Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an enhanced menu at the Club’s intimate teppanyaki restaurant, 220° [Modern Teppan]! The culinary team has thoughtfully curated an impressive selection of appetizers, vegetable dishes, and main courses, complementing the restaurant’s beloved contemporary set menu. This exciting update grants Members the opportunity to enjoy signature dishes and steaks from the renowned CHOP Steakhouse in a unique dining environment, where ingredients are grilled right before your eyes.
New Hours and a Toastmasters Champion
Nestled in a cozy corner on the Club’s third floor, 220° is now open for your enjoyment five days a week.
Speaking of achievements, Member Makoto Ishiwata has achieved a remarkable feat! He emerged victorious at the recent TAC Toastmasters Club speech contest. This win earns him a spot at the Toastmasters area contest, scheduled to take place at the Club on March 26. If he secures a victory there, he will advance to the regional competition, with a chance to compete on the national and international stages. Fellow Member Mika Yamada also impressed, claiming second place in the Club competition.
Super Bowl Fun and Member Satisfaction
Get ready for a supercharged morning of Super Bowl fun on February 6! This year’s championship game features a clash between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Patriots, making their seventh Super Bowl appearance in 16 years, will face off against the Falcons, who haven’t played in the big game since 1998.
Join the Club’s main event in the New York Ballroom for a memorable celebration of this American sporting tradition. Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and exciting prizes, or head to Traders’ Bar for a more laid-back experience.
The Club recently conducted a membership satisfaction survey, revealing that nearly 90 percent of Members reported being either very satisfied or satisfied with the Club. The survey, completed by 1,262 Members – a 71 percent increase from last year – showed that Member and Concierge Services, the Fitness Center, and the Library garnered the highest satisfaction ratings.
While Member and Concierge Services, the Fitness Center, and the Library consistently impress, the Fitness Center, Locker Rooms, and Traders’ Bar experienced the most significant improvement in satisfaction ratings compared to the previous year. The complete survey results are available on the Club Business Documents page.
New Leadership and an Olympic Honor
The Club welcomes its new president, also known as the representative governor, Michael Alfant. He was elected by the Board of Governors following the Board election results announced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 15. Alfant expressed his commitment to fulfilling his role diligently, and emphasized the importance of working together to achieve success.
In addition to Alfant, Michael Benner, Jesse Green, Sandra Isaka, Gregory Lyon, Jerry Rosenberg, Machi Nemoto, and Anthony Moore were elected as governors. The AGM also saw the appointment of Michael Benner and Alok Rakyan as first and second vice presidents, respectively, Ginger Griggs as secretary, and Hiroshi Miyamasu as treasurer. A significant milestone was achieved at the AGM as Voting Members approved the proposal for the Club to be the venue for USA House during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This designation signifies the Club’s commitment to supporting Team USA, the American Olympic team.
Remembering a Legend and Supporting Food Security
The Club mourns the loss of Junko Tabei, the first woman to climb Mount Everest, who passed away on October 20 at the age of 77. This remarkable Fukushima Prefecture native led an all-female expedition to scale Everest in 1975. Despite facing an avalanche during the climb, she persevered and reached the summit of the 8,848-meter peak on May 16. In an interview with the Club’s INTOUCH magazine, Tabei shared her passion for climbing and the great outdoors.
The Club-supported charity, Second Harvest Japan, opened a new kitchen facility on October 5. This project, supported by a ¥2 million donation from the Club’s Women’s Group, will enable the food bank to prepare meals for the homeless and after-school programs in Tokyo. The Women’s Group, a long-time supporter of Second Harvest Japan, played a crucial role in the Kumamoto earthquake relief efforts earlier this year.
Celebrating a Distinguished Astronaut and a Stellar Wine List
The Club will honor Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata with the Distinguished Achievement Award at an event on September 14. This remarkable astronaut, who qualified as a mission specialist in 1993, has spent a total of 347 days in space across four missions. His most recent mission saw him spend six months aboard the International Space Station, from November 2013 to May 2014, during which he also served as station commander. The Distinguished Achievement Award, established in 1995, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society and international relations, particularly between the United States and Japan.
CHOP Steakhouse, the Club’s esteemed restaurant, has once again received three stars for its wine list, marking a second consecutive year of this prestigious accolade. This top honor, awarded by World of Fine Wine magazine, recognizes the restaurant’s exceptional breadth of wines, with an impressive selection from leading producers and a wide range of vintages, styles, and prices.
A Farewell to a Karate Master and Remembering a Club Leader
The Club bids a fond farewell to Gojuryu karate grand master Goshi Yamaguchi, who has retired after 40 years of teaching the martial art at the Club. The third son of Gogen Yamaguchi, the founder of the International Karatedo Gojukai Association (IKGA), Yamaguchi began practicing karate at the age of 8 and has been teaching for over 50 years. He has mentored students in over 40 countries, including Member Greg Story and his son, Riki.
The Club grieves the loss of former Club governor Jerry McAlinn, who passed away earlier this week following a long illness. McAlinn, a longtime Japan resident, served on the Board on three occasions, most recently from 2008 to 2009. He was also a vital contributor to the Club’s redevelopment project, serving as chair of the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) and as a member of the Redevelopment Planning Committee (RPC).
