TOMODACHI Women’s Empowerment Program 2025

If you're a female undergraduate student in Japan with aspirations to become a global leader, or a seasoned professional eager to mentor the next generation, the TOMODACHI Women’s Empowerment Program 2025 offers a transformative six-month journey. This hybrid leadership initiative combines virtual mentorship with immersive U.S. training, aiming to bridge Japan's gender gap by empowering women to lead with confidence and resilience.

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🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Japan and the United States (New York)

• Host Institution: TOMODACHI Initiative (U.S.-Japan Council)

• Study Level: Undergraduate (1st–4th year students)

• Target Group: Japanese female university students and female mid-career professionals

• Fields of Focus: Leadership development, cross-cultural exchange, mentorship

• Value & Coverage: Comprehensive coverage for mentees; partial support for mentors

• Award Duration: 6 months (September 2025 – February 2026)

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM (JST)

• Start Date: September 2025

• Eligible To: Japanese female undergraduates and female professionals with 9+ years of experience

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📚TOMODACHI Program Overview

The TOMODACHI Women’s Empowerment Program is designed to cultivate leadership skills among female university students in Japan by pairing them with experienced female professionals. The program addresses Japan's significant gender gap, as highlighted by its 118th ranking out of 146 countries in the 2024 World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index.

🧩 Key Components

• Virtual Leadership Sessions: Four sessions from October 2025 to January 2026, focusing on:

  • Deepening Self-awareness

  • Communicating Effectively

  • Cultivating Community

  • Leading with Resilience

  • Lifting as You Climb

• Mentorship: Regular one-on-one sessions between mentees and mentors to foster personal and professional growth.

• In-Person Training:

  • Tokyo: Orientation and preparatory sessions.

  • New York: Intensive training from February 10–18, 2026, including workshops, networking events, and cultural exchange activities.

• Final Presentation: Participants will present their learnings and experiences in Tokyo on February 19 or 20, 2026.

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🎁 Program Benefits

For Mentees (Students):

• Covered by the Program:

  • Round-trip international airfare

  • Standard travel insurance

  • Training fees

  • Travel expenses during U.S. training (lodging, meals, activities)

  • Lodging during domestic training

• Participant's Responsibility:

  • Transportation to/from Tokyo meeting points

  • Meals during domestic training

  • Passport acquisition and ESTA application fees

  • Additional travel insurance (if desired)

  • Communication costs for online sessions

  • Personal expenses

  • Doctor’s note costs (if applicable)

  • Cancellation fees if withdrawing for personal reasons

For Mentors (Professionals):

• Covered by the Program:

  • Training fees for virtual leadership sessions

• Participant's Responsibility:

  • Communication costs for virtual sessions

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

Mentees (Students):

• Japanese citizens or permanent residents

• Female undergraduate students (1st–4th year) attending universities in Japan

• Proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing)

• Available to attend all program components

• Demonstrated interest in leadership and women's empowerment

Mentors (Professionals):

• Female professionals with 9+ years of experience

• Experience studying or working abroad is encouraged

• Open to all industries and sectors

• Committed to mentoring and supporting young women leaders

• Available to attend all virtual leadership sessions

• Fluent in spoken English

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📝 Application Procedure

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM (JST)

• Application Links:

  • Mentees: Apply Here

  • Mentors: Apply Here

• Selection Process:

  • Mentees:

    • Online interviews on July 18 and 19, 2025 (for shortlisted candidates)

    • Final selection results announced during the week of August 4, 2025

  • Mentors:

    • No interviews required; however, the program office may contact applicants directly

    • Final selection results announced during the week of August 4, 2025

• Contact Information:

  • For inquiries, please email: tomodachiwe@usjapancouncil.org

🔗 OFFICIAL LINK

TOMODACHI Women’s Empowerment Program 2025

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