Three years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and Sojitz Corporation would like to state its respect for those engaging in the restoration, and express its hope for the earliest possible recovery.

Sojitz will begin accepting applications in April 2014 for the fourth group of recipients of scholarships from the Sojitz Reconstruction and Education Fund, which was established in May 2011.

The Fund is for university students who are facing economic difficulties in continuing their education due to the earthquake. The Fund is providing or will provide scholarships to 30 or more students annually over the five academic years from 2011 to 2015. The total amount provided is up to 100 million yen per year. The Fund will provide monthly stipends of 70,000 yen per student for up to four years through Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. Since the Fund will provide scholarships for up to four years until graduation by the fifth group of recipients in the 2015 academic year, the Fund will be disbursing payments for the eight years from 2011 to 2018.

The number of students who have received scholarships so far is 52 in the first group that started in 2011, 37 in the second group that started in 2012, and 38 in the third group that started in 2013.

As part of its support efforts, Sojitz has also provided relief supplies and Sojitz Group officers and employees have been supporting volunteer activities.

The Sojitz Group will continue to support reconstruction in the affected regions in line with local needs.