Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University senior Taylor Marberry from Southfield, Michigan, has been named a 2025–2026 United States–Japan Bridging Scholar. She is among 78 students nationwide selected to study in Japan during the academic year.

Marberry majors in international trade and Japanese, with a minor in marketing. Her selection recognizes her academic achievements and dedication to cross-cultural engagement.

Hitomi Oketani, professor and Japanese section head for the Department of World Languages at Eastern Michigan University, said, “The goal of learning Japanese or any foreign language is far beyond memorizing vocabulary and speaking fluently. Through our classes and study abroad requirement at EMU, students like Taylor are given many opportunities to think about different perspectives, connect with real life, and uncover deeper perspectives and they can be more accepting people, which results in not only better relationships between the U.S. and Japan, but also creates a better society and a better world.”

The Bridging Scholars Program is managed by the U.S.–Japan Bridging Foundation. It provides support for American undergraduates who have shown academic merit and financial need to pursue extended study in Japan. Alumni often become leaders in business, education, diplomacy, or the arts.

Marberry’s interest in Japanese culture began with anime and manga but deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic as she learned the language online and connected with peers from Japan.

“I learned about a whole culture and lifestyle different from mine in America,” Marberry said. “Despite being from two different parts of the world, we had so many similarities and differences, and the more I studied, the more I wanted to learn.”

While studying abroad this year, Marberry is taking advanced Japanese courses as well as business Japanese classes. She is also interning at a local company focused on international business and logistics. She plans to join language exchanges and cultural events while there.

“These experiences will help me grow both linguistically and personally, gaining independence and confidence in navigating a different culture,” she said.

Marberry intends to pursue law school after graduation with an emphasis on civil rights and immigration law. She hopes her skills will help her advocate for marginalized groups while promoting cross-cultural understanding.

“Being selected as a U.S.–Japan Bridging Scholar is a huge milestone in my language journey,” Marbery said. “This opportunity motivates me to keep growing, learning, and finding new ways to bridge the cultures, not just in Japan. As a scholar, I hope to build connections with other scholars and mentors, improve my Japanese proficiency, and develop my leadership and multicultural communication skills.”

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as Michigan’s second-oldest public university. The institution serves over 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral programs within its various colleges including Arts & Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering & Technology; Health & Human Services; along with its Graduate School. The university emphasizes career readiness through hands-on learning experiences industry partnerships personalized support systems and highlights its points of pride here. For more information about Eastern Michigan University visit the University's website. Updates on news activities announcements are available at EMU Today.