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Davidson on Rotary in Japan

We have an additional glimpse into the origins of Rotary in Japan, and the Tokyo club, from Honorary General Commissioner in Asia Jim Davidson, who was quoted by his wife, Lillian Dow Davidson, in “Making New Friends”, a book about the travels and people found on Jim Davidson’s trek through the Middle East and Far East for Rotary International. With him for the entire travel were his wife and their young daughter, Marjory.

 

Davidson’s objective was to establish new Rotary clubs, and he spent US$250,000 of his own money on the trip. Because the trip was to start clubs, he didn’t spend much time in areas where Rotary was already well established, but he did have a short stay in Japan, which was to enable Davidson to make official calls on the clubs.

 

Doug Rudman

 

Davidson on Rotary in Japan

 

"Rotary was first introduced to Japan at Tokyo in March, 1920, by K. Fukushima, who had been a member of the Dallas (Texas) club. Walter L. Johnstone, past president of the Shanghai club, also rendered some assistance.

Umekichi Yoneyama, a well-known financier, for years with the famous Mitsui Company, was approached and gave hearty cooperation. In fact, the spread of Rotary in Japan, which followed, was largely due to his efforts. His influence throughout Japan, his delightful personality, and his enthusiasm for Rotary were irresistible and Rotary International owes much to him. He served as president, governor of his district, was on one of the international committees, and was an international director. He is without doubt one of our great Rotarians.

 

"The Tokyo club has a membership of about 156 with an attendance often reaching 85 per cent, unusually high for the East. It meets in a magnificent private club building in a banquet room of really unique beauty. In all respects, I believe the Tokyo club to be one of the finest we possess in Rotary. I must mention the Tokyo Club Bulletin, issued in English by the inimitable Rotarian Kitashima, affectionately known as 'Kitty.' It has a wide circulation beyond Japan and it is doubtful if there is any club publication more welcome to the fortunate Rotarians receiving it. It is printed in both English and Japanese.

 

"In addition to Tokyo, there are most successful clubs at Osaka, Kobe, Yokohama, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, also at Keijo, Korea, and Taihoku, Formosa."

 

Photo: Jim Davidson and his daughter Margory

 

Read a tribute to Jim Davidson by RI president Allen Albert.
 
 

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