Japan is a world-renowned country for its art and advanced technology. When you come to Japan, the sophisticated Japanese art and culture will surround you with its classical uniqueness. Pursuing the study of Japanese art and culture in these advanced nations is one of the most valuable opportunities once in your whole life.
Moreover, Japanese art covers a wide range of traditional and modern arts and media, including calligraphy on silk and paper, pottery, sculpture, painting, origami, recently the famous manga and lovely anime as well, and many more amazing objects to study. Not only digging knowledge of Japanese arts, as a foreigner, but you could also experience how great Japanese merge the essence of arts with advanced technology to cultivate abundant masterpieces framed in the whole around their beautiful country.
In addition to art schools, you may also be looking for references to medical, engineering, and international schools, as well as other schools in Japan. Check out our recommendations below:
Top 10 Universities for Engineering in Japan
6 Popular International Universities in Tokyo
For You to Know About High School in Japan Before Studying Abroad
Although it is very challenging to define the university rank of these art schools, the following list would help you explore and discover the best art schools in Japan. Here you go!
Contents
Why is It Worth Studying Art in Japan?
Aside from manga and anime, Japan has many other attractions that are just as impressive. Especially for seniors. Art in Japan is considered one of the most important parts of education and culture. There are various types of art including traditional, and modern media such as sculpture, fine art, ceramics, ink painting, and calligraphy on silk and paper, and many others. As to why you should strive to study art in Japan, here is what studying art in Japan can offer you:
- You can get offers in the entertainment industry or commercial media in Japan. You can earn more than $100,000 a year if you work at a commercial TV station in Japan.
- Opportunity to become a professional painter with a salary of over $50,000 per year.
- You can further your career, experience and dedication to art by becoming a professor at a university.
- Sell designs or artwork for commercialization.
- Become a freelance artist, director, or designer for commercial media or other companies.
Although the career opportunities for art graduates in Japan are difficult to predict because they depend on experience, uniqueness of work, and various other factors, these careers are worth pursuing because seeing the success of art graduates can result in excellent pay, career advancement, and quality of life.
Top 10 Universities with the Best Arts Program in Japan
The following is a list of the universities in Japan with the best programs in the arts. Each university has its own characteristics and outstanding programs that are undoubtedly unique. Please read the information we have summarized below and find the best place and program for you.
1. Tokyo University of the Arts (TUA)
Tokyo University of the Arts is the result of the merger of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and the Tokyo School of Music, which were founded in 1887.[1] In 1949, this merger gave birth to the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, or what is now the Faculty of Fine Arts.[1] Since its inception, the university is known to have played a major role in producing many of Japan’s great artists and musicians. Please read about the available programs and other important information about TUA below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate Programs | (1) Fine Arts: ¥1,116,020 (2) Music: ¥1,146,020 |
2. Graduate Programs (Master/Doctor) | (1) Fine Arts: ¥1,043,790 (M) & ¥1,044,980 (D) (2) Music: ¥1,063,790 (M) & ¥1,063,790 (D) (3) Film and New Media: ¥1,033,790 (M) & ¥1,034,980 (D) (4) Global Arts: ¥1,063,790 (M), ¥1,064,980 (D), ¥523,620 (R) *(M): Master, (D): Doctoral & (R): Research |
| 3. Research Students and Non-Degree Students | (1) Fine Arts (2) Music (3) Film and New Media (4) Global Arts *¥513,620 for all research (non-degree programs) |
| 4. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | MEXT, JASSO & Other Scholarships Waiver or Defferal of Admission Fee and/or Tuition Fee |
| 5. International Supports | International Events, Exchanges Programs, Japanese Language Education & Global Support Center Special Lectures |
Moreover, this prestigious university has 4 campuses; Ueno Park in Taito-ku, Toride City in Ibaraki Prefecture, Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture, and Senju in Adachi-ku. But, most departments and facilities are concentrated in Ueno Park. For more information about TUA as well as on how to get to these campuses, please visit the following link:
2. Musashino Art University (MAU)
Musashino Art University, or well-known as MAU, is one of the leading art schools in Japan, located in western Tokyo, Kodaira. This university just celebrated the 90th anniversary of its founding in 2019. Musashino Art University was founded as a private art school and officially designated as a university in 1962. Currently, MAU is becoming one of the top art institutes in Japan, with over 4,500 students and 2,000 distance learners. Please read about the available programs and other important information about MAU below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate Programs | (1) Art and Design (¥1,870,900 ~ ¥1,906,900) (2) Creative Thinking for Social Innovation (¥1,898,900 ~ ¥1,906,900) |
| 2. Graduate Programs (Master/Doctor) | (1) Art and Design (2) Creative Thinking for Social Innovation *1st Semester: ¥935,450, 2nd Semester: ¥785,450 ~ ¥803,450 |
| 3. Research Students | ¥14,750 ~ ¥32,750 |
| 4. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | MEXT (Embassy Recommendation) |
| 5. International Supports | *Applicant of MAU must have sufficient Japanese language ability |
The university also has various international activities and actively contributes to the promotion of global perspectives and the advancement of the arts. In addition, the campus has various collaborations with other institutions and industries. For more information about MAU, please visit the following webpage:
3. Tama Art University (TAU)
Tama Art University was established originally as the Tama Imperial Art School founded in Kaminoge, Tokyo. Tama Art University is a private university comprised of two main campuses – Kaminoge and Hachioji, which are both in Tokyo City. In addition, Tama Art University is one of the few universities in Japan that offers a course on Scenography Design, Drama, and Dance. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about TAU below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate Programs | Art and Design (¥1,889,000 ~ ¥1,920,000) |
| 2. Graduate Programs (Master/Doctor) | Art and Design (¥1,709,000) |
| 3. Research Students | Art and Design (¥922,000) |
| 4. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | MEXT & Reduction in Tuition Fee |
| 5. International Supports | *Applicant of TAU must have sufficient Japanese language ability, no summer or short term programs |
Furthermore, the University is the best since becoming a center for education and research. Tama Art University also plays an important role in the cultural and commercial life of Japan. By making the best use of its extensive resources, this university aims to contribute to developments in such fields as art, culture, and information technology. To learn more about the university, please visit the following links:
4. Tohoku University of Art and Design (TUAD)
Tohoku University of Art and Design was established in April 1992 by Yamagata Prefecture and Yamagata City, Tohoku University of Art and Design is well known as the first venture of its kind in Japan where a university built with funds from the government has been turned over to be operated as an entirely private university. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about TUAD below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate Programs | (1) Art (2) Design *Contact for details of the fee |
| 2. Graduate Programs (Master/Doctor) | (1) Culture and the Arts (2) Design Engineering *Contact for details of the fee |
| 3. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | Contact for details |
| 4. International Supports | Contact for details |
Moreover, the University holds the following glorious principles: to confer knowledge far and wide as a center for academic culture; to fully educate and conduct research in the area of art and design; to nurture people who, while developing their intellectual, ethical, and applied potential, find joy in the process of creation, as realized through the unification of art and learning; as well as to contribute to the improvement of academic culture and the vitalization of industry. Visit the following links for further research on this university.
5. Kyoto City University of the Arts (KCUA)
Kyoto City University of the Arts was founded in 1880 as the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting. This university was originally known as the first public painting specialist school in Japan, Kyoto City University of Arts is the oldest art university in Japan.
Moreover, it is stated that with a rich history of over 130 years, along with the rich beauty of the cultural capital Kyoto as its background, this Kyoto City University of the Arts and Music School has contributed to the Japanese and international art and industrial worlds by producing great numbers of highly talented individuals. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about KCUA below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate Programs | (1) Fine Arts (2) Music *Contact for details |
| 2. Graduate Programs (Master/Doctor) | (1) Fine Arts (2) Music *Admission: ¥84,600~ Tuition: ¥267,900~ |
| 3. Research Student | Available |
| 4. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | *Contact for details |
| 5. International Supports | The University offers non degree research student, exchange programs and special accommodation for international admission |
Moreover, in order to realize the further development of Kyoto as a symbol of the cultural arts and to enhance education and research, the management of the school was transferred to the Public University Corporation, allowing for more autonomous control of general managerial decisions. To learn more, please visit the following link:
6. Kyoto Seika University (SEIKA)
Kyoto Seika University or well-known called as the SEIKA was founded on the principles laid out in the Foundational Principles of Education proposed by its first President, Seiichi Okamoto. Staff and teachers who agreed wholeheartedly with Okamoto’s Memorandum on Foundational Education Principles committed their support and in 1968 Kyoto Seika University, then Kyoto Seika College was opened as well. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about SEIKA below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate Programs | (1) Global Culture (¥1,086,000/year) (2) Media Creation (¥1,186,000/year) (3) Art (¥1,550,000/year) (4) Design (¥1,579,000/year) (5) Manga (¥1,579,000/year) *Additional: Admission Fee (¥200,000) + Other fees |
| 2. Graduate Programs (Master/Doctor) | Master: (1) Art (¥1,050,000/year) (2) Design (¥1,050,000/year) (3) Manga (¥1,050,000/year) (4) Humanities (¥750,000/year) Doctoral: (1) Art & Manga (¥750,000/year) |
| 3. Research Student | Contact for details |
| 4. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | Available, read the details on the official website |
| 5. International Supports | The University offers research student, exchange programs and special accommodation for international admission. However, entrance examinations and classes at Kyoto Seika University are conducted in Japanese, JLPT N2+ is a must. |
This university also has many great international exchange programs that collaborated with all around the world high-class university. When you are interested in becoming a prospective student of this university, please refer to the following website to dig for more information regarding the admission rules and policy of entering this university.
7. Osaka College of Art
The Osaka College of Art in Association with Osaka University of Arts is famed as one of the highly recommended schools by the Osaka Bureau of Administrative Services. Further, the College supports this spirit of freedom in various aspects, such as diverse learning opportunities, with over 12 areas to major in the Department of General Design and General Art. This college also highly welcomes students from abroad. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about this college below.
| Programs | Department, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. College Programs | (1) General Design (2) Comic and Art *¥1,160,000~ per year |
| 2. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | Contact for details |
| 3. International Support | Contact for details |
When you are interested in becoming a prospective student in this college, please point out that you need to have at least 6 months of Japanese Language study at the institutions designated by the Minister of Justice in a public notice, and have a high attendance rate or having JLPT N2 or higher. Please identify more details of the admission rules and policy of this college through the link below!
8. Osaka University of the Arts
Osaka University of Arts is of private art university in Kanan, Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture. The university was founded in 1945 as Hirano English Cram School then changed its name to Osaka School of the Fine Arts in 1957, and then to Naniwa University of the Arts in 1964. The university adopted the current name in 1966. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about this university below.
| Programs | List of Departments & Others |
| 1. 15 Departments | (1) Art Science (2) Fine Arts (3) Design (4) Craft (5) Photography (6) Architecture (7) Visual Concept Planning (8) Character Creative Arts (9) Literary Arts (10) Broadcasting (11) Art Planning (12) Theatrical Arts (13) Musicology (14) Music Performance (15) Art and Primary Education |
| 2. Admission + Tuition Fee | Contact for details |
| 3. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | Contact for details |
| 4. International Support | Contact for details |
This university has a lot of notable alumni in a very wide range of expertise such as illustrator, animation and film director, manga author and illustrator, actor, voice actor, manga artist, and many more. When you are interested in becoming a prospective student of this university, please dig more information through the following link!
9. Aichi University of the Arts
Aichi University of the Arts and Music was founded on April 1, 1966. Formerly, the Painting, Sculpture, and Design programs are established in the Department of Fine Arts at the Faculty of Arts. Then, the Composition, Voice, and Instrumental Music (Piano, Strings) programs are established in the Department of Music at the Faculty of Music. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about this university below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate | (1) Fine Arts (2) Musics *Entrance Exam: ¥17,000 Admission: ¥282,000, Tuition: ¥535,800/year |
| 2. Graduate School | (1) Fine Arts (2) Musics *Entrance Exam: ¥30,000 Admission: ¥282,000, Tuition: ¥535,800/year |
| 3. Research Student/trainee | Available *Entrance Exam: ¥9,800 Admission: ¥84,600, Tuition: ¥29,700/month |
| 4. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | JASSO, Loan Type, Country Education Loans, University Co-op Scholarship, University-Specific Scholarship, Others |
| 5. International Support | Contact for details |
According to the university history, the university’s graduate school for a master’s degree was established four years later, on April 1, 1970, to contribute to the enrichment of culture and society through advanced in-depth research for art theory and application. On April 1, 2009, the graduate school offered a doctoral program. The mission of the university since its founding is “to cultivate creativity, based on studies of art and applied art, that could contribute to the development of culture.”
If you are interested in becoming a prospective student at this university, please jump into their official website to explore more details concerning the admission rules and policy!
10. Okinawa Prefectural Art University
The Okinawa Art University was founded in 1986. The Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the medium city of Naha, Okinawa. The Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts is well-known as a coeducational Japanese higher education institution. Please also read about the available programs and other important information about this university below.
| Programs | Faculty, Admission + Tuition Fee & Others |
| 1. Undergraduate | (1) Arts and Crafts (2) Music *Admission Fee: ¥282,000 (Prefecture Resident) or ¥512,000 (Other than Prefecture Residents), Tuition Fee: ¥535,800/year + Practical & External Research Expenses |
| 2. Graduate School | (1) Formative Arts (2) Music (3) Cultural Arts Studies *Admission Fee: ¥282,000 (Prefecture Resident) or ¥512,000 (Other than Prefecture Residents), Tuition Fee: ¥535,800/year + Practical & External Research Expenses |
| 3. Research Student/trainee | Contact for details |
| 4. Scholarships & Fee Waiver Available | Contact for details |
| 5. International Support | Contact for details |
Moreover, the university also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment at the university. The Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, study abroad, and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
If you are interested in becoming a prospective student at Okinawa Prefectural Art University, please refer to the following link!
FAQ About Art Programs in Japan
Below are the answers to questions you may have regarding the art programs in Japanese Universities or Colleges. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions!
Hopefully, you can find the best place to study art in Japan based on our recommendations above. Each university or college has its own specialty. Please choose according to your needs and abilities.
Summary
Aside from studying science and technology, studying art in Japan can be one of the best decisions of your life. You have the opportunity to build a career with a fantastic income by becoming an artist or art professional in Japan.
Here are some points to keep in mind when discussing the top 10 universities with the best arts programs in Japan.
- Japan has many of the best arts schools for foreigners.
- Japan has several arts schools that teach in English for internationals.
- Although, several schools teach in English, having sufficient ability in Japanese is a must when you decide to enroll in art schools, universities, or colleges in Japan.
References
[1] Tokyo University of Arts. A Brief History of the University. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[2] Tokyo University of Arts. TUA Admission, Tuition, and Fee. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[3] Musashino Art University. MAU Admission. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[4] Tama Art University. TAU Admission. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[5] Tohoku University of Art and Design. TUAD Admission. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[6] Kyoto City University of the Arts. KCUA Official Website. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[7] Osaka College of Art. Osaka College of Art Admission. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[8] Osaka University of the Arts. Osaka University of the Arts Official Website. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[9] Aichi University of the Arts. Aichi University of the Arts Official Website. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
[10] Okinawa Prefectural Art University. Okinawa Prefectural Art University Official Website. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
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