About Us
In 2021, people working in arts and entertainment in Japan gained access, for the first time, to a national Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance scheme.
The Nationwide Centre of Arts Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance, officially approved by the Tokyo Labour Bureau, marked a historic turning point in recognizing arts and entertainment work as an occupation requiring public protection.
Arts Workers Japan is a nationwide association of freelancers engaged in the fields of arts and entertainment, working to support the sustainable development of Japanese culture.
Today, the Association connects approximately 52,000 members across more than 400 occupations throughout Japan.
We aim to create an environment in which people working in arts and entertainment can access social security, protect their physical and mental health, receive fair compensation, and continue their work safely.
We support a wide range of professionals across arts and entertainment, including actors, musicians, singers, dancers, filmmakers, directors, rakugo storytellers, comedians, magicians, street performers, voice actors, models, stunt professionals, lighting engineers, sound engineers, set designers and builders, costume designers and makers, production staff, accessibility professionals, sign language interpreters, makeup artists, and others.
In Japan, ambiguity regarding employment status has long affected people working in arts and entertainment.
Arts Workers Japan responds by building practical safety net frameworks that do not depend solely on formal employment classifications.
As our activities expanded, it became clear that many freelancers outside the arts and entertainment sector also remained without adequate protection.
In response, the Freelancers’ Safety Network of Accident Compensation Insurance was established and officially approved by the Tokyo Labour Bureau in 2025, extending accident compensation coverage to a broader range of freelance workers.
If you feel uncertainty about working as a freelancer, or believe that stronger safety nets are needed, we welcome you to join our network.
Organizational Members
- Okinawa Performing Arts Association Council (OKIGEIREN)
(General Incorporated Association) - Japan Modeling Agencies Association(J.M.A.A)
(General Incorporated Association) - Film “Love and the Court” – Koji Fukada Team
(Produced by Knockonwood Inc.) - Japan Writers Guild
(Cooperative),
Scenario Training Program - Seinendan
Theatre Company - Japan Professional Magicians’ Association
(Public Interest Incorporated Association) - Rakugo Art Association
(Public Interest Incorporated Association) - National Cooperative Association of Stage and Television Lighting
- Research Group on Community Action through Traditional Culture
- Open Network for Performing Arts Management (ON-PAM)
(Specified Nonprofit Organization) - Other entertainment production companies, talent agencies, and film production companies
Organizations are listed in Japanese alphabetical order (Gojūon order).
What We Do
Comprehensive Wellness Support Network (MHLW-Funded)
Safety net
Our “Nationwide Centre of Arts Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance” and the “Freelancers’ Safety Network of Accident Compensation Insurance” are Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance organizations, officially approved by the Tokyo Labour Bureau in 2021 and 2025, and open to individual arts and entertainment workers.
Mental Health Care
Consulting Service and Health Psychology Consultationfor arts workers by a clinical psychologist and health psychologist, "Kokoro119" and "Koko-care".
Harassment Seminar
We conduct harassment prevention seminars tailored separately for contractors and commissioning parties.
In addition, we implement a “Harassment Offender Rehabilitation Program” aimed at preventing recurrence.
In accordance with the Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions Involving Specified Entrusted Business Operators, which came into force in 2024, we have established a consultation service called“Harassment Hotline 110” as a voluntary initiative for contractors.
This service provides advice, practical support, and access to mental health care for individuals facing harassment-related issues in freelance and contractual working environments, and it is widely used by many people.
Application
Any entertainer, regardless of occupation or age, can become a member of this association.
If you would like to apply, please contact us via the "Application / Inquiries" form below.
*Before your application is accepted, there will be an examination prescribed by the association. WORK DESIGN AWARD 2022
Commendations
The Prize of Women's Leader(Representative Director:Megumi MORISAKI) / Public Resources Foundation
Overview
| Official Name | General Incorporated Association Arts Workers Japan |
| President | Megumi Morisaki (actor) |
| Board Member | Ken Inohara(doctor), Junko Kikkawa(academic staff) |
| Auditor | Yukio Suzuki |
| Established | 9/2021 |
| Address | 3-6-7-11F Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Affiliations | Nationwide Centre of Arts Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance (the Tokyo Labour Bureau in 2021) Freelancers’ safty network of Accident Compensation Insurance (the Tokyo Labour Bureau in 2025) |
Application / Inquiries
If you would like to apply or have any inquiries, please contact us via the form below.