May 2024 TOMODACHI Update

May 2024 Issue

The U.S. Training for the TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar

From March 25 to March 30, 2024, the TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar U.S. training was held and five participants selected from among the program participants took part in the training program on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

The program emphasizes the perspective of “well-being,” a concept that comprehensively considers the betterment of individuals and society. Many of the projects that participants work on during the program also focus on well-being, and the training in the state of Hawaii was conducted with the aim of gaining hints for solving social problems.
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The 10 Japanese Female STEM Students Return Home Empowered with Diversity Mindsets　

From February 10 to March 13, 2024, 10 participants of the “TOMODACHI-STEM Women’s Leadership & Research Program” engaged in research internships at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and Rice University in Texas.

Prior to their departure, on February 4, 2024, the 10 participants had the opportunity to visit Dow Chemical Japan Limited, the sponsor of this program. During the visit, each participant presented on their current studies, reasons for joining the program, and they engaged in discussions about their career paths and the role of women in STEM fields. Dow Chemical employees provided insights into the company’s corporate culture and their own career journeys. Mr. Patrick McLeod, President of Dow Chemical Japan Limited, encouraged the participants and said, “Looking forward to seeing the transformation.”
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Application Open for the TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness Program

The TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness Program is a leadership development program, designed to address the pressing global challenges of climate change and its intertwined relationship with agriculture. Over a 10-month period, this initiative will engage 20 university students – 10 each from partner institutions in Niigata, Japan and Texas, USA – in an immersive curriculum. The curriculum focuses on self-awareness, reflection, and sustainability, while also delving deep into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning agriculture and climate change.

With a hybrid approach of virtual engagement and two in-person gathering, participants will gain first-hand experience of diverse agricultural practices and environments. Students will be provided with an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the diverse agricultural ecosystems of both regions. Texas, known for its agricultural and coastal environment, will shed light on the challenges and innovations in agriculture pertinent to such terrains, especially in the context of climate change. On the other hand, Niigata, with its lush landscapes and rice cultivation, will offer insights into traditional agricultural practices harmonized with nature. This unique blend aims to foster international collaboration, providing students with a platform to share insights, experiences, and innovative strategies, ultimately preparing them to champion sustainable agricultural solutions for our rapidly changing world.

Application Deadline : Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm CST

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To learn more about the program, please visit the program website.

TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework: Kansai Regional Event

The TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework, Kansai region networking event was held on April 13, 2024. It was a memorable first event focused on what TOMODACHI alumni could do at the ”Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan”, taking place exactly one year before the event.

The event included a guest lecture by Kansai alumni Ms.Yumiko Terada who has extensive experience in Kansai, followed by a discussion on the “Strengths and Issues in Kansai” at the Lifelong Learning Center in Osaka.During the discussion, it was really impressive that each of the alumni shared their experiences and hopes on Kansai passionately. Alumni participant Hikaru Nagano said, “Kansai has big potential. As the one who is involved in the Expo, I would like to learn more about how young alumni would think about Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan”.

TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework: New England Regional Event

On April 27,2024, TOMODACHI alumni in New England region and USJC New England members gathered for a picnic to share snacks and conversation in a cozy corner of Boston Common amidst the bustling energy of the Boston Japan Festival weekend.

The park provided the perfect setting for everyone to relax and enjoy the performances. The group also explored the various vendors, cultural activities, and food stalls. The festival was a truly memorable day of community and camaraderie, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate the richness of Japanese culture!

TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Framework: Washington D.C. Regional Event

On April 23rd, 2024, five TOMODACHI Alumni joined with USJC members for the first annual “Japanese Heritage Day” to watch Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Washington Nationals at National Park in Washington D.C. Attendees were gifted an exclusive Japanese Heritage Day cherry blossom jersey.
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SAVE THE DATE! TOMODACHI Next Generation Summit September 29, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan

We’re doing things a bit differently this year! Save the date and stay tuned for more information.

The Next Generation Summit is the biggest alumni event where over 200 globally-minded TOMODACHI alumni from across Japan and the United States get together to reconnect, learn together, and inspire each other. We look forward to seeing you there!
https://www.tomonextgensummit.org/

You’re Invited! Join Our TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Town Hall Discussions

Through the months of June and July, we will be hosting virtual region-specific TOMODACHI Alumni Town Halls Discussions to share new activities and opportunities we are building for the community. We have invited the Alumni Regional Representatives in those areas to join as well, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.

This will be a safe space where you can share what is on your mind. We want to build opportunities together and want to ensure that they align with your needs and help you on your journey after you’ve had a transformative experience on your TOMODACHI Program or The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program. Your voice could be the spark that ignites something amazing!

There will be 12 different Town Hall sessions across two months, and we welcome you to join the one that you resonate and connect with. Feel free to join more than one to connect with other alumni who are residing in or feel connected to that region.

June Town Hall Session Registrations:

Kanto – Saturday, June 1, 2024 9:00am – 10:00am JST

For Kanto Town Hall Registration, click HERE.

New England – Thursday, June 6, 2024 7:00pm – 8:00pm EST / Friday, June 7, 2024 8:00am – 9:00am JST

For New England Town Hall Registration, click HERE.

Hawaii – Sunday, June 9, 2024 4:00pm – 5:00pm HST / Monday, June 10, 2024 11:00am – 12:00pm JST

For Hawaii Town Hall Registration, click HERE.

Kansai – Saturday, June 15, 2024 9:00am – 10:00am JST

For Kansai Town Hall Registration, click HERE.

Kyushu – Thursday, June 20, 2024 7:00pm – 8:00pm JST

For Kyushu Town Hall Registration, click HERE.

New York – Thursday, June 27, 2024 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST / Friday, June 28, 2024 9:00am – 10:00am JST

For New York Town Hall Registration, click HERE.

*Each space is limited to 15 participants.

*More sessions to come in July. Please look for the announcement!

TOMO-KIN Career Talks Summer 2024

Join us to get to know other alumni at TOMO-KIN, a casual gathering for TOMODACHI alumni. For this TOMO-KIN, we are inviting Mr. Goshi Yamaguchi, CEO of 54 Corporation, to talk about entrepreneurship. Don’t miss this great opportunity to expand your network with alumni from various programs and industries.

Date: June 18, 2024 7pm-9pm
Venue: fabbit Marunouchi (Tokyo)

2023 TOMODACHI Annual Report

Our Annual Report is now available. Please learn more about our activities in 2023, what was accomplished through our activities, and the program alumni's impressions. Please see the report here.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS for a New TOMODACHI Program

The program aims to develop leadership opportunities for students that will help contribute to American and Japanese society through partnership with a sponsor company.

For more information, please see here.

Q&A with TOMODACHI Program Participants and TOMODACHI Alumni: Nanako Saito

For this interview, we talked with Nanako Saito, an alumni of the TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program, who is also a former Regional Mentor of the Hokkaido Region. She is a teacher of English at a Sapporo City high school, and has recently won an award for two activities that she has implemented in her classes. Her passions include supporting the future generation through teaching English and encouraging them to participate in various opportunities to achieve their goals. She has also recently been featured in an article encouraging students to participate in international programs such as TOMODACHI, where she shared her own experiences to help children and young people explore more opportunities for self-realization.
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TOMODACHI Opportunities

Interns, U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative (remote)
The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) & TOMODACHI Initiative are 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.

Update from Team TOMODACHI - May 2024

For donors, supporters, and friends of the TOMODACHI Initiative and the TOMODACHI Generation.

Led by the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo , the TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake. TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges and leadership programs.