Scholarships
2026 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Program
- 14 Awards totaling $33,000
Celebrating the Legacy of World War II Nisei Military Service
JAVA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In 2026, the Japanese American Veterans Association proudly awarded 14 scholarships totaling $33,000 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 2026 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Recipients
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship
Rachel Gruber
The $5,000 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 Rachel Gruber from Vancouver, British Columbia. The great-granddaughter of Theodore Matsuo from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and JAVA Member, Retired Army LTC Allen Goshi, Rachel is pursuing a Master of Science in Health Communications for Social Change at the City University of New York School of Public Health and Health Policy.
“I knew after September 11, 2001, that I wanted to serve my country through military service. When I transitioned from military service, I knew I wanted to continue serving my community. My firstborn spent the first two weeks of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit. It was a nurse who taught me how to change my first diaper, helped my husband give our son his first bath, and reassured us, educated us, and comforted us. I knew that I wanted to provide that same support and compassion for families who are experiencing the same unexpected, overwhelming, and scary situations. I pursued a nursing degree and served my community as an ICU nurse from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, I’ve transitioned away from the bedside to a community nursing role. Now, I support individuals involved with the criminal justice system who are experiencing severe mental health and substance use challenges. Community mental health has become my passion, and I endeavor to support and advocate for some of the most vulnerable patients in the criminal justice system.”
Ishio Founder's Scholarship
Karissa Ginoza
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 Karissa Ginoza of Wailuku, Hawai‘i. The great-granddaughter of Iwao Takamori, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), Karissa is attending the University of Southern California and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Pre-Medicine.
“When I think about how I want to make the world a better place, my answer is shaped by my passions for both engineering and medicine. While working at Maui Memorial Medical Center, I witnessed physicians navigating busy workflows, limited tools, and overwhelmed patients. I began to wonder how well-designed devices could alleviate these frustrations and improve outcomes. Fueled by this, I spent the last year researching and developing a cholesterol biosensor, aimed at detecting cholesterol concentrations in breastmilk and enabling biomarker monitoring for women in under-resourced and underserved communities. Moving forward, I plan to continue this work in biomedical engineering before matriculating to medical school. This path will allow me to extend the reach of my innovations while deepening my ability to care for patients directly.”
Colonel Jimmy Kanaya Legacy Scholarship
Kaia Rei Fujinaka
The $3,000 Colonel Jimmy Kanaya 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 Kaia Rei Fujinaka, of Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She is the great granddaughter of Fred Hiromu Yamashige, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate), and Shigeo Tanoue, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Kaia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology & Gerontology at the California Polytechnic State University.
“In Japanese culture, the phrase okage sama de means “I am what I am because of you.” It reflects the understanding that our lives are shaped by the sacrifices and perseverance of those who came before us. For me, this truth is grounded in the legacy of the Nisei veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd RCT. Because of their sacrifices, I have opportunities they once could only dream of. My ikigai, or purpose, is rooted in this idea of service. I plan (to pursue) a career in occupational therapy, where I can help individuals regain independence and dignity in their daily lives, especially in underserved and aging communities like my hometown of Hilo.”
Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin Legacy Scholarship
Jolie Murakami
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 Jolie Murakami from Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi. She is the great granddaughter of Sam Isamu Yamao, 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, and JAVA Member, Kris Murakami. Jolie is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at the University of Portland.
“One challenge that shaped my character occurred during my time in my school’s color guard team. There was a noticeable disconnect between experienced upperclassmen and new rookies. The rookies were unfamiliar with the team’s traditions, inside jokes, and routines, which made it easy for them to feel left out. I realized that if no one made an effort to bridge that gap, the rookies might feel like they didn’t belong. That didn’t sit right with me. I made the conscious decision to spend time with the rookies instead of staying with the group I normally gravitated toward. I wanted them to know that they were valued members of the team, even if they were still in the process of learning. Whether it’s in school, my community, or my future nursing career, I will advocate for others and create environments where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported.”
Memorial Scholarships
The following JAVA Memorial Scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors, each in the amount of $2,000.
Dr. Americo Bugliani and his liberator, Paul Sakamoto, 442nd RCT Scholarship
Gabby Matsushita
Gabby Matsushita, from Wilmette, Illinois, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Dr. Americo Bugliani and his liberator, Paul Sakamoto, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. She is the granddaughter of Akira Matsushita, Military Intelligence Service. Gabby is attending the University of California, Los Angeles, and plans on majoring in Physiological Science and Medicine.
“I was taught by my Baachan (grandmother) how to make origami. But when I moved to an ethnically homogeneous Chicago suburb, I pushed my once treasured box of cherry blossom origami paper to the back of my desk in an attempt to blend in. I stayed quiet and kept parts of myself hidden to fit in with the majority. But over time, I started to notice I wasn’t alone in these feelings. I went back to origami – not just for myself, but as a way to bring people together. Navigating this initial challenge taught me to face discomfort rather than avoid it, to fully embrace the discomfort and reshape my goals. From this experience, I’ve deepened my desire to actively create inclusive communities. This period of my life where I felt so invisible ultimately pushed me to use my voice, and to use it to help others feel recognized, too.”
Furumoto Family Memorial Scholarship In Honor & Memory of Dr. Margie Yasuko Sakimura
Nolan Haruki Ito
Nolan Haruki Ito, from Torrance, California, received the Furumoto Family Scholarship in honor of Tak Furumoto’s sister, Dr. Margie Yasuko Sakimura, sponsored by JAVA member and Vietnam veteran Tak Furumoto. Nolan is the great grandnephew of William Yukio Kamada, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He will attend the University of California, Irvine, and pursue a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
“For the first 13 years of my life, I had two sisters who were both born with Cockayne Syndrome, a genetic disorder. My older sister passed away in December 2020. Then eighteen months later, my younger sister passed away. I was overwhelmed by this terrible new normal and my eerily quiet home. But as freshman year progressed, I began to turn my life around. I discovered I had much to live for and have become exceptionally motivated to work hard at everything I do. Seeing how much time and effort it takes to provide disabled children with activities. . . I want to help these organizations gain more attention and support so they can be successful and sustainable for years to come.”
Ranger Grant Hirabayashi Scholarship
Makena Crosser
Makena Crosser, from Bainbridge Island, Washington, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Ranger Grant Jiro Hirabayashi, MIS. She is the great granddaughter of Yoshio Sugi, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Makena will be attending the University of Vermont and plans to study Neuroscience.
“Ever since I could remember, I’ve struggled to communicate with the people around me because I couldn’t pronounce words they spoke with ease. I became afraid to speak my mind. This unconscious habit persisted until my sophomore year of high school before it clicked. I didn’t want my speech disability to hold me back anymore. I was the one who needed to change. My speech disability has taught me how to speak, but more importantly, how to listen. This has connected me to unique and diverse people that I would have never dreamed of meeting years prior. I want to keep using it, not just for myself, but for others who are still learning how to speak up.”
Izuno Family Memorial Scholarship In Honor of Dr. Takumi Izuno
Claire Egusa
Claire Egusa, from Rivegrove, Oregon, 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 grandniece of Kan Tagami, Military Intelligence Service, and JAVA Member, Retired Army LTC Brett Egusa. Claire will be attending the University of Arizona and plans on majoring in Medicine.
“I knew I had Japanese heritage and was proud of it, but the connection was no more than my last name. As I’ve grown older, I’ve been able to reconnect with my Japanese heritage, and it has helped me become a better version of myself. When my great-grandparents were able to secure a sponsor to leave the camp, they decided they didn’t want their kids to suffer the prejudice they had. So they decided that their kids would be raised as “Americans,” where they were not taught Japanese and they stayed on the periphery of the community. As I continue to reconnect with my heritage, I carry forward not only my family’s history, but also the resilience and service demonstrated by my ancestors. ”
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mitsugi Kasai Scholarship
Audrey Nishida
Audrey Nishida from Los Angeles, California, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mitsugi Kasai. She is the great grandniece of Kenneth Nishida, Military Intelligence Service, and George Nishida, Military Intelligence Service. Audrey will be attending Dartmouth University where she will study Qualitative Social Sciences.
“As I grew older, I learned more about the men of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service: young Japanese Americans who, despite being betrayed by the nation they called home, stepped forward to defend it. However, in my own education, their stories were nearly invisible. In my U.S. history class, the incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans had been reduced to a mere footnote in my textbook. To address this gap, I founded Project Heirloom, an educational initiative that uses AI‐powered interactive video that allows students to engage in virtual conversations with Japanese Americans. My hope is that preserving and disseminating these stories help honor our community’s history, while also ensuring that its lessons shape a more just future.”
Ben Kuroki Scholarship
Faith Shimazaki
Faith Shimazaki, from San Gabriel, California, 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 great granddaughter Henry Muneo Hayashi, 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Faith will be attending the University of Southern California where she will be majoring in East Asian Studies.
“Whenever I ask my 105-year-old great-grandmother how she’s doing, she always replies, “I’m just getting older and meaner.” She has lived through wars, prejudice, and loss, yet somehow she still greets the world with humor. Her story is one of hardship, strength, and endurance—one that America often forgets. During World War II, GG was forcibly to Rohwer Camp in Arkansas, losing her home, possessions, and sense of safety. When I studied World War II in school, their story was barely a footnote. The silence wasn’t just an oversight—it was a loss. This realization sparked a passion within me to write the names of families like mine back into the margins, not as victims, but as proof of resilience. …History isn’t only about the wars we win, it’s about the humanity we choose to honor. For me, it’s about people like my great grandparents, whose story is one worthy of sharing and vital to preserve.”
Vic & Teru Matsui Scholarship
Isabelle Furuto
Isabelle Furuto, from Honolulu, Hawai‘i, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Vic & Teru Matsui. Isabelle is the granddaughter of Tokuo Furuto, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. She plans on attending the McGill University in Quebec, and plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
“I was diagnosed with Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) in high school. I wanted to feel bitter about this condition, but I used this setback as a motivator to become a greater me. If such a small issue inconvenienced me so much, I can only imagine what it was like to live with wounds earned from the battlefield, both physical and mental. I plan to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering to support people through technology and new methods to help public health, focusing especially on veterans and our elders. In some ways, I’m thankful for TFCC. It has continuously pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more empathetic, understanding, and motivated to assist other people with similar issues.”
Sadami Katahara Scholarship
Hailey Napora
Hailey Napora, from Lahaina, Hawai‘i, received the JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Sadami Katahara. Hailey is the great grandniece of Ryo Joe Shiomichi, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. She will be attending the University of Oregon and plans to study Architecture.
“The Lahaina wildfire completely flipped my life upside down. Lahainaluna couldn’t reopen for months, and instead of being sent to a temporary campus on the other side of the island, my parents decided I shouldn’t have to deal with that long commute. So they applied to Maui Prep for me. I had to rebuild routines from scratch, keep up academically, and stay focused when it felt like my life had split into “before the fire” and “after the fire.” When I finally returned to Lahainaluna, I realized how much those months had changed me. I’d become more adaptable, more resilient, and more determined to keep moving forward. The wildfire took a lot from me, but it also showed me how strong I actually am. ”
Colonel Virgil R. Miller Scholarship
Samantha Yuki Hashimoto
Samantha Yuki Hashimoto from Queens, New York, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of Colonel Virgil R. Miller, Commanding Officer of the 442nd RCT. She is the great grandniece of Fred Takao Oishi, 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Samantha will be attending Lehigh University and plans to study Mechanical Engineering.
“Bombs away, Tokyo.” Those were the words my uncle shouted as a young child, innocently regurgitating the words he constantly heard on the radio. Silence followed his family like a suffocating cloak. In calligraphy class, my teacher told us, “The brush is an extension of your body. Your name is part of the work: small in the corner, but essential to the whole.” I realized then that I could choose to shrink into the similar chains of silence that had held back my family, or to break free. Between my own journey and my uncle’s story, the silence in between has allowed me to learn that my voice is not something to hide, but something to share.”
Robert Nakamoto Scholarship
Noa Dinh
Noa Dinh, from Fairfax, Virginia, received a JAVA Memorial Scholarship in honor of past JAVA President and Korean War veteran, Robert Nakamoto. Noa is son of JAVA Lifetime Member and USAF Veteran, Tino Dinh. He will be attending Virginia Tech and plans to study Economics
“From middle school to early high school, I struggled in math. The manager at the tutoring center reviewed my PSAT scores and transcript (and said) : “Your grades aren’t good enough for an Asian boy.” I didn’t realize it then, but those words were my biggest wake-up call. I set a goal to do well, no matter what it took. I started tutoring algebra and SAT prep and built my own tutoring website to reach more students. Helping students shift from self-doubt to belief is my goal. That’s why I want to become a U.S. military officer. That same integrity and discipline that pulled me out of failure and into purpose are the values that the military is built on.”
JAVA thanks the Scholarship Committee – Mrs. Chris DeRosa, Chair; VADM Scott Van Buskirk, USN (Ret); Col Bruce Hollywood, USAF (Ret); 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!
2026 JAVA Scholarship Program to Award 14 Scholarships
General Information: In 2027, the Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) will award scholarships in four (4) categories. There are differences in the amounts and eligibility criteria for each category. Please ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the category of scholarship for which you are applying.
Those who may apply for a JAVA Memorial Scholarship include: direct lineal or collateral descendants of veterans who served in World War II Nisei units (100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd RCT, Military Intelligence Service (MIS), 1399th Engineer Construction Bn, and 552nd Field Artillery Bn); descendants of Nisei veterans who served in other WWII units; and JAVA members and their children. See the JAVA website and applications for more specific eligibility requirements. To verify your status as a JAVA member, please contact the JAVA administrator at [email protected].
Category 1. The Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship – This Memorial Scholarship honors the iconic career of public service, both in the military and in government, of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye. This scholarship was endorsed by Senator Inouye’s widow, Irene Hirano Inouye, and the Inouye Institute.
The amount of this award is $5,000.
The applicant must have completed at least one year in an undergraduate program or be enrolled in a graduate program of study.
The applicant must be pursuing a career in public or military service.
The applicant may be a current or former Soldier in the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment.
The applicant may be enrolled in a college or university ROTC program.
The applicant may be a disabled veteran.
Other eligibility requirements are found on the separate application for the Senator Inouye Memorial Scholarship.
Category 2. The JAVA Ishio Founder’s Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship honors COL (USA Ret) Sunao Phil Ishio, his wife Constance, and their son Douglas Ishio. Phil Ishio was the founder and first president of JAVA.
The amount of this award is $3,000.
The applicant must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies.
The student must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
Other eligibility requirements are found on the separate application for the JAVA Ishio Founder’s Memorial Scholarship.
Category 3. The JAVA Legacy Scholarships – These scholarships honor Ms. Kiyoko Tsuboi Taubkin, a longtime supporter of JAVA; and COL (US Army Ret) Jimmie Kanaya, a 3-war Veteran.
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The amount of the Taubkin Legacy Award is $2000.
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The amount of the Kanaya Legacy Award is $3000.
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The applicant must have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies.
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The applicant must be enrolled, or planning to enroll, in an undergraduate program at a four-year college or university in Summer or Fall 2027.
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Other eligibility requirements are found on the separate application for the JAVA Legacy Scholarship.
Category 4. JAVA Memorial Scholarships – In 2027, JAVA will offer ten Memorial Scholarships in honor and memory of former members of JAVA or their family members.
The amount of each of these scholarships is $2000.
The applicant must be graduating from high school in 2027.
The applicant must be entering a four-year college or university or a two-year community college in the summer or fall of 2027.
Other eligibility requirements are found on the separate application for the JAVA Memorial Scholarships.
2027 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Program Overview (Pending Approval)
Requirements: The policies, procedures and rules governing the JAVA Memorial Scholarship Program are available on the JAVA website. All applicants should read this overview before completing the application.
Applications and supporting documents must be electronically submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on a date to be determined.
Official transcripts and other documents may be sent to [email protected] when announced later.
When the Memorial Scholarship application process begins, the subject line of the email should be “2027 Inouye Memorial Scholarship”, “2027 Ishio Founder’s Scholarship”, “2027 JAVA Legacy Scholarship”, or “2027 JAVA Memorial Scholarship” and the applicant’s name.
Any application that is not received by the deadline or that fails to meet the submission requirements will NOT be considered. Applicants will be notified of the Scholarship Committee’s decision in a date to be determined.
Questions may be sent to [email protected].
Please use provided QR Codes or Scholarship name to access application (Pending Approval for 2027)
2027 U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Memorial Scholarship
2027 JAVA Legacy Scholarships
2027 JAVA Ishio Founder’s Scholarship
2027 JAVA Memorial Scholarships
For more information, contact [email protected] and [email protected]