MEXT: Letter of Recommendation (LORA) Advice

Dear MEXT Scholars community,

I have passed the first screening process, submitted all my documentation to the embassy by 16 Aug. No issues, albeit, applying to two universities by 9 August and submitting 3x copies of my application by 16 August - veryifying all 3 of my letters of reccomendation was stressful.

I have applied to read Economics (Masters) at Kyoto University and Waseda University.

Kyoto rejected me (19 August) - no explicit reason. However, an implicit reason that my research may not be aligned with my chosen professor.

I tried to apply for UTokyo - who only accepted applications between 2 - 5 July only? I missed that deadline. Unknowingly.

Everything now hinges on Waseda University - I will hear the outcome of my appllication this week.

The main question(s) top of mind is:

What happens if I get rejected from both Kyoto and Waseda?

What should I do next?

Could I just reapply next year for the MEXT 2026 intake?

The crux of the trap that I think I've found myself in: I was dubious about the fact that a Field of Research plan had to be sponsored by a professor. Inherentely and with innocence, I have produced a research plan that does not exactly align with professors research interests at these Unieversities, however, pertains strong prevelance across Japan. I would strongly assume that one's research interests would develop as both an international student, and reading a masters over the 14 month period between landing and beginning a dissertation. - I am only interested in studying at a prestigious institute as well, one that is recognised globally, and will kickstart my career in Asia.

But all honest and candid advice about:

What happens if I get rejected from both Kyoto and Waseda?

What should I do next?

Could I just reapply next year for the MEXT 2026 intake?