The Japanese Studies Research Showcase is a one-day workshop in Cologne, Germany for doctoral students and early-career postdoctoral researchers at universities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein who would like to develop their ability to present and discuss research in Japanese. It is designed as a friendly and supportive space where participants can practice concise academic presentation, strengthen their Japanese-language scholarly communication skills, and gain confidence in responding to questions in Japanese.

Each presenter will have 8 minutes to introduce their research in Japanese, followed by 7 minutes of Q&A. This compact format encourages presenters to focus on the heart of their project: Why does this topic matter? What is your scholarly contribution? Because Q&A is often the most challenging part of academic exchange in a foreign language, the workshop also offers a valuable opportunity to practice answering questions clearly and effectively in Japanese.

The event is intended not only as a space for presentation practice, but also as an opportunity for early-career researchers in Japanese Studies to meet one another and exchange ideas. It also aims to connect participants with wider fellowship and research networks. For this reason, the program will conclude with an information session on fellowship and research funding opportunities related to Japan Studies, including programs that may support research and fieldwork in Japan.

The hosts, Hiro Fujimoto (Click here to view profile) and Zhou Yufei (Click here to view profile), will offer feedback and comments to presenters. The event is organised in collaboration with the Japanese Cultural Institute in Cologne, the Historians’ Workshop and the Uehiro Research Division for Global Japanese Studies at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies.

Event Details

• Date and Time: 9 October 2026, 13:00–18:00 (local time in Germany)
• Venue:  Japanese Cultural Institute in Cologne (The Japan Foundation), Universitätsstraße 98, 50674 Köln
• Format: In-person only; 8-minute presentation and 7-minute Q&A per presenter
• Language: Japanese
• Participation Fee: Free
• Application Deadline: 15  July 2026

Eligibility

Applicants should specialize in Japanese Studies, including history, literature, anthropology, sociology, political science, and related fields. They must either be:

• doctoral students enrolled at a university in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, or
• early-career postdoctoral researchers employed or affiliated at a university in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Selection Criteria

Selection will aim to ensure diversity among presenters in terms of discipline, institution, and stage of research. Priority will be given to applicants with less prior experience presenting research in Japanese or conducting research in Japan. In addition, a small number of places may be reserved for past Japan Foundation fellows in order to encourage exchange between early career researchers of Japanese Studies and the Japan Foundation community.

What We Ask of Presenters

Presenters are expected to:

• give an 8-minute presentation in Japanese
• participate in a 7-minute Q&A session in Japanese
• prepare a presentation that is concise and accessible to a broad audience in Japanese Studies
• clearly address the questions “Why does your research matter?” and “What is your argument?”
• submit their presentation materials by the specified deadlines
• attend the event in person

Please note that online participation is not available. Presenters are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation expenses.

What Participants Can Gain

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• receive feedback on their presentations and presentation materials from specialists
• practice presenting research and responding to questions in Japanese
• strengthen their Japanese-language scholarly communication skills in a supportive setting
• meet other doctoral students and early-career researchers in Japanese Studies
• learn about fellowship and research funding opportunities relevant to Japanese Studies, including programs that may support research and fieldwork in Japan

Important Dates

• 1 June 2026: Call for applications opens
• 15 July 2026: Application deadline
• 30 July 2026: Notification of selected presenters
• 15 September 2026: Optional deadline for presentation materials for presenters who would like to receive early feedback
• 2 October 2026: Deadline for presentation materials for all presenters
• 9 October 2026: Workshop in Cologne

Program (Tentative)

• 12:30–13:00 Check-in
• 13:00–13:15 Greeting and Opening Remarks 
• 13:15–14:15 Panel 1
• 14:15–14:30 Break
• 14:30–15:30 Panel 2
• 15:30–15:45 Break
• 15:45–16:25 Panel 3
• 16:25–16:40 Feedback and Comments
• 16:40–17:20 Information Session on Fellowships and Research Funding
• 17:20–17:30 Concluding Remarks
• 18:00 Reception
• 20:00 End

Online Application Form

Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdm92jcicEiqbMWDD2sAyk_ToUKhFOVsBhJMG69iyjXaaBAvg/viewform

The due date is 15 July.

Contact

Hiro Fujimoto
hiroshi.fujimoto@hcts.uni-heidelberg.de

Tamara Fuchs
Tamara_Fuchs@jpf.go.jp