Apply for MONO MAKERS PROGRAM
We are pleased to announce the return of the MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026, continuing our initiative to connect Japanese makers and Dutch designers through creative collaboration.
This program brings together creators from Japan and the Netherlands to develop innovative products that combine traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. By working together across cultures, participants explore new ideas, techniques, and perspectives, creating work that reflects the strengths of both craft traditions.
We believe this program provides a valuable opportunity for designers and makers to learn from each other, experiment with new approaches, and expand their creative horizons. We are looking for passionate and motivated participants who are excited about collaborating with someone from a different cultural background.
If you create physical products through craft or design, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested in joining the program, please read the application requirements below and submit your proposal together with your collaborator.
Program Schedule
Application period
Friday, 3 April 2026 (from 16:00 in Japan / from 09:00 in the Netherlands) – Friday, 22 May 2026
Announcement of the selected pair
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Hands-on support period
Mid-June 2026 – End of March 2027
* The program selection committee will review and discuss all applications and project proposals. The selected pair will be announced on this website and through our social media channels.
*Please note that the committee will not provide individual feedback, comments, or reasons regarding the application results.
Know Before You Apply
Who we are looking for
We are looking for one creative pair consisting of:
- ▷ One designer based in the Netherlands
- ▷ One maker or craftsperson based in Japan
- ▷ Applicants must apply as a pair
What We Offer
One selected pair will receive hands-on support throughout the program period.
After selection, the pair will:
- ▷ June – September 2026: Meet regularly online to develop their concept, design, and collaboration plan.
- ▷ Study Tour in the Netherlands (Autumn 2026): The Japanese participant will travel to the Netherlands to meet their collaborator in person and participate in a study tour organized by NN Life, together with other Japanese members of the MONO MAKERS MEET community.
- ▷ November 2026 – March 2027: The pair will continue their collaboration online, typically meeting every two weeks to further develop their product.
*The final outcomes of the collaboration will be presented in Japan in March 2027.
Program Period
3 April 2026 – End of March 2027
Application Requirements
Please carefully read the detailed requirements on this page: About MONO MAKERS PROGRAM
For additional information, please also check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit the following documents to: info@monojapan.nl
Please write “Application for MONO MAKERS PROGRAM 2026” in the subject line.
Applicants must submit:
- ▷ Name of Applicant 1
- ▷ Link to the Profile Page of Applicant 1 on MONO MAKERS MEET
- ▷ Name of Applicant 2
- ▷ Link to the Profile Page of Applicant 2 on MONO MAKERS MEET
- ▷ A motivation letter in English explaining the collaboration
- ▷ The goal of the collaboration (What does your collaboration aim to achieve with our support?)
- ▷ Reference visuals and descriptions (images, sketches, presentation slides, etc.) showing the concept of the collaboration
*Applications must be submitted jointly by a designer based in the Netherlands, and a maker based in Japan.
Selection and Notification
The MONO MAKERS PROGRAM selection committee will review and discuss all applications and project proposals.
The selected pair will be announced on our website on: Thursday, 4 June 2026
Please note that the committee will not provide comments, reviews, or explanations regarding the selection results.
For more information about the program overview, please also read About MONO MAKERS PROGRAM.
For questions, please contact: info@monojapan.nl
Apply before 22 May 2026.
