TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Welcome Event Held by Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku Region

On June 6, 2019, the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Welcome Event for the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku Region was held at the WeWork Midosuji Frontier Building. 35 people joined the event, representing nine different TOMODACHI programs. Many were joining an alumni event for the first time and some made connections for future internships and possible careers, though all were interested in getting more involved in future events.

The event was organized by Alumni Regional Leader Naoya Tosaka  and Alumni Regional Mentor Miki Sakata as part of the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program.

Brooke Spelman, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate Osaka, joined the event, speaking about the importance of U.S.-Japan relations and encouraging the alumni to become leaders in this bilateral relationship. Kumiko Hidaka, Vice President of Public Affairs at WeWork Japan, also made remarks by welcoming the alumni to their brand new WeWork building and discussing the importance of community in creating innovative change through collaboration.

One of the alumni participants commented, “This is the first time I’ve connected with TOMODACHI Alumni since finishing my program. This was a wonderfully accessible location and a great event. I’m looking forward to staying involved with this TOMODACHI Alumni network.”

Several TOMODACHI Alumni were so inspired by the event that they have shown interest in helping out with the next event, the Theme Event to be held in fall, and have joined the planning committee to organize it.

The event was held as a part of the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework, the TOMODACHI Generation Alumni Leadership Program supported by Prudential.