The Next Generation of U.S. and Japan Leaders Gather for the 1 st “TOMODACHI Generation Summit” ～The Prudential Foundation Launches Inaugural Summit for TOMODACHI Alumni in Tokyo～
Tokyo, Japan, October 22, 2015 – The Prudential Foundation and the TOMODACHI Initiative are pleased to announce the inaugural “TOMODACHI Generation Summit” to be launched on November 8, 2015. Funded by The Prudential Foundation through a grant first announced on November 13, 2013, this Summit will bring together university students and young professionals from the United States and Japan who are alumni of TOMODACHI programs to Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. The Summit will provide an inspirational keynote plenary session, hands-on skill building workshops, alumni activity presentations, and various networking opportunities. The event is expected to draw approximately 200 young leaders from both countries. This Summit is made possible by the generous support of The Prudential Foundation with a $1 million dollar grant, which sponsors the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program.
Born in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, the TOMODACHI Initiative was launched as a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. TOMODACHI seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and possess the requisite global skills and mindsets. To date, the number of alumni who are part of the TOMODACHI Generation has reached approximately 4,000.
Former U.S. Ambassador John Roos and his wife, Susie Roos, will open the Summit with a keynote plenary session, followed by alumni project presentations and several workshops. Masi Oka, a Japanese-American actor known for his role in “Heroes”, will lead an intercultural development workshop for Japanese TOMODACHI alumni. The Summit will conclude with a reception bringing together TOMODACHI alumni, corporate donors and partners, and Japanese-American leaders from the U.S.-Japan Council.
“TOMODACHI Generation Summit”
Date：November 8, 2015 09:00 – 19:30
Location：Sophia University, Building 11
Objectives：
- Strengthen the TOMODACHI Generation identity and network
- Develop regional TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Corps
- Build leadership and networking skills through workshops and training sessions
Keynote Plenary ：Former U.S. Ambassador John Roos and his wife, Susie Roos
About The Prudential Foundation:
The Prudential Foundation is a nonprofit corporation supported by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, an insurance subsidiary of Prudential Financial Inc. of the U.S. The Prudential Foundation advocates for systemic change focused on eliminating barriers to financial and social mobility in the areas of meeting basic needs, connecting people to quality jobs, building personal assets and transforming communities. As a strategic investor, the Foundation makes longterm commitments that yield tangible results through both grants and program related investments. http://www.news.prudential.com/
For Questions Regarding this Press Release Please contact the TOMODACHI Initiative Email: TOMODACHI@usjapancouncil.org
