Chiaki Jones, a graduate of Leeward Community College, is a recipient of a three-year Monbukagakusho scholarship from the Japanese government. Jones is the only 2016 Monbukagakusho Scholarship recipient from the United States.
The Monbukagakusho (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) in Japan offers a unique scholarship opportunity for students who wish to study at a Japanese senshu-gakko (specialized training college). Jones’ scholarship includes one year of intensive Japanese language study at Osaka Japanese Language Education Center from April 2016 to March 2017. The scholarship also includes two years of specialized training in animation at Kyoto Computer Gakuin from April 2017 to March 2019. The three year scholarship covers tuition, housing and airfare and recipients are provided a monthly stipend.
Last year, Filifaatali Mauai, III, another Leeward Community College graduate, was selected as the United States recipient. He is completing his first year of intensive Japanese language at the Bunka Institute of Language in Tokyo. Mauai will be studying graphic arts the next two years at Toyo Institute of Art and Design in Tokyo.
“I am pleased and proud of the accomplishments of our community college students who have excelled and successfully competed on a global level with students from around the world,” said John Morton, vice president for UH Community Colleges. “I am confident that both Chiaki and Fili will succeed in their pursuits and return to strong to further their education at UH Mānoa.”
