Are JSPS postdocs political?

I plan to apply for a JSPS postdoctoral fellowship this spring. I have already found a professor willing to sponsor my application and have already written my research proposal. My field is international relations and the proposal has to do with some aspect of Japan's foreign policy.

I am, thus, wondering if JSPS selection criteria are purely academic or political as well (candidates from priority countries etc), as is the case with other similar programs in Asia (or the Fulbright in the US).

Thank you.