Scholarship Fund Awards
2026 Application Deadline: April 6
GVJCI High School Seniors Scholarship
The GVJCI awards annual scholarships to high school seniors who live in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. Former and current GVJCI Japanese Language School students who live outside of the South Bay region may also apply. Eligibility: Applicants must have been directly involved with the GVJCI or GVJCI Member Organizations that hold regular activity at the GVJCI. Emphasis is placed upon GVJCI and other community involvement, volunteerism and future goals. High school students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and have post-secondary educational plans. Scholarships available: Gary Hori Memorial Scholarship ($2,000), Gardena Valley JACL Scholarship ($2,000), and the Gardena Valley Gardeners Association Legacy Scholarship ($2,000), and other GVJCI scholarships. Submission deadline is April 6, 2026 with award notification in June. |
Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship
The Brian Takeo Mitsunaga Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) is available to current college and graduate school students. Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time at a college, university, trade school, business school, or any other institution of higher learning within the United States at the undergraduate or graduate school level and will be continuing in the Fall. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required. Applicants must be directly and currently involved with the GVJCI in some capacity (ex: GVJCI Japanese Language School, GVJCI internships, GVJCI programs and services, including GVJCI's Volunteer Program). GVJCI member organization's involvement ONLY would not qualify. IN ADDITION TO ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE NOTE: Previous recipients of a GVJCI Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship are not eligible to reapply to this scholarship for additional years of their undergraduate or graduate education. However, an applicant who received a GVJCI High School Senior Scholarship, is eligible to apply as an undergraduate or graduate student; or a recipient of an undergraduate scholarship is eligible to apply as a graduate student. In short, individuals cannot apply in an attempt to receive the same scholarship twice. The applicant is responsible for submitting all materials to GVJCI on time. This application for a scholarship becomes complete and valid only when GVJCI has received all of the following materials. Submission deadline is April 6, 2026 with award notification in June, and award recognitions will be made on June 27, 2026 at the 2026 GVJCI Matsuri. |
2025 GVJCI Scholarship Recipients
On June 28 at the GVJCI Matsuri Fundraiser, representatives of the GVJCI Scholarship Committee presented scholarships to two deserving students. GVJCI congratulates Kayla Sakurai and Justin Yong for their achievements, career goals, and their involvement and support of GVJCI and the community. We are very proud of these students and wish them success in their continued education and future goals, and hope for a long lasting engagement with the GVJCI! The following are messages from the recipients.
2025 GVJCI Matsuri Scholarship Presentation - Pictured l-r: Alison Kochiyama - GVJCI Executive Director, Justin Yong, Lawrence Hada - GVJCI Scholarship Committee Member, Kayla Sakurai, Raymond Shibata - GVJCI Scholarship Committee Member. (Photo courtesy of JK Yamamoto, Rafu Shimpo)
GARY HORI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Kayla Sakurai, Torrance High School graduate, will be attending University of California, Irvine
“Thank you so much for this honor, I have so many wonderful memories here at the Matsuri’s and attending Japanese school here with my friends. I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community.”
Kayla Sakurai, Torrance High School graduate, will be attending University of California, Irvine
“Thank you so much for this honor, I have so many wonderful memories here at the Matsuri’s and attending Japanese school here with my friends. I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community.”
BRIAN TAKEO MITSUNAGA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Justin Yong, attending California State University, Long Beach
“My name is Justin Yong, and I will be starting my second year at California State University, Long Beach, where I am majoring in Cinematic Arts. Receiving this scholarship from the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is a true honor and means a great deal to me. I’ve been involved with GVJCI for nearly 10 years through Kendo and volunteering at the annual Matsuri festivals. The support from GVJCI extends beyond financial assistance; it has helped me stay connected to my Japanese heritage and given me the opportunity to give back to the community. The Kendo Dojo feels like a second family to me. They’ve watched me grow up, and their constant encouragement continues to motivate me and push me toward my goals. This scholarship helps alleviate some of the financial pressure of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies and creative projects as I work toward a film career. More importantly, it reminds me why staying connected to my culture and giving back to the community is so important. I’m inspired to keep contributing in any way I can and to represent GVJCI as I move forward in life.”
Justin Yong, attending California State University, Long Beach
“My name is Justin Yong, and I will be starting my second year at California State University, Long Beach, where I am majoring in Cinematic Arts. Receiving this scholarship from the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is a true honor and means a great deal to me. I’ve been involved with GVJCI for nearly 10 years through Kendo and volunteering at the annual Matsuri festivals. The support from GVJCI extends beyond financial assistance; it has helped me stay connected to my Japanese heritage and given me the opportunity to give back to the community. The Kendo Dojo feels like a second family to me. They’ve watched me grow up, and their constant encouragement continues to motivate me and push me toward my goals. This scholarship helps alleviate some of the financial pressure of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies and creative projects as I work toward a film career. More importantly, it reminds me why staying connected to my culture and giving back to the community is so important. I’m inspired to keep contributing in any way I can and to represent GVJCI as I move forward in life.”
Congratulations 2025 GVJCI Scholarship recipients!
We are proud of you and excited to see your future unfold. Thank you for serving our community as GVJCI volunteers through the years and we look forward your return as future GVJCI volunteers and supporters!
We are proud of you and excited to see your future unfold. Thank you for serving our community as GVJCI volunteers through the years and we look forward your return as future GVJCI volunteers and supporters!
