JACAFA scholarship and community event
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Since 2004

Bridging Japan and Central Asia through scholarships, alumni, and shared projects

Japan and Central Asia Friendship Association supports human resource development and a sustainable regional network with universities, think-tanks, NGOs, government, and companies.

Our Impact

Growing the Japan-Eurasia alumni platform

Since its establishment in Istanbul, JACAFA has focused on human resource development, cross-regional collaboration, and a sustainable alumni network connecting Japan and Eurasia.

150+
Current Scholars
200+
Alumni Fellows
10+
Years of Impact

Our Mission

JACAFA Foundation in continuity since 2004

Founded in Istanbul in 2004, JACAFA advances human resource development and long-term Japan-Eurasia cooperation through a sustainable alumni platform.

Human Resource Development

Support people who have knowledge and connection with Japan and Eurasia.

Regional Cooperation

Create and strengthen the Eurasian community concept through long-term collaboration.

Sustainable Alumni Network

Maintain an active network collaborating with NGOs, universities, think-tanks, government, and companies.


Chairperson's Message

Designing the future of Eurasian collaboration

Dear JACAFA members, friends, colleagues and supporters,

It has been more than 20 years since we started working together, and we have reached a stage of deeper collaboration and expansion within Eurasian countries.

Our mission is to create and deliver values. It is not enough to analyze the past; we must design our own future and focus our network on meaningful impact.

Mr. Mori, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, shared essential ideas for future JACAFA activities. The platform concept below is preserved from the legacy message.

Kyoko Vrboski, Chairperson of JACAFA

Our Partners

Long-term Collaboration

JACAFA works with The Nippon Foundation and the University of Tsukuba to develop regional leaders and support practical social-issue projects in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

The Nippon Foundation

Through JACAFA, this partnership trains human resources who can address social issues in Eurasia by combining scholarships, alumni collaboration, and practical project support.

  • Built on support for more than 300 Central Asian students and alumni network development
  • Funds small and medium alumni-led projects to address local social issues pragmatically
  • Runs recurring activities: regional research, conferences, exchange programs, and internships with Japanese institutions
The Nippon Foundation logo

University of Tsukuba

Via the NipCA Project, the University of Tsukuba works with The Nippon Foundation and JACAFA to foster professionals contributing to SDG-related solutions across the region.

  • Builds an organic network linking JACAFA alumni, Central Asian students, and Japanese students
  • Supports scholarships, internships in Japan, and two-way student dispatch programs
  • Expands regional cooperation through forums, joint conferences, and university network building
University of Tsukuba logo

Programs

Scholarship and project ecosystem

From scholarship support to conference series and annual assemblies, JACAFA runs programs that connect alumni and institutions.

Ongoing Projects

Track active JACAFA programs, country-level initiatives, and current implementation priorities.

Completed Projects

Review completed initiatives, outcomes, and milestones delivered by the JACAFA community.

Project Application

Submit proposals and collaborate with JACAFA on new projects serving Japan and Central Asia.


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Call for Applications

Shape the next chapter of Japan-Central Asia collaboration with JACAFA

Apply to our opportunities, join the alumni ecosystem, and contribute to cross-border initiatives that support education and sustainable development.