US-Japan Leadership Program

The US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP) launched in 2000 with the purpose of creating lifelong friendship, continuous dialogue, and greater shared understanding through a next-gen network of both rising and established thought-leaders, innovators and boundary-breakers in the U.S. and Japan.

It starts this process by bringing some 40 Japanese and Americans, ages 28-42, together as Delegates to two intensive weeklong conferences (one in the U.S. and one in Japan) over two years. At these conferences, participants engage in interactive discussions around topics of importance for the U.S. and Japan to understand and cross-examine, and take part in cultural and recreational experiences designed to cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of the individuals in each cohort and the host country. The Program is designed to keep the leaders in touch with each other throughout their careers through a dedicated member website and online directory, frequent reunions and regular contact via members-only online communication groups. To date, 499 young leaders have participated in USJLP.

The United States-Japan Foundation actively seeks to deepen the ties between the United States and Japan by sponsoring and operating the US-Leadership Program. The Program is managed by USJF secretariats in both the U.S. and Japan. An Advisory Council of Japanese and American Fellows (participants who successfully attended previous conferences in both the U.S. and Japan) of the Program acts as the main alumni voice and lends support and council to the Program’s development and activities.

Applications are open through January 8, 2024 for candidates who wish to enter the Program as Delegates to the 2024 U.S. and 2025 Japan Conferences. Eligible candidates must hold U.S. or Japan citizenship, be between the ages of 28 and 42 as of the first day of the 2024 conference (July 27, 2024) and have demonstrated leadership in their respective fields.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV, personal statement, brief self-intro video, and up to two (2) personal references. Please visit the USJLP Applications page for complete details and instructions.

To learn more about nominating a prospective young leader and/or how to officially support the candidacy of someone applying for USJLP, please click here

USJLP Conferences


 US-Japan Leadership Program

Recap: Japan 2023

The 22nd USJLP Conference was held in Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo over July 23-30, 2023.

 US-Japan Leadership Program

Upcoming: Seattle 2024

The 23rd USJLP Conference is scheduled to be held in Seattle, WA over July 27 – August 3, 2024.


Learn More at USJLP.org