Application Deadline: September 8, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 JICE Japan-Africa Youth Program. Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) is pleased to announce that, as part of the “Japan-Africa Youth Program”—an international exchange initiative promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan—JICE are organizing and implementing a Professionals’ Japan Visit Program for Co-creation (Animation Production) targeting African anime creators.
This program will invite 20 individuals working at anime production companies in Africa to Japan for approximately 12 days, aiming to build a strong network with Japanese anime creators and related organizations.
JICE is currently calling for applications from interested companies and organizations (up to 10 companies in total). Please note that the maximum number of participants per company is two (one company executive who will act as the decision-maker and one creative professional).
Japan-Africa Youth Program is an international exchange initiative aimed at deepening mutual understanding between young people from both Japan and Africa through observation and cultural exchange.
As part of this Inbound program, participants are expected to gain fresh perspectives by experiencing Japan’s advanced technology, rich culture, and diverse social systems. The program seeks to empower them to grow as leaders contributing to Africa’s future development and as individuals who, together with Japanese youth, will strengthen ties and co-create a sustainable future for both regions.
A part of this Japan-Africa Youth Program is destinated to 20 young professionals in the animation industry from Africa. It offers opportunity to discover anime production sites or anime-related industry and educational institutions, aiming to inspire them and to foster connections between these professionals from Africa and Japanese companies. It provides participants with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Japanese values, mindset, and cultural heritage.
Program duration
December 6 (Sun) – December 17 (Thu), 2026 [Stay in Japan: Dec 7 – Dec 16]
※Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on flight arrangements.
Number of participants
Number of Participants: 20 participants in total (10 companies x 2 participants per company: 1 Executive and 1 Creator)
Program Components
Online Pre-Exchange Program
All participants are required to attend an online pre-exchange program in their countries before they leave for Japan. The online pre-exchange program may cover the following.
- Online orientation (overview of the program, explanation of participants’ roles, and team-building activities)
Qualifications for Participants
This program is designed for animation studios in Africa. An animation studio can nominate one of its executives and one of its creators. Applicants should meet all of the following criteria.
Basic Requirements
- Understand the aims of the “Japan-Africa Youth Program”.
- Hold the nationality of one of the target countries (member states of the African Union) and do not hold Japanese nationality.
- Be up to 39 years old.
- Be able to communicate in English or French or Japanese.
※In anticipation of future exchange and collaboration with Japanese partners after the program, proficiency in either English or Japanese is preferable.
Personal and Professional Qualifications - Be affiliated with an animation studio based in Africa.
- Have a strong interest in and passion for the Japanese anime industry.
- Be able to collaborate with Japanese creators on animation production, including during the periods before and after the program.
Health and Physical Requirements - Be in good physical and mental health to participate in the program.
- Participants with a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher on the day of departure will not
be permitted to travel to Japan or participate in the program.
Ineligibility Conditions - In principle, individuals who reside in Japan, or have stayed in Japan for more than twelve months are not eligible to participate
Cost and Support
(1) Expenses Covered by the Program
The following arrangements and expenses will be covered by the program:
a. International Travel (Flights are planned to depart from the international airport in the capital city.)
Round-trip economy class international air tickets between your country of residence and Japan arranged by JICE. (Excess baggage fees are not covered and must be paid by the participant.)
- Travel between the participant’s home and the designated airport is not covered.
- The designated airport may not be the nearest airport to the participant’s residence. In most cases, arrangements will be made for the international airport in the capital of the country of residence.
- Participants must use the designated flight; changes are not permitted even if self-funded.
b. Accommodation in transit countries
c. Domestic Arrangement in Japan - Accommodation, transportation, and meals during the program
- Admission fees for scheduled activities
d. Insurance Coverage - Overseas travel accident insurance
List of Application Documents
（３）Handling of Personal Information
How to Apply
Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 23:59 (Japan Standard Time – JST)
Note: The application system will automatically close at 23:59 JST. Please be mindful of time zone differences when submitting your application.
Please fill out the required information and submit your application via the form link below:
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the JICE Japan-Africa Youth Program
