Seian University of Art and Design, founded in 1993 and located in the city of Otsu in Shiga Prefecture, offers 16 four-year courses in the art and design field, provided through 6 departments focusing on a particular area or areas.
As illustrated by our small class sizes, we do our utmost to get to know all our students and treat them as individuals, and the atmosphere on the campus is very comfortable and friendly. Our three motivating concepts are "individual guidance," "learning that guarantees expertise," and "career support". Keeping these concepts in mind at all times, we attempt to help our students realize their individual objectives, thus enabling them to contribute to society through their art—all in a beautiful learning environment in the heart of Japanese nature.
We are also dedicated to bettering the regional cultural scene. This we do in various ways, such as cooperating with local governments, companies and all kinds of groups to give students opportunities to participate in society-wide projects. We also better the regional cultural scene through the Seian Art Center, known as "Campus ga Bijutsukan" (literally, Campus as an Art Museum), where art exhibitions are shown in our nine on-campus galleries, and through the Omi Multicultural Institute, which researches and communicates information about the history and culture of the surrounding region of Shiga Prefecture.
Chairman, Board of Trustees: YAMADA Takashi
President: OZAKI Yoshiyuki
Knowing how to employ design thinking is essential in order to discover new concepts, make proposals, and find solutions for issues that affect society. The Integrated Studies Department teaches students how to employ design thinking by providing them with opportunities to learn firsthand about the design process. Students become proficient at investigating issues, identifying problems, and coming up with ingenious answers, then turning those answers into concrete, workable solutions, and trying them out. The Integrated Studies Department teaches a good balance of areas covering knowledge, hands-on skills, and data proficiency, and hones students’ plan proposal, production, and direction skills through the use of their design expertise. It nurtures individuals with highly creative, well-rounded capabilities.
Develop a broad perspective and acquire a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary education with an emphasis on design in general instead of focusing on specific specialized fields. Learn production and direction skills.
An illustration is a drawing or figure—usually intended to be reproduced—designed for explaining something or conveying information. Vital for print media, websites, advertisements, manga, animation, merchandise, and many other products and services, illustration is used in a broad range of areas today. As pop culture, it reaches deep into every corner of our lives.
Seian University of Art and Design has a long history of illustration education and has established its own unique curriculum. While building expertise through your own specialist course, you can also take classes from the other courses and choose from a wide variety of electives to create a personalized curriculum.
Illustrations have historically been pictures or diagrams that functioned as design elements, printed in combination with text on pages. In this course you will learn to create artwork for stories that will bring them to life, eye-catching illustrations for striking cover pages and advertisements, as well as practical illustrations that supplement explanations and convey information effectively.
Characters were originally no more than a part of the stories in manga or anime, but today they have gained additional functions, such as advertising characters and virtual idols, becoming a familiar presence in many areas of everyday life. Through this course, you can learn to create your own world, along with the characters that inhabit it and the stories that take place in it.
Animation and computer games now have vast numbers of fans around the globe, promising a bright future for the next generation of creators. In this course you will learn the techniques of both hand-drawn animation and three-dimensional computer graphics, and cultivate your skills to become a creator ready to shine in areas such as movies, TV, and games.
This course provides ample opportunities to work with diverse themes, interpret and re-interpret them, and express them on your drawing surface, enabling you to gradually build your own unique creative concepts and establish your own style, with the aim of achieving artistic independence. In addition, you will have the chance to consider and experience various ways of getting your artwork known to the world, such as holding an actual exhibition of your work, publishing in print, and making use of digital space.
Creating art involves developing a deep understanding of your topic, conceiving a new idea, trying out many different materials and techniques, and, finally, sharing with the world original work that leaves people moved. Painters and other artists aren’t the only ones expected to have these skills that are fostered by this process of creating art. They are important skills required in various situations in modern society, which demands that all people be able to express themselves The Fine Arts Department nurtures expressive individuals who can interact with people with diverse values and work in creative ways in society while possessing their own views.
Take a look at a variety of natural phenomena such as plants, animals, people and landscapes and, after acquiring the rudimentary skills, explore Japanese-style painting (Nihonga) more thoroughly through investigations into its history, materials and techniques. Find your own unique style of expression to take with you into the world.
After mastering basic techniques, learn about the specialist processes, techniques and materials used in Western-style painting, and widen your toolset of expressive techniques. With the help of thorough one-to-one guidance, decide on a research theme to pursue through both theory and practice, and develop the means to get your works out into the world.
As well as imparting the fundamental skills needed, this course will also allow you to experiment with a wide variety of materials, techniques, and media. Through projects encouraging interpersonal communication and involvement with the public, you will learn to arrive at a way of producing your own unique style of art, unconstrained by the traditions of conventional painting and sculpture.
Today, when everyone and everything is connected to networks, and the relationship between people, society, and information has become more important than ever, society’s design needs have undergone major changes. At the Media Design Department, students acquire expert knowledge and skills in four courses, and also have the opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary studies in other courses. In this way they develop the flexibility to come up with ideas, to create, and to propose solutions in order to be able to adapt to changing information environments. After graduating, paths towards positions in a wide range of occupations in creative industries—including jobs as photographers, video artists, and art educators—open up for students, starting with design jobs working in planning, development, design, and advertising for corporate products and services.
Learn about all aspects of the graphic design industry, and discover the forms of design that appeal to you. This course also offers many opportunities to learn firsthand about design as it takes place in the real world, such as participating in collaborative projects involving businesses and the public sector, and entering competitions within and outside the university.
Study both visual expression and information systems, and explore new relationships between the individual and society. Master design skills and technologies for interactive media involving smartphone apps, digital signage, audiovisual, Virtual Reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT).
In addition to learning those skills directly related to photography, such as techniques for analogue and digital cameras, lighting techniques and so on students will also acquire a broader skill set including knowing how to come up with ideas for their photographs, and planning and holding photography exhibitions.
Master the basics such as filming, editing and sound design, as well as planning, scenario creation and animation techniques. Discover and explore the topics that really interest you, and learn the skills necessary to get these out to society.
The study of spatial design relates to a broad range of things in our everyday lives, including clothing, everyday items, textiles, furniture, interior design, and homes. Students proceed through specialist courses in costume design, product design and living space design, which influence each other and give students a variety of different perspectives. By studying about the world and obtaining the ability to turn ideas into reality, students gain the ability to create designs in fields related to everyday life.
Students of this course will learn the techniques and theories that form the basis of costume design, as well as how to create artistic pieces using wood and resin. Acquire skills useful across the fashion industry, and pursue an artistic approach to costume design.
Learn about the design of objects such as everyday items, furniture, cars, appliances and public sector systems that make our lives easier and shape our future. Students hone their abilities to identify gaps in the market from their own personal experience or social observation, and create design solutions.
Acquire the technical skills to accurately depict spaces and forms. Students will develop the imaginative and expressive abilities necessary to design attractive spaces that take into consideration the surrounding environment; learn about architecture, interior design, and landscape gardening; and formulate designs for living spaces that produce a feeling of well-being.
As Japan’s population decreases, revitalization of regional areas is the most important factor that comes to mind when trying to envision a sustainable society. The purpose of the Creative Community Department is to foster individuals who contribute to the enhancement of creativity in the local community, reinterpreting art from a local perspective. The department offers a four-year curriculum, using as a base Omi Studies and the Regional Collaboration Program developed by the university. Leveraging the special characteristics of Seian University of Art and Design’s approach to art education, the system allows students to learn by assimilating into the local community in a more concrete way, with active members of the community acting as instructors.
Experience Seian University of Art and Design’s unique education system, which takes advantage of the wonderful environment and qualities of Shiga Prefecture. Through practical education in the field, consider the shape of future society, and acquire the ability to conduct research, come up with ideas, and discover and resolve problems, while developing the creativity needed to open up a new future.
* This interview is in Thai
* This interview is in Indonesian
* This interview is in English
Seian University of Art and Design seeks students who respect the legacy of the school's guiding principles and philosophy of education, and who possess the following scholastic ability and qualities required to live up to the school’s Diploma Policy.
Grounded in a foundation of guiding principles and philosophy of education that are the legacy of this institution, Seian University of Art and Design nurtures individuals who excel in expertise and creativity in their artistic fields, and who are capable of thinking and acting independently in contributing to a better society. With this objective in mind, the university confers degrees upon students who have completed the designated courses and fulfilled 124 academic credits and other requirements, and who have acquired the following qualities and abilities.
In order to achieve the goals outlined in the Diploma Policy, the curriculum is organized based on the following policies.
There are three entrance exam systems.
| Pre-application period | Examination date | |
|---|---|---|
| Special Comprehensive Selection Entrance Examination (Exam 1) Interview-based For International Students, Returnees, and Working Adults |
Aug. 25 to Sep. 3 Internet registration|Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Submitted documents must arrive by deadline |
Interview Sep. 17 (Tue.) |
| Special Comprehensive Selection Entrance Examination (Exam 2) Interview-based For International Students, Returnees, and Working Adults |
Sep. 13 to Sep. 27 Internet registration|Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Submitted documents must arrive by deadline |
Interview Oct. 6 (Sun.) |
| Special Comprehensive Selection Entrance Examination (Exam 3) Interview-based For International Students, Returnees, and Working Adults |
Nov. 18 to Nov. 22 Internet registration|Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Submitted documents must arrive by deadline |
Interview Nov. 30 (Sat.) *Alternative examination date: Dec. 1 (Sun.) |
| Examination subject | Examination time | Total possible score |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio review + individual interview (Interviews last roughly 20 minutes per person) |
Begins at 10:00 a.m. | 100 |
| Examination subject | Examination time | Total possible score |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio review + individual interview (Interviews last roughly 20 minutes per person) |
Begins at 10:00 a.m. | 100 |
| Presentation of three objects to introduce applicant's hometown + individual interview (Interviews last roughly 20 minutes per person) |
Begins at 10:00 a.m. | 100 |
For further details, consult the PDF 2025 Enrollment Guide (12.1MB, Japanese language only)
| Pre-application period | Examination date |
|---|---|
| Oct. 25 to Nov. 8 Internet registration | Deadline: 11:59 p.m. |
Practical Examination Nov. 16 (Sat.) |
This examination is used to select examinees with exceptional practical examination results as scholarship students.
| Examination subject | Examination time | Total possible score |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil drawing | Doors open: 10:40 a.m. Assemble by: 11:40 a.m. Examination: 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
100 |
Main campus site: Seian University of Art and Design
Kanazawa site: Ishikawa Prefecture Workers' Welfare and Culture Center (Friend Park Ishikawa)
Okayama site: Dai-ichi Central Building 1
Pencil drawing (270 minutes)
Freely arrange and draw the following subject matter on the examination sheet (a 19 x 13 cm sheet of drawing paper).
For further details, consult the PDF 2025 Enrollment Guide (12.1MB, Japanese language only)
| Application period | Examination date | |
|---|---|---|
| General Selection Entrance Examination (Exam 1) Interview-based & Practical Examination | Jan. 6 to Jan. 22, 2025 Internet registration｜Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Submitted documents must arrive by deadline |
Interview Feb. 1, 2025 (Sat.) Practical Examination Feb. 2, 2025 (Sun.) |
| General Selection Entrance Examination (Exam 1) Interview-based & Practical Examination for International Students | Jan. 6 to Jan. 22, 2025 Internet registration｜Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Submitted documents must arrive by deadline |
Interview Feb. 1, 2025 (Sat.) Practical Examination Feb. 2, 2025 (Sun.) |
| General Selection Entrance Examination (Exam 2) Interview-based & Practical Examination | Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, 2025 Internet registration｜Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Submitted documents must arrive by deadline |
Interview Feb. 21, 2025 (Fri.) Practical Examination |
| General Selection Entrance Examination (Exam 2) Interview-based & Practical Examination for International Students | Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, 2025 Internet registration｜Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Submitted documents must arrive by deadline |
Interview Feb. 21, 2025 (Fri.) Practical Examination |
| Examination subject | Examination time | Total possible score |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil drawing | Doors open: 10:40 a.m. Assemble by: 11:40 a.m. Examination: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
100 |
| Portfolio review + individual interview (Interviews last roughly 20 minutes per person) | Begins at 10:00 a.m. | 100 |
| Examination subject | Examination time | Total possible score |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil drawing | Doors open: 10:40 a.m. Assemble by: 11:40 a.m. Examination: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
100 |
| Portfolio review + individual interview (Interviews last roughly 20 minutes per person) | Begins at 10:00 a.m. | 100 |
| Presentation of three objects to introduce applicant's hometown + individual interview (Interviews last roughly 20 minutes per person) | Begins at 10:00 a.m. | 100 |
For further details, consult the PDF 2025 Enrollment Guide (12.1MB, Japanese language only)
Applicants must be non-Japanese citizens (excluding those who have permanent or long-term residence status in Japan), and must fulfill all of the following four criteria (1)–(4).
| (1) |
EITHER
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2) |
EITHER
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| (3) | Have passed level N2 or above of a Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) taken since 2021 or have obtained a combined score of at least 220 on the reading comprehension and listening and listening-reading comprehension sections of the Japanese as a Foreign Language portion of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) by the time of the examination date. Alternative qualifications may be accepted in special circumstances. | ||||||
| (4) | Have sufficient Japanese ability to participate in classes held in Japanese upon enrollment. |
The pre-application (and exam) are free of charge.
Note that for the first and second exams, once you submit your formal application, you must agree to apply to this school only (the “sengan” system). Before submitting your formal application, you may apply to multiple schools.
| Department | Period | Enrollment Fee | Tuition Fee | Education Enrichment Fee | Other Expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Studies Department | Full year | ?200,000 | ?980,000 | ?182,500 ※ | ?41,660 | ?1,404,160 |
| Payable upon admission (first semester fees, etc.) | ?200,000 | ?490,000 | ?91,250 | ?41,660 | ?822,910 |
| Department | Period | Enrollment Fee | Tuition Fee | Education Enrichment Fee | Other Expenses | Total | Creative Community Department | Full year | ?200,000 | ?900,000 | ?62,500 ※ | ?41,660 | ?1,204,160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payable upon admission (first semester fees, etc.) | ?200,000 | ?450,000 | ?31,250 | ?41,660 | ?722,910 |
| Department | Period | Enrollment Fee | Tuition Fee | Education Enrichment Fee | Other Expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illustration Department, Fine Arts Department, Media Design Department, Spatial Design Department | Full year | ?200,000 | ?1,540,000 | ?62,500 ※ | ?41,660 | ?1,844,160 |
| Payable upon admission (first semester fees, etc.) | ?200,000 | ?770,400 | ?31,250 | ?41,660 | ?1,042,910 |
| Benefit Category | Period | Enrollment Fee | Tuition Fee | Education Enrichment Fee | Other Expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship student | Full year | ?200,000 | ?698,000 | Exempted | ?41,660 | ?939,660 |
| Upon enrollment (first semester) | ?200,000 | ?349,000 | Exempted | ?41,660 | ?590,660 |
| Insurance for injuries from accidents / Insurance for accidents involving third parties or their property | Once only, at time of enrollment | ?4,660 |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Support Association Enrollment Fee | Once only, at time of enrollment | ?5,000 |
| Educational Support Association Membership Fee | Annual fee | ?20,000 |
| Students’ Association Membership Fee | Annual fee | ?10,000 |
| Department Orientation Activities Fee | Once only, at time of enrollment | ?2,000 |
| Total | ?41,660 | |
For further details, consult the PDF 2025 Enrollment Guide (12.1MB, Japanese language only)
SEIAN UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN
4-3-1 Oginosato-higashi Otsu Shiga 520-0248 Japan
A free shuttle bus runs between the JR Ogoto-Onsen Station and the university. Go out of the station and go east toward ticket gate and go toward Lake Biwa (Biwako). The bus leaves from in front of Shiga Bank (Shiga Ginko = 滋賀銀行) and takes approximately three minutes to reach the university.