Prudential Expands Supports to The Next Generation of U.S. and Japan Leaders through TOMODACHI Generation Alumni Leadership Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prudential Financial, Inc.
TOMODACHI Initiative
Prudential Financial Expands Supports to The Next Generation of
U.S. and Japan Leaders through
TOMODACHI Generation Alumni Leadership Program
Tokyo, Japan, November 9th, 2018 – Prudential Financial and the TOMODACHI Initiative announced the expansion of their partnership to support the next generation of American and Japanese leaders through the TOMODACHI Generation Alumni Leadership Program, with a second USD one (1) million donation. The announcement was made during the Reception held in tribute to the TOMODACHI Initiative at the 2018 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference on the evening of November 8th. The reception was attended by distinguished guests including the U.S. Ambassador to Japan William F. Hagerty, as well as key business and government leaders from the United States and Japan.
Earlier on the same day, Mr. Shoichiro Ichitani, Vice Chairman, Prudential Life Insurance Company, Ltd., gave special remarks at the Luncheon Plenary Session, while Ms. Lata Reddy, Senior Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion & Impact, Prudential Financial, Inc.; Chair and President, The Prudential Foundation, spoke about the impact of the Alumni Program during one of the afternoon plenary sessions, “The TOMODACHI Generation: Next Generation Leaders Shaping our Future.”
Born in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, the TOMODACHI Initiative was established as a groundbreaking public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. TOMODACHI seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” who are committed to, and engaged in, strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and possess global skills and mindsets. To date, the number of alumni from this TOMODACHI Generation has reached more than 7,000 and counting.
Initially, Prudential partnered with TOMODACHI in 2014, to launch the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program with its first USD one (1) million donation. The enhanced partnership made possible by the second contribution from Prudential enables TOMODACHI to provide greater opportunities for the TOMODACHI Generation members as they continue their journey to thrive as next generation leaders and further develop critical and innovative thinking, civic engagement, and workforce readiness skills in Japan and the United States.
To commemorate this special occasion, Mitsuo Kurashige, CEO, Japan Life Insurance Operations, International Insurance, Prudential Financial, Inc., commented “As a member of Prudential Financial, everyone of Prudential Life, Gibraltar Life, PGF Life and Prudential Holdings of Japan, is delighted to see that the Alumni Program has provided countless opportunities for Japanese and American youth to enhance their leadership skills, expand their global perspectives, and succeed in the workplace. Furthermore, it has fostered a sense of identity and connection among the alumni of the TOMODACHI Generation.”
Irene Hirano Inouye, the President of the U.S.- Japan Council, also commented, “We are extremely grateful for the enhanced commitment and partnership with Prudential Financial. Thanks to their generous support, the members of the TOMODACHI Generation are already making positive changes in their communities, in U.S.-Japan relations, and beyond. We are honored to extend our partnership with Prudential and continue to invest in next generation leaders in both our countries together.”
About Prudential Financial, Inc.:
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with more than $1 trillion of assets under management as of September 30, 2018, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit news.prudential.com.
About the TOMODACHI Initiative:
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. www.tomodachi.org.
About the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program:
The TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program fosters the next generation of Japanese and American leaders and builds upon the initial TOMODACHI experience to inspire and empower the young people of Japan and the United States. The Program provides alumni with opportunities to acquire further experiences, skills, and confidence to achieve their dreams, inspire fellow alumni, and contribute to a better world.
For Questions regarding this Press Release
Prudential Financial, Inc.
Email: lisa.magnino@prudential.com
TOMODACHI Initiative
Email: tomodachi@usjapancouncil.org
