Japan Creator Support Fund Reports Tangible International Successes Across Creative Industries
The Japan Creator Support Fund, now in its third year, is generating measurable international outcomes including awards at Berlin and Cannes, performances at London's Royal Opera House, and collaborations across 23 countries, positioning Japanese creators for global expansion.
The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative now entering its third year, is yielding significant international results, with supported projects achieving awards, nominations, and co-productions across music, film, games, and the arts. At a progress report meeting held June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Tokyo, officials and participating organizations detailed outcomes from fiscal year 2025, highlighting expanded global reach and cross-border collaborations.
Supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and delivered through the Japan Arts Council, the fund aims to nurture emerging creators and strengthen cultural institutions. According to the report, projects have generated international activity across 23 countries and regions, spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Achievements include 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 new institutional partnerships.
Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Shigeki Kobayashi opened the meeting, emphasizing that "creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content," reaffirming the government's commitment to investing in creative talent and international exchange.
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. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre presented TMT Gear, focusing on developing globally active creators through overseas training and technical initiatives. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, providing internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation’s Tokyo Communication Arts College introduced the Immersive Media Lab++, an XR content creator program developed with STYLY, which conducted research visits to the United States.
Key results from the fund's programs include 544 creators supported under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, with 165 overseas performances or exhibitions and total attendance of 873,761 across events. The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators and attracted 1,900,597 attendees. The Creator Support Program sent participants to approximately 15 countries for study visits and training.
Notable international successes include the National Ballet of Japan being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 after its performances of Giselle at the Royal Opera House. In film, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for competition at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, and Housenka was selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. The short film Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, organizations plan full-scale overseas exhibitions and performances. ROHM Theatre Kyoto will present Kichijitsu Saikai at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan. WITH LiMBO will be performed in Slovakia. Artist Syuto Kanazawa will present an exhibition in Venice. The fund's progress demonstrates a growing global footprint for Japanese creators, with further information available on the official Japan Creator Support Fund website.