TOCAS International Creative Program in Japan 2026 (Fully Funded)

Japan is calling you!

Applications are now open for the TOKAUS Japan International Creators Program for 2026. This fully-funded residency program in Japan is open to individuals from all over the world. The program provides international creators and curators with the opportunity to live, create, and research in Tokyo. There are three types of residency programs: the International Creators Residency Program, the Curator Residency Program, and the Research Residency Program. Each program has a different duration. The maximum stay in Japan is three months. There is no application fee, and all expenses are covered . More details about the program requirements, financial benefits, and application procedures are provided below.

Details about the TOKAUS International Program for Japanese Creators 2026/2027

Host country : Japan
Location : Tokyo
Duration : 3 months
Benefits : Fully Funded
Deadline: June 25, 2025

Financial benefits

The program covers:

flight tickets
living expenses
Program fees
stay
shared studio space

Types of residency programs and their purpose

International Creative Residency Program : For creatives in the fields of visual arts, film, design, and architecture, with opportunities to work in Tokyo.

Curator's Residency Program : For individuals working in the fields of art curation, art criticism, and cultural research

Research Residency Program 2026 : For individuals conducting research on arts and culture in Tokyo, targeting international and local creators in the fields of visual arts, film, design, architecture, music, sound arts, performing arts, and curation.

Timetable of Residency Periods (for all programs)

From the beginning of May to the end of July 2026
From the beginning of September to the end of November 2026
From the beginning of January to the end of March 2027

Eligibility criteria

Candidates from all countries are eligible.
International Creative Residency Program:
- Resides outside Japan.
- 5 years or more of experience in their field of expertise.
- Sufficient English communication skills.
- Duo applications are eligible if there is at least one creator who resides outside of Japan.
- Students are not eligible (except for PhD candidates).
Curator Residency Program:
- Resides outside Japan.
- 3 years or more of experience in their field of specialization.
- Sufficient English communication skills.
- Duo requests are not eligible.
- Students are not eligible (except for PhD candidates).
Research Residency Program:
- Targeting international and local creators.
- Focuses on research in arts and culture in Tokyo.
- Applicants need to submit a strong research proposal.
- Students are generally not eligible, except for candidates for a doctoral degree.