Tokyo University of the Arts

Tokyo University of the Arts (TUA), colloquially known as Geidai, is Japan's premier national arts institution. For students focused on animation, game art, film production, and digital media, the university's Graduate School of Film and New Media provides a highly specialized, creatively driven environment that emphasizes independent artistic exploration over commercial pipelines.

Educational Philosophy

The curriculum is structured around a rigorous two-year master's progression that encourages students to conceptualize, direct, and complete original works. The Department of Animation, established in 2008, limits cohort sizes to facilitate personalized mentorship from acclaimed independent animators. Students work across diverse mediums, including 2D hand-drawn animation, stop-motion, and experimental VR animation. The university fosters a collaborative culture, frequently pairing animation and film students with peers in musical creativity to handle sound design and scoring.

Graduate Specializations

The Graduate School of Film and New Media is centered in Yokohama and comprises distinct departments:

• Animation: Focuses on visual storytelling, independent filmmaking, and theoretical research.
• Film Production: Structures its curriculum to mirror real-world commercial film crews, covering directing, cinematography, and editing.
• New Media: Explores media representation, interactive installations, and digital ICT.
• Games and Interactive Arts: Dedicated to game design, production, and visual expression.

Facilities

The program utilizes specialized infrastructure across Yokohama, including the Bashamichi Building for film production and audio mixing, and the Bankokubashi Building, which provides dedicated post-production workspaces and individual editing booths. The university also maintains studio spaces in Motomachi-Chukagai and broader facilities at the Ueno Campus in Tokyo.