TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities Final Event　

On November 20, 2024, the final presentation of the TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities was held online, bringing together 25 participants and stakeholders.

This program, conducted over nine weeks from September to November, brought together eight participants – college students and young professionals with disabilities from Japan and the United States. Throughout the program, participants engaged in weekly sessions where they shared personal experiences of overcoming significant challenges, reflected on the lessons learned, and discussed how these insights can drive positive change in their communities. The sessions also featured guest speakers, including disability scholars, advocates, and activists, from both Japan and the U.S. They discussed barriers to access and the important role of advocacy in both countries and encouraged the participants to embrace their stories as powerful tools for social change.
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TOMODACHI Goldman Sachs Music Outreach Program Hosts Workshops at Junior High Schools in Tohoku　

From October to November 2024, the TOMODACHI Goldman Sachs Music Outreach Program was held at four junior high schools in Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures. A total of 560 students collaborated with members of HEART Global, a U.S. nonprofit organization, to create singing and dancing performances.

The program included two-day workshops at Haramachi Daisan Junior High School in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and Nakano Junior High School in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. One-day workshops were also held at Koriyama Junior High School and Toka Junior High School, both located in Sendai City. Although some students seemed hesitant at first, the cast encouraged them with words like, “Just give it a try,” gradually bringing out more smiles and enthusiasm. Reflecting on the experience, one student remarked, “At first, I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but when I followed the cast’s dance moves, it felt incredible!” By the end of the program, the cast and students came together to deliver a truly inspiring performance.
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Exciting Start to the TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program 2024-2025　

Ten female students from universities across Japan have been selected for the TOMODACHI-Dow Women’s STEM Leadership and Research Program 2024-2025 at Rice University in Houston, Texas. This program includes several weeks of virtual sessions, followed by a five-week research internship. During their stay, the students will conduct STEM research at Rice University under the guidance of professors, engage in on- and off-campus activities with their peers, and explore potential career paths.
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TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program Begins!　

Delegates of the third TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program representing seven Japanese universities gathered for the first time in Tokyo over the weekend of December 7-8, 2024.

Day 1 began at noon with self-introductions, general overview, and the connection between the U.S.-Japan Council and TOMODACHI Initiative. Masashi Miyata, Deputy Manager, Innovation Promotion Department, Sports Facility Business Office – Tokyo Dome graciously organized and hosted the group for a tour and workshop with operators of this iconic multi-use facility.  Mana Yanase, one of the 2024-2025 delegates who is interested in sports facility management, asked why Tokyo Dome could not be used during the Tokyo Olympic, and got first hand information from the professionals at Tokyo Dome.
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Applications Open for the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program 2025

The application for the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program 2025 is open now. Please click below link to download the application materials.

This scholarship is offered to undergraduate students, who will take part in the study abroad programs offered at 12 partner universities, including Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, University of Tokyo, Keio University, Waseda University, Chuo University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Doshisha University, Osaka University, Kyushu University and the University of the Ryukyus.
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TOMODACHI Regional Framework Workshop

On October 29, TOMODACHI Regional Framework Representatives and Core Committee Members from Japan and the United States gathered at Birth Lab in Tokyo for a team-building workshop. The event brought together many who had only met through video call for a long-anticipated in-person gathering aimed to foster relationships, explore successful alumni engagement models, envision new possibilities for the community, and use creative expression to reflect on personal aspirations and shape the alumni network’s vision.
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TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework: Networking Dinner in Chubu-Hokuriku Regional

On December 5, TOMODACHI alumni from the Chubu-Hokuriku region finally came together for their very first dinner! They enjoyed Italian cuisine at the Solo Pizza in Nagoya, Aichi.During the dinner, they shared stories about how they have been involved in the TOMODACHI community, reminisced about the states we lived in during our time in the U.S., and much more. This special gathering was organized by Shiori Sata, the Regional Representative of Chubu-Hokuriku.

They also welcomed two new Core Committee Members, Moeko Yamada and Keigo Konno, both TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program alumni, who officially began their roles. Moeko shared her thoughts:”We had a great time and enjoyed delicious pizza. There were only five of us this time, but I’m really looking forward to expanding our network and planning events with more people soon!”

Looking ahead, they are planning more events and are eager to grow their community further. Stay tuned!

Young Sustainability Professionals Career Development Event: Co-hosted by U.S.-Japan Council and JCLP Youth Task Force

The goal of this event is to accelerate climate action by stimulating interest in sustainability careers among young professionals and providing concrete actions/tips on how to contribute to climate action.

Through this event, we aim to raise awareness of the attractiveness of sustainability careers, discuss and deepen understanding of the gap between Japan and the US career opportunities, and help clarify the role that young talent can play in advancing climate action.
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Let’s Celebrate the New Year Together at the USJC & TOMODACHI Shinnenkai!　

We are delighted to invite you to join us for the USJC and TOMODACHI Initiative Joint Shinnenkai to celebrate the beginning of a new year together. This special event is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements, build stronger connections, and look forward to an exciting year ahead.
 

Event Details:

WHEN: January 20, 2025 (Monday)

TIME: 7pm-9:30pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

LOCATION: Deloitte Tohmatsu Innovation Park, Shin-Tokyo Bldg 8F (D Room)

COST: 

• USJC Member - 2,000 JPY

• USJC Sponsor Representative - 2,000 JPY

• TOMODACHI Alumni - 2,000 JPY

• Guest of USJC Member or TOMODACHI Alumni - 3,000 JPY

REGISTRATION: Please sign up HERE

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 10, 2025 (Friday)
 

This Shinnenkai will bring together students and dynamic leaders from the USJC and TOMODACHI communities. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, expect lively conversations, and the chance to strengthen our commitment to building a stronger U.S.-Japan relations.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something special. RSVP by Friday, January 10, 2025 to secure your spot and join us in welcoming the new year in style!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

TOMODACHI Alumni Highlight: Ryo Inoue, from TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit 2024　

For December’s alumni highlights, we highlighted Ryo Inoue, who delivered an inspiring speech at the Next Generation Summit’s Dinner Reception. Ryo is an alumnus of the 2018 TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program, and he currently works as an Alumni Leader for the Kyushu Region.  The TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program is  a program designed to nurture future entrepreneurs and community leaders through experiential leadership training in Seattle, Washington.  To connect his experiences and knowledge gained from the program, Ryo started up an education business: “Irodori Study Lab” in Hirokawa-machi, Yame-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, in 2022, creating a supportive environment in the countryside  where children can pursue their future goals and ambitions. Ryo hopes that the “Irodori Study Lab” will be the “first step” of encouragement that will push children, in rural areas of Japan, above and beyond their potential. 
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TOMODACHI Alumni Highlight: Hikari Igarashi, from TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit 2024　

For December’s alumni highlights, we highlighted Hikari Igarashi, who is an alumna of the 2014-2015 TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program, and works at Women’s Eye as Executive Director. Launching the Single Mother Research Project, she has contributed to researching the impact of COVID-19 among single-mother households in Japan and communicating the situation in society. Gender equality and inclusive community development are at the core of her work, and she has also worked for other non-profit organizations, including Amelias, Single Mothers Forum, and Human Security Forum. She is launching a P-to-P sharing application using blockchain technology, envisioning a society where all people can access the resources they need and take a step forward believing in themselves.
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