Why is the JGRAD PhD database ending?

Hosei University relayed a NISTEP termination notice stating the service will end. The public post does not detail reasons. We advise relying on official university messages and NISTEP updates as they appear. Until then, plan for continuity using school career centers and private platforms that offer clear consent and verification.

What happens to my data in JGRAD?

The notice says universities will later inform registrants about data handling. Expect guidance on retention, consent updates, or deletion. Watch your university email and portal. Keep copies of what you submitted. If offered, use official forms to update consent or request removal, and log confirmations for your records.

How does this affect companies hiring PhDs in Japan?

Companies lose a central, public signal on doctoral talent. Expect longer sourcing times and more fragmented data. Shift efforts to direct outreach with universities, consent-first HR-tech platforms, and verified alumni channels. Track metrics like time-to-fill and 12-month retention to measure the cost impact and adjust budgets accordingly.

Where can investors track doctoral talent trends now?

Blend sources: MEXT statistics, university career pages, alumni groups, conference programs, grant announcements, and reputable job platforms. Validate coverage and freshness. Maintain a rolling dashboard to compare cohorts by field and region. Prioritize data with explicit consent and audit trails to reduce compliance risk and improve signal quality.

When will the shutdown take effect?

Hosei’s post dated February 21, 2026 indicates new registrations are already closed, with termination ahead. A precise end date was not stated. Monitor university notices for timing and data handling steps. Prepare interim workflows so recruiting and partnerships continue without gaps during the transition.

Global Market Insights

February 22: Japan to End JGRAD PhD Database; Universities to Notify Users

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Japan’s JGRAD PhD database is ending, according to a university notice relaying NISTEP’s plans. The JGRAD PhD database stopped accepting new registrations, and universities will inform users about data handling. For investors, this is a key change in Japan research policy that reduces a public signal on doctoral talent. We outline what is known, what may change next, and how to adjust hiring, partnership, and HR-tech theses in Japan.