Five talented winners of the Sakura scholarship set to visit Japan

Japan is ready to welcome five exceptional young talents from Serbia, thanks to the Sakura Scholarship, awarded by Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan. This journey is not just an opportunity to explore a new culture, but also to deepen their knowledge and interests through a unique trip to Japan.

This year, the Sakura Scholarship competition attracted significant attention from students and researchers nationwide. With a record number of nearly 200 applications, the jury faced the challenging task of selecting the best—works that not only bring originality but also high research potential. Once again, the students and researchers who applied for the scholarships demonstrated that Serbia has various generations of talented young individuals whose ambition and knowledge will contribute to further advancing and strengthening ties between the two countries.

This year’s Sakura Scholarship winners are:

• Olivera Marić, whose research proposal focuses on Kaizen management (“Samurai in the Office: Applying Bushido Principles and Kaizen Management to Enhance Leadership”),
• Stefan Popadić, whose research proposal comes from the field of culture (“From Symbol to Cure: Exploring Sakura in Japan”),
• Lidija Zečević, whose research will delve into the field of law (“Current Reform of Corporate Governance in Japan and Its Practical Impact on Japanese Companies”),
• Anđela Bokun, who directed her research proposal towards economics (“Applying Japanese Experiences in the Implementation of ESG Standards in the Serbian Economy”),
• Jelena Popadić, who found inspiration for her research proposal in philosophy (“The Impact of Japanese Philosophy, Culture, and Art on Mental Health”).

The Sakura Scholarship allows recipients to spend time in Japan, exploring the cultural, sociological, and economic aspects of the country. “This year, the Sakura Scholarship winners will have a unique opportunity to discover all the charms of Japan through a study trip – from riding the Shinkansen to strolling through the old streets of Kyoto in traditional kimonos,” said Goran Pekez, Director of Corporate Affairs at JTI, and added: “It is very important to support young people in their desire to broaden their horizons and get to know different cultures and traditions. Through the Sakura Scholarship, we aim to open doors to new knowledge and contribute to their personal and professional development. We are proud to participate in strengthening the friendly ties between Serbia and Japan in this way. I would also like to thank the Embassy of Japan, which has supported us in this project for years.”

The Sakura Scholarship is named after the Japanese cherry tree, known for its beautiful blossoms, but also as a symbol of happiness and prosperity. JTI and the Embassy of Japan believe that young researchers and students, like the Sakura Scholarship recipients, bring prosperity to Serbia and strengthen friendship between these two nations. All undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from accredited universities in Serbia, as well as researchers who are not employed full-time, were eligible to apply.

More information about the competition can be found at www.sakurastipendije.rs.