*Please check the attached file for the Application Guidelines and Instructions, as this page contains only a summary. 

 

1.      PURPOSE

In order to promote Japanese Studies overseas, this program, jointly organized by the Japan Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “JF”) and the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia of the University of Tokyo (hereinafter referred to as “Tobunken”), provides post-doctoral researchers in the field of Japanese Studies with opportunities to conduct research in Japan while belonging to Tobunken. The Fellows will also be expected to gain experience as project facilitators through operation and management work at various meetings or workshops, and to form and expand networks with people involved in international exchange.

 

2.     ELIGIBLE TYPES OF RESEARCHES

With the overall theme of “Japan in Asia, Asia in Japan,” eligible research themes are those that reinterpret Japan from the context of Asia in the fields of the humanities and the social sciences.

 

3.   EXPECTED NUMBER OF FELLOWS AND PERIOD OF STAY IN JAPAN 

1. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree at the time of application, and have received their Ph.D. within six years (regardless of their job status) as of April 1, 2026;
2. Applicants must hold nationality or lawful permanent resident status in countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan;
3. Applicants must be in good health and proficient in either Japanese or English;
4. In principle, applicants must be able to stay continuously in Japan for the term of Fellowship.

* Taiwanese and Palestinian citizens can also apply.

 

5.     BENEFITS

1. Benefits Provided Once
   1. International Air Ticket: Round-trip discount economy-class airfare (the most direct route). Fellows already in Japan before the commencement of the Fellowship will receive only a one-way ticket for their return flight.
   2. Settling-in Allowance: JPY 250,000 (In principle, this allowance is not applicable to Fellows who are already residing in Japan on the beginning date of the Fellowship.)
   3. Departure Allowance: JPY 50,000 (In principle, this allowance will not be provided to Fellows who stay in Japan after the termination of the Fellowship.)
   4. Insurance: Overseas traveler’s insurance policy
2. Monthly Benefits
   1. Monthly Stipend (covering living and research expenses): JPY 400,000
   2. Dependent Allowance: JPY 10,000 per certified person
      

 

6.      AFFILIATED INSTITUTION IN JAPAN: Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, UTokyo

1. The Fellows’ research activities in Japan will be conducted at Tobunken as their affiliated institution in Japan.
2. The host advisor/research associate will be designated by Tobunken when selecting the successful applicants, taking into consideration their field of expertise, research theme, and other factors.
3. Fellows are expected to participate in some research activities in collaboration with Tobunken. Fellows may, when necessary, engage in research activities with other research institution(s) in addition to Tobunken. 
4. Fellows will be awarded the status of JF-GJS Affiliates 2026 after the term of Fellowship is over, and are expected to continue participating in collaborative research activities with Tobunken utilizing this status. 

Contributions Expected to JF-GJS Fellows

 

7.     APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Download Application Form（2026)

1. Applicants download the data of the above application form and fill in the form, except for the part for their recommenders.
2. Applicants send the filled-in application form to their recommenders asking them to fill out their part on the recommendation form.
3. Each applicant and recommender sends the completed and signed data to JF-GJS@jpf.go.jp as email attachments by December 1, 2025 (Japan Standard Time).

• For applications from Russia, please contact the Japan Foundation, Moscow (Russia) in advance and follow their instructions.

1. Document review
   1. Applicants who pass this preliminary round of selection will receive an email invitation to the second round of selection by January 15, 2026.
   2. Inquiries regarding the results of the preliminary round of selection will not be answered until January 16, 2026.
2. Online interview
   1. Online interviews of approximately 20 minutes will be conducted in late January 2026 for those who pass the preliminary round of selection.
   2. The online interview will be conducted based on Japan time. If the interview schedule cannot be set, the interview will be considered declined. Please note that failure to respond to the interview during the arranged time slot may also be considered as an interview decline.
   3. The results for the second round will be announced by April 1, 2026 by email.
   4. Inquiries regarding the results of the second round will not be answered until April 2, 2026.

 

 

JF-GJSフェローに従事していただきたい業務の内容