Built with Claude Japan 2026 hackathon is open with Max 5x and $500 API credits for selected builders
Anthropic's first nationwide online hackathon in Japan, Built with Claude: Japan 2026, is open to Japan residents only. About 250 selected participants each receive Claude Max 5x plus $500 in Claude API credits, and winners share a $50,000 API credit prize pool. Applications close at 23:59 Japan time on October 26, 2026.
The briefing
Anthropic and Cerebral Valley are running Built with Claude: Japan 2026, Anthropic's first nationwide online hackathon in Japan. It is open only to people who live in Japan, runs fully remote, and takes place from November 2 to November 10, 2026 Japan time.
What you get
Organizers will select 250 participants. Each selected builder receives a Claude Max 5x plan plus $500 in Claude API credits for the week-long build.
Winning projects also share Claude API credit awards from a prize pool worth $50,000, about 8 million yen.
Teams can have up to two people. Every teammate must apply and pass selection separately.
Who can join
Only Japan residents are eligible. There is no on-site venue.
Themes are open: personal craft tools, workplace pain points, or shared Japan challenges such as aging and labor shortages all count. Anthropic plans to introduce selected projects and builders to a wider audience afterward.
How to apply
- Open the Built with Claude: Japan 2026 event page and read the rules and schedule.
- Submit an application on the event page before 23:59 Japan time on October 26, 2026.
- After selection, follow official instructions to claim Max 5x and API credits, then ship during November 2–10.
See the event page for details.