Fostering Wings That Open the Future for 50 Years

The "JAL Scholarship Program" is a program that invites university students from the Asia-Oceania region to Japan, promoting the creation of cross-border "relationships and connections" through cultural experiences, exchanges, and learning. In 2025, the program celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The program was launched by JAL in 1975, inspired by former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka’s visit to Southeast Asia in 1974, which sparked momentum for improving relations between Japan and Asian countries at that time. Originally, this initiative aimed to overcome postwar anti-Japanese sentiment and build friendly relations through exchange. Since then, the program has evolved to meet changing needs over time, enriching its content further, and continues to strive to nurture young people who will lead the future.

Extending our wings to deeper connections

The 2025 program, marking the 50th anniversary, was centered around the theme of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). It involved 25 university and graduate students from 16 countries and regions overseas, and 7 from Japan as student coordinators. After acquiring basic knowledge about the SDGs through a one-week online training starting with a keynote lecture, the participants visited local governments and companies addressing environmental issues related to the sea and mountains, food loss, and waste management during a two-week stay in Japan. Through fieldwork and group discussions, they deepened their practical learning.
On the final day of the program, based on what they had learned so far, the participating students formulated and presented their own action plans from their individual perspectives. The experience of learning together across borders and cultures, and living together, fostered strong bonds among the participants and provided a valuable opportunity to shape their aspirations for the future.

Bonds that enrich lives beyond borders and generations

Over the past 50 years, approximately 1,700 students have participated in the JAL Scholarship Program. Graduates are active in a wide range of fields worldwide, including ministers, diplomats, business leaders, scholars, and journalists. Their activities play a significant role in various areas of the international community and serve as a bridge that deepens ties with Japan.
Alumni reunions are held in many locations, fostering ongoing exchanges among graduates across countries, regions, and generations. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary, graduates from the programs of 1983 to 1985 gathered in Japan from various countries and visited the President of JAL Tottori and the JAL Foundation. Even as time passes, the bonds among graduates and their appreciation for their experiences with the JAL Scholarship remain a valuable asset.