Spring Gala 2009

ESUJ's Annual Gala party took place a month earlier than usual this year on April 23 in the Wakatake Room of the Meiji Kinenkan, with British Ambassador David Warren and Mrs. Warren along with former Indian Ambassador Aftab Seth's wife among the ninety or so guests. Gentlemen in black tie and ladies in kimono graced the occasion, lending an air of added elegance. Following Chairman Matsudaira's words of welcome and Ambassador Warren's toast, a buffet dinner and pleasant conversation were enjoyed by all.

The musical entertainment presented by the Tsunekazu Matsudaira Dixieland All Stars started shortly thereafter, wrapping the room in a warm mood with the familiar strains of "When the Saints Go Marching In". As the familiar songs done in Dixieland Style began to play, many guests filled the floor, with ESUJ Director Kunihiko Arano dancing in perfect step and Mrs. Seth also dancing along merrily, enhancing the atmosphere. By the conclusion of this first-rate performance, young and old of all nationalities had joined the floor together. Thanks to the warm appreciation of one and all for this stylish ESUJ "adult" event, a small donation box was filled.

English Club took place on April 21 (Tue.) at the Marunouchi Café. Our speaker was crossword puzzle expert Michelle Arnot. Susan Millington introduced the speaker and personal friend, who then proceeded to reveal the pleasures of doing crossword puzzles as a simple, easy brain exercise. Starting off by explaining that the two most popular magazine genres in the US are ‘porn' and ‘puzzles', Michelle-san went on to describe in a very interesting way the history of the crossword puzzle, the benefits of doing them (they keep the human brain young!), and the inner workings of the newspaper pages. Next, she explained the particulars and hard work needed to become a crossword puzzle specialist, giving the audience a peek into this profound world and helping to understand why people become so besotted with puzzling. With staff members of pioneer Japanese puzzle magazine publisher Nikoli Puzzle in attendance, she described how their company had created an international hit with the made-in-Japan number puzzle Sudoku. This fascinating talk was followed by a lively Q&A session, with numerous questions from the audience.

Our next English Club on May 19 (Tue.) will feature Indian Cooking Specialist Mrs. Renu Arora, speaking on the topic of "Indian Wisdom: "Cooking with Spices". On June 16 (Tue.), Mr. Graham Davis of the Economist Group will speak on the topic of "Slower, Lower, and Weaker: What are the prospects for economic recovery?"

ESUJ takes pride in its impromptu debate activities. Interest in debate is growing among working people and adults in general as a way to improve public communication in English while having fun. English debate was the subject of March English Club and proved a great hit with the audience. This year thirteen teams have entered our Eighth Shakaijin Debate Competition. Businessmen employed by foreign companies, English instructors, housewife teams…this year's debate promises once again to be well worth experiencing. The motto of the Shakaijin Debate is "Enjoy Debating"! Come witness yourself the wit and savvy of our debaters' English communication skills. (Attendance is free; no need to apply.) This year the Shakaijin Debate takes place in a new setting: Odaiba!
Date: Saturday, 20th June 2009 10:00-19:00
Place: Plaza HEISEI, Tokyo International Exchange Center
Reception: Media Hall
* 3 min. walk from "Fune-no-Kagakukan"station on New Transit "Yurikamome" line
* 15 min. walk form "Tokyo Teleport" station on "Rinkai" line
Final round will commence at 17:00. We welcome your attendance.
>>Details are here.

ESUJ will hold an Annual General Meeting at International House on June 23 (Tue). ESUJ is making preparations to acquire corporate status shortly. This will be explained to members at the general meeting. Please be sure to attend. If you cannot be present, we entreat you to submit your proxy letter without fail.

Following the general meeting, there will be a lecture by the Canadian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Jonathan T. Fried. An economics expert, the Ambassador will describe what Canada's strong points are in the midst of the world economic crisis. Following the lecture, there will be a toast to celebrate ESUJ's reorganization to corporate status. Please look forward to both Ambassador Fried's talk and the toast. (The AGM, lecture, and social gathering are open only to ESUJ members and affiliates. )

In accordance with the planned reorganization, all members are to become members of the new corporation. Your agreement to this needs to be confirmed, on which a separate notice is being sent. We request your cooperation in this matter.