TOMODACHI Initiative -Ten Years of Impact-

March 11, 2021 marks the tenth year of the unprecedented Great East Japan Earthquake that struck northeastern Japan. We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to those who lost irreplaceable family members, friends, and loved ones.

We also hold the deepest respect for the people who continue to give their tireless effort every day in restoring and building communities in the Tohoku region.

The TOMODACHI Initiative was established through the spirit of cooperation and friendship from “Operation Tomodachi,” the American military and Japan Self-Defense Force’s joint rescue operation in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake. TOMODACHI Initiative began by providing support for recovery in the Tohoku region and continues to expand its wide range of activities, as well as nurturing the next generation of leaders from all of Japan and the United States.

To ensure that the Great East Japan Earthquake and those affected by it will never be forgotten, and to pass on the memories to the next generation of leaders who are not aware of the disaster, the TOMODACHI Initiative will maintain its efforts to help develop not only the Tohoku region but also the relationship between the U.S. and Japan. We will continue to walk alongside our young future leaders.

We would like to share a TOMODACHI video that features TOMODACHI alumni on the past ten years, and also looks forward to the next ten years.

Together with everyone from Tohoku, today and hereafter,
TOMODACHI Initiative