U.S.-Southeast Asia-Japan Collaboration and Exchange Initiative (US)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The U.S.-Southeast Asia-Japan Collaboration and Exchange Initiative provides grants to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions for collaborative research, academic exchange, and resource-sharing in Japanese Studies involving partners in Southeast Asia and Japan. Grants can provide up to $100,000 per year for up to three years, with projects starting between April 1, 2027 and March 31, 2028.

About the U.S.-Southeast Asia-Japan Collaboration and Exchange Initiative

The U.S.-Southeast Asia-Japan Collaboration and Exchange Initiative supports international collaboration in Japanese Studies among institutions and scholars in the United States, Southeast Asia, and Japan. The initiative is designed to strengthen Japanese Studies through collaborative scholarship, academic networks, research partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, and sharing of educational resources. U.S.-based institutions with established or developing Japanese Studies programmes can use the grant to build meaningful academic relationships with counterparts in Southeast Asia and, where appropriate, Japan. What Does the Initiative Support? The programme supports projects that bring together Japanese Studies scholars, students, and institutions across the participating regions.

Eligible activities may include:

Collaborative Japanese Studies research Joint research and scholarly publications Short-term invitations for Japan Studies scholars from Southeast Asia and Japan Only U.S.-based institutions with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants may submit proposals individually or as part of a collaborative structure.

Applications may come from:

Single institutions Institutional partnerships Consortia Academic associations Only one application per institution will be considered. What Types of Projects Receive Priority? Priority is given to projects that make a significant contribution to Japanese Studies, particularly through international and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Priority areas include projects that:

Advance Japanese Studies in Southeast Asia Introduce Southeast Asian Japanese Studies developments and achievements to U.S. audiences Promote interdisciplinary approaches Combine academic research with practical applications Create meaningful collaboration among scholars and institutions Strengthen long-term academic networks What Projects Are Not Eligible? The initiative is focused specifically on advancing Japanese Studies and related academic fields. Projects primarily focused on the following areas are not eligible: Matching funds or cost-sharing from the applicant institution or other sources are strongly encouraged. Project Timeline Projects must begin during the following period: April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028 Projects can run for up to three years. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activities, timetable, budget, and expected outcomes are consistent with the permitted project duration. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a concept paper first and then submit a complete proposal by the final deadline.

Step 1: Confirm Institutional Eligibility

Verify that the applying organization:

Is based in the United States. Has 501(c)(3) status. Is focused on an eligible academic purpose. Has not already submitted another application for the same funding opportunity.

Step 2: Develop the Project Concept

Design a project that strengthens Japanese Studies through collaboration involving the United States and Southeast Asia. Direct engagement with Japanese Studies counterparts in Southeast Asia is required. Collaboration with Japan is encouraged but not required.

Step 3: Submit a Concept Paper

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a 2–5 page concept paper by October 31, 2026.

The concept paper should explain:

Institutional information Project objectives Project timeline Proposed methodology Anticipated outcomes Target audience

Step 4: Prepare the Full Proposal

The full application should provide sufficient detail about the project, participating institutions, activities, budget, timetable, and expected results.

Step 5: Submit the Full Proposal

The complete proposal must be received by December 1, 2026.

Applications may be submitted by:

Email Post Applicants should follow the programme’s submission instructions carefully and ensure that all required documents are included. Required Application Documents Applicants should prepare the following materials: Application cover sheet Detailed project budget Project narrative Project timetable Institutional information CVs of core faculty Letters from collaborating organizations or individuals The project narrative should clearly explain how the proposed activities will advance Japanese Studies and how the participating institutions or scholars will collaborate. How to Build a Strong Proposal A clear proposal should establish a direct connection between the project’s activities and the goals of the initiative.

Applicants should explain:

What the project will do — Describe the research, exchange, workshop, publication, or resource-sharing activities. Who will participate — Identify the U.S., Southeast Asian, and Japanese Studies partners involved. Why the collaboration is needed — Explain the academic value of bringing these institutions or scholars together. How the project will advance Japanese Studies — Connect the activities to specific academic outcomes. What will be achieved — Identify measurable or clearly defined outcomes. How the project will continue — Where appropriate, explain how partnerships and resources can remain useful after the grant period. Common Application Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should avoid common issues that can weaken an otherwise eligible proposal. Failing to demonstrate direct engagement with Southeast Asian Japanese Studies counterparts Treating the project primarily as a goodwill or cultural exchange Focusing on ineligible fields such as medical or natural science research Omitting a detailed pr