For Those Who Will
Stand on the World Stage
The Sovereign Scholars is ICPA’s programme for university students of high aspiration — the sole academy where the next generation may master Japanese protocol, international diplomacy and the art of refined presence, taught in English, in Tokyo, and recognised across the world.
The highest distinction
is formed early
The world’s most distinguished institutions — Le Rosey in Switzerland, Eton in England, Sciences Po in France — have long shaped the leaders, diplomats and heirs of nations by conferring, in youth, a distinction that surpasses knowledge alone. They understood that true standing on the world stage is formed early.
The Sovereign Scholars stands within that lineage — and offers what none of them can. It is the sole programme in the world in which a university student may acquire Japanese protocol, royal and diplomatic ceremony, and the refinement to represent Japan — or to understand it — upon the international stage, taught entirely in English. This is not self-improvement. It is the formation of sovereign presence: a bearing that commands respect and trust in any setting, anywhere in the world.
A Foundation for
the World Stage
Academic credentials and fluency are but the entry ticket to international life.
What is tested thereafter is the bearing to engage with dignitaries as an equal, the grace to convey respect across cultures, and an unshakeable presence.
These are not acquired hastily once a career has begun. As the world’s great institutions have always understood, they are best formed in youth.
The Sovereign Scholars confers upon students bound for diplomacy, international organisations and global enterprise a distinction available nowhere else — together with a lifelong affiliation with ICPA. For families, it is among the most enduring investments that may be made in a young person’s future.
Students Bound for
the World Stage
To acquire Japanese protocol and international refinement whilst still at university is a decisive first step onto the world stage. The Sovereign Scholars welcomes students of the following aspirations.
Aspiring Diplomats & International Officials
Those bound for foreign ministries, international organisations and embassies — the stages upon which nations meet. To master diplomatic protocol and ceremony at the very foundation of one’s career.
Future Leaders in Global Enterprise
Those pursuing careers in international finance, global corporations and cross-border commerce. To acquire the bearing of a global executive early, and to understand how Japan conducts itself in business.
Those Entering International Society
Students moving among the international community in Tokyo and abroad — and the children of distinguished families resident in Japan. To acquire royal and social protocol, and a true understanding of Japanese refinement, in English.
Heirs & the Next Generation of Leadership
Those who will inherit enterprises, family legacies and positions of social responsibility. To establish, in youth, a refinement that commands respect anywhere in the world.
The Diploma &
The Specialist Qualification
The Diploma Course
The Sovereign Diploma
The principal course, in which students acquire, systematically, the refinement and bearing required to flourish in international society. Upon completion, the ICPA Sovereign Scholars Diploma is conferred — a foundation for standing with confidence upon any stage.
25 hours — by five-day intensive, or weekly attendance.
The Specialist Qualification
Internationally Accredited
The higher course. Beyond the Diploma, it confers access to ICPA’s extensive academic resources, lifelong counsel during study abroad and international engagements, and the opportunity to take part in the work of ICPA itself. Should one wish, it opens, in time, the path to becoming an instructor and specialist.
50–60 hours — internationally accredited by LEPSW.
A Lifelong Asset,
Acquired in Youth
Of Immediate Value
Access to ICPA’s extensive academic resources — an intellectual asset to draw upon in study, research, preparation for study abroad and the pursuit of a career — together with membership of a community in which the distinguished of many nations convene.
Of Value to One’s Career
Lifelong counsel during study abroad and international engagements. Beyond this, the opportunity to take part in ICPA’s work — assisting at seminars and international events, and supporting the junior programmes — and so to gain experience, in youth, at an institution of the highest standing. A genuine first step in an international career.
Of Future Possibility
Should one wish, this qualification opens, in time, the path to becoming an instructor and specialist in Japanese refinement and international protocol — a lifelong credential that quietly widens one’s choices at every stage of life.
The Formation of One
Who Stands in the World
The Foundations of International Protocol
The principles of international ceremony — precedence, respect and the order of things. The bearing that holds, with grace, anywhere in the world.
Diplomatic & Royal Protocol
Ceremony in diplomatic settings, international organisations, and royal and social occasions. The conduct required to engage with dignitaries as an equal, upon the highest of stages.
Japanese Refinement & Omotenashi
The cultivation required to represent Japan — or to understand it — upon the world stage. The conduct of wa, the spirit of omotenashi, and the ability to articulate Japanese culture: the learning that ICPA alone can confer.
International Dining
The formal conduct of Western and Japanese dining, the bearing required at banquets, and the appreciation of wine — the building of international trust at the table.
Conversation, Society & Connection
The art of conversation across cultures, the conduct of small talk, and refined self-presentation — the manner of building trust among the distinguished of every nation.
Attire, Presence & the Liberal Arts
Dress befitting the occasion, the non-verbal command of presence, and a grounding in history, the arts and international affairs — the union of intellect and refinement that befits the world stage.
The Form of Study
Begin Your Passage
to the World Stage
The Sovereign Scholars is the foremost programme for students bound for international life.
We invite you first to a private consultation, that we might learn your aspirations and propose the path best suited to you.