International Affairs Fellowship in Japan
Forecasted
International Affairs Fellowship in Japan supports mid-career U.S. professionals pursuing research at Japanese host institutions to strengthen U.S.-Japan understanding and cooperation.
Funder: Council on Foreign Relations
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $7,700 monthly stipend for 3–12 months, plus a $5,000 travel grant
Summary: Supports mid-career U.S. professionals conducting research at Japanese host institutions to strengthen U.S.-Japan understanding and cooperation.
Key Information: Full-time, in-person fellowship requiring on-site work in Japan at least four days per week.
Description
The International Affairs Fellowship in Japan is administered by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd. Founded in 1997, it supports mid-career professionals researching core geopolitical issues affecting the U.S.-Japan relationship, including defense spending, trade, critical minerals, and export controls. Research may address U.S.-Japanese relations, national security, or emerging technology.
Through placements at Japanese host institutions, fellows build long-term professional and personal ties while deepening cross-cultural communication and cooperation. The program is intended as a transformational career experience: an opportunity to develop new skills, pursue new research directions, and gain a different professional perspective. CFR helps fellows identify host organizations aligned with their proposed work.
