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13 Best Animation Schools in Japan in 2023

If you have been looking to study animation in one of the best animation schools in the world, Japan should be a great place to look. And to assist in your search, here is a list of the best animation schools in Japan in 2023.

Animation programs are remarkably regarded, especially in Japan. Most schools have focused so much on animation programs as the field provides excellent job opportunities for youths.

You need to understand the distinctive animation characteristics to create promoting and inspiring animations. Also, you will need to learn computer graphic techniques essential for modern-day spirits, and this is where we come in.

Japan has some of the best animation schools, and we have a list of the 13 best animation schools in Japan.

Table of Contents

Table of contents

What is Animation?

Animation, also popularly called anime, manipulates pictures to appear as moving vehicles. It is a myriad art form with unique production methods and techniques renovated and modified due to emergent technologies.

Animation combines graphic art, characterization, cinematography, and other ingenious and creative techniques.

In conventional animations, images are either painted or drawn by hand on transparent celluloid sheets. They are to be photographed and displayed on film; the production of spirits in Japan began in 1971 and has since become popular across the globe. It has been used for entertainment, to tell stories that bring laughter or invoke emotions.

Why Study Animation in the Best Animation Schools in Japan?

Why should I study animation? Should I study animation? Why should I study in animation schools in Japan? If this is you asking these questions, this section explains the benefits of studying in Japan. Here are the top reasons you should look in Japan.

1. It is a growing field

It’s no news anymore that the world has strongly gone digital, so the future depends on animation.

The skill is highly in demand, and most industries are looking to hire skilled and professional animators to work for their companies.

2. You get to showcase your talent on a global scale

Animation has become one of the most sought-after skills in almost every industry you can ever think of. That means that as an animator, you are not limited to a local audience.

Your work can travel globally, and that allows you the opportunities also to connect globally.

3. The skill comes with great pay

Most times, people choose careers based on how good the pay is. If you are one of those, then this field is for you. Animation carries a lot of money in it. The average salary for an animator is about $60,000, depending on your expertise.

This means that you can gain more money as you gain more expertise.

You get to express yourself and create whatever you’ve wanted to make.

  • Tokyo University of Art – Best Animation Schools in Japan
  • Yoyogi Animation School (Yoyogi Animation Gakuin)
  • College of International Design – Best Animation Schools in Japan
  • Amusement Media School – Best Animation Schools in Japan
  • Aoba-Japan International School – Best Animation Schools in Japan
  • Japan Manga Institute (Nihon Manga Gakuin)
  • Kyushu Institute of Design – Best Animation Schools in Japan
  • Toei Animation Institute (Animeshyon Kenkyuujyou)
  • Tokyo Animation College (Toukyou Animeta Gakuin)
  • Osaka Animation School – Best Animation Schools in Japan
  • Kyoto Seika University – Best Animation Schools in Japan
  • Tokyo Media Academy (Tokyo anime seiyuu senmon School)
  • Sapporo College of Anime – Best Animation Schools in Japan

1. Tokyo University of Art – Best Animation Schools in Japan

This University was founded in 1949 under the National School Establishment Law (Act No. 150 of 1949). It has since been known as one of the best animation schools in Japan and primarily teaches the ability to assess the quality, cultural, and industrial values in animation objectively.

It comprises ten departments in two faculties which have been expanded and now comprise an organized 11 departments in the same two faculties.

The school offers quality animation programs characterized by special courses and capable professionals.

This anime academy covered every design genre to meet the human resource needs of each industry with a lack of animation skills.

What courses are offered at the Tokyo University of Art?

  • Animation 2
  • Game Creator 2
  • Computer Graphics 1
  • Character Design 1
  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • Illustration 2

The tuition fee for animation at this University is ¥642 960 yearly.

2. Yoyogi Animation School (Yoyogi Animation Gakuin)

Yoyogi Animation School is the most extensive animation and art institute in Japan and one of the best animation schools in Japan and across the globe. It has gained high prestige, so admission into this animation school comes with high admission requirements.

Meanwhile, one of the most challenging admission requirements is knowing and understanding the basics of the Japanese language.

According to the school, it takes students regardless of race or ethnic region, and sex.

However, it has the right to deny persons suffering physical handicaps as this disability can pose an obstacle.

This animation program is available on the following campuses for Yoyogi Animation Academy:

  • Tokyo
  • Hiroshima
  • Wakayama
  • Harajuku
  • Nagoya
  • Sapporo
  • Osaka
  • Hachioji
  • Fukuoka
  • Shizuoka
  • Miyazaki
  • Sendai
  • Takamatsu.

The school has about 860 students majoring in animations, and every one of these campuses has its features and environment.

What courses are offered at Yoyogi Animation School:?

  • Animation 2
  • Digital Animation Artist (Digital Ink & Paint) 1
  • Animation AV Operator 2
  • Junior Novels 1
  • Multimedia Creator 1
  • Animation Camera 2
  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • Illustration 2

3: College of International Design – Best Animation Schools in Japan

College of international design is also one of the best animation schools in Japan, focused on offering standardized and regular courses in animation.

The school provides two years program and a minimum of 3 years for distance learning programs.

What courses are offered at the College of International Design School?

  • Graphic Design 2
  • Interior Design 2
  • Architecture 1
  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • Visit School

4. Amusement Media School – Best Animation Schools in Japan

Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin was one of the best animation schools in 1993 as a part of the AMG Entertainment Group.

The school offers course systems in numerous entertainment fields like game creators, writers, mangaka and essayists, computer and graphics designers, animators, and voice actors.

What courses are offered in the Amusement Media School?

  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • CG Animation Creator 1 
  • Voice Acting 2
  • Game Creator 2
  • Comics 2 
  • Animator 2
  • Novels 2
  • Multimedia Creator

5: Aoba-Japan International School – Best Animation Schools in Japan

Aoba Japan International School is another one of the best animation schools in Japan. It is located in Tokyo with campuses in Meguro and Nerima.

Also, it aims to raise and develop future global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, including effective communicators, problem solvers, and intelligent risk-takers.

It welcomes international students from all around the world through to their high school graduation and even beyond.

This school is known for producing global leaders who can cause and lead positive changes. Also, the school offers its students support, innovation, and social responsibility.

What courses are offered at Aoba-Japan International School?

  • CG Animation Creator 1 
  • Voice Acting 2
  • Game Creator 2

And the tuition fee to study animation at this school is ¥2,773,500

6: Japan Manga Institute (Nihon Manga Gakuin)

Japan Manga Institute is also one of the best animation schools in Japan. It offers students an outstanding balance between study and free time to allow students the time to enjoy schooling, too.

The school has seven faculties with over 35 departments, and the unique thing about this school is that it offers the students multiple choice courses to show.

What courses are offered at Japan Manga Institute?

  • Manga/Comics 1
  • Animation

And the tuition fee costs between ¥450,000-¥1,500,000.

7. Kyushu Institute of Design – Best Animation Schools in Japan

Founded in April 1968, this University has been one of the best animation schools in Japan. It combines architecture, visual communication design, art and information design, industrial design, and acoustic design.

These courses are offered as/for 3-4 years programs.

What courses are offered at Kyushu Institute of Design?

  • Shop Design
  • Furniture Design
  • CG Animation  
  • Editing Design
  • Illustration and Character Design 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Shop Design 

8. Toei Animation Institute (Animeshyon Kenkyuujyou)

Toei Animation Institute is one of the best animation schools in Japan.

It doubles as the innovator of Japanese animation and can generate unique and unrivaled sales and development power.

What courses are offered at Toel Animation Institute?

  • Animation 2
  • Writer
  • Planning
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Background Artist
  • Digital Animation Artist (Digital Ink & Paint)

9. Tokyo Animation College  (Toukyou Animeta Gakuin)

Tokyo Animation School is one of the best animation schools in Japan for students looking to become professional animators, cartoonists, or voiceover artists.

It runs 2 to 3 years course programs which are pretty low and affordable, especially for students who are passionate about building careers in animations but cannot afford the job financially.

What courses are offered at Tokyo Animation College?

  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • CG Games
  • Writer
  • Game Creator 2
  • Airbrush Illustration
  • Illustration
  • Novels 2
  • Animation Character Designer
  • Junior Novels

10. Osaka Animation School – Best Animation Schools in Japan

Osaka Animation School focuses on training students to work in the front line of the animation industry worldwide as an in-betweener.

Meanwhile, an inbetweener is an animator who marries original drawings to produce smooth motions. Also, an in-between is an animation supervisor who takes absolute charge of picture production.

What courses are offered at Osaka Animation School?

  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • Voice Acting 2
  • Comics 2
  • Animator
  • Multimedia Creator
  • Novels

11. Kyoto Seika University – Best Animation Schools in Japan

Founded in 1968 and chartered as a university in 1979, Kyoto Seika is another one of the best animation schools in Japan.

This school is ranked 165 in Japan and 4264. It offers programs and courses leading to officially and globally recognized higher education degrees like bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in various study areas.

It is a private university famous for its faculties and training in Manga and anime, and it consists of five faculties;

  • Art
  • Design
  • Popular culture
  • Manga
  • Popular culture

At Kyoto Seika University, there are a total number of 3,425 students enrolling every year. The tuition fees for undergraduate students are 1.75 million JPY.

What courses are offered at Kyoto Seika University?

  • CG Animation Creator 1
  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • Voice Acting 2
  • Animator 2
  • Game Creator 2
  • Novels 2
  • Comics 2 
  • Multimedia Creator

12. Tokyo Media Academy (Tokyo anime seiyuu senmon School)

Tokyo Media Academy is also among the best animation schools in Japan. It enrolls about 155 students annually and offers voice artist courses in a 2-year program.

The school provides support and backup to all the students to aid in making their dreams of becoming animators come true.

The tuition fees cost between 50,000 yen – 300,000 and can be remitted when enrolled.

What courses are offered at Tokyo Media Academy?

  • Manga/ Comics 1
  • CG Animation Creator 1 
  • Multimedia Creator
  • Novels 2
  • Comics 2 
  • Animator 2

13. Sapporo College of Anime – Best Animation Schools in Japan

Sapporo College of Anime is another one of the best animation schools in Japan. It offers quality animation programs to both national and international students.

The school has three departments which include:

  • Department of digital technology
  • Creative design course
  • Department of entertainment general.

However, the duration fee to study animation in this school varies based on departments and courses. And to apply to study animation at this school, you must have a high school degree.

What courses are offered at Sapporo College of Anime?

  • Manga Major
  • Animator
  • Comic Illustration
  • Anime Song
  • Major voice actor

Having listed the three best animation schools in Japan in 2023, it is essential to note that these schools do not provide student visas to students. This is because the schools are all specialty, trade, and technical.

In that case, students wishing to apply to study animations in any of these schools must go under a Japanese language or other cultural visas.

Conclusion

Animation is the future – the world goes more digital every day, and we must keep up with it. If you have this skill or desire and can afford to apply to study animation, Japan is the best place in the world.

We hope that our list will be of great help to you. We wish you the best!

FAQs

What is Animation?

Animation, also popularly called anime, is simply manipulating pictures to appear as moving vehicles.

It is a myriad art form with unique production methods and techniques renovated and modified due to emergent technologies.

What is anime in Japan?

Anime in Japan is popularly known as anime. It means all forms of animated media. The production of animations in Japan began in 1971 and has since become popular across the globe. It has been used for entertainment, to tell stories that bring laughter or invoke emotions.

What are the types of animation techniques?

Traditional animation
Computer animation – 2D, 3D:
Mechanical animation
Stop-motion Animation
Motion graphics

Best animation schools in Japan 2023

Tokyo University of Art
Yoyogi Animation School (Yoyogi Animation Gakuin)
College of International Design (Kokusai Dezainkarejji)
Amusement Media School (Amyu-zumentomedia Soukou Gakuin)
Aoba-Japan International School
Japan Manga Institute (Nihon Manga Gakuin)
Kyushu Institute of Design
Toei Animation Institute (Animeshyon Kenkyuujyou)
Tokyo Animation School  (Toukyou Animeta Gakuin)
Osaka Animation School
Kyoto Seika University
Tokyo Media Academy (Tokyo anime seiyuu sermon School)
Sapporo College of Anime

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