News

Former Diplomat to Receive Honor

The Club will honor former Japanese diplomat Ichiro Fujisaki with its Distinguished Achievement Award at a presentation ceremony on March 14.

The son of a diplomat, Fujisaki was Japan's ambassador to the United States between 2008 and 2012.

During a foreign service career that spanned more than 40 years, he also served as his country's ambassador to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

“Ambassador Fujisaki has dedicated his life to promoting international relations among countries,” says Jeff McNeill, one of the award committee members. “He is a wonderful role model for the younger generation in a world where communication is becoming increasingly globalized.”

Previous award recipients include Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata (2016), pioneering mountaineer Junko Tabei (2014) and Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (1999).

Guest Studio Receives Facelift

The Club is set to unveil its latest new-look Guest Studio.

The design of the former Mac overnight room blends a 1950s modernist style with Japanese aesthetics, according to the room's designers, Scandinavian Modern.

Renamed Yume, the Japanese word for dream, the room opens on January 29 and becomes the second Guest Studio to feature two queen-size beds.

“They are a more comfortable option for travelers who wish to sleep separately and help us meet the needs of Members and guests who are traveling with family,” says Jonathan Allen, the Club’s Member Services director.

Yume is the only Guest Studio to feature a Gold Phantom speaker by French audio brand Devialet.

Remembering Isamu Kamata

Longtime Club Member Isamu Kamata passed away on January 3 at the age of 89.

Joining the Club in 1975, he was an enthusiastic member of the Club's Culture Committee for more than 25 years.

The Gakushuin University graduate was a close friend of Emperor Akihito and Crown Prince Naruhito.

His relationship with the imperial household was instrumental in ensuring the family's support of Club activities.

He discussed the future of Japan's imperial family in a 2012 interview with the Club's INTOUCH magazine.

Kamata-san is survived by his wife and daughter.

Driveway Repairs Underway

Repairs to the Club’s main entrance driveway have started and will continue through the end of February.

The much-needed work on the first-floor brick driveway is scheduled for weekdays (except national holidays), between 8am and 5pm.

While taxis still have access to the Club entrance during this period, first-floor parking is unavailable on weekdays.

The B1 parking area remains unaffected by the repair work.

Women's Group Offers Boost to Charities

The Club’s Women’s Group will donate ¥7.8 million to local charities over the coming year.

Raised through the group's various annual sales and events, the money will be distributed to eight causes, including the Sanyukai homeless shelter in Tokyo and Family House, a provider of temporary housing for families of children with serious illnesses.

“We count on everyone’s generosity to help us support charities that focus on children’s well-being, shelter and food security, and the advancement of women,” says Tomomi Fujita, the Women’s Group’s director of charity programs.

Photo: Sanyukai director Jean LeBeau