Ishibashi Foundation / The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art

The Ishibashi Foundation and The Japan Foundation (Los Angeles) offer the Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art to support curators and researchers from abroad conducting short-term research in Japan on Japanese visual arts—especially contemporary art. The fellowship includes round-trip airfare and a stipend/allowances, with a research period of 21 to 59 days. The application deadline for FY 2026 is 8:00 PM (PST), 30 November 2026. This fellowship supports the development of professionals specializing in the study of Japanese visual arts. It provides an opportunity for curators and researchers from abroad to conduct research in Japan, with the goal of promoting the study of the field and introducing Japanese art overseas. The research project must have clear objectives and a plan that justifies travel to Japan to conduct intensive research over a short period of time. The fellowship benefits listed in the source include: Award amount: Not specified in the source. Cost-sharing: Not specified in the source. Restrictions on use: Not specified in the source beyond the eligibility limitations described in the eligibility section. Eligible applicants are individuals who will conduct the activities described under “Eligible Area and Activities” and who are living in a country outside Japan. The source provides examples of eligible roles, including curators, researchers, educators, and conservators.

Applicants must meet all listed criteria:

For full requirements and clarifications, the source directs applicants to the Application Instructions of the Fellowship. (Link not provided in the supplied text.) The research project related to Japanese visual arts should meet the following conditions: This fellowship is designed for professionals whose work depends on in-person research to advance expertise in Japanese visual arts. It emphasizes projects that are closely tied to research conducted in Japan and encourages dissemination of results beyond the individual’s own work through exhibitions and publications—particularly for contemporary Japanese art. The supplied source confirms the application deadline and several key eligibility and selection elements, but it does not provide the full step-by-step application instructions. The source states that applicants should refer to the Fellowship’s Application Instructions and to The Japan Foundation – General Instructions for procedures and important common notes. (Official links are not included in the supplied text.) Official application link: Not provided in the supplied article text. Please use the official Japan Foundation Fellowship page referenced by the opportunity name to access the application portal and instructions. What is the Ishibashi Foundation / The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art? It is a fellowship that supports curators and researchers from abroad to conduct short-term research in Japan focused on Japanese visual arts, with an emphasis on contemporary Japanese art. Who can apply? Individuals living outside Japan who will conduct eligible research activities (for example, curators, researchers, educators, conservators) and who meet all listed eligibility criteria. Where must the research take place? The research requires travel to and research in Japan to be conducted intensively over a short period. How long is the fellowship? The research period is 21 to 59 days. When does the fellowship begin for FY 2027–2028? The fellowship’s beginning date (arrival in Japan) must fall between 20 June 2027 and 31 March 2028. What is the application deadline and time zone?

The application deadline is 8: 00 PM (PST), 30 November 2026.

What benefits are provided to fellows? The listed benefits include round-trip airfare (discount economy class, most direct route) and a stipend and other allowances. The source does not specify exact monetary amounts. Before applying, confirm you meet every eligibility requirement listed in the source and read the official Application Instructions and General Instructions referenced by The Japan Foundation. Then prepare a research plan with a clear, achievable goal within the fellowship’s duration and—where possible—include a strategy to share results through exhibitions and/or publications, especially for contemporary Japanese art.