Are you a creative professional looking for a fully funded opportunity to work and live in Tokyo, Japan? The Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious program invites artists, curators, and researchers from around the world to engage with Tokyo’s rich cultural environment. It is an exceptional chance to explore creative practice, conduct research, and develop cultural exchange in one of the world’s most innovative cities—all while having your expenses fully covered.
Whether you are a visual artist, designer, curator, filmmaker, or researcher, this residency offers space, time, and resources to advance your creative goals without financial burden. Sponsored by the Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), the program supports international collaboration and artistic development across multiple disciplines.
Overview of the Japan TOKAS Residency Program
The Japan TOKAS Residency is a fully funded three-month program hosted in Tokyo, Japan. It is designed to support individuals working in various creative and research-based fields. The residency provides a unique platform to live, create, and engage with local and international cultural professionals.
TOKAS offers three types of residency programs:
- International Creator Residency Program
- Curator Residency Program
- Research Residency Program
Each residency has distinct eligibility criteria and goals, but all provide participants with access to studio space, accommodation, financial support, and cultural immersion in Tokyo’s creative scene.
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What the Program Covers – Fully Funded Benefits
The TOKAS residency is fully funded, meaning all essential costs are covered for successful applicants. This includes:
- Round-trip airfare from your home country to Tokyo
- Monthly living expenses
- Program participation fees
- Private accommodation
- Shared studio workspace
There is no application fee, making it accessible to creators from diverse economic backgrounds. This comprehensive financial support allows participants to focus entirely on their creative or research projects.
Types of Residency Programs
International Creator Residency Program
This program is tailored for mid-career creators working in fields such as visual art, film, architecture, and design. It encourages the development of new work while providing a platform for international cultural exchange.
Applicants must reside outside of Japan and have at least five years of experience in their area of expertise. Strong English communication skills are required, as this enables effective collaboration and participation in group activities. Duo applications are accepted, provided at least one member lives outside Japan.
This program is not open to students, with the exception of PhD candidates who meet all other criteria.
Curator Residency Program
This track is intended for curators, art critics, and cultural researchers seeking to deepen their practice through engagement with Tokyo’s art ecosystem. It supports research projects, curatorial planning, and critical writing.
Applicants must live outside of Japan and have a minimum of three years of professional experience. Only individuals may apply; duo or group applications are not eligible. Like the Creator Residency, students cannot apply unless they are enrolled in a PhD program.
Research Residency Program
The Research Residency is unique in that it is open to both international and Japanese participants. It targets individuals conducting research related to arts and culture in Tokyo, and welcomes applicants from a wide range of fields, including visual arts, film, design, music, sound art, performing arts, architecture, and curation.
Applicants must propose a strong and clearly defined research project that demonstrates a need to engage with Tokyo’s culture, history, or creative communities. Students are generally not eligible, except for those at the doctoral level.
Residency Periods
Participants can choose from three available residency periods in the 2026–2027 cycle:
- May to July 2026
- September to November 2026
- January to March 2027
Each residency term spans approximately three months, allowing ample time for research, artistic production, and cultural immersion.
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Who Can Apply?
The program welcomes applicants from all countries, provided they meet the criteria for their selected residency track.
For the International Creator Residency, applicants must:
- Reside outside Japan
- Have a minimum of five years’ professional experience
- Demonstrate strong English communication skills
- Submit a portfolio and project proposal
- Be non-students (except PhD candidates)
For the Curator Residency, applicants must:
- Reside outside Japan
- Have at least three years’ curatorial or research experience
- Have strong English skills
- Submit an individual application
- Be non-students (except PhD candidates)
For the Research Residency, applicants must:
- Live either in Japan or abroad
- Propose a focused research project on arts or culture in Tokyo
- Be professionals or PhD-level students
- Submit clear, research-driven objectives and outcomes
Why Apply for the TOKAS Residency?
Tokyo is a global city known for its cutting-edge art, technology, and design. By participating in the Japan TOKAS International Creators Program, you gain direct access to one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in the world. Here are some reasons why this program stands out:
- International Exposure: Connect with other creators from around the world, build long-term collaborations, and gain visibility.
- Time and Space to Focus: With your expenses covered, you can devote yourself fully to your creative or academic practice.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience Tokyo not as a tourist, but as a temporary resident actively engaging with its cultural institutions and communities.
- Prestige and Support: Being selected by TOKAS enhances your professional credibility and opens doors to future opportunities in the arts.
How to Apply for the Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2026
Applying to the program is straightforward and entirely online. To apply:
- Visit the official TOKAS website and navigate to the residency application section.
- Choose the appropriate residency type based on your background and goals.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload your resume or CV, portfolio (if applicable), and a detailed project or research proposal.
- Ensure all documents meet the specified format and file size requirements.
Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 25th June 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of being selected, follow these tips:
- Start preparing early and review all requirements carefully.
- Write a compelling project or research proposal that explains how the residency will benefit your work.
- Emphasize how Tokyo’s unique cultural environment aligns with your goals.
- Highlight past projects or exhibitions that show your experience and ability to deliver on creative ideas.
- For researchers, outline your methodology and expected outcomes clearly.
Conclusion:
The Japan TOKAS International Creators Program 2026 is more than just a residency it’s a life changing opportunity to expand your creative vision, build international networks, and experience one of the world’s most inspiring cities. Whether you are creating new work, curating exhibitions, or conducting research, TOKAS provides the support, resources, and platform to take your career to the next level.
Don’t miss this chance to live and work in Tokyo, fully funded and creatively empowered. Prepare your application materials and submit them by June 25, 2025. For complete information and to apply, visit the official TOKAS website.