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The
Japan-British Society was founded in 1908 to encourage the study
of things British and to promote cordial relations between the peoples
of Great Britain and Japan. The Society had long been a private
organisation but was reformed and established as a Shadan Hojin
in November 2000.
Today this thriving body
has over two thousand members and is supported by over 100 Japanese
and British companies. It provides an important and attractive forum
within which members of both nationalities can meet on an informal
and friendly basis with interest in things British as the common
denominator. However, the Society also offers British members an
un-rivalled opportunity to find out more about Japan and the Japanese,
and the many activities allow frequent social contact. Under the
patronage of the Imperial Family, and with full co-operation from
the British Embassy and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
the Society nonetheless is comprised of individuals from all walks
of life, and welcomes anyone interested in the cause of Anglo-Japanese
relations. The Society is under the patronage of H.I.H. Prince Tomohito
of Mikasa, and the President is H.E.The British Ambassador to Japan.
It should be emphasised that the Japan-British Society is much more
than a formal government sponsored society, in that it offers many
opportunities for informal contact between British and Japanese
members and can lay the groundwork for a better understanding of,
and a closer relationship between, the peoples of both countries.
The regular functions of the year for the main body of the membership
are the Annual Dinner in late November or early December, the Spring
Gala Party in April, the Princess Chichibu Memorial Lecture, outings
to places of interest around Japan, tours to Britain, the Annual
Golf Tournament for the Princess Chichibu Trophy. Receptions are
arranged periodically to welcome prominent guests from the UK, ranging
from members of the Royal Family to leading members of the Government.
Other visitors, including major figures in the fields of business,
culture and sports, are entertained at lunch and asked to give a
brief address. Arrangements are made for Members and their children
to attend several English-language courses held in the UK.
Lady members of the Japan-British Society may join the
Elizabeth-Kai, which presents a varied programme of cultural events
and outings, and provides many opportunities for Japanese and British
ladies to meet informally and share mutual interests. There are
more than 200 members divided into seven groups, each of which organises
its own detailed programme, whilst major events of the year, especially
the annual tea party given by the wife of the British Ambassador,
are open to ladies from all these groups.
For members of the Society under 30 years of age there is the Junior
Group, which arranges an active programme bringing together younger
people to discover and develop a variety of common interests in
a friendly and informal manner. The monthly functions range from
the annual Christmas party, the Mochitsuki (rice pounding) Shinnenkai
and pub nights, film evenings, BBQ and cherry blossom viewing at
the British Embassy. |
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