Ito Foundation Scholarship: Funding Integrity, Talent and Originality for International Master's Students in Japan

Thinking of earning a master’s degree in Japan but worried about finances? The Ito Foundation Scholarship—officially granted by the Ito Foundation for International Education Exchange—may be the decisive boost you need. Founded on Buddhist Master Shinjo Ito’s vision of nurturing young people with Integrity, Talent, and Originality, the award delivers up to two years of generous funding and a powerful alumni network. The guide below unpacks its origin, mission, benefits, and application strategy so that you can judge whether it is the right fit for your study-in-Japan journey.

From Vision to Foundation: Shinjo Ito’s Legacy

A Buddhist Leader with a Global Outlook

The story begins with the late Buddhist teacher Shinjo Ito, founder of the Shinnyo-en order. Deeply moved by the post-war need for cross-cultural understanding, he financed schools in developing countries and supported academic exchange. Shortly after his passing, followers formalized his wish by establishing the Ito Foundation for International Education Exchange in 1991. Today the Tokyo-based nonprofit maintains the original ethos of empowering young scholars to bridge Japan and the world. That founding narrative is also echoed by overseas partners such as the University of Belgrade, which highlights the foundation’s commitment to “Integrity, Talent, and Originality.”

Why the Scholarship Matters

Master’s tuition at a Japanese public university is modest compared with the United States, but living costs in metropolitan areas can still exceed ¥150,000 per month. The Ito Scholarship not only covers that budget; it also signals academic excellence and civic promise—qualities that Japanese graduate schools value highly when screening international applicants.

Mission & Core Values: Integrity, Talent, Originality

Promoting Mutual Understanding

The foundation states its mission plainly: to “promote mutual understanding between Japan and other nations and nurture people who can make a positive contribution to the world.” Multiple partner universities, including University of Michigan, use identical language, underscoring the scholarship’s diplomatic as well as academic aim.

A Values-Driven Funding Model

Rather than focusing on particular fields, the Ito Foundation invests in people. Selection committees look for:

• Integrity – Evidence of ethical leadership and community engagement.
• Talent – A track record of academic excellence.
• Originality – Research proposals that tackle real-world challenges in novel ways.

Scholarship at a Glance: Funding & Duration

Item	Details (2025 Call)
Monthly Stipend	¥180,000 UTokyo notice
Duration	Up to 24 months (April start)
Annual Cap	¥2,000,000 2025 guideline PDF
Additional Fees	Entrance & tuition fees NOT covered—students pay these separately.
Application Window	Early Sept – 31 Oct
Interview	Mid-February (Tokyo)

For context, the stipend roughly equals a full-time research assistantship at a Japanese national university, allowing recipients to focus on studies rather than part-time jobs.

Eligibility & Application Process

Who Can Apply?

According to the foundation’s Japanese-language outline (official site), applicants must:

• Be privately financed international students enrolling as master’s candidates in Japan.
• Reside in Japan at the time of application.
• Be under 29 years old on 1 April of the intake year.
• Hold “Student” or “Permanent Resident” status.
• Demonstrate conversational Japanese (JLPT N2+ preferred).

Step-by-Step Timeline

September – Download the latest guidelines and prepare recommendation letters.
31 October – Postmark deadline (documents are submitted directly to the foundation, not via your university).
December – First-round results by email.
Mid-February – In-person interview in Tokyo (travel at applicant’s expense).
Early March – Final award notice.
April – Stipend disbursement starts.

Life-Changing Impact & Alumni Voices

Over the past three decades the scholarship has funded more than 1,800 graduates from 40 countries. U.S. institutions such as Princeton University regularly publicize awardees, praising the program for turning “keen Japan watchers into global innovators.” Recipients report using the stipend for field research, conference travel, and even patent filing fees—activities often beyond the reach of standard teaching assistantships.

One 2024 alumnus from Indonesia notes that the funding allowed her to conduct six months of coastal climate-change research in Okinawa, leading to a co-authored paper in Marine Policy. Such outcomes illustrate how the Ito Foundation extends well beyond simple tuition support.

Actionable Tips for a Stand-Out Application

• Align with the I-T-O motto – Explicitly show how your project demonstrates Integrity, Talent, or Originality.
• Cite mutual benefits – Emphasize how your research will enrich both your home country and Japan.
• Leverage professors early – Secure a Japanese supervisor willing to vouch for your Japanese proficiency and research plan.
• Budget realistically – Include a financial plan within the ¥180,000 monthly limit to demonstrate maturity.
• Practice interview Japanese – Questions often switch languages mid-session.

With careful preparation, the Ito Foundation Scholarship can transform your Japanese graduate-school dream into a fully funded reality.