Update from Team TOMODACHI

Students from Southern California flew to Japan for the TOMODACHI MUFG International Exchange Program in style on June 30th, when they boarded one of ANA’s TOMODACHI airplanes, complete with a giant TOMODACHI logo on the side of the plane. Twenty-six students were selected for the prestigious two-week program, during which they learn about disaster response and environmental issues, experience Japanese culture, and stay with homestay families in Sendai.   More »

On June 12th, the U.S. Embassy in Japan hosted a reception to celebrate the first TOMODACHI-Aflac Program participant, Dr. Yosuke Hosoya. Dr. Hosoya, a graduate of Tohoku University School of Medicine, will study Pediatric Cancer treatment at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta, GA. He hopes to use the skills and knowledge acquired during his research to “help improve [cancer] treatment in the Tohoku region and the rest of Japan.” Mr. Dan Amos, Aflac’s CEO, remarked that the partnership between TOMODACHI and Aflac allows them “to take action on two issues [Aflac] cares deeply about: the fight against childhood cancer and the U.S.-Japan relationship.”   More »

On May 31st, students of the TOMODACHI Generation had the opportunity to meet with Democratic Senator Ben Cardin from Maryland. The Senator spoke to the students about a wide range of global issues including international concerns in Syria and North Korea. Moreover, he encouraged students to study abroad, learn about international issues, and to think globally. Lastly, he closed his address by emphasizing the importance of students carrying out their “mission” to become responsible citizens, and to contribute to society.  More »

Ambassador Roos met with TOMODACHI Summer 2013 English Language Study Program students on June 14th. The students engaged in conversation with the Ambassador, and two students, Sakino Onodera and Shengjie Fang, gave speeches. The students stated they wanted to learn about U.S. culture and wanted to convey Tohoku’s message to the world. The English Language Study Program is a program for students from around the world that takes place at the Friends School in the Washington, D.C. area. Throughout the program, students live in dormitories, go on off-campus excursions to reinforce and practice English, and take part in in several activities related to American culture such as dancing, cooking, and watching Major League Baseball games.  More »

“America the Beautiful” was the theme for the Independence Day party that took place at the Ambassador’s residence on the 4th of July. Many TOMODACHI supporters and sponsors were present to celebrate the anniversary of U.S. independence. There was even a stamp rally as guests explored the historic Northeast, the comfort and charm of the South, the soul of America in the Heartland, and the adventure of the Western Frontier, collecting stamps from each region. The TOMODACHI staff and interns were responsible for the TOMODACHI booth where guests collected prizes after completing the stamp rally.   More »

The TOMODACHI Initiative has selected both the U.S. and Japanese delegations, each consisting of ten exceptional individuals from the business and government sectors and reflecting broad geographic diversity in each country. The U.S. Delegation will travel to Japan from July 26-August 3 visiting Tokyo and Hiroshima, and the Japan Delegation will head to the United States from September 8-16 traveling to Seattle and Washington, D.C. The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program will provide outstanding young leaders from both countries with unique access to key leaders committed to U.S.-Japan relations. In addition, it will provide an opportunity to broaden their perspectives in hopes that it will inspire and motivate the next generation of young American and Japanese leaders to become active in further strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.   More »

A launch event for the TOMODACHI NGO Leadership Program supported by J.P. Morgan was held on June 21st at the Ambassador’s residence. The TOMODACHI Initiative and J.P. Morgan have announced the TOMODACHI NGO Leadership Program supported by J.P. Morgan, a multi-year commitment to help support capacity development of Japanese NGOs. This three-year program consists of short-term exchanges and workshops that promote idea exchange and practical training between U.S. and Japanese NGO leaders.

The implementation of this program will lead to a stronger, more vibrant Japanese NGO community better prepared to work with institutional partners in conducting effective relief and recovery activities in the future.   More »

United Airlines, a proud sponsor of TOMODACHI, has featured the Initiative in a one-pager in their in-flight magazine starting in May and continuing for a year. The articles will cover programs and activities, updates on TOMODACHI, and ways to get involved. July will be the second time TOMODACHI will be featured in the United Airlines magazine, so be sure to check it out!

On June 22, 2013, Ambassador Roos met with students at the Okinawa Consul General’s residence during his recent visit to Okinawa. The students included those who will participate in the TOMODACHI-SCORE! Study Tour this summer. The students and Ambassador Roos discussed the upcoming TOMODACHI-SCORE! Study Tour, a ten-day science and entrepreneurship-focused experience in the United States. The tour will include meetings with Silicon Valley-based tech companies and startups, a campus tour of Stanford University, and an exchange program with students from a local science-focused high school.   More »

On July 2, 2013, Ambassador Roos threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Yomiuri Giants game against Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stdium. After the pitch, he met with several TOMODACHI Generation baseball fans. During the game, the TOMODACHI logo was shown on the stadium’s scoreboard.   More »

Deputy Chief of Mission Kurt Tong met in Shimane with TOMODACHI students from Callisburg, Texas on July 5th. The TOMODACHI-Callisburg delegation will participate in the 23rd Japan-America Grassroots Summit 2013 in Shimane and experience homestays and joint activities with a local school, before visiting Kesennuma for a reunion with the students who visited Callisburg in 2012, and to learn about the March 11 disaster as well as recovery efforts.   More »