[FY2026] Scholarship for Medical Students Supporting Future Pediatric Healthcare - Applications Open April 1st (Wed)

The Kawano Pediatric Medical Scholarship Foundation (Location: Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture; Chairman: Yukio Kawano / Representative Director and Chairman of Blue Zone Holdings Co., Ltd. and Yaoko Co., Ltd.), which provides research grants to pediatric medical researchers and scholarships to medical students aspiring to pediatric medicine, healthcare, and health, will begin accepting applications for its FY2026 scholarship program on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Application Overview

● Purpose To support the nurturing and production of future leaders in the field of pediatric medicine.

● Eligibility University students who have graduated from high schools in Saitama or Chiba prefectures and aspire to pediatric medicine at a medical faculty of a comprehensive university or a medical university in Japan, as well as graduate students engaged in pediatric medical research.

● Grant Amount and Benefits for Scholarship Students

[Grant Amount] 70,000 yen per month (non-repayable) * Can be combined with other scholarships. Academic year is not a factor if application qualifications are met.

[Other Benefits] Participation in various programs for scholarship students organized by the Foundation. * Details are provided at the bottom of the page.

● Grant Period From April 2026 until the shortest standard period of study.

● How to Apply After checking the "Scholarship Grant" page on the Foundation's website, submit the specified documents via your university. https://kawanozaidan.or.jp/scholarship/

● Application Acceptance Period April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) - May 19, 2026 (Tuesday) 17:00

● Contact for this Application Contact: Tachimot (Tachimot) Tel: 049-247-1717 e-mail: info@kawanozaidan.or.jp

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use this scholarship in conjunction with other scholarships? A. Yes, it is possible. However, please check the regulations of other foundations, as some may not allow concurrent use with this scholarship.

Q. Can I apply even if I am not a first-year student? A. Yes, it is possible. As long as you meet the application qualifications, your academic year does not matter.

Q. What kind of aspirations are you looking for in applicants? A. This scholarship aims to support the nurturing and production of future leaders in pediatric medicine, and we encourage those who aspire to become doctors supporting children's health and growth. Our scholarship alumni include not only pediatricians but also those in obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, and researchers involved in children's health and development.

Voices from Graduated Scholarship Students

[Graduated in FY2024] TN from International University of Health and Welfare Even for national examination preparation, which requires increasingly high scores each year, I believe I was able to prepare efficiently and satisfactorily by using the scholarship for textbook purchases and other expenses. I am very pleased to report my successful graduation from medical school, passing the national examination, and starting my initial clinical training.

[Graduated in FY2024] KA from Dokkyo Medical University Not only financially, but also by providing various learning opportunities and networking events with scholarship students from other universities, I received great mental support and was able to lead an enthusiastic student life. I will continue to make further efforts in my clinical training and build the foundation for my life as a doctor.

Introduction to Programs for Scholarship Students The Foundation hopes that medical students will grow into doctors who are trusted and appreciated by people. We provide opportunities to learn the knowledge and skills necessary in medical settings from an early stage, as well as platforms to build networks beyond the boundaries of universities and hospitals. In addition to providing scholarships, we support the growth of all those who will lead future pediatric healthcare through these trainings and exchanges.

● Introduction to Programs Implemented Last Year

"Communication Training for Medical Students" Implemented on September 6, 2025 Ms. Sachiko Matsuda, Representative of YOU Kikaku We conducted a training program to acquire communication fundamentals, starting from reconfirming basic manners such as facial expressions, greetings, and responses, and learning how to speak, voice tone, and listening skills according to the situation. Exercises included greetings divided into patient and doctor roles, as well as role-playing for information transmission.

"Career Seminar for Medical Students" Implemented on September 26, 2025 Dr. Ken Ebishima, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center To help scholarship students grow into future leaders in the medical field, we provide opportunities for career development through interaction with current doctors who are alumni of the Foundation's scholarship program. Dr. Ken Ebishima spoke about how he spent his student days, what triggered his career choice, and the appeal of child psychiatry, incorporating specific experiences and learnings.

Image caption: Scene of information transmission role-playing Image caption: Scene of career seminar for medical students (online)

● Scheduled Implementation for FY2026 September 2026: Scholarship Certificate Award Ceremony, Communication Training, Career Seminar March 2027: Mental Health Training In addition, online interviews with the secretariat staff are planned.

About the Scholarship Program The Foundation believes that nurturing and producing future leaders in the field of pediatric medicine is crucial for its sustainable development, and thus started its scholarship program in 1990.

Initially, it was implemented as a loan-type scholarship for medical students who graduated from high schools in Saitama Prefecture, but in 2010, it was switched to a non-repayable grant-type scholarship. From FY2021, the eligibility was expanded to include medical students who graduated from high schools in Chiba Prefecture.

Image caption: Scene of Scholarship Certificate Award Ceremony

Furthermore, considering recent price increases, the grant amount was raised to 70,000 yen per month from FY2023 so that scholarship students can concentrate on their studies with peace of mind. In FY2025, 18 new scholarship students were welcomed, and a total of 37.56 million yen was granted to 45 scholarship students.

● Past Grant Achievements

Image caption: (No caption provided in original HTML)

* Loan-type started in 1990, grant-type started in 2010, and only grant-type since 2015. * In 2021, the grant amount was increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. * In 2025, 37,560 thousand yen was granted to 45 students.

Foundation Overview Foundation Name: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Kawano Pediatric Medical Scholarship Foundation Address: 1-10-1 Shinjuku-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture 350-1124 Chairman: Yukio Kawano (Representative Director and Chairman of Blue Zone Holdings Co., Ltd. and Yaoko Co., Ltd.) Secretary General: Hiroko Kawano Established: December 25, 1989 Supervising Agency: Cabinet Office URL: https://kawanozaidan.or.jp/ TEL: 049-247-1717 Mail: info@kawanozaidan.or.jp Business Activities: Research grants / Scholarship grants / Kawano Award for Pediatric Medicine / Medical society grants / Pediatric medical facility support / Doctor-led outreach seminars / Doctor-community collaboration child support grants

<Founding Story> The founding story of the Foundation and episodes of its activities are introduced on PR TIMES STORY. Please take a look. "Kawano Pediatric Medical Scholarship Foundation" established after the loss of a son's life - What was felt necessary to protect children's hearts and bodies while addressing challenges in pediatric medical care https://prtimes.jp/story/detail/rX5NvZs7GXb