Grant Program for Enhancing Cultural Exchange and Networks in Asia (Japan)

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Grant Program for Enhancing Cultural Exchange and Networks in Asia provides partial funding to Japan-based organizations implementing arts and cultural projects that promote human resource development and people-to-people exchange between Japan and ASEAN countries. Launched under the Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0, the program aims to strengthen cultural networks between Japan and ASEAN while developing the next generation of professionals in the arts and cultural sectors. The initiative focuses on building trust, strengthening professional networks, addressing global challenges through collaboration, nurturing young professionals, and contributing to the development of multicultural societies.

About the Grant Program for Enhancing Cultural Exchange and Networks in Asia

The grant program was established to encourage sustained cultural exchange and professional collaboration between Japan and ASEAN countries. It forms part of the Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0 and commemorates the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. The program will be implemented intensively through fiscal year 2033, providing a long-term framework for strengthening connections between arts and cultural professionals in Japan and ASEAN. What Is the Purpose of the Grant? The program aims to promote meaningful people-to-people exchange while supporting the development of human resources in arts and culture.

Its broader objectives include:

- Building trust between Japan and ASEAN countries. - Strengthening professional and cultural networks. - Promoting collaboration to address global issues. - Nurturing the next generation of arts and cultural professionals. - Supporting people-to-people exchange. - Contributing to multicultural society development. - Creating opportunities for specialists and professional organizations to collaborate across borders. The program therefore focuses not only on individual cultural activities but also on developing lasting professional relationships and networks. What Projects Are Supported? The grant supports projects that contribute to human resource development and people-to-people exchange between Japan and ASEAN countries. Projects should involve collaboration and network-building among specialists or professional organizations.

Supported fields include:

- Visual arts. - Performing arts. - Music. - Literature. - Film. - Lifestyle culture. - Sports. - Other relevant arts and cultural activities connected with Japan-ASEAN exchange. Projects should demonstrate a meaningful connection between Japan and ASEAN countries and contribute to the development of professionals and networks in the relevant field. Focus on Human Resource Development A central feature of the program is the development of the next generation of professionals. Projects should provide opportunities for specialists, professionals, and organizations to exchange knowledge, develop skills, establish professional relationships, and collaborate on cultural activities. This emphasis makes the grant particularly relevant to projects that combine cultural exchange with training, collaboration, mentoring, networking, or other forms of professional development. Focus on Japan-ASEAN People-to-People Exchange The program specifically supports exchange between Japan and ASEAN countries. The people-to-people component is intended to strengthen direct relationships between professionals and cultural communities. Through collaborative projects, participants can develop international networks and create opportunities for continued cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. What Costs Can the Grant Support? The program provides partial funding for eligible project expenses.

Supported costs include:

- Honoraria for speakers and instructors. - International transportation. - Domestic transportation. - Accommodation. - Venue rental. - Equipment rental. - Interpretation. - Translation. - Materials. - Report production. - Publicity production. - Freight and shipping costs. Applicants should ensure that proposed expenses are directly connected to the eligible cultural exchange and human resource development activities. Travel and Accommodation Support Travel-related expenses can include international and domestic transportation as well as accommodation. This support can help facilitate participation by arts and cultural professionals involved in Japan-ASEAN exchange projects. Projects should clearly demonstrate how travel and participation contribute to the project’s cultural exchange and professional development objectives. Honoraria and Professional Participation The grant can provide partial support for honoraria for speakers and instructors. This allows projects to involve specialists and professionals who can contribute knowledge, expertise, training, workshops, lectures, or other professional development activities. Venue, Equipment and Materials Eligible project expenses can include venue and equipment rental as well as necessary materials. These costs may be relevant to exhibitions, performances, workshops, training activities, networking events, and other cultural exchange initiatives. Interpretation and Translation Because the program focuses on international exchange, interpretation and translation costs are also eligible. This can help participants from Japan and ASEAN countries communicate effectively during collaborative activities, professional exchanges, workshops, and other supported events. Publicity, Reports and Freight Costs The grant can also contribute to costs associated with: - Reports. - Publicity production. - Freight. - Shipping. These expenses can support the communication, documentation, promotion, and practical implementation of eligible cultural exchange projects. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are organizations based in Japan with legal entity status operating in the arts and cultural field