The U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation’s Bridging Scholars and TeamUp programs have collaborated on a new webinar series, helping connect scholars and friends during this challenging time of social distancing. While the webinars can never replace an in-country experience, they will help us pursue our vision: preparing America’s young people to assume future global leadership roles.

The Board of Directors of the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Thomas J. Mason Jr., PhD as its next Executive Director.Dr. Mason joins the Bridging Foundation as its first full-time Executive Director beginning on October 1, 2020. He will work in partnership with the board to set strategic direction and develop enduring relationships with the Bridging Foundation’s supporters, partners, and scholarship alumni to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship through cultural and educational exchange.“

We are in a difficult time with pandemic-related health and economic pain and disruption. The Bridging Foundation board and staff have been closely monitoring the affects of COVID-19 on the Bridging Scholars program. In-person exchange remains our focus, but even more so, the health and safety of our scholars. Therefore, we are postponing our full academic year 2020-2021 and fall 2020 programs. We have communicated with all of the Bridging Scholars who were in Japan this spring and those who recently applied for a Bridging Scholarship to study in the fall.