Atsumi Scholarship Guide: ¥3 Million Funding for Final-Year PhD Students in Japan

Thinking of pursuing a Ph.D. in Japan but worried about funding? The Atsumi International Scholarship Foundation (AISF) may be the opportunity that turns your Tokyo dream into reality. Established three decades ago, the independent non-profit has already supported more than 600 researchers from 69 countries. Below we unpack where the scholarship comes from, what drives its mission, and—most importantly—how you can submit a winning application.

Origin & Mission of the Atsumi Foundation

From a Construction Titan’s Dream to a Global Network

The foundation traces its roots to 1994, when Takeo Atsumi (1919–1993)—the late Honorary Chairman of Kajima Corporation—willed that part of his personal fortune be devoted to nurturing international understanding. Having steered one of Japan’s largest construction firms through the country’s high-growth era, Atsumi believed that Japan’s next contribution should be humanistic: equipping future leaders with cross-cultural fluency and scholarly rigor.

Mission: “Good Global Citizens” & World Peace

The official charter states that AISF exists to “promote a greater sense of Japan’s role in globalization and contribute to world peace by financially assisting outstanding foreign doctoral students.” Its guiding phrase—Realization of Good Global Citizens—underpins two flagship programs:

• Atsumi Scholarship: A one-year, ¥3,000,000 living-wage grant for final-year Ph.D. candidates in the Kanto region.
• Sekiguchi Global Research Association (SGRA): A post-scholarship network that sponsors symposia such as the biennial Asia Future Conference and awards seed funds up to ¥500,000 for collaborative research.

Chairwoman Itsuko Atsumi notes that today’s scholars “must recognise themselves not only as citizens of one country but of the world.” The foundation therefore expects recipients to engage in SGRA seminars, publish bilingually, and mentor junior peers—practices designed to turn academic excellence into societal impact.

What Makes the Atsumi Scholarship Unique

A Small Cohort for Big Impact

Only sixteen scholars are selected each year, allowing AISF directors, trustees, and senior alumni to know every recipient personally and provide tailored support. The core award is a monthly stipend of ¥250,000—substantially higher than most government schemes—and the program boasts a dissertation completion rate of over 90 percent. Weekend retreats in Karuizawa, SGRA research salons, and dinners with visiting Nobel laureates widen every scholar’s network beyond the lab.

Flexible University Choice

Because AISF is independent of any single university, recipients may enroll at any accredited graduate school in the Kanto region while residing locally. Scholars also enjoy a quiet study space in AISF’s Bunkyo-ku head office, weekly Japanese academic-writing consultations, and opportunities to meet entrepreneurs and diplomats—resources that help transform research into real-world impact.

Benefits & Financial Details

A Living-Wage Stipend

A single-year grant of ¥3,000,000 (April–March) covers rent, food, and research trips during the final stretch of the doctorate. The JPSS scholarship database confirms the award’s generous terms. Past fellows have presented at the American Physical Society, the Asian Development Bank Institute, and the Venice Architecture Biennale—often using the optional post-graduation travel grant.

Supplementary Grants & Budget Tips

Alumni surveys put average Tokyo living costs at about ¥200,000 per month, leaving a ¥50,000 buffer for books or conference fees. Fellows may also earn up to ¥100,000 as teaching or research assistants without breaching AISF rules. Note that no tuition waiver is attached, so confirm your university’s fee policies early.