News

Club Restaurants Switch to Sugarcane Straws

The Club is replacing the paper straws in its restaurants with a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Starting in Rainbow Café and Café Med, drinks will be served with straws made from sugarcane.

“Sugarcane is far more sustainable than paper,” says Nathan Baggs, the Club’s beverage director. “For example, a sugarcane plant will reach maturity in about a year, so it can be harvested and planted annually.”

Since the straws feature polylactic acid, or PLA, extracted from tapioca starch, they are 100 percent plant-based and compostable.

Remembering Daisuke Yuki

The Club is saddened to announce the untimely passing of Daisuke Yuki, its executive pastry chef.

Daisuke (pictured) joined the Club's pastry kitchen 19 years ago and was promoted to executive pastry chef in 2014.

Lindsay Gray, the Club's executive chef, described him as the "humblest yet most talented pastry chef I’ve ever known and a very, very good friend."

Vaccination Center Recognition

Minato City has recognized the Club for its efforts to set up a Covid-19 vaccination center last year.

Masaaki Takei, Minato's mayor, awarded Sam Rogan, the Club's first vice president, and General Manager Darren Morrish with a certificate of appreciation on March 25.

Club Welcomes New Honorary President

After more than two years, the Club, once again, has an honorary president.

By longstanding tradition, the United States ambassador to Japan also serves as the Club's honorary president.

Following his arrival in Japan earlier this year, US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel (pictured) has taken up that role.

“As newcomers to Japan, Amy and I were delighted to discover Tokyo American Club and have already become daily visitors,” he says. “The Club is an enormous asset to the American and international community here, and we look forward to meeting other Members. Thank you for making these two Chicago transplants feel so welcome!”

Club to Honor Michael Leitch

The Club will honor rugby player Michael Leitch with its Sportsman of the Year award at a ceremony on February 5.

Having captained Japan's national team at the 2015 World Cup and the tournament four years later on home soil, when he led the side to its first World Cup quarterfinals, Leitch has helped to raise the profile of Japanese rugby around the globe.

Originally from New Zealand, Leitch attended high school in Hokkaido before graduating from Tokai University.