TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program Welcomes High School Students from Hawaii in Tohoku
From March 17 to 24, 2024, the TOMODACHI Kibou for Maui Program was held, and 11 high school students from Lahaina, Islands of Maui, visited the Tohoku region, including Higashimatsushima-shi, Ishinomaki-shi, Onagawa-cho, and Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, to learn about the reconstruction process and also the leadership taken during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Students interacted with local fishermen, farmers, and community members and participated with TOMODACHI alumni and local high school students.
On March 19, the welcome reception took place in Higashimatsushima-shi, Miyagi Prefecture, and the participants, along with more than 40 guests from Ministry of Foreing Affairs of Japan, Higashimatsushima City Government, Sendai-shi, Higashimatsushima-shi, and local community members, attended the event. During the reception, the students introduced themselves and were able to connect with the TOMODACHI alumni from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima and learn about their ongoing involvement in the alumni community. Read More>>
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The Second TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program was Held Successfully
From March 24 to April 3, 2024, the second TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program was held successfully in the U.S. Sixteen high school students from Rikuzen Takata, Iwate Prefecture, learned about tourism, hospitality, community revitalization and leadership by visiting various organizations and schools in New York City and Washington, D.C.
In Manhattan, New York City, the students visited the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the High Line, a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets, to learn how the dynamic city of Manhattan has overcome devastating challenges and is moving forward while preserving its history. Additionally, in the Red Hook area located in western Brooklyn, the group had a chance to visit a non-profit organization, the Red Hook Initiative, to learn about their contributions to the local community during Hurricane Sandy and their ongoing efforts to educate residents about disasters and continue learning from the experiences of the community as part of the recovery process. Read More>>
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TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program 10th Cohorts Participate in East Coast Training Program
From March 17 to 23, 2024, ten students of the 10th cohort of the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program participated in the East Coast Training Program held in Washington D.C. and New York.
The first half of the training was held in Washington D.C., where the students participated in a session with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas’ Washington D.C. Office staff and visited the White House and museums. In the second half of the program, the participants moved to New York, where they participated in a workshop at Columbia University and had an opportunity to think about the Japanese and U.S. economies and their own career paths. They then experienced a session with executives during a visit to the Sumitomo Corporation of Americas’ New York office. The participants also reflected on their study abroad experience and gave presentations. Read More>>
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VIDEO: TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program 2024
Enjoy the TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program Recap!
We are very excited to share the video showcasing the phenomenal achievement and footprint of the TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program. Ten Japanese college participants traveled to Los Angeles and New York for two weeks from February 27 to March 12, 2024, to learn about sports facility management, community engagement, and business of sports management. Please join us in watching this inspiring video and learn more about this program to empower the next generation of global leaders!
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Application Open for the TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness Program
The TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness Program is a leadership development program, designed to address the pressing global challenges of climate change and its intertwined relationship with agriculture. Over a 10-month period, this initiative will engage 20 university students – 10 each from partner institutions in Niigata, Japan and Texas, USA – in an immersive curriculum. The curriculum focuses on self-awareness, reflection, and sustainability, while also delving deep into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning agriculture and climate change.
With a hybrid approach of virtual engagement and two in-person gathering, participants will gain first-hand experience of diverse agricultural practices and environments. Students will be provided with an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the diverse agricultural ecosystems of both regions. Texas, known for its agricultural and coastal environment, will shed light on the challenges and innovations in agriculture pertinent to such terrains, especially in the context of climate change. On the other hand, Niigata, with its lush landscapes and rice cultivation, will offer insights into traditional agricultural practices harmonized with nature. This unique blend aims to foster international collaboration, providing students with a platform to share insights, experiences, and innovative strategies, ultimately preparing them to champion sustainable agricultural solutions for our rapidly changing world.
Application Deadline : Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm CST
Read More>>
To learn more about the program, please visit the program website.
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Now Application Open for the TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program
The TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program is a training program for high school students from all over Japan who will lead the next generation and contribute to the U.S.-Japan relations in the future. Through homestays and school visits, students interact with U.S. students and are exposed to U.S. history and diverse and explore diverse narratives. This immersive experience expands their horizons, equipping them with invaluable international perspectives and leadership acumen. Read More>>
Application Deadline : Friday, May 10, 2024
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Application Open for the TOMODACHI MUFG Sustainable Entrepreneurship Program
The TOMODACHI MUFG Sustainable Entrepreneurship Program is a leadership development program for high school students across Japan that focuses on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters a passion to change the world for the benefit of people and the planet. The program aims to foster sustainable entrepreneurship that pursues social, environmental, ecological, and economic value, based on the idea that “entrepreneurship” and “leadership” are something that everyone can possess and demonstrate. Through pre-training and U.S. training, the program provides participants with the ability to design new social systems that transcend the boundaries of predecessors’ ideas, face challenges, and continue to take new steps and challenges.
Read More>>
Application Deadline : Wednesday, May 8, 2024
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TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Orientation for Continuing and Incoming Regional Representatives
On March 16th and 30th, 2024, three virtual Orientation sessions were conducted to onboard the TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework Regional Representatives and Core Committee Members. The morning session on March 16th catered to the U.S.-based RRs and CCs, while the afternoon session welcomed Japan-based RRs and CCs. A subsequent session on March 30th brought together RRs from both countries. Thirteen RRs and fourteen CCs engaged in these Orientation sessions to foster familiarity, exchange ideas, and lay the groundwork for their regional initiatives.
During the separate sessions for U.S. and Japan-based participants, Regional Representatives (RRs) and Core Committee Members (CCs) deepened their understanding of USJC, TOMODACHI, and of the TOMODACHI Regional Framework (TRF) itself and their roles within the community. Read More>>
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TOMO-KIN Spring 2024
On March 18, 2024, approximately 30 TOMODACHI alumni participated in the TOMO-KIN Spring 2024. Thanks to the generous offer of Appaman Co., Ltd., the number of participants has been increased and the event time has been extended from the previously 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, using the new venue, fabbit Marunouchi Conference Room, making it an even more powerful TOMO-KIN event.
The guest speaker was Mr. Masaharu Kohno, former Japan diplomat and State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Mr. Kohno concluded his lecture with three powerful messages, “1) Get out of the office and meet various people, 2): Participate in various events and seminars. and 3) Don’t be afraid to take risks.” Read More>>
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Congratulations to Our TOMODACHI Alumni Survey Raffle Winners!
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for participating in our recent TOMODACHI Alumni Survey. Your invaluable input is instrumental in shaping programs that resonate with and effectively serve the needs of the TOMODACHI Generation.
We are excited to announce that, as promised, 10 winners have been randomly selected from those who completed the survey. These individuals will soon receive a special gift as a token of our appreciation. The gifts will be sent directly to the winners.
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Save the Date! Next Generation Summit 2024
Join us on Sunday, September 29th 2024 at the Tokyo American Club for the Next Generation Summit! Forge connections, explore prospects, and shape the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Don’t miss this chance to ignite possibilities and chart your path to success.
- Speeches and Panels: Hear from leaders in their fields as they share insights into pressing issues surrounding the world today and the significant impact of youth involvement.
- Alumni Pitch Contest: Witness the innovative ideas of TOMODACHI alumni as they pitch their projects and initiatives – both on a personal and professional level – and receive critical feedback and support from a panel of corporate representatives.
- NEW Tsunagari Hub: Experience the brand new Tsunagari Hub, where you can connect with corporate representatives at booths, hear about workplace kaizen, and how these companies are revamping workplaces to cater to the changing needs of society. There will also be information available for those interested in studying abroad.
Forge connections, explore prospects, and shape the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Don’t miss this chance to ignite possibilities and chart your path to success.
Stay tuned for updates and registration details. Save the date and be part of history at the TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit 2024!
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Q&A with TOMODACHI Program Participants and TOMODACHI Alumni: Yui Higashikawa
For this interview, we talked with Yui Higashikawa, an alumni of the 2022 TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities. Yui currently works as a remote waitress called OriHime Pilot, who are operating OriHime robots. for the Avatar Robot Cafe DAWN ver.β in Tokyo. She is also an artist and certified pastel art instructor. Yui’s passions include advocacy for disabilities and utilizing the arts as a space to bring people together to foster more inclusive communities.
Read More>>
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TOMODACHI Opportunities
Interns, U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative (remote)
The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative are currently seeking interns. The internship offers an exciting environment where interns will be exposed to the non-profit, corporate, and government fields simultaneously. Responsibilities include creating and drafting documents, translation, website management, social media management, newsletter development support, public speaking, communication with program participants, designing presentations and posters, and event planning and operations. Interns generally work remotely, but may be asked to assist with in-person events as needed.
Please note that this internship is unpaid.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Social Media Intern, TOMODACHI Initiative Alumni (remote)
The Social Media Intern will assist the Director of Programs and Partnerships for the U.S.-Japan Council and the TOMODACHI Alumni Coordinator in the area of social media and other marketing and communications for the TOMODACHI Initiative Alumni Leadership Program as needed. Reports to the Director of Programs and Partnerships for the U.S.-Japan Council. This position requires conveying and dispersing information from TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs to the TOMODACHI alumni community, as well as the broader U.S.-Japan Council community.
For more information, click here.
Please send applications to alumni@usjapancouncil.org.
Program Intern, TOMODACHI Initiative Alumni (remote)
The Program Intern will assist the Director of Programs and Partnerships for the U.S.-Japan Council and the TOMODACHI Alumni Coordinator in the area of programming for the TOMODACHI Initiative Alumni Leadership Program. Reports to the Director of Programs and Partnerships for the U.S.-Japan Council. This position requires conveying and dispersing information from TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs to the TOMODACHI alumni community, as well as the broader U.S.-Japan Council community.
For more information, click here.
Please send applications to alumni@usjapancouncil.org.
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