The TOMODACHI Women’s Empowerment Program 2025 Has Launched

The TOMODACHI Women’s Empowerment Program was newly established in 2025. Over the course of approximately six months, ten female undergraduate students from across Japan will develop the leadership skills necessary to become the next generation of leaders capable of thriving in the international community. The program focuses on deepening self-awareness, communicating effectively, cultivating community, leading with resilience and lifting as you climb.

Beginning in October, the participants have taken part in an online orientation, two virtual leadership training sessions, and mentoring sessions with mid-career professional women.
One of the participants, Akane Sekino said “”Through the training, I realized that taking leadership means knowing everyone’s strengths and making them active. By reflecting on my life with my mentor, I felt that I have many perspectives and that all of my history has constructed who I am. So, there is no solid self, which means I can understand others, and it is important to appreciate myself. When I get lost, I can find myself by reflecting on my past, and that leads me to find my own value.”

Another participant, Laina Sasaki reflected, “Through a one-on-one session with my mentor, I was eager to ask her how to build deeper relationships, despite enjoying meeting and engaging with many people. I like to hear how she approaches and maintains meaningful relationships. I’m deeply inspired by the way my mentor values and nurtures close connections. In our next meeting, I hope to learn from her approach so that I can lead and connect with many people, and build relationships of mutual trust and genuine connection. Through future one-on-one sessions, I also hope to further refine my leadership style and learn how to take more thoughtful and effective actions as a leader.”
In addition to the online leadership training and mentoring sessions through January, the ten participants will take part in a week-long U.S. study training in February and present their final reports at a closing session in Tokyo after returning to Japan.