TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework: Theme Event 2018 in Okinawa
On October 28, 2018, a theme event titled “TOMO Tour in OKINAWA” was held in Okinawa as part of the TOMODACHI Regional Framework, attended by over ten participants. This event focused on the idea of “sharing Okinawa with not only Japan but the world using our perspective as TOMODACHI Generation members.” Participants visited a local company and educational institutions to hear real local voices and the ways they promote the charm of Okinawa.
At the beginning of the event, participants visited “INTERLINK OKINAWA LTD.” in Kin Town, Okinawa. Sayaka Toyokawa, director of INTERLINK OKINAWA LTD., shared the business’ use of local resources to merge tradition and modernity, as well as preserve the food and tradition of Okinawa.
Participants then visited Meio University. Kotake China, an alumna of the TOMODACHI Metlife Women’s Leadership Program, is a senior at Meio University majoring in the tourism industry. She shared the story behind her decision to study sightseeing in Okinawa, as well as her experiences volunteering as an interpreter using English and taking advantage of opportunities related to the tourism industry.
Finally, the participants visited Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). Anna Nagamine, manager of the Technology Development and Innovation Center Business Development Section of OIST, discussed the university’s regional cooperation and industrial collaboration, including connecting OIST’s proprietary technology and abundant talent with local companies to develop new businesses in Okinawa.
Nagamine is also an alumni of the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program, and noted that, “I am thankful for my TOMODACHI connection because my participation in the TOMODACHI program and the knowledge I gained by meeting with professionals from different industries has led to my current work.”
One participant commented, “By visiting a local company and educational facilities and seeing them with my own eyes, I was able to discover the best points of Okinawa that I didn’t know of before.” It was a valuable opportunity for participants to consider ways they can approach promoting Okinawa’s attractive points to the rest of Japan and the world using their perspective as members of the TOMODACHI Generation.
This event is part of the TOMODACHI Regional Framework, which is supported by the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program supported by Prudential.