What is the Japan Studies Research Fellowship?

The Japan Studies Research Fellowship is a summer fellowship for undergraduate, community college, or graduate students interested in Japan and policy. During the summer, fellows will relocate to Seattle to become junior fellows in residence at the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), conduct original research, attend an intensive Summer Seminar, and receive mentorship and editorial support from NBR’s staff and network of experts. This fellowship opportunity is made possible by funding from the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission.

What are the program dates?

The fellowship will run from June to August in Seattle, WA.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for the 2024 NBR Japan Studies Research Fellowship are due on April 14, 2024.

How do I apply?

Apply on NBR’s application portal. Click here to apply.

When are my letters of recommendation due?

You should instruct your letter writers to submit their recommendations no later than April 14, 2024.

What are the program components?

Fellows will become junior fellows in residence at NBR’s Seattle office, conduct original research culminating in a presentation and research paper, receive mentorship and editorial guidance from NBR experts and staff, attend an intensive Summer Seminar, go on site visits to consulates, policy hubs, and military bases in the Greater Seattle Area, and attend professional development and networking workshops, in addition to any relevant NBR events.

I am a PhD student. Can I still apply for this fellowship?

Yes, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, community college, or graduate program in the United States to be eligible for the fellowship.

I am an international student. Can I still apply for this fellowship?

No, applicants to the fellowship must be U.S. citizens. International students can still apply to attend the NBR Summer Seminar, however. You can find more information about the seminar here.

I am a young professional who has graduated in the last few years. Can I still apply for this fellowship?

No, applicants must be a U.S. citizen currently enrolled in an undergraduate, community college, or graduate program to be eligible for the fellowship. Young professionals may still apply to attend the NBR Summer Seminar, however. You can find more information about the seminar here.

I am a student at a university outside the United States. Can I still apply for the fellowship?

No, applicants must be enrolled in a community college, undergraduate, or a graduate program in the United States to be eligible for the fellowship. Students studying at universities outside the United States can still apply for the NBR Summer Seminar, however. You can find more information about the seminar here.

Can I defer my fellowship award?

No, applicants selected as fellows cannot defer the fellowship. Applicants who are still eligible may reapply for the fellowship the following year.

Does the program provide funding?

Fellows will receive a stipend of between $6,000 and $7,000 from mid-June to mid-August, which is intended to cover cost of living, research costs, in addition to round-trip economy class airfare to and from Seattle.

If you have any other questions about this opportunity, please contact [email protected].