Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) assistant professor of history Michiko Takeuchi has been awarded a $50,400 fellowship for advanced research on Japan from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the university announced.

Takeuchi’s first-ever NEH grant will support the research for and writing of her book, “Early Coalitions Between Japanese and American Feminists, from World War I to the U.S. Occupation of Japan,” looking at women’s movements in each country in that time period, according to the release.

The award is part of $12.8 million in funding announced recently by the NEH to support 253 humanities projects throughout the nation.

“Her work promises to reinterpret the objectives of the American occupation personnel in liberating Japanese women after the Second World War,” history department Chairman David Shafer said in a statement. “NEH fellowships are very competitive and Dr. Takeuchi’s selection for the NEH Fellowship for Advanced Research on Japan is testament to the importance of her work.”

Takeuchi believes her proposal received NEH attention due to its “scholarly inquiry into the leadership role played by Japanese women—a role that crossed national borders.” Her study highlights the potential for social change, created during prewar meetings between Japanese women and their American counterparts, according to the release.

“Collaborative activism can change a society,” she stated. “Principles of belief can cross borders, race and culture.”

Takeuchi, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international studies from CSULB, said she felt “thrilled and overjoyed” by the award, stating “I hope this recognition inspires our students.”