August 2, 2025
Tokyo American Club

Breakout Sessions
Hear from panelists who are focused on critical global challenges and sustainable solutions or attend a workshop to polish your professional image.

Sustainability
"Empowering Tomorrow: Youth Leadership in Climate Action"
Language: English
In the face of escalating climate challenges, the voices and actions of the next generation are crucial for driving sustainable change. This panel brings together inspiring TOMODACHI alumni and young leaders dedicated to addressing climate change through innovative ideas and community engagement. By sharing their experiences and insights, these youth leaders will explore the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and resilience in environmental initiatives.
Join us as we celebrate the impactful contributions of young visionaries and discuss how they can shape the future of sustainability and climate action.
Sustainability Speakers

Moderator
HAGIWARA Yasuhito
Asuene Inc.
General Manager

Speaker
NAGATOMO Hiromu
INABISHI Corporation
CEO

Speaker
TORGOVITSKY Bryson
Tohoku University
PhD Student

Speaker
KATO Kodai
Amu Inc.
Founder

Women's Empowerment
"Empowering Voices: The Next Generation of Women Leaders in U.S.-Japan Relations"
As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the empowerment of women remains a pivotal force in shaping the future. This panel invites dynamic young leaders from the TOMODACHI network to share their perspectives on women's empowerment in the context of U.S.-Japan relations. Through their unique experiences, these emerging voices will discuss how they are championing leadership, collaboration, and innovation to foster gender equality and strengthen bilateral ties.
Join us as we celebrate the impactful contributions of young women leaders and explore strategies to elevate women's roles in shaping a sustainable and equitable future.
Language: Japanese
Women's Empowerment Speakers

Moderator
SHIBANOKI Nao
U.S. IT Company
Account Executive

Speaker
HIGA Marimo
Believe House
Principal

Speaker
SASAKI Makoto
Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture
City Council Member

Speaker
HAMAGUCHI Shoko
Construction Company
Human Resources

Workshop: Skills-building for Future Global Leaders Focus
"Polishing Your Professional Image"
In today's interconnected world, the ability to present oneself confidently and professionally is essential for success. This workshop invites emerging leaders from the TOMODACHI network to hone their skills in crafting a strong professional image. Participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to enhance their interview techniques, networking strategies, and virtual presence. Through hands-on activities and expert insights, attendees will learn how to effectively navigate professional environments and build authentic connections.
Join us as we equip the next generation of leaders with the tools and confidence they need to make a lasting impact in the global arena, fostering a future where professionalism and authenticity go hand in hand.
Language: Both English and Japanese
Workshop Leads & Mentees

Workshop Lead
YONEDA Melynie
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)
Co-chair

Workshop Lead
KAJI Austi
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)
Event Planning Committee

BADER Sarah
Architecture
Gensler
Executive Director and Principal, NCIDQ LEED AP

OKI Hidekazu
Cybersecurity
Woven by Toyota
Senior Security Engineer

Energy
TAKATA Henry Seiichi
Syntech
Director and Managing Partner

TAKADA ROOKS Curtiss
Education
Loyola Marymount University
Assistant Professor, Department of Asian and Asian American Studies and former Associate Dean, Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts

FUKUSHIMA Hideo
Government
Kasumigaseki Foreign Service Association
Executive VP
(Former Ambassador to Panama and Former Consul-General to Houston)

DOI Royanne
NPO
TELL
Executive Director

Law
ROGERS Jenifer
Asurion
General Counsel, International

CORK Jessica
Manufacturer
YKK Corporation
Operating Officer & Vice President, Global Engagement

TOMIZAWA Roy
Talent Development
Sasin School of Management
Former Head of Executive Education