Dear members,

Just days after Japan's lower house elections and less than a week before the U.S. chooses a new president, the uncertainty surrounding both votes is palpable. We are hosting a viewing of the U.S. election results at the club on Wednesday November 6, and hoping that Japanese opposition party leaders visit to detail their plans for a coalition government later this month. The FCCJ is where news is made, so expect more speakers and analysis in a very consequential month ahead.

We are also making plans for Japan's best New Year's Party (in January), the legendary Hacks & Flacks, which will be piloted by Gary Bremmerman, Club Secretary David Umeda, and myself, with special guests, great entertainment, and a chance to network and meet colleagues from media, commuications, and beyond. Mark your calendars for January 23, and prepare for a great evening of food, drink, and fun.

We have a number of film screenings this month, including Big Home with director Ryo Takebayashi on November 12 and an Associates Committee showing of the documentary Public Defender on November 13. Our regular Saturday Night Live will be held on November 9, while a Tokyo Sinfonia dinner concert is planned on November 15. Make your reservations now.

Finally, the Board of Directors and FCCJ staff have many responsibilities, but the most important is to ensure that your experience as members is worth the time and financial investment in all aspects of club services. We welcome your feedback and apologize for the recent spate of unsolicited emails. We are fixing this, and are constantly striving to improve the experience and boost the return on your time and investment. Thank you for your continued support, and see you in the days ahead at many of these great events.

Dan Sloan
President, FCCJ