Japanese participants of the 2015 TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars Program visit the United States

From March 3-14, 2015, one hundred college students from four Japanese universities visited Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA, then divided into groups to visit their host cities (Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Honolulu) on the TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars Program as part of MOFA’s KAKEHASHI Project. This reciprocal trip included sightseeing, giving presentations and programming focused on the legacy of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

In Washington DC, the participants attended an educational program about Senator Inouye and gained insightful knowledge about his personal and professional achievements. Following the program, Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae invited the scholars and guests to his residence and expounded on the history and accomplishments of Senator Inouye in bridging the United States and Japan.

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) hosted counterparts from Sophia University in Los Angeles, California. Sophia delegates attended LMU classes and viewed an exhibit curated by the LMU TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars highlighting their visit to Japan last summer. Students of DePaul University hosted Ritsumeikan University students in Chicago. The visit by Showa Women’s University students to the University of Massachusetts Boston was highlighted by Showa students’ presentations on aspects of contemporary life in Japan. Over 150 persons attended the vibrant and informative event. University of Hawaii at Manoa planned several activities on Oahu for the delegation from Matsuyama University.