The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed national initiative now in its third year, is generating tangible international outcomes for Japanese creators and artists, according to a progress report meeting held on June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Tokyo. Supported projects have been implemented across 23 countries and regions, producing awards, nominations, co-productions, and institutional partnerships in music, film, games, visual arts, and performing arts.
Managed by the Japan Arts Council with funding from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Fund aims to nurture emerging creators while strengthening cultural institutions and promoting international exchange. 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 outreach.
Key FY2025 achievements include selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors' Fortnight, and Annecy International Animation Film Festival; performances at London's Royal Opera House; international touring projects; and new collaborations between Japanese and overseas cultural organizations. The report highlighted 544 creators supported under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, with 165 overseas performances and exhibitions reaching a total attendance of 873,761 across domestic and international events. Under the Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement, 133 creators were supported, with 1,900,597 attendees at events across eight countries.
Four organizations presented their projects at the meeting. The Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network's SOIL Fellowship Program sent participants to pitching events in London and Edinburgh. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre's TMT Gear project conducted on-the-job training during overseas performances and 8K recording initiatives. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, where participants interned at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation's Immersive Media Lab++ collaborated with XR company STYLY, conducting overseas research visits to the United States.
Recent international successes include the National Ballet of Japan winning Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 after performances at London's Royal Opera House. The film "Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni" was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, while "Housenka" was selected for Annecy's Feature Film Competition. "Eri" was selected for Directors' Fortnight at Cannes. The exhibition "The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest" at Mori Art Museum attracted 236,705 visitors and will tour Asia in 2026.
Looking ahead to FY2026, organizations plan full-scale overseas exhibitions and collaborations. ROHM Theatre Kyoto's "Kichijitsu Saikai" will be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August 2026. Aichi Prefectural Art Theater's "WITH LiMBO" is scheduled for Slovakia in September. Syuto Kanazawa's exhibition "Ethnography of the Body and Material" will run in Venice from May to November 2026.
For business and technology leaders, the Fund's progress signals Japan's strategic investment in creative industries as a driver of soft power and economic growth. The international recognition and cross-border collaborations create opportunities for partnerships in entertainment, media, and technology sectors, particularly in animation, film, and immersive media. The focus on training programs and international networking also suggests a pipeline of talent equipped for global markets.
Further information on program results and upcoming activities is available on the official Japan Creator Support Fund website: https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
