Next Generation Summit 2023 brought together over 150 emerging young leaders in Tokyo
“When I participated in my TOMODACHI program, everything was online and I was unable to meet any of the participants and staff members in-person. As I am interested in going to study abroad in the future, participating in this Summit was really inspirational and informative for me. I was able to broaden my view even more.” Ayano Sakurai, an alumna of the TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Program commented reflecting on her first participation in the Next Generation Summit.
Next Generation Summit 2023, held on July 1st at Amway Japan, brought together a dynamic and diverse group of participants for a day of engaging panel discussions, reconnecting with fellow alumni, skills-building breakout sessions, and a special evening reception. The event provided a platform for TOMODACHI alumni and Watanabe Scholars to connect, learn together, and inspire one another on the pressing issues of our time.
The day commenced with opening and welcome remarks by guest speakers from the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), Prudential Holdings of Japan and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Following the opening plenary, the event transitioned into dynamic panel discussions featuring TOMODACHI alumni who are keen to share their personal experiences and lessons learned by exploring topics ranging from studying abroad and women’s empowerment. The discussions sparked thought-provoking conversations and provided a platform to learn from each other.
In the latter half of the Summit, the skills-building breakout sessions took place that were designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to enhance their professional and personal development. The sessions covered topics including leadership reflection led by Yoichi Suzuki from Wake Up Japan, financial literacy led by Kyohei Shimizu from Prudential Holdings of Japan, a roundtable discussion titled “Our Journey to the Boardroom: Follow Your Heart & Unlock Your Potential” with U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)’s board members Miyuki Tani and Norie Iwamoto and Japanese American Storytelling led by Anna Nagamine and Yuhka Mera. Rie Kurita, an alumna of TOMODACHI HLAB Tohoku, took part in the financial literacy breakout session and commented “I learned a lot of things that I did not learn at college. It made me realize that I have to think about my financial plan based on my future plan.”
As the day came to a close, the attendees regathered for an evening reception that provided an informal setting for networking and celebration for the 10th year of support of Prudential. The reception opened with remarks from prominent speakers including Suzanne Basalla, President and CEO of the U.S.-Japan Council and Assistant Minister (Ambassador) Akira Muto from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan. Jonathan Graybill, President & COO of Prudential Holdings of Japan and SVP of Prudential International Insurance, mentioned “Prudential’s support of the TOMODACHI Initiative is a great example of the power of private public partnerships in changing the lives of so many deserving individuals. The impact goes way beyond the 10,000 program participants by further strengthening the ties between Japan and the United States.” Alumni Speakers Miku Hayashida delivered her core message, she encouraged alumni to “cultivate inclusion within yourself” first, and Yuuki Sato shared how his encounter with adult allies during his program influenced his life to connect him to his current job and inspired him to support the next generation.
The Next Generation Summit 2023 is part of the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program and was made possible with the generous support of Prudential. Together, we celebrated ten years of this partnership in developing the TOMODACHI alumni community and supporting the next generation of leaders.
