The IJP German-Japanese Fellowship Exchange Programme 2026

Programme Overview

• Up to 10 fellowships available

• Around 5 journalists from Japan will work in German media organizations

• German journalists will travel to Japan for reporting and research

• Fellowship duration: approximately 2 months

• Focus areas include:

  • Geopolitics

  • Economics

  • Climate and energy policy

  • Emerging technologies

  • Migration and demographic change

Financial Support

Selected fellows receive:

• €4,000–€4,200 grant

• Support for:

  • Travel

  • Accommodation

  • Living expenses

  • Health insurance

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be journalists aged roughly 28–45

• Work as freelancers, trainees, or editors

• Work in print, radio, TV, or online journalism

• Have strong English skills

• German language skills are helpful but not required

Programme Dates

• Application deadline: June 15, 2026

• Introductory conference: September 2026

• Fellowship period: October–November 2026

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. CV with photo

2. Reference letter from employer/editor

3. Work samples

4. Motivation letter

5. Short application video in English

6. Research proposal

Purpose

The fellowship aims to:

• Improve cross-cultural journalism

• Build international journalist networks

• Encourage deeper reporting on German-Japanese relations

• Give journalists firsthand international newsroom experience