Shining Bright
ACCJ members and guests gathered at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku on December 2 for one of the chamber’s largest annual events. And this edition offered a chance to celebrate the chamber’s 75th anniversary while also raising funds for charity.
Diamond Charity Ball celebrates the ACCJ’s 75th anniversary.
Members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) and guests gathered at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku on December 2 for one of the chamber’s largest annual events. And this edition, the Diamond Charity Ball, offered a chance to celebrate a major milestone—the chamber’s 75th anniversary—while also raising funds for charity.
The exceptional venue, amazing culinary offerings, spectacular entertainment, stellar selection of fine wine and spirits, and expansive silent and live auctions and raffle helped us achieve our goal.
Jesper Koll and Nahoko Bolden emceed, and performers included Marcus Pittman and the High Roller Horns (featuring the Q Factor G.N.P.) and Wakiri, a group of passionate artists comprising drummer and dancer Akira Katogi, shamisen player and composer Etsuro On, and Shunsuke Kimura, a Japanese composer who plays flute and tsugaru-shamisan. ACCJ intern and Bishop Scholar Matthew Trani also shared his singing talents.
“Success would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our generous sponsors, enthusiastic attendees, and the many individuals who took part in our online raffle and auction.”
Together with the ACCJ staff, the Charity Ball Committee—Barbara Hancock, Kevin Naylor, Ryan Watson, Tomomi Fujita, Sonia Dhillon Marty, and William Titus—worked diligently to organize the event.
But success would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our generous sponsors, enthusiastic attendees, and the many individuals who took part in our online raffle and auction.
The committee extends its deepest gratitude to our sponsors and the ACCJ community for making a big difference in our ability to help those in need. We are grateful to each and every person involved, and extend a huge thank you to all!
Photos: Media Sense K.K.
Legacy of Giving
The Charity Ball is not only one of the biggest events on the annual social calendar, it is also one of the ACCJ’s most important fundraisers. The money raised during the event is key to the chamber’s ability to support the community and help those in need.
The Charity Ball Committee works closely with the ACCJ Community Service Advisory Council to activate this effort with the generous participation of member companies and the membership at large. The annual Charity Ball is a time when we come together to share our success in Japan with each other and, at the same time, generate funding for charities qualified by a rigorous process.
This year we are proud to support the Mike Makino Fund for the Homeless, Food Bank Kansai, and the ACCJ Community Service Fund. We will also contribute to charities that help at-risk children, families, children’s hospitals and homes, and programs for these children.
“The ACCJ has a well-rounded mission that includes not only networking, information sharing, and advocacy, but also constructive engagement with the community.”
Together with the ACCJ staff, the Charity Ball Committee—Barbara Hancock, Kevin Naylor, Ryan Watson, Tomomi Fujita, Sonia Dhillon Marty, and William Titus—worked diligently to organize the event.
But success would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our generous sponsors, enthusiastic attendees, and the many individuals who took part in our online raffle and auction.
The committee extends its deepest gratitude to our sponsors and the ACCJ community for making a big difference in our ability to help those in need. We are grateful to each and every person involved, and extend a huge thank you to all!
President’s Circle Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Aflac
Bronze Sponsors
AIG Companies in Japan
Chevron International Gas Inc. Japan Branch
Prudential Holdings of Japan, Inc.
Silver Sponsor
Boeing Japan K.K.
Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd.
Mercury Sponsors
Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP
NRK Sogo Kikaku Co. Ltd.
Prize Sponsors
Diamond
Air Canada
CIC Toranomon G.K.
Delta Air Lines
Hakuba Hotel Group
Herman Miller Japan, Ltd.
Ichijiku
KPG Hotel & Resort
Kraft Heinz Japan
Marriott International, Inc.
MediaSense K.K.
Ratko Back Painting
The Peninsula Tokyo
United Airlines, Inc.
Vega Project K.K.
Ruby
Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Hilton Nagoya
Park Hyatt Tokyo
There’s No Accounting for Taste
Sapphire
Amway Japan G.K.
ELC Japan K.K. (Estée Lauder)
Fukushima Garo
Good Morning Tokyo Co., Ltd.
Hakkaisan Brewery
Moegi
Simon Dalby Art
Tokyo American Club
Emerald
Andaz
Asian Tigers Japan
Conrad Tokyo
DevilCraft
Eastern Carpets
Elana Jade
Godiva Japan Inc.
grapeoff
Hilton Osaka
Hilton Tokyo
Hilton Tokyo Bay
InterContinental Osaka
Japan Design Collective
Jupiter International Corporation
McLarty Associates
Minamiaoyama7chome Gyoseishoshi Office
pearls.jp
Riedel Japan
Shop Japan
Takata Co., Ltd.
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
Temple University Japan Campus
Yellow Toes Art Gallery
Winds of Change
After two years in virtual space, one of the largest annual events held by the ACCJ returned to its traditional in-person format on December 3, when chamber members and guests gathered at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku for Chicago: An Evening in the Windy City.
First in-person Charity Ball since 2019 brings the ACCJ together
After two years in virtual space, one of the largest annual events held by the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) returned to its traditional in-person format on December 3, when chamber members and guests gathered at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku for Chicago: An Evening in the Windy City.
The first live Charity Ball since 2019 kept some virtual aspects of the pandemic galas to give the whole chamber community—across the Tokyo, Chubu, and Kansai chapters—the opportunity to participate.
The goal was to raise funds for charity while also bringing one of the ACCJ’s most important social events back to life, and the evening was a roaring success thanks to a great venue; spectacular entertainment, inspired food, wine, and spirits; and a special guest: Chicago’s own Rahm Emanuel, US ambassador to Japan.
The Charity Ball Committee, with the help of the amazing ACCJ staff, worked together to make this event happen. But it would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors, all those who attended, and the many people who participated online in our raffle and auction.
With everyone’s support, we raised ¥4.5 million for charities, making a big difference in our ability to help those in need.
The Charity Ball Committee cannot thank our sponsors and the ACCJ community enough for making the event a success. We are grateful to each and every person involved, and extend a huge thank you to all!
Photo of Ambassador Emanuel: US Embassy, Tokyo • All other photos: Media Sense K.K.
President’s Circle Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Thomson Reuters
Bronze Sponsors
AIG Companies in Japan
Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd.
Prudential Financial, Inc.
Gold Sponsor
Boeing Japan K.K.
Mercury Sponsors
Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP
American Automobiles Space
NRK Sogo Kikaku Co. Ltd.
Prize Sponsors
Diamond
Air Canada
Aquasense Hotel & Resort
Delta Air Lines
Double Bounce Productions Inc.
Fufu Hakone
Herman Miller Japan, Ltd.
KOA Production Inc.
Marriott International, Inc.
MediaSense K.K.
MnK Niseko
United Airlines, Inc.
Vega Project K.K.
Ruby
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Hakuba Hotel Group
Sapphire
Amway Japan G.K.
Dhillon Marty Inc.
ELC Japan K.K. (Estée Lauder)
Mondelēz Japan Ltd.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Shop Japan
Sunrockers, Ltd.
Tokyo American Club
Emerald
All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Antenna America
Asian Tigers Mobility
Big Picture International, K.K.
Bistro Vino Cellars
Conrad Tokyo
DevilCraft
Eastern Carpets
Elana Jade
Enplus Inc.
Food-e
Godiva Japan Inc.
Hafele Japan K.K.
HARIBO Japan
Hilton Tokyo
Hilton Tokyo BayHotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen Garden
Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
Hyatt Regencv Kyoto
Jupiter International Corporation
M. ISHII & SONS
Northrop Grumman Japan
Palmer House
pearls.jp
Riedel Japan
Sazerac Japan
Simon Dalby Art
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
Temple University Japan Campus
Tsingtao Brewery
Yellow Toes Art Gallery
YouMeWe
An Evening in the Windy City
Despite being virtual, the 2020 and 2021 galas brought great fundraising success. But there’s no substitute for the vibrant atmosphere of a live event. So, the ACCJ Charity Ball Committee, in partnership with the ACCJ-Kansai Community Service Committee, has been hard at work to bring the Charity Ball back, live and in person. On December 3, we’ll unplug from virtual space and step back to a more analog era as we gather at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku to celebrate the Windy City itself: Chicago.
The ACCJ Charity Ball returns for an in-person celebration of Chicago
One of the most popular dates on the social calendar each year is in December. That’s when the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) hosts the annual Charity Ball. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020, the exciting gathering has been pushed online. But this year, the winds of change are blowing. On December 3, we’ll unplug from virtual space and step back to a more analog era as we gather at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku to celebrate the Windy City itself: Chicago.
Despite being virtual, the 2020 and 2021 galas brought great fundraising success. But there’s no substitute for the vibrant atmosphere of a live event. So, the ACCJ Charity Ball Committee, in partnership with the ACCJ-Kansai Community Service Committee, has been hard at work to bring the Charity Ball back, live and in person.
The theme will offer attendees a chance to experience Chicago—from food to music to spirits. And don’t worry, there’s no prohibition here! We hope you’ll dress the part and bring back the chorus lines of Chicago or that Blues Brothers look made famous by John Belushi and Dan Akroyd.
Community Support
While the Charity Ball is great fun, and a chance to close out the year by celebrating with friends and networking with business associates, it’s also an important opportunity to raise money for the local community. As the chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Charity Ball supports the ACCJ Community Service Fund, which provides assistance to recipients for whom relatively small donations have a significant impact.
This year, the selected charities focus on at-risk children—including homes and programs for these children—as well as the homeless and citizen science.
These charities include:
- The Mike Makino Fund
- The ACCJ Community Service Fund
- YMCA/ACCJ Ohisama Camp
- YouMeWe
- Children’s Shelter Okinawa
- Safecast
- Kansai Food Bank
- Minna no Gohan
- Kurumu
You can learn more about these charities on the ACCJ website. Details about the entertainers, food and drink, and the ever-popular raffle will be added as we get closer to the event.
Sponsorships are also available and are a great way to highlight your business while making a real difference in the community.
We look forward to seeing you on the streets of Chicago and toasting the return of the in-person Charity Ball!
December 3, 2022
Hilton Tokyo, Shinjuku
Tickets and details: accj.or.jp/charityball
No-Show Charity Ball
Last year, the coronavirus pandemic made planning one of the biggest dates on the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) calendar difficult, and the Charity Ball Committee (CBC) rose to the challenge with a successful online event that raised more than ¥7.4 million—topping the 2019 gala. Despite the hope that 2021 would see a return to the traditional format, it was once again impossible to plan such an event, so a fun and exciting online auction and raffle which will run December 1–11.
Annual ACCJ gala offers a chance to give through virtual raffle and auction
Last year, the coronavirus pandemic made planning one of the biggest dates on the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) calendar difficult, and the Charity Ball Committee (CBC) rose to the challenge with a successful online event that raised more than ¥7.4 million—topping the 2019 gala.
Despite the hope that 2021 would see a return to the traditional format, it was once again impossible to plan such an event. But as a cornerstone of the chamber’s fundraising for community support, the Charity Ball remains a top priority and the CBC has organized a fun and exciting online auction and raffle which will run December 1–11.
“Though much has changed over the past year, what remains consistent is ACCJ members’ passion for supporting and contributing to the communities in which we live and work,” said ACCJ President Jenifer Rogers. “Each year, we are grateful for ACCJ members’ enthusiastic and generous participation in the Charity Ball. This year is no exception.”
Charities
The CBC and the Community Service Advisory Council select several charities to promote, publicize, and support each year with the funds raised through the Charity Ball. Favored are smaller non-profit organizations (NPOs) with specific needs that work to help the homeless and support women’s issues, children, education, and US–Japan relations. Three NPOs to which the ACCJ donated in 2021 through the Community Service Fund are:
- Hands On Tokyo, which focuses on children’s homes, disaster relief, and those with special needs
- Mirai no Mori, which creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned children in Japan
- Save Food, which provides cooked food through Commune, a cafeteria where people can have meals together and connect
This year, the chosen charities focus on the homeless through the long-established Mike Makino Fund, which supports the Sanyukai homeless shelter as well as the Franciscan Chapel Center and Tokyo Union Church rice programs.
Money raised through this year’s Charity Ball will also support the ACCJ Community Service Funds for Tokyo and Kansai, which traditionally help our communities through food banks, local children’s homes, and programs that assist these shelters for at-risk children and women. For the first time, the ACCJ Kansai chapter is collaborating with the Tokyo chapter on fundraising through the Charity Ball.
“The Community Service Fund is an important part of our charitable giving as it enables us to respond quickly to urgent needs and emergencies that come up,” explained Barbara Hancock, who chairs the CBC and works each year with vice-chairs Lori Hewlett and Kevin Naylor to plan the big event.
Community
Many great entertainers have lent their talents to the Charity Ball over the years, including:
- Steve Gardner
- Felix Sonnyboy
- Kevin McHugh
- Erika Abe
- And more to come!
Due to restrictions on public gatherings, many have lost the opportunities to perform and make a living during the past two years. The CBC would like to highlight them this year and hope that you will support them as they recover from the pandemic.
Likewise, restaurants that have supported the Charity Ball, including Soul Food House and Devil Craft, have also faced businesses challenges, and the CBC encourages you to help these beloved members of our culinary community.
Auction
Singer-songwriter Felix Sonnyboy, in collaboration with artist Erika Abe, is auctioning off a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted sunflower-themed ukulele. The price for this item will include a one-hour ukulele lesson with Sonnyboy and a one-hour painting demo with Abe.
Together with Rambling Steve Gardner—a Charity Ball favorite—Sonnyboy is also presenting a private acoustic concert. The duo is offering either a performance at your office event or home party or a workshop/concert for your service organization, club, or school.
Gardner is also making available some of his amazing photographs from the Old South that are in his book Rambling Mind, which traces the blues across Mississippi in stunning black-and-white imagery.
Art lovers will be thrilled by a major offering organized by 2018 ACCJ Volunteer of the Year (Kansai) Royi Akavia, who is a long-term supporter of ACCJ featured charity Food Bank Kansai. For this year’s auction, Akavia and his companies—Double Bounce Productions, Inc. and KOA Production, Inc.—have arranged a donation which includes art by both himself and six other artists: DAAS, Eamon Harrington, Clifford Land, Roberto Mitrotti, Dorit Schwartz, and Shlomo Tuvia. A curated selection will be available for bid.
More enticing auction items are expected between publication of this issue of The ACCJ Journal and the start of the event. Join us!
While the No-Show format is a departure from the traditional year-end gala, it builds on the great success of last year’s virtual event and offers even more opportunities for ACCJ members and their guests to support the chamber’s mission of helping the community and those in need.
“We look forward to your support for our charities and those who continue to struggle through the prolonged pandemic,” said Hancock. “Please watch our website for updates. We look forward to your participation!”