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STEP 1: Review the program overview
STEP 1: Review the program overview
First, please review our program overview to see if you meet the requirements.
STEP2: Contact the ICU faculty member and obtain approval to be your host
STEP2: Contact the ICU faculty member and obtain approval to be your host
Please contact an ICU full-time faculty member who may serve as your host during your time at ICU; discuss the conditions of acceptance and your research plans, and ask him/her to write a letter of recommendation.
*If you do not have a connection to a faculty member of ICU, Please use "Faculty Search" to search for a faculty member and contact us through the inquiry form below. CGE will forward your inquiry to the faculty member you wish to contact. However, please note that we cannot guarantee that a faculty member will reply to you.
STEP 3: Apply by the designated deadline for spring or autumn appointment.
STEP 3: Apply by the designated deadline for spring or autumn appointment.
After receiving informal consent from the faculty member, please apply through the Application Form below.
Applications for the Spring 2026 appointment (starting April 2026) are now open,
and the application deadline for AY 2026 is September 19, 2025.
Applications for the Spring 2026 appointment (starting April 2026) are now open,
and the application deadline for AY 2026 is September 19, 2025.
Required Documents:
Required Documents:
Application Form;
Curriculum vitae;
Research Proposal ;
Proof of available funding;
Recommendation letter from a home institution (*); and
Recommendation letter from ICU faculty (*).
*Recommendation letters must be submitted by referees. Please include your referee's information on the application form, and CGE will ask your referees to submit a letter of recommendation directly to CGE.
STEP 4: Receive an e-mail with the result
STEP 4: Receive an e-mail with the result
Based on the application documents received, we will make a selection decision and notify you of the result by the end of November (for spring appointment) or the end of March (for autumn appointment) via e-mail.
*ICU reserves the right to refuse acceptance in the event of false declarations, changes from the application, or cancellation of any fundings.
STEP 5: Complete payment of program fees
STEP 5: Complete payment of program fees
Visa Processing Fee (if applicable)
Visa Processing Fee (if applicable)
50,000 yen
Mainly for researchers who will stay in Japan for more than 91 days and apply for a Certificate of Eligibilty (COE) for "Cultural Activities" or "Dependent" visa.
STEP 6: Prepare for your trip
STEP 6: Prepare for your trip
For those Visiting Researchers who need to apply for either a "Temporary Visitor", "Cultural Activities" or "Dependent" visa, CGE will work on the visa procedures through the Immigration Bureau. Please note that the procedure at the Immigration Bureau usually takes about two months. As soon as the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) is issued, CGE will send it to the Visiting Researcher.
Visiting Researcher should apply for a visa at the nearest Japanese Embassy/ Consulate abroad.
*This procedure is not required for passport holders from visa waiver countries whose period of stay in Japan is 90 days or less.
STEP 7: Arrive in Japan
STEP 7: Arrive in Japan
When your arrival in Japan gets closer, CGE will send you an e-mail regarding last-minute announcements. Please also keep in touch with your host faculty member as appropriate.
How to get to ICU
How to get to ICU
Our campus is located in Mitaka city, the west side of Tokyo. You may arrive at Haneda or Narita International Airport, and take an express bus or trains to Mitaka, which takes about 2 to 3 hours. There are several options for transportation. Please refer the following link:
Long-term residents who receive a resident card upon entering Japan are required to register at the city/ward office of their place of residence in Japan. At the same time, please complete the enrollment procedures for National Health Insurance.
STEP 8: Research engagement and stay at ICU
STEP 8: Research engagement and stay at ICU
During your stay at ICU, you will receive appropriate guidance and support from your host faculty member as you pursue your research.
STEP 9: End of research period and return to home country
STEP 9: End of research period and return to home country
At the end of the research period, please do not forget to return the various loan cards, etc. to the CGE.
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