The International Creator Residency Program 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for international creators in visual art, film, design, and architecture. This three-month residency allows artists to live and work in Tokyo, Japan, and share their art with a global audience.
Hosted by Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), this program invites highly motivated creators from around the world to stay in Tokyo, create new work, and showcase their outcomes through exhibitions like the OPEN STUDIO or the Result Presentation at TOKAS Hongo. With a generous stipend, project fee, and free accommodation, this residency helps artists focus on their creative journey without financial worries.
If you’ve been working professionally for over 5 years and want to experience Tokyo’s art scene, this is your chance. TOKAS provides everything—from travel to studio space—so you can focus on building meaningful and impactful work during your stay.
Quick Overview of the International Creator Residency Program 2026
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Organization: Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), operated by the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
- Residency Location: TOKAS Residency, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
- Disciplines Covered: Visual art, film, design, architecture
- Residency Period: Choose one of the following 3-month options:
- May to July 2026
- September to November 2026
- January to March 2027
- Number of Creators: 6 total (2 per period)
- Application Deadline (Documents): June 25, 2025, 18:00 (JST)
- Application Deadline (Portfolio): July 2, 2025, 23:00 (JST)
Perks of the TOKAS Arts Fellowship in Japan 2026
- Economy-class airfare from your nearest airport to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda)
- JPY 4,200 per day (excluding tax)
- JPY 300,000 (excluding tax)
- Single room (or twin for duos), fully furnished with kitchen, bath, furniture, and Wi-Fi
- Shared workspace and common facilities for networking and creation
- Showcase your work at the OPEN STUDIO and/or Result Presentation at TOKAS Hongo
Benefits of the TOKAS Residency Program
- Work in a new cultural setting with space and time to develop your ideas
- Present your work to Japanese and global audiences
- Connect with other creators and art professionals in Tokyo
- Experience daily life and the art scene in Japan’s vibrant capital
- Be part of a respected program managed by the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Exclusions of the Tokyo Artist Residency Program
- No funding for additional travel or accommodation outside the residency
- Family members, partners, or guests cannot stay with the artist
- Artists cannot carry out commercial/profitable activities during the residency
- Noise-creating or vibration-heavy works are not allowed in the shared space
- Past participants of this specific TOKAS program are not eligible to apply again
Eligibility Criteria for the International Creator Residency Program 2026 in Japan
- You must live outside of Japan
- You need at least 5 years of experience in your creative field
- Students are not eligible (except PhD candidates)
- You must be able to communicate in English
- You should be independent and able to live and work alone
- Duos can apply (only one person receives the living/project fee; both receive airfare)
Important Dates for the Fully Funded Art Residency in Japan 2026
- Document Deadline: June 25, 2025, 18:00 (JST)
- Portfolio Upload Deadline: July 2, 2025, 23:00 (JST)
- Inquiries Deadline: June 8, 2025
- Final Selection Announcement: Early October 2025
- Residency Start Dates: May, September 2026, or January 2027
How to Apply to TOKAS Residency for International Artists 2026
- Download the Application Package from the official website
- Prepare the following in English:
- Application Form 1 & 2 (PDF format)
- Two Letters of Recommendation (signed & dated)
- Portfolio (6 A4 pages max, 10MB, PDF format)
- Email Documents:
- Send application forms and letters of recommendation to: apply_residency2026@tokyoartsandspace.jp
- Use the subject: “Your Name – International Creator Residency Program 2026”
- Upload Portfolio:
- TOKAS will send a unique upload link within 5 working days
- Upload your portfolio by July 2, 2025, 23:00 JST
Required Documents for the International Creator Residency Program 2026 in Japan
- Application Form 1 & 2 – filled out in English
- Two Letters of Recommendation – from professionals or institutions in arts and culture
- Portfolio – max 6 A4 landscape pages, includes past work summaries, images, and media links
- File Size: Portfolio must be under 10MB and saved as “Portfolio_YourNAME.pdf”
