United States Ambassador John Roos Speaks at Tokyo Tech

On July 17, 2013, United States Ambassador John Roos spoke at Tokyo Tech. This was the third visit to the Institute by the US Ambassador, following a visit in October 2012, when Ambassador Roos was invited to a panel discussion forum, and another in April of this year, when US Secretary of State John Kerry gave a major policy speech at the Institute.

In his lecture titled "Supporting the TOMODACHI Generation: Let's talk about US-Japan Partnership among the Younger Generation," Ambassador Roos spoke for approximately ten minutes and then moved on to a question and answer session with the goal of engaging Tokyo Tech students in discussion.

Approximately 160 students participated in the event, which was moderated by Professor Jeffrey Cross. Tokyo Tech President Yoshinao Mishima opened the event by welcoming Ambassador Roos. After speaking about his beliefs and experiences including the TOMODACHI initiative, a public-private partnership born out of support for Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake that invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders, Ambassador Roos opened the floor to a free discussion. The students enthusiastically raised their hands one after another to ask questions, and Ambassador Roos kindly responded to their many questions.

In his responses Ambassador Roos reemphasized his beliefs to the students: act positively, think globally, and make every effort to pursue things of interest. He also urged the students to try something they are not good at, so that they can grow as individuals. The Ambassador discussed his hope to increase the number of Japanese students studying in the US. He said that studying in the US may seem difficult to Japanese students because of cost, credit transfers, job hunting, and so forth, but that all of these issues can be resolved. Ambassador Roos spoke passionately, inspiring the students. At the end of the event, there was a photo opportunity for the students with the Ambassador. As he departed the lecture hall, Ambassador Roos shook hands with as many students as possible. The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere from beginning to end.

United States Secretary Kerry Spoke at Tokyo Tech (2013.4.15)
https://www.titech.ac.jp/english/news-topics/detail_3944.html?id=news-topics