Shared Purpose
The Club’s Connections group helps Members learn about Japan and make a difference in the community.
“As an international community, the Club has a responsibility to build positive ties with Japanese society and contribute in meaningful ways,” says Lina Raffone, director of charities for the Club’s Connections group.
Growing up in Mexico and Brazil in the 1970s and ’80s, Raffone witnessed the stark contrast between wealth and poverty—an experience that sparked a desire to help others.
Connections does this by bringing together Members through a range of activities and events that build community within the Club, foster greater understanding of Japan and generate resources to help the wider community beyond our walls.
The annual Angel Tree initiative, for example, brightens the lives of young people in the Tokyo area around the holidays. Club Members can choose from a wide array of wished-for items and gift them to a child through the Salvation Army program. At the end of 2024, 54 Christmas gifts and ¥266,100 in cash were donated. The funds support children leaving care homes by helping them purchase basic household items for independent living.
Fundraising such as this is at the core of the Connections mission, and exciting new ideas are in the works, says interim fundraising director Robin McClearn, who has taken over the role from Ilka von Witzendorff, who has left the Club. “In addition to our traditional fundraising events, such as the International Bazaar, we’re hoping to increase awareness of Connections through ‘friend-raising’ activities. Current plans include a spring 2026 scavenger hunt for families.”
This sort of event, says McClearn, has been a key part of her transition as an expat. “From Tokyo 101 to volunteering on committees, Connections has helped me make a wonderful life in Tokyo, introducing me to incredible friends and exciting new experiences.”
Other popular Connections activities include the monthly Coffee Connections, Culture Connections and Cocktail Connections events as well as a range of enrichment classes and tours.
The group’s annual fundraising target is ¥7 million. The challenge in reaching this mark, McClearn notes, is engaging the community. “We hope to do so by making our annual fundraising events fresh and interesting. For example, in 2024 the International Bazaar highlighted a prefecture in need. In 2025, we’re spotlighting Italy’s fabulous culture and food.”
Connections is also always seeking new voices.
“Expat turnover means regularly losing experienced volunteers, but with new members, we welcome new friends and new ideas,” McClearn adds.
Raffone agrees that the group has been an essential part of her life in Tokyo. “Connections has given me purpose and friendships, and has also connected me with people of different ages and backgrounds—helping me see Tokyo and the world through more diverse perspectives.”
Jillian Tattle, the group’s president, says that “the way in which we provide such a welcoming and supportive environment to newcomers is, for me, our greatest strength. And through the relationships we build, we are able to make a difference in the city and country we now call home.”
Connections 2024 International Women’s Day Luncheon welcomed Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.
That ability was on full display in April when Connections and the Culture, Community & Entertainment Committee teamed up to host the inaugural Charity Gala. Club Members raised ¥3,361,000 on the night, and all proceeds will go to five charities: Do-It Japan, Bridge for Smile, Tokyo Visitation Support Center, Art de Vivre and Comhbo.
Blanka Kobayashi, the group’s director of communications, says that a goal for the upcoming year is to make everything they do “more compact, fast and effective.” As an example, she cites the Nearly New Sale, an annual treasure trove of bargains filled with Members’ outgrown items looking for a new home. At the end of the sale, remaining goods are donated to the Salvation Army. In past years, the event has spanned two days. This year, everything happens on one, with the Salvation Army packing up donations just after the sale closes at 4pm. The goal is to generate more excitement and urgency, and to relieve the burden on Club staff.
While external charitable outreach is a central part of Connections’ mission, the group also contributes to internal needs. In preparation for a disaster, a portion of its reserve funds will be used to provide emergency relief items—such as water, food and blankets—to be managed by the Bosai Center.
Aligning with overall Club planning is behind a major change for the group this year: a shift in timing of the Connections AGM from May to September. The move brings the selection of Connections leaders closer to the Club’s election for the Board of Governors. Instead of taking office in June of each year, the Connections Board of Directors (pictured on the opposite page) will now refresh in October.
Kobayashi invites all Members who want to make a difference to get involved in Connections. “We welcome both women and men to join us and help build the community. We hope to get new volunteers and committee members who bring fresh ideas. We’re very open. Every Club Member is welcome to be part of the group and even become a board member.”
Raffone echoes the sentiment. “I’m continually inspired by the generosity of Club Members and the passion of volunteers who turn compassion into action. I hope even more Members will join us for future events and activities.”
Words: C Bryan Jones
Photos: Kayo Yamawaki
June 2025
