U.S.-Japan Council Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) 2025

Omran Aburayya
Jun 5
2 min read

If you're a Japanese American professional aged 24–35 with a passion for U.S.-Japan relations and leadership development, the U.S.-Japan Council's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) 2025 offers a fully funded opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and expand your professional network. Applications are now open, with a deadline of June 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

🗒️ Program Summary

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Host Institution: U.S.-Japan Council (USJC)
Target Group: Japanese American professionals
Fields of Focus: Leadership, U.S.-Japan relations, community engagement
Funding: Fully funded, including travel, accommodation, and program-related expenses
Duration: October 13–17, 2025 (Annual Conference), with additional virtual sessions
Application Deadline: June 29, 2025, 11:59 PM PT
Eligible To: U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of Japanese heritage

📝 Program Overview

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a signature initiative of the U.S.-Japan Council aimed at cultivating the next generation of Japanese American leaders. Since its inception in 2010, ELP has empowered over 170 professionals through leadership development, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

🧩 Program Structure

Annual Conference Participation: Selected participants will attend the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, from October 13 to 17, 2025. The conference gathers leaders from government, business, academia, and nonprofit sectors to discuss the future of U.S.-Japan relations.
Associate Membership: Participants will become Associate Members of the U.S.-Japan Council, with the first year's membership dues waived.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with senior leaders, ELP alumni, and peers to build lasting professional connections.
Virtual Sessions: Pre-conference orientation on September 11, 2025, and post-conference debrief on November 13, 2025.

🎁 Program Benefits

Full Financial Support: All travel, accommodation, and program-related expenses are covered.
Leadership Development: Participate in sessions designed to enhance leadership skills and cultural understanding.
Community Engagement: Opportunities to contribute to U.S.-Japan relations and the Japanese American community.
Alumni Network: Join a growing network of ELP alumni actively involved in strengthening U.S.-Japan ties.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be of Japanese heritage.
Be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Be between 24 and 35 years of age at the time of the conference.
Demonstrate a strong interest in U.S.-Japan relations.
Exhibit leadership experience and potential.
Commit to continued engagement with the U.S.-Japan Council and its activities.

📝 Application Procedure

Complete the Online Application: Submit the application form available on the U.S.-Japan Council website.
Submit Supporting Documents: Include a resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Attend Informational Sessions (Optional): Participate in virtual sessions led by ELP alumni on June 12 and June 18, 2025, to gain insights into the program.