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Update from Team TOMODACHI
November 2015
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Next Generation Leaders of U.S. and Japan Gather for Inaugural “TOMODACHI Generation Summit”
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 Approximately 140 TOMODACHI alumni gathered at Sophia University in Tokyo on November 8 for the first TOMODACHI Generation Summit. This inaugural Summit commenced with a keynote plenary session by former U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos, who discussed the origin of the TOMODACHI Initiative and his vision of investing in the next generation of leaders in Japan and the United States.
His session was followed by three presentations from TOMODACHI alumni – Ms. Sachiho Tani, Mr. Robin Lewis, and Ms. Megumi Takahashi – who spoke about the impact of the TOMODACHI program on their lives.
 During lunch, the participants split into eight groups and discussed the challenges and opportunities in each region and connected with one another across programs. After the working lunch, alumni split into nine groups for various hands-on skills building workshops ranging from techniques on giving a lasting first impression, to a song and dance session on gaining confidence and developing more effective leadership strategies in Japan.
Prior to the Summit reception, U.S. Department of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Assistant Secretary Evan Ryan
 made an appearance and met with five alumni for an intimate roundtable discussion. The alumni discussed their various TOMODACHI programs, the impact that the programs had on their lives, and their current projects and activities.
The Summit concluded with a reception that brought together TOMODACHI alumni, corporate donors and partners, and Japanese-American leaders from the U.S.-Japan Council. 
TOMODACHI alumni had an opportunity to network with various guests and colleagues, both in English and Japanese, while strengthening their identity as the TOMODACHI generation. The Young Americans, a group of performing arts students from the United States, delighted and energized the 220 reception guests by performing several songs to wrap up the inaugural Summit.
The TOMODACHI Generation Summit was made possible by the generous support of The Prudential Foundation, which sponsors the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program. More>>
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Winner of the #TOMOSummit Social Media Contest!
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This photo was selected out of over 80 submissions. Congratulations!
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The Latest on TOMODACHI Programs and Activities
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TOMODACHI Initiative Announces New Partnerships During the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Tokyo
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On November 9, the TOMODACHI Initiative announced new partnerships during the TOMODACHI Celebration and Reception hosted at the 2015 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference. Held for the first time in Tokyo, this annual meeting convened approximately 850 American and Japanese leaders from all sectors from November 9-10 to discuss the value of working across sectors and generations to envision, promote and develop a more vibrant and dynamic U.S.-Japan relationship.
At the reception, U.S.-Japan Council President Irene Hirano Inouye announced the newest Strategic Partner of the TOMODACHI Initiative — the TOMODACHI Combini Fund established by Lawson, Inc. and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. convenience stores, which supports youth in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. She also recognized Evolution Japan for providing the U.S.-Japan Council-Japan and TOMODACHI Initiative with office space in Tokyo.
 Earlier in the day His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan spoke at the annual conference and announced, “As we approach the five year milestone since the Great East Japan Earthquake, I would like to announce that the Japanese Government will be bolstering its cooperative relationship with the TOMODACHI Initiative.”
He continued, “Once again, this fiscal year we will be continuing the TOMODACHI Inouye Scholars Program for exchanges at the university student level, which was carried out last fiscal year as part of the KAKEHASHI Project.” This program was developed to honor the life and legacy of Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
 U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline B. Kennedy commented on the additional partnerships. "I am grateful to the many corporate and institutional partners who support the TOMODACHI Initiative. Through innovative exchange programs, TOMODACHI is creating the leaders of tomorrow who will ensure the U.S.-Japan relationship remains strong." More>>
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2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy Participants Gather in Tokyo for a Post-Program Presentation Session
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On October 24, seven students, three teachers and five alumni who took part in the 2015 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy gathered in Tokyo for a post-program presentation session. The second TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy (TTA), an international exchange and leadership program intended for high school students and teachers from both Japan and the United States, took place this past summer.
Keito Ando from Keio Shonan Fujisawa Junior and Senior High School noted that he “learned the importance of people-to-people connections” through the program. He went on to explain that “throughout our discussions, I re-realized that comprehensive solutions are always brainstormed by communication between people. After participating in this program, I have started to take part in other programs outside of my school, and I feel as though I’ve become a more open person.” More>>
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What is the future of Disaster Nursing in Japan? How important is Mental Health in Post-Disaster Situations?
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Having returned from their TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program U.S. Study Tour in August 2015, eight nursing students from Miyagi Prefecture presented their lessons learned from the trip in three Post-Program Presentation events in Sendai, Tokyo, and Kochi respectively.
On September 12, the nursing students gathered in Sendai to a room filled with family, friends, educators and supporters from their communities, excited to hear what impacted and inspired these students during the U.S. Study Tour. The students each presented for ten minutes and took part in a brief Q&A session.
The second post program presentation was on October 24 and 25 in Tokyo, and focused on the current situation of disaster nursing in Japan and the lessons the students have learned from their experiences in the U.S. Finally, the last presentation in Kochi occurred on November 21 and the students met with fellow nursing students in the region, learned about the issues they are constantly facing, and the importance of discussing and collaborating together on a better future. More>>
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TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program 2015 (Phase 2)Takes Place in Fukushima
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Phase Two of the TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program 2015 took place in Fukushima from October 31-November 1. In this session, twenty female university exchange students from 14 countries met with the program participants and had a discussion under the theme “Challenge.” The exchange students described why they chose to study in Japan, what career dreams they have, and what they’ve learned since studying in Japan. After listening to their stories, the participants discussed the necessary traits for taking a leap and trying something new.
This program is funded through the TOMODACHI Combini Fund, which is supported by Lawson and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. convenience stores. More>>
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Voices of the TOMODACHI Generation
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Sachiho Tani
Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, Junior
Ms. Tani is an alumna of the TOMODACHI MetLife Women's Leadership Program 2013-2014. She is heavily involved in Model United Nations activities in Japan and will be the Secretary General for the first international National Model United Nations Japan 2016. At the TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2015, she presented about her experience and her passion. More>>
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Robin Lewis
Peace Boat, International Coordinator
"The TOMODACHI Summit served as a platform to share experiences, ideas and stories from all over Japan and the USA, which helped to enrich my understanding of the US-Japan relationship and other contemporary global issues. I look forward to strengthening ties with the TOMODACHI alumni that I met at the Summit and hope to take meaningful, positive action together going forward." More>>
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Megumi Takahashi
CIL Tasuketto, Miyagi
Born in Miyagi prefecture, Ms. Takahashi currently works for CIL Tasuketto in Miyagi, a center that is supported by people with disabilities. In the summer of 2015, she participated in the TOMODACHI ADA25Lead On! Program to the U.S. along with other young leaders in Japan involved in similar work. More>>
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Yuuri Tabata
Nihon University, Sophomore
Ms. Tabata is currently a participating as a mentor on the TOMODACHI Career Mentoring Program in Fukushima supported by the TOMODACHI Combini Fund. On November 9, 2015, she had an opportunity to speak in front of approximately 850 people at the TOMODACHI Reception and Celebration at the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference. More>>
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Upcoming Programs and Events
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Nov 30 - Dec 4 Humanitarian Response Workshop, part of the TOMODACHI NPO Leadership Program supported by J.P. Morgan, will take 10 Japanese professionals to Portland, Oregon
Dec 19 TOMODACHI Social Entrepreneurship Award will be awarded at the NBC/METI University Venture Grand Prix 2015 Business Plan Competition
Dec 19-20 TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Fukushima 2015 - Phase 3 - will take place
Dec 25 – Jan 9 TOMODACHI Honda Cultural Exchange Program will take Japanese high school students to California
2016
Jan 30-31 Twenty alumni will participate in the TOMODACHI Disaster Resilience Leadership Training Program in Tokyo
Feb 6-7 TOMODACHI alumni will be selected to participate in the TOMODACHI Alumni Learning Journey in Tokyo, an in-depth leadership development opportunity for young leaders
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Recruitment for TOMODACHI Program Participants
Please forward and share these opportunities with people who may be interested.
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Apply Now: TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund for Fall 2016
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 Apply for the TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund, which creates opportunities for young Japanese to attend three of the most prestigious music schools in the United States: The Juilliard School; Berklee College of Music; and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Individuals interested in the scholarship must first apply directly to each educational institution. For more information, click here
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Opportunities for the TOMODACHI Generation
Apply Now!
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January 30-31, 2016
TOMODACHI Disaster Resilience Leadership Training Program
This two-part program will provide the TOMODACHI Generation with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge in the fields of disaster preparedness, disaster management and psycho social support.
For more information, click here
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February 6-7, 2016
TOMODACHI Alumni Learning Journey on Leadership
This two-day program with TOMODACHI alumni provides an in-depth leadership development opportunity for the young leaders. The Journey lays a foundation of continuing realization of their leadership potential and support network after the program.
For more information, click here
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TOMODACHI Career Opportunities
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U.S.-Japan Council, TOMODACHI Initiative (Tokyo Office)
Program Manager
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Working under the direction of the Executive Director of TOMODACHI, the Program Manager is responsible for helping to find, select, develop, manage, monitor and evaluate TOMODACHI programs, including managing relationships with implementing organizations. The Program Manager will work with individuals from the U.S.-Japan Council, the U.S. Embassy and other key TOMODACHI team members in the implementation of this mission.
For more information and to apply, click here
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