Fellowship Application Guidelines
JA | EN
2026 Watanabe Democracy Fellowship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Background: Midcareer professionals from multiple sectors including business, government, arts, media, NPO/NGO, and education. This includes those working for companies or organizations, as well as those who are self-employed.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Japanese citizens or Special Permanent Residents
- Residency: Applicants must live in Japan at the time of application or the in-person orientation in June 2026
- Age: 45 years or under at the time of application
- Work Experience: Must have at least 5 years of work experience
- English Proficiency (guideline): TOEIC 850, TOEFL 600 (iBT 100) or above.
*The US delegation program will be conducted fully in English. - Other Criteria:
- Evidence of leadership skills and potential for further growth
- A demonstrated commitment to the public good
- Interest in democratic values, cultural understanding, collaboration across various sectors, and the U.S.-Japan relationship
- Position or career path that offers opportunities to have impact and influence on shaping policy, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, promoting civic engagement and/or education
- Commitment to stay engaged with, and support the growth of, the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship Alumni Network
- Must be able to attend the in-person orientation in Tokyo from June 19 through June 21, 2026 (June 21 is morning only)
- Must be able to attend the US delegation from September 28 through October 8, 2026
- Must have a valid passport for travel to the US in September and October 2026
Application Period
October 27, 2025 - January 15, 2026
Required Documents
Please submit both the Application Form and the Recommendation Form (completed by your recommender) using the link below.
Please complete the online form with your basic information and attach your English CV (max 2 pages) and a Personal Statement in English (500-750 words). Once received, a confirmation email will be sent to the applicant within two business days.
Personal Statement
- Please describe your personal goals as a future leader, and how participation in the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship will advance them.
- What are your specific interests in advancing democracy, Inclusion, and the US-Japan relationship?
2. Candidate Recommendation Form
Each applicant must have one recommender submit a recommendation form (in Japanese or English) by Thursday, January 15, 2026. Applications without a recommendation will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their recommender submits the form on time. Once received, confirmation emails will be sent to both the applicant and recommender within two business days.
Selection and Notification
- Selection: After an initial internal review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an interview with program staff, which will be conducted in English. Then, a selection committee composed of representatives from the community, corporate, academic, and government partners, will review the top candidates.
- Selection Policy: Review will focus on an applicant’s alignment with the established selection criteria. In deciding the candidate finalists, the selection committee will further consider additional group standards for the cohort, such as diversity of experience, gender balance, regional representation, and various professions.
- Notification of Selection Results: Applicants will be notified of the selection results by email by the end of March 2026. The selected awardees will be announced on this website in April 2026.
- Submission of Letter of Acceptance for Participation: Awardees are required to submit an Acceptance Form confirming their participation within 14 days of notification of selection. As a timely response is required to make group travel arrangements, failure to submit the required documents by the submission deadline will result in forfeiture of place in program.
What the Fellowship Covers:
- Economy-class airfare from a Japanese airport to Los Angeles and from Washington, DC back to Japan for the US Delegation Visit
- For those living outside the Tokyo metropolitan area: domestic transportation and accommodation to attend the orientation in Tokyo in June 2026
- Accommodation in the US during the US Delegation program
- Meals in the US during the program *if meals are not provided, a per diem will be given
- Entrance fees and other costs at sites visited during the US Delegation program.
- Transportation within the US related to the Delegation program
- Travel insurance *up to the amount specified by the fellowship; Participants must purchase their own insurance and will receive reimbursement
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application fee *Participants must apply individually and will receive reimbursement
- eSIM expenses during the US Delegation program *up to the amount specified by the fellowship
- Two-year membership to the Japanese American National Museum.
Expectations of Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellows
The Watanabe Democracy Fellows must comply with the following:
- Participate fully in the in-person orientation to be held in Tokyo from Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21, 2026
- Participate fully in all scheduled meetings during the delegation visit to the US to be held from Monday, September 28 through Thursday, October 8, 2026 (returning to Japan on October 10).
- Complete post-delegation evaluation questionnaire and personal reflection essay and report within 30 days of the end of the delegation visit.
- Planning and execution of a public program
- Commitment to stay engaged with, and support the growth of, the Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship Alumni Network in the future.
Inquiries
For inquiries, please contact the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship at democracyfellowship@janm.org.