Workshop Report: Next Generation Launchpad in Hawaii
On October 14, 2025, the Next Generation Launchpad was held at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii, as a prelude to the 2025 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference. Approximately 40 TOMODACHI alumni and young leaders gathered to engage in networking, discussions, and intergenerational exchange through interactive learning and practice.
The first half of the program featured an interactive workshop led by Janrose Samson, Regional Representative of the Washington D.C. Vicinity Region, and Shiori Sata, Regional Representative of the Chubu-Hokuriku region from the TOMODACHI Regional Framework. Under the theme “Strategic Collaboration and Meaningful Impact,” participants explored cross-cultural and intergenerational communication as well as effective networking skills through conversation with other participants.
Participants began with light icebreaker questions to learn about each other’s personalities and how different types can collaborate effectively. They then shared “one hard thing you can do but feel hesitant,” practicing active listening by asking questions or giving brief advice instead of simple backchanneling. Through these exercises—including comparing “Yes, but…” and “Yes, and…” responses—they learned how small communication shifts can create smoother, more positive interactions, especially useful for networking during the conference.
Reycajen Magbulos, an alumna of the 2023 TOMODACHI KAKEHASHI Inouye Scholars Program and the 2024-2025 Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program, shared that “In communication, I want to value not only similarities, but also our differences. Depending on how I respond to the differences between myself and the others, those differences can either encourage our communication or create a barrier to it.” Seigo Asami, currently participating in the 2025 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program, reflected, “This workshop reminded me of the importance of talking about myself in interpersonal communication.”
In the second half of the program, a Reverse Mentorship session was led by Kaoru Utada, Director of Programs and Partnerships, where established professionals became mentees, listening to and learning from younger generations to deepen intergenerational understanding. Participants rotated through small group discussions, exchanging perspectives on topics such as digital transformation and social media engagement. While mentorship programs typically involve older professionals guiding younger mentees, this reversed structure provided seasoned business leaders with a fresh opportunity to gain insights from the younger generation. For many younger participants, it was also a moment of realization that what they consider “normal” in the digital age is, in fact, quite new to others, and that they also had things to teach.
At the end of the day, Masayori Itome, TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program participant shared “I realized I was usually the one listening since I am younger but it was refreshing to be able to speak about what I know and be heard by those I consider more wise and experienced.”
The Next Generation Launchpad offered participants practical tips for improving networking and communication skills, as well as a meaningful opportunity to experience intergenerational exchange through reverse mentorship. People differ in age, generation, personality, nationality, and experience, but this program encouraged participants to enjoy those differences and build meaningful connections through open and positive
