Newsletter No.59

February 2004

"Auction Ins and Outs" Lecture by Mr. John Tancock

A lecture about auctions by Mr. John Tancock, vice president of the New York office of Sotheby's, followed by an actual demonstration of a real auction by Mr. Tetsuji Shibayama, president of Sotheby's Japan, took place at the Japan National Press Club on January 22 (Thursday). Spare chairs had to be brought in for the record capacity crowd of 67 people.

Mr Tancock's lecture began with the establishment in London of Sotheby's in 1774. At first, mainly rare books such as old bibles were auctioned, but subsequently art and craft objects as well as antiques were also included, and today, everything from medieval castles to sunglasses of Elton John are sold at auction. Initially, bidders were mostly Europeans and Americans, but since the latter half of the 20th century, Japanese have also participated, and today bidders from the whole world take part, including Chinese and Singaporeans, for example. While showing slides, Mr Tancock described prized discoveries such as an original copy of the American Declaration of Independence found among old documents bought for $4 at a flea market and subsequently sold for $2 million; and a hand-written score by Beethoven which sold for a huge price. The audience thoroughly enjoyed Mr Tancock's interesting, engaging discussion.

Following the Q & A session, Mr Shibayama, president of Sotheby's Japan, began an actual auction. Objects donated by ESUJ members, including lithographs and posters by artists such as Sam Francis and Paul Guiramand, an African mask, and carved wooden Swiss figures were put on the block. Gradually, following Mr Shibayama's skilful leadership, increasingly high offers were made by bidders from the audience, until the hammer fell. For a moment it was as if we were among the world's millionaires, enjoying an evening of auctioning. Proceeds of the sale were donated to the ESUJ. Thanks to everyone who participated.

4th Takuwa Luncheon Society Series:　 Medical Care in the 21st Century, by Dr. Yasuo Matsuki

The 4th ESUJ luncheon mainly for corporate and individual supporting members was held on January 15 (Thursday) at the Ark Hills Club, with 37 people attending. Our speaker was Dr. Yasuo Matsuki, honorary director of the Shin Akasaka Clinic and author of many books about health. Describing how to stay healthy as we age in order not to fall prey to a constant battle with illness in our later years, Dr Matsuki spoke with humor about how we should lead our daily lives, the benefits of walking, the need not to accumulate stress, and the positive effects of laughter. During the 21st century, it is possible that cancer will be conquered and the study of genetic inheritance completed, and that it will become possible to regenerate organs from one's own cells. The average human life span may increase by several decades. These are currently only dreams, but for now we should strive to achieve them step by step. Dr Matsuki's final message was that, to ward off senility, foreign language study is very effective, so people should join ESUJ! Also, he recommended playing golf or walking a lot (if you are a poor golfer) in order to live a long life.

English Club

Muramatsu Masumi's English Club met at the Tokyo International Forum on Tuesday, January 20.　Club chairman Muneo Wakabayashi opened the meeting by asking the ESUJ "Singing Club" (?!) to join him in singing My Bonnie. MM was full of zest for this first meeting of the year, taking up earlier topics of his, including Gilbert and Sullivan's famous Savoy Opera, the Mikado, and showing a new video of a performance of the opera. He also talked about the essence of the articles he has been writing for the Nikkei Weekly for the past half year, including many observations and points from the most recent column. Next, ESUJ member Ms. Mutsuko Shindo introduced her five guests from Malawi's Ministry of Education, who were visiting Japan under the auspices of JICA. All spoke engagingly of their country, called the "warm heart of Africa", and commented that they liked seeing snow in Tokyo, but not being cold!
Future English Club dates, (6:30-8:30 meeting time):
February 17 (Tuesday) at Tokyo Kokusai Forum, G407
March 16 (Tuesday) Doyu Club
English Cub will be meeting in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun Conference Room (Otemachi) from April. Starting in April, English Club will be held under the joint auspices of the Nikkei Weekly, who will kindly allow us to meet in the newspaper's conference room. We are also considering projects such as a "New Plans Corner". Please join us in looking forward to our ever-evolving English Club!

Upcoming Events

Ambassador's Lecture Series: "Egypt, 5000 Years' Glory"
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 6:30~8:30pm
Place: Japan National Press Club (9th Floor, Conference Room)
To attend: Please apply to the ESUJ office in advance

-In the planning stages-
Outing to the Edo-Tokyo Architectural Museum, March 28 (Sunday). Details to follow.

Obituary　Mr. Masaaki Tsuchida (ESUJ Councilor) passed away on January 30. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family.