Welcoming back 2015 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholars, and Passing the Baton to the 2016 Scholarship Recipients
On July 13, 2016, the 2015 and 2016 scholars and partners for the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program were brought together for a post-program report and award ceremony at Sumitomo Corporation’s Headquarters in Tokyo.
The recipients of the 2015 Scholarship presented on their study abroad experience, and were acknowledged for their individual growth and scholarly achievements at their respective Universities in the United States. Natsumi Komatsu, one of the six returning 2015 scholars who studied Electronic and Computer Engineering at Rice University, spoke about how her perception of learning has shifted. Exposed to Western education and a culturally diverse classroom environment, she has realized the power of education and the importance of building relationships with both people and materials. As she works towards fulfilling her dream to be a part of Engineers Without Borders, her hard work in the United States earned her an invitation to study and publish her research at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Kaito Manabe has returned from Northern Arizona University with a heightened aspiration to become an astronaut who embraces the Japanese spirit. He encapsulates the personal and scholarly growth of the six returning scholars as he reflected, “Last year I said that I wanted to be an astronaut. Now, I want to change this world as an astronaut, as a Japanese, and as a TOMODACHI alumnus.”
Following their presentations, U.S.-Japan Council President, Irene Hirano Inouye, Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Dale Kreisher, and Managing Executive Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at Sumitomo Corporation, Masao Tabuchi, made remarks. They all recognized both the 2015 and 2016 scholars, and Ms. Inouye stated, “[they] all exemplify the kind of leaders we need in the future.”
To conclude the ceremony, the three speakers presented awards to the ten 2016 scholars as they are about to embark on their study abroad experience. Mr. Tabuchi commented on the high value of study abroad from personal experience and Mr. Kreisher similarly stated, “The U.S. and Japan is one of the most important bilateral ties in the world, and educational exchange is what sustains it.” The diverse group of scholars spoke on their goals while on the program. Ryo Nagae, a University of Tokyo student who will study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champain, proposed his dream to work on peace building at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan, and create a peaceful world in which the dignity of every person is guaranteed. Additionally, Hotsuki Hayama, a Waseda University student who will study at George Washington University stated, “I want to share my experiences through social networks so I can inspire and encourage more Japanese people to study abroad.”
A reception was held after the award ceremony, merging Sumitomo Corporation employees, past and current scholars, TOMODACHI staff, and the program implementer, Study Abroad Foundation (SAF) together. Passion towards education, global experiences, and the future of U.S.-Japan relations cultivated an informal and interactive atmosphere, and attendees were able to successfully leave with enhanced professional and personal connections.
