Japan Creator Support Fund Reports Tangible International Outcomes Across Creative Industries

The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative managed by the Japan Arts Council, is producing measurable international results as it enters its third year, according to a progress report meeting held June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Tokyo. Supported projects have generated activity across 23 countries and regions, with achievements including 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 and international touring projects.

Vice Minister Shigeki Kobayashi opened the meeting, emphasizing that "creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content" and reaffirming the government's commitment to sustained investment in creative talent and international exchange. The fund supports emerging creators and strengthens cultural institutions through two main programs: the Support Programs for Creator Development & Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement and the Creator Support Program (Program Development and Implementation).

In FY2025, 544 creators were supported through the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, with 165 overseas performances and exhibitions attracting a total attendance of 873,761 across domestic and international events. The Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement program supported 133 creators and 97 performances and exhibitions, drawing 1,900,597 attendees. Notable international successes included the National Ballet of Japan being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 following its performances of Giselle at the Royal Opera House, marking the first time a Japanese ballet company received the honor.

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, involving 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 internships at overseas studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation introduced the Immersive Media Lab++ program in collaboration with XR company STYLY, which plans to launch year-round courses in FY2026.

Looking ahead to FY2026, several organizations plan full-scale overseas activities. ROHM Theatre Kyoto's supported work Kichijitsu Saikai will be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August 2026. WITH LiMBO, created through Aichi Prefectural Art Theater's dance project, is scheduled for performance in Slovakia in September 2026. Syuto Kanazawa's exhibition Ethnography of the Body and Material will run in Venice from May to November 2026.

Additional recent international successes include the selection of Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni for Competition at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, the first Japanese animated feature in competition since Suzume. The film Housenka was selected for Feature Film Competition at Annecy, while the short film Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at Cannes. The Mori Art Museum's exhibition The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto attracted 236,705 visitors, exceeding its target by 60%, and is scheduled to tour Asia in 2026.

For further information, visit the official Japan Creator Support Fund website at https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.