News

Club President Message on Kyushu Disaster

Club President John Durkin informed Members in a message that no Members or Club staff had been caught up in the devastating earthquakes in Kyushu, including, in particular, the Kumamoto area.

He also emphasized the integrity of the Club's building, which opened in January 2011. "While Japan experiences frequent seismic activity, some of it violent, I would like to reassure you that the Club facility was constructed with a high degree of earthquake-proof engineering and design measures," he wrote.

In the coming days, he added, the Club would be looking at how it can help the people of Kumamoto and other affected areas.

Club Partners with Custom Media

The Club has appointed local media agency Custom Media to oversee the advertising in the Club's monthly magazine, iNTOUCH, and its digital channels, including the Club website and weekly e-newsletter, Spotlight.

The Club's Communications director, Shane Busato, said, “By having Custom Media take charge of the Club’s advertising business, we will be able to focus our energy and resources on creating even better magazine and website experiences for more Club Members."

Custom Media currently publishes the magazines of the American and British chambers of commerce in Japan and produces an online video channel about business in Japan.

Custom Media President Robert Heldt said, "We are very proud that Tokyo American Club has recognized us as the best local partner to help preserve and promote their valuable brand.”

Find out more about Club advertising options on the Sponsorship & Advertising page.

Club to Expand Fitness Center

Following the recent extension of the Fitness Center and Sky Pool hours, an expanded Fitness Center will open on March 19.

In the reorganized space, Members will be able to enjoy a convenient, dedicated stretching area.

In addition, around 40 brand-new, state-of-the-art fitness machines will be installed in April.

During the renovation of the Fitness Center, from March 1 to 18, the facility will close at 9pm, instead of the usual 11pm. It will continue to open each day at 5:45am.

Club President Pens Open Letter to ACCJ

The following letter from Club President John Durkin appears in the February issue of the ACCJ Journal, the monthly publication of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

A Bright Future

When I was elected president of Tokyo American Club (TAC) for the first time, in 2012, the situation at the Club was not good. A sizeable ¥28 billion had been invested in the Club, but the global financial crisis had decimated the Club’s membership count and 2011’s earthquake had aggravated the situation. The Club’s financial condition was precarious.

Since then, things have completely changed. The Club has recorded three consecutive years of strong membership growth and our finances are stable. We expect to soon exceed 4,000 members, the most since the Club’s founding in 1928.

TAC has become more relevant than ever to the lives of the Tokyo international community. This has been one of my main objectives.

We have improved our dining options for both adults and families, and last year we opened an American-style steakhouse, CHOP, modeled on the best venues in New York and Las Vegas. The restaurant promptly won awards of excellence.

Sports and fitness at the Club represent the best in Japan, and our fitness hours have been expanded from early morning to late at night. Lessons and classes with professional instructors are in English. Racket sports, swimming, golf, basketball, volleyball, running, indoor cycling, bowling and many other sports are all available.

We have also introduced frequent, inexpensive social events to bring together the community.

Family is key at TAC, and the Club is an essential hub for many families in Tokyo. It’s a great place to grow up.

With membership approaching capacity, it’s likely to become more difficult to join the Club in the future, both in terms of availability and price.

The purpose of this letter is to reach out to my friends and colleagues in the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) community. The Club still has preferential, excellent-value entrance fees for the international community. Dues are comparable to high-end fitness clubs, but include a broad array of community, dining, social and cultural benefits.

The Club is a nonprofit organization, so any profits go back to the members. Last year, we were able to host free holiday shows and an event for more than 2,000 members and their families.

I would be delighted to personally sponsor any ACCJ members who apply to join the Club.

John Durkin President/Representative Director, Tokyo American Club

Former Governor Ira Wolf Passes Away

Former Club governor Ira Wolf has passed away following an illness.

A longtime Japan resident, he twice served as a diplomat with the US Embassy and was a senior executive at various companies and organizations in Tokyo.

Besides serving on the Club's Board of Governors for three two-year terms, he was a member of the board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and served as vice chairman of the Japan-US Friendship Commission.

"Myself and the entire Tokyo American Club community are saddened to hear of Ira's passing," said Club President John Durkin. "The community is forever grateful to Ira for his contributions, and we will miss him very much. I personally found Ira's advice over the years to be thoughtful and wise. Ira's contribution to Tokyo American Club is one reason we are so successful today."

Ira is survived by his wife, Jeanne.