The Kozuki Foundation, established in 1982 by Konami Group founder Kagemasa Kozuki to promote Japanese sports, education, and culture, announced on March 31 that it would be expanding financial support offered through its “Manga Artist and Animator Development Program.” Grant recipients for the period from August 2026 to July 2027 will receive an annual total of 1.2 million JPY (about $7,500 USD), as opposed to the 900,000 JPY ( about $5,630 USD) promised upon the opening of applications last February. It’s worth noting that the originally announced 900,000 JPY was already a 180,000 JPY increase compared to the past year, so this comes as a significant boost.
Initially called the “Creator Development Program,” the Manga Artist and Animator Development Program’s name was changed to reflect its focus on fostering talents capable of developing Japanese manga and animation. Aspiring manga artists, animators, and those in similar fields aged 15 to 25 who pass the screening process are given grants to pursue their creative passions, with 734 successful individuals over the course of the program’s 23-year history now working in industries such as manga, animation, illustration, painting, and fine arts.
In addition to the 1.2 million JPY subsidy, grant recipients will participate in an annual presentation event designed to foster creativity and camaraderie. They will also be asked to produce a total of eight commissioned works over the course of the program, with media coverage opportunities to get their work seen by a wider audience.
Applications for the 23rd Manga Artist and Animator Training Program are open until May 7, with roughly 30 grant recipient slots. The selection process consists of two rounds (a portfolio review followed by a practical skills assessment and interview) and will be conducted by a committee consisting of animator Yuichi Ito (K-On!, Full Metal Panic!), manga artists Wataru Yoshizumi (Marmalade Boy) and Akeji Fujimura (As the Gods Will) as well as Shoji Dewa, Senior Managing Executive officer at Konami Digital Entertainment.
