Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Tokyo American Club's monthly Member magazine.
Citation preview
iNTOUCH
TOK
YO A
MERIC
AN
CLU
B
iN
TO
UC
HIssu
e 524 • Novem
ber 2008
T O K Y O A M E R I C A N C L U B
November 2008
毎月一回一日発行
第四十三巻十一号
トウキョウアメリカンクラブ
インタッチマガジン二〇〇八十月一日発行
平成三年十一月二十日第三種郵便物許可定価八００円
本体七七七円
Cultured CatchJapan’s deep-sea jewels have spawned a
passion for pearls across the planet
Turn, Turn, TurnThe hot spots for taking in
autumn’s blazing colors
A Blessed Beginning
Construction gets a ceremonious start at Azabudai
Presidential PerspectiveOutgoing leader Dan Thomas
reflects on four years at the helm
recreationThe Cosmopolitan Culinarian
As the chef behind the exquisite
gastronomic creations in the American
Room, Nobukazu Toyama reveals what
inspires him in the kitchen.
10
Mothers of Pearls
From the hardy women pearl divers of
Mie Prefecture to the upmarket jewelers
of Ginza, iNTOUCH explores the history
of Japan’s love affair with the pearl and
finds out why the country continues to
be at the center of the global trade in
the lustrous bead.
30
food & beverage
feature
Cooking Up a Book
In researching her book, The Asian
Vegan Kitchen, Club Member and avid
foodie Hema Parekh uncovered plenty
of memories as well as recipes.
12library
Triathlon Trials
Spurred on by a desire to shed
some stubborn postnatal weight,
Club Member Yuka Quantrille set
herself a target of completing a
grueling triathlon.
22recreation
contents
4 Events
6 Board of Governors
7 Management
8 Food & Beverage
12 Library
16 Video
18 Committees
22 Recreation
26 Women's Group
30 Feature
38 Genkan Gallery
40 Talking Heads
42 Redevelopment
44 Member Services
51 Contacts
52 Inside Japan
54 Out & About
56 Event Roundup
60 Tokyo Moments
iNTOUCHEditor
Nick Jones [email protected]
Designers Ryan MundtJasmine Lai
Production AssistantYuko Shiroki
Editorial Assistant Wendi Hailey
Design AssistantMiki Amano
Communications Manager Matthew Roberts
ManagementMichael Bumgardner
General [email protected]
Bob SextonAssistant General Manager
Lian ChangInformation Technology Director
Darryl DudleyEngineering Director
Alistair GoughProject Director
Shuji HirakawaHuman Resources Director
Linda JosephAdministrative Services Director
Mutsuhiko KumanoFinance Director
Michael MarlayFood & Beverage Director
Scott YahiroRecreation Director
Cover photo by Jim Hand-Cukierman
To advertise in iNTOUCH, contact: [email protected]
03–4588–0976 For Membership information, contact Mari Hori.
03–4588–0687
Tokyo American Club4–25–46 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108–0074
www.tokyoamericanclub.org
2 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Hilary Wendel has lived in Tokyo for more than six years. While her parents live
in Bangladesh and her in-laws reside in Germany, California’s Napa is her other
home. In recent years, she has also lived in Frankfurt, New York City and Miami
Beach. Wendel, who has a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law
and Diplomacy at Tufts University, used to work in the auto industry in Europe.
Despite being a busy stay-at-home mom with three children, she still finds time
for writing (for this month’s cover story, on pages 30 to 36, she takes a look at the
popularity of the pearl in Japan), running, tennis, exploring Japan with friends and
being a member of the Women’s Group.
Hilary Wendel
Jim Hand-Cukierman is a Canadian freelance photographer and writer. After
studying photojournalism in Paris, he worked on the editorial picture desk of The
Globe and Mail newspaper in Toronto. Having moved to Tokyo with his wife three
years ago, he finds Japan to be a constant source of fuel for his journalistic pursuits,
and the resulting images and articles have appeared in various domestic and
international publications. Besides working as a copyeditor for The Nikkei Weekly
business newspaper, Hand-Cukierman is a regular contributor to iNTOUCH. For this
month’s cover story on pages 30 to 36, he traveled to Toba in Mie Prefecture to
assess the state of the centuries-old occupation of pearl diving.
Jim Hand-Cukierman
contributors
editorfrom the
When Sophia Coppola released Lost in Translation , her 2003 comedy-drama set in Tokyo, every resident, former dweller or one-
time visitor to the city had an opinion on the fi lm. Specifically, everybody enjoyed debating how well the director had portrayed
Tokyo and its inhabitants.
The jury was clearly split. There were those who praised Coppola’s depiction of the impersonality of the city, with its faceless crowds and
urban brashness. Others, however, weren’t so kind. This critical camp believed that the movie merely reinforced oft-repeated stereotypes of
Tokyo, accentuated by sweeping shots of the towering screens and hordes of Shibuya’s Hachiko Crossing.
Some may argue that if you asked a million people how they saw the city, you would receive a million different viewpoints. But since the city,
in effect, played a supporting role in the film, the director was, no doubt, forced to (a) use landmarks that audiences would recognize, and
(b) show a side of Tokyo that would reflect the protagonist Bob Harris’ feelings of isolation.
But whatever your opinion, the debate seems meaningless when compared with the James Bond flick You Only Live Twice. In this 1967
movie, 007, played by the wig-wearing Sean Connery, arrives in Japan on the trail of his old nemesis, Spectre, led by the equally follically
challenged Ernst Blofeld.
Among a slew of clichéd imagery (sumo wrestlers, subservient geisha, ninja, etc.), Bond organizes a sham marriage with a pearl diver, who is
actually a Japanese spy, as a cover. This was probably the first time that ama were introduced to the cinema-going public.
In this month’s cover story, “Mothers of Pearls,” Jim Hand-Cukierman heads to the home of these big-screen pearl-diving stars in Mie
Prefecture to find out how much truth there is to their cinematic portrayal, while Hilary Wendel takes a look at the commercial side of
Japan’s world-famous pearl trade.
If you have any comments about anything you read in iNTOUCH, please e-mail them
to [email protected], putting “Letter to the Editor” in the subject title of the mail.
Words from the editor 3
Artist’s Reception
Club Member Fred Harris unveils
his most recent collection of sumi
ink and watercolor paintings,
depicting Japanese life and
landscapes, at the Genkan Gallery.
Flip to page 38 for more.
3 Monday
AGM and Recognition of
Volunteer Leaders
The Club holds its Annual General
Meeting for all Members in
the Banquet Rooms and also
recognizes the hard work of its
volunteer leaders. 6:30 p.m.
25 Tuesday
Thanksgiving at the Club
A truly American family feast,
complete with turkey and all the
trimmings, for brunch and dinner.
See page 11 for details.
27 Thursday
7 Friday
Sanyukai Charity Drive
Donate gently worn clothes
and household items to this
worthwhile Tokyo shelter for
homeless men. 9–11:30 a.m. and
2–3:30 p.m. Parking Lot. To find
out more, contact the Women’s
Group Office.
Saturday Morning
Reading Group
At this month’s session, “Reading
Stories Without Words,” kids use
two graphic novels to create
stories of their own. 11 a.m. For
more, flip to page 15.
8 Saturday
Early Pregnancy and
Birth Planning
Getting ready for the arrival of your
bundle of joy? Qualified nurse
Ann Tanaka has a bundle of
information to help you prepare.
10 a.m.–12 p.m. ¥7,000. Sign up at
the Member Services Desk.
8 Saturday
Hakkaisan Sake Brewery Tour
Take a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of
one of Niigata’s most renowned sake
breweries. For details, turn to page 18.
15 Saturday
Exhibition Opening
Award-winning print artist
Taeko Takabe showcases a
number of her bold, abstract
works at the Genkan Gallery
until November 30. Turn to
page 39 for more.
17 Monday
Monthly Program: “Tales of
Misadventure in Search of Inspiration”
Entrepreneur and world adventurer
Anthony Willoughby weaves awing
tales of globetrotting with a wise
business philosophy during this
Women’s Group event. 11:30 a.m.
Discover more on page 28.
17 Monday
Angel Campaign
Reach out to those in need this
holiday season with a generous
donation to this annual Women’s
Group fundraiser. Fill out a form at
the Member Services Desk or look
for a cash box around the Club.
Through January 31.
1 Saturday
Parent-Child Book Group
This popular series takes children
and their parents on a fun literary
journey of reading and discussion.
For grades three to six. 4 p.m.
Check out page 15 for more.
2 Sunday
The Three Little Pigs Out West
Tokyo Theatre For Children stages an
imaginative, energetic version of this
classic tale at the Club. Times vary.
Tickets for this Community Relations
Committee-approved event are for
sale at the Member Services Desk.
21–22 Friday–Saturday
BOG Election
Don’t forget to cast your vote for the
election of the new Club president
and Board of Governors. Ballots must
be received by midnight.
21 Friday
Nikko Tour
This daytrip offers picturesque lakes,
waterfalls and shrines (including one
UNESCO World Heritage Site), all
dressed in dazzling autumn foliage.
21 Friday
Tuesday
Squash Social Night
The Club’s squash players enjoy
an evening of casual play and a
chance to put their skills to the
test against pro Hitoshi Ushiogi.
6:15–9:15 p.m. Squash Courts.
25 Saturday
Santa’s Arts and Crafts Factory
Little ones can enjoy an
imaginative, merry session
of making their own holiday
creations. 10 a.m. Turn to page 25
for more.
29
Friday Morning Book Group
Discuss Charles Dickens’ classic tale
Great Expectations over a cup of
coffee. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Vineyards.
No sign-up necessary.
21 Friday
New Moms and
Babies Get-Together
Qualified nurse Ann Tanaka fields
questions about the first years of
motherhood at this lively meet and
greet. 3:45–5:15 p.m. ¥2,000. Sign up
at the Member Services Desk.
13 Thursday
6 Thursday
Toddler Time
A lively session of stories
and songs for the Club’s
preschoolers. 4 p.m. Continues
November 13 and 20, as well
as Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Learn
more on page 15.
EVENTS
Letters to Santa
Until December 7, kids can drop
their Christmas letters in Santa’s
mailbox for express delivery to
the North Pole. Find out more on
page 19.
22 Saturday
Monday
Monday Mexican Madness
Traders’ Bar heads south of the border
for two hours of lip-smacking Mexican
fare and special prices on Corona beer,
tequila and margaritas. Every Monday
this month. 5–7 p.m.
3
Saturday
A Day at the Races
Head to Fuchu’s track for a thrilling
day of horseracing and the chance
to place a bet or two. 8:45 a.m.–5:30
p.m. Check out page 18 for details.
22 Saturday–Sunday
Birth Preparation for Couples
Two invaluable days that will
get you ready for labor, birth
and beyond. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
¥36,000. Sign up at the Member
Services Desk.
22–23 Tuesday
Get Acquainted/
Reacquainted Coffee
Meet new people and learn about
the Women’s Group at this relaxed
gathering. 10 a.m. Banquet Rooms.
Contact the Women’s Group Office
to arrange for free childcare.
25
Coming up in
December2–4Family Christmas Dinner Show
6Winter Recreation Sale
6 & 13Visit with Santa
Pool Season Ends
Members enjoy the final day of the
swimming season at the Club. The
Pool will close from December 1 and
reopen next April.
30 Sunday
Tuesday
New Members Welcome Party
Fresh faces at the Club have
a chance to mingle and make
new friends at this engaging
get-together. 6:30 p.m. Banquet
Rooms. Free.
18 Thursday
Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting
Be one of the first to sample this
year’s Beaujolais, direct from
France. 5–7 p.m. Vineyards. Free.
20Wednesday
Château Palmer Wine Tasting
Undoubtedly the best-value
Bordeaux tasting this year, with a
total of eight stellar vintages to be
uncorked. 7 p.m. Turn to page 9
for winemaker Thomas Duroux’s
interview with iNTOUCH.
19
Father-Son Dinner
This traditional annual dinner is
the perfect chance for dads and
their boys to bond. 5 p.m. Flip to
page 25 for details.
9 Sunday
Monday
Meet the Candidates
Take this opportunity to talk to those
Members running in the Club’s
presidential and Board of Governors
election. 6:30 p.m. Adult Lobby.
17
5–6 Wednesday–Thursday
International Bazaar
Peruse the fine selection of
jewelry, porcelain, clothing,
toys and more from vendors
across the globe at this annual
shopping event. 10 a.m. Third
floor. Open to the public.
4 Tuesday
Toddler Time
A lively session of stories
and songs for the Club’s
preschoolers. 10:30 a.m.
Continues November 11 and 18,
as well as Thursdays at 4 p.m.
Learn more on page 15.
4 Tuesday
Pottery Festival of Mashiko Tour
This unique festival of more than
100 local potters and their finely
crafted wares is not to be missed.
WG members: ¥5,000. Non-WG
members: ¥5,250. Sign up at the
Member Services Desk.
Goelet Wine Estates Meet
the Winemaker Dinner
Not one, but two great wine
labels—Napa’s Clos Du Val
and Australia’s Taltarni—are
featured at this month’s dinner
for wine lovers. 7 p.m. See page
8 for details.
10 Monday
Meet the Candidates
Come get to know those
Members running in the Club’s
presidential and Board of
Governors election. 6:30 p.m.
Adult Lobby.
12 Wednesday
Mikimoto Pearl Island Tour
Head to this renowned isle for a
glimpse of the famed female pearl
divers and to take in Japan’s most
sacred Shinto spot—Ise Shrine.
WG members: ¥58,900. Non-WG
members: ¥64,800. Sign up at the
Member Services Desk.
11–12 Tuesday–Wednesday
Saturday–Sunday
Gingerbread Factory
This popular holiday event lets kids
and grownups decorate their own
miniature yuletide houses with a
festive assortment of gingerbread,
icing and colorful sweets. Sign up
at the Member Services Desk.
29–30
6 November 2008 iNTOUCH
T he economic situation in the United States and across the world has caused more turmoil and uncertainty these past few months than many companies and families could have
predicted or planned for. Some families who arrived for a stay of three years, their children newly settled into their schools, are suddenly being uprooted after just three months here. What’s more, some have been told that they won’t receive any assistance from the company to move back home.
What would you do in such a daunting situation? Some families may actually choose to stay, explore leads and look for work opportunities in Japan while taking advantage of being in a fascinating country. We are in Asia, after all, where fast-growing economies of the likes of China and India continue to be reliant on more developed countries like Japan and the US.
It’s at times like these when Club Membership can prove invaluable. The sheer mix of nationalities and backgrounds among the Membership means that you’re likely to meet someone who has either been in your shoes before or can offer tips on living in Tokyo on a tighter budget.
The Club is a microcosm of our global society. Walk around its corridors on any given day and you’ll hear a variety of different languages being spoken by Members, some of whom are bilingual or even multilingual. These same people also represent an incredible range of experiences and professions, including business, banking, teaching and entertainment.
For those who have arrived in Japan as a trailing spouse, a good place to help you get grounded is the Women’s Group. Founded in 1949, the Women’s Group was established to serve non-working spouses and promote relations between the US
and Japan. For the past four years, I have been fortunate to serve this organization, working with other volunteers to set up programs that meet the needs of the Women’s Group’s diverse membership.
Our volunteers are bright, accomplished and motivated personalities. If you pick up a copy of the Tokyo: Here and How guide to the metropolis or the newly launched newsletter, WG Connect, you’ll get an idea of the talents of this highly skilled and selfless group of ladies. Through the many Friendship Circles, its members are able to meet like-minded people, while the various tours, classes, fundraisers and community service initiatives offer plenty of opportunities for leading interesting, balanced lives.
If I have learned anything from my time with the Women’s Group, it’s that there is an endless string of people willing to share their knowledge and skills or introduce somebody who can help. The more we give, the more we get back. While the Women’s Group provides its members with a support network, a means to forge meaningful friendships and an outlet for contributing to Japanese society, the Club as a whole is the place to get involved, learn, network and give back. Because who really knows what tomorrow holds? o
Board of Governors
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
by Betsy Rogers
The Value of Club Membership
Dan Thomas—President (2008)Lance Lee—Vice President (2008)Jerry Rosenberg—Vice President (2009)Thomas Brown—Treasurer (2009)Steve Romaine—Secretary (2008)
Tim Griffen (2008), Frederick Harris (2008), Thomas Jordan (2009), Hiroyuki Kamano (2008), Nicolaas Masee (2008), Jeffrey McNeill (2009), Amane Nakashima (2009), Brian Nelson (2008), Rod Nussbaum (2008), Mary Saphin (2009), Jewell Weatherly (2009), Ira Wolf (2009), Masayoshi Yamazaki—Statutory Auditor (2008), Betsy Rogers—Women's Group President
updateazabudai
Aya
no
Sat
o
by Wendi Hailey
A handful of subterranean discoveries at the Azabudai site have set
construction back by a couple of weeks, including unexpected double-
layered pavement under the former Parking Lot, brick foundations of old
buildings and rubble buried underneath concrete slabs left behind by
previous contractors. “We have not been able to catch up yet,” says site
manager Ryouta Sekiguchi. “We are trying not to be delayed anymore, but
it will all depend on other unforeseen obstructions.”
Another issue facing the Takenaka construction crew is the size of the
previous foundations and the location of concrete piles, which varied
from the drawings received and could trigger slight delays as excavation
progresses and work moves aboveground once again. But for now,
Sekiguchi says the landscape of Azabudai is something to behold. “If you
see the current situation of the site,” he says, “it is a spectacular view. You
will be amazed.” ®
MANAGEMENT
Executive remarks 7
Getting the Word Outby Bob Sexton
A fter a good start in 2008, following a great 2007, the Club saw a sharp downturn in the total number of Members. The worsening global economy has meant both a reduction in applicants and an increase in resignations as
expat Members are recalled home by their companies or relocated within Japan or to another country.
All Members who leave the Club are asked why they are resigning and if they would join the Club again should the opportunity arise. While we are pleased to say that 92 percent expressed an interest in joining the ranks of the Membership again, there is still plenty for the Club to do to attract new Members and retain existing ones.
It’s common knowledge in private clubs around the world that existing members are the primary source of new members. And members will only recommend their club to friends and associates if they are satisfied with the quality and value of the institution’s programs and services. With this in mind, therefore, any Member recruitment initiative must be the work of both the Club staff and the Members.
The staff takes very seriously the results of the biannual Member satisfaction survey to improve services and establish new programs to better meet the demands of the Membership. In addition, the Club is working hard to publicize its extensive offerings to those Members who may not be aware of just how much they can do at the Takanawa Club. One recent campaign of this nature encouraged members who used The Spa to introduce its variety of treatments to friends.
In terms of Member assistance in recruiting, two years ago the Club launched its incentive voucher program for Members who refer friends to the Club. It has proved highly successful and a similar program with the Women’s Group was launched earlier this year.
In July, the Club hosted the first of a series of casual receptions to introduce the Club to potential Members. It was very well received. The idea is for Club committees or special interest groups to acquaint like-minded individuals with the benefits of joining Tokyo American Club. Such methods, we believe, can help Members spread the word.
All in all, it’s hoped that our Members see their Club as an oasis and portal to Japan, within which they are able to interact with friends, forge relationships, learn, socialize, relax, do business and get the most out of life in this vibrant city. If Members do feel this way about the Club, then they will naturally talk up this important element of their lives to friends and colleagues.
If you know somebody who you think would enjoy being a Member of the Club, the Membership Office can arrange for a tour of the facilities and possibly even a trial Membership. For more information, contact Mari Hori, our Membership Office manager, at 03-4588-0687, or e-mail [email protected]. o
Bob SextonAssistant General Manager
� November 200� iNTOUCH
F rench-born winemaker Bernard Portet’s instructions were simple: to find land with the potential to produce world-class wines. Setting out in 1970, he landed in California two years
later and headed for Napa Valley. Scouring the countryside, his arm stuck out of the car window to gauge the area’s microclimates, Portet stumbled upon the Stags Leap District.
The native of Cognac reported back to the man behind the entire scheme, John Goelet, about his find. The American businessman bought 150 acres of land there and founded Clos Du Val winery. A year later, Clos Du Val acquired more land in the relatively unknown region of Carneros.
But it was the appearance of Clos Du Val’s first Cabernet Sauvignon vintage as one of only six California Cabs in the now-legendary 1976 Paris Tasting that catapulted the winery to global recognition. More than 30 years later, under the guidance of Portet and 36-year-old John Clews, Clos Du Val continues to glean accolades for its Bordeaux varieties and Carneros-produced Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
But Goelet’s quest didn’t stop with Clos Du Val. Switching his attention to Australia, Goelet bought Taltarni Vineyards in the Pyrenees district of Victoria in 1972. Clover Hill in Tasmania followed in 1986. Another Tasmanian vineyard, Lalla Gully, was then purchased in 1998, the same year Goelet ventured into France and acquired Domaine de Nizas in the famed Languedoc region.
With its wine empire spanning three continents, the Goelet family formed Goelet Wine Estates (GWE) last year to better market its five wine brands. “[Goelet and Portet] felt sharing resources would make the wineries stronger, with an edge over the competition,” explains Adam Torpy, Goelet Wine Estates’ CEO.
Despite the geographical distance between the wineries, Torpy, 35, says the five share similar qualities. “The first is the fundamental winemaking philosophy, which is to produce well-balanced varietal wines of elegance, balance and complexity,” the Australian says. “The second is the emphasis on terroir. Bernard Portet chose each of these locations because of the land, and the GWE wineries strive to make wines that are unique to their specific locations.”
This month, Members will be able to taste this distinctiveness for themselves when Torpy and Clews host a dinner at the Club featuring the stunning wines of Clos Du Val and Taltarni. “The wines that have been selected for the November dinner represent a combination of both current and reserve selections, which will highlight the extreme variation from sparkling, crisp white wine right through to exceptional intensity and flavor of the extensive red wine selections,” Torpy says.
There’s no doubt that, at the end of the evening, Members will be in a perfect position to judge exactly how well Portet followed his patron’s orders almost 40 years ago. ®
by Nick Jones
Vintage Odyssey
meet the winemakerdinner
Goelet Wine Estates Meet the Winemaker Dinner
Monday, November �0
7 p.m.
Vineyards
¥�2,500
Sign up online or at the Member Services Desk
Adam Torpy
Club wining and dining �
FOOD & BEVERAGE
by Wendi Hailey
When Château Palmer winemaker Thomas Duroux revisits the Club this month
after a 12-month lull, don’t expect anything new—just another bounty of top Bordeaux. “Not much has changed here over the last year,” he assures. “In these very old estates, pretty much everything is based on tradition. Everyday we try to fine-tune things, but there are no big revolutions here.”
Château Palmer was established in 1814, when English general and aristocrat Charles Palmer fell in love with the Bordeaux region, purchased the property and began cultivating vines. As his passion for French wine and cuisine rapidly deepened, so did the reputation of his estate.
The winery’s deed has changed hands several times over the years and its winemaking team has seen many substitutions, but the tradition, palate-pleasing complexity and superb balance of its product have only solidified. “At Palmer, we’ve been doing wine for close to 200 years,” Duroux, 38, explains. “As you can imagine, we have a style, we have a tradition, we have an identity. So we try to respect tradition, understand tradition, improve tradition.”
The winery has injected a bit of science and technology into its classic methods as part of those minor enhancements. While grapes are still tasted regularly to decide the optimum time for picking, vertical presses and stainless steel vats have taken the place of old-fashioned methods and
amplified the production process. Tweaks such as these, along with a
young team at the helm and Duroux’s international expertise, position the winery for a promising future. “The most fascinating part of this business is every year there’s a new baby,” he says. “You can’t mess up because you only have one chance.”
Other aspects that keep Palmer at the front of the pack vintage after vintage is a combination of its terroir in France’s esteemed Margaux region, dense, deeply rooted vines, unique planting of Merlot grapes and an unusually hefty dose of those grapes in its blends. “Our wines are very elegant and refined,” Duroux says, comparing them to more “masculine” competitors in the area. “We use more Merlot than they do. That gives definitely a charm, roundness, suppleness, silkiness to our wine.”
Members can discover—or taste once again—Palmer’s unique structure and signature finesse for themselves when four vintages of its namesake grand vin and a quartet of its second wine, Alter Ego, are showcased at this month’s tasting hosted by Duroux. ®
winetasting
PersistentlyPalmer
Red
Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Cuvée Gerard
Potel 2006, Bourgogne, FranceShowing fresh, crisp red berry aromas and good depth on the palate, marked with acidity and a classic structure, this red combines the richness of the vintage with the complexity of the blend.
White
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Blanc
“Couvent des Jacobins” 2006, Bourgogne, FranceAn elegant, harmonious and fruity wine of peach, pear and grapefruit, with white flower aromas and a slight vanilla touch. Perfect with poultry,
grilled fish or goat cheese.
Wines of the Month
Bottle: ¥4,000 Glass: ¥�00
Château Palmer Wine Tasting
Wednesday, November ��
7 p.m.
Banquet Rooms
¥�5,000
Sign up online or at the Member Services Desk
The Cosmopolitan Culinarian
behind thescenes
�0 November 200� iNTOUCH
L ast November, Tokyo beat out the likes of Paris and New York City to earn the most Michelin-starred
restaurants and claim the title as the world’s gourmet capital. With so many tantalizing alternatives sprinkled across the city, American Room head chef Nobukazu Toyama has been diligently designing ways to make the Club’s signature restaurant the first choice among Members looking for the ultimate dining experience.
“There are a lot of nice restaurants in Tokyo. What can we do different?” asks the soft-spoken chef, seated down the hall from the restaurant at a table in Vineyards. “This is a members’ club, different from regular restaurants. The food is not too different, but we can offer more friendly service, a warm environment and always answer requests.”
That approach—simple, delicious fare, a cozy, stylish ambience and unrivalled service—has earned the Club back-to-back silver medals at the Food and Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge in Singapore and instilled Toyama and his staff with the confidence to experiment and mature in the kitchen.
The Tokyo native’s style is the culmination of six years at the Club and his gastronomic-minded travels across the globe. Upon completing culinary school in Tokyo at age 19, he set off for Switzerland to study French cooking at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant for 18 months. After grasping the simplicity and style of the cuisine, he had a brief interlude at home before heading to Canada to work for the Japanese Embassy, where he focused on his national cuisine for the first time.
Three years later, he shifted to the kitchen of a private club in Ottawa to cook up local dishes before accepting a position at Tokyo American Club. “I just want to expand my cuisine repertoire,” he says. “I want to make interesting, nice-tasting food. I don’t have any borders.”
Those international inspirations are steadily reflected in the American Room’s menu, featuring classic and contemporary dishes infused with flavors from France, America and Japan. “We want something new, original, tasty, of course, but not complicated,” Toyama, 41, says of the seasonal creations. “I like creating new things.”
The chef typically puts in 12-hour days at the Club during the week, managing mornings and lunches in Vineyards and moving to the American Room for dinner. Working at the stove, in fact, is a path that Toyama chose back in elementary school when his teacher had the students write down their career aspirations. “I wrote, ‘I want to be a chef all over the world,’” he recalls. With three continents under his belt and a global food palette in his grasp, he’s living out that childhood dream. ®
See page �� for details of the American Room’s
exciting, new range of menus.
by Wendi Hailey
Aya
no
San
o
that Mixed Grille is now open to families with children of all ages every weekend and on national holidays?
did you know...
Club wining and dining ��
American Thanksgiving Living in Japan doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on this important
holiday and all its customary cuisine. Keep that family tradition alive with a
turkey feast for brunch or dinner at the Club this Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 27Brunch: �� a.m.–� p.m./�:30–3 p.m. Dinner: 5–� p.m. American Room and New York Suite Adults: ¥7,000 Junior (7–�� years): ¥3,250Children (3–6 years): ¥�,050Infants (2 and under): free Reservations at 03-45��-0�77
Monday Mexican MadnessIt’s Mexican fiesta time each Monday evening as Traders’ Bar goes
south of the border for two hours of mouthwatering Mexican
cuisine and specials on Corona beer, tequila and margaritas. Come
join in the madness!
Until November 24
Every Monday
5–7 p.m.
Traders’ Bar
Chef’s Selection Experience the American Room’s thrilling new fall menus from award-
winning chef Nobukazu Toyama. Choose from the Classic, Contemporary
and Chef’s Tasting options for a tantalizing range of ingredients and
flavors. From ¥7,500 per person.
Monday–Friday
6–�0 p.m.
American Room
Reservations at 03-45��-0675
FOOD & BEVERAGE
12 November 2008 iNTOUCH
after school for samosas with chutney.The recipes are also precious mementos of the fascinating
people from different cultures I met along the way. Giving so generously of themselves as I dabbled with different cuisines and subtle flavors, they enriched my life.
Writing this book was my first step to explore the vegan world—although it’s not a world to which I am completely ignorant. Being raised in a Jain family in India meant I was a vegetarian growing up. Since the ancient Indian religion and philosophy of Jainism is founded on principles of non-violence, all practicing Jains are naturally vegetarian. Our diet included an amazing variety of simple and complex yet always wholesome, tasty dishes.
In fact , my grandmother’s diet was devoid of root vegetables, such as potatoes, onions and carrots, as well as strong flavors like garlic. She also didn’t eat anything between sunset and sunrise, but lived until a very healthy 90 years old.
When the publisher, Kodansha, approached me with the idea for the book, I thought of this as my chance to share everything I love about cooking. Being a vegetarian, not a vegan, though, I was unsure about Asian vegan cooking. I soon realized that most Asian vegetarian
dishes are inherently vegan anyway. Asian vegetarian cuisine is, first and foremost, balanced and
healthy. The spiced food of India is known for its medicinal properties, while the Japanese diet supports longevity with its reduced risk of obesity and heart disease. The Chinese method of quick stir-frying keeps nutrients intact, and Thai, Burmese and Korean cuisines embrace the health needs of today with their use of natural herbs, soybeans and spices. Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese cooking, meanwhile, combines tofu with herbs, spices and rhizomes to bring to life the most basic ingredients.
The notion that vegetarian food is nothing more than boiled or raw greens couldn’t be more wrong. Vegetarian cooking relies on the freshest of ingredients and a variety of herbs and
a BookCooking Up
Club Member Hema Parekh travels around the region and into her past in her book, The Asian Vegan Kitchen: Authentic and Appetizing Dishes from a Continent of Rich Flavors.
Phot
o b
y Ta
e H
amam
ura
from
The
Asi
an
Vega
n Ki
tche
n (K
odan
sha
Inte
rnat
ion
al, 2
008)
It might appear like any ordinary cookbook, but The Asian Vegan Kitchen is actually a collection of memories from my culinary journey that started in Japan more than 25 years
ago. Each recipe brings to mind an incident—a school lunch I packed for my daughter, Ayesha, or a snack I made for my son, Alok, whose friends regularly landed on our doorstep
spices, and it’s this simple combination that produces exotic results. The absence of any processed food makes the meal lighter and easier to digest, too.
With the decision to include more vegetables and lentils in your diet, you can immediately do away with all the popular diets and thoughts of depriving yourself of your favorite foods. As I prove in the book, it is possible to remain healthy and still enjoy an array of tasty dishes from around the world. All you need is a little imagination and passion for good food. What’s more, adopting a vegetarian diet can be part of a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
When I started creating recipes for my family and friends, my only concern was that they enjoy them. I was thrilled to find that they did. Many were amazed that all of the dishes were completely vegetarian and wanted to learn more. What began as a hobby quickly developed into much more. I began writing for nutrition magazines and was approached to teach Indian and vegetarian cooking to the Club’s Women’s Group. This, my first book in English, comes after two cookbooks about Indian vegetarian cuisine in Japanese.
My children, Ayesha and Alok, have been my closest
friends and constant inspiration during this process. Without their support and love, this book would never have materialized. They sparked my interest in cooking international dishes and, with their innocent belief that I am the best cook in the world, encouraged me to move on in this culinary journey. They listened tirelessly to my ideas, proofread manuscripts and stayed up with me into the night as I struggled to put my
thoughts into words. They are both my most ardent fans and my harshest critics.
Preparing good food is not about getting the recipe right, it is about getting a feel for the ingredients and quantities. It’s this flexibility that makes cooking a delightful and enriching experience, and this book is about using simple techniques and fresh ingredients to create the most exotic dishes.
Nothing can compare with a meal put together in the comfort of your own kitchen, in the warmth of your home, for the people you love. I hope this book encourages others to take their own culinary journeys. ®
The Asian Vegan Kitchen: Authentic and
Appetizing Dishes from a Continent of
Rich Flavors is available at the Library.
LIBRARY
Literary gems at the Library 13
Phot
o b
y Ta
e H
amam
ura
from
The
Asi
an
Vega
n Ki
tche
n (K
odan
sha
Inte
rnat
ion
al, 2
008)
writer’sblock
by Laura Charron
Last year, Doris Lessing became
the oldest person to win the Nobel
Prize for Literature. The 87-year-
old is also only the 11th woman to ever
be awarded the prestigious accolade. A
prolific writer, Lessing has written 42
books of fiction, seven collections of
essays and two memorable memoirs,
as well as poetry, opera and cat tales.
Born to British parents in Persia
(present-day Iran), Lessing later moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Parcels of
books—Dickens, Scott, Stevenson, Kipling and others—from London fed her young
imagination. Later, she discovered DH Lawrence, Stendhal, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky.
Having quit school at age 14, Lessing left home a year later to escape her
domineering mother. Taking a job as a nursemaid, Lessing expanded her reading
to include tomes on politics and sociology. It was around this time that she sold two
stories to magazines in South Africa.
She married at 19 and had two children. But feeling trapped in a persona that she
was convinced would destroy her, Lessing left her family and was drawn to a group of
Communists “who read everything, and who did not think it remarkable to read.” By the
mid-50s, however, she had become disillusioned with the movement.
Moving to London with her son in 1949, Lessing started her career as a writer. Later
that year, she published her first novel, The Grass Is Singing. Her breakthrough work, The Golden Notebook, was published in 1962.
Lessing’s fiction is deeply autobiographical, much of it coming out of her experiences
in Africa. Themes include the clash of cultures, racial inequality and conflict between the
individual conscience and the collective good. ®
The Library stocks The Golden Notebook; The Fifth Child; Under My Skin: Volume One of My Autobiography, to
1949; Walking in the Shade: Volume Two of My Autobiography, 1949 to 1962; and Alfred and Emily.
Alfred and Emily
by Doris Lessing
Alfred and Emily, which Lessing has declared
will be her final book, is part novel and part
memoir. In the first half of the book—whose
title refers to her parents—Lessing bestows
upon the pair the lives they might have
wanted for themselves, while the second
half is an honest appraisal of the lives they
were dealt.
The story that might have been begins with
Lessing imagining a world without World
War I. Alfred’s loss of his leg in the trenches,
Lessing believes, affected everything that
followed. What if her father hadn’t been
injured? What if a generation hadn’t been
wiped out? And what if Edwardian prosperity
and peace had continued?
At the heart of this extraordinary meditation
on family is Lessing’s knowledge of two
things: first, that she hated her mother,
and second—and this took her years to
understand—that her mother was as much
a victim of the war as her father.
Seekers: The Quest
Beginsby Erin Hunter
Hunter creates a world filled with cruelty, beauty,
tenderness, savagery and just enough legendary
background to add a little mystery. For ages 9 to 12
and fans of animal fantasies.
kids' readssomething for young, inquiring minds
Splat the Cat
by Rob Scotton
It is Splat’s first day of school and he’s worried. What
if he doesn’t make any new friends? Just in case, Splat
decides to bring along his pet mouse, Seymour, hiding
him in his lunchbox. For ages 4 to 8.
DorisLessing
14 November 2008 iNTOUCH
reads
Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon—And the Journey of a Generation by Sheila WellerWeller chronicles the life and times of three tradition-
breaking female singer-songwriters: Carole King, a
Brooklyn-born earth mother; Joni Mitchell from the
Canadian prairies; and Carly Simon, wealthy New
Yorker, radiant, sexy and a sufferer of stage-fright.
Real Worldby Natsuo KirinoIn a crowded residential suburb of Tokyo, four teenage
girls indifferently wade their way through a hot summer
and endless cram school sessions. When a neighbor is
found brutally murdered, the girls suspect the killer is
the neighbor’s son. Psychologically intricate, this book
paints a dark portrait of Japanese teenage life.
Ink Exchange by Melissa MarrWhen 17-year-old Leslie is attracted to an eerily
beautiful tattoo, she has to have it. The tattoo,
however, brings sinister changes—changes that
draw the helpless girl deeper into a world of shadows
and danger.
Odd Hours by Dean KoontzIn this fourth Odd Thomas thriller from master
storyteller Koontz, Odd is drawn to a mystery in Magic
Beach, California. With his ability to see the dead, he
takes a couple of jobs while waiting to find out what
brought him to the quaint town.
Fleecedby Dick Morris and Eileen McGann In this hard-hitting call to arms, the authors reveal the
hundreds of ways American taxpayers are routinely
deceived by the government, foreign countries,
Washington lobbyists and hedge-fund billionaires
collecting huge tax breaks courtesy of the IRS.
So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif EngerCouched in the easy storytelling style of a folk ballad,
So Brave, Young, and Handsome is a gritty tale about
Wild West outlaw Glendon Hale. At times merry and
wistful, romantic and tragic, it’s as absorbing as a
campfire yarn.
new
The House at Rivertonby Kate MortonAustralian Morton recounts the demise of a prominent
English family as seen through the eyes of one of its
servants. The dramas of the Ashbury family are set in
their country estate in the years surrounding World
War I, an age when Edwardian civility, shaken by war,
unravels into the Roaring Twenties.
The Road Homeby Rose TremainOlev, a 42-year-old widower from an unnamed former
Eastern bloc country, takes a bus to London, where he
imagines every man resembles Alec Guinness and hard
work will be rewarded by wealth. His landing is harsh:
the British are unpleasant, immigrants are unwelcome
and he’s overwhelmed by homesickness.
LIBRARY
Literary gems at the Library 15
e v e n t s
Saturday Morning Reading GroupAt this month’s session, “Reading Stories Without Words,” participants use Jim Woodring’s The Frank Book and Shaun Tan’s The Arrival to create stories of their own. Saturday, November 811 a.m.–12 p.m. Women’s Group Classroom 3FreeSign up at the Library
Parent-Child Book GroupNow in its sixth season, this popular group takes children in grades three to six and their parents on an exciting literary journey of reading and discussion each month.Sunday, November 24–5:30 p.m.Women’s Group Classroom 3FreeSign up at the Library
Toddler TimeA fun program packed with of stories, poems and songs for the preschool crowd. Children must be accompanied by a parent.Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: 4 p.m. LibraryFreeNo sign-up necessary
T his year’s US presidential election campaign has seemed to endlessly dominate the news. But regardless of one’s political persuasion, the story appeared to have been written
by a couple of Hollywood writers strung out on bad coffee. Having said that, movies with political themes do well at the box office and I’m sure one about this race is in the offing. Andwhilepoliticalmoviesmightseemcurrent,thematerialisoftenfairlytimeless.Changethecharacters’namesandperiodinhistory,throwinascandal,somecorruption,alittleskullduggeryand plenty of spin-doctoring—plus the usual assortment ofmanipulative,power-hungryknaves—andyouhaveyourselfthefoundationofascreenplay. Whensomanyreal-lifeauthorityfiguresappearascaricaturesof themselves,politicalsatire iseasy.The1992parodyflickBob Robertsisaboutthesenatorialcampaignofaseeminglyvirtuous,folk singer-turned-politician (Tim Robbins). A documentaryabouthiscampaignultimatelyproveshisundoing. So how far will the powerbrokers go to achieve their goals?One movie that explored that question was 1997’s Wag the Dog.WhenasexscandalthreatensthecampaignoftheUSpresident,hiscampaignmanager(RobertDeNiro)hiresaHollywooddirector(DustinHoffman)tocreateaphonywartodivertattention. Arguablyoneofthebestmoviesofalltimeandablockbusterto boot was All the President’s Men (1976). Starring DustinHoffman and Robert Redford, this film follows the story ofWashington Post reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob WoodwardandtheirinvestigationintotheWatergatebreak-inthateventuallyledtothedemiseofPresidentRichardNixon.®
Besides the politically themed movies mentioned above, the Video
Library also stocks Advise and Consent (1962); The Best Man (1964); The
Candidate (1972); The American President (1995); and Bullworth (1998).
South ParkStartingoutasaone-offadultcartoonback in the1990s,“SouthPark” was originally circulated as a viral video among the techindustry. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the hugelysuccessful series follows the dubious exploits of a small group ofdysfunctionalelementaryschoolkidsastheydealwithlife’svarioussocialentanglements.Frompopculturesatiretoparodiesoffiguresinthenews,nothingisoff-limitsfortheshow’screators.
Originallyproducingananimatedshorttitled“Jesusvs.Frosty”in1992,ParkerandStonecreatedafollow-up,“Jesusvs.Santa,”threeyearslaterandsentitasaChristmasvideocardtoaTVnetworkexecutive. That became the pilot show of sorts and launched aregular spot on Comedy Central in 1997. “South Park” has nowcompleted 12 seasons and spawned the 1999 movie South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.
Sincetheshow’scontentisadult-oriented,Iwouldn’trecommenditforchildrenoryoungteens.®
The Video Library stocks the first 10 seasons of “South Park” as well as South Park: Bigger,
Longer & Uncut.
Tinseltown’s Takeon Washington
by Dave Kenney
t v s e r i e s
by Dave Kenney
16 November 2008 iNTOUCH
VIDEO
TV and film selections 17
Although the trailer pretty much sums up this predictable movie, I was pleasantly surprised. Hater (Rob Corddry), the lawyer buddy of the main character, Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher), had me crying with laughter. Cameron Diaz is good and her best friend, played by Lake Bell, adds a freshness and spice to their scenes.
She
is Y
uko
Aki
sato
, man
ager
of t
he V
ideo
Lib
rary
.
There have been so many bad sequels to great movies. This, unfortunately, is another example, which is a true disappointment since I loved the first film. Brendan Fraser is excellent, but Maria Bello (with her poorly done British accent) doesn’t compare with Rachel Weiz. The only positive is the special effects.
An astounding performance from Will Smith in his portrayal of a superhero struggling with his public image. There’s not a wasted scene in this fast-paced, action-packed flick, and Charlize Theron’s role as the wife of a PR exec saved by Hancock adds the right touch.
Whether or not you were a fan of the famous TV series, the movie, with its humorous and dramatic moments, is great. The solid storyline and fantastic acting by the four protagonists kept me laughing and fully engaged throughout. And Samantha’s one-liners are terrific!
I really enjoyed the gorgeous clothes, accessories and relationships in this silver-screen version of the popular TV series. You’ll want to get dressed up and head out on the town after this. Not a dull moment in more than two hours.
A tarnished, alcoholic superhero (Will Smith), with little regard for the damage he causes when saving lives, incurs the wrath of the citizens of LA. But a PR professional (Jason Bateman), whom Hancock saved from being run over, vows to help him in return. An unpredictable second half.
It’s popcorn action all the way as explorer Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser), accompanied by his son, Alex (Luke Ford), journeys to Asia, where he takes on a resurrected Chinese emperor (Jet Li). A strong cast, but this movie falls short of the first in the series.
Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher star as strangers who wake up a married couple after a crazy night in Las Vegas in TV director Tom Vaughn’s feature film debut. A predictable, light romantic comedy, but a typical flick for Diaz.
smokin'
give it a go
abort
HE
SAY
SH
e is
Vid
eo L
ibra
ry C
omm
ittee
cha
ir La
nce
Lee.
smokin'
give it a go
abort SHE
SAY
S
new titlesComedyYou Don’t Mess with the Zohan Adam Sandler garners repeated chuckles as an elite Israeli anti-terrorist soldier forced to assume a new life in the Big Apple.
War, Inc. This political satire, starring John Cusack, Hilary Duff and Marisa Tomei, examines the profound effects of corporate clout on war.
DramaThe Visitor A poignant, small-budget Tom McCarthy film about a listless college professor whose life is altered by an unexpected discovery in his own home.
Ripple Effect A Lebanese clothing designer constantly falling short of the American dream sets out to right the bad karma of his past and discover success and bliss.
SuspenseThe Strangers A couple fights for survival when their secluded vacation home is invaded by three ruthless, masked strangers.
ActionMongol This spectacular historical epic illustrates the struggles, triumphs and legacy of Genghis Khan, from a browbeaten child to conqueror of half the world.
Documentary Standard Operating Procedure Director Errol Morris documents the inhumane treatment of suspected terrorists at US military prison Abu Ghraib in Iraq.
Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot Eight top US high school basketball players vie for greatness on the legendary court of Rucker Park in Harlem, New York, during the first “Elite 24” tournament.
I f horseracing is the sport of kings, then there is no better place from which to take in the spectacle of
galloping thoroughbreds than the royal enclosure. And that’s exactly where Members will be seated for the Culture Committee-organized excursion to Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu later this month. The last trip to the western reaches of the city in May proved so successful that Members are being offered another exclusive opportunity to enjoy a day out at this recently renovated racetrack, complete with lunch in the executive area, just a few meters away from the emperor’s box. Fuchu, which has been pulling in the punters since 1933, is the largest racecourse in Japan and boasts the world’s biggest video screen. Horseracing was introduced to Japan in the Meiji period when Yokohama’s foreign community first organized
Western-style races in 1862. Nowadays, millions of racing lovers flock to courses across the country to watch and bet on the more than 20,000 races run each year. For those racing novices, Glenn Boothe of the Japan Racing Association will be on hand to explain the ins and outs of the sport, while Members with more equine experience can jump in and test their eye for a good runner with a wager from as little as ¥200. ®
O riginally produced solely in Japan’s imperial court, temples and shrines to commemorate religious ceremonies and festivals some 2,000 years ago, sake nowadays is imbibed to celebrate family and friendships, forge business deals,
enhance meals or for no reason at all other than to delight in its many flavors. More than 10,000 brands of sake currently exist, including internationally admired Hakkaisan. While normally closed to the public, Hakkaisan Sake Brewery will reveal its inner workings to Club Members during an exclusive tour of its facilities in Niigata Prefecture. Participants will explore the brewery, sample a selection of sake and enjoy a lunch of local fare cooked by Ai Nagumo, chair of Hakkaisan and mother of Jiro, Hakkaisan’s president. Producing its first batch of fermented rice wine in 1922, Hakkaisan quickly established its brand as one of Japan’s best thanks to the sake’s complex taste and remarkable quality, derived from a combination of carefully chosen, premium rice and the region’s pristine groundwater. Over the decades, founder Koichi Nagumo’s emphasis on quality has been preserved through consistent brewing methods that gently incorporate modern technology into its old-fashioned approach to producing sake. A shrine dedicated to the god of sake-making remains housed in one corner of each of the company’s three sakagura, or sake breweries. Don’t miss your chance to tickle your taste buds and gain a better understanding of this deep-rooted, iconic drink during this behind-the-scenes visit. “Open the door to the world of sake,” Hakkaisan impels on its Web site, “to enrich your culinary experience and stimulate your palate and your intellectual curiosity.” ®
Hakkaisan
www.hakkaisan.co.jp
18 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Tipple Tour
A Day at the Races
Saturday, November 22
8.45 a.m.–5.30 p.m.
¥8,500 (includes transport and lunch)
For 16 years and above
Dress code: jackets for men and equivalent
attire for women
Sign up online or at the Member Services
Desk by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19
Sponsored by the Culture Committee
A Tripto the Turf
by Wendi Hailey
Hakkaisan Sake Brewery Tour
Saturday, November 15
9 a.m.
Members: ¥18,000 (including transport)/
¥3,150 (tour and lunch only)
Adults only (limited to two guests per Member)
Sign up at the Member Services Desk by 10
a.m. on Monday, November 10
Sponsored by the Culture Committee
by Nick Jones
A fter weeks of negotiations between the Club and Santa’s representatives, jolly old Saint
Nick has agreed to take a break from his busy Christmas preparations to drop by Takanawa. He’ll be chatting with children and posing for photographs on two separate Saturdays in December. Don’t miss this chance to whisper your wish list in Santa’s ear before he heads back to the North Pole. For those kids unable to meet Santa, the Club has set up a special postal service to Santa’s workshop. Letters to Santa can be dropped off at the mailbox in the Family Lobby—so get busy and put those lists together! ®
Cornerstones of the Club 19
Santa’s Back!
COMMITTEES
Visit with Santa
Saturday, December 6 and
Saturday, December 13
2–4 p.m.
Gym
¥525
Sign up at the Member Services Desk
Letters to Santa
Saturday, November 22–Sunday, December 7
Santa’s mailbox: Family Lobby
For a personal reply, pick up a registration
form (¥525) from the Member Services
Desk, Recreation Services Desk, Childcare
Center or Library from November 10
Sun, Sea and Santa
While the temperature dips in Tokyo in December, the mercury will be rising at
the Club’s annual Family Christmas Dinner Show when John Owens and the cast of Tema Productions present their yuletide play, “Christmas Crisis in the Caribbean.” This lighthearted tale about the battle to break a spell cast on Santa after he stops off at a sun-drenched Caribbean island for sleigh repairs is a unique mix of storytelling, comedy, music, song, salsa and audience participation. In addition, families will enjoy a mouthwatering selection of Christmastide treats. Don’t miss this balmy, Bahamian prelude to the holiday season. ®
Family Christmas Dinner Show
Tuesday, December 2–Thursday, December 4
6 p.m.
New York Suite
Adults: ¥5,800
Children (3–14 years): ¥2,600
Infants (2 and under): free
Sign up online or at the Member Services Desk
by 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 27
Sponsored by the Entertainment Committee
20 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Recreation Lance Lee (Rod Nussbaum)Recreation SubcommitteesBowling Pam JenkinsonFitness Jerome RosenbergGolf Steven Thomas Library Laura CharronLogan Room Linda Eagan & Jean Williams Squash Peter CohenSwim Jesse Green & Lydia WoodardVideo Lance Lee Youth Activities Monica Hobbs
Community Relations Scott Hancock Community Relations Subcommittees Distinguished Achievement Award Jeff McNeillIndependence DaySportsman of the Year Jeff McNeill
Culture Shizuo Daigoh (Fred Harris) Culture SubcommitteesGenkan Gallery Fred Harris
Entertainment Barbara Hancock Finance Akihiko Mizuno
Food & Beverage Craig Saphin (Amane Nakashima)Food & Beverage SubcommitteeWine Mark Baxter(Steve Romaine) House Mark Schwab (Thomas Jordan)House SubcommitteeArchitectural Peter Jay & Michael Miller Human Resources Victoria Muir (Steve Romaine)
Membership Mark Saft (Nick Masee)
Nominating Thomas Whitson
Committees
Names in parentheses denote Board liaisons.
Members interested in joining one of
the committees listed should contact
its chair or inquire at the General
Manager’s Office.
a Committee
Joining
Members are reminded to vote in the upcoming election for a new Club president and Board
of Governors. You should receive voting information in the mail soon, so please take a few minutes to look over the information and then cast your ballot.
Voting deadline: Midnight on Friday, November 21
Meet the Candidates Night November 12 and 176:30 p.m. Adult LobbyFreeOpen to all Members
Official notice of the Annual General Meeting for all regular Tokyo American Club Members
Pursuant to Chapter VII, article 37(a) of the Articles of Association of the Shadan Hojin Tokyo American Club, the Annual General Meeting will be held on:
Tuesday, November 256:30 p.m.Banquet Rooms
By order of the Board of GovernorsDan Thomas (President)Steve Romaine (Secretary)
Road to the Boardroom
months before the triathlon. “I mean, after 25 meters I was out of breath and couldn’t continue,” the mother of two explains. “I could do breaststroke, but my freestyle was a mess—everything was out of synch.”
She sought the expertise of Club swim instructor and seasoned open-water swimmer Miyako Nakamura. “She got me this far,” Quantrille says. “A year ago was my very first lesson with her. She was very patient. I told her that my target was to do a triathlon race in six months.” Beginning with the basics of moving through the water, Nakamura refined her student’s stroke before taking her for some training in the ocean at Kamakura.
Sitting in the Club’s Adult Lobby one midweek morning after a workout (she does some form of intensive exercise for at least two hours, six days a week), Quantrille explains what prompted her decision to complete such an arduous event. Having given birth to her second child two years ago, she was finding it difficult to shed those final postnatal pounds. “I gained 25 kilos with my second son,” she
TrialsTriathlon
A s tempestuous winds drove the stinging rain into Yuka Quantrille’s face, she briefly questioned her
sanity for turning up for the triathlon she was about to start. “The weather was awful,” she says of the race in Chiba Prefecture in May this year. “‘What did I get myself into?’ I thought.”
Such doubts were quickly set aside, however, when Quantrille ran splashing into the river for the first stage of the Olympic-distance race. She crossed the finish line two hours, 52 minutes later,
having swum 1.5 kilometers, cycled 40 kilometers and run 10 kilometers. “I was very worried about the swim part,” the 37-year-old says. “I kind of panicked because I had never swum with a bunch of people around me. Unfortunately, it was mostly men and they were aggressive, you know. But I got through it.”
In fact, not only had she never swum among a pack of adrenaline-charged athletes before, but she had barely done any real swimming at all until a few
22 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Backed by a team of Club fitness specialists and driven by a desire to lose
some postnatal weight, one Member set out to complete a triathlon.
by Nick Jones
Yuka Quantrille
Fitness and well-being 23
says. “It was very hard to lose. It took me almost nine months to get where I wanted to be as far as weight goes, but I was not in shape, so I started slowly on my own.”
A keen runner since elementary school, Quantrille began to hit the pavement more often. But to help her tighten up the stubborn sag, she turned to Club personal trainer Koichi Uesaka. “If I hadn’t met Koichi, I wouldn’t be doing [triathlons],” she says. “He got me back in shape. He was really enthusiastic and encouraging.” Through a combination of floor exercises and sessions on the weight machines, Uesaka focused initially on strengthening Quantrille’s core muscles.
Besides the lessons in the Pool, muscle-building workouts and hours of running, Quantrille also had to spend time honing her cycling skills for the second stage of any triathlon. Under the guidance of her experienced cyclist husband, she bought a competition-standard bike and started pedaling. In addition to early-morning circuits of the
Imperial Palace, she attended indoor cycling classes at the Club.
Quantrille is quick to point out, though, that she would never have completed her first triathlon if not for the support and advice of so many people. “I was very grateful to Koichi, Miyako, [and cycling instructors] Steve [Terada] and Bryon [Gibbens]—all the people who got me through the training,” she says. “But most of all, to my husband, Tom.” He’s the one, she adds, who takes care of their boys when she heads out for a quick run or bike ride.
In October, she competed in her second triathlon, finishing ninth out of 60 female competitors and slicing a highly respectable 14 minutes off her previous time. “I did much better than last time,” she says of her performance in the triathlon in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture. Although acknowledging that she was more comfortable swimming this time around, she still wants to improve her performance in the water.
Aiming to complete one race a
year, she is looking next to enter a half-ironman triathlon, with its 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-kilometer cycle and 21.1-kilometer run. “It’s the distance and endurance I enjoy,” she enthuses.
Despite all the hours spent sweating through Tokyo’s backstreets on a run or mastering her swim stroke, her life as a wife and mother is never too far away. “I try to put things in perspective,” she says. “My husband and kids are my priority, so I try to have balance. My mom always tells me: ‘This is just your hobby. It’s great that you’re into it and focused, but don’t forget your first priority.’”
That said, Quantrille won’t be throwing out the running shoes and cycling helmet anytime soon, particularly when she recalls that first windswept race in Chiba. “I saw lots of guys and women in their 60s racing strong,” she says. “I hope I get to be like that.” ®
Whether you’re looking to get fit, improve your
workout or even train for a triathlon, contact
the Recreation Services Desk.
RECREATION
Research shows that certain types of foods
can actually help stifle joint-damaging
inflammation. Knee joints, in particular,
often take a daily pounding. To ensure
your knees remain fully functional, eating
the likes of berries, ginger, avocado,
flaxseeds, omega-3-rich fish and soy could
be the answer.
Try whole-grain cereal or oatmeal with
berries for breakfast, for example, followed
by a tuna and avocado sandwich or tofu
stir-fry for lunch, a handful of walnuts or
flaxseeds for a mid-afternoon snack, and
wild salmon for dinner. It’s that easy.
And if weight is a problem, shed those
pounds and work on your quads and other
knee-supporting muscles. Your knees will
certainly thank you for it.
The secret to supple
and flexible joints
might well lie in
the kitchen.
by Steve Terada
wellnesstip
24 November 2008 iNTOUCH
KickboxingThe Class
Kickboxing is a full-contact, standing sport that uses martial arts-style kicks and boxing-style punches.
While it is a competitive sport, kickboxing is also popular as a means to stay in shape.
With its use of focus mitts for punching and pads for kicking, this class teaches a number of kickboxing
techniques. In addition, the intensity of the class means that students get a total body-toning and
calorie-burning workout. It offers a great way to release stress, too. And with smaller class sizes,
students receive plenty of one-on-one time with the instructor.
Classes run on Mondays (11:35 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), Wednesdays (11:35 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) and Thursdays
(12:35–1:30 p.m.). Contact the Recreation Services Desk for more information or to sign up.
The Instructor
Taka Komatsu has been studying and teaching martial arts, including kickboxing, for more
than 20 years. A certified strength and conditioning specialist, he has taught movement skills
to students of a variety of ages and ability levels, from novice to professional. He also speaks
at fitness conferences on the subject. Komatsu, who has a degree in human performance
and sports, is a personal trainer at the Club.
The Student
“I love Taka’s kickboxing class. I have been doing the classes for about six months now and
they’re fun. It has made a huge difference to my fitness level, especially my core muscles.
Each week you go back, you can feel yourself getting stronger, which is very motivating.
At first, it seemed slightly odd to be partnering with fellow Club Members, but everyone in
the class is very friendly and the atmosphere is great. Not only do you get an all-over body
workout, but it’s fun, too.” (Lisa Berlet)
classfocus
Sporting SaleDon’t miss the Winter Recreation Sale on Saturday, December
6, for a chance to snap up a bargain or two from the range
of sporting goods and apparel. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Recreation
Services Desk.
Golf Group Get-TogetherIf you’re an experienced golfer looking for like-minded players
or want a new challenge, be sure to attend the Ladies’ Golf
Group Luncheon on Friday, December 5. 12–2 p.m. Banquet
Rooms. Sign up at the Recreation Services Desk.
Holiday ScheduleFrom December 16 to January 4, the following fitness classes
will switch times for the holiday season:
Cardio Step: Tuesday, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Step and Sculpt: Wednesday, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Step Circuit: Thursday, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Step and Sculpt: Saturday, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
Final DipThe last day of the swimming season is Sunday, November 30.
The Pool is set to reopen next April.
RECREATION
Fitness and well-being 25
what'son
Soccer SchoolExperienced coach Ken Hasegawa teaches youngsters ball skills at his one-day clinics in the Gym. November 17 (ages 8–10) and December 8 (ages 10–12). 5–6 p.m. ¥3,675. Register at the Recreation Services Desk or by e-mail at [email protected].
Santa’s Arts and Crafts FactoryEnjoy a session of yuletide creative fun on Saturday, November 29 and Saturday, December 6. 10–11:30 a.m. ¥3,675 (includes art materials). Sign up at the Recreation Services Desk.
Spring ClassesDon’t miss out. Be sure to sign up for your chosen Enrichment Classes when online registration for the spring kicks off from 8:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 4.
Father-Son DinnerThis popular annual dinner for dads and their boys returns on Sunday, November 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Adults: ¥6,825. Children (12 years and under): ¥4,700. Sign up online or at the Recreation Services Desk.
youthspot
26 November 2008 iNTOUCH
I f dealing with the logistics of an expat assignment is a headache, then consider repatriation a major migraine. But with a little careful planning, the process will go much more smoothly. Having moved
back to Switzerland earlier this year, here are some helpful tips I gleaned along the way:
Moving out• Schedule a departure date and work backwards from that,
allowing at least two to three months to prepare.• Immediately inform the housing agent of your departure and
arrange a time for an inspection and to return the keys.• During the inspection, have someone who speaks Japanese
present to help with language problems, such as telling the inspectors that you won’t pay to replace the living room and dining room carpet because of one small stain. We told ours to get a better carpet doctor!
• Arrange for mail to be redirected to a local friend or colleague, then sent on to you. Mail cannot be forwarded overseas. You can fill out a form (tenkyo todoke) in English. It works. We have received all our mail so far.
Packing and shipping• At least one month ahead, ask the moving company for an
estimate of the time required to pack up. • Choose the best shipping method to suit your needs, including
air, sea and checked baggage.• Check the airline’s luggage regulations, which seem to change
almost daily, and be familiar with allowances on weight and such restricted items as alcohol and tobacco.
• Start using up your food items. Donate any extras to local charities, such as Second Harvest.
• For items you plan to leave behind, find someone to take them off your hands. It’s not easy to get rid of things in Japan.
• Send your sea and air inventories to the insurance company at least one month in advance. I still had my previous forms from the move to Tokyo, so it was easy to update with recent purchases in Japan and Asia.
• Give serious thought to what should go in each shipment. For us, sending the filing cabinet with all our everyday living information by air was best. When two of our air shipment boxes went missing, it was a relief to learn that it wasn’t the filing cabinet. The others soon turned up.
• Keep a special cupboard or closet for items that don’t need to be packed and label it “stay.” Don’t forget to set aside supplies needed to clean the apartment. I also had our suitcases more or less packed, cordoned off and marked as “stay.”
• Don’t leave your shoes lying around. I had to unpack a box to look for mine—they stayed on my feet from then on. Don’t worry too much about the local custom of taking your shoes off at the door.
• Plan to spend the last two nights before flying home at a hotel.
Homeward BoundRelocating to another
country is tough enough, but returning home again
has its own set of challenges.
by Debbie Burgin
WOMEN’S GROUP
Unplugging• Deregister with your embassy.• A month before leaving, inform the cable/satellite TV company
of your departure. • Cancel all utilities, including telephone, water, electricity
and gas. This should be arranged for you by the relocation or management firm, but if you have a separate Internet connection, you will need to do it yourself. You can cancel your mobile phone contract at the airport before going through immigration.
• Close all unnecessary bank accounts. If you pay bills electronically, you will need to allow one or two months for
the final payments to clear.
• Hand in your alien registration card to the immigration officer on your way out—with a smile, tears or whatever your emotions might be about leaving Japan.
Back home• Brace yourself for a lot more boxes than before. Some will
definitely be due to recent purchases, but, by and large, Japanese moving companies pack well and with extreme care. We received 399 boxes via sea shipment!
• Stay calm. Repatriation can be a nerve-racking experience, but try to develop a sense of humor when your trash can and its contents appear all nicely packed in boxes.
• Expect to say “hai” and “sumimasen” for a while upon your return. Enjoy being home again and think fondly of your expat experience whilst eagerly awaiting the arrival of your belongings. It feels like Christmas all over again.
Some expats are lucky enough to have the support of an efficient relocation company or a representative from work to help them with their move back home. This can alleviate a considerable amount of stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, I had to do a lot of this on my own. The best thing you can do is be prepared, take a deep breath and leave the aspirin unpacked! ®
Burgin is a former member of the Women’s Group.
WOMEN’S GROUP
An interactive community 27
Yen Loans for Japanese Property
Stop RentingOwn it!
Growing up in Africa, Anthony
Willoughby’s childhood memories
are filled with pet scorpions,
floating down the Nile River and narrowly
avoiding being mauled or eaten by the
local wildlife before spending a mundane
decade at a boarding school in England.
His adventures continued as an adult, when
his exotic escapades led him to hitchhike
more than 30,000 kilometers across the
American continents, climb Mount
Kilimanjaro, journey through jungles,
travel on the Trans-Siberian Express, trek
by camel across the desert, ski on the North
Pole and dogsled in Alaska.
These adventures have been parlayed
into two business enterprises designed
to inspire corporate executives and
employees and equip them with creativity,
poise and the abilities to develop their
businesses within a cohesive, efficient work
environment. Willoughby will discuss his
far-reaching experiences and ideas at the
Club this month, an afternoon certain to
amuse and awe vice presidents and stay-
at-home parents alike.
It was while hiking in Papua New Guinea
nearly 20 years ago alongside an ardent
malcontent that Willoughby stumbled
upon the inspiration for his first business
venture, I Will Not Complain. Established
in Japan, where he lived for many years, the
company focuses on motivating employees
and fostering confidence, teamwork,
courage and personal leadership using
nature as its classroom. The business now
has offices throughout Asia and a training
center at the foot of China’s Great Wall.
After devoting 25 years to
cultivating I Will Not Complain, the
former Club Member moved back
to the UK a decade ago to develop
another undertaking, an intuitive
approach to planning business
strategies called “territory mapping.”
Inspired by an encounter with a
Papua New Guinean village chief, who
spoke to him about the importance of
“knowing your territory,” Willoughby
has since brought together more than
2,000 company employees and tribal
people on four continents to simplify
business issues and map out their
corporate territories.
Whether looking to inject enthusiasm
into the office, rework a business strategy
in an increasingly tough economic climate
or discover the outlandish, colorful life of
one worldly-wise explorer, this event is
not to be missed. ®
1Angel Campaign
starts
4Pottery Festival
of Mashiko Tour
For more details, check out the events on pages 4 and 5 or the Women's Group page at www.tokyoamericanclub.org.
5–6International
Bazaar
Motivation in Misadventure
monthlyprogram
by Wendi Hailey
28 November 2008 iNTOUCH
8Early Pregnancy
and Birth Planning
10WG Board
Meeting
22–23 Birth Preparation
for Couples
17Monthly Program:
“Tales of Misadventure
in Search of Inspiration”
with Anthony Willoughby
13New Moms
and Babies
Get-Together
21Nikko TourMikimoto Pearl
Island Tour
11–12
7Sanyukai
Charity Drive
november
25Get Acquainted/
Reacquainted
Coffee
Anthony Willoughby
Monthly Program: “Tales of Misadventure in
Search of Inspiration” with Anthony Willoughby
Monday, November 17
Doors open: 11 a.m.
Program begins: 11:30 a.m.
WG members: ¥3,150
Non-WG members: ¥4,200
Sign up online or at the Member Services Desk
One day in early fall 2005, my husband told me
about a career opportunity that would take us
from Dallas to Tokyo. Arriving in the city for
the first time, I immediately knew that I would love
living here. The fashion, the food, the world-class
service and the lovely people—Tokyo had it all. As
long as my husband found the proper closet space
to hold all my clothes, shoes and bags when house
hunting on his own, I would be happy.
Transitioning from working 70-plus hours a week
in the weight-loss industry to being unemployed,
however, proved to be more of a challenge than
finding a decent closet. Luckily for me, my husband
and I were Members of the Club and I made the
smart decision to join the Women’s Group. It got me
active and involved, allowed me to meet wonderful,
interesting people and made my move abroad an
unforgettable experience.
For the past year, serving as vice president of the
Women’s Group’s programs has kept my schedule
pleasantly packed with planning and organizing
monthly programs, tours, classes and the biannual
Tokyo: Here & Now orientation sessions. I received
a wealth of knowledge and resources that I might
have otherwise missed by being a part of the Classes
and Tours committees. Wine tastings and geisha
evenings have been memorable and informative.
Teaching makeup and skincare classes and the Anne
Namba fashion show have kept me connected to my
background in the fashion industry as a model and
makeup artist.
Although I truly enjoyed my job in Texas helping
people set and achieve their weight-management
goals, after working a long, hectic schedule for two
years, I was definitely ready for a break. Tokyo has
given me that luxury, while the Women’s Group has
provided me with a sense of purpose. Surrounding
myself with intelligent women from all over the world
and making new friends has been exactly what I
needed as I unpacked my closet and settled into this
fabulous city. ®
women’s groupprofile
WOMEN’S GROUP
An interactive community 29
Trading Pacesby Shurah Norrell
1WG Joint Board
Meeting
2Sapporo Tour
sign-up starts
5Meiji Shrine “Behind
the Scenes” Tour
8Monthly Program
11New Moms and
Babies Get-Together
Shurah Norrell
december
Pearls Mothers of
Besides being home to the cultured pearl, Mikimoto Pearl Island in central
Japan is also one of the last bastions of a traditional maritime profession.
Words and photos by Jim Hand-CukiermanAdditional reporting by Kayo Yamawaki
30 November 2008 iNTOUCH
FEATURE
Mothers of Pearls 31
A s the late-afternoon sun dips low over the city of Toba, Mie Prefecture, a figure clad in a white gown slips quietly beneath the blue-green waves out in the bay, vanishing like a ghost. Finally surfacing after a couple of minutes, the figure
tosses a shell into a barrel floating on the water. A pack of tourists watching from dry land bursts into applause.
The diving is all for show here at Mikimoto Pearl Island, a patch of land roughly the size of four football fields just offshore where, around a century ago, Kokichi Mikimoto founded what is now recognized as the cultured pearl industry. But that in no way diminishes 54-year-old Masayo Uemura’s status as a true ama, the traditional female divers who have been foraging for the fruits of the sea in this area for centuries.
Toba’s surrounding waters have been Uemura’s playground since she was a little girl. “Around here, we were all raised to swim in the ocean,” she says later, sitting in a break room for the island’s 12 divers, a cup of tea before her. “My parents were called funado ama. My mother was the diver and my father pulled her up with a rope from the boat. When I was little I’d go out to sea with them; they would tie my inner tube to the boat so I wouldn’t drift away while I played in the water.”
For at least 2,000 years, according to Mikimoto Pearl Island, Japan’s coastal residents have been diving to harvest the likes of shellfish, seaweed and sea urchins. The vast majority of ama are women, since it’s believed that they are better able to withstand the freezing conditions and hold their breath longer than men. To this day, ama dive without the aid of scuba gear so as not to further deplete the ocean’s already dwindling resources.
“A few people die every year,” Uemura says matter-of-factly, highlighting the dangers of working in such a cold and unpredictable environment. “The most important thing for
diving is energy. Ama dive for two hours at a time, so energy is vital. If you don’t know the basics, you can’t reach the bottom, and sometimes you have to go down more than once. Once I find abalone, I take off my rope and attach it to the weeds so I can find the spot again. Then you have to be careful prying off the shells, because if you damage them, the price drops by half.”
Despite the rigorous demands of the job, it seemed natural for Uemura to follow in her mother’s wake bubbles. By junior high school, she had her own equipment and began combing the shallows. A few years later, at 15, she started diving for visitors at Mikimoto Pearl Island.
Although their primary focus has always been sea produce in general, ama are commonly associated with pearl diving. And while they often did find natural pearls in the oysters they collected, the pearl diving tag is largely due to Mikimoto.
Born in 1858 to the owners of a Toba
udon noodle restaurant, Mikimoto displayed the traits of a shrewd businessman while hawking vegetables and rice as a teenager. Tatsuo Inoue, Mikimoto Pearl Island’s public relations chief, describes the company’s founder as “an ambitious young man who wanted to make something great and surprise people. Curious and energetic, he was always set on being successful.”
This determination would prove indispensable over the many frustrating years spent attempting to cultivate oysters and, eventually, pearls. Armed with information about earlier pearl-making experiments in Europe involving inserting foreign objects into oysters, he succeeded in creating his first cultured pearls in 1893 after much trial and error.
However, these were only half pearls, or blister pearls, which grow on the oyster’s shell rather than within its tissue. It wasn’t until the
early 1900s that Mikimoto managed to successfully create perfectly spherical pearls, mostly thanks to methods developed by Otokichi Kuwabara, Tokichi Nishikawa and Tatsuhei Mise.
Essentially, the procedure entails inserting a nucleus—a polished bead, most often a piece of mussel shell—and a small piece of mantle tissue from another oyster into the reproductive organ of the mother oyster. Mikimoto patented this process in 1911 and perfected it over time.
Inoue is quick to point out that throughout the arduous experimentation process and in the years after the business took
off, ama played a key role. “They were diving for seafood,” he says, “but they were also bringing in the akoya oysters [used for pearl cultivation]. So back then, the pearl business would have been impossible without ama, as they were the ones who actually collected the shells for the experiments and to make the pearls.”
As the Mikimoto name became established around the world, Inoue says, interest in the process of cultivating pearls increased. Mikimoto decided to build a place to show guests his work. At first,
only a select few were invited to Mikimoto Pearl Island. It was finally opened to the public in 1951.
Naturally, the exotic diving women of Toba were a big draw. But there was just one problem: ama, save for a cloth wrapped around their hips, traditionally dived in the nude. Edo-era woodblock prints depict lithe, bare-chested ama resting on the shore. But, by the 1930s, as increasing numbers of visitors from overseas began to arrive, ama decided to cover up.
Once Mikimoto began breeding oysters on rafts in the 1950s, ama were no longer needed for actual cultivation. The demonstrations,
32 November 2008 iNTOUCH
A lot of ama don’t want their children to suffer, so they have their kids take ”normal” jobs instead.
however, continued, with ama now diving every day except for a few days in December. The rest of the time they greet visitors and perform other duties at the Mikimoto Pearl Museum.
While remarkably little has altered in the ama methods over the years, what has changed is the amount of harvestable resources. This, according to Hirokazu Matsuda of the Mie Prefecture Fisheries Research Institute, goes hand in hand with a decline in the ama population.
“It’s hard work and the money’s not very good anymore because the amount of abalone—the main income source—is declining,” Matsuda notes. “Abalone are disappearing most dramatically compared to other seafood. One theory is that because they like cold water, the rising water temperature due to global warming has had a big impact. Another is that too many abalone were taken, so there are
not enough left to breed.”Mikimoto’s Inoue notes that the average age of ama in the Toba-
Shima area is between 60 and 70, and there is a dearth of young apprentices. “A lot of ama don’t want their children to suffer,” he says, “so they have their kids take ‘normal’ jobs instead.” Numbers from the Toba Maritime Folk Museum bear this out. In 1954, there were more than 6,100 female divers in the area. But in 2007, the number was down to just 1,081.
Matsuda stresses the importance of creating better conditions to attract young people. “But to do that,” he says, “we have to increase
the abalone. Our institution is working on it, but so far it’s been very difficult.”
Masayo Uemura has two daughters of her own. And while she says they see nothing unusual in their mother’s vocation (“It’s pretty normal here that a mother happens to be an ama.”), they have no interest in diving themselves.
But there is one glimmer of hope. Eighteen-year-old Yoshie Mori joined the team of ama at Mikimoto Pearl Island after she graduated from high school in April. “When I started thinking about getting a job, ama work came to mind,” she says. “This way, I can do what I enjoy, which is swimming. And since I started working with the older ama, I feel like I have become a member of their family.”
Still, it seems too much to rest the fate of an entire profession on one girl’s shoulders. Mori doesn’t dive in her spare time, preferring
amusement parks and long drives on her days off. One day, she says, she might like to be a cake maker. “I want to work as long as possible,” she says, “but I’m not sure if I can still do this when I’m in my 70s. This is really traditional work, though, so of course I hope the ama culture carries on.”
Unfortunately, unless the ebbing population can be replenished, it won’t be long before the last ama makes her final dive. ®
The Women’s Group is organizing a tour to Mikimoto Pearl Island this
month. See page 5 for more.
FEATURE
Mothers of Pearls 33
Masayo Uemura (left)
34 November 2008 iNTOUCH
to StoreFrom Shore
by Hilary WendelPhotos by Jim Hand-Cukierman
From Shore to Store 35
FEATURE
T he allure of the pearl was on full display one recent midweek morning in Tokyo. Yasuko Tashiro, after browsing the wares in Amit Trading, a pearl wholesaler and exporter in the city’s shopping and entertainment district of Roppongi, has
just bought herself an undeniably beautiful strand of akoya cultured pearls. But just two hours earlier, she had been less than enthusiastic about visiting the store. “I’m not much of a pearl buyer,” she had admitted. “They are too much work, you have to take care of them, bring them in for maintenance.”
Shopping at Amit is a far cry from Ginza’s upscale jewelry stores with their white-gloved staff presenting gems on velvet-lined trays. Here, the experience is more akin to selecting fruit at the supermarket. Strands of pearls, sorted by color and size, lie unceremoniously in piles. Don’t squeeze the melons? Hardly. Customers are encouraged to caress the golden South Sea pearls and run their hands through the pile of black Tahitians.
While Tashiro is buying her set, a bearded importer from New York is hammering out a price with Amit’s owner for some black pearls. By the time those Tahitian beads are on
display in the Big Apple, their price may very well have quadrupled. It’s easy to see, therefore, why savvy expats and importers (Amit is one of the largest suppliers of wholesale pearls to the US market) have been buying pearls from this Israeli-owned family business for 40 years.
Although Amit might be cheaper than many of Tokyo’s elegant boutiques, it sources its pearls from the same places as such well-established Japanese brands as Mikimoto and Tasaki. Of course, it’s not always about cost for many Japanese customers. The petite “M” motif hanging
32 February 2007 iNTOUCH
from a Mikimoto strand of pearls, for example, is worth a markup of around 50 percent, according to those in the business.
For years after World War II, it was de rigueur at formal ceremonies for Japanese women to wear the requisite uniform of a dark suit and dainty, white, Japanese-produced akoya pearls. Traditionally, a young woman would receive her first strand of Mikimoto or Tasaki pearls from her parents or grandparents on Coming-of-Age Day, the second Monday in January when 20-year-olds celebrate becoming adults. If not on that occasion, a young woman might receive pearls for her engagement or wedding.
Sales of akoya pearls, however, have been steadily declining since their peak in 1990. The local industry has suffered from debilitating environmental changes, which have brought production down to a mere 28 tons per year. This is coupled with the relentless flow of
imports of freshwater pearls from China, where up to 1,000 tons are harvested each year.
And yet despite a downturn in the production of locally cultivated pearls, Japan remains the global center for the industry. Pearls from Australia, the Philippines and Tahiti continue to pour into the country, where they are strung and then exported to Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Japanese women are becoming more daring in their styles and tastes, valuing individuality and modern design more than ever before. Larger, more expensive South Sea and Tahitian pearls are now eclipsing the once must-have pinkish-hued akoyas.
Club Member Amy Massey, founder of the online retailer, ePearlsDirect, has taken advantage of changing tastes in Japan by introducing unorthodox designs to the public though her store in Meguro and regular appearances on one of Japan’s
shopping channels. Fluent in Japanese, Massey says that Japanese women are
shedding their image as “notoriously bad jewelry wearers” by choosing pearls based on fashion trends and design rather than just brand. “The multicolored pearls have liberated the Japanese women,” she says. “They have allowed them to wear pearls more often and allowed them to express their individuality.” Politician Yuriko Koike, with her colorful, modern pearl jewelry, is one such
example of this new kind of customer. Pearls dangle off of silver, leather and even rubber chains in
Massey’s store. Some are mixed with semiprecious beads. In particular, she is passionate about baroque pearls, the organic-shaped freshwater type currently fetching high prices. “Farming techniques have been aimed at producing the perfect round and blemish-free pearl,” says Massey, who designs all the innovative jewelry on display, “so getting the round shape is not as difficult as it once was, resulting in the baroque pearl being more sought after.”
Even though she doesn’t generally stock akoya pearls, Massey says she can easily source them. Much like my friend Yasuko Tashiro, I seem to have come under the spell of the lustrous bead and have a sudden urge to buy a strand of the iconic akoya pearls as part of my “things-to-buy-before-I-leave-Japan” list. Such is the pull of the pearl. ®
36 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Japanese women are becoming more daring in their styles and tastes, valuing individuality and modern design more than ever before.
Get
ty Im
ages
FEATURE
campaign period: November 1st, 2008 to December 31, 2008
The Original Japanophile 35
by Wendi Hailey
All exhibits in the Genkan Gallery are for sale and can be purchased by Membership card at the Member Services Desk.
38 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Exhibition November 3–16
Wine and Cheese ReceptionMonday, November 36:30–8 p.m.Adult LobbyOpen to all MembersFree
After nearly five decades of painting, Club Member
Fred Harris seems far from exhausting his muse.
The industrious and well-noted artist unveils his
most recent sumi-e ink and watercolor paintings of
Japan’s landscapes and inhabitants at the Genkan
Gallery this month.
Harris filters such oft-viewed images through his
own perceptions and onto the canvas, where they
reflect elements of innovation and acuity. “It must
be at once vital, well-made and fresh in spirit,” he
says of his work. “Something that would be a tonic
to stir the imagination, a pleasure to the eye and
reflect my sense of quality in life.”
As he finds novel inspiration in his surroundings, the
New York-born painter is still striving to perfect his
technique and form. “I believe that all art is built on
a superstructure of abstract design,” he explains. “In
believing this, I am interested in acquiring adequate
technical skill and concentration to express myself
as clearly as possible.”
The 76-year-old often hones his painting talent in
the office of his architectural and interior design firm
in Tokyo. The former Club president and current
governor moved to Japan shortly after graduating
from the Art Center School in Los Angeles in 1961,
swiftly immersing himself in the country’s traditional
art forms. He has garnered numerous Japanese
accolades for his paintings and cross-cultural efforts,
including the Tokyo Governor’s Prize and the
prestigious Order of the Rising Sun.
FredHarris
It’s very possible that you may have encountered
one of Taeko Takabe’s bold, energetic prints
without realizing it. Many are displayed at hospitals,
gymnasiums, hotels and cultural centers across
the country. One hangs in Narita Airport to greet
passengers in transit. Others have graced the covers
of magazines, newspapers and other publications,
while more still are shown in galleries, museums,
embassies and universities worldwide.
“I express things I see and feel in my own abstract
way,” Takabe, a resident of Yokohama, says of her
works. “Roses look differently when we see them
from various angles. Also, this depends on how we
feel—happy, sad, excited, bored.”
The insightful artist held her first exhibition within
months of graduating from the Women’s College
of Fine Arts in Tokyo in 1964. Presently, she has
more than 100 solo shows under her belt, having
displayed her award-winning works around Japan
as well as such far-fetched locales as New York, San
Francisco, Italy and Bulgaria.
Just last month, Takabe, who was born in Wakayama,
completed her 30th year of exhibiting with the
College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) Print
Show, held annually at the Club. She will bring a
larger collection of her prints to the Genkan Gallery
later this month, showcasing vibrant images made
from new cutting, scratching and other techniques
recently acquired in New York City.
Exhibition November 17–30
GENKAN GALLERY
Exhibitions of art 39
by Wendi Hailey
TakabeTaeko
40 November 2008 iNTOUCH
ReportEnd-of-Term
iNTOUCH: How have the past four years been?
Thomas: A lot of fun and a lot of work.
iNTOUCH: What was the most surprising aspect of the job?
Thomas: There’s a lot involved in running the Club. I think Members and even Board members see it and think that things run automatically and things happen automatically. But there are so many issues in so many different areas of the Club that really require work on the part of management and some oversight from the president and the Board, and I just wasn’t aware of the complexity, the level of detail and the amount of things that the staff and management were doing everyday to make the Club work the way it does.
iNTOUCH: There’s no doubt that the Redevelopment Project has taken up a great deal of your time. How do you think the move to Takanawa went?
Thomas: There were some issues after we moved here, but from my perspective I thought they were relatively minor. I think Members sometimes expect everything to go perfectly, but considering the magnitude of the move I was very pleasantly surprised with how well it went, the quality of the new facilities and how everybody liked it.
iNTOUCH: If you had the chance to do it again, what would you do differently?
Thomas: I think upfront I might have put a little more investment into the interior appearance of the Club. It was a little too utilitarian when we first got here and a lot has been done since then to humanize it.
iNTOUCH: There has been a downturn in usage of the Club since the move to Takanawa. Has this surprised you?
Thomas: We had budgeted for a downturn, a pretty significant downturn, and I actually thought it was going to be worse than what we had budgeted for.
iNTOUCH: Have you noticed a change in usage of the Club?
Thomas: I think people use the Club differently; they use it on different days of the week. Different people use the Club. I think the ones who are nearer to Takanawa tend to use it more and the ones who are nearer to Azabudai use it a little less, so I think we’ve seen a lot of shifts. I think utilization is pretty good right now.
iNTOUCH: In your column for last month’s magazine, you introduced the idea of a Membership cap when the Club returns to Azabudai. Can you explain this a little more?
Thomas: One of the issues we’re going to face is that probably in the new Club as Membership trends continue there’s a good chance we’re going to have a utilization issue. So we may need to cap Memberships. The times when our finances are not as strong are when you have a downturn in Membership, which happens because of ups and downs in the number of expats coming into the Japanese market. So to the extent that we’re kind of at a cap and have a waiting list, we can avoid those downturns, I think.
iNTOUCH: You also mentioned possibly introducing permanent and temporary Memberships.
Thomas: I think the reason we might want to consider doing that is because if we had a cap, I think we’d like to leave enough room for expats, so we didn’t end up in a situation where all we had was permanent Members and people who were here on temporary assignments couldn’t get into the Club. I think we would fail in one of the important functions we’re providing if we weren’t able to do that.
iNTOUCH: You talked before about the importance of the Club community and people feeling like Members as opposed to just users. Why is this so important?
Thomas: I think there’s no point in having a club if you’re just like any other commercial establishment. There are plenty of restaurants around; there are very nice fitness and spa facilities around. This is a great club and a great venue for people of different nationalities and backgrounds to mix, and it’s a part of our mission to [provide for that]. But in order to facilitate that and do a better job of it, focusing on the sense of community is really, really important.
iNTOUCH: How will the new Azabudai Club encourage a greater sense of community, do you think?
Thomas: One, obviously, is more parking, so that makes it easier for people to come and spend time at the Club. I think the better separation between the casual and formal sides will make it a more comfortable place for people and cause people to spend more time at the Club. And the addition of more facilities will just make the Club a more attractive place where people will want to spend more time. I think by spending time here you get to know other Members and that’s one of the key things that facilitates a sense of community.
iNTOUCH: What advice would you give to your successor?
Thomas: The key to being successful in the job as president is that you’re not there to advance a specific agenda, but you’re there to understand what is in the best interests of the Members and the Club and support the consensus around that.
iNTOUCH: Would you run for president again?
Thomas: I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s good for the Club to be president for too long. I think four years is about right. I think it’s good to get somebody in with some fresh blood, fresh ideas and fresh energy. ®
TALKING HEADS
Member insights on Japan 41
While the world focuses its attention on the United States presidential election this month, the Club will be voting for its own president along with eight new members of the Board of Governors. The results of the Club election will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 25 after voting closes on November 21.
The next president and set of governors will lead the Club through the continuing Redevelopment Project and toward the return to the Club’s permanent home in Azabudai. Outgoing President Dan Thomas spent a great deal of his two consecutive two-year terms overseeing the mammoth project.
Ahead of his departure, the Club’s 33rd president sat down with iNTOUCH’s Nick Jones to reflect on his time in the hot seat. Excerpts:
Dan Thomas
42 November 2008 iNTOUCH
CeremonialBeginnings by Wendi HaileyPhotos by Ayano Sato
On a hot, azure-skied morning on September 12, members of the Club’s former Long Range Planning
Committee (LRPC), Redevelopment Planning Committee (RPC), Club executives and representatives from its various Redevelopment Project partners assembled at the site of the old Azabudai Club for a traditional Japanese groundbreaking ceremony and to recognize the LRPC’s extensive and enduring work. Excavation work fell silent and construction equipment stood motionless, while inside a nearby striped marquee a Shinto priest performed a ritual to purify the grounds and ward off bad spirits. After a sip of sake concluded the ceremony, glasses of Champagne flowed indoors to celebrate the endeavors of the LRPC and toast the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to be set inside the new Club.
During a brief speech, Club President Dan Thomas lauded the efforts of the LRPC in guiding Members to the “architectural gem” that will become their next home. “I think it will be a landmark in the city and something we can all be proud of,” he said.
“It was a milestone,” long-time Club Member and former LRPC co-chair Thomas Jordan said of the groundbreaking. “It was somewhat emotional because it was a fruition
of at least 10 years of planning.” Formed in 1997 in response to prevalent
Member dissatisfaction with the Club’s aging facilities, the LRPC volunteered countless hours to conceive a world-class Club from incarnation to construction. After nearly a decade of planning, Members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the momentous Redevelopment Project in early 2006.
“To go from meetings to bulldozers, it’s amazing,” said former LRPC member Scott Hancock, surveying the razed site. “It’s a great opportunity to be invested in something so important and fundamental to the community, to be part of something so permanent and far-reaching.” With completion of the Pelli Clarke Pelli-designed premises slated for the end of 2010, the Club will begin a phased opening in the early months of the following year, rolling out facilities and services to Members as they become available. “Now that construction is underway, we can start planning for the move back to Azabudai,” said Redevelopment Director Alistair Gough. “This will be far more complex than the move to Takanawa, although the lessons learned earlier this year will play a major factor in developing the strategy for a successful move back.” ®
REDEVELOPMENT
The journey back to Azabudai 43
EGBOK Azabu Oriental ClinicAcupuncture, massage, oil massage and aromatherapy by bilingual professional staff. In the studio or at your home. Tel: 0120-05-8909 (toll-free)www.egbok-massage.comReward: 10% discount on cash payment
A Cut AboveCut, color, perm, etc. for the entire family. English-speaking stylists. Find us in Hiroo, up the hill from Segafredo and National Azabu.Tel: 03-3441-7218www.above.co.jpReward: 10% off introductory services
BO
DY
SH
OP
PIN
G Amit TradingWorldwide wholesaler and retailer offering wholesale prices on the highest-quality pearls and diamonds. Unmatched selection and best prices—guaranteed!Tel: 03-3404-3853www.pearls.jpReward: 50% discount
Bhanu TailorsQuality custom-made garments. 27 years of experience in the fashion industry. Choose fabrics from Valentino, Boss, Reda and more. Visiting Tokyo every month.E-mail: [email protected]: Free shirt with every suit
INT
ER
IOR
Tokyo Lease CorporationLarge collection of Asian, European andAmerican furniture for sale and lease. Tel: 03-3585-5801 www.furniture-rental-tokyo.comReward: 5% discount on items bought inthe shop
TR
AV
EL
The Rewards program gives Members access to exclusive discounts and great deals. Simply present your
Membership card before you receive the service from any of the vendors listed. All offers listed are valid for the
month they appear in iNTOUCH.
Okura Oriental ArtFind your favorite from our extensive collection of authentic Japanese antiques, including early modern-era tansu chests, old imari porcelain, flower baskets, lamps and folk art. Tel: 03-3585-5309www.okura-art.comReward: 5% discount
Pacific Islands Club GuamSpend a fun-filled weekend at the all-inclusive PIC, Guam's only true resort. Book through Executive Travel. Tel: 03-3588-0971 www.picresorts.com Reward: Complimentary welcome drink
Pacific Islands Club SaipanDiscover Saipan’s all-inclusive American resort, just three hours from Tokyo. Mention this ad and your Membership number at check-in for a gift.Book through Executive Travel: 03-3588-0971Reward: PIC gift
Asian Collection Contemporary Art GalleryDiscover leading Japanese and Asian artists in a friendly, English-speaking environment in Azabu Juban.Tel: 080-3150-3610/080-3252-7782 www.theasiancollection.comReward: Ceramic gift with each purchase
44 November 2008 iNTOUCH
rewards
The Meat GuyHappy holidays from The Meat Guy! Two out of three Wise Men agree: The Meat Guy has the best turkeys and hams in town! Tel: 052-618-3705www.TheMeatGuy.jpReward: Bottle of our original spice
Plaza Plastic SurgeryThe US board-certified plastic surgeons of Plaza Plastic Surgery offer a variety of laser and plastic surgeries as well as walk-in Botox and Restylane services. Tel: 03-5475-2345www.plazaclinic.netReward: ¥5,000 discount on first visit
Roppongi Hills ClinicWe offer full medical checkups, using the latest medical equipment.Tel: 03-3796-6006www.66clinic.comReward: 5% discount on Super Medical Checkup
ME
DIC
AL
adidas PERFORMANCE CENTRE Check out adidas Premiumstyle, Porsche Design Sport, adidas by Stella McCartney and mi adidas, our unique shoe-customizing service, at our Roppongi Hills Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza B1F store. Tel: 03-5771-1020 www.adidas.co.jp/shopnewsReward: 10% discount on cash payment
TakumiworksOur range of crafted products, including urushi tableware and ohinasama dolls, represents the perfect blend of traditional artisanship and modern living. Find out more at our Web site. E-mail: [email protected]://howbi.com/top_page_en.htmlReward: 5% discount
Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.Luxury apartment brand La Tour promises you prime comfort and security. Good locations and beautiful views in the heart of Tokyo. Tel: 0120-770-507www.sumitomo-latour.jp/Reward: No agent's fee
Ken Corporation Ltd.Being a resident of a Ken Corporation apartment gives you exclusive membership to the KEN Green Golf Club. Tel: 03-5413-5666 www.kencorp.comReward: Special packages for Club Members
HO
ME
SECOM Co., Ltd.Your peace of mind is our priority. Japan's top security company provides home security 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us today.Tel: 03-5775-8705http://ad.secom.co.jp/tokyo-american-cReward: SECOM goods to every new customer
BMW Tokyo TakanawaAuthorized BMW dealer with a premium showroom in Takanawa. Tel: 03-3443-2291www.bmw-tokyo.co.jpReward: ¥50,000 travel coupon with every BMW purchase
MEMBER SERVICES
Nissan Prince Tokyo Mita-TakanawaWe have a range of Nissan cars for every taste. Stop by for a test drive (ask for Junko Fujita).Tel: 0120-42-8123 (toll-free)E-mail: [email protected]: iPod® shuffle with every new Nissan
Services and benefits for Members 45
Jaguar Land Rover JapanVisit our Web site for more information on our vehicles. English-speaking staff are available at Land Rover Aoyama (03-5410-1311) and Land Rover Setagaya (03-5491-2511). www.landrover.co.jpReward: Original lacquer plate and traditional Arita porcelain plate with every new Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover JapanVisit our Web site for more information on our vehicles. English-speaking staff are available at our Jaguar Setagaya (03-5717-6511) and Jaguar Aoyama (03-5410-1312) showrooms. www.jaguar.co.jpReward: Original lacquer plate and traditional Arita porcelain plate with every new Jaguar
TM
T
TMT, Inc.Do you have people problems? TMT can help. Personnel policy consulting and executive search.Tel: 03-3261-6471www.tmt-aba.comReward: 50% off Thomas Nevins’ 2004 books
BU
SIN
ES
S
DUPLEX Serviced ApartmentsStay with us for short- or long-term business trips, or consider us your second home.Tel: 0120-987- 908www.duplexcs.jp/english/Reward: 5% discount on normal rent A
UT
OM
OT
IVE
JCE Autos: The Automotive ProfessionalsSpecialists in shaken renewals, servicing and repairs, ownership transfers, auto sales, accessories and car and motorcycle shipping.Tel: 03-6715-8621www.jce-autos.jpReward: Free pickup, delivery and car wash with any service
Tokyu Stay ResidenceSpacious and comfortable fully furnished apartments in Yotsuya and Aoyama, complete with 24-hour front desk and security.Tel: 03-3476-1008www.tokyustayresidence.comReward: 10% discount on basic rent
DAD Narita ParkingHeading overseas? DAD Narita Parking will pick up your vehicle at Narita Airport and keep it in a closely monitored, secure lot while you’re away.Tel: 0120-35-1462/0476-32-1955www.dadparking.com/index-e.htmlReward: 20% off basic charge
Dow Jones Japan K.K.Get a fast take on today’s news with The Wall Street Journal “Anytime News Package.” Subscribe now and enjoy the exceptional reward below. Tel: 0120-440-971E-mail: [email protected]: Free access to WSJ.com and 20% off standard subscription rate
Kool Co., Inc. From selling your car to buying a new or used one, we can guide you through the entire process—in English. Tel: 048-451-8888/Fax: 048-451-8889E-mail: [email protected]: 10% discount on repairs and maintenance
46 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Tokyo Car Club: Auto Sales and MoreWhen English counts, count on us! Auto sales and buying, service, export, shipping, shaken and more. Just call us.Tel: 03-3495-0393/090-8773-0907E-mail: [email protected]: ¥10,000 discount on an ETC system
AU
TO
MO
TIV
E
Nakashima Dental OfficeCosmetic dentistry, cleaning, whitening, porcelain work , dentures, gum work, root canals. US-specialist level. Tel: 03-3479-2726www.dentist-nakashima.jp Reward: 10% discount on cash payment
DE
NT
AL
United Dental OfficeRestorative, implant and cosmetic dentistry by US-trained and -licensed dentists. We treat adults and children. Tel: 03-5570-4334www.uniteddentaloffice.comReward: 40% discount on home bleaching
Sanji International Co., Ltd.With our abundant experience and extensive network in the car industry, you can depend on the expertise of our support staff for all your vehicle needs. Feel free to contact us.Tel: 03-3509-7821www.kokusai.com/clubsanji/index.htmlReward: Lunch at the Imperial Hotel
Keyshots-East West PhotographyWe can bring our studio to your home. Start taking better photos now using your own camera! Private photography lessons available. www.keyshots.comReward: Free 10 x 8 enlargement
PH
OT
OG
RA
PH
Y
Motoazabu Hills Dental Clinic Implant, periodontal (gum), pediatric, orthodontic, cosmetic, whitening, caries and root canal. One-hour free parking available.Tel: 03-5730-3900www.hills-dc.comReward: Two free sets of office whitening
Mr D’s Party EntertainmentEveryone loves Mr D’s funny magic and animal balloons! Perfect magical entertainment for children, family and adult parties.Tel: 03-3489-5330www2.gol.com/users/davidletReward: 10% discount on final fee
EN
TE
RT
AIN
ME
NT
If you would like to advertise in this space, contact Miyuki Hagiwara at [email protected].
sayonara
Russell & Julia Anderson
Marcus & Sally Ashworth
Iain Bannatyne & Ayako Okiyama
John & Kelly Beales
Jean-Francois & Christine Bessin
Ryan Bier
Michael & Stephanie Brandmeyer
Neil & Jenny Brewster
J Thomas & Lucinda Burkhard
Larry Chan
Edward & Tiffany Choi
Marvin Chow & Ji Young Park
Jean-Marie & Beatrice Clement
Jeffrey Cohen
Ashley Cox & Nina Ivancev
Karl & Frances Emmett
Jay & Jennifer Friese
Robert & Ikuko Gach
Keith & Amity Gillespie
Torben Hasselriis
Kensuke & Kimiko Hotta
Bradford Hu & Yuko Kuriyama
Gareth & Ayako James
Timothy & Kessaree Jeffares
Andrew & Denise Jones
Sutharshan Kandiah & Andrea Tan
Sunil & Nishu Kaul
Akira Kazusa
Shigehiko & Harumi Koshiba
Michiro & Erica Kurita
Philippe & Midori Larrieu-Lahargue
Christopher Lord & Maki Koda
William & Rika McIntyre
James & Laura Mills
Gavin & Marilise Moolman
Jack & Jeanne Elizabeth Noble
Kerry & Joanne Purcell
Rodney & Michelle Quin
Srinivasan & Hema Regunathan
David & Karen Roberts
Kevin Sakoda & Maria Villano
Anthony Semedo
Masahiko & Michiko Shimada
Cary & Nadia Sifferath
Jeffrey & Ginger Sorensen
Edward & Christy Spicer
TV & Sujata Srinivasan
William Stites & Jessica Warner
Yi Tang & Hong Yang
Koji Terada
Bertrand & Agathe Thiebaut
Mark & Anuschka Thompson
Anthony & Julie Tomizzi
Mark & Bernadette Toohey
Lee & Helen Wood
Eddy Wu & Wendy Chan
Antonio & Eileen Zara
Razmik & Anush Balian
Patrick & Catherine Brennan
Nicholas & Marie Bryan
Joseph & Kathy Busuttil
Christophe Delorme & Jade Brown
John & Hiroko Dorff
Brian & Kristen Foley
Keith & Vicky Fujii
Joy Fuyuno
Gregory & Angela Gipson
Maxwell & Marilyn Gosling
James & Roslin Gregory
Aaron & Lareina Guiel
Benjamin Harland
Alan Heggie & Young-Hee Park
Minoru & Shirley Karasawa
Toku Kobayashi
Robert & Sienna Langstaff
Eric Lim & Eunice Cheung
Puneet & Lakhbir Mahajan
Jonathan Mitchell & Kim Granland
Robert Mitchell & Rachel Oudyn
John Moorefield & Tiffany Farrell
Alfred & Claudia Niederer
Scott & Priscilla Nygaard
Mikihiko & Yoko Obayashi
Choon Piao Ooi & Janice Lau
Patrick John & Scarlett O’Sullivan
Hiroto & Noriko Otsuka
Erik & Rachel Palmetto
Rajen & Gabriela Patel
Viannay & Yael Pivet
Jean-Laurent & Elise Veron Poitou
Henry Ritchotte & Janet Miranda
Iain & Monica Rodger
Kim & Birgitte Rosenkilde
Mark & Erin Russell
Michael & Olga Russell
Niko & Judy Safavi
Sach & Sunita Sankpal
Lawnie & Lucy Shults
Julian Simon & Millie Pang
J & Carolyn Spruill
Robert & Melissa Sternthal
Katsumi & Yoko Takada
Mark Ubert & Fumi Akasaka
Rudy & Mary Widjaja
Motoki & Eriko Iidoi Japan—Exait Ltd.
Daniel & Ayako Owens United States—Hartford Life Insurance K.K.
James & Amy Matthews United States—Vinson & Elkins LLP
Robert & Donna McQueston United States—Northwest Airlines, Inc.
Leonard & Theresa Bernardi United States—Shin Nihon Ernst & Young
Clay & Amy Thompson United States—Caterpillar Japan Ltd.
David & Katherine Dix Australia—Creed Corporation
Hidehiro & Yuko Inuzuka Japan—Institute of Medical Services
Shawn & Lori Hansen United States—Microsoft Co., Ltd.
Scott & Deirdre Nonaka United States—O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Guy & Tania Prochilo United States—Alliance Bernstein Japan Ltd.
Shuhei Higuchi & Nami TanakaJapan—Deutsche Securities, Inc.
Akira & Yoko Oseto Japan—GCA Sauvian Group
Masayuki OsetoJapan—McCann Erickson Japan, Inc.
Thomas & Lisa JardineUnited States—JP Morgan Chase Bank
Krish & Divya Srinivasan United States—Amazon Japan K.K.
Kieran Calder & Pare Saiyawat Canada—Lupus Alpha Asia
Keiji & Miyuki Matsuoka Japan—MI Associates Corporation
Frederic Coppieters & Adrienne ScheichBelgium—Abbott Japan Co., Ltd.
Jack & Brigitte Malone United States—Northwest Airlines, Inc.
Hiroaki & Mari KoitoJapan—Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Bryan & Cynthia Mix United States—Goldman Sachs (Japan) Holdings
Morgan & Rumiko Laughlin United States—Royal Bank of Scotland
Neil & Kitrick Perry United Kingdom—Morgan Stanley Japan Ltd.
Hitoshi AkimotoJapan—Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting Co., Ltd.
Alice Chen & Li-Hsin LeeTaiwan—Bristol-Myers K.K.
Fabio & Emanuela Boccalatte Italy—Asahi Glass Co., Ltd./AGC Automotive
Philip & Nicole Chant Australia—Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd.
Yoneo & Yoko SakaiJapan—HSBC Securities (Japan) Ltd.
Christopher & Andrea Hudson United States—Corning Holding Japan G.K.
Philip Hyde United Kingdom—Lovells
Christopher & Susan MorganNew Zealand—Nihon Tetra Pak K.K.
Dongmin Shin & Myung A Lee South Korea—Momentive Performance Materials Japan LLC
Jonathan & Christy Kirkwood United States—Kirkwood Capital Advisors Y.K.
Glen & Melissa Gee Australia—ITG Japan Ltd.
Samantha & Philip Jamieson Australia—Meat and Livestock Australia
Luis DeAnda & Lisa Eri Iki United States—TBWA/Hakuhodo
Jennifer ParkSouth Korea—Boston Scientific Japan K.K.
Services and benefits for Members 47
yokoso
Yuuichiro Nakajima & Wendela ElsenJapan—Business Development Asia K.K.
Why did you decide to join the Club? “I believe that Tokyo American Club provides an unparalleled forum for meeting internationally minded people from a large number of countries around the world. Its facilities also make it a superb meeting place for children. I have known many Members of the Club over the years and they are all of the same opinion.”
Pictured (l–r): Anne-Claire, Wendela Elsen-Nakajima, Mylene, Rogier and Yuuichiro Nakajima
profilenew member
reciprocalclubs
André Bernard Beauty Salon
Hair care for adults and kids, manicure, pedicure, waxing and more.Tel: 03-4588-0685 Family Area (2F)Tue–Sun, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
UPS
For all your delivery needs, the express counter offers discounts to Members. Family Area (1F) Weekdays: 2–6 p.m.Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Go Mobile Phone Rental
Need a rental mobile phone or help with translation? Want to find useful English mobile sites? Go Mobile—more than just a phone.www.gomobile.co.jp
JTB Sunrise Tours
Five percent discount on all package tours.Available at the Member Services Desk.
MyToyota.jp
English support for all your Toyota and Lexus needs. Available services: Q&A by e-mail; dealer visit assistance; and translation of estimates, contracts and other related documents. www.mytoyota.jp/english
stacks of services at the Club
Casino de MadridLocation: Madrid, Spain
Founded: 1836
Members: 2,700
Some of the city’s most remarkable art and gastronomy can be found
within this celebrated institution, christened “Casino” by its founders in
lieu of “club” or “society” to distance its purpose from political agendas
of the time. The opulent interior houses a billiard room, dance hall, li-
brary, hair salon, pool, saunas and Turkish baths. In addition, members
can dine at the renowned restaurant under the direction of El Bulli
owner Ferrán Adrià, one of the world’s most influential chefs.
www.casinodemadrid.es
Being a Member of Tokyo American Club allows you access to a network
of more than 200 reciprocal clubs across the world.
Harvard Club of New York CityLocation: New York, New York
Founded: 1865
Members: 11,800
This historical landmark in New York City’s charming Midtown
neighborhood serves primarily as a space for Harvard alumni and
professors to interact and enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a 25,000-
volume library, plush reading room, art gallery, game room, dining facilities
and deluxe overnight accommodations. Located near Central Park and
Times Square, the five-story club has more than 50 special interest groups
and an array of social events and didactic programs.
www.hcny.com
48 November 2008 iNTOUCH
50 November 2008 iNTOUCH
For most people, a hobby serves as a welcome distraction from the rigors of work and the responsibilities of home life. It’s a relaxing pastime or interest pursued when time allows. Not for
Etsuko Takasaki, however. Far from being amateurish diversions, her hobbies dominate her free time. “Balance is important,” she says of her approach to life.
When not busy helping staff with their salary and insurance inquiries as a member of the Club’s Human Resources (HR) Department, Takasaki can be found trying to shut out the world. Whether she’s absorbed in the gentle harmony of an
ikebana arrangement or finding peace in the inky sweep of a calligraphy brush, the Tokyo native is looking for an escape. “I enjoy concentrating on one thing and thinking about nothing else,” she explains. “I work all day around people, so time alone is important.”
There are moments, though, when she does crave human contact. The highly stylized ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony, which Takasaki has been studying for a number of years, brings participants together in an ambience of grace and meditation. And when she is looking for a slightly more energetic excuse to mix with people, she takes to the basketball court. Playing with former school teammates, Takasaki attends practice sessions twice a month. “I like playing team sports and working on my hand-eye coordination and physical skills,” she says.
Having worked in the high-pressure environment of the hotel industry for 15 years, Takasaki’s occasional hankerings for solitude are understandable. But that’s not to say that September’s Employee of the Month doesn’t enjoy the company of others. “Since the staff are from different countries, they have different ways of thinking—that’s interesting,” she says of the Club’s international mix of employees.
In particular, Takasaki says she’s grateful to her coworkers in HR for creating such an enjoyable atmosphere within to work. Of course, whenever any of them are looking for something to do at weekends or evenings, they know exactly where to turn for a few tips. ®
Employee of the Month—Etsuko Takasakiby Nick Jones
Club numbers to know 51
CONTACTS
Overseas CorporationTel: 03-3562-2061 Fax: 03-3564-6596E-mail: [email protected] Bldg. 18-2 Ginza 1-chome,Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Check out the wide range of residences available at www.overseas.co.jp.
APARTMENT or
HOUSE?
Overseas Corporation believes that a comfortable home is essential for a fulfilling family life in Tokyo. Since our founding in 1953, we have met the housing needs of thousands of expats. With more than 14,000 residences in our database and years of know-how, our highly professional, bilingual team is well trained in locating the ideal home for our clients.
As a leading international agent of high-end rental properties, including high-, mid- and low-rise luxury apartments and modern, spacious houses with gardens, we use our strong links with Tokyo’s major realtors and construction companies—some of which we are the sole agent for—to provide quality service to those in search of a haven of expression and comfort.
If you’re moving to Tokyo, thinking about relocating in the city or are a human resources executive, call Overseas Corporation today.
OUR PREMISES FOR LEASE• From one- to six-bedroom properties in Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu, Hiroo, Aoyama, Omote-sando, Shibuya and many other expat residential areas for a range of budgets, from ¥200,000 to more than ¥3 million a month• Brand-new tower apartments with stunning city views• Luxury, high-rise apartment complexes, complete with swimming pool, gym, sauna, shops and restaurants• Superior quality high-, mid- and low-rise apartments• Exclusive designer apartments• Large, well laid-out residential houses with large gardens as well as moderate-sized and cozy houses in quiet areas• Fully furnished serviced apartments
Department Phone Operation HoursE-mail
—
American Room
Banquet Salesand Reservations
Beauty/Hair Salon
Catering
Childcare Center
Communications
Engineering
Finance
Fitness Center
Food & Beverage Office
Foreign Traders’ Bar
Garden Café
General Manager's Office
Library
Logan Room
Membership Office
Member Services Desk
Mixed Grille
Pool Office
Recreation Services Desk
Recreation Office
Redevelopment Office
Special Events
The Spa
Video Library
Vineyards
Weddings
Women's Group Office
Youth Activities
4588-0675
4588-0977
4588-0685
4588-0307
4588-0701
4588-0262
4588-0699
4588-0222
4588-0266
4588-0245
4588-0677
4588-0705
4588-0674
4588-0678
—
4588-0687
4588-0670
4588-0676
4588-0700
4588-0681
4588-0240
4588 0223
4588-0204
4588-0714
4588-0686
4588-0978
4588-0671
4588-0691
4588-0250
Mon–Fri 6–10 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tue–Sun 9 a.m–6 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.Fri 9 a.m.–9 p.m.Sat 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun 9 a.m.–5 p.m.NH 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Mon–Fri 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.Weekend/NH 7:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu/Eve of NH 12–11 p.m.Fri 12 p.m.–12 a.m.Weekend/NH 12–10 p.m.
Daily 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m.Sat 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Daily 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Mon–Fri 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. 6–10 p.m.Weekend/NH 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Mon–Fri 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.Weekend/NH 7:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–8 p.m.Sun/NH 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–10 p.m.Sat 10 a.m.–10 p.m.Sun/NH 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
V isitors at the entrance of Koichi Wajima’s gym in Nishi Ogikubo, Tokyo, are welcomed by a grainy, black-and-white photo of the owner
as a young boxer, his gloved fists raised and a distant look in his eyes. Cracking the door to the gym, the smell of stale sweat is overpowering. A few fighters lift weights, pound leather bags and skip rope, while others spar in the ring in the middle of the room.
It may be 30 years since Wajima lifted a belt, but there’s little doubt that he retains his old-school principles. “I was the first in and the last out,” says the 65-year-old of his former workout regimen. “I thought that if I were doing the same thing as everyone else I wouldn’t get any better. I wanted to make an effort that was four, five or even 10 times greater than everyone else.”
Sitting in his office, Wajima, whose bulging forearms look like they could go a few rounds even today, acknowledges the importance of physical strength and conditioning in boxing, but rates inner
toughness as even more crucial. As if to reinforce this belief, he repeats it over and over with the same relentlessness that he thrust upon his opponents on his way to becoming a three-time world light-middleweight champion.
It all starts with the greeting, he asserts. On any evening, two dozen boxers—mainly young hopefuls, students and a few salarymen looking to blow off steam—filter into the gym. Before getting changed, each one opens Wajima’s office door and bellows a drawl of a greeting. With a wave of his right hand, Wajima barks back a reply. “The reason I teach the importance of the greeting is because I want the students to realize that motivation starts from within oneself,” he says.
When not in his office, Wajima can be seen hanging over the ring’s ropes shouting instructions or scrutinizing a trainee as he batters a punching bag. The former champ believes that properly balancing praise and criticism is vital in training his young charges. “Sometimes I need to yell to tell
52 November 2008 iNTOUCH
TheRingmaster
by Brett BullPhotos by Benjamin Parks
A look at culture and society 53
INSIDE JAPAN
them how bad they are, and I do show my anger, but the opposite, too,” admits Wajima. “When the kids are good, I praise them.”
The gym, whose ¥15,000 entry fee is actually lower than it was 20 years ago, boasts around 150 members, some of whom, including Wajima’s 31-year-old son, Hirokazu, fight in professional bouts at Korakuen Hall. (Hirokazu won his first pro fight at Korakuen earlier this year.)
Born in Karafuto, in present-day Sakhalin, Russia, in 1943, Wajima first worked as a truck driver in Tokyo and started training in 1968. Just six months later, at the age of 25, he fought his first professional bout. “It’s very common for boxers to retire at 25,” he says. “People thought it was strange. But that gave me a lot of motivation—I wanted to change their minds.”
Unusual, too, was his style in the ring. Known as the “man of persistence,” Wajima primarily boxed low, his chin down near his chest. A furious attacker, who relied on strong uppercuts, lightning-fast hands and the stamina of a bull, his trademark uppercut from a crouched position came to be referred to as the “frog punch.”
In 1969, Wajima beat Noriyasu Yoshimura for the Japanese light-middleweight title. Two years later, he took on Carmelo Bossi for the world title. “Against Bossi, I didn’t have complete confidence,” Wajima recalls, “and everybody thought I would lose.”
But from the outset, Wajima realized that his Italian opponent wasn’t landing many punches. With the 15-round bout a draw at the halfway point, Wajima’s confidence began to grow and he unleashed punch after punch to win a split decision. “I was very proud at the time,” says Wajima, who became the first Japanese world champion in that weight class. “If you make the effort, everything comes back to you.”
Successfully defending his title six times, he finally lost to American Oscar “Shotgun” Albarado in 1974. Wajima, however, regained the belt twice more before retiring in 1977 with an impressive record of 31 wins, including 25 KOs, six losses and one draw.
After his final fight, Wajima realized that he had to do something to secure his future. He opened a store selling dango, Japanese sweet dumplings, in Tokyo’s Kokubunji district. “I have seen other boxers lose it all,” explains Wajima, who has appeared on numerous TV programs as well as in the 1995 boxing flick Tokyo Fist. “I thought that if I sold a good product cheaply, I could make a little money.”
That determination to succeed, which served Wajima well in the ring, is what he now passes onto those who walk through the doors of his gym everyday. “I educate my students to be more than simply good boxers,” he says. “If they stop boxing, I want them to continue living with a strong mental outlook. I teach them to be ambitious about everything.” ®
Wajima Gym
http://wajima-gym.com
Koichi Wajima
Benj
amin
Par
ks
Bret
t Bul
l
N o pen can describe the turning of the leaves—the insurrection of the tree-people against the waning year,”
British author and poet Rudyard Kipling wrote in “Leaves from a Winter Note-Book” (1895), from his book Letters of Travel. “A little maple began it, flaming blood-red of a sudden where he stood against the dark green of a pine-belt.”
Although Kipling was referring to New Hampshire’s fall colors, autumn in Japan is no less impressive with its riot of vibrant hues defying recreation by even the most accomplished of painters. While the ephemeral beauty of the country’s sakura cherry blossoms are famously celebrated for a few scant days at the beginning of spring, fall offers a more leisurely appreciation of Mother Nature at her most spectacular.
Taking in the koyo (“red leaves”) has been a popular Japanese pastime since ancient times. Much like with the “sakura front,” the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) tracks the progress of the “koyo front” as it sweeps down the 3,000 kilometers from the northern island of Hokkaido in late September to southern Japan in late November.
The magical transformation starts when nighttime temperatures drop, triggering a natural limitation of the chlorophyll that gives leaves their green color. Thanks to its mountainous and varied topography, Japan offers a range of spots at which to enjoy the “blazing” hillsides and deciduous forests.
It’s worth planning ahead to make sure you arrive at a particular place at the peak of the autumn colors. The JMA Web site has an animated map that tracks the koyo front as it makes its way down Japan. And if you’re staying at a Japanese ryokan, the inn can usually tell you which rooms offer the best views.
Here are some recommended koyo-viewing areas within easy access of Tokyo:
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Best enjoyed for its intense red and gold colors from mid-November, this once-private retreat for the imperial family contains several different garden landscapes, including a formal French garden and a traditional Japanese garden. www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/
Rikugien GardenEstablished in 1702, this is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful Japanese-style landscape parks. Rikugien means “six poems garden,” reflecting the park’s reproduction of scenes from famous poems. Ideal for families, it contains a central pond, islands, forested areas and several teahouses. www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/
Okutama Located in the northwestern reaches of Tokyo, amid the stunning mountain scenery of Chichibu-Tama National Park, Okutama is popular with hikers. The area, through which the Tama River flows, was included in the top 100 scenic spots of Japan during the Showa period. There are exceptional views from the shores of Okutama Lake of the surrounding landscape. The area’s numerous natural hot springs are highly recommended.www.town.okutama.tokyo.jp
Chichibu-Nagatoro The town of Nagatoro, north of the ancient silk trading center of Chichibu, is famous for its traditional riverboat tours of the Nagatoro
by Catherine Shaw
54 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Fall Foliage
Explorations beyond the Club 55
OUT & ABOUT
gorge. Designated a national monument for its intriguing geology, the gorge’s natural wonders include the “Nagatoro Red Wall”. A boat tour offers an unusual way to enjoy the fall colors. www.sainokuni-kanko.jp
Yoro ValleyRenowned for its rugged natural environment and stunning waterfalls, the Yoro Valley in Chiba Prefecture is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, camping and hot springs. The area’s golden-red blanket can be best appreciated while strolling along the 1.7-kilometer riverbank walkway. www.town.otaki.chiba.jp (Japanese only)
HakoneHakone is the center of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and offers many locations for taking in the fall colors. Mount Kintoki, the highest peak in the Hakone mountain range, is popular for its panoramic views and excellent hiking trails. Don’t miss the “Kintoki Musume,” (“Daughter of Kintoki”), an 80-year-old woman who serves up Japanese tea and hiking advice in a hut at the summit. Nearby Sengokuhara is famous for its golden Japanese pampas grass fields. Late October is considered the best time to visit. www.hakone.or.jp
Sumata ValleyThis deep valley in Shizuoka Prefecture features numerous waterfalls and steep mountain slopes covered with fir, hemlock and cedar trees. The area’s 90-minute hiking course includes breathtaking views of the Yume no Tsuribashi suspension bridge and Flying Dragon Bridge. www.shizuoka-guide.com
Shuzenji Niji no SatoThis vast theme park inside Shizuoka Prefecture’s Shuzenji Nature Park combines six beautifully landscaped parks with various recreated villages and folk craft areas. The miniature steam train tour is a highlight. Well-maintained gardens are divided into Western and Japanese zones, the latter featuring wisteria, alpine roses, hydrangeas, plum trees and azalea. The Takumi village offers the opportunity to experience making pottery, Japanese paper and wooden toys in an authentic, traditional environment. www.nijinosato.com (Japanese only)
Korankei GorgeHome to about 4,000 Japanese maple trees, Korankei Gorge’s 1.2-kilometer, tree-lined path from the Tomoe Bridge to the Koran Bridge make this spot in Aichi Prefecture perfect for admiring Mother Nature in all her autumn brilliance. www.aichi-kanko.jp
48 Waterfalls of AkameFurther afield, in Mie Prefecture, a four-kilometer, cedar-lined path along the Takigawa River offers spectacular views of a series of waterfalls along this narrow valley in Muro Akame Aoyama National Park. The surrounding forest was voted among the 100 best forests in Japan. Best from mid-November. www.city.nabari.mie.jp
Japan Meteorological Agency
www.jma.go.jp
OUT & ABOUT
56 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Welcome Back Party with a Tropical Twist
September 13
Around 80 Members and guests soaked up the Caribbean
atmosphere while mingling at this year’s Welcome Back
Party. Besides enjoying the West Indian-themed cocktails and
cuisine, partygoers learned a few salsa steps before burning
up the dance floor to the hot Latin rhythms of the talented
Ehera Band.
Photos by Yuuki Ide
Clive Hargrave (center) with friends
Michael Miller (left), Barbara Hancock (center) and Betsy Rogers
Snapshots from Club occasions 57
EVENT ROUNDUP
Ehera Band
Elaine Montoya (left) and Marlo Dykstra
58 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Pakkun Makkun Manzai Comedy
September 20
Popular comedy double act Pakkun
Makkun, alias Patrick Harlan and Makoto
Yoshida, brought their quick-fire manzai
routine to the Club in September. The
duo’s comic banter was enjoyed by
more than 30 Members, who later had
the opportunity to ask questions, chat
and have their photos taken with the
celebrity pair.
Photos by Ayano Sato
Pakkun (left) and Clara Yonemoto
(l–r) Makkun, Toshiko Hobo, Kayoko Kojima, Pakkun, Dawn Blackwell and Hiroshi KojimaEiji Arai (left) and Shizuo Daigoh
Makkun (left), Laura Mirai (center) and Pakkun
Makkun (left) and Pakkun
Snapshots from Club occasions 59
EVENT ROUNDUP
President’s Cup Golf Tournament
September 20–21
While the United States did battle with
Europe for golf’s Ryder Cup, the Club
was staging its own version of the famed
competition in Tochigi Prefecture.
Twenty-four players (pictured right) took
to the fairways and greens of Sunhills
Country Club for the 11th President’s
Cup. After a weekend of intense play,
the Internationals, captained by Peter
Cohen, beat the Americans, led by
Steve Doi, 11½ to 10½ to break a two-
year losing streak.
End-of-Summer Pool Party
September 20
Approximately 80 kids and their parents
crowded the Pool for one final session
of fun, games and lighthearted races
before the end of the summer season.
TOKYO MOMENTS
60 November 2008 iNTOUCH
Konnichiwa,” I said to the police officer. “Do you understand English?”
“No,” he replied. (“Aha!” I thought. “So you do understand English!”)
“My son found a woman’s wallet down the street, over by the swings on the playground,” I said in English. I was hoping he would understand this sentence, too.
I put the wallet on the counter and pushed it towards him. He put paperwork on the counter and pushed it towards me. He started to explain something to me, but it was hopeless. I had only just restarted my Japanese lessons.
“Gomen nasai,” I apologized. “Wakarimasen [I don’t understand].”
I didn’t understand what he was trying to say to me, but I did understand that I was supposed to stay in the police box. I did understand I was supposed to fill out
a form. I did understand he wanted me to explain where the wallet was found. And I did understand my quick trip to the store was now going to take much longer.
“Weeee!” I squealed, pretending to be on a swing at a children’s playground. “Weeee! I love the swing. Weeee! I love to slide.”
“Mom, what are you doing?” my 8-year-old son asked me.
“I don’t know how else to explain a playground,” I replied, continuing to climb an imaginary ladder. “Ooh, I love to climb!” (“If only my coworkers in America could see me now,” I thought.)
The officer could certainly see me and he was clearly very confused. I’m sure I looked strange. And my son could see me and he was clearly embarrassed. Yup, I was pretty sure I looked strange.
It was obviously time to call in an interpreter.
“Watashi no sensei desu,” I said, handing my cell phone to the officer. My Japanese teacher was on the line.
After a few minutes of passing the phone back and forth, I slowly discovered that the officer was trying to explain how the lost-and-found system worked. If the item wasn’t claimed by its owner within a certain period of time, I would have the right to claim it for myself.
“Daijobu,” I said to the officer, explaining that I now understood. I didn’t need a reward. I just wanted some butter, and maybe some aspirin for my back, which I probably pulled while “climbing” the bars.
“You know what, Mom?” my son said on the way to the grocery store. “These things never happen when I go out with Dad.” ®
Cops and Mimersby Karen Pond Illustration by Akiko Saito
iNTOUCHTO
KYO
AM
ERICA
N C
LUB
i
NT
OU
CH
Issue 524 • N
ovemb
er 2008
T O K Y O A M E R I C A N C L U B
November 2008
毎月一回一日発行
第四十三巻十一号
トウキョウアメリカンクラブ
インタッチマガジン二〇〇八十月一日発行
平成三年十一月二十日第三種郵便物許可定価八００円
本体七七七円
Cultured CatchJapan’s deep-sea jewels have spawned a
passion for pearls across the planet
Turn, Turn, TurnThe hot spots for taking in
autumn’s blazing colors
A Blessed Beginning
Construction gets a ceremonious start at Azabudai
Presidential PerspectiveOutgoing leader Dan Thomas
reflects on four years at the helm
