Beginnings – The club was founded in the fall of 1951 by four women to offer hospitality and assistance to the newly arrived wives of the staff at the recently established Japanese Government Overseas Agency.  An initial luncheon was held with about 16 ladies, both Japanese and American, in attendance.  The group was agreed to be called the Japan – U.S. Women’s Club. Membership was 22 ladies.

The Early Years: In 1952- 1955, monthly membership meetings were established and, with the establishment of the Japanese Embassy, activities expanded quickly.  The name was changed twice, and finally became the Washington-Tokyo Women’s Club. Officers were elected, a simple constitution was established and the Otomodachi idea was developed.  A Nominating Committee was formed, nationalities other than Japanese and American were permitted as associate members, and six special interest groups were formed: Cooking, Bridge, Flower Arranging, Mah Jong, English Conversation and Art Appreciation.  The Club grew to 74 Members.

The late 1950’s and 1960’s.  The Nakayoshi was founded, the Symphony and Sewing groups were added and Princess Michiko was a guest of the Club.  The constitution was revised and translated into Japanese.  The Club established an Honorary Membership category and Japanese ladies were invited to become members of the Club, rather than automatically becoming members. The Club grew to 140 members.

 The 1970’s.   Otomodachi Luncheons were established. Tennis, Golf, Children’s Celebrations and Special Events were added as special activity groups.   The Club celebrated its 25^th anniversary and membership reached 209 members.

The 1980’s. Numerous new Special activity groups were added: Taste of America, Tour Washington, Quilting, Chorus, and Evening couples.  Additionally, a new group, Life in the American Way, was introduced apart from the Special Activities Groups to meet periodically to acquaint newcomers with life in America, particularly Washington DC. The constitution was amended to limit membership to 250, to provide associate status for Japanese members, and also provided two new categories of membership, Supporting and Absentee.  The club published a cookbook and contributed money to plant two cherry trees along the Tidal Basin.  The club applied for tax-exempt status. 

The 1990’s. The club added Handicrafts, Birding and AINJLS (Assistance in Japanese Language Study).  Membership reached the maximum limit.  The constitution was changed to become the by-laws.  Otomodachis were changed to pair for one year rather than twice a year as had previously been done. 

The New Century. The Club celebrated its 50^th Anniversary with many memorable moments.  The Friendship group was added as a Special Activity group.  The by-laws were revised and a new senior membership category – Auxiliary Membership.