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Update from Team TOMODACHI
September 2017
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The TOMODACHI Generation Summit Brings Together Over 270 Participants and Successfully Concludes with Ambassador Hagerty in Attendance
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On September 10, the TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2017 was held at Showa Women’s University, gathering over 270 Japanese and American TOMODACHI alumni (past program participants), guests and supporters. This year, the Summit was held for the second time since 2015, and was planned and executed entirely by the alumni.
The Summit commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Dennis Y. Teranishi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, U. S.-Japan Council, and Ms. Mariko Bando, Chancellor of Showa Women’s University, who kindly agreed to offer the venue for the Summit. The remarks were followed by the Morning Plenary, which welcomed representatives from the TOMODACHI Initiative’s partners, the U.S. Embassy Tokyo and the Government of Japan, along with three alumni, and discussed the TOMODACHI Generation’s unique role in shaping the future together. Read More>>
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Participants of the TOMODACHI-Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 2017 Successfully Conclude Leadership Training in Seattle, Learning Different Leadership Styles and Embarking on Their Next Journey
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 From August 8 – 25, 2017, 18 university students and young professionals traveled to Seattle, Washington, for a three-week intensive leadership training as part of Phase Two of the TOMODACHI-Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership program 2017. This program consists of three phases in total. Prior to the training in Seattle, the participants completed Phase One, which included such preparatory activities as online meetings and a reflection inventory assignment in Japan. In the upcoming Phase Three, program participants will develop and implement a change project in Japan until the end of January 2018.
During the three-week training in Seattle, the participants were exposed to six types of learning experiences: Seminar Training, Change Projects, Site Visits, Peer Learning Groups, Advisory Teams and Individual Inquiry. Read More>> |
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The Latest on TOMODACHI Programs and Activities
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Trainees Selected for the TOMODACHI Disability Leadership Program in America 2017, Start Training in Boston, Massachusetts
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The TOMODACHI Disability Leadership Program in America was established to train young Japanese people with disabilities to become stronger and more confident leaders of the next generation. This year, after a rigorous selection process, Mio Deguchi and Haruna Sakai were chosen to participate in this intensive five-month leadership and advocacy training taking place in Boston, Massachusetts, from August to December 2017.
Mio Deguchi is currently a forth-year student studying social welfare at Nagasaki International University in Nagasaki prefecture, Japan. She has a congenital visual impairment, and attended a regular primary and middle school and then a high school for the blind. Mio has been advocating for support systems for students with disabilities at her university. She is actively involved with the DO-IT Japan Program at Tokyo University, which supports individuals with disabilities in accessing higher education, and trains them in disability advocacy and leadership. Read More>>
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Japanese Students Gather from All Over Japan to Present Business Plans and Inspire Each Other
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From September 5 – 8, 2017, the 7th U.S. Embassy-Keio SFC-TOMODACHI Entrepreneurship Seminar took place. Funded by The Boeing Company, this program was developed to support young Japanese entrepreneurs interested in reconstructing and revitalizing the Tohoku community in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Following the pre-seminars, which began in May 14, 2017, teams consisting of 37 university students from all over Japan were selected to participate in the four-day seminar. The students came from various regions, including the Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu and Hokuriku, and Kyushu regions. Through the program, the students deepened connections with people they would not have otherwise been able to meet in their own regional communities. In addition, the students improved and honed their business plans after obtaining advice and support from over 20 professional mentors. Read More>>
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TOMDACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program Year Five Launch in Naha, Fukuoka, Tokyo and Osaka
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September 1 through 22, 2017 marked the kick-off of the 2017-2018 TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP) in Naha, Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Osaka. This year, the first session focused on establishing a strong foundation for the one-on-one mentor-mentee relationships. The mentoring component of TMWLP is a unique and signature feature of this 10-month program in which each of 50 Japanese women currently pursuing undergraduate degrees are paired with a mid-level career professional women working in Japan. Read More>>
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Japanese High School Students Visit and Learn about the “Windy City” on the 2017 Chicago-Tagajo TOMODACHI Exchange Program
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From September 3 – 9, 2017, six high school students and their chaperone from Tagajo, Miyagi prefecture, visited the “Windy City,” Chicago, Illinois, as part of the 2017 Chicago-Tagajo TOMODACHI Exchange Program. The students enjoyed Chicago’s very own pizza upon their arrival at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which included a Chicago-style welcome party by staff from the Japan America Society of Chicago, homestay families, and local sponsors. Read More>>
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Register for the 2017 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.!
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 The 2017 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. from November 13 to 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. |
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Upcoming Programs and Events
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Oct. 6
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Oct. 20 - 22
Oct. 27
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TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program：Naha Session 2
TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program：Osaka Session 2
TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program：Tokyo Session 2
TOMODACHI Daiwa House Student Leadership Conference in Chicago: Japanese and American undergraduate/graduate students attending a college/university in the Midwest Industry gather in Chicago for three-day conference with a theme; “Investment and Cross-Cultural Engagement: Developing Leaders for the Future of U.S.-Japan Relations in the Midwest”
TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program：Fukuoka Session 2 / Tokyo Session 3
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TOMODACHI Alumni Activities
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TOMODACHI Alumni Disaster Resilience Training Program, Tokyo Workshop: Alumni Showcase Their Training at the Shinjuku Bosai Festa
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On September 2 – 3, 2017 the forth TOMODACHI Alumni Disaster Resilience Training Program: Tokyo Workshop took place in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Eleven alumni from across Japan joined the workshop focused on Disaster Preparedness and Leadership Training (Day 1) and Volunteer activities for Disaster Risk Reduction (Day 2). The Tokyo Workshop focused on training the trainer to have alumni teach disaster preparedness and awareness to even younger generations as our college-aged alumni were taught how to and then trained elementary school aged students at the Shinjuku Bosai Festa. This training was implemented in partnership with Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Center. Read More>> |
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Apply Now: Japanese and American Alumni (University Students and Young Professionals)
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Join us for the TOMODACHI Workshop at the 2017 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference at the JW Marriot Hotel in Washington, D.C. from November 13 – 14, 2017. TOMODACHI provides transformative experiences. As a TOMODACHI Alumni Speaker, you will share your story of how TOMODACHI has transformed you, what challenges within your community and society you would like to address, and what further action you’ve taken towards this change. Eight alumni will be selected.
(Application Deadline: October 10, 2017 at 23:59 JST)
For more information and to apply: click here. |
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Marketing & Communications Manager (Tokyo Office)
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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. |
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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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Intern, U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative (Tokyo Office)
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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. |
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