The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative now in its third year, is beginning to yield tangible international results, with projects implemented across 23 countries and regions generating awards, nominations, and co-productions in music, film, games, visual arts, and performing arts, according to a progress report meeting held June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Tokyo.
Vice Minister Shigeki Kobayashi opened the meeting, emphasizing 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. The Fund, delivered through the Japan Arts Council, aims to nurture emerging creators while strengthening cultural institutions and promoting overseas expansion.
Among key FY2025 achievements, supported projects saw selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, and Annecy International Animation Film Festival, as well as performances at London’s Royal Opera House. The National Ballet of Japan was named Outstanding Company at the UK’s National Dance Awards 2025, becoming the first Japanese ballet company to receive the honor, following its performances of Giselle at the Royal Opera House in July 2025.
In animation, the feature film Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni, directed by painter Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, competing for the Golden Bear. Housenka, an original animated feature from the creators of Odd Taxi, was selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. Additionally, Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors’ Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
The Fund also reported that 544 creators were supported under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, with 301 advisors involved, and 165 overseas performances or exhibitions held, attracting a total attendance of 873,761 across domestic and international events. The program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators and 88 advisors, with overseas activities in eight countries and total attendance of 1,900,597.
Four organizations presented their projects at the meeting. The SOIL Fellowship Program, run by Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network, sent participants to pitching events in London and Edinburgh. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre’s TMT Gear project included on-the-job training during overseas performances and 8K recording initiatives. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, where participants undertook internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation introduced its Immersive Media Lab++ program, which conducted research visits to the United States and plans year-round courses from FY2026.
Looking ahead, the Fund anticipates further expansion in FY2026. Kichijitsu Saikai, a work by a supported artist, is scheduled for the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August 2026. WITH LiMBO, created by participants of Aichi Prefectural Art Theater’s dance project, will be performed in Slovakia in September 2026. The exhibition Ethnography of the Body and Material by Syuto Kanazawa will run in Venice, Italy, from May to November 2026.
For more information, visit the official Japan Creator Support Fund website at https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
