Application Open: 2027 Japanese American Leadership Delegation to Japan
2027 JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION TO JAPAN
24th DELEGATION (February 6 - February 13, 2027)
OVERVIEW
The Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) program provides the opportunity for a select group of Japanese American leaders from across the U.S. to travel to Japan to engage with Japanese leaders in the business, government, academic, non-profit and cultural sectors. The trip also allows Japanese leaders to gain a greater understanding of multicultural America through the experiences of a diverse group of Japanese Americans. Upon their return, delegates collaborate with JALD alumni, the local consulates, the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) and local and national community organizations to continue strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) represented in the United States by the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. and seventeen consulate general/consular offices , sponsors the program. The U.S.-Japan Council provides administration and organization for this program. The program began in 2000 and 256 delegates have participated to date.
2027 PROGRAM
The 2027 Delegation will include Japanese Americans who are top leaders in their professions, have had moderate to extensive experience in U.S.-Japan relations, and will be committed to furthering the U.S.-Japan relationship upon their return. The 2027 program seeks senior leaders from a range of sectors, including local, state, regional, or federal government (both appointed and elected officials); philanthropy, nonprofit, and education; technology, AI, and startups; sustainability and energy; and business, finance, and investment. Priority will be given to candidates from areas not represented in previous delegations, with a strong commitment to collaborate with Japanese Americans nationwide. The 2027 Delegation seeks to select a diverse delegation of prominent Japanese American leaders nationally.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS
Deadline for receipt of applications: August 17, 2026
- Your application packet should be sent by email to your local Consulate-General of Japan (see contact list below). For residents of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, applications should be submitted to the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver.
Please see the attached list of mission offices and contact information. When sending the application materials to your consulate/embassy, please contact the office to verify the email address materials should be sent to.
For more detailed information and to access the application form, please see the following: