Arts and Cultural Exchange [Culture]
The Japan Foundation organizes programs to introduce various aspects of Japanese arts and culture all over the world. In addition, it promotes networking and human resources development in the arts and cultural fields by interactive collaboration/co-production and through dispatching and invitation of specialists.
Taking the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation (2023) as an opportunity, the Japan Foundation is implementing the “Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0,” a comprehensive people-to-people exchange initiative that aims to promote exchange among those of the next generation and develop human resources in Japan and ASEAN. Special programs for exchange activities with ASEAN countries are available under this initiative.
Last updated September 4, 2026
Grant Program for Dispatching Artists and Cultural Specialists
This program is designed to provide financial support for artists and Japanese cultural specialists who are invited by institutions outside Japan and participate in cultural events (e.g., performances, demonstrations, lectures, and workshops) overseas with the aim of introducing Japanese arts and culture or of contributing to international society through arts and cultural projects.
| Program outline | Grant Program for Dispatching Artists and Cultural Specialists (PDF: 150KB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Area | Japan |
| Applicant | Organization / Individual | |
| Application Deadline | Apply through Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December1, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) | |
| Application Form | Q-DACS (available in Japanese only) | |
| Application Instructions / Application Form |
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International Creations in Performing Arts
The Japan Foundation seeks organizations that will jointly organize international creations in performing arts between Japanese and international artists.
| Program outline | International Creations in Performing Arts (PDF: 156KB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Area | Japan |
| Applicant | Organization / Individual | |
| Application Deadline | Apply through Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December 1, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) | |
| Application Form | Q-IC (available in Japanese only) | |
| Application Instructions / Application Form |
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Grant Program for Enhancing Cultural Exchange and Networks in Asia [WA2.0]
As part of the “Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0,” this program provides partial funding support to Japan-based organizations that implement projects to promote human resource development and people-to-people exchange in the arts and cultural and fields, between Japan and ASEAN countries.
| Program outline | Grant Program for Enhancing Cultural Exchange and Networks in Asia (PDF: 148KB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Area | Japan |
| Applicant | Organization | |
| Application Deadline | Apply through Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December 1, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) | |
| Application Form | Q-NWA (available in Japanese only) | |
| Application Instructions / Application Form |
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The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Arts and Culture in Asia [WA2.0]
As a part of the “Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0”, this fellowship program supports reciprocal opportunities for individuals working across diverse fields of arts and culture to undertake research, creative activities, collaborative projects, and network-building initiatives taking place outside their country of residence for a certain period. Through these exchanges, the program seeks to build strong relationship between Japan and ASEAN countries, strengthen multi-faceted human networks, and nurture the next generation of professionals who will lead collaborations and co-creations across diverse fields.
| Program outline | The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Arts and Culture in Asia (PDF: 162KB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Area | Japan and ASEAN countries |
| Applicant | Individuals | |
| Application Deadline | Apply through Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December 1, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) | |
| Application Form | Q-FWA | |
| Application Instructions / Application Form |
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Ishibashi Foundation/The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art
This program aims to support the development of professionals specializing in the study of Japanese visual arts by providing an opportunity for curators and researchers from abroad to conduct research in Japan, and by so doing, promote the study of the field and the introduction of Japanese art overseas.
This fellowship is implemented by the Japan Foundation with generous funding from the Ishibashi Foundation.
| Program outline | Ishibashi Foundation/The Japan Foundation Fellowship for Research on Japanese Art Program Outline (PDF: 161KB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Area | Overseas |
| Applicant | Individual | |
| Application Deadline | Apply through Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December 1, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) | |
| Application Form | Q-FW | |
| Application Instructions / Application Form | ||
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Exhibitions Abroad Support Program
This program is designed to provide financial support for museums and art institutions overseas that organize exhibitions introducing Japanese art and culture to audiences overseas. In addition, this program is designed to support overseas international exhibitions such as biennials/triennials introducing Japanese artists and their works.
| Program outline | Exhibitions Abroad Support Program (PDF: 157KB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Area | Overseas |
| Applicant | Organization | |
| Application Deadline | Apply through Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December 1, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) | |
| Application Form | Q-EAS | |
| Application Instruction / Application Form |
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Support Program for Translation and Publication
This program is designed to provide partial financial support for overseas publishers intending to translate and publish works originally written in Japanese. The program aims to foster better understanding of Japan by encouraging overseas publishers to translate and publish Japanese works. The grant covers part of the translation and/or publication costs (e.g. costs for paper, typesetting, platemaking, printing, and binding).
| Program outline | Support Program for Translation and Publication (PDF: 176KB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Area | Overseas |
| Applicant | Organization | |
| Application Deadline | Apply through Online Application Portal by 1 p.m., December 1, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) | |
| Application Form | Q-TPS | |
| Application Instructions / Application Form | ||
| Reference | ||