The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed initiative aimed at nurturing emerging creators and strengthening cultural institutions, reported significant international progress during its 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 fiscal year 2025, highlighting awards, nominations, and co-productions across music, film, games, and the arts, with supported projects generating activity across 23 countries and regions.
Vice Minister Shigeki Kobayashi emphasized the government's commitment to creative industries, stating that "creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content." The fund, delivered through the Japan Arts Council, has supported 544 creators under the Creator & Artist Development Support Program and 133 creators under the Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement Program, with total attendance exceeding 2.7 million at domestic and international events.
International achievements include selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors' Fortnight, and Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Notably, the National Ballet of Japan became the first Japanese ballet company to win the Outstanding Company award at the UK's National Dance Awards following performances at London's Royal Opera House. The film Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni competed for the Golden Bear at Berlin, while Housenka was selected for Annecy's Feature Film Competition. Additionally, Eri was chosen for Directors' Fortnight at Cannes.
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. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre presented TMT Gear, involving on-the-job training during overseas performances. KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge, providing internships at overseas studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation outlined its Immersive Media Lab++ program in collaboration with XR company STYLY.
Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, organizations plan full-scale overseas activities. ROHM Theatre Kyoto's Kichijitsu Saikai will be presented at Taiwan's Beitou Art Festival, and WITH LiMBO will perform in Slovakia. Syuto Kanazawa's exhibition Ethnography of the Body and Material opens in Venice in May 2026. The fund's website provides updates on selected organizations and events at https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp.
Further information on program results and case studies is available in the notes to editors. The fund continues to build on its successes, with supported projects generating international activity across Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond, solidifying Japan's presence in global creative industries.
