Watanabe Democracy Fellowship—Application and Selection

2024 Application

Candidates are invited to apply during the application period by submitting the following materials via the application form. All materials must be in English:

1. Resume (two pages or less)
2. Biography (200 words or less)
3. Personal statement (500 words or less)
   • Briefly describe your interest and prior experience relating to the themes of the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship.
      
   • What are your goals as a future leader? What are your specific interest areas, and how are they aligned with the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship?
      
4. Nominator information. Please note that nominators will be notified of this application and asked to affirm their nomination of the candidate through a separate form:
   • Name
   • Title
   • Organization
   • Email address
      
5. Confirmation of ability to travel to the US from July 14-26, 2024 (arriving in Japan on July 27). 

Nomination

Following the submission of an application, JANM staff will contact the nominator listed by the candidate to schedule a short (20 minute) conversation. In this conversation, the nominator can expect to be asked to affirm their nomination of the candidate, and briefly discuss the merits of the candidate as applicable to the Fellowship.

Selection

After an initial internal review of applications, a selection committee composed of representatives from the community, corporate, academic, and government partners, will process and review the top candidates. 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. 

Finalists will receive an invitation to interview with a panel of senior leaders across sectors. Finalists will also undergo a background investigation to ensure that they qualify for necessary security clearances.

Award Notification

The selection committee will announce the incoming cohort of the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship with an invitation to attend an in-person orientation in Tokyo. Fellowship awards cover all travel and accommodations, meals, programs, and excursion fees.