TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program 2025: U.S. Trip Inspires a New Vision for Kesennuma

From March 25 to April 3, 2025, fifteen high school students from Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, traveled to the United States for the TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program.
This seven-month leadership development program is designed to highlight the local charms of Tohoku and is part of the TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation’s Tohoku reconstruction project, “Remember HOPE.”

 

During their 10-day trip to New York City and Washington, D. C., the participants deepened their learning on how to revitalize their beloved hometown through the lens of tourism and hospitality. They were immersed in American culture through homestays with local families and exchanges with students at South County High School in Virginia. The itinerary provided a series of transformative experiences, with visits to a wide range of organizations. In New York, they visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Billion Oyster Project, the High Line, and the Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability & Equity (RISE). In Washington, D.C., their stops included DC Central Kitchen, Destination DC, the Embassy of Japan, Globalize DC, LearnServe International, and Words, Beats & Life. During their stay, they had the opportunity to meet with USJC leaders and members for a special panel discussion and celebration reception.

 

Participant Sayaka Miura shared what she learned from the trip:
“At every organization we visited, I was inspired to see people taking action to solve social issues and create change with their own hands. It made me realize how important it is to act with determination in my own life. I also learned the importance of not being defined by what others think. I used to always worry about people’s opinions, trying not to stand out. However, in the United States, I saw how everyone lives authentically and accepts each other for who they are. I found this wonderful, and I hope to live with that same mindset.

Finally, I learned how crucial it is to have a broad perspective. I realized that by combining ideas – even ones that seem unrelated at first – you can create innovative new concepts. I’m excited to apply this approach in our post-trip seminars.”
Now back in Japan, the participants will collaborate on a final project to revitalize their community in Kesennuma, applying the lessons they learned in the U.S. Their final presentation is scheduled for July 2025.