News

TAC Premier Classic Hailed a Success

The Club wrapped up three scintillating days of squash action on July 26, as the annual TAC Premier Classic came to a close.

Now in its sixth year, the Japan Squash Association-sanctioned tournament welcomed 180 top players for what Recreation Director Scott Yahiro described as the best competition to date.

Ryosei Kobayashi successfully defended his men's open crown after beating Takanori Shimizu in the final, while Mayu Yamazaki overcame women's open defending champ Chinatsu Matsui in their final.

Kobayashi picked up ¥125,000 for his win and Yamazaki won ¥135,000.

In the friendship tournament, Club Member Yasuo Hinoki lost in the men's final to Kentaro Eto and Erisa Sano beat Taeko Izumi in the women's competition.

Staff Set for Jonathan Club Internship

Two Club staff will spend one month working at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles, as part of the Jiro Matsumura Internship program.

Michiko Suzuki, who works at CHOP Steakhouse, and Kevin Nishino, a member of the Club's events team, were selected from a number of candidates to hone their skills at the reciprocal club from September 1 to 30.

Now in its third year, the internship program is supported by the Jiro Matsumura Memorial Fund, named after the late Member Jiro Matsumura. The purpose of the fund is to provide staff with professional overseas experience.

The Jonathan Club was founded in 1895 and features a facility in downtown LA and a beach clubhouse in Santa Monica. The club's assistant sommelier, Jen Len, will join her Tokyo American Club counterparts for a month from mid-September.

Club to Welcome Top Squash Players

The Club is set to host the sixth edition of its annual, three-day TAC Premier Classic squash tournament from July 24.

More than 120 of Japan's top players, including defending men's and women's champions Ryousei Kobayashi and Chinatsu Matsui, will battle it out for top honors at the Japan Squash Association-sanctioned event.

The competition also features a "friendship tournament," where a few Club Members will be able to put their skills to the the test against the pros.

Find out more about the tournament and the growth of squash at the Club in the June issue of iNTOUCH.

Former Club Assistant General Manager Passes Away

Bob Sexton, who was assistant general manager at the Club for more than six years, passed away in Thailand on July 10.

Initially working at the Club as a consultant, Bob joined the management team in May 2005 and helped oversee the Club’s redevelopment project, its temporary relocation to Takanawa and the opening of its present facilities in Azabudai in January 2011. He later served as interim general manager.

After serving in the US Army, he forged a career in private membership club management, including a number of years at The Springs Country Club in California.

Bob died in Bangkok after a long illness.

Club Set for July Fourth

The Club is gearing up for its annual Independence Day Celebration on July Fourth.

The all-day event, which is expected to draw hundreds of Members and guests, kicks off with a morning Fun Run/Walk, led by Olympic gold medalist and Member Koji Murofushi.

Other organized activities include a basketball tournament and street b-ball demonstration, kids' games, a ceremony attended by US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and Prince and Princess Hitachi, music performances, a traditional barbecue buffet and an evening dinner in CHOP Steakhouse.

This year's party doubles as a fundraiser for USO Japan, a nonprofit that supports American military personnel and their families.