Since 1949, the Women's Group, a social and charitable organization within the Tokyo American Club (the "Club"), has dedicated itself to helping its Members maximize their Tokyo experience. Some 850 members strong, the group is comprised mostly of women from all over the world with a third of the membership Japanese, a third American and a third international.

membership
Annual dues are JPY 7,000 for September 1 to August 31. For those joining after February 1, the dues are half of the total fee or JPY 3,500. Members will be automatically billed each year unless a written resignation is received before August 31, as membership is renewed automatically. When leaving Japan, resignation of your Women’s Group Membership must be done separately and in addition to resigning from the Club.

Membership in the Women's Group qualifies Members for discounts on monthly programs, classes, tours and childcare while attending Women's Group-sponsored events. Additionally, Members receive Women's Group communications and email notices.

volunteer opportunities
By joining the Women's Group, you will have access to a number of volunteer opportunities, programs and classes. The Women's Group is your platform to work your way into a fulfilling life in Tokyo and beyond by meeting and interacting with an internationally diverse group of men and women.

As a Member, you are entitled to fee discounts on tours, programs, classes, and copies of our Tokyo: Here and How guidebook.  You have access to online class registration and will receive periodic Women's Group publications and E-newsletters to keep you abreast of the latest events and activities.

You will find many volunteer avenues to gain new skills in leadership, organization, event management or group participation. You also have the opportunity to visit charitable organizations that the Women's Group funds and supports.

classes
There are over 100 classes available throughout the year. Classes are divided into two sessions with sign-up in September and January. Some classes are held once, while others may continue for many weeks or through many sessions.

tours
The Tours Committee organizes interesting and exciting tours both domestically and internationally. The committee works with various travel agencies to put together great tours at reasonable prices. The annual Sapporo Snow Festival has been a favorite for families for many years. The local walking tours are fascinating and fun. International trips to exotic destinations like Shanghai, Bhutan, Cambodia and India can be educational and enthralling.

monthly programs
Interesting and informative speakers are scheduled once a month from September through May. Most programs are luncheons held on the second Monday of the month.

In addition to serving our Membership, the Women's Group offers these popular programs that are open to the general public:

tokyo: here and now
This popular three-day orientation program benefits all newcomers and even those who have been in residence awhile. The seminar is held in March and October each year. There are presentations about Japanese culture, traditions, architecture, food and emergency preparation. Book, medical and information fairs offer answers to all your daily living questions. Lunch seatings are grouped by fields of interest and stages of life, thereby providing various formats for networking and making new friendships.

disaster awareness day
This annual event prepares your family for what to do in the event of fire and earthquakes. Representatives from the local ward offices, emergency services and embassies are present to assist and answer questions.

preschool and kindergarten fair
This annual information fair is held in the fall and the only one where you can visit at one venue, over fifty preschools and kindergartens from the Tokyo area. Talk directly with school representatives and find out more about educational opportunities for your child.

birth preparation classes
Registered nurse from the United States, Ann Tanaka, offers prenatal and postnatal birthing classes in English for couples.

fundraisers
A portion of the proceeds from all our sales and auction events benefits the local charitable organizations actively supported by the Women's Group Charities Committee. Come show your support by shopping and/or volunteering at these fun events!

gala
This annual fundraiser promises a lively evening filled with music, dining and dancing. Silent and live auctions help raise money for our local charities.

asian home furnishings sale
This one-day fundraising event in February delivers the latest in Asian home furnishings, accessories and decor.

carpet auction
If you love carpets from the Far East, this is a spring evening you'll enjoy. Starting with a preview and an appreciation class, the night is filled with bidding and fun.

international bazaar
This exciting shopping spree in November features more than fifty vendors offering wonderful products from all over Asia.

community service and support
The Women's Group offers many avenues to our Members to contribute to the local community and to the many charitable organizations that the Charities Committee oversees. Through volunteering, fundraising events, and clothing drives throughout the year, the Women's Group is committed to making a difference both locally and globally.