Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship 2027Paid Research Fellowship in Japan (US Applicants)
Paid research fellowship in Japan for US researchers
If you’re a U.S.-based researcher working in Japanese studies — language, history, culture, society, arts, or area studies — the Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship funds a research visit to Japan for 4 to 12 months.
- Host
- Japan Foundation
- Mode
- In-person (Japan)
- Age limit
- None
- Degree
- PhD or equivalent professional experience (Long-Term / Short-Term); ABD status required (Doctoral track)
- Experience
- Not specified
Can you apply?
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Long-Term / Short-Term track: PhD or equivalent professional experience required
- Doctoral track: ABD (All But Dissertation) status must be achieved before the fellowship begins
- Research must be in Japanese studies: language, literature, history, culture, society, arts, or related area studies
- Must not already be residing in Japan at the time of application
What you get
- Monthly stipend: JPY 400,000 (Long-Term Research) / JPY 310,000 (Doctoral) / JPY 17,000 per day (Short-Term)
- Round-trip airfare: Economy class ticket to and from Japan
- Settling-in allowance: JPY 250,000
- Departure allowance: JPY 50,000
- Health certificate costs: Up to JPY 50,000
- Traveler’s insurance: Provided
- Enrollment fees: Up to JPY 25,000/month for affiliated institution expenses
- Dependent allowance: JPY 10,000/month per dependent (spouse and children under 18)
Note: Fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in Japan. The monthly stipend is intended to cover living expenses, including housing.
Applying
- 01Visit the Japan Foundation New York fellowship page for full application guidelines and the online portal link
- 02Download and review the detailed application guidelines PDF for the FY2027 cycle
- 03Secure an institutional affiliation in Japan (required before applying)
- 04Complete and submit your application through the online portal by December 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Questions? Contact the Japan Foundation New York office at ny_jf_fellowship@jpf.go.jp. Browse more fully funded fellowships on Potenue.
Common questions
Is this fellowship funded?
Paid-stipend supported
Who can apply?
Nationality: U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Education: PhD or equivalent professional experience (Long-Term / Short-Term); ABD status required (Doctoral track)
Age: None
Is there an application fee?
Free
When is the deadline?
1 December 2026
How do I apply?
Apply directly on the official website: ny.jpf.go.jp. Potenue does not collect applications.
Full description
If you’re a U.S.-based researcher working in Japanese studies — language, history, culture, society, arts, or area studies — the Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship funds a research visit to Japan for 4 to 12 months. The program covers a substantial monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, and additional allowances. Applications for FY2027 are open now.
What Is This Opportunity?
The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program supports researchers based outside Japan who are conducting research in Japanese studies. Through the Japan Foundation’s New York office, U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for research stays in Japan — long-term (4–12 months), short-term (up to 89 days), or doctoral (for ABD candidates).
Fellows conduct research at a Japanese university or affiliated research institution and receive a substantial monthly stipend along with travel and settling-in support. The program has been running for decades and is one of the primary pathways for U.S. researchers to study Japan from within Japan.
What Will You Do?
- Conduct independent research in your field of Japanese studies at a Japanese institution
- Affiliate with a university, national institute, or other research organization in Japan
- Engage with Japanese academic communities and access primary research materials
All quick facts
- Fields / Areas
- Japanese language and linguistics
- Japanese history and culture
- Japanese society, politics, and economics
- Japanese arts and humanities
- Japan-related area studies
- Opportunity Type
- Fellowship
- Host Organization
- Japan Foundation (Japan Foundation, New York for U.S. applicants)
- Location
- Japan (at an affiliated research or academic institution)
- Format / Mode
- In-person (Japan)
- Duration
- Long-Term Research: 4–12 months | Short-Term Research: 21–89 days | Doctoral: 4–12 months
- Funding / Financial Support
- Paid-stipend supported
- Stipend / Salary
- JPY 400,000/month (Long-Term Research); JPY 310,000/month (Doctoral); JPY 17,000/day (Short-Term)
- Application Fee
- Free
- Nationality
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Degree Required
- PhD or equivalent professional experience (Long-Term / Short-Term); ABD status required (Doctoral track)
- Age
- None
- Work Experience
- Not specified
- Fields / Areas
- Japanese studies (language, history, culture, society, arts, area studies)
- Deadline
- 1 December 2026
- Deadline Time
- 11:59 PM
- Deadline Timezone
- EST
