2026 Creation Grant Category I (Single Year) Creative Activities – Japan

The Creation Grant Category I (Single-Year) supports Tokyo-based arts organizations and individual artists undertaking creative artistic projects in Tokyo or international artistic exchange activities. The grant provides funding of up to 4 million yen for organizations and up to 500,000 yen for individuals, covering up to 50% of eligible project expenses.

About the Creation Grant Category I (Single-Year)

The Creation Grant Category I (Single-Year) provides financial support for artistic projects that promote creativity, cultural exchange, and international collaboration. The programme encourages public artistic presentations while strengthening Tokyo’s position as a leading center for arts and culture.

Funding is available for projects conducted in Tokyo as well as international exchange initiatives involving overseas artists, organizations, festivals, and cultural collaborations.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support creative artistic activities in Tokyo.
• Promote international cultural and artistic exchange.
• Encourage collaboration between Japanese and overseas artists.
• Increase public access to artistic performances and exhibitions.
• Strengthen Tokyo’s cultural and creative environment.
• Enhance international recognition of Tokyo’s arts sector.
• Foster artistic innovation across multiple disciplines.

Eligible Artistic Fields

Projects may be undertaken in the following fields:

• Music
• Theater
• Dance
• Art
• Video
• Traditional performing arts
• Mixed arts
• Interdisciplinary artistic projects

Categories of Support

Creative Artistic Activities in Tokyo

This category supports artistic projects presented within Tokyo, including:

• Performances
• Concerts
• Exhibitions
• Film screenings
• Art projects
• Public creative activities
• Other eligible artistic presentations

International Artistic Exchange Activities

This category supports projects that strengthen international collaboration, including:

• Overseas performances
• International exhibitions
• International festivals
• Collaborative artistic productions
• Invited performances
• Invited exhibitions
• Cross-border cultural exchange projects

Funding Information

Applicants may apply under one of the following categories:

Creative Artistic Activities in Tokyo

Organizations

• Maximum grant: Up to 2 million yen
• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses

Individuals

• Maximum grant: Up to 500,000 yen
• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses

International Artistic Exchange Activities

Organizations

• Maximum grant: Up to 4 million yen
• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses

Individuals

• Maximum grant: Up to 500,000 yen
• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses

The final award may be lower than the requested amount based on the review process and available budget.

Note: Consumption tax and local consumption tax are not eligible for funding.

Eligible Projects

Projects must:

• Include a public presentation or public event.
• Fall within one of the two eligible funding categories.
• Be organized by the applicant.
• Meet programme objectives.
• Be carried out in Tokyo, overseas, or online where applicable.

For international exchange activities held only in Tokyo, projects must primarily involve overseas artists or arts organizations.

For overseas activities where the applicant is not the organizer, an official invitation or written consent from the local organizer is required.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organizations

Organizations must:

• Be headquartered or have their main office in Tokyo.
• Be arts organizations regardless of legal status.
• Have an established decision-making structure.
• Maintain an accounting system.
• Have governing rules or regulations.
• Lead and manage the proposed project.
• Bear project implementation costs.
• Have conducted at least one related artistic activity in Tokyo during the past five years.

Eligible organizations include:

• Arts groups
• Private theaters
• Art spaces
• Executive committees
• Similar arts organizations

Voluntary organizations must have at least three members.

Eligible Individuals

Individuals must:

• Reside in Tokyo.
• Organize the proposed project.
• Bear project costs.
• Have completed at least one activity in the proposed artistic field in Tokyo during the previous five years.

Special Eligibility Provision

If an organization was established within one year before the application period and has no activity record in Tokyo, at least one core member or constituent organization must possess comparable artistic experience.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Organizations established for political purposes.
• Organizations established for religious purposes.
• Organizations receiving basic fund investments from national, local, or foreign governments.
• Organized crime groups.
• Organizations associated with organized crime groups.
• Organizations whose representatives, officers, employees, or members belong to organized crime groups.

Why This Grant Matters

The Creation Grant Category I helps artists and organizations:

• Develop high-quality artistic projects.
• Increase public engagement with the arts.
• Build international cultural partnerships.
• Expand opportunities for global artistic collaboration.
• Promote Tokyo as an international cultural destination.
• Strengthen artistic innovation and creativity.

How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that you qualify as either:

• A Tokyo-based organization, or
• An individual artist residing in Tokyo.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Funding Category

Choose whether your project falls under:

• Creative Artistic Activities in Tokyo, or
• International Artistic Exchange Activities.

Step 3: Prepare Your Project

Develop a project that:

• Includes a public presentation.
• Aligns with programme objectives.
• Demonstrates artistic value.
• Meets all eligibility requirements.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required documents, including:

• Organizational information (if applicable).
• Project description.
• Budget.
• Activity history.
• Overseas invitation or organizer consent (for applicable international projects).

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Complete the application and submit all required documentation before the programme deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your proposal:

• Clearly explain the artistic significance of your project.
• Demonstrate public benefit and audience engagement.
• Highlight international collaboration where relevant.
• Present a realistic budget.
• Show your organization’s or personal artistic experience.
• Explain how the project contributes to Tokyo’s cultural landscape.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Applying under the wrong funding category.
• Submitting projects without public presentation.
• Omitting required overseas invitation documents.
• Providing incomplete budgets.
• Including ineligible tax expenses.
• Failing to demonstrate previous artistic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Creation Grant Category I?

The programme supports creative artistic projects in Tokyo and international artistic exchange activities that promote artistic excellence and cultural collaboration.

2. How much funding is available?

Organizations may receive up to 2 million yen for creative activities in Tokyo or 4 million yen for international exchange activities. Individuals may receive up to 500,000 yen under either category.

3. What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects include performances, concerts, exhibitions, screenings, international festivals, collaborative artistic productions, overseas performances, and other public artistic activities.

4. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Tokyo-based arts organizations and individuals residing in Tokyo who meet the programme’s experience and organizational requirements.

5. Can projects take place outside Japan?

Yes. International artistic exchange projects may be conducted overseas or online, provided they meet programme requirements.

6. Is an overseas invitation required?

Yes. If the applicant is not organizing the overseas event, an invitation or written consent from the local organizer is required.

7. What expenses are not eligible?

Consumption tax and local consumption tax are not eligible for grant funding.

Conclusion

The Creation Grant Category I (Single-Year) offers valuable funding for Tokyo-based artists and arts organizations seeking to present creative work locally or expand their international collaborations. By supporting performances, exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and innovative artistic initiatives, the programme contributes to a vibrant creative ecosystem while strengthening Tokyo’s role as a global center for arts and culture.