Kurata Grants for Humanities and Social Sciences (Japan)

The Kurata Grants support original research in Japan that explores how scientific and technological advancements shape society and contribute to sustainable development. Researchers affiliated with eligible Japanese academic institutions, including graduate students, may apply for grants of up to JPY 1,000,000 for one-year humanities and social sciences research projects.

Kurata Grants for Humanities and Social Sciences Research in Japan

What are the Kurata Grants?

The Kurata Grants are a research funding initiative established in Japan to promote pioneering and interdisciplinary research that contributes to building a sustainable society.

The programme supports humanities and social sciences research examining the social, cultural, ethical, legal, and economic implications of scientific and technological progress. It encourages innovative studies that address complex global challenges and improve understanding of sustainable futures.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support original and pioneering research.
• Advance knowledge that contributes to a sustainable society.
• Promote interdisciplinary research on science, technology, and society.
• Improve understanding of global social challenges.
• Encourage research on the ethical and cultural dimensions of scientific and technological development.
• Strengthen humanities and social sciences research in Japan.

Priority Areas

The programme supports research exploring the relationship between science, technology, and society.

Society and Technological Change

Research may examine:

• Social transformation driven by technological innovation.
• Human responses to scientific advancement.
• Changing social structures.
• Future societal development.

Humanities Research

Eligible disciplines include:

• Literature
• History
• Philosophy
• Ethics
• Cultural studies
• Arts

Social Sciences Research

Supported fields include:

• Sociology
• Law
• Economics
• Psychology
• Political studies
• Public policy

Interdisciplinary Research

Projects are encouraged to combine multiple disciplines to address:

• Sustainability
• Global challenges
• Technology and society
• Human wellbeing
• Environmental and social change

Funding Information

Grant Amount

Each project may receive:

• Up to JPY 1,000,000

Project Duration

Funding supports:

• One-year research projects

Number of Grants

Approximately:

• 10–12 grants are expected to be awarded.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used only for direct research expenses required to complete the project.

Eligible costs may include:

• Research materials
• Data collection
• Fieldwork expenses
• Research-related travel
• Equipment directly supporting the research
• Other essential research costs

Ineligible Expenses

The grant cannot be used for:

• Indirect institutional costs
• Overhead expenses
• Salaries for the Principal Investigator
• Salaries for collaborating researchers
• Other personnel costs not directly permitted under the programme

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include researchers affiliated with qualifying academic institutions in Japan.

Applicants may include:

• University researchers
• Researchers at research institutes
• Technical college researchers
• Researchers at other KAKENHI-eligible academic institutions
• Graduate students

For-profit organisations are not eligible.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be affiliated with an eligible institution in Japan.
• Maintain a continuous research base in Japan throughout the research period.
• Conduct research within the humanities or social sciences.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from their institution or academic supervisor (where required).

There are:

• No nationality restrictions
• No age restrictions for applicants in this category

Research Themes

Projects should explore topics such as:

• The societal impact of scientific progress.
• Ethical issues in emerging technologies.
• Sustainable development.
• Human values and technological innovation.
• Historical perspectives on science and society.
• Legal and policy implications of technological change.
• Cultural responses to innovation.
• Interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.

Why This Grant Matters

Scientific and technological advances continue to reshape society in profound ways.

The Kurata Grants help researchers:

• Explore the broader human impact of innovation.
• Inform public policy and ethical decision-making.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary scholarship.
• Address sustainability challenges.
• Generate knowledge that benefits future generations.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

• Are affiliated with a KAKENHI-eligible institution in Japan.
• Meet all programme requirements.

Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal

Clearly describe:

• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Contribution to sustainable society

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather:

• Research proposal
• Institutional affiliation details
• Recommendation letter from your institution or supervisor
• Budget justification

Step 4: Prepare the Research Budget

Include only eligible direct research expenses and exclude salaries and institutional overhead costs.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Complete the application and submit all required documentation before the programme deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your proposal:

• Present an original research idea.
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking.
• Clearly explain the societal relevance of your research.
• Show how your project contributes to sustainability.
• Provide a realistic methodology and timeline.
• Prepare a detailed and compliant research budget.
• Highlight the broader impact of your findings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Including indirect institutional costs.
• Budgeting researcher salaries.
• Submitting incomplete application documents.
• Providing unclear research objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate relevance to sustainability.
• Omitting the required recommendation letter.
• Proposing projects outside the humanities or social sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the Kurata Grants?

The Kurata Grants are research funding awards supporting original humanities and social sciences research on science, technology, and sustainable society in Japan.

2. How much funding is available?

Each selected project may receive up to JPY 1,000,000 for a one-year research project.

3. Who can apply?

Researchers affiliated with eligible universities, research institutes, technical colleges, and other KAKENHI-qualified institutions in Japan, including graduate students.

4. Are international researchers eligible?

Yes. There are no nationality restrictions, provided applicants maintain a continuous research base in Japan throughout the project period.

5. What expenses are covered?

Funding supports direct research expenses such as research materials, fieldwork, data collection, and other essential project costs.

6. Can the grant be used for salaries or institutional overhead?

No. The programme does not fund institutional indirect costs or salaries for the principal investigator or collaborating researchers.

7. What research fields are supported?

The programme supports humanities and social sciences research examining the societal implications of scientific and technological development, including disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, ethics, law, economics, psychology, history, literature, culture, and the arts.

Conclusion

The Kurata Grants provide up to JPY 1,000,000 to support innovative one-year humanities and social sciences research that explores the relationship between science, technology, and society. By encouraging interdisciplinary research on sustainability, ethics, culture, and global challenges, the programme helps generate knowledge that informs policy, advances academic understanding, and contributes to building a more sustainable future.