The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative administered by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan Arts Council, is generating tangible international results as it enters its third year. At a progress report meeting held on June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Tokyo, organizations presented outcomes from fiscal year 2025, highlighting achievements such as selections at major international film festivals, performances at renowned venues, and new cross-border collaborations.
Supported projects have been implemented across 23 countries and regions, including Ireland, the United States, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Germany, France, Vietnam, Malta, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal. Key results include 544 creators supported, 301 advisors involved, 165 overseas performances or exhibitions, and a total attendance of 873,761 at domestic and international events under the Creator and Artist Development Support Program. The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators, with 97 performances or exhibitions and 1,900,597 attendees across eight countries.
Notable international successes include the selection of Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, Housenka for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025, and Eri for Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The National Ballet of Japan was named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 after its performances of Giselle at London's Royal Opera House. Additionally, How an Onnagata Is Made undertook its first European tour in eight years, performing in Paris, Rome, and Cologne.
The progress report meeting included remarks from Vice Minister Shigeki Kobayashi, who emphasized that "creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content" and reaffirmed the government's commitment to investing in creative talent and international exchange. Four organizations presented their projects: the Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network's SOIL Fellowship Program, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre's TMT Gear project, KINEMA CIRTUS's Global Anime Challenge, and Jikei Gakuen School Corporation's Immersive Media Lab++ in collaboration with XR company STYLY.
Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, organizations are planning full-scale overseas exhibitions and performances. For example, Kichijitsu Saikai will be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan, WITH LiMBO will be performed in Slovakia, and Syuto Kanazawa will present an exhibition in Venice, Italy. The fund's official website provides further information on selected organizations and upcoming activities: https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
