The International Affairs Fellowship in Japan is a Council on Foreign Relations program sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd. It places mid-career U.S. professionals with host institutions in Japan to research geopolitical issues affecting U.S.–Japan relations.
CFR helps identify a host organization, while each host makes its own placement decision. The full-time fellowship is designed to build new research, cross-cultural experience, and longer-term professional ties.
Benefits & funding
- A monthly stipend of $7,700 for a fellowship lasting three to twelve months.
- A $5,000 travel grant.
- CFR assists with identifying a suitable host organization in Japan, but cannot guarantee a specific placement.
- Fellows are independent contractors and do not receive CFR employee benefits, including health insurance.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens and mid-career professionals with a strong record of professional achievement.
- Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have an interest in U.S.–Japan relations.
- A U.S. passport must remain valid until six months after the fellowship ends.
- The program is full-time and in person, with fellows expected to work on-site at least three days each week.
- Prior experience in Japan and Japanese-language knowledge are not required; applicants with prior Japan experience must show that the fellowship would add a significant new dimension to their career.
- The fellowship does not fund predoctoral or postdoctoral research, degree work, or projects already substantially completed.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
USA
Education required
Bachelor · Master · PhD
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Application process
- 1Apply online through CFR’s Submittable portal when the next application window opens.
- 2Enter the required biographical, educational, and employment information.
- 3Submit a project proposal, proposed host placements, and two letters of support.
- 4If shortlisted by the selection committee, take part in an interview.
Program timeline
October 31, 2025
Most recent application deadline for the 2026–27 cycle.
Fall 2026
CFR expects online applications to open for the 2027–28 cycle.
CFR expects to notify awardees.
Spring 2027