The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative now in its third year, reported tangible international outcomes at its progress report meeting held on June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Tokyo. Supported projects have generated results including awards, nominations, co-productions, and institutional partnerships across music, film, games, visual arts, and performing arts, with activities spanning 23 countries and regions.
Vice Minister Shigeki Kobayashi emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening Japan's creative industries, stating that "creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content." The fund, delivered through the Japan Arts Council, aims to nurture emerging creators and strengthen cultural institutions while promoting international exchange.
At the meeting, four organizations presented their projects. The Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network introduced the SOIL Fellowship Program, which sent participants to pitching events in London and Edinburgh to enhance the global presence of Japanese theatre. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre reported on TMT Gear, which included on-the-job training during overseas performances and international networking. KINEMA CIRTUS updated on the Global Anime Challenge, providing internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation presented the Immersive Media Lab++, which conducted research visits to the United States and plans to introduce year-round courses in FY2026.
Key FY2025 results include 544 creators supported under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, with 165 overseas performances and exhibitions attracting over 873,000 attendees. Under the Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement, 133 creators were supported, with 92 domestic and 5 overseas events drawing nearly 1.9 million visitors. The Creator Support Program facilitated overseas study visits to approximately 15 countries, including participation in the Berlin International Film Festival and MIT Reality Hack.
Recent international successes include the National Ballet of Japan's performances of Giselle at London's Royal Opera House, which led to the company being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025, the first Japanese ballet company to receive this honor. In animation, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, and Housenka competed at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Eri was selected for Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.
Looking ahead to FY2026, several projects are planned. ROHM Theatre Kyoto will present Kichijitsu Saikai at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan in August 2026. Aichi Prefectural Art Theater's WITH LiMBO will perform in Slovakia in September 2026. Artist Syuto Kanazawa will exhibit at the Venice Biennale from May to November 2026.
For more information, visit the official Japan Creator Support Fund website: https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
