Application Instructions
This page outlines the application process for the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future program. Please print this page and refer to it when completing the application.
Deadline
The application must be completed and mailed or emailed to the Mansfield Foundation no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2022. The references and all attachments must also be submitted by this time. Please submit all application materials to:
Timothy White, Associate Director
twhite@mansfieldfdn.org
Eligibility and Terms
Participants must be fully dedicated to the two-year program and able to participate in all scheduled meetings. Network participants will be expected to participate in: a two-day workshop in Washington, D.C. (September 2022); a two-day retreat in Montana (October 2022); a week-long meeting in Washington, D.C. (January 2023); a week-long Japan study trip (June 2023); and a two-day Washington public symposium and current issues panel discussion (June 2024).
Throughout the two-year program, participants will be expected to: develop their network of contacts; engage with other Network members; engage others in the academic and policy fields with what they have learned about Japan; prepare for and actively participate in the program’s meetings, workshops, and study trip; participate in group activities and support the program’s larger goals and objectives; conduct independent research on key issues of particular interest to them; produce op-ed pieces and commentary/blog posts on important policy issues in U.S.-Japan relations; be featured in a Mansfield Foundation-produced podcast; and produce and seek to publish or otherwise disseminate a brief opinion piece. Network participants will present their op/eds and discuss current issues in the region during the last meeting, the June 2024 public symposium in Washington, D.C.
Application
The application is composed of the following parts:
Part I – Application Form (Download here)
(Rename file replacing “LastName_FirstName” with your information)
- Personal information, including name, age, sex, current position, and address
- Education and language proficiency, including higher education and official Japanese language training for U.S.-based applicants and English language training for Japan-based applicants
- Experience, including experience traveling in Japan or other regions of Asia, and work experience related to the field
Part II – Attachments
Along with your application, please mail or email the following attachments:
- A personal statement describing your area of interest, reason for wanting to participate in the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future program, how your area of interest relates to U.S.-Japan policy, and how participation in this program will serve you in the future, in 250 or less words.
- A detailed educational and professional resume that describes any experience in the area of international policy, U.S.-Japan relations, travel experience in Japan or other parts of Asia, and any awards, publications, or public presentations.
- For U.S.-based applicants: Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the U.S.
- For Japan- based applicants: Proof of Japanese nationality.
- Two professional letters of reference and Professional Reference Forms (forms included in Application Form). Letters and forms must be submitted by January 31, 2022.