For international artists, Japan offers some of the world’s most generous and well-organized residency programs. However, “fully funded” opportunities (covering airfare, accommodation, and providing a stipend) are highly competitive.
Here are the top 5 fully funded residencies in Japan. We have categorized them by their current application status so you can prioritize your schedule.
1. ARCUS Project (Ibaraki)
Status: OPEN NOW (Deadline: March 19, 2026) 
Considered one of the most prestigious “research-based” residencies in Asia, ARCUS is located in Moriya City, just outside Tokyo. Unlike production-heavy programs, ARCUS prioritizes process, experimentation, and interaction. It is ideal for artists who want to step back from “finishing” work to focus on “developing” ideas.
- What They Cover:
- Round-trip international airfare.
- Living stipend (approx. 540,000 JPY / ~$3,600 USD).
- Private studio and furnished apartment.
- Best For: Artists focusing on research, social engagement, and non-studio interactions.
- Website: www.arcus-project.com
2. Kamiyama Artist in Residence (KAIR)
Status: OPEN NOW (Deadline: February 27, 2026)
Located in a stunning rural village in Tokushima Prefecture, KAIR is a “community-centric” program. The expectation here is high engagement; artists are treated as temporary villagers and are expected to create work that resonates with the local history or nature. It is famous for its warm hospitality and “Green Valley” volunteer support.
- What They Cover:
- Airfare allowance (up to 200,000 JPY).
- Living allowance (200,000 JPY).
- Material/Production budget (up to 250,000 JPY).
- Studio and housing.
- Best For: Artists who love nature, rural settings, and site-specific installation.
- Website: www.in-kamiyama.jp/en/kair/
3. Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS)
Status: PREPARE NOW (Call typically opens in May)
TOKAS is the heavyweight champion of urban residencies in Japan. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it offers unparalleled access to the city’s galleries, museums, and curators. The “International Creator Residency” is their flagship fully funded tier. Competition is fierce, so use this time to polish your portfolio before the portal opens.
- What They Cover:
- Round-trip airfare.
- Per diem for living expenses.
- Production fee.
- Shared studio and private accommodation.
- Best For: Networking, career advancement, and urban research.
- Website: www.tokyoartsandspace.jp
4. Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC)
Status: WATCH LIST (Call typically opens Spring)
Nestled in the woodlands of northern Japan, the ACAC is an architectural masterpiece designed by Tadao Ando. The facility itself is inspiring, featuring a curved gallery that mimics the surrounding forest. It is one of the few residencies with facilities specifically designed for large-scale sculpture and wood/metal fabrication.
- What They Cover:
- Travel expenses.
- Production budget (approx. 40,000 JPY per term).
- Exhibition-related expenses (50,000 JPY).
- Living costs (approx. 225,000 JPY total).
- Best For: Sculptors, architects, and artists dealing with space and nature.
- Website: www.acac-aomori.jp
5. Paradise Air (Matsudo)
Status: PLANNING (Long-stay call usually late year)
Situated in a former hotel and pachinko parlor in Matsudo (Chiba), Paradise Air adopts a unique “One Stay, One Art” philosophy. Their “Longstay Program” is the fully funded tier, inviting artists to not just visit, but to become a temporary “neighbor” in this transit city.
- What They Cover:
- Round-trip airfare.
- Accommodation and Studio.
- Production costs and per diem.
- Community coordination support.
- Best For: Performance, urban intervention, and socially engaged practice.
- Website: www.paradiseair.info
Comparison at a Glance
| Residency | Location | Key Benefit | Application Window |
| ARCUS | Moriya (Semi-Urban) | Research Focus | Active Now |
| KAIR | Kamiyama (Rural) | Nature & Community | Active Now |
| TOKAS | Tokyo (Urban) | Networking | May – June |
| ACAC | Aomori (Forest) | Sculpture/Architecture | Spring |
| Paradise Air | Matsudo (Urban) | Urban Intervention | Winter |
