Mitsui & Co. Scholarship Empowers Brazilian Students in Japan

At a scholarship ceremony held in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on August 20th, Aline Yukihara shared her aspirations. The event was organized by the major trading house Mitsui & Co., which has initiated a scholarship program to support Brazilian college students in Japan. This initiative aims to expand their career prospects.

The scholarship is a grant-type program, providing each student with between 1 million and 1.2 million yen annually. The recipients are not required to repay the funds. The selected students gathered at Mitsui's Tokyo headquarters on August 20th to discuss their journeys, hopes, and goals.

Aline Yukihara, a 21-year-old third-generation Japanese-Brazilian from Aichi Prefecture, expressed her desire to become a counselor for children with foreign backgrounds. Mitsui's commitment to supporting Brazilians in Japan began in 2005, reflecting its broader contributions to the South American country where it has significant business operations.

In 2009, Mitsui established a scholarship program for children attending Brazilian schools in Japan, covering education up to senior high school. The program for college students was launched last year, with Yukihara and three others as the inaugural recipients.

Yukihara, who was born in Brazil and moved to Japan at age four, initially struggled in public school due to cultural differences. She later transferred to a Brazilian school. After high school, she worked in an auto factory and as a care worker while preparing for college entrance exams. She is now studying psychology and social welfare.

Yukihara credits her education at a Brazilian school for enabling her to re-engage with the Japanese language. Inspired by her own experiences, she aims to provide emotional support to children facing similar challenges. She is considering pursuing graduate studies. The scholarship has significantly eased her financial burdens, providing her with reassurance and support.

According to the Immigration Services Agency, approximately 3.77 million foreign residents resided in Japan at the end of 2024, with Brazilians being the sixth-largest group. Kumiko Sakamoto, president of Aidensha, a nonprofit organization, noted that while many children of Japanese-Brazilians previously lacked access to higher education, the number pursuing it is increasing.

The Mitsui scholarship program offers new opportunities, as many graduates often take on similar jobs as their parents. Sakamoto highlighted the significance of the program, emphasizing its positive impact on the community. She also noted the growing number of foreign workers choosing to settle in Japan, attracted by the educational opportunities for their children. Sakamoto believes that as these children integrate into Japanese society, they will contribute significantly, making the scholarship program a significant step forward for both Japanese and non-Japanese individuals.