Applications Open: Grant Program for Japanese Studies

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Japan Foundation Grant Program for Japanese Studies provides funding to overseas non-profit organizations for projects that advance Japanese studies and promote a deeper understanding of Japan. The programme supports a broad range of academic and research activities, including research projects, conferences, lectures, publications, study and training in Japan, and the acquisition of books and other research materials. Projects must be implemented between April 1, 2027 and March 31, 2028.

About the Grant Program for Japanese Studies

The Grant Program for Japanese Studies was established by The Japan Foundation to support the development of Japanese studies internationally. The programme is designed to encourage academic research and scholarly activities that contribute to a deeper understanding of Japan. Through financial support for overseas organizations, the programme aims to: - Advance Japanese studies internationally. - Encourage academic research on Japan. - Promote scholarly exchange and discussion. - Support conferences and lectures related to Japan. - Improve access to Japanese studies resources. - Encourage publications that contribute to the field. - Strengthen the international academic community engaged in Japanese studies. What Projects Are Eligible? The programme supports a wide range of initiatives related to Japanese studies.

Eligible projects may include:

- Research projects concerning Japan. - Conferences on Japan. - Study or training in Japan. - Publications contributing to Japanese studies. - Lectures delivered by invited scholars or researchers. - Acquisition of books and relevant research materials. - Other initiatives that promote Japanese studies. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activities have a clear connection to Japanese studies and contribute to the programme’s objectives. Research and Conferences on Japan Research projects focused on Japan can receive support under the programme. Organizations may also propose conferences that provide opportunities for scholars and researchers to discuss Japanese studies topics, exchange knowledge, and develop academic understanding. Such activities can contribute to international scholarly dialogue concerning Japan. Study and Training in Japan The programme also supports study or training activities conducted in Japan. These opportunities can help researchers and scholars develop their knowledge and expertise through direct academic engagement in Japan. Publications Supporting Japanese Studies Publications that make a contribution to Japanese studies are among the eligible project categories. Organizations can propose publication-related activities when they contribute meaningfully to the development and dissemination of knowledge concerning Japan. Inviting Scholars and Researchers Organizations may seek support for projects involving the invitation of scholars or researchers to deliver lectures on Japan. Invited academic experts can contribute specialist knowledge and create opportunities for students, researchers, and wider academic communities to engage with Japanese studies. Books and Research Materials The programme can also support the acquisition of books and other materials relevant to Japanese studies. Access to appropriate academic resources can help organizations strengthen their research capacity and provide scholars and students with better opportunities to study Japan. Other Japanese Studies Initiatives The programme is not limited to the specific activities listed above. Other initiatives may also be eligible when they further promote Japanese studies and align with the programme’s objectives. Organizations should demonstrate clearly how their proposed activities contribute to the advancement of Japanese studies. When Must Projects Be Implemented? Eligible projects must take place during the programme period:

- Start date: April 1, 2027

- End date: March 31, 2028

Applicants should ensure that their proposed project activities fall within this implementation period. What Expenses Can Be Supported? The programme may cover part of the eligible project expenses.

Potentially supported costs include:

- Travel expenses. - International transportation. - Domestic transportation. - Accommodation. - Per diem. - Meeting expenses. - Meeting materials. - Venue costs. - Equipment costs. - Public relations expenses. - Honorariums. - Payments for lecturers. - Payments for collaborators. - Interpreter honorariums. - Assistant honorariums. - Other direct expenses. - Purchase of relevant materials. Funding is intended to contribute toward necessary project costs rather than necessarily covering the entire project budget. Travel Expenses Travel-related expenses that may be supported include international and domestic transportation, accommodation, and per diem. These expenses can be particularly relevant for projects involving scholars, researchers, conferences, lectures, or study activities. Meeting Expenses The programme may support certain expenses associated with meetings and academic events.

Examples include:

- Materials. - Venues. - Equipment. - Public relations activities. These costs can help organizations organize conferences, lectures, and other scholarly activities. Honorariums Eligible honorariums may include payments for: - Lecturers. - Collaborators. - Interpreters. - Assistants. These costs can support the participation of individuals who contribute directly to eligible Japanese studies activities. Other Direct Expenses Other direct project expenses may also be eligible. For example, organizations may receive support for purchasing relevant books and research materials. Applicants should ensure that proposed expenses are directly connected to the eligible project. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for overseas non-profit organizations engaged in Japanese studies activities.

Eligible applicants may include:

- Academic institutions. - Universities and other institutions