Deadline: 31-Mar-23
The Wilson Center’s Asia Program and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s Japan-U.S. Program are soliciting applications for their joint Japan Scholar Program based in Washington DC.
The fellowship is one of the most highly respected and competitive positions that promote academic research on key areas of US-Japan relations.
A successful applicant will spend up to 6 months in residence at the Woodrow Wilson Center where he/she will carry out advanced, policy-oriented research and writing designed to bridge the gap between the academic and policy communities. The length of the Japan Scholar’s appointment will be determined according to his or her own needs and the Wilson Center’s available resources.
Responsibilities of Japan Scholars
This is a residential fellowship based in Washington, and Japan Scholars will be expected to carry out a full schedule of rigorous research and writing based on the topic outlined in the research proposal submitted at the time of application. They will also be expected to participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences organized by the Center’s various programs including the Asia Program, and in other ways to participate in the intellectual life of the Wilson Center and the larger community of Asia observers in Washington. Japan Scholars are expected to publish their work in U.S. and Japanese publications.
Funding Information
- Round ticket airfare (up to $5,000)
- Monthly stipend (approximately $6,000 per month) and healthcare cost (approximately $2,000 per month).
- Duration: The scholar will be based at the Wilson Center in Washington DC for six months from October 2023 to March 2024.
Eligibility Criteria
- This competition is open to citizens or legal permanent residents of Japan. Applications will be accepted from individuals in academia, business, journalism, government, law, and related professions. Candidates must be currently pursuing research on key public policy issues facing Japan, including U.S.-Japanese relations and East Asian political, security, and economic issues.
- Applicants must have the terminal degree in their field (for academics, this generally means a Ph.D., but for other professions other appropriate qualifications will be considered), and at least eight years of professional and/or research experience. Preferences will be given to applicants who have published scholarly books or substantial articles in academic or policy-related journals or newspapers.
- Scholars must have a valid passport and will need to qualify for a U.S. J-1 visa. Although the Wilson Center cannot administer healthcare coverage or provide housing for visiting scholars, it will provide suggestions and guidance in finding suitable housing as well as healthcare. Scholars will be responsible for purchasing and administering their healthcare insurance during their stay in the United States. Applicants must be professionally fluent in both written and spoken English.
Selection Criteria
- Significance of the proposed research, including the importance and originality of the project;
- Quality of the proposal in definition, organization, clarity and scope;
- Capabilities and achievements of the applicant; and
- Relevance of the project to contemporary policy issues pertaining to Japan.
- Willingness to participate in the broader Wilson Center community and contribute to intellectual exchange among scholars and resident experts,
- Ability to contribute to the exchange of ideas in Washington’s foreign policy community and beyond,
- The two letters of recommendation – the names of the referees should be submitted together with the application document package. There is no need to submit the recommendation letters themselves with the application documents.
- After the first round selection, the selection committee will request candidates contact referees to send their letters directly to the committee before the online interview test.
For more information, visit Sasakawa Peace Foundation.