Daiwa Scholars 2008
Daiwa Scholars 2008 completed the programme in 2010.
In total, they have studied at six different universities and colleges: Cambridge, Liverpool John Moores, Oxford, University College for the Creative Arts, University College London, and Warwick.
Their subject areas encompass Architecture, Fashion, German and Italian, Law, Neuroscience, Theoretical Chemistry, and Astrophysics.
About the scholars
Anne Gilbert
Anne Gilbert completed a Dphil in Theoretical Chemistry and a MChem (Hons) degree in Chemistry from the University of Oxford. She has previously visited Japan, presenting research at a conference in Kyoto. She is seeking to pursue a career as a patent attorney specialising in intellectual property service for East Asian/Japanese clients.
Anne’s homestay in Japan was in Yoshinogawa City in Tokushima Prefecutre. Her work placement was at Kono Taro MP’s office. Anne is currently a Patent Attorney at Marks & Clerk.
You can read more about Anne in the “Scholars Experiences” section of the website.
Christopher Kennedy
Christopher Kennedy completed an undergraduate degree at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, in Architecture. He is seeking to pursue a career as an architect in Japan and England, while also teaching design at an architecture school.
Christopher’s homestay in Japan was in Nagasaki City in Nagasaki Prefecture. His work placement was at Kengo Kuma & Associates and Atelier Bow-Wow.
Chris is the co-director of Kennedy Woods Architecture Ltd (http://www.kennedywoods.co.uk/).
Oliver McEntee
Until departure for Japan, Oliver McEntee was employed as a paralegal at the Practical Law Company Limited. He has a BA (Hons) degree in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford and is seeking to pursue a career as a barrister. Japanese language ability would enable him to specialise in Japan-related legal work.
Oliver’s homestay in Japan was in Nishihara City in Okinawa Prefecture. His work placement was at King and Spalding.
Oliver is currently working as a barrister at Kings Chambers.
Sam Mokhtary
Sam Mokhtary has a degree in Neuroscience from University College London. He has an interest in the work of Japanese neuroscientists, with whom he hopes to establish links. He seeks to pursue a career in neuroscience and ultimately set up his own lab.
Sam’s homestay in Japan was in Oita City in Oita Prefecture. His work placement was at Riken Research Institute.
Sam is in Japan and, amongst other things, is the founding partner of Alive and CEO of asQme. Alive, which launched in late October 2013 uses a unique model to promote live music shows in Japan.
William Priestley
William Priestley has a MPhys (Hons) degree in Astrophysics from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University and has completed a PhD in Theoretical Astrophysics at Liverpool John Moores University. He is seeking to further his academic research and become involved in the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in which Japan and Europe are the largest two contributors.
Will’s homestay in Japan was in Setouchi City in Okayama Prefecture. His work placement was at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
William is currently Technical Consultant at Hewlett-Packard.
Oliver Volquardsen
Until departure for Japan, Oliver Volquardsen was engaged in couture work at Antony Price while working for Liberty of London. He has a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Design from University College of the Creative Arts, Epsom. He is interested in Japanese fashion and design and has exhibited alongside Reiko Sudo in Tokyo. He is seeking to start his own company incorporating Japanese and UK design ideas.
Oliver’s homestay in Japan was in Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture. His work placement was at A.R.T. Collection and Ritardan-do.
Oliver is currently Fashion Editor for LOVE magazine.
Natalie Yarrow
Natalie Yarrow has a degree in German and Italian from the University of Warwick. She is seeking to consolidate her knowledge of Japanese and to use her language skills in financial sales specialising in Asian Markets.
Natalie’s homestay in Japan was in Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture. Her work placement was at the Japan Center for Conflict Prevention.
Natalie is currently Senior Legal Advisor for Fujitsu in London.