End-of-Year Bonenkai — December 2007
The Society held its annual bonenkai on 19 December 2007 at the International House of Japan in Roppongi. As always, the venue provided an elegant setting, with excellent cuisine and a generous supply of wine. Although the evening was unusually cold, preventing the customary stroll in the gardens, spirits remained high throughout the night.
Normally held on a Friday, the mid-week date had raised some concerns about attendance. These proved unfounded: of the 62 members who had registered, only one was absent — a remarkable turnout and testament to the enduring popularity of this event. Your rapporteur also noted many younger faces, a reassuring sign for the Society’s future.
The evening featured a light-hearted “raffle” of sorts — though in truth, every attendee received the same gift: a bottle of wine. In an amusing twist, most opted for white despite the Japanese trend promoting red wine as the healthier choice. Perhaps our members are unconcerned with such trends… or simply have refined tastes.
Conversation flowed, old acquaintances were renewed, and new friendships formed. By the end of the evening, the room was filled with warmth, laughter, and a shared sense of celebration at the close of another busy year.
— Louis Nthenda (St Antony’s, Oxford 1964)