INTOUCH Magazine

Inspired to Help

Member Reiko Oshima explains how she was motivated by the charity leaders she encountered while volunteering with the Women’s Group.

When my son was about 4 or 5 years old, I set up a group with my neighbors in Kamakura to help refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia. We had enough to feed and clothe our own children, so I thought we should help those children who were suffering.

COMMUNITY | SIX DEGREES

Remembering September 11

Fifteen years after terrorists flew two planes into New York’s World Trade Center, Club Member and South Tower survivor Steven Greenberg reflects on that harrowing day.

I was living in San Francisco and flew to New York on September 10 for a meeting held the following day at the World Trade Center. There were 10 to 15 people standing around in the conference room on the 72nd floor that morning enjoying coffee and bagels. Everyone was commenting on how beautiful a day it was. There was not a cloud in the sky. We could clearly see off to New Jersey and the Statue of Liberty.

COMMUNITY | SIX DEGREES

More than Money

Jaded with her job in corporate Japan, Club Member Chiaki Takesako Shahani set out in pursuit of a life that would “feed her soul.”

I worked for seven years as a copywriter at a big advertising agency. One time, I was really struggling with the copywriting [for one product]. Finally, I did it, but my spirit was empty. I realized it wasn’t what I believed in.

COMMUNITY | SIX DEGREES

Documenting the Displaced

Member and amateur photographer Alex Treves has recorded the plight of refugees across the world for a book to support some of the displaced millions.

India is where my interest in photography really put down roots, and I was able to figure out what I really cared about. And when I came back to Japan...I got in touch with RIJ [Refugees International Japan], and I wanted access to things I couldn’t see otherwise, and I thought they could probably do with some resources.

COMMUNITY | SIX DEGREES

Diversity in Action

Member and president of investment firm Fidelity Japan Judy Marlinski explains why Japan needs to embrace office change.

I became president five years ago, and it was almost unheard of for a woman to run a large financial services company in Japan. Little did I know that I would also take on a role model role.