# Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program

Japan Society selects 10 high schoolers in grades 9-11 for a two-week summer program in Tokyo and Tohoku: homestay, Japanese school life, language lessons, meetings with leaders and an independent project.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Japan Society |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | $3,800 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–11 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Tokyo, International |
| Apply | https://japansociety.org/teacher-k-16/junior-fellows/ |

## About this program

# Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program

The Junior Fellows Leadership Program is Japan Society's selective summer program in Japan for American high school students. Ten students are chosen each year for roughly two weeks split between the Tokyo metropolitan area and Tohoku, the northeastern region. It is a leadership program built around Japan rather than a language course: knowledge of Japanese is helpful but not required, and students spend as much time with business, arts, science and nonprofit leaders as they do in language class.

## What You'll Do

- Design and carry out an independent project on a global issue of your choosing
- Live with a Japanese host family and experience Japanese school life first-hand
- Take introductory communicative Japanese language lessons
- Meet current leaders in business, the arts, science and the nonprofit sector
- Visit cultural and historic sites in Tokyo and Tohoku, and connect with previous American and Japanese Junior Fellows

## Who Should Apply

High school students in grades 9-11 at the time of application who show strong leadership skills. Priority goes to students from the New York metropolitan area (NY, NJ, CT), where Japan Society is based. The application is submitted by mail and includes supporting materials.

## Outcomes

Junior Fellows join the Junior Fellows Alumni Association, a standing network of American and Japanese alumni of the program. Participants come away with a completed independent project, a host family in Japan and direct access to Japan Society's institutional network. Tuition for the 2026 program was $3,800 with need-based financial aid available.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program cost?

Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program costs $3,800. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program?

Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program is open to high school students in grades 9–11. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program online or in person?

Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program is an in-person program based in Tokyo, International.

### How do I apply to Japan Society Junior Fellows Leadership Program?

Apply directly through Japan Society's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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