Finding My Zambia in Tokyo

Whenever I cast my mind back to the old Azabudai Club, I can see myself eating hamburgers and french fries with my kids by the pool in the summer.

I also remember getting dressed up to celebrate my father’s birthday in the American Room, the Club’s fine-dining restaurant.

Back then, the Club was one of the only truly international environments in Tokyo. It reminded me of my years growing up in Zambia, where we were the only Japanese family in the town of Ndola. My friends were drawn from all over the world: Britain, Ireland, India, Germany, China, the United States and, of course, Zambia.

It was a time of carefree adventure. With no cultural barriers (and only one channel on the black-and-white TV), we spent our time exploring and having fun. It was a life-shaping experience and one that I vowed to try and replicate for my own kids one day.

When my family joined the Club, its multinational atmosphere provided echoes of my magical time in Zambia. One of the very first friends we made was a lifeguard at the pool. He quickly remembered our names and helped my children learn how to swim and leap from the diving board. He made us feel so welcome and a part of the community.

It was the same whenever we went to the Garden Café, the old Club’s family restaurant. We always shared stories and laughter with one of the friendly servers there. She would bring my children paper and crayons as soon as we arrived, and they were so excited to see her. It became one of their favorite places to visit.

Since then, we have made friend after friend among the Club’s large team of employees. Two years ago, my daughter worked as a counselor with Camp Discovery, the Club’s summer camp. The first friends she made were among the Recreation staff, who helped her settle in. While my retired father, who teaches the ukulele at the Club, is always well looked after by the staff.

And for me, as a single mother in Japan, it hasn’t been easy to be calm and confident. But the Club, Members and staff have always made me feel part of a welcoming extended family. Although working and raising kids has had its challenges, thanks to the staff who have helped make Azabudai my peaceful retreat, I am now embracing life at the Club with friends from around the globe.

This family of friends is what provides so much value to being a Member. It’s not something you can put a price on or even find anywhere else. During the holiday season, just offering a simple greeting to staff or other Members can go a long way.

At the end of a year like the one we have experienced, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate our friendships and recognize what is truly important in life.

Reiko Saito is a member of the Club’s Human Resources Committee.

Words: Reiko Saito
Illustration: Tania Vicedo