TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo
Agricultural Exchange Initiative
Climate & Food System Awareness

Program Overview
The TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative: Climate and Food System Awareness
Program is a leadership development program, designed to address the pressing global challenges ofclimate change and its intertwined relationship with agriculture. Over a 10-month period, this initiative will
engage 20 university students — 10 each from partner institutions in Niigata, Japan and Texas, USA — in an
immersive curriculum. The curriculum focuses on self-awareness, reflection, and sustainability, while alsodelving deep into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) concerning agriculture and climate change.
With a hybrid approach of virtual engagement and two in-person gatherings, participants will gain firsthand experience of diverse agricultural practices and environments. Students will be provided with an
unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the diverse agricultural ecosystems of both regions. Texas,
known for its agricultural and coastal environment, will shed light on the challenges and innovations inagriculture pertinent to such terrains, especially in the context of climate change. On the other hand,
Niigata, with its lush landscapes and rice cultivation, will offer insights into traditional agricultural practices
harmonized with nature. This unique blend aims to foster international collaboration, providing students
with a platform to share insights, experiences, and innovative strategies, ultimately preparing them tochampion sustainable agricultural solutions for our rapidly changing world.

RootSpring’s Leadership Approach
RootSpring’s leadership philosophy is integral to the program, emphasizing
self-reflection, awareness, and sustainable leadership as tools to effectively
address global challenges. This approach fosters a deep understanding of
one’s values, strengths, and the impact one can have on others and theenvironment.

Leadership Development with a Purpose
The curriculum, inspired by “The Soil of Leadership” by Dr. Britt Yamamoto,underscores a leadership model that promotes growth, resilience, andsustainability. This perspective is pivotal for navigating the complexities ofenvironmental sustainability, encouraging participants to develop leadership
qualities that are responsive to the challenges of climate change andsustainable agriculture.

Why Join?
Participants will benefit from a holistic development experience, gaining
international exposure and practical experience through a curriculum that isdeeply immersed in SDGs related to agriculture and climate change. The
program’s unique leadership model, focusing on self-awareness andsustainability, prepares students to become effective leaders in the face ofglobal environmental challenges.

Program Phases Overview
Note: Program participants must attend ALL sessions inevery phase to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Phase 1: Online
Learning Component

Phase 2: In-Person
Gathering in Texas

Dates: October–December, 2024
Location: Online (Zoom)
Number of Online Sessions: 5Dates: March, 2025
Location: Texas, USA
Number of Days: 6The foundational phase of the program takes placeentirely online, engaging participants in a series ofstructured sessions. These sessions cover key topics suchas leadership, the history and current state of climatechange, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),environmental justice, and the role of food systems in theclimate crisis. Through interactive activities, discussions,and case studies, this phase aims to foster a deep
understanding of the subjects, preparing participants forthe hands-on, experiential learning that follows.

Participants will then gather in Texas, USA, for the firstin-person component of the program. This phase allows
participants to engage directly with agricultural practices,sustainability initiatives, and climate adaptation strategies
that are relevant to the region. The visit aims to provide
real-world context to the online learning component,
showcasing firsthand the challenges and solutions
related to agriculture and climate change in settingssignificantly impacted by these issues.

Phase 3: Online
Learning Component

Phase 4: In-Person
Gathering in Niigata

Dates: April–June, 2025
Location: Online (Zoom)
Number of Online Sessions: 2Dates: July, 2025
Location: Niigata, Japan
Number of Days: 6

Phase 3 of the program encompasses two pivotal online
sessions. The first is a collaborative forum whereparticipants discuss the progress and challenges of theirgroup projects, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, andpeer learning with an emphasis on collaboration outsideof the session to enhance teamwork skills. The second
prepares participants for their visit to Niigata, covering
logistical details and expectations, and introduces thelocal staff, aiming to ensure participants are wellprepared and excited for the in-person phase. Together,
these sessions focus on developing collaborative skills
and preparing participants for the next program stage.

The final phase brings participants to Niigata, Japan,
offering a contrasting perspective on agricultural
practices, food systems, and climate change adaptation
strategies. This in-person gathering emphasizes theglobal nature of climate challenges and the importanceof cross-cultural understanding and collaboration indevising sustainable solutions. Participants will explorehow different geographical, cultural, and economic
contexts influence approaches to sustainability andenvironmental stewardship.

Application Process

Program Cost

The program is open to university
students from Niigata andTexas A&M who are fluent inConversational English, passionate
about sustainability, and eager
for cross-cultural learning.
The application process involves
an online submission, interview,and review, with a deadline ofMay 31, 2024. Candidates areencouraged to articulate theirbackground, interest in sustainability,and future aspirations.

Coursework, travel, accommodation,and international travel insurance
are covered by the program.
Participants are responsible for
personal expenses outside ofprogram activities.

This program offers a unique
opportunity to develop as a leader
capable of addressing some of themost pressing environmental
challenges of our time.

Other Reminders
Full engagement in all phases ofthe program is expected, with anemphasis on personal development
and cross-cultural understanding.

APPLY NOW!
Deadline:May 31, 2024）

Organized by U.S.-Japan Council • Sponsored by Tanaka Sangyo • Implemented by

Questions? Email us: info@rootspring.org