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.
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.