Watanabe Democracy Fellowship
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What Is the Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship?
The Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship aims to advance global democracy and strengthen ties between the United States and Japan by promoting democratic values, as well as fostering understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
The Watanabe Democracy Fellowship is a professional development program designed for an annual cohort of emerging leaders from Japan across various sectors, including government, the arts, media, education, nonprofits/NGOs, and the corporate world. The program focuses on democracy, diversity, and inclusion, offering a delegation visit to the U.S., along with ongoing initiatives to build and maintain a strong alumni network. The fellowship aims to foster dialogue and cooperation between the Fellows and their American counterparts, while also strengthening the U.S.-Japan relationship to promote global democracy.
Building a Future Rooted in Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice
Fellows gain a deeper understanding of American democracy by exploring the Japanese American experience, examining social issues, and reflecting on the role of citizen participation in politics.
Participants engage with efforts to build societies where people of diverse backgrounds can live authentically and equitably.
The fellowship promotes mutual understanding and solidarity between the U.S. and Japan, with the goal of advancing democracy worldwide.
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
Mr. Toshizo Watanabe
Chairman of The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation
The Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship is generously supported by contributions from entrepreneur and philanthropist Mr. Toshizo Watanabe.
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 U.S. and Japan and to promote the preservation of Japanese culture.
Announcing the 2025 Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellows
2025 Fellows
Goal: Advancing global democracy through the creation of a strong partnership between Japan and the United States
The Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship, launched in 2024, is a leadership training program designed for the future leaders of Japan. We are thrilled to announce eight fellows selected to participate in the 2025 Watanabe Democracy Fellowship.