Japan Foundation 2027: grants for translating Japanese books, exhibitions, Japanese studies and Japanese-language teaching, apply by 1 December

The Japan Foundation has announced its programme guidelines for fiscal year 2027, offering funding opportunities across multiple disciplines related to Japanese culture, language, and research. Applicants from eligible countries, including Ukraine, can seek support for initiatives ranging from cultural exhibitions to academic research and publishing.

Financial support is provided on a partial cost-coverage basis, with the exact allocation determined directly by the Foundation rather than through fixed grant sums. All applications for this funding cycle must be submitted by 1 December 2026.

What is funded

The Foundation supports a range of cultural and academic initiatives under its fiscal year 2027 guidelines. Key supported activities include the translation and publication of Japanese books, organisation of Japanese art exhibitions, and fellowships designed for Japan scholars and curators.

In addition, funding is available for institutional Japanese studies projects at higher education institutions and initiatives led by organisations teaching the Japanese language. The Foundation does not offer fixed grant amounts, as it covers only a portion of project costs. For reference, the average grant awarded for translation projects in 2026 was approximately JPY 618,000.

Who can apply

Eligibility extends to several categories of applicants depending on the specific programme track. Universities and non-governmental organisations are eligible to apply for institutional and educational initiatives, while publishers and museums can seek support for translation and exhibition projects.

Individual applicants are also eligible, specifically Japan scholars and curators seeking fellowship opportunities. Applicants from Ukraine are explicitly included on the list of eligible participants for this cycle.

Conditions and requirements

Grants are awarded to cover part of the total project expenditure, meaning that applicants must secure the remaining resources independently. The specific funding limits and grant amounts for each initiative are established at the discretion of the Japan Foundation.

Practical tip. Review the financial scope of your proposal carefully against historical averages, such as the JPY 618,000 benchmark for translation grants, and ensure your budget clearly demonstrates how all remaining costs outside Foundation support will be covered.

How to apply

Interested candidates and organisations must prepare their proposals according to the Foundation’s programme guidelines for fiscal year 2027. Submissions must be finalized and lodged by the deadline of 1 December 2026.

The donor has not detailed the complete step-by-step submission workflow or specific application forms in the summary data. Applicants should consult the official guidelines issued by the Foundation to obtain full instructions and documentation requirements.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: jpf.go.jp.