From March 25 to April 3, 2025, 15 selected next-generation leaders from high schools in Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, participated in the U.S. training portion of the 2025 TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation Tohoku Future Leader Program.
This seven-month leadership development program is designed to highlight the local appeal of Tohoku and is part of the TOMODACHI Amway Japan Foundation’s Tohoku reconstruction project, “Remember HOPE.”
The 10-day experience in New York City and Washington, DC, offered students new perspectives on how to rediscover the beauty of their beloved community and revitalize their city. They were immersed in American culture by staying with local families and engaging with American students. All of the students obtained passports for this trip and traveled to the United States for the first time. The program provided transformative experiences for each of them, thanks to the various organizations they visited and everyone involved, including USJC leaders and members in the area.
As part of the program, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, there was a panel discussion titled “From Japan to the World: Storytelling, Leadership, Regional Revitalization, and to the Future”. Panelists included USJC members, Kazuyo Kato (JCIE USA) and Shiori Okazaki (Shiori Communications, LLC), and Nishant Annu, who has lived in Kesennuma during his JET program and other professional opportunities. The discussion focused on how to share the charms of Tohoku and Japan through storytelling, the role of tourism in regional revitalization, and the skills needed to lead in a global society. Students were encouraged to think about their own roles in shaping the future of their communities and connecting Japan with the world.
Natsume Nakajima, a program participant, reflected on how the panel discussion reshaped her understanding of Japan’s image from an outside perspective. She was impressed by the message that being outspoken, which is often valued in American culture, is not the only form of leadership. She realized the importance of noticing what is happening around us and valuing quiet leadership as well. Inspired by the panelists, Natsume shared her hope to step beyond Japan’s cultural framework, experience the world, and share the Japanese cultural strengths globally. She also hopes to revisit her impressions of both Japan and the United States with fresh eyes, challenging her assumptions and expanding her point of view.
To celebrate the conclusion of the U.S. portion of the program, the reception was organized at Amway Townhouse in Washington, DC on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The reception was attended by Ms. Ryoko Nakanishi, First Secretary from the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC, USJC Board Chair Emeritus Susan Morita (Arnold & Porter), DC Regional Vice Chair Yuka Hayashi (the Asia Group), TOMODACHI Alumni Regional Representative of the Washington D.C. Vicinity Region Janrose Samson (TOMODACHI Dallas-Sendai Young Ambassadors Program ‘16) and other USJC members, TOMODACHI alumni, host families and those who were involved with the program.
Susan Morita gave welcome remarks, stating the following:
“We are inspired by you, students. We hope this is one stop for you on what will be an exciting and rewarding journey. We look forward to seeing your leadership and contributions to the revitalization of Kesennuma, the broader Tohoku region, and the larger world. We hope tonight’s gathering serves as a moment of reflection, celebration, and inspiration as we continue to foster the next generation of leaders in Japan and beyond.”
Reflecting on the reception, participant Rio Sato stated that Susan Morita’s remarks reminded her of the importance of staying connected to her hometown community in Kesennuma while also thinking globally. She was inspired to consider how local revitalization efforts can be rooted in meaningful dialogue with residents, even as she continues to expand her perspective to Tohoku, Japan, and the world. Through the program, she also recognized the essential role of English as a tool for communication and connection, and she hopes to contribute to the relationship between Japan, the United States, and beyond.
Learn more about the TOMODACHI Initiative here.