The Japan Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 grants and scholarship programs. These initiatives aim to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including Kenya, through international cultural exchange.
As a country in the African region with diplomatic relations with Japan, Kenyan citizens and organizations are eligible for numerous grants specifically designed for international applicants.
“The call for applications for Japan Foundation programs in 2026 is now open,” announced the Embassy of Japan in Kenya.
The Japan Foundation runs programs in various areas such as ‘Arts and Culture Exchange (Culture),’ ‘Japanese-Language Education Overseas (Language),’ and ‘Japanese Studies Overseas and International Dialogue (Dialogue)’.
Each of these areas has a publicly available program that supports the activities of individuals and organizations engaged in international cultural exchange.
Japanese Studies Overseas and International Dialogue
These initiatives support intellectual exchange and research related to Japan in the humanities and social sciences.
- Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Program (Individual)
This fellowship enables scholars and researchers in Japanese studies to conduct research in Japan. Kenyan applicants are eligible under the general overseas individual category.
- Eligible Categories:
◦ Scholars and Researchers (Long-term): 4 to 12 months for those with a Ph.D. or equivalent experience requiring long-term residency.
◦ Scholars and Researchers (Short-term): 21 to 89 days for intensive research and material gathering.
◦ Doctoral Candidates: 4 to 12 months for Ph.D. candidates needing to visit Japan to complete their dissertations.
Research must be related to Japan in the humanities or social sciences (comparative research included). Natural sciences, medicine, or engineering are ineligible.
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Benefits include a round-trip international airline ticket (in discount economy class) and a stipend.
- Grant Program for Japanese Studies Projects (Organization)
This program promotes Japanese studies by providing grants to overseas non-profit organizations, including academic institutions (at the university level and above) or research institutions.
Eligible Projects (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027): These projects include conducting research or conferences on Japan, implementing a study or training program in Japan, inviting scholars from Japan, or acquiring books and materials related to Japanese studies.
Japanese-Language Education Programs
These programs are designed to enhance the skills and resources of Japanese language teachers and specialists outside Japan.
- Program for Specialists in Cultural and Academic Fields (Individual/Training)
This six-month residential training course is designed for specialists who require Japanese-language proficiency for their professional work or research, including researchers, graduate students, librarians, and museum curators.
The training runs for six months (early-October 2026 to late-March 2027) at The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai.
Applicants must have Japanese-language proficiency equivalent to or higher than JLPT Level N4 or JFS Level A2.
Participants from countries specified in the African region (where Kenya is located) receive round-trip air tickets, airport taxes, and subsidies, in addition to accommodation, insurance, and weekday meals provided to all participants.
- Training Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language (Organization/Training)
Overseas educational organizations can apply for several short-term onsite training courses for current Japanese-language teachers at The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa. Kenya is included under the “Worldwide” Qualified Area for several courses.
- Basic training program: A six-month program (Sept 2026–Feb 2027) for teachers with less than five years of experience who need to improve both language skills and basic teaching methodology. Requires JLPT N4 / JFS A2 or higher.
- Japanese language program: A seven-week course (June–July 2026) focused solely on improving language skills necessary for teachers (no methodology). Requires JLPT N4/N5 or JFS A2.
- Japanese Teaching Methods Program (Summer/Winter): Two six-week sessions (Summer: July–Aug 2026; Winter: Jan–Mar 2027) focused solely on improving teaching methodology (no language improvement). Requires JLPT N3 / JFS B1 or higher.
The Japan Foundation provides round-trip air tickets and set allowances to participants whose institutions are located in the designated regions, which include countries in Africa.
- Support Program for Organizations in Japanese-Language Education (Grants)
This grant supports non-profit Japanese-language education activities by overseas institutions and organizations, including teacher associations.
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Support is available for activities such as: Japanese-Language Activities Support Grant (contests); Salary Assistance Grant (partial salary coverage, up to three years in principle); Teaching Material Purchase Grant (including e-books, not for transfer to students); Conference Grant (seminars, workshops); and Publication Grant (teaching materials consistent with local curriculum).
Japan Foundation Arts and Cultural Exchange (For International Individuals and Organizations)
These programs support the introduction of Japanese arts and culture abroad.
- Ishibashi Foundation/Japan Foundation Fellowship (Individuals):
For international curators and researchers focusing on contemporary Japanese visual arts. Offers a 21–59-day research stay in Japan between June 20, 2026, and March 31, 2027. Covers round-trip airfare, stipend, and allowances. Priority given to projects with clear international outreach (e.g., exhibitions or publications). - Exhibitions Abroad Support Program (Organizations):
Supports overseas museums and institutions showcasing Japanese art or artists. Eligible exhibitions must open between April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027. Covers partial costs for shipping artworks (excluding insurance), catalogue production (including digital), and travel for invited artists or curators (excluding preliminary research). - Translation and Publication Support Program (Organizations):
For non-Japanese publishers translating and publishing Japanese fiction or nonfiction in the humanities/social sciences. Covers part of translator fees and printing costs. Editing, proofreading, and rights acquisition are not covered. Translated work must be published between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027. - Designated Donations Program (Individuals/Organizations):
Open to overseas applicants seeking funding for cultural exchange projects via donations made in Japan. Two application rounds:
- Round 1: Draft due April 1, 2026, final due May 7, 2026
- Round 2: Draft due September 1, 2026, final due October 1, 2026
Detailed information about the application and program guidelines can be accessed on the official website of the Japan Foundation. There, you can also download the application form and other required documents.
“As all programs have different application deadlines, review processes, and notification of results, please read the program guidelines carefully,” the Embassy of Japan in Kenya adds.
Candidates wishing to apply for the programs are advised to first review the qualification requirements, application procedure, etc., in the section ‘Qualifications and Application Procedure’.
According to the Japan Foundation site, applicants for most international programs for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 must submit their proposals through the Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December 2, 2025 (Japan Standard Time). Kenyan applicants must also inform the Embassy of Japan in Kenya of their applications.
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It nice and I wish i could get a chance to be there