Scholarships

JAVA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

2024 JAVA Scholarship Program 15 Scholarships Totaling $26,000 Awarded!

The Japanese American Veterans Association announced winners of JAVA’s annual memorial scholarship award program for 2024. Outstanding students from around the world applied for these scholarships. The candidates  for the JAVA scholarships were incredibly talented and accomplished, and all applicants would be worthy  of receiving a JAVA scholarship to continue the legacy of the Nisei service and sacrifice to our Nation.

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship

Jenna Tsuzaki

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 Jenna Tsuzaki, of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The granddaughter of Colonel Harry Fukuhara, MIS, Jenna is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) at the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine. As evidence of her commitment to her professional goals, Jenna has volunteered at Outreach Medical Clinics which provides care service to the unhoused communities.

“My grandfather was forced to choose between his family in Japan and his home here in America. My grandfather’s history of devotion and service has always served as a source of inspiration to me ever since I was young. These values were instilled in me through his countless stories and watching him continue to give back to his community even as he aged. Now as an adult, I hope to continue to carry on his legacy of dedicated public service as a physician. My vision for public service as a physician is multifaceted. I hope to address disparities by working in underserved communities, providing care to those who need it most, and where medical care is limited.”

Ishio Founder's Scholarship

Kai Vu

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 Vu, of Seattle, Washington. The great-grandson of George K. Yamada, MIS, Kai is attending the University of Washington and plans on majoring in Global Public Health.

“My maternal great-grandparents were imprisoned for years in the Japanese American incarceration camps during WWII, and my father and his parents spent years in refugee camps in Malaysia before immigrating to the US. Growing up and learning of the shared adversity both sides of my family faced empowered me to become further engaged in social justice. Volunteering for the JACL, mentoring underserved high school students, and holding various leadership advocacy positions have allowed me to explore this passion and paved the way for my future career interests.”

Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship

Kristin Li An Abe

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 Kristin Abe, of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. She is the granddaughter of Seichi Tsugawa, 442nd RCT. Kristin is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of California, Los Angeles, and aspires to work in the field of Psychology.

“Just as Uncle Seichi and the 442nd Battalion fought for the good of future generations, I aim to continue their acts of service for the next generation by uplifting younger students in my community… for my senior capstone project, my group and I designed mental wellness activities for elementary students to develop healthy coping mechanisms to utilize later in life. We hoped to destigmatize mental health early on by introducing self-care activities and facilitating open conversations.”

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

Reese Akemi Haramoto

Reese Haramoto, from Whittier, California, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Dr. Americo Bugliani and his liberator, Paul Sakamoto, 442nd RCT. She is the great-grandniece of George Ryoji Yamada, 442nd RCT. Reese is planning on attending the University of California, Berkeley, and plans on pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Art History.

“… my grandpa became overcome with emotion, as attending UC-Berkeley as a young man was a hard-fought, long journey, one that was almost derailed after he and his family had to abandon their family farm near Sacramento to be forcibly incarcerated in Jerome, Ark., during World War II. His family returned to California following the war with absolutely nothing. The internment camps left an indelible mark that forever changed the fabric of my own family’s history.”

Furumoto Family Scholarship

Bostan Ujimori

Bostan Ujimori, from Aiea, Hawaiʻi, received the Furumoto Family Scholarship in honor of Hiroshi Hamai sponsored by JAVA member and Vietnam veteran Tak Furumoto. He is the great grandson of Katsumi Kometani, great grandnephew of Susumu Ota, 100th Infantry Battalion, Kiyomi Yamada, 442nd RCT, and Paul Kozuma, 442nd RCT. He will attend California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California, and plans to study Marine Biology and a member of the Cal Lutheran Baseball Team.

“Being a Japanese American, the scholarship will not only help my financial situation but also allow me to represent my heritage and culture. Those before me have gone through various hardships and given their lives for people like me to be in this position. As a result, I will be honoring those Japanese Americans before me and furthering my academic career.”

Ranger Grant Hirabayashi Scholarship

Trevor Toda

Trevor Toda, from Seal Beach, California, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Ranger Grant Jiro Hirabayashi, MIS. He is the great-grandson of Lloyd Toda, 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd RCT. Trevor will be attending the University of California, San Diego, and plans to study Chemical Engineering.

“I (am) proud to know that I am receiving aid that pays respect to my family’s past struggles. In addition to my great-grandfather’s bravery in the war, my ancestors, along with (thousands) of other Japanese Americans, had the strength to rebuild their lives after everything was unjustly taken from them. Receiving JAVA’s assistance would mean a lot to me because it would honor my family’s memories and sacrifices.”

Izuno Family Scholarship

Camryn Sample

Camryn Sample, from Fort Collins, Colorado, 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 Ichiro Ogawa, MIS, and daughter of JAVA member Elaine Sample. Camryn will be attending Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, this Fall.

“Although I deeply respect Gaman and everything it means to my family, I have witnessed the impact that advocacy can have. Like the brave and passionate individuals who started these scholarships, I will use my voice in service to my community. Receiving this scholarship would be an immense honor and I will dedicate my education to making my community and JAVA proud.”

Colonel Jimmie Kanaya Scholarship

Rachel Takamiya

Rachel Takamiya, from Maui, Hawaiʻi, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of U. S. Army Colonel Jimmie Kanaya, a three-war veteran – WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. She is the granddaughter of Jin Takamiya, 442nd RCT. Rachel will attend Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and plans to study Pre-Med and Health Sciences.

“As a fourth-generation Japanese American living in Hawaii, I take pride in being Japanese/Okinawan and a descendant of several Nisei veterans. My family has run a grocery store called ‘Takamiya Grocery’ for over 75 years in Happy Valley, Maui. We contribute to and support various parts of our community… We are big supporters of the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. After volunteering with them and learning more, I hold a deep sense of appreciation and respect for the Nisei veterans who fought in WWII.”

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mitsugi Kasai Scholarship

Alexander Ninomiya

Alexander Ninomiya from South Pasadena, California, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mitsugi Kasai. He is the grandson of James Masaru Nakagawa, MIS. Alexander will attend Stanford University, where he will study East Asian Studies.

“Growing up, I never bothered to ask my grandmother about Japan – I thought I already knew. Yet I didn’t really understand Japan at its heart, of what it meant to be Japanese. Fast forward to 2022: I was presented with the opportunity to visit Okinawa with my family. I was fascinated by the culture, and most of all the people. I felt as if I had gained a newfound appreciation for my ancestry and heritage.”

Sadami Katahara Scholarship

Jaclyn Hamai

Jaclyn Hamai, from Rancho Cucamonga, California, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Sadami Katahara. Jaclyn is the great-grandniece of Kaz Hamai, 442nd RCT, and granddaughter of Hiroshi Hamai, U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea. She will be attending the University of California, San Diego, and plans to study Biology.

“My grandfather was a great inspiration. He taught me strength and kindness, the power of tenacity, and pushing my limits. Winning the JAVA Memorial Scholarship is a means of connecting to my grandfather and continuing to improve my education. Hiroshi & Kaz Hamai served not only their country, but as pivotal figures in my life, teaching me pride in my ethnicity, athletics, and academics.”

Ben Kuroki Scholarship

Melia Okamoto

Melia Okamoto, from Yokota Air Base, Japan, 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, Col Burt N. Okamoto, USAF. Melia will be attending the University of Florida where she will study Physiology & Kinesiology.

“Growing up as a military brat in predominately Caucasian areas, I faced the reality of being surrounded by few Asian Americans, especially Japanese Americans. This was a difficult obstacle for me to overcome as I was constantly moving and trying to find my community. However, once I met fellow Japanese Americans with similar goals and values, I was uplifted and motivated to work toward my goals.”

Vic & Teru Matsui Scholarship

Kevin Nakaishi

Kevin Nakaishi, from Arcadia, California, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Vic & Teru Matsui. Kevin is the great-grandson of Masanobu Honda, 442nd RCT, Yukio Nakaishi, 552nd Field Artillery, and JAVA Member, Christopher Nakaishi. He plans on attending the University of California, Los Angeles, and plans to study Pre-Business and Pre-Med.

“I remember going to the ‘Go For Broke’ memorial and scanning the lines of brave Japanese American men to find my great grandfathers, Yukio Nakaishi and Masanobu Honda. Learning about their ‘Go for Broke’ mentality–a willingness to lose everything for your family and country– instilled in me a newfound sense of pride in my Japanese American heritage. Fighting for a country that treated them so egregiously is the definition of sacrifice.”

Colonel Virgil R. Miller Scholarship

Eve Kamidoi

Eve Kamidoi, from New Jersey, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Colonel Virgil R. Miller, Commanding Officer of the 442nd RCT. She is the granddaughter of Tad Kamidoi, 442nd RCT. Eve will attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and plans to study Biology.

“Something that has always stuck with me is the rallying cry of my grandpa’s combat team, the 442nd. ‘Go For Broke’ is a testament to the determination and resilience of Japanese American veterans who gave everything despite facing an against-all-odds fight abroad in Europe and discrimination at home. I believe ‘Go For Broke’ represents my grandpa both on and off the battlefield.”

Robert Nakamoto Scholarship

George Pellei

George Pellei from Richmond, Virginia, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of past JAVA President and Korean War veteran, Robert Nakamoto. George is the son of JAVA Member, Steve Pellei. He will be attending the Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, and plans to study Engineering.

“My favorite structure in Japan is a simple stone bridge just across the street from my grandparents’ house in Mishima. It isn’t spectacular by any means; it doesn’t move or reach towards the sky, nor can it support millions of pounds. But it was uniquely positioned to serve a great purpose. It permits us to travel across a cold mountain stream to an ancient family shrine; a hidden treasure that connects me, an individual, to a chain of countless ancestors. It allows me to connect to my cultural roots and thus identify with and enjoy them personally and more deeply.”

Orville & Maud Shirey Scholarship

Taylor Malinger

Taylor Malinger, from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Major Orville Shirey, 442nd RCT, and his wife Maud Shirey. Taylor is the great-granddaughter of Sadami Katahara, 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd RCT. She will be attending Santa Clara University, and plans to study Dance and English.

“One of my core memories from the fourth grade was a show-and-tell about my great-grandfather, Sadami Katahara… At the time, although I knew he was a great man who gave much to his country, I did not fully appreciate the extent of his story or his sacrifice. However, in the eight years since, I have gained a deeper understanding of not only my great grandfather, but also those who served alongside him.”

JAVA thanks the Scholarship Committee – Mrs. Chris DeRosa, Chair; CAPT (Dr.) Cynthia Macri, MC, USN (Ret); LTC Robert Vokac, USA (Ret); and MAJ Kay Izumihara, USAR.

Please Click here to watch a recording of the Scholarship Awards Ceremony!

Please Click here for highlights of our 2024 Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

Updates from past JAVA Memorial Scholarship Recipients.

Coming Soon: 2025 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Program

Celebrating the  Legacy of World War II Nisei Military Service

The Japanese American Veterans Association is excited to announce its annual Memorial Scholarship Program for 2025 at a later date. The scholarships will benefit a range 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; as well as JAVA Memorial Scholarships ($1,500), honoring Nisei veterans, JAVA members and/or their family members.

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.

Applicants should first review published rules and forms. Applications and supporting documents must be electronically submitted no later than 11:59 p.m., TBP, to the JAVA Scholarship Committee Chair with either “2025 Inouye Memorial Scholarship,” “2025 Ishio Founder’s Memorial Scholarship,” “2025 Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship,” or “2025 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 by early June 2025. Awards will be presented at a JAVA scholarship awards ceremony TBP.