In 2013, the TOMODACHI Initiative in partnership with MetLife Japan launched the TOMODACHI MetLife Women’s Leadership Program (TMWLP) to develop the next generation of global female leaders.The program aims to equip women with 21st century leadership skills, self-confidence, and the network required to successfully navigate their leadership journey in an ever-changing world. Through the year-long program, highly-motivated Japanese women university students work to hone their leadership skills. The students attend regular group sessions hosted by the U.S. Embassy that provide training in leadership development and financial empowerment by MetLife Japan. The students are also paired with female mid-career professionals as mentors to have one-on-one support and networking opportunities. Mentees also visit Washington, D.C. and New York for a weeklong study trip. Throughout the program mentees and mentors are invited to attend special seminars with members of government and business leaders.
Tomodachi Earth (or Tomodachi Life 2 in Japan) is a life simulation game released for the Nintendo Switch and is the third entry into the Tomodachi Collection series. Tomodachi Earth takes place on a group of five ancient islands that are known for their extra lush biomes and unique ecosystems. The player must choose which island to start with first and builds an apartment from there.
The TMWLP was originally held in Tokyo and Osaka and has expanded to include Naha, Fukuoka, and Sapporo on a rotating basis. The program is held in four cities each year. The 2017-2018 TMWLP program will be held in Tokyo, Osaka, Naha, and Fukuoka. In the four-year period from 2013 to 2017, a total of 338 women (169 women university students and 169 mentors) have taken part.
MENTEE (Student): 2017-2018 TMWLP Student Application FormCLOSED- MENTOR (Professional):2017-2018 TMWLP Mentor Application Form
The deadline for mentor applications has been extended. Please submit your applications via email by July 10, 2017 to your local TMWLP email address:
Tokyo Area: Submit applications to: TokyoTMWLP@usjapancouncil.org
Osaka Area: Submit applications to: KansaiTMWLP@usjapancouncil.org
Fukuoka Area: Submit applications to: KyushuTMWLP@usjapancouncil.org
Naha Area: Submit applications to: OkinawaTMWLP@usjapancouncil.org
Accepted participants will be notified by August 14, 2017.
For more information on the TMWLP, click here
Information for Mentees
Eligibility & Selection Process
All participants must be Japanese citizens or permanent residents; available for the entire program; fluent in spoken English; and interested in networking with other women, advancing women in the workforce, and making a positive change in Japanese society.
Eligibility for Student Participants
- Female first, second, and third year undergraduate students attending universities in Japan
- Speak, read, and write in English
- Demonstrated potential to play a leadership role in the future
- Must be able to attend all program sessions, the entire U.S. Trip, and the Annual Conference in Tokyo
Information for Mentors
Eligibility & Selection Process
All participants must be Japanese citizens or U.S. citizens with permanent residency in Japan; available for the entire program; fluent in spoken English; and interested in networking with other women, advancing women in the workforce, and making a positive change in Japanese society.
Eligibility for Professional Participants
- Female mid-level professionals (9+ years professional experience)
- Professionals with overseas educational/work experience are strongly encouraged to apply
- Open to all industries and sectors (including private, non-profit, government and academic)
- Committed to developing the next generation of women leaders by serving as a mentor and meet on a regular basis with your mentee
- Must be able to attend all program sessions and the Annual Conference in Tokyo
TMWLP Program Sessions
(Dates are subject to change)
TOKYO
Session 1: Friday, September 15, 2017
Session 2: Friday, October 20, 2017
Session 3: Friday, October 27, 2017
Session 4: Friday, November 17, 2017
Session 5: Thursday, February 8, 2018
OSAKA
Session 1: Friday, September 22, 2017
Session 2: Friday, October 13, 2017
Session 3: Friday, November 10, 2017
Session 4: Friday, December 8, 2017
Session 5: Friday, January 26, 2018
Tomodachi Life Outgoing Leader
NAHA
Session 1: Friday, September 1, 2017
Session 2: Friday, October 6, 2017
Session 3: Thursday, November 2, 2017
Session 4: Friday, December 1, 2017
Session 5: Friday, February 2, 2018
Tomodachi Life Wiki
FUKUOKA
Session 1: Friday, September 8, 2017
Session 2: Friday, October 27, 2017
Session 3: Friday, November 24, 2017
Session 4: Friday, December 15, 2017
Session 5: Friday, February 23, 2018
March 20-29, 2018: Mentees travel to the United States. The program will cover travel and lodging.
Tomodachi Life Outgoing Leader
May 26-27, 2018: Mentors and mentees attend the capstone TMWLP Annual Conference in Tokyo. The program will cover travel and lodging for those participating in cities outside of Tokyo.