july 2016 intouch magazine

毎月一回一日発行

第四十七巻六一五号

トウキョウアメリカンクラブ

インタッチマガジン二〇一六年七

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

本体七四一円

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US ambassador and Club honorarypresident talks diplomacy

CarolineKennedy

CITY HARVESTS + INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION + PODIUM PURSUIT

JULY 2016

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

Enjoy the greenery at Azabu Gardens

www.azabugardens.com

Azabu Gardens, in Tokyo’s most sophisticated neighborhood Moto-Azabu, is an oasis of green and peace. Nestled on a quiet tree-lined street, the property offers exclusive homes and amenities, including a spacious rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the city.

Azabu Gardens offers premium family living, and is available exclusively for lease. Come and view the property on a private tour.

For leasing inquiries: 03-3201-0033Pacific Development & Management Co., Ltd.

For general inquiries: 03-6434-7031Azabu Gardens, 3-7-5 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046

in touch with nature

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22

NURTURING TIESThe third ambassador to emerge

from America’s first family, Caroline Kennedy ruminates on the future of bilateral relations.

21

URBAN FARM TO TABLEHorticulturist Jonathon Walsh reveals how to turn city spaces into flourish-

ing plots of fruit and veg.

18

HEAVY LIFTINGDefying age and injury, Member Randy Laxer trained his way to a

weightlifting podium place.

5 LEADERSHIP

6 DIGEST

10 AGENDA

I N D E P T H

18 SPORTS

19 MUSIC

21 HORTICULTURE

22 FOCUS

C O M M U N I T Y

26 SIX DEGREES

27 REGISTER

29 VOICE

30 HIGHLIGHTS

36 ESCAPE

JULY | 1

Contents


All prices referenced in INTOUCH exclude 8 percent consumption tax.

[email protected]

03-4588-0687 | www.tokyoamericanclub.org

ADVERTISING IN INTOUCHExplore the Club’s range of advertising possibilities by talking to

the Club’s exclusive advertising agency, Custom Media.

Custom Media President Robert Heldt

Custom Media Publisher Simon Farrell

INTOUCHEditor Nick Jones

[email protected]

Assistant Editor Nick Narigon

Designer Enrique Balducci

Designer Anna Ishizuka

Production Assistant Yuko Shiroki

GENERAL MANAGERAnthony L Cala

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERSBusiness Support Lian Chang

Business Operations Brian Marcus

DIRECTORSMember Services & Guest Relations Jonathan Allen

Communications Shane Busato

Engineering Darryl Dudley

Revenue Management Suranga Hettige Don

Human Resources Shuji Hirakawa

Management Office & Membership Wayne Hunter

Information Technology Toby Lauer

Finance Naoto Okutsu

Recreation Scott Yahiro

Food & Beverage Nori Yamazaki

CONTRIBUTORSWriters

Tim Hornyak

Alison Kanegae

Gregory Lyon

Paramita Sen

Photographers

Yuuki Ide

Sandra Isaka

Steve Morin

Kayo Yamawaki

Illustrator

Alison Kanegae

BOARD OF GOVERNORSRepresentative Governor John Durkin (2016)

First Vice President Mary Saphin (2016)

Second Vice President Jesse Green (2016)

Secretary Michael Benner (2016)

Treasurer Hiroshi Miyamasu (2017)

Governors Michael Alfant (2017), Betty Butler (2017),

Ginger Griggs (2017), Lance E Lee (2017), Gregory Lyon (2016),

Mark Miller (2017), Machi Nemoto (2016),

Alok Rakyan (2017), Jerry Rosenberg (2016)

Statutory Auditor Kazuakira Nakajima (2016)

CLUB COMMITTEESCompensation Mark Miller

Culture, Community & Entertainment Dan Smith (Ginger Griggs)

Finance Rodney Nussbaum (Hiroshi Miyamasu)

Food & Beverage Matt Krcelic (Jerry Rosenberg)

House Tomio Fukuda (Gregory Lyon)

Human Resources Per Knudsen (Lance E Lee)

Membership Steven Greenberg (Alok Rakyan)

Nominating Dieter Haberl

Recreation Samuel Rogan (Michael Alfant)

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Dean Rogers (Machi Nemoto)

SUBCOMMITTEESFrederick Harris Gallery Yumiko Sai

Video Library Diane Harris

Wine Stephen Romaine

Facilities Management Group Douglas Schafer

Fitness Tom Schinaman

Golf Steve Doi

Library Judith Ann Herd

Logan Room Christa Rutter

Squash Pete Juds

Swim Alexander Jampel

Youth Activities TBC

Parentheses denote Board liaison.

[email protected]

03-4540-7730 | www.custom-media.com

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2 | INTOUCH

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Home, Sweet Home

A few weeks ago, a client asked me whether I missed living in the United States. The simple answer to this common inquiry was no.

Since I return to the States on business or va-cation often enough, I don’t have the oppor-tunity to miss living there. I doubt many of us would have survived in Japan or overseas for as long as we have if we missed our home countries to a significant degree.

There are three things that I miss about living in the United States, though. The first is Independence Day. As you may have no-ticed, Americans are patriotic and this patri-otism is on unfettered display during our July Fourth celebrations. Two summers ago, I was fortunate enough to spend the 4th of July in Charleston, South Carolina—an all-American city in every sense of the description.

One jetlagged morning I went for a run in the heart of the historical district of Charleston. To my right was the beautiful Ashley River City Marina and to my left were Charleston’s famous 300-year-old Colonial homes. The route of my run, along Lockwood Drive and onto Broad Street, was teeming with large, graceful Ameri-can flags, unfurling and snapping in the breeze. A bit farther down was The Battery, a prom-enade and the most famous landmark in this quintessentially American city.

While not one for hyperbole, I stopped more than a few times that morning. I was in awe of the city’s beauty. I felt overwhelm-ingly proud of the United States and of being American—an underrated facet of being an expat. I have an easier time focusing on all that makes the United States a dynamic, beau-tiful country, even when our blemishes are on full display.

The rest of my day continued in much the same uplifting vein: the annual Isle of Palms July Fourth parade, boiled peanuts, she-cr-ab soup, shrimp and grits and probably even some barbecue. It would not have been com-plete without a few mojitos and fireworks, and there were plenty of each. As such, there was no run the following morning.

As for the other two things I miss about home, the second one is a good diner, where I can get toasted blueberry muffins and bacon, egg and cheese on a hard roll. The third is an-other great American tradition: Thanksgiving.

Whether you will celebrate this Independ-ence Day at the Club on July 2, in the US or in your home country, I hope you have a beauti-ful day, filled with reminders of why you love where you are from.

Gregory Lyon is a Club governor.

WORDS GREGORY LYON

IMAGE ENRIQUE BALDUCCI

“I FELT OVERWHELMINGLY PROUD OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF BEING AMERICAN—AN UNDERRATED FACET OF BEING AN EXPAT. ”

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JULY | 5

LEADERSHIP

Caroline Kennedy grew up in the glare of the spotlight. Born into America’s preeminent political dy-nasty, she is no stranger to atten-tion. But even she was surprised at the rock star welcome she received when she arrived in Tokyo in No-vember 2013 as the United States envoy to Japan.

Thousands of cheering Japanese lined the streets when she traveled by traditional horse-drawn car-riage to the imperial palace to pres-ent her credentials to the emperor. Her father, President John F Ken-nedy, had planned to become the first sitting president to visit Japan before he was assassinated in 1963.

It was f itting then that the daughter of the man who warned that nuclear weapons “must be abolished before they abolish us” should accompany President Ba-rack Obama on his historic trip to Hiroshima in May, the first by a sitting US president.

Kennedy’s predecessor, John Roos, became the first US repre-sentative to attend Hiroshima’s annual August 6 commemoration in 2010. Ambassador from 2009 to 2013, he revealed that he had urged President Obama to visit the city. “I think that it’s important for every American to go there, and, I think, every president,” he said.

On page 22, in this month of celebration of American independ-ence, Ambassador Kennedy, who also holds the position of honor-ary president of the Club, considers the significance of the president’s trip to Hiroshima and shares her thoughts on bilateral relations and America’s wider Asian ties.

Summer Staples

Philanthropic Mission Diplomatically Speaking

CUISINE

EDITOR

Women’s Group President Betty Butler (front row, second from right) says the or-ganization is aiming to boost its charity fundraising efforts over the coming year.

With its new 16-person board in place, the group wants to raise more money for local charities through its annual fundraisers.

Butler, who is serving her second term as president, says the organization also wants to use “quality, exciting” programs to attract more people to join the group. “This year’s board is looking at improving all our events, rethinking what works and what doesn’t, in order to get the best value for members,” she says. NJ

Millions of backyards across the United States will be filled with the sound of siz-zling meat on the barbecue this Fourth of July.

And the Club is selling portioned Certified Angus Beef steaks to enjoy on this holiday and all summer long.

“Cooking a great steak at home for dinner or out on the barbecue starts with quality beef,” says the Club’s senior chef de cuisine, Scott Kihara.

Drop by The Cellar (B1) to order your 5oz (140g) tenderloin (¥2,600) and 10oz (280g) New York strip loin (¥3,200) steaks. Discounts available on larger orders. NJ

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DIGEST

René-Jean Dard didn’t even know win-emakers used the preservative sulfur before he studied enology. Disregarding his training, he and François Ribo pro-duce beautifully crafted natural wine in France’s Rhône region. This Syrah-based 2013 C’est Le Printemps Crozes-Her-mitage Rouge pairs well with lamb, Tex-Mex mole or a Reuben sandwich. Avail-able for ¥3,900 at The Cellar (B1). NJ

Available only in Japan, The Royal Household Scotch whisky oozes exclu-sivity. This special blend was original-ly produced by James Buchanan for the British royal family in the 1890s. A limited-edition bottle was presented to Crown Prince Hirohito during his 1923 state visit to Britain. On sale to non-blue bloods for ¥32,800 at The Cellar (B1). NJ

Natural Wonder

Regal Tipple

Teen Trends

Voting Rights Summer Pick-Me-Up

Hairy Tale

In Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno, Izumi Evers and Patrick Macias explore the world of Japanese schoolgirl fashion, both the bizarre and the designer-in-spiring looks, and ponder its impact on young women in Japan. Other new Library arrivals include Matthew Des-mond’s Evicted, David Foster Wallace’s Brief Interviews with Hideous Men and Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar. AK

Only registered Voting Members are able to cast a ballot at Club general meetings or run in the annual Board of Governors election. To register, Mem-bers should download a Voter regis-tration form from the Club Articles of Association & Rules page of the Club website, fill it out and submit it to Member Services. NJ

To offset July’s energy-sapping heat, The Spa is offering two cooling, menthol-in-fused treatments that will leave you re-freshed. Choose between a 30-minute head massage, 30-minute foot massage and 15-minute back polish package and a 60-minute Swedish massage and 15-minute back polish. Reserve one of these ¥10,500 packages at 03-4588-0714 or [email protected]. NJ

Disney ’s tech wizards developed fur-controlling software for the an-thropomorphic cop-buddy film Zooto-pia to detail 2.5 million hair follicles on each of the two fuzzy protagonists. Other new Video Library titles include Olympic underdog biopic Eddie the Ea-gle, sci-fi thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane, docu-comedy Elvis & Nixon and Brit-ish war thriller Eye in the Sky. NN

FILMSBOOKS

GOVERNANCE REL AXATIONWHISKY

WINE

JULY | 7

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Noriko Kamiyama admits she was fearless in her travel habits when she was younger. From traversing Canada’s mighty interior to taking in Europe by bus, she chose to hit the road alone.

“If you travel by yourself, you always meet somebody,” she says. “When I was younger, I was more adventurous. I had a sleeping bag and was ready to sleep anywhere. I wasn’t scared of anything.”

A keen surfer in her 20s, Kamiyama lived on Kanagawa Prefecture’s Sho-nan coast, where she made custom wetsuits at a surf shop. Drawn to the surfing mecca of Australia, she secured a similar job in Sydney. Avalon Beach, in the city’s northern suburbs, was a favorite spot.

“I loved being in nature with the sounds of birds. That’s what I miss in Tokyo. I wanted to live in Australia for-ever,” the 53-year-old says.

Australia was also where she first encountered squash. When Kamiyama joined the Club’s Recreation Depart-ment in 1991, her interest in the sport grew. She took lessons at a sports club in Ebisu and in her first tournament—at the Club, as it happens—she won the rookie category.

Once ranked 32nd in Japan, May’s Employee of the Month plays squash six days a week, including as a hitting partner for Members.

“My physical condition gets better every year,” she says. “You can forget about everything. [Squash] has al-lowed me to keep up my energy.”

Much like travel, the game has a so-cial appeal, Kamiyama says. “I’ve met so many people through squash.” NJ

Chasing the Sun

Three years ago, Club Member Bret Dandoy and his father, Jeremiah, (pictured) com-pleted the Awesome 8, a set of the world’s most geographically extreme golf courses.

This month, the pair are hoping to earn a spot in the Guinness World Records by playing a round of golf on six continents, excluding Antarctica.

Starting in Houston, Texas, on July 24, the Dandoys plan to finish less than 119 hours (the current world record) later in Perth, Australia, on July 29.

“I love to combine my two passions of golf and travel, so this was just another way of doing it,” says Bret Dandoy, 51. NN

CHALLENGE

Bellevue Club Noriko Kamiyama

AWARDRECIPROCAL CLUB

Located between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound, the Bellevue Club offers easy access to downtown Seattle and Washington’s great outdoors. The styl-ishly designed dining and wellness facilities, including three pools, tennis courts, a gym and four dining outlets, also feature the 67-room Hotel Bellevue. Since the Bellevue is part of the Club’s global reciprocal club network, Members have the perfect retreat for their next trip to the Pacific Northwest. NJ

bellevueclub.com

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JULY | 9

DIGEST

1Kumamoto CharityWine DinnerThe Club hosts an evening of superlative wines and cuisine in support of earthquake relief efforts in Kyushu. 7pm CHOP Steakhouse ¥20,000 Sign up online

1Birthday Bashes at Splash!Combine the Club’s rooftop space, Splash!, with two lanes at the Bowling Center for a birthday party to remember. Offer runs through August 31. Daily 11am–1pm & 2–4pm ¥35,000 Details online

1Summer Camp DiscoveryThe Club continues weeklong sessions of games, crafts, music, dance and fun for youngsters. Through August 26. Big Kids (6–12 years) 9am–3pm ¥45,000; non-Members: ¥54,000 | Preschool A (4–5 years) Preschool B (3–4 years) 9:15am–2:45pm ¥40,000; non-Members: ¥48,000 Sign up online

1Summer All-Star SportsWeeklong sessions of sports and fun activities for high-energy 5- to 12-year-olds continue at the Club. Through August 26. 3:30–4:30pm (Thursday: 5–6pm) Gymnasium and The Studio ¥13,500; non-Members: ¥16,200 Sign up online

1Make a Splash: Summer Reading ProgramThe Library celebrates the summer and the joy of books with its annual reading challenge for ages 6 to 12. Read 10 Library books over the

Events in July

2Independence Day Celebration

The Club celebrates America’s 240th birthday with a spectacular, family-friendly day of activities.

Kicking off with a 3-on-3 basketball tourney in the morning, this festival of traditional holiday fun features kids’ games, a petting zoo, classic barbecued eats, live music and a reception, and wraps up with a four-course evening dinner at CHOP Steakhouse. NJ

10:30am–9:30pm Details online

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AGENDA

10Robotics: Basic Humanoids

Inventive kids build humanoid robots cars that navigate obstacles through software commands and simple programming at the Club’s next robotics class.

Participants, ages 8 to 12, will learn the fundamentals of robotics and controlling a variety of electronics, such as Arduino parts, motors, LEDs and speakers, with software during this eight-week course.

“The capability to make something tangible that works autonomously…[is] an essential resource for the future,” says class instructor Robin Garhwal, a mechanical engineer and researcher at Tokyo Institute of Technology. NN

Sundays 3–5pm Jean Pearce Classroom ¥96,000 Members only Sign up online

summer vacation to receive a prize. Through August 12. The Library Free

1Bingo Bowling ChallengeComplete a bingo line or earn a full blackout to win prizes at the Bowling Center. Through August 31. Daily ¥500 (excludes game fee)

1Summer Bowling ComboThe Bowling Center is offering one beer and one game for just ¥999 during weekends in July and August.

1Mommy and Toddler TimeMeet fellow moms and toddlers at a fun, weekly get-together. Continues every Friday. 2pm Childcare Center Free

4Independence Day SpecialCelebrate July Fourth with a menu of traditional American favorites at Rainbow Café.

4–15Trip Around the USACelebrate America’s independence with a red, white and blue-inspired five-course dinner showcasing US cuisine, including king crab legs, bone-in tenderloin and classic cherry pie. 6–10pm CHOP Steakhouse ¥12,000 Reservations encouraged

6 & 20Toastmasters LuncheonMembers pick up tips from their peers on public speaking and leadership skills. 12pm CHOP Steakhouse Members: ¥2,200; guests: ¥2,560 Sign up online or at the Library

9New Member OrientationLearn about the Club and forge new friendships. Also on July 27 at 6:30pm. Contact the Membership Office to reserve spot at least one week in advance. 10am Washington and Lincoln rooms

9–10Birth Preparation for CouplesExpectant parents prepare for the life-changing day during this Women’s Group class with experienced nurse Ann Tanaka. 10am–4pm Beate Sirota Gordon and Haru Reischauer classrooms ¥34,300 Sign up at Member Services

9–31Burgers & BrewsAmerican Bar & Grill celebrates the epicurean trends of craft beers and artisan burgers with a limited-time menu of seven gourmet burgers, including Cajun, buffalo chicken and snow crab, paired with microbrews. Weekends American Bar & Grill and Traders’ Bar

10Introduction to Data SciencesKids learn how to construct databases from scratch and other skills applicable to obtaining the “sexiest job of the 21st century,” according to Harvard Business School. Sundays 9:30–11:30am Jean Pearce Classroom ¥96,000 Ages 12–16 Members only Sign up online

10iOS Programming Students gain the skills to write code and develop a working mobile application to run on iOS devices. Sundays 12–2pm Jean Pearce Classroom ¥96,000 Ages 12–16 Members only Sign up online

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13–14French Bu�etIn honor of France’s annual national celebration, Bastille Day, on July 14, Rainbow Café hosts two days of revolution-inspired cuisine.

The lineup of Gallic flavors includes coq au vin (pictured), the classic Burgundian dish of chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and pearl onions. Vive la cuisine de la France! NJ

5–8:30pm Rainbow Café Adults: ¥2,980; juniors (12–17 years): ¥1,900; children (7–11 years): ¥1,390; kids (4–6 years): ¥950; infants (3 & under): free Reservations not required

11Gallery Exhibition: Mizuho KoyamaMizuho Koyama draws outside the lines. As an apprentice at the Shosoin calligraphy association, Koyama mastered the classical Japanese calligraphy method, which prohibits artists from straying from the art form’s principles.

But the Tokyo native sought new forms of self-expression. Her first innovation was the use of English in her calligraphy. Inspired by the free-flow graffiti blanketing New York City, as well as the works of abstract artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Koyama discovered a release from her rigid education. A marriage of opposites, which Koyama dubs “calligraphiti,” was consummated.

This month, Koyama, who has exhibited her works in Tokyo, Los Angeles and Helsinki, brings her provocative contemporary pieces to the Frederick Harris Gallery. NN

July 11–August 7 Frederick Harris Gallery

12 | INTOUCH

AGENDA

22–24TAC Premier

ClassicTop squash players Ryosei Kobayashi and Mayu Yamazaki return to the Club this month to defend their men’s and women’s TAC Premier Classic crowns.

Now in its seventh year, this Japan Squash Association-sanctioned tournament draws more than 180 of Japan’s best players, who do battle over three days.

The competition boasts a total prize purse of ¥580,000. “The TAC Premier Classic is one of the top prize money events in Japan, and all of the top professionals participate,” says the Club’s Recreation director, Scott Yahiro.

The event also includes a friendship tournament, in which Club players have the opportunity to put their skills to the test against the pros. NJ

Squash Courts Details online

23–24American Red Cross Water Safety ProgramSummer is about carefree days at the beach or pool with friends and family. For many, unfortunately, the fun is overshadowed by tragedy each year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States, and two of these are children aged 14 or younger.

With water safety in mind, the Sky Pool’s American Red Cross-certified course this month equips participants with the skills and techniques necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in any environment.

The course is designed for competent swimmers ages 9 and above, says Sky Pool manager Haldane Henry. NJ

11am–1pm Sky Pool ¥8,000 Sign up online

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STYLEE Bespoke men’s and ladies’fashion at Hong Kong prices.

Schedule a fitting with tailorVinod Bahrunani during

his Tokyo visit(August 29 to September 1)

[email protected] (on visit date)

Appointments at theANA InterContinental Hotel

or your home or office

Prices in US dollars(excluding shipping);

delivery within two weeks

www.euromerican.com

suits from $395blazers from $275tuxedos from $595trousers from $135

shirts from $69(minimum of four shirts)

other quality suits from $550 to $2,600

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11–17Top BrewsAs part of its continuous hunt for acclaimed American craft beers, Traders’ offers a selection of brews with ratings of 90 points or more by the beer gurus of the Beer Advocate website.

12Cocktail ConnectionsThe Women’s Group hosts a fun, informal evening of drinks and chat. Open to all Members. 5–8pm CHOP Bar

14 & 26Squash Social NightEnjoy a few games and test yourself against former national squash champ Hitoshi Ushiogi. 6:15pm Squash Courts

16Early Pregnancy and Birth PlanningRegistered nurse Ann Tanaka prepares parents to be for the big day during this Women’s Group class. 10am–12pm Jean Pearce Classroom ¥6,700 Sign up at Member Services

18Summer Youth BasketballAges 8 to 12 learn basketball fundamentals while enjoying the opportunity to compete in game situations. Through August 17. Mondays & Wednesdays 4:30–6pm Gymnasium ¥31,500 Sign up online or at the Recreation Desk

25Coffee ConnectionsExpand your horizons and your social circle at this monthly gathering. Contact the Women’s Group Office to organize free childcare. 10:30am CHOP Steakhouse Free

29Final Friday FeastSee out the month with an all-you-can-eat blowout of pizza, pasta, antipasti and other favorites. 5pm Café Med Adults: ¥2,500; juniors (12–17 years): ¥1,750; children

(7–11 years): ¥1,250; kids (4–6 years): ¥650; infants (3 & under): free Reservations not required

Coming Up

August 3Fall Recreation Program RegistrationFrom fitness and health to arts and leisure, the program lineup has something for every interest and lifestyle. Online registration begins from 8:30am.

August 5First Friday: Rio SambaCelebrate the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, which kick off August 5 in Rio de Janeiro, with a carnival-inspired evening of Brazilian food,

drinks and entertainment. 6–8pm Winter Garden Members: ¥2,000; non-Members: ¥3,500 No sign-up necessary

August 9Employee Recognition DayThe Club closes for its annual facility maintenance and the Club’s yearly employee event. All facilities and services reopen on August 10.

August 16Gallery Reception: Three PottersClub Member Roni Ohara and two fellow ceramists bring a collection of handcrafted pieces to the Frederick Harris Gallery. 6:30–8pm Frederick Harris Gallery (B1 Formal Lobby) Free Adults only Open to invitees and Members only

31Hawaiian Grand Bu�et

For the first time, the Club’s annual Hawaiian celebration features roasted kalua pig, the Pacific paradise’s traditional dish.

“We can’t roast it over an open fire on the beach, but we can do the next best thing,” says the Club’s executive chef, Lindsay Gray, explaining that the local hog will be slow-roasted for up to five hours.

In addition to mouthwatering pork, diners can enjoy ahi tuna poke, huli huli chicken and lomi lomi salmon salad (pictured), complemented by Hawaiian-inspired cocktails and an authentic hula dance performance. NN

11am–2pm & 4:30–7pm New York Ballroom Adults (18 and above): ¥5,955; children (4–17 years): ¥2,900; infants (3 and under): free Sign up online

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STYLEE Bespoke men’s and ladies’fashion at Hong Kong prices.

Schedule a fitting with tailorVinod Bahrunani during

his Tokyo visit(August 29 to September 1)

[email protected] (on visit date)

Appointments at theANA InterContinental Hotel

or your home or office

Prices in US dollars(excluding shipping);

delivery within two weeks

www.euromerican.com

suits from $395blazers from $275tuxedos from $595trousers from $135

shirts from $69(minimum of four shirts)

other quality suits from $550 to $2,600

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2016-07_EM-Fashions_FP.pdf 1 6/14/16 3:50 PM

JULY | 15

AGENDA

16 | INTOUCH

ADVERTORIAL

Viewed from the air, the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture look like verdant cushions gently sitting atop the Sea

of Japan. As our propeller-powered aircraft descends through clouds, more details emerge. Rows of settle-ments, roads, and waterways hewn out of earth sit in a great valley, connecting one end of the islands’ emerald sea-shore to the other.

On the ground, the perspective shifts entirely. Signs of human habita-tion seem few and far between. A num-ber of outbuildings and a two-storied airport terminal stand before us. Heavily forested mountains jutting out of the light blue sea frame the horizon.

Upon arrival, our guides Ryuji Miyahara and Teresa Sadkowsky greet us with broad smiles.

A native of the Oki Islands, Miya-hara is director of tourism promotion at the Oki branch of the Shimane pre-fectural government. Sadkowsky, who hails from Australia, is a coordinator

of international relations on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, who also works on the Oki Islands Global Geopark Promotion Committee.

Talking to INTOUCH, Miyahara said, “The vast nature—which is characteris-tic of the Oki Islands—and traditional lifestyles that remain here, have been identified by the United Nations Edu-cation, Scientific, and Cultural Organi-zation (UNESCO) as something special. I think that visitors can experience this through interaction with the local people.”

HISTORYIn 2013, the islands became part of the Global Geoparks Network, which defines geoparks as “single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.”

Such designated areas, which may include a coastline, forest, or rock for-

mation, “may have aesthetic beauty or scientific importance—or both,” said Sadkowsky.

The Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark provides a number of ser-vices, such as local guiding, educa-tion including fieldwork with school-children, and academic research in partnerships with universities. Located there are the Oki Nature Museum and Oki Islands Geopark Visitor Center, which has exhibits on the islands’ ecological and geological past.

Located 40–80km off the coast, the Oki Islands consist of the Dozen Islands—Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima, and Chiburijima—and Dogo Island, the largest of the four inhabited islands. There are also about 180 islands in the area that are uninhabited.

From the awe-inspiring Sekiheki Red Cliff and the ethereal Dangyo-no-taki Waterfalls to the enigmatic, 800-year-old Chichi-sugi (Japanese cedar), the islands are a living natural history museum.

The Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark is internationally renowned for its beauty.

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Hidden paradiseOki Islands geopark reveals stunning secrets

by John Amari

JULY | 17

Anthropological evidence suggests humans have lived in the region for around 30,000 years. By the Middle Ages, the islands had become notorious for hosting noblemen in exile, such as the 14th-century Emperor Godaigo.

CULTURAL TREASURESToday, evidence of the islands’ affinity with the sea can still be seen in the fishing towns. One of the islands’ many charms is that small boats, anchored next to homes, line myriad waterways.

Cultural forms of expression—such as the gore-furyu festival, where horses are led to the Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine on Dogo Island—are also popular features of local life: “One of the things I really enjoy is the variety of cultural events on the islands,” Sadkowsky shared.

In early September, she explained, visitors can enjoy the Dangyo Shrine Festival. “When you get there, you’ll see a bull ring with people sitting around it on the hill. That is where you can see the bull sumo matches, which pit one bull against another. A winner is deter-mined as soon as one bull turns away, at which point they are separated to avoid injury.”

The calendar of festivals on the islands runs between April and Novem-ber. One highlight is the colorful shara-bune (spirit boats) festival on August 16, when locals say farewell to their ancestors.

Activities are a hit, and include swimming in the sea (June–Septem-ber), sea kayaking tours of coastal caves (April–October), and diving.

There are also a number of immacu-late beaches.

Recreational fishing is growing in popularity, and cruises along the Kuniga Coast go past the jagged Matengai Cliff and through the Tsutenkyo Arch to the ghostly Akekure-no-iwaya Cavern.

Hiking through primeval forests with the Geopark-led eco-tours, picnicking at the stunning Akao Lookout on Nishi-noshima Island, or camping in the idyllic Jodogaura Campground on Dogo Island provide endless wonders for visitors.

“I love being able to jump into the car, drive a couple of minutes, and be surrounded by stunning nature,” said Sadkowsky, who has lived in the area for more than four years.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTSThe first port of call during our whistle-stop tour was Saigo-misaki Cape Park on the southern coast of Dogo Island.

From a lookout next to Saigo-misaki Lighthouse, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of the rugged coastline as we strained to spy the enigmatic Tokage-iwa Rock, which famously resembles a lizard.

After lunch and a pit stop at the geopark visitors’ center, we drove past Tsuma Bay to the spectral beauty of Dangyo waterfalls. Its kachi-mizu (win-ning water), which is said to bring good luck to those who drink it, is renowned.

Another highlight was the devas-tatingly beautiful view from Onimai Lookout on Nishinoshima Island. From there, you have not only splendid views of the Sea of Japan, but also verdant farmland. Enjoying the view, while cows and horses grazed lazily nearby, was satisfaction itself. Rumor has it that these are the happiest cows and horses in the world. It is easy to understand why.

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The Oki Islands Geopark visitor center.

offered an opportunity to test himself.“It was nerve-wracking,” says Lax-

er. “You are up on the stage by your-self, but you just get really calm, take a deep breath and do what you have been training to do.”

Laxer successfully completed all six of his lifts and set a personal record in the clean and jerk, lifting 109 kilos.

He says his short term goal is to in-crease weight, but ultimately he hopes to emulate the Olympic lifters still competing in their 70s and 80s. He says the new Hammer Strength Olym-pic lifting platform installed at the ren-ovated Fitness Center has helped him in his quest.

“It’s a great way to stay in shape, so I’m just going to keep doing it,” says Laxer. “We’ll see what happens from there. Keep training, keep getting stronger, keep getting better.”

But two years ago, Laxer tore the cartilage, or labrum, in his hip, which required surgery. The corporate lawyer says the Fitness Center proved to be key to his rehabilitation. He became a fix-ture at the third-floor space, as he com-pleted his physical therapy exercises.

Within a year, he was able to re-start his CrossFit training. And after attending two weightlifting semi-nars by Shankle in Tokyo, Laxer was hooked. In particular, he says, he en-joys the combination of technicality, strength and agility required to do well in Olympic lifting.

“As the weights get heavier, one mil-limeter off and you are going to miss the lift,” he says. “It is so precise, and that is why I like it.”

Shankle started personally coaching Laxer, and the Masters World Cup (for competitive weightlifters 35 and older)

Heavy Li�ingWhile recovering from hip surgery, one Club Member discovered a passion for weightlifting.

WORDS NICK NARIGON

IMAGE ENRIQUE BALDUCCI

Randy Laxer

R andy Laxer is beaming in the photo. Standing on a winners’ podium, a bronze medal draped

around his neck, the American’s face is projected onto a big screen behind him.

Accompanying the picture on Donny Shankle’s Instagram feed is a message from the five-time US weightlifting champion: “Very proud of Randy Laxer. After hip surgery a couple of years ago, he was determined to lift again.”

Laxer’s success in April’s Weight-lifting Masters World Cup in Tokyo came in only his second competition since he began training with Shankle last November.

Recovery and rehabilitation are nothing new to Laxer. The Michigan native began playing hockey at the age of 4 and was a forward on a competi-tive traveling team in high school. The broken arms, teeth and nose came with the territory.

The physical wear and tear finally forced Laxer to hang up his skates a few years ago. A competitor at heart, he took up CrossFit. The popular workout program is an intense mix of aerobic exercise, calisthenics and Olympic weightlifting (snatch and clean and jerk).

“With running, I used to get bored,” says Laxer, 45, one midweek afternoon at the Club’s Fitness Center. “It was re-ally hard to drag myself out there and run around the palace. CrossFit is just so much fun.”

18 | INTOUCH

INDEPTH | SPORTS

ities and cultures, like short shorts. The Swedish ambassador’s kids were wearing short shorts and we were, like, ‘Wow, those are cool!’” she says. “We were very lucky to grow up in that en-vironment because it made us open to so many different experiences.”

She returned to Chantilly for high school before graduating from Virgin-ia Tech, where she sang in local jam bands and the school a cappella group.

A music lover with eclectic tastes, ranging from American rock act the Allman Brothers Band to Japan’s Bril-liant Green, Rosner discovered coun-try artists like Tim McGraw and Marc Cohn during college.

“[I was] driving through the moun-tains in Virginia, and that was when ‘Where the Green Grass Grows’ came out, this country pop [song], and I was, like, ‘I love this,’” she says. “I start-ed to get that vibe.”

Rosner’s first job after graduating in

2007 was hosting a music show on pub-lic television, and she performed Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” at Amateur Night at the Apollo in New York City. “Feeling that energy on stage,” she says. “I was, like, ‘This is my calling.’”

After relocating to LA, she was asked to open for country singer LeAnn Rimes in 2012. The talent buy-er told Rosner she was the only coun-try singer in LA. “So that’s how I found out I was a country singer,” she says.

Rosner hired a manager, who sug-gested she form a band. Honey Coun-ty’s first single “Blood from a Stone” was featured on the HBO vampire drama “True Blood” and the band’s party anthem “99 Bottles,” released last year, has racked up nearly 80,000 YouTube views.

But singing the national anthem behind home plate at Dodger Stadi-um in April, clad in short shorts, was, unsurprisingly, a memorable moment. “It was honestly so surreal,” she says. “I will never sing in another stadium because it was so good.”

Meanwhile, Rosner and her band-mates are recording a new album in between performances at summer mu-sic festivals.

“I love to work with people and I am open to ideas. I think, again, because of my upbringing,” she says. “In Japan, you have to be an open book. You have to accept everything.”

Country ChanteuseA onetime teenage karaoke queen in Tokyo, Member Danni Rosner is now performing to real audiences in the United States.WORDS NICK NARIGON

A s a middle schooler Dan-ni Rosner belted out Disney tunes at karaoke lounges in Shibuya. More

than a decade later, she performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of thousands of baseball fans at LA’s Dodger Stadium.

Now the lead singer with LA-based, all-female country trio Honey County, Rosner, who uses the stage name Dani Rose, recalls her early music “career” in Japan.

“They told me to shut up as a kid,” she says during a recent Skype inter-view. “‘Danielle, I understand you like to sing in class, but you are being too loud.’ So that means I was really bad, but I loved it so much I just kept on doing it.”

Rosner and her family arrived in To-kyo from Chantilly, Virginia, in 1994, when she was a fifth-grader. “In Japan, you had so many different national-

Danni Rosner (center)

JULY | 19

INDEPTH | MUSIC

7.15 - 7.31.2016

This is to inform you of a major exhibition of new sumi paintings by our star artist, Toko Shinoda, (b.1913, Manchuria) at the Japan Post in Nagoya on the occasion of the opening of KITTE Nagoya.

In cooperation with Japan Post, we are proud to announce the publication of a series of postal stamps in honor of the artist, featuring some of her best-known paintings.

The postage stamps of Shinoda’s paintings are available for sale at The Tolman Collection.

The Tolman Collection, Tokyo2-2-18 Shiba Daimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

www.tolmantokyo.com

closed: [email protected]

Toko Shinoda Elements 2016

qremo.jp

Programming, Robotics, Digital Fabrication for Children

Participating children need to be able to speak basic Japanese. (Ages 6–18)

Programming Robotics Digital Fabrication SHIBUYA AKIHABARA IKEBUKURO

KAWASAKI YOKOHAMA

Animation Electronics Projects Digital Art

Ginza Store Daiwa Building, 2-1 Ginza 6-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061 • Tel: 03-3569-0081Open: Mon–Fri (11am–7:30pm) • Sat, Sun, and Holidays (11am–6:30pm) • Closed: Thursday

Clearly the Finest

www.kagami.jp/english

KAGAMI CRYSTAL SHOP OFFERS A DAZZLING SELECTION OF CUT GLASS FOR CONNOISSEURS AND AMATEURS ALIKE

Established in Tokyo in 1934, Kagami Crystal is Japan’s � rst crystal

glass factory, receiving commissions from the Imperial Family,

the Japanese government, and Japanese embassies and consulates

around the world.

The Kagami Crystal Shop has an impressive Edo Kiriko (cut glass)

selection in a variety of decanters, perfume containers, vases, and

other vessels decorated in traditional Japanese patterns. Custom

engraving featuring a name, family emblem, or other design can

be performed. Come and see for yourself in Ginza.

A few weeks before the dev-astating earthquake and tsunami struck northern Japan in 2011, the New

Zealand city of Christchurch was rocked by a 6.3-magnitude quake that left 185 people dead. The cataclysms proved transformational for Kiwi and longtime Japan resident Jonathon Walsh.

Convinced that Tokyo would be hit by food shortages in the event of a major earthquake, he decided to start growing his own produce. Walsh, who is a business writer and editor by trade, has become consumed with encourag-ing people to try organic urban farming.

“The main goal is to boost food self-sufficiency and also to cut down on food production-related pollution,” says Walsh, 44. “Most of the food that we buy from supermarkets has been sprayed with pesticides and preserv-atives to keep it fresh. I want to cut down on the chemicals my family con-sumes through food. The simple way to do that is to grow food myself with-out chemicals.”

Walsh began urban farming in 2012. He rents a 15-square-meter plot (a little bigger than a standard parking spot) in a community garden near his home in Tokyo’s Itabashi. He fertilizes the garden with liquid compost and uses netting

Urban Farm to Table Set to teach urban farming at the Club this fall, Jonathon Walsh explains the benefits of getting your hands dirty.WORDS TIM HORNYAK

IMAGE STEVE MORIN

to keep away insects. In one summer, Walsh can grow up to 1,800 mini toma-toes and 400 cucumbers—too much for his own family, so he gives some away. He also grows lettuce, spinach, herbs, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) and mizuna (Japanese greens).

Aside from the health benefits, an urban farm can be a money saver. The annual rent for the garden is ¥5,500, and Walsh believes it would cost up to 10 times that to buy the equivalent pro-duce at a supermarket.

Walsh’s company, Business Grow, has been working with Tokyo Internation-al School for four years. He has taught hundreds of kids how to cultivate almost any sunlit area, and he has held work-shops on raised gardens and transform-ing discarded 2-liter plastic bottles into planters to hang on the schoolyard fence.

“The kids are learning food-produc-tion skills that their grandparents’ gen-eration took for granted,” he says.

Walsh, who set up a rooftop garden for the manager of a building in Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district (the plot has

yielded an array of salad ingredients), says the city’s flat rooftops hold great potential as urban farms and he wants to demonstrate this to more businesses and schools.

From September, Walsh will teach the essentials of organic urban farming as part of the Women’s Group’s fall se-mester of enrichment programs.

“Cities like Tokyo could massively increase their food production and this can also help the food needs of homeless people,” says Walsh, who has supported local charity Second Harvest Japan. “For people who are interested in organic food, growing your own produce with-out chemicals is the closest you’ll get. And it’s really cheap and really fun.”

Tim Hornyak is a Tokyo-based freelance journalist.

MEET THE SENSEI September 12 10am–12pm Manhattan I Free Enrichment program online registration: September 13

Jonathon Walsh

JULY | 21

INDEPTH | HORTICULTURE

Nurturing TiesUS Ambassador Caroline Kennedy,

the Club’s honorary president, reflects on the achievements and challenges of her diplomatic role.

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In an interview in 1980, the Unit-ed States’ ambassador to Japan, Mike Mansfield, described Amer-ica’s relationship with Japan as

“the most important in the world.” Despite trade disputes between the

two countries and Cold War tensions in Europe at the time, Mansfield, who was the longest-serving American am-bassador to Japan (1977–1988), said that not enough attention was being paid to the Asian region.

“The importance of the Pacif ic,

Japan and East Asia, I think, is only gradually becoming recognized, and, as far as business is concerned, the best opportunities for our business-men are out here. …Japan is our No 1 friend, our No 1 ally and together we can do much to stabilize this area, keep it prosperous, maintain the peace out here,” he said.

More than three decades later, Mansfield’s sentiments permeate the words of America’s current top diplo-mat here, Caroline Kennedy.

The daughter of President John F Kennedy was appointed ambassador in 2013 and is charged with overseeing relations with America’s fourth-largest trading partner during a period of eco-nomic uncertainty, Trans-Pacific Part-nership (TPP) free-trade agreement negotiations and ever-present regional territorial disputes.

Three years after President Ba-rack Obama nominated Kennedy for the post, INTOUCH put a selection of questions to the ambassador.

US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy at the Club’s 2015 Independence Day celebration

22 | INTOUCH

INDEPTH | FO CUS

INTOUCH: WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TIME AS AMBASSADOR? Kennedy: An enduring theme during my time as ambassador has been that of friendship and reconciliation. Last year, Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe de-livered a historic address to a joint ses-sion of Congress after laying a wreath at Arlington Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the World War II Memorial, marking the 70th anni-versary of the end of World War II.

President Obama’s recent visit to Hiroshima further solidified the strong bonds between our two countries and underscored our commitment to working together to bring peace and stability to this region and the world. It is amazing to reflect upon how far our relationship has come in these seven decades, from wartime enemies to the closest of allies.

One of the most powerful moments for me personally was meeting the family of the captain of the Japanese destroyer that sank my father’s PT [pa-trol torpedo] boat during the war. Like my father, Captain [Kohei] Hanami went home after the war to enter pub-lic service, serving as the mayor of his town in Fukushima. Seeing the photo from the 1950s, with my father’s in-scription, “To Captain Hanami—late enemy, present friend,” was a strong re-minder that even during times of con-flict, we have more in common than what divides us.

INTOUCH: WHAT HAVE BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGES?Kennedy: One of the greatest challenges the US and Japan faced was conclud-ing the largest and most far-reaching regional trade agreement ever nego-tiated: the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This was a complex undertaking. The United States and Japan led the way to creating this groundbreaking agree-ment among 12 countries, representing nearly 40 percent of global GDP, which will not only create an environment that supports employment, invention and creativity, but will work to protect intellectual property, prevent wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing and pre-serve biodiversity.

Looking ahead, perhaps the most important issue for our countries to

tackle together is climate change. As President Obama said of the historic agreement reached in Paris last Decem-ber: “We met the moment.” But he ac-knowledged that our work is just begin-ning. The US and Japan must lead the way towards a low-carbon future and help developing countries do the same. American and Japanese companies are already developing the cars, batteries and power-grids of the future.

INTOUCH: WHAT ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE HAS MOST AFFECTED THE WAY YOU UNDERSTAND JAPAN?Kennedy: Throughout my tenure in Japan, I have been impressed by the resilience and determination of the Japanese people, as demonstrated during the disasters in Tohoku and, more recently, Kyushu. I have traveled to Tohoku six times, and though the scale of the reconstruction challenge remains formidable, I have been im-pressed during each visit by signs of tremendous progress.

Most extraordinary have been the people I have met—those rebuilding their lives, even though their homes have been forever changed [and] those supporting their communities, even though the disaster left them with al-most nothing. Some have established NGOs to facilitate the region’s renew-al. Others have come to Tohoku from other parts of Japan to volunteer, lend a hand and contribute to the restora-tion of the social fabric. Their stories,

“ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES THE US AND JAPAN FACED WAS CONCLUDING THE LARGEST AND MOST FAR-REACHING REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENT EVER NEGOTIATED: THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP. ”

The ambassador with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

JULY | 23

“THE VISIT EXPRESSED HOW THE STRONG TIES OUR TWO COUNTRIES ENJOY TODAY ARE A TRIBUTE TO OUR ABILITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND LEARN FROM A PAINFUL PAST MARKED BY WORLD WAR II.”

lions out of poverty and into the mid-dle class by creating jobs and export opportunities for farmers, manufac-turers and small businesses. This is an opportunity for us to together de-fine the economic architecture of the region, building in our core values by banning child labor, raising labor standards and ensuring state-owned enterprises engage in fair competition.

The US rebalance to Asia deepens our commitment to regional allies and partners in dealing with collective problems like climate change, terror-ism, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, poverty, disease and nuclear nonproliferation, which undermine the conditions needed to secure peace and prosperity going forward.

resilience and indomitable spirit are what inspire me most. I know that TAC and its Members have been very active in relief efforts and we appreci-ate their contributions.

INTOUCH: HOW IMPORTANT WAS PRESIDENT OBAMA’S VISIT TO HIROSHIMA? Kennedy: The president’s visit to Hi-roshima was truly historic. The visit expressed how the strong ties our two countries enjoy today are a tribute to our ability to acknowledge and learn from a painful past marked by World War II. The process of reconciliation has helped two enemies to grow into the closest of friends, with shared val-ues of freedom and democracy.

The heartfelt embrace President Obama shared with Mr Shigeaki Mori, a hibakusha [survivor], was an ex-ample of what countless acts of rec-onciliation, friendship, courage and commitment between our parents and grandparents have made possible. In reflecting on the conflicts and sacrific-es of the past, we reaffirmed our read-iness to continue this work, so we can bequeath an even stronger alliance on to our children.

President Obama’s visit and the reception he received sent a powerful message to the world that we are tak-ing another step towards our shared vision of a future free from nuclear weapons. I am honored to have been able to be a part of this historic event.

INTOUCH: HOW DO YOU SEE RELATIONS IN THE REGION DEVELOPING? Kennedy: The history of the 21st centu-ry is going to be written in Asia, and we hope it will be more collaborative and less confrontational. The US-Japan al-liance is and will continue to be the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the region.

I expect continued movement to-ward economic integration in the re-gion and a strong US role in that. The TPP is a critical economic and strategic element of our overall Asia-Pacific re-balance, and our two countries, along with the 10 other member countries, are working through our domestic pro-cesses toward approval.

This trade agreement will lift mil-

Gifu schoolchildren meet the ambassador (December 2015)

The ambassador meets earthquake relief personnel in Kumamoto (April 2016)

24 | INTOUCH

INDEPTH | FO CUS

served a kendo class at Nishi Middle School. Governor [Ryuta] Ibaragi and Mayor [Kaori] Ito both studied in the United States, and they embody the far-reaching rewards of global citi-zenship to a new generation of youth. Building on these existing ties will help reach the goal set by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of doubling student exchange numbers by 2020.

INTOUCH: MANY PREVIOUS AMBASSADORS HAD PARTICULAR INTERESTS OR POLICIES THEY PURSUED. WHAT ISSUES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU?Kennedy: I am inspired by the inter-est Japanese and Americans from all walks of life have expressed in pro-moting women’s empowerment and expanding cultural and educational exchanges between our two countries. These issues are personally important to me and are essential to ensuring the dynamism and vibrancy of our respec-tive societies and of our bilateral rela-tionship over the long term.

President Obama and Prime Min-ister Abe are committed to women’s empowerment, but social change is not possible without everyday action by ordinary people. A message I’ve tried to communicate through embas-sy outreach is that we can all be archi-tects of change in our own lives. When women demand equitable treatment at work, men pitch in at home. And when we encourage our daughters to excel in sports and science, we change the world around us. What we do to-

day will make it easier for our chil-dren and their children to enjoy a bet-ter quality of life.

I have also looked for innovative ways to build upon our rich histo-ry of people-to-people exchanges. In May, on the eve of the G-7 education ministerial meeting in Kurashiki, I had lunch with students at the town’s Oimatsu Elementary School and ob-

The ambassador returns from the imperial palace (November 2013)

US President Barack Obama arrives in Japan (April 2014)

JULY | 25

Taekwondo KicksA keen soccer and basketball player, Member David O’Neill discovered different rewards when he took up a Korean martial art at the Club. IMAGE ENRIQUE BALDUCCI

in a social context. So the class also taught me how to network in English, which is something I wasn’t able to do before. Taekwondo has also boosted my self-confidence.

Sport has always been an important part of my life, to be able to set apart a time in the week where I would just go out and expend some energy. I’m doing a nice mix of sports, but the downside to doing as many activities as I do is not being able to specialize in one.

When I see master Rhee, he has ob-viously dedicated his whole life to taek-wondo and that’s how he has got to the level he is at. I’m not sure I want that level of dedication to taekwondo, but I’d definitely love to be able to call myself a black belt. Being realistic, there are a cer-tain number of belts I’d like to get while I [have the time to] practice, maybe up to red, which is a nice intermediate level.

As told to INTOUCH’s Nick Jones.

I started taekwondo three years ago and I’m a green belt now. Taekwondo is a lot of kicking and quite high tempo. We try to

use not only basic kicks, but more elab-orate ones as well. It was interesting to learn new ways to kick, even in the first lesson. Right from the first class, it seemed like definitely something I wanted to keep doing.

I like the feeling after you’ve been able to do a kick correctly. It’s nice to have a challenge. I mean, obviously football, basketball and my schoolwork are all challenging, but taekwondo is a different environment and a chance to meet other people.

There are defensive positions and blocks that you learn, but what we mainly do is learn how to attack and hit targets. When we practice a back kick, for example, which is almost like a horse kick, [instructor Hyun Joon Rhee] holds the target, but obvious-

ly he is trained and has done fights before. I’m not sure that if he were to hand us the target, we would be able to withstand that force.

When I was going into it, I was wondering whether it would be this in-tense training like these karate movies. Obviously, it was completely different. It’s more relaxed, but you still have to push yourself.

With [soccer], I’m at a point where I try and stay at a consistent level and do the best I can in matches and tour-naments. In basketball, I’m not that great a shooter, so I prefer to pass and play defensive. But in taekwondo, I try and improve each lesson and try and see what the teacher does that makes him as good as he is.

At first, it was about adapting to a new environment with new people. I speak French with all my friends and speak English at home, but it was somewhat new for me to use English

David O’Neill

26 | INTOUCH

COMMUNIT Y | SIX DEGREES

FR ANCE | Fabrice & Anne EgrosLupin Ltd.“The last time we lived in Tokyo was 10 years ago. We very much enjoyed the Club community and services then, as the Club is truly international. Since we lived in the US for seven years and our son was born there, we like the Club’s American atmosphere. It really makes our life in Tokyo easy and enjoyable and helps us make new friends while staying fit and healthy.”(l–r) Fabrice, Nicolas and Anne Egros

NETHERL ANDS | Martijn van Keulen & Heleen van Keulen-VeenhofHeineken Kirin K.K.“We moved to Tokyo last September, together with our two kids, Teyl and Ize. We joined the Club for several reasons, the most important of which was to meet nice, new people. After that, we wanted to enjoy the great variety of activities, the pool and fitness facilities and much more. We look for-ward to exploring it all.”(l–r) Martijn and Ize van Keulen, Heleen van Keulen-Veenhof and Teyl van Keulen

Arrivals Up Close

Russell & Elizabeth Anderson

Craig & Robyn Baty

Sunick Chang

Iwao & Chieko Ishitani

Chad & Mirei Kreller

Kaber Mclean

Takeo Ogura

Departures

Connections

tokyoamericanclub TokyoAmericanClubTVTACtokyo tokyoamericanclub

USA

Katie & Damon DrekeNike Japan Corporation

Benjamin & Asami FergusonGoldman Sachs (Japan) Holdings

Thomas & Junko FoleySilver Egg Technology

Leslie & William GaudreauAmazon Japan K.K.

John & Chisato KoonmenCloverlay Ltd.

Yan Ling & Kolin HoffBiogen Japan Ltd.

Joseph & Laura MaloryTerumo BCT Japan, Inc.

Marty & Megumi RobertsenTouch K.K.

Masaaki & Megumi ShibamotoNew Holland HFT Japan, Inc.

John WhiteGoldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd.

JAPAN

Masataro & Aki DoiCBC Co., Ltd.

Mayumi & Youichi EbineMay Medical Corporation

Hitoshi & Noriko HayakawaHayakawa Corporation

Kenji & Elizabeth KanekoMSD K.K.

Hisako & Kodo KutsuzawaATJC, Inc.

Koji & Yuki YanaiFast Retailing Co., Ltd.

UK

Charles Cadell & Eveline RobijnsMcCann Worldgroup Holdings Japan, Inc.

Michael & Mayumi ChannonMJC & Associates

Naeem & Mika IqbalIntelligence Ltd.

Matthew LokFortress Investment Group

AUSTR ALIA

Judith & Nigel LoveNovartis Pharma K.K.

COLOMBIA

Hiroki Sakamoto

FR ANCE

Olivier & Tamara PactonThe Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd.

GERMANY

Holger & Anisha KunzTUV Rheinland Japan Ltd.

Till & Silke ScheerVolkswagen Group Japan K.K.

MOROCCO

Ash & Yoshie ElfadeliIntelligence Ltd.

NEW ZEAL AND

Grant Knuckey & Jo-Anne BighamAustralia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

SINGAPORE

Kenneth & Helen KooTCC Group

Lai Yong Lawrence

TAIWAN

Michael & Ami LeeTonen General Sekiyu K.K.

JULY | 27

COMMUNIT Y | REGISTER

SUCCESSthe first and only bilingual video channel on Business in Japan

To be featured on BIJ.TV, please contact: Anthony Head • [email protected] • 03-4540-7730

LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIPINFLUENCEINFLUENCELEADERSHIPLEADERSHIPFor our full report: BIJ.TV

INSIGHTS

Jonty Brunner of BA Find out why British Airways’ new partnerships, state-of-the-art aircraft and

award-winning facilities make a long-haul journey in the airline’s first class or

business class cabin an occasion to savour.

TAC member Dr Hitomi Hayashi

Sisterhood SayonaraWORDS PARAMITA SEN

ILLUSTRATION ALISON KANEGAE

I arrived in Tokyo two years ago, with my back in a brace after a fall down the stairs. The city was not completely brand-new (we

had lived here 10 years before), but it was still daunting. And while I tried to find my feet, I couldn’t help but think about my firstborn and soon-to-be col-lege freshman I had left back in the US.

Due to my injury, making friends didn’t prove easy at first. But then spring arrived like a radiant bride in pastel shades of pink and white. Cher-ry blossom trees bloomed and han-ami fever gripped the capital. Joining the joyous throngs, I was buoyed by a sense of hope.

My new friends, some of whom felt like old companions, were always there to share a laugh or hold my hand. We tried things Tokyo (mostly of the tamer variety), happy to dis-cover hidden shops in Nihonbashi or sample sushi in Tsukiji.

I started volunteering at the oldest international women’s organization in Japan and felt honored to serve on the board. The fact the College Wom-en’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) was founded by the Wellesley Club of Japan in 1945—and I’m a parent of a current Wellesley student—only furthered my belief that this was des-tined to be all good.

Education and cross-cultural friendship was our mission, and I met women from across the globe, whose stories, interests and dedica-tion inspired me every day. As part of the group’s scholarship committee, I realized how fortunate I was to help young people achieve their dreams, like the student who wanted to im-prove the seismic structural integri-ty of buildings and the ob-gyn with three young children who planned to study public health to serve in devel-oping countries.

I marveled at how hard these young achievers strove to defy stereotypes, and I chided myself for falling into clichéd thinking about women leaders here.

At the Club’s Library Committee, too, I served alongside people whose easy camaraderie made my time here memorable. In addition, I read fasci-nating books, enjoyed great discus-sions and received an insight into an-other great institution: our own Club.

The women who live here, both ex-pats and locals, influenced so much of my Tokyo life. Through them, I found my sisterhood, my strength and sup-port. I came here with an expatriate’s unease and trepidation, but am re-turning home with a gift of solidarity and friendship. My Tokyo sisters, I will miss you.

Club Member Paramita Sen returns home to Washington, DC, with her family this month.

JULY | 29

COMMUNIT Y | VOICE

LEARN ABOUT OUR SUMMER SPECIAL FOR JULY AND AUGUST.

03-4588-0381 | [email protected] | tokyoamericanclub.org/private-dining

Talk of the townSet tongues wagging by holding that next celebration or

dinner at one of CHOP Steakhouse’s three private settings.

THE BRIDGE

A stylish, enclosed space overlooking the city.

CHEF’S TABLE

Front-row seats in CHOP’s vibrant hub of culinary creation.

TOKYO TOWER TERRACE

A barbecue patio with an unrivaled viewof Tokyo’s iconic landmark.

May 12Summer Sippin’ This lively Women’s Group luncheon featured a presentation by multitalented entertainer and Member Donna Burke and the annual cock-tail-making competition.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

30 | INTOUCH

COMMUNIT Y | HIGHLIGHTS

LEARN ABOUT OUR SUMMER SPECIAL FOR JULY AND AUGUST.

03-4588-0381 | [email protected] | tokyoamericanclub.org/private-dining

Talk of the townSet tongues wagging by holding that next celebration or

dinner at one of CHOP Steakhouse’s three private settings.

THE BRIDGE

A stylish, enclosed space overlooking the city.

CHEF’S TABLE

Front-row seats in CHOP’s vibrant hub of culinary creation.

TOKYO TOWER TERRACE

A barbecue patio with an unrivaled viewof Tokyo’s iconic landmark.

May 13First Friday: Cinco de Mayo Members and guests celebrated Mexico’s her-itage and America’s multicultural roots at an evening of food, drinks and entertainment from south of the border.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

32 | INTOUCH


May 16–17Support Fukushima TourDuring an engaging overnight trip to a region greatly affected by the events of March 2011, a group of Members experienced Fukushima’s his-tory, natural beauty and cuisine.

IMAGES SANDRA ISAKA

JULY | 33

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June 3First Friday: Hawaiian Luau NightThe Winter Garden took on a laid-back vibe for an aloha-infused evening of live music, food and drinks from America’s island paradise in the Pacific.

IMAGES YUUKI IDE

Digital

Publishing

Design

Comm

unication

Branding

Video

Email Marketing

Social Media

CustomPublications

Magazines

Catalogues &Directories

Research &Consulting

Public Relations

Events

Marketing Collateral

Advertising Design

Collateral

Publishing

Annual Reports

Editorial

Web Design

Presentations

Contact us:

[email protected]

2013 Company of the Year

www.custom-media.com

Tailored for all your media needs. We are an

award-winning, bilingual, content-creation and

communication agency. Make an impact with us.

Game on

design • digital • communication • publishing

CM_ServicesAd.indd 1 12/22/15 2:27 PM

JULY | 35


© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2016

IKEA BUSINESS members get exclusive access to our Interior

Planning Service, handled by our specialized planning staff

(Paid service, by Reservation). Your space designed from a wide

range of IKEA products. Our planning staff will select the most

suitable products in accordance with your business needs, style

and budget to create the perfect layout.

I nterior P lanning S ervice

© Inter IK

EA System

s B.V. 2016

Need help planning your space?Leave it to us.

Visit us at www.IKEA.jp/business

Andrew Peters Traders’ BarIMAGE ENRIQUE BALDUCCI

“I’m usually at Traders’ during the week, either to eat or to entertain business clients and candidates. I like the mix of people who frequent there, both during the day and the evening, as well as the friendly bar staff.”

Monday–Thursday, 12–11pm; Friday, 12pm–12am; weekends and holidays, 12–10pm Happy Hour: weekdays, 5–7pm; weekends and holidays, 12–10pm

COMMUNIT Y | ESCAPE

Final Figures

2,100average monthly number of

beers sold

1,200average monthly number of

glasses of wine sold

30kilos of cheeseburger patties

sold each month

36 | INTOUCH

© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2016

IKEA BUSINESS members get exclusive access to our Interior

Planning Service, handled by our specialized planning staff

(Paid service, by Reservation). Your space designed from a wide

range of IKEA products. Our planning staff will select the most

suitable products in accordance with your business needs, style

and budget to create the perfect layout.

I nterior P lanning S ervice

© Inter IK

EA System

s B.V. 2016

Need help planning your space?Leave it to us.

Visit us at www.IKEA.jp/business

毎月一回一日発行　

第四十七巻六一五号　トウキョウアメリカンクラブ　

インタッチマガジン二〇一六年七月一日発行　

平成三年十二月二十日第三種郵便物許可定価八００円

本体七四一円

TO

KY

O A

ME

RIC

AN

CL

UB

JU

LY

20

16

INT

OU

CH

US ambassador and Club honorarypresident talks diplomacy

CarolineKennedy

CITY HARVESTS + INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION + PODIUM PURSUIT

JULY 2016


july 2016 intouch magazine

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