Building Bridges: The Kawaguchi Shizu Memorial Scholarship Guide for Ambitious Asian Students in Japan

Planning to study in Japan and worried about finances? The Kawaguchi Shizu Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Asian Foundation for International Scholarship Interchange (AFISI), has been helping promising students from across Asia turn their academic dreams into reality for more than three decades. Below you will find a practical, easy-to-scan guide—covering the award’s origin, mission, benefits, and application tips. Bookmark the blue links, share with friends, and start preparing your strongest application today!

1. Origin & Mission of the Kawaguchi Shizu Memorial Scholarship

From Private Legacy to Pan-Asian Bridge

The scholarship traces its roots to 1990, when the late Ms. Shizu Kawaguchi—a Hyōgo-born entrepreneur who ran a successful textiles business—donated a significant portion of her estate to establish AFISI. Her wish was clear: use education to forge lasting friendships between Japan and the wider Asian region. Three pillars now guide the foundation’s work:

• Scholarship Aid: Reduce economic barriers so talented students can complete degrees in Japan.
• Language & Cultural Exchange: Operate the TOPJ Japanese-proficiency test (launched 2008) to widen academic and career pathways.
• Human-Capital Development: Cultivate leaders who will strengthen Asia’s social and economic ties.

Over 30 years, more than 1,800 undergraduates and post-graduates have benefited, many returning home to launch cross-border ventures or serve in public policy. As AFISI notes on its supporter page for Kyoto University iUP (see outline), the overarching mission is to “promote international exchange and friendship between Japan and Asian countries” through sustainable, person-to-person investment.

2. Eligibility & Benefits

Who can apply?

Core requirements include (1) citizenship in an Asian country, (2) residence in Japan with “College Student” visa status at the time of application, (3) enrollment (or confirmed admission) at a designated university, and (4) age limit—generally under 30 for undergraduates and under 34 for graduate students. Applicants may not hold another major scholarship concurrently. Full details appear on the JPSS listing here.

Financial package

Academic Level	Monthly Stipend (¥)
Undergraduate	60,000
Master’s	60,000
Doctoral	70,000

Awards are paid for one year with possible renewal. While the amount will not cover all living expenses in Tokyo or Osaka, it dramatically eases the burden of rent and textbooks—especially in regional cities where costs are lower.

3. How to Apply

Timeline & deadlines

Most campuses open applications between September and November, but some operate on a winter cycle—for instance, University of Tokyo’s February 6 cut-off example. Always follow the calendar published by your own international office.

Submission route

AFISI accepts only university-endorsed nominations. Prepare the usual kit—application form, transcript, research plan, financial statement—and hand it to your faculty adviser or scholarship office. Some institutions (e.g., Tohoku University) require a minimum TOPJ-C level instead of JLPT; see their call here.

4. Standing Out: Tips & Common Pitfalls

Craft a persuasive study plan

Show how your research aligns with Japan’s strengths and benefits your home country. Cite concrete lab names, coursework, or community projects. Vague aspirations like “I want to learn Japanese culture” rarely impress reviewers.

Demonstrate community impact

Volunteering, mentoring, or multilingual outreach illustrate that you will be an active bridge between cultures—exactly what Ms. Kawaguchi envisioned.

Avoid last-minute paperwork

Missing a notarized transcript or proof of funds will disqualify even stellar candidates. Aim to finish all forms a month before your campus deadline so advisers can review.

5. Life in Japan on a ¥60–70k Budget

Outside the megacities, many students keep monthly expenses near ¥80,000 by sharing dormitories, cooking at home, and using student travel passes. In Tokyo, consider university co-op housing or suburbs on the JR Chūō Line to stretch your stipend.

Remember that AFISI prohibits holding another major scholarship simultaneously, but local government rent subsidies and one-off research grants are usually permissible—ask your international center.

6. Key Resources & Next Steps

• Foundation outline and mission – Kyoto iUP site
• Eligibility & stipend – JPSS listing
• Sample graduate-level deadline – UTokyo GSFS
• Language-specific call – Tohoku University

If you meet the criteria, draft your study plan now, contact your prospective supervisor, and ask your university’s scholarship office when nominations open. Best of luck—Japan is waiting for you!