Lawson and FamilyMart Create the TOMODACHI Combini Fund, Supporting the Rebuilding of Tohoku and Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders
November 9, 2015 — During the TOMODACHI Reception at the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference held November 9-10, the TOMODACHI Initiative*1 (TOMODACHI) (President, Irene Hirano Inouye) administered by the U.S.-Japan Council and invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders, announced the development of the TOMODACHI Combini Fund*2 through generous contributions made by Lawson, Inc. (Lawson) (President and CEO, Genichi Tamatsuka) and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (FamilyMart)( President, Isamu Nakayama) Convenience stores.
Contributions for the TOMODACHI Combini Fund are collected from FamiPort and Loppi donation terminals, as well as donation boxes that are disseminated throughout Japan. This TOMODACHI Combini Fund was initiated by the Japan Franchise Association (JFA) (Chairman, Yoshimasa Yamamoto) and was established by Lawson, Inc. and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. convenience stores. The partner stores welcome other convenience stores that are members of the Japan Franchise Association.
In 2015, two program were implemented under this Fund. The TOMODACHI HLAB TOHOKU 2015*3 provided high school students in Tohoku with a liberal arts educational program by Harvard University students. The second program was the TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program*4 in Fukushima which provided approximately 120 high school students in their junior year with a six-month career support and mentorship program.
Lawson, Inc. President and CEO Genichi Tamatsuka remarked, “Four and a half years have past since the Great East Japan Earthquake but there is a need for continued restoration and reconstruction efforts in the disaster-affected areas. The Lawson Group supports Tohoku through various channels such as opening of stores, selling products created and developed in Tohoku, providing jobs in the area, and the development of the “Support Dreams Fund”, a scholarship for students who were affected by the disaster. The TOMODACHI Combini Fund also supports Tohoku by investing in Tohoku students to become the next generation of leaders and we will be actively involved.”
In addition, FamilyMart Co., Ltd. President Isamu Nakayama said the following regarding the establishment of the TOMODACHI Comibini Fund. “FamilyMart has supported the investment in future leaders in the disaster affected communities through donations from customers donation boxes in the stores. This program provides future leaders with the opportunity for international exchanges and contributes to the reconstruction efforts in Tohoku. We hope that the high school students from Tohoku who participate in these programs will have a chance to think about their future, nourish their desire to challenge themselves, and become a bridge between Japan and the United States, as well as the rest of the world.”
About the TOMODACHI Initiative*1:
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. 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. We 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. For more information please visit: www.tomodachi.org
About the TOMODACHI Combini Fund*2:
Initiated by the Japan Franchise Association, the Combini Fund was established through generous contributions by Lawson, Inc. and FamilyMart Co., Ltd. convenience stores. Contributions for the TOMODACHI Combini Fund are made by Lawson through donation boxes and Loppi and by FamilyMart through FamiPort as well as matching donations. FamilyMart also matches donations made through FamiPort. This Combini Fund was created to provide programs focusing on education and leadership skills that assist the reconstruction of and support for youth in the disaster-affected areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
About TOMODACHI HLAB TOHOKU 2015*3
This program was launched in Onagawa City in August 2015. It is a liberal arts educational summer program focused on Tohoku high school students and university students from the U.S. and Japan. HLAB was founded in 2011 with a mission to provide an environment where exceptional students from the U.S. and Japan can come together and explore the possibilities that their education holds. This was the first time this program was held in Tohoku.
About TOMODACHI High School Women Career Mentoring Program in Fukushima*4
This program is a six-month career support program for approximately 120 high school women living in Fukushima prefecture who are in their junior year. Divided into four sessions, the students meet with women of diverse ages, nationalities and experiences who they would ordinarily not have a chance to meet. This broadens their perspective, provides more options for their future and cultivates their leadership skills. In addition, 24 TOMODACHI alumni from other programs participate as mentors and program assistants, and provide support and encouragement to these students throughout the career, mentoring program.
For Questions Regarding this Press Release
TOMODACHI Initiative
EMAIL: tomodachi@usjapancouncil.org
PHONE: 03-4510-3400
