Hokkaido Regional Event Recap

On August 11, 2025, 12 TOMODACHI alumni from theHokkaido region gathered at Machinaka space COVO to hold a networking event for Hokkaido alumni. We were honored to have two special guests : Mr. Jeff Freeman, Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Sapporo, Japan,and Mr Takanori Nagatomo, an international lawyer and member of the U.S.- Japan Council. After enjoying Japanese culture through green tea and wagashi sweets, Mr. Nagatomo gave a presentation on international relations, and discussions were held on topics such as Trump’s tarrifs and Japan’s current digital deficit. Mr. Freeman stated “Rather than being elated or disheartened by negotiation news seen in the media, let us think about the importance of U.S.-Japan relations from a long-term perspective” and reaffirmed the consulate’s support for the alumni’s activities. Additionally, Ms. Momoko Tsukada, an alumnus who has become a core committee member for the Hokkaido region, shared her vision, stating, “I would like to expand this activity to include younger generations of alumni as well.”