The Japan Foundation has officially announced the opening of its call for applications for the 2026 programmes. These initiatives aim to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and other countries through international cultural exchange. Individuals and organisations engaged in cultural, linguistic, and intellectual exchange activities are invited to apply.
The Japan Foundation operates under three major fields—Arts and Cultural Exchange, Japanese-Language Education Overseas, and Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange. Each programme within these fields is designed to foster collaboration and dialogue between Japan and global partners, enhancing intercultural understanding and shared growth.
Detailed information, including application forms and guidelines, can be accessed through the official Japan Foundation website. As each programme has its own specific application requirements, review process, and notification schedule, applicants are strongly advised to carefully read the programme guidelines before submission.
Below is an overview of the programmes and detailed descriptions of the respective opportunities available for the 2026 cycle.
Arts and Culture Exchange Programmes
The Arts and Culture Exchange Programmes are designed to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation between Japan and other countries through diverse cultural and artistic activities. These programmes provide support for organisations and individuals engaged in artistic collaboration, exhibitions, performances, and cultural events that introduce Japanese culture to the world or promote cultural dialogue with Japan.
1. Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) Programme
This programme supports the presentation of Japanese performing arts overseas, including theatre, dance, and traditional performing arts. The objective is to introduce the diversity of Japanese performing arts to global audiences and encourage collaborations between Japanese and international artists.
Job Description
- Facilitate the international presentation of Japanese performing arts through support for performances, tours, and festivals abroad.
- Provide grants to overseas presenters and festivals that plan to introduce Japanese works.
- Encourage artistic collaboration between Japanese and overseas creators and producers.
- Support documentation and archiving of Japanese performing arts for global educational and cultural institutions.
- Promote sustainable cultural partnerships between Japanese artists and international organisations.
2. Exhibition Assistance Programme
This initiative provides financial support to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions overseas for organising exhibitions that introduce Japanese art and culture. Eligible exhibitions may include fine arts, crafts, design, architecture, and photography.
Job Description
- Support the planning and implementation of art exhibitions that feature Japanese works or Japan-related themes.
- Assist with expenses related to artwork transportation, insurance, and installation.
- Encourage cross-cultural collaboration between curators, artists, and researchers.
- Promote understanding of Japan’s cultural heritage and contemporary artistic trends.
- Facilitate educational outreach activities linked to exhibitions, such as lectures and workshops.
3. Japan Cultural Exchange Project
This programme provides grants for cultural exchange projects that promote dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. It covers a wide range of cultural initiatives, including workshops, festivals, film screenings, and multi-disciplinary collaborations.
Job Description
- Support cultural events and exchange projects that involve Japanese and foreign participants.
- Foster cultural dialogue through shared creative activities and co-productions.
- Provide funding for travel, accommodation, and project implementation costs.
- Encourage innovative approaches to cultural exchange, particularly projects engaging younger generations.
- Strengthen long-term relationships between Japanese cultural institutions and global partners.
Japanese-Language Education Overseas
The Japan Foundation recognises the importance of Japanese-language education in building connections between Japan and people worldwide. These programmes support Japanese-language teachers, educational institutions, and learners in various regions through training, resources, and grant opportunities.
4. Japanese-Language Education Grant Programme
This programme supports organisations and institutions overseas that are engaged in teaching Japanese as a foreign language. The grants are intended to enhance educational environments and improve the quality of Japanese-language instruction.
Job Description
- Provide financial assistance for purchasing educational materials, such as textbooks and audio-visual tools.
- Support Japanese-language education events, including speech contests, teacher seminars, and cultural exchange workshops.
- Facilitate partnerships between local institutions and Japanese-language experts.
- Encourage the development of innovative teaching methodologies tailored to regional contexts.
- Contribute to capacity building among Japanese-language educators through workshops and conferences.
5. Japanese-Language Teacher Training Programme
This programme invites overseas Japanese-language teachers to Japan for intensive training designed to strengthen their language proficiency, teaching skills, and understanding of Japanese culture.
Job Description
- Provide short-term and long-term training courses for Japanese-language teachers.
- Offer participants opportunities to experience Japanese culture, society, and educational environments firsthand.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange between Japanese and overseas educators.
- Encourage participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge to improve teaching practices in their home countries.
- Strengthen the global network of Japanese-language educators through ongoing collaboration and communication.
6. Japanese-Language Education Support for Institutions
This initiative provides assistance to schools, universities, and cultural institutions introducing or expanding Japanese-language courses.
Job Description
- Support the establishment or expansion of Japanese-language curricula at educational institutions overseas.
- Provide teaching materials, resources, and technical support for language instruction.
- Facilitate dispatch of Japanese-language specialists or volunteers to partner institutions.
- Assist with developing teacher-training programmes in collaboration with local educational authorities.
- Promote long-term cooperation between Japanese and foreign educational institutions.
Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange
These programmes aim to foster deeper mutual understanding through academic and intellectual collaboration. They support researchers, scholars, and institutions working on Japan-related studies and promote dialogue on global issues of shared concern.
7. Japanese Studies Fellowship Programme
This fellowship offers opportunities for researchers and scholars to conduct Japan-related studies in Japan. The programme encourages academic exchange and contributes to the development of Japanese Studies internationally.
Job Description
- Provide research fellowships for scholars, doctoral candidates, and researchers studying topics related to Japan.
- Support fieldwork, data collection, and academic collaboration with Japanese universities and institutions.
- Encourage interdisciplinary and comparative research on Japan’s society, culture, and international relations.
- Facilitate publication and dissemination of research findings through academic platforms.
- Strengthen networks between Japanese Studies scholars across the world.
8. Institutional Project Support for Japanese Studies
This programme provides grants to universities, think tanks, and research institutions to support academic projects related to Japan.
Job Description
- Support conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on Japan-related research topics.
- Provide financial assistance for research publications and academic exchange activities.
- Encourage institutional partnerships and joint research initiatives with Japanese counterparts.
- Facilitate visiting scholar exchanges and collaborative research projects.
- Contribute to the establishment and strengthening of Japan Studies centres overseas.
9. Intellectual Exchange Programme
The Intellectual Exchange Programme promotes dialogue between Japan and other countries on topics of global relevance such as international relations, sustainable development, and cultural understanding.
Job Description
- Organise symposiums, panel discussions, and conferences that encourage intellectual dialogue between Japanese and international participants.
- Support research collaborations and publications on shared global challenges.
- Foster mutual learning and understanding through the exchange of perspectives and expertise.
- Facilitate policy dialogues and cultural diplomacy initiatives in cooperation with academic and governmental institutions.
- Strengthen global networks of intellectuals, policymakers, and scholars.
Application Procedures
All applications should be submitted electronically through the Japan Foundation’s Online Application Portal. However, it is important to note that not all programmes accept online submissions. Applicants must review the specific application instructions for each programme carefully to confirm the submission method.
After submission, applicants must inform the Embassy of Japan in Kenya of their application via email at [email protected]. This notification ensures that the Embassy is aware of all applicants from the region and can provide necessary guidance or follow-up information during the review process.
Applicants are strongly advised to:
- Review each programme’s eligibility requirements and guidelines thoroughly before applying.
- Prepare all required documents as indicated in the programme-specific instructions.
- Ensure timely submission before the respective deadlines, as late applications will not be accepted.
- Keep copies of submitted documents for future reference.
Each programme operates under its own review process, with different deadlines and notification schedules. Applicants are therefore encouraged to read and understand the requirements of their desired programme carefully.
Contact Information
For inquiries, clarifications, or further information regarding the application process, applicants may contact:
Embassy of Japan in Kenya
Japan Information and Culture Centre (JICC)
Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The Japan Foundation’s 2026 programmes offer diverse opportunities for individuals and organisations committed to cultural, linguistic, and intellectual exchange. Through these initiatives, participants can contribute meaningfully to global dialogue, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and deepen mutual understanding between Japan and the world.
Those wishing to apply are encouraged to review the guidelines on the Japan Foundation’s official website, identify the programme that best aligns with their interests, and complete their applications within the stated timelines.
