The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program

Overview

The Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship provides financial assistance to Japanese and American undergraduate and graduate students for a semester or year-long study abroad in either the United States or Japan. A generous endowment gift of $10 million from Mr. Toshizo (Tom) Watanabe to the U.S.-Japan Council makes it possible to award scholarships to students for whom international study would not be possible without financial support.

This scholarship program has supported Japanese students to study in the United States since 2016 and American students to study in Japan since 2019. The scholarship grants awards to recipients in amounts determined by financial need and other qualifications. (See the flyer)

Watanabe Scholarship alumni are welcomed into USJC’s TOMODACHI Generation network, which includes networking opportunities with other TOMODACHI alumni, opportunities to connect with USJC members, virtual and regional events throughout the year.

Applications

The application period for the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 cycle has closed on Monday, February 23, 2026 (in the U.S. Eastern Time). USJC cannot answer any questions on individual application status. All applicants will receive a notification email (selected, alternate, or not selected) once the results are ready.

Eligibility for Americans to study abroad in Japan

*Click here for eligibility for Japanese to study abroad in the United States.

U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Currently in good academic standing at a high school, an accredited college or university in the United States. For prospective graduate students who are not currently enrolled, please submit the proof of the undergraduate degree.
Will be enrolled in an exchange program or credit-bearing course of study as an undergraduate or graduate student at a university or approved academic center in Japan. (Applicants who have not confirmed a school or are already enrolled in a Japanese school as a degree-seeking student are eligible. Cannot be used for language schools.)
Demonstrates financial need for international study (i.e., would not be able to pursue international study without financial assistance or support)

Preferences (Note: Not Required)

Applicants who are from single-parent households or orphans.
Applicants who are the first generation to attend college (i.e. applicants whose parents did not attend or graduate from college.
Applicants who have never been abroad (travel, study abroad etc.).

Timeline

*All in the U.S. Eastern Time as of February 2026

January 12, 2026	Application Opens
February 23, 2026	Application Closes
April 17, 2026	First Screening Result Notification (This is not the final scholarship result)
June 12, 2026	Final Screening Result Announced
June 26, 2026	Scholarship Acceptance Deadline
July 2026	Scholarship Disbursement Begins

Resources

For any other questions, please email [email protected]. Phone inquiries are not accepted. Due to high volume, USJC will not answer questions whose answers are in the FAQ pages.

Review the FAQ page (for U.S. students) for the scholarship and application overview as well as frequently asked questions. For Japanese students, please access our Japanese website by selecting the language toggle at the page top.

Below are slides from the information sessions in November and December 2025 for Fall 2026- Spring 2027 cycle. Application details can change per cycle.

Here for the info session for applicants/students

Here for the info session for school administrators.

Meet the 2025-2026 Watanabe Scholars

^ indicates a graduate student
* indicates an awardee

Home Institution: The institutions where students are enrolled
Host Institution: The universities where students are currently completing their study abroad or research

Meet the Scholars

Aeris Thompson

Home University
International Christian University

Host University
International Christian University

Bio

Aeris Golden-Thompson is a senior at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan. Hailing from Washington D.C. Aeris is looking forward to exploring more of Japan and strengthening their language skills as they complete their interpreting studies training. As a third-time recipient of the Watanabe scholarship, they can finally present the culmination of their Japanese translation and culture studies research in their senior thesis. They’ve gone from immersing themselves in Harajuku’s niche subculture fashion scenes to practicing traditional Japanese dance. From present to past, they have also successfully assisted in hosting an exhibit that explores the connection between Japanese and American academics in history. It is thanks to the continued support of the Watanabe Scholarship that Aeris can finally fulfill their dream of graduating from a Japanese university and utilizing their international experience to help strengthen the cultural bonds between the United States and Japan post-graduation.
Naotoshi Meguri^*

Home University
Waseda University

Host University
Columbia University

Bio

Naotoshi is a strategy-consulting professional and independent documentary filmmaker who explores the root causes of human suffering and equips audiences to confront reality. Raised in Kumamoto, Japan, he developed a deep affinity for his country’s history and culture as well as an early awareness of global issues; while at university he worked at a climate-tech start-up tackling carbon accounting. Recent cross-cultural successes such as Shōgun have convinced him that local stories, when told collaboratively, can resonate worldwide. He therefore envisions a career spearheading Japan–U.S. co-productions that marry Japanese sensibility with Hollywood reach.

Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship validates Naotoshi’s conviction that film can be a practical engine for social change. The award removes a decisive financial obstacle and will allow him to concentrate in Los Angeles on intensive cinematography and producing courses, on-set apprenticeships, and the multicultural networks essential to building truly binational projects.
Sophia Smith

Home University
Gustavus Adolphus College

Host University
Hosei University

Bio

Sophia is a rising senior at Gustavus Adolphus College, studying biochemistry, chemistry, and Japanese studies. She currently conducts research in separation science, with a focus on high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to investigate complex chemical systems. Her academic interests lie at the intersection of science and culture, and she is passionate about bridging scientific inquiry with global perspectives.

Her interest in Japan and the U.S. stems from both cultural and scientific curiosity, and she is passionate about building bridges between the two nations through cross-border collaboration in scientific research, advancement, and education.Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship has made it financially possible for Sophia to study abroad in Japan, an experience she has dreamed of for years. She is deeply grateful for this opportunity and is eager to engage in immersive language learning and intercultural exchange, while continuing to pursue her academic goals. She looks forward to building lasting relationships and expanding her worldview through firsthand experience. Inspired by Mr. Watanabe’s generosity, Sophia is committed to giving back and hopes to contribute meaningfully to U.S.-Japan relations in her future career.
Yuta Inoue^

Home University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Host University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bio

Yuta Inoue is a graduate student at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in agronomy and crop science. He completed a master’s degree in Bioresource Sciences in Japan, and after that he studied indoor agricultural production at Cornell University for two years as a researcher. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he expects to study plant physiology, particularly fertilizer use efficiency, and aims to achieve highly productive and sustainable agricultural production around the world in the future.

He is interested not only in American culture but also various other countries’ cultures, and he wants to build a community with people outside his major.

Yuta is grateful to Mr. Toshizo Watanabe and the U.S.-Japan Council to be given this opportunity and is looking forward to connecting with the community full of ambitious scholars. Their support will not only alleviate financial concerns but also be a great help in making study abroad a possibility. Yuta aims to contribute to increasing global food production by combining Japan’s excellent agricultural management techniques with U.S. commercial production techniques.
Yuki Fukasawa

Home University
Illinois Institute of Technology

Host University
Illinois Institute of Technology

Bio

Yuki Fukasawa is a mechanical engineering student who entered university in the United States at the age of 17. Originally from Japan, she was inspired by her father, an engineer, to pursue STEM from a young age. She is especially passionate about robotics and hopes to develop technologies that address social and environmental challenges, such as labor shortages in agriculture. Receiving the Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship is deeply meaningful to Yuki, as it not only supports her financially but also encourages her to grow as a globally minded engineer. During her time in the U.S., she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of robotics and sustainable design, while also learning from diverse peers and experiences that differ from those in Japan. Through this opportunity, she hopes to bridge her two cultures and contribute to building innovative solutions that benefit both Japan and the world.
Sydni Williams*

Home University
University of Southern Indiana

Host University
Nanzan University

Bio

Sydni is most excited about learning the culture and language while abroad. She hopes that by having a stronger understanding of Japanese culture, and having a solid grasp on the language, she will be able to develop her knowledge of the health systems of Japan. Her goal after graduating is to be accepted into a biostatistics PhD program focusing on healthy aging and dementia. Her hope is to help those suffering through dementia, and contribute to research to slow its progression. She believes that the longevity and health of Japan’s older population would be beneficial to her research. Sydni would not be able to study in Japan had it not been for the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship, and would be unable to gain first-hand experience in learning about Japan’s health systems and aging population. She is thankful for this opportunity, and hopes that when she returns to her home university, she will come back with knowledge and information to fuel her to succeed in her future goals and dream of helping others.
Sora Owada

Home University
Earlham College

Host University
Earlham College

Bio

Sora Owada is a rising junior majoring in computer science at Earlham College in Indiana. Born and raised in Japan, he developed an early interest in technology and its potential to improve healthcare. At Earlham, he has held leadership roles in campus technology groups and collaborated with peers on interdisciplinary projects merging computer vision and clinical applications.

Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship is a pivotal step for Sora: it will enable him to deepen his understanding of AI-driven healthcare solutions at a leading U.S. research institution and cultivate enduring partnerships between American and Japanese academic communities. With this support, he plans to expand both his technical expertise and cultural fluency, establishing a foundation for a career that bridges innovation and patient wellbeing across borders.

During his time abroad, Sora is most eager to learn about the practical integration of AI in medical settings. He looks forward to hands-on laboratory experiences, multidisciplinary teamwork with diverse peers, and exposure to real-world clinical challenges—experiences that will inform his long-term goal of developing accessible, data-driven tools to enhance healthcare for all.
Sohta Matsui

Home University
Shiga University

Host University
University of Michigan, Dearborn

Bio

Sohta is honored to have been selected as a recipient of the scholarship, which has made it possible for him to finally realize his long-held goal of studying abroad. Receiving this scholarship significantly eases his financial burden, allowing him to fully focus on his studies and experiences in the host country. Moreover, being recognized through this selection has greatly boosted his confidence.

Last year, Sohta had the opportunity to participate in a short-term program in California, which increased his strong interest in American business education. He is particularly motivated to study marketing and advertising. In the United States, where business is more firmly established as an academic discipline than in Japan, he believes he will be able to broaden his perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the field through learning from a different cultural and academic context.

Having witnessed the transformation of his hometown into a major tourist destination, Sohta has grown increasingly concerned about the disproportionate influence of large capital interests on local communities. In the future, he hopes to apply the knowledge and experience he gains in the fields of marketing and advertising to contribute to regional tourism and help build a more self-sustaining community.
Shio Sawada

Home University
Earlham College

Host University
Earlham College

Bio

Shio is an incoming first-year student at Earlham College, where she plans to explore various disciplines through the liberal arts curriculum, starting with an interest in environmental sustainability. Born and raised in Japan, she became passionate about international issues through short-term study abroad programs in Australia and the United States during high school. Her involvement in English debate and research-based workshops sparked a strong interest in how climate change is understood and addressed across different cultural and economic contexts.

Receiving the Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship means a great deal to her, as studying in the United States would not have been financially possible otherwise. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue higher education abroad. During her time in the U.S., she looks forward to learning through fieldwork and discussions with people from diverse backgrounds. She is eager to explore new perspectives on climate change and push herself beyond her comfort zone by engaging in unfamiliar experiences. Shio hopes to develop the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to international cooperation and sustainability.
Seji Choi

Home University
Brandeis University

Host University
Brandeis University

Bio

Seji is a rising senior at Brandeis University, triple majoring in Neuroscience, Biology, and Psychology. He initially became interested in the brain when he learned his grandparents both had neurological disorders and wanted to help find a cure for them. Eventually, he became fascinated with the brain’s functionality which allows for diverse characterizations and effective communication between people. He is excited to study in the US, which has one of the best undergraduate neuroscience programs in the world, and become involved in the research-focused community while interacting with a diverse group of people.

Seji’s upbringing was multicultural, being raised in Japan under a Korean household, and attending an English speaking school. Despite struggling with his cultural identity, the continuous engagement with the various environments fostered Seji’s curiosity in studying abroad in the US. This allowed him to interact with other students in similar situations and embrace his multicultural identity by integrating the positive aspects of each culture. Seji is grateful that the Watanabe Scholarship allows him to continue his studies in the US with less financial worry and help him become a multicultural bridge between Japan, the US, and Korea in the scientific community.
Seigo Asami

Home University
Keio University

Host University
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Bio

Seigo Asami is a third-year economics student at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. He has a deep interest in agricultural economics and international collaboration. Growing up helping manage his family’s agritourism farm, he became aware of the structural and regulatory challenges facing Japanese agriculture. These experiences inspired his desire to study agricultural policy, efficiency, and reform from a global perspective.

During his time studying in the United States, Seigo hopes to gain a deeper understanding of agricultural policy, large-scale farming practices, and precision agriculture. He is particularly interested in learning how the U.S. utilizes economic analysis and data-driven policymaking to enhance productivity and sustainability. By comparing the agricultural systems of both countries, he aims to gain insights that can inform improvements in Japan.

Seigo is also interested in strengthening agricultural cooperation between Japan and the U.S. He believes that sharing technologies, policies, and values between the two countries can help address global challenges such as food security and climate change. He looks forward to engaging in discussions with students from diverse backgrounds and broadening his perspectives through academic and cultural exchange.
Sarira Takahara

Home University
The College of Wooster

Host University
The College of Wooster

Bio

Sarira is a rising freshman at Wooster College majoring in Global and International Studies. Since enrolling in a full-boarding IB school on a remote island in Hiroshima, she has developed a deep passion for the field of peace, with a particular interest in exploring sustainable approaches to maintaining peace activities across time, regions, and generations.

Through research, internships, and fieldwork related to peace activism, she will work toward the sustainability of peace efforts at the College of Wooster. She is most looking forward to take “”Activism & Social Change”” course, which perfectly aligns with her goal of introducing sustainable solutions to Japan’s peace NPO sector, which often struggles with volunteer engagement and financial stability. Through this course, she hopes to deepen her understanding of key elements that drive successful activism, while gaining insight into the political and legal frameworks that shape these efforts.

Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship enable her to pursue her study within a globally engaged academic community and deepen her commitment to sustainable peacebuilding. She feels deeply honored and grateful for this opportunity and carries with her a strong sense of responsibility to give back to those who have supported her on this journey.
Robert Thomas Montgomery

Home University
Pellissippi State Community College

Host University
Temple University, Japan Campus

Bio

Robert Thomas Montgomery is an incoming transfer student at Temple University, Japan Campus. After receiving an associate degree through Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee, he will be moving to Japan to pursue his bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in Japanese language.

Robert’s first experience with Japan came through a scholarship-funded study abroad program at his community college. Raised by an immigrant mother from Poland, he had always had an interest in studying internationally. Upon his arrival to Japan, he was enamored by the culture and the language, which sparked a desire in him to understand it better. He views studying in Japan as an amazing opportunity in his life to expand his cross-cultural perspective.

Robert is extremely grateful for the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship. He is a first generation college student, so receiving this award represents not only financial support, but recognition of how far he has come in his journey. Without the support of this scholarship, studying in Japan would not be possible for Robert. In the future, he hopes to become a teacher of economics and support the next generation of students interested in improving the US-Japan relationship.
Rina Matsuo

Home University
University of California, San Diego

Host University
University of California, San Diego

Bio

Hello! Rina 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 Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, 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 shared her name and age. This encounter solidified her determination to contribute to the survival of pediatric leukemia patients, opening 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. The United States, with its vast medical device market, top-tier education in manufacturing, and active collaboration between doctors, engineers, and investors, provides the ideal environment for her studies. Rina aspires to become a bridge between Japan and the U.S., 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.
Raku Kadoi

Home University
University of Southern California

Host University
University of Southern California

Bio

Raku is a rising sophomore pursuing a major in Business Administration at the University of Southern California. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, he grew up bilingual and has been drawn to understanding the deeper social and economic forces shaping Japan’s financial engagement among youth. Receiving the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship has been a transformative opportunity, reducing the financial pressure of international education and allowing him to fully dedicate himself to his academic and personal growth.

Raku is passionate about financial literacy and envisions using his education to support and revitalize Japan’s financial knowledge, especially among the younger generation. During his time in the U.S., he looks forward to exploring how early financial education is integrated into American curricula and community programs, with the goal of adapting similar approaches to empower youth in Japan to make informed economic decisions from a young age.
Miku Hayashida^

Home University
Boston University

Host University
Boston University

Bio

Miku is an incoming student for Master’s of Social Work at Boston University. As a wheelchair user and as a social worker, she is deeply passionate about being an advocate for marginalized communities, especially disabled people and that leads her to this journey.

Studying abroad as a wheelchair user requires additional financial burden, such as costs of securing wheelchair accessible housing and hiring the personal care assistance. The Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship makes that burden ease and allows her to focus on what she is eager to learn at Boston University just like anyone else.

Her connection between Japan and the United States aligns with her roots as third generation of Japanese-American and her lived experience and global perspective inform her leadership and advocacy. She believes that pursuing master’s degrees at Boston University will expand her perspective and she is excited to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Mei Oguma

Home University
University of Washington

Host University
University of Washington

Bio

Mei is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington, where she intends to pursue a major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology on the pre-medical track. Her childhood hospitalization with Kawasaki disease, combined with her experiences assisting in cardiovascular disease research and shadowing physicians, has inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. This year, she is especially excited to begin research at Seattle Children’s Hospital in a lab focused on Kawasaki disease, serve as a board member of the UW Surgery Interest Association, and further deepen her clinical exposure.

Having grown up in both Japan and the United States, Mei’s bicultural identity has significantly shaped who she is today. Her connection to both countries fuels her aspiration to bridge these two cultures as a future physician working at the intersection of clinical care, scientific research, and global collaboration.

The Watanabe Scholarship enables Mei to continue her studies without placing financial strain on her family. She is deeply grateful to be a returning recipient and is committed to making the most of this opportunity, ensuring that the year ahead is both fulfilling and enriching.
Mark Elkinton

Home University
The University of Montana

Host University
Sophia University

Bio

Mark is a first-generation, nontraditional student from a working class family in Missoula, Montana. He is pursuing a double major in Sociology and Japanese at the University of Montana.

Mark’s interest in Japan was initially piqued as a child. His father grew up on Navy bases in the U.S. alongside Japanese-American families. Mark’s father introduced him at a young age to the history and importance of Japan and the U.S.’s political and economic relationship. This interest was furthered by Mark’s enthusiasm for Japanese film, as he grew up watching Godzilla movies with his family, and later discovered a love for the films of Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirō Ozu.

The U.S.-Japan Council Watanabe Scholarship will allow Mark to study at Sophia University in Tokyo for a full academic year. He is most excited to begin studying the Japanese language while living in Tokyo. Montana is a landlocked, rural state where there are few Japanese speakers to interact with. Studying at Sophia University will allow him to interact with native Japanese people, allowing him to better practice the language through real-world interactions and provide him with a solid foundational understanding of Japanese social issues and culture.
Layla Robledo

Home University
Middlebury College

Host University
International Christian University

Bio

Layla is a rising junior at Middlebury College majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Japanese. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she was drawn to Middlebury by its enticing language program, which attracted her into studying Japanese. In Fall 2025, she will be studying abroad at the International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo. She is extremely interested in continuing her studies and thanks to the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship she’ll be able to learn an incredible amount of Japanese culture during her time in Japan. This scholarship has eased her previous financial concerns and made this opportunity possible, and for that she is deeply grateful.

She is excited to fully immerse herself in Japanese language and culture, and looks forward to learning through everyday experiences while abroad. Her goal is to become fluent in Japanese and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s customs and society. Layla hopes that this experience will not only strengthen her confidence in speaking the language, but also help her build the skills to communicate cross-culturally. In the future, she wishes to return to her home and use her bilingual skills to help give back to the community and build relations with others.
Koharu Ito

Home University
Lewis ＆ Clark College

Host University
Lewis ＆ Clark College

Bio

Koharu is an incoming undergraduate student majoring in Sociology at Lewis ＆ Clark College in Oregon. She is from Tokyo and graduated from high school in Tokyo. From her experience of studying abroad in a Texas high school in the United States and volunteer work for immigrant children in her hometown, Koharu is seeking to study immigration and politics to contribute to the sustainable development of Japanese society. She will be able to learn a lot from small classes, outdoor curriculum, and interaction with students all over the world. She is looking forward to studying at the liberal arts college to gain a diverse perspective on various fields and to learn how to solve social issues.

Thanks to the support of the Toshizo Watanabe scholarship, she can concentrate on studying and make the most of her college life without financial concerns. She is deeply honored to be a part of the Watanabe Scholars network and hopes to contribute to the meaningful connection between Japan and the United States.
Kento Yanagishita

Home University
Columbia University

Host University
Columbia University

Bio
Kenshin Noguchi

Home University
DePauw University

Host University
DePauw University

Bio
Kaitlin Tobaru

Home University
Ohio University

Host University
Ohio University

Bio
Jay Ueki

Home University
Akita International University

Host University
Drexel University

Bio
Iroha Mochida^

Home University
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Host University
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Bio
Hiroshi Nonaka (Awardee)

Home University
Soka University of America

Host University
Soka University of America

Bio
Hina Saito

Home University
University of California, Berkeley

Host University
University of California, Berkeley

Bio
Hanaka Ishimoto

Home University
The University of Texas at Austin

Host University
The University of Texas at Austin

Bio
Gota Akagiri

Home University
Lake Forest College

Host University
Lake Forest College

Bio
Fumio Igarashi ^

Home University
Fashion Institute of Technology

Host University
Fashion Institute of Technology

Bio
Freddie Lawrence^

Home University
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Host University
Ritsumeikan University

Bio
Emily Stewart

Home University
University of Rhode Island

Host University
Niigata University

Bio
Chikako Inoue

Home University
Grinnell College

Host University
Grinnell College

Bio
Chii Kojima

Home University
Mount Holyoke College

Host University
Mount Holyoke College

Bio
Ayu Matsubara^

Home University
Roosevelt University

Host University
Roosevelt University

Bio
Ayano Yoneda

Home University
Earlham College

Host University
Earlham College

Bio
Aoi Tomoeda

Home University
University of California, Los Angeles

Host University
University of California, Los Angeles

Bio
Akari Hayashi

Home University
Denison University

Host University
Denison University

Bio

Akari is a rising junior majoring in Educational Studies at Denison University in Granville, Ohio; enrolling at Denison University was her first experience going abroad.

Her academic interest is narrative qualitative inquiry, which focuses on teachers’ and students’ voices and experiences about educational policy and curriculum. She aims to bridge the gap between educational practitioners, policymakers, and scholars, and ultimately, she hopes to contribute to improving Japanese education through an effective cycle of policy-making and field practices. Studying abroad in the U.S. fits with her interests because qualitative research in the educational field in the U.S. has been more developed, enabling her to immerse herself in qualitative research opportunities. While abroad, she is looking forward to engaging with professors and peers who are interested in a qualitative approach to topics of education.

With the support of the Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship, she can continue her academic journey without financial pressure. It enables her to prioritize research opportunities, academic conferences, and field studies in education settings. She is also excited to engage with the community of Watanabe scholars more.