democracy center building

Fellowship Program

JA | EN
 

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship

The Watanabe Democracy Fellowship is a program of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM). Each year, 10 Fellows are selected to participate in a program that includes a two-week delegation visit to the U.S. during the summer, along with opportunities for year-round learning and networking with peers in Japan. The program is open to emerging and mid-career Japanese leaders under the age of 45, from various sectors.

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Interested in Applying to the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship?

Online Information Session

Free/Registration Required 

During this Zoom information session, we will provide explanations in Japanese regarding the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship program, including the program outline, application process, and fees. There will also be a Q&A session for participants.

Date/time: Sat, December 7, 10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. JPT  Register Here
 

*A video recording will be available on this website at a later date. Those unable to attend the live session can view the recorded videos for reference. For any additional inquiries, please contact: democracyfellowship@janm.org

 

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Purpose

Interactive Program for Cultivating Next-Generation Leadership

The Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship promotes democracy, diversity, and mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. by bringing together talented young leaders from Japan, creating a network that spans various fields.

Cooperative relationships between democratic nations like Japan and the United States are essential to advancing democracy globally. While the U.S. and Japan are strong allies, maintaining this alliance requires continued collaboration and understanding between the two nations.

Leveraging the resources, archives, and networks of the Japanese American National Museum and the Democracy Center, this Fellowship provides opportunities for learning and interactive dialogue about American society, history, democracy, and the challenges we face in strengthening democratic values.

Through the two-week U.S. Delegation Visit, Fellows will gain insights into how democracy, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. have taken root in both societies. Fellows will also observe how individuals today shape government policies and systems to drive change. Engaging talks with key figures involved in these efforts will provide opportunities for reciprocal learning, further strengthening the bonds between Japan and the U.S.

During the visit, Fellows from diverse backgrounds will participate in discussions, debates, and activities that encourage mutual learning and foster connections beyond their areas of expertise. Ongoing engagement beyond the U.S. Delegation Visit includes Fellowship events and mentorship provided by past Fellows. These interactions ensure that the Fellowship network remains meaningful and valuable throughout their lives.

In today’s interconnected world, cross-border partnerships are essential. By fully engaging in the democratic process and building relationships based on cooperation, we foster societies that value and protect human rights, freedoms, equity, and social justice—values that are fundamental to any democracy.

 

President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida applaud the Japanese American illustration of white houseNational Museum’s new Toshizo Watanabe Democracy Fellowship to promote global democracy and strengthen U.S.-Japan ties.
FACT SHEET: Japan Official Visit with State Dinner to the United States, April 10, 2024 

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Fellowship Outline

Each year, a cohort of Fellows is selected to participate in the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship, which includes the U.S. Delegation Visit, held annually in late July. In preparation, Fellows will attend an orientation in Tokyo in late May. The orientation provides foundational learning on Japanese American history, U.S. government systems, and U.S.-Japan relations.

After completing the U.S. Delegation Visit, Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing programs in Japan, mentor future Fellows, and recommend new participants. They are also invited to attend the 2026 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Tokyo to further expand their networks.

 

group of people on rooftop city skyline in background

Schedule

2024

  • Mon. November 4: Acceptance of 2025 Fellowship applications begins

 

2025

  • Thurs. January 30: Application deadline
  • April: Announcement of selected 2025 Fellows
  • Fri. May 30 & Sat. May 31: Fellowship Orientation (Tokyo)
  • Mon. July 21 - Fri. August 1: U.S. Delegation Visit
  • Fall: Public program (Japan)
     

 

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U.S. Delegation Visit Content

During a nearly two-week stay in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Fellows explore issues related to American democracy, including diversity, minority representation, and solutions to social challenges. They also examine the roles of government agencies, nonprofits, and individuals in shaping policy, engaging directly with those involved in these activities. The program’s exploration of DEI concepts is grounded in understanding American society and democracy through a Japanese American perspective.

group tour of museum

JANM

group at manzanar monument

Manzanar National Historic Site

group in front of the white house

The White House

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Fellowship Details

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