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Support for U.S.-based artists to spend a three-to-five-month residency in Japan and engage with Japanese cultural life.
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Get matched →Since 1978, the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission has partnered with the National Endowment for the Arts to fund the U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellowship Program. For nearly 50 years, this highly competitive program has supported cultural exchange between the United States and Japan, empowering American artists to engage deeply with Japan's traditional and contemporary cultural life, build meaningful connections with the Japanese public, and absorb new perspectives abroad.
Each year up to five leading U.S.-based artists, representing all genres, are selected to spend a three-to-five-month residency in Japan. Artist fellows may live anywhere in Japan to pursue activities of greatest relevance to their creative process.
The U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellowship Program is temporarily paused until further notice. All application processes are suspended. JUSFC and/or NEA are not currently accepting new applications. Interested artists are encouraged to check this page in late September 2026 for the most current information.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.