TOMODACHI Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program:Alumni-Planned 2019 Program Presentation Session Held in Fukuoka

On November 27, 2019, four TOMODACHI Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program alumni held a 2019 program presentation session in Fukuoka in the Kyushu region.

The gathering welcomed about 20 participants, including young Fukuoka Prefectural Government officials, staff from the program’s generous supporter, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., officers of the U.S. Consulate Fukuoka, and American International Exchange staff.

Shinya Watanabe, an alumnus of the 2014 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program, began by explaining the aim of the program and detailing the work and goals of the U.S.-Japan Council and TOMODACHI Initiative. Taito Kameishi, a 2019 alumnus, then presented his studies and experiences during the program in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C.

Next, Takahiro Hotta, alumnus of the 2017 program, shared that participating in the program helped him see the next steps needed build his future career and network.

After returning from the program, Shotaro Kurata, a 2015 alumnus, mentioned he was eager to join more TOMODACHI activities and build his network.  After the program presentations, discussion continued across the venue, including a conversation on ways the regional government can better use foreign workers. One participant commented, “It was an interesting gathering, and I would love to join the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program.”

Another alumnus from in Kyushu said, “Moving forward, I would like to share the TOMODACHI community with others and inspire youth in Kyushu.”