Overview

The Japan Award is the prize aiming to increase motivation among young researchers contributing to research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related industries in developing regions, by awarding young foreign researchers having shown outstanding performance or produced research achievements that may lead to future innovation. The Award was launched in 2007, and 2026 marks its 20th presentation.

 Eligibility

Candidates must be researchers who have the nationality of a developing country and/or territory, are under 40 years old as of January 01, 2026, belong to a non-Japanese research institute or a non-Japanese university, are engaged in research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related industries in developing regions, and fall under any of the following criteria (Note: Those who have applied for and missed the award in previous years are eligible to re-apply).

1. Those who have shown outstanding performance in research and development in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or related industries for a developing region, and who show great promise.
2. Those who have shown outstanding achievements in research and development that will lead to future technological innovation in agriculture, forestry, fisheries or related industries for a developing region, and who show great promise. 

The candidates, in principle, must be able to attend the awarding ceremony will be held in Japan and deliver a lecture.

1. Up to three awardees will be selected from candidates after a selection process by the selection committee.
2. Each awardee will be invited to Japan and awarded a testimonial by the Chairman of the AFFRC during the awarding ceremony. They will also receive a cash prize of US$5,000 each from JIRCAS (MOTAI-JIRCAS Award*).

*This award is operating by the donation from Mr. Shigeru MOTAI, a former Chairman of the AFFRC of MAFF and supported by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS).

Due date for submission of application:  May 15 (Fri.), 2026 (JST)

※ Applications must be submitted by the recommending research institutes (either research institutes universities,
Japanese or non-Japanese). 
  Only one researcher can be recommended from each institute, including its branches. 

• Determination of award winners:    August or September 2026 (tentative)
• Date of Awarding Ceremony:     October or November 2026 (tentative)