International Affairs Fellowship in Japan 2026

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.

• Table of Content
• About Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
• Fellowships International Affairs Fellowship in Japan
• Aim and Benefits of Fellowships International Affairs Fellowship in Japan
• Requirements for Fellowships International Affairs Fellowship in Japan Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Fellowships International Affairs Fellowship in Japan
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Fellowships International Affairs Fellowship in Japan

Aim and Benefits of Fellowships 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.

Requirements for Fellowships International Affairs Fellowship in Japan Qualification

• 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. 

Interview date, Process and Venue for Fellowships International Affairs Fellowship in Japan

Selection as an IAF in Japan is based on the following criteria:

• Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience
• The merits and feasibility of a research project that deals with some aspect of U.S.-Japanese relations, national security, or emerging technology.
• Character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation
• The contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program at ALCHE 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

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

For more details, visit CFR Fellowship webpage