TOKYO — The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed national initiative now in its third year, is yielding significant international results, according to a progress report meeting held June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Supported projects have generated activity across 23 countries and regions, spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, with achievements including selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors' Fortnight, and Annecy International Animation Film Festival, performances at London's Royal Opera House, and new international collaborations.
The fund, delivered through the Japan Arts Council with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, aims to nurture emerging creators and artists while strengthening cultural institutions that serve as hubs for creative activity and public engagement. It also promotes international exchange and overseas expansion opportunities, helping Japanese creators build global networks and reach new audiences.
At the progress report 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.
Four organizations presented their projects. The Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network introduced the SOIL Fellowship Program, which saw participants take part in pitching events in London and Edinburgh. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre presented TMT Gear – The Creator Support Project, which included on-the-job training during overseas performances and 8K recording initiatives. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, where participants attended domestic workshops and undertook internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation – Tokyo Communication Arts College introduced the Immersive Media Lab++, developed in collaboration with XR company STYLY, which conducted overseas research visits and will introduce year-round courses from FY2026.
Key FY2025 results under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program include 544 creators supported, 165 overseas performances/exhibitions, and 873,761 total attendees across domestic and international events. Under the Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement, 133 creators were supported, with 92 domestic performances/exhibitions and 1,900,597 total attendees. The Creator Support Program (Program Development & Implementation) has seen individual projects conduct overseas study visits to approximately 15 countries, including countries in Africa, to understand global demand for Japanese content.
Recent international successes include the National Ballet of Japan's staging of Giselle at London's Royal Opera House in July 2025, which led to the company being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025, the first Japanese ballet company to receive the honor. Shochiku's kabuki production How an Onnagata Is Made undertook its first European tour in eight years in April 2026, with performances across Paris, Rome, and Cologne. In film, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni, supported through UNIJAPAN's "Film Frontier" program, was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, competing for the Golden Bear. Housenka was selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. Eri, directed by Honami Yano under the "New Way, New World" program, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Looking ahead to FY2026, organizations are expected to launch full-scale overseas exhibitions, performances, and collaborative initiatives. ROHM Theatre Kyoto's Kichijitsu Saikai is scheduled for performance at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August 2026. Aichi Prefectural Art Theater's WITH LiMBO will be performed in Slovakia in September 2026. Syuto Kanazawa will present Ethnography of the Body and Material in Venice from May to November 2026.
For more information, visit the official Japan Creator Support Fund website at https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
