NYU Alumni Club in Japan

The NYU Alumni Club in Japan marked the relaxing of coronavirus restrictions by holding an event called “World EATrip 2021: Year End Rally - Imaginary Travel through quintessential food around the world.”

This was the first in-person event organized by the NYU Alumni Club in Japan in around 1.5 years, and was held from October 2021 through April 2022, to support NYU and to enhance and renew the lifelong NYU experience for all alumni during the COVID-19 era.

The event consisted of 10 small gatherings held at restaurants serving cuisines from various countries. The concept was to go on an imaginary journey by exploring cuisines from different parts of the world. Participants brought along their passports, which were checked by alumni committee members dressed as a pilot or flight attendant who then presented them with handmade boarding passes to welcome them on the “journey.” NYU goods were offered to the “most active frequent flyers”—the participants who attended the most gatherings.

The event helped to bring together NYU alumni and friends face-to-face in a creative and exciting way. It served to reinforce the bonds of alumni to NYU and to each other during unprecedented times. It also allowed participants to virtually travel to different countries at a time when international travel was difficult, and to celebrate and experience other cultures through cuisine.

It was organized in place of the usual large year-end event, which was not possible due to restrictions on large gatherings. Each of the gathering was limited to around 8 people, making them safe, small and cozy enough that all of the participants could converse and connect with each other in a relaxed and carefree environment.

Cuisines included those from France, Italy, Mexico, Russia, China and Japan. One of the dinners was held in Kyoto – the first time an NYU Alumni Club in Japan event has been held outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area. The aim was to involve and welcome NYU alumni in other parts of the country who might have found it difficult to take part in Japan alumni events, which usually take place in Tokyo.

The final stop of the “journey” was held at the recently opened Tokyo branch of the Peter Luger Steak House—one of New York City’s oldest and most famous steakhouses, which many NYU alumni have fond memories of frequenting during their time as a student. Participants were able to reminisce about their time in New York and at NYU.

The series was a big hit, with tickets selling out for every gathering. Tickets to the Peter Luger Steak House Tokyo dinner, in particular, sold out in under 6 hours, making it the fastest-selling gathering in the history of the club. Around 80 people took part in the event in total, with 20 of them being alumni who attended an NYU alumni event for the first time. Participants were highly satisfied with the series, and several people attended more than one gathering. The event served to build and reinforce the NYU community in Japan and contribute to fostering a lifelong connection to NYU.