USJLP Conferences

Annual conferences are the heart of the US-Japan Leadership Program. It is here that young leaders from each country come together to engage in stimulating discussions on critical questions of the day, develop unique opportunities for collaboration, and form life-long friendships.

The United States-Japan Foundation typically accepts applicants on an annual basis to serve as Delegates to the next two upcoming conferences. Conferences are held for one full week each summer, alternating between Japan and the United States. During their week together Delegates participate in daily plenary discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to both countries and the world, and are also exposed to a variety of experiential learning opportunities. Delegates are expected to be fully engaged in activities from early morning to late evening. Additional details about participation in USJLP conferences are outlined in our conference guidelines for Delegates. 

Delegates to the 2025 and 2026 Conferences

The United States-Japan Foundation is now accepting applications through Monday, January 6, 2025 for membership and participation as Delegates to the Program’s 2025 Japan and 2026 U.S. Conferences. Prospective candidates should please click here to learn more about the application requirements; persons who wish to nominate or support a candidate for USJLP are encouraged to learn more about personal referrals here.

American and Japanese Delegates selected to attend the 2025 Japan Conference (scheduled to be held Sunday, July 27 - Sunday, August 3, 2025) as their first conference will be between the ages of 28 and 42 as of the first day of the conference (July 27, 2025) and have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their respective fields. In addition to striving for wide sector representation, due consideration will be given to diversity of gender, race, ethnicity, age, political, regional, social, and educational background representation in the class. These Delegates are expected to continue on and attend their second conference in 2026 at a TBA location in the U.S. in late July 2026 (planned). Delegates who must defer their second year in 2026 will be given due consideration for participation in a future (i.e. 2028 or later) U.S. conference, space permitting.

Newly selected Delegates to the 2025 Japan Conference will join second year Delegates who have successfully participated in a U.S. conference. Additional details about participation in USJLP conferences are outlined in the conference guidelines for Delegates.