Strategic Partnership with SMBC and Launch of the “TOMODACHI SMBC Shaka-kachi Leadership Program”

The TOMODACHI Initiative, a public-private partnership led by the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Audrey Yamamoto; hereinafter “USJC”), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Japan, is pleased to announce that Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (President and CEO: Akihiro Fukutome; hereinafter “SMBC”), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (President and Group CEO: Toru Nakashima; hereinafter collectively referred to as “SMBC Group”), joined TOMODACHI as a Strategic Partner. Together, USJC and SMBC will launch the “TOMODACHI SMBC Shaka-kachi*1 Leadership Program” (hereinafter “the Program”), to help nurture the next generation of global leaders tackling social issues.

*1The term Shaka-kachi encompasses SMBC’s initiatives that contribute to the creation of social value, a pillar of SMBC Group’s management policy.

 

Audrey Yamamoto, Representative Director of USJC, commented on SMBC’s participation as a Strategic Partner and the launch of the program as follows: We are honored that SMBC has joined the USJC’s TOMODACHI Initiative as a Strategic Partner. This partnership will further enhance our mission to cultivate and connect leaders at every level in the U.S. and Japan who are committed to strengthening our global partnership. Together with SMBC, we look forward to inspiring young leaders to foster deeper connections and embrace diverse perspectives for a more cooperative and prosperous world.

 

About the Program

(1)Purpose
The Program aims to nurture the next generation of leaders who will bring positive change to society by utilizing a global mindset. It targets university students eager to solve social issues and take action, through collaboration between USJC, which has a proven track record in nurturing next-generation leaders in Japan and the U.S., and SMBC Group, which engages in initiatives aimed at creating social value, including in the field of university education and research.

(2)Overview(*2)

• Theme: Leadership development, cultivation of a global mindset, balancing social and economic values
• Duration: October 2025 to March 2026 (6 months)
• Participants: 20 university students residing in Japan (1st to 4th year undergraduates at the time of participation)
• Schedule:
  • June to August 2025: Application period
  • August 2025: Online interviews
  • September 2025: Notification of selection results
  • October 2025: Beginning of training programs for Leadership and Creation of Social Value
  • February to March 2026: U.S. training (approximately one week)
  • March 2026: Final presentations

(3) Training Content(*2)
Throughout the six-month program, participating students will develop leadership skills to conceptualize and implement actions focused on solving social issues through the steps outlined below. SMBC Group employees will act as navigators to support the participating students.

• ①Leadership training (Online): Participants will deepen their understanding of their leadership style and develop effective leadership skills while considering which social issues they wish to solve.
• ②Creation of Social Value training (Tokyo): Participants will learn about impact logic models and examples of impact investing, and consider balancing social and economic values.
• ③U.S. training (New York and Washington, D.C.): By engaging directly with organizations in the U.S. social sector and companies involved in impact investing, and through dialogues with numerous role models active in the field, participants will gain a global perspective and deepen their understanding of their position and leadership in addressing social issues.
• ④Final presentations (Tokyo): Based on the learning and experiences gained throughout the program, participating students will present their vision and action plan as leaders.

*2 Details of the Program and application methods will be announced separately through the TOMODACHI Initiative website. The schedule and training content are subject to change.

 

About SMBC Group’s Initiatives in University Education and Research

SMBC Group is engaged in initiatives to develop human resources capable of tackling social issues and to create and implement businesses in society through various collaborations with individual universities. In addition to collaborations with individual universities, SMBC Group also provides cross-university support such as the “University Sports Support Program,” which helps students balance academic studies and sports in university sports clubs, and the “University Researcher Support Program,” aimed at enhancing Japan’s research capabilities and accelerating the resolution of social issues.

 

About the TOMODACHI Initiative

The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Japan, 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