Issue:

TSUKIMI MOON VIEWING PARTIES this month will get a special treat: a perigree “supermoon” on Sept. 9, along with a Perseid meteor shower of “shooting stars.” It’s tough to compete with this kind of cool cosmic entertainment but the FCCJ does offer some special treats that Members can enjoy along with the moonbeams.

The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu in the Minatomirai district is offering Club Members discounted rates up to about 25 percent. The hotel has 480 air conditioned guestrooms, a full service spa, indoor pool, four restaurants and two bars/lounges.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, not far from the FCCJ, is also offering us special rates with discounts up to about 43 percent. This luxury hotel has 251 rooms and 13 suites; two floors of fitness facilities including indoor pool and spa; Japanese and Chinese restaurants; a bar and lounge. Another highlight is the breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo.

Members may also make use of special one time usage fees at any of 19 sports clubs affiliated with the Tokyu Sports Club chain, including Tokyu Sports Oasis. Now there’s no excuse for not feeling fit.

About 30 Members attended our tour last month of Google’s YouTube Space Tokyo in Roppongi Hills. We were amazed by the quality of the studios and production equipment, all free for YouTube users with over 100 subscribers to their channel. The FCCJ is receiving more benefits as a YouTube user with over 1,000 subscribers. If you are interested in using the facility please email the Web Committee via the front desk: front@fccj.or.jp

Please also don't forget to take advantage of our reciprocal relationships with other press clubs around the world. You will be welcomed at clubs in the U.S., Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and India. The FCCJ recently became a member of the International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC) along with about 41 other selected press organizations. http://pressclubs.com

The IAPC’s annual general assembly was held this year in Vienna, and the 2015 assembly will be held in June in Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia. It should be an excellent opportunity to network and learn how other press clubs are tackling the many media and freedom-of-press issues facing us today. Please let us know if you're interested in attending.

Further “services” are being put into place to allay concerns over lack of transparency at board level. Members will be emailed a report on Board of Directors’ decisions shortly after each scheduled monthly meeting. We will also be setting up a forum on the website for Members to share their concerns and suggestions.

Last but not least, please enjoy a moonstruck moment while gazing at this month’s lunar show from our lofty windows. A Tokyo skywatcher’s delight.

Go to our website for details on our Special Offers and Discounts. www.fccj..jp/membership/ special-offers-discounts.html


— Lucy Birmingham