Fast Retailing Foundation Expands Scholarships to Indonesia
On June 17, the Fast Retailing Foundation hosted a send-off ceremony in Jakarta for the first group of Indonesian students awarded scholarships to study in Japan. Out of nearly 600 applicants, nine outstanding students were selected to pursue bachelor’s degrees taught in English at some of Japan’s most prestigious universities, including Kyoto University and Keio University.
The foundation, established by Fast Retailing—the company behind UNIQLO—has been expanding its scholarship program in regions where demand for studying in Japan is strong. The initiative began in Vietnam in 2022, extended to Indonesia in 2025, and will launch in the Philippines in 2026. The goal is to nurture future leaders who can serve as bridges between Japan and their home countries.
Scholarship Details
- Covers tuition and living expenses up to 4.5 million JPY annually.
- No repayment required, and graduates are free to choose their career paths.
- Focused on English-taught bachelor’s programs at 12 leading Japanese universities.
Competition was intense: nearly 600 applicants vied for just 10 slots. Final interviews were conducted by Tadashi Yanai, Chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing. Ultimately, nine students were chosen based not only on academic excellence but also on clear motivation and communication skills.
Universities & Aspirations
The selected scholars will attend institutions such as Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Tohoku University, Keio University, Waseda University, and International Christian University. One recipient, Mr. Hartadi, who will study engineering at Kyoto University, expressed his ambition to contribute to Indonesia’s aerospace sector by advancing satellite technology.
Future Expansion
Mr. Yoshio Ishida, Secretary-General of the foundation, noted that given Indonesia’s population size, the program could eventually grow to support 20–30 students annually. He also emphasized the need for Japanese universities to expand English-language programs to attract more international talent.
Broader Context
According to JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization), as of May 2025, Japan hosted over 400,000 international students—the highest number ever. China, Nepal, Vietnam, and Myanmar were among the top sending countries, while Indonesia ranked ninth with around 7,000 students. Japan’s government has identified Southeast Asia as a priority region for international student recruitment, reinforcing the significance of initiatives like Fast Retailing’s scholarship program.
(Source: Nikkei, June 19, 2026)
Global University in Japan view:
As mentioned in the article above, Japanese universities are being encouraged to expand English‑taught programs to attract more international students, and more institutions will soon offer English‑based degree programs. Global University in Japan is dedicated to connecting international students with leading Japanese universities that provide full degree programs in English, helping them study abroad in Japan without the need for JLPT or advanced Japanese language skills.
