Featured | U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant Launches to Empower Sister Cities as Catalysts for Change

Leadership Program

USJLP Top Page banner

Apply to Join USJLP

Each year, USJLP opens 20 spots for membership, selecting the top 10 applicants from Japan and America to form a diverse delegation of leading thinkers. For two consecutive summers, Delegates attend two full-week Conferences—one in the U.S. and one in Japan—where they collaborate on shared issues and connect through community-building activities and excursions.

Membership in USJLP is provisional until a new Delegate successfully completes their first Conference. Then, upon completion of their second Conference, Delegates graduate to Fellow status, a lifelong title that comes with additional privileges reserved for the USJLP Fellows network.
Delegate to Fellow progression no text-1
Fellows remain active in the network by nominating new candidates, attending and organizing events, and supporting the US-Japan Foundation’s mission for years to come. Fellows are also invited to join the end of each Conference for "Fellows Weekend."

Applications are now open for prospective candidates to the USJLP Class of 2026-2027 through Monday, January 5, 2026.

Access the 2026-2027 USJLP Application Submission Form

2019 group yukata in explosion circle

The Next USJLP Cohort

Applications for the USJLP Class of 2026-2027 are open through Monday, January 5, 2026. The Selection Committee will review applications during January and February, with notifications sent to applicants in March. For the 2026–2027 cycle, successful candidates will join USJLP as Delegates at the following Conferences:

🔹USA 2026 Conference
Saturday, July 25 (arrivals) to Saturday, August 1 (departures)
Palo Alto, California
🔹Japan 2027 Conference
Late-July / early August 2027
Location TBA

Meet the 2025 Delegates
US-JF site sized Class of 2016

Eligibility and Considerations

Candidates for USJLP must:

🔹Hold U.S. or Japanese citizenship.
🔹Start their first Conference between the ages of 28 and 42.
🔹Have demonstrated leadership in their respective field.
🔹Feel comfortable expressing themselves in English.
🔹Commit to attending two consecutive seven-day Conferences over two summers and hold interest in lifelong engagement with USJLP.

Icon_Design

What You Will Need

Delegates collaborating
The USJLP application consists of these primary components: (1) CV, (2) Personal Statement,  (3) Self-Introduction Video,  (4) Personal Referral sent through the Candidate Referral Form, and (5) an Application Submission Form.

All components must be received by Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM (local time in the applicant’s time zone) to be considered for the 2026–2027 cycle.

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Prepare a resume (maximum length: 2 pages) detailing recent work history and professional achievements. 

2. Personal Statement

Compose an essay that explicitly addresses the following questions in English (maximum length: 5,000 characters or approximately 800-1,000 words):

  • What matters most to you and why?
  • What has inspired you to apply to the US-Japan Leadership Program?
  • What will you bring to the USJLP network/community as a member? 
3. Self-Introduction Video

Prepare a brief (maximum length: 3 minutes) video as if you’ve already been selected and are introducing yourself to USJLP members for the first time. Use this opportunity to share anything about yourself, your life, or your work. The video should be straightforward and authentic; high production value is not necessary. Successful candidate videos will be shared with the cohort as a way for Delegates to get to know one another prior to the conference.  

4. Personal Referral

At least one personal referral must be submitted on your behalf through the separate USJLP Candidate Referral Form.

  • A maximum of two (2) Personal Referrals can be submitted.
  • Please be prepared to input the name, job title/affiliation, and email address of the person who will be serving as your Primary Referral (and Secondary Referral, if applicable) when filling out the online application form.
5. Application Submission Form

The 2026–2027 USJLP Application Submission Form collects the required components of your formal application, along with additional information used in the evaluation process. Please review the form carefully before beginning.

Submit the form only once, after you have prepared your CV/Resume, Personal Statement, and Self-Introduction Video.

The form will also ask for the full name, email address, and professional title of the person providing your Personal Referral (primary and, if applicable, secondary).

Finally, be prepared to complete the Candidate Q&A Corner at the end of the form. Please review these questions in advance to allow time for thoughtful responses.

Submision
Submission Process
All application materials should be prepared in advance and submitted through the Application Submission Form by the candidate, and the Candidate Referral Form by those formally supporting your application.
Deadline - dark blue
Application Deadline
Only fully complete applications received by the specified deadline (timestamed no later than 11:59pm in the candidate's time zone) will be considered. There are no exceptions for inquiries past the deadline. 
Confirmation - dark blue
Status Confirmations
Applicants will receive an immediate confirmation email, followed by a personal acknowledgment within two days after submission to confirm the status of application materials received.
US-JF site sized Delegates on boat rounded corners

Helpful Links

For questions about eligibility, referrals, participation requirements, selection process, and more, check out our FAQs page. 

To nominate or formally support a candidate for USJLP, click here.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us.

Join Our Mailing List
Submit Newsletter Form
Join us to stay connected and be the first to hear about our latest grants, projects, events and more.