OVERVIEW

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is an independent federal agency established by Congress in 1975 to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship through educational, cultural, and professional exchange. Operating under P.L. 94-118, JUSFC’s discretionary grantmaking program fulfills its statutory mission of advancing U.S. interests by strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The agency’s grantmaking decisions reflect responsible stewardship of resources in accordance with Executive Order 14332 and 2 CFR 200.1.

To advance U.S. interests and ensure accountability to the American people, JUSFC has organized its operations around three strategic pillars that serve as the agency’s roadmap. Every grant awarded, program implemented, and partnership developed aligns with one of these pillars, ensuring that federal resources are deployed with clear purpose and measurable objectives.

The first pillar, Advancing U.S. Competency on Japan, builds the critical knowledge infrastructure and Japanese language expertise necessary for U.S. competitiveness and security in the Indo-Pacific. The second, Leveraging JUSFC’s Convening Power, draws on the agency’s unique position to bring together stakeholders from government, business, academia, and civil society, forging the people-to-people connections essential for effective diplomatic and economic engagement. The third pillar, Promoting Legislative Exchanges, enhances legislative understanding and cooperation between the United States and Japan. These pillars are grounded in JUSFC’s enduring mission to support research, education, public affairs, and exchange, and to promote scholarly, cultural, and artistic activities between Japan and the United States — sustaining reciprocal people-to-people understanding and stimulating partnerships that advance the common interests of both nations.

JUSFC makes all funding decisions in accordance with these Grantmaking Guidelines and Procedures consistent with the provisions of EO 14332. The funding decision making process is led by the Commission Chair and JUSFC Executive Director. All funding decisions ensure accountability and consistency with JUSFC’s statutory mission and U.S. national interests (EO 14332, Section 3).

JUSFC has an annual institutional grant cycle. Making the application process as easy as possible is one of the ways in which the agency allows for access. The application deadline is July 1, 5:00 p.m. EDT – this is an inflexible deadline.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicant organizations must be U.S.-based non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, or other entities eligible to receive federal awards under 2 CFR 200.
• Equivalent eligible organizations in Japan are also able to apply.
• Individuals are not eligible to apply.
• Organizations that are current JUSFC grantees with unexpended funds remaining from a prior award are not eligible to apply until those funds have been fully expended and/or any unexpended balance returned to JUSFC as appropriate.

JUSFC-CULCON Fall Internship

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC), and U.S. CULCON offer a paid internship program for graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in U.S.-Japan relations. Our office culture is one of high standards, mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and accountability. This internship is a professional development opportunity that is designed to introduce you to new fields; help you develop or improve skills; and build your resume and network. We offer substantive and interesting work; mentorship; a collegial and supportive work environment; and excellent networking opportunities. Interns perform tasks that allow them to learn hands-on skills to build their resume. Additionally, JUSFC and CULCON provide mentoring and introductions to various Japan-related events in Washington, D.C. that serve as networking opportunities.   

Who: Applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students who are eligible to work in the United States. Excellent research, writing, Internet, communication (including comfort handling telephone calls) and organizational skills are required. These are skills that an intern will have ample opportunity to develop further but must demonstrate a certain level of pre-requisite ability. Knowledge of Japan and/or Japanese language are desirable but not required. A professional, respectful demeanor toward peers and colleagues, and an appreciation for the intricacies of collaboration is expected.