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* 1. Name

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* 2. Applicants must be age 45 or under at time of application. Please provide your date of birth:

Date

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* 3. Gender

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* 4. Applicants must be Japanese citizens or Special Permanent Residents. Are you a Japanese Citizen or Special Permanent Resident?

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* 6. Address

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* 7. Fellows must be residents of Japan at the time of application or the in-person orientation in June 2026. Please confirm your current country of residence:

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* 8. Optional: If you are not currently a resident of Japan but will be in June 2026, please describe the circumstances:

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* 9. Phone Number:

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* 10. Do you have a passport?

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* 11. If not, will you be able to obtain one by September 2026?

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* 12. As the U.S. delegation program will be conducted in English, please note participant English proficiency guidelines are as follows:
  • TOEIC 850 or above
  • TOEFL 600 (iBT 100) or above
Please confirm your English proficiency is at this level:

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* 13. Optional: Please provide your TOEIC, TOEFL or other English proficiency level. Please specify which test, and the year it was taken:

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* 14. Have you participated in a similar program in the past?

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* 15. What is your past experience living in the U.S.? (approximate length of stays, etc).

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* 16. If selected for this program, how engaged do you think you will be in Watanabe Democracy Fellowship programming in the future? (For example, attending alumni programs, meeting with new classes of participants, etc.)

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* 17. Please confirm your ability to participate in an orientation in Tokyo from June 19-21, 2026.

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* 18. Please confirm your ability to participate in the US Delegation from September 28- October 8, 2026 (arriving back in Japan on October 10).

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* 19. Resume/CV (maximum of 2 pages, in English)

PDF file types only.
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* 20. Personal statement (500-750 words, in English)
  • Please describe your personal goals as a future leader, and how participation in the Watanabe Democracy Fellowship will advance them.
  • What are your specific interests in advancing democracy, inclusion, and the US-Japan relationship?

PDF file types only.
Choose File

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* 21. Please tell us who is providing your candidate recommendation for this program.

Please note they must submit the referral by the application deadline in order for your application to be considered.

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