There are a variety of regular events to engage and inspire members.

Social Programs
Connections hosts day, evening, seasonal and themed events from September through May.

Regular events include outdoor barbecue in September, a holiday luncheon in December and an annual general meeting in May, when the group's board of directors is elected.

Monthly Connections
Three forums for meeting and mingling:

• Coffee Connections
  Held on the last Monday of the month, this relaxed gathering allows Tokyo newcomers and longtime residents to connect, share experiences and enjoy coffee with friends.
• Culture Connections
  Held on the first Monday of each month, this international get-together allows for guided conversations on timely topics. Learn about other cultures and customs, practice your language skills and enjoy new companions in a welcoming environment.
• Cocktail Connections
  Held on the second Wednesday of the month, this is a fun, informal happy hour with complimentary appetizers on the third floor. New Connections members and those celebrating their birthdays during the month receive a complimentary glass of happy hour wine or beer.

Tokyo: Here & Now
A comprehensive two-day orientation program held yearly, Tokyo: Here & Now features practical presentations on local healthcare, dealing with emergencies, cultural adjustment, Japanese culture and cuisine, travel, shopping and more.

This is an opportunity for expats to learn how to make the most of their time in Tokyo from local experts.

Find a new passion or expand your skills through the wide range of spring and fall enrichment classes led by experienced instructors and guides:

● Art & Crafts
● Cuisine
● Culture & Excursions
● Language & Lifestyle
● Online

The ¥3,500 class registration fee is waived for Connections members. Class and material fees vary.

Connections organizes an annual calendar of fun and educational tours, from day trips to overnight excursions.

Tours have included festivals, Tokyo neighborhoods, hikes, outlet shopping, cultural destinations and gardens.

Connections members enjoy advanced registration and discounted tour fees.

Through its various annual sales and fundraising efforts, Connections raises millions of yen for local charities each year and adjusts its contributions based on the immediate needs of those charities.

Sales Events
The International Bazaar and Decor! bring together dozens of vendors and specialists for multiday shopping extravaganzas. The Nearly New Sale allows members to repurpose their excess belongings to support the group's fundraising efforts. Net proceeds benefit charities.

Carpet Auction
Hosted by Eastern Carpets of Singapore, this evening of carpet appreciation, socializing and bidding is a fun way to support selected charities.

Charity Drives
During the Salvation Army and Sanyukai charity drives, Connections collects used clothing and other items for donation to these two local charities.

Donations
Connections supports a number of local charities that have insufficient fundraising resources or government support. Occasionally, funds are used for international disaster relief efforts.

Donations in 2022 totaled ¥7.8 million to the following recipients:

• A Dream A Day in Tokyo (¥200,000)
  Provides support for children with incurable diseases and their families.
• A Place for You (¥250,000)
  Online Japanese language support service.
• Animal Refuge Kansai (¥600,000)
  Animal rescue organization and shelter.
• Family House (¥800,000)
  Provides temporary housing for families of hospitalized children with cancer and other serious illnesses.
• Minato Kodomo Shokudo (¥550,000)
  Minato-based nonprofit providing food and meals for families.
• Multicultural Center Tokyo (¥800,000)
  Support organization for immigrant children and families.
• Musubie (¥750,000)
  Japan-wide children's cafeterias providing free or low-cost meals.
• Resilience (¥500,000)
  Provides support to victims of domestic abuse.
• Salvation Army Japan (¥1 million)
  International charitable organization.
• Sanyukai (¥1 million)
  Provides homeless people in Tokyo with medical care, food, clothing, support and other services.
  
• TELL (¥800,000)
  Multilingual counseling and support services.
  
• The Big Issue Japan (¥550,000)
  Supports the homeless through a magazine enterprise.
  
  

The Connections board oversees the activities of the organization.

President
Vanessa Thomas

Vice President
Kara Smith

Director of Finance
Sawa Okano

Director of Culture
Rohini Verma

Director of Charities
Gabriele Kirschner

Director of Communications
Marie Briganti

Director of Community
Christa Wallington

Director of Administration
Donna Beeman