From Taiwan to Japan─A Step to Pioneer into the Future
SSP 2025 Taiwan Alumni Meeting and Study in Japan Event Report

On November 15, 2025, the fourth Sakura Science Program Taiwan alumni meeting was held in Taipei at the Caesar Park Hotel.

The purpose of this event was to bring together 70 Taiwanese alumni who have participated in the Sakura Science Program (SSP) in the past, as well as students and young researchers interested in studying in Japan. They shared their experiences and were briefed about the latest information on studying in Japan.

President of Taiwan Sakura Science Club Alumni Association (TSSCA), Professor Sung Hui-Ling of the National Taiwan Normal University opened the event by voicing her aspirations for the alumni association to become a platform where alumni can gather every year to deepen their connections and, in the future, visit Japan as a team, under the theme of "Bringing Minds, Shaping the Future."

Next, JST Vice President Mr. MORIMOTO Shigeo introduced that more than 2,100 young people from Taiwan have participated in SSP since 2014. He stated that Taiwan is one of SSP's most active partners, and expressed his hope that this reunion would be an opportunity to further strengthen the networks among the participants.

As Japanese honorable guests, Member of the House of Representatives, Mr. FURUYA Keiji and Head of the Public Relations Department of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Taipei Office, Mr. ARAKI Naoya, sent their congratulatory greetings which were recited on-stage. They emphasized that Taiwan and Japan share core values such as the rule of law and human rights, and that exchanges among younger generations form the foundation of the bilateral relationship. Ms. Lin Wan-Chi, Deputy Team Leader at Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, expressed appreciation for SSP’s contribution to science and technology education in Taiwan, and shared her expectations for continued student participation.

Networking Through Experience-Sharing

The second part of the event featured an interactive bingo-style networking activity designed to encourage natural conversation among participants.

As participants filled in the square boxes on their cards, talking to each other about their majors, experiences with SSP, and their interest in Japan, the venue was filled with smiles and conversation, and connections were naturally formed across the venue.

After the game was over, the five selected participants stood up and explained their backgrounds and motivations for participating in this event.

They come from a variety of backgrounds, including human resources professionals involved in recruitment, master's and doctoral students, engineers, and graduates from the Philippines. What was striking was that they all shared the same desire to study in Japan and to play an active role in the international arena.

Doctoral student, Mr. Tsai Cheng-Hua from National Taiwan University shared his experience in Kanazawa University’s winter school, where he participated in pesticide analysis, water quality inspection, and atmospheric research. Beyond the academic enrichment, he noted that cultural exchange and collaboration with peers from various countries further inspired his research ambitions.

TSSCA coordinator and master’s student Tsai Chun-Hung, also from National Taiwan University, reflected on the friendships formed during the SSP he joined as a high school student—connections that continue today. He emphasized that relationships built through the program provide crucial support in academic and research activities.

Information Session on the Latest Updates Related to Study in Japan and Scholarships

In the third part of the event, “Study in Japan & Scholarship Information Session,” featured speakers from the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Waseda University, and JST.

The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association introduced several long-term scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as short-term exchange opportunities. They explained the coverage, including round-trip airfare, tuition, admission fees, and monthly stipends of 117,000-140,000 yen or more. They emphasized the importance of early preparation, noting that applicants must pass the Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU). A new scholarship system, compatible with other funding schemes, is scheduled to begin in April 2025. Some participants were taking notes avidly.

Representatives from Waseda University presented application processes that vary by department, key points on crafting research proposals required for most graduate programs, and highlighted the university’s extensive support for international students—including scholarships, internships, employment support, and Japanese language instruction. They advised students to focus not only on university names but also on choosing programs based on research fields.

From JST, an overview of the Sakura Science Program was provided. The program accepts young individuals under 40 who have completed high school or higher, and offers opportunities to join week- to three-week-long programs at Japanese universities and research institutes. Three categories— (A) Science Experience, (B) Collaborative Research, and (C) Technical Training—were introduced, along with details on the application process in which Taiwanese institutions collaborate with Japanese host organizations to submit proposals. JST covers travel expenses, domestic program costs, and insurance.

During the Q&A session, students asked practical questions on selecting universities and majors, strategies for obtaining scholarships, living expenses and part-time work in Japan, and how to contact Japanese professors. The session proved highly practical and informative for participants seriously considering studying in Japan.

Conclusion

The 2025 Taiwan Alumni Meeting and Study in Japan Information Session not only served as a gathering to reflect on past SSP experiences but also as a meaningful platform encouraging the next generation aspiring to study in Japan.

With the forward-looking plans discussed during the committee meeting, the Taiwan alumni are deemed to continue developing as a hub for academic research, career development, cultural exchange, and lasting friendship.

JST and the secretariat hope that this expanding circle of encounter and learning will continue to strengthen the bridge between Taiwan and Japan in the years ahead.