Study of the United States (Teaching in Social Sciences and Humanities)
Japan
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Teach undergraduate or graduate courses, or a combination of both, in field of specialization. Courses must relate to the "American experience," i.e., taught from the American academic perspective on subjects related to United States history, public policy, sociology, law, film, popular culture, literature, communications, education, political science, business management, etc. Teaching load each semester is four courses; each course usually meets once per week for 90-105 minutes. The teaching content and schedule is set by the grantee directly coordinating with the host institution (after the selection process, as an approved grantee). Grantees often teach two similar courses at two different institutions per semester.
The Japan-U.S. Educational Commission arranges placement for lecturers.
Grants may be either five or ten months:
5-month (1-semester) grants to begin in mid-September 2025 or mid-March 2026.
10-month (2-semester) grant: to begin in mid-September 2025.
Grants can be extended to cover final exam period if exams are scheduled after the original grant period.
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant, but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on Flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
All teaching will be in English; additional language proficiency is not required.
Applicants must have a terminal degree in the same discipline of their project.
Applicants must also have at least three years of university or college teaching experience beyond their terminal degree. Teaching at a community college counts toward the required three years. A teaching assistantship does not qualify.
U.S. Department of State - Japan
Japan-U.S. Educational Commission
For more information, please visit our East Asia and the Pacific regional webpage and view our schedule of upcoming webinars.
Email the East Asia and the Pacific Team with questions about applying.
- Stipend of 450,000 yen (approximately $3,280) per month.
- Family allowance of 50,000-100,000 yen (approximately $360-730) per month, depending on the number of accompanying dependents.
- Housing allowance of 120,000-200,000 yen (approximately $880-1,460) per month, depending on the number of accompanying dependents.
- Dollar/yen supplemental allowance of $250-450 per month and 30,000-60,000 yen (approximately $220-440) per month, depending on the number of accompanying dependents.
(Conversion rate at 137 yen/1 US dollar)
Roundtrip international travel arranged by Fulbright Commission for grantee and a primary dependent who accompanies the grantee on a grant of 10 months.
Baggage allowance: $300-$500 for Japan-bound and 60,000-100,000 yen (approximately $440-730) for U.S.-bound, based on length of grant.
Settling-in allowance: equivalent to one month's housing allowance (120,000-200,000 yen: approximately $880-1,460).
Up to 1,000,000 yen (approximately $7,300) /child, maximum of two children per family for a 10-month grant. Up to 500,000 yen (approximately $3,650)/child, maximum of two children per family for a five-month grant. Applicable to children in grades 1-12.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Honoraria for guest lecturing may be accepted under the terms of the award.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Japan
The third largest economy on Earth and Asia’s most prosperous democracy, Japan is home to world-leading universities and research institutions that have produced countless scholars of global distinction, along with cutting-edge innovations that have improved the lives of all.
Since 1952, generations of American Fulbrighters have immersed themselves to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society that make Japan one of the most fascinating civilizations in history, as well as the most indispensable partner nation for the United States today.
Visiting scholars enjoy unsurpassed freedom to interact with the people and the land, to experience the beauty of four distinct seasons, and to appreciate the daily contrasts between ancient tradition and cosmopolitan modernity.
The academic year for Japan's approximately 800 universities typically commences in April, but there are an increasing number of programs that align closer to the U.S. school calendar.
More information on programs for Japan can be found on the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission website.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
While academic-year appointments are preferred, one semester appointments are possible. Grant dates are firmly fixed. Changes to the grant dates are not possible because of nature of teaching credit-bearing courses. Most teaching will involve a dual affiliation at accredited four-year universities. Grantees will be required to attend a post-arrival group orientation, as well as a mid-year conference.