Marunouchi: 1945–54
Marunouchi: 1945–54
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.
It took General Douglas MacArthur's influence to facilitate the process. The Club also received help from the three American banks doing business in Japan at the time. The banks extended credit to the Club and allowed it to operate on overdrafts.
But the Club would not be the same as it was before the war. As more businessmen arrived in Japan, often with families in tow, the needs of Members changed.
Between 1951 and 1953, several decisions would transform the Club—eventually. It became a Ministry of Foreign Affairs-sanctioned nonprofit organization, or shadan hojin, with a mission of promoting cultural exchange. At the same time, the Board of Governors decided to emphasize family services.
Finally, in 1954, the Club bought a new site in Azabudai.
It took General Douglas MacArthur's influence to facilitate the process. The Club also received help from the three American banks doing business in Japan at the time. The banks extended credit to the Club and allowed it to operate on overdrafts.
But the Club would not be the same as it was before the war. As more businessmen arrived in Japan, often with families in tow, the needs of Members changed.
Between 1951 and 1953, several decisions would transform the Club—eventually. It became a Ministry of Foreign Affairs-sanctioned nonprofit organization, or shadan hojin, with a mission of promoting cultural exchange. At the same time, the Board of Governors decided to emphasize family services.
Finally, in 1954, the Club bought a new site in Azabudai.
