Are you considering a career in animation and looking for the ideal place to nurture your talent? Look no further! Japan boasts some of the world’s top animation schools, offering unparalleled courses in the art of anime. These schools are located in the very heartland of anime culture.
In the world of animation, the quality of education often matters more than what you studied. Therefore, choosing the right school is crucial. By selecting one of the best animation schools in Japan, you’re not only ensuring your marketability upon graduation but also paving the way for your own animation ventures.
Keep reading to delve into the world of animation in Japan and explore the top schools that offer animation degrees.
What Is Animation?
Animation involves the manipulation of hand-drawn or computer-generated images to create the illusion of movement. In Japan, this art form, known as anime, has been prominent for decades. Before modern technology, every animation was painstakingly crafted by hand, with hand-drawn images captured on celluloid sheets and then photographed to create moving images.
While hand-drawn animation is still cherished in Japan, technology has led to the rise of computer-generated imagery (CGI), which has transformed the industry. This evolution has given birth to both 2D and 3D animation.
Animation in Japan
In the world of animation, when you think of any genre or origin, you’re invariably referring to anime. Anime encompasses hand-crafted computer animation, and it has set the global standard for animated works. In the English-speaking world, you can’t discuss animation without acknowledging the profound influence of Japanese anime.
Japan is still the best place to study animation. It’s the birthplace of anime and hosts some of the world’s finest animation schools. The earliest signs of Japanese anime date back to the 1910s, and the art form gained momentum in the 1960s. Works by legendary cartoonist Osamu Tezuka were instrumental in this growth.
Technological advancements have further fueled anime’s development. Today, it’s distributed through television broadcasts and the internet, while different production methods cater to various animation styles. Some of the most esteemed animation colleges and schools are situated in Japan, the very birthplace of anime.
Animation Schools in Japan
To help you on your journey to becoming an animator, here’s a comprehensive list of schools and colleges in Japan that offer high-quality degree programs in animation. Each institution is introduced briefly, with links to their official websites where you can find application guidelines and embark on your anime career.
If you’re passionate about animation and considering your options, Tokyo Designer Gakuin College in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, should be at the top of your list. Renowned as one of the finest animation schools globally, it excels in providing high-quality animation programs.
Tokyo Designer Gakuin College, often referred to as TDG, is your gateway to a world of creative possibilities. As a comprehensive design school, it goes above and beyond in offering specialized courses, covering a broad spectrum of design genres. This approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse human resource needs of various industries.
The college’s commitment to excellence is evident through its 11 specialized departments, which encompass all facets of design. It’s not just about education within the classroom; TDG actively engages in collaborative activities that extend beyond traditional learning, providing students with a holistic and enriching experience.
If you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey in the world of animation, Tokyo Designer Gakuin College is the ideal place to nurture your talents and build a successful career. Join us and become part of the legacy of one of the best animation schools in Japan.
List of Courses Available:
- Animation 2
- Game Creator 2
- Character Design 1
- Computer Graphics 1
- Manga/Comics 1
- Illustration 2
Location: 1-20-3-CS-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
Yoyogi Animation School, a prominent Japanese anime institution, stands as the largest animation and art institute in Japan, renowned as one of the finest globally.
Given its esteemed reputation, admission into the Yoyogi Animation School is notably competitive, with a prerequisite of proficiency in the Japanese language.
YAI, without discrimination based on gender, race, or nationality, generally upholds an inclusive admission policy. Nevertheless, the school retains the right to decline applications from individuals with physical disabilities that might hinder occupational pursuits.
Campuses are located in Tokyo, Harajuku, Hachioji, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo, Hiroshima, Shizuoka, Wakayama, Takamatsu, and Miyazaki, totaling 12 branches across major Japanese cities. Each campus offers a unique ambiance and distinctive course offerings.
Courses Available:
- Animation 2
- Digital Animation Artist
- Animation AV Operator 2
- Junior Novels 1
- Multimedia Creator 1
- Animation Camera 2
- Manga/Comics 1
- Illustration 2
Location: Surugadai Building / 1-2-5 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101 Phone: 03-5281-2730
The Toei Animation Institute stands as one of Japan’s premier animation colleges, recognized for its exceptional contributions to the world of Japanese animation. Toei Animation, its parent company, holds the distinction of being a trailblazer in the realm of Japanese animation. This institute offers some of the finest animation courses available in Japan and enjoys an illustrious reputation.
The Toei Animation Institute is an integral part of Toei, the company behind a multitude of beloved series. Their portfolio includes iconic titles like “Sally the Witch,” “Gegege no Kitaro,” “Mazinger Z,” “Galaxy Express 999,” “Dr. Slump,” “Dragon Ball,” “Saint Seiya,” “Sailor Moon,” “Slam Dunk,” “Digimon,” “One Piece,” and the “Precure” series.
Courses Available:
- Animation 2
- Planning
- Producer
- Director
- Digital Animation Artist
- Writer
- Background Artist
Location: 1-1-8 Shimoochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161-0033, Japan
Tokyo Animation School stands out as one of Japan’s premier animation institutions, tailored for aspiring animators, voiceover artists, and cartoonists. This Japanese animation school offers an extensive program encompassing over 850 hours per year, and it mandates a high school graduation for admission.
What makes this anime school in Japan particularly appealing is its provision of affordable 2-3-year course programs, making it accessible for students passionate about embarking on a career in animation. Moreover, the institution extends scholarships to both domestic and international students, with specific eligibility criteria for the International Students Scholarship (candidates must meet at least two or more of the requirements listed below).
It’s worth noting that this school offers five departments, including animation and illustration departments.
Courses Available:
- Game Creator 2
- Illustration
- Animation Character Designer
- Novels 2
- Junior Novels
- Manga/Comics 1
- Airbrush Illustration
- Writer
When it comes to pursuing animation studies in Japan, Kyoto Seika University stands out as an exceptional choice. Located in Iwakura, Kyoto, Japan, this private university has a rich history, having been founded in 1968 and chartered as a university in 1979.
Kyoto Seika University is renowned for its distinguished faculties specializing in manga and anime, actively contributing to the education and cultivation of future manga artists. SEIKA encompasses five faculties: Art, Design, Manga, Popular Culture, and Humanities, along with associated Graduate Schools.
Recognized among the world’s top animation schools, this institution offers a comprehensive range of programs. Undergraduate tuition fees amount to 1.75 million JPY, with an annual enrollment of 3,425 students. Kyoto Seika University is ranked 165 in Japan and 4264 worldwide, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality education.
Courses Available:
- Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels 2
- Animator 2
- Manga/Comics 1
- Comics 2
Location: 7-5-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku (Hikarigaoka Campus) 2-11-5 Aobadai, Meguro-ku (Meguro Campus)
Aoba-Japan International School is a distinguished international institution situated in Tokyo, featuring two campuses in Nerima and Meguro.
At Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS), our mission is to nurture the growth of global leaders who have the capacity to instigate positive transformations across the globe. We maintain a presence in two strategic locations within Tokyo, one in Meguro and the other in Hikarigaoka.
Our educational philosophy revolves around embracing international students from their initial school days and guiding them through high school and beyond. Supported by our esteemed educational partners, we foster a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and social responsibility.
A-JIS boasts an enrollment of 408 students and sets a tuition fee of ¥2,773,500.
We firmly believe that students should unlock their full potential as international citizens, driven by a commitment to learning and a relentless pursuit of success in a dynamically evolving world.
Through our international curriculum, Aoba-Japan International School endeavors to cultivate future global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who possess effective communication skills, a penchant for calculated risk-taking, and a keen ability to tackle complex challenges.
Available Courses:
- Voice Acting 2
- Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
Location: 2-29-8 Higashi / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011
Phone: 0120-41-4600
Fax: 03-3406-5070
Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin was founded as a company in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. This Japanese animation school offers a diverse array of courses in entertainment fields, including game development, manga creation, writing, animation, computer graphics design, and voice acting. It is affiliated with the AMG Entertainment Group.
Courses Offered:
- Vocalization, Pronunciation, Breathing Techniques, and Syntony
- Voice Acting
- Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels 2
- Animator 2
- Manga/Comics 1
- Comics 2
Location: 1-15-12 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105
Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin, founded as a company in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, is a multimedia school offering a range of courses in diverse entertainment fields. These encompass game development, manga creation, writing, animation, computer graphics design, and voice acting. The institution is affiliated with the AMG Entertainment Group.
Courses Offered:
- Illustration 24
- Manga/Comics 1
- Comics Illustration
Osaka Animation School stands as one of Japan’s premier animation institutions. The school provides comprehensive training for individuals aspiring to excel in the forefront of the animation industry. It caters to various roles, including Inbetweeners, who link original drawings to create seamless movements, and Animation Supervisors, responsible for overseeing the entire picture production process.
This Japanese animation school is known for its intensive programs, offering over 850 hours of instruction per year. The eligibility criteria for admission require a high school diploma.
Courses Offered:
- Voice Acting 2
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels
- Animator
- Manga/Comics 1
- Comics 2
Sapporo College of Anime, a distinguished institution in Japan, offers high-quality programs catering to both domestic and international students.
Prospective applicants are required to possess a high school diploma to be eligible for any course at this institution. Notably, the college encompasses three specialized departments: the Department of Digital Technology, the Creative Design Course, and the Department of Entertainment General.
Courses Offered:
- Manga Major
- Comic Illustration
- Voice Acting
- Anime Song
- Animator
Conclusion
These esteemed institutions offer a wide range of animation-related courses and provide the perfect environment for nurturing your animation talents. Whether you dream of becoming an animator, voice actor, or cartoonist, the schools in Japan will help you achieve your goals.
