TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program 11th Cohort Completed East Coast Training
From March 3 to 8, 2025, ten students of the 11th cohort of the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program participated in the East Coast Training program held in New York and Washington, D.C.
The students gathered in New York from their respective study abroad locations to kick off the training. The following day, they visited the New York office of the Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA), where each student delivered a presentation to the SCOA executives on their accomplishments during their study abroad so far. A visit to Ori, a company designing multi-functional and robotic-powered interior solutions, provided valuable insights into entrepreneurship. Additionally, a workshop at Columbia University sparked lively discussions on Japan’s role in international relations and leadership skills. Tomoki Iriono, one of the scholars commented, “I realized that leadership cannot be confined to a single leadership style, and anyone can demonstrate leadership to some extent. Moving forward, both during my time studying abroad and in my future career, I would like to apply this concept, especially in team projects. By doing so, I can demonstrate leadership regardless of titles.”
For the latter half of the program, the students traveled to Washington D.C. They visited SCOA’s Washington D.C. office and received valuable career advice from business professionals during a dinner. The next day, they toured the U.S. Capitol Building and other historical landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, deepening their understanding of American history. At a dinner reception that evening with U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) members, USJC Board Chair Emeritus Susan Morita offered words of encouragement. The students actively engaged in conversation with USJC members, and some expressed aspirations to contribute to U.S.-Japan relations as government officials or entrepreneurs in the future. Many also highlighted the importance of first-hand experience in studying in the U.S. to deepen their cross-cultural understanding.
The year-long study abroad experience in the U.S. for the 11th cohort is nearing its end. Having gained a wealth of experience, the ten scholars will attend a ceremony at Sumitomo Corporation’s headquarters in Tokyo in July upon their return.
