Ishibashi Foundation/The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Ishibashi Foundation/The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art supports overseas curators, researchers, educators, and conservators who want to undertake intensive research on Japanese visual arts in Japan. The fellowship is designed to strengthen the professional development of specialists in Japanese visual arts while promoting the international study and introduction of Japanese art. Particular emphasis is placed on research involving contemporary Japanese art. Selected fellows can conduct intensive short-term research in Japan and receive round-trip airfare, a stipend, and other allowances to support their fellowship stay.

About the Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art

The Ishibashi Foundation/The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art provides an opportunity for professionals based outside Japan to undertake specialized research in Japan.

The programme aims to:

- Foster the development of professionals specializing in Japanese visual arts. - Promote research and study of Japanese art internationally. - Encourage the international introduction of Japanese visual arts. - Support research on contemporary Japanese art. - Provide opportunities for overseas professionals to conduct intensive research in Japan. The fellowship is particularly suitable for professionals whose research requires direct access to Japanese artworks, institutions, collections, exhibitions, or other resources in Japan. Who Can Apply? The fellowship is open to professionals involved in the study, preservation, education, and presentation of Japanese visual arts.

Eligible applicants may include:

- Curators. - Researchers. - Educators. - Conservators. - Other professionals specializing in Japanese visual arts. Applicants must be living outside Japan and meet the programme’s nationality or permanent-residency requirements. Nationality and Residency Requirements Applicants must hold the nationality or permanent residency of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan. The applicant must also be living outside Japan when applying for the fellowship. This international eligibility requirement allows professionals from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan to undertake research directly in Japan. Research Focus The fellowship supports research on Japanese visual arts, with particular emphasis on contemporary works.

Proposed research should have:

- Clear and specific objectives. - A strong connection to Japanese visual arts. - A genuine need for intensive research in Japan. - A short-term research plan that can be completed during the fellowship period. Projects should demonstrate why conducting the research in Japan is important and how the fellowship period will contribute to the applicant’s professional or research objectives. Priority for Research With Wider Public Impact Priority is given to proposals that plan to share their research findings widely. This may include disseminating results through: - Exhibitions. - Publications. - Other forms of broad professional or public dissemination. Applicants should therefore explain not only what they intend to research but also how the knowledge generated through the fellowship could contribute to the wider understanding and international introduction of Japanese art. Fellowship Duration The fellowship is designed for intensive short-term research.

The fellowship duration ranges from:

- 21 to 59 days The fellowship start date must fall between: - June 20, 2027 and March 31, 2028 Applicants should therefore design a focused research schedule that can realistically be completed within the selected fellowship period. What Does the Fellowship Provide? Selected fellows receive financial support to help them undertake their research in Japan.

The fellowship provides:

- Round-trip airfare. - Discount economy-class airfare. - Travel using the most direct route. - A stipend. - Other allowances to support the fellow’s stay in Japan. The financial assistance is intended to help overseas professionals travel to Japan and conduct their planned research during the fellowship period. Airfare Support Fellows receive round-trip airfare under the programme’s travel conditions.

The supported airfare is:

- Discount economy class. - Based on the most direct route. Applicants should take these conditions into account when planning their travel arrangements. Language Requirements

Applicants must be proficient in either:

- Japanese, or - English. This language proficiency is important because fellows must be able to conduct their research and communicate effectively during their stay in Japan. Health and Ability to Stay in Japan Applicants must be in good health and able to stay in Japan for the full fellowship term. Because the programme involves intensive research activities during a short period, applicants should be prepared to participate actively throughout their scheduled stay. Previous Fellowship Recipients Previous recipients are permitted to apply again under certain conditions. A previous fellow may reapply if three years have passed since their last fellowship. Applicants with previous fellowship experience should therefore check the required interval before submitting a new application. Restrictions on Research Topics The proposed research must not be undertaken for religious or political purposes. Applicants should ensure that their research objectives are clearly connected to the study, research, preservation, education, or international introduction of Japanese visual arts. What Makes a Strong Research Proposal? A strong proposal should demonstrate a clear research purpose and explain why the research requires intensive study in Japan.

Applicants should clearly communicate:

- The main research topic. - Specific research objectives. - Why research in Japan is necessary. - The resources or expertise they need to access in Japan. - How the fellowship period will be used. - The expected outcomes of the rese