International Affairs Fellowship in Japan 2026/2027 for U.S. Citizens (Funded)

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About International Affairs Fellowship in Japan

Founded in 1997, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Japan, sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd., seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders in the United States and Japan. This transformational program enables mid-career professionals to carry out research on core geopolitical issues affecting the U.S.-Japan relationship—such as defense spending, trade, critical minerals, and export controls—at host institutions in Japan and to establish long-term professional and personal ties through their activities. Individuals from academia, business, government, media, NGOs, and think tanks are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in Japan is not required.

• Sponsor Organisation: Council on Foreign Relations

Benefits of International Affairs Fellowship in Japan

• The fellowship runs between three and twelve months.
• The program awards a monthly stipend of $7,700 along with a $5,000 travel grant.
• Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are not eligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.
• No indirect costs can be deducted from the stipend.

International Affairs Fellowship in Japan Requirements

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
• Applicants must have a strong record of professional achievement.
• Applicants must have an interest in U.S.-Japan relations.
• Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Applicants must have a U.S. passport valid through six months after the fellowship end date. 

Application Date and Process

Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between September 15 and October 31, 2025, for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle. Awardees will be notified by January 30, 2026.

To apply, you will need to submit the following: 

• Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
• Project proposal and proposed placements
• Two letters of support

Application Deadline

31 October, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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