Welcome to the 2026 August Newsletter. This period has been marked by continued momentum across the United States-Japan Foundation network, including the announcement of our second-quarter grantees, a successful USJLP Annual Conference in Palo Alto, and important updates to our grant application process. In this issue, we also feature new research findings, a grantee spotlight on memory and resilience in Tōhoku, and a look at how impact philanthropy is taking shape in Japan.
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To provide more timely updates on the activities, research, and milestones across our network, the USJF Newsletter is now delivered to your inbox every two months.
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In the Spotlight
USJF Announces 2026 Second Quarter Grantees
The 9 projects supported in this quarter advance U.S.-Japan cooperation across a range of issue areas, including cultural diplomacy and historical commemoration, nonprofit sector capacity-building, legacy and planned giving, youth social withdrawal, indigenous maritime knowledge and marine resilience, cross-border pro bono legal ecosystems, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Read more
US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP)
Palo Alto 2026 Conference
The 2026 USJLP Annual Conference in Silicon Valley ended in resounding success. Check out our social media for quick daily recaps, and stay tuned for our full Community News report!
📢 In the meantime, browse #USJLP and #USJLP2026 across social media to see the conference through the eyes of our Delegates and returning Fellows.
Grant Application Updates
Two changes to USJF's grant application process are taking effect.
Revision to 2026Q3/Q4 Grant Submission Deadlines
We updated our 2026 grant Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission deadlines for the third and fourth quarters.
Our Community News section highlights events, announcements, and milestones from the USJF network.
USJF-Matched Fundraiser for Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Reaches $25,000 Goal in Six Days
Our thoughts at USJF/USJLP are with all those affected by the earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, and we thank our community for their generosity in personal giving and in spreading the word.
Forbes Japan Features Impact Philanthropy Advanced by USJF-Funded Project
See how impact philanthropy, shaping Japan's charitable landscape through strategic funding practices and collaboration, was highlighted in Forbes Japan.
In the USJF Research series, we share commissioned and supported works that bring exchange of ideas across sectors.
Machine learning unveils temperature and mobility as critical predictors of urban crime in New York City (2008–2022): insights for sustainable urban systems
What if the key to safer cities isn't more policing — but more shade?
USJF-supported team uses machine learning to analyze 15 years of New York City data.
The Grantee Profile series showcases the people and organizations making a difference with support from USJF.
Fukushima Now: Where Memories Live
Arif Khan's immersive documentary, Fukushima Now, explores memory and loss in Tōhoku through virtual reality, capturing personal stories from survivors of the 2011 disaster.
We remain thankful for the partners, grantees, fellows, and friends whose participation gives the USJF network its strength on both sides of the Pacific. This issue reflects just a portion of that ongoing work, and we're glad to share it with you. Thank you for reading, and we'll be back with more in the next edition.
— USJF Communications Team
United States-Japan Foundation 1816 Jefferson Place NW Washington, D.C. 20036 USA
