JF-CIJS-EAJS Fellowship Program: The 1st Research Report Session
Feb.27.2026
The Center for Integrated Japanese Studies (CIJS) at Tohoku University and the Japan Foundation (JF), with the cooperation of the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS), operate a fellowship program. This program provides research and survey opportunities at Tohoku University for graduate students in the humanities and social sciences who are conducting Japan-related research within Europe.
As Geraldine Takamura (University of Buckingham), one of the 2025 JF-CIJS-EAJS fellows, will complete her tenure in March, a research report session and a certificate award ceremony were held on February 27.
Presentation Title: Clara Whitney (1860 – 1936), Early Impressions of Japan
In her report, Ms. Takamura presented a biographical analysis of the life of Clara Whitney, an American woman who spent 18 years in Japan during the Meiji era, alongside reflections on Japanese society as seen through Whitney’s eyes. Reflecting on her fellowship, Ms. Takamura noted that visiting locations associated with Whitney—such as Yokohama, Karuizawa, and Sakura—was highly significant, as it allowed her to experience the unique characteristics and landscapes of each place in a way that archival research alone could not provide.
Following the report session, Director Hiroaki Adachi presented the certificate of completion, and Vice Director Yoshihisa Sugimoto presented a commemorative gift. We wish Ms. Takamura the very best in her future endeavors.
As Geraldine Takamura (University of Buckingham), one of the 2025 JF-CIJS-EAJS fellows, will complete her tenure in March, a research report session and a certificate award ceremony were held on February 27.
Presentation Title: Clara Whitney (1860 – 1936), Early Impressions of Japan
In her report, Ms. Takamura presented a biographical analysis of the life of Clara Whitney, an American woman who spent 18 years in Japan during the Meiji era, alongside reflections on Japanese society as seen through Whitney’s eyes. Reflecting on her fellowship, Ms. Takamura noted that visiting locations associated with Whitney—such as Yokohama, Karuizawa, and Sakura—was highly significant, as it allowed her to experience the unique characteristics and landscapes of each place in a way that archival research alone could not provide.
Following the report session, Director Hiroaki Adachi presented the certificate of completion, and Vice Director Yoshihisa Sugimoto presented a commemorative gift. We wish Ms. Takamura the very best in her future endeavors.
