Call for Applications: Japanese Studies Fellowship Program (United States)

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program invites outstanding scholars, researchers, and doctoral candidates based in the United States to undertake research in Japan in the humanities and social sciences. The fellowship is designed to promote Japanese Studies overseas, strengthen academic exchange, and deepen international understanding of Japan. Selected participants can undertake research projects that require residence in Japan and gain opportunities to develop academic connections with Japanese institutions and researchers. The program offers three fellowship categories: Research Fellowship (Long-Term), Research Fellowship (Short-Term), and Doctoral Fellowship. Depending on the category, fellows can receive research support for periods ranging from 21 days to 12 months.

About the Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program

The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program supports outstanding researchers whose work contributes to Japanese Studies. The program enables scholars and doctoral candidates from the United States to conduct research in Japan when residence in Japan is necessary for their projects. Through research opportunities and institutional affiliation, the program aims to foster academic exchange and encourage deeper understanding of Japan. Fellowship Categories The program provides three categories of fellowship support.

- Research Fellowship (Long-Term): Four to 12 months in Japan.

- Research Fellowship (Short-Term): 21 to 89 days in Japan.

- Doctoral Fellowship: Four to 12 months in Japan for doctoral dissertation research.

Applicants should select the category that corresponds to their academic status and research requirements. Research Fellowship (Long-Term) The Long-Term Research Fellowship is intended for scholars and researchers who require an extended period of residence in Japan to undertake their research. The fellowship supports stays of four to 12 months. Priority is given to relatively junior scholars who meet the program’s eligibility requirements and whose research requires substantial engagement in Japan. Research Fellowship (Short-Term) The Short-Term Research Fellowship supports scholars and researchers undertaking intensive research projects that can be completed during a shorter stay. The fellowship period ranges from 21 to 89 days. Priority is given to experienced scholars who are expected to publish or otherwise disseminate their research results shortly after completing the fellowship. Doctoral Fellowship The Doctoral Fellowship is intended for doctoral candidates who require residence in Japan to complete dissertation research. The fellowship supports a period of four to 12 months. Priority is given to doctoral candidates who are expected to submit their dissertations soon after completing the fellowship. Who Can Apply? The program is open to eligible scholars, researchers, and doctoral candidates based in the United States.

Applicants must:

- Be American citizens or permanent residents of the United States. - Be working or studying in the humanities or social sciences. - Meet the relevant academic requirements for their selected fellowship category. - Be proficient in Japanese or English. - Be able to secure institutional affiliation in Japan. - Have a research project that requires residence in Japan. Research Fellowship applicants must hold a Ph.D. or have equivalent professional experience, while Doctoral Fellowship applicants must have achieved ABD (All But Dissertation) status. Academic Requirements for Research Fellows Applicants for the Research Fellowships must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience. The requirement recognises both formally qualified scholars and researchers who have developed equivalent professional expertise relevant to their field. Applicants should ensure that their academic or professional background aligns with Japanese Studies and the proposed research project. Requirements for Doctoral Candidates Applicants for the Doctoral Fellowship must have achieved ABD status. The fellowship is intended for candidates who have completed the required coursework and other doctoral requirements apart from the dissertation and need to conduct research in Japan. Priority is given to doctoral candidates who are expected to submit their dissertation shortly after the fellowship. Humanities and Social Sciences Focus The fellowship supports research in the humanities and social sciences. The program is intended for Japanese Studies research rather than research in scientific, medical, or engineering disciplines. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed research contributes to the study and understanding of Japan. Institutional Affiliation in Japan Applicants must be able to secure institutional affiliation in Japan. This affiliation is important because the fellowship is intended for research projects requiring residence in Japan and academic engagement with Japanese institutions or research environments. Applicants should plan their affiliation arrangements in advance when preparing their applications. Japanese and English Language Proficiency Applicants must be proficient in Japanese or English. Priority may be given to scholars who can conduct their research and communicate in Japanese, particularly where Japanese-language ability is relevant to the proposed research. Applicants should ensure that their language skills are appropriate for successfully completing their proposed research in Japan. Priority Considerations The Japan Foundation gives priority to certain applicants within the eligible pool.

Priority considerations include:

- Doctoral candidates expected to submit their dissertation soon after the fellowship. - Scholars who can conduct research and communicate in Japanese. - Relatively junior scholars applying for the Long-Term Research Fellowship. - Experienced scholars applying for the Short-Term Research Fellowship who are expected to