(NEWS) Sasakawa Fellowship Students Orientation 2025

September

2025

Sasakawa Fellowship Students Orientation 2025

The orientation for the new Sasakawa Fellowship Students in the Class of 2026 was held on 19 September at the World Maritime University (WMU) in the Sasakawa Auditorium. This annual gathering, organized by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), fosters connections between the graduating Class and the incoming Sasakawa-sponsored students, laying the foundation for future collaboration. The Class of 2025, made up of 30 Sasakawa Fellowship Students who will graduate this November, warmly welcomed 31 new students from the Class of 2026.

The Sasakawa Fellows Programme creates an international network of maritime professionals dedicated to helping their home countries tackle pressing maritime and ocean policy challenges. Through their WMU education, Sasakawa Fellows are encouraged to develop strong leadership skills, build enduring professional networks, and drive positive change in the maritime sector and beyond.

On behalf of The Nippon Foundation, representatives from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation included Mr. Eisuke Kudo, Senior Advisor to SPF, together with Ms. Emi Shimada and Ms. Reiko Naito. In his opening remarks, Mr. Kudo—who has been engaged with the Sasakawa Fellowship Programme for more than 20 years—highlighted the value of connecting with fellow Sasakawa alumni across the globe, echoing the guiding words of The Nippon Foundation Honorary Chairman, Dr. Yohei Sasakawa: “One World. One Family.” Ms. Shimada then shared an overview of the Programme, covering its history, structure, and support mechanisms.

As part of the orientation, students from both classes introduced themselves to one another and to the SPF representatives. The Class of 2025 offered guidance on their areas of specialization to help the new students navigate their academic journey. The day concluded with a reception at the WMU World Bistro, where WMU President, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., expressed his appreciation to The Nippon Foundation and SPF for steadfast support in advancing maritime and ocean capacity development through fellowships at WMU.

With the arrival of the Class of 2026, the total number of WMU students awarded Sasakawa Fellowships has reached 843 from 89 countries —a testament to the enduring partnership between WMU and The Nippon Foundation in building global maritime leadership.

About The Nippon Foundation’s Support to WMU:
The Nippon Foundation is dedicated to social innovation, aiming to foster a society where individuals support one another, alleviating challenges through collaboration. The Nippon Foundation’s contributions to WMU began in 1987 with providing fellowships for WMU students. The WMU Sasakawa Fellowship Programme began in 1988. The Nippon Foundation is the largest fellowship donor to the University, providing 30 new awards on an annual basis.

In addition to fellowships, The Nippon Foundation organizes a week-long field study in Japan. Since 2001, SPF has regularly conducted Regional Network Meetings for WMU Sasakawa Fellows. Moreover, The Nippon Foundation further supports the capacity development mission of WMU by substantially funding the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute, as well as funding six Professorial Chairs, and numerous conferences and events connected with WMU.

Each year, a limited number of Sasakawa Fellowships are available for government employees from developing countries. The Sasakawa Fellowship Awards Committee seeks qualified candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds, prioritizing those aged 26 to 35. Interested applicants must apply for admission to the university while simultaneously submitting a Donor Funding Application from their organizations and a Sasakawa Fellowship Motivational Statement. It is crucial for both applications to be thoroughly completed. Completed applications must reach the university by the end of January in the year of entry.

For more information, click here.

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