Sumitomo Foundation Grant for Japan-Related Research Projects

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

The Sumitomo Foundation Grant supports researchers of Asian, non-Japanese nationality who live outside Japan and are conducting research in the social sciences or humanities related to Japan. The programme was established to promote deeper mutual understanding between Japan and other Asian countries by supporting academic research, exchange, and collaboration. It provides an opportunity for eligible researchers to undertake individual or group research that contributes to cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge.

About the Sumitomo Foundation Grant

The Sumitomo Foundation established this grant programme to strengthen academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other Asian countries. By supporting research related to Japan, the programme aims to encourage greater knowledge and dialogue across Asian countries. The grant focuses on research in the social sciences and humanities, allowing researchers to explore a broad range of topics connected with Japan. What Research Projects Are Eligible? The programme supports any research in the social sciences or humanities that is related to Japan.

Eligible projects may be conducted by:

- Individual researchers - Groups of researchers The programme provides flexibility in the type of research that can be proposed, as long as the project falls within the social sciences or humanities and has a clear connection to Japan. Who Can Apply? The grant is specifically intended for researchers who meet the following requirements: - They must be of Asian nationality - They must be non-Japanese nationals - They must be living outside Japan - Their proposed research must be in the social sciences or humanities - Their research must be related to Japan - The awarded researcher must personally conduct the proposed research The programme therefore targets researchers based outside Japan who can contribute an Asian perspective to research and academic dialogue concerning Japan. Research Must Be Related to Japan A central eligibility condition is that the proposed project must relate to Japan. The research can cover any suitable subject within the social sciences or humanities, providing an opportunity to examine Japan from different academic and cross-cultural perspectives. The broad research scope allows eligible researchers to develop projects that contribute to greater understanding of Japan and its relationships with other Asian societies. Individual and Group Research Both individual and group research projects are eligible. Researchers may therefore propose projects independently or collaborate with other researchers where appropriate. However, the awarded researcher must personally conduct the proposed research. Applicants should therefore ensure that their role in the research is clearly defined and that they are directly responsible for carrying out the proposed work. Promoting Mutual Understanding Across Asia One of the central objectives of the programme is to foster deeper mutual understanding between Japan and other Asian countries. Academic research can provide an important platform for examining cultural, social, historical, political, and other relationships between societies. By supporting research related to Japan, the Foundation seeks to encourage knowledge exchange and strengthen connections among researchers across Asia. Supporting Academic Exchange and Collaboration The programme also reflects the Sumitomo Foundation’s commitment to promoting academic exchange and collaboration across Asia. Supporting researchers from different Asian countries can encourage the development of new perspectives and strengthen connections within the academic community. The programme is therefore not limited to research outputs but also contributes to broader cross-cultural academic dialogue. Cross-Cultural Dialogue and Knowledge Projects supported through the programme are expected to contribute to cross-cultural dialogue and knowledge. Researchers can use their projects to explore Japan-related issues from perspectives shaped by their own Asian academic and cultural contexts. This approach can contribute to a more diverse understanding of Japan and its connections with other Asian countries. Key Facts About the Sumitomo Foundation Grant

- Funder: Sumitomo Foundation

- Research fields: Social sciences and humanities

- Research focus: Projects related to Japan

- Eligible nationality: Asian, non-Japanese nationality

- Applicant location: Outside Japan

- Eligible research: Individual or group research

- Research requirement: The awarded researcher must personally conduct the proposed research

- Main objective: Promote mutual understanding between Japan and other Asian countries

- Broader focus: Academic exchange, collaboration, cross-cultural dialogue, and knowledge

How to Prepare a Strong Research Proposal Researchers interested in the grant should ensure that their proposed project clearly establishes its connection to Japan and falls within the social sciences or humanities.

A strong proposal should clearly explain:

- The research topic - The connection between the project and Japan - The academic purpose of the research - The relevance of the project to the social sciences or humanities - The expected contribution to knowledge - How the research can contribute to mutual understanding - The researcher’s role in conducting the project - Any collaboration involved in the research Applicants proposing group research should clearly explain how the participating researchers will contribute to the project while ensuring that the awarded researcher personally conducts the proposed research. Why the Grant Is Important for Asian Researchers The Sumitomo Foundation Grant provides an opportunity for eligible Asian researchers outside Japan to conduct Japan-related research while contributing to wider academic exchange across the region. Its broad social sciences and humanities focus allows researchers to explore Japan through diverse acade