The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative administered by the Japan Arts Council through the Agency for Cultural Affairs, has reported significant international progress in its third year. At the "Japan Creator Support Fund 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 awards, nominations, co-productions, and partnerships across music, film, games, visual arts, and performing arts. The fund has supported projects across 23 countries and regions, from Asia to Europe and North America.
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" and reaffirming the government's commitment to investing in creative talent and international exchange. The fund, established in FY2024, provides multi-year support for emerging creators and strengthens cultural institutions that serve as hubs for creative activity and public engagement.
Key FY2025 results include 544 creators supported through the Creator & Artist Development Support Program, with 165 overseas performances and exhibitions and 873,761 total attendees. The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators, with 5 overseas performances and 1,900,597 attendees across domestic and international events. Under the Creator Support Program, educational organizations conducted study visits to approximately 15 countries, including African nations, to understand global demand for Japanese content.
International successes were notable. Under the New National Theatre, Tokyo's ballet project, the National Ballet of Japan became the first Japanese company to win Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 after staging Giselle at London's Royal Opera House. The performance attracted near-capacity audiences. In animation, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, marking a milestone for Japanese animation. Housenka was selected for the Feature Film Competition at Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Four organizations presented at the meeting. Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network's SOIL Fellowship Program sent participants to pitching events in London and Edinburgh to enhance the global presence of Japanese theatre. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre's TMT Gear project included on-the-job training during overseas performances and 8K recording initiatives. KINEMA CIRTUS's Global Anime Challenge provided internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation's Immersive Media Lab++ collaborated with XR company STYLY and plans year-round courses from FY2026.
Upcoming FY2026 activities include Kichijitsu Saikai at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan, WITH LiMBO in Slovakia, and Syuto Kanazawa's exhibition "Ethnography of the Body and Material" in Venice. The fund aims to further expand global reach, building on a growing number of international achievements. For more information, visit the official Japan Creator Support Fund website at https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
