TOMODACHI Summer SoftBank Leadership Program 2.0 Orientation Held
On June 4, the TOMODACHI Summer SoftBank Leadership Program 2.0: Building Resilient Communities for the Future orientation was held online with 17 participants and stakeholders in attendance.
This program is an expansion of the TOMODACHI Summer SoftBank Leadership Program, which has been running since 2012. After a rigorous screening process, 17 high school and university students were selected for the program.
During the orientation, the participants listened attentively to an overview of the program and preparations for the trip, as well as to a presentation by the SoftBank Group on its passion for this program and by an alumna on their experiences and advice. In the second half of the orientation, participants were divided into groups by region and shared their reasons for applying to the program and the social issues they would like to address. Participants deepened interactions with their peers who will participate in the program together over the next six months.
The participants expressed their enthusiasm for participating in the program as follows. “I would like to deepen my knowledge through this program to become a person who will support the primary industry in Iwate and Tohoku in the future.” “I am very excited to participate in the program, to be exposed to many different values, and to see the larger world.”
During the U.S. training program at the University of California, Berkeley, which will begin on July 26, participants will deepen their knowledge of leadership and how to solve local issues. Upon their return to Japan, they are expected to contribute to the local community by applying what they learned in the U.S. and implementing action plans in their hometowns.
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The 2023 TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program students were selected
The ten 8th cohort students of the 2023 TOMODACHI J&J Disaster Nursing Training Program and two mentors were selected from many applicants. Participants were a diverse group, spanning the country from Tohoku, Kanto, Kansai, and Shikoku, with different school years and experiences.
The U.S. training program, which had to be held online due to COVID-19, has been returned for the first time in four years, making it possible for participants to travel to the U.S. for training, and a new study tour to Awaji Island is also scheduled as a new visit to the disaster-affected area.
The three-part structure of the program will remain unchanged, with pre-training taking place from June to July, and the U.S. training in August will be conducted with a U.S. partner. After returning to Japan, a post-training session will be held in September, and a final debriefing session will be held in December, where students will present the program results. Read More>>
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TOMO-KIN Summer 2023
On May 31, TOMO-KIN Summer 2023 took place in Tokyo, with over 30 TOMODACHI alumni and Watanabe Scholars in attendance. Mark Ikeno, the Executive Director at the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), shared his experience and tips for building a global career during his Keynote. For the raffle, two alumni won gifts prepared by staff members from Kyoto and Fukuoka. As the G7 Summit was held this month, the omusubi (rice balls) prepared were G7-themed for globally-minded TOMODACHI alumni.
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Final Call for Next Generation Summit 2023
Join us at the Next Generation Summit 2023 that will take place in the innovation center of Tokyo: Shibuya, TOMORROW, on July 1st.
Let's MOVE Together for the Future of U.S.-Japan Relations to explore how the dynamic youths of today are not only envisioning but also shaping the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Hear from prominent members of the TOMODACHI community as they share their insights into the current state of these bilateral relations, the power of youth involvement, and the potential for this relationship in the years ahead.
Panel topics:
Breakout session topics:
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Unleashing Your Leadership Potential: Defining Your Unique Style and Reflecting on Experiences
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Future-Proof Your Life: Mastering Life Planning and Financial Literacy
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Our Journey to the Boardroom: Follow Your Heart & Unlock Your Potential
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Japanese American Storytelling
Find out more about it below, and be sure to sign up!
Date: July 1st, 2023 (Saturday)
Time: 2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Platform: Hybrid (In-person and online) [Max 200 people in-person]
Venue: Amway Japan (7-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Registration Form: here
For more details: www.tomonextgensummit.org
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Alumni Highlights
Matthew Winders is an alumnus of the 2022 Building the TOMODACHI Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassadors Program. Currently, he is a student at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) at Manchester, majoring in public service and nonprofit management.
Matthew’s passion lies within the commitment to public service. He has tremendous experience with volunteering among numerous organizations with diverse cultures and objectives. He is currently one of the Trustees of the Trust Fund in his city, where he handles the proper appropriation of the city’s funds, as well as the investments, scholarships, and fund requests. In April 2023, he was awarded the University of New Hampshire President’s Leadership Award, recognizing his service to the community through his involvement with the city of Rochester, his hometown. He has assisted the Rochester City Clerk’s office in at least six elections over the years. One of his ultimate goals in his career is to be a unique asset to a progressive and collaborative organization. Read More>>
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TOMODACHI Opportunities
TOMODACHI Initiative Program Manager
Working under the direction of the Director of TOMODACHI Programs, the Program Manager is responsible to develop, execute, manage, monitor and evaluate TOMODACHI programs, including managing relationships with implementing organizations. The Program Manager will work with individuals from the U.S.-Japan Council, the U.S. Embassy, TOMODACHI Initiative sponsors, and other key TOMODACHI team members in the implementation of this mission. This is a full-time position based in the U.S.-Japan Council Tokyo office which allows teleworking. 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 Marketing Communications Manager
Marketing Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic communications program to develop the profile and brand of the TOMODACHI Initiative and U.S.-Japan Council among a diverse audience and stakeholders, including senior corporate executives, government leaders, program participants, donors, press, and the general public. The Marketing & Communications Manager will work closely with teams within the TOMODACHI Initiative and the U.S.-Japan Council in the implementation of this mission, as well as with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Teleworking is allowed, and the main office is located in central Tokyo.
For more information and to apply, click here.
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