The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation is a UK charity supporting UK-Japan links through awarding Daiwa Scholarships; offering grants to support UK-Japan collaboration and organising events including seminars, and exhibitions at its London headquarters.
In 2018, it was awarded the Japanese Ambassador’s Commendation for its accomplishments in fostering closer links between Japan and the UK. In 2019, it received the Japan-British Society Award for its contributions to furthering UK-Japanese relations. The Daiwa Scholarships programme in particular was highlighted for its success in this regard.
The flagship Daiwa Scholarships programme was established in 1991. Aimed at British citizens with the potential to become future leaders in their fields, it was inspired by the belief that contact between young people would foster mutual understanding and support the long-term relationship between Britain and Japan.
The Scholarship is a unique 19-month programme of language study, work placement, and homestay in Japan, following a month of Japanese language study in the UK. If offers outstanding and talented British citizens with strong leadership potential the opportunity to acquire Japanese language skills, and to access expertise and knowledge relevant to their career goals. No previous experience of Japan or Japanese is necessary, but an interest in and angle on Japan is essential.
Language study
All Daiwa Scholars undertake intensive Japanese language study at the Center for Japanese Language at Waseda University in Tokyo. They are expected to reach an upper-intermediate level of language ability and are expected to sit Level N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) whilst in Japan.
Homestay
Daiwa Scholars spend one month with a family outside Tokyo at the end of the first year to improve their language ability and enhance their understanding of Japan.
Work placement
In consultation with each Scholar, the Foundation’s Tokyo Office helps arrange individual work placements appropriate to each Daiwa Scholar’s career goals. Previous Daiwa Scholars have been based at organisations including architecture practices, law firms, media companies, museums, NGOs, think-tanks and universities. Scholars are encouraged to be proactive in suggesting appropriate work placement institutions.
Candidates must be: British citizens
Candidates should be: graduates or due to graduate by the time of departure, equipped with a strong degree in any subject* – or individuals with a strong record of achievement in their field- in possession of clear career objectives and a commitment to furthering UK-Japan links.
*Single honours graduates in Japanese language studies are not eligible to apply for Daiwa Scholarships but may wish to apply for the Daiwa Scholarships in Japanese Studies.
Benefits:
- Return flight to Japan
- Accommodation in Tokyo whilst the Scholar is seeking a flat
- All tuition and examination costs
- A living allowance for the duration of the Scholarship which is to cover accommodation and living costs for a single person: Yen 260,000 per month (rent is around Yen 80,000 per month)
- Private medical insurance
- Support from the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation’s Liaison Office in Tokyo
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