Applications are now open for the 2026 Awaji Youth Federation (AYF) Fellowship, a prestigious nine-month live-in leadership program based on Awaji Island, Japan. The fellowship is designed for emerging young leaders from around the world who are passionate about addressing regional revitalization in Japan while tackling broader global challenges.
About the AYF Fellowship
The AYF Fellowship is an intensive, immersive experience that brings together young professionals with prior work experience to learn, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to society. Fellows live and work on Awaji Island for nine months, engaging directly with Japanese workplaces and community-based initiatives.
Through lectures, mentorship, fieldwork, and hands-on project execution, participants gain practical experience while contributing to Natureverse and regional development projects. The program focuses on building globally minded leaders who can act as bridges for sustainable development across national and cultural boundaries.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The AYF Fellowship goes beyond classroom learning. It offers real-world exposure to Japan’s regional development efforts while equipping participants with advanced skills in leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. Fellows leave the program with strengthened professional capacity, global networks, and practical experience that positions them to lead impactful initiatives in their home countries and beyond.
Fellowship Themes and Focus Areas
Participants will work on projects across key sectors, including:
• New business development
• International projects
• Tourism
• Wellness
• Agriculture
• Education
• Technology
• Social innovation
• Entrepreneurship
Program Structure
The fellowship is built around three integrated components:
• Self-development and mentoring, focused on personal growth and leadership guidance
• Project ideation and project work, involving hands-on participation in impactful initiatives
• Event creation, where fellows design and implement activities that benefit the local community
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be a national of any country
• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Have some prior professional work experience
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to solving societal challenges and contributing to AYF projects
• Uphold values of hard work, discipline, and care for others
• No IELTS or other language proficiency test is required
Program Duration and Location
• Duration: 9 months
• Location: Awaji Island, Japan
• Format: Fully immersive, live-in fellowship
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