Kozuki Foundation Increases Grant Amount for 23rd (FY2026) "Manga Artist and Animator Development Program" to Expand Support!

The Kozuki Foundation will expand support for recipients of the 23rd (FY2026) "Manga Artist and Animator Development Program" by significantly increasing the grant amount from previous years.

This foundation was established by Kagemasa Kozuki, founder and Representative Director Chairman of Konami Group Corporation, and has been engaged in activities aimed at promoting public interest, such as the promotion and development of sports, education, and culture, and the formation of a better society for over 40 years.

The "Manga Artist and Animator Development Program," now in its 23rd year, provides grants to support creative activities for individuals aged approximately 15 to 25 who aspire to become manga artists, animators, and similar professionals.

Since its inception in 2004, a total of 734 individuals have received grants and are active in various fields such as manga artists, animation artists, illustrators, painters, and fine artists.

From this year, the program name has been changed from "Creator Development Program" to "Manga Artist and Animator Development Program," strengthening the support system to nurture talent responsible for the further development of Japanese manga and animation, which are highly acclaimed worldwide.

As part of this, when applications opened in February, the grant amount was increased from the previous 720,000 yen per year to 900,000 yen per year. However, to further enable selected recipients to concentrate on their creative work, it has now been decided to additionally increase the grant to 1,200,000 yen per year.

The selection process will be conducted by a selection committee comprising Animation Director and Professor Yuichi Ito of Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Film and New Media, manga artists Ms. Wataru Yoshizumi and Mr. Hifumi Fujimura (7th "Manga Artist Development Program" certified recipient), and Mr. Shoji Dewa, Senior Executive Officer of Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Approximately 30 grant recipients will be determined after the first selection in June and the second selection in July.

Certified grant recipients will receive an annual grant of 1,200,000 yen, and an annual achievement presentation will be held as a venue for fostering mutual friendship and reporting on daily creative activities. Additionally, during the grant period, a total of 8 (planned) assignment works will be produced, and some of these works will be given opportunities to be introduced through various media.

Sports event pamphlet "All Japan Elementary School Judo Development Project 2025" ©Nemari / Kozuki Foundation

Kyodo Weekly cover illustration "Floating Autumn Leaves" published by Kyodo News Co., Ltd. ©⑦ / Kozuki Foundation

Great Insect Exhibition in Tokyo Skytree Town® Artwork Panel Display

23rd "Manga Artist and Animator Development Program" Application Overview

Eligible Applicants: Individuals aged approximately 15 to 25 who aspire to become manga artists, animators, etc.

Grant Amount: 1,200,000 yen per year

Grant Period: August 2026 - July 2027

Number of Recipients: Approximately 30 individuals

Application Deadline: May 7, 2026

Selection Method: First Selection (scheduled for June) Portfolio Review

Second Selection (scheduled for July) Practical Exam and Interview

*Dates and selection methods may change due to various circumstances.

*Transportation expenses to the second selection venue will be reimbursed for domestic travel only.

*If you cannot arrive by the designated meeting time on the day, the Foundation will provide free accommodation at a designated location.

*The recruitment posters for the 23rd "Manga Artist and Animator Development Program" feature illustrations by three certified recipients from the 22nd program.

About the Kozuki Foundation

Based on the philosophy that "Japan's future lies in education," it is an organization founded on the Kozuki Educational Foundation, which was established in 1982 by Kagemasa Kozuki, founder and Representative Director Chairman of Konami Group Corporation. It promotes projects demanded by society, including "sports-related projects" aimed at nurturing top athletes, as well as grants related to education and culture. Through over 40 years of history, it has developed projects that promote public interest, such as the promotion and development of sports, education, and culture, and the formation of a better society.

Kozuki Foundation

Location: 1-2-7 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061

Representative: Kagemasa Kozuki, Chairman

Phone: 03-5414-2811

Website: https://www.kozuki-foundation.or.jp/

X: https://x.com/KozukiFdn

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KOZUKI-FOUNDATION