ASHBi KAKENHI Writing Seminar 2024 Q&A
Links to KAKENHI Basic resources (Please check the links below for basic information)

1. KAKENHI website (Top page)https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-grants/index.html

2. Application Instructions & Document Set

https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-grants/grants09_kiban.html- Application Procedures (Kiban A/B/C, Challenging, WAKATE)

https://www.jsps.go.jp/file/storage/kaken_kiban_2024_g_2330/r7_7_kobo_e.pdf- Table of Restriction on Parallel Grant Application/Receipt

https://www.jsps.go.jp/file/storage/kaken_kiban_2024_g_2307/table_of_restriction_e.pdf- Review Section Table

https://www.jsps.go.jp/file/storage/kaken_kiban_2024_g_2307/review_section_table_e.pdf

3. Peer Review Process (Assessment Criteria)

https://www.jsps.go.jp/file/storage/kaken_kiban_2024_g_2307/review_section_table_e.pdf

1)[Basic Info] Eligibility
Question

Answer

The applicant must be an individual belonging to a research institution in Japan with a job
assignment (paid/unpaid, full-time/part-time) including a research activity within the said
Since Kakenhi funds research only (no salary), what happens if you get institution.
1)-1
KAKENHI but are not able to procure salary income?
Before applying, please read the "Application Procedures -III. Instructions for
Prospective Applicants" (1. Procedures to Be Completed Prior to Application). If you areunclear, please contact your university/institution admin.
1)-2Does researcher with Visiting Assistant Professor appointment in theJapanese university eligible to apply?

Please contact your university/institution admin for eligibility at your university.

Eligibility for FY2024 WAKATE call is;
Individual researcher who is less than 8 years after his/her acquisition of Ph.D. (as of April
Can you apply for WAKATE if you are presently studying for your PhD but
1st, 2025) including those who are expected to acquire their Ph.D. by April 1, 2025.
1)-3 haven't completed it yet? (e.g. MEXT Scholar, graduating in Sep. 2024,etc.)
For details, please check the "Application Procedures" (II. Call for Proposals - 3. Details of
Each Research Category - (3) Early-Career Scientists, A) Funding Target ).
1)-4

I am expecting to graduate and will be in a faculty position after
graduation. Which is a better option, early-career or start-up?

Which grants should researchers apply for who (1) are older (40 years1)-5 and above) or (2) have limited experience as a researcher (e.g., five
years or less)?
1)-6

It depends on when you become eligible for KAKENHI.
Since you can receive both Research Activity Start-up and WAKATE at the same time, so if
you become eligible after Sep 18, 2024, then it might be advisable to start from the Research
Activity Start-up call coming up in spring 2025.
Age limit has been exlculded from the eligibility of WAKATE, hence in this case you will be
eligible to apply for WAKATE.

How many times at maximum that I can apply for Grant-in-Aid for EarlyYou can obtain WAKATE for a maximum of 2 times if you are eligible.
Career Scientists (WAKATE) within that 8 years?

2)[Basic Info] Application Category

Question
AnswerIs it possible to submit multiple KAKENHI grants in one year (e.g. C &The combination of the categories which you can apply or receive at the same time differs2)-1 WAKATE, Startup & WAKATE)? Which combinations of KAKENHI grants among each category. Please check the "Table of Restriction on Parallel Grant
can be applied for at the same time?
Application/Receipt" before application.
2)-2Last year I was awarded a WAKATE. Is it possible to apply this year? If
not, how long I should wait to apply for KAKENHI C.

2)-3 Can I apply both JSPS postdoctoral fellowship and WAKATE together?

You cannot receive 2 projects in the similar category (e.g. WAKATE & Kiban) at the sametime. You can start applying from the final year of the current project.
For PD/RPD recipients, you will be able to apply for several categories (e.g. Kiban B/C,
WAKATE) when the university grants you the eligibility. Please check the "Table ofRestriction on Parallel Grant Application/Receipt" and your university admin for details.

Please check the Assessment Criteria of the Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research(Pioneering/Exploratory) as itis different from that of Kiban or WAKATE.
What considerations differ when submitting a KAKENHI Challenging
Funding Purpose from the "Application Procedures".
2)-4 Research (Pioneering/Exploratory) proposal compared to a Basic KIBAN
Research conducted by a single or multiple researchers that aims at radically transforming
A/B/C proposal?
the existing research framework and/or changing the research direction and has a potentialof rapid development.
The category should be selected based on the project's research scope and budget size.
Therefore, Therefore, you must balance your research scope and the budget size of the
Kiban B.

Is it wise to apply directly for a Kiban B, without previously having2)-5 received a Kiban C, if your track record is good/have support from other
If the reviewers determine that your track record, accomplishments, and environment are
researchers/etc.?
appropriate to achieve the expected results, you may be selected. However, many of yourcompetitors have successfully received Kiban C/WAKATE before, which can be a convincing
evidence by itself.
When applying for a second WAKATE grant which builds on the first
Reviewers will receive and evaluate only submitted proposals.
2)-6 successful application, should one assume the reviewer cannot access Since past proposals will not be provided, you need to explain how the past adoption havethe first proposal?
led to the current proposal to demonstrate its validitiy and appropriateness.
Is it better to write a proposal that is a continuation of the previous2)-7
project published recently in a high-impact journal?

It may be helpful if you took a leading role in the published achievement. You can utilize thepast achievement as an convincing evidence to explain the validity and/or appropriatenessof your research.

3)[Basic Info] Budget & Duration

Question
The maximum funding for a 5-year project in early research career3)-1 category is 5 million JPY. Is this amount including direct and indirect
expenses?
3)-2

Does the applied grant length (e.g. 2 yr vs 3, 4, or 5 yr) influence theproposal chances?

Answer
The requested budget (for each category) covers your direct cost. Indirect cost to theuniversities will be provided in addition to your requested budget.
It is advisable to set the duration of the study to the most logical and appropriate length tocomplete the proposed study.

It is advisable to request the most logical and appropriate amount of money to conduct the
How should we decide the amount of research grant when applying? Is3)-3
research. Please note that it is highly likely that the amount will be reduced from theit better to ask for less amount of funding than the maximum amount?
requested budget.
Should the project include a budget for the purchase of research3)-4equipment? Is it possible to hire a postdoc?

Please read the "Application Procedures" (3. Requirements for the Appropriation of
Research Expenditure - 1) Expenditures that can be covered by direct expense) for the
expenses which can be covered by KAKENHI.

4)[Evaluation] Reviewers & Assessment Criteria

Question
Are there any differences between the reviewers for English and4)-1 Japanese KAKENHI grant proposals? Is review section related to theacademic society we belong to?

AnswerFor each basic section, the same group of reviewers evaluates all proposals regardless oflanguage. Review sections are determined by JSPS, so researchers from the same academic
society may be reviewers for different sections.

4)-2 Are there non-Japanese reviewers? What is the percentage?

It is possible that non-Japanese will be reviewers, but we do not know the percentage. In any
case, since most proposals are submitted in Japanese, reviewers must be able to read andunderstand Japanese fluently.

4)-3

Do you know how many reviewers look at Research Start-Up and Early
Career grants?

The number of proposals varies for each basic section. Statistics on the number ofapplications for each category and basic section can be found on the KAKENHI website.
(https://www.jsps.go.jp/file/storage/kaken_27_kdata/3-1-2_r6_0531.pdf)4)-4What method does the evaluator read the application? Digital data or
paper?

For Kiban A/B/C and WAKATE, the reviewers receive a black & white printed copy of the
proposals. Therefore, it would be advisable to prepare your figures to be distinguishable ingray scale.

What are the evaluation criteria for the reviewers? Do they use a4)-5 checklist where they give points in criteria that add up? (not just broad
categories)

The reviewers are instructed to review based on Assessment Criteria which are provided in
the KAKENHI website. An example of the Assessment Criteria for Kiban B/C & WAKATE isprovided in the appendix (slides 55-64).

The reviewers do not decide on acceptance or rejection, but rather assign a score. If only one
Does it mean that the proposal rejected by 1 reviewer and accepted by4)-6
reviewer gives a low score and the other reviewers give a high score, that appilcation will
2 others will be rejected?
most likely be sent to a second round for re-evaluation.
In the JSPS briefing, "International Ripple Effect", the new Rating Element for Kiban A/B/C,
it was explained that it will not be directly used for selection. Instead, amount of researchfunds allocated maybe enhanced to highly rated research projects which can create anenvironment in which researchers can challenge internationally competitive research.
4)-7

What is the measure to assess the International ripple effect and why it
The reviewers are requested to assess as shown below (NOTE: this is a provisional
is important to include International ripple effect in research proposal?
translation of the Japanese content)
Can this research proposal expect to demonstrate internationality (e.g., to lead global
research in the future, to contribute to the development of global research throughcollaboration, to create high value as research unique to Japan, etc.) through its
implementation?

5)[Proposals] Language, theme, etc.
Question

5)-1

5)-2

Is it better to submit in English or have the application translated toJapanese?

For English proposals, is it better to use simple language? How well
can the reviewers understand English?

AnswerIn my opinion, if you cannot read/write in native Japanese, I would recommend you toprepare your proposal in English. The reasons for this are: 1) you cannot evaluate the qualityof the Japanese translation yourself, and 2) the judges will think that you have the writing
ability of a native Japanese speaker, so unnatural phrasing or poor writing may provide
negative impression to your proposal.
Since the English proficiency of each reviewer is unknown, it is advisable to use simple
sentences and expressions to reduce stress on the reviewers. It is also effective to describe

the indicated keywords in Japanese (e.g., 学術的問い、研究目的、独自性) as a guide for thereviewers' eyes.

It is better to choose a topic that you find more compelling in terms of academic importance,
relevance, and appropriateness. However, in general, a continuation of a previously
Is it better to write up a proposal that builds on one's previous research successful project (including a doctoral dissertation) may be easier to convince the5)-3 (e.g. their PhD thesis or previous successful proposals) or a proposal
reviewers.
that challenges new topics?
For very challenging topics, KAKENHI Challenging Research (Pioneering/Exploratory) is
another option.
Since KAKENHI aims to support research in all fields, it is possible to propose research not
Do the projects which do not relate to Japan have chance to get5)-4directly related to Japan (e.g. European literature, field research in the tropical rainforests offunded?
Southeast Asia).

5)-5

5)-6

If you were rejected for one of the grants, can you apply with the same
proposal to a different grant?

Rejected proposals may be reapplied for by reinforcing the identified weaknesses or
selecting a more appropriate basic section, category, or different grant program. However,when reapplying, please make sure that your new proposal meets the purpose andevaluation criteria of your target grant.

For early research career category, can we apply with two co-principal
investigators?

For WAKATE, it is not possible to appoint a co-investigator (whom you will allocate budgetto). However, mentioning advisors, collaborators, or supporting individuals who can provide
the skills and resources necessary to carry out the research can help convince the reviewersthat you are appropriate for the proposed research.

What to do if your research is very interdisciplinary? What is the best5)-7 strategy for deciding which Basic Section to submit to?

You can check which basic section is most suitable for your research by reviewing the list of
past reviewers and past adopted proposals (results of similar proposals adopted) in the
KAKEN database. Please refer to slides 18 & 19 for links etc.

6)[Proposals] Part 1
Question6)-1

is there a rule in which order we write (1) scientific background (2) the
purpose, (and etc.) ? can I invert some?

AnswerThere are no rules on how to write your document. However, to reduce stress on busy
reviewers, you may wish to structure your document in accordance with the instructions
and/or emphasize keywords (e.g., Key Scientific Question) in the instructions so that
reviewers can easily find the information they need to evaluate.
In addition, please check the instruction and the "Notes to observe when preparing the
Research Proposal Document" carefully to include necessary information for thereviewers.

What is the difference between the “key scientific question” at the6)-2 beginning of the proposal and the “goal” later on? How can wedetermine the “Key Scientific Question”?

One interprataion of the "Key Scientific Question" can be an important unanswered
problem in your research field which you wish to solve. It can be a focused problem that canbe solved within your research project or a larger problem which you will challenge as a longterm vision. You may want to consider a question for which you are the only one with asolution, as shown on slide 41.
On the other hand, the "Goal" can be interpreted as the goal of the project to be reached at
the end of the proposed research period.

If you are dealing with a very important academic question/problem that many people are
What if my application deals with a very important academic question
looking for answers to, it may be assumed that your findings will be used by many6)-3 but has no societal impact (e.g. my application will explain the origin of
researchers in the field. Explaining how your findings will benefit other researchers can be an
the universe)?
example of the positive impact on the academic community and others.
How much detail should you use in your methods sections? How6)-4should you structure this section?

It should be detailed enough so that the reviewers can understand that your approach andmethods are reasonable to achieve the milestones/objectives within the given time frameand budget. It may be beneficial if you can briefly describe your protocols, etc.

Sufficient preliminary data in direct support of your methods should be provided, as this will
Is preliminary data necessary for the WAKATE and Kiban C? How much provide compelling evidence to explain the validity of your methods. However, those data6)-5should be provided in a concise manner because the main content to be explained should
preliminary data is necessary?
be what “will” be elucidated in the future, not what has "already" been elucidated.

7)[Proposals] Part 2
Question7)-1 Any tips for Part 2 - Feasibility?

AnswerPlease review the instructions and notes carefully before writing.
In my opinion, it is a good idea to briefly describe the skills and accomplishments you haveacquired so far and show how these will be effective in carrying out your proposed research.
This part can be used as an supplementary evidence to effectively demonstrate that yourapproach and methods are effective and that you have the necessary resources (facilities,
equipment, advisors, etc.) to begin your research as soon as you are selected.

Please check the Note 1 shown below:
The description in this column is to explain the feasibility of the research plan. On citing
In publication list, should I explain simply about the role of the essential7)-2
research achievements (research papers, books, patents, invited talks, etc.) they should beresearch in publication? Is it kind to the reviewer ?
given not as an exhaustive list but as supporting evidence to prove the applicant’s ability to
conduct the proposed research.
7)-3

7)-4

I do not have any instruments for my proposal, do I have a chance with It is advisable to explain as much as possible about the resources (databases, researcha simple "Research environment" section?
collaborators/counterparts, etc.) used in your research as well as their functions.

How much does one’s position within University (e.g., tenured/tenuretrack or limited-term contract) affect the Kakenhi approval?

JSPS requires reviewers to eliminate unconscious bias, so as long as you are eligible toapply, your current position will not affect your evaluation.
However, it is advisable to clearly state your past accomplishments to demonstrate that you
are suitable to conduct the proposed research and that you have easy access to thenecessary infrastructure and resources for your research environment.

Publishing in journals with a high impact factor can be effective. However, in terms of
Do publications in high-impact journals increase acceptance chancesdemonstrating your ability to carry out your research plan, publications of the firstcompared to those with fewer low-impact publications? How7)-5
author/corresponding author, especially those directly related to your proposed
important is it to already have multiple publications in the topic I want
topic/solution, may be more important. These publications can be used as evidence thatto apply for?
your solution is effective.

8)

OthersQuestion

Answer8)-1 Should we create the researchmap? What is the purpose to check it?

A link to the researchmap will be sent to the reviewers with your proposal application, so werecommend that you create a researchmap and update it when you submit your proposal.
Although reviewers are expected to evaluate proposals based on the proposal content
alone, researchmap allows them to understand and reconfirm the proposal content.

8)-2 Would LinkedIn be as valid as researchmap for personal page?

Since researchmap is the only database information provided to reviewers, LinkedIn andother databases do not constitute valid information.

8)-3

Are there statistic numbers for international researcher's and/or English
Unfortunately, there are no statistics on the language or nationality of applicants.
applications?

8)-4 Are there stats for acceptance rates per review section as well?

JSPS keeps statistics on the adoption rate for each field. As you can see from the attacheddata (slide 70), basically the adoption rate is almost the same for each field and division.

How much is too much when using graphical abstracts, figures and8)-5tables in the research plan?

Generally speaking, if it takes reviewers more than a few moments (e.g., more than 15
seconds) to understand the content, it should be considered too much. The diagram/figures
should be designed so that it can be understood at a glance.

8)-6 Can a figure/graphical abstract be included in the Summary section?

Diagrams/figures may be placed freely within the proposal, including the graphical abstract.
The graphical abstract should be placed close to the summary so that reviewers can seethat it is a clear summary of the summary.

8)-7 I understand color figures would become allowed starting this year?

Unfortunately, applications for Kiban A/B/C and WAKATE categories will be sent to reviewers
in black & white print. Please check the KAKENHI website for the categories that will be
printed in color.

8)-8

In my proposal, I made some pictures using different colors. Should I
make all these images in black and white?

Color is acceptable as long as it is distinguishable in grayscale. Reviewers will receive a
black & white printout.
There are no restrictions so you can use the first person pronoun "I" in your proposal. "The8)-9 Should the proposal be written in first person (e.g. I will.., I propose..., )? applicant" (申請者) is generally used by Japanese applicants which may also be a niceoption.