Fellowships for Advanced Social Science Research on Japan

The Fellowships for Advanced Social Science Research on Japan is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in partnership with the Japan–United States Friendship Commission (JUSFC). This program is administered through NEH’s Division of Research and reflects the agency’s broader mission to support rigorous humanistic research. NEH awards grants to individual scholars pursuing projects that reflect exceptional scholarly merit and clarity, with an emphasis on advancing humanistic knowledge, particularly within the context of Japan studies and U.S.–Japan relations. The primary objective of this fellowship program is to promote academic research on Japan’s modern society, political economy, and international relations, as well as its bilateral interactions with the United States. The program seeks to foster U.S.–Japan scholarly exchange, encouraging both the production of new knowledge and the cultivation of the next generation of Japan scholars based in the United States. Awards support a wide range of project stages, from initial research to final writing. The outcomes of funded projects may include scholarly publications such as books, peer-reviewed articles, translations with critical apparatus, and digital resources that contribute meaningfully to the humanities. Fellows are awarded stipends calculated at $5,000 per month for full-time work, with awards typically ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on the duration of the proposed project. The expected number of awards is three, and the total estimated program funding is $180,000. Cost sharing or matching is not required. The period of performance must begin on the first day of a month and end on the last day of a month. All awards are made directly to the individual scholar, and indirect costs are unallowable. Funds are disbursed to the recipient’s personal bank account. Projects funded under this opportunity may not include advocacy, policy development, creative writing, film production, or activities outside of the humanities. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens residing domestically or abroad, and foreign nationals who have resided in the U.S. or its jurisdictions for at least three years prior to the application deadline. Individuals currently enrolled in a degree-granting program are not eligible. Awards may not be held concurrently with other NEH individual awards within the same fiscal year or with overlapping performance periods. Applicants affiliated with collaborative research teams may apply, but each scholar must submit an independent application and clearly define their contribution. To apply, individuals must submit an application through Grants.gov by April 22, 2026. Required components include the SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance – Individual, the NEH Supplemental Information for Individuals Form, a project narrative, work plan, bibliography, résumé, and two letters of reference. All materials must be formatted according to the specifications provided in the NOFO and program announcement. Reference letters should be submitted no later than the application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials at least 48 hours before the deadline to allow time for correcting any technical issues. Applications will be reviewed by NEH staff for eligibility and completeness before being evaluated by a panel of peer reviewers. Reviewers will assess the clarity, significance, and feasibility of the proposed project, as well as the qualifications of the applicant. Funding recommendations are made to the NEH Chairman by the National Council on the Humanities, with award notifications typically issued 9 to 12 months after the deadline. The final performance report is due within 120 calendar days after the award period ends. Materials resulting from funded projects must acknowledge both NEH and JUSFC support and conform to public access and copyright guidelines set by NEH.