Leadership Program
The USJLP fellowship brings together emerging U.S. and Japanese leaders for immersive conferences to foster cross-cultural dialogue, leadership, and collaboration on science and societal issues.
Funder: United States-Japan Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027: Full application deadline | January 2027: Personal Referral submission deadline
Funding Amounts: All-expenses-paid participation in two week-long conferences (Japan & US); no direct cash award.
Summary: Annual fellowship for emerging U.S. and Japanese leaders to build cross-cultural ties through immersive conferences and lifelong network engagement.
Key Information: Only U.S. or Japanese citizens ages 28–42 are eligible; at least one referral required by deadline.
Description
The United States-Japan Foundation’s Leadership Program (USJLP) is a prestigious, fully funded fellowship that annually brings together 20 emerging leaders from the United States and Japan. Over two consecutive summers, Delegates participate in immersive, week-long conferences—one in each country—focused on cross-cultural dialogue, leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving. Successful completion of the program confers lifelong USJLP Fellow status, connecting participants to an active, influential alumni network committed to advancing U.S.-Japan relations. The program is open to a diverse range of professional backgrounds and is designed to foster meaningful, enduring partnerships between next-generation leaders in both nations.
