The United States-Japan Foundation is proud to announce the Class of 2026 Delegates to the US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP), a distinguished cross-sector network of American and Japanese leaders committed to deepening mutual understanding, advancing collaboration, and fostering social impact between the two nations.
Since its launch in 2000, USJLP has brought together established and rising changemakers from across business, the arts, government, philanthropy, academia, and beyond. Through two immersive, weeklong conferences, one in the United States and one in Japan, Delegates build enduring relationships, engage in thoughtful dialogue on bilateral and global challenges, and take part in cultural and community-building experiences. Upon completing both conferences, participants become Fellows, joining a lifelong network of more than 550 members committed to ongoing dialogue, partnership, and shared impact.
This year, 26 incoming Delegates (13 Americans and 13 Japanese) will join 19 returning second-year Delegates (10 Americans and 9 Japanese) to form the Class of 2026, which will convene in Palo Alto from July 25 to August 1, 2026. Selected through a highly competitive process, this year’s Delegates include elected officials, military and civic leaders, space and technology innovators, artists and journalists, scholars, and nonprofit and business founders whose work engages many of today’s most consequential challenges, from AI governance and economic resilience to public health, education, democracy, migration, and disaster resilience. The Class of 2026 reflects the program’s enduring commitment to excellence, diversity, and bold leadership, bringing together an exceptional range of perspectives to help shape a more connected and resilient future for the United States and Japan.