Next Generation Launchpad
The “Next Generation Launchpad” workshop is a critical precursor to the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference. This event is crafted for TOMODACHI Alumni and emerging leaders who are poised to play significant roles in U.S.-Japan relations put their best foot forward at the USJC Annual Conference. The workshop is designed to provide participants with deep insights into strategic networking, effective mentorship, and have a collaborative discussion to foster a strong sense of community among attending TOMODACHI participants and alumni. As the dynamics of diplomacy and international collaboration continue to evolve, this workshop aims to equip participants to be future leaders.
Objectives
- Enhance Leadership Skills: Equip participants with practical leadership skills through interactive activities.
- Facilitate Strategic Networking: Provide networking skills and create opportunities for participants to develop meaningful and lasting professional relationships.
- Promote Collaborative Discussion: Encourage discussions that provide opportunities for strengthening community bonds and potential for future friendship and collaboration.
Organized by U.S.-Japan Council Director of Programs and Partnerships Kaoru Utada.
Funded by Prudential Financial who has supported the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership Program since 2014.
Open to those who would like to connect with like-minded people attending the conference in the younger (U40) age range and to those who’s first time it is to attend such a large-scale conference. Also open to college students. Mandatory for TOMODACHI Alumni, USJC Watanabe Scholarship Recipients to attend. USJC U40 Members are also welcome to join.
2024 Next Generation Launchpad Details:
The TOMODACHI Next Generation Launchpad, held on October 29, 2024, offered young leaders and TOMODACHI alumni an invaluable experience, focused on leadership, networking, and career growth. Hosted before the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference, the event opened with inspiring introductions from Kaoru Utada and Ai Asakura. Roger Nozaki, Vice President for Strategy and Programs at the Barr Foundation, delivered opening remarks on “The Value of Networking,” emphasizing how connections shape opportunities.
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2023 Next Generation Launchpad:
From November 8 to 10, 2023, the 2023 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference was held in Washington, DC. The U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference, a pivotal event in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations through people-to-people connections, welcomed over 500 attendees and was particularly illuminated by the engagement of 30 TOMODACHI alumni and participants representing a diverse range of programs, regions, careers, and interests.
On November 8, the TOMODACHI Workshop, “the Next Generation Launchpad” took place focusing on networking, mentorship, and cross-cultural collaboration.
TOMODACHI Workshop, “Next Generation Launchpad,”attended by 30 TOMODACHI alumni and current participants,consisted of three parts in a workshop focusing on mentorship and networking, the twin pillars of professional growth and development.
The first part of the workshop focused on networking and shared tips and tricks as a prelude to the main day of the Conference where they would connect with other attendees at the Annual Conference. For the second part of the workshop, guest speaker Royanne Doi, former Board Chair of U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), spoke about Mentorship. For the third and final part of the workshop, the group answered the question “What keeps you up at night?” and broke up into groups to discuss potential solutions. It was a space where participants learned the intricacies of effective networking, learned the different styles and types of mentorship, and the importance of forging meaningful connections through shared experiences.
