Admission for Research Students

The Japanese Studies Program admits who wish to pursue research on a specific theme relating to Japanese studies (April and October admission)

Applications for Research Student status at NICHIBUNKEN must be preceded by receipt of informal assent from the member of the faculty under which the applicant wishes to engage in research. Applicants should have made contact with the faculty member(s) of their choice and fully discussed their plan for research, and (if coming from abroad), made clear prior to submitting the application, their Japanese-language proficiency and as well as plans for supporting themselves while residing in Japan. The Program does not introduce students to faculty members, but applicants may consult the Research Division page for profiles of the Program faculty members.

How to apply

Application Period

1) For April 2026 - September 2026 admission:

[For international applicants living overseas]
・From Monday, December 8, 2025 to Friday, December 12, 2025

[Other than the above]
・From Friday, February 13, 2026 to Thursday, February 19, 2026

2) For October 2026 - March 2027 admission:

[For international applicants living overseas]
・From Monday, June 1, 2026 to Friday, June 5, 2026

[Other than the above]
・From Monday, August 17, 2026 to Friday, August 21, 2026

For details on how to apply, visit the SOKENDAI web site
In Japanese: https://www.soken.ac.jp/education/curriculum/researcher/
In English: https://www.soken.ac.jp/en/education/curriculum/researcher/