TOMODACHI Initiative and Suntory Partner to Establish the TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund

Oct 31, 2013

Suntory Holdings Ltd. has partnered with the U.S.-Japan Council to establish the TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund to create opportunities for young Japanese to study at top music schools in the United States. Beginning in 2014 and running for three years, this music scholarship will provide four-year scholarships for twelve Japanese students to attend three of the most prestigious music schools in the United States: The Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

The TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund provides Japanese students with the opportunities to obtain the skills and the international perspective necessary to succeed as a global musician in the 21st century. In addition, this music scholarship invests in young Japanese leaders who wish to contribute to a peaceful and prosperous society by appreciating the United States and Japan and each other's cultures through music.

From 2014-2016, four scholars will be chosen annually to receive the TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship. This scholarship gives preference to students who have been affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and is a part of Suntory's broader efforts to support disaster relief and reconstruction in Tohoku.

The first group of scholars will be announced after Spring 2014.

About the TOMODACHI Initiative

The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership, born out of support for Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, that invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as entrepreneurship and leadership programs. We seek to foster a "TOMODACHI generation" of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other's countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world.

TOMODACHI Initiative website: http://usjapantomodachi.org

About Suntory's relief efforts for the Great East Japan Earthquake

After the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the Suntory Group contributed relief supplies and donations to affected communities. Furthermore, to assist the long-term reconstruction and revitalization of the disaster area, the Suntory Group have decided to contribute 8.8 billion yen to programs such as "activities to support recovery of the fishing industry," "youth support initiatives" and "support through culture, the arts, and sports." Check out the Suntory website (Japanese only)

Program Overview

• Program Title:
  TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund

• Music Schools and Scholarship Amounts:
  From 2014-2016, selected students will receive scholarships for the following music schools

  1. The Juilliard School
     • One student will receive $10,000 annually for 4 years (Total: $120,000 for 3 students)
  2. Berklee College of Music
     • Two students will receive $20,000 annually for 4 years (Total: $480,000 for 6 students)
  3. San Francisco Conservatory of Music
     • One student will receive $20,000 annually for 4 years (Total: $240,000 for 3 students)

   

• Total Scholarship Amount:
  $840,000

• Eligibility:
  Japanese applicants must be accepted into one of the U.S. music schools partnering with the TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund. Applicants from the three prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake (Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures) are preferred.

• Application Information:
  Individuals interested in the scholarship must apply directly to each U.S. educational institution. For more information, please visit this website.

• Selection Process:
  The respective U.S. music schools will select and notify successful applicants.

• Acceptance to Scholarship:
  If selected for the scholarship, applicants will receive a letter of acceptance directly from the music schools after Spring 2014.

For Questions Regarding this Press Release:
TOMODACHI Initiative, Public Relations: TOMODACHI@usjapancouncil.org

Please contact Suntory Holdings Ltd., Public Relations Department at 03-5579-1150 or 06-6346-0835.