Statement of Interest (SOI) for the Annual Program Statement FY2025 SOI

closed

U.S. Embassy Tokyo, through its Public Affairs Section, invites creative, engaging proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Japan through public-engagement programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include a tie to U.S. culture or society and/or a connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Audiences can include: national and regional media; NGOs and think tanks; government officials (national, prefecture, and municipal officials; policy makers, civil servants); cultural and educational leaders; next generation leaders (e.g., innovators, digital influencers, campus leaders); and/or academics, among others. Special consideration will be given to proposals from organizations that have not previously received U.S. Embassy funding, as well as those that include partners and programs from underserved regions/communities and/or that include programming outside Tokyo. Priority Program Areas are as follows: Security and Defense: Public engagement activities that promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific region; combat transnational, regional, and global challenges such as cyber threats; encourage resistance to malign influence and disinformation; and enhance civilian-military understanding, including in base-hosting communities. Democracy and shared values: Programs that use U.S.-Japan cooperation to increase transparency and good governance, strengthen democratic processes, and promote the respect for the rule of law and human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Collaboration in science and technology: Programs that promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) interest among young people, especially those who have been less represented in these fields, as well as programs that advance U.S.-Japan academic partnerships in science and technology, including cybersecurity, and/or that share best practices in research security and academic integrity. Entrepreneurship and innovation: Programs that advance a modern workforce and global innovation infrastructure, including through participation by underserved groups, promotion of entrepreneurial practices, and a business culture that recognizes the importance of study abroad experience and English skills. Please follow all instructions in the attached notice carefully. SOIs that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.