Connections

Connections, formerly known as the Women's Group, has been enhancing the lives of Members and their families through social events, enrichment programs and charitable activities for more than 70 years.

This club within a club is a support network that enables its members to form enduring friendships, gain a deeper appreciation for Japan and utilize professional skills as volunteers.

The group is evolving to meet the needs of Members looking for an authentic, rewarding Japan experience and community involvement.

With more evening programs to accommodate busy schedules, the group warmly welcomes men and women, professionals, nonworking individuals, expats and locals.

For annual dues of ¥7,000, Connections members enjoy exclusive benefits:
●    Monthly Connections get-togethers (Coffee, Culture and Cocktail).
●    Waived enrichment class registration fees.
●    Discounts for social programs and tours.
●    Discounts for childcare while attending daytime Connections events.

Not yet a Connections member? Join online today. For more information, drop by the Connections Office (B1) or follow us on Facebook.

There are a variety of regular events to engage and inspire members.

Social Programs
Connections hosts day, evening, seasonal and themed events from September through May.

Regular events include a rooftop barbecue in September, a holiday luncheon in December and an annual general meeting in May, when the group's board of directors is elected.

Monthly Connections
Three forums for meeting and mingling:

Coffee Connections
Held on the last Monday of the month, this relaxed gathering allows Tokyo newcomers and longtime residents to connect, share experiences and enjoy coffee with friends.
Culture Connections
Held on the first Monday of each month, this international get-together allows for guided conversations on timely topics. Learn about other cultures and customs, practice your language skills and enjoy new companions in a welcoming environment.
Cocktail Connections
Held on the second Tuesday of the month, this is a fun, informal happy hour with complimentary appetizers at Traders' Bar. New Connections members and those celebrating their birthdays during the month receive a complimentary glass of happy hour wine or beer.

Tokyo: Here & Now
A comprehensive two-day orientation program held each fall, Tokyo: Here & Now features practical presentations on local healthcare, dealing with emergencies, cultural adjustment, Japanese culture and cuisine, travel, shopping and more.

This is an opportunity for expats to learn how to make the most of their time in Tokyo from local experts.

Find a new passion or expand your skills through the wide range of spring and fall enrichment classes led by experienced instructors and guides:

●    Art: painting, drawing, photography
●    Crafts: flower arranging, jewelry making, pottery
●    Culture: tea ceremony, kimono guide
●    Cooking: international, Japanese
●    Music: ukulele
●    Personal development
●    Tours: gardens, architecture

The ¥3,500 class registration fee is waived for Connections members. Class and material fees vary.

Connections organizes an annual calendar of fun and educational tours, from day trips to overnight excursions.

Tours have included festivals, Tokyo neighborhoods, hikes, outlet shopping, cultural destinations and gardens.

Connections members enjoy advanced registration and discounted tour fees.

Through its various annual sales and fundraising efforts, Connections raises millions of yen for charities each year.

Sales Events
The International Bazaar and Decor! bring together dozens of vendors and specialists for multiday shopping extravaganzas. The Nearly New Sale allows members to repurpose their excess belongings to support the group's fundraising efforts. Net proceeds benefit charities.

Carpet Auction
Hosted by Eastern Carpets of Singapore, this evening of carpet appreciation, socializing and bidding is a fun way to support selected charities.

Charity Drives
During the Salvation Army and Sanyukai charity drives, Connections collects used clothing and other items for donation to these two local charities.

Donations
Connections supports a number of local charities that have insufficient fundraising resources or government support. Occasionally, funds are used for international disaster relief efforts.

Donations in 2019 reached approximately ¥11 million. Past recipients include:

A Dream A Day in Tokyo
Provides support for children with incurable diseases and their families.
Animal Refuge Kansai
Animal rescue organization and shelter.
Asian Rural Institute
Trains individuals to transform rural communities in developing countries.
Family House
Provides temporary housing for families of hospitalized children with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Fukushima Kids' Program
Club-organized homestay and English language workshop program for Fukushima schoolchildren.
Japan Association for UNHCR
Provides shelter, water, health and education to refugees and asylum-seekers.
Resilience
Provides support to victims of domestic abuse.
Salvation Army Japan
International charitable organization.
Sanyukai
Provides homeless people in Tokyo with medical care, food, clothing, support and other services.
Second Harvest Japan
Japan's largest food bank.
TELL
Multilingual counseling and support services.

The Connections board oversees the activities of the organization.

President
Heidi Regent

Vice President
Olivia Smith

Director of Finance
Debra Wetherell

Director of Charities
Tomomi Fujita

Director of Communications
Donna Beeman

Director of Community Events
Amber Morse

Director of Social Programs
Gabriele Kirschner

Director of Tours
Kazuko Morio

Director of Enrichment Programs
Mizarai Greene

Director of Fundraising
Kristina Wright

Director of Membership
Lori Arnet

Director of Administration
Rusty Yuson