TOMODACHI BEYOND Tomorrow Global Leadership Academy 2013
2013.04.23
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Report (PDF)
Overview
Global Fund for Education Assistance held the TOMODACHI BEYOND Tomorrow Global Leadership Academy 2013 in March 2013 under the partnership with the TOMODACHI Initiative, a public-private partnership led by the U.S. Embassy and U.S.-Japan Council. Out of the roughly 400 students who travelled to the U.S. with the TOMODACHI Initiative in the summer of 2012, 70 gathered in Tokyo for a three day discussion program in which they learned about global agendas and discussed what roles they could play in addressing those issues.Objectives
- To provide participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of global agendas, discuss and think about what actions are necessary to address those issues.
- To have the participants contemplate what future role they would like to fill in society and come up with a concrete vision for themselves.
- To provide participants who travelled to the U.S. on different programs with an opportunity to share their experiences to create a sense of community as the “TOMODACHI Generation” that will help them all move forward toward a common future.
Dates and Locations
March 8 – 10, 2013 National Olympics Memorial Youth Center(Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) COREDO Nihonbashi (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) Tokyo American Club (Minato-ku, Tokyo)Participants
Participating Students: 70
Seventy high school and university students from Tohoku who visited the U.S. in the summer of 2012 through various programs under the TOMODACHI Initiative, with the aspiration to become global leaders (selected through a rigorous application process).
University Student Team Leaders: 9
During the Academy, a group of undergraduates and graduates with diverse global experiences from universities across the country joined each team, and spent three days and two nights with the participants. The 9 team leaders each had long term study abroad experience, and through demonstrated high levels of consciousness regarding global issues, were selected from across the country through an application and phone interview process to provide guidance and advice to the participants.
| Dana Fager | Graduate School of Economics, Nagoya University |
| Shoei Yoshida | Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics, Kyoto University |
| Yohei Noji | Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University |
| Yukimune Oji | Department of Humanities, Faculty of Letters, Kyoto University |
| Katsutoshi Mizuta | Department of Environmental Engineering for Symbiosis, Faculty of Engineering, Soka University |
| Satoru Iida | Division of Arts and Science, College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University |
| Makiko Yamashita | School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki |
| Hoko Horii | Department of Law, Faculty of Law, Keio University |
| Aika Asano | Faculty of Liberal Arts, Akita International University |
Team１
Dana Fager(Graduate School of Economics, Nagoya University)
Dana came to Japan in September 2012 and is currently completing a one-year Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant. After graduating from high school in 2007, she completed a nine-month gap-year program in Israel. In addition, as a university student she studied abroad for nine months at Konan University in Kobe. Dana believes that her various study abroad experiences have broadened her mind, and she aspires to manage and develop study abroad and international exchange programs during her career.
Team２
Shoei Yoshida(Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics, Kyoto University)
Beginning in January 2012, Shoei completed a one-year study abroad program in Sweden, and he just returned to Japan this past January. Although Sweden’s economy and politics are very different from those of the U.S., where the TOMODACHI Generation studied abroad last summer, Shoei used the commonality of his study abroad experience as a basis for fruitful interactions during the Academy.
Team３
Yohei Noji(Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University)
Yohei hails from Fukushima Prefecture. During his undergraduate years, he studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland for one year beginning in the summer of 2010. In the summer of 2012, he delivered a speech in front of U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and participated in the 64th Annual Japan-America Student Conference. Yohei believes that a key element to reconstruction efforts is investment in human capital, and he currently serves as an intern for the TOMODACHI Initiative at the US Embassy in Tokyo.
Team４
Yukimune Oji(Department of Humanities, Faculty of Letters, Kyoto University)
From February 2012 to January 2013, Yukimune participated in an exchange program at Leiden University in the Netherlands. His hobby is backpacking, and he has been to 17 different countries during his travels. In the future Yukimune hopes to continue making new friends and enjoying new experiences while travelling the world.
Team５
Katsutoshi Mizuta(Department of Environmental Engineering for Symbiosis, Faculty of Engineering, Soka University)
Beginning in March 2011, Katsutoshi completed a study abroad program at the University of Washington in the U.S., where he studied International Management. His study abroad experience included a three-month internship at the Environmental Protection Agency. Currently, Katsutoshi is studying in the Department of Environmental Engineering for Symbiosis. As a part of his studies he handles Jatropha, a plant whose raw materials are used in making plant fuel, and he is conducting a joint research program with a company. His future dream is to establish an agricultural business in Africa that grows plants used in production of a global fuel supply.
Team６
Satoru Iida(Division of Arts and Science, College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University)
Satoru studied abroad in Michigan , the U.S., for one year during his second year in high school. He currently belongs to the Frisbee club at his university. As a member of the up-and-coming generation, he wants to fulfill his role and do whatever he can to support the world. With study abroad experience in the U.S. in common with the Academy participants, Satoru decided to join the Academy to share what he learned first hand in the U.S.
Team７
Makiko Yamashita(School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki)
As a first year high school student, Mariko received a Morita Scholarship Foundation grant to study abroad for one year in Nuremburg, Germany through the organization YFU. She participated as a Japanese delegate in the 62nd Japan-America Student Conference during her third year of university, and as a fourth year student, she spent three weeks training at the Oregon Health and Science University through the Japan Association for Development of Community Medicine. This year, Makiko participated in a clinical reasoning workshop at the University of Hawaii through the Noguchi Medical Research Institute. She is also scheduled to complete a one-month of training program on pediatrics this June at the University of California, Irvine.
Team８
Hoko Horii(Department of Law, Faculty of Law, Keio University)
Hoko studied abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands for one year beginning in September 2011, where she studied International Law and International Development. When she was looking for opportunities to use her specialization in law to provide financial support to developing countries, she became interested in supporting the establishment of law, and after graduating from Keio University she plans to pursue this new field for her master’s studies. During her undergraduate years Hoko participated in AIESEC and various other activities that include members from around the world.
Team９
Aika Asano(Faculty of Liberal Arts, Akita International University)
From the time she became a second grade student in elementary school, Aika has been involved in volunteer activities, and in junior high school she founded a group that plays a hand in designing regional volunteer activities. After her activities gained recognition, she was appointed as a United States Volunteer Goodwill Ambassador. As a first-year student in high school she participated in an international conference. During high school, Aika studied abroad for one year at the Washington, D.C. High School of Fine Arts in the United States, where she majored in vocal music. While abroad, she performed in the White House Christmas Concert and as a member of a back-up chorus for Stevie Wonder.
Mentors
Throughout the three-day Academy, Bank of America Merrill Lynch employees joined the program as mentors and took part in the participants’ discussion. The mentors supported the participants’ discussions regarding the global agenda, and while steering the participants toward specific ideas, they also provided advice on a variety of topics, from the students’ future visions to careers as working members of society.
Speakers, Experts
The Academy provided the participating students with an opportunity to gain vital input from leaders who are active in respective fields to develop proposals for addressing global agendas; energy, food, and water. Experts with the experience of making a difference in these fields were invited to share their perspectives with the students.
Program Summary
Sharing Disaster and TOMODACHI Experiences
Student representatives from each TOMODACHI program shared their experiences from the earthquake and from their trips to America.
Seiko Abe
Sanuma High School
TOMODACHI-MUFG Summer International Exchange Program
After the earthquake I felt as though my spirit was weakening, so I went to the U.S. and while there rediscovered the will to live, stronger than ever before. In addition, during my two weeks in the U.S., my values changed.
Marina Endo
Miyagi First Senior High School
TOMODACHI Summer English Language Study Program
That summer, everyone who went to the U.S. must have learned something important. I believe that we have the power to change Tohoku and the world, and I am ready to take a step forward toward my future.
Minori Endo
Ishinomaki Senshu University
TOMODACHI Summer 2012 BEYOND Tomorrow U.S. Program – Reconstruction and Planning
The past cannot change the present, but the present can change the future into something that shines brilliantly.By realizing this new dream, I believe I am giving back to my beloved father.
Takumi Nemoto
Naha Nishi High School
TOMODACHI Summer Softbank Leadership Program
As I express my gratitude to everyone who taught me the importance of not fearing failure, I want to continue on with no reservation in the circumstances in which I have been placed.
Noriko Yusa
Miyako High School
TOMODACHI Summer 2012 Coca-Cola Homestay Study Program
I would like to face my future goals and live my life to its fullest extent so some day I can stand in front of the family altar and tell my grandmother with confidence that I gained something precious ‘thanks to’ the disaster.
Seiko Abe
Sanuma High School
TOMODACHI-MUFG Summer International Exchange Program
I lost my father and grandmother in the tsunami. Only after losing them did I realize what great people they were. I was struck by such a degree of sadness, which surprised even me. I deeply regret the times that I was cold toward or lashed out at my father who had such a generous heart, who always stood by my side. His wristwatch that still ticks, my father’s sole remaining possession, makes it appear as though even now he is watching over me. As I look at it, I cannot help saying “thank you” and “I’m sorry.”
One year passed, and I accepted the chance to go to the U.S. From early on I was interested in foreign countries, and I had always wanted to go to the U.S., so I was truly grateful for this opportunity. In the U.S., I learned not only English, but also many other things.
After the earthquake I felt as though my spirit was weakening, so I went to the U.S. and while there rediscovered the will to live, stronger than ever before. In addition, during my two weeks in the U.S., my values changed.
After spending time in the U.S., I have decided that in the future, I want to become a bridge connecting the world and Japan. Because I have received so many amazing opportunities, I want to do work in which I can use to the fullest all that I have learned through these experiences. Although I have little overall knowledge at this point, this is only encouraging me further to experience as many things as possible, and to set high goals for myself as I anticipate my future.
Marina Endo
Miyagi First Senior High School TOMODACHI Summer English
Language Study Program
The program in which I participated included living in a dormitory in Maryland, mainly taking classes at high school to refine my English language proficiency, and spending time learning about other cultures with the students of the same age from around the world who were studying abroad at the same time.
From this incredible study abroad experience, the most memorable moment is the time we gave a presentation about the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. The presentation took place on the last day of my study abroad program. I was worried about whether the audience would understand what we were trying to convey, and anxiety whirled through my chest as we went on stage and gave the presentation. As the presentation finished, the faces of the friends in the audience came into view, their eyes filled with tears. My friend from Turkey made the following comment after the presentation.
“Until now I knew nothing about the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. I did not even know that my own Japanese friends went through such a painful experience; I think that the Japanese people are so strong. I will pray from the bottom of my heart for Japan’s recovery.” In this instant, I knew that our message had been successfully conveyed.
In the future, I want to work in an internationally oriented job to enhance global cooperation. I want to repay the kindness of all those who even now are taking responsibility for our future recovery, such as those at BEYOND Tomorrow, the U. S. Ambassador Roos and related individuals, and the countries throughout the world who supported Japan.
TOMODACHI First Generation. When I hear these words, I think of all the companions I have met through this program, and I feel my spirit strengthening. That summer, everyone who went to the U.S. must have learned something important. I believe that we have the power to change Tohoku and the world, and I am ready to take a step forward toward my future.
Minori Endo
Ishinomaki Senshu University
TOMODACHI Summer 2012 BEYOND Tomorrow U.S. Program – Reconstruction and Planning
After the tsunami, I called my father, and miraculously the call went through. My father told me that he was on his way home, and I heard the car engine start on the other side of the phone. This was to be my last conversation with him.
I was the only daughter, and as such, I was always daddy’s little girl. For a long time I was unable to accept my father’s death. Until we found my father’s body, I was in denial and called his cell phone every day. I knew that no one would pick up, but every time I called I was terrified, making sure no one picked up, and when I did, I would just put down the phone and cry. While people were speaking about “recovery,” I was stuck in time, unable to move forward.
It was during this dark time that I came across BEYOND Tomorrow. At a time when I did not know what I could do, I was introduced to a place where I could start thinking about what I can do. Until then I felt all alone, but through BEYOND Tomorrow I met life-long friends. Together we have had such meaningful experiences, and through this, we have created a lasting bond.
Last summer I went to the United States on a BEYOND Tomorrow program. One thing that left a strong impression on me was the visit to the World Tribute Center in New York City. This is a memorial area dedicated to those affected by the 9.11 terrorist attacks. The WTC director showed us images from the 9.11 and guided us around the monument. I could not help but cry as I listened to the stories told by those working at the monument.
Through these experiences I decided I would like to become a journalist. Through words I would like to connect people to each other. By realizing this new dream, I believe I am giving back to my beloved father.
The past cannot change the present, but the present can change the future into something that shines brilliantly. This is something I have come to believe in strongly, after experiencing the earthquake disaster, forging new friendships, and taking action towards my dreams — and something that I would like to bring me with me into the future.
Takumi Nemoto
Naha Nishi High School
TOMODACHI Summer Softbank Leadership Program
The next day, as I turned on the television, the news of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant’s hydrogen explosion accident became apparent. Following my mother’s orders, within 10 minutes of hearing this news we left without even tidying up our house and escaped to the home of relatives in Tokyo, where we stayed for about 1 month.
We returned to Fukushima, and I started attending the high school to which I had been admitted before the earthquake. About ten months passed, and suddenly my mother announced she had decided that all 4 of us family members would move to Okinawa. But what about the house, land, schools, and friends with whom I had spent my entire life up till now? I was truly tormented by the idea of being separated from my beloved Fukushima. But after much worry and internal debate, I decided to move to Okinawa. A few months after moving to Okinawa, I was selected to be a member of Softbank Summer Leadership Program participants, and along with 300 other participants I received the opportunity to spend 3 weeks learning about leadership at the University of California, Berkley. During the program, hearing stories about Japanese people who are working or attending university in the U.S. was really shocking. After feeling unsure of what to do for so many months after the earthquake, hearing the stories of these people who were in unknown places challenging themselves to try new things helped to forge a new path in front of me. In the future, I definitely want to study abroad. As I express my gratitude to everyone who taught me the importance of not fearing failure, I want to continue on with no reservation in the circumstances in which I have been placed.
Noriko Yusa
Miyako High School
TOMODACHI Summer 2012 Coca-Cola Homestay Study Program
Since I lost my mother to illness during my childhood, my grandmother was a mother to me. After losing my grandmother in the tsunami, I did not know how to go on living. At a loss as to what to do, I plunged into one of the darkest periods of my life.
It was at this time, through a friend, I learned about the TOMODACHI Summer Program.
Through the homestay experience I was able to explain to my host family, in my own words, what happened on March 11th as I showed them pictures of my hometown. In addition, I was able to express my feelings of gratitude. There were points at which I regretted my limited vocabulary and inability to express myself more freely in English. However, by benefitting from the power of many others, I was able to do on my own what I wanted to do, something I thought was too difficult to achieve while in Japan.
Thanks to this experience, I have realized that if you want to do something, you have to go for it. It may go well, or it may not. But if you will end up regretting the opportunities you missed out on, you may as well try to do it.
I have goals. When I become a university student I want to study abroad in the U.S. and pursue design studies, a long-time dream of mine. Now, I face my goals and try my hardest to smile and go on living, and I think it is the least I can do for my deceased grandmother.
I would like to face my future goals and live my life to its fullest extent so some day I can stand in front of the family altar and tell my grandmother with confidence that I gained something precious ‘thanks to’ the disaster.
Discussion Topic
Theme: What can the participating students do to address the global issues of energy, food, and water, all of which will be scarce as the world population increases?
Based on this theme, participating students, divided into 9 teams, developed actionable proposals and delivered presentations on the last day of the Academy.
- In accordance with the theme assigned to your team, examine what the root of the issue is.
- What can you, as the young generation, do in order to address this issue?
- As a result of the foundation of this student alliance, what measures would you like to implement?
Speaker Sessions
Lecture
What is the global agenda? Why is it important to think about the global agenda? In order to wrestle with these issues, the first step is to learn about a framework through which to consider the global agenda. Ms. Yoko Ishikura, a member of Global Agenda Council of the Davos Conference and Professor at the Graduate School of Media Design, Keio University, delivered a lecture for the students to discuss these important questions. (Lecture was carried out in Japanese-English bilingual.)
Yoko Ishikura
Professor, Graduate School of Media Design, Keio University
I believe that the young generation is the one who is creating the future. The future is in your hands. Whether the world we will have in a decade or two is going to be a better one or not is really up to you.
Interview Session
Energy
Toshihiro Nakamura
Co-Founder & CEO, Kopernik
Throughout developing countries, having access to electricity is necessary for charging mobile phones, purifying water, and cooking, and it also leads to more opportunities for education and improves citizens’ standard of living in a variety of ways. Electricity not only creates light, but it also offers the chance to engage in new activities.
Food
Kumi Fujisawa
Co-founder, Think Tank Sophia Bank
Member of the Board, TABLE FOR TWO International
Co-chairperson of the Board, Global Fund for Education Assistance
In terms of social contribution, thinking too seriously will not lead to an increase in partners and your activities will not gain momentum. Food is something that can be enjoyed by both poor and rich people. The organization that is inspired by this idea is ‘TABLE FOR TWO’.
Water
Keiko Kiyama
Secretary General, JEN
In certain villages in developing countries, improved access to clean water has brought about the opportunity for children to play. Play is an important part of children’s growth and development, both mentally and physically. Up until these villages had access to clean water, their children could not even play during their free time because of stomachaches and pains. Access to water has led not only to healthier children, but also to smiling faces and better upbringings.
Study Abroad Seminar
For many of the students who spent last summer in the U.S., the next step is to consider long-term study abroad. During the Academy, participants who are currently engaged in study abroad programs and a university student team leader presented their study abroad experiences with other participants. In addition, representatives from study abroad organizations gave presentations to participants, detailing specific study abroad opportunities.
AFS Intercultural Programs, Japan
EducationUSA
First-hand Experiences in the Words of Study Abroad Participants
Dialogue with Leaders
The Academy invited young leaders from various fields to casually speak to students about their careers and social contribution.
| Komei Ishikawa | Research Division Manager, ETIC. |
| Kaoru Utada | Freelancer, Videographer |
| Takashi Kawazoe | Managing Director,Carepro, Inc. |
| Yohey Kawabe | Executive Officer/Producer/Illustrator Grapes Corp. |
| Daiju Takahashi | Chief Administrator, “Eat, and Energize the East” Head of Overseas Business Department, Oisix Inc. |
| Tsutomu Tamakawa | Vice president, Coffret Project Director, Lalitpur |
| Tomoko Teruya | CEO, NGO Yuimar |
| Toshihiro Nakamura | Co-Founder & CEO, Kopernik |
| Emmy Suzuki Harris | Founder and Campaigns Director, Change.org Japan |
Komei Ishikawa
Research Division Manager, ETIC.
Mr. Ishikawa was born in the town of Kira in Aichi Prefecture in 1983. He participated in ping-pong and hunting activities in Alaska in the U.S.. While at college, he began a start-up project selling dried seaweed and fishing nets. After taking part in M&A business projects at Accenture, he left Accenture and established a research division as the manager. In 2010, he also began planning ETIC. His work includes impact evaluation and policy proposals.
Kaoru Utada
Freelancer, Videographer
Born and raised in New York, Ms. Utada is a Nisei Japanese American. Wanting to become a bridge between Japan and America, she began working with Japanese media such as NHK and Fuji Television Network and presenting American news in Japan. After this, she decided she wanted to present Japanese news in America too, and she joined the Big Three Television Network’s ABC to work as a newscast producer in New York. After the earthquake, she volunteered in the cities of Rikuzentakata and Ofunato. Through these experiences, Ms. Utada realized she wanted to base herself in Japan, so last autumn she left ABC and became a freelancer.
Takashi Kawazoe
Managing Director, Carepro, Inc.
In 2005, Mr. Kawazoe graduated from the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care at Keio University. After working at a business management consulting firm and Tokyo University Hospital, Mr. Kawazoe established Carepro, Inc. in 2007.
Yohey Kawabe
Executive Officer/Producer/Illustrator Grapes Corp.
Mr. Kawabe graduated from the Faculty of Education at Tokyo Gakugei University. After graduating he established an advertising agency, where he currently works. In addition to providing WEB services and his work as a digital contents producer, Mr. Kawabe also works as an illustrator creating characters. In 2012 he won the Tokyo Interactive Ad Award and the Yahoo Japan! Internet Creativity Award.
Daiju Takahashi
Chief Administrator, “Eat, and Energize the East”
Head of Overseas Business Department, Oisix Inc.
Mr. Takahashi started his professional career as diplomat in 1999. He was stationed in Washington DC from 2003 to 2005, taking charge of nuclear non-proliferation issues and the US-Japan alliance. Then he returned to Tokyo to deal with Japan-US trade negotiations until 2008. In 2008, he quit the Foreign Ministry to work as business consultant at McKinsey & Company in Tokyo, and engaged in agricultural projects as Engagement Manager. Right after the earthquake on March 11th, 2011, he took leave from McKinsey to engage in recovery operations in the devastated regions. After spending 3 months in the Tohoku region, he helped set up “Eat, and Energize the East”(EEE) as a platform to revitalize the agriculture, fishery, and food industries in the afflicted areas, and assumed Chief Administrator. In August 2011, he also joined Oisix Inc. to export Japanese food products to overseas markets.
Tsutomu Tamakawa
Vice president, Coffret Project
Director, Lalitpur
Mr. Tamakawa hails from Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at Tohoku University, he began working at Asahi Glass, where he engaged in developing next generation materials in the president’s office. Mr. Tamakawa had the chance to engage in various aspects of business operations, such as business management, marketing, and production management. He established, both within Japan and overseas, a consortium composed of fifteen companies. After the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, he participated in the ETIC. As the project leader, he supported entrepreneurs and social ventures in Tohoku.
Tomoko Teruya
CEO, NGO Yuimar
As a student and member of the Asian Law Students Association JAPAN, Ms. Teruya represented Japan at international conferences in Washington DC, Bangkok, and Istanbul. She also began traveling to Mongolia in order to personally work toward solving the poverty and social problems she discussed at conferences. After entering the graduate school of law at Sophia University, she used the occasion of the bankruptcy of the “Sunlight Children” orphanage to take time off from school and found an NGO. At her development consulting company, she leads the JICA Chinese Anti-Trust Law preparation support project. In 2011, she was selected as one of the “30 leaders that will change the world” at the World Economic Forum.
Emmy Suzuki Harris
Founder and Campaigns Director, Change.org Japan
Raised in Japan through high school, Ms. Harris attended Yale University. After graduation, she worked for McKinsey & Company, the Obama Campaign, and then assisted in building the social incubator organization known as “Purpose.” In July 2012 Ms. Harris returned to Japan, where she currently works to expand the business operations of Change.org while serving as its chief executive.
Toshihiro Nakamura
Co-Founder & CEO, Kopernik
Mr. Nakamura has extensive experience in international development gained during his career with the United Nations. He has spent the past 10 years living in East Timor, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United States and Switzerland working with the United Nations and dealt with governance reform, peace building processes and post-disaster reconstruction including the tsunami in Aceh and the Yogyakarta earthquake. Prior to joining the UN Mr. Nakamura was a management consultant for McKinsey and Company in Tokyo. He holds an L.L.B from Kyoto University, Japan and Masters of Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. He is Guest Associate Professor at Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University. He was selected as World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader in 2012.
Closing Plenary
The Closing Plenary was held at Tokyo American Club (Minato-ku, Tokyo) on the last day of the Academy, where students gave the final presentations. 200 people, including leaders from various fields, gathered at the plenary, and the students received messages from the guests and delivered presentations in front of the leaders. The participating students had an opportunity to share the culmination of the three-day program with the exceptional leaders.Special Message
John V. Roos
U.S. Ambassador to Japan
You should be proud of yourselves for all that you’ve accomplished in the wake of immense tragedy. But it doesn’t end here. It doesn’t end with participating in a TOMODACHI program, or with what you’ve done these past few days. I want to challenge you to continue to work for the future of both Japan and the United States, for there is no more important relationship.
Tim Latimore
Managing Director, Branch Manager, Bank of America, N.A. Tokyo Branch
Through the TOMODACHI Summer Program, the students have had eye-opening experiences including home-stays with families in different parts of America, English language training, cultural exchange activities and university visits. We are so pleased that students who have participated in such rich cross cultural events have been able to build on that, reflect on that and join us here to analyze and work towards addressing a host of important global issues.
Dave Spector
Broadcast Producer, Spector Communications
People often use the phrase “Once in a Lifetime,” but this Academy and the people you met in the U.S. are really once in a lifetime. When I was young I did not have any connection with Japan at all. But when I was in 5th grade, I became friends with a Japanese student at my school and that became my motivation to learn Japanese. That eventually led to me meeting my wife. Everything happened because of these kinds of small chance encounters. Everyone, treasure the people you have met here, and go build the future of Japan.
The Winning Team
Each 9 team delivered presentations at the Plenary, and the winning team was selected by the vote of the representatives from each table. 【The Winning Team】
Speech by Student Representatives
Ayaka Ogawa
Leelanau School, U.S.A.
With everything my family left me with, I want to cherish every opportunity, believe in myself, and follow my inspirations.
My name is Ayaka Ogawa and I come from Kamaishi city in Iwate Prefecture. In the tsunami, I lost my entire family.
On March 11th, after the earthquake, I evacuated uphill with my mother and grandmother. However, the tsunami was right behind us. I ran and ran, and finally found myself alive. But, I could not find my mother and grandmother. Next morning, I walked on the debris calling for my mother and grandmother’s names. It was a devastating landscape.
After a few days, I learned that my sister died and also my father was missing. I had no idea what was going on but I understood that I was left alone. When I saw my sister, I put my hands on her cheeks and said thank you. My tears soaked her face. Then I looked for the rest of my family. I had to see many dead bodies. Later on, I found my father and grandmother but my mother and grandfather are still missing.
I asked myself: Why did I survive when all my family died? However, after the disaster, I met U.S. Ambassador Roos, BEYOND Tomorrow, and TOMODACHI Initiative. And my new dream is to become a fashion designer. Since last summer, I am studying in a high school in Michigan.
Living in the United States gave me strong desire to speak English. I want to study English so I can speak it fluently. I also learned that it is very important to speak up. I want people to know who I am and what I think. So I need to express myself well. I learned all these things about life from American people.
A chance is not something that one can take for granted.
On that day, I could have died. However, I am here today. And I did not survive myself but the fate let me survive. I lost so much but I gained so much. I am not afraid any more. There are many people that wanted to live yet died, but I am still alive.
I have received many opportunities from many people, and in the future, I want to be a person that can give other people chances. I want to contribute to the world. Becoming happy is the only thing I can do for my parents.
I am sure that many people feel sorry for me. But this is not how I would like to be. This frustration drives me forward.
2 years ago, I had no idea that I would be doing what I am doing today. Now I believe that everything happens for a reason. I feel like the 18 years before the disaster was a prelude to the life I started living after the disaster.
Since March 11, there has not been a day that I did not think of my family. With everything my family left me with, I want to cherish every opportunity, believe in myself, and follow my inspirations.
Atsuko Arimoto
St. Timothy’s School, U.S.A.
“We, the TOMODACHI generation, will make the future of Tohoku, Japan, and the world”
Hello, everyone. My name is Atsuko Arimoto. I am from Okuma town in Fukushima where the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant is located. Now, I live in Baltimore in the United States.
It is my great honor to have this opportunity to speak to you on behalf of all the students from Tohoku. American people helped Tohoku and thanks to the relief support we received from them, we are here today.
My home was only 3km away from the nuclear plant and therefore I had to move to another city. Okuma town was designated as no go zone due to high radiation levels and probably I cannot go back there any time soon. I lost my home, an ordinary life in my home town and got separated from friends and neighbors. My life changed completely on March 11th.
However, I never think I am unhappy. The disaster gave me chances to meet many people who guide me to new paths. With the help of TOMODACHI and BEYOND Tomorrow, I moved to the United States to go to boarding high school last year.
It was my first time to go to the United States, and I felt honored to finally meet American people who cared about Japan in the time of its greatest need.
My dream is to become a diplomat and work in the foreign service. In the world, there are many problems. It is difficult to solve all the problems at once. But we can move forward step by step.
Over the last 3 days, we were given opportunities to examine global issues and think about how to address them. Now, it is our responsibility to turn the debate into action.
This month, I am going to Dominican Republic for volunteer activities. To give back to people who helped Japan after the disaster, I want to be able to help others in need.
All of us in this room together, we can make a difference. We, the TOMODACHI generation, will make the future of Tohoku, Japan, and the world.
Reflection
At the end of the Academy, participants had the chance to engage in dialogue with Jiro Seguchi, Country Executive for Japan, Bank of America Group, who shared both his comments on the students’ presentations and an inspiring personal message.
Jiro Seguchi
Country Executive for Japan, Bank of America Group
President and Representative Director, Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co., Ltd.
Going forward, I would like all of you to remember what you have experienced at the Academy, particularly the importance of taking action. Please continue to think about what you can do as a result of your unique experiences. If you do this, I believe you will eventually be able to spread your wings and become global leaders. And I will continue to support you in this endeavor.
Media Appearances
- Newspaper
- Asahi Shimbun (March 9, 2013)
- THE JAPAN TIMES (March 13, 2013)
- THE JAPAN TIMES (March 16, 2013)
- TV
- Wide! Scramble (TV Asahi, March 15, 2013)
- World Network (NHK, March 23, 2013)
Sponsor
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
TOMODACHI is a public-private partnership that supports Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that strengthen cultural and economic ties, and deepen the friendship between the United States and Japan over the long-term.
For more information, please visit www.usjapantomodachi.org/ja/