AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 28, 2026 – Full Text

Source: New Zealand Government

A new marae in central New Plymouth will put culture, resilience and community at the heart of the city, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

The Government is investing up to $8.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) for Ngati Te Whiti to establish Ngāmotu Marae in Moturoa near the waterfront and public coastal walkway.

“The development will give Ngāti Te Whiti a long overdue home in their own rohe, while opening the doors to the wider community for hui, events, education and support during emergencies,” Mr Jones says.

“For more than 150 years, Ngāti Te Whiti, the mana whenua of New Plymouth, have not had a marae in the city. This investment restores a critical anchor that is accessible and firmly part of the city’s future,” Mr Jones says.

“A visible and active marae in the city next to the popular waterfront walkway will create cultural, social and economic energy that ripples through the community,” Mr Potaka says.

“This is not just for Ngāti Te Whiti, it is for New Plymouth. Marae are where people gather, decisions are made, and culture and community life are lived every day.”

The marae will double as a lifeline during emergencies, with a wharekai able to provide food, shelter and essential services.

“In an emergency, marae provide practical support to their communities. This facility will be ready to provide shelter, support and stability when New Plymouth needs it most,” Mr Potaka says.

This project includes building a wharenui and wharekai, along with community, meeting and administration spaces, civil works such as power, water, access and earthworks, and full site development including landscaping and parking.

The project is being delivered by Ngāti Te Whiti Whenua Tōpu Trust. The total cost is $17.8 million, with co-funding from Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, local government, the Toi Foundation, and the community. It will support around 46 jobs during construction.

Long term, the marae is expected to support cultural tourism, local enterprise and community-led development.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/27/8-6m-brings-marae-into-heart-of-new-plymouth/

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2026 – The “Wealth Management Expo 2026”, powered by Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”) and organised by TVB under the theme of “Empowering Enterprises to Go Global, Pioneering the Blue Ocean of Silver Economy”, was successfully held today. The Expo featured top-tier financial experts and prominent figures for market pulse insights and visionary perspectives on the international landscape, the international use of RMB, enterprises going global, silver economy and wealth management.

The Expo was officiated by Mr. Michael WONG, GBS, JP, Acting Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government; Mr. Christopher HUI, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government; and Mr. Stephen CHAN, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK. Mr. Christopher HUI also shared at the opening forum on how Hong Kong as a global offshore RMB hub supports enterprises in going global. Other attending guests included Dr. KO Wing Man, GBS, JP, Standing Committee of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations) of TVB; and representatives from BOCHK.

Mr. Stephen CHAN, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, said in his opening remarks, “This year marks the inaugural year of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which clearly supports Hong Kong in strengthening its role as an international asset and wealth management centre. Against this backdrop, Hong Kong, as a vital bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, is set to tap into an unprecedented opportunity for growth. Bank of China (Hong Kong) will actively align with national policies and the HKSAR Government’s direction by deepening its regional business development and promoting the international use of RMB, while continuing to fulfil its corporate social responsibilities, contributing to the consolidation of Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.”

Opening Forum: Experts Shared Insights on RMB Empowering Enterprises to Go Global

The opening forum of the Expo “New Opportunities in Global Wealth Investment: RMB Empowering Enterprises to Go Global” featured Mr. Christopher HUI, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, HKSAR Government; Mrs. Pauline NGAN, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Mainland Headwear Holdings Limited, Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Mr. Sam YU, Chairman of Hong Kong Investment Funds Association; and Mr. Jack YANG, RMB Business Executive Director of BOCHK. They engaged in an in-depth discussion on the international market trends, enterprises going global and the international use of RMB, elaborating new investment opportunities.

Summit Forum: Decoding Silver Economy Opportunities and Industry Integration

The growing silver-haired population is driving demand across a range of areas, including health, lifestyle and wealth management. Held under the theme “Redefining Value in the Silver Age: Uncovering Blue Ocean Market Opportunities”, the summit forum featured Dr. KO Wing Man, GBS, JP, Standing Committee of the National Committee of the CPPCC; Mr. Angus CHAN, Director of Elderly Care Services of Chinachem Group; Mr. Terry WONG, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; and Mr. Wilson TANG, Chief Executive of BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited. Drawing on a macro perspective on industry structure, the speakers analysed the business opportunities within the silver economy and explored how to drive supply chain transformation and integration across traditional industries such as healthcare and insurance, while offering a forward-looking view of the immense potential of this emerging market.

Thematic Workshops and Immersive Digital Experience Zone, Showcasing Comprehensive Wealth Growth Strategies

The Expo also held several thematic workshops, in which experts analysed prevailing topics, including global fund and equity market conditions, retirement wealth planning, and emerging markets, equipping clients with insights into wealth growth strategies. Two fund workshops focused respectively on emerging markets and global income opportunities. The first workshop, “Focusing on Emerging Value in Asia: Embarking on a New Chapter for RMB Assets and China’s Equity and Bond Markets”, examined how the Chinese Mainland’s deepening cooperation with ASEAN, the Global South, and Belt and Road Initiative partner countries is generating new investment opportunities in emerging markets. The workshop also offered an investment outlook of the implications of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the shifting global landscape for RMB assets and the Chinese Mainland’s equity and bond markets. The second fund workshop, “Harnessing Multi-Asset Strategies to Capture Asia-Pacific Income Opportunities,” explored how investors should diversify asset portfolio amid heightened volatility in global equity and bond markets, while capturing income opportunities from Asia-Pacific and emerging markets.

The retirement planning workshop, “Forward-Looking Wealth Planning: Charting Your Own Path to a Premium Retirement”, addressed the retirement pain points commonly faced by Hong Kong residents, offering financial advice for the silver generation to build a solid safety net for themselves and their families. The equities workshop, “Navigating 2026: Decoding Stock Market Strategies”, dissected global equity market performance and explored how different financial products can be used to balance aggressive and defensive positioning to capture markets with growth potential. The wealth management workshop, “AI-led Future: Blue Ocean Opportunities in Southeast Asia and New Horizons for Enterprises Going Global”, examined the AI investment boom and analysed the unique edge of Hong Kong as a “super value-adder” for enterprises going global.

A 3D immersive digital experience zone highlighted BOCHK’s capabilities across its expansive network reach, anti-fraud education, professional services, digital innovation leadership and award-winning credentials.

BOCHK Private Wealth also officially unveiled its new Wealth+ service proposition at the event, expanding its scope beyond wealth management to encompass multi-dimension of clients’ lives, including lifestyle experiences, family financial planning and holistic well-being, with a commitment to addressing client’s unique and individual needs.

The “Wealth Management Expo 2026” concluded successfully with fruitful outcomes. Through a full day of engaging forums, workshops, digital experience zone and sponsored booths, industry professionals, investors and the public can gain insights into global opportunities, keep abreast of the latest development in the international use of RMB and the strategic advantages of enterprises going global, while capitalising on the diverse opportunities presented by the silver economy, and mastering financial management and wealth growth.

Hashtag: #WealthManagementExpo2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: New Zealand Government

The public’s views are being sought on proposed changes for catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“Twice a year, formal reviews are done on a range of fish stocks and proposals are developed to adjust settings where necessary. The proposed options are developed using the best available science and information about the fishery,” Mr Jones says.

“When a fishery can sustainably handle more harvesting, contributing to our economy and supporting our communities, we should allow it. On the other hand, it is in everybody’s best interests to reduce fishing when needed.”

When selecting stocks for review, a range of factors are considered including sustainability risks, new information about the stock from assessments and monitoring programmes, information from tangata whenua, the public, and stakeholders, and environmental factors.

This review includes proposals to significantly reduce catch throughout New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries. 

“Tarakihi is one of New Zealand’s favourite fish species, with around 95 per cent of commercially caught tarakihi sold and consumed domestically,” Mr Jones says.

“Warming waters are likely to have impacted the number of juvenile fish. Despite efforts to reduce pressure on the fishery, supported by industry – including catch limit reductions in 2018, 2019, and 2022 – the fishery has not recovered as well as hoped.

“Stock assessments for both the East and West Coast tarakihi fisheries indicate levels will continue to decline, which is why significant changes are proposed for these fisheries.

“On the other hand, snapper and trevally continue to do well as they respond well to warmer waters. Catch limit increases are proposed for snapper and trevally in area 2 (East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington), reflecting increasing abundance.”

The review also includes proposals for adjustments to deemed value rates on 11 fish stocks. Deemed value rates are paid by fishers on catch that exceeds their Annual Catch Entitlement.

“Once consultation closes, officials will analyse the submissions and provide me with advice. My decisions will be announced before the start of the fishing year on 1 October 2026.

“Consultation opens today and I encourage anyone with an interest in these fisheries to read the proposals and provide feedback.”

Submissions can be made online until 5pm on 24 July 2026. More information about the proposals and how to make a submission can be found on MPI’s website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-fishery-sustainability-measures-october-2026-round

Stocks included in this review:

Deepwater – Total Allowable Catch Review

• Blue mackerel – EMA 7 – West coast North Island, west coast South Island
• Ling – LIN 7 – West Coast and Top of the South Island
• Gemfish – SKI 3 – East Coast South Island, Chatham Islands
• Frostfish – FRO 3 – East Coast South Island
• Scampi – SCI 3 – East Coast South Island, western Chatham Rise  
• Alfonsino – BYX 3 – East Coast South Island, Chatham Islands

Inshore – Total Allowable Catch Review

• East Coast tarakihi – TAR 1E, 2, 3, 7E – East Coast North and South Island
• West Coast tarakihi – TAR 1W, 7W, 8 – West Coast North and South Island
• Ling – LIN 1 – Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty
• Snapper – SNA 2 – East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington
• Trevally – TRE 2 – East Cape, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington
• Stargazer – STA 7 – West Coast and Top of the South Island
• Butterfish – BUT 7 – West Coast and Top of the South Island
• Shortfin eel – SFE 13 – Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere)
• Pāua – PAU 7 – Marlborough
• Leatherjacket – LEA 3 – East Coast South Island, Southland 
• Elephant fish – ELE 3 and 5 – East Coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
• Pāua – PAU 5D – Southland and Otago

Review of deemed value rate adjustments

• East Coast tarakihi – TAR 1, 2, 3, 7 – East Coast North and South Island
• West Coast tarakihi – TAR 1, 8, 7 – West Coast North and South Island
• School shark – SCH 3, 5 – East Coast South Island, Southland
• Parore – PAR 1, 9 – East and West Coast upper North Island 
• Yellow-eyed mullet – YEM 1, 9 – East and West Coast upper North Island

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/feedback-sought-on-catch-limits-and-sustainability/

Source: New Zealand Government

Ōtorohanga will see three significant bridge projects happening in the second half of this year, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 

“The Mangaorongo Bridge on State Highway 3 near Ōtorohanga will be repaired after flood damage earlier this year, with NZTA also strengthening the riverbank to help protect the bridge from future floods,” says Mr Bishop.

“On State Highway 39, Symes Bridge over the Moakurarua Stream will be repaired from early July after the February storm caused significant erosion underneath the bridge. This stage of the work should take around 5 weeks to complete. 

“Later this year, the deck and beams will be replaced. Together, these components form the bridge’s superstructure, and replacing them will provide a wider, more resilient and safer structure. 

“Further north on SH39, a temporary single-lane Acrow bridge replaced the Mangati Bridge in March after the original bridge was destroyed in the February flood. 

“A permanent bridge is still a priority and NZTA is currently running a tender process for a two-lane replacement. NZTA will have more to say on this in coming months. 

“This is about fixing the basics and making sure these critical routes stay open and reliable for the communities and businesses that depend on them.”

Notes to editor: 

Traffic over the Mangaorongo bridge, approximately 7km north of Ōtorohanga, will be reduced to one lane with stop/go traffic management when work starts on Monday 29 June, until completion approximately 4 weeks later. 
Work on the Symes Bridge will require a few days of lane closures while equipment is brought to and from site and a temporary access underneath the bridge is built, with shoulder closures in place for the remainder of the time. The second stage of works will require the bridge to be closed for 7 weeks. NZTA will share further information about these works, including the specific dates and detour routes, closer to the time.   

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/bridge-improvements-for-otorohanga/

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – Co-organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), with support of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), and in partnership with the Trade and Industry Department (TID), the inaugural “E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026” (Expo) officially opened yesterday at the HKPC Building. The two-day Expo brings together tech innovation, brand and IP licensing, global platform support, and market expansion strategies, assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in mastering the keys to expanding overseas through e-commerce. The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr Algernon YAU Ying-wah, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Mr Aaron LIU Kong Cheung, JP, Director-General of Trade and Industry; Mr Emil YU Chen-on, BBS, JP Deputy Chairman of HKPC; and Mr Mohamed Din BUTT, MH, Executive Director of HKPC. As its first edition, the Expo has registered with nearly 7,000 pax, reflecting the industry’s keen demand for e-commerce technology information and services.

With Hang Seng Bank as the Diamond Partner and strong support from over 250 supporting organisations, the Expo brings together over 90 exhibitors across five thematic exhibition zones, including Cross-border E-commerce Experience, New Retail Tech Application, Brand x IP Value-added, Smart Operations, and E-commerce Go-Global Support. Gathering e-commerce platforms, technology and business service providers, IP licensors, and Government funding booths, the Expo targets the four keys to going global, namely platform selection, brand building, smart operations, and global expansion. It provides a one-stop platform that assists SMEs from strategic planning to practical deployment, empowering brands to achieve borderless market expansion through e-commerce.

Mr Emil YU Chen-on, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of HKPC, remarked in his opening address that as a staunch supporter of SMEs, HKPC has always provided comprehensive, tailored support to address SMEs’ challenges, bridging policy resources with practical business needs to guide SMEs step by step from strategic formulation to execution. We hope this Expo will enhance the resilience and competitiveness of SMEs, speeding up local brands’ integration into the global digital economy. HKPC and its ‘SME ReachOut’ team will continue to provide timely and practical support for all SMEs.

Mr Algernon YAU Ying-wah, JP, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, stated in his address that the Government has always attached great importance to the development potential of e-commerce and actively encourages local enterprises to seize digital economy opportunities and utilise e-commerce to explore diversified markets, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s external trade and injecting new impetus into economic growth. As an international trade centre and business hub, Hong Kong plays a vital bridging role in connecting Chinese Mainland with the foreign countries. The Government encourages SMEs to proactively capture these emerging opportunities, leveraging Hong Kong’s global advantages to expand overseas and elevate the international competitiveness of local brands and products.

Mr Yau also thanked HKPC “SME ReachOut” for its efforts, and noted that since 2020 and up to the end of May 2026, SME ReachOut had handled nearly 40,000 SME enquiries, organised or participated in 16 exhibitions and 75 seminars and workshops, and conducted more than 350 outreach activities, visiting various chambers of commerce, industrial and commercial buildings, and co-working spaces under the support of the Government.

Gathering Major E-commerce and AI Technology Service Providers to Support SMEs Going Global Digitally

The Expo features a multitude of e-commerce and AI technology service exhibitors, offering all-round support to SMEs spanning e-commerce, AI technology, brand development, and going global. Alongside Hang Seng Bank, which provides professional cross-border payment solutions to address the collection and payment challenges faced by SMEs going global, the Expo’s exhibitor lineup brought together a wide range of representative organisations from across the industry. Highlights included Innocorn and Auki Labs, technology companies specialising in AI solutions and scenario-based applications for cross-border e-commerce; Lazada, a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia; the Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association, which connects domestic and international e-commerce resources; as well as the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association (HKBTA) and SHIBAINC, both of which have successfully expanded globally through strong IP-driven strategies.

Exhibitors widely expressed that the Expo effectively integrated resources across the industry chain, creating an efficient platform for networking and business matchmaking. This enabled SMEs to leverage cross-border e-commerce and emerging AI technologies to overcome development bottlenecks and explore new overseas markets. Please refer to Appendix I for detailed exhibitor information.

Over 10 thematic seminars covering core e-commerce topics, including cross-border e-commerce, new retail technology, brand x IP value-adding, smart operations, and go-global strategies are hosted during the Expo. Over 10 workshops and live showcases are also available, offering expert insights, success stories, practical examples, innovative solutions, instant consultations, and business matching opportunities to help SMEs develop effective plans for going global. In addition, a dedicated Government Funding Zone is set up to guide SME on Government funding to accelerate their upgrade and expansion, reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and expand into new markets.

The event was also honoured to receive generous support from different organisations, including Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited, United Technologies (Int’l) Limited, Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited, Achiever Technology Limited, and Nextguard Technology Limited. HKPC cordially invites all SMEs to register and participate in this free Expo, leveraging the rich cross-border e-commerce information, Government funding information, one on one expert consultations, and practical case study sharing to enhance business resilience and competitiveness through e-commerce. SME representatives are welcome to visit in person to experience the related latest technology applications and Government funding solutions of cross-border e-commerce to capture opportunities for brand and market expansion.

-The End-

Attachment I:

Exhibitor Information (Partial):

Hashtag: #HKPC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

MIL OSI

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/annual-plan-2026-27-delivery-affordability-and-readiness/

Source: Media Outreach

The Fund is beginning to generate tangible international outcomes, including awards, nominations and co-productions across music, film, games and the arts, while expanding opportunities for overseas performances, international events and cross-border collaborations.

To date, projects supported by the Fund have been implemented across 23 countries and regions, generating new forms of international collaboration within the creative industries.

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – Held on Friday, June 5, 2026, the “Japan Creator Support Fund Progress Report Meeting” served as a platform for organizations selected under the “Support Programs for Creator Development & Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement” and the “Creator Support Program (Program Development and Implementation)” to present the outcomes of their projects from FY2025. The event, took place at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Tokyo, highlighted growing international engagement through overseas performances, participation in major international events, and cross-border collaborations, with supported projects generating tangible results including awards, nominations, co-productions, and institutional partnerships across music, film, games, visual arts, and the performing arts.

Now entering its third year, the Japan Creator Support Fund is a government-backed, multi-year national initiative supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs that aims to nurture emerging creators and artists while strengthening cultural institutions that serve as hubs for creative activity and public engagement. The Fund, delivered through the Japan Arts Council, also promotes international exchange and overseas expansion opportunities, helping Japanese creators and cultural organisations build global networks and reach new audiences.

The progress report meeting opened with remarks from Mr. Shigeki Kobayashi, Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Noting the government’s commitment to strengthening Japan’s creative industries, Vice Minister Kobayashi emphasised that “creators and artists themselves are the source of compelling content,” reaffirming the importance of sustained investment in creative talent and international exchange. At the report meeting, representatives from the Japan Arts Council provided an overview and progress update on the Japan Creator Support Fund, reporting that supported projects have generated international activity across 23 countries and regions, spanning Asia, Europe, North America and beyond. Achievements reported for FY2025 included selections at the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and Annecy International Animation Film Festival, performances at London’s Royal Opera House, international touring projects, and new collaborations between Japanese and overseas cultural organisations. Further information on program results, case studies and upcoming international activities can be found in the Notes to Editors below.

At the report meeting, four organizations each introduced its project, reporting on progress to date as well as key challenges, future plans and areas for further development.

• Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network introduced SOIL Fellowship Program (Stage for Originality, Innovation, and Leadership), an initiative designed to cultivate producers and strengthen the international positioning of Japanese performing arts. In FY2025, program participants took part in pitching events in London and Edinburgh, presenting their work to performing arts professionals from around the world. The project aims to enhance the global presence of Japanese theatre, facilitate the international circulation of works, and foster the accumulation and sharing of professional expertise.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre presented TMT Gear – The Creator Support Project, which seeks to strengthen Japan’s international presence in contemporary performing arts through the development of globally active creators and the enhancement of theatre staff expertise. FY2025 activities included on-the-job training during overseas performances, international networking with performing arts professionals, work-in-progress presentations in the fields of performing arts and music, and 8K recording and technical training initiatives undertaken by the theatre’s video media team.
• KINEMA CIRTUS reported on the Global Anime Challenge (GAC), a program designed to provide learning opportunities for emerging talent and foster the next generation of leaders in Japan’s animation industry. In FY2025, participants attended domestic workshops and undertook internships at overseas animation studios, gaining practical knowledge across key areas of the industry, including international collaboration, production and business development. The project also identified future priorities, including strengthening support from participating studios and expanding opportunities for internationally focused animation production.
• Jikei Gakuen School Corporation – Tokyo Communication Arts College introduced Immersive Media Lab++, an immersive content creator development program delivered in collaboration with XR company STYLY. During FY2025, the project focused on establishing the foundations of its curriculum and conducting overseas research visits to inform program development. Participants also reported on experiences gained through hackathons and study visits to the United States. Beginning in FY2026, the program plans to introduce year-round courses for students alongside overseas training opportunities and expanded international partnerships.

For further information, please visit the official Japan Creator Support Fund website, which provides updated information on selected organizations, upcoming exhibitions and performances, event information, creator interview videos, and creator profiles. https://creator.ntj.jac.go.jp

APPENDIX: KEY FY2025 RESULTS, INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND UPCOMING FY2026 ACTIVITIES

Support Program Achievements

Creator & Artist Development Support Program
Activities carried out under the supported projects have included participation in overseas events, performances in Europe, research conducted abroad, and other initiatives. These initiatives have produced results such as awards, nominations, and co-productions across various fields, including music, film, and games. Through the strengthening of domestic and international networks and professional guidance, a solid foundation is being steadily built for full-scale overseas expansion.

Key FY2025 Results:

• Number of creators supported: 544
• Number of advisors involved: 301
• Domestic performances/exhibitions: 163
• Overseas performances/exhibitions: 165
• Total attendance across domestic and international events: 873,761
• Countries and regions involved (23 total): Ireland, United States, Italy, India, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Germany, France, Vietnam, Malta, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal

Support Program for Cultural Facilities Function Enhancement
Through initiatives funded by the Japan Creator Support Fund, international collaboration has advanced through various hubs including museums, theaters, concert halls, and other institutions. Talent development has also been strengthened through the invitation of overseas curators, co-commissions, mentoring by leading figures in Japan and abroad, and critical writing by development candidates. Progress is also being made in forming foundations for international expansion and network-building, including the establishment of new organizations, overseas performances, professional development, and exchange.

Key FY2025 Results:

• Number of creators supported: 133
• Number of advisors involved: 88
• Overseas performances/exhibitions: 5
• Domestic performances/exhibitions: 92
• Total attendance across domestic and international events: 1,900,597
• Countries and regions involved (8 total): South Korea, China, Germany, France, Taiwan, Indonesia, Slovakia, and Mexico

Creator Support Program (Program Development & Implementation)
Individual projects are undertaking specific measures to develop and implement training programs. In particular, selected educational organizations are making progress in their preparations to establish new departments and courses. As part of these measures, many overseas study visits have been conducted in order to understand needs for Japanese content around the world and survey the state of education for developing global talent. Destinations included approximately 15 countries worldwide, including countries in Africa.

The selection of training candidates is moving forward, and some projects have already launched practical programs. In addition to seminars and workshops held in Japan, overseas dispatches have also taken place. Initiatives included participation in the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany by Tokyo Docs, Atmovie Inc., and Tokyo University of the Arts; an observation visit to MIT Reality Hack in the United States by Jikei Gakuen; and training at higher education institutions, such as the dispatch by VIPO to the Griffith Film School in Australia.

Building on Recent International Successes: Looking Ahead to FY2026

Various organizations are expected to launch full-scale overseas exhibitions, performances and collaborative initiatives in FY2026, further expanding the global reach of Japanese creators and cultural institutions. These upcoming activities build on a growing number of international achievements already generated through projects supported by the Japan Creator Support Fund.

Upcoming FY2026 Activities

As part of ROHM Theatre Kyoto‘s “Repertory Premiere: ‘Hopes’” program, Kichijitsu Saikai, a work created by one of the program’s supported artists, is scheduled to be presented at the Beitou Art Festival in Taiwan from 7–9 August 2026.

In September 2026, WITH LiMBO, created by participants of Aichi Prefectural Art Theater’s “Constellation ~ Connecting Worlds with Aichi Prefectural Art Theater Dance Project ~” is scheduled to be performed in Slovakia.

In the visual arts sector, Syuto Kanazawa is presenting the exhibition Ethnography of the Body and Material — Slowness and Depth in an Accelerated Society as part of “Kogei Artists Promotion Project”in Venice, Italy, from 9 May to 22 November 2026.

Recent International Successes

Under the New National Theatre, Tokyo‘s “Project for Training World-class Dancers Through International Performances”, Giselle was staged at London’s Royal Opera House from 24–27 July 2025. The performances attracted significant attention and played to near-capacity audiences throughout the run. Building on this success, the National Ballet of Japan was named Outstanding Company at the UK’s National Dance Awards 2025 by the Critics’ Circle Dance Section, becoming the first Japanese ballet company to receive the prestigious honour. The award recognised the company’s achievements in the UK, including its Royal Opera House performances under the artistic direction of Miyako Yoshida.

As part of Shochiku‘s “Creator Development Aimed at Expanding Kabuki Overseas”, joint lectures and performances with Korean pansori artists were held in South Korea, laying the groundwork for the European tour of How an Onnagata Is Made. In April 2026, the production undertook its first European tour in eight years, presenting six performances across Paris, Rome and Cologne.

Under “Film Frontier”, a feature animation creator support program administered by UNIJAPAN, Hanarokushō ga Akeru Hi ni was selected for the Competition section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, competing for the Golden Bear. Directed by Japanese painter Yoshitoshi Shinomiya, the film marks his feature directorial debut and received support through the program for its international development. The selection represents a significant milestone for Japanese animation, following Spirited Away and Suzume, which were previously selected for the festival’s Competition section.

Also supported through “Film Frontier”, Housenka was selected for the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025. The original animated feature was created by director Baku Kinoshita and writer Kazuya Konomoto, the creative team behind the acclaimed television series Odd Taxi. The program supported the film’s international development and overseas promotion.

Under “New Way, New World: Program for Connecting Japanese Animators to the World”, administered by Computer Graphic Arts Society (CG-ARTS), Eri, directed by first-cohort selected artist Honami Yano, was selected for Directors’ Fortnight at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

As part of Mori Art Museum‘s “Global Art Professional Development Project”, the exhibition The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest attracted 236,705 visitors, achieving 160% of its attendance target, and received positive reviews across more than 50 media outlets. Following its successful presentation in Tokyo, the exhibition is scheduled to tour Asia in 2026.

Under Aichi Prefectural Art Theater‘s “Constellation: Aichi Prefectural Art Theater Dance Project Connecting the World”, Giselle: A Summary, featuring program participant Hana Sakai, was invited to the Lessingtage theatre festival in Hamburg, Germany, in February 2026 and to the SPRING Performing Arts Festival in Utrecht, the Netherlands, in May 2026. The performances received positive critical attention, with local reviewers highlighting Sakai’s exceptional technical skill and artistry.

https://x.com/JCSF_official
https://www.instagram.com/jcsf_official/&&data=05|02

Hashtag: #JapanCreatorSupportFund

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – More than 380 representatives of global enterprises joined a welcome reception yesterday (June 25) for 413 newly arrived or expanded overseas and Chinese Mainland companies in Hong Kong.

During the reception, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the government’s investment promotion agency, announced impressive results for the first half of 2026, revealing that these enterprises are expected to bring in over HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) in foreign direct investment and create over 8,600 new jobs for Hong Kong.

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