The Artists’ Zone was created with the aim of offering a space specifically dedicated to artistic creation within Japan Weekend. It is not just a sales area, but an environment designed to foster the visibility, growth, and professionalization of artists within the sector.

We want it to be a place where the public can meet the creators of the works directly, understand their process, and support original work.

Within this area there are two modalities:

Artist House

Artist House is designed for artists with a consolidated artistic level. Selection is made through a qualitative evaluation of the portfolio, taking into account aspects such as technical quality, coherence of the proposal, artistic development, and overall presentation.

The goal is for them to be able to showcase their work as the central focus of their stand, reinforcing their artistic identity and facilitating direct contact with their audience.

Non-Commercial

The Non-Commercial modality is aimed at artists who are growing or beginning to participate in events. Its purpose is to facilitate access to professional experience, allow for practical learning, and support the progressive development of their artistic proposal.

Both modalities are part of the same creative ecosystem. They don’t compete with each other: they fulfill different functions within the same area and seek to promote talent at different stages.

The Artists’ Zone is not a typical commercial area. It is a subsidized zone whose main objective is to support artistic creation and its exhibition within the event.

The difference is due to the price, type of area, and materials included in each option.

In both the Non-Commercial, +18, and Artist House areas, the stand includes two chairs and the inclusion of the stand’s name in the area’s promotional posts on our social media. This promotion is exclusively for artists participating in the Artists’ Zone and the +18 Zone. Commercial stands or activities outside of this zone are requested to refrain from using or presenting themselves as part of this promotion.

In the Non-Commercial and +18 sections, a table of approximately 2 meters is provided. In the Artist House section, a metal structure with walls and two L-shaped tables of approximately 2 meters each is included, which implies a higher structural cost within the venue.

In comparison, a stand in the commercial area has a considerably higher cost per square meter and does not include furniture such as tables or chairs.

The Artists’ Zone is a subsidized space. The amount paid by an artist does not cover the actual cost of the floor or other expenses associated with the event, such as venue usage, cleaning, general lighting, assembly and dismantling of structures, and other services necessary for the operation of the pavilion.

The reduced price of the Artists’ Zone reflects its purpose: to offer an accessible space for exhibiting original artwork. The commercial zone, on the other hand, is intended for shops and operates under a different model, both in terms of regulations and cost structure.

If an artist wishes to work under a model closer to a retail setting, with greater freedom of display or more space, they can request information by writing to comercial@japanweekend.com to find out the rates for the event they are interested in. Additionally, a stand in the retail area can be shared among several artists.

Yes.

The +18 area is intended for artists whose work includes adult content and, by its nature, requires exhibition in a space separate from the rest of the event. Its objective is to allow these types of artistic proposals to be displayed and sold within a suitable environment and with the necessary measures to protect minors.

Artists in the +18 Zone are part of the same creative ecosystem as the rest of the Artists Zone and are subject to the same general regulations, except for specific exceptions related to the type of content that is allowed to be displayed in this space.

If your proposal consists exclusively of selling books, it does not belong in the Artists’ Zone.

Authors who only present literary works must request space in Mangatown or in the Creators Zone, which are the areas of the event designated for that type of format.

The Artists’ Zone is primarily focused on the exhibition of visual artwork and its development in physical format within the stand.

However, if in addition to your books you present your own artwork that complies with the area’s regulations (for example, illustration or another visual format developed by you), it is possible to request a stand in the Artists’ Zone, provided that the overall proposal remains consistent with the space’s objective.

In that case, books can be part of the stand’s materials, but not its sole content.

Selection for Artist House is based on an evaluation of the portfolio submitted by each artist.

We know that art is subjective and that any assessment can generate doubt. Our goal is not to establish a hierarchy among artists, but to manage a limited space, trying to maintain a balanced area with solid artistic proposals.

At some events, we may receive over a thousand applications for fewer than one hundred spaces. When demand exceeds the number of available booths, we must prioritize applications based on the artistic quality of the portfolio and the coherence of the proposal presented.

If two artists apply for a booth together, the evaluation is carried out taking into account the entire booth.

The complete process is carried out in several phases:

1. Read the regulations and the FAQ. Before applying for a stand, you must check that the material you wish to sell meets the requirements established in the stand regulations.
2. Request your artist code. You must request your Japan Weekend artist ID through the art website. This code is personal and non-transferable and confirms that your portfolio has been reviewed by the art team. With it, you are classified into one of the groups (NOCOM, AH, or +18) and can request a booth at the events.
3. Wait for the opening of registration for the event you wish to apply to, which will be announced on JW_Arte’s Twitter/X.
4. Fill out the Registration Form; you have a sample at the bottom of the page. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be automatically cancelled.
5. After a few days, you will receive an email indicating your status (place confirmed, waiting list, migration, or application cancelled).
6. If you are awarded a place, you must pay for the stand using the link provided.
7. Once you have paid for the stand, you must fill out the additional information form.
8. A few days before the event you will receive another email with your location, a map of the area, the setup and takedown schedule, and the information needed to participate.
9. During the event, it is the artist’s responsibility to ensure that all exhibited material complies with the regulations and is consistent with the material reviewed in the portfolio.
10. Deposit refund. If the stand complies with regulations, the deposit will be refunded after the event. Payments are made on the 10th and 25th of each month and may take approximately a few weeks, with a maximum period of two months as per regulations.

Yes. To register in the Artists’ Zone, you must have an active artist identification code..

This code is obtained through the official Japan Weekend art website during the designated period, which usually opens in spring and is announced on our social media. Without this code, it is not possible to complete the Registration Form.

The code does not guarantee a place in a specific event, but it does enable the artist to register for calls for proposals that open after the evaluation period.

Is the code permanent?

Yes, the code remains active indefinitely unless it is withdrawn for non-compliance with regulations. If you already have an active code, you do not need to request it again or repeat the application process.

The only situation in which the code is modified is when an artist requests and obtains the upgrade from Non-Commercial to Artist House. In that case, the previous code is replaced with the new one.

Code may be removed if there is a breach of regulations.

Can I upgrade from Non-Commercial to Artist House?

Yes. Artists with an active code can request access to Artist House when the corresponding process opens, by submitting the application for that modality.

If the Artist House code is granted, the Non-Commercial code is automatically removed, as it is not possible to keep both active at the same time.

It is important to note that if Artist House was not obtained in the previous year’s evaluation, the result will likely be similar unless there has been a significant evolution in the artistic proposal.

Therefore, we recommend conducting an honest assessment of your own level, coherence, and artistic development before requesting a change of modality. Self-criticism helps ensure a coherent and efficient process for everyone.

Applying for Artist House doesn’t imply a penalty if you don’t get it, but we do advise doing so when there is a solid basis that justifies the change in modality.

You removed my code for violating the rules in an event. Can I request it again?

It depends on the case.

In certain situations, after a one-off breach, the code may be requested again in future calls for applications.

However, in cases of serious or repeated breaches, withdrawal may be permanent.

Each situation is assessed individually based on the severity of the events and the individual’s prior history.

The “Sales Portfolio” is the folder where you compile the material you plan to bring to the event. It is not a general art portfolio or a collection of past work, but rather a representative sample of the specific products that will be for sale at your stand.

Since the Artists’ Zone has specific regulations, especially regarding original creations, copyright, and product distribution, the portfolio allows us to conduct a preliminary review and identify potential issues before the event. In the case of Artist House, it also helps us evaluate the complete proposal, as social media doesn’t always clearly reflect the merchandise or physical items that will be sold.

What should it include?

The portfolio should contain 70% of the material that will be taken to the event. This allows us to have an overview of the stand, although there may be a small percentage of products not initially included.

Photographs of previous booths should also be included, if available, whether from Japan Weekend or other events. This helps us evaluate the presentation and layout of the materials.

If including photographs of previous booths, these must reflect a layout that complies with Japan Weekend regulations.

If you don’t have photos of previous stands, you can include a simulation or mock-up of how you would set up your table for the event, taking into account the layout regulations.

Furthermore, it is mandatory to include at least one valid process for each product type, as indicated in the regulations.

Is it mandatory to show the hands in the process or timelapse?

It is not mandatory to show your hands, although it may be requested later.

What is mandatory is that the process clearly shows the complete development from the blank canvas to the final line art, without cuts, time jumps, or incorporating elements already drawn outside of that same process. It can be shown in time-lapse to make it shorter.

In case of doubt, if the process cannot be adequately verified, the portfolio may be rejected. This requirement is applied generally to ensure that everyone receives equal treatment and that the public can be confident they are acquiring original artwork.

If you have been asked to complete this type of process in previous reviews, or if you believe your material may raise questions during the review, we recommend including a video showing the hands during the process to expedite the portfolio evaluation.

Does it have to be on Drive? How should it be organized?

Yes. The portfolio must be hosted in a single public Google Drive folder.

Subfolders are not allowed. All content must consist of individual files in .jpg or .png format, directly within the same main folder to facilitate review. Process videos can be uploaded in .mp4 format. Links to other platforms or nested folders will not be accepted.

If this structure is not followed or the portfolio does not include the required process, the application will be rejected without further review.

Due to the high volume of requests we receive during each review process, we cannot request manual access to locked folders or wait for permissions to be corrected. If we cannot access the portfolio content at the time of review, the evaluation will be rejected.

Unifying the format and structure allows us to review all applications more efficiently and fairly.

What happens if I’m going to bring products that aren’t finished yet?

If you have products in development that are already underway and that you plan to bring to the event, you can include sketches or images of the process in the folder, along with an explanatory document indicating what final product will be offered for sale.

If, after confirmation of your stand, you significantly change the materials you will be bringing, you must update your portfolio and notify us by email.

The process is divided into two forms for organizational and efficiency reasons.

The Registration Form is used exclusively to request a place and determine the registration order. At this stage, only the essential information needed to validate the application is requested.

The Additional Information Form is only sent to those who have been selected and have paid for their stand. It collects the necessary administrative information for the event: invoicing, deposit refunds, accreditations, and other logistical details.

This system allows us to:

• Speed up initial registration.
• Do not request sensitive or administrative information from people who will ultimately not obtain a place.
• Reduce errors and unnecessary modifications.
• Facilitate the modification of certain stand data, such as accompanying persons or other administrative information, within the established deadlines.

The fact that there are two forms does not imply greater complexity, but rather a phased organization of the process.

In the Registration Form we only request the data necessary to validate the application and determine the order of registration. This data allows us to verify the artist’s identity, their compatibility with the art website, and the requested modality (Artist House or Non-Commercial).

As a new feature, and with the aim of ensuring that all artists have the same opportunities to obtain a place based on the registration time, this form will only request the details of the artist responsible for the stand.

If the booth is to be shared, the second artist will be added later. Once the spot is confirmed and the booth payment has been made, it must be included in the Additional Information Form. The second artist does not need to sign up, only the artist responsible for the booth.

It is the responsibility of the lead artist to ensure that the second artist has the correct identification code for the requested booth type.Otherwise, the booth will be automatically cancelled without the possibility of participating in that event.

In the Additional Information Form, which is only received by selected individuals after paying for the stand, the essential administrative data for the proper management of the event is requested, such as:

• Information related to the stand (name and icon).
• Social networks of artists.
• Billing.
• Return of the deposit.
• Accreditations.

We do not ask for unnecessary information. Each piece of data requested corresponds to a specific need within the event organization process.

Before registering, you can consult the test form available on this page to get an idea of the type of questions included in the actual form.

It depends on which form the error occurred in.

The application is cancelled in the Registration Form

The Registration Form determines the validity of the application and the order of registration.
If the information is incorrect, incomplete, or does not match the profile of the art website, the application will be cancelled in accordance with the regulations.

Since the registration period is limited and the order is crucial, it is each person’s responsibility to carefully review the information before submitting it.

You can modify it in the Additional Information Form

This form remains open and editable until the organization has used this data for purposes such as accreditations, listings, or billing.

When we close the possibility of modifications, you will be notified by email indicating the date and time limit. Once closed, no changes can be made, except in cases of force majeure duly accredited (for example, with medical or legal documentation).

It is important to carefully review the information before submitting the form and, once submitted, to check and update the data if necessary before the event to avoid subsequent problems.

If you need to modify any data, do not create a second record. You must access the original record and make the modification on that same form.

If multiple registrations are submitted for the same event, only the last one registered within the registration period will be considered.

Duplicate registrations do not grant priority or improve the position in the registration order.

Whenever possible, it is preferable to avoid duplicates and carefully review the information before submitting your application.

If you apply for an Artist House (AH) stand and do not obtain a place in thisthis category, your application will automatically migrate to the Non-Commercial category, provided you meet the requirements to participate in that area.

This migration is done automatically during the selection process so you don’t have to register a second time.

If you ultimately do not wish to participate in the Non-Commercial category, simply do not pay for the stand if you are offered a space in that area.

On the other hand, if a space becomes available in Artist House later and you want to switch from NC to AH, that would also be possible. If two artists originally applied to share a booth in AH and, after not receiving a space, moved to two NC booths, you could return to sharing a booth in AH, as stated in the initial application.

In that case, it would be necessary to pay the amount corresponding to the AH stand and, subsequently, when the deposit refunds are processed, the amount already paid by NC will also be refunded, if that migration had occurred previously.

Registration for each event is open for 6 calendar days, unless the organizers specify a different period.

Once this period has ended, the form closes automatically and it is not possible to register after the deadline. Late registrations and applications by mail are not accepted.

Opening dates are announced in advance on our social media. The link to the application form is provided on the opening day and posted on the official X de JW_Arte account.

Since the order of registration is important, we recommend having all the necessary information and the link to your Sales Portfolio ready in advance before the form opens.

The registration period will not be extended except in exceptional technical circumstances.

Once the registration period has ended, we review all applications received.

When the review process is complete, each registered person receives an email indicating their status. This may be:

• Place confirmed at Artist House.
• Place confirmed in Non-Commercial.
• Waiting list (Artist House or Non-Commercial).
• Request not assigned.
• Application cancelled due to incorrect data or failure to meet requirements.

The result is always communicated by email. We also usually announce it on our official art Twitter account/X on the same day the emails are sent.

It is important to check your spam folder and verify that the address provided in the form is correct.

In the case of Artist House, if a space is not obtained in that category, the application will automatically be migrated to Non-Commercial. If the artist does not wish to use this category, they simply need not pay for the stand.

Your place is only considered confirmed when you receive the confirmation email and pay for the stand within the indicated deadline.

We understand that receiving a rejection can be frustrating, especially when you’ve dedicated time and effort to preparing your portfolio.

However, due to the volume of applications we receive in each call for proposals, we cannot offer an individualized assessment or a detailed report to each artist who does not obtain a place.

A portfolio may not be accepted for various reasons: non-compliance with regulations, not being in the required format, absence of the mandatory process, lack of sufficient material for the event, or simply because the level or proposal does not fit within the available quota at that time.

At Artist House, selection also depends on a qualitative assessment.

Not responding to a reply does not imply disinterest or arbitrariness, but rather a matter of operational capacity. It is not feasible to individually review each disagreement or open personalized debate processes.

We recommend carefully reviewing the regulations, comparing your portfolio with those of other artists in the area, and, if you deem it appropriate, requesting feedback from colleagues in the industry to further improve your proposal.

Rejection in a particular cycle does not mean you cannot be selected in the future.

The deposit is linked to compliance with the regulations and the conditions of the stand during the event.

When a deposit is withheld, it is not done arbitrarily or for revenue-raising purposes, but as a consequence of a detected breach. The purpose of the deposit is to guarantee that the rules are respected and that the area functions in an orderly and equitable manner for all artists.

We know it can be annoying or frustrating, but applying the regulations consistently means doing so in all applicable cases.

In situations of serious or repeated non-compliance, in addition to the loss of the deposit, the artist code may be withdrawn.

Our goal is not to punish, but to maintain a level playing field within an area with limited spaces. The rules are the same for all participants.

Portfolio review is a pre-assessment tool, but it does not replace the in-person review of the booth during the event.

In the portfolio, we request that 70% of the material to be taken to the event be included. This means that there may be a percentage of products not included in that initial review. If this remaining material does not comply with the regulations, it may be noted at the event itself.

In addition, some portfolios contain hundreds of files. Although the team performs a careful review, when the volume is very high, the evaluation can be done at a general level. In such cases, a specific piece may not be detected in the first review.

It’s also important to keep in mind that we work with a huge variety of styles, references, and IPs. It’s not possible to know absolutely every existing series, video game, or original material. Sometimes, a potential redraw, tracing, or excessive similarity may not be detected in the first review and only become apparent later, either in a more detailed review or after receiving additional information.

On the other hand, as a general rule, the portfolio shows the products individually, but not how they will be physically arranged on the table or what proportion each type of material will occupy. There are items that, individually, comply with the regulations, but whose quantity or prominence in the stand can disrupt the required balance.

The review is carried out by a team, and the final application of the regulations is assessed on the entire stand once it is assembled. The on-site inspection is what determines compliance in its actual form.

Therefore, the fact that something has not been previously indicated in the portfolio does not imply that it is automatically authorized.

When a booth is shared by two artists, both are responsible for the content displayed. However, for administrative purposes, the artist responsible for the booth is financially liable for any potential breaches.

If a violation of the regulations occurs, the deposit will be managed through the artist responsible for the stand.

Regarding the artist code, consequences will be applied on a case-by-case basis. If the breach clearly pertains to the material or performance of only one of the two artists, the code may be withdrawn from that individual only.

However, since they share a space, both must ensure that the entire stand complies with regulations. Responsibility for the overall consistency of the space is shared.

Invoicing must always be done in the name of the artist responsible for the stand or the brand/entity directly linked to that artist.

We do not issue invoices to family members or third parties unrelated to the stand.

The data used to issue the invoice is taken exclusively from the billing information section of the Additional Information Form. In that section, you must indicate the full name as it appears on your ID card or corresponding legal document, as this is the data that will be used to issue the invoice.

In the artist details sections, however, you must indicate the name by which the artist wishes to be identified during the event. This will be the name that appears on accreditations, lists, and communications related to the booth. Therefore, the name visible during the event can be different from the legal name used for billing.

If you are the person responsible for the stand and your ID card is not up to date, you must provide your legal name only in the corresponding section of the Additional Information Form, in the billing information section.

This name will be used exclusively for issuing the invoice and for mandatory administrative procedures.

On accreditation and documentation visible during the event, the name you indicated in the “artist name” section will be used, in accordance with the regulations.

It is important to ensure that the legal information provided for billing purposes is correct, as it cannot be modified once the administrative phase has closed.

Unaccredited individuals are not permitted to remain at the stand or participate in the setup, event, or dismantling.

Everyone who will access or remain in the stand must be properly accredited. If you need help, this must be indicated on the Additional Information Form within the established deadlines.

It is not possible to add companions or helpers outside of this procedure or during the event without prior accreditation.

The organization needs to know in advance which people will be inside the stand for reasons of capacity control, security, and internal management.

If an exceptional circumstance arises, you must communicate through official channels before the event to assess the situation.