TOKYO — The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative aimed at nurturing emerging creators and artists, is beginning to generate tangible international outcomes, with supported projects securing awards, nominations, and co-productions across music, film, games and the arts, while expanding opportunities for overseas performances, international events and cross-border collaborations.
According to a progress report presented on June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), projects supported by the fund have been implemented across 23 countries and regions, spanning Asia, Europe, North America and beyond. The fund, now entering its third year, is delivered through the Japan Arts Council with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
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 organisations.
Speaking at the event, 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 importance of sustained investment in creative talent and international exchange.
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, which included on-the-job training during overseas performances and 8K recording initiatives. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, which provided internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation introduced the Immersive Media Lab++ program in collaboration with XR company STYLY.
Under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, 544 creators were supported with 165 overseas performances and exhibitions, attracting a total attendance of 873,761 across domestic and international events. The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators and saw 1,900,597 attendees at domestic and international events. The Creator Support Program (Program Development & Implementation) has sent participants to approximately 15 countries for overseas study visits, including participation in the Berlin International Film Festival and an observation visit to MIT Reality Hack.
Notable international successes include the National Ballet of Japan being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025, becoming the first Japanese ballet company to receive the honour. The ballet's production of Giselle was staged at London's Royal Opera House in July 2025 to near-capacity audiences.
In animation, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, competing for the Golden Bear. The film, directed by Japanese painter Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, received support through the Film Frontier program. Another supported film, Housenka, was selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025.
Under the New Way, New World program, Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The exhibition The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest at Mori Art Museum attracted 236,705 visitors and is scheduled to tour Asia in 2026.
Looking ahead to FY2026, various organizations are expected to launch full-scale overseas exhibitions, performances and collaborative initiatives. Kichijitsu Saikai is scheduled to be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August 2026, and WITH LiMBO is scheduled to be performed in Slovakia in September 2026. Syuto Kanazawa is presenting an exhibition in Venice, Italy, from May to November 2026.
Further information on program results, case studies and upcoming international activities is available on the official Japan Creator Support Fund website: https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp/en.
