Young Japanologist: The Next Generation is a capacity-building project of the Leiden Asia Centre that aims to strengthen expertise on modern Japan in the Netherlands. The project is partly funded by the Isaac Alfred Ailion Foundation (IAAF).
The project supports outstanding MA graduates and early-career professionals who aspire to pursue an academic career focused on modern Japan. Participants are appointed to a temporary research position at the Leiden Asia Centre and are actively involved in the Centre’s research projects, public activities, and collaborations with societal partners, including government institutions, media, NGOs, and cultural organisations.
A central objective of the project is to enable participants to develop high-quality PhD research proposals, while simultaneously strengthening their practical research and professional skills. By combining academic research with policy-relevant and publicly oriented activities, the project prepares participants for careers both within and beyond academia.
Thematically, the project contributes to a better understanding of contemporary societal developments in Japan for a Dutch and European audience. Through research outputs, public engagement, and network-building, Young Japanologist: The Next Generation makes a long-term contribution to the sustainability and visibility of Japan studies in the Netherlands.
To date, four researchers have produced in-depth reports within the framework of this project.
