Japan Foundation – Nichibunken Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027–2028: Apply for Research Funding in Japan
The Japan Foundation, in partnership with the International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken), is inviting applications for the JF-Nichibunken Fellowship 2027–2028. This international research opportunity is designed for postdoctoral researchers interested in Japanese Studies, offering an opportunity to conduct independent research in Japan while becoming part of an established academic research community.
The programme supports researchers working across the humanities and social sciences whose projects examine Japanese culture from international, interdisciplinary and comprehensive perspectives.
Successful applicants will undertake research at Nichibunken in Japan for a period ranging from more than six months to a maximum of 24 months. Fellows will also gain experience in academic project facilitation, participate in meetings and workshops, and develop professional networks with individuals involved in international exchange.
The fellowship provides financial support, including round-trip airfare, a stipend and other allowances.
Application deadline: 1 December 2026 (Japan Standard Time).
About the JF-Nichibunken Fellowship
The JF-Nichibunken Fellowship is jointly organised by the Japan Foundation and the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, which operates under the National Institutes for the Humanities.
The programme aims to strengthen international academic exchange and promote research into Japanese culture through interdisciplinary perspectives.
Selected researchers will become affiliated with Nichibunken during their fellowship and have the opportunity to conduct research in Japan while engaging with scholars and other international researchers.
Beyond individual research, fellows are expected to contribute to the organisation and management of academic activities, including meetings and workshops. This provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in international research collaboration and academic project facilitation.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for postdoctoral researchers specialising in Japanese Studies and related academic disciplines.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a PhD degree at the time of application.
- Have received their PhD within six years as of 1 April 2027.
- Conduct research in the humanities or social sciences.
- Propose research examining Japanese culture from an international, interdisciplinary and comprehensive perspective.
Applicants should have a research project that aligns with the programme’s academic focus and demonstrates the potential to contribute to international understanding of Japanese culture.
Researchers from different academic backgrounds within the humanities and social sciences are encouraged to explore the programme guidelines to determine whether their proposed research qualifies.
Eligible Research Areas
The programme supports research themes examining Japanese culture through international and interdisciplinary approaches.
Eligible research should fall within the humanities and social sciences and demonstrate a comprehensive perspective on Japanese Studies.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for researchers to explore Japanese society, culture and related subjects through academic investigation and international collaboration.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed projects clearly demonstrate their relevance to Japanese Studies and the programme’s research objectives.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
The JF-Nichibunken Fellowship provides financial assistance to support researchers undertaking their projects in Japan.
The stated grant coverage includes:
1. Round-Trip Airfare
Successful fellows receive round-trip airfare in discount economy class. Travel arrangements are based on the most direct and economical route.
2. Stipend and Other Allowances
The programme provides a stipend and additional allowances to support fellows during their research stay in Japan.
The specific amounts and conditions should be confirmed in the official fellowship guidelines.
Fellowship Duration and Important Dates
The fellowship is offered under the 2027–2028 programme cycle.
Successful applicants will be invited to stay continuously in Japan for a period of more than six months and up to a maximum of 24 months.
Research projects must commence within the following period:
- Earliest start date: 1 September 2027.
- Latest start date: 1 March 2028.
- Maximum duration: 24 months.
Important application and selection dates include:
| Programme Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2026 |
| First Screening Interviews | January 2027 |
| Notification of Successful Fellows | April 2027 |
| Project Commencement | September 2027 – March 2028 |
Applicants who successfully pass the first screening will be invited for an interview in January 2027. Final successful fellows will be notified in April 2027.
Academic and Professional Opportunities
In addition to receiving research funding, fellows will benefit from being affiliated with the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.
The programme provides opportunities to engage with academic research activities and develop professional relationships with individuals involved in international exchange.
Fellows are also expected to gain experience as project facilitators through participation in the operation and management of various meetings and workshops.
This combination of independent research, academic engagement and project facilitation makes the programme particularly relevant to researchers seeking to strengthen their international academic experience.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should consult the official programme guidelines for detailed application instructions, eligibility conditions and required documentation.
The application deadline is Tuesday, 1 December 2026, Japan Standard Time.
For full programme information and application details, visit the official Nichibunken website:
The UK-based contact office can also be reached on +44 (0)20 7492 6570. Applicants outside the United Kingdom should contact the relevant Japan Foundation overseas office or the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission.
Final Thoughts
The JF-Nichibunken Fellowship 2027–2028 offers an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their academic work while gaining international research experience in Japan.
With support for airfare, stipends and research engagement, the programme provides an opportunity to explore Japanese culture through interdisciplinary scholarship while building connections with an international academic community.
Researchers who hold a PhD awarded within the specified six-year period and whose work focuses on Japanese Studies should consider applying.
Application deadline: 1 December 2026 (Japan Standard Time).
