Home Institution: Aoyama Gakuin University
Host Institution: University of Washington

Haruka, a third-year university student, is deeply passionate about journalism and global affairs, fueled by her upbringing in a single-parent household and financial challenges. Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship signifies an important opportunity for Haruka. It not only provides financial support but also validates her commitment to journalism and cross-cultural understanding. This scholarship allows her to explore new perspectives and deepen her knowledge in peace studies, fostering her growth as a global citizen and future leader in journalism.

Home Institution: McKendree University
Host Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Gota is a junior majoring in international relations and double minoring in urban studies and business administration at Lake Forest College. Born and raised in Kanagawa, Japan, he spent the first two years at another university in the United States. His research interest lies in analyzing institutional structures and operations of international organizations by using prominent political theories. He has been studying how the organizations facilitate humanitarian aid for global conflicts and contribute to peaceful settlement.

Gota is also interested in the geographic design of city transportation and its environmental impact. He is eager to explore how the public transportation system can promote an eco-friendly lifestyle in large metro areas. The flexible curriculum that some smaller colleges offer in the United States, which was a primary reason behind Gota’s attraction to the United States as a study abroad location, allows him to study three different fields and engage in interdisciplinary research through a collaborative network.

His professional goal is to engage in public policy focusing on infrastructure development. He looks forward to gaining practical experience through an internship in Chicago during his time abroad. Additionally, he wants to improve his cross-cultural communication skills through obtaining his college education in a diverse environment, which he hopes will expand his global perspective.

Home Institution: California State University, Monterey Bay
Host Institution: Waseda University – California State University International Program (CSUIP)

Calvin is a sophomore at California State University, Monterey Bay, majoring in Japanese language and culture. Calvin originally wanted to learn Spanish. However, whether by chance or fate, he was put into Japanese class. This serendipity introduced him to the intricate beauty of the Japanese language. The more he studied, the more Calvin fell in love with Japanese culture. This love ignited his desire to explore Japan firsthand, and immerse himself in its traditions and societal norms. For Calvin, receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship means everything because he will finally be able to realize that dream. 

Calvin envisions himself bridging cultural divides between the United States and Japan through media localization. He is most looking forward to further bolstering his Japanese proficiency, as well as studying translation theories and practices during his time abroad at the prestigious Waseda University, renowned for fostering global communications and cross-cultural understanding. Along with this, Calvin is also interested in reconnecting with the Japanese exchange students he became friends with. All of this would not have been possible without the support of the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship, and for that, Calvin is eternally grateful.

Home Institution: Florida Virtual High School
Host Institution: Temple University, Japan Campus

Jillian is an incoming freshman at Temple University’s Japan Campus (TUJ), majoring in economics with a minor in computer science. During her stay in Tokyo, over the summer of 2023, she fell in love with Japanese culture and realized it was somewhere she wanted to live long-term. As Jillian cannot drive, Japan’s advanced public transportation gave her a newfound feeling of independence. While abroad, she hopes to experience more of Japan on those same trains. Furthermore, throughout her time at TUJ, she wishes to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and learn more about markets worldwide. 

However, there was one significant setback: the financial burden of higher education. Thanks to the support of the Watanabe Scholarship, Jillian will be able to pursue her passion at university without burdening her single mother. Additionally, as a first-generation student, this scholarship has allowed Jillian to make history within her family. Living abroad will allow her to discover a whole new world and lay the groundwork for future generations

Home Institution: University College London
Host Institution: Harvard Graduate School of Education

Kazunori is an incoming Master’s student in education data science at Stanford University in California. He completed his International Baccalaureate at an international school in Tokyo and earned his undergraduate degree in social sciences with data science from University College London. With a diverse international background, Kazunori is dedicated to redefining the role of education and designing digital learning platforms to reduce educational inequality worldwide.

Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship means a great deal to Kazunori, as it allows him to immerse himself in Silicon Valley’s innovative educational tools and research. He is excited to explore cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that can be integrated into the educational sector for a more inclusive future. Upon completing his Master’s degree, Kazunori aims to establish a business in the United States or Japan, leveraging his expertise and international experiences to bridge the two countries and develop an education system that benefits both societies.

Home Institution: Kashima Asahi High School
Host Institution: Diablo Valley College

Yuki is a junior at Diablo Valley College in California, majoring in engineering. She has been passionate about robotics since she was a child. 

The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad scholarship will enable her to enjoy her international experience with peace of mind and financial stability. She is looking forward to enhancing her knowledge of robotics and experiencing a different culture.

Home Institution: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Host Institution: Kwansei Gakuin University via USAC

Geremy is a junior at UCCS, majoring in game design and development with a minor in Japanese language and culture. From a young age, he played Nintendo games with his sisters and has been inspired by many aspects of Japanese culture and game design ever since. 

Although his upcoming trip to Nishinomiya will mark his first venture outside of the United States, Geremy is eager to apply his language skills, meet new people, and further enhance his proficiency in Japanese. Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship is a pivotal opportunity for him to immerse himself in the culture, engage  in daily Japanese practice and build connections within the Japanese game development industry. While abroad, Geremy is excited to learn about traditional and modern Japanese practices and culture, with the goal of eventually living in Japan. To support this, he will be living with a host family while abroad to understand all aspects of Japanese life and society. 

Geremy is deeply grateful for the support of the U.S.-Japan Council and Mr.Toshizo Watanabe, which has empowered him to take the next step in his academic journey.

Home Institution: Denison University
Host Institution: Denison University

Akari is a rising sophomore majoring in educational studies at Denison University in Granville, Ohio; enrolling in Denison University was her first experience going abroad.

Her academic interest is analysis of how what happens outside the classroom affects what happens inside the classroom and students in terms of sociology, philosophy, economics, politics, culture, and religion. Studying abroad in the United States fits with her interests because courses, professors, and classmates in the United States have more active discussions about socioeconomic status and racial differences impacting education. While abroad, she is looking forward to having the cycle between theory and practice by engaging in courses and visiting high schools around the campus.

With the support of the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship, she can continue her academic journey even though the exchange rate has dropped. She is also excited to engage with the community of Watanabe scholars more.

Home Institution: Grinnell College
Host Institution: Grinnell College 

Chikako is a rising junior/aspiring scholar at Grinnell College majoring in gender studies with a digital studies concentration. They are passionate about the impact of violence in the construction of gender roles and healing from gendered trauma through writing. Chikako wants to focus on women’s poetry, specifically how AAPI-identifying women use writing poetry as a way to heal from personal or communal trauma. 

This is Chikako’s first time studying abroad after living in Japan for 19 years; they are hopeful that they can learn more about how to effectively build transnational communities for the purpose of bringing marginalized voices together. Chikako is interested in how each individual engages with their own respective identities and the identities of others to create an alliance in a small town such as Grinnell, Iowa. The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship allows Chikako to continue building such a community with other scholars, peers, and community members and expand their research with richer academic and experiential resources.

Home Institution: Mount Holyoke College
Host Institution: Mount Holyoke College

Chii is a rising senior at Mount Holyoke College, majoring in biology and anthropology with a NEXUS in data science. After spending 16 years in Japan, she studied abroad at an international boarding school in Costa Rica. Since then, she has been interested in the anthropogenic impacts on the environment and aims to shed light on current environmental issues. 

In order to explore the topic from the vantage point of different academic fields, she decided to pursue a liberal arts education at Mount Holyoke College. By taking various classes, including economics, ecology and anthropology, she found her passion for studying invasive plants. She hopes to continue her education in the United States after graduation to study invasive plants and become a professional who can contribute to solving invasive plant issues in both the U.S. and Japan. She is deeply grateful for the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship program, which made her study abroad possible and greatly enriched her educational journey.

Home Institution: Keio University
Host Institution: University of Pennsylvania

Chihiro Komiya is a dedicated student from Japan, majoring pharmacy at Keio University. She has a strong passion for social business and clinical care, and she is dedicated to building a society in which everyone, regardless of income level, can enjoy a healthy life.

Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship is a crucial step towards achieving this dream. It gives her the chance to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where she plans to gain knowledge of the environments around business and medical as well as how to solve social challenges through business and multidisciplinary team management. She is particularly excited about engaging with the diverse student body and leveraging this experience to build reliable services.

In addition, she is enthusiastic about promoting interactions between American and Japanese students in the medical field. The idea is to develop an online exchange program and use social media to spread the word about the benefits of studying abroad for medical students. They stand out for their proactive approach and unwavering dedication to progress, which fuels their ongoing personal development and positive impact on the U.S.-Japan relationship.

Home Institution: University of California, Irvine
Host Institution: Tohoku University

Nikki is a fourth-year student at the University of California, Irvine, majoring in biological science. She will be attending Tohoku University to continue her studies in biology and conduct health science research. Nikki initially became interested in Japan after participating in a cultural exchange program where she facilitated English language learning and communication skills across high schools in Japan. Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship means that she will be able to fulfill her dream of studying abroad in Japan, gaining a deeper understanding of the language and culture.

She is looking forward to immersing herself in the rich academic environment of Tohoku University and experiencing the cherry blossoms in spring. Nikki is also eager to enhance her cultural competency and communication skills. After completing her study abroad program, Nikki plans to attend medical school, where she anticipates that this experience will play a crucial role in shaping her into a more empathetic and globally-minded healthcare professional. The chance to study abroad with the support of the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship is a significant milestone in her educational journey, providing invaluable experiences that will influence both her personal and professional future.

Home Institution: Goucher College
Host Institution: Aoyama Gakuin University

Jaylin Liggins is a scholar from Baltimore Maryland and he is pursuing a major in sociology and a minor in creative writing at Goucher College.

Ever since Jaylin was a child, going to Japan and learning Japanese was his dream and for so long it felt like cupping a star in one’s hands to realize he’s been only holding air. It was after taking first-year Japanese at Johns Hopkins, grueling work applying for scholarships, and also applying for study abroad that he could imagine holding onto that star from his childhood once again. He wants to study abroad in Japan to improve his Japanese, to write a short story as a love letter to his experiences there, and to gain a new perspective on life. The financial burden imposed by studying abroad for a semester has weighed him down, but thankfully after being honored by the U.S–Japan Council and Mr. Watanabe with this scholarship, Jaylin Liggins is now able to study abroad in Japan for his fall semester and finally touch the star he has been chasing.

Home Institution: Hawaii Pacific University
Host Institution: Aoyama Gakuin University

Reycajen is a junior at Hawai’i Pacific University, majoring in international studies with a concentration in anthropology, development, and sustainability and a minor in Japanese. Growing up in Hawaii—with its unique infusion of Japanese culture—fostered her interest in Japan and motivated her to study Japanese in high school.   

She was inspired to study abroad in Japan after participating in the TOMODACHI KAKEHASHI Inouye Scholars Program which allowed her to go to Japan for the first time, visit historical landmarks, and partake in cultural exchanges with Ritsumeikan University students.

As a first-generation college student, receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship greatly alleviates the financial burden on her family and opens opportunities to achieve her academic and professional goals within the field of international studies.  
At Aoyama Gakuin University, she is looking forward to improving her Japanese language skills while also learning more about Japanese politics and U.S.-Japan relations from a Japanese perspective. She hopes to make meaningful and lifelong connections and become an engaged global citizen who acts as a bridge between the United States and Japan. 

Home Institution: Rice University
Host Institution: Rice University

Kairi is a rising sophomore pursuing a double major in sports medicine and exercise physiology, and sports analytics with a minor in data science and Korean at Rice University in Houston, Texas. His passion for the world of sports brought him to the United States, where he hopes to work in basketball someday.

Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship will enable him to continue his academic journey with full focus on his academics and passion. The scholarship’s support will allow Kairi to dedicate more time to his studies and pursue his passion of sports photography and videography, whilst also being a resource and mentor for underclassmen and fellow international students, as many upperclassmen were for him.

Home Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
Host Institution: Sophia University

Elliot is a third-year political science and Japanese major at UT Austin. Receiving the Watanabe scholarship means that he will be able to entirely focus on studying the Japanese language and Japan’s politics while abroad for the year in Tokyo.

After taking a Japanese comparative politics course at his home university, he began to see how his previous interest in Japanese culture and the Japanese language classes he had already been taking could connect with political science. During his time at Sophia’s Faculty of Liberal Arts, which has a large population of international students, Elliot hopes to become a more empathetic, internationally-minded professional who can skillfully communicate across many cultures. These exchanges will be valuable in his goals of becoming a diplomat in the State Department and playing a role in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations.

Home Institution: University of California, San Diego
Host Institution: University of California, San Diego

Rina Matsuo is a dedicated bioengineering major at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Her dream is to develop medical devices that can cure pediatric patients. During her second year of high school, Rina interned at the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Medical Science, where she learned the basics of molecular biological research and the realities faced by pediatric patients undergoing severe medical treatments. This experience was transformative, especially after meeting a leukemia patient who not only shared her name, but was also the same age. This encounter solidified her resolve to contribute to the survival of pediatric leukemia patients and opened her eyes to a new worldview. 

At UCSD, she is eager to learn the fundamentals and applications of medical device manufacturing and gain insights into startup ventures. With its vast medical device market, top-tier education in manufacturing and the collaborative environment that fosters active collaboration between doctors, engineers and investors, the United States provides the ideal environment for her studies. Rina aspires to become a bridge between Japan and the United States, contributing to medical advancements in both countries. Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship is a profound reminder of her commitment to fostering connections and advancements in medical technology between these two nations.

Home Institution: Florida Atlantic University
Host Institution: Kansai Gaidai University

Born and raised in South Florida, Cassidy is currently an English major at Florida Atlantic University. In her scholarly pursuits, she has come to realize her passion for education, most especially language learning. It is her hope that she may one day contribute to bridging the gap between the United States and Japan by bringing greater Japanese fluency to the U.S. (and vice versa). That said, she is excited to spend the fall semester at Kansai Gaidai University in order to continue improving her Japanese language skills, while gaining invaluable cultural contexts. 

Cassidy has always been interested in Japanese language and culture, and seeks to immerse herself in the culture with the goal of applying the knowledge and experiences gained abroad to her teaching methodology later on. Of course, as a first-generation student from a low-income household, this opportunity would not have been financially possible without the generous contributions of the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship. She now has so much to be grateful for and so much to give back to those who have been supporting her on this journey.

Home Institution: Western Carolina University
Host Institution: Western Carolina University

Miku is an accomplished student at Western Carolina University, majoring in computer information systems with a minor in visual analytics. Her academic interests are deeply rooted in the integration of technology with data interpretation, which she explores through various tools including SQL, Python, and Tableau. In addition to her studies, she applies her expertise as a tutor in both Japanese and computer information systems, helping others enhance their linguistic and technical skills.

Being awarded the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship is a significant honor for Miku, underscoring her dedication to her studies and her deep connection to Japan. This scholarship not only validates her efforts in bridging cultural and technological knowledge but also supports her aspiration to further immerse herself in Japanese culture and advanced technology.

Miku eagerly anticipates learning about Japan’s innovative integration of technology in business and daily life. She is particularly interested in how such advancements can be applied globally and specifically how she can integrate these practices into her future career in the United States. This study abroad experience represents a pivotal step in her journey to becoming a globally-minded technology leader.

Home Institution: Kwansei Gakuin University
Host Institution: Drake University

Haruna is an enthusiastic student majoring in international studies at Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan. She aspires to become a counselor for disabled children around the world, a dream that was born out of her experience being hospitalized due to a chronic illness. Due to her experience overcoming many obstacles caused by her illness, she is eager to repay those who supported her. She is interested in intercultural communication and supporting children who have disabilities with charity work. 

The Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship has given her an opportunity to examine and understand social problems faced by minorities, including those with disabilities. She also hopes to gain leadership skills through fulfilling courses at Drake University. She is also motivated to gain practical experience by participating in volunteer work for disabled children in the United States. Haruna is very grateful to study abroad in the United States and to be granted the opportunity to learn about different values and multifaceted perspectives thanks to this scholarship. She is looking forward to seeing how this opportunity will enhance her personal growth and make her a leader who will help a lot of children in the future.

Home Institution: Brookes Westshore
Host Institution: Mount Holyoke College

Hitomi is a freshman at Mount Holyoke College with the plan of majoring in sociology or bioethics. She has been fascinated with the topic of “disability” since ninth grade, and has been studying it both academically and practically for four years including a gap year period. Spending four years as a degree-seeking student in the United States will encourage her to think beyond the concept of disability and deepen her knowledge of minorities, including ethnicity or gender. Going to a liberal arts college in the United States means so much to her since she hopes to nourish her critical and multifaceted thinking. She is the first in her family to experience studying abroad. While she was unsure of what was right and wrong, the Watanabe scholarship and the connections it has given her will be of great help to her during her college life, and in the future. She believes that the topic of “disability” is capable of connecting the U.S. and Japan and beyond.

Home Institution: Middlebury College
Host Institution: International Christian University

Taniya is a senior majoring in biology and Japanese at Middlebury College. She will spend her last semester at the International Christian University in Tokyo due to the generosity of the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship. She was born in Chicago and resided there until entrance into her college in Vermont. She initially discovered her interest in Japanese through anime, but her appreciation for the language and culture developed during her first Japanese class in high school. Since her freshman year of high school and in college she has taken Japanese and has endeavored to learn about and promote Japanese culture. 

Taniya previously visited Japan with the assistance of a YFU scholarship she received in high school, and she is excited to see her host family again. She is eager to further her knowledge of Japanese linguistics, literature, culture and other aspects in an academic setting and the local community. Taniya extends her sincere gratitude to the Watanabe Scholarship. Without their support, it would not have been financially possible for Taniya to have the opportunity to study abroad in Japan.

Home Institution: Montgomery College
Host Institution: Temple University Japan Campus

Jonah is an incoming transfer student at Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) going into his third year, he will be majoring in international business. To Jonah, winning the Toshizo Watanabe scholarship has opened a world of possibilities for his studies in Japan. He has a long history with Japan and has engaged with so many free opportunities to get closer to Japan with his resources in his immediate environment of Washington, DC on the high school and college level. Coming from a low-income household, this scholarship truly allows him to start his time at Temple University Japan Campus with a great degree of confidence and comfort.  

Jonah has always found solace and great opportunities within his education. He is hoping to invest in the U.S.-Japan relationship with a concentration on educational programs and advising for students in the U.S.-Japan space. With this career concentration, Jonah is hoping to change the lives of many students interested in the U.S.- Japan space, to support and pass the torch to the next generation of students occupying the U.S.-Japan space.

Home Institution: DePauw University
Host Institution:  DePauw University

Kenshin is a rising junior at DePauw University majoring in psychology. He is interested in the development of young children and adolescents; his passion is in supporting those who are cognitively challenged. The United States is one of the countries at the forefront of psychology and mental health, therefore, he believes that studying abroad will provide him with enriching experiences that will help cultivate valuable knowledge and skills.

During his time abroad, he is excited for the new involvement he has on campus. He took a research methods course the previous year, and this year, he was offered a research position under his psychology major advisor. It is his first time being involved in  research so he is excited to learn more about what research in psychological studies is like. He is also eager to present research at conferences and learn the various skills needed in research as he is considering work in that field. However, the yen has continued to weaken which has created an additional financial barrier in his studies. But through the generosity of the Watanabe Scholarship, he is able to continue his studies and he greatly appreciates the support from the scholarship foundation.

Home Institution: Tohoku University
Host Institution: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Monako is a junior majoring in mechanical and aerospace at Tohoku University in Japan. She is interested in engineering and business, so she is looking forward to learning both at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) in the United States. Television programs prompted her fascination with space and technology as a child. As a university student in Japan, she pursued that passion as a member of the rocket-making club and Mars Rover Development team. She focused on raising awareness of the team and acquiring necessary funds to finance the team’s activities as a member of the public relations team. These experiences were the catalyst for her desire to promote the appeal of science and foster connections between the scientific and business communities.

For Monako, UNCC’s appeal is twofold: North Carolina is the second largest commercial city in the United States; UNCC is also famous for its business classes. She is eager to learn about keys to success in the business world; she is especially interested in engineering, specifically information technology and aerospace. She hopes to combine her business and engineering expertise to offer new services that contribute to the betterment of society.

The financial support provided by the Watanabe Scholarship makes it possible for her to study abroad for one year.

Home Institution: Hiroshima International School
Host Institution: University of Washington

Mei is an incoming freshman at the University of Washington, where she intends to pursue biology on the pre-med track. Her childhood hospitalization with Kawasaki disease, along with her experience assisting with cardiovascular disease research and shadowing cardiothoracic surgeons, has motivated her to pursue a career in medicine. Having previously lived in the United States for six years, she is eager to return and engage in experiential opportunities such as research, clinical shadowing and volunteering. She hopes to leverage these experiences to one day become a physician-scientist specializing in cardiology, working across international borders and facilitating transnational collaborations to advance medical science.

She would like to thank Mr. Watanabe for his generosity and the U.S.-Japan Council for believing in her potential. Their support will not only help alleviate financial concerns but also make her study abroad possible. She is determined to make the most of this opportunity, driven by a sense of responsibility to give back to the community and contribute to society, following Mr. Watanabe’s example.

Home Institution: University of California, Irvine
Host Institution: Waseda University

Katherine is a rising junior majoring in Japanese language & literature and East Asian cultures from the University of California Irvine. For the upcoming year, she is attending Waseda University’s School of International Liberal Studies program for the whole school year.

She decided to seriously pursue studying Japanese language and culture after hosting a student from Mie Prefecture and has been studying Japanese since middle school at a language school. Attending Waseda will aid her in her goal to become a professor in East Asian studies, improve her language skills and broaden her perspectives on Japanese liberal arts research. Katherine looks forward to immersing herself in the language and meeting other international students and professors in her host country to learn about various teaching methods in different subjects. Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship helps make it possible for her to study in Japan and take another step closer to her goals.

Home Institution: Aoyama Gakuin University
Host Institution: University of San Diego

Rion is a sophomore at Aoyama Gakuin University majoring in International Communication and will attend University of San Diego starting in Fall 2024. Growing up in Bali, Indonesia, she was exposed to diverse cultures which sparked her curiosity in cross-cultural and international communication. Her current interests lie in the intercultural comparison of digital media advertisements and how communication plays an important role in fandom culture within the music industry. Throughout her upcoming exchange, Rion plans to study media communication to gain practical knowledge which will be crucial for her field.  As a fellow third-culture kid, she is excited to interact with people from diverse backgrounds to cultivate her perception of the world.  

Rion is grateful to Mr. Toshizo Watanabe and USJC to be given this opportunity and is looking forward to connecting with the community full of ambitious scholars. She hopes to utilize the knowledge she will acquire in Japan and the United States to become a bridge in the music business, creating promotional strategies for foreign artists targeting Japanese audiences.

Home Institution: Indiana University
Host Institution: Nanzan University

Miyako is a rising junior at Indiana University Bloomington, double majoring in international studies and Japanese with a minor in French. She will be attending Nanzan University in Nagoya for the academic year.

She has had an enduring love of Japan since she was a child due to her Japanese heritage. Her mother taught her about the language and culture as she was growing up, and since then Miyako has taken every opportunity to learn about Japan in both high school and university. She is now incredibly excited for the opportunity to study abroad and expresses her gratitude to the Watanabe Scholarship.

With the support of the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship, Miyako will be able to concentrate on her studies and extracurriculars at Nanzan University with less worry about the financial burden. She believes that this scholarship will allow her to focus on improving her Japanese skills and immersing herself in Japanese culture. It has been a lifelong goal of hers to achieve fluency in Japanese, and she hopes to get as close as possible to that level during her time there. She aims to use these skills to promote U.S.-Japan relations in the future.

Home Institution: Kanagawa Prefectural Yokohama Suiran High School
Host Institution: Cascadia College (through NIC International College in Japan)

Minami was born in a single-parent household and has almost no relatives who have graduated from university or college or have been abroad. She did not have anyone to rely on in terms of both financial and academic concerns. Because of the surroundings she was uncertain if what she was trying to do was right even though they supported her. 

Therefore, receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad scholarship means not only providing financial support, but also encouraging her to make the decision. Moreover, the experience that someone helps her will be a great reason and give her courage to help others in the future when she is in a different position than she is now. She is not only looking forward to learning about animals, which is her main interest, but also to broadening her horizons and acquiring a more critical thinking by conversing with people from different types of cultures during her time abroad. Minami is now filled with the energy of motivation and high expectations to learn in the United States.

Home Institution: St. Cloud State University
Host Institution: Seattle Pacific University

Midori is a junior majoring in special education and pursuing a teaching certificate. She initially became interested in education when she had difficulty adapting to elementary school in Japan. She met many students who also struggled to attend school for different reasons. Midori went to the United States in 2022 for the first time to attend a community college and earn an associate’s degree and high school diploma. She finished the program and earned degrees within 1 year and a few months, and she is now ready to dive into professional development as a special education teacher.

Midori is thrilled to start her program and field experience including student teaching in the United States. The Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship helps Midori and her family afford all expenses to keep studying abroad to be the better version of myself and to deepen my understanding and skills in teaching students under special education. Midori will challenge herself to develop leadership skills to be a person who can lead people and be a bridge between Japan and the United States in terms of culture and education.

Home Institution: State University of New York at Geneseo
Host Institution: State University of New York at Geneseo

Rinna is a second-year student at the State University of New York at Geneseo, majoring in international relations and finance. During her senior year of high school, she spent a year in the United States as an exchange student. That experience ignited her passion for studying abroad and gaining a global perspective as a young individual that has the potential to have a great impact on the globalized world in the future.

At SUNY Geneseo, Rinna delves deeper into the importance of international relations and the challenges faced in fostering global cooperation. Her interest is particularly in the financial aspects of these relationships, inspired by various essays and publications she read as a kid, she is eager to understand the intricate financial dynamics that shape our world. Receiving the Watanabe Scholarship is a tremendous honor for Rinna. It not only supports her academic pursuits but also encourages her aspiration to contribute to the future of international financial and political dynamics. She is sincerely grateful for this generous support, which enables her to continue her academic journey and prepare for a future career in this vital field.

Home Institution: American University
Host Institution: American University

Risako is a senior student at the American University in Washington, DC, majoring in international studies. Growing up listening to the story of her grandmother, who experienced World War II and had to give up her dream of learning English and studying in the United States, she cherishes peace and appreciates the chance education has given her. Her dream is to solve global problems with people all over the world and contribute to realizing peace, using skills she developed while studying in the U.S. She is grateful for the generous help of the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship, which enabled her to proceed to her final year to pursue that dream. 

This year, she founded a new organization at her university to foster friendship among students interested in Japanese culture. As the president, she is excited to help initiate collaboration between future leaders of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Since the amazing friends she met there taught her that interacting with people from different backgrounds can help her stand in other people’s shoes and enrich the ways she engages with the world, she is excited to meet more people through her last year abroad and in the U.S.-Japan Council community.

Home Institution: University of Minnesota, Morris
Host Institution: University of Minnesota, Morris

Emu is a rising junior at University of Minnesota, Morris, double majoring in biology and psychology, with a minor in chemistry. She aspires to become a psychiatrist, motivated by personal experiences of overcoming depression. She is particularly excited about learning more about mental health services in the United States, as the country offers extensive mental health support comparable to physical health services.

At university, Emu conducts research on the effects of rhizosphere conditions on antibiotic production by Streptomyces and presents her findings at a conference. She is also part of a research team studying cancer cells and is researching naked mole-rats, known for their resistance to cancer, for her graduation project. She is actively involved in campus life, mentoring international students, leading study sessions for underclassmen in biology and chemistry, and organizing events for the chemistry club.

Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship would be a significant milestone for Emu, providing essential financial support to continue her studies abroad without economic uncertainty. This scholarship will enable her to focus on her academic and research pursuits, bringing her closer to her goal of becoming a psychiatrist and contributing to mental health care in Japan.

Home Institution: California State University, Fullerton
Host Institution: California State University, Fullerton

Being awarded the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship provides Marine with a bridge to continue pursuing her long-term goals. Over the past few years, she has faced various unexpected hardships, and there have been times when she even thought about giving up on continuing her study abroad; however, receiving financial support has given her a once in a lifetime chance to focus on her studies and work towards her dreams. This will serve as a potent source of motivation and inspiration as she completes the remaining stages of her international academic journey. 

As a psychology major, her interest in the United States stems from its reputation for world-renowned psychology programs. Studying in the United States – known as the origins of the counseling profession and a leader in psychological education and innovation – would allow her to solidify her knowledge in the field and explore a diverse range of specializations like clinical, I/O, or social psychology. She is also interested in the opportunities for practical experience. The university offers internships and research opportunities regarding psychology as part of their curriculum and it will give her valuable hands-on experience that will help her develop her skills and prepare for her career.

Home Institution: International Christian University
Host Institution: International Christian University

Aeris has envisioned living in Japan ever since they were twelve years old. Driven by their love for learning languages and their interest in Japanese alternative fashion and music, they have worked tirelessly to learn Japanese for 8 years. Now, they are nearly fluent, living and studying in Japan thanks to the generous support of the Watanabe Scholarship. 

As they enter their third year at university, they hope to gain a deeper connection with Japanese culture through their Nihon buyo (traditional Japanese dance) club at their university. Enjoying their school life in Japan, they are looking forward to improving their Japanese ability and attaining an N1 certification on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Building upon their growing Japanese skills, they are also eager to utilize them in their interpretation studies. Through living, working and studying in Japan, they are immersed in Japanese culture and language daily, giving them the vital cultural background required of a translator.

Home Institution: Kyoto University
Host Institution: University of Hawai’i at Manoa

Yoko is a graduate student at Kyoto University and will study at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. She is working on her master’s dissertation about the history of the child welfare of Japanese immigrants, with a focus on the connection between Japanese communities and other ethnic groups in Hawaii.

Her interest in Hawaii comes from its diverse culture and historical ties to Japanese immigration. She is a passionate volunteer for teaching immigrant children in Japan, assisting in their educational journey, and providing a platform to explore their roots. This experience deepens her appreciation for diversity and leads her to Hawaii. Yoko looks forward to learning about Japanese immigrants’ experiences and historical contributions in Hawaii. Engaging with primary sources, archives and oral histories will give her a deep understanding of these communities’ social and cultural dynamics for her dissertation.

Studying in Hawaii offers a unique context to study the influence of Japanese immigrants on their new environment and a new perspective on how to build an inclusive society in Japan. This exploration is academically enriching and personally meaningful, connecting her with the broader narrative of Japanese immigrants.

Home Institution: Ernest Mcbride High School
Host Institution: Temple University Japan Campus

Alexis is an enthusiastic freshman at Temple University Japan, majoring in International affairs. Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship will allow her to be the first generation in her family to attend college and study abroad. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity and plans to take full advantage of the opportunities given to her to fulfill her dreams of becoming an international lawyer. 

Alexis became interested in Japan after participating in the Long Beach-Yokkaichi Environmental Summit, where she had the opportunity to visit Japan and learn more about Japan’s rich culture and their efforts to create a clean and sustainable port city. This sparked her desire to further her education in Japan. She wants to use this opportunity provided by the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship to further her education and in the future pursue law school. Alexis looks forward to learning and immersing herself in Japanese culture.

Home Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Host Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Originally from Japan, Asumi has always been intrigued by the complexities of human behavior and the cultural factors that influence it. Her academic pursuits are complemented by a deep commitment to understanding the intersections of culture, psychology and business practices.

Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship is a profound honor for Asumi, symbolizing both recognition of her past achievements and faith in her potential to foster closer ties between Japan and the United States. This scholarship not only supports her financially but also emotionally and academically, reinforcing her resolve to bridge cultural divides through her future career.

During her time abroad, Asumi is particularly excited to delve into the innovative therapeutic approaches and business practices prevalent in the United States She looks forward to bringing back valuable insights to Japan, aiming to integrate cutting-edge psychological principles with traditional Japanese business strategies. Asumi’s connection to her study abroad country is rooted in a desire to blend the best of both worlds, using her education to contribute meaningfully to society in both the United States and Japan.