U.S.-Japan Council Emerging Leaders Program 2025

The U.S.-Japan Council Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a leadership development program that selects a small cohort of Japanese American professionals to attend the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference and become Associate Members. The program provides exposure to senior leaders and a network of alumni, with a focus on strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. Participants receive full coverage of travel and program-related expenses and join a long-term network of involvement with U.S.-Japan Council initiatives.

Full travel and conference-related expenses covered; Associate Membership in the U.S.-Japan Council for the first year with dues waived; access to the Conference and related networking and leadership development opportunities.

Japanese American professionals aged 24–35 at the time of the Conference, who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, residing in the United States or Japan and able to travel to Honolulu for the Annual Conference.

Complete the online application form and submit the required materials (resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a short video; English submissions). Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.