Nichibunken Academic Encouragement Award 2024/2025: Study in Japan

Are you a PhD or MPhil student researching Japanese culture? The Nichibunken Academic Encouragement Award 2024/2025 is the perfect chance to elevate your studies while spending time in Japan. This prestigious award, offered by the International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) in Kyoto, allows scholars worldwide to immerse themselves in the heart of Japanese culture, history, and art. Let’s explore how you can take advantage of this opportunity!

What is Nichibunken?

Founded in 1987, Nichibunken is a renowned research center in Kyoto dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Japanese culture. It acts as a hub for scholars across the globe, offering a wealth of resources in Japanese history, literature, art, religion, and social sciences. Imagine walking through the historic streets of Kyoto while conducting top-tier research with access to experts in your field!

Who Can Apply for the Award?

The Nichibunken Academic Encouragement Award is open to current PhD or MPhil students. Whether you’re from the UK, EU, or elsewhere, as long as your research is focused on Japanese culture, this award could be the golden ticket to completing your studies abroad.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD or MPhil program, with research directly related to Japanese culture.
• Eligible students are recommended by academic institutions with established exchange agreements with Nichibunken or are part of the Consortium for Global Japanese Studies.
• Only students who can arrive in Japan between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, are eligible.
• Applicants must stay for up to 90 days, and travel during the New Year period is restricted.

This program is designed for candidates who are mid-way through their research, offering them the chance to study in Japan but not start their PhD program in 2024.

What Does the Award Include?

Wondering about the benefits of this award? The Nichibunken Academic Encouragement Award offers an impressive package:

• Airfare (economy class) to and from Japan.
• Accommodation at the Nichibunken House, where fees apply.
• Per diem allowances to cover daily living expenses.
• Full access to Nichibunken’s research facilities including the library, computers, and the Visiting Researchers’ Room.
• Guidance from a faculty member mentor, ensuring you make the most of your research stay.
• Assistance with the visa application process, making your transition to Japan smooth and hassle-free.

How to Apply

Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for this prestigious award:

1. Submit your program application as soon as possible.
2. Once you’ve received an unconditional offer from Nichibunken, contact scholarships@soas.ac.uk to request the necessary application form.
3. Your application will need a recommendation from your institution’s President or Faculty/Graduate School Dean.
4. Prepare the following documents for submission:
   • Recommendation Form: Available in both English and Japanese.
   • A completed Application Form.
   • An outline of your research activities to date.
   • A research proposal written in Japanese, about 2,000 characters.
   • A copy of your Master’s thesis, a published academic paper, or any equivalent scholarly work.
   • Proof of your current enrollment in a doctoral program at your institution.

Why Nichibunken?

Choosing to study at Nichibunken means being at the forefront of Japanese cultural research. Kyoto itself is a city filled with centuries-old temples, stunning gardens, and traditional tea houses, offering the perfect environment for scholars to draw inspiration from their surroundings. Additionally, you’ll be joining an international community of researchers, all while having access to some of the finest resources Japan has to offer.

Application Deadline

Don’t miss out! The application deadline for the Nichibunken Academic Encouragement Award is September 15, 2024. Be sure to submit all required documents well before this date to ensure your application is considered.

APPLY NOW

The Nichibunken Academic Encouragement Award offers an unparalleled opportunity for students researching Japanese culture. With the chance to study in Japan, receive financial support, and work alongside experts in your field, this award could be the catalyst that propels your research to new heights. Don’t wait—apply today and start planning your academic adventure in Kyoto!

FAQs

1. Can undergraduate students apply for the Nichibunken Academic Encouragement Award?
No, the award is only open to current PhD or MPhil students actively researching Japanese culture.

2. How long can awardees stay in Japan?
Awardees can stay for up to 90 days within the program dates from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

3. Do I need to write my research proposal in Japanese?
Yes, the research proposal must be approximately 2,000 characters in Japanese.

4. Is there a limit to the number of candidates an institution can recommend?
Yes, each institution can recommend only one candidate for the award.

5. What is included in the award?
The award covers airfare, accommodation, per diem allowances, and full access to research facilities at Nichibunken.