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.
Fellowship Award
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.
CFR assists fellows in finding a host organization that matches their proposed work in Japan. A nonexclusive list of cooperating institutions in Japan can be found below. All placements are made at the discretion of the host institution. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as a full-time in-person experience for the duration of the fellowship; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization in Japan at least three days per week.
Eligibility
- 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.
The IAF in Japan program does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research, work toward a degree, or the completion of projects on which substantial progress has been made before the fellowship begins. The program is meant to be a transformational experience that enables awardees to develop new skills, pursue new avenues of research, or otherwise take a significant step in their career development. Although the program is intended primarily for those without experience in Japan, applicants with experience in Japan will be considered if they can demonstrate that the fellowship would add a significant new dimension to their career. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not a requirement for the fellowship.
The IAF in Japan provided me with an opportunity to immerse myself culturally and professionally in the society of a vital U.S. ally.
How to Apply
The application window for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle is now closed. Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online in the fall, for the 2027–28 fellowship cycle. Awardees will be notified by spring 2027.
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
- Project proposal and proposed placements
- Two letters of support
Selection Process
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
The selection process is highly competitive. A selection committee reviews all applications and selects the most promising applicants for interviews. CFR awards three to five fellowships each year. A strong preference is given to candidates who have never received a CFR fellowship.
My experience both deepened and broadened my understanding of regional security. I gained better appreciation for how Japan fits into Sino-U.S. relations…I look at the map of the Pacific with a fresh perspective on its opportunities and risks because of the IAF.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact [email protected]