Graduate Scholarships For Women in Japan: CWAJ’s 2024 Scholarship Luncheon

We had the opportunity to interview three of the six CWAJ 2024 scholarship recipients this year.

On May 15th, 2024 the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) celebrated the achievements of six outstanding scholars who received a total of 12 million yen in scholarships at their annual scholarship award ceremony. Two scholarships were awarded in each of the following categories: Graduate Scholarships for Japanese Women to Study Abroad, Graduate Scholarships for Non-Japanese Women to Study in Japan, and CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Impaired to Study in Japan.

© Photo by College Women’s Association of Japan

Congratulations to the following 2024 scholars:

• Aya Tsutsui (CWAJ Cultural Exchange Graduate Scholarship for Japanese Women to Study Abroad)
• Tomoko Nakano (CWAJ Cartier Scholarship)
• Areum Ryu (CWAJ Graduate Scholarship for Non-Japanese Women to Study in Japan)
• Sarah Sherweedy (CWAJ Cultural Exchange Graduate Scholarship for Non-Japanese Women to Study in Japan)
• Hayato Kishira (CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Impaired to Study in Japan)
• Haruna Tomaoki (CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Impaired to Study in Japan)

In addition to the 2024 scholar introductions, past CWAJ scholar, Professor Yukiko Fukagawa of Waseda University, gave a guest lecture and spoke about the “Changing Japan-U.S. Economic Partnership in East Asia.” June Miyachi, president and CEO of Cartier Japan, also spoke and presented the CWAJ Cartier Scholarship, which is funded by Cartier Japan. Lunch was then enjoyed with the scholars, special guests and CWAJ group members.

© Photo by CWAJ

© Photo by CWAJ

© Photo by CWAJ

Meeting the 2024 Scholars

© Photo by Shelley Smith

Before the scholarship luncheon, Savvy Tokyo chatted with three of this year’s scholars: Sarah Sherweedy, Areum Ryu and Tomoko Nakano. Read on to learn more about them.

Sarah Sherweedy

© Photo by Shelley Smith

Sarah Sherweedy is an Egyptian scholar who has lived in Japan for six years. Initially supported by a three-year Mext Scholarship, she is currently pursuing her PhD in International Japanese Studies at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Sarah’s passion lies in unraveling the intricacies of Japanese literature and translation. Specializing in the works of Japanese author Osamu Dazai, she examines Dazai’s narrative styles while navigating the complexities of translating his work.

Areum Ryu

© Photo by Shelley Smith

Originally from Korea, Areum Ryu has lived in Japan for six years. Armed with a master’s degree in International Relations and motivated by the challenges posed by COVID-19 to struggling small and medium businesses, Areum decided to resume her studies. She is currently in her second year of a PhD program in International Trade and Economics at Waseda University. With her expertise, she aims to empower smaller businesses and make a meaningful difference.

Tomoko Nakano

© Photo by Shelley Smith

Tomoko Nakano is an entrepreneur-in-training. Having graduated from Keio University, Tomoko is now preparing for an exciting new chapter at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she will embark on a two-year MBA this September. Tomoko has been working at her father’s finance and consulting business where she’s confronted with issues such as Japan’s aging population and the lack of succession planning. Determined to find solutions, Tomoko is eager to leverage her education and experience to address these challenges head-on.

How did you come across this scholarship?

Sarah: A friend of mine actually got the scholarship last year and recommended it to me. What stuck with me was how the scholarship started—created by women to support other women. It’s now gone beyond that to support more people from diverse backgrounds. This vision aligns with my aspirations as I try to make a mark as an Egyptian woman in Japan, representing my country, religion and family.

Areum: I came across an exhibition in Daikanyama, which happened to be the CWAJ Print Show. I looked into the organization and was inspired to learn that it started shortly after World War II with a mission to support women passionate about their education. This struck a chord with me as my grandparents are survivors of the Korean War. They instilled in me the belief that while war can take everything away, knowledge and education endure, passing down a legacy of passion for learning in our family.

Is studying here in Japan any different from studying abroad?

Sarah: Japan is a great environment to grow as a researcher and an individual. These scholarships are a great example, but there are also many grants for when you want to travel for academic conferences.

Where do you see yourselves 10 years from now?

Tomoko: I aim to eventually transition into entrepreneurship, focusing on selling businesses under my name. I want to utilize my expertise and personality to make a mark in the field, whether that be an entrepreneurship or brokerage company.

Areum: While the future holds uncertainties, I’m passionate about globally related work. I plan to continue my work in related economic sectors to encourage mutual understanding among countries. I want to empower others through my knowledge and create a trustworthy environment for everyone.

Sarah: Despite once disliking literature, I’ve discovered a passion for it and want to redefine how it’s approached. I enjoy teaching quite a lot and am currently a part-time lecturer at Takushoku University. I plan to pursue a career as a university professor. Other plans include continuing my research and publishing two books—one on my study and another featuring a collection of translations.

What are your hobbies outside of studying?

Sarah: I make pottery every week! One day I want everything in my house to be handmade. I make a lot of pots and plates now and plan to make all my tableware myself.

Tomoko: I’m a yoga practitioner! Yoga is amazing because following poses is universal. Every time I travel, I try to join a yoga class. When I first visited Chicago, joining the American community as an international student was hard, but yoga helped me do that.

Areum Ryu: I love yoga, too, but I also love food and cooking! I especially enjoy making yogurt using the yogurt machine in my room. Since coming to Japan, I’ve been participating in many cooking workshops.

College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ)

© Photo by College Women’s Association of Japan

Since its founding in 1949, CWAJ has supported education, the arts, and community among Japanese and non-Japanese women. From cultural events to educational initiatives like the scholarship program, CWAJ offers a variety of activities where you can make a positive impact in the local community alongside others. If you want to join a supportive community in Tokyo, consider checking out CWAJ and connecting with diverse women with community-focused values.

67th CWAJ Print Show

© Photo by College Women’s Association of Japan

Discover a diverse selection of prints created by artists worldwide at the next CWAJ Print Show. Proceeds from the print show support CWAJ’s scholarship and community projects. For those interested in CWAJ, this event is an excellent opportunity to meet and chat with some of the current members.

• Date: Oct. 16-20, 2024
• Location: Daikanyama Hillside Forum, Hillside Terrace Building F, 201 18-8 Sarugakucho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
• Online: Check out the online gallery.

CWAJ Special Exhibition 2024: Trailblazers

Check out the works of five women artists who paved the way for future generations: Shinoda Toko, Yoshida Chizuko, Iwami Reika, Yanagisawa Noriko and Tatsuno Toeko.

• Date: Oct. 8-Nov. 5, 2024
• Location: Tokyo American Club, 2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo

Visit CWAJ’s official website to join, donate, or learn more about its scholarship program.