Call for The CRF International Affairs Fellowship Program Japan 2026-27 is open now!!!
Founded in 1997, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Japan, sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd., seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders in the United States and Japan. This transformational program enables mid-career professionals to carry out research on core geopolitical issues affecting the U.S.-Japan relationship—such as defense spending, trade, critical minerals, and export controls—at host institutions in Japan and to establish long-term professional and personal ties through their activities. Individuals from academia, business, government, media, NGOs, and think tanks are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in Japan is not required.
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The fellowship runs between three and twelve months. The program awards a monthly stipend of $7,700 along with a $5,000 travel grant. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are not eligible for employment benefits, including health insurance. No indirect costs can be deducted from the stipend.
The IAF in Japan program does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research, work toward a degree, or the completion of projects on which substantial progress has been made before the fellowship begins. The program is meant to be a transformational experience that enables awardees to develop new skills, pursue new avenues of research, or otherwise take a significant step in their career development. Although the program is intended primarily for those without experience in Japan, applicants with experience in Japan will be considered if they can demonstrate that the fellowship would add a significant new dimension to their career. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not a requirement for the fellowship.
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CFR assists fellows in finding a host organization that matches their proposed work in Japan. A nonexclusive list of cooperating institutions in Japan can be found below. All placements are made at the discretion of the host institution. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as a full-time in-person experience for the duration of the fellowship; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization in Japan at least three days per week.
Location:
JapanBenefits
- Monthly Stipend: Fellows receive a stipend of $7,700 per month for the duration of the program (three to twelve months).
- Travel Grant: A $5,000 travel grant is provided to support travel expenses related to the fellowship.
- Host Organization Support: CFR assists fellows in securing placement with a relevant host organization in Japan that aligns with their proposed work.
- Professional Experience: Fellows gain valuable hands-on, in-person experience working at least three days per week with a host institution in Japan.
- Independent Status: Fellows participate as independent contractors, allowing them professional flexibility during the program.
Eligibilities
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
- Applicants must have a strong record of professional achievement.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy and have an interest in U.S.-Indonesian relations.
- Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must have a U.S. passport, valid through six months after the fellowship end date.
Selection as an IAF in Japan is based on the following criteria:
- Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience
- The merits and feasibility of a research project that deals with some aspect of U.S.-Japanese relations, national security, or emerging technology.
- Character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation
- The contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development
Application Process
- Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between September 15 and October 31, 2025, for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle. Awardees will be notified by January 30, 2026.
- To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
- Project proposal and proposed placements
- Two letters of support
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Application ClosedOfficial link
