Researcher Openings

Research Funds Misuse and Research Misconduct Measures

Special Associate Professor (fixed-term employment) funded by the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies (Application has been closed)
Special Assistant Professor (fixed-term employment) Funded by the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies (Application has been closed)
Associate Professor of Classical Japanese Culture (Application has been closed)
Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Japanese Popular Culture (Application has been closed)
Special Assistant Professor (fixed-term employment) (Application has been closed)
Tenure-track Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature (Application has been closed)
Visiting Research Scholar 2026 - 2027

Please refer to this Call for Applications for Nichibunken staff and Graduate Education openings.

Call for Applications: Special Associate Professor (fixed-term employment) funded by the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies

Application has been closed.

1. Special Associate Professor (fixed-term employment) funded by the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

* This position cannot be concurrently held with a full-time position at another institution.

2. Number of Openings

3. Job Description

The International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken), with support from the Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education, will establish an endowed post to be known as the Uehiro Research Division Professorship in Global Japanese Studies. The purpose of this endowment is to promote the internationalization of Japanese studies through development and support of the next generation of Japanese studies scholars overseas. The successful candidate will be responsible for development and implementation of educational programs relating to the internationalization of Japanese studies, with the following duties:

(1) Planning and management of research and educational activities for overseas graduate students through the Consortium for Global Japanese Studies operated by Nichibunken.
(2) Development of educational tools in English and other languages for the internationalization of Japanese studies.
(3) Planning, management and assistance of international research exchange projects of the Division and Nichibunken generally.
(4) Other duties related to management of Nichibunken.

4. Qualifications and Eligibility

(1) A doctoral degree or equivalent in a field related to Japanese Studies, with a broad interest in international matters and a strong desire to take on the duties of this position.
(2) Proficiency in multiple languages, including English. Editorial experience with academic publications abroad is preferred.
(3) All applicants must have a level of Japanese sufficient for everyday conversation and academic research.

5. Scheduled Start of Employment and Term of Office

Start of Employment: October 1, 2024.

Term: October 1, 2024-March 31, 2029
The term will be renewed every fiscal year upon valuation of progress, but is not expected to be terminated before the above date. The term may be extended from April 2029, depending on progress and the budget, to a maximum of March 31, 2034.

No probationary period.

6. Application Materials

(1) Resumé/CV
(Download the form from the website of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies; note it is divided into two sheets.)
(2) List of research achievements.
(3) Name, title, affiliation, and e-mail address of two referees.

・履歴書（人間文化研究機構様式）

7. Screening

Screening will be conducted on the basis of the submitted materials. Interviews will take place if necessary. (Online, or in person, to be determined later.)

(NB: in the event of in-person interviews, we are unable to cover travel expenses.)

8. Place of Employment

International Research Planning Office, International Research Promotion Division,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken).

9. Working Hours

Full-time position with discretionary work system for professional services, as below:

Five-day week (generally not including weekends)
Additional leave on Public Holidays, August special summer holiday and New Year holidays).
* Working hours and vacations are in accordance with the Regulations Concerning Working Hours and Holidays for Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.
Flexible working hours by negotiation, assuming 7 hours 45 minutes per day (38 hours 45 minutes per week).

10. Salary

Annual salary, paid in accordance with the Regulations for Specified Fixed-Term Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.

11. Conditions

Enroll in the Mutual Aid Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, unemployment insurance, and workers' accident compensation insurance.

12. Applications must be received by Nichibunken by 5:00 p.m. (Japan time) on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

13. Address for Application

Human Resources Unit, General Affairs Section,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies
3-2 Goryo Oeyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1192, Japan

Please write "「特任准教授（上廣）応募」" in red on the envelope.

Tel : +81-(0)75-335-2014
E-mail : jinji*nichibun.ac.jp (Please replace "*" with "@"）

14. Additional Matters

Application materials will be treated in confidence and not be revealed to third parties.
Application materials will not be returned at the end of the process.
The International Research Center for Japanese Studies is an equal-opportunities employer promoting internationalism, diversity and gender-equality, based on the "International Research Center for Japanese Studies Declaration of Human Rights".

Call for Applications: Special Assistant Professor (fixed-term employment) Funded by the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies

Application has been closed.

1. Special Assistant Professor (fixed-term employment) funded by the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

* This position cannot be concurrently held with a full-time position at another institution.

2. Number of Openings

3. Job Description

(1) International research exchange projects of Nichibunken including those of the Uehiro Research Division.
(2) Research on academic trends for the internationalization of Japanese studies and provide related research assistance.
(3) Other duties related to management of Nichibunken.
(4) Research and writing into their own chosen field of Japanese Studies, as per any academic appointment.

4. Qualifications and Eligibility

(1) Regardless of nationality, applicants must have a level of Japanese and English sufficient to perform their duties.
(2) A doctoral degree or equivalent in a field related to Japanese Studies.
(3) Experience working in international academic exchange.

5. Scheduled Start of Employment and Term of Office

Start of Employment: October 1, 2024.

6. Application Materials

(1) Resumé/CV
(Download the form from the website of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies; note it is divided into two sheets.)
(2) List of research achievements.
(3) Name, title, affiliation, and email address of two referees.

・履歴書（人間文化研究機構様式）

7. Screening

Screening will be conducted on the basis of submitted materials. Interviews will take place if necessary (online, or in person, to be determined later).)

(NB: in the event of in-person interviews, candidates will be responsible for their own travel expenses.)

8. Place of Employment

International Research Planning Office, International Research Promotion Division,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

9. Working Hours

10. Salary

Annual salary, paid in accordance with the Regulations for Specified Fixed-Term Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.

11. Conditions

Enroll in the Mutual Aid Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, unemployment insurance, and workers' accident compensation insurance.

12. Applications must be received by Nichibunken by 5:00 p.m. (Japan time) on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

13. Address for Application

Human Resources Unit, General Affairs Section,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies
3-2 Goryo Oeyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1192, Japan

Please write "「特任助教（上廣）応募」" in red on the envelope.

Tel : +81-(0)75-335-2014
E-mail : jinji*nichibun.ac.jp (Please replace "*" with "@"）

14. Additional Matters

Call for Applications: Associate Professor of Classical Japanese Culture

Application has been closed.

1. Tenured Associate Professor of Classical Japanese Culture.

*This position cannot be concurrently held with a full-time position at another institution.

2. Number of Openings: １

3. Fields of Expertise

Research on Japanese culture, history and literature, with a focus on the Nara and/or Heian Periods.

4. Job Description

The International Research Center for Japanese Studies conducts international and interdisciplinary research on Japanese culture, and engages in research cooperation with Japanese studies scholars worldwide. Apart from their own research, academic staff in the Research Division have the following additional duties:

(1) Organizing and assisting in joint research meetings.
(2) Accepting and assisting visiting research scholars and fellows.
(3) Supervising graduate students.
(4) Other duties related to research, education, outreach, and management of the Center.

5. Qualifications and Eligibility

(1) A doctoral degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
(2) All applicants must have a level of Japanese sufficient for everyday conversation and academic research.

6. Scheduled Start of Employment

As soon as possible after July 1, 2024.

7. Application Materials

(1) Resumé/CV
(Download the form from the website of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies; note it is divided into two sheets.)
(2) Three research achievements to be submitted (eg books, papers, etc.)
(3) Name, title, affiliation, and e-mail address of two referees.

履歴書（人間文化研究機構様式）

8. Screening

Screening will be conducted on the basis of the submitted materials. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview, including an oral presentation of approximately 15 minutes on their research (Interview online, or in person, to be determined later.) Interviews will take place in March 2024.

(NB: in the event of in-person interviews, we are unable to cover travel expenses.)

9. Place of Employment

Research Division, International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

10. Working Hours

11. Salary

Annual salary, paid in accordance with the Regulations for Specified Fixed-Term Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.

12. Conditions

Enroll in the Mutual Aid Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, unemployment insurance, and workers' accident compensation insurance.

13. Applications must be received by the Center by 5:00 p.m. (Japan time) on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

14. Address for Application

Human Recourses Unit, General Affairs Section,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies
3-2 Goryo Oeyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1192, Japan
Please write "研究部准教授（古代日本文化）応募" in red on the envelope.

Tel : +81-(0)75-335-2014
E-mail : jinji * nichibun.ac.jp (Please replace " * " with "@"）

15. Additional Matters

Call for Applications: Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Japanese Popular Culture

Application has been closed.

1. Tenured Associate Professor of Japanese Popular Culture (manga, anime, music, film, contemporary art, etc.)

*This position cannot be concurrently held with a full-time position at another institution.

2. Number of Openings: １

3. Fields of Expertise

Modern and Contemporary Japanese Popular Culture (manga, anime, music, film, contemporary art, etc.) since the late 20th century.

4. Job Description

(1) Organizing and assisting in joint research meetings.
(2) Accepting and assisting visiting research scholars and fellows.
(3) Supervising graduate students.
(4) Other duties related to research, education, outreach, and management of the Center.

5. Qualifications and Eligibility

(1) A doctoral degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
(2) Experience in writing papers or presenting at academic conferences in a language other than one's native tongue is required. All applicants must have sufficient Japanese for daily conversation, and to carry out academic research.

6. Scheduled Start of Employment

As soon as possible after July 1, 2024.

7. Application Materials

(1) Resumé/CV
(Download the form from the website of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies; note it is divided into two sheets.)
(2) Three research achievements to be submitted (eg books, papers, etc.)
(3) Name, title, affiliation, and e-mail address of two referees.

履歴書（人間文化研究機構様式）

8. Screening

9. Place of Employment

Research Division, International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

10. Working Hours

11. Salary

Annual salary, paid in accordance with the Regulations for Specified Fixed-Term Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.

12. Conditions

Enroll in the Mutual Aid Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, unemployment insurance, and workers' accident compensation insurance.

13. Applications must be received by the Center by 5:00 p.m. (Japan time) on Friday, February 16, 2024.

14. Address for Application

Human Recourses Unit, General Affairs Section,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies
3-2 Goryo Oeyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1192, Japan
Please write "研究部准教授（大衆文化）応募" in red on the envelope.

Tel : +81-(0)75-335-2014
E-mail : jinji * nichibun.ac.jp (Please replace " * " with "@"）

15. Additional Matters

Call for Applications: Special Assistant Professor (fixed-term employment)

Application has been closed.

1. Special Assistant Professor (fixed-term employment) at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies

2. Number of Openings: １

3. Job Description

（１）Assistance with the "international development of the Consortium for Global Japanese Studies" project.
（２）Dissemination of project research results in English
（３）Other matters related to the project

4. Qualifications and Eligibility

（１）A doctoral degree or equivalent in a field related to Japanese Studies, with a broad interest in international matters and a strong desire to take on the duties of this position.
（２）Applicants must be fluent in academic English. Experience in editorial work of English scholarly publications is desirable.
（３）Applicants must have sufficient Japanese language for daily conversation, and to carry out academic research.

5. Scheduled Date of Employment and Term of Office

Scheduled start of employment: As soon as possible after January 1, 2023.
Term of office: From the date of appointment to March 31, 2025, subject to annual renewal in each fiscal year. The term of office may be renewed after April 2025, taking into consideration the status of the project and budget (maximum until March 31, 2028).

6. Application Documents

（１）Resumé/CV
(Download the form from the website of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies; note that it is divided into two sheets.)
（２）Research Achievement List
（３）Names, affiliations/titles, and contact information (e-mail addresses) of two references.

・履歴書（人間文化研究機構様式）

7. Screening

Screening will be conducted on the basis of submitted documents. Interviews will be conducted. Please note that we are not able to cover travel expenses for interviews.

8. Place of Employment

International Research Planning Office, International Research Promotion Division, International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

9. Working Hours

Full-time position with discretionary work system for professional services, as below:

Five day week (generally not including weekends Additional leave on Public Holidays, August special summer holiday and New Year holidays). *Working hours and vacations are in accordance with the Regulations Concerning Working Hours and Holidays for Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.

Flexible working hours by negotiation, assuming 7 hours 45 minutes per day (38 hours 45 minutes per week).

10. Salary

Annual salary system (paid in accordance with the Regulations for Specified Fixed-Term Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities).

11. Conditions

Enroll in the Mutual Aid Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, unemployment insurance, and workers' accident compensation insurance.

12. Application materials must reach the Center before 5 p.m. (Japan time) on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

13. Address for the Application

Human Recourses Unit, General Affairs Section,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies
3-2 Goryo Oeyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1192, Japan

Please write "特任助教応募" in red on the envelope.

14.Additional Matters

Call for Applications: Tenure-track Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature

Application has been closed.

1. Tenure-track Associate Professor of Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature, Research Division, International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken).

＊ This position cannot be concurrently held with a full-time position at another institution.

2. Number of Openings: １

3. Fields of Expertise

Modern and contemporary Japanese literature from an international and interdisciplinary perspective.

4. Job Description　

(1) Assisting in joint research meetings.
(2) Accepting and assisting visiting research scholars and fellows.
(3) Supervising graduate students.
(4) Other duties related to research, education, outreach, and management of the Center.

5. Qualifications and Eligibility

(1) A doctoral degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
(2) Proficiency in at least one language other than Japanese is desirable. All applicants must have sufficient Japanese for daily conversation, and to carry out academic research.

6. Scheduled Start of Employment

As soon as possible after January 1, 2023.

7. Tenure Track Period: 3 years

Tenure will be reviewed in the third year, and if approved, tenure as Associate Professorship will be granted (up to mandatory retirement age). If tenured is denied, the Associate Professor's employment at the Center will end.

8. Application Materials

(1) Resumé/CV
(Download the form from the website of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies; note it is divided into two sheets.)
(2) Three research achievements to be submitted (eg books, papers, etc.)
(3) Name, title, affiliation, and e-mail address of two referees.

・履歴書（人間文化研究機構様式）

9. Screening

Screening will be conducted on the basis of the submitted materials. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview, including an oral presentation of approximately 15 minutes on their research (Interview online, or in person, to be determined later.) (NB: in the event of in-person interviews, we are unable to cover travel expenses.)

10. Place of Employment

Research Division, International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

11. Working Hours

Full-time position with discretionary work system for professional services, as below:

Five-day week (generally not including weekends)
Additional leave on Public Holidays, August special summer holiday and New Year holidays).
*Working hours and vacations are in accordance with the Regulations Concerning Working Hours and Holidays for Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.
Flexible working hours by negotiation, assuming 7 hours 45 minutes per day (38 hours 45 minutes per week).

12. Salary

Annual salary, paid in accordance with the Regulations for Specified Fixed-Term Employees of the National Institutes for the Humanities.

13. Conditions

Enroll in the Mutual Aid Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, unemployment insurance, and workers' accident compensation insurance.

14. Additional Matters

Application materials must reach the Center by 5 p.m. (Japan time) on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

15. Address for Application

Human Recourses Unit, General Affairs Section,
International Research Center for Japanese Studies
3-2 Goryo Oeyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1192, Japan

Please write "研究部テニュアトラック准教授応募" in red on the envelope.

Tel： +81-(0)75-335-2014
E-mail：　jinji*nichibun.ac.jp (Please replace "*" with "@"）

16. Additional Matters

Visiting Research Scholar 2026 - 2027

The International Research Center for Japanese Studies is one of the constituent institutions of the National Institutes for the Humanities, which was established as an Inter-University Research Institute Corporation under a law effective April 2004. Founded in May 1987 as an inter-university research institute of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, this Center seeks to promote comprehensive, international, and interdisciplinary research on Japanese culture, and to foster cooperation among researchers in Japanese studies worldwide. In order to broaden and deepen research on Japanese culture and bring together researchers in a variety of specialized fields, the Center regularly appoints a number of scholars from around the world as Visiting Research Scholars.

The Center invites applications from scholars who wish to conduct research while in residence here. Visiting Research Scholars are expected to engage in collaborative activity with the Center's permanent faculty by, for example, participating in at least one of our team research projects (kyōdō kenkyū).

1.Number of Openings

Multiple positions.

2.Obligations

Visiting Research Scholars are free to carry out their individual research, but must join in at least one team research project.
They are required to submit a report about trends in Japanese Studies in their country.
They are required to submit one article to either of the two Nichibunken journals, Japan Review(in English) or Nihon Kenkyū (in Japanese).

3.Qualifications and Eligibility

Researchers who are not older than 65 years when the research period begins are eligible to apply. We especially welcome applications from young researchers.

Applicants should meet either one of the following criteria.

(1) Researchers of any nationality employed by a foreign university or a foreign research institution in possession of a doctoral degree.
(2) Those whom the Director-General deems to have qualifications or research ability equivalent to those in (1) above.

In considering applications from scholars who have been previously a Visiting Research Scholar, we may take into account the time that has lapsed since the completion of their last research period.

4.Proposed Duration of Stay (Research Period)

We are now accepting applications from the Visiting Research Scholar candidates for the fiscal year 2026 (April 1, 2026～March 31, 2027), expected to start their stay on a date within this period. The stay must be for a minimum of three (3) months but not exceed the maximum of twelve (12) months. (It is possible for a period of stay to extend into the following fiscal year.) Along with a first preference for a period of stay, please indicate a second preferred period.
Examples:
Apr. 1, 2026 ～ Mar. 31, 2027 (for one year)
Jan. 1, 2027 ～ Dec. 31, 2027 (for one year)
Mar. 1, 2027 ～ Jan. 31, 2028 (for eleven months)

5.Salary and Conditions

(1) The Visiting Research Scholar's salary will be determined on the basis of salary regulations and will reflect the Visiting Research Scholar's seniority. It will be paid on the appointed day each month.

Examples:
- About 500,000 yen per month: (Approximately 10 years of teaching and research experience, with more than a 6-month period of stay at Nichibunken)
- About 600,000 yen per month: (Approximately 20 years of teaching and research experience, with more than a 6-month period of stay at Nichibunken)
- About 700,000 yen per month: (Approximately 30 years of teaching and research experience, with more than a 6-month period of stay at Nichibunken)
※Bear in mind that the salaries shown above are only examples and may be subject to change.
(2) Roundtrip travel expenses will be paid according to a rate stipulated in the regulations.
(3) A research allowance (including a domestic research travel expense allowance) will be disbursed to each Visiting Research Scholar.
(4) The Center's library, computers, and other facilities, including an individual research room, will be made available for the use of the Visiting Research Scholar, in the same way as for a regular full-time employee of the Center.
(5) Visiting Research Scholars have opportunities for presentation of research findings in seminars, public lectures, and the Nichibunken Forum.
(6) Housing accommodations will be available on the site of the Center, for those who wish to use them. (There are charges for the use of these facilities.)

6.Application Procedure

Submit the application documents (see below) as e-mail attachments to the address given below. You will receive immediate e-mail confirmation of their arrival.　If you do not receive confirmation, please mail us at vrsinquiry@nichibun.ac.jp. Alternatively, you may contact us by telephone or fax.

Application documents must be in the format of:

a. PDF file

b. MS Word file

(Application Documents)
① Application Form
② Letter of Recommendation (One copy)

7.Application Deadline

Application materials must reach the Center before the midnight (Japan time) on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

8.Result

All the applicants will be notified of the results by e-mail before the end of March, 2025.

9.Address for the Application

Application form only:
shinseivrs*nichibun.ac.jp (Replace * with @)

Inquiries concerning application:
vrsinquiry*nichibun.ac.jp (Replace * with @)

International Research Center for Japanese Studies
Research Cooperation Section
3-2 Goryo Oeyama-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 610-1192, Japan
Phone: +81(0)75-335-2041 Fax: +81(0)75-335-2092