The 2016 scholar post-program presentations and 2017 scholar award ceremony for the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program took place on June 29, 2017 at Sumitomo Corporation’s headquarters in Tokyo, bringing together partners and supporters of the program. 

For the post-program presentations, the following students represented the 2016 scholars: Ryoko Tsukada, Naoki Tokunaga, Hotsuki Hayama, and Daichi Meguro. These scholars presented their learnings from their study abroad, how they want to utilize the experience in the future, and their next steps.

Following the presentations, three leaders gave remarks: Mr. Masao Tabuchi, Representative Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Information Officer of Sumitomo Corporation; Mr. Alexei Kral, Environment, Science, Technology and Health Chief, Economic and Scientific Affairs Section, Embassy of the United States, Tokyo; and Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, U.S.-Japan Council President. These leaders recognized both the 2016 and 2017 scholars for their dedication to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and encouraged them to make the most of their study abroad experiences.

In particular, Mr. Tabuchi mentioned his own time living in the U.S., and said, “I believe people are made up of their experiences. Having various experiences will enrich and broaden you as a person. I hope you will take this opportunity to make the most of your challenges.” The three speakers then presented scholarships to the ten 2017 scholars. To conclude the ceremony, each 2017 scholar gave a 1 minute speech about their goals during their study abroad.

Afterwards, a reception was held for everyone involved in the program to celebrate the 2016 scholars’ achievements and the future 2017 scholars, who will further strengthen the U.S.-Japan friendship. Read More>>

From June 27 to July 12, 2017, 20 high school students from Southern California visited Japan as part of the TOMODACHI MUFG International Exchange Program. This program started in 2012 with aims to deepen the mutual understanding between the United States and Japan and to invest in the next generation of leaders. Every year, students from both countries alternately visit each other’s countries. In this 6th year of the program, the participating students visited Tokyo, Sendai, Minamisanriku, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, and  experienced various cultural exchange activities and homestays. Through the program, the students were able to better understand U.S.-Japan relations from different perspectives.

The two-week long exchange program kicked off with the students’ visit to the headquarters of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) in Tokyo and a welcome reception.At the company visit, the students deepened their understanding of financial operations. The reception guests included Mr. Nobuyuki Hirano, President & Group CEO of MUFG; Mr. Kanetsugu Mike, President and CEO of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ; Mr. Shinya Fujita, Counselor, Press and International Affairs, from the Reconstruction Agency; Ms. Jenae D. Johnson, Deputy Financial Attaché from the U.S. Embassy Tokyo; and Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye, President of the U.S.-Japan Council. These leaders gave the students words of encouragement for their trip. Read More>>

On July 7, 2017, a closing reception for the American delegates of the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program was held at Roppongi Hills Club in Tokyo. Made possible by generous support from Mitsui & Co., Ltd, the program provides ten American and ten Japanese young professionals from the public and private sectors with the opportunity to travel to each other’s countries for one week. During the program, the participants engage as a group and meet with established and up-and-coming leaders from business and government. 

Now in its fifth year, the program sent the American delegates to Iwate Prefecture to gain valuable insights and perspectives on the ongoing revitalization efforts in the tsunami-affected areas of the coastal cities Rikuzentakata and Kamaishi. They also met with government officials and community leaders in the public and private sectors, including Governor Takuya Tasso. The journey continued in Tokyo where the American delegates engaged in meetings with business and government leaders aligned with program’s pillars of “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.” The delegates also met their ten Japanese counterparts, who will embark on their trips to Houston, Texas, and Washington D.C. in September.
 
Approximately 100 people attended the reception, including executives from Mitsui & Co., Ltd, representatives from the Government of Japan and the U.S. Embassy, representatives from the supporting organizations, Japanese and American young professionals, and U.S.-Japan Council representatives. The guests gathered to recognize and celebrate all delegates in the 2017 program. Read More>>

The 2017 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. from November 11 – 14 with the theme of “Unity in Diversity: Shaping the Future Together.” This year’s conference will focus on developments under the new administration and provide a platform for speakers and attendees to exchange views on how to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship. Discussion topics will highlight governmental and security issues, business and growth opportunities, promoting diverse leadership and a more global talent, strengthening multi-sector partnerships, and more. Hundreds of distinguished American and Japanese leaders from all sectors will attend, providing a unique opportunity for learning and networking. For more information and to register, click here. 

The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and the TOMODACHI Initiative is seeking a Marketing & Communications Manager that will develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications program to develop the profile and brand of TOMODACHI among a diverse audience and stakeholders, including senior corporate executives, government leaders, recipients of support, donors, press and the general public. For more information and to apply, click here.

The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and the TOMODACHI Initiative is seeking unpaid interns for this Fall. U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and TOMODACHI offer an exciting environment for interns to be exposed to non-profit, corporate, and government fields. Responsibilities for interns 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. For more information and to apply, click here.