The research activities of the ISJFC include various studies and research projects based on local surveys and fieldwork.
　At present, the institute is overseeing three types of project: “A. Core Joint Research Project,” “B. Basic Joint Research Projects” and “C. Topical Joint Research Projects.” Moreover, in order to better understand the lives and cultures of the people of various regions as a whole, the institute gathers, organizes, and preserves various materials found in each region, such as ancient writings, mingu (folk implements), photographs, paintings, works of architecture, and landscapes. The institute analyzes them from a unique perspective. The institute also shares the results of its research through catalogs, collections of documents, and collections of essays. Moreover, in order to deepen exchanges with researchers in each region, it also carries out research groups according to each theme.
　From FY2023, a collaborative research project is being conducted utilizing archived materials at the Institute for the Study of Japanese Folk Culture, Kanagawa University after an open call for research ideas.