The Saison Foundation
The Saison Foundation is a grant-making foundation that supports projects and activities related to contemporary Japanese theater and dance.
Application Information
Open Call for Application 2027
[ for activities, April 2027 – March 2028 ]
The Saison Foundation is a grant-making foundation established in July 1987 that supports projects and activities related to contemporary Japanese theater and dance. In order to increase the visibility of contemporary Japanese performing arts on a worldwide level, The Saison Foundation awards grants and priority use of its rehearsal/workshop and residence facilities at Morishita Studio in Tokyo.
About Morishita Studio
The Saison Foundation owns a building in Tokyo called Morishita Studio, which houses four studios and three guest rooms (accommodation) that only our grantees may rent for rehearsals, workshops, creative work, etc., at reasonable rates just to cover basic running costs. Each studio is furnished with lauan plywood floors (dance mats to cover the wooden floors are available upon request), mirrors and lesson bars. For further details on Morishita Studio, please see here.
GRANT PROGRAMS
GRANT PROGRAMS
*Open call for Saison Artist in Residence 2026 will be announced once all details are confirmed.
International Projects Support Program 2027
- Applications will be accepted under the condition that an artistic partnership has already been established between the Japanese and foreign artists/companies who will be working together in the proposed project.
- The maximum length of a grant-receiving period for a continued project is three years; however, grantees will be requested to submit their applications each year for evaluation. Applicants may include activities related to the preparatory stage of the project, such as meetings, research, residencies, workshops, etc.
- The amount of support sought to the Foundation should not exceed the deficit in the proposed project’s budget. There will be no restrictions on the purpose of spending money as long as it is related to the project.
- Please find out more about our current and past awardees and programs at our website [https://www.saison.or.jp/en/library].
To get further information and make sure that you are eligible to apply for, please download 2027 International Program Guidelines.
Timeframe for 2027 Awards
Grants and studio awards for fiscal year 2027 will be given to projects and activities scheduled to begin at any time during the year from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028. Please note that Morishita Studio will be offered from April 6 to May 31, from July 1 to December 28, 2027 and from January 4 to March 31, 2028.
To apply for International Projects Support Program, please request an application form no later than Thursday, September 17, 2026 (Japan Standard Time). For details, please see the following page.
Application Procedures 2027
Please read our guidelines and find out if your project is eligible to apply for our program. To apply for the program, please follow the procedure below.
To request an application form
[International Project Support Program]
Please request an application form including the following information in the body of the email message and send it to apply27@saison.or.jp no later than Thursday, September 17, 2026 (Japan Standard Time). Alternatively, applicants may submit a request letter by fax, post or courier.
- Name of the grant program [International Project Support Program]
- Applicant name and contact information including address, phone number and
email address for PC - Name and contact information of the administrative person in charge of the
proposed project, if different from the applicant - Brief descriptions of the past and present works and achievements by the main
artists/companies involved in the project. - A concise summary of the proposed project, including its name, concept, the
names of the participants, and when and where it will take place.
- Please do not attach any files.
- An application form will be given to the applicant within 5 days after we confirm that the proposed project falls within the goals of our program.
To send the Application package
To make a full application, applicants must submit a package including the completed application form [Word and PDF] and a set of supplementary materials [PDF]. Please send it by email or post it so that it reaches us by no later than Thursday, October 1, 2026(Japan Standard Time).
Deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2026
[International Project Support Program]
from Google form
The selections of grant and award recipients are officially approved at the Foundation’s Board of Directors meeting each year. The results for 2027 will be sent to the applicant (administrative contact person) at the beginning of February 2027.
Contact Information
The Saison Foundation
3-5-6 Morishita, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0004, Japan
TEL: +81 3 (3535) 5566 FAX: +81 3 (3535) 5565
apply27@saison.or.jp
- The above email address will be valid from August 1, 2026.
- Applicants are requested to include the word “Application” or “Inquiries” at the
beginning of the subject line of the email message.
Evaluation, Selection, Notification and Download Guidelines 2027
[International Projects Support Program]
Each application will be assessed regarding the Foundation’s following criteria:
Uniqueness of the applicant’s activities and of the proposed project.
The perspective and potentiality of the applicant.
The timing of giving the award to the applicant and to the project.
The project’s impact on the arts and on the international community.
Feasibility of the project in terms of schedule and budget.
The selections of grant and award recipients are officially approved at the Foundation’ s Board of Directors meeting in January each year. The results for 2027 will be sent to the applicant (administrative contact person) at the beginning of February 2027.
[International Projects Support Program]
・2027 International Program Guidelines
If you would like to have our email newsletter including application information, please register from the following link,
Saison Artist in Residence 2026
Visiting Fellows
This program aims to build up an international network for contemporary performing arts and to enhance mutual understanding and gives opportunities for artists and arts managers to research the contemporary performing arts scene in Japan. The program supports research visits to Japan for those who are expected to play an important role in the international performing arts scene.
THE SAISON FOUNDATION
3-5-6 Morishita, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0004, JapanTEL: +81 3 (3535) 5566
FAX: +81 3 (3535) 5565
[Mon thru Fri 10:00 – 17:00]
Copyright © 2026 The Saison Foundation All rights reserved.
The Saison Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the following Legal Entity Support members and for their generous contributions (as of March 2025/in alphabetical order):
(Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.)