The U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Program

In a rapidly-globalizing 21st century, with an increase in global issues that require the cooperation of both countries, the bilateral relationship between Japan and U.S., as well as their ability to solve problems together is more important than ever.

With this context, the Japan Foundation’s Center for Global Partnership provides assistance to the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future, which is a skills-fostering program led by the U.S.-based Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation. The program aims to seek individuals who are willing to undertake activities revolving around U.S.-Japan relations and endeavors to build the relationship between them and their counterparts in Japan, as well as strengthening the relationship between participating specialists. From across the United States, we seek specialists who undertake research, investigation, exchanges, and other initiatives across an array of fields related to Japan-U.S. relations. On top of this, joined by prominent Japan specialist advisors, we provide an outlet for exchange of opinions with American officials and Japanese industry, discussion trips, programs visiting Japan, and much more.

In this way, the program aims to deepen understanding about the importance of Japan and the U.S. working together on a global, diverse agenda, as well as the two nations’ cooperation, among mid-career, young Japan specialists who in the near future are likely to make achievements in U.S. policy, media, and education. At the same time, the program aims to provide diverse opportunities to foster deep networks between its participants.

Selected through the application process, the program’s participants are Japan specialists with diverse backgrounds, such as research, NGO, thinktank, and U.S. government work. From the West Coast to the East Coast, and all of the United States, the fact that the participants are drawn from such a diverse pool is a factor that sets this program apart.

Over the course of this two-year program, the participants attend a briefing session held in Washington, D.C., overnight training in Montana, research visits to Japan, and much more. Through opportunities such as these, the participants gain a greater understanding of the various issues surrounding Japan-U.S. relations and finally report on their findings at a public event.

Advisory Committee

• Ezra Vogel (Professor Emeritus, Harvard University)
• Susan J. Pharr (Professor, Harvard university)
• Michael J. Green (Associate Professor, Georgetown University; Japan Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS))
• Leonard Schoppa (Professor, University of Virginia)
• Sheila A. Smith (Senior fellow for East Asian security at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR))