U.S.-Japan Network for the Future Program

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• Overview and Objectives of the Program
• Cohort 8 Announcement
• Advisory Committee
• Meet the Fellows

Overview and Objectives of the Program

The U.S.-Japan Network for the Future program, jointly organized by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation and the Japan Foundation (JF), seeks to support the next generations of public policy intellectuals working within the fields of Japan studies and/or policy issues pertinent to U.S.-Japan relations that lay the groundwork for a stable and prosperous world, a necessary component in solving the problems of the future. Specifically, the program aims to identify U.S.- and Japan-based scholars and professionals specializing in the U.S.-Japan relationship who demonstrate an interest in and potential for becoming policy intellectuals, and to support them in this effort. This Network includes U.S.- and Japan-based specialists from all regions of the United States and Japan with diverse expertise and perspectives who can constructively participate in the bilateral policy-making process in the mid- and long-term and contribute to U.S.-Japan understanding.

Programming includes study trips in Washington, D.C., a retreat in Montana, and a study trip in Japan. During the final Washington D.C. event, the participants will have opportunities to present their research.

Cohort 8 Announcement

The Japan Foundation (JF) and The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation are pleased to announce the beginning of Cohort 8 program, starting with policy workshops in Washington, D.C. in June 2026. Over the course of the two-year program, selected U.S.-Japan experts will participate in study trips and retreats in D.C., Montana, and Japan to deepen their understanding of the wide variety of policy issues related to the U.S.-Japan relationship while building professional networks in the United States and Japan.

Eligibility

• U.S.-based applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the U.S. who ideally have a working knowledge of the Japanese language.
• Japan-based applicants must be Japanese nationals.
• Network participants must be fully dedicated to the two-year program and able to actively participate in all scheduled meetings (see below).

【Cohort 8 Schedule】

Introductory Meeting in Washington, D.C.	1-5 June, 2026
Retreat in Montana	2-5 October, 2026
Study Trip in Washington, D.C.	10-15 January, 2027
Study Trip in Japan	6-13 June, 2027
Study Trip and Presentations in Washington, D.C.	June 2028

• Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026 (EST)

*For more detailed information, please refer to latest eligibility and terms for the program

Advisory Committee

The U.S.-Japan Network for the Future program receives guidance from an Advisory Committee which consists of U.S.-Japan policy experts.

【Cohort 8 U.S. Advisory Committee Members】

• Dr. Susan Pharr, Edwin O. Reischauer Research Professor Emerita of Japanese Politics, Harvard University
• Dr. Mireya Solís, Director, Center for Asia Policy Studies, The Brookings Institution
• Dr. Phillip Lipscy, Chair, Japan Politics & Global Affairs, University of Toronto, and University of Tokyo
• Dr. Kiyoteru Tsutsui, Henri H. and Tomoye Takahashi Professor in Japanese Studies, Stanford University, Director, Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC)

【Honorary Advisory Committee Members】

• The late Dr. Ezra Vogel, Henry Ford II Research Professor of the Social Sciences Emeritus, Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies, Harvard University
• Dr. Michael Green, Chief Executive Officer at the United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney
• Dr. Leonard Schoppa, Professor, University of Virginia
• Dr. Sheila A. Smith, John E. Merow Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
• Dr. Machi Dilworth, former Vice President for Gender Equality and Human Resource Development, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

【Cohort 8 Japan Advisory Group】

Following the program evaluation in 2017, the program also receives guidance from the Japan Advisory Group.

• Dr. Koji Murata, Professor, Doshisha University
• Dr. Kaoru Iokibe, Professor, University of Tokyo

Meet the Fellows

Fellows List (Cohort 1-7)