By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety news Staff

THE Japanese government is offering three scholarship programs aimed at developing better understanding between Japanese and Americans.
“The major objective of these scholarships grants is to give young people from the Marianas the opportunity to know more about Japan and its unique culture and traditions,” Japan’s Consul General Tamio Tomino said.
“The Japanese culture, though based on Buddhism and Shintoism, co-exists in harmony with people of different beliefs. And we’d like to offer this opportunity for young Americans to understand our culture,” he added.
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is sponsoring a five-year scholarship for undergraduate students; a three-year grant for research students; and another grant for professional training.
The deadline for submission of application is May 30. The consulate office said candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited to take an exam at the Consulate-General of Japan in Hagåtña. Proficiency in the Japanese Language is not required.
To apply, applicants must: hold U.S. citizenship; born between April 2, 1986 and April 1, 1991; have either completed a 12-year regular course of school education or graduated from a school equivalent to senior high school in Japan; learn the Japanese language and receive professional training education in the language; and be able to leave for and arrive in Japan between the April 1 and 7, 2008.