Every year, the Okinawa Prefectural Government offers scholarships for young Okinawans (ages 18 to 35) to study in Okinawa for six months to one year. Titled the Okinawan Emigrants’ Descendent and Asian Scholarship Program (or colloquially known as the “kempi scholarship”), “this program selects talented youths of Okinawan descent living abroad […] to participate in exchange study at a host university or training at local businesses or traditional arts facilities. Participants have the chance to not only deepen their understanding of Okinawan history, culture, and customs, but also to grow into exemplary individuals capable of actively serving as a bridge between their home country and Okinawa.” (excerpt from the official application)
This exciting program offers three options:
This exciting program offers three options:
- Study at one of Okinawa’s universities (including Japanese language)
- Six months at a university and six months training at a company
- Study a traditional art (e.g., sanshin, dance, textiles, lacquerware, sanshin or taiko making, cuisine, etc.)
PLEASE NOTE:
This page is intended for members of the Okinawa kenjinkai/association in Los Angeles, California.
Please contact your nearest kenjinkai/association to apply!
This page is intended for members of the Okinawa kenjinkai/association in Los Angeles, California.
Please contact your nearest kenjinkai/association to apply!
APPLICATION2024 APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Please fill out this interest form and we will contact you about next year's application: ELIGIBILITY(Subject to change)
Applicants of Okinawan descent ages 18 - 35 must be members of their local Okinawa kenjinkai (prefectural association) and apply through that organization. If selected, the applicant will be representing that organization and their home country. |
DEADLINEApplicants are encouraged to pick up and read through the application as soon as possible because it will be a highly extensive process including an essay written in Japanese and an interview with the OAA’s selection committee.
REQUIREMENTS(Subject to change)
Application requirements include, but are not limited to:
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