Deadline: 4 March 2018
International Center for Journalist (ICFJ) is seeking applications for its program entitled “ Illuminating Today’s Japan for American Audiences 2018” that is funded by the U.S.-Japan Foundation. This program will help to make independent coverage of neglected issues possible.
The participating journalists will work with an experienced Japanese interpreter and fixer, and are expected to dig into the economic, social, cultural, environmental and energy-policy challenges facing the country. Former participants have produced stories for media outlets including McClatchy, NPR, Al Jazeera America and more.
Topics
- Increase media coverage of key issues in the US-Japan alliance
- Educate members of the media on important issues in Japan and their connection to the U.S.
- Bridge the gap between local U.S. cities/industries and Japan
Program Phases
- Program Orientation: mid-March-April 2018: Before the selected journalists travel to Japan to begin reporting, ICFJ program staff, the participant and the Japanese fixer and interpreter will convene in a series of web conferences using Google Hangout. These opportunities will acquaint the journalists with one another and the Japanese interpreter-fixer who will assist them during their 19-day reporting tour.
- Individual Travel and Tour: between May and September 2018: After the orientation program, the journalists will depart for their 19-day reporting tour accompanied by an experienced Japanese reporter and journalist. The participants will work with the Japanese expert to organize necessary meetings and plan travel around Japan.
- Return and completion of reporting: between September and December 2018: After the American journalists return home, each jouranlist will complete his/her story for publication or broadcast. ICFJ will use its own website to promote the stories. Each journalist is expected to publicize his/her story via social media and professional connections.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have a guarantee that at least one report or article will be broadcasted/published by U.S. media.
- The participants will be selected based on the quality of story idea, as the story should have immediate relevance to the journalist’s own community. Examples of issues that journalists could explore include business, trade, energy, culture, immigration and climate change. Other key considerations include the journalists’ professional qualifications, level of experience and their media organization’s audience.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via given website.
Eligible Countries: United States
For more information, please visit ICFJ.