If you are thinking of a career in animation then you should go for animation schools in Japan as they are one of the best places you can study Anime. The schools and colleges will teach you animation from the grassroots as they are located in places where Anime originated from.
Most times it is not about what you studied, rather it is about the quality of education you were able to obtain during the time of your study, and that is why you should choose the best schools that offer a degree in your course of choice.
With that being said, choosing any of these animation schools in Japan to obtain an animation degree will not only make you marketable after graduation but you can also even startup an animation company that will stand the test of time.
Continue reading this article to discover everything you need to know about animation in Japan and top schools that offer degrees in animation.
What is Animation?
In the concept of animation hand-drawn images are manipulated in a way that they would move like animals. This process was predominant in animation in Japan.
Before modern technology, everything about animation was first drawn with the hand before it will not be photographed to appear as moving images.
These animated drawings are made on celluloid sheets with the hand then manipulated through a process where they will be photographed and exhibited on films. You will understand more of this if you study in one of the animation schools in Japan.
Due to the improvement in technology most animations are no longer done with the hand but are generated with the computer by a concept called computer-generated imagery (CGI), which maybe be done on 2D or 3D animation.
Animation in Japan
If you think of animated works irrespective of the style or its origin then you are referring to Anime. This means a computer animation that is done with the hand.
In other parts of the world especially in English, you cannot talk about animation without having to refer to Japanese Anime as this is where everything about animation started. That is why every other animation is anime-influenced.
The best place to study animation is still in Japan as they have the blueprint and host some of the best colleges and schools to study animation.
The first characteristic of Japanese anime manifested in the 1960s while its earliest commercial anime date back to 1917.
There was a rapidly growing large audience due to the works of cartoonist Osamu Tezuka.
Animation in Japan has even seen new development due to the emergence of technology and now distributed over television broadcast and over the internet.
Other production methods have been adopted as technology has helped to make the production method more distinctive and easier.
If you’re observant enough you notice that some of the best animation colleges and schools are located in Japan because this is where everything started. It is not a bad idea to get a career in this field.
What are the Animation Schools in Japan?
We have discussed some of the things you need to know about the origin of animation and the concept of animation in Japan.
Subsequently, you will see a comprehensive list of schools and colleges in Japan that offer a high-quality degree program in the aforementioned field of study.
All you need to do is read up the short introduction written about these animation schools in Japan and follow the official website to see application guidelines and how you can start up your career in anime with these schools any of these schools.
#1. Tokyo Designer School (Toukyou Dezaina Gakuin)
Tokyo Designer School is one of the schools in Japan offering anime courses located at 2-11 Suragadai Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101
This animation college is known as one of the best animation schools in the world and provides high-quality animation courses. As a comprehensive design school, the Animation Academy covers all design types to meet the needs of talents in various industries. Highly concentrated and specialized courses train competent professionals.
The school is one of the best animation schools in Japan, The school has a reputation throughout the design industry, and it continues to provide designers and creators to the frontline. We also provide comprehensive support for exchange students.
In addition to providing professional education through 11 departments covering all aspects of design, TDG also participates in collaborative activities outside of the classroom.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Tokyo Designer School:
- Animation 2
- Game Creator 2
- Character Desing 1
- Computer Graphics 1
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Illustration 2
#2. Yoyogi Animation School (Yoyogi Animeshon Gakuin)
Yoyogi Animation School is one of the animation schools in Japan and the world at large. The school is located at1-20-3-CS-4 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001.
This Japanese school of animation is the largest when it comes to animation and arts in Japan, and is considered one of the best in the world.
Therefore, the admission requirements of Yoyogi Animation School are very high because of its academic reputation. Obviously, the applicant must be able to understand Japanese at a very good level.
YAI admits qualified personnel regardless of gender, race, nationality or ethnic origin; however, the school mainly reserves the right to reject applications for persons with physical disabilities who may become occupational disabilities.
Yoyogi Animation School has campuses located in various places in Japan including, Hachioji, Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo, Harajuku, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo, Takamatsu, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Shizuoka, Wakayama.
Anime and related course 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 (Kokusai Dezainkarejji)
College of International Design is located at 2-22 Asahi-Cho / Kouchi-shi, 780. The school is one of the animations schools in Japan offering robust coursework in design and related fields of study. The school can be contacted via 0888-75-0099.
The College of International Design is one of the schools offering animation courses and is known as one of the best anime colleges in Japan because it provides high-quality and standardized animation courses.
However, this is one of the manga schools in Japan that offers 2-year courses and 3-year distance learning courses.
In addition to providing professional education through 11 departments covering all aspects of design, TDG also participates in collaborative activities outside of the classroom.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at College of International Design:
- Graphic Design 2
- Interior Design 2
- Architecture 1
- Manga/ Comics 1
#4. Toei Animation Institute (Toei Animeshyon Kenkyuujyou)
Toei Animation Institute is one of the best animation schools in Japan located in Surugadai Bldg. / 1-2-5 Surugadai Kanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101. The school can be contacted through the phone number: 03-5281-2730.
Toei is part of the beginning of Japanese animation (anime). However, the animation school has world-class production capabilities, unparalleled sales and development capabilities.
The research institute is owned by Toei, which has produced many series, including Galaxy Express 999, Dr Slump, Witch Sally, Kitaro, Majin Z, Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya, One Piece, Precure series, Sailor Moon, Slam Dunk and Digimon,
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Toei Animation Institute:
- Animation 2
- Planning
- Producer
- Director
- Digital Animation Artist (Digital Ink & Paint)
- Writer
Background Artist
#5. Amusement Media School (Amyu-zumentomedia Soukou Gakuin)
The Amusement Media School is one of the Animation schools in Japan and a part of the AMG Entertainment Group. The school is located at 2-29-8 Higashi / Shibuya-ku 150-0011, Tokyo. Tel: 0120-41-4600 Fax: 03-3406-5070
Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin was established in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is a multimedia school that provides curriculum systems in various entertainment fields, such as game creators, cartoonists, writers and essayists, animators, computer and graphic designers, and voice actors.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at The Amusement Media School :
- Voice Acting 2
- Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels 2
- Animator 2
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Comics 2
#6. Tokyo Animation School
The Tokyo Animation School is one of the best animation schools in Japan. It is located at 1-1-8 Shimoochiai Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 161-0033 Japan.
The anime college is suitable for students who want to become animators, voice over actors or cartoonists However, this anime school in Japan has more than 850 hours/year course hours, and all that is required to get into the school is a good high school graduation results.
Interestingly, this Japanese animation school has opened a 2-3 year course plan at a very affordable cost to help students who are keen to pursue an animation career.
In addition, the school also provides scholarships for domestic and international students.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Tokyo Animation Schoo:
- CG Games
- Game Creator 2
- Illustration
- Animation Character Designer
- Novels 2
- Junior Novels
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Airbrush Illustration
- Writer
#7. Kyoto Seika University
Kyoto Seika University is located at 137 Iwakura Kinocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8588, Japan
Kyoto Seika University is a private university offering anime course. The school is located in Iwakura City, Kyoto, Japan. The Anime college is known as one of the best animation schools in Japan. The school’s predecessor was founded in 1968 and was chartered as a university in 1979.
This school is famous for its manga and animation academy and for participating in the teaching and training of future manga artists. SEIKA is composed of five reputable faculties: Faculty of Art, Faculty of Design, Faculty of Comics, Faculty of Popular Culture, Faculty of Humanities, and related graduate schools
This school is recognized among the best animation schools in the world. The undergraduate tuition fee is 1.75 million yen, and the total number of students enrolled each year is 3,425.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Kyoto Seika University:
- Voice Acting 2
- Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels 2
- Animator 2
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Comics 2
#8. Aoba-Japan International School
Aoba Japan International School is an international school and one of the best animation schools in Japan. The schools has campuses in 7-5-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku (Hikarigaoka Campus) 2-11-5 Aobadai, Meguro-ku (Meguro Campus) .
At Aoba Japan International School (A-JIS), global leaders who can lead the positive changes in the world are trained.
A-JIS is an Anime college that welcomes international students from the first day of school to graduation from high school and beyond. With the support of the education partners, the school encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and social responsibility. There are 408 animation students in this school, and the tuition fee is ¥2,773,500.
In addition, Aoba Japan International School believes that students should give full play to their potential as international citizens. They are committed to learning and are inspired to succeed in a changing world
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Aoba Japan International School:
- Voice Acting 2
- Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
#9. Tokyo Media Academy (Tokyo anime seiyuu senmon School)
Tokyo Media Academy is one of the most reputable animations schools in Japan. It is located at 3-1-5, Ebisu South, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
The schools use love to support and help all students and make everyone’s dream come true. However, this school anima offers a 2-year sound artist course. Moreover, the school enrols 155 students every year.
The Anime College tuition fee ranges from 50,000 yen to 300,000 yen, which can be deducted from the tuition when enrolled.
Tokyo Media Academy will help you realize your dream of becoming an animation voice actor.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Tokyo Media Academy:
- Vocalization, pronunciation, breathing techniques, and syntony. Voice Acting: performance, character Expression: emotionally rich-acting and dynamic expression Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels 2
- Animator 2
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Comics 2
#10. Amusement Media School
Amusement Media School is part of the AMG Entertainment Group. The school is located at 2-29-8 Higashi / Shibuya-ku 150-0011, Tokyo Tel: 0120-41-4600 Fax: 03-3406-5070
Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin was established in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is a multimedia school that provides anime courses and other entertainment fields, such as game creators, cartoonists, writers and essayists, animators, computer and graphic designers, and voice actor.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Amusement Media School:
- Voice Acting 2
- Game Creator 2
- CG Animation Creator 1
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels 2
- Animator 2
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Comics 2
#11. Kodansha Culture Center (Kodansha Karucha Senta-)
Kodansha Culture Center is located at 1-15-12, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105.
Established in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is part of the AMG Entertainment Group and an Anime College that school that provides courses in various entertainment fields, such as game creators, cartoonists, writers and essayists, animators, computer and graphic designers, and voice actors.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Kodansha Culture Center:
- Illustration 24
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Comics Illustration
#12. Osaka animation school
Osaka animation school is one of the best animation schools in Japan. The school is located at 3 Chome-29-18 Tarumicho, Suita, Osaka 564-0062, Japan
Osaka Animation School is also one of the top animation schools in Japan. The courses offered by the school help to train people who can work in the front line of the animation industry, such as middlemen who join the original image to make smooth motions, or animation supervisors who have full control of image production.
Interestingly, the anime college runs more than 850 hours/year, the application requirement is high school graduation.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Osaka animation school:
- Voice Acting 2
- Multimedia Creator
- Novels
- Animator
- Manga/ Comics 1
- Comics 2
#13. Fukuoka Design College
Fukuoka Design College is one of the animation schools in Japan. It is located 2-29-8 Higashi / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011, Phone: 0120-41-4600 Fax: 03-3406-5070
Kyushu Institute of Design, Fukuoka, Japan is one of the famous national universities in Japan, established in April 1968. The university combines the disciplines of architecture, industrial design, visual communication design, acoustic design, and art and information design.
Kyushu School of Design became Kyushu University’s Graduate School of Design in October 2003. Graduates of KID received diplomas from Kyushu Institute of Design until 2005.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Fukuoka Design College:
- Shop Design
- CG Animation
- Illustration and Character Design
- Shop Design
- Graphic Design
- Furniture Design
- Editing Design
#14. Sapporo College of Anime
Sapporo College Of Anime is one of the best animation schools in Japan. The school is located at 2-75 Kita 1 West 8 Chome Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-000. Committed to providing high-quality courses for domestic and international student, the tuition fees of this animation school in Japan vary by department and course.
Please note that to apply for any program at this school, you must have a high school degree. In addition, the school has 3 departments, including the Department of Digital Technology, the Department of Creative Design and the Department of Entertainment.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Sapporo College Of Anime:
- Manga Major
- Comic Illustration
- Major voice actor
- Anime Song
- Animator
#15. Japan Manga Institute (Nihon Manga Gakuin)
Japan Manga Institute is one of the best animation schools and colleges in Japan. The school is located at 1-3-98 Nishinakanobe Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo 142
Nihon Kougakuin is one of the top animation, design and CG vocational colleges in Japan. With more than 35 research departments in 7 faculties, students have many choices when choosing the majors they are most interested in.
This is a medium-intensity school, which means that the school provides students with a perfect balance between learning speed and free time. This means that you will be able to enjoy life in Japan while still being able to effectively advance your studies.
Anime and Related Courses Offered at Sapporo College Of Anime:
- Animation
- Manga/ Comics 1
