Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting travel restrictions for travel to Japan, the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission-National Endowment for the Arts U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Program is paused until further notice.

The Government of Japan has temporarily closed the country’s borders to non-residents and previously selected 2020 and 2021 Fellows are waiting to travel to Japan for their residencies.

We regret the disruption to the program and will continue to monitor the situation and review safety and operational constraints. JUSFC and NEA will reopen the U.S.-Japan Creative Artist Fellowship Program application process when it has been determined that it is feasible to welcome additional artist Fellows to Japan.