Deadline: 02-Dec-2025
The Japanese-Language Institute in Kansai offers a specialized training program aimed at professionals who require Japanese-language proficiency to excel in their research and specialized work.
This program is designed to help researchers, graduate students, librarians, and museum curators improve their practical Japanese skills by integrating language learning with their professional activities. In fiscal year 2026, the program will be available as a six-month course running from early October 2026 to late March 2027.
Participants in the program receive comprehensive support, including accommodation in a single room within the Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai. Shared rooms may be assigned during training trips. The program also covers costs related to the training curriculum, weekday meals via cafeteria points and cash, and provides both National Health Insurance and Overseas Travel Insurance to cover medical expenses during the stay. Additionally, a subsidy of up to 100,000 JPY is available to support independent research activities, covering some accommodation and transportation expenses within Japan.
To be eligible, applicants must be specialists needing Japanese-language skills for their work or research. This includes individuals who have employment ties with organizations outside Japan, such as university professors, researchers, public sector specialists, librarians, or museum curators involved in international exchange programs concerning Japan. Graduate students enrolled full-time in Master’s or Doctoral programs outside Japan who plan to write their dissertations on Japan-related topics are also eligible. Final-year undergraduate students in institutions that grant a Master’s degree upon graduation may apply if they meet the age requirement.
Applicants must have official permission from their affiliated organization’s representative and work in Japan-related fields in social sciences or humanities, including interdisciplinary fields involving natural and applied sciences. They should have a specific and detailed Japan-related research theme and intend to present their findings. Eligibility extends to nationals of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan, including Taiwan. Applicants should not have received compulsory education in Japan for more than three years and must be in good physical and mental health.
This program offers an excellent opportunity for specialists to enhance their Japanese language skills in a practical, professional context while engaging deeply with their research and work related to Japan.
For more information, visit Japan Foundation.