The Nippon Club held its annual December Holiday Party on Thursday, December 19 at the Nippon Club Tower. The first half of the event was a luxurious buffet dinner while members mingled and enjoyed each other’s company.

A JAZZ bar was opened on the 4th floor Bar & Grill, where guests enjoyed live music by the Keita Ogawa Jazz Trio.

From left in photo, Yasushi Nakamura (Bassist), Adam Birnbaum (Jazz Pianist), and Keita Ogawa (Percussionist & Drummer)

The second half of the entertainment was hosted by Ms. Christina Maxwell and Mr. Maeda, Vice President & Assistant Secretary of the Nippon Club, a great host that worked well together.

First, Mr. Sayu Ueno, President of the Nippon Club (President & CEO, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.) gave opening remarks.

Next, we introduces our kitchen staff. The buffet dinner served at the party was prepared by Ms. Suzuki, Mr. Hsu, and Mr. Tashiro, along with Mr. Sugiura, and Mr. Kageyama. They are always conscious of serving delicious food to our guests and making them feel comfortable at the Nippon Club restaurant.

Center in the photo, from left, Ms. Suzuki, Mr. Hsu, and Mr. Tashiro

And the entertainment was a concert by a splendid cast titled “Holy Night Concert ~The Phantom of the Opera~.” Performing was Ms. Meghan Picerno, a musical actor with a background as an opera singer, who played the lead role of Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Mr. Jay Armstrong Johnson, actor, singer, and dancer, best known for his Broadway role as Viscount Raoul Chagny in “Phantom of the Opera” and as Will Olsen in the ABC television series “Quantico.” Piano performance by Dan Micciche, well-known music director, conductor, and vocal coach

In a once-in-a-lifetime performance that could only be seen at this concert, they performed famous songs from the Broadway musical “The Phantom of the Opera” and Christmas songs.

Mr. Sayu Ueno, President of the Nippon Club also participated in the concert as a special guest.

Finale Greeting. From left, Mr, Dan Micciche (Piano), Ms. Meghan Picerno, and Mr. Jay Armstrong Johnson.

As a special event, Ms. Koh, a New York artist and one of the permanent artists at the Nippon Club WEB Gallery, was displayed at the party venue for a silent auction.

From left to right, Ms. Christina Maxwell, artist Ms. Koh, Ms. Meghan Picerno, and Mr. Maeda. Ms. Koh’s aerworks can be viewed in the Nippon Club Web Gallery.

At the end of the event, everyone enjoyed the announcement of the raffle drawings. The party ended with great excitement for the gorgeous prizes that our sponsors provided.