1971–1974: Azabudai

A decision in 1971 by the Board of Governors proved historic. “The Club must provide space for any U.S. Citizen who wishes to join,” it ruled. With American businessmen now arriving in droves, the Club set up its first Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC), charged with developing an ambitious plan for expansion.

Construction of a new Club at Azabudai began in 1972 with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by a Shinto priest to dispel evil spirits. The project involved razing the recreation building, the swimming pool and half of the main building. The Club then shifted to the partially completed new facility while the old building was replaced. The Club was officially closed for business for only one day.