Kozuki Foundation Increases Grants for 23rd Manga Artist and Animator Training Program to 1.2 Million Yen
The Kozuki Foundation has announced an increase in its grant amount for the 23rd Manga Artist and Animator Training Program to 1.2 million yen per year, supporting approximately 30 young creators aged 15-25.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (18h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 11:25 (477h 46m after Collected)
The Kozuki Foundation is expanding its support for the recipients of the 23rd (FY2026) 'Manga Artist and Animator Training Program' by significantly increasing the grant amount compared to previous years.
The foundation was established by Kagemasa Kozuki, the founder and Chairman of the Board of Konami Group Corporation. For over 40 years, it has operated businesses aimed at promoting and developing sports, education, and culture, as well as enhancing the public interest for a better society.
Now in its 23rd year, the 'Manga Artist and Animator Training Program' provides grants to individuals aged approximately 15 to 25 who aspire to become manga artists, animators, and similar creators to support their creative activities. Since the project's inception in 2004, a total of 734 individuals have received grants and are now active in diverse fields such as manga, animation, illustration, and fine arts.
Starting this year, the project name has been changed from the 'Creator Training Program' to the 'Manga Artist and Animator Training Program.' The support system is being strengthened to nurture talent who will lead the further development of Japanese manga and animation, which are highly acclaimed worldwide.
As part of this effort, the grant was initially increased from 720,000 yen per year to 900,000 yen when applications opened in February. However, to realize an environment where recipients can focus even more intently on their creations, the foundation has decided to further increase the amount to 1,200,000 yen per year.
The selection will be conducted by a committee comprising experts such as Professor Yuichi Ito of the Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts (Animation Director), manga artists Wataru Yoshizumi and Fuji Fujimura (a recipient of the 7th Manga Artist Training Program), and Masashi Dewa, Senior Executive Officer of Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Approximately 30 recipients will be determined after a first selection in June and a second selection in July.
In addition to the annual grant of 1.2 million yen, recipients will participate in an annual achievement presentation to deepen mutual friendship and report on their daily creative activities. Furthermore, during the grant period, recipients are expected to produce a total of eight assigned works, with opportunities provided to introduce some of these works through various media outlets.
The foundation was established by Kagemasa Kozuki, the founder and Chairman of the Board of Konami Group Corporation. For over 40 years, it has operated businesses aimed at promoting and developing sports, education, and culture, as well as enhancing the public interest for a better society.
Now in its 23rd year, the 'Manga Artist and Animator Training Program' provides grants to individuals aged approximately 15 to 25 who aspire to become manga artists, animators, and similar creators to support their creative activities. Since the project's inception in 2004, a total of 734 individuals have received grants and are now active in diverse fields such as manga, animation, illustration, and fine arts.
Starting this year, the project name has been changed from the 'Creator Training Program' to the 'Manga Artist and Animator Training Program.' The support system is being strengthened to nurture talent who will lead the further development of Japanese manga and animation, which are highly acclaimed worldwide.
As part of this effort, the grant was initially increased from 720,000 yen per year to 900,000 yen when applications opened in February. However, to realize an environment where recipients can focus even more intently on their creations, the foundation has decided to further increase the amount to 1,200,000 yen per year.
The selection will be conducted by a committee comprising experts such as Professor Yuichi Ito of the Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts (Animation Director), manga artists Wataru Yoshizumi and Fuji Fujimura (a recipient of the 7th Manga Artist Training Program), and Masashi Dewa, Senior Executive Officer of Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Approximately 30 recipients will be determined after a first selection in June and a second selection in July.
In addition to the annual grant of 1.2 million yen, recipients will participate in an annual achievement presentation to deepen mutual friendship and report on their daily creative activities. Furthermore, during the grant period, recipients are expected to produce a total of eight assigned works, with opportunities provided to introduce some of these works through various media outlets.