Tokyo American Club History
Yurakucho
Since its inception, Tokyo American Club has never been isolated from its surroundings or world events. While today the Club is known for cultivating international friendships, there was tension in the air when the first Members walked through its doors on May 23, 1928.
Marunouchi
The Club’s second home of two buildings combined into one was remodeled by Mitsubishi Real Estate. The canopied entrance, library, billiard room, dining rooms, and bars for both men and women helped make the elegant new luncheon and social club at the Naka 10 No. 8 Building in Marunouchi the center of Tokyo’s expat social life.
Marunouchi
After the war, the Club reopened in its Marunouchi building on July 4, 1949, with 350 Members. But before this happened, the Club had to fight for its name with the US military and for the leasing rights to its old space with its landlord.
Azabudai
The idea of a move to Azabudai was controversial. Members complained that the Club would be “too far out of town.” After the motion to move passed by a single vote, some Members resigned in protest. But most quickly embraced the spacious new premises, complete with the Club’s first swimming pool.
Azabudai
A special dedication ceremony on December 9, 1974, preceded a gala ceremony and reception on January 25 the following year to celebrate the opening of the new Club. The new facility attracted many more applications for membership from Americans, Japanese, and other nationalities.
Takanawa
The Club's temporary site at Takanawa was custom-built by Konoike Construction. In a park-like setting behind the Josiah Conder-designed house and gardens of the Iwasaki family, the founders of Mitsubishi, the Club was billed as “a retreat in the heart of town.”
Azabudai
The Club's impressive new facilities were opened on January 18, 2011, with a formal ceremony in the Winter Garden. Among the guests were US Ambassador John Roos, the honorary president of the Club, and architects César Pelli and Fred Clarke.
