Ishibashi Foundation/The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art

This program aims 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.

This fellowship is implemented by the Japan Foundation with generous funding from the Ishibashi Foundation.

Benefits

• Fellowship period 21 days to 59 days
• Grant coverage
  • The following are provided to successful applicants (hereinafter called “Fellows”).
    • Per Diem: 17,000 yen/day
    • Airfare: Round-trip discount economy-class airfare (the most direct route)
    • Insurance: Overseas traveler’s insurance policy (the insurance coverage will be determined by the Japan Foundation)
    • Research Allowance: A maximum of 100,000 yen (the amount varies according to the duration of the Fellowship

Eligible Activities and Areas

• Any 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 art. Priority will be given to project applications that include concrete plans for research results to be shared widely among the overseas public through the implementation of exhibitions or the publication of books.

Eligible Applicants

• Art professionals who carry out the activities stipulated in “Eligible activities and areas” living in a country outside of Japan (curators, researchers, educators, conservators, etc.).
• Applicants must hold nationality (or permanent residency) in countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan.
• A Japanese applicant who does not hold nationality (or permanent residency) in a country other than Japan is not eligible even if they reside abroad.
• Applicants must be in good health both physically and mentally.
• Applicants must be proficient in either Japanese or English.
• Applicants must be able to stay continuously in Japan for the term of the Fellowship.
• The receipt of grants or support from the Japan Foundation must not violate any local laws, regulations, or ordinances.

Ineligible

• Individuals meeting any of the following conditions are not eligible to apply:
  • Those who intend to conduct research in an area other than Japanese visual arts. b. Those who intend to create artworks.
  • Undergraduates; master’s degree candidates; those intending to enroll in undergraduate or master’s courses at universities in Japan; or graduates who are to pursue Ph.D. courses in Japan.
  • Those who intend to use this Fellowship for political or religious purposes.
  • Those who intend to work for profit-making or fund-raising purposes.
  • Those who intend to enhance their Japanese-language ability.
  • Those who plan to receive other grants concurrently with this Fellowship.
  • Those who apply for other grant programs of the Japan Foundation in the same fiscal year.

For more information, visit The Japan Foundation.