About Us
We are a global community of MEXT scholars and alumni dedicated to empowering education, fostering collaboration, and building lifelong connections across borders.
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Empowering Communities for Change
Who We Help
We support current scholars, alumni, and aspiring students by providing mentorship that enhances their academic & professional journeys in Japan
Our Approach
Through events, partnerships, and digital initiatives, we bring together individuals and institutions who share a commitment to learning.


A World Where Communities Thrive Together
Empowerment
We aim to empower scholars and alumni with the knowledge, confidence, and connections they need to lead impactful careers.
Community
Our vision is rooted in long-term impact nurturing relationships, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting initiatives.
Building a Global Community of Scholars
It is an honor to lead a community that embodies the spirit of learning, resilience, and cross-cultural understanding. Since its founding in 2016, the MEXT Scholars Association has become a platform where scholars and alumni come together to share experiences, support one another, and contribute to society — both in Japan and beyond.
At MSA, we believe that education is more than an academic pursuit — it’s a bridge that connects people, ideas, and cultures. Every scholar’s story adds to a growing legacy of collaboration and impact that transcends borders.
– Sujata Saini
President, MEXT Scholars Association
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We Empower Scholars and Build Global Connections
Since its founding in 2016, the MEXT Scholars Association (MSA) has been uniting scholars and alumni across Japan and the world

Meet the Dedicated People
Behind the Mission
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Sujata Saini
Sujata is an Indian who is pursuing her PhD in Computer Science at Tokyo Metropolitan University in Tokyo, Japan. Her major is Data Science and Machine Learning. She is a Women Techmaker Ambassador in Japan and founder/organizer of major tech communities such as Google Developer Student Club and Microsoft Learn at TMU.


Francisco de Asis Corrales Pavia
My name is Francisco, but you can just call me Paco. I'm a first year Master's Student in the Human and Environmental Sciences of Kyoto University. I study Classical Japanese Literature, focusing on the Man'yoshu and the transmission of character use and readings.


Arghya Battacharya
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Arghya Bhattacharya. I am a Master's Student in the field of Applied Information Sciences at Tohoku University. I am currently engrossed in the field of Machine Consciousness and Autonomous Agents. I also plan to explore Quantum Computing in the near future.


Subhagata
PhD candidate in Architecture Program, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, (Hiroshima University) specializing in passive cooling, thermal comfort, and building performance simulation in the Global South. Experienced in mentoring students in environmental design and computational simulation through teaching assistant roles and collaboration with government institutes in India. Committed to creating sustainable cities with optimal thermally comfortable houses and disaster resilient infrastructure, with the urge to learn more and grow as a group and individually.


Fawaz Bagoudou
Fawaz Bagoudou is a Certified Food Scientist and Assistant Professor at Shinshu University in Japan, where he works on sustainable and healthy food systems. He also serves as Head of Alumni for the MEXT Scholars Association (MSA), supporting global talent development and international collaboration.


Ronit Kaushik
Ronit is a graduate in Biosciences and Bioengineering from IIT Guwahati. After working as a Data Engineer for a year, he is currently pursuing his Master's at the University of Tsukuba, focusing on alpha-synucleinopathies. Outside of his academic work, he is actively involved in hiking and racket sports like table tennis and squash.


Ibrahim Hamza Joseph
Hi there, Hamza is a Nigerian currently pursuing his studies at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, with a strong interest in behavioral and social neuroscience. His research interests focus on stress, social behavior, and the neural mechanisms underlying behavior and emotion. He is passionate about translating neuroscience research into meaningful societal impact and is actively developing his skills in research, scientific communication, and creative media.


Andres Ramirez Restrepo
Chemist and PhD on Environmental Education (Kyoto University). My research has gravitated towards environmental pollution and monitoring, with a recent focus on waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste). Soon working as a teacher in Nagoya, I want to spark passion for science through arts, including storytelling and videogames.


Islam Karimov
Hey everyone! My name is Islam, and I am originally from Tajikistan but grew up in the USA. I previously studied medicine in Tajiksitan and then went on to study neuroscience in Germany. I am currently doing my masters degree at Tokyo University where I am researching more about virology/immunology. I really like learning languages in my free time and traveling.


Ali Raza
Konnichiwa everyone! I am Ali Raza from Pakistan. My childhood was spent in Saudi Arabia and I have completed my high school and intermediate studies from Pakistan. I (with friends) founded AiBL Innovations startup (focused on smart prosthetic leg). I gained valuable experience from it and want to contribute that knowledge in MSA. Cheers!!!


Mahamadou Adama Coulibaly
Hi! My name is Mahamadou Adama Coulibaly, but please feel free to call me MAC. I’m originally from Mali and recently moved to Tokyo to pursue my MBA at GLOBIS University as a MEXT scholar. Before joining GLOBIS, I worked in warehouse operations and supply chain management, with a particular focus on exporting agricultural products such as gum arabic and sesame. I’m passionate about business, entrepreneurship, and strengthening connections between Africa and Japan. In my free time, I enjoy learning languages, playing basketball, and exploring new places.


Abid Manzar
Abid from india, came to japan in 2025, doing specialization in Web/UX design. before coming to japan i did my bachelors in English Literature and Geography, side by side i was learning japanese and design on my own. I love content creation, illustration, short form video, photography, games, cinema. Don norman is my favorite Designer, my mentor, teacher. i love exploring new stuff, i have few plans for future, but you never know.


Shruti Sri Ravi
Hiee im Shruti! im from India and im studying Fashion at BGU. I also did 4 years of fashion in India from NIFT, so I am a bit of a Art and Design nerd. Ive been painting and crafting all my life and I love sunsets. Im currently trying to work on content for my instagram and attempting to show my work on YouTube as well!! so definitely join me if you are interested. I love learning new languages, im on my 6th one. I love giving back to places that have helped me so im here at MSA!! see you around <3


Mariia Hirniak
I’m Maria, originally from Ukraine, and I’m currently based in Japan. I recently completed my Master’s at IUJ, where I focused on international relations, data analysis, and cybersecurity. My Japanese level is around N2, and I’m currently studying toward N1, so I’m always happy to have opportunities to practice and improve my Japanese as well! I wanted to join MSA Externals because I’m really interested in international relations, networking, and connecting people from different backgrounds. I’d also love to contribute to MSA’s external relations and learn more about sponsor communications and how the team works.
Together, we can create change
Empowering scholars and alumni to make a global impact through collaboration, knowledge, and community.





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