Recommendation Letter Information
Dear Teacher,
Thank you so much for agreeing to write letters of recommendation for my university and scholarship applications. To make the process as smooth as possible, I've gathered all the necessary information, including deadlines, submission instructions, and specific requirements for each institution, on this page.
Your support means a lot to me. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ryuma Kojima
Submission Schedule & Deadlines
Here is a summary of the upcoming deadlines for the application rounds I am targeting.
| University / Scholarship |
Deadline |
Notes |
| JASSO Scholarship |
October 2, 2025 (1:00 PM JST) |
Requires online form submission with letter and transcript upload. |
| Sophia University (Spring 2 & Autumn 1) |
December 12, 2025 |
Same deadline for both Spring (2nd) and Autumn (1st) applications. |
| Keio University PEARL (Period I) |
December 3, 2025 |
This is an optional, earlier deadline if I decide to apply for it. |
| University of Minerva |
January 17, 2026 |
Regular Decision II deadline. Recommenders are invited via the Common App. |
| Keio University SFC (Winter AO) |
January 23, 2026 |
This is an "Applicant Evaluation Form". |
University Recommendation Details
Keio University - SFC (GIGA Program - Winter AO)
Online Evaluation Form
Note: This is an "Applicant Evaluation Form," not a traditional letter of recommendation. It involves responding to specific criteria online.
- Who can write: Two individuals in a position to evaluate me objectively (family members are not permitted).
- Number of Evaluations: Two forms are required.
- Template: The university provides a specific online form with evaluation criteria.
- How to Submit: I will register your email address in the application system. You will then receive an email with a unique URL to access and complete the online evaluation form. You can save your progress and return to it later.
- Deadline: January 23, 2026.
Sophia University - Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA)
Website Upload
- Who can write: Two teachers and/or officials from my most recent school.
- Number of Letters: Two letters are required.
- Template: The university provides a form, but your own format is also acceptable. You can find the form on the admissions page under "Application Documents".
- How to Submit: You will need to upload the letter to Sophia's "Application Documents Upload Website". I will provide you with the necessary login details (my name, date of birth, and a Receipt Number) once I have completed my part of the application.
- Deadlines for my applications:
- Spring Entry (2nd Application): December 12, 2025
- Autumn Entry (1st Application): December 12, 2025
Keio University - PEARL Program
Online Portal Submission
- Who can write: Anyone who can evaluate me objectively (teachers are highly recommended). Family members are not permitted.
- Number of Letters: At least one letter is required; up to three are accepted.
- Template: There is no specific template. You may use your own format.
- How to Submit: I will register your email address in the university's online application system (TAO). You will then receive an automated email with a unique link to upload your letter directly to the portal.
- Deadlines:
- Period I: December 3, 2025
- Period II: January 28, 2026
- Period III: April 10, 2026
University of Minerva
Online Portal Submission
- Who can write: A counselor or school official, and one teacher.
- Number of Letters: One counselor recommendation and one teacher recommendation are required.
- Template: The recommendation is submitted through the Common Application platform, which has its own forms and questions.
- How to Submit: I will invite you as a recommender through my Common Application account. You will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your account and submit your recommendation and school reports.
- Deadline: January 17, 2026 (Regular Decision II)