The Japan Creator Support Fund, a government-backed national initiative now in its third year, is generating tangible international outcomes across music, film, games, and the arts, according to a progress report meeting held June 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Tokyo. Supported projects have been implemented across 23 countries and regions, producing awards, nominations, co-productions, and institutional partnerships that highlight the growing global reach of Japan's next generation of creators.
Vice Minister Shigeki Kobayashi opened the meeting by emphasizing 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. Representatives from the Japan Arts Council reported that FY2025 achievements included selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors' Fortnight, and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, as well as performances at London's Royal Opera House and international touring projects. Detailed results are available at the official Japan Creator Support Fund website.
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 reported on its TMT Gear project, which included on-the-job training during overseas performances and 8K recording initiatives. KINEMA CIRTUS detailed the Global Anime Challenge, where participants attended workshops and internships at overseas animation studios. Jikei Gakuen School Corporation presented the Immersive Media Lab++, an immersive content creator program developed in collaboration with XR company STYLY, which conducted research visits to the United States and plans to introduce year-round courses in FY2026.
Key FY2025 results from the Creator & Artist Development Support Program include 544 creators supported, 165 overseas performances, and total attendance of 873,761 across domestic and international events. The Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement supported 133 creators and achieved 1,900,597 attendees across 97 events, including overseas performances in eight countries. The Creator Support Program facilitated overseas study visits to approximately 15 countries, including participation in the Berlin International Film Festival and observation of MIT Reality Hack.
Recent international successes include the National Ballet of Japan being named Outstanding Company at the UK's National Dance Awards 2025 following its performances of Giselle at the Royal Opera House. The production How an Onnagata Is Made undertook its first European tour in eight years, presenting performances in Paris, Rome, and Cologne. In animation, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, and Housenka was selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. Additionally, the short film Eri, directed by Honami Yano, was selected for Directors' Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
Looking ahead to FY2026, several organizations plan full-scale overseas exhibitions and performances. Kichijitsu Saikai will be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan from August 7–9, 2026, and WITH LiMBO is scheduled for performances in Slovakia in September 2026. The exhibition Ethnography of the Body and Material by Syuto Kanazawa will open in Venice, Italy, from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The fund's continued support aims to further expand the global reach of Japanese creators and cultural institutions, building on a growing number of international achievements.
