Leadership Program

Where it All Starts: USJLP Annual Conferences

Every summer, USJLP brings together a cross-sector changemakers from the U.S. and Japan for a transformative week of dialogue, discovery, and connection. Held alternately in each country, these immersive conferences are where lifelong friendships are forged, and cross-cultural understanding deepens. New members apply to USJLP to become Delegates and attend two conferences over two years—one in Japan and one in the U.S.—building relationships that continue far beyond the program.

What to Expect

Substantive Dialogue: Participate in daily plenary sessions addressing critical issues facing the United States, Japan, and the world. Programming includes interactive workshops, participant-led discussions, and personal reflections designed to foster open, dynamic exchange.

Intensive Engagement: The program is designed for full immersion, with thoughtfully structured days that promote shared experiences and build enduring relationships.

Expansive Connections: Over the course of two conferences, Delegates cultivate strong bonds with 60 members in their cohorts and connect with Fellows (alumni) during two-day interclass programs at the end of each conference—broadening their network across multiple generations of leaders.

Inspiration and Discovery: Each cohort is carefully selected to include accomplished professionals leading meaningful work across diverse fields. Expect to be inspired by fresh perspectives, energized by new ideas, and challenged in the best ways.

Sample Schedule: Kyoto 2025

This outline offers a general sense of the flow and expectations for a typical conference week. A detailed schedule is shared with participants closer to the conference.

Delegate Program
Sunday, July 27 to Saturday, August 2, 2025
Delegates arrive by Sunday afternoon for check-in and welcome events. Each following day features a full schedule of sessions and off-site experiences, typically running from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The program concludes with a farewell reception Saturday evening.

Interclass Programming
Friday–Saturday, August 1–2, 2025
USJLP Fellows (alumni) return to join the Delegates for two days of cross-cohort sessions to broaden community connections.

Departures
Sunday, August 3, 2025

“A USJLP delegate is brilliant, bold, empathetic and curious. Put 40 of them in the same room and magic just happens. There has been no other experience in my adult life quite like it. To think I've only spent 10 days with some of the delegates, but it feels like I've known them for 10 years. It's a gift, and one that I will continue to carry with me throughout my life.”

Karin Tanabe (USJLP 2019, 2022)

Author, St. Martin’s Press

“USJLP family feels like an extended family, a third community that I was able to join as an adult. There is a sense of security and trust in the community, of being members who can collaborate, as well as go out together and talk. During the conference, I made each story with our classmates, and we continue to weave that story from now on. I learned from all of them: how to think, how to live, how to act, how to interact with people. USJLP is a community that helps me grow."

Kuni Nishimura (USJLP 2019, 2022)

Founder and CEO, Xcoo, Inc.

“John Steinbeck once said that we often spend so much time planning for a trip not to realize that the trip really plans us. This to me encapsulates my experience with USJLP. My trip started in Seattle, Washington in '22 and ended in Tokyo, Japan in '23. Over the course of a year and meeting two delegate classes, my perspective on US-Japan relations significantly expanded. I gained a family of global changemakers and grew so much personally. I leave the program a better leader ready and equipped to make our world a better, stronger and inclusive place for generations to come.”

Jean Accius (USJLP 2022-2023)

President & CEO, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities

“After the week of USJLP experience, I am noticing that I am seeing things differently. I feel a part of me got transformed completely and I look forward to figuring out what it is eventually. I learned so much from delegates and fellows. Their visions, leadership, vitality, humility, and charm are extraordinary. And most importantly, they are great humans with a big heart.”

Ayako Kotani Smethurst (USJLP 2022-2023)

Co-founder & Executive Director, Kizuna Across Cultures

“Fostering genuine human connection is what makes USJLP unique. Deep human understanding and connection with people who are committed to tackling social issues, sharing ideas, and bridging resources makes USJLP program special. The program's structure encourages open and honest discussions, fostering an environment where different perspectives can be shared, explored, and respected. This has not only broadened my understanding of critical issues affecting both the U.S. and Japan but has also deepened my appreciation for the cultural and historical ties that bind our nations.”

Stephanie Acosta (USJLP 2024-2025)

Program Officer, El Paso Community Foundation

“The USJLP seen from the outside and this community felt on the inside are completely different. Even if you have never been abroad or studied abroad, you can have the experience of creating something together with people from completely different cultures and backgrounds with a shared purpose in a short period of one week. This is important in any area of leadership in any field, and we feel as if we are friends who spent our senior year of high school together.”

Yusuke Tanoue (USJLP 2023-2024)

CEO and Chairman, Yamato Medical Group

Preparing for a Transformative Week

Attendance Commitment

Full participation in the seven-day conference is essential to the USJLP experience. Delegates are expected to attend independently and take part in all scheduled programming. Given the highly immersive nature of the program, scheduling conflicts may affect eligibility, and unexcused absences could impact ongoing membership. Because we aim to build a cohesive and fully engaged cohort, delegate-selects are not able to defer their first year of participation; those who become unavailable will be encouraged to reapply in a future cycle.

Language and Engagement

All programming is conducted in English. Delegates are encouraged to take an active role in shaping the experience—whether by presenting, moderating, leading workshops, or contributing to panel discussions. Active engagement is central to the spirit of the program.

Travel and Expenses

All core program costs are covered by the United States-Japan Foundation, including international and domestic airfare to the conference site, accommodations, group meals, in-program transportation, and all official activities. Delegates are responsible for personal incidentals and any expenses incurred during self-directed or off-hours activities.