High School Students from Tohoku Share their Passion for their Communities at the Final Presentation Session Held in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

On March 17, 2019, alumni from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures gathered for the final presentation session of the TOMODACHI Summer 2018 Softbank Leadership Program, held in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.

The event, titled “Sharing Stories of Challenge,” marked the official finale of the program, as each participant shared how they have challenged themselves after completing last summer’s program in the United States and last fall’s Post-Program Seminar held in Sendai City, as well as their future ambitions.

In small groups at the session, each participant reflected on what they have so far achieved for their action plans. In their presentations, participants shared their consideration of ways their passions and interests connect with the needs of communities. Some shared that despite many setbacks to overcome, they realized “there are many people who support them.”

Moreover, on behalf of the alumni, Maasa Mishina, first-year alumna of the program who also joined the second year of the program as an alumna, and Koki Yamamoto, from the third-year cohort of the program, presented their action plans, as well as the journeys they have taken and the understanding they have gained. Mr. Yamamoto shared several of his experiences, including speaking at the U.S-Japan Council Annual Conference in 2016, and reflected, “Doing just a little more than what’s been expected of me has led me to where I am today.”

Completing their presentations, the passionate participants have taken important steps forward. We know they will continue to bring changes to Tohoku, Japan, and the world.