News

CHOP Wine List Wins Three Stars Again

CHOP Steakhouse has been awarded three stars for its wine list for a second consecutive year.

The World of Fine Wine magazine bestowed the same top accolade on CHOP's wine collection last year, as well as a world's best medium-sized wine list award.

Now in their third year, the World of Fine Wine awards are "rapidly becoming as coveted as Michelin stars," according to Gerard Basset, the 2010 winner of the best sommelier in the world competition.

"That the CHOP list is dominated by California is not surprising, given that the restaurant is inspired by the steakhouses of the USA. But there are other strengths, too, in a list that also features intelligent choices from Europe and the rest of the New World," concluded the judges last year.

Three stars are awarded to wine lists that have exceptional breadth; a range of leading producers; a good mix of vintages, styles and prices; an extensive by-the-glass program, with a wide selection of half bottles and larger formats; outstanding organization; and originality, personality and vision.

Karate Legend Retires

Gojuryu karate grand master Goshi Yamaguchi 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, 73, began practicing karate at the age of 8 and has been teaching it for more than 50 years. He has mentored students in over 40 countries.

Member Greg Story and his son, Riki, studied under Yamaguchi at the Club. The Australian, who has practiced karate for 46 years, described Yamaguchi as "the epitome of humility."
 
"He is also one of the most patient of karate teachers," Story said. "Teaching children is a challenge, yet he took such care with each student. He always focused on the good points of the students, not the bad points, and encouraged them to improve."  

The Gojuryu karate program will be taught by Anthony Palumbo, who formerly assisted Yamaguchi.

Kumamoto Relief Fund Update

The Club is nearing its ¥1 million donation goal for its Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Fund.

Launched last month after the earthquakes that struck parts of Kyushu, the fund has received generous contributions from Members through a dedicated online fund page and Members Services and at the recent First Friday: Cinco de Mayo event.

Donations will go to support the relief efforts of Second Harvest Japan, a Tokyo-based charity that is working with Food Bank Kagoshima to help those in affected areas.

Help the Club reach its ¥1 million goal by making a donation to the Culture, Community & Entertainment Committee-organized fund before June 30.

Renovated Fitness Center Unveiled

The Club opened its renovated Fitness Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of April.

The expanded space features a larger stretching area and around 40 brand-new, state-of-the-art cardio and strength-training machines.

Club President John Durkin, who attended the opening along Recreation Committee chair Sam Rogan, said the Club invested more than ¥40 million in the upgrade.

"The investment was made possible by the Club’s favorable business results over the past two years," he wrote in an e-mail to Members. "I am confident TAC is best in fitness. I hope you enjoy our new facilities."

Remembering Jerry McAlinn

Former Club governor Jerry McAlinn passed away earlier this week following a long illness.

A longtime Japan resident, he served on the Board on three occasions, most recently from 2008 to 2009.

The American was also a key figure in 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), which was established to oversee the historic rebuilding of the Azabudai Club.

"The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former governor Jerry McAlinn," said Club President John Durkin. "Jerry was a longtime Member of the Club and was principal to the Club’s redevelopment and revision of the Articles of Association. He will be greatly missed by all."

As a professor at Keio Law School in Tokyo, he wrote extensively about American and Japanese law and discussed the subject in an interview with the Club magazine in 2011.