Application Deadline:
31 October 2025
About Organisation
The Sumitomo Foundation is a nonprofit grant-making organization based in Japan, established in 1991. The foundation’s mission is to contribute to human society by promoting research and initiatives that address global challenges and foster sustainable development. It supports projects in various fields including environmental conservation, social science research, cultural heritage protection, and scientific exploration. By providing financial aid to scholars and researchers, the foundation aims to enhance academic exchange, encourage cooperation across borders, and promote mutual understanding. Special emphasis is given to projects that build bridges between Japan and other countries, particularly in Asia. The foundation believes that research plays a critical role in solving issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and health crises, and actively supports initiatives that expand knowledge and promote peaceful coexistence. It prioritizes research that benefits the broader society and aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Over the years, the foundation has become a respected institution in the global research community, fostering collaboration, advancing knowledge, and helping researchers transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that improve lives and empower communities.
About the Grant
The Japan-Related Research Projects Grant by the Sumitomo Foundation is designed to support research that enhances mutual understanding between Japan and Asian countries. The grant provides financial assistance for projects in social sciences and humanities directly related to Japan’s history, culture, economy, or society. With a total budget of JPY 50,000,000, the foundation plans to fund approximately 70 projects, offering up to JPY 2,000,000 per project. The grant covers essential research expenses such as fieldwork, materials, transportation, and publication costs, while excluding honoraria, salaries, and administrative overheads. Projects must be conducted over one year, from April 2026 to March 2027, and may be extended for an additional year upon approval. This grant is not intended to support already completed projects, scholarships, or profit-driven initiatives but focuses on active research that contributes to academic knowledge and international cooperation. By supporting researchers from Asian countries, the grant aims to build networks, promote academic collaboration, and generate impactful insights into Japan’s role in regional development. The program aligns with the foundation’s broader vision of fostering dialogue, peace, and sustainable development through research-led partnerships.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to individuals who are citizens of Asian countries and will reside outside Japan for the duration of the research project. Eligible applicants must be scholars, researchers, or academic professionals working on projects that are directly related to Japan’s history, society, economy, or culture. Collaborative research proposals are allowed, but one primary researcher must take responsibility for the project. Projects must be original, research-based, and non-profit in nature, with a clear academic focus in social sciences or humanities. Applicants planning to stay in Japan for more than six months during the grant period are ineligible. Research projects already completed before the start of the grant period are also excluded. Preference is given to proposals that address cross-cultural understanding, sustainable development, or regional cooperation between Japan and other Asian countries. Applicants must submit a detailed research plan and budget that aligns with the foundation’s guidelines. Projects that have support from local communities, universities, or research institutions are encouraged, as they demonstrate broader impact. All applicants are required to comply with reporting procedures and ethical standards as defined by the foundation.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants must prepare a complete research proposal, detailed budget plan, and required documents, including proof of identity and academic affiliation. These materials must be submitted through the foundation’s official application process before the deadline. The application must outline the research’s objectives, timeline, and relevance to Japan. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Final decisions will be announced in early 2026 after a thorough review process.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Japan-Related Research Projects Grant is October 31, 2025, at 5 PM Japan Time. All required documents must be submitted through the online portal before this date.
Last Date To Apply
