On October 14, 2018, more than 90 alumni of the "TOMODACHI Summer 2018 Softbank Leadership Program” participated in a Post-Program Seminar in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. (High school students selected from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures learned about the methods and leadership necessary for regional community contribution in Berkeley, California for about three weeks beginning in late July. For the details of the summer program, click here.)

A practical workshop for high school students was led by Mr. Masato Ikeda, Senior Director of CSR Division, Human Resources & General Affairs Unit, SoftBank Corp., Executive Board Member of the Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Initiatives Foundation. Read More>>

From the end of July to the end of September 2018, the TOMODACHI Foster Youth Leadership Program was held, providing a total of twelve youths (seven Americans and five Japanese) with the opportunity to travel to one another’s countries. Inspired by this year’s theme, “Transition and Foster Care,” the participants engaged in child welfare facility tours and discussions with caregivers and other stakeholders. 

From July 31 to August 12, 2018, the Japanese youths visited the U.S., where the participants learned about the basic legal structure of the U.S. child welfare system and gained first-hand knowledge of various foster care services in the region, such as education, employment, mental health, and preparation for independence. At the “International Child Welfare Learning Collaborative” event held at the University of Washington, the Japanese and American youths shared their foster care experiences and presented on the United States’ and Japan’s respective child welfare and independent living programs. Read More>>

For eight days, from September 18 to 25, 2018, 15 students from Nara Unebi High School, along with three chaperones, joined the 28th Japan-America Grassroots Summit in Seattle and Washington, as part of the 2018 TOMODACHI CIE Grassroots Summit. Last year, students from Unebi High School hosted students from the Youth Commission of Macon-Bibb County (MBC), Georgia, during the 27th Japan-America Grassroots Summit 2017 in Nara.

This one-week Grassroots Exchange Program provided the Japanese students with an opportunity to learn about the history of U.S.-Japan exchange and the Japanese-American community by visiting sites in the area, such as the Japanese Cultural Community Center of Washington and the Nisei Veterans Center, in addition to attending the Japan-America Grassroots Summit. Read More>>

The members of the 2018 TOMODACHI Emerging Leaders Program have been selected and announced. In its ninth year, the program will bring 12 Japanese American young professionals to Tokyo for the 2018 USJC Annual Conference. The Emerging 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.

In conjunction with the 2018 USJC Annual Conference, join us for the Japan premiere of An American Story: Norman Mineta and His Legacy and panel featuring Secretary Norman Mineta.

Presented by Mineta Legacy Project, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership and the U.S.-Japan Council, the documentary film, An American Story: Norman Mineta and His Legacy, chronicles the life and career of Secretary Norman Mineta (Vice Chair of the USJC Board of Councilors), an Asian American pioneer who rose to the highest levels of public service. 

There will be a light reception following the panel. This screening is free and open to the public, with Japanese subtitles, but registration is required.
Click here for more information and to register and here to see the film trailer.