I. Project Background: Seeing the “Invisible Artists”

 

Japan now stands at a historic crossroads. By the end of 2024, approximately 3.77 million foreign residents had become an indispensable part of Japanese society. Yet within this large population exists a group rich in creativity but often overlooked—669 professional artists who have obtained the “Artist” residence status through multiple layers of rigorous screening.

 

Receiving this visa signifies that their professionalism and sustained artistic practice have been recognized by the national system. In reality, however, such recognition largely remains at the level of institutions and paperwork. These artists are rarely known to broader society, and their talents and contributions lack a centralized, authoritative platform for presentation.

 

The National Open Call Project for Foreign Artists Residing in Japan was born from this context. Our focus is not only on the individual challenges faced by foreign artists living in Japan, but also on the broader cultural issues confronting Japanese society as it moves toward a future of multicultural coexistence.

 

II. Project Vision: A Gateway from “Institutional Recognition” to “Social Resonance”

 

Our vision is to build a bridge for all foreign artists sincerely engaged in creative work in Japan—from institutional recognition to social resonance: a true “gateway to success” where talent can be evaluated fairly.

 

We believe that the value of an artist should not be confined to a residence status document alone, but should instead shine on museum walls, concert hall stages, and within the public eye and applause.

 

Through nationwide open calls, authoritative expert review panels, and exhibition opportunities at leading public cultural institutions such as the Kyoto City Museum of Art Annex, we aim to enhance artists’ social visibility—bringing those who are usually unseen into the public sphere, and allowing their works and stories to be understood and appreciated by a wider audience.

 

Building professional milestones for artists: Providing participants with valuable opportunities to receive public honors (such as the Kyoto Mayor’s Award), adding solid credentials to their artistic careers in Japan.

 

Creating a new arena for cultural exchange: Offering a space where artists from diverse backgrounds can meet, interact, and collaboratively explore the future forms of art in Japan.

 

III. Project Structure: From Visual Art to Music, Covering Diverse Artistic Fields

 

This project aims to encompass the wide range of creative fields covered by the “Artist” residence status. It currently consists of two core components, with plans for continuous expansion.

    1.    Visual Arts: “Exhibition of Foreign Artists Residing in Japan”

Organized as an open-call exhibition, this program brings together diverse visual art forms including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. Following the successful inaugural exhibition held in May 2025 at the Meguro Museum of Art in Tokyo, the second edition will take place from June 23 to 28, 2026, at the iconic venue of the international cultural capital—Kyoto City Museum of Art Annex. This exhibition is planned as an annual event, held regularly from May to June each year.

    2.    Music: “Concert of Foreign Musicians Residing in Japan”

Scheduled to debut in 2026, this concert series will provide outstanding foreign musicians living in Japan with a high-level performance platform at the Kyoto Concert Hall. This program will also be organized through an open call. The concert will be held during the same period as the art exhibition each year, together forming a cross-disciplinary artistic festival.

 

IV. Eligibility: We Are Looking for You

 

This project welcomes all foreign artists who reside long-term in Japan and actively pursue their creative practice here. There are no restrictions on age or artistic discipline. Applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:

    1.    Holding a valid Japanese “Artist” residence status:

At the time of application, the visa’s period of stay must cover the year in which the project is held. We regard possession of this visa itself as strong proof of professional credibility.

    2.    Professional recommendation (for those not yet holding an Artist visa):

Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation issued by a professional individual or institution in the arts as proof of their creative ability. Recommenders may include:

    •    Artists who already hold an “Artist” residence status

    •    Instructors or professors at art institutions

    •    Art associations, galleries, or cultural organizations

 

V. Significance of the Project: Art as a Universal Language for a “Coexisting Society”

 

In the face of profound demographic changes, Japan is inevitably moving toward a multicultural society. How to coexist with people from diverse backgrounds has become a central issue for the nation as a whole.

 

Art is a universal language that transcends borders. Every foreign artist who chooses to live in Japan engages in a deep cultural dialogue through their work—blending the cultural memories of their home countries with their lived experiences in Japan, and creating an unprecedented, unique “new culture.” This is not the American-style “melting pot,” but rather a process that preserves Japan’s cultural foundations while integrating new elements to produce richer layers of expression. At the heart of this cultural creation are true artists, who lead and bring it to fruition.

 

VI. Expected Outcomes: The Social Impact of This Project

    1.    Strengthening multicultural coexistence:

Through this annual event, the public can directly engage with and understand the works of foreign artists living in Japan, helping to break down stereotypes and contribute to building a more inclusive and harmonious society.

    2.    Presenting a living model of “coexistence”:

Demonstrating to society that foreigners who choose to remain in Japan are not merely labor resources, but cultural partners who enrich our spiritual world and co-create the future. Their presence is an asset to Japanese society, not a burden.

    3.    A window and a social practice:

This project is both a window and a form of social action. We sincerely invite you—whether as a participant or as an audience member—to join us on this journey of exploring the future of culture in Japan.

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