intouch aug 2013

A Boyhood among the BombsHaving grown up in Tokyo during

World War II, Member Joe Hale

offers a glimpse of his remarkable

childhood in an excerpt from his

autobiography, Hydrangea Waving.

10

Passions and PastimesOn any given day, grunts, thwacks,

shouts, giggles and melodies emanate

from the Club’s various recreation

venues—the sounds of Members testing

their bodies and stimulating their minds

in the Club’s many enrichment classes.

Ahead of a new semester of programs,

a number of Members explain their

passion for their various pursuits.

library

feature

Hawking HealthcareMedical tourism is a billion-dollar

industry, but Japan has been

reluctant to promote its healthcare

services abroad until recently.

Member Michael Bobrove discusses

the country’s potential.

28talking heads

Taking On the World’s Toughest TeesOn a once-in-a-lifetime quest, Member

Bret Dandoy teamed up with his dad

to journey to some of the world’s most

far-flung spots for a round of golf.

34outside japan

iNTOUCHManagementTony CalaGeneral [email protected]

Lian ChangInformation Technology [email protected]

Darryl DudleyEngineering [email protected]

Brian MarcusFood & Beverage [email protected]

Shuji HirakawaHuman Resources [email protected]

Naoto OkutsuFinance [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

31 Cultural Insight

32 Member Services

34 Outside 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

Cover photo of Andy MacKinlay by Kayo Yamawaki

22

2 August 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

Those with no interest in golf often enjoy quoting the American author and humorist Mark Twain when seeking to explain why they would never choose to swing a club. But the oft-repeated barb “Golf is a good walk spoiled” very likely was never coined by Twain at all.

Garson O’Toole, who traces the origins of quotes and publishes the results on his website, Quote Investigator, says that the earliest appearance of the line was in a 1903 book about lawn tennis. Variations of the quote popped up over the years, but Twain’s name was never attached to the epigram until 1948, when the American magazine The Saturday Evening Post published an article on golf:

“If Mark Twain, who once crustily called a game of golf a good walk spoiled, had ever ventured to the venerable gray-stone city of St. Andrews on the bleak east coast of Scotland, the outraged citizens would have given him the Scottish equivalent of the bum’s rush.”

Member Bret Dandoy received no such icy reception when he visited the windswept spiritual home of golf earlier this year as part of the Awesome 8 Golf Challenge. In “Taking On the World’s Toughest Tees,” on pages 34 to 37, the American explains why he felt compelled to team up with his father and play some of the most extreme golf courses—all in less than three weeks.

In this month’s cover story, “Passions and Pastimes,” on pages 22 to 27, a number of fitness fanatics, hobbyists and sports enthusiasts discuss what inspired them to start—and continue—their particular class at the Club.

From staying healthy to learning a new skill to making friends, the reasons why Members choose to devote many hours each week in pursuit of their passion are numerous. And nothing Mark Twain supposedly said is going to change that.

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 iNTOUCH contributor, for this month’s Out & About section, on pages 38 and 39, Hornyak heads to the Amami Islands, a lesser-known collection of picture-postcard islands between the tip of Kyushu and Okinawa.

TimHornyak

Rob Goss is a freelance writer specializing in Japan-related features on everything from business and sustainability to society and travel. His work has appeared in publications around the world, including Time, National Geographic, Eurobiz Japan and Lexus magazines and Fodor’s, Rough Guides and Insight Guides guidebooks. His most recent project has seen him write a pair of Japan guides for Tuttle Publishing. Originally from Dartmoor in southwest England, Goss arrived in Japan in 1999 and currently lives in Tokyo with his wife and young, soccer-obsessed son. A frequent contributor to iNTOUCH, for this month’s issue, he talked to golf enthusiast Bret Dandoy about the Member’s quest to play eight extreme courses around the world in less than three weeks.

RobGoss


Thursday 1Summer Reading ProgramThe Club’s young bookworms continue on their imagination-inspiring journeys of reading and collecting stamps for prizes until August 16. Free. Visit the Library for details.

Coming upin September

3 Extraordinary General Meeting

What’s on in August

4 & 18 Toastmasters Luncheon 7–8 Birth Preparation for Couples

Monday5Women’s Group Office Closes The Women’s Group Office closes until August 16 for the annual Obon holiday. Learn more about this traditional Buddhist festival on page 31.

Monday5 Fall Class Online Registration Take the first step to picking up a new playful pursuit or fitness routine for the fall. Learn more on page 18. From 8:30 a.m.

Friday9Employee Recognition DayThe Club closes for a day to allow Members to show their appreciation to the staff for their efforts over the previous year. The Club reopens on August 10.

Wednesday–Thursday14–15

Yatai NightIn the spirit of the traditional summer festival, the Family Dining Terrace plays host to two evenings of tasty Japanese staples and games, as well as a smorgasbord of international treats. 4–8:30 p.m.

Saturday24Chili Cook-OffThe Family Dining Terrace becomes a Texan outpost for a lively tasting contest of Member-cooked chili con carne. Amateur chefs compete for best “hot and spicy” and “cool and calm” dishes. Winning recipes will be served at Traders’ Bar for a month. The lunchtime fun includes an all-American buffet and live music.

10New Member Orientation The Club’s newest Members learn about the Club and have a chance to mingle. Washington and Lincoln rooms. 10 a.m. Free.

Saturday

Thursday1 Radiant Faces Spa SpecialThe Spa launches its new complexion-illuminating facial at a 25 percent discount for the whole of August. To learn more about this restorative treatment, flip to page 18. Through August 31.

Thursday22President’s Office Hours With an Extraordinary General Meeting set for September 3, Club President John Durkin hosts an informal session to answer questions about the TAC 20/20 financial plan. 7:30 p.m. Winter Garden.

11 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults (18 and above): ¥2,300Juniors (17 and under): ¥ 1,700Sponsored by the Culture, Community and Entertainment Committee

Saturday10Open Mic NightTraders’ Bar opens its doors to amateur musicians and songsters for an evening of homespun entertainment, hosted by Club Member Jiro Makino and his band. 7:30 p.m. Free. All budding performers welcome.

Monday26Coffee ConnectionsWhether you’re new to Tokyo or want to meet new people, drop by this relaxed Women’s Group gathering. 10:30 a.m. For the details, flip to page 21.

Noteworthy dates for the month 5

Saturday24President’s Office HoursClub President John Durkin hosts a second informal session to answer questions about the Club’s TAC 20/20 financial plan. 12 p.m. Winter Garden.

Thursday8Town Hall MeetingAhead of the Extraordinary General Meeting on September 3, the Board of Governors answers Members’ questions about the Club’s TAC 20/20 financial plan. 6:30 p.m. New York Ballroom.

Sunday25Bridal FairThe Club offers a glimpse of wedding perfection for soon-to-be-married couples planning their special day. 11 a.m. Find out more on page 9.

Monday19Summer College Prep CampFace admissions officers with confidence. Find out what insight the Club’s band of professional tutors is offering university-bound youngsters this month on page 18.

Monday26Sky Pool SessionsA new semester of Sky Pool programs kicks off for kids and adults. Dive into the details on page 18.

EVENTS

19Exhibition: Women’s Group ClassesUntil September 8, peruse the remarkable cache of creations by students of last semester’s Women’s Group classes at the Frederick Harris Gallery. Details on page 30.

Monday

Sunday25Recreation Open HouseDiscover the new fitness programs on offer and learn more about the Club’s enrichment classes from the instructors who will teach them. 2 p.m. Page 18 has more.

Membership Renewal Membership 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 Member Services or the Women’s Group Office.

7 p.m. Bowling Center ¥6,500Adults onlySign up online or at Member Services

Wednesday7Toastmasters LuncheonGet started losing your fear of public speaking and improving your leadership skills at this regular lunchtime event. 12 p.m. Washington and Lincoln rooms. ¥2,650. Sign up online or at the Library.

Wednesday7Beer and Bowling NightWhen the Men’s Group hosts an evening at the lanes, expect strikes, spares, sliders and more than enough banter and beer to go around. Be among the night’s three highest scorers to win a prize.

Monday19Swimming with Mudsharks The Club’s youth swim team, the Mudsharks, kicks off its third session this summer. Find out how to join the “school” on page 18.

Wednesday21Toastmasters LuncheonThe Club’s band of public-speaking perfectionists meet for another session of constructive feedback. 12 p.m. Washington and Lincoln rooms. ¥2,650. Sign up online or at the Library.

Wednesday 28New Member Orientation Club newcomers get acquainted with the Club and meet new people. Washington and Lincoln rooms. 10 a.m. Free.

18 Wine Committee Tasting 18 Wet ’n’ Wild Mitake Valley River Rafting Tour

17 Women’s Group Class Registration Day


A New Taste to the Coffeeby Hiroshi Miyamasu

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)

A fter rubbing my eyes, I take a sip of coffee. I’m ready for the start of the monthly Finance Committee meeting at 7:30 a.m. At a recent meeting, I was suddenly struck by how the

focus and atmosphere of the regular get-togethers has changed from a year ago.

Previously, discussions were centered on the short-term. It felt like a matter of survival. We had to pass the biannual DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) tests, which measured the Club’s cash flow to see if there was enough to cover the annual interest and principal payments on our loan. Two consecutive failures would lead to a loan default and possibly impact the very existence of our Club.

At the beginning of the meeting, we would typically review the monthly EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) results, which measured the Club’s operational cash-based profitability, and the DSCR test forecast. This part was highlighted in green, yellow or red to indicate the financial health of the Club.

Splashes of yellow or red would trigger heated discussions: Why did we miss the budget? When is the next DSCR test? Can we recover and see a return to green before that? What is the status of new Member recruitment? What can we do to increase the use of our event facilities and Guest Studios? Do we need to run a special entrance fee campaign? If we did, what would be the non-financial impact on the Club? Meetings were meant to finish at 9 a.m., but they often wrapped up later than that.

Currently, the focus is on the long-term future of the Club. After successfully refinancing our ¥9.4 billion loan, with lower interest rates and better conditions, last year, we no longer have to undergo DSCR tests. With a much-improved financial environment, we naturally started to look to the future. While the

refinance project was led by John Durkin, our current president, another key player was former Finance Director Mutsuhiko Kumano, who retired in June.

Kumano-san joined our Club in June 2004. He was instrumental in so many ways during his time with us. Besides the refinance project, he was involved in the original finance project in 2007, as well as the Club’s redevelopment, from 2004 to 2011, the Club’s change of nonprofit status, between 2009 and 2012, and the more recent TAC 20/20 financial plan.

As large-scale projects, they required number-crunching skills, an understanding of the Club’s vision and strategy and the financial and legal implications and coordination between many stakeholders, including the Board of Governors, management, banks, lenders, lawyers and auditors. Kumano-san always provided accurate and relevant information to the Finance Committee and Board of Governors. Without his involvement, it would have been more painful for us to accomplish our goals.

Kumano-san also strengthened the Club’s Finance Department by improving processes, the accounting system and monthly reports and developing staff. When I joined the Finance Committee a few years ago, I asked him many questions, which he patiently and politely answered. I discovered later that he was being asked the same questions by different Members all the time but always provided answers.

Although he is now in his 60s, Kumano-san still looks young and is active. I heard that he will spend more time with his family, including his pet cat, and playing tennis in his retirement. On behalf of the Board and Club, I’d like to thank Kumano-san for his contribution over the years and I wish him well for the future. o

For photos from a farewell party for two finance leaders, turn to page 44.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

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 WolfCulture, Community & Entertainment Barbara Hancock (Lance E Lee)

SubcommitteesFrederick Harris Gallery Yumiko Sai

Men's Group Vincenzo LufinoFinance Rodney Nussbaum(Hiroshi Miyamasu) Food & Beverage Michael Alfant (Mary Saphin)

SubcommitteeWine Stephen Romaine

House Jesse Green(Gregory Lyon) SubcommitteeFacilities Management Group Elaine Williams

Human Resources Jon Sparks (Jeffrey McNeill) Membership Alok Rakyan (Machi Nemoto) Nominating Roger MarshallRecreation Sam Rogan(Ira Wolf )

SubcommitteesBowling Crystal GoodflieshDVD Abigail RadmilovichFitness Sam Rogan

Golf John BreenLibrary Melanie ChetleyLogan Room Nancy Nussbaum Squash Martin FluckSwim Alexander Jampel Youth Activities Narissara March

Joining a Committee

Executive remarks 7

MANAGEMENT

Securingthe Futureby Tony Cala

Tony CalaGeneral Manager

W hile most of us have been enjoying the summer holidays, our Board of Governors and committees have been working to ensure that the Club’s future is one of

sustainability, diversity and accessibility. In May, after much deliberation, the Board decided to pursue

a new business model. This was a difficult but necessary first step to ensure the Club’s financial sustainability and growth. At the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on September 3, Voting Members will be asked to vote on a dues adjustment, as part of the Club’s TAC 20/20 financial plan. Although this adjustment will not affect Members who joined the Club after January 2010, it will influence how the Club develops over the coming years.

The Board’s goal is to put us on the path to revitalization and growth as quickly as possible. While the renewal process will necessitate some painful decisions, I believe it will leave the Club in a stronger position.

The Board’s confidence is rooted in some crucial events that occurred before the start of the renewal process, including the successful refinancing of the Club’s ¥9.4 billion loan, which leaves the Club in a much healthier position, and the two recent membership campaigns that brought in 325 new Members between December and March. The Club now has the highest number of Members since the beginning of the global financial crisis in 2008.

Changes in the market resulted in changes in Membership demographics. The Club has traditionally relied on a combination

of dues and entrance fees to subsidize its restaurants and services that don’t generate any revenue. But a mix of fewer Corporate Members, high entrance fees and a dependence on Japanese membership applicants was making it difficult to pay the Club’s debt in a timely manner while retaining the Club’s cultural diversity.

With this in mind, the Board ratified the Membership Committee’s proposal to revise the Club’s entrance fee structure. This was done to make membership more accessible to Tokyo’s international community, preserve the Club’s diversity and establish a firm financial foundation.

The TAC 20/20 financial plan shifts the Club’s approach from an entrance fees subsidy model to a dues maintenance model while restoring its balance of nationalities. This plan also helps to secure the Club’s future, together with its proud principles of American culture and hospitality.

During the renewal process, there may be some different approaches and changes at the Club. But what will continue is our unwavering commitment to providing excellent service and Member satisfaction. This determination has made the Club a respected Tokyo institution and a valued member of the community for 85 years.

We have always believed that success is the result of marrying sound business fundamentals with a strong set of values. Our continued adherence to this principle will guide Tokyo American Club to a brighter future. o

September 7 promises to be a nerve-racking day for Mark McNeill (pictured). That’s the day the International Olympic Committee chooses a city to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

The 17-year-old Member has a particular interest in the outcome of the vote in Buenos Aires because he has spent the last few months trying to garner support for Tokyo’s bid to host the 2020 Games from among Tokyo’s international community.

“Hosting the Olympics in Tokyo would generate a substantial amount of tourism and transcend borders to foster a sense of

internationalism in Japan,” says McNeill, whose father, Jeff, is a Club governor.

After Tokyo was selected as one of the three candidate cities, along with Istanbul and Madrid, the American School in Japan student sent a proposal to the CEO of the bid committee, Masato Mizuno, offering to help. He contacted a number of international organizations in the city, including several chambers of commerce, to solicit their support and later launched a signature campaign.

The project to collect 2,020 signatures has attracted endorsements from around 40 nationalities in the Club and other international institutions.

With the hard work done, all that’s left to do is wait. “Each city has its pros and cons, but I believe Tokyo is best fit for the Olympics,” he says, “not only for its impeccable safety and efficiency, but also for its amazingly rich and distinct culture.” o

Kayo

Yam

awak

i

Olympic Effort by Nick Jones

bottletalk

2012 Grace Koshu,Yamanashi Prefecture, JapanA welcome new addition to the Club’s wine collection, this easy-quaffing white wine is crisp, dry and refreshing, with impeccable balance and authenticity, making it uniquely Japanese. Fresh aromas of lemon, citrus and spring flowers are followed by a light and linear minerality on the palate. Palate cleansing, versatile and food friendly, Grace Koshu is featured on the new FLATiRON summer menu. Not to be missed.

¥5,500 a bottle at Decanter.

Kelley’s Cellar Selection

by Kelley Michael Schaefer

Wines from Your Own Backyard

T here is no need for your passport to enjoy a summer stroll through vineyards or a winery tour. Wines of world-class quality can

be found just a short day trip from Tokyo. Koshu wine from Yamanashi Prefecture,

around 100 kilometers west of Tokyo, is a perfect summer sipper that is quietly garnering the attention of wine lovers and

critics, including the likes of prominent wine journalist Jancis Robinson and wine guru Robert Parker. Their positive reviews have further enlightened an international audience about this crisp, refreshing wine that is a natural with Japanese cuisine.

With more than 80 wineries in the prefecture, there is no end to the diversity of expression of this uniquely

Japanese white wine. The Koshu grape is a thick-skinned pink variety that was for generations prized as a table grape. It was not until the latter half of the 19th century that it became popular as a wine grape.

While the use of trellises for growing grapes is quite common in the wine world, the overhead pergolas used in Japan are not. They might be an attractive sight, but they don’t generally yield the best quality fruit. The increase in Koshu’s popularity, combined with a drive toward producing better quality wines, though, is leading to the experimentation and use of more effective trellising methods.

The volcanic soils and mountainous surroundings combine to produce wines of lower alcohol (11 to 12 percent) and bracing, crisp acidity. The wines show a green edge, with some herbal characteristics, and are generally tight and linear; not dissimilar to the wines of Chablis or even Sancerre, with minerality and acidity as their hallmarks.

Expect lemon and citrus or peachy melon notes, with an aromatic nuance reminiscent of a spring meadow after rain. And while the use of oak barrels is being explored, the most successful examples of Koshu I have tasted are pure and fruit driven, with no oak influence.

Perhaps the wine’s most natural attribute is its ability to pair well with sashimi, miso, soy and other traditional ingredients of Japanese cuisine. The future appears bright for Koshu, and its presence at the dinner table, especially in Japan, looks set. o

Schaefer is the Club’s wine program manager.

Illus

trat

ion

by S

hane

Bus

ato


Say “ I do”

Whether you want your special day to be an elegant, black-tie celebration or an intimate, low-key a�air, our professional planning team will help you craft the perfect wedding.

to style and personality at Tokyo American Club

BRIDAL FAIRSunday, August 25

11 a.m.–7 p.m.New York Ballroom,

Brooklyn rooms, DecanterFree | Open to the public

(walk-ins are welcome)Reserve your spot at 03-4588-0977

or [email protected]

A BoyhoodAmong the BombsIn an extract from his autobiography, Hydrangea Waving, Life Member Joe Hale offers a snapshot of growing up in Japan during World War II.

Although I was young, I remember a lot about daily life, including the war years. My mother helped

with foreigners who needed interpreting skills because of her bilingual ability, and she also went to school to study other languages herself.

Along the way, she met and became friends with an official of the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo. Luang Ratanadib was the first secretary and he had been posted in Japan for a few years. His wife and children chose to remain in Bangkok. He was a very able diplomat and a gentle person. The Thai Embassy was located in Tokyo’s Meguro area.

He lived in a large house in the middle of Tokyo, in keeping with his rank. It was located in Shibuya’s Jinnan-cho area. As a diplomat, the home was appropriately grand. It faced a vast open field that was one of the Japanese military training grounds, where recruits went for their initial orientation. From the second floor of our home, across the road in front, I could see the field and watch the young Japanese soldiers in training.

Our house had a small garden by the entrance—enough space for a bomb shelter, which we had. It was a long rectangular trough with a reinforced overhead arch with mounds of soil on top.

It had a dirt floor, no lighting, only a piece of burlap hanging at the entryway. It was large enough for about 15 people to sit on the ground.

In those days, neighborhoods throughout Japan were organized into groups, tonarigumi, with each having a leader. During air raids over Tokyo—something that became almost a daily ritual after a while—the people in the neighborhood would come to our yard to take refuge in our bomb shelter.

Since it was in our yard, I usually got to it early and ended up going way back into the rear. My most vivid recollections are of the raids at night, which were often.

Joe Hale in his elementary school uniform


LIBRARY

Sitting as I did in the rear, it was really dark. As the American bombers flew over the city releasing their bombs, I could hear the explosions and feel the ground shake. Each time it did so, a trickle of dirt would fall onto my shoulders. I did not like it.

When the all-clear signal sounded, we would crawl out of the shelter to see the entire sky red with a mixture of smoke and a pungent odor of gunpowder. Sirens would be blaring as firefighters attempted to put out the many fires. We would return to our home, hoping the fires would not spread in our direction.

Despite the air raids and the bombing, life seemed to go on. For us children, we

played and did the things kids do. We would fly kites, play marbles and catch dragonflies in season. Along with everyone, my hair was closely cut and I usually walked around in wooden shoes, known as geta. Also like everyone, I was skinny, though a bit taller for my age. The children in our neighborhood did not see me too differently. I was just part of the gang.

Japan and even Tokyo at that time had gutters and sewers that were uncovered and connected to nearby little, shallow creeks. These were part of our play areas. On one occasion, I walked upstream to one of these creeks near our home in the Shibuya area. After a while, I came upon

a tunnel beneath a road, which led to the other side. At the end of the tunnel were a number of steel bars to keep people out or large items from flowing into the sewer system. For a small kid, it was not an obstacle. I squeezed through it. The water was getting colder. I decided to go a bit farther and saw that the stream was coming from a little lake or marsh surrounded by some small trees.

Suddenly, off in the distance, I saw a ghostly figure shrouded in a sheet-like covering. It was against a tree, bent over, struggling to rise. Then from the other side of that tree appeared a uniformed Japanese soldier. Holding what to me looked like a wooden rod, he proceeded to hit the shrouded figure with a great deal of force, whereupon the figure would sink to the ground. The soldier would yell at it to stand up and, when it tried to do so, he would repeat the beatings again. The shroud was covered with blood.

I was afraid and shocked. I had unknowingly entered the Japanese military recruit-training compound. I do not recall whether other soldiers were there. I only saw the violent beatings.

I quickly retraced my steps and went home to tell my mother what I had seen. Clearly, it was a brutal act in the name of discipline. My mother said I should never go back there and not to repeat this story to anyone else. Life was tough and got tougher, even as the war ended. o

American Hale lives in Hawaii with his wife, Marge.

Hydrangea Waving is available at the Library.

The Hale family in Kamakura (1948)

Literary gems at the Library 11

BROWSING THE SHELVES ONLINE

SEARCH HOLD RENEWUse Browse Search to find the exact title you’re hunting or Power Search to discover new reads using keywords. See trends in what you’re seeking with My Searches.

Forget stalking the Library stacks when the book you want is checked out. Locate and click the title in the catalog then click Hold. When the book is returned to the Library, you’ll receive an e-mail.

To find out more about the Library or using the online catalog, contact the Library at 03-4588-0678 or [email protected].

Don’t fret if you need more time with your page-turner. Visit My Checkouts to renew your book by simply entering your Member ID and password.

Get the most out of the Library by browsing, reserving and renewing books from the extensive collection online. Get started by visiting the Library page of the Club website and click on Online Catalog.

Member: Tze Yee KoTitle: The Joy of X: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity by Steven Strogatz

What’s the book about?This is a tour of all the major mathematical disciplines, from elementary math to probability theory and calculus. Written for the non-mathematician, it explains in plain English how each theory is applied in real life.

What did you like about it?Each standalone chapter covers a different topic and is short enough for a quick read and sufficient enough to get us interested. I had many “Aha!” moments, and the book has rekindled my interest in mathematics that I lost during high school.

Why did you choose it?I read about the book in The New York Times.

What other books would you recommend?The Hour Between Dog and Wolf by John Coates and Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

LIBRARY

member’s choice

A Delicate Truth by John le CarréThis new book from one of the greatest spy novelists of our time opens in Gibraltar in 2008. Britain’s precious colony is the site of a British-American counterterrorism operation, codenamed Wildlife. The program is so secret that even the foreign minister’s private secretary doesn’t know about it. EW

Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson and Hugh DelehantyLegendary basketball coach Jackson has 11 championships to his name, and many stories of inspiration and triumph. Here, he shares details about the various personalities he coached and met in his tenures with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. FK

The Travel Book by Lonely PlanetThe writers and photographers at Lonely Planet have compiled a comprehensive guide that spans 229 countries. With each destination given a two-page spread, this stunning book is a must read for anyone with the curiosity and passion to explore the world. FK

A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children by Caroline KennedyThis collection of poems is derived from a Kennedy family tradition that had children select poems for a scrapbook to give as a gift to parents and grandparents. The poems cover a variety of styles and topics, appealing to both younger and mature readers. FK

Talking Back to Facebook: The Common Sense Guide to Raising Kids in the Digital Age by James P Steyer In a world dominated by digital communication and social media, parents need help in understanding their kids’ online lives. Steyer offers a lifeline in this interesting mix of advice and anecdotes that covers the main pitfalls: relationship, privacy and addiction issues. EW

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

Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America by Gilbert KingA gripping account of one of the most important cases of the civil rights movement. This 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning book examines how Thurgood Marshall risked his life to bring justice to one of the most extreme cases of racial profiling in American history. FK

Reviews compiled by librarians Finn Kanegae and Eline de Wilde.

newreads

Literary gems at the Library 13

DVD LIBRARY

flick T he summer holidays are long and after a day at the Sky Pool or playing outside, one of the best ways to keep children entertained in the evening can be with a good kids’ movie or

TV show. With its extensive collection of films and animated entertainment,

the DVD Library is a treasure trove for children of all ages, especially preschoolers.

Watching quality TV shows and movies as a family is actually a great way of helping kids to develop a variety of social skills, language usage and listening. Engaging programs and series from the likes of Disney (“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “My Friends Tigger & Pooh” and “Little Einsteins”) and Nickelodeon (“Dora the Explorer,” “Go, Diego, Go!” “Blue’s Clues” and “Ni Hao, Kai-Lan”), as well as shows like “Curious George” and “Elmo,” introduce children to basic math, English, science, geography and world cultures.

In moderation, these shows can be a teaching tool. Most kids are not able to visit a rainforest or see a giraffe in the wild, but such fun, educational shows provide that opportunity. And since so many programs and movies have been adapted from books, parents can use DVDs as a way to introduce the original stories and the joys of reading to their children.

Ideal for family movie nights, the DVD Library stocks many much-loved classics, including Pinocchio (1940), Bambi (1942), Mary Poppins (1964), The Sound of Music (1965), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), ET (1982), Home Alone (1990), Finding Nemo (2003) and Cars (2006).

So, before the end of summer, break out the popcorn and curl up with the kids on the couch for some movie-viewing fun. o

Kothari is a member of the DVD Library Committee.

pick

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

by Preeti Kothari

newmovies

DOCUMENTARY West of MemphisAfter pulling the hogtied bodies of three 8-year-old boys from an Arkansas creek, police charge three teens with their murders. So begins one of the most controversial criminal cases in American history and the subject of this documentary, produced 20 years later and featuring revelations.

The Company You KeepA former member of the revolutionary militant group Weather Underground, Nick Sloan (Robert Redford) is on the run after a journalist (Shia LaBeouf ) discovers his real identity. This political thriller is based on Neil Gordon’s novel.

SC I -F IOblivionThis post-apocalyptic film is based on American director Joseph Kosinski’s eponymously named graphic novel about the last drone repairman on an alien-ravaged planet Earth. With impressive visual effects, it’s ideal at-home, big-screen viewing. Starring Tom Cruise.

AmourAfter Anne suffers a stroke at breakfast, Georges, an aging retired teacher, does the best he can to care for his wife, whose mental and physical health begins to decline—along with his hope. This French film is directed by Michael Haneke.

DRAMAThe Great GatsbyIn this latest reimagining of F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 literary classic, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Nick Caraway, a young Midwesterner who moves to New York in search of business and gets a lesson in high society. Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge).

MudBeyond his houseboat on the banks of an Arkansas river, Tye Sheriden and his best friend happen upon Mud (Matthew McConaughey), a seemingly harmless stranger. After discovering Mud’s been on the run and without his sweetheart, they make a pact.

Did you know? If you don’t watch enough DVDs to commit to a monthly fee, à la carte membership allows you to rent movies for ¥400 a movie, or ¥200 for a short feature.

Summer Vacation Viewing


Cornerstone of the Club 15

Looking to the Future

If you’re a Voting Member, be sure to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting on September 3 to vote on an adjustment of membership dues, as

part of the Club’s TAC 20/20 financial plan.

Ahead of the vote, Members will be able to ask questions at a town hall meeting and informal sessions with Club President John Durkin.

If you haven’t registered to vote, pick up a form from Member Services, the Membership Office or Management Office.

President’s Office HoursThursday, August 22, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, August 24, noonWinter Garden

Extraordinary General MeetingTuesday, September 36 p.m.Manhattan I and II

Town Hall MeetingThursday, August 8 6:30 p.m.New York Ballroom

For the Club’s mahjong and bridge devotees, it’s not the winning that counts, it’s the socializing. by Nick NarigonPhotos by Kayo Yamawaki

Games People Play

Alaine Lee Nancy Nussbaum

Christa Rutter


RECREATION

It’s 10 a.m. on a Monday morning and a hush envelops the William Logan Jr Room. At one of the card tables in the corner, four women soundlessly flip cards on the green felt. With eyes fixed on their cards, they appear absorbed in their game of bridge.

At the end of the week, this second-f loor space takes on an entirely different ambience. On any

given Friday afternoon, the same room is filled with the hubbub of chatter and laughter, occasionally punctuated by a cry of “Mahjong!”

While the two pursuits might create different noise levels, they are similar in that they bring people together while providing entertainment and stimulation. Both clubs are also always on the lookout for new members.

Nancy Nussbaum started playing bridge five years ago, when another Member was teaching the game to a group of friends. She joined the Logan Room gathering a year later and now enjoys regular sessions of social bridge, which allows for more switching of seats and interaction between players than contract bridge.

“With social bridge, you have the opportunity to play with each person. People help each other out, discuss the hands and conventions. We have our own little community here,” Nussbaum says. “We have members with all levels of experience. Ideally, we want new members who know how to play. It is OK to come and sit and watch. Eventually, we would love to have somebody to come and teach.”

While bridge is a game of strategy that requires concentration, Nussbaum says that people who have played other card games can pick up the basics in a few months. Even after five years, Nussbaum says she is nowhere near mastering the game.

“I love the challenge, the mental challenge,” she says. “It is very mathematical. I’m not really a math whiz, but I am a game player and I grew up playing gin rummy, hearts [and] spades, so for me it was kind of a natural progression.”

The American also plays mahjong, which, she says, is easier to grasp than bridge. “When you play bridge, you just focus on the game,” she says. “Mahjong, of course, was easier to learn, but bridge I am still learning. There is a lot to learn with bridge”

As a child, Alaine Lee loved spending her summers playing gin rummy with her sister, keeping score in a worn notebook. When she worked at a summer day camp in New Jersey, she remembers watching the mothers sit around the swimming pool playing mahjong. “I have always loved games and I always loved puzzles. I knew about mahjong and I always wanted to learn

how to play,” she says. “I thought it would be a really fun game.”When Lee’s children were teenagers, she began to play

mahjong at the Logan Room. That was about 12 years ago. Even when living in Hong Kong and Singapore, she was able to seek out former Members who used to play mahjong at the Club. “There’s sort of this network of people. We have stayed in touch over all of these years,” Lee says. “We have a lot of laughs. We talk about current events. We are like a little support group at some times.”

Member Christa Rutter was one part of Lee’s mahjong circle in Hong Kong. “It is a very intriguing game,” Rutter says. “It is more than a card game. Every hand is different.”

Like the bridge players, the mahjong lovers, who play by Japanese rules, would like to bring in a coach to teach new players. For now, though, the more experienced players offer

guidance to newbies on Wednesday afternoons. They also hope to stage a mahjong tournament later

in the year. The fun isn’t restricted to the mahjong tables, either. On

Fridays, many players head to Traders’ Bar for happy

hour. “We are very inclusive. We laugh and

talk and have fun,” says Lee. “A lot of us say that when you come to mahjong you kind of forget your outside re s p on s i b i l i t i e s and the things on your mind. You completely focus on the game and you

relax and have fun.”Marshall Roper,

who turns 84 this month, began playing

mahjong more than 50 years ago. He was taught

by Japanese colleagues at the military base where he was

stationed. He says he appreciates the game’s sophisticated style of play.

“Mahjong is a little like eating Chinese food,” he says. “If you eat Chinese food, two hours after

you eat you are hungry again. Mahjong, you can play for three days, rest for two hours and then you are ready to play for three more days. You never get full.” o

Narigon is a Tokyo-based freelance journalist.

Social Bridge MahjongEvery Monday Every Wednesday and Friday10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 1–4:30 p.m.and 1:30–4 p.m.

To get started, visit the Activities & Amenities section of the Club website.

Fitness and well-being 17

RECREATION

Hitting the BooksApply to American universities with confidence. This month, the Club’s professional tutors will provide high school juniors and seniors with an insight on college admission essays and how they influence the admissions process.

Summer College Prep Camp August 19–23 (parent orientation: August 19, 7–9 p.m.)¥85,000For more information, contact Reina Collins at [email protected].

Summer StrokesHome to the Club’s aquatic pursuits, the Sky Pool boasts a range of adult and children’s programs that are taught by experienced, qualified instructors.

Private Lessons Fall session: August 26–October 20

Kids’ Group LessonsSession 3: August 26–October 17¥33,600 (eight weeks: 16 lessons)

Parents and TotsSession 5: August 26 –September 19 ¥19,950 (four weeks: eight lessons)

Mudsharks Session 3: August 19–October 18Sign up online or at the Sky Pool Office and make the most of the water. For more information, contact the Sky Pool Office at [email protected].

Radiant Faces Spa Special

The Spa proudly uses products by

YOUTH E VENTSF i T N E S S

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

G et started shaping up, slimming down or picking up a new fitness pursuit from the array of

enrichment programs on offer this fall. Meet the class instructors, ask

questions and watch demonstrations at a special open house this 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. GymnasiumContact the Recreation Desk for details.

Enriching Lives

Helping Members to achieve the skin tone of their dreams, The Spa is offering a new complexion-illuminating facial at a 25 percent discount for the whole of August.

Whether you’re seeking relief from sun damage or blemishes, this treatment is designed to heal discoloration for a more radiant, even complexion.

Complexion-Illuminating FacialAugust 1–31¥11,025


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.

Helping out at a Women’s Group-supported children’s home last year, Betty Butler discovered her niche.

Community Support by Therese Cowled

Through its many annual fund-raising events and programs, the Women’s Group supports a number of charitable organizations in Japan. Following the devastating events of March 11, the Women’s Group focused its attention on the needs of Tohoku. This year, it will provide financial support to the following organizations:

ASiAn RuRAl inStituteThis Tochigi-based organization teaches organic farming, community building and leadership to people from rural areas in the most marginalized parts of the world, primarily in Asia and Africa. A donation of ¥1 million will go toward supporting program participants and post-March 11 reconstruction efforts.

FAmily HouSe Similar to the Ronald McDonald House in the United States, this charity provides accommodation and counseling to children receiving treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses and their families. A donation of ¥1 million will go toward accommodation and counseling costs.

HelP (HouSe in emeRgency oF love And PeAce) Women’S SHelteRThe first shelter for women and their children in Japan, this organization provides refuge, counseling and legal services to victims of exploitation and abuse. The Women’s Group will donate ¥1 million to help with the cost of running the shelter.

Catching thevolunteering Bug

by Nick Jones

Betty Butler rummages in her bag and nonchalantly pulls out a doll, dressed in a pink sleeper and matching cap. “I didn’t know if you wanted to see my doll,” she says with a giggle. “We had to practice massaging our

dolls and talking to our dolls.”Far from being the words of a woman unable to let go of her

childhood, Butler is referring to the one-day baby massage course she took earlier this year. Founded by American Les May, Kizuna Baby is a Tokyo-based organization that trains volunteers in infant massage techniques before arranging for them to use their newly acquired skills at local orphanages and children’s homes.

“The purpose is to [provide] human touch and studies have shown that massage helps with social interaction because they’re in an orphanage and are not assimilated like a normal baby is with constant touch,” Butler says. “Babies need that touch to grow and stimulation and being talked to. It’s so important.”

According to an explanation on the Kizuna Baby website, massage has a number of health and developmental benefits for children. Scientific research has shown that it can help premature babies gain weight, strengthen youngsters’ immune systems, reduce stress and improve sleep.

As a former neonatal intensive care nurse with 20 years of experience in the United States, Butler, who joined the Women’s Group shortly after moving to Japan last year, says she was already familiar with the thinking behind baby massage. “Because babies’ nervous systems aren’t as developed, particularly premature babies, we would do certain things to calm them and position

them so they were more comfortable,” she says. It was a volunteering opportunity through the Women’s Group

that eventually led Butler to the baby massage program. Helping out at the Saiseikai Infants’ Home in Mita last December, Butler, together with two other Women’s Group members, looked after a number of infants who were too sick to attend the annual Christmas party.

Betty Butler


W here can I take guests for a unique culinary experience in Tokyo? Where can I stay at a white sand beach that doesn’t require a plane ticket to

reach? Where can my kids learn Japanese over the summer? My daughter has Bieber fever, but how can I book tickets for his Tokyo concert? What can I do with all my free time now that I am not working? How can I practice my English/Japanese/French?

These are just a sample of the questions that can be heard at Coffee Connections, a warm and lively gathering where Club Members and their guests establish new friendships, greet old friends, discover and bond.

Held on the last Monday of each month, Coffee Connections has proven to be a vibrant information and idea exchange. Casual introductions have led to neighborhood explorations, business ventures, play dates and an array of tips on everything from clinics to schools to vacation spots. Come and kick-start your life in Japan. o

Rogers is vice president and director of communications of the Women’s Group

WOMEN’S GROUP

More than a cup of Joeby Betsy Rogers

“We got to hold the babies and play with them for a couple of hours while the other people went to the Christmas party. So it was just kind of fun,” she says. “It was just nice to be around babies again and hold them.”

The day at the home proved to be energizing. “I just felt like I wanted to do more to help,” she says. “That experience was the impetus for wanting to do more for the community.”

Then, on the Women’s Group’s annual tour to Sapporo for the snow festival in February, she met Member Denise Monk, who had already taken the Kizuna Baby course. “She said that she volunteered once a week at an orphanage and really enjoyed it, so I thought, ‘Well, that’s something I could do, too, to give back to the community,’” Butler says.

Six months later, Butler herself is registered with Kizuna Baby and eager to start volunteering. “I think you have to be a kind of special person to want to do it. It’s not for everybody,” she says. “Before I came [to Japan], I would never have thought I’d be doing this. You know, some nurses who come here work as school nurses. I didn’t really want to do anything like that. I’d rather volunteer.” o

Coffee ConnectionsMonday, August 2610:30 a.m.Beate Sirota Gordon and Haru Reischauer classrooms FreeContact the Women’s Group Office to organize free childcare.

Answers to the questions above: (a) The Club’s own FLATiRON restaurant. (b) Ernest House, south of Shimoda, on the Izu Peninsula. (c) Your local public school (school runs until the third week of July). (d) You can book discounted tickets through Member Services’ BoxSeat service. (e) Put your skills to use by joining the Women’s Group. (f ) You’re sure to find a language partner at Coffee Connections.SAnyukAi

The largest organization for the homeless in Tokyo, Sanyukai provides free medical care, food, housing, welfare assistance, clothing, bedding and other daily necessities. It also runs Sanyuso, a temporary emergency housing facility. The Women’s Group’s ¥1.5 million donation will be used to buy such things as medicine and food.

In addition, the Women’s Group supports the CWAJ (College Women’s Association of Japan), Second Harvest Japan through the annual Rice Campaign, the Salvation Army and Sanyukai through yearly drives and Saiseikai Infants’ Home and other orphanages in the Tokyo area. o

Cowled is director of charities of the Women’s Group.

An interactive community 21

Toshimi NagaTaNiStarted kickboxing: 2004“One day, I went to pick up my daughter from her karate class and in the next studio was Taka’s kickboxing class. I watched for a while and soon became hooked on the sounds of punches and kicks. Kickboxing helps me maintain my physical and mental health, and I’ve made many good friends.”

Passions & PastimesPassions & PastimesPhotos by Kayo Yamawaki

From martial arts and music to indoor cycling and aerobics, the Club offers dozens of different ways to challenge mind and body while picking up a new skill.

Ahead of a new semester of enrichment programs, Members explain the attraction of their different pursuits. To learn more about the Club’s range of classes for adults and children and this month’s Recreation Open House, turn to page 18.


FEATURE

Yoke hiNg Lee

Started Pilates: 2012 “I wanted to try something with quality of movement, rather than quantity of repetitions. I like beginner Pilates because it can help me strengthen abdominal muscles, improve flexibility, particularly in the back, hips and hamstrings, so that I can improve my posture.”

Passions & Pastimes 23

aLexaNder aNd CaroLYN kaNgStarted Mudsharks group swim lessons: 2012“Through the swim class, they have acquired greater self-confidence and pleasure at realizing that they could achieve something with practice and dedication that they once could not. One of their favorite memories this year was partaking in the end-of-year race practice night with the Mudsharks swim team. Although they were novices, they enjoyed the support and team spirit the older swimmers demonstrated.” (Angela Pan, mother of Alexander and Carolyn)

aNdY maCkiNLaY

Started taekwondo: 2013“I’ve tried a few martial arts over the years, such as judo, karate, aikido, jujitsu, kickboxing. However, taekwondo has always stuck in my mind as the best exercise—the most active in terms of reps, the best way to build flexibility, and it’s fairly noncontact, so perhaps the lowest risk of injury in comparison. Plus, my 7-year-old son, Alec, also showed interest and he could do the class beforehand.”


FEATURE

adam aNd madeLeiNe sChaffer

Started Toddler Soccer: 2012“We love coach Mari and coach Banana!” (Adam Schaffer)“I love to make goals. I love playing soccer games and parachute time.” (Madeleine Schaffer)


miChaeL moYer (right)

Started karate: 2011“I liked being able to learn how to be in control when I am defending myself. Each concept was taught thoroughly and to the level of the individual. The teachers made the class enjoyable and I looked forward to coming back each week.”

maTThew moYer (left)

Started karate: 2011“Even though I had never taken karate before, the teachers are very good at explaining things. The class is always interesting and you are always learning something new or reinforcing what you have learned previously.”

sTepheN moYer (center)

Started karate: 2011“The classes are a lot of fun and I felt like I learned quite a bit each time.”


paige fredeNburghStarted piano: 2013“I think [Ai] Noguchi sensei is very nice and I learn a lot from her. I really enjoy playing the piano. It’s my favorite extracurricular activity over ballet, Girl Scouts and soccer.”

FEATURE

sibYL kaNe (left)

Started taiko drumming: 2012“For me, drumming is different from other music I’ve played. Because there aren’t notes, you have to remember the songs in a different way. It’s a great brain workout. I love playing each week with my classmates because they are such a great group of women. And the performances we do are so much fun.”

CaroL saNdriC (right) Started taiko drumming: 2012“It had been years since I’d done anything musical, so it was good to wake up that dormant part of my brain. I was also surprised at how encouraging Moko [Igarashi] was in getting us to take part in taiko performances, even as beginners. You get to meet some wonderful people and there’s a great sense of camaraderie.”


L iu Xiao Yang is part of a growing trend. In 2011, she journeyed from her home in Shanghai for double-eyelid surgery and a facelift in Seoul. “Every time I watch South Korean drama and TV shows, I feel that they are pretty

and I want to look like them,” she told Reuters news agency. One of Asia’s fastest developing industries, medical tourism

is expected to be worth $8.5 billion this year, and its growth is showing no signs of abating, even as the world economy continues to flounder. Increasingly, graying and affluent patients are traveling abroad for healthcare they deem to be better, cheaper or more accessible.

“Most countries are looking at it as an economic driver,” says Michael Bobrove, founder of HealthyIM, a search and review portal for clinics and hospitals in Asia. “Everyone is trying to get into it and, for me, Japan has all of the resources necessary to do it, if they will do it right.”

iNTOUCH’s Erika Woodward recently sat down with the Club Member to discuss the state of Japan’s fledgling medical tourism industry. Excerpts:

iNTOUCH: In general, how does Japan compare to popular medical tourism destinations, such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea?

Bobrove: Japan’s at the lowest position for medical tourism on the list that you just mentioned….There’s an agency [Medical Excellence Japan] that’s bringing people over, which is partially funded by the government. By August of last year, they had about 74 people come through on medical visas since they started issuing them in 2011.

iNTOUCH: What’s the potential of this market?

Bobrove: The potential of the market is huge. You know, you have more dental clinics than convenience stores. There are 68,000 dental clinics in Japan. So what does that mean? It means there’re a lot of small clinics that can serve a lot more people than they’re serving right now. Korea has a couple hundred thousand people coming now. Thailand is said to have somewhere between a half a million and 1.2 million people going there every year for medical tourism.

iNTOUCH: Is Japan’s slower adoption of cutting-edge treatments contributing to its weaker showing?

Michael Bobrove

Hawking Healthcare

Bobrove: Some medical devices are not approved here as quickly or innovation is not quickly approved or not approved at all because of the cumbersome system and of…the drive to keep costs contained to some degree. But I don’t think that’s an issue. When it comes to, for example, cancer treatment, they have heavy ion therapy here, which is almost unheard of.

iNTOUCH: Why then has Japan been slow to promote its assets overseas?

Bobrove: The Japanese government has tried to get medical tourism to take off, but they have spent more time researching how to do it than actually implementing it, in my opinion. The second thing is they are trying to create a model on their own, rather than looking at the successful models that are out there. Thailand and Singapore were early entries to this arena, with concerted government support. Malaysia is up and coming and has a focused government effort on making it successful as well. All of these countries emphasize quality care, value—not just cost—and the advantages of their locations and cultures.

iNTOUCH: What can Japan learn from these countries?

Bobrove: People want to be able to sue; they want malpractice if they have a problem. They have 24-hour hotlines that people can call…and training programs for nurses to teach them several languages. These are some areas Japan could consider.

iNTOUCH: In what ways is Japan promoting medical tourism?


THAILAND

MEXICO

UNITED STATES

SINGAPOREINDIA

BRAZIL

TAIWAN

JAPAN

1 million Draw: Quality dental work and weight-loss surgery

800,000Draw: World-class care for the hardest-to-treat cases

180,000Draw: Trusted plastic surgery at up to 60 percent less than in US

400,000Draw: High-difficulty operations (cardiac) at 90 percent cheaper than in US

74Draw: Comprehensive health screenings

1

90,000 Draw: Facilities adhere to some of the world’s highest standards

1.2 millionDraw: Major procedures at 50–70 percent cheaper than in US

610,000Draw: Cancer treatment in one of world’s most sophisticated healthcare systems

Sources: Bloomberg News; Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

2

3

45

6

8

?

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR MEDICAL TOURISMFigures for medical tourists in 2012

TURKEY110,000Draw: More American-accredited hospitals than any other nation

7

TALKING HEADS

Bobrove: In addition to some overseas promotion supported by METI [Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry] and MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport], they have introduced a sort of foreigner-friendly certification, JMAIP [Japan Medical Service Accreditation for International Patients] for hospitals. So far to date, only three hospitals have signed up. But there is more medical tourism in Japan than what’s being recorded. But what’s ended up happening with [Prime Minister Shinzo] Abe coming in is that they’ve switched from a strategy focused on bringing patients to Japan to one that emphasizes export of Japanese medical technology and services outside of Japan.

iNTOUCH: Why? Bobrove: Money. Along with that go your products—Japanese medical equipment and medical systems—so that’s one of the economic growth drivers that they talk about.

iNTOUCH: How important is it for a country entering the medical tourism market to be culturally sensitive?

Bobrove: One of the things I’ve learned when researching medical tourism is that people generally go to countries that are closer in proximity and that are also culturally similar. Japan is not as good at internationalization; that’s where Japan can fall short at times. It’s not just language; it’s being able to not gawk at somebody that comes in wearing different clothes from a different country; it’s being able to understand immediately that Muslims don’t eat pork; and when somebody says they’re vegetarian, that also includes that they don’t eat fish.

iNTOUCH: What do you see as the future of medical tourism in Japan?

Bobrove: A series of really high-end hospitals that already exist that are resourced enough; a series of hospitals that are truly global. You walk in, they can speak your language and they can accept your insurance from wherever it may be. Japan has become more international since I first came here in ’82. There’s still a caution when it comes to adopting something as innovative as bringing foreigners to a hospital and dealing with that, but there are hospitals coming up that are doing it, especially in Tokyo, Osaka, as well as a number of smaller hospitals in Japan with multilingual, culturally sensitive doctors that are very capable and are already serving patients from overseas who live here or visit Japan. o

“ Everyone is trying to get into it and, for me, Japan has all of the resources necessary to do it, if they will do it right. ”

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

Going beyond the tchotchke shops and galleries to craft their own mementos of life in Japan, hundreds of Club Members through the years have taken Women’s Group classes to pursue their creative aspirations.

When it comes to discovering a new talent or nurturing an existing one, the inspiriting cache of courses is designed to challenge every inquiring mind. “I’ve found the classes are a great way to meet people with similar interests and make friends,” says Member Gouri Gokhale.

Having tried her hand at everything from Thai cooking to traditional Japanese tea ceremony, Gokhale says she enjoys acquiring new skills. “I remember the [photography] class when the concepts all came together for me—the ‘Oh, I get it!’ moment, and the drawing class when I first drew my subject, a classical head, unaided,” she says. “While I know I have a long way to go, I was quite pleased with what I’d accomplished.”

This month, the Frederick Harris Gallery becomes a showcase for what’s possible, when instructors display an engaging sample of their artwork, from eye-catching oil paintings to luxurious lamps.

For photography instructor Tim Porter, teaching Members is an experience he looks forward to continuing for years to come. “At every class, I was inspired by the creativity and passion of my students,” he says. “And hands-on learning in a kind, supportive atmosphere proved to be not only highly productive, but good fun as well.”

A browse of the experts’ artistic expressions may just awaken your creativity, too.

ExhibitionAugust 19–September 8Frederick Harris GalleryFreeOpen to all Members

Women’s Group Class Registration DayTuesday, September 179:30–11 a.m.(Women’s Group members only: 9:30–10 a.m.)Beate Sirota Gordon Classroom and Activity Room

Women’s Group Classes

FREDERICK HARRIS GALLERY

Days for the Departedby Efrot Weiss

CuLtuRAL InSIGHt

B esides searing heat and humidity, August in Japan means mass migration. The middle of the

month sees airports, train stations and highways teeming with Japanese returning to their hometowns for the annual festival of Obon.

Similar to Mexico’s Day of the Dead, this Buddhist custom is for families to honor the spirits of their ancestors. In preparation for these visiting “dignitaries,” home altars and family graves are cleaned and incense sticks are lit.

People often fashion a cucumber horse and an eggplant cow and place them on the family altar. The speedy horse represents people’s desire to soon

welcome their ancestors home and the lumbering cow symbolizes their hope that time will pass slowly during Obon.

The holiday is observed at slightly different times around the country but is around August 13 to 16. Since it is one of Japan’s three main holidays (along with New Year and Golden Week), many companies shut down during this time.

There are various rituals associated with the start and finish of the holiday, with numerous regional variations. Some people light a welcoming fire to guide the souls of the departed while other families hang lanterns outside their homes.

Flames mark the end of Obon as well, with send-off fires and the release of paper lanterns on rivers, called toro nagashi. Such ceremonies sometimes culminate in a fireworks display.

One particularly famous festival takes place in Kyoto on August 16. Five huge bonfires, depicting symbolic Chinese characters, are lit on mountainsides surrounding the city. These signify the

return of ancestors to the spirit world. The most well-known character is the one for big, which burns on the slopes of Mount Daimonji.

The traditional dance performed at this time is called Bon odori. Its origin can be found in the story of Mokuren, a disciple of Buddha who used his supernatural powers to look after his deceased mother.

When Mokuren found out about her suffering in the realm of the hungry ghosts, he asked Buddha for help. Buddha advised him to make offerings to the Buddhist monks who had returned from their summer retreat. When Mokuren’s mother was eventually set free, he celebrated with a dance.

Obon is also about lively local festivals, complete with games, food stalls, lanterns and taiko drummers pounding out a beat for yukata kimono-clad celebrants as they dance around a yagura tower. o

Weiss is a Member of the Club.

The centuries-old festival of Obon in August is marked by ancestral worship, fire and dance.

Japanese traditions and customs 31

Timothy & Debra Schiltz United States—AIG Japan Holdings K.K.

David Devlin & Anne McDonald Australia—systemsGo Corporation

Mark PinkCanada—Experis TMJ Y.K.

Takahiro Minami Japan—University of Tokyo Hospital

Issei & Motomi IguchiJapan—Iguchi Issei Co., Ltd.

Eduardo & Meredith CardenasColombia—ASC Co., Ltd.

Junzo & Hideko Shimizu Japan—Toyota Tsusho Corporation

Yoshinori SuzukiJapan—Xseed Co., Ltd.

Keigo Ando Japan—Mitsubishi Corporation

Takeru & Noriko NishikawaJapan—Bell-Park Co., Ltd.

Mika TsuikiJapan—Ryu Insurance Agency Co., Ltd.

Takayuki Nagai Japan—Commons Asset Management, Inc.

Kinya & Mutsumi OguchiJapan—From First Production Co., Ltd.

Akira Akiyama Japan—American Bureau of Shipping Pacific

Yuriko MiyaharaJapan—Zenisys Co., Ltd.

Masaru Aoyama Japan—Tokyo Lasik Clinic

Takeshi Hashimoto Japan—Hashimoto Sogyo Corporation

Shunsuke Aonuma United States—Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Hanako TomimatsuJapan—Savills Japan Co., Ltd.

Anthony Blick United States—Kyodo Public Relations Co., Ltd.

Andy & Kiyo Iida United States—HKCR, Inc.

Shinsuke & Naoko IshiwatariJapan—Cookpad, Inc.

Ken Chan Singapore—GIC Real Estate International Japan K.K.

Ashok Roy & Shoko Hoshi United States—jED Limited

Shusaku & Miyako Hosono Japan—Hosono Clinic

David & Junko Hackett United States—Hakuhodo DY Media Partners

Jun & Junko Terui Japan—Sanchemipha Co., Ltd.

Jiro SeguchiJapan—Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co., Ltd.

James & Amanda McCreadyUnited States—EMC2 Corporation

Jeffrey WynkoopUnited States—Ichigo Group Holdings

Hirokazu & Megumi SuzukiJapan—Rambus K.K.

Maki & Shunsuke KawashimaJapan—Deutsche Securities, Inc.

Rajesh & Tarjani AtalIndia—Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd.

Izumi & Yuko Toda Japan—ITJ Law Office

Brian & Cynthia Endo United States—Liferay, Inc.

Christina Lucas United States—AIG Property & Casualty

Jozef & Zsuzsanna van Ruyven Netherlands—DSM Japan K.K.

Marsha Cooke United States—CBS News, Tokyo

Jeffrey Robinson United States—Mass Mutual Japan

Andrew Howard & Asako Fujita United Kingdom—JP Morgan Chase Bank

David & Barbara MurphyUnited States—McDonald’s Company (Japan) Ltd.

William Boesen & Sandra DiazDenmark—East Asiatic Company (Japan) Ltd.

Masahiro & Reiko AzumiJapan—Ishindenshin Ltd.

Chieko AokiHenning & Stephanie BehreSteven & Sally ButtersKamalesh & Rita Rani DwivediKeith & Jennifer GeorgeKurt & Joey GibsonKurt Austin & Debra HollaschParth Jindal

Conway Kosi & Nicole BerecryMarc KutikRoger & Francesca LeekStephen & Teresa MarohnTomio & Kazue MiyamotoPeter NotarianniMasaaki & Fusako OishiDaniel & Carol Simon

Adam & Maja SmithTorben SoderbergMatthew & Allison SusserNoby & Megan TamadaJohn TanWilliam & Jessica WallrappAlfredo Zamarriego

sayonara

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)

yokoso


Desperate to explore the world beyond Japan’s shores, Tomoko Tokitsu became a flight attendant.

She relocated to Beijing with Air China and was soon regularly traveling between China and Japan, as well as to local cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong and Chengdu.

As an inquisitive 20-year-old, though, Tokitsu soon grew tired of living with her colleagues in accommodation near the airport. “It was so boring,” she says. “I didn’t like it.”

With the help of a Chinese friend, she moved to a lively, international quarter of Beijing after six months. She felt released and set about learning Mandarin through books and conversations with

local residents. “Chinese love talking, so it’s very good for practicing listening and speaking,” she says.

Since Tokitsu was the only Japanese crew member on her flights, her Chinese language skills quickly improved. But life in a foreign culture also had its challenges. “I felt so lonely because it was so difficult living abroad,” she says. “I felt people were powerful. I had to be aggressive to live there.”

After more than four years, Tokitsu, who turns 30 this month, returned home. “I learned how to make friends and communicate with people from different cultures and countries,” she says. “It was a wonderful experience. It changed my life.”

In April 2012, she joined the Guest Relations Desk, where she looks after Members and overseas visitors staying in the Club’s Guest Studios. Her own experiences abroad, she says, motivate her to help those from outside Japan. “Since then, I always felt like I should look after those who don’t speak the local language,” she explains.

It’s such enthusiasm that earned Tokitsu the Employee of the Month award for June. “It’s so nice here,” she says, “and my old [flight attendant] colleagues, who want to quit [their jobs], ask about the Club.” It seems that word travels fast, too. o

MEMBER SERVICES

Why did you decide to join the Club?“This year, when we decided to return to Tokyo, we realized we would need a family oasis. The Club with its great restaurants, full range of activities for children, modern gym, rooftop pool and squash courts was the obvious choice. Yet, more than just modern facilities, TAC is a club of great people who share common interests and provide a fabulous opportunity for everyone in our family to make friends and share adventures.”

(l–r) Sayumi, Hamish, Marcus and Jessie Fishenden

Why did you decide to join the Club?“We were a little apprehensive when Dyson Australia asked us to move our family to Tokyo. However, on our pre-visit, we were able to visit TAC as guests, experiencing firsthand the superb facilities and friendly staff, and knew that being Members of TAC was going to be an integral part of our new life in Tokyo. Membership provides our family with the complete package: a huge range of activities for the kids, multiple dining options and the security that comes with being part of a thriving community.”

(l–r) Lucinda, Denise, James, Elisabeth and Alexander Mullen

New Member ProfileMarcus & Sayumi FishendenCanada—CBRE K.K.

New Member ProfileJames & Denise MullenAustralia—Dyson K.K.

employeeof the month

Tomoko Tokitsu

by Nick Jones

Services and benefits for Members 33

Bret Dandoy


Kohji Shiiki

Nineteen days, 12 airlines, 130 hours in the air, 100 hours in airports, 80,000 kilometers covered and $15,000 spent—all to play less than 30 hours of golf. Some people would call

that insanity. For Club Member Bret Dandoy, it was the father-son adventure of a lifetime.

In May, the 48-year-old Arizona native and his 78-year-old dad, Jeremiah, embarked on the Awesome 8 Golf Challenge: a quest to play a series of extreme courses, including the hottest, coldest, lowest and highest courses in the world, as well as the most northerly and southerly and the home of golf, St Andrews in Scotland.

In between swings at the 19th Hole, the Club’s golf simulator, on a weekday afternoon, the younger Dandoy explains why he decided to go to the ends of the earth for a round of golf.

“I love to travel, but I like to travel with a purpose, and golf gives me a reason to visit places. I’ve previously been to North Korea and Antarctica through golf, and I was online looking for more extreme golf ideas when I found the Awesome 8,” he says. “The idea of the Awesome 8 is to

INSIDE JAPAN

do it over several trips, within a period of 365 days, but I thought I could do it in one trip if I could find one season when all the courses were playable.”

Starting in Hawaii, the pair played Ko’olau Golf Club in Oahu (one of the toughest courses in the United States, according to Golf Digest magazine), before hopping on a plane for Argentina. That journey took 60 hours and four connections.

After a round at Ushuaia Golf Club (the southernmost course in the world), it was onto Bolivia for the highest course, at La Paz Golf Club, a long-established institution at 3,300 meters.

It wasn’t just the traveling that was grueling. The golf was tough at times, too. At the aptly named Furnace Creek Resort (the world’s lowest course), in California’s Death Valley, the Dandoys played 18 holes in 42-degree heat, while the temperature at the course they were scheduled to play in Alaska can dip to minus 20.

The almost three-week undertaking was more than a year in the planning. One of the earliest hurdles, Dandoy says, was finding a travel companion. “I first asked my closest golf buddy in Japan if

he wanted to go with me,” says Dandoy, a 6-handicapper who started playing golf at 15. “He didn’t have much interest, so I then asked Dad and, honestly speaking, I didn’t expect him to say yes. I was quite pleased when he did, as it meant I wouldn’t have to do it alone.”

Next, he had to tell his wife about the globe-trotting golf jaunt. “It was then months before I mentioned it to my [three] daughters and then several more months as I built up the courage to tell my wife,” says Dandoy with a smile. “Even when I did, it was with a vague, ‘In May, I’m planning on going on a golf trip with my dad’ type of comment and she sort of brushed it off. It didn’t go down so well earlier this year when I marked the three weeks on the annual family calendar.”

With the idea in place, banker Dandoy set about organizing the specifics. “The logistics were a nightmare, between getting to hotels and courses, planning local connections and tee times, looking up what time it gets light and dark in each place and so on,” he says. “Then there were concerns about flight cancellations or delays, which could disrupt the whole trip. We were very fortunate that only

Taking On The WOrld’s TOughesT TeesIn search of golfing adventure, Member Bret Dandoy traveled to some of the remotest parts of the world for a round. by Rob Goss

out

A look at culture and society 35

1. Ko’olau Golf Club, Hawaii

4. North Star Golf Club, Alaska

5. Furnace Creek Resort, California

3. La Paz Golf Club, Bolivia

2. Ushuaia Golf Club, Argentina

7. North Cape Golf Club, Norway

6. St Andrews Links, Scotland

8. Alice Springs Golf Club, Australia

Awesome eight Courses

1

2

3

4

5

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one flight had major changes, and that was just an hour’s delay to Fairbanks [in Alaska].”

The northern American state was also the scene of the only real golfing disappointment of the challenge, which was created by two keen golfers from Britain. Since the snow hadn’t yet melted, which was unusual for the time of the year, the course lay under a blanket of white.

“They would have let me play, but it would have defeated the purpose. It wouldn’t have been a real round and that’s not in the spirit of the challenge. I went back in July for a round with Dad to officially complete the challenge,” says Dandoy, whose father sat out the initial Alaskan leg to convalesce in Las Vegas after falling sick in Bolivia.

Highlights of the expedition, which was supported by a Nike Golf contribution of equipment and clothing, included Norway’s North Cape Golf Club (the world’s most northerly course and home to 33 members), which is situated within the Arctic Circle and skirts the shoreline of the picturesque Porsanger Fjord. There, in freezing winds, father and son hit off artificial turf mats they carried with them to preserve the tundra fairways.

La Paz was memorable, too. “La Paz Golf Club is at 11,000 feet and the course is carved out of a rugged gorge, with steep walls and has scenic views at several points,” Dandoy says. “While basically flat, just walking up to an elevated tee box is enough to put you out of breath at that elevation, although the thin air has its advantages. My shot of the day was flying the green in two on the 580-yard, par 5 11th hole, into the wind, no less.”

The final leg took the pair to Australia and a journey into the outback to Alice Springs Golf Club, near the mountains of

the MacDonnell Ranges. Kangaroos even appeared on the course, where Jeremiah Dandoy’s 25-foot putt on the 18th provided the perfect finish to the adventure.

“When Dad made that final putt on the 18th, it was amazing, but there was no real outpouring of emotion, no sense of relief that we’d managed it or high fives. I just hugged him and said something like ‘We did it,’” Dandoy says. “I think that’s because it wasn’t really about the golf in the end. It was about doing something unique together and this just happened to be it.”

So would he do it again? “Ask me now and no is the answer. Like a woman who gives birth, ask me in four months and maybe,” he says. “Dad would like to do an annual golf trip together—a shorter one—and that would be great.” o

Goss is a Tokyo-based freelance journalist.

Awesome 8 Golf Challengewww.awesomeeight.com

gOlf in The exTremeThe ColdesTNorth Star Golf Club, Alaska Located in the wilds of central Alaska, this par-72 course shares its surroundings with moose and even bears. Winter in Fairbanks lasts from late September to early May. www.northstargolf.com

The hoTTesTAlice Springs Golf Club, Australia A sliced shot at this picturesque desert course in the middle of Australia could lead to an encounter with the local—potentially deadly—wildlife. www.alicespringsgolfclub.com.au

The highesTLa Paz Golf Club, Bolivia Founded in 1912 by British railway workers, the course moved to its present site in the 1940s. The lush fairways and greens offer dramatic views of the surrounding lunar landscape. www.lapazgolfclub.com

The lowesTFurnace Creek Resort, California At 65 meters below sea level, this par-70 oasis of green in the middle of an arid desert has been drawing fascinated golfers since 1927. www.furnacecreekresort.com/activities/golfing

The MosT NorTherlyNorth Cape Golf Club, Norway This 9-hole links course is so far north that golfers can enjoy a round at any time of the day during the summer, playing by the light of the midnight sun.www.northcape-golfclub.no

The MosT souTherlyUshuaia Golf Club, Argentina With its subantarctic climate, this windy, 9-hole links course at the tip of Argentina is set between snow-capped mountains and the frigid waters of the Beagle Channel.www.ushuaiagolfclub.com

The ToughesTKo’olau Golf Club, Hawaii Set amid a tropical rainforest on the side of a mountain, this course boasts jaw-dropping views of waterfalls and winding ravines, elevation changes and huge sand bunkers.www.koolaugolfclub.com

The greaTesTSt Andrews Links, Scotland Most disciples of the game aspire to play the Old Course (the world’s oldest and most famous course) at the spiritual home of golf at least once in their lifetime.www.standrews.org.uk

INSIDE JAPANout

Jeremiah Dandoy at North Cape Golf Club, Norway

Bret and Jeremiah Dandoy at St Andrews Links, Scotland

A look at culture and society 37

Y ou may have never heard of Yoron, but you’ve probably heard of the board game The Game of Life. The two met last month, when a real-life version

of the Milton Bradley classic, complete with shuttlebuses serving as tokens, was staged on the island, which lies between Kyushu and Okinawa. The promotional event for tourism was conceived when the head of Yoron’s chamber of commerce noticed that the spinner on the game resembles the shape of the island itself.

But that’s really where any similarity ends. On Yoron-to (island), as it’s informally known, life is decidedly more relaxed and enjoyable than the rat race that the game mimics. Set between the East China Sea and the wider Pacific Ocean, Yoron is tiny but packs quite a travel punch. It’s also one of the best islands in not only its local cluster, the Amami Islands, but the entire chain of Southwest Islands that stretches from Kyushu to Taiwan.

Only 5 kilometers across, Yoron also resembles a tropical fish when viewed from a plane. On the ground, though, it’s a patchwork of sugarcane fields, ringed by gorgeous sandy beaches and coral reefs. The most picturesque spot to swim and windsurf is the white-sand Oganeku Beach on the east coast, but if you can hop a boat to the offshore Yurigahama sandbar at low tide, you’ll be on what is arguably the best beach in Japan. It’s small but close to perfect.

While you could walk the island’s roads, renting a scooter will give you easy access to its cultural attractions. The Yoron Minzoku Village is a group of thatched-roof huts, with displays on farming, weaving, fishing and other artifacts related to how people once lived. The Southern Cross Center is a more modern affair: a five-storey concrete tower showcasing Amami cultural history.

On a clear day you can see Okinawa Island from here; it’s also said to be the northernmost point in Japan from where the Southern Cross is visible. Chabana, a laidback town of friendly surf bars and seafood restaurants, is where you can hop a southbound ferry to Naha or a northbound one to three other stunning islands in the Amami group.

Sailing toward Kagoshima, the first stop is Okinoerabu, a kidney-shaped splash of green with dramatic coastal rock formations. The harbor of Wadomari is far from inspiring, but the island has its share of curiosities that are best seen with a rental scooter or car.

One of its most striking features is how the limestone has been carved out by eons of erosion. On the northern tip of the island, a cave called Fucha looks like a scene in a Hitchcock thriller: a hollowed-out cliff space where waves can spray seawater tens of meters into the air. While eye-popping coral formations dot the coastline, the highlight here is Shoryudo, a mountainside cave with 600 meters of limestone grottoes and

Southwesterly Seclusion

Sandwiched between Kagoshima and Okinawa, the Amami Islands offer getaways of crystal-clear waters, stunning coastlines and the odd bout of sumo-wrestling bulls.

by Tim Hornyak


Two hours, 20 minutes from Haneda Airport to Amami Oshima Airport. Okinoerabu and Tokunoshima airports are accessible via Kagoshima, while Yoron can be reached via Naha.

The islands are serviced from Kagoshima and Naha by the A-Line (www.aline-ferry.com) and Marix Line (www.marixline.com) ferry companies.

Pricia Resort Yoronwww.resol-hotel.jp

Okinoerabu Mugumuga Divingwww.mugamuga.com

Kagoshima Travel Guidewww.kagoshima-kankou.com

Yoronwww.yoron.jp (Japanese only)

illuminated stalagmites and stalactites. To find it, just follow the signs to the village of China in the west of the island.

About 33 kilometers to the northeast of Okinoerabu is the island of Tokunoshima. At 25 kilometers long, it’s considerably larger and best explored by rental car. Of the pristine beaches here, the best is Aze Princess Beach, but what you’ll probably see first are posters depicting togyu—traditional bullfighting. Instead of man versus bull like Spain’s corridas, it’s beast against beast here, with sumo-style grand champions immortalized with their own bronze statues. Tokunoshima also has its share of spectacular coastal formations, especially a group of large, flat rocks at Mushirose and an odd coral structure that looks like a pair of giant spectacles at Innojofuta.

The next ferry stop is Amami Oshima, the largest of the Amami group and the third-biggest offshore island in Japan after Okinawa and Sado. It’s even big enough to have two dialects of the endangered Amami language, and, like the other Amami Islands, is dotted with sugarcane fields. But dense mangroves and subtropical jungle hold sway here, drawing

wildlife enthusiasts in search of the also-endangered Amami rabbit, a primitive species with dark-brown fur and small ears.

One thing that is not endangered on Amami Oshima, however, is the habu snake. This venomous pit viper is common enough that the local government pays a bounty for any caught. Mongooses were even introduced to the island to control the population and are often pitted against habu in shows for tourists; these are cruel displays that you shouldn’t patronize. Instead, spend your yen on diving or snorkeling tours of the island’s colorful coral reefs, or perhaps a bolt of its gorgeously patterned tsumugi silk, available at the hillside Oshima Tsumugi Village.

If you’re on a budget, though, a bag of Amami brown sugar chunks makes for an even sweeter souvenir when you’re heading home on the ferry or plane. It will make your return to the rat race that much easier to swallow. o

Hornyak is a Montreal-based freelance journalist.

TOKYO

AMAMI ISLANDS

OUT & ABOUT

Tokunoshima Townwww.tokunoshima-town.org(Japanese only)

Amami City www.city.amami.lg.jp

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.

Father’s Day Grand BuffetJune 16

Dads descended on the New York Ballroom for the Club’s annual

family celebration and feast of pop-friendly cuisine and drinks.

Photos by Ken Katsurayama

Mudsharks End-of-Season Awards NightJune 9

Following another successful swim season, the Club’s

competitive youth swimmers received accolades at

a special evening of great food, entertainment

and camaraderie.

Photos by Yuuki Ide

1. Hiromichi Matsudaira

1. (l–r) Frank Glantz, Brandon Sato, Haldane Henry, Caeden Couch,

Mattias Lindell, Gen Koito, Keenan Mills, Hugh McGuire, Simon

Hadlow, Nicola Lindell, Alena Gartner, Jessalyn Kaur, Waris Mills, Maya

Kushner, Marin Hadley, Erin Hogan and Yulia Sen

2. (l–r) Brandon Sato, Caeden Couch, Gen Koito and Keenan Mills

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1

2


EVENT ROUNDUP

Red, White and Blue RevelryJune 28

The Club kicked off its weekend of Independence

Day festivities with an evening of all-American drinks,

snacks and music from Mississippi bluesman Steve

Gardner and his band in the Winter Garden.

Photos by Yuuki Ide

1. (l–r) Norman J Green, Greg Carley and Justin Cooper 2. (l–r) Terry

and Cheryl White and Gordon O'Bryne 3. (l–r) Erik Gain, Tom Nevins

and Robert Crane

11

2

3

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.

Independence Day at the ClubJune 30

Marking the birthday of the United States in grand fashion,

the Club hosted more than 100 Members and guests

at a reception of ceremony and patriotic revelry while

youngsters enjoyed some holiday games and fun. The

festivities continued into the evening with a dinner and

performance by opera talent John Ken Nuzzo at Decanter.

Photos by Ken Katsurayama

1. (l–r) Club President John Durkin, US Ambassador John and Susan

Roos and Makiko Durkin 2. US Ambassador John Roos 3. Club

President John Durkin 4. Makiko Durkin and Susan Roos

2

1


EVENT ROUNDUP

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Snapshots from Club occasions 43


On my first night in Japan, I was surprised to find that old classic “Columbo” on television,

and dubbed in English. Like Linus’ old blanket, the raincoat-wearing sleuth provided some comforting evening entertainment from my youth while I waited for my family to join me in Tokyo.

Nearly 10 years later, I no longer look for that “blanket” but instead wonder who could possibly be watching those endless reruns of episodes from the 1970s and ’80s. Or, for that matter, the episodes of “Mission Impossible” or now “Murder She Wrote” that seem to constantly play on a couple of cable channels here.

Now I have to admit, I will watch anything (much to the annoyance of my family). I’m perfectly happy to randomly f lick through channels and spend time with whatever the TV stations

have managed to beg, borrow or buy to broadcast. I am a contented serial television watcher and couch potato. And truth is my family and I do like “old TV.”

We recently watched the first nine series of “Hawaii Five-O”—the original “Book ’em, Danno” series. And my 16-year-old son is a devoted “MASH” fan. We spent a great deal of last year going through every episode in celebration of Hawkeye and the rest of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital crew. While I can’t work out why my son is such a fan, I suspect an awful lot of us have a love for an old show that we can’t explain.

And then there is our habit of watching a whole TV series in one hit. Thanks to various online streaming services (both legal and otherwise), DVD box sets and the Club’s DVD Library, it’s so easy to indulge in marathon TV series-viewing

sessions. It’s something I’m sure many of you do, and I suspect it’s something we do because, well, we can. And it gives us a chance to “rewind” and never miss out.

Which brings me back to “Columbo.” The reality is that its viewership is not made up entirely of desperate expats looking for a slice of home. In fact, the bulk of the nearly half a million regular viewers of these ancient reruns are our Japanese friends. For those in their 50s and 60s, these shows are a welcome reminder of their younger days.

Naturally, the TV networks are happy to buy the cheap broadcast rights and keep running the series. The shows are often part of a package that includes new(ish) releases as well. So while it’s partially just cheap programming, people also want to see these shows.

What brings people back? The answer is comfort. One Japanese friend explained that she loved watching “Columbo” because it reminded her of her childhood, when she would watch it with her parents, listening to the English. She also liked its predictability, unchanging protagonist and easy-to-follow plots. The same could probably be said of all those long-running programs. It’s all about comfort.

In a world in which we spend hours staring at different-sized screens, devouring information in quick-fire binges, people need a security blanket sometimes. And for a pretty good number, Peter Falk’s character is just that. o

Club Member McCaughan is 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].

Just One More Thingby Dave McCaughan

Finance FarewellJune 21

At a casual gathering in June, the Club bid farewell to two valuable members of its finance team, Gregory Davis, who served as chair of the Finance Committee, and Finance Director Mutsuhiko Kumano.

1. (l–r) Gregory Davis, Club President John Durkin

and Mutsuhiko Kumano

2. Hiroshi Miyamasu and Mutsuhiko Kumano1 2

intouch aug 2013

Documents

member services

beverage office

dvd library

marcusfood beverage

member joe hale

member bret dandoy

member michael bobrove

services desk