Now Accepting Applications for the 2017 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program

We are now recruiting 10 American and 10 Japanese young professionals from the public and private sectors to participate in the 2017 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & CO. Leadership Program.

OVERVIEW

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program contributes to building a “TOMODACHI generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally-oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference.

Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and entering its fifth year, the exchange program provides participants with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields. Selected through a competitive process, participants represent geographic and professional diversity.

GOALS

Create a professional network among rising business and government leaders in Japan and the United States.
Motivate young American and Japanese leaders to engage in and contribute to furthering U.S.-Japan relations.
Raise awareness of important policies and issues relevant to the United States and Japan among next generation leaders in both countries.

CONCEPT

Ten (10) Americans and ten (10) Japanese young professionals from a mix of the public or private sectors will travel to each other’s country for one week to engage as a group and meet with established and up-and-coming leaders from business and government.

The American delegation will travel to Iwate Prefecture and Tokyo, and the Japanese delegation will travel to Houston, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Guided by the 2017 program theme, “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership,” the delegations will explore innovation, new technology, and industrial development in the context of U.S.-Japan relations.

Government officials, business executives, non-profit leaders, and academics will share their experiences and insights during the program. Through interactive and engaging sessions, participants will discuss issues, formulate new ideas together, and nurture lifelong friendships. The trip also enables delegates to gain greater understanding of multicultural America and the unique qualities of Japanese society, further strengthening the bridge between these two cultures.

SCHEDULE

American delegation:

Orientation (attendance is mandatory): June 9-10, 2017 Chicago, Illinois
Official Trip (dates inclusive of travel): June 30 – July 8, 2017 Tokyo and Iwate Prefecture

Japanese delegation:

Orientation (attendance is mandatory): July 6-8, 2017 Tokyo
Official Trip (dates inclusive of travel): September 10-18, 2017 Houston, Texas and Washington, DC

– Transportation, hotel, and meals will all be provided.
– Delegates are required to attend all meetings and events during the trip.
– As a rule, spouses, family members, and friends are not permitted to accompany delegates during the official trip.

As time/schedules permit, participants from both delegations will meet during their respective trips to the other country and may also join other TOMODACHI Initiative activities in progress. Selected individuals may participate as speakers or attendees at TOMODACHI, U.S.-Japan Council, or Mitsui & Co., Ltd. events.

Delegates will be encouraged to remain connected with each other and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations following their participation in this program.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Demonstrated leadership potential
Professional accomplishments in career field
Connection to U.S.-Japan activities (preferably including through profession)
Young professional (generally up to target age 35)
English proficiency

Candidates who do not meet all of the above criteria may still be considered if they demonstrate outstanding qualifications.

The U.S.-Japan Council will make final selection of a diverse set of delegates, taking into consideration applications and recommendations made by various government, private and corporate advisors.

APPLICATION

Application Deadline

AMERICAN DELEGATION: Thursday, April 13

JAPANESE DELEGATION: Thursday, April 20

For further information about the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program or questions about the application process, please contact WLS, either Noriko Litwin at nlitwin@wls2.com or Wes Stockstill at wstockstill@wls2.com.

SPONSOR OVERVIEW

Mitsui (Mitsui & Co., Ltd.) is one of the most diversified and comprehensive trading, investment, and service enterprises in the world, with 138 offices in 65 countries/regions as of January 2017. Utilizing the global operating locations, network and information resources, Mitsui is developing a wide range of businesses in six core areas: Metals, Machinery & Infrastructure, Chemicals, Energy, Lifestyle, and Innovation & Corporate Development (logistics, insurance, finance, and information technology-related projects). For more information, visit www.mitsui.com/jp/en.

REFLECTIONS FROM ALUMNI:

“Personally, the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program definitely revived and strengthened my interest in Japan and opened my eyes to current issues both in Japan and the US-Japan relationship. I will plan to take up my Japanese language studies once more, keep current on news regarding Japan, stay connected to the US-Japan Council and my fellow delegates, and promote future TOMODACHI programs to my network. I feel incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity, and hope that the program continues for years to come!” Kaitlyn Ramirez – Boston, MA

“ Through participation in the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program, I aim to become a world-changing community organizer within the next 10 years by creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kamaishi with the U.S-Japan TOMODACHI network, sharing lessons learned from Kamaishi to other regions.”
Kazunori Ishii – Iwate

Feb 16, 2017