Arts Council Tokyo Announces Recruitment for 2026 'Kotetote' Training Program: Coordinators for Children's Arts and Cultural Experiences

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Arts Council Tokyo, are implementing a talent development initiative to cultivate individuals who can bridge local communities and artists, thereby delivering high-quality arts and cultural experiences to children.

This program supports participants in leveraging their diverse backgrounds to reach more children with arts and cultural experiences through expert lectures, on-site training, peer discussions, and network-building activities.

What is 'Kotetote'?

The name 'Kotetote' was inspired by the image of connecting and weaving together: the 'ko' (children), the 'koto' (creative experiences children engage in), and the 'te to te' (many hands) that support these experiences.

Participants in the coordinator training program are affectionately called 'Kotetote'.

Curriculum Overview

■ Foundation Lectures

Learn from instructors experienced in children's programs about the significance and practical examples of children's arts and cultural experiences.

Acquire foundational knowledge and perspectives for coordinating children's programs through classroom-style learning.

Theme & Instructor

Date, Time & Venue

Session 1

Why Are Arts and Cultural Experiences Essential for Children?

Yasuhiko Tsutsumi

Representative, NPO Artisuto to Kodomotachi (Artists and Children)

Saturday, August 1, 2026

10:30–13:30

Arts Council Tokyo (Chiyoda City)

Session 2

The Impact of Arts and Cultural Experiences on Children's Growth

Etsuro Tetsuya

Professor, Design Research Laboratory, Tokyo Gakugei University

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

13:30–16:30

Tokyo Gakugei University (Koganei City)

Co-hosted by: Art & Athletic Education Center, Tokyo Gakugei University

Session 3

Learning Perspectives for Co-Creation with Artists

Takashi Usui

Facilitator / Art Educator

Saturday, August 22, 2026

10:30–15:30

Arts Council Tokyo (Chiyoda City)

Elective

※1

A [Visual Arts]

Learning from Practical Implementation of Children's Programs at Facilities

Akane Torii

Head of Education and Outreach, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Saturday, August 8, 2026

10:30–12:30

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Koto City)

Elective

※1

B [Performing Arts ※2]

Learning from Practical Implementation of Children's Programs at Facilities

Naoya Yamashita

Section Chief, First Operations Division, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

Saturday, September 19, 2026

10:30–12:30

Arts Council Tokyo (Chiyoda City)

※1 For the elective sessions, participants must choose one of the two lectures.

※2 For B [Performing Arts], attendance at the 'Salad Music Festival: Opera for Children “The Story of Valmont, the King of Polar Bears”' on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026, is a mandatory requirement.

■ On-Site Training (One session per participant)

Participants will observe children's programs at Tokyo metropolitan cultural facilities or Arts Council Tokyo initiatives.

This provides a practical opportunity to learn how on-site communication fosters children's imagination.

Scheduled Period: August to October 2026 (tentative)

■ Reflection and Sharing Session

A session for participants to share insights and learnings from the program with peers, to apply them to future practical activities.

By reflecting on experiences while incorporating others’ perspectives, participants will objectively identify their strengths and future challenges.

Date & Time: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 13:30–16:00 (tentative)

Venue: Arts Council Tokyo (Chiyoda City)

*Please note that the curriculum is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Recruitment Overview

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria (1) to (4) and be cultural program coordinators from municipalities, cultural foundations, cultural facility staff, educators, or staff from companies/organizations engaged in children's activities, aiming to implement programs in local communities.

(1) Understand the importance of arts and cultural experience programs for children and primarily base activities in Tokyo.

(2) Be enthusiastic about implementing arts and cultural experience programs for children.

(3) Be able to participate in all program components in principle and actively engage in discussions and exchanges with instructors and fellow participants.

(4) Have the intention to continue contributing to the promotion of arts and culture after completing the program.

*Participants are expected to cooperate with promotional activities for this project (e.g., archival videos, reports) and post-program surveys.

Number of Participants: Approximately 30

Participation Fee: Free

Application Period: Friday, June 19, 2026 – Monday, July 13, 2026, 13:00

Application Method: Please apply via the application form on the official website.

Selection Process

In the event of excess applications, selection will be based on the above eligibility criteria (1) to (4).

*Individuals without prior practical experience in children's programs or the arts and culture field are welcome to apply if they demonstrate strong enthusiasm for future activities.

Selection results will be notified to all applicants via email by 17:00 on Friday, July 24, 2026, regardless of acceptance. Individual inquiries regarding selection reasons or processes cannot be accommodated.

Official Website for the Children's Arts and Cultural Experience Coordinator 'Kotetote' Training Program

Official Website

*This project is part of the Tokyo Children's Arts and Culture Platform 'TOKYO Culture Debut'.

Testimonials from Last Year's Participants

• I was able to learn a lot of knowledge and case studies necessary to become a coordinator, and I believe I can apply them in the future.

• Speaking with people from various backgrounds helped me confirm my current position and the work I am doing.