The most generous scholarships in Japan for postgraduate research (Doctoral and Non-Degree Research Student level) are primarily full-coverage awards designed to attract world-class researchers.

Government and National Agency Scholarships

1. Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship (Research Students)

1. Description: The premier, full-funding scholarship for international students pursuing research-based degrees (Master's, Doctoral, or pre-degree Research Student status) in any field.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be under 35 years old and hold a Bachelor's degree (for Master's/Research Student status) or a Master's degree (for Doctoral status). Excellent academic record, clear research proposal, and strong motivation are required.
3. Timing of Scholarship:
4. Embassy Recommendation: Applications usually open around April-May via the Japanese Embassy in the home country.
5. University Recommendation: Universities nominate candidates directly, typically between October and January for arrival the following October.
6. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship (covers tuition, stipend, and travel).
7. Coverage: Full tuition fee exemption (examination, admission, and tuition fees), a monthly stipend (approx. ¥144,000 to ¥145,000 JPY for Doctoral/Research Students), and a round-trip airfare from the home country to Japan.
8. Obligation: Maintain satisfactory academic and research progress. Scholars are expected to contribute to mutual understanding and promote relations between their home country and Japan.

2. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan

1. Description: Highly prestigious fellowships aimed at established or recent PhD holders who wish to conduct cooperative research under a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institution.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be a PhD holder (or due to obtain one soon), usually within six years of receiving the degree. Must have excellent research records and obtain an acceptance letter from a host researcher in Japan.
3. Timing of Scholarship: The JSPS standard program typically has application windows in April-May and September-November each year, depending on the nominating authority (foreign counterpart or JSPS directly).
4. Types of Scholarship: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.
5. Coverage: A monthly stipend (e.g., ¥362,000 JPY), a research grant (up to ¥1,500,000 JPY over two years), and round-trip airfare.
6. Obligation: Successfully carry out the proposed research project and maintain close cooperation with the host researcher/institution.

University-Specific Research Fellowships

These fellowships are often funded by the university itself or through government programs (like MEXT's PGP) and are used to recruit top-tier Doctoral students directly into specific research labs or programs.

3. The University of Tokyo Fellowship (UTokyo Fellowship)

1. Description: A research grant-in-aid established by UTokyo to support outstanding, self-funded international students pursuing degrees, particularly at the Doctoral level, to promote the enrollment of exceptional international researchers.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Outstanding academic record, accepted into a Doctoral program at UTokyo, and not a recipient of a major public scholarship (like MEXT).
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are generally submitted before arrival, at the time of the Doctoral program application, through the applicant's prospective Graduate School.
4. Types of Scholarship: Research Grant-in-Aid/Stipend.
5. Coverage: Provides a substantial monthly research grant-in-aid (e.g., ¥200,000 JPY) for the standard period of study, often combined with the university’s tuition fee exemption scheme.
6. Obligation: Maintain registration status and follow the research guidelines of the host graduate school.

4. Kyoto University Research Scholarships

1. Description: Kyoto University, like UTokyo, offers various internal and external scholarships for international researchers, including the possibility of a University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship (which is full funding) and other internal grants.
2. Eligibility Criteria: High academic merit and acceptance into a Doctoral program at the university.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Varies widely; the University-Recommended MEXT typically aligns with graduate school admissions (e.g., October to January). Internal scholarships often run concurrently.
4. Types of Scholarship: Can be a full MEXT scholarship or a university-funded stipend/grant.
5. Coverage: Ranges from full MEXT coverage (tuition, stipend, travel) to a monthly stipend (approx. ¥100,000 - ¥200,000 JPY) paired with a tuition fee waiver.
6. Obligation: Achieve satisfactory research milestones and academic performance.

5. Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) - Type 1 Research Scholarship

1. Description: A scholarship aimed at international students enrolling in Tokyo Tech’s Master's or Doctoral programs, particularly those recommended by the university's overseas office or partner institutions.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Outstanding academic performance in prior studies and a recommendation from the institution or host professor.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applied for during the admission process for the Doctoral program.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend and fee reduction.
5. Coverage: A monthly allowance (stipend) and often a waiver of the examination fee, admission fee, and/or tuition fees.
6. Obligation: Maintain a good GPA and research output as determined by the graduate school.

Private Foundation Scholarships (High Stipend)

These foundations often allow direct application and offer high stipends, though they may require candidates to apply independently and often have a strong desire for the scholar to return to their home country.

6. Honjo International Scholarship Foundation (HISF)

1. Description: A highly prestigious private foundation scholarship known for its very generous stipend, primarily supporting Doctoral students who intend to contribute to their home country after graduation.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be accepted or enrolled in a Japanese graduate school for a Master’s or Doctoral degree, demonstrate outstanding academic ability, be under 35 years old, and have a clear intent to return to their home country.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are submitted directly to the foundation, usually running from September 1 to October 31 each year.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend for living expenses.
5. Coverage: A high monthly stipend (ranging from ¥180,000 to ¥230,000 JPY), depending on the remaining degree period.
6. Obligation: Expected to return to their home country within one year of graduation, attend HISF events, and report their progress to the foundation.

7. Atsumi International Foundation Scholarship

1. Description: A foundation that supports excellent foreign graduate students, focusing on fostering international friendships and community among scholars.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be enrolled in a Doctoral program in the Kanto area (Tokyo region) and be under the age of 34 for Master's or 39 for Doctoral programs. High academic standards are required.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Application periods are generally in September each year.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend.
5. Coverage: A substantial monthly stipend (e.g., ¥200,000 JPY).
6. Obligation: Participation in the foundation's study and community events, which are a key component of the scholarship.

8. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation Scholarship

1. Description: A major private scholarship supported by Japanese Rotary Clubs, targeting excellent international students (primarily graduate level) with a commitment to returning home.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be enrolled or accepted into a Japanese university, typically under 45 years old, with strong academic aptitude and character.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications usually open around September for the following April intake.
4. Types of Scholarship: Stipend and settlement costs.
5. Coverage: Provides a monthly stipend (e.g., ¥140,000 JPY for Doctoral students) plus a one-time initial settlement allowance.
6. Obligation: Expected to participate in Rotary activities and return to their home country upon completion of studies.

Research-Project Specific Scholarships

9. Kochi University of Technology (KUT) Special Scholarship Program (SSP)

1. Description: A structured program that recruits highly capable Doctoral students to work on specific, assigned research projects under the supervision of an English-speaking professor.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Must be accepted into the Doctoral Program, have an excellent academic record, and fit the research topic of the host professor.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Applications are accepted at various times throughout the year, depending on the project recruitment cycle.
4. Types of Scholarship: Full scholarship with a research salary/allowance.
5. Coverage: Exemption from entrance and tuition fees. A monthly living allowance/salary (e.g., ¥150,000 JPY) is provided for conducting research project work.
6. Obligation: Successful completion of the assigned research project and academic requirements.

10. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) / ABE Initiative

1. Description: Though not a standard scholarship, JICA programs like the KCCP and the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative) fund Master's and Doctoral studies combined with research internships, typically for applicants from developing countries.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Citizen of a country targeted by the specific JICA program, government or private sector work experience, and official nomination by the home country's government.
3. Timing of Scholarship: Depends entirely on the specific JICA program call in the home country (often early to mid-year).
4. Types of Scholarship: Government-to-Government/Full sponsorship.
5. Coverage: Full tuition and fees, monthly living allowance, round-trip airfare, and support for fieldwork/internships.
6. Obligation: Participants are typically obligated to return to their home country to contribute to its development, often by resuming their previous employment.