NEWS
- Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship: Recruitment 2026
- Calling for applications for refugee-background youth in Japan for the Educational Pathways Program
- Japanese Language School Pathways for Admission of Syrian, Afghan, and Ukrainian students FY 2026 application starts
Issue&Approach
Growing number of refugees worldwide
New Approach- “Education Pathways” (Admission through Education)
Globally, the number of people forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, violence, and human rights violations has risen to 120 million.
Young people in refugee situations find themselves in a state of uncertainty, with unstable legal status and daily lives, suddenly cut off from pathways to the future and facing an uncertain outlook. They lose hope of learning, growing, and working.
Amidst various movements regarding refugee admission, initiatives led by the private sector to advance acceptance are expanding globally. Admission through education and employment not only provides refugees and displaced persons with opportunities to rebuild their lives but also offers host societies the chance to gain new talent as refugees and displaced persons integrate into society and work. This approach creates solutions for both refugees and displaced persons and host societies.
Our Activity
Admitting young refugees and displaced persons in Japan and guiding them toward self-reliance
The name Pathways Japan carries two meanings: pathways from abroad to Japan, and pathways to the future for young people who have experienced becoming refugees. To date, we have admitted approximately 200 young people from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine—countries where conflict and political upheaval created refugee situations—to Japan.
Also, through the provision of the “ Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship,” we support approximately 20 young people who have fled to Japan or face difficulties returning home in pursuing higher education each year.
Activity Introduction Video：A Journey of Hope
With the support of Lush, a UK-based natural cosmetics brand, we have produced an activity introduction video. Young people from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, along with representative from the Japanese language school hosting them, share their stories in interviews. Please take a look.
Scholarships for higher education
Admission into Japanese society
Support for employment and self-reliance
Awareness raising and advocacy
Support
Expanding Pathways for Refugee and Displaced Youth in Japan
Our organization’s activities are supported by the generous support of many individuals and organizations. We are paving new paths for young refugees who have fled their countries due to conflict and persecution, enabling them to pursue higher education in Japan, secure employment, and thrive in society. Will you join us in broadening their pathways in Japan, walking alongside them on this journey?
Main Supporting Organizations and Companies
