The Program on U.S.-Japan Relations was founded in 1980 in response to Japan’s rise as a leading global power. It seeks to advance knowledge of U.S.-Japan relations; contemporary Japanese politics, economy, society, and culture in comparative perspective; common problems of advanced industrial democracies; the globalization of Japan’s popular culture; the rise of civil society in Asia; international relations of Asia and Asian regionalism; and global governance of issues such as energy, environment, and public health. The program encourages outstanding scholars and professionals from Japan, the United States, and other nations to conduct research within these areas of inquiry.

The program sponsors a weekly seminar series, an annual Distinguished Visitor lecture series, roundtable discussions, and various special events. Through a competitive application process every academic year, the program selects approximately sixteen postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and professional associates. Enjoying the status of University Officers while at Harvard, they take part in the program’s research activities, prepare a major research paper, and publicly present the results of their research. Their research is published as part of the program’s Occasional Paper Series.

The program advances the educational mission of the University in a variety of ways, including fostering "research pairs" between the program’s associates and Harvard graduate students and, working with the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies, by providing internship opportunities for Harvard College students in Japan.

The director of the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations is Susan J. Pharr, Edwin O. Reischauer Professor of Japanese Politics. Shinju Fujihira is the associate director. The Program on U.S.-Japan Relations is located at 61 Kirkland Street.

Related Links

• Program on U.S.-Japan Relations Web site
• Current Program Affiliates
• Seminar: U.S.-Japan Relations Seminar
• Funding: U.S.-Japan Program Advanced Research Fellowships