Author: editors

A recent note from a member to the BoG regarding why they voted ‘no’ on borrowing more money…

The club is closed until it normalizes to surrounding businesses. I can take clients to any restaurant in Tokyo – except TAC. I can work out at a gym any time I want to – except TAC. I have an option, to wear a mask, or not, at any establishment I know of in Tokyo – except TAC. I could go on…

My fear is the availability of additional funds will allow us to maintain this absurd risk-adverseness. This fear multiplies when I think of the triple whammy of increased indebtedness, maintaining the clubs closed status; then, we raise dues – leading to an exodus of members, leading to borrowing the entire $10 mm, leading to $2.5 mm per year increase in debt service on top of the massive amount we already have. The net result, of course, handing over the keys to Mitsubishi. I bet they are just licking their chops.

I can’t speak for others, but I am hoping in the unlikely event that the loan is rejected by the members it will force us to look at our only other ways to survive: increased revenue (open the club), and decrease expenses. I also hope it might force us to consider  creative solutions such as the proposed new membership tier where people can buy into an elite status with certain perks.

I like to think the businessmen who built TAC without borrowing money, and ran it primarily on membership dues with a balanced budget were also smart enough to write into the Bi-laws the check-and-balance found in the requirement for 80% of American members voting in favor in order to put a lien on their property. I think this is exactly the type of circumstance they feared. 

I have been a member most of my adult life. My kids grew up at TAC. My social circle is at TAC. Believe me when I tell you that  this is no flippant response. The turd is circling, and in my opinion we need to make some difficult decisions and take a little risk to survive. Perhaps running out of money just might shake things up enough for force bold action. Borrowing more money should be our last resort, not our first.

Senator Scott Jensen speaks out about being investigated

Today one the local japan natives of our group brought up a valid point.

By raising the dues while cutting access and services, all that the current leadership of the club will accomplish is scaring off members.

People will drop their memberships and the club will have fewer members to rely on and thereby make their situation worst.

MABT growing. Members want to be involved in real decision making.

Keeping Your Club Safe??: Phase II Reopening

Dear Member,

It has been nearly two weeks since our Club reopened, and it has been encouraging to see Members enjoying the facilities once again.

As mentioned in last week’s e-mail, from June 20 we will implement Phase II of our three-phase reopening plan. This follows the Tokyo government’s lifting of its COVID-19 alert, indicating that the spread of the virus is presently under control.

Some of our “new normal” safety guidelines will remain, but we have restored more of the valued services you have come to expect from your Club.

Phase II Standards
• Club daily hours: 6am–11pm(please check individual facilities’ hours)
• Club entry points: B1 Family entrance (from 6am) and 1F Family entrance (from 11am); 1F Formal entrance will be closed.
• Traders’ Bar hours: Monday–Thursday (11am–11pm); Fridays (11am–12am); weekends and holidays (11am–10pm). Last orders for drinks: 30 minutes prior to closing.
• Recreation facility online reservations open daily at noon(12pm).
• “Trusted player and household” policy for Members wishing to participate in activities with non-family members in the following areas: Squash Courts, Gymnasium, Sky Pool, O-Zone, Kids’ Lounge, Music Rooms, 19th Hole and Logan Room (capacity restrictions apply based on activity and room size).
• Adult Locker Rooms (including dry and steam saunas, whirlpool baths and plunge pools) and Adult Sun Terrace available without reservations (registration at 4F Recreation Desk required).
• Personal trainer sessions available (maximum: three trainers per session).
• Gymnasium reservations extended to 60 minutes per session.
• Open swim sessions adjusted to 60 minutes per reservation.
• Kids’ Water Park sessions extended to 45 minutes per reservation.
• Limited private and group classes and lessons available.
• Children’s Library, Teen Connection and Logan Room reopen. Mandatory reservation required for Teen Connection and Logan Room.
• Browsing of books at Library available (handled books to be sanitized). Members required to sanitize hands at entrance.
• Article check and cloakroom available at B1 Member Services.

Phase II Continuing Standards
• Temperature screening and membership cards checks at both entrances.
• Face masks required at all times while at the Club (except when eating, drinking, swimming, showering or partaking in an activity in which wearing a mask is deemed unsuitable).
• Social distancing should be followed throughout the facility.
• CHOP Steakhouse, Vista, 220° [Modern Teppan], Bowling Center, Fun Zone, Jungle Gym and Childcare Center closed.
• Reservations required for Fitness Center, Sky Pool, Gymnasium, Squash Courts, 19th Hole, Music Rooms, Kids’ Lounge and O-Zone.
• Some rental equipment, including workout shoes and Sky Pool sandals, unavailable.
• Valet parking unavailable.
• Favorites to Go (takeout food service) pickup: Rainbow Café

As we monitor official guidance and adjust our safety measures accordingly over the coming weeks and months, we ask for your patience and understanding. Further details on Phase II can be found on the Keeping Your Club Safewebpage. Phase III measures will be announced in due course.

In the meantime, if you haven’t yet registered for today’s town hall on Club finances, you can still sign up to attend virtually.


Representative Governor
Tokyo American Club

(Sunday – 31 May 2020) The Russian Embassy was filled with people Sunday for some type of celebration. Voices of kids playing and adults enjoying time together could be heard throughout the neighborhood. In the meantime, the Tokyo American Club sits empty next door…

Below is the letter telling TAC members their club is reopening. But is it? Please feel free to make your comments below.

Reopening Club Facilities and Services

Dear Member,

We are excited to welcome you back to the Club from June 1.

With the safety of Members and staff our priority, we will reintroduce some preventive measures from before the Club’s temporary closure and establish new protocols as well.

Based upon Japanese government and official health guidelines, the Club has put together a three-phase plan for reopening the facility and its services. Our Phase I measures will take effect from June 1:

• The Club will be open to Members only, from 6am to 10pm daily.
• Members should enter via the B1 Family entrance (open from 6am) or the 1F Formal entrance (open from 11am).
• Temperature screening and membership cards checks will be in effect at both entrances.
• Members must wear a face mask at all times while at the Club (except when eating, swimming, playing squash or showering).
• Valet parking will be unavailable. Members are asked to park themselves, with attendant guidance.
• Social distancing should be followed throughout the facility. Many venues will feature appropriate layouts to enable social distancing.
• To avoid overcrowding, the following venues will require booking through an online and phone reservation system: Fitness Center, Sky Pool, Gymnasium, Squash Courts, 19th Hole, Music Rooms, Kids’ Lounge, O-Zone
• Some recreation and fitness rental equipment will be unavailable.
• The takeout food service will continue, with pickup from Rainbow Café. Food delivery will be discontinued.
• The following venues will remain closed: CHOP Steakhouse, Vista, 220° [Modern Teppan], Bowling Center, Fun Zone, Teen Connection, Jungle Gym, Childcare Center, Logan Room

As we monitor official guidance and adjust our safety measures accordingly over the coming weeks and months, we ask for your patience and understanding.

Details on our phased reopening and safety measures can be found on the Keeping Your Club Safe webpage.

Thank you for your support over the last few weeks, and we look forward to welcoming you back to your Club and community.


Representative Governor
Tokyo American Club

The club leadership has been doing a fantastic job of protecting the members. There is no doubt the volunteer leadership as well as the paid management have put a lot of time and effort into managing around the Wuhan Virus Threat.

Our Tokyo governor and national Prime Minister have decided that we need another month of destroying small businesses, restaurants, hotels, and eliminating more jobs. The TAC leadership has decided to extend the so called State Of Emergency to the club. Members continue to pay dues for a couple months now with no access to our club.

Is this the best decision? Are there other things that can be done? Is it better to keep the club closed to be safe? The opinions of membership may vary, but this is your chance to make suggestions. Please use the comment forms below. Positive, classy suggestions (like our membership) are welcome.