Fellowships for Advanced Social Science Research on Japan

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is soliciting applications for the Fellowships for Advanced Social Science Research on Japan program, aimed at promoting Japan studies in the U.S., enhancing U.S.-Japanese scholarly collaboration, and cultivating future Japan scholars. The program provides grants for research focused on modern Japanese society, political economy, Japan's international relations, and U.S.-Japan relations. Applicants must possess advanced Japanese language skills and may conduct research in Japan, the U.S., or elsewhere for comparative analysis. Approximately three awards of up to $60,000 will be granted for projects lasting six to twelve months, with the application deadline set for April 23, 2025. The initiative particularly encourages junior and independent scholars, as well as faculty from underrepresented institutions. Projects primarily involving pre-modern Japan themes or literary interpretation are excluded from funding eligibility. The application process requires a Grant.gov submission, including a narrative, work plan, résumé, and bibliography, with strong emphasis on clarity and scholarly significance. Review criteria focus on intellectual contribution, project coherence, research feasibility, and potential for public understanding of contemporary Japanese affairs.