long for spaces that feel warm and peaceful.”
Flowers and plants, she explains, open a small doorway to such a place, and when she steps through, she uses monotype to freeze that moment in time and capture the ephemeral beauty of nature amid the flurry of life.
The technique, which involves transferring an image painted on metal, glass, or plastic to paper or linen, allows Ogata to leverage the unpredictability of repeated transfers from the fading plate to create soft and poetic “ghost prints,” each a one-of-a-kind expression.
“I hope this exhibition creates a dreamscape in which visitors are invited to discover their own relationship to beauty in nature.” CBJ
Members are invited to attend the opening reception on April 7 at 6:30pm.
Moment I realized I wanted to become an artist.
I didn’t set out with a clear decision. Instead, by continuing to create, I was naturally led to opportunities to exhibit and came to realize that I had become an artist. What I would tell my 20-year-old self.
Do what you love. Live true to yourself. Follow your instincts. My perfect creative environment.
A spacious studio by the sea, where I can freely and fully devote myself to my practice. Ideally, I can occasionally walk along the coast and draw inspiration from the surrounding nature—flowers, grasses, and plant life.
Artist, living or dead, I’d most like to share a meal with.
Georgia O’Keeffe and Marina Abramovi ć .
• Through April 27 • Frederick Harris Gallery • Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online
11
Nihonbashi Fifth Anniversary Celebration
The Club’s first-ever satellite hub turns five! With its cozy ambiance, iconic design, special dining experiences, and extensive community engagement, the space on the sixth floor of Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower has become a second home for Members living and working in the area as well as a popular retreat for Azabudai Members.
The Club’s connections to the historic Nihonbashi community have continued to grow year after year, as highlighted by Members’ participation in events such as the Fukutoku Shrine Shinkosai Festival, the annual Nihonbashi bridge cleaning, Sakura Fes, and many culinary collaborations with area mainstays—some of which stretch back centuries.
Nihonbashi Committee Chair Rike Wootten thanks the staff for the great success of the past five years. “They are professional, make one feel welcome, and are very friendly. It is always a pleasure to visit Nihonbashi. You feel like you have come home.”
Join the birthday celebration as Members from both clubhouses mark the occasion. And as the vibrant lights of Nihonbashi shine through the night, keep the celebratory vibes going at the after-party!
Through April 10, Members can also enjoy a special dinner course that includes Mount Fuji Atlantic salmon gravlax, green tea pork ragout pappardelle, and Chiba Shiawase Kizuna beef tenderloin or grilled sea bass caught in Tokyo Bay.
Read more about the special occasion and how the Nihonbashi Club has built community connections starting on page 20. CBJ
• 6–9pm • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • ¥8,000 (walk-ins: ¥9,200); guests: ¥12,000 (walk-ins: ¥13,500) • After-Party: 9–10:30pm • ¥2,500 (guests: ¥3,750) • Sign up online
14
Decoy Wine Dinner
Take a guided pour through wines half a century in the making, led by Decoy’s Vice President of Winemaking Dana Epperson. Get to know Epperson on page 16.
• 6:30–9pm • 1673 • Members: ¥28,000 • Guests: ¥33,000 • Limit three guests per Member • Adults only • Sign up online
16
Book Lovers’ Group
Join the Club’s band of bibliophiles for a discussion of David Enrich’s Dark Towers
• 11am–12:30pm • New York Bridge
• Free • Details online
25
Show & Tell Jamboree
Ages 6 to 9 build confidence at an afternoon of games, music, and selfesteem-boosting activities.
• 1–2:30pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • ¥1,000 (guests: ¥1,200) • Sign up online
25
Youth Toastmasters Club
Youngsters pick up tips on public speaking from the Club’s own Toastmasters group.
• 3–4pm • Toko Shinoda & Yukiko Maki classrooms • ¥1,100 (guests: ¥1,320)
• Sign up online
27
Coffee Connections
Expand your social circle over a morning cup of joe.
• 10–11:30am • Frederick Harris Gallery
• Connections members: free (nonmembers: ¥1,000) • Details online
28
Cocktail Hour
Learn to craft a wasabi and cucumber martini under the guidance of a Muromachi Bar mixologist.
• 6pm • Muromachi Bar • ¥2,200
• Members only • Sign up online
Check the Club website for the most up-to-date information on events and programs.
Providing a world-class holistic education for 3-18 year olds.
www.bst.ac.jp
admissions@bst.ac.jp
Tel: 03-5544-9160
Primary School (3-11 years old)
• Azabudai Hills
2 minutes from Tokyo American Club
• 1 teacher + 1 education assistant per class
• Extensive facilities
Secondary School (11-18 years old)
• Sangenjaya
2 stops from JR Shibuya Station
• A university campus
• IB Diploma Program for senior students (16-18 years old)
Spring Sippers
WORDS ALEC JORDAN
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
Say cheers to the changing seasons at 51 East Bar, where the master mixologists have concocted the perfect cocktails to complement warming weather and blue skies. Highlights include a Cucumber Martini made with Hendrick’s gin, lime juice, and cucumber juice; the Ladybug, featuring Tequila Ocho Reposado, watermelon juice, and white cacao liqueur; and the B.B. Colada, crafted from Havana Club Añejo three-year-old rum, blue curaçao, butterscotch, banana purèe, and pineapple juice. Drop by the third-floor watering hole to enjoy a bit of sunshine in a glass!
• 51 East Bar • Weekdays • 6–11pm
FULL CIRCLE
Ahead of this month’s Decoy wine dinner, Duckhorn’s Dana Epperson uncorks half a century of winemaking.
A lot can happen in five decades.
Duckhorn Vineyards, founded in 1976, has grown into one of the most renowned premium California wineries, amassing an award-winning portfolio. Part of that growth was spurred by Decoy, the label Duckhorn Vineyards launched a decade later to craft affordable wines from exceptional Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast sources.
This enological expertise will be on full display—and, of course, with plenty of opportunity for tasting—at the Nihonbashi Club’s Decoy wine dinner on April 14.
Leading Members through a pairing of eight premium wines is Dana Epperson, Decoy’s senior vice president of production across the Duckhorn Portfolio and executive winemaker.
“I’m excited to showcase all the Decoy wines, then also move into the library wines of Duckhorn, and talk about the 50th anniversary,” Epperson tells INTOUCH. “One of the fun parts about the dinners is just to get feedback on what people are thinking and how the wines are pairing with the food. It should be a really special event.”
WORDS PHOEBE AMOROSO IMAGES DUCKHORN PORTFOLIO
Dana Epperson
Epperson has been immersed in the winemaking world since her teenage years. A third-generation Sonoman, she undertook an internship at a local winery at the tender age of 17, working on the bottling line—an experience she says solidified her career path.
“I thought, ‘This is super cool,’” she says. “I was really into chemistry in high school, and then I was doing all the analysis in the lab on the bottling line. There was a certain energy in the room that was really exciting and different from anything I’d ever experienced.”
Epperson’s early career as a winemaker took an unusual path, giving her craft uncommon depth. Whereas people in the wine industry tend to focus on either vineyards or production, Epperson has a background in both.
Her first job out of college was working in the vineyards, gaining a full picture of the life cycle of the grape and the whole winemaking process. It was an experience she describes as “instrumental” in guiding her career.
“I have a deep appreciation for the fruit. The appellations, the growing season, just all the nuances— everything goes back to the fruit quality.”
She subsequently worked in the laboratory as an enologist at Edna Valley Vineyard in San Luis Obispo and, in 2009, joined Napa Valley’s Artesa Vineyards & Winery. There, she was able to unite her experience in winemaking and grower relations, overseeing about 25 properties.
It was also at Artesa that her path to Decoy Wines began fermenting. There, she worked with Mark Beringer, who was previously Duckhorn Vineyard’s second winemaker. She began selling grapes to Decoy and making wine for them at one of Artesa’s vineyards, which Decoy subsequently acquired.
Epperson describes her move to Decoy in 2014 as a “full circle” moment.
Decoy—established as a secondary label to the flagship Duckhorn Vineyards—is renowned for its balanced, food-friendly, and quality wines at approachable prices. Their lineup ranges from Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel to Chardonnay and Rosé, with the new innovative Featherweight range providing low-calorie options.
“We are such a large brand that we need to really focus on what vineyards we’re sourcing from, creating the classic style that’s consistent year over year, vintage to vintage. So that’s always been our philosophy,” she explains.
This dedication to quality and consistency can be found across the Duckhorn Portfolio. Epperson says she feels the passion and dedication of the team today reflect the same values that founders Dan and Margaret Duckhorn began cultivating half a century ago.
While achievements have been many, Duckhorn is most renowned for sparking the Napa Valley Merlot craze in the early 2000s. One of the most significant moments came in 2014 when Wine Spectator named Duckhorn’s Three Palms Vineyard Merlot its Wine of the Year.
“I remember I was actually at Duckhorn Vineyards the day it was announced,” Epperson recalls. She and Renee Ary, Duckhorn’s fourth and current winemaker, celebrated with a bottle of Champagne in between fielding excited phone calls amid the buzz.
At this month’s wine dinner, Members will sample several Duckhorn Vineyards wines, including the limited 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 50th Anniversary Label.
Epperson will guide diners through several wines from the Decoy Limited range: Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2023, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2023, and Merlot Alexander Valley 2022.
In particular, she is looking forward to diving into the diversity of the terroirs where she grew up and how the Duckhorn Portfolio leverages the environment, microclimates, and expertise to produce a range of highquality, approachable wines that appeal to many palates.
“I have hosted quite a few dinners, and I really like to, but this will be more of an intimate setting. It will be really nice to be able to talk to each person individually.”
Decoy Wine Dinner
• April 14 • 6:30–9pm • 1673 • Members: ¥28,000 • Guests: ¥33,000 • Limit three guests per Member • Adults only • Sign up online
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HIDDEN MOMENTS
Artist Pavel Sipkin finds quiet poetry in Tokyo’s everyday scenes.
Pavel Sipkin sees things most people don’t .
A second-generation architect, the Russian artist learned from his mother that, far beyond just building, architecture touches on many ways of thinking, from poetry and art to craftsmanship and philosophy. With that view, when he arrived in Tokyo to work on his PhD thesis, the countless fragments that make up the dense city—signs, machines, narrow streets, glowing interiors—came to life in unusual ways and made their way onto his canvas.
As he prepares to bring his artworks to the Frederick Harris Gallery this month, Sipkin shares with INTOUCH how these elements inspire him.
How do art and architecture intersect?
For me, art and architecture have always existed as a kind of dialogue. Each feeds the other with new perspectives and inspiration. Over time, my architectural work naturally expanded into conceptual art, where I could explore spatial visions more freely—sometimes through surreal or metaphysical interpretations of the city and the spaces we inhabit.
When did you start seeing things others overlook?
Even as a student, I was drawn to small, easily overlooked moments—the quiet corner of a street, a piece of signage, an everyday object, or a reflection in a shop window. I was always interested in the metaphysical dimension of space—the sense that places can carry an emotional charge, sometimes even a feeling of levitation or suspension beyond ordinary reality.
Do you remember your first sketch?
One of my earliest conceptual sketches focused on small architectural fragments rather than entire buildings— things like staircases, street signs, or narrow urban passages. I was interested in how these elements could tell a story and reveal a sense of place. Over time, those fragments became more narrative, eventually turning into artworks that merge architecture, everyday objects, and subtle surreal elements.
What captivates you about Tokyo?
The ever-evolving character of the city—where traditional aesthetics coexist with hypermodern urban life. Tokyo moves fluidly between scales: grand urban gestures and very small everyday objects exist side by side. Layers of past structures and memories remain embedded within the urban fabric. Together they create compositions that can feel almost surreal, where history, technology, and daily life overlap in unexpected ways. The city feels organic and fragmented—almost like a vast urban village—and the cityscape feels young and energetic, constantly evolving through small increments and many different scales.
Tell me about your work Girl with a Vending Machine (Night).
This piece explores Tokyo’s vending machines as gentle symbols of everyday life—little glowing boxes scattered throughout the city that seem to invite quiet moments of pause. I wanted to connect to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, which captures a feeling that is both ordinary and strangely magical. The vending machine appears as a backpack, reducing the scale of the urban environment and making it more personal. It transforms the speed of the city into stillness and turns routine into something quietly poetic and extraordinary.
Exhibition: Pavel Sipkin
• April 28–May 18 • Frederick Harris Gallery • Artworks available for purchase through Member Services • Details online • Opening reception: April 28 at 6:30pm
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
Girl with a Vending Machine (Night)
GO TOGETHER
The Nihonbashi Club celebrates five years of building community.
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
Nihonbashi holds a distinguished place in Japan’s history and is regarded by many as the symbolic birthplace of Japan. All major roads are measured from Nihonbashi Bridge, which is marked as kilometer zero— making it the country’s de facto center.
During the Edo Period, Nihonbashi flourished as a major mercantile hub. Its early growth is largely attributed to the Mitsui family, who established their wholesale operations and later founded Mitsukoshi, Japan’s first department store, there. With a river running through it, and as home to one of the country’s original fish markets, the district was among the most commercially vibrant of its time.
More than 350 years after Takatoshi Mitsui opened his kimono shop, Echigoya, in the area, Mitsui Fudosan— which grew out of the family’s close ties to Nihonbashi— collaborated with the Club to create a unique extension of the Member experience through a carefully thought-out process.
On the Nihonbashi Club’s fifth birthday, we reflect on what made the satellite clubhouse not only possible but a great success.
Mitsui Fudosan approached the Club with the idea of opening a satellite facility in the new Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower it was developing, and Members
Nihonbashi bridge cleaning
voted to accept the proposal at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. A Club task force, chaired by Ginger Griggs, was set up to lead the design and construction. She also served as the first chair of the Nihonbashi Committee.
“They were wonderful to work with during the planning and building phases, and they continue to support our Club in numerous ways,” Griggs says of Mitsui Fudosan. “They are also strongly committed to the entire Nihonbashi area, as evidenced by their Nihonbashi Revitalization Plan, an exciting, multi-decade project. While continuing to enjoy the historical and cultural charm of the area, we will see many changes that will transform the Nihonbashi business district into a global destination. We’re in a fabulous location that will only get better.”
Rike Wootten, chair of the Nihonbashi Committee, remembers the extensive effort that went into the development. “The planning stages went on for almost five years before the doors opened to Members. There was substantial work between the Club and Mitsui Fudosan to create what we have today.”
The success of the collaboration is undeniable. Since opening in 2021 on the sixth floor of Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower, the clubhouse has become home to 350
Members—including a number from Mitsui Fudosan—and blossomed into a diverse and active community.
“We have regular mixers and events that allow Members to meet each other and create a better community,” says Miki Ohyama, who works with longestablished businesses in Nihonbashi to bring the area’s rich history, culture, and charm to the Club. “Azabudai Members are also frequent visitors to the clubhouse and enjoy the unique Nihonbashi experience.”
Frequently mentioned is the amazing service—a significant part of what makes the Nihonbashi Club so special.
“I have unwavering appreciation and respect for the staff,” says Club Governor Geoffrey Bowman. “They enhance the Member experience with seamless service and warm hospitality and truly make the Nihonbashi Club a home away from home for me.”
Kaori Koide, a self-described “Nihonbashi history freak” who credits the Club for changing her life, notes that many Members live and work in the area and proudly call it home. “We actively participate in local traditions and events such as the Fukutoku Shrine festival and the Kanda Matsuri. We even have our own hanten coats for special events like March’s Sakura Fes.”
That desire for connection can be seen in the Club’s many neighborhood collaborations. Through events such as those with the Mitsui Art Museum
and the annual Nihonbashi hashi-arai bridge cleaning, Members actively work to contribute to the community in meaningful ways.
Special interest groups also play an important role in life at the Nihonbashi Club. From Women & Work to Fitness, Art, Wine & Spirits, and Nihonbashi Local Community, these close-knit groups allow Members to participate in activities tailored to their interests.
On the culinary front, the Club’s partnership with the Nihonbashi Restaurant Association introduces Members to distinctive local flavors and tradition. As one of the Edo Period’s most important cultural hubs, Nihonbashi is home to restaurants whose history stretches back centuries. Examples include Iseju, whose wagyu hot pots have been a local favorite since 1869, and Ninben, a purveyor of katsuobushi bonito flakes since 1699. Through collaboration menus and special events, the clubhouse connects Members with local culture that is core to the very foundation of Tokyo.
Over the past five years, the Nihonbashi Club has made a significant contribution to the overall Tokyo American Club experience. “As we look ahead to the next five years,” says Bowman, “we are excited about the potential for further membership growth, community outreach, and collaborative events with Azabudai.”
The Nihonbashi Club will celebrate its fifth anniversary this month with a range of events and offerings, including a special dinner course running through April 10 and a birthday bash on the 11th. Azabudai Members are invited to join.
“It is always a pleasure to visit Nihonbashi,” says Wootten. “You feel like you have come home.”
Nihonbashi Fifth Anniversary Celebration
• April 11 • 6–9pm • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • ¥8,000 (walk-ins: ¥9,200); guests: ¥12,000 (walkins: ¥13,500) • After-Party: 9–10:30pm • ¥2,500 (guests ¥3,750) • Sign up online
The Muromachi Bar
Sakura Fes
NACÁSA & PARTNERS
YUUKI IDE
YUUKI IDE
YUUKI IDE
The American Room under construction and finished.
KAYO
YAMAWAKI
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ALL EARS
The Long-Range Planning Committee is on a mission to better understand Member needs.
WORDS
THE LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Club means different things to different Members. For some, it is a place for business and connection. For others, it is a family hub and social home. That diversity is a defining strength and a great responsibility. Ensuring that diverse experiences can coexist and remain meaningful over time requires thoughtful planning and a shared sense of purpose.
The Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC) was formed for just that purpose: to pause, listen, and help shape a clear sense of direction.
In recent months, the LRPC has been focused on listening. A dedicated survey invited Members to share their perspectives on the Club’s future. Hundreds responded. The insights gained now form the foundation of the committee’s work, helping identify what Members value most, where expectations align, and where differences deserve careful attention.
This phase has been deliberate. Rather than rushing to conclusions, the LRPC is focused on understanding patterns and priorities across the membership. At its core, the LRPC is focused on the Club’s long-term positioning, helping clarify who the Club serves and how it can thrive into its next century.
Member voices are at the center of this process. The committee has partnered with an external strategic planning firm to help validate the survey findings and add rigor and long-term perspective, not to define outcomes but to strengthen the quality of the work underway.
In the coming months, Members will see the results of the survey and gain visibility into what has been heard. From there, the LRPC will work toward articulating a longterm vision that reflects the Club’s collective voice.
One theme has already come through clearly: the Club’s greatest strength is its people. The committee’s work begins—and ends—with listening to that community to ensure that the Club continues to feel like a place of belonging, today and tomorrow.
Everyone on the LRPC is committed to listening, understanding different perspectives, and approaching the work thoughtfully and fairly. A diverse group with wide-ranging professional backgrounds, the LRPC is committed to examining the process objectively with a disciplined, data-driven, Member-first approach, then bringing clear options and implications to the Board so that decisions ultimately reflect the broader membership’s voice.
JEFF GOLDBERG
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REIKO SAITO (Board liaison)
What does the Club mean to you?
RON LENORE (Committee chair)
What does the Club mean to you?
For me, the Club is a place where I can feel comfortable being myself, meet interesting people from many backgrounds, and feel part of a community that brings people together in the middle of Tokyo.
Why did you join the LRPC?
I was asked by the nominating committee to lead the long-range planning effort. What interested me about the role was a simple question: When someone asked me how to describe the Club, I realized I didn’t have a clear answer.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned?
How passionately people feel about the Club and its success. Members may have different opinions about what the Club should do, but the underlying sentiment is very consistent: people care deeply about the Club and want it to thrive.
Connection, learning, and belonging. I am a second-generation Member, part of the Club community for over 20 years. I raised my children here and have shared many precious moments with family. Over the years, I’ve built lasting friendships that have inspired both my career and personal life.
Why did you join the LRPC?
It is important to have a clear, shared understanding of the Club’s identity and brand to guide us in making appropriate decisions for the future. I want to share my perspective as a parent, entrepreneur, and long-time Japanese Member involved in governance.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned?
I was surprised by the diversity. With such a large membership, there are many interest groups and activities that not everyone may be aware of. These create valuable opportunities for Members to connect, and I believe there is still strong potential for even more connections and learning.
CONOR MA C NAMARA (Committee member)
What does the Club mean to you?
It’s a community hub, a place where international and local cultures meet and where my family, friends, and professional network naturally come together. It’s also a “third place” in my life—beyond home and office—where I can relax, recharge, and feel part of something larger than myself.
Why did you join the LRPC?
Because I care deeply about the Club’s future and want to help ensure that it remains relevant, vibrant, and financially healthy for the next generation of Members. I also felt that my professional experience and perspective could add value.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned?
How diverse our membership is in age, background, and Club usage, and yet how consistently Members talk about a shared desire for stronger community and connection.
MONICA P. ILZARBE CUETARA (Committee member)
What does the Club mean to you?
To me, the Club feels like a home away from home. It’s a place where I can feel comfortable and connected, especially in a country where it can sometimes be challenging to feel fully “a part of things.”
Why did you join the LRPC?
As a business owner, I’ve learned that a long-term vision is one of the biggest drivers of success. When I realized the Club didn’t yet have a unified vision for the future, I saw it as a meaningful opportunity to learn and to contribute.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned?
The variety of perspectives and priorities. It has made me even more impressed by how the Club has grown into such a diverse place, able to serve so many different Member profiles.
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New Members
AZABUDAI
USA | Jamie Mai & Chiara Trento Mai
Cornwall Capital
“After moving from New York, our family is delighted to begin this new chapter in Tokyo. We joined the Club because it offers a wonderful home base for internationally minded families where community naturally comes together. We’re especially excited about the kids’ activities— from sports and time in the gym to the simple joy of meeting friends after school—and becoming part of the Club’s vibrant community. As we settle into life in Tokyo, we look forward to building new friendships and creating many happy family memories along the way.”
AZABUDAI
AUSTRALIA
Robert & Itoyo Esposito Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC
FINLAND
Elna & Erik Andersson Embassy of Finland, Tokyo
FRANCE
Arnaud Brel Hill’s Pet Nutrition Colgate
HONG KONG
Eduardo Ng Tsang & Tze Wai Liza Yeung Philip Morris Japan Limited
INDIA
Pankaj & Mayura Garg Innovation Thru Energy, Co., Ltd.
ITALY
Marco Bucci Novartis Pharma K.K.
JAPAN
AZABUDAI
USA | Aaron & Melody Schmutz
United States Embassy, Tokyo
“While new to Tokyo, we’re not new to Japan, having previously lived in Osaka and Okinawa. What initially drew us to the Club was the outstanding athletic opportunities for our children—you’ll find our daughter training at the pool almost every day! But what we came to love about the Club was the amazing and diverse community of Members. We are looking forward to meeting new people, building the friendships we’ve already made, and enjoying the many opportunities the Club has to offer!”
Koji Fujiwara Tokyo Century Corporation
Yukio Takenobe muchu K.K.
Kunio Watanabe
The Bank of New York Mellon
SOUTH KOREA
Hanyul Ahn & HJ Judy Lee
ASML Japan
Eung Jin Jeremiah Kim & Hyungha Gweon MXN Commerce Co., Ltd.
UK
Lyndsey Hughes
Robert Half Japan Ltd.
NIHONBASHI
JAPAN
Atsuhiko Hirano
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
(l–r) Jamie, Zander, Grace, Chiara, and Tommy Mai
(l–r) Aaron & Melody Schmutz
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Mindful Motion
Class Gentle Fit
This low-impact bodyweight workout uses resistance bands to support gentle strength training and improved range of motion. Designed to boost control, awareness, and ease of movement, Gentle Fit is a mindful experience suitable for anyone who wants to stay active and move regularly in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Each session is a standalone class, making it easy to join at any time. Separate from Gentle Fit, there is also a monthly online mindfulness session designed to support emotional wellbeing and help Members manage everyday stress.
Instructor
Luiz Olimpio
Luiz Olimpio’s yoga journey began more than two and a half decades ago. After training in India as a yoga instructor with the US-based nonprofit Yoga Alliance, the Brazilian began teaching yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in Tokyo. He is a Harvard Medical School-certified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy teacher.
Students
Robin Cruz, Cam McClearn, and Christina Siegel
“Luiz is such a warm and welcoming person. He makes class fun, creates a sense of community, and doesn’t take himself—or the class—too seriously,” says McClearn. “He has a steady pace and is very encouraging,” adds Siegel. “This is a class I look forward to attending.” Cruz notes that you get “a totally accessible set of exercises that you can do anywhere with basically no equipment.”
Gentle Fit
• Sundays • 11–11:30am • The Studio • Free • Members only
• Ages 16 & above • Sign up online
Online Mindfulness Session
• Last Friday of each month • 8–8:40pm • Google Meet
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
(l–r) Luiz Olimpio, Robin McClearn, Cam McClearn, and Christina Siegel
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February
21
Cultural Exchange with Miharu Kids Ambassadors
The Club welcomed young learners from Fukushima for a day filled with culture sharing, spirited dance, and new friendships.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
February 23
TAC Talk: Ken Belson
The New York Times journalist and author of Every Day Is Sunday took Members behind the scenes of how the NFL really works.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
February 25 Mizubasho Sake Dinner
Sixth-generation Nagai Shuzo President and Club Member Noriyoshi Nagai hosted an epicurean evening of Mizubasho sake pairings.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
March
4
Rombauer Vineyards
Chef’s Table
Head winemaker Richie Allen visited the Nihonbashi Club to share a lineup of beautifully crafted wines from California.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
March 6
First Friday: 007 Night
M dispatched Members as secret agents for a daring mission of espionage at a dazzling Bond bash in the Winter Garden.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
Rooted in Community
WORDS KAORI KOIDE ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO
When Tokyo American Club Nihonbashi opened five years ago, the choice of location felt fitting. The historical merchant district has long been defined by continuity—a place where commerce, craftsmanship, and civic life have evolved without losing their foundations. The satellite club’s arrival here suggested not disruption, but dialogue.
Born in Japan and raised between Malaysia and the United States, I have always been attentive to places where cultures intersect. Nihonbashi is one such place. It is historic without being static, global without losing its local character. That balance makes it distinct within Tokyo.
I joined the TAC Nihonbashi Committee from its inception. In those early months, we understood that as a smaller clubhouse with a uniquely located facility, community could not be incidental—it had to be intentionally designed. We believed the Club should serve as a hub around which relationships could deepen and extend outward into the neighborhood itself. That conviction led to the establishment of the Nihonbashi community as a defining pillar of our identity. Being situated in such a privileged location, we saw meaningful engagement with local heritage as essential. Over the years, our mixers and events have been supported
by long-established Nihonbashi businesses, including sponsors such as Yanone Sushi, wagashi sweets maker Eitaro, and Ninben, a purveyor of katsuobushi bonito flakes since 1699.
We have also collaborated with renowned local restaurants to create menus that reflect the district’s culinary legacy. These include Nihonbashi Oikawa, led by Nihonbashi-born kaiseki master chef Tomoomi Oikawa; Nihonbashi Yukari, where Iron Chef champion Kimio Nonaga puts a modern spin on traditional washoku cuisine; and Iseju, the area’s oldest surviving sukiyaki restaurant whose wagyu hot pots have been a local favorite for 157 years. These partnerships were not symbolic gestures; they were expressions of mutual respect and shared stewardship.
Equally meaningful has been the intellectual community that has gathered here. Members with international experience, cultural fluency, and a deep understanding of business and civic life have found in Nihonbashi a space for thoughtful exchange. Conversations are informed, reflective, and grounded in both global perspective and local nuance. Creating a place where such dialogue could flourish was always my hope. Seeing it take shape over these five years has been deeply rewarding.
Today, there is a coherence and confidence within the community that did not exist at the beginning. The foundation has been carefully built. Nihonbashi itself is defined by long horizons, and I believe our community reflects that same spirit.
As we mark this anniversary, I see not a chapter completed, but a trajectory set—one that will continue to evolve alongside the district we are proud to call home.
Kaori Koide is a Member of the Club.
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