TNF program officers interview series Part 2

“The most enjoyable moment as a program officer of scholarship projects is when I get to meet the scholars in person.”

Welcome! Our TNF program officer interview series starts with Misa Tanaka, who currently looks after five scholarship programs, mostly in the area of Japanese studies. She was one of the first founding members of The Nippon Foundation Scholars Association. We asked Misa about her career paths to TNF and her expectation to the new community. 

TNFSA: Hi Misa, it is so great to have you on board. Please allow us to begin by unfolding your path to TNF.
Misa: Because I studied Ethics, I have always been interested in the nature of altruism (definition from Cambridge dictionary: “willingness to do things that bring advantages to others, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself”) and what it means to be serving for society. In addition, my grandfather has been suffering from dementia and I have been seeking ways to support the elderly. 
 I am still interested in the same topics, but I am also interest in disaster relief now, as we are looking into project implementation in this area. I wonder how people can raise their awareness towards disaster prevention and preparation, especially because 10 years have passed since the Great Eastern Earthquake, and I feel that there are many lessons to be learnt. For example; how can we strengthen the partnership between government and individuals? How can we contribute to an inclusive policy making? How can we make sure that the people with limited mobility are safe in case of a disaster? 

TNFSA: What are the best moment as a program officer on scholarship projects? 
Misa: Definitely when I get to meet the scholars in person! Currently, I serve as a program officer for five scholarship programs: GBSF, SJSF, IUC, IKMAS and NFIF. I was the program director for NFIF, and it was always very nice to know that the scholars had finished their studies when they came to see us in the office in Tokyo. 

TNFSA: You were actually one of the core members who started discussing this topic. Please tell us how this journey began
Misa: Our initial concern was “what is an identity as a TNF scholar?”. We weren’t sure what it meant to be a TNF scholar – we want to develop a sense of partnership but is it a one-way feeling or do the scholar also want to collaborate with us? Therefore, we started discussing ways to strengthen the sense of belonging and awareness as TNF scholars. I personally think it would be valuable if scholars can connect with each other and improve their skills and knowledge, in addition to creating a sense of community. 

“I don’t want the scholars to be hesitant - we are here to support”

TNFSa: Any advice to the users?
Misa: TNF will be implementing various strategies to make an involving platform, but I would like to ask each scholar to really think about why they are joining the platform and how they can serve to the community. Having said that though, please don’t be scared – even if you think you may not be able to serve the community, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t serve the community. Perhaps the platform will be more meaningful than you may think it is, I really hope scholars can join us! 

TNFSA: Lastly, do you have any advice to the scholars?
Misa: Firstly, I don’t want the scholars to be hesitant - we are here to support! I hope we can create more opportunities for the scholars to get to know us by introducing our projects and vising our project sites. I also sincerely hope that we get to know each other – I would love to get some inputs from the scholars. 

Misa Tanaka joined The Nippon Foundation in April 2016, after obtaining my undergraduate degree in ethics from Keio University and a master’s degree in Professional language and intercultural studies from Leeds University in the UK. 

 Fun fact about Misa: 

 1)    Tea Ceremony 
 After watching “Every Day A Good Day (日日是好日)”, Misa got interested in Sado (Japanese  Tea Ceremony). Not only that she enjoys being able to reset my mind with tea ceremony, but also being part of a new community. Breathing and spaces (ma) are very critical in Sado. 

 2)    Natto (Fermented Soy Beans) lover
Definitely one of the top three things she wants to eat if the world is to end tomorrow. 
*If you have a favorite type of Fermented Soybeans (natto) please let us know☺ if you haven’t tried it, add it to your list-to-do when you visit Japan…