Tokyo Club Dinner — October 2007
On 31 October 2007, fifty-one Camford members and guests gathered at the elegant Tokyo Club in Roppongi 1-chōme — a discreet and refined venue located near the Swedish and American Embassies, the Hotel Okura, and under the shadow of Ark Hills.
Early arrivals enjoyed drinks from the 6:15 p.m. reception, while those delayed by work were quickly welcomed in and able to settle into the evening’s atmosphere.
As a private and highly exclusive institution, the Tokyo Club permits outside events only with a sponsoring member. Our host, Terry Nakamura, began the evening by introducing the rooms available to us — including the private dining room and adjoining lobby for after-dinner drinks. The Library, however, remained strictly off-limits.
Terry also provided a helpful translation of the all-French menu. The meal was excellent, though the waitstaff were amused by the number of untouched salads — it seems many British-educated diners still resist the American custom of serving salad on the side.
Two new members were welcomed: Jenny Barb (Clare, Cambridge 1978) and Hisao Shiomi (Faculty of Law, Cambridge 2002), along with returning member Jason James (King’s, Cambridge 1983).
Throughout the evening, conversation flowed easily. Many guests reflected on the Club’s long history, including its former premises near the Kasumigaseki Building, now replaced by the recently opened Tokyo Club Building (September 2007), home to several high-end restaurants.
After dinner, members gathered for final glasses of wine in the lobby before a lively group made their way to Aux Bacchanales in Ark Hills for a cheerful nijikai, arriving just in time before last orders.
Our warm thanks, as always, go to Terry Nakamura for arranging such a memorable evening. With Tim Minton now also a member of the Tokyo Club, the Society may have a reliable second host for future gatherings.
— Doreen Simmons (27 November 2007)