Inspired by the dynamic expansion of the global creative sector, the Japanese government is gearing up to intensify its efforts to boost its cultural exports. Central to this ambition, the Cultural Affairs Agency seeks to reinforce national identity and expanding Japan's influence globally through soft power. This drive pushes the agency to direct resources towards the nurturing of up-and-coming artists, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed through a targeted initiative. Designed to cater to artists from a diverse array of disciplines, this initiative focuses on cultivating their sustainable careers by aiding their creative pursuits and ensuring their financial prosperity, particularly through achieving international recognition.

The Japanese government has earmarked six billion yen as an additional budget of fiscal 2023 for the Cultural Affairs Agency's new initiative, to be executed through the Japan Arts Council. This move signals an urgent effort to reclaim Japan's former glory as a powerhouse in the international content market. Japan has lagged behind, capturing only a 2.3% growth rate in the content business over the last decade, up to 2021. This figure paled in comparison to South Korea's 6.0%, the US's 6.1%, and China's staggering 23.0%, as reported by the Japan Business Federation. By establishing a foundation within the Japan Arts Council by April, the government aims to tap into the burgeoning global demand for diverse Japanese entertainment, positioning itself within a multi-trillion-dollar market.

The Japan Arts Council's mission through its agency-supported foundation unfolds as follows. By a public audition, the Council carefully selects a group of creators from a broad spectrum of fields, such as screenwriting, directing, performance arts, contemporary and traditional arts, comics, and animation. Those artists are then ushered into a comprehensive program designed to meld their artistic vision with viable financial goals while sidestepping the pressures typically associated with monetization. In the program, artists receive specialized training and mentorship tailored to impart crucial business strategies. This guidance helps them adeptly navigate market trends and uncover new revenue opportunities. Additionally, the program offers customized support to artists across various domains, including visual arts, music, literature, and digital content. This includes providing access to a global network, opportunities for collaboration, and insights into international best practices, ensuring each participant is well-equipped to flourish within their respective creative domain.

The vision of the Japan Arts Council for carving out a sustainable monetization model emphasizes the importance of authenticity and visibility in shaping an artist’s career. In the today’s world marked by ever-increasing internet access globally, artists are no longer forced to sacrifice their creative integrity to meet mainstream expectations on their path to success. Instead, social media platforms offer artists the unique opportunity to identify and nurture niche markets by engaging with specific audience groups directly. The distinct value and appeal of their work, driven by its originality, cultivates a loyal fanbase that values the honesty and passion infused in the creations. This dedication to a personal unique style encourages a deeper connection with their audience, particularly through social media channels. Maintaining one's authentic artistic vision, coupled with smart use of social media to boost visibility and interaction, is crucial for forging a prosperous artistic career in the modern digital landscape.