Dean Bruce Stronach and Senior Associate Dean Chie Kato attended a reception by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy at her residence in Tokyo on the evening of November 13. Ambassador Kennedy invited guests from business, academia and the media to recognize the development of the TOMODACHI Initiative and to announce a launch of a new internship program in which TUJ will host American students by partnering with the TOMODACHI Initiative.
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership started after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and backed by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the U.S.-Japan Council. The TOMODACHI internship program is a direct outcome of a joint statement by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe in April to boost internship opportunities in Japan for American students, with the bilateral goal of doubling U.S.-Japan student exchanges by the year 2020.
“TUJ was approached by the TOMODACHI Initiative and the US-Japan Council due to our strong reputation in both Japan and the U.S. as the leading provider of Japanese and English-language-based credit-bearing internships. As the leading American university in Japan, we are proud to be working with the USJC on this program which will significantly strengthen educational ties between the two countries while providing future employment opportunities for Americans in Japan. On a personal note, I am especially happy because I was a special adviser to the Education Task Force which made the original recommendation to PM Abe and President Obama,” Dean Stronach said.