TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program
TOMODACHI Initiative and The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation (Chairman, Toshizo Watanabe) established “the TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program in 2022. The program aims to promote a greater understanding between the United States and Japan and to foster the next generation of leaders in both countries with an international mindset.
In response to the announcement of the new program, Toshizo Watanabe, Chairman of The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation, stated, “Being exposed to other countries and broadening horizons in their youth is such a valuable experience. I expect this program to provide promising Japanese high school students with ‘discovery’ and ‘opportunities’”
With a rigorous selection process, participants from all over Japan have been chosen to take part in training sessions in the United States. During their stay, they will engage with people in the local community, be exposed to the history and diverse cultures of the country, and acquire different perspectives and leadership skills through homestays and site visits.
TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program 2023
From August 9th to 19th, 2023, the TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program was held. Fourteen high school students selected from all over Japan participated in the program in California.
During the 10-day program, the students visited educational institutions such as the California Institute of Technology and the University of California, Los Angeles, where they had the opportunity to listen to local Japanese students and consider their career paths. Furthermore, they visited cultural institutions such as Japan House, the Holocaust Museum LA, and the Japanese American National Museum, where they learned about the history and diversity of the United States, U.S.-Japan relations, and various leadership styles. At the official residence of the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, each student introduced themselves and their reasons for participating in the program, and actively asked the Consul General a variety of questions. They also experienced a homestay with local families on the weekend and deepened exchanges with American high school students through a hands-on experience at a local high school. Read More>>
TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program 2022
From August 10 to 20, 2022, the inaugural TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program was held, and fourteen high school students selected from all over Japan participated in the program in California. On the program’s final day, we welcomed Toshizo Watanabe, Chairman of The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation, which supports the program, and Suzanne Basalla, President of the U.S.-Japan Council.
All students made presentations in English about the learnings gained through their time in the program. Seita Horiguchi, reflecting on the program, said, “(I learned that) a leader is someone who notices differences, thinks about and respects other perspectives. This program has strengthened my desire to go abroad in the future.” Read More>>