The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative now in its third year, is generating tangible international outcomes across music, film, games, visual arts, and performing arts, according to a progress report meeting held on June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Tokyo. The event showcased results from FY2025, highlighting overseas performances, participation in major international events, and cross-border collaborations that have led to awards, nominations, and co-productions.
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. Vice Minister Shigeki Kobayashi emphasized 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. According to the Japan Arts Council, supported projects have generated international activity across 23 countries and regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America.
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; and new collaborations between Japanese and overseas cultural organizations. The fund's two main programs—the "Support Programs for Creator Development & Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement" and the "Creator Support Program (Program Development and Implementation)"—supported 544 and 133 creators respectively, with 165 overseas performances and exhibitions under the first program alone.
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 to enhance the global presence of Japanese theatre. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre's TMT Gear project focused on 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's Immersive Media Lab++ program, in collaboration with XR company STYLY, conducted overseas research visits and hackathons.
International successes include the National Ballet of Japan being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 after staging Giselle at the Royal Opera House. Under the "Film Frontier" program, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for the Competition section of the Berlin International Film Festival, while Housenka was chosen for Annecy's Feature Film Competition. The short film Eri, supported by CG-ARTS, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at Cannes. Additionally, Shochiku's kabuki production How an Onnagata Is Made embarked on a European tour across Paris, Rome, and Cologne.
Looking ahead to FY2026, various organizations plan full-scale overseas exhibitions and performances. For instance, Kichijitsu Saikai will be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan, and WITH LiMBO is scheduled for performances in Slovakia. The exhibition Ethnography of the Body and Material by Syuto Kanazawa will be held in Venice. Further information on program results and upcoming activities is available on the official Japan Creator Support Fund website: https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
