Secretary Clinton Inspires the TOMODACHI Generation

July 8 - In a day packed with meetings about the future of U.S.-Japan relations, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with twenty enthusiastic Japanese and American students who are forming the foundation of that future: the "TOMODACHI Generation." At the Tokyo residence of U.S. Ambassador John Roos, Secretary Clinton heard from the students about their experiences during and after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, as well as the hope that they have for the future with the help of the TOMODACHI Initiative.

At the event, the students spoke not only about their hardships, but also about their interest in participating in educational and cultural exchange programs in the United States. One of the students at the event, Ms. Atsuko Arimoto, a high school student from Fukushima Prefecture, told Secretary Clinton, "In the world, there are many problems and it is difficult to solve all these problems at once. But we can move forward step-by-step. We, the TOMODACHI Generation, will work for the future of Tohoku, Japan, and the world."

Secretary Clinton's remarks at the event were full of encouragement, support, and hope. She told the students, "I feel very positive - optimistic - about the future of Japan because of the young people." She also proclaimed her excitement at seeing the TOMODACHI Generation grow and being able to witness the creation of closer friendships between the young people of the United States and Japan.

The TOMODACHI Initiative and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo would like to thank Secretary Clinton for taking the time to support the Japanese students. This event is only the beginning of a new experience for the TOMODACHI Generation, and Secretary Clinton's remarks underscore the U.S. government's commitment to support Japan and to further promote exchanges between the Japanese and American people.

TOMODACHI is a public-private partnership, led by the United States Government and the U.S.-Japan Council and supported by the Japanese Government, that supports Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that strengthen cultural and economic ties and deepen the friendship between the United States and Japan over the long-term.