US-Japan Leadership Program
US-Japan Leadership Program supports emerging U.S. and Japanese leaders through conferences and shared learning to explore common issues, exchange perspectives, and build lifelong bilateral connections.
Funder: United States-Japan Foundation
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (Application and personal referrals, 11:59 p.m. applicant’s local time)
Funding Amounts: Program participation spans two seven-day conferences over two consecutive summers
Summary: USJLP connects emerging U.S. and Japanese leaders through conferences, shared learning, and a lifelong bilateral network.
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 emerging leaders from Japan and the United States across professional fields. Delegates attend two full-week conferences over consecutive summers, one in each country, to explore shared issues through discussions, community-building activities, and excursions. Expertise in U.S.-Japan relations is not required.
The program seeks a diverse community whose members exchange perspectives, learn about one another’s lives and work, and build lasting connections. Membership is provisional until completion of the first conference. After completing both conferences, Delegates become Fellows, joining a lifelong network whose members nominate candidates, organize gatherings, collaborate, and support the Foundation’s mission.
