TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Theme Event in the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku Region: Defining Alumni in the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku Region

On November 17, 2019, the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku region held its TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Theme Event in Osaka to discuss and understand what defines “TOMODACHI Alumni” in the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku region, as participants enjyoed local wine. Regional Mentor Miki Sakata and Regional Leader Naoya Tosaka led the event.

The theme of the event was “Terroir,” or “land” in French, a word originally indicating the geographical features or climate of fields where wine, coffee, and tea were grown. Wines offered included Kawachi Wine and wines from the Katashimo Winery, which are produced locally and were served at the G20 Osaka Summit. After an informative overview of the wines, the participants enjoyed tasting wines and juices produced in Osaka.

To kick off the discussion part of the event, the participants used a lifeline chart to share their unique qualities, such as their interests and backgrounds. The participants were able to spend quality time sharing their stories and supporting one another, and discussing the future of Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku region.

TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Leader Naoya Tosaka mentioned that “this kind of opportunity is one of the features of TOMODACHI” and explained how through this event, “positive connections were created in the Kansai-Chugoku-Shikoku region,” allowing participants to “continue to strengthen the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework together.” The event concluded with a suggestion to enjoy Osaka’s natural surroundings by trekking to Mino Falls.

The event was held as a part of the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework, the TOMODACHI Generation Alumni Leadership Program supported by Prudential.