SKAL International Osaka

29/07/2026

29/07/2026

The host of the memorable 1st Mid-Term Meeting of SKAL Club of Osaka, held in June, was W Osaka. W Osaka celebrated its 5th anniversary of opening in March 2026, and we offer our heartfelt congratulations.

On that occasion, General Manager Mr. Peter Lucas kindly offered a lunch course at MYDO, the teppanyaki restaurant on the 1st floor of W Osaka, for the members of S KAL Club of Osaka. Ms. Lee won the drawing, and she attended the lunch gathering accompanied by fellow members Sumita and Ito (the cost for the one additional guest was covered personally).

The course the three of them ordered featured Nakamura beef from Miyazaki, known for its sweet, rich fat — the more you chew, the more its deliciousness comes through. It was served with soy sauce from Sakai, black pepper from Cambodia, salt from Argentine Patagonia (Messi’s homeland), and Japanese wasabi.

Supported by the wonderful hospitality of the staff, we spent a truly delightful time.

23/07/2026

Skål International Osaka held its July gathering on July 6 at Atmos Dining, located on the 40th floor of Conrad Osaka, a luxury hotel in Nakanoshima, Osaka.
This month’s event was a casual Beer Night, open not only to members but also to their friends and families. As Conrad Osaka’s General Manager, Leo-san, is originally from the UK, the evening was themed around an English Pub, with “checks” as the dress code. Guests embraced the theme by incorporating checked shirts, ties, trousers, and accessories into their outfits, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
The evening began with welcome remarks from President Kawasaki and Leo-san, followed by the traditional SKÅL TOAST. Rather than a formal course menu, Executive Chef Yamada presented a creative buffet featuring a variety of dishes, accompanied by British beers and a wide selection of drinks.
Franck -san then introduced Conrad Osaka, followed by a fun team-based Beer Quiz, which filled the room with laughter and friendly competition. The winning team received original Skål International Osaka caps and tote bags. During the traditional lucky draw, Omote-san, President of Borderless Co., Ltd., won a dining voucher.
With stunning nighttime views of Osaka from the 40th floor, a spacious and elegant setting, thoughtful cuisine, and warm hospitality, the evening left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
As a special farewell gift, each guest received a Conrad Bear, Conrad Osaka’s beloved mascot. It was a heartwarming summer gathering that brought members, families, and friends closer together in true Skål International Osaka spirit.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the hotel and restaurant teams for creating such a memorable evening.

Photo & Text / Ricky Takino

01/07/2026

On June 8, I attended the first SKÅL Tokyo Lunch Meeting at Tokyo Station Hotel. I was very happy and honored to be part of this special first lunch meeting.
Before lunch, we joined a mini seminar about GREEN×EXPO 2027, which will be held in Yokohama from March next year. During the 30-minute presentation, we learned about the concept of the Expo, the pavilions, and other event information. Everyone listened with great interest.
At the beginning of lunch, we enjoyed a toast with champagne. After that, only soft drinks were served.
The lunch was wonderful. We had a seafood and summer vegetable salad, consommé mousse, Japanese Wagyu beef steak, dessert, and coffee or tea. It was a very special lunch.

Although it was my first Lunch Meeting, I had a new and valuable experience. I really enjoyed the meeting and had a wonderful time.
Thank you very much to everyone at SKÅL Tokyo. I hope to see you again soon.
Photo & Text: Mika Nishio

20/06/2026

Skål International Osaka June Monthly Meeting at W Osaka

The June Monthly Meeting of Skål International Osaka was held on June 15 at the luxury lifestyle hotel W Osaka in Shinsaibashi.

Prior to the regular meeting, Skål International Osaka conducted its first-ever Mid-Term Meeting, where members reviewed the Additional Rules and discussed the club’s operational direction and key initiatives for 2027.
Following a welcome reception, guests moved to the event venue, “Stage,” where the evening’s program officially began. The event was expertly emceed by Saito-san, Secretary of Skål International Osaka. Tae Kawasaki, President of Skål International Osaka, delivered the welcome address, followed by remarks from Peter-san, General Manager of W Osaka. The celebration then commenced with a spirited Skål Toast shared by all attendees.
Guests enjoyed a specially curated course menu prepared by Executive Chef Hayami while taking part in an engaging program that included a presentation on W Osaka by Yokoyama-san and a report speech by Tait-san on the 46th Skål International Japan National Congress.
The traditional lucky draw, featuring hotel dining vouchers as prizes, generated great excitement throughout the room, with Lee-san taking home one of the coveted prizes. At the conclusion of the evening, attendees received W Osaka’s original stationery set and folding fan as commemorative gifts, which were very well received.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the entire team at W Osaka for creating such a memorable evening through their warm hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and outstanding service in a truly remarkable setting.

Photo & Text: Ricky Takino

25/05/2026

The May Monthly Meeting of Skål International Osaka was held on May 18 at DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle.
Guests first gathered at the 6th floor lounge “SEN,” where they enjoyed a welcome reception accompanied by panoramic views overlooking Osaka Castle, before moving to the “Sakura Room” on the 7th floor.
The MC for the evening was Ito-san, while Skål International Osaka President Tae Kawasaki opened the event with a welcome speech and an introduction to the “One Member One Tree” initiative. This was followed by greetings from General Manager Maekawa-san, before the evening officially began with the traditional SKÅL Toast.
Guests enjoyed a beautifully curated course dinner paired with wines selected by the hotel, while Maekawa-san also gave an engaging presentation introducing the Hilton brand. In addition, Seth Sulkin-san of Skål International Tokyo shared insights into the opening of the first international hotel brand in Osaka’s Nishinari area, which drew great interest from attendees.
The always-popular lucky draw, featuring hotel dining vouchers, added excitement to the evening, and guests were delighted to receive the hotel’s signature rusks and chocolate chip cookies as farewell gifts.
Our sincere thanks go to all of the hotel staff for creating such a memorable and wonderful evening.
Photo & Text / Ricky Takino, Communications of Skål Osaka
https://doubletree-osaka-castle.hiltonjapan.co.jp/
# doubletree-osaka-castle
# Skål International Osaka

16/04/2026

The April Monthly Dinner Meeting of Skål International Osaka was held on April 6 at the Imperial Hotel Osaka, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
The evening began with a welcome reception at Apollon on the 22nd floor. As the sun set, guests enjoyed drinks while taking in breathtaking views of the Okawa River lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom—an unforgettable moment of spring.
Guests then moved to the banquet room Pisces on the same floor, where the entire space was beautifully transformed with a “SAKURA” theme. From the table arrangements to the overall ambiance, everything was adorned in cherry blossom motifs. Combined with the illuminated night blossoms visible outside, the venue was instantly filled with a festive hanami atmosphere.
The evening was once again skillfully emceed by Mr. Akihiro Saito. Opening remarks were delivered by Skål Osaka President Tae Kawasaki and Mr. Akihiro Iio, Deputy General Manager and Director of Rooms at Imperial Hotel Osaka. The event officially commenced with a celebratory SKÅL toast by all attendees.
The exquisite course menu, created by Executive Chef Yoshiyuki Takahashi, delighted guests with both its visual elegance and exceptional flavors. Each dish was met with admiration as it was served.
During the member presentation, Mr. Yukihiko Hibino of R-PROJECT INCORPORATED, which operates the international luxury ryokan consortium The Ryokan Collection, took the stage. His presentation provided a valuable and enriching learning opportunity—truly a hallmark of the Skål experience.
The evening continued with a lively Lucky Draw, where Mr. Kusunoki won a dining voucher from Imperial Hotel Osaka, adding excitement and energy to the room.
To conclude, a group photo was taken, capturing everyone’s smiles at their brightest. As a thoughtful gesture, guests received original sweets from the hotel along with “Imperial Fragrance SAKURA,” a scent inspired by cherry blossoms—an elegant gift that allowed the experience to linger even after the evening ended.
Surrounded by refined elegance, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality, this monthly meeting was a truly memorable celebration of the arrival of spring.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Imperial Hotel Osaka for their gracious hospitality.

https://www.imperialhotel.co.jp/osaka
# Imperial Hotel Osaka
# Skål International Osaka

11/03/2026

The 46th SKAL Japan National Congress Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya 2026.3.2
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The 46th SKÅL Japan National Congress was held on March 2 at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Court Nagoya in Nagoya. A total of 31 participants gathered, including nine members from Osaka as well as members from Tokyo and Nagoya. In addition, the President and Vice President from Taichung, Taiwan, the twin club of the Nagoya Club, also joined the event, adding an international dimension and creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

For the first time in SKÅL Japan’s history, all club presidents are women, marking a new leadership structure that reflects the changing times. At this year’s National Congress, the SKÅL Japan committee members were also newly appointed. Mr. Victor Osumi, who served as National President for four years, received warm words of appreciation and a round of heartfelt applause from the participants. Under the new leadership, Mr. Masato Takamatsu from the Tokyo Club assumed the role of National President, marking the beginning of a new chapter for SKÅL Japan.

During the event, guests enjoyed a signature course dinner prepared by the hotel while deepening friendships and professional connections at each table. On stage, a lively Nagoya-style Yosakoi dance performance entertained the audience. The modern yet charming and energetic performance greatly energized the room and delighted the participants.

During the morning activity before the National Congress, an optional inspection tour of the popular theme park Ghibli Park was organized for interested participants, making it a fulfilling day that perfectly marked the start of the new leadership term.