Welcome to the second edition of the USJF Newsletter for 2026. This quarter has marked a period of significant activity across the United States-Japan Foundation network, characterized by new grant announcements, the US-Japan Leadership Program Class of 2026 introduction, and critical policy dialogue. In this issue, we present the latest initiatives, collaborative symposiums, and sector insights that continue to advance cooperation and address shared challenges between the United States and Japan.
📩 The USJF Newsletter is now bi-monthly!
To provide more timely updates on the activities, research, and milestones across our network, the USJF Newsletter is transitioning from a quarterly schedule to a bi-monthly format.
Our social media is up and running. Please join the conversation.
In the Spotlight
USJF Announces 2026 First Quarter Grantees
The 16 projects supported in this quarter advance U.S.-Japan cooperation across a range of shared social, educational, humanitarian, and policy challenges, including social innovation, historical advocacy, and rural revitalization. Read more
US-Japan Leadership Program (USJLP)
Announcing the USJLP Class of 2026
We are delighted to introduce the Class of 2026 Delegates: a dynamic, cross-sector network of established and rising American and Japanese leaders committed to strengthening dialogue and impact between the two nations. Read more
📢 Stay tuned for the "Meet the Class of 2026" series on our social media for the spotlight on all 45 new and returning Delegates!
Community News
Our Community News section highlights events, announcements, and milestones from the USJF network.
USJF Symposium in Tokyo Reimagines the U.S.-Japan Friendship for the 21st Century
The symposium held on April 15 honored our recently retired colleague Tomoyuki Watanabe and emphasized cross-sector collaboration and social impact.
Buffalo/Kanazawa and Broomfield/Ueda Selected as Inaugural Recipients of U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant
Two sets of sister cities were selected as the first recipients of the U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant, funding innovative projects for sustainability and environmental education.
Roundtable Examines NPO and Stakeholder Roles in Foreign Residents and Refugee Support in Japan
A USJF and JCIE USA event in Tokyo explored NPO roles in addressing policy, public perceptions, and collaboration challenges in supporting foreign residents.
Featuring short reflections from experts across the USJF community, the USJF Forum series explores timely issues while fostering dialogue.
The Immigration Crucible: Assessing the U.S. and Japan Trajectories
As the U.S. and Japan face complex questions of immigration and refugee policy, nine contributors examine both countries' trajectories, their human costs, and what their choices reveal about their values and futures.
With thanks to the contributors of this edition: Hiroaki Ishii, Haruka Nagao Nagase, Sayaka Watanabe, Mao Narita, Paul Hastings, Sera Koulabdara, Stephanie Acosta, Mark Haidar, and Reyhaneh Maktoufi
USJF Research
In the USJF Research series, we share commissioned and supported works that bring exchange of ideas across sectors.
Japan Social Investment Intermediary Study
A new study by Social Finance reveals strategies for USJF to enhance Japan's impact investment market, addressing barriers and proposing actionable recommendations for systemic change.
The Grantee Profile series showcases the people and organizations making a difference with support from USJF.
Finding Each Other: Feminist Art, Translation, and the Work of Being Seen
The U.S.-Japan Feminist Art Network connects artists and scholars through a symposium that fosters dialogue and collaboration around gender and identity, reflecting an evolving cross-border community.
When the Map Isn't the Territory: How Digital Technologies Reveal Hidden Vulnerabilities in Disaster Planning
An international research team bridges digital technology and practitioner expertise to co-create dynamic disaster planning frameworks, enhancing the technical capacity of Japan's social sector and community response systems.
In Trends & Trendsetters, we spotlight emerging issues and best practices shaping the nonprofit sector in both countries.
The People Problem: Why Japan’s Nonprofits Are Losing the Talent They Can’t Afford to Lose
Investigate the talent crisis faced by Japan's nonprofits, losing staff due to unclear governance and low pay, threatening their ability to serve a growing demand. Featuring insights from Sadakazu Ikawa of SSIR-J on how governance drives retention.
As always, the progress and dialogue featured in this issue are made possible by the dedicated efforts of our partners, grantees, fellows, and friends across the Pacific. Your continued collaboration remains essential to sustaining meaningful engagement between our two nations. We appreciate your ongoing connection with the Foundation and look forward to sharing further developments.
— USJF Communications Team
United States-Japan Foundation 1816 Jefferson Place NW Washington, D.C. 20036 USA
