Japanese art is an amazing combination of old traditions and modern trends. This defines the unique design style of such masters as Tadashi Ueda, Tomomi Mitsukoshi, Rio Tokimasa and the legendary Yusaku Kamekura. The art of Japan inspires students from all over the world who come here every year for creative education, new sources of inspiration and personal development.
Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo
Tokyo University of the Arts was formed in 1949 with the merger of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and the Tokyo School of Music, founded in 1887. Today, Tokyo University of the Arts is the most prestigious art school in Japan and has a number of training centers in the capital. It consists of the Departments of Fine Arts and Music as well as the Graduate School of Film and Media. At the undergraduate and graduate levels students can study visual arts, design, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, architecture, playing various musical instruments, art history, traditional Japanese music, media, cinematography and other disciplines. The University has a high level of professionalism and boasts renowned alumni who have played crucial roles in the development of contemporary Japanese art and design, including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Hiroshi Teshigahara, Fuyuko Matsui and Carl Randall.
Kyoto University of the Arts, Kyoto
Kyoto University of Arts is a popular private institution among creative youth and offers a truly wide range of programs in art and design. The university consists of departments of Fine and Applied Arts, Information Design, Spatial Design, Product Design, Environmental Design, Film Production, Performing Arts, Writing, Art History and Heritage. The university’s Manga School, unique in its kind, is especially popular with students. One of the main advantages of the university is the extensive international cooperation. Due to the international connections of the university’s Art Research Center, famous artists from America, Europe and Asia regularly come to the university. In addition, Kyoto University of Arts has partnership relations with art schools in 12 countries around the world, where students can go on exchange programs.
Seian University of Art and Design, Otsu
Seian University of Art and Design in Shiga Prefecture is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue creative education in a relaxed setting far from major cities. It is a small university known for its personalized approach to literally every student. Through six departments, it offers programs in art, illustration, design, advertising, 3DCG modeling, contemporary art, traditional Japanese art, painting, graphic design, media, photography, film, fashion design, and interior design.