TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program Begins!
Delegates of the third TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program representing seven Japanese universities gathered for the first time in Tokyo over the weekend of December 7-8, 2024.
Day 1 began at noon with self-introductions, general overview, and the connection between the U.S.-Japan Council and TOMODACHI Initiative. Masashi Miyata, Deputy Manager, Innovation Promotion Department, Sports Facility Business Office – Tokyo Dome graciously organized and hosted the group for a tour and workshop with operators of this iconic multi-use facility. Mana Yanase, one of the 2024-2025 delegates who is interested in sports facility management, asked why Tokyo Dome could not be used during the Tokyo Olympic, and got first hand information from the professionals at Tokyo Dome.
Day 2 opened with USJC’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Ikeno, and Adam Gallagher, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer – U.S. Embassy Tokyo. Two panel discussions designed to stimulate mindsets of global awareness in the sports industry filled the morning schedule.
Panel 1, “Transcending Borders through the Power of Sports” was moderated by Dr. Taeahn Kang, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences – University of Tsukuba.
And the Panel 2: “Building the Next Generation in Sports Leadership: Education & Youth Development in Sports” was moderated by Dr. Rei Yamashita, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences – Toyo University.
“Introspective Leadership Workshop” got everyone out of their seats starting the afternoon schedule, implemented by Yoichi Suzuki, Explanation of Sports Management, Executive Board Director – Wake up Japan. Yutaro Kasai, one of the 2024-2025 delegates, shared his comment and said, “I learned that we have to have different types of people and different types of leadership to have a good team, and it is important to understand each other.”
Program mentor professors, Dr. Taeahn Kang and Dr. Rei Yamashita followed with a lecture themed, “Explanation of Sports Management,’ presentation theme discussion,” ending with assignments in preparation for the trip to the United States. The delegates are tasked with making a presentation currently themed, ‘‘Skills and Abilities demanded in the Sport Industry” upon their return at the Awards Ceremony at the Roppongi Hills Club on March 14, 2025.
Perhaps the most valued session of the weekend and first orientation was the alumni session attended by no less than 11 program alums who shared their thoughts and offering advice, emphasizing English skillset and the importance of collaboration and teamwork not only during the trip but leveraging their participation in the TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program to stimulate curiosity and lifelong learning.
2023-2024 delegate, Yasuto Ito, shared that he learned the importance of networking by participating in a TOMODACHI program, and started to always make a point to meet and talk to new people.
Two virtual orientation sessions will follow in preparation for their sports business themed journey to the United States departing Japan February 25, 2025.
