We ask that Fellows complete the following prior to arrival in Japan.
Fellows are free to make institutional arrangements of their choice with the Host Institutions in Japan (see Host Institutes in Japan). Carl Green, Deputy Senior Representative, Hitachi Corporate Office in Washington D.C., who formerly served as the Ford Foundation's Representative in Japan, is available to offer advice and to act on your behalf in making institutional arrangements. Mr. Green can be reached at:
Hitachi Corporate Office, D.C.
1900 K Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20006
TEL 202-828-9277 FAX 202-828-9277
Visas are generally required for entry into Japan. Prior Fellowship recipients have obtained "Cultural Activities" visas, issued for one year or six months, enabling them to pursue "academic or artistic activities that provide no income..." Cultural Activities visas are classified as "Non-Working Visas." (Consular officials have taken the position that Fellowship stipends paid by the Council are not income). Application may be made at any Japanese consulate (click HERE for information on Japanese consulates from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
As American citizens, Fellows are eligible to enter and stay in Japan for up to three months under the Bilateral Visa Exemption Program. There is no specific limit on the number of times that an individual can enter under the Visa Exemption Program. In some cases, this may serve as an alternative to applying for a Cultural Activities visa.