Just seems like a place for Americans who refuse to adjust to Japanese culture and would rather pay a premium to hang out with other pretentious like-minded people.
Not that I know anyone directly … but my image is that they’re affluenza-type people, in other words, rich and out-of-touch, privileged to the point of incompetence, unwilling and unable to adjust to life in Japan.
Anyone wanna tell me if I’m in ballpark?
Being charitable; it seems like a relic of a bygone era. The internet age as well as the overall increase in number of foreigners makes its continued existence a bit meaningless.
Being less charitable; I have been to an event ran by them as a guest of a member and it was a combination of slightly clueless Japanese salarymen paying extra dues to pretend they are “international” and boomer immigrants that never quite learned Japanese after 40 years.
The FCCJ has similar issues, a bit elitist and pretentious but overall has much more purpose.
hey if you like it i love it 🤷♀️ the entrance fee alone is more than my rent+tuition for the year so i’ll stay in my own tax bracket lol
I was curious, saw their amenities and events, thought it would be good for networking until I saw the membership fee and rules for joining. Not for me.
Looking at other peoples comments, I think we all fall under the same salary bracket and logic towards this “place”.
If you can afford it it’s a great way to make business contacts.
If you can’t afford it you probably resent it.
As others have said it’s an antiquated institution of a bygone era.
Bunch of delusional people hiding behind Russian embassy and still act as if MacArthur landed yesterday in Yokohama
Based on my personal experience: – Fees are high – Old money Japanese families who have been members for generations – Older non-Japanese members are long time residents in Japan who want to stay in the TAC bubble (not everyone, but the ones I have encountered are like this)
I was a member a few years back so I can tell you a few things about it from my experience.
1. It’s largely made up of middle-upper class people, most of them being American. 2. There are some Japanese people there. Especially older ladies. There are many younger ladies too but they’re generally from well-off families. 3. Most people there tend to be older with a few younger business people (30s+) here and there. 4. Most “Americans” there tend to be white or wealthy Asians (Japan/China/India). I did not see a single black person while I was there. 5. There are quite a few famous Japanese celebrities who sometimes attend the events there. Ken Watanabe, for example, is someone I saw there once. 6. Politically speaking, the crowd seems to be very pro-establishment, fiscally conservative and socially liberal but this depends. The type of people would support Obama and/or George Bush. 7. The dress code is pretty strictly enforced. You’re expected to wear a blazer around most places.
Unless you’re planning on networking with business people in English or if you have a ton of money, I wouldn’t bother joining.
Less elitist and exclusive than other social clubs, less expensive as well. However they do have reciprocal rights at alot more exclusive clubs around the world. A friend is a member there and I’ve been to diner there a few times. It’s nice but pricey. If you have the money (I do not) it’s probably worth it, especially of you travel to major cities. I think he told me it’s like ¥1,000,000 or ¥15,000,000 to join and like ¥50,000 monthly. Even if I could afford it, I don’t think I’d join though.
Does Osaka have an equivalent version?
Sounds like a bunch of white people who call themselves “expats” and want to business-network in an environment reminiscent of 19th century British colonial clubs where everybody is served by surprisingly well civilized people of color.
Been there a few times via invite from a close friend who is a member.
Great place for business contacts.
If I lived in Tokyo I would consider joining.
I’ve never bothered looking into it since I only like 2 of the 3 things in its name.
So to summarize all these comments, the club is “wank”.
Place for rich people to hang out with other rich people; I am perfectly happy to stay away from scenes like that.
It’s just a social club for rich people to hang out and meet other rich people. People use it for networking (i.e., make business connections) or to impress clients, and drag their families along. In my experience it doesn’t have much to do with a rejection of Japanese culture. Many members are long-term residents with deep and extensive connections to Japan.
None. I know nothing about it.
There is definitely some pretense to be found there, but I’ve met friendly, down-to-earth people, too. Younger members often drop by from their gaishikei / tech jobs in the neighborhood. There are a surprising number of families and many family-oriented events.
If you register as a couple or family, live or work close by, and use most of the facilities regularly (especially the gym and pool), the monthly cost is actually quite reasonable for the target audience. However, it’s hard to ignore the ridiculous entrance fees.
I was invited there by a member a couple of times. It’s a very Boomer space. Make of that what you will.
I’m a reciprocal member of Tokyo Club near the Spanish Embassy. So not quite the American one, although been there many times, and many equivalents in other parts of Asia. But same stuff. And obviously access to equivalents in most countries including the US.
These places are full of business people and politicians. I go there sometimes with business friends just because some people like to feel polished and it’s nice to get away from the crowd occasionally to feel how special we are. And I use these places to take girls there.
So it’s got it’s uses definitely, like great place for setting up private room meals with new leaders of business associate and getting girls to come. If you’re not in business world probably less useful.
Intrigued at the “bizarre extended family drama going on “, but anyway.. my friend has been a member twice (over 30 years). His opinion:
– was better when in the previous building. This one is so expensive he feels they’re after $$$ as much as possible.
– split isn’t what it used to be. Reckons it was about 80% expats, now about 50% with extremely rich Japanese using it as a “I’m rich” badge. Isn’t a club feel any more.
– membership fee is just for access, gym and pool. Everything else is extra. ie. it’s far more expensive than you think when considering joining,
– restaurants very expensive for what they are
– few actual networking events
– the excitement of joining lasts for about 2 months.. then you’re looking for the 12 month exit.
Joined twice as first was old building, then left Japan. On return, rejoined. Summarises to it used to be amazing, now it’s running off the historic reputation.
Smells like Old Money.
drinks were alright; probably expensive but I wasn’t paying. the distant relative who paid for everything skipped out while the rest of were still eating. Maybe it was a roast beef sandwich and steak fries?
I’m a member. I got it as a perk in lieu of a raise since they already had a deposit on file. Even though TAC is one club, socially you can categorize the members into subgroups, most common to least.
* Expats who come from all over the world. The companies are paying the initiation fee (1.5m yen) and monthlies (~40k yen). Maybe 45% American, 25% European, 20% East Asian (mostly Chinese), and 10% Australia/New Zealand. There are definitely some ultra-high-net-worth individuals here but for the most part it’s upper-middle class living a subsidized life with TAC, international school, apartment, etc. paid for by the company. * Wealthy Japanese. I mean seriously wealthy driving Bentleys, Rolls Royce, Maseratis, McLarens and car brands I didn’t even know existed. It’s always funny seeing the wealthiest expat I know park his Volvo right next to a Japanese guy’s Lamborghini SUV with a carseat in the back. Also, who even knew Lamborghini made an SUV?? * Diplomats, mostly US. I don’t know the specifics but AFAIK US embassy personnel are only responsible for the monthlies and so there are a good number who take advantage, especially considering the strong USD at the moment. * One-time expats who married Japanese and work locally. The company isn’t paying for their initiation fees or monthlies but they’re in Japan long term and so they bite the bullet thinking that over decades the upfront cost is justifiable.
Simply put, it’s an incredible space that offers a rooftop pool, gym, basketball court, English library, multiple restaurants and bars offering good cospa, event spaces, meeting rooms and more. The above groups intermingle except for the wealthy Japanese who tend to keep to themselves and are clearly there for snobbery purposes.
Half of my time in Japan I’ve been a member and half not. TAC is a ‘nice to have’, especially if the company is paying. I’m confused by the Boomer and black person comments since most of the people I see there are GenX/Millennial and black families are not uncommon. Boomer expats have mostly left Japan by now. It’s been a great place to meet other international families. No complaints.
I think TAC was first established as a slice of America in Tokyo back in a time when there weren’t many good options for western restaurants, when it was hard to find English media, or even meet other foreigners. Obviously now Tokyo can offer a lot of this without a membership club. I think what the club offers more today is some high quality and varied facilities all under one roof. It of course also maintains a fairly unique western feel – which can make it a comfort zone for some (not everyone has the same goals for their time in Japan, which is perfectly fine with me).
Wonderful if you have time to use it.. perhaps especially if have a young family or business use.
I doubt the people being critical of it would turn down membership if it wasn’t a cost issue. It seems like simple jealousy. To dismiss it as a bunch of pretentious people flashing their money around and avoiding life in Japan is a misconception.
My view – great if you can afford it and use it. People and overall atmosphere are both friendly. Facilities are great.
Source: former member, moved further away and do not use it enough to justify the cost of membership
I used to know the Managing Director years ago. I was never a member as I never wanted to spend the $ to join and besides, I live in Yokohama and seldom desire to travel all the way to Tokyo. I’d rather fly to Manila out of Haneda than take the train to Shinjuku from here. In other words I’m too lazy and poor to join even though I’ve hobnobbed there a few times.
With the Yen being particularly shit right now…you could save upwards of 4k USD towards the entrance fee compared to a few years ago. The monthly fee isn’t terrible, but shit…no way I would want to pay 11-15k just to join…
I know a Japanese person who used to work there and his impression is that the membership has changed in recent years from the top bosses working for international companies and their spouses to new tech types who are a bit splashier, ruder, and less impressive (to this person I know–I don’t know anybody). Depending on the family member’s view, it could be good news that “those people” aren’t there any more, or bad news that these new folks are there now.
Rich expat club for people who don’t know Japanese? Idk. I can’t say anything bad about them. Some people on social media seem to think anyone who is anyone must be a member, which I won’t say is everyone in there but is a fairly typical snobby attitude common with people who desire status but lack it.
I almost worked there 5 or 6 years ago. Toured the facility and saw the staff and some members coming and going.
My impression was rich families (but not like, super rich) and businessmen, mostly American but also Japanese. A place to meet people and feel fancy. Make connections and such without the plebs around.
My general impression was similar to a country club in America.
Are they the ones who got given a bunch of anti-radiation meds from the US government right after 3/11 without regard for their actual location or risk of exposure, while non-rich Americans living much closer to areas with actual risk of exposure or justified fears of potential exposure didn’t heard a peep from the US until public outrage forced them to open the program?
I know some people in the club, it is rather well-to-do people and affluent, yes.
However please do not think everyone there is stuck up-snobs. A good chunk of people are just wealthy, but good people.
If you like in azabu and are here for a long time it’s worth it, if you can get your company to pay for it then it’s a great benefit. They have good food and the gym and sports facilities are great. If you are self employed it is super useful to use as an office especially if you’ll benefit from networking with senior people at foreign companies / high net worth individuals.
Don’t know why people are so impassioned over it. The people who go are mostly lovely it’s just very expensive.
A rip off
Never heard of them.
I imagine that it’s filled with people who look like they’re straight out of Mad Men.
I guess it probably was the place to be during the [Japan It’s Not All Raw Fish](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/2860311) era fifty years ago. These days, with the internet, I can’t really see the point.
That’s a thing?
My former boss is a member there. He was an arse so the club itself doesn’t have a good impression on me personally haha. Their carrot cake was the bomb though
Been there a few times before. It’s just old people.
I’m sitting here now eating my Taco Tuesday dinner special and loving this thread
Good city club, very family oriented.
I’ve never been, but based on how little they pay their staff, I can’t say I have any respect for them, so I wouldn’t want to associate with “those people” either even if I had the money.
>Asking because there’s some bizarre extended family drama going on with someone who refuses to associate with “those people.”
I’m curious about this, can you elaborate further?
Lol I live in Yokosuka; if I wanna see other foreigners just go to Doubita Street and have fun without paying an absurd price.
47 comments
Just seems like a place for Americans who refuse to adjust to Japanese culture and would rather pay a premium to hang out with other pretentious like-minded people.
Not that I know anyone directly … but my image is that they’re affluenza-type people, in other words, rich and out-of-touch, privileged to the point of incompetence, unwilling and unable to adjust to life in Japan.
Anyone wanna tell me if I’m in ballpark?
Being charitable; it seems like a relic of a bygone era. The internet age as well as the overall increase in number of foreigners makes its continued existence a bit meaningless.
Being less charitable; I have been to an event ran by them as a guest of a member and it was a combination of slightly clueless Japanese salarymen paying extra dues to pretend they are “international” and boomer immigrants that never quite learned Japanese after 40 years.
The FCCJ has similar issues, a bit elitist and pretentious but overall has much more purpose.
hey if you like it i love it 🤷♀️ the entrance fee alone is more than my rent+tuition for the year so i’ll stay in my own tax bracket lol
I was curious, saw their amenities and events, thought it would be good for networking until I saw the membership fee and rules for joining.
Not for me.
Looking at other peoples comments, I think we all fall under the same salary bracket and logic towards this “place”.
If you can afford it it’s a great way to make business contacts.
If you can’t afford it you probably resent it.
As others have said it’s an antiquated institution of a bygone era.
Bunch of delusional people hiding behind Russian embassy and still act as if MacArthur landed yesterday in Yokohama
Based on my personal experience:
– Fees are high
– Old money Japanese families who have been members for generations
– Older non-Japanese members are long time residents in Japan who want to stay in the TAC bubble (not everyone, but the ones I have encountered are like this)
I was a member a few years back so I can tell you a few things about it from my experience.
1. It’s largely made up of middle-upper class people, most of them being American.
2. There are some Japanese people there. Especially older ladies. There are many younger ladies too but they’re generally from well-off families.
3. Most people there tend to be older with a few younger business people (30s+) here and there.
4. Most “Americans” there tend to be white or wealthy Asians (Japan/China/India). I did not see a single black person while I was there.
5. There are quite a few famous Japanese celebrities who sometimes attend the events there. Ken Watanabe, for example, is someone I saw there once.
6. Politically speaking, the crowd seems to be very pro-establishment, fiscally conservative and socially liberal but this depends. The type of people would support Obama and/or George Bush.
7. The dress code is pretty strictly enforced. You’re expected to wear a blazer around most places.
Unless you’re planning on networking with business people in English or if you have a ton of money, I wouldn’t bother joining.
Less elitist and exclusive than other social clubs, less expensive as well. However they do have reciprocal rights at alot more exclusive clubs around the world. A friend is a member there and I’ve been to diner there a few times. It’s nice but pricey. If you have the money (I do not) it’s probably worth it, especially of you travel to major cities. I think he told me it’s like ¥1,000,000 or ¥15,000,000 to join and like ¥50,000 monthly. Even if I could afford it, I don’t think I’d join though.
Does Osaka have an equivalent version?
Sounds like a bunch of white people who call themselves “expats” and want to business-network in an environment reminiscent of 19th century British colonial clubs where everybody is served by surprisingly well civilized people of color.
Been there a few times via invite from a close friend who is a member.
Great place for business contacts.
If I lived in Tokyo I would consider joining.
I’ve never bothered looking into it since I only like 2 of the 3 things in its name.
So to summarize all these comments, the club is “wank”.
Place for rich people to hang out with other rich people; I am perfectly happy to stay away from scenes like that.
It’s just a social club for rich people to hang out and meet other rich people. People use it for networking (i.e., make business connections) or to impress clients, and drag their families along. In my experience it doesn’t have much to do with a rejection of Japanese culture. Many members are long-term residents with deep and extensive connections to Japan.
None. I know nothing about it.
There is definitely some pretense to be found there, but I’ve met friendly, down-to-earth people, too. Younger members often drop by from their gaishikei / tech jobs in the neighborhood. There are a surprising number of families and many family-oriented events.
If you register as a couple or family, live or work close by, and use most of the facilities regularly (especially the gym and pool), the monthly cost is actually quite reasonable for the target audience. However, it’s hard to ignore the ridiculous entrance fees.
I was invited there by a member a couple of times. It’s a very Boomer space. Make of that what you will.
I’m a reciprocal member of Tokyo Club near the Spanish Embassy. So not quite the American one, although been there many times, and many equivalents in other parts of Asia. But same stuff. And obviously access to equivalents in most countries including the US.
These places are full of business people and politicians. I go there sometimes with business friends just because some people like to feel polished and it’s nice to get away from the crowd occasionally to feel how special we are. And I use these places to take girls there.
So it’s got it’s uses definitely, like great place for setting up private room meals with new leaders of business associate and getting girls to come. If you’re not in business world probably less useful.
Intrigued at the “bizarre extended family drama going on “, but anyway.. my friend has been a member twice (over 30 years). His opinion:
– was better when in the previous building. This one is so expensive he feels they’re after $$$ as much as possible.
– split isn’t what it used to be. Reckons it was about 80% expats, now about 50% with extremely rich Japanese using it as a “I’m rich” badge. Isn’t a club feel any more.
– membership fee is just for access, gym and pool. Everything else is extra. ie. it’s far more expensive than you think when considering joining,
– restaurants very expensive for what they are
– few actual networking events
– the excitement of joining lasts for about 2 months.. then you’re looking for the 12 month exit.
Joined twice as first was old building, then left Japan. On return, rejoined. Summarises to it used to be amazing, now it’s running off the historic reputation.
Smells like Old Money.
drinks were alright; probably expensive but I wasn’t paying. the distant relative who paid for everything skipped out while the rest of were still eating. Maybe it was a roast beef sandwich and steak fries?
I’m a member. I got it as a perk in lieu of a raise since they already had a deposit on file. Even though TAC is one club, socially you can categorize the members into subgroups, most common to least.
* Expats who come from all over the world. The companies are paying the initiation fee (1.5m yen) and monthlies (~40k yen). Maybe 45% American, 25% European, 20% East Asian (mostly Chinese), and 10% Australia/New Zealand. There are definitely some ultra-high-net-worth individuals here but for the most part it’s upper-middle class living a subsidized life with TAC, international school, apartment, etc. paid for by the company.
* Wealthy Japanese. I mean seriously wealthy driving Bentleys, Rolls Royce, Maseratis, McLarens and car brands I didn’t even know existed. It’s always funny seeing the wealthiest expat I know park his Volvo right next to a Japanese guy’s Lamborghini SUV with a carseat in the back. Also, who even knew Lamborghini made an SUV??
* Diplomats, mostly US. I don’t know the specifics but AFAIK US embassy personnel are only responsible for the monthlies and so there are a good number who take advantage, especially considering the strong USD at the moment.
* One-time expats who married Japanese and work locally. The company isn’t paying for their initiation fees or monthlies but they’re in Japan long term and so they bite the bullet thinking that over decades the upfront cost is justifiable.
Simply put, it’s an incredible space that offers a rooftop pool, gym, basketball court, English library, multiple restaurants and bars offering good cospa, event spaces, meeting rooms and more. The above groups intermingle except for the wealthy Japanese who tend to keep to themselves and are clearly there for snobbery purposes.
Half of my time in Japan I’ve been a member and half not. TAC is a ‘nice to have’, especially if the company is paying. I’m confused by the Boomer and black person comments since most of the people I see there are GenX/Millennial and black families are not uncommon. Boomer expats have mostly left Japan by now. It’s been a great place to meet other international families. No complaints.
I think TAC was first established as a slice of America in Tokyo back in a time when there weren’t many good options for western restaurants, when it was hard to find English media, or even meet other foreigners. Obviously now Tokyo can offer a lot of this without a membership club. I think what the club offers more today is some high quality and varied facilities all under one roof. It of course also maintains a fairly unique western feel – which can make it a comfort zone for some (not everyone has the same goals for their time in Japan, which is perfectly fine with me).
Wonderful if you have time to use it.. perhaps especially if have a young family or business use.
I doubt the people being critical of it would turn down membership if it wasn’t a cost issue. It seems like simple jealousy. To dismiss it as a bunch of pretentious people flashing their money around and avoiding life in Japan is a misconception.
My view – great if you can afford it and use it. People and overall atmosphere are both friendly. Facilities are great.
Source: former member, moved further away and do not use it enough to justify the cost of membership
I used to know the Managing Director years ago. I was never a member as I never wanted to spend the $ to join and besides, I live in Yokohama and seldom desire to travel all the way to Tokyo. I’d rather fly to Manila out of Haneda than take the train to Shinjuku from here. In other words I’m too lazy and poor to join even though I’ve hobnobbed there a few times.
With the Yen being particularly shit right now…you could save upwards of 4k USD towards the entrance fee compared to a few years ago. The monthly fee isn’t terrible, but shit…no way I would want to pay 11-15k just to join…
Fees (foreign nationals/Japanese nationals)
Entrance fee: ¥1.5 million/¥3.5 million
Refundable deposit: ¥200,000
Monthly fees:
Single: ¥27,500 + ¥1,500 (building assessment);
Couple: ¥36,000 + ¥1,500 (building assessment);
Family: ¥44,000 + ¥1,500 (building assessment)
I know a Japanese person who used to work there and his impression is that the membership has changed in recent years from the top bosses working for international companies and their spouses to new tech types who are a bit splashier, ruder, and less impressive (to this person I know–I don’t know anybody). Depending on the family member’s view, it could be good news that “those people” aren’t there any more, or bad news that these new folks are there now.
Rich expat club for people who don’t know Japanese? Idk. I can’t say anything bad about them. Some people on social media seem to think anyone who is anyone must be a member, which I won’t say is everyone in there but is a fairly typical snobby attitude common with people who desire status but lack it.
I almost worked there 5 or 6 years ago. Toured the facility and saw the staff and some members coming and going.
My impression was rich families (but not like, super rich) and businessmen, mostly American but also Japanese. A place to meet people and feel fancy. Make connections and such without the plebs around.
My general impression was similar to a country club in America.
————–
^I ^ended ^up ^not ^getting ^the ^job, ^despite ^everyone ^liking ^me ^and ^having ^exactly ^correct ^experience, ^because ^the ^Japanese ^boss-man ^that ^I ^met ^at ^the ^end ^of ^the ^process, ^after ^a ^very ^successful ^interview, ^didn’t ^like ^that ^I ^had/have ^long ^hair ^(I’m ^male). ^The ^email ^they ^sent ^me ^urged ^me ^to ^cut ^my ^hair ^and ^reapply, ^which ^I ^had ^no ^interest ^in.
Are they the ones who got given a bunch of anti-radiation meds from the US government right after 3/11 without regard for their actual location or risk of exposure, while non-rich Americans living much closer to areas with actual risk of exposure or justified fears of potential exposure didn’t heard a peep from the US until public outrage forced them to open the program?
I know some people in the club, it is rather well-to-do people and affluent, yes.
However please do not think everyone there is stuck up-snobs. A good chunk of people are just wealthy, but good people.
If you like in azabu and are here for a long time it’s worth it, if you can get your company to pay for it then it’s a great benefit. They have good food and the gym and sports facilities are great. If you are self employed it is super useful to use as an office especially if you’ll benefit from networking with senior people at foreign companies / high net worth individuals.
Don’t know why people are so impassioned over it. The people who go are mostly lovely it’s just very expensive.
A rip off
Never heard of them.
I imagine that it’s filled with people who look like they’re straight out of Mad Men.
I guess it probably was the place to be during the [Japan It’s Not All Raw Fish](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/2860311) era fifty years ago. These days, with the internet, I can’t really see the point.
That’s a thing?
My former boss is a member there. He was an arse so the club itself doesn’t have a good impression on me personally haha. Their carrot cake was the bomb though
Been there a few times before. It’s just old people.
I’m sitting here now eating my Taco Tuesday dinner special and loving this thread
Good city club, very family oriented.
I’ve never been, but based on how little they pay their staff, I can’t say I have any respect for them, so I wouldn’t want to associate with “those people” either even if I had the money.
>Asking because there’s some bizarre extended family drama going on with someone who refuses to associate with “those people.”
I’m curious about this, can you elaborate further?
Lol I live in Yokosuka; if I wanna see other foreigners just go to Doubita Street and have fun without paying an absurd price.
What is Tokyo American club?
Is that the one overlooking Russian embassy?
Three-letter acronyms come to mind 😉