United States-Japan Foundation
@usjf.bsky.social
We are an independent philanthropic organization working to strengthen bilateral ties and address shared challenges. https://us-jf.org/en/
🌱 New Grantee Profile: Hitotsubashi University
“This is not an easy type of work for us to be doing, but we always remember that it is much more difficult for those we support.”
The DAR program provides sanctuary to at-risk democracy advocates in Asia.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“This is not an easy type of work for us to be doing, but we always remember that it is much more difficult for those we support.”
The DAR program provides sanctuary to at-risk democracy advocates in Asia.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
USJF | From Hitotsubashi to the Frontlines of Freedom
Discover how Hitotsubashi University's DAR program provides essential support and sanctuary to at-risk democracy advocates in Asia, fostering resilience and promoting democratic ideals amid authoritar...
us-jf.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:53 PM
🌱 New Grantee Profile: Hitotsubashi University
“This is not an easy type of work for us to be doing, but we always remember that it is much more difficult for those we support.”
The DAR program provides sanctuary to at-risk democracy advocates in Asia.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“This is not an easy type of work for us to be doing, but we always remember that it is much more difficult for those we support.”
The DAR program provides sanctuary to at-risk democracy advocates in Asia.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
🌱 New Grantee Profile: Shizuoka University
“The goal is not just to promote the voices of academics or policymakers, but also those actually trying to make change on the ground.”
The cross-border team tackles demographic decline with storytelling.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“The goal is not just to promote the voices of academics or policymakers, but also those actually trying to make change on the ground.”
The cross-border team tackles demographic decline with storytelling.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
USJF | Beyond Borders, Beyond Decline: Shizuoka-Pittsburgh Collaboration Tackles Demographic Crisis through Storytelling
Shizuoka University and the University of Pittsburgh collaborate through storytelling to address demographic decline, sharing insights and solutions for communities in Japan and the U.S.
us-jf.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:41 PM
🌱 New Grantee Profile: Shizuoka University
“The goal is not just to promote the voices of academics or policymakers, but also those actually trying to make change on the ground.”
The cross-border team tackles demographic decline with storytelling.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“The goal is not just to promote the voices of academics or policymakers, but also those actually trying to make change on the ground.”
The cross-border team tackles demographic decline with storytelling.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
USJF Japan Representative Haruto Okabe will speak at FRJ Special 2025 on December 6 in Tokyo, joining Japan’s top nonprofit leaders to discuss philanthropy and social impact. Learn more about the event below. us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF Japan Representative Haruto Okabe to Speak at FRJ Special 2025
USJF Japan Representative Haruto Okabe will speak at FRJ Special 2025, highlighting trends and strategies in Japan's nonprofit sector.
us-jf.org
November 5, 2025 at 12:40 PM
USJF Japan Representative Haruto Okabe will speak at FRJ Special 2025 on December 6 in Tokyo, joining Japan’s top nonprofit leaders to discuss philanthropy and social impact. Learn more about the event below. us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF has announced the 2025 Social Impact Stipends for 18 fellows and delegates of the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program, supporting 11 projects on various topics with up to $10,000 in seed funding. Read the full announcement and project list below.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF Announces Second Year of Annual Social Impact Stipends for Leadership Program Members
US-Japan Foundation awards social impact stipends to USJLP members for diverse projects in climate change, misinformation, gender bias, and disaster resilience.
us-jf.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:15 AM
USJF has announced the 2025 Social Impact Stipends for 18 fellows and delegates of the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program, supporting 11 projects on various topics with up to $10,000 in seed funding. Read the full announcement and project list below.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
A new paper by Dr. Adam P. Liff (@adampliff.bsky.social) on Japan foreign policy expertise in U.S. academia, published as part of the new USJF Research series, highlights the accelerating disappearance and calls for renewed investment in future generations of scholars.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF Publishes New Paper by Adam P. Liff on Declining Japan Foreign Policy Expertise in U.S. Academia
USJF publishes Dr. Adam P. Liff's paper on the decline of Japan's foreign policy expertise in U.S. academia, urging renewed investment in future scholars and practitioners.
us-jf.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:05 PM
A new paper by Dr. Adam P. Liff (@adampliff.bsky.social) on Japan foreign policy expertise in U.S. academia, published as part of the new USJF Research series, highlights the accelerating disappearance and calls for renewed investment in future generations of scholars.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF President and CEO Jacob M. Schlesinger was recently interviewed by CNN and Foreign Policy on Prime Minister Takaichi's leadership and the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Read the full article and watch the interview below.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF CEO Jacob M. Schlesinger Featured in CNN and Foreign Policy on Japan's New Leadership
USJF CEO Jacob M. Schlesinger discusses Japan's new leadership under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and its impact on U.S.-Japan relations in CNN and Foreign Policy interviews.
us-jf.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:48 PM
USJF President and CEO Jacob M. Schlesinger was recently interviewed by CNN and Foreign Policy on Prime Minister Takaichi's leadership and the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Read the full article and watch the interview below.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF is accepting nominations for the 2nd annual Dissertation Award in social sciences on Japan, with a $2,500 honorarium. Nominations by departments for dissertations accepted Jan 1, 2025-Jun 13, 2026, are due Jun 15, 2026, to scholars@us-jf.org.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF Now Taking Nominations for Second Annual PhD Dissertation Award in Japanese Studies
USJF is accepting nominations for the 2026 Richard J. Samuels Dissertation Award in Japanese Studies, honoring excellence in social sciences research on Japan.
us-jf.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:04 PM
USJF is accepting nominations for the 2nd annual Dissertation Award in social sciences on Japan, with a $2,500 honorarium. Nominations by departments for dissertations accepted Jan 1, 2025-Jun 13, 2026, are due Jun 15, 2026, to scholars@us-jf.org.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
United States-Japan Foundation and Sister Cities International launch the U.S.–Japan Global Impact Grant, offering up to $25,000, to help sister cities address shared social challenges. Applications open November 1, 2025.
us-jf.org/en/news/us-j...
us-jf.org/en/news/us-j...
U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant Launches to Empower Sister Cities as Catalysts for Change
United States-Japan Foundation and Sister Cities International launch the U.S.–Japan Global Impact Grant to help sister cities address shared social challenges.
us-jf.org
October 28, 2025 at 4:20 PM
United States-Japan Foundation and Sister Cities International launch the U.S.–Japan Global Impact Grant, offering up to $25,000, to help sister cities address shared social challenges. Applications open November 1, 2025.
us-jf.org/en/news/us-j...
us-jf.org/en/news/us-j...
From July 27–Aug 3, the 26th US–Japan Leadership Program brought 42 Delegates to Kyoto for a week of dialogue, exchange, and connection. Dive into our day-by-day report on the people, places, and ideas that shaped #USJLP 2025.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
Trust, Dialogue, and Connection: A Day-by-Day Journey Through USJLP Kyoto 2025
USJLP’s 26th Summer Conference in Kyoto united Delegates and Fellows for a week of dialogue, history, and lasting U.S.–Japan connections.
us-jf.org
October 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
From July 27–Aug 3, the 26th US–Japan Leadership Program brought 42 Delegates to Kyoto for a week of dialogue, exchange, and connection. Dive into our day-by-day report on the people, places, and ideas that shaped #USJLP 2025.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
Thank you to everyone who joined! If you missed it or want to revisit the conversation, you can now watch the full recording below.
vimeo.com/1123425399?f...
vimeo.com/1123425399?f...
October 8, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Thank you to everyone who joined! If you missed it or want to revisit the conversation, you can now watch the full recording below.
vimeo.com/1123425399?f...
vimeo.com/1123425399?f...
Join us Oct 10 (2:30–4PM JST) at the Japan National Press Club for the release of a new report on the future of US–Japan development cooperation, featuring James Gannon (Peace Winds America) and Jacob Schlesinger (USJF).
📍 In person & online
🔗 Register below www.jnpc.or.jp/archive/conf...
📍 In person & online
🔗 Register below www.jnpc.or.jp/archive/conf...
「トランプ2.0」(12) ジェームス・ギャノン「ピースウィンズ・アメリカ」代表、ジェイコブ・スレシンジャー 米日財団（USJF）代表理事 | 日本記者クラブ JapanNationalPressClub (JNPC)
♦︎参加には事前申し込みが必要です。こちらからお申し込みください。
会見当日の開始1時間前までに申込者全員にウェブ参加用のURL をメールでお送りします。
ピースウィ...
www.jnpc.or.jp
October 8, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Join us Oct 10 (2:30–4PM JST) at the Japan National Press Club for the release of a new report on the future of US–Japan development cooperation, featuring James Gannon (Peace Winds America) and Jacob Schlesinger (USJF).
📍 In person & online
🔗 Register below www.jnpc.or.jp/archive/conf...
📍 In person & online
🔗 Register below www.jnpc.or.jp/archive/conf...
USJF's signature initiative, the US–Japan Leadership Program (USJLP), connecting leaders from both nations to build trust and collaboration, is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Delegate cohort through Monday, January 5, 2026.
#USJF #USJLP
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
#USJF #USJLP
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
Call for Applications and Nominations: USJLP 2026–2027
Applications are now open for the US-Japan Leadership Program's Class of 2026-2027. Eligible candidates must hold U.S. or Japan citizenship, be between the ages of 28 and 42, and have demonstrated lea...
us-jf.org
October 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
USJF's signature initiative, the US–Japan Leadership Program (USJLP), connecting leaders from both nations to build trust and collaboration, is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Delegate cohort through Monday, January 5, 2026.
#USJF #USJLP
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
#USJF #USJLP
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
We are thrilled to announce that Mayor Hiroto Fujii of Minokamo City, Gifu, is the recipient of USJF’s inaugural Young Mayors of Japan Award—honoring U45 leaders with innovative approaches to governance. Join us to celebrate on Oct 29.
us-jf.org/en/news/hiro...
us-jf.org/en/news/hiro...
Hiroto Fujii of Minokamo City Receives USJF Young Mayors of Japan Award
Hiroto Fujii of Minokamo City receives the USJF Young Mayors of Japan Award for innovative governance, aiming to learn from Dubuque, Iowa, to enhance Minokamo's community development.
us-jf.org
October 2, 2025 at 3:14 PM
We are thrilled to announce that Mayor Hiroto Fujii of Minokamo City, Gifu, is the recipient of USJF’s inaugural Young Mayors of Japan Award—honoring U45 leaders with innovative approaches to governance. Join us to celebrate on Oct 29.
us-jf.org/en/news/hiro...
us-jf.org/en/news/hiro...
USA Today has published a powerful essay by Sera Koulabdara (USJLP 2025, 2026), CEO of Legacies of War. Her piece draws from a profound visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and a deeply moving conversation with survivor and peace activist Koko Kondo.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
USJLP Delegate Sera Koulabdara (2025, 2026) on Hiroshima and the Urgency of Peace
USJLP Delegate Sera Koulabdara's essay in USA Today advocates for peace through humanitarian recovery, environmental restoration, and moral commitment, inspired by her visit to Hiroshima.
us-jf.org
September 30, 2025 at 12:08 PM
USA Today has published a powerful essay by Sera Koulabdara (USJLP 2025, 2026), CEO of Legacies of War. Her piece draws from a profound visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and a deeply moving conversation with survivor and peace activist Koko Kondo.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
📩 Introducing the USJF Quarterly Newsletter
Each edition brings highlights from across the USJF to your inbox: USJLP announcements, Community News, new grantee stories, and sector trends.
Sign up today at us-jf.org/en/#usjfNews... to be the first to know about our latest updates.
Each edition brings highlights from across the USJF to your inbox: USJLP announcements, Community News, new grantee stories, and sector trends.
Sign up today at us-jf.org/en/#usjfNews... to be the first to know about our latest updates.
September 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
📩 Introducing the USJF Quarterly Newsletter
Each edition brings highlights from across the USJF to your inbox: USJLP announcements, Community News, new grantee stories, and sector trends.
Sign up today at us-jf.org/en/#usjfNews... to be the first to know about our latest updates.
Each edition brings highlights from across the USJF to your inbox: USJLP announcements, Community News, new grantee stories, and sector trends.
Sign up today at us-jf.org/en/#usjfNews... to be the first to know about our latest updates.
Come join us online on September 30 at 7:00 PM ET / October 1 at 8:00 AM JST for a lively discussion on the future of philanthropy in Japan and the U.S. Find out more and register below.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
USJF to Join Global Leaders for “The Future of Philanthropy in Japan” on September 30/October 1
USJF will join US-Japan leaders in discussing philanthropy's future at an event on September 30/October 1, 2025, highlighting the 2025 Global Philanthropy Environment Index findings.
us-jf.org
September 22, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Come join us online on September 30 at 7:00 PM ET / October 1 at 8:00 AM JST for a lively discussion on the future of philanthropy in Japan and the U.S. Find out more and register below.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjf...
🌱 New Grantee Profile: Connecticut College
“Although there was a language barrier between the two groups, the musicians learned how to communicate through music.”
See how their concert tour to Tokyo fosters cross-cultural collaboration and inclusion.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“Although there was a language barrier between the two groups, the musicians learned how to communicate through music.”
See how their concert tour to Tokyo fosters cross-cultural collaboration and inclusion.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
USJF | No Boundaries in Music: How One College Orchestra Found Harmony in Japan
Connecticut College Orchestra's groundbreaking tour to Tokyo fosters cross-cultural collaboration and inclusion, showcasing the unifying power of music while ensuring equal opportunities for all stude...
us-jf.org
September 11, 2025 at 8:46 AM
🌱 New Grantee Profile: Connecticut College
“Although there was a language barrier between the two groups, the musicians learned how to communicate through music.”
See how their concert tour to Tokyo fosters cross-cultural collaboration and inclusion.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“Although there was a language barrier between the two groups, the musicians learned how to communicate through music.”
See how their concert tour to Tokyo fosters cross-cultural collaboration and inclusion.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
📈 New Trends & Trendsetters: Funding Crisis
Look into how nonprofits in Japan and the U.S. are navigating financial crises and fostering resilience through innovative strategies and community support.
us-jf.org/en/trends-an...
Look into how nonprofits in Japan and the U.S. are navigating financial crises and fostering resilience through innovative strategies and community support.
us-jf.org/en/trends-an...
USJF | On the Brink: How Local Nonprofits Are Fighting to Survive and Thrive Across Japan and the U.S.
Look into how nonprofits in Japan and the U.S. are navigating financial crises and fostering resilience through innovative strategies and community support.
us-jf.org
August 27, 2025 at 12:50 PM
📈 New Trends & Trendsetters: Funding Crisis
Look into how nonprofits in Japan and the U.S. are navigating financial crises and fostering resilience through innovative strategies and community support.
us-jf.org/en/trends-an...
Look into how nonprofits in Japan and the U.S. are navigating financial crises and fostering resilience through innovative strategies and community support.
us-jf.org/en/trends-an...
The new documentary, Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories from WWII, produced by novelist and journalist Karin Tanabe (USJLP 2019, 2022) and co-creator Victoria Kelly, began airing nationally on PBS on August 1 and will be available to stream on the PBS app until October 1.
us-jf.org/en/news/atom...
us-jf.org/en/news/atom...
Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories from WWII, Produced by Karin Tanabe (USJLP 2019, 2022) Streaming on PBS, Bridging American Veterans and Japanese Survivors
The powerful documentary by a USJLP Fellow,
us-jf.org
August 19, 2025 at 11:42 AM
The new documentary, Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories from WWII, produced by novelist and journalist Karin Tanabe (USJLP 2019, 2022) and co-creator Victoria Kelly, began airing nationally on PBS on August 1 and will be available to stream on the PBS app until October 1.
us-jf.org/en/news/atom...
us-jf.org/en/news/atom...
🌱 New Grantee Profile: L+P Foundation
"We believe eating together and sharing culinary traditions can invite conversation without being confrontational."
Find out how Lisa and Pierre blend food and storytelling to foster cultural dialogue and justice.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
"We believe eating together and sharing culinary traditions can invite conversation without being confrontational."
Find out how Lisa and Pierre blend food and storytelling to foster cultural dialogue and justice.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
USJF | Justice on a Plate: How Lisa and Pierre Are Telling New Stories Through Food
Lisa Katayama and Pierre Thiam blend food and storytelling to promote cultural dialogue and justice through their culinary project, fostering connections between diverse cuisines and communities.
us-jf.org
August 18, 2025 at 12:08 PM
🌱 New Grantee Profile: L+P Foundation
"We believe eating together and sharing culinary traditions can invite conversation without being confrontational."
Find out how Lisa and Pierre blend food and storytelling to foster cultural dialogue and justice.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
"We believe eating together and sharing culinary traditions can invite conversation without being confrontational."
Find out how Lisa and Pierre blend food and storytelling to foster cultural dialogue and justice.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
Dr. Koji Murata, Professor and former President of Doshisha University and USJLP Fellow (2000), reflects on U.S.-Japan relations in an essay titled "The End of the ‘Japan Hands’ Era–or a Rebirth?" in the August 2025 issue of Chuo Koron.
us-jf.org/en/news/dosh...
us-jf.org/en/news/dosh...
Doshisha University’s Koji Murata (USJLP 2000) Publishes Reflections on U.S.-Japan Relations in Chuo Koron
Koji Murata's reflection on U.S.-Japan relations highlights the need to renew human ties between the nations, featured in Chuo Koron's August 2025 issue.
us-jf.org
August 15, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Dr. Koji Murata, Professor and former President of Doshisha University and USJLP Fellow (2000), reflects on U.S.-Japan relations in an essay titled "The End of the ‘Japan Hands’ Era–or a Rebirth?" in the August 2025 issue of Chuo Koron.
us-jf.org/en/news/dosh...
us-jf.org/en/news/dosh...
Join us on August 22, 9:30 AM ET / 10:30 PM JST for a conversation on U.S.-Japan defense cooperation and Indo-Pacific security, co-hosted by the Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers and the United States-Japan Foundation.
Find out more and register here: indopacificresearchers.org/u-s-japan-al...
Find out more and register here: indopacificresearchers.org/u-s-japan-al...
projects - Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers
U.S.-Japan Alliance Project Details U.S.-Japan Alliance: Defense and Security in the Indo-Pacific The U.S.-Japan alliance assumes significant importance owing to China's assertive behavior in the Sout...
indopacificresearchers.org
August 12, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Join us on August 22, 9:30 AM ET / 10:30 PM JST for a conversation on U.S.-Japan defense cooperation and Indo-Pacific security, co-hosted by the Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers and the United States-Japan Foundation.
Find out more and register here: indopacificresearchers.org/u-s-japan-al...
Find out more and register here: indopacificresearchers.org/u-s-japan-al...
Dave Cavell (@davidcavell.bsky.social), a U.S.-Japan Leadership Program Delegate (2025, 2026), reflects on his recent visit to Hiroshima in TIME magazine, tracing his journey from helping draft President Obama’s 2016 Hiroshima speech to meeting survivor Koko Kondo.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
USJLP Delegate Dave Cavell (2025, 2026) Reflects on Hiroshima in TIME Magazine
USJLP Delegate Dave Cavell reflects on his emotional visit to Hiroshima and meeting survivor Koko Kondo, highlighting the importance of US-Japan relations in TIME magazine.
us-jf.org
August 12, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Dave Cavell (@davidcavell.bsky.social), a U.S.-Japan Leadership Program Delegate (2025, 2026), reflects on his recent visit to Hiroshima in TIME magazine, tracing his journey from helping draft President Obama’s 2016 Hiroshima speech to meeting survivor Koko Kondo.
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
us-jf.org/en/news/usjl...
🌱 New Grantee Profile: The Film Collaborative (@filmcollab.bsky.social)
“It’s not about blame or analyzing history. It’s about honoring people who lived through something unimaginable, and making sure we don’t let it happen again.”
Discover Atomic Echoes below.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“It’s not about blame or analyzing history. It’s about honoring people who lived through something unimaginable, and making sure we don’t let it happen again.”
Discover Atomic Echoes below.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
USJF | Atomic Echoes: A Veterans’ Story That Crosses Borders
Learn the story behind Atomic Echoes, a documentary bridging American atomic veterans and Japanese survivors, fostering understanding and healing through shared narratives of nuclear war's impact.
us-jf.org
August 6, 2025 at 12:07 PM
🌱 New Grantee Profile: The Film Collaborative (@filmcollab.bsky.social)
“It’s not about blame or analyzing history. It’s about honoring people who lived through something unimaginable, and making sure we don’t let it happen again.”
Discover Atomic Echoes below.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
“It’s not about blame or analyzing history. It’s about honoring people who lived through something unimaginable, and making sure we don’t let it happen again.”
Discover Atomic Echoes below.
us-jf.org/en/grantee-p...
Reposted by United States-Japan Foundation
In April, Haruto joined us at Stanford to present on the social impact landscape in Japan as part of our seminar, hosted in partnership with @usjf.bsky.social, exploring #philanthropy and civil society in #Japan.
USJF and Stanford PACS Co-Host Private Seminar on Japan’s Soft Power and Civil Society
The United States-Japan Foundation (USJF), in partnership with Stanford University’s Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS), will host a seminar for comparative conversation on civil society ...
bit.ly
July 29, 2025 at 3:58 PM
In April, Haruto joined us at Stanford to present on the social impact landscape in Japan as part of our seminar, hosted in partnership with @usjf.bsky.social, exploring #philanthropy and civil society in #Japan.