The two-year Fellowships enable U.S. federal government employees to develop an in-depth understanding of Japan, learn how its government works, and establish relationships with their counterparts in the government of Japan as well as in the business, professional and academic communities.
The Fellows spend a year working full-time in Japanese government offices, preceded by a year of full-time rigorous language and area studies training in the United States. After the year in Japan, the Fellows are required to serve at least two additional years in the federal government where it is anticipated they will continue to work on projects involving Japan issues.