Call for Applications: EU-JAPAN Animation Business Workshop 2026

Co-Organized by: Hiroshima Animation Season and the Delegation of the European Union to Japan

In Collaboration with: CEE Animation

Event Date: One day during Hiroshima Animation Season 2026 (August 19–23, 2026)

Venue: JMS Aster Plaza, Hiroshima, Japan (as part of HAM 2026)

Application Deadline: June 15, 23:59 (JST)

1. Introduction & Background

Building upon the success of the EU–Japan Animation Business Workshop held as an official European Union initiative at the Osaka Expo 2025, we are thrilled to announce its official follow-up event: the EU-JAPAN Animation Business Workshop 2026. This upcoming event will take place within the framework of the Hiroshima Animation Academy & Meeting (HAM), the premier networking event held alongside the festival Hiroshima Animation Season 2026.

Co-organized by Hiroshima Animation Season 2026 and the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, this workshop serves as an official follow-up to the 2025 Osaka Expo program. It aims to further strengthen the creative and financial ties between the European and Japanese animation industries.

2. Workshop Objectives

The EU-JAPAN Animation Workshop 2026 will focus on building concrete pathways for international collaboration. The program includes:

• Report & Reflection: A comprehensive debrief and progress report on the outcomes of the Osaka Expo 2025 workshop: the final report of 2025.
• Mini-Workshop & Roundtable: Interactive sessions specifically designed to explore the possibilities of co-production between Japan and the EU, focusing on:
  • Animated Short Films
  • Small-scale/Art-House Animated Feature Films

3. Who We Are Looking For (Eligibility)

Through our partnership with CEE Animation, we are looking to select two talented and proactive producers from EU Member States of the Central and Eastern European region who:

• Have a proven track record in producing animated shorts or feature films.
• Possess a strong, demonstrated interest in co-producing with Japan (either through talent exchange, financing, or technical collaboration).
• Are fluent in English (the working language of the workshop).

4. Support & Benefits Provided

The selected two producers will receive full travel and accommodation support to participate in the event in Hiroshima:

• Travel: Round-trip international flight (economy class) to Hiroshima, Japan.
• Accommodation: Covered for five nights in Hiroshima: Check-in: Aug 19, Check-out: Aug 24
• Access: Full accreditation to Hiroshima Animation Season 2026 and HAM networking events, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with Japanese and international creators, producers, and stakeholders.

5. How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form and upload the required documents (in English) via the link:

Required Documents to Upload :

1. Professional Biography / CV (with links to previous works).
2. Letter of Motivation (Max. 1 page) explaining:
   • Your interest in collaborating with the Japanese animation industry.
   • How your current projects or slate could benefit from this workshop.

6. Timeline

• Application Deadline: June 15, 23:59 (JST)
• Selection Announcement: June 22nd
• Workshop Date: One day during Hiroshima Animation Season 2026 (August 19–23, 2026)

For any inquiries regarding the application process, please contact New Deer, who manages HAS/HAM 2026: contact@newdeer.net