JF-Nichibunken Fellowship Program
Contributions Expected of JF Fellows at Nichibunken:■ Cooperation with the Consortium for Global Japanese Studies beyond JapanThe International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken) established the Consortium for
Global Japanese Studies in 2017 in order to understand the research and educational needs of global
Japanese studies programs at universities and other academic institutions in Japan and to strengthen
mutual collaboration and cooperation between them, and is now working to advance global Japanesestudies as the Consortium’s chair institution. In its fourth mid-term objectives period (FY2022-2027),
Nichibunken will develop the Consortium into a global collaborative organization with participationfrom universities, research institutes and other member institutions not only within Japan but alsointernationally. Nichibunken is aiming to further invigorate the activities of the Consortium for Global
Japanese Studies by building on its extensive record of excellence in activities such as hosting
international joint workshops and nurturing early-career researchers.
JF Fellows will raise awareness of the Consortium for Global Japanese Studies throughnetworks in their home countries and universities, thereby contributing to the promotion of theConsortium’s activities beyond Japan. JF Fellows should also make use of the Consortium fortheir own networking activities and career development.
■ Support for Organizing and Implementing Symposiums and Workshops
As the core institution for the Consortium for Global Japanese Studies, Nichibunken has establishedan International Research Promotion Division. Three departments have been established under theauspices of this Division: 1) the International Exchange Department; 2) the Research Promotion
Department; 3) the Integration of Humanities and Informatics Department – with the aim ofdeveloping and growing the Consortium beyond Japan. Throughout the year, these three departments
organize numerous symposiums, workshops, and other activities designed to develop and grow theConsortium.
JF Fellows will apply their specialist knowledge and language abilities in support of the planningand implementation of these symposiums and workshops, and gain valuable experience for theirown future career development.
■ Participation and Support for Team Research
One of Nichibunken’s principal activities is Team Research. Team Research projects bring together
researchers with different specializations and national/regional backgrounds to participate incomprehensive interdisciplinary and international research on Japanese society and culture.
Unshackling Japanese studies from the national frame, this research advances a more global approachto Japanese studies that mobilizes multicultural and pluralist perspectives to re-engage with Japan’s
history, society, and culture.

To realize its new “Exploring Crossovers and Multidimensionality” project, set at the start of the fourth
mid-term objectives period, Nichibunken has divided its approximately 15 Team Research groups into
three research units – Perspectives on Nature/Perspectives on Humanity, Power and Culture, andDeveloping Research into Popular Culture – and is promoting cross-unit collaboration.
JF Fellows will participate in and support the operation of these Team Research groups,
including those for which their counterparts serve as leader. As early-career researchers, JFFellows are also requested to disseminate information, acquire knowledge beyond their own
fields of specialization, and utilize it in their own future research activities.