TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program: 11th Cohort Share their Learnings from the Program Participation

On July 8, 2025, the Study Abroad Report Session for the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program was held, bringing together scholarship recipients and related parties.
During the event, the 10 members of the 11th cohort—who studied in the United States from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025 as exchange students—delivered presentations in English based on individual themes. They shared what they learned during their time abroad and how they plan to apply those experiences moving forward.

 

Under the theme “Plans to Give Back to the Community,” Tomoki Iriono from Kyushu University spoke about his early struggles with English and the sense of isolation he felt at the beginning of his study abroad experience. Reflecting on how he overcame those challenges without giving up, he shared the following message:
“(The message I’d like to share with you today is that) If I could do it, so can you. […] That experience taught me more than any classroom could. And now, I want to pass it on. There are many students who hesitate to study abroad because they’re afraid—afraid of being alone, of failing, of not being understood. […] That’s why I believe I can support the next generation—not just by sharing the highlights, but by being honest about the challenges. […] This is the kind of leadership TOMODACHI encourages—not just about personal success but about lifting others up through real connection and shared experience. This program gave me the opportunity to grow. Now it’s my turn to give back and help others cross the same bridge with courage and clarity.”

 

The event featured remarks from Mr. Shingo Ueno, Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sumitomo Corporation, and Mr. Henry Seiichi Takata, Representative Director of the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), each offering warm words of encouragement to both the returning 11th cohort and the newly selected 12th cohort in attendance.
Prior to the ceremony, on July 7, both cohorts participated in a joint training session. Through group discussions and workshops, they explored the concept of leadership and reflected on the qualities they personally hope to embody. Employees of Sumitomo Corporation who serve as mentors in the program also joined the session, taking part in conversations about leadership skills alongside the students.
Through this program and their experiences studying in the U.S., these students are expected to grow into the next generation of leaders who will serve as bridges between Japan and the United States.