Life Aquatic
With new leadership and creative activities, the Sky Pool invites Members to dive in
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BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Representative Governor Nils Plett (2026)
First Vice President David Hackett (2026)
Second Vice President Agnes Ouellette (2026)
Secretary Justin Negron (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 Jesse Green
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
Interim Recreation Menya Hinga
INTOUCH
Managing Editor C Bryan Jones
editor@tac-club.org
Communications Editor Alec Jordan
Social Media Specialist Avery Devlin
Lead Designer Kohji Shiiki
Support Designers
Aya Harada
Anna Wong
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Greg Adams
Yan Fan
Simon Farrell
Kanako Ijichi
Chris O’Neal
Photographers
Avery Devlin
Yuuki Ide
Nick Jones
Satomi Nuga
Kayo Yamawaki
Illustrator
Tania Vicedo
INTOUCH is printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper, harvested from sustainably managed forests.
ADVERTISING IN INTOUCH
Explore the Club’s range of advertising possibilities by talking to the Club’s exclusive advertising agency, Custom Media.
Custom Media CEO Robert Heldt
Custom Media Publisher Simon Farrell
Sales Director Edvard Vondra
advertising@tac-club.org 03-4540-7730 | custom-media.com
JOINING TOKYO AMERICAN CLUB
To arrange a tour of the facilities, contact the Membership Office.
Tokyo American Club 2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8649
membership@tac-club.org 03-4588-0687 | tokyoamericanclub.org
All prices referenced in INTOUCH include consumption tax.
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Suhyun
Crafting Community
WORDS YAN FAN IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
When I knew I was finally ready to start a family, one of the first things I did was join the Club. It was a necessity if I wanted to raise my family in an international environment.
This is the first year I am participating in Club governance, and I am honored to be appointed Membership Committee chair. The idea of taking a role in crafting this community was what motivated me to take on the job.
The Membership Committee is a diverse group who use the Club in different ways. Half of them, like me, are new to Club governance. What connects us is that we all believe community is what makes the Club special.
One of the first things we did this year was to eliminate group interviews. For years, the Club relied on group interviews to evaluate prospective Members. I found that this format worked against us. A group setting makes it easy for a weaker English speaker to stay quiet and pass through without the kind of individual assessment that actually tells us who someone is. And in the age of AI, where anyone can feign written fluency or sound polished on their application, in-person conversations are now non-negotiable.
All of our membership interviews are now private.
Each prospective Member (and their spouse, if applicable) is interviewed by two Members on the Membership Committee or Board of Governors. This format allows us to actually get to know them.
We also wanted spouses to be included because they are integral to our community. In many households, they use the Club more than the primary Member. They shape the Club atmosphere as much as anyone.
Requiring spouses to attend interviews is about more than logistics: we want them to feel like full participants in their own membership, not an afterthought to it.
Lastly, I want to address one of the most common questions we receive: “I referred a potential Member; how long will it take?”
Once an application is submitted, there are several important steps designed to protect both the Member experience and community standards.
For clubs of comparable standing, average wait times can stretch into years. A smooth application from a foreign national at ours typically takes three to six months. Applications from Japanese nationals can take longer. Here are three things that help an application get through our process:
1. Submit every required document up front. Incomplete applications are the single biggest cause of delay.
2. Answer the long-form questions thoughtfully. We do read them all, and thin or generic answers stand out for the wrong reasons.
3. If you are a Member, submit your proposer and seconder application promptly. Applications often stall at this step.
Club membership is not about checking boxes but about who you will be sitting next to at the Sky Pool, at your kid’s karate class, at Traders’ Bar, or in the Fitness Center. Every step in this process exists for a reason: to make sure that everyone who joins our Club community adds to it and is chosen with real care.
Thank you for trusting us with this responsibility.
Yan Fan is chair of the Club’s Membership Committee.
“Club membership is not about checking boxes but about who you will be sitting next to at the Sky Pool, at your kid’s karate class, at Traders’ Bar, or in the Fitness Center.”
CAR CLUB
Early-Morning Escape
About 20 Members and a glorious spread of machinery met the roads at first light on June 6 as the TAC Car Club left before dawn for a spirited drive through two of Japan’s finest stretches: the legendary sweepers of the Hakone Turnpike and the cliffside curves of the Izu Skyline.
Under dramatic mountain skies, the convoy was a rolling celebration of automotive passion: vintage classics, modern supercars, and everything in between—from a timeless BMW coupé to a gleaming Aston Martin and a chorus of Porsches.
After a few scenic stops, we arrived at a fellow Member’s breathtaking Izu Kogen weekend house, where walls of glass slide away to frame the forest and the Pacific beyond. A catered barbecue made for the perfect finish.
The TAC Car Club gathers monthly at Prime 51 to talk cars and plan drives, motorsport outings, and visits to the region’s best automotive events. Email taccarclub@gmail.com to join the fun! GA
VOTING
Election Season
With the Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) set for November 17, make sure you’re able to vote by registering as a Voting Member. Please take a moment now to register through the Voting page on the Club website. It takes only a few minutes and is the essential first step in participating in our democratic governance process. All Voting Members are eligible to participate in elections and other key decisions affecting the Club.
There will be multiple opportunities to get to know the candidates before the AGM. Candidate statements will be published in INTOUCH and online, and there will be Meet the Candidates events where you can engage directly with those seeking your vote. CBJ
From the Shelves
Born in Korea and educated in America, Member So Jeong Lee says her first vivid memory of reading came as a young student. “I brought home a stack of books from school so tall it was nearly half my height. I wanted to cry at the weight of it all, but something shifted when I opened them: I found myself captivated by autobiographies and the real-life journeys of people who had overcome hardship and achieved success.” Today, she continues to find lessons and inspiration on the shelves of the second-floor Library.
What was your favorite childhood book?
I didn’t have a particular favorite. My reading was mostly school assignments—biographies, Aesop’s Fables—books chosen for me rather than by me. I wish I’d had more freedom to explore what captured my imagination back then.
What inspired your love of books?
Books became essential during my eldest daughter’s college preparation. I joined a book club with other parents in the same situation. We meet once a week for two hours every month on Zoom, discussing chapters and sharing how stories apply to our children’s lives. It transformed reading from something I did alone into something that deepened my connection with other parents navigating the same season. What genre do you most enjoy?
Self-improvement and personal development—books like Mindset by Carol Dweck. I’m drawn to writing that helps me understand myself and my children better, that offers practical wisdom for living well. What are you currently reading?
A couple of books at once, actually. One is Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. My husband recommended it years ago, and now that the college admissions intensity has passed, I’m finally diving in for a deeper understanding of history. Kitchen Confidential by
A New Way to Work FACILITIES
Renovations are currently being made on the second floor that will transform the Presidents’ Suite into a convenient spot where Members can work on reports, join virtual meetings, and generally get down to business. The new Workspace will feature a variety of seating options, from large desks to individual chairs, providing a significant upgrade to last year’s pilot launch. As Facilities Director Richard Woods explains, “We’re looking forward to having Members use these brand-new facilities, which will be convenient, spacious, and welcoming.” The area is scheduled to open at the end of August. AJ
Anthony Bourdain is about halfway done. I watched the show and visited one of the restaurants, and now I’m fascinated by the chef’s personal story and the experiences that shaped him.
When were you last unable to put down a book? I’m rereading Mindset right now, and honestly, I can’t put it down. It’s become like my therapist. As a mother of three, this book teaches me how to be a wise parent—how to help my children understand relationships, navigate small victories and failures, work through pain, and develop resilience. Every time I read it, I find something new to apply to their lives and my own.
So Jeong Lee
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RECOGNITION
Sweet Moments
Grapes have been loved for their sweetness since ancient Egypt. Thousands of years after they graced the table of pharaohs, the colorful orbs continue to command attention each time Members Jasmine and Kevin Hsu visit Rainbow Café with their 3-year-old daughter, Selah, who quickly eyes the fruit bowl. It’s a delight, until the dish runs dry.
Enter chef de partie Julius Tan, refilling the grapes and putting a smile on her face. The attention is so appreciated by the Hsu family that they singled out the Indonesia native for recognition in an online Tell TAC.
“Every time we go to Rainbow, he’s always very welcoming and friendly, and always makes a point to say hi,” says Jasmine. “He’s very proactive about checking in and asking us if there’s anything we need and how our day is going. I really appreciate the warm touches.”
Rainbow Café’s family-friendly nature, she adds, has made it a favorite, and they have been visiting twice a week since joining the Club in spring 2025.
“As a father, I naturally enjoy interacting with children because I understand their feelings and how important it is to make them feel comfortable and welcome,” explains Tan, who joined the Club’s culinary team in 2011. “Even small moments, like helping a child find their favorite food or simply chatting with them, can create a memorable experience.”
Jasmine says they encourage Selah to be more independent. Asking for more grapes is one example. While she is sometimes too shy and wants Mom to do it, she feels comfortable with Julius and is happy to speak up. “He always makes her feel very welcome with his warm smile.” CBJ
Members can recognize Club staff by submitting an online Tell TAC through the Club website.
SIPS
Matcha Magic
Kagoshima holds special significance in my career journey. Growing up in a small town near Kirishima, I developed an early appreciation for the region’s exceptional terroir.
The area is renowned for producing premium shochu, but its volcanic soil, known for its excellent drainage, also provides ideal growing conditions for organic agriculture. I recall the moment I was introduced to organic green tea sourced from Kirishima. Instantly, visions of the lush tea farms of my childhood highlands flooded my mind. It was a delightful and nostalgic discovery.
I’m very happy that the Club is bringing the magic of premium green tea to American Bar & Grill and the Winter Garden as the barista team introduces a high-quality matcha latte. Made with Sayuri Tea’s Wabi Sabi Organic Matcha—a finely milled ceremonial-grade matcha with a vivid, deep green color—the drink, available hot or cold, delivers a rich, smooth mouthfeel.
“We have tried many samples of matcha powder, and the Wabi Sabi Organic stands out in both presentation and taste,” says junior captain Chieri Tanaka. “We are delighted to continue delivering exceptional quality to our Members who enjoy our café program.”
Enjoy the Sayuri Tea Wabi Sabi Organic Matcha latte (¥800) while relaxing or dining, and share the experience at home with a 30-gram gift can (¥4,860), available in The Cellar.
Kanako Ijichi is the Club’s beverage manager and sommelier.
YUUKI
AYA HARADA
(clockwise) Kevin Hsu, Julius Tan, Selah Hsu, and Jasmine Hsu
AUGUST What’s on in
12–14
Summer Elite Volleyball Camp
Volleyball is one of Japan’s most popular team sports. Nearly 2 million young people play each year, improving their physical and social skills along the way.
Members aged 13 to 17 looking to up their game will have a chance to train with coaches and athletes from the Tokyo Great Bears, the only fully professional men’s club in the Kanto region competing in the SV League, at this month’s three-day clinic.
Member Kailah Cornute, who attended last summer’s camp, says it was fun to learn from and collaborate with a variety of fellow Members.
“The coaches were really helpful in demonstrating how to do challenging things and talking through the steps and motions so we can play volleyball with the correct technique,” she adds. “It helped me understand how to visualize and use those skills in the last few minutes of a volleyball game.”
Kailah also says the experience helped her improve her communication with others and learn from teammates.
That’s a key takeaway of the Tokyo Great Bears’ commitment to promoting the values of determination, perseverance, and teamwork through volleyball.
Participants will learn fundamental skills, advanced team systems, defensive strategies, and more. The camp will conclude with a competitive team match, giving players the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a fun and challenging environment.
Don’t miss this chance to get direct access to the expertise, training methods, and competitive mindset of volleyball pros. CBJ
• 2–3:30pm • Gymnasium • ¥27,500 (guests: ¥33,000) • Ages 13–17 • Sign up online
1
1673 VIP Promotion
Host a breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the Nihonbashi Club’s VIP space and receive a dining voucher worth up to ¥44,000.
• Through September 30
• Details online
2
Introduction to Squash Club instructor Rico Cheung leads families through the basics.
• 4:30–6:30pm • Squash Court 1 • Free
• Members only • Ages 6 & above
• Sign up online
3
Floating Yoga
Club yoga instructor Luiz Olimpio brings techniques that improve flexibility, strength, and overall wellbeing to the water. Repeats each week.
• Mondays • 12:15-12:45pm • Sky Pool • Included in Sky Pool Pass
• Sign up online
3
TRX by Felix Gallego
Learn to move with proper posture, alignment, breathing, and core engagement in this beginner-friendly TRX Pilates and core strength class. Repeats each Monday. Learn more on page 27.
• Mondays • 12:30–1:15pm • The Studio
• Free • Members only • Ages 16 & above • Sign up online
3
Hakushu Highball Fair
Enjoy a cool and refreshing highball made with Suntory’s verdant single malt, featuring a gentle smokiness and herbal notes.
• Through October 2 • Muromachi Bar & Lounge • ¥1,500 (nonvintage); ¥3,500 (12-year-old) • Details online
3 & 5
Float Fit HIIT
Try an exhilarating, dynamic full-body workout on floating platforms in this aquatic, creative session. Repeats each week. Learn more on page 25.
• Mondays (11:30am–12pm) & Wednesdays (11–11:30am) • Sky Pool
• Included in Sky Pool Pass
• Sign up online
20 Book Lovers’ Group
Reading a book and then talking about it—especially formulating your own opinions and ideas—really cements it in your mind. That’s the idea behind the Book Lovers’ Group, a get-together of the Club’s band of bibliophiles on the third
Thursday of each month where Members share their reactions to plots, writing styles, and characters.
“We’re a pretty varied bunch, which is probably one of the major strengths of the group, because we all have different areas of experience and interest,” says Member Wendy Kobayashi. “What I particularly love is that we have wide-ranging discussions—about the book, of course, but also topics related to the material in the book. So the meetings often become sociocultural sessions as well, which is always thought-provoking.”
Kobayashi, a member for close to five years, says she joined in part because she was aware that she wasn’t reading literature anymore and wanted to get back into it. “The group has been the perfect vehicle for that.”
For Members who love to read, the Book Lovers’ Group is an ideal way to enhance the Library experience. Some months the floor may be open to discussion of recent reads, while in others the group examines a preselected book. This month’s gathering will focus on Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa.
“Whether you loved the book or hated it, the fun part is talking about why,” says Kobayashi. “I just love being a part of the Book Lovers’ Group!” CBJ
• 11am–12:30pm • New York Bridge • Free • Details online
NICK JONES
5
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
5 & 19
Toastmasters Luncheon
Hone your public speaking and presentation skills with the Club’s cohort of Toastmasters.
• 12–1:30pm • Brooklyn III • ¥2,420 (guests: ¥2,900) • Sign up online
12
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
17
Traders’ Trivia Night
Teams of two to four Members test their knowledge to win prizes across exciting rounds hosted by quizmaster Nick Rees. Learn more about the event and June’s winning team on page 17.
• 7–9pm • Traders' Bar • ¥3,000 (guests: ¥6,000) • Includes one drink and an appetizer • Adults only • Sign up online
23
Knot Just Crochet Event
Ready to turn yarn into something amazing? Club kids build patience, creativity, and fine motor skills while creating their very own beginnerfriendly project.
• 1–3pm • The Library • ¥550 • Members only • Ages 8–12 • Sign up online
25
Moss Wood Wine Dinner with Keith Mugford
The legendary Australian winemaker shares half a century of insights alongside six vintages from Margaret River. Read our interview with Mugford on page 18.
• August 25 • 6:30–9:30pm • Prime 51 (private dining room) • ¥28,000
• Limit one guest per Member • Adults only • Sign up online
20 & 21
Oyane Natsu Matsuri
First held in 2022 as a way to bring people back to the Coredo Muromachi Terrace Oyane Plaza after the pandemic, the Oyane Natsu Matsuri has quickly become a summer tradition.
The evening event, in which the Nihonbashi Club will take part for the fourth time this year, showcases the area’s long-established restaurants and local businesses with food stalls, a quiz contest, and traditional festival games.
One such game is water-yo-yo fishing, which Member Miki Ohyama cites as a highlight of her annual participation.
“What I enjoy most about the festival is the time I spend with the children at the traditional game booths,” she says. “I am always charmed by the smiles of the little kids in their yukata, clutching their game tickets as they come running over. Seeing them happily enjoying the games with their parents gives me a warm, heart-lifting feeling.”
Member Lina Raffone cites the importance of the festival to the Club’s goals. “As the Nihonbashi Club is part of this historic neighborhood, participating in local events like this helps Members feel more connected to the wider community and build connections beyond the Club.”
One way the Club connects is through its food stall. This year’s menu includes shrimp and chicken submarine sandwiches, chilled buffalo wings, and hojicha pudding, as well as cool sips like watermelon jasmine fizz and peach and black tea highballs, along with Traders’ IPA, of course.
Beyond enjoying the food, drinks, and entertainment, Ohyama encourages Members to take in the evening atmosphere. “Nihonbashi is truly beautiful,” she says. “The area has flourished since the Edo Period, and its nighttime streets have a special charm.” CBJ
• 5–9pm • Coredo Muromachi Terrace Oyane Plaza • Details online
25 Exhibition: David Stanley Hewett
For Karuizawa-based artist David Stanley Hewett, there are two themes that have consistently shaped his work over three decades: time and the fleeting nature of life.
“I have long been captivated by the beauty that emerges through age and impermanence,” says the American who came to Japan in 1988. “The rust on a hinge at a Shinto shrine or the faded trace of color on the wall of a 300-year-old farmhouse imbues these simple objects with limitless character and meaning. They become quiet reminders of the passage of time and the stories it leaves behind.”
Since beginning with ceramics studies in Maine before settling in Japan, Hewett has delved into traditional Japanese painting, obi design, and Japanese screen-making. The integration of these disciplines is a defining aspect of the creative work that has made him one of the country’s best-known foreign artists.
In November 2017, Hewett’s painting Majime was selected by Akie Abe, wife of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as a gift to the first lady of the United States on her visit to Japan. Majime was inducted into the National Archives collection in 2019.
This month, Hewett returns to the FH Gallery for the first time since 2018 with a fresh collection of work that will offer Members the opportunity to experience the evolution of his artistic practice. CBJ
• Through September 14
• FH Gallery • H ewett’s contact details available at the gallery for artwork purchases • Details online
26
Cocktail Hour
Learn to craft a pineapple mojito under the guidance of a Muromachi Bar mixologist.
• 5:30pm • Muromachi Bar • ¥2,200
• Members only • Sign up online
27
TAC Talk: The Last Samurai and Beyond
Former Warner Bros. executive and author William Ireton shares stories and insights from his decadeslong career at the intersection of the Japanese and American film industries.
• 6:30–8pm • Brooklyn II & III • ¥1,980 (guests: ¥2,480) • Includes one drink
• Sign up online
29
Men’s Golf Group Open Championship
Club golfers test their mettle on the Ohtone Country Club’s West Course in Ibaraki Prefecture.
• 8:56am tee time • ¥29,000
• Details online
29
Floating into Sound
Let the day’s stress go as soothing tones from crystal singing bowls, chimes, and calming instruments wash over you. Learn more on page 25.
• 7–7:45pm • Sky Pool • ¥1,100
• Members only • Ages 16 & above
• Sign up online
31
Coffee Connections
Expand your social circle over a cup of java at this welcoming morning meetup. Also a great forum for picking up tips on everything from travel destinations in Japan to familyfriendly spots to visit in Tokyo.
• 10–11:30am • FH Gallery
• Connections members: free (nonmembers: ¥1,000) • Details online
Check the Club website for the most up-to-date information on events and programs.
PROUD TO BE AMONG THE
TOP 100
PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE WORLD
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NURTURE each student’s unique potential
STRIVE to help them create a strong sense of self
BUILT around purpose and passion
The Secret to Stress-Free US Travel
The smartest route to the States: Q&A with Air Canada’s Kiyo Weiss
Air Canada’s senior director of sales for Asia-Pacific, Kiyo Weiss, feels that most Tokyobased travelers are flying to the US the hard way. Thirteen hours in the air, then another two standing in immigration at JFK or O’Hare. But there’s a route that skips that queue entirely, and she’s surprised more people haven’t found it.
There’s a lot of competition for Japan–US routes. What’s Air Canada’s actual edge? You skip the immigration queue on the other end. Most people don’t think about it until they’re standing in it—sometimes for two hours at peak arrival times. When you route through one of our Canadian hubs—Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal—you clear US Customs there, before you board your onward flight, and your baggage is also sent directly to your final destination. You land in the States as a domestic passenger, pick up your baggage, and walk straight out.
And travelers don’t know this?
A lot of them don’t. It’s called preclearance—an actual TSA facility, staffed by US officers, right in the Canadian terminal. Same questions as you’d get at the other end, considerably shorter queue. Once people experience this, it becomes non-negotiable the next time they book.
What does the Japan routing look like in practice?
We serve both Haneda and Narita in Tokyo, as well as Kansai. From December 18, we’re
adding New Chitose, which has been a long time coming for travelers in Hokkaido. From Canada, we connect to more than 50 US cities. Business-class passengers get priority check-in, lounge access, and lie-flat beds on the long-haul sectors. The 12-hour crossing is manageable when you can actually sleep.
You mentioned Toronto. Is it worth spending time there on a connection? Toronto Pearson is our hub, so yes. Please make sure you spend time in our awardwinning Signature Suite on your return trip back to Japan, as it’s only available within the international departures area at both the Vancouver and Toronto hubs. Local Canadian artists decorated it— there’s warm wood paneling throughout, and it’s very welcoming after the flight.
Have a glass of Champagne or locally sourced wine, or a Michelin Star chef’s à la carte cuisine before the last leg.
What about where you land in the US—is that part of the Air Canada calculation? Yes, it is. Preclearance already changes the experience, because you arrive in the US as a domestic passenger and can simply walk out. But we look at what comes after that as well.
After long hours in the air, even a long traffic-heavy transfer from an outer airport can feel like an unnecessarily difficult way to end the journey. In cities such as New York or Washington, DC, that final stretch can easily take an hour or more. We focus on getting people closer to where they’re actually going, rather than simply flying them to a major hub.
Ultimately, it’s about removing friction at every stage, so the journey into the US feels seamless all the way through to your final destination.
Find more details at: aircanada.com
Taco-rific
WORDS ALEC JORDAN
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
Taco Tuesday has gotten a glow-up at Traders’ Bar. The Club’s first-floor watering hole is now serving up plated, all-you-can-eat authentic street tacos, made with a lineup of specialty meats that change every week. Each plate comes complete with refried beans and Spanish rice—perfect for pairing with one of the bar’s tipples and rewarding yourself for putting Monday in the rearview mirror!
• Traders’ Bar • Tuesdays • 5–9pm • ¥2,000
DID YOU KNOW?
Traders’ Trivia Night builds connections while putting brains to the test.
WORDS CHRIS O’NEAL IMAGE YUUKI IDE
Quick! How long does light from the sun take to reach Earth?
If you said eight minutes, you might be the next quizmaster crowned at Traders’ Trivia Night, an evening of delicious bites and refreshing sips that draws an enthusiastic crowd eager to answer obscure questions and make a friend or two along the way.
Member Abhishek Kumar, a longtime quiz enthusiast who had not competed since 2014, said he had almost forgotten how much he enjoyed trivia until he spotted the event promotion flashing on screens around the Club. “I thought it would be fun to make time for it, even if I only attended and did not end up participating,” he says. “In the end, I am very glad I did.”
Teams are capped at four people each. Kumar’s came together almost by coincidence. He invited his friend Martin Amar as a guest and the two welcomed Member Charles Knudsen, who met his teammates minutes before the quiz began. Knudsen had been at Traders’ for a meeting that ran late. “I thought it sounded like fun, so I jumped in.”
The trio adopted the moniker The Inquizzitives.
“It was quite spontaneous,” Amar recalls. “We discovered during the game that we had very different, but surprisingly compatible, areas of knowledge.”
“The atmosphere was excellent—relaxed, social, and very lively, but with just enough competitiveness to keep everyone fully engaged,” Kumar says.
Once the quiz began, small talk gave way. “What struck me most was how quickly a room full of relaxed conversations turned into intense concentration,” Amar says. “It remained very friendly, but nobody wanted to miss an answer.”
The Inquizzitives’ confidence grew as they took the lead over several rounds. Some answers came instantly while others relied on the group’s collective instinct. The team had no defined strategy, instead listening to one another and quickly learning when to trust an immediate answer and when to debate it.
“You do not need to know everything,” Kumar notes. “The fun is in the team discussion, the guesses, the surprises, and realizing that some completely random piece of knowledge you have carried for years can suddenly become useful.”
Questions cover various topics. Sports was Knudsen’s downfall. “That’s definitely not my strongest area,” he admits, “so I was happy to leave those questions to my teammates.” Kumar says the real test came when a question felt familiar but impossible to recall, the kind where “one person’s random memory can save the round.”
Amar jokes that Traders’ drinks helped the mood more than the memory, while Knudsen relied on a Traders’ IPA paired with the swordfish steak. “They’re my regular go-to,” he says, “so that part of the evening was easy.”
Still, it was the team’s energy that carried them through, and by night’s end, The Inquizzitives were declared victorious.
They hope more Members and their guests give the event a try. “Just go and have fun,” Knudsen says. “It’s a great way to meet people, and isn’t that one of the reasons we join the Club in the first place?”
Traders’ Trivia Night
• August 17 • 7–9pm • Traders’ Bar • ¥3,000 (guests: ¥6,000) • Includes one drink and an appetizer • Adults only • Sign up online
The Inquizzitives: Abhishek Kumar, Charles Knudsen, and Martin Amar
TIME IN A BOTTLE
Winemaker Keith Mugford reflects on half a century of Australian winemaking ahead of his Moss Wood dinner in Prime 51.
McLaren Vale in the 1960s was a great place for a kid to grow up. That’s what famed winemaker Keith Mugford recalls about the small country town about an hour from Adelaide. “We could roam around on our bikes, and this included exploring the vineyards and wineries, as they were literally right in the main street.”
That freedom and family friends involved in the industry set him on the path to winemaking. “I thought these people led very exciting lives, and they traveled widely to exotic places like Sydney. One such friend was Egerton Dennis, who ran the Ryecroft winery at McLaren Flat. When he suggested there were career opportunities for young winemakers, it immediately sparked my interest.”
Half a century later, Mugford is known as one of the architects of Australian wine. He visits the Club this month for the first time since 2015 to share vintages from Moss Wood, his Margaret River estate.
What first attracted you to Margaret River? Did you imagine it would become one of the world’s great wine regions?
There were two things. Firstly, I was a mad keen surfer, and the waves there are legendary. I couldn’t wait to try them. The second reason was more important. In the 1970s, there had been a renaissance of sorts in the Australian wine industry. Small volume, vineyard-specific,
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IMAGE MOSS WOOD WINES
Keith and Clare Mugford
high-quality table wine was in the ascendency, and with that came a new focus on cool-climate viticulture.
Margaret River was at the forefront.
Yes, there was a keen sense that Margaret River would become a great wine region. It was selected by virtue of a careful academic analysis done by Dr. John Gladstones, and the first of his many publications, in 1965, identified the suitability of our maritime climate for the production of high-quality table wine. From the very first vintage, the wine quality quickly manifested itself, leading to a rapid expansion. It’s quite remarkable to think Margaret River went from zero to hero in 50 years.
What has nearly 50 years at a single estate taught you about winemaking?
To be honest, I’ve not thought about my tenure in that context. To have been in one place for so long reflects how fortunate I’ve been. Originally, my plan was to use my winemaking skills to travel the world. As luck would have it, things turned out far better than that.
As the vintages came and went, each was different. Valuable lessons from the past were useful, but there were always new challenges looming. Without wanting to romanticize too much, what stands out is the power of Mother Nature. At her best, we can only sit back and look on in awe while we tend vines producing grapes ripening in near-perfect conditions.
Her other side is ferocious and completely unforgiving. The arrival of damaging winds and hail during spring has decimated our crops, reducing them by nearly 100 percent, as first happened in 1980. Frosts, completely unexpected in a maritime region, wiped out yields in 1981. Late season rain, in particular 1989, has threatened quality with delayed ripeness and disease.
specialized trellises like the Henry system improved all aspects of grape flavor. In the winery, extended postfermentation maceration fine-tuned tannin extraction and balance. These are but two examples.
We are traditionalists at heart and try to balance the old and the new. Where a technique has served us well and hasn’t been improved on, we continue to use it. This means anyone who visited Moss Wood 50 years ago would still find the place very familiar in 2026. However, we’ve also brought in new techniques whenever they enhance quality.
What can Members expect from the dinner?
Each of the wines should provide a good insight into the style we are pursuing for each variety.
The 2023 Sémillon is from an outstanding vintage and carries all the hallmarks. Its fruit aromas are a combination of lemon, fig, and lanolin, and the palate has the classic structure of lifted acidity and tannin to allow it to mature in bottle for at least 20 years.
“We are traditionalists at heart and try to balance the old and the new.”
As hard as we were trying in 1979, we make better wine now, and this is due in no small way to the many things we’ve learned from these lessons.
How does making a wine that may be enjoyed decades after it’s bottled shape your approach?
In 1979, we wanted to make wines that would age well, but we weren’t sure exactly what Moss Wood could do. Therefore, our approach was simple: ensure the fruit was sound and the resulting wine had good, fundamental chemistry. By this I mean ripeness was such that a minimum level of alcohol was achieved, skin contact was long enough to extract good color and flavor, the pH and total acidity were properly aligned, and judicious use of sulfur dioxide protected the wine from microbial or oxidative harm.
As the years went by and the science of grape-growing and winemaking advanced, so did our wine quality and aging potential. In the vineyard, shoot positioning using
In 2022, we had a warmer summer, producing wines of generosity, and the Chardonnay displays lots of yellow flesh stone fruit, roast nuts, and caramel. We have produced a wine that will cellar for at least 20 years, but it has delicious early appeal and is very hard to resist as a youngster.
The 2021 season is almost the polar opposite. The season was mild, ripening was slow, and all varieties retained vibrant and perfumed fragrances. The Pinot Noir lights up in the glass with strawberries, cherries, and spices.
Finally, the three Cabernet Sauvignon vintages give an ideal tour of Moss Wood. In 2020, we enjoyed a typically average season—warmth was plentiful but not excessive, ripening was steady, and the fruit reached maturity a day or so earlier than average. The resulting fruit aromas are our famed violets, blueberry, and red currant, and the palate has a seamless tannin.
In contrast, 2011 was a warm summer and the fruit ripened 10 days ahead of average, giving us a ripe and generous wine, some might even refer to it as yummy! Its aromas are dominated by red currant, and it presents some nice tarry characters as well.
Which brings us to the 2001, a wine that many consider the best Moss Wood ever. It’s not for me to play favorites, but this wine came from just about the perfect season. It was warm enough to allow good ripening but cooler than 2020, and therefore it retained an even more fragrant and complex profile. At 25 years old, it should now be really hitting its straps!
Moss Wood Wine Dinner with Keith Mugford
• August 25 • 6:30–9:30pm • Prime 51 (private dining room) • ¥28,000 • Limit one guest per Member • Adults only • Sign up online
IT’S PRIME TIME
The great American steakhouse returns with Prime 51, the Club’s newest signature dining destination.
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Few things say American like the sizzle of a perfectly prepared steak. And soon, Members will need to go no farther than the third floor to savor one as 51 East is reborn as Prime 51, an elevated dining experience inspired by the timeless traditions of America’s finest steakhouses.
“Prime 51 is more than a restaurant; it is a destination where exceptional cuisine, genuine hospitality, and refined service come together to create unforgettable moments,” says F&B Director Gerard Bonenfant.
Leading the culinary team is Executive Sous Chef Daniel Acuna, who has created a menu that puts exceptional USDA Prime Angus beef sourced from premium Iowa farms at its core. These signature steaks are complemented by an impressive selection of the freshest seafood, seasonal specialties, and thoughtfully crafted accompaniments that showcase the very best of modern American cuisine.
“I believe the best dishes begin with exceptional ingredients,” says Acuna. “Our goal is to honor the classics while adding thoughtful touches that surprise our Members. Every plate should feel familiar, yet memorable.”
Ahead of the restaurant’s grand opening, Acuna shares the inspiration behind three standout dishes from the menu.
Prime 51
• Monday–Friday • 6–11pm • Closed Saturday, Sunday & holidays • Members aged 13 to 17 accompanied by a parent welcome • Reserve online
Prime Cheesesteak Sandwich (Lunch)
“We wanted to give the classic Philly cheesesteak our own twist. Thinly sliced premium beef is served on toasted ciabatta with smoked Cheese Whiz, peppery arugula, and a house-made horseradish cream that adds freshness and a subtle kick. It’s a familiar favorite with a refined Prime 51 touch.”
American Prime Angus Tomahawk
“The tomahawk is the centerpiece of our steak program. We start with beautifully marbled American Prime Angus beef and cook it carefully to develop a rich crust while preserving its natural tenderness. It’s designed for sharing and represents everything I love about a classic American steakhouse—simple preparation, outstanding ingredients, and bold flavor.”
Hanging Skewers (Prime 51 Bar)
“Designed for sharing, our hanging skewers feature lamb, beef, and jumbo prawn grilled over high heat and served with a vibrant chimichurri. The dramatic presentation brings a touch of theater to the table while highlighting bold flavors and perfectly cooked proteins.”
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POOL PRINCIPLES
For the Club’s new aquatics manager, swimming is about more than the water.
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CHRIS O’NEAL IMAGE AVERY DEVLIN
Growing up in Colorado , Stephen Kuhlke wasn’t always a fan of the water. “When I overcame that worry, the real magic began,” the Club’s new aquatics manager tells INTOUCH
Seeing swimming as an essential part of life rather than a sport, Kuhlke has spent his career instructing students worldwide. He developed his skills at a local center as a boy and later through Boy Scouts, where he earned aquatics merit badges and passed along what he learned to others at summer camp.
From there, he went to Iowa State University to study English education and ESL. He followed it with a master’s degree in athletic administration from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, encouraged by his father, who believed Kuhlke had found a unique calling in making a positive difference in people’s lives.
The master’s, Kuhlke says, helped him see the bigger picture of running a program through leadership, program development, staffing, and budgets, alongside the culture that ties it all together.
Kuhlke landed in Japan via a college summer job as a swim instructor, lifeguard, and counselor for military families at the US military base in Yokosuka. “Looking back, Yokosuka absolutely planted a seed,” he says.
After a stint in the JET Programme, Kuhlke’s career led him across Asia and the Middle East. At the Taipei American School, he spent 12 years building the K–12 physical education curriculum, coaching championshipwinning swim teams and refining learn-to-swim programs. Later, he would live and work in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea.
“Language and nationality can disappear very quickly when a swimmer is learning to float, or teammates are cheering for one another,” Kuhlke says, adding that what keeps him moving is simply the people he has met. “The water is the all equalizer!”
A proud Eagle Scout, Kuhlke carries an instinct for service past the pool deck. While taking part in a beach cleanup in Taiwan, he pulled a stranger from dangerous surf—an act for which he received the Boy Scouts of America Honor Medal. “In an emergency, there isn’t always time to debate what to do,” he explains. “Training, awareness, and a willingness to act become incredibly important.”
He also holds a Level 5 certification from the American Swimming Coaches Association and is certified as a lifeguard instructor by Jeff Ellis & Associates, a leading
organization in water safety and rescue that has been certifying Sky Pool lifeguards since 2022.
Kuhlke says his coaching philosophy doesn’t change much whether working with a nervous beginner or a competitive athlete, noting that he likes to meet swimmers where they are and to provide them with a clear next step toward excellence. What matters more to him is who they become along the way.
“If a swimmer leaves or graduates from the program as a faster athlete, that’s wonderful. If they do that and are also a stronger teammate and a more compassionate person, that’s far more meaningful to me,” he says.
“I am here to strive with everyone and to build the next chapter with the great people who have been serving through aquatics for many years.”
Stephen Kuhlke
Fit to Float
The Sky Pool offers creative ways to get well on water with new classes.
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Resonant tones. Balancing acts. Intensity and relaxation.
During Wellness Month in May, the Club offered new classes that put the Sky Pool to use in innovative ways. And after the success of the trial sessions, these are being added to the lineup of regular offerings.
“The response has been very positive,” says Johnnie Collins, the Sky Pool’s acting manager. “Members have enjoyed trying something different, with Float Fit HIIT offering a fun, challenging workout and Floating in Sound providing a relaxing way to unwind. It’s been great to see Members embrace these new experiences and ask for more.”
Lisa Kohri gave Float Fit HIIT a try and found it incredibly fun. The class shifts high-intensity interval training from the stable floor of the Fitness Center to floating platforms to deliver an exhilarating, dynamic full-body workout that combines strength, endurance, and balance movements such as squats, mountain climbers, and lunges.
“Having a background in Pilates, I was fascinated by the idea of practicing it on water—a concept I had never heard of before,” she explains. “Balancing was really tough, but that actually made me want to do it even more. I loved the challenge of engaging my core on the water.”
Those looking for a more tranquil time enjoyed Floating into Sound, a visually striking session that offers a deeply relaxing experience as you gently float in the water while soothing tones from crystal singing bowls, chimes, and calming instruments wash over you. Because sound travels faster through water than air, the vibrations feel more immersive and body-centered, creating a meditative atmosphere that invites the body and mind to fully unwind.
Tomomi Fujita floated in after being encouraged by fellow Member and swimmer Janice Ishizaka to take part in Wellness Month.
“It was interesting and relaxing,” says Fujita, who was initially interested in the monthlong Spring Equinox Swim Challenge but had to be away much of May. “It was the first time I had done anything like this, but I enjoyed it and encourage other Members to try it out.”
The calming, meditative nature of the 45-minute session was guided by in-house sound therapist and resident yoga instructor Luiz Olimpio, who also leads Float Fit HIIT as well as a Floating Yoga class on Mondays. Wednesday Float Fit HIIT is led by instructor Kanako Kanai.
“These programs give Members more ways to enjoy the Sky Pool beyond lap swimming,” adds Collins. “They appeal to a wider range of interests, support both physical and mental well-being, and encourage Members to make the most of the facility in new and enjoyable ways.”
Kohri encourages Members to give them a go. “It was an amazing experience. This exercise is highly recommended for water lovers who want to train their core and balance. I enjoyed it so much!”
Float Fit HIIT
• Mondays (11:30am–12pm) & Wednesdays (11–11:30am)
• Sky Pool • Included in Sky Pool Pass • Sign up online
Floating Yoga
• Mondays • 12:15–12:45pm • Sky Pool • Included in Sky Pool Pass • Sign up online
Floating into Sound
• August 29 • 7–7:45pm • Sky Pool • ¥1,100 • Sign up online
Floating into Sound
FOR AGES 3–6 YEARS OLD
Dandelion is where children are able to learn at their own pace in a way that is meaningful to them.
Our trained guides provide guidance and support, allowing the children to direct their own learning and make their own discoveries.
Our mixed-aged classroom gives daily opportunities for children’s social and developmental growth.
A School for Joyful and Resilient Children
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the 2026/2027 Academic Year
Defying Gravity Class
TRX by Felix Gallego
Short for total resistance exercises, TRX uses adjustable overhead straps that let you change your body angle relative to an anchor point, instantly making an exercise easier or harder. The farther you lean away from vertical, the greater the load.
In this beginner-friendly TRX Pilates and core strength class, students will learn how to move with proper posture, alignment, breathing, and core engagement using the TRX Suspension Trainer. You’ll develop better control of your pelvis, shoulders, and spine while building strength, balance, and body awareness through safe, low-impact exercises.
Instructor
Felix Gallego
A TRX Qualified Coach, Exos Fitness and Performance Specialist, YMCA Master Trainer, and chief instructor at Tenjiku Aikido in western Tokyo, Felix Gallego brings decades of experience in functional fitness, sports performance, and movement education. His coaching combines Pilates principles with TRX Suspension Training, helping students build real-world strength, improve movement quality, and develop lasting confidence in their bodies.
Student Chien-Chien Yu
“Felix is a wonderful teacher with a cool personality. He makes it fun to build mobility, strength, and coordination.”
TRX by Felix Gallego
• Mondays • 12:30–1:15pm • The Studio • Free • Members only • Ages 16 & above • Sign up online
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
(l–r) Felix Gallego and Chien-Chien Yu
Botox treatments (wrinkle removal, hyperhidrosis, migraines)
Ultherapy, Titan, Laser Genesis, IPL
Mole, tattoo, skin blemish removal
Liposuction, mesotherapy (fat-dissolving injection)
Facelift, breast augmentation/reduction
Laser (for tattoos, hair removal, broken veins)
Foreign insurance accepted
New Members
AZABUDAI
USA
Vikram & Sonal Chand
AstraZeneca K.K.
CHINA
Ji Chen & Yitong Zhou
Gakkou Houjin Shirahagi Gakuen
JAPAN
Gota & Miki Ishii
Too Corporation
Ken Oiwa
Jefferies
Marii & Taishi Kojima
Takagicho Trust Co., Ltd.
Seijo Kawaguchi & Yoshie Watanabe
Tugboat
Makiko & Atsushi Matsuzuki
Minato Advisors Tax Accountant Corporation
Ryuta & Hanako Hiroi HIJKLM, Inc.
Satoshi & Momoyo Aoki
MIA Law Office
THE NETHERLANDS
Sander Biesma
NN Life Insurance Company, Ltd.
USA
Erik Okihara Woven by Toyota
JAPAN
Tomoyuki Hirate Google Cloud
Use the Club’s official app to get connected!
Make sure that your fellow Members can find you in the Member Directory or add you as a friend in chat groups on the Club app. Here’s how:
1 2 3
From the start page, tap Menu and then My Settings.
Under “Appear or hide profile in Member Directory,” Hide Profile is checked by default. Uncheck it.
Once you’re done, tap Save. That’s it!
June
15
Traders’ Trivia Night
Members brought their best to quizmaster Nick Rees’s toughest questions, with team Inquizzitives taking the crown.
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June
17
Colonial Trade Wine’s Nihonbashi Mixer
From the storied Brut d’Eulalie to a curated selection of Colonial Trade Wine’s finest, the evening flowed with wonderful wines and spirited conversation.
IMAGES SATOMI NUGA
June
21
Father’s Day BBQ Buffet
Families enjoyed an elevated meal together at 51 East, celebrating the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make all the difference.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
July 4
Independence Day Celebration
The Club community marked America’s 250th birthday in festive style with sumptuous bites, live music, fun games, and a stunning finale.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
A Reciprocal Visit: The East India Club
WORDS SIMON FARRELL ILLUSTRATION TANIA VICEDO
I was in London after collecting my Order of the Scottish Samurai for Services to Scotland and Japan at Delgatie Castle in Aberdeenshire last April and had arranged to meet an old friend from Cape Town for the first time in 25 years, the day before I returned to Tokyo.
I had perused reciprocal clubs available to us as Members for centrally located, reasonably priced accommodations. The East India Club rang the bell. Ten minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace, it was so discreet I walked straight past it. Just a few doors from Chatham House, entering the East India Club was like stepping into an elegantly timeless chapter of Britain’s imperial past.
As I hesitated before the stained-glass and timber doors decorated with shiny brass fittings, I was greeted by an impeccably uniformed concierge who silently hovered behind me as I checked in. He whisked me to the elevator and my room as I absorbed acres of polished wood, occasional overstuffed armchairs, a grand winding staircase, and corridors bedecked with battered antique guns, stuffed big game, weathered flags, war medal collections, and imposing portraits of unsmiling military and colonial figures evoking the splendor of distant glories.
My single en suite with large window reflected the club’s philosophy of understated luxury. A special weekend
reciprocal club member rate of £151 (about ¥32,000), including a generous English breakfast, was a rare bargain for this location near Piccadilly Circus and Mayfair’s trendy boutiques and traditional pubs.
Wary of the dress code, I wondered where to meet my guest. The smoking room with chesterfield furniture, fine portraits, and board games? The East India Room and its portraits of Queen Victoria and the King of Oudh? The basement den, which boasts relaxed dress restrictions and tolerates electronic devices on silent? Or the American Bar, named after US officers who paid to refurbish it after World War II?
I chose the splendid Waterloo Room and stood overlooking the St. James’s Square gardens roughly where, in 1815, Major Henry Percy delivered a brace of captured French Imperial Eagles and the Duke of Wellington’s dispatch announcing victory at Waterloo to George IV (as Prince Regent).
After exchanging handshakes, nostalgia, and updates, my guest and I soaked up the atmosphere. A venerable who’s who of lords, sirs, and at least one suspended politician has gathered here since 1849, the barman whispered as he poured two gin and tonics. They debate Britain’s military, political, and colonial past as well as cricket, polo, shooting, and yachting.
After a balmy spring evening stroll, we dined nearby at the Market Tavern in Shepherd Street, where I worked in 1986.
I soon learned the dress code was strictly enforced at weekend breakfast, which, naturally, came with silver service, crisp linen, and lashings of everything.
I had one more subcontinental item to enjoy en route to Heathrow Airport, one hour away: a sublime lunch at colonial Veeraswamy in nearby Regent Street, London’s oldest Indian restaurant (since 1926).
Simon Farrell is a member of the TAC Nihonbashi Committee.
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