About the Fellowship
Program Objectives and Benefits
The Mansfield Fellowship Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1994 to build a corps of U.S. federal government employees with proficiency in the Japanese language and practical, firsthand knowledge about Japan and its government. Through their placements, Fellows develop networks of contacts in Japan and an understanding of the political, economic and strategic dimensions of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Mansfield Fellowship Program alumni have skills, contacts and expertise that facilitate their agencies’ work on Japan-related programs and policies. They return to federal service with a deep, practical understanding of Japan, including knowledge of:
- the Japanese language;
- Government of Japan policies, including how the government addresses issues in Fellows’ professional fields;
- Japanese decision making, including how their counterpart agencies in Japan are structured and how they operate; and
- Japanese society and culture.
Alumni Fellows have direct responsibility for a wide variety of the U.S. Government’s Japan issues, provide counsel to their agencies on Japan-related matters and help expedite the resolution of issues involving Japan.
The Fellowship
Pre-Departure Training
The Pre-Departure Training Phase is designed to equip Fellows with the language skills, regional knowledge, and cross-cultural understanding necessary to succeed in their year abroad. Through intensive preparation in Washington, DC, and virtual sessions, Fellows gain the academic grounding, professional context, and cultural insight that will shape their experience in Japan.
Language learning is central to the Mansfield Fellowship experience. From the first weeks of pre-departure study through the final months of in-country immersion, Fellows engage in a Japanese language journey that builds communication skills, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding.
Pre-departure language classes are tailored to each individual Fellow, and participation in either full-time or part-time training is based on the Fellow’s needs, availability, and approval from their home agency and the Mansfield Foundation.
Pre-departure training takes place in the Fellow’s hometown and does not require a move to Washington, DC.
Ishikawa Homestay Experience
The Mansfield Fellowship begins its in-country phase with a transformative seven-week homestay and intensive language program in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. Hosted by the Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange (IFIE), this immersive experience is designed to strengthen Fellows’ Japanese communication skills while fostering cultural understanding and personal connections.
The Ishikawa Homestay is the cornerstone of the Fellowship’s cultural preparation. Living with Japanese host families allows Fellows to experience daily life firsthand—sharing meals, participating in cultural events, and gaining insights into the customs and values that shape Japanese society.
After completing the seven-week immersion and homestay in Ishikawa, Fellows move to Tokyo to begin their professional placements with host organizations.
Professional Placements
After the Ishikawa Homestay, Fellows travel to Tokyo to begin ten months of placements, further language training, and supplemental education programs and study tours. In their placements, Fellows work full-time with their Japanese colleagues on issues relevant to their professional expertise and provide their perspective while learning from their Japanese counterparts. Given that ministries and agencies have overlapping jurisdiction over certain issues, most Fellows work in multiple government offices during the year in Japan.
In addition, Fellows have benefited from the perspective gained by working in the offices of Japanese National Diet (parliament) members and private companies and may participate in a one-week administrative training program provided for Japanese mid-career level civil servants. Placement details are negotiated with the government of Japan prior to moving to Tokyo and begin with a detailed placement plan included in the program application.
Professional Travel and Supplemental Programming
Fellows often receive invitations from their Japanese host offices to participate in short-term trips outside of Tokyo for purposes such as site visits, study tours, conferences, and more. The Foundation provides funding support for applicable professional travel costs, allowing Fellows to get out of the office and experience a wide range of professional activities first-hand.
Additionally, The Foundation often arranges seminars, speaking engagements, and study trips for the entire group during the Fellowship year. These activities provide opportunities to explore new subjects, connect with individuals across a variety of fields, and experience new regions of Japan, all while building stronger bonds amongst the class of Fellows. Supplemental programming opportunities in recent years have included:
- Okinawa Study Trip (sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Site visit to JR Central’s Maglev Test Center in Yamanashi Prefecture
- Kumamoto-Mansfield Lecture Series at Kumamoto University
Post-Fellowship Return to U.S. Agencies
Following the year in Japan, Fellows are required to return to U.S. federal government service for a minimum of two years. Alumni Fellows return with in-depth experience on matters related to Japan and many assume direct responsibility for a wide variety of U.S.-Japan issues within their agencies. Alumni often provide counsel to home agencies to help expedite the resolution of issues involving Japan.
Many MFP Alumni continue to live and work in Japan after their Fellowship year. Others use the skills and knowledge gained from the Program to make improvements within their U.S. agencies and work towards better U.S.-Japan cooperation in their field. Alumni maintain strong connections with their contacts in Japan, leading to more streamlined collaboration between the two governments. The investment in the program over many years has produced numerous strong, agile leaders within the USG and private industry who have deftly led efforts to support the U.S.-Japan partnership.
Alumni Activities
As alumni, Fellows participate in Foundation- sponsored events, professional development activities and programs. Beyond the Fellowship year, the Foundation is committed to supporting alumni as they continue to grow professionally and sustain the expertise developed during their time in Japan.
Alumni also serve as a valuable resource to support future classes of the Program; their firsthand experience makes them uniquely valuable partners for educational outreach and the recruitment, training, and orientation of new Fellows.
Finally, alumni Fellows join a network of over 200 current and former U.S. government employees with knowledge, skills, and professional connections related to Japan. Alumni often connect with each other via social events and online groups, cementing the valuable relationships they’ve formed through the Fellowship.
