Deadline: 02-Dec-2025
Applications are now open for the Japan Foundation Fellowship to support the development of professionals specializing in the study of Japanese visual arts by providing an opportunity for curators and researchers from abroad to conduct research in Japan, and by so doing, promote the study of the field and the introduction of Japanese art overseas.
The research project related to Japanese visual arts should have clear objectives and plans to achieve its goal. The project should necessitate travel to Japan in order to carry out research intensively, over a short period of time. The main target area is contemporary Japanese art. Priority will be given to projects that include in its proposals, plans for research results to be shared widely among the overseas public through the implementation of exhibitions or the publication of books.
The grant coverage includes a per diem of 17,000 yen per day, round-trip discount economy-class airfare via the most direct route, and overseas traveler’s insurance arranged by the Japan Foundation. In addition, Fellows will be provided with a research allowance of up to 100,000 yen, the exact amount varying according to the duration of the fellowship.
Successful applicants will receive a round-trip airfare (discount economy class via the most direct route), a stipend, and other allowances. In FY 2025, 17 fellows were selected from 73 applications, indicating a highly competitive selection process. The fellowship duration ranges from 21 to 59 days, with the arrival date in Japan to fall between June 20, 2026, and March 31, 2027.
Eligible applicants include art professionals such as curators, researchers, educators, and conservators residing outside Japan who carry out the activities outlined above. However, those intending to conduct research in film studies should apply instead for the Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program.
Applicants must hold nationality or permanent residency in countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan; Japanese applicants who do not hold nationality or permanent residency in another country are not eligible, even if residing abroad. All applicants must be in good physical and mental health, proficient in Japanese or English, and able to stay continuously in Japan for the fellowship term. Additionally, receiving the fellowship must not violate any local laws or regulations in the applicant’s country.
Individuals are ineligible if they intend to conduct research outside Japanese visual arts, create artworks, pursue or enroll in undergraduate, master’s, or Ph.D. studies in Japan, or use the fellowship for political, religious, profit-making, or fund-raising purposes. Those seeking to improve their Japanese-language ability, receive concurrent grants, or apply for other Japan Foundation programs in the same fiscal year are also ineligible. Previous recipients of Japan Foundation Fellowships may reapply only if a full three years have passed since the end of their most recent fellowship as of April 1, 2026.
Applications will be evaluated based on several key criteria. Reviewers will consider the clarity and achievability of the project’s purpose and goals, the necessity of conducting research in Japan, and the practicality of the project framework within the proposed term. Applicants should demonstrate notable achievements in their fields, with proposed research aligned to these accomplishments and contributing to the broader development of Japanese art studies. Priority will be given to those who can share their research outcomes widely through exhibitions and publications and are likely to present results soon after completing their fellowship.
Applications must be submitted through the Online Application Portal by 1 p.m. (Japan Standard Time) on December 2, 2025.
For more information, visit Japan Foundation.