The TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program Continues Nurturing Next Generation Leaders Connecting Japan and the United States
June 28, 2018
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) TOMODACHI Initiative
Sumitomo Corporation
The TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program
Continues Nurturing Next Generation Leaders Connecting Japan and the United States
U.S.–Japan Council (Japan) (Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Irene Hirano Inouye) and Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Masayuki Hyodo) have selected ten (10) Japanese students as scholarship recipients of the 2018 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program. This program was launched in 2014.
The TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program is one of the Educational Programs supported by the TOMODACHI Initiative (hereafter, “TOMODACHI”1), led by the U.S. Embassy and the U.S.–Japan Council. With funding from Sumitomo Corporation, this program provides a scholarship of 1.8 million yen per year for each student to study at universities across the United States. Furthermore, during their study abroad period, students are offered opportunities for training by the Sumitomo Corporation of Americas New York Head Office. Through these opportunities, students can broaden their global perspectives and learn about leadership skills. Starting this year, the “Mentorship System” will be introduced to the program. The system enables directors and employees of Sumitomo Corporation group to give advice based on their own professional experiences to the scholarship recipients to help them to achieve their desired goals and plans while studying abroad.
Twenty-eight (28) students have completed study abroad experiences through this program over the past four (4) years, bringing the current total of scholarship recipients to thirty-eight (38) students. Those who have already begun their careers frequently contribute to the program as alumni,2 providing guidance to study abroad students in subsequent years. Sumitomo Corporation continues to support university students through TOMODACHI to help foster future global leaders connecting the United States and Japan.
[Meeting with President and 2017 scholars] [Award Ceremony in 2018]
1: The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. The initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. Visit us at usjapantomodachi.org/ja/
2: ‘Alumni’ refers to past participants of the TOMODACHI programs.
