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What is the TOMODACHI Initiative?

TOMODACHI seeks to inspire and empower the young people of Japan and America, giving them the experiences, skills, and confidence to achieve their dreams and contribute to a better world. We believe that the young generation is crucial for building a strong Japan, a strong America, and a strong, enduring U.S.-Japan relationship.
Friendship

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.

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To advance our vision, TOMODACHI supports activities in the following areas:

Educational/Academic Programs 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.

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Sports, Music and the Arts 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.

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Entrepreneurship and Leadership Programs Entrepreneurship & Leadership Programs help the next generation of entrepreneurs and young leaders get access to skills and expertise that will guide them towards success.

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Meet the TOMODACHI Generation

Haruna-Shiraiwa-web
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!

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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

 

US-Japan Council
Embassy of the United States Tokyo, Japan