Volume 39, Number 02
Features
The Australia Society Tokyo
by Anna Cock-Gibson
The Australia Society Tokyo's annual Australia Day Gala Ball enjoys a reputation as one of Tokyo's best parties, yet the grand occasion is just the tip of the iceberg as far as fun goes. The Society also hosts a popular Melbourne Cup luncheon, complete with fashions on the field, bookie, and live telecast of the storied race.
Last year's Cup luncheon at the Grand Hyatt attracted more than 100 punters. Our annual Spring Barbeque at the Australian Embassy is another great night, and, rain or shine, members and guests enjoy Australian beer, wine and food in the Embassy's beautiful garden.
For families, the Society runs a Sausage Sizzle in late summer, also at the Embassy, and our children's parties for Easter and Christmas are a hit with youngsters. Newcomers to Tokyo are catered for at our monthly Coffee Mornings at the Oakwood Roppongi T-Cube, as well as Eat & Meet dinners hosted by Michael Marlay, a Society committee member who is well-known around town as the food and beverage manager at the Tokyo American Club.
The Society has been hosting gatherings and events in Tokyo since its inception in the 1950s, and offers a wonderful opportunity to meet people and make new friends in a city that can be a little overwhelming at times. Regular membership is open to Australians, New Zealanders and their families, while other foreign nationals with a bona fide connection with Australia (for example having lived there for an extended period) are welcome to join as associate members. Family membership costs ¥6,000 per year, or ¥10,000 for two years; and single memberships are ¥3,000/¥5,000. Prospective new members can sign up for membership at our website www.australiasocietytokyo.com. Members also receive regular emails about upcoming events as well as an informative, lively newsletter. Best of all, members receive discounted ticket prices— sometimes free—to Society events.
Please visit our website for all the latest news, or email membership@australiasocietytokyo.com for more information.