Japan Foundation Fellowship for Arts and Culture in Asia 2027

Organisation: The Japan Foundation
Location: Japan and ASEAN countries
Support: Round-trip airfare, stipend and other allowances
Duration: 10–59 days (short-term) or 60–180 days (long-term)
Fellowship start dates: 1 July 2027–31 March 2028
Application deadline: 1 December 2026, 1 pm (Japan Standard Time)

The Japan Foundation invites applications for the Fellowship for Arts and Culture in Asia 2027, supporting individuals working across diverse fields of arts and culture to undertake research, creative activities, collaborative projects and network-building initiatives outside their country of residence.

Through these exchanges, the programme seeks to build strong relationships between Japan and ASEAN countries, strengthen multifaceted human networks and nurture the next generation of professionals who will lead collaborations and co-creations across diverse fields.

Eligible fields and activities

The fellowship supports individuals working in fields related to arts and culture, including visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, film, lifestyle culture and sports, among others.

Eligible activities include:

• Research and study
• Creative activities
• Collaborative projects
• Projects aimed at building networks and platforms for cultural exchange

Projects must involve spending a period of time outside the applicant’s country of residence and contribute to exchange between Japan and ASEAN countries.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to individuals active in the eligible fields, including artists, researchers, curators and producers, among others.

Applicants must meet both of the following criteria:

• Reside in Japan or one of the 11 ASEAN countries.
• Hold nationality, citizenship or permanent residency in Japan or one of the 11 ASEAN countries.

Applicants must also:

• Be in good physical and mental health.
• Be proficient in either Japanese or English. If another language is required for the proposed project, additional proof of proficiency may be requested.
• Have a bank account capable of receiving remittances from Japan, registered in the applicant’s name.

Fellowship duration and support

Two fellowship durations are available:

• Short-term: 10–59 days
• Long-term: 60–180 days

The fellowship must begin between 1 July 2027 and 31 March 2028.

Selected fellows will receive:

• Round-trip airfare (discount economy class, most direct route)
• A stipend and other allowances

The programme documentation does not specify the amounts of the stipend and allowances.

Selection criteria

Applicants will be assessed according to several criteria, including:

• Alignment with the mission of the Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0, particularly strengthening networks and nurturing future professionals in Japan and ASEAN countries.
• Clarity of the proposed project’s objectives, goals and themes.
• The necessity of carrying out the project on-site at the proposed destination.
• Confirmation from appropriate host institutions or individuals.
• Collaborative aspects of the proposed activity and the suitability of cooperating organisations or individuals.
• Whether the proposed duration is appropriate for achieving the project’s objectives.
• Applicants’ past achievements and potential for future development.
• The potential for project outcomes to be shared beyond the individual applicant and contribute to society and the wider field.

Application process

Applications must be submitted through the Japan Foundation’s online application portal by 1 December 2026 at 1 pm (Japan Standard Time).

Applicants should carefully review the programme’s Application Instructions and Application Documents Completion Guide before submitting their proposals.

Selection results will be announced in late April 2027.