The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative now entering its third year, reported tangible international outcomes at a progress meeting held on June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Tokyo. The fund supports emerging creators and artists while strengthening cultural institutions, and its projects have generated international activity across 23 countries and regions, including Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond.
Key achievements for fiscal year 2025 included selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors' Fortnight, and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival; performances at London's Royal Opera House; international touring projects; and collaborations between Japanese and overseas cultural organizations. The fund, delivered through the Japan Arts Council with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, aims to nurture creative talent and promote international exchange.
During the meeting, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Shigeki Kobayashi emphasized that "creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content," reaffirming the government's commitment to sustained investment in creative talent and international exchange. Representatives from the Japan Arts Council provided an overview of the fund's progress, noting that supported projects have generated results including awards, nominations, and co-productions across music, film, and games.
Four organizations presented their projects at the meeting. The Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network introduced the SOIL Fellowship Program, which cultivates producers and strengthens the international positioning of Japanese performing arts. In FY2025, participants attended pitching events in London and Edinburgh. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre presented TMT Gear – The Creator Support Project, which enhances Japan's international presence in contemporary performing arts through creator development and theatre staff expertise. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, providing learning opportunities for emerging animation talent, with participants attending workshops and internships at overseas studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation introduced the Immersive Media Lab++, an immersive content creator development program in collaboration with XR company STYLY, focusing on curriculum foundations and overseas research visits.
The fund's support programs have achieved significant results. The Creator & Artist Development Support Program supported 544 creators with 301 advisors, resulting in 165 overseas performances and exhibitions and total attendance of 873,761 across domestic and international events. The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators, with 97 performances and exhibitions and 1,900,597 attendees. The Creator Support Program facilitated overseas study visits to approximately 15 countries, including Africa, and training programs such as participation in the Berlin International Film Festival and MIT Reality Hack.
Looking ahead, FY2026 will see full-scale overseas exhibitions and performances. For instance, Kichijitsu Saikai will be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August 2026, WITH LiMBO will be performed in Slovakia in September 2026, and Syuto Kanazawa will present an exhibition in Venice from May to November 2026. Recent international successes include the National Ballet of Japan being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 following its performances at London's Royal Opera House, and the selection of Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi niwa for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. Additionally, Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, and Housenka was selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
For further information, visit the official Japan Creator Support Fund website: https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
