CFAs: Acceptance of Foreign Human Resources and Japanese Society

The Toyota Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 grant program focused on “Foreign Talent Acceptance and Japanese Society.” This initiative supports projects that aim to create an environment where foreign talents can maximize their abilities, address information access disparities, and promote the inflow of high-skilled professionals. The application deadline is 14 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Toyota Foundation

- Opportunity Type: Grant

- Funding Amount: JPY 5,500 million total; JPY 5-10 million per project

- Eligible Applicants: Multidisciplinary teams; individuals must be part of a team

- Eligible Countries: No restrictions on nationality

- Application Deadline: 14 November 2026, 23:59 JST

- Project Duration: 2-3 years (1 May 2027 – 30 April 2029 or 2030)

About the Opportunity

The program addresses the transformative impact of foreign talent inflow on Japanese society and economy. It supports research, surveys, and practical initiatives that contribute to establishing comprehensive systems for accepting foreign talent. Launched in 2019, the program continues to focus on building a supportive environment for foreign professionals in Japan. Funding and Benefits

- Total Funding Pool: JPY 5,500 million

- Per Project Funding: JPY 5-10 million

- Project Types Supported: Research, surveys, and practical initiatives focusing on systemic improvements for foreign talent integration.

Who Is Eligible?

- Applicant Type: Multidisciplinary teams; individual applications are not accepted.

- Nationality: No restrictions, but the project leader and contact person must communicate fluently in Japanese.

- Other Requirements: Submission of applications in Japanese is mandatory.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

Projects should focus on:

- Building environments where foreign talents can fully utilize their skills. - Addressing disparities in information access for foreign professionals. - Revising care and support systems for foreign talents. - Promoting the inflow of high-skilled professionals. - Learning from Japanese companies’ overseas business experiences. Projects spanning multiple priority areas are encouraged. Why This Opportunity Matters This grant program is crucial for fostering a diverse workforce in Japan by addressing systemic challenges faced by foreign professionals. It supports the integration of foreign talents, which is essential for Japan’s socio-economic transformation in the long term. How to Apply

- Review Guidelines: Visit the Toyota Foundation website to access the “Grant Overview,” “Selection Committee Comments,” and “Eligibility List.”

- Download Forms: Obtain the application form and proposal template from the website.

- Submit Application: Complete and submit your application through the online entry system from 1 September to 14 November 2026.

- Language Requirement: Ensure all documents are in Japanese.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Advice: Attend the optional online information sessions to better understand the application process.

- Common Mistake: Failing to submit applications in Japanese can disqualify your submission.

Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for this grant? Multidisciplinary teams are eligible to apply. Individual applications are not accepted. What is the application deadline? The deadline is 14 November 2026, at 23:59 JST. How much funding is available per project? Each project can receive between JPY 5-10 million. Is participation in the information sessions mandatory? No, but it is highly recommended to gain insights into the application process. Can projects focus on more than one priority area? Yes, projects that span multiple areas are encouraged. Next Steps Eligible applicants should carefully review the official guidelines and prepare their applications in accordance with the Toyota Foundation’s requirements. For further details and to access the application forms, please visit the official Toyota Foundation website.