From March 8 to March 15, 2025, the TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness Program held its in-person U.S. training portion of the program in Texas. The U.S. 18 students, selected from universities in Niigata Prefecture and Texas, who had been participating in online training since October 2024, gathered in College Station, Galveston and Houston in Texas, and they visited some specialized facilities focused on agriculture, climate issues, sustainability, and leadership.
At the beginning of the week, students engaged in educational and leadership sessions led by two Texas A&M University faculty members specializing in biomass and hydrology research. Site visits throughout Texas provided opportunities to explore the state’s diverse rural, urban, and coastal regions. Additionally, students gained valuable insights into public-private partnerships at a consular reception hosted by The Honorable Zentaro Naganuma, Consul General of Japan in Houston.
On March 14th, USJC members in Houston were delighted to meet the 18 students at the closing dinner. Representing the Council, TOMODACHI Initiative Director of Programs Aya Hashimoto and program consultant Paul Pass (Council Leader, ALC ’23) delivered remarks. The dinner was generously hosted by Tokyo Gardens Catering and its president, Robert Gondo (Council Leader, ELP ’19, ALC ’24). Attendees included special guests involved in U.S.-Japan relations and USJC members from the Houston area, including past Texas committee chair Donna Cole (President’s Advisory Board, JALD ’06). Other members in attendance were Susan Annoura, Maki Futami, Akemi Saitoh, and Ginger Vaughn.
The student participants from Texas will visit Japan in August to rejoin the students in Niigata and they plan to visit the program sponsor, Tanaka Sangyo, along with other sites for more learning opportunities on agriculture and climate change.
Audrey Yamamoto provided a message in the program handbook stating the following. “USJC is deeply grateful to Tanaka Sangyo Co., Ltd. for the generous support and visionary leadership in making this initiative a reality. Their commitment to empowering young leaders in agriculture is truly inspiring. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partner institutions and organizations, the Consulate General of Japan in Houston, and all those who have contributed to the launch and success of this program.
