Application Open: 2026 Japanese Canadian Leadership Programme (JCLP)

2026/6/26

OVERVIEW

The JAPANESE CANADIAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME (JCLP) started in 2008, and a total of 75 Japanese Canadian leaders have visited Japan. The programme provides an opportunity for a select group of Nikkei Canadian leaders from across Canada to visit Japan and engage with leaders in government, business, academia, culture, and civil society. Through these exchanges, participants gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Japan and explore opportunities to strengthen Japan-Canada relations.

The programme also provides Japanese stakeholders with an opportunity to learn from the experiences and perspectives of a diverse new generation of Nikkei Canadians. As Japanese Canadian communities continue to evolve across regions and generations, the programme seeks to strengthen connections among Nikkei leaders throughout Canada and foster a nationwide network committed to deepening ties with Japan.

2026 PROGRAM

The 2026 Programme will bring together approximately five participants from across Canada for a one-week visit to Japan. The programme will provide opportunities to deepen participants’ understanding of contemporary Japan and Japan-Canada relations through exchanges with leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society, as well as visits to regional communities and cultural institutions. The 2026 Programme seeks to select a diverse delegation of prominent Japanese Canadian leaders nationally.
The itinerary will include a mandatory 2-day pre-departure orientation in Toronto on November 27^th (Fri) and 28^th (Sat), 2026, and then a 5-day programme in Japan from November 29^th (Sun) to December 5^th (Sat), 2026.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Deadline for receipt of applications: July 31^st (Fri), 2026
Applicants must submit completed Application Form and Resume/CV. Your application packet should be sent either by email or by mail to Consulate-General/Embassy of Japan in your area (see contact list).

If you reside in the Ottawa/Gatineau region, please send your applications and related documents to either: by email to

general@ot.mofa.go.jp

or by mail to:

General Affairs
Embassy of Japan in Canada
255 Sussex Dr,
Ottawa ON, K1N 9E6

If sending your application by mail, it must arrive at the Embassy by the deadline on July 31^st, 2026, so please be aware of delivery times and delays. Applications received on or after August 1^st, 2026, will not be considered under any circumstances.

Questions on eligibility and other matters should be addressed to your local Japanese Diplomatic Mission. Please carefully read the Programme Overview from the link below for complete programme information.

Please note that only selected applicants will be notified of the final selection results.
For more detailed information and to access the application form, please see the following: