Japanese government joins forces with animation studios to develop next generation of animators – Interest

On July 31, the Global Animation Challenge (GAC) program took the first step toward cultivating the next generation of Japanese animators. GAC is currently accepting applications from six talented young animators, producers and directors for “three-month internships at world-class studios outside of Japan.”

The GAC plan was first announced at a press conference held by the Japan Research Institute’s Social Value Co-Creation Studio. The meeting was hosted by Yumi Ennyu (Government of Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs), Masao Ueda (CEO heavy rain), Takeshi Kikuchi (Executive Officer Kadokawa), Sakurai Daiki (CEO of Salamader), Tadashi Sudo (Project Director of Niigata International Animation Festival), Yosuke Yasui (Japan Research Institute), Momoko Haooka (new type Deputy Editor), Michiko Takaku (Foriio Director), and Ogasawara Muneki (CEO Sport citrus). During the nearly two-hour meeting, a number of key players presented their ideas, program goals, and a question-and-answer session. The full session can be viewed on Global Animation Challenge Youtube path:

According to a statement issued by GAC Group after the press conference, the plan will be carried out in six stages: selection, internship preparation, overseas studio internship, concept trailer production, appearance at the Annecy Film Festival in France and anime expoand conduct analysis and evaluation.

In the first phase of selection, GAC is looking for six animators, directors and producers between the ages of 20 and 39. While not required, the organization prefers candidates who belong to an anime studio and have “a certain degree of professional achievement.” The GAC website provides more information for those who are not currently affiliated with an animation studio: “Freelance workers must be affiliated with an animation production company while participating in the program. If an affiliate cannot be found, they will be temporarily affiliated with an animation production designated by the General Administration of Customs Inc. The site also recommends that candidates should have strong communication skills as well as endorsements and recommendations from anime studio managers and producers. The site is currently accepting applications until October.

Once selected, six participants will participate in an internship preparation program. The program will deliver lectures and workshops, two two-hour sessions per month, for eight months. The team will also attend English classes twice a week for eight months, learning how to express and explain ideas in English. The GAC did not specify whether the six participants would attend the courses while performing their normal job duties.

Six participants will then spend three months interning at animation studios outside of Japan. During the internship, GAC hopes that members can develop their own skills and learn production methods that are not available in Japan. Their goal was to select two studios and send three members to each studio. The internship will be divided into two periods: July to September and October to December. During the internship, living expenses and salary are provided by GAC.

GAC then plans to have the six participants “develop concept trailers for display at the world’s top animation exhibition events.” The studio designated by the entrant will be responsible for the production of these concept trailers, and the studio will retain the copyright. Unfortunately, the animation studio may reject the idea, and the members involved won’t be able to take it elsewhere. However, it does provide young talent with valuable experience in developing concepts and bringing them into production.

If the concept trailers are completed, GAC hopes to show them at the Annecy International Film Festival anime expo In France in 2026.

Finally, as a plan supported by the Japanese government, it will conduct a period of analysis and evaluation from August to November 2026. [the] Global Animation Challenge. The report will be released to the public through forums and seminars. If the project is successful, the GAC can grow and develop with a second, larger pool of candidates.

The Global Animation Challenge seems like an ambitious project. After two years of planning, it will be interesting to see how the initial six candidates pan out. Hopefully this will also promote the development of new talent in the animation industry.

Source: press release, Global Animation Challenge website and Youtube channel