Press Release
JAL Scholarship Program Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
– Fostering Connections and Relationships that Transcend Borders in Asia and Oceania –
The next-generation development program "JAL Scholarship Program" celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Launched in 1975, This program invites university students from Asia and Oceania to Japan, aiming to nurture future leaders through cultural experience, exchanges, and mutual understanding.
The 50-Year Journey and Achievements of the JAL Scholarship Program
The JAL Scholarship Program was born out of former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka’s visit to Southeast Asia. Inspired by the desire to strengthen relationships between Japan and Asian countries, JAL initiated this program in 1975 to promote mutual understanding and lasting friendship through cultural exchange, building the gap stemming from historical challenges. Subsequently, in 1990, the Nikko Foundation (now JAL Foundation) took over its administration, enriching the program to meet the demands of the times and enhancing its content sustainably.
Initially, the program focused on deepening participants’ understanding of Japanese culture and society. Today, it emphasizes developing “Global Citizens" who can address global issues such as sustainability and environmental challenges. Practical initiatives, including the introduction of "Global Citizen Lectures" and hybrid programs combining online and face-to-face learning, offer diverse learning opportunities, enabling participants to think and act globally.
Over the 50 years of its existence, approximately 1,700 students have participated in this program. Graduates are now active in a broad range of fields, including roles as ministers, diplomats, business leaders, scholars, and journalists across various countries and regions. Their activities have played integral roles in diverse areas within international society, serving as bridges that strengthen their ties with Japan.
The first program in 1975
Group work with students from various countries
Future Prospects
Looking forward, the JAL Scholarship Program seeks to deepen cross-border understanding and foster sustainable societies grounded in multiculturalism. Programs will equip future leaders from Asia and Oceania to address global challenges effectively.
Centered on three pillars—keynote lectures, fieldwork, and homestays—the program will be developed into a hybrid format combining online and in-person activities. By further expanding multinational exchanges, the program will nurture young individuals who respect diversity and contribute to sustainable development. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on contributions to local communities and sustainable society-building, creating a future where graduates contribute toward solving challenges in both local and international communities.
Towards the 100th Anniversary of JAL Scholarship Program
The JAL Scholarship Program contributes to the creation of a more sustainable and prosperous world through the continuous transition from understanding Japanese culture to broadening international perspectives and fostering “Global Citizens" who engage in solving social issues.
