Apply Now to the 2016 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

“Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership”

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2016 PROGRAM

For more information on this program, click here

OVERVIEW

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program contributes to building a “TOMODACHI Generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally-oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference.

U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields.  Selected through a competitive process, participants represent geographic and professional diversity.

GOALS

• Create a professional network among rising business and government leaders in Japan and the United States.
• Motivate young American and Japanese leaders to engage in and contribute to furthering U.S.-Japan relations.
• Raise awareness of important policies and issues relevant to the United States and Japan among next generation leaders in both countries.

 

CONCEPT

Ten (10) Americans and ten (10) Japanese young professionals from a mix of the public or private sectors will travel to each other’s country for one week to engage as a group and meet with established and up-and-coming leaders from business and government.    

The American delegation will travel to Fukushima Prefecture and Tokyo, and the Japanese delegation will travel to Detroit, Michigan and Washington, D.C.

Guided by the 2016 program theme, “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership,” the delegations will explore innovation, new technology, and industrial development in the context of U.S.-Japan relations.

Government officials, business executives, non-profit leaders, and academics will share their experiences and insights during the program.  Through interactive and engaging sessions, participants will discuss issues, formulate new ideas together, and nurture lifelong friendships.  The trip also enables delegates to gain greater understanding of multicultural America and the unique qualities of Japanese society, further strengthening the bridge between these two cultures.

 

SCHEDULE (all dates for 2016)

Orientation (attendance is mandatory)

• American delegation: June 3-4, Chicago
• Japanese delegation: July 7-9, Tokyo

Official Trip (dates inclusive of travel)

• American delegation: July 1-9, Tokyo and Fukushima
• Japanese delegation:  September 11-19, Detroit and Washington, DC

 

– Transportation, hotel, and meals will all be provided.

– Delegates are required to attend all meetings and events during the trip.

– As a rule, spouses, family members, and friends are not permitted to accompany delegates during the official trip.

As time/schedules permit, participants from both delegations will meet during their respective trips to the other country and may also join other TOMODACHI Initiative activities in progress.  Selected individuals may participate as speakers or attendees at TOMODACHI, U.S.-Japan Council, or Mitsui & Co., Ltd. events.

Delegates will be encouraged to remain connected with each other and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations following their participation in this program.

 

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA

• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Professional accomplishments in career field
• Connection to U.S.-Japan activities (preferably including through profession)
• Young professional (generally up to target age 35)
• English proficiency

Candidates who do not meet all of the above criteria may still be considered if they demonstrate outstanding qualifications.

The U.S.-Japan Council will make final selection of a diverse set of delegates, taking into consideration applications and recommendations made by various government, private and corporate advisors.

 

TO APPY

• For the application form, click here
• To complete the application process, applicants must also submit their resume electronically to: TOMODACHI-Mitsui@usjapancouncil.org

For further information about the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program or questions about the application process, please contact either Noriko Litwin at nlitwin@wls2.com or Wes Stockstill at wstockstill@wls2.com.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

AMERICAN DELEGATION:  FRIDAY, APRIL 8

JAPANESE DELEGATION:  FRIDAY, APRIL 15

  

OVERVIEW OF SPONSORS

TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership, led by the United States government and the U.S.-Japan Council and supported by the Japanese government. TOMODACHI supports Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that strengthen cultural and economic ties and deepen the long-term friendship between the United States and Japan.  For more information about the TOMODACHI Initiative, visit www.tomodachi.org.

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Mitsui) is one of the most diversified and comprehensive trading, investment, and service enterprises in the world, with 140 offices in 65 countries/regions as of January 2016.  Utilizing the global operating locations, network and information resources, Mitsui is developing a wide range of businesses in six core areas:  Metals, Machinery & Infrastructure, Chemicals, Energy, Lifestyle, and Innovation & Corporate Development (logistics, insurance, finance, and information technology-related projects).  For more information, visit www.mitsui.com/jp/en.

The U.S.-Japan Council is a 501(c) 3 non-profit educational organization that contributes to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations by bringing together diverse leadership, engaging stakeholders, and exploring issues that benefit communities, businesses and government entities on both sides of the Pacific.  The Council promotes people-to-people relations as crucial to a strong U.S.-Japan relationship.  Recognizing the catalytic role that Japanese Americans play in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, the Council cultivates a national network of Japanese.  In 2012, the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) was created to support the administration of the TOMODACHI Initiative. The U.S.-Japan Council maintains an office in Tokyo, Japan.  For more information about the U.S.-Japan Council, visit www.usjapancouncil.org.

 

REFLECTIONS FROM 2015 ALUMNI:

“Thank you Mitsui and the U.S.-Japan Council for planting the seed in our minds to think beyond the boundaries of our countries, for giving us the tools and friendships to make our dreams accessible, and for letting us understand what it means first-hand to be a citizen of the world.  So much of our future success will be rooted in the transformative experience and relationships we received from this program.  Thank you for giving us the honor to be a part of the TOMODACHI generation.”  Dana Heatherton, Trading Operations Analyst, Shell Oil Company (Houston, Texas)

 

“It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of passionate leaders in Detroit and Washington D.C.  Although they tackle with many issues from different ways, they all have passion and clear vision.  I really appreciate them for sharing their experience and encouraging me to take risks for a better future.”  Shotaro Kurata, Assistant Manager, Strategy Management Department, Kyushu Railway Co. (Fukuoka)