FROM OUR DIRECTORS
Dear Friends,
As the IUC concludes another successful academic year, we extend our congratulations to the Class of 2025 and wish them the very best for their future endeavors. Meanwhile, our Summer and Kanbun students have arrived in Yokohama and are diving into the rigorous language training that defines the IUC experience.
Our alumni continue to make remarkable contributions to the global understanding of Japan. This spring, two distinguished graduates, Sheldon Garon (’78) and Kurt Tong (’86), were awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan’s most prestigious honors. We are proud to see their achievements recognized at the highest levels and are continually inspired by the impact IUC alumni have around the world.
This summer also marks a transition for the Center, as Junko Tanaka will be retiring after 30 years of service at the Yokohama office. She has been a steady, caring presence for every student who has passed through our doors since 1995—over 2,000 in all! We are so appreciative of all her hard work and hope you join us in celebrating as she steps into her next chapter.
Thank you as always to all our alumni, staff, faculty, supporters, and community members for helping IUC continue training the next generation of Japan experts.
Kiyoteru Tsutsui, Executive Director
Bruce Batten, Resident Director
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IN THIS EDITION
- Junko Tanaka to retire after 30 years of service
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Congratulating the Class of 2025 & welcoming our Summer and Kanbun students
- Two IUC alumni awarded the Order of the Rising Sun
- Recent events, alumni appearances, and publications
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Join the IUC alumni groups on Facebook and LinkedIn!
- In Memoriam
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SUPPORT THE IUC
Your support is critical to our students. To make your gift today, visit our website. To find out how to make a planned gift, please email Wen Audrey Chen at wenachen@stanford.edu.
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JUNKO TANAKA TO RETIRE AT END OF SUMMER
Junko Tanaka, beloved by generations of students for her care and dedication as a member of the Yokohama office staff, will be retiring at the end of the summer. Please join us in giving her a warm sendoff by signing her retirement card!
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NEW BILINGUAL WEBSITE
We’re thrilled to share that the new IUC website is now available in both English and Japanese, as part of our ongoing efforts to integrate and expand our digital presence. Explore the new Japanese website at iuc-japan.fsi.stanford.edu, and feel free to share any feedback!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025!
On June 6, the Class of 2025 officially joined the ranks of IUC alumni, and the week leading up to that day’s graduation ceremony was filled with presentations and celebrations. On June 2 and 3, students delivered their 15-minute graduation presentations (sotsugyō happyō), showcasing original research and personal interests in Japanese. Topics ranged from Nintendo’s fan engagement strategies and the politics of nuclear power to picture brides, kimono upcycling, and more. Check out the full program here!
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On June 4, the 2024–25 Watanabe Fellows gathered for a special lunch with their generous benefactor, Mr. Toshizo Watanabe and his wife Hidemi. As a token of appreciation, Fellow Cameron Peagler presented Mr. Watanabe with a print of one of his award-winning photographs. We’re deeply grateful to the Watanabes for their hospitality and enduring support.
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The Nippon Foundation Fellows celebrated aboard a yakatabune cruise on the Sumida River on June 5, hosted by The Nippon Foundation. We were honored by the presence of Honorary Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, who joins the celebration each year and recently highlighted the Nippon Foundation Fellowship program in his blog. The evening featured delicious food, lively conversation, and even karaoke! Our heartfelt thanks to The Nippon Foundation for its continued generosity.
Even after the official graduation ceremony and celebration on June 6, four students still had one more talk to give! On June 10, Hongmin Ahn, Sarah Pratt, Lavanya Verma, and Michelle Wilkinson shared their Japan Heritage Project presentations at the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel Noh Theater in Shibuya. Their talks were followed by a panel discussion with Tetsuya Isono (Agency for Cultural Affairs), Takehisa Sekiya (Japan Airlines), and Shinichi “Scott” Yoshioka (Tokyu Hotels & Resorts), moderated by IUC Senior Advisor Ryuji “Rick” Watanabe. Thank you to Tokyu Hotels, Japan Airlines, and all our partners for supporting this great opportunity for our students!
Congratulations to all our graduates—お疲れ様でした！
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STUDENT LIFE HIGHLIGHTS
As the academic year drew to a close, IUC students continued to engage deeply with Japanese culture, history, and community, both inside and outside the classroom. Here are just a few highlights from the final two terms of the 10-month program:
In January, five students visited the National Museum of Japanese History in Chiba for a behind-the-scenes tour with Prof. Jun’ichi Ōkubo, continuing our partnership with the museum that began in 2020.
In February, IUC hosted participants in the Kakehashi Project, an initiative of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Eight IUC students shared their insights on graduate study, the JET Programme, and life in Japan with 15 visitors from the U.S. and Canada. Later in the month, four students participated in the 12th session of the “materials workshop” series co-sponsored by the IUC and the National Institute of Japanese Literature. The session focused on medieval linked-verse record sheets and was led by Prof. Asako Matsumoto of Seitoku University. Also in February, IUC welcomed alumna Dr. Stephanie Santschi (’20), who led a workshop for the Nippon Foundation Fellows on ukiyo-e landscapes and her innovative citizen science work.
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In the midst of all the studying and activities, the inaugural Pajama Day in March brought some cozy levity to the classrooms of the IUC, thanks to creative student organizers who launched this new tradition!
In April, the five students supported by the Shoyu Club paid a visit to their generous sponsors to express their appreciation. IUC is fortunate to have received support from the Shoyu Club since 1996.
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In May, nine students attended a Noh theater workshop led by Chikage Terai, a shite-kata performer of the Kanze School. This marked the first such workshop at IUC since before the pandemic. The day before, members of the Tea Ceremony Club had the unique opportunity to assist at a public tea gathering hosted by Akiyama Sōchi at Suisokuken, an Edo-period “folk house” (minka) in Saitama.
Also in May, we held the second annual Nippon Foundation Fellowship Program Special Presentation Conference, where ten Fellows gave presentations in Japanese on their research or areas of interest. The quality and range of topics presented were a testament to their hard work and growth throughout the year—congratulations to all!
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WELCOME TO THE SUMMER AND KANBUN PROGRAM STUDENTS!
The 2025 Summer and Kanbun programs are officially underway! This year we have 31 students in the Summer program and 5 students in the Kanbun program. Welcome to all our new students—we’re so excited to have you and looking forward to a great summer!
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NEW YORK ALUMNI GATHERING AT THE JAPAN SOCIETY
On April 25, IUC alumni gathered at the Japan Society in New York City for a memorable evening of art, conversation, and community. We first enjoyed a warm reception, followed by a private tour of Kotobuki, a stunning exhibition of Japanese art from major private collections. Thank you to everyone who joined us and thank you to the Japan Society for hosting us!
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IUC LECTURE SERIES: TIMOTHY GEORGE (’85)
On April 11, Timothy George (’85), Professor Emeritus at the University of Rhode Island, delivered the twenty-first installment of the IUC Lecture Series with his talk on “Minamata Disease and Postwar Japanese Democracy.” Thank you, Prof. George, for an extremely interesting and informative lecture on an important topic.
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ASSOCIATION FOR ASIAN STUDIES (AAS) RECEPTION
On March 14, IUC alumni met for a reception at the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. AAS brings together scholars, educators, and professionals engaged in the study of Asia, and we’re always proud to see IUC alumni contributing across a wide range of fields.
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From career panels to casual meetups, IUC alumni have been finding creative ways to stay connected and support one another. In February, Claudia Goh (’25), Ben Freedman (’21) and the Tokyo Alumni Events Committee hosted a lively networking night at xBridge-Kyobashi, featuring a panel discussion on career insights with Jennifer Butler (’18) and Alex Hutchins (’21). In April, Nathan Reaven (’06) and Matthew Farrell (’25) led a hike in scenic Kamakura, while the Kansai alumni community gathered for a January happy hour in Osaka and an April picnic in Kyoto, both organized by Daniel Morales (’22) and Travis Seifman (’08). Most recently, over 30 alumni came together in June for a celebratory happy hour at Hobgoblin Roppongi organized by Carmen Rocio Pascual Valdeiglesias (’25) and Kai Wasson (’19), welcoming the newest IUC graduates into the community. Many thanks to all our alumni volunteers for making these events possible!
Do you have an idea for an IUC alumni gathering in your area? Reach out to Alumni Relations Officer Kelsey Reardon at kreardon@stanford.edu!
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ORDER OF THE RISING SUN
Two IUC alumni were awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in the 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals. Congratulations to Sheldon Garon (’78) and Kurt Tong (’86) on achieving this incredible honor! With these two most recent additions, 23 IUC graduates have received the Order of the Rising Sun.
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DEFENSE COOPERATION AWARD
In January, Steven Zakravsky (’24 Summer) was awarded Japan’s Defense Cooperation Award (Third Class) at a ceremony at the CFCF Headquarters, Funakoshi Base, Yokosuka, Japan. The Defense Cooperation Award is presented to members of foreign armed forces who distinguished themselves by their most notable achievement or service rendered in contribution to defense cooperation between Japan and their country. This is the highest medal the Japanese government awards to foreign military members. Congratulations, Steven!
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Caroline H. Lui
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CENTER VISITS
Recently we have been blessed with several visits by former students, including Chien-Cho Chan (’23), Rachel Han (’23), Shuning Li (’24), Stephanie Santschi (’20), and Travis Seifman (’08). Good luck with all of your activities! We’re cheering you on. IUC alumni are always welcome to stop by and say hello!
| | MEDIA APPEARANCES & ONLINE EVENTS | | |
The IUC community has a vibrant tradition of writing and translation. Over the last six months alone, alumni have published a wide range of academic and creative works, including a history of manga (Eike Exner ’12), a book on Nō and Kyōgen theatre (Tom Hare ’74), and a collection of translated short stories by Yukio Mishima (Juliet Winters Carpenter ’70, Paul Francis McCarthy ’65).
We’re also excited to share the IUC Alumni Publications Database, which now includes more than 2,000 books authored, edited, or translated by IUC alumni. These works span nearly every field and genre related to Japan, including anime, anthropology, art and art history, architecture, biography, business, critical theory, design, economics, education, fashion, film, food, history, language, linguistics, literature, manga, media, medicine, memoir, philosophy, poetry, politics, popular culture, religion, sociology, technology, and more.
You can explore the database at the link below—and if you notice any alumni publications we’ve missed, we’d love to hear from you!
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SHARE YOUR ALUMNI NEWS
Are you working on a Japan-related project, publication, opportunity, or event? We’d love to feature you and your work in our next newsletter! Contact Kelsey Reardon at kreardon@stanford.edu to share your story.
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IN MEMORIAM
We are sad to report the recent passing of the following members of our community. We invite you to read more about their lives at the links below.
| | The IUC maintains two social media accounts specifically for alumni networking and community-building. The IUC Facebook and LinkedIn groups are great places to look for or share career and Japanese study opportunities, let others know about your Japan-related work or passions, and keep up with old friends. | | |
IUC PROFESSIONAL TUTORIALS
The IUC offers a custom-designed tutorials program in advanced Japanese for scholars and professionals at a lower rate for graduates of the IUC. Visit our program page for more information.
MIIS SCHOLARSHIP
IUC alumni enrolling in degree programs at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) are eligible for a scholarship!
The Middlebury Institute educates professionals to advance understanding, promote peace, and drive change in pursuit of a more just world. For details, contact Jill Stoffers, Senior Director of Partnerships at MIIS, by email at jstoffer@middlebury.edu or by phone at (831) 647-6571.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation
The Nippon Foundation
City of Yokohama
Shoyu Club
Fred and Ann Notehelfer
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Tokyo Club
Ito Foundation, USA
The Sato Foundation
SMBC Global Foundation
Toshiba International Foundation
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Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation
Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University
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IUC MEMBER INSTITUTIONS
Brigham Young University
Columbia University
Harvard University
Princeton University
Stanford University
University of British Columbia
University of California, Berkeley
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University of California, Los Angeles
University of Chicago
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
University of Michigan
University of Washington
Yale University
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In Association With:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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