The Kuma Foundation Launches Creator Scholarship for Young Talents

Supporting Young Creators: The 10th Creator Scholarship

The Kuma Foundation is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for its 10th round of the Creator Scholarship, a unique initiative designed to support young creators across diverse fields without any repayment obligations. Established in 2016, the foundation has continually sought out and nurtured talent, providing a substantial annual grant of 1.2 million yen to young artists, musicians, architects, and tech innovators, among others.

This year, the foundation aims to uncover and foster the potential of emerging talents by encouraging creativity across genres. The scholarship's core mission is to empower creators to navigate the unpredictable changes of modern society while remaining true to their artistic vision. Applications are open to those willing to make a significant impact in their fields, sparking a ripple effect that resonates in society.

Scholarship Details

The Creator Scholarship is designed for students aged 25 and under. It provides financial support without obligations regarding repayment or restrictions on the use of funds. Awardees can utilize these grants for various purposes including purchasing art supplies, funding exhibitions, or meeting essential living expenses. This flexibility allows creators to focus solely on their artistic endeavors, creating an optimal environment for innovation and expression.

Moreover, the foundation is dedicated to promoting collaboration among creators from different disciplines, understanding that inter-genre exchange is crucial for growth and inspiration. In addition to the financial support, the scholarship program encompasses a curriculum that includes networking events, workshops, and showcases where creators can present their work and learn from one another. This comprehensive approach is tailored to cultivate a year of passionate artistic commitment for each scholarship recipient.

Application Process

Starting from December 1, 2025, applications for the 10th cohort of the Creator Scholarship will be accepted until March 4, 2026. Approximately 50 candidates will be selected through a rigorous evaluation process, and the final recipients will be announced by the end of May 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
1. Be a student enrolled in a vocational school, junior college, university, or graduate school as of April 2026.
2. Be 25 years old or younger as of April 1, 2026.
3. Engage in creative activities with the aim of creating new value, including exploring uncharted territories and reinterpreting traditional cultures.
4. Hold Japanese citizenship or a legal residency status that allows participation in the scholarship program.

How to Apply

Interested individuals should visit the scholarship website to review the application guidelines and submit their entries. After submitting their applications, candidates must also provide a portfolio of their work for evaluation.

About the Kuma Foundation

Founded by Kunihiro Baba, the entrepreneur behind Colopl, the Kuma Foundation aims to support and promote the activities of the next generation of creators. Through initiatives like the Creator Scholarship, along with workshops and exhibitions, it provides valuable resources and platforms for young talents to thrive in their creative journeys.

For more information, including application guidelines, visit the Kuma Foundation's official website: Kuma Foundation. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected].

Address: 7-21-24 Roppongi, The Module Roppongi 203, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan