2026 Japanese American Leadership Delegation to Japan
2026 JAPANESE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP DELEGATION TO JAPAN
23rd DELEGATION
March 6 to March 14, 2026
Sponsored by: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Organized by: U.S.-Japan Council
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 is the sponsor of the program. The U.S.-Japan Council provides administration and organization for this program. The program began in 2000 and 247 delegates have participated to date.
2026PROGRAM
The 2026 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 2026 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 2026 Delegation seeks to select a diverse delegation of prominent Japanese American leaders nationally.
GOALS OF THE DELEGATION PROGRAM
1. Improve understanding and strengthen long term relations between Japanese Americans and Japan.
2. Develop and implement ongoing strategies to expand the role of Japanese Americans in advancing U.S.-Japan relations.
3. Develop a network of Japanese American leaders that will continue to advance long term U.S.-Japan relations at the regional, national and international levels.
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS/NOMINATIONS
Deadline for receipt of applications: August 31, 2025
1. Applications should be submitted by email to the local consulate office based upon the applicant’s residence (see below for list of consulate offices). For residents of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, applications should be submitted to the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta.
2. A duplicate copy should also be emailed to Allison Murata at the U.S.-Japan Council at amurata@usjapancouncil.org.
For more information and to access the application form, please see the following:
2026 JALD Fact Sheet
Application
Embassy and Consulates in the US (Contact Information)