U.S.-Japan Council Emerging Leaders Program 2025

Applications for the U.S.-Japan Council Emerging Leaders Program 2025 are now open. The U.S.-Japan Council’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) cultivates and empowers the next generation of Japanese American leaders. Participants engage in leadership development, form meaningful professional connections, and build lasting personal friendships.

Each year, a new cohort of individuals aged 24-35 is selected to attend the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference, become USJC Associate Members, and join a growing network of alumni committed to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. Through access to their broad network and exposure to timely and relevant topics, the program inspires participants to champion strong and positive U.S.-Japan ties in both their personal and professional lives.

United by a commitment to community and connection across the Pacific, ELP members draw strength from their diversity and shared vision, fueling lasting impact and inspiration.

2025 Program

Now in its sixteenth year, the Emerging Leaders Program will welcome 10 to 12 exceptional Japanese American professionals to participate in the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference and Members Day in Honolulu. This prestigious gathering brings together regional, national, and international leaders from government, business, academia, and nonprofit sectors to explore the current state and future of the U.S.-Japan partnership across a wide range of timely and relevant topics. Through direct access to senior leaders and exposure to these critical discussions, the program encourages participants to become active champions of strong and enduring U.S.-Japan relations.

Benefits of Council Emerging Leaders

• Selected participants will become Associate Members of the U.S.-Japan Council, with their first year’s membership dues waived (membership is typically by invitation or nomination).
• All travel and program-related expenses for the Conference are fully covered.

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Eligibility for Council Emerging Leaders

Candidates for the Emerging Leaders Program should be Japanese American professionals who meet the following criteria:

• Age: 24–35 years old at the time of the Conference
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Residence: Residing in the United States or Japan, with the ability to travel to Honolulu for the Annual Conference
• Passion for U.S.-Japan relations: Demonstrated through professional, academic, extracurricular, or community involvement
• Leadership: Proven leadership experience in professional or community settings
• Commitment: Dedication to remain actively involved in U.S.-Japan Council programs and initiatives

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Application

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit the following materials. A PDF packet including the first three documents below will be required, as well as a short introductory video. All materials must be in English.

• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Letter(s) of Recommendation (limit 2, may be submitted separately via email)
• Short video (see prompt in application form below, limit 3 minutes)
• Optional: other supporting materials

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

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