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Update from Team TOMODACHI
November 2019
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U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference 2019: TOMODACHI Alumni Speakers Representing the TOMODACHI Generation Share Their Stories
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From November 4 to 5, 2019, the 2019 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference was held in Los Angeles, California. This year’s conference was themed “Bold Ideas, Bolder Leadership: The Next Stage of U.S.-Japan Relations,” with around 650 American and Japanese leaders from various sectors attending a variety of Plenary Sessions, Plenary Dialogues, and workshops.
 On November 3, one day prior to the Annual Conference, a Members Day was held, where Monica Estrada and Naha Takashima spoke on behalf of the TOMODACHI Alumni as panelists during the TOMODACHI Generation Plenary session. They shared their journeys through their TOMODACHI programs and ways they have made use of their experiences after their programs.
On November 4, two TOMODACHI Alumni representatives, Natsumi Komatsu and Maika Itsuno, discussed the TOMODACHI Initiative and their experiences during their TOMODACHI programs at a Plenary Feature titled “Investing in the TOMODACHI Generation. Read More>>
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The Latest on TOMODACHI Programs and Activities
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TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Fukushima 2019 supported by the TOMODACHI Combini Fund STEP 2: Students Learn from Exchange Students in Japan and Share Their Own Challenges
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On October 27 and 28, 2019, STEP 2 of the TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Fukushima 2019, supported by the TOMODACHI Combini Fund, took place in Fukushima Prefecture. The program aims to support female high school sophomores from throughout Fukushima over six months, through four sessions or “STEPS.” Over the course of the program, students gain the confidence to open doors and discover new opportunities for their futures.
As part of STEP 2, themed “challenge,” participants met with 20 foreign exchange students from 11 different countries, including the United States, who are currently studying in Japan. The foreign exchange students, having worked to overcome hardships and consider their dreams and career plans as they study abroad, shared their personal experiences and stories with the participants. Read More>>
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American Foster Youth Leaders Visit Japan to Present Their Advocacy Activities and Build Friendships with Japanese Youth Leaders
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From October 29 to November 6, 2019, the TOMODACHI Foster Youth Leadership Program was held, as two American youths traveled to Japan to visit Tokyo and Shizuoka. On November 2, 2019, a foster care event featuring two American IFCA (International Foster Care Alliance) foster youth speakers was held in Shizuoka City. Around 20 people from the Shizuoka Prefectural Government and child guidance and family support centers, as well as foster parents, joined the event.
To conclude the program, the 6th U.S.-Japan Youth Summit was held in Tokyo on November 4. After the two American speakers gave their presentations, Japanese youth from Tokyo, Shizuoka, the Kansai region, and Fukuoka shared their recent activities and future plans. At the end of the summit, a panel discussion was held with American and Japanese foster youth leaders. Read More>>
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Register for the Symposium "Diversity in Leadership: The Journey of Asian American State Legislators in 2019"
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Six elected state officials from diverse backgrounds and regions of the country will join the 2019 Asian American Leadership Delegation (AALD) program and speak at this symposium to discuss their respective political and personal journeys in the United States. Many of the delegates this year have followed non-traditional paths, choosing to become a politician after pursuing different careers. The audience will have the opportunity to learn about their personal choices, as well as the important role Asian American politicians play in their political arenas, especially in light of current events. The speakers will also reflect upon their experience in Japan. This discussion will be moderated by Mrs. Nobuko Sasae, President of Nobuko Forum Japan.
For more information, click here.
Date: December 12, 2019 from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
Venue: Nippon Foundation Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room (Tokyo, Japan)
Please register from the QR code on this flier or fax your information to 03-5157-5158 by 5:00PM on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 JST.
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Upcoming Programs and Events
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November 30 –
December 1
December 6
December 6
December 12
December 13
December 13 – 14
December 14 – 15
December 14
<2020>
January 6 – 10
January 6
January 30
February 1 – 2
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TOMODACHI Alumni Activities
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TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Theme Event
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On October 19, 2019, the Theme Event for TOMODACHI Alumni and young professionals from Tohoku-Hokkaido Region, Team A took place in the city of Hanamaki in Iwate prefecture. The event concept, “Seek INSIDER” referred to the idea of meeting insiders, or people well-versed in the Tohoku region, through this event, offering the opportunity for participants to consider how to interact with others in Tohoku. Read More>>
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<Kanto Region, Team A and B>
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On November 17, 2019, the Theme Event for Kanto Region, Team A took place in the city of Hino in western Tokyo. A total of ten TOMODACHI program alumni and friends gathered at Ishizaka Farm House, a local family-owned farm that offers various experiential farming programs throughout the year to students, families, and the elderly, sharing lessons such as the best seasons to harvest and eat different vegetables and fruits, in an effort to raise awareness about food sustainability and agricultural living. Read More>>
On November 23, 2019, a Global Thanksgiving Event was held in Shibuya, Tokyo with representation from the U.S. and the U.K. and roots in Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, and Colombia. The event was as part of the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Theme Event for Kanto Region, Team B. The theme of the event, understanding and accepting different cultures and values, was chosen in particular to give younger students — junior high and high school students — an opportunity to interact with international people from various backgrounds to increase their exposure to and interest in the world. Read More>>
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On November 16, 2019, the Chubu-Hokuriku region held its TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Theme Event at the Nagoya International Center. TOMODACHI Alumni and guests from across the Chubu-Hokuriku region, including high school students, university students, young professionals, and representatives of the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya, gathered for the event. The participants had a lively discussion about the impact of tourism on the region, with particular focus on how and why the area appeals to international tourists. They also talked about various styles of tourism, such as ecotourism, that differ among the countries tourists come from, as well as regional tourism differences. Read More>>
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<Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku Region>
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On November 17, 2019, the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku region held its TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Theme Event in Osaka to discuss and understand what defines “TOMODACHI Alumni” in the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku region, as participants enjoyed local wine. The theme of the event was “Terroir,” or “land” in French, a word originally indicating the geographical features or climate of fields where wine, coffee, and tea were grown. Wines offered included Kawachi Wine and wines from the Katashimo Winery, which are produced locally and were served at the G20 Osaka Summit. After an informative overview of the wines, the participants enjoyed tasting wines and juices produced in Osaka. Read More>>
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On November 23, 2019, the Okinawa region held its TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Theme Event in Okinawa, inviting three guest speakers and gathering 31 participants. Under the theme of “OKINAWA LOVERS, Gather Round!! – Okinawa to the World –,” supported by JICA Okinawa, TOMODACHI Alumni and other guests joined to event to consider not only regional challenges, but also ways to convey Okinawa’s appeal and exciting activities. Read More>>
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Apply Now: 2020 TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Leader “TOMODACHI Alumni RISE Leadership Program”
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Applications are open to TOMODACHI Alumni to serve as 2020 Regional Leaders in each region to create activities and opportunities with support from their Regional Mentors, by connecting with fellow alumni and the U.S. Embassy and Consulates to address the needs and challenges of their respective regions and communities. Help us energize and inspire members of the TOMODACHI Generation in your region by developing new events to bring opportunities to your regions and communities. If you are interested in becoming a leader within your region, please apply! For more information, click here.
Application Process:
Please complete the Application Form here
Deadline:
Friday, December 6, 2019 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time
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Apply Now: Tohoku Students for the TOMODACHI Generation Global Leadership Academy 2020
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Applications are now open to TOMODACHI alumni from the Tohoku region to apply for "the TOMODACHI Generation Global Leadership Academy 2020" that will be held in Tokyo on March 6-8, 2020.
Applicants:
36 TOMODACHI Alumni (30 high school and 6 university students) from Tohoku who have participated in a TOMODACHI Program.
Application Deadline:
February 1st, 2020 (Sat) at 21:00 Japan Time
For more information, click here.
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Program Coordinator (Tokyo Office)
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The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) is seeking a staff candidate to provide general operational support for programs implemented and managed by the TOMODACHI Initiative. TOMODACHI offers various educational, cultural, and leadership programs to foster the “TOMODACHI Generation,” a group of next generation leaders with global skills that contribute to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. Staff in this position will work with partners in both the public and private sectors to create a positive impact on society. For more information and to apply, click here. |
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TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP) Intern (Tokyo Office)
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The TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP) is seeking an unpaid intern. TOMODACHI offers an exciting environment for interns to be exposed to non-profit, corporate, and government fields. The main responsibility for the intern will be to assist the TMWLP Program Manager with logistical and programming support. This may include formatting, editing, and drafting documents, translation, website and database management, social media management, newsletter distribution, public speaking, communication with program participants, designing presentations and posters, and event planning.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
-Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written Japanese and English
-Commit at least 16 hours per week (at least 10 hours in person in the office and 6 hours remotely) for a minimum of five months
-Maintain good academic standing at an accredited university, college, or technical program
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED SKILLS
-Interest in working in a bilingual and bicultural working environment
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please send your resume and cover letter to opportunities@usjapancouncil.org with the subject line: TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP) Intern Application.
For more information, click here.
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Intern, U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative (Tokyo Office)
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The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and the TOMODACHI Initiative are seeking unpaid interns. 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. |
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