TOMODACHI Initiative Announces Further Support for the Rebuilding of Tohoku and Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders

March 10, 2017

U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)

TOMODACHI Initiative Announces Further Support for the Rebuilding of Tohoku and Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders

March 10, 2017 – The TOMODACHI Initiative (TOMODACHI), a public-private partnership that invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders, announced further support for the rebuilding of Tohoku and the fostering of tomorrow’s leaders at its reception and roundtable held the evening of March 9, 2017. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI is led by the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan.

More than 200 distinguished guests, including Chargé d’Affaires Jason P. Hyland, representing the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Motome Takisawa, representing the Government of Japan attended the reception. Representatives from TOMODACHI’s sponsors and non-profit partner organizations and TOMODACHI alumni also attended. During the reception, Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori gave remarks, and First Lady of Japan Akie Abe made a toast. In addition, three TOMODACHI alumni shared how their participation in TOMODACHI programs influenced their decision to become leaders of the next generation.

Chargé d’Affaires Hyland, Governor Uchibori, and USJC President Irene Hirano Inouye also discussed the future of Fukushima Prefecture with five TOMODACHI alumni from that area. They shared their aspirations as tomorrow’s leaders in shaping the future of the region.

At the start of the reception, which began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Irene Hirano Inouye expressed her appreciation to the guests who have been involved with TOMODACHI, and said:

“TOMODACHI was founded to provide opportunities to young leaders in Tohoku. We remain committed to the region, while we have also been strategically expanding our network throughout Japan and the United States. This expansion is not only geographic, but also seeks to diversify the types of leaders who are committed to U.S.-Japan relations. We provide various opportunities to young people in Tohoku and beyond, from those interested in science and Technology or studying in the United States, to young people with disabilities.”

“None of these achievements would be possible without our many sponsors, supporters and partners, and their commitment to the leaders of tomorrow. We also extend a special thank-you to our partners, the U.S. Embassy and the Government of Japan. This innovative public-private partnership would not be possible without the continued support of Chargé d’Affaires Hyland, Vice-Minister Takisawa and colleagues who have shown their str-
ong commitment every step of the way.”

Chargé d’Affaires Hyland, in his remarks at the reception, said, “The TOMODACHI Initiative has been a great model for how to support our youth, how to bring the United States and Japan even closer together, and how to foster the skills and mindset young people need to succeed in life. Starting from Tohoku, and with an enduring focus on that region, TOMODACHI has grown to embrace youth in other parts of Japan, truly helping create a TOMODACHI Ge-
neration. The U.S. Embassy is proud
to support the TOMODACHI Initiative.”

In his remarks, Vice-Minister Takisawa said, “What shapes positive bilateral relations is strong people-to-people relationships between the two countries. We hope that the many young leaders who participate in TOMODACHI programs will continue to bridge the United States and Japan, and help keep U.S.-Japan relations strong and steady in the future. The Government of Japan will continue to actively support the TOMODACHI Initiative.”

Furthermore, Irene Hirano Inouye announced the launch of the “TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework,” an effort to further strengthen support for the “TOMODACHI Generation” of 21st-Century leaders. This new Framework will introduce new leaders in seven regions of Japan: each region will have at least one university student serving as the regional leader, one high school student as the deputy regional leader,
and one young professional as the regional mentor. The Framework will offer more opportunities for the TOMODACHI Generation to inspire and empower each other, and develop skills by organizing activities and events in their respective regions.

Since its establishment in 2012, TOMODACHI has implemented 216 programs with over 5,600 participants, all of whom have become
members of the TOMODACHI Generation.

For more information on the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework, click here.

For more information on the TOMODACHI Initiative, click here.