US-Japan Leadership Program
US-Japan Leadership Program supports emerging American and Japanese leaders through conferences, collaboration on shared issues, and a lifelong network to build connections between the two countries.
Funder: United States-Japan Foundation
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (2027–2028 application and personal referrals, 11:59 PM applicant’s local time)
Funding Amounts: Program duration: two seven-day conferences over consecutive summers, followed by lifelong Fellows membership
Summary: USJLP connects emerging American and Japanese leaders through conferences, collaboration on shared issues, and a lifelong professional community.
Key Information: Applicants must hold U.S. or Japanese citizenship and be ages 28–42 on July 18, 2027.
Description
The US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP), run by the United States-Japan Foundation, brings together rising leaders and leading thinkers from diverse professional fields in Japan and America. Its central experience is two full-week conferences over consecutive summers, one in each country. Delegates collaborate on shared issues, explore the countries’ societies, cultures, histories, and relations, and connect through community-building activities and excursions. Expertise in U.S.-Japan relations is not required.
Membership extends beyond the conferences. After completing their second conference, Delegates become Fellows in a lifelong network. Fellows remain involved by nominating candidates, organizing and attending events, collaborating with other members, and supporting the Foundation’s mission. They are also invited to return for Fellows Weekend at the end of each conference.
