The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative now in its third year, is delivering measurable international results, according to a progress report meeting held June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Tokyo. The Fund, administered by the Japan Arts Council with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, aims to nurture emerging creators and strengthen cultural institutions while promoting global expansion.
At 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 reported that supported projects have generated activity across 23 countries and regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America.
Key FY2025 achievements included selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, and Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Performances at London’s Royal Opera House and international touring projects were also highlighted. The Fund’s two main programs—the Creator & Artist Development Support Program and the Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement—collectively supported 677 creators and 389 advisors, with total attendance of over 2.7 million at domestic and international events.
Under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, 544 creators received support, with 301 advisors involved. The program facilitated 163 domestic and 165 overseas performances or exhibitions, reaching 873,761 attendees. The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators and 88 advisors, with 92 domestic and 5 overseas events drawing nearly 1.9 million visitors.
Four organizations presented their projects at the meeting. The Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network introduced the SOIL Fellowship Program, which sent participants to pitching events in London and Edinburgh. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre presented TMT Gear, focusing on global creator development and theatre staff expertise. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, providing internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation introduced Immersive Media Lab++, a collaboration with XR company STYLY, which will launch year-round courses in FY2026.
Notable international successes include the National Ballet of Japan’s performance 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 that honor. In film, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, while Housenka was chosen for the Feature Film Competition at Annecy 2025. Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors’ Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Looking ahead to FY2026, organizations plan to launch full-scale overseas exhibitions and performances. The ROHM Theatre Kyoto will present Kichijitsu Saikai at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August. Aichi Prefectural Art Theater’s WITH LiMBO is scheduled for Slovakia in September. In the visual arts, 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 source of soft power and economic growth. The emphasis on international collaboration and digital content creation, including immersive media and animation, aligns with global trends in entertainment and technology. The Fund’s model of multi-year support and industry-academia partnerships could serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking to boost their creative economies. More information is available on the official Japan Creator Support Fund website.
