The Embassy of Japan in Cyprus has announced the opening of applications for the Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative (JEC) Fund Grant programme, offering funding of up to ¥5 million, around the equivalent of €27,000 per project for eligible initiatives to be implemented between April 1, 2027, and March 31, 2028.
Applications will be accepted from September 1 to September 30, 2026.
The programme supports projects that are related to Japan and promote international cultural exchange, strengthen international goodwill, or advance education and academic study. Eligible academic projects include international conferences in the basic natural sciences, excluding engineering and medical sciences, where available operational funding is considered insufficient despite the importance of the event.
According to the Embassy, grants are paid after the completion of the approved project, once all expenses have been settled and final financial accounts have been submitted.
The JEC Fund was established using part of the revenues generated by Expo ’70 in Osaka. Since 1971, it has supported approximately 4,800 projects worldwide with total grants amounting to around ¥19.7 billion, promoting the Expo's vision of international understanding and cooperation.
For the 2027 fiscal year, the programme has earmarked approximately ¥135 million in total funding.
Applications must be submitted by international mail to the Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund Department of the Kansai Osaka 21st Century Association in Osaka, Japan.
The Embassy of Japan in Cyprus, established in 2018, said it continues to promote Japanese culture and educational exchanges in Cyprus through cultural events, educational activities and grant programmes.
