My Journey to the MEXT Scholarship: From Italy to Japan

My name is Agnese Dionisio, and I’m originally from Italy. I recently completed my PhD in International Culture and Communication Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. My research focuses on Japanese imperialism, especially its lesser-known legacies in the Asia-Pacific, with particular attention to the histories of civilian and military sexual slavery. This academic path was not a linear one—it emerged out of deep personal reflection, a passion for uncovering silenced histories, and an enduring fascination with East Asia that began in my undergraduate years.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to receive the Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship—the prestigious scholarship offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It fully covered my tuition at Waseda University, provided a monthly stipend, and included round-trip airfare between Italy and Japan. Without exaggeration, this scholarship made my graduate studies possible.

Educational Background

Before coming to Japan, I completed a Bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in Italy. My academic performance was consistently strong—I graduated with distinction, which helped reinforce my credibility as a serious applicant. But beyond the GPA, I believe my genuine academic focus and clarity of purpose were key. By the time I applied, I already had a concrete research project in mind, one that not only aligned with my previous academic work but also addressed under-explored dimensions of East Asian history from a global perspective.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Japanese Institutions?

When preparing to apply to Japanese institutions, I began by carefully researching universities and professors whose work resonated with mine. I read faculty profiles, browsed through recent publications, and contacted potential supervisors with a detailed research proposal. I also sought out previous MEXT scholars and read every blog, forum, and official guideline I could find. In addition, both my IELTS and JLPT scores were high, which definitely strengthened my application further and showed my readiness to operate in both English and Japanese academic environments.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship(s)?

As for the MEXT application itself, I treated it as a job in its own right. I started months in advance. The process required a research plan, personal statement, recommendation letters, interviews, and written exams. I applied through the Embassy Recommendation route, which meant I had to first be nominated by the Japanese Embassy in Italy and then secure admission from a university of my choice for the scholarship. The research plan was the heart of the application, and I revised it repeatedly, incorporating feedback from mentors and ensuring it was clear, feasible, and relevant.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it was rooted in long-term academic engagement, and demonstrated a strong match with the university’s faculty expertise. I wasn’t applying just to "study in Japan"—I was pursuing a specific, meaningful project that I could only do in Japan, with a particular professor at a particular institution.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Are Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, if I could do one thing differently, I might have considered doing my Master’s and PhD separately rather than continuing straight through at Waseda with the MEXT scholarship. While it was incredibly convenient and rewarding to stay in one institution, part of me wonders what it would have been like to pursue my PhD in a different academic environment—perhaps to experience another research culture or perspective. That said, I don’t regret my choice, and being able to carry out a long-term, in-depth project in one place had its own unique advantages.

What Advice Would You Give for Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

To those considering applying for the MEXT Scholarship, my advice is this: take your time. Reflect on your motivations, craft a research proposal that matters to you, and make sure it genuinely fits the Japanese academic context. Be meticulous with the documents, and don’t hesitate to reach out to former scholars—they are usually willing to help. Most importantly, believe in the value of your story and your work. That conviction will come through in your application.

Receiving the MEXT scholarship was not just a financial blessing—it was an opening into a world of academic discovery, cross-cultural learning, and personal growth that has changed me in lasting ways. I hope my story helps guide you on your journey too.