2014 TOMODACHI Report
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TOMODACHI INITIATIVE 2014 ANNUAL REPORT TOMODACHI Initiative [is] a path-breaking public-private partnership.” Investing in “ U.S.-Japan Joint Statement (April 25, 2014) Tomorrow’s Generation Our Mission Dear Friends, The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public- The United States and Japan have an enduring partnership, private partnership between the U.S.- which is strengthened by shared values, mutual Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in understanding, and personal ties between the people of Tokyo. Born out of support for Japan’s our two great nations. The TOMODACHI Initiative is a recovery from the Great East Japan unique partnership that plays a vital role in reinforcing these Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in ties between young people, helping to ensure a strong the next generation of Japanese and relationship for our countries in the future. American leaders through educational Our Future and cultural exchanges as well as In 2014, TOMODACHI expanded programming throughout leadership programs. Going forward, the TOMODACHI Japan and the United States to inspire young people on Initiative will continue to serve as a both sides of the Pacific and to bring fresh, diverse voices to model for public-private partnerships. the bilateral relationship. This year alone, more than 1,300 Our Vision We will develop and design programs young people participated in TOMODACHI programs, and that support U.S.-Japan cross-cultural over half of those participants came from the tsunami- We seek to foster a “TOMODACHI youth leadership development, including devastated Tohoku region. Generation” of young American and alumni programs, while enriching and Japanese leaders who are committed increasing collaboration with other In addition to welcoming many new participants, to and engaged in strengthening U.S.- organizations dedicated to supporting TOMODACHI also launched an exciting series of activities, Japan relations, appreciate each other’s the bilateral relationship. workshops, events, and training sessions designed to countries and cultures, and possess foster continued alumni engagement and professional the global skills and mindsets needed development. to contribute to and thrive in a more Our Programs cooperative, prosperous, and secure Important themes for TOMODACHI programs this world. Educational Programs provide year and in the near future include promoting women’s educational opportunities for students empowerment and leadership, fostering civic engagement, to study abroad and gain exposure to and encouraging the study of science and technology. Our Our History each other’s countries. programs are designed to help participants develop as cross-cultural leaders who are intellectually curious, self- In the aftermath of the Great East Cultural Programs in sports, music, confident, and dedicated to working together to help solve Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, and the arts provide gateways for global challenges. the United States military and Japan Japanese and Americans to learn about Self-Defense Forces worked together and develop enduring interest in each TOMODACHI’s strong corporate and institutional closely in Operation Tomodachi to other’s cultures. partnerships have enabled us to bring new energy and provide immediate humanitarian relief programs to the U.S.-Japan relationship, and we are to the Tohoku region. Building upon this Leadership Programs help the next extremely grateful for the support of many of the top cooperation and spirit of friendship, the generation of entrepreneurs and young corporations in the United States and Japan. Through United States and Japan launched the leaders develop skills and expertise that this generous support, the TOMODACHI Initiative and TOMODACHI Initiative. TOMODACHI will guide them towards success. our partners have been able to provide inspirational is led by the United States Embassy programming with deep impact, helping to contribute to in Tokyo and the U.S.-Japan Council, the important goal announced by President Obama and a tax-exempt non-profit organization, Prime Minister Abe of doubling two-way student exchange and is supported by the Government of by 2020. Japan, corporations, organizations and individuals from the United States and We thank all those who share our commitment to young Japan. people and to the bright future of the “TOMODACHI Generation.” Sincerely, Caroline B. Kennedy Irene Hirano Inouye U.S. Ambassador to Japan President, U.S.-Japan Council 1 2 2014 AT A GLANCE 7,315 event and program participants in 2014 A Path-Breaking 65% female 39% high school 79% from Japan 60% from Tohoku 62% leadership 10% Public-Private 18% 21% 25% Female High school Japan 40% Tohoku Leadership 65% 35% Origin Japan Partnership Gender Male Age Undergraduate USA Other Japan Program Educational 39% Professional 60% 62% 13% Cultural 33% 79% Elementary & Middle School 50 programs and 25 locations in Japan and the United States in 2014 WASHINGTON VERMONT WISCONSIN MASSACHUSETTS NEW YORK MICHIGAN RHODE ISLAND HOKKAIDO PENNSYLVANIA NEW JERSEY OHIO ILLINOIS WASHINGTON, DC TOHOKU CALIFORNIA MISSOURI KENTUCKY SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE CHUBU KANTO CHUGOKU GEORGIA KANSAI HAWAII TEXAS SHIKOKU KYUSHU LOUISIANA GUAM OKINAWA Participant Growth Program Growth 10000 50 8000 40 over 23,000 6000 30 event and program from inception participants 4000 20 through December 2014 2000 10 2012 2013 2014 2012 2013 2014 3 4 STRategIC PARTNERS After attending the TOMODACHI program we were able to obtain leadership skills and to learn how to initiate “ community revitalization activities.” Partnering Chisa Monma,TOMODACHI Summer 2014 SoftBank Leadership Program For Maximum Impact 2014 Strategic Partner Programs TOMODACHI Aflac Program TOMODACHI Honda Cultural This program provides up-and-coming Exchange Program Japanese cancer specialists with the Marking the first year of this program, foundation for broader understanding 20 high school students from Miyagi of research and treatment protocols for prefecture visited the Los Angeles area childhood cancer in the United States. In in California and experienced a two-week 2014, Dr. Junjiro Ohshima from Hokkaido cultural exchange program during which University Hospital studied at the Aflac they learned about American traditions Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of and culture through music. Highlights of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia the program included participating in the for 6 months to observe and share best Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day and practices. visiting the Japanese-American National Museum and American Honda Motor Co., TOMODACHI Coca-Cola Inc. Educational Homestay Program In the third year of this program, 60 high TOMODACHI NGO Leadership school students from the Tohoku region Program supported by J.P. Morgan were selected to visit Atlanta, Georgia, This program connects Japanese NGO home of The Coca-Cola Company, before leaders with key resources in the United dividing up into four groups to participate States in order to enhance their capacity in homestays in various states. The to respond to future disasters in Japan Strategic Partners who support the TOMODACHI Initiative impact the lives of participants students were exposed to various aspects and abroad. In 2014, the program had of American life and culture through their 4 main components: NGO Leadership through customized programs that provide unique opportunities across a wide range of homestay experience, attended English Delegation to Washington, D.C. (June), language workshops, visited universities, Advocacy Workshop (July), Leadership themes, from entrepreneurship and science to culture and the arts. These programs also and participated in volunteer activities. Workshop (September) and Humanitarian Response Workshop (October). include important skills-building opportunities as well as sessions designed to build TOMODACHI Goldman Sachs Roadshow TOMODACHI Major League leadership capacity and develop a stronger sense of civic engagement. In 2014, over In 2014, 15 Young American cast Baseball (MLB) Partnership members, talented performing arts In April, Major League Baseball (MLB) 500 participants—from high school students to young professionals—took part in 14 students, conducted singing, dancing, partnered with Lawson Convenience and pantomiming workshops for 3,000 Stores to host a Charity Marathon with Strategic Partner programs. After completing their programs, these diverse members of students in 49 elementary and junior high proceeds donated to the TOMODACHI schools throughout the disaster-affected Initiative. Nearly 1,500 people participated the “TOMODACHI Generation” remain engaged and inspired through their participation in areas of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima in this charity marathon, including former prefectures. These workshops opened MLB players Hideo Nomo and So Taguchi, TOMODACHI alumni events and programming. the students’ hearts, helped them gain who also spoke to the participants. confidence, and motivated them to learn about different cultures. 5 6 STRategIC PARTNERS Empowering People and Communities 2014 Strategic Partner Programs (cont’d) TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program In its second year, this mentorship program expanded to four cities in Japan—Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Naha— with a total of 82 participants. The female mentors and mentees attended five workshops throughout the year which focused on personal development, leadership training, networking skills, and financial literacy. TOMODACHI-Mitsui & Co. Leadership Program This program inspires and motivates