Next Generation Summit (TOMODACHI Summit)
The Next Generation Summit is an annual event that brings together TOMODACHI Alumni from across different regions, both domestic and international, from different industries and sectors – government, business, academia and nonprofit – to discuss the current status and the future of the U.S.-Japan relations, how the next generation can prepare and contribute this future together, and to celebrate the impact of the TOMODACHI Initiative on our lives. The Summit’s goals are to: Strengthen the TOMODACHI Identity & Alumni Network; Empower the Next Generation by sharing motivational stories of impact by alumni; Enhance personal & professional development through workshops and speeches; and Develop connections across generations and highlight the power of people-to-people relations.
Next Generation Summit 2024
TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit 2024
~ VOICES Unleashed: Unlocking Potential, Creating Impact ~
TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit 2024
This year’s dynamic summit is designed to explore and amplify the diverse voices shaping our future. This event is structured around three core components, each tailored to unleash potential and inspire impactful action:
- TSUNAGARI Hub: A career fair-style exhibition where participants can connect with industry leaders, impactful organizations, and learn about study abroad opportunities. This hub serves as a networking platform to explore opportunities that align with participants’ passions and skills.
- TOMODACHI Voice: A vibrant pitch contest that provides a stage for emerging leaders to present their groundbreaking ideas focused on community action. This segment encourages participants to voice their innovative solutions to pressing societal issues, competing for the chance to share their voices on an even larger platform at the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in October 2024.
- Visionary Voices: A series of panel discussions that delve into the concepts of workplace kaizen and empowering global jinzai. These panels feature thought leaders and experts who discuss the transformation of workplaces through continuous improvement and the integration of global talent into Japan’s industries.
The Next Generation Summit 2024 took place in Tokyo on September 29th, 2024.
Please see the moderator and panelists’ profiles here.
Next Generation Summit 2023
The TOMODACHI Generation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Hear from speakers who are leaders in their fields, as they share their insights into the state of U.S.-Japan relations, the power of youth involvement, and the potential for this dynamic relationship in the years ahead. This Summit aims to inspire attendees with a vision of what is possible when young people take the reins in international relations and community empowerment, and it will provide a roadmap for the rich and varied discussions to follow.
The Next Generation Summit 2023 took place in Tokyo on July 1st, 2023.
Please see the moderator and panelists’ profiles here.
Watch Next Generation Summit 2023 videos (English/Japanese).
More videos can be viewed from the following links.
– Opening Plenary
– Panel: Bridging Borders: The Transformative Power of the U.S.-Japan Study Abroad Experience
– Panel: Empowering Voices: The Role of Women in Shaping the Future of U.S.-Japan Relations
– Reception Speech: Miku Hayashida
– Reception Speech: Yuuki Sato
– Reception Performance: Shun Kumagai
Photos: USJC NGS 2023 Flickr Album
Next Generation Summit 2022
For the first time since the pandemic hit, people gathered together both in-person and virtually at the Next Generation Summit (formerly TOMODACHI Summit) in Tokyo on October 27th, 2022. The Summit is an annual gathering for TOMODACHI alumni to reconnect, inspire and learn from each other.
It also provides the opportunity for these next generation leaders to meet new people from the USJC community, Watanabe scholars, and supporters of the TOMODACHI Generation from the general public representing various industries.
Click here for details.
Watch TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2022 videos here.
Next Generation Summit 2021
In December 2021, the Next Generation Summit 2021 was held as the final installment of the U.S.-Japan Council’s 2021 Signature Series. The virtual stage, titled “Ideas to Action: Breaking Barriers for a Sustainable Community with Enduring Value,” provided opportunities for the younger voices of the USJC community including TOMODACHI alumni, U40 (under 40) members, and Watanabe scholars to share their perspectives on topics that they deemed significant to their generation. Read More>>
Watch TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2021 videos here.
Alumni speakers speech scripts and videos are available at the following links;
Next Generation Summit 2020
On December 12 and 13, the Next Generation Summit was held under the theme of “The 3 Rs of 2020: Reflective, Resilient and Revolutionary.” This summit was held as part of the U.S.-Japan Council Signature Series in lieu of the annual TOMODACHI Generation Summit and USJC Annual Conference. Read More>>
TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2019
On September 8, the 2019 TOMODACHI Generation Summit was held at Showa Women’s University and Temple University Japan Campus in Tokyo under the theme of “TOMODACHI Era: Climbing the Summit Together — How will YOU step into the new era?” As the year 2019 marked the beginning of the new Reiwa Era in Japan, along with the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics to be held in Tokyo next year, this Summit aimed to inspire each participant and encourage them to take proactive steps in this new era and look toward the post-2020 era and beyond.
The TOMODACHI Summit is made possible through the generous support of The Prudential Foundation. Read More>>
To see 2019 TOMODACHI Generation Summit video from here.
To see “TOMO Voices speakers ” videos from the links below;
TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2018
On September 9, 2018, nearly 300 TOMODACHI alumni (past program participants), guests, and supporters gathered at Showa Women’s University for the TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2018, under the theme Meet, Move, Merge. The day-long event was comprised of multiple formats including plenaries, TED style talks, breakout sessions, and workshops. This event created by alumni, for alumni, is a core feature of the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program. The TOMODACHI Summit is made possible through generous support by The Prudential. Read More>>
TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2017
On September 10, the TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2017 was held at Showa Women’s University, gathering over 270 Japanese and American TOMODACHI alumni (past program participants), guests and supporters. This year, the Summit was held for the second time since 2015, and was planned and executed entirely by the alumni. The Summit commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Dennis Y. Teranishi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, U.S.-Japan Council, and Ms. Mariko Bando, Sept NL TOMO Summit 1Chancellor of Showa Women’s University, who kindly agreed to offer the venue for the Summit.
The TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2017 was held with generous support from The Prudential Foundation. Read More>>
TOMODACHI Generation Summit 2015
The first ever TOMODACHI Generation Summit was launched at Sophia University in Tokyo on November 8, 2015. This inaugural summit brought together approximately 140 university students and young professionals from the United States and Japan who are alumni of various TOMODACHI programs, including cultural exchange, homestay, and leadership programs.
TOMODACHI Generation Summit was made possible by the generous support of The Prudential Foundation, which sponsors the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program. Special thanks to Delta Airlines for contributing complimentary flights to several of the American participants. Read More>>
