The first members of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan, founded in November 1945, were some journalists accredited to General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters. They banded together for housing, socialising and reporting on events of post-war Japan.

The Club has since grown to more than 300 regular members, representing news organizations from around the world.

In addition, associate members include some 1,600 men and women from leading Japanese and multinational corporations, banks, embassies, law and accounting firms and other professions.

The FCCJ has moved several times from its original "No. 1 Shimbun Alley" location. Currently the Club's facilities on the 20th Floor of the Yurakucho Denki Building overlook, on one side, the magnificent Imperial grounds, and on another, the world famous Ginza and Tokyo Bay.

The FCCJ's published history is available in book form for 3,500 yen. For a view of the Club from a long-time member, read Richard Hanson's special web edition essay, Joining The Press Club That Was Made For You.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan remains, first and foremost, a press club. News is both made and gathered at its many professional and working lunches, press conferences and seminars. Most postwar Japanese prime ministers have appeared at the FCCJ, as have high-ranking dignitaries from scores of other nations. The heads of multinational corporations and banks routinely include our Club on their speaking schedules. Leading figures from the arts, music and entertainment worlds have appeared at the Club.

Other professional services include a well-staffed library with thousands of books, periodicals and files to help both working journalists and associate members. An audio-visual library and state-of-the-art facilities on the 19th floor provide still other services for all members.

Besides its professional activities, the FCCJ is also an enjoyable place to be. Throughout the year, the Club offers a glittering array of entertainment evenings. Highlights have included events celebrating the various cultures of the world, classical music concerts and bingo competitions with prizes such as flights to exotic locations.

Several prefectures have sponsored their own extravaganzas featuring local cuisine, sake and entertainment unique to their areas. There are also frequent movie nights that offer both current and classic productions, and an annual Christmas Party (complete with Santa Claus).