TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program 2025: Envisioning the Future of Regional Revitalization
On July 27, 2025, the final presentations for the “TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program 2025″ were held at Kesennuma Amway House Hirakeru in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. Fifteen high school students from Kesennuma, who participated in the approximately seven-month program, presented their regional revitalization plans, infused with their learnings and passion for their community.
After returning from their U.S. training, the participants utilized design thinking methods and logic models to develop their regional revitalization plans as a team. The final presentations on July 27 welcomed approximately 50 attendees, including Kesennuma Mayor Shigeru Sugawara, local government officials, school representatives, local business owners, NPO members who served as instructors, and parents.
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TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness Program
Empowered by Learning in Niigata – The Future of Farming Presented by U.S. and Japanese Studentso
The Niigata portion of the TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness Program, its final phase, took place from August 3rd to 9th, 2025.
Continuing their studies from the U.S. portion of the program in Texas, in Niigata, participants learned about Japanese rice cultivation culture and agricultural technology, as well as current challenges facing the industry, such as an aging workforce and a shortage of successors. They were particularly impressed by the efforts of Tanaka Sangyo Co., Ltd. who expanded into agriculture from the construction and transportation industries to manage large farmlands. In addition to visiting terraced rice paddies and Tanaka Sangyo’s fields, participants visited Iwanohara Vineyard, the JA Echigo Joetsu collection and shipping facility, and Niigata University’s Sakeology Center. These visits deepened their understanding of the production and distribution systems that support Japan’s food culture, the importance of community connections, and the Japanese work ethic. Meetings with leaders, including a courtesy visit with Niigata Governor Hanazumi and a lecture from the CEO of Kameda Seika, also provided an opportunity for students to see themselves as next-generation leaders.
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Ten California High School Students Visit Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures
From July 30 to August 3, through the Kibou for LA program, ten high school students from California visited Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures. The program was designed for students from Altadena and Pasadena, California, who were affected by the Eaton Fire in January 2025, to experience and learn firsthand about the recovery and revitalization efforts in the areas impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011.
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Highlights from Next Generation Summit 2025
On August 3, 2025, the TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit brought together over 170 people from all ages and backgrounds and fields, from high school students all the way to seasoned professionals for a dynamic day filled with inspiration, learning, and connection. Under the theme of “Voices Unleashed: Unlocking Potential, Creating Impact”, the summit centered on a powerful mission, which was to empower the next generation to lead with purpose, unlock their full potential and create lasting impact through a deeper cross-cultural understanding.
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TOMODACHI Opportunities
U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL (Japan) Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator will work closely with Managers, Directors, and other senior staff to provide administrative support in the development, coordination and execution of assigned programs that support and promote USJC’s mission. This position is responsible for the administrative and operational functions required to coordinate activities, manage events, and provide administrative and staff support for assigned programs, which include new and existing USJC signature, regional, and other educational programs in various areas.
This is a full-time position based in the U.S.-Japan Council Tokyo office which allows teleworking. This will be a one year contract for the first five years and renewed every year. A Japanese native and fluency in English is required. USJC does not sponsor visas for working in Japan.
For more information and to apply, click here.
TOMODACHI Initiative Program Intern
The internship at the TOMODACHI Initiative 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 occasionally be asked to assist with in-person tasks at the office or support events as needed.
U.S.-Japan Council Development Intern
The Development Intern will assist the Development Manager in fundraising and organizing events for business leaders for the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC). Responsibilities include drafting documents in Japanese and English, translation, writing newsletter articles, creating presentations and promotional materials, and providing administrative support for event planning and management. The position is primarily remote, but may require office work and on-site event support as needed.
Alumni Intern
The Alumni Social Media Intern will assist the Director of Programs and Partnerships for the U.S.-Japan Council and the TOMODACHI Alumni Program Manager in the area of programming, 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.
Please see here for details on the above intern recruitment information.
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