Update from Team TOMODACHI
August & September 2021

Scholars Attend the 2021 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program Award Ceremony 

The 2021 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program Award Ceremony was conducted virtually on July 27, 2021. About 50 people were in attendance, including students and affiliates.
 
Prior to the ceremony, the ten newly chosen participants took part in orientation and training. During training, the recipients discussed various skillsets that are critical for future leaders. The skillsets discussed included the ability to sympathize with others, communication, and resilience. 

The ceremony began with a congratulatory address delivered by Mr. Masayuki Hyodo, Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sumitomo Corporation. Ms. Suzanne Basalla, President and CEO of U.S.-Japan Council, and Ms. Carolyn Glassman, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs of U.S. Embassy in Tokyo also extended their congratulations to the recipients via video. Mr. Hyodo presented the scholarships to the recipients. Participants followed up with speeches that allowed them to express their enthusiasm and share the goals they hoped to achieve during their time abroad. Read More>>

The Latest on TOMODACHI Programs and Activities

TOMODACHI FamilyMart SDGs Leadership Program in Tohoku -Beyond Tohoku to Japan, and Finally, the World- Kicked Off to Solve Regional Challenges in Tohoku

On August 12 and 13, 2021, Supporting Tohoku Academy, the first program for the TOMODACHI FamilyMart SDGs Leadership Program in Tohoku -Beyond Tohoku to Japan, and Finally, the World- was conducted virtually. 87 people attended. Read More>>

About 80 Students Challenge Themselves Through a Dance and Music Workshop as STEP 1 of the TOMODACHI Lawson High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Tohoku

On August 9 and 10, 2021, STEP 1 of the TOMODACHI Lawson High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Tohoku, titled Global E-Workshop was held online. About 80 high school students from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures attended. Read More>>

Virtual TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program Launched

The first session of the eighth annual TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP), was conducted virtually this month across Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Naha, and Sapporo, marking the start of a 10-month journey. The program kicked off in Osaka on September 10, 2021. Tokyo and Fukuoka followed suit, kicking off on September 16, 2021, and September 17, 2021, respectively. The programs for Naha and Sapporo commenced on September 24, 2021. Read More>>

Upcoming Programs and Events

October 2 -  November 13


October 3


October 8 - November 19


October 17 - November 21


October 23, 24


October 30


November 6



November 13, 14


November 22
 

TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities, Session 2-8 (online)

TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program, Orientation (online)

TOMODACHI MetLife Women's Leadership Program, Session 2-3 (online)

10th TOMODACHI MUFG International Exchange Program (online)

TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program, Pre-Trip Seminar 1 (online)

TOMODACHI Lawson High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Tohoku, STEP3 (online)

TOMODACHI FamilyMart SDGs Leadership Program in Tohoku -Beyond Tohoku to Japan, and Finally, the World-, Beyond Meeting (online)

TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program, Pre-Trip Seminar 2 (online)

TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities, Final Event (online)
 
TOMODACHI Alumni Activities

Decision Making in Times of Crisis and Sustainability: 12 TOMODACHI Alumni Reflect on Tohoku’s Decade of Recovery for Two Weeks

The TOMODACHI Generation Global Leadership Academy (GLA) 2021 was conducted virtually on August 21, 22, and September 5, 2021. This two-week program, which was specifically designed for TOMODACHI Alumni from the Tohoku region, is the longest-running program of all existing Alumni Programs. This year marks the program’s ninth year since its initiation and its conclusion. This year, the program focused on the ideas of decision-making in times of crisis and sustainability. Read More>>

Save the Date! Next Generation Summit 2021 “Ideas to Action: Breaking Barriers for a Sustainable Community with Enduring Value”

The Next Generation Summit 2021 will take place virtually on December 11th-12th (Japan) / 10th-11th (U.S.) 2021. The Summit is open to everyone and highlights TOMODACHI alumni and Watanabe scholars. It also offers a place for them to reconnect, inspire and learn from each other as well as to meet new people from the USJC community, Watanabe scholars and supporters from various industries.

For more information, click here.

Date:
Day 1: Dec. 11th 10am – 12pm JT // Dec. 10th 8pm – 10pm ET
Day 2: Dec. 12th 10am – 12:30pm JT // Dec. 11th 8pm – 10:30pm ET
 
Language: Japanese with English translation

Q&A with TOMODACHI Program Participants and TOMODACHI Alumni

<Jess Juanich>

Jess Juanich is an alumnus of the TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership Conference VI held in Los Angeles in 2018. His interest in public policy along with his leadership experience working with the student government of Seattle University and organizations such as the Japanese American Citizens League has made him passionate about diversity and inclusion. Read More>>

<Aoi Hayashi>

Aoi Hayashi is an alumna of the TOMODACHI Summer 2017 SoftBank Leadership Program. She first participated in the TOMODACHI Generation Global Leadership Academy 2018, a program for TOMODACHI alumni, as a senior in high school. She participated in the same program this year as a junior in university. The program, which discussed decision-making in times of crisis and sustainability, gave her the opportunity to reflect on her personal experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake as a TOMODACHI alumna from Tohoku. Read More>>

TOMODACHI Opportunities

Interns, U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative (remote)

The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and the TOMODACHI Initiative are currently seeking interns. The internship offers an exciting environment where interns will be exposed to the non-profit, corporate, and government fields simultaneously. Responsibilities include creating and drafting documents, translation, website management, social media management, newsletter development support, public speaking, communication with program participants, designing presentations and posters, and event planning. Please note that this internship is unpaid.

For more information and to apply, click here.
 

Interns, TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program (remote)

The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) is currently seeking qualified interns to support the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program. The Program produces impactful and innovative programming for program participants who have experienced a TOMODACHI program to take the next step in their journey. The intern will be responsible for assisting the Alumni Manager and participating in various stages of engagement to support the next generation of leaders dedicated to the U.S.-Japan relationship. Our bilingual and bi-cultural team works in a fast-paced environment where strong critical thinking skills and excellent attention to detail are essential. Interns will gain a wide range of experience in various aspects of project management, marketing, social media management. This internship is a great opportunity to learn more about the nonprofit sector, public-private partnerships, and civic engagement. Please note that this internship is unpaid.

For more information, click here.
Please send applications to alumni@usjapancouncil.org.
*The next edition will be out at the end of November 2021, as a combined issue for October and November.

Update from Team TOMODACHI - August & September 2021

For donors, supporters, and friends of the TOMODACHI Initiative and
the TOMODACHI Generation.


Website: www.tomodachi.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USJapanTOMODACHI
Twitter: @TOMODACHI

Email: tomodachi@usjapancouncil.org


Led by the U.S.-Japan Council, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs.
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