The Fund is beginning to generate tangible international outcomes, including awards, nominations and co-productions across music, film, games and the arts, while expanding opportunities for overseas performances, international events and cross-border collaborations. To date, projects supported by the Fund have been implemented across 23 countries and regions, generating new forms of international collaboration within the creative industries. TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 June 2026 - Held on Friday, June 5, 2026, the "Japan Creator Support Fund Progress Report Meeting" served as a platform for organizations selected under the "Support Programs for Creator Development & Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement" and the "Creator Support Program (Program Development and Implementation)" to present the outcomes of their projects from FY2025. The event, took place at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Tokyo, highlighted growing international engagement through overseas performances, participation in major international events, and cross-border collaborations, with supported projects generating tangible results including awards, nominations, co-productions, and institutional partnerships across music, film, games, visual arts, and the performing arts. Now entering its third year, the Japan Creator Support Fund is a government-backed, multi-year national initiative supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs that aims to nurture emerging creators and artists while strengthening cultural institutions that serve as hubs for creative activity and public engagement. The Fund, delivered through the Japan Arts Council, also promotes international exchange and overseas expansion opportunities, helping Japanese creators and cultural organisations build global networks and reach new audiences. The progress report meeting opened with remarks from Mr. Shigeki Kobayashi, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Noting the government's commitment to strengthening Japan's creative industries, Vice Minister Kobayashi emphasised that "creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content," reaffirming the importance of sustained investment in creative talent and international exchange. At the report meeting, representatives from the Japan Arts Council provided an overview and progress update on the Japan Creator Support Fund, reporting that supported projects have generated international activity across 23 countries and regions, spanning Asia, Europe, North America and beyond. Achievements reported for FY2025 included selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors' Fortnight and Annecy International Animation Film Festival, performances at London's Royal Opera House, international touring projects, and new collaborations between Japanese and overseas cultural organisations. Further information on program results, case studies and upcoming international activities can be found in the Notes to Editors below. At the report meeting, four organizations each introduced its project, reporting on progress to date as well as key challenges, future plans and areas for further development.

• Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network introduced SOIL Fellowship Program (Stage for Originality, Innovation, and Leadership), an initiative designed to cultivate producers and strengthen the international positioning of Japanese performing arts. In FY2025, program participants took part in pitching events in London and Edinburgh, presenting their work to performing arts professionals from around the world. The project aims to enhance the global presence of Japanese theatre, facilitate the international circulation of works, and foster the accumulation and sharing of professional expertise.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre presented TMT Gear – The Creator Support Project, which seeks to strengthen Japan's international presence in contemporary performing arts through the development of globally active creators and the enhancement of theatre staff expertise. FY2025 activities included on-the-job training during overseas performances, international networking with performing arts professionals, work-in-progress presentations in the fields of performing arts and music, and 8K recording and technical training initiatives undertaken by the theatre's video media team.
• KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge (GAC), a program designed to provide learning opportunities for emerging talent and foster the next generation of leaders in Japan's animation industry. In FY2025, participants attended domestic workshops and undertook internships at overseas animation studios, gaining practical knowledge across key areas of the industry, including international collaboration, production and business development. The project also identified future priorities, including strengthening support from participating...