TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program is designed to play an important role in building a “TOMODACHI Generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference.Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., the program advocates bicultural exchange and provides participants with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields.

• Read the press release announcing the 2018 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
• Read the press release announcing the 2016 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program
• Read the press release announcing the 2013 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program

2019 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

“Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership”

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program contributes to building a “TOMODACHI generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally-oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference.

Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and entering its sixth year, the exchange program provides participants with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields. Selected through a competitive process, participants represent geographic and professional diversity.

AMERICAN DELEGATION

Ten young American professionals of diverse gender and career backgrounds from across the United States journeyed to Fukushima Prefecture and Tokyo in from July 6 to July 13 as participants of this year’s TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program now in its seventh year.

The delegation spent two-and-a-half days in Fukushima gaining valuable insight and perspectives from the program designed to cover three pillars, economic revitalization, innovation, and culture, and meeting with community leaders in the prefecture. Governor Masao Uchibori, a strong supporter of the TOMODACHI Initiative since its inception, took time from his busy schedule to meet with the visiting young Americans.

The journey continued in Tokyo, where delegates engaged in meetings with decision makers and senior executives in the business sector aligned with the program’s pillars of innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. Read More>>

JAPANESE DELEGATION

From September 15 to 23, 2019, ten young Japanese professionals from across Japan, representing a mix of professions, traveled to Silicon Valley in California and Washington, D.C. as they completed the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program, now in its seventh year.

The delegation spent two-and-a-half days in Silicon Valley observing and listening to speakers who shared a comprehensive understanding of how the region became the world’s leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The schedule in California was designed to cover two of the program’s three pillars, “Innovation” and “Entrepreneurship,” featuring meetings with a mix of renowned Silicon Valley leaders, including Stanford University Professor Emeritus Dr. Daniel Okimoto and former Apple executive and Executive Director, Philanthropic Ventures Foundation & Mentor in Residence, Index Ventures  James Higa. Read More>>

2018 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

“Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership”

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program contributes to building a “TOMODACHI generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally-oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference.

Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and entering its sixth year, the exchange program provides participants with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields. Selected through a competitive process, participants represent geographic and professional diversity.

AMERICAN DELEGATION

From July 6–14, 2018, ten American delegates visited Iwate Prefecture and Tokyo. The delegates spent two days in Miyagi meeting with community leaders in the public and non-profit sectors, gaining valuable insight to revitalization initiatives implemented in the coastal cities of Onagawa and Ishinomaki. In Sendai, they met with government officials and leaders in the energy sector.

In Tokyo, delegates met and engaged a wide range of business leaders aligned with program’s pillars, “Innovation, Leadership and Leadership”. Ten counterpart Japanese delegates joined the Americans in Tokyo as they prepare to travel to Boston, Massachusetts and Washington D.C. in September. Bicultural exchange is part of what makes this particular program unique.

The week culminated with a dinner reception held to recognize and celebrate all twenty delegates in this year’s program and attended by over 90 including many alumni. Read More>>

JAPANESE DELEGATION

From September 18 to 23, 2018, ten Japanese delegates traveled to Boston, Massachusetts and Washington,D.C. through the 2018 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program. The first stop was Boston, America’s top ranked location for digital innovation, with visits and meetings at the Massachusetts State House, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the Barr Foundation, Mass Robotics, Cambridge Innovation Center, Greentown Labs, and Babson College.

The Boston visit concluded with a dinner reception graciously hosted by Consul General Rokuichiro Michii, attended by over 40 community leaders and other distinguished guests. Read More>>

2017 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

“Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership”

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program contributes to building a “TOMODACHI generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally-oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference. Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and entering its fifth year, the exchange program provides participants with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields. Selected through a competitive process, participants represent geographic and professional diversity.

Guided by the 2017 program theme, “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership,” the delegations will explore innovation, new technology, and industrial development in the context of U.S.-Japan relations. The American delegation will travel to Iwate Prefecture and Tokyo, and the Japanese delegation will travel to Houston, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Government officials, business executives, non-profit leaders, and academics will share their experiences and insights during the program. Through interactive and engaging sessions, participants will discuss issues, formulate new ideas together, and nurture lifelong friendships. The trip also enables delegates to gain greater understanding of multicultural America and the unique qualities of Japanese society, further strengthening the bridge between these two cultures.

AMERICAN DELEGATION

From June 30 – July 8, 2017, ten American delegates visited Iwate Prefecture and Tokyo. In Iwate Prefecture, the delegate gained valuable insights and perspectives on the ongoing revitalization efforts in the tsunami-affected areas of the coastal cities Rikuzentakata and Kamaishi. They also met with government officials and community leaders in the public and private sectors, including Governor Takuya Tasso. The journey continued in Tokyo where the American delegates engaged in meetings with business and government leaders aligned with program’s pillars of “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.” The delegates also met their ten Japanese counterparts, who will embark on their trips to Houston, Texas, and Washington D.C. in September.

Approximately 100 people attended the reception, including executives from Mitsui & Co., Ltd, representatives from the Government of Japan and the U.S. Embassy, representatives from the supporting organizations, Japanese and American young professionals, and U.S.-Japan Council representatives.

JAPANESE DELEGATION

On September 18, nine young Japanese professionals representing cities or prefectures from across Japan returned inspired, after spending a week in America in a schedule designed to encourage ‘disruptive thinking’. They join a pool of 97 alumni of the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program, committed to inspire others as leaders of their generation, contributing to the prosperity and economic vitality of U.S.-Japan relations.

The delegation traveled to Houston, Texas on September 10, just one week after the floods and aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, linking thoughts and reflections of the Great East Earthquake on March 11 in 2011 and more recently, the Northern Kyushu Flood in July 2017.  The resilience of Houstonians however, impressed everyone and the schedule of meetings and activities proceeded nearly intact. Read More>>

• To review the presentation the delegates created, click here.

2016 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

“Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Leadership”

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program contributes to building a “TOMODACHI Generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally-oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference.

U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields.  Selected through a competitive process, participants represent geographic and professional diversity.

AMERICAN DELEGATION

From July 2-9, the ten delegates from the United States visited Fukushima and Tokyo where they met with Fukushima Prefecture Governor, Masao Uchibori, observed the work of NGO: “Bridge for Fukushima”, visited Japanese corporations including Mitsui & Co., held discussions with U.S.-Japan relations experts, and attained cross-cultural experiences with the 2016 Japanese delegates who will be travelling to the United States in September 2016.

On July 8, a reception at Ark Hills Club in Tokyo concluded the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program for the U.S. Delegates. Made possible by generous support from Mitsui & Co., this program aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the public-private sector, and enhance networks that bridge Japan and the United States. Read More >>

JAPANESE DELEGATION

The second half of the 2016 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program took place from September 11-19, 2016, with ten young Japanese professionals journeying to Detroit, Michigan and Washington D.C.  During the visit to the United States, the delegates attended week-long lineups of inspirational speakers and visited organizations which were designed to provide a comprehensive understanding about the way Americans embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. Read More>>

2015 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

“Transformation, Future Vision”

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program is designed to play an important role in building a “TOMODACHI generation” of creative thinkers and driven doers who are invested in the future of U.S.-Japan relations, understand and appreciate cultural differences, and possess the globally oriented skills and mindset needed to thrive and make a difference.

Generously funded by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., the program advocates bicultural exchange and provides participants with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena, and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields.  By program design, participants represent broad geographic diversity through different target cities and prefectures each year.

AMERICAN DELEGATION

The 2015 TOMODACHI Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program brings together ten American and ten Japanese young professionals representing both the public and private sectors to travel to each other’s country to meet with established and up and coming leaders in business and government. From July 4-11, 2015, the American delegation traveled to Japan from Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, Houston, Austin and Portland.

Guided by the program theme of ”Transformation, Future Vision,” the delegates focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, trade, energy and infrastructure and their roles in U.S.-Japan relations. Read More>>

JAPANESE DELEGATION

From September 13-19, 2015, the Japanese delegation comprised of Japanese professionals from Fukuoka, Kyoto, Miyagi, Oita, Okinawa and Toyama prefectures traveled to America to participate in the 2015 TOMODACHI Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program.  This program brings together ten American and ten Japanese young professionals representing both the public and private sectors to travel to each other’s country to meet with established and up and coming leaders in business and government. Read More>>

COMMENTS FROM 2015 PROGRAM ALUMNI

“Thank you Mitsui and the U.S.-Japan Council for planting the seed in our minds to think beyond the boundaries of our countries, for giving us the tools and friendships to make our dreams accessible, and for letting us understand what it means first-hand to be a citizen of the world.  So much of our future success will be rooted in the transformative experience and relationships we received from this program.  Thank you for giving us the honor to be a part of the TOMODACHI generation.”  Dana Heatherton, Trading Operations Analyst, Shell Oil Company (Houston, Texas)

“It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of passionate leaders in Detroit and Washington D.C.  Although they tackle with many issues from different ways, they all have passion and clear vision.  I really appreciate them for sharing their experience and encouraging me to take risks for a better future.”  Shotaro Kurata, Assistant Manager, Strategy Management Department, Kyushu Railway Co. (Fukuoka)

2014 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

‘Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Industrial Development’

The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program is designed to inspire and motivate the next generation of young American and Japanese leaders to be active in U.S.-Japan relations.  This bicultural experience provides outstanding young leaders with unique access to leaders in the U.S.-Japan arena and the opportunity to broaden their perspectives to enhance work or initiatives in their professional fields.

In 2014, ten Americans and ten Japanese professionals aged 35 or younger and representing the public and private sectors traveled to each others’ country for one week to engage as a group and meet with established and up-and-coming leaders from business and government.

The American delegation traveled to Fukuoka and Tokyo, and the Japanese delegation will travel to Silicon Valley, California and Washington, D.C.

Guided by the 2014 program theme “Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Industrial Development,” the leadership delegations focused on entrepreneurship, technology, trade, energy, and infrastructure, and their role in U.S.-Japan cooperation.

Guest speakers and discussion panelists were key government officials and business executives.  Meeting platforms were designed to be interactive and engaging, giving participants the opportunity to discuss and formulate ideas collectively and to begin developing lifelong friendships.  The trip also enabled delegates to gain greater understanding of multicultural America and the unique qualities of Japanese society, further strengthening the bridge between our cultures.

AMERICAN DELEGATION

Ten Americans representing the public and private sectors traveled to Fukuoka and Tokyo for one week from June 20-28, 2014 to engage as a group and meet with established and up-and-coming leaders from business and government.

• To read about their experience, click here

JAPANESE DELEGATION

From September 7 to 14, 2014, ten Japanese delegates of the 2014 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program traveled to Silicon Valley, California and Washington, DC. This unique TOMODACHI program, in which Japanese and American young professionals travel to each other’s countries, is in its second year. Guided by the 2014 theme, “Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Industrial Development,” this year’s agenda focused on entrepreneurship, technology, trade and energy, and their roles in U.S.-Japan cooperation. More>>

• To review the presentation the delegates created, click here 

COMMENTS FROM 2014 PROGRAM ALUMNI

“The TOMODACHI Mitsui Leadership Program has provided me with two invaluable assets. First, the program has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the economic, social, political, and cultural context shaping present day U.S.-Japan relations. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the program has introduced me to a network of committed leaders in the U.S. and Japan with whom I can work to ensure the future of this vital bilateral partnership.”  Benji S. Kennedy

(Benji S. Kennedy pictured with Kenichi Hori, Managing Officer, General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy Div., Mitsui & Co. Ltd.)

”Ten of us from various career backgrounds gathered together with various purposes but with the common mission as TOMODACHI generation, and we feel such a privilege to have experienced what the program had to offer… We also have acknowledged that this is actually just a beginning:  we have further missions as TOMODACHI alumni here on out.  We do hope to stay in touch with each and every one of you, in hopes to synergize and make the program even better in the future.”   Mai Taira

2013 TOMODACHI-MITSUI & CO. LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

In 2013, the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program was launched to inspire and motivate the next generation of young American and Japanese leaders to be active in U.S.-Japan relations.

Ten Japanese and ten American professionals from both business and government sectors were selected to participate in this program.  The 2013 delegations were composed of young American and Japanese leaders who had demonstrated interest in or commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and they were encouraged to stay connected with each other and with U.S.-Japan relations following their participation in this program.

The aim of this program was to:

• Raise awareness of important policies and issues relevant to the United States and Japan among next generation leaders throughout both countries.
• Forge a shared and enduring commitment among young leaders in both countries to address concerns common to global communities from the U.S.-Japan perspective.
• Create a professional network among rising business and government leaders throughout Japan and the United States.
• Motivate young American and Japanese leaders to engage in and contribute to U.S.-Japan relations.

Click here for photos of the 2013 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program.

JAPANESE DELEGATION

Ten Japanese from both business and government sectors were selected to travel to Seattle, Washington and Washington, D.C. for one week from September 8–16, 2013 to engage as a group and met with top and up-and-coming American leaders in the business and government sectors.  The 2013 leadership delegations focused on trade, energy, infrastructure, and technology areas of U.S.-Japan cooperation.

Guest speakers and discussion panelists were composed of key government officials and business executives.  Meeting platforms were designed to be interactive and engaging, giving participants an opportunity to discuss and formulate ideas collectively and to develop lifelong friendships.  The trip also enabled delegates to gain greater understanding of multicultural America and the unique qualities of Japanese society, serving to further bridge cultures between our two countries.

AMERICAN DELEGATION

• To read about the reception for this program, click here

COMMENTS FROM 2013 PROGRAM ALUMNI

“I am very impressed by the level of organization and planning that went into the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program.  Passionate about U.S.-Japan relations, we all want to continue contributing to the TOMODACHI Initiative and through this program, creating real change.”  Kay Fukunaga – Honolulu, Hawaii

“The TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program has a lot of potential and I commend TOMODACHI, the U.S.-Japan Council, and Mitsui & Company on having the foresight to invest in this type of program.”    Neepaporn ‘A’ Boungiakatha – Seattle, Washington

“My life has changed forever thanks to the people I’ve met as a result of the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program!”  Asuka Jenkins – Naha, Okinawa

“A lot of people I’ve spoken to about the TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program are very interested in applying next year!”  Mariko Saigo – Tokyo, Japan

“I hope we are able to continue the dialogue with our Japanese counterparts and future delegations and propose organizing a summit after three years with the first three groups of American and Japanese delegations.  In this way, the network expands dramatically and offers a new forum for reviewing and discussing current and future challenges.”  John Holman – Honolulu, Hawaii

2013 TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program Final Report

Click to view report

SPONSOR OVERVIEW

Mitsui (Mitsui & Co., Ltd.) is one of the most diversified and comprehensive trading, investment, and service enterprises in the world, with 138 offices in 65 countries/regions as of January 2017. Utilizing the global operating locations, network and information resources, Mitsui is developing a wide range of businesses in six core areas: Metals, Machinery & Infrastructure, Chemicals, Energy, Lifestyle, and Innovation & Corporate Development (logistics, insurance, finance, and information technology-related projects). For more information, visit www.mitsui.com/jp/en.