Craft Residencies in Japan

Arcus

Moriya, Japan

The Arcus Artist-in-Residence Program, established in 1994 near Tokyo, supports contemporary artists in developing their creative vision. The program, known for its serene setting and focus on research-based art, invites artists to engage with Japan's vibrant art scene and local community. It offers a 90-day residency with a private studio, accommodation, production fee, and living expenses. Open to international artists proficient in English and not enrolled in non-PhD programs, Arcus fosters critical, open, and international artistic exploration.

Beppu Project

Beppu City, Japan

Beppu Project is a non-profit art organization founded in April that operates artist residency programs in Beppu City, a renowned hot spring area in southern Japan. The organization hosts the KASHIMA Artist in Residence program (since ) and short-term residencies at Kiyoshima Apartment, welcoming artists across multiple disciplines to create work while engaging with the local community.

CHINO BASE AIR

Shiga, Japan

The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park (SCCP) in Shiga, Japan, offers an Artist in Residence program since 1992, providing ceramic artists and visual artists a creative space to work freely without a fixed curriculum. Residents can stay from 2 months to 1 year, with access to studios, accommodations (fee charged), technical support, exhibitions, and for guest artists, travel grants, artist fees, and material costs.

CROSS ART TOKONAME

Tokoname, Japan

TOUCH!TOKONAME is an artist-in-residence program established in by CROSS ART TOKONAME to support the 70th Anniversary of Tokoname City. The program provides studio and residence space to artists from Japan and abroad to conduct fieldwork and artistic activities in Tokoname, a historic pottery town with 1000 years of ceramic tradition.

Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

Shigaraki, Japan

The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Artist-in-Residence program has offered ceramic and visual artists from around the world a free creative space in Japan since 1992. Located in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture — one of Japan's six ancient kiln sites and its most celebrated ceramics region — the program has hosted over 1,500 artists from 60 countries. Studio Artists stay from 2 months to 1 year, working independently without a structured curriculum. Facilities include two large studios (228 and 138 sq. m.), a kiln room with 16 kilns (gas, electric, and anagama wood-fired), a glazing room, plaster room, and exhibition hall. Accommodation includes 10 single rooms with shared kitchen, salon, and laundry. Guest Artists (Japan-based only) are invited directly by the park. The program also partners with institutions for country-specific residencies, including Finnish and Hong Kong schemes.

Yamaguchi Shoten

Kyoto, Japan

Yamaguchi Shoten is an academic book publisher in Kyoto offering artist-in-residence stays in a historic Mingei-style building. Welcomes artists, designers, researchers, writers interested in folk art, handicrafts for 1-2 month residencies with shared facilities.