2027 East Asia NextGen Forum

The East Asia NextGen Forum is a new collaborative program organized by the Japan ICU Foundation and International Student Conferences, in partnership with International Christian University.

The Forum will bring together up to 70 university students from different national, cultural, and educational backgrounds. About 30 participants will be incoming student leaders of ISC’s Japan-America Student Conference (JASC), Korea-America Student Conference (KASC), and China-America Student Conference (ChASC), representing universities in Japan, China, Korea, and the United States. They will be joined by up to 40 students from ICU an d and up to 10 students from other universities in Japan.

Together, participants will examine issues facing East Asia while developing relationships with peers whose experiences and perspectives may be different from their own.

About The Forum

Apply Today

Program Overview

The East Asia NextGen Forum will bring together university students studying in Japan, China, South Korea, and the United States for three days of learning, dialogue, and exchange at International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo. Participants will explore important issues facing East Asia, learn from scholars and practitioners, and engage with one another through small-group discussions, workshops, and collaborative activities. Participation is free of charge. The Forum will be conducted in English.

📁 Application Closes: November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

📆 Conference Dates: January 8–10, 2027

👥 Participants: Up to 70 university students

🌐 Language: English

📍 Location: International Christian University (ICU), Tokyo

The Forum has no participation fee. Lunch and dinner will be provided on Jan 8 & 9, and lunch will be provided on Jan 10. Local participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from International Christian University.

What to Expect

The East Asia NextGen Forum is designed to combine academic learning with sustained interaction among participants.

The program will include:

  • Lectures and briefings from scholars, diplomats, and practitioners

  • Small-group discussions and facilitated cross-cultural dialogue

  • Collaborative project and presentation on a policy issue

  • Opportunities to connect with university students from across East Asia and the United States

Potential topics include historical memory and reconciliation, regional policy challenges, artificial intelligence and its impact on society, demographic change, migration, and diversity in East Asia.

How to Apply

Eligibility

The East Asia NextGen Forum is for students curious about East Asia and interested in international affairs, diplomacy, public policy, social change, and cross-cultural understanding.

You do not need to study international relations or a related field. We welcome students from all academic disciplines who are interested in discussing important regional and global issues, learning from different perspectives, and engaging thoughtfully with students from a variety of national and cultural backgrounds.

Applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student at a university in Japan, including students studying in Japan on exchange or study-abroad programs

  • Be able to participate actively in a program conducted in English

  • Be able to participate in the full Forum program from January 8–10, 2027.

What You’ll Need

Submit applications through the online application form.

The application includes basic academic and personal information, an academic transcript, and a series of short video responses in English.

English-language proficiency test scores may be submitted but are not required.

Application

Opens: October 15, 2026

Closes: November 15, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Timeline & Process

We will notify selected participants in mid-December 2026.

* Please note that Friday, January 8 is a regular class day at ICU and may also be a class day at other universities. Participation in the Forum does not automatically excuse students from their academic obligations. Students with conflicting classes or other academic commitments are responsible for discussing their participation with their instructors and obtaining any necessary permission. However, we can provide a letter of support.

Apply Today

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, there will be a short assignment to prepare you for engaging in the forum workshop.

  • Yes, if you are an international student currently enrolled in a Japanese university, you are eligible to apply.

  • Yes, if accepted you must participate in all days of the program.

  • No, students are expected to be currently residing in Japan to participate.

  • No, accommodations are not provided for applicants from ICU or other universities in Japan.

  • No, the official language of the program is English.

  • No, this program is open to all students currently residing in Japan.