Building Capabilities and Fostering Leadership in Nursing Students: Japanese Students Selected for 5th TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program
June 5, 2019
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)
Building Capabilities and Fostering Leadership in Nursing Students:
Japanese Students Selected for 5th TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program
The TOMODACHI Initiative (hereafter, “TOMODACHI”), operated by the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), has selected participants for the 5th TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program. This program is planned and conducted through a partnership with the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies in Japan (hereafter, “Johnson & Johnson”).
This program aims to deepen the expertise of students specializing in disaster medicine and nursing in Japan, as well as foster leaders of the next generation. It was launched in 2015 in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, a company that fully supports the mission of TOMODACHI – the reconstruction of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake through educational programs for the next generation. Over the past four years, this program has provided learning opportunities for a total of 35 nursing students from and/or residing in Tohoku.
Based on the previous achievements of this program, Johnson & Johnson and TOMODACHI decided to open the program to participants from all over Japan. After a rigorous selection process, eight (8) new participants were selected.
The TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program is comprised of three main components: 1) Pre-Trip Seminars, 2) Study Tour in the United States, and 3) Post-Trip Seminars. The Pre-Trip Seminars will be held in Sendai in June and July 2019. The Study Tour in the United States will take place over 13 days in August, and participants will visit facilities and organizations specializing in disaster medicine and nursing in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. In addition, as part of post-trip activities, participants will plan and execute projects by themselves, based on what they learn in the United States, and will present their learnings at the Post-Trip Symposium in December. (Details of the program will be described below.)
Through these approximately seven (7) months of training, participants will build on their experiences, lessons, and studies, and acquire the skills and knowledge needed to respond to disasters and emergencies. After finishing this program, they are expected to play an active role in their respective regions as next generation leaders in the field of disaster nursing. In addition, the program aims to help participants contribute to the development and strengthening of the foundation of disaster nursing in Japan, by sharing what they learn with each of their respective regions.
Upon announcing the selected participants for the fifth year of this program, Irene Hirano Inouye, Representative Director and President of the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), commented, “We are very pleased to offer this program and work towards deepening the field of disaster nursing in Tohoku, with generous support from Johnson & Johnson. We have opened this program to nursing students from all across Japan who aim to become specialists and take their first steps toward the forefront of disaster nursing, while always remembering past natural disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake and other severe disasters that have occurred in Japan. Using learning gained in the U.S., we expect that these students will grow as next generation leaders who will be front-runners in the field of disaster medical care.”
One of this year’s participants, Maika Koizumi, a senior nursing student from Miyagi University, commented, “When I was a middle school student, I experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake. I learned that some of my friends had been hurt by the tsunami caused by the earthquake. If I had had some knowledge of disaster emergency evacuation procedures and could act, I would have tried to save as many people as possible. That’s why I aim to become a nurse in the field of disaster nursing. During the U.S. Study Tour, I would like to listen to lectures on dealing with cross-cultural situations, and have insightful discussions and share my opinions. I would also like to share the process of healing for disaster victims with people in the United States. We should not only consider physical health, but also mental health. Using leanings gained through this program, I would like to contribute to the reconstruction of the Tohoku region in the medical field and discuss the Disaster Relief Act with my regional community.”
TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program Schedule
▼Pre-Trip Seminar (June – July 2019)
Workshops and orientation by specialists and experts in the field of disaster medicine and meeting with program participants from the previous year.
・Sendai: June 8 (Sat) – 9 (Sun)
・Sendai: July 6 (Sat) – 7 (Sun)
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▼U.S. Study Tour (August 2019)
Travel to New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. for 13days to meet with counterparts and leaders in the field of disaster nursing. Learn about the latest technologies. Share their own experiences during the Great East Japan Earthquake.
・August 4 (Sun): Depart Japan, arrive in the U.S. on the same day
・August 16 (Fri): Depart the U.S., arrive in Japan on August 17 (Sat)
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▼Post-Trip Seminar and Symposium (September – December 2019）
Engage in activities to share what they learned during the U.S. Study Tour with their local communities.
・Post-Trip Seminars (Sendai)： September 21 (Sat) – 22 (Sun)
・Post Trip Symposium (Sendai)： December 1 (Sun)
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. Visit us at www.tomodachi.org
About Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies in Japan consists of Johnson & Johnson K.K. with Consumer Company, Medical Company and Vision Care Company and Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K. www.jnj.co.jp
【For inquiries, please contact】
U.S.-Japan Council/TOMODACHI Initiative:
TEL: 03-4510-3400 Email: tomodachi@usjapancouncil.org
- Click here to meet the 5th TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program participants
