Call for SOIs: Annual Program Statement to strengthen U.S. and Japan Ties

Deadline: 30-Sep-25

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo, through its Public Affairs Section, invites creative, engaging proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Japan through public-engagement programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.

All programs must include a tie to U.S. culture or society and/or a connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Audiences can include: national and regional media; NGOs and think tanks; government officials (national, prefecture, and municipal officials; policy makers, civil servants); cultural and educational leaders; next generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers, campus leaders); and/or academics, among others.

Focus Areas 

• Special consideration will be given to proposals from organizations that have not previously received U.S. Embassy funding, as well as those that include partners and programs from underserved regions/communities and/or that include programming outside Tokyo. Priority Program Areas are as follows:
  • Security and Defense: Public engagement activities that promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region; combat transnational, regional, and global challenges such as cyber threats; encourage resistance to malign influence and disinformation; and enhance civilian-military understanding, including in base-hosting communities.
  • Democracy and shared values: Programs that use U.S.-Japan cooperation to increase transparency and good governance, strengthen democratic processes, and promote the respect for the rule of law and human rights in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Collaboration in science and technology: Programs that promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) interest among young people, especially those who have been less represented in these fields, as well as programs that advance
  • U.S.-Japan academic partnerships in science and technology, including cybersecurity, and/or that share best practices in research security and academic integrity.
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation: Programs that advance a modern workforce and global innovation infrastructure, including through participation by underserved groups, promotion of entrepreneurial practices, and a business culture that recognizes the importance of study abroad experience and English skills.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $250,000 pending availability of funds
• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $100,000
• Length of performance period : Up to 12 months

Eligibility Criteria

• The Public Affairs Section encourages applications from U.S. and Japanese:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations
  • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
  • Individuals (the cap for individual grant proposals is set at $30,000)
  • Public International Organizations

For more information, visit Grants.gov.