News
Club to Host USA House
The Club is set to be Team USA's base for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
United States Olympic Committee (USOC) CEO Scott Blackmun made the announcement at a press conference in the Winter Garden.
"It's my great pleasure and honor to announce that in 2020 Tokyo American Club will be the home of USA House in Tokyo," he said.
“On behalf of Tokyo American Club leadership, Members and staff, we are thrilled to welcome Team USA and know it will be an ideal home during the Tokyo Games,” said Club President Michael Alfant. “USA House is a place for celebration of Team USA, and that is a natural fit within a great community at Tokyo American Club. We are excited for the Games to begin.”
USA House is the USOC’s hospitality and organizational headquarters during the Olympics and serves as a place for athletes, families and sponsors to meet and relax.
The USOC delegation was impressed with the Club's facilities and location on its first visit, according to the organization's chief marketing officer, Lisa Baird.
“Tokyo 2020 gives us the platform and the opportunity to do the unimaginable, which is to stage what we think will be the best USA House ever," she said.
Photo (l–r): Club Tokyo 2020 Olympic Committee Chair Dean Rogers, USOC CMO Lisa Baird, Club President Michael Alfant, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun and Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda
Club Fencer Crowned Japan No 1
The Club's Davide Lorenzoni became Japan's top junior high school fencer when he won the All-Japan Junior High School Fencing Championships in July.
Held in Tokyo, the tournament featured 224 competitors from across the country.
"I am very happy to be No 1 in Japan, especially because my coaches have done so much for me," Lorenzoni, 14, said. "However, I feel that I am just at the starting line because I have always aspired to compete and win in the world championships."
Youth fencing classes at the Club resume in September.
Record-Setting Win at TAC Premier Classic
Squash pro Ryosei Kobayashi won a record fifth title at the recent TAC Premier Classic.
The Japanese national team player beat Masaki Suzuki to win the men's category of the annual tournament and ¥145,000 in prize money.
In the women's final, Risa Sugimoto triumphed over Chinatsu Matsui to take home ¥115,000.
Meanwhile, Member Yasuo Hinoki and Aimi Suzuki were crowned winners in the men's and women's competitions of the Friendship Tournament.
The Japan Squash Association-sanctioned TAC Premier Classic was held at the Club from July 21 to 23.
Summer Checks to Start
To ensure a comfortable environment for all Members, the Club will begin spot checks of membership cards and guest passes in July.
During this period, Members may be asked by staff at Club entrances to present their membership card. In addition, guests could be requested to show their guest pass.
Members should register any guests at the first-floor Formal or Family entrance or at B1 Member Services, or by contacting Member Services before arriving.
In line with the Club’s General Rules, a guest may visit the Club no more than twice a month, and failure to register a guest at a facility with a guest fee may result in a Member penalty.
Remembering Takashi Arifuku
The Club's own piano man, Takashi "Ari" Arifuku, has passed away at the age of 73.
A fixture at Club events, including Independence Day, from the 1970s, he first played at the Club with his Dixieland jazz band in 1967.
More recently, he entertained Members in the Winter Garden on Friday evenings.
Many Members will cherish the memories of evenings spent in the company of this talented pianist.
