International Affairs Fellowship in Japan — Fellowship

The International Affairs Fellowship in Japan is run by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd., to build ties between rising U.S. and Japanese leaders.

Mid-career professionals from academia, business, government, media, NGOs and think tanks join a host institution in Japan to research geopolitical issues in U.S.–Japan relations, such as defense spending, trade, critical minerals and export controls.

Benefits & funding

$7,700 monthly stipend for three to twelve months, plus a $5,000 travel grant.
Full-time and in person: on-site with the Japanese host at least three days a week.
CFR helps find a host, but the host decides and no placement is guaranteed.
Fellows are independent contractors with no CFR benefits, including health insurance.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens only, holding a U.S. passport valid until six months after the fellowship ends.
Mid-career professionals with a strong record of achievement and an interest in U.S.–Japan relations.
At least a bachelor’s degree.
Japan experience and Japanese are not required; applicants with Japan experience must show the fellowship adds a significant new dimension to their career.
Not for pre- or postdoctoral research, degree work, or projects already well advanced.

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

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Application process

1
Apply online through CFR’s portal by October 30, 2026.
2
Submit a project proposal with proposed host placements and two letters of support.
3
A selection committee interviews the most promising applicants.

Program timeline

September 8, 2026
Applications open for the 2027–28 cycle.
Application deadline.
October 30, 2026
Awardees notified.
Spring 2027