Kurata Grants for Natural Sciences and Engineering (Japan)

Deadline: 10-Sep-2026

The Kurata Grants support young researchers in Japan conducting innovative research that addresses global social challenges through science, technology, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The program provides grants of up to JPY 1,000,000 for one-year projects and JPY 3,000,000 for two-year projects, helping researchers develop pioneering solutions for a sustainable future.

Kurata Grants for Young Researchers in Japan

The Kurata Grants is a competitive research funding program established through a donation by the late Chikara Kurata, former President of Hitachi, Ltd. The program supports creative and pioneering research that advances science, technology, and interdisciplinary knowledge while addressing global societal challenges.

The initiative encourages innovative research that contributes to sustainable development, technological progress, and improved quality of life through internationally relevant scientific and academic work.

Program Objectives

The Kurata Grants aim to:

• Support innovative and original research projects.
• Encourage young researchers to pursue pioneering ideas.
• Advance science and technology for sustainable development.
• Promote interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges.
• Foster internationally relevant academic research.
• Strengthen Japan’s research ecosystem.

Focus Areas

Research proposals may cover a wide range of disciplines, including:

Energy and Environment

• Renewable energy
• Climate change
• Environmental sustainability
• Resource management
• Carbon reduction technologies

Urban Development and Transportation

• Smart cities
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Transportation systems
• Urban planning
• Mobility innovations

Healthcare

• Medical research
• Public health
• Biomedical science
• Healthcare technologies
• Disease prevention

Science and Engineering

• Natural sciences
• Engineering
• Applied technology
• Emerging technologies
• Advanced manufacturing

Humanities and Social Sciences

Projects examining highly technological societies, including:

• Economics
• Sociology
• Law
• Ethics
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Public policy
• International development
• Cultural studies

Funding Information

The Kurata Grants provide two funding options depending on project duration.

One-Year Research Grant

• Maximum funding: JPY 1,000,000
• Project duration: 1 year

Two-Year Research Grant

• Maximum funding: JPY 3,000,000
• Project duration: 2 years

Applicants must select the appropriate funding category when submitting their proposal.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for direct research costs such as:

• Research materials
• Equipment required for the project
• Laboratory supplies
• Fieldwork expenses
• Research travel
• Data collection
• Analysis costs
• Publication expenses related to research outcomes

Ineligible Expenses

The grant does not support:

• Institutional overhead or indirect costs
• Salaries or wages for the Principal Investigator
• Salaries for collaborating researchers
• Expenses unrelated to approved research objectives

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be under 45 years of age.
• Be a graduate student or researcher.
• Be affiliated with a university, research institute, technical college, or another eligible academic institution in Japan.
• Be affiliated with an institution eligible for KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research).
• Maintain a continuous research base in Japan throughout the grant period.
• Submit a recommendation letter from the institution head or academic supervisor.
• Researchers of any nationality may apply if they satisfy the residency and institutional requirements.

Why This Grant Matters

The Kurata Grants play an important role in supporting early-career researchers with innovative ideas that may have long-term global impact.

Key benefits include:

• Supports high-risk, high-impact research.
• Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Promotes sustainable innovation.
• Helps develop future scientific leaders.
• Addresses pressing global challenges.
• Strengthens Japan’s research capacity.
• Supports internationally relevant research.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you satisfy the age, institutional affiliation, and residency requirements.

Step 2: Select the Grant Duration

Choose either:

• One-year project
• Two-year project

Select the option that best matches your research objectives.

Step 3: Prepare the Research Proposal

Develop a proposal that clearly explains:

• Research objectives
• Research questions
• Methodology
• Innovation
• Expected outcomes
• Timeline
• Budget
• Contribution to sustainable development

Step 4: Obtain a Recommendation Letter

Secure a recommendation from:

• Head of institution, or
• Academic supervisor

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents

Compile all required documentation before submission.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Submit the complete application according to the program guidelines before the deadline.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal

• Present an original research idea.
• Demonstrate clear scientific or academic significance.
• Show how the research addresses global societal challenges.
• Include realistic milestones and timelines.
• Provide a well-justified budget.
• Highlight interdisciplinary relevance where appropriate.
• Clearly explain the expected research impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an incomplete application.
• Providing an unclear research methodology.
• Requesting ineligible expenses.
• Failing to obtain the required recommendation letter.
• Presenting unrealistic project timelines.
• Weak justification for research significance.
• Poor alignment with the program’s sustainability objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Kurata Grants?

Graduate students and researchers under the age of 45 who are affiliated with eligible academic institutions in Japan.

Are international researchers eligible?

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

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request:

• Up to JPY 1,000,000 for one-year projects.
• Up to JPY 3,000,000 for two-year projects.

Can applicants choose the project duration?

Yes. Applicants may select either a one-year or two-year research project based on the scope of their proposal.

Can grant funds be used to pay researcher salaries?

No. The funding is limited to direct research expenses and cannot be used for personnel salaries or institutional overhead costs.

Is a recommendation letter mandatory?

Yes. Applicants must submit a recommendation letter from their institution head or academic supervisor.

What types of research are encouraged?

The program supports innovative research across natural sciences, engineering, healthcare, energy, environmental studies, urban development, humanities, and social sciences that contributes to solving global challenges and building a sustainable future.

Conclusion

The Kurata Grants for Young Researchers provide valuable support for early-career researchers in Japan who are pursuing innovative solutions to global challenges. By funding pioneering research across science, engineering, healthcare, and the humanities, the program encourages the development of impactful knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainable innovations that can contribute to a better future for society.

For more information, visit The Hitachi Global Foundation.