African animation creators and studios now have a rare chance to experience Japan’s world-renowned anime industry up close. As part of the broader Japan-Africa Youth Program, the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) is running the Professionals’ Japan Visit Program for Co-creation (Animation Production) in 2026. This fully funded opportunity invites 20 young professionals from African animation studios for a roughly 12-day immersion in Japan.
What Is the Japan-Africa Youth Program?
Launched in the wake of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), the Japan-Africa Youth Program is an international exchange initiative promoted by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by JICE (under commission from the African Union Commission).
Its goal is to deepen mutual understanding between young people from Japan and Africa through observation, cultural exchange, and collaboration. Participants gain exposure to Japan’s technology, culture, and social systems while building lasting networks that support Africa’s development and Japan-Africa co-creation.
One specialized track focuses on animation production. It targets African anime creators so they can visit production sites, related industries, and educational institutions, connect with Japanese counterparts, and explore future collaboration.
Program Details
– Duration: December 6 (Sun) – December 17 (Thu), 2026
Stay in Japan: December 7 – December 16 (subject to flight arrangements).
- Number of participants: 20 in total (up to 10 companies × 2 people each: one executive/decision-maker and one creator).
- Structure:
– Online pre-exchange program (orientation, overview of roles, and team-building) held before departure.
– On-site activities in Japan, which may include exchanges with Japanese anime industry stakeholders, visits to facilities/universities/institutions related to anime production, and a reporting session.
– At the reporting session, each company presents (in English or French, about 5–10 minutes) on their studio overview, key learnings in Japan, and proposals for future collaboration.
The program is conducted mainly in Japanese with English and French translation.
What Is Covered (Fully Funded)
Participation and most travel expenses are free of charge. Covered items typically include:
- Round-trip economy-class international flights (from the international airport in the capital of the participant’s country of residence; excess baggage not covered).
- Accommodation, domestic transportation, and meals during the program in Japan.
- Admission fees for scheduled activities.
- Overseas travel accident insurance (specific coverage limits apply; chronic conditions, dental issues, pregnancy, and pre-existing conditions are generally excluded).
Participants cover personal costs such as passport issuance/renewal, vaccinations or medical documents, travel between home and the designated airport, souvenirs, and any excess baggage. No cash allowance will be provided. JICE supports the visa process by preparing necessary documents, but participants handle the actual application.
Eligibility
This program is designed for animation studios based in Africa. Each studio may nominate one executive and one creator. Applicants must meet all of the following:
Basic requirements
- Understand and support the aims of the Japan-Africa Youth Program.
- Hold nationality of an African Union member state and not hold Japanese nationality.
- Be up to 39 years old.
- Be able to communicate in English, French, or Japanese (English or Japanese proficiency is preferable for future collaboration).
Professional requirements
- Be affiliated with an animation studio based in Africa.
- Have a strong interest in and passion for the Japanese anime industry.
- Be willing and able to collaborate with Japanese creators on animation production (including before and after the program).
Health
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Not have a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher on the day of departure.
Ineligibility
– In principle, individuals who reside in Japan or have stayed in Japan for more than 12 months are not eligible.
Only one application per company is accepted.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted on a company basis via the official online form. Each of the two nominees must also upload individual documents, including:
- Copy of the photo page of a valid passport.
- Signed Letter of Understanding.
- Signed Handling of Personal Information form.
- Recent headshot (taken within three months).
- Certificate of employment (or equivalent letter verifying affiliation and length of service; company website or SNS links are recommended).
Application deadline: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 23:59 Japan Standard Time (JST). The system closes automatically at that time.
Results notification: Expected in early October
Application Guidelines PDF and related documents are available on that page. For inquiries, use the official contact form (phone inquiries are not accepted).
Why This Opportunity Matters for African Animation Professionals
Japan’s anime industry is a global cultural and economic force. For African creators and studios, direct exposure to production workflows, industry practices, educational institutions, and potential Japanese partners can accelerate professional growth, inspire new techniques, and open doors to co-production or business collaboration. The program explicitly encourages participants to develop proposals for future partnership, turning a short visit into longer-term Japan-Africa creative ties.
If you work at an African animation studio and meet the criteria, review the full Application Guidelines carefully and prepare your company application and supporting documents well before the September 8 deadline. Opportunities that are fully funded, industry-focused, and designed for co-creation are uncommon and can meaningfully shape careers and studio trajectories.
