1CWAJ ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013

CWAJ

annualreport2012-2013
MARCH 2013
recently, CWAJ established the
CWAJ PROUDLY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS More
Fukushima Relief Scholarships, part of
CWAJ’s Great East Japan Relief initiatives,
OF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
to help students who were directly

Believing we can better the world through nurturing women leaders
On 20th October 2012 during the 57th
CWAJ Print Show, 30 past and current
scholars with nearly 50 CWAJ members
joined to celebrate the 40th anniversary
at CWAJ’s Scholarship Reunion Party. In
her toast, the very first scholar to study
abroad Miiko Kodama, Professor of Mass
Communication and JournalismatMusashi
University(now
Professor
Emeritus), said, “ Iwill be retiring inMarch but I had toretire from my firstjob as a televisionannouncer nearly 40
years ago when I
was 28, being told that I was no longer
young enough to perform on TV. The
CWAJ Scholarship opened a door for that‘old lady’ as my experience studying
abroad helped me launch a new career.”
Before the reunion party, scholars joined
docent tours of the Print Show andexperienced the Hands-on Art Exhibit
which is created every year for visitorswith visual impairments. These activities,
mingling with other scholars and CWAJ
members including those visiting fromoverseas, reinforced the strong bonds

and friendships that CWAJ scholars
maintain with the CWAJ community.
Since 1972, CWAJ has helped 327
women to study at universities andgraduate schools both in Japan andabroad, paving the way for theirdevelopment as leaders in a wide rangeof fields. The profiles of 101 scholars are
now available for viewing in theslideshow introduced in the CWAJ
website (www.cwaj.org, Scholarship
section).
The funds for the CWAJ Scholarship
Program are raised every year by the
Print Show and other events as well as
individual and corporate donations.
CWAJ has always focused on women,believing that the best use of our limited
funds is to support women who have thepassion and determination to make asocialcontribution.
Unlikemostscholarships in Japan, CWAJ does nothave eligibility restrictions based on age
or field of study. For women mid-career
and/or with children, this means theopportunity to follow their dreams.
Additionally, as part of CWAJ ’ scommitment to people with visual
impairments, CWAJ was the firstorganization
toprovidenon-loanacademicscholarships.
Since
its
establishment in 1978, 60 recipients of
the Scholarship for the Visually Impaired
have gone on to become remarkable
leaders at the forefront of education, law,business, art, etc.

affected by the March ‘11 disasters tocontinue their nursing studies.
As needs in society change, so does
CWAJ, but we remain committed to our
mission of supporting higher education
for women of all nationalities and for
men
and
women
with
visualimpairments.
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From Past Scholars
KIKUCHI, Takashi (1999 Visuallyimpaired Scholar to Study Abroad)
Violist and researcher, London, UK“I joined the British Paraorchestra andwas involved in a number of unique
opportunities,
including
performing at theclosing ceremonyof the London
Paralympics . . .
anotherwas
playing the British National Anthem for
the Queen’s Christmas Message.”
MORI, Sumiko (2004 Scholar to
Study Abroad)
Bureau Chief, Washington, DC Office,Fuji Television Network, Inc.
“I arrived in Washington, DC as the firstfemale Bureau Chief and now I am incharge of collecting news from The
White House, the Department of Stateand The Pentagon. I feel really grateful
to CWAJ for giving me the opportunity to
study at the Harvard Kennedy Schooland building a network of friends ingovernment and embassies.”

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CWAJ ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013

Since April 2011 CWAJ has been
supporting Fukushima victims through anumber of relief projects. In December
2012, Misa Yasukawa, 2012 CWAJ
President, along with six other CWAJ
members
visited Soma
City
and
Fukushima City for the second time. As aresult of the two visits, we realize themost significant way we can offer
support to the people in Fukushima is bydemonstrating our awareness of theirsituation and keeping them in our
thoughts.
CWAJ also hopes to continue making
financial contributions to the future ofthestricken
area
with
warm
understanding and support from donors
at home and abroad.

Support for the Mental HealthCare Center Nagomi
Soma Mental Health Care Center Nagomi
is a project center for the maintenanceand improvement of the mental health ofvictims living in temporary housing,patients with mental disorders and theirfamilies, as well as local residents atlarge. On the occasion of the opening of
the Nagomi Center in January 2012,
CWAJ donated a van with a wheelchair
lift to facilitate home visits and thetransportation of patients. The Nagomi
van bearing the red CWAJ logo travels
through the city daily, assisting those inneed.
On our December
visit,
CWAJ
presented
190,000 yen formaintenance andinsurance for thevan. Additionally,of play equipment, toys and art materials(valued at 150,000 yen) were donatedfor the Center’s Saturday program forchildren living in temporary housing. As
a special gift, we also presented both
NagomiandFukushima
Medical
University Hospital with a framed print
inscribed “Ganbatte Tohoku!” (Wishing
you all the best, Tohoku!). These werekindly donated by MINAMI Masao.
This is what the Nagomi ‘Activity Report’on their website had to say about
CWAJ’s donation of toys:“The first Saturday Children’s Program in2013 was held on 12th January. Twenty
two children and mothers attended. In
December we received from CWAJ agenerous gift of plastic tunnels, large
color blocks, picture books, drawing
papers, crayons etc. The most popular
toy of the day was a soft hoop ring! It
can be used as a jump rope, or as a hulahoop to swing around the waist, andwhen the staff held the ring up, children
enjoyed throwing balls through it.
Children are so innovative that they findnumerous ways to play with one toy. It
is such a joy to watch them play. We
receive power from them.”

Fukushima Relief Scholarships
The Fukushima Relief Scholarships,
launched
in
2012,
are
specially
designated to assist male and female
students at The Fukushima Medical
University School of Nursing who weredirectly affected by the March ‘11disasters to continue their studies. The
award of 500,000 yen per year is almost
equivalent to a full year’s tuition. All four
recipients of the 2013 scholarships (twoare in their second year of the two-year
scholarship)arefrom
Fukushima
Prefecture and either had their homes
damaged or were required to evacuate
due to the nuclear power plant accident.
The two most recent recipients enteredthe university in April 2011, just a few
weeks after the earthquake and tsunami.

On our visit to
Fukushima in
December, wewere able tomeet with the2012 scholars
to hear about
their progress.
We also met with Professor Yoko
Nakayamaof
Fukushima
Medical
University School of Nursing as well as
Assistant Professor Takako Okawa who isin charge of the Nagomi administration.
It was rewarding to hear from Professor
Nakayama about the positive impact of
the CWAJ scholarships. Currently no other
scholarships are available to students in
the School of Nursing.

CWAJ Fukushima Art Project (plan)
Print artists played an important role inraising funds for CWAJ’s Fukushima
Relief Projects. It was the artists
themselves who approached CWAJ with
the idea of donating their prints to
support the relief efforts. Letters weresent to a selection of artists exhibiting at
the 2011 and 2012 Print Shows andresulted in 143 prints being generously
donated by 37 artists. The sale of theseprints at the 2012 Print Show raised
more than 1.5 million yen. CWAJ usedpart of the fund to purchase and donate
art materials and toys for Nagomi.
Educational art programs for children in
Fukushima are also being arranged.
CWAJ is grateful for the generous
contributions from members and friends
all over the world. The reconstruction of
Fukushima will take a long time. Your
ongoing support will enable us tocontinue our relief projects.

2012 CWAJ SCHOLARS
Graduate Scholarship for Non-Japanese
Women to Study in Japan (NJG)
2 scholarships of 2 million yen
CHONDO, Yvonne (Kenya)
Study program: MS, Hygienic Chemistry,
Graduate School of Medical Science, Divisionof Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa
University

CWAJ Sano Chikara NJG Scholarship
XING, Jingrui (China)
Study Program: PhD, Psychiatry, Graduate
School of Medicine, Nagoya University

CWAJ-Tokyo American Club Women’sGroup Non-Japanese Graduate
Scholarship
1 scholarship of 2 million yen
PARK, Jisun (Rep of Korea)

Study program: PhD, Comparative
Politics, Graduate School of Law and
Politics, University of Tokyo

Scholarship for the Visually Impaired
to Study in Japan (SVI-SJ)
2 scholarships of 2 million yen
OYAMA, Ayumi
Study Program: MA, Special Support
Education, Graduate School, University ofTsukuba

Scholarship for the Visually Impairedin Memory of Yasuhide Oka
MORII, Shingo
Study Program: PhD, Biological
Information Systems, Graduate School of
Innovative Life Sciences, University of
ToyamaScholarship to the InterUniversity Center for Japanese
Language Studies (IUC)
1 scholarship of 2 million yen
TOMPKINS, Rebecca (USA)Study Program: AM Candidate,
Regional Studies – East Asia,
Graduate School of Arts andSciences, Harvard University

CWAJ 60th Anniversary
Overseas Scholars
1 scholarship of 180,000 yen,
5yrs GAYAGAY, Sandra Glynn(Philippines) Study Program: MD,
School of Medicine, Saint Louis
University, Baguio City, Philippine

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CWAJ ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013

The 58th (2013) CWAJ Print Show will be held on
Thursday 10th – Saturday 12th October 2013at Tokyo American ClubThe 3rd (2013) Kobe CWAJ Print Show will be held on
Friday 18th – Sunday 20th October 2013
[著者]at Kobe Club (Participation in Kobe Biennale)
Enquiries: PrintShow@cwaj.org
Every year art lovers eagerly await
Japan’s largest annual exhibition andsale of contemporary Japanese prints—
the CWAJ Print Show. It all started in1956 at the 1st Print Show, whichfeatured 91 contemporary woodblock
prints (hanga) by 39 artists. In 2012, the57th Print Show presented 201 prints by
200 artists.
The Print Show is CWAJ’s main
fundraiser. The proceeds go to the
Scholarship and Education Programs aswell as the Fukushima Relief Projects.
The 57th Print Show had a special
feature: a selection of artists donatedsmall prints for a special sale to support
CWAJ’s relief efforts in Fukushima.
In addition, we are grateful to MercedesBenz Connection for providing free spaceat their showroom in Roppongi Midtown
for a series of exhibitions promoting thePrint Show and raising awareness of
CWAJ’s mission.
The Associate Show, which debuted in
1968, has offered in-depth explorationsof focused topics. In 2012 the Associate

4 scholarships of 500,000 yen
AKIYAMA, Saiko (4th yr student, 2nd
yr of CWAJ Scholarship)
Ms Akiyama is determined to become a
midwife and help mothers and young
children in her home prefecture of
Fukushima.
KOJIMA, Fumika (3rd yr student)
After losing her home in the disaster, Ms
Kojima’s dream to be a nurse wasreaffirmed seeing the tireless efforts ofnurses working with disaster refugees.
NAGASAWA, Sonoko (3rd yr student)
Ms Nagasawa had to move after thedisaster as her home is under high riskof radiation. Because of her strong
interest in women’s issues, she plans tobecome a midwife.

Show featured monotype artworks byfour young printmakers—FUJITA Yumeka,
MAENO Tomohiko, OKUYAMA Naoto, and
ONO Kouseki. In 2013 the AssociateShow will present oil paintings, paintings
on glass, tea bowls, and sculptures byrenowned Print Show artists.
In addition to the scholarships andprojects mentioned on previous pages,
CWAJ also works to support andpromote the development of hanga as
well. The Art Grant inaugurated in 1985
has evolved into the new Artist-inResidence
Program.
The
Young
Printmaker Award was established in
2005.
2013 CWAJ Young Printmaker Award
1 award, 500,000 yen
ICHINO, Yu
Tokyo Zokei University, 4th yr student
Ms Ichino plans to use the award money
to purchase a larger lithographic stone
than the one she owns now. She hopes
to source this in Germany, which is amajorlithographic
stone-producing
country.

YAMADA, Hiroko (4th yr student, 2nd
yr of CWAJ Scholarship)
Ms Yamada realized the importance ofmental health care during and after
disasters after her own experience living
as a refugee following the tsunami.

CWAJ Friendly Quilt
The gorgeous Friendly Quilt, hand sewn
by members of CWAJ Friendly Crafters
was again awarded to the lucky winnerof the draw held at the 2012 December
Luncheon. Purchase of raffle tickets
raised¥123,500
for
the
CWAJ
Fukushima Relief Projects.

2013 CWAJ Artist-in-Residence Program
1 award, 800,000 yen
MOMMA, Hidemi
MFA Musashino Art University
Instructor at Miwada Gakuen Junior Highand High School; Education Development
Staff at Kawasaki City Museum
Ms Momma will work as an artist-inresidence at Nova Scotia College of Art
and Design (NSCAD) in Halifax, Canada
for two months in 2013. She will exhibit
artworks inspired by this experience atthe 59th (2014) CWAJ Print Show.

SHINODA Toko
Special Exhibitionat the 58th CWAJ Print ShowSHINODA Toko celebrated her 100thbirthday in March 2013. To celebrate
and honor one of the longest-standing
and most prestigious contributors to
the CWAJ Print Show, we will
showcase 15 prints produced in the
1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

About CWAJ
Founded in 1949, the College Women's
Association of Japan (CWAJ) continues topromote education and cross-cultural
exchange through the CWAJ scholarships,
the Annual Print Show and other programs
that benefit the community. A volunteer,not-for-profit organization, CWAJ’s 450
members from 30 different countries work
together in a unique system of pairing
Japanese and non-Japanese members forleading every aspect of the organization.
Offering opportunities for women from allover the world to share unique culturalexperiences with their Japanese peers,
CWAJ provides a long-term link with Japan
as well as the immediate benefits of a wide
range of activities in and around Tokyo.
Interested in joining CWAJ?
Please contact membership@cwaj.org
for more information.

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CWAJ ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013

CWAJ supports people
with visual impairments
CWAJ’s ongoing programs for people
who are visually impaired (VI) make anenduring, positive impact by providing(i) scholarships for VI to study in Japanand abroad, (ii) English instruction andevents for VI to learn and apply English
skills,and(iii)
opportunities
toappreciate works of art at Hands-on Art
Exhibit at the Print Show.

VVI Newsletter
Three informative and interesting issues
a year – spring, summer and fall– were
distributed to 194 individuals in 2012 byemail, in braille and enlarged type.

Hands-on-Art Exhibit
35 VI attended Hands-on Art (HoA) at
the Print Show in 2012. Four prints weremade into tactile prints called ‘ raised
images ’ which VI touch to feel the

Education Programs

CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually
ImpairedJapanese undergraduate and graduate
students with visual impairments are
eligible for scholarships to study in Japanand abroad. See p.2 for 2012 recipients.

VVI (Volunteers for the Visually
Impaired)VVI has been a leader in responding to
the needs of the visually impaired
community
since
1975,
primarily
through the English language programs
that broaden their career and personal
growth opportunities.
Japan Vocational Development
Center for the Blind
CWAJ
volunteers
teach
Englishconversation classes twice a week toadults with visual impairment as part oftheir job training program.
English Conversation Gatherings
2012 was a year of record attendance atthree English conversation gatherings,
two of which were hosted by Embassies.
CWAJ member Israeli Ambassadress
Carmela Ben Shitrit introduced theintellectual,technical
andculturalachievementsofIsrael.
Oman
Ambassador
Al-Muslahi
described
Oman’s long-standing relationship withJapan, including student exchanges. The
third gathering highlighted Easter andspring celebrations in the US, Germany
and India. About 35 VI learned firsthandat each gathering about customs andcultures around the world.

Special Needs Education School for
the Visually Impaired, University ofTsukuba
In June and November, in a programprovided only by CWAJ, 16 volunteers
gave mock interviews to 35 VI highschool students to help them prepare for
the Eiken English Proficiency Test.

program. Please join us at "Kimono
Magic", a fun event highlighting creativeideas to wear kimono in modern times,
on 14th May 2 - 4 pm at International
House.
The second event will be a concert ofChinese music featuring Minjyun Wang
(Chinese flute) and Yumi Oikawa (piano)
on 18th September. Visit the CWAJ
website, Cultural Program for more
information.

Children’s English Circle

general composition of the print.
HIROTA Raifu generously lent an artist
proof of his print providing a special
chance for VI to touch an actual print.
HoA is a unique opportunity for VI toenjoy art with the general community.
CWAJ members guide VI through HoA
and the Print Show. VI could also listen
to an audio-tape of the artists'
descriptions of their prints.

Cultural Programs
The CWAJ Cultural Programs provide
enjoyable educational events for thecommunity at large and are usuallyconducted in English.
On 17th March 2012, a charity concert of
koto and shakuhachi music by Curt andBruce Duo was held at the Franciscan
Chapel Center in Roppongi. The “Going
Home ― Reflections on Fukushima”
concert was attended by 250 and raisedover 400,000 yen to support CWAJ’s
Relief Projects.

On 30th November 2012, a presentation
about Tokyo Skytree and its construction
was given by Mr Hiroshi Takagi of
ObayashiCorporation,a Japaneseconstruction company with a rich history
responsible for building the tower. The
audience of 100 was fascinated to learn
the inside story of the construction andfunctions of the world’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower built withJapanesecutting-edge
technology.
Additionally, Mr Makoto Kanai, the Vice
President of Obayashi Corporation,
provided an interactive surprise quizwith prizes.
Two cultural programs are planned for2013. Open to the public, all proceeds
will go to support CWAJ’s scholarship

During 2012 CWAJ volunteers held 30
after-school activity classes for Japaneseelementary school children who havereturned to Japan after living abroad.
The children had fun exploring various
topics through reading, arts, crafts andsinging. Children’s English Circle’s goal isto help these children to retain theirEnglish skills.

Foreign Students’ Circle
35 foreign students from eight countries
participated in Foreign Students’ Circle
programs in 2012. They had a lecture in
Pasona on working in Japan, attended
Kabuki, Noh and Bunraku performances,and experienced making soba noodles.
CWAJ volunteers assist foreign students
seeking guidance and friendship whileliving in Japan.

You can make a difference!
By supporting the CWAJ Scholarshipand Education Programs and the
CWAJ Fukushima Relief Projects you
can make a genuine and long lasting
impact on the lives of individuals andcommunities both in Japan andbeyond.
CWAJ welcomes and accepts
donations of any amount throughout
the year. Please contact Donations/
Sponsorships Co-Chairs:
Barbara Hancock, Tomoe Kondo
donations@cwaj.org
For donations by bank transfer:
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubushi UFJ
Meguro Branch
Savings Account: No. 0259076
Account Name: Ippan Shadan Hojin
CWAJ

CWAJ College Women’s
Association of Japan(Ippan Shadan Hojin CWAJ)CWAJ Center, 2-24-13-703
Kami-Osaki Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 141-0021
Tel :03-3491-2091 Fax :03-3491-2092
www.cwaj.org