Presentation Ceremony for the 15th Osaka Prefectural Scholarship Association USJ Scholarship Program to Support High School Students Striving to Achieve Their Dreams.
The Reason USJ is Involved in a Scholarship Program.

On August 22, 2025, Universal Studios Japan (operated by USJ LLC) hosted the presentation ceremony for the 15th Osaka Prefectural Scholarship Association USJ Scholarship Program. A total of 17 second-year high school students attending schools in Osaka Prefecture were invited to attend the ceremony at Lombard’s LandingTM, a restaurant in the Park.

Article Summary
・    On August 22, 2025, USJ LLC held the 15th presentation ceremony for the scholarship program it established in cooperation with the Osaka Prefectural Scholarship Association.
・    At this year's presentation ceremony, the scholarship was awarded to a total of 17 second-year high school students.
・    A closer look at the aspirations of the scholarship recipients and why USJ hosts the presentation ceremony.

What is the Osaka Prefectural Scholarship Association USJ Scholarship Program?

Founded in 2011 by USJ LLC in collaboration with the Osaka Prefectural Scholarship Association, this program awards each certified student a grant scholarship of one million yen. Now in its 15th year, this program has sought to support high school students who, despite financial hardship, have strong academic ambition and a clear vision for their future, helping them reach their goals while fostering the talent that will shape the future of Japan, starting in Osaka.
As of this year's ceremony, 197 high school students have been recognized as scholarship recipients over the 15 years of the program.

Introducing Scenes from the Scholarship Presentation Ceremony

The chairman of the Osaka Prefectural Scholarship Association personally presented the scholarship certificate to each recipient.

Chairman Shinichi Nakano of the Osaka Prefectural Scholarship Association was in attendance to watch the students take their first steps toward realizing their dreams, as were USJ's President Taku Murayama and External Affairs Director Hiroshi Haginiwa, who had acted as an interviewer for the selection process.

Taku Murayama, President & CEO of USJ LLC, delivered a message of support for the scholarship recipients.

"When I was thinking about what to say in my speech, the first thing that came to mind was how much I look forward to receiving inspiration from all of you, who have expressed a desire to help people and contribute to society. You might think of this presentation ceremony as an occasion for USJ and the Scholarship Association to present something to you, but the truth is, you are the ones who are empowering us," President Murayama declared, expressing his gratitude for the chance to meet the recipients.

Hiroshi Haginiwa, Director of the External Affairs Department at USJ LLC.

Having acted as an interviewer for the process to select recipients, Director Haginiwa similarly touched on how much there is to learn from the students. "Though this scholarship program is a way for USJ to provide support to students, it is also an opportunity for our company to learn a great deal from you and to gain new perspectives," he said.

Commenting on his enthusiasm for this program, he added, "Former USJ scholarship students sometimes reach out to us to share that they were accepted into their chosen universities or are working hard in the careers of their dreams, and nothing gives us greater joy. We are deeply honored to play a part in helping young people with so much potential to realize their dreams, and because we see this as a highly meaningful endeavor, we intend to continue the program going forward." 

The Aspirations of the Recipients and the Significance of the Presentation Ceremony

As in previous years, this year's recipients have a diverse range of dreams. Each student is striving toward the future that they envision. Some of them are pursuing distinct goals, like becoming a veterinarian, a Japanese language arts teacher, or a medical researcher dedicated to finding a cure for illnesses thought to be incurable, while others are still in the process of searching for their exact dream, but are brainstorming a path toward their goals as they apply themselves to their studies.

In our view, what is important is not the loftiness of a dream but the determination to strive toward it. Our efforts are driven by the desire to support individuals with the motivation, process, and strong will to pursue their dreams.

The alumni of the scholarship program also continue to push forward in the same way, working tirelessly toward new dreams to achieve their personal goals.

Scholarship alumni were also in attendance at the presentation ceremony, and they were given time to interact with this year's recipients. The presentation ceremony is not just an event to award scholarships; it also serves as an opportunity for recipients to connect with one another.

Saori Kono of the External Affairs Department at USJ LLC, who is in charge of hosting the presentation ceremony for this scholarship program, explained how the value of the presentation ceremony goes beyond awarding scholarships.

"There are recipients who had been close to giving up their dreams due to financial hardship, until this scholarship gave them the opportunity to tackle university entrance examinations. Moreover, this annual ceremony allows students to build connections with their peers, juniors, and seniors, serving as an opportunity to make irreplaceable friends. In one case, when a scholarship recipient aiming to become a teacher started a training program, they found themselves reunited with another recipient they had met at the ceremony, who was now serving as a teacher at that school," she shared.

"In my view, the scholarship provides far more value than just the one million yen each student receives. It gives students a chance to rekindle forgotten dreams and forge bonds with peers who are pursuing their dreams under similar circumstances."

The scholarship program is funded by proceeds from the Charity Dinner Show that USJ LLC has hosted together with key business partners since 2007, with the aim of fostering a stronger local community and supporting those in need in the region through charity.
This year's scholarships were also funded in part by proceeds from the 17th Charity Dinner Show held on June 7, 2025, along with a matching contribution from our company.

Presenting donations at the 17th Charity Dinner Show
https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/csr/cr/013/

Universal Studios Japan remains committed to supporting the community and fostering a “super energized” future where children can thrive.

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    The Reason USJ is Involved in a Scholarship Program.