iNTOUCH July 2013

July 2013

T O K Y O A M E R I C A N C L U B

Olympic dreamers Masato Mizuno and Tsunekazu Takeda talk up Tokyo for 2020

GoinGfor Gold

Polynesian ParadiseThe Club celebrates Hawaii

with a festival of food

Shuttlecocks and Smashes

Spotlight on the Club’s band of badminton enthusiasts

Lake Escape Nojiri offers getaways of

marine sports and relaxation

TOKYO

AM

ERICAN

CLUB

i

NT

OU

CH

Issue 579 • July 2013

毎月一回一日発行　

第四十七巻五七九号

トウキョウアメリカンクラブ　

インタッチマガジン二〇一三年七月一日発行　

平成三年十二月二十日第三種郵便物許可定価八００円

本体七七七円

A Slice of Paradise in the Pacific

Advance reservations are required. O�er is subject to availability, from May 8 to September 30, 2013. Rates starting at $479 per room, per night at Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay. Rates starting at $429 per room, per night at Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, �e Lodge at Koele. Complimentary night must be used in conjunction with initial stay. A stay is considered consecutive nights at the same property. Rates listed are per room, per night and exclude tax and gratuity. O�er is not valid in conjunction with any other o�er or contract and does not apply to groups.

Besides promising breathtaking ocean and highland scenery, luxury amenities on a private Hawaiian island and exquisite culinary experiences at Nobu Lana’i and One Forty, we guarantee you won’t want to leave.

For reservations, call 1-800-321-4666 or visit www.fourseasons.com/lanai

STAY LONGER PROMOTION

Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, �e Lodge at Koele—third night free

Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay—fourth night free

Paradise KitchenAhead of bringing some aloha spirit

to the Club’s kitchens this month,

Kevin Erving, executive chef at the

Four Seasons Resorts Lana’i, talks

about living his dream.

8

Tokyo’s Olympic DreamOn September 7, in Buenos Aires, the

International Olympic Committee

will choose a city to host the 2020

Summer Olympic Games. Up against

Istanbul and Madrid, Tokyo’s bid team

is hoping for success, particularly after

losing out in the 2016 race. iNTOUCH

talks to bid leaders and Olympic

experts to assess Tokyo’s chances.

22

food & beverage

feature

In Pursuit of the PastAfter a DNA test revealed his

ancestral past, Club Member Jeffrey

Bohn explains how he headed to the

Library to find out more about the

history of the land of his forebears.

10library

Food FightClub Member Charles McJilton

discusses the challenges of setting

up Japan’s first food bank and the

ongoing trials of trying to help the

country’s hungry and needy.

36inside japan

iNTOUCHManagementTony CalaGeneral [email protected]

Lian ChangInformation Technology [email protected]

Darryl DudleyEngineering [email protected]

Brian MarcusFood & Beverage [email protected]

Shuji HirakawaHuman Resources [email protected]

Mutsuhiko KumanoFinance [email protected]

Scott YahiroRecreation [email protected]

Aron Kremer Marketing & Communications Director [email protected]

To advertise in iNTOUCH, contact Rie Hibino: [email protected] 03-4588-0976

For membership information, contact Mari Hori:[email protected] 03-4588-0687

Tokyo American Club2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8649

www.tokyoamericanclub.org

contents 2 Contacts

4 Events

6 Board of Governors

7 Management

8 Food & Beverage

10 Library

14 DVD Library

16 Recreation

20 Women’s Group

22 Feature

28 Talking Heads

30 Frederick Harris Gallery

32 Member Services

34 Cultural Insight

36 Inside Japan

38 Out & About

40 Event Roundup

44 Back Words

Editor Nick Jones [email protected]

DesignersShane BusatoAnna Ishizuka

Production AssistantYuko Shiroki

Assistant Editor Erika Woodward

(l–r) Cover photo of Masato Mizuno and Tsunekazu Takeda by Irwin Wong

2 July 2013 iNTOUCH

Department/E-mail Phone

American Bar & Grill (03) [email protected]

Banquet Sales and Reservations (03) [email protected]

Beauty Salon (03) 4588-0685

Bowling Center (03) [email protected]

Café Med (03) [email protected]

Catering (03) [email protected]

Childcare Center (03) [email protected]

Communications (03) [email protected]

Decanter/FLATiRON (03) [email protected]

DVD Library (03) [email protected]

Engineering (03) [email protected]

Finance (03) 4588-0222 [email protected]

Fitness Center (03) 4588-0266 [email protected]

Food & Beverage Office (03) 4588-0245 [email protected]

Foreign Traders’ Bar (03) [email protected]

Guest Studios (03) [email protected]

Human Resources (03) 4588-0679

Information Technology (03) 4588-0690

Library (03) [email protected]

Management Office (03) [email protected]

Membership Office (03) [email protected]

Member Services Desk (03) 4588-0670 [email protected]

Pool Office (03) [email protected]

Rainbow Café (03) [email protected]

Recreation Desk (03) [email protected]

Redevelopment Office (03) [email protected]

The Cellar (03) [email protected]

The Spa (03) [email protected]

Weddings (03) [email protected]

Women’s Group Office (03) [email protected]

Getting in Touch

Words from the editor 3

contributors

Athens offers a cautionary tale for cities in pursuit of the chance to stage the holy grail of sporting events—the Olympic Games. While documenting the remains of the Greek capital’s 2004 Olympics, British photographer Jamie McGregor Smith discovered two years ago that only three of the 22 facilities used in the Games were still in public use.

“They’re a very good metaphor because of the international nature of the Olympics, and the fact that the buildings are such a public failing, in a sense,” he said in an interview last year. From shuttered sports halls to abandoned, graffiti-daubed stadiums, the Olympic legacy on display in his stark photos is a grim one.

With Tokyo bidding to host the 2020 Summer Games, it’s unlikely that the city’s bid team will be looking to the spiritual home of the Olympics for any inspiration. Some believe that in the current economic climate, the days of Olympic vanity projects and white elephants are over.

Ironically, in a metropolis that seems in a perpetual state of redevelopment, many of the venues that were built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics are still being used, including the National Stadium, the National Gymnasium in Yoyogi and the Budokan. The latter two will even be renovated to stage events again, should Tokyo triumph in the International Olympic Committee vote in September.

In this month’s cover story, “Tokyo’s Olympic Dream,” we talk to Tokyo’s bid chiefs and other experts to assess the Japanese capital’s chances of winning the 2020 race. Munehiko Harada, a sport science professor at Waseda University, says that whether Tokyo is successful or not, he would like to see Japan hosting more international sports competitions.

Stressing the country’s organizational skills and first-class facilities, including dozens of top-level golf courses and ski runs, Harada says Japan is well positioned to reap the economic benefits from increased tourism and greater exposure. And the Olympics could prove to be the catalyst.

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.

from theeditor

TimHornyak

Canadian freelance journalist Tim Hornyak’s writings on Japanese culture, technology and history have appeared in a number of publications, including Wired News, Scientific American and the Far Eastern Economic Review. The author of Loving the Machine: The Art and Science of Japanese Robots, Hornyak returned to his native Montreal in 2008 after almost a decade in Japan and now writes for the tech website CNET. Having traveled to all 47 of Japan’s prefectures, he contributes to Lonely Planet guidebooks. A regular contributor to iNTOUCH, Hornyak talks to Club Member Charles McJilton about introducing food banking to Japan and the challenges of helping the country’s needy in this month’s Inside Japan, on pages 36 and 37.

TimHornyak

Originally from New York, Efrot Weiss is a cross-cultural corporate trainer, working with expatriates who move to Japan and Japanese who relocate overseas. She is fascinated by Japanese culture and seeks opportunities to learn and travel around the country whenever possible. Away from the Kanto sprawl, her favorite spots include Nozawa Onsen, Niseko, the Kiso Valley, Karuizawa and Nagasaki and nearby Unzen in Kyushu. A Member of the Club for 13 years, she is a keen student of sumi-e, or Japanese ink painting. In this month’s regular Cultural Insight column, on page 34, she explores the history of the July festival of Tanabata.

Efrot Weiss

4 July 2013 iNTOUCH

Monday1Fresh Faces Spa SpecialFor the whole of July, The Spa is offering specially priced custom facials, uniquely tailored to meet individual skincare needs. For more on the personalized pampering, flip to page 19.

Sunday7Summer SAT/ACTPrep ProgramUsing the summer to get ahead, students prepare for American college entrance exams with the Club’s professional tutors. More on page 18.

Coming upin August

5 Enrichment Class Registration

What’s on in July

19–23 Summer College Prep Camp

25 Recreation Open House

Tuesday–Sunday16–21

Tribute to Modern Hawaii The Club’s restaurants celebrate cuisine from the Aloha State, as Kevin Erving, executive chef at the Four Seasons Resorts Lana’i, brings a touch of Hawaiian flair to the Club’s kitchens. Read about the talented chef on page 8.

Sunday21Hawaiian Grand BuffetA Polynesian feast is topped off with live entertainment and the chance to win a holiday in paradise. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Adults (20 and above): ¥7,500 (includes an all-you-can-drink beverage package); adults (18 and above): ¥5,900 (food only); juniors (4–17 years): ¥2,800; infants (3 and below): free. Reserve online or by calling 03-4588-0977.

Monday1Kids’ Summer Swim ProgramGet the most out of the water this summer by signing up for one of the Sky Pool’s intensive two-week swim classes for all levels of swimmer. Dive into the details on page 19.

Monday1 Summer Intensive Aikidofor KidsThe Club’s youngest martial arts enthusiasts set out to become dojo denizens for the summer. Find out how to join them on page 19.

Sunday7DanDans ExhibitionThe Tokyo-based collective of up-and-coming artists wraps up its exhibition at the Frederick Harris Gallery.

Wednesday–Thursday10–11

Spanish NightsCafé Med presents a mouthwatering smorgasbord of Spanish tapas and mains. 5–8:30 p.m. Adults (18 years and above): ¥2,300; juniors (12–17 years): ¥1,650; children (7–11 years): ¥1,200; kids (4–6 years): ¥700; infants (3 and under): free.

8Gallery Reception Contemporary brush artist Li Yu Xing launches his compelling compilation of ink-wash paintings at a casual gathering at the Frederick Harris Gallery. 6:30 p.m. Learn more about the artist on page 30.

Monday

Noteworthy dates for the month 5

Friday–Sunday26–28

TAC Premier Classic Squash TournamentThe Club hosts three days of top-level squash, as Japan’s pros battle for the TAC Premier Classic crown and Club players enjoy a chance to put their skills to the test. Squash Courts. Free.

Tuesday 30Squash Social NightThe Club’s squash players enjoy an evening of casual play and a chance to put their skills to the test against former national champion Hitoshi Ushiogi. 6:15–9:15 p.m. Squash Courts.

Saturday6New Member OrientationThe Club’s newest Members learn about the Club and have a chance to mingle. Washington and Lincoln rooms. 10 a.m.

Saturday6Early Pregnancy and Birth PlanningExpectant parents prepare for the arrival of their bundles of joy during this Women’s Group class. 10 a.m. ¥7,000. Sign up at the Member Services Desk.

Monday1Summer All-Star SportsThe Club’s energetic youth athletes enjoy a packed schedule of varied sports at this playful summer program that is previewed on page 19.

EVENTS

13–14Birth Preparation for Couples Two invaluable days that will get you ready for labor, birth and beyond. Women’s Group classrooms. ¥36,000. Sign up at the Member Services Desk.

Saturday–Sunday

Monday29Coffee Connections Whether you’re new to Tokyo or want to meet new people, drop by this relaxed Women’s Group gathering. Contact the Women’s Group Office to organize free childcare. 10:30 a.m. Free.

Thursday4Independence Day Celebrate the birthday of the United States with a meal at one of the Club’s quintessentially American restaurants.

Tuesday 23Badminton Tournament The Club hosts the Wako Badminton Club for a first-time tournament of shuttlers. Find out more about the Club’s players’ passion for the sport on page 16.

Wednesday31 New Member Orientation The Club’s newest Members find out more about the Club while mingling with other newcomers. Washington and Lincoln rooms. 6:30 p.m.

Membership RenewalMembership of the Women’s Group will be renewed automatically on September 1 unless the Women’s Group Office receives a cancellation notice by August 31. New stickers for the coming year are available from the Member Services Desk or Women’s Group Office.

6 July 2013 iNTOUCH

Bowling Beginningsby Machi Nemoto

Board of GovernorsJohn Durkin (2014)—Representative Governor

Mary Saphin (2013)—First Vice PresidentGregory Lyon (2014)—Second Vice President

Brenda Bohn (2014)—SecretaryHiroshi Miyamasu (2013)—Treasurer

Norman J Green (2013), Ginger Griggs (2013), Paul Hoff (2013), Per Knudsen (2014), Lance E Lee (2014), Jeffrey McNeill (2013), Machi Nemoto (2014), Jerry Rosenberg (2014),

Mark Henry Saft (2014), Dan Stakoe (2013), Sadashi Suzuki (2014), Ira Wolf (2013), Kazuakira Nakajima—Statutory Auditor (2014)

I joined the Club because I wanted to bowl. But I have gained so much more than merely satisfying strikes.

During my college days in Tokyo, I was a keen bowler and even once won the individual competition of the All-Japan Intercollegiate Bowling Association. Naturally, after becoming a Member of the Club more than 30 years ago, I soon joined the Club’s bowling league.

Back in the 1980s, I used to bowl every Monday evening as part of a mixed league. It was a vibrant group of bowling enthusiasts that was made up of 10 teams of five players. Although I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined, the league provided me with so many meaningful experiences and added a dynamic dimension to my Club life.

By becoming involved at the Club, I quickly met many Members and made numerous friends. It didn’t take long for my social life to develop beyond those once-a-week get-togethers to weekends with people with whom I shared similar interests. In fact, many of those friendships have lasted for decades and beyond the walls of the bowling alley.

I eventually joined the Bowling Committee, which oversaw seven active leagues, from men’s and women’s competitions to those for couples and youngsters. There were bowlers of all ages. Again, my involvement in an aspect of the Club allowed me to

meet and interact with even more Members. It certainly enhanced my enjoyment of the Club.

At the same time, my daughter, Yuki, benefited from being at the Club as well. She was only 2 years old when we joined, but having the opportunity to communicate in English as she grew up was a huge advantage. Likewise, I have benefited enormously from being able to talk to and mingle with Members from so many different countries.

The Club is like one big family. And like any family, communication between members is important. Since joining, I’ve always enjoyed the camaraderie of the Club. Exchanging greetings with Members and staff or stopping for a chat with friends and acquaintances is what makes me feel like I really am a part of this special family in the heart of Tokyo.

As Members, we are the cornerstone of the Club. Without us, there would be no Tokyo American Club. I urge you to make the most of our exciting community by offering a smile, striking up a conversation and getting involved. The benefits are endless.

I am forever keen to meet new people. I still bowl once a week, so if you see me in the Bowling Center (or anywhere else around the Club), feel free to stop me for a chat. That’s how rewarding encounters begin. o

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

NAPA VALLEY ICONSorder online today

ww w. to k yo a me r ic a nc lub . o r g/ fi n e w ine

Executive remarks 7

MANAGEMENT

Enhancing theMember Experienceby Aron Kremer

Aron Kremer Marketing & Communications Director

As the Club’s first marketing and communications director, I am leading the Communications Department and Membership Office. Simply put, my task is to

improve how the Club communicates with Members; build our brand and community; work with others to create tools and programs that delight our community and increase Club use; make sure Member-recruiting targets are met; and contribute to financial stability.

My first month was largely about listening and taking stock of all that is going on. To that end, I have observed two Board meetings, attended standing committee meetings and participated in at least two dozen other meetings with Members, managers, direct reports and vendors.

I have been impressed by the dedication and thoughtfulness of the volunteer Member leadership and the professionalism of management. Doing the best by the majority, considering the needs of the minority and living up to the Club’s values and mission while balancing the financial needs is a more complex undertaking than one might assume.

Last year’s Membership survey, conducted by the US-based private club consultants the McMahon Group, showed the Membership is overall satisfied with the Club and the Club compares favorably with other quality clubs. The number of Members who are very satisfied, though, is lower than it should be, but that represents an opportunity.

McMahon told us that 70 percent of those very satisfied Members would recommend membership to others, while only 27 percent of satisfied Members would be willing to do the same. Therefore, increasing the number of very satisfied Members goes beyond our desire to do better; it must be a critical part of our recruiting strategy.

At the same time, the survey’s qualitative comments suggest satisfaction is closely linked with our ability to further clarify our shared values and build a sense of community. The Marketing and Communications Task Force has similarly concluded we need to create value by placing a greater emphasis on the brand and total Member experience, which means increasing links between different activities, groups and departments in the Club.

We need to do a better job of understanding what binds us together on one hand and what differentiates our preferences (based on real data) on the other. As our understanding develops, the Club’s ability to connect with Members will become more individualized and our ability to facilitate more Member-to-Member contact will grow.

Progress is being made. The recently launched orientation sessions for new Members, for example, are designed to introduce new Members to the Club and its culture and facilities and provide new Members with an opportunity to meet and bond.

Updates on the Club’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/tokyoamericanclub) have been increased, giving a greater real-time feel for what is happening at the Club, and we have recently released the first of a series of educational yet fun illustrations on how best to use the Club.

A newer, easier-to-navigate Club website that will allow you to personalize your connection with the Club and your fellow Members is being planned. And within the next month, we will start a program of mini surveys, so we can learn more about your preferences. When you receive a link in an e-mail to a survey from Communications or the Membership Office, please fill it out and help us improve the Club.

If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at [email protected]. o

Members interested in joining one of the committees listed should contact its chair or inquire at the Management Office. Names in parentheses denote Board liaisons.

Compensation Ira WolfFinance Rod Nussbaum(Hiroshi Miyamasu) Food & Beverage Michael Alfant (Mary Saphin)

Food & Beverage SubcommitteeWine Stephen RomaineHouse Jesse Green (Gregory Lyon)

House SubcommitteeFacilities Management Group Elaine Williams Human Resources Jon Sparks (Jeffrey McNeill) Membership Craig Saphin

(Machi Nemoto) Nominating Roger MarshallPrograms & Events Barbara Hancock(Lance E Lee)

Programs & Events SubcommitteesFrederick Harris Gallery Yumiko SaiMen's Group Vincenzo LufinoRecreation Sam Rogan (Ira Wolf )

Recreation SubcommitteesBowling Crystal GoodflieshDVD Abby RadmilovichFitness Sam RoganGolf John BreenLibrary Melanie ChetleyLogan Room Alaine Lee and Nancy Nussbaum Squash Martin FluckSwim Alexander Jampel Youth Activities Narissara March

Joining a Committee

He was 6 years old the day his mother brought him to work with her for the first time. Following closely behind her

to the kitchen of the Seattle restaurant she managed, Kevin Erving watched the chaos unfold. “At one point, the chef sat me on a stool and let me stir the chowder of the day,” he says. “I was hooked.”

Decades on, Erving is living his childhood dream of being a professional chef. Having satiated appetites in Seattle, Vancouver and Chicago, he took up the position of executive chef at the luxury Four Seasons Resorts Lana’i in Hawaii two years ago. This month, as part of the Club’s weeklong Tribute to Modern Hawaii promotion, he’ll be coming to Tokyo for the first time to woo Members’ discerning palates.

Erving says he’s eager to offer the Club’s city dwellers a taste of the “culinary ecstasy” they would experience at his tropical Lana’i resorts. “This is such a wonderful opportunity,” he says. “I look forward to meeting the Members of Tokyo American Club and sharing all I can about the wonderful island of Lana’i.”

And while Erving has been happily searing ahi tuna and innovating fresh farm-to-table dishes in paradise, he says there have been moments that almost resembled scenes from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey’s TV show “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Most recently, a miscommunication with a booking agent led to some frantic preparation of unique, five-course meals for 30 guests at a tightly timed rehearsal dinner. “Essentially, this means that 130 different menu items were prepared and served to this party of 30 over the course of the meal,” he says. “If I ever had a Gordon Ramsey moment, this could have been one of them.”

Except, when it comes to Erving’s kitchen, eighty-six the profanity and hold the overnight fame. “We’re not all screaming obscenities over a burnt steak,” he says. “And you can’t really become a

guestchef

Tribute to Modern HawaiiJuly 16–21Turn to page 15 for details of the Club’s festival of Hawaiian food.

by Erika Woodward

Paradise Kitchen

top chef in a handful of episodes.”Instead, the graduate of the Art

Institute of Seattle and father of two lets off steam by grabbing his guitar for a rendition of “We’re Going to Be Friends,” a song by the American band White Stripes. “It’s now a classic family favorite,” Erving says. Second, of course, to his homemade Sunday breakfasts.

Though first inspired while stirring chowder at a bustling Washington restaurant kitchen, Erving recalls feeling foremost accomplished while making buttermilk pancakes one quiet morning at home.

“What I do with food is a compilation

of the exceptional chefs who have guided my career, plus a great team of talent here at the hotels to help me pull it all off,” he says. “Or there’s always the time my 4-year-old daughter said, ‘Daddy, you make the best pancakes ever.’”

This month, just for Members, Erving’s making the best Hawaiian cuisine ever. o

Kevin Erving

8 July 2013 iNTOUCH

FOOD & BEVERAGE

bottletalk

2009 Colaneri Dolcezza Doro Vidal Icewine, Niagara, Ontario, CanadaA rich, luscious and intensely sweet wine, balanced by bracing acidity and offering flavors of tropical fruit, tangerine, mango and dried apricots dipped in honey. Aged in Acacia wood barrels that contribute another dimension of depth and mouthfeel, this liquid gold is not only for dessert. Start your meal by savoring alongside foie gras and finish with an artisanal cheese plate for the happiest of endings.

¥11,500 a bottle (200 ml) at Decanter.

Kelley’s Cellar Selection

by Kelley Michael Schaefer

Frozen Flavors

Mention Canada and most people think of maple syrup, ice hockey or Justin Bieber. What may surprise many is that the country produces one of the wine world’s most delicious delicacies: ice wine. Although

Germany and Austria also produce eiswein, this liquid gold has become Canada’s domain.

Produced from grapes that are frozen while still on the vine, the unctuous wine generally contains more than 200 grams per liter of residual sugar, but maintains a striking balance of acidity. The resulting wine is something that once you taste, you will never forget.

Leaving grapes on the vine long after the regular harvest is a risky endeavor. Not only is this hard on the vines, but the fruit left hanging through the late fall and early winter can end up as a nutritional supplement for birds, deer and bears, especially in the Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia.

Left to hang until the deep winter freeze, the grapes shrivel up and their sugar concentration increases. But only when the temperature drops to between minus 8 and minus 12 degrees Celsius can the picking and pressing begin. If the weather is too warm, the juice will be too diluted; too cold and the grapes will yield only a precious few drops.

During the pressing, the water content of the grapes is held back as ice, and only the sweet and intense nectar passes through for a slow and challenging fermentation. While it may take around 1 kilogram of grapes to make one bottle of wine, it can take at least 10 kilos for ice wine. This explains the use of smaller 200 ml and 375 ml bottles, as well as the hefty price tag.

Grape varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, Vidal and Cabernet Franc all produce amazing ice wines that boast aromas of dried apricot, pineapple, lychee and honey and fruit-packed palates. Ice wine is best enjoyed chilled and can be a fine friend to foie gras, fruit tarts and flan, strong cheese or even drizzled on ice cream.

I once had some guests request sweet Champagne, and since we didn’t have any on hand, I added a splash of ice wine to a glass of bubbly. This combination is now a staple of my mixology repertoire.

Ice wine keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks and a little goes a long way. I like to drizzle some on waffles or pancakes for a Saturday-morning treat. Never mind the maple syrup! o

Schaefer is the Club’s wine program manager.

Club wining and dining 9

In Pursuitof the Past

Inspired by an ancestral discovery, Club Member Jeffrey Bohn delves into the

history of the land of his forebears.

10 July 2013 iNTOUCH

R ecently, I discovered via a simple DNA test offered by the genealogy website Ancestry.com that my roots

can be traced back to the British Isles and, to a lesser degree, Scandinavia. While I always had a vague notion that my immigrant ancestors who crossed the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in America were originally from northern Europe, I was a bit surprised at the prominence of Britain in my history. This intrigued me.

I checked out from the Club Library Norman Davies’ book The Isles: A History to brush up on my British history. I reviewed the complicated mix of peoples who populated the British Isles: Celts, Romano-British, Angles, Saxons, Danes, Normans, to name a few of the primary groups. With Davies’ descriptions and explanations as background, I turned to historical fiction to make the dry history crackle with life.

I started with Bernard Cornwell’s Stonehenge: 2000 B.C. Although it’s mostly fiction, with smatterings of history (mostly from archaeological speculation), this book is a fun introduction to ancient Britain, before it was even Britain. I particularly enjoyed Cornwell’s speculative explanation on how the enormous 25-ton stones of Stonehenge were levered into position without modern equipment. (While probably not accurate speculation, it’s still thought-provoking.)

Next, I read Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. These two books catapulted me to the 9th century to meet King Alfred, fighting and negotiating with Danish invaders. The power of historical fiction lies in bringing to life key figures in the context of a compelling story.

As the Danes descend on Britain and initially overwhelm the Saxons, the narrative, as told through the protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a dispossessed Saxon raised by Danish warriors, paints a muddy portrait of Christianity clashing with paganism and the twists and turns in King Alfred’s efforts to unify a good chunk of Britain. Alfred not only outwits and then makes peace with the Danes, he translates important philosophical works, such as Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy.

Cornwell builds a great story on the foundation of an engaging historical character and pious leader who can switch from gory battles to spying on the enemy and then make it back to his camp to worship with his Christian priests and translate some obscure philosophical

LIBRARY

Jeffrey Bohn

writings. Perhaps such an eclectic mix of behaviors makes for an effective leader in times of crisis. They didn’t call him Alfred the Great for nothing! This critical period in Western history was skipped in my formal education, so it is nice to take some time here and there to fill in the missing pieces.

I have only scratched the surface of a British historical-fiction treasure chest. (Cornwell alone has written more than 50 novels set in various periods of British history.) My growing list of subjects to read includes the Roman occupation of Britain; the myths surrounding King Arthur (who was probably not a king, nor even named Arthur); the Norman invasion of 1066; the Hundred Years’ War (which actually lasted 116 years); King Henry VIII; Queen Elizabeth; the Glorious Revolution; and the Hanoverian kings. And that doesn’t even get me to more recent history, which

is equally interesting. I’ll never be short of ideas for good vacation reading.

As for my ancestors, I wonder if they fought with Alfred or rode the ships from Scandinavia in search of pillage and plunder. Or maybe they just lived in a small village, caught in the middle of social and political forces they didn’t understand. The religious confusion, opportunities for trade and unfortunate descent into violent confrontations seem both alien and familiar at the same time. Despite our civilization’s advances in science, government, business, communication and transportation, we still suffer from culture clashes and war. My forebears would probably be amazed by both the advancement and stagnation of our world relative to their own.

Authors of historical fiction open the door to understanding more of the emotional and social contexts within which events unfolded. I like to think I’ll find a useful nugget of insight for dealing better with that next stressful project at work, or maybe it’s just the escape to another time and place that is appealing. I’m probably compensating for having studied so much Asian history the many years I have lived, studied and worked in Tokyo. Whatever the reason, I heartily recommend taking the time to absorb a historical novel or two. The Library has many from which to choose. o

Bohn is a member of the Library Committee.

As for my ancestors, I

wonder if they fought with Alfred or rode the ships from Scandinavia in search of pillage and plunder.”

Literary gems at the Library 11

new

Member: Paul RubinTitle: Yokohama Yankee: My Family’s Five Generations as Outsiders in Japan by Leslie Helm

What’s the book about?The modern history of Yokohama and Japan, as seen through the lives of five generations of one family over 140 years.

What did you like about it?Its unique view into how Japan and Yokohama, in particular, evolved during this period.

Why did you choose it?I’ve enjoyed the author’s past writings, when he was based in Japan and, more recently, in Seattle, and I was attracted by his introduction to the book in the June issue of iNTOUCH.

What other books would you recommend?Two Homelands by Toyoko Yamazaki.

reads

member’s choice

Nature’s Fortune by Mark R Tercek and Jonathan S AdamsTercek and Adams make a compelling case for understanding how nature contributes to economic and ecological well-being. By redefining nature and the environment as green infrastructure, the authors explain how to evaluate the return on investment from both business and government protecting nature.

Midnight at Marble Arch: A Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Novel by Anne PerryPerry takes us beneath the glittering surface of wealthy Victorian society into a nightmare world of fear and intimidation. Here, women are too often blamed for the violent attacks against them and powerful men take what they want, leaving others to pay the price.

Inferno by Dan BrownFictional Harvard professor Robert Langdon returns to work on a case centered on Dante’s Inferno. The life and death and good and evil implications keep the reader drinking in the mysteries, art, history and codes, which make Brown’s novels difficult to put down.

Shadow on the Crown by Patricia BracewellBracewell chronicles the stamina of the historical figure Emma of Normandy, who crosses the Narrow Sea in 1002 to wed King Athelred of England. She must deal with a mistrustful husband, resentful stepsons and a rival for her crown. But she can reinforce her position by giving birth to a son.

The Golden Shore by David HelvargA rollicking description of California’s coast and the Pacific Ocean. Moving seamlessly from surfing to ocean conservation and back again, Helvarg mixes anecdotes, science and history to create a sense of awe regarding the ocean and its importance to California, North America and the world.

Library & Children’s Library Daily: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. tel: 03-4588-0678 e-mail: [email protected]

Paris by Edward RutherfurdMoving back and forth across centuries, this story of Paris unfolds through intimate and vivid tales of self-discovery and long-kept secrets of both fictional and real characters. British writer Rutherfurd brings the history of the City of Light and Love to life.

Reviews compiled by Library Committee member Jeffrey Bohn.

LIBRARY


Barbecue party packages start from ¥6,600 per person (minimum: 20 people). To book your summer bash, call 03-4588-0977 or e-mail [email protected].

THIS SUMMER, THE CLUB HAS THE PERFECT PARTY RECIPE.

While we take care of the stunning rooftop venue with cityscape views and sumptuous barbecued food and free-flow drink options,

all you need to add is the partygoers.

DVD LIBRARY

flick It’s a tradition that’s as American as apple pie. Like decorating the front yard flower bed with miniature Old Glory, flipping burgers on the backyard grill or watching fireworks from lawn

chairs perched on hills, going to the movies is what Americans do on the nation’s birthday.

Since the land of the free is home to Hollywood, the world-famous (and sometimes reviled), 100-year-old historical heart of cinema, indulgence and celebrity, families filing into movie theaters to share over-sized snacks on Independence Day seems fitting.

But rumor has it that the weekend of July 4, 1975, was when this patriotic pastime kicked off. That’s when Steven Spielberg’s now legendary shark thriller Jaws frightened so many vacationers off the beaches and into theaters that the holiday became synonymous with the release of the year’s—or the decade’s—biggest pictures.

One thing’s for sure: since then, an astonishing cache of Hollywood’s acclaimed blockbusters have been launched amid the red, white and blue revelry of July 4, raking in eye-popping amounts at the box office. Lucky for Members, the DVD Library is helping to keep a stateside tradition alive in Tokyo.

While we can’t deliver the latest US box office smash to Japan’s theaters, we can recommend some favorite Independence Day weekend record-setters. Our picks include Airplane (1980), Back to the Future (1985), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), A League of Their Own (1992), Apollo 13 (1995), Independence Day (1996), Men in Black II (2002), War of the Worlds (2005) and Transformers (2007). o

For more viewing recommendations for this Independence Day, visit the

DVD Library.

pick

DVD Library Daily: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. tel: 03-4588-0686 e-mail: [email protected] Reviews compiled by Erika Woodward.

by Erika Woodward

newmovies

COMEDYWhy We Laugh: Funny WomenExecutive producer Joan Rivers assembles today’s most remarkable female comedians to talk about finding their calling and making it in the male-dominated world of standup. This made-for-TV documentary stars Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Brett Butler and more.

42The first player to break the color barrier in American Major League Baseball, legendary Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson has been hailed a civil rights icon and cultural hero. This touching film chronicles his life story. Starring Chadwick Boseman as Robinson.

AdmissionThere’s nothing quite like being a Princeton admissions officer up for a big promotion and finding out the alternative ed kid you’re interviewing (rejecting?) might be the secret son you put up for adoption years ago. It stinks to be Portia Nathan (Tina Fey). So what now? Also starring Paul Rudd.

JobsArguably the most esteemed entrepreneur and inventor of a generation, Apple’s Steve Jobs is the subject of this controversial drama about his climb from college dropout to world-renowned creative genius. Starring Ashton Kutcher as Jobs.

DRAMAIdentity ThiefFour young college girls find themselves in a cell after robbing a restaurant to fund their spring break. Then a drug dealer bails them out. But are they free to party? Starring Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens.

AC TIONBullet to the HeadAfter witnessing his partner being gunned down in a New Orleans bar, a hitman (Sylvester Stallone) joins forces with a Washington, DC, detective (Sung Kang) to hunt the killer. This straightforward shoot ’em up is based on Frenchman Alexis Nolent’s graphic novel Du Plomb dans la Tête.

Did you know? The DVD Library sells used DVDs of popular movies for ¥500 each. Check out the bargain bin in front of the counter.

Flicks Fit for the Fourth


From Lana’i with loveJuly 16–21

Culinary PowerCulinary Power Island FlavorsIsland Flavors

Ultimate Surf or TurfUltimate Surf or Turf Hawaiian Grand Buffet (July 21) Hawaiian Grand Buffet (July 21)

Check the Club website for details.

Kevin Erving, executive chef at the Four Seasons Resorts Lana’i, brings his expertise and a pinch of Hawaiian magic to the Club’s kitchens. (Learn more about him on page 8.)

Inspired by the Four Seasons Resorts Lana’i steakhouse One Forty, Decanter presents a menu featuring US prime beef and the finest Hawaiian ingredients.

The Club’s restaurants serve up mesmerizing dishes from the Aloha State.

What could be better than a feast of Hawaiian cuisine, live entertainment and the chance to win a holiday in paradise? Reserve online or by calling 03-4588-0977.

From Lana’i with love

Moving beyond simple surfboards and aloha shirts, the Club, in

partnership with the exclusive Four Seasons Resorts Lana’i and United

Airlines, presents a weeklong tribute to the cuisine of modern Hawaii.

Tribute to Modern Hawaii

Played across the world for more than 150 years, the sport of badminton enjoys a dedicated following at the Club.by Nick NarigonPhotos by Kayo Yamawaki

Bird Watching

Clutching his racket, Petr Vyvial drifts to the back of the court, his sneakers squeaking on the waxed wooden floor. He tracks

the arcing shuttlecock. Then, with a loud smack, he returns the lob sent by his opponent, Andy Chambers, from the other side of the net. The rally continues in a blur of lunges and smashes until the bird finally finds wood.

Nobody’s keeping score, but the friendly game is competitive enough. Vyvial rests his hands on his knees. Chambers’ gray T-shirt is soaked

through. Without a word, Vyvial picks up the shuttlecock, serves and another rally begins.

The Club’s second-floor Gymnasium is a hub of badminton action every Tuesday evening. The casual play isn’t structured into classes or matches, but there is always a pickup game to be found. Players of every age and ability are welcome to compete or glean tips from the more experienced.

On this evening, dozens of shuttlecocks litter the center court. Thirteen-year-old Stephen Moyer tosses birds into the air as

7-year-old Elena Andersen glides to the spot where each one lands, tapping her toe at the bird on the floor. Coach Shigeru Kondoh, 66, a former national champion who still competes in senior tournaments, offers guidance to the youngsters.

From the sideline, veteran player Claire Weber, 38, explains that unlike in tennis or squash, badminton requires players to take sliding steps to be able to reach fast-moving shuttlecocks. “He is teaching them foot movement,” Weber explains. “In badminton, the center point of the court is the base, and you must be able to move to every corner within a split second.”

A native of Hong Kong, Weber grew up playing badminton competitively. When she moved to Tokyo five years ago, she sought out a place to continue her hobby. The private gyms required

Elena Andersen and Stephen Moyer


RECREATION

reservations, and usually she was only able to play one game. She says she was delighted when she discovered the badminton sessions at the Club.

“This gym is so much nicer and we are able to mingle with the other players,” she says. “We are not professionals, we are amateurs, but we are able to play doubles and just have a lot of fun.”

Most of the adult players who attend the weekly get-togethers play other racket sports, such as tennis or squash, more regularly, but they say that badminton requires faster reflexes and more stamina.

Forty-eight-year-old German Vyvial explains that in professional matches the shuttlecock can reach speeds of more than 300 kilometers per hour, making badminton the fastest racket sport. In addition, players run up to 6 kilometers in a single match and rallies are on average 10 shots longer than in tennis.

“The great thing about badminton is that during the game, you have to react quicker and at the same time you have to think about how hard to hit the bird. You have to use the right touch,” he says. “People think of badminton as a backyard garden game, but from a competitive level, it is quite underappreciated.”

Moyer, who began playing badminton two years ago after the Club invited the US team to put on an exhibition, says he enjoys the competitiveness of the sport. He also says that since it’s easy to pick up, friends can begin playing immediately.

JoAnn Yoneyama is, according to Vyvial, the driving force behind the badminton sessions at the Club. She says that the Tuesday evening games attract around 10 Members. Ideally, she says, she would like to see about 15 players each week.

Christian Andersen brings his daughters, Elena and Lucia, to the Gymnasium every Tuesday. Hailing from the badminton-loving nation of Denmark, Andersen says that the sessions provide a great opportunity for his daughters to practice a sport they watch their cousins play competitively back home. “It is a challenge to find something your kids are interested in, so it is nice to have this opportunity available,” he says. “They have been very supportive and the girls’ skill has really improved.”

Later this month, the Club will host Wako Badminton Club for a friendly tournament for the first time. If there is enough interest, Yoneyama says, more tournaments will follow. “We have all of the fundamentals here,” she says. “We have the courts, we have a coach, we have rackets; we just need members. It would be nice just to get more people coming out to play because it’s a good sport—it’s an Olympic sport.”

Narigon is a Tokyo-based freelance journalist.

Badminton sessions take place every Tuesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., in the Gymnasium. Visit the Recreation Desk to learn more.

(l–r) Andy Chambers,

Shigeru Kondoh and

Petr Vyvial

Fitness and well-being 17

Life-Enriching LearningPick up a new skill or interest this fall by taking one (or more) of the Club’s fitness and wellness classes.

Meet the instructors, ask questions and watch demonstrations at a special open house next month. And if you sign up for a class during the event, you’ll receive a ¥1,000 class coupon.

Fall Class Online RegistrationStarts Monday, August 58:30 a.m.

Recreation Open HouseSaturday, August 242–4 p.m. Gymnasium

Contact the Recreation Desk for details.

F i T N E S SE D U C AT i O N

F ace university with confidence. This month, the Club’s professional tutors are helping students prepare

for college entrance exams. In August, they will be providing high school juniors and seniors with an insight on college admission essays and how they influence the admissions process.

Getting Ahead Summer SAT/ACT Prep ProgramJuly 7–31 Every Wednesday and Sunday1–3 p.m.¥85,000 (includes two additional SAT exams and analysis)

Summer College Prep Camp August 19–23 (parent orientation: August 19, 7–9 p.m.)¥85,000

For more information, contact Reina Collins at [email protected].


RECREATION

Playing to Win From baseball and soccer to basketball and martial arts, budding athletes have the chance to try out a range of fun pursuits at the Club’s Summer All-Star Sports program. A dynamic schedule of varied athletic disciplines helps youngsters gain a range of skills and game know-how.

Summer All-Star SportsThrough August 16Weekdays3:30–4:30 p.m. (Thursdays: 5–6 p.m.)Ages 6–12

For more information, contact the Recreation Desk at [email protected].

Mastering a Martial ArtGreater flexibility and coordination are just two of the myriad fitness benefits of martial arts training. At this special aikido program, kids ages 5 through 12 set out to become dojo denizens for the summer.

Summer Intensive Aikido for KidsJuly 1–12 Weekdays2–3 p.m./5–6 p.m.¥29,400

Sign up online or at the Recreation Desk.For more information, contact the Recreation Desk at [email protected].

Fresh Faces Special

The Spa proudly uses products by

YOUTH E VENTS

To book your next pampering session, contact The Spa at 03-4588-0714 or [email protected].

For the whole of July, The Spa is offering specially priced custom facials, uniquely tailored to meet individual skincare needs.

Whether you’re combating signs of aging, sun damage or blemishes, after a consultation with The Spa’s experienced specialists, you will receive a personalized program to help you achieve healthier, beautiful skin.

Custom FacialsJuly 1–31 ¥12,600

Taking to the Water improve your skills in the water by signing up for one of the Sky Pool’s intensive two-week swim sessions this summer. Divided into six levels, the program teaches children everything from basic water safety to improving their strokes.

Kids’ Summer Swim ProgramSession 2: July 1–11Session 3: July 22–August 1Session 4: August 5–15

Sign up online or at the Pool Office. For more information, contact the Pool Office at [email protected].

Fitness and well-being 19

Irwin

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Gettingon BoardFounded in 1949, the Club’s Women’s Group promotes friendship and personal enrichment through its many programs and activities. The organization’s new board will be leading its efforts over the coming year.

Sandy ISaka 1

Director of programs-tours“I moved to Japan directly after graduating from university. With the exception of two years when I returned to Atlanta to work for the 1996 Olympics, I’ve been here [almost 20 years]. After joining the Club, I met some incredible ladies who were very active in the Women’s Group. As I spend all of my free time exploring Japan, they recommended that I join the tours committee. I love sharing my favorite places with others, so leading tours was a perfect fit.”

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WOMEN’S GROUP

SIByl kane 2

Director of administration“Before moving to Tokyo, I was an attorney in a large law firm in New York and London. Before that, I was a pastry chef. I love the trips and classes the Women’s Group arranges. I like that there are a broad range of interests represented and particularly love the neighborhood visits. I joined the board because I thought it would be a great opportunity to work with some interesting women.”

elaIne WIllIamS 3

Vice president and director of finance“I have lived overseas on and off since 1982, in Switzerland, Singapore, Germany, Canada, the United States and Japan. Although I’m not currently employed, I have over 20 years’ experience in financial and strategic planning. I joined the Women’s Group to get involved and meet people. I joined the board because if I get involved in something, I like to try to be a real part of it. I have many years of business and volunteer experience and feel like I can make a bit of a difference.”

lInda Schnetzer 4

President“I’ve always worked and have a background in not-for-profit management. Having lived in China, as a trailing spouse, I knew I would want to meet people, make friends and find ways to contribute. Because of my background, working with women and volunteers, the Women’s Group feels comfortable and natural for me. The board seems to be a great way to merge both friendships and experience. Our board is made up of such interesting and talented women. I’m really looking forward to working with them.”

anna zarIfI 5

Director of fundraising“I’ve always moved around, first with my parents and now with my husband. A friend of mine, who had been in Tokyo for two years when I arrived, told me I should join the Women’s Group. When I saw the courses and tours offered, I thought it would be a great way to travel and see more of the country in an organized, fun and safe environment. I was also hoping to meet other foreign women, make friends and get my social life going.”

BetSy rogerS 6

Vice president and director of communications“I came to Japan for a year. That was 12 years and four children ago. Previously a consultant in China for startup enterprises and nonprofits, I got involved with the Women’s Group to meet like-minded, active people, to explore Japan, make friends and give back to the community. I am on the board for a second time and I look forward to working on communications, being involved with interesting people, creating engaging programs, having fun and continuing a great tradition.”

thereSe coWled 7

Director of charities“I first came to Japan when I was 17 and have pretty much been here ever since, first as a university student then in the corporate world. After the March 11 earthquake, I wanted to get more involved in helping those in need. The Women’s Group has the potential to make a real difference through its charitable work, and I hope I can play a part in helping it achieve that potential.”

anuSh BalIan 8

Director of Tokyo: Here & Now“We moved to Japan the first time in 2002 and stayed for six years. We really missed Japan and were happy to return and renew our friendships. Joining the Women’s Group was the best way to stay connected, add value and get to know a large community of diverse and interesting women. Chairing Tokyo: Here & Now is my way of giving back for all the support and friendships that I have enjoyed for many years.”

rajul Shah 9

Director of classes“I am a working mom of 20 years, 15 of which were at [pharmaceutical company] Johnson & Johnson. I have three children and was referred to the Women’s Group by a member and friend. The immediate attraction was the classes in drawing and painting: one of my goals in coming to Japan. Volunteering for the Women’s Group is a way for me to meet people here in Tokyo. It’s a terrific network and has made my transition to living here easier.”

Betty Butler 10

Director of social programs“Before coming to Japan, I worked at a major pharmaceutical company and enjoyed Harley-Davidson rides with my husband, Rick, walking my three rescued dogs, gardening, running and crafting. I was attracted by the diversity and passion of the members of the Women’s Group. I decided to join the board to support the Women’s Group mission of building a real sense of community—and have fun doing so.”

karen thomaS 11

Director of membership“Prior to moving to Japan in 1992, I worked in telecommunications. I joined the Women’s Group about 21 years ago, concurrent with joining the Club. Joining the board was basically my way of throwing my hat into the ring and offering to share the value of being a member with other newcomers and others who might not be aware of what’s going on to help broaden their horizons and ease their transition to Tokyo and Japan.”

kazuko morIo 12

Director of programs-tours“I was born and brought up in Japan. Before I joined the Club, I spent many years in the United States and Singapore. The Women’s Group provides many activities and events to help meet people from various backgrounds. I’ve been a co-chair of the tours committee for two years. The job is very exciting and rewarding and makes good use of my knowledge and experience. I’m happy to contribute to this wonderful community, no matter how little.”

chrISta WallIngton Director of fundraising“It is our second time in Japan. We were here, both working, in the 1980s. Then we moved to Australia, raised two children and came back two years ago, after 20 years in the wonderful land of Oz. I joined the Women’s Group because they fundraise and I felt that I wanted to give back, to help others and build community in the Club. I came with a fairly large network of Japanese friends whom I had met in Australia.”

An interactive community 21

Olympic Stadium


FEATURE

Having failed to win the right to host the 2016 Olympic Games, Tokyo is determined to welcome the world’s greatest athletes in 2020—56 years after it last did so. by Nick Jones

Tokyo’s Olympic Dream 23

The main street running through the center of Tokyo’s upscale shopping district of Ginza was a sea of people. Office workers leaned out of windows while curious shoppers

and sports fans jammed the sidewalks. With cameras and phones held aloft, they snapped photos, waved and cheered at the red-blazered figures as they passed by in a convoy of seven open-top red buses.

Few could have predicted such a show of public support, particularly on a Monday morning in August. Yet despite the stifling heat, around half a million well-wishers lined the 1-kilometer route to catch a glimpse of the athletes who had recently returned from London after helping Japan to its best showing ever at an Olympic Games.

Masato Mizuno took in the jubilant scenes from his seat behind the driver of the fifth bus. He was overwhelmed by the throngs of people. “I was really moved and excited to see it,” he says of last summer’s

parade. But in his capacity as chief executive of the committee bidding to bring the 2020 Summer Olympic Games to Tokyo, he felt reassured.

The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) evaluation commission was set to arrive for an inspection of Tokyo’s proposed venue sites in a little over six months’ time. In an IOC poll in May, however, only 47 percent of Tokyoites had expressed support for their city’s 2020 Olympic bid.

“I could feel we had support before the London Games, but still many people didn’t have interest,” Mizuno says. “But at the London Games, we earned 38 medals and were in sixth place. So we decided to have a parade, but we didn’t expect so many people to gather. It felt like there was more support for Tokyo 2020.”

Mizuno’s hunch was correct. The latest IOC poll, taken earlier this year, revealed a support rate of 70 percent. “The number of people supporting this bid is much more than before,” says Munehiko Harada, a professor of sport science at Tokyo’s

Waseda University, referring to Tokyo’s unsuccessful bid for the 2016 Games. “Because there are only three bid cities, people believe Tokyo has a chance.”

In the 2016 race, Tokyo, with its eco-friendly Games theme, was up against three other candidate cities, including the eventual winner, Rio de Janeiro. This time around, there are two other cities—Istanbul and Madrid—in the final phase (Doha and Baku were eliminated last year after Rome pulled out). The IOC will select the host city by secret ballot when it meets in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires on September 7.

A smiling, suited Mizuno sits in a small meeting room on the 41st floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku. Outside the door, in an unexceptional, open-plan office, staff tap away on laptops on cluttered desks and discuss details of Tokyo’s Olympic quest.

Mizuno, 70, says the bid committee learned a lot from failure in 2009, when just 56 percent of Tokyo residents were in favor of the city staging the world’s greatest

Tokyo International Forum


FEATURE

sporting spectacle. Educating the public, he adds, has been key. “The 2016 bid was the first experience,” he says. “Some parts we didn’t do well, but this time we [have] really made a better bid.”

The Club officially endorsed Tokyo’s Olympic bid earlier this year and is currently collecting signatures of support from its multinational Membership. Club President John Durkin says that as an active member of the Tokyo community, the Club wanted to do its part to help the city.

“Beside our love of sports and competition, we believe the economic and cultural benefits from the Olympics would greatly contribute to the business climate in Tokyo for years,” he says. “[The Games] would also bring a lot of fun and excitement.”

Two years ago, Mizuno, who joined the Club in 1994, stepped down as chief executive of the sportswear and sports equipment manufacturer that bears his family’s name. “Well, I’ve been having a happy life through sport,” he says. “My grandfather was the founder and I’ve been really involved with sport. This time, I wanted to return [something] to Japanese society and sports, so I decided to retire from the company to focus on this position.”

Since taking on the role, Mizuno has spent much of his time talking up Tokyo’s bid and explaining how it has been improved. “There are two big differences,” he says. “One is we shifted our Olympic village from the last bid to Harumi [the site of the 2016 bid’s main stadium], in the center of the city, and shifted our main stadium to Kokuritsu Kyogijo.”

Designed by the Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, the slick, futuristic stadium, with a retractable roof, will seat 80,000 spectators and be built on the site of the current national stadium, which hosted the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, six years after it was completed. The new venue is set to be unveiled in 2019, in time for the Rugby World Cup in Japan the same year.

Borrowing a theme from the 2016 bid, Tokyo is promoting a compact Games. “From the village, there are 28 venues out of 33 within 8 kilometers,” Mizuno says. “[Athletes] have to warm up and prepare and get frustrated and worried if the time to venues fluctuates. Within this [8-kilometer] circle, it takes an average 20 minutes to get to any of the venues. So athletes have time to relax, so they can perform [at their best]. This compact, city-center Games puts athletes first.”

Again, taking the previous bid’s idea of renovating existing facilities, the 2020 proposal includes such venues as the Budokan (judo), Yoyogi National Stadium (handball and wheelchair rugby) and Tokyo Big Sight (powerlifting, fencing, taekwondo, boccia and, if the sport makes it back into the Olympic lineup, wrestling).

Under the slogan “Discover tomorrow,” bid officials have been playing up the notion of Tokyo as “a safe pair of hands” by emphasizing the city’s strengths as a well-run, ultramodern metropolis where the trains run on time and the crime rate is low.

With Rio’s Olympic preparations running behind schedule and next year’s Sochi Winter Olympics mired in

Bidding BattlesTokyo’s ambition to host the 2020 Olympic Games is the latest in a long history of bids to bring the world’s premier sporting event to Japan.

1940 Summer and Winter GamesTokyo beats Helsinki in a vote to host the 1940 Summer Games and the Winter Games in Sapporo the same year. War with China leads to the cancellation of the Games.

1960 Summer Games Tokyo garners only four votes in the contest for the 1960 Summer Games. Rome wins.

1964 Summer Games The Japanese capital sweeps aside Detroit, Vienna and Brussels in the first round of voting to secure the 18th Olympic Games, the first in Asia.

1968 Winter Games In the battle to host the 10th Winter Olympics, Sapporo attracts only six votes. Grenoble triumphs.

1972 Winter Games Sapporo applies again and wins the right to stage the Winter Games in the first ballot.

1984 Winter Games Keen to host another Winter Olympics, Sapporo loses to Sarajevo by just three votes in a runoff.

1988 Summer GamesFavorite Nagoya is beaten by Seoul in the vote for the right to host the 24th Olympic Games.

1998 Winter Games After a tense runoff against Salt Lake City, Nagano wins the vote to stage the 18th Winter Olympics.

2008 Summer Games Competing against Beijing, Toronto, Istanbul and Paris, Osaka is eliminated in the first round of voting. Beijing is victorious.

2016 Summer GamesTokyo makes it to the second round of voting against Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid before being knocked out. Rio wins.

2020 Summer GamesUp against Istanbul and Madrid, Tokyo will find out whether it will host the 32nd Olympics on September 7.

Tsunekazu Takeda and Masato Mizuno Irwin

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controversy and ballooning costs, Tokyo has been highlighting its solvency and prepared fund of $4.5 billion.

“Tokyo is more than ready to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” says Tsunekazu Takeda, president of the Japanese Olympic Committee and Tokyo’s 2020 bid committee. “Tokyo’s GDP [gross domestic product] is the biggest of any city in the world, Japan’s economy is the world’s third largest and Japan’s new economic policy, referred to as ‘Abenomics,’ is proving to be successful—and Japan’s economic future appears to be brighter than ever.”

According to Harada, this financial aspect shouldn’t be underestimated. “I think it’s very persuasive,” he says. “We have cash and Istanbul and Madrid can’t say that.”

In its fifth attempt to host the Olympics, Istanbul’s projected infrastructure budget is $19.2 billion, while Madrid, bidding

for a third consecutive time, has a budget of $1.9 billion. Amid a dire national economic environment, the Spanish capital says that 80 percent of its facilities are already in place. (London’s budget increased almost fourfold from its original estimate to nearly $14.5 billion.)

IOC member and former head of the World Anti-Doping Agency Dick Pound says that all three cities have potential and will appeal to different IOC voters. “Tokyo has many strengths, not to mention the site plan and a reputation for excellent organization,” he says. “It also has the recent experience of bidding, so will have learned from that.”

The Club’s Durkin is confident that Tokyo will emerge victorious. “It’s a tough fight, as both rival cities, Istanbul and Madrid, have strong bids,” he says. “But Tokyo’s combination of financial strength, organizational skills, infrastructure and passion for sports are sure to convince the

IOC that Tokyo is the best place for the 2020 Olympics.”

The bid process has been far from plain sailing for Tokyo, though. In April, in an interview with The New York Times newspaper, Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose made disparaging remarks about Islamic countries while insinuating the inadequacy of Istanbul to host the Games.

As officials scrambled to minimize any enduring damage to Tokyo’s bid, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during a meeting in Ankara. “The Tokyo 2020 bid has been abiding by all the IOC rules and the IOC actually confirmed that this case is closed,” Mizuno says of the episode.

Compared with recent violent protests in Istanbul, the Inose incident appears nothing more than an example of rhetorical ineptitude. Citing Rio’s escalating drug gang problem before the

OlympicVenues


city was awarded the 2016 Olympics, Waseda’s Harada says the IOC tends to focus on a city’s longer-term potential. “The Olympic Games is always looking for money and the place where the money [will be] seven years from now,” he says. “It’s very difficult to predict.”

At an international sports convention in the Russian city of St Petersburg in May, all three contenders made presentations. In contrast to Tokyo’s approach during the race for the 2016 Olympics, Harada says the bid committee delivered a slick, impassioned sales pitch that impressed many people in the audience. “They improved a lot, I think,” he says. “Usually, Japanese are famous for being modest; they don’t tell you directly. But this time was different; they acted like Westerners.”

But beyond the oft-repeated motifs of safety, efficiency, organization and innovation, Tokyo lacks an overarching bold vision, according to Harada. London’s

2012 Olympics revitalized a rundown part of the city while promising to “inspire a generation.” Istanbul, at the confluence of Asia and Europe, is selling itself as a bridge between the cultures of East and West.

Tokyo bid chief Takeda says he’s aware of the intense competition the city faces ahead of the IOC vote in September. “Nevertheless, we are up to the challenge and will maintain our efforts to ensure that IOC members comprehend why Tokyo should host the Games and how Tokyo will deliver a fantastic Games,” he says.

Harada says that Tokyo’s bid team has done well to create a positive buzz around the city’s Olympic plans, but that’s no guarantee of success. In a huge upset in the 2016 race, he says, Chicago was famously dumped out in the first round. (Tokyo squeezed through to the second round before being knocked out.)

That vote four years ago, he explains,

was an example of how an intangible mood, or “flow,” among IOC members can move in favor of a particular city. In this area, Harada says, Istanbul appears to be edging its Japanese rival.

The candidate cities will explain the technical aspects of their bids to IOC members this month in Lausanne, Switzerland, before making their final pitches in Argentina.

In the meeting room high above the teeming crowds of Shinjuku, Mizuno is upbeat about Tokyo’s chances of Olympic success and avoids any talk of a possible rebid, should the city fail for a second time. “If we can convince IOC members of our strengths, we hope we can win,” he says with a broad smile. “We would like to get the gold medal in this race.”

Members can show their support for Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic bid by signing their name at one of the petition points around the Club.

FEATURE

1. Olympic Stadium

2. Tokyo Metropolitan

Gymnasium

3. Yoyogi National Stadium

4. Nippon Budokan

5. Imperial Palace Garden

6. Tokyo International

Forum

7. Kokugikan Arena

8. Ariake Arena

9. Olympic BMX Course

10. Olympic Velodrome

11. Olympic Gymnastic

Centre

12. Ariake Tennis Park

13. Odaiba Marine Park

14. Shiokaze Park

15. Tokyo Big Sight Hall A

16. Tokyo Big Sight Hall B

17. Seaside Park

Hockey Stadium

18. Sea Forest Cross-

Country Course

19. Sea Forest Waterway

20. Sea Forest Mountain

Bike Course

21. Wakasu Olympic Arena

22. Kasai Slalom Course

23. Youth Plaza Arena A

24. Youth Plaza Arena B

25. Dream Island Archery

Field

26. Dream Island Stadium

27. Olympic Aquatics Centre

28. Waterpolo Arena


In May, Hirokazu Koreeda became the first Japanese director in 26 years to win the Jury Prize at the prestigious Cannes International

Film Festival, after moving audiences to tears and applause with his family drama, Like Father, Like Son, about a couple who learn that their 6-year-old son was actually switched at birth with another child.

But when the movie opens in Japan in October, the longtime darling of the festival coterie doesn’t expect a fraction of the fanfare his film received in France. “If my films did better at the box office in Japan, it would be easier to get them made,” he recently told The Hollywood Reporter.

Despite being booed at Cannes, Takashi Miike’s Shield of Straw has done well at the box office, grossing ¥2 billion since its release in April, according to William Ireton, president of Warner Bros. Japan Entertainment, the film’s producer. iNTOUCH’s Erika Woodward recently put some questions about the state of Japan’s film industry to the Club Member. Excerpts:

iNTOUCH: In general, what genre of movie attracts the largest audiences in Japan?

Ireton: Spectacle movies of the action-adventure genre are big draws for US movies, which constitute about 40 percent of the market. The other 60 percent is comprised of Japanese movies—romance, drama and comedy. Nobody can compete with American movies when it comes to large blockbuster movies, such as Man of Steel, which is coming out this summer. With Japanese movies, people are drawn to familiar storylines, especially those that are derivative of manga, anime and TV dramas.

iNTOUCH: Japan always has the odd triumph in international film awards, like Oscar winner Departures or Zatoichi, which was a Venice Film Festival winner, but never blockbusters. What are your thoughts?

Ireton: While successful on the festival circuit, as you say, Japanese movies are generally not geared for international audiences. The market here is very profitable. You can make a movie for $5 million and earn many multiples of the production investment. In that regard,

Warner Bros. is the only American studio actively producing Japanese movies. Our biggest release last year was Rurouni Kenshin, which was based on a manga that sold over 30 million copies and went on to become one of the top grossing movies of the year.

iNTOUCH: We’ve seen a cache of Japanese horror flicks, such as Ring and Ju-on, remade by Hollywood in recent years. Why have Japan’s scary movies been popular abroad?

Ireton: Japanese cinema has had a special affinity with the horror genre going back to the Yotsuya Kaidan movies. In the old days, the studios used to release scary movies in the summer, since they were supposed to cool audiences down in the sweltering heat. Similar to manga and anime, Japanese horror has elements that can scare up—no pun intended—audiences beyond its borders.

iNTOUCH: As the country’s movie industry continues to grow exponentially, more US studios are setting up

Lights, Camera, Drama


TALKING HEADS

international operations for producing American films in Japanese. What do you make of this?

Ireton: As I said before, we’re the only studio active in this space to the tune of seven to eight movies per year. The other studios have stepped in to make a couple of pictures, but you have to have the chutzpah to stay in the business long-term, since movie production is a business of relationships.

iNTOUCH: Featuring films on air just ahead of their cinematic release, TV is the most dominant collaborative partner of the film industry here. Why does this relationship exist?

Ireton: Several years ago, when the TV networks realized that their advertising revenues had a ceiling, they decided to embark on producing movies together with the Japanese studios—Toho, Shochiku and Toei. The TV stations would market these movies with free promotional support, keeping the marketing costs low, while many of the movies were

derivative of dramas that were airing on TV. Fuji Television and NTV are the most aggressive networks in this area.

iNTOUCH: How do you foresee this partnership evolving?

Ireton: This will probably continue, as it’s a win-win for both the networks and the studios. In fact, in deference to the old adage, “if you can’t beat them, join them,” we team up with the networks on occasion, such as we did with NTV on Wara no Tate [Shield of Straw] earlier this year.

iNTOUCH: What changes would you like to see in Japanese cinema?

Ireton: I’d like to see more cinemas outside of the major cities of Japan. I’ve recently been going on a promotional campaign for Yurusarezaru Mono to local areas, such as Kochi, Okayama and Shizuoka, and I feel that people out there want to be served by more movie theaters.

iNTOUCH: What do you see as the future of Japan’s film industry?

Ireton: Japan is a market that still wants a tactile element, something tangible. For instance, the Tsutaya brick-and mortar stores that dot the country are still popular with people renting physical DVDs and returning them to the store. This business model hardly exists in other countries, as witness the demise of the Blockbuster outlets in the US. People still want to touch and feel. That doesn’t mean that they won’t go for streaming or download services, they do, and a sizable chunk of our business comes from the digital space. In the case of movies, and I think this is not just a Japanese phenomenon, people still want to go out and be entertained, to see a movie in an auditorium with others and vicariously feel the thrill and emotion that are derivative of the cinematic experience. Just because you have great home-cooked meals doesn’t mean you don’t go out and eat. You do both, and there’s always space for people who want to stream or download their movies on a tablet or go to the multiplex for the latest movie. And the popcorn just doesn’t taste the same at home.

William Ireton

Member insights on Japan 29


All exhibits in the Frederick Harris Gallery are for sale and can be purchased by Membership card at the Member Services Desk. Sales of works begin at 6 p.m. on the first day of the exhibition.

by Erika Woodward

Exploring the relationship between the past, present and future, Li Yu Xing has created a compelling compilation of modern ink-wash paintings that will grace the display cases at the Frederick Harris Gallery this month.

Staying true to the East Asian custom of painting, the contemporary brush artist skillfully varies the thickness of the ink to achieve shading and tonality. But it’s what Li does next—breaking with tradition—that makes the passage of time seemingly come alive in his works.

Gracefully sweeping a brush dipped in silver across the xuan washi paper, Li’s shimmering strokes gradually begin to tarnish and age as they are kissed by the air. Using this method, Li produced “Wa,” an ode to Japanese pottery and one of the stunning paintings he will exhibit at the Club.

“In ‘Wa,’ [I] used the technique of silver to show the ceramic gloss of the Japanese bowl, while the color effect of silver reflects the long history of Japanese tea culture,” Li explains.

Born in Shanghai in 1959, Li is a graduate of the Shanghai University of Art. After working as a graphic designer for the Bank of China, he decided to focus on his art and has since held solo and group exhibitions throughout Britain and Asia.

Having called Japan home since 1992, he is now inspiring artistic hopefuls through his creations and as a research associate at Tokyo University of the Arts.

“As a modern Chinese watercolor artist, [I am] committing all [my] efforts to bring people inspiration and courage through [my] works of ink wash and silver,” he says. Prepare to be inspirited.

ExhibitionJuly 8–August 11

Gallery ReceptionMonday, July 86:30–8 p.m.Frederick Harris Gallery (B1 Formal Lobby)FreeOpen to adult invitees and Members only

Li Yu Xing

Exhibitions of Art 31

FREDERICK HARRIS GALLERY

Daniel Peter DelhommeShu & Eri EbeLeon & Miriam Halders

Vaughn & Shonda HallKengo InoJames & Mary KocisChristophe & Louiza LeclercqMasanori Murakami

Jason Navarette & Alice WeiHirotaro & Yuko OchiaiWilliam & Hisae ReubenKuniaki TohmatsuJane Yonamine

sayonara

Sebastien & Rebecca PapinFrance—Champagne Billecart-Salmon

Mattias LewrenSweden—Accenture Japan Ltd.

Erik GainUnited States—GPlusMedia Co., Ltd.

Nancy HashimaUnited States—Fuji Shoji Co., Ltd.

Ron Harris United States—The Harris Firm

Hal & Linnea Van HerckeUnited States—IBM Japan Ltd.

Anurag & Nidhi RathiIndia—Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd.

Miguel Villasenor & Lizeth MendezMexico—Philip Morris Japan K.K.

Ken & Eriko Hisamoto United States—Federal Express Corporation

Russell Watson & Sally Sheridan United Kingdom—Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.

Christopher Charles United States—The Ingenium Group

Daniel & Reina MathiesonNew Zealand—Zespri International Ltd.

Elvin Zoet & Yoshiko Zoet-Suzuki Netherlands—Softonic Japan

Andrew Chang United States—Apple Japan, Inc.

Johanna Honeyfield & Christopher NelsonNew Zealand—Diageo Japan K.K.

Shunsuke & Seisa SatoJapan—JP Morgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd.

Steven & Kiyomi MedeirosUnited States—Visionize

Toru & Izumi NakahashiJapan—JP Morgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd.

Gonzague Gay-Bouchery & Koju Gay YoshiokaFrance—Tibanne Co., Ltd.

Seishu Ran & George Seiichi NodaChina—Lanhua International Co., Ltd.

Dwight Lam & Yuki HigashiCanada—Brainchild, Inc.

Masayuki & Keiko IshidoJapan—JP Morgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd.

Richard & Naoko CollasseFrance—Chanel K.K.

Zachary McAfee & Carmen Delgado McAfeeUnited States—Grosvenor Fund Management Japan Ltd.

Todd Olson United States—Cushman & Wakefield K.K.

Pak Zing & Yukako NgHong Kong—Sunniva Company Ltd.

Craig DiLorenzoUnited States—Sumitomo 3M Ltd.

John Roebuck United States—Jones Day

Gerald Fujii United States—White & Case LLP

Timothy EustaceCanada—Slate Consulting K.K.

Harry Hill United States—Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc.

Ellie & Ryuichiro HanawaUnited States—Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Matthew Crosby & Yuki KobayashiUnited States—Lazard Japan Asset Management K.K.

Brendan O’SullivanAustralia—O’Sullivan Partners K.K.

Ian Newton & Yuka Aoyagi-NewtonAustralia—SystemsGo Corporation

Jonathan & Saori HughesUnited Kingdom—Morgan McKinley

Ryo & Masami Okamura United Kingdom—Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co., Ltd.

Rick CogleyUnited States—eSolia, Inc.

Henry & Eartha HoHong Kong—Gidi Co., Ltd.

Damian Thong & Mayumi NegishiSingapore—Macquarie Capital Securities (Japan) Ltd.

Keith Mitchell United States—Technopro Holdings

Dirk & Suphanee HermansGermany—Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC

Timothy Connor United States—Newport, Ltd.

Misa & Toru ShimaseUnited States—Root Co., Ltd.

Hiromi & Naoko ShinyaUnited States—Shinya Office Tokyo

Howard Hao & Yukimi Fu United States—RGF HR Agent Japan

Trevor & Yuki HillUnited States—Morrison & Foerster LLP

Jim Chang & Rumiko ChoTaiwan—Croesus Japan, Inc.

Robert Callahan & Minori NakakuraUnited States—BPM Associates, Inc.

Misook & Kenji Asai South Korea

Raymond YeungUnited States—Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd.

David & Rika KasamatsuUnited States

Kaguya Komatsu & Shintaro KitanoJapan—JP Morgan Asset Management (Japan) Ltd.

Daniel & Misty PersicoUnited States—Kemet Electronics Japan Co., Ltd.

Felipe & Orsolya Palacios United States—Abbvie G.K.

Robert & Theresa ArguellesUnited States—Kemet Electronics Japan Co., Ltd.

Shigeru & Yurika YamamotoJapan—JP Morgan Chase Bank

Mark & Cicilia LettenbichlerCanada—The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Briton Parker & Karen Niles-ParkerUnited States—MetLife Alico Life Insurance K.K.

James White & Yukiko Inoue-WhiteUnited States—ON Semiconductor, Inc.

yokoso


I t was hardly the best of starts to the holiday. The torrents of rain turned the road ahead into a cloud of spray. To make

matters worse, Hiroyuki Shiota could sense a problem with his bike. He eased off on the throttle of his Honda VTR1000F sport bike. It wasn’t enough. The engine gave up.

On the highway on the outskirts of the South Korean city of Busan, Shiota had been riding with three fellow bike enthusiasts from the Club. They were setting out on a tour of Korea after arriving by ferry from the Japanese port of Shimonoseki, in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

“I was worried at first,” Shiota, 37, says of

being stranded on the side of the road in an unfamiliar country. Eventually, the engine started and he set off after his friends.

With no other major mishaps on the trip, the band of riders covered up to 500 kilometers a day. “It was fun. It was my first time to tour overseas,” Shiota says. “The scenery was beautiful.”

Riding his first motorcycle at 17, Shiota was an occasional rider until the Club moved to its temporary home in Takanawa. He began to take two wheels to work from his home in Saitama Prefecture, and his passion for torque grew.

Joining the Club in 2004, he worked

in the old Azabudai parking lot for more than a year before transferring to the housekeeping team. “The staff are really friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed,” he says. “I like it.”

While helping to keep the Club interior looking pristine, May’s Employee of the Month also assists the Club gardener and occasionally uses skills learned during his previous job with a glass-repair company.

At the end of the working day, though, there’s only one thing on Shiota’s mind. “If you run every day and you skip it, you really want to run,” he says. “It’s the same with riding.” o

MEMBER SERVICES

Why did you decide to join the Club?“We joined for the fantastic facilities that the Club has to offer and to make new friends. We particularly want to take advantage of the sporting facilities and the English-speaking community. I have already made use of the Member Services Desk to book a really enjoyable day of watching sumo wrestling. In addition, our children, aged 13 and 10, have enjoyed the Fun Zone and the food in Rainbow Café, and the Bowling Center has done a great job of helping me organize our daughter’s birthday party.”

(l–r) Ethan, Jim, Claire and Olivia Fox

Why did you decide to join the Club?“Our family has been living in Japan for several years now and has had the chance to visit TAC occasionally. Given the new facilities and the growing number of friends of our children who are Members, we thought it would make sense to finally join. It was the right decision, and the whole family has really enjoyed not only the new building and activities, but also the opportunity to become members of the Club community. We are all looking forward to making many new friends.”

(l–r) Hasn, Rhys, Saengdao, Hans and Kayla Van Der Sande

New Member ProfileJim & Claire FoxUnited Kingdom—GlaxoSmithKline K.K.

New Member ProfileHans & Saengdao Van Der SandeUnited States—Deutsche Bank

employeeof the month

Hiroyuki Shiota

by Nick Jones

Services and benefits for Members 33

CULTURAL INSIGHT

W hen I was a child, the shotengai [main shopping street] had beautiful Tanabata decorations,

and I used to love looking at them. All of the stores had bamboo branches where kids could come by and hang their tanzaku,” says Meg Nakajima-Caldwell of the annual Tanabata festival.

Celebrated on July 7 (or August 7 in some areas), Tanabata is when children write their wishes on tanzaku strips of colored paper and hang them on bamboo branches.

“At home, my mom had bamboo branches ready for the family. We would spend time together making origami decorations on which we would write our wishes. After Tanabata, we would take the branches down and set fire to them in the backyard. The smoke would carry our wishes up to the sky,” Nakajima-Caldwell says.

Besides penning their wishes, youngsters often sing the Tanabata song, with its onomatopoeic lyrics that elicit the sounds and sights of summer. This custom is a rite of passage for young school-age children and the song is a harbinger of the summer

holidays, which begin in late July.Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata

is a variation of a Chinese festival that was adopted by the imperial court during the Heian period (794–1185). It grew in popularity beyond imperial circles during the Edo era.

The legend behind the festival is about a princess called Orihime, who spent all her days weaving exquisite clothes for her father, the king of heaven. She met a cow herder by the name of Hikoboshi, and the two fell madly in love. But as the two spent more and more time together, they neglected their responsibilities.

Orihime’s father, Tentei, became angry and separated the two by placing them on opposite sides of the Amano River (Milky Way). Finally, Tentei agreed for the couple to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month. Unable to cross the river the first year, Orihime cried until a flock of magpies formed a bridge with their wings.

It’s believed, though, that if it rains, the celestial sweethearts will remain separated for another year. As a result, many children rejoice when the weather is good. “As a child, if the sky was clear, I used to go up on the balcony and watch the stars for hours,” recalls Nakajima-Caldwell, 47.

Known by astronomers as the Summer Triangle, the stars representing Orihime (Vega), Hikoboshi (Altair) and the magpie bridge (Deneb) are clearly visible in the summer sky.

Two of the most renowned Tanabata

festivals take place in Sendai, in Miyagi Prefecture, and Hiratsuka, in Kanagawa Prefecture. Elaborate decorations line the streets, along with food stalls and performances. Hiratsuka’s festival is from July 5 to 7.

The 400-year-old Sendai Tanabata Festival takes place from August 6 to 8, in accordance with the traditional lunar calendar, and kicks off with a huge fireworks display on August 5. Sendai residents take particular pride in the special streamers they make out of washi paper, which are meant to represent the yarns Orihime wove.

“When I was growing up, I would go visit my grandparents, who lived in Sendai. We loved the Tanabata matsuri [festival]. We would put on our yukata [summer kimono], look at the beautiful decorations, play the carnival games and watch the big, big fireworks for three nights. I also remember eating watermelon with my siblings and cousins and then having a contest to see who could spit their watermelon seeds the farthest,” says Club Member Fumi Lee with a laugh. o

Weiss is a Member of the Club.

Sendai Tanabata Festivalwww.sendaitanabata.com

Kanagawa Now Japanwww.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp

Wishful ThinkingThis month’s festival of Tanabata means handwritten hopes and a tale of heavenly love. by Efrot Weiss


Club Member Charles McJilton introduced food banking to Japan but learned that helping people also means fighting shame and bureaucracy.by Tim HornyakPhotos by Kohji Shiiki

Charles McJilton

Food Fight


W ithin three days of tsunami waves wreaking destruction along the Tohoku coast in March

2011, a little-known Tokyo nonprofit group was distributing aid to shell-shocked survivors in northeast Japan.

Second Harvest Japan was more used to distributing meals to the homeless in Ueno Park than dealing with a cataclysm on the scale of Tohoku, but by the end of the year it had managed to deliver more than 1,000 tons of supplies and 13,000 relief packages. The organization, which had just celebrated its 9th birthday, had come a long way.

Charles McJilton hates to be called a do-gooder. In 2002, the Montana native founded Japan’s first food bank (it was renamed Second Harvest two years later). But McJilton says he’d rather the group, which distributes excess food to needy people, be seen as a public good, like a hospital or library, than just a charity. If food banks were accepted as a common social necessity, he says, more people would use them and less food would go to waste.

A Japan Times editorial earlier this year highlighted the issue: “Tokyo alone produces about 6,000 tons of food waste a day, an amount sufficient to feed 4.5 million people a day. In total, some 40 percent of all food in Japan ends up in the garbage. And this occurs when 750,000 people in Japan lack food security and 60 percent of food is imported into the country.”

Although there are roughly 20 million people in Japan who live below the poverty line, providing and accepting charity here is fraught with cultural and political pitfalls. For instance, only 800 or so Japanese went to Second Harvest last year to receive food—far fewer than the tens of thousands in the capital believed to be in need of help.

Sitting in his modest office under the Sobu Line tracks in Asakusabashi, as trains clatter overhead, McJilton, 49, explains why so few people accept Second Harvest’s offer of help. “One, cultural reluctance to receive aid,” he says. “Once you receive aid, it’s an acknowledgment that you’re poor. Receiving aid can invite bullying from people. It’s not uncommon in a household that’s on welfare for the children not to know that they’re receiving welfare. Parents don’t want their children to have that stigma.”

The second barrier is what he refers to as “gatekeepers”: “These are people who are working on antipoverty issues, but

INSIDE JAPAN

whose actions say that giving out food for free is not good,” says McJilton, listing such organizations as the Foreign Ministry-backed Refugee Assistance Headquarters, which has dismissed Second Harvest’s mission as unimportant.

Second Harvest Japan’s CEO is intimately familiar with both poverty in Japan and the bureaucracy surrounding it. After he was stationed at Yokosuka with the US Navy, he returned to Tokyo as an exchange student at Sophia University, from 1991 to 1993.

While toying with the idea of becoming a Catholic priest, he arranged to work with a group of missionaries in Sanya, an area of Tokyo known for its population of down-and-out day laborers. After helping distribute food and blankets to the local

homeless men, he felt a need to experience life on the receiving end of charity. So, for 15 months, McJilton lived in a cardboard box on the banks of the Sumida River.

“Some people build their houses out of a combination of wood and plastic and some completely out of cardboard,” he says. “My sempai [senior], a guy I called Yoda, taught me how to build them. When I first met him, he started in a small box, but by the end, he was building these fairly large, elaborate things. He would take the plastic strips used to bind boxes, break them apart and make wire or a rope out of them.”

McJilton had a teaching job at the time, so every morning he would wake up in his box, put on a suit and tie and go to work. Every month, government officials would post eviction notices on the cardboard houses. The occupants would remove them when eviction crews showed up, but rebuild them as soon as they left.

His experience with the “bureaucratic ballet,” as McJilton refers to it, served him well when Second Harvest was delivering aid to Tohoku. Its staff mustered hundreds of volunteers to pack trucks with food and other aid for the north. But in Minami Soma and other towns, they were often politely told that help wasn’t needed. The gatekeepers were at work again.

“The Japanese Red Cross is another example,” McJilton says. “We told them that we knew they were helping people transition from the shelters into temporary housing, and we asked whether we could give them a box of food. Their response was we would have to do it for all 75,000, or whatever units they were doing. It was a typical response: If you can’t do it for all, don’t do it for anyone.”

But McJilton, who received the Club’s 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award for his work, is undaunted, and Second Harvest has continued to grow. It now has nearly 400 food donors and delivered more than 3,000 tons of food aid in 2012, helping donors put some ¥1.8 billion back into the community. The Women’s Group’s annual Rice Campaign, which wrapped up last month, raises money for the organization.

McJilton’s task now is to keep spreading the food banking message. “We have plenty of food, and you’d think my job would be easy giving away food,” he says with a laugh. “But you’d be surprised.” o

Hornyak is a Montreal-based freelance journalist.

Second Harvest Japanhttp://2hj.org

A look at culture and society 37

W hen I arrived in Tokyo eight years ago, I was so overwhelmed by its urban sprawl that I made it a point to ask for tips on relaxing weekend travel spots. While often disappointed by some fatal flaw at

recommended sights, such as coastline-hugging concrete tetrapods or the outrageous cost, I discovered one place that is truly worth a return visit: Lake Nojiri.

Located in Nagano Prefecture’s Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, about 20 kilometers north of Nagano City, Nojiri remains relatively pristine, surrounded by stunning, pine-covered peaks and unmarred by unsightly developments. It has an old-fashioned rustic charm and pace and is quite affordable for family visits.

Bradley Martin, a journalist and longtime Tokyo resident, introduced us to Lake Nojiri. Its touristic beginnings date to the 1920s, when a group of missionaries created a summer “resort” on the shore. The Nojiri Lake Association still exists today and there are a number of cabins for sale and rent. An easier option, however, is to stay in one of the small, lakeside pensions, which are ideal for a weekend getaway.

Lake Nojiri is Nagano’s second-largest glacial lake and is surrounded by mountains, including the 2,053-meter Mount Kurohime and Mount Myoko, at 2,454 meters, while Biwajima,

a picturesque island in the lake features a tiny temple on its crested peak.

The lake’s 16-kilometer, verdant shoreline makes it ideal for runners and cyclists alike. Those with a little more stamina can enter the annual Lake Nojiri Cup Triathlon, which consists of a 1.5 kilometer swim, 45-kilometer bike ride and 16-kilometer run. This year’s race is on July 7.

The end of summer is a perfect time to visit, as the weather is still sunny and the lake is gloriously warm. Arriving by train from Tokyo on a Friday night, you can enjoy a moonlit swim. We always stayed at the Hotel Fuyosou, which offers various stay options. The hotel has a charming dock for swimmers and a small rowboat for guests to use free of charge to visit the nearby island.

Our family suffers from differing morning sleep habits and Nojiri met the challenge. The early risers could enjoy cardio sports, bird-watching or fishing and then water sports when the late risers were ready.

Bass fishing is a huge attraction, and I noticed a variety of fishing styles during one early-morning walk. At around 6:30 a.m., the energy-infused fishermen (mostly Japanese men of a certain age) gather at the local marina’s coffee shop before heading out on an armada of specially equipped boats. This appears to be a serious

Where theLivin’ Is Easy

Lake Nojiri in the mountains of Nagano offers the perfect summer escape for lovers of the great outdoors.

by Lisa Colacurcio-Cahierre


Eighty-five minutes by the fastest bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. Transfer to the Shinetsu Line for the 35-minute journey to Kurohime Station. It’s a 15-minute taxi ride to Lake Nojiri.

Take the Kanetsu and Joshinetsu expressways from Tokyo. The journey takes around 4 hours.

Hotel Fuyosouhttp://park7.wakwak.com/~fuyosou/

Nojiriko Hotel El Boscowww.nojirikohotel-elbosco.com

Lake Nojiri Associationhttp://nlaweb.com

Resort House Spinnaker www.ngn.janis.or.jp/~spin

M-Planning Windsurfing Schoolhttp://mplanning.jimdo.com

Lake Nojiri MarinaTel: 026-2582629www.avis.ne.jp/~nojiriko

Shinano Townwww.shinano-machi.com

Myoko-Hakuba-Nozawa Guidehttp://myokokogen.net

endeavor and a lot of equipment is necessary. Nevertheless, I noticed a more relaxed method as well. One laid-back fisherman slept in his van on the lakeshore while his three cast fishing rods rested against a nearby wall.

Once everyone has finally woken up, wander down to Resort House Spinnaker to try a new water sport. From canoes and motorboats to windsurfers and Jet Skis, all manner of water transport can be rented at this lodge and marine sports hub. There is even a windowless party craft, shaped like a can of spam, with a hole in the middle for fishing.

Our family was introduced to two new sports in Nojiri: wakeboarding and the Hawaiian pursuit of standup paddleboarding. Since the lake is pretty calm and secluded, it’s well suited for learning a new activity. For families with older kids, I definitely recommend wakeboarding. For only ¥3,800 per person, an experienced (and patient) instructor took us out on the lake and worked with us until we could all stand on the board. It was definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Many prehistoric Jomon ruins and ice age artifacts have been discovered in the Nojiri area and there is a small museum that boasts an impressive array of fossils. The Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum features fossils of the mammoth-like Naumann Elephant and Big-Horned Deer, which roamed the area 40,000 years ago.

Other activities in the area include several small ski stations. In late August, we visited the Kurohime Kogen Snow Park, which was hosting a flower festival. The ski lifts were working, so it was possible to enjoy an easy hike down the slope.

If you travel by car, be sure to stop at one of the local farm stands to try the roasted corn on the cob. And the delicious local tomatoes and peaches will make the journey back to the sprawl a little easier to bear. o

Former Club Member Colacurcio-Cahierre and her family relocated to the United

States last month.

TOKYO

LAKE NOJIRI

OUT & ABOUT

Explorations beyond the Club 39

For more photos from some events displayed in these pages,visit the Event Image Gallery (under News & Info) on the Club website.

Mother’s Day Tea May 11

Ahead of Mother’s Day, young Members paid tribute to

their moms with an enchanting afternoon of tea, finger

food, photo keepsakes, fun and a tear-inducing song

for all mothers.

Photos by Yuuki Ide

1. (l–r) Sandra and Eva Buschmeier and Megumi and Rihanna

Moore 2. (l–r) Thomas, Kim and Sophia Beck 3. (l–r) Belinda,

Milena and Paulina Fortunato 4. (l–r) Brook, Chalice and Cate

Markowitz 5. Michal and Noa Takahashi

4

1

2

3

5


EVENT ROUNDUP

Mother’s Day at the ClubMay 12

The New York Ballroom hosted its annual celebration

for Club moms and their families with a day of fine

food and drink, smiles and an opportunity to mark the

occasion with a photo.

Photos by Ken Katsurayama

1. Benjamin, Allan, Alyssa and Mihoshi Smith 2. (l–r) Miki, Sachiko

and Jerry McAlinn

2

1

Snapshots from Club occasions 41

For more photos from some events displayed in these pages,visit the Event Image Gallery (under News & Info) on the Club website.

Women of WineMay 22

At an exciting evening of girl power and the grape,

hosted by the Club’s wine program manager, Kelley

Michael Schaefer, the all-female sommelier team

introduced their favorite wines. The entertainment

concluded with a blind tasting challenge.

Photos by Yuuki Ide

1. (l–r) Women's Group President Linda Schnetzer, Nancy Davis and

Betty Butler 2. Christian Andersen 3. Michael Popov 4. (l–r) Therese

Cowled, Nancy Davis and Linda Schnetzer 5. (l–r) Ayumi Kawai,

Michiyo Yamada, Kelley Michael Schaefer, Kanako Ijichi and Makiko

Hosokawa

5

1

2

43


EVENT ROUNDUP

Youth Baseball Championship Day

May 25

The Club’s young baseball players wrapped up another

successful season with a day of diamond action

followed by a trophy presentation and barbecue.

Photos by Johnnie Lee Collins

Snapshots from Club occasions 43


During the time it takes to read this column, there’s a good chance you’ll check your phone or tablet at least once.

Such behavior is now quite normal, as is referring to mobile devices during meetings, at dinner or while talking to someone. If you wander around the Club on any given day, you’ll see people digitally “connecting” in every room.

While at Narita Airport recently, I was struck by how these devices have become so integrated into our lives. Sitting in the JAL lounge, I took a phone call without thinking and started talking to a friend. Within minutes, half a dozen people were motioning to me to leave the lounge. I hadn’t realized that it was a call-free zone. Interestingly, as I slunk out of the lounge, I noticed that all the people who had asked me to leave had returned to their screens and were texting, mailing or browsing.

There was once a time when “being

connected” meant that you either had powerful associates or were linked to “antisocial forces.” Nowadays, we are forever connected: monitoring our various social and work networks, checking our e-mail, Googling, jumping from one fad to the next, following digital trends, exploring and struggling to find our way. Sounds like a teenager, doesn’t it? The reality is closer than you might think.

In a 10-country survey my colleagues and I recently completed, we discovered that on average people had had a mobile phone for almost 13 years—teenage in terms of mobile connectivity. I’m guessing that many Club Members are the equivalent of college students in this area.

We also found that during that short number of years people change their phone about every 22 months and often switch carrier at the same time. In other words, we flirt, fall in love and then dump our mobile devices just as

we once did with the boys and girls of our dreams.

Even in Japan, which has had advanced, Internet-accessible phone services longer than anywhere else, it seems that a generation is around seven years. Then everything changes again. So while we might all be digital teens, we have at the same time often lived through two or three generations of devices and content and delivery quality. It’s a little like the teenage relationship with music: hot bands of middle school are considered losers in high school.

Just as teens fret over appearance and “belonging,” we create multiple versions of ourselves through different social media channels. We decide if we are a Facebook person, a Line fanatic, a tweeter or all of the above. And once we decide which group to hang out with, we work on our image to fit in and look cool.

In a study last year, we found that around a third of Facebook users consciously create a fun character for themselves; a similar number establish a persona more serious than their “real-life” one. This choice affects everything from photo selection to how to comment to what to reference and like. Through all these mobile devices and social media, we keep this “cool” version of ourselves current, credible and appealing to others.

You don’t have to be an anthropologist to figure out that when you stopped reading after the second paragraph of this column to check that latest tweet, it was merely the teen in you acting out. After all, you don’t want to miss out on anything. o

McCaughan is a Club Member and director

of strategic planning with the advertising

agency McCann Worldgroup Asia-Pacific.

BACK WORDS Whatever the story, anecdote, fictitious tale, rant, cultural observation or Club commentary, now’s your chance to take it to the world…well, Membership, anyway. E-mail your submission (no more than 700 words) to [email protected].

Teenage Waysby Dave McCaughan

Stacks of Services at the Club

André Bernard Beauty SalonHair care for adults and kids, manicure, pedicure, waxing and more.Tel: 03-4588-0685 Family Area (B1)Tue–Sun9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Spica The Club’s professional shoe repair and polishing service. Tel: 03-4588-0670The Cellar (B1)Sat: 1–4:30 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Weekday drop-off: Member Services Desk

JTB Sunrise ToursEnjoy a 5 percent discount on all package tours and start making unforgettable memories. Tel: 03-5796-5454 (9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.)E-mail: [email protected]

My Tokyo Guide Tour and Travel DeskMy Tokyo Guide consultants are ready to answer all your domestic travel questions.Family Lobby (1F)Sat: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Sun: 12–5 p.m.E-mail: [email protected]

FedExTo find out more about the range of services and Member discounts, visit the FedEx counter. The Cellar (B1)Mon–Fri: 1–5 p.m. (closed Sun and national holidays)Sat: 12 p.m. (pickup only)

Documents

iNTOUCH July 2013