Deadline: 02-Dec-2025
Applications are now open for the Japan Foundation Fellowship to develop human resources in the fields related to Arts and Culture to those who cultivate and nurture transnational collaborating/co-creating projects in Japan, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste.
The program aims to build a strong relationship of trust between Japan and ASEAN for the future, strengthen multi-faceted human networks, collaborate to address global issues, nurture the next generation to serve as bridges, and contribute to the further development of a multicultural society.
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to successful applicants. Short-term fellows (10–59 days) will receive a stipend of 21,400 JPY per diem for stays in Japan and Singapore, and 14,400 JPY per diem for stays in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Timor-Leste. Long-term fellows (60–180 days) will receive 513,600 JPY per month in Japan and Singapore, and 345,600 JPY per month in the other eligible countries. For fellowship periods shorter than one month, stipends will be calculated on a daily basis.
In addition to the stipend, the fellowship covers a round-trip discount economy-class airfare by the most direct route, an overseas traveler’s insurance policy as determined by the Japan Foundation, and an activity allowance. The activity allowance provides up to 300,000 JPY for activities in Japan and Singapore, and up to 200,000 JPY for activities in other countries, with the amount adjusted according to the fellowship duration.
The fellowship supports individuals in the fields of culture and the arts who cultivate and nurture transnational collaborating and co-creating projects in Japan, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste. Eligible areas include visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, film, lifestyle culture, and sports. Activities must take place outside the applicant’s country of residence and may cover multiple countries, with Japan being a mandatory destination for non-Japan-based applicants. Projects should involve research, study, creative work, or the establishment of network platforms that require fellows to stay abroad for a set period of time.
Applicants must reside in Japan, ASEAN countries, or Timor-Leste, and also hold nationality or permanent residency in these regions. They should be active in the relevant fields, such as artists, researchers, curators, producers, administrators, coordinators, or educators, and must be in good health, proficient in English or Japanese, and hold a bank account capable of receiving remittances from Japan. The fellowship does not accept undergraduates, master’s students, or those pursuing studies as their primary purpose, nor does it support profit-making, political, or religious activities.
The fellowship period ranges from short-term stays of 10 to 59 days to long-term stays of 60 to 180 days, beginning between June 15, 2026, and March 31, 2027. Support includes a stipend, round-trip airfare, insurance, and an activity allowance, with stipends and allowances adjusted according to the country of stay and duration. Fellows are responsible for obtaining necessary visas, with the Japan Foundation providing supporting documents for the process.
Selection will prioritize alignment with the mission of the WA Project 2.0, clarity and validity of project objectives, necessity of on-site implementation, confirmation from host institutions, collaborative aspects, and the applicant’s past achievements or future potential. Applications must be submitted online by December 2, 2025, with results announced in April 2026.
For more information, visit Japan Foundation.