TOMODACHI-U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Leadership Program 2024 Final Presentation Held

On March 14, 2025, the “TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go For Gold Sports Leadership Program,”its two-week U.S. training program, one week in Los Angeles and one week in New York, under a partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Japan. The “TOMODACHI – U.S.-Embassy Go For Gold Sports Leadership Program” held its final presentation day in Tokyo, bringing the 2024-2025 program activities to a successful finale.

This year’s delegation of the program, now in its third year, was divided into three groups, which presented “University Sports in Japan,” “Raising Awareness of Pickleball,” and “Creating More Unity in the J. League,” respectively. Creating More Sense of Belongings in J.League”.

Over 50 special guests including representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Japan, Mr. Tom Byer (Founder, T3 Soccer Starts at Home), Ms. Chiharu Hachiya Lorenzoni (Japan Federation of Pickleball), and others.

 

An advising mentor Dr. Rei Yamashita,, Associate Professor at Toyo University’s School of Health and Sport Sciences, said in her opening remarks, “I am confident that not only this year’s participants, but everyone who has participated in this program since the year one three years ago will develop their own unique leadership style and contribute to the global sports business industry in the future. At the end of the program, with their confident eyes and excitement for what they have gained, I am certain something has changed in them.” 

 

Hinata Hashimoto, a delegate representative, commented on the program, “What impressed me the most was the open- mindedness. The people I met in the program had one thing in common: they were “open-minded” and valued their connections with others. I felt that having an open attitude while gaining experience in various industries is important not only to expand one’s potential, but also to contribute to the community.”

Seiryo Komai, one of this year’s delegates, also commented, “After completing the three-month program and giving a presentation, I was glad to be able to meet directly with the supporters of this program and share what I learned through the program. I was also able to realize that this program is possible only with their support.”

All program participants received a certificate of successful completion. The 2024 program came to a close with all participants receiving a certificate of completion.