The Building the TOMODACHI Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassador Program, a program of the TOMODACHI Initiative sponsored by the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Japanese government, Japanese and U.S. businesses, organizations, and individuals, was held in Washington, D.C., USA from August 8th to 19th (local time).

The TOMODACHI Initiative is a partnership between the public and private sectors led by the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. It is designed to foster the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational, cultural exchange, and leadership programs. Building the TOMODACHI Generation: Morgan Stanley Ambassadors Program is an intensive two-week program where students learn about leadership training, cross-cultural exchange, and entrepreneurial approaches to addressing social challenges.

Ms. Suzuki, who participated in the program, said, "I found the fast pace and high level of the discussions between Japanese and American students from other universities in this program very stimulating. Team building and presentations were quite a challenge for me, but I was able to pull through thanks to encouragement from family and friends supporting me in Japan, especially my fellow GCP members. There were also many things that I could only learn by going to the US. The economic disparity rooted in racism in the US was particularly shocking. There were many beggars and homeless people on the streets, and most of them were African-American. Seeing passersby pretending the homeless did not exist was a heartbreaking sight. I will never forget what I felt during the program, and with a sense of responsibility, I will hone my interpersonal skills during the remainder of my student life to be the kind of person who is trusted by all."