TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program: Conducting the Award Ceremony and Training

On July 4, 2024, the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program post study abroad presentation and award ceremony was held, attended by scholarship recipients and members of involved. 

At the presentation session, ten 10th-cohort students who began their studies abroad in the fall of 2023 and returned in the summer of 2024 gave presentations in English about their experiences during their studies in the U.S. and their roles in U.S.-Japan relations. Kotono Shimizu from the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University stated that she had been studying the U.S. Constitution and the relationship between racial minorities and the law even before her study abroad. Her interest deepened through specialized courses and opportunities to talk with professors including practicing lawyers at New York University. She also said that “through internships and the program’s East Coast training session, as well as meeting various people and gaining new insights, there have been opportunities to think about my future. I want to continue valuing encounters with people.”

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Orientation for TOMODACHI Summer SoftBank Leadership Program 2.0　

On June 23, the orientation program for the TOMODACHI Summer SoftBank Leadership Program 2.0 was held online.

This 6-month program started in June 2024, is designed for high school and university students (who were living in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake and are currently living in these prefectures). Students will learn about community contribution and leadership at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) and other organizations from July 30 to August 18. They will also learn how to develop ideas to solve social issues, plan and execute them, and create action plans to solve each issue. In December, the participants will share the process and results of the program at the final presentation. Mentors with experience in entrepreneurship development and regional revitalization in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures will support the participants from planning to implementation of the action plans after their return.

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TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program; Participants attend orientation　

On July 7, 2024, the TOMODACHI Toshizo Watanabe Leadership Program orientation was held online, attended by 20 high school students selected from all over Japan, two teachers, and program staff.

During the orientation, participants who were meeting each other for the first time introduced themselves. Mr. Toshizo Watanabe, who is supporting this program, was introduced, and the training schedule and precautions for participating in the program were explained. In the second half of the orientation, the participants were assigned to groups with whom they will live during the program, and each group had time to discuss homework assignments before their trip to the United States.

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Application Open for TOMODACHI-U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program 2024-2025　

This program is designed to play a crucial role in building a “TOMODACHI Generation” of creative and innovative leaders whose interests lie in the sports industry, and who possess the globally-oriented skills and mindsets needed to thrive and make contributions to the industry. It will bring ten Japanese college students to the United States for a two-week study program in New York City and Los Angeles.

【Information Session】
Saturday, August 17 10am - 11:30am (JT)
Please register here in advance.

Application Deadline: Friday, August 30, 2024

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Application Open for the TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Program

The application is now open for the TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar 2024.

This program, now in its 14th year, aims to develop individuals who are capable of embracing challenges with diverse values and perspectives and to foster cultural and social bonds between Japan and the U.S. Additionally, it offers opportunities to cultivate skills essential for success in a global context, through  conducting presentations with peers and listening to guest speakers in English.

This year, we invite students from across the country who are eager to take on new challenges, such as launching a business or embarking on innovative projects, to join our online entrepreneurship program, which will run for approximately 5 months from September 2024 to February 2025.

Participants will learn critical and creative thinking skills while actively pursuing their pawn ideas and passions, by collaborating with peers from across Japan on project development.

Application Deadline: Wed, August 28, 2024
*Application Closes at 12:59

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Application Open for the TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities 2024

The application for the TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities 2024 is open now. Japanese and American college students and young professionals with disabilities will learn digital storytelling and leadership during the 9-week online program. Participants will explore and identify a moment or moments related to overcoming barriers to tell as a story and make it into a short movie.

This year’s program will run 7-9pm on Tuesdays Eastern Standard Time in the U.S. or 8-10am on Wednesdays Japan Standard Time.

Please click for this application information.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2024

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33rd BAB Meeting Highlights Microsoft’s Perspective on Generative AI and Business Transformations

On May 22, the 33rd Business Advisory Board (BAB) Meeting was held at the Tokyo American Club. Under the leadership of Vice Chair of the Board of Councilors Masaaki Tanaka, U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) welcomed Board of Councilors (Japan) Member Miki Tsusaka (Representative Director & President, Microsoft Japan) as the featured speaker. Her presentation, “Generative AI and Business Transformation,” attracted more than 80 business leaders and eight Next Generation leaders, including TOMODACHI Initiative alumni and interns.

Prior to the keynote speech, USJC President & CEO Audrey Yamamoto delivered greetings to the participants, marking her first appearance at a USJC event in Japan. On behalf of the Kibou for Maui Project’s professional delegation, Mayor of Maui Richard Bissen shared brief remarks that expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support in Hawaii’s recovery after the wildfires and the strong relationship between Hawaii and USJC.

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TOMO-KIN Career Talk Summer 2024

On June 18, 2024, TOMO-KIN Summer 2024 was held at fabbit Marunouchi, and commenced with remarks from our Executive Director Mark Ikeno. With 25 people in attendance, they experienced a thoughtful presentation by our guest speaker, Mr. Goshi Yamaguchi, CEO, 54 Corporation. TOMODACHI Alumni enjoyed rounds of speed networking, delectable food from our specialty caterer, Minami Takemoto, who used tohoku and sustainable ingredients, and played games to end the night.
 

Our guest speaker, Mr. Goshi Yamaguchi, CEO, 54 Corporation, spoke about his vast experience throughout his life and how he achieved things that he once thought so far away. He shared that from the very beginning of his life, every step he took was filled with different experiences and exploration, leading him to where he is now. He shared his thoughts on capitalism and how to take advantage of certain investment opportunities as an experienced entrepreneur. His advice for life was very eye opening as he held onto his father’s words about things that will make your life rich. He explained that his father said three things that can have the most fulfilling impact on your life: Indirect experiences (books), direct experiences (travel), and mutual experiences (friends). With these three things in mind, you may vastly open your horizon to many new experiences in life.

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Register Today!
TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit 2024 

~ Voices Unleashed: Unlocking Potential, Creating Impact ~

This year’s dynamic Next Generation Summit is designed to explore and amplify the diverse voices shaping our future. This event is structured around three core components, each tailored to unleash potential and inspire impactful action:

Sunday, September 29, 2024
13:00 – 19:00 (Doors open at 12:00)
at Tokyo American Club, 2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8649

TSUNAGARI Hub: A career fair-style exhibition where participants can connect with industry leaders, impactful organizations, and learn about study abroad opportunities. This hub serves as a networking platform to explore opportunities and that align with participants’ passions and skills.

TOMODACHI Voice: A vibrant pitch contest that provides a stage for emerging leaders to present their groundbreaking ideas focused on community action. This segment encourages participants to voice their innovative solutions to pressing societal issues, competing for the chance to share their voices on an even larger platform at the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in October 2024.

Visionary Voices: A series of panel discussions that delve into the concepts of workplace kaizen and empowering global jinzai. These panels feature thought leaders and experts who discuss the transformation of workplaces through continuous improvement and the integration of global talent into Japan’s industries.

Check out the Next Generation Summit Website for more details.

Please contact alumni@usjapancouncil.org for any questions.

Q&A with TOMODACHI Alumni Intern: Aya Kaneko

For this interview, we talked with Aya Kaneko, who was an Alumni Social Media Intern from August 2023 to May 2024. She is a Sakura Scholar at American and Ritsumeikan Universities, studying Global International Relations and Affairs. She worked at Ritsumeikan University as a Graphic Design Artist and she used her artistic skills to create numerous marketing materials and artworks for the TOMODACHI Alumni Program. She will be moving back to Washington D.C. in August to start her senior year at American University.
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