Announcing the Women’s Empowerment Panel at NGS 2025

Spotlighting the Voices of Changemakers

We are thrilled to unveil the panelists and a moderator for the highly anticipated “Women’s Empowerment” panel at the TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit 2025!

This year’s session will highlight the stories, insights, and bold leadership of women who are challenging norms, uplifting communities, and shaping a more equitable future. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on what it means to lead with purpose in today’s global society.

Panelists:

• Marimo Higa – Principal, Believe House

• Makoto Sasaki – City Council Member in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture

• Shoko Hamaguchi – Human Resources, Construction Company

From entrepreneurship and public policy to social innovation and environmental advocacy, these women are living examples of the power of passion and persistence.

Moderator:

• Nao Shibanoki, Account Executive, Financial Industry at the Japanese Branch of the U.S.-based IT company

The Women’s Empowerment panel will be held as one of the breakout sessions at the Summit and is open to all participants. We invite you to join us for this inspiring discussion and to celebrate the TOMODACHI spirit of inclusive leadership and intergenerational connection.
 

🔔 Updates!
We’re excited to share the latest update that all TOMODACHI alumni who register for the summit will now receive admission to the official reception—an exclusive opportunity to network, reconnect, and celebrate with fellow alumni, mentors, VIPs and executive leaders!

Reception Date and Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Saturday, August 2, 2025 (Doors open at 6:00pm)

Place: Tokyo American Club 

Who: TOMODACHI, Watanabe and MAP Alumni 

Registration Link: https://www.tomonextgensummit.org/

Don’t miss this chance to be inspired, connect with changemakers, and take part in building the future of TOMODACHI.

Stay tuned for more updates—and don’t forget to register if you haven’t already!

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.

U.S.-Japan Council Development & Program Intern
The Development & Program 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.
For more information and to apply, click here.

Interns, TOMODACHI Initiative (remote)
TOMODACHI Initiative is 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.