US-Japan Journalism Fellowship

JCIE’s US-Japan Journalism Fellowship brings American journalists to Japan to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese policymaking and the dynamics of US-Japan relations. Participants take part in a structured weeklong program of meetings with policymakers, social leaders, and innovators, then stay in Japan for one to two more weeks of individualized meetings and site visits.

At a time when Asia seems destined to play an increasingly prominent role in global affairs, the US relationship with Japan is a key to American policy in the region. This program gives outstanding journalists whose reporting will benefit from a deeper understanding of Japanese politics, economics, society, and foreign policy a rare chance to discuss the pressing issues of the day with leaders from different sectors of Japanese society. By exposing participants to leaders and thinkers with a variety of viewpoints, the program aims to develop a cadre of journalists who have a sophisticated understanding of the complex dynamics that shape US-Japan relations and, more broadly, the US role in Asia. It also helps them develop their professional network with experts in the region.

The 2015 cohort at Meiji Shrine after a briefing on the role of religion in modern Japanese society.

2015 Fellow Sally Herships of MarketPlace interviews a community leader in Kamaishi, one of the hardest hit areas in the Tohoku disaster zone.

   2018 Program

   2017 Program

   2016 Program

   2015 Program

This program is possible thanks to the generous support of the United States–Japan Foundation, a private, independent American grantmaking foundation that promotes stronger ties between Americans and Japanese.