Scholarships
JAVA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In 2025, the Japanese American Veterans Association proudly awarded 14 scholarships totaling $25,000 to outstanding students worldwide. These exceptionally talented and accomplished candidates represent the next generation committed to upholding the Nisei legacy of service and sacrifice to our nation.
Introducing your 2025 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Recipients
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship
Kai Vu
The $3,000 Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship honoring the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s iconic career of military and civilian public service was awarded to Kai Vu, of Seattle, Washington. The great-grandson of George Yamada, MIS/OSS, Kai is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Master of Public Health (MPH) at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts.
“Learning of the adversity my family has faced . . . has empowered me to be an advocate for . . . all marginalized groups in my community . . .. I am passionate about providing care to marginalized groups, aspiring to one day be able to use my knowledge of social determinants of health to ensure each patient is receiving a care plan that fits their needs and lifestyle. There would be no greater privilege than to undergo the necessary medical training to become a physician and establish longitudinal and interpersonal relationships . . ., serving as an agent of change and closing the gap in inequitable health outcomes.”
Ishio Founder's Scholarship
Kai Yasuo Moriyama
The $3,000 Ishio Founder’s Scholarship is named for JAVA’s founder, the late Colonel Phil Ishio, his wife Constance, and their son Douglas Ishio. It is awarded to a student who has completed two or more years of college/university. The Ishio Founder’s Scholarship is awarded to Kai Yasuo Moriyama of Kāneʻohe, Hawai‘i. The son of JAVA member, Heather Moriyama, Kai is attending the University of Southern California and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience.
“I learned early that authenticity could come at the cost of acceptance. I approached a patient with a warm smile, ready to offer support. Almost immediately, he recoiled and asked loudly if I was gay, saying he did not want me helping him. I was ready to retreat. However, a physician assistant noticed my distress and listened without judgment and reminded me that healthcare needs people from all backgrounds, especially those who know what it feels like to be unseen. I realized the challenge I faced was not only enduring discrimination but transforming pain into purpose. I chose to stay, and more importantly, I chose to lead.”
Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship
Karissa Ginoza
The $2,000 Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship in honor of a longtime patron of JAVA is awarded to a student who has completed at least one year in college/university. This scholarship was awarded to Karissa Ginoza, of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. She is the great granddaughter of Iwao Takamori, 100th Bn / 442nd RCT. Karissa is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Pre-Med at the University of Southern California.
“My ambition to attend medical school and become a physician is fueled by my desire to give back to the community that raised me. After completing my training, I plan to return home and serve my community, striving to make Maui a healthier, stronger, and therefore, better, place. Grit—the relentless pursuit of a goal against all odds—is a value passed down to me by my great-grandfather, Iwao Takamori, a soldier of the 442nd RCT. In a world where resilience seems to waver, I am determined to carry forward his legacy through my own unwavering effort and determination to pursue my goals.”
Colonel Jimmie Kanaya Legacy Scholarship
Kylee Narasaki
Kylee Narasaki, from Torrance, California, received the $2,000 JAVA Legacy Scholarship in honor of U. S. Army Colonel Jimmie Kanaya, a three-war veteran – WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. She is the great granddaughter of William Minoru Takata, Military Intelligence Service. Kylee will attend University of California, Los Angeles. She plans on earning her Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering and Pharmacy.
“I carry with me not only a passion for scientific innovation but also a legacy shaped by resilience, discipline, and strength. The internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans wasn’t just a historical event—it was a test of character that continues to echo through generations. My great-great-grandparents rebuilt their lives from scratch, after being uprooted from California . . .. It is this knowledge of my ancestor’s experience that propels me to pursue bioengineering, knowing that their educational opportunities were delayed or ended . . .. Knowing that they faced discrimination for their ethnicity pushes me to champion diversity and inclusion …”
Memorial Scholarships
The following JAVA Memorial Scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors, each in the amount of $1,500.
Dr. Americo Bugliani and his liberator, Paul Sakamoto, 442nd RCT Scholarship
Hulali Williams
Hulali Williams, from Kīhei, Hawai‘i, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Dr. Americo Bugliani and his liberator, Paul Sakamoto, 442nd RCT. She is the great-grandaugher of Mineo Kodama, 442nd RCT. Hulali is planning on attending Lewis & Clark Collge in Portland, Oregon, and plans on pursuing a degree in Biology.
“Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to help people. I plan to receive my degree in biology, and go to Cornell University Medical School to become a dermatologist. I will return to Maui to decrease the shortage of doctors and medical specialists. I have always had a love for community service. I participated in beach and reef cleanups with my family and volunteered at the Maui Humane Society. I also assisted with restoring fish ponds as a Hawaiian Language Immersion Program student. These early experiences with serving my community have shaped my love and desire for helping others.”
Furumoto Family Scholarship, in honor of Tak Furumoto's sister, Kyoko Liillian Furumoto
Tyler Tanaka
Tyler Tanaka, from Torrance, California, received the Furumoto Family Scholarship in honor of Tak Furumoto’s sister, Kyoko Lillian, sponsored by JAVA member and Vietnam veteran Tak Furumoto. He is the great grandson of Theodore Kazuyuki Takano, 100th Battalion. He will attend California State University, Long Beach, and pursue a degree in Kinesiology.
“My approach was rooted in the values I’ve learned from both my community and my family—especially my grandfather, who taught me the importance of staying curious and grounded. His quiet strength reminds me of the Nisei veterans—men who faced adversity not with bitterness, but with courage and service. I tried to emulate that mindset in my role: to listen carefully, respond with purpose, and act with integrity. It has inspired me to continue finding ways to support those around me and honor the legacies of those who led with courage and conviction before me.”
Ranger Grant Hirabayashi Scholarship
Mia Mayeda
Mia Mayeda, from Torrance, California, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Ranger Grant Jiro Hirabayashi, MIS. She is the great grandniece of Alfred Mayeda, 100th Battalion / 442nd RCT / MIS. Mia will be attending the University of Southern California and plans to study Mechanical Engineering.
“While a redirection of efforts allows you to explore different areas of yourself, giving up is the decision to never try again. To never even seek out what the world has to offer. When doors close, new ones open and it’s important to never turn your back on them. As Wilma Mankiller said, “The secret of our success is that we never, never give up”. Sometimes doors shut and there’s nothing we can do about it. I never gave up on my opportunities and I never will give up on myself.”
Izuno Family Scholarship
Kaia Fujinaka
Kaia Fujinaka, from Hilo, Hawai‘i, received the Izuno Family Scholarship, in honor of JAVA member and Korean War veteran, Dr. Takumi Izuno, who served in the U.S. Army 511th Military Intelligence Service. She is the great-granddaughter of Fred Hiromu Yamashige, 100th Battalion / 442 RCT. Kaia will be attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and plans on studying Kinesiology and Occupational Therapy.
“I have been deeply inspired by the legacy of the Nisei veterans – men like my great-grandfathers Fred H. Yamashige and Shigeo Tanouye – whose courage, sacrifice, and service shaped a better future for generations to come. Their example taught me that true leadership is rooted in humility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to community. Their spirit reminds me of the saying okage sama de, which roughly translates to “because of you, I am.” Because of their sacrifices, I have opportunities they once could only dream of. Inspired by them, I am determined to make my community a better place through healthcare, mentorship, and service.”
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mitsugi Kasai Scholarship
Katelyn Nishita
Katelyn Nishita from Honolulu, Hawai‘i, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mitsugi Kasai. She is the great granddaughter of Tadashi Tsuda, 1399th Engineer Battalion and great grandniece of Paul Okama, 442nd RCT. Katelyn will attend the University of Utah where she will study Kinesiology.
“Providing good healthcare requires compassion and empathy, especially when working with elderly patients. I started to address this issue and strengthen my community by working on intergenerational projects. I wanted younger people to value and respect our older generation rather than just see them as frail or sick. I am determined to continue to understand and improve my community in college. I am passionate about sharing my ethnic heritage with others while learning about the needs in the Salt Lake City community. I am interested in building relationships with patients and their families to make a positive impact on their health and well-being.”
Sadami Katahara Scholarship
Jencyn Shishido
Jencyn Shishido, from Wailuku, Hawai‘i, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Sadami Katahara. Jencyn is the great-granddaughter of Toru Orikasa, 100th Battalion. She will be attending the University of California, Irvine, and plans to study Pharmaceutical Studies.
“Each person follows a path, often crossed with others’, shaped not just by where we come from, but by the values we uphold and footsteps we leave behind. My map is etched with the lessons of service—of hands extended, promises kept, and kuleana accepted. The Nisei Veterans embodied this kuleana—the responsibility to serve, uplift, and guide a community forward. Their resilience instills in me that service is not defined by a single act, but a commitment to others. I carry their legacy each step, my path embodying the caregiver’s compassion and leader’s resolve.”
Ben Kuroki Scholarship
Lana McIlvane
Lana McIlvane, from Durham, North Carolina, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Sergeant Ben Kuroki, a gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 505th Bombardment Group. She is the daughter of JAVA member, Brian Yamamoto McIlvane. Lana will be attending the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she will study Political Science.
“Regardless of how my career develops, I know I will make every effort to serve the people of North Carolina to the best of my ability. I plan to use my knowledge of the law and government to protect and improve the lives of North Carolinians. I want to have a legacy of kindness and improvement that betters the lives of generation after generation. I care deeply about those around me and thoughtfully work to make the world a better place. After I graduate, I will use my education to help my community by continuing meaningful work that both inspires me and helps others.”
Vic & Teru Matsui Scholarship
Jolie Murakami
Jolie Murakami, from Kāneʻohe, Hawai‘i, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Vic & Teru Matsui. Jolie is the great-granddaughter of Sam Isamu Yamao, 442nd RCT. She plans on attending the University of Portland and plans to study Nursing.
“My desire to serve extends to honoring the legacy of my great-grandfather, Sam, a testament to the unwavering loyalty and bravery of many Japanese American veterans. His treacherous journey through the Vosges Mountains to save the Lost Battalion, enduring immense hardship and loss to demonstrate the profound pride of his community, serves as a powerful inspiration. I aim to embody his strength, courage, and deep-seated passion in my future nursing practices. By providing exceptional and compassionate medical care to all Americans, I aspire to represent my country with pride and contribute to the well-being of its people.”
Colonel Virgil R. Miller Scholarship
Evan Doi
Evan Doi, from Playa del Ray, California, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Colonel Virgil R. Miller, Commanding Officer of the 442nd RCT. He is the great grandnephew of Hiroshi Kamimura, 442nd RCT. Evan will attend the University of California, Berkeley, and plans to study Economics.
“I plan to continue my involvement in the Japanese American community through groups such as Nikkei Student Union during my time at UC Berkeley. I want to continue creating and promoting spaces where fellow Nikkei students can take pride and share in the culture that our ancestors and community members fought so hard to protect. Through leading cultural events, educating others on the Nikkei experience, or simply providing community for other Nikkei students, I aim to bridge the gap between generations, pushing forward values of resilience, justice, and perseverance that are a defining factor in the Nisei legacy.”
Robert Nakamoto Scholarship
Tyler Shimazaki
Tyler Shimazaki, from Torrance, California, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of past JAVA President and Korean War veteran, Robert Nakamoto. Tyler is the great grandson of Henry Hayashi, 100th Battalion. He will be attending the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and plans to study Industrial Technology & Packing.
“As I think back to my memorable Sierra Nevada adventure, it causes me to wonder about the many challenges my great-grandpa had to endure and overcome in Europe. There were similarities in that he was out for days in mountainous terrain and unrelenting weather, carried a heavy backpack, and was likely always hungry. However, he and his 442nd/100th buddies were fighting a war, trying to keep each other alive. He was fighting for his family at home, who were unjustly imprisoned in the internment camps. He was fighting for future Japanese American generations. I am forever grateful for his well-lived life of courage, humility, discipline, and generosity…”
JAVA thanks the Scholarship Committee – Mrs. Chris DeRosa, Chair; VADM Scott Van Buskirk, USN (Ret); CAPT (Dr.) Cynthia Macri, MC, USN (Ret); CAPT Susan Sherman, USN (Ret); LTC Robert Vokac, USA (Ret); and MAJ Kay Izumihara, USAR. We also would like to Thank California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi for taking time to congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients.
Please Click here to watch a recording of the Scholarship Awards Ceremony!
Updates from past JAVA Memorial Scholarship Recipients.
2025 JAVA Scholarship Program to Award 14 Scholarships
To learn more about the amazing individuals JAVA scholarships honor, click on the photo of our distinguished community leaders.
2026 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Program
To be announced... stay tuned.
Celebrating the Legacy of World War II Nisei Military Service
The Japanese American Veterans Association is excited to announce its annual Memorial Scholarship Program. These scholarships will benefit and recognize an impressive group of graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, and post-graduate and professional education students.
The scholarships include The U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) honoring the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s iconic career of military and civilian public service; the Ishio Founder’s Scholarship ($3,000), awarded in memory of JAVA’s founder, Colonel Sunao Phil Ishio, U.S. Army, his wife Constance and their son Douglas Ishio; the Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship ($2,000), a tribute to Ms. Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin, a longtime supporter of JAVA; the Colonel Jimmie Kanaya Legacy Scholarship ($2,000) in honor of U.S. Army Colonel Jimmie Kanaya, a three-war Veteran – World War II, Korea and Vietnam; as well as JAVA Memorial Scholarships ($1,500), honoring Nisei veterans, JAVA members and/or their family members.
Ten JAVA Memorial Scholarships ($1,500), honoring Nisei veterans, JAVA members and/or their family members.
- Americo Bugliani Scholarship in honor of his liberator, Paul Sakamoto, 100th Infantry Battalion/44nd RCT Veteran
- Furumoto Family Scholarship in honor of Lilian Kyoko Furumoto, the sister of JAVA member and Vietnam Veteran, Tak Furumoto
- Ranger Grant Hirabayashi Scholarship in honor of Ranger Grant Jiro Hirabayashi, MIS and Ranger Hall of Fame inductee
- Izuno Family Scholarship in honor of JAVA member and Korea War Veteran, Dr. Takumi Izuno who served in the U.S. Army 5th Military Intelligence Service
- Mitsugi Kasai Scholarship in honor of CWO4 Mitsugi Murakami Kasai, MIS Veteran
- Sadami Katahara Scholarship in honor of Sadami Katahara, 100th Infantry Battalion Veteran
- Ben Kuroki Scholarship in honor of Sergeant Ben Kuroki, a gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corps 505th Bombardment Group
- Vic & Teru Matsui Scholarship in honor of Victor Matsui, MIS Veteran, and his wife, Teru
- COL Virgil Miller Scholarship in honor of Colonel Virgil R. Miller, Commander of the 442nd, who led the Nisei soldiers in their rescue of the Texas “Lost Battalion” in the Vosges Mountains of France during WWII
- Robert Nakamoto Scholarship in honor of past JAVA President and Korean War veteran, Bob Nakamoto
Descendants of those who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service, the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, and the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion; and descendants of Japanese American soldiers who served during World War II in other United States military units to include the Women’s Army Corps or Army Nurses Corps are eligible to apply for a JAVA Scholarship.
Current members of JAVA whose membership began prior to April 1, 2023 are eligible to apply. Children of current JAVA members are also eligible to apply if the applicant’s parent or guardian was a member of JAVA prior to April 1, 2023.
In addition, past or present members of the U.S. Army’s 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment are eligible and encouraged to apply for the U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship. Also eligible are individuals enrolled in a college or university Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) or U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course. Applicants should demonstrate their lifelong commitment to public and uniformed service leadership for the nation.
How to apply for a JAVA Scholarship
Applicants should first review published rules and forms. Applications and supporting documents must be electronically submitted To Be Published. Applications are available online. Supporting documents should be sent to the Scholarship Chair with either “2026 Inouye Memorial Scholarship,” “2026 Ishio Founder’s Memorial Scholarship,” “2026 JAVA Legacy Scholarship,” or “2026 JAVA Memorial Scholarship” and the applicant’s name in the subject line. Applications not received by that date or that fail to meet the submission requirements will NOT be considered. Applicants will be notified of a decision in early July 2026 (Tentative). Awards will be presented at a date To Be Published.
2026 U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship (To Be Published)
2026 JAVA Ishio Founder’s Scholarship (To Be Published)
2026 JAVA Legacy Scholarships (To Be Published)
2026 JAVA Memorial Scholarships (To Be Published)
For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]