Are you a creative mind a painter, filmmaker, designer, or architect dreaming of working in Japan? The TOKAS International Creators Residency Program 2026–2027 is your chance to make it happen. It’s a fully funded opportunity that invites artists from all over the world to live and create in Tokyo, one of the most exciting cities in Asia. You’ll get the time and space to focus on your art, dive into Japanese culture, and take your creative journey to the next level.
This amazing program is run by Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), part of the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. If selected, you’ll spend three months in Tokyo working on your own project. The program supports you with free accommodation, daily living expenses, round-trip airfare, a grant for your creative work, and a shared studio space. You’ll also get a chance to share your art with the public through exhibitions in the city.
The residency will run in three different sessions across 2026 and 2027. To apply, you need to have at least five years of experience in your field and not be a student when the residency starts. If you’re passionate about creating, curious about Japan, and ready to share your work with the world, this opportunity is for you. It’s more than a residency, it’s a life-changing experience.
TOKAS International Creators Residency Program, Japan:
Host Country:
- Japan
Location:
- Tokyo
Host Institution:
- Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS), Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Residency Duration:
- 3 months
Residency Periods:
- May–July 2026
- September–November 2026
- January–March 2027
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Benefits of the TOKAS International Creators Residency Program, Japan:
- You will get your own private room in Tokyo, or a shared room if you apply as a duo.
- A shared studio will be available where you can work on your art.
- Your round-trip flight to and from Tokyo will be fully covered.
- You will get JPY 4,200 per day to cover your food and daily expenses.
- You will receive JPY 300,000 to help with your art project.
- Free internet, library, and common areas will be available for you.
- You can show your work to the public at TOKAS Open Studio and exhibitions.
- You will have time and space to focus only on your art.
- Your work will be seen by people in the art world.
- You will meet artists from other countries and make new connections.
- Living in Tokyo will let you explore Japanese life, art, and culture.
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Eligibility Criteria of the TOKAS International Creators Residency Program, Japan:
- You must be living outside of Japan.
- You should have at least 5 years of experience in your creative field—whether it’s visual arts, design, architecture, or film.
- You need to be able to communicate clearly in English, as this helps in working smoothly with other artists and TOKAS staff.
- You should be independent and able to manage your daily life and creative work on your own.
- If you’re applying as a duo, that’s fine too—but at least one person must be living outside Japan.
- You cannot be a student when the residency begins. Ph.D. candidates are the only exception.
Program Requirements:
- You must stay at the residency for the full 3 months, without leaving.
- You are expected to create work that will be shown during the OPEN STUDIO event and submit a final report on your project.
- You may be invited to take part in a result presentation or other events, and you’ll need to support TOKAS’s promotion of your work.
- You are not allowed to do any paid or commercial work during your stay.
- Activities that create loud noise or strong vibrations are not permitted.
- Only the selected artist can live in the residency space. Friends, family, or guests are not allowed to stay with you.
How to Apply for the TOKAS International Creators Residency 2026:
- Go to the official TOKAS website and download the Application Package and Manual. Read all the instructions carefully.
- Fill out Application Form 1 and 2 in English. You also need to get two letters of recommendation from professionals or institutions in the art and culture field. These letters must be signed and dated.
- Once your forms and letters are ready, email them to: apply_residency2026@tokyoartsandspace.jp. In the subject line, write: Your Name – International Creator Residency Program 2026. Make sure to send everything before June 25, 2025, at 18:00 Japan time.
- After you send your documents, TOKAS will reply within five working days and give you a link to upload your portfolio.
- Create your portfolio as one PDF file. It should be no more than 6 A4 pages and must be under 10MB in size. Include examples of your past work, images, and links to any videos or audio.
- Upload your portfolio using the link you received. Do this by July 2, 2025, at 23:00 Japan time
TOKAS Program Deadline:
- 25 June 2025.
