Celebrating the Launch of “Building the TOMODACHI Generation: A Partnership to Engage U.S. and Japanese University Students in Social Problem-Solving,” a Two-Week Seminar in Washington, D.C.
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC), in collaboration with the U.S.-Japan Research Institute (USJI) and the U.S.-Japan Council’s (USJC) TOMODACHI Initiative, are launching “Building the TOMODACHI Generation: A Partnership to Engage U.S. And Japanese Students in Social Problem Solving,” a two-week seminar taking place from February 15-March 1, 2014 in Washington, D.C. The program is designed for Japanese students interested in leadership training, cross-cultural exchange and entrepreneurial approaches addressing social challenges. It will also introduce new initiatives that will help assist with the long-term recovery of the Tohoku region in Japan.
TWC, USJI and USJC will be hosting a special reception at the Capitol Hilton Hotel on Thursday, September 5th. The night will honor a number of Japanese leaders, foreign policy experts as well as corporate and NGO leaders, in addition to special guests such as:
- Irene Hirano Inouye, President, U.S.-Japan Council
- Katsuichi Uchida, President, U.S.-Japan Research Institute
- Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese Ambassador to the United States
- Michael Smith, President, The Washington Center
The event will also honor the generosity of the TOMODACHI Initiative’s Fund for Exchanges and Morgan Stanley. The Fund for Exchanges is comprised of contributions from Toyota Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Hitachi, Ltd. Without their support, 16 students from 8 universities in Japan would not be attending the seminar next spring. TWC, USJI and USJC all look forward to welcoming the participants in D.C. next year to help start building an even stronger friendship between the U.S. and Japan while simultaneously providing the Japanese students with a special leadership opportunity.
Students from eight Japanese universities who will be attending the spring 2014 seminar include:
1. Kaori Nishio – Doshisha University
2. Tsuyoshi Imanishi – Doshisha University
3. Mio Moriya – Keio University
4. Asuka Kobayashi – Keio University
5. Tomohiro Otonashi – Kyoto University
6. Ryo Ohyama – Kyoto University
7. Risa Matsumoto – Kyushu University
8. Ai Shiegmatsu – Kyushu University
9. Sayumi Kawashima – Ritsumeikan University
10. Sumireko Tomita – Ritsumeikan University
11. Ayano Sato – The University of Tokyo
12. Natsuko Ogata – The University of Tokyo
13. Noriaki Santo – University of Tsukuba
14. Haruka Ouchi – University of Tsukuba
15. Takumi Nakamura – Waseda University
16. Yugo Kimura – Waseda University
About the TOMODACHI Initiative
The TOMODACHI Initiative was born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake by investing in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as entrepreneurship and leadership programs. These exchanges seek 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. TOMODACHI is a public-private partnership, led by the United States Government and the U.S.-Japan Council and is supported by the Japanese Government, corporations, organizations and individuals from the United States and Japan.
About The U.S.-Japan Research Institute (USJI)
Established in 2009, the U.S.-Japan Research Institute (USJI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C., jointly operated by Doshisha University, Keio University, Kyoto University, Kyushu University, Ritsumeikan University, The University of Tokyo, University of Tsukuba, and Waseda University. Our missions are centered on the development of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Japan, and include: conducting policy analysis and academic research; fostering the future generation of decision makers; and building a strong U.S.-Japanese local community. In order to achieve these missions, USJI holds events throughout the year, including seminars and lectures related to U.S.-Japan relations. USJI also strive to develop the future generation of policymakers in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Japan. To learn more: http://www.us-jpri.org/index.html
About The Washington Center
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C., for academic credit. The largest program of its kind, The Washington Center has more than 50,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world. It was established in 1975.
