Multiple Cost Sharing: The Japan Experience

Abstract

Among the approximately 120 countries with Fulbright programs, Japan's Fulbright program is the only Fulbright program where cost sharing by the United States and the host society is on a fifty-fifty basis and where the Fulbright alumni contribute approximately 15 percent of the program's budget. This article analyzes the factors behind this unique multiple cost-sharing of the Fulbright program, particularly the strong support from the Japanese alumni. Among the contributing elements are the historical relationship between Japan and the United States, the rapid economic development of Japan, cultural factors peculiar to Japan, timing, and the right leader. These factors converged in 1982, the thirtieth anniversary year of the Japan program, and resulted in the organization of nine regional alumni associations within a period of two months and the launching of a fund-raising campaign to invite more Americans to Japan. The campaign developed a momentum of its own and evolved into the establishment of a permanent alumni Fulbright Foundation in 1986 through which contributions to the regular program are made. The entire alumni movement has served as a catalyst to the expansion and dynamism of the Fulbright program in Japan and may offer some lessons for other programs.