USJLP Conferences


Annual conferences are the heart of the US-Japan Leadership Program. It is here that young leaders from each country come together to engage in stimulating discussions on critical questions of the day, develop unique opportunities for collaboration, and form life-long friendships.

The United States-Japan Foundation typically accepts applicants on an annual basis to serve as Delegates to the next two upcoming conferences. Conferences are held for one full week each summer, alternating between Japan and the United States. During their week together Delegates participate in daily plenary discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to both countries and the world, and are also exposed to a variety of experiential learning opportunities. Delegates are expected to be fully engaged in activities from early morning to late evening. Additional details about participation in USJLP conferences are outlined in our conference guidelines for Delegates

Delegates to the 2024-2025 Conferences

Please note that the 2024-2025 application cycle closed on January 8, 2024. The next cycle for potential candidates to the 2025-2026 conferences will commence in early fall, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to sign up for USJLP email announcements to be among the first to be notified about the start of the 2025-2026 application cycle.

American and Japanese Delegates selected to attend the 2024 U.S. Conference (scheduled to be held in Seattle, WA over Saturday, July 27 - Saturday, August 3, 2024) as their first conference will be between the ages of 28 and 42 and have demonstrated leadership and achievement in their respective fields. In addition to striving for wide sector representation, due consideration will be given to diversity of gender, race, ethnicity, age, political, regional, social, and educational background representation in the class. These Delegates are expected to continue on and attend their second conference in 2025, currently scheduled to be held in Japan over Sunday, July 27 - Sunday, August 3, 2025 (dates subject to change; location in Japan TBA). Delegates who must defer their second year in 2025 will be given due consideration for participation in a future (i.e. 2027 or later) Japan conference, space permitting.

Newly selected Delegates to the 2024 U.S. Conference will join second year Delegates who have successfully participated in a Japan conference. Additional details about participation in USJLP conferences are outlined in the conference guidelines for Delegates.


Upcoming Conference: Seattle 2024

The Program's 23rd Conference will be held in Seattle, WA over Saturday, July 27 - Saturday, August 3, 2024.


Past USJLP Conferences

Twenty-Second Conference: Kyoto/Tokyo (July 23-30, 2023)

The Program's 22nd Conference was held in Kyoto and Tokyo over Sunday, July 23 - Sunday, July 30, 2023. Click through for an overview of the week.