Fellowship Application Guidelines

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2025 Watanabe Democracy Fellowship Application Guidelines

2025 Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Background: Early to midcareer professionals from multiple sectors including business, government, arts, media, NPO/NGO, and education. This includes those working for companies or organizations, as well as those who are self-employed.
• Nationality: Applicants must be Japanese citizens or Special Permanent Residents
• Age: 45 years or under (at the time of applying) 
• Work Experience: Must have at least 5 years of work experience
• English Proficiency (guideline): TOEIC 900, TOEFL 630 (CBT 267, iBT 109), or Eiken 1st grade or above. *The U.S. delegation program and selection interview will be conducted fully in English
• Other Criteria:
  • Evidence of leadership skills and potential for further growth
  • A demonstrated commitment to the public good
  • Interest in democratic values, cultural understanding, collaboration across various sectors, and the U.S.-Japan relationship
  • Position or career path that offers opportunities to have impact and influence on shaping policy, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, promoting civic engagement and/or education
  • Commitment to stay engaged with, and support the growth of, the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship Alumni Network
  • Must be able to attend the orientation in Tokyo from May 30-31, 2025
  • Must be able to attend the U.S. delegation from July 20-August 1, 2025
  • Must have a valid passport for travel to the U.S. in July 2025

Application Period

November 4, 2024 - January 30, 2025 (U.S. Pacific Time)

Required Documents

To apply, two forms must be submitted: an Application Form, and a Candidate Recommendation Form to be completed by your recommender. Both forms can be accessed via the links below.

1. Application Form 

Please fill out on the web your basic information and attach your English CV (max 2 pages) and a Personal Statement in English (500-750 words).

Personal Statement

• Please describe your personal goals as a future leader, and how participation in the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship will advance them.
• What are your specific interests in promoting democracy, advancing DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), and increasing mutual understanding and cooperation between Japan and the U.S.?

2. Candidate Recommendation Form

Please ask one person to submit this recommendation form on your behalf, noting why they believe you are a strong candidate for this program. Please note they must submit the referral by the application deadline (January 30, 2025) in order for your application to be considered. Once we have received it, we will notify the recommender and the applicant.

Selection and Notification

• Selection: After an initial internal review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an interview with program staff, which will be conducted in English. Then, a selection committee composed of representatives from the community, corporate, academic, and government partners, will review the top candidates.
• Selection Policy: Review will focus on an applicant’s alignment with the established selection criteria. In deciding the candidate finalists, the selection committee will further consider additional group standards for the cohort, such as diversity of experience, gender balance, regional representation, and various professions.
• Notification of Selection Results: Applicants will be notified of the selection results by email by the end of March 2025. The selected awardees will be announced on this website in April 2025.
• Submission of Letter of Acceptance for Participation: Awardees are required to submit an Acceptance Form confirming their participation within 10 days of notification of selection. As a timely response is required to make group travel arrangements, failure to submit the required documents by the submission deadline will result in forfeiture of place in program

What the Fellowship Will Provide

• A round-trip economy class airfare from a Japanese airport to the U.S. for the U.S. visit program
• Accommodations in the U.S. during the U.S. visit program
• Meals during the U.S. program *If meals are not provided, a daily allowance will be offered
• Expenses at destinations visited during the U.S. visit program, such as admission fees
• Domestic travel within the U.S. related to the program
• Travel insurance (specified amount covered by the fellowship)
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application fee *Selected Fellows will be responsible for applying for their own ESTA.
• eSIM fee for the duration of the U.S. visit program
• A 5-year membership to the Japanese American National Museum
• A 1-year membership to the U.S.-Japan Council
• An invitation to attend the 2026 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Tokyo
• For applicants outside the Tokyo metropolitan area: travel and accommodation costs within Japan to attend the orientation

Expectations of Watanabe Democracy Fellows

The Watanabe Democracy Fellows must comply with the following:

1. Participate fully in the orientation to be held in Tokyo from May 30-31, 2025.
2. Participate fully in all scheduled meetings during the delegation visit to the U.S. to be held from July 20 - August 1, 2025 (returning to Japan on August 2nd).
3. Complete post-delegation evaluation questionnaire and personal reflection essay within 14 days of the end of the delegation visit.
4. Commitment to stay engaged with, and support the growth of, the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship Alumni Network in the future.

Inquiries

For inquiries, please contact the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship at democracyfellowship@janm.org.

• Online information Session About the Fellowship
• Voices of Participating Fellows
• FAQ