Shape the Future of Japanese Art History: Apply for the Ishibashi Fellowship 2025-26
Are you a passionate and driven early-career scholar or a promising PhD candidate with a deep fascination for Japanese arts and visual culture? Do you dream of connecting with a global network of like-minded researchers and contributing to the evolving narrative of Japanese art history? If so, the Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellowship Programme in Japanese Arts 2025-26 is an exceptional opportunity waiting for you.
Generously supported by the Ishibashi Foundation, this ambitious programme, hosted by the esteemed Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC), aims to cultivate the next generation of global leaders in the field. It’s more than just a fellowship; it’s a chance to actively shape the future of how Japanese art history is understood, researched, and disseminated worldwide.
Become a Network Leader in Japanese Arts
This innovative fellowship goes beyond traditional research grants. It’s designed to build a dynamic network of scholars, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across geographical boundaries. As an Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellow, you’ll benefit from:
- Financial Support: Receive a bursary of £7,500 for the academic year 2025-26 to support your individual research project.
- Personalized Mentorship: Gain invaluable guidance and support through one-on-one mentorship from leading experts in the field of Japanese arts.
- Structured Online Training: Participate in fortnightly online sessions from October 2025 to May 2026, covering crucial aspects of methodology, art history of Japan, and professional development.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow fellows and established scholars through online sessions and access the extensive professional networks of the Sainsbury Institute.
- Residential Programme in the UK: Immerse yourself in the UK’s rich resources for Japanese art during a one-week trip in July 2026. This includes museum visits, a research symposium where you’ll present your work, and opportunities for independent study in Norwich and London.
Who Should Apply?
This prestigious fellowship is open to enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Current PhD Candidates: You should be actively pursuing a doctoral degree specializing in Japanese arts or fields closely related to Japan’s visual culture.
- Early-Career Scholars: If you have recently completed your PhD (within the last two years), you are also eligible to apply.
- Global Applicants: The fellowship welcomes applications from anywhere in the world.
- Priority Consideration: While all applications will be considered, the programme particularly encourages scholars from regions without established centers for the study of Japanese arts (outside Western Europe, North America, and Japan).
What We’re Looking For:
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- Strong Academic Potential: A solid academic record and a clear aptitude for research.
- Genuine Interest in Japanese Visual Cultures: A demonstrable passion for the study of Japanese art in its diverse forms.
- Necessary Language Training: Proficiency in languages relevant to your research project (e.g., Japanese, English).
- Clearly Defined Project Goals: A well-articulated research project proposal with achievable objectives.
- Vision for Future Career Trajectory: A clear understanding of how this fellowship will contribute to your long-term career goals in the field of Japanese art history.
Your Project Can Shape the Future
The Ishibashi Foundation Network Leader Fellowship encourages innovative and impactful research projects. Examples of projects that could be supported include:
- Organizing pop-up or virtual exhibitions in your location or Norwich.
- Conducting oral histories or exploring local narratives involving Japanese art.
- Undertaking research on primary sources from public or private collections in your region.
- Developing websites or digital media productions dedicated to Japanese art.
- Contributing to ongoing research initiatives at the Sainsbury Institute.
- Processing and cataloging Japanese art collections.
- Preparing academic publications or creative works rooted in Japanese art history.
Take the Leap: Apply by May 30, 2025
This is your chance to become part of a pioneering network of scholars who will shape the future of Japanese art history. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for funding, mentorship, and global collaboration.
The deadline for applications is May 30, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews in June 2025, and the online programme will commence in October 2025, with preliminary online meetings in the summer.
Ready to make your mark on the world of Japanese art history? Find out more and apply here:
We eagerly await your application and the exciting research you will bring to this dynamic and forward-thinking fellowship!
Dreaming of Studying in Japan? It Might Be Easier Than You Think (With the Right Approach!)
Japan, a land of captivating culture, technological innovation, and world-class universities, is an increasingly attractive destination for international students. The question on many aspiring scholars’ minds, however, is: Is it easy to get a scholarship to study in Japan?
The honest answer is: it’s not a walk in the park, but it’s definitely achievable with the right strategy and preparation. While fully-funded scholarships covering all expenses are highly competitive, there are numerous avenues for financial aid that can significantly ease the cost of studying in Japan.
Here’s a breakdown of why getting a scholarship in Japan might be more accessible than you think, and how to approach it effectively:
Why It Might Be “Easier” Than You Imagine (Compared to Some Other Destinations):
Shape the Future of Japanese Art History: Apply for the Ishibashi Fellowship 2025-26
- Government Commitment: The Japanese government, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), offers a substantial number of scholarships each year. The MEXT Scholarship is a flagship program known for its generous coverage, including tuition, living allowance, and travel expenses. While competitive, the sheer volume of scholarships offered makes it a significant opportunity.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many Japanese universities actively seek to attract talented international students and offer their own dedicated scholarship programs. These can range from full or partial tuition waivers to stipends for living costs. Often, these university-specific scholarships have less stringent application processes or are targeted towards students in particular fields.
- JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization): JASSO provides various forms of financial aid for international students, including the “Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students” and1 scholarships for short-term exchange programs. While these might not always be fully funded, they offer valuable financial support.
- Private Foundations and Organizations: Numerous private foundations and companies in Japan offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit, field of study, or nationality. Exploring these can uncover less widely known but still significant funding opportunities.
- Scholarships Available After Arrival: Unlike some countries where you need to secure all funding before arrival, Japan has scholarships you can apply for after you’ve enrolled in a university. This can open up opportunities you might not have been aware of beforehand.
The “Effort” Required: Your Roadmap to Scholarship Success:
While not “easy,” securing a scholarship in Japan becomes more attainable with a strategic approach:
- Target Your Search: Don’t just look for “any” scholarship. Focus on those specifically for your nationality, level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, research), and field of study. Websites like Study in Japan (studyinjapan.go.jp), JASSO (jasso.go.jp), and individual university websites are crucial resources.
- Understand the MEXT Scholarship: Research the different types of MEXT scholarships (Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation) and their specific application processes and deadlines. This is often the most comprehensive option.
- Explore University Websites Diligently: Go deep into the financial aid sections of universities you’re interested in. Look for dedicated international student scholarships and their eligibility criteria.
- Be Prepared for Competition: Especially for fully funded scholarships, the competition can be high. Focus on presenting a strong academic record, a compelling statement of purpose, and well-crafted application materials.
- Meet Language Requirements: While some programs are entirely in English, having some level of Japanese proficiency can significantly enhance your application, especially for scholarships offered by private foundations or local governments.
- Start Early: The application process for many scholarships can be lengthy. Begin your research and application preparations well in advance of deadlines.
- Network and Seek Guidance: Connect with current international students in Japan or alumni from your home country who have studied in Japan. They might have valuable insights into scholarship opportunities. Your home university’s international office can also be a helpful resource.
- Consider Scholarships Available After Arrival: Once you’re enrolled, inquire about scholarships specifically for currently enrolled international students at your university and through organizations like JASSO.
While a fully funded scholarship to Japan might require effort and a bit of luck, it’s far from impossible. By being proactive, targeting your search effectively, and presenting a strong application, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving financial aid to support your academic journey in this fascinating and rewarding country. Start exploring your options today – your Japanese study adventure might be more within reach than you think!