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Update from Team TOMODACHI
October 2016

Forty Two University Students Gather in Washington, D.C. for the TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership Conference III and Learn About Future Opportunities as ‘Global Jinzai’

“I was intrigued by this conference that provides a very interactive platform that unites those that are eager to better U.S.-Japan relations on a more personal level. As a Japanese student at university in the U.S., I am extremely devoted to furthering the alliance, and I believe that my experiences and qualities complement such work,” shared Yuka Sadayuki, participant of the conference and former intern for the TOMODACHI Initiative.

From October 20-23, 2016, forty two Japanese and American students attending universities in the east coast region gathered to participate in the TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership Conference III

During lectures and breakout sessions, students built cross-cultural networking skills and explored leadership values and future careers as ‘global jinzai’, learned about career opportunities from leaders in a variety of sectors, and met like-minded peers.

This third conference was held in Washington, D.C. as part of the TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership Program, which is a multi-year series of student conferences for Japanese and U.S. youth. Read More>>
The Latest on TOMODACHI Programs and Activities

Japanese Young Professionals Meet with Key Business and Government Leaders in Detroit and Washington, D.C. on the 2016 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program

The second half of the 2016 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program continued in September 11-19, 2016, with ten young Japanese professionals journeying to Detroit, Michigan and Washington D.C. The week-long lineup of inspirational speakers and visits to organizations were designed to provide a comprehensive understanding about the way Americans embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. The visit to the city of Detroit presented the delegation with an example of revitalization taking place in the American heartland, and in Washington D.C., they had opportunities to meet with public and private leaders across industries. More>>

Governor of Fukushima Thanks TOMODACHI for Support of Young People in the Prefecture After the Disaster

On October 18, U.S.-Japan Council Executive Vice President & COO Suzanne Basalla met with the Governor of Fukushima, the Honorable Masao Uchibori, to discuss the TOMODACHI Initiative’s support for young people in the prefecture since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Governor Uchibori expressed deep appreciation to TOMODACHI and its many corporate supporters and implementing partners for the numerous exchanges and leadership programs that have provided encouragement, opportunity, and confidence to the young people of Fukushima, and restoring their sense of pride in their hometown. More>>

Oita Students Attend the Japan-American Grassroots Summit in Atlanta as part of the TOMODACHI Grassroots Exchange Program

Fifteen students from Uenogaoka High School along with two chaperones joined the 26th Japan America Grassroots Summit in Greater Atlanta as part of the TOMODACHI CIE Grassroots Summit in Atlanta. At the Opening Ceremony of the Grassroots Summit, the Uenogaoka students introduced themselves in English to an audience of nearly 300 people, following remarks made by Suzanne Basalla, Executive Vice President and COO of the U.S.-Japan Council. From the program, the students learned the importance of diversity through their visits to sites such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Civil & Human Rights Center, Carter Center, as well as staying with host families with diverse backgrounds. More>>

Two TOMODACHI UNIQLO Fellowship Alumni Discuss Global Careers at New York City Event

On October 18, two graduates of the TOMODACHI-UNIQLO Fellowship,Yo Douglas and Ryohei Kawanashi, shared their experiences as part of a wide-ranging discussion hosted at Parsons School of Design at The New School in New York City. Both alumni were on panels as part of an evening celebrating ten years of Japan’s most iconic brand, UNIQLO, launching in the United States. The New York City audience of students, business leaders, educators, and fans of the brand enjoyed learning about UNIQLO’s history in the United States, gaining insights into the brand’s mystique, and learning from young professionals in the fashion world. More>>

2016 TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy Participants Gather in Tokyo for a Post-Program Presentation Session

“At first, I was a bit nervous as to whether I could keep up with the other participants due to the high level subject matter in the discussions. However, I gained more confidence as each day passed since I was able to contribute to the discussions,” shared Hanako Hirata, who participated in the program this year.
 
On October 16, an alumni reunion and post program debrief session was held in Tokyo to conclude the TOMODACHI Toshiba Science and Technology Leadership Academy 2016. Five participants and five teachers from this year’s program gave a short presentation about their experience and achievements during the program. Organized and led by alumni of the program, the session helped to deepen the connection and bond between past and current program participants. More>>

Twelve American and Japanese Young Professionals Selected to Participate in the 2016 TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program

The members of the 2016 TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program have been selected and announced. In its seventh year, the program will take 12 Japanese American young professionals to Silicon Valley, California to take part in the 2016 USJC Annual Conference. At the conference, the leaders will participate in a leadership orientation program, network with high level leaders, attend all conference events and participate in the Annual Members Meeting.

For more information on the leaders including the bios, please click here

Register Now for the 2016 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Silicon Valley!

The 2016 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference will be held from November 14-15, 2016 in Silicon Valley, California. Held in the center of high-tech startups and development, this year’s Conference will be an opportunity to advance an innovative agenda in U.S.-Japan relations, exchange views among leaders about challenges and opportunities, and identify ways that the U.S.-Japan relationship can be strengthened. It will be attended by hundreds of distinguished American and Japanese leaders from all sectors, providing a unique opportunity for learning and networking. It will highlight innovation and entrepreneurship, and inspire the next generation of leaders. For more information and to register, click here
Register Now

TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 2016 Conclude After Post Program Presentations

On September 26, a reception at Microsoft Japan concluded the 2016 TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program. At the reception, participants of this year’s program were joined by approximately 30 alumni who had participated in the program in previous years.
 
Representing this year`s participants, Yuna Miyachi and Yusuke Ono shared their perspective and lessons learned through this program. Miyachi commented, “Prior to participating in the program, I did not have many opportunities to talk about myself. After participating in the program, I realized the importance of getting to know myself and sharing my story. Furthermore, I learned that leadership potential is within ourselves”. More>>

Irene Hirano Inouye, President of the U.S.-Japan Council, Presents on TOMODACHI at the Japan Women’s Leadership Institute Summit in Tokyo

On October 18, Irene Hirano Inouye, President of the U.S.-Japan Council spoke about the TOMODACHI Initiative during the plenary session at the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative (JWLI) 2016 Tokyo Summit. She shared the impact of the TOMODACHI Initiative, the differences between fundraising in the U.S. and Japan, and the importance of developing partnerships with donors and implementers. Approximately 300 women from Japan and the United States in the public, private and nonprofit sectors that lead the social sector in Japan gathered to attend this summit.

Founded by USJC Board Member Atsuko Toko Fish, the mission of the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative is to empower Japanese women to become leaders and make positive social change and innovation in Japan. The Summit commemorated the 10th year anniversary of JWLI. More>>
Upcoming Programs and Events
Nov 2              Second session on Financial Literacy for the TOMODACHI MetLife Women's Leadership Program in Sapporo, Hokkaido
 
Nov 4               Second session on Financial Literacy for the TOMODACHI MetLife Women's Leadership Program in Naha Okinawa
 
Nov 5              Participants of the TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program present at the Sendai Post-Trip Seminar Part II
 
Nov 14-15       The 2016 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Silicon Valley will highlight innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan and the United States, while inspiring the next generation 
 
Nov 18             Second session on Financial Literacy for the TOMODACHI MetLife Women's Leadership Program in Osaka
 
Nov 27             TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program participants will share their experiences at the Sendai Post-Trip Presentation 
 
Nov 30            Second session on Financial Literacy for the TOMODACHI MetLife Women's Leadership Program in Tokyo
 
TOMODACHI Alumni Activities
Alumni Meet with Ms. Hiroko Kuniya, Television Journalist and Anchor for “Close up-Gendai” at the 8th U.S.-Japan Council Business Advisory Board Meeting
On October 19, five alumni from various programs were invited to an exclusive meeting with special guest Ms. Hiroko Kuniya, former anchor for NHK's “Close-up Gendai” news analysis program. This was the 8th U.S.-Japan Council Business Advisory Board Meeting in Tokyo, and was attended by over 50 prominent business executives. 
 
Ms. Kuniya spoke about how she began her career as a journalist and pointed out the different styles of journalism in Japan and the United States, and the future of journalism in Japan. The TOMODACHI alumni, all selected for their interest in journalism, listened to her speech intently as they nodded and were stimulated by her inspiring story. In addition to the inspirational and thought-provoking speech by Ms. Kuniya, the alumni had an opportunity to network with many business leaders in Japan, all with extensive experience working in both the United States and Japan.  More>>
Recruiting Now: Alumni Regional Leaders in Japan
A TOMODACHI Generation regional framework is being created to further alumni engagement, thanks to the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program supported by The Prudential Foundation.
 
Regional Groups are being established to support the over 4,600 alumni who are a part of the TOMODACHI Generation. These groups are divided into seven regions within Japan:  Hokkaido-Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu-Hokuriku, Kansai, Chugoku-Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa. 
 
If you are interested in creating and developing new events and opportunities and leading further alumni engagement within your region, click here and apply. 
Deadline: November 10, 2016 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time
Recruitment for TOMODACHI Program Participants
Please forward and share these opportunities with people who may be interested. 

Apply Now: 2017 TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University for Female Students

The 2017 TOMODACHI-STEM @ Rice University for Female Students is a five-week research internship program for 10 female undergraduates from Japan who are majoring in science & engineering (S&E). Held at Rice University in Houston, Texas, the program will enable students to gain real world experience with S&E research, provide an introduction to U.S. higher education and provide opportunities for cultural engagement and collaboration with U.S. students.

The program will serve as a catalyst for female Japanese students interested in S&E study and research and engagement with the U.S. through international research collaborations.

For more information, click here
(Application Deadline: November 2, 2016)
Announcements

Welcome Ms. Junko Tsuda, the new Executive Director for U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) in Tokyo

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Junko Tsuda as the new Executive Director for the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan). She will begin working in Tokyo from November 1. Her bio is as follows:

Ms. Junko Tsuda joins us from the Public Resources Foundation, where she has been responsible for fundraising and communications since 2015.  Prior to her non-profit work, Ms. Tsuda performed communications and HR functions during a career in international companies in Japan that included Walt Disney Co., Cartier Japan, Hilton International, ING Life Insurance and GE.  She led initiatives on women’s career advancement at GE and ING.  She started volunteer work for Tohoku reconstruction and supporting social entrepreneurs after the Great East Japan Earthquake.  She is a 2015 Alum of the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative (JWLI).  Ms. Tsuda was born and raised in Hiroshima, and received a BA in International Studies at Tsuda College.
 
TOMODACHI Opportunities

Intern, U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative-Tokyo Office

The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and the TOMODACHI Initiative is seeking unpaid interns to begin January 2017. U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and TOMODACHI offers 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, newsletter development support, public speaking, communication with program participants, designing presentations and posters, and event planning.
 
For more information and to apply, click here.

Update from Team TOMODACHI - October 2016

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 United States Embassy 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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