The CJPF Award 2026 is an exciting initiative aimed at elevating Japan's unique charm through the lens of creativity and cultural exchange. This year, the Cool Japan Public-Private Partnership Platform (CJPF) invites submissions for movies and projects that effectively communicate the fascinating aspects of Japan to an international audience.
With the number of foreign visitors to Japan projected to exceed 36 million in 2024 and spending expected to reach around 8.1 trillion yen, Japan is experiencing an unprecedented boom in inbound tourism. Each traveler is anticipated to spend over 220,000 yen, marking record highs in various sectors. The new Cool Japan strategy, introduced last year, aims to enhance both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the nation’s appeal, targeting a total economic impact of over 50 trillion yen by 2033.
The CJPF Award 2026 will recognize outstanding works in two key categories: Movies and Projects. The Movie category focuses on short films that resonate emotionally with audiences worldwide, showcasing Japan's attractions through storytelling and creative expression. The Project category will honor initiatives that enhance the experiential value of Japan's offerings, geared toward improving inbound consumption.
The selection process involves a panel of experts from the CJPF, including individuals with a deep understanding of Japan's appeal who will critically evaluate each entry. Criteria for assessment include the creativity in expressing Japan's charm, the effectiveness of outreach techniques for various linguistic and cultural groups, as well as the film’s ability to evoke empathy and interest among international viewers. Special consideration will be given to projects that foster collaboration and synergy across different fields and regions, targeting a wider audience through shared cultural initiatives.
Submissions for both categories will be accepted from August 6 to September 30, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to create works that go beyond traditional representations, capturing the contemporary essence of Japan while adhering to the principles of cultural sensitivity.
Movie Submission Guidelines:
- - Films should focus on showcasing Japan’s unique aspects, including its food culture, traditional crafts, and cutting-edge technology.
- - The duration should be approximately five minutes, and the content must target a foreign audience.
- - Must have been released after 2022, and works previously awarded in previous CJPF awards are not eligible.
Project Submission Guidelines:
- - Projects must deal with enhancing the experience of Japanese culture for international audiences.
- - They should be feasible for current or future implementation, even if they are now focused on domestic markets.
- - Similar eligibility rules apply with respect to prior award-winning projects.
The CJPF, established by Japan's Cabinet Office in December 2015, serves as a platform for collaboration across sectors to promote Japan's cultural and economic prospects. The award aims to recognize those who contribute to Japan's mission of becoming a key player in the global culture market while ensuring a positive image through awarded projects and films. The awards ceremony will take place in February-March 2026.
For more information and to submit entries, please visit the CJPF Award 2026 official site:
CJPF Award. Explore past award-winning projects and films to gather inspiration from previous efforts that have effectively showcased Japan's charms to international audiences. The CJPF aims to strengthen Japan’s global presence, and the CJPF Award 2026 is a crucial step towards achieving that vision.