The Second TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program was Held Successfully

From March 24 to April 3, 2024, the second TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program was held successfully in the U.S. Sixteen high school students from Rikuzen Takata, Iwate Prefecture, learned about tourism, hospitality, community revitalization and leadership by visiting various organizations and schools in New York City and Washington, D.C.

In Manhattan, New York City, the students visited the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the High Line, a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets, to learn how the dynamic city of Manhattan has overcome devastating challenges and is moving forward while preserving its history. Additionally, in the Red Hook area located in western Brooklyn, the group had a chance to visit a non-profit organization, the Red Hook Initiative, to learn about their contributions to the local community during Hurricane Sandy and their ongoing efforts to educate residents about disasters and continue learning from the experiences of the community as part of the recovery process.

In Washington D.C., the students visited the DC Central Kitchen, an organization that fights poverty through food, and learned about leadership. At a historic restaurant called Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street, where former President Obama has also visited, the restaurant owner engaged in dialogue with the students about the restaurant’s history, which dates back to 1958. He shared how it has experienced various challenges from the civil rights movement to the pandemic, and how it has been finding ways to thrive while walking alongside the local community. On the second day of the stay in Washington D.C., the students visited the Embassy of Japan and heard from Minister Sato about the role of the Embassy, the importance of U.S.-Japan relations, cultural exchange, tourism, and hospitality. Additionally, the group interacted with high school students who are learning about Japanese language and culture through an extracurricular activity, Japanese Plus. They learned about the charm of Washington D.C., and discussed ways to promote Rikuzen Takata. At Columbia Heights High School, they interacted with students who study in the tourism and hospitality programs, and on the final day of their stay in D.C., they presented what they had learned through the U.S. training program and how they wanted to apply it to benefit Rikuzen Takata. Additionally, the group experienced a four-day homestay in Washington D.C., allowing them to have hands-on experience of American cultures.

Chiasa Nakawatari stated at the final reception event, “I applied for this program because I wanted to contribute to the revitalization of Rikuzen Takata. Through interactions with local people, I have experienced many surprises and had learning moments, and I have felt that there are many similarities and differences between Japan and the United States. What I have learned through this training is ‘Unity.’ I believe that this is an important value for Japan in the future. As a member of the TOMODACHI generation, I want to create opportunities for people to learn from each other and grow together. I will cherish this experience forever.”

Now that they have returned to Japan, the students will work together and develop their final project for revitalizing the community of Rikuzen Takata by utilizing the knowledge gained during their program in the U.S. The final presentation is scheduled to be held in July 2024.