Singer May J. and Kris Kringle kick off the Club’s season of festive family fun
LIFE AS ART
REC OF AGES
HOLIDAY CHEERS
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BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Representative Governor Jesse Green (2025)
First Vice President Nils Plett (2025)
Second Vice President Agnes Ouellette (2026)
Secretary Lin Shi (2026)
Treasurer Hiroshi Miyamasu (2026)
Governors Ginger Griggs (2025), David Hackett (2026), Geoffrey Kamizuru-Bowman (2026), Justin Negrón (2026), Dean R Rogers (2026), Reiko Saito (2025), Nathan Schmidt (2025), Rune Sølvsteen (2025), Jillian Tattle (2025)
Statutory Auditors Paul Kuo (2025), Alok Rakyan (2026)
Parentheses denote term limit.
CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Centennial Anniversary Brian Nelson
Compensation Nils Plett
Culture, Community & Entertainment Matthew Tappenden (David Hackett)
Finance Dennis Hubbs (Hiroshi Miyamasu)
Food & Beverage Douglas Schafer (Nathan Schmidt)
House Martin Zotta (Justin Negrón)
Human Resources Ken Cogger (Reiko Saito)
Long-Range Planning Ron Lenore
Membership John Sasaki (Lin Shi)
Nihonbashi Rike Wootten (Ginger Griggs)
Nominating Neil Bevan
Recreation Shinji Yamasaki (Agnes Ouellette)
Risk Control Ren Kuroda (Geoffrey Kamizuru-Bowman)
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
Assistant Editor Kathy Russo
Designers
Kohji Shiiki
Anna Wong
Designer/Photographer Clara Garcia
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Tim Hornyak
Kanako Ijichi
Christa Wallington
Photographers
Donna Beeman
Masaki Ebata
Mat Hayward
Yuuki Ide
Shingo Imagawa
Takumaru Suzuki
Kayo Yamawaki
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.
Hawaii Living is Honolulu’s premier real estate
Our team has represented clients in every luxury condominium across Ward Village, Kakaako, Ala Moana, and Waikiki. This includes the newest ultra-luxury projects, Melia and Ilima. Park Lane Resort & Villas (Phase 2) is anticipated in the near future. Please contact us to discuss.
Meet Maki Kimura, your Tokyo contact and fellow Tokyo American Club member. Fluent in Japanese and English, Maki can meet with you at the Club to discuss Hawaii real estate and connect you with our Honolulu-based agents who are fluent in English, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
If you are thinking about purchasing property in Hawaii or selling your condominium, please feel free to reach out. We are
to provide guidance with no obligation.
Holistic Education
3–18 Years Old
Apply Now www.bst.ac.jp admissions@bst.ac.jp Tel: 03-5544-9160
Primary School (3–11 years old)
• Azabudai Hills
2 mins from Tokyo American Club
• 1 teacher + 1 education assistant per class
• Extensive facilities
Secondary School (12–18 years old)
• Sangenjaya
2 stops from Shibuya
• A university campus
• IB Diploma Program for senior students (16–18 years old)
The Heart of Our Community
WORDS CHRISTA WALLINGTON
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
When I came back to Japan in 2010, my husband—who arrived earlier—had already signed me up for what was then called the Women’s Group. I still love him for that! It was an instant circle of friendship representing so many nations—exactly what I needed at the time. I met people who encouraged me to restart my business, to teach again, to do the things I loved. We organized tours, classes, and events—and we still do!
That group, called Connections since 2020, remains a place where newcomers to Tokyo can find friends, advice, and inspiration as they begin building a life in a new country where they may not yet know anyone. Many leave with lifelong friends scattered all over the world.
This community is especially meaningful for those who have left their careers behind to support a partner’s move abroad. While many accompanying partners today can work remotely, that’s not a substitute for the sense of community Connections provides. A screen—or even AI— can never replace a hug or a kind word from someone who truly understands what you’re going through.
For our Japanese Members, Connections is also a place to practice English, make international friends, and help newcomers navigate the customs and culture of their country. That was invaluable for me, too. I learned about Japan’s medical system, people’s views, and family traditions. I also discovered that—apart from the packaging—life is the same everywhere. We all seek human connection and a sense of belonging to a group that gives us purpose.
In today’s rapidly changing world, these things matter more than ever. The Connections board has been working on a renewed vision—one that honors both our history and our future. The name change from Women’s Group to Connections was made with the best intentions, to be more inclusive; but it hasn’t clearly conveyed who we are. We are therefore planning another change to better define our identity.
As part of our renewed vision, we are committed to working closely with the Club’s Board of Governors to clarify our policies. Our group has always been the face of the Club through our charity work, and for many is the heart of the Club. That remains our core value.
Many people don’t realize that Connections membership includes their partner. We organize events, tours, and classes almost every week, where Members can learn, explore, chat, or simply relax and feel welcome. All our events are made possible through collaboration with our dedicated events team and volunteers.
Throughout my years here, I’ve learned that what truly gives life meaning is working with others toward something greater than ourselves. I’ve made lifelong friends from around the world through our work on the International Bazaar and other charity and social events. These are the values we aim to rekindle—making Tokyo an even better place through philanthropy while building a sophisticated, friendly, international community that cares and has fun in the process.
In a world often marked by division and exclusion, we are committed to creating a space that fosters unity and acceptance. Along with the incredibly hardworking and dedicated women on the Connections board, I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events.
Christa Wallington is president of the Club’s Connections group.
“Throughout my years here, I’ve learned that what truly gives life meaning is working with others toward something greater than ourselves.”
At Your Service
The new Grab & Go feature in the app puts dishes from Club restaurants right at your fingertips.
To get started, just tap on the Grab & Go icon from the main menu. From there, you’ll be prompted to choose your pick-up time and the restaurant from where you’d like to order. After that, start adding your food items. Once you’ve finished, just hit “Submit.” Your order will be waiting for you.
If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, just search for Tokyo American Club on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. AJ
AWARDS
Rare Air
The Club has once again been awarded for industry excellence by The BoardRoom magazine, earning the designation of Iconic Distinguished Club. The accolade, administered by the California-based Association of Private Club Directors, recognizes clubs that meet a rigorous set of criteria across five quality standards and were founded more than 75 years ago. In addition, the Club was named as one of the 100 Platinum City Clubs of the World by the Club Leaders Forum, a US-based private club consultancy.
Club General Manager and COO Dustin McAvoy was thrilled by the honors. “This recognition puts us in the top 1 percent of private clubs around the world and reflects our dedication to providing an outstanding Member experience. We wear the distinction with pride.” AJ
DONNA BEEMAN
From the Shelves
For Member Andrew Scheer, reading has always been an important part of life. It’s a value he instills in his children as well, completing every summer and winter reading challenge with his kids since joining the Club in 2021. This includes reading 50 Caldecott Award winners to his fouryear-old son, Asher. And he thanks the staff for so many great recommendations. “For us, the best part of the Library is the librarians themselves.”
What was your favorite childhood book?
The Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine. I read one book per night—or as fast as I could get my hands on them.
I would stay up until I finished, have a nightmare from what I read, and then be a wreck in school the next day. The best was noticing everything I missed the first go-around when I reread a book while waiting for the next one to come out.
What inspired your love of books?
My grandmother Adele Donin always kept a book at her bedside. She described the vital role libraries played during the Great Depression in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, as an equalizer between rich and poor. Everyone could borrow a book and escape to another world. She taught her grandchildren that it doesn’t matter what you read as long as you’re reading.
What genre do you most enjoy?
I enjoy commentaries on popular culture. Sometimes I imagine grabbing a drink at Traders’ Bar with Mark Twain and Chuck Klosterman to hear what they think of our slice of Americana in Tokyo.
What are you currently reading?
Calypso by David Sedaris, a series of self-reflective essays on aging. Our neighborhood in Ebisu makes a surprise appearance.
When were you last unable to put down a book?
Dancing Arabs by Sayed Kashua. The Israeli-Arab author is arguably the greatest Hebrew writer alive today. The semi-autobiographical work delves into issues of balancing the insider–outsider dilemma, which speaks to my family’s experience raising American children born in Japan.
GIFT IDEAS
Present Perfect
This holiday season, treat your loved ones to luxurious tranquility, sharp threads, and premium pours.
The Spa is offering a lineup of Dermalogica gift sets designed to leave your skin looking radiant, refreshed, and rejuvenated, available at a range of price levels, from stocking stuffers to a premium spot under the tree.
You can also head to The Cellar to pick up Club-branded apparel and tumblers, as well as Streamer coffee beans, wine, and Westland single-malt whiskey made exclusively for the Club. Merry Christmas! AJ
Andrew Scheer
Luxury Homat properties for expats in Tokyo
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sun@sunrealty.co.jp
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• 1:1 Executive coaching & mentoring
• Leadership development, customized workshops for your organization (1/2 day or full day, held at the Club or a convenient
• Facilitation of leadership team offsite
• Strategic advisory
• Bilingual services (English & Japanese)
Minami-Azabu House
RECOGNITION
Above and
Beyond
As the winter chill sets in, Member Michael Richardson would like to warm up the atmosphere with memories of summer and how Osamu Miyagi made a gathering with friends a day to remember.
That’s why he singled out the banquet operations assistant manager for recognition in an online Tell TAC.
Early this year, Richardson was joined by friends for a barbecue buffet as part of the Club’s Fourth of July celebrations. One of his guests had recently lost her husband, and the outing was a very special moment for her, one of the first times she could lift her spirits with dear friends.
“When we got there, I made a couple of requests that were not totally out of the ordinary, but were definitely not normal,” he recalls. “This was my first time attending the celebrations, and one of my guests was a very close friend. Osamu jumped in to help, and kept coming back to make sure we were good. He went above and beyond, helping us with things like when the cork went into a wine bottle that a guest had brought from home. He took it back, fished out the cork, and put it in a nice decanter. Just absolutely super-fantastic service.”
For Miyagi, such attention to detail comes naturally. “To see Members’ satisfaction and go farther than their expectations is what I enjoy most about my job,” says the Okinawa native who joined the Club team in 2004.
“I expect good service at the Club, but Osamu went way above that,” says Richardson. “He was just so nice, and he made everyone feel really comfortable.” CBJ
Members can recognize Club staff by submitting an online Tell TAC through the Club website.
SIPS
A Toast to Taste
KANAKO IJICHI
Variety, craftsmanship, and discovery drive today’s beer makers, and the Club celebrates the craft with an expansive selection offering the perfect pour for every pint lover.
Across all outlets, Members can enjoy a consistent lineup of favorites, from crisp Asahi Super Dry, smooth Suntory Premium Malt, and refreshing Heineken to our own original Traders’ Session IPA and two alcohol-free options: Suntory All-Free and the European-style Bière des Amis 0.0.
Each venue adds its own unique flavor. Traders’ Bar features five craft beers on tap, with a rotating selection that includes pale ales and IPAs. The lineup changes weekly, offering a fresh experience with each visit. A current highlight is Black Tide Brewing’s Hoya Boya Hazy IPA. Winner of the Club’s September Craft Beer Taste-Off, the brew is celebrated for its tropical aroma and smooth, hazy finish.
Upstairs, 51 East Bar & Lounge stocks bottled craft beers, such as the elegant Allagash Tripel Golden Ale, known for its bright-yellow hue and Belgian-style complexity. Also featured are Baird’s Yabai Yabai Strong Scotch Ale—a rich, malt-forward Japanese favorite—and Pizzakaya Green Tea IPA, a bold fusion of hoppy bitterness and earthy matcha notes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a familiar classic or eager to explore rare finds, the Club’s beer program invites you to raise a glass to creativity, quality, and great company!
Kanako Ijichi is the Club’s beverage manager and sommelier.
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
(l–r) Osamu Miyagi and Michael Richardson
What’s on in
DECEMBER 5
Bonenkai Soirée
Bid adieu to 2025 in style with a black-tie event filled with festive cheer!
The New York Ballroom and Brooklyn rooms will play host to an evening of live music, exquisite cuisine, and merry mingling as Members share memories of the past year and look ahead to the next. For your dining pleasure, there will be free-flow Champagne, premium wine selections, and a sushi chef on hand.
Music in the New York Ballroom will be uptempo ska, pop, and funk by Tama & Band, followed by sets featuring DJ Celly and MC Gonzalez from 9pm. And starting at 8pm, the party expands with a quieter atmosphere on the third floor at 51 East, which will be offering live jazz to put a little extra soul into your evening. With the rhythms continuing until 11, it’s the perfect nightcap.
The satellite hub throws its own year-end
bash on December 12 with a posh evening of flavorful flair and high-spirited toasts. Enjoy live music, mix and mingle, and embrace the rhythm of the season as you dance your way toward the new year in Nihonbashi. Come raise a glass and toast the season in both clubhouses as we turn the page to 2026! CBJ
Bonenkai Soirée
• December 5 • New York Ballroom, Brooklyn rooms (7–10pm); 51 East (8–11pm)
• Members: ¥3,850 (walk-ins: ¥7,700); guests: ¥8,500 (walk-ins: ¥9,500) • Limit four guests per Member • Nihonbashi Members welcome • Sign up online
Nihonbashi Bonenkai
• December 12 • 6:30–9pm (after-party: 9–10:30pm) • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • ¥8,000 (walk-ins: ¥9,200); guests: ¥11,500 (walk-ins: ¥13,225); afterparty: + ¥2,500 (guests: + ¥3,680) • Limit two guests per Member • Sign up online
1
Letters to Santa
Thanks to the Club’s longtime partnership with Saint Nick, Club kids can drop off their letters at Member Services (B1) by December 5 to be exclusively delivered to his North Pole hub.
• ¥770 • Details online
1
Nihonbashi Winter Afternoon Tea
Warm up all month long with the American Room’s wintry selection of sweet and savory bites and robust teas.
• 2–5pm • American Room • ¥3,500
• Details online
1
December Delights
Celebrate the holidays in Nihonbashi with a special seasonal course and a glass of Dom Pérignon Champagne.
• Through December 31 • 5–10pm (last order: 8pm) • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • ¥18,000
• Details online
1
ARK Donation Drive
Members place pet food, toys, blankets, and other useful items under the Library’s Christmas tree to help animals in need.
• Through December 31 • Library
• Details online
3
Connections Holiday Luncheon
Wrap up the year with the Connections group’s annual luncheon of festive songs, fun, and fizz.
• 11:30am–2pm • Manhattan III
• ¥8,000 (guests: ¥10,000) • Ages 20 & above • Nihonbashi Members welcome
• Sign up online
3
Winter Reading Challenge
The Library’s perennially popular page-turner returns for another session of wintry reads and spectacular prizes.
• Through January 14 • Children’s Library • Free • Ages 2–12
• Details online
6 Santa’s Winter Garden Wonderland
Since the start of November, Club kids have been dropping off their letters to Santa, carrying on an American tradition that began in the late 1800s. In 1874, The New York Times reported on children writing such letters, and in 1879, cartoonist Thomas Nast created the first known image of a youngster dropping one addressed to “St. Claus North Pole” into a mailbox for Harper’s Weekly. From there, the practice of penning and posting wishes took off—though it wasn’t until 1989 that Santa got his own ZIP code.
To make certain that those wishes are well received, the Club invites Saint Nick to fly down from the North Pole to set up shop in the Winter Garden each year. He’ll meet kids on his “nice” list on two weekends this month to double-check what they’re hoping to see under the tree on Christmas morning, and to pose for snapshots.
And while a white Christmas is a rare sight in Tokyo, that won’t be the case this year. To add a touch of holiday magic, the Main Entrance will be getting its own snowfall at 5pm on weekend evenings, accompanied by festive music and lights.
So, get your wish lists ready and experience the magic of Christmas alongside Kris Kringle, right in the Winter Garden! CBJ
• December 6 & 7 and 20 & 21 • Winter Garden • Free • Details online
5
Be an Angel
Bring holiday cheer to a child living in a Salvation Army home.
• Through December 5 • Details online
5
Holiday Movie Night
Club kids enjoy a lineup of Christmas flicks while parents bid adieu to 2025 at the Bonenkai Soirée.
• 6–9:30pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms • ¥3,300 (guests & walk-ins: ¥3,960) • Ages 5–12 • Sign up online
6 & 7
Gingerbread House Workshop
Bored of the same old holiday cookies? Don your apron and culinary carpenter’s hat for one of three deliciously fun sessions of construction.
• 11am–4pm • Washington & Lincoln rooms • ¥3,520 (guests: ¥4,290) • Sign up online
6 & 7
Holiday High Tea
A winter selection of sweet and savory deliciousness, paired with teas and seasonal drinks. Continues each weekend through December 28.
• 3–5pm • Winter Garden • ¥5,000
• Details online
6 & 7
Snowflake Show
Make your holiday weekends magical with faux snowfall, cheerful music, and festive lights every Saturday and Sunday through December 21.
• 5–5:15pm • Club entrance (1F) • Details online
12
& 19
Roasted Chestnut Stall
Find good fortune with complimentary bags of chestnuts.
• 5–6pm • Club entrance (1F) • Free
13
Christmas Candy Workshop
Bells jingle, snowflakes twirl, and sweets wait to be shaped at an enchanting workshop for little elves, led by Mrs. Candy G.
• 1–4:45pm • The Studio • ¥2,310 (guests: ¥2,772) • Sign up online
13 & 14
Family Christmas Show
The holidays are all about stories, and the Club’s annual Family Christmas Show, organized by the Culture, Community & Entertainment Committee, is filled with a cast of captivating, charming, and chuckle-inducing characters.
Returning this year is singer Jenny Shima—a real-life Disney princess—and the ever-popular pantomime duo Gabez, who are bringing their distinctive brand of entertainment to the Club for the third time.
In the 2023 story, Gabez played bumbling pirates sent by Captain Hook to foil Peter Pan’s Christmas plans, while last year they caused mischief as naughty elves. With Shima helping craft this year’s story, the boys are sure to create hilarious havoc once again.
Equally impressive will be the lineup of festive fare cooked up by the Club’s chefs especially for this celebration.
With four shows over two days, families can expect a fun-packed outing complete with holiday bites, live music, crafting for the kids, and a special visit from Santa.
“You see lots of pretty decorations and lights in Japan, and in that way it sort of feels like Christmas, but I always want an explosion of Christmas,” Shima told INTOUCH ahead of last year’s show. “This is the place to fill up your Christmas spirit cup.” CBJ
• 12–2pm & 5–7pm (Santa visit: 2–3pm & 7–8pm) • New York Ballroom and Brooklyn rooms • Adults: ¥6,000 (guests: ¥7,200); children: ¥2,800 (guests: ¥3,360) • Details online
24 & 25
Christmas Grand Buffets
Whether you prefer a yuletide meal before Santa embarks on his globetrotting trip or after the morning gift exchange, the Club’s lunch and dinner buffets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will set the mood with a mouthwatering selection of traditional favorites and fresh twists.
Raise a glass of eggnog and toast the culinary team’s creativity as you unwrap a lunch or dinner spread brimming with dishes to satisfy every palate and appetite.
The lineup of holiday fare runs from turkey roulade and Jamaican jerk roast leg of lamb to cedar-planked salmon and carved F1 wagyu roast beef with au jus sauce and horseradish. Put a bow on it with a dessert selection overflowing with treats like Christmas stollen, red velvet bundt cake, chocolate toffee pudding, and white chocolate yule log that’s sure to end your meal on a sweet note.
Looking to let even more Christmas cheer flow? Adults can enjoy a two-hour, all-you-can-drink beverage package.
Whether you were on Santa’s good list or not, everyone deserves to celebrate with a Club feast. Happy holidays! CBJ
• December 24: 4:30–7:30 pm; December 25: 11am–2pm & 4:30–7:30pm • New York Ballroom, Brooklyn rooms (private booking) • Adults: ¥9,200 (two-hour, all-you-can-drink beverage package: ¥3,300); ages 13–17: ¥5,500; ages 4–12: ¥2,450; ages 3 & under: free • Limit 10 people per reservation • Sign up online by December 19
14
Christmas Bonanza
Dive into family fun with holiday games, stories, crafts, photos, and more.
• 10am–3:45pm • Gymnasium
• ¥2,750 (guests: ¥3,300); ages 2 & under: free to enter, participation ¥2,750 • Details online
15
Holiday Camp
Make lasting memories with themed crafts, songs, dance, and games. Three sessions through December 31.
• 9am–3pm • ¥31,680–52,800; Camp Plus (3–5pm): ¥4,180 per day • Ages 3–10 • Details online
18
Holiday Jazz Dinner at 51 East
Enjoy a festive course meal with jazz standards and holiday melodies from Ryutaro Makino and his trio.
• 6:30–9:30pm • 51 East • ¥16,000
• Adults only • Sign up online
20
Christmas Storytime
Junior Toastmasters read holiday tales by the tree at this special Christmasthemed session of stories and activities.
• 11am–12pm • Library • Free
• Details online
24
Christmas Eve Live
While away the hours ’til Santa comes with smooth holiday jazz and a superlative multicourse meal at the Nihonbashi clubhouse.
• 6–9:30pm • American Room, Muromachi Bar & Lounge • Details online
31
Club Countdown at 51 East
Ring in the Year of the Horse with gourmet bites, free-flow drinks, and fantastic entertainment.
• 10pm–1am • 51 East • ¥25,000 (walkins: ¥30,000); guests: ¥ 30,000 (walkins: ¥35,000); Member couple: ¥40,000
• Adults only • Sign up online
Check the Club website for the most up-to-date information on events and programs.
Sun Realty at 70 Years: A Legacy of Trust and Expatriate Excellence
An interview with Satoshi Ihara, president of Sun Realty & Insurance Corporation
For more than 70 years, Sun Realty & Insurance Corporation has been a corner stone of Tokyo’s luxury housing market, known for serving the city’s international community with sincerity and sophisti cation. Founded in 1954 by Shizuko Tani, the company emerged from Japan’s postwar housing shortage, when Western-style homes were almost impossible to find.
“At the time, most houses had tatami flooring and no hot water or air conditioning,” recalls President Satoshi Ihara.
“Ms. Tani recognized that foreign residents needed homes that reflected their lifestyles. Her vision shaped the foundation of modern expatriate housing in Tokyo.”
Since the beginning, Sun Realty partnered with Homat Homes, Ltd., which developed properties while Sun Realty managed leasing and maintenance. Their earliest clients included General Headquarters officers and members of the US military. From installing hot water boilers, air conditioners, mosquito screens, and flush toilets—which was a requirement at the time—meeting Western expectations
President Satoshi Ihara
Homat Sharon in Minami-Azabu
Founder Shizuko Tani
immediately set the company apart and earned it a reputation for reliability and cultural understanding.
As a fluent English speaker and global thinker, Tani led the company until the age of 94, instilling a simple but powerful value: trust is everything. “She used to say, ‘It takes a long, hard way to gain trust, but you can lose it in one second,’” Ihara shares. “That philosophy still defines who we are.”
SERVICE BEYOND PROFIT
Sun Realty’s longevity is built on a philosophy of heartfelt service. “Our goal is not simply to pursue profit,” Ihara says, “but to bring happiness and comfort to our clients. When we act with sincerity, appreciation naturally follows.”
This belief has shaped the company’s identity for generations. Employees are trained to recommend what truly fits a customer’s needs—even if it’s a more modest property. The result is enduring loyalty; about 70 percent of new buyers come through personal referrals.
Sun Realty also holds a distinct advantage as the exclusive manager of Homat properties, a brand designed exclusively for international clients. This status grants them early access to listings before they reach the open market. Amid Tokyo’s highly competitive housing scene, this ensures buyers receive first notice of premium homes—a critical edge for executives, diplomats, and global professionals seeking quality and convenience.
MODERN HOMES FOR MODERN FAMILIES
While early expats prioritized basic Western amenities, today’s residents look for spacious, contemporary living— and Sun Realty has evolved to meet those expectations.
“Modern families want open kitchens, larger living areas, and at least two bathrooms,” Ihara explains. “We adapt older properties through renovations, blending international comfort with Japanese design sensibility.”
Homat properties remain a benchmark for luxury, featuring residences of around 200 square meters with three or more bedrooms—more than double the size of a typical Tokyo apartment. Many units are fully upgraded with open kitchens and imported American or European appliances, offering both elegance and practicality.
While Sun Realty is widely recognized as the leading name behind Tokyo’s iconic Homat properties, few realize that the company also serves as a full-service luxury real estate agency, showcasing the finest homes and apartments across Tokyo. Guided by a deep understanding of their discerning clientele, they tailor each property selection to individual needs with precision and discretion, offering the entire spectrum of Tokyo’s luxury living.
A DEEP BOND WITH THE CLUB
Sun Realty’s connection with Tokyo American Club stretches back more than half a century. Tani was a longtime member, and Homat Homes founder Jiro Matsumura—whose portrait still hangs in the second-floor Library—served as the Club’s permanent honorary chairman.
“For many years, Ms. Tani donated annually to the Club,” Ihara recalls.
“That tradition reflects our shared values of trust, community, and contribution.”
Today, Sun Realty continues that mission by supporting the international community and helping newcomers feel at home in Japan. “Our role is to make life in Tokyo seamless,” Ihara explains. “We’re not just finding houses—we’re creating comfort, connection, and belonging.”
THE SPIRIT THAT ENDURES
At the heart of Sun Realty lies a clear corporate philosophy: “To enhance the lives and property values of our customers and landlords through high-quality service and sincere support, while providing memorable living experiences in Japan and contributing to both local and global communities.”
This philosophy reflects the company’s attentive and caring spirit as they anticipate clients’ needs with heartfelt hospitality. “Even after 70 years, our purpose hasn’t changed,” Ihara reflects. “We’re here to be a bridge between people and Tokyo—to welcome the world with warmth and integrity.”
As Sun Realty celebrates its 70th anniversary, its light shines as brightly as ever—an enduring symbol of trust, excellence, and the art of making Tokyo feel like home.
Sun Realty & Insurance Corporation
Your trusted partner in Tokyo luxury real estate since 1954.
Sun Realty staff with US Ambassador to Japan George Glass at a local festival in Akasaka.
Tokugawa Village Compound in Mejiro
Savor the Season
WORDS ALEC JORDAN IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
If you’re looking for an elegant culinary celebration of the holidays, look no further than 51 East. The third-floor eatery will be serving up a multicourse feast that is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
The meal starts with a French 68, a Champagne cocktail, and moves on to delicacies like baccalà mantecato with Miyazaki caviar, prosciutto tortellini, porchetta pork roast, and Beef Wellington. The sweet finale is poached pear with wine sauce, ricotta ice cream, and chocolate crumble. It’s the perfect present to the foodie in your life—or yourself!
• 51 East’s Christmas Course Menu • ¥14,000 • December 18–27
VAULTS AND VINES
Actor-turned-winemaker
Kyle MacLachlan returns to the Club to share the fruits of his craft with Members.
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
IMAGE MAT HAYWARD
“Exit, pursued by a bear.” It’s one of the most famous stage directions in theater, an unexpected twist in Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale. It’s also the inspiration for actor Kyle MacLachlan’s shift into one of his offstage passions: winemaking.
In town this month to promote season 2 of the Amazon drama Fallout, in which he plays Vault 33 overseer Hank MacLean, MacLachlan will be dropping by the Club to share a glass with Members—a reprise of his 2019 role as wine dinner host.
Perhaps best known to Members as FBI special agent Dale Bartholomew Cooper—the protagonist of David Lynch’s famed TV series Twin Peaks—MacLachlan turned his love of wine into a new endeavor in 2005, when he teamed up with vintner Eric Dunham to make wines in that series’s setting of the Pacific Northwest.
A native of Washington state, the Dune and Blue Velvet actor eyed the fertile land of Walla Walla, near the Oregon border, as the ideal location for his vineyards. And for the craft itself, he drew upon his theatrical background.
“Bear, to us, embodies the similarities between the timehonored crafts of acting and winemaking,” says MacLachlan when telling the story of the winery’s founding. “Both call for careful study, intensive work behind the scenes, and a little bit of magic.”
Magic will indeed be on hand in the 51 East private dining room as MacLachlan uncorks his latest vintages and shares stories with Members over a delectable course dinner.
Members can enjoy MacLachlan’s most popular wine, the Blushing Bear Rosé—a blend of 73 percent Grenache and 27 percent Mourvèdre—while also being introduced to his newly released Bear Cub Chardonnay. Sourced from
Dionysus Vineyard, the 2024 vintage is bursting with sunny aromas of pineapple, lychee, and citrus peel. A swirl brings out layers of juicy pear, lemon verbena, and just a hint of honey butter.
Lovers of red will also enjoy a vertical tasting of the 2018 and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with F1 wagyu strip loin. Other dishes include caviar, chicken roulade, and roasted venison. Since its first releases, the winery has received consistent accolades for its Cabs. The 2018 garnered an impressive 92 points from Wine Spectator, while Vinous awarded the 2022 vintage a 93.
French oak Taransaud barrels are, according to MacLachlan, his wines’ “signature element.”
“They’re rare, highly sought-after, spoken for well in advance,” he explains of Taransaud’s tight-grained coopering. “I tend to age the wines a little longer, and [the barrels] really help to keep the oxygen out, without over-oaking.”
The wines—already drinking beautifully and sure to age gracefully for another 10 to 15 years—will be available for purchase on the evening, and attendees can have the bottles autographed by MacLachlan.
Of course, no celebration of MacLachlan’s offstage passions would be complete without a nod to his most famous on-screen indulgence: cherry pie. A slice of pure Americana, the tart treat evokes the same warmth and quiet mystery found in Twin Peaks and his Walla Walla wines.
Pursued by Bear Wine Dinner with Kyle MacLachlan • December 14 • 6:30–9:30pm • 51 East • ¥25,000 • Limit three guests per Member • Sign up online
Kyle MacLachlan
D I A L O G U E S
T H
N A T U R E W I
Old and new come together in the Frederick Harris Gallery as two Japanese painters uncover the everyday beauty of life.
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
French sculptor Auguste Rodin once said that, to the artist, all in nature is beautiful. “It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature, and which there divines the spirit of which nature herself is animated.”
That same spirit runs through the work of Japanese painters Hyottoko Suzuki and Noriko Okawara, who share their creative visions this month in separate exhibitions at the Frederick Harris Gallery.
Suzuki, whose show opened on November 27 and runs through December 15, finds inspiration in the everyday for her contemporary art that takes cues from the past.
“I am very fond of ukiyo-e’s delicate line drawings, deformation that is not too realistic, pictures depicting ordinary people and their daily lives, humor, and satire, [all of] which have influenced my own paintings,” explains Suzuki, noting that her work is a mixture of contemporary, consumed objects and old-fashioned expression influenced by the traditional Japanese art form.
“The home appliances and trendy sweets that are often depicted in my paintings are things that help and enrich people’s lives. The old is
forgotten as the new appears. I think that the way people are is reflected in these consumed items.”
Animals also make appearances in her art, such as the kingfisher moved to play keyboard by the flowers blooming forth from a synthesizer in a painting inspired by the ukiyo-e work of Katsushika Hokusai. In 1 2 3
1. Iris japonicas and pinks blooming from the synthesizer of kingfishers by Hyottoko Suzuki
2. Taira no Kiyomori not seeing meerkats by Hyottoko Suzuki
3. Kiku Fuji Akebono by Noriko Okawara
another, an homage to Hiroshige Utagawa, meerkats gather in the form of a skull when viewed with a guilty conscience by 12th-century military leader Taira no Kiyomori.
Suzuki, whose passion for art started as a child, went on to graduate from Musashino Art University. She held her first solo exhibition in 2021 at the Mori Art Museum shop, and has since staged numerous solo and group shows in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Her work has also been commissioned for book and album covers.
The exhibition Suzuki is sharing with Members offers a sweeping view of her “Kadenzu” series, along with other works, and she hopes it can offer an uplifting view of today’s world.
“I see a lot of confrontation and negative words thrown around on social media and in the news today,” she says. “I hope that those who view my work will experience a little softening of the heart.”
On December 16, the gallery welcomes Okawara, a special member of the Japan Art Institute and a professor
at Kamakura Women’s University.
At age 12, she wrote in her elementary school yearbook that she wanted to be either an artist, an astronaut, or a dentist when she grew up. The calling of the canvas and a love of nature won out.
“When I observe plants in order to paint them, I find myself captivated by the quiet logic of their forms,” Okawara explains. “Even the small ones growing on my balcony stretch their branches and leaves day by day, subtly changing, and seem to speak to me—telling me how they’re feeling as I water them.”
Whether those flowers bloom again after withering in the changing seasons depends on many factors: the strength of the individual plant, its ability to adapt, and the care it receives. “It is never certain,” she admits, “[but] this world feels beautiful, resilient, silent, and continuous.”
Okawara says she is drawn to the depth of the environments and scenes she transfers to canvas using materials born from nature, such as pigments made from crushed minerals, gold leaf from hammered metal, and washi paper crafted from plant fibers.
“In Japan, there’s a long-held belief that spirits dwell within objects. Materials shaped from natural elements are thought to carry spiritual energy,” she explains. “No matter how many times I paint, I never feel I’ve captured it all. I face nature’s mysteries, converse with them, and absorb their quiet power.”
This exhibition, In Dialogue with Natural Elements, also features Okawara’s original painting for the celebratory stage curtain presented by Tiffany & Co. for the succession of the eighth-generation Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugoro, unveiled at Ginza’s historic Kabukiza Theater in June.
“Through my work, I seek to harmonize the subject and the materials of nature—expressing a world shaped by a Zen-like sensibility. I hope you’ll enjoy the interplay between traditional Japanese culture and contemporary sensibilities.”
Exhibition: Hyottoko Suzuki
• Through December 15 • Frederick Harris Gallery
• Artworks available for purchase through Member Services
• Details online
Exhibition: Noriko Okawara
• December 16–January 13 • Frederick Harris Gallery
• Artworks available for purchase through Member Services
• Details online
ARTOVILLA/KYOUHEI YAMAMOTO
NOT LETTING IT GO
With the holiday season upon us , the 2013 Disney animated feature Frozen will again be on heavy rotation as a Christmas favorite, its hit song “Let It Go” sending festive spirits soaring. But there’s one person in Japan who sings that tune not only in December but almost every day of the year: May J. Members who know the Japanese version of the soundtrack will recognize her voice.
Following her performance at the Club’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the end of November, and ahead of her Christmas dinner show at Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel on December 16, the singer talks to INTOUCH about what the song has meant for her career as she prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of her recording debut.
Sung by Queen Elsa in the movie, “Let It Go” was written by the husband-and-wife team of Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez for Broadway superstar Idina Menzel, whose vocal range spans three octaves. It became a monster hit, and a signature song for May, who delighted Members with it as the Club “switched on” the holidays.
When the Japanese version of Frozen was being prepared, May was chosen to sing the tune.
“Disney was looking for someone who could sing in English and Japanese and hit the high notes, because it’s a really hard song to sing,” recalls May, also known to music lovers outside Japan for hosting NHK’s J-Melo, a TV program about Japanese music of all genres. “I told my staff that I always dreamed of singing Disney songs someday, and that day came in 2014.”
The song hit No. 8 on the Japan Hot 100 just seven years after May graduated from high school, where she cultivated her international background. Born in 1988 to Japanese and Iranian parents, the “J” is from her Persian name, Jamileh. She began singing in a vocal jazz group at the American School in Japan (ASIJ), performing at the Club in the early 2000s.
Two decades on, singer May J. stays in tune with her dreams—with a little help from a familiar song.
WORDS
TIM HORNYAK IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
While she was a fan of jazz from a young age, her most important influences are global pop stars like Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Céline Dion, and fellow ASIJ alumna Hikaru Utada. Her early work also channeled musical inspiration from her Iranian heritage, such as pop singer Googoosh.
“I love powerful songs,” says May. “I tend to choose songs with a more powerful chorus. After I became a mother two years ago, I’ve been interested in singing songs about love, but with a bigger picture of love, not just boyfriend-girlfriend love.”
Today, with 10 albums, including 2024’s Aurora, under her belt, May has developed her own unique vocal style that combines raw energy and emotional weight. She reflected on how the music industry has changed dramatically over the past two decades, especially with the advent of streaming services.
“The way songs go viral on Instagram and TikTok is so different now, and they don’t stay popular that long,” she explains. “On top of that, every song has a unique style, so there’s no telling what type will go viral.”
That’s very much in evidence in her upcoming single, “Darling You,” which plays over the credits of the 2026 Kenichi Ugana film I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn. The offbeat, cross-cultural romantic satire pairs a down-on-her-luck Japanese actress (Ui Mihara)
“Music is my life, and I don’t know what else I could do if I lost my voice.”
with an eccentric indie filmmaker (Estevan Muñoz) trying to produce a horror flick in the Big Apple. The film picked up an award at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival earlier this year.
A pianist and composer herself, May wrote the song with Joshua Leung and Ryosuke Imai after viewing clips of the film; the lyrics mention the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the settings. The tune came together when the three artists met in a studio and began working from scratch.
“There are many ways to write a song,” says May. “Sometimes the music comes first, and then I write lyrics. In this case, we made it in one day—the lyrics, melody, and everything. It was like magic.”
Apart from promoting the single, May will present The May J. Christmas Dinner Show 2025 at the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel’s Club Fuji on December 16. She’ll then spend 2026 putting together ideas for a new album, introducing Japanese music on J-Melo and marking her 20th anniversary with a series of live performances. She wants to thank her supporters for their support with special fan club events.
“Music is my life, and I don’t know what else I could do if I lost my voice,” she notes. “I don’t really think about the market. I just sing what I want to sing, and I sing it from the bottom of my heart. I try not to follow trends or to be like somebody else. I just try to be me.”
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A TOAST TO COMMUNITY
The Connections group carries on a holiday tradition, honoring longtime members and welcoming new faces.
WORDS C BRYAN JONES
IMAGE TAKUMARU SUZUKI
December at the Club is bursting with exciting events and seasonal fun. The Connections group always looks forward to its holiday luncheon—a chance not only to cap off the year with a glass of bubbly and a delicious meal, but to celebrate the special moments that have built connection in the community.
“We are ringing in the holiday season on December 3 with a beautiful lunch, holiday entertainment, a welcome glass of Prosecco, and raffles,” says Marieann Machida, director of community relations for Connections and organizer of the event.
In between the culinary courses, toasts, and chatter, a special part of the annual event is honoring Members who have been part of Connections—and the Women’s Group before its name change in 2020—for more than 25 years.
While the event has gone under different monikers—it was long known as “Holiday Cheer & Champagne” and has also been called “Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas” and, last year, “Twinkle and Toast”—its purpose and importance have remained steadfast: to get to know fellow Members and build connections in the community.
Among the festive flavors to be shared this year are curried butternut squash bisque, duck salad, and Niigata F1 wagyu, as well as vegetarian options such as zucchini fritto and winter mushroom strudel available upon request—all capped off with flair by red velvet lava cake.
Music is a big part of the celebration as well, and pianist and Member Haruno Akiyama will bring her own holiday cheer to the gathering with renditions of popular songs.
Connections President Christa Wallington, who shares more about the group’s background, purpose, and future plans in this month’s Leadership column on page 5, says the holiday luncheon is always a highlight for her. “There are so many treats, and one can reflect on the year gone by. Christmas, for me, is always about family, and going to the luncheon is to celebrate with friends who have become family. I also always meet and connect with someone I have not seen throughout the year, and that makes me feel that it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
To make it easier for moms to join in the fun, Connections has arranged a 25 percent discount voucher for childcare.
“Every year, the holiday party is a great way to kick off this delightful season when we all celebrate the past year and anticipate the year to come with our families and friends,” says Machida. “Please join us for a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, delicious food, and high-spirited entertainment.”
Beyond the holiday luncheon, the group is hosting more events in December to help Members end the year on a high note and carry the energy into the new year. Culture Connections on the first Monday, Cocktail Connections on the second Wednesday, and Coffee Connections on the last Monday of each month are gatherings that build friendships and make Club life bloom.
Connections Holiday Luncheon
• December 3 • 11:30am–2pm • Manhattan III • ¥8,000 (guests: ¥10,000) • Ages 20 & above • Nihonbashi Members welcome • Sign up online
PLAY WITH PURPOSE
New Recreation Director Kaitlyn Giguere shares her vision for Club fitness and fun.
WORDS
IMAGE
C BRYAN JONES
KAYO YAMAWAKI
Born and raised in Michigan , Kaitlyn Giguere headed south in her early 20s to pursue a degree in sport and exercise science, with a specialty in coaching psychology, from the University of Central Florida. While in school, she worked as a personal trainer and a group exercise instructor. After graduation, she returned north to lead the YMCA in central Wisconsin as the area healthy living director. That was just the start of a journey that would lead Giguere to Tokyo as director of the Club’s recreation programs. Each waypoint provided insights that she now deftly combines to deliver the best of hospitality and private club experiences. As she takes up her new post, she shares more about her path and vision with INTOUCH
How did you become involved in recreation for private clubs?
people in the US. Here, the Club seems like a priority—even a necessity.
At the YMCA, I oversaw all things revenue-generating at three different facilities in Wisconsin before moving to the flagship location—the Anthony Bowen property—in the Washington, DC, association. That’s where I identified gaps in my knowledge that I didn’t really know how to fill in my role as wellness director.
In 2019, an opportunity came along at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island in north Florida, so I stepped into my first hospitality job. I took a step back from being a director to being a manager, but it was a much-needed step. I had no idea the monster I was walking into in hospitality, especially at the level at which the RitzCarlton functions. I learned a lot there about luxury resort management. There’s a level of creativity that you can have compared with traditional recreation.
What is your impression of the Club community?
I assumed that when I got to Japan, I would feel more out of place, but I’m already getting acclimated. I can also see that Members view the Club as a second home, whereas in other places I’ve been, it felt more like a place to visit on the weekend if they have time. It’s more of an amenity for
What can Members expect from you?
Right off the bat, Members can expect me to have an open-door policy. I’ve been very fortunate to connect with several Members already on projects they want to look into. I welcome those conversations. I really want Members to know that my ear is always available to them.
What’s your vision for recreation at the Club?
I really want to focus on working with other departments more closely to elevate all the recreation venues and make things feel even more special. For example, we can enhance our events by collaborating with food and beverage and working more closely with marketing and communications. Long term, I would love to see recreation become completely holistic and integrated with Club life, and to live under the idea that health and wellness is a generational thing—from our youngest Members to our oldest Members. The fact that we have so many adults who grew up at the Club gives us the opportunity to provide touchpoints throughout their journey, across all generations of a family.
Kaitlyn Giguere
Core Awakening
Aching for flexibility, Member Geoffrey Kamizuru-Bowman found the perfect fix in Pilates with trainer Agata Jargilo.
IMAGE KAYO YAMAWAKI
When I was growing up, I played soccer , but I stopped after college because it’s a pretty grueling sport. I started running instead, and also playing golf and tennis. Running became core to me—I ran the New York Marathon and a bunch of half-marathons in Japan—but I started getting more injuries. I couldn’t run for a while, and playing golf was tough.
I knew I was getting older, but I went to the doctor to ask if something other than age was the cause. The doctor said, “You’re too tight, you don’t stretch enough.” Back when I played soccer, I had a warm-up and stretching routine. I did the same when running, thinking it was enough. But I’ve learned that we have to do more as we age.
When I had two months off between jobs, I decided to get really flexible. I never want to have those injuries again.
My golf instructor explained that if you can really build core strength—not just muscles in your arms—it helps you balance and get a better stroke and drive the ball farther.
I recalled a combination yoga and Pilates class I had taken at the Nihonbashi Club in 2024, taught by Agata Jargilo. She was a really great instructor. The lesson wasn’t too soft—it really had an impact on me. But she went back to her home country of Poland for a while, so I didn’t continue. She recently returned to the Club, and the Fitness Center let us know that she was available again for private Pilates sessions. So I signed up.
I’ve learned a lot about core muscles and balance from Agata, as well as the importance of rotation and how it ties into mobility.
She has taught me about the inner and outer rotation of your thighs and legs. She could tell that I’m really tight in my upper thigh muscles. I also have a lot of tightness in my back due to desk work. We’re working on it.
Agata also showed me ways to improve my stomach muscles, which are already pretty good but could be better. She has been teaching me about layers that I wasn’t working well enough, and showing me particular exercises using blocks, ropes, and belts. Stretching to the point where I am really feeling the pain—in a good way—has opened my eyes to where I can improve. My shoulder muscles, where I’ve had an injury, are another area that’s showing improved flexibility thanks to Agata’s instruction on joint movements beyond those I knew.
I didn’t appreciate Pilates enough until I tried it, but thanks to the Nihonbashi Club and Agata, I’ve found a great opportunity that’s convenient and reasonably priced, whether you do group classes or book Agata one-on-one. Thanks to Agata’s advice, in addition to Pilates sessions at the Club, I’ve been stretching a lot more at home. I wake up and stretch at least 15 minutes to start my morning and do some inner core muscle work. I also stretch before bed if I can. It has been a big stress release to be able to loosen up a lot of the tightness around my hips and back. Things are improving slowly but surely.
As told to INTOUCH’s C Bryan Jones.
Geoffrey Kamizuru-Bowman and Agata Jargilo
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Refugees at Risk
Nonprofit Japan for UNHCR appeals for support as international aid dwindles.
Over the past 10 years, the number of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution has almost doubled to 122 million, roughly the size of the population of Japan. At the same time, empathy for refugees and other displaced people is eroding in countries witnessing a surge in populism.
UNHCR, also known as the United Nations’ Refugee Agency, has not wavered in its support for such displaced people since it was established by the UN General Assembly in 1950. Operating in some 130 countries, UNHCR provides necessities for people fleeing danger. It helps them reach safety and gives them a start in rebuilding their lives.
To stress the importance of aiding refugees and enhance understanding of the challenges they face, Executive Director of Japan for UNHCR Masayuki Kawai and UNHCR Repre-
sentative in Japan Fumiko Kashiwa—a veteran humanitarian worker whose extensive experience supporting displaced people across the world, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iraq, and South Sudan—recently took part in a dialogue about the agency’s work ahead of the 20th Refugee Film Festival, which is held every year to raise awareness of refugee issues in Japan.
What is the current situation facing refugees globally? Kashiwa: UNHCR supports those who have crossed borders—people known as refugees—as well as those who, despite being in similar circumstances, remain within their own borders and are internally displaced.
Most refugees have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Refugees from Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and elsewhere face great hardship. Many express a
strong desire to return home, but conditions in their countries of origin remain dire, and durable solutions are slow to materialize. This prolonged displacement places a heavy burden on host countries and communities. In this situation, the lack of funds and other resources for humanitarian aid is not keeping up with demand.
Kawai: Many of the countries accepting refugees are part of the Global South. They bear the burden of accepting refugees, even as they struggle to provide for their own citizens socially and economically. Since the beginning of this year, developed countries, including the United States, have been reducing foreign aid and slashing humanitarian aid budgets. While the number of people who truly need protection and support is increasing, funding is decreasing, creating a very difficult situation.
How are UNHCR and partners like Japan providing assistance?
Kashiwa: When Sadako Ogata served as the high commissioner for refugees during the 1990s, she often emphasized a field-based approach. She worked on the front lines, alongside the people in need, listening to their voices and acting on their behalf.
Within this framework, we focus on strengthening the capacity of the refugee community members themselves. We also support each individual refugee in identifying what they can do through vocational training or volunteering within the refugee camp.
At the same time, protection remains central to our work—ensuring that refugees can live with dignity. Fundamentally, we work to prevent situations in which refugees face life-threatening dangers, making certain they don’t have to return to such places. Japan’s support is truly remarkable in this regard, exemplifying a whole-of-society approach through private-sector initiatives, individual contributions, and government efforts that ensure swift and effective emergency responses.
What strikes me in every operation is how parents are always thinking about their children’s futures. Even in a place such as a camp where there’s really nothing, they’ll say, “Well, I’ll lead in the future” or “I’ll be a cricket player, doctor, or astronaut.” There are children like that, and they can still envision their future dreams in that way.
How can people and organizations help UNHCR?
Kawai: I would like everyone to recognize that the importance of funding from the private sector, including corporations and individuals, is becoming increasingly critical. It’s also possible for companies to create jobs in host communities through their business operations. For example, IKEA is carrying out irrigation projects in Ethiopia. By making the region more prosperous, they are able to imagine future business partners and customers.
We rely on non-earmarked donations—from both individuals’ regular monthly contributions and companies—to maintain our stockpiles. We have warehouses worldwide that store emergency supplies for nearly 1 million people— blankets, water, hygiene items, solar lanterns, and so on. While some companies provide one-time support for specific events, an increasing number allocate a fixed annual amount for refugee assistance.
Companies can also hire refugees overseas or in Japan. There are students with refugee backgrounds in Japan, too. Some large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises employ them. Above all else, corporate donations and support for refugees heighten employee awareness. That’s why I feel corporations, as entities with tens of thousands of employees, hold such crucial importance. By empathizing, and then acting—something Japanese society has always valued—I hope we can turn our gaze toward the world’s refugees. This is about realizing there are people suffering far more than we are ourselves, and deciding to reach out today. I sincerely hope that spirit, that culture, continues indefinitely.
Learn more about Japan for UNHCR and the 20th Refugee Film Festival, which runs through December 7.
(opposite) Fumiko Kashiwa and Masayuki Kawai; (above) An underground metro school in Ukraine, supported by UNHCR, allows children to learn safely despite attacks.
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Empowering Expats with Insights
Right: DA Anhelina Left: DA Viktoriia
September 28
Fall Invitational Swim Meet
The Club hosted the area’s top swim teams for a battle of bragging rights and exciting aquatic action at the Sky Pool.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
October 9
Mitsui Memorial Museum Tour
Nihonbashi Members explored
Japanese and East Asian artworks acquired by the Mitsui families from the Edo Period onwards.
October 25
Halloween Spooktacular
Ahead of Halloween, costumed trick-ortreaters descended on the Gymnasium for a frighteningly fun day of spooky games, slithery creatures, and tasty candies.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
October 27
M. Chapoutier Wine Dinner with Michel Chapoutier
The seventh-generation Rhône Valley winemaker shared six vintages with Members over an exquisite course dinner in the 51 East private dining room.
IMAGES KAYO YAMAWAKI
October 31
First Friday Special Halloween Edition
Ghosts and ghouls welcomed Members to a haunted Winter Garden for an All Hallows’ Eve filled with frights and delights.
IMAGES YUUKI IDE
Off-Trail Adventures
Group
Snow Sports
Japan’s ski scene has gotten very exciting again post-pandemic—so much so that many popular resorts are too crowded for those looking for quality time on the slopes. The Club’s Snow Sports Group aims to introduce Members to the nation’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or rider, or itching to give the powder a go, there are many exciting spots to be found off the beaten track.
Organizer Andrew Daniels
Coming from the north of England, where there is very little snow, Member Andrew Daniels always wanted to ski but didn’t have the chance. That changed once he moved back to Japan in 2012 and began hitting the slopes with his kids. “My job, basically, was to keep up with them,” he recalls. “They were learning. I was learning. They were enjoying themselves. I was enjoying myself even more!” Eventually, the family set up a homestead in Karuizawa, and from there expanded their adventures across the country, heading out every weekend to where the snow is. Daniels has visited 42 resorts in Japan—even a ninja-themed one—and it’s those lesser-known spots that he wants to share with fellow Members through this Club group.
Snow Sports Group
• Members interested in joining can contact Andrew Daniels at tacsnowsports@gmail.com.
Skiers and snowboarders of all levels welcome.
IMAGE SHINGO IMAGAWA
Member Andrew Daniels on the Naeba slopes
