FROM OUR DIRECTORS
Dear Friends,
As 2025 draws to a close, we look back on a year of accomplishment, recognition, and engagement. Despite all the talk about AI's possible negative impact on foreign language study, the IUC continues to thrive, with strong student interest and full classrooms. It is such a pleasure to have the opportunity to train young (and sometimes not-so-young!) people who share a love of the Japanese language and will go on to do good things in the world using the knowledge and skills they obtained at the Center. Two IUC alumni who did just that, Susan Napier (’76) and Marie Anchordoguy (’83), were awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government this fall in recognition of their accomplishments.
Also this fall, our Stanford office staff visited Japan to meet with alumni, donors, and their counterparts in Yokohama. The key event was a well-attended reception held on November 14 at the Roppongi Hills Club, where attendees met old friends and made new ones in a celebration of the IUC community. Thank you everyone for your support of the IUC as we move forward into the new year!
Kiyoteru Tsutsui, Executive Director
Bruce Batten, Resident Director
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IN THIS EDITION
- Applications now open—help us spread the word!
- Two IUC alumni awarded Order of the Rising Sun
- Welcoming the Class of 2026
- Call for volunteers: IUC Lecture Series speakers, Leadership Board, and more
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Join the IUC alumni groups on Facebook and LinkedIn!
- In memoriam
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SUPPORT THE IUC
Your support is critical to our students. To make your gift today, visit our website. To find out how to make a planned gift, please email Wen Audrey Chen at wenachen@stanford.edu.
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IUC APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications are now open for the 2026–27 10-month Program as well as the 2026 Summer and Kanbun programs! Please help us spread the word with any potential students. Information about each of the programs, including application deadlines, eligibility, and requirements can be found on the programs page of our website.
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SECOND ANNUAL PEDAGOGY WORKSHOP
On July 7 and 8, we hosted the second annual Pedagogy Workshop, bringing together representatives from several consortium universities and IUC faculty in Yokohama to discuss the future of Japanese language education and Japanese studies more broadly. This year we were delighted to welcome Christina Yi from the University of British Columbia; Miryam Sas (’89) from the University of California, Berkeley; Tomoko Okuno from the University of Michigan; Davinder Bhowmik (’90) from the University of Washington; and Shinji Sato from Princeton University. Many thanks to all participants for a productive and inspiring workshop!
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MESSAGE FROM TANAKA-SAN
At the end of the summer, IUC Office Manager Junko Tanaka retired after 30 years of dedicated service to IUC. She wanted to share a special message and update with the IUC community:
“Thank you to all of the IUC alumni, faculty, and staff who sent me such heart-warming messages on my retirement. The Stanford office even had them all bound into a wonderful album and I was so touched to read them. I am so grateful to have met many outstanding students, dedicated faculty, and caring staff during my 30 years at the IUC. I am proud of my time at such a distinguished institution. It holds a special place in my heart, and even though I have retired, I hope to continue supporting it from afar. It has been three months since I retired, and I am traveling and exploring my other interests. I will remain a member of the IUC family, so I look forward to seeing you at future events or when you visit Japan.”
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WELCOME, IUC CLASS OF 2026!
The IUC Class of 2026 arrived in Yokohama in early September, and on September 8 we held a welcome party for them as they embarked on their 10-month intensive language journey. They dove into classes and extracurricular activities like the Shōdo Club right away, and have been making meaningful progress in their studies. A few highlights from the academic year so far include:
On October 1, this year’s twenty Nippon Foundation Fellows attended their conferral ceremony at The Nippon Foundation’s Tokyo office, where they were warmly welcomed by Honorary Chairman Yohei Sasakawa, President Junpei Sasakawa, and staff. Congratulations to all the Fellows!
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On October 9, this year’s 23 Toshizo Watanabe Fellows gathered for their official orientation. We’re deeply grateful to the Toshizo Watanabe Foundation for its generous support, which makes it possible for our students to pursue advanced Japanese language study and prepare for careers that strengthen ties between Japan and the world. The Foundation has supported 159 IUC students since the establishment of the Fellowship in 2018.
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Gerald L. Curtis (’65), Burgess Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Columbia University, visited the IUC on October 10 to meet with current students. Prof. Curtis spoke about his career, including his time at the Center six decades ago, and captivated students with his first-hand anecdotes about major Japanese politicians, his impressions of the recent LDP presidential election, and his predictions for the future. Thank you, Prof. Curtis, for taking the time to return to your alma mater so that the class of 2026 could meet their illustrious senpai!
On November 5, the National Institute of Japanese Literature (NIJL) and the IUC co-hosted a Materials Workshop featuring a lecture by Prof. Mika Takizawa of Aoyama Gakuin University on “Medieval War Tales.” IUC student participants had the rare opportunity to view (and handle!) various 17th-century editions of Hōgen monogatari (The Tale of Hōgen, c. 1320). Many thanks to Prof. Takizawa and to organizer Prof. Jeffrey Knott of NIJL! Below is a reflection on the experience from current student Julie Morris (’26):
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| |  | “Although I was already relatively familiar with gunki monogatari given both the genre’s temporal convergence and significance to my own research, my knowledge was regrettably limited to oft-cited texts such as Heike monogatari (late 13th c.). For that reason, I was thrilled to not only learn more about how the genre is defined and its characteristics, but also the texts that constitute it. Pivotal to this is that despite the genre’s name, the stories are rather about the lives and ensuing deaths of women and children impacted by war. In the first half of the workshop, Professor Takizawa presented scenes from both Hōgen monogatari and Heiji monogatari in which earlier editions employ language indicative of a warrior’s children crying; however, it was observed that the respective late Muromachi and Sengoku period rufu editions (rufubon 流布本) underwent revision, ultimately eliminating language related to crying (e.g. namida 涙) or replacing it with actions thought to be more suitable for the children of a warrior.
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Professor Takizawa enjoined us to consider what the monogatari may be trying to express with these subtle differences. I found this line of questioning to be incredibly thought-provoking, and I aim to utilize it within my own research. To conclude, Professor Takizawa expounded that such a transformation as well as the ultimate formation of these rufu editions may be related to the turbulent period in which they came into existence, and that despite the differing stances in the revisions in Hōgen monogatari and Heiji monogtari, both are indicative of the values used to guide the texts’ creation. I am extremely grateful to have been able to participate in this event and am eager for the next workshop!”
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On December 10, a group of IUC students visited Suehirotei, a traditional Japanese comedy hall or yose in Shinjuku, together with Professor Aaron Gerow (’89 summer) of Yale University. Prof. Gerow also arranged for the students to meet with star performer Irifunetei Sentatsu after the show. Sentatsu-shishō was very generous with his time and later posted about the encounter on his Facebook page. Many thanks to him and to Prof. Gerow for a wonderful day!
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IUC '75 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION
On September 26, alumni from the IUC Class of 1975 enjoyed a 50th anniversary reunion on Zoom! They reminisced on their IUC days (undeniably challenging but deeply rewarding) and shared where life has taken them since, from academia to film, business, and beyond. Their advice for future students? The relationships you form at the IUC matter more than you know: Your classmates will help shape your journey long after the program ends.
Congratulations to the Class of 1975 on this milestone, and many thanks to John O’Donnell, Alan Poul, and Jeremy Silverman for leading the celebration!
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BAY AREA COMMUNITY CHANOYU GATHERING
On October 24, we hosted a Community Chanoyu Gathering at Stanford, led by IUC alum Nancy Hamilton (’18 summer). Nancy and her colleagues in tea practice, Toshiko Ueda and Hiromi Yasutake, hosted a tea gathering in the Urasenke tradition. Attendees were able to enjoy their own freshly whisked bowls of matcha prepared by students from Stanford Sadō Club, seasonal confections crafted by Rosaley Gai (’22), and live koto music in the garden. Rosaley also led a nerikiri-making demonstration, giving guests the chance to create their own autumn-themed sweets!
Special thanks to Nancy and Rosaley for helping bring this wonderful event to life!
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TOKYO COMMUNITY RECEPTION
On November 14, we hosted a reception for IUC alumni, current students, faculty, and supporters at Roppongi Hills Club in Tokyo. Resident Director Bruce Batten and Executive Director Kiyoteru Tsutsui kicked off the event with welcoming remarks, and Seth Sulkin (’91) led a toast to the IUC. With nearly 80 community members in attendance, it was a wonderful and lively evening of connection and conversation. Thank you to everyone for joining us!
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IUC LECTURE SERIES #22: BARAK KUSHNER (’95)
December 5 marked the 22nd installment of the IUC Lecture Series, established in 2012 as part of the Nippon Foundation Fellows Program. Barak Kushner (’95), Professor of East Asian History at the University of Cambridge, spoke about modern and contemporary Sino-Japanese relations from the perspective of the history of ramen. The topic was especially pertinent given the IUC’s location in Yokohama, home of the Cup Noodles Museum and the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, not to mention Japan’s largest Chinatown. After his talk, Prof. Kushner held an informal discussion with this year’s Nippon Foundation Fellows, who asked questions about not only ramen but also Prof. Kusher’s recent research on war crimes.
Prof. Kushner was also recently elected a Fellow of the British Academy, a prestigious honor awarded to leading humanities and social science scholars in the UK. Learn more about his research interests and election to the British Academy here—congratulations to Prof. Kushner on this honor!
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TOKYO HAPPY HOURS
On October 11, more than 40 IUC alumni and current students gathered in Tokyo at CraftRock Brewpub & Live for a lively evening of connection and conversation, organized by the IUC Alumni Tokyo Events Committee. The committee also hosted a nijikai following the November 14 Tokyo Reception at Hobgoblin Roppongi. Thank you to the IUC Alumni Tokyo Events Committee for bringing everyone together and welcoming the newest members of the IUC community!
| | Do you have an idea for an IUC alumni gathering in your area? Reach out to Alumni Relations Officer Kelsey Reardon at kreardon@stanford.edu! | | |
ORDER OF THE RISING SUN
Two IUC alumni received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in this autumn’s conferment of decoration from the government of Japan. Congratulations to Susan Napier (IUC ’76) and Marie Anchordoguy (IUC ’83) on this incredible recognition! The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji and is one of the highest honors bestowed on behalf of the Japanese government. To date, 25 IUC alumni have received this prestigious award.
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VOLUNTEER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
The IUC is able to thrive in no small part because of the time, effort and support from our alumni and broader community. Below are just a few service opportunities, but there are many ways to be involved. If you have ideas or would like to discuss how you can support the IUC community, please reach out to Alumni Relations Officer Kelsey Reardon at kreardon@stanford.edu.
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IUC LEADERSHIP BOARD CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The IUC Leadership Board, which works to support the long-term vitality of the IUC and its alumni community, is currently seeking two additional board members to begin three-year terms starting in 2026. We welcome nominations of individuals who would bring energy, insight, and a commitment to the IUC’s mission. We are especially interested in broadening the Board’s perspectives, including by engaging emerging leaders. Leadership Board members may be alumni or non-alumni, and we encourage nominations reflecting the richness of our community. Learn more and submit any nominations here.
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SPEAKERS FOR THE NIPPON FOUNDATION FELLOWS PROGRAM
Each year, the IUC seeks alumni volunteers to contribute to the Nippon Foundation Fellows Program. We are currently looking for:
- One alumnus per year to deliver a public lecture in Japanese, in-person in Yokohama
- One to two alumni per year to lead a workshop in English, delivered either in-person or online
These talks are a wonderful way to share expertise with current students and highlight the prolific work of our alumni. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please contact IUC Resident Director Bruce Batten at batten@iucjapan.org.
Previous lecture topics include:
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The History of Ramen: Barak Kushner (’95)
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Minamata Disease: Timothy George (’85)
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The Untold Prehistory of the IUC: Kate Nakai (’63)
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Diplomatic Interpreting and U.S.-Japan Relations: Lefteris Kafatos (’02)
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Hayao Miyazaki: Susan Napier (’76)
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IUC ALUMNI TOKYO EVENTS COMMITTEE
The IUC Tokyo Alumni Events Committee organizes various events for the Tokyo community throughout the year, including happy hours, career networking nights, and more! If you’d be interested in helping out or have ideas, please fill out this form.
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CENTER VISITS
We’ve been blessed with many alumni visits over the past 6 months! We always love seeing what our alumni are up to. Some recent visitors include:
- Max Andrucki (’24)
- Juan Felipe Arroyave (’20)
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Ilya Bobkov (’24) Ilya also visited the team at Stanford!
- Samuel Castillo (’25)
- Jamie Ding (’23)
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Erika Enomoto (’15) and daughter
- Andrew Fischer (’22)
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Hayley Gerlach (’25) and family
- Vincent Gleizer (’20)
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J T Magellan (’96) and family
- Gerald Nelson (’23)
- Mian Qin (’24)
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Mark Rogoyski (’05) and family
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Jared Schmidt (’02) and son
- Suong Thai (’23)
- Devon Osamu Tipp (’25)
- Amy Wei (’23)
- Helena Mindlin Xavier (’24)
- Austin Zhao (’23)
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IN MEMORIAM
We are sad to report the recent passing of the following members of our community.
| | The IUC maintains two social media accounts specifically for alumni networking and community-building. The IUC Facebook and LinkedIn groups are great places to look for or share career and Japanese study opportunities, let others know about your Japan-related work or passions, and keep up with old friends. | | IUC PROFESSIONAL TUTORIALS | | The IUC offers a custom-designed tutorials program in advanced Japanese for scholars and professionals at a lower rate for graduates of the IUC. Visit our program page for more information. |
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation
The Nippon Foundation
City of Yokohama
Shoyu Club
Fred and Ann Notehelfer
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Tokyo Club
Ito Foundation, USA
The Sato Foundation
SMBC Global Foundation
Toshiba International Foundation
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Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation
Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University
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IUC MEMBER INSTITUTIONS
Brigham Young University
Columbia University
Harvard University
Princeton University
Stanford University
University of British Columbia
University of California, Berkeley
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University of California, Los Angeles
University of Chicago
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
University of Michigan
University of Washington
Yale University
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In Association With:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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