The 5 Pillars of Health® that represent the Nikken philosophy are endorsed at every level of the organization. One example is a scholarship that provides material assistance in supporting a healthy society. It was created by Toshizo (Tom) Watanabe as a means to help others, based on experience that helped shape his own success in life. The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation provides financial assistance to help young men and women complete a post-graduate or undergraduate degree.


The founding of this program was inspired in part by Mr. Watanabe’s own history. As a student, he received a similar scholarship administered by the government of Japan. Later, the future Nikken president, CEO, and now chairman emeritus was the beneficiary of other awards including a prestigious endowment that allowed him to attend Brandeis University in the United States.


In the spirit of paying it forward, he established a scholarship program in 2008 with an initial contribution of $5 million, donated by Mr. Watanabe personally. This was increased in 2012 to $10 million. The scholarship program grants awards to recipients in amounts determined by financial need and other qualifications, including prior academic performance and recognition, recommendations from instructors and colleagues, community involvement, and more.

Apply for the Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship

Applications are accepted during the annual application period only, currently January 1 to March 31 for scholarships to be awarded in the upcoming academic year. Application forms are available for download here.


Scholarship awards are paid directly to the eligible educational institution in the United States on the recipient’s behalf, for studies commencing in the traditional fall enrollment period each year. At the discretion of the selection committee, recipients may be awarded a scholarship for all or a portion of their tuition bill. Committee decisions are final, and will be announced this year on May 31, 2018. Recipients are required to provide academic progress reports to the committee throughout the year of scholarship.


Today, The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation is proud to assist deserving students from diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education, in accredited US institutions where they can learn, grow, and make their own start toward a bright future.

Application Download

Application Criteria

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All recipients of a scholarship will be selected solely by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. The criteria evaluated by the Committee for selection of scholarship recipients include, but is not limited to, the following.


  1. The applicant must be the child of, or legally adopted by a Nikken Consultant. The consultant must hold a pin level of Silver or above and be active and in good standing with a member company of Nikken International.

  2. Prior academic performance.

  3. Financial need.

  4. Recommendations from instructors and/or colleagues.

  5. Entrance exam scores.

  6. Community Involvement & extracurricular activities.

  7. Educational awards, honors & achievements.

  8. Preference will be given to applicants who have been raised by a single parent whose spouse suffered an untimely death.

  9. For every scholarship awarded, the scholarship foundation will require an annual report from the recipient, of courses taken and grades received as verified by the educational institution attended by the recipient. A recipient may apply again for a subsequent scholarship, however, a recipient who does not submit the annual report will not be eligible for another scholarship if a scholarship recipient falls to fulfill the terms of the award, the scholarship funds shall be subject to immediate return to the foundation.

For questions contact Ruthann Bellino — scholarships@nikken.com


2018 Scholarship Recipients


Rachel Loh is a Nikken Scholar for the second consecutive year. She is a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and is majoring in Math. She says, “I am not sure what direction I will go in Math, but I hope to be involved in something that will change people’s lives for the better. The values that have been instilled in me throughout my life will bring me closer to this dream.” Rachel is the daughter of Ruth and Robert Loh.

Ryan Messersmith is a junior at Santa Clara University. Currently studying bioengineering, Ryan’s goal is to attend medical school and become a surgeon specializing in orthopedics or physical therapy. Challenged with a children’s hip disease, Ryan’s mother turned to Nikken products for support. Ryan currently plays sports at a national level. He says, “I want to be able to help others through the same things I endured.” Ryan is the son of Karen and Martin Messersmith.