International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Japan 2026–2027

Imagine spending months in Japan, immersed in a new environment, conducting research on critical U.S.–Japan issues, forging cross-cultural networks, and positioning yourself at the crossroads of policy and scholarship. The International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Japan 2026–2027, sponsored by Hitachi and administered by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), offers just that kind of life-shaping experience. With a generous stipend, travel support, and support for placement in top Japanese institutions, this fellowship is designed to empower mid-career leaders to deepen U.S.–Japan ties and elevate their careers. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Japan (host institutions in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.)

• Sponsor: Hitachi, Ltd. (sponsor) / Council on Foreign Relations (administrator)

• Fellowship Level : Mid-career professional fellowship, not degree or pre/postdoctoral

• Focus Areas: U.S.–Japan relations, security, trade, technology, energy, export controls, critical minerals, economic diplomacy, foreign policy, etc.

• Value & Coverage:

  • Monthly stipend: US $7,700 

  • Travel grant: US $5,000 

  • No indirect costs allowed; fellows are independent contractors, not CFR employees

• Duration: Between 3 to 12 months (flexible within this range)

• Application deadline: October 31, 2025 

• Notification date: Fellows are typically notified by January 30, 2026 

• Cohort size: CFR awards 3 to 5 fellowships annually for the Japan track

  
  

🧭 Fellowship Overview

The International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Japan is structured to immerse fellows in Japanese institutions—policy institutes, think tanks, academic centers, or government-adjacent bodies. CFR assists in identifying suitable host placements aligned with the fellow’s proposed research or policy agenda, but final placement is at the discretion of the host institution.

Fellows are expected to work in person in Japan, with a commitment of at least three days per week on-site at their host organization. The fellowship is designed as a full-time in-person experience.

The program is not intended to fund degree-based work, preexisting projects, or ongoing work where substantial progress has already been made. The intention is to offer a real step forward in one’s career — to enable new research, exposure, and collaborative opportunities.

Fellows remain independent contractors—not employees of CFR—so they do not receive employment benefits (e.g. health insurance). No indirect costs may be deducted from the stipend.

📚 Cooperating Japanese Institutions (nonexclusive list)

• National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS)

• Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA)

• Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI)

• Institute for International Policy Studies (IIPS)

• Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ)

• Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

• National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)

• Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)

• Keizai Koho Center (KKC)

• Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)

• Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training (JILPT)

• Institute for International Monetary Affairs (IIMA)

🎁 Benefits & What’s Covered

• Stipend support: $7,700 per month to cover living expenses in Japan.

• Travel grant: A one-time $5,000 travel support for relocation or initial arrival.

• Placement support: CFR helps in connecting fellows to Japanese host institutions relevant to the proposed project.

• Networking & exposure: Access to Japanese policy circles, cross-cultural environments, and CFR’s professional network.

• Autonomy in research: Ability to carry out or deepen new research directions in issues related to U.S.–Japan relations, technology, security, economics, etc.

• Career boost: The fellowship is designed to be a bridge between scholarship and practice, broadening the fellow’s portfolio, credibility, and international experience.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the IAF in Japan, applicants must satisfy:

1. U.S. citizenship (only U.S. citizens may apply)

2. Mid-career status — significant professional experience with demonstrated impact or leadership

3. Strong professional or scholarly record — proof of achievement, publications, leadership in one’s field

4. Bachelor’s degree minimum — advanced degrees are permitted but not required

5. Passport validity — U.S. passport valid at least six months beyond fellowship end date

6. Interest in U.S.–Japan relations — proposal should align with bilateral or regional issues (trade, security, technology, policy, etc.)

7. No prior CFR fellowship (preferred) — candidates who have not held a CFR fellowship are favored

8. No ongoing or substantially advanced prior project — the fellowship is meant to enable new work, not support already-executing research

Note: Prior experience in Japan is not required, though applicants with some Japan exposure may still apply if they can show that this fellowship will add a meaningful new dimension to their career trajectory.

📝 Application Procedure

To apply for the IAF in Japan 2026–2027, follow this process:

1. Online application window: Applications open September 15, 2025 and close October 31, 2025.

2. Submit application materials through the CFR fellowship portal.

3. Required documents typically include:

   • Biographical, educational, and employment history

   • Project proposal and potential host placements in Japan

   • Two letters of support / recommendation

   • Any additional support materials (e.g. prior work or publications)

4. Selection / review: The selection committee reviews proposals, interviews top candidates, and makes final decisions.

5. Award announcement: Selected fellows notified by January 30, 2026, or thereabouts.

6. Fellowship period: Fellows begin their stay in Japan for 3 to 12 months, carrying out their research or placement with the host institution.

🔍 Selection & Evaluation

The competition for the IAF in Japan is rigorous. The selection committee considers:

• Quality, feasibility, and originality of the research / project proposal on U.S.–Japan relations or related themes

• The applicant’s professional and scholarly record, including prior achievements, leadership, or impact

• Potential of the fellowship to contribute meaningfully to the applicant’s career development 

• The candidate’s character, cross-cultural adaptability, and capacity to foster cooperation between U.S. and Japan communities

• Preference is often given to those who have not previously held a CFR fellowship 

Because only 3–5 fellows are selected each cycle for the Japan track, competition is steep.

💡 Additional Notes & Tips

• Be bold with your project: The fellowship is meant to propel new thinking. Avoid proposing research that is already well underway.

• Choose realistic placements: When suggesting host organizations in Japan (think tanks, policy institutes, universities), make sure those connections are plausible and relevant.

• Tailor your approach to U.S.–Japan relations: Your proposal should clearly show how your work contributes to bilateral understanding or policy.

• Leverage cross-cultural competence: Even without Japanese language skills, show readiness to engage in cross-cultural collaboration.

• Submit strong recommendations: Choose referees who can speak to your suitability for a policy/academic hybrid role.

• Apply early and follow guidelines: Missing deadlines or incomplete documents can disqualify you.

🔗 Apply Now

🔗 Official Website

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