Japan Foundation Support Program for Translation and Publication

The Japan Foundation’s Support Program for Translation and Publication offers partial financial assistance to overseas publishers for translating and publishing works originally written in Japanese. This initiative aims to enhance global understanding of Japanese culture through literature. The application deadline is 8:00 PM (PST) on 30 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Japan Foundation

- Opportunity Type: Translation and Publication Grant

- Funding: Partial coverage of translation and publication costs

- Eligible Applicants: Publishing companies outside Japan

- Eligible Countries: Global (excluding Japan)

- Deadline: 30 November 2026, 8:00 PM (PST)

- Project Duration: Translations must be published between 1 April 2027 and 29 February 2028

About the Opportunity

The program is designed to support the translation and publication of Japanese works to foster cultural exchange and understanding. It targets works of fiction and nonfiction in the humanities and social sciences that have been published in Japan. The program encourages projects that can reach a broad audience and contribute significantly to cultural dialogue. Funding and Benefits

- Coverage:

- Translation fees paid to translators - Publication costs including paper, typesetting, platemaking, printing, and binding

- Exclusions: Costs for editing, translation rights acquisition, copyright clearance, and other in-house expenses are not covered.

- Grant Payment: Made post-completion of translation and/or publication.

Who Is Eligible?

- Eligible Applicants: Publishing companies located outside Japan.

- Project Requirements:

- The original work must already be published in Japan. - Translations should ideally be made directly from the original Japanese works. - Contracts for translation rights and translator agreements must be in place at the time of application. - A draft translation (approx. 30 pages) must accompany the application. - Projects must not serve religious or political purposes. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Translations of works listed in the Japan Foundation’s “Worth Sharing” selection. - Works with potential wide societal influence. - First-time translations of authors or works in regions with limited access to Japanese literature. Why This Opportunity Matters This program is crucial for promoting Japanese literature and culture internationally. By supporting publishers, it helps bridge cultural gaps and introduces diverse Japanese narratives to a global audience, enriching the literary landscape. How to Apply

- Prepare Application: Ensure all contracts and a draft translation are ready.

- Submit Application: Complete the application process by 8:00 PM (PST) on 30 November 2026.

- Required Documents: Include copies of contracts and cost estimates.

- Review Guidelines: Visit the Japan Foundation website for detailed instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the grant? Publishing companies outside Japan are eligible to apply. What costs does the grant cover? The grant covers part of the translation fees and publication costs such as printing and binding. What is the application deadline?

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

When must the translated work be published? Between 1 April 2027 and 29 February 2028. Can previously rejected projects reapply? Yes, but only with a new plan or revised translation. Next Steps Interested publishers should carefully review the official guidelines on the Japan Foundation website and prepare their applications accordingly. This opportunity is a valuable avenue for promoting Japanese culture and literature globally.