Watanabe Democracy Fellowship
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What Is the Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship?
The Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship fosters a network of emerging Japanese leaders committed to strengthening global democracy and deepening the US-Japan relationship.
The Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship is a signature initiative of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM). Designed for emerging leaders from Japan, the year-long program provides professional development opportunities that deepen their understanding of democratic values and practices. A core component is a two-week delegation visit to the United States, where fellows engage with leaders in government, business, and civil society. Beyond the delegation, the fellowship fosters lasting connections through an active alumni network. Its goal is to cultivate a global cohort of leaders committed to strengthening democracy for future generations while deepening the US-Japan relationship.
Fostering Connections for a Democratic Future
Facilitate Dialogue and Collaboration
Provide Fellows with opportunities for sustained dialogue and collaborative exchange with American counterparts that foster mutual understanding and shared learning.
Deepen Knowledge of Democracy in Practice
Expose Fellows to the history, values, and systems of American democracy—along with the challenges it faces in a diverse society—to strengthen their capacity as leaders and advocates.
Strengthen US-Japan Relations
Build lasting connections that reinforce the US-Japan partnership and empower Fellows to contribute to the global advancement of democratic principles.
Japanese American National Museum (JANM)
Established in 1985, JANM promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Located in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, JANM is a center for civil rights, ensuring that the hard-fought lessons of the World War II incarceration are not forgotten. A Smithsonian Affiliate and one of America’s Cultural Treasures, JANM is a hybrid institution that straddles traditional museum categories. JANM is a center for the arts as well as history. It provides a voice for Japanese Americans and a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. LEARN MORE
Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center)
The Democracy Center is a place where visitors can examine the Asian American experience, past and present, and talk about race, identity, social justice, and the shaping of democracy. It convenes and educates people of all ages about democracy to transform attitudes, celebrate culture, and promote civic engagement; educates and informs the public and public officials about important issues; creates strength within and among communities to advocate for positive change; and explores the values that shape American democracy. The Democracy Center looks for solutions that engage communities in self-advocacy, explore the evolving idea of what it means to be an American, and result in actions that bring everyone together. LEARN MORE
Partnering Organization
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation serves as the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship’s Washington, DC, implementing partner.
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
The Foundation was created in 1983 to advance Maureen and Mike Mansfield’s life-long efforts to promote understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples of Asia and the United States. The Foundation sponsors exchanges, dialogues, and publications that create networks among U.S. and Asian leaders, explore the underlying issues influencing public policies, and increase awareness about the nations and peoples of Asia. The Foundation has offices in Washington, DC, Tokyo, Japan, and Missoula, Montana. LEARN MORE
The Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship is generously supported by contributions from entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr. Toshizo Watanabe.
Mr. Toshizo Watanabe
Chairman of The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation
In 1971, Toshizo Watanabe studied abroad at Brandeis University in the United States through a scholarship he had received during his previous enrollment at Keio University in Japan. Following these studies Mr. Watanabe, through his experience as an entrepreneur, has made tremendous financial contributions to a wide variety of organizations responsible for promoting both educational and international exchange opportunities for younger generations. In 2023, Mr. Watanabe was honored with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commendation Award in recognition of his efforts to foster mutual understanding between the US and Japan and to promote the preservation of Japanese culture.
Applications for the 2026 Watanabe Democracy Fellowship Open Soon
The Democracy Center at JANM will accept applications for the 2026 Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship from October 27, 2025, through January 15, 2026.
2026 APPLICATION ONLINE INFO SESSION DOWNLOAD FLYER