Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2026 October Newsletter, the fourth edition of the USJF Newsletter this year. This issue opens with the call for applications and nominations for the USJLP Class of 2027-2028 and updates from the USJLP community, including the Palo Alto Conference recap. It also covers recognition for two members of the USJF community, news from our annual awards, and a Trends & Trendsetters piece for nonprofits weighing grant funding.

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In the Spotlight

Call for Applications and Nominations: USJLP 2027-2028

Applications are open for the US-Japan Leadership Program's Class of 2027-2028 until Monday, November 16. Eligible candidates must hold U.S. or Japanese citizenship, be between the ages of 28 and 42, and have demonstrated leadership in their respective fields.
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US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP)

Inside the USJLP 2026 Palo Alto Conference

Take a day-by-day look back at the week of dialogue and connection at the 2026 Palo Alto Conference, with reflections from Delegates.

Six USJLP Members on the Ballot in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

Six USJLP members are running in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, seeking offices that range from governor to the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures.

USJLP Gathers for Reception with Japanese Ambassador

On October 16, the USJLP community joined Ambassador Shigeo Yamada for a reception at his official residence in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Photo: Courtesy of the Embassy of Japan

Community News

Our Community News section highlights events, announcements, and milestones from the USJF network.

Haruto Okabe, USJF Japan Representative, Named to Forbes JAPAN's 30 UNDER 30

Haruto was recognized in Forbes JAPAN's 30 UNDER 30 list for 2026 for his impactful work in promoting philanthropy in Japan.

Former USJF Vice President Tomoyuki Watanabe to Receive Foreign Minister's Commendation

Tomo was honored with Japan's Foreign Minister's Commendation for his promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.

📸 See more photos from the ceremony on our social media!

USJF Awards

USJF presents two annual awards: the Young Mayors Award, which recognizes most promising young municipal leaders in Japan, and the Richard J. Samuels Dissertation Award in Japanese Studies, which recognizes outstanding social science research on contemporary Japan conducted in the U.S.

Mayor Hiroto Fujii of Minokamo City Completes Study Visit to Dubuque, Iowa, Under Young Mayors Award

The inaugural recipient shares insights from his visit on sustainable urban development and civic engagement. Applications for the next cycle are open until Friday, January 29.

USJF Names Harvard PhD Kim as Winner of Richard J. Samuels Dissertation Award in Japanese Studies

Dr. Gene T. Kim won this year's award for his work on Korea-Japan relations and oceanic decolonization, highlighting historical maritime conflicts. Details on the next cycle will follow soon.

Trends & Trendsetters

In Trends & Trendsetters, we spotlight emerging issues and best practices shaping the nonprofit sector in both countries.

Do You Need a Grant — Or Something Else First?

Assess your nonprofit's readiness for grants by understanding eligibility, compliance costs, and the impact on your mission before applying for funding.

Thank you for reading. We are grateful to the partners, grantees, Fellows, and friends who share their time, ideas, and news with USJF throughout the year. If something in this issue is relevant to someone in your network, please feel free to pass it along. We look forward to being in touch again in the next edition.

Know someone who may be a fit for USJLP? Please encourage them to apply by Monday, November 16.

— USJF Communications Team