USJLP 2025-2026 Application Cycle Announced

Since 2000, the US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP) has been devoted to 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.

Over the course of two summers, some 40 Japanese and Americans, ages 28-42, are brought together as Delegates to two intensive weeklong conferences (one in the U.S. and one in Japan). 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. After Delegates attend their first USJLP conference, they gain lifelong access to the unique pool of talent, connections, and opportunities that membership in the USJLP network makes possible.

Applications are now open for candidates who wish to enter the Program as Delegates to the 2025 Japan and 2026 U.S. 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 2025 conference (July 27, 2025), and have demonstrated leadership in their respective fields.

USJLP aspires to select and convene talented and dedicated individuals with a mix of expertise, personal characteristics, values, and worldviews arising from differences of culture and circumstance. Leaders from every imaginable background are encouraged to apply for USJLP membership. Due consideration is given annually to a diverse representation in the final cohort across lines of gender, race, ethnicity, age, political, regional, social, professional, and educational backgrounds, as well as experience with the other country.

The 2025 Japan Conference will be held Sunday, July 27 - Sunday, August 3, 2025. Delegates who start the Program in 2025 are expected to return for their second year at the 2026 Conference, to be held at a TBA time and location in the U.S. in July 2026 (planned). Learn more about USJLP conferences here.

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.

The application deadline is Monday, January 6, 2025.

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. Applicants will be notified of the results in March 2025.