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Exclusive for TOMODACHI Participants:Apply to the Drucker For Future Japanese Leaders (DFJL)
Announcing the Drucker For Future Japanese Leaders (DFJL) program, exclusively for past TOMODACHI program participants. The TOMODACHI Initiative is now accepting applications!...more -
Launch of the TOMODACHI Burger
The TOMODACHI burger was launched at the Wendy’s Omotesando Store on April 26, 2013! ...more -
TOMODACHI NGO Leadership Program supported by J.P. Morgan
The TOMODACHI Initiative and J.P. Morgan have announced the TOMODACHI NGO Leadership Program supported by J.P. Morgan...more -
Secretary Kerry Dialogue with TOMODACHI Youth 2013
On April 14, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with 20 TOMODACHI Generation students at the residence of U.S. Ambassador John Roos....more -
Apply Now: TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
The TOMODACHI Initiative is now accepting applications for the 2013 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program! ...more -
TOMODACHI Summer 2013 Coca-Cola Educational Homestay Program
Coca-Cola and the TOMODACHI Initiative have announced the students who have been selected for the TOMODACHI Summer 2013 Coca-Cola Educational Homestay Program!...more -
TOMODACHI Clinton Global Initiative University Fellows to the U.S.
On April 4, 2013, representatives from the U.S. Embassy, TOMODACHI, and Delta Airlines met with the four TOMODACHI Clinton Global Initiative University Fellows at Narita International Airport before their flight to the U.S. ...more -
TOMODACHI, Wendy’s Japan Announce The “TOMODACHI Burger”
The TOMODACHI Initiative and Wendy’s Japan are proud to announce a special campaign to create a “TOMODACHI Burger” in Spring 2013!...more -
TOMODACHI BEYOND Tomorrow Global Leadership Academy 2013
Alumni from the TOMODACHI Summer 2012 Programs attended the TOMODACHI BEYOND Tomorrow Global Leadership Academy 2013 from March 8-10, 2013 in Tokyo....more -
TOMODACHI x NIKE GO GIRL PROJECT Launched
The TOMODACHI Initiative is supporting Nike Japan’s launch of the “TOMODACHI x NIKE GO GIRL PROJECT”, which fosters friendship and bonding among two groups of young female Japanese and American collegiate athletes...more -
Apply Now: TOMODACHI Summer 2013 SoftBank Leadership Program
The TOMODACHI Initiative and SoftBank have closed applications for the TOMODACHI Summer 2013 SoftBank Leadership Program....more -
Apply Now: TOMODACHI MUFG 2013 International Exchange Program
This 2nd TOMODACHI MUFG International Exchange Program is providing high school students residing in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County with an opportunity to participate in a two-week people-to-people exchange and learning prog...more
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Exclusive for TOMODACHI Participants:Apply to the Drucker For Future Japanese Leaders (DFJL)
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Launch of the TOMODACHI Burger
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TOMODACHI NGO Leadership Program supported by J.P. Morgan
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Secretary Kerry Dialogue with TOMODACHI Youth 2013
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Apply Now: TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
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TOMODACHI Summer 2013 Coca-Cola Educational Homestay Program
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TOMODACHI Clinton Global Initiative University Fellows to the U.S.
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TOMODACHI, Wendy’s Japan Announce The “TOMODACHI Burger”
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TOMODACHI BEYOND Tomorrow Global Leadership Academy 2013
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TOMODACHI x NIKE GO GIRL PROJECT Launched
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Apply Now: TOMODACHI Summer 2013 SoftBank Leadership Program
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Apply Now: TOMODACHI MUFG 2013 International Exchange Program
- American Dialogue featuring the TOMODACHI Initiative
- Exclusive for TOMODACHI Participants:Apply to the Drucker For Future Japanese Leaders (DFJL)
- Apply to be a Mentor Now: TOMODACHI Women’s Leadership Program
- World Gardening Fair at Hotel Okura Tokyo for TOMODACHI
- Launch of the TOMODACHI Burger
- TOMODACHI NGO Leadership Program supported by J.P. Morgan
- Secretary Kerry Dialogue with TOMODACHI Youth 2013
- Apply Now: TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
- TOMODACHI Summer 2013 Coca-Cola Educational Homestay Program
- TOMODACHI Clinton Global Initiative University Fellows to the U.S.
- United Airlines Becomes a Proud Sponsor of the TOMODACHI Initiative
- TOMODACHI, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Announce New Leadership Program
- TOMODACHI, Wendy’s Japan Announce The “TOMODACHI Burger”
- TOMODACHI, Nike Launch the “TOMODACHI x NIKE GO GIRL PROJECT”
- TOMODACHI, SoftBank Announce 2013 Leadership Program
- TOMODACHI, U.S. and Japanese Governments Help Tohoku Leaders Study U.S. Disaster Recovery Measures
- TOMODACHI, UNIQLO Announce New Education Fellowship
- Winner of TOMODACHI Tohoku Challenge Business Plan Competition Announced
- Youth Affected by the March 11 Disasters Have an American Summer Camp Experience in Japan
- Tohoku Students Prepare to Travel to the University of California, Berkeley for the “TOMODACHI Summer 2012 SOFTBANK Leadership Program”
- Tomodachi Program Lets Youths Dream Anew
- (日本語) ランニングで友情深めよう
- Granderson to Take Part in Re-Opening of Ishinomaki Municipal Baseball Stadium
- Q&A: After Quake, U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos Sees a Resurgent Entrepreneurial Culture
- Tomodachi Fund Helps Earthquake Affected Students Study Abroad
- Aichi Students Develop Disaster Recovery Project
- Fukushima Taiko Drummers Japan’s Newest Stateside Export
- Photos: American Dialogue featuring the TOMODACHI Initiative
- PHOTOS: TOMODACHI in San Diego 2013
- PHOTOS: Launch of the TOMODACHI Burger by Wendy’s
- PHOTOS: Secretary Kerry Dialog with TOMODACHI Youth
- PHOTOS: TOMODACHI BEYOND Tomorrow 2013 Global Leadership Academy
- PHOTOS: TOMODACHI x NIKE GO GIRL PROGRAM
- VIDEO: ANA’s TOMODACHI Plane Lands at Narita Airport
- PHOTOS: Yokosuka Homestay Program Dec 2012
- PHOTOS: MLB & TOMODACHI Reopen Ishinomaki Baseball Field
- PHOTOS: TOMODACHI at Cloudforce Japan 2012
- （日本語）TOMODACHI活動アップデート
- Update from Team TOMODACHI: April 2013
- Update from Team TOMODACHI: January 2013
- (日本語) TOMODACHIチームからの最新情報 (2012年11月)
- Update from Team TOMODACHI: November 2012
- Update from Team TOMODACHI: October 2012
- Update from Team TOMODACHI: August 2012
- Update from Team TOMODACHI: July 2012
What is the TOMODACHI Initiative?
FRIENDSHIP - We provide opportunities for young Japanese and Americans to learn from and be inspired by each other, to develop a sense of common interest and common cause, and to form bonds that enable them to work together to take on any challenge or opportunity.
LEADERSHIP - We believe that each person can and should make a positive difference in their communities, for their countries, and for the entire world. We encourage and empower youth to be actively engaged citizens who strive to make the world a better place for themselves and for others.
HOPE - We seek not only to give hope to the next generation of Japanese and Americans, but to give them the tools to turn their hopes and dreams into reality, working together as friends and leaders.
To advance our vision, TOMODACHI supports activities in the following areas:
Educational & Exchange Programs enrich and inspire young Japanese and Americans by providing educational opportunities for students to study abroad as well as gain exposure to each other’s countries.
Cultural Programs in sports, music, and the arts provide gateways for Japanese and Americans to learn about and develop enduring interest in each other’s cultures.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership Programs help the next generation of entrepreneurs and young leaders get access to skills and expertise that will guide them towards success.
Meet the TOMODACHI Generation
Ryo Serizawa
Ryo Serizawa is a second-year student at Iwaki High School in Fukushima Prefecture. He participated in the TOMODACHI Summer 2012 Softbank Leadership Program at the University of California, Berkeley. Read his story »
Shiho Abe
Shiho Abe is a third-year student at Ishinomaki Municipal Girl’s High School. She participated in the TOMODACHI-MUFG International Exchange Program in Southern California. Read her story »
Hikaru Suzuki
Hikaru Suzuki is a second-year student at Soma High School in Fukushima Prefecture. She participated in the TOMODACHI Summer 2012 Coca-Cola Educational Homestay Program and had an opportunity to live in Salem, Oregon. Read her story »
Yusuke Ito
Yusuke Ito is from Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture and is a third-year student and Student Council member at Kesenuma Municipal Karakuwa Middle School. He participated in the 2012 Japan-America Grassroots Summit in North Texas. Read his story »
Minori Endo
Minori Endo lives in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture and is a first-year student at Ishinomaki Senshu University. She participated in the TOMODACHI Summer 2012 BEYOND Tomorrow U.S. Program. Read her story »
Keita Abe
Keita Abe is a third-year Business Management student at Ishinomaki Senshu University and a native of Osaki City in Miyagi Prefecture. He participated in the 1st TOMODACHI TAC-Keio SFC Entrepreneurship Seminar and Business Plan Competition in February 2012. Read his story »
Ayaka Ogawa
Ayaka Ogawa lost her entire family on March 11, 2011 when the tsunami struck her hometown of Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture. She moved to the United States in the Fall of 2012 for a one-year study program in Michigan, and shared her initial impressions with us. Read her story »
Haruna Shiraiwa
Haruna participated in the TOMODACHI Summer 2012 Softbank Leadership Program at the University of California, Berkeley. After returning to Japan, she established TOMOTRA
, which offers tours of Iwaki City. Read her story »
Emi Kamemoto
Emi participated in two TOMODACHI youth dialogues between Japanese and American students that explored the impact of the March 11th disasters on young people and ways to empower the TOMODACHI Generation. She shared her impressions with us. Read her story »
Be a Part of the TOMODACHI Generation!
- Apply to the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program (Deadline: May 17, 2013 for U.S. Delegation to Japan)
- Apply to the TOMODACHI Fellows Program
- Apply to the TOMODACHI UNIQLO Fellowship
Meet the TOMODACHI Donors
Why do top Japanese and U.S. business leaders support TOMODACHI?
Masayoshi Son
SOFTBANK Corp.
Akio Toyoda
Toyota Motor Corporation
Tadashi Yanai
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Dan Sayre
Coca-Cola (Japan)
Masayoshi Son (Chairman and CEO, Softbank)
"The students from the disaster-affected areas will have difficult times ahead. But, if through this program I can change one, even two lives which will in turn affect their families, our children and our friends, and they are provided the opportunity to challenge themselves, to realize that the world is a big place and that the skies are high and blue out there in the world, I will have done my part." Read more »
Akio Toyoda (President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation)
"[ I] was invited to the US Embassy to listen to a woman [Ayaka Ogawa] speak. I remember to this day about what she said — how we 'gave her a dream.' Something terrible had happened in her life but she was trying to move forward, pursuing a dream, and I was able to be a part of providing that dream to her." Read more »
Tadashi Yanai (Founder and President, Fast Retailing-UNIQLO)
“I believe that there needs to be a trend for young people in general to look beyond Japan when thinking of development and growth opportunities. We have decided to join the TOMODACHI Initiative because of these beliefs.” Read more »
Daniel H. Sayre (Representative Director and President, Coca-Cola Japan)
“These children that we will be sending for homestay across the United States are like new seeds, those that we hope will blossom and will be nourished … [to] create both the bonds here and between our two countries that allow everybody a sense of renewal, recovery, and rebirth.” Read more »
TOMODACHI Strategic Partners
